bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of Escherichia coli O 157 infections in the classical (enteropathic) haemolytic uraemic syndrome: Results of a Central European, multicentre study
Authors: Bitzan M. , Ludwig K. , Klemt M. , König H. , Büren J. , Müller-Wiefel D. E.
Published: October 2009

To assess the importance of infection by Verotoxin (VT) producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) in children with HUS in Central Europe, stool and/or serum samples obtained from 147 patients from 28 paediatric centres were prospectively examined for the presence of VTEC and the kinetics of faecal VT titres (FVT), and for VT neutralization titres and antibodies against E. coli O 157 lipopolysaccharide, respectively. Ninety-two percent of the patients had classic (enteropathic) HUS (E+ HUS). Evidence of VTEC infection was obtained in 86% of them. VTEC/FVT were identified in 55/118 E+ cases (47%). A prominent feature was the frequent isolation of sorbitol-fermenting, VT2-producing E. coli O 157. H−. VT1 (C600/H19) was neutralized by 9%, and VT2 (C600/933W) by 99% of the initial serum samples from E+ patients, compared to 3% (VT1) and 100% (VT2) from age-related controls. Fourfold titre rises against VT1 and/or VT2 were observed in 13/70 (19%), and significantly elevated O 157 LPS IgM and/or IgA antibodies in 106/128 (83%) of the E+ patients. The ubiquitous VT2 neutralizing principle in the serum of HUS patients as of healthy controls warrants further investigations.
A longitudinal study of Vero cytotoxin producing Escherichia coli in cattle calves in Sri Lanka
Authors: Tokhi A. Mohammad , Peiris J. S. M. , Scotland S. M. , Willshaw G. A. , Smith H. R. , Cheasty T.
Published: October 2009

Two cohorts of 10 and 16 calves were followed at weekly or fortnightly intervals from 4–28 and 1–9 weeks respectively to determine whether natural infection by Vero cytotoxin (VT) producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) occurred. Ninety-one of 171 (53%) faecal specimens were VTEC positive and 20–80% of animals at any given time excreted VTEC. Of 104 VTEC strains studied further, 6 different serogroups (O 22.H16; O 25.H5; O 49.H−; O 86.H26; O 88.H25; O 153.H12) and an untypable strain (O ?.H21) were identified. All strains belonging to the same serotype had identical profiles of reactivity with DNA probes to toxins VT1 or 2, LT1 or iI and a probe (CVD419) derived from a plasmid carried by enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli O 157.H7. Four of these serotypes were found in the faecal flora of the calves, taken as a group, throughout the 4-month study period. Sixty percent of the strains hybridized with the probe for VT1, 4% with the probe for VT2, and 36% with both probes. Faecal VTEC were significantly associated with overt diarrhoeal illness in animals < 10 weeks of age, but no characteristic profile of markers (serotype or hybridization pattern) in E. coli isolates was associated with diarrhoea. A serological response to VTl was detected in some animals, but faecal VT1 VTEC excretion persisted in spite of seroconversion. VTl seroconversion was not associated with diarrhoea. A serological response to VT2 was not detected even in those animals excreting VT2 VTEC in the faeces.
A large outbreak of human salmonellosis traced to a local pig farm
Authors: Maguire H. C. F. , Codd A. A. , Mackay V. E. , Rowe B. , Mitchell E.
Published: October 2009

An outbreak of Salmonella typhimurinm definitive type (DT) 193 affecting 206 persons occurred in July and August 1989 in a small town in northern England. A descriptive study suggested that cold meats including pork from a butcher's shop in the town were vehicles of infection. An analytical study of a cohort attending a function in the town showed a significant association between illness and consumption of cold roast pork supplied by the butcher's shop (P = 0·00000004). S. typhimurium DT 193 with the same antibiotic resistance pattern (to ampicillin, streptomycin, sulphonamides and tetracyclines) as the outbreak strain, and possessing a single plasmid of 80 MDa was isolated from samples of meat bought from the shop and implicated in illness, and from samples of pig faeces taken from the farm supplying the shop. It was concluded that inadequate processing of infected pork meat at the shop may have contributed to this outbreak but that cross contamination also played an important part in transmission. Control measures included a temporary closure of the shop and subsequent implementation of a detailed protocol for meat processing and monitoring of all procedures at the shop.
Human isolates of apramycin-resistant Escherichia coli which contain the genes for the AAC(3)IV enzyme
Authors: Hunter J. E. B. , Hart C. A. , Shelley J. C. , Walton J. R. , Bennett M.
Published: October 2009

Gentamicin-resistant Escherichia coli isolated at different periods from patients in two hospitals were tested for resistance to the aminoglycoside antibiotic apramycin. Twenty-four of 93 (26%) gentamicin-resistant isolates collected from the Royal Liverpool Hospital between 1981 and 1990 were resistant to apramycin. Thirteen isolates were highly resistant to apramycin (minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) ≥ 1024 μg/ml). were also resistant to gentamicin, netilmicin and tobramycin, and hybridized with a DNA probe derived from the aminoglycoside acetyltransferase (3)IV (AAC(3)IV) gene. The proportion of gentamicinresistant isolates which had high level resistance to apramycin increased from 7% in 1981–5 to 24% in 1986–90.

