bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Debt Reclassification and Capital Market Consequences
Authors: Gramlich Jeffrey D. , Mayew William J. , McAnally Mary Lea
Published: April 2006

Abstract:  We provide initial evidence on the economic consequences of a relatively large, fully disclosed, and apparently purposeful reporting decision: the balance sheet classification of short‐term obligations as long‐term debt in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 6. We examine a sample of 1,684 American firm‐year observations between the years 1989 and 2000 to determine whether reclassification is associated with debt‐ratings and equity values. We find that reclassification increases the likelihood of a subsequent debt‐rating downgrade. We also find that market value decreases with increases in the amount reclassified, and that equity value is higher after firms cease reclassifying short‐term obligations as long‐term debt, compared with other firm‐years in the sample. Thus, changes in debt classification are empirically linked in predictable directions to subsequent changes in debt ratings and stock values. Taken together, our results show that debt classification is an important publicly‐available indicator that may be useful to capital market participants. We discuss several research extensions including the implications of our findings to European companies that convert to IAS in 2005.
Population density of the greater mouse‐eared bat (Myotis myotis), local diet composition and availability of foraging habitats
Authors: Zahn A. , Rottenwallner A. , Güttinger R.
Published: April 2006

We studied the regional variation in population density of Myotis myotis (Borkhausen 1797) in south‐eastern Bavaria, Germany, and its relations to diet composition and the availability of potential foraging habitats. We monitored colony size and juvenile mortality from 1991 to 2003, conducted faecal analyses in 1993 and determined land‐use patterns around colonies. The numbers of individuals counted in the nursery colonies showed only small fluctuations over the years. However, data on colony size demonstrated a pronounced regional variation. Epigeic arthropods, mainly Carabidae, were the most important prey. The diet included prey taxa of forest as well as grassland habitats. The percentage of those prey taxa in the diet that originated in grassland managed with different intensity varied according to the availability of these potential foraging habitats around the nursery roosts. The calculated population density of the bats was positively correlated to forest area and especially to the area of mixed forest around the nursery roosts. Our results indicate that the availability of foraging habitats is a limiting factor for local population densities in the greater mouse‐eared bat.
Terrestrial reproduction by the air‐breathing fish Andamia tetradactyla (Pisces; Blenniidae) on supralittoral reefs
Authors: Shimizu N. , Sakai Y. , Hashimoto H. , Gushima K.
Published: April 2006

Reproductive behaviours of the rockhopper blenny Andamia tetradactyla were studied on supralittoral reefs of Kuchierabu‐jima Island, southern Japan. Territorial males defended mating nests, which were situated around crevices between rocks and concentrated in the high intertidal zones near the vertical limits of waves. Females occurred in large numbers on algal mats around wave‐splashed zones, and approached the nests on both rising and falling tides during daytime. Courtship displays occurred on both rising and falling tides, especially when waves surged and sprayed on the nests. Females spawned eggs in a single layer on air‐exposed rock surfaces inside nests. Andamia tetradactyla did not mate in the tidal conditions in which nests were either underwater or completely dried up. Territorial males stayed all day in the nests to guard eggs, even though nests emerged above water for c. 12 h each day. Thermo‐hygrometer analysis showed that nests maintained higher humidity than outside. Patterns and sequences of the mating behaviours of fishes do not seem very different from those of underwater blenniid fishes. Thus, A. tetradactyla maintains reproduction out of water, retaining humid habitats on supralittoral reefs, in mating styles that are probably not drastically changed from their ancestral blenniid fishes.
A new set of highly polymorphic microsatellites for the white and black anglerfish (Lophiidae)
Authors: BLANCO G. , BORRELL Y. J. , CAGIGAS E. , VÁZQUEZ E. , SÁNCHEZ PRADO J. A.
Published: April 2006

A microsatellite‐enriched genomic library was obtained using individuals of the black anglerfish (Lophius budegassa) and eight polymorphic microsatellites were successfully optimized. The genetic analysis of 50 black anglerfish individuals captured in the Cantabrian coasts revealed high polymorphism with a mean of number of alleles per locus of Na = 10.5 (5–28 alleles) and a mean expected heterozygosity of 0.740 (0.521–0.962). This microsatellite set was also functional with a sample from the white anglerfish (Lophius piscatorious) showing a high polymorphism.
Pongamia pinnata modulates the oxidant–antioxidant imbalance in ammonium chloride‐induced hyperammonemic rats
Authors: Mohamed Essa M. , Subramanian P.
Published: April 2006

The effect of Pongamia pinnata (an indigenous plant used in Ayurvedic Medicine in India) leaf extract (PPEt) on circulatory lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status was evaluated in ammonium chloride‐induced hyperammonemic rats. Enhanced lipid peroxidation in the circulation of ammonium chloride‐treated rats was accompanied by a significant decrease in the levels of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). PPEt‐administered rats experienced a significant reduction in lipid peroxidation with a simultaneous elevation in antioxidant levels. Our results indicate that PPEt modulates these changes by reversing the oxidant–antioxidant imbalance during ammonium chloride‐induced hyperammonemia and this could be due to its (i) antihyperammonemic effect by means of detoxifying excess ammonia, urea and creatinine and (ii) antioxidant property. The exact mechanism has to be still investigated and isolation of active constituents is required.
Medication use for pediatric upper respiratory tract infections
Authors: Das Biswadeep , Sarkar Chayna , Majumder Abhijeet Guha
Published: April 2006

