Showing papers by "University of Antwerp published in 2010"
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TL;DR: The European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) developed a practical clinical definition and consensus diagnostic criteria for age-related sarcopenia as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) developed a practical clinical definition and consensus diagnostic criteria for age-related sarcopenia. EWGSOP included representatives from four participant organisations, i.e. the European Geriatric Medicine Society, the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism, the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics-European Region and the International Association of Nutrition and Aging. These organisations endorsed the findings in the final document. The group met and addressed the following questions, using the medical literature to build evidence-based answers: (i) What is sarcopenia? (ii) What parameters define sarcopenia? (iii) What variables reflect these parameters, and what measurement tools and cut-off points can be used? (iv) How does sarcopenia relate to cachexia, frailty and sarcopenic obesity? For the diagnosis of sarcopenia, EWGSOP recommends using the presence of both low muscle mass + low muscle function (strength or performance). EWGSOP variously applies these characteristics to further define conceptual stages as 'presarcopenia', 'sarcopenia' and 'severe sarcopenia'. EWGSOP reviewed a wide range of tools that can be used to measure the specific variables of muscle mass, muscle strength and physical performance. Our paper summarises currently available data defining sarcopenia cut-off points by age and gender; suggests an algorithm for sarcopenia case finding in older individuals based on measurements of gait speed, grip strength and muscle mass; and presents a list of suggested primary and secondary outcome domains for research. Once an operational definition of sarcopenia is adopted and included in the mainstream of comprehensive geriatric assessment, the next steps are to define the natural course of sarcopenia and to develop and define effective treatment.
8,440 citations
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Max Planck Society1, Centre national de la recherche scientifique2, McMaster University3, University of California, Berkeley4, National Center for Atmospheric Research5, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research6, Lund University7, University of Sheffield8, University of Antwerp9, Laval University10, Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza11, Wageningen University and Research Centre12, Clark University13
TL;DR: Estimates of spatially distributed GPP and its covariation with climate can help improve coupled climate–carbon cycle process models.
Abstract: Terrestrial gross primary production (GPP) is the largest global CO(2) flux driving several ecosystem functions. We provide an observation-based estimate of this flux at 123 +/- 8 petagrams of carbon per year (Pg C year(-1)) using eddy covariance flux data and various diagnostic models. Tropical forests and savannahs account for 60%. GPP over 40% of the vegetated land is associated with precipitation. State-of-the-art process-oriented biosphere models used for climate predictions exhibit a large between-model variation of GPP's latitudinal patterns and show higher spatial correlations between GPP and precipitation, suggesting the existence of missing processes or feedback mechanisms which attenuate the vegetation response to climate. Our estimates of spatially distributed GPP and its covariation with climate can help improve coupled climate-carbon cycle process models.
2,081 citations
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TL;DR: This section contains the guidelines for adult BLS by lay rescuers and for the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), which includes recognition of sudden cardiac arrest, the recovery position and management of choking.
1,486 citations
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TL;DR: This book discusses Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, neonatology and Paediatrics, and any Anasthesiologie und Operative Intensivmedizin, which may apply to these fields.
1,204 citations
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TL;DR: Completion of long-term follow-up is needed to establish the efficacy of carotid artery stenting compared with endarterectomy, but in the meantime, carotin artery stent should remain the treatment of choice for patients suitable for surgery.
1,115 citations
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University of British Columbia1, University of Zurich2, Northwestern University3, Washington University in St. Louis4, Uppsala University5, University of Sydney6, Medical University of Vienna7, Indiana University8, University of New South Wales9, Aarhus University10, University of Sheffield11, VU University Amsterdam12, University College London13, University of Antwerp14, Walton Centre15, Mayo Clinic16, University of Pennsylvania17, University of Manchester18
TL;DR: A system of nosology was introduced that grouped the FTLD subtypes into broad categories, based on the molecular defect that is most characteristic, according to current evidence, and provided a concise and consistent terminology that has now been widely adopted in the literature.
Abstract: Nomenclature and nosology for neuropathologic subtypes of frontotemporal lobar degeneration : an update
878 citations
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TL;DR: This work shows that the Arabidopsis JAZ proteins recruit the Groucho/Tup1-type co-repressor TOPLESS (TPL) and TPL-related proteins (TPRs) through a previously uncharacterized adaptor protein, designated Novel Interactor of JAZ (NINJA).
