bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Site-controlled single quantum wire integrated into a photonic-crystal membrane microcavity
Authors: Atlasov K. A. , Karlsson K. F. , Deichsel E. , Rudra A. , Dwir B. , Kapon E.
Published: April 2007

Integration of a site-controlled semiconductor V-groove quantum wire (QWR) into a photonic-crystal (PhC) membrane microcavity is reported. Reproducible coupling of the QWR emission to a mode of the PhC cavity is evidenced by the narrower linewidth, higher intensity, and variation with temperature and PhC parameters of the QWR line. Finite difference time domain simulations of the cavity are employed for identifying the observed mode. The presented PhC-QWR coupled structures are promising for achieving very low-threshold lasers and for studies of one-dimensional photon-exciton coupled systems.
Efficient field emission from an individual aligned carbon nanotube bundle enhanced by edge effect
Authors: Fujii Shunjiro , Honda Shin-ichi , Machida Hironobu , Kawai Hideyasu , Ishida Kazuhiro , Katayama Mitsuhiro , Furuta Hiroshi , Hirao Takashi , Oura Kenjiro
Published: April 2007

The authors report on the field emission from an aligned carbon nanotube (CNT) bundle grown by thermal chemical vapor deposition. The CNT bundle showed a low-threshold electric field of 2.0V∕μm that produced a current density of 10mA∕cm2, sustainable evolution of current density up to 2.8A∕cm2 at 2.9V∕μm, and good emission stability without degradation for 200h of continuous dc emission. By calculating the electric-field distribution, it was found that the electric field was significantly higher at the edge of the CNT bundle than at the center. The excellent field-emission properties of the aligned CNT bundle were attributed to the edge effect and the high-density structure.
Synthesis of ordered arrays of multiferroic NiFe2O4-Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 core-shell nanowires
Authors: Liu Ming , Li Xin , Imrane Hassan , Chen Yajie , Goodrich Trevor , Cai Zhuhua , Ziemer Katherine S. , Huang Jian Y. , Sun Nian X.
Published: April 2007

A synthesis method was developed for producing core-shell nanowire arrays, which involved a combination of a modified sol-gel process, electrochemical deposition, and subsequent oxidization in anodized nanoporous alumina membranes. This method was applied to generate ordered arrays of one dimensional multiferroic NiFe2O4 core and Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 (PZT) shell nanostructures. Extensive microstructural, magnetic, and ferroelectric characterizations confirmed that the regular arrays of core-shell multiferroic nanostructures were composed of a spinel NiFe2O4 core and perovskite PZT shell. This synthesis method can be readily extended to prepare different core-shell nanowire arrays and is expected to pave the way for one dimensional core-shell nanowire arrays.
Experimental neutron spectroscopy data visualization: Adaptive tessellation algorithm
Authors: Bustinduy I. , Bermejo F. J. , Perring T. G. , Bordel G.
Published: April 2007

We report on an adaptive binning approach designed for data visualization within scientific disciplines where counting statistics are expected to follow Poisson distributions. We envisage a wide range of applications stemming from astrophysics to the condensed matter sciences. Our main focus of interest concerns, however, neutron spectroscopy data from single-crystal samples where signals span a four-dimensional space defined by three spatial coordinates plus time. This makes widely used equal-width binning schemes inadequate since physically relevant information is often concentrated within rather small regions of such a space. Our aim is thus to generate optimally binned data sets from one-dimensional to three-dimensional volumes to provide the experimentalist with enhanced ability to carry out searches within a four-dimensional space. Several binning algorithms are then scrutinized against experimental as well as simulated data.
Combinatorial RNAi for quantitative protein network analysis
Authors: Sahin Özgür , Löbke Christian , Korf Ulrike , Appelhans Heribert , Sültmann Holger , Poustka Annemarie , Wiemann Stefan , Arlt Dorit
Published: April 2007

The elucidation of cross-talk events between intersecting signaling pathways is one main challenge in biological research. The complexity of protein networks, composed of different pathways, requires novel strategies and techniques to reveal relevant interrelations. Here, we established a combinatorial RNAi strategy for systematic single, double, and triple knockdown, and we measured the residual mRNAs and proteins quantitatively by quantitative real-time PCR and reverse-phase protein arrays, respectively, as a prerequisite for data analysis. Our results show that the parallel knockdown of at least three different genes is feasible while keeping both untargeted silencing and cytotoxicity low. The technique was validated by investigating the interplay of tyrosine kinase receptor ErbB2 and its downstream targets Akt-1 and MEK1 in cell invasion. This experimental approach combines multiple gene knockdown with a subsequent quantitative validation of reduced protein expression and is a major advancement toward the analysis of signaling pathways in systems biology.
Asymmetric binding of transferrin receptor to parvovirus capsids
Authors: Hafenstein Susan , Palermo Laura M. , Kostyuchenko Victor A. , Xiao Chuan , Morais Marc C. , Nelson Christian D. S. , Bowman Valorie D. , Battisti Anthony J. , Chipman Paul R. , Parrish Colin R. , Rossmann Michael G.
Published: April 2007

