bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Latitudinal and intracolony ITS‐rDNA sequence variation in the symbiotic dinoflagellate genus Symbiodinium (Dinophyceae) in Zoanthus sansibaricus (Anthozoa: Hexacorallia)
Authors: Reimer James D. , Takishita Kiyotaka , Ono Shusuke , Maruyama Tadashi , Tsukahara Junzo
Published: July 2006

We sequenced the internal transcribed spacer of ribosomal DNA (ITS‐rDNA) of Symbiodinium spp. (Freudenthal) from conspecific Zoanthus sansibaricus (Carlgren) colonies along a latitudinal gradient in Japan. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that Zoanthus in the two northern sites of Kokubu and Sakurajima harbor exclusively Symbiodinium subclade C1, whereas Yakushima Zoanthus harbors Symbiodinium subclades C1 and C15, and southernmost Amami Zoanthus Symbiodinium subclades A1 and C1, indicating holobiont flexibility. Individual Zoanthus colonies associated exclusively with one single subclade, but unexpectedly there was small variation between Symbiodinium ITS‐rDNA clone sequences obtained from within individual Zoanthus colonies. There was also a large deletion in the ITS‐2/28S rDNA boundary region in one clone sequence, and another large deletion in the 5.8S rDNA region in another clone. Our intracolony sequence heterogeneity might be a result of the presence of multiple copies of the ITS‐rDNA region within individual Symbiodinium genomes, or result from the possible presence of closely related Symbiodinium genotypes in the host.
Interactive influences of fire intensity and vertical distribution of seed banks on post‐fire recolonization of a tall‐tussock grassland in Argentina
Authors: LATERRA PEDRO , ORTEGA ELIZABETH Z. , DEL CARMEN OCHOA MARÍA , VIGNOLIO OSVALDO R. , FERNÁNDEZ OSVALDO N.
Published: July 2006

Abstract  Recolonization patterns of a tall‐tussock grassland differ between low‐frequency and high‐intensity fires. A series of laboratory and field experiments were performed on the seed bank and on seeds of the main colonizing species (Carduus acanthoides, Cirsium vulgare, Lotus glaber) to determine and compare the effects of fire frequency and fire intensity on their recolonization potential. Seed‐bank size of colonizing species did not show a significant variation with contrasting fire frequencies, so overall interval‐dependent effects do not seem to affect their propagule pool at the time of fire. However, frequency of fire modified the proportion of viable seeds and their dormancy state according to species. Accumulated emergence from experimentally buried soft‐seeds of Lotus was lower after high‐intensity fires (following wind direction) than after back‐fires (against wind direction), but no significant effects of fire‐front direction on seedling emergence were observed for hard‐seeds of Lotus nor Carduus and Cirsium. Seedling emergence from buried seeds of Cirsium was increased with doubling fuel loads, particularly from deepen soil layers, where Cirsium had most of their viable seeds after a low frequency of fire. Emergence from hard‐seeds of Lotus was less promoted than Cirsium by doubling fuel loads, and according to analysis of excavated seedlings, it was completely inhibited from upper soil layers of the seed bank. Integration of species‐specific and burial depth‐specific responses of Cirsium and Lotus seeds according to fuel load, vertical distribution of the seed banks, seed dormant states and mean emergence depths, resulted in expected emergence values which agree with their previously observed patterns of recolonization. Thus, event‐dependent mechanisms had a better predictive value on recolonization success of the studied species than the observed cumulative effects of fire history on their seed‐bank size.
Date of breeding of the starling Sturnus vulgaris in New Zealand is related to El Niño Southern Oscillation
Authors: TRYJANOWSKI PIOTR , FLUX JOHN E. C. , SPARKS TIM H.
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  Weather and climatic conditions may impact on the timing of breeding in birds. We examined changes in the laying date of the starling Sturnus vulgaris at Lower Hutt, New Zealand in the period 1970–2003 and investigated possible relationships with the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Laying dates (expressed both as first and modal dates for the local population) were significantly delayed over the study period, i.e. starlings tended to lay later. The timing of breeding was non‐linearly related to ENSO, with early laying associated with both low and high values of ENSO. We suggest that changes in laying dates varied with food availability, which fluctuated according to climatic events.
Effects of fire on the structure and composition of open eucalypt forests
Authors: SPENCER RICKY‐JOHN , BAXTER GREGORY S.
Published: July 2006

Abstract  Fires are integral to the healthy functioning of most ecosystems and are often poorly understood in policy and management, however, the relationship between floristic composition and habitat structure is intrinsically linked, particularly after fire. The aim of this study was to test whether the variability of habitat structure or floristic composition and abundance in forests at a regional scale can be explained in terms of fire frequency using historical data and experimental prescribed burns. We tested this hypothesis in open eucalypt forests of Fraser Island off the east coast of Australia. Fraser Island dunes show progressive stages in plant succession as access to nutrients decreases across the Island. We found that fire frequency was not a good predictor of floristic composition or abundance across dune systems; rather, its affects were dune specific. In contrast, habitat structure was strongly influenced by fire frequency, independent of dune system. A dense understorey occurred in frequently burnt areas, whereas infrequently burnt areas had a more even distribution of plant heights. Plant communities returned to pre‐burn levels of composition and abundances within 6 months of a fire and frequently burnt areas were dominated by early successional species of plant. These ecosystems were characterized by low diversity and frequently burnt areas on the east coast were dominated by Pteridium. Greater midstorey canopy cover in low frequency areas reduces light penetration and allows other species to compete more effectively with Pteridium. Our results strongly indicate that frequent fires on the Island have resulted in a decrease in relative diversity through dominance of several species. Prescribed fire represents a powerful management tool to shape habitat structure and complexity of Fraser Island forests.
On the Comovement of Commodity Prices
Authors: Ai Chunrong , Chatrath Arjun , Song Frank
Published: July 2006