Abstract: Jasmonoyl-isoleucine (JA-Ile) is a plant hormone that regulates a broad array of plant defence and developmental processes. JA-Ile-responsive gene expression is regulated by the transcriptional activator MYC2 that interacts physically with the jasmonate ZIM-domain (JAZ) repressor proteins. On perception of JA-Ile, JAZ proteins are degraded and JA-Ile-dependent gene expression is activated. The molecular mechanisms by which JAZ proteins repress gene expression remain unknown. Here we show that the Arabidopsis JAZ proteins recruit the Groucho/Tup1-type co-repressor TOPLESS (TPL) and TPL-related proteins (TPRs) through a previously uncharacterized adaptor protein, designated Novel Interactor of JAZ (NINJA). NINJA acts as a transcriptional repressor whose activity is mediated by a functional TPL-binding EAR repression motif. Accordingly, both NINJA and TPL proteins function as negative regulators of jasmonate responses. Our results point to TPL proteins as general co-repressors that affect multiple signalling pathways through the interaction with specific adaptor proteins. This new insight reveals how stress-related and growth-related signalling cascades use common molecular mechanisms to regulate gene expression in plants.
838 citations
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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigate the physics driving the cosmic star formation history using the more than 50 large, cosmological, hydrodynamical simulations that together comprise the OverWhelmingly Large Simulations project.
Abstract: We investigate the physics driving the cosmic star formation (SF) history using the more than 50 large, cosmological, hydrodynamical simulations that together comprise the OverWhelmingly Large Simulations project. We systematically vary the parameters of the model to determine which physical processes are dominant and which aspects of the model are robust. Generically, we find that SF is limited by the build-up of dark matter haloes at high redshift, reaches a broad maximum at intermediate redshift and then decreases as it is quenched by lower cooling rates in hotter and lower density gas, gas exhaustion and self-regulated feedback from stars and black holes. The higher redshift SF is therefore mostly determined by the cosmological parameters and to a lesser extent by photoheating from reionization. The location and height of the peak in the SF history, and the steepness of the decline towards the present, depend on the physics and implementation of stellar and black hole feedback. Mass loss from intermediate-mass stars and metal-line cooling both boost the SF rate at late times. Galaxies form stars in a self-regulated fashion at a rate controlled by the balance between, on the one hand, feedback from massive stars and black holes and, on the other hand, gas cooling and accretion. Paradoxically, the SF rate is highly insensitive to the assumed SF law. This can be understood in terms of self-regulation: if the SF efficiency is changed, then galaxies adjust their gas fractions so as to achieve the same rate of production of massive stars. Self-regulated feedback from accreting black holes is required to match the steep decline in the observed SF rate below redshift 2, although more extreme feedback from SF, for example in the form of a top-heavy initial stellar mass function at high gas pressures, can help.
778 citations
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TL;DR: Attention is called on to the urgent need to study the role of sound in the lives of fish and to develop a better understanding of the ecological impact of anthropogenic noise.
Abstract: The underwater environment is filled with biotic and abiotic sounds, many of which can be important for the survival and reproduction of fish. Over the last century, human activities in and near the water have increasingly added artificial sounds to this environment. Very loud sounds of relatively short exposure, such as those produced during pile driving, can harm nearby fish. However, more moderate underwater noises of longer duration, such as those produced by vessels, could potentially impact much larger areas, and involve much larger numbers of fish. Here we call attention to the urgent need to study the role of sound in the lives of fish and to develop a better understanding of the ecological impact of anthropogenic noise.
758 citations
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Harvard University1, University of British Columbia2, Centre national de la recherche scientifique3, Boston University4, United States Forest Service5, Institut national de la recherche agronomique6, University of Antwerp7, Max Planck Society8, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano9, Wageningen University and Research Centre10, Peking University11, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ12, National Institute for Environmental Studies13, University of California, Berkeley14, Russian Academy of Sciences15
TL;DR: Investigation of relationships between phenology and productivity in temperate and boreal forests finds the productivity of evergreen needleleaf forests is less sensitive to phenology than is productivity of deciduous broadleaf forests, which has implications for how climate change may drive shifts in competition within mixed-species stands.
Abstract: We use eddy covariance measurements of net ecosystem productivity (NEP) from 21 FLUXNET sites (153 site-years of data) to investigate relationships between phenology and productivity (in terms of both NEP and gross ecosystem photosynthesis, GEP) in temperate and boreal forests. Results are used to evaluate the plausibility of four different conceptual models. Phenological indicators were derived from the eddy covariance time series, and from remote sensing and models. We examine spatial patterns (across sites) and temporal patterns (across years); an important conclusion is that it is likely that neither of these accurately represents how productivity will respond to future phenological shifts resulting from ongoing climate change. In spring and autumn, increased GEP resulting from an 'extra' day tends to be offset by concurrent, but smaller, increases in ecosystem respiration, and thus the effect on NEP is still positive. Spring productivity anomalies appear to have carry-over effects that translate to productivity anomalies in the following autumn, but it is not clear that these result directly from phenological anomalies. Finally, the productivity of evergreen needleleaf forests is less sensitive to phenology than is productivity of deciduous broadleaf forests. This has implications for how climate change may drive shifts in competition within mixed-species stands.
