bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The nutrition of the chinchilla as a companion animal – basic data, influences and dependences
Authors: Wolf P. , Schröder A. , Wenger A. , Kamphues J.
Published: October 2010

This contribution is meant to obtain basic data for feeding chinchillas (ingestion behaviour, feed and water intake) kept as companion animals. The chinchillas ingested more than 70% of their total feed intake during the dark phase (highest level of activity between 9:00 pm and 7:00 am). Daily amounts of feed intake varied between 2.5 (fresh grass) or 2.6 (hay) and 5.5 (pelleted complete diet) g of dry matter per 100 g of body weight. An offered mixed feed based on native components led to a selection of individual ingredients (high palatability: carob, beet pulp, sunflower seeds). The chinchillas’ daily water intake varied between 30 (mixed feed in briquette form) and 40 ml (alfalfa cubes) and amounted on average between 1.5 and 3 ml/g of dry matter. Compared with rabbits or guinea‐pigs, the chinchillas generally showed noticeable differences (rhythm of feed intake, palatability of individual ingredients, capacity for digestion, etc.) which must be considered in order to optimize the nutrition of this species.
Gastric adaptation to aspirin and Helicobacter pylori infection in man
Authors: KONTUREK JAN , KONTUREK STANISLAW , DEMBINSKI ARTUR , DOMSCHKE WOLFRAM
Published: October 2010

The relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and aspirin (ASA)‐induced gastropathy and gastric adaptation to ASA remains unclear. We compared gastric damage and adaptation after repeated exposures to ASA in the same subjects without H. pylori infection and those infected by H. pylori before and after eradication of this H. pylori. Twenty‐four volunteers in two groups (A and B), without H. pylori infection (group A) and with H. pylori infection (group B) before and after H. pylori eradication, were given ASA 2 g/day or placebo for 14 days. Mucosal damage was evaluated by endoscopy and gastric microbleeding; mucosal prostaglandin (PG) E2 generation and luminal transforming growth factor (TGF)α were determined on days 0, 3, 7 and 14 of the ASA course. In all subjects, ASA‐induced gastric damage reached a maximum on day 3. In H. pylori‐positive subjects this damage was maintained at a similar level up to the 14th day of observation. Following H. pylori eradication, the damage was significantly lessened at day 14, as revealed by both endoscopy and microbleeding, and was accompanied by increased mucosal release of TGFα. Prostaglandin E2 generation was significantly higher in H. pylori‐positive subjects than after H. pylori eradication, but ASA treatment resulted in greater than 90% reduction of this generation independent of H. pylori status. Gastric adaptation to ASA is impaired in H. pylori‐positive subjects but eradication of this bacterium restores this process.
Cigarette smoking: Effects on P selectin expression and subsequent inflammatory responses in ethanol‐induced gastric mucosal damage
Authors: CHOW JIMMY , MA LI , CHO CHI
Published: October 2010

Experimental evidence has shown that cigarette smoking potentiates ulcer formation and delays ulcer healing. The exact mechanisms are still not completely defined. We investigated the effects of cigarette smoking on P selectin expression and its actions on neutrophil infiltration and nitric oxide formation in ethanol‐induced gastric mucosal damage. In the present study, rats were exposed to cigarette smoke for three 1 h periods. Cigarette smoke exposure significantly up‐regulated P selectin expression in the gastric mucosa. Cigarette smoke exposure following ethanol challenge substantially potentiated the mucosal damage, which was accompanied with an increase in myeloperoxidase and inducible nitric oxide synthase activities. Anti‐neutrophil serum completely abolished these changes, whereas aminoguanidine produced similar effects without affecting myeloperoxidase activity. Taken together, cigarette smoke exposure can up‐regulate P selectin expression, which facilitates neutrophil rolling, margination and infiltration when challenged with ethanol. These actions activate inducible nitric oxide synthase activity, which may contribute to the potentiating effect of cigarette smoking on ethanol‐induced gastric ulceration in rats.
Prostaglandin E‐type receptor subtypes and gastroduodenal bicarbonate secretion in rats
Authors: TAKEUCHI KOJI , YAGI KOJI , KITAMURA MOTOHIRO , KUBOMI MASAFUMI , TASHIMA KIM‐IHITO
Published: October 2010

We investigated the relationship between prostaglandin E‐type receptor (EP receptor) subtypes and gastroduodenal HCO3− secretion in rats. Under urethane anaesthesia, a stomach mounted in an ex vivo chamber or a proximal duodenal loop was perfused with saline and the HCO3− secretion was measured at pH 7.0 using a pH‐stat method and by adding 10 mmol/L HCl. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2, i.v.) increased HCO3− secretion in both the stomach and duodenum; this action was verapamil sensitive and only in the duodenum was potentiated by isobutylmethyl xanthine (IBMX). Duodenal HCO3− secretion was also stimulated by both sulprostone (EP1/EP3 agonist), enprostil (EP1/EP3 agonist), misoprostol (EP2/EP3 agonist), 11‐deoxy PGE1 (EP3/EP4 agonist) and ONO‐NT‐012 (EP3 agonist), but was not affected by either butaprost (EP2 agonist) or 17‐phenyl‐ω‐trinor‐PGE2 (EP1 agonist). In contrast, gastric HCO3− secretion was stimulated by sulprostone, enprostil and 17‐phenyl‐ω‐trinor‐PGE2, but not by misoprostol, butaprost, 11‐deoxy PGE1 or ONO‐NT‐012. The EP1 antagonist SC‐51089 inhibited the HCO3− stimulatory action of sulprostone in the stomach but not in the duodenum. Isobutylmethyl xanthine potentiated the HCO3− response to sulprostone in the duodenum, while verapamil reduced the response in both the stomach and duodenum. These results suggest that PGE2 stimulates HCO3− secretion via different EP receptor subtypes in the stomach and duodenum: in the former the EP1 receptors linked to Ca2+ and in the latter, the EP3 receptors coupled with both cAMP and Ca2+.
Gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease and respiratory disease
Authors: KE MEI‐YUN , XU WEN‐BING , ZHONG XU , XIAO GAO‐HUI , WANG ZHI‐FENG , HUANG XI‐ZHEN
Published: October 2010