We present strong evidence against the excess‐comovement hypothesis—that the prices of commodities move together beyond what can be explained by fundamentals. Prior studies employ broad macroeconomic indicators to explain common price movements, and potentially correlated fundamentals are not controlled for. We use inventory and harvest data to fit a partial equilibrium model that more effectively captures the variation in individual prices. The model explains the majority of the comovements among commodities with high price correlation, and all of the comovements among those with marginal price correlation. Common movements in supply factors appear to play an important role in the observed comovements in commodity prices.
Oligopsony Power, Asset Specificity, and Hold‐Up: Evidence from the Broiler Industry
Authors: Vukina Tomislav , Leegomonchai Porametr
Published: July 2006

In this article we look for empirical evidence of hold‐up in broiler industry production contracts by using the cross‐sectional national survey of broiler growers. First, we focus on the problem of under‐investment and hypothesize that the degree of agent's (grower's) under‐investment systematically depends on the principal's (integrator's) market power and the level of asset specificity. Second, we provide an indirect test of hold‐up by looking at the grower contract payoffs as a function of the frequency of the housing facilities upgrade requests and the principal's market power. The results show moderate empirical support for the presence of hold‐up.
Economics of Environmental Management in a Spatially Heterogeneous River Basin
Authors: Watanabe Michio , Adams Richard M. , Wu Junjie
Published: July 2006

This article examines the allocative efficiency of water quality management activities to protect endangered salmonid species in a heterogeneous watershed in the Pacific Northwest. Using an integrated hydrological, biological, and economic modeling framework, the relative efficiency of alternative policy targets such as temperature reductions and enhanced fish populations is investigated. Results indicate that the heterogeneous nature of riparian conditions and stream morphology influence the choice of management activities. Localized effects of management efforts on temperature are important to achieve small temperature reductions. However, as the desired magnitude of temperature reductions increases, the cumulative (longitudinal) effects become more important, and management efforts in more distant reaches are more efficient than efforts nearer the point of monitoring. Finally, if the underlying objective is to increase fish populations, targeting conservation efforts based on physical criteria such as water temperatures or other total maximum daily load regulations may lead to substantial inefficiencies.
Alexithymia in Parkinson's disease is related to severity of depressive symptoms
Authors: Costa A. , Peppe A. , Carlesimo G. A. , Pasqualetti P. , Caltagirone C.
Published: July 2006

The authors investigated the possible relationship between depression and alexithymia in a population of hospitalized patients suffering from Parkinson's disease (PD). Fifty‐eight PD patients without dementia participated in the study. Alexithymia was screened using the 20 item version of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS 20). Depression was diagnosed using a Structured Clinical Interview (SCID I) for DSM‐IV. Severity of depression was evaluated with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The prevalence of Alexithymia was about 21%. PD patients with major depression were significantly more alexithymic (TAS 20 average score = 61.4) than PD patients without depression (TAS 20 average score = 47.4) and, also, tended to be more alexithymic than PD patients with minor depression (MiD; TAS 20 average score =50.6), whereas no difference was found between PD patients with MiD and PD patients without depression. Moreover, high scores obtained on the BDI were found to strongly predict high level of alexithymia in these patients. These results extend to a cohort of PD patients previous data from the literature evidencing a strong association between alexithymia and severity of depressive symptoms.
Cerebral hemiatrophy with superficial siderosis and PLEDs due to a germ cell tumor of the basal ganglia
Authors: Kumar N. , Kotagal S. , Parisi J. E. , Westmoreland B. F.
Published: July 2006

The diagnosis of basal ganglia germ cell tumors may be delayed due to slow progression and minimal early changes on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The cystic nature of some tumors may lead to non‐diagnostic biopsies. We describe the clinical, imaging, laboratory, and postmortem findings of a basal ganglia germ cell tumor in a 19‐year‐old man. Clues to an early antemortem diagnosis based on MRI findings and determination of tumor markers are discussed. An early diagnosis and accurate characterization of basal ganglia germ cell tumors is essential for optimal therapy. The presence of cerebral hemiatrophy and hemorrhagic or cystic components is suggestive. Measurement of serum and cerebrospinal fluid markers such as human chorionic gonadotropin may suggest the diagnosis.
Novel primers for detection and quantification of Myxococcus species in situ
Authors: MARTIN K. J. , BULL C. T.
Published: July 2006

A nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol using unique primers was developed to detect and quantify Myxococcus species from environmental samples. The protocol amplified most species of Myxococcus when 10 pg of DNA representing 1000 cells was present, although over half were amplified with as little as 0.1 pg (10 cells). The protocol did not amplify other myxobacterial species, members of the δ‐proteobacteria or other unrelated organisms tested at significantly higher concentrations of DNA. The primers were also used in quantitative PCRs, which accurately estimated the population levels in soil.
Isolation of microsatellite DNA and analysis on genetic diversity of endangered fish, Hucho taimen (Pallas)
Authors: TONG GUANGXIANG , KUANG YOUYI , YIN JIASHENG , LIANG LIQUN , SUN XIAOWEN
Published: July 2006

