bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Division of the Cooperative Surplus
Authors: Wilson Catherine
Published: March 2005

According to Hobbes’ Theorem, moral practices increase the co‐operative surplus. Other, non‐moral social mechanisms, such as those described and endorsed by Robert Nozick determine to a great extent, however, the allocation of the surplus. Chapter 6 asks to what extent observed disparities in well‐being enjoyed and deprivation endured are morally acceptable. The ‘basic’ co‐operation that characterizes most organised human activities is distinguished from morally superior ‘symmetrical’ co‐operation and its relevance to the problems of distributive justice is explored. The requisites of a decent human life are discussed, and three tiers of goods are identified as the known, presumptive, and doubtful and speculative components of well‐being.
Knowledge and Lotteries
Authors: Hawthorne John
Published: March 2005

This book is organised around an epistemological puzzle, which consists of a tension between various ordinary claims to know and our apparent incapacity to know whether or not someone will lose a lottery. In its starkest form, the puzzle is this: we do not think we know that a given lottery ticket will be a loser, yet we normally count ourselves as knowing all sorts of ordinary things which entail that its holder will not suddenly acquire a large fortune. The author explores various potential solutions to this puzzle, and issues on the nature and importance of knowledge. In the process, he offers a careful treatment of pertinent topics at the foundations of semantics.
Overt Context-Sensitivity: The Problems of Indexicality
Authors: Borg Emma
Published: March 2005

Looks at a classic problem for formal theories of meaning, stemming from the existence of expressions whose meaning depends, in part, on the context in which they are produced (e.g. demonstratives, indexicals, tensed expressions). I argue that formal accounts can accommodate such expressions (e.g. can generate truth-conditions for sentences containing them) without admitting rich contextual features (like speaker intentions) to the semantic realm.
Minimal Semantics and the Global Art of Communication
Authors: Borg Emma
Published: March 2005

This chapter spells out the precise claims of minimal semantics and the role it accords to context in semantic theorizing. It also recapitulates the claims made with respect to the modularity of linguistic understanding, arguing that grasp of literal linguistic meaning is a properly modular process while grasp of what is said by a speaker is a non-modular process (thus, communication is global in the sense that it requires a range of intra-personal cognitive systems). Finally, some relevant questions that are not addressed in detail in the book are raised.
Base Contraction and the Filtering Condition 7
Authors: Levi Isaac
Published: March 2005

So far potential states of full belief have been considered only insofar as they are representable by deductively closed sets (corpora or theories) in a suitably specified language L, and it might be objected that such corpora are objectionable because they cannot be surveyed by finite means. The alternative proposal is that attention should be focused on the contraction of finite sets (bases) whose closures represent potential states of full belief. It is argued that if non-degenerate base contraction is to be taken seriously, its justification will ignore the demand that restrictions on the options for contraction should appeal to the goals of the enquiry. The illustrations of Fuhrmann and Hansson in this regard are considered, and it is suggested that the filtering condition appealed to by Fuhrmann smacks of epistemological foundationalism. The author follows Pierce in preferring a pragmatist to a foundationalist epistemology.
Kierkegaard's Ethic of Love
Authors: Evans C. Stephen
Published: March 2005

Kierkegaard presents a form of divine command theory of moral obligation similar to accounts developed by Robert Adams and Philip Quinn. The account understands the relation humans have with a loving God as making possible the greatest human good, and as creating those unique obligations we designate as moral. God’s commands should be obeyed, not because of fear of divine punishment, but out of love and gratitude for the good that God has bestowed on humanity. Though God can and does address specific individuals, the fundamental divine command is the injunction – common to Judaism and Christianity – to love one’s neighbour as oneself. God’s commands are not arbitrary; they are directed at human flourishing and lead to genuine happiness, even though obedience to them requires self-denial and is not egoistically motivated. This Kierkegaardian ethic, found principally in Works of Love, has advantages over its contemporary secular rivals, such as evolutionary naturalism, social contract theories, and moral relativism. Additionally, this form of divine command theory resists the fundamental objections often posed against a religiously grounded ethic.
1 God and Moral Obligation: Is a Link Possible?
Authors: Evans C. Stephen
Published: March 2005

Moral obligations are overriding and objective, in a way that other kinds of obligations are not. A divine command theory of moral obligations claims that all truly moral obligations owe their status as moral duties to the fact that God commands them. God’s commands, however, are not arbitrary; instead, God’s command is a call to human flourishing and happiness. Kierkegaard answers the question posed in the Euthyphro by importing a Kantian dimension to an Aristotelian framework; he can do so only because he sees the self as spiritually and morally qualified. The two chief passions that are crucial to the formation of the self that God intends one to be are faith and love.
2 The Ethical as a ‘Stage’ of Existence: Either/Or and Radical Choice
Authors: Evans C. Stephen
Published: March 2005

Though Kierkegaard’s pseudonymous authorship poses interpretive challenges, its ironical and humorous literary character does not make it impossible to develop from it an ethical theory. Readers of Kierkegaard must be wary of fashionable attempts to make Kierkegaard ‘postmodern’. They should avoid as well the temptation to understand the ethical life as a humanistic stance devoid of belief in God; Kierkegaard’s ethicists are actually pious believers who attend church regularly. Finally, Alasdair MacIntyre’s reading of Kierkegaard must also be resisted: Kierkegaard and the pseudonyms of Either/Or do not advocate a doctrine of radical choice, as MacIntyre claims. Instead, the three spheres or stages are ranked in the order that they are because the higher spheres realize the aims of the lower ones. The ethical life is not abandoned in one’s movement to the religious life; instead, it is fulfiled.
6 The Humanistic Character of Commanded Love
Authors: Evans C. Stephen
Published: March 2005

