bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global phylogeography of the scalloped hammerhead shark (Sphyrna lewini)
Authors: DUNCAN K. M. , MARTIN A. P. , BOWEN B. W. , DE COUET H. G.
Published: April 2006

Large marine fishes typically have little population genetic structure. The exceptions are associated with sedentary behaviour, disjunct distributions, or reproductive philopatry. Scalloped hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini) incorporate the contrasting traits of oceanic habitat (usually associated with high dispersal) and possible fidelity to nursery grounds (for reproductive females). To evaluate the expectations of these contrasting behaviours, we examined the global genetic structure of S. lewini based on collections (n = 271 individuals) from 20 nursery areas. A 548‐bp fragment of mitochondrial DNA control region revealed 22 polymorphic sites, 24 haplotypes, and three lineages distinguished by 2.56–3.77% sequence divergence. Coalescence analyses based on a provisional molecular clock indicate an origin in the Indo‐West Pacific with late Pleistocene radiations into the central Pacific (Hawaii) and eastern Pacific (Central America), as well as recent interchange between oceans via southern Africa. Population subdivisions are strong (overall ΦST = 0.749, P < 0.0001 and among oceans ΦST = 0.598, P < 0.0098). Genetic discontinuity within oceans (ΦST = 0.519, P < 0.0001) is primarily associated with oceanic barriers (migration across oceans M ≈ 0), with much less structure along continental margins (M > 10). We conclude that nursery populations linked by continuous coastline have high connectivity, but that oceanic dispersal by females is rare. Although we cannot rule out philopatry to natal nurseries, oceanic barriers appear to have a much stronger influence on the genetic architecture of this species and may indicate a mechanism for recent evolutionary radiations in the genus Sphyrna.
Electrical activity in the rectum of anaesthetized dogs
Authors: Lammers W. J. E. P. , Abazer F. A. , Ver Donck L. , Smets D. , Schuurkes J. A. J. , Coulie B.
Published: April 2006

Abstract  There is limited data available on the electrical activity of the rectum. An in vivo canine model was developed to record 240 extracellular electrograms simultaneously from the serosal surface of the rectum thereby enabling an off‐line reconstruction of the behaviour of the electrical signals. Serosal rectal electrical activity is characterized by brief bursts of action potentials (=spikes) with a frequency of 22 cycles min−1. High‐resolution mapping of these signals revealed predominant propagation of these spikes in the longitudinal direction, originating from any site and conducted for a limited time and length before stopping spontaneously, thereby describing a patch of activity. The dimension of the patches in the longitudinal direction was significantly longer than the transversal width (13.6 vs 2.4 mm; P < 0.001). Spike propagation could occur in the aboral (46% of cases), in the oral (34%) or in both directions (20%). A bolus of betanechol (i.v., 0.5 mg kg−1) increased the frequency of the spikes without affecting size, shape or orientation of the patches. As in other parts of the gastrointestinal system, individual spike propagation in the rectum is limited to small areas or patches. The contractile activity of the organ could possibly reflect this underlying pattern of electrical behaviour.
Electrophysiological responses of the antennal campaniform sensilla to rapid changes of temperature in the ground beetles Pterostichus oblongopunctatus and Poecilus cupreus (Tribe Pterostichini) with different ecological preferences
Authors: MUST ANNE , MERIVEE ENNO , MÄNd MARIKA , LUIK ANNE , HEIDEMAA MIKK
Published: April 2006

Abstract Cold cells innervating antennal campaniform sensilla of the ground beetles Pterostichus oblongopunctatus (Fabricius, 1787) and Poecilus cupreus (Linnaeus, 1758) belonging to the tribe Pterostichini fire at a stationary rate of 22–23 imp s−1 at 23 °C. In P. oblongopunctatus, there is a strong negative correlation between the stationary firing rate of the cold cell and temperature. By contrast, no relationship between the firing rate and temperature is observed in P. cupreus. Mean peak frequencies, reaching up to nearly 500 Hz, and first‐second firing rates, reaching up to 140 imp s−1, are observed at the beginning of the phasic‐tonic response to rapid cooling of the cold cells of P. cupreus, which are significantly higher than those for P. oblongopunctatus. However, firing rates of the cold cells of the two ground beetles studied do not differ 3 s later, during the tonic stabilization period of the response. The length of the long interspike period, lasting up to several seconds, at the beginning of rapid warming, is a positive function of the extent of change in temperature, and is longer in P. oblongopunctatus than in P. cupreus. These differences in the responses of the cold cells are related to the ecological preferences of the two ground beetles.
Spermicide, cryptic female choice and the evolution of sperm form and function
Authors: Holman L. , Snook R. R.
Published: April 2006

Sperm competition and cryptic female choice profoundly affect sperm morphology, producing diversity within both species and individuals. One type of within-individual sperm variation is sperm heteromorphism, in which each male produces two or more distinct types of sperm simultaneously, only one of which is typically fertile (the ‘eusperm’). The adaptive significance of nonfertile ‘parasperm’ types is poorly understood, although numerous sperm-heteromorphic species are known from many disparate taxa. This paper examines in detail two female-centred hypotheses for the evolution and maintenance of this unconventional sperm production strategy. First, we use game theoretical models to establish that parasperm may function to protect eusperm from female-generated spermicide, and to elucidate the predictions of this idea. Second, we expand on the relatively undeveloped idea that parasperm are used by females as a criterion for cryptic female choice, and discuss the predictions generated by this idea compared to other hypotheses proposed to explain sperm heteromorphism. We critically evaluate both hypotheses, suggest ways in which they could be tested, and propose taxa in which they could be important.
The fracture toughness of a ultrahigh carbon steel containing 1.5 wt% C
Authors: FERNÁNDEZ‐VICENTE A. , CARSÍ M. , PEÑALBA F. , RUANO O. A.
Published: April 2006

