bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CHEMOSENSORY CAPABILITIES IN THE PHAGOTROPHIC DINOFLAGELLATE GYMNODINIUM FUNGIFORME11
Authors: Spero Howard J.
Published: August 2010

The non‐photosynthetic, phagotrophic dinoflagellate, Gymnodinium fungiforme Anissimova is attracted to a variety of amino acids and other organic compounds. Glycine, taurine and serine attracted the dinoflagellates at a threshold detection level of 10−8 M fallowed by dextrose (10−7 M) and alanine, proline and threonine (10−6 M). Glycine, taurine and alanine are three of the most abundant free amino acids found in invertebrates and protozoa which are major food sources of this dinoflagellate. Three additional species of cultured heterotrophic dinoflagellates were exposed to the water soluble fraction of a shrimp extract known to attract G. fungiforme. All three species responded to the extract, but one species, Oxyrrhis marina, did so only after changing its food source. It is suggested that chemosensory behavior may be suppressed or expressed depending on culture conditions.
ENCYSTMENT OF THE DINOFLAGELLATEGYRODINIUM UNCATENUM: TEMPERATURE AND NUTRIENT EFFECTS1
Authors: Anderson Donald M. , Coats D. W. , Tyler M. A.
Published: August 2010

Sexual reproduction and encystment of the marine dinoflagellateGyrodinium uncatenumHulburt were induced in nitrogen and phosphorus‐limited batch cultures. Sexuality did not occur under nutrient‐replete conditions even when growth rate was reduced by non‐optimal temperatures. Growth was optimal over a broader temperature range than encystment and virtually no cysts were produced at some low and high temperatures where growth occurred.

Most cells initiated sexuality as intracellular pools of each limiting nutrient reached minimum or subsistence levels as much as four days after extracellular nutrients were exhausted. High nitrogen cell quotas during the phosphorus experiment indicate that sexuality was induced by a shortage of phosphorus and not by an indirect effect on nitrogen uptake.

Total cyst yield corresponded to successful encystment of 9–13% of the motile populations, yet 60–85% of the plateau‐phase motile cells were planozygotes (swimming zygotes formed from fusing gametes). Batch culture studies monitoring total cyst yield may thus seriously underestimate the extent of sexuality. More importantly, the number of cysts produced in a dinoflagellate population may be significantly reduced by environmental factors acting on the cells after sexual induction and fusion.
MEASURING PHOTOSYNTHETIC ACTION SPECTRA OF NATURAL PHYTOPLANKTON POPULATIONS1
Authors: Lewis Marlon R. , Warnock Roderick E. , Irwin Brian , Platt Trevor
Published: August 2010

The photosynthetic response, defined as the initial slope of the photosynthesis‐irradiance curve, was determined spectrally (every 25 nm from 400 to 675 nm; 25 nm half‐maximum bandpass) for natural phytoplankton populations from High Arctic, Grand Banks and Sargasso Sea waters, as well as for populations living in the lower margin of sea ice off Newfoundland, All spectra were similar in shape with a maximum at 425–450 nm, a broad shoulder to 550 nm, a valley from 600 to 650 nm and a rise at 675 nm. The error resulting from the use of spectrally averaged initial slope to predict photosynthesis under different optical and fluid dynamical conditions at sea is discussed.
THE ROLE OF SECONDARY PIT CONNECTIONS IN RED ALGAL PARASITISM1
Authors: Goff Lynda J. , Coleman Annette W.
Published: August 2010

Secondary pit connections are common between cells of hosts and parasites in the widespread phenomenon of red algal parasitism. The DNA‐specific fluorochrome 4′,‐6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole (DAPI) reveals that in host‐parasite secondary pit connection (SPC) formation between the parasitic red algaChoreocolax polysiphoniaeand its hostPolysiphonia confusa,a nucleus and other cytoplasmic components of the parasite are delivered into the cytoplasm of a host cell. Host cells receive large numbers of parasite nuclei and these, apparently arrested in G1, are maintained intact in host cells for periods of several weeks. Within these enlarged, differentiated cells, starch accumulates and cytoplasmic organelles proliferate as the central vacuole decreases in size. Host nuclear DNA synthesis is stimulated in the infected host cell, resulting in an increase in the number of host nuclei, or an increase in DNA in each of the existing host nuclei (i.e. somatic polyploidy). Occasionally, infected host cells will recommence division and engender a new host branch. Microspectrofluorometry of nuclear DNA quantitatively confirms not only the identity and transfer of parasite nuclei to host cells, but also the transfer of parasite nuclei to other parasite cells. Measurements also reveal that the single nucleus ofChoreocolaxbecomes progressively more polyploid as cells become larger and more highly differentiated. Secondary pit connection formation betweenChoreocolaxandPolysiphoniaprovides the mechanism for the transfer of parasite genetic information (via the parasite nucleus and cytoplasm) into the host. The parasite nuclei may thereby control and redirect the physiology of the host for the benefit of the parasite.
SELENIUM: AN ESSENTIAL ELEMENT FOR GROWTH OF THE COASTAL MARINE DIATOM THALASSIOSIRA PSEUDONANA (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE)1,2
Authors: Price Neil M. , Thompson Peter A. , Harrison Paul J.
Published: August 2010

An obligate requirement for selenium is demonstrated in axenic culture of the coastal marine diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana (clone 3H) (Hust.) Hasle and Heimdal grown in artificial seawater medium. Selenium deficiency was characterized by a reduction in growth rate and eventually by a cessation of cell division. The addition of 10−10 M Na2SeO3 to nutrient enriched artificial seawater resulted in excellent growth of T. pseudonana and only a slight inhibition of growth occurred at Na2SeO3 concentrations of 10−3 and 10−2 M. By contrast, Na2SeO4 failed to support growth of T. pseudonana when supplied at concentrations less than 10−7 M and the growth rate at this concentration was only one quarter of the maximum growth rate. The addition of 10−3 and 10−2 M Na2SeO4 to the culture medium was toxic and cell growth was completely inhibited. Eleven trace elements were tested for their ability to replace the selenium requirement by this alga find all were without effect.

