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The drive for increasingly personalized treatment has demanded more precise pathological diagnoses. While careful morphological assessment remains the mainstay of pathological examination and continues to provide the majority of the required diagnostic information, immunohistochemical and molecular assessment is becoming increasingly important. This review lays out common diagnostic dilemmas in gynaecological pathology and explains how molecular and immunohistochemical techniques can be used to resolve them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2008.12.019 Byline: Maud Bonato (a), Matthew R. Evans (b), Michael I. Cherry (a) Abstract: Life history theory predicts that females should modify their investment in a particular breeding attempt according to the likelihood of its success, as the investment of females in reproduction is typically higher than that of males. The ostrich mating system is promiscuous, and is thus a particularly interesting one in which to investigate differential investment by the sexes. To date, there has been no evidence that female ostriches discriminate between males as potential mates, but the degree of dimorphism in this promiscuous species and the variation in chick size within clutches suggest that differential maternal investment is likely. We investigated the relationship between egg mass and coloration of the feathers, bill, neck and legs of 15 male ostriches, maintained in a breeding flock at an ostrich farm in South Africa. Paternity was determined using microsatellite markers. We found that the colour of the neck, white and black body feathers, and the brightness of black feathers, predicted egg mass. These traits are exposed during the male courtship display, so we suggest that these visual cues influence the degree of maternal investment in eggs through their influence on female perception of mate quality. Author Affiliation: (a) Department of Botany and Zoology, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa (b) Centre for Ecology and Conservation, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, U.K. Article History: Received 28 May 2008; Revised 3 July 2008; Accepted 27 December 2008 Article Note: (miscellaneous) MS. number: 08-00360R

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2009.02.008 Byline: Maud Bonato (a), Matthew R. Evans (b), Dennis Hasselquist (c), Michael I. Cherry (a) Abstract: It has been suggested that secondary sexual ornamentation signals male ability to resist infections, as only high-quality individuals are able to invest both in high immune defence and elaborate ornament expression. Such ornaments could thus serve as indicators of male quality and could be used by females in choosing mates. Ostriches are sexually dimorphic with regard to coloration of their feathers, bill, neck and legs, and have a promiscuous mating system, with a high degree of reproductive skew, particularly in males. We investigated the relationship between the coloration of the feathers, bill, neck and legs of 15 male ostriches, maintained in a breeding flock, and the cell-mediated (measured using a phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) injection) and humoral components of their immune systems, as well as their heterophil:lymphocyte ratio. We found that male responses to PHA injection and humoral responses to tetanus were predicted by leg coloration, humoral responses to diphtheria were predicted by white feather coloration, and the heterophil:lymphocyte ratio was related to bill coloration. These traits, which relate to male immune capacity, are exposed during male-male interactions and courtship display, so we suggest that these visual cues could provide valuable information on male quality to females (as well as rival males), forming the basis of mate choice in this species. Author Affiliation: (a) Department of Botany and Zoology, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa (b) Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus, U.K. (c) Department of Animal Ecology, Lund University, Sweden Article History: Received 30 August 2008; Revised 20 October 2008; Accepted 4 February 2009 Article Note: (miscellaneous) MS. number: 08-00565R

A study of nest building by male wrens shows that those with large testes breed early. It is suggested that the varied start in courtship activity may be influenced by the rate of testicular recrudescence.

Male wrens build display nests in order to attract mates. Those which build more display nests are more likely to attract females than wrens who build fewer nests. Such nests must contain information that will influence the female's choice. Observations of a study site in Oxfordshire, England, show that the nests that male wrens build contain information primarily about the habitat's characteristics rather than the builder's attributes. Details of the study are presented.

Distal embolization of thrombus can lead to impairment of microvascular perfusion, and measures of abnormal microvascular perfusion have been associated with increased mortality and worsened clinical outcomes. Large multicenter randomized controlled trials and multiple meta-analyses have failed to demonstrate an improvement in clinical outcomes with the routine use of manual aspiration thrombectomy, with some studies suggesting an increased incidence of stroke, likely owing to thrombus dislodgement during retrieval leading to cerebral vessel embolization. In patients with high thrombus burden who do not respond to balloon predilation, the use of manual aspiration thrombectomy as a bailout treatment strategy can be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scarlet-tufted malachite sunbirds, Nectarinia johnstoni, are endemic to the alpine zones of East African mountains. On Mount Kenya they feed almost exclusively on the nectar of Lobelia telekii flowers. Males are bright iridescent green, with red pectoral tufts and elongated central tail feathers. The pectoral tufts are used to mediate male-male competition for territories and the long tail may be important in mate choice. The pectoral tufts and the tails of males measured in both 1989 and 1990 increased between years. This increase could be due to age or to differences in condition of the males in the two years. There was an increase in the population tail length and pectoral tuft size of the same magnitude as the change seen in known males which suggess that an age effect is unlikely. The density of L. telekii inflorescences increased between the two years, so more food was available in 1990 than in 1989. Weather records and data from breeding success also suggest that conditions in 1989 were harsher than in 1990. The available information suggests that the size of pectoral tufts and tail length are influenced by environmental conditions rather than male age.

