bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Halorubrum alkaliphilum sp. nov., a novel haloalkaliphile isolated from a soda lake in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Feng Jie , Zhou Peijin , Zhou Yu-Guang , Liu Shuang-Jiang , Warren-Rhodes Kimberly
Published: January 2005

A novel haloalkaliphilic archaeon, strain DZ-1T, was isolated from a soda lake in Xinjiang, China. The taxonomy of strain DZ-1T was studied by polyphasic methods. According to 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain DZ-1T was phylogenetically related to Halorubrum tibetense (97·5 %), Halorubrum vacuolatum (95·7 %) and Halorubrum saccharovorum (95·9 %). Strain DZ-1T was able to grow at 20–44 °C and was also physiologically different from the above-mentioned species with respect to assimilation of sugars and utilization of organic acids. The DNA G+C content of strain DZ-1T was 62·1 mol% (T
m). The DNA–DNA relatedness of strain DZ-1T to H. tibetense and H. vacuolatum was 22 and 13 %, respectively. It was concluded that strain DZ-1T represents a novel species of the genus Halorubrum, for which the name Halorubrum alkaliphilum (type strain, DZ-1T=AS 1.3528T=JCM 12358T) is proposed.
Streptococcus marimammalium sp. nov., isolated from seals
Authors: Lawson Paul A. , Foster Geoffrey , Falsen Enevold , Collins Matthew D.
Published: January 2005

Two strains of an unidentified, Gram-positive, catalase-negative, chain-forming, coccus-shaped organism recovered from seals were characterized using phenotypic and molecular taxonomic methods. Based on morphological and biochemical criteria the strains were tentatively identified as streptococci but they did not appear to correspond to any recognized species of the genus Streptococcus. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing studies showed that the strains were closely related to each other and confirmed their placement in the genus Streptococcus. Sequence divergence values of >5 % with reference streptococcal species demonstrated the organisms from seals represent a novel species. SDS-PAGE analysis of whole-cell proteins confirmed that the two organisms were closely related to each other but were different from all currently defined streptococcal species. Based on biochemical criteria, molecular chemical and molecular genetic evidence, it is proposed that the unknown isolates from seals be assigned to a novel species of the genus Streptococcus, Streptococcus marimammalium sp. nov. The type strain is M54/01/1T (=CCUG 48494T=CIP 108309T).
Reclassification of Pasteurella gallinarum, [Haemophilus] paragallinarum, Pasteurella avium and Pasteurella volantium as Avibacterium gallinarum gen. nov., comb. nov., Avibacterium paragallinarum comb. nov., Avibacterium avium comb. nov. and Avibacterium volantium comb. nov.
Authors: Blackall Patrick J. , Christensen Henrik , Beckenham Tim , Blackall Linda L. , Bisgaard Magne
Published: January 2005

This paper describes a phenotypic and genotypic investigation of the taxonomy of [Haemophilus]paragallinarum,Pasteurella gallinarum,Pasteurella aviumandPasteurella volantium, a major subcluster within the avian 16S rRNA cluster 18 of the familyPasteurellaceae. An extended phenotypic characterization was performed of the type strain of [Haemophilus]paragallinarum, which is NAD-dependent, and eight NAD-independent strains of [Haemophilus]paragallinarum. Complete 16S rRNA gene sequences were obtained for one NAD-independent and four NAD-dependent [Haemophilus]paragallinarumstrains. These five sequences along with existing 16S rRNA gene sequences for 11 other taxa within avian 16S rRNA cluster 18 as well as seven other taxa from thePasteurellaceaewere subjected to phylogenetic analysis. The analysis demonstrated that [Haemophilus]paragallinarum,Pasteurella gallinarum,Pasteurella aviumandPasteurella volantiumformed a monophyletic group with a minimum of 96·8 % sequence similarity. This group can also be separated by phenotypic testing from all other recognized and named taxa within thePasteurellaceae. As both genotypic and phenotypic testing support the separate and distinct nature of this subcluster, the transfer is proposed ofPasteurella gallinarum, [Haemophilus]paragallinarum,Pasteurella aviumandPasteurella volantiumto a new genusAvibacteriumasAvibacterium gallinarumgen. nov., comb. nov.,Avibacterium paragallinarumcomb. nov.,Avibacterium aviumcomb. nov. andAvibacterium volantiumcomb. nov. The type strains are NCTC 1118T(Avibacterium gallinarum), NCTC 11296T(Avibacterium paragallinarum), NCTC 11297T(Avibacterium avium) and NCTC 3438T(Avibacterium volantium). Key characteristics that separate these four species are catalase activity (absent only inAvibacterium paragallinarum) and production of acid from galactose (negative only inAvibacterium paragallinarum), maltose (negative only inAvibacterium avium) and mannitol (negative inAvibacterium gallinarumandAvibacterium avium).
Thiobacter subterraneus gen. nov., sp. nov., an obligately chemolithoautotrophic, thermophilic, sulfur-oxidizing bacterium from a subsurface hot aquifer
Authors: Hirayama Hisako , Takai Ken , Inagaki Fumio , Nealson Kenneth H. , Horikoshi Koki
Published: January 2005

