bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Obesity and obstetric anaesthesia
Authors: Saravanakumar K. , Rao S. G. , Cooper G. M.
Published: December 2005

The prevalence of obesity continues to increase despite preventive strategies. Obese parturients are at increased risk of having either concurrent medical problems or superimposed antenatal diseases such as pre‐eclampsia and gestational diabetes. Moreover, they have a tendency to labour abnormally contributing to increased instrumental delivery and Caesarean section. Obesity is a risk factor for anaesthesia related maternal mortality. Morbidly obese women must be considered as high‐risk and deserve an anaesthetic consultation during their antenatal care. The significant difficulty in administering epidural analgesia should not preclude their use in labour. A more liberalised use of regional techniques may be a means to further reduce anaesthesia‐related maternal mortality in the obese population. The mother's life should not be jeopardised to save a compromised fetus. Prophylactic placement of an epidural catheter when not contraindicated in labouring morbidly obese women would potentially decrease anaesthetic and perinatal complications associated with attempts at emergency provision of regional or general anaesthesia. Early mobilisation, aggressive chest physiotherapy and adequate pain control are essential components of effective postoperative care.
A randomised double‐blind controlled study evaluating the hypothermic effect of 150 μg morphine during spinal anaesthesia for Caesarean section
Authors: Hui C.‐K. , Huang C.‐H. , Lin C.‐J. , Lau H.‐P. , Chan W.‐H. , Yeh H.‐M.
Published: December 2005

We studied the hypothermic effect of adding 150 μg morphine during spinal anaesthesia in 60 parturients scheduled for elective caesarean section. All the parturients received intrathecal injection of a solution containing 150 μg morphine or normal saline in addition to 10–12 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5%. In both groups, a significant decrease in body temperature was noted. There was no difference in the area under the curve for temperature against time for the two groups; however, the maximum decrease in temperature from baseline was significantly larger after morphine than after saline injection (mean (SD) 1.11 (0.61) °C vs 0.76 (0.39) °C, respectively; p = 0.01) and the time to nadir temperature was significantly longer (59.5 (17.6) min vs 50.4 (15.9) min, respectively; p = 0.047). The lowest temperature observed in the morphine group was 34.3 °C. We conclude that intrathecal injection of 150 μg morphine intensified the intra‐operative hypothermic effect of bupivacaine spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section.
Acupuncture – a critical analysis
Authors: ERNST E.
Published: December 2005

Even though widely used in today's clinical practice, acupuncture has remained a controversial subject. Many reviews are currently available but most lack a critical stance and some are overtly promotional. The aim of this overview is to provide a balanced, critical analysis of the existing evidence. Some of the original concepts of traditional acupuncture are not supported by good scientific evidence. Several plausible theories attempt to explain how acupuncture works but none are proved beyond doubt. The clinical effectiveness of acupuncture continues to attract controversy. Many controlled clinical trials and numerous systematic reviews of these studies have been published. Considerable problems are encountered when interpreting these data. Heterogeneity is a significant drawback of both clinical trials and systematic reviews. Some of the controversies may be resolved through the use of the new ‘placebo needles’ which enable researchers to adequately control for placebo effects of acupuncture. The majority of studies using such devices fails to show effects beyond a placebo response. Acupuncture has been associated with serious adverse events but most large‐scale studies suggest that these are probably rare. Nonserious adverse effects occur in 7–11% of all patients. In conclusion, acupuncture remains steeped in controversy. Some findings are encouraging but others suggest that its clinical effects mainly depend on a placebo response.
Stroke Injury in Rats Causes an Increase in Activin A Gene Expression Which is Unaffected by Oestradiol Treatment
Authors: Böttner M. , Dubal D. B. , Rau S. W. , Suzuki S. , Wise P. M.
Published: December 2005

Activins are members of the transforming growth factor‐β superfamily that exert neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects on various neuronal populations. To determine the possible function of activin in stroke injury, we assessed which components of the activin signalling pathway were modulated in response to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Furthermore, because oestradiol replacement protects against MCAO‐induced cell death, we explored whether oestradiol replacement influences activin gene expression. Female Sprague‐Dawley rats underwent permanent MCAO and the expression of activins and their corresponding receptors was determined by semiquantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction at 24 h after onset of ischaemia. We observed up‐regulation of activin βA and activin type I receptor A mRNA in response to injury. Dual‐label immunocytochemistry followed by confocal z‐stack analysis showed that the activin A expressing cells comprised neurones. Next, we monitored the time course of activin βA mRNA expression in oestradiol‐ or vehicle‐treated rats at 4, 8, 16 and 24 h after MCAO via in situ hybridisation. Starting at 4 h after injury, activin βA mRNA was up‐regulated in cortical and striatal areas in the ipsilateral hemisphere. Activin βA mRNA levels in the cortex increased dramatically with time and were highest at 24 h after the insult, and oestradiol replacement did not influence this increase.
Ivermectin: pharmacology and application in dermatology
Authors: Dourmishev Assen L. , Dourmishev Lyubomir A. , Schwartz Robert A.
Published: December 2005

Ivermectin is a synthetic derivative of the antiparasitic class of compounds known as avermectins. It is a macrolide endectocide with activity against both endoparasites with cutaneous tropism (Strongyloides stercoralis,Ancylostoma braziliense,Cochliomyia hominivorax,Dermatobia hominis,Filaria bancrofti,Wucheria malayi,Onchocerca volvulus,Loa‐loa) and ectoparasites such asSarcoptes scabies,Pediculus humanus,Demodex folliculorum, andCheyletiellasp. Ivermectin is of great interest in the treatment of patients with different forms of scabies, head lice, demodecidosis, cutaneous larva migrans, cutaneous larva currens, myiasis, and filariasis.
A sociodemographic, clinical study of patients with venous ulcer
Authors: Abbade Luciana P. Fernandes , Lastória Sidnei , De Almeida Rollo Hamilton , Ometto Stolf Hamilton
Published: December 2005

Background  Venous ulcer is the most serious consequence of chronic venous insufficiency and is responsible for almost 70% of chronic leg ulcers. The main purpose of this research was to describe social, demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with venous ulcers and to identify some professional repercussions of this pathology.