In selenium‐deficient and selenium‐starved cultures of T. pseudonana cell volume increased as much as 10‐fold as a result of an increase in cell length (along the pervalvar axis) but cell width was constant. It is concluded that selenium is an indispensable element for the growth of T. pseudonana and it should be included as a nutrient enrichment to artificial seawater medium when culturing this alga.
ENTOSIPHON SULCATUM (EUGLENOPHYCEAE): FLAGELLAR ROOTS OF THE BASAL BODY COMPLEX AND RESERVOIR REGION1,2
Authors: Solomon Jean A. , Walne Patricia L. , Kivic Peter A.
Published: August 2010

The flagellar root system of Entosiphon sulcatum (Dujardin) Stein (Euglenophyceae) is described and compared with kinetoplastid and other euglenoid systems. An asymmetric pattern of three microtubular roots, one between the two flagellar basal bodies and one on either side (here called the intermediate, dorsal, and ventral roots), is consistent within the euglenoid flagellates studied thus far. The dorsal root is associated with the basal body of the anterior flagellum (F1) and lies on the left dorsal side of the basal body complex. Originating between the two flagellar basal bodies, and associated with the basal body of the trailing flagellum (F2), the intermediate root is morphologically distinguished by fibrils interconnecting the individual microtubules to one another and to the overlying reservoir membrane. The intermediate root is often borne on a ridge projecting into the reservoir. The ventral root originates near the F2 basal body and lies on the right ventral side of the cell. Fibrillar connections link the membrane of F2 with the reservoir membrane at the reservoir‐canal transition level. A large cross‐banded fiber joins the two flagellar basal bodies, and a series of smaller striated fibers links the anterior accessory and flagellar basal bodies. Large nonstriated fibers extend from the basal body complex posteriorly into the cytoplasm.
MACROALGAL CANDIDATES FOR GENOMICS1
Authors: Waaland J. Robert , Stiller John W. , Cheney Donald P.
Published: August 2010

Genomes from over 130 organisms have been either sequenced completely or are currently under investigation. These studies include a wide array of Bacteria, a smaller number of Archaea, model‐system eukaryotes, parasitic protists, and even several microalgae. However, no major effort is underway to acquire a complete nuclear genome sequence from a single macroalga or seaweed despite their crucial contribution to the biodiversity and energy economy of oceans and estuaries. Here we examine various macroalgae as potential candidates for a genome project. A set of criteria is presented, followed by a brief discussion of how well different candidates from the principal macroalgae groups, green, brown, and red algae, meet these criteria. Based on our analyses, we conclude that the red seaweed, Porphyra yezoensis Ueda, should be the leading candidate for a macroalgal genomics initiative. We realize, of course, that others in the phycological community might have a different opinion and that a broad consensus among algal researchers is required to make seaweed genomics a reality; thus the primary intention of this review is to initiate and encourage further discussion as to where the phycological community should focus its genomic efforts.
VARIANT OF THE B CHARACTER IN GROUP A1B WITH ANTI‐BH IN SERUM
Authors: Gundolf F.
Published: August 2010

Blood grouping of a 65‐year‐old woman showed a normal A1 antigen and in addition a weak B character, producing mixed field agglutination in anti‐B sera. In her serum B and A substances were demonstrated and an anti‐BH antibody was found. In the small family investigated, proposita was the only one who carried the abnormal blood group. It is discussed whether the blood group variant is due to inheritance of a defective B gene or to the effect of a recessive suppressor gene.
IMMUNOELECTROPHORETIC PATTERNS OF EXTRACTS FROM ESCHERICHIA COLI O ANTIGEN TEST STRAINS O1 TO O157 EXAMINATIONS IN HOMOLOGOUS OK SERA
Authors: ørskov Frits , ørskov Ida
Published: August 2010

All Escherichia coli O antigen test strains were examined by immunoelectrophoresis in homologous O and OK sera. The immunoelectropherograms could be subdivided into few well defined groups according to the movement of the O antigen and of the thermostable polysaccharide K antigen, if present. The outcome of the examination confirmed a previous suggestion that only a limited number of test strains have a special polysaccharide K antigen. The previously indicated relationship between pathogenicity and immunoelectrophoretic pattern was emphasized.
SEROLOGICAL GROUPING OF STAPHYLOCOCCAL PHAGES BY INDIRECT HAEMAGGLUTINATION
Authors: Kamme Carl
Published: August 2010