750 citations
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TL;DR: Combined long-term results of DBS studies show that the procedure can be successfully implemented by dedicated interdisciplinary teams, and support its therapeutic promise, and suggest that neural networks relevant to therapeutic improvement might be modulated more effectively at a more posterior target.
Abstract: Psychiatric neurosurgery teams in the United States and Europe have studied deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the ventral anterior limb of the internal capsule and adjacent ventral striatum (VC/VS) for severe and highly treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder. Four groups have collaborated most closely, in small-scale studies, over the past 8 years. First to begin was Leuven/Antwerp, followed by Butler Hospital/Brown Medical School, the Cleveland Clinic and most recently the University of Florida. These centers used comparable patient selection criteria and surgical targeting. Targeting, but not selection, evolved during this period. Here, we present combined long-term results of those studies, which reveal clinically significant symptom reductions and functional improvement in about two-thirds of patients. DBS was well tolerated overall and adverse effects were overwhelmingly transient. Results generally improved for patients implanted more recently, suggesting a ‘learning curve’ both within and across centers. This is well known from the development of DBS for movement disorders. The main factor accounting for these gains appears to be the refinement of the implantation site. Initially, an anterior–posterior location based on anterior capsulotomy lesions was used. In an attempt to improve results, more posterior sites were investigated resulting in the current target, at the junction of the anterior capsule, anterior commissure and posterior ventral striatum. Clinical results suggest that neural networks relevant to therapeutic improvement might be modulated more effectively at a more posterior target. Taken together, these data show that the procedure can be successfully implemented by dedicated interdisciplinary teams, and support its therapeutic promise.
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Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences1, Eötvös Loránd University2, University of Göttingen3, Wageningen University and Research Centre4, University of Antwerp5, Research Institute for Nature and Forest6, Slovak Academy of Sciences7, Spanish National Research Council8, University of Debrecen9, University of Lleida10, University of Eastern Finland11, University of Tartu12, University of Oulu13
TL;DR: The global difference in species richness between unmanaged and managed forests increased with time since abandonment and indicated a gradual recovery of biodiversity, which supports the need for a coordinated European research network to study and monitor the biodiversity of different taxa in managed and unmanaged forests.
Abstract: Past and present pressures on forest resources have led to a drastic decrease in the surface
area of unmanaged forests in Europe. Changes in forest structure, composition, and dynamics inevitably
lead to changes in the biodiversity of forest-dwelling species. The possible biodiversity gains and losses due to
forest management (i.e., anthropogenic pressures related to direct forest resource use), however, have never
been assessed at a pan-European scale. We used meta-analysis to review 49 published papers containing 120
individual comparisons of species richness between unmanaged and managed forests throughout Europe. We
explored the response of different taxonomic groups and the variability of their response with respect to time
since abandonment and intensity of forest management. Species richness was slightly higher in unmanaged
than in managed forests. Species dependent on forest cover continuity, deadwood, and large trees (bryophytes, lichens, fungi, saproxylic beetles) and carabids were negatively affected by forest management. In contrast,
vascular plant species were favored. The response for birds was heterogeneous and probably depended more
on factors such as landscape patterns. The global difference in species richness between unmanaged and
managed forests increased with time since abandonment and indicated a gradual recovery of biodiversity.
Clearcut forests in which the composition of tree species changed had the strongest effect on species richness,
but the effects of different types of management on taxa could not be assessed in a robust way because
of low numbers of replications in the management-intensity classes. Our results show that some taxa are
more affected by forestry than others, but there is a need for research into poorly studied species groups in
Europe and in particular locations. Our meta-analysis supports the need for a coordinated European research
network to study and monitor the biodiversity of different taxa in managed and unmanaged forests.
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Vardan Khachatryan, Albert M. Sirunyan, Armen Tumasyan, Wolfgang Adam1 +2197 more•Institutions (149)
TL;DR: The pre-print version of the Published Article can be accessed from the link below - Copyright @ 2010 Springer Verlag as discussed by the authors, which can be viewed as a preprint of the published article.