Hucho taimen (Pallas) is an endangered species in China. To evaluate the species’ genetic diversity and population genetic structure, we isolated six polymorphic microsatellite markers from its genomic libraries by (ACA)16 enriched, and characterized using 61 wild individuals. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to seven, expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.3200 to 0.7410, polymorphism information content ranged from 0.3047 to 0.6896. These markers will be useful for the genetic variation assessment of taimen.
Isolation and characterization of eight compound microsatellite markers in a mangrove tree Kandelia candel (L.) Druce
Authors: ISLAM M. S. , TAO J. M. , GENG Q. F. , LIAN C. L. , HOGETSU T.
Published: July 2006

Kandelia candel is an important mangrove tree species of family Rhizophoraceae. Here we isolated eight codominant compound microsatellite simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci from K. candel. Our isolated loci provided compound SSR markers with polymorphism of three to 11 alleles per locus. The expected and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.230 to 0.887 and from 0.083 to 1.00, respectively. These markers would be the useful tools for analysing questions concerning population genetic structure and mating system of K. candel.
Characterization of 20 microsatellite marker loci in Coquerel's sifaka (Propithecus coquereli)
Authors: RAKOTOARISOA GILBERT , SHORE GARY , MCGUIRE SUSIE , ENGBERG SHANNON , LOUIS EDWARD , BRENNEMAN RICK
Published: July 2006

The Coquerel's sifaka (Propithecus coquereli) is one of the species of Propithecus, living in the dry forest of northwest Madagascar. This species is endangered due to the loss and fragmentation of its natural habitat, consequential of deforestation. Twenty nuclear microsatellite loci were isolated from genomic DNA derived from a free ranging Coquerel's sifaka from the Mariarano Classified Forest, Madagascar. Population genetic parameters were estimated as baseline values from samples collected in that forest.
Treatment for ADHD: Is More Complex Treatment Cost‐Effective for More Complex Cases?
Authors: Foster E. Michael , Jensen Peter S. , Schlander Michael , Pelham William E. , Hechtman Lily , Arnold L. Eugene , Swanson James M. , Wigal Timothy
Published: July 2006

Objective.To determine the cost‐effectiveness of three alternative high‐quality treatments for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) relative to community care (CC) and to determine whether cost‐effectiveness varies with the presence of comorbid disorders.

Data Sources/Collection.The study included 579 children ages 7–9.9 with diagnosed ADHD at six sites. Data for the study were distilled from administrative data and from interviews with parents, including estimates of the child's functional impairment. These analyses focus on changes in functional impairment over 14 months.

Study Design.The study involved a large clinical trial that randomized participants to one of four arms: routine CC, intensive medication management (MedMgt), multicomponent behavioral treatment, and a combination of behavioral treatment and medication.

Principal Findings.We assessed the cost‐effectiveness of the alternatives using costs measured from a payer perspective. The preferred cost‐effective treatment varies as a function of the child's comorbidity and of the policy maker's willingness to pay. For pure (no comorbidity) ADHD, high‐quality MedMgt appears likely to be cost‐effective at all levels of willingness to pay. In contrast, for some comorbid conditions, willingness to pay is critical: the policy maker with low willingness to pay likely will judge MedMgt most cost‐effective. On the other hand, a policy maker willing to pay more now in expectation of future costs savings (involving, for example, juvenile justice), will recognize that the most cost‐effective choice for comorbid conditions likely involves behavior therapy, with or without medication.

Conclusions:Analyses of costs and effectiveness of treatment for ADHD must consider the role of comorbidities.
Revisiting the Relationship between Managed Care and Hospital Consolidation
Authors: Town Robert J. , Wholey Douglas , Feldman Roger , Burns Lawton R.
Published: July 2006

Objective. This paper analyzes whether the rise in managed care during the 1990s caused the increase in hospital concentration.

Data Sources. We assemble data from the American Hospital Association, InterStudy and government censuses from 1990 to 2000.

Study Design. We employ linear regression analyses on long differenced data to estimate the impact of managed care penetration on hospital consolidation. Instrumental variable analogs of these regressions are also analyzed to control for potential endogeneity.

Data Collection. All data are from secondary sources merged at the level of the Health Care Services Area.