The present study monitored medication prescribing patterns to patients treated for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in the pediatric outpatient department (OPD) at Central Referral Hospital (CRH), Gangtok, Sikkim. A total of 562 URTI prescriptions of children, aged 0–12 years attending pediatric OPD at CRH, Sikkim were collected by a random once‐weekly survey between May 2002 and April 2003. Males numbered 284 (50.5%), and females 278 (49.5%). Most of the patients in our study were aged 2–5 years (preschool children) (44.8%). The average number of medications prescribed per encounter was 2.37; 59.2% (789) of medicines were fixed‐dose combination (FDC) products and two‐thirds of FDCs were respiratory medicines (521). The most commonly prescribed medicines were respiratory medicines (47% of the total medicines prescribed). Others were antimicrobials (30.7%) and analgesic‐antipyretics (18.8%). Among respiratory medicines, cough and cold preparations (prescribed in 13 different FDC products in 25 brand names) were prescribed most frequently (62%) followed by nasal preparations (21%) and β2 adrenergic agonist inhalers (9.2%). Ninety‐eight percent of nasal preparations were isotonic saline drops (129). Antihistaminics (41.8%), non‐opioid antitussives (13.5%), alpha agonist oral decongestants (42.3%), expectorants (32.2%), mucolytics (18.7%), paracetamol (14.7%), and β2 agonists (17.2%) were common ingredients of respiratory medicine combinations. Antihistamines (2.5%) and β2 agonists (9.2%) were used alone. The most commonly prescribed antimicrobial was amoxicillin with clavulanate (28.4%) followed by cefadroxil (20%), cotrimoxazole (9.5%) and amoxicillin alone (9.3%). Average number of antimicrobials prescribed was 0.7 (409/562). The most commonly prescribed analgesic‐antipyretic was paracetamol (81.3%) followed by combination of ibuprofen and paracetamol (12.4%) and nimesulide (5.6%). Medication selection was rational in few cases. Various anomalies were observed in various aspects of drug use in children for URTI's. The main aim of the initiative is the need for more rational medicine use in URTIs in children for improvement of clinical effectiveness, cost effectiveness and reduction of potential useless risk of side effects.
Nasojejunal feeding tube placement using fluoroscopic guidance: technique and clinical experience in dogs
Authors: Wohl James S.
Published: April 2006

Objective:To briefly review the indications for direct intestinal feedings and describe a fluoroscopically guided technique for the placement of nasojejunal (NJ) feeding tubes in dogs. Clinical experience using the described technique is reported in 27 dogs.

Data sources:Current human and veterinary literature. Original case data from client owned animals that have undergone fluoroscopically placed NJ feeding tubes for nutritional supplementation.

Summary:The described technique was used for short‐term enteral nutritional therapy (1–5 days). In the fluoroscopic NJ placement technique, 17 of 20 tubes advanced into the jejunum remained in place until intentional removal whereas 6 of 7 tubes advanced only to the duodenum moved retrograde. Complications included bile leakage from the externalized opening of the tube, retrograde movement of the tube when placement was proximal to the caudal duodenal flexure, sneezing, and nasal discharge.

Conclusions:Clinical experience using NJ feeding tube placement under fluoroscopic guidance has revealed the technique to be a well‐tolerated and reasonably reliable method of providing minimally invasive short‐term direct intestinal feeding in canine patients.
Phylogeny and Ultrastructure of Miliammina fusca: Evidence for Secondary Loss of Calcification in a Miliolid Foraminifer
Authors: HABURA ANDREA , GOLDSTEIN SUSAN T. , PARFREY LAURA W. , BOWSER SAMUEL S.
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACT. The classification of the Foraminifera, a widely distributed group of largely marine protists, has traditionally been based on morphological characters. The most important of these are the composition and structure of the shell or “test.” Here, we use both phylogenetic analysis of the genes for small subunit rRNA and β‐tubulin and ultrastructural analysis to document a reversion in wall type from more derived calcareous tests to an agglutinated test. These data indicate that the genus Miliammina, and possibly other members of the Rzehakinidae, should be placed in the Order Miliolida as opposed to their current assignment in Order Textulariida. We also address the effects this reversion may have had on the ability of rzehakinacids to effectively colonize marginal marine environments. Finally, the hypothesis that some multilocular agglutinated foraminiferans descended from calcareous lineages has implications for interpretation of the foraminiferal fossil record.
Transpupillary thermotherapy for the treatment of occult CNV in age‐related macular degeneration: a prospective randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: Myint Kyaw , Armbrecht Ana Maria , Mon Sue , Dhillon Baljean
Published: April 2006

Purpose:  To evaluate whether transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) reduces the risk of moderate visual loss in patients with occult choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods:  A group of 25 patients were recruited and randomized into TTT or placebo groups. Patients were included if they had a subfoveal purely or predominantly (> 50%) occult CNV secondary to AMD with best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 6/60 or better and the lesion was not larger than 4.5 mm. Treatment was carried out using an 810‐nm Oculight diode laser with a fixed spot size covering the whole lesion according to the standard protocol. The same procedure was used for the control group, except that the power was set at zero. The patients were followed up at 6 weeks, 3 months and then every 6 months for up to 2 years. A maximum of three treatments were administered in both groups if there was evidence of persistent leakage from CNV.

