Simulated brain tumor growth dynamics using a three-dimensional cellular automaton

We have developed a novel and versatile three-dimensional cellular automaton model of brain tumor growth. We show that macroscopic tumor behavior can be realistically modeled using microscopic parameters. Using only four parameters, this model simulates Gompertzian growth for a tumor growing over nearly three orders of magnitude in radius. It also predicts the composition and dynamics of the tumor at selected time points in agreement with medical literature. We also demonstrate the flexibility of the model by showing the emergence, and eventual dominance, of a second tumor clone with a different genotype. The model incorporates several important and novel features, both in the rules governing the model and in the underlying structure of the model. Among these are a new definition of how to model proliferative and non-proliferative cells, an isotropic lattice, and an adaptive grid lattice.     

The relationship between sea surface temperature and population change of Great Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo breeding near Disko Bay,Greenland

Arctic seas have warmed and sea ice has retreated. This has resulted in range contraction and population declines in some species, but it could potentially be a boon for others. Great Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo have a partially wettable plumage and seem poorly suited to foraging in Arctic waters. We show that rates of population change of Cormorant colonies around Disko Bay, Greenland, are positively correlated with sea surface temperature, suggesting that they may benefit from a warming Arctic. However, although Cormorant populations may increase in response to Arctic warming, the extent of expansion of their winter range may ultimately be limited by other factors, such as sensory constraints on foraging behaviour during long Arctic nights.     

Role of the tubulin-microtubule system in lymphocyte activation

The role of the tubulin-microtubule system was examined in human peripheral blood leukocytes after activation with phytohemagglutinin (PHA). Soluble tubulin and microtubules were measured with a [(3)H]colchicine-binding assay. It was found that the tubulin content of PHA-activated lymphocytes was consistently increased relative to total protein content after 36 h of culture. There was no increase in the proportion of total tubulin synthesis which was present as microtubules at 36 h. Nevertheless, as a result of increased tubulin synthesis, there was a two-to three-fold increase in total microtubular mass. Colchicine, which disrupts microtubles, was used to assess the role of microtubule assembly in the sequence of events which follow lymphocyte activation, namely lymphokine release, protein synthesis, RNA synthesis, and DNA synthesis. Colchicine consistently inhibited DNA synthesis but did not inhibit release of the lymphokine, osteoclast activating factor (OAF). Protein and RNA syntheses were inhibited much less than DNA synthesis. The fact that some effects of PHA on lymphocytes appear to require intact microtubules and at least one does not suggest that the microtubule dependent step in PHA-stimulated lymphocyte activation occurs at a stage after propagation of the signal from the membrane to the cell interior.