Twelve gentamicin-resistant E. coli from Guy's and St Thomas's Hospital isolated between 1977 and 1980 were also tested for resistance to apramycin. For five of these isolates the MICs of apramycin was 32–256 μg/ml. None was shown to have a conjugative plasmid carrying resistance to apramycin and only one hybridized with the DNA probe for the AAC(3)IV enzyme.
The seasonality of canine births and human campylobacteriosis: a hypothesis
Authors: Evans S. J.
Published: October 2009

The seasonality of canine births was investigated using records from the Kennel Club and the breeding centre for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. In these populations a distinct seasonal pattern was found with a greater number of puppies being born in the summer months than the winter. The hypothesis that the greater number of puppies acquired as pets during the summer months may Contribute to the seasonal rise in human campylobacter cases, seen at this time, is discussed.
Non-radioactive ribotyping ofHaemophilus ducreyiusing a digoxigenin labelled cDNA probe
Authors: Brown T. J. , Ison C. A.
Published: October 2009

Haemophilus ducreyi, the causal organism of chancroid, has increased in significance recently due to its association with HIV transmission. Most previous typing systems have exploited phenotypie characteristics. Detection of ribosomal RNA cistrons, ribotyping, was successfully developed to examine H.ducreyi, but required the use of32P.

We have used digoxigenin to define ribotypes from 30 strains ofH. ducreyifrom diverse geographical locations. This was achieved by agarose gel electrophoresis of restriction enzyme (RE) digested DNA extracts. These extracts were vacublotted onto nylon membrane and probed using digoxigenin labelled complementary DNA probe, prepared fromEscherichia coli16S and 23S ribosomal RNA. From 19 REs tested,AvaII,HincII,BglII andBstE II gave clear ribotypes. The ribotypes ofBstE II andBglII used together gave the highest index of discrimination (D = 0·95), 16 types, and showed good reproducibility. This nonradioactive method demonstrates the three important features of a typing system: discrimination, typability and reproducibility.
Antimicrobial susceptibilities and serotyping of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in southern Africa: influence of geographical source of infection
Authors: Ison C. A. , Roope N. S. , Dangor Y. , Radebe F. , Ballard R.
Published: October 2009

One hundred and ninety-two strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolated from migrant mine-workers were tested for their susceptibility to antibiotics, auxotyped and serotyped. Of the total, 93 (48%) were acquired locally and 64 (33%) from different geographical locations. Plasmid-mediated resistance to penicillin was found in 28 (14·6%) strains and was associated predominantly with the presence of 5·0 kb penicillinase encoding plasmid (18/28, 64%). Chromosomal resistance to penicillin (MIC ≥ 1 mg/l) was detected in 14 (7·3%) strains. Resistance to tetracycline was chromosomally and not plasmid-mediated. Antibiotic resistance was encountered most commonly among strains acquired in Natal. The overall gonococcal population was sensitive to ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin. spectinomycin and azithromycin. Nine auxotype/serovar (A/S) classes were encountered among penicillinase-producing N. gonorrhoeae (PPNG) compared to 24 A/S classes among non-PPNG strains. The most common A/S class was NR/IA-6 which accounted for 38% of PPNG and 15% of non-PPNG.
Bacterial load of cockroaches in relation to urban environment
Authors: Rivault C. , Cloarec A. , Le Guyader A.
Published: October 2009

Sanitation is an important problem in relation to the control of pests in urban environments. This investigation analysed the potential risk related to the presence of cockroaches and their capacity for disseminating bacteria in six different types of buildings: hospital nursing area and out-patient area, swimmingpool pool-side and toilet area, low-income flats and food-handling places. Fifty-six species of bacteria were identified from 157 samples. 14 of these have previously been reported as potentially pathogenic for man and vertebrates. Similarities were found between samples collected in (a) the hospital out-patient area and foodhandling establishments and (b) the hospital nursing area and flats. Pool-sides possessed a poorer bacterial flora. There was a greater bacterial specific diversity in food-handling establishments, flats and swimming-bath toilet area. Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Klebsiella oxytoca were dominant species in flats and the hospital nursing area. Therefore, cockroaches can play a role in disseminating bacteria, which they can carry passively on their cuticle.
Effect of disturbance of the gastrointestinal microflora on the faecal excretion ofFusobacterium necrophorumbiovar A
Authors: Smith G. R. , Thornton E. A.
Published: October 2009

Oral pretreatment of mice with either a mixture of kanamycin and erythromycin or metronidazole to modify the gut microflora greatly enhanced the faecal excretion ofFusobacterium necrophorumbiovar A given by mouth. This lends support to the suggestion that disturbance of the gastrointestinal microflora in animals such as cattle, which often carry the organism in the rumen, may lead to intestinal multiplication and faecal excretion, thereby providing a source of infection that may lead to necrobacillosis of the body surface.
Effect of respiratory syncytial virus infection on binding ofNeisseria meningitidisandHaemophilus influenzaetype b to a human epithelial cell line (HEp-2)
Authors: Raza M. W. , Ogilvie M. M. , Blackwell C. C. , Stewart J. , Elton R. A. , Weir D. M.
Published: October 2009

