bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First Report of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus in Tomato in Mauritius
Authors: Lobin K. , Druffel K. L. , Pappu H. R. , Benimadhu S. P.
Published: September 2010

Tomato is a food crop of economic importance in Mauritius. It is grown in open fields and in greenhouses by more than 4,500 small- and large-scale growers throughout the island. Open-field tomatoes are mostly a cooking type, while those produced in greenhouses are salad types. Acreage under production is approximately 900 ha with an annual production of approximately 11,500 tons. In September 2009, plants with reduced leaf size, leaf curling, and yellow margins associated with plant dwarfism were observed in open-field tomato crops in the southern part of the island. Whitefly populations were observed in these fields. These symptoms were suggestive of infection with a leaf curl-causing begomovirus such as Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) (family Geminiviridae, genus Begomovirus). Similar symptoms caused by TYLCV were reported in neighboring Reunion Island in 1997 (1). In October 2009, 3.15 ha of tomato were surveyed in the south at la Flora, Camp diable, L'escalier, Plein Bois, and Plaine Magnien to monitor the disease. Symptomatic plants were observed in all areas surveyed and disease incidence ranged from 5 to 50%. The disease was more prevalent in tomato ‘Swaraksha’ and ‘Epoch’, which are widely cultivated. Seventeen symptomatic leaf samples from La flora, Camp Diable, L'escalier, Plein Bois, and Plaine Magnien areas were collected for begomovirus detection by PCR. Total DNA was extracted and tested using AV494 (5′-GCC YAT RTA YAG RAA GCC MAG-3′) and AC1048 (5′-GGR TTD GAR GCA TGH GTA CAT G-3′) primers from the core region of the coat protein that detect most begomoviruses (2). Seventeen of 17 samples (100%) gave an amplicon of expected size. PCR amplicons from selected samples were cloned and sequenced. The consensus sequence was assembled, and the sequence (GenBank Accession no. HM448447) had 100% identity with nucleotides 458 to 1,036 of the Almeria isolate (GenBank Accession no. AJ489258), an isolate from the Netherlands (FJ439569), Morocco (EF060196), and Spain (AJ519441), and nucleotides 451 to 1,029 of the RE4 isolate from Reunion Island (AM409201). On the basis of the initial sequence obtained, specific primers (RM-TYLCV 583C: 5′-CCA CGA GTA ACA TCA CTA ACA-3′ and RM-TYLCV 895F: 5′-GGA ACA GGC ATT AGT TAA GAG-3′) were designed to amplify the remainder of the genomic sequence by PCR followed by cloning and sequencing of the amplicons. At least three clones were sequenced to arrive at the consensus sequence. Sequence comparisons showed that the TYLCV isolate from Mauritius had the greatest sequence identity (95 to 100%) with the above isolates. To our knowledge, this is the first report of TYLCV in tomato in Mauritius. In view of the economic importance of leaf curl disease in tomato in many parts of the world, an island-wide survey needs to be carried out to monitor the disease and assess its impact on tomato production.

References: (1) M. Peterschmitt et al. Plant Dis. 83:303, 1999. (2) S. D. Wyatt and J. K. Brown. Phytopathology 86:1288, 1996.
First Report of Spiroplasma citri in Carrot in Europe
Authors: Cebrián M. C. , Villaescusa F. J. , Alfaro-Fernández A. , de Mendoza A. Hermoso , Córdoba-Sellés M. C. , Jordá C. , Ferrándiz J. C. , Sanjuán S. , Font M. I.
Published: September 2010

In 2008 and 2009, symptoms of curling, yellow and purple discoloration of leaves, stunting of shoots and tap roots, and formation of bunchy, fibrous secondary roots were observed in commercial carrot (Daucus carota L.) fields located in several production areas of Spain (Alicante, Albacete, Segovia, and Valladolid). Incidence of this disease was almost 100% in individual affected fields. Similar symptoms were reported from 1997 to 1998 in various carrot production areas of Spain (the Canary Islands, Segovia, and Madrid) and were associated with infection of stolbur and aster yellows phytoplasmas (2). Moreover, the observed symptoms resembled those caused by Spiroplasma citri in carrots affected by the carrot purple leaf disease recently reported in the United States (4). Studies were conducted to investigate whether S. citri and phytoplasmas were associated with the observed carrot symptoms. Total DNA was extracted from 0.5 g of phloem tissue of 13 symptomatic and 3 asymptomatic plants with DNeasy Plant Mini Kit (Qiagen, Valencia, CA). DNA samples were analyzed by nested-PCR assays using primers pair P1/P7 (1) and R16F2n/R16R2n (3) for phytoplasmas and ScR16F1/ScR16R1 followed by ScR16F1A/ScR16R2 (4) for S. citri detection. DNA of a known strain of S. citri (Sediag, Longvic, France) was used as a positive control of the assay. Analyses revealed that 8 of the 13 symptomatic plants tested positive for S. citri; the plants were collected from three different provinces of Spain, namely, Alicante, Valladolid, and Segovia. Two symptomatic plants were double infected by S. citri and a phytoplasma strain belonging to the Aster yellows group (16SrI), subgroup 16SrI-A. However, none of the symptomatic plants presented single infection with phytoplasmas. S. citri identity was determined by sequencing two nested PCR products (1.1 kb) that yielded identical sequences deposited in the GenBank database (Accession Nos. HM124555 and HM124556). BLAST analysis showed 100% nt identity with a sequence of S. citri from carrot (Accession No. DQ112019) associated with the new carrot disease referred to as ‘carrot purple leaf reported in Washington State (4). To our knowledge, this is the first report of S. citri associated with carrot in Europe.