Subjects and methods  We evaluated patients with a clinical picture compatible with venous ulcer. The sociodemographic characteristics of the patients, and the clinical characteristics and professional repercussions of the pathology were studied. We used the ankle‐brachial index to identify associated arterial disease. The body mass index (BMI) was used for the classification of the nutritional condition of the patients.

Results  A total of 120 patients were included in the study (90 females and 30 males; 80.8% White; 44.2% > 60 years old). Ninety‐one per cent of the patients had been in education for less than 4 years, and 89.7% were on the poverty line. Thirty‐five per cent were retired, 2.5% were receiving government help due to disease and 4.2% were unemployed. About 16% of patients were out of work due to the disease, and 49.2% presented some degree of disability in terms of work tasks. The ulcer area was less than 30 cm2 in 69.1% of patients. The first ulcer episode occurred in 13.4 years on average, and 64.2% of patients had recurrent episodes. Females presented on average 5.65 pregnancies, and 75.4% of patients were overweight.

Conclusion  Venous ulcer occurred mainly in the low‐income population, who presented with little formal education. Generally, the ulcers were present for a long time and were recurrent, with repercussions for the capabilities of patients to work.
Effect of ethnicity on the risk of developing nonmelanoma skin cancer following long‐term PUVA therapy
Authors: Murase Jenny E. , Lee Ernest E. , Koo John
Published: December 2005

Background  Research demonstrating an increased incidence of skin cancer with psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy has reflected the Caucasian experience. Our objective was to review the literature on skin cancer risk associated with long‐term PUVA therapy in non‐Caucasians.

Methods  Our analysis included 4294 long‐term PUVA patients in Japan, Korea, Thailand, Egypt, and Tunisia with a follow‐up period of at least 5 years.

Results  The relative risk of PUVA patients developing nonmelanoma skin cancer relative to general dermatology outpatients was 0.86 [CI 0.36–1.35].

Conclusions  There does not appear to be an increased risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer with long‐term PUVA therapy in Asian and Arabian‐African populations. Therefore, in phototherapy risk assessment, it is important to consider the patient's skin phototype and the potential protection that more pigmented skin may confer.
Association of HLA‐DQA1 and DQB1 genes with vitiligo in Chinese Hans
Authors: Yang Sen , Wang Ji‐Yun , Gao Min , Liu Hong‐Sheng , Sun Liang‐Dan , He Ping‐Ping , Liu Jiang‐Bo , Zhang An‐Ping , Cui Yong , Liang Yan‐Hua , Wang Zai‐Xing , Zhang Xue‐Jun
Published: December 2005

Background  Vitiligo is an acquired depigmentary disorder of the skin and hair which results from selective destruction of melanocytes. Serological typing and genotyping of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) have shown discrepancies in HLA associations with vitiligo in different ethnic populations.

Methods  Polymerase chain reaction sequence‐specific primer (PCR‐SSP) method was used to analyze the distribution of HLA‐DQA1 and ‐DQB1 alleles among 187 patients with vitiligo and 273 healthy controls through Epi Info version 6 package (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA).

Results  The frequencies of HLA‐DQA1*0302 (OR = 1.98, Pc < 0.01), ‐DQB1*0303 (OR = 3.14, Pc < 0.001), and ‐DQB1*0503 (OR = 3.36, Pc < 0.05) alleles were significantly increased in patients with vitiligo compared with controls, and HLA‐DQA1*0501 (OR = 0.40, Pc < 0.01) allele frequency was highly decreased. HLA‐DQA1*0302 (OR = 5.19, Pc < 0.001), ‐DQA1*0601 (OR = 2.95, Pc < 0.05), ‐DQB1*0303 (OR = 4.50, Pc < 0.001), and ‐DQB1*0503 (OR = 6.69, Pc < 0.001) alleles were positively associated, whereas HLA‐DQA1*0501 (OR = 0.05, Pc < 0.001) allele was negatively associated with childhood vitiligo patients, and HLA‐DQB1*0303 (OR = 2.76, Pc < 0.001) allele was positively associated with adult vitiligo patients compared with controls. The frequency of HLA‐DQB1*0303 (OR = 3.72, Pc < 0.001) allele was significantly increased in localized vitiligo patients vs. controls, whereas HLA‐DQA1*0302 (OR = 2.47, Pc < 0.01), ‐DQB1*0303 (OR = 2.67, Pc < 0.01), and ‐DQB1*0503 (OR = 4.46, Pc < 0.01) allele frequencies were significantly increased and ‐DQA1*0501 (OR = 0.27, Pc < 0.01) allele frequency was highly decreased in generalized vitiligo patients.