It has been suggested that individuals might be more readily colonized with bacteria that cause meningitis through enhanced binding of the bacteria to virusinfected epithelial cells. As respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) affects infants and children in the age group also susceptible to bacterial meningitis, we tested the hypothesis that infection of HEp-2 cells by RSV might enhance binding ofNeisseria meningitidisorHaemophilus influenzaetype b (Hib). Attachment of fluorescein-labelled bacteria to HEp-2 cells was measured by flow cytometry, and RSV-infected cells bound significantly more meningococci (P< 0·001) and Hib (P< 0·01) than uninfected cells. Although the isolates expressed different antigenic characteristics (3 meningococci and 5 Hib), all showed a similar pattern of binding. The results are discussed with reference to the methods used for detection of bacterial binding and to interactions that might explain the increased binding to RSV-infected cells.
The epidemic cycle of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection in eastern Finland, 1972–1987
Authors: Karvonen M. , Tuomilehto J. , Pitkäniemi J. , Saikku P.
Published: October 2009

The epidemic cycle of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection was examined in two areas in eastern Finland over a period of 15 years, 1972–87. The C. pneumoniae IgG antibody prevalence was determined with 5-year intervals in a random sample of the population aged 25–59 years. The total number of sera studied using immunofluorescence was 2387. In 1972 the antibody prevalence was 57% and it increased to 66% in 1977. Over the next 5 years the prevalence decreased to 44% in 1982, but by 1987 it had again increased to 59%. The temporal variation in prevalence was statistically significant (P < 0·001) and similar for both genders. Throughout the observation period the overall prevalence Mas 7–11% higher in men than in women (P < 0·01). The antibody prevalence increased with age, being the highest among the oldest study subjects of both genders. The periods of high and low prevalence alternated in an epidemic cycle (P < 0·001) of about 10 years
Prevalence of viral antibodies and helminths in field populations of house mice (Mus domesticus) in southeastern Australia
Authors: Singleton G. R. , Smith A. L. , Shellam G. R. , Fitzgerald N. , Müller W. J.
Published: October 2009

A 13-month study of wild mice (Mus domesticus) in wheatlands in southeastern Australia contrasted changes in the seroprevalence of antibody to 13 viruses and the occurrence of helminths with changes in their population dynamics. Mice were seropositive for mouse hepatitis virus (MHV), rotavirus, minute virus of mice (MVM), mouse adenovirus (MAdV), reovirus (reo 3), and murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV). The seroprevalences of all but rotavirus varied significantly with time and increased with host density. Near the end of the study, host density declined rapidly and the seroprevalence of MVM and reo 3 increased significantly. These two viruses had low seroprevalence when host survival was high and high seroprevalence when host survival was low, indicating they may play a role in regulating mouse populations. In the case of MVM, there was evidence of a viral epizootic during the decline in mouse abundance. The prevalence of four helminths (Taenia taeniaeformis, Syphacia obvelata, andVampirolepisspp.) differed significantly with time but showed no apparent association with host density. These findings highlight the need for further study on the effect of viruses on the population dynamics of mice.
Application of physico-chemical typing methods for the epidemiological analysis ofSalmonella enteritidisstrains of phage type 25/17
Authors: Seltmann G. , Voigt W. , Beer W.
Published: October 2009

Eighty-nineSalmonella enteritidisphage type 25/17 strains isolated from a localized outbreak in the German state Nordrhein-Westfalen (outbreak NWI) could not be further differentiated by biochemotyping and plasmid pattern analysis. They were submitted to a complex typing system consisting of modern physico-chemical analytical procedures. In lipopolysaccharide pattern analysis the strains proved to be homogeneous. In multilocus enzyme electrophoresis, outer membrane and whole cell protein pattern (WCPP) analysis, and Fourier transform infrared (FT–IR) spectroscopy (increasing extent of differentiation in the given order) strains deviating from each basal pattern were found. The extent of correspondence in these deviations was satisfactory.

Forty-six strains of the same sero- and phage type, however, obtained from different outbreaks, were additionally typed. The results obtained with them indicate that the data of the first group were not restricted to strains from outbreak NWI, but of general validity.

It was found that both WCPP and FT–IR represent valuable methods for the sub-grouping of bacteria.
Flies and water as reservoirs for bacterial enteropathogens in urban and rural areas in and around Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Khalil K. , Lindblom G.- B. , Mazhar K. , Kaijser B.
Published: October 2009

The study was conducted to isolate and characterize campylobacter, enterotoxigenicEscherichia coli-labile toxin (ETEC-LT), shigella and salmonella in flies and water.

The material for the study, flies (n= 300) and water samples (n= 148), was collected from different localities in and around Lahore, Pakistan. Cultivation of the samples was performed on conventional standard media. Membrane filtration technique was used for water prior to culture. Determination of ETEC-LT was done by GM1 ELISA.

Results of our study showed that flies and water were reservoirs for all the four pathogens, campylobacter, ETEC-LT, shigella and salmonella. Flies from the village were carrying fewer enteropathogens, while water from the village was found to be more contaminated as compared to the city. Campylobacter and ETEC-LT were the most frequently isolated pathogens in both flies and water.