Neighbour-love, grounded by divine authority, provides a basis for genuine human flourishing despite the fact that this love requires self-denial. God does not suggest neighbour-love but commands it, and being a duty makes neighbour-love steadfast, autonomous, and significant. True happiness is not found when we aim directly at our own happiness, but when we discover God’s love for us and respond to God in grateful obedience. Loving God in the right way, we will want to obey his command – the command to love our neighbours as ourselves.
8 Who Is My Neighbour? Can Love Be a Duty?
Authors: Evans C. Stephen
Published: March 2005

All love must be transformed by neighbour-love, including self-love – the type of love the command presupposes. Ironically, though everyone has self-love, only those with neighbour-love have the right kind of self-love. Neighbour-love means wanting the other’s good, generally; more specifically, neighbour-love means wanting the neighbour – and oneself – to know the Good, namely, God. Love is a duty, and, according to Kierkegaard, a daunting one: I must love all of humanity as particular neighbours, and I must love them all equally. No person has greater moral worth than any other. Anyone with whom I come in contact is my neighbour, and I therefore have a duty to love him or her.
Marichromatium indicum sp. nov., a novel purple sulfur gammaproteobacterium from mangrove soil of Goa, India
Authors: Arunasri K. , Sasikala C. , Ramana C. V. , Süling J. , Imhoff J. F.
Published: March 2005

A reddish-brown bacterium was isolated from photoheterotrophic enrichments of mangrove soil from the western coast of India, in a medium that contained 10 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain JA100T clusters with species of the genus Marichromatium of the class ‘Gammaproteobacteria’. Cells of strain JA100T are Gram-negative, motile rods with monopolar single flagella; they require NaCl, the optimum concentration being 1–4 %, and tolerate concentrations up to 13 %. The strain has vesicular internal membrane structures, bacteriochlorophyll a and, most probably, carotenoids of the spirilloxanthin series. No growth factors are required. A reduced sulfur source is required for growth, and, during growth on reduced sulfur sources as electron donors, sulfur is intermediately deposited as a single large granule within the cell. Strain JA100T could not grow at the expense of other tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates, except malate. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and its morphological and physiological characteristics, strain JA100T is sufficiently different from other Marichromatium species to justify its designation as a novel species, for which the name Marichromatium indicum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JA100T (=DSM 15907T=ATCC BAA-741T=JCM 12653T).
Pseudonocardia dioxanivorans sp. nov., a novel actinomycete that grows on 1,4-dioxane
Authors: Mahendra Shaily , Alvarez-Cohen Lisa
Published: March 2005

An actinomycete strain (CB1190T) was previously isolated from industrial sludge contaminated with 1,4-dioxane. The cells of this culture are Gram-positive and exhibit branching aerial and vegetative mycelium. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicates that the strain belongs to the genusPseudonocardia, closely related toPseudonocardia hydrocarbonoxydans,P. sulfidoxydansandP. halophobica. Physiological and biochemical characteristics of CB1190Tare different from those of other knownPseudonocardiaspecies. The novel organism described here is distinguished by its ability to grow on 1,4-dioxane, which is a probable human carcinogen. This culture can also grow on tetrahydrofuran, gasoline aromatics and several other toxic environmental contaminants. Strain CB1190Tis capable of fixing dinitrogen. The predominant fatty acids are 16 : 0 iso, 16 : 1 isocis9 and 17 : 1 isocis9. The major phospholipid fatty acids are 16 : 0 iso, 16 : 0 10-Me and 17 : 0 10-Me. The peptidoglycan belongs to type A1γ,meso-diaminopimelic acid. The major menaquinone is MK-8 (H4). Mycolic acids are absent. The G+C content is 74 mol%. Based on morphological, physiological, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic evidence, it is proposed that strain CB1190T(=ATCC 55486T=DSM 44775T) be classified as the type strain of a novel species,Pseudonocardia dioxanivoranssp. nov. Further studies with this organism will provide insights into metabolic pathways, responsible enzymes, kinetics and the fate of 1,4-dioxane in the environment.
Biochemical and genetic evidence for the transfer of Enterococcus solitarius Collins et al. 1989 to the genus Tetragenococcus as Tetragenococcus solitarius comb. nov.
Authors: Ennahar Saïd , Cai Yimin
Published: March 2005

Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed thatEnterococcus solitariusis not a member of the genusEnterococcus, but is related to species of the genusTetragenococcus. On a phylogenetic tree,E. solitariusclustered withTetragenococcus halophilusandTetragenococcus muriaticus, with which it showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity level (about 94 %). Phenotypic studies indicated thatE. solitariuswas also unable to produce acid from lactose, providing further evidence of its affiliation to the genusTetragenococcus. DNA hybridization studies indicated thatE. solitariuswas clearly a separate species, different fromT. halophilusandT. muriaticus(reassociation levels of about 23 and 54 %, respectively). As suggested in previous studies,E. solitariusis closely related to but clearly distinct fromT. halophilus. Based upon properties that taxonomically distinguish it from species of the genusEnterococcus, it is proposed thatE. solitariusbe transferred to the genusTetragenococcusand reclassified asTetragenococcus solitariuscomb. nov. (type strain, 885/78T=ATCC 49428T=CCUG 29293T=CIP 103330T=DSM 5634T=JCM 8736T=LMG 12890T=NCTC 12193T).
16S–23S rRNA gene internal transcribed spacer sequences for analysis of the phylogenetic relationships among species of the genus Porphyromonas
Authors: Conrads Georg , Citron Diane M. , Tyrrell Kerin L. , Horz Hans-Peter , Goldstein Ellie J. C.
Published: March 2005

