bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of the GnRH vaccine GonaCon on the fertility, physiology and behaviour of wild boar
Authors: Massei G. , Cowan D. P. , Coats J. , Gladwell F. , Lane J. E. , Miller L. A.
Published: October 2008

Fertility control has the potential to be used as an attractive alternative to lethal methods for limiting population growth in overabundant species. This study tested the effectiveness and potential side effects of the single-dose gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) vaccine GonaCon on the physiology and behaviour of two groups of captive female wild boar in two sequential trials (Trial 1 and Trial 2). Following vaccination with GonaCon, data on contraceptive effectiveness were recorded as well as data on time budget, social rank, bodyweight, haematology and biochemistry. The concentration of GnRH-antibody titres peaked 2–6 weeks after vaccination and remained relatively high 12 weeks after vaccination. In Trial 1, all control females and none of the treated females gave birth. In Trial 2, faecal progesterone of treated females decreased to basal levels within a month of vaccination. No differences in time budget, social rank and blood parameters were observed between treated and control females. Bodyweight increased more in treated females than in controls. These results indicated that GonaCon can suppress reproduction of wild boar with no significant short-term effects on behaviour and physiology. GonaCon can be regarded as an effective, humane and safe contraceptive for managing wild boar populations.
Delivering and registering species-tailored oral antifertility products: a review
Authors: Humphrys Simon , Lapidge Steven J.
Published: October 2008

Technologies that induce infertility in wildlife are advancing rapidly. This is due largely to our increasing understanding of reproductive physiology, as well as the demand for management techniques that reduce fertility rather than increase mortality. However, transferring wildlife fertility control from the laboratory into landscape-scale utility for free-ranging animal populations will be highly dependent on products possessing oral activity and cost-effectiveness. A significant challenge to the delivery process is providing the international regulators in each jurisdiction with the most relevant data packages they need to assess new products. An essential part of any product registration for free-ranging animals will be the development of species-tailored delivery systems, especially so for non-specific antifertility actives. This review examines the current range of orally deliverable antifertility options, broadly classifies them according to overall risk compared with alternative vertebrate pesticides, outlines a species-tailoring process that reduces identified risks, and encompasses the data requirements for their registration for sale in Australasia, the USA and Europe.
Controlled-release components of PZP contraceptive vaccine extend duration of infertility
Authors: Turner John W. , Rutberg Allen T. , Naugle Ricky E. , Kaur Manpreet A. , Flanagan Douglas R. , Bertschinger Henk J. , Liu Irwin K. M.
Published: October 2008

Successful immunocontraception of wildlife relying on repeated access to individuals for boosters has highlighted the need to incorporate primer and booster immunisations into one injection. We have investigated use of controlled-release polymers (lactide–glycolide) in small pellets to provide delayed in vivo delivery of booster porcine zona pellucida (PZP) antigen and adjuvant. This report reviews pellet-making methodology, in vitro testing of controlled-release pellets and in vivo effects of controlled-release PZP vaccine. We assessed 3 different manufacturing approaches for producing reliable, cost-effective pellets: (1) polymer melting and extrusion; (2) solvent evaporation from polymer solution; and (3) punch and die polymer moulding. In vitro testing of release patterns of controlled-release formulations, towards development of a 3-year duration vaccine, provided estimates for in vivo use of pellet preparations. These in vitro studies demonstrated protein release delay up to 22 months using 100% l-lactide or polycaprolactone polymers. For in vivo tests, pellets (1-, 3-, and 12-month release delay) serving as boosters were administered intramuscularly with PZP/adjuvant liquid primer to wild horses (Equus caballus), white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginanus) and African elephants (Loxodonta africana). Horse field studies assessed fertility via offspring counts and/or faecal-hormone pregnancy testing. Treatment decreased fertility 5.3–9.3-fold in Year 1 and 3.6-fold in Year 2. In preliminary testing in deer, offspring counts revealed treatment-associated fertility reduction of 7.1-fold Year 1 and 3.3-fold Year 2. In elephants, treatment elevated anti-PZP titres 4.5–6.9-fold from pretreatment (no fertility data).
Registration of wildlife contraceptives in the United States of America, with OvoControl and GonaCon immunocontraceptive vaccines as examples
Authors: Fagerstone Kathleen A. , Miller Lowell A. , Eisemann John D. , O'Hare Jeanette R. , Gionfriddo James P.
Published: October 2008