Thus the incidence of diarrhoeal disease in children of developing countries may be decreased by providing plenty of safe drinking water, improving excreta disposal, toilet facilities and giving education in personal hygiene.
Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA typing: a useful tool for rapid epidemiological typing ofKlebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Wong N. A. C. S. , Linton C. J. , Jalal H. , Millar M. R.
Published: October 2009

Discriminatory typing methods are invaluable in the investigation of outbreaks of infectious diseases. Single primers were used to generate randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) profiles fromKlebsiella pneumoniaeisolates of various serotype andK. pneumoniaeisolates from cases of sepsis at a Malaysian hospital and two English hospitals. RAPD profiles of acceptable reproducibility, a maximum of three minor band variations, were produced using a rapid DNA extraction method. RAPD typing ofK. pneumoniaewas shown to be as discriminatory as restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis using pulsed field gel electrophoresis yet quicker and less costly. The findings suggest that RAPD typing may be a useful tool for the epidemiological typing ofK. pneumoniae.
Information on which to base assessments of risk from environments contaminated with anthrax spores
Authors: Watson A. , Keir D.
Published: October 2009

Although there has been a considerable amount of research conducted intoBacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax, the data are widely disseminated in the scientific literature and are therefore not always easy to assimilate. In view of continuing concern about potential anthrax contamination in environmental materials and sites, this review brings together the currently available information relating to the health hazards fromB. anthracis.The relevance of the available information for risk assessment purposes is assessed.
The role of the pre-symptomatic food handler in a common source outbreak of food-borne SRSV gastroenteritis in a group of hospitals
Authors: Lo S. V. , Connolly A. M. , Palmer S. R. , Wright D. , Thomas P. D. , Joynson D.
Published: October 2009

A common source outbreak of small round structure virus (SRSV) gastroenteritis affected 81 patients and 114 staff in four hospitals served by one central hospital kitchen. Eating salad items was found to be significantly associated with illness. In a cohort study of a staff buffet function eating turkey salad sandwiches was associated with illness (relative risk = 2·4; 95% CI = 1·4–4·1; P = 0·003), and a case control study of patients in one hospital showed an odds ratio of 6·6 (95% CI = 1·0–71·6; P = 0·04) for eating tuna salad and becoming ill. One of two food handlers who prepared the salads became ill the day following food preparation; she also had a young child at home who had been ill with a gastrointestinal illness during the previous two days. Contamination of food by mechanical transmission of the virus from the child via clothes and hands of the mother, or pre-symptomatic faecal excretion in the mother are possible explanations of contamination of food.
The prevalence of hepatitis B and C in an antenatal population of various ethnic origins
Authors: Boxall E. , Skidmore S. , Evans C. , Nightingale S.
Published: October 2009

A total of 3522 samples of serum, collected anonymously from women attending an antenatal clinic, was tested for hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody to hepatitis C. The prevalence of anti-HCV was low; only five confirmed positives were found (0·14%). The prevalence of hepatitis B overall was 0·56%, but was 1·04% in women from immigrant groups. Hepatitis B carriage is therefore four times more common than hepatitis C carriage in the antenatal population comprised of various ethnic origins. The patterns of infection in the two viruses are reversed, hepatitis B being more common in Asian, S.E. Asian and West Indian mothers and hepatitis C being more common in mothers of white Caucasian origin. Routine antenatal screening for anti-HCV is discussed.
Low prevalence of antibody to human parvovirus B19 in Singapore
Authors: Matsunaga Y. , Goh K. T. , Utagawa E. , Muroi N.
Published: October 2009

A seroepidemiological survey was conducted in Singapore to assess the prevalence of antibody to human parvovirus B19. Sera were collected from 600 healthy individuals between 6 months and over 50 years of age and tested for IgG antibody against B19 virus by antigen capture indirect immunosorbent assay. The overall seropositivity rate was 16·2%. All the children under 5 years of age were seronegative. Antibody prevalence increased gradually from 3·5% in school children (5–14 years of age) to 7·7% in age group 15–19 years and then to 10·3% in young adults (20–24 years of age). In the age group 25–34 years the prevalence was 28% and in the age group over 35 years 65% had parvovirus B19 antibody. The results of the survey indicate that there has been very low incidence of B19 virus infection in Singapore during the last two decades.
Exposure to enteroviruses and hepatitis A virus among divers in environmental waters in France, first biological and serological survey of a controlled cohort
Authors: Garin D. , Fuchs F. , Crance J. M. , Rouby Y. , Chapalain J. C. , Lamarque D. , Gounot A. M. , Aymard M.
Published: October 2009

An epidemiological study of hepatitis A and enteroviruses was conducted in a military diving training school, by evaluating the viral contamination of water using an ultrafiltration concentration technique, and assessing seroconversion and the presence of virus in stool specimens obtained from 109 divers and 48 controls. Three of 29 water specimens were positive for enterovirus by cell culture and 9 by molecular hybridization. There was little or no risk of virus infection during the training course (49 h exposure) because there was no significant difference between divers and controls for both viral isolation and seroconversion. However, a higher percentage of coxsackievirus B4 and B5 seropositive divers suggests that these were more exposed during previous water training. No hepatitis A virus (HAV) detection and no seroconversion to HAV was observed. The rate of HAV seropositive subjects was 17% in this 24·5-year-old population
Molecular mechanisms triggered by low-calcium diets
Authors: Centeno Viviana , Díaz de Barboza Gabriela , Marchionatti Ana , Rodríguez Valeria , Tolosa de Talamoni Nori
Published: October 2009

