bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Different Immunolabeling Techniques on the Detection of Small-cell Lung Cancer Cells in Bone Marrow
Authors: Pelosi Giuseppe , Pasini Felice , Pavanel Flavia , Bresaola Enrica , Schiavon Ivana , lannucci Antonio
Published: April 2011

Recent reports have suggested that the immunodetection of tumor cells in bone marrow of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients is by far more effective than traditional cytohistological methods and that this may be clinically relevant. This study aimed to evaluate whether the level of detection of tumor cells in bone marrow is affected by different immunostaining methods. Using two anti-NCAM monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), we compared four different “sandwich” methods on cytospin preparations of the N592 human SCLC cell line and of bone marrow aspirates from 37 SCLC patients. Our data indicate that the combination of the alkaline phosphatase-anti-alkaline phosphatase and streptavidin-biotin-alkaline phosphatase complex methods provides the best results in terms of sensitivity and specificity, and of intensity of immunoreaction and absence of staining background. Moreover, bone marrow micrometastases detected by this method were prognostically relevant and identified, among patients with apparently limited disease according to conventional staging procedures, a subgroup with shorter survival. We suggest that the choice of a sensitive immunostaining technique may significantly increase the detection rate of SCLC cells in bone marrow, mirroring the biological aggressiveness of the disease. (J Histochem Cytochem 47:1075–1087, 1999)
Improved Immunodetection of Nuclear Antigens After Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Treatment of Formaldehyde-fixed Cells
Authors: Wilson III David M. , Bianchi Cesario
Published: April 2011

Immunostaining techniques are commonly employed to determine the temporal and spatial patterns of cellular components in in situ preparations of cells and tissues. Usually, cells are formalin-fixed, permeabilized with nonionic detergents, and probed with specific antibodies. The incorporation of a sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) treatment after chemical crosslinking has been shown to improve the immunodetection of some cytosolic and cell surface antigens. By incorporating an SDS treatment after crosslinking, we report a significant improvement in the detection of two nuclear antigens (i.e., the DNA binding proteins apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease and DNA polymerase-β) and bromodeoxyuridine-tagged DNA by indirect immunofluorescence of whole cells. In bromodeoxyuridine-tagged DNA, the improvement in detection after an SDS treatment was observed only after long incorporation protocols (>48 hr) and, interestingly, it was more pronounced in cultured human foreskin keratinocytes than in bovine aorta endothelial cells. In addition, the SDS treatment proved in these studies to be superior to the standard Triton X-100 permeabilization. SDS thus provides a potential means to visualize previously undetectable or poorly detectable nuclear antigens. (J Histochem Cytochem 47:1095–1100, 1999)
Immunoelectron Microscopy of Peroxisomes Employing the Antibody for the SKL Sequence PTS1 C-terminus Common to Peroxisomal Enzymes
Authors: Usuda Nobuteru , Johkura Kohei , Hachiya Takahisa , Nakazawa Ayami
Published: April 2011

Immunohistochemistry employing a new hapten antibody that detects the SKL sequence and its variants of the PTS1 C-terminus of peroxisomal enzymes was attempted to visualize peroxisomes across species. Rabbits were immunized with the SKL sequence coupled with KLH, between which an arm molecule was interposed. IgG fractions of antisera were affinity-purified against the hapten and employed for immunochemical analyses and immunoelectron microscopy. The specificity of the antibody was examined by immunoblot analyses for various purified enzymes of rat liver peroxisomes and by dot-blot analyses inhibited by SKL peptide and its variants. Various animal and plant tissues were subjected to immunoelectron microscopy with the protein A-gold technique. The antibody reacted with various enzymes in the peroxisome with the SKL motif. The affinity of the antibody for tripeptides, which varied depending on their structures, was higher for SKL than for its variants. Hepatic and renal peroxisomes of vertebrates, peroxisomes in the fat body of an insect, and the cotyledon of a plant were visualized by immunoelectron microscopy. Immunohistochemistry employing this SKL antibody may provide specific staining that can detect peroxisomes across different species.
Role of Peroxisomes in Isoprenoid Biosynthesis
Authors: Aboushadi Nahla , Engfelt William Harrison , Paton Vincent G. , Krisans Skaidrite K.
Published: April 2011