An epidemiological survey showed that respiratory symptoms with gastro‐oesophageal reflux (GER) were twice as high as those without GER symptoms. In 46 cases of unknown chronic cough or asthma, 67% had positive oesophageal pH monitoring. Of 34 patients with snoring and reflux symptoms, 16 (47.1%) were confirmed as positive for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and GER. Anti‐reflux therapy significantly improved both GER and OSA.
Effects of R‐ and S‐enantiomers of chiral non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs in experimental colitis
Authors: REUTER BRIAN , MAULEÓN DAVID , WALLACE JOHN
Published: October 2010

Prostaglandins appear to play an important role in down‐regulating intestinal inflammation and promoting repair of injury. In experimental colitis, inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis with non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAID) leads to marked exacerbation of tissue injury. It has been suggested that the ability of chiral NSAID to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis is completely attributable to the S‐enantiomer, while the R‐enantiomer is a much weaker inhibitor. Thus, it is possible that R‐enantiomers of chiral NSAID will have reduced intestinal toxicity and reduced ability to exacerbate colitis. In the present study, we compared R‐ and S‐enantiomers of two chiral NSAID (flurbiprofen and etodolac) in terms of their ability to exacerbate colitis in the rat. We found that R‐flurbiprofen and R‐etodolac did not exacerbate colitis, in contrast to the S‐enantiomers or racemates. The R‐enantiomers also had significantly less inhibitory activity on prostaglandin synthase. Reduced biliary excretion of R‐etodolac may have also contributed to the lack of detrimental effects in this model. The results support the hypothesis that prostaglandins play an essential role in down‐regulating colonic inflammation and promoting repair.
Regulation of intestinal apolipoprotein A‐IV synthesis
Authors: TSO P , YAO L , ZHENG S , EE L
Published: October 2010

Apolipoprotein (apo) A‐IV is a protein synthesized, in humans, only by the small intestine. It has a molecular weight of 46 000 Da. This paper summarizes the evidence supporting its role as a satiety factor following the ingestion of fat. This function of apo A‐IV is unique and not shared by other apolipoproteins, including apo A‐I. The satiety effect of apo A‐IV is centrally mediated. The mechanism of how apo A‐IV inhibits food intake is not clear but it probably acts by inhibiting both gastric acid secretion as well as gastric motility. Lipid absorption stimulates apo A‐IV synthesis and secretion by the jejunum. In addition to lipid feeding, there is evidence that a factor which is released as a result of lipid absorption in the distal small intestine also stimulates the synthesis and release of apo A‐IV by the jejunum. This factor is probably PYY.
Role of alpha‐fetoprotein in the diagnosis and management of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Johnson Philip
Published: October 2010

Thirty‐five years after its first description, alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) remains the gold standard by which other markers are judged. Serum levels above the reference range of 10 ng/mL occur in approximately 75% of cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In individual patients, the serum AFP level behaves as if it reflects tumour mass. However, the specificity of AFP is relatively low because moderately raised levels are also found in some patients with uncomplicated chronic liver disease. Recently, tumour‐specific AFP assays have been developed. These are based on the carbohydrate side‐chains on the AFP molecule which exhibit characteristic differences in AFP of different origins. Monitoring response to treatment may often be more effectively carried out by serial estimation of AFP than by conventional imaging techniques. The relative specificity of AFP for HCC has also been employed to detect circulating HCC cells and to target gene therapy.
Update on clinical trials in the treatment of hepatitis B
Authors: Pessoa Mario , Wright Teresa
Published: October 2010

