bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
II. A letter from Dr John Harwood, LL. D. and F. R. S. to Dr Hans Sloane, R. S. Secr, concerning the forementioned Hypocaustum. With part of two letters from Mr William Baxter to Dr Harwood, relating to Wroxeter, and the Hypocausta of the ancients
Authors: Harwood John , Baxter William
Published: December 2006

Sir
, The first notice I had of the
Hypocaust
discover’d at
Wroxeter
, was from a Letter Mr
Baxter
communicated to me, which he received from the Reverend Mr
Markham
, the present worthy Incumbent of that place; which gave me occasion of making farther enquiry, by writing to the Reverend Mr
Richard Lloyd
of
Salop
; who, at my request, was so obliging as to take a journey and view it.
IV. De linearum curvarum longitudine authore Jo. Craig
Authors: Craig John
Published: December 2006

Duorum Quadratorum summam in alia duo quadrate dividere.
XXIV. On spherical motion.
Authors: Wildbore Charles , Stanhope Philip
Published: December 2006

This Paper, which has cost me much pains in patient investigation, is occasioned by that of Mr. Landen, in the Philosophical Transactions, Vol. LXXV. Part II.
XI. On the mutual action of sulphuric acid and naphthaline, and on a new acid produced
Authors: Faraday Michael
Published: December 2006

In a Paper
on new compounds of carbon and hydrogen
, lately honoured by the Royal Society with a place in the Philosophical Transactions, I had occasion briefly to notice, the peculiar action exerted on certain of those compounds by sulphuric acid. During my attempts to ascertain more minutely the general nature of this action, I was led to suspect the occasional combination of the hydro-carbonaceous matter with the acid, and even its entrance into the constitution of the salts, which the acid afterwards formed with bases. Although this opinion proved incorrect, relative to the peculiar hydro-carbons forming the subject of that Paper, yet it led to experiments upon analogous bodies, and amongst others, upon naphthaline, which terminated in the production of the new acid body and salts now to be described. Some of the results obtained by the use of the oil gas products are very peculiar. If, when completed, I find them sufficiently interesting, I shall think it my duty to place them before the Royal Society, as explicatory of that action of sulphuric acid which was briefly noticed in my last Paper.
XIII. On the constitution of the atmosphere
Authors: Dalton John
Published: December 2006

The fact discovered by Boyle and Marriotte, that the space occupied by air is in the inverse ratio of the pressure, is one of great importance in the doctrine of elastic fluids. It may probably not be mathematically true in extreme cases; but in those where the condensations and rarefactions do not exceed 50 or 100 times, there is reason to believe the above ratio is a very near approximation to the truth. Sir Isaac Newton has shown in the 23d prop, book ii. of the Principia, that if homogeneous particles of matter were endued with a power of repulsion in the inverse ratio of their central distances, collectively they would form an elastic fluid agreeing with atmospheric air in its mechanical properties. He does not infer from this demonstration that elastic fluids must necessarily consist of such particles; and his argument requires that the repulsive power of each particle terminate, or very nearly so, in the adjacent particles. From the scholium to this proposition, Newton was evidently aware of the difficulty of conceiving how the repulsive action of such particles could terminate so abruptly as his supposition demands; but in order to show that such cases exist in nature, he finds a parallel one in magnetism.
In vitro activity of recombinant lysostaphin against Staphylococcus aureus isolates from hospitals in Beijing, China
Authors: Yang Xin-Yi , Li Cong-Ran , Lou Ren-Hui , Wang Yue-Ming , Zhang Wei-Xin , Chen Hui-Zhen , Huang Qing-Shan , Han Yan-Xing , Jiang Jian-Dong , You Xue-Fu
Published: December 2006

Lysostaphin is a glycylglycine endopeptidase. It cleaves the pentaglycine cross-bridge structure unique to the staphylococcal cell wall and is considered to be a potential drug for Staphylococcus aureus. In the present study, the in vitro activity of recombinant lysostaphin was investigated in 257 S. aureus isolates collected from hospital patients in Beijing, China, by determination of MIC and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and a time–kill curve test. An agar dilution method was used for MIC determination in all of the isolates and a macrobroth dilution method was employed to verify MIC values for a subset of the isolates. All of the S. aureus strains were sensitive to the recombinant lysostaphin with MICs ranging from 0.03 to 2 μg ml−1 in the agar dilution assay. The antibacterial activity of lysostaphin was greater than that of vancomycin and other reference agents. For most of the isolates, the MICs from the agar dilution method were higher than those from the broth dilution method. The MBCs of lysostaphin in the test isolates were between 1- and 8-fold higher than their MIC values. Bactericidal activity (>99.9 % reduction) was observed after 2 h exposure of the isolates to lysostaphin at concentrations of ⩾0.5 MIC. Lysostaphin showed a rapid bactericidal activity against the test strains of meticillin-susceptible S. aureus and meticillin-resistant S. aureus. Its activity at ⩾0.5 MIC was sustained for at least 6 h. These results will be informative for the clinical application and evaluation of lysostaphin.
Oral vaccination with modified vaccinia virus Ankara attached covalently to TMPEG-modified cationic liposomes overcomes pre-existing poxvirus immunity from recombinant vaccinia immunization
Authors: Naito Toshio , Kaneko Yutaro , Kozbor Danuta
Published: December 2006