Conclusions  HLA‐DQA1*0302, ‐DQA1*0601, ‐DQB1*0303, and ‐DQB1*0503 alleles could be susceptible alleles of vitiligo, while HLA‐DQA1*0501 allele could be a protective allele in Chinese Hans. There may be different genetic backgrounds between vitiligo patients of childhood and adult, localized and generalized.
Zosteriform metastatic transitional cell carcinoma
Authors: Woodruff Christy A. , Amrikachi Mojghan , Hsu Sylvia
Published: December 2005

Presentation of metastatic nodules in a dermatomal distribution is very rare. We present the case of a 63‐year‐old woman with zosteriform metastasis secondary to transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. Possible mechanisms of dissemination are discussed.
Giant annular dermatomyofibroma
Authors: Ku Lap Shing , Chong Lai Yin , Yau Ko Chiu
Published: December 2005

A 74‐year‐old lady presented with a painful giant annular abdominal plaque for a duration of 2 years. The plaque developed from a cholecystectomy scar and extended peripherally around it. The patient had had a cholecystectomy for gallstones 10 years previously. She was a diabetic on oral hypoglycaemic agents and had no history of radiotherapy. Physical examination showed a tender well‐demarcated annular erythematous keloid‐like plaque, measuring 13 cm × 15 cm, surrounding a cholecystectomy scar. Another smaller oval plaque, measuring 3 cm × 2 cm, was found on the left side of the abdomen (Fig. 1). The initial clinical diagnosis was dermatofibrosarcoma protuberan (DFSP). A deep incisional biopsy including subcutaneous fat was performed under local anesthesia for pathological examination. Histologically, there was a plaque‐like lesion involving the upper reticular dermis but not extending to the subcutaneous fat. The lesion showed proliferation of spindle‐shaped cells arranged in intersecting fascicles and appeared parallel to the skin surface. Only a vague storiform pattern was seen at the edges. The cells had relatively uniform elongated nuclei and mitosis was not seen. The overlying epidermis showed mild hyperplasia with pigmentation of the basal layer (Fig. 2). Smooth muscle actin was positive (Fig. 3), desmin was negative and CD34 was negative. The final diagnosis was dermatomyofibroma (DMF). Extra‐abdominal fibromatosis was unlikely because broad elongated fascicles among collagenous stroma were not evident, while intersecting fascicles parallel to the skin surface were typical of DMF. The smaller plaque on her left abdomen was excised and gave similar histological and staining results. The giant annular plaque was not excised as the patient refused further surgery. She has since been closely monitored.

A well‐demarcated annular erythematous keloid‐like 11 cm × 13 cm plaque surrounding a cholecystectomy scar; a smaller oval plaque measuring 3 cm × 2 cm was found on the left side of the abdomen

image

The lesion shows proliferation of spindle‐shaped cells arranged in intersecting fascicles; most appear parallel to the skin surface. Only a vague storiform pattern is seen (H&E, ×10)

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Immunohistochemical staining with actin shows moderate cytoplasmic staining. Internal positive control is demonstrated by staining of the blood vessel pericytes (SMA, ×5)

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Scrotal hair in identical twin infants
Authors: Leung Alexander K. C. , Hegde Hardally R. , Stephure David K.
Published: December 2005

Scrotal hair in infancy is extremely rare. We report identical twins who had scrotal hair at 1 month of age. The condition is likely owing to hypersensitivity of the scrotal hair follicles to transiently elevated androgen levels in the first few months of life. Our patients are the youngest reported in the literature. Most cases are sporadic. The present cases suggest that the condition can be familial.
Lack of correlation between Helicobacter pylori infection and autologous serum skin test in chronic idiopathic urticaria
Authors: Başkan Emel Bülbül , Türker Tugba , Gülten Macit , Tunali Sükran
Published: December 2005

Background  There are controversial reports about the direct role of Helicobacterpylori infection in chronic idiopathic urticaria. The indirect role of H. pylori infection in the induction of pathogenetic antibodies is not fully elucidated either. This study aims to reveal the association of H. pylori infection with autologous serum skin test positivity in chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) patients.

Methods  A total of 47 patients (35 women, 12 men, age range 17–65 years) diagnosed as CIU were included in the study. Autologous serum skin test was performed on all patients. The patients were examined with a commercially available ELISA test for H. pylori‐specific antibodies. Gastroscopy with mucosal biopsy and rapid urease tests were proposed to verify the presence of H. pylori infection.

Results  Helicobacter pylori infection was detected in 33 of the 47 patients (70%). No significant relation was found between the autologous serum skin test positivity and the serological and histopathological presence of H. pylori infection.

Conclusion  The results of our study suggest that chronic H. pylori infection does not appear to have a role in the induction of autoantibodies in CIU.
Prevalence and risk factors for tinea pedis in Israeli soldiers
Authors: Cohen A. D. , Wolak A. , Alkan M. , Shalev R. , Vardy D. A.
Published: December 2005

Background  Tinea pedis is a common infection in soldiers. However, prevalence and risk factors for tinea pedis in soldiers were investigated in only a few studies.

Objectives  To investigate the prevalence and risk factors for tinea pedis in Israeli soldiers.

Methods  A cross‐sectional study including interviews, clinical skin examination and mycological tests was performed in Israeli soldiers. The presence of tinea pedis was assessed using the Athlete's Foot Severity Index (AFSI), a scoring system that was developed in order to evaluate the presence and severity of tinea pedis. In soldiers with clinical evidence of tinea pedis (AFSI > 1), scrapings were taken for direct microscopic examination (20% KOH preparation) and fungal culture. Statistical analyses were performed using chi‐square or Fisher's exact test for dichotomous variables (as needed), or t‐tests for continuous variables. Logistic regression was used for multivariate analyses of dichotomous variables.

