bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using quantitative real-time PCR to detect chimeras in transgenic tobacco and apricot and to monitor their dissociation
Authors: Faize Mohamed , Faize Lydia , Burgos Lorenzo
Published: July 2010

Background

The routine generation of transgenic plants involves analysis of transgene integration into the host genome by means of Southern blotting. However, this technique cannot distinguish between uniformly transformed tissues and the presence of a mixture of transgenic and non-transgenic cells in the same tissue. On the other hand, the use of reporter genes often fails to accurately detect chimerical tissues because their expression can be affected by several factors, including gene silencing and plant development. So, new approaches based on the quantification of the amount of the transgene are needed urgently.

Results

We show here that chimeras are a very frequent phenomenon observed after regenerating transgenic plants. Spatial and temporal analyses of transformed tobacco and apricot plants with a quantitative, real-time PCR amplification of the neomycin phosphotransferase (nptII) transgene as well as of an internal control (β-actin), used to normalise the amount of target DNA at each reaction, allowed detection of chimeras at unexpected rates. The amount of thenptII transgene differed greatly along with the sub-cultivation period of these plants and was dependent on the localisation of the analysed leaves; being higher in roots and basal leaves, while in the apical leaves it remained at lower levels. These data demonstrate that, unlike the use of thegusmarker gene, real-time PCR is a powerful tool for detection of chimeras. Although some authors have proposed a consistent, positive Southern analysis as an alternative methodology for monitoring the dissociation of chimeras, our data show that it does not provide enough proof of uniform transformation. In this work, however, real-time PCR was applied successfully to monitor the dissociation of chimeras in tobacco plants and apricot callus.

Conclusions

We have developed a rapid and reliable method to detect and estimate the level of chimeras in transgenic tobacco and apricot plants. This method can be extended to monitor the dissociation of chimeras and the recovery of uniformly-transformed plants.
A cost-utility and budget impact analysis of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for severe thalassemic patients in Thailand
Authors: Leelahavarong Pattara , Chaikledkaew Usa , Hongeng Suradej , Kasemsup Vijj , Lubell Yoel , Teerawattananon Yot
Published: July 2010

Background

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the only curative treatment available to severe thalassemic patients. The treatment, however, is very costly, particularly in the context of low and middle income countries, and no studies have been carried out to explore its economic justifiability. This study aimed to estimate the cost-utility of HSCT compared with blood transfusions combined with iron chelating therapy (BT-ICT) for severe thalassemia in Thailand, and to investigate the affordability of HSCT using a budget impact analysis.

Methods

A Markov model was used to estimate the relevant costs and health outcomes over the patients' lifetimes taking a societal perspective as recommended by Thailand's health technology assessment guidelines. All future costs and outcomes were discounted at a rate of 3% per annum. Primary outcomes of interest were lifetime costs, quality adjusted life years (QALYs) gained, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) in Thai baht (THB) per QALY gained.

Results

Compared to BT-ICT, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio increased with patient age from 80,700 to 183,000 THB per QALY gained for related HSCT and 209,000 to 953,000 THB per QALY gained for unrelated HSCT among patients aged 1 to 15 years (US$1= 34 THB). The governmental budget impact analysis showed that providing 200 related HSCT to patients aged 1 to 10 years, in accordance with the current infrastructure limitations, would initially require approximately 90 million additional THB per year.

Conclusions

At a societal willingness to pay of 100,000 THB per QALY gained, related HSCT was likely to be a cost-effective and affordable treatment for young children with severe thalassemia in Thailand.
The Runx transcriptional co-activator, CBFβ, is essential for invasion of breast cancer cells
Authors: Mendoza-Villanueva Daniel , Deng Wensheng , Lopez-Camacho Cesar , Shore Paul
Published: July 2010

Background

The transcription factor Runx2 has an established role in cancers that metastasize to bone. In metastatic breast cancer cells Runx2 is overexpressed and contributes to the invasive capacity of the cells by regulating the expression of several invasion genes. CBFβ is a transcriptional co-activator that is recruited to promoters by Runx transcription factors and there is considerable evidence that CBFβ is essential for the function of Runx factors. However, overexpression of Runx1 can partially rescue the lethal phenotype in CBFβ-deficient mice, indicating that increased levels of Runx factors can, in some situations, overcome the requirement for CBFβ. Since Runx2 is overexpressed in metastatic breast cancer cells, and there are no reports of CBFβ expression in breast cells, we sought to determine whether Runx2 function in these cells was dependent on CBFβ. Such an interaction might represent a viable target for therapeutic intervention to inhibit bone metastasis.

Results

We show that CBFβ is expressed in the metastatic breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231, and that it associates with Runx2. Matrigel invasion assays and RNA interference were used to demonstrate that CBFβ contributes to the invasive capacity of these cells. Subsequent analysis of Runx2 target genes in MDA-MB-231 cells revealed that CBFβ is essential for the expression of Osteopontin, Matrixmetalloproteinase-13, Matrixmetalloproteinase-9, and Osteocalcin but not for Galectin-3. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis showed that CBFβ is recruited to both the Osteopontin and the Galectin-3 promoters.