References: (1) S. Deng and C. Hiruki. J. Microbiol. Methods 14:53, 1991. (2) M. I. Font et al. Bol. San. Veg. Plagas 25:415, 1999. (3) I. M. Lee et al. Int. J. Syst. Bacteriol. 48:1153, 1998. (4) I. M. Lee et al. Plant Dis. 90:989, 2006.
Biological, Physical, and Molecular Properties of a Papaya lethal yellowing virus Isolate
Authors: Nascimento Aline K. Q. , Lima J. Albersio A. , Nascimento Ana L. L. , Beserra Evando A. , Purcifull Dan E.
Published: September 2010

Papaya (Carica papaya) is an important tropical fruit crop in northeastern Brazil. Lethal yellowing is a disease caused by Papaya lethal yellowing virus (PLYV) that occurs only in northeastern Brazil. The symptoms are characterized by progressive leaf yellowing and greenish circular spots on the fruits. The virus has isometric particles (30 nm), genomic single-stranded (ss)RNA (1.6 × 106 Da), and a coat protein with a single component (35 kDa). Although no biological vector has been confirmed, the virus is spreading every year. In the present study, an isolate of the virus was characterized biologically, serologically, physically, and molecularly, and its survival in dried tissue was evaluated. Approximately 309.5 mg of virus was purified per kilogram of infected papaya leaves, and a high-titer polyclonal antiserum (1:1,024,000) was obtained from an immunized rabbit. The virus was detected in dried roots and leaves maintained up to 120 days. Its physical properties were thermal inactivation point (80°C), longevity in vitro (60 days), and dilution end point (10-6). The virus was inactivated in leaves and roots eradicated from infected plants when they were submitted to a solarization period of 12 days, but maintained its infectivity when leaves and roots were maintained over the soil at natural conditions for 32 days. Among 58 plant species from 13 botanical families, the PLYV isolate infected only C. papaya, Jacaratia heterophylla, J. spinosa, Vasconcella cauliflora, V. quercifolia, and V. monoica, all from the family Caricaceae. A fragment of 1,098 nt of the virus isolate, corresponding to the 3′ replicase (RdRp) and 5′ coat protein (CP) cistron, was cloned and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis of the RdRp nucleotide sequences indicated some similarity of PLYV with members of the genus Sobemovirus.
Modified Informed Consent in a Viral Seroprevalence Study in The Caribbean
Authors: Cox Cheryl , MacPherson C.N.L.
Published: September 2010

An unlinked seroprevalence study of HIV and other viruses was conducted on pregnant women on the Caribbean island of Grenada in 1994. Investigators were from both the developed world and the Grenadian Ministry of Health (MOH). There was then no board on Grenada to protect research subjects or review ethical aspects of studies. Nurses from the MOH were asked to verbally inform their patients about the study, and request that patients become subjects of the study and give blood for screening. If consent was given nurses took blood and administered a survey about each subjects' knowledge of HIV transmission routes. Nurses shared a spoken dialect and cultural heritage with prospective subjects and were probably more effective than foreign researchers at informing subjects. Informed consent was obtained with a simplified consent form supplemented by conversation with each prospective research subject. Facilitating discussion between people with common cultural backgrounds helps apply the Western approach to informed consent to communities in the developing world. Researchers must disclose all information to nurses or other mediators, and ensure that nurses disclose as much information as possible to prospective subjects. So modified, informed consent maintains respect for persons and becomes applicable and relevant to various cultures.
Systolic Dysfunction: Correlation of Acoustic Cardiography With Doppler Echocardiography
Authors: Zuber Michel , Kipfer Peter , Jost Christine Attenhofer
Published: September 2010

For detection of left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction in the outpatient setting, simultaneous electrocardiographic and heart sound data have been shown to be helpful. In 161 patients with suspected or known cardiac disease, echocardiography and acoustic cardiography were performed. Acoustic cardiographic parameters correlated to echocardiography included: presence or absence of S3, electromechanical activation time (EMAT), LV systolic time (LVST), and EMAT/LVST. LV ejection fraction was >50% in 82 patients (S3 present in 9.8%) and <50% in 79 patients (S3 present in 30.4%; the <50% group also had a greater EMAT, EMAT/LVST, and lower mean LVST [p<0.05]). Patients with an S3 had a lower ejection fraction, larger mean left atrial and LV dimensions, and an increased proportion of diastolic dysfunction. Acoustic cardiography allows reliable detection of the S3, which correlates with echocardiographic evidence of impaired LV function, and the EMAT/LVST ratio reflects reduced ejection fraction, providing an affordable, accessible means to assess LV dysfunction in the outpatient setting.
A Multiscale Approach to Integrated Volume Segmentation and Rendering
Authors: Westermann Rüdiger , Ertl Thomas
Published: September 2010

A number of techniques have been proposed for rendering volumetric scalar data sets. Techniques have also been proposed for analyzing the three dimensional information contents of the underlying domain, but traditionally the data analysis part is left as a post‐processing step which only involves the rendered two dimensional images. In this paper, we describe a visualization method for scalar volume data which integrates explicit knowledge of the underlying domain into the rendering process. The key of this approach lies in a hierarchical description of the discrete signal, which is decomposed into a sequence of multiscale representations. We describe a technique for the analysis of structures within the data. This allows for the segmentation and classification of the relevant features and can be used to improve their visual sensation. We also address the problem of accelerating the final rendering pass by integrating the extracted object space information into the ray traversal process.
Efficient Impostor Manipulation for Real‐Time Visualization of Urban Scenery
Authors: Sillion François , Drettakis George , Bodelet Benoit
Published: September 2010

