bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DISAPPEARANCE OF GASTRIN ACROSS THE LUNG
Authors: Korman MG , Hansky J , Ritchie BC , Watts J McK , Maloney JE
Published: November 2007

Using a radioimmunoassay for its measurement, the fate of injected Synthetic human gastrin has been studied in intact dogs, sheep and pigs as well as in isolated perfused organ systems (liver and lungs). The half life of synthetic human gastrin was similar in all intact animals at approximately seven minutes. Acute bilateral nephrectomy and total enterectomy did not alter this half life. Gastrin did not disappear after passage across the isolated perfused pig liver. However, the disappearance rate for synthetic human gastrin across the isolated perfused lungs of the dog or sheep was identical to that in the intact animal, and studies in the dog undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass also indicated that the half life of synthetic human gastrin was prolonged to thirty‐five minutes.

These studies suggest an important role of the lungs in the disappearance of gastrin from the circulation, but little role for the liver, kidney and small bowel.
CONCOMITANT IMMUNITY TO SYNGENEIC METHYLCHOLANTHRENE INDUCED TUMOURS IN MICE. OCCURRENCE AND SPECIFICITY OF CONCOMITANT IMMUNITY
Authors: Kearney R , Nelson DS
Published: November 2007

Mice bearing progressively growing Isografts of methylcholanthrene induced tumours resisted the growth of cells of the nine tumour Injected into the footpad. Resistance was manifested in two phases. In the first phase resistance was specific for the original tumour. In the second phase, the mice were resistant to other lines of syngeneic methyleholanthrene‐induced tumors. Mice from which the first tumour was completely excised during the development of the first phase had lost their resistance when challenged 5 days later. Mice From which the tumours had been Incompletely excised were as resistant as mice with intact tumours. It is concluded that the resistance of tumour‐bearing mice to footpad isografts of tumours is an example of concomitant immunity.
FUNCTIONAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE EFFECT OF CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE ON THE IMMUNE RESPONSE OF THE CHICKEN
Authors: Rouse BT , Szenberg A
Published: November 2007

The functional and morphological effects of cyclophosphamide (Cy) on the immune response of the chicken were investigated. Chickens given Cy on clays 1, 2 and 4 after hatching failed to produce antibody for at least 6 weeks and had low levels of serum IgG. Birds surviving for more than 6 weeks recovered their immunocompetence. The effect of Cy on cell‐mediated immunity (CMI) was less persistent. Allogeneic skin grafts applied to one‐week‐old treated birds were not rejected but grafts were rejected from 3‐week‐old recipients. At no time was graft versus host activity completely eliminated by Cy treatment.

Morphological changes in the lymphoid organs reflected the results of functional tests. Early after treatment, lymphocytes were eliminated from thymus, bursa and spleen. Lymphoid regeneration usually occurred in the thymus by 3 weeks after treatment. Bursal regeneration was observed less frequently, and usually only in birds older than 6 weeks. In many birds, chronic degenerative changes in the epithelial cells were apparent, especially in the bursa.

It was speculated that in those birds where thymus or bursa regeneration failed to occur there was damage to the epithelial component of the organs. Possibly the bursal epithelial cells were more susceptible to the action of Cy than were thymic epithelial cells.
CORTISONE‐RESISTANT EFFECTOR T CELLS IN ACUTE LYMPHOCYTIC CHORIOMENINGITIS AND LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES INFECTION OF MICE
Authors: Zinkernagel RM , Doherty PC
Published: November 2007

Sensitized T cells in both lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) and listeriosis are apparently unaffected by treatment of mice with cortisone acetate. Cortisone‐resistant immune T cells readily transfer acute, fatal LCM or protection against L. monocytogenes infection. Treatment of recipient mice with cortisone, however, impairs T cell‐dependent effector mechanisms (i.e. macrophages) in listeriosis, but has no effect on induction of LCM. Acute LCM may thus represent a T cell‐mediated pathological process which does not require participation of macrophages.
THE ORIGIN OF IMMUNOGLOBULINS IN SALIVARY SECRETION OF SHEEP
Authors: Cripps AW , Lascelles AK
Published: November 2007

A comparative study was made on the secretion of IgG1 and IgA into parotid and submaxillary saliva of sheep. The purpose of the study was to examine the suggestion that in the external secretory organs of ruminants there is an inverse relationship between the capacity to selectively transfer IgG1 and the development of the IgA secretory system. Despite a marked difference in the secretion of IgA between the parotid and submaxillary salivary glands, the magnitude of selective transfer of IgG1 was similar. Thus, there appears to be no relationship between the selective transfer of IgG1 and the secretion of IgA into the saliva of sheep.
INTRAHEPATIC MICROVASCULAR CHANGES IN CARBON TETRACHLORIDE‐INDUCED CIRRHOTIC LIVERS IN THE RAT
Authors: Koo Anthony , Liang Isabella YS , Cheng Kwok‐Kew
Published: November 2007

Liver cirrhosis was produced in the rat by combined carbon tetra‐chloride‐phenobarbitone treatment, and the microcirculation in the cirrhotic liver was observed by a quantitative in vivo transillumination technique. The total sinusoidal flow in the observed region of the cirrhotic liver did not differ significantly from that in the normal liver, despite the reduced number of sinusoids and the increased portal venous pressure. The cirrhotic liver also presented a fast‐velocity population of portal and hepatic venules and sinusoids in addition to the normal slow‐velocity population. The possible mechanism of these “arterialized” microvessels is discussed.
HUMAN T LYMPHOCYTE COLONIES IN AGAR: A COMPARISON WITH OTHER T CELL ASSAYS IN HEALTHY SUBJECTS AND CANCER PATIENTS
Authors: Wilson JD , Dalton Gael
Published: November 2007

