bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of enzyme replacement therapy on bone crisis and bone pain in patients with type 1 Gaucher disease
Authors: Charrow J , Dulisse B , Grabowski GA , Weinreb NJ
Published: February 2007

The effect of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) on bone crisis and bone pain was investigated in patients with Gaucher disease (GD) type 1 followed over 4 years. Data from the International Collaborative Gaucher Group Gaucher Registry were used. Only patients with bone crisis and/or bone pain data for 1 year prior to ERT, and for each of 3 years after the start of ERT, were included. Bone crises were reported in 17% of patients during the year before starting ERT. The frequencies of bone crises decreased to 5%, <1% and 3% for 1, 2, and 3 years after initiation of treatment, respectively (p < 0.0001). Bone pain followed a similar pattern of response. Bone pain was reported in 49% of patients the year before treatment and decreased to 30% in the first year, 29% in the second year, and 30% in the third year of ERT (p < 0.0001). ERT is associated with a reduction in bone crisis and bone pain in patients with GD type 1 . This study shows that significant improvements in symptoms of skeletal disease are achievable clinical outcomes and treatment goals in GD type 1.
Loop‐mediated isothermal amplification method for the rapid detection of Enterococcus faecalis in infected root canals
Authors: Kato H. , Yoshida A. , Ansai T. , Watari H. , Notomi T. , Takehara T.
Published: February 2007

Introduction:  Enterococcus faecalis is a major pathogen in the etiology of apical periodontitis after root canal treatment. A loop‐mediated isothermal amplification method, which amplifies DNA with high specificity, efficiency and rapidity under isothermal conditions using a set of four specially designed primers and a DNA polymerase with strand‐displacement activity, was developed for the rapid detection of E. faecalis in clinical specimens from root canals.

Methods:  Primers for detecting E. faecalis from the azoA gene were designed. The specificity of this assay was evaluated using various oral bacteria and the sensitivity was evaluated using serially diluted E. faecalis chromosomal DNA. In addition, loop‐mediated isothermal amplification assays were applied to the rapid detection of E. faecalis from endodontic samples.

Results:  The loop‐mediated isothermal amplification products amplified with the primer set were specific for E. faecalis. To confirm the specificity of the amplicon, the amplified products were digested with the restriction endonuclease Sau3AI. The lower detection limit of the E. faecalis primer set without the loop primer set was 10 μg/tube for a 50‐min loop‐mediated isothermal amplification reaction. Using loop primers increased the detection sensitivity by several orders of magnitude. Furthermore, E. faecalis was detected with the loop‐mediated isothermal amplification assay in four root canals from 18 individuals and the detection results were consistent with those of conventional polymerase chain reactions.

Conclusion:  These results indicate that the loop‐mediated isothermal amplification assay is very useful for rapid detection of E. faecalis and diagnosis of endodontic infection.
Construction of a counterselection‐based in‐frame deletion system for genetic studies of Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Merritt J. , Tsang P. , Zheng L. , Shi W. , Qi F.
Published: February 2007

Genetic studies of Streptococcus mutans have benefited greatly from the numerous techniques that have been successfully adapted for use in this organism. One notable exception is the lack of a negative selection system that can be employed for the easy isolation of markerless in‐frame deletions. In this study, we report the development of a galK/galactose‐based negative selection system in S. mutans for this purpose. This system consists of a recipient strain (IFD140) that contains a deletion in the galKTE operon and a suicide vector (pIFD‐Sm) that carries the S. mutans galK open reading frame fused to the constitutive lactate dehydrogenase (ldh) promoter. Using this system we created a markerless in‐frame deletion in the β‐galactosidase (lacG) gene within the S. mutans lactose operon. After vector integration, plasmid excision after counterselection appeared to have occurred in 100% of the galactose‐resistant colonies and resulted in in‐frame deletions in 50% of the screened isolates. Based on the ratio of galactose‐resistant cells to total cells, we determined that plasmid excision occurred at a frequency of approximately 1/3000 cells. Furthermore, the simplicity of this system should make it adaptable for use in numerous other gram‐positive and gram‐negative organisms.
Molecular and biochemical characterizations of human oral lactobacilli as putative probiotic candidates
Authors: Strahinic I. , Busarcevic M. , Pavlica D. , Milasin J. , Golic N. , Topisirovic L.
Published: February 2007

Introduction:  The objective of this study was to characterize the lactobacilli from the human oral cavity as a potential source of probiotic strains.

Methods:  Samples were collected from four different locations within the oral cavity: surface of healthy tooth, oral mucous membrane, surface of tooth decay and deep tooth decay. On the basis of morphological and biochemical properties eight categories were formed and 26 isolates were selected for further characterization. The isolates were determined as Lactobacillus sp. using primers specific for 16S rDNA. Sequencing of 16S rDNA genes and repetitive sequence‐based polymerase chain reactions were used for determination to species and subspecies levels.