Thermomechanical processing of ultrahigh‐carbon steels allows the attainment of spheroidized and pearlitic microstructures that show very different mechanical properties. Spheroidized microstructures are formed by proeutectoid and eutectoid carbide particles embedded in a ferrite matrix. The mean proeutectoid carbide particle size is larger than the mean eutectoid carbide particle size and is practically invariable with austenitizing temperature below 850 °C. Pearlitic microstructures exhibit prior austenite grain sizes and pearlite colony sizes which increase and interlamellar spacings which decrease as the austenitizing temperature increases above 850 °C. A proeutectoid carbide size distribution that remains basically constant with austenitizing temperature is also observed in these microstructures. Plane‐strain fracture toughness of spheroidized and pearlitic UHCS‐1.5C materials do not vary significantly with austenitizing temperature, being the average fracture toughness of about 40 MPa m1/2 and 30 MPa m1/2, respectively. The constancy of fracture toughness with austenitizing temperature of the spheroidized microstructures is attributed to the constancy of the mean proeutectoid and eutectoid carbide size. Austenite grain size, pearlite colony size, interlamellar spacing and undissolved proeutectoid carbide size are evaluated for the influence of fracture toughness associated with pearlitic microstructures. It is found that proeutectoid carbide is the microstructural parameter that controls fracture toughness of pearlitic microstructures. Austenite grain size, pearlite colony size and interlamellar spacing are considered to have a minor influence.
Beware the airway filter: deadspace effect in children under 2 years
Authors: CHAU ANTHONY , KOBE JEFF , KALYANARAMAN RAMAN , REICHERT CLAYTON , ANSERMINO MARK
Published: April 2006

Background : Filters are increasingly used in breathing circuits as they protect the circuit from contamination and facilitate humidification of inspired gas. The use of filters, however, can augment the anatomical deadspace. This can be significant in children because they have much smaller tidal volumes.

Methods : Following institutional ethical approval, 20 healthy children <2 years of age who required tracheal intubation were recruited. Ventilation was adjusted to achieve an endtidal carbon dioxide (PEco2) of 4.6 kPa (35 mmHg) when sampled at the tracheal tube (TT) adapter. Following a 10‐min period of stabilization, an airway filter (22 ml) was introduced into the circuit. The respiratory rate (RR) was then adjusted to return PEco2 to 4.6 kPa (35 mmHg).

Results : A mean increase in ventilation of 1.42 (0.38) l·min−1 was required to maintain a normal PEco2 level. Airway pressure and respiratory rate increased by 7.9 mmHg (4.6) and 19.8 breath·min−1 (8.7) respectively. The PEco2 and partial pressure of inspired carbon‐di‐oxide (PiCO2) measured from the TT adapter were higher than measured from the filter port. The mean increase was 3.6 (1.6) mmHg for PEco2 and 5.9 (3.9) mmHg for PiCO2.

Conclusion : Amplified deadspace from airway filters results in a significant increase in ventilation needed to maintain a normal PEco2 in children <2 years of age with normal lungs. Sampling of PEco2 and PiCO2 from the filter significantly underestimates the effect of increased deadspace. The effect of increased deadspace may be predicted using a proposed mathematical model.
Anesthetic implications of the catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: BATRA YATINDRA K. , RAJEEV S.
Published: April 2006

The antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (or the anticardiolipin antibody syndrome) is characterized by the presence of autoantibodies. Its major association is with systemic lupus erythematosus. ‘Catastrophic’ antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) is defined as an accelerated form of APS usually resulting in multiorgan failure and can be precipitated by surgery. We present the case of a 12‐year‐old male child who presented for enucleation of his left eye for fungal endopthalmitis. This patient had a history of CAPS 2 months before surgery with myocardial, gastrointestinal, renal and laryngeal involvement that improved on aggressive treatment and was subsequently managed on an outpatient basis for 2 months before presenting for enucleation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of CAPS in a child reported in the anesthetic literature. Further aspects of this puzzling condition and its anesthesia implications are discussed.
Prey selectivity of bacterivorous protists in different size fractions of reservoir water amended with nutrients
Authors: Jezbera Jan , Horňák Karel , Šimek Karel
Published: April 2006