Phages in the international basic set used for routine typing of Staphylococcus aureus were grouped serologically with the indirect haemagglutination inhibition test. The results showed complete agreement with the serological division of these phages into 4 groups: A, B, F and L, which had earlier been done by neutralizing tests. 33 additional phages isolated from 29 Staphylococcus aureus strains of human source were investigated and found to belong to group A or B. Phages of each group were antigenically identical and showed no crossreaction with phages of any other group.
Issues in school‐based child sexual abuse prevention
Authors: WEBSTER ROBERT
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. Despite their recognition of the need for teacher training to enable them to respond effectively to the problems of child sexual abuse (DES Circular 4/88) measures taken by the Government to provide that training appear, so far, to be inadequate. Further cause for concern lies in the introduction into schools of child sexual abuse prevention programmes, many of which are seriously flawed, have not been scientifically evaluated and contain unintended negative consequences for both children and teachers. Here, a number of these shortcomings are examined, recent research is reviewed and a wider, more unified and coordinated approach is suggested.
Catharine Cappe: A New Approach to the Education and Welfare of Girls
Authors: Newsome Marcia
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. This is the first of two papers extracted from a recent study into the historical development of the care and education of deprived children in Britain. Using a case study approach, the research sought to identify some of the less overt influences which shaped and often limited the type of provision as it emerged over a period which extends as far back as the middle ages. Emphasis is placed on the part played by social and economic self‐interests in shaping the policy and practices as they developed. Exploration of eighteenth century provision led to discovery of records left by Catharine Cappe, a remarkable social reformer. Her experience provides insight in methods of working with young people and in the development of institutions to cater for their needs. The second paper to be published in the next issue of Children & Society demonstrates how knowledge of the past and an analysis of the processes which went on within it constitute an essential tool for an investigation of the inadequacy of present day practice.
Powerless Children—Powerful Systems
Authors: Malcolm Liz , Peake Anne , Walker Chris
Published: August 2010

This article looks at the needs of children and families now that there is increasing inter‐agency conflict. The situation is considered from the perspective of one agency, educational psychology and it is suggested that the pressures on one agency are common to all agencies. It is argued that the impact of the changes imposed upon agencies conspires to enhance the power of systems and diminish opportunities for children and families to be in control. Examples of effective inter‐agency support and a model of working that facilitates positive outcomes for children and their families are discussed.
Serum amylase 2 polymorphism in pigs
Authors: Jumkov V. A. , Nikonchik L. I.
Published: August 2010

A genetic polymorphism of the pig amylase 2 system is described. It is controlled by two codominant genes, Am 2A and Am 2B. A comparison of some breeds from Byelorussian breeding farms gives the following frequencies for the alleles Am 2A and Am 2B, respectively: 0.35 and 0.865 in Large White (n = 682), 0.257 and 0.743 in Byelorussian Black and White (n = 400), 0.540 and 0.460 in Hampshire (n = 51).

While studying the genotype distribution according to the Hardy‐Weinberg law, a genetic imbalance in Byelorussian Black and White pigs was established (χ2= 56.4). Genetic relationship between the Am 1 and Am 2 loci was not found.
Skewed T cell receptor repertoire of Vδ1+ γδ T lymphocytes after human allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and the potential role for Epstein–Barr virus-infected B cells in clonal restriction
Authors: Fujishima N , Hirokawa M , Fujishima M , Yamashita J , Saitoh H , Ichikawa Y , Horiuchi T , Kawabata Y , Sawada K-I
Published: August 2010

The proliferation of Vδ1+ γδ T lymphocytes has been described in various infections including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), cytomegalovirus (CMV) and malaria. However, the antigen specificity and functions of the human Vδ1+ T cells remain obscure. We sought to explore the biological role for this T cell subset by investigating the reconstitution of T cell receptor (TCR) repertoires of Vδ1+ γδ T lymphocytes after human allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We observed skewed TCR repertoires of the Vδ1+ T cells in 27 of 44 post-transplant patients. Only one patient developed EBV-associated post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder in the present patient cohort. The -WGI- amino acid motif was observed in CDR3 of clonally expanded Vδ1+ T cells in half the patients. A skew was also detected in certain healthy donors, and the Vδ1+ T cell clone derived from the donor mature T cell pool persisted in the recipient's blood even 10 years after transplant. This T cell clone expanded in vitro against stimulation with autologous EBV–lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL), and the Vδ1+ T cell line expanded in vitro from the same patient showed cytotoxicity against autologous EBV–LCL. EBV-infected cells could also induce in vitro oligoclonal expansions of autologous Vδ1+ T cells from healthy EBV-seropositive individuals. These results suggest that human Vδ1+ T cells have a TCR repertoire against EBV-infected B cells and may play a role in protecting recipients of allogeneic HSCT from EBV-associated disease.
A case study on the effect of neutralizing antibodies to interferon beta 1b in multiple sclerosis patients followed for 3 years with monthly imaging
Authors: Chiu A W , Ehrmantraut M , Richert N D , Ikonomidou V N , Pellegrini S , McFarland H F , Frank J A , Bagnato F
Published: August 2010