Conclusions

CBFβ is expressed in metastatic breast cancer cells and is essential for cell invasion. CBFβ is required for expression of several Runx2-target genes known to be involved in cell invasion. However, whilst CBFβ is essential for invasion, not all Runx2-target genes require CBFβ. We conclude that CBFβ is required for a subset of Runx2-target genes that are sufficient to maintain the invasive phenotype of the cells. These findings suggest that the interaction between Runx2 and CBFβ might represent a viable target for therapeutic intervention to inhibit bone metastasis.
Differential effect of Pistacia vera extracts on experimental atherosclerosis in the rabbit animal model: an experimental study
Authors: Marinou Katerina A , Georgopoulou Katerina , Agrogiannis George , Karatzas Theodore , Iliopoulos Dimitrios , Papalois Apostolos , Chatziioannou Achilles , Magiatis Prokopios , Halabalaki Maria , Tsantila Nektaria , Skaltsounis Leandros A , Patsouris Efstratios , Dontas Ismene A
Published: July 2010

Background

Lipid-enriched diets and oxidative stress are risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis. The effects of the methanolic (ME) and cyclohexane (CHE) extracts of the Pistacia vera nut, often included in the Mediterranean diet, were studied in the rabbit model of atherosclerosis.

Methods and results

Twenty-four New Zealand White rabbits received atherogenic diet (Control Group), supplemented with ME (Group ME) or CHE (Group CHE) for 3 months. Previously, a GC-MS and a UHPLC LC-DAD-ESI(-)-HRMS/MS method were developed to investigate the extracts' chemical profiles. Blood samples at baseline and monthly determined lipid profile, lipid peroxidation and liver function. The aorta, myocardium and liver were examined histologically at 3 months.

Groups ME and CHE had significantly higher HDL- and non-significantly lower LDL-cholesterol median % changes from baseline than the Control Group. Triacylglycerol was significantly higher in Group CHE vs. Control. MDA values were significantly lower in Group ME vs. Control and CHE. ALT and AST were significantly higher in Group CHE vs. Control. γ-GT was lower in Group ME vs. Control. Aortic intimal thickness was significantly less in Groups ME and CHE vs. Control; Group ME atherosclerotic lesions were significantly less extensive vs. Groups Control and CHE. Only Group CHE had significant liver fatty infiltration.

Conclusions

During short-term administration concomitantly with atherogenic diet, both P. vera extracts were beneficial on HDL-, LDL-cholesterol and aortic intimal thickness. The ME additionally presented an antioxidant effect and significant decrease of aortic surface lesions. These results indicate that P. vera dietary inclusion, in particular its ME, is potentially beneficial in atherosclerosis management.
Cigarette Smoke Exposure Alters mSin3a and Mi-2α/β Expression; implications in the control of pro-inflammatory gene transcription and glucocorticoid function
Authors: Marwick John A , Stevenson Christopher S , Chung Kian Fan , Adcock Ian M , Kirkham Paul A
Published: July 2010

Background

The key co-repressor complex components HDAC-2, Mi-2α/β and mSin3a are all critical to the regulation of gene transcription. HDAC-2 function is impaired by oxidative stress in a PI3Kδ dependant manner which may be involved in the chronic glucocorticoid insensitive inflammation in the lungs of COPD patients. However, the impact of cigarette smoke exposure on the expression of mSin3a and Mi2α/β and their role in glucocorticoid responsiveness is unknown.

Methods

Wild type, PI3Kγ knock-out (PI3Kγ-/-) and PI3K kinase dead knock-in (PI3KδD910/A910) transgenic mice were exposed to cigarette smoke for 3 days and the expression levels of the co-repressor complex components HDAC-2, mSin3a, Mi-2α and Mi-2β and HDAC-2 activity in the lungs were assessed.

Results

Cigarette smoke exposure impaired glucocorticoid function and reduced HDAC-2 activity which was protected in the PI3KδD910/A910mice. Both mSin3a and Mi-2α protein expression was reduced in smoke-exposed mice. Budesonide alone protected mSin3a protein expression with no additional effect seen with abrogation of PI3Kγ/δ activity, however Mi-2α, but not Mi-2β, expression was protected in both PI3KδD910/A910and PI3Kγ-/-budesonide-treated smoke-exposed mice. The restoration of glucocorticoid function coincided with the protection of both HDAC activity and mSin3a and Mi-2α protein expression.

Conclusions

Cigarette smoke exposure induced glucocorticoid insensitivity and alters co-repressor activity and expression which is prevented by blockade of PI3K signaling with glucocorticoid treatment. Inhibition of PI3Kδ signalling in combination with glucocorticoid treatment may therefore provide a therapeutic strategy for restoring oxidant-induced glucocortiocid unresponsiveness.
Mucopolysaccharidosis IIIB, a lysosomal storage disease, triggers a pathogenic CNS autoimmune response
Authors: Killedar Smruti , DiRosario Julianne , Divers Erin , Popovich Phillip G , McCarty Douglas M , Fu Haiyan
Published: July 2010

Background

Recently, using a mouse model of mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) IIIB, a lysosomal storage disease with severe neurological deterioration, we showed that MPS IIIB neuropathology is accompanied by a robust neuroinflammatory response of unknown consequence. This study was to assess whether MPS IIIB lymphocytes are pathogenic.

Methods

Lymphocytes from MPS IIIB mice were adoptively transferred to naïve wild-type mice. The recipient animals were then evaluated for signs of disease and inflammation in the central nervous system.

