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The Corpus of Stamp Seals from the Southern Levant (CSSL) database comprises some twelve thousand items from controlled excavations in Israel, Palestine, and Jordan, transforming and bringing to completion Othmar Keel's pioneering vision to publish all seals and sealings from the region. The CSSL platform not only represents a newly available digital research tool for southern Levantine studies and related fields, but also aims at exploring innovative approaches to advance the digital study of glyptic more broadly. As the SNSF-funded Sinergia project Stamp Seals from the Southern Levant (SSSL) completes its goal, we ask: What comes next? This article provides an overview of the CSSL database; situates this new resource alongside other contemporary digital tools for the study of glyptic; and briefly reflects on the possibilities for more collaboration and integration across digital humanities projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of acacia (extract of Acacia mearnsii) and sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) as condensed tannin (CT)-rich sources on ruminal and manure methane (CH 4) emissions in comparison with non-CT silages characterized by different contents of the cell wall and water-soluble carbohydrates. In a 3 × 6 incomplete Latin square design, 30 Holstein cows (63 ± 23 d in milk; mean ± SD; 33.8 ± 7.6 kg of milk per day, body weight 642 ± 81 kg) were provided with ad libitum access to 1 of 6 total mixed rations comprising 790 g of silage and 210 g of concentrate per kilogram of dry matter (DM). The silages were either rich in sainfoin [neutral detergent fiber (NDF): 349 g/kg of DM], perennial ryegrass (NDF: 420 g/kg of DM), or red clover (NDF: 357 g/kg of DM). Each silage was supplemented with 20 g/kg (of total diet DM) of acacia or straw meal. Feed intake and milk yield were recorded daily. Milk composition and ruminal fluid characteristics and microbiota were analyzed. The individual ruminal CH 4 production was determined using the GreenFeed system, and CH 4 emissions from the manure of cows fed the same diets were measured in a parallel experiment over 30 d at 25°C using a dynamic flux chamber. The CT sources did not reduce CH 4 yield or emission intensity. Acacia reduced milk production (from 26.3 to 23.2 kg/d) and DM intake (from 19.7 to 16.7 kg/d) when supplemented with ryegrass, and both CT sources reduced the milk protein content and yield. Acacia supplementation and ryegrass silage reduced the ruminal acetate:propionate ratio. Furthermore, during acacia treatment, the abundance of Methanobrevibacter archaea tended to be lower and that of Thermoplasmata was higher. Acacia reduced the CH 4 emissions from manure for the ryegrass group by 17% but not for the sainfoin and clover groups. Feeding sainfoin silage resulted in the lowest manure-derived CH 4 emissions (−47% compared with ryegrass). In conclusion, acacia reduced ruminal CH 4 production by 10%, but not emission intensity, and the mitigation effect of sainfoin depended on the silage to which it was compared. Because mitigation was partially associated with animal productivity losses, careful evaluation is required before the implementation of tanniferous feeds in farm practice. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cross-sectional group comparisons have shown altered neurocognitive and neurophysiological profiles in individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We report a two-year longitudinal observational study of ADHD children and adolescents (N = 239) regarding ADHD symptoms, behavioral metrics, and event-related potentials (ERP) and compared them to healthy controls (N = 91). The participants were assessed up to five times with a cued Go/NoGo task while ERPs were recorded. We fitted the trajectories of our variables of interest with univariate and bivariate latent growth curve models. At baseline, the ADHD group had increased reaction time variability, higher number of omission and commission errors, and attenuated CNV and P3d amplitudes compared to controls. The task performance in terms of behavioral metrics improved in both groups over two years; however, with differential patterns: the decrease in reaction time and omission errors were stronger in the control group, and the reduction of commission errors was more substantial in the ADHD group. The cueP3, CNV, and N2d amplitudes changed slightly over two years, with negligible differences between both groups. Furthermore, the parent-rated symptom burden in the ADHD group decreased by 22 % (DSM-5-based questionnaire). We did not identify any associations between the changes in symptoms and the changes in the behavioral or neurophysiological metrics. The lack of association between the changes in symptoms and the behavioral or ERP metrics supports the trait liability hypothesis, which claims that the neurocognitive deficits are independent of symptom alleviation. Furthermore, the change in symptom burden was substantial, questioning the stability of the reported ADHD symptoms. • Individuals with ADHD perform worse in tests of attention and inhibitory control. • Altered neurophysiology (ERPs) in individuals with vs. without ADHD • Comparable development in individuals with & without ADHD over two years • Strong symptom reduction (22 %) in the ADHD group over two years [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphology and physical properties of thin films deposited by vapor condensation on solid surfaces are predominantly set by the processes of island nucleation, growth, and coalescence. When deposition is performed using pulsed vapor fluxes, three distinct nucleation regimes are known to exist depending on the temporal profile of the flux. These regimes can be accessed by tuning deposition conditions; however, their effect on film microstructure becomes marginal when coalescence sets in and erases morphological features obtained during nucleation. By preventing coalescence from being completed, these nucleation regimes can be used to control microstructure evolution and thus access a larger palette of film morphological features. Recently, we derived the quantitative criterion to stop coalescence during continuous metal vapor flux deposition on insulating surfaces-which typically yields 3-dimensional growth-by describing analytically the competition between island growth by atomic incorporation and the coalescence rate of islands [Lü et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 105, 163107 (2014)]. Here, we develop the analytical framework for entering a coalescence-free growth regime for metal vapor deposition on insulating substrates using pulsed vapor fluxes, showing that there exist three distinct criteria for suppressing coalescence that correspond to the three nucleation regimes of pulsed vapor flux deposition. The theoretical framework developed herein is substantiated by kinetic Monte Carlo growth simulations. Our findings highlight the possibility of using atomistic nucleation theory for pulsed vapor deposition to control morphology of thin films beyond the point of island density saturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The exact mechanisms underlying the development and maintenance of phantom limb pain (PLP) are still unclear. This study aimed to identify the factors affecting pain intensity in patients with chronic, lower limb, traumatic PLP. Methods: This is a cross‐sectional analysis of patients with PLP. We assessed amputation‐related and pain‐related clinical and demographic variables. We used univariate and multivariate models to evaluate the associated factors modulating PLP and residual limb pain (RLP) intensity. Results: We included 71 unilateral traumatic lower limb amputees. Results showed that (1) amputation‐related perceptions were experienced by a large majority of the patients with chronic PLP (sensations: 90.1%, n = 64; residual pain: 81.7%, n = 58); (2) PLP intensity has 2 significant protective factors (phantom limb movement and having effective treatment for PLP previously) and 2 significant risk factors (phantom limb sensation intensity and age); and (3) on the other hand, for RLP, risk factors are different: presence of pain before amputation and level of amputation (in addition to the same protective factors). Conclusion: These results suggest different neurobiological mechanisms to explain PLP and RLP intensity. While PLP risk factors seem to be related to maladaptive plasticity, since phantom sensation and older age are associated with more pain, RLP risk factors seem to have components leading to neuropathic pain, such as the amount of neural lesion and previous