bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Labrys methylaminiphilus sp. nov., a novel facultatively methylotrophic bacterium from a freshwater lake sediment
Authors: Miller Jonathan A. , Kalyuzhnaya Marina G. , Noyes Emma , Lara Jimmie C. , Lidstrom Mary E. , Chistoserdova Ludmila
Published: May 2005

A new bacterial isolate from a methylamine enrichment culture is described, representing a novel species of facultatively methylotrophic bacteria. The non-motile bacterium is Gram-negative, replicates by budding and does not form endospores. The isolate utilizes methylated amines, as well as a variety of monosaccharides, disaccharides, amino acids, organic acids, aromatic compounds and alcohols as substrates, but does not utilize methanol. Growth factors are not required, although yeast extract stimulates growth. The major components of the fatty acid profile are C18 : 1
ω7c, C19 : 0 cyclo and C16 : 0. The dominant cellular phospholipids are phosphatidyl acid, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. The G+C content of the DNA is 65·7±0·3 mol%. 16S rRNA gene-based phylogenetic analysis revealed that the novel isolate belongs to the α-Proteobacteria and is closely related to the only representative of the genus Labrys, Labrys monachus (97·4 % sequence similarity). However, the level of DNA–DNA relatedness with L. monachus is less than 3 %, justifying the placement of this isolate into a novel species of the genus Labrys. The name Labrys methylaminiphilus sp. nov. is proposed (type strain JLW10T=ATCC BAA-1080T=DSM 16812T).
Marinitoga hydrogenitolerans sp. nov., a novel member of the order Thermotogales isolated from a black smoker chimney on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge
Authors: Postec Anne , Breton Claire Le , Fardeau Marie-Laure , Lesongeur Françoise , Pignet Patricia , Querellou Joël , Ollivier Bernard , Godfroy Anne
Published: May 2005

A novel, thermophilic, anaerobic bacterium that is able to tolerate hydrogen was isolated from a deep-sea hydrothermal chimney collected at the Rainbow field on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Cells were rod-shaped and surrounded by a sheath-like outer structure (toga); they were weakly motile by means of a polar flagellum. They appeared singly, in pairs or in short chains. They grew at 35–65 °C (optimum 60 °C), pH 4·5–8·5 (optimum pH 6·0) and 10–65 g sea salts l−1(optimum 30–40 g l−1). The isolate was organotrophic, and able to grow on various carbohydrates or complex proteinaceous substrates. Growth was not inhibited under 100 % hydrogen or in the presence of 2 % oxygen in the gas phase. The isolate reduces sulfur, although sulfur reduction is not required for growth. The fermentation products identified on glucose were acetate, ethanol, formate, hydrogen and CO2. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 28±1 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene placed the strain within the genusMarinitoga, orderThermotogales, in the bacterial domain. On the basis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons and physiological characteristics, the isolate is considered to represent a novel species, for which the nameMarinitoga hydrogenitoleranssp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is AT1271T(=DSM 16785T=JCM 12826T).
Bacillus axarquiensis sp. nov. and Bacillus malacitensis sp. nov., isolated from river-mouth sediments in southern Spain
Authors: Ruiz-García Cristina , Quesada Emilia , Martínez-Checa Fernando , Llamas Inmaculada , Urdaci Maria C. , Béjar Victoria
Published: May 2005

Two Gram-positive, rod-shaped, endospore-forming bacteria (strains CR-119T and CR-95T) were isolated from brackish sediments in the mouth of the river Vélez in Málaga, southern Spain, and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Phenotypic tests showed that these strains were related to other Bacillus species at a similarity level of less than 87·6 %. Both strains are halotolerant, aerobic, chemoheterotrophic, motile with peritrichous flagella and biosurfactant producers. Their endospores are oval, subterminal and non-deforming structures. The predominant menaquinone in both strains is MK-7. The fatty-acid profiles of both strains contain large quantities of branched and saturated fatty acids. The major fatty acids (%) are 15 : 0 anteiso (32·4), 15 : 0 iso (16·8), 17 : 0 iso (13·4), 16 : 0 (11·5) and 17 : 0 anteiso (10·2) in strain CR-119T and 15 : 0 anteiso (37·5), 17 : 0 iso (16·0) and 17 : 0 anteiso (15·8) in strain CR-95T. The G+C contents of strains CR-119T and CR-95T are 41·0 and 42·5 mol%, respectively. RAPD analysis confirmed the low degree of similarity between the two strains and also amongst other Bacillus species. 16S rRNA gene analysis of strain CR-119T showed the highest sequence similarity to be 97·4 %, with Bacillus mojavensis and Bacillus subtilis subsp. spizizenii. In the case of strain CR-95T, the maximum similarity value was 99·5 %, with B. mojavensis. DNA–DNA hybridization of strains CR-119T and CR-95T with the above species produced values lower than 46·9 %. Therefore, on the basis of phenotypic characteristics, phylogenetic data and genomic distinctiveness, we conclude that these Bacillus strains merit classification as novel species, for which we propose the names Bacillus axarquiensis sp. nov. (type strain CR-119T=CECT 5688T=LMG 22476T) and Bacillus malacitensis sp. nov. (type strain CR-95T=CECT 5687T=LMG 22477T).
The feeding ecology of Morone americana larvae in the Chesapeake Bay estuarine turbidity maximum: the influence of physical conditions and prey concentrations
Authors: Shoji J. , North E. W. , Houde E. D.
Published: May 2005

