bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of age and cuticular hydrocarbon variation in mating pairs of house fly, Musca domestica, collected in the field
Authors: BUTLER S. M. , MOON R. D. , HINKLE N. C. , MILLAR J. G. , MCELFRESH J. S. , MULLENS B. A.
Published: November 2009

House flies, Musca domestica L., were collected in copula over two summers from six dairies located in three climatically distinct regions in the U.S.A. southern California, Minnesota and Georgia. Ages of males and females from a total of 511 mating pairs were estimated using pterin analysis. Cuticular hydrocarbon profiles and gonotrophic ages of females also were evaluated. Mean age of mating males ranged from 54 to 102 degree‐days (DD) (4–10 days based on field air temperatures), depending on the farm. Very young males (< 10–20 DD) and old males (> 200 DD) were rare in mating pairs. Mean female age at mating ranged from 20 to 46 DD (2.5–4 days). All mating females had eggs in the early stages of vitellogenesis and 99.2% were nulliparous. However, some older and parous females were collected, demonstrating that re‐mating can occur in the field. Head width measurements of mating pairs suggested that assortative mating by size did not occur. The cuticular hydrocarbon profiles of females were determined, with emphasis on (Z)‐9‐tricosene (muscalure). Overall, only 55% of mating females had detectable amounts (> 4 ηg per fly) of (Z)‐9‐tricosene. Of the females that had detectable (Z)‐9‐tricosene, variation in amount per female was high in all fly populations, and thus was not statistically related to the size or age of the mating female. The proportion of mating females with detectable levels of (Z)‐9‐tricosene varied by geographic region. Seventy‐one, 63, and 27% of females from southern California, Minnesota and Georgia had detectable amounts of (Z)‐9‐tricosene. Principal components analysis of the eight most abundant hydrocarbons from mating females, by state, revealed state‐level distinctiveness of hydrocarbons in house fly populations, which may reflect genetic variation associated with environmental stresses in those geographical zones.
Behavioural and insecticidal effects of organophosphate‐, carbamate‐ and pyrethroid‐treated mosquito nets against African malaria vectors
Authors: MALIMA R. C. , OXBOROUGH R. M. , TUNGU P. K. , MAXWELL C. , LYIMO I. , MWINGIRA V. , MOSHA F. W. , MATOWO J. , MAGESA S. M. , ROWLAND M. W.
Published: November 2009

Three insecticides – the pyrethroid deltamethrin, the carbamate carbosulfan and the organophosphate chlorpyrifos‐methyl – were tested on mosquito nets in experimental huts to determine their potential for introduction as malaria control measures. Their behavioural effects and efficacy were examined in Anopheles gambiae Giles s.s. (Diptera: Culicidae) and Anopheles funestus Giles s.s. in Muheza, Tanzania, and in Anopheles arabiensis Patton and Culex quinquefasciatus Say in Moshi, Tanzania. A standardized dosage of 25 mg/m2 plus high dosages of carbosulfan (50 mg/m2, 100 mg/m2 and 200 mg/m2) and chlorpyrifos‐methyl (100 mg/m2) were used to compare the three types of insecticide. At 25 mg/m2, the rank order of the insecticides for insecticide‐induced mortality in wild An. gambiae and An. funestus was, respectively, carbosulfan (88%, 86%) > deltamethrin (79%, 78%) > chlorpyrifos‐methyl (35%, 53%). The rank order of the insecticides for blood‐feeding inhibition (reduction in the number of blood‐fed mosquitoes compared with control) in wild An. gambiae and An. funestus was deltamethrin > chlorpyrifos‐methyl > carbosulfan. Carbosulfan was particularly toxic to endophilic anophelines at 200 mg/m2, killing 100% of An. gambiae and 98% of An. funestus that entered the huts. It was less effective against the more exophilic An. arabiensis (67% mortality) and carbamate‐resistant Cx quinquefasciatus (36% mortality). Carbosulfan deterred anophelines from entering huts, but did not deter carbamate‐resistant Cx quinquefasciatus. Deltamethrin reduced the proportion of insects engaged in blood‐feeding, probably as a consequence of contact irritancy, whereas carbosulfan seemed to provide personal protection through deterred entry or perhaps a spatial repellent action. Any deployment of carbosulfan as an individual treatment on nets should be carried out on a large scale to reduce the risk of diverting mosquitoes to unprotected individuals. Chlorpyrifos‐methyl was inferior to deltamethrin in terms of mortality and blood‐feeding inhibition and would be better deployed on a net in combination with a pyrethroid to control insecticide‐resistant mosquitoes.
Malaria vector composition and insecticide susceptibility status in Guinea Conakry, West Africa
Authors: VEZENEGHO S. B. , BROOKE B. D. , HUNT R. H. , COETZEE M. , KOEKEMOER L. L.
Published: November 2009