Our group and others have recently demonstrated that peroxisomes contain a number of enzymes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis that previously were considered to be cytosolic or located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Peroxisomes have been shown to contain HMG-CoA reductase, mevalonate kinase, phosphomevalonate kinase, phosphomevalonate decarboxylase, isopentenyl diphosphate isomerase, and FPP synthase. Four of the five enzymes required for the conversion of mevalonate to FPP contain a conserved putative PTS1 or PTS2, supporting the concept of targeted transport into peroxisomes. To date, no information is available regarding the function of the peroxisomal HMG-CoA reductase in cholesterol/isoprenoid metabolism, and the structure of the peroxisomal HMG-CoA reductase has yet to be determined. We have identified a mammalian cell line that expresses only one HMG-CoA reductase protein, and which is localized exclusively to peroxisomes, to facilitate our studies on the function, regulation, and structure of the peroxisomal HMG-CoA reductase. This cell line was obtained by growing UT2 cells (which lack the ER HMG-CoA reductase) in the absence of mevalonate. The surviving cells exhibited a marked increase in a 90-kD HMG-CoA reductase that was localized exclusively to peroxisomes. The wild-type CHO cells contain two HMG-CoA reductase proteins, the well-characterized 97-kD protein localized in the ER, and a 90-kD protein localized in peroxisomes. We have also identified the mutations in the UT2 cells responsible for the lack of the 97-kD protein. In addition, peroxisomal-deficient Pex2 CHO cell mutants display reduced HMG-CoA reductase levels and have reduced rates of sterol and nonsterol biosynthesis. These data further support the proposal that peroxisomes play an essential role in isoprenoid biosynthesis.
Intracellular Visualization of BrdU-labeled Plasmid DNA/Cationic Liposome Complexes
Authors: Ouahabi Abdelatif El , Thiry Marc , Schiffmann Serge , Fuks Robert , Nguyen-Tran Huy , Ruysschaert Jean-Marie , Vandenbranden Michel
Published: April 2011

Difficulties in specific detection of transfected DNA in cells represent an important limitation in the study of the gene transfer process. We studied the cellular entry and fate of a plasmid DNA complexed with a cationic lipid, Vectamidine (3-tetradecyl-amino- N-tert-butyl- N-tetradecylpropionamidine) in BHK21 cells. To facilitate its detection inside the cells, bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) was incorporated into plasmid DNA under conditions that minimize plasmid alteration. BrdU was localized in cells incubated with Vectamidine/BrdU-labeled plasmid DNA complexes by immunogold labeling and electron microscopy (EM). Labeling was predominantly associated with aggregated liposome structures at the surface of and inside the cells. EM observations of cells transfected with Vectamidine/DNA complexes showed that the liposome/DNA aggregates accumulate in large vesicles in the cell cytosol. On the other hand, using rhodamine-labeled Vectamidine and revealing BrdU with FITC-conjugated antibodies permitted simultaneous detection in the cells of both components of the complexes with confocal laser scanning microscopy. The DNA and lipids co-localized at the surface of and inside the cells, indicating that the complex is internalized as a whole. Our results show that the BrdU-labeled plasmid DNA detection system can be a useful tool to visualize exogenous DNA entry into cells by a combination of electron and confocal microscopy.
Ultrastructural Localization of Proteins Involved in Sea Urchin Biomineralization
Authors: Ameye Laurent , Hermann René , Killian Christopher , Wilt Fred , Dubois Philippe
Published: April 2011

Three skeletal tissues of the adult echinoid Paracentrotus lividus (the pedicellaria primordium, the test, and the tooth) were immunolabeled with three sera raised against the total mineralization organic matrix and two specific matrix proteins (SM30 and SM50) from the embryo of the echinoid Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. Two conventional chemical fixation protocols and two high-pressure freezing/freeze-substitution protocols were tested. One conventional protocol is recommended for its good preservation of the ultrastructure, and one high-pressure freezing/freeze-substitution protocol is recommended for its good retention of antigenicity. Immunolabeling was obtained in the three adult tissues. It was confined to the active skeleton-forming cells and to the structured organic matrix. The results indicate that the matrix proteins follow the classical routes of secretory protein assembly and export and suggest that SM30 and SM50 are a part of the tridimensional network formed by the organic matrix before the onset of mineralization. They show that the genetic program of part of skeletogenesis is conserved among different calcification models and developmental stages.
Improved Double Immunofluorescence for Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy
Authors: Kumar Rakesh K. , Chapple Cheryl C. , Hunter Neil
Published: April 2011

Reliable double immunofluorescence labeling for confocal laser scanning microscopy requires good separation of the signals generated by the fluorochromes. We have successfully overcome the limitation of a single argon ion laser in achieving effective excitation of dyes with well-separated emission spectra by employing the novel sulfonated rhodamine fluorochromes designated Alexa 488 and Alexa 568. The more abundant antigen was visualized using the red-emitting Alexa 568, with amplification of the signal by a biotinylated bridging antibody and labeled streptavidin. This was combined with the green-emitting Alexa 488, which yielded brighter images than fluorescein but exhibited comparable photodegradation. With appropriate controls to ensure the absence of crosstalk between fluorescence channels, these dyes permitted unequivocal demonstration of co-localization. This combination of fluorochromes may also offer advantages for users of instruments equipped with alternative laser systems.
Water Channel Protein AQP3 Is Present in Epithelia Exposed to the Environment of Possible Water Loss
Authors: Matsuzaki Toshiyuki , Suzuki Takeshi , Koyama Haruko , Tanaka Shigeyasu , Takata Kuniaki
Published: April 2011