Development of a safe and effective vaccine for induction of mucosal immunity to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) envelope glycoprotein (Env, gp160) represents the best hope for containing the spread of an HIV epidemic worldwide. The highly attenuated modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) is a laboratory virus well suited as a safe vaccine vector. However, the presence of pre-existing immunity toVaccinia virusin the adult population represents a hindrance that limits the application of the MVA vector for inducing immunity to HIV antigens. Here, cationic liposomes were covalently attached to the surface of recombinant MVA expressing the HIV-1 strain IIIB Env glycoprotein andβ-galactosidase (MVAIIIB/β-gal) using tresylmonomethoxypolyethylene glycol (TMPEG) grafted into a lipid membrane without compromising viral infectivityin vitroandin vivo. The orally administered MVAIIIB/β-gal–TMPEG/liposome complexes were capable of delivering the transgenes to mucosal tissues in mice with pre-existing poxvirus immunity based onβ-galactosidase gene expression in intestinal tissues measured 18 h after infection. Importantly, the MVAIIIB/β-gal–TMPEG/liposome complexes enhanced Env-specific cellular and humoral immune responses in the mucosal and systemic tissues after repeated oral immunization of BALB/c mice. This approach may prove useful for induction of protective immunity against infectious diseases and cancer in populations with pre-existing immunity to vaccinia from smallpox vaccination.
Reduced redox potential of the cytosol is important for African swine fever virus capsid assembly and maturation
Authors: Cobbold Christian , Windsor Miriam , Parsley James , Baldwin Ben , Wileman Thomas
Published: December 2006

Assembly of African swine fever virus (ASFV) involves the transfer of the major capsid protein, p73, from the cytosol onto the cytoplasmic face of endoplasmic reticulum-derived membranes. During this process, the folding of p73 is dependent upon transient association with a specific viral chaperone, CAP80. The cell cytoplasm maintains high concentrations of reduced glutathione, leading to a reducing environment. Here, the effects of redox environment on the assembly of ASFV have been studied. Diamide, which oxidizes the cell cytosol, slowed the folding of p73 and prevented release from CAP80 and subsequent binding of p73 to membranes. Similarly, cell oxidation slowed the assembly of p73 molecules already bound to membranes into virus capsid precursors. Interestingly, addition of oxidized glutathione to newly assembled virus capsid precursors in vitro led to disassembly; however, virus particles released from cells were resistant to oxidized glutathione. These data show that assembly of ASFV requires the reducing environment that prevails in the cytosol, but as the virus matures, it becomes resistant to oxidation, possibly indicating preparation for release from the cell.
Restricted replication and lysosomal trafficking of yellow fever 17D vaccine virus in human dendritic cells
Authors: Palmer Dupeh R. , Fernandez Stefan , Bisbing John , Peachman Kristina K. , Rao Mangala , Barvir Dave , Gunther Vicky , Burgess Timothy , Kohno Yukari , Padmanabhan R. , Sun Wellington
Published: December 2006

The yellow fever virus attenuated 17D vaccine strain is a safe and effective vaccine and a valuable model system for evaluating immune responses against attenuated viral variants. This study compared thein vitrointeractions of the commercially available yellow fever vaccine (YF-VAX),Dengue virusand the live-attenuated dengue vaccine PDK50 with dendritic cells (DCs), the main antigen-presenting cells at the initiation of immune responses. Similar to PDK50, infection with YF-VAX generated activated DCs; however, for YF-VAX, activation occurred with limited intracellular virus replication. The majority of internalized virus co-localized with endolysosomal markers within 90 min, suggesting that YF-VAX is processed rapidly in DCs. These results indicate that restricted virus replication and lysosomal compartmentalization may be important contributing factors to the success of the YF-VAX vaccine.
The nine C-terminal amino acids of the respiratory syncytial virus protein P are necessary and sufficient for binding to ribonucleoprotein complexes in which six ribonucleotides are contacted per N protein protomer
Authors: Tran Thi-Lan , Castagné Nathalie , Bhella David , Varela Paloma F. , Bernard Julie , Chilmonczyk Stefan , Berkenkamp Stefan , Benhamo Vanessa , Grznarova Katarina , Grosclaude Jeanne , Nespoulos Claude , Rey Felix A. , Eléouët Jean-François
Published: December 2006

The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) phosphoprotein (P) is a major polymerase co-factor that interacts with both the large polymerase fragment (L) and the nucleoprotein (N). The N-binding domain of RSV P has been investigated by co-expression of RSV P and N proteins in Escherichia coli. Pull-down assays performed with a series of truncated forms of P fused to glutathione S-transferase (GST) revealed that the region comprising the last nine C-terminal amino acid residues of P (233-DNDLSLEDF-241) is sufficient for efficient binding to N. Site-directed mutagenesis shows that the last four residues of this peptide are crucial for binding and must be present at the end of a flexible C-terminal tail. The presence of the P oligomerization domain (residues 100–160) was an important stabilizing factor for the interaction. The tetrameric full-length P fused to GST was able to pull down both helical and ring structures, whereas a monomeric C-terminal fragment of P (residues 161–241) fused to GST pulled down exclusively RNA–N rings. Electron-microscopy analysis of the purified rings showed the presence of two types of complex: undecamers (11N) and decamers (10N). Mass-spectrometry analysis of the RNA extracted from rings after RNase A treatment showed two peaks of 22 900 and 24 820 Da, corresponding to a mean RNA length of 67 and 73 bases, respectively. These results suggest strongly that each N subunit contacts 6 nt, with an extra three or four bases further protected from nuclease digestion by the ring structure at both the 5′ and 3′ ends.
Antiviral activity obtained from aqueous extracts of the Chilean soapbark tree (Quillaja saponaria Molina)
Authors: Roner Michael R. , Sprayberry Jennifer , Spinks Matthew , Dhanji Salima
Published: December 2006