history of chronic pain. Interestingly, the phantom movement appears to be protective for both phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Antihypertensive drugs are included in the medical therapy of vascular Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (vEDS). The β-blocker celiprolol has been suggested to prevent arterial damage in vEDS, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. It is also unknown whether the widely used angiotensin II receptor type 1 antagonist losartan has a therapeutic effect in vEDS. Here, we evaluated the impact of celiprolol and losartan on the biomechanical integrity of the vEDS thoracic aorta. Methods and results We established a new approach to measure the maximum tensile force at rupture of uniaxially stretched murine thoracic aortic rings. In a vEDS model, which we (re-)characterized here at molecular level, heterozygous mice showed a significant reduction in the rupture force compared to wild-type mice, reflecting the increased mortality due to aortic rupture. For the assessment of treatment effects, heterozygous mice at 4 weeks of age underwent a 4-week treatment with celiprolol, losartan, and, as a proof-of-concept drug, the matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor doxycycline. Compared to age- and sex-matched untreated heterozygous mice, treatment with doxycycline or celiprolol resulted in a significant increase of rupture force, whereas no significant change was detected upon losartan treatment. Conclusions In a vEDS model, celiprolol or doxycycline, but not losartan, can improve the biomechanical integrity of the aortic wall, thereby potentially reducing the risk of dissection and rupture. As doxycycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic with considerable side effects, celiprolol may be more suitable for a long-term therapy and thus rather indicated for the medication of patients with vEDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the work presented here was to study how the Swedish compulsory school, identifies and acts relative to the social problem of children living with domestic violence. More specifically: how do the various professional groups in school and professionals within the child protection services (CPS) describe and understand their own and other professionals' responsibilities and tasks with respect to children living with domestic violence? The study consisted of 10 focus groups whose members were taken from five professional groups in schools and the CPS in Sweden. The results show that professionals in school lack knowledge about living with domestic violence, one example of which is child abuse. They navigate through the large open space that exists between the pedagogic and psychosocial missions of schools, and use different strategies to interpret the child's symptoms of maltreatment. They point at an unclear distribution of responsibility between different professionals in school, which can be interpreted as a tension between domains within the institutional school domain. They also point at a "gap" between the school and CPS domains, and find confidentiality to be an obstacle to collaboration. Furthermore, the article sheds light on the complexities, the conflicting understandings, and the different priorities of the different professionals and institutions working with children living with domestic violence. It also discusses practical implications of the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Switzerland, fresh herbage is a favoured feed for dairy cows due to its high quality and availability and low production costs. However, transition and early lactation are periods characterized by an increased nutrient demand that may not be covered by herbage alone. To compare the effects of concentrate supplementation in early lactation on nutrient efficiency and ruminal fermentation, 24 multiparous Holstein cows were assigned to two performance groups according to their previous lactation milk yield: high‐ (8,959 ± 984 kg) and low‐ (6,204 ± 1,000 kg) potential cows. Within this group, cows were allocated to two treatment groups receiving either herbage ad libitum (n = 11) or herbage supplemented with concentrate (n = 13). The experiment started for each cow 2 weeks before the predicted calving date (LW‐2) and lasted until lactation week (LW) 8. Milk yield and dry matter intake (DMI) were recorded daily. The reticular pH was measured continuously using a telemetric pH bolus. Milk components and ruminal fermentation traits were analysed in LW‐2, LW2, LW4, LW6 and LW8. Supplemented cows (p < 0.001) and high‐potential cows (p = 0.015) produced more milk than unsupplemented cows and low‐potential cows, respectively. Milk acetone was affected by supplementation (p < 0.001) and milk potential (p = 0.002) and was especially high in unsupplemented, high‐potential cows until LW6. Supplementation caused a decrease in herbage DMI (p < 0.001) but resulted in an increased total DMI (p < 0.001), whereas milk potential had no effect on DMI. Associated with an increasing DMI (p < 0.001), ruminal volatile fatty acid concentration (p = 0.024) increased and reticular pH (p < 0.001) decreased from LW2 until LW6. Apart from that, effects on ruminal fermentation and reticular pH were minor. In conclusion, even though apparent nutrient efficiency was high, high‐potential cows without supplementation seem to struggle more with reduced nutrient availability than other cows; therefore, they appear to be more prone to metabolic stress and consequently to production diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Due to seasonal changes in the quality and quantity of herbage, the nutrient supply to grazing dairy cows is not always sufficient, which may increase their metabolic load. To investigate the temporal pattern of behavioural changes in relation to concomitant metabolic alterations, we subjected 15 multiparous early lactating Holstein dairy cows (24 (SD 7.4) days in milk) to a short‐term metabolic challenge, which we provoked by abruptly withdrawing concentrate for 1 week. Cows grazed full‐time and were supplemented with concentrate in experimental week (EW) 1 and EW 3, whereas concentrate was withdrawn in EW 2. We analysed milk and blood samples to characterise the metabolic changes and found that the total yield of milk and protein decreased (p < 0.05) and fat yield, fat‐to‐protein ratio and acetone content increased (p < 0.05) from EW 1 to EW 2. Plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were lower (p < 0.05), and concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids and beta‐hydroxybutyrate were higher (p < 0.05) in EW 2 compared with EW 1. Apart from ingestive and rumination behaviour and activity, we also monitored the use of an automated brush on pasture. While time spent eating and ruminating increased (p < 0.05) in EW 2 compared with EW 1, time spent idling decreased (p < 0.05). Concomitantly, while time standing and moving increased (p < 0.05) from EW 1 to EW 2, walking time decreased (p < 0.05). The daily proportion of cows using the automated brush decreased (p < 0.05) in EW 2 compared with EW 1, as did the duration of brushing per day. In conclusion, grazing cows experiencing a metabolic challenge try to compensate for the nutrient deficiency by increasing eating time, a behavioural element important for short‐term survival. Due to the strong impact of weather conditions, we cannot currently recommend observation of outdoor brushing activity to address short‐term alterations in the metabolic state of grazing cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the thousands of scarabs, scaraboids and other stamp-seal amulets unearthed in Iron Age contexts in Cisand Transjordan, many are engraved with royal Egyptian imagery. Focusing mainly on pharaonic motifs, this paper aims to catalogue the principal motifs and production groups, to trace their development throughout the earlier parts of the Iron Age and to extrapolate their significance vis-à-vis the other contemporary glyptic assemblages. As will be shown, the royal imagery of the Egyptian king underwent considerable changes during pre-monarchic and monarchic times in Israel, Judah and neighboring regions. Local seal production not only vividly copied earlier and contemporary Egyptian prototypes, it also developed idiosyncratic "pharaonic" motifs that were produced for the local market. Imported Egyptian glyptic goods--such as scarabs and other amulet types--reveal further facets of the seal consumption. They, too, shed light upon the ideological and religious preferences of the local population and illuminate the development of vernacular a!itudes towards pharaonic symbols