Feeding ecology of white perch Morone americana larvae, a major component of the ichthyoplankton community in the estuarine turbidity maximum (ETM) region of upper Chesapeake Bay, was evaluated in years of contrasting physical conditions. In 1998, high river flow led to an ETM with high turbidity and pronounced salinity stratification. In 1999, under low river flow conditions, turbidities in the ETM region were lower and the salt front was located 15 km up‐stream of its location in 1998. Copepodites and adults of Eurytemora affinis were the predominant prey in guts of all length classes of larvae (3·2–9·8 mm standard length, LS) that were examined. Repeated‐measures, multiple regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the influence of several factors on feeding success by determining if physical conditions (temperature, current velocity, salinity, turbidity and light) and prey concentrations explained variability in mean gut fullness (gut contents mass per body mass) of small (<5 mm LS) and large (>5 mm LS) white perch larvae. Eurytemora affinis concentrations were significant in the statistical models for both small and large larvae. High concentrations of E. affinis, which enhanced encounter rates of white perch larvae with prey, may have been the most important factor determining feeding success in the ETM region. Larval feeding incidence (percentage of guts with food) was higher in 1998, suggesting that annual variability in river flow influenced larval feeding success by controlling physical and biological conditions in the ETM region.
Effects of downstream migration on myosin heavy chain expression and dihydropyridine receptor density in farmed smolt of Atlantic salmon
Authors: Mänttäri S. , Anttila K. , Järvilehto M.
Published: May 2005

The expression of myosin heavy chain (MHC) subunits and dihydropyridine receptors (DHPRs) from red and white tail muscles of cultured smolts of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar was analysed from samples taken: (1) before the fish were transferred to the river and (2) after the migration distance of c. 50 km. The relative work load of migrating fish, estimated on the basis of swimming speed of Atlantic salmon and discharge rate of the River Simojoki, Finland, was maximally 1700 times higher than that of fish in culture. The data show that after five migration days the density of DHPRs in the muscles of the smolts was increased already. Furthermore, the results indicated a transition from the fast‐to‐slow MHC isoform. Transfer of fish to a natural environment and downstream migration thus had a significant effect on the expression of muscle proteins.
Cost of severe haemophilia in Toronto
Authors: Heemstra H. E. , Zwaan T. , Hemels M. , Feldman B. M. , Blanchette V. , Kern M. , Einarson T. R.
Published: May 2005

Summary. Our objective was to determine costs and trends in treating boys with severe haemophilia A before our centre routinely used prophylaxis.

One reviewer extracted data from patient charts to determine resource consumption for 17 boys with severe haemophilia A from 1978 to 1998 at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children. Resources included factor concentrate, doctors and health care professionals (physiotherapists/social workers), tests (laboratory, radiological and diagnostic) and hospitalizations. Subgroup analysis on those patients infected with HIV and/or hepatitis were also performed. Costs in Canadian Dollars were taken from standard lists and discounted at 3%.

Total average cost (range) $62 292 (3339–121 738) per year patient−1; the largest fraction, $59 910 (3103–119 480), 96.2% was accounted for by factor VIII. Hospitalizations accounted for $1832 (0–5217) per patient year−1including drugs, nursing care and stay. Doctor and health care professionals visits averaged $252 (36–462) and $72 (0–175) per patient year−1, laboratory and other tests cost $201 (22–377) and $26 (2–60) per patient year−1, respectively. The average number of bleeds was 12.9 (2.0–22.0) per patient year−1, decreasing since 1977 by 0.68 per patient year−1(R2 = 0.56). Hospitalizations averaged 0.22 (0–4) per patient year−1, lasting 2.3 days. From 1984, hospitalizations decreased by 0.025 patient−1 year−1(R2 = 0.76). Concurrently, the average treatment costs increased by $5456 patient−1 year−1(R2 = 0.81). Clotting factor concentrate cost per patient increased by $5521 year−1(R2 = 0.82). Patients with virally transmitted diseases had considerable higher costs.

The cost per year was substantial. Costs increased with virally transmitted diseases. Number of bleeds and hospitalizations over the period of study decreased and costs increased because of factor use in secondary prophylaxis.
Upregulation of tissue‐type plasminogen activator in inflamed human dental pulps
Authors: Huang F.‐M. , Tsai C.‐H. , Chen Y.‐J. , Liu C.‐M. , Chou M.‐Y. , Chang Y.‐C.
Published: May 2005

Aim  To compare tissue‐type plasminogen activator (t‐PA) expression in normal human pulp and inflamed human pulp tissue specimens.

Methodology  Thirty pulpal tissue specimens (13 normal and 17 inflamed pulps) were obtained from extracted third molars. The levels of t‐PA between normal pulp and inflamed pulp tissues were compared using the quantitative reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis. In addition, immunohistochemistry was used to identify the in situ localization of t‐PA expression in pulp specimens. Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney rank sum test was applied for the statistical analysis of the results.

Results  t‐PA mRNA gene was found more in inflamed pulps when compared with normal pulp tissue (P < 0.05). The results from immunohistochemistry demonstrated that t‐PA expression was significantly higher in the inflamed pulp (P = 0.025). t‐PA stain was detected in the fibroblasts, inflammatory infiltrates and endothelial cells.