Results:  At the 12‐month follow‐up, there was no significant difference in the mean values for BCVA distance and near or contrast sensitivity between the treatment and control groups. The Mann−Whitney test was used to assess the differences in BCVA and contrast sensitivity between the groups, both at baseline and at the 12‐month follow‐up. No statistically significant difference was found; both groups lost on average two lines of BCVA.

Conclusion:  Transpupillary thermotherapy appeared to have been of no benefit in preventing further visual loss in patients with occult CNV in this pilot study.
Scotoma mapping by semi‐automated kinetic perimetry: the effects of stimulus properties and the speed of subjects' responses
Authors: Dolderer Jan , Vonthein Reinhard , Johnson Chris A. , Schiefer Ulrich , Hart William
Published: April 2006

Purpose:  The study aimed firstly to determine the effects of stimulus variables on the detection of a scotoma border and, secondly, to study the reproducibility of the method during semi‐automated kinetic perimetry.

Methods:  The size of the physiological blind spot in 18 young normal subjects was measured with a video‐campimetric device, the Tübingen computer campimeter (TCC). Kinetic stimuli of two different sizes and at four different levels of luminance were presented. Examinations were repeated within 2 weeks. Measurements were corrected for individual response times and the area of the blind spot was computed. The effects of stimulus strength and size and the repeatability of blind spot measurements were evaluated by an analysis of variance.

Results:  The physiological blind spot showed significant inter‐ and intraindividual variations in size (least square means ranging from 17 to 49 square degrees), with a standard deviation of 6.8 square degrees. The measured size of the blind spot increased as a function of decreasing stimulus value, by reducing either the relative brightness or the size of stimuli. Use of a correction for each subject's speed of responses nearly halved the level of random variance. The temporal sequence of measurements (the order in which they were performed) had no apparent effect on the calculated values of blind spot size.

Conclusions:  Semi‐automated kinetic perimetry can determine the size of the physiological blind spot with good repeatability in young, normal subjects. Determination of each individual's speed of response and inclusion of this variable in the calculations reduced variance of the measure significantly. This study confirmed the presence of considerable interindividual differences in the size of the physiological blind spot.
A 3‐dimensional evaluation of the macular region: comparing digitized and film‐based media with a clinical evaluation
Authors: Knudsen Lars Loumann , Skriver Kirsten
Published: April 2006

Purpose:  To compare the results of stereoscopic macular evaluations using three different types of stereoscopic photographic equipment with those of a clinical examination when establishing the presence of possible macular oedema.

Methods:  The study involved a clinical evaluation of the macular region in 57 eyes of 30 diabetes subjects with possible macular oedema. Clinical examinations were followed by photographic stereoscopic evaluations of the macular region using two digital systems (low and high resolution) and one film‐based system. All the photographic recordings were classified by two consultants, who were trained in making macular gradations and blinded to the results of previous assessments.

Results:  The low‐resolution digital equipment was found to have relatively low optical resolution and found a significantly lower number of eyes with macular oedema compared with the clinical examination. The high‐resolution digital equipment and the film‐based equipment were found to have relatively high optical resolution. The number of eyes with macular oedema found by the high‐resolution digital and film‐based evaluations was comparable with the number found by the clinical examination. Low intra‐ and interobserver agreement was observed.

Conclusion:  All three photographic systems have disadvantages that make them suboptimal as tools for evaluating the presence of macular oedema. The film‐based system seems the most reliable, while low‐resolution digital equipment seems least useful. The development of new and objective measurements giving a 3‐dimensional presentation of the macular region might be advantageous.
Functional characterization of hepatocyte nuclear factor‐4α dimerization interface mutants
Authors: Aggelidou Eleni , Iordanidou Panagiota , Demetriades Constantinos , Piltsi Olga , Hadzopoulou‐Cladaras Margarita
Published: April 2006

