bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling the time-dependent transmission rate for porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) in pigs using data from serial transmission experiments
Authors: Andraud M , Grasland B , Durand B , Cariolet R , Jestin A , Madec F , Pierre J.S , Rose N
Published: June 2008

Six successive transmission trials were carried out from 4 to 39 days post inoculation (DPI) to determine the features of the infectious period for PCV2-infected pigs. The infectiousness of inoculated pigs, assessed from the frequency of occurrence of infected pigs in susceptible groups in each contact trial, increased from 4 to 18 DPI (0, 7 and 8 infected pigs at 4, 11 and 18 DPI, respectively) and then decreased slowly until 39 days post infection (4, 2 and 1 pigs infected at 25, 32 and 39 DPI, respectively). The estimated time-dependent infectiousness was fitted to three unimodal function shapes (gamma, Weibull and lognormal) for comparison. The absence of infected pigs at 4 DPI revealed a latency period between 4 and 10 DPI. A sensitivity analysis was performed to test whether the parametric shape of the transmission function influenced the estimations. The estimated time-dependent transmission rate was implemented in a deterministic SEIR model and validated by comparing the model prediction with external data. The lognormal-like function shape evidenced the best quality of fit, leading to a latency period of 8 days, an estimated basic reproduction ratio of 5.9 [1.8,10.1] and a mean disease generation time of 18.4 days [18.2, 18.5].
Two-degree-of-freedom vortex-induced vibration of a pivoted cylinder below critical mass ratio
Authors: Leong C.M , Wei T
Published: June 2008

In this study, we investigated two-degree-of-freedom (2d.f.) vortex-induced vibrations (VIVs) of a circular cylinder with a pinned attachment at its base; it had identical mass ratios and natural frequencies in both streamwise and transverse directions. The cylinder had a mass ratio,m*of 0.45, and a mass damping, (m*+CA)ζ, equal to 0.0841. Laser-induced fluorescence flow visualization and digital particle image velocimetry experiments were conducted over a Reynolds number range, 820≤Re≤6050 (corresponding to the reduced velocity range, 1.1≤U*≤8.3). Measurements and visualization studies were made in a fixed plane at the cylinder mid-height, providing a two-dimensional picture of a highly three-dimensional system. However, significant insights can be gained from these experiments and form the basis of this paper. A large transverse amplitude response,(or four diameters peak-to-peak), in the upper branch was observed. The streamwise amplitude response exhibits an even higher peak amplitude,, which is approximately 125% of peak. Results show that there is no lower branch for this system and the transverse upper branch exhibits asymptotic behaviour, i.e. a wide regime of resonance. ForRe>3000, the Strouhal number for the vortex shedding was 0.16 (±9%). Both the transverse cylinder oscillation and vortex-shedding frequencies,fOS,YandfVS, respectively, were virtually identical throughout this range. While the streamwise oscillation frequency is typically twice the transverse oscillation frequency for a 2d.f. system, this is not the case at the lowest reduced velocities where oscillations first occur. Under these conditions the streamwise and transverse oscillation frequencies were identical. Finally, we observed that the cylinder wake exhibits both the P+S vortex-shedding mode and a desynchronized vortex pattern, which are uncommon for flow past a cylinder experiment. Very interestingly, the wideU*range over which resonance occurs is dominated by a desynchronized vortex pattern. These results clearly demonstrate the differences that arise in 2d.f. VIV occurring below the critical mass ratio.
Intrinsic and measured statistics of discrete stochastic populations
Authors: French O.E , Hopcraft K.I , Jakeman E , Shepherd T.J
Published: June 2008

The notion that the nature of a measurement is critical to its outcome is usually associated with quantum phenomena. In this paper, we show that the observed statistical properties are also a function of the measurement technique in the case of simple classical populations. In particular, the measured and intrinsic statistics of a single population may be different, while correlation and transfer of individuals between two populations may be hidden from the observer.
Coronary structure and perfusion in health and disease
Authors: Spaan Jos , Kolyva Christina , van den Wijngaard Jeroen , ter Wee Rene , van Horssen Pepijn , Piek Jan , Siebes Maria
Published: June 2008

Blood flow is distributed through the heart muscle via a system of vessels forming the coronary circulation. The perfusion of the myocardium can be hampered by atherosclerosis creating localized obstructions in the epicardial vessels or by microvascular disease. In early stages of the disease, these impediments to blood flow are offset by dilation of the resistance vessels, which normally compensates for a decrease in perfusion pressure or increased metabolism. However, this dilatory reserve can become exhausted, which in general occurs first at the deeper layers of the heart wall where intramural vessels are subjected to compressive forces related to heart contraction. In the catheterization laboratory, guide wires of 0.33 mm diameter are available that are equipped with a pressure and flow velocity sensor at the tip, which can be positioned distal to the stenosis. These signals provide information about the impediment of the stenosis on coronary flow and allow for the evaluation of the status of the microcirculation. However, the interpretation of these signals is strongly model-dependent and therefore it is of paramount importance to develop realistic models reflecting the anatomy and unique physiology of the coronary circulation.
Inferring causal relationships among different histone modifications and gene expression
Authors: Yu Hong , Zhu Shanshan , Zhou Bing , Xue Huiling , Han Jing-Dong J.
Published: June 2008