Aquaporins (AQPs) are membrane water channel proteins expressed in various tissues in the body. We surveyed the immunolocalization of AQP3, an isoform of the AQP family, in rat epithelial tissues. AQP3 was localized to many epithelial cells in the urinary, digestive, and respiratory tracts and in the skin. In the urinary tract, AQP3 was present at transitional epithelia. In the digestive tract, abundant AQP3 was found in the stratified epithelia in the upper part, from the oral cavity to the forestomach, and in the simple and stratified epithelia in the lower part, from the distal colon to the anal canal. In the respiratory tract, AQP3 was present in the pseudostratified ciliated epithelia from the nasal cavity to the intrapulmonary bronchi. In the skin, AQP3 was present in the epidermis. Interestingly, AQP3 was present at the basal aspects of the epithelia: in the basolateral membranes in the simple epithelia and in the multilayered epithelia at plasma membranes of the basal to intermediate cells. During development of the skin, AQP3 expression commenced late in fetal life. Because these AQP3-positive epithelia have a common feature, i.e., they are exposed to an environment of possible water loss, we propose that AQP3 could serve as a water channel to provide these epithelial cells with water from the subepithelial side to protect them against dehydration.
VEGF and Vascular Fusion: Implications for Normal and Pathological Vessels
Authors: Drake Christopher J. , Little Charles D.
Published: April 2011

The avian embryo is well suited for the study of blood vessel morphogenesis. This is especially true of investigations that focus on the de novo formation of blood vessels from mesoderm, a process referred to as vasculogenesis. To examine the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating vasculogenesis, we developed a bioassay that employs intact avian embryos. Among the many bioactive molecules we have examined, vascular epithelial growth factor (VEGF) stands out for its ability to affect vasculogenesis. Using the whole-embryo assay, we discovered that VEGF induces a vascular malformation we refer to as hyperfusion. Our studies showed that microinjection of recombinant VEGF165 converted the normally discrete network of embryonic blood vessels into enlarged endothelial sinuses. Depending on the amount of VEGF injected and the time of postinjection incubation, the misbehavior of the primordial endothelial cells can become so exaggerated that for all practical purposes the embryo contains a single enormous vascular sinus; all normal vessels are subsumed into a composite vascular structure. This morphology is reminiscent of the abnormal vascular sinuses characteristic of certain neovascular pathologies.
Talin Concentrates to the Midbody Region During Mammalian Cell Cytokinesis
Authors: Bellissent-Waydelich Anne , Vanier Marie-Thérèse , Albigès-Rizo Corinne , Simon-Assmann Patricia
Published: April 2011

In this study we investigated the cellular distribution of talin, a cytoskeletal protein, during mammalian cell cytokinesis. Immunohistochemical experiments on various carcinoma cell lines and mesenchyme-derived cells reveal that talin displays a cell cycle-dependent cellular localization. During metaphase, talin is located in the centromeric region of the chromosome, like the TD-60 protein and intrinsic centromere components detected by a CREST serum. From anaphase to telophase, talin is present in the cleavage furrow. As the cells progress to cytokinesis, when the furrow is complete, talin is concentrated in the midbody structures, as assessed by immunofluorescence and confirmed by Western blot experiments on purified midbodies. Double staining experiments reveal that α-tubulin, TD-60 protein, and talin co-localize in the midbodies. These results suggest that talin, in addition to its implication in focal adhesion organization and signaling, may play a critical role in cytokinesis.
An Evaluation of Antigen Retrieval Procedures for Immunoelectron Microscopic Classification of Amyloid Deposits
Authors: Röcken Christoph , Roessner Albert
Published: April 2011

The advantages of using immunoelectron microscopy in amyloid research and surgical pathology for the classification of amyloid deposits are well documented. The aim of this study was to improve single-labeling postembedding immunostaining by testing different antigen retrieval (AR) techniques. Etching and AR procedures were applied to sections from aldehyde-fixed and Epon-embedded autopsy specimens of patients who had suffered from generalized AA amyloidosis, systemic senile ATTR amyloidosis, or generalized κ-light chain amyloidosis. The procedures used were no AR, H2O2, saturated aqueous sodium metaperiodate (mPJ), heating in deionized water (dH2O), heating in sodium citrate buffer (SCB), heating in EDTA (each 91C, 30 min), and combinations of etching and heating. Little effect was evident after treatment with H2O2, mPJ, and heating in dH2O, but the signal density markedly increased after heating in 1 mM EDTA. Heating in SCB affected immunolabeling with anti-transthyretin and anti-κ-light chain, whereas no effect was achieved for immunolabeling with anti-AA amyloid. We concluded that AR may significantly improve immunostaining of specimens that have undergone conventional fixation and embedding procedures for electron microscopy. The effect of AR on the detection of amyloid fibril proteins was probably mediated in part through chelation or binding of metal ions by the AR medium.
Quantitative Comparison of Growth-associated Protein GAP-43, Neuron-specific Enolase, and Protein Gene Product 9.5 as Neuronal Markers in Mature Human Intestine
Authors: Vento Pälvi , Soinila Seppo
Published: April 2011

