bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidural analgesia in the surgery of congenital tracheal stenosis: slide tracheoplasty on cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: VILÀ RAMON , MARHUENDA CLAUDIA , GONÇALVES ARTURO , GIL‐JAURENA JUAN M. , PELLICER MARC , SUESCUM MARIA C. , MIRÓ LLUIS
Published: April 2006

Epidural analgesia in children is highly effective and safe; however, it has not enjoyed great popularity in surgery that requires cardiopulmonary bypass. A major concern is the possibility of damage to blood vessels with the epidural needle or catheter and epidural hematoma formation. There seems to be a low incidence of epidural hematoma if certain guidelines are followed, so that in children, epidural analgesia can be used in selected patients, with safety, when surgical repair requires cardiopulmonary bypass. Epidural morphine has been used for clinical pain relief in pediatric cardiac surgery. Improved pulmonary function, suppressed hormonal and metabolic stress responses, easy early tracheal extubation, and good analgesia and sedation that allows neurological examination to alert any possibles hidden complications, are the advantages. A dedicated medical team is essential in the perioperative management to achieve maximum benefit for these patients.
The 4G/4G PAI‐1 genotype is associated with elevated plasma PAI‐1 levels regardless of variables of the metabolic syndrome and smoking status. A population‐based study in Spanish population
Authors: Martínez‐Calatrava M. J. , Martínez‐Larrad M. T. , Zabena C. , González‐Sánchez J. L. , Fernández‐Pérez C. , Serrano‐Ríos M.
Published: April 2006

Reported data about the effect of the 4G/5G PAI‐1 polymorphism on plasma PAI‐1 levels are controversial. This study was designed to determine the relative effect of the 4G/5G PAI‐1 polymorphism on high plasma PAI‐1 levels after adjustment for metabolic syndrome – related variables, and to test if this effect is modified by the smoking status. Six hundred and thirty one unrelated subjects (292 men; 35–74 years), from a cross‐sectional population‐based epidemiological survey in the province of Segovia (Spain) were studied. The higher frequency of high PAI‐1 levels was found in 4G/4G subjects (5G/5G 19.4%, 4G/5G 21.6%, 4G/4G 33.7%, p = 0.003). A multiple regression model, adjusted for gender, age, BMI, waist circumference, triglycerides, HDL‐cholesterol, HOMA IR and leptin, showed this adjOR: 4G/4G vs 5G/5G: 2.22, p  =  0.008. When smoking status – 4G/5G PAI‐1 interaction was included as an independent variable these results were not modified. Our results indicate that the 4G/4G PAI‐1 genotype might be strongly associated with high PAI‐1 levels regardless of metabolic syndrome‐related variables and smoking status.
A knife in the back: use of prey‐specific attack tactics by araneophagic jumping spiders (Araneae: Salticidae)
Authors: Harland D. P. , Jackson R. R.
Published: April 2006

Three species of Portia (Portia africana from Kenya, Portia fimbriata from Australia and Portia labiata from the Philippines) were tested with flies Drosophila immigrans and Musca domestica and with web‐building spiders Badumna longinquus and Pholcus phalangioides. Badumna longinquus has powerful chelicerae, but not especially long legs, whereas Ph. phalangioides has exceptionally long legs, but only small, weak chelicerae. Typically, Portia sighted flies, walked directly towards them and attacked without adjusting orientation. However, Portia's attacks on the spiders were aimed primarily at the cephalothorax instead of the legs or abdomen. Portia usually targeted the posterior‐dorsal region of B. longinquus' cephalothorax by attacking this species from above and behind. When the prey was Ph. phalangioides, attack orientation was defined primarily by opportunistic gaps between this species' long legs (gaps through which Portia could contact the pholcid's body without contacting one of the pholcid's legs). Portia's attack strategy appears to be an adjustment to the different types of risk posed by different types of prey.
Variation in the Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor Gene and Muscle Strength in Older Caucasian Women
Authors: Arking Dan E. , Fallin Daniele M. , Fried Linda P. , Li Tao , Beamer Brock A. , Xue Qian Li , Chakravarti Aravinda , Walston Jeremy
Published: April 2006

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether genetic variants in the ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) gene are associated with muscle strength in older women.

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional analysis of baseline data from the Women's Health and Aging Studies I (1992) and II (1994), complementary population‐based studies.

SETTING: Twelve contiguous ZIP code areas in Baltimore, Maryland.

PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred sixty‐three Caucasian, community‐dwelling women aged 70 to 79.

MEASUREMENTS: Participants were genotyped at the CNTF locus for eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including the null allele rs1800169. The dependent variables were grip strength and the frailty syndrome, identified as presence of three or more of five frailty indicators (weakness, slowness, weight loss, low physical activity, exhaustion). In addition to genotypes, independent variables of body mass index (BMI) and osteoarthritis of the hands were included.

RESULTS: Using multivariate linear regression, single SNP analysis identified five SNPs significantly associated with grip strength (P<.05), after adjusting for age, BMI, and osteoarthritis. Haplotype analysis was performed, and a single haplotype associated with grip strength was identified (P<.01). The rs1800169 null allele fully explained the association between this haplotype and grip strength under a recessive model, with individuals homozygous for the null allele exhibiting a 3.80‐kg lower (95% confidence interval=1.01–6.58) grip strength. No association was seen between the CNTF null allele and frailty.