of power--including their obvious political and sacred connotations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tunable nanostructures that feature a high surface area are firmly attached to a conducting substrate and can be fabricated efficiently over significant areas, which are of interest for a wide variety of applications in, for instance, energy storage and catalysis. We present a novel approach to fabricate Fe nanoparticles using a pulsed-plasma process and their subsequent guidance and self-organization into well-defined nanostructures on a substrate of choice by the use of an external magnetic field. A systematic analysis and study of the growth procedure demonstrate that nondesired nanoparticle agglomeration in the plasma phase is hindered by electrostatic repulsion, that a polydisperse nanoparticle distribution is a consequence of the magnetic collection, and that the formation of highly networked nanotruss structures is a direct result of the polydisperse nanoparticle distribution. The nanoparticles in the nanotruss are strongly connected, and their outer surfaces are covered with a 2 nm layer of iron oxide. A 10 μm thick nanotruss structure was grown on a lightweight, flexible and conducting carbon-paper substrate, which enabled the efficient production of H2 gas from water splitting at a low overpotential of 210 mV and at a current density of 10 mA/cm2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Observation of ingestive and rumination behaviors of dairy cows may assist in detecting diseases, controlling reproductive status, and estimating intake. However, direct observation of cows on pasture is time consuming and can be difficult to realize. Consequently, different systems have been developed to automatically record behavioral characteristics; among them is the RumiWatch System (RWS; Itin and Hoch GmbH, Liestal, Switzerland). Until now, the RWS has not been thoroughly validated under grazing conditions. The aim of the current study was to validate the RWS, against direct observation, in measuring ingestive and rumination behaviors of dairy cows during grazing and supplementation in the barn. A further objective was to examine whether it is possible to refine the algorithm used by the evaluation software RumiWatch Converter 0.7.3.2 to improve the accuracy of the RWS. The data were collected from an experiment carried out with 18 lactating Holstein cows in a crossover block design including 3 treatments and 3 measuring periods. All cows grazed night and day, 19 h/d, and were either unsupplemented or supplemented, with chopped wholeplant corn silage, or chopped whole-plant corn silage mixed with a protein concentrate. During the measuring periods, cows were equipped with the RumiWatch Halter, and their ingestive and rumination behaviors were recorded concurrently by the RumiWatch Halter and by direct observation (690 × 10 min). Comparison of concurrently measured data shows that the RWS detected jaw movements reliably, but classification errors occurred. A low relative prediction error of =0.10 for the number of rumination boluses, rumination chews, and total eating chews was found. A high relative prediction error of >0.10 was found for the number of prehension bites and time spent in prehension and eating. Both converter versions performed equally well in differentiating ingestive and rumination behaviors when cows were supplemented in the barn or when grazing and supplementation activities were combined. For grazing cows, with no supplementation, more reliable results for the total number of eating chews, rumination chews, prehension bites, and time spent in these activities were obtained, by using the RumiWatch Converter 0.7.3.11. In light of these findings, further research is warranted to improve the accuracy of the RWS and to allow a differentiation between mastication chews and prehension bites while eating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The currently published glyptic assemblage from Tell eṣ-Ṣâfi/Gath comprises more than sixty seals and sealings (Keel 2013: 94-123; see also Maeir, Shai, and Kolska Horwitz 2011). This corpus provides sound evidence that seals--mostly worn as adornments--and the practice of sealing were part of daily life at Tell eṣ-Ṣâfi/Gath throughout the centuries. In the following, a few outstanding glyptic finds by the current expedition are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the activation of the apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme, catalytic polypeptide-like 3 (APOBEC3 or A3) by cancer-associated human papillomaviruses (HPV). Topics mentioned include the role of the A3 activation in generating viral diversity, the benefits that high-risk HPV can get from the A3-dependent restriction of LINE repetitive elements, and the deaminase-independent activity of A3.

This study examined whether the effects of the tanniferous extract of Acacia mearnsii on N partitioning in dairy cows and ammonia (NH 3) volatilization from their excreta are additive to that of the tanniferous legume sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) and remain consistent when supplemented to different silage types with varying crude protein (CP) content. In a 6 × 6 Latin Square arrangement, six multiparous Holstein cows (milk yield: 36.6 ± 3.9 kg/d; 70 ± 13 d in milk) were assigned randomly to six treatments. The experiment included a 14-d adaptation and a 7-d data collection period, where intake, milk yield, and composition were recorded daily and excreta were collected. Cows had ad libitum access to one of six total mixed rations containing (dry matter [DM] basis) 750 g/kg DM silage. The silages were rich in either sainfoin (180 g/kg CP of DM), ryegrass (118 g/kg CP) or clover (220 g/kg CP). Each silage was supplemented with 20 g/kg DM of Acacia mearnsii extract or straw meal. The effects on N partitioning, ruminal volatile fatty acids (VFA) and microbiota, and NH 3 volatilization from slurry reconstituted from fresh urine and feces were determined. The sainfoin-based diet reduced the apparent digestibility of organic matter, acid detergent fiber, and N compared with the ryegrass- and clover-based diets (P < 0.001). Acacia reduced the DM intake (P < 0.05) and apparent digestibility of organic matter and N across all silage types (P < 0.01). The digestibility of neutral detergent fiber was reduced with sainfoin, and ryegrass with Acacia (Silage × Acacia interaction P < 0.05). Acacia reduced the ruminal acetate proportion (P < 0.05) but did not affect ruminal propionate and n-butyrate or the microbiota composition. With ryegrass, the rumen fluid had lower acetate (P < 0.001) and greater n-butyrate proportions (P < 0.01) compared to sainfoin and clover, lower propionate proportions as compared with sainfoin (P < 0.05), and the lowest blood urea N concentration (P < 0.001). Acacia reduced energy-corrected milk yield (P < 0.05). Milk protein content was reduced with the sainfoin diet (P < 0.05). Sainfoin (compared to clover) and Acacia supplementation shifted the N excretion from urine to feces and decreased urinary urea N excretion and NH 3 volatilization from the slurry (P < 0.05). The effects of the two tannin sources were widely additive in mitigating urinary urea N and NH 3 volatilization. The results illustrate that combinatory N-abatement measures based on different CT sources are efficient, but supplementing Acacia resulted in decreasing dry matter intake and milk production, while sainfoin supplementation resulted in lower organic matter digestibility. [Display omitted] • Two tannin sources, sainfoin and Acacia mearnsii , were studied in dairy cows. • Sainfoin and Acacia were additive in reducing urinary N-losses. • Acacia reduced ammonia volatilization from fresh slurry by up to 37%. • The latter effect was greater at high dietary protein content. • Acacia reduced performance and sainfoin reduced digestibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Emotion regulation difficulties underlie several psychiatric conditions, and treatments that focus on improving emotion regulation can have an effect on a broad range of symptoms. However, participants' in-depth experiences of participating in emotion regulation treatments have not been much studied. In this qualitative study, we investigated participants' experiences of a joint emotion regulation group skills training in a child and adolescent psychiatric outpatient setting. Methods: Twenty-one participants (10 adolescents and 11 parents) were interviewed about their experiences after they had participated in a seven-session transdiagnostic emotion regulation skills training for adolescents and parents. The aim of the skills training was to decrease emotion regulation difficulties, increase emotional awareness, reduce psychiatric symptoms, and enhance quality of life. The skills training consisted of psychoeducation about emotions and skills for regulating emotions. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: The analysis resulted in three overarching themes: Parent – Child processes, Individual processes, and Group processes. The result showed that participants considered an improved parent-child relationship to be the main outcome. Increased knowledge, emotion regulation skills and behavioural change were conceptualised as both mechanisms of change and outcomes. The group format, and the fact that parents and adolescents participated together, were seen as facilitators. Furthermore, the participants experienced targeting emotions in skills training as meaningful and helpful. Conclusion: The results highlight the potential benefits of providing emotion regulation skills training for adolescents and parents together in a group format to improve the parent-child relationship and enable the opportunity to learn skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to remember future intentions (i.e., prospective memory) is influenced by attentional control. At the neuronal level, frontal and parietal brain regions have been related to attentional control and prospective memory. It is debated, however, whether more or less activity in these regions is beneficial for older adults' performance. We will test that by systematically enhancing or inhibiting activity in these regions with anodal or cathodal high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation in older adults. We will include n = 105 healthy older volunteers (60–75 years of age) in a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, and parallel-group design. The participants will receive either cathodal, anodal, or sham high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation of the left or right inferior frontal gyrus, or the right superior parietal gyrus (1mA for 20 min). During and after stimulation, the participants will complete tasks of attentional control and prospective memory. The results of this study will clarify how frontal and parietal brain regions contribute to attentional control and prospective memory in older healthy adults. In addition, we will elucidate the relationship between attentional control and prospective memory in that age group. The study has been registered with ClinicalTrials.gov on the 12th of May 2021 (trial identifier: NCT04882527). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the early 20th century, the Swedish psychology profession has undergone several changes in its essential tasks, epistemological foundations, and social roles. These changes occurred through an ongoing "tuning" with Swedish society, in which the profession strove to appear relevant to society's concerns and problems as well as enroll others to share the profession's goals and aims. Studying the history of the profession can thus shed light on the changing definitions and contours of the psychology profession itself as well as on the organization of the society in which it acts. This article examines the history of the Swedish psychology profession from 1990 to 2010, through an analysis of the discussions and debates taking place in the Swedish Psychological Association's journal. The analytical framework used draws on work done within actor-network theory and science studies. We argue that the profession's institutional connections, defining tasks, epistemological underpinnings, and social position have changed in major ways during these 2 decades. Overall, as a result of an increasingly felt insecurity, the profession has turned outward and tried to find new ways to legitimize itself to politicians, the media, patients, and customers through means such as a more economized vocabulary and novel forms of empirical research. These changes have led to a more socialized profession, now more closely tuned to other actors in Swedish society, leading to conflicts within the profession over whether this is an opportunity to better control their own destiny or if it will lead to a loss of autonomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Goals Of Work: The aim of this study was to evaluate pain intensity and the application of the WHO guidelines for cancer pain treatment in patients with prostate cancer treated at Swiss cancer centers.Materials and Methods: We analyzed a series of five multicenter phase II clinical trials which examined the palliative effect of different chemotherapies in patients with advanced hormone-refractory prostate carcinoma. Of 170 patients, 1,018 visits were evaluable for our purpose, including ratings of pain intensity by patients and prescribed analgesics.Main Results: No or mild pain was indicated by patients in 36 to 55% of the visits, more than mild pain in 30 to 46%. In 21% of the visits, the WHO pain treatment criteria (treatment according to one of the three steps; oral, rectal or transdermal application of the main dose; administration on a regular schedule) were fulfilled, and the Cleeland index was positive according to all recommendations. In 6% of the visits, neither the WHO criteria were fulfilled nor was the Cleeland index positive. This indicates insufficient pain treatment not following the WHO guidelines and that the prescribed analgesics were not sufficiently potent for the rated pain intensity.Conclusions: In this selective Swiss sample, the standard of analgesic treatment is high. However, there is still scope for improvement. This cannot solely be solved by improving the knowledge of the physicians. Programs to change the patients' attitude towards cancer pain, training to improve the physicians' communication skills, and institutional changes may be promising strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subacute ruminal acidosis is one of the most important digestive disorders in high-yielding dairy cows fed highly fermentable diets. Monitoring of forestomach pH has been suggested as a potentially valuable tool for diagnosing subacute ruminal acidosis. The objective of the present study was to compare continuously recorded measurements of an indwelling telemetric pH sensor inserted orally in the reticulum with those obtained from a measurement system placed in the ventral sac of the rumen through a cannula. The experiment was conducted with 6 ruminally cannulated Holstein cows kept in a freestall barn. Equal numbers of cows were assigned to 2 treatment groups based on their previous lactation milk yield. Cows in treatment CON- were offered a diet consisting of only fresh herbage cut once daily, and cows in treatment CON+ got fresh herbage plus a concentrate supplement according to the individual milk yield of each cow to meet their predicted nutrient requirements. The experiment lasted from 2 wk before the predicted calving date until wk 8 of lactation. During the whole experiment, a pH value was recorded every 10 min in the reticulum using a wireless telemetry bolus including a pH sensor (eBolus, eCow Ltd., Exeter, Devon, UK), which had been applied orally using a balling gun. Simultaneously, in wk 2, before the estimated calving date and in wk 2, 4, 6, and 8 of lactation, the ruminal pH was measured every 30 s for 48 h with the LRCpH measurement system (Dascor Inc., Escondido, CA) placed in the ventral sac of the rumen through the cannula. The readings of the LRCpH measurement system were summarized as an average over 10 min for statistical analysis. The recorded pH values were on average 0.24 pH units higher in the reticulum than in the rumen. The reticular pH also showed less fluctuation (overall SD 0.19 pH units) than pH profiles recorded in the rumen (overall SD 0.51 pH units). Regardless of measurement system, pH was not influenced by treatment, but varied across week of lactation and decreased with advancing lactation. The difference between ruminal and reticular pH varied across week of lactation. Due to this variation, no fixed conversion factor can be provided to make pH measurements in the reticulum comparable with those in the rumen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An editorial is presented which discusses the views of the experts on the topic of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and controversial, unresolved, or emerging issues related to HPV infection, including evolution, history, and biology of it. It also discusses the lifestyle of papillomavirus (PV) reproducing in mucosal and cutaneous stratified epithelial surfaces and cause infection to the proliferative cells in the host epithelium.

