bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ES02 SIGNIFICANCE OF LYMPH NODE MICROMETASTASES IN PAPILLARY THYROID CARCINOMA
Authors: Cranshaw I. M. , Jany T. , Arnalsteen L. , Pattou F. , Carnaille B.
Published: April 2007

Purpose  Management of nodal disease in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) varies. The significance of micrometastases and their relationship to locoregional recurrence has not been well described. We set out to compare patients with micrometastatic nodal disease to those with macrometastases and those with no metastases. Our service follows a policy of routine central/recurrent nerve dissection and ipsilateral jugulocarotid node sampling for cases of PTC.

Methodology  One hundred and seventy patients who had surgery for PTC between January 1995 and December 2000 were included and split into three groups. Micrometastases (only micrometastatic disease), Macrometastases (any macrometastaic nodal involvement) and No metastases (absence of any nodal involvement). These three groups were compared for rates of locoregional disease recurrence and distant metastases.

Results  Contingency analysis showed that the Macrometastases group had a significantly higher rate of locoregional recurrence compared with both No metastases(Odds ratio 7.67, p < 0.0001) and Micrometastases groups (Odds ratio 9.212, p 0.0154). There was no difference between the No metastases and micrometastases groups (p 1.000), the p value suggesting the two groups were likely to be equivalent. Analysis revealed that distant disease was significantly more common in the Macrometastases group when compared to the No metastases group, (Odds ratio 25.09, p 0.0032)

Conclusions  Micrometastatic nodal disease associated with PTC does not lead to higher rates of locoregional recurrence or distant disease. These patients do not need completion neck dissection and have a low risk of locoregional recurrence.
GS26P ABDOMINAL WALL ENDOMETRIOMA FOLLOWING CAESAREAN SECTION
Authors: Whitfield R. J. , Worley P. J. , Hughes C. D. G.
Published: April 2007

Purpose  Endometriosis is defined as the presence of aberrant endometrial tissue outside of the uterus that responds to stimulation by ovarian hormones. A large, circumscribed mass of such tissue is commonly termed an endometrioma. Abdominal wall endometriomas in association with caesarean section scars have been reported repeatedly in the obstetrics and gynaecology literature, but rarely in general surgical journals.

Methodology  In this paper, six patients are reviewed who presented between 2001 and 2006 with painful, tender nodules in and around caesarean section scars. Of these, four reported exacerbation of symptoms during, or just prior to menstruation. One patient had experienced 12 years of symptoms, previously attributed to intra‐abdominal adhesions.

Results  All patients had their scar nodules excised. Five procedures were performed electively. One patient underwent emergency exploration of her caesarean scar for possible incarcerated incisional hernia. Ectopic endometrial tissue was seen in the histological specimens of all patients. Four patients reported resolution of their symptoms following surgery. One patient had ongoing symptoms post‐operatively, with an additional mass lesion seen on ultrasound consistent with a second endometrioma. One patient did not attend follow‐up.

Conclusion  General surgeons are commonly required to assess and manage abdominal wall masses, and should have an awareness of endometrioma in the differential diagnosis when such a lesion is seen in association with a caesarean section scar. Wide excision is usually very effective at alleviating symptoms of abdominal wall endometrioma.
HP24 MICRORNA EXPRESSION PROFILES IN BARRETT’S OESOPHAGUS
Authors: Watson D. I. , Wijnhoven B. P. L. , Michael M. Z. , Mayne G. C. , Hussey D. J.
Published: April 2007

Purpose  The genetic changes that drive the metaplastic change from squamous oesophagus (NO) towards Barrett’s oesophagus (BO) and cancer are unclear. microRNAs (miRNAs) are short, non‐coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and contribute to cellular differentiation and identity. We sought to determine the role of miRNAs in BO.

Methodology  Biopsies of NO, BO and cardia were taken from 7 patients and RNA was extracted. miRNA expression profiles of 300 miRNAs were determined by microarray. Guided by the array results, real‐time Reverse Transcriptase‐Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT‐PCR) for 8 selected miRNAs enabled their expression to be studied in tissues from another 15 patients.

Results  Array data revealed that 39 miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed between NO, BO and cardia. A tissue‐specific expression profile was confirmed by RT‐PCR, with miR‐21, 143, 145, 194 and 215 significantly up regulated in BO and cardia (columnar) vs. NO (squamous). A trend towards increased miR‐21 expression from NO to BO and adenocarcinoma was observed (p = 0.1). Interestingly, high expression of miR‐143, 194 and 215 was seen in BO vs. NO (p < 0.0001), but with subsequent downregulation in cancers (p = 0.1). In contrast, miR‐203 and 205 were highly expressed in NO and low in BO and cardia. A database search revealed that these miRNAs potentially target (proto‐)oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes.

