bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subcellular Localization of GUS- and GFP-Tagged Proteins in Onion Epidermal Cells
Authors: von Arnim Albrecht
Published: February 2007

INTRODUCTION

Recombinant tags (i.e., reporter proteins) offer an excellent alternative to antibodies for determining the subcellular localization of proteins. The most user-friendly tags are the ß-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter enzyme from Escherichia coli and fluorescent proteins derived primarily from the green fluorescent protein (GFP) of the jellyfish Aequorea victoria. GUS is useful primarily as a tag to address nuclear localization, whereas GFP is more versatile. Moreover, GFP is detectable directly in living cells, whereas GUS is only detected indirectly by staining of fixed tissue. This may lead to artifacts or it may obscure problems with protein solubility. In this protocol, protein localization is routinely assayed after particle-mediated transient transformation of onion epidermal cells. With this method it can be determined rapidly whether a given fusion protein is active, and preliminary targeting data can be obtained.
Transgene Expression in Regenerated Roots: Figure 1.
Authors: Malamy Jocelyn
Published: February 2007

INTRODUCTION

This procedure, which uses a root transformation protocol, provides a rapid method for assessing gene expression in Arabidopsis roots. It is useful for testing promoter:reporter gene constructs, for expressing genes, the overexpression of which is lethal in whole plants, and for transforming the roots of plants that are recalcitrant to conventional transformation techniques. The protocol has been used successfully with Ws, No-0, and RLD ecotypes.
Transient Expression in Protoplasts
Authors: Katagiri Fumiaki
Published: February 2007

INTRODUCTION

The study of transient gene expression provides a useful complement to the study of stably transformed plants. Transient assays offer a quick method of testing the effects of genes, using either phenotypic, molecular, or biochemical readouts. Transient assays based on Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of leaf explants have been described for other plant species, but it is not known how well these assays work in Arabidopsis. Alternatives include transient expression in protoplasts or in regenerating roots. The latter is especially suitable for investigating root-specific gene function.
Reproductive cycle of the blacknose shark Carcharhinus acronotus in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Sulikowski J. A. , Driggers W. B. , Ford T. S. , Boonstra R. K. , Carlson J. K.
Published: February 2007

The reproductive periodicity of blacknose sharks Carcharhinus acronotus in the northern Gulf of Mexico was determined by examining reproductive tissues from specimens collected monthly from 2002 to 2005. Monthly changes in shell gland mass, right ovary mass and ovarian follicle diameter were assessed for 74 mature females. Temporal changes in testes mass, testes width and proportion of mature spermatocysts were examined for 64 mature males. Trends in female reproductive tissues suggested an annual peak in reproductive activity during June and July, while trends in male variables suggested an annual reproductive peak during May and June. Although male and female reproductive activity peaked in different months, a strong synchronicity existed between the proportion of mature spermatocysts and the diameter of the largest ovarian follicle. Based on these results, the mating season of blacknose sharks lasts from mid‐May to July in the Gulf of Mexico. Maximum embryo sizes were observed in May, which suggested that partition occurs during late May or early June. Results indicate that blacknose sharks have a clearly defined annual cycle in the Gulf of Mexico. This conclusion is further supported by the complete absence of gravid females without vitellogenic ovarian follicles among all mature females examined.
Field evidence for bi‐directional sex change in the polygynous gobiid fish Trimma okinawae
Authors: Manabe H. , Ishimura M. , Shinomiya A. , Sunobe T.
Published: February 2007

The social condition of bi‐directional sex change in the gobiid fish Trimma okinawae was investigated at Akamizu Beach, Kagoshima, Japan. Social groups of T. okinawae usually consisted of a large male and one or more smaller females. The number of females in the group was positively correlated with male body size and groups were usually separated from each other by 1–3 m. In total, 22 instances of female‐to‐male sex change and three instances of male‐to‐female sex change were observed during the 16 months that social groups were monitored. Two individuals changed sex twice: female to male and back to female. Female‐to‐male sex change occurred when the male disappeared from a group. Either the largest remaining female changed sex to male or a large female from another group immigrated and changed sex to male. Larger individuals appear to benefit from becoming male because they can monopolize the breeding opportunities with several females, as reported in other protogynous fishes. Sex change from male‐to‐female only occurred when a solitary male joined another group as a subordinate. Mortality rates are high in these small fish, therefore joining another group and reproducing as a female is likely to increase the reproductive value of a solitary male.
Olfactomedin 4 promotes S‐phase transition in proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Kobayashi Daisuke , Koshida Saori , Moriai Ryosuke , Tsuji Naoki , Watanabe Naoki
Published: February 2007