Urban environments present unique challenges to interactive visualization systems, because of the huge complexity of the geometrical data and the widely varying visibility conditions. This paper introduces a new framework for real‐time visualisation of such urban scenes. The central concept is that of a dynamic segmentation of the dataset, into a local three‐dimensional model and a set of impostors used to represent distant scenery. A segmentation model is presented, based on inherent urban structure. A new impostor structure is introduced, derived from the level‐of‐detail approach. Impostors combine three‐dimensional geometry to correctly model large depth discontinuities and parallax, and textures to rapidly display visual detail. We present the algorithms necessary for the creation of accurate and efficient three‐dimensional impostors. The implementation of our algorithms allows interactive navigation in complex urban databases, as required by many applications.
Steering Image Generation with Wavelet Based Perceptual Metric
Authors: Gaddipatti Ajeetkumar , Machiraju Raghu , Yagel Roni
Published: September 2010

It is often the case that images generated by image synthesis algorithms are judged by visual examination. The user resorts to an iterative refinement process of inspection and rendering until a satisfactory image is obtained. In this paper we propose quantitative metrics to compare images that arise from an image synthesis algorithm. The intent is to be able to guide the refinement process inherent in image synthesis. The Mean‐Square‐Error (MSE) has been traditionally employed to guide this process. However, it is not a viable metric for image synthesis control. We propose the use of a wavelet based perceptual metric which incorporates the frequency response of the Human Visual System. A useful aspect of the wavelet based metric is its ability to selectively measure the changes to structures of different sizes and scales in specific locations. Also, by resorting to the use of wavelets of various degrees of regularity, one can seek different levels of smoothness in an image. It is rare that such level of control can be obtained from a metric other than a wavelet based metric. We show the usefulness of our metric by examining its effectiveness in providing insights for common operations of an image synthesis algorithm (e.g., blurring). We also provide some examples of its use in rendering algorithms frequently used in graphics.
A Rendering Equation for Specular Transfers and Its Integration into Global Illumination
Authors: Yu Yizhou , Wu Hong
Published: September 2010

In this paper, we present a rigorous theoretical formulation of the fundamental problem—indirect illumination from area sources via curved ideal specular surfaces. Intensity and area factors are introduced to clarify this problem and to rectify the radiance from these specular surfaces. They take surface geometry, such as Gaussian curvature, into account. Based on this formulation, an algorithm for integrating ideal specular transfers into global illumination is also presented. This algorithm can deal with curved specular reflectors and transmitters. An implementation is described based on wavefront tracing and progressive radiosity. Sample images generated by this method are presented.
Modelling the Garden of Perfect Brightness
Authors: Wang LiFeng , Botta David , Ellefson Chris , Fournier Alain
Published: September 2010

The Yuan Ming Yuan, the Garden of Perfect Brightness, was the culmination of the art of Chinese Imperial gardens. Covering 350 hectares (875 acres) northwest of Beijing, it included 140 distinct sites, 2000 structures, thousands of pieces of furniture and precious objects, countless plants. It was almost totally destroyed in 1860 at the end of the second Opium War by English and French troops in one of the worst acts of cultural vandalism in recorded history.

Rebuilding it has proven impossible, but now computer technology, based on 130 years of scholarly documentation makes it possible to build an accurate and detailed model, and will allow us to experience at least virtually the beauty and grandeur that was the Yuan Ming Yuan.

This paper describes a project to build such a model, and details the main challenges and difficulties encountered. While commercially available graphics workstations and modelling software can take us most of the way in this task, they fall short with the modelling of natural phenomena such as plants, rocks and bodies of water. In addition the sheer size of the resulting database pushes rendering engines past their limits.
Interactive Rendering of Deforming NURBS Surfaces
Authors: Li Frederick W. B. , Lau Rynson W. H. , Green Mark
Published: September 2010

Non‐uniform rational B‐splines (NURBS) has been widely accepted as a standard tool for geometry representation and design. Its rich geometric properties allow it to represent both analytic shapes and free‐form curves and surfaces precisely. Moreover, a set of tools is available for shape modification or more implicitly, object deformation. Existing NURBS rendering methods include de Boor algorithm, Oslo algorithm, Shantz’s adaptive forward differencing algorithm and Silbermann’s high speed implementation of NURBS. However, these methods consider only speeding up the rendering process of individual frames. Recently, Kumar et al. proposed an incremental method for rendering NURBS surfaces, but it is still limited to static surfaces. In real‐time applications such as virtual reality, interactive display is needed. If a virtual environment contains a lot of deforming objects, these methods cannot provide a good solution. In this paper, we propose an efficient method for interactive rendering of deformable objects by maintaining a polygon model of each deforming NURBS surface and adaptively refining the resolution of the polygon model. We also look at how this method may be applied to multi‐resolution modelling.
Robust Computation of Intersection Graph between Two Solids
Authors: Nakamura Hiroyuki , Higashi Masatake , Hosaka Mamoru
Published: September 2010

We propose a new robust algorithm for Boolean operations on solid models. The algorithm produces a consistent intersection graph between two input solids whose geometrical data are represented in floating point numbers. In order to prevent numerical calculation errors and inaccuracy of input data from causing inconsistency of the output, we put higher priority on symbolical connectivity of the edge‐face intersection points than their numerical nearness. Each edge‐face intersection point is symbolically represented using face names, which generate connectivity relations between the intersection points and the intersection line segments. The symbols with the same connectivity are made into clusters. The intersection line segments connected together at their end clusters form the intersection graph of two solids. Inconsistency of the connectivity of the clusters is detected and the intersection graph is corrected automatically. We describe the algorithm in detail for polyhedral solids, discuss extension to curves solids, and show its effectiveness by some examples of Boolean operations for two solids whose faces intersect at a very small angle.
Book of the Quarter
Authors: Rickards Tudor
Published: September 2010