Conclusions  Differences in miRNA expression are present between NO, BO, cardia and cancer. Deregulation of certain miRNAs, and their predicted effect on the expression of target genes, might contribute to the metaplastic and neoplastic process in the oesophagus and could serve as novel biomarkers to classify diseased tissues.
Neotropical Monogenoidea. 51. Scutalatus magniancoratus gen. et sp. n. (Gyrodactylidae) from the South‐American electric eel, Electrophorus electricus (Gymnotidae, Gymnotiformes), and redescription of Mormyrogyrodactylus gemini from the African bulldog, Marcusenius macrolepidotus (Mormyridae, Osteoglossiformes)
Authors: Vianna R. T. , Boeger W. A. , Dove A. D. M.
Published: April 2007

Scutalatus gen. n. is proposed to accommodate S. magniancoratus sp. n. from the body surface of a captive South American electric eel, Electrophorus electricus (Gymnotidae, Gymnotiformes), originally collected from the Amazon region. The new genus is characterized by the presence of a superficial keel on the anchor and a wing‐shape shield on the superficial bar. Mormyrogyrodactylus gemini Luus‐Powell, Mashego & Khalil, 2003 from the African bulldog, Marcusenius macrolepidotus (Mormyridae, Osteoglossiformes) is redescribed based on available type specimens. Contrary to the original description, the superficial bar in this species consists of a single piece, and sclerites R1 and R2 are embedded within the shield. Both species appear to be phylogenetically close and are members of a larger clade of genera with species possessing accessory bars, accessory sclerites and/or hooks distributed in anterior and posterior clusters in the margin of the haptor.
Age‐dependent reproductive costs and the role of breeding skills in the Collared flycatcher
Authors: Sendecka Joanna , Cichoń Mariusz , Gustafsson Lars
Published: April 2007

This study addressed whether there are any age‐related differences in reproductive costs. Of especial interest was whether young individuals increased their reproductive effort, and thereby their reproductive cost, as much as older birds when brood size was enlarged. To address these questions, a brood‐size manipulation experiment with reciprocal cross‐fostering of nestlings of young and middle‐aged female Collared flycatchers, Ficedula albicollis, was performed on the Swedish island of Gotland. Nestlings’ body mass, tarsus length and survival were recorded to estimate the parental ability and parental effort of the experimental female birds. Female survival and clutch size were recorded in the following years to estimate reproductive costs. We found that middle‐aged female flycatchers coped better with enlarged broods than younger females or invested more in reproduction. In the following year, young female birds that had raised enlarged broods laid smaller clutches than the females from all the other experimental groups. This result shows that the young female birds pay higher reproductive costs than the middle‐aged females. Both young and middle‐aged female flycatchers seemed to increase their reproductive effort when brood size was increased. However, such an increase resulted in higher reproductive costs for the young females. The difference in reproductive costs between birds of different ages is most likely a result of insufficient breeding skills of the young individuals.
Cell organization of barb ridges in regenerating feathers of the quail: implications of the elongation of barb ridges for the evolution and diversification of feathers
Authors: Alibardi L.
Published: April 2007

This ultrastructural study on the regenerating feathers of quail describes the cellular organization of the barb ridges responsible for the ramification of adult feathers. Bilateral symmetry of the barb ridges determines the organization of feather cells into feather branching. The length of the barb ridges, derived from the number of cells associated to form the barbule plates, determines the length of the barbule branching. Long chains of barb cells form long barbs that branch from the rachis with an increase of feather size. Supportive cells function as spacers between the barbule cells. New cells derive from stem cells localized in the collar region of the feather follicle, as indicated from the re‐organization of collar cells into barb ridges (a morphogenetic process inherited from that of embryonic feathers), production of an embryonic type of keratin (feather keratin), permanence of periderm granules (typical embryonic organelles) in barb vane ridge cells. Variations in the process of barb ridge morphogenesis allow the fusion of ridges into a rachis. The differentiation of hooklets contributes to the origin of planar feathers. Separation between rachis and merging barb ridges is by supportive cells, derived from the marginal plates of the barb ridges. Speculations on the evolution and diversification of feathers are presented.
Ultrastructure of the unusual spermatozoon of the Eurasian bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula)
Authors: Birkhead T. R. , Giusti F. , Immler S. , Jamieson B. G. M.
Published: April 2007

The Eurasian bullfinch spermatozoon differs from typical passeridan spermatozoa in several major respects. The mature acrosome consists of a concavo‐convex vesicle differing from the typical passeridan acrosome, which is a helical structure, is usually longer than the nucleus and has a prominent helical keel. The nucleus differs from that of other oscines in not showing a twisted cylindrical form, in being shorter, and in tending to be an elongate ellipsoid in shape. The chromatin often appears in an uncondensed form reminiscent of a spermatid and consists of discrete fascicles. A small proportion of the mature sperm population however, is characterized by marked chromatin condensation. The midpiece comprises a small group of mitochondria clustered around the nuclear–axonemal junction in contrast to the single, long mitochondrion wound helically around the axoneme that is found in typical Passerida. The presence of a proximal centriole (in addition to the distal one) is a notable difference from all other oscine passerines. We suggest that the unusual morphology of the Eurasian bullfinch spermatozoon, resembling that of a spermatid, is the result of the progressive suppression of the final stages of spermiogenesis and is associated with the likelihood that sperm competition is infrequent in this species.
Actual distribution of bacteriocytes in the trophosome of a beard worm (Oligobrachia mashikoi, Siboglinidae, Annelida): clarification using whole‐mountin situhybridization
Authors: Deguchi M. , Kubota N. , Matsuno A. , Kanemori M. , Fukumori Y. , Sasayama Y.
Published: April 2007

