bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Class of Glasses for Double‐Crucible Optical Fibers with High Numerical Apertures
Authors: SPIERINGS G. A.C. M. , JOCHEM C.M.G. , MEEUWSEN T.P.M. , THOMAS G.E.
Published: October 2006

A series of boron‐ and germanium‐free silicate glasses was developed for the core glass of high‐numerical‐aperture double‐crucible optical fibers. When combined with a boro‐silicate cladding glass from a series also investigated in this study, fibers with a numerical aperture in the range 0.3 to 0.5 can be produced. The relatively high refractive indices in the core glasses are achieved by including large mole fractions of BaO, CaO, and ZnO, accompanied in some cases by smaller additions of ZrO2 and/or Y2O3 in the glass composition. Measurements of the refractive index, density, Rayleigh scattering coefficient, and viscosities and observations of the devitrification behavior and chemical durability of the glasses are presented. Attenuation spectra of suitable core glasses and of double‐crucible optical fibers comprised of different core and cladding combinations yielding high numerical apertures are given. The fibers have attenuations near 10 dB/km at 850 nm.
Radioactive Waste‐Portland Cement Systems: I, Radionuclide Distribution
Authors: JANTZEN CM. , GLASSER F.P. , LACHOWSKI E.E.
Published: October 2006

Crystal chemical stabilization of radioactive wastes can be achieved during clinkering of, or with, ordinary portland cement. Waste loadings of 20 to 30 wt% are achieved by dilute solid solution of waste ions into cementitious host lattices. Higher waste loadings result in compatible noncementitious radiophases. The cementitious phases hydrate without loss of compressive strength. Crystallochemical relationships predict that the radionuclide partitioning in the anhydrous clinkered phases will be maintained in the hydration products. These cementitious hydroxylated radiophases would be in internal equilibrium under anticipated repository conditions. The radio‐nuclide distributions observed are described in the context of established phase equilibria for commercial waste‐cement systems, but are applicable to transuranic, medium‐, and low‐level wastes.
In Situ Raman Spectroscopic Study of Yttria‐Stabilized Zirconia Attack by Molten Sodium Vanadate
Authors: HAMILTON J. C. , NAGELBERG A. S.
Published: October 2006

Raman spectroscopy has been used to study the molten salt attack of ceramics used as thermal barrier coatings. Zirconia stabilized with 8 wt% yttria was immersed in sodium metavanadate melts and in sodium metavanadate/sodium sulfate melts. In situ Raman measurements allowed simultaneous observation of the ceramic phases and salt chemistry during the attack process. The ceramic was seen to transform from the cubic/tetragonal to the monoclinic phase, concurrent with chemical changes in the molten salt layer in contact with the ceramic. These in situ measurements were complemented by conventional postexposure examination and by postexposure Raman measurements. The rate of attack was found to be quite sensitive to the mole fraction of vanadate in the molten salt solution.
Kinetics of the Early Hydration of Tricalcium Aluminate in Solutions Containing Calcium Sulfate
Authors: BROWN PAUL WENCIL , LIBERMAN LAWRENCE O. , FROHNSDORFF GEOFFREY
Published: October 2006

The rates of reaction of 3CaO. Al2O3, in sulfate‐containing solutions of three compositions were investigated. It was observed that the rates of calcium and sulfate uptake decreased with increasing calcium hydroxide concentration. In a further experiment using a calcium sulfate solution, which also contained NaOH, it was established that the kinetics of calcium sulfoaluminate hydrate formation are strongly dependent on the hydroxyl ion concentration. The rate of sulfate ion consumption per unit surface area of 3CaO·Al2O3 was observed to be constant during the period in which a calcium sulfoaluminate hydrate is a reaction product. The ratio of calcium‐to‐sulfate ions consumed in the hydration reactions investigated exceeded unity suggesting the formation of 4CaO·Al2O3·nH2O in addition to ettringite.
A breath test to assess compliance with disulfiram
Authors: Fletcher Keron , Stone Elizabeth , Mohamad Mirza Wasi , Faulder George Charles , Faulder Richard Martin , Jones Kate , Morgan Derek , Wegerdt Johannah , Kelly Maria , Chick Jonathan
Published: October 2006

Aims  To evaluate the ability of a hand‐held breath analyser, the Zenalyser® (Zenics Medical), to identify alcohol‐dependent patients receiving disulfiram therapy and to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the instrument at different time intervals post‐disulfiram dosing.

Design  Breath samples were taken from two groups of alcohol‐dependent patients, one group on a daily disulfiram regimen and one group receiving no disulfiram. The breath samples were analysed for the combined concentration of carbon disulphide and acetone produced from the metabolism of disulfiram. From these data, two reference ranges were prepared and used for sensitivity and specificity assessments.

Setting  Breath samples for the reference ranges were obtained from patients at Shelton Hospital, Shrewsbury. Breath samples used to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the instrument were obtained from patients at the Edinburgh Alcohol Problems Clinic.

Participants  Twenty in‐patients from Shelton Hospital receiving a daily 200 mg disulfiram regimen and 20 in‐patients receiving no disulfiram. At the Edinburgh Clinic, 54 patients taking a thrice‐weekly disulfiram regimen and 22 patients not on disulfiram.