Histone modifications are major epigenetic factors regulating gene expression. They play important roles in maintaining stem cell pluripotency and in cancer pathogenesis. Different modifications may combine to form complex “histone codes.” Recent high-throughput technologies, such as “ChIP-chip” and “ChIP-seq,” have generated high-resolution maps for many histone modifications on the human genome. Here we use these maps to build a Bayesian network to infer causal and combinatorial relationships among histone modifications and gene expression. A pilot network derived by the same method among polycomb group (PcG) genes and H3K27 trimethylation is accurately supported by current literature. Our unbiased network model among histone modifications is also well supported by cross-validation results. It not only confirmed already known relationships, such as those of H3K27me3 to gene silencing, H3K4me3 to gene activation and the effect of bivalent modification of both H3K4me3 and H3K27me3, but also identified many other relationships that may predict new epigenetic interactions important in epigenetic gene regulation. Our automated inference method, which is potentially applicable to other ChIP-chip or ChIP-seq data analyses, provides a much-needed guide to deciphering the complex histone codes.
The Transport of Sugars to Developing Embryos Is Not via the Bulk Endosperm in Oilseed Rape Seeds
Authors: Morley-Smith Edward R. , Pike Marilyn J. , Findlay Kim , Köckenberger Walter , Hill Lionel M. , Smith Alison M. , Rawsthorne Stephen
Published: June 2008

The fate of sucrose (Suc) supplied via the phloem to developing oilseed rape (Brassica napus) seeds has been investigated by supplying [14C]Suc to pedicels of detached, developing siliques. The method gives high, sustained rates of lipid synthesis in developing embryos within the silique comparable with those on the intact plant. At very early developmental stages (3 d after anthesis), the liquid fraction that occupies most of the interior of the seed has a very high hexose-to-Suc ratio and [14C]Suc entering the seeds is rapidly converted to hexoses. Between 3 and 12 d after anthesis, the hexose-to-Suc ratio of the liquid fraction of the seed remains high, but the fraction of [14C]Suc converted to hexose falls dramatically. Instead, most of the [14C]Suc entering the seed is rapidly converted to products in the growing embryo. These data, together with light and nuclear magnetic resonance microscopy, reveal complex compartmentation of sugar metabolism and transport within the seed during development. The bulk of the sugar in the liquid fraction of the seed is probably contained within the central vacuole of the endosperm. This sugar is not in contact with the embryo and is not on the path taken by carbon from the phloem to the embryo. These findings have important implications for the sugar switch model of embryo development and for understanding the relationship between the embryo and the surrounding endosperm.
Is the magnitude of pollen limitation in a plant community affected by pollinator visitation and plant species specialisation levels?
Authors: Joar Hegland Stein , Totland Ørjan
Published: June 2008

Pollen limitation on a plant community level has received little attention, although it might show which pollination‐related traits may cause pollen limitation to vary among species. To address several central questions in plant reproductive biology, we investigated pollen limitation in 11 plant species, including visitation and specialisation levels of all species. The female reproductive success of most species within the studied plant community was not pollen limited, but a general tradeoff between seed production and seed weight occurred as a response to supplemental pollination. In contrast to general notion, we did not find that less visited species were most pollen limited. Instead, it appears that species with high visitation rates were most pollen limited. Our study provided conflicting evidence to whether specialisation levels may affect the degree of pollen limitation within the study community. We discuss these findings in the context of recent reviews on the occurrence, causes and consequences of pollen limitation in plants. In particular, we propose that, although pollen limitation is an important phenomenon, 1) the majority of species within a plant community may not experience pollen limitation at a given moment, 2) that common notions of which plant species should experience pollen limited reproductive success do not hold true in the studied plant community, and 3) that offspring quality is as likely affected by surplus pollen loads as is the number of offspring.
Parallel imports and price controls
Authors: Grossman Gene M. , Lai Edwin L.‐C.
Published: June 2008

Price controls create opportunities for international arbitrage. Many have argued that such arbitrage, if tolerated, will undermine intellectual property rights and dull the incentives for investment in research‐intensive industries such as pharmaceuticals. We challenge this orthodox view and show, to the contrary, that the pace of innovation often is faster in a world with international exhaustion of intellectual property rights than in one with national exhaustion. The key to our conclusion is to recognize that governments will make different choices of price controls when parallel imports are allowed by their trade partners than they will when they are not.
Rapid culture‐free identification and molecular typing of Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli by PCR‐RFLP
Authors: Shima Kensuke , Kawamura Naohisa , Hinenoya Atsushi , Sugimoto Norihiko , Wu Yuluo , Asakura Masahiro , Nishimura Kazuhiko , Nair Gopinath B. , Yamasaki Shinji
Published: June 2008

Using culture‐independent technology, PCR‐RFLP were used to identify and type STEC in the stool of a patient with HUS. Fecal PCR‐RFLP patterns were identical to those of the STEC O157:H7 isolated from the patient.
Vaginal infection with Ureaplasma urealyticum accounts for preterm delivery via induction of inflammatory responses
Authors: Harada Kayoko , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Komori Shinji , Tsuji Yoshiyuki , Nagata Kumiko , Tsutsui Hiroko , Koyama Koji
Published: June 2008