The 16S–23S rRNA gene internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of 11 reference strains ofPorphyromonasspecies, together withBacteroides distasonisandTannerella forsythensis, were analysed to examine interspecies relationships. Compared with the phylogenetic tree generated using 16S rRNA gene sequences, the resolution of the ITS sequence-based tree was higher, but species positioning and clustering were similar with both approaches. The recent separation ofPorphyromonas gulaeandPorphyromonas gingivalisinto distinct species was confirmed by the ITS data. In addition, analysis of the ITS sequences of 24 clinical isolates ofPorphyromonas asaccharolyticaplus the type strain ATCC 25260Tdivided the sequences into two clusters, of which one wasα-fucosidase-positive (like the type strain) while the other wasα-fucosidase-negative. The latter resembled the previously studied unusual extra-oral isolates of ‘Porphyromonas endodontalis-like organisms' (PELOs) which could therefore be called ‘Porphyromonas asaccharolytica-like organisms' (PALOs), based on the genetic identification. Moreover, the proposal ofα-fucosidase-negativeP. asaccharolyticastrains as a new species should also be considered.
Extension of the species Helicobacter bilis to include the reference strains of Helicobacter sp. flexispira taxa 2, 3 and 8 and Finnish canine and feline flexispira strains
Authors: Hänninen M.-L. , Kärenlampi R. I. , Koort J. M. K. , Mikkonen T. , Björkroth K. J.
Published: March 2005

The evolution and taxonomy of enterohepatic Helicobacter species with flexispira morphology were studied by a polyphasic approach including phenotypic characterization, analysis of 16S rRNA and ureB gene sequences and dot-blot DNA–DNA hybridization of whole genomic DNA. In addition, available phylogenetic data on the HSP60 gene were used in the analysis. The study included 14 Finnish canine and feline flexispira strains, the reference strains of Helicobacter sp. flexispira taxa 2, 3 and 8 and Helicobacter bilis ATCC 51630T. Phenotypically, all canine and feline strains were similar to H. bilis. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences of these strains revealed a similarity of 97–99·5 %. Similarity of ureB nucleotide and amino acid sequences within the studied flexispira group was 97–100 % and 99–100 %, respectively, revealing close relatedness. ureB sequences of Helicobacter hepaticus had only 64–66 % similarity to the flexispira group. The similarity to Helicobacter trogontum was 81·5–82·1 %. High levels of DNA–DNA hybridization between the strains were found in dot-blot tests. Polyphasic analysis of the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of the Finnish flexispira strains and the reference strains of taxa 2, 3 and 8 showed that they differed from other Helicobacter species and are members of the previously described species H. bilis. In addition, canine strain F56 differed in all phylogenetic analyses from the H. bilis group and probably represents a novel Helicobacter species.
Microbacterium natoriense sp. nov., a novel d-aminoacylase-producing bacterium isolated from soil in Natori, Japan
Authors: Liu Jian , Nakayama Toru , Hemmi Hisashi , Asano Yu , Tsuruoka Naoki , Shimomura Kengo , Nishijima Miyuki , Nishino Tokuzo
Published: March 2005

A rod-shaped, Gram-positive bacterium, strain TNJL143-2T, havingN-acyl-d-amino acid amidohydrolase (d-aminoacylase) activity, was isolated from a soil sample from Natori, Japan. It was a non-spore-forming, strictly aerobic bacterium without motility, showing a temperature optimum for growth of 30 °C and a pH optimum for growth of 5–7. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of the strain showed the highest similarities to members of the genusMicrobacterium, in particular,Microbacterium aerolatum,Microbacterium foliorumandMicrobacterium phyllosphaerae. The chemotaxonomic characteristics, including the compositions of cellular menaquinones, cellular fatty acids and cell-wall amino acids, were consistent with those described for the genusMicrobacterium. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was determined as 69·1 mol%. DNA–DNA hybridization studies using type strains ofM. aerolatum,M. foliorumandM. phyllosphaeraeshowed only low levels of relatedness (11–12 %). On the basis of these phenotypic and genotypic results, a novel species,Microbacterium natoriensesp. nov., is proposed, with TNJL143-2T(=JCM 12611T=ATCC BAA-1032T) as the type strain.
Reclassification of ‘Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans subsp. thermotolerans’ strain K1 as Alicyclobacillus tolerans sp. nov. and Sulfobacillus disulfidooxidans Dufresne et al. 1996 as Alicyclobacillus disulfidooxidans comb. nov., and emended description of the genus Alicyclobacillus
Authors: Karavaiko Grigorii I. , Bogdanova Tat'yana I. , Tourova Tat'yana P. , Kondrat'eva Tamara F. , Tsaplina Iraida A. , Egorova Marya A. , Krasil'nikova Elena N. , Zakharchuk Leonid M.
Published: March 2005