Colonies of human lymphocytes with T cell characteristics will grow in agar from repeated mitotic divisions with phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation. The colonies comprise spheres of tightly‐packed cells with up to 500–1,000 blast‐like cells in each colony. 65% of cells from pooled colonies bound AET‐treated sheep red cells. 1,100–2,500 colonies/106 peripheral blood lymphocytes developed when cell donors were healthy but lower numbers (350–1,000 colonies/106 lymphocytes) were detected in blood from cancer patients. Comparison with other non‐specific assays of cell‐mediated immunity showed that, while 66% of cancer patients were anergic (to five recall antigens) and 78% exhibited depressed mitotic activity in standard cultures with low dose PHA, 100% of these patients revealed T cell colony formation below normal. It is suggested that further studies of T lymphocyte colony‐forming cells in healthy people and in a number of disease states may significantly advance our understanding of mechanisms of cell‐mediated immunity.
GENERALIZED GLYCOGENOSIS IN BEEF SHORTHORN CATTLE — HETEROZYGOTE DETECTION
Authors: Jolly RD , Van‐De‐Water NS , Richards RB , Dorling PR
Published: November 2007

A preliminary study of acidic α‐glucosidase in a variety of tissues was carried out in an attempt to develop a test which might be used to detect individuals heterozygous for the genetype associated with generalized glycogenosis in beef Shorthorn cattle. Of the tissues readily available peripheral lymphocytes were chosen as being likely to be the most suitable. It was concluded that, when coupled with genealogical information, assays of α‐glucosidase in extracts of lymphocytes were useful for identifying heterozygous individuals with a reasonably high degree of probability.
STUDIES ON IMMUNE RESPONSES TO LARVAL CESTODES IN MICE. INCREASED SUSCEPTIBILITY OF CERTAIN MOUSE STRAINS AND HYPOTHYMIC MICE TO TAENlA TAENIAEFORMIS AND ANALYSIS OF PASSIVE TRANSFER OF RESISTANCE WITH SERUM
Authors: Mitchell Graham F , Goding James W , Rickard Michael D
Published: November 2007

Various inbred strains of mice vary markedly in their susceptibility to the larvae of the cestode, Taenia taeniaeformis. Males are generally more susceptible than females and the most susceptible common inbred mouse strains are those which are deficient in C5 and/or C4 components of complement. However, no genetic evidence is yet available to implicate loci controlling complement levels in susceptibility/resistance, and multiple genetic factors appear to be operative. Hypothymic, nu/nu (“nude”) mice of the relatively resistant mouse strain, BALB/c, are highly susceptible in that cystic larvae in the liver develop in large numbers and more rapidly than in intact BALB/c.nu/+ littermates. Cyclophosphamide pretreatment also increases the susceptibility of relatively resistant strains of mice in terms of both the number and size of liver cysts. Hypothymic and intact mice can be protected, absolutely, by an injection of serum from infected intact mice, provided the serum is given to recipient mice close to the time of oral egg administration. The protective activity of immune serum is absorbed totally by staphylococcal protein A‐Sepharose columns and can be abolished by treatment of recipients with cobra venom factor. Cyst fluid from established larvae facilitates the activity of subhaemolytic amounts of guinea pig complement in a standard direct PFC assay. The data suggest that complement‐fixing antibodies are responsible for inhibition of establishing larvae in mice and that one method of protection for established cystic larvae involves the alteration of host complement activity within the cyst.
THE ORIGIN OF IgA‐CONTAINING CELLS IN INTESTINAL LYMPH OF SHEEP
Authors: Beh KJ
Published: November 2007

The origin of IgA‐containing cells in sheep intestinal lymph was determined by antigenically stimulating a mesenteric lymph node and by studying afferent intestinal lymph.

Since antigenic stimulation of the node resulted almost exclusively in the appearance of IgG1 antibody‐containing cells, it was proposed that IgA‐containing cells are normally produced either in the Peyer's patches or lamina propria of the intestine.

These conclusions were supported by studying lymph obtained by cannulation of a lymphatic duct afferent to the mesenteric lymph node. Study of the cells in afferent lymph revealed the presence of a significant population of IgA‐containing blast cells. This was convincing evidence that the IgA‐containing cells normally found in intestinal lymph originate from sites in the intestine.
ISOLATION OF ROTAVIRUS FROM FOALS WITH DIARRHOEA
Authors: Tzipori Saul , Walker M
Published: November 2007

A rotavirus, morphologically similar to other known rotaviruses, was demonstrated in the faeces of 5 foals with diarrhoea on two properties. Four of these 5 samples produced specific intracytoplasmic fluorescence in cell culture when reacted with calf rotavirus antiserum conjugate. Sixteen affected foals from both properties were depressed, did not suckle and became recumbent. Most had a watery diarrhoea which lasted for 3 days and resulted in some dehydration and loss of body condition. Sick foals were separated from their mothers following the onset of diarrhoea and given fluid therapy and antibiotics, but despite these measures 4 of 12 affected foals on one property died. Acute and convalescent sera were collected from 6 foals, and in each case a rise in the titres of complement fixing and neutralising antibodies was demonstrated. Faecal filtrates containing foal rotaviruses were fed to gnotobiotic piglets and the effects compared with those of other rotaviruses. Viral isolates from both properties produced an asymptomatic infection in piglets. This contrasts with the other rotaviruses isolated in Australia that have been shown to cause diarrhoea in gnotobiotic piglets.
THE BINDING OF RAT LIVER CELL MULTIPLICATION‐STIMULATING ACTIVITY (MSA) TO HUMAN PLACENTA AND SERUM PROTEINS
Authors: Brinsmead MW , Liggins GC
Published: November 2007