Jon Sundbo, The Organisation of Innovation in Services
An inventory of abandoned mining exploration sites in Nunavik, Canada1
Authors: Duhaime Gérard , Bernard Nick , Comtois Robert
Published: September 2010

This article presents, for the first time in the literature, an inventory of abandoned mining exploration sites in Nunavik, namely the sites containing materials representing a danger to the environment and human health, to lay the foundations for a priority cleanup operation. In this article, the historical context of mining exploration in Canada first provides a backdrop for the research problem. The methodology section then examines the various techniques tested during a pilot project aimed at determining the feasibility of the project at the lowest cost. The final section presents an inventory of abandoned sites and begins an initial discussion of the potential impacts associated with these sites and some of the priority actions envisioned to mitigate these impacts.
HISTORICAL BIOGEOGRAPHY OF THE HOLARCTIC: AREA RELATIONSHIPS, ANCESTRAL AREAS, AND DISPERSAL OF NON‐MARINE ANIMALS
Authors: Enghoff Henrik
Published: September 2010

Abstract —Based on published phylogenies for 73 groups of Holarctic non‐marine animals, interrelationships between the four Holarctic infraregions (western and eastern Nearctic, western and eastern Palearctic) are examined. The study includes analysis of resolved area cladograms, ancestral areas and dispersal indicated by cladistic subordinateness. Area relationships reflecting present continental configurations (Nearctic vs. Palearctic) dominate the material to the extent that one might speak of a general Holarctic area pattern. Paleocontinental (western Nearctic+eastern Palearctic, western Palearctic+eastern Nearctic) and disjunct patterns are relatively more frequent among groups of higher taxonomic rank. The western Nearctic seems to have played a bigger role than the other infraregions as a center of origin. Two computer programs for constructing resolved area cladograms, viz., COMPONENT 1.5 and COMPONENT 2.0, are compared. The three standard assumptions for biogeographical analysis are compared and arguments are presented in favour of Assumption 0.
Mitochondrial DNA Evidence and Evolution in Varanoidea (Squamata)
Authors: Ast Jennifer C.
Published: September 2010

Varanoidea is a monophyletic group of anguimorph lizards, comprising the New World helodermatids, the Bornean earless monitor Lanthanotus borneensis, and the Old World monitors (Varanus). I use mitochondrial DNA sequences and extensive taxonomic sampling to test alternative hypotheses of varanoid relationships. The most parsimonious hypothesis confirms the monophyly of Varanoidea (Heloderma, Lanthanotus, and Varanus) and Varanus, as well as the sister‐taxon relationship of Varanus and Lanthanotus. The relationships among Varanus species differ in several respects from previous hypotheses. Three major lineages are recognized within Varanus: an African clade basal to the rest of the group, an Indo‐Asian clade, and an Indo‐Australian clade. Within the last lineage, the endemic Australian dwarf monitors (Odatria) form a clade sister to the large Australian monitors (the gouldii group). Tests of the effects of rate heterogeneity and homoplasy demonstrate that putative process partitions of data are largely congruent with one another and contribute positive support to the overall hypothesis.
New Guinea: A Correlation between Accreting Areas and Dispersing Sapindaceae
Authors: van Welzen Peter C. , Turner Hubert , Roos Marco C.
Published: September 2010

A correlation between accreting (hybridizing) areas and dispersing taxa (several genera of Southeast Asian/Australian Sapindaceae) is theoretically impossible in cladistic biogeography. However, in particular circumstances (primitive absence followed by colonization and speciation) cladistic methods can reconstruct (part of) the historical sequence of accretion. In this example, the phases in the accretion history of more than 30 terranes of the northern half of New Guinea correspond reasonably well with the generalized area cladogram of the Sapindaceae.
Bracing for another decade of deception: the promise of Secondary Brooks Parsimony Analysis
Authors: Siddall Mark E.
Published: September 2010

Brooks Parsimony Analysis (BPA) and secondary Brooks Parsimony Analysis (SBPA) are found to be lacking an optimality criterion and, more generally, to be lacking the coherence of a research program. Published descriptions of the methodology are self‐contradictory regarding whether they can be used on a priori specified host trees and whether they can be used in host–parasite cospeciation at all. The application of missing data introduces unacknowledged additional problems. Rules for the a posteriori duplication of entities in secondary BPA and the concatenation of associate codes never are specified. Duplication and concatenation are found to be applied both capriciously and unparsimoniously. Claims that SBPA removes inclusive or‐ing from the method are found to be false. The simplest application of the method is found to be superficially unanalytical; others introduce temporal difficulties or defy logical interpretation altogether.

© The Willi Hennig Society 2005.
Dating nodes on molecular phylogenies: a critique of molecular biogeography
Authors: Heads Michael
Published: September 2010

Taxa have been dated using three methods: equating their age with the age of the oldest known fossil, with the age of strata the taxa are endemic to, and with the age of paleogeographic events. All three methods have been adopted as methods of dating nodes in molecular phylogenies. The first method has been the most popular, but both this and the second method involve serious difficulties. Studies often, correctly, introduce oldest known fossils as providing minimum ages for divergences. However, in the actual analyses these ages, and ages derived from them, are often treated as absolute ages and earlier geological events are deemed irrelevant to the phylogeny. In fact, only younger geological events can be irrelevant. Studies correlating the age of nodes with age of volcanic islands often overlook the fact that these islands have been produced at subduction zones or hot spots where small, individually ephemeral islands are constantly being produced and disappearing, and a metapopulation can survive indefinitely. Correlating the age of taxa with that of associated paleogeographic events is probably the most promising method but has often been used in a simplistic way, for example in assuming that all divergence across the Isthmus of Panama dates to its final rise. Most workers now agree that a global molecular clock does not exist, and that rates can change between lineages and within a lineage over time. New methods of estimating branch lengths do not assume a strict clock, but the number of models for molecular evolution is then effectively infinite. Problems with calibrating the nodes, as well as with substitution models, mean that phylogeography's claim to be able to test between vicariance and dispersal is not justified.