A novel, thermophilic, obligately chemolithoautotrophic, sulfur/thiosulfate-oxidizing bacterium was isolated from subsurface geothermal aquifer water (temperature approximately 70 °C) in the Hishikari gold mine, Japan. Cells of the isolate, designated strain C55T, were motile, straight rods with a single polar flagellum. Growth was observed at temperatures between 35 and 62 °C (optimum 50–55 °C; 60 min doubling time) and pH between 5·2 and 7·7 (optimum pH 6·5–7·0). High growth rate of strain C55T was observed on either thiosulfate or elemental sulfur as a sole energy source, with molecular oxygen as the only electron acceptor. None of the organic compounds tested supported or stimulated growth of strain C55T. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 66·9 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain C55T was affiliated to the β-Proteobacteria, but was distantly related to recognized genera. On the basis of its physiological and molecular properties, strain C55T (=JCM12421T=DSM 16629T=ATCC BAA-941T) is proposed as the type strain of Thiobacter subterraneus gen. nov., sp. nov.
Rejection of the genus name Pelczaria with the species Pelczaria aurantia Poston 1994. Opinion 78
Authors:   Judicial Commission of the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes
Published: January 2005

The Judicial Commission of the International Committee for Systematics of Prokaryotes has decided to place the genus Pelczaria with the species Pelczaria aurantia on the list of nomina rejicienda, due to the lack of an authentic type or neotype strain.
The nomenclatural types of the orders Acholeplasmatales, Halanaerobiales, Halobacteriales, Methanobacteriales, Methanococcales, Methanomicrobiales, Planctomycetales, Prochlorales, Sulfolobales, Thermococcales, Thermoproteales and Verrucomicrobiales are the genera Acholeplasma, Halanaerobium, Halobacterium, Methanobacterium, Methanococcus, Methanomicrobium, Planctomyces, Prochloron, Sulfolobus, Thermococcus, Thermoproteus and Verrucomicrobium, respectively. Opinion 79
Authors:   Judicial Commission of the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes
Published: January 2005

The Judicial Commission of the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes has corrected the nomenclatural types of 12 orders: Acholeplasmatales, Halanaerobiales, Halobacteriales, Methanobacteriales, Methanococcales, Methanomicrobiales, Planctomycetales, Prochlorales, Sulfolobales, Thermococcales, Thermoproteales and Verrucomicrobiales.
Nomenclature and taxonomy of the genus Salmonella
Authors: Tindall B. J. , Grimont P. A. D. , Garrity G. M. , Euzéby J. P.
Published: January 2005

The nomenclature of the genus Salmonella has reached an unsatisfactory state of affairs, with two systems of nomenclature in circulation. One system, proposed in the 1980s by Le Minor and Popoff, has received wide acceptance, although it does not conform to the rules of the Bacteriological Code. The other system, which conforms to the rules of the Bacteriological Code, is being used by an ever-decreasing minority. As a result of a number of recent Requests for an Opinion, the Judicial Commission of the International Committee on the Systematics of Prokaryotes has issued an Opinion (Opinion 80) with the intention that it should solve these discrepancies. However, like all Opinions, it is limited to matters of nomenclature and does not help to interpret the taxonomic consequences. The Judicial Commission has therefore asked experts in the field of nomenclature and taxonomy to write a commentary on the nomenclatural and taxonomic consequences of Opinion 80. The present article explains the nomenclatural consequences of Opinion 80, together with a clear presentation of the taxonomy that results when applying the currently widely accepted interpretation that the genus Salmonella currently includes only two species.
Adapting training for older employees
Authors: Armstrong‐Stassen Marjorie , Templer Andrew
Published: January 2005

Purpose

The workforce is aging in all industrialized nations and the retention of older workers will become one of the dominant issues in the coming decades. Training is an important component of retention and the availability of training is critical for retaining older workers.

Design/methodology/approach

Studies conducted in 2001 and 2003 assessed the extent to which Canadian organizations are adapting their training practices to respond to the aging workforce. Human resource executives were asked the extent to which their organization was currently engaging in training practices targeting older managerial and professional employees.

Findings

Organizations were most likely to be providing access to training and retraining, but fewer than 10 percent of the organizations in 2003 were highly engaged in doing this. Organizations were less likely to be adjusting training methods to accommodate the needs of older employees. There was little attempt to provide age awareness training to managers of older employees.

Practical implications

The challenge for organizations will be to close the gaps that currently exist between the practices that are important in retaining older managerial and professional employees and the extent to which organizations are engaging in these practices. Ensuring access to training, customizing training methods, and providing age awareness training require immediate attention.

Originality/value

Little research has been conducted on older workers in Canada. The findings raise some serious concerns about the response of Canadian organizations to the aging workforce and identify areas of training and development that need to be addressed.
Automotive crashworthiness design using response surface‐based variable screening and optimization
Authors: Craig K.J. , Stander Nielen , Dooge D.A. , Varadappa S.
Published: January 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a methodology with which to perform variable screening and optimization in automotive crashworthiness design.