Results:  Predominant species were Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus salivarius and Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei, while Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus cellobiosus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis and Lactobacillus gasseri were also present. The isolates Lactobacillus salivarius BGHO1, Lactobacillus fermentum BGHO36 and BGHO64, Lactobacillus gasseri BGHO89 and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis BGHO99 exhibited antagonistic action on the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Micrococcus flavus, Salmonella enteritidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus mutans, but not on growth of Candida albicans. Moreover, the isolates L. salivarius BGHO1 and L. gasseri BGHO89 were tolerant to low pH and high concentration of bile salts.

Conclusion:  Taken together, these findings imply that L. salivarius BGHO1 and L. gasseri BGHO89 might be subjects for additional investigation as potential probiotic strains.
Detection and serotype distribution of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in cardiovascular specimens from Japanese patients
Authors: Nakano K. , Inaba H. , Nomura R. , Nemoto H. , Tamura K. , Miyamoto E. , Yoshioka H. , Taniguchi K. , Amano A. , Ooshima T.
Published: February 2007

Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, an important pathogen in periodontitis, has also been detected in cardiovascular tissues. Sixty heart valves were collected during valve replacement surgery from 60 patients (one from each), 10 were from patients with infective endocarditis (IE group) and 50 were from patients with other valvular diseases (non‐IE group). In addition, 46 samples of aneurysmal tissue were taken from 46 patients with a thoracic or abdominal aneurysm (Aneurysm group, one from each). Dental plaque samples were taken from 54 of the patients, 31 in the IE and non‐IE groups and 23 in the aneurysm group. First, the distribution of A. actinomycetemcomitans in all specimens was analysed using a polymerase chain reaction method, which resulted in a positive reaction in 33 (31.1%) of the cardiovascular specimens and 25 (46.3%) of the dental plaque samples. Next, using serotype‐specific sets of primers, the serotype distribution of A. actinomycetemcomitans in the cardiovascular specimens and dental plaque samples was found to be significantly different compared to dental plaque samples from Japanese subjects reported previously.
Multiple displacement amplification as an aid in checkerboard DNA–DNA hybridization
Authors: Teles F. , Haffajee A. D. , Socransky S. S.
Published: February 2007

Objective:  The study aimed to determine if multiple displacement amplification could be used to provide abundant target DNA and DNA probes for checkerboard DNA–DNA hybridization.

Methods:  Multiple displacement amplification was used to amplify 1 and 10 ng DNA from 16 individual bacterial species, DNA from single colonies, from a mixture of 20 bacterial species and oral biofilm samples, such as supragingival plaque, subgingival plaque, buccal swab and root canal samples. Samples in reaction buffer were heat‐denatured at 95°C for 3 min and cooled to 4°C. Φ29 DNA polymerase was added and the mixture was incubated at 30°C for 16–18 h. The quantity of the product was evaluated by the Picogreen assay. The amplified material was labeled with digoxigenin. The probes were compared with probes obtained from unamplified DNA using checkerboard DNA–DNA hybridization. Both amplified DNA and unamplified DNA were used as targets on the membrane. Amplified oral biofilm samples were compared to unamplified samples using checkerboard DNA–DNA hybridization.

Results:  The DNA yield ranged from 4 to 11 μg. DNA–DNA hybridization showed that the amplified genome of each species used either as target or as probe provided signals equivalent to controls and that amplification of a mixture of species provided signals comparable to those provided by the unamplified source mixture. Amplified oral biofilm samples exhibited comparable proportions of bacterial DNA when compared to the original unamplified samples.

Conclusions:  The multiple displacement amplification technique is a simple and reliable method to uniformly amplify DNA for use in checkerboard DNA–DNA hybridization. It is also a useful tool in the amplification of clinical samples.
Regular and frequent follow‐up of patients with pre‐end‐stage kidney disease
Authors: Thomas Merlin C
Published: February 2007

Date written: September 2005

Final submission: September 2006
Cystine stones
Authors: Becker Gavin
Published: February 2007

Date written: January 2005

Final submission: July 2006
Metabolic evaluation
Authors: Hughes Peter
Published: February 2007

Date written: January 2005

Final submission: October 2006
Nephrotoxicity and calcineurin inhibitors
Authors: Coates P Toby H
Published: February 2007

Date written: January 2005

Final submission: October 2006
Pregnancy, lactation and calcineurin inhibitors
Authors: Grimer Marc
Published: February 2007

Date written: January 2005

Final submission: August 2006
Calcineurin inhibitors in renal transplantation: adverse effects
Authors: Jose Matthew
Published: February 2007

Date written: August 2005

Final submission: October 2006
Coral microbial communities, zooxanthellae and mucus along gradients of seawater depth and coastal pollution
Authors: Klaus James S. , Janse Ingmar , Heikoop Jeffrey M. , Sanford Robert A. , Fouke Bruce W.
Published: February 2007