Beard worms (Siboglinidae, Polychaeta) lack a mouth and a digestive tract and harbour chaemosynthetic bacteria in the bacteriocytes of the trophosome. Since beard worms depend on the organic compounds produced by the bacteria for nourishment, the bacteriocytes should be efficient in exchanging various substances with body fluids. For this reason, it is important to determine how the bacteriocytes are organized in the trophosome. As the first step of the present study, the appearance of bacteriocytes was examined in routinely stained paraffin sections. Second, visualization of the actual distribution of the bacteriocytes was attempted using whole‐mountin situhybridization with a probe of the 16S rRNA nucleotide sequence of the bacterium. After routine haematoxylin & eosin staining, the bacteriocytes appeared to be aligned in cell cords accompanied with nutrient‐deposit cells that extended from both sides of the trophosome toward the dorsal side and folded up in the coelomic spaces. In whole‐mount preparations, however, bacteriocytes with intense signals of 16S rRNA were seen three‐dimensionally as many irregular leaves arranged from both sides of the ventral vessel toward the dorsal vessel. We will discuss the physiological significance of this characteristic distribution of the bacteriocytes in the present species.
New ultrastructural data from the larva of Paragordius varius (Nematomorpha)
Authors: Jochmann R. , Schmidt‐Rhaesa A.
Published: April 2007

Larvae of Paragordius varius (Leidy, 1851) were investigated using transmission electron microscopy, providing new observations concerning the cuticular structures of the preseptum, the postseptal gland and the pseudointestine. The cuticle is three‐layered but the basal layer is variable in structure. The hooks possess long, intracuticular roots and the stylets have apical teeth. Both postseptal gland and pseudointestine are secretory in function. The postseptal gland is composed of eight cells, which are all connected by a duct leading through the septum into the preseptum. Inside the postseptal gland, the duct wall has numerous pores. The pseudointestine is composed of four cells surrounding a cavity with an amorphous content. A flattened duct within a syncytium with five nuclei leads to a ventral pore close to the posterior end.
Are Polyphaga (Coleoptera) really a basal neopteran lineage – a reply to Kazantsev
Authors: Beutel Rolf G. , Bocak Ladislav , Bocakova Milada
Published: April 2007

In a study on the mandible and mandibular articulation of larvae of the lycid genus Platerodrilus Kazantsev proposes a phylogenetic scheme with Polyphaga as a basal group of Neoptera and Lycidae as a basal group within Polyphaga. Here we point out different problems with his interpretation. The taxon sampling was not sufficient. The characters of endopterygote larvae cannot be compared to characters of adults in a phylogenetic context. The neotenic characters of female and adult male Lycidae are not sufficiently taken into account. A phylogenetic hypothesis should be based on multiple character systems and all available data must be considered. Kazantsev based his conclusions on a single isolated character complex. His hypothesis is in deep conflict with a phylogeny based on the molecular data, which clearly show that Lycidae are nested within Elateroidea. The molecular and morphological evidence also implies that females are aberrant neotenic forms and by no means ‘primitive’. Kazantsev's hypothesis is problematic because the presented data are insufficient and the character evaluation is not based on a numerical analysis.
Comparative analysis of the circulatory system in Amphipoda (Malacostraca, Crustacea)
Authors: Wirkner Christian S. , Richter Stefan
Published: April 2007

We present data on the haemolymph vascular system (HVS) in four representatives of the major amphipod lineages Gammaridea, Hyperiidea and Caprellidea based on corrosion casting and three‐dimensional reconstructions of histological semi‐thin sections. In all these species the HVS comprises a dorsal pulsatile heart, which is continued in the body axis by the anterior and posterior aortae. The heart is equipped with three pairs of incurrent ostia. The number of cardiac arteries that lead off the heart varies among species: in the studied Gammaridea four pairs occur, in Hyperia galba only the three posterior pairs of cardiac arteries occur, while in Caprella mutica cardiac arteries are absent. In all the studied species the posterior aorta leads as a simple tube into the pleon attached to the dorsal diaphragm. The anterior aorta runs from its origin in the anterior part of the second thoracic segment into the cephalothorax. Both pairs of antennae have an arterial supply off the anterior aorta. An overview of previously studied species including our present findings shows the amphipod HVS to be relatively uniform and the gammarid form is discussed as being closest to the ground pattern of Amphipoda.
Surface ultrastructure of the plagiorchid trematode Glossidium pedatum Looss, 1899 from bagrid fish in Egypt
Authors: Ibraheem Mohammed Hasan
Published: April 2007