Hepatocyte nuclear factor‐4 (HNF‐4α), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, binds DNA exclusively as a homodimer. Dimerization controls important aspects of receptor function, such as DNA binding, protein stability, ligand binding and interaction with coactivators. Crystallographic data of the HNF‐4α ligand‐binding domain (LBD) demonstrated that the homodimer interface is composed of residues in helices 7, 9 and 10 with intermolecular salt bridges, hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions contributing to the stability of the interface. To investigate the importance of the proposed ionic interactions for HNF‐4α dimerization, interactions critical for formation of the LBD homodimer interface were disrupted by introducing point mutations in residues D261N (H7), E269Q (H7), Q307L (H9), D312N (H9) and Q336L (H10). Mutants were analysed for transactivation, coactivator interaction, DNA binding and dimerization. EMSA analysis showed that the mutants are able to bind DNA as dimers and coimmunoprecipitation assays confirmed dimerization in solution. Furthermore, the mutations do not compromise HNF‐4α activity and are responsive to PPAR‐gamma coactivator‐1 (PGC‐1). Finally, residue R324, located in the H9/H10 loop, which was suspected to be involved in dimer stabilization via an ionic interaction with residue E276, was studied. In contrast to the conservative substitution R324H the mutation R324L abolishes HNF‐4α transcriptional activity and coactivator recruitment, revealing that the nature of substitution may play an important role in HNF‐4α function.
Female Sexual Function and Activity Following Cystectomy and Continent Urinary Tract Diversion for Benign Indications: A Clinical Pilot Study and Review of Literature
Authors: Elzevier Henk Willem , Nieuwkamer Bart B. , Pelger Rob C.M. , Lycklama à Nijeholt August A.B.
Published: April 2006

Introduction

There are limited data on female sexual function after cystectomy for benign indications.

Aims

To evaluate postoperative sexual items following cystectomy and continent urinary diversion for benign indications (e.g., severe incontinence, interstitial cystitis) in female patients. Furthermore, to review the studies investigating changes in women’s sexual function after cystectomy.

Methods

In a retrospective study, 21 out of 23 patients (91%) who underwent a cystectomy for a benign indication completed a questionnaire. These women had a median age at the date of operation of 47.3 years (range 25–66 years) and a mean follow-up of 11.9 years. Questions on preoperative and postoperative sexuality, postoperative sexual activity, sexual appreciation, and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) in patients at present were evaluated. Electronic databases were searched for the published studies investigating female sexual function after cystectomy.

Main Outcome Measures

Female sexual function was evaluated by the FSFI domain scores and postoperative sexual appreciation questions.

Results

Sexual complaints before operation were present in 48% of the patients. The most common complaints reported were incontinence during intercourse, pain, and loss of libido. Seventeen out of 21 patients (81%) were sexually active preoperatively, 14 were still active postoperatively, and two preoperative inactive patients became active. Sexual inactivity postoperatively is mainly due to patient-related or combination of patient- and partner-related issues (70%), such as with pain during intercourse, loss of libido, and impaired body image. In the sexually active group, the majority (62.5%) showed improved or unchanged intercourse postoperatively. In the FSFI in 11 sexually active patients (52%) at present, domains of desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and pain scored above average. The domain of satisfaction scored below average.

Conclusion

Despite extensive surgery, female sexuality may remain unchanged or even improve, following cystectomy and continent diversion for benign indication. Sexual inactivity postoperatively needs more attention in respect to sexual counseling. Overall, the results are reassuring.
Thomas Reid’s Philosophy of Mind: Consciousness and Intentionality
Authors: Copenhaver Rebecca
Published: April 2006

Thomas Reid’s epistemological ambitions are decisively at the center of his work. However, if we take such ambitions to be the whole story, we are apt to overlook the theory of mind that Reid develops and deploys against the theory of ideas. Reid’s philosophy of mind is sophisticated and strikingly contemporary, and has, until recently, been lost in the shadow of his other philosophical accomplishments. Here I survey some aspects of Reid’s theory of mind that I find most interesting. I examine whether Reid is a mysterian about the mind, whether Reid has a direct realist theory of perception, and whether Reid has a higher‐order, or “inner‐sense,” view of consciousness. Along the way I will mention portions of the secondary literature that examine these aspects and point out whether and to what degree I part ways with the interpretations present in the literature.
How does competition influence mate choice decisions for males and females in the monogamous convict cichlid fish, Archocentrus nigrofasciatus?
Authors: Santangelo Nick , Itzkowitz M.
Published: April 2006

It is understood that mate choice, competition, and sex differences produced by sexual selection underlie behavior, but few studies focus on their interactions within a system to understand how they shape behavior. Here, using the monogamous convict cichlid, Archocentrus nigrofasciatus, we examined the mate choice process of males and females in the presence of intrasexual competition. We compared and contrasted patterns reported in a previous study exploring this process in the absence of competition by using the same methodological paradigm. Specifically, two individuals (i.e., the competitors) were presented with a choice of two alternative, visually and tactilely isolated, mates and observed until one competitor (i.e., the primary competitor) spawned with one of the potential mates (i.e., the accepted mate). This was done for males and females separately. Both sexes spent more time with their mates while attacking and inhibiting the courtship of the other competitor (i.e., the secondary competitor). Only females expressed this time preference in the absence of competition (Santangelo & Itzkowtiz, 2004), but both sexes visited accepted mates more in the presence of competition. These results suggest competition causes the adoption of a mate guarding tactic. Males exhibited more differences than females with the addition of competition suggesting that male mate choice patterns are more labile than females. We attribute this to the ability of males to be bigamous and the adoption of different strategies based on the level of male-male competition. Courtship was not affected by competition for either sex, however the courtship of secondary individuals did appear to be influenced by primary individuals. Competition did not eliminate a searcher's continuous assessment of potential mates, yet it was conducted to a lesser degree. Thus, mate guarding is an important strategy that must be balanced with an individual's inclination to continuously assess based on present competition levels.
Numerical simulation of pressure and airflow response of building drainage ventilation systems
Authors: Jack L B , Cheng C , Lu W H
Published: April 2006