Overabundant wildlife populations have the potential to adversely affect wildlife habitats or pose risks to human health and safety through disease transmission and collisions with vehicles and aircraft. Traditional methods for reducing overabundant wildlife, such as hunting and trapping, are often restricted or infeasible in urban and suburban areas. Additional management options are needed. For the past 15 years, scientists with the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Wildlife Services’ National Wildlife Research Center have been developing and testing contraceptive agents. This research has resulted in the development of several reproductive inhibitors and has forced regulatory bodies to determine where the regulatory authority for wildlife contraceptives will reside. The regulatory authority for contraceptives for wildlife and feral animals has recently been moved from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The first contraceptive registered by the EPA since this move was OvoControl-G for reducing the hatchability of Canada goose eggs. OvoControl was registered in 2005 by Innolytics, LLC working in cooperation with the National Wildlife Research Center. A similar product, OvoControl-P, was registered in 2007 as a contraceptive technique for pigeons. Another product developed by the National Wildlife Research Center, GonaCon immunocontraceptive vaccine, is in the registration process for managing white-tailed deer populations. This manuscript will describe the products that have been and are currently undergoing registration as contraceptives in the United States of America, and the data required for those products.
Assessing the suitability of the parasitic nematode Parastrongyloides trichosuri as a vector for transmissible fertility control of brushtail possums in New Zealand - ecological and regulatory considerations
Authors: Cowan P. E. , Grant W. N. , Ralston M.
Published: October 2008

The suitability of the nematode Parastrongyloides trichosuri (Nematoda: Strongyloididae) as a genetically modified vector for transmissible fertility control of introduced brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) is being explored in New Zealand. This review of progress in assessing the ecological and epidemiological characteristics of P. trichosuri against a set of essential properties for a suitable transmissible vector indicates that the parasite appears to have all the attributes of a highly effective vector, although additional information on persistence at low host density and on the outcome of competition between existing infection and new (recombinant) strains is needed to confirm this. Concerns have been raised about risks to possums and other marsupials in Australia from a genetically modified form of P. trichosuri. An international body with responsibility for managing consultation and debate about issues arising from the proposed use of genetically modified organisms for vertebrate pest management has been suggested as a way of addressing such concerns. A key issue remains as to which agency or group of agencies would take responsibility for such a body. A joint meeting of relevant agencies and researchers is needed urgently to begin the process of moving this issue forward.
Stability and structural recovery of the tetramerization domain of p53-R337H mutant induced by a designed templating ligand
Authors: Gordo Susana , Martos Vera , Santos Eva , Menéndez Margarita , Bo Carles , Giralt Ernest , de Mendoza Javier
Published: October 2008

Protein p53 is a transcription factor crucial for cell cycle and genome integrity. It is able to induce both cell arrest when DNA is damaged and the expression of DNA repair machinery. When the damage is irreversible, it triggers apoptosis. Indeed, the protein, which is a homotetramer, is mutated in most human cancers. For instance, the inherited mutation p53-R337H results in destabilization of the tetramer and, consequently, leads to an organism prone to tumor setup. We describe herein a rational designed molecule capable of holding together the four monomers of the mutated p53-R337H protein, recovering the tetramer integrity as in the wild-type structure. Two ligand molecules, based on a conical calix[4]arene with four cationic guanidiniomethyl groups at the wider edge (upper rim) and hydrophobic loops at the narrower edge (lower rim), fit nicely and cooperatively into the hydrophobic clefts between two of the monomers at each side of the protein and keep the tetrameric structure, like molecular templates, by both ion-pair and hydrophobic interactions. We found a good agreement between the structure of the complex and the nature of the interactions involved by a combination of theory (molecular dynamics) and experiments (circular dichroism, differential scanning calorimetry and
1
H saturation transfer difference NMR).
Using diastereopeptides to control metal ion coordination in proteins
Authors: Peacock Anna F. A. , Hemmingsen Lars , Pecoraro Vincent L.
Published: October 2008

Here, we report a previously undescribed approach for controlling metal ion coordination geometry in biomolecules by reorientating amino acid side chains through substitution of L- to D-amino acids. These diastereopeptides allow us to manipulate the spatial orientation of amino acid side chains to alter the sterics of metal binding pockets. We have used this approach to design the de novo metallopeptide, Cd(TRIL12L
D
L16C)
3
−
, which is an example of Cd(II) bound to 3 L-Cys as exclusively trigonal CdS
3
, as characterized by a combination of
113
Cd NMR and
111m
Cd PAC spectroscopy. We subsequently show that the physical properties of such a site, such as the high pK
a2
for Cd(II) binding of 15.1, is due to the nature of the coordination number and not the ligating group. Further more this approach allowed for the design of a construct, GRANDL12L
D
L16CL26AL30C, capable of independently binding 2 equivalents of Cd(II) to 2 very similar Cys sites as exclusively 3- and 4-, CdS
3
and CdS
3
O, respectively. Demonstrating that we are capable of controlling the Cd(II) coordination number in these 2 sites solely by varying the nature of a noncoordinating second coordination sphere amino acid, with D-leucine and L-alanine resulting in exclusively 3- and 4-coordinate structures, respectively. Cd(II) was found to selectively bind to the 4-coordinate CdS
3
O site, demonstrating that a protein can be designed that displays metal-binding selectivity based solely on coordination number control and not on the chemical identity of coordinating ligands.
The Arabian Gulf: political pluralism and the dilemma of totalitarian bureaucracies – a study in the liberalization of monopolistic policies
Authors: al-Afifi Fathi
Published: October 2008

