bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Humoral and cellular immune responses in sheep immunized with a 22 kilodalton exported protein of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis
Authors: Rigden Rachael C. , Jandhyala Dakshina M. , Dupont Chris , Crosbie-Caird Dianna , Lopez-Villalobos Nicolas , Maeda Norihiro , Gicquel Brigitte , Murray Alan
Published: November 2006

An immunogenic 22 kilodalton exported Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) lipoprotein (P22) was previously identified, and found to belong to the LppX/LprAFG family of mycobacterial lipoproteins. N-terminal polyhistidine-tagged P22 was produced and purified from Escherichia coli. Antibody recognition of P22, and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) responses in vitro using blood from a sheep vaccinated with Neoparasec, confirmed its immunogenicity. To evaluate the immunogenicity of P22 in vivo, five sheep were immunized with a single dose containing 0.8 mg recombinant P22 protein in adjuvant. Blood was collected at 4, 13 and 29 weeks post-immunization (p.i.) and tested for anti-P22 antibodies and P22-specific IFN-γ production. P22-specific antibodies were detected by Western blot analysis in all five Neoparasec-immunized sheep at the three time points. Three out of five P22-immunized sheep produced P22-specific antibodies for up to 13 weeks p.i., and two gave a response at 29 weeks p.i. Recombinant P22 was able to stimulate significant IFN-γ production in blood of P22-immunized sheep at 13 and 29 weeks p.i. Recombinant P22 also elicited an IFN-γ response in blood of sheep immunized with Neoparasec.
Thin-film disorientation measurement using the single-crystal Nonius Kappa CCD diffractometer
Authors: Aubert Emmanuel , Wenger Emmanuel , Link Mathias , Assouar Badreddine , Didierjean Claude , Lecomte Claude
Published: November 2006

The experimental procedure for the determination of disorientation of thin films relative to their substrate using the dedicated single-crystal Nonius Kappa CCD diffractometer is presented in this paper. This setup is applied to the analysis of polycrystalline ZnO films deposited on silicon, where the inclination of the piezoelectric film relative to the substrate is related to excitation of the shear wave mode in these resonators. Care must be taken with harmonic contamination arising from the sealed tube. Diffraction patterns were analysed with dedicated programs written in Fortran77.
Hyperquenching for protein cryocrystallography
Authors: Warkentin Matthew , Berejnov Viatcheslav , Husseini Naji S. , Thorne Robert E.
Published: November 2006

When samples having volumes characteristic of protein crystals are plunge cooled in liquid nitrogen or propane, most cooling occurs in the cold gas layer above the liquid. By removing this cold gas layer, cooling rates for small samples and modest plunge velocities are increased to 1.5 × 104 K s−1, with increases of a factor of 100 over current best practice possible with 10 µm samples. Glycerol concentrations required to eliminate water crystallization in protein-free aqueous mixtures drop from ∼28%w/vto as low as 6%w/v. These results will allow many crystals to go from crystallization tray to liquid cryogen to X-ray beam without cryoprotectants. By reducing or eliminating the need for cryoprotectants in growth solutions, they may also simplify the search for crystallization conditions and for optimal screens. The results presented here resolve many puzzles, such as why plunge cooling in liquid nitrogen or propane has, until now, not yielded significantly better diffraction quality than gas-stream cooling.
Evaluation of equatorial orientation distributions
Authors: Burger C. , Ruland W.
Published: November 2006

Two conflicting methods reported in the literature [Kratky (1933).Kolloid Z.64, 213–222; Leadbetter & Norris (1979).Mol. Phys.38, 669–686] for the relationship between axial orientation distributions and equatorial intensity profiles are analyzed. Both methods are in common use by their respective proponents for the evaluation of scattering patterns with preferred orientation under rotational symmetry. The correctness of these methods is assessed, and the consequences of the findings are discussed.
MolIso– a program for colour-mapped iso-surfaces
Authors: Hübschle C. B. , Luger P.
Published: November 2006

The programMolIsoallows the visualization of colour-mapped iso-surfaces fromXDgrid orGAUSSIANCUBE files. It is written in C++ and uses theOpenGLandGLUTlibraries, and is therefore portable. Linux and Windows versions are currently available. Optically correct looking, transparent visualizations are possible. The molecule inside the iso-surface can be depicted as ball-and-stick or atomic displacement parameter ellipsoid–line models. Screenshots can easily be taken in Portable Pix Map format. Short video clips, with various codecs for presentations, are easy to create.
On the interaction of azithromycin monohydrate with metallic containers
Authors: Montejo-Bernardo J. , García-Granda S. , Bayod-Jasanada M. , Llorente I. , Llavona L.
Published: November 2006

The monohydrate form of azithromycin (an antibiotic semisynthetic derivative of erythromycin A) is difficult to manipulate due to its great propensity to stick to metallic surfaces (during crystallization, drying, grinding,etc.). In this paper, this behaviour is explained on the basis of the conformation and packing of the azithromycin molecules in this crystal form. In particular, the crystal habit favours interaction between the N and O atoms with the metal through one particular crystal face.
The crystal structure of Zr2NiD4.5
Authors: Sørby M. H. , Gunnæs A. E. , Løvvik O. M. , Brinks H. W. , Fjellvåg H. , Hauback B. C.
Published: November 2006

