Showing papers by "University of Bergen published in 2008"

The ALICE experiment at the CERN LHC

Abstract: ALICE (A Large Ion Collider Experiment) is a general-purpose, heavy-ion detector at the CERN LHC which focuses on QCD, the strong-interaction sector of the Standard Model. It is designed to address the physics of strongly interacting matter and the quark-gluon plasma at extreme values of energy density and temperature in nucleus-nucleus collisions. Besides running with Pb ions, the physics programme includes collisions with lighter ions, lower energy running and dedicated proton-nucleus runs. ALICE will also take data with proton beams at the top LHC energy to collect reference data for the heavy-ion programme and to address several QCD topics for which ALICE is complementary to the other LHC detectors. The ALICE detector has been built by a collaboration including currently over 1000 physicists and engineers from 105 Institutes in 30 countries. Its overall dimensions are 161626 m3 with a total weight of approximately 10 000 t. The experiment consists of 18 different detector systems each with its own specific technology choice and design constraints, driven both by the physics requirements and the experimental conditions expected at LHC. The most stringent design constraint is to cope with the extreme particle multiplicity anticipated in central Pb-Pb collisions. The different subsystems were optimized to provide high-momentum resolution as well as excellent Particle Identification (PID) over a broad range in momentum, up to the highest multiplicities predicted for LHC. This will allow for comprehensive studies of hadrons, electrons, muons, and photons produced in the collision of heavy nuclei. Most detector systems are scheduled to be installed and ready for data taking by mid-2008 when the LHC is scheduled to start operation, with the exception of parts of the Photon Spectrometer (PHOS), Transition Radiation Detector (TRD) and Electro Magnetic Calorimeter (EMCal). These detectors will be completed for the high-luminosity ion run expected in 2010. This paper describes in detail the detector components as installed for the first data taking in the summer of 2008.

The influence of soil pH on the diversity, abundance and transcriptional activity of ammonia oxidizing archaea and bacteria

Abstract: Summary Autotrophic ammonia oxidation occurs in acid soils, even though laboratory cultures of isolated ammonia oxidizing bacteria fail to grow below neutral pH. To investigate whether archaea possessing ammonia monooxygenase genes were responsible for autotrophic nitrification in acid soils, the community structure and phylogeny of ammonia oxidizing bacteria and archaea were determined across a soil pH gradient (4.9‐7.5) by amplifying 16S rRNA and amoA genes followed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and sequence analysis. The structure of both communities changed with soil pH, with distinct populations in acid and neutral soils. Phylogenetic reconstructions of crenarchaeal 16S rRNA and amoA genes confirmed selection of distinct lineages within the pH gradient and high similarity in phylogenies indicated a high level of congruence between 16S rRNA and amoA genes. The abundance of archaeal and bacterial amoA gene copies and mRNA transcripts contrasted across the pH gradient. Archaeal amoA gene and transcript abundance decreased with increasing soil pH, while bacterial amoA gene abundance was generally lower and transcripts increased with increasing pH. Short-term activity was investigated by DGGE analysis of gene transcripts in microcosms containing acidic or neutral soil or mixed soil with pH readjusted to that of native soils. Although mixed soil microcosms contained identical archaeal ammonia oxidizer communities, those adapted to acidic or neutral pH ranges showed greater relative activity at their native soil pH. Findings indicate that different bacterial and archaeal ammonia oxidizer phylotypes are selected in soils of different pH and that these differences in community structure and abundances are reflected in different contributions to ammonia oxidizer activity. They also suggest that both groups of ammonia oxidizers have distinct physiological characteristics and ecological niches, with consequences for nitrification in acid soils.

Gene Expression in Fixed Tissues and Outcome in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract: BACKGROUND It is a challenge to identify patients who, after undergoing potentially curative treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma, are at greatest risk for recurrence. Such high-risk patients could receive novel interventional measures. An obstacle to the development of genome-based predictors of outcome in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma has been the lack of a means to carry out genomewide expression profiling of fixed, as opposed to frozen, tissue. METHODS We aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of gene-expression profiling of more than 6000 human genes in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues. We applied the method to tissues from 307 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, from four series of patients, to discover and validate a gene-expression signature associated with survival. RESULTS The expression-profiling method for formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue was highly effective: samples from 90% of the patients yielded data of high quality, including samples that had been archived for more than 24 years. Gene-expression profiles of tumor tissue failed to yield a significant association with survival. In contrast, profiles of the surrounding nontumoral liver tissue were highly correlated with survival in a training set of tissue samples from 82 Japanese patients, and the signature was validated in tissues from an independent group of 225 patients from the United States and Europe (P=0.04). CONCLUSIONS We have demonstrated the feasibility of genomewide expression profiling of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues and have shown that a reproducible gene-expression signature correlated with survival is present in liver tissue adjacent to the tumor in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Long-term medical and social consequences of preterm birth.

