bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of the α‐adrenoceptor in regulating noradrenaline overflow by nerve stimulation
Authors: ENERO MARÍA A. , LANGER S. Z. , ROTHLIN R. P. , STEFANO F. J. E.
Published: September 2011

. A study of the actions of phenoxybenzamine on transmitter overflow, neuronal and extraneuronal uptake of noradrenaline and in causing α‐adrenoceptor blockade was carried out using the isolated cat nictitating membrane preparation.

. Phenoxybenzamine increased transmitter overflow elicited by nerve‐stimulation at 10 Hz in a concentration dependent manner in the range 10−8 to 10−5 g/ml.

. Neuronal uptake of [3H]‐noradrenaline was not inhibited by concentrations lower than 10−6 g/ml of phenoxybenzamine. With 10−7 g/ml of phenoxybenzamine a significant increase in transmitter overflow was obtained, although neuronal uptake of noradrenaline was not affected. Higher concentrations of phenoxybenzamine (10−6 and 10−5 g/ml) inhibited the neuronal uptake of noradrenaline and further increased transmitter overflow.

. Extraneuronal uptake of [3H]‐noradrenaline was inhibited only with the highest concentration of phenoxybenzamine tested (10−5 g/ml) and therefore appears to be unrelated to the effects on transmitter overflow.

. There was a significant correlation between the degree of α‐adrenoceptor block produced by phenoxybenzamine and the increase in transmitter overflow obtained by nerve stimulation.

. These results indicate that phenoxybenzamine, in addition to increasing overflow by preventing reuptake of noradrenaline, may increase transmitter release.

. The possibility that phenoxybenzamine acts on α‐adrenoceptors in the adrenergic nerve terminal is discussed. These receptors would be involved in a negative feedback mechanism regulating transmitter release.
Bioassay of prostacyclin and endothelium‐derived relaxing factor (EDRF) from porcine aortic endothelial cells
Authors: Gryglewski R.J. , Moncada S. , Palmer R.M.J.
Published: September 2011

A cascade superfusion technique has been developed for the differential bioassay of prostacyclin and endothelium‐derived relaxing factor (EDRF) released from porcine aortic endothelial cells cultured on microcarriers, packed into a column and perfused.

Bradykinin (Bk; 20–100 Nm) released prostacyclin (9.6 ± 1.5 Nm per 106 cells; mean ± s.e.mean, n = 9) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2; 2.1 ± 0.6 Nm per 10° cells) from the column measured by relaxation of strips of bovine coronary artery (BCA) and rabbit mesenteric or coeliac artery, respectively. The presence of these prostanoids in the effluent was confirmed by specific radioimmunoassays.

A23187 (500–2000 Nm) also released both prostacyclin and PGE2 from the cells. This release was long‐lasting and not reproducible.

Bk (20–100 Nm) and A23187 (30–300 Nm) released EDRF from the column. This was detected in a cascade of four rabbit aortic strips (RbA), denuded of endothelium and contracted with U46619 or phenylephrine. The relaxation of the RbA strips caused by EDRF was progressively attenuated down the cascade (half‐life < 7 s) and was not affected by indomethacin.

EDRF and prostacyclin could be differentially bioassayed in a cascade of alternating RbAs and BCAs as prostacyclin did not relax RbAs and the time delay to the BCAs destroys EDRF. EDRF could be bioassayed on its own when the endothelial cells were treated with indomethacin.

5‐Hydroxytryptamine 0.2, noradrenaline 1.0, platelet‐activating factor (Paf‐acether) 1.0, formylmethionyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine 1.0, acetylcholine 0.5, bethanecol 0.5, adenosine diphosphate 0.25 and angiotensin II 0.1 μm did not release either prostanoids or EDRF from the column.
Interrogating The Soddered Citizen
Authors: WOODING BARBARA
Published: September 2011

The Soddered Citizen, a play performed by the King's Men's company during the 1630s, survives in a single, incomplete manuscript, a facsimile of which is held at the British Library. It has received minimal critical attention since its discovery in the 1930s. The much‐altered text of the play carries numerous indications of performance intentions, and has been the subject of discussions about changes to be made, evidenced by the nature of the alterations, to which several different hands have contributed. I give a brief account of the play, reasons for attribution of authorship to John Clavell, the plot, and allocation of roles. This is followed by analysis of some of the textual changes, and a discussion of stage directions, in order to substantiate my proposal that the text, though damaged and lacking its final resolution, is a rare survival of a script used by the players for editing and performance decisions, and of potential value in the search for ideas about early modern staging.
Beyond Rome: Sebastiano Del Piombo as a painter of diplomatic gifts
Authors: BAKER‐BATES PIERS
Published: September 2011

The question of diplomatic gifts has become increasingly center stage in studies of Renaissance art. Their importance has not, however, been considered before in relation to the career of Sebastiano del Piombo at Rome. From the very beginning of his time in the city, however, Sebastiano began to paint works of art that were intended as diplomatic gifts. The two major works examined in this light will be the Visitation commissioned, most likely, by the Venetian government for Queen Claude of France and the Pietà commissioned by Ferrante Gonzaga for Francesco de Los Cobos. The argument will show both how central such commissions became to Sebastiano's career and how they may have affected the development of that career.
Fecal calprotectin is a useful screening parameter for hepatic encephalopathy and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhosis
Authors: Gundling Felix , Schmidtler Fabian , Hapfelmeier Alexander , Schulte Benjamin , Schmidt Thomas , Pehl Christian , Schepp Wolfgang , Seidl Holger
Published: September 2011

Objective: Bacterial translocation, causing intestinal inflammation, is one of the key mechanisms in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) The presence of fecal calprotectin quantitatively relates to intestinal neutrophil migration and is therefore considered as a marker of intestinal inflammation. We aimed to assess the role of fecal calprotectin concentrations (FCCs) in diagnosing the onset and severity of HE and SBP.