Design/methodology/approach

The screening method is based on response surface methodology in which linear response surfaces are used to create approximations to the design response. The response surfaces are used to estimate the sensitivities of the responses with respect to the design variables while the variance is used to estimate the confidence interval of the regression coefficients. The sampling is based on the D‐optimality criterion with over‐sampling to improve noise filtering and find the best estimate of the regression coefficients. The coefficients and their confidence intervals as determined using analysis of variance (ANOVA), are used to construct bar charts for the purpose of selecting the important variables.

Findings

A known analytical function is first used to illustrate the effectiveness of screening. Using the finite element method (FEM), a complex vehicle occupant impact problem and a full vehicle multidisciplinary problem featuring frontal impact and torsional modal analysis of the vehicle body are modeled and parameterized. Two optimizations are conducted for each FEM example, one with the full variable set and one with a screened subset. An iterative, successive linear approximation method is used to achieve convergence. It is shown that, although significantly different final designs may be obtained, an appropriately selected subset of variables is effective while significantly reducing computational cost.

Practical implications

The method illustrated provides a practical approach to the screening of variables in simulation‐based design optimization, especially in automotive crashworthiness applications with costly simulations. It is shown that the reduction of variables used in the optimization process significantly reduces the total cost of the optimization.

Originality/value

Although variable screening has been used in other disciplines, the use of response surfaces to determine the variable screening information is novel in the crashworthiness field.
Looking through and beyond the TQM horizon
Authors: Gomes Da Silva Jonas , Tadashi Ohfuji , Kikuo Nezu
Published: January 2005

Purpose

The paper aims to investigate the best common management practices of the world‐class companies identified in Brazil and Japan; and propose a business model aimed at helping companies to achieve world‐class level of excellence.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross‐sectional survey is the methodology employed. The balanced scorecard and seven categories with 80 key elements focusing on the Malcolm Baldrige Award were some approaches used to achieve the research's aims.

Findings

The main conclusion is that senior managers are positively leading successful top companies with a high focus on customer satisfaction and are continuously improving the six dimensions of their total quality process – as some managers do; but through a systematic self‐management process, they have effectively refined it more than others.

Research limitations/implications

The paper investigated only the internal best practices that permeate the Brazilian and Japanese top companies and manufacturing industries. Further research should be done in order to investigate the works outside those companies; to study the top service companies; and also to apply the statistical inference instead of descriptive cross‐sectional method of analysis.

Practical implications

It is recommended that senior managers continuously find ways to update and improve their daily leadership skills; clearly define their business areas; and reinforce the quality assurance system and support the integration of TQM with other management systems.

Originality/value

It provides a benchmark of excellence practices and valuable suggestions to senior managers interested in implementing or improving their TQM process; and proposes a new business measurement model and conceptual ways for companies to achieve a world‐class level of excellence.
An alternative model for measuring the success of IS projects: the GPIS model
Authors: Saleh Yasser , Alshawi Mustafa
Published: January 2005

Purpose

Aims to present an alternative holistic measurement model, the general practitioner IS (GPIS) measurement model, which assists managers in determining the organisation's state of readiness prior to IS investment.

Design/methodology/approach

The model is based on assessing four organisational key elements: IT infrastructure, processes, people and work environment.

Findings

Presents a classification of the current IS success measurement approaches. The existing approaches were classified into three categories: product‐based, process‐based, and general maturity‐based. The paper highlighted their shortcomings and explained the need for an alternative holistic model to measure IS success in contributing to the business objectives. This has led to the development of a quick reference model “GPIS” to enable organisations to determine their current and required state of readiness for a particular IS project.

Originality/value

The paper presents a novel categorisation of the literature in this field.
Understanding the role of communication and conflict on reengineering team development
Authors: Choudrie Jyoti
Published: January 2005

Purpose

Aims to investigate the importance of communication and conflict on the development of reengineering teams and attempts to answer the following research questions: is the team development of a reengineering team affected by conflict and communication, and if so, what are the types of communication and conflict that do affect it?

Design/methodology/approach

Presents a theoretical perspective with a literature review of such aspects as conflict and communication. Details research methodology and then utilises evidence from a single in‐depth case study. Explains how the analysis occured and discusses the findings.

Findings

It was found that conflicts are not productive for the organisation and therefore conflict resolution is sought. In order to resolve the conflicts existent within the teams, the role of face‐to‐face communication was considered to be pertinent.

Originality/value

For industry that is always searching for ways to curtail excessive costs, an understanding of the issues of conflict, team development and communication is offered. This means that by examining the guidelines offered within this paper, a convenient method of identifying and solving these issues is provided.
Influence of experience and collaboration on effectiveness of quality management practices
Authors: Tripathi Deepak
Published: January 2005

Purpose

To examine the impact of experience in terms of time period on TQM's effectiveness in improving performance of Indian manufacturing companies. To establish the impact of TPM support on TQM's effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an empirical research with testing of hypotheses using t tests. The data are collected with the help of a questionnaire on six performance parameters, which are measured on a five‐point scale. The study considers three time periods (phases) of implementation and two improvement strategies, i.e. TQM alone and TQM supported by TPM (combined strategy), for the purpose of analysis. The analysis is based on valid responses from 111 manufacturing companies.