The crystal structure of Zr2NiD4.5 has been determined by a combination of synchrotron radiation powder X-ray diffraction, electron diffraction and powder neutron diffraction data. Deuterium ordering results in a triclinic supercell given by a
super = 6.81560 (7), b
super = 8.85137 (9), c
super = 8.88007 (10) Å, αsuper = 79.8337 (8), βsuper = 90.0987 (9), γsuper = 90.3634 (9)°, which relates to the non-super unit cell as a
super = −a, b
super = −b − c, c
super = −b + c. The centrosymmetric and fully ordered deuterium sublattice was determined by simulated annealing and Rietveld refinement. Deuterium was found to occupy three types of tetrahedral sites: two that are coordinated by four Zr atoms and one that is coordinated by three Zr atoms and one Ni atom. All D—D distances are longer than 2 Å. The feasibility of the crystal structure was supported by density functional theory calculations.
On the crystal structure of Cr2N precipitates in high-nitrogen austenitic stainless steel. III. Neutron diffraction study on the ordered Cr2N superstructure
Authors: Lee Tae-Ho , Kim Sung-Joon , Shin Eunjoo , Takaki Setsuo
Published: November 2006

The ordered structure of Cr2N precipitates in high-nitrogen austenitic steel was investigated utilizing high-resolution neutron powder diffractometry (HRPD). On the basis of the Rietveld refinement of neutron diffraction patterns, the ordered Cr2N superstructure was confirmed to be trigonal (space group P\overline 3 1m), with lattice parameters a = 4.800 (4) and c = 4.472 (5) Å, as suggested in previous transmission electron microscopy studies [Lee, Oh, Han, Lee, Kim & Takaki (2005). Acta Cryst. B61, 137–144; Lee, Kim & Takaki (2006). Acta Cryst. B62, 190–196]. The occupancies of the N atoms in four crystallographic sites [1(a), 1(b), 2(d) and 2(c) Wyckoff sites] were determined to be 1.00 (5), 0.0, 0.74 (9) and 0.12 (3), respectively, reflecting a partial disordering of N atoms along the c axis. The position of the metal atom was specified to be x = 0.346 (8) and z = 0.244 (6), corresponding to a deviation from the ideal position (x = 0.333 and z = 0.250). This deviation caused the (\,{1 \over 3}{1 \over 3}0)-type superlattice reflection to appear. A comparison between the ideal and measured crystal structures of Cr2N was performed using a computer simulation of selected-area diffraction patterns.
Molecular interactions in crystalline dibromomethane and diiodomethane, and the stabilities of their high-pressure and low-temperature phases
Authors: Podsiadło Marcin , Dziubek Kamil , Szafrański Marek , Katrusiak Andrzej
Published: November 2006

Dibromomethane, CH2Br2, and diiodomethane, CH2I2, have been in situ pressure-crystallized in a diamond–anvil cell and their structures determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction at 0.61 and 0.16 GPa, respectively. The pressure-frozen CH2Br2 crystal is isostructural with its C2/c phase obtained by cooling. CH2I2 is known to form several phases at low temperature, one of which is isostructural with CH2Br2. However, pressure freezing leads to the polar Fmm2 phase. The formation of the polar CH2I2 structure at 0.16 GPa has been rationalized by the electrostatic and anisotropic van der Waals interactions of the I atoms. No ferroelectric behaviour of the Fmm2 polar phase II of CH2I2 has been determined. The diffraction, calorimetric and dielectric constant studies reveal considerable temperature hysteresis of transformations between the CH2I2 phases, as well as metastable regions strongly dependent on the sample shape and history.
Analysis of migration paths in fast-ion conductors with Voronoi–Dirichlet partition
Authors: Blatov Vladislav A. , Ilyushin Gregory D. , Blatova Olga A. , Anurova Nataly A. , Ivanov-Schits Alexej K. , Dem'yanets Lyudmila N.
Published: November 2006

In terms of the Voronoi–Dirichlet partition of the crystal space, definitions are given for such concepts as `void', `channel' and `migration path' for inorganic structures with three-dimensional networks of chemical bonds. A number of criteria are proposed for selecting significant voids and migration channels for alkali cations Li+–Cs+ based on the average characteristics of the Voronoi–Dirichlet polyhedra for alkali metals in oxygen-containing compounds. A general algorithm to analyze the voids in crystal structures has been developed and implemented in the computer package TOPOS. This approach was used to predict the positions of Li+ and Na+ cations and to analyze their possible migration paths in the solid superionic materials Li3
M
2P3O12 (M = Sc, Fe; LIPHOS) and Na1 + x
Zr2Si
x
P3 − x
O12 (NASICON), whose framework structures consist of connected M octahedra and T tetrahedra. Using this approach we determine the most probable places for charge carriers (coordinates of alkali cations) and the dimensionality of their conducting sublattice with high accuracy. The theoretically calculated coordinates of the alkali cations in MT frameworks are found to correlate to within 0.33 Å with experimental data for various phases of NASICON and LIPHOS. The proposed method of computer analysis is universal and suitable for investigating fast-ion conductors with other conducting components.
A randomised comparison of melphalan with prednisone or dexamethasone as induction therapy and dexamethasone or observation as maintenance therapy in multiple myeloma: NCIC CTG MY.7
Authors: Shustik Chaim , Belch Andrew , Robinson Sue , Rubin Sheldon H. , Dolan Sean P. , Kovacs Michael J. , Grewal Kuljit S. , Walde David , Barr Robert , Wilson Jonathan , Gill Kulwant , Vickars Linda , Rudinskas Leona , Sicheri Dolores A. , Wilson Kenneth , Djurfeldt Marina , Shepherd Lois E. , Ding Keyue , Meyer Ralph M.
Published: November 2006