Chronic hepatitis B infection is a worldwide public health problem, which is particularly important in countries of Asia. Interferon has long been available for the treatment of patients with active replication (hepatitis B virus (HBV) e antigen and HBV‐DNA positive) with evidence of chronic liver disease (elevated serum alanine aminotransferase and chronic hepatitis on liver biopsy). Doses of interferon of 10 MU, t.i.w. or 5 MU, q day for 16 weeks result in e antigen and HBV‐DNA loss in approximately one‐third of individuals who meet these treatment criteria. The major limitations of interferon are: (i) side effects of influenza‐like symptoms; (ii) need for parenteral administration; and (iii) concerns about safety in patients with hepatic decompensation. Nucleoside and nucleotide analogues have potent antiviral activity. The largest experience is with lamivudine (3‐thiacytadine), a reverse transcriptase inhibitor that was recently approved by the USA Federal Drug Administration. At doses of 100 mg/day for 52 weeks, suppression of HBV replication is almost universal, with e antigen loss and improvement in histology being achieved in one‐third and two‐thirds of patients, respectively. The major advantages of lamivudine are: (i) good tolerability; (ii) oral route of administration; and (iii) safety in patients with hepatic decompensation. The major disadvantage is drug resistance, which is observed with increasing frequency following prolonged administration. New agents, such as adefovir dipivoxil, offer promise either alone or in combination with lamivudine in the treatment of individuals who are ‘treatment naive’ as well as in the treatment individuals who have developed lamivudine resistance.
Natural history of chronic hepatitis B and C
Authors: Imperial Joanne
Published: October 2010

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) affects more than 300 million individuals worldwide and in the United States approximately 1.25 million individuals are chronic carriers of HBV. The risk of becoming a chronic hepatitis B virus surface antigen carrier is dependent upon the mode of acquisition of infection as well as the age of the individual at the time of infection. For those individuals with high levels of viral replication, chronic active hepatitis with progression to cirrhosis, liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is common and liver transplantation is an excellent treatment option for patients with end‐stage liver disease from HBV. Patients with chronic HBV infection should be screened periodically for hepatoma, although screening strategies have not been proven to prolong survival. Newer antiviral agents for the treatment of HBV are potent inhibitors of HBV‐DNA and their long‐term effect on the natural history of HBV is yet to be proven. The natural history of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is less well defined than that of chronic HBV. Certain patients who are chronic carriers of HCV may never develop extensive fibrosis, whereas others will progress to chronic active hepatitis with cirrhosis, HCC and end‐stage liver disease. Factors that influence the progression of HCV are those related to the host, including the age at acquisition of infection, gender and immune status, and the disease process is accelerated in patients who consume regular amounts of alcohol. Hepatocellular carcinoma develops frequently in patients with HCV infection and its overall incidence is increasing due to this chronic viral disease. Patients with HCV cirrhosis should be screened regularly for hepatoma and liver transplantation is an effective treatment option for those with end‐stage disease. The impact of antiviral therapy on the natural history of HCV is still to be determined and should be the focus of large clinical trials.
Drug and toxin‐induced bile duct disorders
Authors: Geubel André P , Sempoux Christine L
Published: October 2010

Abstract Various drugs of toxins have been implicated in the development of a particular form of liver damage predominantly involving the bile ducts. Such liver toxicity is often associated with a clinical picture of prolonged cholestasis and may even evolve in rare instances, into the full picture of the vanishing bile duct syndrome, eventually complicated with biliary cirrhosis. Drug and toxins potentially responsible for bile duct injury are reviewed as well as the characteristics of its clinical presentation. The pathophysiologic aspects of the syndrome are also reviewed including recent data, which are strongly in favor of the role of a genetic predisposition.
A set of polymorphic microsatellites for Vochysia ferruginea, a promising tree for land reclamation in the Neotropics
Authors: Lowe A. J. , Goodall‐Copestake W. P. , Caron H. , Kremer A. , Decroocq S.
Published: October 2010

Vochysia ferruginea
Mart. (Vochysiaceae) is a gap colonist of Neotropical forest. Because of its high tolerance of low‐nutrient acidic conditions and high aluminium and iron concentrations, and its high potential seed and pollen dispersal, it is a promising timber species for commercial development as reclaimed forest on degraded land. We present here primer sequences for 10 polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci for use with
V. ferruginea to assess fine scale genetic structure and gene flow dynamics.
Characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci from black grouper, Mycteroperca bonaci (Teleostei: Serranidae)
Authors: Zatcoff M. S. , Ball A. O. , Chapman R. W.
Published: October 2010

Many groupers in the western Atlantic are vulnerable to overfishing, and appropriate management requires knowledge of the population structure of these fish. To this end microsatellite markers were developed from black grouper, Mycteroperca bonaci, using an enrichment procedure. Five loci with levels of polymorphism ranging from 0.5 to 0.9 were selected. These markers also proved to be useful in scamp, M. phenax; red grouper, Epinephelus morio; and goliath grouper, E. itajara. Conformation to Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium was observed except for heterozygote deficiencies noted for E. morio at two of the loci used for this species.
Development of microsatellite markers in black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) using a dual‐supression‐PCR technique
Authors: Lian C. , Hogetsu T.
Published: October 2010

Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is an economically and ecologically important tree species in the world. We isolated seven polymorphic microsatellite loci from R. pseudoacacia using a dual‐suppression‐PCR technique. These loci provided microsatellite markers with high polymorphism ranging from three to 12 alleles per locus and expected heterozygosity between 0.538 and 0.944. The markers are now available for more detailed investigation of population genetic structure and pollen and seed dispersal.
Microsatellite markers in Fijian crested iguanas (Brachylophus vitiensis) also amplify Fijian banded iguanas (B. fasciatus)
Authors: Burns Emma L. , Costello Brian H. , Schulmeister Alexandra , Houlden Bronwyn A.
Published: October 2010