CONCLUSION: Individuals homozygous for the CNTF null allele had significantly lower grip strength but did not exhibit overt frailty. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm this finding and extend it to additional populations.
Costs and benefits of bacterial culturing and pathogen reduction in the Netherlands
Authors: Janssen Mart P. , Van Der Poel Cees L. , Buskens Erik , Bonneux Luc , Bonsel Gouke J. , Van Hout Ben A.
Published: April 2006

BACKGROUND: Bacterial contamination is a life‐threatening risk of blood transfusion, especially with platelet (PLT) transfusions. Bacterial culturing (BCU) of PLTs as well as pathogen reduction (PRT) reduce the likelihood of such contamination. The cost‐effectiveness (CE) of these interventions was analyzed after the introduction of the diversion pouch during blood collection.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The balance between costs and benefits of preventing adverse events due to PLT transfusion was assessed with a mathematical decision model and Monte Carlo simulations. Model parameters were obtained from the literature and from Dutch Sanquin blood banks. The balance between costs and benefits is assessed in terms of costs per quality‐adjusted life‐year (QALY).

RESULTS: The costs per 100,000 PLT concentrates in the Netherlands are estimated at $3,277,032 (€2,520,794) for BCU and at $18,582,844 (€14,294,495) for PRT. In comparison to the situation without BCU and PRT, costs per QALY are estimated at $90,697 (€69,767) for BCU (95% confidence interval [CI], $18,149‐$2,088,854) and at $496,674 (€382,057) for PRT (95% CI, $143,950‐$8,171,133). The ratio of differences in costs and QALYs between BCU and PRT (the relative CE) is estimated at $3,596,256 (€2,766,351; 95% CI, $1,100,630‐$24,756,615). Large uncertainty in sepsis complication rates and PLT recipient survival exist, causing large uncertainties in the absolute CE for both interventions.

CONCLUSIONS: As a result of the unknown probability of sepsis complications and PLT recipient survival, the CE ratios of BCU and PRT in the Dutch setting are highly uncertain. Despite these large uncertainties, it can be concluded that BCU is without doubt more cost‐effective than PRT.
Heritable risk factors associated with language impairments
Authors: Barry J. G. , Yasin I. , Bishop D. V. M.
Published: April 2006

There is a strong genetic contribution to children’s language and literacy impairments. The aim of this study was to determine which aspects of the phenotype are familial by comparing 34 parents of probands with language/literacy impairments and 33 parents of typically developing probands. The parents responded to questionnaires regarding previous history for language/reading impairment and participated in psychometric testing. The psychometric test battery consisted of tests assessing non‐verbal IQ, short‐term memory, articulation, receptive grammar, reading abilities and spelling. Self‐report measures demonstrated a higher prevalence of language and literacy impairments in parents of affected probands (32%) compared with parents of unaffected probands (6%). The two groups of parents differed significantly in their performance on the non‐word repetition, oromotor and digit span tasks. Non‐word repetition gave the best discrimination between the parent groups even when the data from the parents who actually were impaired as ascertained by direct testing or self‐report were removed from the analyses. This suggests that non‐word repetition serves as a marker of a family risk for language impairment. The paper concludes with a discussion of issues associated with ascertainment of specific language impairment (SLI).
An evaluation of public health issues associated with, or arising from, drainage-based infection spread
Authors: Kay D , Watkins J , Fewtrell L
Published: April 2006

Some microorganisms can grow in water while others merely survive. The use of the water may result in the creation of aerosols which can disseminate the products of microbial growth or the microorganisms themselves. In the home, toilets, sinks and showers can provide a reservoir for microorganisms to survive and grow. Intermittent use of disinfectants alone may not be adequate to control these microorganisms unless regular cleaning and brushing is practiced. Similar problems occur in hospitals, offices and public buildings. Here control is much more important. In these environments infections can potentially spread readily to large numbers of people from the creation of aerosols both in sanitary equipment and the sewerage system associated with it. Control is helped by regular cleaning but much more attention needs to be placed on proper construction, servicing and maintenance of the infrastructure. This article reviews the types of microorganisms associated with growth in water and with faecal material and how these organisms are spread. The nature and impact of the spread is illustrated with a number of published examples.
Limits for use of vent elements in building drainage systems considering the risks of infection spread by means of water-seal behaviour and integrity: the case of Brazilian systems
Authors: Fernandes V MC , Gonçalves O M
Published: April 2006

Considering the water conservation programmes that promote a reduction in WC flush volume, and given the concern with the safe use of new concepts and techniques to avoid the transmission of serious disease via the drainage system as in the case of SARS, this paper discusses the influences of said reduction on the behaviour of water-based trap seals in drainage systems utilizing different types of ventilation, as allowed by Brazilian standards. The paper shows that the venting system capacity to limit the internal pressure in the drainage system, in order to maintain the integrity of the water seals, reduces the risk of infection spread in buildings.
The role of the public toilet: pathogen transmitter or health facilitator?
Authors: Greed C
Published: April 2006