Although many viruses are icosahedral when they initially bind to one or more receptor molecules on the cell surface, such an interaction is asymmetric, probably causing a breakdown in the symmetry and conformation of the original infecting virion in preparation for membrane penetration and release of the viral genome. Cryoelectron microscopy and biochemical analyses show that transferrin receptor, the cellular receptor for canine parvovirus, can bind to only one or a few of the 60 icosahedrally equivalent sites on the virion, indicating that either canine parvovirus has inherent asymmetry or binding of receptor induces asymmetry. The asymmetry of receptor binding to canine parvovirus is reminiscent of the special portal in tailed bacteriophages and some large, icosahedral viruses. Asymmetric interactions of icosahedral viruses with their hosts might be a more common phenomenon than previously thought and may have been obscured by averaging in previous crystallographic and electron microscopic structure determinations.
Compartmentalization of androgen receptor protein–protein interactions in living cells
Authors: van Royen Martin E. , Cunha Sónia M. , Brink Maartje C. , Mattern Karin A. , Nigg Alex L. , Dubbink Hendrikus J. , Verschure Pernette J. , Trapman Jan , Houtsmuller Adriaan B.
Published: April 2007

Steroid receptors regulate gene expression in a ligand-dependent manner by binding specific DNA sequences. Ligand binding also changes the conformation of the ligand binding domain (LBD), allowing interaction with coregulators via LxxLL motifs. Androgen receptors (ARs) preferentially interact with coregulators containing LxxLL-related FxxLF motifs. The AR is regulated at an extra level by interaction of an FQNLF motif in the N-terminal domain with the C-terminal LBD (N/C interaction). Although it is generally recognized that AR coregulator and N/C interactions are essential for transcription regulation, their spatiotemporal organization is largely unknown. We performed simultaneous fluorescence resonance energy transfer and fluorescence redistribution after photobleaching measurements in living cells expressing ARs double tagged with yellow and cyan fluorescent proteins. We provide evidence that AR N/C interactions occur predominantly when ARs are mobile, possibly to prevent unfavorable or untimely cofactor interactions. N/C interactions are largely lost when AR transiently binds to DNA, predominantly in foci partly overlapping transcription sites. AR coregulator interactions occur preferentially when ARs are bound to DNA.
The ubiquitin E3 ligase POSH regulates calcium homeostasis through spatial control of Herp
Authors: Tuvia Shmuel , Taglicht Daniel , Erez Omri , Alroy Iris , Alchanati Iris , Bicoviski Vivian , Dori-Bachash Mally , Ben-Avraham Danny , Reiss Yuval
Published: April 2007

The ubiquitin (Ub) domain protein Herp plays a crucial role in the maintenance of calcium homeostasis during endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. We now show that Herp is a substrate as well as an activator of the E3 Ub ligase POSH. Herp-mediated POSH activation requires the Ubl domain and exclusively promotes lysine-63–linked polyubiquitination. Confocal microscopy demonstrates that Herp resides mostly in the trans-Golgi network, but, shortly after calcium perturbation by thapsigargin (Tpg), it appears mainly in the ER. Substitution of all lysine residues within the Ubl domain abolishes lysine-63–linked polyubiquitination of Herp in vitro and calcium-induced Herp relocalization that is also abrogated by the overexpression of a dominant-negative POSHV14A. A correlation exists between the kinetics of Tpg-induced Herp relocalization and POSH-dependent polyubiquitination. Finally, the overexpression of POSH attenuates, whereas the inhibition of POSH by the expression of POSHV14A or by RNA interference enhances Tpg-induced calcium burst. Altogether, these results establish a critical role for POSH-mediated ubiquitination in the maintenance of calcium homeostasis through the spatial control of Herp.
Evidence for a stem cell hierarchy in the adult human breast
Authors: Villadsen René , Fridriksdottir Agla J. , Rønnov-Jessen Lone , Gudjonsson Thorarinn , Rank Fritz , LaBarge Mark A. , Bissell Mina J. , Petersen Ole W.
Published: April 2007

Cellular pathways that contribute to adult human mammary gland architecture and lineages have not been previously described. In this study, we identify a candidate stem cell niche in ducts and zones containing progenitor cells in lobules. Putative stem cells residing in ducts were essentially quiescent, whereas the progenitor cells in the lobules were more likely to be actively dividing. Cells from ducts and lobules collected under the microscope were functionally characterized by colony formation on tissue culture plastic, mammosphere formation in suspension culture, and morphogenesis in laminin-rich extracellular matrix gels. Staining for the lineage markers keratins K14 and K19 further revealed multipotent cells in the stem cell zone and three lineage-restricted cell types outside this zone. Multiparameter cell sorting and functional characterization with reference to anatomical sites in situ confirmed this pattern. The proposal that the four cell types are indeed constituents of an as of yet undescribed stem cell hierarchy was assessed in long-term cultures in which senescence was bypassed. These findings identify an adult human breast ductal stem cell activity and its earliest descendants.
Error bars in experimental biology
Authors: Cumming Geoff , Fidler Fiona , Vaux David L.
Published: April 2007

