| 1. |
- Hillier, Ladeana W, et al.
(författare)
-
Sequence and comparative analysis of the chicken genome provide unique perspectives on vertebrate evolution
- 2004
-
Ingår i: Nature. - 0028-0836 .- 1476-4687. ; 432:7018, s. 695-716
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We present here a draft genome sequence of the red jungle fowl, Gallus gallus. Because the chicken is a modern descendant of the dinosaurs and the first non-mammalian amniote to have its genome sequenced, the draft sequence of its genome--composed of approximately one billion base pairs of sequence and an estimated 20,000-23,000 genes--provides a new perspective on vertebrate genome evolution, while also improving the annotation of mammalian genomes. For example, the evolutionary distance between chicken and human provides high specificity in detecting functional elements, both non-coding and coding. Notably, many conserved non-coding sequences are far from genes and cannot be assigned to defined functional classes. In coding regions the evolutionary dynamics of protein domains and orthologous groups illustrate processes that distinguish the lineages leading to birds and mammals. The distinctive properties of avian microchromosomes, together with the inferred patterns of conserved synteny, provide additional insights into vertebrate chromosome architecture.
|
|
| 2. |
- Beral, V, et al.
(författare)
-
Alcohol, tobacco and breast cancer - collaborative reanalysis of individual data from 53 epidemiological studies, including 58515 women with breast cancer and 95067 women without the disease
- 2002
-
Ingår i: British Journal of Cancer. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1532-1827 .- 0007-0920. ; 87, s. 1234-45
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Alcohol and tobacco consumption are closely correlated and published results on their association with breast cancer have not always allowed adequately for confounding between these exposures. Over 80% of the relevant information worldwide on alcohol and tobacco consumption and breast cancer were collated, checked and analysed centrally. Analyses included 58515 women with invasive breast cancer and 95067 controls from 53 studies. Relative risks of breast cancer were estimated, after stratifying by study, age, parity and, where appropriate, women's age when their first child was born and consumption of alcohol and tobacco. The average consumption of alcohol reported by controls from developed countries was 6.0 g per day, i.e. about half a unit/drink of alcohol per day, and was greater in ever-smokers than never-smokers, (8.4 g per day and 5.0 g per day, respectively). Compared with women who reported drinking no alcohol, the relative risk of breast cancer was 1.32 (1.19 - 1.45, P < 0.00001) for an intake of 35 - 44 g per day alcohol, and 1.46 (1.33 - 1.61, P < 0.00001) for greater than or equal to 45 g per day alcohol. The relative risk of breast cancer increased by 7.1% (95% CI 5.5-8.7%; P<0.00001) for each additional 10 g per day intake of alcohol, i.e. for each extra unit or drink of alcohol consumed on a daily basis. This increase was the same in ever-smokers and never-smokers (7.1 % per 10 g per day, P < 0.00001, in each group). By contrast, the relationship between smoking and breast cancer was substantially confounded by the effect of alcohol. When analyses were restricted to 22 255 women with breast cancer and 40 832 controls who reported drinking no alcohol, smoking was not associated with breast cancer (compared to never-smokers, relative risk for ever-smokers= 1.03, 95% CI 0.98 - 1.07, and for current smokers=0.99, 0.92 - 1.05). The results for alcohol and for tobacco did not vary substantially across studies, study designs, or according to 15 personal characteristics of the women; nor were the findings materially confounded by any of these factors. If the observed relationship for alcohol is causal, these results suggest that about 4% of the breast cancers in developed countries are attributable to alcohol. In developing countries, where alcohol consumption among controls averaged only 0.4 g per day, alcohol would have a negligible effect on the incidence of breast cancer. In conclusion, smoking has little or no independent effect on the risk of developing breast cancer; the effect of alcohol on breast cancer needs to be interpreted in the context of its beneficial effects, in moderation, on cardiovascular disease and its harmful effects on cirrhosis and cancers of the mouth, larynx, oesophagus and liver. (C) 2002 Cancer Research UK.
|
|
| 3. |
- Lieder, R M, et al.
(författare)
-
Gamma-ray tracking arrays
- 2001
-
Ingår i: PROGRESS IN PARTICLE AND NUCLEAR PHYSICS, VOL 46. ; , s. 399-407
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- The next generation of 4 pi arrays for high-precision gamma -ray spectroscopy will involve "gamma -ray tracking front-end on digital signal processing techniques, which allows to extract energy, timing and spatial information on the interactions of a gamma -ray in the Ge detector by pulse shape analysis of its signals. Utilizing the information on the positions of the interaction points and the energies released at each point the tracks of the gamma -rays in a Ge shell can be reconstructed in three dimensions.
|
|
| 4. |
- Wilson, W G, et al.
