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Genome-wide analysis identifies genetic effects on reproductive success and ongoing natural selection at the FADS locus
No full textThis manuscript represents a large collaboration with many "middle" contributing authors, including the author requesting this waiver (Daniel Chasman). Iain Mathieson, Felix R. Day, Nicola Barban, Felix C. Tropf, and David M. Brazel are the starred (equal contribution) first authors; Melinda C. Mills, and John R.B. Perry are the starred last authors. Corresponding: Iain Mathieson, Melinda C. Mills, and John Perry are the corresponding authors.
Please note that while the uploaded version of the manuscript has been accepted, there may still be changes that would be incorporated in the final publication.Identifying genetic determinants of reproductive success may highlight mechanisms underlying fertility and identify alleles under present-day selection. Using data in 785,604 individuals of European ancestry, we identified 43 genomic loci associated with either number of children ever born (NEB) or childlessness. These loci span diverse aspects of reproductive biology, including puberty timing, age at first birth, sex hormone regulation, endometriosis and age at menopause. Missense variants in ARHGAP27 were associated with higher NEB but shorter reproductive lifespan, suggesting a trade-off at this locus between reproductive ageing and intensity. Other genes implicated by coding variants include PIK3IP1, ZFP82 and LRP4, and our results suggest a new role for the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) in reproductive biology. As NEB is one component of evolutionary fitness, our identified associations indicate loci under present-day natural selection. Integration with data from historical selection scans highlighted an allele in the FADS1/2 gene locus that has been under selection for thousands of years and remains so today. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that a broad range of biological mechanisms contribute to reproductive success.Accepted Manuscrip
Development and validation of total and regional body composition prediction equations from anthropometry and single frequency segmental bioelectrical impedance with DEXA
No full textAims Single-frequency segmental Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) is commonly used to estimate body composition. To enhance the value of information derived from BIA, especially for use in large-scale epidemiological studies, we developed and validated equations to predict total and regional (arms, legs, trunk, android, gynoid, visceral) body composition parameters (lean mass and fat mass) from anthropometry and single-frequency (50 kHz) segmental BIA variables, using Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) as the criterion method.Methods The 11,559 adults (age 30 to 65) from the UK population-based Fenland Study with data on DEXA, BIA and anthropometry were randomly assigned to a Derivation sample (4,827 men; 5,732 women) or a Validation sample (500 men; 500 women). Prediction equations based on anthropometry and BIA variables were derived using forward stepwise multiple linear regression in the Fenland Derivation sample. These were validated in the Fenland Validation sample and also in the UK Biobank Imaging Study (2,392 men; 2,606 women) using Pearson correlations and Bland–Altman models.Results and Conclusions Bland Altman analyses revealed no significant mean bias for any predicted DEXA parameter (all P>0.05) for the fenland population. Bias expressed as % of the mean was between -0.6% and 0.5% for all parameters in both men and women, except for visceral FM and subcutaneous abdominal FM (range -3.6 to 1.1%). However, in UK Biobank most predicted parameters showed significant bias: % mean bias was <2% in both sexes only for total fat mass and total lean mass, and was >10% for leg and visceral fat mass in both sexes. In conclusion, new equations based on anthropometry and BIA variables predicted DEXA parameters with sufficient accuracy to assess relative differences between individuals, and were sufficiently accurate to predict absolute values for total body but not regional fat and lean mass
October 20, 1904 Page three Explorers went further north than Perry What they think of the Republican candidate Contents of last issue of notice to mariners; Terrible fate of a Methodist missionary Piano tuner well known here missing John Van Trogen wants his name withdrawn Sale of commemorative stamps stops December 1
No full textLowe, A.P.; Bryan, R.B.; Markle, G.W.; Van Trogen, John; McGuire J.A.; Olson, C.A; Duddenhausen, August
Construction Of A Differential Isothermal Calorimeter Of High Sensitivity And Low Cost [construção De Um Calorímetro Isotérmico Diferencial De Alta Sensibilidade E Baixo Custo]
