bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of host spacing on the clutch size and parasitization rate of Trichogramma minutum
Authors: Schmidt J. M. , Smith J. J. B.
Published: May 2011

The clutch size of the parasitoid wasp Trichogramma minutum Riley (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) is in part adjusted in response to the spatial distribution of its insect egg hosts. This paper describes the effects on progeny allocation of differences in the distance separating single hosts, and a possible mechanism is proposed. The number of progeny laid into a single host decreases with reduced interhost distance. The effect is not due to superparasitism of more widely spaced hosts, since single hosts which the wasps are allowed to parasitize only once receive only as many eggs as the most widely spaced host. Furthermore, no correlation was found between the number of hosts parasitized and the mean clutch size for each wasp, indicating that the wasps do not simply reduce progeny allocation with successive host encounters. Instead, the wasps may use a measure of the frequency of host encounter, for example the time or distance between hosts, as a cue to set cluch size. Comparisons of clutch size for first and second hosts parasitized showed that there is an initial large reduction in clutch size, after which all subsequent hosts parasitized are allocated a constant, reduced number of progeny. The implications of changes in clutch size for the parasitization rate of the wasps are discussed.

Die Bestimmung der Wirtsdichte durch die parasitische Wespe Trichogramma minutum.

Bei der parasitischen Wespe Trichogramma minutum hängt die Menge abgelegter Eier teilweise von der räumlichen Verteilung seines Insektenwirtes ab. In dieser Arbeit wird der Einfluss von unterschiedlichen Abständen zwischen den Wirtstieren auf die Anzahl von Nachkommen pro Ei beschrieben und mögliche Mechanismen zur Bestimmung der Wirtsdichte vorgeschlagen. Die Anzahl von Nachkommen pro Wirtsei verringert sich mit kleiner werdendem Abstand zwischen den Wirtseiern. Es wird vermutet dass die Wespen ein Mass für die Häufigkeit von Wirtsbegegnungen, z.B. Zeit oder Abstand zwischen Wirten als Schlüssel für die Bestimmung der Menge von Nachkommen benutzen. Diese Erscheinung kann nicht auf Superparasitismus von weiter entfernten Wirten zurückgeführt werden. Einzelne Wirte, die nur einmal von den Wespen parasitiert werden durften, erhielten die gleiche Anzahl von Eiern, wie die am weitesten verteilten Wirte. Darüber hinaus wurde kein Zusammenhang zwischen der Anzahl parasitierter Wirte und der durchschnittlichen Grösse der Nachkommenschaft pro Wespe gefunden. Das weist darauf hin, dass die Wespen nicht einfach mit jeder weiteren Wirtsbegegnung ihre Menge zugewiesener Nachkommen verringern. Schliesslich wird der Einfluss von unterschiedlicher Anzahl von Nachkommen auf die Wirtsmortalität diskutiert.
Effects of intraspecific larval competition on the development of the African buffalo fly Haematobia thirouxi potans
Authors: Doube Bernard M. , Moola Farida
Published: May 2011

The effects of larval crowding on development, survival and size of the African buffalo fly, Haematobia thirouxi potans (Bezzi), were examined in small (10 or 20 g) and 1000 g masses of cattle dung in the laboratory at 25°C. Dung was infested with fly eggs at densities which ranged from 0.05 to 32.0 eggs per g dung; in most cases 90–100% of eggs hatched. The duration of larval development in 10 g dung masses was extended by larval crowding at densities above 0.8 eggs per g dung and the development period with 32 eggs per g dung (11 days) was double that observed in uncrowded dung masses. Both size and survival decreased with increasing larval density, but stunting was observed at lower densities than those which reduced survival and so size was the more sensitive index of the adequacy of the larval environment. The effects of larval crowding became evident at lower larval densities in the 1000 g dung masses than in the 10 g dung masses. There was a minimum size below which third instar larvae failed to pupariate. The probability of survival was related to pupal size and a high proportion of the smaller individuals failed to eclose.

Effets de la competition intraspécifique sur le développement des larves, la taille des pupes et la survie d'Haematobia thirouxi potans

Les effets du surpeuplement larvaire sur le développement, la survie et la taille d'Haematobia thirouxi potans, ont été examinés sur de petites quantités de bouse (10 et 20 g) et de plus importantes (1000 g), au laboratoire à 25°C. Les bouses étaient contaminées avec des oeufs de la mouche à des densités de 0,05 à 32 oeufs par gramme de bouse. Dans la plupart des cas le taux d'éclosion était de 90–100%. La durée du développement larvaire dans 10 g de bouse a été prolongée pour les densités supérieures a 0,8 oeuf per g, et la durée développement pour 32 oeufs per g (11 jours) était le double de celle obtenue grand il n'y avait pas surpeuplement. La taille et la survie diminuent toutes les deux avec la densité larvaire, mais la miniaturisation était observée à des densités où la survie n'était pas modifiée; ainsi la taille est un indice plus sensible de l'adéquation de l'habitat larvaire. Les effets du surpeuplement larvaires deviennent clairs à des densités plus faibles avec 1000 g de la bouse qu'avec 10 g. Il y a eu une taille minimale endessous de laquelle les larves étaient incapables de former une pupe. La probabilité d'éclosion était liée à la taille de la pupe, et une plus forte proportion de petits individus ne sont pas parvenu à éclore.
Sensory cues and receptors for oviposition by Heliothis virescens
Authors: Ramaswamy Sonny B. , Ma Wai Keung , Baker Gerald T.
Published: May 2011

When given a choice of cotton (host) and ground cherry (non host) in a close range situation, Heliothis virescens (F.), the tobacco budworm, depends primarily on contact chemoreception and mechanoreception, and not olfaction or vision, to discriminate between these two plant species for oviposition. Further, in the presence of a certain level of hairiness (the non‐host plant, ground cherry, has short capitate hairs), the females are capable of discriminating between these two plants based on contact chemosensory cues, if at least one pair of tarsi is intact. The contact chemosensilla on the ovipositor do not seem to be important for this purpose. These results are discussed in relation to the sensory cues and receptors for oviposition in other Lepidoptera, especially moths.