Induction of olfactomedin 4 (OLFM4GW112/hGC‐1) in cancer cells was recently reported to have a novel antiapoptotic action via binding to the potent apoptosis inducer GRIM‐19. We sought to clarify undiscovered functions of constitutively expressed OLFM4 in cancer cells. OLFM4 mRNA was highly expressed in pancreatic cancer tissues. In PANC‐1 cell cultures, expression was especially elevated during early S phase of the cell cycle. Transduction of small interfering RNA for OLFM4 to decrease mRNA expression caused time‐dependent growth inhibition, with typical early S‐phase arrest after 6 days. In addition, cell volume increased without increases in multinucleated cells, consistent with premitotic inhibition of DNA synthesis. Inhibition of OLFM4 mRNA expression by small interfering RNA did not promote apoptosis. Taken together, the results indicate that OLFM4 promotes proliferation of PANC‐1 cells by favoring transition from the S to G2/M phase. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 334–340)
Down‐regulation of sialidase NEU4 may contribute to invasive properties of human colon cancers
Authors: Yamanami Hideaki , Shiozaki Kazuhiro , Wada Tadashi , Yamaguchi Kazunori , Uemura Takuji , Kakugawa Yoichiro , Hujiya Tsuneaki , Miyagi Taeko
Published: February 2007

In mammalian cells, four types of sialidase have been described and found to behave in different ways during carcinogenesis. We previously demonstrated that a human sialidase associated with plasma membranes (NEU3) is up‐regulated in human colon cancer and is involved in suppression of apoptosis. Here we document altered expression of another human sialidase, the recently identified NEU4, and evidence of its influence on the malignant phenotype in colon cancers. Human colon mucosa was relatively rich in NEU4, which has been observed to possess short and long isoforms, but hardly contained the latter form. In clear contrast to the NEU3 case, the levels of mRNA for this sialidase were found by quantitative RT‐PCR to be markedly decreased in colon cancers. In cultured human colon cancer cells, the enzyme was up‐regulated in the early stage of apoptosis induced by either the death ligand TRAIL or serum‐depletion, and transfection of NEU4 resulted in acceleration of apoptosis and in decreased invasion and motility. The siRNA‐mediated NEU4 targeting, on the other hand, caused a significant inhibition of apoptosis and promotion of invasion and motility. Lectin blot analyses revealed that desialylated forms of nearly 100 kDa glycoproteins were prominently increased with PNA in NEU4 transfectants, whereas only slight changes in glycolipids were detected as assessed by thin layer chromatography. These results suggest that NEU4 plays important roles for maintenance of normal mucosa mostly through desialylation of glycoproteins and that down‐regulation may contribute to invasive properties of colon cancers. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 299–307)
Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) protein regulates epithelial cell migration and morphogenesis via PDZ domain‐based interactions with plasma membranes
Authors: Mimori‐Kiyosue Yuko , Matsui Chiyuki , Sasaki Hiroyuki , Tsukita Shoichiro
Published: February 2007

The tumor suppressor adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) protein is localized at the plus ends of microtubules (MTs) at the migrating edges of cells. Here, we established Xenopus A6 epithelial cell transfectants expressing GFP‐fused full‐length APC (GFP‐fAPC) or truncated APC lacking the COOH‐terminal PDZ‐binding motif TSV (GFP‐APC(ΔTSV)). Although both APC proteins were similarly accumulated at the MT ends, GFP‐fAPC, but not GFP‐APC(ΔTSV), was associated with the basal and lateral plasma membranes and co‐localized with a PDZ protein, DLG1. Stable over‐expression of GFP‐fAPC enforced cell–substrate attachment and thereby enhanced cell spreading on the substratum and induced polarized extension of lamellipodia and MTs during scratch‐induced migration. Truncation of the PDZ‐binding motif was sufficient to abolish these effects of GFP‐fAPC. Furthermore, expression of GFP‐APC(ΔTSV) disturbed the establishment of a continuous epithelial monolayer. These results suggest that APC links MTs to plasma membranes through interactions with PDZ proteins, such that the migration and morphogenesis of epithelial cells can be properly regulated.
Vlgr1 is required for proper stereocilia maturation of cochlear hair cells
Authors: Yagi Hideshi , Tokano Hisashi , Maeda Mitsuyo , Takabayashi Tetsuji , Nagano Takashi , Kiyama Hiroshi , Fujieda Shigeharu , Kitamura Ken , Sato Makoto
Published: February 2007

Very large G‐protein coupled receptor (Vlgr1b) is the largest known G‐protein coupled receptor. Its function is unknown, although mice with deletion of Vlgr1 (Vlgr1b together with other splicing variants, Vlgr1c, Vlgr1d and Vlgr1e) are known to exhibit audiogenic seizure susceptibility and VLGR1 is reported to be the gene responsible for Usher type 2C syndrome. We demonstrated here that Vlgr1‐mutated mice suffered from a hearing defect because of inner ear dysfunction, as indicated by auditory brainstem response (ABR) and distortion product oto‐acoustic emissions (DPOAE). The expression of Vlgr1 was identified in the developing hair cells perinatally, and the translated products were seen to be localized in the base of stereocilia on hair cells using confocal microscopy. This Vlgr1 localization was limited to the base of stereocilia within approximately 200–400 nm from the apical surface of hair cells, as shown by immunoelectron microscopy. The Vlgr1‐mutated mice exhibited malformation of the stereocilia; the cochlear hair bundles were apparently normal at birth but then became disarranged at postnatal day 8. Furthermore, the stereocilia in the mutant mice became slanted and disarranged thereafter. These results indicate that loss of Vlgr1 resulted in abnormal development of stereocilia formation.
Nurses’ involvement in ‘do not resuscitate’ decisions on acute elder care wards
Authors: De Gendt Cindy , Bilsen Johan , Vander Stichele Robert , Van Den Noortgate Nele , Lambert Margareta , Deliens Luc
Published: February 2007

Title. Nurses’ involvement in ‘do not resuscitate’ decisions on acute elder care wards

Aim.  This paper reports the involvement of nurses in ‘do not resuscitate’ decision‐making on acute elder care wards and their adherence to such decisions in the case of an actual cardiopulmonary arrest.