The effectiveness of melphalan plus dexamethasone (M‐Dex) with melphalan plus prednisone (MP) as induction therapy and dexamethasone with observation as maintenance therapy was compared in 585 older patients with multiple myeloma. Randomization to the M‐Dex arm was stopped as a result of an analysis performed which met a predetermined event‐related criterion. Of 466 patients randomised to MP or M‐Dex, no differences were detected in the respective median progression‐free survivals (PFS) [1·8 vs. 1·9 years; Hazard Ratio (HR) = 0·88, 95% CI 0·72–1·07;P = 0·2] or overall survivals (OS) (2·5 vs. 2·7 years; HR = 0·91, 95% CI 0·74–1·11;P = 0·3). Of the initial 585 patients, 292 remained evaluable for maintenance therapy. Patients randomised to maintenance dexamethasone had a superior median PFS (2·8 years vs. 2·1 years; HR = 0·61, 95% CI 0·47–0·79;P = 0·0002). No difference in median OS was detected (4·1 years vs. 3·8 years; HR = 0·88, 95% CI 0·65–1·18;P = 0·4). The maintenance therapy results were robust when analysed by using two additional methodologies. Dexamethasone did not improve clinical outcome when combined with melphalan during induction; maintenance dexamethasone improved PFS, but this did not translate into a detectable survival advantage.
The effect of soya flour and flaxseed as a partial replacement for bread flour in yeast bread
Authors: Conforti Frank D. , Davis Sarah F.
Published: November 2006

The aim of the study was to incorporate and determine the effect of combining flaxseed meal (15%) and soya flour (5% and 10%) and monitoring the effect of the two ingredients on product quality in yeast bread while at the same time to evaluate the effect of soya flour in preventing the development of lipid rancidity in the stored soya/flax bread. Bread volume decreased (P < 0.05) with increased addition of grains (flax and soya flour). Firming (P < 0.05) of the crumb was observed with increased percentage of soya flour. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in moisture in the flax and soya/flax breads. Darker crusts (P < 0.05) were developed in the control and soya/flax breads, while a darker (P < 0.05) crumb was found in flax and soya/flax breads. A 10% substitution level of soya flour did not have a significant effect on inhibiting lipid rancidity, but a lower peroxide value was produced in the bread. A 10% level of soya flour substitution also produced bread with lower quality sensory scores.
Plant cell walls and cell‐wall polysaccharides: structures, properties and uses in food products
Authors: Harris Philip J. , Smith Bronwen G.
Published: November 2006

We describe preparations of plant cell walls and polysaccharides obtained from plant cell walls that are added to food products for two purposes: as modifiers of food texture and/or as dietary fibres with potential health benefits. Although a number of different types of plant cell walls occur, only some are presently exploited. Commercial ‘fibre preparations’ range from those containing mostly primary walls to those containing mostly lignified secondary walls from which much of the lignin and non‐cellulosic polysaccharides have been removed. Preparations of cell‐wall polysaccharides are obtained from the following sources: cellulose mostly from secondary walls of cotton and wood, pectin from primary walls of dicotyledons, and (1→3),(1→4)‐β‐glucans and arabinoxylans from primary walls of cereal grains. Preparations of galactomannans, xyloglucans and the pectic polysaccharide rhamnogalacturonan I are obtained from non‐lignified secondary walls of certain leguminous seeds. The compositions, functionalities, uses and possible health benefits of these different preparations are discussed.
The effect of hybrid and growing environment on the rheological properties of starch and flour from maize (Zea mays L.) grain dried at four temperatures
Authors: Hardacre Allan Keith , Clark Suzanne Margaret
Published: November 2006

Grain from three maize hybrids was harvested from crops grown at a mildly drought‐stressed site and at a non‐stressed site. Samples were dried to 14% moisture at temperatures of 25, 58, 80 and 100 °C before being milled to flour or starch extracted. Significant differences in the rheological properties of the flour milled from the grain samples were evident for all of the treatments. Differences in the rheological properties of extracted starches were smaller than those determined for the flours. Increasing the drying temperature from 58 °C to 110 °C increased the strength of the flour gels. The hard‐seeded variety, P3476, developed stronger gels during and after cooking. The effect of site was large, with the non‐stressed site producing stronger flour gels but weaker starch gels than the stressed site. Variation in the rheological properties of the flours could not be explained by differences in the properties of the starch.
Circulating levels of pro‐atrial natriuretic peptide in lower respiratory tract infections
Authors: MÜLLER B. , SÜESS E. , SCHUETZ P. , MÜLLER C. , BINGISSER R. , BERGMANN A. , STOLZ D. , TAMM M. , MORGENTHALER N. G. , CHRIST‐CRAIN M.
Published: November 2006

Objective.  To analyse the mid region of plasma N‐terminal pro‐atrial natriuretic peptide (MR‐proANP) levels in patients with lower respiratory tract infections to evaluate its prognostic use for the severity of disease and outcome.

Design.  Prospective observational study.

Setting.  Emergency department of a university hospital.