This study provides data on malaria vector species composition and insecticide susceptibility status from three localities in Guinea Conakry. A total of 497 mosquitoes were collected resting indoors and morphologically identified as belonging to the Anopheles gambiae complex. The majority of these were An. gambiae s.s. (99.6%), but a small percentage (0.4%) were identified as Anopheles arabiensis. Thirty‐four Anopheles funestus s.s. were also collected. The molecular S form of An. gambiae s.s. was predominant over the M form in Siguiri (95%) and Boffa (97.4%), whereas at Mt Nimba the M form was more abundant (61.4%) than the S form (38.1%). One hybrid M/S specimen was recorded from Mt Nimba. Siguiri populations showed high levels of resistance to DDT, dieldrin and bendiocarb. Anopheles gambiae from Boffa were largely susceptible to the insecticides tested. At Mt Nimba, resistance to DDT and bendicocarb was detected. Biochemical enzyme analysis showed that an altered acetylcholinesterase is operating in the field at low levels. The frequency of the 1014F kdr allele in the An. gambiae S form was 0.24 at Siguiri and 0.14 at Mt Nimba. A single RR specimen was found in the M form. The heterogeneity in species composition and resistance profiles between sites requires vector control interventions to be tailored to each site based on the data collected from ongoing monitoring and surveillance.
The role of lateral roots in bypass flow in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: FAIYUE BUALUANG , AL‐AZZAWI MOHAMMED J. , FLOWERS TIMOTHY J.
Published: November 2009

Although an apoplastic pathway (the so‐called bypass flow) is implicated in the uptake of Na+ by rice growing in saline conditions, the point of entry of this flow into roots remains to be elucidated. We investigated the role of lateral roots in bypass flow using the tracer trisodium‐8‐hydroxy‐1,3,6‐pyrenetrisulphonic acid (PTS) and the rice cv. IR36. PTS was identified in the vascular tissue of lateral roots using both epifluorescence microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Cryo‐scanning electron microscopy and epifluorescence microscopy of sections stained with berberine‐aniline blue revealed that the exodermis is absent in the lateral roots. We conclude that PTS can move freely through the cortical layers of lateral roots, enter the stele and be transported to the shoot via the transpiration stream.
‘Paying for performance’ in Rwanda: does it pay off?
Authors: Kalk Andreas , Paul Friederike Amani , Grabosch Eva
Published: November 2009

The study analyses strengths and weaknesses of the ‘Paying For Performance’ (P4P) approach rolled out in the Rwandan health sector since 2002. It uses three research methods: a cross‐sectoral literature review on P4P, its history and its context; 69 mostly semi‐structured interviews conducted in Rwanda; and an analysis of factors eventually confounding the impact evaluation of the Rwandan P4P approach. It is argued that P4P approaches can be traced backed in written form over four millennia and that considerable negative effects are reported throughout history. All side effects were found again in various forms in the Rwandan health sector. One particular side effect –‘gaming’– seriously threatens to affect the quality of health services. It is argued that P4P implicitly (and unintentionally) promotes a questionable concept of human ‘labour’ and that its focus on improving indicators rather than systemic changes can be regarded as vertical and counter‐productive. Two alternatives to the current P4P system are briefly depicted, and further research on the described challenges is recommended.
Pleistocene glaciations and contemporary genetic diversity in a Beringian fish, the broad whitefish, Coregonus nasus (Pallas): inferences from microsatellite DNA variation
Authors: HARRIS L. N. , TAYLOR E. B.
Published: November 2009

The contemporary distribution of genetic variation within and among high latitude populations cannot be fully understood without taking into consideration how species responded to the impacts of Pleistocene glaciations. Broad whitefish, Coregonus nasus, a species endemic to northwest North America and the Arctic coast of Russia, was undoubtedly impacted by such events because its geographic distribution suggests that it survived solely within the Beringian refuge from where it dispersed post‐glacially to achieve its current range. We used microsatellite DNA to investigate the role of glaciations in promoting intraspecific genetic variation in broad whitefish (N = 14 localities, 664 fish) throughout their North American range and in one Russian sample. Broad whitefish exhibited relatively high intrapopulation variation (average of 11.7 alleles per locus, average HE = 0.61) and moderate levels of interpopulation divergence (overall FST = 0.10). The main regions assayed in our study (Russia, Alaska, Mackenzie River and Travaillant Lake systems) were genetically differentiated from each other and there were declines in genetic diversity with distance from putative refugia. Additionally, Mackenzie River system populations showed less developed and more variable patterns of isolation‐by‐distance than populations occupying former Alaskan portions of Beringia. Finally, our data suggest that broad whitefish dispersed from Beringia using coastal environments and opportunistically via headwater stream connections that once existed between Yukon and Mackenzie River drainages. Our results illustrate the importance of history (e.g. glaciation) and contemporary dispersal ecology in shaping the current genetic population structure of Arctic faunas.
Organic and conventional fruits and vegetables contain equivalent counts of Gram‐negative bacteria expressing resistance to antibacterial agents
Authors: Ruimy Raymond , Brisabois Anne , Bernede Claire , Skurnik David , Barnat Saïda , Arlet Guillaume , Momcilovic Sonia , Elbaz Sandrine , Moury Frédérique , Vibet Marie‐Anne , Courvalin Patrice , Guillemot Didier , Andremont Antoine
Published: November 2009

