bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dimensions of European direct investment activity in Turkey: patterns and prospects
Authors: Demirbag Mehmet , Tatoglu Ekrem , Glaister Keith W.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper delineates some basic trends and patterns of European foreign equity venture formations in Turkey over the 1996‐2003 period.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on a Turkish Government database, key statistics on European equity venture formations in Turkey are examined across several dimensions: trends in FDI over time, country of origin of investment, sector of investment, size of investment, geographical location and foreign equity shareholding.

Findings

A structured analysis of the dataset and government statistical publications makes it possible to ascertain patterns with respect to FDI dimensions. FDI operations in Turkey are dominated mainly by European and US MNEs. The analyses also revealed that new FDI operations have changed the structural composition of overall FDI activity in Turkey. Another finding is that European equity venture formations tend to be located in the concentrated industries and also in the relatively fast growing industries. It is shown that there exist some differences among European investors when they are classified by country of origin. There are also locational differences by sector, entry date and country of origin. It appears that as European investors gain experience of the host country market, their entry mode may change over time.

Research limitations/implications

While the findings cast further light on the nature and pattern of European FDI activity in Turkey, it would be particularly useful in future research to investigate the core dimensions of the activity recorded in the dataset reported on here, in terms of motives for a particular mode of entry, forms of management control and performance outcomes by means of primary data collection from the parents and management of European equity ventures. The examined relationships set out in the present study are essentially univariate, so they cannot gauge which of the dimensions are likely to be more important in identifying trend and patterns of European FDI in Turkey, which constitutes a limitation of the survey.

Originality/value

These findings cast new light on the nature and pattern of European FDI activity in Turkey where there is a paucity of systematic information.
The Honda motorcycle business in the Vietnamese emerging market
Authors: Duc Tiep Nguyen
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To explore subsidiary development in emerging markets and highlight the role of local factors on driving foreign firm business strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

This study builds upon the diamond of competitive advantage framework with regard to determinants in the local environment. Chinese motorcycle penetration into Vietnamese market has made considerable changes from which Honda has upgraded manufacturing capability, moved to higher value activities. It shows a confident process of subsidiary development. The analysis is supported by interview data in three field trips.

Findings

The penetration of Chinese motorcycle into Vietnam has brought more opportunities. Honda can utilize for long‐term investments than challenges the firm had to temporarily deal with. The effect of changes in the local market was quite specific to Honda business. Consequentially, local factors have driven the firm emergent strategy into low‐price model which is considered as Honda's local specific product in Vietnam.

Practical implications

Selective environment disadvantages play an important role in making pressures on firms to engage in more sophisticated activities. The distinctive competence is obtained from co‐evolution between external and internal resources rather than one itself. Continuous improvement, finding discontinuity, and reconciling resources are necessary for firms, especially when competing in international emerging markets.

Originality/value

The case study reflects an interesting picture of competition in motorcycle industry under the new stage of international competitive environment. Honda Vietnam case shows different features from Honda in the past and other subsidiaries in the region as the firm exists to harmonize the two dichotomizations of motorcycle business architecture: Japanese and Chinese model.
Synergistic action of the microRNA‐17 polycistron and Myc in aggressive cancer development
Authors: Tagawa Hiroyuki , Karube Kennosuke , Tsuzuki Shinobu , Ohshima Kouich , Seto Masao
Published: June 2007

The c13orf25/miR‐17 cluster, which is responsible for 13q31‐q32 amplification in malignant lymphoma, contains the microRNA‐17‐18‐19‐20‐92 polycistron. A previous study demonstrated that this polycistron could modulate tumor formation following transplantation of microRNA 17‐19b into Eu‐myc mice. Another study reported that Myc can upregulate the miR‐17 cluster by binding directly upstream of the miR‐17 locus. These findings suggest that Myc and the miR‐17 cluster synergistically contribute to cancer development. In the study presented here, we observed recurrent 13q31‐32 amplification in MYC‐rearranged lymphomas (11 of 47 cases). Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis of c13orf25 for MYC‐rearranged lymphomas demonstrated that cases with 13q31‐32 amplification showed significantly higher expression of c13orf25 than cases without such amplification, although cases without 13q31‐32 amplification still showed slight upregulation of c13orf25. To investigate the relationship between Myc and the miR‐17 polycistron in tumorigenesis, we engineered rat fibroblasts (Rat‐1) that constitutively express the miR‐17 polycistron (miR), Myc, or both miR and Myc. The highest level of miR expression was detected in Rat‐1 transfected with both miR and Myc, whereas Myc transfectant cells alone also showed slight upregulation of miR. Furthermore, we demonstrated that nude mice injected with Rat‐1 transfected with both miR and Myc presented more accelerated tumor growth than those injected with Myc transfectant cells. These results suggest that miR is stably upregulated in the presence of constitutive expression of Myc, and that the deregulation of miR and Myc synergistically contribute to aggressive cancer development, probably by repressing tumor suppressor genes. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 1482–1490)
Hypoxia inducible factor‐1 influences sensitivity to paclitaxel of human lung cancer cell lines under normoxic conditions
Authors: Zeng Lihua , Kizaka‐Kondoh Shinae , Itasaka Satoshi , Xie Xuejun , Inoue Masahiro , Tanimoto Keiji , Shibuya Keiko , Hiraoka Masahiro
Published: June 2007

