bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hierarchical Forms of Outsourcing and the Creation of Dependency
Authors: Muehlberger Ulrike
Published: June 2007

The focus of this paper is outsourcing activities, where the contracting worker is formally self-employed but the conditions of work are similar to those of employees. It is argued that the outsourced workers are dependent on or integrated into the firm for which they work. We investigate the mechanisms by which firms mix governance structures and give evidence of how these `hierarchical' forms of outsourcing create dependency. The key argument of this paper is that firms have established governance structures based on markets, hierarchies and self-enforcing relational contracts so that they are able to keep a substantial amount of control despite sourcing out of labour. Furthermore, we argue that such hierarchical forms of outsourcing produce dependency. Using empirical evidence of the Austrian insurance industry, it is demonstrated that dependency is created, firstly, by the contractual restriction of alternative uses of resources, secondly, by support measures that bind the worker closely to the outsourcing firm, thirdly, by relationship-specific investments made by the worker and, fourthly, by authority elements.
College students' self-report of psychosocial factors in reactive forms of relational and physical aggression
Authors: Lento-Zwolinski Jennifer
Published: June 2007

This cross-sectional self-report study examined reactive physical aggression and reactive relational aggression as they relate to psychological distress, social behavior, and relationship quality in college students. A total of 329, primarily freshman year, college students participated. Results revealed statistically significant gender differences in the two types of aggression, as well as significant correlations between relational and physical aggression and their relation to psychological, social, and relationship quality variables. Exclusivity was uniquely associated with more reactive relational aggression in females, whereas hostility and depression were uniquely associated with reactive physical aggression in males. These results offer support for unique social and psychological factors in females and males, associated with reactive relational and physical aggression, respectively.
Effects of Thermal Shocks and Thermal Spikes on Hygrothermal Behavior of Glass—Polyester Composites
Authors: Bera T. , Mula S. , Ray P.K. , Ray B.C.
Published: June 2007

The aim of the present study is to investigate the degradation behavior of glass fiber reinforced polyester composites during hygrothermal ageing for different lengths of time after suffering thermal shocks and thermal spikes at 100, 150, and 200°C. The moisture gain kinetics and change of interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), a primary mode of analysis of interfacial strength of the composite, were evaluated. Moisture absorption, found more in spiked samples, showed initial Fickian trend but eventually changed to non-linear pattern as the exposure time increased. It has been found that the composite specimens having a history of thermal spike showed more degradation. The damage was found even more at higher temperature and at lower loading rates.
Treating contempt with contempt
Authors: Woffinden Bob
Published: June 2007

“It is abundantly clear that fair trials are undermined by prejudicial publicity”, writes Woffinden, who has been studying miscarriages of justice for 20 years. He continues: “…in the current anarchy both the media and the prosecution can virtually do as they please. Indeed, the boundaries have lately been stretched even further. Some Crown lawyers – perhaps perceiving themselves as U.S.-style district attorneys – have become disgracefully opportunist in thrusting themselves into the media spotlight and holding press conferences to announce the bringing of charges.” Woffinden lists cases in which media prejudice may have affected the result and presents a three-point plan to ensure that such cases of contempt are eliminated
Freedom as the web gets wilder
Authors: Reevell Philip
Published: June 2007

New media is changing the role of news and this is presenting enormous regulation problems, argues the Broadcast magazine columnist, and he writes: “Channel 4 is being policed by a regulator [Ofcom] which has thought long and hard about the future of public service content and appears to have concluded that what is needed is a new entity, called a Public Service Publisher (PSP), which will be used to channel public funds into new media provision of public service content.” Some people believe the PSP will be be able to do for new media what Channel 4 has traditionally done for television, claims Reevell, who continues: “If so, and if Ofcom is able to champion the PSP into existence, then it could have a significant impact on journalism in the UK…there is an accelerating drift away from news consumption, both broadcast or printed…many consumers now get their news from other sources, notably online…and are also changing the way they absorb news…getting specific information that interests them as consumers rather than following news more widely as citizens. How far does this matter for a healthy civic society?”
The Neural Basis for Visual Selective Attention in Young Infants: A Computational Account
Authors: Schlesinger Matthew , Amso Dima , Johnson Scott P.
Published: June 2007

Recent work by Amso and Johnson ( Developmental Psychology, 42(6), 1236—1245, 2006) implicates the role of visual selective attention in the development of perceptual completion during early infancy. In the current article, we extend this finding by simulating the performance of 3-month-old infants on a visual search task, using a multi-channel, image-filtering model of early visual processing. Model parameters were systematically varied to simulate developmental change in three neural components of visual selective attention: degree of oculomotor noise, growth of horizontal connections in visual cortex, and duration of recurrent processing in parietal cortex. While two of the three components—horizontal connections and recurrent parietal processing—are each able to account for the visual search performance of 3-month-olds, recurrent parietal processing also suggests a coherent pattern of developmental change in visual selective attention during early infancy. We conclude by highlighting plausible neural mechanisms for modulating recurrent parietal activity, including the development of feedback from prefrontal cortex.
Appreciating swimming
Authors: Gould Shane
Published: June 2007