Error bars commonly appear in figures in publications, but experimental biologists are often unsure how they should be used and interpreted. In this article we illustrate some basic features of error bars and explain how they can help communicate data and assist correct interpretation. Error bars may show confidence intervals, standard errors, standard deviations, or other quantities. Different types of error bars give quite different information, and so figure legends must make clear what error bars represent. We suggest eight simple rules to assist with effective use and interpretation of error bars.
A role for cell sex in stem cell–mediated skeletal muscle regeneration: female cells have higher muscle regeneration efficiency
Authors: Deasy Bridget M. , Lu Aiping , Tebbets Jessica C. , Feduska Joseph M. , Schugar Rebecca C. , Pollett Jonathan B. , Sun Bin , Urish Kenneth L. , Gharaibeh Burhan M. , Cao Baohong , Rubin Robert T. , Huard Johnny
Published: April 2007

We have shown that muscle-derived stem cells (MDSCs) transplanted into dystrophic (mdx) mice efficiently regenerate skeletal muscle. However, MDSC populations exhibit heterogeneity in marker profiles and variability in regeneration abilities. We show here that cell sex is a variable that considerably influences MDSCs' regeneration abilities. We found that the female MDSCs (F-MDSCs) regenerated skeletal muscle more efficiently. Despite using additional isolation techniques and cell cloning, we could not obtain a male subfraction with a regeneration capacity similar to that of their female counterparts. Rather than being directly hormonal or caused by host immune response, this difference in MDSCs' regeneration potential may arise from innate sex-related differences in the cells' stress responses. In comparison with F-MDSCs, male MDSCs have increased differentiation after exposure to oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide, which may lead to in vivo donor cell depletion, and a proliferative advantage for F-MDSCs that eventually increases muscle regeneration. These findings should persuade researchers to report cell sex, which is a largely unexplored variable, and consider the implications of relying on cells of one sex.
Thromboxane A2 is a key regulator of pathogenesis during Trypanosoma cruzi infection
Authors: Ashton Anthony W. , Mukherjee Shankar , Nagajyothi FNU , Huang Huan , Braunstein Vicki L. , Desruisseaux Mahalia S. , Factor Stephen M. , Lopez Lillie , Berman Joan W. , Wittner Murray , Scherer Philipp E. , Capra Valerie , Coffman Thomas M. , Serhan Charles N. , Gotlinger Katherine , Wu Kenneth K. , Weiss Louis M. , Tanowitz Herbert B.
Published: April 2007

Chagas' disease is caused by infection with the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. We report that infected, but not uninfected, human endothelial cells (ECs) released thromboxane A2 (TXA2). Physical chromatography and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry revealed that TXA2 is the predominant eicosanoid present in all life stages of T. cruzi. Parasite-derived TXA2 accounts for up to 90% of the circulating levels of TXA2 in infected wild-type mice, and perturbs host physiology. Mice in which the gene for the TXA2 receptor (TP) has been deleted, exhibited higher mortality and more severe cardiac pathology and parasitism (fourfold) than WT mice after infection. Conversely, deletion of the TXA2 synthase gene had no effect on survival or disease severity. TP expression on somatic cells, but not cells involved in either acquired or innate immunity, was the primary determinant of disease progression. The higher intracellular parasitism observed in TP-null ECs was ablated upon restoration of TP expression. We conclude that the host response to parasite-derived TXA2 in T. cruzi infection is possibly an important determinant of mortality and parasitism. A deeper understanding of the role of TXA2 may result in novel therapeutic targets for a disease with limited treatment options.
Jinx, an MCMV susceptibility phenotype caused by disruption of Unc13d: a mouse model of type 3 familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Crozat Karine , Hoebe Kasper , Ugolini Sophie , Hong Nancy A. , Janssen Edith , Rutschmann Sophie , Mudd Suzanne , Sovath Sosathya , Vivier Eric , Beutler Bruce
Published: April 2007

Mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV) susceptibility often results from defects of natural killer (NK) cell function. Here we describe Jinx, an N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea–induced MCMV susceptibility mutation that permits unchecked proliferation of the virus, causing death. In Jinx homozygotes, activated NK cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) fail to degranulate, although they retain the ability to produce cytokines, and cytokine levels are markedly elevated in the blood of infected mutant mice. Jinx was mapped to mouse chromosome 11 on a total of 246 meioses and confined to a 4.60–million basepair critical region encompassing 122 annotated genes. The phenotype was ascribed to the creation of a novel donor splice site in Unc13d, the mouse orthologue of human MUNC13-4, in which mutations cause type 3 familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL3), a fatal disease marked by massive hepatosplenomegaly, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Jinx mice do not spontaneously develop clinical features of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), but do so when infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, exhibiting hyperactivation of CTLs and antigen-presenting cells, and inadequate restriction of viral proliferation. In contrast, neither Listeria monocytogenes nor MCMV induces the syndrome. In mice, the HLH phenotype is conditional, which suggests the existence of a specific infectious trigger of FHL3 in humans.
Randomized Clinical Trials in Psychotherapy Outcome Research
Authors: Erwin Edward
Published: April 2007