An experiment designed to examine food preferences of heterotrophic nanoflagellates (HNF) grazing on bacterioplankton was performed in the freshwater Římov reservoir (Czech Republic). Water samples were size‐fractionated to obtain < 5 µm filtrate containing bacteria and HNF. To manipulate resource availability, < 5 µm treatments were incubated in dialysis bags submerged in the barrels filled with the unfiltered reservoir water amended with either orthophosphate or glucose or combination of both. We employed rRNA‐targeted probes to assess HNF prey preferences by analysing bacterial prey in HNF food vacuoles compared with available bacteria. Actinobacteria (the HGC69a probe) were avoided by HNF in all treatments. Cytophaga‐Flavobacterium‐Bacteroidetes bacteria (the CF319a probe) were positively selected mainly in treatments in which bacteria were heavily grazed, the < 5 µm treatments, but this trend was less pronounced towards the end of the study. The members of a small subcluster of Betaproteobacteria (the R‐BT065 probe) were mostly positively selected. The nutrient amendments differentially affected bacterioplankton dynamics in almost all treatments, and together with the size fractionation, altered HNF overall bacterivory as well as prey selection. Analyses of bacterivores in unfiltered treatments allowed to detect the effect of different protists on shifts in HNF selectivity observed in < 5 µm compared with unfiltered treatments.
Synergistic effects of conjugated linoleic acid and chromium picolinate improve vascular function and renal pathophysiology in the insulin‐resistant JCR:LA‐cp rat
Authors: Proctor S. D. , Kelly S. E. , Stanhope K. L. , Havel P. J. , Russell J. C.
Published: April 2006

Aims:  Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a natural constituent of dairy products, specific isomers of which have recently been found to have insulin sensitizing and possible antiobesity actions. Chromium is a micronutrient which, as the picolinate (CrP), has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity in animal models, including the JCR:LA‐cp rat. We tested the hypothesis that these agents may have beneficial synergistic effects on the micro‐ and macrovasculopathy associated with hyperinsulinaemia and early type 2 diabetes.

Methods:  Insulin‐resistant cp/cp rats of the JCR:LA‐cp strain were treated with mixed isomers of CLA (1.5% w/w in the chow) and/or CrP at 80 µg/kg/day (expressed as Cr) from 4 weeks of age to 12 weeks of age. Plasma insulin, lipid and adiponectin levels, aortic vascular function, renal function and glomerular sclerosis were assessed.

Results:  CLA administration reduced food intake, body weight and fasting insulin in JCR:LA‐cp rats. Plasma adiponectin levels were significantly elevated in rats treated with both CLA and CrP. Aortic hypercontractility was reduced and the relaxant response to the nitric oxide‐releasing agent acetylcholine (Ach) was increased in CrP‐treated rats. Striking reductions were also observed in the level of urinary albumin and the severity of glomerular sclerosis in rats treated specifically with CLA.

Conclusions:  CLA and CrP have beneficial effects ameliorating several of the pathophysiologic features of an insulin‐resistant rat model. These supplements may be useful adjuncts in the management of patients with the metabolic syndrome and warrant further study.
Weight changes following the initiation of new anti‐hyperglycaemic therapies
Authors: Nichols G. A. , Gomez‐Caminero A.
Published: April 2006

Objective:  The objective of this study was to quantify 1‐year weight gain associated with the initiation of sulphonylurea (SU), metformin, insulin and thiazolidinedione (TZD) therapy in a representative real world population of type 2 diabetic patients.

Research Design and Methods:  The study population was 9546 members of Kaiser Permanente North‐west (KPNW) who initiated an anti‐hyperglycaemic drug between 1996 and 2002 and continued use of that drug for at least 12 months without adding other therapies. Change in weight was calculated as the annualized difference between baseline and follow‐up weight and was adjusted for demographic and clinical characteristics. We then compared the weight changes observed in patients newly initiating SU, metformin, insulin and TZD therapies.

Results:  After adjustment for demographic and clinical characteristics that might affect weight change, metformin initiators lost an average of 2.4 kg while all other groups gained weight. SU initiators gained the least (1.8 kg), followed by insulin initiators (3.3 kg) and TZD subjects (5.0 kg). All comparisons were highly statistically significant.

Conclusions:  In an observational study of 1‐year weight changes following the initiation of SUs, metformin, insulin or TZDs, we found similar but somewhat smaller weight changes than those previously reported in clinical trials. Our observed weight changes could not be explained by the many other factors we tested and seemed to apply across the full spectrum of diabetes patients. Our report provides valuable information that will allow the patient and clinician to anticipate, and perhaps address, expected weight changes that accompany the initiation of anti‐hyperglycaemic drugs.
Postoperative complications associated with jejunostomy tube placement using the interlocking box technique compared with other jejunopexy methods in dogs and cats: 76 cases (1999–2003)
Authors: Yagil‐Kelmer Efrat , Wagner‐Mann Colette , Mann F. A.
Published: April 2006

Objective: To evaluate the postoperative complication rate associated with jejunostomy tubes (J‐tubes) placed using the interlocking box (ILB) technique, and to test whether the ILB technique offers the advantage of early tube removal without additional complications in comparison with other jejunopexy methods.

Design: Retrospective study.

Setting: Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

Interventions: None.

Measurements and main results: Seventy dogs and 6 cats had J‐tubes placed during 1999–2003. Fifty‐three tubes were placed using the ILB technique and 23 tubes were placed using a non‐ILB technique. The overall tube‐related complication rate was 33/76 (43.4%). The complication rate was slightly, but not significantly, lower in the ILB group (40% versus 52%; P= 0.556). In the majority of cases, (24/76, 31.5%), complications were considered mild. Moderate complications were noted in 4/76 cases (5.2%) and severe complications in 5/76 cases (6.5%). The mean time the tube remained in place and the mean time of tube usage were significantly shorter in the ILB group (5.2 versus 7.6 days, P=0.008, and 3.3 versus 5.8 days, P=0.013, respectively). Hospitalization time was also significantly shorter in the ILB group (mean of 8.1 days versus 10.5 days, P=0.014). The shorter period of tube presence in the ILB group did not result in an increase of the overall complication rate; however, inflammation around the tube exit site was more prevalent in the ILB group. Tubes that were not used for nutritional support in the ILB group stayed in place for a mean of 3.7 days and were removed with no significant complications. More complications were identified in the first 2 years of the study compared with the last 2.