Principle Findings. In 1990, the mean population‐weighted hospital Herfindahl–Hirschman index (HHI) in a Health Services Area was .19. By 2000, the HHI had risen to .26. Most of this increase in hospital concentration is due to hospital consolidation. Over the same time frame HMO penetration increased three fold. However, our regression analysis strongly implies that the rise of managed care did not cause the hospital consolidation wave. This finding is robust to a number of different specifications.
Forecasting the Spread of Invasive Rainbow Smelt in the Laurentian Great Lakes Region of North America
Authors: MERCADO‐SILVA NORMAN , OLDEN JULIAN D. , MAXTED JEFFREY T. , HRABIK THOMAS R. , ZANDEN M. JAKE VANDER
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) have invaded many North American lakes, often resulting in the extirpation of native fish populations. Yet, their invasion is incipient and provides the rationale for identifying ecosystems likely to be invaded and where management and prevention efforts should be focused. To predict smelt presence and absence, we constructed a classification‐tree model based on habitat data from 354 lakes in the native range for smelt in southern Maine. Maximum lake depth, lake area, and Secchi depth (surrogate measure of lake productivity) were the most important predictors. We then used our model to identify lakes vulnerable to invasion in three regions outside the smelt's native range: northern Maine (52 of 244 lakes in the non‐native range), Ontario (4447 of 8110), and Wisconsin (553 of 5164). We further identified a subset of lakes with a strong potential for impact (potential–impact lakes) based on the presence of fish species that are affected by rainbow smelt. Ninety‐four percent of vulnerable lakes in the non‐native range in Maine are also potential–impact lakes, as are 94% and 58% of Ontario and Wisconsin's vulnerable lakes, respectively. Our modeling approach can be applied to other invaders and regions to identify invasion‐prone ecosystems, thus aiding in the management of invasive species and the efficient allocation of invasive species mitigation and prevention resources.
Anticonvulsant Effects of Transcranial Direct‐current Stimulation (tDCS) in the Rat Cortical Ramp Model of Focal Epilepsy
Authors: Liebetanz David , Klinker Florian , Hering Diana , Koch Reinhard , Nitsche Michael A. , Potschka Heidrun , Löscher Wolfgang , Paulus Walter , Tergau Frithjof
Published: July 2006

Summary: Purpose:Weak direct currents induce lasting alterations of cortical excitability in animals and humans, which are controlled by polarity, duration of stimulation, and current strength applied. To evaluate its anticonvulsant potential, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) was tested in a modified cortical ramp‐stimulation model of focal epilepsy.

Methods:The threshold for localized seizure activity (TLS) was determined in freely moving rats by applying a single train of rising bipolar pulses through a unilateral epicranial electrode. After tDCS, TLS was determined repeatedly for 120 min at intervals of 15 min. The first group of animals received two sessions of cathodal tDCS at 100 μA, one for 30 and one for 60 min. A third session consisted of 60 min of anodal tDCS. A second group received cathodal tDCS at 200 μA for 15 and for 30 min, as well as anodal tDCS for 30 min.

Results:Sixty minutes of cathodal tDCS at 100 μA resulted in a TLS increase lasting for ≥2 h. When the intensity was increased to 200 μA, a similar lasting TLS elevation occurred after a stimulation of just 30‐min duration. In contrast, anodal tDCS at identical stimulation durations and current strengths had no significant effect on TLS.

Conclusions:The anticonvulsive effect induced by cathodal tDCS depends on stimulation duration and current strength and may be associated with the induction of alterations of cortical excitability that outlast the actual stimulation. The results lead to the reasonable assumption that cathodal tDCS could evolve as a therapeutic tool in drug‐refractory partial epilepsy.
Antiepileptic Effect of Gap‐junction Blockers in a Rat Model of Refractory Focal Cortical Epilepsy
Authors: Nilsen Karen E. , Kelso Andrew R. C. , Cock Hannah R.
Published: July 2006

Summary: Purpose:Epilepsy is the most common serious neurologic disease, and current treatments are ineffective for ≤30% of patients. Gap junctions have been implicated in seizure generation and propagation, and as such, may represent a novel therapeutic target but have been little investigated in vivo. We set out to assess the efficacy and tolerability of gap‐junction blockers delivered to the seizure focus in a well‐characterized model of refractory cortical epilepsy in rats.

Methods:A chronic epilepsy focus was induced in the cortex of rats by using tetanus toxin, and subsequent studies were conducted in freely moving unanesthetized animals with frequent spontaneous seizures, as we previously described. Carbenoxolone, meclofenamic acid, and saline were applied directly to the seizure focus. EEG, electromyogram (EMG), and behavioral parameters were measured for ≥1 h before drug infusion and for ≥3 h afterward. No ill effects were observed.

Results:An immediate and marked reduction in percentage of seizure time was seen in rats receiving carbenoxolone (baseline, 69.4%± 7.0% (SEM); maximum effect, 9.3%± 3.5%, p ≤0.001) and meclofenamic acid (baseline, 58.3%± 3.7%; maximum effect, 0.92%± 0.92%, p < 0.001). No effect was seen after saline infusion.

Conclusions:Gap‐junction blockers applied focally are effective at suppressing seizures and, as such, represent a potential new treatment for epilepsy. Development of focal treatment strategies is essential in this regard.
Efficacy and Safety of Radiosurgical Callosotomy: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Feichtinger Michael , Schröttner Oskar , Eder Hans , Holthausen Hans , Pieper Tom , Unger Frank , Holl Alexander , Gruber Lucia , Körner Eva , Trinka Eugen , Fazekas Franz , Ott Erwin
Published: July 2006

Summary: Purpose:Anterior callosotomy is a surgical option for the treatment of generalized tonic or atonic seizures associated with drop attacks. Besides open surgery, a radiosurgical callosal disconnection using the gamma knife (GK) also can be performed, but reliable data about tolerability and efficacy are sparse.

Methods:Eight patients (three female, five male age range, 5 to 69 years) with severe generalized epilepsy associated with disabling drop attacks underwent GK callosotomy between 1993 and 2004. In six patients, the anterior third of the corpus callosum was radiosurgically disconnected. In one patient a second procedure with GK treatment of the middle third of the corpus callosum was added 17 months later. In two patients posterior GK callosotomy had followed partial hemispherotomy.