Natural, aqueous extracts ofQuillaja saponaria, the Chilean soapbark tree, contain several physiologically active triterpenoid saponins that display strong adjuvant activity when used in either human or animal vaccines. In this paper, we describe studies that demonstrate a novel antiviral activity ofQuillajaextracts against six viruses: vaccinia virus, herpes simplex virus type 1, varicella zoster virus, human immunodeficiency viruses 1 and 2 (HIV-1, HIV-2) and reovirus. We demonstrate that microgram amounts of extract, while exhibiting no cell cytotoxicity or direct virucidal activity, prevent each of the six viruses tested from infecting their host cells. In addition, the presence of residual amounts of extract continue to block virus infection and render cells resistant to infection for at least 16 h after the removal of the extract from the cell culture medium. We demonstrate that aQuillajaextract possesses strong antiviral activity at concentrations more than 100-fold lower than concentrations that exhibit cell cytotoxicity. Extract concentrations as high as 100 μg ml−1are not cytotoxic, but concentrations as low as 0.1 μg ml−1are able to block HIV-1 and HIV-2 virus attachment and infection.
Inhibition of maize streak virus (MSV) replication by transient and transgenic expression of MSV replication-associated protein mutants
Authors: Shepherd Dionne N. , Mangwende Tichaona , Martin Darren P. , Bezuidenhout Marion , Thomson Jennifer A. , Rybicki Edward P.
Published: December 2006

Maize streak disease is a severe agricultural problem in Africa and the development of maize genotypes resistant to the causal agent, Maize streak virus (MSV), is a priority. A transgenic approach to engineering MSV-resistant maize was developed and tested in this study. A pathogen-derived resistance strategy was adopted by using targeted deletions and nucleotide-substitution mutants of the multifunctional MSV replication-associated protein gene (rep). Various rep gene constructs were tested for their efficacy in limiting replication of wild-type MSV by co-bombardment of maize suspension cells together with an infectious genomic clone of MSV and assaying replicative forms of DNA by quantitative PCR. Digitaria sanguinalis, an MSV-sensitive grass species used as a model monocot, was then transformed with constructs that had inhibited virus replication in the transient-expression system. Challenge experiments using leafhopper-transmitted MSV indicated significant MSV resistance – from highly resistant to immune – in regenerated transgenic D. sanguinalis lines. Whereas regenerated lines containing a mutated full-length rep gene displayed developmental and growth defects, those containing a truncated rep gene both were fertile and displayed no growth defects, making the truncated gene a suitable candidate for the development of transgenic MSV-resistant maize.
A New CULLIN 1 Mutant Has Altered Responses to Hormones and Light in Arabidopsis
Authors: Moon Jennifer , Zhao Yunde , Dai Xinhua , Zhang Wenjing , Gray William M. , Huq Enamul , Estelle Mark
Published: December 2006

Regulated protein degradation contributes to plant development by mediating signaling events in many hormone, light, and developmental pathways. Ubiquitin ligases recognize and ubiquitinate target proteins for subsequent degradation by the 26S proteasome. The multisubunit SCF is the best-studied class of ubiquitin ligases in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). However, the extent of SCF participation in signaling networks is unclear. SCFs are composed of four subunits: CULLIN 1 (CUL1), ASK, RBX1, and an F-box protein. Null mutations in CUL1 are embryo lethal, limiting insight into the role of CUL1 and SCFs in later stages of development. Here, we describe a viable and fertile weak allele of CUL1, called cul1-6. cul1-6 plants have defects in seedling and adult morphology. In addition to reduced auxin sensitivity, cul1-6 seedlings are hyposensitive to ethylene, red, and blue light conditions. An analysis of protein interactions with the cul1-6 gene product suggests that both RUB (related to ubiquitin) modification and interaction with the SCF regulatory protein CAND1 (cullin associated and neddylation dissociated) are disrupted. These findings suggest that the morphological defects observed in cul1-6 plants are caused by defective SCF complex formation. Characterization of weak cul1 mutants provides insight into the role of SCFs throughout plant growth and development.
Repression of theLEAFY COTYLEDON 1/B3Regulatory Network in Plant Embryo Development byVP1/ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE 3-LIKEB3 Genes
Authors: Suzuki Masaharu , Wang Heidi H.-Y. , McCarty Donald R.
Published: December 2006