U. urealyticum, a member of the family Mycoplasmataceae, is often detected in the vagina of pregnant women. In this study, the possible association of ureaplasmal infection with preterm delivery was examined, as was the capacity of ureaplasmal LP to stimulate monocytes in vitro to produce pro‐inflammatory cytokines relevant to preterm delivery. A hundred cases of normal delivery and 45 cases of preterm delivery were randomly selected. A mAb against U. urealyticum urease, that selectively and positively stained it in vaginal secretions of infected women but not in those of uninfected women, was generated. The preterm delivery group showed a significantly higher incidence of vaginal infection with this bacteria than the normal delivery group. Since the LP of Mycoplasma has potent biological activity, ureaplasmal LP was extracted. THP‐1 cells, and human monocytic cells, produced IL‐8, a potent pro‐inflammatory cytokine associated with preterm delivery, and showed apoptotic cell death in response to the LP in vitro. These results suggest that U. urealyticum infection might play a causative role in preterm delivery via LP‐induced IL‐8 production and apoptosis.
Global decomposition experiment shows soil animal impacts on decomposition are climate‐dependent
Authors: WALL DIANA H. , BRADFORD MARK A. , ST. JOHN MARK G. , TROFYMOW JOHN A. , BEHAN‐PELLETIER VALERIE , BIGNELL DAVID E. , DANGERFIELD J. MARK , PARTON WILLIAM J. , RUSEK JOSEF , VOIGT WINFRIED , WOLTERS VOLKMAR , GARDEL HOLLEY ZADEH , AYUKE FRED O. , BASHFORD RICHARD , BELJAKOVA OLGA I. , BOHLEN PATRICK J. , BRAUMAN ALAIN , FLEMMING STEPHEN , HENSCHEL JOH R. , JOHNSON DAN L. , JONES T. HEFIN , KOVAROVA MARCELA , KRANABETTER J. MARTY , KUTNY LES , LIN KUO‐CHUAN , MARYATI MOHAMED , MASSE DOMINIQUE , POKARZHEVSKII ANDREI , RAHMAN HOMATHEVI , SABARÁ MILLOR G. , SALAMON JOERG‐ALFRED , SWIFT MICHAEL J. , VARELA AMANDA , VASCONCELOS HERALDO L. , WHITE DON , ZOU XIAOMING
Published: June 2008

Climate and litter quality are primary drivers of terrestrial decomposition and, based on evidence from multisite experiments at regional and global scales, are universally factored into global decomposition models. In contrast, soil animals are considered key regulators of decomposition at local scales but their role at larger scales is unresolved. Soil animals are consequently excluded from global models of organic mineralization processes. Incomplete assessment of the roles of soil animals stems from the difficulties of manipulating invertebrate animals experimentally across large geographic gradients. This is compounded by deficient or inconsistent taxonomy. We report a global decomposition experiment to assess the importance of soil animals in C mineralization, in which a common grass litter substrate was exposed to natural decomposition in either control or reduced animal treatments across 30 sites distributed from 43°S to 68°N on six continents. Animals in the mesofaunal size range were recovered from the litter by Tullgren extraction and identified to common specifications, mostly at the ordinal level. The design of the trials enabled faunal contribution to be evaluated against abiotic parameters between sites. Soil animals increase decomposition rates in temperate and wet tropical climates, but have neutral effects where temperature or moisture constrain biological activity. Our findings highlight that faunal influences on decomposition are dependent on prevailing climatic conditions. We conclude that (1) inclusion of soil animals will improve the predictive capabilities of region‐ or biome‐scale decomposition models, (2) soil animal influences on decomposition are important at the regional scale when attempting to predict global change scenarios, and (3) the statistical relationship between decomposition rates and climate, at the global scale, is robust against changes in soil faunal abundance and diversity.
TLR2/6 stimulation of the rat lung: effects on lymphocyte subsets, natural killer cells and dendritic cells in different parts of the air‐conducting compartments and at different ages
Authors: Pabst Reinhard , Durak Deniz , Roos Anna , Lührmann Anke , Tschernig Thomas
Published: June 2008

The composition of lymphocyte subsets in the lung has been found to be compartment‐specific. To characterize the effect of age, weanling, young adult and adult rats were studied in control conditions and after a single intratracheal dose of the Toll‐like receptor 2/6 (TLR2/6) agonist macrophage activating lipopeptide‐2 (MALP‐2). In all age groups, T, B and natural killer (NK) cells increased dramatically in the epithelium and lamina propria of the bronchi. Male adult rats were found to have responded to MALP‐2 to a much greater extent than females when lymphocyte subsets were counted in the epithelium and the lamina propria. In a second series of experiments the time kinetics of regulatory T‐cell (Treg) subsets and dendritic cells (DCs) in the lung was studied after local stimulation with MALP‐2. Different time‐dependent patterns were found in the Treg subsets CD4+ CD25+, CD4+ CD25+ neuropilin 1+ and CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ cells. Neutrophils and DCs also showed different patterns. Thus, the local application of a TLR agonist increased the number of lymphocyte subsets in a compartment‐specific pattern. However, data should not be generalized or extrapolated from one age group, sex or lymphocyte subpopulation to another.
Genetic estimates of contemporary effective population size: what can they tell us about the importance of genetic stochasticity for wild population persistence?
Authors: PALSTRA FRISO P. , RUZZANTE DANIEL E.
Published: June 2008

Genetic stochasticity due to small population size contributes to population extinction, especially when population fragmentation disrupts gene flow. Estimates of effective population size (Ne) can therefore be informative about population persistence, but there is a need for an assessment of their consistency and informative relevance. Here we review the body of empirical estimates of Ne for wild populations obtained with the temporal genetic method and published since Frankham's (1995) review. Theoretical considerations have identified important sources of bias for this analytical approach, and we use empirical data to investigate the extent of these biases. We find that particularly model selection and sampling require more attention in future studies.