This paper discusses the role of public toilets, as transmitters of disease, but also of their importance in contributing to the health and well-being of society. Research has shown that public toilets are vital components in creating sustainable, accessible, inclusive cities. But there is no mandatory legislation requiring local authorities to provide them. Over 40% have been closed in the UK in the last 10 years. The promotion of the 24 hour city, characterized by a male youth drinking culture, along with toilet closure, has resulted in increased street urination, creating the conditions for the spread of previously-eradicated, water borne diseases in city streets. Less visible, but as virulent, has been the effect of toilet closure for women. Women, in response to lack of toilet provision, are likely to ‘hold on’ resulting in urine (and pathogen) retention, and bladder distension increasing the propensity for continence problems. The elderly and people with disabilities may simply not go out for fear of there being no toilet when they need one. Those toilets that are available may be unusable. Lack of regulation or compulsory standards result in poor toilet design, inadequate maintenance and management, and unhygienic conditions, resulting in the spread of MRSA and other drug-resistant diseases. Recommendations are summarized for the provision of a spatial hierarchy of toilet provision that would both meet user needs and reduce the chances of the public toilets acting as epicentres of germ transmission. Unless compulsory legislation, increased funding, and improved management, maintenance and cleaning regimes are instigated, public toilet provision will continue to be a source of disease.
Farnesol prevents Fe-NTA-mediated renal oxidative stress and early tumour promotion markers in rats
Authors: Jahangir Tamanna , Khan Tajdar Husain , Prasad Lakshmi , Sultana Sarwat
Published: April 2006

Excess iron deposition in tissues leads to organ dysfunction and impairment. In this study, the protective effects of farnesol (FL), an isoprenoid, against Fe-NTA (9 mg iron/kg body weight i.p.)-induced oxidative damage and early tumour promotion markers are evaluated. The pretreatment of iron-intoxicated rats with 1% and 2%/kg body weight oral dose of FL for 7 consecutive days significantly reversed the iron-induced increase in H2O2 content (P <0.001), malondialdehyde formation, xanthine oxidase activity (P <0.001), ornithine decarboxylase activity (P <0.001) and 3[H]thymidine incorporation in renal DNA (P <0.005) with simultaneous significant depletion in serum toxicity markers blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (P <0.001). Significant dose-dependent restoration was recorded in renal glutathione content, its dependent enzymes and other phase II metabolizing enzymes viz., catalase, glutathione-S-transferase and quinone reductase (P <0.001) with prophylactic treatment of FL. Present results support that FL markedly lowers the oxidative damage and appearance of tumour markers, which precludes its development as a chemopreventive tool.
Monosodium glutamate-induced oxidative damage and genotoxicity in the rat: modulatory role of vitamin C, vitamin E and quercetin
Authors: Farombi E O , Onyema O O
Published: April 2006

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) continues to function as a flavor enhancer in West African and Asian diets. The present study examines the modulatory effects of dietary antioxidant vitamin C (VIT C), vitamin E (VIT E) and quercetin on MSG-induced oxidative damage in the liver, kidney and brain of rats. In addition, the effect of these antioxidants on the possible genotoxicity of MSG was investigated in a rat bone marrow micronuclei model.

MSG administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 4 mg/g body wt markedly increase malondialdehyde (MDA) formation in the liver, the kidney and brain of rats. Simultaneous administration of VIT C, VIT E and quercetin to MSG-treated rats significantly reduced this increase in MDA induced by MSG. VIT E reduced lipid peroxidation most in the liver followed by VIT C and then quercetin, while VIT C and quercetin showed a greater ability to protect the brain from membrane damage than VIT E.

The decreased glutathione (GSH) level elicited by MSG in the three organs corresponded with marked increase in the activity of glutathione-S-transferase (GST). While MSG increased (P B / 0.001) the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in the liver, it decreased significantly the activities of these enzymes in the kidney and the brain. The three antioxidants were effective at ameliorating the effects of MSG on GSH levels and the enzymes in the three organs examined. While MSG increased the activity of glucose-6-phosphatase in the liver and kidneys of rats (P B / 0.001), the activity of the enzyme was abysmally low in the brain. There were marked increases in the activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and g-glutamyl transferase in rats treated with MSG. The antioxidants tested protected against MSG-induced liver toxicity significantly.

MSG at a dose of 4 mg/g significantly (P B / 0.01) induced the formation of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs). Co-treatment of rats with VIT C and quercetin inhibited the induction of MNPCEs by MSG (P B / 0.001). VIT E failed to protect against MSG-induced genotoxicity.

The results indicate that dietary antioxidants have protective potential against oxidative stress induced by MSG and, in addition, suggest that active oxygen species may play an important role in its genotoxicity.
Celecoxib exposures reported to Texas poison control centers from 1999 to 2004
Authors: Forrester M B
Published: April 2006

Concerns have been raised about the safety of celecoxib. This study described the pattern of exposures involving only celecoxib (isolated exposures) reported to Texas poison control centers from 1999 to 2004. The mean dose was 701 mg. The patient age distribution was 5 / 5 years (48%), 6 / 19 years (8%), and 20 years (44%). In 78% of cases, exposure was unintentional. Of the exposures, 74% were managed outside of health care facilities. The final medical outcome was classified as no effect for 82% of the cases, and minor effects for 12% of the cases. Adverse clinical effects were listed for 5% of the patients, the most frequently reported being rash (3%), drowsiness (3%), pruritis (2%), and vomiting (2%). The most frequently listed treatment was decontamination by dilution (43%) or food (32%). The majority of isolated celecoxib exposures could be managed outside of health care facilities, and the outcome was generally favorable.
Autoantibodies against alpha B-crystallin, a candidate autoantigen in multiple sclerosis, are part of a normal human immune repertoire
Authors: van Noort J M , Verbeek R , Meilof J F , Polman C H , Amor S
Published: April 2006

