bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arguing against absent arguables: organizing audience participation in political discourse
Authors: Llewellyn Nick
Published: October 2006

Based on the analysis of interaction during a public meeting, this article considers how people argue in sequential environments where direct interaction is precluded. The meeting in question was organized so the turns of audience speakers and local authority representatives were produced during different periods; initial actions and their oppositions, counters, etc., could be separated by anything up to 25 minutes. The article describes how speakers adapt their language practices to construct arguing turns and series of action-opposition pairs in social settings thus organized.
The concept of ‘dialogue’ in cross-linguistic and cross-cultural perspective
Authors: Wierzbicka Anna
Published: October 2006

‘Dialogue’ is an important concept in the contemporary world. It plays a very significant role in English public discourse, and through English, or mainly through English, it has spread throughout the world. For example, the dissident leader Aung San Suu Kyi calls for ‘reconciliation and dialogue’ in Burma (or so she is reported to have done in English language news reports), the Russian pro-democracy groups ask Russian President Vladimir Putin to ‘begin a dialogue’ with them, and Popes Paul VI and John Paul II are praised for opening the Catholic Church to a ‘dialogue’ with other Christian churches and other religions (or criticized for not going far enough in this direction), and so on. But what exactly does the word ‘dialogue’ mean? In his position statement for the plenary session on ‘dialogue in cross-cultural perspective’ (the International Communication Association Conference, New York, 26-30 May 2005), Donal Carbaugh asks: ‘What constitutes “dialogue”? What is this form of communicative action? Is there such a form, or something like it, in various speech communities?’. This article attempts to answer Carbaugh’s questions from the point of view of the NSM theory of semantics, developed by the author and colleagues.
Medea in the media
Authors: Barnett Barbara
Published: October 2006

In reporting news stories about maternal infanticide, journalists and sources employ the narrative of the flawed mother in explaining why women killed their children. A qualitative analysis of 250 US news articles over a 12-year period found that journalists characterized murderous mothers in oppositional terms, as either superior nurturers driven to insanity because they cared so much, or inferior caretakers who shirked their maternal duties because they cared so little. This focus on the individual allowed journalists to organize and simplify complex information from diverse sources; however, reporters missed opportunities to present infanticide in the broader context of gender inequity and to examine disparities in punishments for women convicted of murdering their children. Journalists’ accounts of the causes of maternal violence - postpartum illness, economic stress, alcohol and drug abuse, too early and unplanned pregnancies, and loss of hope for the future - too often were superficial, reinforcing the myth of the all-knowing, all-loving, and all-powerful mother, and ignoring the fact that infanticide is a crime that has complex causes. Journalists can strengthen reporting on maternal violence by critically examining stereotypes of mothering as ‘natural’, and therefore easy, and by questioning the availability of family, community, and institutional resources for women who cannot or do not mother well.
A scribbling tribe
Authors: Sanders Karen , Canel María José
Published: October 2006

Comparative research is uniquely able to address theoretical questions about the relationship between journalism and political and cultural contexts. This study takes the reporting of political scandal as the entry-point to an analysis of the practice of investigative reporting in Britain and Spain in the 1990s and its status as a litmus test for a Fourth Estate understanding of the press’ role. Using interview and documentary data, the research explores journalists’ backgrounds, their assumptions about methods, relationships to sources and their perception of the public, political and peer response to their work. Journalists’ views of the rationale for reporting political scandal are also explored. The analysis shows that there are a number of differences between the two groups of journalists but also that they are bound far more by common assumptions about the practices and purposes of reporting political scandal, which, taken together, provide a challenge to certain aspects of the production study research tradition and also evidence for the enduring influence of Fourth Estate understandings of the role of journalism across national contexts.
Mapping the journalism–blogging relationship
Authors: Lowrey Wilson
Published: October 2006

Using a systems framework from the sociology of occupations, this article maps the journalism-blogging relationship, revealing areas of conflict between the two, vulnerabilities, and predictors of vulnerability. The systems framework suggests occupations exist within a network of other occupations and that they encroach into each other’s jurisdictional areas. A variety of factors shape these fluid processes. Factors that are external to the occupation include organizational division of labor, revenue needs, and relationships with other institutions. Internal factors include the degree to which journalists control the definition of problems and inference to solutions, and the success with which they solve problems. Difficulties posed by external and internal factors have led journalism to neglect some types of news information, which in turn have been poached by bloggers. These include partisan expression, ‘old stories’, stories driven by non-elite sources, and highly specialized content. A model for future study is constructed from these observations.
Synthesis of Long-template DNA Using Enzymatic Reaction for Regular Alignment of Au-nanoparticles
Authors: Tanaka Shin-ichi , Fritzsche Wolfgang , Sako Yasushi , Yanagida Toshio
Published: October 2006

We have successfully synthesized more than 1000 bases of DNA template with a repeat unit of 100 bases and have prepared regular alignments of Au-nanoparticles. This technique will allow to realize multifunctional biosensor, molecular nano-device, and long-range photonic wires.
Light-response of N2 Permeation Using Gold Colloid-coated Porous Glass Modified by Azo Derivative Including Thiol
Authors: Jin Tetsuro , Yusa Shin-ichi , Yazawa Tetsuo
Published: October 2006