We report a median unbiased Ne estimate of 260 (among 83 studies) and find that this median estimate tends to be smaller for populations of conservation concern, which may therefore be more sensitive to genetic stochasticity. Furthermore, we report a median Ne/N ratio of 0.14, and find that this ratio may actually be higher for small populations, suggesting changes in biological interactions at low population abundances. We confirm the role of gene flow in countering genetic stochasticity by finding that Ne correlates strongest with neutral genetic metrics when populations can be considered isolated. This underlines the importance of gene flow for the estimation of Ne, and of population connectivity for conservation in general. Reductions in contemporary gene flow due to ongoing habitat fragmentation will likely increase the prevalence of genetic stochasticity, which should therefore remain a focal point in the conservation of biodiversity.
Muscle histopathology in myasthenia gravis with antibodies against MuSK and AChR
Authors: Martignago S. , Fanin M. , Albertini E. , Pegoraro E. , Angelini C.
Published: June 2008

Aims: We compared myopathological features in myasthenia gravis (MG) patients with antibodies against AChR (seropositive) and muscle‐specific tyrosin‐kinase (MuSK). While the immunopathogenesis of seropositive MG is well known, there is a lack of pathological studies in anti‐MuSK antibody‐positive (MuSK+) MG. Methods: We analysed skeletal muscle biopsy features of 13 MG patients: 6 MuSK+ (all women) and 7 anti‐AchR antibody‐positive (AChR+) (2 women and 5 men). In our histopathological examination, we quantified the atrophy factor of both fibre types, and the extent of minicores, myofibrillar disarray, cytochrome c oxidase (COX)‐negative fibres, mitochondrial aggregates and fibre type grouping. Results: Mean muscle fibre atrophy factor was higher in AChR+ MG than MuSK+ MG, both in type I fibres (494 vs. 210) and particularly in type II fibres (1023 vs. 300). Fibre type grouping was observed in AChR+ MG whereas COX‐negative fibres were common in MuSK+ MG. Bulbar muscles were more severely affected in MuSK+ MG and the disease was more severe: the onset was usually earlier (39 years) with Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America score III in MuSK+ MG, and score II was found in AChR+ MG (62 years). Conclusions: Muscle biopsies of MuSK+ MG show myopathic signs with prominent mitochondrial abnormalities, whereas neurogenic features and atrophy are more frequently found in AChR+ MG. The mitochondrial impairment could explain the oculo‐bulbar involvement in MuSK+ MG.
Ovarian Cancer Cells Modulate Human Blood Neutrophils Response to Activation In Vitro
Authors: Klink M. , Jastrzembska K. , Nowak M. , Bednarska K. , Szpakowski M. , Szyllo K. , Sulowska Z.
Published: June 2008

In cancer, numerous cells of both innate and adaptive immune systems are activated. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils are potent effector cells of inflammation that are an important component of tumour development and progression. The important signalling proteins that are involved in neutrophil functions are extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2). We investigated the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, adhesive ability and CD11b/CD18 adhesion molecule expression on neutrophils isolated from peripheral blood of ovarian cancer patients and the in vitro response of these cells to stimuli and direct contact with ovarian cancer cells isolated from tumour. We found that functional activities of neutrophils isolated from patients with advanced stages of ovarian cancer (FIGO III/IV) were intensified in comparison to neutrophils isolated from healthy female volunteers. Neutrophils of cancer patients produce higher amounts of ROS in response to stimuli than those of control group. Unstimulated neutrophils of patients possess higher expression of CD11b/CD18 molecule that is accompanied by increased adhesive ability of these cells. Our results reveal that augmented functional activities of neutrophils may result from the intensification of ERK1/2 kinases phosphorylation. We found that interactions with ovarian cancer cells modulate neutrophil functions as a result of cell‐to‐cell direct contact. We conclude that ovarian cancer cells affect pro‐inflammatory activities in neutrophils via influence of signalling pathways in response to stimuli. Our results suggest the possibility that neutrophils responding to contact with cancer cells contribute to the progression and metastatic potential of tumour cells.
The mechanisms of refilling of xylem conduits and bleeding of tall birch during spring
Authors: Westhoff M. , Schneider H. , Zimmermann D. , Mimietz S. , Stinzing A. , Wegner L.H. , Kaiser W. , Krohne G. , Shirley St. , Jakob P. , Bamberg E. , Bentrup F.‐W. , Zimmermann U.
Published: June 2008