Highlights: [•] Steryl glycosides are hydrolysed by glycosylases (inulinase, hemicellulase, cellulase). [•] Incubation with inulinase preparations results in most effective hydrolysis. [•] Enzymatic hydrolysis can be applied to determine accurate sterol profile of SG fraction of food total lipids. [•] Mustard seeds and potato peel contain high percentage of Δ5-avenasteryl glucoside. [•] Enzymatic hydrolysis enables quantification of labile steryl glycosides of SG fraction of foods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• A rare study investigating the effects of a true all-herbage ration in dairy cows. • All herbage vs concentrate supplemented rations were fed to two different cow types. • Results include production, body condition, medical treatments and reproduction. • Cow type seems to be more important than concentrate supplementation. • Low-input and all-herbage feeding systems are viable using suited dairy cows. The effects of an all-herbage ration on dairy cows, as compared to a concentrate-supplemented herbage-based ration, were investigated over three years. In total, 138 lactation records of 92 Holstein cows, of which 67 were of Swiss (HCH) and 25 were of New Zealand origin (HNZ), were taken into account. Concurrently, the all-herbage ration (AH) was compared to a treatment in which 750 kg of concentrate (C750) were offered during the first 300 days in milk. During the winter feeding period, hay was fed, and during the grazing season, herbage was grazed. With this concentrate supplementation, dairy cows produced, per standard lactation (305d), more milk, energy-corrected milk (ECM), milk fat, milk protein, lactose, ECM per body weight (BW) and ECM per unit of metabolic body size. In addition, the concentrate-supplemented cows showed slightly higher BW and body condition scores (BCS). The milk content in terms of fat, protein, lactose and urea, as well as the somatic cell counts (SCC), remained unchanged with concentrate supplementation. The HCH produced more milk and lactose. Due to the lower fat, protein and lactose content in the milk of the HCH, no significant differences were found concerning ECM, milk fat and milk protein yield between the two cow types. Because the HCH were heavier, they produced less ECM per BW and unit of metabolic body size than the HNZ. Furthermore, the HCH received lower average BCS ratings than the HNZ. Finally, both cow types showed similar values regarding milk urea content and SCC. No interactions between the concentrate supplementation and cow type factors were found. No significant differences in the number of medical treatments and reproduction traits were noted between the concentrate treatments, except for a trend towards fewer re-calvings after standard lactation with the all-herbage ration. In contrast, differences occurred between the two cow types. The HCH received more medical treatments than the HNZ for fertility issues and in total. Fewer medical treatments were necessary for claw and leg issues for the HCH compared to the HNZ. In contrast, the calving intervals of the HCH were significantly longer, and the intervals between calving and both first service and conception tended to be longer. All-herbage rations remain feasible today, but dairy cows adapted to cope with adversities commonly associated with low-input feeding systems might be advantageous to use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In this review, we discuss the roles of cancer/testis antigens in the germline and their contributions to oncogenic cellular processes. Specifically, we focus on their clinical utility in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and consider how cancer/testis antigens differentially expressed in HPV-positive HNSCC might contribute mechanistically to the genesis and clinical characteristics of these cancers. Cancer/testis (CT) antigens exhibit selective expression predominantly in immunoprivileged tissues in non-pathological contexts but are aberrantly expressed in diverse cancers. Due to their expression pattern, they have historically been attractive targets for immunotherapies. A growing number of studies implicate CT antigens in almost all hallmarks of cancer, suggesting that they may act as cancer drivers. CT antigens are expressed in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. However, their role in the pathogenesis of these cancers remains poorly studied. Given that CT antigens hold intriguing potential as therapeutic targets and as biomarkers for prognosis and that they can provide novel insights into oncogenic mechanisms, their further study in the context of head and squamous cell carcinoma is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous direct exposure to solar radiation, coupled with their own metabolic heat production, make grazing dairy cows on pasture particularly susceptible to heat stress. Heat stress can impair performance, animal welfare, and health. The objective of the present study was to identify physiological indicators of heat stress in dairy cows in a pasture-based production system under moderate climate conditions. The study was performed with 24 lactating Holstein dairy cows during summer 2018 and 2019 at the experimental farm of Agroscope (Posieux, Switzerland). Cows grazed full-time using a set stocking system. Climate conditions were recorded every min and were used to calculate the comprehensive climate index (CCI), which reflects the felt temperature in °C. The vaginal temperature (VT) of each cow was measured every 10 minutes with temperature loggers and was used as a physiological indicator of heat stress. Blood and milk were sampled once daily in the afternoon before and during milking, respectively. The concentrations of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) were analyzed in blood plasma and cortisol concentration was analyzed in milk. Data from 12 periods of up to 3 consecutive days with increasing CCI was analyzed. Analysis were performed with the averaged CCI and the maximal VT recorded between 0830 and 1430 h. The VTmax was positively correlated with CCIaverage (P < 0.001). The T4 and T3 concentrations decreased with increasing CCIaverage and VTmax (P < 0.01). Cortisol concentrations were positively correlated with CCIaverage and VTmax (P < 0.05). Changes in VT and hormones showed that cows responded to increasing environmental temperature and may have perceived the rising heat load as a stressor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the role of community psychologists in promoting environmental sustainability. It explains that social scientists are needed to advance the main aspects of social dimension of sustainability work including justice, governance, and infrastructure. It states that community psychologists are aware of contextual factors and value of transformative change and are well positioned to incorporate social dimension of sustainability in environmental sustainability.