Interferon beta (IFN-β) is among the first-line treatment options for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). A potential caveat of therapy, however, is the development of neutralizing antibodies (NAb) and/or neutralizing activity (NA) non-antibody mediated, although debate is still ongoing as to whether NAb significantly hampers the efficacy of the drug or rather represents an immunologically irrelevant epiphenomenon. In the present study, we describe the effect of NAb on IFN-β-1b through clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) outcome measures of five relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients who were treated with 250 μg of subcutaneously administered IFN-β-1b every other day and developed NAb at varying titres and times during the course of therapy. Despite the small number of NAb+ patients, heterogeneity in MRI/clinical response to IFN-β-1b was identified. Response to IFN-β-1b therapy was observed in the absence or presence of NAb. Also observed was failure to IFN-β-1b coincident with high and sustained NAb titres, but also before NAb development or in the presence of low NAb titres. Multiple MRI and NAb measurements performed within the same individual allow for a better description of the complex heterogeneous response to IFN-β-1b with respect to NAb occurrence.
Movement of solute through a porous medium under intermittent leaching
Authors: AL‐SIBAI M. , ADEY M. A. , ROSE D. A.
Published: August 2010

Excess salts may be removed from soil by leaching, but ponding water on the soil's surface and allowing infiltration requires large quantities of water. During such leaching water flows preferentially through macropores between aggregates, while the flow within aggregates is much less. Consequently, solute within aggregates is removed much more slowly, thus decreasing overall leaching efficiency. For this reason intermittent ponding can be more efficient because it allows time for solute to diffuse to the surfaces of aggregates during the rest period and subsequently be removed in macropore flow. We explored solute transport in aggregated soils under intermittent leaching in three ways: theoretically, by laboratory experiments on columns of porous ceramic spheres as analogues of aggregates, and by simulation. Solute movement during displacement is described by the mobile‐immobile convection‐dispersion equation. During the rest period flow ceases, and solute redistributes within the aggregates by diffusion, the key variable being the effective diffusion coefficient, De of the solute in the aggregates, and longitudinally by diffusion within macropores (though this was ignored in the simulation). We estimated De for our porous spheres from observations of solute outflow into finite volumes of stirred distilled water. The theory was validated against experiments on saturated columns for different aggregate‐size distributions, flow velocities, and displacement and rest periods, with most parameters estimated independently. Experiments and simulations showed that water savings of 25% were possible under our laboratory conditions, increasing as aggregate size, flow velocity and duration of rest period increased. The potential of intermittent leaching in the field is considered.
Ploidy, proliferative activity, cluster differentiation antigen expression and clinical remission in highgrade non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma
Authors: WILLIAMSON J.M.S. , GRIGOR I. , SMITH M.E.F. , HOLGATE C.S. , O'BRIEN C.J. , MORGAN D.R. , QUIRKE P. , ALISON D.L. , CHILD J.A. , BIRD C.C.
Published: August 2010

Using a large range of monoclonal antibodies to specific cluster differentiation antigens the phenotypes of a series of high‐grade non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas of B‐and T‐cell type were investigated. Cell ploidy and proliferative fraction were assessed by fluorescent staining of DNA and flow cytometry and data on the incidence of complete clinical remission were obtained. With the exception of some lymphoblastic lymphomas, high‐grade B‐cell lymphomas normally expressed the pan B‐cell antigens CD 19 and CD22 but only immunoblastic lymphomas consistently expressed the pan B marker CD20. Variable, generally weak expression of CD21 was observed whilst CD23 expression was most prevalent in rapidly proliferative cases and in Burkitt's and centroblastic lymphomas. A rapidly proliferative, multilobated B‐cell lymphoma displayed phenotypic properties intermediate between centroblastic and immunoblastic lymphomas. The T‐cell lymphomas generally showed low proliferative activity and expression of CD4 prevailed over CD8. Most cases also showed CD2 and CD5 positivity with some also showing CD3 and CD7 expression. Patients with rapidly proliferative diploid or DNA aneuploid tumours obtained complete remission more readity than patients with lowly proliferative diploid tumours. An excess of early deaths occurred among T‐cell cases.
Mucinous biliary papillomatosis: a tumour in need of wider recognition
Authors: PADFIELD C. J. H. , ANSELL I. D. , FURNESS P. N.
Published: August 2010

We report three cases of mucinous biliary papillomatosis occurring high in the extra‐hepatic bile ducts. Histological assessment of malignancy is difficult and subjective because there is no unequivocal evidence of stromal invasion. Using anti‐laminin antibodies to assess the basement membranes of these tumours we have found a large number of discontinuities in the epithelial basement membrane. On this basis we consider that mucinous biliary papillomatosis should be considered a low‐grade malignancy. This would correlate with the natural history of these tumours, namely recurrence but with no widespread metastasis, death resulting from liver failure usually with 5–6 years of presentation.
Expression profiling technology: its contribution to our understanding of breast cancer
Authors: Rakha E A , El‐Sayed M E , Reis‐Filho J S , Ellis I O
Published: August 2010

Breast cancer is a complex genetic disease characterized by the accumulation of multiple molecular alterations. Routine clinical management of breast cancer relies on clinical and pathological factors, however. These seem insufficient to reflect the whole clinical heterogeneity of tumours and are less than perfectly adapted to each patient. Recent advances in human genome research and high‐throughput molecular technologies have made it possible to tackle the molecular complexity of breast cancer and have contributed to the realization that the biological heterogeneity of breast cancer has implications for treatment. Gene expression profiling of breast cancer has been performed using several approaches. This review will describe the details of gene expression profiling of breast cancer, the different approaches and the impact on clinical management.
How do patients choose their doctors for primary care in a free market?
Authors: Wun Yuk Tsan , Lam Tai Pong , Lam Kwok Fai , Goldberg David , Li Donald K. T. , Yip Ka Chee
Published: August 2010

Aims  A recent trend in health care system is to provide more choices to the patients. This study surveyed the general public's choices for primary care in Hong Kong which has the setting of free choices for private or public service and also direct access to specialists.