Photo responsive gas separation membrane modified by organic azo derivative including thiol group on the gold colloid-coated porous glass tube was shown that the nitrogen gas permeance was increased by the stimulation of UV light and stopped the permeation by stopping the irradiation.
Crystallite Size Effects on Anion-exchange Property and Thermal Behavior of Mg, Al-hydrotalcite
Authors: Hongo Teruhisa , Takahashi Mai , Yamazaki Atsushi
Published: October 2006

A nanosized hydrotalcite crystal was synthesized by coprecipitation method. The crystal shows high-efficiency adsorbance of harmful anions and distinct thermal behavior.
Simple Surface Modification Process to Produce a Transparent Apatite–Polystyrene Composite for In Situ Observation of Cell Behavior
Authors: Oyane Ayako , Tsurushima Hideo , Ito Atsuo
Published: October 2006

An apatite layer was formed on a transparent polystyrene (PS) substrate using a simple surface modification process, in which apatite precursors were deposited on a PS substrate surface that was then immersed in a calcium phosphate solution supersaturated with respect to apatite. The apatite-coated PS substrate thus obtained was highly transparent, which enables in situ observation of cell behavior on the surface apatite layer under a transmission optical microscope.
Highly Efficient Synthesis and Imaging Studies of an Arylpiperazine Derivative as a 5-HT1A Receptor Imaging Agent
Authors: Park Sang Hyun , Gwon Hui Jeong , Jang Seung Ho , Lee Hyosun
Published: October 2006

A novel and straightforward microwave synthesis of a new arylpiperazine derivative 3 which has an N2S2 moiety has been developed and radiolabeled with an optimum radionuclide of technetium in the presence of a borohydride exchange resin (BER) as a reducing agent. According to the present study this new radiolabeled compound 4 could have the potential for a diagnostic application as an imaging agent of a serotonin neuroreceptor.
Combination of cis‐platinum, oncovin, and bleomycin (cob) prior to surgery and/or radiotherapy in advanced untreated epidermoid cancer of the head and neck
Authors: Peppard Sean B. , Al‐Sarraf Muhyi , Powers William E. , Loh John K. , Weaver Arthur W.
Published: October 2006

A prospective study was carried out to investigate the effectiveness and feasibility of two courses of combination therapy with COB every three weeks prior to surgery and/or radiotherapy in 70 patients with advanced untreated epidermoid cancer of the head and neck. Of 65 patients evaluable after two courses of chemotherapy, 16 had a complete remission (CR) and 36 had a partial remission (PR; > 50% — < 100%) for a total major response rate of 80%.
Prediction of survival in head and neck cancer based on leukocyte sedimentation in ficoll‐hypaque gradients
Authors: Check Irene J. , Hunter Robert L. , Lounsbury Ben , Rosenberg Karen , Matz Gregory
Published: October 2006

A battery of immunologic tests were performed on 42 patients with recurrent cancer of the head and neck whose median survival time was 6.8 months. Two tests correlated with survival: total white blood cell (WBC) count and the percentage of lymphoid cells (% LG) in the Ficoll‐Hypaque gradient separated leukocyte fraction of blood.
Bone and liver scans in patients with head and neck carcinoma
Authors: Belson Thomas P. , Lehman Roger H. , Chobanian Susan L. , Malin Thomas C.
Published: October 2006

The initial evaluation of patients with malignant tumors of the head and neck must include an attempt to determine the presence or absence of distant metastases so that the patient's tumor can be accurately staged and appropriate treatment planned. To determine the value of routine bone and liver scans in detecting distant metastases, the records of 169 patients with head and neck carcinoma, on whom such scans were performed, were reviewed retrospectively.
A workable approach to the identification of neonatal hearing impairment
Authors: Sarno Cynthia N. , Clemis Jack D.
Published: October 2006

The American Hearing Research Foundation has developed a regional Infant Screening Program in the state of Illinois, designed to meet the vital need for early identification of hearing impairment on a mass scale. The four major components of the program include: 1. Application of the High Risk Register to the general newborn population, 2. Hearing Screening in the Intensive Care Nursery, 3. Electrophysiologic confirmation with Brain Stem Electric Response testing and 4. Subsequent and immediate remediation and/or habilitation.
Congenital fibrosarcoma in the oral cavity. First reported case
Authors: Beeson William H. , Singer Mark I. , Lingeman Raleigh E.
Published: October 2006

Fibrosarcoma is uncommon in the head and neck and constitutes less than 1% of malignancies and approximately 6% of the soft tissue sarcomas. Congenital fibrosarcomas are characterized by rapid proliferation and frequent local recurrence following excision. Unlike other sarcomas, metastasis is a rare event. The literature contains less than 50 cases of congenital, solitary fibrosarcoma, with none occurring in the oral cavity.
A sensorineural component in chronic otitis media
Authors: Moore Dorothy C. , Best Gilbert F.
Published: October 2006