The author, an Olympic champion swimmer, uses her camera to communicate what she has learned from a lifetime of immersion. She conveys a palpable understanding of what it means for the human body to be in water, to be compelled by it and through it.
Terminal immersion
Authors: Rudesch Harley Ross
Published: June 2007

This photographic essay examines the modes of graphical, architectural and industrial design that govern the boundaries marking the inside and outside of personal identity and law when a traveller moves toward or waits for an airplane.
Analysis of Local State Space Models for Feature Extraction in Structural Health Monitoring
Authors: Overbey L.A. , Todd M.D.
Published: June 2007

Error metrics based on nonlinear dynamical predictive models has been implemented earlier to determine discrepancies or nonstationarity in time series caused by external sources, such as noise or filtering. The structural health monitoring (SHM) field has adapted various forms of such prediction error metrics for damage detection. This process usually requires randomly selecting a number of fiducial points on a reconstructed attractor, tracking their time evolutions, and then comparing them to a corresponding set (in a general sense) of points on another attractor. Such an approach has been successful, but it is a process that is globally averaged over the whole data set. However, changes to dynamics resulting from processes such as damage may only noticeably affect small regions within state space if the damage manifests itself locally in time and/or space. In such a case, a generalized selection of points covering the entire attractor may not be able to identify that a dynamical change has taken place. This work examines local dynamics and local dynamical stability and how these concepts relate to prediction error for similarly local regions in phase space. Further, this work considers whether computing features such as prediction error in these local regions can improve the ability to detect changes, including in the presence of additive noise on the output. This work considers a Lorenz-driven three-degree-of-freedom oscillator subject to both simulated linear and nonlinear damage scenarios in the presence of noise, as well as an experimental frame structure subject to bolt preload loss.
Romancing the Rotoscope: Self-Reflexivity and the Reality Effect in the Animations of Jeff Scher
Authors: Fore Steve
Published: June 2007

In this article, the author considers the experimental animations of Jeff Scher in relation to the current obsessive quest for a total `reality effect' in much contemporary commercial computer animation. While Scher does not use a computer to create his works, he does extensively use a rotoscope, a device with a long and complex connection with the construction of illusionistic effects in animation. The author discusses Scher's unusual appropriation of rotoscoping techniques, his links with certain historical tendencies in avant-garde cinema, his interest in the relationship between the individual frame and the creation of movement in animation, and his reflexive engagement with fundamental principles of cognitive and visual perception.
Direct interaction between Kit and the interleukin-7 receptor
Authors: Jahn Thomas , Sindhu Simran , Gooch Stacie , Seipel Petra , Lavori Philip , Leifheit Erica , Weinberg Kenneth
Published: June 2007

In vivo analyses of thymopoiesis in mice defective in signaling through Kit and γc or Kit and IL-7Rα demonstrate synergy and partial complementation of γc or IL-7–mediated signaling by the Kit signaling pathway. Our molecular analysis in T-lymphoid cells as well as in nonhematopoietic cells shows that Kit and IL-7R signaling pathways directly interact. KL-mediated activation of Kit induced strong tyrosine phosphorylation of γc and IL-7Rα in the absence of IL-7. Activated Kit formed a complex with either IL-7Rα or γc, and tyrosine phosphorylation of both subunits occurred independently of Jak3, suggesting that γc and IL-7Rα are each direct substrates of Kit. Kit activated Jak3 in an IL-7R–dependent manner. Moreover, deficient Stat5 activation of the Kit mutant YY567/569FF lacking intrinsic Src activation capacity was partially reconstituted in the presence of IL-7R and Jak3. Based on the molecular data, we propose a model of Kit-mediated functional activation of γc-containing receptors such as IL-7R, similar to the interaction between Kit and Epo-R. Such indirect activation of the Jak-Stat pathway induced by the interaction between an RTK and type I cytokine receptor could be the underlying mechanism for a context-specific signaling repertoire of a pleiotropic RTK-like Kit.
Factor H–mediated cell surface protection from complement is critical for the survival of PNH erythrocytes
Authors: Ferreira Viviana P. , Pangburn Michael K.
Published: June 2007

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) cells are partially (type II) or completely (type III) deficient in GPI-linked complement regulatory proteins CD59 and CD55. PNH III erythrocytes circulate 6 to 60 days in vivo. Why these cells are not lysed as rapidly by complement as unprotected foreign cells, which normally lyse within minutes, remains undetermined. Factor H plays a key role in the homeostasis of complement in fluid phase and on cell surfaces. We have recently shown that a recombinant protein encompassing the C-terminus of factor H (rH19-20) specifically blocks cell-surface complement regulatory functions of factor H without affecting fluid-phase control of complement. Here we show that PNH II and III cells become highly susceptible to complement-mediated lysis by nonacidified normal human serum in vitro, when the cell surface complement-regulatory functions of factor H are blocked. The results indicate that cells deficient in surface-bound regulators are protected for extended periods of time by factor H.
A mitogenomic approach to the taxonomy of pollocks: Theragra chalcogramma and T. finnmarchica represent one single species
Authors: Ursvik Anita , Breines Ragna , Christiansen Jørgen Schou , Fevolden Svein-Erik , Coucheron Dag H , Johansen Steinar D
Published: June 2007

Background

The walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) and Norwegian pollock (T. finnmarchica) are confined to the North Pacific and North Atlantic Oceans, respectively, and considered as distinct species within the family Gadidae. We have determined the complete mtDNA nucleotide sequence of two specimens of Norwegian pollock and compared the sequences to that of 10 specimens of walleye pollock representing stocks from the Sea of Japan and the Bering Sea, 2 specimens of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), and 2 specimens of haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus).