Methods: Sixty‐one cirrhotics were prospectively included. Forty‐two subjects served as controls. Several complications of cirrhosis were diagnosed by reference methods. Stool samples were collected for measuring FCCs. Patients revealing other causes of abnormal calprotectin results, e.g. gastrointestinal bleeding or inflammatory bowel disease were excluded. Multivariate analysis of cirrhosis‐associated complications and their relation to FCCs was performed.

Results: Fecal calprotectin concentrations were higher in cirrhotics compared with controls (P<0.001). Among cirrhotics, FCCs were elevated dependent on the severity of liver disease as assessed by Child‐ and model for end‐stage liver disease‐scores. The corresponding correlation co‐efficients by Spearman's were 0.577 (P<0.001) and 0.303 (P=0.018) respectively. A correlation emerged between elevated FCCs and HE grading as measured by West–Haven criteria and critical flicker frequency (both P<0.001; sensitivity=0.94 and 0.93, specificity=0.95 and 0.89 respectively) and SBP (P<0.02; sensitivity=0.71, specificity=0.79). FCCs were higher in cirrhotic subjects with additional extra‐intestinal inflammation (P<0.01; sensitivity=0.65, specificity=0.8). The Pearsons correlation coefficients were 0.190 and 0.164 revealing no influence (P=0.142 and P=0.207) of laboratory parameters of systemic inflammation on FCCs in cirrhotic subgroup.

Conclusions: Fecal calprotectin concentrations serve as a screening tool for HE and SBP. Assessment of FCCs may faciliate grading of HE‐severity.
Repair of a Bifid Nose Combined with a Cleft of the Primary Palate in a 1‐Year‐Old Dog
Authors: Arzi Boaz , Verstraete Frank J.M.
Published: September 2011

Objective

To report surgical repair of a bifid nose combined with a cleft of the primary palate.

Study design

Clinical report.

Animals

A 1‐year‐old, male castrated Springer spaniel dog.

Methods

With the dog in sternal recumbency, an extraoral (dorsal) approach to the nose was performed, and after surgical margins were outlined, a Y‐shaped skin incision was made to remove redundant tissue and expose the bifid nasal cartilages. The cartilages were opposed and sutured together and the skin closed in 2 layers. The dog was repositioned in dorsal recumbency, and the 2 maxillary first incisor teeth were extracted. After tangential incision and undermining of the cleft defect, the mucosa was sutured in 1 layer.

Results

Healing was uneventful and there was an immediate return to normal function. At 2 weeks, 3 and 6 months function was excellent without further clinical signs.

Conclusion

Bifid nose associated with a cleft of the primary palate can be surgically corrected.
“Water Is Life”—Farmer Rationales and Water Saving in Khorezm, Uzbekistan: A Lifeworld Analysis
Authors: Oberkircher Lisa , Hornidge Anna‐Katharina
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Khorezm Province is located in the Amu Darya lowlands of Uzbekistan, where unsustainable use of irrigation water has led to the Aral Sea crisis. This study deals with the question of how farmers in Khorezm perceive water and its management and how this facilitates or prevents water conservation, or “water saving,” in irrigated agriculture. To answer this from the perspective of the water users, we apply Schütz's lifeworld concept to the study of natural‐resource management, thereby reconstructing the water lifeworld of Khorezmian farmers. We present the spatial and temporal boundaries of the water lifeworld; the different types of water, people, and land that farmers distinguish; and the institutions water management is based on. The analysis shows that religious values and the risk of being fined for water wasting facilitate water saving. However, the following barriers to water saving dominate farmer practices: (1) storage of saved water is not possible, (2) using much water creates social capital, (3) perceived water needs exceed the geographical realities, (4) the term “water saving” is not in use, and (5) farmers believe that water management is the state's responsibility. We conclude that water saving should be facilitated by environmental education, a strengthening of the water‐inspection department Uzsuvnazorat, and the creation of decentralized storage options.
PED/PEA‐15 interacts with the 67 kD laminin receptor and regulates cell adhesion, migration, proliferation and apoptosis
Authors: Formisano Pietro , Ragno Pia , Pesapane Ada , Alfano Daniela , Alberobello Anna Teresa , Rea Vincenza Elena Anna , Giusto Raffaella , Rossi Francesca W. , Beguinot Francesco , Rossi Guido , Montuori Nunzia
Published: September 2011