Traditionally, it has been accepted that conductive deafness involves a breakdown in the mechanical conduction of sound, whilst the cochlea remains unaffected. Over a ten year period, it was noticed that a number of patients, mainly children, displayed a mild, hightone sensorineural component to their conductive loss, whereas others tested under identical conditions with parallel etiologies did not. A sample of 80 children with chronic otitis media and sensorineural involvement was selected from Prince Henry's Hospital and Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, and was compared with 80 children with the same histories, but whose audiograms did not display any sensorineural involvement. The results of this study indicate a need for further research into: 1. The establishment of an internationally acceptable terminology. 2. Early detection of chronic otitis media. 3. Medical/surgical management. 4. The effects on hearing, caused by fluctuating nature of chronic otitis media. 5. Educational and social management.
Regional behavioral variations of epidermoid carcinoma of the head and neck: A study in an animal model
Authors: Blitzer Andrew
Published: October 2006

Regional behavioral differences have been observed clinically in epidermoid carcinoma of the head and neck. An animal model was developed for study, using homograft, transplanted epidermoid carcinoma in Fisher rats. Histopathologic review of tumors of the palate, base of tongue and larynx shows cartilage, arterial wall, surface epithelium and dense connective tissue containing elastic fibers to be relatively resistant to tumor invasion. Muscle, bone, vein and loose connective tissues were easily invaded. This correlates well with the known biochemical and immunological events in tumor invasion and host‐tumor interactions. Regional metastasis occurred in two animals with base of tongue tumors. No distant metastases were found.
Control of malignant melanoma of the nasal mucous membrane
Authors: Mcrae Robert G. , Bellino Joseph P. , Khasgiwala Chandra
Published: October 2006

Malignant melanoma of the nasal mucous membrane continues to be a rare disorder which is difficult to treat. Five year survival rate appears to be less than 30% and most patients who die of the disease have distant metastasis. At this time, the otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon must strive to control local and regional disease with surgical means. Unfortunately, these means are usually inadequate because survival is critically dependent on the biology of the melanoma and its interaction with the patient's immune system.
Cysts of the thyroglossal duct
Authors: Hawkins Donald B. , Jacobsen Bruce E. , Klatt Edward C.
Published: October 2006

Experiences with 53 consecutive patients undergoing surgical excision of thyroglossal duct cysts are reported. Four patients (7.5%) developed recurrent cysts after surgery. Analysis of cases revealed the following factors to contribute to an increased risk of recurrence: young age, skin involvement by the cyst, lobulation of the cyst, rupture of the cyst, and failure to follow the second principle advocated by Sistrunk.
Acute suppurative thyroiditis in children
Authors: Taylor Wallace E. , Myer Charles M. , Hays Leonard L. , Cotton Robin T.
Published: October 2006

The ability of the thyroid gland to withstand infection is a well known phenomenon. In this regard, inflammatory disease of the thyroid gland in children is an uncommon occurrence. The frequency with which this proceeds to abscess formation is rare. Review of the literature of the past 25 years reveals only 21 reported cases of acute suppurative thyroiditis in children, only one of which has been reported in the otolaryngologic literature.

We report two cases of thyroid abscess in children which initially presented as painful swellings in the lower neck. An overview of the management of these patients is detailed, including a discussion of the appropriate utilization of diagnostic studies. Demonstration of an internal fistula originating from the pyriform sinus underscores the need to consider a fourth branchial arch remnant as a possible source of infection. The importance of obtaining appropriate bacterial, fungal, and acid‐fast cultures is stressed, as is the role of antibiotic therapy and definitive surgery once the diagnosis of thyroid abscess is made.
Use of high resolution thin section CT scanning of the petrous bone in temporal bone anomalies
Authors: Olson James E. , Dorwart Robert H. , Brant William E.
Published: October 2006

High resolution thin section axial CT scans (REVIEWTM reconstruction ARRANGETM reformation — General Electric copyright) were utilized to evaluate the petrous bone of 17 patients, ages 3 to 60, with congenital hearing loss. Two scanning protocols were evaluated: 1.5 mm thick sections at 1.5 mm intervals, and 1.5 mm thick sections at 1.0 mm intervals. These protocols were qualitatively compared with regard to 1. visualization of small anatomical structures, and 2. computer reformatted images in coronal and sagittal planes. Our experience suggests this imaging capability is highly useful in the evaluation of congenital ear abnormalities.

Seventeen patients were examined with high resolution CT scans. The inner ear abnormalities included varying degrees of Mondini's dysplasia. The large vestibule, the large fenestra into the internal auditory canal, as well as the poor cochlear formation, were seen in these malformations. These studies have allowed a greater degree of accuracy in counseling parents of patients with inner ear malformations.

Middle and external ear deformities were also encountered. The imaging technique is capable of demonstrating ossicular deformities, as well as the nature of canal atresias. It is particularly useful in the planning of surgery on some of these patients in that location of the plane of the facial nerve canal can be determined prior to surgery. This provides the ability to determine whether surgery is possible, and if so, the probability of opening the middle ear adequately to obtain appropriate ossicular reconstruction. Illustrative cases demonstrate the ease of visualizing the small structures of the inner and middle ear and the ability to review these structures in any plane utilizing the ARRANGE program.
Cystic hygroma‐lymphangioma: A rare and still unclear entity
Authors: Kennedy Thomas L.
Published: October 2006

Hygroma cysticum coli or cystic hygroma remains a complex entity in terms of its development and management. Most recently, cystic hygroma has been categorized as part of a larger spectrum that includes lymphangiomas. The majority of lymph‐angiomas occur in the head and neck as cystic hygromas with the posterior cervical region as the most common site. Since its original description, there have been many attempts at treatment modalities: Surgical excision remains the treatment of choice.