The present study concerned the morphology and surface ultrastructure of a plagiorchid, Glossidium pedatum, from bagrid fish of the river Nile in Egypt. Adult G. pedatum have an elongate body, tapered towards the anterior and posterior ends. Their oral sucker is small, sub‐terminal and rounded, measuring 0.200 mm in diameter. Sensory papillae around the oral sucker usually occur in small clusters of three to eight each. The ventral sucker is large, situated at the anterior end of the second third of the body, 0.299 mm in diameter, and is surrounded by three pairs of sensory papillae. Both suckers have rounded rims covered by tegumental spines. On the anterior part of the ventral surface of the body tegumental spines are small, pointed and closely spaced. A small triangular area of tegument anterior to the ventral sucker is devoid of spines. Tegumental spines on the mid‐region of the body slightly increase in size and number, especially towards the lateral aspects and posterior to the ventral sucker. Towards the posterior end of the body the spines progressively decrease in both size and number. The dorsal side exhibits similar surface features but the spines are less numerous and slightly smaller.
Spermiogenesis in three species of cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadidae)
Authors: Chawanji Abraham S. , Hodgson Alan N. , Villet Martin H. , Sanborn Allen F. , Phillips Polly K.
Published: April 2007

Spermiogenesis in three species of cicadas representing one cicadettine (Monomatapa matoposa Boulard) and two cicadines (Diceroprocta biconica [Walker] and Kongota punctigera [Walker]) was investigated by light and electron microscopy. Although spermiogenesis was occurring in the testis of adult males of all species, earlier spermiogenic stages were observed in D. biconica only. While spermiogenesis was similar to that described for other insects, some differences were noted. For example granular material did not assemble around the centriole to form a centriolar adjunct but did accumulate in the cytoplasm of early spermatids adjacent to a region of the nuclear membrane where nuclear pores were aggregated. In late spermatids this material accumulated anterior to the mitochondrial derivatives in a developing postero‐lateral nuclear groove. While this material has been named the ‘centriolar adjunct’ by previous authors, its formation away from the centriole raises questions about its true identity. Second, during acrosome maturation an ante‐acrosomal region of cytoplasm develops. Although present in later spermatids, this region is lost in spermatozoa. Interspecific variations in chromatin condensation patterns and the number of microtubule layers encircling the spermatid nucleus during spermiogenesis were noted.
Smoking, Mood Regulation, and Personality: An Event‐Sampling Exploration of Potential Models and Moderation
Authors: Moghaddam Nima G. , Ferguson Eamonn
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT
The aim of the present study was to test potential models of smoking‐related changes in mood and how these are moderated by personality (behavioral activation and inhibition systems). Three models yielding distinct predictions regarding mood changes associated with cues to smoking and effects of ingestion were identified: the negative reinforcement model, the appetitive‐incentive model, and the incentive‐sensitization model. Seventy participants provided baseline data on personality and mood, and subsequently monitored their smoking behavior over 48 hours using an event‐contingent diary—eliciting reports of mood state immediately prior to, and after, each cigarette smoked. MANOVA and multilevel modeling indicated that mood (hedonic tone and energetic arousal) improved significantly (p<.001) from baseline to pre‐smoking, but did not change from pre‐ to post‐smoking, thereby supporting the incentive‐sensitization model. Further multilevel analyses indicated that significant variability in hedonic tone was moderated by the behavioral activation system.
What Modifies the Expression of Personality Tendencies? Defining Basic Domains of Situation Variables
Authors: Saucier Gerard , Bel‐Bahar Tarik , Fernandez Cynthia
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT
A taxonomy of personality‐relevant situations will provide a valuable complement to the taxonomy of personality attributes. To identify some of the most important modifying factors, we asked laypersons what modifies expression of their own traits. Spontaneously generated situation descriptors were elicited from 77 university students, leading to over 7,000 reports of situations. We determined the most frequently occurring words and phrases, and developed initial classification categories. Next, we tested the reliability of the categories, and made refinements to focus on those that proved most reliable. Based on results, we propose that situation descriptions involve at least four separable broad domains of variables—locations, associations, activities, and passively experienced processes—each of which appears to have distinct linguistic markers.
On the Role of Passion in Performance
Authors: Vallerand Robert J. , Salvy Sarah‐Jeanne , Mageau Geneviève A. , Elliot Andrew J. , Denis Pascale L. , Grouzet Frédéric M. E. , Blanchard Céline
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT
The present paper reports two studies designed to test the Dualistic Model of Passion with regard to performance attainment in two fields of expertise. Results from both studies supported the Passion Model. Harmonious passion was shown to be a positive source of activity investment in that it directly predicted deliberate practice (Study 1) and positively predicted mastery goals which in turn positively predicted deliberate practice (Study 2). In turn, deliberate practice had a direct positive impact on performance attainment. Obsessive passion was shown to be a mixed source of activity investment. While it directly predicted deliberate practice (Study 1) and directly predicted mastery goals (which predicted deliberate practice), it also predicted performance‐avoidance and performance‐approach goals, with the former having a tendency to facilitate performance directly, and the latter to directly negatively impact on performance attainment (Study 2). Finally, harmonious passion was also positively related to subjective well‐being (SWB) in both studies, while obsessive passion was either unrelated (Study 1) or negatively related to SWB (Study 2). The conceptual and applied implications of the differential influences of harmonious and obsessive passion in performance are discussed.
Relationships Matter in Personality Development: Evidence From an 8‐Year Longitudinal Study Across Young Adulthood
Authors: Neyer Franz J. , Lehnart Judith
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT
Personality‐relationship transactions were investigated in a general population sample of young German adults with three assessments over 8 years. Four general findings were obtained. First, personality development was characterized by substantive individual differences in change. Second, bivariate latent growth models indicated that individual differences in personality change were substantially associated with change in peer and family relationships. Third, forming a partner relationship for the first time moderated the maturation of personality. This finding was replicated over two subsequent time intervals with independent subgroups. Fourth, higher neuroticism and higher sociability predicted which of the singles began a partner relationship during the next 8 years. The results confirm that individual differences in personality development predict and result from life transitions and relationship experiences.
Temperament, Executive Functions, and the Allocation of Attention to Punishment Feedback in Passive Avoidance Learning
Authors: Farmer Richard F. , Whitehead Kathryn A. , Woolcock Colette Mary
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT
Several theories have been proposed to account for the apparent non‐responsiveness to punishment cues or aversive events demonstrated by members of some disinhibited groups. Included among these theories are those that emphasize individual differences in temperament, temperament‐related biases associated with the allocation of attentional resources, and impairments in executive functions. This study examined the relative contribution of each of these variables to the prediction of passive avoidance errors (PAEs, or failures to inhibit responding to punishment cues) during a computerized go/no‐go task. Variations in temperament, attentional allocation to punishment feedback, and executive functions were found to independently and additively contribute to the prediction of PAEs in a mixed sample of men and women recruited at a university campus (n=145). Results from this study, therefore, support multiple theoretical perspectives on PAEs as assessed by the go/no‐go experimental paradigm.
Shame: Mechanisms of Activation and Consequences for Social Perception, Self‐Image, and General Negative Emotion
Authors: Claesson Katja , Birgegard Andreas , Sohlberg Staffan
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTIn two experiments we exploredTomkins's (1963)concept of shame, comparing conscious versus unconscious shame activation. In line with Tomkins' theory, an impeded positive feedback sequence, consciously or unconsciously perceived, elicited more shame than continuously negative feedback. This was, however, true only for participants with an initially low degree of internalized shame. Participants with a high degree of internalized shame unexpectedly displayed shame following the positive feedback intended to elicit positive emotion. Whether this has implications for Tomkins's theory or rather for methodological issues is discussed. Exploring consequences of shame for social perception and self‐image, we found reversed results depending on level of consciousness. Effects were consistently greater for women, although at marginal significance levels. Results partly support Tomkins's notion of shame, but imply that his theory might need modification in terms of the role played by consciousness and, possibly, by individual differences such as sex and shame proneness.
Personality Judgment and Personality Pathology: Self‐Other Agreement in Adolescents With Conduct Disorder
Authors: Michael Furr R. , Dougherty Donald M. , Marsh Dawn M. , Mathias Charles W.
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT
We examine two issues linking personality pathology and judgment of traits within the Five‐Factor Model of personality. We hypothesize that pathology moderates self‐other agreement—“target” participants with pathology should be less judgable than participants without pathology. In addition, we hypothesize that pathology could partially produce agreement across a variety of traits, particularly those traits fundamental to the pathology. In an adolescent sample including a group with Conduct Disorder (CD) and a Control group, we examine agreement between adolescents' self‐reports and their mothers' informant reports. Using trait‐centered and person‐centered perspectives, we find support for both hypotheses. Results have implications for understanding the processes affecting personality judgment, for increasing integration of traditional personality research and personality pathology, and for personality assessment.
Susceptibility to opportunistic infections in HIV‐infected patients with increased CD4 T‐cell counts on antiretroviral therapy may be predicted by markers of dysfunctional effector memory CD4 T cells and B cells
Authors: French MA , Keane NM , McKinnon EJ , Phung S , Price P
Published: April 2007