The article tackles a lesser-known aspect of political bureaucracy in the Arabian Gulf and establishes the link between forced tribal loyalties and hegemonic bureaucracies. The system in place is inherently anti-democratic and fosters a distribution of favours and benefits to groups who have pledged allegiance to ruling families. This has come at the expense of political freedoms for local nationals. The irony is that Gulf countries have granted many privileges to foreign nationals yet have suppressed the political expression of local groups. The countries’ governance systems are not amenable to change nor will they tolerate change. Repression of dissent by force is unlikely to promote a climate of harmonious change and development.
The minutiae of racism
Authors: Bishara Azmi
Published: October 2008

This article tackles the historical basis and development of the issue of anti- Semitism and examines its perception and impact in the Arab world. The author argues persuasively that anti-Semitism is specific to European racism against Jews. He does not attempt to deflect the term by arguing, as some have done, that Arabs are a Semitic people, but rather unequivocally condemns anti-Semitism and racism of any sort. The author debunks major myths or misconceptions about anti-Semitism and deals frankly with questions of its political utility with regard to Zionism, Israel and Palestine. In the present day, Holocaust denial is unconscionable and, in the end, is not only morally unacceptable, but in the words of the author ‘just plain stupid’. The author castigates Arab and Muslim groups which may take such a stance, arguing that the correct response and Arab reaction to the Holocaust was the simple, straightforward and rational one – a European tragedy, but not one for which the Arabs should assume responsibility.
Identifying specific protein interaction partners using quantitative mass spectrometry and bead proteomes
Authors: Trinkle-Mulcahy Laura , Boulon Séverine , Lam Yun Wah , Urcia Roby , Boisvert François-Michel , Vandermoere Franck , Morrice Nick A. , Swift Sam , Rothbauer Ulrich , Leonhardt Heinrich , Lamond Angus
Published: October 2008

The identification of interaction partners in protein complexes is a major goal in cell biology. Here we present a reliable affinity purification strategy to identify specific interactors that combines quantitative SILAC-based mass spectrometry with characterization of common contaminants binding to affinity matrices (bead proteomes). This strategy can be applied to affinity purification of either tagged fusion protein complexes or endogenous protein complexes, illustrated here using the well-characterized SMN complex as a model. GFP is used as the tag of choice because it shows minimal nonspecific binding to mammalian cell proteins, can be quantitatively depleted from cell extracts, and allows the integration of biochemical protein interaction data with in vivo measurements using fluorescence microscopy. Proteins binding nonspecifically to the most commonly used affinity matrices were determined using quantitative mass spectrometry, revealing important differences that affect experimental design. These data provide a specificity filter to distinguish specific protein binding partners in both quantitative and nonquantitative pull-down and immunoprecipitation experiments.
Identification of specific histidines as pH sensors in flavivirus membrane fusion
Authors: Fritz Richard , Stiasny Karin , Heinz Franz X.
Published: October 2008

The flavivirus membrane fusion machinery, like that of many other enveloped viruses, is triggered by the acidic pH in endosomes after virus uptake by receptor-mediated endocytosis. It has been hypothesized that conserved histidines in the class II fusion protein E of these viruses function as molecular switches and, by their protonation, control the fusion process. Using the mutational analysis of recombinant subviral particles of tick-borne encephalitis virus, we provide direct experimental evidence that the initiation of fusion is crucially dependent on the protonation of one of the conserved histidines (His323) at the interface between domains I and III of E, leading to the dissolution of domain interactions and to the exposure of the fusion peptide. Conserved histidines located outside this critical interface were found to be completely dispensable for triggering fusion.
Screening for MRSA: A Flawed Hospital Infection Control Intervention
Authors: Wenzel Richard P. , Bearman Gonzalo , Edmond Michael B.
Published: October 2008

Focusing hospital resources on a single antibiotic-resistant pathogen as a sole approach to infection control is inherently flawed. We applied attributable mortality principles to a basic model of bloodstream infections to outline the argument. Screening for methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureusalone made sense in the 1980s, but the ongoing emergence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci and antibiotic-resistant strains of gram-negative rods andCandidaspecies, as well as the recognition of the value of team-based infection control programs, support a population-based approach.
Predicting small ligand binding sites in proteins using backbone structure
Authors: Bordner Andrew J.
Published: October 2008

Motivation: Specific non-covalent binding of metal ions and ligands, such as nucleotides and cofactors, is essential for the function of many proteins. Computational methods are useful for predicting the location of such binding sites when experimental information is lacking. Methods that use structural information, when available, are particularly promising since they can potentially identify non-contiguous binding motifs that cannot be found using only the amino acid sequence. Furthermore, a prediction method that can utilize low-resolution models is advantageous because high-resolution structures are available for only a relatively small fraction of proteins.