The high incidence of coral disease in shallow coastal marine environments suggests seawater depth and coastal pollution have an impact on the microbial communities inhabiting healthy coral tissues. A study was undertaken to determine how bacterial communities inhabiting tissues of the coral Montastraea annularis change at 5 m, 10 m and 20 m water depth in varying proximity to the urban centre and seaport of Willemstad, Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles. Analyses of terminal restriction fragment length polymorphisms (TRFLP) of 16S rRNA gene sequences show significant differences in bacterial communities of polluted and control localities only at the shallowest seawater depth. Furthermore, distinct differences in bacterial communities were found with increasing water depth. Comparisons of TRFLP peaks with sequenced clone libraries indicate the black band disease cyanobacterium clone CD1C11 is common and most abundant on healthy corals in less than 10 m water depth. Similarly, sequences belonging to a previously unrecognized group of likely phototrophic bacteria, herein referred to as CAB‐I, were also more common in shallow water. To assess the influence of environmental and physiologic factors on bacterial community structure, canonical correspondence analysis was performed using explanatory variables associated with: (i) light availability; (ii) seawater pollution; (iii) coral mucus composition; (iv) the community structure of symbiotic algae; and (v) the photosynthetic activity of symbiotic algae. Eleven per cent of the variation in bacterial communities was accounted for by covariation with these variables; the most important being photosynthetically active radiation (sunlight) and the coral uptake of sewage‐derived compounds as recorded by the δ15N of coral tissue.
Functionally distinct communities of ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria along an estuarine salinity gradient
Authors: Bernhard Anne E. , Tucker Jane , Giblin Anne E. , Stahl David A.
Published: February 2007

The relationship between ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and potential nitrification rates was examined along a salinity gradient in a New England estuary in spring and late summer over 3 years. Ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria abundance was estimated by measuring gene copies of the ammonia monooxygenase catalytic subunit (amoA) using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria abundance ranged from below detection to 6.0 × 107amoA copies (gdw sediment)−1. Mean potential nitrification rates ranged from 0.5 to 186.5 nmol N (gdw sediment)−1 day−1. Both AOB abundance and potential rates were significantly higher in spring than late summer. Correlations between rates and abundance varied significantly among sites, but showed site‐specific ammonia oxidation kinetics related to AOB community structure. The effect of salinity on potential nitrification rates was evaluated by incubating sediment from each site under four salinity conditions (0, 5, 10 and 30 psu). At all sites, rates were generally highest in the intermediate salinity treatments, but rates at the upstream site were inhibited at high salinity, while rates at the two downstream sites were inhibited at the lowest salinity. Although salinity appears to be an important factor in determining AOB distribution, it may not be the primary factor as AOB exhibited a broad range of salinity tolerance in our experiments. Our results indicate that there are significant differences in abundance and community composition of AOB along the salinity gradient, and the differences are reflected in community function.
Dual‐head lithotripsy in synchronous mode: acute effect on renal function and morphology in the pig
Authors: Handa Rajash K. , McAteer James A. , Willis Lynn R. , Pishchalnikov Yuri A. , Connors Bret A. , Ying Jun , Lingeman James E. , Evan Andrew P.
Published: February 2007

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of dual‐head lithotripsy on renal function and morphology in a pig model of shockwave (SW) injury, as lithotripters with two shock heads are now available for treating patients, but little information is available with which to judge the safety of treatment with dual pulses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A dual‐head electrohydraulic lithotripter (Duet, Direx Corp., Natick, MA, USA) was used to treat the lower renal pole of anaesthetized pigs with a clinical dose of SWs (2400 dual SWs; 10 kidneys) delivered in synchronous mode, i.e. both heads fired simultaneously. For comparison, pigs were treated with either 2400 SWs (12 kidneys) or 4800 SWs (eight) with a conventional electrohydraulic lithotripter (HM3, Dornier, Wessling, Germany).

RESULTS

Dual‐pulse SW treatment with the Duet lithotripter caused a decline in the mean (sd) glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 4.1 (1.9) mL/min, with a trend for the effective renal plasma flow (RPF), at 31 (19) mL/min, to also decrease. These changes in renal haemodynamics were similar to the decreases in GFR and RPF in response to treatment with the HM3 lithotripter with 2400 SWs, at 4.8 (0.8) and 32 (10) mL/min, respectively, or 4800 SWs, at 5.4 (1.0) and 68 (14) mL/min, respectively. Linear association analysis showed that the functional response to dual‐pulse SWs was more variable than with conventional SWs. Morphological quantification of kidney damage (expressed as a percentage of functional renal volume, FRV) showed that tissue injury with 2400 paired SWs with the Duet, at 0.96 (0.39)% FRV, was similar to injury produced by either 2400 single SWs, at 1.08 (0.38)% FRV, or 4800 single SWs, at 2.71 (1.02)% FRV, with the HM3. However, morphological damage was less consistent with the Duet (measurable in only five of eight kidneys) than that with the HM3 (measurable in all 12 kidneys). Acoustic output and the timing of dual SWs in synchronous mode increased in variability as the electrodes aged, affecting the amplitude and targeting of focal pressures.