Phosphoprotein enriched in diabetes/phosphoprotein enriched in astrocytes‐15 kD (PED/PEA‐15) is an anti‐apoptotic protein whose expression is increased in several human cancers. In addition to apoptosis, PED/PEA‐15 is involved in the regulation of other major cellular functions, including cell adhesion, migration, proliferation and glucose metabolism. To further understand the functions of this protein, we performed a yeast two‐hybrid screening using PED/PEA‐15 as a bait and identified the 67 kD high‐affinity laminin receptor (67LR) as an interacting partner. 67 kD laminin receptor is a non‐integrin cell‐surface receptor for the extracellular matrix (ECM), derived from the dimerization of a 37 kD cytosolic precursor (37LRP). The 67LR is highly expressed in human cancers and widely recognized as a molecular marker of metastatic aggressiveness. The molecular interaction of PED/PEA‐15 with 67LR was confirmed by pull‐down experiments with recombinant His‐tagged 37LRP on lysates of PED/PEA‐15 transfected HEK‐293 cells. Further, overexpressed or endogenous PED/PEA‐15 was co‐immunoprecipitated with 67LR in PED/PEA‐15‐transfected HEK‐293 cells and in U‐373 glioblastoma cells, respectively. PED/PEA‐15 overexpression significantly increased 67LR‐mediated HEK‐293 cell adhesion and migration to laminin that, in turn, determined PED/PEA‐15 phosphorylation both in Ser‐104 and Ser‐116, thus enabling cell proliferation and resistance to apoptosis. PED/PEA‐15 ability to induce cell responses to ECM‐derived signals through interaction with 67LR may be of crucial importance for tumour cell survival in a poor microenvironment, thus favouring the metastatic spread and colonization.
Jenseits der Grenze zwischen Mensch und Tier. „Tier‐Werden“ und „Anders‐Werden“ in Günter Eichs Hörspiel „Sabeth“
Authors: Kleinhans Belinda
Published: September 2011

Dieser Artikel analysiert das Hörspiel „Sabeth“ von Günter Eich unter dem Aspekt der animal studies. Im Zentrum der Analyse, entsprechend der Theorie des „Tier‐Werdens“ von Deleuze und Guattari, steht die Frage, wie Eich den Abgrund zwischen Mensch und Tier sowie die scheinbar festen Kategorien „Mensch“ und „Tier“ selbst durch Verfahrensweisen des Werdens dekonstruiert und somit zu einer neuen, posthumanistischen Mensch‐Tier‐Beziehung gelangt, die zu einem Aussetzen der anthropologischen Maschine à la Agamben führt. Anhand der Unterkategorien Sprache, Selbstbewusstsein, Gedächtnis und Tod wird untersucht, wie die Verwischung dieser Grenzen den Menschen als einziges autonomes Subjekt hinterfragt und das Hörspiel somit zu einer posthumanistischen Neubewertung von Mensch und Tier beiträgt. Gleichzeitig wird Eichs Poetologie des „Übersetzens“ mit dem Überschreiten der Grenze zwischen Mensch und Tier um eine Dimension erweitert, welche der littérature engagée eine weitere Dimension, die mit den Forderungen der animal studiesübereinstimmt, verleiht.
Cdc42 Regulates Multiple Membrane Traffic Events in Fission Yeast
Authors: Estravís Miguel , Rincón Sergio A. , Santos Beatriz , Pérez Pilar
Published: September 2011

Fission yeast Cdc42 regulates polarized growth and is involved in For3 formin activation and actin cable assembly. We show here that a thermosensitive strain carrying the cdc42L160S allele has membrane traffic defects independent of the actin cable defects. This strain has decreased acid phosphatase (AP) secretion, intracellular accumulation of vesicles and fragmentation of vacuoles. In addition, the exocyst is not localized to the tips of these cells. Overproduction of the scaffold protein Pob1 suppressed cdc42L160S thermosensitive growth and restored exocyst localization and AP secretion. The GTPase Rho3 also suppressed cdc42L160S thermosensitivity, restored exocyst localization and AP secretion. However, Rho3 did not restore the actin cables in these cells as Pob1 does. Similarly, overexpression of psy1+, coding a syntaxin (t‐SNARE) homolog, or of ypt2+, coding an SEC4 homolog in fission yeast, rescued growth at high temperature but did not restore actin cables, nor the exocyst‐polarized localization. cdc42L160S cells also have defects in vacuole formation that were rescued by Pob1, Rho3 and Psy1. All together, we propose that Cdc42 and the scaffold Pob1 are required for membrane trafficking and fusion, contributing to polarized secretion, endosome recycling, vacuole formation and growth.
Comparison between the SCL‐90‐R and MMPI in TMD patients with psychological problems
Authors: Kim M‐J , Lim M‐J , Park W‐K , Kho H‐S
Published: September 2011

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 140–146

Objective:  The aim of the study was to investigate the relationships between the Symptom Checklist‐90‐Revision (SCL‐90‐R) and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) in temporomandibular disorders (TMD) patients with psychological problems.

Materials and Methods:  Subjective symptoms, objective signs, and psychological characteristics of 36 TMD patients with psychological problems were analyzed. The symptom severity index (SSI) and craniomandibular index (CMI) were used to assess subjective symptoms and objective signs of patients with TMD, respectively. The SCL‐90‐R and MMPI were used for psychological evaluation.

Results:  The SSI was not significantly correlated with the CMI in TMD patients with psychological problems, and these indices displayed significant correlations with the SCL‐90‐R and MMPI in several selected subscales. The results of SCL‐90‐R had a limited relationship with those of MMPI in these patients. Based on the MMPI diagnosis, the SCL‐90‐R somatization subscale showed moderate to high sensitivity and specificity, but the SCL‐90‐R depression subscale showed moderate to low sensitivity and specificity.