Paclitaxel (PTX) is an anticancer drug that is effective against a wide range of solid tumors. The effect of PTX on two human lung cancer cell lines, PC14PE6 and NCI‐H441 cells, was examined in an orthotopically transplanted animal model with an in vivo imaging devise. Although PTX effectively suppressed tumor growth and improved survival rate in NCI‐H441, it did not influence these in PC14PE6. In vitro experiments confirmed that PC14PE6 cells are resistant to PTX under normoxic conditions and that both cell lines were resistant to PTX under hypoxic conditions. It was found that the expression level of endogenous hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)‐1α in PC14PE6 is much higher than that in NCI‐H441 cells under normoxic conditions. Furthermore, sensitivity to PTX in these cell lines was reversed when HIF‐1α expression was decreased by siRNA specific to HIF‐1α in PC14PE6 and increased by overexpression of the exogenous HIF‐1α gene in NCI‐H441. These results suggest that HIF‐1 influences the PTX sensitivity of these cells. The authors further examined β‐tubulin, a target molecule of PTX, with western blotting and immunohistochemical analysis in these cells. The expression level of β‐tubulin was comparable in these cells under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions while the distribution of β‐tubulin and cell morphology were changed according to HIF‐1α expression levels, suggesting that HIF‐1 influences the conformation and dynamics of microtubules. These data support the potential development of HIF‐1 targeted approaches in combination with PTX, where drug resistance tends to contribute to treatment failure. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 1394–1401)
Microparticles adhere to collagen type I, fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor and surface immobilised platelets at physiological shear rates
Authors: Keuren J. F. W. , Magdeleyns E. J. P , Bennaghmouch A. , Bevers E. M. , Curvers J. , Lindhout T.
Published: June 2007

Microparticles (MPs), shed during the storage of platelets, support blood coagulation and could be helpful in restoring the haemostatic system in thrombocytopenic patients. The mechanisms by which MPs support haemostasis under flow conditions were investigated. Fluorescent‐labelled MPs were perfused at shear rates of 100 and 1000/s over surfaces coated with collagen, fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor (VWF) or surface‐adherent platelets. Adhesion was monitored in real‐time by fluorescence microscopy. In addition, thrombin–antithrombin (TAT) complex formation was measured in flowing thrombocytopenic blood. MPs attained the capacity to firmly adhere to collagen, VWF, fibrinogen and surface‐adherent platelets at high and low shear rate. Antibodies against glycoprotein Ibα and αIIbβ3 were used to demonstrate the specificities of these interactions. The addition of MPs to thrombocytopenic blood did not affect platelet adhesion. TAT complex formation was increased in the presence of MPs in capillaries coated with fibrinogen, but not on collagen fibres. We confirmed that MPs adhere to a damaged vascular bed in vivo after infusion in denuded arteries in a mouse model. MPs have platelet‐like adhering properties and accelerate thrombin generation. These properties strongly support the notion that MPs can be beneficial in maintaining normal haemostasis when platelet function is impaired or reduced, as in thrombocytopenic patients.
MORC4, a novel member of the MORC family, is highly expressed in a subset of diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas
Authors: Liggins Amanda P. , Cooper Christopher D. O. , Lawrie Charles H. , Brown Philip J. , Collins Graham P. , Hatton Chris S. , Pulford Karen , Banham Alison H.
Published: June 2007

The OX‐TES‐4 antigen originally elicited an antibody response in 50% of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients but not in control subjects. OX‐TES‐4 is encoded by a novel gene, MORC4, located at chromosome Xq22.3. The MORC4 protein contains a HATPase‐c domain, CW zinc finger motif, nuclear localisation signals and a nuclear matrix‐binding domain, together with a coiled‐coil region. MORC4 mRNA is widely expressed at low levels in normal tissues, showing highest expression levels in placenta and testis. mRNA levels were increased in non‐germinal centre‐derived DLBCL and Hodgkin lymphoma cell lines, compared with germinal centre‐derived DLBCL cell lines and normal B cells. Nineteen DLBCL patients (66%) expressed significantly higher levels of MORC4 mRNA than normal B cells (P = 0·0031). The differential expression of MORC4 identifies this molecule as a potential lymphoma biomarker, whose overexpression may contribute to the immunological recognition of MORC4 by a subgroup of DLBCL patients.
A clinical score predicting a brief and uneventful course of newly diagnosed idiopathic trombocytopenic purpura in children
Authors: Edslev Pernille Wendtland , Rosthøj Steen , Treutiger Iris , Rajantie Jukka , Zeller Bernward , Jonsson Olafur G. ,   on behalf of the NOPHO ITP Working Group
Published: June 2007

The Nordic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura study data showed that morbidity occurred mainly in children with thrombocytopenia lasting >3 months, whereas, the risk period with platelet counts <20 × 109/l was short and the number of bleeding events low in children with shorter disease duration. These brief, uneventful courses were predicted by developing a scoring system based on six clinical features: abrupt onset (weight 5), age <10 years (3), preceding infection (2), platelet count <5 × 109/l, wet purpura (1) and male gender (1). The score was derived and validated in two different cohorts of children. High scores (10–14) clearly identified low‐risk patients. The score provides valid prognostic information and may be useful in clinical decision‐making.
ADAMTS13 activity to antigen ratio in physiological and pathological conditions associated with an increased risk of thrombosis
Authors: Feys Hendrik B. , Canciani Maria T. , Peyvandi Flora , Deckmyn Hans , Vanhoorelbeke Karen , Mannucci Pier M.
Published: June 2007