Abstract: BACKGROUND Advances in perinatal care have increased the number of premature babies who survive. There are concerns, however, about the ability of these children to cope with the demands of adulthood. METHODS We linked compulsory national registries in Norway to identify children of different gestational-age categories who were born between 1967 and 1983 and to follow them through 2003 in order to document medical disabilities and outcomes reflecting social performance. RESULTS The study included 903,402 infants who were born alive and without congenital anomalies (1822 born at 23 to 27 weeks of gestation, 2805 at 28 to 30 weeks, 7424 at 31 to 33 weeks, 32,945 at 34 to 36 weeks, and 858,406 at 37 weeks or later). The proportions of infants who survived and were followed to adult life were 17.8%, 57.3%, 85.7%, 94.6%, and 96.5%, respectively. Among the survivors, the prevalence of having cerebral palsy was 0.1% for those born at term versus 9.1% for those born at 23 to 27 weeks of gestation (relative risk for birth at 23 to 27 weeks of gestation, 78.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 56.5 to 110.0); the prevalence of having mental retardation, 0.4% versus 4.4% (relative risk, 10.3; 95% CI, 6.2 to 17.2); and the prevalence of receiving a disability pension, 1.7% versus 10.6% (relative risk, 7.5; 95% CI, 5.5 to 10.0). Among those who did not have medical disabilities, the gestational age at birth was associated with the education level attained, income, receipt of Social Security benefits, and the establishment of a family, but not with rates of unemployment or criminal activity. CONCLUSIONS In this cohort of people in Norway who were born between 1967 and 1983, the risks of medical and social disabilities in adulthood increased with decreasing gestational age at birth.

Genetic and clinical aspects of Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth's disease

Abstract: The prevalence of Charcot-Marie-Tooth's disease (CMT) was studied in Western Norway, an area with several isolated districts with a population of 725,000 (1968). Three hereditary types were distinguished in the area: autosomal dominant CMT with an estimated prevalence of 36/100,000; X-linked recessive CMT with a prevalence of 3.6/100,000; and autosomal recessive CMT with a prevalence of 1.4/100,00. Gene frequencies were 3 · 7. 10-4, 1 · 9. 10-4, and 4 · 8. 10-4 in autosomal dominant, X-linked, and autosomal recessive CMT, respectively, while the corresponding mutation rates were 13 · 0, 5 · 5, and 3 · 5 per million gametes per generation. The penetrance was almost complete for all three variants of CMT. Strict diagnostic criteria were followed in the selection of the 37 index cases. A family investigation was carried out with 238 subjects, during which 69 secondary cases were detected. Another 57 subjects had unspecific neuropathy (Un), which did not fit a diagnosis of CMT or other neurological disease. In the diagnosis of Un, a score system was used, with age and sex corrections based on findings in a normal population. Generally, the most severe disease course was found in the recessive CMT types, but there was also more clinical variation, suggesting CNS involvement in some cases (upper motor neuron affection, cerebellar signs). Scoliosis and spinal ataxia were not infrequent, even in cases with autosomal dominant CMT. The prevalence cf Un was highest in the relatives of recessive CMT cases, with a ratio of affected to normal in sibs compatible with a hypothesis of several cases of heterozygous manifestation. In the relatives of autosomal dominant CMT cases, Un prevalence was also higher than in the population, but lower in 2nd degree relatives than in 1st degree; the ratios fitted a hypothesis of polygenic Un inheritance. Significant differences were found in the score patterns of Un in the recessive CMT families and in the autosomal dominant families, suggesting their difference of origin. The reason for clustering of Un cases in autosomal dominant CMT families is obscure, since it can be only partly attributed to early manifestation of CMT. It is suggested that Un and CMT, mainly in autosomal dominant CMT, interact to form a spectrum of differing phenotypes, so explaining the problem of “transitional forms” between CMT and other hereditary nervous disorders. Recessive CMT, being a more generalized nervous disease, attains, through differing expressivity, phenotypes which vary between individual cases.