Signaux et récepteurs sensoriels intervenant dans la ponte d'Heliothis virescens

Les différentes récepteurs sensoriels (chimique, mécanique et visuel) des femelles d'H. virescens ont été rendus inactifs par traitement à l'acide, anten‐notectomie ou peinture des yeux avec un enduit noir du type vernis à ongles, pour étudier le déterminisme sensoriel de la sélection des hǒtes lors de la ponte; les papillons avaient le choix entre le coton (Gossypium hirsutum), sur lequel ils pondent normalement, et Physalis angulata sur lequel on n'observe pas de pontes dans la nature. Au laboratoire, à faible distance, le choix de H. virescens dépendait en premier lieu des mécanorécepteurs et des récepteurs chimiques dits de contact (gustatifs), et non de la vision ou de l'olfaction. En présence d'un certain niveau de pilosité (P. angulata possède de courts poils capités), les femelles choisissent les plantes en fonction de la perception chimique dite de contact (gustation) tant qu'une paire de tarses reste intacte. Les sensilles chimiques de l'ovitube ne semblent pas jouer un rǒle important à cet égard. La discussion a examiné ces résultats à la lumière des processus sensoriels utilisés par d'autres papillons.
NK cells engineered to express a GD2‐specific antigen receptor display built‐in ADCC‐like activity against tumour cells of neuroectodermal origin
Authors: Esser Ruth , Müller Tina , Stefes Dörthe , Kloess Stephan , Seidel Diana , Gillies Stephen D. , Aperlo‐Iffland Christel , Huston James S. , Uherek Christoph , Schönfeld Kurt , Tonn Torsten , Huebener Nicole , Lode Holger N. , Koehl Ulrike , Wels Winfried S.
Published: May 2011

Treatment of high‐risk neuroblastoma (NB) represents a major challenge in paediatric oncology. Alternative therapeutic strategies include antibodies targeting the disialoganglioside GD2, which is expressed at high levels on NB cells, and infusion of donor‐derived natural killer (NK) cells. To combine specific antibody‐mediated recognition of NB cells with the potent cytotoxic activity of NK cells, here we generated clonal derivatives of the clinically applicable human NK cell line NK‐92 that stably express a GD2‐specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) comprising an anti‐GD2 ch14.18 single chain Fv antibody fusion protein with CD3‐ζ chain as a signalling moiety. CAR expression by gene‐modified NK cells facilitated effective recognition and elimination of established GD2 expressing NB cells, which were resistant to parental NK‐92. In the case of intrinsically NK‐sensitive NB cell lines, we observed markedly increased cell killing activity of retargeted NK‐92 cells. Enhanced cell killing was strictly dependent on specific recognition of the target antigen and could be blocked by GD2‐specific antibody or anti‐idiotypic antibody occupying the CAR’s cell recognition domain. Importantly, strongly enhanced cytotoxicity of the GD2‐specific NK cells was also found against primary NB cells and GD2 expressing tumour cells of other origins, demonstrating the potential clinical utility of the retargeted effector cells.
Extracellular matrix remodelling properties of human fibrocytes
Authors: Bianchetti Lorenza , Barczyk Marek , Cardoso José , Schmidt Matthias , Bellini Alberto , Mattoli Sabrina
Published: May 2011

The fibrocytes are thought to serve as a source of newly deposited collagens I and III during reparative processes and in certain fibrotic disorders, but their matrix remodelling properties are incompletely understood. We evaluated their ability to produce several extracellular matrix (ECM) components, in comparison with fibroblasts, and to participate in collagen turnover. The collagen gene expression profile of fibrocytes differed from that of fibroblasts because fibrocytes constitutively expressed relatively high levels of the mRNA encoding collagen VI and significantly lower levels of the mRNA encoding collagens I, III and V. The proteoglycan (PG) gene expression profile was also different in fibrocytes and fibroblasts because fibrocytes constitutively expressed the mRNA encoding perlecan and versican at relatively high levels and the mRNA encoding biglycan and decorin at low and very low levels, respectively. Moreover, fibrocytes expressed the mRNA for hyaluronan synthase 2 at higher level than fibroblasts. Significant differences between the two cell populations were also demonstrated by metabolic labelling and analysis of the secreted collagenous proteins, PGs and hyaluronan. Fibrocytes constitutively expressed the scavenger receptors CD163 and CD204 as well as the mannose receptors CD206 and Endo180, and internalized and degraded collagen fragments through an Endo180‐mediated mechanism. The results of this study demonstrate that human fibrocytes exhibit ECM remodelling properties previously unexplored, including the ability to participate in collagen turnover. The observed differences in collagen and PG expression profile between fibrocytes and fibroblasts suggest that fibrocytes may predominantly have a matrix‐stabilizing function.
Role of human papillomavirus infection in carcinogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma with evidences of prognostic association
Authors: Chen Su‐Feng , Yu Fu‐Shun , Chang Yun‐Ching , Fu Earl , Nieh Shin , Lin Yaoh‐Shiang
Published: May 2011