Conclusions: The ILB technique is not associated with a higher complication rate compared with other jejunopexy methods, and offers the advantage of safe, early removal if the tube is no longer needed for nutritional support.
Transfusion‐transmitted cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections in a murine model: characterization of CMV‐infected donor mice
Authors: Roback John D. , Su Leon , Newman James L. , Saakadze Natia , Lezhava Levan J. , Hillyer Christopher D.
Published: April 2006

BACKGROUND:  Donor and recipient mechanisms that modulate the incidence and severity of transfusion‐transmitted cytomegalovirus (TT‐CMV) are unclear. The kinetics of murine CMV (MCMV) infection in the peripheral blood of donor mice were investigated to determine the utility of this model for studying TT‐CMV.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  BALB/cByJ mice, experimentally infected with Smith strain MCMV, were killed at serial time points up to 28 days after infection. Peritoneal exudate cells (PECs), peripheral blood white blood cells (WBCs), plasma, and marrow were tested for MCMV DNA with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), replication‐competent virus with quantitative culture, and transcription of viral genes with reverse transcription (RT)‐PCR targeted at the immediate‐early 1 (ie1) gene.

RESULTS:  PECs, macrophages infected by MCMV shortly after intraperitoneal inoculation, demonstrated high mean levels of MCMV DNA (105‐107 genome equivalents [geqs]/105 PECs), virus production (101‐104 infectious virions/105 PECs), and ie1 gene transcription, demonstrating productive infection. In contrast, while MCMV loads averaged 104 to 106 geqs per 105 peripheral WBCs, all WBC samples were uniformly negative for MCMV ie1 expression by RT‐PCR and for culturable virus, consistent with latent MCMV infection. Plasma and marrow showed lower viral loads than WBCs and PECs and were all negative by culture and RT‐PCR analysis.

CONCLUSIONS:  Following experimental MCMV infection, murine peripheral blood WBCs appear to be latently infected with virus (MCMV DNA–positive; MCMV RNA–negative; MCMV culture–negative), similar to the latently infected human monocytes in peripheral blood of CMV‐seropositive donors. These donor kinetics suggest that the experimental MCMV system can be used to effectively model the mechanisms of TT‐CMV infections in humans.
Post‐streptococcal uveitis
Authors: Gallagher Micheal J. , Muqit Mahiul M. K. , Jones David , Gavin Mike
Published: April 2006

Purpose:  To describe the clinical features of post‐streptococcal uveitis (PSU) and examine management strategies in the treatment of this under‐recognized condition.

Methods:  Patients were identified from the world literature using the Pubmed search engine. We examined two new cases of post‐streptococcal intermediate uveitis. The epidemiology, immune mechanisms, clinical features, investigations, treatments and visual outcomes were examined and recorded.

Results:  We reviewed 11 patients including our own two cases. There was a statistically significant seasonal difference in antistreptolysin‐O titres (ASOT), and age‐related ASOT was identified. Of the 11 patients, eight (72.7%) had anterior uveitis, two (18.2%) had intermediate uveitis and one (9.1%) had panuveitis. Their ages ranged from 5 to 56 years (mean 17 years). The majority of cases had significantly elevated ASOT; most patients were treated with topical steroids and oral antibiotics and four cases underwent adenotonsillectomy. The visual prognosis was good in most cases.

Conclusions:  Uveitis may be the sole presenting clinical feature, or it may occur in combination with other features of post‐streptococcal infection. Ophthalmologists should be aware of the clinical features of PSU and maintain a high level of suspicion, particularly in childhood uveitis.
Cytokine gene polymorphisms in retinal detachment patients with and without proliferative vitreoretinopathy: a preliminary study
Authors: Sanabria Ruiz‐Colmenares Maria Rosa , Pastor Jimeno José Carlos , Garrote Adrados José Antonio , Telleria Orriols Juan José , Yugueros Fernández Maria Isabel
Published: April 2006

Purpose:  Cytokines and other growth factors such as interleukins play an important role in the pathogenesis of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Interindividual variations in cytokine production seem to correlate with some cytokine gene polymorphisms. The purpose of this study was to analyse the distribution of these cytokine gene variants in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD) with and without PVR.

Methods:  Single nucleotide polymorphisms were analysed for five cytokines: tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1), interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and interleukin‐10 (IL‐10). Patients were divided into two surgically treated groups of RD patients: group RD had 27 patients with RD, and group PVR had 31 patients with RD complicated by PVR. A control group was composed of 46 ethnically matched healthy individuals.

Results:  The genotype distribution of the TGF‐β1 codon 10 polymorphism differed between PVR and RD patients (p = 0.018) and between PVR patients and controls in codon 25 (p = 0.011). There was a higher frequency of TGF‐β1 codon 10 allele T in PVR patients compared with RD patients (p = 0.023). No statistically significant differences between groups were observed for the other polymorphisms examined.