Identification of the under-performance of the building drainage and ventilation system as a significant contributor to the transmission of the SARS virus in the ‘Amoy Gardens’ outbreak has prompted a re-examination of the methods adopted to ensure appropriate network design, implementation and maintenance. The physical separation between the miasma present within drainage pipe work and the habitable space occupied by the building user is achieved primarily through the use of the (commonly water-based) appliance trap seal. Systems must therefore be designed such that the integrity of this seal is sustained throughout all user or system-imposed operating conditions. This paper focuses on the work of the authors in defining key simulation model components that facilitate the prediction of the pressure response of building drainage systems and that thus allow an assessment of trap seal integrity to reduce the risk of infection spread. The paper draws upon the empirically defined network characteristics and extensive site data that have, so far, been established independently by researchers in the UK, Japan and Taiwan. The paper identifies the congruency of resultant data, and highlights the potential benefits of pooling research resources such that the contribution of simulation techniques to forensic analysis of virus spread via building drainage systems is confirmed.
Palliative care for patients with heart failure: description of a service
Authors: Johnson MJ , Houghton T
Published: April 2006

Over the past 10 years, there has been an increasing demand for heart failure patients to have access to palliative care services. The concerns of this group have been highlighted and there is growing recognition in national palliative care and cardiology bodies that these concerns should be addressed. In spite of this, there is little improvement. There are concerns about the acceptability of hospice services to heart failure patients, worries about service overload, lack of appropriate knowledge and skills and difficulty in knowing when to refer a heart failure patient for palliative care.

In Scarborough, a joint approach by a cardiologist and palliative care physician was set up in September 2000. This paper describes the service so far in an attempt to address some of the above reservations and to provide a catalyst and encouragement to others beginning a similar venture.
Estimating needs in life threatening illness: a feasibility study to assess the views of patients and doctors
Authors: Shah Shamsul , Blanchard Martin , Tookman Adrian , Jones Louise , Blizard Robert , King Michael
Published: April 2006

Background: Provision of palliative care for patients with non-cancer conditions is hindered by the difficulty of predicting when people will die and fear of causing distress by raising end-of-life issues. Objectives: To compare patients’ and professionals’ (1) estimations of prognosis; (2) perceptions of the seriousness of the illness and needs for supportive care; and (3) acceptability of this sensitive research, in end-stage cancer and non-cancer diseases. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: A teaching hospital and a Marie Curie hospice in London. Subjects: Twenty patients with advanced non-malignant disease (heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and renal failure) and 20 patients with advanced cancer, and their physicians in charge. Method: A feasibility study using vignettes to aid patients and doctors estimate of prognoses. Main outcome measures were (1) patients’ and physicians’ estimates of health status, care needs and prognosis; and (2) patient survival. Results: Patients were willing and able to estimate their own life expectancy and cancer patients correctly estimated that they had a poorer prognosis than non-cancer patients. Non-cancer patients perceived that they had similar needs for supportive care as cancer patients. Physicians made little distinction in palliative care needs between patients with and without cancer, but tended to make more pessimistic estimates of prognosis in non-cancer patients. Conclusions: Patients are able to judge their health status and life expectancy and do not object to questions about end-of-life care. Cancer and non-cancer patients have similar needs for supportive care. We need further evidence on the value of self-rated prognosis and how to provide palliative and supportive care for all patients who are near death.
Tau protein seems not to be a useful routine clinical marker of axonal damage in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Guimarães J , Cardoso M J , Sá M J
Published: April 2006

Background The descriptions of early axonal damage in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) prompted the search of body fluid markers. However, the studies addressing this issue in MS present conflicting results.

Aim To assess the levels of tau protein in patients with definite MS.

Patients and methods Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from 50 patients with definite diagnosis of MS (33 F, 17 M; mean age: 33.6 years) and from 19 age-matched individuals without organic neurological diseases (11 F, 8 M), entered this study. With regard to the clinical course, the MS patients were classified as follows: 32 relapsing-remitting (RR); two secondary progressive (SP), and four primary progressive (PP). Twelve patients had clinical isolated syndromes (CIS). The mean duration was 36.1 months (range: 15 days to 20 years). Tau protein was measured in the CSF by double antibody sandwich ELISA.

Results The median tau and the cut-off values of the controls were 104.9 and 175.3 pg/mL, respectively. We found that most MS patients presented normal values. In addition, the clinical features-course, duration, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) value, Poser index of progression, Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score-did not significantly influence the tau levels in the MS group.