Results: SitePredict is a machine learning-based method for predicting binding sites in protein structures for specific metal ions or small molecules. The method uses Random Forest classifiers trained on diverse residue-based site properties including spatial clustering of residue types and evolutionary conservation. SitePredict was tested by cross-validation on a set of known binding sites for six different metal ions and five different small molecules in a non-redundant set of protein–ligand complex structures. The prediction performance was good for all ligands considered, as reflected by AUC values of at least 0.8. Furthermore, a more realistic test on unbound structures showed only a slight decrease in the accuracy. The properties that contribute the most to the prediction accuracy of each ligand were also examined. Finally, examples of predicted binding sites in homology models and uncharacterized proteins are discussed.

Availability: Binding site prediction results for all PDB protein structures and human protein homology models are available at http://sitepredict.org/.

Contact:  bordner.andrew@mayo.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Skull Base Osteomyelitis: The Effect of Comorbid Disease on Hospitalization
Authors: Rothholtz Vanessa S. , Lee Alice D. , Shamloo Bahman , Bazargan Mohsen , Pan Deya , Djalilian Hamid R.
Published: October 2008

Objectives/Hypothesis: Skull base osteomyelitis is a rare disease that has a high morbidity and mortality rate if diagnosis and treatment are delayed. Our objective was to perform a more detailed analysis of skull base osteomyelitis in the inpatient population. We also provide a more comprehensive evaluation of comorbid disease and severity of illness in this population and describe their effects on the duration and cost of hospital stay.

Study Design: Review of the California Hospital Discharge Database between the years 1990 and 2000.

Methods: Information evaluated included age, race, insurance, charges and length of hospital stay, comorbid disease, severity of illness, and disposition. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and linear regression analysis.

Results: The overall incidence of skull base osteomyelitis ranged from 57 to 95 cases annually (median 75.5). Whites (69.3%) were more likely to present with the disease than Native Americans (13.2%), African Americans (6.5%), or Asians (2.9%). The majority of patients diagnosed with skull base osteomyelitis had Medicare or public assistance (62%) compared with those with Preferred Provider Organization or Health Maintenance Organization insurance (27%). Increased length of hospital stay and increased charges incurred during hospitalization were significantly associated (P < .05) with aplastic anemia, renal disease, arteriosclerosis, facial nerve dysfunction, and diabetes. Severity of illness and the presence of one or more comorbid conditions also significantly affected the duration and charges incurred during hospital stay (P < .05).

Conclusions: The presence of concurrent illness with skull base osteomyelitis significantly affects the duration of hospital stay and the charges incurred during hospitalization.
Cortical Sensorimotor Control in Vocalization: A Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: Olthoff Arno , Baudewig Jürgen , Kruse Eberhard , Dechent Peter
Published: October 2008

Background: Verbal communication is a human feature and volitional vocalization is its basis. However, little is known regarding the cortical areas involved in human vocalization.

Methods: Therefore, functional magnetic resonance imaging at 3 Tesla was performed in 16 healthy adults to evaluate brain activations related to voice production. The main experiments included tasks involving motor control of laryngeal muscles with and without intonation. In addition, reference mappings of the sensorimotor hand area and the auditory cortices were performed.

Results: Related to vocalization, in addition to activation of the most lateral aspect of the primary sensorimotor cortex close to the Sylvian fissure (M1c), we found activations medially (M1a) and laterally (M1b) of the well‐known sensorimotor hand area. Moreover, the supplementary motor area and the anterior cingulate cortex were activated.

Conclusions: Although M1a could be ascribed to motor control of breathing, M1b has been associated with laryngeal motor control. Consequently, even though M1c represents a laryngeal sensorimotor area, its exclusiveness as suggested previously could not be confirmed. Activations in the supplementary motor area and anterior cingulate cortex were ascribed to “vocal‐motor planning.” The present data provide the basis for further functional magnetic resonance imaging studies in patients with neurological laryngeal disorders.
Interstitial High‐Dose‐Rate‐Brachytherapy in Advanced Esthesioneuroblastoma
Authors: Tselis Nikolaos , Heyd Reinhard , Baghi Mehran , Zamboglou Nikolaos
Published: October 2008

Esthesioneuroblastoma is a rare neuroectodermal tumor of the nasal vault with an aggressive biological behavior that is characterized by local recurrence, atypical distant metastasis, and poor long‐term prognosis. The treatment regimen consists of surgical resection, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy in various, mainly stage‐dependent, combinations. We report two cases of primary metastatic and locally recurrent disease, which were treated with computed tomography‐guided interstitial high‐dose‐rate brachytherapy in palliative and curative intent, respectively. Computed tomography‐guided interstitial high‐dose‐rate brachytherapy should be considered as a feasible treatment option for advanced esthesioneuroblastoma
Laryngeal Candidiasis Mimicking Malignancy
Authors: Nunes Fabio P. , Bishop Todd , Prasad Manju L. , Madison J Mark , Kim Daniel Y.
Published: October 2008

Isolated laryngeal candidiasis in immunocompetent individuals is a rare entity with fewer than 40 cases reported in the literature. Laryngeal candidiasis secondary to inhaled steroid therapy is usually mild and has been reported in 10% to 15% of patients complaining of dysphonia during treatment. We present a case of laryngeal candidiasis mimicking laryngeal carcinoma in an immunocompetent patient being treated with inhaled fluticasone for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Biopsy of the lesion failed to show any signs of malignancy, and patient responded well to oral fluconazole therapy
Safety and Outcomes of Outpatient Pediatric Otolaryngology Procedures at an Ambulatory Surgery Center
Authors: Shah Rahul K. , Welborn Leila , Ashktorab Samaneh , Stringer Elizabeth , Zalzal George H.
Published: October 2008

Objectives: To determine the safety and outcomes of outpatient pediatric otolaryngology procedures performed at an ambulatory surgery center (ASC).