Plant embryo development is regulated by a network of transcription factors that include LEAFY COTYLEDON 1 (LEC1), LEC1-LIKE (L1L), and B3 domain factors, LEAFY COTYLEDON 2 (LEC2), FUSCA3 (FUS3), and ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE 3 (ABI3) of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Interactions of these genes result in temporal progression of overlapping B3 gene expression culminating in maturation and desiccation of the seed. Three VP1/ABI3-LIKE (VAL) genes encode B3 proteins that include plant homeodomain-like and CW domains associated with chromatin factors. Whereas val monogenic mutants have phenotypes similar to wild type, val1 val2 double-mutant seedlings form no leaves and develop embryo-like proliferations in root and apical meristem regions. In a val1 background, val2 and val3 condition a dominant variegated leaf phenotype revealing a VAL function in vegetative development. Reminiscent of the pickle (pkl) mutant, inhibition of gibberellin biosynthesis during germination induces embryonic phenotypes in val1 seedlings. Consistent with the embryonic seedling phenotype, LEC1, L1L, ABI3, and FUS3 are up-regulated in val1 val2 seedlings in association with a global shift in gene expression to a profile resembling late-torpedo-stage embryogenesis. Hence, VAL factors function as global repressors of the LEC1/B3 gene system. The consensus binding site of the ABI3/FUS3/LEC2 B3 DNA-binding domain (Sph/RY) is strongly enriched in the promoters and first introns of VAL-repressed genes, including the early acting LEC1 and L1L genes. We suggest that VAL targets Sph/RY-containing genes in the network for chromatin-mediated repression in conjunction with the PKL-related CHD3 chromatin-remodeling factors.
Vitamin B1-Induced Priming Is Dependent on Hydrogen Peroxide and theNPR1Gene in Arabidopsis
Authors: Ahn Il-Pyung , Kim Soonok , Lee Yong-Hwan , Suh Seok-Cheol
Published: December 2006

Thiamine confers systemic acquired resistance (SAR) on susceptible plants through priming, leading to rapid counterattack against pathogen invasion and perturbation of disease progress. Priming reduces the metabolic cost required for constitutive expression of acquired resistance. To investigate the effects of priming by thiamine on defense-related responses, Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) was treated with thiamine and effects of pathogen challenge on the production of active oxygen species, callose deposition, hypersensitive cell death, and pathogenesis-related 1 (PR1)/Phe ammonia-lyase 1 (PAL1) gene expression was analyzed. Thiamine did not induce cellular and molecular defense responses except for transient expression of PR1 per se; however, subsequent Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato challenge triggered pronounced cellular defense responses and advanced activation of PR1/PAL1 gene transcription. Thiamine treatment and subsequent pathogen invasion triggered hydrogen peroxide accumulation, callose induction, and PR1/PAL1 transcription activation in Arabidopsis mutants insensitive to jasmonic acid (jar1), ethylene (etr1), or abscisic acid (abi3-3), but not in plants expressing bacterial NahG and lacking regulation of SAR (npr1 [nonexpressor of PR genes 1]). Moreover, removal of hydrogen peroxide by catalase almost completely nullified cellular and molecular defense responses as well as SAR abolishing bacterial propagation within plants. Our results indicated that priming is an important cellular mechanism in SAR by thiamine and requires hydrogen peroxide and intact NPR1.
Abscisic Acid Antagonizes Ethylene-Induced Hyponastic Growth in Arabidopsis
Authors: Benschop Joris J. , Millenaar Frank F. , Smeets Maaike E. , van Zanten Martijn , Voesenek Laurentius A.C.J. , Peeters Anton J.M.
Published: December 2006

Ethylene induces enhanced differential growth in petioles of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), resulting in an upward movement of the leaf blades (hyponastic growth). The amplitude of this effect differs between accessions, with Columbia-0 (Col-0) showing a large response, while in Landsberg erecta (Ler), hyponastic growth is minimal. Abscisic acid (ABA) was found to act as an inhibitory factor of this response in both accessions, but the relationship between ethylene and ABA differed between the two; the ability of ABA to inhibit ethylene-induced hyponasty was significantly more pronounced in Col-0. Mutations in ABI1 or ABI3 induced a strong ethylene-regulated hyponastic growth in the less responsive accession Ler, while the response was abolished in the ABA-hypersensitive era1 in Col-0. Modifications in ABA levels altered petiole angles in the absence of applied ethylene, indicating that ABA influences petiole angles also independently from ethylene. A model is proposed whereby the negative effect of ABA on hyponastic growth is overcome by ethylene in Col-0 but not in Ler. However, when ABA signaling is artificially released in Ler, this regulatory mechanism is bypassed, resulting in a strong hyponastic response in this accession.
Barrett's oesophagus—a pathologist's view
Authors: Fléjou J‐F , Svrcek M
Published: December 2006

Barrett's oesophagus, a precancerous condition for oesophageal adenocarcinoma, detected on endoscopy and confirmed on histology, shows intestinal metaplasia of the lower oesophagus. The significance of microscopic foci of intestinal metaplasia at the gastro–oesophageal junction, corresponding either to so‐called ‘ultrashort’ segment Barrett's oesophagus, or to carditis with intestinal metaplasia, is still a matter of debate. The surveillance of patients with Barrett's oesophagus is still based on systematic biopsy sampling of Barrett's mucosa on endoscopy, looking for dysplasia. Although well‐established classifications of dysplasia are now used by most pathologists, there remain numerous problems with this subjective marker (sampling, diagnostic reproducibility, natural history, etc). Therefore, many alternative biomarkers have been proposed, but only DNA aneuploidy, proliferation markers and p53 loss of heterozygosity/overexpression have been shown to be of some use at the present time. Some endoscopic improvements already allow a better selection of biopsies, and it may be that in future new technologies will allow ‘virtual biopsies’. On the other hand, the role of pathologists now extends to the evaluation of new therapeutic modalities of early neoplastic lesions in Barrett's oesophagus, especially endoscopic mucosal resection.
Gastrointestinal lymphoproliferative disorders
Authors: Banks P M
Published: December 2006