No full textThe high cost of sensitivity commercial calorimeters may represent an obstacle for many calonmetric research groups. This work describes the construction and calibration of a batch differential heat conduction calorimeter with sample cells volumes of about 400 μL. The calorimeter was built using two small high sensibility square Peltier thermoelectric sensors and the total cost was estimated to be about USS 500. The calorimeter was used to study the excess enthalpy of solution of binary mixtures of liquids, as a function of composition, for the following binary systems of solvents: water + 1,4-dioxane or + dimethylsulfoxide at 298,2 ± 0,5 K.32616511654Miles, R.J., Beezer, A.E., Perry, B.F., (1987) Thermal and Energetic Studies of Cellular Biological Systems, p. 106. , IOP Publishing LTD: BristolVolpe, P.L.O., (1993) Quim. Nova, 16, p. 49Perles, C.E., (2006) Dissertação de Mestrado, , Universidade Estadual de Campinas, BrasilScatchard, G., (1931) Chem. Rev., 8, p. 321Scatchard, G., Hamer, W.J., (1935) J. Am. Chem. Soc., 57, p. 1805Guggenheim, E.A., (1967) Thermodynamics, 5th Ed., , Publishing Company: North-HollandRowlinson, J.S., Swinton, F.J., (1982) Liquid and Liquid Mixtures, 3rd Ed., , Butterworths: LondonSedlaček, V., (1986) Non-Ferrous Metals and Alloys, , Elsevier: New YorkChristensen, J.J., (1982) Handbook of Heats of Mixing, p. 1414. , John Wiley & Sons: USA, 1456, 1468Olofsson, G., Berling, D., Markova, N., Molund, M., (2000) Thermochim. Acta, 347, p. 31Tôrres, R.B., Marchiore, A.C.M., Volpe, P.L.O., (2006) J. Chem. Thermodyn, 38, p. 52
Spatial patterns in species-rich sclerophyll shrublands of southwestern Australia
No full textQuestion: The drivers of spatial patterning among plant species and the implications of those patterns for the structure and function of plant communities are of ongoing interest and debate. Here we explore the spatial patterning shown by individual species in species-rich plant communities. We (1) compare the levels of aggregation in these communities to those observed in other species-rich communities, in particular tropical rain forests, and (2) consider how abiotic conditions might influence the levels of aggregation observed. Location: We describe the spatial structure of four species-rich Mediterranean-type shrubland communities near Eneabba, Western Australia. The four sites each contain > 10 000 plants and up to 113 species, and differ in substrate-type, species richness and composition. Methods: We analysed the spatial patterning of all species with more than 20 individuals (233 species patterns), and used point process models for aggregated patterns to separate first-order gradient effects from second-order clustering. Results: Aggregated distributions were most common at all sites, but especially at the site with the highest resource availability and heterogeneity and lowest species richness. APoisson cluster process best described the majority of aggregated species, suggesting that local interactions drive fine-scale patterns in these communities. Conclusions: As with many previous studies, we found that most species showed strong local aggregation. The proportion of species showing aggregation was less than has been described in species-rich tropical rainforests but was higher than observed in many temperate plant communities. The highest proportion of aggregated species was seen at the most resource-abundant site; this is in direct contrast to conceptual models that suggest that competition should be weakest, and aggregation most prevalent, in the most resource-limited sites
Joseph E. Lowery and John Nettles Lead Operation Breadbasket Protest, 1981
No full textJoseph E. Lowery and John Nettles are shown with signs leading a group of demonstrators outside of a supermarket in Anniston, Alabama. Written on verso: SCLC President Joseph E. Lowery (left) and Alabama SCLC President John Nettles display signs outside a supermarket in Anniston, Alabama that is part of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference's "non-cooperation with injustice" campaign launched through the reinstated "Operation Breadbasket" project which seeks to promote economic development in the black community. SCLC Field Secretary Rev. R.B. Cottonreader (at right) coordinates the participants of the campaign.The Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library acknowledges the generous support of the Joseph & Evelyn Lowery Institute for Justice and Human Rights, the Joseph Echols Lowery Irrevocable Trust, and other donors in supporting the processing and digitization of Morehouse College's Joseph Echols and Evelyn Gibson Lowery Collection