Abstract: This is the pre-print version of the Published Article, which can be accessed from the link below - Copyright @ 2010 Springer Verlag
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TL;DR: This technique is a reproducible method of creating vortex electron beams in a conventional electron microscope, and it is demonstrated how they may be used in electron energy-loss spectroscopy to detect the magnetic state of materials and describe their properties.
Abstract: It has been possible to produce photon vortex beams — optical beams with spiralling wavefronts — for some time, and they have found widespread application as optical tweezers, in interferometry and in information transfer, for example. The production of vortex beams of electrons was demonstrated earlier this year (
http://go.nature.com/4H2xWR
) in a procedure involving the passage of electrons through a spiral stack of graphite thin films. The ability to generate such beams reproducibly in a conventional electron microscope would enable many new applications. Now Jo Verbeeck and colleagues have taken a step towards that goal. They describe a versatile holographic technique for generating these twisted electron beams, and demonstrate their potential use as probes of a material's magnetic properties. It was demonstrated recently that passing electrons through a spiral stack of graphite thin films generates an electron beam with orbital angular momentum — analogous to the spiralling wavefronts that can be introduced in photon beams and which have found widespread application. Here, a versatile holographic technique for generating these twisted electron beams is described. Moreover, a demonstration is provided of their potential use in probing a material's magnetic properties. Vortex beams (also known as beams with a phase singularity) consist of spiralling wavefronts that give rise to angular momentum around the propagation direction. Vortex photon beams are widely used in applications such as optical tweezers to manipulate micrometre-sized particles and in micro-motors to provide angular momentum1,2, improving channel capacity in optical3 and radio-wave4 information transfer, astrophysics5 and so on6. Very recently, an experimental realization of vortex beams formed of electrons was demonstrated7. Here we describe the creation of vortex electron beams, making use of a versatile holographic reconstruction technique in a transmission electron microscope. This technique is a reproducible method of creating vortex electron beams in a conventional electron microscope. We demonstrate how they may be used in electron energy-loss spectroscopy to detect the magnetic state of materials and describe their properties. Our results show that electron vortex beams hold promise for new applications, in particular for analysing and manipulating nanomaterials, and can be easily produced.
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TL;DR: Kirwan et al. as discussed by the authors used simulations from five numerical models to quantify the conditions under which ecogeomorphic feedbacks allow coastal wetlands to adapt to projected changes in sea level, finding that nonlinear feedbacks among inundation, plant growth, organic matter accretion, and sediment deposition, allow marshes to survive conservative projections of sea level rise where suspended sediment concentrations are greater than ∼20 mg/L.
Abstract: [1] Assumptions of a static landscape inspire predictions that about half of the world’s coastal wetlands will submerge during this century in response to sea‐level acceleration. In contrast, we use simulations from five numerical models to quantify the conditions under which ecogeomorphic feedbacks allow coastal wetlands to adapt to projected changes in sea level. In contrast to previous sea‐level assessments, we find that non‐linear feedbacks among inundation, plant growth, organic matter accretion, and sediment deposition, allow marshes to survive conservative projections of sea‐ level rise where suspended sediment concentrations are greater than ∼20 mg/L. Under scenarios of more rapid sea‐level rise (e.g., those that include ice sheet melting), marsheswill likelysubmerge neartheend ofthe 21stcentury. Our results emphasize that in areas of rapid geomorphic change, predicting the response of ecosystems to climate change requires consideration of the ability of biological processestomodifytheirphysicalenvironment.Citation: Kirwan, M. L., G. R. Guntenspergen, A. D’Alpaos, J. T. Morris, S. M. Mudd, and S. Temmerman (2010), Limits on the adaptability of coastal marshes to rising sea level, Geophys. Res. Lett., 37, L23401,
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TL;DR: Phytate has therapeutic use against diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease and reduces kidney stone formation, HIV-1 and heavy metal toxicity; however, information on the dosage for humans for eliciting beneficial effects is limited.
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TL;DR: In this article, a combination of the inclusive deep inelastic cross sections measured by the H1 and ZEUS Collaborations in neutral and charged current unpolarised e(+/-)p scattering at HERA during the period 1994-2000 is presented.
Abstract: A combination is presented of the inclusive deep inelastic cross sections measured by the H1 and ZEUS Collaborations in neutral and charged current unpolarised e(+/-)p scattering at HERA during the period 1994-2000. The data span six orders of magnitude in negative four-momentum-transfer squared, Q(2), and in Bjorken x. The combination method used takes the correlations of systematic uncertainties into account, resulting in an improved accuracy. The combined data are the sole input in a NLO QCD analysis which determines a new set of parton distributions, HERAPDF1.0, with small experimental uncertainties. This set includes an estimate of the model and parametrisation uncertainties of the fit result.