Malignant lymphomas can be first detected in some patients in endoscopic biopsies of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. However, their recognition and accurate classification often pose problems for the pathologist for several reasons. First, the small sampling size limits pattern recognition and the number of ancillary studies which can be performed. Second, the immune system of the GI tract is capable of intense hyperplastic responses which may mimic lymphoma. Third, in a fashion similar to cutaneous lesions, those in the alimentary tract may be visualized and biopsied at a very early phase in their development when differentiation into neoplasia may be incomplete. Some forms of immune response actually pass through a poorly defined transition into lymphoma. Examples of such ‘dysplasia’ of the gut immune system include Helicobacter gastritis, coeliac disease and multicentric lymphoid hyperplasia associated with underlying immunodeficiency. With ever increasing endoscopic scrutiny of the gut by gastroenterologists, it is not surprising that the frequency of these indeterminate cases seems to be growing. In combination with careful clinical correlation and conventional microscopic analysis, selective immunohistochemical studies currently constitute the most powerful ancillary method in the pathologist's effort to recognize and classify GI lymphomas accurately.
Mosaicing of microscope images with global geometric and radiometric corrections
Authors: SUN CHANGMING , BEARE RICHARD , HILSENSTEIN VOLKER , JACKWAY PAUL
Published: December 2006

Image mosaicing has found a number of applications such as panoramic imaging, digital terrain mapping, ophthalmology and virtual microscopy. In this study, we present an automated mosaicing technique for generating virtual slides from microscope images. We carried out robust image feature matching and global geometric and radiometric parameter estimation. The input images were transformed using the estimated geometric and radiometric parameters and mosaiced together, producing accurate registration of overlapping regions without visible seams.
Calibration of a wide‐field frequency‐domain fluorescence lifetime microscopy system using light emitting diodes as light sources
Authors: ELDER A. D. , FRANK J. H. , SWARTLING J. , DAI X. , KAMINSKI C. F.
Published: December 2006

High brightness light emitting diodes are an inexpensive and versatile light source for wide‐field frequency‐domain fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy. In this paper a full calibration of an LED based fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy system is presented for the first time. A radio‐frequency generator was used for simultaneous modulation of light emitting diode (LED) intensity and the gain of an intensified charge coupled device (CCD) camera. A homodyne detection scheme was employed to measure the demodulation and phase shift of the emitted fluorescence, from which phase and modulation lifetimes were determined at each image pixel. The system was characterized both in terms of its sensitivity to measure short lifetimes (500 ps to 4 ns), and its capability to distinguish image features with small lifetime differences. Calibration measurements were performed in quenched solutions containing Rhodamine 6G dye and the results compared to several independent measurements performed with other measurement methodologies, including time correlated single photon counting, time gated detection, and acousto optical modulator (AOM) based modulation of excitation sources. Results are presented from measurements and simulations. The effects of limited signal‐to‐noise ratios, baseline drifts and calibration errors are discussed in detail. The implications of limited modulation bandwidth of high brightness, large area LED devices (∼40 MHz for devices used here) are presented. The results show that phase lifetime measurements are robust down to sub ns levels, whereas modulation lifetimes are prone to errors even at large signal‐to‐noise ratios. Strategies for optimizing measurement fidelity are discussed. Application of the fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy system is illustrated with examples from studies of molecular mixing in microfluidic devices and targeted drug delivery research.
An operative kairomonal lure for managing pine sawyer beetleMonochamus galloprovincialis(Coleoptera: Cerymbycidae)
Authors: Ibeas F. , Gallego D. , Díez J. J. , Pajares J. A.
Published: December 2006

Abstract: Monochamus galloprovincialisOlivier (Col., Cerambycidae) is a vector of the pine wood nematode,Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, causing the destructive pine wilt disease. An effective lure for monitoring and/or mass‐trapping would be of great interest in the management of this pine sawyer. Males and females of this species show an attractive kairomonal response to blends composed of four pheromone compounds used byIpsspp. bark beetles and two host volatiles from pines. This six‐component lure is highly attractive but may to be too complex and costly for practical use as each component is released from a separate lure. The role of each component, ipsdienol, ipsenol,cis‐verbenol, methyl butenol,α‐pinene and ethanol as attractants forM. galloprovincialiswas field tested in Spain to obtain a simpler but equally effective bait. Ipsenol was confirmed as the strongest kairomonal signal toM. galloprovincialissynergizing response toα‐pinene by 95 times. The addition of methyl butenol to this blend doubled the number of males and females trapped. On the other hand, neither ipsdienol,cis‐verbenol nor ethanol improved the results when incorporated into the above three‐component blend. A lure consisting of ipsenol, methyl butenol andα‐pinene may be very cost‐efficient in operational monitoring or mass trapping ofM. galloprovincialis. Three potentially repellent candidates, (−)verbenone, methyl cyclohexenone andtrans‐conophthorin, were also tested against the attractive three‐component bait.trans‐Conophthorin significantly reduced male catches ofM. galloprovincialis; methyl cyclohexenone had no effect. Verbenone significantly enhanced the response of females to the attractive combination ofα‐pinene, ipsenol and methyl butenol.
Obesity management in liver clinics: Translation of research into clinical practice
Authors: Osland Emma J , Powell Elizabeth E , Banks Merrilyn , Jonsson Julie R , Hickman Ingrid J
Published: December 2006

Background and Aims:  Despite the benefits of modest weight reduction for overweight patients with chronic liver disease, long‐term maintenance of weight loss is difficult to achieve in clinical practice. The aims of this study were to determine if a nutrition research protocol could be translated into clinical practice and meet the demand for dietetic service, to evaluate the effectiveness and resource implications of intensive lifestyle intervention for weight loss, and to assess the effectiveness of standard dietetic therapy as a treatment option for patients unable to attend the program.