Multiplication‐stimulating activity (MSA) from the medium of BRL‐3A rat liver cells in culture binds to cell membrane and cytosol receptors from human placenta and to serum proteins. The binding of MSA to placental cell membranes is dependent on time, temperature, pH and divalent ion concentration. MSA bound to placental cytosol receptor and serum is not displaced by insulin, whereas that bound to placental cell membranes is displaced by insulin and insulin‐like peptides. The affinity of the three receptors for MSA is similar (≏ 108 M ‐1). An assay using 125I‐MSA and placental membrane receptor detects somatomedin‐like receptor activity (SmLRA) in unextracted sera from man and animals. A binding protein in serum that competes for 125I‐MSA with receptor could not be completely separated from SmLRA by‐heating, acidification, charcoal treatment and gel chromatography of the serum. The relative activities of SmLRA and serum binding protein remained constant in three disorders of human growth (acromegaly, growth hormone deficiency and Laron's dwarfism) in which values of SmLRA varied widely. However, the binding protein is only partly responsible for the apparent SmLRA of unextracted serum. It is concluded that MSA is a suitable radioligand for the investigation of somatomedin disorders in man either by receptor assays or by studies of tissue receptors.
EXPERIMENTAL OXALATE UROLITH FORMATION IN RATS
Authors: McIntosh GH , Belling GB , Bulman Felicia H
Published: November 2007

Urinary calculi composed of calcium oxalate were produced in male hooded Wistar rats fed a vitamin B6 deficient diet over 16 weeks. This basic diet was modified by doubling the phosphate content or loading with vitamin C or D3 in three treatment groups. The number of rats developing oxalate stones was not altered by the addition of vitamin D3 or phosphate, but there was a significant increase in total weight of stone formed and histological evidence of extensive renal damage in rats on the high vitamin D3 diet. The addition of vitamin C to the vitamin B6 deficient rats resulted in a reduction in the number of rats with uroliths and a fall in urinary oxalate excretion, while similarly loaded vitamin B6 supplemented controls were free of oxalate calculi.

It is concluded that the oxalate urolithiasis induced by vitamin B6 deficiency was exacerbated by added vitamin D3 and reduced by vitamin C.
INTERLEUKIN 2 PRODUCTION BY ALLOANTIGEN (H‐2) ACTIVATED T CELLS
Authors: Andrus Linda , Lafferty Kevin J
Published: November 2007

H‐2 alloantigen‐activated T cells release Interleukin 2 in response to a secondary stimulus by either Concanavalin A or alloantigen. No detectable lymphokine is released in the absence of secondary stimulation and. in the case of alloantigen restimulation, lymphokine release is antigen‐specific. Once formed, however, the lymphokine shows no antigen specificity in its action.

Like the precursor of the cytotoxic T cell, the precursor of the Interleukin 2‐producing T cell requires two signals for its activation; alloantigen and a source of costimulator activity. Once activated, T cells will release lymphokine in response to alloantigen alone.
A COMPARISON OF THE PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF CARCINOEMBRYONIC ANTIGEN IN EXTRACTS OF TUMOUR TISSUE, ASCITIC AND CYST FLUID FROM OVARIAN CANCER
Authors: Hill R , Daunter B , Magon H , Khoo SK , Mackay EV
Published: November 2007

In view of the reported disagreement in the physicochemical properties of ovarian carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), this study was undertaken to compare the properties of CEA obtained from extracts of ovarian tumour tissue, ascitic fluid and cyst fluid. On the basis of molecular weight estimation and binding properties with Concanavalin A and wheat germ lectin, ovarian CEA from these three sources appeared similar, and also possessed similar properties to those of colonic CEA. On isoelectric focusing, however, it was found that the isoelectric point of CEA from tumour tissue and cyst fluid differed from that from ascitic fluid. It is most likely that this is due to a loss of sialic acid from the CEA released into ascitic fluid.
COMPARATIVE STUDIES ON DIHYDROOROTATE DEHYDROGENASE FROM P. BERGHEI AND THE MOUSE RETICULOCYTE
Authors: Gero Annette M , Finney Kenneth G , Bennett Julie C , O'Sullivan William J
Published: November 2007

Kinetic parameters on dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHO‐DHase) from the rodent malarial parasite, Plasmodium berghei, have been determined. This enzyme, the fourth in de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis, is particulate and is absent in the mature mammalian red cell. The Km of the substrate, dihydroorotate, was determined to be 23 μM and the K1 values for a number of substrate analogues have been determined. The most potent inhibitor was dihydroazaorotate (K1, 3 μM). The product orotate was also a good inhibitor (K1, 5 μM) as were methylorotate (K1, 10 μM), 5‐azaorotate (K1, 20 μM) and other pyrimidine analogues. The activity of the enzyme was also affected by a number of respiratory chain inhibitors.