Results

A total number of 204 variable positions were identified among the 12 pollock specimens, but no specific substitution pattern could be identified between the walleye and Norwegian pollocks. Phylogenetic analysis using 16.500 homologous mtDNA nucleotide positions clearly identify the Norwegian pollock within the walleye pollock species cluster. Furthermore, the Norwegian pollock sequences were most similar to mitochondrial genotypes present in walleye pollock specimens from the Sea of Japan, an observation supported both by neighbor-joining, maximum parsimony, and maximum likelihood analyses.

Conclusion

We infer that walleye pollock and Norwegian pollock represent one single species and that Norwegian pollock has been recently introduced from the Pacific to the Atlantic Oceans.
Microbial larvicides for malaria control in The Gambia
Authors: Majambere Silas , Lindsay Steven W , Green Clare , Kandeh Balla , Fillinger Ulrike
Published: June 2007

Background

Mosquito larval control may prove to be an effective tool for incorporating into integrated vector management (IVM) strategies for reducing malaria transmission. Here the efficacy of microbial larvicides against Anopheles gambiae s.l. was tested in preparation for a large-scale larviciding programme in The Gambia.

Methods

The impact of water-dispersible (WDG) and corn granule (CG) formulations of commercial Bacillus sphaericus strain 2362 (Bs; VectoLex®) and Bacillus thuringiensis var.israelensis strain AM65-52 (Bti; VectoBac®) on larval development were tested under laboratory and field conditions to (1) identify the susceptibility of local vectors, (2) evaluate the residual effect and re-treatment intervals, (3) test the effectiveness of the microbials under operational application conditions and (4) develop a method for large-scale application.

Results

The major malaria vectors were highly susceptible to both microbials. The lethal concentration (LC) to kill 95% of third instar larvae of Anopheles gambiae s.s. after 24 hours was 0.023 mg/l (14.9 BsITU/l) for Bs WDG and 0.132 mg/l (396 ITU/l) for Bti WDG. In general Bs had little residual effect under field conditions even when the application rate was 200 times greater than the LC95. However, there was a residual effect up to 10 days in standardized field tests implemented during the dry season. Both microbials achieved 100% mortality of larvae 24–48 hours post-application but late instar larvae were detected 4 days after treatment. Pupae development was reduced by 94% (95% Confidence Interval = 90.8–97.5%) at weekly re-treatment intervals. Field tests showed that Bs had no residual activity against anopheline larvae. Both microbials provided complete protection when applied weekly. The basic training of personnel in identification of habitats, calibration of application equipment and active larviciding proved to be successful and achieved full coverage and control of mosquito larvae for three months under fully operational conditions.

Conclusion

Environmentally safe microbial larvicides can significantly reduce larval abundance in the natural habitats of The Gambia and could be a useful tool for inclusion in an IVM programme. The costs of the intervention in this setting could be reduced with formulations that provide a greater residual effect.
Human neuronal cell protein responses to Nipah virus infection
Authors: Chang Li-Yen , Ali AR Mohd , Hassan Sharifah Syed , AbuBakar Sazaly
Published: June 2007

Background

Nipah virus (NiV), a recently discovered zoonotic virus infects and replicates in several human cell types. Its replication in human neuronal cells, however, is less efficient in comparison to other fully susceptible cells. In the present study, the SK-N-MC human neuronal cell protein response to NiV infection is examined using proteomic approaches.

Results

Method for separation of the NiV-infected human neuronal cell proteins using two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) was established. At least 800 protein spots were resolved of which seven were unique, six were significantly up-regulated and eight were significantly down-regulated. Six of these altered proteins were identified using mass spectrometry (MS) and confirmed using MS/MS. The heterogenous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) F, guanine nucleotide binding protein (G protein), voltage-dependent anion channel 2 (VDAC2) and cytochrome bc1 were present in abundance in the NiV-infected SK-N-MC cells in contrast to hnRNPs H and H2 that were significantly down-regulated.

