bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Longitudinal Data with Drop-Out: Objectives, Assumptions and a Proposal
Authors: Diggle Peter , Farewell Daniel , Henderson Robin
Published: September 2007

The problem of analysing longitudinal data that are complicated by possibly informative drop-out has received considerable attention in the statistical literature. Most researchers have concentrated on either methodology or application, but we begin this paper by arguing that more attention could be given to study objectives and to the relevant targets for inference. Next we summarize a variety of approaches that have been suggested for dealing with drop-out. A long-standing concern in this subject area is that all methods require untestable assumptions. We discuss circumstances in which we are willing to make such assumptions and we propose a new and computationally efficient modelling and analysis procedure for these situations. We assume a dynamic linear model for the expected increments of a constructed variable, under which subject-specific random effects follow a martingale process in the absence of drop-out. Informal diagnostic procedures to assess the tenability of the assumption are proposed. The paper is completed by simulations and a comparison of our method and several alternatives in the analysis of data from a trial into the treatment of schizophrenia, in which approximately 50% of recruited subjects dropped out before the final scheduled measurement time.
Bayesian Disclosure Risk Assessment: Predicting Small Frequencies in Contingency Tables
Authors: Forster Jonathan J. , Webb Emily L.
Published: September 2007

We propose an approach for assessing the risk of individual identification in the release of categorical data. This requires the accurate calculation of predictive probabilities for those cells in a contingency table which have small sample frequencies, making the problem somewhat different from usual contingency table estimation, where interest is generally focused on regions of high probability. Our approach is Bayesian and provides posterior predictive probabilities of identification risk. By incorporating model uncertainty in our analysis, we can provide more realistic estimates of disclosure risk for individual cell counts than are provided by methods which ignore the multivariate structure of the data set.
Modelling Three-Dimensional Trajectories by Using Bézier Curves with Application to Hand Motion
Authors: Faraway Julian J. , Reed Matthew P. , Wang Jing
Published: September 2007

A modelling approach for three-dimensional trajectories with particular application to hand reaching motions is described. Bézier curves are defined by control points which have a convenient geometrical interpretation. A fitting method for the control points to trajectory data is described. These fitted control points are then linked to covariates of interest by using a regression model. This allows the prediction of new trajectories and the ability to model the variability in trajectories. The methodology is illustrated with an application to hand trajectory modelling for ergonomics. Motion capture was used to collect a total of about 2000 hand trajectories performed by 20 subjects to a variety of targets. A simple model with strong predictive performance and interpretablility is developed. The use of hand trajectory models in the digital human models for virtual manufacturing applications is discussed.
An Analysis of Pulsation Periods of Long Period Variable Stars
Authors: Hart Jeffrey D. , Koen Chris , Lombard Fred
Published: September 2007

We report the results of a period change analysis of time series observations for 378 pulsating variable stars. The null hypothesis of no trend in expected periods is tested for each of the stars. The tests are non-parametric in that potential trends are estimated by local linear smoothers. Our testing methodology has some novel features. First, the null distribution of a test statistic is defined to be the distribution that results in repeated sampling from a population of stars. This distribution is estimated by means of a bootstrap algorithm that resamples from the collection of 378 stars. Bootstrapping in this way obviates the problem that the conditional sampling distribution of a statistic, given a particular star, may depend on unknown parameters of that star. Another novel feature of our test statistics is that one-sided cross-validation is used to choose the smoothing parameters of the local linear estimators on which they are based. It is shown that doing so results in tests that are tremendously more powerful than analogous tests that are based on the usual version of cross-validation. The positive false discovery rate method of Storey is used to account for the fact that we simultaneously test 378 hypotheses. We ultimately find that 56 of the 378 stars have changes in mean pulsation period that are significant when controlling the positive false discovery rate at the 5% level.
BURYING THE DEAD, CREATING THE PAST1
Authors: RUNIA EELCO
Published: September 2007

Professional historians tend to be ambivalent about one of the prime historical phenomena of our time: the desire to commemorate. The amount of attention given to memory (collective or not) and trauma bears witness to the fact that historians really do want to give in to that desire; the fact that they treat these subjects in a rather “positivist” way suggests that they regard it as a bit improper to do so wholeheartedly. As a result commemoration is all over the place but is never taken as seriously as it should be. This essay argues that effective commemoration should start with a question Giambattista Vico might have asked: “who are we that this could have happened?” Posing this question means relinquishing the identity‐enhancing, self‐celebrating stance from which we tend to commemorate “unimaginable” events. Commemorative self‐exploration is a confrontation with what we don't like to be confronted with: the fact that occasionally we behave in utter contradiction to what we regard as our identity. Heterodox, “monstrous,” and therefore Gedächtnisfähig behavior comes in three varieties: things we are proud of, things we are ashamed of, and the sublime “mutations” in which we “commit” history and embark on the unimaginable. Because sublime mutations change consciousness, commemorating them confronts posterity with almost insuperable epistemological difficulties. Commemorating sublime mutations means burying them—not in the sense of “covering” them, but in the sense of “inventing” a way in which they keep on living.
FLORENTINE CIVIC HUMANISM AND THE EMERGENCE OF MODERN IDEOLOGY
Authors: YORAN HANAN
Published: September 2007

