bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
7 Power‐Sharing Institutions: Executive Formation and Federalism
Authors: Reilly Benjamin
Published: February 2007

This chapter examines the theory and practice of the various approaches to the sharing and dividing of governing power in the Asia-Pacific. It first looks at the broad issues of executive structure and the distinction between presidential and parliamentary systems across the region, at the divergent approaches taken by Asian and Pacific states to both formal and informal practices of executive inclusion, and at the empirical relationship between these variables and broader goals of political stability. An ‘index of power-sharing’ is constructed to compare the horizontal sharing of powers over time. The experience of vertical power-sharing via measures such as federalism, devolution, and autonomy is then considered. Overall, the evidence suggests that while informal executive power-sharing practices have been relatively successful, formal requirements for inclusive cabinets have been dogged by problems.
2 MULTILEVEL COORDINATION CAPACITIES
Authors: Jordan Andrew , Schout Adriaan
Published: February 2007

This chapter offers a more detailed theoretical explanation of the tools employed to assess the coordination capacities at network and actor level. The different sections link the two major theoretical concepts (networks and governance), provide different views on the management of networks, present a scale covering the different meanings of coordination, and describe how this will be used to assess coordination during the different phases of EU policy making.
4 THE COORDINATION OF EUROPEAN UNION POLICY: ACTOR PERSPECTIVES
Authors: Jordan Andrew , Schout Adriaan
Published: February 2007

This chapter introduces the basic administrative mechanisms for coordinating EU policy in the five actors. For each actor, it describes the most important administrative parts and explains the processes through which they seek to coordinate their input to EU policy making, both internally (that is, intra-departmentally) and with cognate actors (that is, inter-departmentally). To permit comparison, it begins by analysing the main coordination instruments and roles within each actor. It then describes the mechanisms through which each coordinates the various phases of EU policy making described in Chapter 2. Finally, it comments on how each is currently attempting to upgrade its coordination system.
5 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY INTEGRATION IN THE EUROPEAN UNION: ACTOR PERSPECTIVES
Authors: Jordan Andrew , Schout Adriaan
Published: February 2007

This chapter explores the steps that each actor has taken to implement EPI within its own institutional ‘space’. In effect, it begins to explore how well each actor has responded to the second part of the ‘double challenge’ of addressing EPI in a multi-level system such as the EU. For each actor, the organizational unit that actively champions EPI (typically the national environment department) is introduced, before briefly describing how it tackles the challenge of EPI within its own institutional ‘space’.
4 Thomas Cooper
Authors: Larsen Timothy
Published: February 2007

Thomas Cooper was a Methodist preacher as a young man. His radical politics as a Chartist led to a time of prison. He became a leading, popular, freethinking lecturer who was particularly influenced by D. F. Strauss’s Leben Jesu/Life of Jesus. As a reconvert, he lectured and wrote in the field of Christian apologetics.
6 Joseph Barker
Authors: Larsen Timothy
Published: February 2007

Joseph Barker was a Methodist New Connexion minister, but his evolving religious journey led him to split the denomination. He moved to America and became a leading popular freethinker and anti-Bible lecturer. On his return to England, he was the co-editor with Charles Bradlaugh of the atheistic paper, the National Reformer. Concerns about morality were one factor in his reconversion.
8 George Sexton
Authors: Larsen Timothy
Published: February 2007

George Sexton was the most academically distinguished popular freethinking lecturer, and specialized in disseminating the latest scientific thought. He converted to Spiritualism and to orthodox Christianity. His work as a Christian apologist included editing the Shield of Faith.
10 Crisis of Doubt
Authors: Larsen Timothy
Published: February 2007

The Victorian Secularist movement knew that it was experiencing a crisis of doubt. Freethinkers reconverted because they came to believe that Secularism was merely negative, that it offered no basis for morality, and that it adhered to a procrustean system of logic. Positively, they were drawn to the Bible and to Jesus of Nazareth, to the realm of the spirit (sometimes through Spiritualism), and to Christians who modeled learning and a commitment to justice. Popular radicals were ahead of members of the social elite when it came to these intellectual trends.
The Supposed ‘Con‐formity’ of Language and World
Authors: McManus Denis
Published: February 2007