Comparative analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences, DNA–DNA hybridization data and phenotypic properties revealed that ‘Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidanssubsp.thermotolerans’ strain K1 is not a member of the genusSulfobacillus. Phylogenetically, strain K1 is closely related to unclassified strains of the genusAlicyclobacillus: the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain K1 is similar to that ofAlicyclobacillussp. AGC-2 (99·6 %),Alicyclobacillussp. 5C (98·9 %) andAlicyclobacillussp. CLG (98·6 %) and bacterium GSM (99·1 %). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values for strain K1 and species of the genusAlicyclobacilluswith validly published names were in the range 92·1–94·6 %, and forS. thermosulfidooxidansVKM B-1269Tthe value was 87·7 %.Sulfobacillus disulfidooxidansSD-11Twas also phylogenetically related to strain K1 (92·6 % sequence similarity) and thus belonged to the genusAlicyclobacillus. Chemotaxonomic data, such as the major cell-membrane lipid components of strains K1 and SD-11T(ω-alicyclic fatty acids) and the major isoprenoid quinone (menaquinone MK-7) of strain K1, supported the affiliation of strains K1 and SD-11Tto the genusAlicyclobacillus. Physiological and molecular biological tests allowed genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strains K1 and SD-11Tfrom the nineAlicyclobacillusspecies with validly published names. The G+C content of the DNA of strain K1 was 48·7±0·6 mol%; that of strain SD-11Twas 53±1 mol%. DNA–DNA reassociation studies showed low relatedness (22 %) between strains K1 and SD-11T, and even lower relatedness (3–5 %) between these strains andAlicyclobacillus acidocaldariussubsp.acidocaldariusATCC 27009T, DSM 446T. DNA reassociation of strains K1 and SD-11TwithAlicyclobacillus cycloheptanicusDSM 4006Tgave values of 15 and 21, respectively. Based on the phenotypic and phylogenetic characteristics of strains K1 and SD-11T,Alicyclobacillus toleranssp. nov. (type strain, K1T=VKM B-2304T=DSM 16297T) andAlicyclobacillus disulfidooxidanscomb. nov. (type strain, SD-11T=ATCC 51911T=DSM 12064T) are proposed.
Lactobacillus hammesii sp. nov., isolated from French sourdough
Authors: Valcheva Rosica , Korakli Maher , Onno Bernard , Prévost Hervé , Ivanova Iskra , Ehrmann Matthias A. , Dousset Xavier , Gänzle Michael G. , Vogel Rudi F.
Published: March 2005

Twenty morphologically different strains were chosen from French wheat sourdough isolates. Cells were Gram-positive, non-spore-forming, non-motile rods. The isolates were identified using amplified-fragment length polymorphism, randomly amplified polymorphic DNA and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. All isolates were members of the genus Lactobacillus. They were identified as representing Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus paralimentarius, Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis, Lactobacillus spicheri and Lactobacillus sakei. However, two isolates (LP38T and LP39) could be clearly discriminated from recognized Lactobacillus species on the basis of genotyping methods. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity and DNA–DNA relatedness data indicate that the two strains belong to a novel Lactobacillus species, for which the name Lactobacillus hammesii is proposed. The type strain is LP38T (=DSM 16381T=CIP 108387T=TMW 1.1236T).
Planomicrobium chinense sp. nov., isolated from coastal sediment, and transfer of Planococcus psychrophilus and Planococcus alkanoclasticus to Planomicrobium as Planomicrobium psychrophilum comb. nov. and Planomicrobium alkanoclasticum comb. nov.
Authors: Dai Xin , Wang Ya-Nan , Wang Bao-Jun , Liu Shuang-Jiang , Zhou Yu-Guang
Published: March 2005

An aerobic, motile, Gram-positive strain, DX3-12T, was isolated from coastal sediment of the Eastern China Sea in Fujian Province, China, and was identified by means of polyphasic taxonomy. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain DX3-12T was closely related to members of the genera Planomicrobium and Planococcus. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities between strain DX3-12T and Planomicrobium mcmeekinii, Planomicrobium koreense, Planomicrobium okeanokoites, Planococcus psychrophilus and Planococcus alkanoclasticus were 97·8, 97·8, 97·1, 97·5 and 96·4 %, respectively. Chemotaxonomic and physiological properties of strain DX3-12T supported its affiliation to the genus Planomicrobium. Strain DX3-12T and Planomicrobium mcmeekinii exhibited common phenotypic properties such as the ability to reduce nitrate, but they could be distinguished from each other by physiological and biochemical tests, e.g. acid production from glucose, growth temperature and NaCl concentration requirements. DNA–DNA hybridization further distinguished strain DX3-12T from Planomicrobium mcmeekinii at the species level. Therefore, it is proposed that strain DX3-12T (=AS 1.3454T=JCM 12466T) represents a novel species, Planomicrobium chinense sp. nov. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, signature nucleotides, cell morphology and physiological and biochemical properties, Planococcus psychrophilus and Planococcus alkanoclasticus have been transferred to the genus Planomicrobium as Planomicrobium psychrophilum comb. nov. (type strain DSM 14507T=MTCC 3812T) and Planomicrobium alkanoclasticum comb. nov. (type strain NCIMB 13489T=CIP 107718T), respectively.
Malikia granosa gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel polyhydroxyalkanoate- and polyphosphate-accumulating bacterium isolated from activated sludge, and reclassification of Pseudomonas spinosa as Malikia spinosa comb. nov.
Authors: Spring Stefan , Wagner Michael , Schumann Peter , Kämpfer Peter
Published: March 2005