Resistance to antibiotics is a major public health problem which might culminate in outbreaks caused by pathogenic bacteria untreatable by known antibiotics. Most of the genes conferring resistance are acquired horizontally from already resistant commensal or environmental bacteria. Food contamination by resistant bacteria might be a significant source of resistance genes for human bacteria but has never been precisely assessed, nor is it known whether organic products differ in this respect from conventionally produced products. We showed here, on a large year‐long constructed sample set containing 399 products that, irrespective of their mode of production, raw fruits and vegetables are heavily contaminated by Gram‐negative bacteria (GNB) resistant to multiple antibiotics. Most of these bacteria originate in the soil and environment. We focused on non‐oxidative GNB resistant to third‐generation cephalosporins, because of their potential impact on human health. Among them, species potentially pathogenic for immunocompetent hosts were rare. Of the products tested, 13% carried bacteria producing extended – spectrum beta‐lactamases, all identified as Rahnella sp. which grouped into two phylotypes and all carrying the blaRAHN gene. Thus, both organic and conventional fruits and vegetables may constitute significant sources of resistant bacteria and of resistance genes.
The first clinical case of a mutation at residue K185 of Kir6.2 (KCNJ11): a major ATP‐binding residue
Authors: Shimomura K. , De Nanclares G. P. , Foutinou C. , Caimari M. , Castaño L. , Ashcroft F. M.
Published: November 2009

Diabet. Med. 27, 225–229 (2010)

Background  Closure of the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)‐sensitive potassium (KATP) channel plays a key role in insulin secretion from the pancreatic β‐cells. Many mutations in KCNJ11 and ABCC8, which respectively encode the pore‐forming (Kir6.2) and regulatory (SUR1) subunits of the KATP channel, cause neonatal diabetes. All such mutations impair the ability of metabolically generated ATP to close the channel. Although lysine 185 is predicted to be a major contributor to the ATP‐binding site of Kir6.2, no mutations at this residue have been found to cause neonatal diabetes to date.

Methods  We report a 3‐year‐old girl with permanent neonatal diabetes (PNDM) caused by a novel heterozygous mutation (K185Q) at residue K185 of KCNJ11. The patient presented with marked hyperglycaemia and ketoacidosis at 70 days after birth, and insulin therapy was commenced.

Results  Wild‐type and mutant KATP channels were expressed in Xenopus oocytes and the effects of intracellular ATP on macroscopic KATP currents in inside‐out membrane patches were measured. In the simulated heterozygous state, the K185Q mutation caused a substantial reduction in the ability of MgATP to inhibit the channel. Heterozygous K185Q channels were still blocked effectively by the sulphonylurea tolbutamide.

Conclusions  We report the first clinical case of a PNDM caused by a mutation at K185. Functional studies indicate that the K185Q mutation causes PNDM by reducing the ATP sensitivity of the KATP channel, probably via a reduction in ATP binding to Kir6.2. Based on the experimental data, the patient was successfully transferred to sulphonylurea therapy.
Incidence of multiple sclerosis in Buenos Aires: a 16‐year health maintenance organization‐based study
Authors: Cristiano E. , Patrucco L. , Giunta D. , Videla G. , Soriano E. R. , Rojas J. I.
Published: November 2009

Objective: The present study was undertaken to determine the incidence of MS in a health maintenance organization from Buenos Aires, the largest populated area in Argentina.

Methods: Population was all members of a hospital‐based health maintenance organization who were affiliated since January 1992 up to December 2007. Each person was followed contributing time at risk since January 1992 or enrollment date to the final date. Patients with definite diagnosis according to Poser’s criteria were included. Incidence density was calculated with 95% confidence intervals.

Results: A total of 145 000 patients were followed for a total of 1 021 515 person‐years, of whom 18 developed the disease. Incidence density (ID): 1.76 /100 000 person‐years (95% CI: 1.1–2.8/100 000 person‐years).

Conclusion: The incidence density of 1.76 per 100 000 suggests a low‐median risk area for MS. This study constitutes the first of its kind to cover data of MS incidence in Argentina.
The occurrence of mutations in FUS in a Belgian cohort of patients with familial ALS
Authors: Damme P. Van , Goris A. , Race V. , Hersmus N. , Dubois B. , Bosch L. Van Den , Matthijs G. , Robberecht W.
Published: November 2009

Background and purpose:  Mutations in fused in sarcoma (FUS) were recently identified as a cause of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The frequency of occurrence of mutations in FUS in sets of patients with familial ALS remains to be established.

Methods:  We sequenced the FUS gene in a cohort of patients with familial ALS seen at the neuromuscular clinic in Leuven. A total of 28 patients with SOD1‐negative ALS from 22 families were analyzed.

Results:  We identified a R521H mutation in 4 patients, belonging to a kindred of dominantly inherited classical ALS. The mutation segregated with disease. Mutations in FUS were observed in 2.9% of ALS pedigrees in our cohort.

Conclusions:  These results show that mutations in FUS are also a significant cause of familial ALS in Belgium.
Effective Disaster Response in Cross Border Events
Authors: Edwards Frances L.
Published: November 2009

Disasters occur cyclically, seasonally, or in geologic time, sometimes without notice, causing loss of life and environmental and property damage. Communities must be prepared to assess their risks and the consequences of disasters, and determine which vulnerable populations will need special assistance. The building blocks of effective disaster management are risk assessment, mitigation, planning, training and exercises for response, and a good plan for recovery, whether the scope is limited to one community or is a cross border – interstate or international – event. However, cross border events create additional political, social and diplomatic challenges that require additional planning.
Research Review: Cholinergic mechanisms, early brain development, and risk for schizophrenia
Authors: Ross Randal G. , Stevens Karen E. , Proctor William R. , Leonard Sherry , Kisley Michael A. , Hunter Sharon K. , Freedman Robert , Adams Catherine E.
Published: November 2009