Objectives

HIV‐infected patients responding to combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) after experiencing severe immunodeficiency may exhibit persistent immune defects and occasionally experience opportunistic infections (OIs) despite increased CD4 T‐cell counts. The investigation of immune defects in such patients was examined in this study.

Methods

CD4 effector memory T‐cell (Tem‐cell) function [assessed by blood cytomegalovirus (CMV) interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) enzyme‐linked immunosorbent spot‐forming cell assay (ELISPOT) counts] and B‐cell dysregulation [assessed by serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgE levels] were examined in 27 patients with increased CD4 T‐cell counts after receiving ART for over 2 years. Two of these patients and one other had developed OIs on ART and are described in detail.

Results

Serum levels of IgA and IgE were higher than reference intervals (P<0.001) and CMV IFN‐γ ELISPOT counts were lower than those in non‐HIV‐infected controls (P<0.001) in the HIV‐infected patients. Low CMV IFN‐γ ELISPOT counts were associated with high IgA levels (r=−0.5, P=0.01, Spearman's correlation test) and segregated with high IgE levels (P=0.06, Fisher's test). CMV IFN‐γ ELISPOT counts and serum IgA and IgE levels did not change significantly over a median time of 35 (range 8–60) months after the first measurement, whereas CD4 T‐cell counts increased. All three patients who experienced OIs had repeatedly low CMV IFN‐γ ELISPOT counts and increased serum levels of IgA and/or IgE.