Human T-cell responses to the stress protein alpha B-crystallin in multiple sclerosis (MS)-affected brain samples are dominant when compared to other myelin antigens. The establishment of the apparent autoimmune repertoire against this antigen has been suggested to involve cross-priming during viral infection. Yet, another possibility would be that determinant spreading during ocular inflammation could generate a response to alpha B-crystallin, since it is also a major component of the eye. In this study, we compared serum IgG, IgA and IgM repertoires against a range of eye lens-derived ocular antigens using sera from healthy control subjects and MS patients with or without uveitis. This comparison revealed that among ocular antigens, alpha B-crystallin is the dominant target antigen for serum autoantibodies in both MS patients and healthy controls. Uveitis generally did not affect the antibody reactivity profile. These data provide further support for the notion that a normal adult human immune system is selectively reactive to alpha B-crystallin and they indicate that this responsiveness is unlikely to result from determinant spreading following ocular inflammation.
Fatal accidents among Danes with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Brønnum-Hansen Henrik , Hansen Thomas , Koch-Henriksen Nils , Stenager Egon
Published: April 2006

We compared the rate of fatal accidents among Danes with multiple sclerosis (MS) with that of the general population. The study was based on linkage of the Danish Multiple Sclerosis Registry to the Cause of Death Registry and covered all 10 174 persons in whom MS was diagnosed during the period 1953-1996. The end of follow-up was 1 January 1999. We calculated standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) for various types of fatal accidents. A total of 76 persons (48 men and 28 women) died from accidents, whereas the expected number of fatalities from such causes was 55.7 (31.4 men and 24.3 women). Thus, the risk for death from accidents among persons with MS was 37% higher than that of the general population (SMR=1.37). We found no significant excess risk for fatal road accidents (SMR=0.80). The risk for falls was elevated (SMR=1.29) but not statistically significantly so. The risks were particularly high for deaths from burns (SMR=8.90) and suffocation (SMR=5.57). We conclude that persons with MS are more prone to fatal accidents than the general population. The excess risk is due not to traffic accidents but to burns and suffocation.
No association of CCR5D32 gene mutation with multiple sclerosis in Croatian and Slovenian patients
Authors: Ristić Smiljana , Lovrečić Luca , Starčević-Čizmarević Nada , Brajenović-Milić Bojana , Jazbec Saša Šega , Barac-Latas Vesna , Vejnović Danilo , Sepčić Juraj , Kapović Miljenko , Peterlin Borut
Published: April 2006

Several studies investigating the role of the CCR5D32 mutation in multiple sclerosis (MS) have reported varied, often contradictory results. Therefore in the present study we have analysed whether the CCR5D32 mutation is associated with the risk of/or disease process in Croatian and Slovene MS patients. Three hundred and twenty-five MS patients and 356 healthy controls were genotyped by the polymerase chain reaction method. Our results showed no significant differences in the distribution of CCR5D32 mutations between MS and control subjects, indicating that this mutation does not influence susceptibility to MS. Furthermore, we did not observe that CCR5D32 carrier-status could modulate age of disease onset or progression of the disease. It is therefore our conclusion that the present study indicates that the CCR5D32 mutation is neither protective of, nor a risk factor, for MS development.
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors from Stephania venosa tuber
Authors: Ingkaninan Kornkanok , Phengpa Preeda , Yuenyongsawad Supreeya , Khorana Nantaka
Published: April 2006

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors have lately gained interest as potential drugs in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Three AChE inhibitors were isolated from tubers of a Thai medicinal plant, Stephania venosa (Bl) Spreng. They were identified as quaternary protoberberine alkaloids, stepharanine, cyclanoline and N-methyl stepholidine. They expressed inhibitory activity on AChE with IC50 values (concentration that caused 50% inhibition of activity) of 14.1K ± 0.81, 9.23 ± 3.47 and 31.30 ± 3.67 μM, respectively. The AChE inhibitory activity of these compounds was compared with those of the related compounds, palmatine, jatrorrhizine and berberine, as well as tertiary protoberberine alkaloids isolated from the same plant, stepholidine and corydalmine. The results suggest that the positive charge at the nitrogen of the tetrahydroisoquinoline portion, steric substitution at the nitrogen, planarity of the molecule or substitutions at C-2, −3, −9, and −10 affect the AChE inhibitory activity of protoberberine alkaloids.
Preventive effect of rutin, a bioflavonoid, on lipid peroxides and antioxidants in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats
Authors: Karthick M , Prince P Stanely Mainzen
Published: April 2006