Conclusion:  An association between the TGF‐β1 genetic profile and the development of PVR was detected in this study. Further studies are necessary to confirm this finding and to establish its clinical relevance.
Intravascular oxygen saturation in retinal vessels in normal subjects and open‐angle glaucoma subjects
Authors: Michelson Georg , Scibor Mateusz
Published: April 2006

Purpose:  To measure the oxygen saturation (SO2) in retinal arterioles and venules in patients with glaucomatous optic neuropathy.

Methods:  We examined SO2 in retinal arterioles and venules simultaneously by imaging spectrometry. Oxygen saturation was evaluated according to the difference of the extinction spectra of haemoglobin and oxyhaemoglobin. The arterio‐venous difference (avD) was calculated by (SO2art − SO2ven). The optic nerve head topography was estimated by Heidelberg retinal tomography and the visual field using the Octopus G1. We examined one eye in each of 58 healthy persons (mean age 58.6 ± 10.7 years; mean rim area 1.52 ± 0.33 mm2; mean defect 0.65 ± 1.31 dB; mean intraocular pressure [IOP] 18.5 ± 2.7 mmHg), 49 patients with normal‐tension primary open‐angle glaucoma (NTG) (mean age 63.0 ± 8.5 years; mean rim area 0.89 ± 0.34 mm2; mean defect 5.4 ± 4.1 dB; mean IOP 19.2 ± 2.9 mmHg), and 45 patients with high‐tension primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) (mean age 62.6 ± 10.3 years; mean rim area 0.97 ± 0.47 mm2; mean defect 7.1 ± 6.4 dB; mean IOP 31.6 ± 10.8 mmHg).

Results:  The intraclass correlation coefficients of the SO2 measurement were 0.82 (arteriole) and 0.59 (venule). In normal eyes, the SO2art, SO2ven and avD were 92.3 ± 3.4%, 55.7 ± 6.8% and 36.6 ± 7.0%, respectively. Equivalent data were 89.7 ± 5.4%, 56.0 ± 8.3% and 33.7 ± 10.6%, respectively, in NTG eyes and 91.4 ± 4.0%, 58.3 ± 10.5% and 33.1 ± 11.5%, respectively, in POAG eyes. Over all examined eyes, the arteriolar SO2 and the retinal arterio‐venous difference correlated significantly with the rim area.

Conclusion:  Eyes with NTG showed significantly decreased arteriolar SO2. These changes were not seen in POAG patients.
Possible association of β‐arrestin 2 gene with methamphetamine use disorder, but not schizophrenia
Authors: Ikeda M. , Ozaki N. , Suzuki T. , Kitajima T. , Yamanouchi Y. , Kinoshita Y. , Kishi T. , Sekine Y. , Iyo M. , Harano M. , Komiyama T. , Yamada M. , Sora I. , Ujike H. , Inada T. , Iwata N.
Published: April 2006

Recent investigations suggest that the AKT/glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) signaling cascade may be associated with the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and methamphetamine (METH) use disorder. One important molecule related to this cascade is β‐arrestin 2 (ARRB2). We therefore conducted a genetic case–control association analysis of the gene for ARRB2 with schizophrenia and METH use disorder in a Japanese population (547 people with schizophrenia, 177 with METH use disorder and 546 controls). A possible association of ‘tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)’ was found in METH use disorder (rs1045280: Pgenotype = 0.0118, Pallele = 0.00351; rs2036657: Pallele = 0.0431; rs4790694: Pgenotype = 0.0167, Pallele = 0.0202), but no association was found with schizophrenia. We also evaluated the gene–gene interactions among ARRB2, AKT1, and GSK3B, which we previously reported for each of these diseases. However, no interaction was seen in our samples. This is the first association analysis of ARRB2, and our results indicate that ARRB2 may play a role in the pathophysiology of METH use disorder.
Working Towards Accomodation: Rabbenu Yonah Gerondi's Slow Acceptance of Andalusian Rabbinic Traditions
Authors: Rothstein Gidon
Published: April 2006

Rabbis of thirteenth-century Spain were often exposed to two traditions, that of Northern France-Germany and that of Moslem Spain. Until now, the dominant discussion of how they balanced the contrast has been Bernard Septimus' analysis of Nahmanides (Ramban), who managed to draw fruitfully on both. Rabbenu Yonah b. Abraham of Gerona, Ramban's only slightly less famous relative, presents a useful counterexample.Rabbenu Yonah's early works reflect an almost-total immersion in Northern French ways of thinking and writing. Only gradually does he engage ideas from Moslem Spain, suggesting that the mixing of the two traditions in his later writings resulted from years of slow growth and exposure to such Moslem Spanish authors as Rif, R. Bahye ibn Paquda, and Maimonides.His example suggests that how to react to these differing influences was a continuing issue for these rabbis, and that tracking it offers an important key to understanding the intellectual history of the rabbis of that era.
Absolute and relative signals: a comparison between melanin- and carotenoid-based patches
Authors: Quesada J. , Senar J.C.
Published: April 2006