Simultaneous Assessment of Soil Microbial Community Structure and Function through Analysis of the Meta-Transcriptome

Abstract: Background Soil ecosystems harbor the most complex prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbial communities on Earth. Experimental approaches studying these systems usually focus on either the soil community's taxonomic structure or its functional characteristics. Many methods target DNA as marker molecule and use PCR for amplification. Methodology/Principal Findings Here we apply an RNA-centered meta-transcriptomic approach to simultaneously obtain information on both structure and function of a soil community. Total community RNA is random reversely transcribed into cDNA without any PCR or cloning step. Direct pyrosequencing produces large numbers of cDNA rRNA-tags; these are taxonomically profiled in a binning approach using the MEGAN software and two specifically compiled rRNA reference databases containing small and large subunit rRNA sequences. The pyrosequencing also produces mRNA-tags; these provide a sequence-based transcriptome of the community. One soil dataset of 258,411 RNA-tags of ∼98 bp length contained 193,219 rRNA-tags with valid taxonomic information, together with 21,133 mRNA-tags. Quantitative information about the relative abundance of organisms from all three domains of life and from different trophic levels was obtained in a single experiment. Less frequent taxa, such as soil Crenarchaeota, were well represented in the data set. These were identified by more than 2,000 rRNA-tags; furthermore, their activity in situ was revealed through the presence of mRNA-tags specific for enzymes involved in ammonia oxidation and CO2 fixation. Conclusions/Significance This approach could be widely applied in microbial ecology by efficiently linking community structure and function in a single experiment while avoiding biases inherent in other methods.

Agroforestry: a refuge for tropical biodiversity?

Abstract: As rates of deforestation continue to rise in many parts of the tropics, the international conservation community is faced with the challenge of finding approaches which can reduce deforestation and provide rural livelihoods in addition to conserving biodiversity. Much of modern-day conservation is motivated by a desire to conserve 'pristine nature' in protected areas, while there is growing recognition of the long-term human involvement in forest dynamics and of the importance of conservation outside protected areas. Agroforestry - intentional management of shade trees with agricultural crops - has the potential for providing habitats outside formally protected land, connecting nature reserves and alleviating resource-use pressure on conservation areas. Here we examine the role of agroforestry systems in maintaining species diversity and conclude that these systems can play an important role in biodiversity conservation in human-dominated landscapes.

Multicultural assessment of child and adolescent psychopathology with ASEBA and SDQ instruments : research findings, applications, and future directions

Abstract: Around the world, cultural blending and conflict pose challenges for assessment and understanding of psychopathology. Economical, evidence-based, culturally robust assessment is needed for research, for answering public health questions, and for evaluating immigrant, refugee, and minority children. This article applies multicultural perspectives to behavioral, emotional, and social problems assessed on dimensions describing children's functioning, as rated by parents, teachers, children, and others. The development of Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment (ASEBA) and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) forms and their applications to multicultural research are presented. A primary aim of both questionnaires is to identify children at high risk of psychiatric disorders and who therefore warrant further assessment. The forms are self-administered or administered by lay interviewers. ASEBA problem items are scored on 6 DSM-oriented scales and 3 broader band scales, plus 8 syndromes derived statistically as taxonomic constructs and supported by uniform confirmatory factor analyses of samples from many populations. Comparisons of ASEBA scale scores, psychometrics, and correlates are available for diverse populations. SDQ forms are scored on one broad-band scale and 5 a priori behavioral dimensions supported by data from various populations. For both instruments, factor analyses, psychometrics, and correlates are available for diverse populations. The willingness and ability of hundreds of thousands of respondents from diverse groups to complete ASEBA and SDQ forms support this approach to multicultural assessment. Although particular items and scales may have differential relevance among groups and additional assessment procedures are needed, comparable results are found in many populations. Scale scores vary more within than between populations, and distributions of scores overlap greatly among different populations. Ratings of children's problems thus indicate more heterogeneity within populations than distinctiveness between populations. Norms from multiple populations can be used to compare children's scores with relevant peer groups. Multicultural dimensional research can advance knowledge by diversifying normative data; by comparing immigrant children with nonimmigrant compatriots and with host country children; by identifying outlier findings for elucidation by emic research; and by fostering efforts to dimensionalize DSM-V diagnostic criteria.