Subjects.  A total of 545 consecutive patients with lower respiratory tract infections and 50 healthy controls.

Interventions.  MR‐proANP was measured in serum from all patients using a new sandwich immunoassay.

Results.  MR‐proANP levels (median [IQR], in pmol L−1) were significantly higher in patients with lower respiratory tract infections when compared with controls (138.0 [74.1–279.0] vs. 72.7 [62.5–89.5], P < 0.001), with highest levels in patients with community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP). MR‐proANP, but not C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels, gradually increased with increasing severity of CAP, classified according to the pneumonia severity index (PSI) score (P < 0.001). On admission, MR‐proANP levels were significantly higher in nonsurvivors when compared with survivors (293.0 [154.0–633.0] vs. 129.0 [71.4–255.0], P < 0.001). In a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis for the prediction of survival of patients with CAP the area under the ROC curve (AUC) for MR‐proANP was 0.69, similar when compared with the PSI (AUC 0.74, P = 0.31), and better when compared with other biomarkers, i.e. procalcitonin (AUC 0.57, P = 0.08), CRP (AUC 0.52, P = 0.02), and leucocyte count (AUC 0.56, P = 0.07).

Conclusions.  MR‐proANP levels are increased in lower respiratory tract infections, especially in CAP. Together with other clinical, radiographic and laboratory findings, MR‐proANP levels might be helpful for the risk stratification in CAP.
Prognostic implications of renal dysfunction in patients with stable angina pectoris
Authors: ALMQUIST T. , FORSLUND L. , REHNQVIST N. , HJEMDAHL P.
Published: November 2006

Objective.  Impaired renal function is emerging as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) disease. We analysed the prognostic implications of estimated renal function in patients with angina pectoris.

Design.  Post hoc analysis of the Angina Prognosis Study In Stockholm (APSIS). The estimated creatinine clearance (eCrCl) was calculated according to the Cockcroft–Gault formula in 808 patients. Outcomes were compared for subgroups with CrCl ≥90, 60–89 and<60 mL min−1.

Setting.  Hospital‐based study with patients referred from primary care and hospital.

Subjects.  A total of 809 patients (248 women) with clinically diagnosed stable angina pectoris.

Intervention.  Double‐blind treatment with metoprolol or verapamil.

Results.  One hundred and sixty‐four patients (91 women) had an eCrCl below 60 mL min−1. During a median follow‐up of 40 months, 38 patients suffered CV death and 31 patients had a nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI). In a univariate analysis a lower eCrCl was related to a higher risk for CV death or MI amongst men (log rank P = 0.036). A multivariate Cox analysis showed an independent prognostic importance of eCrCl for CV death (P = 0.046) and for CV death or MI (P = 0.042) amongst all patients. When analysed as a continuous variable, a 1 mL min−1 decrease in eCrCl was associated with a 1.6% (0.1–3.1) increase in the risk for CV death or MI, and a 2.1% (0–4.1) increase in the risk for CV death alone.

Conclusion.  Renal dysfunction was found to be common in patients with stable angina pectoris and estimated creatinine clearances carried significant independent prognostic information regarding CV death and nonfatal MI.
High intercontinental migration rates and population admixture in the sapstain fungusOphiostoma ips
Authors: ZHOU XUDONG , BURGESS TREENA I. , DE BEER Z. WILHELM , LIEUTIER FRANCOIS , YART ANNIE , KLEPZIG KIER , CARNEGIE ANGUS , PORTALES JULIO MENA , WINGFIELD BRENDA D. , WINGFIELD MICHAEL J.
Published: November 2006

Ophiostoma ipsis a common fungal associate of various conifer‐infesting bark beetles in their native ranges and has been introduced into non‐native pine plantations in the Southern Hemisphere. In this study, we used 10 microsatellite markers to investigate the population biology ofO. ipsin native (Cuba, France, Morocco and USA) and non‐native (Australia, Chile and South Africa) areas to characterize host specificity, reproductive behaviour, and the potential origin as well as patterns of spread of the fungus and its insect vectors. The markers resolved a total of 41 alleles and 75 haplotypes. Higher genetic diversity was found in the native populations than in the introduced populations. Based on the origin of the insect vectors, the populations ofO. ipsin Australia would be expected to reflect a North American origin, and those in Chile and South Africa to reflect a European origin. However, most alleles observed in the native European population were also found in the native North American population; only the allele frequencies among the populations varied. This admixture made it impossible to confirm the origin of the introduced Southern Hemisphere (SH) populations ofO. ips. There was also no evidence for specificity of the fungus to particular bark beetle vectors or hosts. AlthoughO. ipsis thought to be mainly self‐fertilizing, evidence for recombination was found in the four native populations surveyed. The higher genetic diversity in the North American than in the European population suggests that North America could be the possible source region ofO. ips.
Pleistocene isolation in the Northwestern Pacific marginal seas and limited dispersal in a marine fish,Chelon haematocheilus(Temminck & Schlegel, 1845)
Authors: LIU JIN‐XIAN , GAO TIAN‐XIANG , WU SHI‐FANG , ZHANG YA‐PING
Published: November 2006