This study was performed to compare GAP-43, PGP 9.5, synaptophysin, and NSE as neuronal markers in the human intestine. GAP-43-immunoreactive nerve fibers were abundant in all layers of the ileum and colon. GAP-43 partially co-localized partially with every neuropeptide (VIP, substance P, galanin, enkephalin) studied. All neuropeptide-immunoreactive fibers also showed GAP-43 reactivity. By blind visual estimation, the numbers of GAP-43-immunoreactive fibers in the lamina propria were greater than those of PGP 9.5, synaptophysin, or NSE. In the muscle layer, visual estimation indicated that the density of GAP-43-immunoreactive fiber profiles was slightly greater than that of the others. The number and intensity of GAP-43-, PGP 9.5-, and NSE-immunoreactive fibers were estimated in sections of normal human colon and ileum using computerized morphometry. In the colon, the numbers of GAP-43-immunoreactive nerve profiles per unit area and their size and intensity were significantly greater than the values for PGP and NSE. A similar trend was observed in the ileum. Neuronal somata lacked or showed only weak GAP-43 immunoreactivity, variable PGP 9.5 immunoreactivity, no synaptophysin immunoreactivity, and moderate to strong NSE immunoreactivity. We conclude that GAP-43 is the superior marker of nerve fibers in the human intestine, whereas NSE is the marker of choice for neuronal somata.
Expression of Link Protein During Mouse Follicular Development
Authors: Sun Guang W. , Kobayashi Hiroshi , Terao Toshihiko
Published: April 2011

To gain insight into the role of link protein in ovarian follicle development, we used immunohistochemistry to determine the patterns of link protein expression in mouse ovary in response to gonadotropin stimulation. Polyclonal antibodies were raised against link protein purified from bovine cartilage. Stimulation of immature mice with gonadotropins increased link protein expression in the granulosa layer of large preovulatory follicles. The number and intensity of immunostained cells increased over 2 hr after hCG injection. Cumulus cells stained link protein mainly in the extracellular matrix, whereas mural granulosa cells showed marked deposits of link protein in the cytoplasm. Link protein expression persisted in luteinized granulosa cells after ovulation and in corpora lutea. Link protein staining was also present in the theca cells and oocytes, which was a consistent finding regardless of gonadotropin treatment. The staining intensity was negated by treatment with hyaluronidase, suggesting that the link protein is bound to hyaluronic acid. On Western blotting, a reacting protein species of about 42 kD was seen in the gonadotropintreated ovarian extract. The precise cellular distribution of link protein in mouse ovary was determined for the first time by an immunohistochemical method in this study.
Expression of the Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Gene in Human Tissues
Authors: Bakker Michael A. den , Vissers Kees J. , Molijn Anco C. , Kros Johan M. , Zwarthoff Ellen C. , Kwast Theo H. van der
Published: April 2011

The neurofibromatosis Type 2 tumor suppressor gene is implicated in the hereditary tumor syndrome NF2, hallmarked by bilateral vestibular schwannomas, meningiomas, and ocular non-neoplastic features. The gene product has characteristics of a membrane cytoskeleton-linking protein but the mechanism of tumor suppression by the NF2 protein remains to be elucidated. The NF2 gene is widely expressed in mouse and rat tissues. In humans, most of the expression data have accumulated through Northern blot analysis, RT-PCR and, more recently, Western blot analysis, providing information on whole tissues and organs rather than on specific cell types. We report here an extensive survey of NF2 gene expression in human tissues using a combination of mRNA in situ hybridization (mRNA ISH) and immunohistochemistry (IH) with a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) supplemented by tissue immunoprecipitation experiments with affinity-purified polyclonal antibodies. Expression was observed in many different cell types, most of which appear functionally normal in individuals affected by NF2. Surprisingly, expression could not be consistently documented in Schwann cells and arachnoidal cells by IH or by mRNA ISH in formalin-fixed tissue. However, consistent immunostaining of Schwann cells was seen in frozen sections.
55-kD Actin-bundling Protein (p55) Is a Specific Marker for Identifying Vascular Dendritic Cells
Authors: Bobryshev Yuri V. , Lord Reginald S.A.
Published: April 2011

Compared with other members of the dendritic cell family, the antigen profile of the recently recognized vascular dendritic cells has received limited attention. This study demonstrates that vascular dendritic cells in the human aorta and carotid arteries express 55-kD actin-bundling protein (p55), a specific marker for blood dendritic cells and Langerhans cells. This finding will facilitate screening of dendritic cells during their isolation from the arterial wall, as well as other investigations.
Characterization of a Polyclonal Antibody to Human Thymidylate Synthase Suitable for the Study of Colorectal Cancer Specimens
Authors: Haqqani Arsalan S. , Cowling Randy T. , Maroun Jean A. , Birnboim H. Chaim
Published: April 2011

Measurement of thymidylate synthase (hTS) using immunohistochemical techniques has been reported in several clinical studies. However, its value as a prognostic indicator is still not clear. To pursue this, we have developed a new rabbit polyclonal antibody, hTS7.4. The antigen was recombinant hTS containing an N-terminal His6-tag. Antiserum hTS7.4 detected recombinant hTS by ELISA at a titer of 1:100,000. Western blot analysis of several human cell lines showed a single band of the expected 36-kD molecular size. HeLa cells treated with the TS inhibitor 5-FUdR showed the expected additional band corresponding to the ternary complex of hTS-dFUMP-reduced folate. hTS7.4 detected TS in bacterial, rat, mouse, and monkey cell extracts, and hTS8.3 (a closely related antiserum) immunoprecipitated a 36-kD [35 S]-methionine-labeled protein from HeLa extracts. TS was detectable by indirect immunofluorescence in HeLa cells. Proliferating normal human fibroblasts in culture showed staining, but nonproliferating cells did not. Lymphocytes in the germinal center of human tonsil tissue, which are known to be proliferating, stained with hTS7.4 and also with monoclonal antibody TS106. TS may therefore be useful as an immunohistochemical marker of cell proliferation. Normal colon mucosa showed weak staining, whereas some colorectal cancer specimens stained very strongly with hTS7.4. A clinical study of colorectal cancer using this antibody is in progress.
Expression of the Extracellular Matrix Metalloproteinase Inducer (EMMPRIN) and the Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 in Bronchopulmonary and Breast Lesions
Authors: Caudroy Stéphanie , Polette Myriam , Tournier Jean-Marie , Burlet Henriette , Toole Bryan , Zucker Stanley , Birembaut Philippe
Published: April 2011