Conclusion

Several human neuronal cell proteins that are differentially expressed following NiV infection are identified. The proteins are associated with various cellular functions and their abundance reflects their significance in the cytopathologic responses to the infection and the regulation of NiV replication. The potential importance of the ratio of hnRNP F, and hnRNPs H and H2 in regulation of NiV replication, the association of the mitochondrial protein with the cytopathologic responses to the infection and induction of apoptosis are highlighted.
Cyclooxygenase activity is important for efficient replication of mouse hepatitis virus at an early stage of infection
Authors: Raaben Matthijs , Einerhand Alexandra WC , Taminiau Lucas JA , van Houdt Michel , Bouma Janneke , Raatgeep Rolien H , Büller Hans A , de Haan Cornelis AM , Rossen John WA
Published: June 2007

Cyclooxygenases (COXs) play a significant role in many different viral infections with respect to replication and pathogenesis. Here we investigated the role of COXs in the mouse hepatitis coronavirus (MHV) infection cycle. Blocking COX activity by different inhibitors or by RNA interference affected MHV infection in different cells. The COX inhibitors reduced MHV infection at a post-binding step, but early in the replication cycle. Both viral RNA and viral protein synthesis were affected with subsequent loss of progeny virus production. Thus, COX activity appears to be required for efficient MHV replication, providing a potential target for anti-coronaviral therapy.
Polymorphonuclear leukocyte transverse migration induces rapid alterations in endothelial focal contacts
Authors: Su Wen-Hong , Chen Hsiun-ing , Jen Chauying J
Published: June 2007

Transmigrated polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) usually undergo subendothelial transverse migration before penetrating into inner tissue layers. Whether or how endothelial cells (ECs) respond to the PMN migrating underneath them is unknown. A tissue flow chamber was used to establish a fMLP gradient and to observe PMN transverse migration along with its associated endothelial responses in culture (on a collagen gel) or in vascular tissues. Our results indicated that transversely migrating PMNs were in direct contact with the basal side of ECs. Contrasting to focal adhesion kinase (FAK) or proteins with phosphorylated tyrosine, paxillin disappeared rapidly (<1 min) from endothelial focal contacts afterencountering the leukocyte’s leading edge and soon rejoined them after the PMN had left. In addition, FAK moved away or became dephosphorylated when PMNs remained at the same subendothelial location for longer than 10 min, leaving actin filaments apparently unaltered. Unlike PMN transendothelial migration, PMN transverse migration did not induce any detectable endothelial calcium signaling. Taken together, our findings indicated that PMN transverse migration interrupted endothelial-matrix interactions and induced rapid alterations in endothelial focal contact composition.
IL-21 promotes T lymphocyte survival by activating the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase signaling cascade
Authors: Ostiguy Valérie , Allard Ève-Line , Marquis Miriam , Leignadier Julie , Labrecque Nathalie
Published: June 2007

IL21 is a Type I cytokine, which uses the common γ chain (γc) in its receptor. As members of the γc cytokine/cytokine receptors family play crucial role in the differentiation, activation, and survival of lymphocytes, we have investigated if IL-21 could promote T cell survival and thus, contribute to T cell homeostasis and expansion. Unlike most γc cytokine receptors, we report that IL-21R is constitutively expressed by all mature T lymphocytes and that stromal cells of lymphoid organs are a constitutive source of IL-21. These observations are reminiscent of what is observed for IL-7/IL-7R, which control T cell survival and homeostasis and suggest a role for IL-21 in T cell homeostasis. Indeed, our results show that IL-21 is a survival factor for resting and activated T cells. Moreover, the ability of IL-21 to costimulate T cell proliferation is mediated by enhancing T cell viability. Further investigation of how IL-21R signaling induces T cell survival shows for the first time that IL-21 binding to its receptor activates the PI-3K signaling pathway and induces Bcl-2 expression. Moreover, the activation of the PI-3K signaling pathway is essential for IL-21-mediated T cell survival. Our data provide a new role for IL-21 in the immune system, which might be used to improve T cell homeostasis in immunocompromised patients.
What lies at the interface of regenerative medicine and developmental biology?
Authors: Ingber Donald E. , Levin Michael
Published: June 2007

At a recent Keystone Symposium on `Developmental Biology and Tissue Engineering', new findings in areas ranging from stem cell differentiation,embryonic pattern formation and organ regeneration to engineered cell microenvironments, synthetic biomaterials and artificial tissue fabrication were described. Although these new advances were exciting, this symposium clarified that biologists and engineers often view the challenge of tissue formation from different, and sometimes conflicting, perspectives. These dichotomies raise questions regarding the definition of regenerative medicine,but offer the promise of exciting new interdisciplinary approaches to tissue and organ regeneration, if effective alliances can be established.
Oocyte-derived BMP15 and FGFs cooperate to promote glycolysis in cumulus cells
Authors: Sugiura Koji , Su You-Qiang , Diaz Francisco J. , Pangas Stephanie A. , Sharma Shweta , Wigglesworth Karen , O'Brien Marilyn J. , Matzuk Martin M. , Shimasaki Shunichi , Eppig John J.
Published: June 2007

