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Selected AbstractsBright light therapy for seasonal affective disorder in Israel (latitude 32.6°N): a single case placebo-controlled studyACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 3 2006L. Moscovici Introduction:, We describe a patient diagnosed as having seasonal affective disorder (SAD, winter depression), an unlikely condition in Israel (latitude 32.6°N), a country with relatively minor daylight photoperiodic changes between seasons. Method:, Case report. Results:, A 46-year-old woman with a clinical picture of depression (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders diagnostic criteria for ,major depression with seasonal pattern') reacted positively to 3 weeks of daily bright light therapy of 10 000 lux/wide spectrum. She was asked to wear dark sunglasses during placebo sessions to accommodate an A-B-C single-case-design. The intervention resulted in an improvement of 74,80% in the Hamilton anxiety and depression scales (clinician-rated) and the Beck depression inventory, similar to results obtained in high latitude regions. The depression and anxiety levels returned close to baseline levels following 1 week of the placebo intervention. Conclusion:, Seasonal affective disorder is apparently not limited to certain latitudes. The effect of light therapy was short-lived after discontinuation of the treatment, with rapid relapse occurring in the placebo phase. [source] Recurrent abdominal pain, food allergy and endoscopyACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 1 2001Steffen Husby Gastrointestinal food allergy, a well-recognized clinical entity, has a wide spectrum of clinical features, including cutaneous, respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms and objective abnormalities. The gastrointestinal alterations in food allergy have been described throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) is a common complaint in school-age children. The findings among children with RAP of an underlying food allergy associated with mucosal pathology of the foregut may support a causal relationship between food allergy and RAP. Further studies are needed to elucidate whether well-documented food allergy (based on double-blind placebo-controlled food challenges) is a major cause of RAP. [source] Orexin receptor subtype activation and locomotor behaviour in the ratACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 3 2010W. K. Samson Abstract Aim:, Orexin-producing neurones, located primarily in the perifornical region of the lateral hypothalamus, project to a wide spectrum of brain sites where they influence numerous behaviours as well as modulating the neuroendocrine and autonomic responses to stress. While some of the actions of orexin appear to be mediated via the type 1 receptor, some are not, including its action on the release of one stress hormone, prolactin. We describe here the ability of orexin to increase locomotor behaviours and identify the importance of both receptor subtypes in these actions. Methods:, Rats were tested for their behavioural responses to the central activation of both the type 1 (OX1R) and type 2 (OX2R) receptor (ICV orexin A), compared to OX2R activation using a relatively selective OX2R agonist in the absence or presence of an orexin receptor antagonist that possesses highest affinity for OX1R. Results:, Increases in locomotor activity were observed, effects which were expressed by not only orexin A, which binds to both the OX1R and the OX2R receptors, but also by the relatively selective OX2R agonist [(Ala11, Leu15)-orexin B]. Furthermore, the OX1R selective antagonist only partially blocked the action of orexin A on most locomotor behaviours and did not block the actions of [(Ala11, Leu15)-orexin B]. Conclusion:, We conclude that orexin A exerts its effects on locomotor behaviour via both the OX1R and OX2R and that agonism or antagonism of only one of these receptors for therapeutic purposes (i.e. sleep disorders) would not provide selectivity in terms of associated behavioural side effects. [source] Clinical applications of laser scanning cytometryCYTOMETRY, Issue 3 2002Attila Tárnok Abstract This study reviews existing and potential clinical applications of laser scanning cytometry (LSC) and outlines possible future developments. LSC provides a technology for solid phase cytometry. Fluorochrome-labeled specimens are immobilized on microscopic slides that are placed on a conventional epifluorescence microscope and analyzed by one or two lasers. Data comparable to flow cytometry are generated. In addition, the position of each event is recorded, a feature that allows relocalization and visualization of each measured event. The major advantage of LSC compared with other cytometric methods is the combination of two features: (a) the minimal clinical sample volume needed and (b) the connection of fluorescence data and morphological information for the measured event. Since the introduction of LSC, numerous methods have been established for the analysis of cells, cellular compartments, and tissues. Although most cytometric methods use only two or three colors, the characterization of specimens with up to five fluorochromes is possible. Most clinical applications have been designed to determine ploidy and immunophenotype; other applications include analyses of tissue biopsies and sections, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and the combination of vital and nonvital information on a single-cell basis. With the currently available assays, LSC has proven its wide spectrum of clinical applicability in slide-based cytometry and can be introduced as a standard technology in multiple clinical settings. Cytometry (Clin. Cytometry) 50:133,143, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Influence of dentin on pH of 2% chlorhexidine gel and calcium hydroxide alone or in combinationDENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2010Laila