Methods  We used a combined qualitative and quantitative approach. We held five focus group interviews with participants of different socio‐economic categories. Information from the focus groups helped to design a questionnaire for random telephone interviews with members of the public aged 18 or above.

Results  There were 37 participants in the focus groups and 1647 respondents in the telephone survey. The most important factor for choosing a doctor was proximity to home or workplace, followed by quick relief from the illness. Once continuity of care had been established, distance was of less importance but comprehensive care was valued. Nearly 70% of the public had regular doctors. About 93% of the public would consult specialists directly when they thought they needed a specialist's opinion. Nearly 30% chose specialists for any medical care and 38% preferred specialists to also look after their primary care problems.

Conclusion  Convenient accessibility was the most important factor for the initial choice of primary care doctors by the general public. The perceived clinical proficiency of the doctor determined future continuity of care. Patients liked to have direct access to specialists. Though some chose to see the specialists even for primary care problems, most people had regular doctors who were likely to have the attributes of family doctors.
Activation‐induced cell death in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with chronic hepatitis B may be related to abnormal production of interleukin 12 and 10
Authors: Ji W. , Wang H.‐F. , Feng C.‐Q.
Published: August 2010

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 70 patients with chronic hepatitis B and 32 normal healthy persons were isolated and cultured with or without Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B (SEB; 0.2 mg l–1) and recombinant HBcAg (rHBcAg; 1.0 mg l–1) for 48 h in vitro. After incubation, the cells were harvested by centrifugation and apoptosis of the PBMCs was studied by staining with fluorescent dyes YOPRO‐1 and Hoechst 33342. The levels of IL‐12 and IL‐10 in the serum and the supernatants of cultured PBMCs were assayed by ELISA. The levels of IL‐12 heterodimer in the serum and the supernatants of PBMCs cultured with SEB or rHBcAg were lower in patients than controls. The levels of IL‐10 in both the serum and supernatants were higher in patients than controls. In addition, the percentage of apoptotic cells in PBMCs from the infected patients was significantly greater than from normal persons in the presence or absence of SEB and rHBcAg. Patients seropositive for HBeAg had much greater percentage of apoptotic cells in the PBMCs cultured with rHBcAg than patients seronegative for HBeAg, reaching 24.08%. We speculate that activation‐induced cell death of PBMCs in the patients with hepatitis B may be related to abnormal expression of IL‐12 heterodimer and IL‐10, which may lead to persistent infection in the patients.
Viral, host and interferon‐related factors modulating the effect of interferon therapy for hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Hu Ke‐Qin , Vierling John M. , Redeker Allan G.
Published: August 2010

The estimated prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in the US is approximately 1.8%. Although interferon monotherapy and combination therapy of interferon with ribavirin represent mainstay for treating HCV infection, the rate of sustained virologic response remains suboptimal. The growing evidence suggested that the clinical sequence and treatment response of chronic hepatitis C are determined by a dynamic, complex tripartite relationship among HCV infection, the host immune response, and the effect of different interferon regimens. The treatment response is associated with various viral factors including the pretreatment viral level, dynamic change of viral level during treatment, viral genotype quasispecies and nucleotide mutation in nonstructural protein 5A of hepatitis C virus. Host factors that may affect treatment response include age, gender, race, HLA alleles and the host immune responses. Interferon regimens, including type, dose, frequency and duration of treatment and combination of interferon with other anti‐HCV agents also alter the therapeutic response. Understanding these complicated interaction may provide better insights into the mechanism(s) of interferon response, leading to more effective clinical application of interferon therapy.
Imbalance between cytoproliferation and apoptosis in hepatitis C virus related chronic liver disease
Authors: Farinati F. , Cardin R. , Fiorentino M. , D’Errico A. , Grigioni W. , Cecchetto A. , Naccarato R.
Published: August 2010

An imbalance between cytoproliferation and apoptosis may be relevant in liver carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to analyse these parameters in patients with chronic liver damage in relation to the aetiology of the disease. Forty‐eight patients were studied: 23 had hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐ and 11 had hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related chronic hepatitis, seven had alcoholic liver disease, and seven had haemochromatosis. The biopsies were used for routine diagnosis, cytoproliferative indexing (MIB1, Ki67 monoclonal antibody), apoptosis (APO, in situ end labelling) and, in part, liver iron and malondialdehyde determination. Apoptosis was similar in all patient subgroups and correlated with hepatitis grading (P=0.002) and ALT levels (P=0.004); cytoproliferation (MIB1) levels were higher in HCV patients, both as a whole and in the periportal area (P=0.02 and P=0.03). MIB1 correlated with ALT levels (P=0.0001), hepatitis grading (P=0.02) and tissue iron (P=0.04). APO and MIB1 were higher in patients with than in those without cirrhosis (P=0.0006 and P=0.03, respectively). APO correlated with MIB1 (P=0.001), overall but not in HCV patients. The MIB1/APO ratio was significantly higher in HCV patients than in the other groups (P=0.02). In summary, cytoproliferation is more pronounced in chronic HCV‐related hepatitis, while APO is not significantly higher than in other types of liver damage, suggesting an imbalance between the two. APO and MIB1 are directly related to the extent of liver damage and, from a biochemical point of view, to tissue iron levels.
Levels of circulating endothelin‐1 and nitrates/nitrites in patients with virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Notas G. , Xidakis C. , Valatas V. , Kouroumalis A. , Kouroumalis E.
Published: August 2010