This article revisits the question of the modernity of the Renaissance by examining the political language of Florentine civic humanism and by critically analyzing the debate over Hans Baron's interpretation of the movement. It engages two debates that are usually conducted separately: one concerning the originality of civic humanism in comparison to medieval thought, and the other concerning the political and social function of the civic humanists' political republicanism in fifteenth‐century Florence. The article's main contention is that humanist political discourse rejected the perception of social and political reality as being part of, or reflecting, a metaphysical and divine order or things, and thus undermined the traditional justifications for political hierarchies and power relations. This created the conditions of possibility for the distinctively modern aspiration for a social and political order based on liberty and equality. It also resulted in the birth of a distinctively modern form of ideology, one that legitimizes the social order by disguising its inequalities and structures of domination. Humanism, like modern political thought generally, thus simultaneously constructs and reflects the dialectic of emancipation and domination so central to modernity itself.
Polarization of caveolins and caveolae during migration of immortalized neurons
Authors: Lentini D. , Guzzi F. , Pimpinelli F. , Zaninetti R. , Cassetti A. , Coco S. , Maggi R. , Parenti M.
Published: September 2007

During CNS development neurons undergo directional migration to achieve their adult localizations. To study neuronal migration, we used a model cell line of immortalized murine neurons (gonadotropin‐releasing hormone expressing neurons; GN11), enriched with caveolins and caveolae invaginations that show in vitro chemotaxis upon serum exposure. Cholesterol depletion with methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin induced the loss of caveolae and the inhibition of chemotaxis, thus suggesting that GN11 migration depends upon the structural integrity of caveolae. Polarization of proteins and organelles is a hallmark of cell migration. Accordingly, GN11 cells transmigrating through filter pores exhibited a polarized distribution of caveolin‐1 isoform (cav‐1) in the leading processes. In contrast, during two‐dimensional migration cav‐1 and caveolae polarized at the trailing edge. As caveolae are enriched with signaling molecules, we suggest that asymmetrical localization of caveolae may spatially orient GN11 neurons to incoming migratory signals thereby transducing them into directional migration.
mRNA expression levels of tight junction protein genes in mouse brain capillary endothelial cells highly purified by magnetic cell sorting
Authors: Ohtsuki Sumio , Yamaguchi Hirofumi , Katsukura Yuki , Asashima Tomoko , Terasaki Tetsuya
Published: September 2007

Tight junctions (TJs) are an important component of the blood‐brain barrier, and claudin‐1, ‐3, ‐5 and ‐12 have been reported to be localized at the TJs of brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs). To understand the contribution of each claudin subtype to TJ formation, we have measured the mRNA expression levels of claudin subtypes (claudin‐1 to ‐23) and other relevant proteins in highly purified mouse BCECs. Mouse BCECs were labeled with anti‐platelet endothelial cellular adhesion molecule‐1 antibody and 2.3 × 106 cells were isolated from 15 mice by magnetic cell sorting. Expression of Tie‐2, Mdr1a and GLUT1 mRNAs was concentrated in the isolated fraction, and contamination with neurons and astrocytes was substantially less than in the brain capillary fraction prepared by the standard glass‐beads column method. Expression of occludin, junctional adhesion molecule and endothelial‐specific adhesion molecule mRNAs was concentrated in the isolated fraction, suggesting that the corresponding proteins are selectively expressed in mouse BCECs. Among claudin subtypes, claudin‐5 was most highly expressed, at a level which was at least 593‐fold greater that that of claudin‐1, ‐3 or ‐12. Expression of mRNAs of claudin‐8, ‐10, ‐15, ‐17, ‐19, ‐20, ‐22 or ‐23 was also concentrated in the isolated fraction, suggesting these subtypes are expressed in mouse BCECs. The levels of claudin‐10 and ‐22 mRNAs were comparable with that of occludin mRNA. These results indicate that claudin‐5 is the most abundant claudin subtype in mouse BCECs, and are consistent with the idea that claudin‐10 and ‐22 are involved in TJ formation at the blood‐brain barrier in cooperation with claudin‐5.
Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite markers in the red snow crab (Chionoecetes japonicus)
Authors: AZUMA N. , ABE S.
Published: September 2007

A total of 12 polymorphic microsatellite DNA loci were isolated from the red snow crab, Chionoecetes japonicus (Brachyura: Majidae), one of important fisheries resources in the Far East. The number of alleles observed at each locus ranged from two to 19, with the observed and expected heterozygosities of 0.125–0.875 and 0.156–0.949, respectively, suggesting these loci to be a useful molecular marker for population analysis in this species. Of the 12 loci, seven also were available for genotyping of the snow crab, Chionoecetes opilio, implying these loci as a useful molecular marker in the genus Chionoecetes.
To What Extent Does the Financial Reporting Process Curb Earnings Surprise Games?
Authors: BROWN LAWRENCE D. , PINELLO ARIANNA SPINA
Published: September 2007