CONCLUSION

With the caveat that variability in the timing of dual SWs will unpredictably alter the distribution of SW energy within the kidney, this study shows that a clinical dose of dual‐head SWs delivered in synchronous mode elicits a renal response similar to, but more variable than, that with a clinical dose of SWs from a conventional electrohydraulic lithotripter.
An electron microscopic examination of the intravesical ureter in children with primary vesico‐ureteric reflux
Authors: Sofikerim Mustafa , Sargon Mustafa , Oruc Ozgur , Dogan Hasan S. , Tekgul Serdar
Published: February 2007

OBJECTIVE

To determine the structure of the intravesical distal ureteric wall of patients with primary vesico‐ureteric reflux (VUR), and to compare the findings with previous reports.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Specimens of the distal intravesical ureteric segments were taken surgically from children undergoing ureteric reimplantation surgery for primary VUR. There were 24 distal intravesical ureteric specimens from 15 children (nine female and six male). Ultra‐thin sections were cut from the specimens and examined with a transmission electron microscope.

RESULTS

The appearance of the muscular layers of the specimens of different grades differed markedly. There were intercellular oedematous areas in the muscular layer in specimens from patients with grade 2 and 3 VUR. In specimens from grade 4 VUR there were also intracytoplasmic vacuoles in the smooth muscle cells. The most marked and striking changes were in the specimens from children with grade 5 VUR, in which there were large intercellular oedematous areas and prominent large intracytoplasmic vacuoles.

CONCLUSION

Refluxing ureters differ from normal ureters in having disorganized smooth muscle fibres and altered smooth muscle cell structure, leading to incompetence of the valve mechanism. Although we cannot confirm that these pathological changes in the smooth muscle layer of the intravesical ureteric wall are caused by VUR we conclude that, with increasing degrees of reflux, the degree of smooth muscle damage increases, and that the rate of spontaneous resolution decreases.
Partial nephrectomy and autotransplantation with pyelovesicostomy for renal urothelial carcinoma in solitary kidneys: a clinical update
Authors: Steffens Joachim , Humke Ulrich , Alloussi Schahnaz , Ziegler Manfred , Siemer Stefan
Published: February 2007

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the indications and outcomes after partial nephrectomy and renal autotransplantation for urothelial cancer in solitary kidneys, with special attention to the ease of endoscopic tumour control after pyelovesicostomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 978 records of three institutions were reviewed for patients undergoing partial nephrectomy between January 1990 and December 2000. Ex vivo organ‐preserving surgery was used in selected patients with a solitary kidney and localized pelvic or calyceal tumour. Autotransplantation was established using a pyelovesicostomy. The follow‐up included ultrasonography, pelvi‐cystoscopy, urine cytology, computed tomography, renal functional evaluation and video‐urodynamics. The study included four patients aged 52–56 years, with a follow‐up of 6–14 years.

RESULTS

The histopathological status was pT1G2R0 in two and pT1G1R0 in the other two patients. One of them had an additional papilloma in the upper ureter. All patients entered a protocol of mitomycin/bacille Calmette‐Guérin instillation therapy after surgery. The patients are currently alive with no recurrences. There is stable kidney function despite vesico‐renal reflux, and normal bladder function with no subvesical obstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

Partial nephrectomy and renal autotransplantation for renal urothelial cancer in solitary kidneys is feasible, but should only be used in the rarest cases, and for the most selective indications. Dialysis and renal replacement can be avoided. Pyelovesicostomy allows effective chemotherapy instillation therapy, and easy and secure urothelial cancer control of the upper urinary tract.
Minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy for upper urinary tract calculi in transplanted kidneys
Authors: He Zhaohui , Li Xun , Chen Lizhong , Zeng Guohua , Yuan Jian
Published: February 2007

Authors from China describe their experience with percutaneous nephrolithotomy for upper urinary tract calculi in transplanted kidneys. They confirm that it is a suitable way to treat such stones, and suggest it as initial therapy for stones other than those in the middle or lower calyx, particularly if they are small stones.

OBJECTIVE

To report our experience with minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mPCNL) for upper urinary tract (UUT) calculi in transplanted kidneys.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between August 2002 and June 2006, seven patients (mean age 40.7 years) with UUT stones in transplanted kidneys (including one staghorn, two pelvic and four ureteric stones) were treated by mPCNL. A 16 F peel‐away sheath was placed as the percutaneous access port and a 8.5/11.5 F nephroscope or a 8/9.8 F ureteroscope was used for manipulation. Every 2–3 months during the follow‐up, patients had their serum urea, creatinine and uric acid measured, with urine culture and ultrasonography.

RESULTS

All patients were rendered stone‐free at one mPCNL procedure, with no complications during or after surgery. The mean (range) operative duration was 53 (20–100) min and the mean haemoglobin decrease was 0.55 (0.2–1.2) g/dL. At a mean (range) follow‐up of 23 (3–48) months renal allograft function was stable in all patients and no recurrence of stone was detected.