As the P. berghei infection is accompanied by reticulocytosis, a comparative study of DHO‐DHase in mouse reticulocytes was also carried out. The general properties of the enzyme from these sources were similar to those of the parasite enzyme. However, significant differences in the response of the two enzymes to various inhibitors were observed and could provide a rational basis for the development of chemotherapeutic agents active against the parasite.
CHANGES IN CONGLUTININ, IMMUNOCONGLUTININ, COMPLEMENT C3 AND FIBRONECTIN CONCENTRATIONS IN CATTLE ACUTELY INFECTED WITH BABESIA BOVIS
Authors: Goodger BV , Wright IG , Mahoney DF
Published: November 2007

Further pathophysiological studies of the hypotensive shock syndrome associated with acute Babesia bovis infection in cattle have demonstrated changes in the plasma concentrations of conglutinin, complement C3, fibronectin and immunoconglutinin. Decreases in the first three components are presumably due to their contribution towards intravascular sludging of infected erythrocytes within the microvascular system during the acute phase of infection. In contrast, the increase in fibronectin and immunoconglutin in the recovery phase suggests the involvement of these proteins in the reticulo‐endothelial clearance of infected or damaged erythrocytes, immune complexes and cryofibrinogen.
Preliminary development of a genetic strategy to prevent transgene escape by blocking effective pollen flow from transgenic plants
Authors: Singh Davinder Pal , Jermakow Angelica M. , Swain Stephen M.
Published: November 2007

Genetic modification (GM) of plants has great potential in the production of food and industrial compounds, and in molecular pharming. One of the greatest public concerns regarding this technology is effective pollen flow, in which wind- or insect-borne transgenic pollen is able to fertilise either non-GM crops of the same species, or closely related weed species, and lead to viable seed formation. In this paper we describe a novel concept, based on epigenetic inheritance (imprinting) and post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS)/RNA interference (RNAi), designed to prevent transgene escape via pollen flow from transgenic plants. A key advantage of this strategy is that it would allow all seeds from self-pollinated transgenic plants to be harvested and re-sown, without the need for specific treatments, while retaining all of the transgenes present in the parent. Thus, this strategy is not a Genetic Use Restriction Technology (GURT) and if implemented would not prevent seed saving by end-users.
Sugarcane genotypes differ in internal nitrogen use efficiency
Authors: Robinson Nicole , Fletcher Andrew , Whan Alex , Critchley Christa , von Wirén Nicolaus , Lakshmanan Prakash , Schmidt Susanne
Published: November 2007

The large amounts of nitrogen (N) fertiliser applied to most cropping systems support high yields but cause N pollution. More efficient use of N in cropping systems can be achieved through improved N management practices combined with genetic improvement of the crop. The magnitude of genetic variation in sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) for internal nitrogen use efficiency (iNUE, biomass produced per unit tissue N) was investigated as this could provide a basis for breeding varieties with reduced N demand. Genotypes of a mapping population were examined for biomass production and physiological variables under low or high N supply in controlled conditions. Key findings were: (i) genotypic variation for biomass production and iNUE was up to 3-fold greater under low than high N supply, (ii) elite parent Q165 was among the best performing genotypes for biomass and iNUE at high N but not at low N supply, and (iii) several genotypes had high iNUE at both N supplies. While glutamine synthetase (GS; EC 6.3.1.2) activity has been linked with grain yield in other crops, no direct relationship was observed between whole tissue GS activity and vegetative biomass or iNUE in sugarcane genotypes. Soluble protein content was negatively correlated with iNUE and biomass production. This study demonstrates that there is considerable genetic variation for iNUE in sugarcane, which can be exploited for breeding. It is proposed that breeding programs should assess genotypes not only at high N, but also at low N supply rates to select genotypes that produce high biomass with low and high N supply.
In vivo assessing flavonols in white grape berries (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Pinot Blanc) of different degrees of ripeness using chlorophyll fluorescence imaging
Authors: Lenk Sándor , Buschmann Claus , Pfündel Erhard E.
Published: November 2007

Exposed and non-exposed halves of field-grown berries of the white grapevine Vitis vinifera L. cv. Pinot Blanc at various stages of ripeness were analysed using chlorophyll fluorescence imaging. The stage of ripeness was classified by the total sugar concentration which ranged between 120 and 300 g L–1 for the different berries but was similar in the exposed and the non-exposed half of individual berries. Fluorescence was excited in the UV-A and the blue spectral region and detected at red as well as far-red wavelengths. At both emission ranges, UV-excited fluorescence was weak and required correction for the contribution of small false signals. After correction, in vivo UV screening by berry skins was derived from the ratio of UV-A to blue-excited fluorescence intensities, and a relationship between in vivo UV screening and flavonol quantity was established: the quantity of flavonols was determined by spectral analysis of extracted phenolics. Significantly high flavonol concentrations, and effective in vivo UV screening, were detected in most exposed half-berries at sugar concentrations higher than 200 g L–1 but not in non-exposed samples. This suggests that radiation-exposure conditions determine flavonol synthesis. Based on the absence of flavonol accumulation in exposed half-berries with sugar concentrations smaller than 200 g L–1, however, it is suggested that berries need to arrive at an advanced stage of ripeness before responding to radiation-exposure by synthesising large amounts of UV-protecting flavonols. Chlorophyll degradation, which was followed by blue-excited intensities of far-red fluorescence, progressed in parallel with increasing sugar content suggesting that chlorophyll degradation is associated with berry ripening. In addition, exposure to sunlight appeared to slightly stimulate chlorophyll decay.
Book Review
Authors: Tikkakoski Tapani
Published: November 2007

Multidetector Computed Tomography in Cerebrovascular Disease: CT Perfusion Imaging.. Edited by K. A. Miles, J. D. Eastwood & M. Kö nig. London: Informa Healthcare, 2007. ISBN-9781842143155. 192 pages. Price hardcover: USD 129.95
Dietary shifts inBrycinus sadleri(Pisces: Characidae) from southern Lake Victoria
Authors: Wanink Jan H. , Joordens José C. A.
Published: November 2007

We studied the diet of Brycinus sadleri in Lake Victoria after extensive environmental changes during the 1980s. To check for diet expansion following these changes, as observed in some other fish species, we compared our results with data from the 1950s. Stomach contents were analysed in relation to fish size and time of the day to investigate ontogenetic and diel shifts in the diet.