Findings

The performance improvements contributed by TQM in the transition phase have been marginal due to initial investments and efforts required as well as to country‐specific factors. The effectiveness of TQM in the stability and maturity phases is established in an Indian context. The synergetic effect of TPM support on TQM's performance is also established in an Indian context.

Practical implications

The paper establishes the long‐term effects of TQM on companies' performance in an Indian context. It also highlights various country‐specific factors, which led to marginal improvement during the transition phase. The paper also establishes that TQM with TPM support can be an effective strategy to improve competitiveness of Indian manufacturing companies.

Originality/value

This paper studies the two important factors which influence TQM's effectiveness. Although the study has been carried out in an Indian context, it is equally significant in a global scenario. This paper addresses a pertinent issue of simultaneous implementation of TQM and TPM, which is commonly found in industry but not adequately researched.
Nutritional resources used by the invasive maize pest Diabrotica virgifera virgifera in its new South‐east‐European distribution range
Authors: Moeser Joachim , Vidal Stefan
Published: January 2005

Food utilization by adults of the invasive maize (Zea mays L.) (Poaceae) pest western corn rootworm (WCR; Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) was investigated in the south‐eastern part of its new European distribution range. At weekly intervals over a 10‐week period, 10 beetles per field were collected from six fields that had a high abundance of flowering weeds and six fields with a low abundance of flowering weeds, with the aim of understanding adult feeding behaviour in Europe and comparing this behaviour with North American WCR. Gut content analysis was performed to determine the use of maize tissue and weed pollen with regard to maize phenology. Furthermore, all pollen found within the gut was quantified and identified to plant species level. The use of maize tissue by adult WCR changed over time according to maize phenology. Pollen originating from plants other than maize was used more frequently as the maize matured. Adults fed on pollen from 19 of 25 different plant species found in maize fields and showed a preference for the pollen of specific weeds. Pollen from weed species was found more often in beetles from fields with a high abundance of weeds compared to beetles from fields with a low abundance of weeds. Females consumed greater amounts of pollen than males, the latter feeding on a wider diversity of host plants. The pollen resources used by adult WCR in Hungary were more diverse compared to WCR in the USA, which may contribute to the invasion success of WCR in Europe.
Examining disruption of pheromone communication in Choristoneura rosaceana and Pandemis limitata using microencapsulated (Z)‐11‐tetradecenyl acetate applied in a laboratory flight tunnel
Authors: Judd Gary J.R. , DeLury Naomi C. , Gardiner Mark G.T.
Published: January 2005

Pheromone‐based mating disruption of lepidopteran pests (Tortricidae) of pome fruits using hand‐applied dispensing systems has become standard management practice for many producers in western North America. Sprayable microencapsulated (MEC) pheromone formulations that enable the application of pheromone controls with other orchard sprays and assist in the development of multispecies mating‐disruption systems are currently under development. Responses of male Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris) and Pandemis limitata (Robinson) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) to calling females in clean air, and air treated with their major pheromone component (Z)‐11‐tetradecenyl acetate (Z11‐14:OAc), released from a 3M sprayable pheromone formulation containing proprietary 3M Phase I microcapsules, applied at doses of 1, 10, and 100 mg of active ingredient (ai) m−2 to the upwind end of a flight tunnel (equivalent to field rates of 10, 100, and 1000 g ai ha−1) were compared in laboratory flight tunnels. In both species, disorientation was found to be dose‐dependent, because relative to male orientation to calling females in clean air, the orientation of male P. limitata was disrupted 23.3, 46.3, and 71.3%, and orientation by male C. rosaceana was disrupted 31.6, 37.7, and 45.8% by treatment doses of 1, 10, and 100 mg m−2, respectively. Latency of male responses to calling females in a background of Z11‐14:OAc relative to responses in clean air was also dose‐dependent. Albeit short, the disruption lasted 26, 74, and 218 h in P. limitata and 30, 54, and 174 h in C. rosaceana at each application rate, respectively. Disruption by pheromone treatment was greater in P. limitata than in C. rosaceana. This difference may be correlated with species’ differences in the pheromone release rates of females. Mechanisms of disruption invoked by this 3M MEC pheromone formulation are discussed in relation to issues of its longevity and observed differences in the effects against the two species. It appears possible to evaluate relative activity of MEC pheromones in a laboratory setting which may aid in development of new formulations for mating disruption.
Overrepresentation of the founder PPOX gene mutation R59W in a South African patient with severe clinical manifestation of porphyria
Authors: De Villiers J. Nico P. , Kotze Maritha J. , Van Heerden Carel J. , Sadie Annalene , Gardner Helena F. J. , Liebenberg Juanita , Van Zyl René , Du Plessis Lana , Kimberg Matti , Frank Jorge , Warnich Louise
Published: January 2005