Gonzales Freire Most of the times, these objectives are not achieved solely by chemomechanical preparation, and intracanal dressing may be necessary. In these cases, calcium hydroxide is used as a root canal dressing due to its well-known and recognized antimicrobial activity. Chlorhexidine has a wide spectrum of antimicrobial activity and its association with calcium hydroxide has been recommended in an attempt to amplify antimicrobial effects of calcium hydroxide. It is also known that dentin exerts a buffering effect under wide pH variations, and may be responsible for decreasing the antimicrobial activity of drugs inside the root canal. The objectives of this study were to assess the pH of 2% chlorhexidine gel and calcium hydroxide alone or in combination, as well as the influence of dentin on the pH of these compounds. Dentin powder was obtained from bovine teeth and added as 1.8% to the volume of the medications. All substances were individually stored in plastic flasks, in triplicate. A pH meter was used at five different moments to assess pH in viscous medium: immediately after preparation and after 24 h, and 7, 14, and 21 days. Results were analyzed by paired Student's t -test. Statistically significant differences were observed in the 2% chlorhexidine gel group alone or associated with calcium hydroxide and added of dentin powder (P < 0.05). Mean pH values indicated the influence of dentin powder because of a significant increase in pH. Calcium hydroxide with propylene glycol as the vehicle always showed high pH, demonstrating that this compound was not affected by the presence of dentin. [source] Myotonic dystrophy: muscle involvement in relation to disease type and size of expanded CTG-repeat sequenceDEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE & CHILD NEUROLOGY, Issue 7 2005Anna-Karin Kroksmark PT Msc This study aimed to: classify a cohort of children and adolescents with myotonic dystrophy (dystrophia myotonica: DM) into congenital and childhood onset forms; estimate CTG expansion size; and quantify muscle strength, contractures, and motor function in children with DM and compare results with those of controls. Participants were clinically examined, medical records were reviewed, and isometric muscle strength, contractures, and motor function were measured. Participants were: 42 children with DM (18 females, 24 males; mean age 8y 9mo [SD 4y 7mo], range 10mo to 17y) and 42 age- and sex-matched, healthy controls. Children with DM were divided into three groups: severe congenital (n=13), mild congenital (n=15), and childhood (n=14). Children with childhood DM were significantly weaker than controls (wrist and ankle dorsiflexors [p=0.0044, p=0.0044 respectively]; hip abductors and flexors [p=0.0464, p=0.0217]; and knee flexors and extensors: [p=0.0382, p=0.0033]). Children with mild congenital DM were significantly weaker than controls in all assessed muscle groups Contractures and skeletal deformities were more frequent at time of investigation than at birth, suggesting that foot and spine deformities in particular increase over time. Motor function score was significantly lower for children with DM than for controls. Children with severe congenital DM had the lowest motor function, with correlation between motor function and size of CTG repeat (p=-0.743). Children found jumping, heel standing, and head lifting the most difficult items to perform but few had difficulty walking, running, or stair climbing. DM in children is a heterogeneous disorder with a wide spectrum of muscle involvement, and owing to increased risk of contractures and skeletal deformities, regular follow-ups are recommended. [source] A cardiologist view of vascular disease in diabetesDIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 4 2008Christopher J. Lockhart Diabetes mellitus is a potent risk factor for the development of a wide spectrum of cardiovascular (CV) complications. The complex metabolic milieu accompanying diabetes alters blood rheology, the structure of arteries and disrupts the homeostatic functions of the endothelium. These changes act as the substrate for end-organ damage and the occurrence of CV events. In those who develop acute coronary syndromes, patients with diabetes are more likely to die, both in the acute phase and during follow-up. Patients with diabetes are also more likely to suffer from chronic cardiac failure, independently of the presence of large vessel disease, and also more likely to develop stroke, renal failure and peripheral vascular disease. Preventing vascular events is the primary goal of therapy. Optimal cardiac care for the patient with diabetes should focus on aggressive management of traditional CV risk factors to optimize blood glucose, lipid and blood pressure control. Targeting medical therapy to improve plaque stability and diminish platelet hyper-responsiveness reduces the frequency of events associated with atherosclerotic plaque burden. In patients with critical lesions, revascularization strategies, either percutaneous or surgical, will often be necessary to improve symptoms and prevent vascular events. Improved understanding of the vascular biology will be crucial for the development of new therapeutic agents to prevent CV events and improve outcomes in patients with diabetes. [source] The role of angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers in the prevention and management of diabetes mellitusDIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 5 2007G. Mathur Angiotensin II Receptor blockers (ARBs) are an important addition to the current range of medications available for treating a wide spectrum of diseases including cardiovascular diseases. Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the most common cause of death in the United Kingdom and worldwide. More importantly, the presence of the metabolic syndrome and the likelihood of diabetes mellitus taking on epidemic proportions in the years to come all threaten to maintain the mortality rate due to CHD. This review article focuses on the clinical studies that have helped define the trends in the usage of these agents in the prevention and treatment of diabetes mellitus and its complications and also explores possible mechanisms of action and future developments. [source] Profiling invasive fish species: the importance of phylogeny and human useDIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS, Issue 4 2005Carles Alcaraz ABSTRACT Understanding the ecological differences between native and invasive species is of considerable scientific and practical interest. We examined such differences between native and invasive inland fish species from the Iberian Peninsula in order to analyse the importance of phylogenetic correction and variability (in addition to central tendency). We collected 26 quantitative and qualitative variables on the ecology, life-history traits and human use of the 69 inland fish species of the Iberian Peninsula, including native, invasive and migratory species. The taxonomic distribution of invasive fish species deviated significantly from world freshwater richness and in contrast to native species, invasive fish belongs to only five taxonomic orders but to a wide spectrum of families not native to the Iberian Peninsula. Because the life-history traits were highly dependent on taxonomy, the results, with or without applying phylogenetic methods, differed and after accounting for phylogeny, invasive species displayed higher and wider latitude in general and a different reproductive season mainly among salmonids and cyprinids. Human use was also significantly different between native and invasive fish species and produced more variability in life-history traits of invasive species and uneven taxonomic distribution because of the high diversity of species introduced. We show that accounting for taxonomy and studying variability in addition to central tendency is important in the comparison of life-history traits between native and invasive species. [source] Does amplitude scaling of ground motion records result in biased nonlinear structural drift responses?EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING AND STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS, Issue 13 2007Nicolas Luco Abstract Limitations of the existing earthquake ground motion database lead to scaling of records to obtain seismograms consistent with a ground motion target for structural design and evaluation. In the engineering seismology community, acceptable limits for ,legitimate' scaling vary from one (no scaling allowed) to 10 or more. The concerns expressed by detractors of scaling are mostly based on the knowledge of, for example, differences in ground motion characteristics for different earthquake magnitude,distance (Mw,Rclose) scenarios, and much less on their effects on structures. At the other end of the spectrum, proponents have demonstrated that scaling is not only legitimate but also useful for assessing structural response statistics for Mw,Rclose scenarios. Their studies, however, have not investigated more recent purposes of scaling and have not always drawn conclusions for a wide spectrum of structural vibration periods and strengths. This article investigates whether scaling of records randomly selected from an Mw,Rclose bin (or range) to a target fundamental-mode spectral acceleration (Sa) level introduces bias in the expected nonlinear structural drift response of both single-degree-of-freedom oscillators and one multi-degree-of-freedom building. The bias is quantified relative to unscaled records from the target Mw,Rclose bin that are ,naturally' at the target Sa level. We consider scaling of records from the target Mw,Rclose bin and from other Mw,Rclose bins. The results demonstrate that scaling can indeed introduce a bias that, for the most part, can be explained by differences between the elastic response spectra of the scaled versus unscaled records. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] A general framework for neutral models of community dynamicsECOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 12 2009Omri Allouche Abstract Neutral models of community dynamics are a powerful tool for ecological research, but their applications are currently limited to unrealistically simple types of dynamics and ignore much of the complexity that characterize natural ecosystems. Here, we present a new analytical framework for neutral models that unifies existing models of neutral communities and extends the applicability of existing models to a much wider spectrum of ecological phenomena. The new framework extends the concept of neutrality to fitness equivalence and in spite of its simplicity explains a wide spectrum of empirical patterns of species diversity including positive, negative and unimodal productivity,diversity relationships; gradual and highly delayed declines in species diversity with habitat loss; and positive and negative responses of species diversity to habitat heterogeneity. Surprisingly, the abundance distribution in all of these cases is given by the dispersal limited multinomial (DLM), the abundance distribution in Hubbell's zero-sum model, showing DLM's robustness and demonstrating that it cannot be used to infer the underlying community dynamics. These results support the hypothesis that ecological communities are regulated by a limited set of fundamental mechanisms much simpler than could be expected from their immense complexity. Ecology Letters (2009) 12: 1287,1297 [source] Cover Picture: Electrophoresis 23'2008ELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 23 2008Article first published online: 3 DEC 200 Issue 23 is a paper symposium on "DNA sequencing and genotyping". It consists of 22 contributions covering a wide spectrum of investigations in the area of DNA sequencing by capillary electrophoresis and the latest