The consumption of diets rich in plant foods is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the preventive role of rutin on lipid peroxides and antioxidants in normal and isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats. Subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol (150 mg kg−1) to male Wistar rats at an interval of 24 h for two days showed a significant increase in the activity of serum cardiac marker enzymes (creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase) and a significant decrease in the activity of these enzymes in the heart. Lipid peroxidative products (thiobarbituricacid reactive substances and lipid hydroperoxides) were significantly increased and enzymic (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase) and non-enzymic (reduced glutathione and vitamin C) antioxidants showed a significant decrease in isoproterenol-treated rats. Pretreatment with rutin (40 or 80 mg kg−1) to isoproterenol-treated rats orally for a period of 42 days daily caused a significant effect. Administration of rutin to normal rats did not have any significant effect on any of the parameters studied. The results of our study show that rutin possesses antioxidant activity in isoproterenol-induced experimental myocardial infarction.
Sex work practices and condom use in female sex workers in Sydney
Authors: Fox J , Tideman R L , Gilmour S , Marks C , van Beek I , Mindel A
Published: April 2006

The aim of this study was to determine sex work practices and predictors of condom use among female sex workers (SWs) in Sydney. SWs from two centres completed a self-administered questionnaire covering demographic and sexual characteristics and sex work practices. One hundred and forty-eight international (born in Asia) and 141 local SWs (born in Australia, New Zealand or the UK) were recruited. Local SWs saw more clients per shift than international SWs ( P = 0.002), but international SWs worked more shifts per week than local SWs ( P = 0.001). International SWs used condoms less consistently at work than local SWs ( P = 0.001). About 37% of international SWs never used condoms with non-paying partners, compared with 14% of local SWs ( P = 0.01). Speaking Thai (odds ratio [OR] 8.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]; 3.19–24.87) or Chinese (OR 17.4; 95% CI 4.98–60.89) (both P < 0.001) and previous sex work in Thailand (OR 10.0 95% CI 2.31–43.52; P = 0.02) were associated with inconsistent condom use. Strategies to improve condom use need to be evaluated.
Traditional and Block Scheduling for College Science Preparation: A Comparison of College Science Success of Students Who Report Different High School Scheduling Plans
Authors: Dexter Kristen M , Tai Robert H , Sadler Philip Michael
Published: April 2006

This study compares frequencies of instructional practices across differing scheduling plans (Traditional and Block plans), and explores the association between high school scheduling plans and college science preparation, using introductory college science grades as the outcome measure. More than 7000 students enrolled in introductory college biology, chemistry, and physics were surveyed. No large difference was found when comparing the use of frequencies of instructional practices across scheduling plans. Regression models investigating associations between scheduling plans and college grades found significant, but small differences in predicted college grades for Traditional, 4:4, and Unique Block students; however, the analysis found two negative interactions on college grades linking alternate Block (AB) with HS science achievement and AB block with peer tutoring. Overall, the results indicate that Block scheduling plans do not appear to provide an advantage to students in terms of college preparation in science.
Redefining Roman Grand Strategy
Authors: Kagan Kimberly
Published: April 2006

Ancient historians have demonstrated that Edward Luttwak's The Grand Strategy of the Roman Empire does not accurately describe Roman grand strategy, and many conclude that there was no Roman imperial grand strategy. But the grand strategy of the Roman Empire can be studied as long as scholars ask questions that the available sources support. The field of strategic studies defines "grand strategy" as the allocation of a state's resources to meet its major objectives. Surviving sources regarding the patterns of troop movements in the Roman Empire show that emperors decided how to allocate resources empire-wide to meet objectives, and thus thought about grand-strategic issues even if they did not recognize the concept or engage in long-term planning.
A Tale of Five Generals: Vietnam's Invasion of Cambodia
Authors: Pribbenow Merle L
Published: April 2006

The December 1978 to January 1979 Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia was a meticulously planned, modern combined arms operation led by some of Vietnam's most talented and experienced generals. In spite of a preemptive attack by Cambodia, Vietnamese forces, using six coordinated corps-sized combined arms mechanized columns, along with a division-sized amphibious assault along the coast and air strikes conducted by captured American-made attack aircraft, quickly crushed the fanatical Cambodian resistance in a swift, blitzkrieg-like campaign. Within three weeks the Vietnamese controlled all major roads, harbors, airfields, and population centers in Cambodia, forcing the remainder of Pol Pot's Cambodian armed forces to flee to the Thai border for sanctuary.
THE NEW SYNANTHEROLOGY
Authors: King R. M. , Robinson H.
Published: April 2006

The necessity of microscopic examination of Composite flowers is reviewed. Results of observations include listing of generic distinctions for Stevia, Brickellia, and Liatris; description of a distinctive hair type in Flaveria; confirmation of characteristic pollen type in the Vemonieae; recognition of a characteristically keeled anther appendage in the Helenieae‐Heliantheae complex; discovery of distinctive characters in anther appendages and exothecial cells of Eupatorieae, Astereae, Senecioneae, and Inuleae; discovery of characters of the anther appendage and exothecial cells that help show generic and sectional limits in Tridax; and description of distinctive corolla lobe structure in Inula, Marshallia, Flaveria, and Melampodium.
A COMPARISON OF ANGIOSPERM CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS
Authors: Becker Kenneth M.
Published: April 2006