The plasma metalloprotease ADAMTS13 (A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease with ThromboSpondin type 1 motif 13) cleaves prothrombotic ultralarge multimers of the platelet‐adhesive protein von Willebrand factor (ULVWF) into less active multimers that promote haemostasis in injured blood vessels. When the enzyme is dysfunctional or undetectable, circulating ULVWF may cause massive intravascular aggregation of platelets and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. This study compared ADAMTS13 antigen and activity in a large set of plasmas collected from subjects with various conditions of health and disease, most of which were associated with an increased thrombotic tendency. Pathological conditions were liver cirrhosis (n = 90), inflammatory bowel disease (n = 44) and cardiac surgery (n = 30). Healthy conditions were pregnancy (n = 42), oral contraceptive intake (n = 33) and the neonatal state (n = 41). Normal individuals of different ages were taken as controls (n = 132). The antigen assay showed less variability than the collagen binding‐based activity assay. Antigen values correlated well with activity in normal individuals, but were discrepant to various degrees in neonates, pregnancies of later maternal age and cardiac surgery. No discrepancies were noted in liver cirrhosis and inflammatory bowel disease, which were both associated with low‐plasma levels of ADAMTS13. The parallel measurement of ADAMTS13 activity and antigen provides a new tool for understanding the behaviour of the VWF cleaving protease in health and disease.
Comparison of leptin levels, body composition and insulin sensitivity and secretion by OGTT in healthy, early pubertal girls born at either appropriate‐ or small‐for‐gestational age
Authors: Martínez‐Aguayo A. , Capurro T. , Peña V. , Iñiguez G. , Hernández M. I. , Avila A. , Salazar T. , Asenjo S. , Mericq V.
Published: June 2007

Background  Small for gestational age (SGA) has been associated with decreased insulin sensitivity (IS). A possible mechanism is the postnatal development of a metabolically disadvantageous body composition (BC).

Aim  To determine whether there are differences between IS and BC in girls in early puberty who were SGA (birth weight < 10th percentile) or appropriate for gestational age (AGA, 10th–90th percentile).

Methods  Age‐matched (SGA/AGA) early pubertal girls (Tanner II) were recruited from local schools. We determined waist circumference (WC), the sum of four skinfolds (S4S), and per cent fat mass (fat %) by impedanciometry. Leptin and OGTT assays were performed. The insulinogenic index (I‐In), HOMA‐IR (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance) and WBISI (whole body insulin sensitivity) were calculated.

Results  Median age (interquartile range) for 30 SGA and 35 AGA girls was 10·2 (1·1) vs. 9·8 (0·9), respectively (P = NS). BMI percentiles were 62·6 (56) vs. 67·4 (39); WC 60·5 (9·5) vs. 62·2 (6·5) cm; S4S 52 (30) vs. 52·2 (29·5) cm, and fat %[26·2 (6·7) vs. 28·5 (6·3)] was similar in both groups. SGA girls had higher leptin levels [15·4 (9·7) vs. 9·6 (11) ng/ml; P = 0·01] and I‐In [2·05 (1·86) vs. 1·47 (1·27) µU/ml* mg/dl; P = 0·02]. No differences between HOMA‐IR [2·07 (1·26) vs. 2·04 (1·4)] and WBISI [5·3 (3·3) vs. 5·1 (3·1)] were found between groups.

Conclusion  The higher leptin level and I‐In in girls born SGA at the beginning of puberty may be early indicators of an underlying subtle degree of insulin resistance, despite similar BMI and BC to AGA girls.
Acute and long‐term pituitary insufficiency in traumatic brain injury: a prospective single‐centre study
Authors: Klose M. , Juul A. , Struck J. , Morgenthaler N. G. , Kosteljanetz M. , Feldt‐Rasmussen U.
Published: June 2007

Objective  To assess the prevalence of hypopituitarism following traumatic brain injury (TBI), describe the time‐course and assess the association with trauma‐related parameters and early post‐traumatic hormone alterations.

Design  A 12‐month prospective study.

Patients  Forty‐six consecutive patients with TBI (mild: N = 22; moderate: N = 9; severe: N = 15).

Measurements  Baseline and stimulated hormone concentrations were assessed in the early phase (0–12 days post‐traumatically), and at 3, 6 and 12 months postinjury. Pituitary tests included the Synacthen‐test (acute +6 months) and the insulin tolerance test (ITT) or the GHRH + arginine test if the ITT was contraindicated (3 + 12 months). Insufficiencies were confirmed by retesting.

Results  Early post‐traumatic hormone alterations mimicking central hypogonadism or hypothyroidism were present in 35 of the 46 (76%) patients. Three months post‐traumatically, 6 of the 46 patients failed anterior pituitary testing. At 12 months, one patient had recovered, whereas none developed new insufficiencies. All insufficient patients had GH deficiency (5 out of 46), followed by ACTH‐ (3 out of 46), TSH‐ (1 out of 46), LH/FSH‐ (1 out of 46) and ADH deficiency (1 out of 46). Hypopituitary patients had more frequently been exposed to severe TBI (4 out of 15) than to mild or moderate TBI (1 out of 31) (P = 0·02). Early endocrine alterations including lowered thyroid and gonadal hormones, and increased total cortisol, free cortisol and copeptin were positively associated to TBI severity (P < 0·05), but not to long‐term development of hypopituitarism (P > 0·1), although it was indicative in some.