Zircon M257 ‐ a Homogeneous Natural Reference Material for the Ion Microprobe U‐Pb Analysis of Zircon

Abstract: We introduce and propose zircon M257 as a future reference material for the determination of zircon U-Pb ages by means of secondary ion mass spectrometry. This light brownish, flawless, cut gemstone specimen from Sri Lanka weighed 5.14 g (25.7 carats). Zircon M257 has TIMS-determined, mean isotopic ratios (2s uncertainties) of 0.09100 ± 0.00003 for 206pb/238U and 0.7392 ± 0.0003 for 207pb/235U. Its 206pb/238U age is 561.3 ± 0.3 Ma (unweighted mean, uncertainty quoted at the 95% confidence level); the U-Pb system is concordant within uncertainty of decay constants. Zircon M257 contains ∼ 840 μg g−1 U (Th/U ∼ 0.27). The material exhibits remarkably low heterogeneity, with a virtual absence of any internal textures even in cathodoluminescence images. The uniform, moderate degree of radiation damage (estimated from the expansion of unit-cell parameters, broadening of Raman spectral parameters and density) corresponds well, within the “Sri Lankan trends”, with actinide concentrations, U-Pb age, and the calculated alpha fluence of 1.66 × 1018 g−1. This, and a (U+Th)/He age of 419 ± 9 Ma (2s), enables us to exclude any unusual thermal history or heat treatment, which could potentially have affected the retention of radiogenic Pb. The oxygen isotope ratio of this zircon is 13.9%o VSMOW suggesting a metamorphic genesis in a marble or calc-silicate skarn. Nous presentons et proposons a la communaute le zircon M257 qui pourrait devenir un materiau de reference pour la determination des âges U-Pb sur zircon par spectrometrie de masse a ions secondaires (SIMS). Ce specimen scie d'une gemme brun clair, sans defauts, provenant du Sri Lanka, pese 5.14 g (25.7 carats). Les moyennes des rapports isotopiques (et les incertitudes associees 2s) mesurees par TIMS sur ce zircon M257 sont 0.09100 ± 0.00003 en 206pb/238U et 0.7392 ± 0.0003 en 207pb/235U. Son âge 206pb/238U est de 561.3 ± 0.3 Ma (moyenne non ponderee, incertitude: 95% intervalle de confiance); le systeme U-Pb y est concordant, aux erreurs sur les constantes de desintegration pres. Le zircon M257 contient ∼ 840 μg g−1 U (Th/U ∼ 0.27). Ce materiel montre de tres faibles heterogeneites, avec une quasi absence de textures internes, meme a I'examen par cathodoluminescence. Le degre de dommage lie aux radiations (estime par I'expansion des parametres de la cellule unitaire, I'elargissement des parametres des spectres Raman et la densite) est modere et uniforme. II se correle bien, (sur I'alignement “Sri Lanka”) avec les concentrations en actinides, I'âge U-Pb et la fluence calculee de 1.66 × 1018 g−1 Ceci, couplea son âge (U+Th)/He de 419 ± 9 Ma (2s), nous permet d'exclure I'existence d'evenement thermique passe, ou de traitement par la chaleur, qui aurait potentiellement pu affecter le processus de retention de Pb radiogenique. Le rapport isotopique de I'oxygene de ce zircon est 13.9%o VSMOW, suggerant une genese par metamorphisme, au sein d'un marbre ou d'un skarn calco-silicate.

CD133 negative glioma cells form tumors in nude rats and give rise to CD133 positive cells.

Abstract: CD133 is a cell surface marker expressed on progenitors of haematopoietic and endothelial cell lineages. Moreover, several studies have identified CD133 as a marker of brain tumor-initiating cells. In this study, human glioblastoma multiforme biopsies were engrafted intracerebrally into nude rats. The resulting tumors were serially passaged in vivo, and monitored by magnetic resonance imaging. CD133 expression was analyzed at various passages. Tumors initiated directly from the biopsies expressed little or no CD133, and showed no contrast enhancement suggesting an intact blood-brain barrier. During passaging, the tumors gradually displayed more contrast enhancement, increased angiogenesis and a shorter survival. Real-time qPCR and immunoblots showed that this was accompanied by increased CD133 expression. Primary biopsy spheroids and xenograft tumors were subsequently dissociated and flow sorted into CD133 negative and CD133 positive cell populations. Both populations incorporated BrdU in cell culture, and expressed the neural precursor marker nestin. Notably, CD133 negative cells derived from 6 different patients were tumorgenic when implanted into the rat brains. For 3 of these patients, analysis showed that the resulting tumors contained CD133 positive cells. In conclusion, we show that CD133 negative glioma cells are tumorgenic in nude rats, and that CD133 positive cells can be obtained from these tumors. Upon passaging of the tumors in vivo, CD133 expression is upregulated, coinciding with the onset of angiogenesis and a shorter survival. Thus, our findings do not suggest that CD133 expression is required for brain tumor initiation, but that it may be involved during brain tumor progression.