Abstract: The effects of several radical scavengers and oxidation inhibitors on ascorbate-induced hydroxyl radicals, responsible for β-glucan oxidation, were studied by ESR spin trapping. The most effective compounds in decreasing the radical formation in β-glucan solutions were phytic acid, sulphite and enzymes (catalase and superoxide dismutase). Also phenolic compounds, sugars and organic acids demonstrated a high radical-scavenging capacity, but they showed more variation within the group. The compounds showing a very high antioxidant capacity in 100min monitoring were chosen for the viscosity measurements. Though able to reduce radical formation, phytic acid, potassium bisulphite and citric acid were inefficient in inhibiting viscosity loss. Sucrose, phenylalanine and hydroxybenzoic acid were able to significantly slow the viscosity decrease in a longer time frame. Catalase completely inhibited viscosity loss and thereby β-glucan degradation. These results show that the oxidative cleavage of β-glucan can be inhibited by radical scavengers and other oxidation inhibitors; however the effects are very much dependent on the compound, concentration and time of oxidation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Vigilance refers to the ability to maintain attention and to remain alert to stimuli in prolonged and monotonous tasks. Vigilance decrement describes the decline in performance in the course of such sustained attention tasks. Time-related alterations in attention have been found to be associated with changes in EEG. We investigated these time-on-task effects on the basis of changes in the conventional EEG spectral bands with the aim of finding a compound measure of vigilance. 148 healthy adults performed a cued Go/NoGo task that lasted approximately 21 min. Behavioural performance was examined by comparing the number of errors in the first and last quarters of the task using paired t -test. EEG data were epoched per trial, and time-on-task effects were modelled by using multiple linear regression, with frequency spectra band power values as independent variables and trial number as the dependent variable. Behavioural performance decreased in terms of omission errors only. Performance of the models, expressed by predicted R-squared, was between 0.10 and 0.27, depending on the particular task condition. The time-on-task EEG spectral changes were characterized by broad changes in the alpha and frontal changes in the beta and gamma bands. We were able to identify a set of EEG spectral features that predict time-on-task. Our output is considered to be a measure of vigilance, reflecting the allocation of mental resources for the maintenance of attention. • EEG power spectrum can predict time-on-task in a Go/NoGo task. • Time-on-task is characterized by Alpha and Beta power increase. • Vigilance is conceived as the linear combination of power spectral density changes. • Changes over time are interpreted as allocation and reallocation of mental resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the archaeological excavations of the Kinneret Regional Project begun by archaeologist Volkmar Fritz underway in Tel Kinrot/Tell el-'Orēme, Israel. Located on the northwest coast of Sea of Galilee in Israel, the site is emerging as a major study for urban life in the southern Levant in the early Iron Age. The authors detail the textual attestations of the site's name in Egyptian sources, the site's topographical environs and economic conditions, the layout of the large domestic complex according to pottery analysis, and the destruction of the city in the late Iron IB period by an earthquake.

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase acts as a cellular rheostat that integrates signals from a variety of cellular signal transduction pathways that sense growth factor and nutrient availability as well as intracellular energy status. It was previously reported that the human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) E6 oncoprotein may activate the S6 protein kinase (S6K) through binding and E6AP-mediated degradation of the mTOR inhibitor tuberous sclerosis complex 2 (TSC2) (Z. Lu, X. Hu, Y. Li, L. Zheng, Y. Zhou, H. Jiang, T. Ning, Z. Basang, C. Zhang, and Y. Ke, J. Biol. Chem. 279:35664-35670, 2004; L. Zheng, H. Ding, Z. Lu, Y. Li, Y. Pan, T. Ning, and Y. Ke, Genes Cells 13:285-294, 2008). Our results confirmed that HPV16 E6 expression causes an increase in mTORC1 activity through enhanced phosphorylation of mTOR and activation of downstream signaling pathways S6K and eukaryotic initiation factor binding protein 1 (4E-BP1). However, we did not detect a decrease in TSC2 levels in HPV16 E6-expressing cells. We discovered, however, that HPV16 E6 expression causes AKT activation through the upstream kinases PDK1 and mTORC2 under conditions of nutrient deprivation. We show that HPV16 E6 expression causes an increase in protein synthesis by enhancing translation initiation complex assembly at the 5' mRNA cap and an increase in cap-dependent translation. The increase in cap-dependent translation likely results from HPV16 E6-induced AKT/mTORC1 activation, as the assembly of the translation initiation complex and cap-dependent translation are rapamycin sensitive. Lastly, coexpression of the HPV16 E6 and E7 oncoproteins does not affect HPV16 E6-induced activation of mTORC1 and cap-dependent translation. HPV16 E6-mediated activation of mTORC1 signaling and cap-dependent translation may be a mechanism to promote viral replication under conditions of limited nutrient supply in differentiated, HPV oncoprotein-expressing proliferating cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Infectious etiologies for certain human cancers have long been suggested by epidemiological studies and studies with experimental animals. Important support for this concept came from the discovery by Harald zur Hausen''s group that human cervical carcinoma almost universally contains certain “high-risk” human papillomavirus (HPV) types. Over the years, much has been learned about the carcinogenic activities of high-risk HPVs. These studies have revealed that two viral proteins, E6 and E7, that are consistently expressed in HPV-associated carcinomas, are necessary for induction and maintenance of the transformed phenotype. Hence, HPV-associated tumors are unique amongst human solid tumors in that they are universally caused by exposure to the same, molecularly defined oncogenic agents, and the molecular signal transduction pathways subverted by these viral transforming agents are frequently disrupted in other, non-virus-associated human cancers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Expression of oncogenes, such as the human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) E7 oncoprotein, promotes aberrant cell proliferation. In the absence of concurrent mitogenic stimuli, this triggers a cell-intrinsic defense mechanism, the “trophic sentinel response”, which eliminates such aberrant cells. The molecular pathways that elicit this response, however, remain obscure. We set up an experimental system to investigate the trophic sentinel pathway triggered by HPV16 E7 expression in normal human keratinocytes, the natural host cells of HPVs. Keratinocytes expressing HPV16 E7 cultured in E-medium undergo cell death and show increased sub-G1 DNA content when grown to confluence or under conditions of serum deprivation. Moreover, HPV16 E7 expressing human keratinocytes express higher levels of the autophagy marker, LC3-II, which can be abrogated by 3-methyladenine, an autophagy inhibitor. These findings indicate that even under normal culture conditions, HPV16 E7 expression triggers metabolic stress that may result in autophagy, a pathway implicated in carcinogenesis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The human