Measurements  A total of 489 breath samples from Shelton Hospital and 391 breath samples from the Edinburgh Clinic were analysed for the combined concentrations of carbon disulphide and acetone.

Findings  The breath analyser produced results that distinguished between the disulfiram‐treated and untreated groups (P < 0.001). At 1 day post‐dose, the sensitivity was 100% and the specificity was 100%. At 2 and 3 days post‐dose, the sensitivities and specificities were 84.6% and 100% and 88.2% and 100%, respectively.

Conclusion  The breath analyser can improve the assessment of the compliance status of patients receiving a daily dose regimen of disulfiram, but is less useful for this purpose if disulfiram is taken on a thrice‐weekly regimen.
Visual contribution to walking in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder
Authors: Deconinck F. J. A. , De Clercq D. , Savelsbergh G. J. P. , Van Coster R. , Oostra A. , Dewitte G. , Lenoir M.
Published: October 2006

Background  The motor co‐ordination problems of children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) have been frequently associated with poor visuospatial processing. In order to extend these findings mainly based on fine motor experiments, the present study investigates the contribution of vision to the control of walking in children with DCD.

Methods  Children with DCD (n = 12) walked at their preferred speed on a straight, firm and uncluttered walkway in a condition with normal lighting and in a dark condition. Spatiotemporal gait variables were assessed by means of a three‐dimensional ProReflex camera system and compared with the gait pattern of matched, typically developing (TD) children (n = 12).

Results  In normal lighting, the gait pattern of both groups was similar, with the exception of subtle differences in the temporal phasing, showing a slightly longer support phase in the children with DCD. In the dark, step frequency and step length were decreased in the children with DCD, resulting in a significantly slower walking velocity. In addition, the medio‐lateral excursion of the centre of mass tended to increase in this group. In the TD children, adaptations to the spatiotemporal pattern remained absent.

Conclusions  These results suggest that children with DCD are more dependent on global visual flow information than TD children for the maintenance of balance and the control of velocity during walking. This increased dependency on visual control might be associated with a poorly developed internal sensorimotor model.
Comorbidity, co‐occurrence, continuum: what’s in a name?
Authors: Kaplan B. , Crawford S. , Cantell M. , Kooistra L. , Dewey D.
Published: October 2006

Background  Comorbidity, co‐occurrence and continuum are three terms used when referring to developmental problems such as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), but they can be confusing and misleading. Further, the terms can be upsetting to parents, and are not always helpful in guiding the selection of clinical interventions.

Goals  The main purpose of this paper is to question some of the terminology we employ when referring to DCD and other developmental problems. A secondary purpose is to discuss some of the conceptual frameworks that have been proposed that attempt to address the issue of the interrelationships among developmental problems.

Approach  The terminology is examined by first referring to the basic dictionary definitions. Second, data we have published that relate to the issues of co‐occurrence and continuum are reviewed in light of the terminology questions. Finally, we review some alternative conceptual frameworks which more accurately describe the relationships among developmental problems.

Conclusion  The term ‘comorbidity’ has limited relevance to developmental problems, and its use is questionable. In contrast, co‐occurrence and continuum are more useful terms to use in regard to developmental problems. Concepts such as atypical brain development and minor neurological dysfunction provide some possible explanations for the increased levels of co‐occurrence of developmental disorders in children who are more severely affected.
The National Evaluation of Sure Start Research Team Effects of Sure Start local programmes on children and families: early findings from a quasi‐experimental, cross sectional study
Authors: Reading Richard
Published: October 2006

.
 
Belsky J.,
Melhuish E.,
Barnes J.,
Leyland A.H. &
Romaniuk H.
(
2006
)

,
332
,
1476
.

Objective  To evaluate the effects of Sure Start local programmes (SSLPs) on children and their families. To assess whether variations in the effectiveness of SSLPs are due to differences in implementation.

Design  Quasi‐experimental cross sectional study using interviews with mothers and cognitive assessment of children aged 36 months who speak English.

Setting  Socially deprived communities in England: 150 communities with ongoing SSLPs and 50 comparison communities.

Participants  Mothers of 12 575 children aged 9 months and 3927 children aged 36 months in SSLP areas; mothers of 1509 children aged 9 months and 1101 children aged 36 months in comparison communities.

Outcome measures  Mothers’ reports of community services and local area, family functioning and parenting skills, child health and development, and verbal ability at 36 months.

Results  Differences between SSLP areas and comparison areas were limited, small and varied by degree of social deprivation. SSLPs had beneficial effects on non‐teenage mothers (better parenting, better social functioning in children) and adverse effects on children of teenage mothers (poorer social functioning) and children of single parents or parents who did not work (lower verbal ability). SSLPs led by health services were slightly more effective than other SSLPs.