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TL;DR: AT leads to significant improvements in indices of sleep-disordered breathing in children, however, residual disease is present in a large proportion of children after AT, particularly among older (>7 yr) or obese children.
Abstract: Rationale: The overall efficacy of adenotonsillectomy (AT) in treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in children is unknown. Although success rates are likely lower than previously estimated, factors that promote incomplete resolution of OSAS after AT remain undefined.Objectives: To quantify the effect of demographic and clinical confounders known to impact the success of AT in treating OSAS.Methods: A multicenter collaborative retrospective review of all nocturnal polysomnograms performed both preoperatively and postoperatively on otherwise healthy children undergoing AT for the diagnosis of OSAS was conducted at six pediatric sleep centers in the United States and two in Europe. Multivariate generalized linear modeling was used to assess contributions of specific demographic factors on the post-AT obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (AHI).Measurements and Main Results: Data from 578 children (mean age, 6.9 ± 3.8 yr) were analyzed, of which approximately 50% of included children were obese. AT...
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TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed project management as an answer to the transition from a previously centrally planned economy to a modern transition economy with strong market aspects in Central and Eastern Europe.
Abstract: The countries of Central and Eastern Europe moved from a previously centrally planned economy to a modern transition economy with strong market aspects. This paper proposes project management as an answer to this transition. Traditional Cost‐Benefit analysis does not respond to this purpose. Indeed Cost‐Benefit analysis is only interested in one specific project and not in a competition between projects. In addition all goals (objectives) have to be translated into money terms, leading sometimes to immoral consequences. On the contrary Multi‐Objective Optimization takes care of different objectives, whereas the objectives keep their own units. However different methods exist for the application of Multi‐Objective Optimization. The authors tested them after their robustness resulting in seven necessary conditions. MOORA (Multi‐Objective Optimization by Ratio analysis) and MULTIMOORA (MOORA plus Full Multiplicative Form), assisted by Ameliorated Nominal Group and Delphi Techniques, satisfy the seve...
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Wageningen University and Research Centre1, ETH Zurich2, MeteoSwiss3, Max Planck Society4, Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute5, Dresden University of Technology6, Technical University of Denmark7, University of Antwerp8, Institut national de la recherche agronomique9, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano10, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech11, University of Innsbruck12
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyse observations from an extensive network of flux towers in Europe that reveal a difference between the temporal responses of forest and grassland ecosystems during heatwaves and conclude that the conservative water use of forest contributes to increased temperatures in the short term, but mitigates the impact of the most extreme heat and/or long-lasting events.
Abstract: Recent European heatwaves have raised interest in the impact of land cover conditions on temperature extremes. At present, it is believed that such extremes are enhanced by stronger surface heating of the atmosphere, when soil moisture content is below average. However, the impact of land cover on the exchange of water and energy and the interaction of this exchange with the soil water balance during heatwaves is largely unknown. Here we analyse observations from an extensive network of flux towers in Europe that reveal a difference between the temporal responses of forest and grassland ecosystems during heatwaves. We find that initially, surface heating is twice as high over forest than over grassland. Over grass, heating is suppressed by increased evaporation in response to increased solar radiation and temperature. Ultimately, however, this process accelerates soil moisture depletion and induces a critical shift in the regional climate system that leads to increased heating. We propose that this mechanism may explain the extreme temperatures in August 2003. We conclude that the conservative water use of forest contributes to increased temperatures in the short term, but mitigates the impact of the most extreme heat and/or long-lasting events.
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TL;DR: It became apparent that several of the five Parkinson genes were also contributing to the genetic etiology of other Lewy Body Diseases and Parkinson‐plus syndromes, indicating that mutation screening is recommendable in these patient groups.