The Northwestern Pacific has a unique tectonic and geographical history with several marginal seas separating Asia from the Pacific Ocean. During low sea level periods of Pleistocene glaciations, populations might have been isolated in three marginal seas: the Sea of Japan, East China Sea and South China Sea. Following postglacial sea level rise, we would expect the populations isolated in the three regions to have been homogenized by high dispersal potential. To assess these hypotheses, we explore the intraspecific phylogeographical patterns in redlip mullet,Chelon haematocheilus. Fragments of 435 bp at the 5′ end of mitochondrial DNA control region were sequenced for 272 individuals from nine localities over most of the species’ range. Three distinct lineages were detected, which might have diverged in the three marginal seas during Pleistocene low sea levels. Contrary to homogenization expectation, there were strong differences in the geographical distribution of the three lineages. Analyses of molecular variance and the population statistic ΦSTalso revealed significant genetic structure among populations of the three marginal seas. These results indicate that gene flow inChelon haematocheilusis far more restricted spatially than predicted by the potential dispersal capabilities of this species. The lack of phylogeographical structure in East China Sea may reflect a recent range expansion after the last glacial maximum and insufficient time to attain migration‐drift equilibrium.
The Situation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Outbreaks in Turkey
Authors: Coven F.
Published: November 2006

The first avian influenza (AI) outbreak occurred on 5 October, 2005, in north‐west Turkey. On 13 October 2005, the virus was confirmed as H5N1 in Weybridge CVL, AI‐NDV Reference Laboratory. Based on genetic analysis of the NA gene, the virus showed a close similarity to A7 Great Black Headed Gull/Qinghai/1/05 (99.6 % identity). Therefore, there is a direct relationship between the recent central Asian and Turkey isolates. The HA gene of the Turkish isolate was most similar to A/Grebe/Novosbirsk/05 (98.7% identity), and the Turkish isolate has therefore direct relationship with recent Russia, Mongolia and China isolates. The second outbreak of AI in Turkey occurred on 26 December 2005 in Igdır, close to the Iranian and Armenian border. The second outbreak was also due to H5N1 and it exhibited a significant spreading potential within the eastern region of the country. A total of 2 246 954 susceptible animals in the protection zone were culled with compensation.
Causative factors as cues for addressing the rapid increase in suicide in Mie Prefecture, Japan: Comparison of trends between 1996–2002 and 1989–1995
Authors: INOUE KEN , TANII HISASHI , ABE SHUNTARO , NATA MASAYUKI , NISHIMURA YUKIKA , NISHIDA ATSUSHI , KAJIKI NAOMI , YOKOYAMA CHIKA , KAIYA HISANOBU , FUKUNAGA TATSUSHIGE , OKAZAKI YUJI
Published: November 2006

Abstract  The number of suicides in Japan has increased from approximately 22 000 per year from 1988 to 1997 to >30 000 per year since 1998. Likewise, the number of suicides has been increasing in Mie Prefecture. The purpose of the present study was to examine the incidence of and circumstances surrounding all suicide cases during 1996–2002 in Mie Prefecture and to compare the data with those from 1989 to 1995. In Mie Prefecture, the age‐specific suicide rate during the second 7‐year period included marked increases among men aged 50–59 and 60–69 years. Among women, the age‐specific suicide rate increased with age during both 7‐year periods. During the second period, psychiatric disorders as causative factors increased in all generations. They were especially important for women of the younger generation, whereas economic problems were the most common causative factor among men aged 40–64. Physical illness as a causative factor in suicide was high among the elderly, but among the other age groups this factor trailed behind economic difficulties for men and psychiatric disorders for women. To prevent suicide, social cooperation as well as a plenitude of visiting nurses and psychiatric care is required, and early detection and treatment are also important.
HUB‐AIRPORT COMPETITION: CONNECTING TIME DIFFERENTIATION AND CONCESSION CONSUMPTION*
Authors: HSIN LIN MING
Published: November 2006

This paper develops a network model to analyse the economic effects resulting from the non‐price competition between the home country's and neighbouring country's hub‐airports. Focusing on the trade‐off relationship between the length of the connecting time in the hub‐airport and the consumption opportunities of the transfer passengers, we demonstrate theoretically that even though the hub‐airport bears a cost disadvantage over its rival in providing the hub‐airport service, it still has a chance to earn more profits than its rival by the setting of the connecting time. This finding suggests a new methodology for hub‐airports that attempt to alleviate price competition.
Strength in Networks: Employment Rights Organizations and the Problem of Co‐Ordination
Authors: Heckscher Charles , Carré Françoise
Published: November 2006

In recent decades, alternative organizations and movements —‘quasi‐unions’— have emerged to fill gaps in the US system of representation caused by union decline. We examine the record of quasi‐unions and find that although they have sometimes helped workers who lack other means of representation, they have significant limitations and are unlikely to replace unions as the primary means of representation. But networks, consisting of sets of diverse actors including unions and quasi‐unions, are more promising. They have already shown power in specific campaigns, but they have yet to do so for more sustained strategies. By looking at analogous cases, we identify institutional bases for sustained networks, including shared information platforms, behavioural norms, common mission and governance mechanisms that go well beyond what now exists in labour alliances and campaigns. There are substantial resistances to these network institutions because of the history of fragmentation and autonomy among both unions and quasi‐unions; yet we also identify positive potential for network formation.
Chronic Frequent Headache in the General Population: Comorbidity and Quality of Life
Authors: Wiendels NJ , van Haestregt A , Knuistingh Neven A , Spinhoven P , Zitman FG , Assendelft WJJ , Ferrari MD
Published: November 2006