CONCLUSIONS

mPCNL is safe and effective for managing calculi in transplanted kidneys, and it can be the initial therapy for most cases of UUT stones in transplanted kidneys, except for simple and small stones in the middle or lower calyx.
Entrepreneurs, the Self‐employed and Employees amongst Young European Higher Education Graduates
Authors: MARTÍNEZ DANIEL , MORA JOSÉ‐GINÉS , VILA LUIS E.
Published: February 2007

We shall analyse the different characteristics of entrepreneurs, the self‐employed, and employees in public, private and non‐profit organisations, based on a sample of young European higher education graduates. Using graduates’ self‐assessment from a survey, several sets of characteristics such as social‐demographic traits, educational and occupational experiences and levels of competences are considered. A descriptive analysis shows, first, that graduates who start their own business have different profiles in relation to elements leading to their occupational decision after graduation; and, second, that labour market status achieved by entrepreneur graduates implies relatively more demanding activities, higher earnings and higher job satisfaction than non‐entrepreneur graduates.
The History of EU Cooperation in the Field of Education and Training: how lifelong learning became a strategic objective
Authors: PÉPIN LUCE
Published: February 2007

In 2007, the EU is celebrating both the 50th Anniversary of the Treaty of Rome and the 20 years of existence of its flagship programme, Erasmus, thus recalling that the EU is more than its economic, agricultural or monetary policies and that it develops also as a community of peoples. Education has a key role to play in this respect. This article provides an insight into how community cooperation in the field of education developed since its inception at the beginning of the 70s. It analyses more specifically how this cooperation and the one in the field of training evolved over the years, first in parallel and then in a more integrated manner, in particular from the 90s onwards, to form what is now a common platform to support lifelong leaning and the 2010 goals set by the Lisbon Strategy.
Non‐random patterns in the Yellowstone ecosystem: inferences from mammalian body size, order and biogeographical affinity
Authors: Bruzgul Judsen E. , Hadly Elizabeth A.
Published: February 2007

Aim  Our aim was to investigate how the environment, species characteristics and historical factors at the subcontinental scale affect patterns of diversity. We used the assembly of the Yellowstone biota over the past 10,000 years as a natural experiment for investigating the processes that generate a modern non‐volant mammal species pool.

Location  The data represent species from throughout North America with special attention to the non‐volant mammals of Yellowstone National Park, USA.

Methods  We used digitized range maps to determine biogeographical affinity for all non‐volant mammals in the Rocky Mountains, Deserts and Great Plains biogeographical regions of North America. This biogeographical affinity, along with taxonomic order and body size class, was used to test whether non‐random patterns exist in the assemblage of Yellowstone non‐volant mammals. These characteristics were also used to investigate the strength of non‐random processes, such as habitat or taxon filtering, on particular groups of species or individual species.

Results  Our results indicated that the Yellowstone fauna is composed of a non‐random subset of mammals from specific body size classes and with particular biogeographical affinities. Analyses by taxonomic order found significantly more Carnivora from the Rocky Mountains region and significantly fewer Rodentia from the Deserts region than expected from random assembly. Analyses using body size classes revealed deviations from expectations, including several significant differences between the frequency distribution of regional body sizes and the distribution of those species found within Yellowstone.

Main conclusions  Our novel approach explores processes affecting species pool assembly in the Yellowstone region and elsewhere, and particularly identifies unique properties of species that may contribute to non‐random assembly. Focusing on the mechanisms generating diversity, not just current diversity patterns, will assist the design of conservation strategies given future environmental change scenarios.
Parasite species richness in carnivores: effects of host body mass, latitude, geographical range and population density
Authors: Lindenfors Patrik , Nunn Charles L. , Jones Kate E. , Cunningham Andrew A. , Sechrest Wes , Gittleman John L.
Published: February 2007

Aim Comparative studies have revealed strong links between ecological factors and the number of parasite species harboured by different hosts, but studies of different taxonomic host groups have produced inconsistent results. As a step towards understanding the general patterns of parasite species richness, we present results from a new comprehensive data base of over 7000 host–parasite combinations representing 146 species of carnivores (Mammalia: Carnivora) and 980 species of parasites.

Methods We used both phylogenetic and non‐phylogenetic comparative methods while controlling for unequal sampling effort within a multivariate framework to ascertain the main determinants of parasite species richness in carnivores.

Results We found that body mass, population density, geographical range size and distance from the equator are correlated with overall parasite species richness in fissiped carnivores. When parasites are classified by transmission mode, body mass and home range area are the main determinants of the richness of parasites spread by close contact between hosts, and population density, geographical range size and distance from the equator account for the diversity of parasites that are not dependent on close contact. For generalist parasites, population density, geographical range size and latitude are the primary predictors of parasite species richness. We found no significant ecological correlates for the richness of specialist or vector‐borne parasites.