Background.  Previous literature showed that nurses are involved in half or less than half of ‘do not resuscitate’ decisions in hospitals, but their involvement in this decision‐making on acute elder care wards in particular has not been investigated.

Method.  A questionnaire was sent in 2002 to the head nurses of all acute elder care wards in Flanders, Belgium (n = 94). They were asked whether nurses had been involved in the last ‘do not resuscitate’ decision‐making process on their ward and whether nurses ‘never’, ‘rarely’, ‘sometimes’, ‘often’ or ‘always’ started resuscitation in case of cardiopulmonary arrest of patients with ‘do not resuscitate’ status and of those without.

Results.  The response rate was 86·2% (n = 81). In 74·7% of the last ‘do not resuscitate’ decisions on acute elder care wards in Flanders, a nurse was involved in the decision‐making process. For patients with ‘do not resuscitate’ status, 54·3% of respondents reported that cardiopulmonary resuscitation was ‘never’ started on their ward, ‘rarely’ on 39·5% and ‘sometimes’ on 6·2%. For patients without ‘do not resuscitate’ status, nurses started cardiopulmonary resuscitation ‘rarely’ or ‘sometimes’ on 22·2% of all wards, and ‘often’ or ‘always’ on 77·8%.

Conclusion.  To make appropriate ‘do not resuscitate’ decisions and to avoid rash decision‐making in cases of actual cardiopulmonary arrest, nurses should be involved early in ‘do not resuscitate’ decision‐making. If institutional ‘do not resuscitate’ guidelines were to stress more clearly the important role of nurses in all kinds of end‐of‐life decisions, this might improve the ‘do not resuscitate’ decision‐making process.
A concept analysis of routine: relevance to nursing
Authors: Zisberg Anna , Young Heather M. , Schepp Karen , Zysberg Leehu
Published: February 2007

Title. A concept analysis of routine: relevance to nursing

Aim. This paper reports a concept analysis identifying the attributes, antecedents and consequences of the concept of routine and examining the implications and applications of this concept in the field of nursing.

Background. Routine may be a pivotal concept in understanding functional adaptation and wellbeing. Nurses in institutional settings work according to scheduled routines, patient care is largely orchestrated in routines set by organizations and regulations, and persons receiving care have their own life routines determining identity, capacities and frame of reference. However, to date, nursing has paid little attention to the relevance of routine and the role it may play in patient care.

Method. A concept analysis was conducted using Rodgers’ guidelines. The literature search was based on the following databases: PsycInfo, CINAHL, MedLine, Social Services, and Social Work abstracts. To be included in the analysis, papers had to relate directly and essentially to the concept of routine. Seventy‐four papers published from 1977 to 2005 were included in the final stage of the analysis. The analysis included target populations, disciplinary perspectives, type of manuscript, themes and definitions, theoretical models, antecedents and consequences, as well as related terms.

Results. Routine is a concept pertaining to strategically designed behavioural patterns (conscious and subconscious) and is used to organize and coordinate activities along different axes of time, duration, social and physical contexts, sequence and order. It emerges from the literature as a strategy that serves adaptation, in general, especially in the face of change and stressful situations. The conceptual structure, relations with other concepts, antecedents and consequences are described.

Conclusion. The concept of routine is ill‐defined and seldom used in the field of nursing, despite the promise it may hold for a better understanding of a wide range of health‐related issues. This concept analysis offers an integrative view of routine and suggests directions for future research and practice.
Development and evaluation of a yoga exercise programme for older adults
Authors: Chen Kuei‐Min , Tseng Wei‐Shyuan , Ting Li‐Fen , Huang Gwo‐Feng
Published: February 2007

Title. Development and evaluation of a yoga exercise programme for older adults

Aim.  This study reports the development and evaluation of a new yoga exercise programme for older adults, called the Silver Yoga Programme.

Background.  Yoga practice is associated with numerous health improvements, including reduced cardiovascular risk, body mass index and blood pressure. Yoga is also associated with improved respiration, psychological health and pain management. Studies have suggested the beneficial effects of yoga in the older population.

Method.  The study was conducted in 2005 and it had two phases. Phase I consisted of sending a survey to 10 experts to help develop the Silver Yoga Programme. A hard copy and a video containing detailed descriptions and demonstrations of the programme were then sent to the experts for review and critique regarding the clarity and feasibility of the yoga postures. Phase II was an enquiry into older adults’ views on the programme using a quantitative evaluation and semi‐structured qualitative inquiry. Fourteen women participants from a senior activity centre were interviewed individually after 1 month of Silver Yoga group practice, three times per week, 70 minutes per session. They were asked to evaluate the appropriateness of postures based on the criteria of difficulty, acceptability, feasibility and helpfulness. Five open‐ended questions asked participants to reflect on their yoga experiences.