© The Willi Hennig Society 2005.
From conviction to anti‐superfluity: old and new justifications of parsimony in phylogenetic inference
Authors: Kluge Arnold G. , Grant Taran
Published: September 2010

Traditional justifications of parsimony in phylogenetic inference assume a correspondence between character‐state similarity and steps (character transformation events). In addition to similarity, justifying arguments appeal to conviction, descriptive efficiency, ad hoc hypotheses of homoplasy and frequentist probability. Each of these rationales fails in so far as the arguments are incoherent or logically inconsistent with the ontological status of what is assumed and being explained historically. An ideographic justification of parsimony, where character‐states constitute transformation events, does, however, allow for a rational preference of most parsimonious phylogenetic hypotheses by invoking the anti‐superfluity principle (ASP). According to ASP, explanatory power is maximized by minimizing the number of transformation events required to explain the character‐states of the terminal taxa as hypotheses of homology, where the concept homology is restricted to just those inherited“things” shared by species. The empirical significance of this rationale is exemplified with the method of direct optimization, which can identify more parsimonious hypotheses than can be confirmed with an analysis of character‐state similarities.

© The Willi Hennig Society 2006.
In vitro Anti‐tumor Activity of Anti‐c‐erbB‐2 × Anti‐CD3ɛ Bifunctional Monoclonal Antibody
Authors: Sugiyama Yoshihiro , Aihara Miki , Shibamori Masafumi , Deguchi Kyohei , Imagawa Kenichi , Kikuchi Mikio , Momota Hiroshi , Azuma Takachika , Okada Hidechika , Alper Özge , Hitomi Jiro , Yamaguchi Ken
Published: September 2010

With the aim of developing an effective cancer immunotherapy for common epithelial cancer, a new class of bifunctional antibody (BFA) was developed; one arm of this BFA recognized c‐erbB‐2 gene product, and the other arm recognized CD3ɛ, a T‐cell specific surface antigen. Application of this BFA with human peripheral blood lymphocytes exhibited specific anti‐tumor activity in vitro on a breast tumor cell line, ZR‐75–1, which expressed abundant c‐erbB‐2 gene product on its cell surface. These results indicate that BFA recognizing an oncogene product on cell surface is a potential new agent for cancer immunotherapy.
Effects of Sodium Chloride and Ethanol on Stomach Tumorigenesis in ACI Rats Treated with N‐Methyl‐N′‐nitro‐N‐nitrosoguanidine: A Quantitative Morphometric Approach
Authors: Watanabe Hiromitsu , Takahashi Tadateru , Okamoto Taro , Ogundigie Peter Osa , Ito Akihiro
Published: September 2010

Effects of sodium chloride (NaCl) and ethanol on gastric tumor development in rats after treatment with N‐methyl‐N′‐nitro‐N‐nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) were studied. MNNG, dissolved in distilled water (5 g/liter), was administered orally once fay gastric tube at a dose of 0.25 ml/10 g body weight to 4‐week‐old ACI rats. After this carcinogen initiation, animals were fed on a diet containing 10% NaCl (Group 2) or normal diet with 10% ethanol in the drinking water (Group 4). MNNG alone (Group 1), NaCl alone (Group 3), ethanol alone (Group 5), and control (Group 6) animals were also maintained. All survivors were killed one year after the MNNG application. Incidences of tumors in the forestomach and glandular stomach were significantly increased in Group 2 as compared to Group 1 (P<0.05). The height of the pyloric mucosa was significantly greater in Group 2 than in Groups 4, 5 or 6 (P<0.05). In the fundic area, the mucosal height was significantly decreased in Group 4 as compared to Group 6 (P< 0.05). The present results demonstrate that whereas tumors in the glandular stomach and forestomach are both promoted by NaCl, ethanol is without influence. Furthermore, NaCl, a promoter of glandular stomach tumorigenesis also increases cell proliferation.
Differential Expression of Vinculin between Weakly and Highly Metastatic B16‐Melanoma Cell Lines
Authors: Sadano Hiroyuki , Inoue Mitsuse , Taniguchi Shun'ichiro
Published: September 2010

We previously reported on the altered expression of a third actin in mouse‐B16 melanoma associated with malignant progression. White further investigating the relationship of cytoskeletal proteins to malignancy, we found that the expression of vinculin was higher in weakly metastatic B16‐F1 cells than in highly metastatic B16‐F10 cells. By Northern blot analysis, the mRNA expression of vinculin in B16‐F1 was also shown to be higher than in B16‐F10. Immunofluorescence staining showed a clear dotted distribution of vinculin in B16‐F1, but only a weak and diffuse distribution in B16‐F10. The dotted distribution tended to be larger in B16‐F1 and when cultured on Matrigel and fibronectin than on laminin and type IV collagen. An alteration in the expression of vinculin was also observed in other cell systems. Vinculin was detected in both normal 3Y1 and in relatively weakly malignant transformed 3Y1 cell lines, while vinculin was either scarcely detected or not detected at all in more malignant cell lines. These results suggest that the suppression of vinculin is closely related to malignant progression in both the B16‐melanoma and 3Y1 cell systems.
Imbalance of Deoxyribonucleoside Triphosphates and DNA Double‐strand Breaks in Mouse Mammary Tumor FM3A Cells Treated in vitro with an Antineoplastic Tropolone Derivative
Authors: Yamato Masatoshi , Hirota Yasuhide , Yoshida Sei , Tanaka Shouhei , Morita Tetsuo , Sakai Junko , Hashigaki Kuniko , Hayatsu Hikoya , Wataya Yusuke
Published: September 2010