Methods: Retrospective review of all pediatric otolaryngology cases performed at a freestanding, outpatient ASC of a tertiary care, academic children's medical center from 2000 to 2007.

Results: Of all cases, 4979 (55%) were otolaryngology procedures. Twelve surgeons and 10 pediatric anesthesiologists staffed the cases; no residents/fellows were involved. The case breakdown is as follows: 2045 (41.1%) myringotomy and tympanostomy tube; 1438 (28.9%) adenoidectomy (with tympanostomy tube placement and/or turbinectomy); 880 (17.7%) tonsillectomy (with or without adenoidectomy). According to American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) classification: 84.2% were ASA I, 15.1% ASA II, 0.7% ASA III. There were nine unanticipated outcomes: four postadenotonsillectomy and one postadenoidectomy bleeds (three requiring reoperation the same day), two patients with low psuedocholinesterase levels, one postadenotonsillectomy patient requiring overnight monitoring, and one patient with an incidental finding of a subglottic mass. Preoperative ASA status on these nine patients was 7 (78%) ASA I, 2 (22%) ASA II.

Conclusions: Pediatric otolaryngology procedures constitute significant volume at our ASC. Surgery at our ASC is extremely safe with a rate of unanticipated outcomes of 0.2%—a comparison not available in the literature. Pediatric otolaryngology procedures performed with a highly skilled team at an outpatient ASC result in high quality and safe surgery.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage After Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Skull Base Metastasis From Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: Kim Chang‐Hyun , Chung Seung‐Kyu , Dhong Hun‐Jong , Lee Jung‐Il
Published: October 2008

We report a rare case of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage after radiosurgery for skull base metastasis from renal cell carcinoma. A mass invading the left petrous bone and sphenoid sinus was treated with gamma knife radiosurgery, and CSF rhinorrhea developed 4 months after the procedure. The CSF leak was successfully controlled by endoscopic sinus surgery. CSF leakage may develop as a rare complication after radiosurgery for skull base lesions, and the endoscopic repair technique is a useful therapeutic method.
Effects of Topically Applied Dexamethasone on Mucosal Wound Healing Using a Drug‐Releasing Stent
Authors: Beule Achim G. , Scharf Christian , Biebler Karl‐Ernst , Göpferich Achim , Steinmeier Elke , Wolf Eduard , Hosemann Werner , Kaftan Holger
Published: October 2008

Objective/Hypothesis: Evaluation of the impact of continuously topically released dexamethasone using a drug‐releasing stent on quality of regenerated mucosa after full thickness injury in the paranasal sinuses.

Study Design: Prospective, controlled, randomized, double‐blinded animal study.

Methods: Nineteen New Zealand white rabbits were subjected to surgery: via an external approach, a 4 mm circular wound was created on the medial side of the maxillary sinus. The wound was covered in a randomized fashion with either a silicone foil or a new drug releasing stent system. Twelve to 30 days later, the animals were killed and histology and electron microscopy were performed. One animal was used for baseline comparisons at day 0.

Results: No animals were lost due to infection or dislocation of the stent, leaving 18 animals for evaluation of postoperative healing quality. According to macroscopic examination, extent of granulations was smaller in the treatment group (dexamethasone: median 0 [95% confidence interval: 0.1–0.6]) than the silicone group (2 [1.5–2.3]; P ≤ .05). Epithelial wound healing was complete in all specimens, whereas the stroma was significantly thinner in the dexamethasone‐group (44 [37–60]; 178 [148–214]). Improved healing quality was achieved significantly more often on the treatment, than on the control side. Scanning electron microscopy revealed no difference between both groups.

Conclusions: Using a new drug‐releasing stent system, dexamethasone efficiently decreases granulation formation and stroma thickness without impeding epithelial differentiation. Therefore, the use of this system may be of value to decrease restenosis rates in selected patients after frontal sinus surgery.
Effect of Preoperative Residual Hearing on Speech Perception After Cochlear Implantation
Authors: Adunka Oliver F. , Buss Emily , Clark Marcia S. , Pillsbury Harold C. , Buchman Craig A.
Published: October 2008

Objective: To assess the effect of substantial preoperative residual hearing on speech perception outcomes in adult cochlear implant recipients.

Setting: Tertiary care academic referral center.