A Gram-negative, motile, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain P1T, was isolated from activated sludge of a municipal wastewater treatment plant. Phylogenetic analysis of its 16S rRNA gene sequence placed the novel isolate among representatives of the familyComamonadaceae. The closest relatives in reconstructed phylogenetic trees werePseudomonas spinosa,Macromonas bipunctataandHydrogenophagaspecies. Strain P1Twas not able to grow anaerobically or autotrophically, reduced nitrate to nitrite and required vitamins for growth. Ubiquinone 8 (Q8) and 3-hydroxy-substituted fatty acids were present, but 2-hydroxy fatty acids were absent. The G+C content of the DNA was 67 mol%. Phenotypic characteristics allowed a clear differentiation of strain P1Tfrom representatives of the generaHydrogenophagaandMacromonas, whereas DNA–DNA hybridization experiments revealed that strain P1Tdid not belong to the speciesP. spinosa. As a peculiarity, cells of strain P1TandP. spinosaATCC 14606Twere able to accumulate large amounts of polyhydroxyalkanoates and polyphosphate in the form of large intracellular granules. Apparently in both strains nitrogen limitation stimulates the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates, whereas carbon starvation induces the formation of polyphosphates. Based upon phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence, it is proposed to establish the novel taxonMalikia granosagen. nov., sp. nov., represented by the type strain P1T(=DSM 15619T=JCM 12706T=CIP 108194T). The most closely related species of strain P1TwasP. spinosa. This species has been misclassified, and it is proposed to transfer it to the new genusMalikiaasMalikia spinosagen. nov., comb. nov. The type strain is ATCC 14606T(=DSM 15801T).
High genetic similarity of Streptococcus agalactiae and Streptococcus difficilis: S. difficilis Eldar et al. 1995 is a later synonym of S. agalactiae Lehmann and Neumann 1896 (Approved Lists 1980)
Authors: Kawamura Yoshiaki , Itoh Yoko , Mishima Noriko , Ohkusu Kiyufumi , Kasai Hiroaki , Ezaki Takayuki
Published: March 2005

The genetic relationship betweenStreptococcus agalactiaeandStreptococcus difficiliswas studied.S. difficiliswas originally described as serologically non-typable but was later reported to be a group B, type Ib streptococcus. Upon comparative analysis of five gene sequences, it was found thatS. agalactiaeandS. difficilisare closely related. Sequence similarity values between these two species were 100·0 % for 16S rRNA, 99·6 % forgyrB, 98·6 % forsodA, 99·5 % forgyrAand 99·8 % forparCgenes. These data strongly suggest thatS. agalactiaeandS. difficilisare synonyms. The biochemical characteristics ofS. difficilis, which differ slightly from those of typicalS. agalactiae, are similar to those of other group B, type Ib streptococci isolated from fish and frogs. Whole genome DNA–DNA hybridization values between the type strains of both species were greater than 78·6 %. On the basis of these data, it is proposed thatS. difficilisis a later synonym ofS. agalactiae.
Leucine-Rich Repeat Receptor-Like Kinase1 Is a Key Membrane-Bound Regulator of Abscisic Acid Early Signaling in Arabidopsis
Authors: Osakabe Yuriko , Maruyama Kyonoshin , Seki Motoaki , Satou Masakazu , Shinozaki Kazuo , Yamaguchi-Shinozaki Kazuko
Published: March 2005

Abscisic acid (ABA) is important in seed maturation, seed dormancy, stomatal closure, and stress response. Many genes that function in ABA signal transduction pathways have been identified. However, most important signaling molecules involved in the perception of the ABA signal or with ABA receptors have not been identified yet. Receptor-like kinase1 (RPK1), a Leu-rich repeat (LRR) receptor kinase in the plasma membrane, is upregulated by ABA in Arabidopsis  thaliana. Here, we show the phenotypes of T-DNA insertion mutants and RPK1-antisense plants. Repression of RPK1 expression in Arabidopsis decreased sensitivity to ABA during germination, growth, and stomatal closure; microarray and RNA gel analysis showed that many ABA-inducible genes are downregulated in these plants. Furthermore, overexpression of the RPK1 LRR domain alone or fused with the Brassinosteroid-insensitive1 kinase domain in plants resulted in phenotypes indicating ABA sensitivity. RPK1 is involved in the main ABA signaling pathway and in early ABA perception in Arabidopsis.
Three differently coloured concomitant polymorphs: synthesis, structure and packing analysis of (4-(3′,5′-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1′-yl)-6-methyl-2-phenylpyrimidine)dichlorocopper(II)
Authors: Peresypkina Eugenia V. , Bushuev Mark B. , Virovets Alexander V. , Krivopalov Victor P. , Lavrenova Ludmila G. , Larionov Stanislav V.
Published: March 2005

A novel pyrazolylpyrimidine ligand (L) and its complex CuLCl2 were prepared and structurally characterized. The simultaneous crystallization of three polymorphs of CuLCl2, green (G), emerald green (EG) and orange (O), was discovered. The molecular structures vary only slightly between the three forms. The Cu atom forms four coordinate bonds with the two N and two Cl atoms, and a shortened Cu...H contact with an H atom of the phenyl ring in L. The structural difference between polymorphs was analyzed with the boundary surfaces of molecular Voronoi–Dirichlet polyhedra. The difference in colour of the polymorphs is likely to be due to the different π–π stackings. There is no stacking in the G modification, but EG and O polymorphs demonstrate face-to-face and slipped stacking, resulting in dimers and infinite chains, respectively. The EG and O polymorphs are packed according to the hexagonal close-packing motif, while in G no special topology is found.
On the crystal structure of Cr2N precipitates in high-nitrogen austenitic stainless steel
Authors: Lee Tae-Ho , Oh Chang-Seok , Han Heung Nam , Lee Chang Gil , Kim Sung-Joon , Takaki Setsuo
Published: March 2005