Seasonal variations in osmolality and components of xylem sap in tall birch trees were determined using several techniques. Xylem sap was extracted from branch and trunk sections of 58 trees using the very rapid gas bubble‐based jet‐discharge method. The 5‐cm long wood pieces were taken at short intervals over the entire tree height. The data show that large biphasic osmolality gradients temporarily exist within the conducting xylem conduits during leaf emergence (up to 272 mosmol·kg−1 at the apex). These gradients (arising mainly from glucose and fructose) were clearly held within the xylem conduit as demonstrated by 1H NMR imaging of intact twigs. Refilling experiments with benzene, sucrose infusion, electron and light microscopy, as well as 1H NMR chemical shift microimaging provided evidence that the xylem of birch represents a compartment confined by solute‐reflecting barriers (radial: lipid linings/lipid bodies; axial: presumably air‐filled spaces). These features allow transformation of osmolality gradients into osmotic pressure gradients. Refilling of the xylem occurs by a dual mechanism: from the base (by root pressure) and from the top (by hydrostatic pressure generated by xylem‐bound osmotic pressure). The generation of osmotic pressure gradients was accompanied by bleeding. Bleeding could be observed at a height of up to 21 m. Bleeding rates measured at a given height decreased exponentially with time. Evidence is presented that the driving force for bleeding is the weight of the static water columns above the bleeding point. The pressure exerted by the water columns and the bleeding volume depend on the water‐filling status of (communicating) vessels.
SYMPATHETIC REGULATION OF RENAL FUNCTION IN STROKE‐PRONE SPONTANEOUSLY HYPERTENSIVE RATS CONGENIC FOR CHROMOSOME 1 BLOOD PRESSURE QUANTITATIVE TRAIT LOCI
Authors: Wang Tao , Takabatake Toshikazu , Kobayashi Yuta , Nabika Toru
Published: June 2008

Two reciprocal congenic strains, WKYpch1.0 and SHRSPwch1.0, were constructed, respectively, by introgressing the stroke‐prone spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHRSP)‐derived fragment for the chromosome 1 blood pressure (BP) quantitative trait locus (QTL) into Wistar‐Kyoto (WKY) rats and vice versa.

Under basal conditions with intact renal sympathetic nerves, the renal noradrenaline content and renal vascular resistance (RVR) were decreased in the order of SHRSP, SHRSPwch1.0, WKYpch1.0 and WKY, exhibiting reciprocal changes in the congenic strains according to the genotype of the chromosome 1 QTL.

Renal denervation resulted in significant effects on RVR and the fractional excretion of sodium only in SHRSP and WKYpch1.0, both of which harboured the SHRSP‐derived fragment of chromosome 1 QTL.

Thus, chromosome 1 QTL may influence both renal sympathetic nervous activity and the regulatory role of the sympathetic nervous system in vascular and tubular functions. The reciprocal congenic strains are thereby unique models that may help in the search for intermediate phenotypes and empower functional deduction of candidate genes.
BARRIERS TO SUCCESSFUL DELIVERY OF SHORT INTERFERING RNA AFTER SYSTEMIC ADMINISTRATION
Authors: White Paul J
Published: June 2008

RNA interference in vivo has tremendous potential, both with respect to the elucidation of protein function in animals and as a therapeutic platform in humans. In vitro, short interfering RNA (siRNA) has been shown to completely silence gene expression in mammalian cells at low picomolar concentrations.

Although many good publications have shown specific silencing to occur in vivo, there are few that have transferred the combination of maximal efficacy and high potency to this setting. The present review considers the biological barriers that limit the movement of siRNA from vascular lumen to target cell cytoplasm and the strategies that have been used to overcome them.

Intravenous administration of siRNA results in rapid, extensive removal of siRNA from the blood via renal excretion, tissue distribution and nuclease degradation. Movement across vascular capillaries appears to be a limiting factor in some cases; few examples of silencing have been reported in organs with a conventional capillary endothelium.

Cellular uptake and endosomal trapping are significant barriers, but can be overcome using strategies such as antibody mediated cellular uptake or polyethyleneimine‐mediated endosomal escape.
Effect of human leukemia cells in testicular tissues grafted into immunodeficient mice
Authors: Fujita Kazutoshi , Tsujimura Akira , Hirai Toshiaki , Ohta Hiroshi , Matsuoka Yasuhiro , Miyagawa Yasushi , Takao Tetsuya , Takada Shingo , Nonomura Norio , Okuyama Akihiko
Published: June 2008

Objectives:  To preserve the fertility of prepubertal boys with childhood cancer, it has been proposed that testicular tissues could be harvested before treatment and then immature germ cells matured by xenografting under the skin of immunodeficient mice. However, malignant cells present in the testicular tissue may disturb spermatogenesis in the xenografts. Here we examined the effect of human leukemia cells on ectopic xenografts in immunodeficient mice.

Methods:  First, in order to evaluate the tumor forming ability of Human leukemia cells (Jurkat cells), different amounts of these cells were injected into nude mice and analyzed 8 weeks later. Testicular tissues from 5‐week‐old donor SCID mice injected with Jurkat cells were xenografted under the skin of recipient nude mice. After 8 weeks, xenografts were histologically evaluated and expression of testicular markers in xenografts was assessed.

Results:  More than 1 × 106 Jurkat cells were necessary to develop a tumor under the skin of nude mice. Eight weeks after xenografting, 5 of 20 xenografts (25%) developed tumors. Spermatogenesis was not detected in any xenografts. Testicular cells were not detected in the tumor by the reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction technique.