The mechanism by which α,α‐bis(2‐hydroxy‐6‐isopropyltropon‐3‐yl)‐4‐methoxytoluene (JCI‐3661) kills mouse mammary tumor FM3A (F28–7) cells was studied. When the cells were exposed to the drug at 3.7 μM, the intracellular dNTP pool became unbalanced because of decreases in dGTP and dATP and an increase in dTTP. The pattern of the dNTP imbalance was the same as that caused by hydroxyurea. When JCI‐3661 was added to the culture medium, mature DNA strands broke, giving fragments of 100–200 kilobase pairs long as found by orthogonal‐field‐alternation gel electrophoresis. DNA strand breaks, detected by this technique, were observed in the cells at 12 h after the addition. The beginning of cell death was observed at about 14 h (trypan blue staining) or at about 12 h (colony‐forming ability) after cultivation Breaks in the single and double strands of DNA, as measured by alkaline and neutral filter elution assay, became evident 24 h after treatment with 3.7 μM JCI‐3661. Comparison of the ratio of single‐ and double‐strand breaks caused by JCI‐3661 to that following radiation suggested that JCI‐3661 broke only double strands. Cycloheximide inhibited both the breakage of double strands and the cell death caused by JCI‐3661. JCI‐3661 decreased DNA synthesis more than RNA or protein synthesis. The breaks in double strands of DNA were probably important in the cell death caused by JCI‐3661.
Ecologic Study of Lung Cancer Risk Factors in the U.S. and Japan, with Special Reference to Smoking and Diet
Authors: Wynder Ernst L. , Taioli Emanuela , Fujita Yasuyuki
Published: September 2010

Lung cancer mortality rates among United States and Japanese males were compared and related to smoking and dietary data. Mortality rates increased from 1950 to 1985 in both countries, but the absolute values are consistently lower in Japan (38.2 deaths/100,000 in 1985) than in the U.S. (72.2/100,000). The proportion of smokers is higher in Japan than in the U.S. since 1955. Japanese males start smoking considerably later than U.S. males, but smoke a higher quantity of cigarettes per day. Available information on inhalation practices and yield and type of cigarettes smoked showed no differences among the two countries large enough to account for the differences in mortality rates. Further data in this regard should he obtained. Dietary data show that fat consumption (as percentage of calories) is consistently higher in the U.S. than in Japan from 1950 (40% vs. 7.9%) through 1985 (43.5% vs. 24.5%). A linear relationship is observed between lung cancer mortality and fat intake. Our data support the hypothesis that dietary habits may modulate the carcinogenic effects of tobacco smoking.
Low Frequency of Intestinal Metaplasia in Gastric Biopsies from Mexican Patients: A Comparison with Japanese and Swedish Patients
Authors: Rubio Carlos A. , Jessurun José
Published: September 2010

A systematic analysis of the cellular and structural components of intestinal metaplasia (IM) was carried out in 691 consecutive endoscopic gastric biopsies from Mexicans patients. Two‐thirds of the patients (461 or 66.7%) had chronic gastritis, 27.6% (or 191 patients) had gastric ulcers and 5.6% (39 patients) gastric carcinomas. IM was found in 17.4% of the gastric biopsies. While IM was present in 27.7% of patients with gastric peptic ulcer, patients with gastric malignancy had only 18.7%, and the lowest rate (13.4%) was found in 461 biopsies from patients with chronic gastritis. IM was influenced by the age but not by the sex of the patients. Only one of 120 biopsies with IM (0.8%) had incomplete IM (a lesion claimed to be a precursor of gastric carcinoma). In a previous study it was found that 32.3% of 359 Swedish patients and 59.2% of 625 Japanese patients with chronic gastritis had IM, the proportion of incomplete IM being 23.3% and 25.1%, respectively. The low frequency of IM among Mexicans (a population with a low incidence of gastric carcinoma), contrasts with the moderate frequency of IM among Swedes (who have a moderate gastric cancer incidence) and with the high frequency of IM among Japanese (with a high incidence of gastric carcinoma). These findings recorded in disparate geographical regions strongly support the view that IM is a lesion evoked by environmental factors and associated with gastric carcinogenesis.
Suppressive Effect of LD78 on the Proliferation of Human Hemopoietic Progenitors
Authors: Shiozaki Hiroko , Ide Toshio , Nakao Junji , Imamura Takayuki , Nakamura Mitsuru , Shimada Kazunori , Miura Yasusada , Suda Toshio
Published: September 2010

LD78 is a cDNA newly isolated front human stimulated tonsillar lymphocytes. The expression of LD78 is related to inflammatory responses and its structure has a homology with macrophage inflammatory protein 1‐α, which is known to have an inhibitory effect on murine CFU‐S. Using a colony assay technique, we examined the effects of LD78 on human hemopoietic progenitors. The addition of doses of 100 ng/ml or more of LD78 suppressed the colony formation of KMT‐2, a factor‐dependent myelomonocytic cell line established from cord blood cells; this suppressive activity was neutralized by the addition of antibody against LD78. The same doses of LD78 suppressed the formation of neutrophil, macrophage, and megakaryocytic colonies which were supported by human interleukin3 and erythropoietin; however, LD78 did not affect colony formation by either non‐phagocytic mono‐nuclear cells or sorted CD34+ cells. The conditioned medium of KMT‐2 cells or peripheral blood mononuclear cells cultured with LD78 suppressed colony formation by CD34+ cells. From these findings, it is suggested that LD78 affects phagocytic cells and induces factors that are inhibitory for hemopoiesis. We consider LD78 to be a new cytokine that plays an inhibitory role in hemopoiesis.
The Number of Platinum Atoms Binding to DNA, RNA and Protein Molecules of HeLa Cells Treated with Cisplatin at Its Mean Lethal Concentration
Authors: Akaboshi Mitsuhiko , Kawai Kenichi , Maki Hirotoshi , Akuta Keizo , Ujeno Yowri , Miyahara Tokiharu
Published: September 2010