Results.  Participants’ mean ratings of the acceptability, feasibility and helpfulness of the four aspects of the programme (warm‐up, Hatha yoga, relaxation and guided‐imagery meditation) ranged from 8·8 ± 1·9 to 9·3 ± 1·5; mean ratings of the difficulty of the programme revealed that relaxation and guided‐imagery meditation were fairly easy to follow (0·1 ± 0·3 and 0·1 ± 0·3 respectively), but the postures in the Hatha yoga were relatively challenging (2·1 ± 2·6).

Conclusion.  The Silver Yoga Programme should undergo further pilot‐testing with larger samples of older adults before it is taken up internationally as a health‐promotion activity for older adults.
The role of clinical support workers in reducing junior doctors’ hours and improving quality of patient care
Authors: Herbertson Rebecca , Blundell Adrian , Bowman Christine
Published: February 2007

Aim  The aim of the study was to see if the introduction of clinical support workers (CSWs) at a teaching hospital could reduce the medical work intensity for junior doctors without compromising the quality of patient care.

Background  The ‘New Deal’ and ‘European Working Time Directive’ have prompted hospitals to take a close look at junior doctors’ hours and work intensity in order to make posts compliant. Following the Department of Health’s publication ‘reducing junior doctors’ hours’, it was felt that certain clinical duties could be shared with nursing staff.

Methods  Two audits were undertaken 8 months apart. The first was to determine the areas where the introduction of CSW would make the biggest impact. The second was to determine if this impact had had an effect on the intensity of work carried out by the junior doctors.

Findings  The CSW greatly reduced the number of cannulations and venepunctures performed by the doctors without any compromise to patient care.

Relevance to clinical practice  This study shows that other allied health professionals can be trained to carry out certain tasks that previously were only performed by doctors. This not only reduces the impact on junior doctors’ hours but can also improve patient care, with fewer delays encountered when patients are waiting for a procedure.
Cancer genetics: consultants’ perceptions of their roles, confidence and satisfaction with knowledge
Authors: McCann Siobhan , MacAuley Domhnall , Barnett Yvonne , Bunting Brendan , Bradley Aoife , Jeffers Lisa , Morrison Patrick J.
Published: February 2007

Rationale, aims and objectives  Genetic testing for susceptibility for common cancers is widely available. Cancer specialists and specialists in other areas may have a role in identifying and referring patients who would benefit from a consultation with a specialist in genetics. This study aimed to find out which consultants believed that genetic testing was relevant to their practice. We also wanted to determine their views of their roles in relation to genetic testing, their confidence in these roles, and the value of different educational tools.

Methods  This was a self‐completed, cross‐sectional, postal survey of all the consultants in Northern Ireland (n = 520, response rate = 59.3%) identified from the Central Services Agency list.

Results  Three hundred and ninety questionnaires were returned (44%). A total of 28.6% did not complete the questionnaire stating that genetics was not relevant to their practice. Few consultants reported having consultations related to genetic disease, receiving training in genetics and referring to genetics services. There was some dissatisfaction with their current knowledge of genetics and they believed that guidelines and educational tools may be useful. The respondents lacked confidence in undertaking some of their roles. Through their responses to the cancer scenarios, these consultants showed that they would offer appropriate advice and referrals. Many consultants did not know if family history information should be provided to insurance companies.

Conclusions  Some consultants may require further training to enable them to fulfil their roles in relation to genetics. Tools or guidelines to assist with referral decisions may also be useful. Consultants may need clearer guidance regarding the provision of family history information to insurance companies.
Direct probing of solvent‐induced charge degradation in polypropylene electret fibres via electrostatic force microscopy
Authors: KIM J. , JASPER W. , HINESTROZA J.
Published: February 2007

Electrostatic force microscopy was used to directly probe solvent‐induced charge degradation in electret filter media. Electrostatic force gradient images of individual polypropylene electret fibres were used to quantify the extent of charge degradation caused by the immersion of the fibres into isopropanol. Electrostatic force gradient images were obtained by monitoring the shifts in phase and frequency between the oscillations of the biased atomic force microscopy (AFM) cantilever and those of the piezoelectric driver. Electrostatic force microscopy measurements were performed using non‐contact scans at a constant tip‐sample separation of 75 nm with varied bias voltages applied to the cantilever. Mathematical expressions, based on the capacitance of the tip‐sample system, were used to model the phase and frequency shifts as functions of the applied bias voltage to the tip and the offset voltage due to the fibre's charge. Quantitative agreement between the experimental data and the simplified model was observed.
The role of schizogenesis in population dynamics of Timarete filigera (Polychaeta: Cirratulidae): 2‐years observations in the Port of Bari (South Adriatic Sea)
Authors: Gherardi Miriam , Sciscioli Margherita , Lepore Elena , Todisco Giuseppina , Giangrande Adriana
Published: February 2007