The literature is reviewed and 40 cases from the author's institution are presented. The purposes of this review are, first, to bring some order to the theories and development of this lesion and its various pathological presentations. Second, to approach the treatment of these difficult lesions in an objective manner and to set up guidelines for management.
Role of subtotal thyroidectomy in the management of the follicular neoplasm of the thyroid
Authors: De Souza F. M.
Published: October 2006

Clinically apparent thyroid nodules affect 4% to 7% of the population in North America. Malignant neoplasms of the thyroid comprise only about 1% of all cancers and are found in only 20% of patients undergoing thyroid surgery for suspected thyroid carcinoma. A follicular neoplasm of the thyroid is the most common histologic finding. During surgery, using frozen‐section techniques, it is often difficult to distinguish between a benign and malignant lesion. The diagnosis may be deferred following intraoperative frozen‐section examination of tissue or changed on evaluation of embedded tissue.

In this series of 1224 thyroidectomies from 1976 to 1990, the pathology data from thyroidectomy surgical specimens submitted to tissue analysis were evaluated. It was found that subtotal thyroidectomy was effective in the management of the follicular neoplasm. This approach significantly reduced the morbidity and complications of patients undergoing thyroidectomy.
Facial nerve dysfunction in osteopetrosis
Authors: Benecke James E.
Published: October 2006

When facial nerve dysfunction occurs in conjunction with one of the rare temporal bone dysplasias, the physician faces a therapeutic dilemma. There is no consensus in the literature regarding the management of facial paralysis or facial spasm under these circumstances.

During the past 2 years, four patients were seen with forms of osteopetroses and neurotologic symptoms. A patient with malignant, recessive osteopetrosis and a patient with Engelmann's disease were surgically managed for facial paralysis and facial spasm. The outcome of the treatment is discussed as well as the available literature on this subject. A new complication of facial nerve decompression in children with osteopetrosis is described, as well as appropriate caveats in the management of facial nerve disorders in the osteopetroses.
Prognostic significance of sinus histiocytosis in metastatic laryngeal cancer
Authors: Patt Bradford S. , Close Lanny G. , Vuitch Frank
Published: October 2006

A histopathologic analysis of regional lymph node specimens in 48 patients with previously untreated squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx was performed to determine which parameters, if any, correlated with 3‐year patient survival. The presence of sinus histiocytosis in lymph nodes containing metastatic squamous cell carcinoma was statistically related to survival (P<.007). Multivariate analysis confirmed the independent significance of this variable compared to tumor stage, nodal status, and extracapsular spread from lymph nodes.

Previous studies have linked improved survival with an active immunologic response in head and neck cancer patients. However, few studies have examined a homogeneous group of patients who all underwent the same type of treatment. This study's findings support the concept that an active immunologic response in lymph nodes has prognostic significance in squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx.
Lentigo maligna melanoma of the head and neck
Authors: Johns Langford F. P. , Fisher Samuel R. , Molter David W. , Seigler Hilliard F.
Published: October 2006

Historically, lentigo maligna melanoma has been considered a “favorable” histological type of melanoma, and treatment by wide local excision was considered curative. A retrospective multivariate analysis of 143 head and neck patients with stage I lentigo maligna melanoma was performed from a database of 1067 head and neck patients followed at Duke Medical Center. Fifty‐six percent of all lentigo maligna melanomas presented with lesions deeper than 0.76 mm, and 8% presented with stage II or III disease. Recurrent disease occurred in 45% of stage I patients, with a 5‐year disease‐free interval of 6 years and a median survival time of 10 years. Multivariate analysis demonstrated no significant difference in disease‐free interval or survival by histological subtype. The data suggest that treatment should be based on tumor thickness and not histologic subtype.
Complications of laryngeal framework surgery (phonosurgery)
Authors: Tucker Harvey M. , Wanamaker John , Trott Martin , Hicks Douglas
Published: October 2006

The rising popularity of surgery involving the laryngeal framework (surgical medialization of immobile vocal folds, vocal fold tightening, pitch variation, etc.) has resulted in increasing case experience. Little has appeared in the literature regarding complications or long‐term results of this type of surgery. Several years' experience in a major referral center with various types of laryngeal framework surgery has led to a small number of complications. These have included late extrusion of the prosthesis and delayed hemorrhage. A review of these complications and recommendations for modification of technique to minimize them in the future are discussed.
Prognostic value of histopathological parameters in 51 supraglottic squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: De Guzmán R. Barona , Martorell M. A. , Basterra J. , Armengot M. , Alvarez‐Valdés R. , Garin L.
Published: October 2006