A balance between endothelins (ET) and nitric oxide (NO) might interfere with liver haemodynamics and disease progression in various liver diseases. Increased levels of endothelin 1 (ET‐1) and nitrites and nitrates (NOx, the end products of NO metabolism) have been reported in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the balance has not been studied. The purpose of this study was to assess the ratio of NOx to ET‐1 in patients with virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma and to investigate its correlation with the extent of the disease. Eighteen patients with virus‐related HCC (six Okuda stage I, six Okuda stage II and six Okuda stage III) were included in the study and were compared with 22 patients with viral cirrhosis (14 decompensated, eight compensated) and seven normal controls. ET‐1 was measured with an ELISA assay and NOx with a modification of the Griess reaction. Patients with virus‐related HCC had the highest levels of circulating ET‐1 and NOx (13.24 ± 0.82 pg/ml and 112.28 ± 18.56 μmol/l) compared to compensated cirrhosis (9.47 ± 0.50 pg/ml, P < 0.004 and 54.47 ± 2.36 μmol/l, P < 0.01), decompensated cirrhosis (9.57 ± 0.32 pg/ml, P < 0.001 and 90.20 ± 11.23 μmol/l, NS) and normal controls (8.84 ± 0.61 pg/ml, P < 0.001 and 51.17 ± 6.18 μmol/l, P < 0.01). There was a significant increase of ET‐1 and NOx at HCC stage III compared to HCC stages I and II, cirhotics and controls. HCC stage III patients also had a NOx/ET‐1 ratio that was higher than HCC stages I and II patients, normal controls and patients with compensated cirrhosis. Virus‐related HCC patients have high levels of circulating ET‐1, compared to compensated or decompensated cirrhosis. Highest levels of ET‐1 are produced in Okuda III tumours. NOx are also increased but only in Okuda stage III tumours. The NOx/ET‐1 ratio is increased in virus‐related HCC and DC. This increase may account for the known increase in tumour blood flow.
The course of hepatitis C viraemia in transfusion recipients prior to availability of antiviral therapy
Authors: Mosley J. W. , Operskalski E. A. , Tobler L. H. , Buskell Z. J. , Andrews W. W. , Phelps B. , Dockter J. , Giachetti C. , Seeff L. B. , Busch M. P. ,   for the Transfusion‐transmitted Viruses Study and Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study Groups
Published: August 2010

Summary.  Knowing the likely distribution of intervals from hepatitis C infection to first RNA‐negativity is important in deciding about therapeutic intervention. Prospectively collected sera and data from the Transfusion‐transmitted Viruses Study (1974–1980) provide specific dates of infection and pattern of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevations. We examined frequency, timing and correlates of spontaneous resolution for 94 acutely infected transfusion recipients followed for a median of 9.5 months. Later, follow‐up sera (>10 years) were available for 27 of the 94 cases from a Veterans Administration (VA) Study (1989–1990). Twenty‐five (27%) of the 94 cases were classified as probably resolved during the episode itself. First RNA negativity occurred at 6–50 weeks (median, 19.5 weeks) after infection, and 5–43 weeks (median, 11 weeks) after ALT elevation. Thirteen of the 25 cases remained RNA‐negative subsequently; 12 others had 1–6 RNA‐positive sera intercalated between first and last RNA‐negative results. RNA negativity, therefore, began variably and was interrupted in 12 cases of 25 (48%) by transient RNA‐positive sera. Five of these 25 patients who were RNA‐negative in the last study specimen had late, Veterans Administration Study follow‐up; none showed viraemia. Of the remaining 69 transfusion transmitted virus study recipients, whose last serum was RNA‐positive, two cleared viraemia after the last study serum but before late follow‐up. Eleven (16%) had 23 intercalated RNA‐negative sera before last positivity. RNA status, therefore, needs monitoring for many months before judging the spontaneous outcome as transient negativity may occur. Resolution was significantly more common in women and symptomatic cases; it was not associated with viral load in the infectious donation, HCV genotype, or the recipient’s age.
Genetic variability in hepatitis C virus and its role in antiviral treatment response
Authors: Torres‐Puente M. , Cuevas J. M. , Jiménez‐Hernández N. , Bracho M. A. , García‐Robles I. , Wrobel B. , Carnicer F. , Del Olmo J. , Ortega E. , Moya A. , González‐Candelas F.
Published: August 2010