Some signalling traits may be highly influenced by environmental factors, thereby decreasing between-year trait repeatability what could compromise the honesty of signal. However, although the repeatability of environmentally-influenced traits of individuals between years may be low, their relative position within the population can be maintained (i.e. significant correlation between years). In the great tit Parus major, individual hue of the yellow breast coloration, an environmentally influenced trait, showed a significant correlation between years in spite of repeatability between years being very low. However, the size of the black breast band, a heritable trait, showed both a high correlation and inter-year repeatability. Results emphasise the distinction between absolute and relative signals and also suggest that for environmentally-influenced ornaments, individuals maintain their relative position on a continuum.
Transdermal delivery of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate, a green tea polyphenol, in mice
Authors: Lambert Joshua D , Kim Dou Hwan , Zheng Ruijin , Yang Chung S
Published: April 2006

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the most studied catechin in green tea (Camellia sinensis). EGCG and green tea are cancer preventive in many animal models, and numerous mechanisms have been proposed in cell lines. EGCG is poorly bioavailable in man and rodents. We hypothesized that transdermal delivery of EGCG could result in improved bioavailability. Following application of EGCG transdermal gel (50 mg kg−1, t.d.) to SKH-1 mice, EGCG was observed in the epidermis (1365.7–121.0 ng g−1) and dermis (411.2–42.6 ng g−1). The maximum plasma concentration (Cmax)of EGCG was 44.5 ngmL−1. The t½ (94.4 h) and AUC0→24h (881.5 ng mL−1 h) of EGCG were greater than values previously reported for oral EGCG. The t½ and area under the concentration-time curve up to 24h (AUC0→24h) in the liver, small intestine and colon were 21.3–74.6h and 715–2802 ng g−1 h, respectively. Stability studies showed that the transdermal formulation was stable at 4°C and had a half-life (t½) of 47.1 and 20.2 h at 25°C and 37°C, respectively. These data indicate that transdermal EGCG is useful for delivering prolonged levels of EGCG to plasma and tissues, and may provide an alternative to tea consumption as a dosage form of EGCG.
Does changing the order of threat and efficacy information influence the persuasiveness of threat messages?
Authors: Hall Sue , Bishop Amanda J. , Marteau Theresa M.
Published: April 2006

Objectives. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of changing the conventional threat‐before‐efficacy order of threat messages on the persuasiveness of a leaflet informing women smokers of the link between smoking and cervical cancer.

Design. The study used a between‐groups design in which women smokers were sequentially allocated to one of three groups. Two groups received one of two leaflets aimed at providing information about the link between smoking and cervical cancer: one provided threat‐before‐efficacy information; the other provided efficacy‐before‐threat information. The third group received no leaflet.

Methods. Participants (N = 178) were recruited by a commercial survey organization. Purposeful sampling was used to ensure that women with a wide range of ages and educational qualifications were included. Outcomes were intention to stop smoking, recall of information, and threat and efficacy perceptions.

Results. Although women in the ‘efficacy‐before‐threat’ group recalled more efficacy information, and those in the ‘threat‐before‐efficacy’ group recalled more threat information, the leaflets were similarly persuasive. Compared with women not given a leaflet, those given either of the two leaflets had greater intentions to stop smoking and higher threat and efficacy perceptions.

Conclusions. Informing women of the link between smoking and cervical cancer increases their intentions to stop smoking. Changing the order of threat and efficacy information does not influence the persuasiveness of this message. Order effects may be more likely in experimental contexts using weaker messages or those that are not novel.
A multi‐level decomposition of variance in somatic symptom reporting in families with adolescent children
Authors: Michel Gisela
Published: April 2006

Objectives. This paper examines four different levels of possible variation in symptom reporting: occasion, day, person and family.

Design. In order to rule out effects of retrospection, concurrent symptom reporting was assessed prospectively using a computer‐assisted self‐report method.

Methods. A decomposition of variance in symptom reporting was conducted using diary data from families with adolescent children. We used palmtop computers to assess concurrent somatic complaints from parents and children six times a day for seven consecutive days. In two separate studies, 314 and 254 participants from 96 and 77 families, respectively, participated. A generalized multilevel linear models approach was used to analyze the data. Symptom reports were modelled using a logistic response function, and random effects were allowed at the family, person and day level, with extra‐binomial variation allowed for on the occasion level.

Results. Substantial variability was observed at the person, day and occasion level but not at the family level.

Conclusions. To explain symptom reporting in normally healthy individuals, situational as well as person characteristics should be taken into account. Family characteristics, however, would not help to clarify symptom reporting in all family members.
Implementing Research Practices
Authors: Cannon Calvin
Published: April 2006

Special education research has undergone one of the most significant developments in the history of education during the past two decades (Gersten, Vaughn, Deshler, & Schiller, 1997). These developments can be related to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997 and the resulting knowledge about teaching individuals with disabilities. This landmark legislation has not only supplied a framework for the provision of educational services to all children with disabilities in the United States, it has also been a catalyst for dramatically changing the knowledge base about effective instructional practices and services for children and youth with disabilities. In addition, research conducted with students with disabilities has been a source of information to general education. Research on cooperative learning, reading comprehension, instructional grouping procedures, and curriculum-based assessment have significantly influenced practice in general education. Special education research and practice, previously deemed as irrelevant by most members of the general education community, has been increasingly valued (McKenna, 1992; National Academy of Education, 1991).
LMF: The Use of Psychiatric Stigma in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War
Authors: Jones Edgar
Published: April 2006