Effects of the Direct Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A 2 Inhibitor Darapladib on Human Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaque

Abstract: Background - Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is expressed abundantly in the necrotic core of coronary lesions, and products of its enzymatic activity may contribute to inflammation and cell death, rendering plaque vulnerable to rupture. Methods and Results - This study compared the effects of 12 months of treatment with darapladib (an oral Lp-PLA2 inhibitor, 160 mg daily) or placebo on coronary atheroma deformability (intravascular ultrasound palpography) and plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in 330 patients with angiographically documented coronary disease. Secondary end points included changes in necrotic core size (intravascular ultrasound radiofrequency), atheroma size (intravascular ultrasound gray scale), and blood biomarkers. Background therapy was comparable between groups, with no difference in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol at 12 months (placebo, 88±34 mg/dL; darapladib, 84±31 mg/dL; P=0.37). In contrast, Lp-PLA2 activity was inhibited by 59% with darapladib (P<0.001 versus placebo). After 12 months, there were no significant differences between groups in plaque deformability (P=0.22) or plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (P=0.35). In the placebo-treated group, however, necrotic core volume increased significantly (4.5±17.9 mm; P=0.009), whereas darapladib halted this increase (-0.5±13.9 mm; P=0.71), resulting in a significant treatment difference of -5.2 mm (P=0.012). These intraplaque compositional changes occurred without a significant treatment difference in total atheroma volume (P=0.95). Conclusions - Despite adherence to a high level of standard-of-care treatment, the necrotic core continued to expand among patients receiving placebo. In contrast, Lp-PLA2 inhibition with darapladib prevented necrotic core expansion, a key determinant of plaque vulnerability. These findings suggest that Lp-PLA2 inhibition may represent a novel therapeutic approach.

The Immediate Early Gene Arc/Arg3.1: Regulation, Mechanisms, and Function

Abstract: In a manner unique among activity-regulated immediate early genes (IEGs), mRNA encoded by Arc (also known as Arg3.1) undergoes rapid transport to dendrites and local synaptic translation. Despite this intrinsic appeal, relatively little is known about the neuronal and behavioral functions of Arc or its molecular mechanisms of action. Here, we attempt to distill recent advances on Arc spanning its transcriptional and translational regulation, the functions of the Arc protein in multiple forms of neuronal plasticity [long-term potentiation (LTP), long-term depression (LTD), and homeostatic plasticity], and its broader role in neural networks of behaving animals. Worley and colleagues have shown that Arc interacts with endophilin and dynamin, creating a postsynaptic trafficking endosome that selectively modifies the expression of AMPA-type glutamate receptors at the excitatory synapses. Both LTD and homeostatic plasticity in the hippocampus are critically dependent on Arc-mediated endocytosis of AMPA receptors. LTD evoked by activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors depends on rapid Arc translation controlled by elongation factor 2. Bramham and colleagues have shown that sustained translation of newly induced Arc mRNA is necessary for cofilin phosphorylation and stable expansion of the F-actin cytoskeleton underlying LTP consolidation in the dentate gyrus of live rats. In addition to regulating F-actin, Arc synthesis maintains the activity of key translation factors during LTP consolidation. This process of Arc-dependent consolidation is activated by the secretory neurotrophin, BDNF. Moore and colleagues have shown that Arc mRNA is a natural target for nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) by virtue of its two conserved 3'-UTR introns. NMD and other related translation-dependent mRNA decay mechanisms may serve as critical brakes on protein expression that contribute to the fine spatial-temporal control of Arc synthesis. In studies in behaving rats, Guzowski and colleagues have shown that location-specific firing of CA3 and CA1 hippocampal neurons in the presence of theta rhythm provides the necessary stimuli for activation of Arc transcription. The impact of Arc transcription in memory processes may depend on the specific context of coexpressed IEGs, in addition to posttranscriptional regulation of Arc by neuromodulatory inputs from the amygdala and other brain regions. In sum, Arc is emerging as a versatile, finely tuned system capable of coupling changes in neuronal activity patterns to diverse forms of synaptic plasticity, thereby optimizing information storage in active networks.