Method:  Using a modified research protocol, an intensive weight reduction program was introduced into standard clinical care for overweight patients attending a tertiary hospital liver outpatient clinic. An audit of weight loss and cost outcomes was conducted.

Results:  Ninety‐three patients were referred to the dietetic service for weight management. Of these, 50 enrolled in an intensive lifestyle intervention, 18 received standard dietetic therapy and 25 refused any intervention. After 6 months, 83% of patients in the intensive intervention achieved weight loss with a significant decrease in weight (P < 0.001) and waist circumference (P < 0.001). In contrast, only 24% of patients receiving standard dietetic therapy achieved weight loss with no significant change in mean weight or waist circumference. Cost per kilogram weight loss after intensive intervention was $AU31 and continuation of lifestyle intervention was calculated to be less than $AU100 per patient per year.

Conclusions:  A clinically based, intensive lifestyle intervention is a feasible treatment option for outpatient weight management in overweight patients with chronic liver disease. Providing patients who are unable to participate in intensive programs with standard dietetic therapy is not cost‐effective.
COMPATIBILITY INCENTIVES OF A LARGE NETWORK FACING MULTIPLE RIVALS*
Authors: MALUEG DAVID A. , SCHWARTZ MARIUS
Published: December 2006

Under network effects, we analyze when a firm with the largest market share of installed‐base customers prefers incompatibility with smaller rivals that are themselves compatible. With incompatibility, consumers realize that intra‐network competition makes the rivals' network more aggressive than a single‐firm network in adding customers. Consequently, under incompatibility the unique equilibrium can entail tipping away from the largest firm whatever its market share. The largest firm is more likely to prefer incompatibility as its share rises (above fifty per cent is necessary) or the potential to add consumers falls; the number of rivals and strength of network effects have ambiguous implications.
The Launch of Banking Instruments and the Figuration of Markets. The Case of the Polish Car‐Trading Industry
Authors: KALTHOFF HERBERT
Published: December 2006

The paper aims at analyzing the production of creditworthiness within the context of commercial banking in international banks. Taking the interim financing in the Polish automobile sector as an example, the paper reconstructs the process between legal framing of the financial instrument, marketing, and risk management. Firstly, it shows that changes in the state vehicle registry function as a prerequisite upon which the bank uses the newly introduced vehicle registration document as a security. Secondly, it analyzes the change of perspectives which takes place between the marketing of the product (Corporate Banking) and the analysis of documents (Risk Management). Thirdly, it argues that creditworthiness cannot be deduced from the economic representation of the enterprise but is the very result of negotiations between the actors involved.
Stimulation of group I mGlu receptors in the ventrotegmental area enhances extracellular dopamine in the rat medial prefrontal cortex
Authors: Renoldi G. , Calcagno E. , Borsini F. , Invernizzi R. W.
Published: December 2006

Group I mGlu receptors have been implicated in the control of brain dopamine release. However, the receptor subtype involved and the precise site of action have not been determined. In this study we show that (R,S)3,5‐dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG; 6 and 60 nmol ICV), a selective group I mGlu receptor agonist, raised extracellular dopamine respectively by 176% and 243% of basal values in the medial prefrontal cortex as assessed byin vivomicrodialysis in conscious rats. (R,S)2‐chloro‐5‐hydroxyphenylglycine (60 nmol ICV), a selective mGlu5 receptor agonist, raised extracellular dopamine by 396% of basal values. Intra‐VTA DHPG (0.6–6 nmol) mimicked ICV injection whereas intracortical infusion (1–1000 µmol/L) had no effect. DHPG‐induced rise of extracellular dopamine was reversed by tetrodotoxin and by the selective mGlu1 and mGlu5 receptor antagonists 7(hydroxyimino)cyclopropa[b]chromen‐1a‐carboxylate (CPCCOEt) and 2‐methyl‐6‐(phenylethynyl)pyridine (MPEP) either ICV or into the ventrotegmental area (VTA), suggesting that neuronal release and both mGlu1 and mGlu5 receptors were involved. These results support the existence of functional mGlu1 and mGlu5 receptors in the VTA regulating the release of dopamine in the medial prefrontal cortex.
Accounting Measurement Basis, Market Mispricing, and Firm Investment Efficiency
Authors: LIANG PIERRE JINGHONG , WEN XIAOYAN
Published: December 2006