Guided by the picture analogy, this chapter explores further how we succumb to the illusion that a con-formity between language and world underpins meaningful language use. It is argued that this illusion emerges as a result of our both having adopted particular ‘methods of comparison’ and failing to recognize that very adoption; certain equivocations over what we mean by ‘objects’ and ‘names’ — in other words, yet more sign/symbol conflations — serve to disguise this confusion, and hence, to conjure up this illusion. The role of Wittgenstein’s remarks about the ‘internal relatedness’ of propositions and names, and objects and names, in articulating and drawing our attention to the above confusions is further explored.
Objects Revisited
Authors: McManus Denis
Published: February 2007

This chapter returns to Wittgenstein’s proposals about ‘objects’ in order to reveal how they can also be seen as reflecting our failure to ascribe sense to the notion of the thinker ‘coming to’ or indeed already being ‘in contact with’ its world. We cannot make sense of deep worries about the capacity of ‘what we think about’ to be thought about: there are no questions to be raised in connection with the referents of the terms of the ultimate analyses of our propositions, about ‘their existence’, ‘their composition’, or ‘how they can combine to form facts’. But that points not to how the world must be constituted in order for thought to be possible, but to a confusion at the root of the idea of ‘thought being possible’.
Method Revisited
Authors: McManus Denis
Published: February 2007

This chapter looks back once again at Wittgenstein’s methodology, picking out aspects that may be more easily understood in the light of Chs. 5-9. It examines further the ‘elucidatory’ method Wittgenstein uses in the Tractatus, its ‘therapeutic’ character, its necessarily ‘argumentative’ form, and its relationship to what he calls ‘the only strictly correct method in philosophy’. The author’s interpretation is placed in relation to claims made by other ‘resolute’ readers and criticisms made of ‘resolute’ approaches.
The General Form of the Proposition
Authors: McManus Denis
Published: February 2007

This chapter explores Wittgenstein’s remarks on ‘the general form of the proposition’ and argues that these too are informed by his desire to show that the impression that there are substantial ‘logical truths’ is an illusion. It explores Wittgenstein’s understanding of logical inference as ‘unpacking’, his analysis of truth-functional connectives using truth-tables, his account of logical propositions as tautologies and contradictions, and the philosophical significance for Wittgenstein of providing a ‘topic-neutral’ account of logical inference and the logical connectives. Drawing on retrospective remarks of Wittgenstein’s, an explanation is offered on how he could have failed to recognize that his notion of the general form of the proposition is laden with problematic metaphysical commitments.
Ethics and ‘the Ladder’
Authors: McManus Denis
Published: February 2007

This chapter argues that Wittgenstein’s proposal that ethics is ‘inexpressible’ represents a rung on a ‘ladder’ that is to be ‘climbed’ and then ‘thrown away’. Evidence presented in the previous chapter is reviewed and other aspects of that evidence explored. It is argued that the forms of ‘inexpressible knowledge’ to which Wittgenstein leads us in his reflections on ethics — and logic — only loom if one is already under the influence of confused notions of what ‘knowledge’, ‘reasons’, and ‘expression’ represent in these spheres; confusions to a recognition of which Wittgenstein’s talk of ‘the inexpressible’ is meant to lead us. As elsewhere in the Tractatus, such talk leads us to recognize that confusions underpin philosophical projects to which we are committed, confusions that, once again, arise out of certain sign/symbol equivocations. How this realisation modulates the previous chapter’s proposals concerning ‘conscience’ and ‘decency’ is explored.
4 Psalmody
Authors: Holmes Andrew R.
Published: February 2007

This chapter examines the place of psalms in public worship, the style and standard of public praise, and popular attitudes to the psalms amongst the laity. It describes the strategies for reform devised by various reformers, the impact these had upon congregational praise, and the tensions within Presbyterianism that were brought to the surface as a result of attempts to change this central component of Presbyterian self-identity.
3 Women's Rights as Human Rights
Authors: Deveaux Monique
Published: February 2007