The onset of diagnostic symptomology for neuropsychiatric diseases is often the end result of a decades‐long process of aberrant brain development. Identification of novel treatment strategies aimed at normalizing early brain development and preventing mental illness should be a major therapeutic goal. However, there are few models for how this goal might be achieved. This review uses the development of a psychophysiological correlate of attentional deficits in schizophrenia to propose a developmental model with translational primary prevention implications. Review of genetic and neurobiological studies suggests that an early interaction between α7 nicotinic receptor density and choline availability may contribute to the development of schizophrenia‐associated attentional deficits. Therapeutic implications, including perinatal dietary choline supplementation, are discussed.
The mathematical strengths and weaknesses of children with dyslexia
Authors: Simmons Fiona R. , Singleton Chris
Published: November 2009

This paper reports the findings of two related studies that examined the mathematical strengths and weaknesses of children with dyslexia. In study one, dyslexic children were compared to children without special educational needs on tests that assessed arithmetic fact recall, place value understanding and counting speed. Study two used the same methodology, but matched the dyslexic children with the non‐dyslexic children on a number of factors, including intellectual ability. This excluded the possibility that confounding variables accounted for the differences between the groups in study one. Both studies indicated that the dyslexic children had slower and less accurate number fact recall than the non‐dyslexic children, but had unimpaired place value understanding. The results for counting speed were more equivocal, but there was a trend for the dyslexic children to be slower counters. The results suggest that dyslexia is not normally associated with a general mathematical impairment, but rather an uneven profile of skills. This profile can be explained in terms of the phonological processing weaknesses associated with dyslexia. The finding that dyslexic children have a specific difficulty recalling arithmetic facts suggests that a teaching programme that emphasises mental methods may disadvantage them.
Teachers' beliefs about inappropriate behaviour: challenging attitudes?
Authors: Grieve Ann M.
Published: November 2009

This paper focuses on taking a first step in the process of influencing teachers' attitudes by building a description of beliefs about inappropriate behaviour that can be used in staff development work to provoke dissonance‐led change.

It describes a study, undertaken in two parts, exploring teachers' attitudes to inclusion, and ascertaining their views on the personal qualities believed important in successfully supporting students whose behaviour was considered inappropriate for mainstream classrooms.

Cognitive dissonance can be a tool for teacher educators to challenge teachers' awareness of the foundations of their existing practice and then to create and develop new ways forward. The studies reported in this paper suggest that teacher' attitudes to the inclusion of students with behaviour which challenges, and the notion that such behaviour is beyond the influence of the teacher, is not consonant with their ability to identify personal qualities which are effective in supporting those same students.
Phe369(7.38) at human 5‐HT7receptors confers interspecies selectivity to antagonists and partial agonists
Authors: Varin Thibault , Gutiérrez‐de‐Terán Hugo , Castro Marián , Brea José , Fabis Frederic , Dauphin François , Åqvist Johan , Lepailleur Alban , Perez Pilar , Burgueño Javier , Vela José Miguel , Loza Maria Isabel , Rodrigo Jordi
Published: November 2009

Background and purpose: Human and rat 5‐HT7receptors were studied with a particular emphasis on the molecular interactions involved in ligand binding, searching for an explanation to the interspecies selectivity observed for a set of compounds. We performed affinity studies, molecular modelling and site‐directed mutagenesis, with special focus on residue Phe(7.38) of the human 5‐HT7receptor [Cys(7.38) in rat].

Experimental approach: Competition binding studies were performed for seven 5‐HT7receptor ligands at three different 5‐HT7receptors. The functional behaviour was evaluated by measuring 5‐carboxytryptamine‐stimulated cAMP production. Computational simulations were carried out to explore the structural bases in ligand binding observed for these compounds.

Key results: Competition experiments showed a remarkable selectivity for the human receptor when compared with the rat receptor. These results indicate that mutating Cys to Phe at position 7.38 profoundly affects the binding affinities at the 5‐HT7receptor. Computational simulations provide a structural interpretation for this key finding. Pharmacological characterization of compounds mr25020, mr25040 and mr25053 revealed a competitive antagonistic behaviour. Compounds mr22423, mr22433, mr23284 and mr25052 behaved as partial agonists.

Conclusions and implications: We propose that the interspecies difference in binding affinities observed for the compounds at human and rat 5‐HT7receptors is due to the nature of the residue at position 7.38. Our molecular modelling simulations suggest that Phe(7.38) in the human receptor is integrated in the hydrophobic pocket in the central part of the binding site [Phe(6.51)‐Phe(6.52)] and allows a tighter binding of the ligands when compared with the rat receptor.
Victimhood Nationalism and History Reconciliation in East Asia
Authors: Lim Jie‐Hyun
Published: November 2009

‘Victimhood nationalism’ is a working hypothesis to explicate competing national memories over the historical position of victims in coming to terms with the pasts. Once put into the dichotomy of victimizers and victims in national terms, the victimhood becomes hereditary and thus consolidates the national solidarity beyond generations. Without a reflection on the victimhood nationalism, the postwar Vergangenheitsbewäeltigung cannot be properly grasped. Victimhood nationalism is intrinsically transnational as victims are unthinkable without victimizers. The transnationality of victimhood nationalism demands a histoire croisée to comprehend the entangled past of the victimized and victimizers. A transnational history of ‘coming to terms with past’ would show that the vicious circle of victimhood nationalisms, based on the antagonistic complicity of nationalisms between the victimizers and victims, has been a rock to any historical reconciliation effort. Focused on East Asia this essay is a part of the plan to write a transnational history of the victimhood nationalism in Korea, Poland and Israel with Japan and Germany as counterparts.
Political Culture in the 1590s: The ‘Second Reign of Elizabeth’
Authors: Gajda Alexandra
Published: November 2009