The crystal structure of Cr2N precipitates in high-nitrogen austenitic stainless steel was investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Based on the analyses of selected area diffraction (SAD) patterns, the crystal structure of Cr2N was confirmed to be trigonal (P\bar 31m) and was characterized by three sets of superlattice reflections: (001), (1\over 31\over 30) and (1\over 31\over 31). These could be explained in terms of the ∊-type occupational ordering of nitrogen. The static concentration waves (SCWs) method was applied to describe the ordered superstructure of Cr2N. The occupation probability function (OPF) for describing the distribution of N atoms in the Cr2N superstructure was derived based on the superlattice reflections obtained in the SAD patterns and could be expressed as: n({\bf r})=c-\textstyle{1\over 6}\eta_1\cos 2\pi z+{4\over 3}\eta_3\cos (2\pi/3)(x+y+3z). The crystallographic models for ∊-type ordering, mainly suggested in the Fe–N system, were discussed in comparison to the present model.
Packing and molecular shape: layers of centred hexagons as a guiding principle
Authors: Braun Nils , Huttner Gottfried
Published: March 2005

A set of 112 993 structures was analysed for a specific type of packing: Molecular structures for which the centres of molecules form layers of centred hexagons exceed a percentage of 30%. This result has been obtained by a newly developed algorithm, allowing the extraction of these structures automatically and showing correlations between molecular shape and the type of packing.
On the structure of lithium peroxide, Li2O2
Authors: Cota Luis Guillermo , de la Mora Pablo
Published: March 2005

The two published lithium peroxide structures, both ascribed to the hexagonal P\bar 6 space group, were subjected to reinterpretation, and another more symmetric structure, now belonging to the P63/mmc space group, was found. Detailed density-functional quantum mechanical calculations and crystal structure optimizations were carried out on both structures and the energetic arguments obtained therewith helped to rule out one of them.
On the structure of aragonite
Authors: Caspi E. N. , Pokroy B. , Lee P. L. , Quintana J. P. , Zolotoyabko E.
Published: March 2005

High-resolution synchrotron powder diffraction measurements were carried out at the 32-ID beamline of the Advanced Photon Source of Argonne National Laboratory in order to clarify the structure of geological aragonite, a widely abundant polymorph of CaCO3. The investigated crystals were practically free of impurity atoms, as measured by wavelength-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy in scanning electron microscopy. A superior quality of diffraction data was achieved by using the 11-channel 111 Si multi-analyzer of the diffracted beam. Applying the Rietveld refinement procedure to the high-resolution diffraction spectra, we were able to extract the aragonite lattice parameters with an accuracy of about 20 p.p.m. The data obtained unambiguously confirm that pure aragonite crystals have orthorhombic symmetry.
Structural characterization of [1,4]diazepino[6,5-b]indoles by powder diffraction
Authors: Ryabova Svetlana Yu. , Rastorgueva Nina A. , Sonneveld Eduard J. , Peschar Rene , Schenk Henk , Tafeenko Viktor A. , Aslanov Leonid A. , Chernyshev Vladimir V.
Published: March 2005

As part of a systematic structural study of potentially pharmacologically active [1,4]diazepino[6,5-b]indoles, the crystal structures of nine compounds have been determined from laboratory powder diffraction data. The investigated compounds are: 2-oxo-1-(4-nitrophenyl)-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro[1,4]diazepino[6,5-b]indole-4-oxide, C17H12N4O4 (1a); 2-oxo-1-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro[1,4]diazepino[6,5-b]indole-4-oxide, C17H13N3O2 (1b); 2-oxo-1-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro[1,4]diazepino[6,5-b]indole-4-oxide, C19H17N3O3 (1c); 2-oxo-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro[1,4]diazepino[6,5-b]indole-4-oxide, C17H12N3O2Cl (1d); 2-oxo-1-(4-cyanophenyl)-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro[1,4]diazepino[6,5-b]indole-4-oxide, C18H12N4O2 (1e); 6-methyl-2-oxo-1-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro[1,4]diazepino[6,5-b]indole-4-oxide, C18H15N3O2 (1f); 2-formyl-3-[N′-(ω-chloracetyl)-N′-(4-nitrophenyl)]aminoindole, C17H12N3O4Cl (2a); 2-formyl-3-[N′-(ω-chloracetyl)-N′-(4-nitrophenyl)]aminoindole solvate with toluene (2:1), C17H12N3O4Cl·0.5C7H8 (2as); 2-formyl-3-[N′-(ω-chloracetyl)-N′-(4-cyanophenyl)]aminoindole, C18H12N3O2Cl (2e). Compounds (1a)–(1f) crystallize in non-centrosymmetric triclinic, monoclinic and orthorhombic space groups. The three-dimensional structures of (1a)–(1e) demonstrate identical intermolecular NH(indole)...O←N hydrogen bonds, which form linear chains of connected molecules. A comparison of the crystal structures (2a), (2e) and (2as) shows that the solvent used in the re-crystallization of (2a) and (2e), which are intermediates in the synthesis of (1a) and (1e), affects the intermolecular hydrogen-bond formation and, as a result, leads to essentially different yields of the goal products.
The evolution of larval foraging behaviour in response to host plant variation in a leaf beetle
Authors: Gotthard Karl , Margraf Nicolas , Rasmann Sergio , Rahier Martine
Published: March 2005