Conclusions:  Considering the limited relationship between the SCL‐90‐R and MMPI in TMD patients with psychological problems, more comprehensive psychological tests are recommended when clinicians suspect patients with TMD of having accompanying psychological problems.
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY MYELOGRAPHIC FINDINGS IN DOGS WITH CERVICAL SPONDYLOMYELOPATHY
Authors: da Costa Ronaldo C. , Echandi Rita L. , Beauchamp Dustin
Published: September 2011

Computed tomography (CT) myelography is used occasionally in the diagnosis of cervical spondylomyelopathy, but the type of lesion found in large‐ versus giant‐breed dogs using this modality has not been characterized. Our purpose was to report the frequency of compressive lesions in large‐ and giant‐breed dogs with cervical spondylomyelopathy and imaged using CT myelography. Fifty‐eight dogs were retrospectively studied, 23 large‐breed and 35 giant‐breed dogs. Multiple sites of compression were found in 12 large‐breed dogs (52.2%) compared to 30 (85.8%) giant‐breed dogs. The main site of compression was at C5–6 and C6–7 in both large‐breed (91.3%) and giant‐breed (72.4%) dogs. The main cause and direction of compression was disc‐associated and ventral in 19 (82.6%) of the large‐breed dogs while osseous changes were the primary cause of compression in 27 (77.2%) of the giant‐breed dogs, with most compressions being lateral (51.4%), followed by dorsolateral (14.2%). Osseous compression was observed at C7‐T1 in eight giant‐breed dogs (22.8%), and at T1‐T2 or T2 only in five dogs (14.3%). Four of 23 large‐breed dogs (17.4%), and seven (20%) of 35 giant‐breed dogs had spinal cord atrophy. Therefore, giant‐breed dogs often have multiple compressions, usually caused by osseous changes causing lateralized compressions. In large‐breed dogs most compressions are disc‐associated and located ventrally. Considering the number of giant‐breed dogs with compressions at C7‐T1, T1–2, and T2, it is important to include the cranial thoracic region when imaging dogs suspected of having cervical spondylomyelopathy.
MRI FEATURES OF CNS LYMPHOMA IN DOGS AND CATS
Authors: Palus Viktor , Volk Holger A. , Lamb Christopher R. , Targett Mike P. , Cherubini Giunio Bruto
Published: September 2011

The magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features of central nervous system lymphoma in eight dogs and four cats are described. Intracranial lesions affected the rostrotentorial structures in six dogs and caudotentorial structures in two cats. Lesions affected the spinal cord in two dogs and in two cats. One dog and one cat with intracranial lymphoma had signs of local extracranial extension and lymphadenopathy. Lesions were considered extraparenchymal in four dogs and three cats, intraparenchymal in two dogs and one cat, and appeared to have both intra‐ and extraparenchymal components in two dogs. All lesions were hyperintense in T2‐weighted images when compared to white matter, most were hypointense in T1‐weighted images (7/12), and most were hyperintense in fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images (5/9). When compared to grey matter, these lesions appear either isointense (5/12) or hyperintense (7/12) on T2‐weighted images, half of them were hypointense in T1‐weighted images (6/12), and most were isointense in FLAIR images (7/9). Lesion margins were usually indistinct in T2‐weighted images (10/12) and had perilesional hyperintensity in FLAIR images (7/9). The majority of lesions (10/12) had abnormal meninges around the lesion and half (6/12) had generalized contrast enhancement. Mass effect was evident in all lesions. Although not specific, when combined with the history and neurologic signs, MR features aid presumptive diagnosis that should be confirmed by cytology or histopathology.
Early onset of fatty liver in growth‐restricted rat fetuses and newborns
Authors: Yamada Makiko , Wolfe Diana , Han Guang , French Samuel W. , Ross Michael G. , Desai Mina
Published: September 2011

Intrauterine growth‐restricted (IUGR) newborns have increased risk of adult metabolic syndrome, including fatty liver. However, it is unclear whether the fatty liver development is “programmed” or secondary to the accompanying obesity. In this study, we examined hepatic lipid accumulation and lipid‐regulatory factors (sterol regulatory element‐binding protein‐1c and fatty acid synthase) in IUGR and Control fetal (embryonic day 20; e20) and newborn (postnatal day 1; p1) rat pups. Notably, despite of in utero undernutrition state, IUGR fetuses demonstrated “fatty liver” with upregulation of these lipogenic indices at as early as e20. Both IUGR and Control newborns exhibited the same extent of massive increase in hepatic lipid content, whereas IUGR newborns continued to exhibit upregulated lipogenic indices. The persistent upregulation of the lipogenic indices in fetal and newborn IUGR suggests that fatty liver is gestationally programmed. Our study suggested that IUGR offspring were born with an altered metabolic life strategy of increased fuel/lipid storage which could be a distinct metabolic pathway of the thrifty phenotype.
Expression and Inducibility of UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase 1As in MCF‐7 Human Breast Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Hanioka Nobumitsu , Iwabu Hiroyuki , Hanafusa Hiroyuki , Nakada Shintaro , Narimatsu Shizuo
Published: September 2011

Abstract:  UDP‐glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) are conjugation enzymes, which are regulated in a tissue‐specific manner by endogenous and environmental factors. In this study, we focused on UGT1A isoforms broadly expressed in hepatic and extrahepatic tissues and examined the expression and inducibility of UGT1As (UGT1A1 and UGT1A3–1A10) in MCF‐7 cells (human breast carcinoma cell line). Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis demonstrated that UGT1A1, UGT1A6 and UGT1A9 mRNAs as well as the mRNAs of transcriptional regulators (AhR, aryl hydrocarbon receptor; Arnt, AhR nuclear translocator; ERα, oestrogen receptor α; ERβ, oestrogen receptor β; and GR, glucocorticoid receptor) are expressed in MCF‐7 cells. UGT1A6 mRNA level in MCF‐7 cells was significantly increased to 1.9 times by β‐naphthoflavone (BNF), whereas UGT1A1 and UGT1A9 mRNA levels were not affected by BNF. There were no significant changes in the mRNAs of UGT1A1, UGT1A6 and UGT1A9 in MCF‐7 cells by treatment with phenobarbital (PB) and dexamethasone (DEX) in MCF‐7 cells. The kinetics of 7‐ethyl‐10‐hydroxycamptothecin (SN‐38), 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) and 4‐methylumbelliferone (4‐MU) glucuronidation by microsomes from control and BNF‐treated MCF‐7 cells fitted with the Michaelis–Menten model, and the Vmax and CLint values were significantly increased to 7.5–8.5 times and 5.9–10.4 times by BNF treatment, respectively. These findings suggest that BNF induces UGT1A6 in MCF‐7 cells and that the increase may be mediated by AhR but not pregnane X receptor (PXR)/constitutive androstane receptor (CAR). The information gained in this study should help predict and assess the toxicity of environmental chemicals.
Smooth Muscle Biomechanics and Plasticity: Relevance for Vascular Calibre and Remodelling
Authors: Tuna Bilge Guvenc , Bakker Erik N. T. P. , VanBavel Ed
Published: September 2011