Tumor cells interact with stromal cells via soluble or cell-bound factors stimulating the production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a group of enzymes largely involved in the extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling in tumor invasion. Among these factors, extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) has been shown to stimulate in vitro the fibroblast production of various MMPs such as interstitial collagenase (MMP-1), stromelysin-1 (MMP-3), and gelatinase A (MMP-2). In this study, the EMMPRIN protein was detected by immunohistochemistry prominently in malignant proliferations of the breast and the lung. It was present at the surface of both tumor epithelial and peritumor stromal cells. Because previous studies have reported that stromal cells do not express EMMPRIN mRNAs, it is very likely that EMMPRIN is bound to stromal cells via a specific receptor. Moreover, our observations also demonstrated that the same peritumor stromal cells strongly express MMP-2. Our results show that EMMPRIN is an important factor in tumor progression by causing tumor-associated stromal cells to increase their MMP-2 production, thus facilitating tumor invasion and neoangiogenesis.
Differential Recruitment of T- and IgA B-lymphocytes in the Developing Mammary Gland in Relation to Homing Receptors and Vascular Addressins
Authors: Tanneau Gwénola M. , Oyant Laurence Hibrand-Saint , Chevaleyre Claire C. , Salmon Henri P.
Published: April 2011

The mammary gland (MG) develops new vasculature and is colonized by lymphocytes, primarily T-cells, during pregnancy. In contrast, during lactation it is colonized primarily by IgA-containing B-cells (c-IgA cells). To explain this difference, we analyzed the spatiotemporal relationships between lymphocytes that expressed peripheral or mucosal homing receptors (HR) and the location of their vascular counterreceptors using quantitative immunohistochemical techniques. We observed that the density of β7+/CD3+ T-cells varied with the amount of the mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1 (MAdCAM-1)-stained area. Both increased during pregnancy to peak at delivery, decreased rapidly in early lactation to a steady level in mid- and late lactation, and returned to resting values after weaning. Although 60% of these β7+/CD3+ T-cells scattered in the epithelium co-expressed αEβ7, whereas the remaining 40% in association with blood vessels were α4β7, these results are consistent with a role of MAdCAM-1 in the localization of α4β7+ T-cells. In contrast to T-cells, β7+/c-IgA+ B plasmablasts (∼ 30% of total c-IgA cells) were located at the alveolar confluence, and their numbers increased in mid- and late lactation when MAdCAM-1 density plateaued. However, both T-and B-cells decreased after weaning. These results show an association between MAdCAM-1 expression level and recruitment of T-cells that does not hold for c-IgA B cells. Furthermore, the recruitment and accumulation of α4β7+ c-IgA cells are reminiscent of locally produced chemoattractants.
Immunohistochemical Distribution of Inter-α-trypsin Inhibitor Chains in Normal and Malignant Human Lung Tissue
Authors: Bourguignon Jeannette , Borghi Hélène , Sesboüé Richard , Diarra-Mehrpour Maryam , Bernaudin Jean-François , Josette Métayer , Martin Jean-Pierre , Thiberville Luc
Published: April 2011

The inter-α-trypsin inhibitor (ITI) family is a group of plasma proteins built up from heavy (HC1, HC2, HC3) and light (bikunin) chains synthesized in the liver. In this study we determined the distribution of ITI constitutive chains in normal and cancerous lung tissues using polyclonal antibodies. In normal lung tissue, H2, H3, and bikunin chains were found in polymorphonuclear cells, whereas H1 and bikunin proteins were found in mast cells. Bikunin was further observed in bronchoepithelial mucous cells. In lung carcinoma, similar findings were obtained on infiltrating polymorphonuclear and mast cells surrounding the tumor islets. Highly differentiated cancerous cells displayed strong intracytoplasmic staining with H1 and bikunin antiserum in both adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Moreover, weak but frequent H2 expression was observed in adenocarcinoma cells, whereas no H3-related protein could be detected in cancer cells. Local lung ITI expression was confirmed by RT-PCR. Although the respective role of inflammatory and tumor cells in ITI chain synthesis cannot be presently clarified, these results show that heavy chains as well as bikunin are involved in malignant transformation of lung tissue.
How different are the correlates of onset and continuation of civil wars?
Authors: Bleaney Michael , Dimico Arcangelo
Published: April 2011