The evolutionary causes of variation in host specialization among phytophagous insects are still not well understood and identifying them is a central task in insect–host plant biology. Here we examine host utilization of the chrysomelid beetleOreina elongatathat shows interpopulation variation in the degree of specialization. We focus on larval behaviour and on what selection pressures may favour the use of two different larval host plants (Adenostyles alliariaeandCirsium spinosissimum) in one population as opposed to specialization onto one of them as is seen in other populations. The results suggest that the degree of exploratory foraging behaviour is higher in larvae from the two‐host population than in single host populations, and a field survey of the two‐host population also indicated that larvae do move between host species. A field experiment indicated that predation rates onO. elongatalarvae in the two‐host population are higher on one of the host species,A. alliariae, than on the alternativeC. spinosissimum. In combination with earlier results this finding suggest that larvae move between hosts to obtain better food on one host, and to get better protection from predators on the other. It appears that in this two‐host situation a single plant species does not provide the most beneficial conditions in all parts ofO. elongatalife cycle and individuals may obtain different plant‐specific benefits by moving between host species. This heterogeneous host situation appears to have selected for the explorative larval foraging strategy seen in the in the two‐host population. In general, the results support the notion that to understand patterns of host plant use in insects it is often vital to consider a range of host related selection pressures whose relative importance may vary between life stages of the insect.
Retinal toxicity during pegylatedα‐interferon therapy for chronic hepatitis C: a multifocal electroretinogram investigation
Authors: Chisholm J. A. , Williams G. , Spence E. , Parks S. , Keating D. , Gavin M. , Mills P. R.
Published: March 2005

Background: Ocular side‐effects in the form of retinal ischaemia and haemorrhages have been reported in patients undergoing standardα‐interferon therapy.

Aim: To assess the ocular impact of therapy with sustained release pegylatedα‐2a interferon (Pegasys) for chronic hepatitis C.

Methods: Ten patients receiving Pegasys and ribavirin and 10 healthy volunteers were recruited. Patients underwent full ophthalmic investigations and multifocal electroretinogram testing at baseline, at regular intervals during treatment and post‐treatment. The multifocal electroretinogram maps retinal function. Responses were compared with sequential recordings from healthy volunteers.

Results: All patients had normal clinical ophthalmic investigations at baseline. During therapy a single patient experienced central visual disturbance lasting 24 h with no prolonged ill effect. No other patient was aware of any change in vision.

Fundal abnormalities appeared in five patients during treatment. The multifocal electroretinogram showed reductions in retinal function in five patients. Nine of 10 patients exhibited abnormalities on at least one multifocal electroretinogram or fundoscopic investigation.

Conclusions: Subclinical retinal toxicity during anti‐viral therapy with pegylatedα‐interferon and ribavirin was frequent in this study and it suggests that patients should be warned of this risk and monitored during therapy.
Is Helicobacter pylori seropositivity related to body mass index in the United States?
Authors: Ioannou G. N. , Weiss N. S. , Kearney D. J.
Published: March 2005

Background:  Helicobacter pylori infection may decrease serum ghrelin and increase gastric leptin levels, which may, in turn, decrease body mass index.

Aim:  To determine whether H. pylori seropositivity is associated with body mass index.

Methods:  Serum H. pylori and cytotoxin‐associated gene product A (CagA) antibody levels were measured on 6724 adult participants of the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988–91). We evaluated the association between H. pylori/CagA antibody status [both negative (−/−), H. pylori‐positive/CagA‐negative (+/−), or both positive (+/+)] and body mass index, adjusting for sociodemographic factors. We also investigated whether H. pylori/cytotoxin‐associated gene product A antibody status was associated with fasting serum leptin levels.

Results:  H. pylori/CagA antibody status was not associated with obesity (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2) [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.2, 95% CI: 0.9–1.6 comparing (+/+) to (−/−) and adjusted OR 1.1, 95% CI: 0.8–1.5 comparing (+/−) to (−/−)], overweight (body mass index 25 to <30 kg/m2) [adjusted OR 1.0, 95% CI: 0.7–1.2 comparing (+/+) to (−/−) and adjusted OR 1.0, 95% CI: 0.8–1.3 comparing (+/−) to (−/−)], or fasting serum leptin level in the USA population.

Conclusions:  H. pylori seropositivity and CagA antibody status are not associated with body mass index or fasting serum leptin level.
The role of transcatheter arterial embolization for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a nationwide, multicentre study evaluated by cancer stage
Authors: Huang Y.‐H. , Chen C.‐H. , Chang T.‐T. , Chen S.‐C. , Chiang J.‐H. , Lee H.‐S. , Lin P.‐W. , Huang G.‐T. , Sheu J.‐C. , Tsai H.‐M. , Lee P.‐C. , Huo T.‐I. , Lee S.‐D. , Wu J.‐C.
Published: March 2005

Background: Transcatheter arterial embolization is a major palliative treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, but the survival benefit of transcatheter arterial embolization is controversial.

Aim: To evaluate the role of transcatheter arterial embolization in different stage of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma and to select patients who can get the best benefit from the treatment.

Methods: From 1991 to 1995, 476 patients who had unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma from four medical centres in Taiwan were enrolled. Among them, 425 underwent transcatheter arterial embolization, and 51 received supportive treatment alone. The survivals between the two groups were compared.