Conclusion  Sure Start local programmes seem to benefit relatively less socially deprived parents (who have greater personal resources) and their children but seem to have an adverse effect on the most disadvantaged children. Programmes led by health services seem to be more effective than programmes led by other agencies.
Time‐Specific Effects of Perinatal Glucocorticoid Treatment on Anterior Pituitary Morphology, Annexin 1 Expression and Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone Secretion in the Adult Female Rat
Authors: John C. D. , Theogaraj E. , Christian H. C. , Morris J. F. , Smith S. F. , Buckingham J. C.
Published: October 2006

Perinatal glucocorticoid (GC) treatment is increasingly associated with long‐term disturbances in hypothalamo‐pituitary‐adrenocortical function. In the male rat, such treatment induces profound molecular, morphological and functional changes in the anterior pituitary gland at adulthood. To determine whether these effects are sex‐specific, we have examined the effects of perinatal dexamethasone treatment on the female pituitary gland, focusing on (i) the integrity of the annexin 1 (ANXA1) dependent regulatory effects of GCs on adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) release and (ii) corticotroph and folliculo‐stellate (FS) cell morphology. Dexamethasone was given to pregnant (gestational days 16–19) or lactating (days 1–7 post partum) rats via the drinking water (1 µg/ml); controls received normal drinking water. Pituitary tissue from the female offspring was examined ex vivo at adulthood (60–90 days). Both treatment regimes reduced the intracellular and cell surface ANXA1 expression, as determined by western blot analysis and quantitative immunogold electron microscopic histochemistry. In addition, they compromised the ability of dexamethasone to suppress the evoked release of ACTH from the excised tissue in vitro, a process which requires the translocation of ANXA1 from the cytoplasm to the cell surface of FS cells. Although neither treatment regime affected the number of FS cells or corticotrophs, both altered the subcellular morphology of these cells. Thus, prenatal dexamethasone treatment increased while neonatal treatment decreased FS cell size and cytoplasmic area. By contrast, corticotroph size was unaffected by either treatment, as also was the size of the secretory granules. Corticotroph granule density and margination were, however, increased markedly by the prenatal treatment, while the neonatal treatment had no effect on granule density but decreased granule margination. Thus, perinatal dexamethasone treatment exerts long‐term effects on the female pituitary gland, altering gene expression, cell morphology and the ANXA1‐dependent GC regulation of ACTH secretion. The changes are similar but not identical to those reported in the male.
Spinning the Rural Agenda: The Countryside Alliance, Fox Hunting and Social Policy
Authors: Anderson Alison
Published: October 2006

This paper investigates the ways in which the UK hunting lobby has historically sought to widen its appeal by wrapping the hunting debate up in broader countryside issues in an attempt to present it as an integral part of rural life. It is based upon a detailed analysis of the re‐branding of the hunting lobby and the subsequent framing of the Countryside Alliance's Liberty and Livelihood March in the British newspaper press in September 2002. This illustrates how the hunting lobby has fed upon and promoted the perception of a growing urban–rural divide in the UK. The analysis suggests that there is a long history of symbiotic relationships between campaigning organizations promoting a ‘countryside agenda’ and the politically partisan UK press. Gaining extensive newspaper access, however, does not guarantee that a protest group is successful in its aims. This case study suggests that it is important to consider the less visible processes of news production within their historical context, and in relation to the broader policy‐making arena, to adequately assess whether there has been a fundamental shift in the relationship between protest movements and the press in recent years.
Minamata Disease and Environmental Governance
Authors: Funabashi Harutoshi
Published: October 2006

Abstract:  This article aims to clarify the conditions necessary for environmental governance through a case study of one of the most tragic examples of environmental destruction, the Minamata disease. The Minamata disease is methyl‐mercury poisoning resulting from the ingestion of contaminated fish and shellfish. The first incident of the Minamata disease occurred in the mid‐1950s, in Kumamoto Prefecture. In spite of the grave lesson that the pollution in Kumamoto provided, Japanese society went on to experience a second occurrence of Minamata disease in the mid‐1960s, in Niigata Prefecture. Conflicts between victims, the companies responsible for contamination, and the central and prefectural governments have continued for the past 50 years. As a whole, the history of the two incidences of Minamata disease shows a lack of environmental governance in Japanese society. Effective environmental governance is the ability to produce adequate solutions to a variety of environmental problems. In order to resolve an environmental problem such as Minamata disease adequately, four tasks must be achieved. These are the discovery of the cause, the prevention of suffering, recovery from suffering and the learning of a lesson. What factors are crucial to the achievement of these tasks? Through an analysis of the history of Minamata disease, I would like to point out three fundamental factors that have a decisive influence on the solution of an environmental problem. They are the existence of an effective and just juridical system, a mature public sphere, and the quality of individual actors who are concerned with an environmental problem. The following conditions are important to the fostering of environmental governance on a more concrete level: sensitivity of the society and the ability to set an agenda, autonomy of the research process and of any research groups, organization of the antipollution movement, an adequately designed system for compensation, and various measures which help to counter socially amplified suffering.
Metabolic Changes in Neuronal Migration Disorders: Evaluation by Combined MRI and Proton MR Spectroscopy
Authors: Simone I. L. , Federico F. , Tortorella C. , De Blasi R. , Bellomo R. , Lucivero V. , Carrara D. , Bellacosa A. , Livrea P. , Carella A.
Published: October 2006

Summary: Purpose: To assess the role of 1H‐magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in detecting biochemical abnormalities in neuronal migration disorders (NMDs).