Results

Our results show for the first time, that lymphocytes isolated from MPS IIIB mice caused a mild paralytic disease when they were injected systemically into naïve wild-type mice. This disease is characterized by mild tail and lower trunk weakness with delayed weight gain. The MPS IIIB lymphocytes also trigger neuroinflammation within the CNS of recipient mice characterized by an increase in transcripts of IL2, IL4, IL5, IL17, TNFα, IFNα and Ifi30, and intraparenchymal lymphocyte infiltration.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that an autoimmune response directed at CNS components contributes to MPS IIIB neuropathology independent of lysosomal storage pathology. Adoptive transfer of purified T-cells will be needed in future studies to identify specific effector T-cells in MPS IIIB neuroimmune pathogenesis.
Ultrasound guided injection of dexamethasone versus placebo for treatment of plantar fasciitis: protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: McMillan Andrew M , Landorf Karl B , Gilheany Mark F , Bird Adam R , Morrow Adam D , Menz Hylton B
Published: July 2010

Background

Plantar fasciitis is the most commonly reported cause of chronic pain beneath the heel. Management of this condition commonly involves the use of corticosteroid injection in cases where less invasive treatments have failed. However, despite widespread use, only two randomised trials have tested the effect of this treatment in comparison to placebo. These trials currently offer the best available evidence by which to guide clinical practice, though both were limited by methodological issues such as insufficient statistical power. Therefore, the aim of this randomised trial is to compare the effect of ultrasound‐guided corticosteroid injection versus placebo for treatment of plantar fasciitis.

Methods

The trial will be conducted at the La Trobe University Podiatry Clinic and will recruit 80 community‐dwelling participants. Diagnostic ultrasound will be used to diagnose plantar fasciitis and participants will be required to meet a range of selection criteria. Participants will be randomly allocated to one of two treatment arms: (i) ultrasound‐guided injection of the plantar fascia with 1 mL of 4 mg/mL dexamethasone sodium phosphate (experimental group), or (ii) ultrasound‐guided injection of the plantar fascia with 1 mL normal saline (control group). Blinding will be applied to participants and the investigator performing procedures, measuring outcomes and analysing data. Primary outcomes will be pain measured by the Foot Health Status Questionnaire and plantar fascia thickness measured by ultrasound at 4, 8 and 12 weeks. All data analyses will be conducted on an intention‐to‐treat basis.

Conclusion

This will be a randomised trial investigating the effect of dexamethasone injection on pre‐specified treatment outcomes in people with plantar fasciitis. Within the parameters of this protocol, the trial findings will be used to make evidence‐based recommendations regarding the use of corticosteroid injection for treatment of this condition.

Trial Registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. ACTRN12610000239066.
Rare incidence of methotrexate-specific lesions in liver biopsy of patients with arthritis and elevated liver enzymes
Authors: Quintin Emilie , Scoazec Jean-Yves , Marotte Hubert , Miossec Pierre
Published: July 2010

Introduction

The present study objective was to evaluate the incidence of methotrexate (MTX)-specific liver lesions from the analysis of a liver biopsy of inflammatory arthritis patients with elevated liver enzymes.

Methods

A case-control study was performed with 1,571 arthritis patients on long-term low-dose MTX therapy. Results of liver biopsy were analyzed in 41 patients with elevated liver enzymes. The expression of autoimmune markers was also assessed. This population was compared with 41 disease control subjects obtained from the same database, also on MTX but without elevated liver enzymes, matched for age, sex and rheumatic disease.

Results

Compared with the disease controls, patients with liver biopsy showed lower disease duration and lower MTX exposure, weekly and cumulative doses, reflecting shorter treatment duration due to liver abnormalities. Liver biopsies showed 17 autoimmune hepatitis-like (AIH-like) lesions, 13 nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-like lesions, seven limited liver lesions, and two primary biliary cirrhoses. However, MTX-specific lesions with dystrophic nuclei in hepatocytes were seen in only two cases. Liver biopsy lesions were associated with autoimmune markers (P = 0.007); notably, AIH-like lesions were associated with rheumatoid arthritis and with the presence of the HLA-DR shared epitope.

Conclusions

MTX-specific liver lesions are rarely observed in arthritis patients under long-term MTX therapy and elevated liver enzymes.
Genome-wide search for breast cancer linkage in large Icelandic non-BRCA1/2 families
Authors: Arason Adalgeir , Gunnarsson Haukur , Johannesdottir Gudrun , Jonasson Kristjan , Bendahl Pär-Ola , Gillanders Elizabeth M , Agnarsson Bjarni A , Jönsson Göran , Pylkäs Katri , Mustonen Aki , Heikkinen Tuomas , Aittomäki Kristiina , Blomqvist Carl , Melin Beatrice , Johannsson Oskar TH , Møller Pål , Winqvist Robert , Nevanlinna Heli , Borg Åke , Barkardottir Rosa B
Published: July 2010

Introduction:

A significant proportion of high-risk breast cancer families are not explained by mutations in known genes. Recent genome-wide searches (GWS) have not revealed any single major locus reminiscent of BRCA1 and BRCA2, indicating that still unidentified genes may explain relatively few families each or interact in a way obscure to linkage analyses. This has drawn attention to possible benefits of studying populations where genetic heterogeneity might be reduced. We thus performed a GWS for linkage on nine Icelandic multiple-case non-BRCA1/2 families of desirable size for mapping highly penetrant loci. To follow up suggestive loci, an additional 13 families from other Nordic countries were genotyped for selected markers.