Abstract:  A patient, who presented with abdominal pain and severe photosensitivity that resulted in scarring and mutilation of the fingers, nose and ears, was referred for biochemical assessment of porphyria and DNA screening. Although these clinical manifestations were suggestive of both acute porphyria and congenital erythropoietic porphyria, the biochemical profile was consistent with variegate porphyria (VP). Analysis of the protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPOX) gene underlying VP resulted in the identification of the founder mutation R59W in a heterozygous state in this patient. Despite extensive mutation analysis, no other potential disease‐causing genetic alterations could be detected in the PPOX gene or the uroporphyrinogen III synthase gene. Slight overrepresentation of the mutant PPOX allele was however, observed repeatedly in DNA of the proband compared to other R59W heterozygotes, including his mother who also tested positive for mutation R59W using restriction enzyme analysis and direct DNA sequencing. Confirmation of this phenomenon by real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis and microsatellite analysis, using highly informative markers flanking the PPOX gene, raised the possibility of partial homozygosity for VP in this patient. This study represents the first report of overrepresentation of mutation R59W in a patient with a severe form of VP. A homozygote for the R59W mutation has never been detected, and the severe clinical manifestation observed in our patient is consistent with the hypothesis that such a genotype will not be compatible with life.
Possible histopathologic correlates of dermoscopic features in pigmented melanocytic lesions identified by means of optical coherence tomography
Authors: De Giorgi Vincenzo , Stante Marcello , Massi Daniela , Mavilia Luciano , Cappugi Pietro , Carli Paolo
Published: January 2005

Abstract:  Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a novel non‐invasive imaging technique for in vivo histologic characterization of tissues. Besides pure morphology, additional functional parameters of the tissue investigated can be evaluated at the same time, such as the refractive index and the scattering coefficient. The purpose of our study is to correlate in vivo the dermoscopic structures that first appear in the melanocytic pigmented lesion (pigment network and brown globules) using this new method, with the histopathologic correlates, in order to improve their characterization and achieve easier recognition and inter‐observer reproducibility. We concentrated in particular on the pigment network and the brown globules, as these are dermoscopic parameters of great diagnostic importance in melanocytic lesions. Moreover, as these parameters are the histopathologic equivalents of structures located at the level of the dermo‐epidermal junction, they enable a correct evaluation to be made using OCT, that at present has only a few millimetres penetration power. The results of our trial, performed using the histopathological preparation as an evaluation gold standard, show that in selected cases OCT allows an in vivo correlation to be made between surface dermoscopic parameters and histopathologic correlates, in particular the pigment network and brown globules. The resolution is not high enough to reveal the morphology of the single cells, but it is possible to evaluate the architecture of a lesion.
Increased mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme activities correlate with minor extent of liver damage in mice suffering from erythropoietic protoporphyria
Authors: Navarro Susana , Del Hoyo Pilar , Campos Yolanda , Abitbol Marie , Morán‐Jiménez María‐José , García‐Bravo María , Ochoa Pilar , Grau Montserrat , Montagutelli Xavier , Frank Jorge , Garesse Rafael , Arenas Joaquín , De Salamanca Rafael Enríquez , Fontanellas Antonio
Published: January 2005

Abstract:  Mitochondrial dysfunction might play a role in the pathogenesis of liver damage in erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). Changes in mitochondrial respiratory chain activities were evaluated in the Fechm1pas/Fechm1pas mouse model for EPP.

Mice from different strains congenic for the same ferrochelatase germline mutation manifest variable degrees of hepatobiliary injury. Protoporphyric animals bred into the C57BL/6J background showed a higher degree of hepatomegaly and liver damage as well as higher protoporphyrin (PP) accumulation than those bred into the SJL/J and BALB/cJ backgrounds. Whereas mitochondrial respiratory chain activities remained unchanged in the liver of protoporphyric mice C57BL/6J, they were increased in protoporphyric mice from both SJL/J and BALB/cJ backgrounds, when compared to wild‐type animals. Mitochondrial respiratory chain activities were increased in Hep G2 cell line after accumulation of PP following addition of aminolevulinic acid. As a direct effect of these elevated mitochondrial activities, in both hepatic cells from mutant mouse strains and Hep G2 cells, adenosine 5′‐triphosphate (ATP) levels significantly increased as the intracellular PP concentration was reduced.

These results indicate that PP modifies intracellular ATP requirements as well as hepatic mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymatic activities and further suggest that an increase of these activities may provide a certain degree of protection against liver damage in protoporphyric mice.
Optimization of a transplant model to assess skin reconstitution from stem cell‐enriched primary human keratinocyte populations
Authors: Pouliot Normand , Redvers Richard P. , Ellis Sarah , Saunders Nicholas A. , Kaur Pritinder
Published: January 2005