This paper discusses several philosophical problems with the use of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in psychotherapy outcome research. The problems include: the impermanence problem, the identification problem, and idiographic problems. The paper concludes with an assessment of the overall case for and against the use of RCTs in psychotherapy outcome research.
Von Neumann's Entropy Does Not Correspond to Thermodynamic Entropy
Authors: Hemmo Meir , Shenker Orly
Published: April 2007

Von Neumann argued by means of a thought experiment involving measurements of spin observables that the quantum mechanical quantity$S_{VN}=-k\mathrm{Tr}\,(\rho \mathrm{log}\,\rho) $
is conceptually equivalent to thermodynamic entropy. We analyze Von Neumann's thought experiment and show that his argument fails.
Local Ecological Communities
Authors: Sterelny Kim
Published: April 2007

A phenomenological community is an identifiable assemblage of organisms in a local habitat patch: a local wetland or mudflat are typical examples. Such communities are typically persistent: membership and abundance stay fairly constant over time. In this paper I discuss whether phenomenological communities are functionally structured, causal systems that play a role in determining the presence and abundance of organisms in a local habitat patch. I argue they are not, if individualist models of community assembly are vindicated; i.e., if the presence of one species is not typically explained by the presence or absence of specific other species. I discuss two alternatives to individualism, and conclude by arguing for a dimensional model of phenomenological communities. The causal salience of a phenomenological community depends on three factors: the extent to which it is internally regulated, the extent to which it has robust boundaries, and the extent to which it has emergent properties. I conclude by using this model to frame a natural research agenda for community ecology.
Monocular deprivation in adult mice alters visual acuity and single-unit activity
Authors: Fischer Quentin S. , Graves Aundrea , Evans Scott , Lickey Marvin E. , Pham Tony A.
Published: April 2007

It has been discovered recently that monocular deprivation in young adult mice induces ocular dominance plasticity (ODP). This contradicts the traditional belief that ODP is restricted to a juvenile critical period. However, questions remain. ODP of young adults has been observed only using methods that are indirectly related to vision, and the plasticity of young adults appears diminished in comparison with juveniles. Therefore, we asked whether the newly discovered adult ODP broadly reflects plasticity of visual cortical function and whether it persists into full maturity. Single-unit activity is the standard physiological marker of visual cortical function. Using a more optimized protocol for recording single-units, we find evidence of adult ODP of single-units and show that it is most pronounced in deep cortical layers. Furthermore, using visual evoked potentials (VEP), we find that ODP is equally robust in young adults and mature adults and is observable after just one day of monocular deprivation. Finally, we find that monocular deprivation in adults changes spatial frequency thresholds of the VEP, decreasing the acuity of the deprived pathway and improving the acuity of the non-deprived pathway. Thus, in mice, the primary visual cortex is capable of remarkable adaptation throughout life.
Consumption of herbal remedies and dietary supplements amongst patients hospitalized in medical wards
Authors: Goldstein Lee H. , Elias Mazen , Ron‐Avraham Gilat , Biniaurishvili Ben Zion , Madjar Magali , Kamargash Irena , Braunstein Rony , Berkovitch Matitiahu , Golik Ahuva
Published: April 2007

What is already known about this subject

• In general, use of herbal remedies and supplements is constantly rising in the western population and this may be potentially dangerous due to adverse effects and drug–herb interactions.

• All information up to now has been derived from the general population or outpatients.

• There are no publications on the rate of consumption of herbals in inpatients, or the awareness of the medical team of this fact.

What this study adds

• Approximately 25% of patients hospitalized in internal medicine wards consume some kind of herbal or dietary supplement.

• Consumption is associated with higher income, nonsmoking and benign prostatic hypertrophy.

• The medical team was aware of the consumption in only 23% of the cases, and all drug–herbal interactions which we discovered were missed by the medical team.

Aims

Herbal remedies may have adverse effects and potentially serious interactions with some commonly prescribed conventional medications. Little is known about consumption of herbal remedies and dietary supplements by hospitalized patients. The aim was to evaluate the rate of consumption and characterize the patients hospitalized in internal medicine departments who consume herbal remedies and dietary supplements. Also, to assess the medical teams' awareness and assess the percentage of patients with possible drug–herb interactions.

Methods

Patients hospitalized in the medical wards of two hospitals in Israel were interviewed about their use of herbal remedies or dietary supplements. The medical records were searched for evidence that the medical team had knowledge of the use of herbal remedies or dietary supplements.

Results

Two hundred and ninety‐nine hospitalized medical patients were interviewed. Of the participants, 26.8% were herbal or dietary supplement consumers (HC). On multivariate analysis the only variates associated with herbal or dietary supplement consumption were the hospital [odds ratio (OR) 2.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.29, 6.52], income (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.15, 1.05), smoking habits (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.05, 0.55) and benign prostatic hypertrophy (OR 4.64, 95% CI 1.3, 16.5). Ninety‐four percent of the patients had not been asked specifically of herbal consumption by the medical team. Only 23% of the hospital's medical files of the HC patients had any record of the use of herbal or dietary supplements. Seven possible drug–herbal interactions were encountered (7.1%). The most serious was an interaction between camomile tea and ciclosporin.