It is very common to analyse the factors associated with the onset and continuation of civil wars entirely separately, as if there were likely to be no similarity between them. This is an overstatement of the theoretical position, which has established only that they may be different (i.e. less than perfectly correlated). The hypothesis that the explanatory variables are the same is not theoretically excludable and is empirically testable, both for individual variables and for combinations of them. Starting from this approach yields a rather different picture of the factors associated with the continuation of civil wars, because the relatively small sample size means that confidence intervals on individual coefficients are wide in this case. It is shown here that country size, mountainous terrain and (in most datasets) ethnic diversity seem significant for the continuation of civil wars, starting from the null hypothesis that variables affect onset and continuation probabilities identically, rather than entirely independently. One variable that affects onset and continuation significantly differently is anocracy, which we find to matter only for onset. Civil war is more likely if it occurred two years previously, as well as one year previously, which indicates that wars are more likely to restart after only one year of peace, and also more likely to stop in their first year. The combined model strengthens the result that ethnic diversity matters (it is consistently significant across datasets, whereas it is not when onset is analysed separately), although in the UCD/PRIO dataset it is significant only for onset. By contrast, if continuation is analysed independently, virtually nothing is significant except a pre-1991 dummy and a dummy for civil war two years previously.
Taking matters into their own hands: An analysis of the determinants of state-conducted peacekeeping in civil wars
Authors: Rost Nicolas , Greig J Michael
Published: April 2011

Why and when do states take the burden upon themselves to send peacekeepers into a civil war, rather than relying on intergovernmental organizations to do so? While there are a few empirical studies on the conditions under which the UN sends peacekeeping missions, no such analyses of state-conducted peacekeeping exist. In this study, a theoretical framework on state-conducted peacekeeping in civil wars is developed and empirically tested. Not surprisingly, when acting outside international organizations, states are able to take their own interests directly into account and select those civil wars to which they send peacekeepers accordingly. States’ interests play a much greater role here than, for example, the interests of the major powers do for UN peacekeeping. When states send peacekeepers they are more likely to choose former colonies, military allies, trade partners, or countries with which they have ethnic ties. Yet, this does not mean that state-conducted peacekeeping occurs only where states see their own interests. Contrary to conventional wisdom, states also provide peacekeeping to ‘tough’ cases, the most challenging civil wars. These are long, ethnic wars. This tendency for states to provide peacekeeping holds when civil wars produce dire effects on civilians. States are more likely to send peacekeepers into civil wars that kill or displace many people. Finally, states react to opportunities: the more previous mediation attempts, the higher the chances for state-conducted peacekeeping.
Terror management in times of war: Mortality salience effects on self-esteem and governmental and army support
Authors: Chatard Armand , Selimbegović Leila , N'Dri Konan Paul , Arndt Jamie , Pyszczynski Tom , Lorenzi-Cioldi Fabio , Van der Linden Martial
Published: April 2011

Previous research has identified economic and political factors that can contribute to the outbreak and the duration of armed conflicts. However, the psychological factors that may play a role in conflict escalation and duration have received less attention. Adopting a psychological perspective, the present study aims to investigate the role of death awareness in the context of an armed conflict. To this aim, basic assumptions derived from Terror Management Theory (TMT) were examined in an African civil war context. According to TMT, people manage awareness of inevitable death by increased striving for self-esteem and increased adherence to their cultural values. Students from the University of Abidjan (Ivory Coast), located in the pro-governmental part of the country, were randomly assigned to a mortality salience or a control condition and completed measures of self-esteem and government/army support. As expected, reminding participants of their possible death during the ongoing conflict exacerbated self-esteem, as well as support for the actions of the government and its army, compared to a control condition. Given that mortality is chronically salient in the context of a civil war, these effects can lead to conflict intensification by increasing not only each side’s support for their leaders, but also the value that members of confronted sides attribute to themselves. The findings are discussed in terms of the role of mortality salience in conflict escalation and the importance of carefully dealing with the past in post-conflict societies.
Global instances of coups from 1950 to 2010: A new dataset
Authors: Powell Jonathan M , Thyne Clayton L
Published: April 2011

Once considered a ‘hot topic’ among scholars, research on coups d’état has waned in recent years. This decline is surprising given that 7 coups have happened between January 2008 and December 2010, bringing the last decade’s total to almost three dozen. One explanation for the lack of coup research is the absence of a temporally and spatially comprehensive dataset to test theories. Also absent is a discussion of what makes coups distinct from other forms of anti-regime activity. This article seeks to remedy these problems. The authors present a new dataset on coups from 1950 to 2010. They begin by explaining their theoretical definition and coding procedures. Next, they examine general trends in the data across time and space. The authors conclude by explaining why scholars studying a variety of topics, including civil wars, regime stability, and democratization, would benefit by paying closer attention to coups.
Temporal Variability and Stability in Infant-Directed Sung Speech: Evidence for Language-specific Patterns
Authors: Falk Simone
Published: April 2011