Conclusion  Long‐term hypopituitarism was frequent only in severe TBI. During the 3–12 months follow‐up, recovery but no new insufficiencies were recorded, indicating manifest hypothalamic or pituitary damage already a few months postinjury. Very early hormone alterations were not associated to long‐term post‐traumatic hypopituitarism. Clinicians should, nonetheless, be aware of potential ACTH deficiency in the early post‐traumatic period.
Salivary testosterone: a reliable approach to the diagnosis of male hypogonadism
Authors: Arregger Alejandro L. , Contreras Liliana N. , Tumilasci Omar R. , Aquilano Daniel R. , Cardoso Estela M. L.
Published: June 2007

Objective  This study was to demonstrate that Sal‐T is a reliable biomarker of androgen status in the diagnosis of male hypogonadism.

Design  In order to validate the salivary testosterone assay (Sal‐T), its reproducibility, the agreement with serum free testosterone levels (Free‐T), the correlation with other circulating androgen markers (bioavailable testosterone, total testosterone) and cut‐off values were defined.

Patients and methods  We studied 52 eugonadic (E) and 20 hypogonadic (Hy) men. Sal‐T was assayed using an adapted radioimmunoassay for serum testosterone. Sal‐T concentrations were compared in nine cases before and after citric acid stimulation of salivary flow rate. Free‐T and bioavailable testosterone (Bio‐T) were calculated by Vermeulen equation and SHBG were determined by binding assay.

Results  Sal‐T did not depend on salivary flow rate and morning samples from 07·00 h to 09·00 h were stable. Agreement between Sal‐T and Free‐T measurements was confirmed in all subjects. Sal‐T levels correlated positively with all circulating androgens, showing the best correlation with Free‐T in E (r = 0·92) as well as in Hy (r = 0·97). A cut‐off value of Sal‐T ≤ 0·195 nm showed 100% sensibility and specificity to rule out hypogonadism.

Conclusions  Our data showed that Sal‐T is a reliable marker of testosterone bioavailability. The results support the inclusion of this biomarker as a noninvasive approach in the diagnosis of male androgen deficiency.
Sorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to mineral surfaces
Authors: Müller S. , Totsche K. U. , Kögel‐Knabner I.
Published: June 2007

Minerals contribute crucially to the retention of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in subsurface environments. To investigate the sorption behaviour to mineral surfaces batch sorption experiments were conducted using three PAHs (phenanthrene, pyrene, benzo(a)pyrene) and three mineral sorbents that were representative of subsurface materials (quartz, goethite‐coated quartz, quartz‐montmorillonite mixture). Sorption kinetics showed an instantaneous, considerable PAH sorption to all minerals, except for phenanthrene sorption to quartz at small aqueous‐phase concentrations. Apparent sorption equilibrium was achieved after 4 hours of contact time. The sorption characteristics were fitted to six isotherm models by applying Monte Carlo simulation and nonlinear regression. Best‐fit models were obtained by a model discrimination approach. Phenanthrene and pyrene sorption were best described by the Freundlich isotherm model, with the exception of phenanthrene sorption to quartz (linear isotherm). Good fit results for quartz were also obtained for the combined linear‐Freundlich isotherm. Benzo(a)pyrene sorption to all minerals followed linear high‐affinity isotherms. In the case of phenanthrene and pyrene, the Monte Carlo simulations resulted in mean values with small standard deviations for the isotherm parameters, indicating a negligible influence of the experimental uncertainties on the accuracy of the fitted parameters. For phenanthrene, (i) linear isotherms to quartz and goethite‐coated quartz and (ii) a nonlinear concave‐shaped isotherm to quartz–montmorillonite, assuming a pore‐filling process to micropores formed by clay aggregates, were confirmed. For pyrene, nonlinear convex‐shaped isotherms to the mineral surfaces were assessed. A specific sorption affinity of pyrene to the goethite surface indicated a non‐covalent cation‐π interaction. Small sorption affinities to quartz–montmorillonite support an unfavourable partitioning into the adjacent water.
The quality of organic matter mediates the response of heterotrophic biofilms to phosphorus enrichment of the water column and substratum
Authors: ARDÓN MARCELO , PRINGLE CATHERINE M.
Published: June 2007

1. Heterotrophic biofilms are important drivers of community respiration, nutrient cycling and decomposition of organic matter in stream ecosystems. Both organic matter quality and nutrient levels have been shown to affect biofilm biomass and activity individually, but both factors have rarely been manipulated simultaneously.

2. To experimentally manipulate the organic matter quality and phosphorus (P) levels of both the substratum and water column, we first used cellulose cloth as a low‐quality organic material and enhanced its quality and P‐content by amending the underlying agar with maltose and P, respectively (Experiment I). To manipulate water column P, artificial substrata were incubated in low‐ and high‐P sites of a whole‐stream P‐enrichment in lowland Costa Rica.

3. Results from Experiment I suggest that heterotrophic biofilm respiration on cellulose cloth is co‐limited by carbon (C) and P. Biofilm respiration responded in an additive manner to combined effects of maltose and P‐enrichment of water column and synergistically to maltose and high‐P in substrata.

4. As decomposing organic matter that supports heterotrophic biofilms varies naturally in its labile C content along with other physical and chemical properties, we conducted a second experiment (Experiment II) in which we amended leaf discs from two species (Trema integerrima, a labile C source and Zygia longifolia, a recalcitrant C source) with maltose. We incubated the substrata in low‐ and high‐P sites of the P‐enrichment stream.