Five microsatellite markers were isolated from the Fijian crested iguana (Brachylophus vitiensis) using an enrichment technique. These loci also amplified the Fijian banded iguana (B. fasciatus). All five loci were polymorphic with between 2–7 and 4–7 alleles per locus in B. vitiensis and B. fasciatus, respectively. Heterozygosity (HO) values ranged from 0.069 to 0.875. These markers were useful in resolving kinship relationships and will aid future endeavours by the captive management program to conserve genetic diversity.
Polymorphic microsatellite loci for eusocial wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)
Authors: Daly D. , Archer M. E. , Watts P. C. , Speed M. P. , Hughes M. R. , Barker F. S. , Jones J. , Odgaard K. , Kemp S. J.
Published: October 2010

Hymenopterans are an important model for studying the evolution of cooperation in animal societies. Here, we characterize 19 microsatellite loci, isolated from the common wasp Vespula vulgaris, that can be used to study genetic variation in three genera (seven species) within the Vespidae. The number of alleles in V. vulgaris was moderate, varying from 2 to 14, with expected heterozygosity ranging between 0.04 and 0.93. Eleven loci amplified DNA in V. austriaca and Dolichovespula sylvestris, nine in V. germanica, eight in Vespa crabro and V. rufa, seven in D. media and only five loci could be used for D. norwegica.
Irradiation tests of ITER candidate Hall sensors using two types of neutron spectra
Authors: Ďuran I. , Bolshakova I. , Viererbl L. , Sentkerestiová J. , Holyaka R. , Lahodová Z. , Bém P.
Published: October 2010

We report on irradiation tests of InSb based Hall sensors at two irradiation facilities with two distinct types of neutron spectra. One was a fission reactor neutron spectrum with a significant presence of thermal neutrons, while another one was purely fast neutron field. Total neutron fluence of the order of 1016 cm−2 was accumulated in both cases, leading to significant drop of Hall sensor sensitivity in case of fission reactor spectrum, while stable performance was observed at purely fast neutron spectrum. This finding suggests that performance of this particular type of Hall sensors is governed dominantly by transmutation. Additionally, it further stresses the need to test ITER candidate Hall sensors under neutron flux with ITER relevant spectrum.
Mapping the ionization state of laser-irradiated Ar gas jets with multiwavelength monochromatic x-ray imaging
Authors: Kugland N. L. , Döppner T. , Kemp A. , Schaeffer D. , Glenzer S. H. , Niemann C.
Published: October 2010

Two-dimensional monochromatic images of fast-electron stimulated Ar Kα and He-α x-ray self-emission have recorded a time-integrated map of the extent of Ar≈6+ and Ar16+ ions, respectively, within a high density (1020 cm−3 atomic density) Ar plasma. This plasma was produced by irradiating a 2 mm wide clustering Ar gas jet with an ultrahigh intensity (1019 W/cm2, 50 TW) Ti:sapphire laser operating at 800 nm. Spherically bent quartz crystals in the 200 (for Kα) and 201 (for He-α) planes were used as near-normal incidence reflective x-ray optics. We see that a large (830 μm long) region of plasma emits Kα primarily along the laser axis, while the He-α emission is confined to smaller hot spot (230 μm long) region that likely corresponds to the focal volume of the f/8 laser beam. X-ray spectra from a Bragg spectrometer operating in the von Hamos geometry indicate that the centroids of the Kα and He-α emission regions are separated by approximately 330 μm along the laser axis.
Ideal and resistive edge stability calculations with M3D-C1
Authors: Ferraro N. M. , Jardin S. C. , Snyder P. B.
Published: October 2010

Growth rates of edge localized modes for various benchmark equilibria, including a diverted equilibrium, are calculated using the nonideal fluid code M3D-C1. Growth rates calculated by M3D-C1 in the ideal limit are found to agree with those calculated by ideal magnetohydrodynamics codes. The effects of nonuniform density and resistivity profiles are explored, as well as the sensitivity of growth rates to the position of the ideal vacuum-plasma interface. Growth rates of the diverted equilibrium are found to be particularly sensitive to moving this interface inward from the separatrix, but less sensitive to extending the plasma region beyond the separatrix. The resistivity profile within the plasma is found not to affect growth rates significantly; however, growth rates may be greatly reduced by treating the outer region as a resistive plasma instead of an ideal vacuum. Indeed, it is found that for typical scrape-off layer (SOL) temperatures, the resistive SOL model behaves more like an ideal plasma than a vacuum.
The effect of gas environment on electrical heating in suspended carbon nanotubes
Authors: Hsu I-Kai , Pettes Michael T. , Aykol Mehmet , Shi Li , Cronin Stephen B.
Published: October 2010

We report micro-Raman spectroscopy measurements of the temperature distribution of current-carrying, 5 μm long, suspended carbon nanotubes in different gas environments near atmospheric pressure. At the same heating power, the measured G band phonon temperature of the nanotube is found to be significantly lower in gaseous environments than in vacuum. Theoretical analysis of these results suggests that about 50%–60% of the heat dissipated in the suspended nanotube is removed by its surrounding gas molecules, and that the thermal boundary conductance is higher in carbon dioxide than in nitrogen, argon, and helium, despite the lower thermal conductivity of carbon dioxide.
Tunable elastic stiffness with microconfined magnetorheological domains at low magnetic field
Authors: Majidi Carmel , Wood Robert J.
Published: October 2010