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 9–15

Background:  Betel nut chewing, cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking are thought to be major environmental risk factors responsible for the development of oral squamous cell carcinomas. Oncogenic human papillomavirus infections have a well‐established association with uterine cervical carcinoma. However, little is known about the exact role of human papillomavirus infections in oral squamous cell carcinomas. This study is designed to elucidate the role of human papillomavirus infections in cancer development and prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinomas.

Methods:  Molecular techniques including in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry of p16INK4A and p53 for evidences of human papillomavirus in tissue micro‐arrays were investigated.

Results:  Twenty‐four of 65 cases of oral squamous cell carcinomas were found positive for in situ hybridization and 14 were found positive for p16INK4A. The majority of cases without the evidence of human papillomavirus were related to p53 over‐expression. There were statistically significant correlations between the results of human papillomavirus test and size or extent of the tumor (P = 0.003) or the stage of oral squamous cell carcinomas (P = 0.015). Kaplan–Meier plot analysis demonstrated a tendency of longer survival in cases of oral squamous cell carcinomas with the evidence of human papillomavirus or positive p16 INK4A.

Conclusions:  Human papillomavirus infections may play a unique role in oral carcinogenesis. Our data strongly suggest that human papillomavirus‐positive oral squamous cell carcinomas comprise a distinct clinical and pathological disease entity that appears related to a better outcome with longer survival and bears a causally associated relationship different from other carcinogenic mechanisms.
Four‐Millimeter Implants Supporting Fixed Partial Dental Prostheses in the Severely Resorbed Posterior Mandible: Two‐Year Results
Authors: Slotte Christer , Grønningsaeter Arne , Halmøy Anne‐Marie , Öhrnell Lars‐Olof , Stroh Göran , Isaksson Sten , Johansson Lars‐Åke , Mordenfeld Arne , Eklund Jan , Embring Jan
Published: May 2011

Background: Reduced alveolar bone volume complicates implant dentistry.

Purpose: In this prospective multicenter study, a new, 4‐mm long Straumann SLActive implant (Ø 4.1 mm) supporting a fixed dental prosthesis (FDP) in the severely resorbed posterior mandible was evaluated for two years.

Material and Methods: Thirty‐two patients (11 men, 21 women; mean age 64.1 years) participated. Ten to 12 weeks after single‐stage surgery, a screw‐retained FDP was attached to three or four 4‐mm implants.

Results and Discussion: One hundred implants were inserted. Three failed at surgery and four were lost before loading. Twenty‐eight patients received FDPs (93 implants). Two patients were discontinued because of secondary exclusion criteria; therefore, 26 patients were followed up from baseline (BL). After 1 year, one patient insisted on removal of all implants and one patient died because of nonstudy‐related complications. Twenty‐four patients (87 implants) were eligible for examination 2 years post‐loading. All implants were found to be stable [survival rate 95.7% (confidence interval, CI 88.8–98.3) after 1 year and 92.3% (CI 84.5–96.2) after 2 years]. The mean change from BL to 12 months was – 0.43 mm (CI 0.31–0.59; p < .001) and from 12 to 24 months – 0.11 mm (CI –0.01–0.23; p = .056). The survival rate is only slightly lower than in similar studies on 6 to 8.5 mm implants. This may be related to high initial stability and effective use of the residual bone volume with high primary bone‐to‐implant contact in dense bone structures. The surgical handling of the tested implant was found to be similar to that of implants of common length. However, the preparation procedure must be done with great care to avoid overdrilling. Careful planning and design of the prosthetic construction is mandatory to prevent unfavorable occlusion and avoid harmful shear forces.

Conclusion: This study showed that 4 mm implants can support an FDP in severely resorbed posterior mandibles for at least 2 years and with healthy peri‐implant conditions.
POSITIVE CONTRAST MAGNETIC RESONANCE BURSOGRAPHY FOR ASSESSMENT OF THE NAVICULAR BURSA AND SURROUNDING SOFT TISSUES
Authors: MAHER MICHAEL C. , WERPY NATASHA M. , GOODRICH LAURIE R. , McIlWRAITH C. WAYNE
Published: May 2011

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is often performed to determine the cause of palmar heel pain. We evaluated how distension of the navicular bursa affected the MR appearance of the navicular bursa and associated structures. An MR evaluation was performed on normal cadaver limbs and cadaver limbs from horses with lameness localized to the foot. The normal navicular bursae were injected with 2, 4, or 6 ml of solution. The bursae of the feet from lame horses were injected with 4 or 6 ml, and the MR study was repeated. All bursae were examined grossly to verify the presence or absence of adhesions. Clinical patients that had initial MRI abnormalities suggesting adhesions were also evaluated. Distension of the proximal recess of the normal navicular bursa, proximal to the collateral sesamoidean ligament was achieved with 2 ml. Separation of the collateral sesamoidian ligament from the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) was achieved with 4 ml. The separation of the navicular bone from the DDFT and distal sesamoidian impar ligament required 6 ml. Adhesions were more clearly defined in the bursa of the two pathologic cadaver limbs following distension. MR bursography used on clinical patients allowed the determination of the presence or absence of adhesions. In these horses, this determination could not have been definitively made without this technique. MR bursography is useful in horses where the presence of adhesions cannot be clearly defined by MRI.
FRACTURES OF THE DISTAL PHALANX AND ASSOCIATED SOFT TISSUE AND OSSEOUS ABNORMALITIES IN 22 HORSES WITH OSSIFIED SCLEROTIC UNGUAL CARTILAGES DIAGNOSED WITH MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING
Authors: SELBERG KURT , WERPY NATASHA
Published: May 2011