Main conclusions Although we found that parasite species richness increases instead of decreases with distance from the equator, other comparative patterns in carnivores support previous findings in primates, suggesting that similar ecological factors operate in both these independent evolutionary lineages.
Niche properties of Central European spiders: shading, moisture and the evolution of the habitat niche
Authors: Entling Wiebke , Schmidt Martin H. , Bacher Sven , Brandl Roland , Nentwig Wolfgang
Published: February 2007

Aim  Niche theory emphasizes the importance of environmental conditions for the distribution and abundance of species. Using a macroecological approach our study aimed at identifying the important environmental gradients for spiders. We generated numerical values of niche position and niche width. We also investigated relationships between these niche properties as well as the degree of phylogenetic conservatism in order to draw conclusions about the evolution of the habitat niche.

Location  Central Europe: lowlands of Austria, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Switzerland.

Methods  We analysed 244 published spider communities from 70 habitat types by correspondence analysis. The resulting community scores were used to test for correlations with habitat characteristics. Species scores were used to derive niche position (mean scores) and niche width (standard deviation of scores). To test for niche conservatism we estimated variance components across the taxonomic hierarchy.

Results  The first two axes of the correspondence analysis were correlated with shading and moisture, respectively. Niche width had a hump‐shaped relationship to both environmental gradients. β‐diversity was strikingly higher in open habitats than in forests. Habitat niche conservatism was lower than phylogenetic conservatism in body size.

Main conclusions  Environmental factors are important drivers for the β‐diversity of spiders, especially across open habitats. This underlines the importance of preserving the whole range of moisture conditions in open habitats. Narrow niches of species occurring at the ends of both environmental gradients indicate that adaptations to extreme habitats lead to constraints in ecological flexibility. Nevertheless, the habitat niche of species seems to evolve much faster than morphological or physiological traits.
Small mammal (rodents and lagomorphs) European biogeography from the Late Oligocene to the mid Pliocene
Authors: Maridet Olivier , Escarguel Gilles , Costeur Loïc , Mein Pierre , Hugueney Marguerite , Legendre Serge
Published: February 2007

Aim  To analyse the fossil species assemblages of rodents and lagomorphs from the European Neogene in order to assess what factors control small mammal biogeography at a deep‐time evolutionary time‐scale.

Location  Western Europe: 626 fossil‐bearing localities located within 31 regions and distributed among 18 successive biochronological units ranging from c. 27 Ma (million years ago; Late Oligocene) to c. 3 Ma (mid Pliocene).

Methods  Taxonomically homogenized pooled regional assemblages are compared using the Raup and Crick index of faunal similarity; then, the inferred similarity matrices are visualized as neighbour‐joining trees and by projecting the statistically significant interregional similarities and dissimilarities onto palaeogeographical maps. The inferred biogeographical patterns are analysed and discussed in the light of known palaeogeographical and palaeoclimatic events.

Results  Successive time intervals with distinct biogeographical contexts are identified. Prior to c. 18 Ma (Late Oligocene and Early Miocene), a relative faunal homogeneity (high interregional connectivity) is observed all over Europe, a time when major geographical barriers and a weak climatic gradient are known. Then, from the beginning of the Middle Miocene onwards, the biogeography is marked by a significant decrease in interregional faunal affinities which matches a drastic global climatic degradation and leads, in the Late Miocene (c. 11 Ma), to a marked latitudinal pattern of small mammal distribution. In spite of a short rehomogenization around the Miocene/Pliocene boundary (6–4 Ma), the biogeography of small mammals in the mid Pliocene (c. 3 Ma) finally closely reflects the extant situation.

Main conclusions  The resulting biogeographical evolutionary scheme indicates that the extant endemic situation has deep historical roots corresponding to global tectonic and climatic events acting as primary drivers of long‐term changes. The correlation of biogeographical events with climatic changes emphasizes the prevalent role of the climate over geography in generating heterogeneous biogeographical patterns at the continental scale.
The effect of climatic gradients, topographic variation and species traits on the beta diversity of rain forest trees
Authors: Davidar Priya , Rajagopal B. , Mohandass D. , Puyravaud Jean‐Philippe , Condit Richard , Wright S. J. , Leigh E. G.
Published: February 2007

Aim We assessed the rates of turnover of tree species with distance (beta diversity) in wet forests of the Western Ghats (WG) complex of India to see whether climate, topographic variation or species traits influence beta diversity.

Location The Western Ghats is a chain of mountains about 1600 km in length, running parallel to the western coast of the Indian Peninsula from above 8° N to almost 21° N latitude.

Methods We used data from 60 small plot inventories concentrated in three regions: the southernmost part of the Western Ghats (SWG) (8°24′ to 9°37′ N), the Nilgiri Hills (11°12′ to 11°14′ N), and the central Western Ghats (CWG) (12°32′ to 14°51′ N). We used Sorensen's index (SI) to estimate the similarity in species composition between two plots and regressed SI against the logarithm of the distance between plots to assess beta diversity. A bootstrapping procedure provided confidence intervals for regression coefficients. To test for the effects of climate, we regressed seasonality differences between plots against SI for low‐elevation (< 800 m) plots along the north–south axis, and all plots in the SWG. We assessed the impact of the rainfall gradient in the Kogar region.