We studied the nature and extent of comorbidity of chronic frequent headache (CFH) in the general population and the influence of CFH and comorbidity on quality of life. Subjects with CFH (headache on >14 days/month) were identified in a general health survey. We sent a second questionnaire including questions on comorbidity and quality of life to subjects with CFH and subjects with infrequent headache (IH) (1-4 days/month). We recoded comorbidity by using the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS) and measured quality of life with the RAND-36, a Dutch version of Short Form-36. CFH subjects ( n = 176) had higher comorbidity scores than the IH subjects ( n = 141). Mean CIRS scores were 2.94 for CFH and 1.55 for IH [mean difference 1.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.91, 1.89]. The mean number of categories selected was 1.92 in CFH and 1.10 in IH (mean difference 0.82, 95% CI 0.54, 1.11). Fifty percent of CFH subjects had a comorbidity severity level of at least 2, indicating disorders requiring daily medication, compared with 28% of IH subjects (mean difference 22%, 95% CI 12, 33). CFH subjects had more musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, psychiatric and endocrine/breast pathology than IH subjects. Quality of life in CFH subjects was lower than that of IH subjects in all domains of the RAND-36. Both headache frequency and CIRS score had a negative influence on all domains. We conclude that patients with CFH have more comorbid disorders than patients with infrequent headaches. Many CFH patients have a comorbid chronic condition requiring daily medication. Both high headache frequency and comorbidity contribute to the low quality of life in these patients.
Parvalbumin is freely mobile in axons, somata and nuclei of cerebellar Purkinje neurones
Authors: Schmidt Hartmut , Arendt Oliver , Brown Edward B. , Schwaller Beat , Eilers Jens
Published: November 2006

The Ca2+‐binding protein (CaBP) parvalbumin (PV) is strongly expressed in cerebellar Purkinje neurones (PNs). It is considered a pure Ca2+buffer, lacking any Ca2+sensor function. Consistent with this notion, no PV ligand was found in dendrites of PNs. Recently, however, we observed for a related CaBP that ligand‐targeting differs substantially between dendrites and axons. Thus, here we quantified the diffusion of dye‐labelled PV in axons, somata and nuclei of PNs by two‐photon fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP). In all three compartments the fluorescence rapidly returned to baseline, indicating that no large or immobile PV ligand was present. In the axon, FRAP was well described by a one‐dimensional diffusion equation and a diffusion coefficient (D) of 12 (IQR 6–20) µm2/s. For the soma and nucleus a three‐dimensional model yielded similarDvalues. The diffusional mobility in these compartments was ∼3 times smaller than in dendrites. Based on control experiments with fluorescein dextrans, we attributed this reduced mobility of PV to different cytoplasmic properties rather than to specific PV interactions in these compartments. Our findings support the notion that PV functions as a pure Ca2+buffer and will aid simulations of neuronal Ca2+signalling.
LATE DEVONIAN (FAMENNIAN) LUNGFISHES FROM THE CATSKILL FORMATION OF PENNSYLVANIA, USA
Authors: FRIEDMAN MATT , DAESCHLER EDWARD B.
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Occurrences of fossil lungfishes (Dipnoi: Sarcopterygii) in the Famennian Catskill Formation of Pennsylvania are reviewed. A nearly complete dermal skull roof is assigned to a new genus and species, Apatorhynchus opistheretmus. Other recently discovered lungfish specimens include an incomplete postcranium similar to that of the Frasnian genus Fleurantia, a small parasphenoid of uncertain affinities, and isolated toothplates. Previously described dipnoan remains from the Catskill Formation include a partial skull roof of Soederberghia groenlandica, toothplates assigned to several species of Dipterus, a putative rostral or symphysial region placed in the problematic form taxon Ganorhynchus, and sedimentary structures interpreted as burrows. The toothplates attributed to Dipterus are indeterminate and are placed in open nomenclature, while the specimen identified as Ganorhynchus is not convincingly dipnoan. The status of the burrows remains uncertain pending the discovery of lungfish remains within these or similar structures in Catskill deposits. The distinct ichthyofaunas within the Catskill Formation and their lungfish components are briefly reviewed. Lungfishes are found in the Holoptychius‐ and Bothriolepis‐dominated faunas common in the Catskill succession, as well as in the compositionally distinctive Red Hill assemblage. Many of the Devonian continental faunas that contain tetrapods also include long‐snouted, denticle‐bearing lungfishes (‘rhynchodipterids’, fleurantiids, or both). The composition of Late Devonian ichthyofaunas may have predictive qualities that will allow researchers to identify localities likely to produce the remains of early tetrapods.
Coarse fractionated radiation therapy for pituitary tumours in cats: a retrospective study of 12 cases
Authors: Brearley M. J. , Polton G. A. , Littler R. M. , Niessen S. J. M.
Published: November 2006

This retrospective study describes the clinical progression of 12 cats with pituitary tumours treated with a coarse fractionated radiation protocol delivering a total dose of 37 Gy in five once weekly fractions. A pituitary macrotumour was identified in all 12 cats: 4 with neurological signs only and 8 with insulin‐resistant diabetes mellitus secondary to acromegaly. One of the cats with central neurological signs died before completing the radiotherapy course; the remaining three had partial or complete remissions of their central neurological signs. Of the cats with unstable diabetes mellitus, five no longer required insulin therapy, one required less insulin and two became stable. The overall median survival time was 72.6 weeks; four cats died from related causes, two from unrelated problems and six remain alive. Radiation therapy is confirmed as an effective treatment for feline pituitary tumours, giving prolonged survival and control of both paraneoplastic and mass effect signs.
CAROTENOID COMPOSITION OF MARINE RED ALGAE1
Authors: Schubert Nadine , García‐Mendoza Ernesto , Pacheco‐Ruiz Isai
Published: November 2006