Results  Two hundred and twenty‐three soldiers were included in the study: 205 men (91.9%) and 18 women (8.1%). Mean age was 19.6 years (SD 1.0 year). Clinical point prevalence was 60.1%. Mycological point prevalence was 27.3%. Further analyses were performed using the clinical point prevalence. Univariate analyses demonstrated that the prevalence of tinea pedis varied with the setting of military training (basic training: 70.3%, advanced infantry training: 81.5%, armor commander training: 56.4% and armor officer training: 34.8%) and was associated with male gender, frequency of sock changes and the length of military service. A multivariate analysis demonstrated that tinea pedis was associated with the setting of the military training (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2–2.1) and male gender (OR 4.3, 95% CI 1.4–13.8); however, there was no association with hygiene measures (e.g. frequency of changing socks or sleeping with socks) or the length of military service.

Conclusion  Tinea pedis is highly prevalent in Israeli soldiers. Association of tinea pedis with the setting of military training suggests that contagious spread may be an important risk factor. We suggest that environmental interventions should be planned to in order to decrease the morbidity of tinea pedis among soldiers.
Profile of acne patients in the Philippines requiring a second course of oral isotretinoin
Authors: Haryati Indra , Jacinto Sylvia S.
Published: December 2005

Background  Oral isotretinoin (OI) is currently the gold standard in the treatment of moderately severe to severe acne vulgaris. Approximately 50–85% of patients achieve permanent cure with one course based on 1.0–2.0 mg/kg/body weight. It has been shown that a dosage of less than 1 mg/kg/body weight predisposed to noncure and required a second course for a permanent cure.

Objective  Purpose of this study was to describe the profile of acne patients in the Philippines requiring a second course of OI.

Methods  Charts of acne vulgaris patients given OI in a private dermatology clinic (SSJ) over a period of 10 years were reviewed and analyzed. All patients were given a total dose of 1 mg/kg/body weight (cumulative total dose of 120 mg/kg/body weight).

Result  Of 240 patients taking OI included in the study, 193 completed the entire course. One hundred and 43 (59.6%) were cured after one course and required no further therapy (control group: CG), 42 (17.5%) experienced relapse and were treated with topical therapy, and eight (3.3%) relapsed and required oral antibiotic plus topical therapy. Only 47 patients (19.6%) required a second course of OI therapy (study group: SG). There was no difference between the two groups in age, sex, severity, and location of lesions. Two factors were found to be of statistically significant difference: Total dose actually taken with 103.5 mg/kg/body weight for the SG vs. 118.55 mg/kg/body weight for the CG. Median duration of treatment was 6.7 months for the SG vs. 7.41 months for the CG, respectively.

Conclusion  The profile of acne patients in the Philippines requiring a second course of OI is seen in those taking a mean cumulative dose (actual total dose) less than 120 mg/kg/body weight, with a mean actual duration of 6.7 months.
Anaphylactic reaction to apple, banana and lychee: what is common between botanically disparate plant families?
Authors: Saraswat Abir , Kumar Bhushan
Published: December 2005

We present the case of a 33‐year‐old nonatopic woman with multiple episodes of anaphylaxis after ingestion of different fruits. The fruits implicated were apple, banana and lychee: all of which belong to different and botanically disparate plant families. The reaction to apple and banana was confirmed by prick testing. There was no history of allergy to other agents that are known to have cross reactions with fruits, viz. latex or pollen. As such patients often do not present to dermatologists, we wish to highlight the rare but potentially fatal clinical entity of type I allergy to fruits without concomitant allergy to other common airborne/contact allergens. We also discuss the possible explanation of type I reaction to apparently unrelated fruits and the allergens involved in such reactions.
PAS‐1, a protein affinity purified from Ascaris suum worms, maintains the ability to modulate the immune response to a bystander antigen
Authors: Oshiro Telma M , Enobe Cristina S , Araújo Cláudia A , Macedo Mahasti S , Macedo‐Soares Maria Fernanda
Published: December 2005

Helminth infections and parasite components have potent immunomodulatory effects on a host's immune system. In the present study, we investigated the effect of PAS‐1, a protein component of Ascaris suum adult worms recognized by a monoclonal antibody (MAIP‐1), on humoral and cell‐mediated responses to a bystander antigen (ovalbumin [OVA]). MAIP‐1 recognized only one of the three polypeptide chains of PAS‐1, but neutralized the suppressive effect of the whole worm extract on OVA‐specific antibody production. PAS‐1 inhibited antibody production against a T‐cell‐dependent, but not a T‐cell‐independent, antigen in a dose‐dependent way. IgM, IgG1, IgG2b, and also IgE and anaphylactic IgG1 levels were downregulated. In addition, PAS‐1 inhibited OVA‐specific delayed type hypersensitivity reactions in the footpad of mice, showing a potent immunosuppressive activity on both Th1 and Th2 responses that seems to be mediated by the induction of large amounts of IL‐10 and IL‐4. Indeed, PAS‐1‐specific spleen cells secreted sevenfold more IL‐10 and threefold more IL‐4 than OVA‐specific cells in response to in vitro restimulation with the respective antigens. In conclusion, we showed that PAS‐1, a single protein component from A. suum, maintains all its immunosuppressive properties.
Use of proton pump inhibitor as a diagnostic test in NCCP
Authors: WONG WAI‐MAN
Published: December 2005