In the mid‐1990s, John Guy argued that Elizabethan political culture was transformed in the late 1580s, as the regime increasingly endorsed authoritarian definitions of monarchical power. This article reconsiders the foundations of Guy’s hypothesis, analysing some of the key political and intellectual and literary contexts that conditioned the expression of political ideas in the final years of Elizabethan England.
Endovascular Treatment of a Ruptured Dual Aperture Cavernous Aneurysm
Authors: Meyers Philip M. , Halbach Van V. , Dowd Christopher F. , Lempert Todd E. , Lefler James E. , Malek Adel M. , Phatouros Constantine C. , Higashida Randall T.
Published: November 2009

The authors describe the diagnosis and endovascular management of a multiaperture, ruptured cavernous internal carotid artery aneurysm causing a carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) using both transarterial and transvenous techniques. Although uncommon, recognition of the imaging characteristics of such a lesion will aide in successful management and improve treatment outcome. To the authors' knowledge, CCF due to a ruptured cavernous aneurysm with multiple shunts has not been previously reported.
Assessment of a hybrid reform path: Social and labour policies in Uruguay, 1985–2005
Authors: ALEGRE Pablo , FILGUEIRA Fernando
Published: November 2009

Since Uruguay's return to democracy in 1985, a shift in economic and social policy has radically changed the country. The outcomes have been shaped by adjustment to international circumstances “by default”, stop‐go market reforms and the inconsistent pace and content of reforms. Unlike other countries in the region, Uruguay has not followed a resolutely neo‐liberal course, but rather a hybrid one. The end result has been a liberal labour regime coupled with a three‐dimensional social policy balancing the market, the old corporatist welfare State and the new welfare state targeting specific beneficiaries.
The effect of social networks and social support on common mental disorders following specific life events
Authors: Maulik P. K. , Eaton W. W. , Bradshaw C. P.
Published: November 2009

Maulik PK, Eaton WW, Bradshaw CP. The effect of social networks and social support on common mental disorders following specific life events.

Objective: This study examined the association between life events and common mental disorders while accounting for social networks and social supports.

Method: Participants included 1920 adults in the Baltimore Epidemiologic Catchment Area Cohort who were interviewed in 1993–1996, of whom 1071 were re‐interviewed in 2004–2005. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the data.

Results: Social support from friends, spouse or relatives was associated with significantly reduced odds of panic disorder and psychological distress, after experiencing specific life events. Social networks or social support had no significant stress‐buffering effect. Social networks and social support had almost no direct or buffering effect on major depressive disorder, and no effect on generalized anxiety disorder and alcohol abuse or dependence disorder.

Conclusion: The significant association between social support and psychological distress, rather than diagnosable mental disorders, highlights the importance of social support, especially when the severity of a mental health related problem is low.
Skin metastasis: a pathologist's perspective
Authors: Hussein Mahmoud Rezk Abdelwahed
Published: November 2009

Skin metastasis is defined as the spread of malignant cells from a primary malignancy to the skin. It is one manifestation of systemic spread of cancer. The tumor cells originate either from an internal malignancy or from a primary skin cancer. This study presents a literature review concerning these issues as well as this author's experience encountered throughout 19 years of surgical pathology and dermatopathology practice. Several conclusions are evident. Generally, skin metastases are encountered in 0.7–9% of all patients with cancer and as such the skin is an uncommon site of metastatic disease when compared to other organs. There is usually a long‐time lag between the diagnosis of the primary malignancy and the recognition of the skin metastases. However, these metastases may be the first indication of the clinically silent visceral malignancies. The regional distribution of the skin metastasis, although not always predictable, is related to the location of the primary malignancy and the mechanism of metastatic spread. The relative frequency of skin metastasis correlates with the type of primary cancer, which occurs in each sex. For instance, lung and breast carcinomas are the most common primaries that send skin metastasis in men and women, respectively. The head and neck region and the anterior chest are the areas of greatest predilection in men. The anterior chest wall and the abdomen are the most commonly involved sites in women. Skin metastases usually appear as non‐specific groups of discrete firm painless nodules that emerge rapidly without any explanation. They vary in size from so tiny as to be of ‘miliary lesions' to as large as ‘Hen’s egg size’. Some skin metastasis may mimic specific dermatological conditions such as cutaneous cyst, dermatofibroma, pyogenic granuloma, hemangioma, papular eruptions, herpes zoster eruptions, rapidly infiltrating plaques, alopecic patches, cellulitis and erysipelas. Histologically, the skin metastases usually show features reminiscent of the primary malignancy, but with variable degrees of differentiation. Molecularly, skin metastasis is an organized, non‐random and organ‐selective process orchestrated by interaction among several heterogeneous molecules, which are largely unknown. Metastasis to the skin is often a pre‐terminal event that heralds poor outcome.