Abstract: To date, molecular genetic analyses have identified over 500 distinct DNA variants in five disease genes associated with familial Parkinson disease; α-synuclein (SNCA), parkin (PARK2), PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1), DJ-1 (PARK7), and Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2). These genetic variants include ∼82% simple mutations and ∼18% copy number variations. Some mutation subtypes are likely underestimated because only few studies reported extensive mutation analyses of all five genes, by both exonic sequencing and dosage analyses. Here we present an update of all mutations published to date in the literature, systematically organized in a novel mutation database (http://www.molgen.ua.ac.be/PDmutDB). In addition, we address the biological relevance of putative pathogenic mutations. This review emphasizes the need for comprehensive genetic screening of Parkinson patients followed by an insightful study of the functional relevance of observed genetic variants. Moreover, while capturing existing data from the literature it became apparent that several of the five Parkinson genes were also contributing to the genetic etiology of other Lewy Body Diseases and Parkinson-plus syndromes, indicating that mutation screening is recommendable in these patient groups. Hum Mutat 31:763–780, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
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University of Pennsylvania1, Autonomous University of Barcelona2, Mayo Clinic3, University of Manchester4, Erasmus University Rotterdam5, VU University Amsterdam6, Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis7, University of Siena8, National Institutes of Health9, Neuroscience Research Australia10, University of Cambridge11, University of Michigan12, Oregon Health & Science University13, Northwestern University14, King's College London15, University of Texas at Dallas16, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center17, University of Barcelona18, University of Zurich19, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich20, Duke University21, University of California, San Francisco22, Veterans Health Administration23, Boston University24, Emory University25, University College London26, University of British Columbia27, University of Pittsburgh28, University of Virginia29, University of Antwerp30, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology31, Columbia University32, Johns Hopkins University33, University of Sydney34, University of New South Wales35, University of Washington36, University of Sheffield37, Washington University in St. Louis38, Alfred Hospital39, University of California, Davis40, Harvard University41, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai42, Rush University Medical Center43, University of Arizona44, University of California, Los Angeles45, University of Southern California46, University of Eastern Finland47, Uppsala University48, Pierre-and-Marie-Curie University49, University of California, San Diego50, University of California, Irvine51, University of Toronto52, University of Alabama at Birmingham53, University of Würzburg54, Karolinska Institutet55
TL;DR: It is found that FTLD-TDP associates with multiple SNPs mapping to a single linkage disequilibrium block on 7p21 that contains TMEM 106B, which implicate variants in TMEM106B as a strong risk factor for FTLD, suggesting an underlying pathogenic mechanism.
Abstract: Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is the second most common cause of presenile dementia. The predominant neuropathology is FTLD with TAR DNA-binding protein (TDP-43) inclusions (FTLD-TDP). FTLD-TDP is frequently familial, resulting from mutations in GRN (which encodes progranulin). We assembled an international collaboration to identify susceptibility loci for FTLD-TDP through a genome-wide association study of 515 individuals with FTLD-TDP. We found that FTLD-TDP associates with multiple SNPs mapping to a single linkage disequilibrium block on 7p21 that contains TMEM106B. Three SNPs retained genome-wide significance following Bonferroni correction (top SNP rs1990622, P = 1.08 x 10(-11); odds ratio, minor allele (C) 0.61, 95% CI 0.53-0.71). The association replicated in 89 FTLD-TDP cases (rs1990622; P = 2 x 10(-4)). TMEM106B variants may confer risk of FTLD-TDP by increasing TMEM106B expression. TMEM106B variants also contribute to genetic risk for FTLD-TDP in individuals with mutations in GRN. Our data implicate variants in TMEM106B as a strong risk factor for FTLD-TDP, suggesting an underlying pathogenic mechanism.
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Imperial College London1, University Hospital of Lausanne2, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research3, University of Lausanne4, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics5, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne6, Pasteur Institute7, Harvard University8, French Institute of Health and Medical Research9, Nancy-Université10, Boston Children's Hospital11, University of Cambridge12, University Medical Center Utrecht13, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital14, University of Antwerp15, university of lille16, McGill University17, GlaxoSmithKline18, University of Tartu19, Estonian Biocentre20, University of Oulu21, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics22, University of Oxford23, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute24, Massachusetts Institute of Technology25
TL;DR: A highly penetrant form of obesity is reported, initially observed in 31 subjects who were heterozygous for deletions of at least 593 kilobases at 16p11.2 and whose ascertainment included cognitive deficits, which highlights a promising strategy for identifying missing heritability in obesity and other complex traits.
Abstract: Obesity has become a major worldwide challenge to public health, owing to an interaction between the Western 'obesogenic' environment and a strong genetic contribution. Recent extensive genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified numerous single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with obesity, but these loci together account for only a small fraction of the known heritable component. Thus, the 'common disease, common variant' hypothesis is increasingly coming under challenge. Here we report a highly penetrant form of obesity, initially observed in 31 subjects who were heterozygous for deletions of at least 593 kilobases at 16p11.2 and whose ascertainment included cognitive deficits. Nineteen similar deletions were identified from GWAS data in 16,053 individuals from eight European cohorts. These deletions were absent from healthy non-obese controls and accounted for 0.7% of our morbid obesity cases (body mass index (BMI) >or= 40 kg m(-2) or BMI standard deviation score >or= 4; P = 6.4 x 10(-8), odds ratio 43.0), demonstrating the potential importance in common disease of rare variants with strong effects. This highlights a promising strategy for identifying missing heritability in obesity and other complex traits: cohorts with extreme phenotypes are likely to be enriched for rare variants, thereby improving power for their discovery. Subsequent analysis of the loci so identified may well reveal additional rare variants that further contribute to the missing heritability, as recently reported for SIM1 (ref. 3). The most productive approach may therefore be to combine the 'power of the extreme' in small, well-phenotyped cohorts, with targeted follow-up in case-control and population cohorts.