Conclusions

Herbal remedy consumption is common amongst patients hospitalized in internal medicine wards and is often overlooked by the medical team. Patients and doctors should be more aware of the possible adverse effects and of the potential of herb–drug interactions.
Diurnal fluctuations of dissolved nitrous oxide (N2O) concentrations and estimates of N2O emissions from a spring‐fed river: implications for IPCC methodology
Authors: CLOUGH TIM J. , BUCKTHOUGHT LAURA E. , KELLIHER FRANCIS M. , SHERLOCK ROBERT R.
Published: April 2007

There is uncertainty in the estimates of indirect nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions as defined by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The uncertainty is due to the challenge and dearth of in situ measurements. Recent work in a subtropical stream system has shown the potential for diurnal variability to influence the downstream N transfer, N form, and estimates of in‐stream N2O production. Studies in temperate stream systems have also shown diurnal changes in stream chemistry.

The objectives of this study were to measure N2O fluxes and dissolved N2O concentrations from a spring‐fed temperate river to determine if diurnal cycles were occurring. The study was performed during a 72 h period, over a 180 m reach, using headspace chamber methodology. Significant diurnal cycles were observed in radiation, river temperature and chemistry including dissolved N2O‐N concentrations. These data were used to further assess the IPCC methodology and experimental methodology used. River NO3‐N and N2O‐N concentrations averaged 3.0 mg L−1 and 1.6 μg L−1, respectively, with N2O saturation reaching a maximum of 664%. The N2O‐N fluxes, measured using chamber methodology, ranged from 52 to 140 μg m−2 h−1 while fluxes predicted using the dissolved N2O concentration ranged from 13 to 25 μg m−2 h−1. The headspace chamber methodology may have enhanced the measured N2O flux and this is discussed. Diurnal cycles in N2O% saturation were not large enough to influence downstream N transfer or N form with variability in measured N2O fluxes greater and more significant than diurnal variability in N2O% saturation. The measured N2O fluxes, extrapolated over the study reach area, represented only 6 × 10−4% of the NO3‐N that passed through the study reach over a 72 h period. This is only 0.1% of the IPCC calculated flux.
Programming of the stress response: a fundamental mechanism underlying the long‐term effects of the fetal environment?
Authors: Phillips D. I. W.
Published: April 2007

There is a large body of evidence which suggests that an adverse fetal environment results in a heightened biobehavioural response to stress, with increased activity of the classical mediators of the stress response, including the hypothalamic‐pituitary adrenal axis and autonomic nervous system. Although this has been amply demonstrated in animal experiments, several recent studies suggest that the same processes operate in human populations and may have important consequences for health. The evidence suggests that an adverse early environment or markers of an adverse environment such as low birth weight are linked with long‐term alterations in these neuroendocrine systems. However, these studies also demonstrate that there is a considerable degree of heterogeneity in the responses observed which appear to depend on a variety of factors such as the nature or timing of the adverse exposure as well as the gender of the offspring. The mediators of these classical neuroendocrine responses such as cortisol and catecholamines are biologically potent and may directly influence disease susceptibility by means of their effects on metabolism and the vasculature. However, lifelong changes in the set point of these neuroendocrine systems in response to the early environment may also direct the course of development during fetal life, infancy and childhood towards the generation of a phenotype adapted for the adult environment predicted by the clues available during fetal life. This has biological advantages if the actual adult environment turns out to be appropriate for the phenotype. However, ill health may occur if the phenotype is not well matched to the actual environment encountered in adult life.
Decline and recovery in otter Lutra lutra populations in Italy
Authors: PRIGIONI CLAUDIO , BALESTRIERI ALESSANDRO , REMONTI LUIGI
Published: April 2007

Changes in otter Lutra lutra distribution in Italy were examined by analysing geographical, historical and survey data.

As in other European countries, otters declined sharply in Italy during the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s. Between 1985 and 2004 the species became extinct, except for some reintroductions, in northern and most of central Italy while the species appears to have substantially recovered in its southern range. This recovery of the otter population is apparently not due to increased research effort, but reflects a real expansion of range.

Differences in the degree of range reduction during the second half of the 20th century and in the availability of suitable habitats are probably the major factors that have determined the two opposite trends shown by otter populations in the last 20 years.

Better knowledge of otter status and distribution is needed for effective conservation management. We suggest that a national survey of the Italian otter population that employs genetic approaches should represent a first step of the national action plan for otter conservation.
Rapid and accurate measurement of anti‐A/B IgG antibody in ABO‐unmatched living donor liver transplantation by surface plasmon resonance
Authors: Yurugi K. , Kimura S. , Ashihara E. , Tsuji H. , Kawata A. , Kamitsuji Y. , Hishida R. , Takegawa M. , Egawa H. , Maekawa T.
Published: April 2007