Hussein MRA. Skin metastasis: a pathologist's perspective.
Parrot claylick distribution in South America: do patterns of “where” help answer the question “why”?
Authors: Lee Alan T. K. , Kumar Sunil , Brightsmith Donald J. , Marsden Stuart J.
Published: November 2009

Geophagy is well known among some Neotropical parrots. The clay apparently adsorbs dietary toxins and/or provides supplemental nutrients. We used location data and 23 environmental layers to develop a predictive model of claylick distribution using Maxent software. We related species characteristics to claylick use and examined how parrot assemblages using claylicks changed with distance from the centre of claylick distribution. Fifty‐two parrot claylicks were reported from an area of ca 4 million km2 but over 50% were restricted to a 35 000 km2 region of southeast Peru and northern Bolivia. Claylicks were strongly associated with moist forest on younger (<65 millions of yr) geological formations and exposed river banks. The predictive model of claylick distribution matched our reported range well, with precipitation of warmest quarter, land cover, temperature seasonality, and distance from the ocean being most important predictors of claylick presence. Twenty‐six of the region's 46 parrot species visited claylicks. Species differed greatly in their lick use, but body size, dietary breadth, abundance and other traits were poor predictors of lick use. We are confident that our survey identified the distribution of major parrot claylicks in South America, although less conspicuous parrot geophagy may occur elsewhere. We suggest that claylick distribution reflects both underlying geology (allowing claylick formation in only some regions) and the physiological need for geophagy among parrots in different parts of the continent. Data on the latter are inconclusive, but we argue that parrot claylick distribution supports the contention that geophagy is related more to sodium deficiencies than to protection from dietary toxins.
Study on bioactive compounds of in vitro cultured Calculus Suis and natural Calculus Bovis1
Authors: WAN Tien‐Chun , CHENG Fu‐Yuan , LIU Yu‐Tse , LIN Liang‐Chuan , SAKATA Ryoichi
Published: November 2009

The purpose of the study was to investigate bioactive compounds of in vitro cultured Calculus Suis and natural Calculus Bovis obtained as valuable by‐products from animals used for meat production. The results showed that the components of natural Calculus Bovis were rich in bilirubin and biliverdin and had higher content of essential amino acids. The major amino acids of in vitro cultured Calculus Suis were identified as glycine, alanine, glutamic acid and aspartic acid, and those for natural Calculus Bovis were found to be glutamic acid, aspartic acid, proline, and arginine. The methionine and cysteine contents of precursors for glutathione in natural Calculus Bovis were significantly higher than those of in vitro cultured Calculus Suis. The mineral contents of zinc, iron and manganese of natural Calculus Bovis were significantly higher than those of in vitro cultured Calculus Suis. The major bile acids in both products were cholic acid and dehydrocholic acid, respectively. The chenodeoxycholic and ursodeoxycholic acid content of in vitro cultured Calculus Suis was significantly higher than that of natural Calculus Bovis.
Oral administration of Lactobacillus plantarum Lq80 and Megasphaera elsdenii iNP‐001 induces efficient recovery from mucosal atrophy in the small and the large intestines of weaning piglets
Authors: YOSHIDA Yoko , TSUKAHARA Takamitsu , USHIDA Kazunari
Published: November 2009

Weaning causes atrophy of intestinal mucosa and a drop of IgA protection in piglets which increases vulnerability to pathogenic infections. Probiotic lactobacilli may support recovery from such weaning stresses. Butyrate‐produce bacteria may support the growth of colonic mucosa. Megasphaera elsdenii, a lactate‐utilizing butyrate producer, may help butyrate production particularly when combined with lactobacilli. Weaned piglets (Experiment 1: 20 days old, Experiment 2: 28 days old) were orally dosed once a day with either (L) 1010 (cell/dose) L. plantarum Lq80, or (LM) 1010 (cell/dose) Lq80 with 109 (cell/dose) M. elsdenii iNP‐001. Lq80 was contained in capsules resistant to gastric digestion. M. elsdenii was contained in capsules resistant to gastric and intestinal digestion. An untreated control (C) was also prepared. After 2 weeks of administration, L. plantarum enhanced the recovery from the villous atrophy in both experiments. The rectal and colonic IgA tended to be higher in L and LM than in C in Experiment 1. Colonic butyrate was higher in LM than in the others in Experiment 1. The thickness of the colonic mucosa was greater in LM than in the others in Experiment 1. In early weaned piglets, the effects of L. plantarum and M. elsdenii were clear.
Hypoxic resistance to articular chondrocyte apoptosis – a possible mechanism of maintaining homeostasis of normal articular cartilage
Authors: Seol J.‐W. , Lee H.‐B. , Lee Y.‐J. , Lee Y.‐H. , Kang H.‐s. , Kim I.‐s. , Kim N.‐S. , Park S.‐Y.
Published: November 2009

Hypoxia and hypoxia‐related genes are important factors in articular chondrocytes during cartilage homeostasis and osteoarthritis. We have investigated the various apoptotic factors that show significance in synovial fluid obtained from normal and experimental osteoarthritic animal models and have evaluated the effect of hypoxia on articular chondrocyte apoptosis induced by these apoptotic factors. Mature beagle dogs underwent surgical transections of ligaments and medial meniscectomies to explore the underlying mechanisms of osteoarthritis. Cartilage and synovial fluid obtained from normal animals and those with osteoarthritis were evaluated via proteasome inhibition, tumour necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) protein expression, mitochondrial transmembrane potential and levels of reactive oxygen species. Canine chondrocytes were exposed to the proteasome inhibitor N‐acetyl‐Leu‐Leu‐Norleu‐al and treated with recombinant TRAIL protein under normoxic and hypoxic conditions, measuring chondrocyte cell viability, proteasome activity and levels of apoptotic factors. TRAIL protein expression and ubiquitinated proteins were increased significantly, but the proteasome activity in the synovial fluid of osteoarthritic joints relative to that in normal joints was not. Primary cultured articular chondrocytes cotreated with the proteasome inhibitor and TRAIL progressed to severe apoptosis under normoxic conditions, but the sensitization caused by the combined treatment was suppressed by exposure to hypoxia. Caspase‐8 activation, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase phosphorylation, the mitochondrial transmembrane potential and the generation of reactive oxygen species involved in cell death regulation were significantly inhibited under hypoxic conditions. These findings suggest that proteasome inhibition and TRAIL may be possible mechanisms in cartilage degradation and joint‐related diseases. Furthermore, the maintenance of hypoxic conditions or therapy with hypoxia‐related genes in the joint may be successful for the treatment of joint‐related diseases, including osteoarthritis.
Mixed lineage leukemia histone methylases play critical roles in estrogen‐mediated regulation of HOXC13
Authors: Ansari Khairul I. , Kasiri Sahba , Hussain Imran , Mandal Subhrangsu S.
Published: November 2009