Methods:

GWS was performed using 811 microsatellite markers providing about five centiMorgan (cM) resolution. Multipoint logarithm of odds (LOD) scores were calculated using parametric and nonparametric methods. For selected markers and cases, tumour tissue was compared to normal tissue to look for allelic loss indicative of a tumour suppressor gene.

Results:

The three highest signals were located at chromosomes 6q, 2p and 14q. One family contributed suggestive LOD scores (LOD 2.63 to 3.03, dominant model) at all these regions, without consistent evidence of a tumour suppressor gene. Haplotypes in nine affected family members mapped the loci to 2p23.2 to p21, 6q14.2 to q23.2 and 14q21.3 to q24.3. No evidence of a highly penetrant locus was found among the remaining families. The heterogeneity LOD (HLOD) at the 6q, 2p and 14q loci in all families was 3.27, 1.66 and 1.24, respectively. The subset of 13 Nordic families showed supportive HLODs at chromosome 6q (ranging from 0.34 to 1.37 by country subset). The 2p and 14q loci overlap with regions indicated by large families in previous GWS studies of breast cancer.

Conclusions:

Chromosomes 2p, 6q and 14q are candidate sites for genes contributing together to high breast cancer risk. A polygenic model is supported, suggesting the joint effect of genes in contributing to breast cancer risk to be rather common in non-BRCA1/2 families. For genetic counselling it would seem important to resolve the mode of genetic interaction.
Human CD34+ cells mobilized by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor ameliorate radiation-induced liver damage in mice
Authors: Li Ning , Zhang Li , Li Huixiang , Fang Baijun
Published: July 2010

Introduction

On the basis of the recently recognized potential of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to give rise to hepatocytes, we have assessed the potential of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-mobilized bone marrow-derived CD34+ HSCs to contribute to faster recovery and promote regeneration process after acute liver injury by radiation.

Methods

G-CSF-mobilized CD34+ HSCs (1 × 105 cells per mouse) were injected via tail vein in the irradiated femal nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient mice. Irradiated control animals received only saline infusion.

Results

The mobilized CD34+ HSCs significantly ameliorated radiation-induced liver damage. In the liver of recipient mice killed 21 days after irradiation, human albumin+ Y-chromosome+ hepatocyte-like cells, or human cytokeratin+ Y-chromosome+ hepatocyte-like cells formed cords of hepatocytes, occupied ~30% of the 4-μm section surrounding portal tracts. Furthermore, human-specific albumin mRNA expressed in the liver and human albumin was detected in the serum only in the CD34+ HSC-treated mice.

Conclusions

Treatment with G-CSF-mobilized CD34+ HSCs from bone marrow into peripheral blood could significantly promote tissue reparation after acute liver injury by radiation in mice, possibly by the ability of CD34+ HSCs to generate hepatocytes. So mobilization of CD34+ HSCs might offer a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of radiation-induced complications after radiotherapy or other acute liver diseases in humans.
Understanding Patient Perspectives on Communication About the Cost of Cancer Care: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Hofstatter Erin W.
Published: July 2010

More research is needed to better understand patient perspectives on cost of cancer care discussions, as such communication may have significant impact on outcome, cost, and overall patient satisfaction.
Anatomy of a Cancer Center Transaction: Part II
Authors: Barkley Ronald , Blau Michael L.
Published: July 2010

The second of a two-part series comparing two models for structuring a community-based cancer center on a collaborative basis between oncologists and a hospital.
Acid–base responses to feeding and intestinal Cl– uptake in freshwater- and seawater-acclimated killifish,Fundulus heteroclitus, an agastric euryhaline teleost
Authors: Wood Chris M. , Bucking Carol , Grosell Martin
Published: July 2010

Marine teleosts generally secrete basic equivalents (HCO3–) and take up Na+ and Cl– in the intestine so as to promote absorption of H2O. However, neither the integration of these functions with feeding nor the potential role of the gut in ionoregulation and acid–base balance in freshwater have been well studied. The euryhaline killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) is unusual in lacking both an acid-secreting stomach and a mechanism for Cl– uptake at the gills in freshwater. Responses to a satiation meal were evaluated in both freshwater- and seawater-acclimated killifish. In intact animals, there was no change in acid or base flux to the external water after the meal, in accord with the absence of any post-prandial alkaline tide in the blood. Indeed, freshwater animals exhibited a post-prandial metabolic acidosis (‘acidic tide’), whereas seawater animals showed no change in blood acid–base status. In vitro gut sac experiments revealed a substantially higher rate of Cl– absorption by the intestine in freshwater killifish, which was greatest at 1–3 h after feeding. The Cl– concentration of the absorbate was higher in preparations from freshwater animals than from seawater killifish and increased with fasting. Surprisingly, net basic equivalent secretion rates were also much higher in preparations from freshwater animals, in accord with the ‘acidic tide’; in seawater preparations, they were lowest after feeding and increased with fasting. Bafilomycin (1 μmol l–1) promoted an 80% increase in net base secretion rates, as well as in Cl– and fluid absorption, at 1–3 h post-feeding in seawater preparations only, explaining the difference between freshwater and seawater fish. Preparations from seawater animals at 1–3 h post-feeding also acidified the mucosal saline, and this effect was associated with a marked rise in PCO2, which was attenuated by bafilomycin. Measurements of chyme pH from intact animals confirmed that intestinal fluid (chyme) pH and basic equivalent concentration were lowest after feeding in seawater killifish, whereas PCO2 was greatly elevated (80–95 Torr) in chyme from both seawater and freshwater animals but declined to lower levels (13 Torr) after 1–2 weeks fasting. There were no differences in pH, PCO2 or the concentrations of basic equivalents in intestinal fluid from seawater versus freshwater animals at 12–24 h or 1–2 weeks post-feeding. The results are interpreted in terms of the absence of gastric HCl secretion, the limitations of the gills for acid–base balance and Cl– transport, and therefore the need for intestinal Cl– uptake in freshwater killifish, and the potential for O2 release from the mucosal blood flow by the high PCO2 in the intestinal fluids. At least in seawater killifish, H+-ATPase running in parallel to HCO3–:Cl– exchange in the apical membranes of teleost enterocytes might reduce net base secretion and explain the high PCO2 in the chyme after feeding.
Serotonin and its metabolism in basal deuterostomes: insights fromStrongylocentrotus purpuratusandXenoturbella bocki
Authors: Squires Leah N. , Rubakhin Stanislav S. , Wadhams Andinet Amare , Talbot Kristen N. , Nakano Hiroaki , Moroz Leonid L. , Sweedler Jonathan V.
Published: July 2010