Prediction of human errors by maladaptive changes in event-related brain networks.

Abstract: Humans engaged in monotonous tasks are susceptible to occasional errors that may lead to serious consequences, but little is known about brain activity patterns preceding errors. Using functional MRI and applying independent component analysis followed by deconvolution of hemodynamic responses, we studied error preceding brain activity on a trial-by-trial basis. We found a set of brain regions in which the temporal evolution of activation predicted performance errors. These maladaptive brain activity changes started to evolve ≈30 sec before the error. In particular, a coincident decrease of deactivation in default mode regions of the brain, together with a decline of activation in regions associated with maintaining task effort, raised the probability of future errors. Our findings provide insights into the brain network dynamics preceding human performance errors and suggest that monitoring of the identified precursor states may help in avoiding human errors in critical real-world situations.

Linking climate change to lemming cycles

Abstract: Norwegian lemmings (Lemmus lemmus) are well known for their population cycles, which are thought, at their peak, to influence other ecosystem components. In fact the role of the physical environment — climate included — in determining rodent cycle dynamics has remained largely a matter of conjecture. Now from a combination of long-term (1970–2007) data on rodent density, bird densities and field estimates of snow pack conditions together with meteorological data, a clearer picture of the lemming cycle has been obtained. What emerges is a marked shift away from the familiar 3–5-year rodent cycles to an aperiodic, mostly low-amplitude state, which can be explained and predicted by the between-year variations in winter climate. There is strong evidence for the hypothesis that climate effects on rodent dynamics are transmitted to other parts of the ecosystem. The population cycles of rodents at northern latitudes have puzzled people for centuries1,2, and their impact is manifest throughout the alpine ecosystem2,3. Climate change is known to be able to drive animal population dynamics between stable and cyclic phases4,5, and has been suggested to cause the recent changes in cyclic dynamics of rodents and their predators3,6,7,8,9. But although predator–rodent interactions are commonly argued to be the cause of the Fennoscandian rodent cycles1,10,11,12,13, the role of the environment in the modulation of such dynamics is often poorly understood in natural systems8,9,14. Hence, quantitative links between climate-driven processes and rodent dynamics have so far been lacking. Here we show that winter weather and snow conditions, together with density dependence in the net population growth rate, account for the observed population dynamics of the rodent community dominated by lemmings (Lemmus lemmus) in an alpine Norwegian core habitat between 1970 and 1997, and predict the observed absence of rodent peak years after 1994. These local rodent dynamics are coherent with alpine bird dynamics both locally and over all of southern Norway, consistent with the influence of large-scale fluctuations in winter conditions. The relationship between commonly available meteorological data and snow conditions indicates that changes in temperature and humidity, and thus conditions in the subnivean space, seem to markedly affect the dynamics of alpine rodents and their linked groups. The pattern of less regular rodent peaks, and corresponding changes in the overall dynamics of the alpine ecosystem, thus seems likely to prevail over a growing area under projected climate change.

Terrestrial laser scanning in geology: data acquisition, processing and accuracy considerations

Abstract: Terrestrial laser scanning, or lidar, is a recent innovation in spatial information data acquisition, which allows geological outcrops to be digitally captured with unprecedented resolution and accuracy. With point precisions and spacing of the order of a few centimetres, an enhanced quantitative element can now be added to geological fieldwork and analysis, opening up new lines of investigation at a variety of scales in all areas of field-based geology. Integration with metric imagery allows 3D photorealistic models to be created for interpretation, visualization and education. However, gaining meaningful results from lidar scans requires more than simply acquiring raw point data. Surveys require planning and, typically, a large amount of post-processing time. The contribution of this paper is to provide a more detailed insight into the technology, data collection and utilization techniques than is currently available. The paper focuses on the workflow for using lidar data, from the choice of field area and survey planning, to acquiring and processing data and, finally, extracting geologically useful data. Because manufacturer specifications for point precision are often optimistic when applied to real-world outcrops, the error sources associated with lidar data, and the implications of them propagating through the processing chain, are also discussed.