The prognosis for supraglottic squamous cell carcinomas is difficult to establish. A study of 19 histopathological parameters (14 from the primary tumor and 5 from the lymph node metastases) was undertaken in 51 supraglottic epidermoid carcinomas. All patients were subjected to supraglottic horizontal laryngectomy with bilateral functional neck dissection and postoperative radiotherapy. A discriminant analysis was performed to relate the different histopathological variables to 5‐year survival. Capsule rupture and the number of metastatic lymph nodes were the only two parameters significantly related to survival (P <.01). Histopathology (in particular, lymph node metastases) proved more effective in predicting patient evolution than TNM staging.
Rabbit facial nerve regeneration in NGF‐containing silastic tubes
Authors: Spector J. Gershon , Lee Patty , Derby Albert , Frierdich Gregory E. , Neises Gabrielle , Roufa Dikla G.
Published: October 2006

Previous reports suggest that exogenous nerve growth factor (NGF) enhanced nerve regeneration in rabbit facial nerves.1 Rabbit facial nerve regeneration in 10‐mm Silastic® tubes prefilled with NGF was compared to cytochrome C (Cyt. C), bridging an 8‐mm nerve gap. Three weeks following implantation, NGF‐treated regenerates exhibited a more mature fascicular organization and more extensive neovascularization than cytochrome‐C‐treated controls. Morphometric analysis at the midtube of 3‐ and 5‐week regenerates revealed no significant difference in the mean number of myelinated or unmyelinated axons between NGF‐ and cytochrome‐C‐treated implants. However, when the number of myelinated fibers in 5‐week regenerates were compared to their respective preoperative controls, NGF‐treated regenerates had recovered a significantly greater percentage of myelinated axons than cytochrome‐C‐treated implants (46% vs. 18%, respectively). In addition, NGF‐containing chambers reinnervated a higher percentage of myelinated axons in the distal transected neural stumps (49% vs. 34%).

Behavioral and electrophysiologic studies demonstrated spontaneous and induced activities in the target muscles when approximately one third of the myelinated axons were recovered in the midchamber (1280 axons). Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) studies demonstrated retrograde axonal transport to the midchamber and proximal transected neural stump. PC12 bioassay demonstrated persistent NGF activity in the intrachamber fluids at 3 (5:1 dilution) and 5 (2:1 dilution) weeks of entubation. Electrophysiologic tests demonstrated a slow conduction velocity of a propagated electrical impulse (43.5 m/s−1 vs. 67 m/s−1) and shallow wide compound action potential. In wider defects (15‐mm chambers) and longer entubation periods (7 weeks), no regeneration or NGF activity was seen. Therefore, exogenous NGF provides an early but limited neurotrophic effect on the regeneration of the rabbit buccal division of the facial nerve and a limited behavioral and physiological improvement in the target muscles.
The polyfunctional Malay focus particle pun
Authors: Goddard Cliff
Published: October 2006

This is a study of the usage and semantics of the focus particle pun in contemporary Malay (Bahasa Melayu), the national language of Malaysia. Drawing on a sizeable corpus of naturally occurring textual examples, I propose a small set of semantic explications for pun, within the Natural Semantic Metalanguage (NSM) framework (Wierzbicka 1992, 1996; Goddard 1998). The polyfunctionality of pun, and its diverse range of translation equivalents and effects, is shown to be attributable partly to polysemy and partly to the operation of contextual inference.
Components of the Spindle Assembly Checkpoint Regulate the Anaphase-Promoting Complex During Meiosis inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Stein Kathryn K , Davis Edward S , Hays Thomas , Golden Andy
Published: October 2006

Temperature-sensitive mutations in subunits of the Caenorhabditis elegans anaphase-promoting complex (APC) arrest at metaphase of meiosis I at the restrictive temperature. Embryos depleted of the APC co-activator FZY-1 by RNAi also arrest at this stage. To identify regulators and potential substrates of the APC, we performed a genetic suppressor screen with a weak allele of the APC subunit MAT-3/CDC23/APC8, whose defects are specific to meiosis. Twenty-seven suppressors that resulted in embryonic viability and larval development at the restrictive temperature were isolated. We have identified the molecular lesions in 18 of these suppressors, which correspond to five genes. In addition to a single intragenic suppressor, we found mutations in the APC co-activator fzy-1 and in three spindle assembly checkpoint genes, mdf-1, mdf-2, and mdf-3/san-1, orthologs of Mad1, Mad2, and Mad3, respectively. Reduction-of-function alleles of mdf-2 and mdf-3 suppress APC mutants and exhibit pleiotropic phenotypes in an otherwise wild-type background. Analysis of a single separation-of-function allele of mdf-1 suggests that MDF-1 has a dual role during development. These studies provide evidence that components of the spindle assembly checkpoint may regulate the metaphase-to-anaphase transition in the absence of spindle damage during C. elegans meiosis.
Unexpected High Polymorphism at the FABP4 Gene Unveils a Complex History for Pig Populations
Authors: Ojeda Ana , Rozas Julio , Folch Josep M , Pérez-Enciso Miguel
Published: October 2006