Mammalian oocytes are deficient in their ability to carry out glycolysis. Therefore, the products of glycolysis that are necessary for oocyte development are provided to oocytes by companion cumulus cells. Mouse oocytes secrete paracrine factors that promote glycolysis in cumulus cells. The objective of this study was to identify paracrine factors secreted by oocytes that promote glycolysis and expression of mRNA encoding the glycolytic enzymes PFKP and LDHA. Candidates included growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9),bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) and fibroblast growth factors (FGFs). Bmp15-/- and Gdf9+/-Bmp15-/- (double mutant, DM) cumulus cells exhibited reduced levels of both glycolysis and Pfkp and Ldha mRNA,and mutant oocytes were deficient in promoting glycolysis and expression of Pfkp and Ldha mRNA in cumulus cells of wild-type (WT) mice. Alone, neither recombinant BMP15, GDF9 nor FGF8 promoted glycolysis and expression of Pfkp and Ldha mRNA in WT cumulus cells. Co-treatment with BMP15 and FGF8 promoted glycolysis and increased expression of Pfkp and Ldha mRNA in WT cumulus cells to the same levels as WT oocytes; however, the combinations of BMP15/GDF9 or GDF9/FGF8 did not. Furthermore, SU5402, an FGF receptor-dependent protein kinase inhibitor,inhibited Pfkp and Ldha expression in cumulus cells promoted by paracrine oocyte factors. Therefore, oocyte-derived BMP15 and FGFs cooperate to promote glycolysis in cumulus cells.
Ketamine-acepromazine as an anaesthetic agent for chinchillas (Chinchilla laniger)
Authors: Morgan R. J. , Eddy L. B. , Solie T. N. , Turbes C. C.
Published: June 2007

Intramuscular injections of ketamine-acepromazine provided satisfactory surgical levels of anaesthesia. Induction was smooth. There was a wide margin of safety with no significant side effects, and there were no deaths attributable to anaesthesia. Induction time was 4-6 min, duration of surgical anaesthesia was 40-60 min, with complete recovery in 2-5 h. 80 chinchillas were used for this study.
Pathogenic microbes isolated from rabbit urine
Authors: Akinboade O. A. , Adegoke G. O. , Ogunji F. O. , Nwufoh K. J.
Published: June 2007

Asymptomatic urinary tract infections were recovered from the urine of 40 of 100 rabbits, and identical bacteria were isolated when the rabbits were retested. Urine samples which yielded significant growths of bacteria also had pus cells. Some specimens yielded more than 2 different isolates, and staphylococci were the most frequently isolated bacteria. Oxalate and uric acid crystals were seen in 6% of the samples, particularly those with significant growths of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. No ova, parasites or fungal elements were seen in 'wet-mount' preparations and no fungi were seen when urine samples were cultured. Female rabbits showed a higher number of bacterial isolates than males. Animals with significant isolates were treated with suitable antibiotics and repeat samples yielded no growth.
Endometriosis in rhesus monkeys
Authors: Bertens A. P. M. G. , Helmond F. A. , Hein P. R.
Published: June 2007

9 Cases of endometriosis in rhesus monkeys were found in a colony of 35 females, which had undergone in the past X-ray treatment or one or more Caesarean sections and/or one or more treatments with gonadal steroids. Incidence, pathogenesis, clinical symptoms, histology and treatment are described.
Novel inhalation device for the simultaneous anaesthesia of several laboratory rodents
Authors: Ventrone R. , Baan E. , Coggins C. R. E.
Published: June 2007

A plastic unit with several outlets which connect with lucite polycarbonate animal holders produces good inhalation anaesthesia in several laboratory rodents simultaneously. The anaesthesia produced is easily controllable, and the gases cannot escape into the environment.
Objective measurement of physical activity in Macaca fascicularis
Authors: Corbett Wayne T. , Schey Harry M. , Green A. W.
Published: June 2007

The mean and standard deviation over 24 h for 3 groups of animals - active, intermediate and inactive - in physical activity units were 10948 ± 3360, 2611 ± 1973 and 484 ± 316 respectively. The differences were significant ( P = 0·004), demonstrating the ability of the method to distinguish between groups that can be visibly differentiated. The small within-animal physical activity standard deviation (18·85 PAU) obtained in another group, suggests that it also yields reliable physical activity measurements for non-human primates.

The monitoring device used can discriminate between individual nonhuman primate physical activity levels in a free-living environment and does not alter daily behaviour. This makes possible the study of the relationship between physical activity and atherosclerosis in nonhuman primates.
The relief of pain in laboratory animals
Authors: Flecknell P. A.
Published: June 2007

The data concerning the types of analgesic drugs available and the experimental evidence for their efficacy in laboratory species are reviewed. The information is then extrapolated to the clinical situation to provide guidance as to methods of achieving effective analgesia in experimental animals. The most generally useful agent at present seems to be buprenorphine which can be used to provide effective, long lasting analgesia in a wide range of species.
Morphological assessment of testicular maturity in marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)
Authors: Jackson M. R. , Edmunds J. G.
Published: June 2007

The onset of spermatogenesis in relation to age, bodyweight and testes weight in 105 marmosets used in safety studies has been reviewed. The histological recognition of adverse effects on spermatogenesis is an important part of these studies and this survey indicates that male marmosets should be at least 50 weeks and preferably 60 weeks of age if an assessment of all stages of spermatogenesis is required for safety evaluation.
Transmission of B virus infection between monkeys especially in relation to breeding colonies
Authors: Zwartouw H. T. , MacArthur Judy A. , Boulter E. A. , Seamer J. H. , Marston J. H. , Chamove A. S.
Published: June 2007

Studies of B virus ( Herpesvirus simiae) antibody in several species of macaque lead to the following generalizations. Newborn monkeys are not infected with B virus, even when born of seropositive mothers. Young monkeys remain uninfected until they become adults. The majority of adults develop B virus antibody unless their physical contact with seropositive adults is restricted. These observations are consistent with sexual transmission of B virus and classification of the disease in monkeys as venereal. However, infection at oral and dermal sites also occurs and may play a part in monkey-to-monkey transmission.