HOXC13, a homeobox‐containing gene, is involved in hair development and human leukemia. The regulatory mechanism that drives HOXC13 expression is mostly unknown. Our studies have demonstrated that HOXC13 is transcriptionally activated by the steroid hormone estrogen (17β‐estradiol; E2). The HOXC13 promoter contains several estrogen‐response elements (EREs), including ERE1 and ERE2, which are close to the transcription start site, and are associated with E2‐mediated activation of HOXC13. Knockdown of the estrogen receptors (ERs) ERα and ERβ suppressed E2‐mediated activation of HOXC13. Similarly, knockdown of mixed lineage leukemia histone methylase (MLL)3 suppressed E2‐induced activation of HOXC13. MLLs (MLL1–MLL4) were bound to the HOXC13 promoter in an E2‐dependent manner. Knockdown of either ERα or ERβ affected the E2‐dependent binding of MLLs (MLL1–MLL4) into HOXC13 EREs, suggesting critical roles of ERs in recruiting MLLs in the HOXC13 promoter. Overall, our studies have demonstrated that HOXC13 is transcriptionally regulated by E2 and MLLs, which, in coordination with ERα and ERβ, play critical roles in this process. Although MLLs are known to regulate HOX genes, the roles of MLLs in hormone‐mediated regulation of HOX genes are unknown. Herein, we have demonstrated that MLLs are critical players in E2‐dependent regulation of the HOX gene.
An anthrax lethal factor mutant that is defective at causing pyroptosis retains proapoptotic activity
Authors: Ngai Stephanie , Batty Sarah , Liao Kuo‐Chieh , Mogridge Jeremy
Published: November 2009

Anthrax lethal toxin triggers death in some cell types, such as macrophages, and causes a variety of cellular dysfunctions in others. Collectively, these effects dampen the innate and adaptive immune systems to allow Bacillus anthracis to survive and proliferate in the mammalian host. The diverse effects caused by the toxin have in part been attributed to its interference with signaling pathways in target cells. Lethal factor (LF) is the proteolytic component of the toxin, and cleaves six members of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase family after being delivered to the cytosol by the cell‐binding component of the toxin, protective antigen. The effect of cleaving these mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinases is to interfere with extracellular signal‐related kinase (ERK), p38 and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase signaling. Here, we characterized an LF mutant, LF‐K518E/E682G, that was defective at causing pyroptosis in RAW 264.7 cells and at activating the Nlrp1b inflammasome in a heterologous expression system. LF‐K518E/E682G did not exhibit an overall impairment of function, however, because it was able to downregulate the ERK pathway, but not the p38 or c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase pathways. Furthermore, LF‐K518E/E682G efficiently killed melanoma cells, which were shown previously to undergo apoptosis in response to lethal toxin or to pharmacological inhibition of the ERK pathway. Our results suggest that LF‐K518E/E682G is defective at cleaving a substrate involved in the activation of the Nlrp1b inflammasome.
Collagenous Extracellular Matrix of Cartilage Submitted to Mechanical Forces Studied by Second Harmonic Generation Microscopy
Authors: Werkmeister Elisabeth , De Isla Natalia , Netter Patrick , Stoltz Jean‐François , Dumas Dominique
Published: November 2009

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative pathology leading to degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Similar effects can be visualized when applying mechanical or biochemical constraints on cartilaginous tissue. Here, we characterized modification of the ECM appearing under mechanical compression and/or biochemical action (hypoxia environment, nitric oxide and collagenase action). In recent decades, multiphoton microscopy has proved its interest for observing living, thick and opaque biological tissues. Thus, the main components of the cartilaginous ECM can be observed without fluorescent labeling. In particular, the collagen network emits strong second harmonic generation (SHG) signal which could be collected at half of the excitation wavelength. Combining autofluorescence and SHG signal detection enables to obtain complementary structural information. Here, we proved that multiphoton microscopy represents an appropriate tool for ex vitro cartilage imaging. First, we showed that SHG signal specifically comes from collagen (collagenase digestion). Further, we verified that the use of an appropriate band‐pass filter enables to reject the autofluorescence from the ECM. Once this specificity was shown, we followed modification of the cartilage ECM submitted to mechanical or biochemical constraints (compression, enzymatic digestion). By performing textural analysis of SHG images (Haralick’s method), we showed the restructuration of the collagen network according to constraints.
Quantum Dot‐mediated Photoproduction of Reactive Oxygen Species for Cancer Cell Annihilation
Authors: Chen Ji‐Yao , Lee Yee‐Man , Zhao Dan , Mak Nai‐Ki , Wong Ricky Ngok‐Shun , Chan Wing‐Hong , Cheung Nai‐Ho
Published: November 2009