Conclusions  t‐PA expression was significantly higher in inflamed pulp tissue. t‐PA may play an important role in the pathogenesis of pulpal inflammation.
BES Spring Scientific Meeting 2005 Research Poster
Authors: Bateman G. , Saunders W. P. , Roff S. L.
Published: May 2005

Aim  To evaluate the impact of European Society of Endodontology curriculum guidelines on undergraduate teaching in the UK.

Methodology  A postal questionnaire was designed by two authors (WPS, GB) in 2003. This included open and closed questions relating to endodontic curricula and the impact of curriculum guidelines. This was sent with a cover letter to the thirteen UK undergraduate schools. Data harvest was completed a year after the initial questionnaires were sent. Responses were collated and analysed qualitatively and quantitatively.

Results  Eight (62%) questionnaires were returned. Analysis revealed divergence from aspects of curriculum guidelines. Guidelines were applied by seven schools. Four schools had not applied guidelines related to endodontic surgery as this was taught by Departments of Oral Surgery. One respondent stated that the established curriculum was too inflexible to allow application. There was wide variation in curriculum structure with combinations of outcome, competency and problem‐based learning. No schools had a separate department of Endodontology. All schools felt graduates should be competent at de‐novo treatment of single and multi‐rooted teeth. In general, competence was expected in single canal re‐treatment but not multi‐rooted teeth. Patient recruitment proved a major barrier to meeting guidelines. Number of cases to be completed by graduation ranged from 6 to 14 in total. Three schools felt that guidelines were not achievable citing lack of time, funds and appropriate staff.

All schools provided operative techniques classes prior to clinical treatment. These ranged from 20 to 120 hours (mean 43, S.D. 35.24.). Cases completed in these classes varied. For single rooted teeth this ranged from one to six (mean 2.57). For multi‐rooted teeth this ranged from one to three (mean 2.14). Most schools had at least one faculty member with a special interest in Endodontology. In seven schools however, teaching was also carried out by staff with no special interest. Five schools did not have a separate endodontic clinic. Five respondents had undergraduate learning in outreach centres. Trauma teaching was mainly carried out by in Departments of Paediatric Dentistry.

Conclusions  There is wide variation in the delivery of endodontic curricula in the U.K. Whilst curriculum guidelines are available, there are barriers to delivering these. Consideration should be given to revision of guidelines in light of their evident inapplicability in some areas.
Improving patient access and choice: Assisted Bibliotherapy for mild to moderate stress/anxiety in primary care
Authors: REEVES T. , STACE J. M.
Published: May 2005

Current traditional methods of mental healthcare service delivery, based on ‘specialists’ providing ‘outpatient appointments’ for formal therapy, are often inappropriate for the needs of patients in primary care. The estimated numbers of adults with mental health problems are immense, and it is this, combined with Department of Health initiatives aimed at improving choice and access, which make it essential that new ways of delivering services are explored. This trial examines the use of an assisted self‐help treatment package for mild to moderate stress/anxiety [Assisted Bibliotherapy (AB)] with an adult clinical population referred by their general practitioner. Assisted Bibliotherapy is a brief intervention (8 weeks), with limited therapist contact (20‐min sessions). Non‐parametric statistical testing of scores from the Zung Anxiety Scale and the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation (CORE) questionnaire indicated positive results. There was significant improvement at post‐treatment, which was maintained at 3 month follow‐up. The results from this trial and a previous trial of AB by Kupshik & Fisher in 1999, indicate that it is an effective treatment which could be used as part of a stepped care approach to managing and treating stress/anxiety in primary care.
Childhood Levels of Immunoglobulins and Mannan‐Binding Lectin in Relation to Infections and Allergy
Authors: Thórarinsdóttir H. K. , Lúdvíksson B. R. , Víkingsdóttir T. , Leópoldsdóttir M. O. , Árdal B. , Jónsson T. , Valdimarsson H. , Arason G. J.
Published: May 2005

Respiratory tract infections, allergies and otitis media are common problems in early childhood. Our aim was to evaluate in a longitudinal community‐based cohort study the association between maturation of immunoglobulin (Ig) and mannan‐binding lectin (MBL) responses and disease manifestations in the first 4 years of life. Sustained low levels of IgA proved the strongest single indicator of susceptibility for recurrent otitis media (P = 0.008) and respiratory tract infections (P = 0.02), and this condition was also associated with low production of IgG subclasses. About 7% of the cohort had sustained low levels of MBL (<0.4 mg/l). Low MBL did not predispose to any ailments studied, but children with low IgA and recurrent otitis media had relatively low MBL at birth, which failed to increase during the study period and was significantly reduced at the age of 4 years (P = 0.04). MBL levels increased from birth to 2 years (P < 0.0001) and were higher in children than in adults (P = 0.001). The increase was 1.9‐fold in children with no recorded clinical events and 1.7‐fold in children with asthma or infections, but significantly lower, 1.2‐fold, in children with recurrent otitis media. Low levels of IgA within the normal range may reveal disease susceptibility not detected by conventional criteria. Slow maturation of Ig appears to be the main factor of susceptibility during childhood, but a strong corollary role for MBL is indicated by the high levels produced during childhood as well as the precipitation of disease in children with low levels of MBL and Ig.
Induction of Oral Tolerance in Experimental Sjögren's Syndrome Autoimmunity
Authors: Kurien B. T. , Asfa S. , Li C. , Dorri Y. , Jonsson R. , Scofield R. H.
Published: May 2005