Conclusion

Low CD4 Tem‐cell function and B‐cell dysregulation are immune defects that may persist independently of changes in the CD4 T‐cell count in HIV‐1‐infected patients responding to ART and are associated with an increased risk of developing an OI.
Setting a minimum threshold CD4 count for initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy in HIV‐infected patients
Authors: Ho CF , Lee SS , Wong KH , Cheng LS , Lam MY
Published: April 2007

The aim of our study was to determine a minimum threshold CD4 count for highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) initiation in HIV‐infected patients. A schema using longitudinal data from a clinical cohort was designed. The presenting CD4 counts of asymptomatic HIV‐infected patients in Hong Kong were evaluated in relation to their progression to AIDS within 1 year of diagnosis of HIV infection. A graph was generated to depict the changes in the percentage of cumulative AIDS diagnoses for every 10 cell/μL increase in presenting CD4 count. Of 181 patients, 24 had developed AIDS within 1 year of diagnosis of HIV infection. Setting the CD4 count threshold at 150 cells/μL gave a good balance between the number of preventable AIDS‐defining events and the number of non‐AIDS patients initiating HAART. No extra AIDS‐defining events occurred when the CD4 count threshold was reduced from 200 to 150 cells/μL, despite the addition of 13 more patients. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, presenting CD4 count was a significant predictor for AIDS occurrence. The relative hazard for AIDS occurrence of patients with presenting CD4 counts ≤150 cells/μL was 27‐fold greater. We suggest a CD4 count of 150 cells/μL as the minimum threshold for HAART initiation in a cohort of Chinese HIV‐infected patients. At this level, 20.8% of the AIDS‐defining events could be prevented. While a cut‐off of 200 cells/μL remains a standard for considering HAART initiation, the minimum threshold signifies a critical moment for timely intervention to be introduced.
Differential engagement of anterior cingulate cortex subdivisions for cognitive and emotional function
Authors: Mohanty Aprajita , Engels Anna S. , Herrington John D. , Heller Wendy , Ringo Ho Moon‐Ho , Banich Marie T. , Webb Andrew G. , Warren Stacie L. , Miller Gregory A.
Published: April 2007

Functional differentiation of dorsal (dACC) and rostral (rACC) anterior cingulate cortex for cognitive and emotional function has received considerable indirect support. Using fMRI, parallel tasks, and within‐subject analysis, the present study directly tested the proposed specialization of ACC subdivisions. A Task × Region interaction confirmed more dACC activation during color‐word distractors and more rACC activation during emotion‐word distractors. Activity in ACC subdivisions differentially predicted behavioral performance. Connectivity with prefrontal and limbic regions also supported distinct dACC and rACC roles. Findings provide direct evidence for differential engagement of ACC subdivisions in cognitive and emotional processing and for differential functional connectivity in the implementation of cognitive control and emotion regulation. Results point to an anatomical and functional continuum rather than segregated operations.
Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in the field vole, Microtus agrestis, and their cross‐utility in the common vole, Microtus arvalis
Authors: JAAROLA M. , RATKIEWICZ M. , ASHFORD R. T. , BRUNHOFF C. , BORKOWSKA A.
Published: April 2007

We developed nine polymorphic microsatellite loci for the field vole, Microtus agrestis. The number of alleles ranged from five to 15 and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.40 to 1.00. We also tested the microsatellite loci for amplification and polymorphism in the congeneric species Microtus arvalis. Five of the nine loci were successfully analysed in this species. The microsatellite markers will be employed in studies of reproductive success and fine‐scale spatial genetic structure.
Bayesian clustering algorithms ascertaining spatial population structure: a new computer program and a comparison study
Authors: CHEN CHIBIAO , DURAND ERIC , FORBES FLORENCE , FRANÇOIS OLIVIER
Published: April 2007

On the basis of simulated data, this study compares the relative performances of the Bayesian clustering computer programsstructure,geneland,geneclustand a new program namedtess. While these four programs can detect population genetic structure from multilocus genotypes, only the last three ones include simultaneous analysis from geographical data. The programs are compared with respect to their abilities to infer the number of populations, to estimate membership probabilities, and to detect genetic discontinuities and clinal variation. The results suggest that combining analyses usingtessandstructureoffers a convenient way to address inference of spatial population structure.
Isolation and characterization of 10 microsatellite loci in the magnetic termite, Amitermes meridionalis (Isoptera: Termitidae)
Authors: SCHMIDT A. M. , TRINDL A. , KORB J.
Published: April 2007