In this paper, we investigate how the accounting measurement basis affects the capital market pricing of a firm's shares, which, in turn, affects the efficiency of the firm's investment decisions. We distinguish two broad bases for accounting measurements: input‐based and output‐based accounting. We argue that the structural difference in the two measurement bases leads to a systematic difference in the efficiency of the investment decisions. In particular, we show that an output‐based measure has a natural advantage in aligning investment incentives because of its comprehensiveness. The (first‐)best investment is achieved when the output‐based measure is noiseless and manipulation free. In addition, under an output‐based measure, more accounting noise/manipulation always leads to more inefficient investment choices. Therefore, if an output‐based accounting measure is highly noisy and easy to manipulate in practice, the induced investment efficiency can be quite low. On the other hand, an input‐based accounting measure, while not as comprehensive, may induce more efficient investment decisions than an output‐based measure if some noise is unavoidable in either measure. The reason is twofold. First, input‐based measures may be associated with less noise and limited manipulation in practice. Second, and more importantly, we show that under an input‐based measure, a slight increase in accounting noise/manipulation may lead to more efficient investment choices. In fact, the (first‐)best result is achieved when the noise/manipulability is small but positive. In other words, for an input‐based measure, being less comprehensive makes small but positive accounting noise/manipulability desirable. Two extensions of the basic model are also explored.
Effect of Chronic Ethanol Administration on the in Vitro Production of Proinflammatory Cytokines by Rat Kupffer Cells in the Presence of Apoptotic Cells
Authors: McVicker Benita L. , Tuma Dean J. , Kharbanda Kusum K. , Kubik Jacy L. , Casey Carol A.
Published: December 2006

Background: Chronic ethanol consumption can lead to a variety of pathological consequences by as yet undefined mechanisms. Recently, it has been noted that alcohol‐associated liver disease is often accompanied by morphological liver changes that include the increased production of apoptotic cells. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that hepatocellular uptake and removal of potentially damaging apoptotic cells is impaired after ethanol treatment. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the presence of apoptotic cells leads to Kupffer cell (KC) production and release of proinflammatory cytokines that have been linked to hepatocyte damage, such as interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α).

Methods: Kupffer cells were isolated from female rats after an 8‐week oral administration of a dextrose control or ethanol‐containing fish‐oil diet. The isolated KCs were cultured for up to 24 hours in the absence or presence of apoptotic or nonapoptotic hepatoma cells, or lipopolysaccharide. After incubation, media from the cultures were assayed for the presence of TNF‐α and IL‐6 by immunoassay detection. Also, the expression of these cytokines was measured in KC lysates by a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results: Kupffer cells cultured for up to 24 hours in the presence of apoptotic cells produced significantly more TNF‐α and IL‐6 (80 and 60%, respectively, p<0.05) when the cells were isolated from ethanol‐fed animals compared with controls. Additionally, after as early as 4 hours in culture with apoptotic cells, mRNA levels of both cytokines were increased (2–5‐fold) in KCs isolated from ethanol‐fed animals compared with controls.

Conclusions: The presence of apoptotic cells results in the in vitro activation of KCs. Additionally, chronic ethanol administration results in an enhanced responsiveness of KCs to produce proinflammatory cytokines indicated by the increased production of inflammatory mediators from KCs obtained from ethanol‐fed animals.
Modified Stage‐Gate® Regimes in New Product Development*
Authors: Ettlie John E. , Elsenbach Jorg M.
Published: December 2006

The purpose of this research was to explore the nature of the Stage‐Gate®process in the context of innovative projects that not only vary in new product technology (i.e., radical versus incremental technology) but that also involve significant new product development technology (i.e., new virtual teaming hardware‐software systems). Results indicate that firms modify their formal development regimes to improve the efficiency of this process while not significantly sacrificing product novelty (i.e., the degree to which new technology is incorporated in the new offering). Four hypotheses were developed and probed using 72 automotive engineering managers involved in supervision of the new product development process. There was substantial evidence to creatively replicate results from previous benchmarking studies; for example, 48.6% of respondents say their companies used a traditional Stage‐Gate®process, and 60% of these new products were considered to be a commercial success. About a third of respondents said their companies are now using a modified Stage‐Gate®process for new product development. Auto companies that have modified their Stage‐Gate®procedures are also significantly more likely to report (1) use of virtual teams; (2) adoption of collaborative and virtual new product development software supporting tools; (3) having formalized strategies in place specifically to guide the new product development process; and (4) having adopted structured processes used to guide the new product development process. It was found that the most significant difference in use of phases or gates in the new product development process with radical new technology occurs when informal and formal phasing processes are compared, with normal Stage‐Gate®usage scoring highest for technology departures in new products. Modified Stage‐Gate®had a significant, indirect impact on organizational effectiveness. These findings, taken together, suggest companies optimize trade‐offs between cost and quality after they graduate from more typical stage‐process management to modified regimes. Implications for future research and management of this challenging process are discussed. In general, it was found that the long‐standing goal of 50% reduction in product development time without sacrificing other development goals (e.g., quality, novelty) is finally within practical reach of many firms. Innovative firms are not just those with new products but also those that can modify their formal development process to accelerate change.
Performance of combined clinical mammography and needle biopsy: a nationwide study from Denmark
Authors: JENSEN ALLAN , RANK FRITZ , DYREBORG UFFE , SEVERINSEN NIELS , NIELSEN SUSANNE , LYNGE ELSEBETH , VEJBORG ILSE
Published: December 2006