HeLa S‐3 cells were treated with 195mPt‐radiolabeled cis‐diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (CDDP) under various conditions, and the relationship between lethal effect and the number of Pt atoms binding to DNA, RNA and proteins was examined. The mean lethal concentrations for the cells treated with CDDP at 37°C for 1, 2 and 3 h were 2.8, 2.0 and 1.1 μg/ml, respectively. By using identically treated cells, the number of Pt atoms combined with DNA, RNA and protein molecules were determined after fractionation of the cells using the method of Schneider. In this way, the Do values given as the drug concentration were substituted for the number of Pt atoms combined with each fraction, then the target volumes expressed as the reciprocals of Do values were calculated for each fraction. The results provide strong support for the idea that DNA is the primary target for cell killing by CDDP, and the target volumes were 5.17 × 104, 5.71 × 104 and 1.03 × 104 nucleotides for 1, 2 and 3 h treated cells, respectively.
Cigarette Smoking, Alcohol Use and Adenomatous Polyps of the Sigmoid Colon
Authors: Honjo Satoshi , Kono Suminori , Shinchi Koichi , Imanishi Koji , Hirohata Tomio
Published: September 2010

The relationship of adenomatous polyps of the sigmoid colon with cigarette smoking and alcohol use was investigated in male self‐defense officials in Japan. In the comparison between 116 cases and 930 controls, total ethanol intake was not at all associated with the risk of adenomatous polyps, but cigarette smoking was strongly related to adenomatous polyps. After adjustment for total ethanol intake, body mass index and rank, odds ratios (and 95% confidence interval) for the categories of 0, 1–399, 400–799, and 800 or more cigarette‐years were 1.0 (referent), 2.3 (1.1–4.6), 2.9 (1.5–5.4) and 3.2 (1.6–6.5), respectively. Among five alcoholic beverages (sake, shochu, beer, whiskey including brandy, and wine), only whiskey consumption was weakly related to the risk of adenomatous polyps. Because the present findings disagree with an earlier observation on self‐defense officials, we examined the association with smoking and alcohol use separately for small (<5 mm) and large (≥5 mm) adenomas, combining data from these two studies. Cigarette smoking was more strongly associated with small adenomas while the positive association with certain alcoholic beverages were largely confined to large adenomas. These findings suggest that cigarette smoking and alcohol use may be linked with the development of adenoma at different stages of colon tumorigenesis.
Modifying Effects of Various Chemicals on Tumor Development in a Rat Wide‐spectrum Organ Carcinogenesis Model
Authors: Uwagawa Satoshi , Tsuda Hiroyuki , Ozaki Keisuke , Takahashi Satoru , Yamaguchi Shuji , Mutai Mamoru , Aoki Toyohiko , Ito Nobuyuki
Published: September 2010

The efficacy of a wide‐spectrum organ carcinogenesis model for detection of modification potential of exogenous agents was investigated in F344 male rats. Groups of animals were sequentially injected with N‐bis(2‐hydroxypropyl)nitrosamine (1000 mg/kg body weight, i.p., in saline, twice in week 1), N‐ethyl‐N‐hydroxyethylnitrosamine (1500 mg/kg body weight, i.g., in distilled water, twice in week 2) and 3,2′‐dimethyl‐4‐aminobiphenyl (75 mg/kg body weight, s.c., in corn oil, twice in week 3) for wide‐spectrum initiation of target organs and then given one of 10 test chemicals, comprising 6 hepatocarcinogens and 4 non‐hepatocarcinogens, for 12 weeks. All 10 chemicals exerted modifying effects in their respective target organs. Enhancing influence could be detected in the liver and urinary bladder with 2‐acetylaminofluorene, ethionine, and 3′‐methyl‐4‐dimethylaminoazobenzene; in the liver and thyroid with 4,4′‐diaminodiphenylmethane and phenobarbital; in the esophagus and urinary bladder with N‐butyl‐N‐(4‐hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine; in the forestomach and urinary bladder with butylated hydroxyanisole; in the liver with 7,12‐dimethylbenz[a]anthracene and in the liver and lung with 3‐methylcholanthrene. Inhibitory effects on development of glutathione S‐transferase placental form‐positive liver cell foci were observed with clofibrate. The results indicate that the present model can be reliably utilized as a whole body medium‐term bioassay system for assessment of environmental cancer modifiers.
Inhibitory Effect of Cryptoporic Acid E, a Product from Fungus Cryptoporus volvatus, on Colon Carcinogenesis Induced with N‐Methyl‐N‐Nitrosourea in Rats and with 1,2‐Dimethylhydrazine in Mice
Authors: Narisawa Tomio , Fukaura Yoko , Kotanagi Hitoshi , Asakawa Yoshinori
Published: September 2010