Previous studies have showed that immunization with peptides from Ro 60 results in Sjögren's syndrome (SS)‐like condition in BALB/c mice. We hypothesized that oral feeding with Ro 60 peptide or Ro 60 would prevent the disease. Four groups (each consisting of 10) of BALB/c mice were used. Group I–III were immunized with Ro 274 peptide. Group IV mice were administered adjuvant only. Group II mice were fed orally with Ro 274 peptide and Group III with Ro 60 for 5 days before immunization. There was a significant reduction in the binding of sera from both Group II and Group III mice to most of the Ro multiple antigenic peptides bound by Group I mice. In Group III mice, salivary flow was maintained above that of the Group I mice (average: 117.5 versus 58.6 µl; t = 2.7; P = 0.02). Salivary infiltrates were drastically decreased in the Ro peptide or Ro 60‐fed groups, compared to non‐tolerized group. Two of eight mice in Group II and 3/6 mice in Group III had no infiltrates, whereas all eight mice studied in Group I had a significant number of infiltrates. Thus, epitope spreading was prevented, lymphocytic infiltration was blocked and saliva flow was restored by means of oral feeding of either Ro 274 or Ro 60 in this animal model of SS.
The Pathophysiology of Acute Graft‐Versus‐Host Disease
Authors: Jaksch M. , Mattsson J.
Published: May 2005

Despite improvements in allogeneic stem cell transplantation, acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) remains a significant problem after transplantation, and it is still a major cause of post‐transplant mortality. Disease progression is characterized by the differentiation of alloreactive T cells to effector cells leading to tissue damage, recruitment of additional inflammatory cell populations and further cytokine dysregulation. To make the complex process of acute GVHD more explicit, the pathophysiology of acute GVHD is often divided into three different phases. This review summarizes the mechanisms involved in the three phases of acute GVHD.
Relationship between Rainfall andNeospora caninum‐associated Abortion in Two Dairy Herds in a Dry Environment
Authors: López‐Gatius F. , García‐Ispierto I. , Santolaria P. , Yániz J. L. , López‐Béjar M. , Nogareda C. , AlmerÍa S.
Published: May 2005

The possible direct relationship between climate variations and abortion inNeospora caninum‐infected cows has not been studied. The objective of this study was to determine whether climate changes could be a risk factor for abortion inN. caninum‐infected cows, and was based on yearly serological screening for neosporosis and on the confirmation ofN. caninuminfection on aborted fetuses in two high‐producing dairy herds with a mean 27% seroprevalence ofN. caninumantibodies. The final population study was comprised of 357 pregnancies in seropositive animals. Logistic regression analysis indicated no significant effects of herd,N. caninumantibody titre, climate variables during the first and third trimesters of gestation, mean and maximum temperature–humidity index values during the second trimester of gestation, and previous abortion on the abortion rate. Based on the odds ratio, a 1‐unit increase in lactation number yielded a 0.85‐fold decrease in the abortion rate. The likelihood of abortion was 1.9 times (1/0.54) lower for pregnant cows inseminated with beef bull semen compared with Holstein‐Friesian bull semen. The likelihood of abortion decreased significant and progressively by factors of 0.5, 0.41 and 0.3 for the respective classes 40–49, 30–39 and <30 rainfall mm during the second trimester of gestation (using the class ≥60 rainfall mm as reference). As a general conclusion, it seems that increased rainfall in a dry environment can compromise the success of gestation inN. caninum‐infected cows. Attempts should therefore be made to reduce environment effects during the second trimester of gestation, a period in which the immune response of cows is diminished.
A Novel Subgroup among Genotypes of Equine Arteritis Virus: Genetic Comparison of 40 Strains
Authors: Hornyák Á. , Bakonyi T. , Tekes G. , Szeredi L. , Rusvai M.
Published: May 2005

The authors determined partial nucleic sequences of the variable regions of open‐reading frame (ORF5) from 151 nucleotide to 668 nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of 518 nucleotide respectively of 20 equine arteritis virus (EAV) isolates. About 19 Hungarian and one Austrian EAV strains were subjected to sequence analysis, the further data of 20 EAV strains: six North American and 14 European were obtained from the GenBank. Comparative sequence analysis of the Hungarian EAV strains indicated that among the three variable regions the first has been affected mostly by point mutations. Genetic comparison of the Hungarian strains with other EAV isolates from western Europe and North America (including the Bucyrus reference strain) has been performed on the aforementioned genome region. Besides the already known genetic subgroups of EAV; phylogenetic analysis revealed a novel subgroup comprising mainly Hungarian strains. Compared with the Bucyrus virus, the overall sequence divergencies of the examined Hungarian strains ranged from 81.47 to 90.73% at nucleotide and from 84.88 to 91.86% at amino acid level. Epizootiological studies have shown that the significant part of the EAV strains having been existed in Hungary before and in 2000 belong to this unique cluster (II.D) which was not indicated in former phylogenetic studies. After 2000 new EAV strains emerged in Hungary, one of them causing abortions or neonatal death. The previously dominant ‘Hungarian’ EAV genotypes were replaced by these new strains belonging to North American and European subgroups (I.A, I.B, II.A, II.B). The anamnesis of these cases revealed connections with persistent virus shedder stallions, those were imported to the country after 2000 or have been infected abroad. One of these Hungarian stallions became the source of abortion storms in Hungarian studs.
Investigations into the Basis of Chloramphenicol and Tetracycline Resistance in Staphylococcus intermedius Isolates from Cases of Pyoderma in Dogs
Authors: Kim T. J. , Na Y. R. , Lee J. I.
Published: May 2005