Clinical mammography and needle biopsy are key tools for non‐operative assessment of breast lesions. We evaluated the performance of all combined tests undertaken in Denmark in 2000. Clinical mammography and needle biopsy data were collected and linked to final cancer outcome, to determine sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of clinical mammography, needle biopsy, and combined test. In 2000, 6709 combined tests were performed in 36 mammography clinics in Denmark. The combined test was consistently more sensitive than any single test, increasing the proportion of women correctly identified with breast cancer by 9% compared with clinical mammography alone. For concordant combined tests (i.e. either both benign or both malignant), specificity and positive predictive value were 100%, sensitivity was 99.1%, and positive predictive value was 99.6%. Therefore, Danish patients with a malignant concordant combined test can proceed directly to definitive surgery without fear of a false‐positive diagnosis, and Danish women with a concordant benign combined test can omit surgery without fear of a false‐negative diagnosis. In discordant cases, our results showed that any of the two tests with a suspicious or malignant result indicated a high risk of cancer, and excisional diagnostic biopsy therefore still has an important role to play.
Detection of Helicobacter pylori DNA in peripheral blood from patients with peptic ulcer or gastritis
Authors: HUANG YAN , FAN XUE‐GONG , TANG ZHU‐SHENG , LIU LI , TIAN XUE‐FEI , LI NING
Published: December 2006

Cases of Helicobacter bacteremia have been reported from time to time. Helicobacter pylori is the most important representative of Helicobacterium, yet whether it can result in bacteremia has rarely been studied. In this study, we examined H. pylori DNA in peripheral blood and gastric mucosa of patients with peptic ulcer or chronic gastritis by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We found H. pylori DNA in 15 of 20 gastric samples, and 9 of these specimens were positive for H. pylori culture. H. pylori DNA amplified by PCR was positive in the peripheral blood of three patients, who all had duodenal ulcers. Gastric biopsy specimens from these three patients were all positive for H. pylori genes and H. pylori was isolated from these specimens. After the 16S rRNA gene sequences of three specimens from the same patient were obtained, we found that they were identical, which suggested that they are the same strain. Our findings suggest that H. pylori exists not only in gastric mucosa but also in peripheral blood, and it is possible that H. pylori can result in bacteremia.
Immunohistochemical and mutational analysis of apoptosis‐inducing factor (AIF) in colorectal carcinomas
Authors: JEONG EUN GOO , LEE JONG WOO , SOUNG YOUNG HWA , NAM SUK WOO , KIM SANG HO , LEE JUNG YOUNG , YOO NAM JIN , LEE SUG HYUNG
Published: December 2006

Apoptosis‐inducing factor (AIF) has a principal role in caspase‐independent apoptosis. In addition, AIF has a vital oxidoreductase activity that is required for cell survival. It may be important to identify the alterations of the AIF gene and AIF protein expression to see the function of AIF in human cancers. In this study we analyzed the expression of AIF protein in 103 colorectal carcinomas by immunohistochemistry. We also analyzed the mutation in exons 10–15 of AIF encoding the region that possesses the cell death function of AIF by single‐strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) in 48 colorectal, 48 gastric, 48 breast and 48 hepatocellular carcinomas, and 48 leukemias. By immunohistochemistry, AIF protein expression was detected in both cancer cells and normal mucosal epithelial cells in all of the 103 colorectal carcinoma tissues. However, the cancer cells showed higher intensities of AIF immunostaining than the normal cells in 83 cases (80.5%). AIF immunoreactivities were observed in the cancers irrespective of their location or the depth of invasion. Mutational analysis detected one AIF mutation in the colorectal carcinomas, but none in the other cancers. The AIF mutation detected was a two‐base deletion mutation in intron 15. The increased expression of AIF in the malignant colorectal epithelial cells compared to the normal mucosal epithelial cells suggests that AIF expression may play a role in colorectal tumorigenesis. The data also suggest that somatic mutation of AIF is a rare event in common human cancers.
Predominant formation of heavily pigmented dermal melanocytomas resembling ‘animal‐type’ melanomas in hepatocyte growth factor (C57BL/6 × C3H)F1 mice following neonatal UV irradiation
Authors: Florell Scott R. , Thomas Joshua , Grossman Douglas
Published: December 2006

Background:  Transgenic mice expressing hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) develop cutaneous melanocytic tumors following neonatal UV exposure. Here, we examined the histologic spectrum of UV‐induced melanocytic tumors in HGF mice on a pigmented (C57BL/6 × C3H/HeN)F1 background.

Methods:  Neonatally irradiated (4000 J/m2) mice were monitored for 43 weeks, and 31/34 (91%) animals developed a total of 163 melanocytic tumors.

Results:  Of 54 primary tumors analyzed, most (49/54, 91%) demonstrated exclusively dermal collections of epithelioid cells with voluminous densely pigmented cytoplasm. Seven of these also demonstrated a population of spindled cells with mitoses. Several (3/54, 6%) tumors exhibited a junctional component with melanocytes present in the epidermis. Staining with PEP8 confirmed the presence of interfollicular melanocytes at the dermal‐epidermal junction in neonatal skin.

Conclusions:  In contrast to HGF animals on an albino (FVB) background, HGF animals on the pigmented (C57BL/6 × C3H/HeN)F1 background do not develop classic radial growth phase melanoma but rather predominantly develop dermal melanocytomas resembling the ‘animal‐type’ melanoma occasionally seen in humans. These results demonstrate the influence of genetic background on histologic pattern of UV‐induced melanomas in mice.