Results:Drop attacks (DAs) were completely abolished in three patients, and two patients had a marked DA seizure reduction of 60%. Two of four patients with additional generalized tonic–clonic seizures showed a reduction of 100%, and the remaining, a 50% and 60% decrease, respectively. Other seizure types responded less well to the radiosurgical treatment. In both patients with posterior GK callosotomy after hemispherotomy, partial seizures decreased. Beside transient headache in two patients, no immediate or long‐term postradiosurgical side effects were observed.

Conclusions:Palliative radiosurgical callosotomy is an efficient and safe noninvasive alternative to the open procedure with comparable results. No signs of postradiosurgical side effects were noted within an up to 12‐year posttreatment period.
Successful father‐to‐son stem cell transplantation in a child with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis using a reduced‐intensity conditioning regimen
Authors: Gonzalez‐Llano Oscar , Jaime‐Pérez Jose , Cantu‐Rodríguez Olga , Mancias‐Guerra Consuelo , Gutierrez‐Aguirre Homero , Herrera‐Garza Jose , Gomez‐Almaguer David
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  Objective: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is an uncommon disorder, usually lethal without allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT). Materials and methods: We report a 9‐month‐old boy, the first child of consanguineous parents, diagnosed with HLH and neurological involvement demonstrated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), who received an allogeneic SCT from his HLA genetically matched father. Transplant was performed after a reduced‐intensity conditioning (RIC) regimen consisting of cyclophosphamide, fludarabine, and melphalan. Graft vs. host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis included cyclosporine a and methotrexate. Results: An absolute neutrophil count of 0.5 × 109/L was documented on day +20 and a platelet count >20 × 109/L was shown by day 33. Full donor chimerism was showed on day +175. A follow‐up brain MRI was reported normal. Twenty months after SCT, the child shows no evidence of HLH or GVHD activity, and has a normal psychomotor development. Conclusion: Given the reduced toxicity of SCT with RIC, it could represent an attractive transplant method for children with HLH, in whom myeloablation plays no role in disease eradication, and in whom mixed chimerism may be enough to cure the disease.
Establishment and characterisation of two novel human KSHV‐ and EBV‐negative Burkitt cell lines, GAL‐01 and GAL‐02, from a primary lymphomatous effusion
Authors: Thielen Caroline , Herens Christian , Fassotte Marie‐France , Detrooz Elisabeth , Drion Pierre , Diss Tim , Boniver Jacques , De Leval Laurence
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  Objectives: Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) is a highly aggressive mature B‐cell neoplasm comprising endemic, sporadic and immunodeficiency‐associated variants. Human cell lines constitute a very useful tool to investigate the biology of lymphoid neoplasia. In this study, we succeeded in establishing two human cell lines, GAL‐01 and GAL‐02, from a HIV‐negative patient with Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) ‐negative sporadic BL presenting as an effusion. GAL‐01 and GAL‐02 were established at diagnosis and after one course of polychemotherapy, respectively. The in vivo effusion occurred in a very peculiar clinical setting; the patient having a previous history of intestinal diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma. Methods: The morphologic, immunophenotypic and molecular genetic features of GAL cell lines are reported and compared with those of the parental tumour. The findings clearly demonstrated that the Burkitt effusion did not represent disease progression of the intestinal tumour, but represented a second primary haematological malignancy. The in vivo tumorigenic properties of the cells were tested by subcutaneous injection to NOD/SCID mice. Results: Both cell lines were composed of medium‐sized lymphoid cells with clumped chromatin, multiple medium‐sized nucleoli and moderate amounts of vacuolated cytoplasm. GAL cells display the phenotype and genotype of a B‐cell lineage (positive for CD20, CD79a and clonal rearrangement of Ig heavy chain), carry the c‐MYC rearrangement by t(8;22)(q24;q11) translocation and are characterised by the expression of the germinal centre‐associated antigens CD10, BCL6, CD38 and absent to low BCL2 expression. EBV and HHV8 were not identified within parental tumour or in cultured cells. Subcutaneous injection of both cell lines to NOD/SCID mice induced tumour formation. Conclusions: GAL‐01 and GAL‐02, two novel EBV‐negative human BL cell lines represent a potentially useful experimental model to study the biology of BL possibly including the resistance to chemotherapy.
Detection and Quantification of Protein–Microtubules Interactions Using Green Fluorescent Protein Photoconversion
Authors: Brunet Stéphane , Zimmermann Timo , Reynaud Emmanuel G. , Vernos Isabelle , Karsenti Eric , Pepperkok Rainer
Published: July 2006

We present an in vitro system to analyze quantitatively the interactions of green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐tagged recombinant proteins with microtubules. This method relies on photoconversion of GFP and time‐lapse microscopy. Specific interactions can be detected and binding kinetics can be determined rapidly and accurately. This method provides an alternative to classical in vitro microtubule‐binding assays to analyze microtubule‐associated proteins binding to microtubules. It has the potential to be extended to study interactions of proteins or multi‐protein complexes with different biopolymers like actin microfilaments or organelle membranes.
Historical Figuration: Poetics, Historiography, and New Genre Studies1
Authors: Howard W. Scott
Published: July 2006