summaryHigh anti‐blood group A or B (anti‐A/B) immunoglobulin G (IgG) haemagglutination titres are associated with poor graft survival in ABO‐unmatched liver transplantation. We have previously reported that the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) method can be used to measure anti‐A/B IgG levels in the plasma very quickly and quantitatively. The aim of this study was to brush up this SPR method. The anti‐A/B IgG antibodies (Abs) were purified from the plasma of healthy volunteers by affinity chromatography and used to establish standard curves for the SPR and flow cytometry (FCM) methods. The haemagglutination test tube (TT), FCM and SPR methods were then used to measure the changes over time in the anti‐A/B IgG titres of 25 ABO‐unmatched living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) recipients. The standard curve permitted the SPR values for the anti‐A/B IgG titres to be expressed in μg mL−1units. The SPR measurements of the anti‐A/B IgG levels in the LDLT recipients correlated very well with the FCM values, whereas the TT values correlated poorly with either method. Furthermore, the SPR method accurately detected the effects of plasma exchange. In conclusion, the SPR method is an accurate, time‐ and labour‐saving method for measuring anti‐A/B IgG titres that can be easily standardized.
Case of renal myxoma
Authors: Nishimoto Koshiro , Sumitomo Makoto , Kakoi Narihiko , Asano Tomohiko , Hayakawa Masamichi
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  Renal myxomas are rare neoplasms. Only three cases have been convincingly diagnosed as renal myxoma. Here we report an additional case. The case was a 36‐year‐old man and he was discovered incidentally at the regular health‐check for chronic hepatitis B. Computed tomography showed 8 cm low‐density tumor in the lower pole of the left kidney. The tumor was slightly enhanced by contrast agents. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed the tumor as low intensity on T1‐weighted imaging and high intensity on T2‐weighted images. The tumor was enhanced by gadrinium enhancement homogeneously. The resected kidney contained semitranslucent, gelatinous, tan mass within the lower pole of the kidney. The microscopic examination showed the typical appearance of a myxoma, which consisted of large amounts of myxoid material containing a few uniformly scattered spindle cells The tumor cells showed immunoreactivity for vimentin but not for S‐100 protein, epithelial membrane antigen, cytokeratin, alpha smooth muscle actin.
Effects of flutamide as a second‐line agent for maximum androgen blockade of hormone refractory prostate cancer
Authors: Nishimura Kenji , Arichi Naoko , Tokugawa Shigeki , Yoshioka Iwao , Kishikawa Hidefumi , Ichikawa Yasuji
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  We analyzed clinical effects of flutamide as a second‐line agent for maximum androgen blockade (MAB) in patients with relapsing prostate cancer who received bicalutamide as the first‐line MAB agent. This study included 13 patients with progressive prostate cancer who had relapsed after first‐line MAB, with bicalutamide at 80 mg/day. After checking for antiandrogen withdrawal syndrome, they were given flutamide at 375 mg/day as second‐line MAB. The effectiveness of that therapy was evaluated by changes in prostatic specific antigen (PSA) levels, with response defined as a decrease of greater than 50% from the start of therapy. We also compared several factors between responders and non‐responders. Nine (69.2%) of the 13 patients showed a decrease in PSA levels, of whom five (38.5%) had a greater than 50% decrease and were defined as responders. The median duration of PSA response was 11.0 months (range 5–20 months). Patients who had a longer duration of response to first‐line MAB had a significantly greater response to second‐line MAB. For advanced prostate cancer patients who progressed on first‐line MAB with bicalutamide, flutamide administration as a second‐line antiandrogen was found to be relatively effective, especially for those who showed a longer duration of response to the first‐line MAB. Our results confirm previous findings that MAB using flutamide is an effective second‐line hormonal therapy.
Upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage as a rare extragonadal presentation of seminoma of testis
Authors: Yamamoto Hidekazu , Deshmukh Nayneeta , Gourevitch David , Taniere Phillipe , Wallace Michael , Cullen Michael H
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  A rare case of a gastric presentation of a seminoma with burned out primary testicular tumor is described. The patient initially presented with upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Endoscopic biopsies were suggestive of seminoma, and testicular ultrasound revealed a focal lesion and testicular microcalcification. Treatment consisted of bilateral orchidectomy, followed by four cycles of etoposide and bleomycin, where a complete response was achieved. Testicular histology was consistent with the ‘burned out’ phenomenon and no tumor cells were found. There are only two previously reported cases of extragonadal seminoma in the stomach.
Glial cell loss, proliferation and replacement in the contused murine spinal cord
Authors: Lytle Judith M. , Wrathall Jean R.
Published: April 2007

Studies in the rat have shown that contusive spinal cord injury (SCI) results in devastating pathology, including significant loss of mature oligodendrocytes and astrocytes even in spared white matter. Subsequently, there is increased proliferation of endogenous NG2+ cells, postulated to contribute to replacement of mature glia chronically, which is important for functional recovery. Studies of mechanisms that stimulate endogenous progenitor cells would be facilitated by using mouse models with naturally occurring and genetically engineered mutations. To determine whether the murine response is similar to that in the rat, we performed contusive SCI on adult female C57Bl/6 mice at the T8–9 level. Animals received bromodeoxyuridine injections in the first week following injury and were killed at 1, 3, 4, 7 or 28 days postinjury (DPI). The overall loss of macroglia and the temporal–spatial response of NG2+ cells after SCI in the (C57Bl/6) mouse was very similar to that in the (Sprague–Dawley) rat. By 24 h after SCI nearly half of the macroglia in spared ventral white matter had been lost. Cell proliferation was increased at 1–7 DPI, peaking at 3–4 DPI. Dividing cells included NG2+ cells and Cd11b+ macrophages and microglia. Furthermore, cells dividing in the first week expressed markers of mature glia at 28 DPI. The similarities in endogenous progenitor cell response to SCI in the mouse and rat suggest that this is a fundamental injury response, and that transgenic mouse models may be used to further probe how this cellular response to SCI might be enhanced to improve recovery after SCI.
Chronic intracerebral prolactin attenuates neuronal stress circuitries in virgin rats
Authors: Donner Nina , Bredewold Remco , Maloumby Rodrigue , Neumann Inga D.
Published: April 2007