Managers play earnings surprise games to avoid negative earnings surprises by managing earnings upward or by managing analysts' earnings expectations downward. We investigate the effectiveness of the financial reporting process at restraining earnings surprise games. Because the annual reporting process is subject to an independent audit and more rigorous expense recognition rules than interim reporting, it provides managers with fewer opportunities to manage earnings upward. We document that, relative to interim reporting, annual reporting reduces the likelihood of income‐increasing earnings management and, to a lesser extent, of negative surprise avoidance, but increases the magnitude of downward expectations management. Our findings suggest that regulatory attempts to monitor corporations' internal checks and balances are likely to be more effective at curbing upward earnings management than at mitigating negative surprise avoidance.
Coagulation function in fresh‐frozen plasma prepared with two photochemical treatment methods: methylene blue and amotosalen
Authors: Osselaer Jean‐Claude , Debry Cécile , Goffaux Maite , Pineau Jacqueline , Calomme Genevieve , Dubuc Eric , Chatelain Bernard , Vandendaele Marie‐Claire , Hsu Jocelyn , Rheinschmidt Margaret , Lin Lily
Published: September 2007

BACKGROUND: Pathogen inactivation of plasma intended for transfusion is now the standard of care in Belgium. Two methods for treatment of single plasma units are available: amotosalen plus ultraviolet A light and methylene blue plus visible light. This study compared the quality and stability of plasma treated with these two methods.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Plasma units made from a pool of two ABO‐matched fresh apheresis units were photochemically treated with either amotosalen (PCT‐FFP) or methylene blue (MB‐FFP). A total of 12 paired samples were evaluated. Plasma coagulation function was assessed at three time points: immediately after treatment, after 30 days of frozen storage, and an additional 24 hours at 4°C after thawing. Comparison between PCT‐FFP and MB‐FFP was assessed with the paired t test and a p value of less than 0.05 indicated statistical significance.

RESULTS: Based on statistical analysis, mean levels of factor (F)II, FXII, FXIII, von Willebrand antigen, ADAMTS‐13, D‐dimers, and protein C were equivalent between PCT‐FFP and MB‐FFP for all three time points. PCT‐FFP exhibited shorter mean prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time (two time points), and thrombin time and higher mean levels of fibrinogen, FXI, and protein S than MB‐FFP. Retention of FV, FVII, FVIII, FX, or von Willebrand factor:ristocetin cofactor in PCT‐FFP was either equivalent to or higher than MB‐FFP. MB‐FFP contained higher mean levels of plasminogen, antithrombin, and plasmin inhibitor than PCT‐FFP. Retention of F IX in MB‐FFP was higher than PCT‐FFP only after the 4°C storage after thawing.

CONCLUSION: There is adequate preservation of therapeutic coagulation factor activities in both PCT‐FFP and MB‐FFP. The overall coagulation factor levels and stability of PCT‐FFP were better preserved than MB‐FFP.
Blood banking–induced alteration of red blood cell flow properties
Authors: Relevy Hanna , Koshkaryev Alexander , Manny Noga , Yedgar Saul , Barshtein Gregory
Published: September 2007

BACKGROUND: Blood banking procedures are associated with damage to red blood cell (RBC) membranes, which can impair their flow properties, namely, their deformability, aggregability, and adherence to endothelial cells (ECs) and thus possibly introducing a circulatory risk to recipients. This study was undertaken to comprehensively explore the effect of cold storage and gamma irradiation on RBC flow properties.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: RBC flow properties were monitored as a function of shear stress with a computerized cell flow properties analyzer. Because we had previously studied storage effect on RBC aggregability (Transfusion 1999;39:277‐81), here we determined the storage effect on RBC adherence and deformability, by measuring them before (control) and during storage. Gamma irradiation effect on RBC aggregability, adherence, and deformability was determined before (control) and after irradiation.

RESULTS: Cold storage significantly elevated the number of adherent RBCs and the strength of their interaction with ECs, and was marked by decreased RBC deformability as early as 2 weeks into the storage period. The elevation of RBC–EC interaction was well correlated with translocation of phosphatidylserine to the RBC surface. Gamma irradiation induced an immediate and marked increase in the number of rigid cells, but did not affect RBC adherence and aggregability.

CONCLUSION: RBC flow properties appear to be especially sensitive to cold storage and gamma irradiation because they are impaired long before the expiration date. Because impaired RBC flow properties facilitate circulatory disorders, the potential circulatory risk of transfusion RBC with blood banking–impaired rheology should be considered.
DCS‐1, DCS‐2, and DFV share amino acid substitutions at the extracellular RhD protein vestibule
Authors: Flegel Willy A. , Von Zabern Inge , Doescher Andrea , Wagner Franz F. , Vytisková Jindra , Písačka Martin
Published: September 2007

BACKGROUND: RhD and RhCE are structurally related to ammonium transporter proteins, yet their physiologic function remains unclear. Recent three‐dimensional homology modeling with Escherichia coli AmtB as a template defined a putative transmembraneous channel. Three RhD variants with amino acid substitutions located at the extracellular channel aperture are described.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Blood samples were selected because of serologic abnormalities. RHD, RHCE, and LW nucleotide sequences were determined from genomic DNA. D epitope patterns were established with monoclonal anti‐D panels. Three‐dimensional Rh structures were calculated by alignment to AmtB.