Surface micropatterning enhances the interfacial sliding resistance of magnetorheological fluid at low magnetic field (10–35 mT). Fluid is confined to surface microchannels, resulting in the formation of spatially aligned magnetic domains. The channels are supported by a pair of overlapping ribbons, which, along with the surrounding fluid, are enclosed in a soft elastomer. The embedded elastomer represents an electromagnetic alternative to current methods of active stiffness control that are based on principles of gel hydration, particle jamming, and pneumatics.
Analytical solutions of the Ginzburg–Landau equations for deformable superconductors in a weak magnetic field
Authors: Yong Huadong , Liu Fangzhong , Zhou Youhe
Published: October 2010

The objective of this paper is to obtain the analytical solutions which satisfy the differential Ginzburg–Landau equations and some boundary conditions. Based on the linear deformation theory, the effects of prestrain on the wave function and magnetic potential of deformable superconductors have been investigated in the presence of a weak magnetic field. The results show that for the superconductors with a linearly elastic deformation, the wave function in the materials should be considered for two different cases, i.e., type I and type II. The prestrain effect in deformable superconductors should not be neglected in determining the superconductivity in superconductors.
Magnetic field effects on the electroluminescence of organic light emitting devices: A tool to indicate the carrier mobility
Authors: Ding B. F. , Yao Y. , Sun Z. Y. , Wu C. Q. , Gao X. D. , Wang Z. J. , Ding X. M. , Choy W. C. H. , Hou X. Y.
Published: October 2010

The magnetoelectroluminescence (MEL) of organic light emitting devices with a N,N′-bis(l-naphthyl)-N,N′-diphenyl-1,l′-biphentl-4,4′-diamine:tris-(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (NPB:Alq3) mixed emission layer (EML) has been investigated. We find that MEL is maximized when the volume ratio of NPB of the mixed EML reaches 30% and the EML thickness is 40 nm. The features of MEL under various magnetic field strengths are insensitive to the change in EML thickness and mixing ratio. Meanwhile, MEL has a close relationship with the carrier mobility. We have conducted a theoretical study to further verify the relationship. Our experimental and theoretical results confirm that MEL can function as a tool to indicate the mobility.
Homelands of the world’s language families
Authors: Wichmann Søren , Müller André , Velupillai Viveka
Published: October 2010

A systematic, computer-automated tool for narrowing down the homelands of linguistic families is presented and applied to 82 of the world’s larger families. The approach is inspired by the well-known idea that the geographical area of maximal diversity within a language family corresponds to the original homeland. This is implemented in an algorithm which takes a lexicostatistically derived distance measure and a geographical distance measure and computes a lexical diversity measure for each language in the family relative to all the other related languages. The location of the language with the highest diversity measure is heuristically identified with the homeland.
Dephosphorylation of Nucleophosmin by PP1β Facilitates pRB Binding and Consequent E2F1-dependent DNA Repair
Authors: Lin Chiao Yun , Tan Bertrand Chin-Ming , Liu Hsuan , Shih Chii-Jiun , Chien Kun-Yi , Lin Chih-Li , Yung Benjamin Yat-Ming
Published: October 2010

Nucleophosmin (NPM) is an important phosphoprotein with pleiotropic functions in various cellular processes. Although phosphorylation has been postulated as an important functional determinant, possible regulatory roles of this modification on NPM are not fully characterized. Here, we find that NPM is dephosphorylated on various threonine residues (Thr199 and Thr234/237) in response to UV-induced DNA damage. Further experiments indicate that the serine/threonine protein phosphatase PP1β is a physiological NPM phosphatase under both the genotoxic stress and growth conditions. As a consequence, NPM in its hypophosphorylated state facilitates DNA repair. Finally, our results suggest that one possible mechanism of this protective response lies in enhanced NPM-retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (pRB) interaction, leading to the relief of the repressive pRB–E2F1 circuitry and the consequent transcriptional activation of E2F1 and several downstream DNA repair genes. Thus, this study unveils a key phosphatase of NPM and highlights a novel mechanism by which the PP1β–NPM pathway contributes to cellular DNA damage response.
Podoplanin Associates with CD44 to Promote Directional Cell Migration
Authors: Martín-Villar Ester , Fernández-Muñoz Beatriz , Parsons Maddy , Yurrita Maria M. , Megías Diego , Pérez-Gómez Eduardo , Jones Gareth E. , Quintanilla Miguel
Published: October 2010

Podoplanin is a transmembrane glycoprotein up-regulated in different human tumors, especially those derived from squamous stratified epithelia (SCCs). Its expression in tumor cells is linked to increased cell migration and invasiveness; however, the mechanisms underlying this process remain poorly understood. Here we report that CD44, the major hyaluronan (HA) receptor, is a novel partner for podoplanin. Expression of the CD44 standard isoform (CD44s) is coordinately up-regulated together with that of podoplanin during progression to highly aggressive SCCs in a mouse skin model of carcinogenesis, and during epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In carcinoma cells, CD44 and podoplanin colocalize at cell surface protrusions. Moreover, CD44 recruitment promoted by HA-coated beads or cross-linking with a specific CD44 antibody induced corecruitment of podoplanin. Podoplanin–CD44s interaction was demonstrated both by coimmunoprecipitation experiments and, in vivo, by fluorescence resonance energy transfer/fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FRET/FLIM), the later confirming its association on the plasma membrane of cells with a migratory phenotype. Importantly, we also show that podoplanin promotes directional persistence of motility in epithelial cells, a feature that requires CD44, and that both molecules cooperate to promote directional migration in SCC cells. Our results support a role for CD44-podoplanin interaction in driving tumor cell migration during malignancy.
Patterning of a compound eye on an extinct dipteran wing
Authors: Dinwiddie April , Rachootin Stan
Published: October 2010