Ca is not only essential for bone mineralisation, but also for regulation of extracellular and intracellular processes. When the Ca2+ intake is low, the efficiency of intestinal Ca2+ absorption and renal Ca2+ reabsorption is increased. This adaptive mechanism involves calcitriol enhancement via parathyroid hormone stimulation. Bone is also highly affected. Low Ca2+ intake is considered a risk factor for osteoporosis. Patients with renal lithiasis may be at higher risk of recurrence of stone formation when they have low Ca2+ intake. The role of dietary Ca2+ on the regulation of lipid metabolism and lipogenic genes in adipocytes might explain an inverse relationship between dairy intake and BMI. Dietary Ca2+ restriction produces impairment of the adipocyte apoptosis and dysregulation of glucocorticosteroid metabolism in the adipose tissue. An inverse relationship between hypertension and a low-Ca2+ diet has been described. Ca2+ facilitates weight loss and stimulates insulin sensitivity, which contributes to the decrease in the blood pressure. There is also evidence that dietary Ca2+ is associated with colorectal cancer. Dietary Ca2+ could alter the ratio of faecal bile acids, reducing the cytotoxicity of faecal water, or it could activate Ca2+-sensing receptors, triggering intracellular signalling pathways. Also it could bind luminal antigens, transporting them into mucosal mononuclear cells as a mechanism of immunosurveillance and promotion of tolerance. Data relative to nutritional Ca2+ and incidences of other human cancers are controversial. Health professionals should be aware of these nutritional complications and reinforce the dairy intakes to ensure the recommended Ca2+ requirements and prevent diseases.
Intestinal metabolism of sulfur amino acids
Authors: Bauchart-Thevret Caroline , Stoll Barbara , Burrin Douglas G.
Published: October 2009

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is a metabolically significant site of sulfur amino acid (SAA) metabolism in the body and metabolises about 20 % of the dietary methionine intake which is mainly transmethylated to homocysteine and trans-sulfurated to cysteine. The GIT accounts for about 25 % of the whole-body transmethylation and trans-sulfuration. In addition,in vivostudies in young pigs indicate that the GIT is a site of net homocysteine release and thus may contribute to the homocysteinaemia. The gut also utilises 25 % of the dietary cysteine intake and the cysteine uptake by the gut represents about 65 % of the splanchnic first-pass uptake. Moreover, we recently showed that SAA deficiency significantly suppresses intestinal mucosal growth and reduces intestinal epithelial cell proliferation, and increases intestinal oxidant stress in piglets. These recent findings indicate that intestinal metabolism of dietary methionine and cysteine is nutritionally important for intestinal mucosal growth. Besides their role in protein synthesis, methionine and cysteine are precursors of important molecules.S-adenosylmethionine, a metabolite of methionine, is the principal biological methyl donor in mammalian cells and a precursor for polyamine synthesis. Cysteine is the rate-limiting amino acid for glutathione synthesis, the major cellular antioxidant in mammals. Further studies are warranted to establish how SAA metabolism regulates gut growth and intestinal function, and contributes to the development of gastrointestinal diseases. The present review discusses the evidence of SAA metabolism in the GIT and its functional and nutritional importance in gut function and diseases.
Alcohol use disorders in older people
Authors: Coulton Simon
Published: October 2009

The number of people aged 65 years or more is increasing worldwide. Alcohol use disorders (AUD) are a common condition in the older population, and this combined with the changing age demographic in the population means that AUD in this population is a significant public health concern. AUD has a major impact upon the physical, psychological and social health of the older population. There is evidence that older people do benefit from interventions to reduce alcohol consumption as much as, if not more than, younger populations. There is evidence that AUD in the older population often goes undetected and the potential for beneficial behavioural health change is not realized.
Population size and habitat relationships of Black-bellied SandgrousePterocles orientalisin the Canary Islands, Spain
Authors: SEOANE JAVIER , CARRASCAL LUIS M. , PALOMINO DAVID , ALONSO C. LUIS
Published: October 2009

We estimated the breeding population size and assess the habitat relationships of Black-bellied Sandgrouse in the Eastern Canary Islands (Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and La Graciosa, Spain) by means of a survey based on 1,787 0.5-km line transects and distance sampling done in 2005 and 2006. The population comprised 2,906 individuals (90% CI: 2,363–3,562), which is much higher than the numbers estimated in previous reports based on partial surveys, and constitutes 20% of the total Spanish population. Sandgrouse in the Canaries are currently restricted to Fuerteventura, where 70% of the population gathers in four areas that encompass just 16.7 % of the island and are largely within Special Protection Areas classified under the EU Birds Directive (except the area of Tefia-Ampuyenta, first in absolute number of individuals). The environmental characteristics that maximize the probability of occurrence of the sandgrouse in Fuerteventura (probability = 0.196) are: treeless non-cultivated areas of sandy soils without bare bedrock, with a rock cover less than 44%, located in non-coastal areas with an average terrain slope less than 27.5%, at more than 400 m from the nearest urban area, with less than 795 m of dirt roads per 20 ha, with at least 0.9% of shrub cover and a NDVI index higher than 53. Sandgrouse were closer to human settlements in midsummer than in March, perhaps being attracted to artificial pools surrounding villages. Similar habitat characteristics exist in nearby Lanzarote, where the species could hypothetically reach densities as high as 4–5 birds km−2. Possible reasons for the absence of sandgrouse in this island are discussed.
Antoine Chavasse and the dating of early chant
Authors: McKinnon James W.
Published: October 2009