RESULTS: The RHD allele DCS‐1 was found to carry the two amino acid substitutions F223V (667T > G) and A226P (676G > C) caused by missense mutations in RHD exon 5. This study compared DCS‐1 with the D variants DFV (F223V) and DCS‐2 (A226P), harboring solely one or the other of the two substitutions. All three D variants were associated with a cDE haplotype. The antigen densities were approximately 3000 D antigens per red blood cell for DCS‐1, 800 for DCS‐2, and 9300 for DFV. DCS‐1 and DCS‐2 were partial D, because they lacked distinct epitopes. DFV presented as an almost normal D phenotype; the sample contained allo‐anti‐LWa. The Dw antigen was absent from DCS‐1, DFV, and DAU‐4, but expressed by DAU‐5.

CONCLUSION: DCS‐1, DCS‐2, and DFV carry amino acid substitutions at the extracellular vestibule, visualized by 3‐dimensional modeling. Proline at position 226 greatly influenced the D antigen density and may reduce the RhD membrane integration. Although the F223V substitution is regarded as the initial event in the evolution of the weak D Type 4 cluster, the current DFV allele probably evolved independently, as evident from different RHCE haplotypes.
Influence of Meals on Variations of ST Segment Elevation in Patients with Brugada Syndrome
Authors: NISHIZAKI MITSUHIRO , SAKURADA HARUMIZU , MIZUSAWA YUKA , NIKI SAORI , HAYASHI TATSUYA , TANAKA YASUAKI , MAEDA SHINGO , FUJII HIROYUKI , ASHIKAGA TAKASHI , YAMAWAKE NORIYOSHI , ISOBE MITSUAKI , HIRAOKA MASAYASU
Published: September 2007

Background: Glucose‐induced insulin secretion is one of the contributing factors to fluctuation of ST segment elevation in Brugada syndrome.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of meals on variations of ST elevation in Brugada syndrome.

Methods: We assessed changes of ST segment elevation in lead V1‐3 on ECG before and after taking meals, at midnight, and at 3:00 a.m. in 20 patients with Brugada syndrome. Plasma glucose, insulin, and K+ concentrations were measured. Variations of ST elevation were defined as morphological changes and/or augmentation of ST segment level by >1.0 mm.

Result: Variations of ST segment morphology or elevation level after meals were observed in 15 of 20 patients (75%). ST elevation was augmented most markedly after dinner (3.3 ± 1.7 mm) and decreased both at midnight (2.6 ± 1.3 mm: P < 0.01 vs after dinner) and at 3:00 a.m. (2.4 ± 1.2 mm: P < 0.01 vs after dinner). Morphologic changes and elevation levels of ST segment were associated with changes in glucose‐induced insulin levels after meals, being highest after dinner (47 ± 33 μU/mL) and decreasing significantly at midnight (7 ± 4 μU/mL) and at 3:00 a.m. (5 ± 2 μU/mL). There were no correlations between ST elevation and changes in serum K+ level or heart rate.

Conclusions: The present findings suggest that variations of ST elevation are frequently associated with meals. Aggravation of ST elevation is most prominent in the evening to night after dinner rather than the period between midnight and early morning. This information may help to predict event times at high risk for life‐threatening arrhythmias in Brugada syndrome.
Fabrication of Bifunctional Titania/Silica‐Coated Magnetic Spheres and their Photocatalytic Activities
Authors: Song Xuefeng , Gao Lian
Published: September 2007

A magnetic photocatalyst is prepared by coating a magnetic core with a dual layer of inert silica (SiO2) and photoactive titania (TiO2). The complete photoactive TiO2 shell is directly formed on the SiO2‐coated magnetic spheres. Subsequent hydrothermal treatment improves the degree of crystallinity of TiO2. TiO2/SiO2‐coated magnetic spheres show good photocatalytic activities in the degradation of methylene blue in the aqueous solution. The photocatalytic TiO2 surface shell is electrically insulated by the intermediate SiO2 layer from the magnetic core to maintain good photocatalytic activity of the TiO2 shell. The magnetic photocatalyst can be easily recovered by applying external magnetic field.
Synthesis of α‐Alumina Hexagonal Platelets Using a Mixture of Boehmite and Potassium Sulfate
Authors: Hsiang Hsing‐I , Chen Tsung‐Hao , Chuang Chia‐Che
Published: September 2007