Methods: We performed 1H‐MRS studies on 17 brain NMD areas [five polymicrogyria, eight subcortical heterotopia, and four cortical dysplasia on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)]. The study group consisted of 15 patients, all but one affected by partial epileptic seizures. Spectra were acquired from volumes of interest localized on NMDs and contralateral sides and compared with those obtained on gray and white matter of 18 neurologic controls.

Results: NMD lesions were characterized by lower N‐acetylaspartate to creatine (NAA/Cr) and choline to Cr (Cho/Cr) ratios than those of the white (p = 0.002 and p = 0.004) and gray matter (p = 0.03 and p = 0.06) of neurologic controls. In addition, the normal‐appearing contralateral sides to the NMD lesions showed a significant decrease of Cho/Cr ratio when compared with those of white (p = 0.003) and gray matter (p = 0.05) of neurologic controls. No relation was found between NAA/Cr decrease, EEG abnormalities, and NMD sides, or between NAA/Cr ratios, duration of epilepsy, and frequency of seizures. Lactate signal was detected in the spectra of four patients who had an epileptic seizure a short time before MR examination.

Conclusions: NAA/Cr decrease may be related more to structural and functional alteration of the NMD sides than to epileptic activity in these lesions. Low Cho/Cr may be related to a more extensive diffuse hypomyelination than suggested by the MRI findings. An activation of anerobic glycolysis during and after seizures could account for the presence of lactate. These data confirm that 1H‐MRS is an advanced technique that may provide useful biochemical information in vivo on neurobiologic processes underlying NMDs.
Hemodynamic and Metabolic Aspects of Photosensitive Epilepsy Revealed by Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Hill Rosamund A. , Chiappa Keith H. , Huang‐Hellinger Frank , Jenkins Bruce G.
Published: October 2006

Summary: Purpose: To study in humans the hemodynamic and metabolic consequences of both photic stimulationtriggered and spontaneous generalized epileptiform discharges.

Methods: Simultaneous EEG, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and MR spectroscopy were performed in a 1.5‐T scanner in 16 patients with generalized epilepsy, including nine with photosensitive epilepsy, and 12 normal subjects.

Results: With a flash stimulation duration of 2 s, prominent visual cortex activation was seen in all normals and patients. There were no fMRI‐registered hemodynamic abnormalities found in relation to the brief photoparoxysmal spike‐wave activity evoked in the photosensitive patients. However, irrespective of the presence of a spike‐wave response to the photic stimulation, the photosensitive patients showed four unique findings compared with normals: (a) slightly, but significantly, increased lactate levels in the occipital cortex in the resting state, (b) an increased area of visual cortical activation with photic stimulation, (c) simultaneous with the occipital cortex stimulus‐induced increased fMRI signal there were noncontiguous areas of signal attenuation most prominent in perirolandic regions, and (d) a marked decrement (undershoot) of fMRI signal intensity immediately after the photic stimulation in the occipital cortex and in the region of the posterior cingulate gyrus.

Conclusions: These findings suggest abnormal interictal metabolism and increased vascular reactivity in the photosensitive patients.
Lamictal (Lamotrigine) Monotherapy for Typical Absence Seizures in Children
Authors: Frank L. Matthew , Enlow Thomas , Holmes Gregory L. , Manasco Penelope , Concannon Susan , Chen Chao , Womble Gilda , Casale Eugene J.
Published: October 2006

Summary: Purpose: To investigate whether lamotrigine (LTG) monotherapy is effective and safe for newly diagnosed typical absence seizures in children and adolescents (aged 3–15 years, n = 45).

Methods: A “responder‐enriched” study design was used: open‐label dose escalation was followed by placebo‐controlled, double‐blind testing of LTG. Conventional hyperventilation testing with EEG recording was used to confirm diagnoses and assess treatment success defined as complete freedom from seizures. Ambulatory 24‐h EEG recordings provided supporting evidence of effectiveness. Safety was assessed by evaluation of adverse events, vital signs, and physical, neurologic, and laboratory examinations. Plasma samples were taken to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of LTG.

Results: During initial open‐label dose escalation, 71.4% of patients (intent‐to‐treat) or 82% (per protocol analysis) became seizure free; individual patients responded at doses ranging from 2 to 15 mg/kg/day (median, 5.0). In the placebo‐controlled, double‐blind phase of the study, statistically significantly more patients remained seizure free when treated with LTG (62%) than with placebo (21%; p < 0.02; for the intent‐to‐treat analysis). Mean plasma concentrations of LTG, were linearly related to dose, although there was substantial interindividual variation. No patients were withdrawn from the study for any safety‐related reason.