Different aspects of reproductive biology of the polychaete Timarete filigera (Delle Chiaje) were studied during a period of 2 years (from September 2002 to August 2003 and from September 2004 to August 2005). Timarete filigera specimens were collected monthly in the port of Bari (South Adriatic Sea, Mediterranean Sea). For population analysis, regenerating and entire specimens were separately analyzed, the regenerating individuals were assigned to different categories related to the region of the body from which they derived. Regenerating individuals were present throughout the year. There were three to four times more individuals deriving from the middle part than the anterior and posterior regenerating portions. From the high percentage of regenerating individuals observed in the T. filigera population, it can be supposed that this species reproduces mainly asexually by schizogenesis. However, histological analysis revealed the presence of female gametes in a few individuals. In contrast, males were never collected, probably due to the limited number of reproductive individuals collected. The abundance has shown wide fluctuations during the year, with a decrease from Winter to Spring. The analysis of the size‐frequency histograms has shown a growing phase of whole specimens from Spring to Winter. The life cycle of the investigated species is discussed with the hypothesis that strategies could be linked to the colonized environments, agamic reproduction coupled with sexual reproduction assures the presence and expansion of the population after the colonization by a limited number of larvae.
Onychomycosis
Authors: Seebacher C. , Brasch J. , Abeck D. , Cornely O. , Effendy I. , Ginter‐Hanselmayer G. , Haake N. , Hamm G. , Hipler U.‐Ch. , Hof H. , Korting H. C. , Mayser P. , Ruhnke M. , Schlacke K.‐H. , Tietz H.‐J.
Published: February 2007

The guideline on onychomycosis, as passed by the responsible German medical societies, is presented in the present study.
Absent reduction by HIV protease inhibitors of Candida albicans adhesion to endothelial cells
Authors: Falkensammer Barbara , Pilz Georg , Bektić Jasmin , Imwidthaya Pankorn , Jöhrer Karin , Speth Cornelia , Lass‐Flörl Cornelia , Dierich Manfred P. , Würzner Reinhard
Published: February 2007

Highly active antiretroviral therapy including HIV protease inhibitors has led to a marked reduction of clinically relevant mucosal candidiasis. We have previously shown that HIV protease inhibitors directly inhibit adhesion of Candida albicans to epithelial cells at concentrations that are reached in vivo during antiretroviral therapy. The aim of this study was to establish whether HIV protease inhibitors also inhibit adhesion of Candida to endothelial cells, which play a major role in systemic fungal disease. Three C. albicans strains were incubated with human umbilical vein endothelial cells or an endothelial cell line in the presence of either Ritonavir, Saquinavir or Indinavir. Subsequently, adherence was determined by counting colony‐forming units. The results were comparable and revealed that Ritonavir and Saquinavir significantly inhibited adherence to endothelial cells at only very high concentrations which are likely not reached in vivo, and Indinavir did not even inhibit then. Inhibition of adhesion of C. albicans to human cells by HIV protease inhibitors is not a general feature, but strongly cell type‐dependent, and clearly not observed for endothelial cells in vitro, which are a main target of systemic candidiasis in vivo.
A diallel analysis of various traits in winter triticale
Authors: Herrmann M.
Published: February 2007

In triticale, preharvest sprouting tolerance is important for yield stability and quality of the grain. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to estimate quantitative genetic parameters of preharvest sprouting tolerance in triticale using a diallel of eight modern triticale cultivars and breeding lines. The 28 F1‐hybrids and the parents were planted in the breeding nurseries in 2001 and 2002 at four locations. Heading, plant height, falling numbers of two harvest dates, thousand kernel weight (TKW) and preharvest sprouting (Spr) were measured. The heritabilities for plant height and TKW were the highest with 0.91 and 0.85, respectively. Falling number and sprouting showed heritabilities between 0.66 and 0.83. Mid‐parent heterosis (MPHET) was negative for heading, indicating a non‐significant earlier heading of the F1‐hybrids. In plant height and TKW the heterosis was positive with 4.7% and 6.3% MPHET. Both falling numbers displayed a negative MPHET of nearly −15%. In contrast to falling numbers, the preharvest sprouting of hybrids was slightly reduced in comparison with the parents. In all traits analysed, general combining ability (GCA)‐variances were greater than specific combining ability (SCA)‐variances.
Plant regeneration through callus initiation from mature embryo of Triticum
Authors: Bi R. M. , Kou M. , Chen L. G. , Mao S. R. , Wang H. G.
Published: February 2007

The behaviour of diverse Triticum genotypes in the tissue culture response of mature embryo callus was compared, and factors affecting tissue culture response were studied in this paper. Significant differences were detected in callus induction, embryogenic callus differentiation, plantlet regeneration and culture efficiency when mature embryos of 31 plants of different Triticum species were compared. These were the main wheat cultivars of the Chinese northern winter‐type wheat region and breeding lines (Triticum aestivum L.), durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.), cultivable emmer wheat (Triticumdicoccum Schuble) and the common wheat progenitors Triticum dicoccoides and Triticum aegilopides. The genotype dependency was particularly high in tissue culture of mature embryos of these Triticum genotypes. The efficiency of induction, differentiation and regeneration of mature embryos callus was high in genotypes selected out. Mature embryo‐derived callus of HB341, TS021, SN2618, T. dicoccum, HB188, and T9817 showed better tissue culture response than the other genotypes. Plantlets can be regenerated from mature embryo‐derived callus of 31 genotypes, saving on growth facility resources and time required for the collection of other explants, and providing a solid basis for the genetic transformation and molecular plant breeding of Triticum plants.
Nestin expression as a new marker in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors
Authors: Shimada Satoko , Tsuzuki Toyonori , Kuroda Makoto , Nagasaka Tetsuro , Hara Kazuo , Takahashi Emiko , Hayakawa Seijun , Ono Kenzo , Maeda Nagako , Mori Naoyoshi , Illei Peter B.
Published: February 2007