A total of 160 Staphylococcus intermedius isolates were recovered from cases of pyoderma in 2002 and were examined for susceptibility to 13 different antimicrobial agents. Ninety per cent (144) of the isolates were resistant to tetracycline, derivatives of which have been used until recently, and 18% (29) were resistant to chloramphenicol which was banned from use 13 years ago. The presence of genes encoding chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) and tetracycline resistance (tet); tet(K), (L), (M), and (O) were determined by PCR in the 29 chloramphenicol and tetracycline resistant isolates. Seventeen (59%) isolates contained the cat gene while 12 (41%) isolates did not carry the cat gene, implying there may be other genes for chloramphenicol resistance that were not detected by the primers (primer set 1) used in this study. The tet(M) gene was found in 28 (97%) of the resistant S. intermedius isolates, but none contained the tet(O) gene. All 29 isolates carried one or two tet genes; tet(K), (L), and (M), with four different distribution patterns. New PCR products, a 1.1 kb product using primer set 1 and a 0.2 kb product using primer set 2, were cloned and sequenced. A 904 bp fragment of S. aureus plamid pS194, including sequence from the streptomycin adenyltransferase gene (804 bp), was found inserted into the terminal region of the cat gene (GenBank accession no. AY604739), whilst the sequence of 0.2 kb was previously unpublished.
Direct comparison of repeated same‐day self and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring
Authors: CARNEY SHANE , GILLIES ALASTAIR , GARVEY LEANNE , SMITH ANTHONY
Published: May 2005

Background and Aim:  The relative roles of self and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (self BPM, ABPM, respectively) have yet to be clearly defined despite accumulating evidence of self BPM benefits, particularly in hypertension management. In particular, measurements comparable to ABPM have been documented with self‐measurement, usually twice daily over one or more days. Nevertheless, ABPM offers a series of recordings performed throughout the day that can be invaluable during drug treatment. Consequently, this study evaluated 18 normotensive and 79 hypertensive patients, including 21 not taking hypotensive agents, and measured their blood pressure at least every 2 h while they were also undergoing ABPM.

Methods and Results:  Self‐measurement was performed between five and 12 times during the day with 77% of subjects preferring self BPM rather than daytime ABPM. When compared with the closest ABP measurement, mean systolic and diastolic pressures were not significantly different throughout the day in both normotensive and hypertensive patients. However, a comparison of a series of ABPM hourly averages (three readings performed closest to the respective self BPM reading) throughout the day in all hypertensive subjects found ABPM readings to be slightly but significantly lower (3.3 systolic, 2.2 mmHg diastolic; P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  It is concluded that multiple self‐measurements throughout the day provides comparable information to daytime ABPM, is preferred by most patients, and should be a cost‐effective alternative in the diagnosis and management of hypertension.
The termite (Isoptera) fauna of a monsoonal rainforest near Darwin, northern Australia
Authors: Dawes‐Gromadzki Tracy Z
Published: May 2005

Abstract  Termite species richness, frequency of occurrence and functional diversity at Holmes Jungle Nature Reserve, a monsoon rainforest patch in northern Australia, was investigated at the end of the wet season in 2003. A sampling protocol that employed direct search, soil pits and baiting techniques was used to sample litter, wood, mound, soil and arboreal nest microhabitats for termites. Five species from five genera and three families (Mastotermitidae, Rhinotermitidae and Termitidae) were recorded. This included the first record of Ephelotermes taylori (Hill) from monsoon forest in Australia. The family Termitidae was dominant and represented 70% of termite occurrences. Termites were most frequently encountered in carton runways on tree trunks, followed by lying dead wood and baits. Four nesting habits were represented: arboreal, epigeal, hypogeal and within wood. The arboreal nest‐builder Nasutitermes graveolus (Hill) accounted for 61% of termite encounters. Epigeal mound‐building species were rare. Wood‐feeders were the only trophic group represented. Relatively high activity of Mastotermes darwiniensis Froggatt was recorded at baits within 2.5 months. The low species richness recorded at Holmes Jungle is consistent with the low diversity reported for Australian rainforests generally, but remains relatively depauperate compared with other monsoon forest and savanna habitats of the Northern Territory.
Stresses in ion‐exchange layers of soda‐lime‐silicate glass
Authors: FETT T. , GUIN J. P. , WIEDERHORN S. M.
Published: May 2005

This paper presents a new method to determine both the magnitude and the sign of the surface stresses that develop as a consequence of sodium/hydrogen ion exchange in soda‐lime‐silicate glass immersed in water. At 90 °C, very thin layers that develop at the surfaces of polished glass specimens are found to have extremely high compressive stresses, −2.4 GPa. The negative sign of the stress is consistent with earlier findings that the ion‐exchange process involves hydronium ions (H3O+) and not bare protons (H+).
MONEY IS PRIVACY*
Authors: Kahn Charles M. , McAndrews James , Roberds William
Published: May 2005