Fatty acid bing protein 4 (FABP4) plays a key role in fat regulation in mammals and is a strong positional candidate gene for the FAT1 quantitative trait locus located on porcine chromosome 4. DNA resequencing of the FABP4 gene region in 23 pigs from 10 breeds and wild boar revealed 134 variants in 6.4 kb, representing a silent nucleotide diversity of πS = 0.01, much higher than reported so far in animal domestic species. Moreover, this diversity was highly structured. Also strikingly, the FABP4 phylogenetic tree did not show any geographical or breed origin clustering, with distant breeds sharing similar haplotypes and some of the most heterozygous samples pertaining to highly inbred animals like Iberian Guadyerbas (inbreeding coefficient ∼0.3) or British Tamworth. In contrast, the cytochrome b (mtDNA) phylogenetic tree was coherent with geographical origin. The estimated age of the most recent common ancestor for the most divergent Iberian or Tamworth haplotypes was much older than domestication. An additional panel of 100 pigs from 8 different breeds and wild boar from Spain, Tunisia, Sardinia, and Japan was genotyped for seven selected single nucleotide polymorphisms and shows that high variability at the porcine FABP4 is the rule rather than the exception. Pig populations, even highly inbred, can maintain high levels of variability for surprisingly long periods of time.
Cytological Visualization of DNA Transposons and Their Transposition Pattern in Somatic Cells of Maize
Authors: Yu Weichang , Lamb Jonathan C , Han Fangpu , Birchler James A
Published: October 2006

Global genomic analysis of transposable element distributions of both natural (En/Spm, Ac–Ds, and MuDR/Mu) and modified (RescueMu) types was performed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on somatic chromosomes coupled with karyotyping of each chromosome. In lines without an active transposable element, the locations of silent En/Spm, Ac–Ds, and MuDR/Mu elements were visualized, revealing variation in copy number and position among lines but no apparent locational bias. The ability to detect single elements was validated by using previously mapped active Ac elements. Somatic transpositions were documented in plants containing an engineered Mutator element, RescueMu, via use of the karyotyping system. By analyzing the RescueMu lines, we found that transposition of RescueMu in root-tip cells follows the cut-and-paste type of transposition. This work demonstrates the utility of FISH and karyotyping in the study of transposon activity and its consequences.
The Rate, Not the Spectrum, of Base Pair Substitutions Changes at a GC-Content Transition in the Human NF1 Gene Region: Implications for the Evolution of the Mammalian Genome Structure
Authors: Schmegner Claudia , Hoegel Josef , Vogel Walther , Assum Günter
Published: October 2006

The human genome is composed of long stretches of DNA with distinct GC contents, called isochores or GC-content domains. A boundary between two GC-content domains in the human NF1 gene region is also a boundary between domains of early- and late-replicating sequences and of regions with high and low recombination frequencies. The perfect conservation of the GC-content distribution in this region between human and mouse demonstrates that GC-content stabilizing forces must act regionally on a fine scale at this locus. To further elucidate the nature of these forces, we report here on the spectrum of human SNPs and base pair substitutions between human and chimpanzee. The results show that the mutation rate changes exactly at the GC-content transition zone from low values in the GC-poor sequences to high values in GC-rich ones. The GC content of the GC-poor sequences can be explained by a bias in favor of GC > AT mutations, whereas the GC content of the GC-rich segment may result from a fixation bias in favor of AT > GC substitutions. This fixation bias may be explained by direct selection by the GC content or by biased gene conversion.
Impact of Transcriptional Properties on Essentiality and Evolutionary Rate
Authors: Choi Jung Kyoon , Kim Sang Cheol , Seo Jungmin , Kim Sangsoo , Bhak Jong
Published: October 2006

We characterized general transcriptional activity and variability of eukaryotic genes from global expression profiles of human, mouse, rat, fly, plants, and yeast. The variability shows a higher degree of divergence between distant species, implying that it is more closely related to phenotypic evolution, than the activity. More specifically, we show that transcriptional variability should be a true indicator of evolutionary rate. If we rule out the effect of translational selection, which seems to operate only in yeast, the apparent slow evolution of highly expressed genes should be attributed to their low variability. Meanwhile, rapidly evolving genes may acquire a high level of transcriptional variability and contribute to phenotypic variations. Essentiality also seems to be correlated with the variability, not the activity. We show that indispensable or highly interactive proteins tend to be present in high abundance to maintain a low variability. Our results challenge the current theory that highly expressed genes are essential and evolve slowly. Transcriptional variability, rather than transcriptional activity, might be a common indicator of essentiality and evolutionary rate, contributing to the correlation between the two variables.
A Comparison of Black Carp, Redear Sunfish, and Blue Catfish as Biological Controls of Snail Populations
Authors: Ledford Jonathan J , Kelly Anita M
Published: October 2006