Results Among all three regions, beta diversity was highest along the latitudinal axis, and along the rainfall gradient in the Kogar region. Differences in seasonality between sites were strongly related to beta diversity along the north–south seasonality gradient and within the SWG. Within the three regions, beta diversity was highest in the region with the strongest rainfall gradient and lowest for the topographically heterogeneous SWG. Beta diversity did not differ between forest strata and dispersal modes.

Main conclusions We conclude that climate, particularly seasonality, is probably the primary driver of beta diversity among rain forest trees of the Western Ghats complex.
Conflict for Mutual Gains?*
Authors: Bacon Nicolas , Blyton Paul
Published: February 2007

abstract This paper adopts Walton and McKersie's Behavioral Theory of Labor Negotiations to examine the outcomes of industrial relations negotiations to implement teamworking. Negotiations from 21 departments across two integrated steelworks are classified into four negotiation patterns, each producing different outcomes from teamworking for managers and employees. Managers secured lower manning and increased productivity in negotiations both in departments characterized throughout by cooperation and those characterized by conflict. However, mutual gains were secured only where union negotiators pursued conflict tactics during bargaining. In those departments where union negotiators adopted more conflictual bargaining tactics, more employees reported pay increases and greater satisfaction with teamworking agreements, compared with employees in more ‘cooperative’ departments. ‘Mixed’ bargaining approaches in other departments were less successful, particularly for union negotiators.
An Organizational Justice‐Based View of Self‐Control and Agency Costs in Family Firms
Authors: Lubatkin Michael H. , Ling Yan , Schulze William S.
Published: February 2007

abstract  By integrating insights from two seemingly disparate literatures – economics and organizational justice – within the general agency framework, we advance propositions that suggest a fine‐grained explanation of agency costs at family firms. In so doing, we account for the differential effects of the controlling owners' self‐control (i.e. the governance mechanisms they adopt and how they administer those mechanisms) on the justice perceptions of the family and non‐family employees. Our integrative view allows us to strike a realistic balance between the overly optimistic views about family firm governance that have been expressed by agency scholars and the overly pessimistic views expressed by management scholars in the past few years.
Plant peptide deformylase: a novel selectable marker and herbicide target based on essential cotranslational chloroplast protein processing
Authors: Hou Cai‐Xia , Dirk Lynnette M. A. , Pattanaik Sitakanta , Das Narayan C. , Maiti Indu B. , Houtz Robert L. , Williams Mark A.
Published: February 2007

Transgenic tobacco plants expressing three different forms of Arabidopsis plant peptide deformylase (AtDEF1.1, AtDEF1.2 and AtDEF2; EC 3.5.1.88) were evaluated for resistance to actinonin, a naturally occurring peptide deformylase inhibitor. Over‐expression of either AtDEF1.2 or AtDEF2 resulted in resistance to actinonin, but over‐expression of AtDEF1.1 did not. Immunological analyses demonstrated that AtDEF1.2 and AtDEF2 enzymes were present in both stromal and thylakoid fractions in chloroplasts, but AtDEF1.1 was localized to mitochondria. The highest enzyme activity was associated with stromal AtDEF2, which was approximately 180‐fold greater than the level of endogenous activity in the host plant. Resistance to actinonin cosegregated with kanamycin resistance in Atdef1.2‐D and Atdef2‐D transgenic plants. Here, we demonstrate that the combination of plant peptide deformylase and peptide deformylase inhibitors may represent a native gene selectable marker system for chloroplast and nuclear transformation vectors, and also suggest plant peptide deformylase as a potential broad‐spectrum herbicide target.
Construction and validation of a prototype microarray for efficient and high‐throughput genotyping of angiosperms
Authors: Jayasinghe Ruchira , Kong Stephan , Coram Tristan E. , Kaganovitch Janna , Xue Charlie C. L. , Li Chun G. , Pang Edwin C. K.
Published: February 2007

Until recently, the identification of plants relied on conventional techniques, such as morphological, anatomical and chemical profiling, that are often inefficient or unfeasible in certain situations. Extensive literature exists describing the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) DNA‐based identification techniques, which offer a reliable platform, but their broad application is often limited by a low throughput. However, hybridization‐based microarray technology represents a rapid and high‐throughput tool for genotype identification at a molecular level. Using an innovative technique, a ‘Subtracted Diversity Array’ (SDA) of 376 features was constructed from a pooled genomic DNA library of 49 angiosperm species, from which pooled non‐angiosperm genomic DNA was subtracted. Although not the first use of a subtraction technique for genotyping, the SDA method was superior in accuracy, sensitivity and efficiency, and showed high‐throughput capacity and broad application. The SDA technique was validated for potential genotyping use, and the results indicated a successful subtraction of non‐angiosperm DNA. Statistical analysis of the polymorphic features from the pilot study enabled the establishment of accurate phylogenetic relationships, confirming the potential use of the SDA technique for genotyping. Further, the technique substantially enriched the presence of polymorphic sequences; 68% were polymorphic when using the array to differentiate six angiosperm clades (Asterids, Rosids, Caryophyllids, Ranunculids, Monocots and Eumagnoliids). The ‘proof of concept’ experiments demonstrate the potential of establishing a highly informative, reliable and high‐throughput microarray‐based technique for novel application to sequence independent genotyping of major angiosperm clades.
Can Africa Reduce Poverty by Half by 2015?
Authors: Bigsten Arne , Shimeles Abebe
Published: February 2007