Ungual cartilage ossification in the forelimb is a common finding in horses. Subtle abnormalities associated with the ungual cartilages can be difficult to identify on radiographs. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings of 22 horses (23 forelimbs) with a fracture of the distal phalanx and ossified ungual cartilage were characterized and graded. All horses had a forelimb fracture. Eleven involved a left forelimb (seven medial; four lateral), and 12 involved a right forelimb (five medial; seven lateral). All fractures were nonarticular, simple in configuration, and nondisplaced. The fractures were oriented in an axial proximal to abaxial distal and palmar to dorsal direction, and extended from the base of the ossified ungual cartilage into the distal phalanx. The fracture involved the fossa of the collateral ligament on the distal phalanx in 17 of 23 limbs. The palmar process and ossified ungual cartilage was abnormally mineralized in all horses. Ligaments and soft tissues adjacent to the ossified ungual cartilages were affected in all horses. The routine site of fracture in this study at the base of the ossified ungual cartilage extending into the distal phalanx suggests a biomechanical cause or focal stress point from cycling. The ligamentous structures associated with the ungual cartilages were often affected, showed altered signal intensity as well as enlargement and were thought to be contributing to the lameness. In conclusion, ossified ungual cartilages may lead to fracture of the palmar process of the distal phalanx and injury of the ungual cartilage ligaments.
IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—HETEROBILHARZIA AMERICANA INFECTION IN A DOG
Authors: Kvitko‐White Heather L. , Sayre Rebecca S. , Corapi Wayne V. , Spaulding Kathy A.
Published: May 2011

An approximately three‐year‐old mixed breed female dog was evaluated for peritoneal effusion, anorexia, intermittent vomiting, and diarrhea. Radiographically, there was mineralization of the wall of small intestinal segments. Sonographic findings were consistent with multisystemic mineralization of liver, small intestinal wall, and pancreas. Multifocal granulomas containing schistosome eggs (Heterobilharzia americana) were identified histologically. The mineralization pattern described herein is an uncommon presentation of severe diffuse heterobilharziasis in a dog.
Regulation of translational efficiency by different splice variants of the Disc large 1 oncosuppressor 5′‐UTR
Authors: Cavatorta Ana L. , Facciuto Florencia , Valdano Marina Bugnon , Marziali Federico , Giri Adriana A. , Banks Lawrence , Gardiol Daniela
Published: May 2011

Human Disc large (DLG1) has been demonstrated to be involved in the control of cell polarity and maintenance of tissue architecture, and is frequently lost in human tumours. However, the mechanisms controlling DLG1 expression are poorly understood. To further examine the regulation of DLG1 expression, we analysed the 5′ ends of DLG1 transcripts by rapid amplification of cDNA ends polymerase chain reaction. We identified an alternative splicing event in the 5′ region of DLG1 mRNA that generates transcripts with two different 5′ untranslated regions (5′‐UTRs). We show by reporter assays that the DLG1 5′‐UTR containing an alternatively spliced exon interferes with the translation of a downstream open reading frame (ORF). However, no significant differences in mRNA stability among the DLG1 5′‐UTR variants were observed. Sequence analysis of the additional exon present in the larger DLG1 5′‐UTR showed the presence of an upstream short ORF which is lost in the short version of the 5′‐UTR DLG1. By mutagenesis and luciferase assays, we analysed the contribution of this upstream short ORF in reducing translation efficiency, and showed that its disruption can revert, to some extent, the negative regulation of large 5′‐UTR. Using computational modelling we also show that the large DLG1 5′‐UTR isoform forms a more stable structure than the short version, and this may contribute to its ability to repress translation. This represents the first analysis of the 5′ region of the DLG1 transcripts and shows that differential expression of alternatively spliced 5′‐UTRs with different translational properties could result in changes in DLG1 abundance.
Guideline–Practice Gap in the Management of Predialysis Chronic Kidney Disease Mineral Bone Disorder in Japan
Authors: Hamano Takayuki , Fujii Naohiko , Matsui Isao , Nakano Chikako , Inoue Kazunori , Tomida Kodo , Mikami Satoshi , Okada Noriyuki , Tsubakihara Yoshiharu , Rakugi Hiromi , Isaka Yoshitaka
Published: May 2011