Comparison of diets before and after the environmental changes showed a shift to more generalist feeding. The main food sources in the 1950s were plants during daytime and surface insects at night. Hardly any plant material was eaten during the late 1980s, but chironomid larvae, chaoborid larvae and pupae, shrimps, Odonata nymphs and fish contributed to a broader daytime diet. These prey species were also commonly taken at night, though, like in the 1950s, surface insects accounted for the major part of the diet. We found dietary shifts during ontogeny. Juveniles fed exclusively on zooplankton. Chironomid larvae, relatively large food items in comparison with zooplankton, were the key prey of sub-adult fish. Their importance decreased in the diet of adults, which included even larger prey like shrimps, Odonata nymphs and fish. At night, surface insects replaced chironomid larvae in the diet of adult fish.

Diet expansion may result from reduced competition after the decline in fish mass following the Nile perch boom. An alternative explanation, increasing the prey spectrum in response to deteriorated light conditions, is not likely to hold for B. sadleri. The ontogenetic shift to increasingly larger prey and the nocturnal shift to surface insects probably reflect optimal foraging behaviour and diel vertical migration patterns of the fish respectively. These dietary shifts emphasize the feeding flexibility of B. sadleri, which may have been essential in surviving the environmental changes in Lake Victoria.
Lewis Thomas and droopy rabbit ears
Authors: Bashyam Hema
Published: November 2007

In 1956, Lewis Thomas discovered that injecting rabbits with a plant protease called papain caused their ears to collapse. This experiment led to the identification of the endogenous proteases that cause the tissue destruction seen in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Strategies for antiviral resistance in transgenic plants
Authors: PRINS MARCEL , LAIMER MARGIT , NORIS EMANUELA , SCHUBERT JÖRG , WASSENEGGER MICHAEL , TEPFER MARK
Published: November 2007

Genetic engineering offers a means of incorporating new virus resistance traits into existing desirable plant cultivars. The initial attempts to create transgenes conferring virus resistance were based on the pathogen‐derived resistance concept. The expression of the viral coat protein gene in transgenic plants was shown to induce protective effects similar to classical cross protection, and was therefore distinguished as ‘coat‐protein‐mediated’ protection. Since then, a large variety of viral sequences encoding structural and non‐structural proteins were shown to confer resistance. Subsequently, non‐coding viral RNA was shown to be a potential trigger for virus resistance in transgenic plants, which led to the discovery of a novel innate resistance in plants, RNA silencing. Apart from the majority of pathogen‐derived resistance strategies, alternative strategies involving virus‐specific antibodies have been successfully applied. In a separate section, efforts to combat viroids in transgenic plants are highlighted. In a final summarizing section, the potential risks involved in the introduction of transgenic crops and the specifics of the approaches used will be discussed.
Modulating the red cell membrane to produce universal/stealth donor red cells suitable for transfusion
Authors: Garratty G.
Published: November 2007

Two approaches have been used to produce universal group O donor red blood cells (RBCs) from groups A, B, and AB RBCs. The first involves cleavage of the terminal immunodominant sugars from carbohydrate chains on the RBC membrane, using specific enzymes, to produce so‐called enzyme‐converted group O (ECO) RBCs. ECO RBCs have been produced from whole units of B RBCs and transfused successfully to humans. Group A RBCs (especially A1 RBCs) have been more difficult. New sources of enzymes have produced ECO RBCs from A1 and A2 RBCs that do not react with powerful monoclonal anti‐A. Unfortunately, there are still problems encountered with polyclonal human antibodies (i.e. cross‐matching). The second approach interferes with an antibody reaching its specific antigen on the RBC membrane by bonding polyethylene glycol (PEG) to the RBC. PEG will attract water molecules, yielding a combination that may block most RBC antigens, including A and B antigens. Initial excitement generated by preliminary reports of the possibility of producing ‘stealth’ PEG‐RBCs were tempered by the findings of in vitro serological problems and possible reduced in vivo RBC survival. Many of these problems were solved, but recent findings that PEG is immunogenic in animals and humans, and that PEG antibodies can shorten the survival of PEG‐RBCs (in rabbits) and pegylated proteins (e.g. PEG‐asparaginase) in humans, are disturbing, suggesting that ‘stealth’ RBCs may never become a reality.
The effects of obesity and non‐pharmacological weight loss on vascular and ventricular function and structure
Authors: Skilton M. R. , Sieveking D. P. , Harmer J. A. , Franklin J. , Loughnan G. , Nakhla S. , Sullivan D. R. , Caterson I. D. , Celermajer D. S.
Published: November 2007

Aims:  The mechanisms by which obesity confers increased cardiovascular risk and the effects of moderate weight loss on cardiovascular health are incompletely understood. We sought to characterize the preclinical changes in cardiac and vascular health that accompany obesity and the influence of lifestyle modification on these parameters.