5. Results from Experiment II indicate that biofilm respiration on a labile C source (Trema) was not C‐limited, while biofilm respiration on a recalcitrant C source (Zygia) was C‐limited. Phosphorus stimulated the biofilm respiration and breakdown rate on Trema, but not on Zygia, supporting the hypothesis that the stimulatory effect of P‐enrichment is dependent on the availability of labile C in decomposing leaves.

6. Our results suggest that the interactive effects of organic matter quality and nutrient loading of streams can significantly increase microbial biofilm activity, potentially altering the trophic base of stream food webs. Researchers should consider both the organic matter quality and the enrichment of both water column and substrata to better predict the effects of anthropogenic nutrient loading to stream the ecosystems.
Photoprotective compounds in weakly and strongly pigmented copepods and co‐occurring cladocerans
Authors: PERSAUD ANURANI D. , MOELLER ROBERT E. , WILLIAMSON CRAIG E. , BURNS CAROLYN W.
Published: June 2007

1. The prevalence of mycosporine‐like amino acids (MAAs) – a group of potential ultraviolet (UV)‐photoprotective compounds – was surveyed across 11 species of freshwater copepods from 20 lakes of varying ultraviolet radiation (UVR) transparency in North America, New Zealand and Argentina. Co‐occurring cladocerans were also analysed (seven species from 12 lakes). Many of the calanoid copepod populations were red with carotenoid pigmentation, allowing comparison of MAA and carotenoid accumulation as photoprotective strategies.

2. In two Pennsylvania (U.S.A.) lakes, MAA and carotenoid contents were followed during the early spring to mid‐summer period of lake warming. A pronounced seasonal pattern of higher carotenoid/low MAA content in spring, shifting to low carotenoid/higher MAA content in summer, was observed in calanoids from the more UV transparent lake.

3. All copepod samples contained MAAs. Visibly red calanoids, especially southern Hemisphere Boeckella, often had moderate to high concentrations (2.5–11 μg MAA mg−1 dw), but low concentrations (0.04–1 μg MAA mg−1 dw) in some N. American red calanoids show that high carotenoid pigmentation (e.g. 5–10 μg carotenoid mg−1 dw) does not necessarily imply high MAA content.

4. No cladoceran sample had more than trace amounts of MAAs (<0.05 μg mg−1 dw). Therefore, MAA accumulation does not seem to be a photoprotective strategy utilized by Daphnia (five species from nine lakes) or other cladocerans.

5. Seven identifiable MAAs were widely distributed among both calanoids and cyclopoids. Shinorine was ubiquitous and was usually the most abundant MAA in N. American samples. In contrast, porphyra‐334 was the predominant MAA in the southern Hemisphere Boeckella.

6. Copepods from higher UVR lakes tended to have a higher MAA content, but this relationship was statistically weak overall and taxon‐specific when found.
Relating endocrinology, physiology and behaviour using species with alternative mating strategies
Authors: MILES D. B. , SINERVO B. , HAZARD L. C. , SVENSSON E. I. , COSTA D.
Published: June 2007

Recent reviews demonstrate that genetically determined alternative mating strategies (AMS) are widespread and typically consist of morphs that are recognized by morphological or colour traits. Despite well‐established behavioural differences associated with each morph, and evidence that androgens are involved in the induction of morphs, few studies have examined whether morphs also vary in whole‐organismal performance traits, which may affect dominance status, resource holding potential (RHP) or mate attraction.

Our survey revealed a link between androgens and physiological performance traits that are associated with territorial or courtship displays across vertebrate taxa, although the number of species in the sample is limited. Experimental elevation of testosterone alters muscular contractile properties, swimming performance, sprint speed and endurance in males. Whether morphs differ in physiological capacities is relatively unexplored, although recent studies have found that males with high dominance status also exhibit greater physiological capacities (locomotor performance, call duration).

Multiple studies support the hypothesis that elevated testosterone results in fitness trade‐offs. Potential costs of testosterone include impaired immune function, higher parasite loads, greater energetic requirements and ultimately reduced survival. Long term studies of Uta stansburiana highlight the trade‐offs among life‐history traits induced by variation in testosterone. Circumstantial evidence suggests a role of testosterone in depressing immune function in species with AMS.

We argue that hypotheses regarding the role of trade‐offs in shaping selection on functional modules, which are involved in sexual selection, are best developed by manipulative studies on discrete morphs. Our review highlights the need to measure multiple traits to provide additional insights into the roles of sexual selection and physiological epistasis in maintaining intraspecific variation in reproductive phenotypes. The integration of endocrine control of behaviour, physiology and performance is rarely attempted in most studies and may be facilitated by analyses that focus on estimating correlational selection.
Expression of fascin in oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas has prognostic significance – a tissue microarray study of 129 cases
Authors: Chen S F , Yang S F , Li J W , Nieh P C , Lin S Y , Fu E , Bai C Y , Jin J S , Lin C Y , Nieh S
Published: June 2007

Aims:  To elucidate the role of fascin in oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) by correlation with clinical parameters.

Methods and results:  Paraffin sections using tissue microarrays of 129 patients with OSCC were investigated immunohistochemically. Fascin protein was overexpressed in OSCC cells compared with their non‐neoplastic epithelial counterparts. For evaluating the intensity of fascin, 39 (30.2%) were classified as weakly immunoreactive, 76 (58.9%) as moderate reactive and 14 (10.9%) as intensely reactive. For evaluating the distribution of fascin, 64 (49.6%) were classified as < 55% and 65 (50.4%) were classified as ≥ 55%. Fascin protein expression was correlated with size or extent of the tumour (P < 0.001), positive lymph node metastasis (P < 0.001), distant metastasis (P = 0.014) and clinical staging (P < 0.001). The immunoreactivity scores of fascin in OSCC were variable but showed significant correlation with histological grade, clinical TNM system and stage.