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) can be difficult to diagnose because it lacks specific immunohistochemical markers. S‐100, which is a useful marker of MPNST, has limited diagnostic utility. Recent studies suggest that nestin, which is an intermediate filament protein, is expressed in neuroectodermal stem cells. The diagnostic utility of immunostains for nestin and three other neural markers (S‐100, CD56 and protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5)) were evaluated in 35 cases of MPNST and in other spindle cell tumors. All MPNST cases were strongly positive for nestin and had cytoplasmic staining. Stains for S‐100, CD56, and PGP 9.5 were positive in fewer cases (17/35, 11/35, and 29/35 cases, respectively), and had less extensive staining. Nestin was negative in 10/10 leiomyomas, and weak nestin expression was seen in 10/10 schwannomas, 3/10 neurofibromas, 2/8 synovial sarcomas, 2/10 liposarcomas, 4/7 carcinosarcomas and 3/7 malignant fibrous histiocytomas. In contrast, strong nestin positivity was seen in 10/10 rhabdomyosarcomas, 15/19 leiomyosarcomas, and 9/9 desmoplastic melanomas. Nestin is more sensitive for MPNST than other neural markers and immunostains for nestin in combination with other markers could be useful in the diagnosis of MPNST.
Ontogenetic switches from plant resistance to tolerance: minimizing costs with age?
Authors: Boege Karina , Dirzo Rodolfo , Siemens David , Brown Paul
Published: February 2007

Changes in herbivory and resource availability during a plant's development should promote ontogenetic shifts in resistance and tolerance, if the costs and benefits of these basic strategies also change as plants develop. We proposed and tested a general model to detect the expression of ontogenetic tradeoffs for these two alternative anti‐herbivory strategies in Raphanus sativus. We found that ontogenetic trajectories occur in both resistance and tolerance but in opposite directions. The juvenile stage was more resistant but less tolerant than the reproductive stage. The ontogenetic switch from resistance to tolerance was consistent with the greater vulnerability of young plants to leaf damage and with the costs of resistance and tolerance found at each stage. We posit that the ontogenetic perspective presented here will be helpful in resolving the current debate on the existence and detection of a general resistance–tolerance tradeoff.
The impact of new screening protocol on individuals at increased risk of colorectal cancer
Authors: Mak T. , Senevrayar K. , Lalloo F. , Evans D. G. R. , Hill J.
Published: February 2007

Objective  Screening colonoscopy has been shown to reduce mortality and cancer stage in hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) individuals. However, the benefit of screening in intermediate risk groups is unknown. The most recent national guidelines have recommended a reduction of screening frequency for the intermediate risk group. Therefore, this study aims to compare the results of colonoscopic screening in HNPCC and intermediate risk groups and assess the effect of the most recent screening protocol recommendations.

Method  A total of 244 individuals; 108 from HNPCC families (28 mismatch repair gene carriers) and 136 from intermediate risk families were referred for regular colonoscopic screening by the Regional Genetics Service. Findings from 417 colonoscopies performed between 1992 and 2003 were evaluated.

Results  A total of three cancers, 39 adenomas and 41 hyperplastic polyps were found in the HNPCC group compared with one cancer, 22 adenomas and 19 hyperplasic polyps in the intermediate risk group. If the recent screening guidelines for the intermediate group were applied, then 89 (44%) fewer colonoscopies would have been performed. Although no cancers would have been missed, six adenomas (mean size = 5.7 mm, range 2–10 mm) with two graded as severely dysplasic and six hyperplastic polyps would not have been detected.

Conclusion  The detection rate and distribution of adenomas were similar in both groups. If the new colonoscopic screening recommendations for the intermediate risk group had been applied, a small number of significant lesions would have been missed.
Discordance between intramuscular triglyceride and insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle of Zucker diabetic rats after treatment with fenofibrate and rosiglitazone
Authors: Nadeau K. J. , Ehlers L. B. , Aguirre L. E. , Reusch J. E. B. , Draznin B.
Published: February 2007

Aim:  Intramyocellular triglyceride (IMTG) correlates with insulin resistance, but there is no clear causal relationship. Insulin resistance and associated hyperinsulinaemia may increase IMTG, via the insulin‐regulated transcription factor, sterol regulatory element–binding protein 1 (SREBP‐1). PPAR agonists may also affect IMTG via changes in insulin sensitivity, SREBP‐1 or other factors.

Methods:  We examined skeletal muscle IMTG and SREBP‐1 expression, and metabolic parameters in Zucker diabetic fatty rats (ZDF) after 25 weeks of PPAR‐γ or PPAR‐α administration.