Methods:  Preclinical markers of vasculopathy in resistance vessels and conduit arteries and left ventricular structure and function were assessed in 39 obese subjects (BMI > 30 kg/m2) and 11 healthy weight controls. The influence of serum on cellular adhesion molecule (CAM) expression on human endothelial cells was studied ex vivo in a subgroup of 13 obese and nine healthy weight subjects. These analyses were repeated in all 17 of the obese subjects who complied with 4–9 months of lifestyle modification treatment (six with weight loss >5% and 11 with weight loss <5%).

Results:  Compared with healthy weight controls, obese subjects had decreased peak hyperaemic forearm blood flow (p = 0.015), increased carotid intima–media thickness (p = 0.009), increased left ventricular wall thickness and volume and evidence of systolic and diastolic dysfunction as assessed using tissue Doppler imaging (S′, p = 0.09; E′/A′, p = 0.02), and serum from obese subjects increased the intercellular CAM‐1 expression on human endothelial cells (p = 0.009). However, arterial endothelial function assessed by flow‐mediated dilatation was not altered (p = 0.99). Lifestyle modification treatment resulted in potentially beneficial changes in fibrinogen (p = 0.003), HDL cholesterol (p = 0.05) and soluble vascular CAM‐1 (p = 0.06). In subjects with weight loss greater than 5% of body weight, there was also a decrease in low‐level inflammation (high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, p = 0.05), lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid–reactive substances, p = 0.05) and triglycerides (p = 0.07).

Conclusions:  Obesity is associated with widespread alterations in cardiac and vascular structure and function. Moderate short‐term weight loss by lifestyle modification results in some beneficial changes in serum profile; however, these are not accompanied by significant alterations to either cardiac or vascular structure and function.
Duchenne muscle activity evaluation and muscle function preservation: is it possible a prophylactic strategy?
Authors: Palmieri B. , Sblendorio V. , Ferrari A. , Pietrobelli A.
Published: November 2007

Duchenne muscular dystrophy yields pervasive and progressive muscle mass loss. In the current measures relating to the monitoring of disease progression the following are relevant (i): the type of scale used, (ii) the clinical significance of the attribute being measured and (iii) the mathematical properties of the data provided. The high prevalence of obesity at an early stage of this pathology could result not only from reduced physical activity, but also from low resting energy expenditure, abnormal nutrient utilization or overfeeding. This muscle weakness may be attenuated by regular low‐intensity exercise. However, there is a critical lack of data to support appropriate exercise prescription. Because inappropriate activity may exacerbate the dystrophic process, a systematic analysis of muscle function to determine potential exercise load thresholds to avoid injury in dystrophic mice and dogs, and then in humans is recommended.
Back and Forth: Immigrants' Stories of Migration and Return
Authors: Tannenbaum Michal
Published: November 2007

This study focuses on the experience of re‐migration. It uses the narratives of 32 adults, emigrants from Israel who intended to stay abroad permanently, but eventually returned, to explore central themes. Among the themes which emerged from the narratives are language and identity, idealization and reality, and the role of the wider social ethos in affecting the personal experiences of first migration and return. The paper then analyzes these narratives in light of two central models: Berry's acculturation model, and Sussman's cultural identity model.
Immigration and the aged care workforce in Australia: Meeting the deficit
Authors: Fine Michael D , Mitchell Annette
Published: November 2007

Population ageing and low fertility rates are placing the Australian workforce in the twenty‐first century under pressure. Aged care is one of the key areas of the workforce in which labour shortages can be expected. This is likely to result in calls for these shortages to be increasingly addressed by the recruitment of more immigrant care workers, both skilled and unskilled. Using demographic projections and the limited data available on the current workforce, this paper examines the existing levels of migrant representation and considers the prospects for future increases in overseas‐born workers. The evidence shows that staff born outside Australia already compose a significant proportion of the workforce. Immigrants are not, however, equally distributed through the workforce, but are concentrated geographically in metropolitan areas. Those born overseas are also concentrated occupationally, although there is no simple pattern of confinement of migrants to low‐paid or unqualified positions.
Maternally transmitted parasite defence can be beneficial in the absence of parasites
Authors: Gallizzi Katharina , Guenon Benoît , Richner Heinz
Published: November 2007

Newborn animals do not have a fully functional immune system and are thus impaired in their ability to fight parasites. Mothers can therefore increase the survival probability of their young by providing them with passive immunity, e.g. in the form of maternal antibodies transferred via the placenta or the eggs. The maternal responses are only induced when parasites are present, and have been observed not only in vertebrates but also in invertebrates. However, while these parasite‐induced maternal effects are known to reduce the harmful effects of common parasites, they may also impose costs for the young, either because the maternal response impairs parental performance, or because maternally transmitted products moderate offspring development. We experimentally tested these two hypotheses in a wild great tit population. We exposed birds to a common ectoparasite before egg‐laying to induce the maternal response, and thereafter separated egg‐mediated maternal effects from effects on post‐laying parental performance by cross‐fostering whole clutches. To assess the costs of this response without its confounding benefits, we kept nests free of parasites after hatching. Since the costs of maternal effects can be expressed differently under relaxed and harsh rearing conditions, we simultaneously manipulated clutch size. First, parasite‐exposed parents raised lighter young, suggesting that parasite defence or the induced maternal response are costly to the parents and reduce their capacity to raise young. Second, under relaxed but not under harsh rearing conditions, young with the flea‐induced maternal effect were heavier and were in better body condition than controls, suggesting that the maternally transferred products can be allocated to physiological functions beyond parasite defence.
Does selfing provide reproductive assurance in the perennial herbBulbine vagans(Asphodelaceae)?
Authors: Vaughton Glenda , Ramsey Mike , Simpson Ian
Published: November 2007