Epizootics of B virus occurred during early attempts to start B virus-free breeding colonies. They appeared to originate from reactivated latent B virus in adult monkeys which had only low titres of antibody. The stress produced when groups of adult strangers were assembled to form breeding colonies was the most effective known inducer of latent B virus. Total exclusion of animals with any trace of antibody has enabled the establishment of new breeding colonies which are free from B virus.
Characteristic faecal flora of NC mice
Authors: Itoh K. , Oowada T. , Mitsuoka T.
Published: June 2007

The composition of faecal flora of NC mice was compared with that of CF#1 mice. NC- and CF#1-germfree (GF) mice were cage-mated with NC- or CF#l-conventional (CV) mice in an isolator. The faecal flora of these ex-GF mice was dependent on the recipient mouse strain modifying colonization by the donor mouse bacteria. Although NC- and CF#1-pups removed by hysterectomy were fostered to different strains, almost all these mice at 8 weeks old had a strain characteristic pattern of faecal flora regardless of the foster strains. In GF mice monoassociated with a Lactobacillus strain or a Bifidobacterium strain isolated from faeces of CV mice, the numbers of these bacteria in the stomach and small intestine of NC mice were lower than those of CF#1 mice. In GF mice associated with chloroform-treated faeces of CV mice, and a Lactobacillus strain or a Bifidobacterium strain, the numbers of these bacteria in the stomach and all parts of the intestine of NC mice were considerably lower than those of CF#1 mice. These results suggested that the composition of faecal flora of NC mice were characteristic, i.e. the fact that the numbers of lactobacilli were low compared with CF#1 mice with ordinary faecal flora and the colonization of bifidobacteria, peptococcaceae and eubacteria on ES agar in NC mice intestine differed, was due to genetic factors.
Monocontamination of germ-free mice by a fastidious unidentified anaerobe
Authors: Taylor D. M.
Published: June 2007

Over a period of several months, 5 germ-free mouse isolators became monocontaminated with seemingly the same fastidious, anaerobic bacilli which defied identification. The organism originated in rodent diet which had been exposed to γ-irradiation. However, it was discovered retrospectively that the irradiation doses had not been monitored, and subsequent monitoring showed the desired dose of 5 Mrad was not achieved in some parts of the load. Although inadequate sterilization was the likely cause of contamination it was not possible to explain why only this fastidious anaerobe survived the treatment, and not other more common bacterial contaminants.
Non-neoplastic lesions of female virgin Han:NMRI mice, incidence and influence of food restriction throughout life span. I: Thyroid
Authors: Rehm Sabine , Nitsche Barbara , Deerberg F.
Published: June 2007

A life span study with 900 female virgin Han:NMRI mice (300 outbred controls, 300 of a fat subline and 300 of a lean subline) was carried out to determine the occurrence of spontaneous disease with ad libitum or restricted feeding. The major age-dependent non-neoplastic alteration of the thyroid was a cystic distension of the ultimobranchial bodies (up to 90% in the oldest age groups). Most of the severely cystic thyroids were found in animals of the fat sublines and development seemed to be slightly delayed by food restriction. The cyst walls were composed of ciliated and non-ciliated granular or highly attenuated cells. The cysts contained Alcian blue and periodic acid Schiff positive substances.
Non-neoplastic lesions of female virgin Han:NMRI mice, incidence and influence of food restriction throughout life span. II: Respiratory tract
Authors: Rehm Sabine , Wcislo Andrea , Deerberg F.
Published: June 2007

A life-span study with 900 female virgin Han:NMRI mice (300 outbred controls, 300 of a fat subline and 300 of a lean subline) was carried out to determine the occurrence of spontaneous diseases with ad libitum or restricted feeding. Rare non-neoplastic lesions of the lungs (1-8%) were secondary inflammations, focal ossification and subintimal arterial 'plaques'. More frequent were age-dependent pulmonary mineralizations similar to psammoma bodies (3-18%) and crystal formations (4-22%). Food restriction did not affect the incidence of these lesions directly. Crystals were observed furthermore within infoldings of the tracheobronchial mucosa and intra- as well as extracellularly in the nasal cavities.
Psorergatic acariasis in vervet monkeys
Authors: Seier J. V.
Published: June 2007

7 cases of acariasis were discovered amongst a colony of vervet monkeys ( Cercopithecus pygerythrus). Lesions were confined to palpebrae and periorbital areas. Skin scrapings and biopsies were taken and the parasite was identified as Psorergates cercopitheci. The skin biopsies showed that the parasite invaded the superficial epidermis only. Skin scrapings taken from other parts, of the infested animals' bodies were all negative for mites. Several of the infested animals have had physical contact with conspecifics, the majority of which have remained uninfested. Topical treatment was effective and often eradicated the mite completely after only one treatment.
A catheter system for long-term intravenous infusion in unrestrained rats
Authors: Brenner U. , Müller J. M. , Walter M. , Keller H. W.
Published: June 2007