Conclusions:  Human leukemia cells infiltrating testicular tissue may disturb spermatogenesis in xenografts. Xenografting cannot be considered a reliable method for the detection of human leukemic cells in testicular tissues before auto‐transplantation. Other measures should be developed to preserve the fertility of prepubertal boys with leukemia.
Recombinant human thyroid‐stimulating hormone (Thyrogen) in thyroid cancer follow up: experience at a single institution
Authors: Wong R. , Topliss D. J. , Bach L. A. , Hamblin P. S. , Kalff V. , Long F. , Stockigt J. R.
Published: June 2008

Background:  Recombinant human thyroid‐stimulating hormone (Thyrogen®; Genzyme Corporation, Cambridge, MA, USA) (rhTSH)‐stimulated serum thyroglobulin (Tg) (stim‐Tg) and 131I whole‐body scanning (WBS) have been reported to allow follow up of patients with thyroid cancer without the symptoms of thyroxine withdrawal and with equivalent diagnostic information to that obtained after thyroxine withdrawal. The aim of the study was to report results of rhTSH use at the Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, from 1999 to 2006 and in particular to examine the significance of detectable serum Tg after rhTSH in relation to thyroid cancer staging and to compare the sensitivity of rhTSH‐stimulated serum Tg to whole‐body 131I scanning (WBS) in the detection of residual and recurrent thyroid cancer.

Methods:  The study was a retrospective chart review.

Results:  In 90 patients, rhTSH was used for 96 diagnostic episodes and 18 doses of rhTSH were used to facilitate treatment with 131I. In stages I and II cancer (n = 42), of three patients with stim‐Tg 1–2 μg/L, none had identifiable disease, and the three patients who had stim‐Tg >2 μg/L did not experience recurrent disease during follow up. In contrast, in stages III and IV cancer (n = 43) 2 of 5 with stim‐Tg 1−2 μg/L had identifiable disease and 7 of 10 with stim‐Tg >2 μg/L had identifiable disease. In Tg‐positive, WBS‐negative disease, further imaging identified persistent/recurrent disease.

Conclusion:  rhTSH was effective and safe in the management of thyroid cancer follow up for diagnosis of persistent/recurrent cancer and to enable 131I treatment. In no case did rhTSH‐stimulated WBS identify the presence of disease not also identified by raised basal Tg or stim‐Tg. Therefore, in low risk cancer WBS may be omitted.
English in the French workplace: realism and anxieties
Authors: DENEIRE MARC
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACT:  The adoption of English as a corporate language in an increasingly large number of French companies has provoked various reactions ranging from enthusiastic embrace to strong rejection based on anxiety and cultural protectionism. This paper is an attempt to understand these reactions based on a stratified study of the extent to which English has taken root in the French workplace. Results point to a real “English divide” between educated and less educated groups, and between upper management and shop floor workers. While most employees are willing to adopt English to facilitate international trade, they reject the top‐down imposition of English that often leads to exclusion and various forms of de‐skilling. The paper proposes a model that allows different levels of proficiency to coexist in such a way as to attenuate the perverse effects on power relationships that the adoption of English sometimes results in.
Cued American English: a variety in the visual mode
Authors: PORTOLANO MARLANA
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACT:  Cued American English (CAE) is a visual variety of English derived from a mode of communication called Cued Speech (CS). CS, or cueing, is a system of communication for use with the deaf, which consists of hand shapes, hand placements, and mouth shapes that signify the phonemic information conventionally conveyed through speech in spoken languages. In small language communities in the United States, native deaf users of CAE and those who communicate with them have facilitated the development of a natural variety of English that is specific to the mode of cueing. This paper defines CAE as a variety of English, including its features, functional spectrum, social acquisition, code switching protocols, and intersection with English as a Second Language in the American Deaf community. The author discusses grammatical accommodations and visual prosodic features, reviews relevant research, and describes the CS system in detail as a means by which cueing maps to and facilitates natural language.
Rhetorical strategies, electronic media, and China English
Authors: YOU XIAOYE
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACT:  Scholars tend to explain or predict China English's rhetorical strategies on the basis of Chinese discourse and cultural preferences. This inference model, I argue, falls short in studying the Chinese variety of English because, first, it essentializes both China English and Chinese, treating their discursive strategies as two easily generalizable, static entities; second, it neglects context, which determines the semiotic meaning potential of any language. I propose an alternative model that studies China English with context treated as the main variable. In light of the context model and Aristotelian and Confucian rhetorical concepts, I examine how Chinese youths use English to foster a community and to realize their particular goals in a bulletin board forum. It has been found that they develop patterned rhetorical strategies in the contexts of requesting opinions, seeking advice, sharing experiences, and expressing feelings. These strategies evidence China English's growing meaning potential in electronic medium spaces because they differ remarkably from those identified in other contexts by previous scholarship, and they cannot be easily labeled as traditional Chinese. As China English finds its way into more contexts and domains, I suggest that we adopt the context model to fully unveil the language's expanding meaning potential.
Potency of germ cells and its relevance for regenerative medicine
Authors: Mardanpour Parisa , Guan Kaomei , Nolte Jessica , Lee Jae Ho , Hasenfuss Gerhard , Engel Wolfgang , Nayernia Karim
Published: June 2008