Chant scholars who attempt to deal with their subject in the pre-Carolingian period will sooner or later come up against the formidable oeuvre of Antoine Chavasse, the eminent Strasbourg scholar who dominates the field of Roman liturgical history from the sixth to the eighth centuries. A knowledge of the development of the church year is crucial to speculation on the chronology of early chant, and Chavasse has written extensively on every phase of the subject – on Lent especially, but also on Paschaltide, Advent, and the Sundays after Christmas and Pentecost. While he has not neglected the sanctorale, his emphasis has always been on the more demanding area of the temporale. There are other scholars who have contributed much to the field, but none could be considered even a close second in either the scope of their contribution or its influence: frequently one finds other liturgical scholars accepting without question some of Chavasse's most far-reaching conclusions as premises to their own work.
Liturgical chant bibliography
Authors: Jeffery Peter
Published: October 2009

The critical study of medieval chant, which began in the mid-nineteenth century, is one of the oldest of the disciplines that coalesced into modern musicology. It is also one of the most international, for liturgical chant traditions represent the earliest preserved musical heritage of a great many different countries that are heirs to the medieval Latin and Byzantine worlds and their satellite cultures, ranging from Finland to Ethiopia, from Iceland all the way to southern India. In more recent times the knowledge of these traditions, particularly Gregorian and Byzantine chant, has spread to every continent as Western religious, musical, and educational traditions have been introduced throughout the world. Chant studies, therefore, are being pursued all over the globe, by hundreds of scholars writing in dozens of languages and utilizing countless different approaches – scholars who also desire the benefits of being in better contact with each other. It is to help keep track of these many independent scholarly efforts that the Liturgical Chant Bibliography is being published here, as the successor to the Liturgical Chant Newsletter. Future instalments will appear each year in the second issue of Plainsong & Medieval Music. All chant publications likely to be of interest to scholars are eligible for inclusion, provided (1) they have actually been published and (2) I have been able to see a copy, or have at least received complete bibliographical information (including author, title, publisher, date, page numbers).
Giant right ventricular fibroma co-existing atrial septal defect in a 15 year old girl
Authors: Dimassi Adel , Dimassi Wael , Arnaout M. Samir
Published: October 2009

The most common benign cardiac tumours are the myxomas, the rhabdomyomas, and the fibromas, with the latter 2 variants being the most common tumours encountered in children. The size and location of tumours within the heart create a variety of clinical findings, such as murmurs, chest pain, tachyarrythmias, and congestive cardiac failure. Nowadays, the tumours are usually diagnosed by echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging and cardiac catheterization. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice if the tumour causes either arrhythmia or cavitary obstruction. In this report, we describe a giant ventricular fibroma co-existing with an atrial septal defect in a girl aged 15 years.
The impact of vascular comorbidities on qualitative error analysis of executive impairment in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: LAMAR MELISSA , LIBON DAVID J. , ASHLEY ANGELA V. , LAH JAMES J. , LEVEY ALLAN I. , GOLDSTEIN FELICIA C.
Published: October 2009

Recent evidence suggests that patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and vascular comorbidities (VC) perform worse across measures of verbal reasoning and abstraction when compared to patients with AD alone. We performed a qualitative error analysis of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III Similarities zero-point responses in 45 AD patients with varying numbers of VC, including diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia. Errors were scored in set if the answer was vaguely related to how the word pair was alike (e.g., dog-lion: “they can be trained”) and out of set if the response was unrelated (“a lion can eat a dog”). AD patients with 2–3 VC did not differ on Similarities total score or qualitative errors from AD patients with 0–1 VC. When analyzing the group as a whole, we found that increasing numbers of VC were significantly associated with increasing out of set errors and decreasing in set errors in AD. Of the vascular diseases investigated, it was only the severity of diastolic blood pressure that significantly correlated with out of set responses. Understanding the contribution of VC to patterns of impairment in AD may provide support for directed patient and caregiver education concerning the presentation of a more severe pattern of cognitive impairment in affected individuals. (JINS, 2010, 16, 77–83.)
Aspects of the grammar of close apposition and the structure of the noun phrase
Authors: ACUÑA-FARIÑA JUAN CARLOS
Published: October 2009