Redear sunfish Lepomis microlophus and blue catfish Ictalurus furcatus were compared with black carp Mylopharyngodon piceus as potential biological controls for rams-horn snails Planorbella spp. Comparisons were made with regard to snail size selection, total consumption, and the effects of alternative prey and temperature on consumption rates of two size-classes for each species, small (≤100 mm total length [TL]) and large (>100 mm TL). Examination of stomach contents revealed that black carp and redear sunfish crush snails, whereas blue catfish do not. Electivity indices showed that large black carp randomly consumed snails from all shell lengths, whereas large redear sunfish avoided snails larger than 13 mm. Large black carp, redear sunfish, and blue catfish consumed commercial feed when provided in conjunction with snails. The largest amount of snail consumption by all fish species occurred at 26°C, and declined slightly as water temperature decreased from 26°C to 12°C. Black carp were the most effective consumers of rams-horn snails and did not show any preference for a particular size or range of sizes of snails. Redear sunfish consumed significantly fewer snails than black carp but significantly more than blue catfish. In this study, redear sunfish were a better biological control of rams-horn snails than blue catfish but not as effective as the exotic black carp. However, further studies need to be conducted under natural conditions to determine whether the presence of other natural prey items will affect the selectivity of redear sunfish with respect to rams-horn snails.
Safety of Fish Therapeutants to Glochidia of the Plain Pocketbook Mussel during Encystment on Largemouth Bass
Authors: Rach Jeff J , Brady Tony , Schreier Theresa M , Aloisi Doug
Published: October 2006

Mussel biologists and fisheries managers have developed propagation techniques to duplicate the natural glochidia infestation on host fish. However, in intensive culture situations, fish diseases may threaten the survival of both fish and their attached glochidia and chemical treatments may be required to control a disease epizootic. Five therapeutants were evaluated for their safety to largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides encysted with mussel glochidia by comparing the number of sloughed glochidia in the chemical treatment groups with that of an untreated control group. Largemouth bass were infested with glochidia from the plain pocketbook mussel Lampsilis cardium and treated with 20 mg chloramine-T/L, 2 mg Cutrine/L, or 200 mg formalin/L (trial 1) and 200 mg formalin/L, 100 mg hydrogen peroxide/L, or 20,000 mg sodium chloride/L (trial 2). Chemicals were applied for 60 min (15 min in the case of sodium chloride in trial 2) once every other day, for a total of three treatments (six in the case of formalin in trial 2). After the first treatment, aquaria were siphoned each weekday to determine the number of sloughed glochidia or transformed juveniles. In trial 1, the initial mean number of glochidia per fish ranged from 257 to 294, and approximately 94% of the glochidia transformed to juveniles. In trial 2, the initial mean number of glochidia per fish ranged from 97 to 115, and approximately 91% of the glochidia transformed to juveniles. The mean percent of sloughed glochidia varied by less than 2% among all test groups in each trial. There were no significant differences (P < 0.05) in the number of sloughed glochidia or transformed juveniles among control or treatment groups in either trial. Therapeutic treatment of diseased fish with chloramine-T, Cutrine, formalin, hydrogen peroxide, or sodium chloride at the treatment regimens evaluated are viable options for enhancing the survival of fish encysted with glochidia.
Population Thinning to Control Furunculosis in Steelhead
Authors: Glenn Richard A , Taylor Peter W
Published: October 2006

Furunculosis, which is caused by Aeromonas salmonicida, is a major source of mortalities at hatcheries rearing coldwater fish species, such as salmonids. Thinning and density reduction during an outbreak may be a viable method to control mortality. In this study, we tested whether a significant reduction in mortality would occur if an infected stock were split into smaller populations. A subpopulation of infected steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss was removed from a raceway and split among 12 troughs to test for mortality differences between high-density (3.99 fish/L) and low-density (1.59 fish/L) populations and between fish treated with Terramycin-medicated feed and fish given nonmedicated feed. Fish placed in the high-density troughs were 1.6 times more likely to die than those in the low-density troughs. Fish fed nonmedicated feed were 5.8 times more likely to die than those fed medicated feed. Additional observations of mortality differences between high (4.69 and 4.45 fish/L) and low densities (1.88 and 1.79 fish/L) within a raceway during furunculosis outbreaks in two separate years were also made. In both years, differences in mortality were apparent between density groups. The study showed that mortality reduction can occur when infected stocks are split into less dense populations.
Solid and Liquid Formulations of Copper Sulfate: Efficacy at High and Low Alkalinities
Authors: Goodwin Andrew E , Straus David L
Published: October 2006

To assess the efficacy of new commercial formulations of copper sulfate, the toxicity of three such formulations to channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus was compared at low (48-mg/L) and high (243-mg/L) alkalinities. The formulations were copper sulfate crystals dissolved in water, a commercially available liquid copper sulfate formulation, and copper sulfate mixed with citric acid (a weak chelator). The former two formulations were also used to determine the doses required to kill theronts of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich) in vitro. Both copper sulfate and the liquid formulation killed Ich theronts at concentrations well below the concentration that is lethal to 50% of the test population for catfish. Neither liquid copper sulfate nor copper sulfate plus citric acid appears to offer any advantage over plain copper sulfate, and both forms are considerably more expensive than copper sulfate alone.
Cholinesterase response in native birds exposed to fenitrothion during locust control operations in eastern Australia
Authors: Fildes Karen , Astheimer Lee B. , Story Paul , Buttemer William A. , Hooper Michael J.
Published: October 2006