Abstract:  Non‐cardiac chest pain (NCCP) is the most common extra‐esophageal manifestation of gastroesophageal reflux disease. The proton pump inhibitor empirical trial (PPI test) is a simple non‐invasive, arcurate and cast‐saving test for evaluating patients with GERD‐related NCCP. The review will discuss the use of the PPI test as a diagnostic test for NCCP.
CYP2C19 genotype and the PPIs – focus on rabeprazole
Authors: LIM P. W. Y , GOH K. L. , WONG B. C. Y.
Published: December 2005

Abstract: Amongst all the proton pump inhibitors (PPI), the hepatic metabolism of rabeprazole is least dependent on the CYP4502C19 system. Rabeprazole is therefore the PPI least affected by CYP4502C19 genetic polymorphism. This unique feature of rabeprazole complements rabeprazole's fast onset of action, and may lead to profound and consistent inhibition of gastric acid secretion in the treatment of acid‐related disorders.
Distribution, biomass and primary production of an Ahnfeltia tobuchiensis (Ahnfeltiales, Rhodophyta) population in the Bay of Izmena, Kunashir Island
Authors: Cherbadgy Ivan I. , Popova Ludmila I.
Published: December 2005

Regularities of distribution and primary production of an Ahnfeltia tobuchiensis (Kanno et Matsubara) Mak. population, an agar‐containing red alga, were studied in the Bay ot Izmena. Experiments were conducted in a flow‐through system under conditions similar to algal habitats. The population of A. tobuchiensis unattached to the ground may be from a few centimeters to as much as 1 m thick. It has been shown that only the upper part of a stratum 15–20 cm thick receives a sufficient amount ot light to realize its production potential. While 15–20% of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) of that falling on the water surface reaches the stratum surface, only 0.1% of PAR from that falling on the water surface penetrates through stratum 15 cm thick. It has been shown for A. tobuchiensis that its photosynthetic rate curve during the daytime mainly follows the PAR intensity curve. The highest values of photosynthetic rate have been measured in the afternoon when PAR reaches its maximum. It is noted that a stratum 15–20 cm thick has peak values ot net primary production (NPP) which averages 3.2 g C m−2 day−1. The total area of A. tobuchiensis population was 23.4 km2, and its biomass was 125 000 tons in this area. On average, the NPP of the A. tobuchiensis population made up in summer and in autumn was 46.8 and 25.0% of its biomass, respectively.
Porphyra monospore system (Bangiales, Rhodophyta): A model for the developmental biology of marine plants
Authors: Kitade Yukihiro , Taguchi Go , Shin Jong‐Ahm , Saga Naotsune
Published: December 2005

We have developed an experimental system of cohort monospores from clonal culture of leafy gametophytes in Porphyra yezoensis Ueda (strain TU‐1). This system is quite different from traditional systems for algal protoplast experimentation, which require expensive enzymatic treatment and utilize an ineffective method of preservation. Cohort monospores were obtained by utilizing a mode of asexual reproduction in the culture strain (monospores) and artificial regulation (thallus length, temperature, light, etc.) of monospore release. When the leafy gametophytes that formed monospores were frozen at ‐ 20°C in a cryoprotective solution composed of 5% DMSO and 5% dextran in 100% seawater, about 98% survived for 3 months. When stored at 5°C without cryoprotectants, these leafy gametophytes could be kept without monospore release for 1 week. Maximum monospore yield was about 3000 spores per 100 gametophytes, and germination rate was about 70%, This system will accelerate developmental biology studies in Porphyra.
Chemotaxonomy of planktonic cyanobacteria based on non‐polar and 3‐hydroxy fatty acid composition
Authors: Li Renhui , Yokota Akira , Sugiyama Junta , Watanabe Masayuki , Hiroki Mikiya , Watanabe Makoto M.
Published: December 2005

Twenty‐eight axenio planktonic cyanobacterial strains (10 Microcystis, three Oscillatoria, one Spirulina, one Aphanizomenon, 13 Anabaena) were investigated for their fatty acid composition by measurement of non‐polar and hydroxy fatty acids. No 2‐hydroxy fatty acids were detected in any strain, but 3‐hydroxy fatty acids were detected in minor quantities in 24 strains. The highest portion of total fatty acids were non‐polar fatty acids. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of 3‐hydroxy fatty acids showed no taxonomic value in these strains, while the type of non‐polar fatty acid composition was shown to be consistent within Microcystis and Anabaena strains, distinguishing them as type 4, characterized by the presence of 18:4, and type 2, characterized by 18:3 (α) of the Kenyon‐Murata system. Two Oscillatoria agardhii Gomont strains were also included in the type 2 group due to the presence of 18: 3 (α), but the difference in characteristics of 16:2 and 16:3 between O. agardhii and Anabaena further divided type 2 into two subgroups: type 2A for Anabaena and type 2B for O. agardhii. A simplified unweighted pair group method with arithmetic averages (UPGMA) dendrogram demonstrated that the classification of 28 strains (Microcystis spp., Anabaena spp., Aphanizomenon flos‐aquae (Lemmermann) Ralfs f. gracile (Lemmermann) Elenkin, O. agardhii and Spirullnasubsalsa Oersted ex Gomont based on numerical analysis of non‐polar fatty acids corresponded to morphological species criteria, suggesting that non‐polar fatty acid composition is a valuable chemical marker in the taxonomy of planktonic cyanobacteria. However, the fatty acid composition in Oscillatoria raciborskii is similar to that of Microcystis and very different from that of O. agardhii, suggesting its special position in Oscillatoria and the chemical diversity in the genus Oscillatoria.
A taxonomic study of JapaneseScytosiphon(Scytosiphonales, Phaeophyceae), including two new species
Authors: Kogame Kazuhiro
Published: December 2005