papillomavirus (HPV) E7 oncoprotein shares functional similarities with such proteins as adenovirus E1A and SV40 large tumor antigen. As one of only two viral proteins always expressed in HPV-associated cancers, E7 plays a central role in both the viral life cycle and carcinogenic transformation. In the HPV viral life cycle, E7 disrupts the intimate association between cellular differentiation and proliferation in normal epithelium, allowing for viral replication in cells that would no longer be in the dividing population. This function is directly reflected in the transforming activities of E7, including tumor initiation and induction of genomic instability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We previously observed that high-risk human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) E7 expression leads to the delocalization of dynein from mitotic spindles (C. L. Nguyen, M. E. McLaughlin-Drubin, and K. Munger, Cancer Res. 68:8715-8722, 2008). Here, we show that HPV16 E7 associates with nuclear mitotic apparatus protein 1 (NuMA) and that NuMA binding and the ability to induce dynein delocalization map to similar carboxyl-terminal sequences of E7. Additionally, we show that the delocalization of dynein from mitotic spindles by HPV16 E7 and the interaction between HPV16 E7 and NuMA correlate with the induction of defects in chromosome alignment during prometaphase even in cells with normal centrosome numbers. Furthermore, low-risk HPV6b and HPV11 E7s also associate with NuMA and also induce a similar mitotic defect. It is possible that the disruption of mitotic events by HPV E7, via targeting of the NuMA/dynein complex and potentially other NuMA-containing complexes, contributes to viral maintenance and propagation potentially through abrogating the differentiation program of the infected epithelium. Furthermore, in concert with activities specific to high-risk HPV E6 and E7, such as the inactivation of the p53 and pRB tumor suppressors, respectively, the disruption of the NuMA/dynein network may result in mitotic errors that would make an infected cell more prone to the accumulation of aneuploidy even in the absence of supernumerary centrosomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The human papillomavirus (HPV) E7 oncoprotein has been shown to associate with cyclin/CDK2 complexes. Here we present evidence that HPV E7 proteins can associate with cyclin A/CDK2 and cyclin E/CDK2 complexes in cells that lack retinoblastoma tumor suppressor family members through sequences outside of the core retinoblastoma tumor suppressor binding site. Moreover, we show that HPV16 E7 can directly associate with cyclin A/CDK2 and cyclin E/CDK2 complexes. These results suggest that cyclin/CDK2 complexes may be components of HPV E7-associated cellular complexes that do not contain retinoblastoma tumor suppressor family members. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background We hypothesized that certain patient characteristics have different effects on the risk of early stem loosening in total hip arthroplasty (THA). We therefore conducted a case-control study using register-database records with the aim of identifying patient-specific risk factors associated with radiographic signs of aseptic loosening of the femoral component in THA. Method Data were derived from a multinational European registry and were collected over a period of 25 years. 725 cases with radiographic signs of stem loosening were identified and matched to 4,310 controls without any signs of loosening. Matching criteria were type of implant, size of head, date of operation, center of primary intervention, and follow-up time. The risk factors analyzed were age at operation, sex, diagnosis and previous ipsilateral operations, height, weight, body mass index and mobility based on the Charnley classification. Results Women showed significantly lower risk of radiographic loosening than men (odds ratio (OR) 0.64). Age was also a strong factor: risk decreased by 1.8% for each additional year of age at the time of surgery. Height and weight were not associated with risk of loosening. A higher body mass index, however, increased the risk of stem loosening to a significant extent (OR 1.03) per additional unit of BMI. Charnley Class B, indicating restricted mobility, was associated with lower risk of loosening (OR 0.78). Interpretation An increased activity level, as seen in younger patients and those with unrestricted mobility, is an important factor in the etiology of stem loosening. If combined with high BMI, the risk of stem loosening within 10 years is even higher. A younger person should not be denied the benefits of a total hip arthroplasty but must accept that the risk of future failure is increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In order to be able to quantify potential dairy breed differences in methane production, measurements of gaseous exchange were made in respiratory chambers at six different time-points within the reproduction cycle (4 weeks before calving and lactation weeks 8, 15, 23, 33 and 41). Ten cows each of Holstein (large framed, pure dairy breed), Jersey (small framed, pure dairy breed), and Simmental (large framed, dual-purpose breed) were employed. No breed differences were found in methane emission per kg of dry matter (DM) intake (25–26g) except in the dry period. However, Simmental cattle emitted more methane per kg of energy-corrected milk (24g) than the other two breeds (20g) throughout the entire lactation. This was resulting from the consistently lower ratio of milk production to body weight affecting the proportion of feed required for maintenance purpose. The same relationship occurred with progressing stage of lactation, while methane emission per unit of DM intake again remained unaffected, except in the dry period where they were higher. Coefficients of variation of methane per unit of DM intake did not differ between breeds both across stages of the reproduction cycle and across individual cows. Therefore, it seems unlikely that there are major differences among cows of different dairy breeds in the proportionate methanogenic activity of the rumen and its microbes. Any differences might be explained by associated changes in feed intake and conversion ratio. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The human homologue of the Drosophila tumor suppressor lethal (2) tumorous imaginal discs (l(2)tid) gene, hTID1, encodes two proteins derived from alternate mRNA splicing. The splice variants TidL and TidS were previously reported from protein overexpression and dominant-negative mutant protein studies to exhibit opposing biological activities in response to exogenous cytotoxic stimuli. TidL was found to promote apoptosis while TidS suppressed it. To elucidate the physiological function of hTID1, we depleted hTID1 proteins using the technique of RNA interference (RNAi). Here, we show that cells essentially lacking expression of hTID1 proteins are protected from cell death in response to multiple stimuli, including cisplatin, tumor necrosis factor alpha/cycloheximide and mitomycin C. We also generated stable cell populations depleted of hTID1 proteins by RNAi using DNA vectors. In addition to apoptosis resistance, stable hTID1 knockdown cells exhibited an enhanced ability for anchorage-independent growth, as measured by an increase in soft-agar colony formation. These results suggest that hTID1 functions as an important cell death regulator and raise the interesting possibility that hTID1 could exert tumor suppressor activity.Oncogene (2004) 23, 8419-8431. doi:10.1038/sj.onc.1207732 Published online 24 May 2004 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on mechanisms of human papillomavirus-induced oncogenesis. Descripton of papillomaviruses; Risk factor for genital warts and cervical cancer.