Results:  Compared with Zucker lean rats (ZL), untreated ZDF had significantly higher weights, serum glucose, insulin, free fatty acids, total cholesterol and triglycerides. IMTG and SREBP‐1c messenger RNA (mRNA) were also higher in untreated ZDF; both were decreased by fenofibrate (FF). Rosiglitazone (Rosi), despite marked improvement in glycaemia, hyperinsulinaemia and hyperlipidaemia, failed to affect SREBP‐1 expression, and increased body weight and IMTG. Rosi/FF combination caused less weight gain and no IMTG increase, despite metabolic effects similar to Rosi alone.

Conclusions:  IMTG and SREBP‐1c mRNA are high in the ZDF. FF and Rosi both improved insulin sensitivity but had opposite effects on IMTG. Thus, there was a clear discordance between insulin sensitivity and IMTG with PPAR agonists, indicating that IMTG and insulin sensitivity do not share a simple relationship.
Molecular identification and phylogenetic relationships among the species of the genus Oligoryzomys (Rodentia, Cricetidae) present in Argentina, putative reservoirs of hantaviruses
Authors: Rivera Paula C. , Ittig Raúl E. González , Fraire Hernán J. Rossi , Levis Silvana , Gardenal Cristina N.
Published: February 2007

The systematics and geographical distribution of the species of Oligoryzomys present in Argentina are poorly known. From some of the species different hantavirus genotypes have been recovered. In order to contribute to the accurate identification of those species and to infer their phylogenetic relationships, we analysed data of restriction sites and sequences of the mtDNA d‐loop region. The samples used represent almost all Oligoryzomys species known to occur in Argentina. The trees obtained with the two types of data were similar, showing high bootstrap values for the majority of the nodes. Our results support the idea that the specific name Oligoryzomys longicaudatus should be applied only to individuals from the south of Argentina and Chile and confirm that O. nigripes and O. delticola are conspecific. Specimens identified as O. flavescens conform three related clades, probably belonging to a species complex. This study also emphasises that the use of a DNA fragment characterised by a high evolutionary rate compare with other mitochondrial segments as the d‐loop, was appropriate to infer the phylogenetic relationships in a group originated by a rapid speciation process. We also suggest the following modifications in the rodent–hantavirus relationships: the only viral genotype associated to O. longicaudatus would be Andes Sout, while O. chacoensis would be the natural host of the genotype Oran. One of the forms of the O. flavescens complex would be the natural host of the genotype Bermejo. Our data are consistent with the hypothesis that each hantavirus genotype is associated with a specific rodent host.
The Construction of the Myth of Survival
Authors: González de la Rocha Mercedes
Published: February 2007

A myth has come into being that the poor household/family is able to survive in spite of a lack of resources and the presence of macroeconomic policies that foster unemployment and poverty. It has an accompanying fable that tells of how the poor manage to implement survival strategies that are based on their endless capacity to work, to consume less and to be part of mutual help networks. This myth has become a useful tool for policy makers as they design more aggressive neoliberal economic adjustment policies. This contribution examines anthropological and sociological insights regarding the life of the poor and the organization of their households, in which women's paid and unpaid work is an integral part. Through the lens of a researcher in the field of urban poverty and household organization, the article re‐examines the fable of the good survivor. Evidence debunks the myth, showing that the optimistic message of this fable does not match with the realities of the impact of economic change on women's lives. But the myth is sustained, as this more negative story is not one that supra‐national policy actors want to hear.
“Who's Going to Man the Factories and be the Sexual Slaves if we all get PhDs?” Democratizing Knowledge Production, Pedagogy, and the Detroit Geographical Expedition and Institute
Authors: Heyman Rich
Published: February 2007

Identifying a policy/activism dichotomy in critical geography debates about political engagement, this paper uses the Detroit Geographical Expedition and Institute (DGEI) as a way to think about teaching as an alternative response for left geographers. By focusing on the DGEI's commitment to expanding access to knowledge production, not simply the dissemination of knowledge, the paper highlights the radical potential of a key form of academic work, teaching, but reconceived as a radically democratic project aimed at breaking the cycle of expert knowledge production. This potential has largely been marginalized in the development of radical geography, but it has been carried forward, latently, in much of the best thinking about the democratic possibilities of knowledge production, namely feminist discussions of situated knowledges. The paper argues that revisiting the DGEI helps to push those discussions further and restore teaching as a central concern of radical geography's project of promoting social justice.
Nature's Materiality and the Circuitous Paths of Accumulation: Dispossession of Freshwater Fisheries in Cambodia
Authors: Sneddon Chris
Published: February 2007

This paper examines recent conflicts over freshwater fisheries in Cambodia using the notion of accumulation through dispossession as a conceptual starting point. Despite a recent material turn, theoretical literature on the political economy of the environment has only partially incorporated an ecologically nuanced view of nature into analyses of its transformation under processes of capital accumulation. The biophysical characteristics of riverine fisheries are predicated on the ecohydrologic dynamics of water flows, and these characteristics dictate strategies of appropriation for both subsistence and commercial use. The complexity of these material characteristics is compounded in the case of Cambodian fisheries, where an array of state‐ and market‐driven processes promote the dispossession of resources and constrain the livelihood opportunities of rural communities dependent on fishing. Theories of capital accumulation and how accumulation induces socioecological conflicts can be very useful, firstly, for explaining the origins of environmental conflicts and, secondly, for grounding the analysis of such conflicts in the politics of accumulation as mediated by state actors. Conversely, theoretical framings of primitive accumulation must examine the “things” being accumulated (eg riverine fisheries) in far more biophysically specific ways, and must recognize the circuitous pathways, particularly in cases involving developmental states, that strategies of accumulation follow.
How can Asian social psychology succeed globally?†
Authors: Chiu Chi‐yue
Published: February 2007