A tabular comparison of the classification of the orders and families of flowering plants by Cronquist, Takhtajan, Thorne, Engler, Hutchinson, and Bentham & Hooker is presented. The linear sequence of orders and families is that of Cronquist. All families accepted in any of the six systems are treated, as are all families for which descriptions are given in the seventh edition of Willis' Dictionary of the Flowering Plants and Ferns.
TYPIFICATION OF THE NAMES OF THE SPECIES OF LEUCAENA AND LYSILOMA IN THE BAHAMAS
Authors: Gillis William T. , Stearn William T.
Published: April 2006

Enquiry into the material available to Linnaeus when publishing the name Mimosa latisiliqua in 1753 shows that he intended this for the jumbie bean widespread in the Bahamas and that the correct name for this species should accordingly be Leucaena latisiliqua (L.) Gillis with Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) De Wit as a synonym. Lysiloma sabicu Benth. and L. bahamense Benth. (“Lysiloma latisiliqua” auct.) are then clearly delimited.
ON ARECIPITES WODEHOUSE, MONOCOLPOPOLLENITES THOMSON & PFLUG, AND THE SPECIES “MONOCOLPOPOLLENITES TRANQUILLUS”
Authors: Nichols Douglas J. , Ames H. Tate , Traverse Alfred
Published: April 2006

Misidentification of fossil monocolpate pollen with the species Pollenites tranquillus Potonie is disclosed. This species has been used as the type‐species of the generic names Monocolpopollenites and Palmaepollenites. The genus Monocolpopollenites Thomson & Pflug 1953 is emended; and Palmaepollenites Potonie 1958, Rectosulcites Anderson 1960, and Punctamonocolpites Pierce 1961 are placed in synonymy with it. Arecipites Wodehouse 1933 is emended; Calamuspollenites Elsik in Stover et al. 1966 is placed in synonymy with Arecipites, and A. pertusus (Elsik in Stover et al. 1966) nov. comb., type‐species of Calamuspollenites, is emended. Distinction between Arecipites and Liliacidites Couper 1953 is reaffirmed. Three new species of Monocolpopollenites and one new species of Arecipites are described, and ten new combinations are proposed.
THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES DIVERSITY IN ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES
Authors: Ross Herbert H.
Published: April 2006

Species diversity, here defined simply as the total number of species in a community, represents the historic processes by which additional species enter the community and species disappear from it. The additions arise chiefly through speciation by geographic isolation followed by a congregation of the new species formed. The mechanism is by reversible geologic events such as glacial periods, orogenies, and dispersal corridors, the first two affecting organisms as reversible climatic changes. These events cause speciation on a grand scale, acting simultaneously on species in all seral stages of the biome. On this basis, the input side of the species diversity of a community is a combined function of (1) the geologic longevity of its ecological conditions and (2) the number of times the community area undergoes geographic disjunctions and reconnections.
THE FAMILY NAMES OF FERNS
Authors: Holttum R. E.
Published: April 2006

The most important fact about a name is its meaning. Most family names of ferns have had such different meanings, as used by different authors, that such names are only intelligible if we associate them with the names of particular authors. What is needed is more observation of comparative morphology and more insight into its significance; only in this way shall we be able to arrive at a generally acceptable set of families. In the meantime it would best serve the ultimate stability of nomenclature if we regard all family names of ferns as informal and tentative (which in fact they have always been). At present, the only effective definition of a family is that it comprises a certain genus, as typified by a certain species, and any other genera which a particular author may believe to be related to the type genus.
ORTHOGRAPHY OF NAMES AND EPITHETS: LATINIZATION OF PERSONAL NAMES
Authors: Nicolson Dan H.
Published: April 2006

There are two steps to the latinization of personal names: adding ‐i‐ to the stem of most names ending in consonants (stem augmentation) and determining the appropriate case ending to be added (inflection). A review of Roman personal nomenclature shows that Romans formed surnames from given names by stem augmentation (adding ‐i‐) before inflection. Latinization of modern names with stem augmentation honors a person by according his name the same treatment originally accorded only to the surnames of patrician and noble Romans.

Consideration is given to use of personal names in forming adjectival and substantive epithets and determining the appropriate inflections. A review is made of irregularities of stem modification used by botanists in latinizing personal names, particularly those ending in vowels.

Proposals are made for revising Article 73 and Recommendation 73C to give a better organization, to clarify the separate procedures of stem augmentation and inflection, and to remove the example, Verbena hasslerana, which is contrary to botanical usage.
ARTICLE 59 AND NAMES OF PERFECT STATE TAXA IN IMPERFECT STATE GENERA
Authors: Hawksworth D. L. , Sutton B. C.
Published: April 2006

Consideration is given to the several possible ways of treating the names of perfect states placed in imperfect state genera when original descriptions included either both states or the perfect state alone. A proposal is presented to cover this situation by the addition of a further paragraph and examples to Art. 59. The need for some clarification of Articles 34 and 72 in relation to their bearings on Art. 59 are pointed out and two proposals made to resolve existing anomalies.
A MATHEMATICAL MODEL FOR THE ENTITIES SPECIES AND GENUS
Authors: Legendre Pierre , Vaillancourt Pierre
Published: April 2006