Huge aggregations of flightless locust nymphs pose a serious threat to agriculture when they reach plague proportions but provide a very visible and nutritious resource for native birds. Locust outbreaks occur in spring and summer months in semiarid regions of Australia. Fenitrothion, an organophosphate pesticide, is sprayed aerially to control locust plagues. To evaluate fenitrothion exposure in birds attending locust outbreaks, we measured total plasma cholinesterase (ChE), butrylcholinesterase (BChE), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities in four avian species captured pre- and postfenitrothion application and ChE reactivation in birds caught postspray only. Eleven of 21 plasma samples from four species had ChE activity below the diagnostic threshold (two standard deviations below the mean ChE activity of prespray samples). Granivorous zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) and insectivorous white-winged trillers (Lalage sueurii) had significantly lower mean plasma total ChE, BChE, and AChE activity postspray, while other insectivores, white-browed (Artamus superciliosus) and masked woodswallows (Artamus personatus), did not. Cholinesterase was reactivated in 19 of the 73 plasma samples and in one of three brain samples. We conclude that native bird species are exposed to fenitrothion during locust control operations. This exposure could have detrimental impacts, as both locust outbreaks and avian reproductive events are stimulated by heavy summer rainfall, leading to co-occurrence of locust control and avian breeding activities.
MOBILE PHONE DEPENDENCE AND HEALTH-RELATED LIFESTYLE OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Authors: Toda Masahiro , Monden Kazuyuki , Kubo Kazuki , Morimoto Kanehisa
Published: October 2006

This study investigated the associations between the intensity of mobile phone use and health-related lifestyle. For 275 university students, we evaluated health-related lifestyle using the Health Practice Index (HPI; Hagihara & Morimoto, 1991; Kusaka, Kondou, & Morimoto, 1992)
and analyzed responses to a questionnaire (MPDQ; Toda, Monden, Kubo, & Morimoto, 2004) designed, with a self-rating scale, to gauge mobile phone dependence. For males, there was a significant relationship between smoking habits and mobile phone dependence. We also found that male respondents
with low HPI scores were significantly higher for mobile phone dependence. These findings suggest that, particularly for males, the intensity of mobile phone use may be related to healthy lifestyle.
YOUTH AND PARENTAL PERCEPTIONS OF PARENTAL MONITORING AND PARENT-ADOLESCENT COMMUNICATION, YOUTH DEPRESSION, AND YOUTH RISK BEHAVIORS
Authors: Yu Shuli , Clemens Rebecca , Yang Hongmei , Li Xiaoming , Stanton Bonita , Deveaux Lynette , Lunn Sonja , Cottrell Lesley , Harris Carole
Published: October 2006

Data from 752 Bahamian youth and their parents were analyzed to examine the relationship of youth depression with youth risk involvement, parental monitoring, and parent-youth communication. Depressed youth were older, more likely to engage in risk behaviors, and they perceived significantly
lower levels of parental monitoring and higher levels of impaired communication than did nondepressed youth. Both depressed and nondepressed youth perceived significantly lower rates of parental monitoring and open communication and higher rates of problem communication than did their parents,
but the differences in perceptions of open communication were significantly greater among depressed parent-youth dyads. Depressed youth, youth with past histories of risk behavior, youth reporting higher levels of impaired communication and lower levels of parental monitoring were more likely
to anticipate future risk behavior.
Eukaryotes arose after genetic recombination
Authors: Stupar Milanko
Published: October 2006

Division of ancestral prokaryotic pragenome into two circular double-stranded DNA molecules by genetic recombination, is a base for future separate evolution of nuclear and mitochondrial gene compartment. This suggests monophyletic origin of both, mitochondrion and nucleus. Presumed organism which genome undergoes genetic recombination has to be searched among an aerobic, oxygen nonproducing, archaeon with no rigid cell wall, but a plasma membrane. Plastid evolves from an aerobic, oxygen producing protoeukaryote, after mitoplastid genome duplication and subsequent functional segregation.
Radioprotective properties of nutraceutical Gonebazol: In vivo study
Authors: Joksic Gordana , Ilic Nevenka , Spasojevic-Tisma Vera
Published: October 2006

BACKGROUND: In vitro investigation of radioprotective properties of novel nutraceutical Gonebazol (Biofarm, Belgrade) has displayed its remarkable potential to reduce chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei induced by x rays. The goal of this study was to evaluate its protective properties in vivo. For this purpose, a group of medical staff performing invasive radiological diagnostics, that was identified to carry dicentrics in their lymphocytes, was selected for further monitoring. They consumed this nutraceutical for 3 weeks, 2 x 10 g per day (2 x 2 teaspoons dissolved in a glass of water). METHODS: Hematological parameters, chromosomal aberrations and micronucleus frequency were examined at the beginning of monitoring, on day 10 and 21 of the treatment. RESULTS: In the course of three weeks the incidence of chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei was significantly reduced (50%-80%), absolute number of granulocytes was lowered whereas the number of monocytes significantly was enhanced. This study has revealed that nutraceutic posses immunomodulatory properties seen as an improving monocyte-macrophage activity, which inversely correlates with incidence of lymphocyte micronuclei (r=0.75, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Observed finding could be of particular importance in reducing cumulative effects of ionizing radiation in radiosensitive tissues and in preventing adverse health effects. No side effects were evidenced. Mechanisms of its immunomodulatory effects should be further examined.