Morphological and culture studies were carried out on the genusScytosiphon(Scytosiphonales, Phaeophyceae) growing in Japan. Morphologies of plurilocular zo‐idangia and sporophytic thalli were found to be useful as taxonomic characters. Two types of plurilocular zo‐idangial sori were recognized: (i) loosely coherent plurilocular zoidangia without a cuticular layer (loose type); (ii) tightly coherent plurilocular zoidangia with a cuticular layer (coherent type). The sporophytic thallus morphology was different among species in general appearance (tufted or discoid), degree of cohesion of erect filaments, and presence or absence of paraphyses. Two new species are described,Scytosiphon gracilissp. nov. andScytosiphon tenellussp. nov,Scytosiphon gracilisis distinguished from other species by a thin medullary layer, coherent plurilocular zoidangia, no ascocysts associated with plurilocular zoidangia, and Compsonema‐like sporophytic thalli.Scytosiphon tenellusis characterized by a thin medullary layer, coherent plurilocular zoidangia, ascocysts among plurilocular zoidangial sori, andStragularia‐like sporophytic thalli.Scytosiphon lo‐mentaria(Lyngbye) Link is characterized by a constricted gametophytic thallus, loose plurilocular zoidangia, the presence of ascocysts, and sporophytic thaili identified withMicrospongium gelatlnosumReinke.
Porphyra lilliputiana sp. nov. (Bangiales, Rhodophyta): A diminutive New Zealand endemic with novel reproductive biology
Authors: Nelson Wendy A. , Knight Glenys A. , Hawkes Michael W.
Published: December 2005

A new species of Porphyra, Porphyra lilliputiana, is described for the New Zealand region. This species is very small ([5] 10–20 [35] mm) and is found growing epiphytically, epilithically and epizoically on upper inter‐tidal shores of moderate exposure. Field‐collected material of P. lilliputiana possessed archeosporangia, endosporangia, spermatangia and zygotosporangia. In culture, archeospores vi/ere released and germinated to form thalli. Endosporangia either developed directly into thalli or released endospores which individually formed thalli. Zygotospores developed into the concho‐celis phase, which formed conchosporangia. Released conchospores formed thalli. This species is distinguished by its small size, arrangement of reproductive cells, occurrence of endosporangia, dentate margin and habitat.
The cell wall chemistry of Bangia atropurpurea (Bangiales, Rhodophyta) and Bostrychia moritziana (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) from marine and freshwater environments
Authors: Youngs Heather L. , Gretz Michael R. , West John A. , Sommerfeld Milton R.
Published: December 2005

The cell wall polysaccharides of two species of red algae, which are adapted to both freshwater and marine environments, were analysed to determine the effect of these widely different environments on their commercially important agarocolloids and to investigate the possible role of the cell wall in environmental adaptation. Cell wall polymers of freshwater isolates of Bangia atropurpurea (Roth) C. Agardh and cultured freshwater and marine Bostrychia moritziana (Sonder ex Kützing) J. Agardh were isolated and the polysaccharides chemically fractionated and characterized. Wall polysaccharides of freshwater B. atropurpurea were similar to those previously reported for marine isolates with repeating disac‐charide units of agarose and porphyran predominant in the hot water extracts. In the insoluble residues, 3‐iinked galactosyl and 4‐linked mannosyl residues were predominant. Bostrychia moritziana wall polysaccharides included agarocolloids with various patterns of methyl ether substitution similar to those previously described for other Ceramiales. Differences in the position of methyl ether substituents were detected in the hot water extracts of the freshwater and marine specimens. Polymers of freshwater ß. moritziana cultures were composed of a complex mixture of repeating disaccharide units including 2′‐O‐methyl agarose, 6‐O‐methyI agarose and 2′‐O‐methyl porphyran. Polymers of marine isolates of ß. moritziana differ in that they contain only trace amounts of 2‐O‐methyl saccharides and increased amounts of 6‐O‐amethyl saccharides. The hot water insoluble residues of both freshwater and marine isolates of ß. moritziana contain a mixture of 3‐linked galactosyl and 4‐linked glucosyl residues. These results indicate that the adaptive response of B. moritziana to changing osmotic and ionic conditions may include changes in cell wall chemistry: notably, the pattern of methyl ether substitution.
An Exploration of the Influence of Dispositional Traits and Appraisal on Coping Strategies in African American College Students
Authors: Smith Maureen C. , Dust Margaret C.
Published: December 2005

This study explored the correlates of self‐reported coping strategies from both an appraisal (e.g., severity, impact, desirability of the event, as well as perceived stress) and a dispositional (e.g., preferred/typical coping style, self‐concept clarity, self‐esteem, emotion regulation, problem‐solving style, anxiety) perspective. Participants were 211 African American undergraduate and graduate students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. The results indicated that dispositional traits (especially problem‐solving style) are associated uniquely with preferred/typical coping styles. The results also provided modest evidence that dispositional traits and subjects' appraisals (e.g., challenge, harm/threat, impact) are predictive of subjects' coping strategies in specific ongoing stressful situations. The general findings from this study appear to mirror research on Caucasian subjects.
Approach and Avoidance Social Motives and Goals
Authors: Gable Shelly L.
Published: December 2005