Serotonin (5-HT), an important molecule in metazoans, is involved in a range of biological processes including neurotransmission and neuromodulation. Both its creation and release are tightly regulated, as is its removal. Multiple neurochemical pathways are responsible for the catabolism of 5-HT and are phyla specific; therefore, by elucidating these catabolic pathways we glean greater understanding of the relationships and origins of various transmitter systems. Here, 5-HT catabolic pathways were studied in Strongylocentrotus purpuratus and Xenoturbella bocki, two organisms occupying distinct positions in deuterostomes. The 5-HT-related compounds detected in these organisms were compared with those reported in other phyla. In S. purpuratus, 5-HT-related metabolites include N-acetyl serotonin, γ-glutamyl-serotonin and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid; the quantity and type were found to vary based on the specific tissues analyzed. In addition to these compounds, varying levels of tryptamine were also seen. Upon addition of a 5-HT precursor and a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, 5-HT itself was detected. In similar experiments using X. bocki tissues, the 5-HT-related compounds found included 5-HT sulfate, γ-glutamyl-serotonin and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid, as well as 5-HT and tryptamine. The sea urchin metabolizes 5-HT in a manner similar to both gastropod mollusks, as evidenced by the detection of γ-glutamyl-serotonin, and vertebrates, as indicated by the presence of 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid and N-acetyl serotonin. In contrast, 5-HT metabolism in X. bocki appears more similar to common protostome 5-HT catabolic pathways.
Balance responses to lateral perturbations in human treadmill walking
Authors: Hof A. L. , Vermerris S. M. , Gjaltema W. A.
Published: July 2010

During walking on a treadmill 10 human subjects (mean age 20 years) were perturbed by 100 ms pushes or pulls to the left or the right, of various magnitudes and in various phases of the gait cycle. Balance was maintained by (1) a stepping strategy (synergy), in which the foot at the next step is positioned a fixed distance outward of the ‘extrapolated centre of mass’, and (2) a lateral ankle strategy, which comprises a medial or lateral movement of the centre of pressure under the foot sole. The extrapolated centre of mass is defined as the centre of mass position plus the centre of mass velocity multiplied by a parameter related to the subject's leg length. The ankle strategy is the fastest, with a mechanical delay of about 200 ms (20% of a stride), but it can displace the centre of pressure no more than 2 cm. The stepping strategy needs at least 300 ms (30% of a stride) before foot placement, but has a range of 20 cm. When reaction time is sufficient, the magnitude of the total response is in good agreement with our hypothesis: mean centre of pressure (foot) position is a constant distance outward of the extrapolated centre of mass. If the reaction time falls short, a further correction is applied in the next step. In the healthy subjects studied here, no further corrections were necessary, so balance was recovered within two steps (one stride).
Predation or scavenging? Thoracic muscle pH and rates of water loss reveal cause of death in arthropods
Authors: Wilson Erin E. , Young Christine V. , Holway David A.
Published: July 2010

The difficulty of directly observing predatory events hinders a complete understanding of how predation structures food webs. Indirect approaches such as PCR-based and isotopic analyses clarify patterns of resource consumption but fail to distinguish predation from scavenging. Given that facultative scavenging is a ubiquitous and phylogenetically widespread foraging strategy, an improved ability to discriminate prey from carrion is needed to enhance an understanding of the demographic effects of consumption and the true nature of trophic interactions. Using physiological properties of muscle tissue – specifically pH and rate of water loss – we develop a novel method to discriminate prey from carrion collected by scavenging hymenopteran predators. Our focal system is the western yellowjacket (Vespula pensylvanica), a common scavenging predator in Hawaii and western North America. Prior to consumption, the physical properties of hymenopteran muscle tissue change in a quantifiable and deterministic manner post mortem and can be used to estimate the time and putative cause of death of diet items. Applying this method in laboratory and field situations resulted in the correct identification of prey and carrion in 49 out of 56 cases (88%). Although further investigation is needed to determine how post-mortem physiology of diet items changes in the guts of consumers, the approaches developed in this study can be used to distinguish predation from scavenging by central-place foragers (particularly arthropods). Such information will provide a more definitive characterization of species interactions and food webs.
Fruit bats (Pteropodidae) fuel their metabolism rapidly and directly with exogenous sugars
Authors: Amitai O. , Holtze S. , Barkan S. , Amichai E. , Korine C. , Pinshow B. , Voigt C. C.
Published: July 2010