Methods: Twenty‐nine patients with substantial preoperative residual hearing underwent cochlear implantation. Twenty‐one implant recipients matched for age and duration of hearing loss, but without preoperative residual hearing, served as controls. Postoperative speech perception was assessed using City University of New York sentence, consonant‐nucleus‐consonant, and hearing in noise test in quiet and in noise (+10 dB signal to noise ratio) tests at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after fitting.

Results: After implantation, there were no significant differences between groups for any of the tests administered. The mean change in speech perception abilities from baseline was significantly greater for the control patients than those with substantial preoperative residual hearing at a number of the test intervals across the various conditions. Moreover, at both 1 and 3 months, some patients in the residual hearing group had speech perception scores that were worse than their preoperative values. Ultimately, all of the patients with substantial residual hearing surpassed their preoperative performance.

Discussion: Patients with substantial preoperative residual hearing can gain significant benefit from cochlear implantation. Although the degree of improvement in these individuals is somewhat more modest than for those patients without preoperative residual hearing, the outcomes are still excellent. That there were no significant differences between the patient groups suggests that having substantial residual hearing before implantation does not provide a measurable performance advantage for electrical stimulation. Patients with substantial residual hearing who are contemplating cochlear implantation should be counseled regarding a possible initial decline in speech perception performance.
Small Vestibular Schwannomas With No Hearing: Comparison of Functional Outcomes in Stereotactic Radiosurgery and Microsurgery
Authors: Coelho Daniel H. , Roland J Thomas , Rush Stephen A. , Narayana Ashwatha , Clair Eric St. , Chung Wayne , Golfinos John G.
Published: October 2008

Objectives: To date, numerous studies have compared functional outcomes between stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and microsurgery (MS) in the treatment of vestibular schwannomas (VS). However, most of them involve tumors of difference sizes, radiation dosages, and surgical approaches. Few have systematically compared issues of dysequilibrium. By studying only patients with small tumors and no hearing, we sought to minimize confounding variables.

Study Design: A retrospective chart review and telephone questionnaire.

Methods: From 1998–2006, 31 patients with small (<1.5 cm) VS and nonserviceable hearing (American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery [AAO‐HNS] Class C or D) were treated at our institution. Twenty‐two were available for follow‐up and telephone questionnaire, including the University of California Los Angeles Dizziness Questionnaire (UCLA‐DQ). Twelve underwent SRS and 10 underwent MS. All MS patients underwent the translabyrinthine approach to their tumors. Outcomes measurements included tumor control, facial nerve function, tinnitus, trigeminal function, and imbalance.

Results: Patients undergoing SRS had comparable rates of tumor control, facial nerve function, tinnitus, and trigeminal function to MS patients. However, SRS did result in statistically significantly worse long‐term imbalance when compared with MS patients. Detailed comparisons of the two modalities are made.

Conclusions: In our study population, patients with small tumors and no serviceable hearing, these data suggest that MS results in comparable minimal morbidity with SRS, though posttreatment dysequilibrium is significantly decreased. While the authors recommend translabyrinthine resection of small VS with no hearing in patients able to tolerate surgery, the need for further prospective investigation is clear.
Sleeping gulls monitor the vigilance behaviour of their neighbours
Authors: Beauchamp Guy
Published: October 2008

Individuals in groups are often thought to scan their surroundings for threats independently of one another. Models, however, suggest that foragers should monitor the vigilance level of their neighbours to prevent cheating, and to gather information about incipient predation risk. Evidence for monitoring of vigilance is scant. Here, I examined changes in vigilance levels in sleeping gulls (Larussp.) surrounded by neighbours in various states of alertness. Controlling for group size and neighbour density, gulls interrupted sleep more often to scan their surroundings, and were therefore more vigilant, when their neighbours were alert rather than sleeping or preening. The results provide evidence for copying of vigilance within groups of birds, suggesting a complex flow of information about predation risk in groups.
ONTOGENY AND PHYLOGENETIC SYSTEMATICS
Authors: KLUGE ARNOLD G.
Published: October 2008

Abstract— Dedifferentiation, paedomorphosis, and the insertion and deletion of developmental stages make it impossible to deduce the genealogical hierarchy from only ontogenetic transformation series. Like the outgroup criterion, ontogenetic character precedence is not theory‐neutral and to use it to deduce genealogy requires certain assumptions.