Conclusion:  Expression of fascin protein may play an important role in progression of OSCC. Overexpression of fascin contributes to a more aggressive clinical course and suggests the potential of fascin as a new molecular target for therapeutic intervention.
Necrotizing sialometaplasia versus invasive carcinoma of the head and neck: the use of myoepithelial markers and keratin subtypes as an adjunct to diagnosis
Authors: Rizkalla H , Toner M
Published: June 2007

Aims:  To investigate the use of immunohistochemistry in distinguishing necrotizing sialometaplasia (NSM) from squamous cell (SCC) and mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) by (i) the identification of myoepithelial cells and (ii) cytokeratin (CK) expression.

Methods and results:  Thirteen cases with the histological changes of NSM, eight SCCs and eight MECs were examined with the following immunohistochemical markers: calponin, S100, smooth muscle actin (SMA), p63, CK7, CK5, CK6 and CAM5.2. The distribution and intensity of staining were recorded. Residual myoepithelial cells (best demonstrated by calponin and SMA) were identified at the periphery of the epithelial islands in all cases of NSM (although not in all islands), in contrast to MEC and SCC. S100 showed a similar pattern, although staining fewer cells. Moderate rather than extensive expression of CK7 may help to distinguish NSM from MEC.

Conclusion:  Identification of myoepithelial cells and CK7 expression may help to distinguish NSM from its mimics.
Expression of hGC‐1 is correlated with differentiation of gastric carcinoma
Authors: Liu W , Zhu J , Cao L , Rodgers G P
Published: June 2007

Aims:  The human G‐CSF‐stimulated clone‐1 (hGC‐1) gene encodes a 510‐amino acid olfactomedin‐related glycoprotein whose exact in vivo localization and function still remain elusive. The aim of this study was to demonstrate hGC‐1 protein localization in the normal human gastrointestinal tract and to explore further a potential relationship between hGC‐1 expression and gastric carcinoma.

Methods and results:  A specific hGC‐1 polyclonal antibody raised against purified hGC‐1 protein was developed and characterized. Using immunohistochemistry, it was demonstrated that hGC‐1 is expressed in the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine and colon. The expression pattern of hGC‐1 protein in 173 cases of gastric carcinoma was investigated and a striking correlation was demonstrated between hGC‐1 expression and histological type and differentiation of gastric carcinoma. Enhanced hGC‐1 expression was more frequently seen in intestinal‐type adenocarcinoma, whereas loss of expression tended to occur in the diffuse type. hGC‐1 was highly expressed in well or moderately differentiated cancers and was remarkably reduced or lost in poorly differentiated or undifferentiated tumours.

Conclusions:  These investigations have defined for the first time the expression pattern of hGC‐1 in the normal human gastrointestinal tract and provide a novel and sensitive marker for the differentiation of gastric carcinoma.
Differential CD4+ T‐cell memory responses induced by two subsets of human monocyte‐derived dendritic cells
Authors: Bajaña Sandra , Herrera‐González Norma , Narváez Juana , Torres‐Aguilar Honorio , Rivas‐Carvalho Amaranta , Aguilar Sergio R. , Sánchez‐Torres Carmen
Published: June 2007

Dendritic cells (DC) are powerful inducers of primary T‐cell responses, but their role in secondary responses has not been extensively analysed. Here, we address the role of two DC subsets derived from human CD16+ (16+ mDC) or CD16– (16– mDC) monocytes on the reactivation of memory responses. CD4+ CD45RA– memory T cells were obtained from adult blood donors, and central (TCM) and effector (TEM) memory T cells were isolated by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting with anti‐CCR7 antibodies. The 16+ mDC and 16– mDC were cocultured with autologous lymphocytes, either unpulsed or loaded with purified protein derivatives of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (PPD) or tetanus toxoid (TT), and were analysed for up to 8 days. Over a range of doses, 16+ mDC drove stronger T‐cell proliferative responses against both antigens. Overall, antigen‐specific memory cells tended to acquire a phenotype of TEM at later time‐points in the culture, whereas cells that had completed fewer cycles of division were similar to TCM. The 16+ mDC induced higher rates of proliferation on both TCM and TEM lymphocytes than 16– mDC. This phenomenon was not related to the ability of both DC to induce CD25 expression on T cells, to lower secretion of interleukin‐2, or to raise production of interleukin‐10 during T‐cell/16– mDC cocultures. The induction of TCM effector capacity in terms of interferon‐γ production was faster and more pronounced with 16+ mDC, whereas both DC had similar abilities with TEM. In conclusion, these data might reveal new potentials in vaccination protocols with 16+ mDC aimed at inducing strong responses on central memory T cells.
Evidence for a trade‐off between early growth and tooth wear in Svalbard reindeer
Authors: VEIBERG VEBJØRN , MYSTERUD ATLE , BJØRKVOLL EIRIN , LANGVATN ROLF , LOE LEIF EGIL , IRVINE R. JUSTIN , BONENFANT CHRISTOPHE , COUWELEERS FRED , STENSETH NILS CHR.
Published: June 2007

Ruminants depend on efficient physical degradation of forage through chewing to increase the surface area of the food particles presented to the microflora. Fossil evidence suggests that increased molar height is an adaptation for wear tolerance in dry ecosystems with sparse vegetation, but no study has shown selection pressure for hypsodonty in contemporary ruminants.