The antitumorigenic effect of cryptoporic acid E (CPA‐E), a dimeric drimane sesquiterpenoid isolated from the fungus Cryptoporus volvatus, on colon carcinogenesis was investigated. Female F344 rats given an intrarectal instillation of 2 mg of N‐methyl‐N‐nitrosourea 3 times weekly in weeks 1 and 2 were fed diet containing 0.2% CPA‐E from week 3. Femal ICR mice given 15 weekly intraperitoneal injections of 10 mg of 1,2‐dimethylhydrazine/kg body weight during weeks 1 to 15 were fed diet containing 0.06% CPA‐E from week 1. The experiment was terminated at week 35 for rats and at week 25 for mice. The incidence and the number of tumors per animal were reduced in CPA‐E‐fed animals compared to the controls: 31% vs. 75% (P<0.05) and 0.4±0.2 (SEM) vs. 0.9 ± 0.2 (0.1> P>0.05) in rats, and 31% vs. 63% (0.1>P>0.05) and 0.4±0.2 vs. 2.4 ± 0.8 (P<0.05) in mice (16 animals in each group). Intrarectal deoxycholic acid‐induced colonic mucosal ornithine decarboxylase activity was significantly lowered in CPA‐E‐fed animals compared to controls. This shows an antipromoting activity of CPA‐E against colon carcinogenesis. Thus, it was concluded that CPA‐E inhibits colon cancer development in both rats and mice treated with 2 different colon carcinogens.
Estrogen Receptor, c‐erbB‐2 and nm23/NDP Kinase Expression in the Intraductal and Invasive Components of Human Breast Cancers
Authors: Kobayashi Shunzo , Iwase Hirotaka , Itoh Yukashi , Fukuoka Hideki , Yamashita Hiroko , Kuzushima Tatsuya , Iwata Hiroji , Masaoka Akira , Kimura Narimichi
Published: September 2010

Expression of the c‐erbB‐2 oncoprotein (ErbB‐2) and the nm23 anti‐metastatic gene product (nucleoside diphosphate [NDP] kinase) was examined in the intraductal and invasive components of 63 fresh human breast cancer tissues. The expression of estrogen receptor (ER) as a marker of hormone dependency and the Ki‐67 protein as a proliferative cell marker was also examined. ErbB‐2 and ER were positive in 77.8% (28/36) and 64.7% (22/34) of the intraductal components, and in 43.6% (27/62) and 57.1% (36/63) of the invasive components, respectively. NDP kinase was positive in 58% (18/31) of intraductal, and in 30.9% (17/55) of invasive areas. The average Ki‐67‐positive cell rates were 5.9% in the intraductal, and 10.7% in the invasive components. Thus, the cells within the intraductal component of breast cancer appear to have different characteristics from the invasive component, not only in markers of proliferative ability, but also in the expression of oncogenes and hormone receptors.
Triflavin, an Arg‐Gly‐Asp‐containing Antiplatelet Peptide Inhibits Cell‐substratum Adhesion and Melanoma Cell‐induced Lung Colonization
Authors: Sheu Joen R. , Lin Chao H. , Chung Jih L. , Teng Che M. , Huang Tur F.
Published: September 2010

Triflavin, an Arg‐Gly‐Asp (RGD) containing peptide purified from Trimeresurus flavoviridis snake venom, inhibits human platelet aggregation by blocking fibrinogen binding to fibrinogen receptors associated with glycoprotein Ilb/IIIa complex. In this study, we show that triflavin (1‐30 μg/mouse) inhibits B16‐F10 melanoma cell‐induced lung colonization in C57BL/6 mice in a dose‐dependent manner. In vitro, triflavin dose‐dependently inhibits adhesion of B16‐F10 melanoma cells to extracellular matrices (ECMs; i.e., fibronectin, fibrinogen, vitronectin, and collagen type I). Triflavin is approximately 600‐800 times more potent than GRGDS at inhibiting cell adhesion. In addition, triflavin dose‐dependently inhibits B16‐F10 cell‐induced platelet aggregation. These results imply that the inhibitory effect of triflavin on the adhesion of tumor cells to ECMs (e.g., fibronectin, vitronectin and collagen type I) and/or tumor cell‐induced platelet aggregation may be partially responsible for its antimetastatic activity in C57BL/6 mice.
Alterations in the glycolipid composition and cellular properties of ovarian carcinoma‐derived RMG‐1 cells on transfection of the α1,2‐fucosyltransferase gene
Authors: Iwamori Masao , Tanaka Kyoko , Kubushiro Kaneyuki , Lin Bei , Kiguchi Kazushige , Ishiwata Isamu , Tsukazaki Katsumi , Nozawa Shiro
Published: September 2010

Transfection of the mouse Fut1 and Fut2, and human FUT1 genes into human ovarian carcinoma‐derived RMG‐1 cells resulted in 20–30‐fold increases in cellular α1,2‐fucosyltransferase activity, and in alteration of the glycolipid composition, including not only fucosylated products, but also precursor glycolipids. Although globo‐series glycolipids were not significantly affected by the transfection, the major glycolipids belonging to the lacto‐series type 1 chain family in RMG‐1 cells and the transfectants were the Lc4Cer, Lewis a (Le)a and Leb, and H‐1 glycolipids, respectively, suggesting that fucosylation of Lc4Cer to the H‐1 glycolipid prevents the further modification of Lc4Cer to Lea and Leb in the transfectants. Also, the lacto‐series type 2 chains in RMG‐1 cells were LeX, NeuAc‐nLc4Cer and NeuAc‐LeX, and those in the transfectants were LeX and LeY, indicating that the sialylation of nLc4Cer and LeX is restricted by increased fucosylation of LeX. As a result, the amount of sialic acid released by sialidase from the transfectants decreased to 70% of that from RMG‐1 cells, and several membrane‐mediated phenomena, such as the cell‐to‐cell interaction between cancer cells and mesothelial cells, and the cell viability in the presence of an anticancer drug, 5‐fluorouracil, for the transfectants was found to be increased in comparison to that for RMG‐1 cells. These findings indicate that cell surface carbohydrates are involved in the biological properties, including cell‐to‐cell adhesion and drug resistance, of cancer cells. (Cancer Sci 2005; 96: 26 –31)