"Lack of moral fibre" (LMF), a term introduced by the Royal Air Force in April 1940, was designed to stigmatize aircrew who refused to fly without a medical reason. This article explores the justification for this uncompromising policy, research by neuropsychiatrists into the psychological effects of aerial combat, and their attempts to modify LMF procedures. The reasons why the British Army and Royal Navy did not formally adopt the policy are analyzed in relation to the military context. What happened to airmen subjected to LMF assessment and treatment programs is also discussed in relation to recent British initiatives.
A Signpost That Was Missed? Reconsidering British Lessons from the American Civil War
Authors: Reid Brian Holden
Published: April 2006

This article reviews the influences that have shaped our views of the "lessons" of the American Civil War as interpreted by British writers. It attempts to evaluate the enduring impact of Major General J. F. C. Fuller and Captain Sir Basil Liddell Hart, particularly the latter, on the interpretation of the lessons, especially through the medium of Jay Luvaas's seminal book, The Military Legacy of the Civil War (1959). It does not suggest any wholesale revision of Luvaas's work, but alters his relative emphasis. Both Fuller and Liddell Hart argued that the significance of the Civil War had either been ignored or misinterpreted before 1914, but they seem unduly preoccupied by operational considerations and judge the "lessons" by the standards of the First World War.
Intellectual Property and Biotechnology: The U.S. Internal Experience--Part I
Authors: Brody Baruch A
Published: April 2006

In the development of biotechnology in the United States, many questions were raised about the appropriateness of applying to this area a traditional robust system of intellectual property rights. Despite these hesitations, the U.S. rejected suggested modifications. This was a mistake, and there is a need to develop a modified system that promotes more of the relevant ethical values.
Apologizing in Korean: Cross-cultural Analysis in Classroom Settings
Authors: Byon Andrew Sangpil
Published: April 2006

This paper investigates the sociopragmatic features of American learners of Korean-asa- foreign language (KFL) in the Korean speech act of apology. As an interlanguage pragmatic study that deals with cultures that are distant to English, such as Korean, this study considers cross-cultural and pedagogical implications. The data were collected from a Discourse Completion Task
(DCT), then analyzed descriptively, and Korean apology formulae were identified. In general, the most popular apology formulae the three groups use are similar. The deviations of the kfl learners are found mainly in the frequency rather than in the types of the semantic formulae. The findings of this study indicate that Koreans reflect much stronger power-sensitivity than
KFL learners, and the distance variable seems to take precedence over the power variables in America. On the whole, the apology formulae usage of Korean native speakers supports the stereotypical description of Koreans as being more collectivistic, hierarchical, and formalistic in comparison with Americans. Furthermore, the results that the semantic formulae usage patterns of the kfl learners are, in general, consistent with those of the American English native speakers indicate the traces of L1 transfer effects.
The Korean Courtiers' Observation Mission's Views on Meiji Japan and Projects of Modern State Building
Authors: Huh Donghyun , Tikhonov Vladimir
Published: April 2006

This article is a study of the first large-scale observation mission sent abroad by the Korean government in modern times-the so-called Korean Courtiers' Observation Mission dispatched by King Kojong to Japan in 1881. While a minority of the Mission members perceived Japan as a model for building a modern nation-state in Korea, the more conservative majority was interested only in limited technical borrowing along the lines of the "Eastern Morality and Western Skills" reasoning that was popular in China at that time. Unlike the famous Iwakura Mission (1871), the Korean Mission did not produce any widely published account of its experience that could be used for the popularization of reformist ideas. Handwritten accounts of the mission were kept in the royal library, available only to the king and his closest associates. The accounts were used as blueprints for modernization during the Kabo reform drive (1894-95). Thus, it can be concluded that the Korean Mission's experiences eventually were utilized for the sake of promoting Westernizing reforms.
A PROPOSED FLORA OF EUROPE
Authors: Heywood V. H.
Published: April 2006

A new project to write a Flora of Europe is announced by a committee of British and Irish botanists. Emphasis is laid on the great wealth of taxonomic data concerning the flora of Europe already published. These data are to be found in scores of Floras and in innumerable papers published in very diverse journals and periodicals, many of these works being expensive or difficult to obtain. Attention is drawn to the difficulties experienced by taxonomists, phytogeographers, evolutionists and other biologists in gaining access to this vast body of information and in making sense of it once the requisite facts have been ascertained. The discrepancies in taxonomic merit and completeness between the Floras of the different European countries and the inevitable nomenclatural and technical inconsistencies to be found in them are stressed. The ways in which it is planned to overcome these difficulties in the new Flora are outlined. The Flora will cover Europe in the generally accepted sense of the word and will link up with the area covered by Komarov's Flora of the URSS. All the major taxa of Angiosperms and Gymnosperms growing spontaneously in Europe will be keyed and briefly described and the intention is to produce within a period of 15 years a Flora of the greatest possible use to biologists in general, both pure and applied. There is a discussion of the policy which will be adopted concerning the following points: nomenclature, synonymy, taxonomic categories, geographical distribution, hybrids, aliens, apomicts, chromosome numbers. An appeal is made to taxonomists for reprints of their papers. Details of the present organization of the Flora are given.
THE PROBLEM OF TYPIFYING CERTAIN NAMES IN LINNAEUS'S SYSTEMA NATURAE ED. 10
Authors: Baum Bernard R.
Published: April 2006