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Vardan Khachatryan, Albert M. Sirunyan, Armen Tumasyan, Wolfgang Adam1 +2087 more•Institutions (132)
TL;DR: In this article, the authors measured the transverse momentum and pseudorapidity distributions in proton-proton collisions at root s = 7 TeV with the inner tracking system of the CMS detector at the LHC.
Abstract: Charged-hadron transverse-momentum and pseudorapidity distributions in proton-proton collisions at root s = 7 TeV are measured with the inner tracking system of the CMS detector at the LHC. The charged-hadron yield is obtained by counting the number of reconstructed hits, hit pairs, and fully reconstructed charged-particle tracks. The combination of the three methods gives a charged-particle multiplicity per unit of pseudorapidity dN(ch)/d eta vertical bar(vertical bar eta vertical bar<0.5) = 5.78 +/- 0.01(stat) +/- 0.23(stat) for non-single-diffractive events, higher than predicted by commonly used models. The relative increase in charged-particle multiplicity from root s = 0.9 to 7 TeV is [66.1 +/- 1.0(stat) +/- 4.2(syst)]%. The mean transverse momentum is measured to be 0.545 +/- 0.005(stat) +/- 0.015(syst) GeV/c. The results are compared with similar measurements at lower energies.
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TL;DR: In this paper, a review compiles the cases of metal nanoparticles supported by or embedded into MOFs reported so far and the main aspects and main aspects of these cases are discussed.
Abstract: Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as well as porous coordination polymers (PCPs) are porous, organic–inorganic hybrid solids with zeolite-like structures and properties. Due to their extraordinarily high surface area and well defined pore structure MOFs can be used for the stabilization of metal nanoparticles with adjustable size. The embedded metal nanoparticles are still accessible for other reagents due to the high porosity of the MOF systems. This fact makes “metal@ MOF” systems especially interesting for heterogeneous catalysis, gas storage and chemical sensing. This review compiles the cases of metal nanoparticles supported by or embedded into MOFs reported so far and the main aspects and
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TL;DR: This work approximated the sensitivity of terrestrial ecosystem respiration to air temperature (Q10) across 60 FLUXNET sites with the use of a methodology that circumvents confounding effects, and suggests a less pronounced climate–carbon cycle feedback than suggested by current carbon cycle climate models.
Abstract: The respiratory release of CO 2 from the land surface is a major flux in the global carbon cycle, antipodal to photosynthetic CO 2 uptake. Understanding the sensitivity of respiratory processes to temperature is central for quantifying the climate–carbon cycle feedback. Here, we approximate the sensitivity of terrestrial ecosystem respiration to air temperature ( Q 10 ) across 60 FLUXNET sites using a methodology that circumvents confounding effects. Contrary to previous findings, our results suggest that Q 10 is independent of mean annual temperature, does not differ among biomes, and is confined to values around 1.4 (±0.1). The strong relation between photosynthesis and respiration, instead, is highly variable among sites. Overall, the results partly explain a less pronounced climate–carbon cycle feedback than suggested by current carbon cycle climate models.