Common genetic variants are significant risk factors for early menopause: results from the breakthrough generations study
No full textWomen become infertile approximately 10 years before menopause, and as more women delay childbirth into their 30s, the number of women who experience infertility is likely to increase. Tests that predict the timing of menopause would allow women to make informed reproductive decisions. Current predictors are only effective just prior to menopause, and there are no long-range indicators. Age at menopause and early menopause (EM) are highly heritable, suggesting a genetic aetiology. Recent genome-wide scans have identified four loci associated with variation in the age of normal menopause (40–60 years). We aimed to determine whether theses loci are also risk factors for EM. We tested the four menopause-associated genetic variants in a cohort of approximately 2000 women with menopause ?45 years from the Breakthrough Generations Study (BGS). All four variants significantly increased the odds of having EM. Comparing the 4.5% of individuals with the lowest number of risk alleles (two or three) with the 3.0% with the highest number (eight risk alleles), the odds ratio was 4.1 (95% CI 2.4–7.1, P = 4.0 × 10?7). In combination, the four variants discriminated EM cases with a receiver operator characteristic area under the curve of 0.6. Four common genetic variants identified by genome-wide association studies, had a significant impact on the odds of having EM in an independent cohort from the BGS. The discriminative power is still limited, but as more variants are discovered they may be useful for predicting reproductive lifespan
Is exercise training safe and effective for ALL heart failure patients: A retrospective service evaluation of a hospital based cardiac rehabilitation programme
No full textThe main purpose of this study was to investigate whether exercise training is safe and effective for all classifications of heart failure, female and elderly (70 years and above) heart failure patients and also those heart failure patients with significant co-morbidity. Much of the research into exercise training and heart failure has been carried out on middle aged men in NYHA II-III classification of heart failure who have no other significant co-existing conditions. This is not reflective of the population of heart failure patients in general. The cardiac rehabilitation records (n=1000) of heart failure patients who had attended an exercise programme at a hospital based NHS service over a period of ten years were retrospectively evaluated to investigate the safety and efficacy of exercise training. Analysis of baseline statistics and repeated outcome measures were used to investigate the significance of the service and to ascertain where similarities and differences lay with the research. 74% were male, the age range was 17-90 years and 52% of patients had one or more significant co-morbidity. The acute event incidence was recorded at four per 1000 patients. NYHA I patients, female, elderly heart failure patients and those with significant co-morbidity showed significant improvements in functional capacity and quality of life measures with exercise training (p< 0.05). However no conclusion on the effectiveness of exercise could be drawn for NYHA IV heart failure patients due to insufficient recorded data and reduced adherence to exercise sessions for this group. A hospital based exercise programme, therefore may not be the most appropriate setting for the NYHA IV patient. This study supports previous research of the benefit of exercise training in heart failure but broadens it further to show that exercise is safe for all heart failure patients and is also effective for all heart failure patients with the exception of NYHA IV patients where further investigation is needed
Promotion Checkoffs, Why So Controversial? the Evolution of Generic Advertising Battles
No full textNICPRE 01-02; R.B. 2001-04In June of 2001, the US Supreme Court ruled that an industry-financed promotion program for mushrooms violated the First Amendment. Since the 1980s, generic advertising programs for dozens of farm commodities have been entangled in a great deal of litigation. This paper looks at the history of the generic advertising policies and why the litigation arose when it did. Although some have argued that the litigation is the result of either unbridled lawyers or free-riding farmers, the author argues that the current round of litigation is simply an inevitable outgrowth of fairly recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings on commercial speech. The author concludes by predicting an increase in generic advertising litigation that will be based upon the degree of collectivization in an industry
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