While semiconductor quantum dots produce little singlet oxygen, they may undergo Type I photoreactions to produce other reactive oxygen species (ROS) to kill cells. CdTe quantum dots coated with thioglycolic acid were used to test that possibility. Some thiol ligands were purposely removed to regenerate the surface electron traps that were passivated by the ligand. This allowed photoinduced electrons to dwell on the surface long enough to be gathered by nearby oxygen molecules to produce ROS. The photocytotoxicity of these quantum dots was tested on nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Photokilling was shown to be drug and light dose dependent. Using 0.6 μm quantum dots for incubation and 4.8 J cm−2 for irradiation, about 80% of the cells were annihilated. These quantum dots promised to be potent sensitizers for photoannihilation of cancer cells.
As Simple as ARB: Angiotensin II Subtype 1 Receptor Update
Authors: Carey Robert M.
Published: November 2009

Angiotensin AT1 receptors (AT1R) mediate largely detrimental actions leading to hypertension. This article summarizes recent advances in our understanding of AT1R function, including the importance of local tissue renin‐angiotensin systems (RASs) in the development of cardiovascular disease, the emerging importance of intracellular RASs, the role of reactive oxygen species in AT1R actions, AT1R‐oxidated low‐density lipoprotein interactions in atherosclerosis, ligand‐independent AT1R activation, AT1R‐activating autoantibodies, AT1R‐associated proteins, and AT1R dimerization and cross talk. Promising areas for future AT1R research are identified.
Variation inPseudonocardiaantibiotic defence helps govern parasite‐induced morbidity inAcromyrmexleaf‐cutting ants
Authors: Poulsen Michael , Cafaro Matías J. , Erhardt Daniel P. , Little Ainslie E. F. , Gerardo Nicole M. , Tebbets Brad , Klein Bruce S. , Currie Cameron R.
Published: November 2009

Host–parasite associations are potentially shaped by evolutionary reciprocal selection dynamics, in which parasites evolve to overcome host defences and hosts are selected to counteract these through the evolution of new defences. This is expected to result in variation in parasite‐defence interactions, and the evolution of resistant parasites causing increased virulence. Fungus‐growing ants maintain antibiotic‐producingPseudonocardia(Actinobacteria) that aid in protection against specialized parasites of the ants' fungal gardens, and current evidence indicates that both symbionts have been associated with the ants for millions of years. Here we examine the extent of variation in the defensive capabilities of the ant–actinobacterial association againstEscovopsis(parasite‐defence interactions), and evaluate how variation impacts colonies of fungus‐growing ants. We focus on five species ofAcromyrmexleaf‐cutting ants, crossing 12 strains ofPseudonocardiawith 12 strains ofEscovopsisin a Petri plate bioassay experiment, and subsequently conduct subcolony infection experiments using resistant and non‐resistant parasite strains. Diversity in parasite‐defence interactions, including pairings where the parasites are resistant, suggests that chemical variation in the antibiotics produced by different actinobacterial strains are responsible for the observed variation in parasite susceptibility. We evaluate the role this variation plays showing that infection of ant subcolonies with resistant parasite strains results in significantly higher parasite‐induced morbidity with respect to garden biomass loss. Our findings thus further establish the role ofPseudonocardia‐derived antibiotics in helping defend the ants' fungus garden from the parasiteEscovopsis, and provide evidence that small molecules can play important roles as antibiotics in a natural system.
The magnetic field produced at a focus of a current-carrying conductor in the shape of a conic section
Authors: Christodoulides C.
Published: November 2009

We determine the magnetic field at the focus of a conic section due to a current along the conic section. For a given current I, it is shown that this magnetic field is the same and equal to μ0I/2p for all conics with the same semilatus rectum p.
A water wave analog of the Casimir effect
Authors: Denardo Bruce C. , Puda Joshua J. , Larraza Andrés
Published: November 2009

Two rigid plates are vertically suspended by thread such that they are parallel to and opposite each other. The plates are partially submerged in a dish of liquid that is attached to the top of a vertical shake table. When the shake table is driven with noise in a frequency band, random surface waves are parametrically excited, and the plates move toward each other. The reason for this attraction is that the waves carry momentum, and the wave motion between the plates is visibly reduced. The behavior is analogous to the Casimir effect, in which two conducting uncharged parallel plates attract each other due to the zero-point spectrum of electromagnetic radiation. The water wave analog can be readily demonstrated and offers a visual demonstration of a Casimir-type effect. Measurements of the force agree with the water wave theory even at large wave amplitudes, where the theory is expected to break down. The water wave analog applies to side-by-side ships in a rough sea and is distinct from the significant attraction that can be caused by a strong swell.
Quantitative analysis of the electric dipole on finite sized graphite sheets
Authors: Groh David
Published: November 2009

Graphite sheets are commonly used in introductory physics laboratories to model electric potential patterns for systems such as dipoles and parallel plates. Usually, silvered ink pens are used to draw patterns on the sheets and appropriate voltages are then applied. Quantitative experiments are often done at the intermediate level. Students are often puzzled by the failure of the patterns to confirm to the theoretical figure in the manual that came with the kit. I discuss measuring difficulties and some of the common theoretical methods for analyzing edge effects on the sheets.