Abstract:  Blood vessel structure and calibre are not static. Rather, vessels remodel continuously in response to their biomechanical environment. Vascular calibre is dictated by the amount, composition and organization of the elastic extracellular matrix. In addition, the amount and organization of contractile smooth muscle cell (SMC) also need to be regulated. The SMCs are organized such that maximum contractile force generally occurs at diameters slightly below the diameter at full dilation and physiological pressure. Thus, in a remodelling vessel, not only the matrix but also the SMCs need to undergo structural adaptation. Surprisingly little is known on the adaptation of SMC contractile properties in the vasculature. The purpose of this review is to explore this SMC plasticity in the context of vascular remodelling. While not much work on this has been carried out on blood vessels, SMC plasticity is more extensively studied on other hollow structures such as airway and bladder. We therefore include studies on bladder and airway SMCs because of their possible relevance for vascular SMC behaviour. Here, plasticity is thought to form an adaptation allowing maintained function despite large volume changes. In blood vessels, the general match of active and passive diameter–tension relations suggests that SMC plasticity is part of normal vascular physiological adaptation. Vascular SMCs display similar processes and forms of adaptation as seen in nonvascular SMCs. This may become particularly relevant under strong vasoconstriction, when inward cytoskeletal adaptation possibly prevents immediate full dilation. This may contribute to structural inward remodelling as seen in hypertension and flow reduction.
Radioactive 26Al from accretion discs around black holes in the Galaxy
Authors: Hu Tao
Published: September 2011

26Al has a lifetime of roughly one million years, much shorter than the Galactic evolution; therefore, observations of 1.809-MeV gamma-rays from its decay show that nucleosynthesis is currently active in our Galaxy. Massive stars are suggested to be the origin of radioactive 26Al, but the uncertainties in predictions of 26Al yields are still quite large and face some important difficulties. Here we show that 26Al can be produced by nucleosynthesis in the hot regions of bimodal accretion discs and outflows around black holes. Our results show that it could contribute as much as (0.3–3) M⊙ of 26Al stored in the Galaxy.
Empirical Arguments for Group Minds: A Critical Appraisal
Authors: Rupert Robert D.
Published: September 2011

This entry addresses the question of group minds, by focusing specifically on empirical arguments for group cognition and group cognitive states. Two kinds of positive argument are presented and critically evaluated: the argument from individually unintended effects and the argument from functional similarity. A general argument against group cognition – which appeals to Occam’s razor – is also discussed. In the end, much turns on the identification of a mark of the cognitive; proposed marks are briefly (and inconclusively) surveyed in the final section.
Schelling’s Contemporary Resurgence: The Dawn after the Night When All Cows Were Black
Authors: Wirth Jason
Published: September 2011

After a long period of neglect that began in his lifetime, why has Schelling reemerged as an important philosopher, germane to contemporary concerns? In the first part of this essay I offer a brief history of Schelling’s early descent into obscurity and gradual ascent back into the light of philosophical relevance. In the second and final part of the essay, I offer a brief survey of the current Schelling resurgence in the English speaking reception of Continental philosophy.
State of the art in natural killer cell malignancies
Authors: SEMENZATO G. , MARINO F. , ZAMBELLO R.
Published: September 2011

The recently updated World Health Organization (WHO) classification of tumors of hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues, published in 2008, has made great advances in revising the disorders previously included in the pool of natural killer (NK) cell tumors. Although NK cell neoplasms represent a relatively rare group of diseases, accounting for <5% of all lymphoid neoplasms, they include very distinctive conditions both clinically and pathologically. This family of diseases includes the most indolent clinical forms, such as the provisional new entry of chronic lymphoproliferative disorder of NK cells (CLPD‐NK) in the WHO classification, as well as one of the most fatal diseases recognized in medical oncology, aggressive NK cell leukemia (ANKL), which is characterized by a prognosis of weeks, or even days. In addition, some disorders previously identified as blastic NK cell lymphoma within the NK cell system have been more properly defined and included in the blastic plasmacytoid dentritic cell neoplasms, although rare cases of bona fide immature NK lymphoid tumors (now classified as NK cell lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma) have been reported in the literature. This paper focuses on recent concepts and progress in morphology, pathogenesis, clinicopathological features, treatment approaches, and outcomes of NK cell malignancies.
Evolution of plant–pollinator mutualisms in response to climate change
Authors: Gilman R. Tucker , Fabina Nicholas S. , Abbott Karen C. , Rafferty Nicole E.
Published: September 2011