ABSTRACT
It was predicted that approach social motives and goals would be linked to outcomes characterized by the presence of positive social features, and avoidance social motives and goals would be linked to outcomes characterized by the presence of negative social features and that the link between approach motives and outcomes would be mediated by different processes than the link between avoidance motives and outcomes. These hypotheses were examined in three studies (two of them longitudinal) that measured participants' dispositional social motives, short‐term social goals, and social outcomes (e.g., loneliness). Approach motives and goals were reliably associated with less loneliness and more satisfaction with social bonds, whereas avoidance motives and goals were reliably associated with more loneliness, negative social attitudes, and relationship insecurity. Results also suggested that these associations were mediated by different processes. Implications for the conceptualization of close relationships along these two dimensions are discussed.
Mother and Self‐Representations: Investigating Associations With Symptomatic Behavior and Academic Competence in Middle Childhood
Authors: Waniel Ariela , Besser Avi , Priel Beatriz
Published: December 2005

This article reports two studies examining the content and structural aspects of maternal and self‐representations in middle childhood in two prospective studies of 9 to 11‐year‐old children, their stability over time and interrelations, and their contribution to symptomatology and academic functioning. In Study 1 (N=169), content and structural dimensions of participants' open‐ended narratives of self and mother were assessed, and their factor structure was replicated across two consecutive measurement waves carried out a year apart. In Study 2 (N=137), using an independent sample, the authors investigated the associations of self‐ and maternal representations with teachers' subsequent reports of children's internalizing and externalizing symptomatology and academic competence. It was assumed that dimensions of self‐representations played a mediating role in the prediction of children's symptomatology and competence by their maternal representations. Results corroborated the existence of interdependent but distinct representations of self and mother in middle childhood, as well as the stability over time of the structural and thematic aspects within each representation. The content of the self‐ and maternal representations was found to associate with observed symptomatic behavior, while their structure associated with children's academic competence. In addition, results indicated that self‐representation content mediates the association of maternal representation content with subsequent symptomatic behavior. Findings are discussed in the light of the differentiation and interdependence of self‐ and maternal representations in middle childhood.
PURPOSE IN THE UNIVERSE: A SEARCH FOR WHOLENESS
Authors: Birch Charles
Published: December 2005

Of course, it may be said that the impulsion to “make sense of existence” is just the beginning of wish fantasy, a desperate subterfuge to conceal the unbearable truth that existence is indeed absurd. This may be the case. But at least let us give the matter a hearing before we make up our minds to dis miss it.1
ON SCIENCE AS A GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING THE ORDER AMIDST THE DIVERSITY OF LIFE
Authors: Weiss Paul A.
Published: December 2005

This paper is the reprinting under a new title of the “Foreword” of Paul A. Weiss's Life, Order, and Understanding: A Theme in Three Variations, published in 1970 as volume 8 supplement of The Graduate Journal of the University of Texas (Austin, Texas, #5.00 [hardcover], #2.50 [paperback], 157 pages). We reprint this paper here for two reasons. The first is that its beautiful, scientifically grounded imagery of living systems in relation to wave dynamics provides a significant supplement to this issue of Zygon on human values in the context of thermodynamics. The second is that it is hoped this foreword will serve better than would a book review to introduce Zygon readers to the philosophical and scientific wisdom contained in Life, Order, and Understanding.–Editor.
CHURCHES AT THE TRANSITION BETWEEN GROWTH AND WORLD EQUILIBRIUM
Authors: Forrester Jay W.
Published: December 2005

This paper was originally presented at the annual meeting of the program board of the Division of Overseas Ministries of the National Council of Churches. It followed a discussion by Jorgen Randers showing the implications of present world trends in growth of population and industrialization, depletion of natural resources, rise in population, and full utilization of agricultural land. Referring to the two hours of his talk and the ensuing discussion, Randers said, “The entire purpose is to convince you that exponential growth cannot go on forever in a world of fixed size.” Randers stressed that overtaxing of the natural environment is caused more by industrialization than by population. Industrial processes use natural resources and emit pollution. Capital‐intensive agriculture in time decreases the productivity of land. Limiting of capital accumulation is as necessary as limiting of population. World civilization must and will move from growth to equilibrium, either by human choice or by the pressure of natural and social forces.

Many trade‐offs and choices lie before us in the approaching equilibrium. We can press forward along the historical growth curves, exceed the limits of the world environment, and endure a collapse of population and industrialization back to a level the world can support. Or we can choose a redirection of law, policies, and religions to create a smooth transition to world equilibrium. Even in choosing equilibrium, alternatives arise. The higher the population, the lower will be the achieveable standard of living and quality of life. Trade‐offs will be made consciously or implicitly between advantages in the immediate future compared to advantages in the distant future. An inherent conflict exists between time horizons. Choosing to maximize the present quality of life condemns future generations to suffer for their predecessors' advantage.