In this paper, sung speech is used as a methodological tool to explore temporal variability in the timing of word-internal consonants and vowels. It is hypothesized that temporal variability/stability becomes clearer under the varying rhythmical conditions induced by song. This is explored crosslinguistically in German — a language that exhibits a potential vocalic quantity distinction — and the non-quantity languages French and Russian. Songs by non-professional singers, i.e. parents that sang to their infants aged 2 to 13 months in a non-laboratory setting, were recorded and analyzed. Vowel and consonant durations at syllable contacts of trochaic word types with CVCV or CV CV structure were measured under varying rhythmical conditions. Evidence is provided that in German non-professional singing, the two syllable structures can be differentiated by two distinct temporal variability patterns: vocalic variability (and consonantal stability) was found to be dominant in CV CV structures whereas consonantal variability (and vocalic stability) was characteristic for CVCV structures. In French and Russian, however, only vocalic variability seemed to apply. Additionally, findings suggest that the different temporal patterns found in German were also supported by the stability pattern at the tonal level. These results point to subtle (supra) segmental timing mechanisms in sung speech that affect temporal targets according to the specific prosodic nature of the language in question.
Do Gates Negate the City? Gated Communities’ Contribution to the Urbanisation of Suburbia in Pilar, Argentina
Authors: Roitman Sonia , Phelps Nicholas
Published: April 2011

Pilar is a city located in the third ring of the Buenos Aires metropolitan region (Argentina). Over the past 30 years, the widespread development of gated residential communities has seemingly gone hand-in-hand with an urbanisation of this outer suburb signalled by the arrival of new populations, enterprise, retail and other services. The growth of the ‘private city’ of these gated communities therefore has important implications for the ‘public city’ of the wider suburban municipality. Drawing upon original research based on the opinions of key informants, this paper considers how the growth of the ‘private city’ has contributed to the economy of, processes of community-building and social cohesion in Pilar. In conclusion, it is suggested that gated residential communities have been a major factor in the emergence of the dual suburb that is Pilar today.
Gender, the State, and War Redux
Authors: Sjoberg Laura
Published: April 2011

In her recent article, ‘Women, the State, and War,’ in a special issue of this journal honoring Kenneth Waltz, Jean Elshtain explores the question of what if anything it does to ‘put gender in’ to analysis of Waltz’s three ‘images’ of International Relations, and determines that gender is not definitive or causal in war theorizing. This article suggests that, while the question is an important and appropriate one to ask, the evidence that Elshtain brings to bear and the tools she uses to answer the question are inadequate to the task and not reflective of the current ‘state of the field’ of feminist International Relations. Addressing the question of if gender ‘alters in significant ways’ ‘man, the state, and war,’ this article provides theoretical and empirical examples from the young but rich field of feminist International Relations to present readers with the substance of feminist claims and the warrants behind feminist arguments. It urges International Relations to decide on the question of the relevance of gender by taking work in the area seriously, and suggests that the discipline might be convinced that acknowledging gender is crucial if scholars engage with the literature that sees ‘man, the state, and war’ as gendered.
E. H. Carr, Dostoevsky, and the Problem of Irrationality in Modern Europe
Authors: Nishimura Kuniyuki
Published: April 2011

Despite a number of recent studies of Carr’s classical theory of international relations, scholars still virtually ignore his early biographical works, especially the one on Dostoevsky. By recovering the connection between Carr’s view on international politics and that on Dostoevsky, the present article attempts to advance our understanding about the meaning of Carr’s realism–utopianism dichotomy. What Carr tried to do in The Twenty Years’ Crisis was to transcend the nihilistic relativism that appeared as a corollary of the rise of the problem of human irrationality. Carr learned from Dostoevsky the epochal meaning of this problem as well as vital insights for generating his own solution to it. Thus arguing, the present article aims at renewing our awareness of the significance of context in the inquiries into early International Relations as well as adding another contribution to the recent revisions of classical realism.
Shades of Green
Authors: Brunstetter Daniel , Brunstetter Scott
Published: April 2011

The German Green Party’s evolution from an absolute pacifist party to what we call engaged pacifism during the period from 1992 to 2005 deserves the attention of just war scholars because such an evolution shows how and why pacifists can come to accept – and limit – the use of force. Because the German Greens’ values are embedded in pacifist principles linked to Germany’s strategic culture – a presumption against war, fear of state power politics and escalation, and a deep sensitivity to war’s destructiveness – their foreign policy outlook is defined by an alternative logic encompassing different strategies and goals compared to the just war tradition. The Kosovo crisis and the War on Terror demonstrate how the Greens’ engaged pacifism offers a form of critical solidarity with the just war tradition by serving as a check on certain interpretations of the jus ad bellum criteria.
Cochlear Implantation Using Thin‐Film Array Electrodes
Authors: Iverson Kenneth C. , Bhatti Pamela T. , Falcone Jessica , Figueroa Ramon , McKinnon Brian J.
Published: April 2011

Objective

Current limitations in language perception may stem from an inability to provide high‐resolution sound input. Thin‐film array technology allows for a greater density of stimulating sites within the limited diameter of the scala tympani. This study examines the use of a flexible carrier to achieve adequate depth of insertion.

Study Design

A prospective human cadaveric temporal bone insertion analysis.

Setting

Academic otolaryngology department and school of electrical and computer engineering collaboration.

Methods

A prototype thin‐film array electrode coupled with an insertion test device (ITD) was manufactured and inserted into 10 human cadaveric temporal bones. As controls, 2 additional temporal bones were implanted with the ITD only and 2 were unimplanted. Radiologic and histologic data were collected.