Selection for selfing to provide reproductive assurance depends on the balance between increased reproductive output when pollinators or potential mates are scarce and the extent that inbreeding depression erodes such fertility gains. We use glasshouse and field experiments to examine the benefits of autonomous and facilitated selfing inBulbine vagans. Autonomous selfing was delayed until after opportunities for outcrossing and reproductive output was 0.67 relative to manual selfing and open pollination. Values less than one probably reflected insufficient autonomous deposition of self pollen. In the field, reproductive output of emasculated flowers was 0.50 relative to intact flowers that could both outcross and self, indicating that outcross pollen was limited and that selfing boosted reproductive output. Because all pollen was removed from anthers before intact flowers closed, facilitated selfing rather than autonomous selfing occurred. In the glasshouse, inbreeding depression was 0.45, but under natural conditions would probably exceed 0.5. Values greater than 0.5 negate the automatic gene transmission advantage afforded by selfing and increasingly erode the benefits of reproductive assurance. We conclude that inB. vagansdelayed and facilitated selfing can confer reproductive assurance, providing the latter does not usurp ovules that could be outcrossed.
The BaeSR Two-Component Regulatory System Mediates Resistance to Condensed Tannins in
Escherichia coli
Authors: Zoetendal Erwin G. , Smith Alexandra H. , Sundset Monica A. , Mackie Roderick I.
Published: November 2007

The gene expression profiles of
Escherichia coli
strains grown anaerobically with or without
Acacia mearnsii
(black wattle) extract were compared to identify tannin resistance strategies. The cell envelope stress protein gene
spy
and the multidrug transporter-encoding operon
mdtABCD
, both under the control of the BaeSR two-component regulatory system, were significantly up-regulated in the presence of tannins. BaeSR mutants were more tannin sensitive than their wild-type counterparts.
Regulatory Interactions among Adhesin Gene Systems of Uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
Authors: Lindberg Stina , Xia Yan , Sondén Berit , Göransson Mikael , Hacker Jörg , Uhlin Bernt Eric
Published: November 2007

Uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
strain J96 carries multiple determinants for fimbrial adhesins. The regulatory protein PapB of P fimbriae has previously been implicated in potential coregulatory events. The
focB
gene of the F1C fimbria determinant is highly homologous to
papB
; the translated sequences share 81% identity. In this study we investigated the role of PapB and FocB in regulation of the F1C fimbriae. By using gel mobility shift assays, we showed that FocB binds to sequences in both the
pap
and
foc
operons in a somewhat different manner than PapB. The results of both in vitro cross-linking and in vivo oligomerization tests indicated that FocB could function in an oligomeric fashion. Furthermore, our results suggest that PapB and FocB can form heterodimers and that these complexes can repress expression of the
foc
operon. The effect of FocB on expression of type 1 fimbriae was also tested. Taken together, the results that we present expand our knowledge about a regulatory network for different adhesin gene systems in uropathogenic
E. coli
and suggest a hierarchy for expression of the fimbrial adhesins.
Comparison of Seven Techniques for Typing International Epidemic Strains of
Clostridium difficile
: Restriction Endonuclease Analysis, Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis, PCR-Ribotyping, Multilocus Sequence Typing, Multilocus Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Analysis, Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism, and Surface Layer Protein A Gene Sequence Typing
Authors: Killgore George , Thompson Angela , Johnson Stuart , Brazier Jon , Kuijper Ed , Pepin Jacques , Frost Eric H. , Savelkoul Paul , Nicholson Brad , van den Berg Renate J. , Kato Haru , Sambol Susan P. , Zukowski Walter , Woods Christopher , Limbago Brandi , Gerding Dale N. , McDonald L. Clifford
Published: November 2007

Using 42 isolates contributed by laboratories in Canada, The Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States, we compared the results of analyses done with seven
Clostridium difficile
typing techniques: multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA), amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), surface layer protein A gene sequence typing (
slpA
ST), PCR-ribotyping, restriction endonuclease analysis (REA), multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). We assessed the discriminating ability and typeability of each technique as well as the agreement among techniques in grouping isolates by allele profile A (AP-A) through AP-F, which are defined by toxinotype, the presence of the binary toxin gene, and deletion in the
tcdC
gene. We found that all isolates were typeable by all techniques and that discrimination index scores for the techniques tested ranged from 0.964 to 0.631 in the following order: MLVA, REA, PFGE,
slpA
ST, PCR-ribotyping, MLST, and AFLP. All the techniques were able to distinguish the current epidemic strain of
C. difficile
(BI/027/NAP1) from other strains. All of the techniques showed multiple types for AP-A (toxinotype 0, binary toxin negative, and no
tcdC
gene deletion). REA,
slpA
ST, MLST, and PCR-ribotyping all included AP-B (toxinotype III, binary toxin positive, and an 18-bp deletion in
tcdC
) in a single group that excluded other APs. PFGE, AFLP, and MLVA grouped two, one, and two different non-AP-B isolates, respectively, with their AP-B isolates. All techniques appear to be capable of detecting outbreak strains, but only REA and MLVA showed sufficient discrimination to distinguish strains from different outbreaks.
In Vitro Bactericidal Activity of
Streptococcus pneumoniae
and Bactericidal Susceptibility of
Staphylococcus aureus
Strains Isolated from Cocolonized versus Noncocolonized Children
Authors: Regev-Yochay Gili , Malley Richard , Rubinstein Ethan , Raz Meir , Dagan Ron , Lipsitch Marc
Published: November 2007