This essay has four interconnected goals: 1) to reflect upon some of the major theoretical and methodological developments (since about 1950) in the fields of early modern literary studies and history vis‐à‐vis the question of historicism; 2) to address, within the context of seventeenth‐century England, inter‐relationships between poetics and historiography; 3) to examine that “interdisciplinarity” specifically in terms of the seventeenth‐century English poetic elegy; and 4) to trace (from Plato to Puttenham) and to argue for a specific theoretical aspect of that inter‐relationship, which I will callhistorical figuration. My argument will hinge upon these connecting points, especially the latter two. On the one hand, I will argue that an early modern paradigm shift from theocentric to increasingly secular narrative frameworks for personal and national histories contributes to a transformation in poetic genre. English poets began to formulate a new intra‐textual crisis of linguistic signification within the elegy's construction of loss and spiritual consolation as the experience of death and mourning became less theocentric and communal and more secular and individualized during the seventeenth century. This new intra‐textuality to elegiac resistance emerges gradually but consistently from approximately the 1620s onward, facilitating the genre's new articulations of consolation situated within and against historical contexts rather than projected toward a transcendental horizon. On the other hand, I will also argue that this distinctive inter‐relationship between poetics and historiography may be theorized as historical figuration, which may be linked directly to key contributions to the history of poetic theory from Plato to Puttenham. My two‐fold thesis thus attempts to engender and engage what some may see as a trans‐discursive poetics of culture. However, I would hesitate to place my argument within the new‐historicist camp, but would hope instead that this essay may contribute to the emerging, interdisciplinary sub‐field ofnew genre studies, which seeks to examine literary genres as manifestations of aesthetic forms and social discourses.
High Predation Pressure by an Introduced Flatworm on Land Snails on the Oceanic Ogasawara Islands1
Authors: Sugiura Shinji , Okochi Isamu , Tamada Hisashi
Published: July 2006

The introduction of a predatory flatworm, Platydemus manokwari, has been considered a cause of the decline of endemic land snails on the tropical oceanic islands. To clarify the effect of P. manokwari on land snail survival in the field, we examined survival rates of snails experimentally placed in areas where snails are absent (i.e., P. manokwari is present) on Chichijima, Ogasawara (Bonin) Islands. We found that over 50 and 90 percent of the snails were dead after 3 and 11 d, respectively, and that the main cause of mortality was predation by P. manokwari.
Hand‐rearing a Potto Perodicticus potto at Franklin Park Zoo, Boston
Authors: BUCKANOFF H. D. , FREDERICK C. , MURPHY H. WESTON
Published: July 2006

In August 2001 a Potto Perodicticus potto was born in the Tropical Forest building of Franklin Park Zoo, Boston. The neonate was removed the following day for hand‐rearing because its mother, which had a history of providing poor infant care, appeared to be neglecting it. Historically, Pottos in captivity have high rates of neonatal mortality that are frequently associated with maternal neglect. This paper gives detailed information about the methods used to hand‐rear this infant successfully. Notes on infant development are presented and the health issues encountered, and medical treatments given, during the first few months are described.
High-Resolution Three-Dimensional Imaging of Dislocations
Authors: Barnard J. S. , Sharp J. , Tong J. R. , Midgley P. A.
Published: July 2006

Dislocations and their interactions govern the properties of many materials, ranging from work hardening in metals to device pathology in semiconductor laser diodes. However, conventional electron micrographs are simply two-dimensional projections of three-dimensional (3D) structures, and even stereo microscopy cannot reveal the true 3D complexity of defect structures. Here, we describe an electron tomographic method that yields 3D reconstructions of dislocation networks with a spatial resolution three orders of magnitude better than previous work. We illustrate the method's success with a study of dislocations in a GaN epilayer, where dislocation densities of 1010 per square centimeter are common.
Evolution of the Molecular Machines for Protein Import into Mitochondria
Authors: Dolezal Pavel , Likic Vladimir , Tachezy Jan , Lithgow Trevor
Published: July 2006

In creating mitochondria some 2 billion years ago, the first eukaryotes needed to establish protein import machinery in the membranes of what was a bacterial endosymbiont. Some of the preexisting protein translocation apparatus of the endosymbiont appears to have been commandeered, including molecular chaperones, the signal peptidase, and some components of the protein-targeting machinery. However, the protein translocases that drive protein import into mitochondria have no obvious counterparts in bacteria, making it likely that these machines were created de novo. The presence of similar translocase subunits in all eukaryotic genomes sequenced to date suggests that all eukaryotes can be considered descendants of a single ancestor species that carried an ancestral “protomitochondria.”
Large Wind Shift on the Great Plains During the Medieval Warm Period
Authors: Sridhar Venkataramana , Loope David B. , Swinehart James B. , Mason Joseph A. , Oglesby Robert J. , Rowe Clinton M.
Published: July 2006

Spring-summer winds from the south move moist air from the Gulf of Mexico to the Great Plains. Rainfall in the growing season sustains prairie grasses that keep large dunes in the Nebraska Sand Hills immobile. Longitudinal dunes built during the Medieval Warm Period (800 to 1000 years before the present) record the last major period of sand mobility. These dunes are oriented NW-SE and are composed of cross-strata with bipolar dip directions. The trend and structure of the dunes record a drought that was initiated and sustained by a historically unprecedented shift of spring-summer atmospheric circulation over the Plains: Moist southerly flow was replaced by dry southwesterly flow.
There's Still Plenty of Room at the Bottom
Authors: Pitcher Michael W.
Published: July 2006

Nanochemistry
. A Chemical Approach to Nanomaterials.
By Geoffrey A. Ozin and André C. Arsenault
. Royal Society of Chemistry, Cambridge, 2005. 670 pp. $89.95, £39.95. ISBN 0-85404-664-X.