An intravenous catheter system for long-term (at least 6-8 weeks) parenteral nutrition of unrestrained rats is described. The apparatus is inexpensive and can be constructed from commonly available materials.
Experiences with standardized feeding of rats with an automatic food dispensing apparatus
Authors: James J. , Fronik G. M. , Hesseling J. M. G.
Published: June 2007

A simple automatic food dispensing machine can be used to train rats to a regime of meal-feeding during one hour at night. Apart from some 20% of the animals which fail to adapt but can be recognized early during training on the basis of weight curve, a population of animals is obtained which show a high degree of standardization of rhythmic changes related to food intake and apparently have an adequate supply of food as shown by the protein mass of liver cells.
The use of lignocaine-prilocaine local anaesthetic cream for pain-free venepuncture in laboratory animals
Authors: Flecknell P. A. , Liles J. H. , Williamson H. A.
Published: June 2007

An assessment was made of the effects of topical application of a eutectic mixture of local anaesthetics (EMLA cream) in a number of species of laboratory animals. Application of EMLA cream enabled percutaneous insertion of catheters into the cephalic vein in dogs and cats and the marginal ear vein in rabbits without causing any detectable pain or discomfort. Application to the tail in rats prior to percutaneous cannulation of the lateral tail vein did not produce a significant reduction in the behavioural responses to venepuncture.

EMLA cream represents a useful refinement of current techniques for intravenous injection in some species, and is especially valuable when the procedure is to be undertaken by an inexperienced operator.
Land snails as experimental animals: a study of the variability and distribution of individual weights in Helix aspersa snails born from the same clutch
Authors: Sampelayo R. Sanz , Fonolla J. , Extremera F. Gil
Published: June 2007

A study was carried out to examine the distribution of individual weights in Helix aspersa snails, the aims being to establish the best estimate of the ponderal growth and also to obtain a model growth curve. Four groups of 20 snails from the same clutch were analysed and kept under experimental conditions from birth up to 6 months. The variability of their individual weights within groups was studied by calculating the coefficients of variation every 15 days. At the same time, the assumed normal distribution of those weights was being tested. The coefficients of variation increased with age and the assumed normal distribution of individual weights had to be rejected. By means of a log transformation of the original data, a model growth curve was constructed, and was used to assess the possibility of estimating age from weight.

We finally reached the conclusion that median weight, rather than the mean, would be a better measure of central tendency to use until it is possible to obtain selected populations. The difficulty of estimating age from weight is emphasized.
Glomerular lipidosis in a Syrian hamster of the APA strain
Authors: Norimatsu M. , Doi K. , Itagaki S. , Honjo K. , Mitsuoka T.
Published: June 2007

Spontaneous glomerular lipidosis was found in a 12-week-old male Syrian hamster of the APA strain. Lipids in the glomeruli were observed as droplets in a prominently expanded mesangial area and as emboli in a dilated capillary lumen. Lipid deposition was also, but less often, detected in tubular epithelial cells and interstitial cells around the lipid-laden glomeruli. This case of glomerular lipidosis was considered to be closely related to hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia.
Expanded Instrument Comparison of Amplicon DNA Melting Analysis for Mutation Scanning and Genotyping
Authors: Herrmann Mark G , Durtschi Jacob D , Wittwer Carl T , Voelkerding Karl V
Published: June 2007

Background: Additional instruments have become available since instruments for DNA melting analysis of PCR products for genotyping and mutation scanning were compared. We assessed the performance of these new instruments for genotyping and scanning for mutations.

Methods: A 110-bp fragment of the β-globin gene including the sickle cell anemia locus (HBB c. 20A>T) was amplified by PCR in the presence of LCGreen Plus or SYBR Green I. Amplicons of 4 different genotypes [wild-type, homozygous, and heterozygous HBB c. 20A>T and double-heterozygote HBB c. (9C>T; 20A>T)] were melted on 7 different instruments [Applied Biosystems 7300, Corbett Life Sciences Rotor-Gene 6500HRM, Eppendorf Mastercycler RealPlex4S, Idaho Technology LightScanner (384 well), Roche LightCycler 480 (96 and 384 well) and Stratagene Mx3005p] at a rate of 0.61 °C/s or when this was not possible, at 0.50 °C steps. We evaluated the ability of each instrument to genotype by melting temperature (Tm) and to scan for heterozygotes by curve shape.

Results: The ability of most instruments to accurately genotype single-base changes by amplicon melting was limited by spatial temperature variation across the plate (SD of Tm = 0.020 to 0.264 °C). Other variables such as data density, signal-to-noise ratio, and melting rate also affected heterozygote scanning.