Climate change has the potential to desynchronize the phenologies of interdependent species, with potentially catastrophic effects on mutualist populations. Phenologies can evolve, but the role of evolution in the response of mutualisms to climate change is poorly understood. We developed a model that explicitly considers both the evolution and the population dynamics of a plant–pollinator mutualism under climate change. How the populations evolve, and thus whether the populations and the mutualism persist, depends not only on the rate of climate change but also on the densities and phenologies of other species in the community. Abundant alternative mutualist partners with broad temporal distributions can make a mutualism more robust to climate change, while abundant alternative partners with narrow temporal distributions can make a mutualism less robust. How community composition and the rate of climate change affect the persistence of mutualisms is mediated by two‐species Allee thresholds. Understanding these thresholds will help researchers to identify those mutualisms at highest risk owing to climate change.
JML: testing hybridization from species trees
Authors: JOLY SIMON
Published: September 2011

I introduce the softwarejmlthat tests for the presence of hybridization in multispecies sequence data sets by posterior predictive checking followingJoly, McLenachan and Lockhart (2009, American Naturalist174,e54). Although their method could potentially be applied on any data set, the lack of appropriate software made its application difficult. The softwarejmlthus fills a need for an easy application of the method but also includes improvements such as the possibility to incorporate uncertainty in the species tree topology. Thejmlsoftware uses a posterior distribution of species trees, population sizes and branch lengths to simulate replicate sequence data sets using the coalescent with no migration. A test quantity, defined as the minimum pairwise sequence distance between sequences of two species, is then evaluated on the simulated data sets and compared to the one estimated from the original data. Because the test quantity is a good predictor of hybridization events, departure from the bifurcating species tree model could be interpreted as evidence of hybridization. Software performance in terms of computing time is evaluated for several parameters. I also show an application example of the software for detecting hybridization among native diploid North American roses.
Safety and immunogenicity of BPV‐1 L1 virus‐like particles in a dose‐escalation vaccination trial in horses
Authors: HAINISCH E. K. , BRANDT S. , SHAFTI‐KERAMAT S. , VAN DEN HOVEN R. , KIRNBAUER R.
Published: September 2011

Reasons for performing study: Infection with bovine papillomaviruses types 1 and 2 (BPV‐1, BPV‐2) can lead to the development of therapy‐resistant skin tumours termed sarcoids and possibly other skin diseases in equids. Although sarcoids seriously compromise the welfare of affected animals and cause considerable economic losses, no prophylactic vaccine is available to prevent this common disease. In several animal species and man, immunisation with papillomavirus‐like particles (VLP) has been shown to protect efficiently from papillomaviral infection.

Hypothesis: BPV‐1 L1 VLPs may constitute a safe and highly immunogenic vaccine candidate for protection of horses against BPV‐1/‐2‐induced disease.

Methods: Three groups of 4 horses each received 50, 100 or 150 µg of BPV‐1 L1 VLPs, respectively, on Days 0, 28 and 168. Three control horses received adjuvant only. Horses were monitored on a daily basis for one week after each immunisation and then in 2 week intervals. Sera were collected immediately before, 2 weeks after each vaccination and one and 2 years after the final boost and analysed by pseudovirion neutralisation assay.

Results: None of the horses showed adverse reactions upon vaccination apart from mild and transient swelling in 2 individuals. Irrespective of the VLP dose, all VLP‐immunised horses had developed a BPV‐1‐neutralising antibody titre of ≥1600 plaque forming units (pfu)/ml 2 weeks after the third vaccination. Eight of 10 trial horses still available for follow‐up had neutralising antibody titres ≥1600 pfu/ml one year and ≥800 pfu/ml 2 years after the last immunisation.

Conclusion: Intramuscular BPV‐1 L1 VLP vaccination in horses is safe and results in a long‐lasting antibody response against BPV‐1. Neutralisation titres were induced at levels that correlate with protection in experimental animals and man.

Potential relevance: BPV‐1 L1 VLPs constitute a promising vaccine candidate for prevention of BPV‐1/‐2‐induced disease in equids.
Experiences of a nationwide web-based system: reporting dispensing errors in Swedish pharmacies
Authors: Nordén-Hägg Annika , Kettis-Lindblad Åsa , Ring Lena , Kälvemark-Sporrong Sofia
Published: September 2011

Objectives

To design and evaluate a national web-based dispensing error reporting system for all Swedish pharmacies, replacing the currently used paper-based system.

Methods

A working group designed the new system. The number of reports before (1999–2003) and after (2004–2005) introduction was studied in a descriptive analysis. The completeness of reports was evaluated through the study of 100 randomly selected reports from the third quarter of 2003 and 2004 from each system. Evaluation was done by chi-square analysis; P > 0.05. Perceptions on introduction were collected in semi-structured interviews (working group and one assistant) and subjected to descriptive analysis.

Key findings

Reported error rate per 100 000 dispensed items was 12.9 pre- and 21.4 post implementation. Completeness-analysis revealed that information was more comprehensively reported in the new system. A significant difference existed in the extent to which incidents were described as well as details provided of the medicine and the patient. According to the interviewees, users initially found the web-based system difficult to handle. It took more than 6 months to change this perception.