Conclusion Our study showed similar CSF tau concentrations in MS patients with different clinical characteristics. This suggests that tau protein does not seem to be a useful routine clinical marker of axonal damage.
Cerebrospinal fluid and serum levels and intrathecal production of active matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) as markers of disease activity in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Fainardi E , Castellazzi M , Bellini T , Manfrinato M C , Baldi E , Casetta I , Paolino E , Granieri E , Dallocchio F
Published: April 2006

In this study, we employed a sensitive activity assay system to measure cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum levels of active matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in 37 relapsing-remitting (RR), 15 secondary progressive (SP) and nine primary progressive (PP) multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, grouped according to clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidence of disease activity. We also studied, as neurological controls, 48 patients with other inflammatory neurological disorders (OIND) and 48 with non-inflammatory neurological disorders (NIND). To assess active MMP-9/TIMP-1 circuit, CSF and serum levels of MMP-9 tissue inhibitor TIMP-1 were quantified by ELISA in the same patient population. CSF mean levels of active MMP-9, CSF active MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratios and intrathecal active MMP-9 synthesis, as indicated by specific index, were more elevated in MS than in NIND ( P <0.05, <0.02 and <0.02, respectively), serum active MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio was higher in MS ( P<0.01) and OIND ( P<0.02) than in NIND, and serum TIMP-1 concentrations were lower in MS than in NIND ( P<0.05). More importantly, serum active MMP-9 mean levels, serum active MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio and intrathecal production of active MMP-9 were increased in MS patients with clinical ( P<0.001, <0.001 and <0.05, respectively) and MRI ( P<0.001, <0.001 and <0.02, respectively) disease activity, whereas CSF mean concentrations of active MMP-9 and CSF active MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio were enhanced only in MS patients with MRI evidence of disease activity ( P<0.02 and <0.01, respectively). Altogether, these findings suggest that a shift in MMP-9/TIMP-1 balance towards proteolytic activity of MMP-9 could be relevant in MS immune dysregulation. In addition, our results indicate that CSF and serum levels of active MMP-9 may represent a potential surrogate biomarker for monitoring MS disease activity. In particular, serum active MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio seems to be a very appropriate indicator of ongoing MS inflammation, since it is easily measurable.
Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among long-distance truck drivers in Tongling, China
Authors: Chen Xiang-Sheng , Yin Yue-Ping , Gong Xiang-Dong , Liang Guo-Jun , Zhang Wen-Ying , Poumerol Gilles , Shi Mei-Qin , Wu Shou-Qiang , Zhang Guo-Cheng
Published: April 2006

Little is known about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, among truck drivers in China. A cross-sectional study was conducted among truck drivers in Tongling of Anhui Province. A total of 550 truck drivers were interviewed with a structured questionnaire, and blood samples were collected and tested for HIV, syphilis, and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2), and urine specimens for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis. Prevalence was 10.6% for C. trachomatis and 8.1% for N. gonorrhoeae. Antibodies for syphilis were found in 0.7% and for HSV-2 in 4.4%, and none was positive for HIV. About 92 (17.4%) truck drivers had at least one STI. There was no statistically significant association between sociodemographic, occupation or behavioural variables and the presence of a positive test for any STI. Our study suggests a high prevalence of STIs, particularly bacterial infections, among the truck drivers, indicating the need for health education, behavioural change interventions and STI care services in this population.
Hypercalcaemia complicating immune reconstitution in an HIV-infected patient with disseminated tuberculosis
Authors: Ferrand R A , Elgalib A , Newsholme W , Childerhouse A , Edwards S G , Miller R F
Published: April 2006

An HIV positive man being treated for disseminated tuberculosis developed hypercalcaemia 17 days after starting highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Hypercalcaemia resolved with stopping HAART and was thought to be due to immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome.
UK National Audit of Early Syphilis Management. Case-notes audit: contact tracing, information giving, follow-up and outcomes
Authors: McClean Hugo , Daniels David , Carne Chris , Bunting Paul , Miller Rob ,   The National Audit Group of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV
Published: April 2006

Contact tracing was provided for 683/781 (87%, regional range 57–97%) cases, and identified 997 traceable contacts of whom 511 (51%) were seen, short of the recommended standard of 60%. However, the performance range for this standard was 26–70%, with seven regions achieving 60% or more. Of 511, 215 (42%, range 3–73%) contacts had syphilis. Treatment completion was recorded for 691 (88%, range 71–100%) cases, and resolution of lesions for 348/469 (74%, range 40–96%) cases. Nationally, 419/764 (55%, range 37–70%) cases were recorded as having a two dilution (four-fold) or greater decrease in non-treponemal test titre within 3–6 months after treatment; not achieving this titre decrease was mainly attributable to non-attendance for follow-up and failure of titre levels to fall. Follow-up of infectious syphilis in UK genitourinary medicine clinics is poor and falls far short of that recommended by National Guidelines. Only 16 (2%) cases had follow-up at intervals approximating to 1, 2, 3, 6 and 12 months, and only 312 (40%, range 5–61%) cases attended at least two follow-up visits. Only 17 (7%) of all 236 oral treatments (including switches to oral treatment), and 33 (27%) of 123 cases with HIV infection were recorded as designated annual follow-up. Further work is needed to determine factors that account for the wide variation between regions in contact tracing and follow-up performance.
Quantifying leukocytes in first catch urine provides new insights into our understanding of symptomatic and asymptomatic urethritis
Authors: Wiggins Rebecca C , Holmes Christopher H , Andersson Monique , Ibrahim Fowzia , Low Nicola , Horner Patrick J
Published: April 2006