No study has reported the current status of the management of chronic kidney disease mineral bone disorder (CKD–MBD) in Japan. Using the Osaka Vitamin D Study in CKD (OVIDS–CKD), we examined the prevalence of patients with serum calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone (PTH), or 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels outside the target of KDOQI guidelines. Eighty‐four percent of the patients had 25‐hydroxyvitamin D <30 ng/mL. Significant determinants of poor vitamin D status were female gender, diabetes, high PTH, and high urinary protein (2+ or greater). The percentage of patients with intact PTH higher than the target was 8% in CKD stage 3a, while between 20–22% in stages 3b to 5. The patients indicated for ergocalciferol were 7, 18, and 19% in stages 3a, 3b, and 4, respectively, and those indicated for active vitamin D were 21% in stage 5. Since neither ergocalciferol nor cholecalciferol is available in 2011 in Japan, we have no choice but to prescribe alfacalcidol or calcitriol; however, the percent of patients receiving these drugs was only 1, 4, 8, and 14% in stages 3a, 3b, 4, and 5, respectively, indicating that PTH and vitamin D status are not well controlled in Japan. In contrast, more than 80% of the patients met the target of serum calcium and phosphate. Contrary to expectations, nearly 20% of the patients had hypophosphatemia in stage 3 and 5, possibly because of strict protein restriction. Given these results, nephrologists should consider prescribing active vitamin D, especially for females and patients with diabetes, massive proteinuria, or secondary hyperparathyroidism.
Nuclear Chromatin‐concentrated Osteoblasts in Renal Bone Diseases
Authors: Kazama Junichiro James , Yamamoto Suguru , Narita Ichiei , Kurihara Satoshi
Published: May 2011

The morphological appearance of an osteoblast largely alters with its differentiation and maturation, along with the change of cell function. We quantitatively observed the osteoblast morphology and compared it with bone metabolism. Biopsied iliac bone samples obtained from 77 dialysis patients (14 mild change, 37 osteitis fibrosa, 2 osteomalacia, 8 mixed, and 16 adynamic bone) were included in the study. Osteoblast appearances were classified into three groups: (i) type II and III osteoblasts, namely, active osteoblasts characterized by cuboidal or columnar shapes with or without a nuclear clear zone; (ii) type IV osteoblasts, lining osteoblasts characterized by extremely thin cytoplasm; and (iii) type V osteoblasts, apoptotic osteoblasts characterized by nuclear chromatin concentration. The results were quantitatively expressed as the length of bone surface covered by each type of osteoblasts. The type II and III osteoblasts were predominant in osteitis fibrosa, mixed, and mild change. The type IV osteoblasts were overwhelmingly predominant in adynamic bone. The type V osteoblasts appeared most frequently in osteitis fibrosa, followed by mixed and mild change. Both absolute and relative lengths of bone surface covered by the type V osteoblasts were significantly higher in the high‐turnover bone group (osteitis fibrosa and mixed) than the low‐turnover bone group (adynamic bone and osteomalacia). The type V osteoblasts were slightly correlated with serum intact parathyroid hormone levels. In conclusion, a high bone‐turnover condition seems to be associated with the promotion of osteoblastic apoptosis in dialysis patients. This finding may explain the fact that osteopenia develops faster in CKD patients with high turnover of bone.
Role of Megalin and Cubilin in the Metabolism of Vitamin D3
Authors: Kaseda Ryohei , Hosojima Michihiro , Sato Hiroyoshi , Saito Akihiko
Published: May 2011

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with various medical conditions including musculoskeletal disorders, infection, metabolic diseases, and cardiovascular disease. Megalin and cubilin, endocytic receptors in proximal tubule cells, are involved in the reabsorption of vitamin D binding protein from glomerular filtrates and the subsequent intracellular conversion of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 to biologically active 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3. Dysfunction of these receptors, which is commonly found in patients with diabetic nephropathy, even at early stages, may explain why vitamin D deficiency is often complicated in these patients. Therapeutic strategies to protect the functions of these receptors from injury could be used to prevent vitamin D deficiency and its related disorders.
Novel Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay Exclusively for Full‐length Parathyroid Hormone during Treatment with Cinacalcet for Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Tanaka Hisae , Komaba Hirotaka , Koizumi Masahiro , Kakuta Takatoshi , Fukagawa Masafumi
Published: May 2011

A novel, electrochemiluminescence immunoassay that exclusively measures full‐length parathyroid hormone (PTH), called Elecsys PTH (1–84) assay, is currently under development for clinical use. We measured serum PTH levels using this novel assay, as well as the Elecsys Intact PTH assay and the Whole PTH immunoradiometric assay, in 53 hemodialysis patients who participated in a 52‐week clinical trial of cinacalcet. At baseline, serum PTH (1–84) levels measured with the Elecsys PTH (1–84) assay and those with the Whole PTH assay were comparable, and both values were significantly lower than Elecsys Intact PTH levels. After 52 weeks of cinacalcet treatment, Elecsys PTH (1–84) levels and Whole PTH levels decreased significantly by 56% and 60% from baseline, respectively. These results indicate that the Elecsys PTH (1–84) assay provides comparable data to the Whole PTH assay for monitoring parathyroid function in patients receiving hemodialysis. Introduction of this novel automated immunoassay would provide more widespread measurements of full‐length PTH (1–84) in clinical practice.
Role of Interactions and Volume Variation in Discriminating Active and Inactive Forms of Cyclin‐Dependent Kinase‐2 Inhibitor Complexes
Authors: Saranya Nallusamy , Selvaraj Samuel
Published: May 2011