Abstract:  Given that an important functional attribute of stem cells in vivo is their ability to sustain tissue regeneration, we set out to establish a simple and easy technique to assess this property from candidate populations of human keratinocyte stem cells in an in vivo setting. Keratinocytes were inoculated into devitalized rat tracheas and transplanted subcutaneously into SCID mice, and the epithelial lining regenerated characterized to establish the validity of this heterotypic model. Furthermore, the rate and quality of epidermal tissue reconstitution obtained from freshly isolated unfractionated vs. keratinocyte stem cell‐enriched populations was tested as a function of (a) cell numbers inoculated; and (b) the inclusion of irradiated support keratinocytes and dermal cells. Rapid and sustained epidermal tissue regeneration from small numbers of freshly isolated human keratinocyte stem cells validates the utilization of this simple and reliable model system to assay for enrichment of epidermal tissue‐reconstituting cells.
Small cell carcinoma of the bladder: a contemporary clinicopathological study of 51 cases
Authors: Abrahams N A , Moran C , Reyes A O , Siefker‐Radtke A , Ayala A G
Published: January 2005

Aims : We present 51 cases of primary small cell carcinoma of the bladder in a clinicopathological study with emphasis on features that aid in the initial recognition and diagnosis of small cell carcinoma of the bladder.

Methods and results : The patients were 40 men and 11 women between the ages of 39 and 87 years (mean age 67 years). Clinical data were available in 41 cases. The most common symptomatology was haematuria in 63% of the patients while dysuria was present in 12%. Thirty‐eight patients were caucasians; seven patients were Hispanics; two patients were Asian; one patient was African‐American; in the three additional patients no racial information was obtained. Biopsy material was obtained in all of the patients. Cystectomy was performed in 20 patients. At diagnosis, clinical stage was as follows: stage I in two (5%), stage II in 18 (44%), stage III in 10 (24%), and stage IV in 11 (27%). Histologically, urothelial carcinoma was present in 70% of the cases, adenocarcinoma in 8%, and squamous cell carcinoma in 10% of the cases. Small cell carcinoma was the only histology present in only 12% of the cases studied. Immunohistochemical studies using chromogranin, synaptophysin and chromogranin were positive in 30–70% of the cases.

Conclusions : The present study highlights the unusual phenomenon of pure small cell carcinoma of the bladder and its association with other non‐small cell carcinomas in that anatomical location. In addition, the study highlights the different modalities employed to treat patients in whom there is a component of small cell carcinoma of the bladder.
Diagnostic immunohistochemistry in neuromuscular disorders
Authors: Tews D S , Goebel H H
Published: January 2005

Most neuromuscular disorders display only non‐specific myopathological features in routine histological preparations. However, a number of proteins, including sarcolemmal, sarcomeric, and nuclear proteins as well as enzymes with defects responsible for neuromuscular disorders, have been identified during the past two decades, allowing a more specific and firm diagnosis of muscle diseases. Identification of protein defects relies predominantly on immunohistochemical preparations and on Western blot analysis. While immunohistochemistry is very useful in identifying abnormal expression of primary protein abnormalities in recessive conditions, it is less helpful in detecting primary defects in dominantly inherited disorders. Abnormal immunohistochemical expression patterns can be confirmed by Western blot analysis which may also be informative in dominant disorders, although its role has yet to be established. Besides identification of specific protein defects, immunohistochemistry is also helpful in the differentiation of inflammatory myopathies by subtyping cellular infiltrates and demonstrating up‐regulation of subtle immunological parameters such as cell adhesion molecules. The role of immunohistochemistry in denervating disorders, however, remains controversial in the absence of a reliable marker of muscle fibre denervation. Nevertheless, as well as the diagnostic value of immunocytochemical analysis it may also widen understanding of muscle fibre pathology as well as help in the development of therapeutic strategies.
Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α is associated with angiogenesis, and expression of bFGF, PDGF‐BB, and EGFR in invasive breast cancer
Authors: Bos R , Van Diest P J , De Jong J S , Van Der Groep P , Van Der Valk P , Van Der Wall E
Published: January 2005

Aims : Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1) is the key transcription factor regulating the cellular response to hypoxia, including angiogenesis. Growth factors play an important role in tumour growth and angiogenesis and some have been shown to be induced by HIF‐1 in vitro. This study investigated if angiogenesis or growth factors or their receptors are associated with HIF‐1α in invasive breast cancer.

Methods and results : High levels of HIF‐1α, detected by immunohistochemistry in 45 breast cancers, were positively associated with increased microvessel density (as a measure of angiogenesis) (P = 0.023). Furthermore, high levels of HIF‐1α were associated with epithelial expression (≥ 10%) of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) (P = 0.011), platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐BB (P < 0.001), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) (P = 0.045). A positive, yet insignificant, trend for HIF‐1α to be associated with epithelial expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐α (P = 0.081) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (P = 0.109) was noticed as well as an inverse association with stromal expression of TGF‐β‐R1 (P = 0.070).

Conclusions : In invasive breast cancer, HIF‐1α is associated with angiogenesis, and expression of growth factors bFGF and PDGF‐BB, and the receptor EGFR. Thus, agents targeting HIF‐1 may combine different pathways of inhibiting breast cancer growth, including angiogenesis and growth factors.
Transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder mimicking lobular carcinoma of the breast: a discohesive variant of urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Baldwin L , Lee A H S , Al‐Talib R K , Theaker J M
Published: January 2005

Aims : To describe a series of 10 cases of transitional cell carcinoma which show morphological features which mimic lobular carcinoma of the breast and diffuse carcinoma of the stomach.