Previous studies reported that fed bats and birds mostly use recently acquired exogenous nutrients as fuel for flight, rather than endogenous fuels, such as lipids or glycogen. However, this pattern of fuel use may be a simple size-related phenomenon because, to date, only small birds and bats have been studied with respect to the origin of metabolized fuel, and because small animals carry relatively small energy reserves, considering their high mass-specific metabolic rate. We hypothesized that ∼150 g Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus Pteropodidae), which are more than an order of magnitude heavier than previously studied bats, also catabolize dietary sugars directly and exclusively to fuel both rest and flight metabolism. We based our expectation on the observation that these animals rapidly transport ingested dietary sugars, which are absorbed via passive paracellular pathways in the intestine, to organs of high energy demand. We used the stable carbon isotope ratio in exhaled CO2 (δ13Cbreath) to assess the origin of metabolized substrates in 16 Egyptian fruit bats that were maintained on a diet of C3 plants before experiments. First, we predicted that in resting bats δ13Cbreath remains constant when bats ingest C3 sucrose, but increases and converges on the dietary isotopic signature when C4 sucrose and C4 glucose are ingested. Second, if flying fruit bats use exogenous nutrients exclusively to fuel flight, we predicted that δ13Cbreath of flying bats would converge on the isotopic signature of the C4 sucrose they were fed. Both resting and flying Egyptian fruit bats, indeed, directly fuelled their metabolism with freshly ingested exogenous substrates. The rate at which the fruit bats oxidized dietary sugars was as fast as in 10 g nectar-feeding bats and 5 g hummingbirds. Our results support the notion that flying bats, irrespective of their size, catabolize dietary sugars directly, and possibly exclusively, to fuel flight.
Sparse but specific temporal coding by spikes in an insect sensory-motor ocellar pathway
Authors: Simmons Peter J. , de Ruyter van Steveninck Rob R.
Published: July 2010

We investigate coding in a locust brain neuron, DNI, which transforms graded synaptic input from ocellar L-neurons into axonal spikes that travel to excite particular thoracic flight neurons. Ocellar neurons are naturally stimulated by fluctuations in light collected from a wide field of view, for example when the visual horizon moves up and down. We used two types of stimuli: fluctuating light from a light-emitting diode (LED), and a visual horizon displayed on an electrostatic monitor. In response to randomly fluctuating light stimuli delivered from the LED, individual spikes in DNI occur sparsely but are timed to sub-millisecond precision, carrying substantial information: 4.5–7 bits per spike in our experiments. In response to these light stimuli, the graded potential signal in DNI carries considerably less information than in presynaptic L-neurons. DNI is excited in phase with either sinusoidal light from an LED or a visual horizon oscillating up and down at 20 Hz, and changes in mean light level or mean horizon level alter the timing of excitation for each cycle. DNI is a multimodal interneuron, but its ability to time spikes precisely in response to ocellar stimulation is not degraded by additional excitation. We suggest that DNI is part of an optical proprioceptor system, responding to the optical signal induced in the ocelli by nodding movements of the locust head during each wing-beat.
Spanish anti-fascist prisoners of war in Lancashire, 194446
Authors: Cleminson Richard
Published: July 2010

This article assesses the significance of the experiences of 226 Spanish anti-fascists and republicans who were detained in France in the autumn of 1944 and transported to Britain as prisoners of war (POWs) of the Allied army. After arriving in different batches at Southampton, they
were interned in POW camps across the country before being moved to Hall o' the Hill Camp, near Chorley, Lancashire, where most remained until their final release in 1946. This article sets the peculiar circumstances of their detention in the context of the personal, local and international
situation surrounding them and documents the multifaceted campaign for their release which was articulated by trade unions, political organizations, national newspapers and some prominent figures in British society. In doing so, a contribution is made to the history of the diaspora of the
opposition to Franco and to the history of POWs in Britain in the period 194446.
Autonomistes, Catalanistes and Independentistes: politics in contemporary Catalonia
Authors: Dowling Andrew
Published: July 2010

The Catalan political system has been subject to a series of major challenges in recent years following the creation of the three-party coalition government in December 2003, which was renewed in November 2006. The party system has been at its most fluid since the late 1970s. The origins
of this shift are to be found in comparative economic decline and the impact of immigration in the territory. One consequence of a growing Catalan discontent with the failure to agree to the full implementation of the 2006 Statute of Autonomy has been the consolidation and normalization of
the discourse of Catalan independence.
The spirit of Catalonia today
Authors: Montilla Jos
Published: July 2010

This is the text of the speech given by the president of the Generalitat de Catalunya as a keynote lecture. After outlining the features of the current economic crisis and the palliative action taken by the Catalan government, as part of the idea of effecting a change in the growth
model, the speech tackles issue of identities in multiethnic and multicultural societies, the relations between the Catalan and Castilian languages, immigration into Catalonia and Catalonia's contribution to the world.
Reviews
Authors: Butler Sarah , Price-Owen Anne , Cunliffe-Charlesworthy Hillary , Fairfax Duncan , Waller Mike
Published: July 2010