Germline stem cells, which can self‐renew and generate gametes, are unique stem cells in that they are solely dedicated to transmit genetic information from generation to generation. The germ cells have a special place in the life cycle because they must be able to retain the ability to recreate the organism, a property known as developmental totipotency. Several lines of evidence have suggested the extensive proliferation activity and pluripotency of prenatal, neonatal and adult germline stem cells. We showed that adult male germline stem cells, spermatogonial stem cells, can be converted into embryonic stem cell‐like cells, which can differentiate into the somatic stem cells of three germ layers. Different cell types such as vascular, heart, liver, pancreatic and blood cells could also be obtained from these stem cells. Understanding how spermatogonial stem cells can give rise to pluripotent stem cells and how somatic stem cells differentiate into germ cells could give significant insight into the regulation of developmental totipotency as well as having important implications for male fertility and regenerative medicine.
Dealing with Diversity in the Construction of Indigenous Autonomy in the Sierra Norte of Oaxaca
Authors: MENDOZA ZUANY ROSA GUADALUPE
Published: June 2008

Building autonomy in the Sierra Norte of Oaxaca has not depended on the development of Zapotec ethnic identities, isolation or rejection of the integration of outsiders into the communities. The communities of Ixtlán and Guelatao have developed strong local identities and strategies related to the appropriation of external legal categories, and the combination of these with their own customary practices to integrate newcomers into their social, political and economic organisation. Dialogue has been one of the main tools for building autonomy and achieve the integration of outsiders, while continuing the dynamic reproduction of their internal organisation and way of life.
The long‐term effectiveness of antenatal pelvic floor muscle training: eight‐year follow up of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Agur WI , Steggles P , Waterfield M , Freeman RM
Published: June 2008

Objective  To determine the long‐term effectiveness of antenatal pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Design  Eight‐year follow up of a randomised controlled trial (RCT).

Setting  Acute NHS Teaching Trust.

Population  Participants in an RCT of antenatal PFMT 8 years previously.

Method  Participants were asked about the presence of SUI, impact on quality of life, frequency of performance of PFMT and details of subsequent deliveries.

Main outcome measure  The prevalence of SUI at 8 years.

Results  One hundred and sixty‐four (71%) of the original 230 women responded. The significant improvement in postnatal SUI originally shown in the PFMT group compared with controls (19.2 versus 32.7%, P = 0.02) at 3 months was not evident 8 years later (35.4 versus 38.8%, P = 0.7). On direct questioning, 68.4% of the study group claimed that they still performed PFMT as taught during the study, with 38.0% of them performing this twice or more per week. There was no difference in outcome between those who performed PFMT twice or more per week compared with those performing PFMT less frequently. There were no differences in quality‐of‐life domains between the study and the control groups at 8 years.

Conclusion  The initially beneficial effect of supervised antenatal PFMT on SUI did not continue for a long term despite the majority claiming to still perform PFMT. These findings are in keeping with those of other studies and raise concerns about the long‐term efficacy of PFMT. Strategies to improve compliance with PFMT are required.
Factors affecting adequacy of Pipelle and Tao Brush endometrial sampling
Authors: Williams ARW , Brechin S , Porter AJL , Warner P , Critchley HOD
Published: June 2008

Objective  To compare factors influencing adequacy of endometrial samples obtained using two outpatient sampling devices – Pipelle and Tao Brush.

Design  Pragmatic unblinded trial with investigation schedule randomised separately within two groups according to endometrial cancer risk.

Setting  Gynaecology outpatient clinic of a large city hospital in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Population  All women referred to a gynaecology outpatient clinic during a 28‐month period complaining of abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Methods  Women were assigned to two ‘risk groups’ for endometrial cancer (‘high risk’ for postmenopausal women and ‘moderate risk’ for premenopausal women aged over 40 years or with other risk factors). Women in each risk group had both types of biopsy and were randomised to two outpatient visualisations: hysteroscopy and/or transvaginal ultrasound scan.

Main outcome measures  Completion of the investigation, adequacy of sample and acceptability of investigation to women.

Results  In 200 high‐risk women, adequate samples were significantly more likely to be obtained by Tao Brush than Pipelle (P < 0.001). Nulliparity was strongly associated with failed insertion for both devices (P < 0.001). Inadequate samples were strongly associated with postmenopausal status only for Pipelle (P < 0.001), and among premenopausal women, for both samplers, with nulliparity (P < 0.001). A significantly greater proportion of women preferred the Tao Brush to the Pipelle endometrial sampler (P < 0.001).

Conclusions  In postmenopausal women, Tao Brush sampling offers advantages over use of Pipelle, and the former should be considered as an alternative or additional sampling device in this group of women.
Meta‐Analysis of Studies with Missing Data
Authors: Yuan Ying , Little Roderick J. A.
Published: June 2008

Summary Consider a meta‐analysis of studies with varying proportions of patient‐level missing data, and assume that each primary study has made certain missing data adjustments so that the reported estimates of treatment effect size and variance are valid. These estimates of treatment effects can be combined across studies by standard meta‐analytic methods, employing a random‐effects model to account for heterogeneity across studies. However, we note that a meta‐analysis based on the standard random‐effects model will lead to biased estimates when the attrition rates of primary studies depend on the size of the underlying study‐level treatment effect. Perhaps ignorable within each study, these types of missing data are in fact not ignorable in a meta‐analysis. We propose three methods to correct the bias resulting from such missing data in a meta‐analysis: reweighting the DerSimonian–Laird estimate by the completion rate; incorporating the completion rate into a Bayesian random‐effects model; and inference based on a Bayesian shared‐parameter model that includes the completion rate. We illustrate these methods through a meta‐analysis of 16 published randomized trials that examined combined pharmacotherapy and psychological treatment for depression.
Estimating a Multivariate Familial Correlation Using Joint Models for Canonical Correlations: Application to Memory Score Analysis from Familial Hispanic Alzheimer's Disease Study
Authors: Lee Hye‐Seung , Cho Paik Myunghee , Lee Joseph H.
Published: June 2008