Methods and results : Ten cases were identified from the files at Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust and from the authors' consultation files. Immunostains were performed and clinical information was obtained. Eight of the patients were male and two female. Ages ranged from 52 to 77 years at presentation. All of the tumours showed areas where the tumour was composed of uniform cells with a discohesive single‐cell, diffusely invasive growth pattern. In areas the tumour cells were arranged in linear single‐cell files and in separate areas solid sheets of discohesive cells. In all of the cases some tumour cells showed prominent intracytoplasmic vacuoles. In addition to this pattern, four cases showed typical transitional cell carcinoma or carcinoma in situ. The majority of the tumours expressed cytokeratin 20 but not oestrogen receptors.

Conclusion : This study highlights a pattern of diffusely invasive transitional cell carcinoma not previously described and one which is important to recognize in order to avoid misdiagnosis of metastatic lobular carcinoma of the breast, especially in small biopsies.
British division of the international academy of pathology
Authors: Van Den Tweel J , Howat A J , Shepherd N A , Warren B F , Harris C
Published: January 2005

Forthcoming meetings

5–8 July 2005 Joint Meeting with the Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Newcastle‐Upon‐Tyne, UK

25–26 November 2005 Symposium on Intestinal Pathology. London, UK
Does managerial orientation matter? The adoption of reinventing government and e‐government at the municipal level*
Authors: Moon M. Jae , Norris Donald F.
Published: January 2005

Abstract.This paper explores the effect of managerial innovativeness in municipal government on the adoption of e‐government, and it examines the association between the adoption of e‐government and its outcome. The authors posit an exploratory model: The first part of the model shows how adoption of municipal e‐government is determined by managerial innovativeness orientation, government capacity and institutional characteristics such as city size and government type. The second part suggests how e‐government outcomes are associated with the adoption of e‐government, government capacity and institutional characteristics. Analysing two different survey data sets of American municipal reinvention and e‐government, this study finds that managerial innovativeness orientation and city size are the most compelling determinants of municipal e‐government adoption. Different levels of e‐government adoption may yield different outcomes.
Marine introductions in the Shark Bay World Heritage Property, Western Australia: a preliminary assessment
Authors: Wyatt Alex S. J. , Hewitt Chad L. , Walker Di I. , Ward Trevor J.
Published: January 2005

The presence and impacts of non‐indigenous species (NIS) in marine areas of high conservation or World Heritage significance have rarely been examined. Case studies worldwide suggest that the potential exists for the introduction of NIS to significantly impact conservation values in regions conserved for the uniqueness and diversity of native assemblages. In this study, a preliminary investigation was conducted to provide information essential for managing marine introductions in the Shark Bay World Heritage Property. A focused fouling plate survey sampled a total of 112 encrusting taxa, of which 10 (11.2%) were classified as introduced and 10 others as cryptogenic. Eight introduced bryozoans: Aetea anguina (Linnaeus, 1758), Bugula neritina (Linnaeus, 1758), Bugula stolonifera Ryland, 1960, Conopeum seurati (Canu, 1928), Savignyella lafontii (Audouin, 1826), Schizoporella errata (Waters, 1878), Watersipora subtorquata (d’Orbigny, 1842) and Zoobotryon verticellatum della Chiaje, 1828; one tunicate, Styela plicata Lesueur, 1823; and an introduced hydroid, Obelia dichotoma (Linnaeus, 1758) were frequent, and in some cases dominant, components of encrusting communities. Of the 20 most frequently occurring species detected in the Bay, four were introduced and of the 20 species with highest average percent cover per plate, six were introduced. At one site, space occupation by NIS averaged 71.6% ± 7.4 of plate live cover. Space occupation by an individual NIS was as high as 62.4% of plate area (mean 7.82% ± 1.8). NIS were detected at sites lacking commercial traffic and ballast water discharge and isolated by distance and physical environment, suggesting that hull fouling of recreational craft may be the most important vector in the region. Seventy‐five percent of NIS detected in Shark Bay are established in Australian ports to the south of Shark Bay, while 33% are established to the north, tentatively implicating temperate affinity NIS and the movement of vessels from Australian ports south of Shark Bay as a greater risk to the region.
Effects of habitat complexity on forest beetle diversity: do functional groups respond consistently?
Authors: Lassau Scott A. , Hochuli Dieter F. , Cassis Gerasimos , Reid Chris A. M.
Published: January 2005