Conclusions: Different instruments vary widely in their ability to genotype homozygous variants and scan for heterozygotes by whole amplicon melting analysis. Instruments specifically designed for high-resolution melting, however, displayed the least variation, suggesting better genotyping accuracy and scanning sensitivity and specificity.
Previously Undocumented Two‐Year Freshwater Residency of Juvenile Coho Salmon in Prairie Creek, California
Authors: Bell Ethan , Duffy Walter G.
Published: June 2007

Over 2,000 juvenile coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch were tagged with passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags during the fall of 1998 and 1999 in Prairie Creek, California, as part of a study on individual winter growth rates and movement of juvenile coho salmon. During this study, age‐2 out‐migrants were incidentally observed. Previously, it had been generally assumed that all juvenile coho salmon in northern California streams spend only 1 year in freshwater before out‐migrating at age 1 and that a 2‐year freshwater life history pattern was found only in the more northerly portions of the species' range. Subsequently, scale analysis of PIT‐tagged fish recaptured during spring out‐migration was used as a basis for estimating the proportion of out‐migrants displaying a 1‐ or 2‐year freshwater residency life history. Twenty‐eight percent (28%) of out‐migrants captured in spring 2000 displayed a 2‐year freshwater residency life history, apparently related to low winter growth rates documented in related research in the study stream.
Activation of the human immunodeficiency virus type I long terminal repeat by 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3
Authors: Nevado Julián , Tenbaum Stephan P , Castillo Ana Isabel , Sánchez-Pacheco Aurora , Aranda Ana
Published: June 2007

The genetic predisposition of the host and the virus is the most important determinant for prediction of the course of human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV-1) viral infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) progression. Transcription from the HIV-1 long terminal repeat (LTR) is a crucial step for viral replication. Here, we describe a stimulatory role of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) on HIV-1 LTR transactivation. Transient transfections reveal that VDR activates the LTR in HeLa, U937, and Cos-1 cells in a ligand-dependent manner. 1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (vitD3) promotes activation of a minimal LTR construct (from nucleotides −35 to +89), lacking a previously described hormone response element that binds several nuclear receptors. NF-κB (nuclear factor-kappa B) and Sp1-binding sites, which are responsible for most basal LTR activity in HeLa cells, are also dispensable for vitD3-dependent HIV-1 transcription. Although the tat response element element is not required for VDR-mediated HIV-1 gene expression, the viral protein Tat acts in a synergistic manner with the receptor to stimulate LTR activity. Furthermore, our data also show cooperation of the receptor with various cellular coactivators for HIV-1 transactivation by vitD3. Paradoxically, mutations in the VDR ligand-dependent transcriptional activation function-2 that abrogate vitD3-dependent stimulation through classical vitamin D response elements, do not reduce vitD3-mediated LTR transactivation. Furthermore, point mutations in the DNA-binding domain that abolish receptor binding to consensus DNA sequences do not affect ligand-dependent HIV-1 stimulation. These results show that VDR activates the HIV-1 LTR through different mechanisms, including non-classical nuclear receptor transcriptional actions that may ensure viral transcription under different physiological scenarios.
Health System Reform in Mexico: A Critical Review
Authors: Laurell Asa Cristina
Published: June 2007

Last year Lancet published a series of articles on Mexico's 2004 health system reform. This article reviews the reform and its presentation in the Lancet series. The author sees the 2004 reform as a continuation of those initiated in 1995 at the largest public social security institute and in 1996 at the Ministry of Health, following the same conceptual design: “managed competition.” The cornerstone of the 2004 reform—the voluntary Popular Health Insurance (PHI)—will not resolve the problems of the public health care system. The author assesses the robustness and validity of the evidence on which the 2004 reform is based, noting some inconsistencies and methodological errors in the data analysis and in the construction of the “effective coverage” index. Finally, some predictions about the future of PHI are outlined, given its intrinsic weaknesses. The next two or three years are critical for the viability of PHI: both families and states will face increasing difficulties in paying the insurance premium; health infrastructure and staff are insufficient to guarantee the health package services; and the private service contracting will further strain state health ministries' ability to strengthen service supply. Moreover, redistribution of federal health expenditure favoring PHI at the cost of the Social Security Institute will further endanger public health care delivery.
Industry-Funded Breast Cancer Trials Show More Positive Results
Authors: Gardner Amanda , McMahon Jean
Published: June 2007

New research on pharmaceutical-industry sponsorship of clinical research in breast cancer shows that treatment trials funded by the industry are more likely to show positive results than studies sponsored by other sources. There are also major differences in trial design when drug companies are the funders.
Health Insurance Eroding for Working Families: Employer-Provided Coverage Declines for Fifth Consecutive Year
Authors: Gould Elise
Published: June 2007

In 2005, the percentage of Americans with employer-provided health insurance fell for the fifth year in a row. Workers and their families have been falling into the ranks of the uninsured at alarming rates. The downward trend in employer-provided coverage for children also continued into 2005. In the previous four years, children were less likely to become uninsured as public sector health coverage expanded, but in 2005 the rate of uninsured children increased. While Medicaid and SCHIP still work for many, the government has not picked up coverage for everybody who lost insurance. The weakening of this system—notably for children—is particularly difficult for workers and their families in a time of stagnating incomes. Furthermore, these programs are not designed to prevent low-income adults or middle- or high-income families from becoming uninsured. Government at the federal and state levels has responded to medical inflation with policy changes that reduce public insurance eligibility or with proposals to reduce government costs. Federal policy proposals to lessen the tax advantage of workplace insurance or to encourage a private purchase system could further destabilize the employer-provided system. Now is a critical time to consider health insurance reform. Several promising solutions could increase access to affordable health care. The key is to create large, varied, and stable risk pools.