This article uses simulations to explore the possibility of halving the number of people in Africa living in extreme poverty by 2015. It shows that initial levels of inequality and per capita consumption determine the cumulative growth and reductions in inequality required to achieve this target, and finds that on average Africa needs only a relatively modest annual rate of growth in per capita household consumption, if inequality remains unchanged. The trade‐off between the two varies greatly among countries, and their policy choices are thus quite different: in some cases small changes in income distribution can have a large effect on poverty, while in others a strong focus on growth is the only viable option.
Are People Aware of Their HIV‐positive Status Responsible for Driving the Epidemic in Sub‐Saharan Africa? The Case of Malawi
Authors: Morah Erasmus U.
Published: February 2007

Many have alleged that those who are now aware that they are HIV‐positive are driving the epidemic. This article reports the results of a study in Malawi that provides empirical evidence of differences in knowledge, attitudes and behaviour between HIV‐positive people and those unaware of their sero‐status. It comes to three conclusions: HIV‐positive people report better knowledge and attitudes; there is substantially higher safer‐sex practice among those aware of their HIV‐positive status; and the assertion that the epidemic is spread by those aware of their positive sero‐status is unsubstantiated. The overall message is that there is a need to accelerate both HIV testing and positive‐prevention work.
Vulnerability Assessment of Developing Countries: The Case of Small‐island Developing States
Authors: Turvey Rosario
Published: February 2007

This article puts forward a spatial perspective in framing the methodology for vulnerability assessment (VA) of developing countries, with special reference to small‐island developing states (SIDS). Geographic vulnerability from a developing‐world perspective is defined by the country's susceptibility to physical and human pressures, risks and hazards in temporal and spatial contexts. In constructing the composite vulnerability index (CVI), four core indicators are selected as sub‐indices. The study confirms the vulnerability of SIDS based on four dimensions, namely, coastal index (G1), peripherality index (G2), urbanisation indicator (G3) and vulnerability to natural disasters (G4), and advocates consideration of place vulnerability and temporal distinctions when assessing the vulnerability of SIDS in particular.
Collective Bargaining and Wage Dispersion in Europe
Authors: Dell’Aringa Carlo , Pagani Laura
Published: February 2007

The level at which collective bargaining takes place is usually considered important in determining wage levels and wage inequalities. Two different situations are considered: a first in which bargaining is only ‘multi‐employer’, and a second in which it is ‘multi‐level’, in the sense that workers can be covered by both a ‘multi‐employer’ and a ‘single‐employer’ contract at the same time. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the impact of these different institutional settings on pay dispersion. The study is carried out using the European Structure of Earnings Survey, which is a large dataset containing detailed matched employer–employee information for the year 1995. The countries analysed are Italy, Belgium and Spain. The empirical results generally show that wages of workers covered by only a ‘multi‐employer’ contract are no more compressed than those of workers covered by both ‘multi‐employer’ and ‘single‐employer’ contracts. This implies that where workers are not covered by single‐employer bargaining, they receive wage supplements paid unilaterally by their employers.
Large Employers and Apprenticeship Training in Britain
Authors: Ryan Paul , Gospel Howard , Lewis Paul
Published: February 2007

We consider the link between apprenticeship and large employers in Britain, in terms of the contribution of apprenticeship to intermediate skills and the contribution of large employers to the Advanced Apprenticeship (AA) programme. Evidence is taken from interviews with managers in 28 organizations. We find that apprenticeship functions to only a limited extent outside AA, and then primarily because of the ineligibility of particular categories of trainee. The use that employers make of apprenticeship varies considerably, in association with its cost‐effectiveness relative to recruitment and upgrade training within human resource management strategy, and with employers’ evaluations of the technical content of AA qualifications. The prospects for increased sponsorship of apprenticeship by large organizations are curbed by the greater appeal of recruitment and upgrade training in various contexts.
Experiencing Part‐Time Work: Temporal Tensions, Social Relations and the Work–Family Interface
Authors: Walsh Janet
Published: February 2007

Part‐time work is commonly depicted as positive for women workers and their experience of work and home. Drawing on the qualitative commentaries of lower‐level service workers, this study explores the temporal, social and interpersonal consequences of part‐time work. While many employees liked part‐time work, there was evidence that fragmented work schedules, mandated overtime and difficulties in taking time off work created tensions and problems for women in both the work and family domains. Inferior treatment also punctuated the work experiences of a number of part‐time employees and served to underline their differential work status.