The reader should, if possible, read first any of those cited in notes1, 2, or 6 listed at the end of this paper before reading the following text, —J A Y W. FORRESTER.
ALBERT EINSTEIN: THE METHODOLOGICAL UNITY UNDERLYING SCIENCE AND RELIGION
Authors: Morrison Roy D.
Published: December 2005

Strange is our situation here upon the earth. Each of us comes for a short visit, not knowing why, yet sometimes seeming to divine a purpose.1
PLEASURE AND REASON AS ADAPTATIONS TO NATURE'S REQUIREMENTS
Authors: Burhoe Ralph Wendell
Published: December 2005

The values which guide mental and physical behavior seem to be derived from evolutionary facts. In our brains, selection of genes has tied the experience of pleasure to motivating what nature requires us to do for the good of ourselves, our kinsmen, and our ecosystem. When our brains evolved to house also a cultural heritage (including religion, the motivation of sociocultural goals, and rational discourse), hellish tensions could arise to split brain function (minds) and societies. Salvation could and did come from natural selection's replacement of discordant elements in our heritages by better coadapted ones. In this replacement, human rational decisions participated. Selection also continued to adapt these symbiotic heritages to their common environment.
EVOLUTION OF THE PSYCHENCEPHALON
Authors: MacLean Paul D.
Published: December 2005

In evolving to its great size the human brain has retained the distinctive features and chemistry of three kinds of brains that reflect an ancestral relationship to reptiles, early mammals, and late mammals. It constitutes, so to speak, a psychencephalon comprised of three‐brains‐in‐one, a triune brain. In the evolution from reptiles to mammals two key changes were the development of nursing and maternal care. Through the agency of “newer” parts of the brain a parental concern for family eventually generalizes not only to other members of the species but to the entire biosphere, a psychological development that amounts to the evolution of responsibility and what we call conscience. Given our freedom to decide “yes” or “no” on various issues, we need not look beyond the evolving family to find a reason for being, an ethic to live by.
NIELS BOHR AND THE MYSTICISM OF NATURE
Authors: Honner John
Published: December 2005

Some authors have described Niels Rohr as “never being open to anything transcendental.” Wolfgang Pauli, on the other hand, spent many years trying to persuade Bohr to admit to a kind of’ mysticism. This study offers support to Pauli's claims. First, a distinction between what is vague on the one hand, and what is necessarily circular on the other, clarifies the work of Bohr. This discussion leads to comments on Bohr's attitude towards the mutuality of spirit and matter and of reason and mysticism. Finally, some reflections are made about the relevance of Bohr's covert transcendental philosophy for theological endeavors.
QUANTUM PHYSICS AND FREEDOM IN A WHITEHEADIAN PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Rigagan George Arkell
Published: December 2005

This paper attempts to demonstrate the critical significance of early advances in quantum physics for Alfred North Whiteheads development of the categories of his metaphysics and to illustrate the capacity of his system to serve as a bridge between the sciences and the humanities by relating specific Whiteheadian categories to concrete microphysical behavior with special reference to the notion of freedom.
SCIENTIFIC AND RELIGIOUS UNIVERSES OF DISCOURSE
Authors: Wavell Bruce B.
Published: December 2005

Abstract. The author argues, by analyzing the logic implicit in scientific and religious statements, that these two kinds of statements belong to different universes of discourse. Religious statements are not admissible into scientific discourse and scientific statements are not admissible into religious discourse. This separation of discourse into universes of discourse is based on validity conventions which legislate different kinds of truth criteria for statements in different universes.
MICHAEL POLANYI ON ART AND RELIGION: SOME CRITICAL REFLECTIONS ON MEANING
Authors: Hall Ronald L.
Published: December 2005

This paper is a critique of the theory of meaning in art and religion that Michael Polanyi developed in his last work entitled Meaning. After giving a brief summary of Polanyi's theory of art, I raise two serious difficulties, not with the theory itself, but with the claims Polanyi makes about the relation of meaning in art to science and religion. Regarding the first difficulty, I argue that Polanyi betrays an earlier insight when in Meaning he attempts to dissociate meaning in art from meaning in science; instead I argue that both science and art are aesthetic enterprises. Regarding the second, I argue that Polanyi's account of religion is an aesthetic reduction, that meaning in religion, at least in the Western tradition, is not so much an aesthetic as it is an existential matter.
QUESTIONING POLANYI'S MEANING: A RESPONSE TO RONALD HALL
Authors: Haddox Bruce
Published: December 2005

Abstract. Michael Polanyi's distinction between the indicative meaning of scientific statements and the symbolic and metaphorical meaning of art and religion, presented in Meaning, is based on an abstraction from concrete experience and betrays an inadequate understanding of religious discourse, particularly the discourse of the Judaeo‐Christian tradition. In fact, Polanyi's vision in Personal Knowledge, which analyses the priority of personal action to all achievements of explication, seems either to be denied or forgotton by the positions taken in Meaning. Hence, the argument here is that Meaning is a deviation from Personal Knowledge and a step away from the resources necessary to grasp adequately the logic of religious discourse.
SCIENCE AND REALITY, RELIGION AND GOD: A REPLY TO HARRY PROSCH
Authors: Gelwick Richard
Published: December 2005

Abstract. Michael Polanyi saw his epistemology as restoring the capacity of a scientific age to believe again in the reality of God known through religion. This central feature of Polanyi's thought, discussed in my book The Way of Discovery, is disputed by Harry Prosch, co‐author with Polanyi of Meaning. Prosch's argument is that while in Polanyi's view science deals with an independent reality, religion and theology do not and are only works of our imagination. This article answers Prosch with a review of Polanyi's Christian affiliations, his conceptions of the common ground of science and religion, the levels of reality to which both science and religion provide access, and his expressed aim to liberate faith from scientific dogmatism.