Prolactin (PRL) has been shown to promote maternal behaviour, and to regulate neuroendocrine and emotional stress responses. These effects appear more important in the peripartum period, when the brain PRL system is highly activated. Here, we studied the mechanisms that underlie the anti‐stress effects of PRL. Ovariectomized, estradiol‐substituted Wistar rats were implanted with an intracerebroventricular cannula and treated with ovine PRL (0.01, 0.1 or 1 µg/h; 5 days via osmotic minipumps) or vehicle, and their responses to acute restraint stress was assessed. Chronic PRL treatment exerted an anxiolytic effect on the elevated plus‐maze, and attenuated the acute restraint‐induced rise in plasma adrenocorticotropin, corticosterone and noradrenaline. At the neuronal level, in situ hybridization revealed PRL effects on the expression patterns of the immediate‐early gene c‐fos and corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF). Under basal conditions, PRL significantly reduced c‐fos mRNA expression within the central amygdala. In response to restraint, the expression of both c‐fos mRNA and protein and of CRF mRNA was decreased in the parvocellular part of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of PRL‐treated compared with vehicle‐treated animals. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that chronic elevation of PRL levels within the brain results in reduced neuronal activation within the hypothalamus, specifically within the PVN, in response to an acute stressor. Thus, PRL acting at various relevant brain regions exerts profound anxiolytic and anti‐stress effects, and is likely to contribute to the attenuated stress responsiveness found in the peripartum period, when brain PRL levels are physiologically upregulated.
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor modulates cell excitability in the mouse medial nucleus of the trapezoid body
Authors: Youssoufian M. , Walmsley B.
Published: April 2007

Neurotrophins are a large class of trophic factors located throughout the central nervous system. While the role of neurotrophins in neuronal survival and axon guidance is well known, their secondary role in modulating synaptic transmission and cell firing properties is largely unexplored. In this study we examined the expression of neurotrophins in the mouse medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) and investigated the effect of exogenous brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) application on the firing properties of MNTB principal cells. The expression levels of nerve growth factor, BDNF, neurotrophin‐3, neurotrophin‐4/5 and major receptor tyrosine kinase B was found to be moderate to high at postnatal day 12, indicating that the neurotrophins may have a role following synaptogenesis. A 2‐h exposure to exogenous BDNF (100 ng/mL) had a significant effect on principal cell firing properties and voltage‐gated potassium currents. Importantly, preincubation in BDNF increased the incidence of multifiring and rebounding cells, and significantly increased the number of action potentials fired in response to a single depolarizing step. BDNF exposure also significantly decreased underlying voltage‐gated potassium currents, including both the low‐ and high‐voltage‐activated components. Our data show that the neurotrophins, specifically BDNF, may have a novel role in modulating cell excitability in the auditory brainstem.
Development of non‐phosphorylated neurofilament protein expression in neurones of the New World monkey dorsolateral frontal cortex
Authors: Burman Kathleen J. , Lui Leo L. , Rosa Marcello G. P. , Bourne James A.
Published: April 2007

We studied developmental changes in the expression of non‐phosphorylated neurofilament protein (NNF) (a marker of the structural maturation of pyramidal neurones) in the dorsolateral frontal cortex of marmoset monkeys, between embryonic day 130 and adulthood. Our focus was on cortical fields that send strong projections to extrastriate cortex, including the dorsal and ventral subdivisions of area 8A, area 46 and area 6d. For comparison, we also investigated the maturation of prefrontal area 9, which has few or no connections with visual areas. The timing of expression of NNF immunostaining in early life can be described as the result of the interaction of two developmental gradients. First, there is an anteroposterior gradient of maturation in the frontal lobe, whereby neurones in caudal areas express NNF earlier than those in rostral areas. Second, there is a laminar gradient, whereby the first NNF‐immunoreactive neurones emerge in layer V, followed by those in progressively more superficial parts of layer III. Following a peak in density of NNF‐immunopositive cell numbers in layer V at 2–3 months of age, there is a gradual decline towards adulthood. In contrast, the density of immunopositive cells in layer III continues to increase throughout the first postnatal year in area 6d and until late adolescence (> 1.5 years of age) in prefrontal areas. The present results support the view that the maturation of visual cognitive functions involves relatively late processes linked to structural changes in frontal cortical areas.
Canada–USA Bilateral Fisheries Management in the Gulf of Maine: Under the Radar Screen
Authors: Pudden Emily J. , VanderZwaag David L.
Published: April 2007