[Display omitted] Yttrium alkyl complex [NONDippY(CH 2 SiMe 3)(THF)], 1 (NONDipp = (DippNSiMe 2) 2 O, Dipp = 2,6- i Pr-C 6 H 3) can be prepared in high yields by a σ-bond metathesis reaction between [Y(CH 2 SiMe 3) 3 (THF) 2 ] and the free bis(aminosilyl)ether. The reaction of 1 with one equivalent of PhSiH 3 generates the hydride bridged yttrium dimer [μ-NONDippY(μ-H)(THF)] 2 2 , however, each diamidosilylether ligand does not chelate each yttrium centre but instead bridges to both yttrium atoms in a "flyover" fashion. This ligand rearrangement maybe reversed by the addition of a strong Lewis base to give the dimeric yttrium hydride [NONDippY(μ-H)(DMAP)] 2 3 , where each diamidosilylether ligand now chelate to each yttrium center respectively. The effect of the different diamidosilylether bonding modes on the reactivity of the yttrium complexes is examined with heterocumulenes. Yttrium alkyl complex [NONDippY(CH 2 SiMe 3)(THF)], 1 (NONDipp = (DippNSiMe 2) 2 O, Dipp = 2,6- i Pr-C 6 H 3) can be prepared in high yields by a σ-bond metathesis reaction between [Y(CH 2 SiMe 3) 3 (THF) 2 ] and the free bis(aminosilyl)ether. The reaction of 1 with one equivalent of PhSiH 3 generates the hydride bridged yttrium dimer [μ-NONDippY(μ-H)(THF)] 2 2 , however, each diamidosilylether ligand does not chelate each yttrium centre but instead bridges to both yttrium atoms in a "flyover" fashion. This ligand rearrangement maybe reversed by the addition of a strong Lewis base to give the dimeric yttrium hydride [NONDippY(μ-H)(DMAP)] 2 3 , where each diamidosilylether ligand now chelate to each yttrium center respectively. The effect of the different diamidosilylether bonding modes on the reactivity of the yttrium complexes is examined with heterocumulenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Climate change is regarded as one of the major concerns of the 21st Century, with mean temperatures expected to increase by about 3 °C over the next 100 years. Species responses to climate change are not consistent, with some species apparently able to respond more quickly than others, thus producing changes in community structure. One increasingly common observation is that species at lower trophic levels respond more quickly to change in climate than species at higher levels. This can result in, for example, the timing of a predator's peak food requirements being separated in time from the point at which their prey is most available. It has been suggested that this creates an additional risk for the persistence of species at high trophic levels as the climate alters; there is an alternative possibility — that predators may change their diets in response to changing prey availability. Models of diet choice make several predictions, for example they suggest that whether a predator includes a secondary prey into its diet depends on the availability of the primary prey and not on characteristics of the secondary prey. By switching between one prey type and another, a predator population may be able to persist in a particular location longer than they would otherwise. Using a simple demonstration model we show that this idea is theoretically plausible. Highlights • Phenology of prey is changing faster than that of predators due to climate change. • This results in reduced prey availability during the predator breeding season. • We incorporate a prey choice model into a 2-species individual-based model. • Such plasticity in foraging behaviour results in predator persistence. • Observed changes in polar bear hunting may be an example of this phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-pathogenic Bacillus species used in cleaning products produce the appropriate enzymes to degrade stains and soils. However, there is little scientific data regarding the human exposure by inhalation of Bacillus spores during or after use of microbial-based cleaning products. Herein, air samples were collected at various locations in a ventilated, carpeted, residential room to determine the air concentration of viable bacteria and spores during and after the application of microbial-based carpet cleaning products containing Bacillus spores. The influence of human activities and vacuuming was investigated. Bioaerosol levels associated with use and post-application activities of whole room carpet treatments were elevated during post-application activity, but quickly returned to the indoor background range. Use of trigger spray spot applications generated aerosolized spores in the immediate vicinity, however, their use pattern and the generation of mostly non-respirable particles suggest minimal risks for pulmonary exposure from their use. The aerosol counts associated with use of these microbial-based cleaners were below the recommendation for safe exposure levels to non-pathogenic and non-toxigenic microorganisms except during application of the spot cleaner. The data presented suggest that carpet cleaning products, containing non–pathogenic Bacillus spores present a low potential for inhalation exposure and consequently minimal risk of adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancers of the gastrointestinal tract are a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally, and not surprisingly, there has been intense interest in identifying prognostic and predictive markers for new targeted therapies. The cancers of the gastrointestinal tract are unique in exemplifying in microcosm the axioms of molecular pathology: that amongst the various organs of the gastrointestinal tract, different molecular markers have different implications; that of the innumerable molecular alterations identified in these cancers, only an extremely small minority have proven