SummaryAnalysis of multiple traits can provide additional information beyond analysis of a single trait, allowing better understanding of the underlying genetic mechanism of a common disease. To accommodate multiple traits in familial correlation analysis adjusting for confounders, we develop a regression model for canonical correlation parameters and propose joint modeling along with mean and scale parameters. The proposed method is more powerful than the regression method modeling pairwise correlations because it captures familial aggregation manifested in multiple traits through maximum canonical correlation.
Effects of polyamines and polyamine synthesis inhibitor on antennal electrophysiological responses of diamondback moths, Plutella xylostella
Authors: Zhang Zhi‐Chun , Wang Man‐Qun , Li Hui , Zhang Guoan
Published: June 2008

Electroantennography showed that treatment with polyamines and α‐difluoromethyl‐ornithine (DFMO) significantly affected the sensitivity of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), antennae to odors. Response to a female pheromone extract was significantly higher in antennae from spermine‐treated males than in those from acetone‐treated males, and significantly lower in spermidine‐treated males, whereas the DFMO‐treatment had no significant effect. The effect of polyamine and DFMO treatment on olfactory sensitivity differed between the sexes, and correlated with the mating status of adults. Amine putrescine, spermidine, and DFMO treatments enhanced the sensitivity of unmated male antennae to most of the odors tested, but inhibited the sensitivity of virgin female antennae. Spermine treatment enhanced the sensitivity of virgin female antennae to all tested odors, but inhibited the sensitivity of mated female antennae to cabbage juice. These results suggest that polyamines play a regulatory role in the detection of odors and that their effects depend on the odor source, and the gender and mating status of diamondback moths.
Factors Associated With Young Children’s Opportunities for Maintaining Family Relationships During Maternal Incarceration*
Authors: Poehlmann Julie , Shlafer Rebecca J. , Maes Elizabeth , Hanneman Ashley
Published: June 2008

Abstract: Children affected by maternal incarceration experience challenges maintaining continuous family relationships because of changes in caregivers, separation from siblings, and limited contact with mothers. In this mixed‐method study, we investigated maternal and contextual factors associated with continuity in family relationships of children living with relatives because of their mother’s incarceration. Interviews with 92 incarcerated mothers revealed that children were more likely to live in continuous caregiving arrangements when mothers felt that the caregiver was their choice, when children lived with fathers, and when the mother‐caregiver relationship was more positive. In addition, most mothers were concerned about the quality or stability of care when expressing a preference for children’s living arrangements.
Social Support and Psychological Well‐Being in Lesbian and Heterosexual Preadoptive Couples
Authors: Goldberg Abbie E. , Smith JuliAnna Z.
Published: June 2008

Abstract: This study examines predictors of social support and mental health among 36 lesbian and 39 heterosexual couples who were waiting to adopt. Lesbian preadoptive partners perceived less support from family than heterosexual partners but similar levels of support from friends. Lesbian and heterosexual partners reported similar levels of well‐being. Aspects of the adoption process were associated with anxiety, whereas couples’ conception history was associated with depression. Adoption practitioners should acknowledge these distinct pathways in prevention efforts.
Effects of Nitric Oxide Modulators on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Mild Hyperhomocysteinaemic Rat Model
Authors: Sharma Meenakshi , Rai Santosh Kr. , Tiwari Rakesh Kr. , Tiwari Manisha , Chandra Ramesh
Published: June 2008

Abstract:  Hyperhomocysteinaemia is considered to be an independent risk factor in atherosclerosis. In the present article, we observed the effect of nitric oxide modulators on cardiovascular risk factors in mild hyperhomocysteinaemic rats. A rat model of mild hyperhomocysteinaemia was established by administering methionine (1 g/kg body weight, orally) for 4 weeks. The other groups were concomitantly treated with sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and Nω‐nitro‐l‐arginine (LNNA) during the induction of hyperhomocysteinaemia. Lipid profile, total antioxidant capacity and the level of homocysteine and NOx (nitrates and nitrites) was examined in serum at 0 and 4 weeks. Activity of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme A (HMG‐CoA) reductase, the mRNA level of caveolin, P2 receptors and cardiovascular risk factors were also analysed. Stimulated lipid profile of rats by the treatment of methionine (1 g/kg body weight) reduced significantly by the treatment of SNP with methionine. LNNA increased the level of cholesterol in aorta (P < 0.05 versus group II). SNP significantly suppressed the activity of HMG‐CoA reductase. The mRNA levels of caveolin (P < 0.05), P2X (P < 0.05) and P2Y (P < 0.05) showed a significant decrease in rats administered with SNP. LNNA showed significant induction in the expression of caveolin (P < 0.01) and P2Y (P < 0.01) expression. The level of P2X showed no remarkable change in animals treated with LNNA and methionine both. These data conclude that nitric oxide modulators modulate the effect of hyperhomocysteinaemia on the other cardiovascular risk factors and confirm the finding that nitric oxide plays an important role in homocysteine‐induced cardiovascular diseases.