The elongated mounds of the ‘magnetic termite’, Amitermes meridionalis are a prominent feature of the Northern Territory in Australia. They are restricted to habitat patches of seasonally flooded plains which are largely isolated from each other. To investigate the population structure of A. meridionalis, we developed 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci. We tested the variability of the markers on at least 20 individuals from two populations. We found three to 12 alleles per locus with a level of heterozygosity at each locus ranging from 0.05 to 0.74.
Novel microsatellite loci for the study of the black‐capped vireo (Vireo atricapillus)
Authors: BARR KELLY R. , DHARMARAJAN GUHA , RHODES OLIN E. , LANCE RICHARD L. , LEBERG PAUL L.
Published: April 2007

We identified 14 novel polymorphic microsatellite loci in the black‐capped vireo (Vireo atricapillus). We also attempted to amplify and genotype these loci in other Vireo species, including the white‐eyed vireo (Vireo griseus), red‐eyed vireo (Vireo olivaceus), and blue‐headed vireo (Vireo solitarius). In 33 genotyped black‐capped vireos from two locations, total alleles ranged from six to 20, with observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.58 to 0.91 and expected heterozygosity from 0.65 to 0.93. Two loci had detectable levels of null alleles. Many of the loci were able to be amplified in the related Vireo species.
Microsatellite markers for Sclerotinia subarctica nom. prov., a new vegetable pathogen of the High North
Authors: WINTON L. M. , KROHN A. L. , LEINER R. H.
Published: April 2007

Eight polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated from the ascomycete fungus Sclerotinia subarctica nom. prov. In Alaska, this pathogen causes white mold vegetable diseases sympatrically with the cosmopolitan and closely related Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Eighteen alleles were observed across the 41 isolates tested and ranged from two to three alleles per locus. Together, the alleles from the eight polymorphic loci yielded only four haploid multilocus genotypes and exhibited significant linkage disequilibrium, reflecting extreme selfing and clonal vegetative reproduction.
Microsatellite DNA markers for the aphid parasitoid Lysiphlebus fabarum and their applicability to related species
Authors: SANDROCK CHRISTOPH , FRAUENFELDER NATHALIE , VON BURG SIMONE , VORBURGER CHRISTOPH
Published: April 2007

The aphid parasitoid Lysiphlebus fabarum is suspected to form distinct, host‐associated lineages and exhibits poorly understood variation in reproductive mode including thelytokous and arrhenotokous populations. As a tool to study these issues, we developed 11 polymorphic microsatellite markers. The observed number of alleles ranged from two to 35, and the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.01 to 0.64. Cross‐species amplification tests demonstrated their utility for several congeners, but revealed very limited applicability to more distantly related species.
DNA barcoding confirms polyphagy in a generalist moth,Homona mermerodes(Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)
Authors: HULCR JIRI , MILLER SCOTT E. , SETLIFF GREGORY P. , DARROW KAROLYN , MUELLER NATHANIEL D. , HEBERT PAUL D. N. , WEIBLEN GEORGE D.
Published: April 2007

Recent DNA barcoding of generalist insect herbivores has revealed complexes of cryptic species within named species. We evaluated the species concept for a common generalist moth occurring in New Guinea and Australia, Homona mermerodes, in light of host plant records and mitochondrial cytochromecoxidase I haplotype diversity. Genetic divergence amongH. mermerodesmoths feeding on different host tree species was much lower than among severalHomonaspecies. Genetic divergence between haplotypes from New Guinea and Australia was also less than interspecific divergence. Whereas molecular species identification methods may reveal cryptic species in some generalist herbivores, these same methods may confirm polyphagy when identical haplotypes are reared from multiple host plant families. A lectotype for the species is designated, and a summarized bibliography and illustrations including male genitalia are provided for the first time.
Polymorphic microsatellite markers for the human oomycete pathogen Pythium insidiosum
Authors: SUPABANDHU JIDAPA , FISHER MATTHEW C. , VANITTANAKOM NONGNUCH
Published: April 2007

We describe the development and characterization of microsatellite loci from the human oomycete pathogen Pythium insidiosum. Nine of 15 microsatellite loci were shown to be appropriate for population genetic study. All loci were polymorphic with observed heterozygosities ranging from 0.241 to 0.912 and from five to 18 alleles per locus among 65 individuals in Thailand. These markers are being used to ascertain multilocus genotypes for molecular epidemiological and population genetic analyses of this little known human pathogen.
The Effects of Peer–Mediated Instruction in Mathematics for Students with Learning Problems: A Research Synthesis
Authors: Kunsch Catherine A. , Jitendra Asha K. , Sood Sheetal
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this synthesis is to summarize the effectiveness of peer–mediated interventions on the mathematics performance of both students with disabilities and those at risk for mathematics disabilities. Meta–analytic techniques were used to calculate mean effect sizes for 17 studies that met inclusion criteria. Results indicate that peer–mediated interventions in mathematics are moderately effective for improving students’ mathematics performance. Also, findings are strongest for students at risk for mathematics disabilities, elementary–aged participants, and mathematics computation content. Recommendations for future research and practical implications are discussed.
Using Evidence–Based Practices to Build Mathematics Competence Related to Conceptual, Procedural, and Declarative Knowledge
Authors: Miller Susan P. , Hudson Pamela J.
Published: April 2007