We quantitatively investigated inflammatory cells in the male urethra. Leukocytes in the first catch urine (FCU) from 87 men with and without urethritis were quantitated using haemocytometer counts and stained with an anti-CD45 pan-leukocyte antibody. An increased number of leukocytes in FCU specimens was associated with urethritis ( P > 0.002), the presence of discharge and/or dysuria ( P < 0.001), and detection of Chlamydia trachomatis ( P < 0.001) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae ( P < 0.001). In men with urethritis, higher leukocyte counts were also observed in the above groups ( P = 0.07, 0.03 and P < 0.0001, respectively). As leukocyte number increased, the likelihood of detecting either pathogen increased. This study suggests that symptoms and signs are a surrogate marker for the degree of inflammation present, and that as urethral inflammation increases, the likelihood of detecting a sexually transmitted pathogen also increases. This would explain why men with asymptomatic urethritis are less likely to have a sexually transmitted infection detected than those with discharge and/or dysuria.
The New Deal for Veterans: The Economy Act, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Origins of New Deal Dissent
Authors: Ortiz Stephen R
Published: April 2006

This article examines the impact of military veterans on the New Deal era. In 1934 the passage of the Economy Act, which severely cut veteran benefits, triggered a wave of political mobilization that laid the foundations for organized New Deal dissent. The response of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) to the Economy Act situated the organization in the vanguard of "New Deal Dissidents," including Huey P. Long, Father Charles E. Coughlin, and their supporters. In this coalition, military veterans expressed early and crucial "voices of protest." And the politics of veterans' pensions and benefits, in turn, profoundly shaped the New Deal era.
Yayoi Wave, Kofun Wave, and Timing: The Formation of the Japanese People and Japanese Language
Authors: Hong Wontack
Published: April 2006

A sudden change in climate, such as the commencement of a Little Ice Age, may have prompted the southern peninsular rice farmers to cross the Korea Strait ca. 300 B.C.E. in search of warmer and moister land. This may answer the timing of the "Yayoi Wave." Evidence confirms the seminal role played by peninsular peoples in the formation of Middle and Late Tomb culture and the inadequacy of the "evolutionary" thesis, restoring our attention to the "event" thesis. Around 300-400 C.E., a drought may well have forced the Paekche farmers around the Han River basin to search for a new territory. This may answer the timing of the "Kofun Wave."
Uncovering Chonggyechon: The Ruins of Modernization and Everyday Life
Authors: Shin Hisup
Published: April 2006

By November 2004, Seoul's Ch'onggyech'on reclamation project had advanced into its final stage of construction and landscaping. A remarkable feat of advanced urbanization in which the natural environment and commercialism coexist, the project offers a felicitous, symbolic conclusion to the tumultuous, often dehumanizing paths of the nation's modernization that left behind trails of devastation and misery. This curative view of the project is informed by a sustained effort of nationalist historiography to promote a potential for cultural creativity and social progress in the formation of modern Korea's selfidentity. This essay argues, however, that such an approach fails to take into account a sense of ambivalence lodged in the restoration project, which reflects the contentious site of the everyday in which Ch'onggyechon's drastic change is translated into job loss, business relocation, and changing opportunities. This article draws attention to varying images of rubbish or rubbish salvaging that are often inextricably linked to different phases of the area's modernization. These images bear out the material or practical realities of modernization devoid of a tendency of nationalist historiography for "selfinflated" story-telling. Such an unassuming observation of the region's changing faÃ§ade brings to light the challenging aspect of the everyday in coping with adverse circumstances of modernization. Attention is given to different types of "rubbish discourse" set in Ch'onggyech'on and its immediate localities. Using these discursive types as loops of meaning to interweave, the article offers an interdisciplinary insight into the tension between modernization and everyday life.
TYPIFICATION OF THE GENERA OF THE BAMBUSOIDEAE
Authors: McClure F. A.
Published: April 2006

The post‐Linnaean names that have been applied to bamboo genera are listed, with authorship, place of publication and typification. Notes have been added in some cases where questions have arisen as to the status of the genus or of the type species.

For completeness, especially in the interest of beginners, the pertinent data concerning generic names that were not validly published (according to the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature), as well as those whose spelling requires correction or interpretation, are included. The typification of names not validly published may, by some, be deemed unnecessary, but I believe that the reader's perspective may be improved by the addition of this detail in such cases.

The author will be grateful to be informed of any case where a different type species than the one here designated for any given genus has been proposed elsewhere.
A NOMENCLATURAL NOTE ON THE GENUS CAPSICUM
Authors: Eshbaugh W. Hardy
Published: April 2006

Formal recognition is given on the varietal level to the wild and cultivated forms of Capsicum baccatum L. Both C. microcarpum Cav. and C. pendulum Willd. are brought under the synonymy of C. baccatum L. The cultivated chili pepper of South America is now named C. baccatum var. pendulum (Willdenow) Eshbaugh.
THE ASSIGNMENT OF SPECIES OF FOSSILS TO GENERA
Authors: Hughes N. F.
Published: April 2006