We have discovered unexpected similarities between a novel and characteristic wing organ in an extinct biting midge from Baltic amber,
Eohelea petrunkevitchi
, and the surface of a dipteran's compound eye. Scanning electron microscope images now reveal vestigial mechanoreceptors between the facets of the organ. We interpret
Eohelea's
wing organ as the blending of these two developmental systems: the formation and patterning of the cuticle in the eye and of the wing.

Typically, only females in the genus carry this distinctive, highly organized structure. Two species were studied (
E. petrunkevitchi
and
E. sinuosa
), and the structure differs in form between them. We examine
Eohelea's
wing structures for modes of fabrication, material properties and biological functions, and the effective ecological environment in which these midges lived. We argue that the current view of the wing organ's function in stridulation has been misconstrued since it was described half a century ago.
Trematode parasites infect or die in snail hosts
Authors: King Kayla C. , Jokela Jukka , Lively Curtis M.
Published: October 2010

The Red Queen hypothesis is based on the assumption that parasites must genetically match their hosts to infect them successfully. If the parasites fail, they are assumed to be killed by the host's immune system. Here, we tested this using sympatric (mostly susceptible) and allopatric (mostly resistant) populations of a freshwater snail and its trematode parasite. We determined whether parasites which do not infect are either killed or passed through the host's digestive tract and remain infectious. Our results show that parasites do not get a second chance: they either infect or are killed by the host. The results suggest strong selection against parasites that are not adapted to local host genotypes.
Why the leopard got its spots: relating pattern development to ecology in felids
Authors: Allen William L. , Cuthill Innes C. , Scott-Samuel Nicholas E. , Baddeley Roland
Published: October 2010

A complete explanation of the diversity of animal colour patterns requires an understanding of both the developmental mechanisms generating them and their adaptive value. However, only two previous studies, which involved computer-generated evolving prey, have attempted to make this link. This study examines variation in the camouflage patterns displayed on the flanks of many felids. After controlling for the effects of shared ancestry using a fully resolved molecular phylogeny, this study shows how phenotypes from plausible felid coat pattern generation mechanisms relate to ecology. We found that likelihood of patterning and pattern attributes, such as complexity and irregularity, were related to felids' habitats, arboreality and nocturnality. Our analysis also indicates that disruptive selection is a likely explanation for the prevalence of melanistic forms in Felidae. Furthermore, we show that there is little phylogenetic signal in the visual appearance of felid patterning, indicating that camouflage adapts to ecology over relatively short time scales. Our method could be applied to any taxon with colour patterns that can reasonably be matched to reaction–diffusion and similar models, where the kinetics of the reaction between two or more initially randomly dispersed morphogens determines the outcome of pattern development.
Mother–offspring isotope fractionation in two species of placentatrophic sharks
Authors: Vaudo J. J. , Matich P. , Heithaus M. R.
Published: October 2010

Stable‐isotope values of a scalloped hammerhead Sphyrna lewini and blacktip shark Carcharhinus limbatus and their respective embryos were analysed. Embryos of both species were enriched in δ15N compared to their mothers (0·82 and 0·88‰, respectively), but fractionation of δ13C varied. Embryonic S. lewini were enriched (1·00‰) in δ13C while C. limbatus were depleted (0·27‰) relative to their mothers.
Cross‐Border Insolvencies in the 21st Century: A Proposal for International Cooperation
Authors: Mears Rona R.
Published: October 2010

Faced with a maze of national insolvency laws, cross‐border insolvencies currently lack the fairness to both debtor and creditor that can be found in domestic proceedings. Yet the problem of international insolvencies cannot be solved by independent action in individual nations, nor without a fundamental commitment to the principle of universality. This article discusses one proposed solution to the problem of how best to encourage the central administration of cross‐border insolvencies. namely the Model International Insolvency Cooperation Act (“MIICA”). The author reviews MIICA's genesis, principles, provisions and prospects for implementation.

Confrontées à une multitude de lois nationales sur l'insolvabilité, les faillites ayant lieu au‐delà de nos frontières ne sont pas aussi équitables vis‐àvis des débiteurs et des créditeurs que celles qui surviennent à l'intérieur du pays. Cependant, le problème de faillites internationales ne peut pas être résolu de façon indépendante par différents pays ou sans adhérer au principe de l'universalité. Cet article examine une des solutions proposées afin d'encourager le plus possible l'administration centrale des faillites qui se produisent à l‘étranger, notamment la “Model International Insolvency Cooperation Act” (“Loi Modèle sur la cooperation quant à l'insolvabilité internationale”). L'auteure passe en revue les origines, les principes, les disopositions et les perspectives d'application de la Loi.
Some Consequences of Insolvency Law Reform
Authors: Hill Steve
Published: October 2010

In 1985 and 1986, the United Kingdom introduced major substantive reforms to its insolvency legislation. A number of jurisdictions are presently considering radical reform in this area, and the author sets out some of the lessons, both good and bad, which can be learned from the British experience.