technologies for DNA sequencing and genotyping on microfluidic devices. Ten contributions deal with microchip-based electrophoresis analyses of DNA, an indication that miniaturized devices may surge to the fore for medical sequencing applications on individual DNA samples, as well as for forensic applications. [source] Treatment of Process Water Containing Heavy Metals with a Two-Stage Electrolysis Procedure in a Membrane Electrolysis CellENGINEERING IN LIFE SCIENCES (ELECTRONIC), Issue 2 2005R. Fischer Abstract The capability of a two-stage electrochemical treatment for the regeneration of acidic heavy-metal containing process water was examined. The process water came from sediment bioleaching and was characterized by a wide spectrum of dissolved metals, a high sulfate content, and a pH of about 3. In the modular laboratory model cell used, the anode chamber and the cathode chamber were separated by a central chamber fitted with an ion exchanger membrane on either side. The experiments were carried out applying a platinum anode and a graphite cathode at a current density of 0.1,A/cm2. The circulation flow of the process water in the batch process amounted to 35,L/h, the electrolysis duration was 5.5,h at maximum and the total electrolysis current was about 1,A. In the first stage, the acidic process water containing metals passed through the cathode chamber. In the second stage, the cathodically pretreated process water was electrolyzed anodically. In the cathode chamber the main load of dissolved Cu, Zn, Cr and Pb was eliminated. The sulfuric acid surplus of 3,4,g/L decreased to about 1,g/L, the pH rose from initially 3.0 to 4,5, but the desired pH of 9,10 was not achieved. Precipitation in the proximity to the cathode evidently takes place at a higher pH than farther away. The dominant process in the anode chamber was the precipitation of amorphous MnO2 owing to the oxidation of dissolved Mn(II). The further depletion of the remaining heavy metals in the cathodically pretreated process water by subsequent anodic treatment was nearly exhaustive, more than 99,% of Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn were removed from the leachate. The high depletion of heavy metals might be due to both the sorption on MnO2 precipitates and/or basic ferrous sulfate formed anodically, and the migration of metal ions through the cation exchanger membrane via the middle chamber into the cathode chamber. In the anode chamber, the sulfuric acid content increased to 6,7,g/L and the pH sank to 1.7. All heavy metals contained, with the exception of Zn, were removed to levels below the German limits for discharging industrial wastewaters into the receiving water. Moreover, the metal-depleted and acid-enriched process waters could be returned to the leaching process, hence reducing the output of wastewater. The results indicated that heavy metals could be removed from acidic process waters by two-stage electrochemical treatment to a large extent. However, to improve the efficiency of metal removal and to establish the electrochemical treatment in practice, further work is necessary to optimize the operation of the process with respect to current density, energy consumption, discharging of metal precipitates deposited in the electrode chambers and preventing membrane clogging. [source] Eating-disordered patients with and without self-injurious behaviours: a comparison of psychopathological featuresEUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW, Issue 5 2003Laurence Claes Objective: A considerable number of eating-disordered patients also display all kinds of self-injurious behaviours (SIB), which might be viewed as an indicator of psychopathological severity. Method: To test this hypothesis in 70 females admitted to a specialized treatment programme for eating disorders, a wide spectrum of psychopathological features was studied by means of self-reporting questionnaires: clinical symptomatology, personality disorders, aggression regulation, trauma history, dissociation and body experience. A comparison was made between patients with (n,=,27) and without SIB (n,=,43), as well as between patients with one (n,=,13) versus more types (n,=,14) of SIB. Results: In general, patients with SIB reported significantly more complaints or signs of anxiety, depression, hostility, cluster B personality disorders, feelings of anger, traumatic experiences, dissociation and negative appreciation of body size. The presence of more than one type of SIB was linked to a more pronounced clinical symptomatology and trauma history. . Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. [source] EFNS guideline on the treatment of cerebral venous and sinus thrombosisEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 6 2006K. Einhäupl Cerebral venous and sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rather rare disease which accounts for <1% of all strokes. Diagnosis is still frequently overlooked or delayed due to the wide spectrum of clinical symptoms and the often subacute or lingering onset. Current therapeutic measures which are used in clinical practice include the use of anticoagulants such as dose-adjusted intravenous heparin or body weight-adjusted subcutaneous low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), the use of thrombolysis, and symptomatic therapy including control of seizures and elevated intracranial pressure. We searched MEDLINE (National Library of Medicine), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and the Cochrane Library to review the strength of evidence to support these interventions and the preparation of recommendations on the therapy of CVST based on the best available evidence. Review articles and book chapters were also included. Recommendations were reached by consensus. Where there was a lack of evidence, but consensus was clear we stated our opinion as good practice points. Patients with CVST without contraindications for