It is proposed that the Code of Botanical Nomenclature should include a provision that where a species of fossils is assigned to an extant genus, the diagnosis of that genus should be deliberately emended to include a time‐range circumscription, adequately substantiated.
THE TYPIFICATION OF WALKERA SCHREB. (1789) AND GOMPHIA SCHREB. (1789) (OCHNACEAE)
Authors: Kanis A.
Published: April 2006

The generic name Walkera Schreb. (1789) (Ochnaceae) must be typified by Meesia serrata Gaertn. (1788). In view of past and present confusion Walkera Schreb. must be considered a later homonym of Walkeria Mill. ex Ehret (1763) under Art. 75 of the present Code of Nomenclature. The holotype of Meesia serrata Gaertn. is at L. The generic name Gomphia Schreb. (1789) must be typified by Ochna zeylanica Lamk (1797), a taxonomic synonym of Meesia serrata Gaertn. The name Campylospermum van Tieghem (1902) is a nomenclatural synonym of Gomphia.
A COMPARISON OF RIND OIL COMPONENTS OF DIPLOID AND TETRAPLOID CITRUS BY GAS‐LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY
Authors: Cameron James W. , Scora Rainer W.
Published: April 2006

Rind oil components (excluding terpenes) of diploid and tetraploid selections of seven Citrus varieties comprising four species were compared by gas chromatography. The tetraploids were autotetraploid, asexual derivatives of the diploids. Percentages of the oil constituents were markedly similar between diploids and their respective tetraploids. Those significant differences which were found tended to occur at the same peaks among different varieties; the direction of the differences between diploids and tetraploids also tended to be the same for a given peak. ‘Royal’ grapefruit which may be a natural hybrid, showed several conspicuous differences between its diploid and tetraploid forms, and showed many differences from a more typical grapefruit, the ‘Hall’. The diploid and tetraploid forms of ‘Lisbon’ lemon both had high percentages of oil in the regions of geranyl acetate, geranial, and nerol. The components ocatanal, linalool, nonanol, and α‐terpineol were present in substantial quantities in most of the varieties. Each variety could be distinguished from the others by the overall percentages of its various oil components.
THE CORRECT NAME OF THE COMMON REED
Authors: Clayton W. D.
Published: April 2006

Summary

The correct name of the Common Reed, usually called Phragmites communis Trin. is P. australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steudel.

The Common Reed is rightly regarded as based upon a Linnaean species (Arundo phragmites Linn., 1753), and one is inclined to forget that, owing to the operation of the tautonym rule, the current name (Phragmites communis Trin.) dates only from 1820. This may explain why the existence of an earlier name has been overlooked.
PROBLEMS IN THE USE OF ELECTRONIC DATA PROCESSING IN BIOLOGICAL COLLECTIONS
Authors: Crovello Theodore J.
Published: April 2006

Problems in the use of electronic data processing (EDP) in biological collections are explored. To accomplish this, the uses of EDP, actual and potential, are first set forth. The uses are divided into three groups, depending on the source from which the relevant information is obtained. The problems themselves are then grouped into nine mutually exclusive categories. Each problem is discussed in detail. The concept of a decision context is introduced. Its use in making the overall decision as to whether or not EDP should be used in a particular situation is explained. A questionnaire on the problems of EDP in biological collections was returned by 22 curators. Their comments are incorporated into the appropriate places of the text.
EXTREME INSTABILITY OF CHROMOSOME NUMBER IN CLAYTONIA VIRGINICA
Authors: Lewis Walter H.
Published: April 2006

Claytonia virginica L. has two morphological races and some fifty chromosomal cytotypes. Even though apparently unique this complexity may prove to be of more general importance in the future. Simplicity and the most obvious may not always be Nature's way. In C. virginica growth and development, cytoecology and evolution are in juxtaposition, interacting and awaiting understanding. — The term biosystematics is now redundant because it has served its purpose to stress the importance of populational studies and cytogenetics for systematics.
LINDANE AND DICHLORVOS FOR PROTECTION OF HERBARIUM SPECIMENS AGAINST INSECTS
Authors: Stern William L. , Gillenwater Hagen B. , Eason Gerald , Garcia‐Quintana A. , Cail R. S.
Published: April 2006

Lindane and dichlorvos vapors are effective in protecting herbarium specimens against insect infestations without associated deleterious effects to humans. Methods of application are simple, protection is long‐lasting, and the toxicants are easily obtainable and relatively inexpensive.
MUSEUM SPECIMEN RECORD DATA STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL
Authors: Hall A. V.
Published: April 2006

Examples of problems that arise from the present lack of an efficient information service for specimen‐label data are reviewed. Deficiencies exist in the guidance given to collectors, the provision of local distribution data for environmental and other studies, and in the support given the monographers in locating Types. Basic queries such as on the fauna and flora of a particular area mostly cannot be answered directly, although the data lie close at hand. With respect to label information the museum or herbarium is a data crypt rather than a data bank. Computer‐based data‐banking offers a solution to these fundamental problems. Selected items of label data can be retrieved and sorted for output in catalogues or lists by the computer, along with tallies and distribution maps. The steps by which one may achieve this are described, together with a review of the chief kinds of computer program‐system and sources of advice. The need for careful systems analysis and international standards for recording the data is emphasised.