If scientists are going to use logically unbeatable theories about the world, they might as well give up natural science and take up religion (Lewontin, 1972: 181).
OUTGROUPS AND ONTOGENY
Authors: NELSON GARETH
Published: October 2008

Abstract— Common themes in some recent expositions of character phylogeny are attempts to prove that outgroup comparison is a method of the greatest generality, and that the ontogenetic criterion reduces to outgroup comparison. Another common theme is that pattern cladistics is wrongheaded in suggesting that ontogenetic data have a unique value for studies of character phylogeny. Analysis of particular examples that have been offered as proof of the themes shows them to be flawed and without significance. Arguments against pattern cladistics and the relevance of ontogeny stem from a concern for ideological purity and not for objective appraisal of relevant evidence.
EVOLUTION, MORPHOGENESIS, AND RECAPITULATION: AN ESSAY ON METAZOAN EVOLUTION
Authors: LØVTRUP SØREN
Published: October 2008

Abstract— The evolution of the Metazoa has to a very large extent been a matter of creating new ways of transforming living matter into animal bodies. As implied from the classification of the subkingdom this process has involved the origin of mechanisms for the construction of a number of phyletic body plans, which in turn have been modified in various ways corresponding to the subordinate taxa within the respective phyla. The ontogenetic development of the metazoans may be subdivided into separate phases, the number of which may vary from one phylum to another, but a typical subdivision comprises five phases: cleavage, form creation, differential growth, allometric growth, and degeneration. Cleavage may be considered as a preparatory phase, whereas true morphogenesis begins with gastrulation. At this stage the phyletic body plan is laid down, in some cases even including features which distinguish some of the higher subordinate taxa—classes and orders—to which the animal belongs. During the phase of differential growth this basic body plan is further modified to correspond to the form characterizing the lower taxa: orders, families, genera, and often even the species. The transformation between differential and allometric growth usually coincides with hatching or birth. Sometimes the specific features develop only during the phase of allometric growth, and under any circumstances the typical morphological differences between young and adult forms are established at this time. Allometric growth usually comes to an end at maturation. The present interpretation is in complete accord with that proposed by von Baer 150 years ago; within each phylum ontogeny occurs in a way corresponding to a recapitulation of the course of phylogenetic evolution. No kind of recapitulation may be observed relating to the evolution between the individual phyla.

“as regards its type every organic form becomes by the mode of its formation that which it eventually is. The scheme of development is nothing but the becoming type, and the type the result of the scheme of formation. For that reason the type can be wholly understood only through its mode of development”—K. E. von Baer (1828:258)
THE SISTER GROUP OF THE PALEOTROPICAL TRIBE ARGOSTEMMATEAE: A REDEFINED NEOTROPICAL TRIBE HAMELIEAE (RUBIACEAE, RUBIOIDEAE)
Authors: BREMER BIRGITTA
Published: October 2008

Abstract—The sister group of the monophyletic tribe Argostemmateae, includingArgostemmaandNeurocalyx, is not the tribe Hedyotideae, or a part of it, as earlier assumed, but the monophyletic tribe Hamelieae, here redefined. It comprises the generaHamelia, Hoffmannia(here includingXerococcus), Deppea(here includingSchenckia), Pinarophyllon, andOmiltemia. The two tribes Argostemmateae and Hamelieae are a monophyletic group characterized by seven synapomorphies. A cladogram is presented showing the relationships of the seven genera based on 31 characters. One group of characters, the aestivation of the corolla, is shown to be much more complicated than hitherto assumed. In the Hamelieae the aestivation can be imbricate (to the right or to the left and quincuncial or not), contorted (to the right), alternative, or even valvate. The Argostemmateae occur in the Old World Tropics, and their distribution supports the hypothesis that at least parts of southeast Asia are a part of Gondwanaland. The vicariant pattern within the Argostemmateae indicates that the large area from west Africa through northern India to southeast Asia is vicariant to Ceylon and southern India. The distribution of the Old World tribe Argostemmateae is vicariant to the essentially Central American tribe Hamelieae.
AN EMPIRICAL COMPARISON OF MICROCOMPUTER PARSIMONY PROGRAMS
Authors: Platnick Norman I.
Published: October 2008

Abstract— The effectiveness and efficiency of two microcomputer parsimony programs (Felsenstein's PHYLIP and Swofford's PAUP), and a prototype version of a third (SHEN, to be incorporated in Farris' HENNIG‐86), are evaluated with reference to 35 data sets, including those previously used by Luckow and Pimentel (1985) to benchmark mainframe programs. Both PHYLIP and PAUP can be used effectively; with careful selection of options, their accuracy can equal or surpass that of older mainframe programs. PHYLIP is relatively inefficient (in use of computer time); its usefulness is also limited by the inability of its heuristic algorithms to detect multiple equally parsimonious solutions in a single run. PHYLIP's exact algorithm (branch‐and‐bound) and PAUP's heuristic and exact algorithms do not share the latter drawback but require users to spend unreasonable amounts of time coping with redundant output. The remarkable effectiveness of these programs offers hope that (particularly with the advent of multitasking microcomputers) exact and cost‐effective solutions will be obtainable in many, if not all, cladistic analyses.
THE CLASSIFICATION OF PROBOSCIDEA: HOW MANY CLADISTIC CLASSIFICATIONS?
Authors: Tassy Pascal
Published: October 2008