An extensive literature in monetary theory has emphasized the role of money as a record‐keeping device. Money assumes this role in situations where using credit would be too costly, and some might argue that this role will diminish as the cost of information and thus the cost of credit‐based transactions continues to fall. In this article we investigate another use for money, the provision of privacy. That is, a money purchase does not identify the purchaser, whereas a credit purchase does. In a simple trading economy with moral hazard, we compare the efficiency of money and credit, and find that money may be useful even when information is free.
Expression ofHoxa‐11andHoxa‐13in the pectoral fin of a basal ray‐finned fish,Polyodon spathula: implications for the origin of tetrapod limbs
Authors: Metscher Brian D. , Takahashi Kazuhiko , Crow Karen , Amemiya Chris , Nonaka Daisuke F. , Wagner Günter P.
Published: May 2005

SummaryPaleontological and anatomical evidence suggests that the autopodium (hand or foot) is a novel feature that distinguishes limbs from fins, while the upper and lower limb (stylopod and zeugopod) are homologous to parts of the sarcopterygian paired fins. In tetrapod limb developmentHoxa‐11plays a key role in differentiating the lower limb andHoxa‐13plays a key role in differentiating the autopodium. It is thus important to determine the ancestral functions of these genes in order to understand the developmental genetic changes that led to the origin of the tetrapod autopodium. In particular it is important to understand which features of gene expression are derived in tetrapods and which are ancestral in bony fishes. To address these questions we cloned and sequenced theHoxa‐11andHoxa‐13genes from the North American paddlefish,Polyodon spathula, a basal ray‐finned fish that has a pectoral fin morphology resembling that of primitive bony fishes ancestral to the tetrapod lineage. Sequence analysis of these genes shows that they are not orthologous to the duplicated zebrafish and fugu genes. This implies that the paddlefish has not duplicated its HoxA cluster, unlike zebrafish and fugu. The expression ofHoxa‐11andHoxa‐13in the pectoral fins shows two main phases: an early phase in whichHoxa‐11is expressed proximally andHoxa‐13is expressed distally, and a later phase in whichHoxa‐11andHoxa‐13broadly overlap in the distal mesenchyme of the fin bud but are absent in the proximal fin bud. Hence the distal polarity ofHoxa‐13expression seen in tetrapods is likely to be an ancestral feature of paired appendage development. The main difference in HoxA gene expression between fin and limb development is that in tetrapods (with the exception of newts)Hoxa‐11expression is suppressed byHoxa‐13in the distal limb bud mesenchyme. There is, however, a short period of limb bud development whereHoxa‐11andHoxa‐13overlap similarly to the late expression seen in zebrafish and paddlefish. We conclude that the early expression pattern in tetrapods is similar to that seen in late fin development and that the local exclusion byHoxa‐13ofHoxa‐11from the distal limb bud is a derived feature of limb developmental regulation.
Developmental instability of the Drosophila wing as an index of genomic perturbation and altered cell proliferation
Authors: Trotta Vincenzo , Garoia Flavio , Guerra Daniela , Pezzoli Maria Cristina , Grifoni Daniela , Cavicchi Sandro
Published: May 2005

Summary
We experimentally induced different levels of instability affecting the development of specific wing regions of Drosophila melanogaster using the UAS–GAL4 system. A common index of developmental instability is fluctuating asymmetry (FA), that is, random differences between body sides of single individuals. We studied the FA in transgenic strains carrying random genomic insertions (UAS strains), as well as insertions in the regulatory region of genes involved in the organization of wing development (GAL4 strains). In addition, the expression of genes that increase (dp110 and 3622) or decrease (dPTEN) cell proliferation was ectopically induced. Our results are related to different levels of perturbation. Through the first kind of perturbation, genome integrity was compromised by the insertion of foreign DNA. In all cases, we observed a general increase in FA, although it was rarely found significant. The second kind of perturbation involved a modification of genes controlling wing development through the insertion of a GAL4 sequence in their promoter region. The third kind involved the ectopic expression of genes controlling cell proliferation. Our results show that (i) the level of FA is connected with the level of morphological perturbation induced, (ii) FA increase was higher in the wing regions that were the target of the genetic perturbation, and (iii) developmental instability was also observed in regions that were not directly addressed by the perturbation. The results were discussed on the basis of the running models about Drosophila wing development.
Heterochrony and geometric morphometrics: a comparison of cranial growth in Pan paniscus versus Pan troglodytes
Authors: Mitteroecker Philipp , Gunz Philipp , Bookstein Fred L.
Published: May 2005