(författare)
-
Biodiversity and species interactions: extending Lotka-Volterra community theory
- 2003
-
Ingår i: Ecology Letters. - : Wiley. - 1461-023X .- 1461-0248. ; 6:10, s. 944-952
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A new analysis of the nearly century-old Lotka-Volterra theory allows us to link species interactions to biodiversity patterns, including: species abundance distributions, estimates of total community size, patterns of community invasibility, and predicted responses to disturbance. Based on a few restrictive assumptions about species interactions, our calculations require only that the community is sufficiently large to allow a mean-field approximation. We develop this analysis to show how an initial assemblage of species with varying interaction strengths is predicted to sort out into the final community based on the species' predicted target densities. The sorting process yields predictions of covarying patterns of species abundance, community size, and species interaction strengths. These predictions can be tested using enrichment experiments, examination of latitudinal and productivity gradients, and features of community assembly.
|
|
| 5. |
- Andreoiu, Corina, et al.
(författare)
-
Yrast Superdeformed Band in 59Cu
- 2000
-
Ingår i: Physical Review C (Nuclear Physics). - 0556-2813. ; 62:5, s. 513011-513015
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- High-spin states in 59Cu were populated using the fusion-evaporation reactions 28Si+40Ca at a beam energy of 125 MeV and 36Ar+28Si at a beam energy of 143 MeV. The Gammasphere array in conjunction with ancillary detector systems allowed for the identification of a superdeformed rotational band in 59Cu, which was firmly linked to low-spin yrast states. Using directional correlations of oriented states, a spin-parity assignment of Iπ = 25/2+ to the band head was possible. The average quadrupole moment of the band is measured to be Qt = (2.24±0.40) e b. The characteristics of the band are compared to neighboring nuclei and predictions of different mean-field theories.
|
|
| 6. |
- Moss, B, et al.
(författare)
-
The determination of ecological status in shallow lakes - a tested system (ECOFRAME) for implementation of the European Water Framework Directive
- 2003
-
Ingår i: Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems. - : Wiley. - 1052-7613. ; 13:6, s. 507-549
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- 1. The European Water Framework Directive requires the determination of ecological status in European fresh and saline waters. This is to be through the establishment of a typology of surface water bodies, the determination of reference (high status) conditions in each element (ecotype) of the typology and of lower grades of status (good, moderate, poor and bad) for each ecotype. It then requires classification of the status of the water bodies and their restoration to at least 'good status' in a specified period. 2. Though there are many methods for assessing water quality, none has the scope of that defined in the Directive. The provisions of the Directive require a wide range of variables to be measured and give only general guidance as to how systems of classification should be established. This raises issues of comparability across States and of the costs of making the determinations. 3. Using expert workshops and subsequent field testing, a practicable pan-European typology and classification system has been developed for shallow lakes, which can easily be extended to all lakes. It is parsimonious in its choice of determinands, but based on current limnological understanding and therefore as cost-effective as possible. 4. A core typology is described, which can be expanded easily in particular States to meet local conditions. The core includes 48 ecotypes across the entire European climate gradient and incorporates climate, lake area, geology of the catchment and conductivity. 5. The classification system is founded on a liberal interpretation of Annexes in the Directive and uses variables that are inexpensive to measure and ecologically relevant. The need for taxonomic expertise is minimized. 6. The scheme has been through eight iterations, two of which were tested in the field on tranches of 66 lakes. The final version, Version 8, is offered for operational testing and further refinement by statutory authorities.
|
|
| 7. |
- Rainovski, G, et al.
(författare)
-
Shape coexistence at high spin in the N = Z+2 nucleus Se-70
- 2002
-
Ingår i: Journal of Physics G: Nuclear and Particle Physics. - : IOP Publishing. - 0954-3899. ; 28:10, s. 2617-2625
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The nucleus Se-70 was studied using the Ca-40(Ca-40, 2alpha2p) reaction at a beam energy of 185 MeV. Gamma rays were measured with the EUROBALL III spectrometer. The known positive-parity bands have been extended and one new band of positive parity and two of negative parity have been identified. These bands are interpreted in terms of the cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky approach. Calculations suggest that the two negative-parity bands, which have the same signature, are both based on a configuration with two protons and three neutrons lifted from the fp shell to the g(9/2) orbital, but at different nuclear shapes. This represents a shape coexistence at high spin.
|
|
| 8. |
- Sundström, Johan, et al.
(författare)
-
Relations of plasma matrix metalloproteinase-9 to clinical cardiovascular risk factors and echocardiographic left ventricular measures : the Framingham Heart Study.