Abstract— Hennig conceived a method to build a “phylogenetic system”, with the stipulation that a “properly drawn phylogenetic tree must be directly translatable into the language of phylogenetic systematics”. Consequently, this system could be the general reference system of biology. A review of the classificatory technical improvements, conventions and rules which have been proposed for the past twenty years together with their application to the classification of the Proboscidea, leads to the conclusion that more than one formal system can be built upon one given cladogram. As words are used more frequently for communication than diagrams, schemes or graphs, the “general reference system of biology1‘ remains somewhere in Utopia. The “phylogenetic system” is rather more synonymous with a cladogram than with a written classification.
AMNIOTE PHYLOGENY AND THE IMPORTANCE OF FOSSILS
Authors: Gauthier Jacques , Kluge Arnold G. , Rowe Timothy
Published: October 2008

Abstract— Several prominent cladists have questioned the importance of fossils in phylogenctic inference, and it is becoming increasingly popular to simply fit extinct forms, if they are considered at all, to a cladogram of Recent taxa. Gardiner's (1982) and Løvtrup's (1985) study of amniote phylogeny exemplifies this differential treatment, and we focused on that group of organisms to test the proposition that fossils cannot overturn a theory of relationships based only on the Recent biota. Our parsimony analysis of amniote phylogeny, special knowledge contributed by fossils being scrupulously avoided, led to the following best fitting classification, which is similar to the novel hypothesis Gardiner published: (lepidosaurs (turtles (mammals (birds, crocodiles)))). However, adding fossils resulted in a markedly different most parsimonious cladogram of the extant taxa: (mammals (turtles (lepidosaurs (birds, crocodiles)))). That classification is like the traditional hypothesis, and it provides a better fit to the stratigraphic record. To isolate the extinct taxa responsible for the latter classification, the data were successively partitioned with each phylogenetic analysis, and we concluded that: (1) the ingroup, not the outgroup, fossils were important; (2) synapsid, not reptile, fossils were pivotal; (3) certain synapsid fossils, not the earliest or latest, were responsible. The critical nature of the synapsid fossils seemed to lie in the particular combination of primitive and derived character slates they exhibited. Classifying those fossils, along with mammals, as the sister group to the lineage consisting of birds and crocodiles resulted in a relatively poor fit to data; one involving a 2—4 fold increase in evolutionary reversals! Thus, the importance of the critical fossils, collectively or individually, seems to reside in their relative primitive‐ness, and the simplest explanation for their more conservative nature is that they have had less time to evolve. While fossils may be important in phylogenetic inference only under certain conditions, there is no compelling reason to prejudge their contribution. We urge systematists to evaluate fairly all of the available evidence.
DNA Hybridization as a Guide to Phylogenies: a Critical Analysis
Authors: Sarich Vincent M. , Schmid Carl W. , Marks Jon
Published: October 2008

Abstract— This article evaluates the use of DNA hybridization for estimating the extent of divergence among the single‐copy fractions of vertebrate genomes. It focuses, in particular, on the nature and informational content of the melting profiles as a guide to phylogenetic relationships. While concluding that the DNA hybridization approach remains the best and most cost‐effective guide to such relationships over its useful range, it demonstrates serious flaws in certain recent attempts to apply the method to specific cases among primates and birds. The major points are:

The T50H statistic is flawed as a measure of mean sequence divergence, and also, therefore, as a measure of phylogenetic distance.

The Tmode statistic overcomes many of the problems inherent in interpreting thermal stabilities of DNA heteroduplexes for phylogenetic purposes.

The phylogenetic significance of ΔTmodes of > 15d̀ or so cannot be accurately assessed.

The putative slowdown in the rate of nuclear DNA sequence change among the lemurs is not justified by the data.

The claims of Sibley and Ahlquist to have resolved the human/chimpanzee/gorilla trichotomy are not supported by their data.

There are major problems in the published Sibley and Ahlquist avian phylogenies; in particular, with those containing evolutionary “staircases” of nodes separated by less than 1d̀ from one another.

There would appear to be a lineage misplacement involving a ΔT of at least 4d̀ in a recent publication on avian phylogeny.

Certain of the published ΔT50 H values seem not to be representative of the actual data on which they are based.

Most important, it is recommended that no phytogenies based on DNA hybridization comparisons should be presented without being accompanied by the data relevant to each claim of a resolved lineage.
Phylogeny and Cladistic Classification of the Paramonostiliferous Family Plectonemertidae (Phylum Nemertea)
Authors: Sundberg Per
Published: October 2008

Abstract— Numerical phylogenetic analysis of nemertean species from the genera Plectonemertes, Katechonemertes and Acteonementes (marine), Argonemertes, Antiponemertes and Leptonemertes (terrestrial), Potamonemertes and Campbellonemertes (freshwater) in the family Plectonemertidae was carried out with the following aims. (1) To estimate the evolutionary relationships between and among these species. (2) To lest the hypothesis of Moore and Gibson that the analysed freshwater species originated from a terrestrial ancestor. (3) To classify the species in monophyletic genera. The analysis did not confirm the hypothesis that the freshwater habitat has been colonised via land. Instead, it suggests that both terrestrial and freshwater species within this family have evolved from a marine ancestor. The cladogram suggests that Antiponemetes is paraphyletic, and it is combined with Argonemertes to form a monophyletic genus.