Streptococcus pneumoniae
is bactericidal to
Staphylococcus aureus
in vitro. To determine whether this in vitro effect accounts for the inverse relation between
S. pneumoniae
and
S. aureus
colonization reported in previous epidemiologic studies, we compared
S. pneumoniae
and
S. aureus
strains from cocolonized children to those from noncocolonized children. Cocolonizing pneumococci were less bactericidal and cocolonizing staphylococci less susceptible to this effect; however, the magnitude of the effect was small. Thus, in vitro killing is not the major determinant of the pattern of cocolonization.
DIPOLE-PROTON AMPLITUDE IN MOMENTUM SPACE
Authors: AMARAL J. T. DE SANTANA , DUCATI M. B. GAY , BETEMPS M. A. , SOYEZ G.
Published: November 2007

In this work the DIS measurements of the proton structure function at high energy from the dipole model in momentum space are reproduced. The dipole-proton forward scattering amplitude is modeled using the knowledge of asymptotic solutions of the Balitsky–Kovchegov equation, describing high-energy QCD in the presence of saturation effects.
DRELL–YAN CONTRIBUTION TO THE TERAHERTZ SYNCHROTRON EMISSION IN SOLAR FLARES
Authors: SZPIGEL SÉRGIO , DURÃES FRANCISCO DE OLIVEIRA , STEFFENS FERNANDO MONTI
Published: November 2007

During the observation of the 4th November 2003 large solar flare, a new and intense spectral component was observed with a maximum lying in the terahertz range. The origin of such component is still unknown, constituting a problem that goes beyond the application of canonical models used to describe the well-known microwave spectrum observed at frequencies below 100 GHz. In this work we investigate a possible contribution to the terahertz synchrotron emission in solar flares from positrons produced by Drell–Yan process in proton-proton collisions in the solar atmosphere.
RESONANCES AND WEAK INTERACTIONS IN D+→ π+π−π+ DECAYS
Authors: BOITO DIOGO R. , EL-BENNICH BRUNO , LOISEAU BENOÎT , LEITNER OLIVIER
Published: November 2007

We describe the ππS-wave in D+→ π+π−π+ decays using a unitary model for the ππ Final State Interactions (FSI). The three body decay is treated as a quasi two-body process where, at the weak vertex, the D meson decays into a resonance and a pion. The weak part of the decay amplitude is evaluated using the effective weak Hamiltonian within the factorization approximation.
PROTON PROFILE FUNCTION AT 52.8 GeV
Authors: DA SILVA GEOVANNA LUIZ PEREIRA , MENON MÁRCIO JOSÉ , ÁVILA REGINA FONSECA
Published: November 2007

We present the results of a novel model-independent fit to elastic proton-proton differential cross section data at [Formula: see text]. Taking into account the error propagation from the fit parameters, we determine the scattering amplitude in the impact parameter space (the proton profile function) and its statistical uncertainty region. We show that both the real and imaginary parts of the profile are consistent with two dynamical contributions, one from a central dense region, up to roughly 1 fm and another from a peripheral evanescent region from 1 to 3 fm.
GAUSSIAN CONFINEMENT IN A JKJ DECAY MODEL
Authors: DA SILVA MARIO L. L. , HADJIMICHEF DIMITER , VASCONCELLOS CESAR A. Z.
Published: November 2007

In microscopic decay models, one attempts to describe hadron strong decays in terms of quark and gluon degrees of freedom. We begin by assuming that strong decays are driven by the same interquark Hamiltonian which determines the spectrum, and that it incorporates gaussian confinement. An A → BC decay matrix element of the JKJ Hamiltonian involves a pair-production current matrix elements times a scatering matrix element. Diagrammatically this corresponds to an interaction between an initial line and produced pair.
SATURATION EFFECTS ON QUARKONIUM PRODUCTION IN NUCLEUS-NUCLEUS COLLISIONS
Authors: DURÃES F. O. , NAVARRA F. S. , NIELSEN M.
Published: November 2007

In the forthcoming nucleus-nucleus collisions at LHC we expect to see effects of the nonlinear (or saturation) regime of QCD. In this work we explore saturation effects on quarkonium production in nucleus-nucleus collisions, performing a quantitative analysis of the xF distributions in these collisions with the Color Glass Condensate approach.
UNIFIED TREATMENT OF MIXED VECTOR-SCALAR SCREENED COULOMB POTENTIALS FOR FERMIONS
Authors: CASTRO L. B. , DE CASTRO A. S.
Published: November 2007

The problem of a fermion subject to a general mixing of vector and scalar screened Coulomb potentials in a two-dimensional world is analyzed and quantization conditions are found.
HOT NUCLEAR MATTER PROPERTIES
Authors: PASSAMANI TOMAZ , CESCATO MARIA LUIZA
Published: November 2007

The nuclear matter at finite temperature is described in the relativistic mean field theory using linear and nonlinear interactions. The behavior of effective nucleon mass with temperature was numerically calculated. For the nonlinear NL3 interaction we also observed the striking decrease at temperatures well below the nucleon mass. The calculation of NL3 nuclear matter equation of state at finite temperature is still on progress.
FOUR MODELS TO CALCULATE A FUZZY PROBABILITY DISTRIBUTION WITH A SMALL SAMPLE
Authors: HUANG CHONGFU , ZONG TIAN , CHEN ZHIFEN
Published: November 2007

The need to cope with complicated natural disaster system calls for a sophisticated way of analyzing it with the help of fuzzy methods. Therefore, four models are suggested succeedingly to represent a fuzzy probability distribution with a small sample. In this paper, we inspect the four models in detail and evaluate their performance on an emulation test.