Summary.  Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major health problem worldwide, infecting an estimated 170 million people. The high genetic variability of HCV contributes to the chronicity of hepatitis C. Here, we report results from a large‐scale sequence analysis of 67 patients infected with HCV genotype 1, 23 with subtype 1a and 44 with subtype 1b. Two regions of the HCV genome were analysed in samples prior to combined therapy with alpha interferon plus ribavirin, one compressing the hypervariable regions (HVR1, HVR2 and HVR3) of the E2 glycoprotein and another one including the interferon‐sensitive determining region (ISDR) and the V3 domain of the NS5A protein. Genetic diversity measures showed a clear tendency to higher genetic variability levels in nonresponder patients to antiviral treatment than in responder patients, although highly disperse values were present within each response group for both subtypes. A more detailed analysis of amino acid composition revealed the presence of several subtype‐specific variants in a few positions, but no discriminating positions between responder and nonresponder patients were detected. Our results also revealed that most amino acid positions were highly conserved, especially for subtype 1a. We conclude that the outcome of the antiviral treatment might depend not only on the nature of one or a few independent positions, but more likely on the combination of several positions along the HCV genome. Moreover, the own host’s ability to generate an appropriate systemic response, in combination with the action of antivirals, is also likely to be essential for treatment outcome.
Conformational studies on β‐bend containing a cis peptide unit
Authors: NAGARAJARAM H.A. , PAUL P.K.C. , RAMANARAYANAN K. , SOMAN K.V. , RAMAKRISHNAN C.
Published: August 2010

Conformational studies have been carried out on the X‐cis‐Pro tripeptide system (a system of three linked peptide units, in the trans‐cis‐trans configuration) using energy minimization techniques. For X, residues Gly, L‐Ala, D‐Ala and L‐Pro have been used. The energy minima have been classified into different groups based upon the conformational similarity. There are 15, 20, 18 and 6 minima that are possible for the four cases respectively arid these fall into 11 different groups. A study of these minima shows that, (i) some minima contain hydrogen bonds ‐ either 4→1 or 1→2 type, (ii) the low energy minima qualify themselves as bend conformations, (iii) cis′ and trans′ conformations are possible for the prolyl residue as also the Cγ‐endo and Cγ‐exo puckerings, and (iv) for Pro‐cis‐Pro, cis′ at the first prolyl residue is ruled out, due to the high energy. The available crystal structure data on proteins and peptides, containing cis‐Pro segment have been examined with a view to find the minima that occur in solid state. The data from protein show that they fall under two groups. The conformation at X in X‐cis‐Pro is near extended when it is a non‐glycyl residue. In both peptides and proteins there exists a preference for trans′ conformation at prolyl residue over cis′ when X is a non‐glycyl residue. The minima obtained can be useful in modelling studies.
Nerve perforation with pencil point or short bevelled needles: histological outcome
Authors: STEINFELDT T. , NIMPHIUS W. , WURPS M. , EBERHART L. , VASSILIOU T. , KILL C. , WULF H. , GRAF J.
Published: August 2010

Background: In the case of needle nerve contact during peripheral blocks, pencil point needles are considered less traumatic compared with bevelled needles. However, there are not enough data to prove this notion. Therefore, the aim of this study was to challenge the hypothesis that nerve perforation with short bevelled needles is associated with major nerve damage compared with pencil point needles.

Methods: In five anaesthetised pigs, the brachial plexus was exposed bilaterally. Up to eight nerves underwent needle nerve perforation using a pencil point needles cannula or an short bevelled needle. After 48 h, the nerves were resected. The specimens were processed for visual examination and the detection of inflammatory cells (haematoxylin–eosin, i.e. CD68‐immunohistochemistry to detect macrophages), myelin damage (Kluver–Barrera staining) and intraneural haematoma. The grade of nerve injury was characterised by an objective score ranging from 0 (no injury) to 4 (severe injury).

Results: Fifty nerves were examined. According to the injury score applied, there was no significant difference between the pencil point needles [median (inter‐quartile range) 2.0 (2.0–2.0)] and the short bevelled‐needle group [median 2.0 (2.0–2.0) P=0.23]. No myelin damage was observed. Signs of post‐traumatic inflammation were equally distributed among both groups.

Conclusions: In the present study, the magnitude of nerve injury after needle nerve perforation was not related to one of the applied needle types. Post‐traumatic inflammation rather than structural damage of nerve tissue is the only notable sign of nerve injury after needle nerve perforation with either needle type. However, neither the pencil point‐ nor the short bevelled needle can be designated a less traumatic device.
Differentiating the natural and man‐made terraces of Lake Van, Eastern Anatolia, utilizing earth science methods
Authors: Akça Erhan , Çimrin K. Mesut , Ryan John , Nagano Takanori , Topaksu Mustafa , Kapur Selim
Published: August 2010

The Fertile Crescent of the Middle East region, embracing Syria, eastern Turkey and Iraq, marks the region where settled agriculture began, and where the landscape has been shaped for millennia by human activities. The lacustrine and fluvial terraces of the Late Pleistocene and Holocene Eras are common geomorphic features in many areas around Lake Van in eastern Turkey, being sustainably used since the Urartian Period (800–400 years bc). Fluctuations in the water levels of Lake Van have resulted in the development of widely distributed natural terraces around the Lake. The undulating slopes of these terraces have limited their cultivation, however, leading people to reconstruct terraces as a means for utilizing particular production sites, as anthroscapes (this concept is generally confined to situations where marked differences or deviations from the normal, natural landscapes are attributable to effects/shaping by humans). The region exhibits semiarid climatic conditions and a short crop‐growing season, currently being under the threat of land degradation. Recent mismanagement of these lands as a result of increasing population pressures has led to the degradation of both the natural and the man‐made terraces. Thus, there is an urgent need to conserve and understand the indigenous management and soil quality attributes of these man‐made terraces. To this end, this study examined soil profiles and analysed soil samples for their chemical, physical and mineralogical characteristics, in order to determine the human effects of leaching and/or accumulation. These analyses revealed significant differences between the physical, chemical, microbiological and mineralogical properties of the man‐made/reworked terraces and natural terraces under essentially similar parent materials and environment, thereby providing clues as to the sustainable management of these land surfaces in eastern Turkey. The approaches used in this study provide useful evidence for attempting to explain the historical evolution of land use in similar environments elsewhere, as well as the significance of terraces in combating coastal erosion in lake environments.
Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate reduces hepatic ischaemia/reperfusion‐induced acute kidney injury through attenuation of endothelial injury in mice
Authors: LEE SO‐YOUNG , KIM DONG‐HEE , SUNG SU‐AH , KIM MYUNG‐GYU , CHO WON‐YONG , KIM HYOUNG‐KYU , JO SANG‐KYUNG
Published: August 2010