The possibilities to typify the several hundred species in Linnaeus's Systema naturae ed. 10 (1759) which do not figure in the Species plantarum (1753) are analyzed. Many of these species can be typified because they were published by Linnaeus between 1755 and 1759 in other publications, others on the basis of the subsequent treatment in the second edition of Species plantarum (1762–1763). A small number of species (29) are difficult to typify and require further investigation. Some may have to be treated as nomina dubia or provided with a neotype.
THE INTERPRETATION OF DISJUNCT DISTRIBUTIONS
Authors: Fryxell Paul A.
Published: April 2006

The explanation of distributional disjunctions may shed light not only on the disjunct plants themselves, but also on the more general processes of evolution at work in the botanical world. Specific examples of disjunction from the malvaceous genera Gossypium and Cienfuegosia are discussed. Emphasis is placed not only on their geographical characteristics but on features of their life cycles as well.

Two distinct types of disjunction may be noted. On the one hand are found bicentric species wherein the disjunct populations show no demonstrable evolutionary divergence. The distance separating such disjunct populations is generally great, implying long distance dispersal.

On the other hand, disjunction is found among pairs or groups of vicarious taxa, wherein the vicariads are clearly differentiated at a specific or infra‐specific level. The distances separating such populations may be great or small. The disjunction
NOMENCLATURE AT SEATTLE
Authors: Stafleu F. A.
Published: April 2006

A review of the main results of the discussions on botanical nomenclature at the Eleventh International Botanical Congress at Seattle, 22–24 August 1969. The International Code of Botanical Nomenclature remains practically unchanged. Minor amendments include a restriction of the phenomenon of ‘automatically created tautonyms’ (to be called autonyms), a further precision of the rules concerning names of hybrids, and a loosening of the rule governing superfluous names.
THE NAMES OF TWO COMMON CALIFORNIAN RAMALINA SPECIES
Authors: Weber William A.
Published: April 2006

Ramalina reticulata (Noedh.) Kremp. becomes R. menziesii Tayl. and Ramalina menziesii Tuck. becomes R. leptocarpha Tuck.
BUILDING BRIDGES BETWEEN EVOLUTIONARY DISCIPLINES
Authors: Stebbins G. Ledyard
Published: April 2006

The possible bridges between evolutionary studies at the subspecific and transspecific levels are numerous. Three kinds require particular attention. One kind, which calls for cooperation between population geneticists and paleontologists, consists of comparisons between variation patterns and ecological relationships between living and extinct populations. Favorable organisms for such comparisons, which have been exploited to some degree, are mammals, molluscs, and unicellular plankton organisms having hard shells. A second kind of bridge is based upon biochemical comparisons at various levels of the taxonomic hierarchy, particularly with reference to proteins, since these are the primary products of gene action. Such comparisons are particularly valuable as ways of estimating what kinds of mutations have most often had major evolutionary significance. When making these comparisons, protein molecules should be regarded as complex structures, more analogous to organs at the macroscopic level than to the small molecules which are studied by most chemists who are not biochemists. Only on this basis can sound inferences be made as to the adaptiveness or non‐adaptiveness of particular mutational changes. The biochemical bridge can aid in elucidating the evolution of processes of development and metabolism, but is valuable only indirectly for working out particular pathways of phylogeny, since the biochemical nature of extinct common ancestors can never be determined. Finally, comparative morphogenesis may eventually provide a number of very valuable bridges, but at present its potentialities have been very little explored.
THE TEXT OF VELLOZO'S FLORA FLUMINENSIS AND ITS EFFECTIVE DATE OF PUBLICATION
Authors: Carauta J. P. P.
Published: April 2006

Flora Fluminensis was written by Fra J. M. da C. Vellozo at the end of the 18th century but it was published only later, after the author's death. In 1825 three fourths of the text was printed, up to Sabbata romana, p. 1‐352, but it remained stored in the Typographia Nacional for four years. The sale of this incomplete text began on a date in 1829 that is difficult to determine precisely. Perhaps because the text remained unfinished, distribution was interrupted between 1832 and 1833, but it was reinitiated in 1834. By 1838 the book was almost out of print. The complete text was published in 1881, as a second edition. The effective date of Vellozo's species described in the first unfinished edition lies between September 7 and November 28, 1829.
LES ORIGINES ET LES PRINCIPES DU DÉVELOPPEMENT DE LA NOMENCLATURE BINAIRE EN BOTANIQUE
Authors: Váczy C.
Published: April 2006

The use of the binary nomenclature in botany, attributed to Linné, is deeply rooted as far back as in antiquity. Its beginning, principles and way of forming can be followed in the work of Theophrastos, enlarged later by Dioscorides and especially in the encyclopedian work of Plinius, in which the binary nomenclature is about 62%, certainly without genus or species concept. In the works of the above‐mentioned authors, one can recognize rudiments of the hierarchical arrangement of plant groups, antithetical keys in identifications, priority, indication of author names, antagonistic tendencies of splitting or lumping, separation of synonyms from the standardized names, as well as recognition of inadequate names.
A WORLD SCIENCE INFORMATION SYSTEM
Authors: Wysocki A. , Tocatlian J.
Published: April 2006

The joint Unesco‐ICSU feasibility study for the establishment of a World Science Information System (Unisist) has been completed. The conclusion and recommendations of the study have been published. An intergovernmental conference will be convened in October 1971 with the aim of establishing and putting the system into operation.