Results: Among the 476 patients, transcatheter arterial embolization can significantly prolong survival. The 1‐, 2‐, and 5‐year survival rates for patients who underwent transcatheter arterial embolization were 60.2%, 39.3%, and 11.5%; and the rates for patients who underwent supportive treatment were 37.3%, 17.6%, and 2%, respectively (P = 0.0002). The survival benefit of transcatheter arterial embolization was observed in patients between Cancer and the Liver Italian Program 0 and Cancer and the Liver Italian Program 4. In multivariate analysis, transcatheter arterial embolization, tumour size <5 cm and earlier Cancer and the Liver Italian Program stage were independent factors associated with a better survival.

Conclusions: For patients who fulfilled the criteria of transcatheter arterial embolization, embolization can serve as a primary treatment for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. The survival benefit of transcatheter arterial embolization is regardless of tumour stages.
Linkage analysis reveals two independent loci for ocular disorders in a local Japanese Black cattle population
Authors: Ihara N. , Fujita T. , Shiga K. , Itoh M. , Watanabe T. , Sugimoto Y.
Published: March 2005

A vision‐impairing ocular disorder was observed in a local Japanese Black cattle population, and assumed to be an autosomal recessive disease based on the presence of a founder cow. A genome scan using seven affected half‐sib pairs revealed a linkage to BTA5 (Zmax = 7.0, LODmax = 2.0), designated the bovine ocular disorder 1 (bod1) locus. Of the seven animals, three were heterozygous at the bod1 locus. Analysis in these three animals revealed linkage to markers on BTA18, and this locus was designated bod2. Detailed haplotype inspection of 16 affected animals indicated linkage to BTA5 in 12 animals, BTA18 in three animals, and linkage to both BTA5 and BTA18 in one animal. The bod1 locus was mapped to a 25 cM interval between DIK5237 and DIK5210 on BTA5 (Zmax = 17.0, LODmax = 11.8), and bod2 was mapped to a 7 cM interval between DIK5411 and INRA038 on BTA18 (Zmax =13.0, LODmax = 4.0). This study demonstrated that the independent involvement of loss of function mutations in two loci is likely responsible for this genetic heterogeneity.
Polymorphism of the GHR gene in cattle and relationships with meat production and quality
Authors: Di Stasio L. , Destefanis G. , Brugiapaglia A. , Albera A. , Rolando A.
Published: March 2005

Growth hormone (GH) exerts its effects on growth and metabolism by interacting with a specific receptor (GHR) on the surface of the target cells. Therefore, GHR has been suggested as candidate gene for traits related to meat production in cattle. The aim of the study was to analyse the polymorphism at position 257 in exon 10 of the GHR gene and investigate relationships with 14 in vivo traits and four meat characteristics in Piemontese animals. The biallelic polymorphism already described was detected using a new PCR procedure. The statistical analysis did not show significant gene substitution effects on growth, size and meat conformation traits. As for meat characteristics, a significant gene substitution of GHRA over GHRG was observed for drip losses at day 3, with the allele GHRA associated with higher values. A significant dominance effect was also observed for this trait. Further investigations in other breeds will be useful for better understanding information on the effect of this GHR polymorphism.
Bourdieu's theory of practice and its potential in nursing research
Authors: Rhynas Sarah J.
Published: March 2005

Aims. This paper seeks to consider the utility of Bourdieu'sTheory of Practicein nursing, and considers specifically its use as a framework for research exploring nurses’ conceptualizations of illness and the patients in their care. Bourdieu's work uses the concepts of field, capital and habitus to explain interactions within the social world. This paper describes these concepts and their relationship with nursing is discussed using dementia care as an example.

Background. The work of French scholar Pierre Bourdieu has contributed to debates throughout the social sciences, but has had relatively little attention in the nursing literature. Pierre Bourdieu's work developed against a backdrop of change in the academic world. The emergence of the social sciences and the debate around objective and subjective styles of research were influential in the development of hisTheory of Practice.

Discussion. The importance of the conceptualization process is discussed, and the considerable potential influence of conceptualization on patient care is highlighted. Reflexivity is a cornerstone of Bourdieu's work, and is an important feature of nursing research. Examples of health care research using his work as a framework are discussed, and some of the challenges of the approach are outlined.

Conclusions. The use of Bourdieu'sTheory of Practiceas a research framework could allow nurse researchers to explore the interactions of nurses with the structures, agents and symbols of illness within the field of care. This work could enhance understanding of how nurses view and react to patients in their care, and promote the development of practice innovations and policy change. The theory may, therefore, have much to offer future nursing research.
Practical inquiry/theory in nursing
Authors: Stevenson Chris
Published: March 2005

Aim.  This paper explores a social constructionist, pragmatist approach to inquiry and theory‐building with a view to exploring its relevance for nursing as a practical discipline.

Background.  Positivist and postpositivist inquiry approaches in practical disciplines have produced ‘detached’ theories that lack relevance for everyday practice and so sustain the theory–practice gap. Both meta‐ and mid‐range theories tend to see practice as fixed or fixable rather than being enacted in a state of flux.

Discussion.  Practical inquiry and theory are described structurally and as co‐dependent processes. The research process is sensitive to the influence of context and consists of construction rather than capture. Practical theory is judged in terms of whether it helps people to ‘go on with’ their lives. Practical inquiry/practical theory is superimposed on a previous nursing study in the field of mental health to illustrate how it can account for the processes of clinical research. In particular, the illustration demonstrates the surrender of researcher objectivity in the interests of collaborative understanding that occurs with practical inquiry/theory. Shared meaning arises as rich constructs of the research situation are developed that point to future possibilities for action for all those engaged in the research process.

Conclusion.  Practical inquiry/theory offers the means to conduct cogent, collaborative, developmental research, although further ‘trying out’ is required.