Summary
Heterochrony, the classic framework in which to study ontogeny and phylogeny, in essence relies on a univariate concept of shape. Though principal component (PC) plots of multivariate shape data seem to resemble classical bivariate allometric plots, the language of heterochrony cannot be translated directly into general multivariate methodology. We simulate idealized multivariate ontogenetic trajectories and explore their appearance in PC plots of shape space and size–shape space. Only if the trajectories of two related species lie along exactly the same path in shape space can the classic terminology of heterochrony apply and pure dissociation of size change against shape change be detected. Regional heterochrony—the variation of apparent heterochrony by region—implies a dissociation of local growth fields and cannot be identified in an overall PC analysis. We exemplify a geometric morphometric approach to these issues using adult and subadult crania of 48 Pan paniscus and 47 Pan troglodytes specimens. On each specimen, we digitized 47 landmarks and 144 semilandmarks on facial curves and the external neurocranial surface. We reject the hypothesis of global heterochrony in the cranium of Pan as well as regional heterochrony for the lower face, the upper face, and the neurocranium.
Children and adults with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia have similar gene expression profiles
Authors: Kuchinskaya E. , Heyman M. , Grandér D. , Linderholm M. , Söderhäll S. , Zaritskey A. , Nordgren A. , Porwit‐MacDonald A. , Zueva E. , Pawitan Y. , Corcoran M. , Nordenskjöld M. , Blennow E.
Published: May 2005

Abstract:  Objectives: To compare the gene expression pattern in children and adults with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in order to improve our understanding of the difference in disease biology and prognosis. Methods: The gene expression profiles in diagnostic samples from 29 children and 15 adults with ALL were analysed using the oligonucleotide chip Hu95ver2a, produced by Affymetrix. Results: Unsupervised hierarchical cluster analysis revealed that, in spite of differences in outcome, patients clustered irrespective of age, first by T‐cell or B‐precursor immunophenotype, and second by cytogenetic changes within the B‐precursor group. The expression pattern analysis allowed the reclassification of some samples into the proper cytogenetic group. We also showed that separate clustering of samples with the BCR/ABL translocation could be explained by different breakpoint regions in the BCR. No significant difference in gene expression was observed between samples with and without CDKN2A deletion within the B‐precursor group. Analysis of different age groups revealed a similarity in expression profiles when infants with the MLL translocation and adults over 40 yr of age were compared irrespective of karyotype. Conclusions: In spite of the difference in clinical outcome, the gene expression pattern in children and adults with ALL is very similar and is primarily dependent on immunophenotype and cytogenetic aberrations. However, when age groups are compared, the expression patterns of infants and adults over 40 show a remarkable similarity.
Dialysate concentration and pharmacokinetics of 2F‐Ara‐A in a patient with acute renal failure
Authors: Kielstein Jan T. , Stadler Michael , Czock David , Keller Frieder , Hertenstein Bernd , Radermacher Jörg
Published: May 2005

Abstract:  Fludarabine is frequently used for treatment of B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia and in conditioning regimes for hematopoietic cell transplantations. The total body clearance of the principal metabolite 2‐fluoro‐ara‐A (2F‐Ara‐A) correlates with the creatinine clearance. We report data on total dialysate concentration as well as pharmacokinetics of 2F‐Ara‐A in a patient with anuric acute renal failure. On three consecutive days the patient received a daily dose of 80 mg (40 mg/m2) fludarabine and underwent three consecutive extended (daily) dialysis (ED) sessions. ED removed a considerable amount of the drug. The average dialysis clearance was 33.85 ml/min which is about 25% of the clearance in patients without renal failure. No toxic side effects of the treatment were observed. This case suggests that fludarabine treatment can be considered in patients requiring dialysis if dose reduction and adequate removal of the drug by hemodialysis is provided.
Use of Health Professionals for Obstetric Care in Northern Ghana
Authors: Mills Samuel , Bertrand Jane T.
Published: May 2005

This study explores the role of access versus traditional beliefs in the decision to seek obstetric care from health professionals. Eighteen purposively sampled homogenous groups in Kassena‐Nankana District of northern Ghana participated in focus‐group discussions about traditional beliefs, barriers to the use of health professionals, and ways to improve obstetric care. All the groups were knowledgeable about the life‐threatening signs and symptoms of complications of pregnancy and labor. Decisions about place of delivery generally were made after the onset of labor. Accessibility factors (cost, distance, transport, availability of health facilities, and nurses' attitudes) were major barriers, whereas traditional beliefs were reported as less significant. Informants made pertinent recommendations on how to improve obstetric services in the district. These findings demonstrate that even in this district, where African traditional religion is practiced by a third of the population, compared with a national average of 4 percent, lack of access was perceived as the main barrier to seeking professional obstetric care.
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: Ellsberg Mary
Published: May 2005

Stephen J. Morewitz, Domestic Violence and Maternal and Child Health
Computing with thalamocortical ensembles during different behavioural states
Authors: Nicolelis Miguel A. L.
Published: May 2005

A series of recent studies have indicated that ensembles of neurones, distributed within the neural structures that form the primary thalamocortical loop (TCL) of the trigeminal component of the rat somatosensory system, change the way they respond to similar tactile stimuli, according to both the behavioural strategy employed by animals to gather information and the animal's internal brain states. These findings suggest that top‐down influences, which are more likely to play a role during active discrimination than during passive whisker stimulation, may alter the pattern of neuronal firing within both the distinct layers of the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and the ventral posterior medial nucleus (VPM). We propose that through this physiological process, which involves concurrent dynamic modulations at both cellular and circuit levels in the TCL, rats can either optimize the detection of novel or hard to sense stimuli or they can analyse complex patterns of multiwhisker stimulation, during natural exploration of their surrounding environment.
Medullary serotonergic neurones modulate the ventilatory response to hypercapnia, but not hypoxia in conscious rats
Authors: Taylor Natalie C. , Li Aihua , Nattie Eugene E.
Published: May 2005