The range of structures commonly classed as close appositives forms a rich ecological niche where each construction relates to the other constructions forming a dense network of taxonomic and inheritance ties (Goldberg 1995). As a first approximation to the concept of close apposition, however, the structure of that network falls outside the scope of this article, where I focus on the theoretical notion of close apposition itself, on how it deviates from that of loose apposition (Acuña-Fariña 2006), and on an analysis of a quintessentially close appositive construction, thethe poet Burnstype in the literature (Curme 1947; Lee 1952; Fries 1952; Haugen 1953; Hockett 1955, 1958). The thesis that these strings are formed by a doubly endocentric structure where the putative first segment (the poet) is a grounded nominal (i.e. an active referent; e.g. Langacker 1991; Taylor 2002) is rejected. Instead, it is argued that these highly conventionalized close appositions are instances of ‘inchoate’ noun phrase structure, and that the internal constituency of such strings is not fully elaborated due to a lack of strong functional pressure. Three reasons are put forward in order to defend such a view: 1. the construction has as its job the activation of a social referent, and in the social world that we inhabit this is usually done either by name or profession, with no logical incompatibility between the two; 2. the construction is a hybrid of distinct and more productive (and fully elaborated) templates, which act asattractor polesand pull constituency in opposite directions; and 3. the construction is easily identifiable as such ‘from the top’. This makes it unnecessary to have to spend valuable cognitive resources (like creating, storing and deploying inaudible, abstract, constituent structure) when, somewhat metaphorically, one can reach the final destination of that journey (the last stop being meaning) directly, as it were, with no changing of trains (Haiman 1994; Boyland 1996; Hay 2001). The present analysis is framed along lines compatible with various forms of Construction Grammar.
A NOTE ON THE ANCHORING EFFECT OF EXPLICIT INFLATION TARGETS
Authors: Libich Jan
Published: October 2009

Empirical literature provided convincing evidence that explicit (i.e., legislated) inflation targets anchor expectations. I propose a novel game theoretic framework with generalized timing that allows us to formally capture this beneficialanchoring effect. Using the framework I identify several factors that influence whether and how strongly expectations are anchored, namely (i) the public's cost of decision making, (ii) the public's inflation aversion, (iii) the slope of the Phillips curve, (iv) the magnitude of supply shocks, (v) the degree of central bank conservatism, and under many (but not all) circumstances, (vi) the explicitness of the inflation target.
Genetic erosion in crops: concept, research results and challenges
Authors: van de Wouw Mark , Kik Chris , van Hintum Theo , van Treuren Rob , Visser Bert
Published: October 2009

The loss of variation in crops due to the modernization of agriculture has been described as genetic erosion. The current paper discusses the different views that exist on the concept of genetic erosion in crops. Genetic erosion of cultivated diversity is reflected in a modernization bottleneck in the diversity levels that occurred during the history of the crop. Two stages in this bottleneck are recognized: the initial replacement of landraces by modern cultivars; and further trends in diversity as a consequence of modern breeding practices. Genetic erosion may occur at three levels of integration: crop, variety and allele. The different approaches in the recent literature to measure genetic erosion in crops are reviewed. Genetic erosion as reflected in a reduction of allelic evenness and richness appears to be the most useful definition, but has to be viewed in conjunction with events at variety level. According to the reviewed literature, the most likely scenario of diversity trends during modernization is the following: a reduction in diversity due to the replacement of landraces by modern cultivars, but no further reduction after this replacement has been completed.
An EKF assimilation of AMSR‐E soil moisture into the ISBA land surface scheme
Authors: Draper C. S. , Mahfouf J.‐F. , Walker J. P.
Published: October 2009

An Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) for the assimilation of remotely sensed near‐surface soil moisture into the Interactions between Surface, Biosphere, and Atmosphere (ISBA) model is described. ISBA is the land surface scheme in Météo‐France's Aire Limitée Adaptation Dynamique développement InterNational (ALADIN) Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) model, and this work is directed toward providing initial conditions for NWP. The EKF is used to assimilate near‐surface soil moisture observations retrieved from C‐band Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer (AMSR‐E) brightness temperatures into ISBA. The EKF can translate near‐surface soil moisture observations into useful increments to the root‐zone soil moisture. If the observation and model soil moisture errors are equal, the Kalman gain for the root‐zone soil moisture is typically 20–30%, resulting in a mean net monthly increment for July 2006 of 0.025 m3 m−3 over ALADIN's European domain. To test the benefit of evolving the background error, the EKF is compared to a Simplified EKF (SEKF), in which the background errors at the time of the analysis are constant. While the Kalman gains for the EKF and SEKF are derived from different model processes, they produce similar soil moisture analyses. Despite this similarity, the EKF is recommended for future work where the extra computational expense can be afforded. The method used to rescale the near‐surface soil moisture data to the model climatology has a greater influence on the analysis than the error covariance evolution approach, highlighting the importance of developing appropriate methods for rescaling remotely sensed near‐surface soil moisture data.
Ground‐truthing Late Ordovician climate models using the paleobiogeography of graptolites
Authors: Vandenbroucke Thijs R. A. , Armstrong Howard A. , Williams Mark , Zalasiewicz Jan A. , Sabbe Koen
Published: October 2009