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Utrecht University1, University of Cologne2, University of Kiel3, University of Washington4, University of Bonn5, Humboldt University of Berlin6, University of Marburg7, University of Ulm8, Innsbruck Medical University9, Medical University of Vienna10, University of Copenhagen11, University of Antwerp12, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich13
TL;DR: The present results indicate an involvement of micro deletions at 15q11.2 and 16p13.11 in epileptogenesis and strengthen the evidence that recurrent microdeletions in this cohort confer a pleiotropic susceptibility effect to a broad range of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Abstract: Idiopathic generalized epilepsies account for 30% of all epilepsies. Despite a predominant genetic aetiology, the genetic factors predisposing to idiopathic generalized epilepsies remain elusive. Studies of structural genomic variations have revealed a significant excess of recurrent microdeletions at 1q21.1, 15q11.2, 15q13.3, 16p11.2, 16p13.11 and 22q11.2 in various neuropsychiatric disorders including autism, intellectual disability and schizophrenia. Microdeletions at 15q13.3 have recently been shown to constitute a strong genetic risk factor for common idiopathic generalized epilepsy syndromes, implicating that other recurrent microdeletions may also be involved in epileptogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the impact of five microdeletions at the genomic hotspot regions 1q21.1, 15q11.2, 16p11.2, 16p13.11 and 22q11.2 on the genetic risk to common idiopathic generalized epilepsy syndromes. The candidate microdeletions were assessed by high-density single nucleotide polymorphism arrays in 1234 patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy from North-western Europe and 3022 controls from the German population. Microdeletions were validated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and their breakpoints refined by array comparative genomic hybridization. In total, 22 patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (1.8%) carried one of the five novel microdeletions compared with nine controls (0.3%) (odds ratio = 6.1; 95% confidence interval 2.8–13.2; χ2 = 26.7; 1 degree of freedom; P = 2.4 × 10−7). Microdeletions were observed at 1q21.1 [Idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE)/control: 1/1], 15q11.2 (IGE/control: 12/6), 16p11.2 IGE/control: 1/0, 16p13.11 (IGE/control: 6/2) and 22q11.2 (IGE/control: 2/0). Significant associations with IGEs were found for the microdeletions at 15q11.2 (odds ratio = 4.9; 95% confidence interval 1.8–13.2; P = 4.2 × 10−4) and 16p13.11 (odds ratio = 7.4; 95% confidence interval 1.3–74.7; P = 0.009). Including nine patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy in this cohort with known 15q13.3 microdeletions (IGE/control: 9/0), parental transmission could be examined in 14 families. While 10 microdeletions were inherited (seven maternal and three paternal transmissions), four microdeletions occurred de novo at 15q13.3 (n = 1), 16p13.11 (n = 2) and 22q11.2 (n = 1). Eight of the transmitting parents were clinically unaffected, suggesting that the microdeletion itself is not sufficient to cause the epilepsy phenotype. Although the microdeletions investigated are individually rare (<1%) in patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy, they collectively seem to account for a significant fraction of the genetic variance in common idiopathic generalized epilepsy syndromes. The present results indicate an involvement of microdeletions at 15q11.2 and 16p13.11 in epileptogenesis and strengthen the evidence that recurrent microdeletions at 15q11.2, 15q13.3 and 16p13.11 confer a pleiotropic susceptibility effect to a broad range of neuropsychiatric disorders.
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TL;DR: Several ethical decisions are required to ensure the decisions to attempt or withhold cardiopulonary resuscitation (CPR) are appropriate, and patients and their loved ones are treated with ignity.
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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigate how formal and informal institutional features influence the likelihood that a cross-border acquisition deal will be completed, as well as the time taken for its completion after announcement.
Abstract: Based on the concepts of North's (1990) political economy of national institutions and economic behavior, we investigate how formal and informal institutional features influence the likelihood that a cross-border acquisition deal will be completed, as well as the time taken for its completion after announcement. Additionally, we study how past experience with completed acquisition deals moderates the effects of institutional differences. We focus on a relatively new context – the pre-completion stage of acquisition processes. We test our hypotheses using data from 2389 announced cross-border acquisition deals in the international business service industry (1981–2001). We find that differences in national formal and informal institutions explain part of the variation in the likelihood that an announced cross-border acquisition deal will be completed, as well as the duration of the deal-making. In addition, organizational learning moderates the effects of institutional distance: past experience with completed cross-border acquisition deals increases the likelihood of a subsequent deal completion in institutionally closer environments, but shortens the deal duration in institutionally distant environments.
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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present the state-of-the-art literature on action repertoires of social movements in an internet age and build a strong case in favour of the internet as it has given social movements new and improved opportunities to engage in social and political action.
Abstract: The Zapatista uprising, which started in 1994, and the ‘Battle of Seattle’ in 1999 are but two iconic examples that are so often used to illustrate how the internet has shaped and is shaping social movements and the tactics they use to pursue their claims. In this article, the authors present the ‘state-of-the-art’ literature on action repertoires of social movements in an internet age. The article builds a strong case in favour of the internet as it has given social movements new and improved opportunities to engage in social and political action. At the same time, a naive internet-optimism is avoided, by pointing out several limitations. There is the ‘classical’ problem of digital divide. In some cases, the internet has made collective action still not easy enough, while in others it has made it perhaps too easy reducing the final political impact of a certain action. In addition, it seems that the new media are loosing their newness quickly, and more fundamentally are unable to create stable ties betwe...