The authors offer a comprehensive introduction to methods for making nanoscale building blocks and techniques for arranging those into functional architectures.
The extracellular release of HMGB1 during apoptotic cell death
Authors: Bell Charles W. , Jiang Weiwen , Reich Charles F. , Pisetsky David S.
Published: July 2006

High mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) is a non-histone nuclear protein with dual function. Inside the cell, HMGB1 binds DNA and regulates transcription, whereas outside the cell, it serves as a cytokine and mediates the late effects of LPS. The movement of HMGB1 into the extracellular space has been demonstrated for macrophages stimulated with LPS as well as cells undergoing necrosis but not apoptosis. The differential release of HMGB1 during death processes could reflect the structure of chromatin in these settings as well as the mechanisms for HMGB1 translocation. Since apoptotic cells can release some nuclear molecules such as DNA to which HMGB1 can bind, we therefore investigated whether HMGB1 release can occur during apoptosis as well as necrosis. For this purpose, Jurkat cells were treated with chemical inducers of apoptosis (staurosporine, etoposide, or camptothecin), and HMGB1 release into the medium was assessed by Western blotting. Results of these experiments indicate that HMGB1 appears in the media of apoptotic Jurkat cells in a time-dependent manner and that this release can be reduced by Z-VAD-fmk. Panc-1 and U937 cells treated with these agents showed similar release. In addition, HeLa cells induced to undergo apoptosis showed HMGB1 release. Furthermore, we showed using confocal microscopy that HMGB1 and DNA change their nuclear location in Jurkat cells undergoing apoptosis. Together, these studies indicate that HMGB1 release can occur during the course of apoptosis as well as necrosis and suggest that the release process may vary with cell type.
Glucocorticoid blockade reverses psychological stress-induced abnormalities in epidermal structure and function
Authors: Choi Eung-Ho , Demerjian Marianne , Crumrine Debra , Brown Barbara E. , Mauro Theodora , Elias Peter M. , Feingold Kenneth R.
Published: July 2006

Many cutaneous disorders are adversely affected by psychological stress (PS), but the responsible mechanisms are poorly understood. Recent studies have demonstrated that PS decreases epidermal proliferation and differentiation, impairs permeability barrier homeostasis, and decreases stratum corneum integrity. PS also increases the production of endogenous glucocorticoids (GC), and both systemic and topical GC cause adverse effects on epidermal structure and function similar to those observed with PS. We therefore hypothesized that increased endogenous GC in PS mediates its adverse cutaneous effects. To test this hypothesis, we used two independent approaches, administering either RU-486, a GC receptor antagonist that inhibits GC action, or antalarmin, a corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) receptor antagonist that prevents increased GC production in the face of PS. Inhibition of either GC action or production prevents the PS-induced decline in epidermal cell proliferation and differentiation, impairment in permeability barrier homeostasis, and decrease in stratum corneum (SC) integrity. Moreover, the pathophysiological basis for the abnormality in permeability barrier homeostasis; i.e., decreased lamellar body production and secretion, is restored toward normal by inhibition of GC action. Similarly, the mechanistic basis for the decrease in SC integrity, i.e., a reduction in corneodesmosomes, is also normalized by inhibition of GC action. Thus many of the adverse effects of PS on epidermal structure and function can be attributed to increased endogenous GC and conversely, approaches that either reduce GC production or action might benefit cutaneous disorders that are provoked or exacerbated by PS.
Spastic Reflexes Triggered by Ankle Load Release in Human Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Wu Ming , Schmit Brian D.
Published: July 2006

The rapid decrease in firing of load-sensitive group Ib muscle afferents during unloading may be particularly important in triggering the swing phase of gait. However, it still remains unclear whether load-sensitive muscle afferents modulate reflex activity in human spinal cord injury (SCI), as suggested by studies in the cat. The right hip of 12 individuals with chronic SCI was subjected to ramp (60°/s) and hold (10 s) movements over a range from 40° flexion to 0–10°extension using a custom servomotor system. An ankle dorsiflexion load was imposed and released after the hip reached a targeted position using a custom-designed pneumatic motor system. Isometric joint torques of the hip and knee, reaction torque of the ankle, and surface electromyograms (EMGs) from eight muscles of the leg were recorded following the imposed hip movement and ankle load release. Reflexes, characterized by hip flexion torque, knee extension, and coactivation of ankle flexors and extensors, were triggered by ankle load release when the hip was in an extended position. The ankle load release was observed to enhance the reflexes triggered by hip extension itself, suggesting that ankle load afferents play an important role in spastic reflexes in human SCI and that the reflex pathways associated with ankle load afferents have important implications in the spinal reflex regulation of human movement. Such muscle behaviors emphasize the role of ankle load afferents and hip proprioceptors on locomotion. This knowledge may be especially helpful in the treatment of spasms and in identifying rehabilitation strategies for producing functional movements in human SCI.
Heterogeneous Potassium Conductances Contribute to the Diverse Firing Properties of Postnatal Mouse Vestibular Ganglion Neurons
Authors: Risner Jessica R. , Holt Jeffrey R.
Published: July 2006