En 1985 et 1986, le Royaume‐Uni modifia substantiellement se législation sur l'insolvabilité. Actuellement. plusiers juridictions envisagent des réformes radicales dans ce domaine. L'auteur présente quelques‐unes des lecon, positives et négatives, qui peuvent être tirées de l'expérience britannique.
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: Winship Peter
Published: October 2010

Book reviewed in this article:

Security on Movable Property and Peceivables in Europe: M. Dickson, W. Rosener & P. Storm, eds

Retention of Title: A Practical Guide to 19 National Legislations: International Chamber of Commerce
The association between spending on methamphetamine/amphetamine and cannabis for personal use and earnings from acquisitive crime among police detainees in New Zealand
Authors: Wilkins Chris , Sweetsur Paul
Published: October 2010

Aims  Few studies have examined the statistical association between methamphetamine/amphetamine use and acquisitive crime. Both methamphetamine/amphetamine and cannabis use have been implicated by New Zealand Police as factors in acquisitive offending among active criminal populations. The aim of our study was to examine the statistical association between spending on methamphetamine/amphetamine and cannabis and earnings from acquisitive crime among police detainees in New Zealand.

Setting  Four police stations in different regions.

Participants  A sample of 2125 police detainees were interviewed about their drug use and acquisitive crime.

Design  Statistical models were developed to predict involvement in acquisitive crime using spending on methamphetamine/amphetamine and cannabis for personal use, and to examine associations between the level of spending on methamphetamine/amphetamine and cannabis for personal use and level of dollar earnings from acquisitive crime.

Measurements  Self‐reported spending on drug use and self‐reported earnings from acquisitive crime in the past 30 days.

Findings  Spending on cannabis and methamphetamine/amphetamine could predict involvement in acquisitive crime. Level of spending on methamphetamine/amphetamine and cannabis was associated positively with the level of earnings from property crime. Level of spending on methamphetamine/amphetamine was also associated positively with level of earnings from drug dealing. There was a largely negative association between level of spending on cannabis and level of earnings from drug dealing.

Conclusions  High spending on methamphetamine/amphetamine is associated statistically with higher earnings from acquisitive crime among police detainees. Further research into this association, and in particular the causal nature of the association, is required to obtain clear policy recommendations.
Rapid detection, enrichment and propagation of specific T cell subsets based on cytokine secretion
Authors: Campbell J D M , Foerster A , Lasmanowicz V , Niemöller M , Scheffold A , Fahrendorff M , Rauser G , Assenmacher M , Richter A
Published: October 2010

T cell lines with defined cytokine profiles are an invaluable tool for assessing the control of immune responses both in vitro and in vivo. Production of such cell lines can be complex and time-consuming. Here we present a powerful technique to assay the cytokines produced by T cells activated polyclonally or with specific antigens. This paper presents a detailed methodology for the identification and isolation of cytokine-producing T cells activated with the artificial superantigen, CytoStim, or viral and fungal antigens. These cells can be analysed for different cytokines simultaneously, or cultured further to rapidly establish T cell lines making known cytokine types. We highlight the enumeration, isolation and phenotype of interleukin-17-producing T cells, and the rapid generation of virus-specific Th1 T cell lines.
Mifepristone (RU486) restores humoral and T cell-mediated immune response in endotoxin immunosuppressed mice
Authors: Rearte B , Maglioco A , Balboa L , Bruzzo J , Landoni V I , Laborde E A , Chiarella P , Ruggiero R A , Fernández G C , Isturiz M A
Published: October 2010

Sepsis and septic shock can be caused by Gram-positive and -negative bacteria and other microorganisms. In the case of Gram-negative bacteria, endotoxin, a normal constituent of the bacterial wall, also known as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), has been considered as one of the principal agents causing the undesirable effects in this critical illness. The response to LPS involves a rapid secretion of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, interferon (IFN)-γ and the concomitant induction of anti-inflammatory mediators such as IL-10, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β or glucocorticoids, which render the host temporarily refractory to subsequent lethal doses of LPS challenge in a process known as LPS or endotoxin tolerance. Although protective from the development of sepsis or systemic inflammation, endotoxin tolerance has also been pointed out as the main cause of the non-specific humoral and cellular immunosuppression described in these patients. In this report we demonstrate, using a mouse model, that mifepristone (RU486), a known glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, could play an important role in the restoration of both adaptive humoral and cellular immune response in LPS immunosuppressed mice, suggesting the involvement of endogenous glucocorticoids in this phenomenon. On the other hand, using cyclophosphamide and gemcitabine, we demonstrated that regulatory/suppressor CD4+CD25+forkhead boxP3+ and GR-1+CD11b+ cells do not play a major role in the establishment or the maintenance of endotoxin tolerance, a central mechanism for inducing an immunosuppression state.
Were monocytes responsible for initiating the cytokine storm in the TGN1412 clinical trial tragedy?
Authors: Sandilands G P , Wilson M , Huser C , Jolly L , Sands W A , McSharry C
Published: October 2010