Single‐crystal α‐alumina (Al2O3) hexagonal platelets with a diameter of about 200 nm and 25 nm in thickness were synthesized by heating a mixture of boehmite and potassium sulfate at 1000°C for 2 h and washing with water. The potassium sulfate addition effects on the Al2O3 phase and morphology were investigated using differential thermal analysis (DTA), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was found that potassium sulfate addition helps in the formation of single‐crystal α‐Al2O3 hexagonal platelets and promotes phase transformation from intermediate γ‐Al2O3 to α‐Al2O3.
Mesenchymal stem cells and neovascularization: role of platelet‐derived growth factor receptors
Authors: Ball Stephen G. , Shuttleworth C. Adrian , Kielty Cay M.
Published: September 2007

Introduction

The vascular endothelial growth factor/platelet‐derived growth factor super‐family of ligands and receptors

Role of platelet‐derived growth factor receptors in regulating the MSC fate

MSCs and the vasculature

Summary

There is now accumulating evidence that bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) make an important contribution to postnatal vasculogenesis, especially during tissue ischaemia and tumour vascularization. Identifying mechanisms which regulate the role of MSCs in vasculogenesis is a key therapeutic objective, since while increased neovascularization can be advantageous during tissue ischaemia, it is deleterious during tumourigenesis. The potent angiogenic stimulant vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is known to regulate MSC mobilization and recruitment to sites of neovascularization, as well as directing the differentiation of MSCs to a vascular cell fate. Despite the fact that MSCs did not express VEGF receptors, we have recently identified that VEGF‐A can stimulate platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) receptors, which regulates MSC migration and proliferation. This review focuses on the role of PDGF receptors in regulating the vascular cell fate of MSCs, with emphasis on the function of the novel VEGF‐A/PDGF receptor signalling mechanism.
Intravitreal autologous bone marrow‐derived mononuclear cell transplantation: a feasibility report
Authors: Jonas Jost B. , Witzens‐Harig Mathias , Arseniev Lubomir , Ho Anthony D.
Published: September 2007

Purpose:  To report on the feasibility and safety of an intravitreal injection of mononuclear cells derived from autologous bone marrow.

Methods:  A 43‐year‐old patient with very advanced atrophy of the retina and optic nerve caused by diabetic retinopathy had undergone pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil endotamponade. Despite complete retinal attachment, vision was limited to defective light perception as a result of retinal capillary occlusion. As an ultima ratio, the patient underwent an intravitreal injection of autologous bone marrow‐derived stem cells obtained by isolating mononuclear cells from 100 ml of bone marrow.

Results:  On postoperative day 1, a cluster of injected cells was observed on the retinal surface in the inferior fundus periphery. The anterior chamber was completely filled with silicone oil, which was released transcorneally. Subsequently, intraocular pressure remained normal and the anterior chamber was free of inflammatory cells or flare. Within 1 week of the injection, visual acuity remained at light perception. There were no signs of any side‐effects of the therapy, such as inflammation or infection.

Conclusions:  Intravitreal autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell transplantation is technically feasible.
Fish fauna in a Protected Greek lake: biodiversity, introduced fish species over a 80‐year period and their impacts on the ecosystem
Authors: Leonardos I. D. , Kagalou I. , Tsoumani M. , Economidis P. S.
Published: September 2007

Abstract –  Lake Pamvotis is a tertiary natural shallow lake located in the NW of Greece. For biogeographical reasons, it historically contained only four fish species: two endemics (Phoxinellus epiroticus, Squalius pamvoticus), one native to the West Greece (Barbus albanicus) and the ubiquitous Anguilla anguilla. These species were almost exclusively present in the lake before 1920, forming remarkable commercially exploited populations. From the 1930s through the 1990s, 20 species were introduced into the lake for purposes of eutrophication control or to enhance the fishery. These introductions, some of them accidental have led to the apparent decline, even loss, of the native species. During the last three decades the fish fauna of the lake has shifted from the native, clear‐water species to a predominance of introduced species, mainly those adapted for turbid eutrophic water (Rutilus panosi, Cyprinus carpio and Carassius gibelio, and several Asian cyprinids). The current fish assemblage in the lake is dominated by introduced species particularly the Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) and the Lourogobios (Economidichthys pygmaeus) in the littoral zone, the benthopelagic allogynogenetic Prussian carp (C. gibelio), and the opportunistic Trichonis roach (R. panosi), in the pelagic zone.
High resolution structure and catalysis of O‐acetylserine sulfhydrylase isozyme B from Escherichia coli
Authors: Zocher Georg , Wiesand Ulrich , Schulz Georg E.
Published: September 2007