clinical relevance; and perhaps most importantly, that molecular pathology practitioners must be prudent in maximising the use of small tissue samples to garner clinically important information. Here, we review the clinically-validated molecular targets in carcinomas of the oesophagus, stomach, colorectum and anal canal, and in gastrointestinal stromal tumours, and discuss a handful of markers which are likely to be of use in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind has been proposed as a driving factor in determining vegetation patterns, but there are few dynamic models that include both vegetation and wind. In this paper, we present a dynamic model to investigate how a vegetation pattern is generated and affected by wind. In the model, the effects of prevailing wind and non-prevailing wind on sand and vegetation are modeled respectively as advection terms and diffusion terms. With these considerations and proper parameter values that satisfy Turing bifurcation conditions, labyrinth and banded vegetation patterns are obtained in two situations of wind. By changing wind transportation capacity, we simulate the adaptation process from one vegetation pattern to another. With environmental changes of large amplitude, the width of vegetation bands varies while the wavelength can increase but does not decrease in our simulation. Then we describe the difference between simulated patterns and real patterns. And in the discussion, we explain the mechanism that forming patterns and the consistency of this research with other studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background A method of assessing combined glenoid and humeral bone loss in traumatic shoulder instability with an associated treatment protocol was recently published. The aim of this study was to investigate its reliability and reproducibility. Methods Seventy-one patients with unilateral anteroinferior shoulder instability underwent computed tomography scans, from which 3-dimensional images were derived. En face views of both glenoid fossae and with 3 views of the humeral head were provided to 4 assessors to determine interobserver reliability. From these measurements, the shoulder was assigned a treatment classification. Two observers repeated their assessments 1 month later to determine intraobserver reliability. For each measurement, the mean coefficient of variability was calculated. Results Assessment of glenoid bone loss showed good interobserver (4 observers agreeing in 90.1% of cases) and also good intraobserver agreement (94% and 96%). There was a poor level of interobserver reliability regarding the on-track or off-track classification (72%). Intraobserver reliability for this measurement was less variable (90% and 80%). There was a poor level of agreement between observers (65%) regarding treatment classification. The coefficient of variability for the Hill-Sachs lesion measured 19.2%, indicating a high level of variability for this measurement compared with <4% for all other measures. Conclusion Linear bone loss on the glenoid can be measured reliably and reproducibly; however, evaluation of Hill-Sachs lesions demonstrates a high level of variability, and poor interobserver reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While most water distribution system models are demand driven, there are situations where the ability to model pressure dependent demands (PDD) is essential. These models incorporate some function relating nodal demand to pressure. While the underlying logic behind PDD is sound, there has not been a study to verify PDD modeling. In this study, a laboratory scale water distribution system was constructed where orifice opening and flow could be accurately controlled and measured. Data were collected over a wide range of flow patterns, orifice opening and source heads. In all 109 runs were made with multiple readings for each run. These data were compared with a calibrated hydraulic model of PDD and the results showed that the lab model and computer model agreed well with the average orifice exponent just slightly greater than the theoretically expected value of 0.5. The study showed that for correctly calibrated orifices in steady conditions, PDD modeling is accurate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is concerned with the determination of the degree of polymerisation (DP) of fructans from chicory and rye-grass ( Lolium perenne L.) using Gel Permeation Chromatography coupled to multiangle laser light scattering and refractive index detectors (GPC/MALLS) and Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionisation Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The results show that fructans isolated from ryegrass have a DP in the range 2–>100 and the commercially produced fructans derived from chicory have a DP in range 2–61. It has been demonstrated that MALDI-TOF MS is particularly effective at determining the DP of low molar mass material but is less effective for detecting the presence of high DP molecules. On the other hand GPC/MALLS is able to provide a much broader range of DP values although it is less sensitive at very low DP. It has been shown that the two techniques give complementary information thus providing a more accurate estimate of the overall DP of the fructan molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental factors can significantly affect disease prevalence, including neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression. The ratio of deuterium to protium in water shows substantial geographical variation, which could affect disease susceptibility. Thus the link between deuterium content of water and depression was investigated, both epidemiologically, and