Conclusions

Introducing a web-based system for reporting dispensing errors had an impact on quantity of reports and completeness. Time and patience was needed to implement the changes.
Teaching Quantum Uncertainty1
Authors: Hobson Art
Published: September 2011

An earlier paper2 introduces quantum physics by means of four experiments: Youngs double-slit interference experiment using (1) a light beam, (2) a low-intensity light beam with time-lapse photography, (3) an electron beam, and (4) a low-intensity electron beam with time-lapse photography. It's ironic that, although these experiments demonstrate most of the quantum fundamentals, conventional pedagogy stresses their difficult and paradoxical nature. These paradoxes (i.e., logical contradictions) vanish, and understanding becomes simpler, if one takes seriously the fact that quantum mechanics is the nonrelativistic limit of our most accurate physical theory, namely quantum field theory, and treats the Schroedinger wave function, as well as the electromagnetic field, as quantized fields.2 Both the Schroedinger field, or “matter field,” and the EM field are made of “quanta”—spatially extended but energetically discrete chunks or bundles of energy. Each quantum comes nonlocally from the entire space-filling field and interacts with macroscopic systems such as the viewing screen by collapsing into an atom instantaneously and randomly in accordance with the probability amplitude specified by the field. Thus, uncertainty and nonlocality are inherent in quantum physics. This paper is about quantum uncertainty. A planned later paper will take up quantum nonlocality.
An Estimation of the Number and Size of Atoms in a Printed Period
Authors: Schaefer Beth , Collett Edward , Tabor-Morris Anne , Croman Joseph
Published: September 2011

Elementary school students learn that atoms are very, very small. Students are also taught that atoms (and molecules) are the fundamental constituents of the material world. Numerical values of their size are often given, but, nevertheless, it is difficult to imagine their size relative to one's everyday surroundings. In order for students to obtain a quantitative understanding of the size of atoms, we have considered this problem by asking the following question: namely, how many atoms are in a printed period (.)? In this paper the number of atoms in a period is determined, along with a discussion and an equation to determine the radius of an atom. A related discussion regarding the size of atoms can be found in Ref. 1.
Introducing Rotational Motion with EXIF Data
Authors: Peterson James
Published: September 2011

In their article “Measuring the Flight Speed of Fire Bombers from Photos: An In-Class Exercise in Introductory Kinematics,” Greg W. Lowe and Eric Ayars1 remind us that photographs have always had physics hidden in them if you look hard enough. Since digital photos are embedded with EXIF data, vastly more physics can be explored with them. EXIF stands for “exchangeable image file format” and is data that are recorded into a photo when it is taken with a digital camera. Table I shows various methods for finding the EXIF data of a photo. I use one piece of this data to begin my unit on rotational motion.
Physics Teacher Camp
Authors: Burk John , Gates Josh
Published: September 2011

Imagine that you've just graduated law school. You've studied hard for years; you're highly trained and very knowledgeable. What you lack is experience. No matter—you jump right in and try hundreds of cases, doing your best and putting in hours above and beyond the usual work day. But suppose you don't have the support and resources of a law firm. You're doing it alone.
The Foot and Ankle of
Australopithecus sediba
Authors: Zipfel Bernhard , DeSilva Jeremy M. , Kidd Robert S. , Carlson Kristian J. , Churchill Steven E. , Berger Lee R.
Published: September 2011

Australopithecus sediba
had a human-like ankle and arch but an ape-like heel and tibia, implying that while bipedal, this species was also adept at climbing trees.
A Simple, Multidimensional Approach to High-Throughput Discovery of Catalytic Reactions
Authors: Robbins Daniel W. , Hartwig John F.
Published: September 2011

A screening technique based on simple mass spectrometry measurements uncovers catalysts for organic coupling reactions.
High-Throughput Discovery of New Chemical Reactions
Authors: Montgomery John
Published: September 2011

A method that tests pools of reactants with catalysts allows for large-scale surveying of new reactions.
Skeletons Present an Exquisite Paleo-Puzzle
Authors: Gibbons Ann
Published: September 2011

Partial skeletons of 2-million-year-old hominin
Australopithecus sediba
leave researchers impressed by their completeness but scratching their heads over the implications for our family tree.
Paleoanthropologist Now Rides High on a New Fossil Tide
Authors: Balter Michael
Published: September 2011

After a career marked by controversy, Lee Berger hopes new hominin fossils will salvage his mixed scientific reputation.
Lysophosphatidic Acid Signaling May Initiate Fetal Hydrocephalus
Authors: Yung Yun C. , Mutoh Tetsuji , Lin Mu-En , Noguchi Kyoko , Rivera Richard R. , Choi Ji Woong , Kingsbury Marcy A. , Chun Jerold
Published: September 2011

Blockade of lysophosphatidic acid signaling provides a new strategy for treating fetal hydrocephalus.
Imaging the Infected Heart
Authors: Alavi Abass , Saboury Babak , Basu Sandip
Published: September 2011

This Focus summarizes current and prospective roles of modern functional imaging techniques for detecting infection in general and endocarditis in particular.
Vitamin D May Do the Uterus Good
Authors: Farrell Ruth M.
Published: September 2011

Agents that alter cytokine production by uterine-lining cells might help to stem immune-mediated miscarriage.
Science Translational Medicine
Podcast: 7 September 2011
Authors: Chun Jerold , Smith Orla
Published: September 2011

A conversation with Jerold Chun about identification of a lipid in blood that may trigger hydrocephalus in the fetus.
Immunization of Mice with Lactobacillus casei Expressing a Beta-Intimin Fragment Reduces Intestinal Colonization by Citrobacter rodentium
Authors: Ferreira P. C. D. , da Silva J. B. , Piazza R. M. F. , Eckmann L. , Ho P. L. , Oliveira M. L. S.
Published: September 2011

Enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(EPEC) is a common cause of diarrhea in children from developing countries. Intimate adhesion of the bacteria to intestinal cells occurs via binding of the adhesin intimin to the TIR receptor exposed on cell surfaces. Here,
Lactobacillus casei
expressing a fragment of β-intimin (
L. casei
-Int
cv
) was tested as mucosal vaccines in mice against intestinal colonization with the murine pathogen
Citrobacter rodentium
. Oral or sublingual immunization of C57BL/6 mice with
L. casei
-Int
cv
induced anti-Int
cv
IgA in feces but no IgG in sera. Conversely, anti-Int
cv
IgG was induced in the sera of mice after sublingual immunization with purified Int
cv
. All vaccines were able to decrease
C. rodentium
recovery from feces. However, this reduction was more evident and sustained over time in mice immunized with
L. casei
-Int
cv
by the sublingual route. These mice also displayed an increase in interleukin 6 (IL-6) and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) secretion by spleen cells 10 days after infection. Additionally, oral or sublingual immunization of C3H/HePas mice, which are highly susceptible to
C. rodentium
infection, with
L. casei
-Int
cv
induced anti-Int
cv
antibodies and significantly increased survival after challenge. Immunohistological analysis of colon sections revealed that
C. rodentium
was located in deep fractions of the tissue from C3H/HePas mice immunized with
L. casei
whereas superficial staining was observed in colon sections from mice immunized with
L. casei
-Int
cv.
The results indicate that vaccines composed of
L. casei
expressing intimin may represent a promising approach and that the C3H/HePas infection model with
C. rodentium
can be used to evaluate potential vaccines against EPEC.
Oral Immunization with Recombinant Mycobacterium smegmatis Expressing the Outer Membrane Protein 26-Kilodalton Antigen Confers Prophylactic Protection against Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Lü Lin , Zeng Han-qing , Wang Pi-long , Shen Wei , Xiang Ting-xiu , Mei Zhe-chuan
Published: September 2011

Helicobacter pylori
infection is prevalent worldwide and results in chronic gastritis, which may lead to gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma and gastric cancer. We have previously reported that oral immunization with recombinant
Mycobacterium smegmatis
expressing the
H. pylori
outer membrane protein 26-kilodalton (Omp26) antigen affords therapeutic protection against
H. pylori
infection in mice. In the present study, we investigated the prophylactic effects of this vaccine candidate on
H. pylori
challenge in mice. We found that oral immunization with recombinant
Mycobacterium
Omp26 significantly reduced
H. pylori
colonization in the stomach compared to inoculation with wild-type
M. smegmatis
in control mice. Six of the recombinant
Mycobacterium
-immunized mice (60%) were completely protected from
H. pylori
infection. The severity of
H. pylori
-associated chronic gastritis assessed histologically was significantly milder in mice vaccinated with recombinant
Mycobacterium
than in control animals. Mice immunized with recombinant
Mycobacterium
showed enhanced antigen-specific lymphocyte proliferation and antibody responses. Moreover, immunization with recombinant
Mycobacterium
resulted in an increased expression of interleukin-2 and gamma interferon in the stomach and spleen, as determined by reverse transcription-PCR analysis. Our results collectively suggest that vaccination with recombinant
Mycobacterium
Omp26 confers prophylactic protection against
H. pylori
infection. The inhibition of
H. pylori
colonization is associated with the induction of antigen-specific humoral and cell-mediated immune responses.
Role of Interleukin-23 (IL-23) Receptor Signaling for IL-17 Responses in Human Lyme Disease
Authors: Oosting Marije , ter Hofstede Hadewych , van de Veerdonk Frank L. , Sturm Patrick , Kullberg Bart-Jan , van der Meer Jos W. M. , Netea Mihai G. , Joosten Leo A. B.
Published: September 2011

Interleukin-23 (IL-23) is known to play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of T helper 17 cells. It has been previously demonstrated that IL-17 is involved in experimental Lyme arthritis, caused byBorrelia burgdorferibacteria. However, the precise role of the IL-23 receptor (IL-23R) for theB. burgdorferi-induced IL-17 responses or human Lyme disease has not yet been elucidated. IL-23R single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs11209026 was genotyped using the TaqMan assay. Functional studies were performed using peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and cytokines were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Dose-dependent production of IL-23 and IL-17 byB. burgdorfericould be observed. Interestingly, when IL-23 bioactivity was inhibited by a specific antibody against IL-23p19, IL-17 production was significantly downregulated. In contrast, production of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) was not affected after the blockade of IL-23 activity. Moreover, individuals bearing a single nucleotide polymorphism in the IL-23R gene (Arg381Gln) produced significantly less IL-17 afterB. burgdorferistimulation compared with that of the individuals bearing the wild type. Despite lower IL-17 production, the IL-23R gene polymorphism did not influence the development of chronic Lyme disease in a cohort of patients with Lyme disease. This study demonstrates that IL-23R signaling is needed forB. burgdorferi-induced IL-17 productionin vitroand that an IL-23R gene SNP leads to impaired IL-17 production. However, the IL-23R gene polymorphism is not crucial for the pathogenesis of chronic Lyme.
New Technologies in Clinical Microbiology
Authors: Wolk Donna M. , Dunne W. Michael
Published: September 2011

Rapid identification of microorganisms in the clinical microbiology laboratory can be of great value for selection of optimal patient management strategies for infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, mycobacteria, and parasites. Rapid identification of microorganisms in clinical samples enables expedient de-escalation from broad-spectrum agents to targeted antimicrobial therapy. The switch to tailored therapy minimizes risks of antibiotics, namely, disruption of normal flora, toxic side effects, and selective pressure. There is a critical need for new technologies in clinical microbiology, particularly for bloodstream infections, in which associated mortality is among the highest of all infections. Just as importantly, there is a need for the clinical laboratory community to embrace the practices of evidence-based interventional laboratory medicine and collaborate in translational research projects to establish the clinical utility, cost benefit, and impact of new technologies.