The taxonomic entities called genus and species are, though very much in use, still vaguely defined. Through the study of different modern authors one can approximate their meaning to a sufficient degree of precision to allow the formulation of a mathematical model. The species will be defined as the set of all genetically similar individuals, barring differences that reside at the allele level. We will then consider the “species such as in nature” to be the union of certain vital neighborhoods in a multi‐dimensional space, the said intervals obviously being those that correspond to the given species. This concept will be used to define, with an evolutionary tree pattern, the genus. The genus will then be the set of species, linked by monophyletism, that form an evolutionary peak in the space of “conditions of life”.
THE TYPIFICATION OF MEDICAGO (LEGUM.)
Authors: Heyn C. C.
Published: April 2006

The generic name Medicago L. should by typified by M. radiata L. and not by M. sativa L. Acceptance of specimens in the Linnaean herbarium as types of certain Medicago species should not be ‘automatic’ but based on an analysis of each particular case showing that the specimen in question is indeed in accordance with the protologue and not a later addition to the herbarium.
GRASSLAND EVOLUTION IN EUROPE
Authors: Scholz Hildemar
Published: April 2006

This discussion deals primarily with the European secondary grassland, especially meadows and pastures. The principal constituents of this vegetation are about 20 species. Particular attention is paid to its evolution under the influence of man. In addition to the natives (members of natural vegetation cover) there are several species or races which are restricted to man‐made habitats. It is suggested that these latter are not native to the area of present distribution, but have immigrated under differentiation from abroad (the minor part) or evolved in situ (the major part). The significance of hybridization and introgression is stressed. It is contended that grassland evolution is still in progress, an important factor being the close interaction between cultivated grasses and their wild relatives in extra‐Mediterranean Europe, the center of diversity and origin of meadow and pasture grasses.
INTERGENERIC HYBRIDIZATION IN FLOWERING PLANTS
Authors: Knobloch Irving W.
Published: April 2006

The importance of hybridization in speciation is emphasized by listing most of the known intergeneric hybrids in flowering plants and including a figure (23,675) of all the known hybrids including interspecife ones. No claims are made that the list is complete or absolutely accurate. Some of the strong points regarding hybridization as a process are given. In addition, it is pointed out that hybrids, throughout the range, show both dominance and intermediacy, some possess normal meiosis and many are highly or partially fertile.
CYTOGEOGRAPHY OF NYMPHOIDES (MENYANTHACEAE)
Authors: Ornduff Robert
Published: April 2006

Chromosome counts indicate that x = 9 in the aquatic genus Nymphoides (Menyanthaceae). New World species are tetraploid, but diploid species as well as tetraploid ones occur in the Old World. The pan‐tropical N. indica is tetraploid in the New World and diploid in the Old World, but no consistent morphological characters have been found that separate these chromosomal races. The Eurasian N. peltata is hexaploid. Self‐incompatible distyly, dioecism, and homostyly are present in the genus. The latter two breeding systems are believed to be derived from distyly. The Colombian N. flaccida seemingly occurs in the long‐styled form only and because of its self‐incompatibility may reproduce exclusively by vegetative means.
THE 19TH CENTURY HERBARIUM OF ISAAC C. MARTINDALE
Authors: Meyer Frederick G. , Elsasser Susanne
Published: April 2006

As the work of one man, the Martindale herbarium was a remarkable achievement. By the 1880's, Isaac C. Martindale (1842‐1893), the Quaker botanist, of Camden, New Jersey, had brought together a vast herbarium, reputed at the time to be one of the largest private herbaria amassed in this country during the 19th century. After he died, the Martindale herbarium was sold in 1894 to the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science. For the next 70 years the collection was largely forgotten and only rarely consulted.
A REAPPRAISAL OF THE POLLEN ULTRASTRUCTURE OF PARTHENICE MOLLIS GRAY (COMPOSITAE)
Authors: Bolick M. R. , Skvarla J. J.
Published: April 2006

Transmission electron microscopy of the pollen of Parthenice mollis Gray reveals a helianthoid structural pattern. This pattern is characteristic of the subtribe Melampodinae, in which this species has been traditionally placed. Earlier reports of P. mollis pollen indicated an ultrastructural pattern which was characteristic of the Ambrosiinae (i.e., not typically helianthoid): herbarium material upon which this earlier work was based was incorrectly determined, the specimen concerned being Iva ambrosaefolia Gray.
CLADISTICS OF MELAMPODIUM (COMPOSITAE)
Authors: Stuessy Tod F.
Published: April 2006

The genus Melampodium contains 37 species which are distributed throughout Mexico and Central America. Although several evolutionary studies already have been completed on the genus, none has synthesized detailed morphological relationships. A cladistic technique combining features of that of Whiffin and Bierner (1972) and Wagner (1961) is used to construct cladograms. To determine primitive states of 18 qualitative and quantitative characters, four assumptions have been used. A primitive character state: (1) is found in a majority of phenetic groups within the genus (a modification of the “common is primitive” criterion); (2) is found also in the related genus Acanthospermum (out‐group comparison); (3) represents a beginning condition of an evolutionary trend that has occurred frequently in parallel within the Compositae; and (4) is a common morphological condition for the family in which the contrasting state is very atypical and obviously derived. The cladograms indicate that numerous parallelisms in the evolution of morphological features have occurred in Melampodium. These trends correspond well with the known chromosomal lines of x = 9, 10, 11, and 12. Distributional data also reflect a pattern of parallel evolutionary development. Taxa of Melampodium are regarded as advanced distributionally if they: (1) are weedy (being defined as having the broadest distributions); (2) are found on the periphery of the range of the genus; and (3) are found in recently derived habitats, chiefly deserts. Species advanced on distributional grounds are found in all four of the chromosomal lines of the genus. Based on all data, section Melampodium (x = 10) is regarded as most primitive within the genus. Considerable evolutionary development also has occurred within this evolutionary line, however, leading to the highly advanced white‐rayed complex (series Leucantha).
THREE SPECIES CONCEPTS
Authors: Lewin Ralph A.
Published: April 2006