The crystal structure of the dimeric O‐acetylserine sulfhydrylase isozyme B from Escherichia coli (CysM), complexed with the substrate analog citrate, has been determined at 1.33 Å resolution by X‐ray diffraction analysis. The C1‐carboxylate of citrate was bound at the carboxylate position of O‐acetylserine, whereas the C6‐carboxylate adopted two conformations. The activity of the enzyme and of several active center mutants was determined using an assay based on O‐acetylserine and thio‐nitrobenzoate (TNB). The unnatural substrate TNB was modeled into the reported structure. The substrate model and the observed mutant activities may facilitate future protein engineering attempts designed to broaden the substrate spectrum of the enzyme. A comparison of the reported structure with previously published CysM structures revealed large conformational changes. One of the crystal forms contained two dimers, each of which comprised one subunit in a closed and one in an open conformation. Although the homodimer asymmetry was most probably caused by crystal packing, it indicates that the enzyme can adopt such a state in solution, which may be relevant for the catalytic reaction.
A novel neuropeptide (FRamide) family identified by a peptidomic approach inHydra magnipapillata
Authors: Hayakawa Eisuke , Takahashi Toshio , Nishimiya‐Fujisawa Chiemi , Fujisawa Toshitaka
Published: September 2007

In the course of systematic identification of peptide signaling molecules combined with the expressed sequence tag database fromHydra, we have identified a novel neuropeptide family that consists of two members with FRamide at the C‐terminus; FRamide‐1 (IPTGTLIFRamide) and FRamide‐2 (APGSLLFRamide). The precursor sequence deduced from cDNA contained a single copy each of FRamide‐1 and FRamide‐2 precursor sequences. Expression analysis by whole‐mountin situhybridization showed that the gene was expressed in a subpopulation of neurons that were distributed throughout the body from tentacles to basal disk. Doublein situhybridization analysis showed that the expressing cell population was further subdivided into one population consisting of neurons expressing both the FRamide and Hym176 (neuropeptide) genes and the other consisting of neurons expressing only the FRamide gene. FRamide‐1 evoked elongation of the body column of ‘epithelial’Hydrathat was composed of epithelial cells and gland cells but lacked all the cells in the interstitial stem cell lineage, including neurons. In contrast, FRamide‐2 evoked body column contraction. These results suggest that both of the neuropeptides directly act on epithelial cells as neurotransmitters and regulate body movement in an axial direction.
Effect of supraperiosteal injection of dexamethasone on postoperative pain
Authors: Mehrvarzfar Payman , Shababi Behnam , Sayyad Reza , Fallahdoost Arjang , Kheradpir (Late) Khadije
Published: September 2007

Many patients suffer from mild, moderate or severe pain during or after root canal therapy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of supraperiosteal injection of dexamethasone into the periapical tissues to prevent postoperative pain associated with inflammation. In a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial, 100 patients with moderate or severe pain who were referred to dental school of Tehran Islamic Azad University participated in this study. All patients had a tooth with clinical diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis. After administration of local anaesthesia, access cavity was prepared. Then, the root canals were instrumented to a minimum of a No. 25 K‐file. One millilitre dexamethasone (8 mg 2 mL−1) or placebo was injected around the tooth. The severity of pain was assessed with regard to a modified visual analogue scale after 6, 12, 24 and 48 h. The data was analysed statistically with chi‐square test. Dexamethasone was considerably effective on controlling the severity of pain during the first 24 h; in contrast, there was no difference between dexamethasone and placebo groups 48 h after the first appointment. A single dose of dexamethasone infiltrated around the apex of a tooth with irreversible pulipitis could be effective in reduction or prevention of postoperative endodontic pain during the first 24 h.
Time‐dependence of coronal seal of temporary materials used in endodontics
Authors: Madarati Ahmad , Rekab Mohammad Salem , Watts David Christopher , Qualtrough Alison
Published: September 2007

The aim of this in vitro study was to compare parametrically the coronal seal ability over different periods of times of four restorative materials used to seal the pulpal access cavity after endodontic treatment. One hundred and thirty‐five mandibular premolars were divided randomly into three time groups (1, 2 and 4 weeks), each of which was in turn divided into four subgroups. Each subgroup was restored using one of four restorative materials: Coltosol, glass ionomer cement (GIC), zinc phosphate (ZP) cement, or intermediate restorative material (IRM) cement. The root canals were prepared using the crown‐down technique, and obturated using lateral condensation. Following placement of the restorative material, the samples were incubated in distilled water at 37°C and were subjected to 50 thermocycles (0 ± 4, 56 ± 4C). After immersing in (2%) methylene blue dye for 24 h, teeth were longitudinally sectioned and examined under a stereomicroscope. The results showed that Coltosol and GIC cement were significantly superior in sealing ability to ZP and IRM cements (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between GIC cement and Coltosol. Both Coltosol and GIC after 1 week were significantly better than 4 weeks. There was no significant difference in the seal ability at different time periods when ZP and IRM cements were used.
The Place of Islam in the Geography of Religion: Trends and Intersections
Authors: Gale Richard
Published: September 2007