Serotonergic neurones in the mammalian medullary raphe region (MRR) have been implicated in central chemoreception and the modulation of the ventilatory response to hypercapnia, and may also be involved in the ventilatory response to hypoxia. In this study, we ask whether ventilatory responses across arousal states are affected when the 5‐hydroxytryptamine 1A receptor (5‐HT1A) agonist (R)‐(+)‐8‐hydroxy‐2(di‐n‐propylamino)tetralin (DPAT) is microdialysed into the MRR of the unanaesthetized adult rat. Microdialysis of 1, 10 and 30 mm DPAT into the MRR significantly decreased absolute ventilation values during 7% CO2 breathing by 21%, 19% and 30%, respectively, in wakefulness compared to artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) microdialysis, due to decreases in tidal volume (VT) and not in frequency (f), similar to what occurred during non‐rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. The concentration‐dependence of the hypercapnic ventilatory effect might be due to differences in tissue distribution of DPAT. DPAT (30 mm) changed room air breathing pattern by increasing f and decreasing VT. As evidenced by a sham control group, repeated experimentation and microdialysis of aCSF alone had no effect on the ventilatory response to 7% CO2 during wakefulness or sleep. Unlike during hypercapnia, microdialysis of 30 mm DPAT into the MRR did not change the ventilatory response to 10% O2. Additionally, 10 and 30 mm DPAT MRR microdialysis decreased body temperature, and 30 mm DPAT increased the percentage of experimental time in wakefulness. We conclude that serotonergic activity in the MRR plays a role in the ventilatory response to hypercapnia, but not to hypoxia, and that MRR 5‐HT1A receptors are also involved in thermoregulation and arousal.
Maternal nutrient deprivation induces sex‐specific changes in thyroid hormone receptor and deiodinase expression in the fetal guinea pig brain
Authors: Chan Shiao Y. , Andrews Marcus H. , Lingas Rania , McCabe Chris J. , Franklyn Jayne A. , Kilby Mark D. , Matthews Stephen G.
Published: May 2005

Thyroid hormone deprivation during fetal life has been implicated in neurodevelopmental morbidity. In humans, poor growth in utero is also associated with fetal hypothyroxinaemia. In guinea pigs, a short period (48 h) of maternal nutrient deprivation at gestational day (gd) 50 results in fetuses with hypothyroxinaemia and increased brain/body weight ratios. Thyroid hormone action is mediated by nuclear thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) and is dependent upon the prereceptor regulation of supply of triiodothyronine (T3) by deiodinase enzymes. Examination of fetal guinea pig brains using in situ hybridization demonstrated widespread expression of mRNAs encoding TRα1, α2 and β1, with regional colocalization of deiodinase type 2 (D2) mRNA in the developing forebrain, limbic structures, brainstem and cerebellum at gd52. With maternal nutrient deprivation, TRα1 and β1 mRNA expression was significantly increased in the male, but decreased in the female fetal hippocampus and cerebellum and other areas showing high TR expression under euthyroid conditions. Maternal nutrient deprivation resulted in elevated D2 mRNA expression in males and females. Deiodinase type 3 (D3) mRNA expression was confined to the shell of the nucleus accumbens, the posterior amygdalohippocampal area, brainstem and cerebellum, and did not change with maternal nutrient deprivation. In conclusion, maternal nutrient deprivation resulted in sex‐specific changes in TR mRNA expression and a generalized increase in D2 mRNAs within the fetal brain. These changes may represent a protective mechanism to maintain appropriate thyroid hormone action in the face of fetal hypothyroxinaemia in order to optimize brain development.
Mechanisms underlying the early phase of spike frequency adaptation in mouse spinal motoneurones
Authors: Miles G. B. , Dai Y. , Brownstone R. M.
Published: May 2005

Spike frequency adaptation (SFA) is a fundamental property of repetitive firing in motoneurones (MNs). Early SFA (occurring over several hundred milliseconds) is thought to be important in the initiation of muscular contraction. To date the mechanisms underlying SFA in spinal MNs remain unclear. In the present study, we used both whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings of MNs in lumbar spinal cord slices prepared from motor functionally mature mice and computer modelling of spinal MNs to investigate the mechanisms underlying SFA. Pharmacological blocking agents applied during whole‐cell recordings in current‐clamp mode demonstrated that the medium AHP conductance (apamin), BK‐type Ca2+‐dependent K+ channels (iberiotoxin), voltage‐activated Ca2+ channels (CdCl2), M‐current (linopirdine) and persistent Na+ currents (riluzole) are all unnecessary for SFA. Measurements of Na+ channel availability including action potential amplitude, action potential threshold and maximum depolarization rate of the action potential were found to correlate with instantaneous firing frequency suggesting that the availability of fast, inactivating Na+ channels is involved in SFA. Characterization of this Na+ conductance in voltage‐clamp mode demonstrated that it undergoes slow inactivation with a time course similar to that of SFA. When experimentally measured parameters for the fast, inactivating Na+ conductance (including slow inactivation) were incorporated into a MN model, SFA could be faithfully reproduced. The removal of slow inactivation from this model was sufficient to remove SFA. These data indicate that slow inactivation of the fast, inactivating Na+ conductance is likely to be the key mechanism underlying early SFA in spinal MNs.