anticoagulation should be treated either with body weight-adjusted subcutaneous LMWH or dose-adjusted intravenous heparin (good practice point). Concomitant intracranial haemorrhage related to CVST is not a contraindication for heparin therapy. The optimal duration of oral anticoagulation after the acute phase is unclear. Oral anticoagulation may be given for 3 months if CVST was secondary to a transient risk factor, for 6,12 months in patients with idiopathic CVST and in those with ,mild' hereditary thrombophilia. Indefinite anticoagulation (AC) should be considered in patients with two or more episodes of CVST and in those with one episode of CVST and ,severe' hereditary thrombophilia (good practice point). There is insufficient evidence to support the use of either systemic or local thrombolysis in patients with CVST. If patients deteriorate despite adequate anticoagulation and other causes of deterioration have been ruled out, thrombolysis may be a therapeutic option in selected cases, possibly in those without intracranial haemorrhage (good practice point). There are no controlled data about the risks and benefits of certain therapeutic measures to reduce an elevated intracranial pressure (with brain displacement) in patients with severe CVST. Antioedema treatment (including hyperventilation, osmotic diuretics and craniectomy) should be used as life saving interventions (good practice point). [source] Diagnosis of motor neuropathyEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 3 2001J. -M. Motor neuropathy is a clinical entity which leads to consideration of a wide spectrum of peripheral nerve disorders. Firstly, it may be distinguished from other causes of peripheral motor involvement such as muscle diseases and disorders of the neuromuscular junction. Secondly, it may be discussed in two different forms: acute and chronic. Acute chronic neuropathies are mainly observed in Guillain-Barré syndrome, in which electrophysiological studies allow us to recognize the classical demyelinating form and the axonal form. The other causes of acute motor neuropathy are mainly poliomyelitis and porphyrias. Chronic motor neuropathies are mainly observed in motor neuron diseases, mainly amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, but also Kennedy's disease and other lower motor neuron diseases which may be inherited or acquired. The other causes are multifocal motor neuropathy and the predominantly motor forms of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. The characterization of these different types of chronic neuropathy is of major importance because of the therapeutic consequences which may lead to the proposal of specific treatments. [source] Recent advances in understanding the circulation and hydrography of the East China SeaFISHERIES OCEANOGRAPHY, Issue 6 2002Heung-Jae Lie Abstract The physical oceanography of the East China Sea (ECS) has been studied extensively through comprehensive observing programmes conducted in the 1990s, allowing clarification of the major oceanographic processes involved in establishing the hydrography and circulation. An overview of the general circulation and hydrography in the ECS is given here, mainly based on the new observational results and with special attention to the Kuroshio bifurcation north-east of Taiwan and south-west of Kyushu and the major currents in the outer continental shelf. A new schematic circulation pattern of the ECS is sketched using these observations. The oceanographic conditions and fisheries environments of the ECS are not only seasonally variable because of the response of the basin to the seasonally varying atmospheric conditions, but also spatially and temporally complicated because of the wide spectrum of phenomena that coexist with various scales. [source] Antimicrobial activity profiles of the two enantiomers of limonene and carvone isolated from the oils of Mentha spicata and Anethum sowaFLAVOUR AND FRAGRANCE JOURNAL, Issue 1 2002K. K. Aggarwal Abstract The antimicrobial activity of the essential oils of Mentha spicata L. and Anethum sowa Roxb. (Indian dill) were studied. The major chemical constituents of the hydrodistilled essential oils and their major isolates from cultivated M. spicata and A. sowa were identified by IR, 1H- and 13C-NMR and GC: (S)-(,)-limonene (27.3%) and (S)-(,)-carvone (56.6%) (representing 83.9% of the spearmint oil) and (R)-(+)-limonene (21.4%), dihydrocarvone (5.0%), (R)-(+)-carvone (50.4%) and dillapiole (17.7%) (together 76.9% in Indian dill oil), respectively. In vitro bioactivity evaluation of the isolated oil components revealed that both the optical isomers of carvone were active against a wide spectrum of human pathogenic fungi and bacteria tested. (R)-(+)-limonene showed comparable bioactivity profile over the (S)-(,)-isomer. The activity of these monoterpene enantiomers was found to be comparable to the bioactivity of the oils in which they occurred. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Designer Biomaterials for NanomedicineADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 24 2009Nishit Doshi Abstract Nanotechnology has had tremendous impact on medical science and has resulted in phenomenal progress in the field of drug delivery and diagnostics. A wide spectrum of novel nanomaterials including polymeric particles, liposomes, quantum dots, and iron oxide particles have been developed for applications in therapeutic delivery and diagnostics. This has resulted in control over the rate and period of delivery and targeting of drugs to specific organs in the human body. This feature article focuses on the delivery of drugs using polymeric particles. The size, choice of polymer, surface chemistry, shape, and mechanical properties of the particles are parameters that critically affect particle function. Numerous biomaterials and fabrication techniques have been developed in the last decade that focus on novel design parameters, such as shape