Canada and the USA have developed a series of cooperative initiatives that address transboundary fisheries issues in the Gulf of Maine. The Canada–USA Steering Committee serves as an umbrella forum for discussing and coordinating transboundary management measures. Through the work of the Transboundary Resource Assessment Committee and the Transboundary Management Guidance Committee, the Steering Committee has overseen the development of joint scientific stock assessments and a sharing agreement for groundfish resources in the vicinity of the eastern Georges Bank. The bilateral Fisheries Enforcement Agreement helps ensure the success of such cooperative management initiatives by combating illegal fishing in the vicinity of the international boundary. However, the largely informal ‘under the radar screen’ arrangements, while positive on many fronts, to date fall short of fully implementing key principles of sustainable development, such as public participation, the ecosystem approach, integration and precaution.
Competence or Confidence? The Appropriate Forum to Address Multi‐Purpose High Seas Protected Areas
Authors: Morgera Elisa
Published: April 2007

This article addresses the question of the most suitable forum for discussions on the establishment of marine protected areas beyond national jurisdiction, and on the complementary role of other international organizations and processes related to marine biodiversity and fisheries. In light of negotiations in 2005 and 2006 within the context of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the United Nations General Assembly, it is argued that consensus on the leading role of the General Assembly was based on political grounds – a judgement call based on the confidence in this forum to address ocean issues in an integrated manner – rather than strictly on the competence of the CBD in relation to the high seas.
Long‐term outcomes of early reading intervention
Authors: Hurry Jane , Sylva Kathy
Published: April 2007

This study explores the long‐term effectiveness of two differing models of early intervention for children with reading difficulties: Reading Recovery and a specific phonological training. Approximately 400 children were pre‐tested, 95 were assigned to Reading Recovery, 97 to Phonological Training and the remainder acted as controls. In the short and medium term both interventions significantly improved aspects of children's reading, Reading Recovery having a broader and more powerful effect. In the long‐term, 3½ years after intervention, there were no significant effects on reading overall, though Reading Recovery had a significant effect for a subgroup of children who were complete non‐readers at 6 years old. Phonological Training had a significant effect on spelling. The short and medium‐term effects demonstrate that it is possible substantially to reduce children's reading problems. The long‐term effects raise doubts about relying on early intervention alone.
Investor Attention and Time‐varying Comovements
Authors: Peng Lin , Xiong Wei , Bollerslev Tim
Published: April 2007

This paper analyses the effect of an increase in market‐wide uncertainty on information flow and asset price comovements. We use the daily realised volatility of the 30‐year treasury bond futures to assess macroeconomic shocks that affect market‐wide uncertainty. We use the ratio of a stock's idiosyncratic realised volatility with respect to the S&P500 futures relative to its total realised volatility to capture the asset price comovement with the market. We find that market volatility and the comovement of individual stocks with the market increase contemporaneously with the arrival of market‐wide macroeconomic shocks, but decrease significantly in the following five trading days. This pattern supports the hypothesis that investors shift their (limited) attention to processing market‐level information following an increase in market‐wide uncertainty and then subsequently divert their attention back to asset‐specific information.
European Democracy, the ‘Permissive Consensus’ and the Collapse of the EU Constitution
Authors: Hurrelmann Achim
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  The draft Constitution was an attempt to democratise the EU, while taking account of the problematic social preconditions for democracy at the Union level. Its failure demonstrates the need to pay greater attention to the nature of public support for the EU, and to the ways in which this support is related to the democratic quality of EU institutions. Contrary to what is often assumed, EU support can still be quite adequately described by the figure of a ‘permissive consensus’. For better or worse, attempts to democratise EU institutions might undermine this form of support.
Inhibition of the myosin light chain kinase prevents hypoxia‐induced blood–brain barrier disruption
Authors: Kuhlmann Christoph R.W. , Tamaki Ryo , Gamerdinger Martin , Lessmann Volkmar , Behl Christian , Kempski Oliver S. , Luhmann Heiko J.
Published: April 2007

Increased mortality after stroke is associated with development of brain edema. The aim of the present study was to examine the contribution of endothelial myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation to hypoxia‐induced blood–brain barrier (BBB) opening. Measurements of trans‐endothelial electrical resistance (TEER) were performed to analyse BBB integrity in an in vitro co‐culture model (bovine brain microvascular endothelial cells (BEC) and rat astrocytes). Brain fluid content was analysed in rats after stroke induction using a two‐vein occlusion model. Dihydroethidium was used to monitor intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in BEC. MLC phosphorylation was detected using immunohistochemistry and immunoblot analysis. Hypoxia caused a decrease of TEER values by more than 40%, which was prevented by inhibition of the MLC‐kinase (ML‐7, 10 μmol/L). In addition, ML‐7 significantly reduced the brain fluid content in vivo after stroke. The NAD(P)H‐oxidase inhibitor apocynin (500 μmol/L) prevented the hypoxia‐induced TEER decrease. Hypoxia‐dependent ROS generation was completely abolished by apocynin. Furthermore, ML‐7 and apocynin blocked hypoxia‐dependent phosphorylation of MLC. Our data demonstrate that hypoxia causes a breakdown of the BBB in vitro and in vivo involving ROS and the contractile machinery.