This article reviews recent geographical research on Islam and Muslim identities. In the wake of the events of 11 September 2001, the forms taken by public debate surrounding Muslim communities and societies have been manifold and not always edifying. In the present political climate, where public attitudes to a particular suite of issues are often as misinformed as they are deeply held, the need for academics to furnish insights born out of robust research is acute. While the responses of academics to debates coalescing around Muslim communities and identities have emanated predominantly from religious studies, sociology and anthropology, geographers, with their attention to the spatial components inherent to the articulation of social identities, are making an increasingly significant contribution to our knowledge in this field. This article reviews this contribution, focusing on four areas in which geographical research on Islam has been most pronounced: Muslim residential segregation and ‘community cohesion’; the relationship between Islamic dress codes and spatial context in the articulation of Muslim gender identities; the contestation of space that has attended the architectural expression of Muslim identity in urban landscapes and the spatial politics embedded in the construction of Muslim identities at simultaneously national and transnational scales. While the predominant focus is therefore geographical, the article also establishes linkages to other writings on the spatiality of Islam where relevant to the specific themes under discussion.
Understanding the Geography of International Finance
Authors: Sarre Philip
Published: September 2007

The article introduces the geography of international finance, a major influence on economic and development geography. Key activities and terminology are identified in history and in current markets. Contrasts before and after 1970 show that today's ‘financial architecture’ differs significantly from its precursor. Data sources show the unevenness of economic activity and savings rates between countries, and the even greater unevenness of international banking and trading in securities, foreign exchange and derivatives, which are concentrated in world cities and a mix of on‐ and offshore tax havens or financial centres. Interpretations of the system, mainly from geography, economics and political economy, show that the developed world is increasingly integrated by financial flows, but that lower‐income countries derive few benefits. The article concludes by suggesting that more geographers should take an interest in finance as an object of study and a question of policy.
Contagious Cities
Authors: Ali S. Harris , Keil Roger
Published: September 2007

The outbreaks of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) that unfolded at various locations throughout the world represented the first collective threat to public health that was amplified by the processes and structures of our contemporary globalized society – such as, the compression of time and space and increased linkages between various cities of the world. In this article, the global outbreak of SARS in 2003 is used as an empirical referent to discuss the implications of infectious disease spread among and within cities under the conditions of globalization. To capture the uniquely dynamic qualities associated with infectious disease outbreaks under globalizing conditions, we suggest that conventional accounts of the spatial diffusion of pathogens incorporate topological principles that are sensitive to such properties as: fluidity, flows, mobility and networks, that now play a critical role in disease diffusion.

If the rise of farming was . . .  a bonanza for our microbes, the rise of cities was a greater one, as still more densely packed human populations festered under even worse sanitation conditions. (Diamond 1999, 205)

The explosive increase of world travel by Americans, and in immigration to the United States, is turning us into another melting pot – this time, of microbes that we previously dismissed as just causing exotic diseases in far‐off countries. (Diamond 1999, 206)
Fatal encephalitozoonosis in two koalas
Authors: NIMMO JS , SNOWDEN K , O'DONOGHUE P
Published: September 2007

Two young koalas from a fauna park, recently out of the pouch and approximately 6 months old, were found dead with no previous clinical signs or gross lesions. On histopathological examination, large numbers of spores consistent with a microsporidian organism were present intracellularly within the small intestinal mucosa. Electron microscopy and polymerase chain reaction studies (sequencing the 5′ end of the SSU RNA gene) identified the organism as Encephalitozoon intestinalis with 100% homology with those of previously reported human isolates. This is believed to be the first report of this organism in a marsupial.
The influence of the full moon on the number of accessions to an animal emergency centre
Authors: McALEES TJ , ANDERSON GA
Published: September 2007

Objective  To test the hypothesis that the number of animal emergency centre accessions is associated with the time of the full moon.

Design and procedure  Retrospective study. A comparison was made of the number of accessions to the University of Melbourne Animal Emergency Centre in the period February 2003 to January 2006 on full moon and non–full moon days, adjusted for day of the week and public holiday. A three day period with the day of the full moon as the middle day was taken to be a full moon period.

Results  A total of 12,102 animals were presented to the Centre in this time. An adjusted count ratio of 1.048 (95% CI 0.97 to 1.14; P = 0.26) for accessions on full moon days compared with those on non–full moon days indicated that there was no significant association between the full moon and the number of accessions per day.

Conclusion  There was no significant difference between the number of animals presented to the University of Melbourne Animal Emergency Centre on full moon days and non–full moon days.
False positive Kleihauer results: an unusual cause in a postnatal patient in remission from acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: GRANT R. , KEIDAN J.
Published: September 2007

A 34‐year‐old woman, in remission from acute myeloid leukaemia, had a positive postnatal Kleihauer result. Following our standard local protocol for positive Kleihauer tests in Rh‐D negative patients, the specimen was referred for confirmatory testing, which proved the result to be false positive. Hereditary persistence of foetal haemoglobin was excluded as a Kleihauer test performed in a pregnancy prior to the development of leukaemia was negative. Further testing confirmed mild elevation of foetal haemoglobin (HbF) and increased F‐cells. Elevated‐HbF levels have been widely reported in patients with haematological malignancy. In this case, the patient was confirmed to be in a true molecular remission from leukaemia and yet appeared to have a residual clonal population of HbF erythrocytes; the significance of this finding remains unclear. This case also highlights the importance of confirmatory testing of suspected foeto‐maternal haemorrhage, as not all positive Kleihauer tests are true positives.
A partial nucleated differential cell count of the bone marrow aspirate that is independent of peripheral blood dilution
Authors: LEE S.‐H. , HO S.‐J. , THOMAS D. T. , GIRI P. , LEE H. , SIA H. , TO L. B. , SULLIVAN T. R.
Published: September 2007