Photosynthetic organisms possess carotenoids that function either as accessory, photoprotective, or structural pigments. Therefore, the carotenoid profile provides information about certain photoacclimation and photoprotection responses. Carotenoids are also important chemosystematic markers because specific enzymes mediate each step of carotenoid biosynthesis. For red algae, diverse and often contradictory carotenoid compositions have been reported. As a consequence, it is difficult to infer the physiological importance of carotenoids in Rhodophyta. To characterize the relationship between carotenoid composition, rhodophycean phylogeny, and the presence of potentially photoprotective pigments, we analyzed the carotenoid composition of 65 subtropical species from 12 orders and 18 rhodophyte families. Our results showed that red algae do not present a unique carotenoid profile. However, a common profile was observed up to the level of order, with exception of the Ceramiales and the Corallinales. The main difference between profiles is related to the xanthophyll that represents the major carotenoid. In some species lutein is the major carotenoid while in others it is substituted by zeaxanthin or antheraxanthin. The presence of this epoxy carotenoid together with the presence of violaxanthin that are xanthophyll cycle (XC)‐related pigments was found in four of the 12 analyzed orders. The carotenoid pigment profiles are discussed in relation to Rhodophyta phylogeny, and it is suggested that the xanthophyll cycle‐related pigments appeared early in the evolution of eukaryotic phototrophs.
COMPARATIVE MOLECULAR EVOLUTION OF NEWLY DISCOVERED PICOCYANOBACTERIAL STRAINS REVEALS A PHYLOGENETICALLY INFORMATIVE VARIABLE REGION OF β‐PHYCOERYTHRIN1
Authors: Craig Everroad R. , Michelle Wood A.
Published: November 2006

The genetic diversity and phylogenetic position of 10 strains of picocyanobacteria from the Arabian Sea were examined using partial sequences from three loci: 16S rDNA, RNA polymerase rpoC1, and two elements of the phycoerythrin (PE) locus, cpeA and cpeB which encode for the α and β subunit of PE. Nine of the strains showed nearly identical spectral phenotypes based on the in vivo excitation spectrum for PE fluorescence emission and appear to be strains synthesizing a phycourobilin (PUB)–lacking PE. These strains include one, Synechococcus sp. G2.1, already known to be closely related to filamentous cyanobacteria and not to the commonly studied 5.1 subcluster of marine Synechococcus. The 10th strain was a PE‐lacking strain that was of interest because it was isolated from open‐ocean conditions where picocyanobacteria with this phenotype are relatively uncommon. Phylogenetic analysis of the concatenated 16S rDNA and rpoC1 data sets showed that none of the previously described strains were members of the 5.1 subcluster of marine Synechococcus, nor were they closely related to strain G2.1. Instead, they form a well‐supported and previously undescribed clade of cyanobacteria that is sister to Cyanobium. Thus, these strains represent the first PE‐containing Cyanobium from oceanic waters, and the lineage they define includes a strain with a PE‐lacking phenotype from the same environment. Analysis of the PE sequence data showed the PE apoprotein has evolved independently in the G2.1 lineage and the Cyanobium‐like lineage represented by the study strains. It also revealed a hypervariable region of the β‐subunit not described previously; variation in this region shows a pattern among a wide range of PE‐containing organisms congruent with the phylogenetic relationships inferred from other genes. This suggests that the PUB‐lacking spectral phenotype is more likely to have evolved in distantly related phylogenetic lineages by either divergent or convergent evolution than by lateral gene transfer. Both the conserved PE gene sequences and the inferred amino acid sequences for the hypervariable region show considerable divergence among Prochlorococcus PEs, red algal PEs, PUB‐containing PEs from the marine Synechococcus 5.1 subcluster, PEs from the Cyanobium‐like strains, and PEs from other cyanobacteria (including strain G2.1). Thus, it appears that the hypervariable region of the PE gene can be used as a taxon‐specific marker.
Educational Attainment in New and Established Latino Metropolitan Destinations*
Authors: Stamps Katherine , Bohon Stephanie A.
Published: November 2006

Objective. This study examines the educational attainment of Latinos who immigrated to the United States by age 12. We compare the educational attainment of Latino immigrants in established and emerging Latino immigrant gateway cities in order to identify whether there are any significant differences in educational attainment between immigrants in these two gateways types and why such differences might exist.

Methods. We employ OLS regression using the 2000 5% Integrated Public Use Microdata Sample.

Results. Our results suggest that contrary to speculation, educational attainment among Latino immigrants is significantly higher in new Latino destinations than in established Latino metropolitan areas, although much of the difference is mediated by demographic factors. Migration history, English proficiency, ethnicity, and citizenship status account for a substantial portion of the differences in educational attainment between destination types. The migration history of these immigrants suggests a selection effect: only those immigrants who are relative newcomers to their new Latino destination have significantly higher educational attainment than those in established metropolitan areas.