Conclusions: LTG monotherapy is effective for typical absence seizures in children and is generally well tolerated.
The role of local and regional processes in structuring larval dragonfly distributions across habitat gradients
Authors: J. McCauley S.
Published: October 2006

Despite the importance of community‐structuring processes operating at both local and regional scales, there is relatively little work examining both forces within a single system. I used a combination of observational and experimental approaches to examine the processes structuring larval dragonfly distributions in lentic habitats that encompass a gradient of both permanence and top predator type. I compared the relative vulnerability of species to predators from different portions of this gradient to assess the role of predation as a local force structuring communities. I also assessed the role of regional processes on species’ distributions by examining species’ propensity to disperse to and colonize artificial ponds distributed across a landscape. In both studies I contrasted habitat specialist species, which had larvae restricted to permanent lakes, with habitat generalist species, which had larvae that occur broadly across the habitat permanence and top predator transition. Results from this work suggest that dispersal and colonization behavior were critical mechanisms restricting the distributions of habitat specialist species, but that predation may act to reinforce this pattern. The habitat specialists dispersed less frequently, colonized artificial ponds less often when they did reach them, and most moved shorter distances than the habitat generalist species. Habitat specialists were also more vulnerable than habitat generalists to an invertebrate top predator with which they do not co‐exist. Results from these studies suggest that species distributions can be shaped by processes operating at both regional and local spatial scales. The role of dispersal and recruitment limitation may be generally underestimated as a force shaping species distributions and community structure across habitat gradients in which there is a transition in both the biotic interactions and the disturbance interval across that gradient.
Parasitoids on the loose – experimental lack of support of the parasitoid movement hypothesis
Authors: Roth David , Roland Jens , Roslin Tomas
Published: October 2006

Forest fragmentation can disrupt important ecological processes both within and among species. Of particular interest is the extent to which fragmentation decouples economically important pest species from their parasites. In an influential paper, Roland and Taylor (1997) advanced the hypothesis that forest fragmentation at a relatively fine spatial scale would disrupt the ability of parasitoids to aggregate in response to host density, thereby facilitating the build‐up of host populations at isolated sites. Our study provides the first experimental test of this notion. We augmented existing densities of forest tent caterpillar individuals at two types of sites: isolated forest fragments and continuous tracts of forest. Of the four parasitoid species studied by Roland and Taylor (1997), two were encountered in our experiment. For the sarcophagid fly Arachnidomyia aldrichi and the tachinid Carcelia malacosomae, we found no difference in parasitism rates among forest fragments and continuous forest tracts. A third tachinid species unique to this study, Lespesia frenchii, is known to be a broad generalist with respect to host choice. In this species, we observed significantly elevated parasitism in forest fragments, and higher parasitism at the forest edge than within the forest. All of these findings suggest complex effects of forest fragmentation on parasitoid movement, and warn against broad generalizations from observational studies. Forest fragmentation may affect movement patterns in a multitude of ways, significantly obscuring or modifying the simplest mechanisms proposed by Roland and Taylor (1997).
Smaller Microtus vole species competitively superior in the absence of predators
Authors: Koivisto Elina , Huitu Otso , Korpimäki Erkki
Published: October 2006

Interspecific competition is assumed to generate negative effects on coexisting species, possibly including slower population growth and lower survival. The field vole (Microtus agrestis) and the sibling vole (M. rossiaemeridionalis) are sympatric close relatives which compete for similar resources. Previous non‐experimental studies suggest that the smaller sibling vole is a superior competitor, yet more vulnerable to predation than the larger field vole. We studied the effects of coexistence on population densities, reproductive parameters, and survival in these two species by means of experimentation in large, predator‐free outdoor enclosures. While populations of both species reached higher densities in the absence of the other, field voles appeared to suffer more from interspecific competition than sibling voles. The proportion of young individuals in the population was higher in the sibling vole than in the field vole at the end of the experiment. The presence of a coexisting species reduced the survival of field voles. Sibling voles, on the other hand, appeared to suffer more from intraspecific competition than interspecific competition. On a population level, the sibling vole seems to be a superior competitor in the absence of predators due to better survival and possibly a higher reproductive capacity. However, predation probably has a profound influence on the interspecific dynamics of these two species indicating that in natural surroundings apparent competition (i.e. competition via shared predators) is stronger than direct competition.
Characterization of a Highly Hop-ResistantLactobacillus brevisStrain Lacking Hop Transport
Authors: Behr Jürgen , Gänzle Michael G. , Vogel Rudi F.
Published: October 2006

Resistance to hops is a prerequisite for lactic acid bacteria to spoil beer. In this study we analyzed mechanisms of hop resistance ofLactobacillus brevisat the metabolism, membrane physiology, and cell wall composition levels. The beer-spoiling organismL. brevisTMW 1.465 was adapted to high concentrations of hop compounds and compared to a nonadapted strain. Upon adaptation to hops the metabolism changed to minimize ethanol stress. Fructose was used predominantly as a carbon source by the nonadapted strain but served as an electron acceptor upon adaptation to hops, with concomitant formation of acetate instead of ethanol. Furthermore, hop adaptation resulted in higher levels of lipoteichoic acids (LTA) incorporated into the cell wall and altered composition and fluidity of the cytoplasmic membrane. The putative transport protein HitA and enzymes of the arginine deiminase pathway were overexpressed upon hop adaptation. HorA was not expressed, and the transport of hop compounds from the membrane to the extracellular space did not account for increased resistance to hops upon adaptation. Accordingly, hop resistance is a multifactorial dynamic property, which can develop during adaptation. During hop adaptation, arginine catabolism contributes to energy and generation of the proton motive force until a small fraction of the population has established structural improvements. This acquired hop resistance is energy independent and involves an altered cell wall composition. LTA shields the organism from accompanying stresses and provides a reservoir of divalent cations, which are otherwise scarce as a result of their complexation by hop acids. Some of the mechanisms involved in hop resistance overlap with mechanisms of pH resistance and ethanol tolerance and as a result enable beer spoilage byL. brevis.
Effect of Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane on Methylation of Bismuth by
Methanosarcina barkeri
Authors: Michalke Klaus , Meyer Jörg , Hensel Reinhard
Published: October 2006

Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (OMCTS), a common constituent of household products, triggers the transformation of bismuth to the volatile toxic derivative trimethylbismuth by
Methanosarcina barkeri
, which is a representative member of the sewage sludge microflora. Comparative studies with the ionophores monensin and lasalocid, which induce effects similar to those observed for OMCTS, indicated that the stimulation of bismuth methylation is not specific for the siloxane and suggested that the stimulation observed is mainly due to facilitated membrane permeation of the metal ion.
Essentiality of a Newly Identified Carbohydrate-Binding Module for the Function of CelB (BH0603) from the Alkaliphilic Bacterium
Bacillus halodurans
Authors: Wamalwa Benson Munyali , Sakka Makiko , Shiundu Paul Mwanza , Ohmiya Kunio , Kimura Tetsuya , Sakka Kazuo
Published: October 2006

CelB (BH0603) from
Bacillus halodurans
is a modular glycoside hydrolase with a family 5 catalytic module, an immunoglobulin-like module, and module PfamB of unknown function. The recombinant PfamB module bound to Avicel and was essential for CelB hydrolytic function. We propose that module PfamB be designated a new carbohydrate-binding module.
Microbial Community in Black Rust Exposed to Hot Ridge Flank Crustal Fluids
Authors: Nakagawa Satoshi , Inagaki Fumio , Suzuki Yohey , Steinsbu Bjørn Olav , Lever Mark Alexander , Takai Ken , Engelen Bert , Sako Yoshihiko , Wheat Charles Geoffrey , Horikoshi Koki ,   Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Expedition 301 Scientists
Published: October 2006

During Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Expedition 301, we obtained a sample of black rust from a circulation obviation retrofit kit (CORK) observatory at a borehole on the eastern flank of Juan de Fuca Ridge. Due to overpressure, the CORK had failed to seal the borehole. Hot fluids from oceanic crust had discharged to the overlying bottom seawater and resulted in the formation of black rust analogous to a hydrothermal chimney deposit. Both culture-dependent and culture-independent analyses indicated that the black-rust-associated community differed from communities reported from other microbial habitats, including hydrothermal vents at seafloor spreading centers, while it shared phylotypes with communities previously detected in crustal fluids from the same borehole. The most frequently retrieved sequences of bacterial and archaeal 16S rRNA genes were related to the generaAmmonifexandMethanothermococcus, respectively. Most phylotypes, including phylotypes previously detected in crustal fluids, were isolated in pure culture, and their metabolic traits were determined. Quantification of the dissimilatory sulfite reductase (dsrAB) genes, together with stable sulfur isotopic and electron microscopic analyses, strongly suggested the prevalence of sulfate reduction, potentially by theAmmonifexgroup of bacteria. Stable carbon isotopic analyses suggested that the bulk of the microbial community was trophically reliant upon photosynthesis-derived organic matter. This report provides important insights into the phylogenetic, physiological, and trophic characteristics of subseafloor microbial ecosystems in warm ridge flank crusts.
Role of Erythrocytes as a Reservoir for Ribavirin and Relationship with Adverse Reactions in the Early Phase of Interferon Combination Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infections
Authors: Saito Hidetsugu , Tada Shinichiro , Ebinuma Hirotoshi , Ishii Hiromasa , Kashiwazaki Kazuo , Takahashi Masahiko , Tsukada Nobuhiro , Nishida Jiro , Tanaka Shin , Shiozaki Hiroshi , Hibi Toshifumi
Published: October 2006

We investigated the relationship between serum ribavirin concentrations and clearance, as well as therapeutic efficacy and adverse reactions, in 97 Japanese patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infections treated with a 6-month course of high-dose alpha2b interferon (6 million units/day) plus ribavirin (600 to 800 mg/day) combination therapy. This randomized trial showed that the saturation of ribavirin uptake after taking ribavirin capsules does not occur within a dose range of 600 to 800 mg/day, which is a standard dosage used clinically in Japan. Serum ribavirin concentrations and clearance did not correlate with sustained virological response rates. Fourteen patients discontinued therapy because of adverse reactions, and sustained virological response rates were significantly reduced by discontinuation of therapy, while dose reduction of ribavirin did not alter the therapeutic effects. Ribavirin concentrations after 1 week and ribavirin clearance were significantly correlated with discontinuation of ribavirin; however, a multiple-regression analysis revealed that only hemoglobin concentration, but not ribavirin clearance, was a significant factor for discontinuation of therapy (odds ratio, 0.514; 95% confidence interval, 0.311 to 0.85;
P
= 0.0095). It appears that peripheral erythrocytes may act as a reservoir for ribavirin and regulate serum ribavirin levels in the very early phase of treatment.
Vancomycin-Tolerant
Streptococcus pneumoniae
in Korea
Authors: Sung Heungsup , Shin Hee Bong , Kim Mi-Na , Lee Kyungwon , Kim Eui-Chong , Song Wonkeun , Jeong Seok Hoon , Lee Wee-Gyo , Park Yeon-Joon , Eliopoulos George M.
Published: October 2006