Mathematics continues to be one of the most difficult components of the school curriculum for students with learning disabilities (LD). The National Council for Teachers of Mathematics, in conjunction with current educational legislation, challenges teachers to maintain high standards for student performance in mathematics. Fortunately, over the past two decades, researchers have identified and validated a number of instructional practices that help students with LD understand and use mathematics in meaningful ways. The purpose of this article is to discuss instructional guidelines and evidence–based practices for building conceptual, procedural, and declarative knowledge within a comprehensive mathematics curriculum. The importance of balancing these three knowledge areas across mathematics content areas is noted.
The Consummate Comparative Public Administrationist: A Tribute to Ferrel Heady, 1916–2006
Authors: Jones L. R. , Klingner Donald E.
Published: April 2007

Ferrel Heady died on August 16, 2006, at his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Together with Fred Riggs, he is widely known and respected as one of the founders of comparative public administration. In this tribute to our friend and colleague, we touch on the highlights of his distinguished career as a scholar, an academic administrator, and a person who lived up to his own high standards of honesty and integrity in every aspect of his life. We assess his body of work, attempt to summarize its significance, and reproduce comments about him sent to us by his friends and colleagues. This tribute is accompanied by reflections on Ferrel written by Fred Riggs.
The Empires Strike Back: Is the Internet Corporatizing Rather than Democratizing Policy Processes?
Authors: Rethemeyer R. Karl
Published: April 2007

For at least a decade, scholars have sought ways to remedy citizen dissatisfaction with representative democracy. Recently, the development and deployment of the Internet has been heralded as a technical solution to this problem. Observers often base their optimism on analysis of the Internet’s impact on elections and public comment processes. Yet elections do not generate the policies that people resent—policy processes do. So far, we know little about the Internet’s role in this critical social activity. This article provides a framework for locating the Internet’s impact on policy processes and presents findings from two case studies on “Internet‐enabled” policy making. The cases suggest that the Internet will not fix what ails representative democracy. Indeed, the Internet may only reinforce the much‐resented organizational dominance of politics. Reconnecting politics with society is still primarily the work of organizational and institutional reformers, not hardware and software engineers.

Liberal representative democracy models appear to have a built‐in bias against citizens in disorganized or informal sectors that are not highly focused, in contrast to those driven by single issues. Powerful lobby groups are able to mobilize resources and influence government agendas for their own causes, while groups without resources or a single focus have no mechanism for influencing government policies and processes. The imbalance created by lobbying is probably one of the most serious issues confronting current liberal representative democracy models. —Kakabadse, Kakabadse, and Kouzmin (2003, 48)
Getting One’s Way in Policy Debates: Influence Tactics Used in Group Decision‐Making Settings
Authors: Jensen Jason L.
Published: April 2007

This study moves beyond traditional approaches to public administration and public policy decision making to consider how interpersonal influence tactics affect policy decisions in group decision‐making settings. Decision makers reported their own use of interpersonal influence tactics to achieve policy objectives, as well as those used against them. Responses were compared to individual decisions made over the course of policy‐formulation meetings. The results indicate that the most popular techniques were inspirational appeals and rational persuasion. The most effective techniques for influencing participants varied according to the type of decision to be made: During the visioning process, coalition tactics and inspirational appeals proved most effective; for more concrete decisions about current issues, rational persuasion, inspirational appeals, and consultation influenced decisions.
Evaluating Democratic Performance: Methodologies for Assessing the Relationship between Network Governance and Citizens
Authors: Mathur Navdeep , Skelcher Chris
Published: April 2007

Network governance can enhance democratic practice by furnishing new routes for actors to deliberate, make, and execute public policy. But it is hindered by a lack of political oversight, limited democratic competence of new organizational forms, and informality of operation. Little research has been conducted on the democratic performance of governance networks, and the methodology is poorly developed. Quality‐of‐democracy studies of national governmental and political systems offer a starting point. Their criteria‐based method is useful in accessing the democratic “hardware” of formal entities, such as partnerships and hybrids, but it does not enable data to be gathered on democratic “software”—the informal day‐to‐day practices of actors in networks. Interpretive approaches offer a way forward. Narrative analysis, qualitative interviews using a criteria‐based instrument, and Q‐methodology provide routes into democratic software. They enable the researcher to move beyond the analysis of institutional nodes and to understand the democratic performance of the wider governance network.
Citizen Involvement and Performance Management in Special‐Purpose Governments
Authors: Heikkila Tanya , Isett Kimberley Roussin
Published: April 2007

Performance management and citizen participation are being used by local governments to improve government accountability and responsiveness. In some cases, local governments are integrating these two trends. One area of local government in which this trend has not been assessed is special districts. This paper uses data from a study of nine special districts in the state of Texas to fill this void. To assess citizen participation in performance management among the districts, we interviewed district managers, analyzed minutes from governing board meetings, and conducted citizen focus groups in three regions of the state. Our findings suggest that although districts may not yet be in tune with the latest performance management trends, they are making efforts to engage citizens in other ways. We recommend ways that districts can build on these experiences and more effectively incorporate citizens in the development, analysis, and reporting of performance measures.