and mechanical properties and the interplay of these parameters with the size and surface chemistry of particles. Recent advances with particular focus on the importance of particle shape are highlighted, and the challenges that are yet to be fulfilled are underscored. [source] Genome-wide association analyses of quantitative traits: the GAW16 experienceGENETIC EPIDEMIOLOGY, Issue S1 2009Saurabh GhoshArticle first published online: 18 NOV 200 Abstract The group that formed on the theme of genome-wide association analyses of quantitative traits (Group 2) in the Genetic Analysis Workshop 16 comprised eight sets of investigators. Three data sets were available: one on autoantibodies related to rheumatoid arthritis provided by the North American Rheumatoid Arthritis Consortium; the second on anthropometric, lipid, and biochemical measures provided by the Framingham Heart Study (FHS); and the third a simulated data set modeled after FHS. The different investigators in the group addressed a large set of statistical challenges and applied a wide spectrum of association methods in analyzing quantitative traits at the genome-wide level. While some previously reported genes were validated, some novel chromosomal regions provided significant evidence of association in multiple contributions in the group. In this report, we discuss the different strategies explored by the different investigators with the common goal of improving the power to detect association. Genet. Epidemiol. 33 (Suppl. 1):S13,S18, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Mantle-derived and crustal melts dichotomy in northern Greece: spatiotemporal and geodynamic implicationsGEOLOGICAL JOURNAL, Issue 1 2004Diego Perugini Abstract Two distinct groups of subduction-related (orogenic) granitoid rocks, one Jurassic and the other Tertiary, occur in the area between the Vardar (Axios) Zone and the Rhodope Massif in northern Greece. The two groups of granitoids differ in many respects. The first group shows evolved geochemical characters, it is not associated with mafic facies, and evidence of magmatic interaction between mantle- and crustal-derived melts is lacking. The second group has less evolved geochemical characters, it is associated with larger amount of mafic facies, and magmatic interaction processes between mantle-derived and crustal melts are ubiquitous as evidenced by mafic microgranular enclaves and synplutonic dykes showing different enrichment in K2O, Ti, and incompatible elements. This kind of magmatism can be attributed to the complex geodynamic evolution of the area. In particular, we suggest that two successive subduction events related to the closure of the Vardar and the Pindos oceans, respectively, occurred in the investigated area from Late Jurassic to Tertiary. We relate the genesis of Jurassic granitoids to the first subduction event, whereas Tertiary granitoids are associated with the second subduction. Fluids released by the two subducted slabs induced metasomatic processes generating a ,leopard skin' mantle wedge able to produce mafic melts ranging from typical calc-alkaline to ultra-potassic. Such melts interacted in various amounts with crustal calc-alkaline anatectic melts to generate the wide spectrum of Tertiary granitoids occurring in the study area. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Polyphase evolution and reaction sequence of compositional domains in metabasalt: a model based on local chemical equilibrium and metamorphic differentiationGEOLOGICAL JOURNAL, Issue 3-4 2000T. M. Toóth Abstract Eclogitic garnet amphibolite samples from the Southern Steep Belt of the Central Alps show evidence of several stages of metamorphic evolution and exhumation. A method for unravelling this evolution is presented and applied to these samples. It involves a combination of detailed petrographic analysis and microchemical characterization with quantitative models of the thermodynamically stable phase relations for specific compositional domains of each sample. Preserved mineral relics and textural evidence are compared to model predictions to identify the important irreversible reactions. The interpretation of the exhumation history is thus based on the consistency of a wide spectrum of observations with predicted phase diagrams, leading to robust reconstruction of a pressure,temperature (P,T) path even where the mineralogical relics in samples are insufficient, due to retrogression, to warrant application of multi-equilibrium thermobarometric techniques. The formation of compositionally different domains in the metabasalt samples studied is attributed to prograde growth of porphyroblasts (e.g. garnet, plagioclase, zoisite) in the matrix, implying substantial metamorphic differentiation at the scale of a few millimetres. Chemical interaction among different domains during the subsequent P,T evolution is shown to have been very limited. This led to different reaction sequences during exhumation, in which relics preserved in different domains reflect a range of continually changing P,T conditions. For samples from a single outcrop, we deduce a Barrovian prograde path to eclogite facies (23,±,3,kbar, 750,±,50°C), followed by (rapid) decompression to 8,±,1,kbar and 675,±,25°C, and a final heating phase at similar pressures reaching 750,±,40°C. This evolution is attributed to the Alpine cycle involving subduction,collision and slab breakoff,extrusion of tectonic fragments that make up the Southern Steep Belt of the Central Alps. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Lipopolysaccharide is a frequent and significant contaminant in microglia-activating factorsGLIA, Issue 1 2008Jonathan R. Weinstein Abstract Lipopolysaccharide (LPS/endotoxin) is a potent immunologic stimulant. Many commercial-grade reagents used in research are not screened for LPS contamination. LPS induces a wide spectrum of proinflammatory responses in microglia, the immune cells of the brain. Recent studies have demonstrated that a broad range of endogenous factors including plasma-derived proteins and bioactive phospholipids can also activate microglia. However, few of these studies have reported either the LPS levels found in the preparations used or the effect of LPS inhibitors such as polymyxin B (PMX) on factor-induced responses. Here, we used the Limulus amoebocyte lysate assay to screen a broad range of commercial- and pharmaceutical-grade proteins, peptides, lipids, and inhibitors commonly used in microglia research for contamination with LPS. We then characterized the ability of PMX to alter a representative set of factor-induced microglial activation parameters including surface antigen expression, metabolic activity/proliferation, and NO/cytokine/chemokine release in both the N9 microglial cell line and primary microglia. Significant levels of LPS contamination were detected in a number of commercial-grade plasma/serum- and nonplasma/serum-derived proteins, phospholipids, and synthetic peptide preparations, but not in pharmaceutical-grade recombinant proteins or pharmacological inhibitors. PMX had a significant inhibitory effect on the microglia-activating potential of a number of commercial-, but not pharmaceutical-grade, protein preparations. Novel PMX-resistant responses to ,2 -macroglobulin and albumin were incidentally observed. Our results indicate that LPS is a frequent and significant contaminant in commercial-grade preparations of previously reported microglia-activating factors. Careful attention to LPS levels and appropriate controls are necessary for future studies in the neuroinflammation field. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Lagged effects of North Atlantic Oscillation on spittlebug Philaenus spumarius (Homoptera) abundance and survivalGLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY, Issue 12 2006ANTTI HALKKA Abstract The North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) is a large-scale pattern of climate variability that has been shown to have important ecological effects on a wide spectrum of taxa. Studies on terrestrial invertebrates are, however, lacking. We studied climate-connected causes of changes in population sizes in island populations of the spittlebug Philaenus spumarius (L.) (Homoptera). Three populations living in meadows on small Baltic Sea islands were investigated during the years 1970,2005 in Tvärminne archipelago, southern Finland. A separate analysis was done on the effects of NAO and local climate variables on spittlebug survival in 1969,1978, for which survival data existed for two islands. We studied survival at two stages of the life cycle: growth rate from females to next year's instars (probably mostly related to overwintering egg survival), and survival from third instar stage to adult. The latter is connected to mortality caused by desiccation of plants and spittle masses. Higher winter NAO values were consistently associated with smaller population sizes on all three islands. Local climate variables entering the most parsimonious autoregressive models of population abundance were April and May mean temperature, May precipitation, an index of May humidity, and mean temperature of the coldest month of the previous winter. High winter NAO values had a clear negative effect on late instar survival in 1969,1978. Even May,June humidity and mean temperature of the coldest month were associated with late instar survival. The climate variables studied (including NAO) had no effect on the growth rate from females to next year's instars. NAO probably affected the populations primarily in late spring. Cold and snowy winters contribute to later snow melt and greater spring humidity in the meadows. We show that winter NAO has a considerable lagged effect on April and May temperature; even this second lagged effect contributes to differences in humidity. The lagged effect of the winter NAO to spring temperatures covers a large area in northern Europe and has been relatively stationary for 100 years at least in the Baltic area. [source] Functional Perovskites , From Epitaxial Films to Nanostructured Arrays,ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 24 2008Ionela Vrejoiu Abstract Functional perovskite materials gain increasing significance due to their wide spectrum of attractive properties, including ferroelectric, ferromagnetic, conducting and multiferroic properties. Due to the developments of recent years, materials of this type can conveniently be grown, mainly by pulsed laser deposition, in the form of epitaxial films, multilayers, superlattices, and well-ordered arrays of nanoislands. These structures allow for investigations of preparation,microstructure,property relations. A wide variation of the properties is possible, determined by strain, composition, defect contents, dimensional effects, and crystallographic orientation. An overview of our corresponding work of recent years is given, particularly focusing on epitaxial films, superlattices and nanoisland arrays of (anti)ferroelectric and multiferroic functional perovskites. [source] Almotriptan Reduces the Incidence of Migraine-Associated Symptoms: A Pooled AnalysisHEADACHE, Issue 2002Roger Cady MD Objectives.,Evaluate the reduction in migraine-associated symptoms after administration of a single oral dose of almotriptan. Methods.,This pooled analysis (N=1773) used data from three randomized, placebo-controlled, phase III trials (studies A, B, and C) to determine the incidence of migraine-associated symptoms (defined as nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia) 2 hours after a single oral dose of study medication (almotriptan, sumatriptan, or placebo). Outcome data was extracted from studies A and B for placebo and the almotriptan 6.25-mg and 12.5-mg groups, and from study C for placebo, almotriptan 12.5-mg, and sumatriptan 100-mg groups. Results.,The incidence of nausea, photophobia, and phonophobia at 2 