Operator's Exercises: Open Form Film and Architecture, Columbia University Arthur Ross Architecture Gallery, Buell Hall, 30 March7 May 2010

Centre for Learning and Teaching in Art and Design (CLTAD) Conference: Challenging the Curriculum: exploring the discipline
boundaries in art, design and media, Novotel Tiergarten Berlin, 12 & 13 April 2010
Dentipain, a Streptococcus pyogenes IdeS protease homolog, is a novel virulence factor of Treponema denticola
Authors: Ishihara Kazuyuki , Wawrzonek Katarzyna , Shaw Lindesey N. , Inagaki Satoru , Miyamoto Meguru , Potempa Jan
Published: July 2010

Treponema denticolais a major pathogen of chronic periodontitis. Analysis of theT. denticolagenome revealed a gene orthologous with a cysteine protease-encoding gene fromStreptococcus pyogenes(IdeS). IdeS interferes with IgG-dependent opsonophagocytosis by specific cleavage of IgG molecules. Analysis of this gene (termedideT) revealed it to encode a two-domain protein whose N-terminus is composed of tandem immunoglobulin-like domains followed by a C-terminal IdeS-like protease domain. In this study we show that during secretion the IdeT protein is processed into an N-terminal fragment which remains associated with the cell, and a C-terminal part released into the medium. Although the secreted domain of IdeT, termed dentipain, shows only 25% identity to the IdeS protease, the putative catalytic cysteine and histidine residues are strongly conserved. Recombinant dentipain cleaves the insulin β-chain, an activity which is inhibited by E-64, a diagnostic inhibitor of cysteine proteases. Apart from insulin no cleavage of other protein substrates was detected, suggesting that dentipain has oligopeptidase activity. A mutant strain was constructed expressing a modified IdeT variant, the dentipain domain of which was deleted. This strain was found to be significantly reduced in its abscess-forming activity compared with the parental strain in a murine abscess model, suggesting that dentipain contributes to the virulence ofT. denticola.
Effects of magnesium ions on recombinant human furin: selective activation of hydrolytic activity upon substrates derived from virus envelope glycoprotein
Authors: Izidoro Mario A. , Assis Diego M. , Oliveira Vitor , Santos Jorge A.N. , Juliano Maria A. , Lindberg Iris , Juliano Luiz
Published: July 2010

Here we report a detailed analysis of magnesium (Mg2+) ion effects on furin hydrolysis of fluorescent resonance energy transfer decapeptide substrates derived from canonical R-X-K/R-R furin cleavage motifs within certain viral envelope glycoproteins and eukaryotic proproteins. Using virus-derived sequences a selective activation of furin by Mg2+ions was observed as a result of cooperativity between furin subsites. Furin hydrolysis of the peptides Abz-SRRHKR↓FAGV-Q-EDDnp (from measles virus fusion protein Fo) and Abz-RERRRKKR↓GLFG-Q-EDDnp (from Asian avian influenza A, H5N1) was activated between 60- and 80-fold by MgCl2. It appears that virus envelope glycoprotein mutations have been selected to increase their susceptibility to furin within cells, a location where Mg2+is present in adequate concentrations for activation. Both the pH profile of furin and its intrinsic fluorescence were modified by Mg2+ions, which bind to furin with aKdvalue of 1.1 mm.
Leonardo's Hand: Mimesis, Sexuality, and Early Modern Political Aesthetics
Authors: Pye Christopher
Published: July 2010

Focusing on Leonardo's incarnational images, this essay argues that the category of the aesthetic emerges during the Renaissance around the problem of autochthony, and that the work's mimetic character as well as its political and historical status only become apparent during the era in relation to that question of the image's self-grounding.
Peculiar Christians, Circumstantial Courtiers, and the Making of Conversation in Seventeenth-Century England
Authors: Hurley Alison
Published: July 2010

This essay looks at both spiritual and secular "conversation guides" published during the Restoration era in order to argue that a primarily discursive and contingent tradition of courtly conversation converged with a primarily immanent and embodied Christian usage of the word in late seventeenth-century England. It was this process of convergence and the refined version of conversation that emerged from it that made possible the polite, progressive Whig social agenda of the eighteenth century.
Markers of ovarian antral follicular development in sheep: comparison of follicles destined to ovulate from the final or penultimate follicular wave of the estrous cycle
Authors: Seekallu Srinivas V , Toosi Behzad M , Grazul-Bilska Anna T , Rawlings Norman C
Published: July 2010

Treatment of non-prolific western white-faced ewes with prostaglandin F2α(PGF2α) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MAP) increases the ovulation rate as a result of ovulations from the penultimate wave in addition to the final wave of the cycle. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the expression of markers of vascularization/angiogenesis, a marker of intercellular communication, and cellular proliferation and apoptosis in follicles from the penultimate and final waves. On day 8 of the estrous cycle, 15 ewes were administered a single injection of PGF2αand an intravaginal MAP sponge, which remained in place for 6 days. Two days after sponge removal, ovaries which contained follicles from the penultimate and final waves were collected and processed for immunohistochemistry followed by image analysis, and for quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Expression of factor VIII (marker of vascularization), proliferating cell nuclear antigen, andGJA1(Cx43; marker of gap junctional communication) was greater (P<0.05) in follicles from the final wave compared with follicles from the penultimate wave. For theca cells, mRNA expression for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was greater (P<0.05) and tended to be greater (P≤0.1 and ≥0.05) forGJA1and endothelial nitric oxide synthase in follicles from the final wave compared with follicles from the penultimate wave. For granulosa cells, the mRNA expression forGJA1was greater (P<0.05) and tended to be greater (P≤0.1 and ≥0.05) forVEGFin follicles from the final wave compared with follicles from the penultimate wave. In conclusion, extension of the lifespan of follicles in the penultimate wave reduces follicular viability in the ewe.
Development of the Huntington Disease Family Concerns and Strategies Survey From Focus Group Data
Authors: Williams Janet K. , Barnette J. Jackson , Reed David , Sousa Valmi D. , Schutte Debra L. , McGonigal-Kenney Meghan , Jarmon Lori , Phillips Emily , Tripp-Reimer Toni , Paulsen Jane S.
Published: July 2010