A nationwide surveillance study was undertaken to monitor antimicrobial resistance among clinical isolates of
Streptococcus pneumoniae
in Korea, with a special focus on vancomycin tolerance. For the 6-month period from March to August 2002, clinical isolates of
S. pneumoniae
were collected from 11 university hospitals and 1 reference laboratory. One-hundred eighty-eight isolates were measured for lysis rates after exposure to vancomycin for 4 h. Two vancomycin-tolerant
S. pneumoniae
(VTSP) strains, S3 and H8, were isolated from sputum cultures of two patients, who had stayed in intensive-care units of different hospitals with long-term antibiotic therapy and were not treated for pneumococcal pneumonia. The penicillin, cefotaxime, and vancomycin MICs for S3 were 8 μg/ml, >16 μg/ml, and 0.5 μg/ml, and those for H8 were 2 μg/ml, 2 μg/ml, and 0.5 μg/ml, respectively. While S3 belonged to serotype 23F and was autolysin defective, H8 belonged to serotype 13F and had intact autolysin. These strains were not clonally related as determined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of chromosomal DNA. In agreement with previous reports, both isolates showed pairing of TIGR4
vex2
with R6
pep27
and had two identical amino acid substitutions, Q441K in
vncS
and N25D in
vex2
. These findings indicate that two VTSP strains have emerged independently in Korea, suggesting a prevalence rate of 1.1%. The emergence of VTSP would be a serious threat in Korea, where there are significant rates of penicillin resistance in
S. pneumoniae
. Monitoring of the prevalence of VTSP and further investigation of the clinical relevance of VTSP are warranted.
Species-Specific Identification of
Leptospiraceae
by 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Authors: Morey Roger E. , Galloway Renee L. , Bragg Sandra L. , Steigerwalt Arnold G. , Mayer Leonard W. , Levett Paul N.
Published: October 2006

The genus
Leptospira
is classified into 13 named species and 4 genomospecies based upon DNA-DNA reassociation studies. Phenotypic tests are unable to distinguish between species of
Leptospira
, and there is a need for a simplified molecular approach to the identification of leptospires. 16S rRNA gene sequences are potentially useful for species identification of
Leptospira
, but there are a large number of sequences of various lengths and quality in the public databases. 16S rRNA gene sequences of near full length and bidirectional high redundancy were determined for all type strains of the species of the
Leptospiraceae
. Three clades were identified within the genus
Leptospira
, composed of pathogenic species, nonpathogenic species, and another clade of undetermined pathogenicity with intermediate 16S rRNA gene sequence relatedness. All type strains could be identified by 16S rRNA gene sequences, but within both pathogenic and nonpathogenic clades as few as two or three base pairs separated some species. Sequences within the nonpathogenic clade were more similar, and in most cases ≤10 bp distinguished these species. These sequences provide a reference standard for identification of
Leptospira
species and confirm previously established relationships within the genus. 16S rRNA gene sequencing is a powerful method for identification in the clinical laboratory and offers a simplified approach to the identification of
Leptospira
species.
Comparison of Phenotypic with Genotypic Procedures for Confirmation of Coagulase-Negative
Staphylococcus
Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections
Authors: Aldea-Mansilla Carmen , García de Viedma Darío , Cercenado Emilia , Martín-Rabadán Pablo , Marín Mercedes , Bouza Emilio
Published: October 2006

We sought here to review the present definition of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CR-BSI) due to coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) by comparing the routine phenotypic methods with a genotypic procedure that considers different morphotypes. Our phenotypic characterization of CNS isolates included routine identification with biotype and antibiotype. The genotypic diagnosis was based on longer incubation periods with the consideration of all morphotypes and molecular typing by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis techniques. We prospectively selected 61 episodes of suspected CR-BSI by CNS occurring during 1 year, based on the presence of a compatible clinical setting and the isolation of one or more CNS from blood and catheter tip. Of these episodes, 47 (77%) were identified as true episodes of CR-BSI based on the presence of microorganisms of the same genotype in the blood and on the catheter tip. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive, negative predictive, accuracy, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio values obtained by different phenotypic microbiological approaches to establish the diagnosis of CR-BSI were as follows: identity at species level (78.7%, 85.7%, 94.9%, 54.5%, 80.3%, 5.51, and 0.25, respectively); identity of species and biotype (59.6%, 92.9%, 96.6%, 40.6%, 67.2%, 8.34, and 0.44, respectively); identity of species and antibiotype (61.7%, 92.9%, 96.7%, 41.9%, 68.8%, 8.64, and 0.41, respectively); and identity of species, biotype, and antibiotype (48.9%, 92.9%, 95.8%, 35.1%, 59%, 6.85, and 0.55, respectively). Our study demonstrates the inaccuracy of the diagnosis of CNS CR-BSI when the current definition based on conventional routine microbiological practice is followed. A new definition of CNS CR-BSI is necessary, at least as an epidemiological and research tool.
Disseminated Gonococcal Infection in an Immunocompetent Patient Caused by an Imported
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Multidrug-Resistant Strain
Authors: Dal Conte Ivano , Starnino Stefania , Di Perri Giovanni , Stefanelli Paola
Published: October 2006