Results

Ten thin‐film array electrodes were successfully implanted into 10 individual temporal bones via round window (5) and cochleostomy (5) approaches. Seventeen millimeters of insertion was noted for each device, with an average angular insertion depth of 292° by radiographic measurements and 392° by histologic sectioning. Electrode distance to the modiolus averaged 0.88 mm by computed tomography and 0.67 mm by histologic measurements. Average percentage trauma was 26% for the ITD‐backed arrays compared with 15% and 29% for ITD only and unimplanted temporal bones, respectively.

Conclusion

Thin‐film array electrodes coupled with an ITD were successfully inserted into the human cochlea with limited trauma. With continued development and testing of this electrode design, the thin‐film array may improve the language perception achieved through cochlear implantation.
Role of Eotaxin‐3 in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps
Authors: Gu ZhaoWei , Jin MingZhu , Cao ZhiWei
Published: April 2011

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is connected to a chronic inflammatory process with the activation of different immune components. Eotaxin‐3, acidic mammalian chitinase (AMCase), and interleukin (IL)–13 as focal immune factors have been detected in CRSwNP, but their importance and relationship are still being investigated. This study aims to detect the expression of AMCase, IL‐13, and eotaxin‐3 in the mRNA level and investigate their roles and relationships in CRSwNP. Twenty‐four subjects with eosinophilic CRSwNP and 11 controls were included in the study. Tissues were obtained by endoscopic sinus surgery. Target genes were detected by real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. AMCase, eotaxin‐3, and IL‐13 were detected in all CRSwNP and controls. The expression of AMCase, eotaxin‐3, IL‐13, and mRNA was significantly higher in patients with CRSwNP than in the control group. There was a significantly positive correlation not only between AMCase and eotaxin‐3 but also between IL‐13 and eotaxin‐3 in CRSwNP. Increased AMCase, IL‐13, and eotaxin‐3 might lead to the Th2 inflammatory cascade reaction.
Polarization‐Sensitive Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging of Benign and Malignant Laryngeal Lesions
Authors: Burns James A. , Kim Ki Hean , deBoer Johannes F. , Anderson R. Rox , Zeitels Steven M.
Published: April 2011

Objective

Optical coherence tomography (OCT), an imaging technology that provides cross‐sectional subsurface tissue structure images using back‐scattered light, is a promising noninvasive imaging modality for in vivo assessment of vocal fold layered microstructure. Polarization‐sensitive OCT (PS‐OCT) augments conventional OCT by detecting changes in the polarization state of reflected light. This study imaged various benign and malignant laryngeal pathologies in patients undergoing direct laryngoscopy under general anesthesia to determine whether PS‐OCT would provide useful additional information about vocal fold microstructure and glottic surface pathology.

Study Design

Prospective clinical trial.

Setting

Tertiary care center.

Subjects and Methods

Twenty‐three patients who were undergoing microlaryngoscopy under general anesthesia for benign (n = 18) and malignant (n = 5) glottic disease were imaged bilaterally with OCT and PS‐OCT (n = 46 vocal folds). Intraoperative microphotography guided placement of the imaging probe. Normal‐appearing glottic tissue was also imaged if present. When clinically indicated, biopsy or complete removal of the lesion established histologic confirmation.

Results

PS‐OCT provided high‐quality, vertical, cross‐sectional images up to 1.2‐mm deep that complemented microlaryngoscopy and conventional OCT for vocal fold pathologies. Scar tissue was visualized by PS‐OCT, characterized by a birefringence pattern more intense than that of normal glottic tissue. Cancer typically showed disruption or absence of both layered structure and birefringence.

Conclusion

Combining PS‐OCT with OCT during human vocal cord imaging provides useful information in characterizing vocal cord lesions, particularly scar tissue.
Psychomotor Skills Training in Pediatric Airway Endoscopy Simulation
Authors: Jabbour Noel , Reihsen Troy , Sweet Robert M. , Sidman James D.
Published: April 2011

Objective

To develop a robust psychomotor skills curriculum to teach pediatric airway foreign body retrieval and to assess the effect of this curriculum on residents’ confidence in and ability to perform the complete task in an infant airway mannequin.

Study Design

Instructional course. Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS).

Setting

Surgical simulation laboratory.

Subjects and Methods

A half‐day simulation‐based course was developed to train otolaryngology residents in bronchoscopic foreign body retrieval. This complex psychomotor skill was deconstructed into subtasks. The following curricular learning objectives were presented and assessed: understanding of tracheobronchial anatomy, ability to adequately visualize the larynx with laryngoscopy, proficiency in rigid bronchoscopy, and familiarity with foreign body instrumentation. Residents were objectively evaluated on their ability to perform the complete task on a simulator before and after the course using an OSATS grading system. Confidence in successfully assembling the instruments and completing the task was assessed at these time periods.

Results

Seventeen otolaryngology residents completed the study. Confidence in assembling the instruments and in performing the complete task increased on average by 81% and 43%, respectively (P <. 001). Using a 15‐point OSATS grading system, the average score for the precourse was 7 and for the postcourse was 11.3 (P <. 001).

Conclusion

Simulation‐based subtask training shows promise as an effective and reproducible method to teach the complex psychomotor task of airway foreign body retrieval. Completion of the curriculum led to a significant improvement in residents’ confidence in and ability to perform bronchoscopic foreign body retrieval in an infant airway mannequin.