In an evolutionary continuum there can be no discontinuities delimiting species. Geographical barriers may rise or fall, separating or rejoining specific populations. Members of “biological species” are self‐distinguishing. “Taxonomists' species” are distinguishable to experts according to their competence and preference. “Nominal species” are taxa named for our convenience.
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF VOLATILE OIL DATA IN SYSTEMATIC STUDIES OF AUSTRALIAN RAINFOREST TREES
Authors: Whiffin Trevor
Published: April 2006

Preparatory to the use of volatile oils in systematic studies of Australian rainforest trees, a number of different techniques for handling volatile oil data are reviewed. Compared are two different schemes of character weighting (unweighted and F‐weighted), three different schemes of standardisation (unstandardised, standardisation by range, standardisation by standard deviation), and three different distance measures (Squared Euclidean Distance, Euclidean Distance, Manhattan Metric distance). It is determined empirically that, for volatile oil data, where weighting is both possible and valid, a combination of standardisation and weighting proves most effective; on the other hand, if weighting is not possible, standardisation should not be undertaken. Euclidean Distance and Manhattan Metric distance prove to be the best distance measures.
VARIATIONS WITHIN POPULATIONS AND CLASSIFICATION. II. PATTERNS OF VARIATION WITHIN ASCLEPIADACEAE AND UMBELLIFERAE
Authors: Gilmartin Amy Jean
Published: April 2006

The very distinct families Umbelliferae and Asclepiadaceae are both represented in western North America. Local samples of the variability within populations and at several ranks in the classification hierarchy were similar in their ranges of variation. The Asclepiadaceae pattern of variability within populations, species, and genera which was revealed with this data base differed only slightly from that obtained previously with a much smaller data base. The quantifications of within‐group variability reveal differences and similarities in patterns of evolution, produce quantifiable models of classification for different families, and can help monographers with taxonomic decisions. A new method of displaying results of intrafamilial patterns of variation uses a log transformation of the CPV and MPD, the summary statistics of the dissimilarity matrices. A comparison of the Umbelliferae, Asclepiadaceae and Bromeliaceae shows the first two to be rather similar in their ranges of intragroup variation at the same ranks and markedly different from the third. The explanation for the similarity between the Asclepiadaceae and Umbelliferae is thought to lie in the coincidence of the general geographic areas where they were sampled and the similarities in their habits: herbaceous, insect pollinated and having umbelliferous inflorescences. The quantifications of infrafamilial patterns of variation clearly show that systematists have tended to mold whatever variation was inherent at the populational level to approximately the same amount of intrageneric variability. Genera in different families seem to encompass very similar amounts of overall variation in spite of differences at the populational level.
PARALECTOTYPE, A NEW TYPE TERM IN BOTANY
Authors: Hansen Hans V. , Seberg Ole
Published: April 2006

In order to clarify the terminology used in typification a new term, the paralectotype, is proposed to cover the group of types which remains when a lectotype (and isolectotype(s)) has been selected from the syntypes.
THE TYPIFICATION OF THE LINNAEAN NAMES ATRAGENE ALPINA AND A. SIBIRICA (RANUNCULACEAE)
Authors: Serov V. , Jarvis C. E.
Published: April 2006

Atragene alpina L. is typified by the specimen in Herb. Burser XVII: 39 (UPS) and A. sibirica L. by 711.7 (LINN). The latter is shown to be a nomen ambiguum. However, current usage for both names in Clematis is maintained, the correct names in Clematis being C alpina (L.) Miller and C. sibirica Miller, respectively. In Atragene the correct names for these two species are A. alpina L. and A. speciosa Weinmann.
NOMENCLATURAL CHANGES IN THE IPOMOEA BATATAS COMPLEX (CONVOLVULACEAE)
Authors: Austin Daniel F.
Published: April 2006

Recent publications have proposed new names in the alliance of species including the sweet potato, Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lamarck. Examination of these publications and certain types has led to a need for further changes.
BROMELIACEAE: AN INTERNATIONAL COOPERATIVE RESEARCH PROJECT
Authors: Gilmartin A. J. , Brown Gregory K.
Published: April 2006

An international cooperative project involving more than 16 resident botanists in tropical America was initiated in 1984 to attempt to resolve distributional, phylogenetic and classification problems in Bromeliaceae. The research project serves as a template for studies in other groups of organisms with tropical American distributions.
TYPIFICATION OF NAMES IN ZAMIA L. AND AULACOPHYLLUM REGEL (ZAMIACEAE)
Authors: Stevenson Dennis Wm. , Sabato Sergio
Published: April 2006

All valid combinations in the genera Zamia and Aulacophyllum are presented exclusive of those for West Indian species. The holotypes are identified, and, in those cases where no holotype has been found, a lectotype or neotype is designated.