In the bone marrow (BM) nucleated differential cell count (NDC), myeloblasts are enumerated as a percentage of total nucleated cells, which are inevitably diluted with peripheral blood nucleated cells (PBNC) during BM aspiration. We propose a partial NDC (PNDC) comprising only immature haemopoietic cells capable of division, i.e. myeloblasts, promyelocytes, myelocytes and erythroblasts. We show that the myeloid : erythroid (M : E) ratio of the PNDC remains approximately constant in progressively dilute aliquots of BM aspirates. We determined the PNDC in 22 healthy subjects and investigated the effect of peripheral blood dilution on disease stratification of 66 BM aspirates with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). NDC and PNDC myeloblast counts were compared and the equivalent PNDC myeloblast counts for NDC myeloblast threshold counts of 5, 10 and 20% were derived. Reclassification of MDS samples with the PNDC resulted in a change in disease category in 33.3% of 51 MDS samples with NDC myeloblast counts ranging from 3 to 26%. The PNDC is independent of PBNC dilution and can be determined in dilute BM samples. It alters the disease category in a significant proportion of BM aspirates with MDS and has the potential to better stratify MDS to improve clinical outcomes and treatment.
The potential for forest canopy litterfall interception by a dense fern understorey, and the consequences for litter decomposition
Authors: M. Dearden Fiona , A. Wardle David
Published: September 2007

Most studies on litter decomposition have assumed that all falling plant litter reaches the ground where it then decomposes. In many forests a proportion of this litter may in fact be intercepted by understorey vegetation, but the ecological significance of this remains poorly understood. We performed two experiments in a temperate rainforest in southern New Zealand, in which there was a dense understorey of the crown fernBlechnum discolor. The fronds of this fern originate from a crown, and have a funnel‐like arrangement that can trap falling litter and prevent it from reaching the ground. The first experiment measured the effects of ferns on the spatial distribution of litter accumulation over one year. The ferns intercepted a substantial proportion of the total litterfall, and the fern crowns (from which the fronds originate) retained 10% of the total incoming litterfall (despite occupying only 2% of the ground area). The retained litter had a substantially higher ratio of twig to foliar litter than did the incoming litterfall. Further, much of the litter not retained on the crowns of the ferns accumulated at the base of the fern trunks. The second experiment considered litter decomposition in fern crowns versus the ground under the ferns. The litter that had accumulated in the crowns was characterized by higher microbial basal respiration and active microbial biomass than was the litter that had accumulated on the ground. The use of litterbags revealed that litter decomposition rates were significantly higher on the fern crowns than on the ground at 30 cm and 60 cm from the fern trunks. These results show that litter interception ameliorates the decomposer environment and increases the rate of litter decomposition. In total, this study provides evidence for understorey ferns greatly influencing both the spatial distribution of litterfall and the decomposition of plant litter. Although the ecological role of understorey vegetation in forested ecosystems has received little attention to date, our results point to understorey species as an important driver of forest ecosystem processes.
A model incorporating a reduction in carrying capacity translates brood size trends into a population decline: the case of Finnish starlings, 1951–2005
Authors: Rintala Jukka , Tiainen Juha
Published: September 2007

Finnish starlingsSturnus vulgarisdeclined by 80% during the 1970s and 1980s, but during this time mean brood size increased. On the basis of previous results, we assumed that the carrying capacity K of breeding habitats declined, especially in southern Finland, the phenomenon being due to regional diversification in agriculture and a corresponding decline in dairy farming. We further assumed that following the changes in agriculture, poorly productive starling habitats (sinks) increased at the expense of highly productive ones (sources). We used nestling ringing data from 1951 to 2005 to estimate trends in brood size and population change. The results showed that mean brood size was greater during stable population stages (at the beginning and end of the study period) than during the years of collapse. The coefficient of variation displayed a contrary pattern to the mean brood size, being at its highest during the decline. We modelled the relation of population dynamics and environmental change with a density‐dependent matrix model that assumed a 80% decline in K. The modelling results obtained were similar to the population dynamics actually observed. The model showed a decrease in per‐capita reproduction rate as a response to habitat deterioration. This was due to a time lag in response to the declining K. On the basis of the dynamics observed and the population model, we concluded that during the decline, a larger proportion of starlings bred in sub‐optimal sink habitats than during the stable population phases, and that this caused the low in the mean and the high in the coefficient of variation of brood size. Survival analyses on nest‐card data (using the Mayfield method) supported our conclusion that the population decline was due to a decreased brood size caused by decreased K.