The human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) E7 oncoprotein rapidly induces centrosome duplication errors in primary human cells, thereby increasing the propensity for multipolar mitoses, which can lead to chromosome missegregation and aneuploidy. We analyzed a series of HPV-16 E7 mutants and demonstrate that this biological activity of the E7 oncoprotein is mediated by sequences encompassing the core pRB binding site but is independent of its ability to inactivate the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein pRB and the related pocket proteins p107 and p130. In addition, interaction of E7 with the S4 subunit of the 26S proteasome and dysregulation of cdc25A transcription are also dispensable for the induction of centrosome duplication errors. Consistent with these results, expression of HPV-16 E7 induces abnormal centrosome duplication in a cell line that lacks functional pRB and in mouse embryo fibroblasts that are deficient for pRB, p107, and p130. These results demonstrate that the molecular mechanism whereby HPV-16 E7 induces centrosome duplication errors is independent of its ability to inactivate pRB, p107, and p130 or to interact with the S4 proteasome subunit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high risk HPVs (such as HPV-16 and HPV-18) that are associated with specific anogenital cancers encode two oncoproteins E6 and E7, which are expressed in the HPV positive cancers. The E7 protein functions in cellular transformation, at least in part, through interactions with pRB and the other pRB related ‘pocket proteins’. The major target of the E6 oncoprotein encoded by the genital tract, cancer associated human papillomaviruses is p53. Several lines of evidence suggest that E6 and E7 have additional targets important to the oncogenic potential of the virus. Work from a number of laboratories has focused on determining other activities of HPV relevant to carcinogenesis and identifying additional cellular targets of E6 and E7. This paper will review the state of the field at the time of the 19th International Papillomavirus Workshop in September 2001 with respect to the HPV encoded oncoproteins. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Oncogenes were initially discovered as retrovirally transmitted tumor causing agents. The realization that such retroviral oncogenes constitute specifically altered versions of cellular genes-proto-oncogenes, was a landmark discovery that set the stage for the molecular and mechanistic era of cancer research. Moreover, the studies on oncogene functions have been instrumental in delineating many of the paradigms of cellular signal transduction. In contrast to the original studies in animals, oncogenic activation through retroviral transmission does not appear to be a major factor in human tumorigenesis. However, oncogenes are frequently activated by gain of function mutations or fusions with other genes, or they are aberrantly expressed due to amplification, increased promoter activity, or protein stabilization, and hence they play integral roles in the genesis of human tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human papillomavirus (HPV) E7 protein is one of only two viral proteins that remain expressed in HPV-associated human cancers. HPV E7 proteins share structural and functional similarities with oncoproteins encoded by other small DNA tumor viruses such as adenovirus E1A and SV40 large tumor antigen. The HPV E7 protein plays an important role in the viral life cycle by subverting the tight link between cellular differentiation and proliferation in normal epithelium, thus allowing the virus to replicate in differentiating epithelial cells that would have normally withdrawn from the cell division cycle. The transforming activities of E7 largely reflect this important function.Oncogene (2001) 20, 7888–7898. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infections with β-genus human papillomaviruses (HPVs) have been associated with nonmelanoma skin cancers, particularly in immunocompromised patients and individuals with a rare genetic disease, epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV). Using a transgenic mouse model, Herbert Pfister's group determined that expression of the HPV8 E2 gene results in skin cancer development and that this process is greatly accelerated by UV irradiation (Pfefferle et al., 2008, this issue).Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2008) 128, 2142–2144. doi:10.1038/jid.2008.217 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Embedded-atom molecular dynamics simulations are used to investigate the effects of low-energy self-ion irradiation of Pt adatoms on Pt(111). Here, we concentrate on self-bombardment dynamics, i.e., isolating and monitoring the atomic processes, induced by normally incident Pt atoms with energies E ranging from 5 to 50 eV, that can affect intra- and interlayer mass transport.. We find that adatom scattering, surface channeling, and dimer formation occur at all energies. Atomic intermixing events involving incident and terrace atoms are observed at energies >=15 eV, while the collateral formation of residual surface vacancies is observed only with E>40 eV. The overall effect of low-energy self-ion irradiation is to enhance lateral adatom and terrace atom migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The WARTS gene encodes a kinase that localizes to the mitotic apparatus of a dividing cell. Named WARTS after the growths that develop in the eyes of Drosophila in which the gene is deleted. WARTS is also implicated as a tumor suppressor in mice and humans. In this issue of Oncogene, Iida et al. describe experiments suggesting that, in addition to a role in regulating mitosis, WARTS functions to prevent further rounds of DNA synthesis and mitosis in tetraploid cells. As well as opening up new possibilities of exploring the as yet ill-defined mechanistic basis of the tetraploidy checkpoint, the involvement of a tumor-suppressor gene in this checkpoint supports its importance as a safeguard against the acquisition of genomic instability, a key event in the progression to cancer.Oncogene (2004) 23, 5263-5265. doi:10.1038/sj.onc.1207686 Published online 3 May 2004 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comments on findings about the crystal structure of retinoblastoma susceptibility gene product, pRb derived from the E2F transcription factor. Understanding of how pRb inhibit cell growth; Role of the gene in the development of retinoblastoma; Inhibition of cellular DNA synthesis.

This study's objective was to compare two options of pasture supplementation: corn silage (CS) alone or corn silage mixed with protein concentrate. The experiment was conducted with 18 lactating Holstein cows in mid‐lactation in a crossover design that included three treatments and three data collection periods. All cows had access to pasture for 17 h/day with an average herbage allowance of 16 kg dry matter (DM)/cow/day and were offered in‐barn corn silage, corn silage mixed with protein concentrate, or no supplementation. Cows were equipped with pH sensors residing in the reticulum and, during the 7‐day data collection periods, with a jaw movement recorder. Nonsupplemented cows produced 21.3 kg energy‐corrected milk (ECM) and ate 13.3 kg DM herbage at pasture. Cows supplemented with corn silage and corn silage plus protein produced 2.5 and 4.5 kg/day more ECM, respectively, consumed 3.4 and 3.3 kg/day more DM in total, respectively, ate for a shorter period of time, and ruminated longer than their nonsupplemented peers. Supplemented cows were almost able to cover their energy requirements and mobilised less body mass in contrast to the nonsupplemented cows. Cows offered corn silage plus protein showed increased ECM production, increased milk urea content and lower nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) compared to cows supplemented with corn silage only. Nonsupplemented dairy cows had the highest milk urea content and performed worst in terms of NUE. The best feed conversion efficiency resulted from the nonsupplemented dairy cows and those supplemented with corn silage plus protein. In nonsupplemented cows, the high feed conversion efficiency seemed to be due to the increased mobilisation of body mass. As a result of the starch‐rich supplementations, the ruminal acetic:propionic acid ratio became smaller, and the proportions of n‐butyric acid increased. The mean reticular pH values did not substantially vary across the three feeding treatments. For the choice of a supplementation option, herbage allowance and cost of supplement will have to be considered, but aspects of feed–food competition as well as animal welfare should not be ignored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]