How mechanical information is encoded in the vestibular periphery has not been clarified. To begin to address the issue we examined the intrinsic firing properties of postnatal mouse vestibular ganglion neurons using the whole cell, tight-seal technique in current-clamp mode. We categorized two populations of neurons based on the threshold required to evoke an action potential. Low-threshold neurons fired with an average minimum current injection of −43 pA, whereas high-threshold neurons required −176 pA. Using sine-wave stimuli, we found that the neurons were inherently tuned with best frequencies that ranged up to 40 Hz. To investigate the membrane properties that contributed to the variability in firing properties we examined the same neurons in voltage-clamp mode. High-threshold neurons had larger cell bodies and whole cell capacitances but a resting conductance density of 0.18 nS/pF, nearly identical to that of low-threshold neurons, suggesting that cell size was an important parameter determining threshold. We also found that vestibular ganglion neurons expressed a heterogeneous population of potassium conductances. TEA-sensitive conductances contributed to the position of the tuning curve in the frequency domain. A 4-AP–sensitive conductance was active at rest and hyperpolarized resting potential, limited spontaneous activity, raised threshold, and prevented repetitive firing. In response to sine-wave stimulation 4-AP–sensitive conductances prevented action potential generation at low frequencies and thus contributed to the high-pass corner of the tuning curve. The mean low-pass corner (about 29 Hz) was determined by the membrane time constant. Together these factors contributed to the sharply tuned, band-pass characteristics intrinsic to postnatal vestibular ganglion neurons.
TRAIL Induces Apoptosis in Human Colorectal Adenoma Cell Lines and Human Colorectal Adenomas
Authors: Jalving Mathilde , de Jong Steven , Koornstra Jan J. , Boersma-van Ek Wytske , Zwart Nynke , Wesseling Jelle , de Vries Elisabeth G.E. , Kleibeuker Jan H.
Published: July 2006

Purpose: Recombinant human (rh) tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a potential new anticancer drug which can induce apoptosis in colorectal cancer cell lines. The aim of this study was to investigate whether it is possible to induce apoptosis in human adenoma cell lines and human adenomas using rhTRAIL.

Experimental Design: Two human adenoma cell lines were exposed to 0.1 μg/mL of rhTRAIL for 5 hours. Apoptosis and caspase activation in cell lines were evaluated using immunocytochemistry, fluorimetric caspase assays, and Western blotting. Short-term explant cultures were established from freshly removed human adenomas (n = 38) and biopsies of normal colon epithelium (n = 15), and these were incubated for 5 hours in the presence or absence of 1 μg/mL of rhTRAIL. Apoptosis was determined in paraffin-embedded tissue using morphologic criteria and cleaved caspase-3 staining.

Results: In the adenoma cell lines, rhTRAIL induced up to 55% apoptosis. This coincided with caspase-8 and caspase-3 activation and could be inhibited by a pan-caspase inhibitor. rhTRAIL induced caspase-dependent apoptosis in adenomas with high-grade dysplasia (n = 21) compared with the paired untreated counterparts (apoptotic index, 34 ± 5% versus 17 ± 2%, mean ± SE; P = 0.002), but not in adenomas with low-grade dysplasia (n = 17) or in normal colon epithelium (n = 15).

Conclusions: Colorectal adenoma cell lines and adenomas with high-grade dysplasia are sensitive to rhTRAIL-induced apoptosis, whereas normal colon epithelium is not. This suggests the potential application of rhTRAIL in the treatment of adenomas with high-grade dysplasia.
ABCA3 as a Possible Cause of Drug Resistance in Childhood Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Steinbach Daniel , Gillet Jean-Pierre , Sauerbrey Axel , Gruhn Bernd , Dawczynski Kristin , Bertholet Vincent , de Longueville Françoise , Zintl Felix , Remacle Jose , Efferth Thomas
Published: July 2006

Background: A major issue in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs. Multidrug resistance can be caused by ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters that function as drug efflux pumps. The majority of these proteins have not yet been examined in malignant diseases.

Experimental Design: A newly developed microarray for the simultaneous quantification of 38 ABC transporter genes and Taqman real-time PCR was used to analyze the expression of ABC transporters in pediatric AML and healthy bone marrow. Small interfering RNA was used to verify the role of ABCA3 in drug resistance.

Results: Using the microarray, we identified four new ABC transporters, which were overexpressed in many AML samples compared with healthy bone marrow: ABCA2, ABCA3, ABCB2, and ABCC10. The overexpression of these four genes was verified by real-time PCR in 42 samples from children with AML and 18 samples of healthy bone marrow. The median expression of ABCA3 was three times higher in 21 patients who had failed to achieve remission after the first course of chemotherapy than in a well-matched group of 21 patients who had achieved remission at this stage (P = 0.023). Incubation of cell lines with a number of different cytostatic drugs induced an up-regulation of ABCA3. Down-regulation of ABCA3 by small interfering RNA sensitized cells to doxorubicin.

Conclusion: Our results show that ABCA2, ABCA3, ABCB2, and ABCC10 are overexpressed in childhood AML compared with healthy bone marrow. ABCA3 is the most likely transporter to cause drug resistance.