We explored the relationships between particle size in rumen, tooth wear (scanned molar occlusal topography), age and body mass of female Svalbard reindeer living in an arctic desert at 78° latitude on Svalbard.

We predicted that (H1) if the rumen particle size is determined mainly by constraints due to tooth wear, and if tooth wear is mainly a function of age, average particle size in rumen should increase with age. From allometric relations it is known that larger individuals can survive on a lower‐quality diet, we therefore predicted (H2) larger particle sizes with increases in (ln) body mass, irrespective of age and wear. Lastly, if there is a trade‐off between growth and tooth wear in dry ecosystems (a selection pressure for hypsodonty), we predicted (H3) that teeth of heavier animals should be more worn than those of lighter animals of the same age.

The proportion of small particles (<1·0 mm) decreased rapidly with increasing age (consistent with H1). Heavier females within an age class had more worn teeth (consistent with H3) than lighter ones. A close‐to‐isometric relationship between particle size and body mass suggested that heavier animals partly compensated for reduced tooth efficiency by chewing more.

We provide the first evidence of a trade‐off between fast early growth and wear (a somatic cost) of a senescence‐related trait – the structure and height of the molar – in a wild ruminant inhabiting an arctic desert where selection pressure for increased tooth height is expected. This suggests that foraging conditions are more extreme than the environment in which the species originally evolved.
Spatial patterns of kangaroo density across the South Australian pastoral zone over 26 years: aggregation during drought and suggestions of long distance movement
Authors: POPLE ANTHONY R. , PHINN STUART R. , MENKE NORBERT , GRIGG GORDON C. , POSSINGHAM HUGH P. , McALPINE CLIVE
Published: June 2007

Wildlife surveys usually focus on estimating population size, and management actions such as commercial harvesting, culling and poison baiting are referenced commonly to population size alone, without taking into account the way in which those animals are distributed. This paper outlines how point‐based aerial survey data can be converted to continuous density surfaces using spatial analysis techniques. Using this approach, we describe and explore the spatial patterns of density of two species of kangaroos in an area exceeding 200 000 km2 in South Australia over a 26‐year period.

Densities of red and western grey kangaroos were estimated in 2 km2 segments along aerial survey transect lines, yielding point density estimates. Universal kriging provided an unbiased interpolation of these data using the spatial autocorrelation structure described by the semi‐variogram. The Getis statistic identified clusters of high and low kangaroo density.

Considerable year‐to‐year variation in the spatial patterns of kangaroo density was observed. In many cases, annual rates of increase over large areas were too high to be explained by vital rates alone, implying immigration from surrounding areas. These large shifts in distribution were occasionally to areas that had received better rainfall than the surrounding areas. For both species, there was no obvious local spatial autocorrelation pattern or clustering of kangaroo density beyond that described by average density and the present set of management regions, suggesting the latter are appropriate divisions for harvest management.

Data for both species fitted the power law relationship extremely well. During dry times, red kangaroos, but not western grey kangaroos, were more aggregated, supporting past ground observations at a fine spatial scale.

Synthesis and applications. Kriged density surfaces enable estimation of kangaroo density on individual properties, which are the management units at which harvest quotas or culling approvals are allocated. These estimates will be marked improvements over systematic sampling estimates when sampling intensity is low. Predictions of shifts in kangaroo distribution using rainfall or satellite imagery will allow more accurate allocation of harvest quotas. Similarly, predictions of more even kangaroo dispersion following high rainfall will allow managers to anticipate downturns in harvest rate.
The comparative plasma pharmacokinetics of intravenous cefpodoxime sodium and oral cefpodoxime proxetil in beagle dogs
Authors: BROWN S. A. , BOUCHER J. F. , HUBBARD V. L. , PROUGH M. J. , FLOOK T. F.
Published: June 2007

The pharmacokinetic properties of cefpodoxime, and its prodrug, cefpodoxime proxetil, were evaluated in two separate studies, one following intravenous (i.v.) administration of cefpodoxime sodium and the second after oral (p.o.) administration of cefpodoxime proxetil to healthy dogs. After cefpodoxime administration, serial blood samples were collected and plasma concentrations were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A single i.v. administration of cefpodoxime sodium at a dose of 10 mg  cefpodoxime/kg body weight resulted in a cefpodoxime average maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of 91 (±17.7) μg/mL, measured at 0.5 h after drug administration, an average half‐life (t1/2) of 4.67 (±0.680) h, an average AUC0−∞ of 454 (±83.1) h·μg/mL, an average Vd(ss) of 151 (±27) mL/kg, an average ClB of 22.7 (±4.2) mL/h/kg and an average MRT0−∞ of 5.97 (±0.573) h. When dose normalized to 10 mg  cefpodoxime/kg body weight, cefpodoxime proxetil administered orally resulted in Cmax of 17.8 ± 11.4 μg/mL for the tablet formulation and 20.1 ± 6.20 μg/mL for the suspension formulation and an average AUC0‐LOQ of 156 (±76.1) h·μg/mL for the tablet formulation and 162 (±48.6) h·μg/mL for the suspension formulation. Relative bioavailability of the two oral formulations was 1.04 (suspension compared with tablet), whereas the absolute bioavailability of both oral formulations was estimated to be approximately 35–36% in the cross‐study comparison with the i.v. pharmacokinetics. Combined with previous studies, these results suggest that a single daily oral dose of 5–10 mg  cefpodoxime/kg body weight as cefpodoxime proxetil maintains plasma concentrations effective for treatment of specified skin infections in dogs.
Role of sugars in surface microbe–host interactions and immune reaction modulation
Authors: Lloyd David H. , Viac Jacqueline , Werling Dirk , Rème Christophe A. , Gatto Hugues
Published: June 2007