Molecular recognition process occurs through various non‐bonded interactions in protein–ligand complexes. Analysis and visualization of interactions in a set of protein–ligand complexes provide insight for structure‐based drug design. In the present study, we have made a comprehensive analysis on similarities and differences observed in hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bond interactions of 170 X‐ray crystal structures of active and inactive cyclin‐dependent kinase‐2 (CDK‐2) ligand complexes obtained from the Protein Data Bank. We have also systematically analyzed variation of protein binding cavity volume (PCV) and ligand volume (LV) in CDK‐2 ligand complexes. Hierarchical clustering of interaction patterns of CDK‐2 ligands have been carried out in active and inactive forms. In PCV and LV analysis, PCV variation was observed to be high for inactive conformation and less for active conformation; the latter was found to bind ligands with higher volume. Further, correlation of interactions, PCV, and LV with the binding affinity was analyzed in active and inactive forms. Analysis of interactions and volume changes revealed the marked difference in CDK‐2 active and inactive conformations. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of considering inactive conformation in the docking and scoring methods to attain selectivity and potency.
Virtual endocasts: an application of computed tomography in the study of brain variation among hyenas
Authors: Sakai Sharleen T. , Arsznov Bradley M. , Lundrigan Barbara L. , Holekamp Kay E.
Published: May 2011

Reliable brain volume measurements are crucial in identifying factors that influence the course of brain evolution. Here, we demonstrate the potential for using virtual endocasts (VEs) to examine inter‐ and intraspecific variation in brain volume in members of the family Hyaenidae. Total endocranial volume (adjusted for body size) and anterior cerebrum volume (adjusted for endocranial volume) were greater in the spotted hyena, the most gregarious of the species, than in the other hyaenids, all of which are less gregarious. An intraspecific analysis of spotted hyenas revealed that anterior cerebrum volume is significantly larger in males than females, although total endocranial volume does not differ between the sexes. Greater total endocranial and anterior cerebrum volume of spotted hyenas, relative to those of other hyena species, may be related to increased neural processing mediating cognitive demands associated with a complex social life. These data demonstrate that computed tomographic (CT) technology can be used to create VEs in species for which actual brains are rare or unavailable, and suggest that this approach can be applied systematically to explore intra‐ and interspecies brain variations in studies of brain evolution.
The Zagreb Collection of human brains: a unique, versatile, but underexploited resource for the neuroscience community
Authors: Judaš Miloš , Šimić Goran , Petanjek Zdravko , Jovanov‐Milošević Nataša , Pletikos Mihovil , Vasung Lana , Vukšić Mario , Kostović Ivica
Published: May 2011

The Zagreb Collection of developing and adult human brains was founded in 1974 by Ivica Kostović and consists of 1,278 developing and adult human brains, including 610 fetal, 317 children, and 359 adult brains. It is one of the largest collections of developing human brains. The collection serves as a key resource for many focused research projects and has led to several seminal contributions on mammalian cortical development, such as the discovery of the transient fetal subplate zone and of early bilaminar synaptogenesis in the embryonic and fetal human cerebral cortex, and the first description of growing afferent pathways in the human fetal telencephalon. The Zagreb Collection also serves as a core resource for ever‐growing networks of international collaboration and represents the starting point for many young investigators who now pursue independent research careers at leading international institutions. The Zagreb Collection, however, remains underexploited owing to a lack of adequate funding in Croatia. Funding could establish an online catalog of the collection and modern virtual microscopy scanning methods to make the collection internationally more accessible.
The human brain: rewired and running hot
Authors: Preuss Todd M.
Published: May 2011

The past two decades have witnessed tremendous advances in noninvasive and postmortem neuroscientific techniques, advances that have made it possible, for the first time, to compare in detail the organization of the human brain to that of other primates. Studies comparing humans to chimpanzees and other great apes reveal that human brain evolution was not merely a matter of enlargement, but involved changes at all levels of organization that have been examined. These include the cellular and laminar organization of cortical areas; the higher order organization of the cortex, as reflected in the expansion of association cortex (in absolute terms, as well as relative to primary areas); the distribution of long‐distance cortical connections; and hemispheric asymmetry. Additionally, genetic differences between humans and other primates have proven to be more extensive than previously thought, raising the possibility that human brain evolution involved significant modifications of neurophysiology and cerebral energy metabolism.
The Geneva brain collection
Authors: Kövari Enikö , Hof Patrick R. , Bouras Constantin
Published: May 2011

The University of Geneva brain collection was founded at the beginning of the 20th century. Today, it consists of 10,154 formaldehyde‐ or buffered formaldehyde–fixed brains obtained from the autopsies of the Department of Psychiatry and, since 1971, from the Department of Geriatrics. More than 100,000 paraffin‐embedded blocks and 200,000 histological slides have also been collected since 1901. From the time of its creation, this collection has served as an important resource for pathological studies and clinicopathological correlations, primarily in the field of dementing illnesses and brain aging research. These materials have permitted a number of original neuropathological observations, such as the classification of Pick's disease by Constantinidis, or the description of dyshoric angiopathy and laminar sclerosis by Morel. The large number of cases, including some very rare conditions, provides a unique resource and an opportunity for worldwide collaborations.
The C. U. Ariëns Kappers brain collection
Authors: Hofman Michel A. , Johnson John I.
Published: May 2011