The present article is inspired by the provocative ideas of Atsumi, Hofstede, Leung, and Ward expressed in this Special Issue on the past achievements, current status, and future opportunities and challenges of Asian social psychology as an international (vs a regional) endeavour. I believe that the success of Asian social psychology as a new voice and emerging perspective in social psychology hinges upon several factors: (i) adoption of an international (vs regional) outlook; (ii) not letting arbitrary geographical or intellectual boundaries restrict creative expansion of research ideas; and (iii) striving to craft a global identity with an Asian character by developing communicable theories that describe and explain important Asian social psychological phenomena for the benefits of Asia and beyond.
The Impact of Liberalizing Trade in Services on Trade in Goods: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Blyde Juan , Sinyavskaya Natalia
Published: February 2007

In this paper we use a large dataset to explore whether the liberalization of trade in services is beneficial for the international trade in goods. We find empirical evidence supporting this notion. We investigate which types of trade in services are more important for the international trade in goods and find that trade in transportation and communication services generate the largest impacts on trade in goods. We also investigate which types of trade in goods are likely to benefit from the liberalization of trade in services and find that, under the 2‐digit ISTC classification, all the categories are likely to exhibit a positive impact.
Bayesian Survival Analysis in Proportional Hazard Models with Logistic Relative Risk
Authors: DE BLASI PIERPAOLO , HJORT NILS LID
Published: February 2007

Abstract. The traditional Cox proportional hazards regression model uses an exponential relative risk function. We argue that under various plausible scenarios, the relative risk part of the model should be bounded, suggesting also that the traditional model often might overdramatize the hazard rate assessment for individuals with unusual covariates. This motivates our working with proportional hazards models where the relative risk function takes a logistic form. We provide frequentist methods, based on the partial likelihood, and then go on to semiparametric Bayesian constructions. These involve a Beta process for the cumulative baseline hazard function and any prior with a density, for example that dictated by a Jeffreys‐type argument, for the regression coefficients. The posterior is derived using machinery for Lévy processes, and a simulation recipe is devised for sampling from the posterior distribution of any quantity. Our methods are illustrated on real data. A Bernshteĭn–von Mises theorem is reached for our class of semiparametric priors, guaranteeing asymptotic normality of the posterior processes.
Effects of Opportunities for Word Retrieval During Second Language Vocabulary Learning
Authors: Barcroft Joe
Published: February 2007

Research suggests that memory for an item improves when one is allowed to retrieve the item (Slamecka & Graf, 1978). This study explored benefits of providing opportunities for target‐word retrieval during second language vocabulary learning. English speakers studied new Spanish words while viewing 24 word‐picture pairs. They first viewed all 24 pairs. They then viewed 12 pairs with a 6‐s lag between each picture and its word so that they could attempt to retrieve the word in their mind. The other 12 pairs were presented without the lag. Posttests were administered immediately, 2 days later, and 1 week later. Results indicated higher scores in the retrieval‐oriented condition. This positive effect was maintained across significant decreases in scores over time.
Correlation Between Genetic Variations in Hox Clusters and Hirschsprung's Disease
Authors: Garcia‐Barceló M. M. , Miao X. , Lui V. C. H. , So M. T. , Ngan E. S. W. , Leon T. Y. Y. , Lau D. K. C. , Liu T. T. , Lao X. , Guo W. , Holden W. T. , Moore J. , Tam P. K. H.
Published: February 2007

Interactions between migrating neural crest cells and the environment of the gut are crucial for the development of the enteric nervous system (ENS). A key signalling mediator is the RET‐receptor‐tyrosine‐kinase which, when defective, causes Hirschprung's disease (HSCR, colon aganglionosis). RET mutations alone cannot account for the variable HSCR phenotype, invoking interactions with as yet unknown, and probably inter‐related, loci involved in ENS development. Homeobox (HOX) genes have a major role in gut development as depicted by the enteric Hox code. We investigated whether DNA alterations in HOX genes, either alone or in combination with RET, are implicated in HSCR. Genotyping effort was minimized by applying the HapMap data on Han Chinese from Beijing (CHB). 194 HSCR patients and 168 controls were genotyped using Sequenom technology for 72 tag, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) distributed along the HOX clusters. The HapMap frequencies were compared to those in our population and standard statistics were used for frequency comparisons. The multifactor‐dimensionality‐reduction method was used for multilocus analysis, in which RET promoter SNP genotypes were included. Genetic interactions were found between two HOX loci (5′‐HOXA13 and 3′UTR‐HOXB7) and the RET loci tested. Minor allele frequencies (MAF) of the SNPs tested in our sample were not significantly different from those reported by HapMap when the sample sizes of the populations compared were considered. This is the first evaluation of the HOX genes in HSCR and the first application of HapMap data in a Chinese population. The interacting HOX loci may affect the penetrance of the RET risk allele. HapMap data for the CHB population correlated well with the general Chinese population.