Sugars in the form of monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides and glycoconjugates (glycoproteins, glycolipids) are vital components of infecting microbes and host cells, and are involved in cell signalling associated with modulation of inflammation in all integumental structures. Indeed, sugars are the molecules most commonly involved in cell recognition and communication. In skin, they are essential to epidermal development and homeostasis. They play important roles in microbial adherence, colonization and biofilm formation, and in virulence. Two groups of pathogen recognition receptors, C‐type lectins (CTL) and their receptors (CTLR), and the Toll‐like receptors enable the host to recognize pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), which are mainly glycolipids. The CTLs can recognize a wide variety of bacteria, fungi and parasites and are important in phagocytosis and endocytosis. TLRs are expressed on the surfaces of a variety of cells, including keratinocytes, dendritic cells, monocytes and macrophages; they play a major role in innate immunity. Interaction of TLRs with PAMPs initiates a cascade of events leading to production of reactive oxygen intermediates, cytokines and chemokines, and promotes inflammation. Exogenous sugars can block carbohydrate receptors and competitively displace bacteria from attachment to cells, including keratinocytes. Thus sugars may provide valuable adjunctive anti‐inflammatory and/or antimicrobial treatment. A promising approach is the use of a panel of carbohydrate derivatives with anti‐adhesive efficacy against bacteria frequently involved in diseases affecting skin and other epithelia. More complete characterization of sugar receptors and their ligands will provide further keys to use of carbohydrates in immunomodulation and infection control in skin.
Paraneoplastic alopecia associated with hepatocellular carcinoma in a cat
Authors: Marconato Laura , Albanese Francesco , Viacava Paolo , Marchetti Veronica , Abramo Francesca
Published: June 2007

A 15‐year‐old spayed female domestic shorthair cat presented with alopecia associated with hepatocellular carcinoma. Clinical signs, which had commenced 6 months previously, included loss of appetite, loss of weight, and depression. As reported by the owner, the cat developed alopecia a week before referral. The hair loss was localized to the ventral aspect of the thorax and abdomen, medial aspect of front and hind limbs, and ventral aspect of the tail, and was associated with histological features consistent with paraneoplastic alopecia. At necropsy, multiple hepatic nodules were observed, and subsequent histopathological investigation showed cords and sheets of hepatocyte‐like neoplastic cells positive for the hepatocyte marker (Hep Par 1), thereby demonstrating the hepatocellular origin of the tumour, which was diagnosed as a hepatocellular carcinoma. This is the first report of feline paraneoplastic alopecia associated with hepatocellular carcinoma confirmed by the Hep Par 1 marker.
Regional parasite density in the skin of dogs with symptomatic canine leishmaniosis
Authors: Saridomichelakis Manolis N. , Koutinas Alexander F. , Olivry Thierry , Dunston Stan M. , Farmaki Rania , Koutinas Christos K. , Petanides Theodoros
Published: June 2007

In canine leishmaniosis, the parasitic density of the skin may be important for the infection of sandflies, and increased accumulation of inflammatory cells infected with Leishmania is believed to occur in dermal areas subjected to mechanical trauma. Parasite density and inflammatory responses in the upper and lower dermis of three body sites: flank (control site), dorsal muzzle (sandfly feeding site), and footpads (mechanical stress sites) were thus investigated in 15 dogs with symptomatic leishmaniosis. Parasite density did not differ between the control and tested sites or between the upper and lower dermis, apart from the footpads where it was higher in the upper dermis, and there was no correlation with severity of the macroscopic lesions or inflammatory infiltrate, except for the lower footpad dermis. No selective accumulation of the parasite in the muzzle that would favour its transmission to sandflies occurred, and the mechanical stress imposed on the footpads was not associated with increased parasitic density, or with inflammatory infiltrate.
Detection of papillomaviral sequences in feline Bowenoid in situ carcinoma using consensus primers
Authors: Munday John S. , Kiupel Matti , French Adrienne F. , Howe Laryssa , Squires Richard A.
Published: June 2007

Feline Bowenoid in situ carcinoma (BISC) is a rare disease that presents as multiple discrete plaques of epidermal hyperplasia and dysplasia. Two studies using immunohistochemistry revealed papillomaviral antigens in 11% and 47% of BISCs. Additionally, a recent study detected papillomaviral DNA in 24% of BISC lesions. To further investigate the association between papillomaviruses and BISC, polymerase chain reaction using consensus primers was used to detect papillomaviral DNA in 18 formalin‐fixed samples of BISC. Papillomaviral DNA was amplified from 11 of the samples but from none of the controls. Six amplicons were sequenced; one was homologous with a papillomavirus from a human patient with multiple cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas and the other five showed weak homology to human papillomavirus type 17. These five sequences were > 96% homologous over a 235 bp sequence, indicating the presence in all five BISCs of one papillomavirus type distinct from any previously sequenced and more closely related to human than animal papillomaviruses. The results confirm an association between BISC and papillomaviruses, and as all six papillomavirus sequences identified are closely related to human papillomaviruses, it is possible that the virus is transmitted from humans to cats or vice versa.