The C. U. Ariëns Kappers brain collection, at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience in Amsterdam, is one of the largest and oldest of the world's catalogued repositories of specimens that reveal the course of brain evolution and the resulting panoply of neural biodiversity. Established a century ago, it has served since then as the basis of the encyclopedic texts authored by its founder, as well as research publications into the current time. It consists of 726 specimens: these include 309 mammals, 134 birds, 81 reptiles, 21 amphibians, and 179 “pisces”—a grouping of bony fish, sharks, and cyclostomes. We present here accounts of the history and contents of this treasure trove of research materials.
Diversity of spatial relationships of the claustrum and insula in branches of the mammalian radiation
Authors: Buchanan Kenneth J. , Johnson John Irwin
Published: May 2011

Using digital images of stained sections, we conducted a comparative survey of the visible gross morphology of the insular cortex and the claustrum in 26 mammalian species, representing most of the major mammalian radiations. We observed several features that are conserved in the mammals that we examined, including the absence of expansion of the insular cortex into out‐branching lobes, the adherence of the claustrum to the fundus of the rhinal sulcus and to endopiriform cellular regions, and several features that varied, including the colocation of the insular and claustrocortex, the cortical origin of the operculations that cover the insula, the locations of large accumulations of claustral cells, and the presence of thin extensions of groups of claustral cells. We suggest that the final shape of the claustrum is highly influenced by the expansion of two medially adjacent subcortical structures, the striatum and amygdala. We further suggest that the neighboring locations of the claustrum and insula may be due to a dependence of each of these structures upon proximity to olfactory cortex, rather than to any connectional relationships between them.
An outbreak of granulomatous peritonitis caused by injectable selenium in a flock of Merino sheep
Authors: Dennis MM , Henriquez J , Keipert G , Biazik J , Braet F
Published: May 2011

During meat inspection, unusual pigmented lesions were found in the abdomens of 411 sheep from a flock raised in the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales. In each affected sheep there were multiple discrete, soft, yellow homogeneous plaques beneath the parietal peritoneum and extending into marginating facial planes of the diaphragm and body wall. Microscopically, the lesions consisted of focal granulomatous peritonitis with intracellular acicular refractile golden‐brown crystals. Energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy revealed intralesional barium and selenium, two components of an injectable selenium compound administered to the sheep 6–8 months prior, which contains the yellow pigment, iron oxide. The mechanism of subperitoneal deposition of the compound could not be confirmed, but is presumed to have involved intraperitoneal injection of barium selenate. Meat inspectors and diagnosticians should consider barium selenate injection‐site granulomas as a possible explanation for yellow pigmented lesions, especially in livestock from selenium‐deficient areas. Animal care providers should be aware that incorrect administration of barium selenate can result in losses from condemnation or downgrading of meat product.
Retrospective investigation of prognostic indicators for adult horses with infection of a synovial structure
Authors: Walmsley EA , Anderson GA , Muurlink MA , Whitton RC
Published: May 2011

Objective To investigate predictors of survival and athletic function in adult horses with infection of a synovial structure.

Hypotheses Increasing duration from contamination to referral, bone or tendon involvement and positive microbial culture decreases short‐term survival. Synovitis and/or sepsis at 5 days post‐admission and involvement ofStaphylococcusspp. decreases long‐term athletic function.

Design Retrospective study.

Methods Records over 4 years of adult horses with synovial sepsis were reviewed. A two‐tailed Fisher's exact test, Mann‐Whitney U test or t‐test was used to examine whether variables were predictive of short‐term survival and long‐term athletic function.

Results During the study period 75 horses underwent treatment for infection of 93 synovial structures. Short‐term survival was 84% (63/75) and 54% (30/56) of horses returned to athletic function. Of the variables measured at admission, duration from contamination to referral did not affect survival, whereas evidence of bone or tendon involvement decreased survival and athletic function. Of the variables available during treatment, abnormal synovial fluid at 4–6 days post‐admission and positive microbial culture reduced athletic function. Staphylococcal infection was associated with persistent sepsis.

Conclusions Of the variables available at presentation, only evidence of bone or tendon involvement negatively affected survival and athletic function. During treatment of synovial sepsis, analysis of synovial fluid at 4–6 days and bacterial culture results have prognostic value.
In this issue – June 2011
Authors: Jackson AE
Published: May 2011

Computer model predictions and field observations of anthelmintic resistance in sheep · Dangers of off‐label use of barium selenate · Elbow luxation in dogs and cats · Prognosis of joint infections in adult horses · Omentalisation for mediastinal abscess in a dog · Adenoviruses in lizards
A real‐world study of the effectiveness of DBT in the UK National Health Service
Authors: Feigenbaum Janet D. , Fonagy Peter , Pilling Stephen , Jones Alan , Wildgoose Amanda , Bebbington Paul E.
Published: May 2011

Objectives. Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) has gained widespread popularity as a treatment for borderline personality disorder (BPD), and its efficacy has been demonstrated in several trials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of DBT delivered by staff with a level of training readily achievable in National Health Service care settings for individuals with a Cluster B personality disorder.

Design. Randomized control trial methodology was used to compare DBT to treatment as usual (TAU).

Method. Forty‐two participants entered the trial. Diagnostic and outcome measures were undertaken at assessment, at 6 months, and at 1 year. The clinical outcomes in routine evaluation – outcome measure (CORE‐OM) were utilized as the primary outcome measure.