We examined the responses of a beetle assemblage to habitat complexity differences within a single habitat type, Sydney sandstone ridgetop woodland, using pitfall and flight‐intercept trapping. Six habitat characters (tree canopy cover, shrub canopy cover, ground herb cover, soil moisture, amount of leaf litter, and amount of logs, rocks and debris) were scored between 0 and 3 using ordinal scales to reflect habitat complexity at survey sites. Pitfall trapped beetles were more species rich and of different composition in high complexity sites, compared with low complexity sites. Species from the Staphylinidae (Aleocharinae sp. 1 and sp. 2), Carabidae (Pamborus alternansLatreille), Corticariidae (CartodereThomson sp. 1) and Anobiidae (MysticephalaFord sp. 1) were most clearly responsible for the compositional differences, preferring high complexity habitat. Affinities between general functional groupings of pitfall‐trapped beetles and habitat variables were not clear at a low taxonomic resolution (family level). The composition and species richness of flight‐intercept‐trapped beetles were similar in high and low complexity sites. Our study demonstrates that discrete responses of the various functional groups of beetles are strongly associated with their feeding habits, indicated by differing habitat components from within overall composite habitat complexity measures. Although habitat preferences by beetle species may often reflect their foraging habits, clarification of the causal mechanisms underpinning the relationships between habitat complexity and beetles are critical for the development of general principles linking habitat, functional roles and diversity.
Introduced invertebrates are important prey for a generalist predator
Authors: Maerz John C. , Karuzas Jeremiah M. , Madison Dale M. , Blossey Bernd
Published: January 2005

Concern over biological invasions has drawn increased attention to the impacts of introduced predators or competitors, but not to the importance of introduced prey. North American forests are rich in introduced invertebrates, including species that represent relatively novel taxonomic or trophic guilds and show biased distributions among forest types. We analysed the diets of red‐backed salamanders,Plethodon cinereus, from three upland and three lowland forests to determine whether introduced prey are important contributors to geographical or temporal variation in salamander food resources. We found several introduced species were volumetrically important salamander prey, and were responsible for resource differences between forest types and much of the seasonal fluctuation in food resources in both forest types. In lowland forests, rain had a stronger effect on salamander predation on non‐native earthworms than native taxa, creating more dynamic resource fluctuations in resource levels than was observed in upland forests where earthworms were absent. With one exception, predation on non‐native species was positively associated with predation on native species, suggesting non‐native prey have added to salamander resources rather than replaced salamander predation on native taxa. We hypothesize that the novel resource gradients created by non‐native prey introductions are contributing to patterns of geographical and temporal phenotypic variation among salamander populations.
Bipolar II disorder: a review
Authors: Berk Michael , Dodd Seetal
Published: January 2005

Objectives:  To review the current knowledge of bipolar II disorder.

Methods:  Literature was reviewed after conducting a Medline search and a hand search of relevant literature.

Results:  Bipolar II disorder is a common disorder, with a prevalence of approximately 3–5%. Distinct clinical features of bipolar II disorder have been described. The key to diagnosis is the recognition of past hypomania, while depression is the typical presenting feature of the illness. This is responsible for a significant rate of missed diagnosis, and consequent management according to unipolar guidelines. It is unclear if bipolar II disorder is over‐represented amongst resistant depression populations and if abrupt offset of antidepressant action is a phenomenon over represented in bipolar II disorder, reflecting induction of predominantly depressive cycling. A few mood‐stabilizer studies available provide provisional suggestion of utility. A supportive role for psychosocial therapies is suggested, however, there is a sparsity of published studies specific to bipolar II disorder cohorts. A small number of short‐term antidepressant trials have suggested efficacy, however, compelling long‐term maintenance data is absent.

Conclusions:  An emerging literature on the specific clinical signature and management of the disorder exists, however, this is disproportionately small relative to the epidemiology and clinical significance of the disorder.
Neuropsychological deficits in adolescents with conduct disorder and comorbid bipolar disorder: a pilot study
Authors: Olvera Rene L , Semrud‐Clikeman Margaret , Pliszka Steven R , O'Donnell Louise
Published: January 2005

Objective: We report pilot data on neuropsychological deficits in aggressive juvenile offenders with and without bipolar disorder compared with each other and healthy controls.

Method: We assessed 52 adolescents and their parent or guardians: 36 incarcerated juvenile offenders and 16 community controls using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Age Children, Present and Life‐Time Version and a neuropsychological testing battery. All incarcerated subjects (n = 34) met criteria for Conduct Disorder (CD); 26 are classified as Non‐BD‐CD, and eight with CD and Bipolar disorder (CD‐BD). These subjects were compared to community controls (n = 16) matched for age, gender, SES and ethnicity.

Results: Relative to controls, the Non‐BD‐CD subjects’ impairments (p < 0.05) were in cognitive ability, set shifting/inhibition, planning and verbal memory–language functioning. The CD‐BD group displayed impairments (p < 0.05) relative to controls in cognitive ability, set shifting, verbal memory–language functioning, and visuospatial tasks. The Non‐BD‐CD and CD‐BD groups however did not display significant differences on most neuropsychological measures compared with each other. When we controlled for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, the Non‐CD‐BP subjects continued to show deficits on Verbal measures where the CD‐BD subjects maintained deficits in measures of cognitive ability, verbal measures and visual spatial tests.

Conclusions: Juvenile offender with CD displayed a wide range of deficits on neuropsychological testing compared with controls. Although juvenile offenders with and without BD differed on their clinical presentation, differences on neuropsychological measures are not specific and may be related to comorbid diagnoses.