in a mouse model of chronic mild stress. We performed a correlation analysis between deuterium content of tap water and rates of depression in regions of the USA. Next, we used a 10-day chronic stress paradigm to test whether 2-week deuterium-depleted water treatment (91 ppm) affects depressive-like behavior and hippocampal SERT. The effect of deuterium-depletion on sleep electrophysiology was also evaluated in naïve mice. There was a geographic correlation between a content of deuterium and the prevalence of depression across the USA. In the chronic stress model, depressive-like features were reduced in mice fed with deuterium-depleted water, and SERT expression was decreased in mice treated with deuterium-treated water compared with regular water. Five days of predator stress also suppressed proliferation in the dentate gyrus; this effect was attenuated in mice fed with deuterium-depleted water. Finally, in naïve mice, deuterium-depleted water treatment increased EEG indices of wakefulness, and decreased duration of REM sleep, phenomena that have been shown to result from the administration of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). Our data suggest that the deuterium content of water may influence the incidence of affective disorder-related pathophysiology and major depression, which might be mediated by the serotoninergic mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The conventional view of models in ecology is that simple models are more general than complex models. [•] We explain why this view might have become established historically and explore what is meant by simplicity, generality, and complexity in models. [•] We challenge the heuristic that simple models are inevitably more general than are complex models and show that it is usually complex models that are more general, especially when models are tested against data. [•] We suggest that there are more productive roads to achieving generality than simplification and further suggest that the preference for simple models has limited progress in ecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major medical problem with at least 130 million infected individuals worldwide. Over the last decade multiple host factors required for HCV cell entry have been identified, but a detailed understanding of their mechanistic interplay remains elusive. Nonetheless, recent advances in defining species-specific barriers of HCV transmission have allowed the identification of a minimal set of entry factors that are required for HCV infection of rodent cells and has culminated in an animal model that recapitulates HCV entry in vivo. A detailed understanding of the viral uptake pathway is imperative to define new drug targets allowing for more effective intervention against this devastating disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A retrospective review of rotating-platform (n = 113) and fixed-bearing (n = 100) total knee arthroplasties at a minimum 2-year follow-up was performed. All patients in both groups in this study had osteoarthritis and underwent surgery by 1 of the 2 senior authors at 1 of 2 institutions. A cruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty was implanted with patellar resurfacing in all cases. The only difference between the 2 groups was the design of the tibial bearing and its tibial tray. Through minimization of confounding variables relating to pathology, surgeon, institution, soft-tissue balancing, and type of prosthesis, this study isolates articular design as a variable. We could not demonstrate any significant difference in knee flexion after either fixed-bearing or rotating-platform cruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Rodingite occurs in ultramafic rocks within the Paleoproterozoic (Birimian) Dixcove greenstone belt in southwestern Ghana. U–Pb analyses of zircons from granitoids intrusive into the greenstone belt constrain the age of the rodingite-ultramafic association to be older than 2159Ma. The ultramafic complex consists of variably serpentinized dunite and harzburgite overlain by gabbroic rocks, which together show petrographic and geochemical characteristics consistent with their formation by fractional crystallization involving olivine and plagioclase cumulates. Major and trace element concentrations and patterns in the ultramafic–mafic cumulate rocks and associated plagiogranite are similar to rocks in ophiolitic suites. The rodingites, which occur as irregular pods and lenses, and as veins and blocks in the serpentinized zones, are characterized by high Al2O3 and CaO contents, which together with petrographic evidence indicate their formation from plagioclase-rich protoliths. The peridotites are highly depleted in REE and display flat, chondrite-normalized REE patterns with variable, but mostly small, positive Eu anomalies whereas the rodingites, which are also highly depleted, with overall REE contents from 0.04 to 1.2 times chondrite values, display distinct large positive Eu anomalies. It is proposed that the rodingite-bearing Birimian ultramafic complex and associated pillowed greenstone belt basalts may represent fragments of a Paleoproterozoic oceanic lithosphere. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Valproic acid (VPA) has been reported to cause cognitive decline and parkinsonism that are reversed with cessation of medication. Common imaging findings among these reports demonstrate reversible cortical pseudoatrophy and enlargement of the lateral ventricles. This case exemplifies these adverse effects of VPA which can cause reversible neurological symptoms even in long-term treated patients and can present as dementia syndromes such as normal pressure hydrocephalus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of an intracanal medication composed of calcium hydroxide with 2% chlorhexidine. Dentin from 24 bovine incisors was used. The incisors were made into standardized cylindrical segments of dentin and infected with Enterococcus faecalis. They were then treated with an intracanal paste composed of calcium hydroxide and sterile water or an intracanal paste composed of calcium hydroxide and 2% chlorhexidine for 1 week. Dentin shavings were collected, suspended in solution, and spread on brain-heart infusion agar. After incubation, colony-forming units were enumerated. The amount of bacteria per mg of dentin was determined. The calcium hydroxide paste with 2% chlorhexidine was significantly more effective at killing E. faecalis in the dentinal tubules than calcium hydroxide with water. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The narrow species tropism of hepatitis C virus (HCV) limits animal studies. We found that pigtail macaque (Macaca nemestrina) hepatic cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells support the entire HCV life cycle, although infection efficiency was limited by defects in the HCV cell entry process. This block was overcome by either increasing occludin expression, complementing the cells with human CD81, or infecting them with a strain of HCV with less restricted requirements for CD81. Using this system, we can modify viral and host cell genetics to make pigtail macaques a suitable, clinically relevant model for the study of HCV infection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Neutralizing antibody responses elicited during infection generally confer protection from infection. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) encodes two glycoproteins E1 and E2 that are essential for virus entry and are the major target for neutralizing antibodies. To assess whether both glycoproteins are required for the generation of a neutralizing antibody response, rodents were immunized with a series of glycoproteins comprising full length and truncated versions. Guinea pigs immunized with HCV-1 genotype 1a E1E2p7, E1E2 or E2 generated high titer anti-glycoprotein antibody responses that neutralized the infectivity of HCVpp and HCVcc expressing gps of the same genotype as the immunizing antigen. Less potent neutralization of viruses bearing the genotype 2 strain J6 gps was observed. In contrast, immunized mice demonstrated reduced anti-gp antibody responses, consistent with their minimal neutralizing activity. Immunization with E2 alone was sufficient to induce a high titer response that neutralized HCV pseudoparticles (HCVpp) bearing diverse glycoproteins and cell culture grown HCV (HCVcc). The neutralization titer was reduced 3-fold by the presence of lipoproteins in human sera. Cross-competition of the guinea pig anti-E1E2 immune sera with a panel of epitope mapped anti-E2 monoclonal antibodies for binding E2 identified a series of epitopes within the N-terminal domain that may be immunogenic in the immunized rodents. These data demonstrate that recombinant E2 and E1E2 can induce polyclonal antibody responses with cross-reactive neutralizing activity, supporting the future development of prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A tangled web of vicious circles, driven by cultural issues, has prevented ecology from growing strong theoretical roots. Now this hinders development of effective conservation policies. To overcome these barriers in view of urgent societal needs, we propose a global network of postgraduate theoretical training programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge of basic gamete biology is critical to better protect and propagate endangered amphibian species and also to develop reproductive technologies combined with germplasm cryopreservation. The objectives of the study were to test different hormonal stimulations and then characterize the quantity and quality of Panamanian golden frog (Atelopus zeteki) spermatozoa. Following intraperitoneal injection of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (des-Gly 10 , D-Ala 6 , Pro-NHEt 9- -GnRH 1, 2 or 4 μg/g of body weight), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG; 5 or 10 IU/gbw), or Amphiplex™ (0.4 μg/gbw GnRH-A + 10 μg/gbw metoclopramide hydrochloride), spermic urine samples from 29 males were collected at different time points (from 0.5 to 24 h post-injection) to analyze the concentration, motility, and morphology of the spermatozoa. Peak of sperm concentration was observed at 3.5 h post injection for all hormonal treatments. Amphiplex™ led to the highest sperm concentrations (4.45 ± 0.07 × 10 6 cells/mL) followed by 4 μg/gbw GnRH-A (2.65 ± 0.21 × 10 6 cells/mL). Other stimulation protocols and doses induced sperm production, but at lower levels (ranging from 1.34 to 1.70 × 10 6 cells/mL). More than 60% of spermatozoa were motile following all treatments but the highest motility (>90%) was obtained from the 10 IU/gbw hCG treatment. Spermic urine samples obtained with all hormone treatments had higher pH (ranging from 7.1 to 7.8) than the urine alone (6.7–6.8). Spermatozoa were filiform and elongated with an apical acrosome, a mitochondrial sheath, a small midpiece and a long tail with an undulating membrane. More than 80% of cells were morphologically normal and 50–70% had intact DNA. These sperm characteristics were not influenced by hormonal treatments. This first comprehensive characterization of sperm samples following optimized hormonal stimulations in A. zeteki lays the foundation for more fundamental studies, reproductive technologies, and future preservation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]