The precise biological mechanisms that caused the TGN1412 clinical trial tragedy (also known as ‘The Elephant Man Clinical Trial’) in March 2006 remain a mystery to this day. It is assumed widely that the drug used in this trial (TGN1412) bound to CD28 on T lymphocytes and following activation of these cells, a massive ‘cytokine storm’ ensued, leading ultimately to multi-organ failure in all recipients. The rapidity of this in vivo response (within 2 h), however, does not fit well with a classical T lymphocyte response, suggesting that other ‘faster-acting’ cell types may have been involved. In this study we have activated purified human peripheral blood leucocyte populations using various clones of mouse monoclonal anti-CD28 presented to cells in the form of a multimeric array. Cytokines were measured in cell-free supernatants at 2 h, and specific mRNA for tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, thought to be the initiator of the cytokine storm, was also measured in cell lysates by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR). Monocytes were the only cell type found to show significant (P < 0·05) up-regulation of TNF-α at 2 h. Eleven other monocyte cytokines were also up-regulated by anti-CD28 within this time-frame. It therefore seems likely that monocytes and not T cells, as widely believed, were probably responsible, at least in part, for initiating the cytokine storm. Furthermore, we propose that a multimeric antibody array may have formed in vivo on the vascular endothelium via an interaction between TGN1412 and CD64 (FcγRI), and we provide some evidence in support of this hypothesis.
Efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) affinity-purified anti-desmoglein anti-idiotypic antibodies in the treatment of an experimental model of pemphigus vulgaris
Authors: Mimouni D , Blank M , Payne A S , Anhalt G J , Avivi C , Barshack I , David M , Shoenfeld Y
Published: October 2010

Pemphigus vulgaris is a rare life-threatening autoimmune bullous disease caused by immunoglobulin G (IgG) autoantibodies directed against desmogleins 1 and 3. Previously, we showed that intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) ameliorates anti-desmoglein-induced experimental pemphigus vulgaris in newborn naive mice. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of anti-anti-desmoglein-specific IVIG in a similar model. Pemphigus-vulgaris-specific IVIG (PV-sIVIG) was affinity-purified from IVIG on a column of single-chain variable fragment (scFv) anti-desmogleins 1 and 3. The anti-idiotypic activity of PV-sIVIG was confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, inhibition assay. After induction of pemphigus by injection of anti-desmogleins 1 and 3 scFv to newborn mice, the animals were treated with PV-sIVIG, IVIG (low or high dose) or IgG from a healthy donor (n = 10 each). The skin was examined 24–48 h later, and samples of affected areas were analysed by histology and immunofluorescence. In vitro study showed that PV-sIVIG significantly inhibited anti-desmogleins 1 and 3 scFv binding to recombinant desmoglein-3 in a dose-dependent manner. Specificity was confirmed by inhibition assay. In vivo analysis revealed cutaneous lesions of pemphigus vulgaris in mice injected with normal IgG (nine of 10 mice) or low-dose IVIG (nine of 10 mice), but not in mice treated with PV-sIVIG (none of 10) or high-dose IVIG (none of 10). On immunopathological study, PV-sIVIG and regular IVIG prevented the formation of acantholysis and deposition of IgG in intercellular spaces. In conclusion, the PV-sIVIG preparation is more effective than native IVIG in inhibiting anti-desmoglein-induced pemphigus vulgaris in mice and might serve as a future therapy in patients with the clinical disease.
Migration, isolation and hybridization in island crop populations: the case of Madagascar rice
Authors: MATHER KRISTIE A. , MOLINA JEANMAIRE , FLOWERS JONATHAN M. , RUBINSTEIN SAMARA , RAUH BRAD L. , LAWTON‐RAUH AMY , CAICEDO ANA L. , McNALLY KENNETH L. , PURUGGANAN MICHAEL D.
Published: October 2010

Understanding how crop species spread and are introduced to new areas provides insights into the nature of species range expansions. The domesticated species Oryza sativa or Asian rice is one of the key domesticated crop species in the world. The island of Madagascar off the coast of East Africa was one of the last major Old World areas of introduction of rice after the domestication of this crop species and before extensive historical global trade in this crop. Asian rice was introduced in Madagascar from India, the Malay Peninsula and Indonesia approximately 800–1400 years ago. Studies of domestication traits characteristic of the two independently domesticated Asian rice subspecies, indica and tropical japonica, suggest two major waves of migrations into Madagascar. A population genetic analysis of rice in Madagascar using sequence data from 53 gene fragments provided insights into the dynamics of island founder events during the expansion of a crop species’ geographic range and introduction to novel agro‐ecological environments. We observed a significant decrease in genetic diversity in rice from Madagascar when compared to those in Asia, likely the result of a bottleneck on the island. We also found a high frequency of a unique indica type in Madagascar that shows clear population differentiation from most of the sampled Asian landraces, as well as differential exchange of alleles between Asia and Madagascar populations of the tropical japonica subspecies. Finally, despite partial reproductive isolation between japonica and indica, there was evidence of indica/japonica recombination resulting from their hybridization on the island.