hours after dosing with study medication was significantly reduced (all P < .05) with almotriptan 6.25 mg or 12.5 mg compared with placebo. The percentage of patients with vomiting was lower with both doses of almotriptan in studies A and B compared with placebo, although differences were significant only for the 6.25-mg dose in study A (P < .001). For study C, the incidence of nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia was similar for almotriptan and sumatriptan and lower than with placebo at 2 hours after dosing. Significant reductions (all P < .05) versus placebo were observed in the incidence of vomiting and phonophobia with almotriptan 12.5 mg, and photophobia and phonophobia with sumatriptan 100 mg. Conclusion.,Almotriptan provides relief from migraine-associated symptoms of nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia, and thus represents an attractive treatment option for a wide spectrum of migraine symptomatology. [source] Noninvasive diagnosis and monitoring of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: Present and future,HEPATOLOGY, Issue 2 2007Anna Wieckowska Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in the United States, and its prevalence is increasing worldwide. It currently affects approximately 30% of adults and 10% of children in the United States. NAFLD represents a wide spectrum of conditions ranging from simple fatty liver which in general follows a benign nonprogressive clinical course, to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is a more serious form of NAFLD that may progress to cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease. At present, a liver biopsy remains the only reliable way to diagnose NASH and establish the presence of fibrosis. Current noninvasive clinically available tests lack accuracy and reliability. In light of the dramatic increase in the prevalence of NAFLD in conjunction with the significant research effort in developing novel therapies for patients with NASH, noninvasive, simple, reproducible, and reliable biomarkers are greatly needed. They will not only help in the diagnosis of NASH, but also be useful for assessment of treatment response and prognosis and remain a research priority in the NAFLD field. (HEPATOLOGY 2007;46:582,589.) [source] Water-Miscible Liquid Multiwalled Carbon NanotubesADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 17 2009Maurizio Fagnoni Viscous, water-miscible, liquid multiwalled carbon nanotubes with an extraordinarily high degree of functionalization (hf-MWCNTs) have been obtained by means of a deep-sidewall modification process. The hf-MWCNTs behave as an ionic liquid, with a conductivity of 1,mS,cm,1 at 100,°C. The unique properties of this material render it suitable in a wide spectrum of applications, ranging from nanomedicine to energetics. [source] Fossilization: five central issuesINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF APPLIED LINGUISTICS, Issue 2 2004ZhaoHong Han Second language acquisition research over the past three decades has generated a wide spectrum of different interpretations of "fossilization", a construct introduced by Selinker (1972) for characterizing lack of grammatical development in second language learning. These conceptual differences found in the literature, it has become increasingly clear, create confusion rather than offering clarification, thereby obstructing a coherent understanding of the theoretical notion as well as empirical research findings. This article addresses the conceptual differences by raising and discussing five central issues: (1) Is fossilization global or local? (2) Is L2 ultimate attainment isomorphic with fossilization? (3) Is fossilization a product or a process? (4) Is stabilization synonymous with fossilization? (5) Should empirical studies of fossilization span five years or more? [source] ,-Galactosylceramide-loaded, antigen-expressing B cells prime a wide spectrum of antitumor immunityINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 12 2008Yeon-Jeong Kim Abstract Most of the current tumor vaccines successfully elicit strong protection against tumor but offer little therapeutic effect against existing tumors, highlighting the need for a more effective vaccine strategy. Vaccination with tumor antigen-presenting cells can induce antitumor immune responses. We have previously shown that NKT-licensed B cells prime cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) with epitope peptide and generate prophylactic/therapeutic antitumor effects. To extend our B cell vaccine approach to the whole antigen, and to overcome the MHC restriction, we used a nonreplicating adenovirus to transduce B cells with antigenic gene. Primary B cells transduced with an adenovirus-encoding truncated Her-2/neu (AdHM) efficiently expressed Her-2/neu. Compared with the moderate antitumor activity induced by vaccination with adenovirus-transduced B cells (B/AdHM), vaccination with ,-galactosylceramide-loaded B/AdHM (B/AdHM/,GalCer) induced significantly stronger antitumor immunity, especially in the tumor-bearing mice. The depletion study showed that CD4+, CD8+ and NK cells were all necessary for the therapeutic immunity. Confirming the results of the depletion study, B/AdHM/,GalCer vaccination induced cytotoxic NK cell responses but B/AdHM did not. Vaccination with B/AdHM/,GalCer generated Her-2/neu -specific antibodies more efficiently than B/AdHM immunization. More importantly, B/AdHM/,GalCer could prime Her-2/neu -specific cytotoxic T cells more efficiently and durably than B/AdHM. CD4+ cells appeared to be necessary for the induction of antibody and CTL responses. Our results demonstrate that, with the help of NKT cells, antigen-transduced B cells efficiently induce innate immunity as well as a wide range of adaptive immunity against the tumor, suggesting that they could be used to develop a novel cellular vaccine. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||