Aim:  Hepatic ischaemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) frequently complicates acute kidney injury (AKI) during the perioperative period. This study was to determine whether hepatic IRI causes AKI and the effect of the sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) on AKI.

Methods:  S1P and vehicle were given to mice before ischaemia and mice were subjected to hepatic IRI. Plasma creatinine (PCr), alanine transaminase (ALT), urinary neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) and renal histological changes were determined. As a marker of endothelial injury, vascular permeability was measured. The effect of VPC 23019, a S1P1 receptor antagonist, was also assessed.

Results:  Hepatic IRI resulted in liver injury (increased ALT) and systemic inflammation. Kidneys showed elevated inflammatory cytokines, leucocyte infiltration, increased vascular permeability, tubular cell apoptosis and increased urinary NGAL, although PCr did not increase. Pretreatment with S1P resulted in an attenuation of systemic inflammation and kidney injury without any effect on plasma ALT or peripheral lymphocytes. The protective effect of S1P was partially reversed by VPC 23019, suggesting the important contribution of the S1P/S1P1 pathway to protect against hepatic IRI‐induced AKI.

Conclusion:  The study data demonstrate the important contribution of systemic inflammation and endothelial injury to AKI following hepatic IRI. Modulation of the S1P/S1P1 receptor pathway might have some therapeutic potential in hepatic IRI‐induced kidney injury.
THE DYNA‐SCOPE AND DYNASCOPY
Authors: ENGELMANN OTTO R.
Published: August 2010

A device which places before the mind the visual defect interfering with its efficient functioning.
Co‐expression of C‐terminal truncated alpha‐synuclein enhances full‐length alpha‐synuclein‐induced pathology
Authors: Ulusoy Ayse , Febbraro Fabia , Jensen Poul H. , Kirik Deniz , Romero‐Ramos Marina
Published: August 2010

Lewy bodies, which are a pathological hallmark of Parkinson’s disease, contain insoluble polymers of alpha‐synuclein (αsyn). Among the different modifications that can promote the formation of toxic αsyn species, C‐terminal truncation is among the most abundant alterations in patients with Parkinson’s disease. In vitro, C‐terminal truncated αsyn aggregates faster and sub‐stoichiometric amounts of C‐terminal truncated αsyn promote aggregation of the full‐length αsyn (αsynFL) and induce neuronal toxicity. To address in vivo the putative stimulation of αsyn‐induced pathology by the presence of truncated αsyn, we used recombinant adeno‐associated virus to express either αsynFL or a C‐terminal truncated αsyn (1‐110) in rats. We adjusted the recombinant adeno‐associated virus vector concentrations so that either protein alone led to only mild to moderate axonal pathology in the terminals of nigrostriatal dopamine neurons without frank cell loss. When these two forms of αsyn were co‐expressed at these pre‐determined levels, it resulted in a more aggressive pathology in fiber terminals as well as dopaminergic cell loss in the substantia nigra. Using an antibody that did not detect the C‐terminal truncated αsyn (1‐110) but only αsynFL, we demonstrated that the co‐expressed truncated protein promoted the progressive accumulation of αsynFL and formation of larger pathological accumulations. Moreover, in the co‐expression group, three of the eight animals showed apomorphine‐induced turning, suggesting prominent post‐synaptic alterations due to impairments in the dopamine release, whereas the mild pathology induced by either form alone did not cause motor abnormalities. Taken together these data suggest that C‐terminal truncated αsyn can interact with and exacerbate the formation of pathological accumulations containing αsynFL in vivo.
The Relation of General Planning to Housing and Town and Country Planning
Authors: COLE G.D.H.
Published: August 2010

First concept one of amenity. Green Belts round cities. Control over industrial developments in Great Britain. Influence of economic conditions on industrial location. Government and private controls. Dangers of partial planning.
Capital Structure under Costly Enforcement*
Authors: Hvide Hans K. , Leite Tore
Published: August 2010

We consider financial structure and repayment behavior in a setting where cash flows are private information to the entrepreneur and the cost of enforcing repayment differs across security holders. If enforcement costs are lower for shareholders than for creditors, a mixed capital structure with debt and equity can obtain in equilibrium. Under a mixed capital structure, creditors intervene in low cash‐flow states while shareholders intervene in high cash‐flow states. Moreover, strategic defaults, costly bankruptcy, shareholder intervention, and violation of absolute priority occur with positive probability on the equilibrium path. Several of the predictions from our framework are consistent with evidence not readily explainable by existing theories.