- 2004
-
Ingår i: Circulation. - 1524-4539. ; 109:23, s. 2850-6
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Plasma levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), a key determinant of extracellular matrix degradation, are increased in heart failure and in acute coronary syndromes. We investigated cross-sectional relations of plasma MMP-9 to vascular risk factors and echocardiographic left ventricular (LV) measurements. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied 699 Framingham Study participants (mean age, 57 years; 58% women), free of heart failure and previous myocardial infarction, who underwent routine echocardiography. We examined sex-specific distributions of LV internal dimensions (LVEDD) and wall thickness (LVWT) and sampled persons with both LVEDD and LVWT below the sex-specific median (referent, n=299), with increased LVEDD (LVEDD > or =90th percentile, n=204) and increased LVWT (LVWT > or =90th percentile, n=221) in a 3:2:2 ratio. Plasma MMP-9 was detectable in 138 persons (20%). In multivariable models, increasing heart rate (OR per SD, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.17 to 1.71) and antihypertensive treatment (OR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.06 to 2.50) were key clinical correlates of detectable plasma MMP-9. In multivariable-adjusted models, detectable plasma MMP-9 was associated with increased LVEDD (OR, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.13 to 7.11), increased LVWT (OR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.00 to 6.46), and higher LV mass (P=0.06) in men but not in women (OR for increased LVEDD, 1.37; 95% CI, 0.54 to 3.46; for increased LVWT, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.39 to 2.52; P=0.59 for LV mass). CONCLUSIONS: In our community-based sample, detectable plasma MMP-9 levels were associated with increased LV diastolic dimensions and increased wall thickness in men. These observations indicate that plasma MMP-9 level may be a marker for cardiac extracellular matrix degradation, a process involved in LV remodeling.
|
|
| 9. |
- Sundström, Johan, et al.
(författare)
-
Relations of plasma total TIMP-1 levels to cardiovascular risk factors and echocardiographic measures : the Framingham heart study.
- 2004
-
Ingår i: Eur Heart J. - 0195-668X. ; 25:17, s. 1509-16
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- AIMS: Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) is a key regulator of extracellular matrix degradation. We examined relations of plasma total TIMP-1 to cardiovascular risk factors and echocardiographic left ventricular (LV) structure and function in a community-based sample. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied 1069 Framingham Heart Study participants (mean age 56 years, 58% women) free of heart failure and previous myocardial infarction. Plasma TIMP-1 was higher in men compared with women, and increased with age, body mass index and total/HDL-cholesterol ratio, but decreased with alcohol intake. Plasma TIMP-1 was also directly related to smoking, diabetes and use of anti-hypertensive treatment. Adjusting for age, sex and height, plasma TIMP-1 was positively associated with LV mass, wall thickness, relative wall thickness, end-systolic diameter, and left atrial diameter and the risk of having increased LV end-diastolic diameter or increased wall thickness, and negatively correlated with fractional shortening. Additional adjustment for clinical covariates attenuated the relations of plasma TIMP-1 to most echocardiographic measures. CONCLUSIONS: In our cross-sectional investigation, plasma total TIMP-1 was related to major cardiovascular risk factors and to indices of LV hypertrophy and systolic dysfunction. This raises the possibility that cardiovascular risk factors may influence cardiovascular remodelling via extracellular matrix degradation, which may be reflected in plasma TIMP-1 levels.
|
|
| 10. |
- Vasan, Ramachandran S, et al.
(författare)
-
Relations of serum aldosterone to cardiac structure : gender-related differences in the Framingham Heart Study.
- 2004
-
Ingår i: Hypertension. - 1524-4563. ; 43:5, s. 957-62
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aldosterone is associated with myocardial fibrosis in experimental studies and with left ventricular remodeling in heart failure patients. We hypothesized that aldosterone influences ventricular remodeling in people without congestive heart failure in the community. We examined the relations between serum aldosterone and echocardiographic left ventricular measurements in 2820 Framingham Study subjects (mean age 57 years, 58% women, 88% white) free of myocardial infarction and overt heart failure. Serum aldosterone levels were higher in women compared with men. In linear regression models (adjusted for age, systolic blood pressure, weight, height, diabetes, heart rate, hypertension treatment, and ethnicity), left ventricular wall thickness and relative wall thickness were positively related, and left ventricular diastolic dimensions were inversely related to serum aldosterone in women (P<0.05 for all), but not in men (P>0.20 for all). There was no effect modification of the relations observed in women by menopausal status. The gender-related differences in relations of serum aldosterone to relative wall thickness were consistent across subgroups defined on the basis of sex-specific median values of systolic blood pressure and body mass index. Fractional shortening, left ventricular mass, and left atrial dimensions were not related to serum aldosterone in either sex. In conclusion, in our community-based sample of individuals free of myocardial infarction and heart failure, serum aldosterone was positively associated with a left ventricular geometric pattern suggestive of concentric remodeling (increased left ventricular wall thickness and relative wall thickness but decreased internal dimensions) in women but not in men. Additional investigations are warranted to confirm these findings.
|
|