We herein report the microbiological features of a
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
strain isolated from an immunocompetent patient with disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI). The strain expressed the IA/IB serovar; was resistant to penicillin, tetracycline, and ciprofloxacin; and had presumably been acquired in Southeast Asia. To date, this is the first case reported in our country of DGI due to an imported multidrug-resistant strain.
Verification of the IDI-MRSA Assay for Detecting Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
in Diverse Specimen Types in a Core Clinical Laboratory Setting
Authors: Drews Steven J. , Willey Barbara M. , Kreiswirth Nathan , Wang Min , Ianes Teresa , Mitchell Jayne , Latchford Mary , McGeer Allison J. , Katz Kevin C.
Published: October 2006

The IDI-MRSA assay has a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 96% when used to screen patients at extranasal sites. This verification study used previously unverified swabs and was undertaken in a core medical laboratory using nonmicrobiology technologists trained in sample processing, molecular laboratory work flow, and PCR practice.
Enumeration of Bacterial Cell Numbers and Detection of Significant Bacteriuria by Use of a New Flow Cytometry-Based Device
Authors: Okada Hiroshi , Shirakawa Toshiro , Gotoh Akinobu , Kamiyama Yutaka , Muto Satoru , Ide Hisamitsu , Hamaguchi Yukio , Horie Shigeo
Published: October 2006

A new, automated flow cytometry-based urine bacterium analyzer (UBA) was developed. We assessed the UBA for linearity of measurement, reproducibility of results, carryover rate, and correlation of measured results with those determined by urine culture. We also evaluated its ability to screen urine samples for significant bacteriuria. The UBA showed excellent linearity and a minor carryover rate. Results from the UBA were highly reproducible, and in between-run precision assays, the coefficients of variation for the UBA results were smaller than those for the urine culture results. Two hundred seventy-three urine specimens from patients attending the outpatient clinics of two university-based hospitals were examined. The results for the UBA were compared with those for urine culture. The UBA detected significant bacteriuria with a sensitivity of 96.6%, a specificity of 79.9%, a positive predictive value of 57.0%, a negative predictive value of 98.8%, a false-positive rate of 15.8%, a false-negative rate of 0.7%, and an accuracy of 83.5%. These results were comparable to or better than those obtained with previously reported screening procedures. The UBA can perform accurate enumeration of bacterial cells automatically in 90 seconds and can be used for the screening of significant bacteriuria.
Worrisome histologic alterations following fine-needle aspiration of the parathyroid
Authors: Alwaheeb S , Rambaldini G , Boerner S , Coiré C , Fiser J , Asa S L
Published: October 2006

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is a procedure that is increasingly being performed. Artefacts occurring after FNA are reported to complicate the histological analysis of the tissue, mainly in the thyroid; WHAFFT (worrisome histologic alterations following FNA of thyroid) is well documented in the literature. The case of a male patient with hypercalcaemia who was subsequently found to have a nodule in the thyroid gland is reported here. He underwent FNA, followed by a total thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy. The abnormality in the parathyroid gland showed worrisome histological changes that were suspicious of a malignant lesion, resembling the changes seen in the thyroid gland after FNA. Parathyroid cells were identified by a review of the previous FNA. The concept of WHAFFT, which can mimic the features of malignancy in the parathyroid gland, is therefore introduced.
Risk of leukaemia among children living near the Solway coast of Dumfries and Galloway Health Board area, Scotland, 1975–2002
Authors: Stark J M , Black R J , Brewster D H
Published: October 2006

Objective:To investigate allegations of an excess risk of leukaemia among children living near the Solway Firth coast of Dumfries and Galloway Health Board area in Scotland, UK.

Methods:Incident cases of childhood leukaemia (International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, C91–C95, patients aged 0–14 years) for two almost equal calendar periods of diagnosis (1975–89 and 1990–2002) were selected from the Scottish Cancer Registry database and allocated to predetermined study areas, on the basis of proximity of residence to the Solway coast. Expected numbers of childhood leukaemia cases for the study areas were calculated by applying Scotland’s age-specific, sex-specific and calendar period-specific rates to estimates of the person-years at risk in each study area. The ratios of observed to expected cases or standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated overall and for each sex and calendar period category. Exact 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the SIRs were calculated assuming a Poisson distribution for the observed number of cases of childhood leukaemia.

Results:No statistically significantly increased SIRs were found in boys, girls or both combined for any of the areas or periods of diagnosis studied. For the total period of observation (1975–2002), and the more immediate coastal area studied, the SIR for both sexes combined was 1.22 (95% CI 0.53 to 2.40).

Conclusion:No statistically significant evidence was found of an excess risk of childhood leukaemia in the vicinity of the Solway Firth coast of Dumfries and Galloway Health Board area in Scotland.