Disruption of an AP-2 alpha binding site in an IRF6 enhancer is associated with cleft lip

Abstract: Previously we have shown that nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) is strongly associated with SNPs in IRF6 (interferon regulatory factor 6). Here, we use multispecies sequence comparisons to identify a common SNP (rs642961, G>A) in a newly identified IRF6 enhancer. The A allele is significantly overtransmitted (P = 1 x 10(-11)) in families with NSCL/P, in particular those with cleft lip but not cleft palate. Further, there is a dosage effect of the A allele, with a relative risk for cleft lip of 1.68 for the AG genotype and 2.40 for the AA genotype. EMSA and ChIP assays demonstrate that the risk allele disrupts the binding site of transcription factor AP-2alpha and expression analysis in the mouse localizes the enhancer activity to craniofacial and limb structures. Our findings place IRF6 and AP-2alpha in the same developmental pathway and identify a high-frequency variant in a regulatory element contributing substantially to a common, complex disorder.

Structure and evolution of the continental margin off Norway and the Barents Sea

Abstract: The Norwegian Margin formed in response to early Cenozoic continental breakup and subsequent opening of the Norwegian-Greenland Sea. There is a welldefined margin segmentation and the various segments are characterized by distinct crustal properties, structural and magmatic styles, and post-opening history of vertical motions. The sedimentary basins at the conjugate continental margins off Norway and Greenland and in the western Barents Sea developed as a result of a series of post-Caledonian rift episodes until early Cenozoic time, when complete continental separation took place.

Promoting child and adolescent mental health in low and middle income countries.

Abstract: Children and adolescents in low and middle income countries (LAMIC) constitute 35-50% of the population. Although the population in many such countries is predominantly rural, rapid urbanisation and social change is under way, with an increase in urban poverty and unemployment, which are risk factors for poor child and adolescent mental health (CAMH). There is a vast gap between CAMH needs (as measured through burden of disease estimates) and the availability of CAMH resources. The role of CAMH promotion and prevention can thus not be overestimated. However, the evidence base for affordable and effective interventions for promotion and prevention in LAMIC is limited. In this review, we briefly review the public health importance of CAM disorders in LAMIC and the specific issues related to risk and protective factors for these disorders. We describe a number of potential strategies for CAMH promotion which focus on building capacity in children and adolescents, in parents and families, in the school and health systems, and in the wider community, including structural interventions. Building capacity in CAMH must also focus on the detection and treatment of disorders for which the evidence base is somewhat stronger, and on wider public health strategies for prevention and promotion. In particular, capacity needs to be built across the health system, with particular foci on low-cost, universally available and accessible resources, and on empowerment of families and children. We also consider the role of formal teaching and training programmes, and the role for specialists in CAMH promotion.

Phenols from Lignin

Abstract: Lignin accounts for approximately 25–35 % of the organic matrix of wood and lignocellulosic biomass in itself is the most abundant renewable material on the planet. It has long been recognized as a potential feedstock for producing chemicals, fuels, and materials. Despite this excellent availabilty of lignin it is a low value compound and has so far mainly been used as energy source in combustion applications. Less than 5 % are being processed for other purposes. This article discusses the potential for an increased use of lignin as a renewable raw material, possible conversion routes towards monomeric phenolic compounds, and applications for these products. A brief overview about present state-of-the-art is given and a high-yielding, one-step approach of producing alkylated phenolic compounds from lignin is presented.

Towards a Lignincellulosic Biorefinery: Direct One-Step Conversion of Lignin to Hydrogen-Enriched Biofuel

Abstract: This paper reports a novel liquefaction process that is capable of depolymerizing the natural biopolymer lignin into a liquid bio-oil with a very low oxygen content, suitable as a blending component to be combined with conventional fossil fuels for motor fuel applications. During the conversion, both depolymerization and removal of oxygen by formation of water occur in a single step. Formic acid serves as both the hydrogen donor and reaction medium in the pyrolysis/solvolysis process. Using an alcohol as cosolvent can improve the liquid yields and H/C ratios. Very little coke (5%) is produced. The liquids produced comprise two easily separable phases, where the lighter organic phase consists mainly of low molecular weight alkylphenols and C8−C10 aliphatics. The process is developed to be combined with ethanol production from lignocellulosic carbohydrates in a biorefinery concept aimed at converting all fractions of the wood into renewably sourced liquid fuels.