Health concerns and management strategies among families of young and middle-age adults with Huntington’s disease (HD) are unknown. This study developed and tested psychometric properties of the Huntington Disease Family Concerns and Strategies Survey (HDFCSS). Focus group data from 91 adult family members were used to develop content. Content analysis yielded four domains that were transferred into Personal, Person With HD, Community Health Care Services, and Strategies scales. Focus group data, expert validation, and cognitive interviews demonstrated survey content validity. Cronbach’s alpha internal consistency coefficients for the scales were 0.83 or above. The measure can be used to generate reliable and valid data to identify adult family members’ health-related concerns and management strategies for themselves and persons with HD.
The Linking Lives Health Education Program: A Randomized Clinical Trial of a Parent-Based Tobacco Use Prevention Program for African American and Latino Youths
Authors: Guilamo-Ramos Vincent , Jaccard James , Dittus Patricia , Gonzalez Bernardo , Bouris Alida , Banspach Stephen
Published: July 2010

Objectives. We evaluated the effectiveness of a parent-based add-on component to a school-based intervention to prevent cigarette smoking among African American and Latino middle school youths.

Methods. Mother–adolescent dyads (n = 1386) were randomly assigned to 2 groups: (1) a school-based smoking-prevention intervention or (2) the same intervention with a parent-based add-on component called Raising Smoke-Free Kids. Mothers in the experimental condition received the parent add-on component. Mothers in the control condition received information on selecting a high school. All adolescents received a version of Project Towards No Tobacco Use (TNT). The primary outcome was a reduction in adolescent cigarette smoking. Follow-up data were obtained from 1096 mother–adolescent dyads at 15 months postintervention.

Results. At follow-up, the odds of smoking cigarettes were reduced by 42% for adolescents in the parent add-on condition versus the TNT-only condition. Mothers in the parent add-on condition were more likely than were mothers in the TNT-only condition to set rules about risk-sensitive social activities and to be perceived as trustworthy by their child. Group differences also were found in the frequency and quality of mother–adolescent communication.

Conclusions. Including parent add-on components in school-based smoking prevention programs can reduce smoking behavior on the part of inner-city middle school youths.
Persistent Psychopathology in the Wake of Civil War: Long-Term Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Nimba County, Liberia
Authors: Galea Sandro , Rockers Peter C. , Saydee Geetor , Macauley Rose , Varpilah S. Tornorlah , Kruk Margaret E.
Published: July 2010

Objectives. We assessed the geographical distribution of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in postconflict Nimba County, Liberia, nearly 2 decades after the end of primary conflict in the area, and we related this pattern to the history of conflict.

Methods. We administered individual surveys to a population-based sample of 1376 adults aged 19 years or older. In addition, we conducted a historical analysis of conflict in Nimba County, Liberia, where the civil war started in 1989.

Results. The prevalence of PTSD in Nimba County was high at 48.3% (95% confidence interval = 45.7, 50.9; n = 664). The geographical patterns of traumatic event experiences and of PTSD were consistent with the best available information about the path of the intranational conflict that Nimba County experienced in 1989–1990.

Conclusions. The demonstration of a “path of PTSD” coincident with the decades-old path of violence dramatically underscores the direct link between population burden of psychopathology and the experience of violent conflict. Persistent postconflict disruptions of social and physical context may explain some of the observed patterns.
Family Poverty Over the Early Life Course and Recurrent Adolescent and Young Adult Anxiety and Depression: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Najman Jake M. , Hayatbakhsh Mohammad R. , Clavarino Alexandra , Bor William , O'Callaghan Michael J. , Williams Gail M.
Published: July 2010

Objectives. We determined whether exposure to family poverty over a child's early life course predicts adolescent and young adult anxiety and depression.

Methods. We used a birth cohort study of a sample of women in Brisbane, Australia, who were recruited in early pregnancy and whose children were followed up on at ages 14 and 21 years. Some 2609 mothers and adolescents provided usable data at the 14- and 21-year follow-ups.

Results. After adjustment for poverty at other phases, poverty at the 14-year follow-up was the strongest predictor of adolescent and young adult anxiety and depression. The more frequently the child was exposed to poverty, the greater was the risk of that individual being anxious and depressed at both the 14- and 21-year follow-ups.

Conclusions. Family poverty predicts higher rates of adolescent and young adult anxiety and depression. Increased frequency of child exposure to poverty is a consistent predictor of adolescent and young adult anxiety and depression. Repeated experiences of poverty over a child's early life course are associated with increased levels of poor mental health.