The δ18O records obtained from conodonts suggest that during the Mid‐Ordovician, equatorial temperatures stabilized at close to the present day, a hypothesis broadly supported by published climate models. However, the degree to which equatorial temperatures represent global climate state and varied between different climatic modes (greenhouse/icehouse, interglacial/glacial) and to what extent Ordovician δ18O and climate models truly reflect the global climate remain to be tested. Here we present paleobiogeographical data for the planktonic graptolites, from the gracilis time slice (i.e., early Sandbian Stage) that just postdates the postulated onset of climate stabilization. TWINSPAN analysis and constrained seriation provide robust ecological groupings in paleobiogeographical presence/absence data. The highest‐level groups reflect tropical‐subtropical assemblages and a high–southerly latitude assemblage. Constrained seriation defines latitude‐distinct biotopes that are considered equivalent to modern zooplanktonic provinces. The distribution pattern of graptolite biotopes in the gracilis time slice show (1) that models explaining local graptolite ecological assemblages using lateral differentiation (e.g., upwelling) are to be favored above those using depth stratification and (2) a steep faunal gradient from equator to pole, which is typical of a cool, nongreenhouse world and comparable to the modern situation. We therefore broadly support the climate stabilization hypothesis. Paradoxically the climate of the early Late Ordovician appears similar to that of the present day despite the higher atmospheric pCO2 levels. Graptolite species were indicative of temperature‐controlled ocean water masses, in much the same way as the modern zooplankton.
Nonlinear storage‐discharge relations and catchment streamflow regimes
Authors: Botter Gianluca , Porporato Amilcare , Rodriguez‐Iturbe Ignacio , Rinaldo Andrea
Published: October 2009

Nonlinear storage‐discharge relations may explain important hydrologic features frequently observed under a variety of environmental conditions. In this paper the catchment dynamic storage problem is addressed by incorporating nonlinear storage‐discharge relations in a stochastic framework to derive the statistical distribution and the duration curve of streamflows in river basins. Such a goal is achieved by extending recent analytical solutions for the seasonal probability distribution of discharges derived from the stochastic description of soil moisture dynamics at basin scales. Long‐term probability density functions (pdf's) and flow duration curves are expressed through climatic, ecohydrologic, and geomorphic parameters of the basin by relaxing the linear reservoir assumption of subsurface flow components conveniently made in previous studies. In particular, this paper focuses on three different types of nonlinear, algebraic relationships between instantaneous discharges and storage volumes (concave and convex power laws and hyperbolic). Exact expressions of the streamflow pdf are derived in all cases, which are also tested by numerical simulations. Streamflow statistics and duration curves, estimates of catchment dynamic storages, recession timescales, and sensitivity to the underlying rainfall regime are then discussed. The model shows that different shapes of the streamflow pdf (bell shaped, monotonously decreasing, and bimodal) arise depending on the degree of nonlinearity of the storage‐discharge relation, providing a new approach to catchment hydrology characterization.
September 2005 mega‐dike emplacement in the Manda‐Harraro nascent oceanic rift (Afar depression)
Authors: Ayele Atalay , Keir Derek , Ebinger Cynthia , Wright Tim J. , Stuart Graham W. , Buck W. Roger , Jacques Eric , Ogubazghi Ghebrebrhan , Sholan Jamal
Published: October 2009

Local and regional seismic data constrain the space‐time history of deformation and likely magma sources for the September 2005 diking episode in the Manda‐Harraro rift zone of the Afar depression. The results distinguish three centers from which subhorizontal dike propagation progressed: two distinct sources around the Dabbahu‐Gab'ho Volcanic Complex (DVC) and the third at the Ado'Ale Volcanic Complex (AVC). The temporal development of seismicity shows that the majority of the dike volume is fed from beneath AVC and migrated laterally with an average rate of 15–30 cm/sec. This dike emplacement at a divergent plate boundary is unusual due to the rapid intrusion of a large volume of magma and the large amount of seismic moment release. We interpret this volcano‐tectonic crisis as a complex interaction of multiple magma plumbing sources and lithosphere at a plate boundary under extension. Such repeated episodes will eventually shape the incipient oceanic rift morphology.
Improved constraints on the estimated size and volatile content of the Mount St. Helens magma system from the 2004–2008 history of dome growth and deformation
Authors: Mastin Larry G. , Lisowski Mike , Roeloffs Evelyn , Beeler Nick
Published: October 2009

The history of dome growth and geodetic deflation during the 2004–2008 Mount St. Helens eruption can be fit to theoretical curves with parameters such as reservoir volume, bubble content, initial overpressure, and magma rheology, here assumed to be Newtonian viscous, with or without a solid plug in the conduit center. Data from 2004–2008 are consistent with eruption from a 10–25 km3 reservoir containing 0.5–2% bubbles, an initial overpressure of 10–20 MPa, and no significant, sustained recharge. During the eruption we used curve fits to project the eruption's final duration and volume. Early projections predicted a final volume only about half of the actual value; but projections increased with each measurement, implying a temporal increase in reservoir volume or compressibility. A simple interpretation is that early effusion was driven by a 5–10 km3, integrated core of fluid magma. This core expanded with time through creep of semi‐solid magma and host rock.
Significant contribution of dissolved organic matter to seawater alkalinity
Authors: Kim Hyun‐Cheol , Lee Kitack
Published: October 2009

The present study shows a previously undocumented role of dissolved organic matter in the marine carbonate system. During photosynthesis, phytoplankton release dissolved organic compounds containing basic functional groups that readily react with protons during seawater titration, and thereby contribute to alkalinity (a measure of buffering capacity). The magnitude of the contribution of dissolved organic compounds to seawater alkalinity is species dependent, suggesting that individual phytoplankton species exude dissolved organic compounds with unique proton accepting capacities. Our study shows that dissolved organic matter produced by marine phytoplankton during photosynthesis is a newly identified buffering component in the ocean, and indicates that the contribution of dissolved organic matter to seawater alkalinity can be significant in the biologically productive upper ocean, where to date it has been unrecognized or considered insignificant.