Conclusions. We find that educational attainment among Latino immigrants is higher in new Latino destinations. Our study suggests that more highly educated Latino immigrants are choosing new Latino destinations, while longer‐term immigrant residents of new destinations are faring no better (in terms of educational levels) than those in established destinations. English proficiency, ethnicity, and citizenship status are confirmed as factors strongly associated with educational attainment among immigrants.
Access to Healthcare Among Working‐Aged Hispanic Adults in the United States*
Authors: Durden T. Elizabeth , Hummer Robert A.
Published: November 2006

Objectives. The purpose of this research is to examine differences in access to and sources of healthcare for working‐aged adults among major Hispanic subpopulations of the United States. Nativity, duration in the United States, citizenship, and sociodemographic factors are considered as key predictors of access to and sources of care.

Methods. Using pooled National Health Interview Surveys from 1999–2001, logistic and multinomial logistic regression models are estimated that compare Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cuban Americans, and other Hispanics with non‐Hispanic blacks and non‐Hispanic whites.

Results. Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, and other Hispanics display significantly less access to care than non‐Hispanics whites, with immigrant status and socioeconomic status variables accounting for some, but not all, of the differences. For sources of care, Mexican‐American, Puerto Rican, and other Hispanic adults were all much more likely than non‐Hispanic whites to report clinics or emergency rooms as their source of regular care.

Conclusions. There are wide differences in access to and sources of care across racial and ethnic groups in the United States. Mexican‐American adults, regardless if born in Mexico or the United States, appear to be most in need of access to regular and high‐quality care. Naturalization may be an especially important factor in greater access to regular and high‐quality care for Hispanic immigrants.
Mixture Modeling for Genome‐Wide Localization of Transcription Factors
Authors: Keleş Sündüz
Published: November 2006

SummaryChromatin immunoprecipitation followed by DNA microarray analysis (ChIP‐chip methodology) is an efficient way of mapping genome‐wide protein–DNA interactions. Data from tiling arrays encompass DNA–protein interaction measurements on thousands or millions of short oligonucleotides (probes) tiling a whole chromosome or genome. We propose a new model‐based method for analyzing ChIP‐chip data. The proposed model is motivated by the widely used two‐component multinomial mixture model of de novo motif finding. It utilizes a hierarchical gamma mixture model of binding intensities while incorporating inherent spatial structure of the data. In this model, genomic regions belong to either one of the following two general groups: regions with a local protein–DNA interaction (peak) and regions lacking this interaction. Individual probes within a genomic region are allowed to have different localization rates accommodating different binding affinities. A novel feature of this model is the incorporation of a distribution for the peak size derived from the experimental design and parameters. This leads to the relaxation of the fixed peak size assumption that is commonly employed when computing a test statistic for these types of spatial data. Simulation studies and a real data application demonstrate good operating characteristics of the method including high sensitivity with small sample sizes when compared to available alternative methods.
Clonality in the setting of Sweet’s syndrome and pyoderma gangrenosum is not limited to underlying myeloproliferative disease
Authors: Magro Cynthia M. , Kiani Bahram , Li Jingwei , Crowson A. Neil
Published: November 2006

Background:  The neutrophilic dermatoses encompass, among others, Sweet’s syndrome (SS) and pyoderma gangrenosum (PG), which are associated with underlying systemic diseases including myeloid dyscrasias.

Methods:  On skin biopsies from 16 patients with biopsy‐proven SS and/or PG, we performed an X‐inactivation assay to detect clonal restriction of neutrophils. There were two patient categories based on known diseases at the time of diagnosis: patients with myeloproliferative disease and patients without myeloproliferative disease.

Results:  Among seven patients with acute myelogenous leukemia and two with myelodysplastic syndrome, clonal restriction was found in five; three were homozygous, precluding analysis. Among the seven control patients, infiltrates were clonally restricted in five; one was polyclonal and the other was homozygous for the allele, precluding analysis. Of the five patients with clonally restricted infiltrates, one was subsequently diagnosed with myelodysplasia, one had unexplained neutropenia and an additional patient developed breast cancer. Overall, the incidence of clonality in both groups was the same, averaging 81%.

Conclusion:  These findings suggest that clonality in neutrophilic dermatoses, while characteristic of underlying myeloid dyscrasia, is not observed exclusively in the setting of myeloproliferative diseases. The significance of clonal neutrophilic infiltrates unassociated with myeloproliferative disease is unclear, but it may have some implications regarding the pathogenesis of sterile neutrophilic infiltrates. Clonality is well described in the setting of lymphomatoid hypersensitivity, reflecting an overzealous response to antigenic stimuli. One could speculate a similar mechanism operational in cases of apparently reactive SS/PG associated with monoclonality; a localized form of cutaneous neutrophilic dyscrasia is also possible.
Cosmic microwave background anisotropies from outflows in Lyman break galaxies
Authors: Babich Daniel , Loeb Abraham
Published: November 2006

Thomson scattering of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) on moving electrons in the outflows of Lyman break galaxies (LBGs) at redshifts 2–8 contributes to the small-scale CMB anisotropies. The net effect produced by each outflow depends on its level of deviation from spherical symmetry, caused either by an anisotropic energy injection from the nuclear starburst or quasar activity, or by an inhomogeneous intergalactic environment. We find that for plausible outflow parameters consistent with spectroscopic observations of LBGs, the induced CMB anisotropies on arcminute scales reach up to ∼1 μK, comparable to the level produced during the epoch of reionization.