Results. Both the DBT and TAU groups improved on the range of measures employed. The DBT group showed a slightly greater decrease in CORE‐OM risk scores, suicidality, and post‐traumatic stress disorder symptom severity. However, the TAU group showed comparable reductions in all measures and a larger decrease in para‐suicidal behaviours and risk.

Conclusions. DBT may be an effective treatment delivered by community outpatient services for individuals with a Cluster B personality disorder. Further studies are needed to consider the impact of experience and adherence to DBT in improving outcome.
Changes in symptoms and interpersonal problems during the first 2 years of long‐term psychoanalytic psychotherapy and psychoanalysis
Authors: Berghout Caspar C. , Zevalkink Jolien , Katzko Michael W. , de Jong Joop T.
Published: May 2011

Objectives. Longitudinal measurements can provide important information regarding variations in developmental trajectories of patients in long‐term treatment. The present study investigated changes in general symptoms, depression, anxiety, and interpersonal problems during the first 2 years of long‐term psychoanalytic psychotherapy (PP) and psychoanalysis (PA). It was expected that interpersonal problems would diminish more slowly compared to symptomatic dysfunction.

Design. An accelerated longitudinal design with five consecutive measurement points across two cohorts of patients was used.

Methods. Changes on the Symptom Checklist‐90‐R (SCL‐90‐R), Beck Depression Inventory‐II (BDI‐II), State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Inventory of Interpersonal Problems‐64 (IIP‐64) were investigated during the first 2 years of long‐term PP (n= 73) and PA (n= 40). Linear regression analysis was performed to model the different courses of improvement.

Results. After 2 years of treatment, patients in both groups still presented moderate to high levels of symptoms and interpersonal problems compared to non‐clinical populations. As expected, interpersonal problems changed less rapidly. PP patients changed both with regard to symptomatic and interpersonal problems, whereas the only significant change in the PA group was on one of the symptomatic subscales. Slopes in the PA group and in PP group did not differ significantly from each other, except for the IIP‐64 scale intrusive, with PP patients showing significantly more improvement than PA patients. The height of intake values of the outcome variables appeared to predict the speed of symptomatic recovery.

Conclusions. Symptoms and interpersonal problems did not decrease notably within the first 2 years of psychoanalytic treatment. This is consistent with the idea that significant change takes time for patients with chronic mental disorders and personality pathology. In regular practice, it is advisable to monitor changes routinely in order to identify slow responders more quickly and change the treatment plan, if necessary.
Oil Mist Eliminator Vessel Modifications for GE 7EA Gas Turbine
Authors: Ingistov Steve , Cusack Roger , Bhargava Rakesh
Published: May 2011

With any rotating machinery as lube oil leaves bearings, a certain amount of lube oil is aerated, resulting in the formation of a mist of very small size (less than 1 μm diameter) particles. If oil mist elimination system is not sized and designed properly, it could cause various issues such as increased operation and maintenance cost, re-entry of oily air into adjacent gas turbine units, fouling of surrounding atmosphere, and creation of oil slick on concrete floors, besides impacting environmental requirements and safety hazards. This paper presents a case study involving GE 7EA gas turbines operating at the Watson Cogeneration Plant and discusses issues with the existing oil mist elimination system and steps taken for a successful replacement of the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) supplied mist elimination system with non-OEM designed and fabricated mist elimination system. The replaced system demonstrated significantly higher life expectancy than it was designed for.
Effective Approximations for Natural Frequencies of Double-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Based on Donnell Shell Theory
Authors: Pentaras Demetris , Elishakoff Isaac
Published: May 2011

The vibration behavior of double-walled carbon nanotube (DWCNT) is investigated based on Donnell shell theory with van der Waals interaction taken into consideration. In addition, new results are obtained for the natural frequencies of a DWCNT based on a simplified version of Donnell shell theory by neglecting the tangential inertia terms. The resulting reduced characteristic equation for the natural frequency represents the radial mode of vibration. The factor of neglecting tangential inertia relative to the values of frequencies obtained by full Donnell shell theory is also obtained with attendant interesting results. Further possible simplifications of Donnell shell theory are introduced. For the first time in the literature, the effect of neglect of tangential inertia terms in DWCNTs is investigated. Accurate approximate analytical formulas are uncovered for the fundamental natural frequencies and compared with the exact values.
Adaptive PID Cascade Control for Superheated Steam Temperature Based on Inverse Model
Authors: Wang Zhijie , Wang Guangjun , Chen Hong
Published: May 2011

Since the superheated steam temperature system of boiler in thermal power plant is characterized as time varying and nonlinear, it is hard to achieve a satisfactory performance by the conventional proportional-integral-derivative (PID) cascade control scheme. This paper presents a design method of adaptive PID cascade control system for superheated steam temperature based on inverse model: First, the inner loop and the outer process in the cascade control system are equivalent to a generalized plant. A simplified Takagi–Sugeno (STS) fuzzy model is adopted to identify the inverse model of the generalized plant. By choosing the appropriate structure and optimizing with constrains for the parameters of the inverse model, the organic combination of the PID primary controller with the inverse model is realized. To maintain the structure of the existing conventional PID cascade control system in power plant without change, in the control process, the parameters of the primary controller are adjusted on-line according to the identification result of the inverse model of the generalized plant; thus an adaptive PID cascade control system is formed, which matches with the characteristics of the controlled plant. Through the simulation experiments of controlling superheated steam temperature, it is illustrated that the proposed scheme has good adaptability and anti-interference ability.