This chapter considers how human rights perspectives understand the gender/culture tension and the kinds of normative and practical solutions that they offer. In addition to discussing writing by feminist human rights scholars, it considers the work of philosopher Martha Nussbaum, who focuses on women’s capabilities for well-being, as well as the work of philosopher Onora O’Neill, who argues that we need to attend to the circumstances and capacities that women need if they are to genuinely give their consent to cultural practices and arrangements.
6 Personal Autonomy and Cultural Tradition: The Arranged Marriage Debate in Britain
Authors: Deveaux Monique
Published: February 2007

This chapter explores the ways in which particular liberal notions of personal autonomy sit uneasily with certain cultural practices, especially those of ‘traditional’ or nonliberal groups. It argues that idealized, substantive ideals of autonomy can impede attempts to understand, evaluate, and where necessary, reform cultural traditions. The particular example that provides the focus for this chapter is that of the public debate on arranged and forced marriages among some (mostly Muslim) South Asians in Briton, a practice which has in recent years attracted the attention of British media, politicians, and the public. By examining the ways in which arranged and forced marriage have been framed in public debates in Britain, this discussion sheds light both on the limitations of the liberal autonomy paradigm — with its emphasis on choice and consent — and demonstrates the importance of engaging minority communities in the evaluation and reform of their own traditions.
7 Gender and Cultural Justice in South Africa
Authors: Deveaux Monique
Published: February 2007

Nowhere are the difficulties of protecting both the right to enjoy one’s culture and the right to sexual equality protections better illuminated than in the case of post-Apartheid South Africa. This chapter discusses efforts to reconcile constitutional recognition of African customary law (and to a lesser extent Muslim personal law) with formal protections for women’s sexual equality. It also presents the debate and consultations over the reform of African customary marriage (in the late 1990s in South Africa) as a good example of open-ended democratic deliberation grounded in principles of democratic legitimacy and political inclusion. It is this kind of model of deliberation that offers up the best solution to conflicts of culture, including those over gender roles, in socially plural, liberal constitutional democracies.
The Interpretation of Nature and the Origins of Physico‐Theology
Authors: Gaukroger Stephen
Published: February 2007

There was always a lack of fit between natural philosophy and natural history in the Aristotelian tradition, and the latter was better adapted to the Christian idea of the universe as something created. The natural history tradition was marginalized with the introduction of Aristotelianism in the 13th century, but it continued to play a role in conceiving of nature as a text to be read in a similar way to that in which revelation was read. Developments in biblical and legal philology in the 16th century transformed the model on which natural history was based, and as a result, it ceased to be allegorical and became literal. By the 17th century, it had begun to provide a new kind of religious reading of nature.
The Scope of Mechanism
Authors: Gaukroger Stephen
Published: February 2007

There are three areas of particular concern to mechanists, concerns which highlight the legitimatory aspects of the mechanist project in natural philosophy. The first is the question of how mechanists deal with the explanatory load placed on their systems by a combination of minimal explanatory resources and ambitious explanatory aims. In particular, the role that the doctrine of primary and secondary qualities plays in this respect, especially in Malebranche's reworking of Cartesianism. Second, there is the attempt to extend mechanism into the realms of vital and cognitive functions, phenomena that were treated as part of natural philosophy in the early-modern period, and which generated a great deal of controversy. Finally, there is the question of the relation between natural philosophy expanded into the biological realm and the traditional practice of clinical medicine, which harbours a very different model of understanding biological processes as they relate to illness and health.
The Unity of Knowledge
Authors: Gaukroger Stephen
Published: February 2007

One of the driving ideas behind many of the various movements in 17th-century natural philosophy was that of the unity of knowledge. There were two principal ways of establishing this in its most general form. The first was politico-theology: Spinoza undermined the claims of Christianity to supply satisfactory notions of wisdom and happiness, and to set out to develop a novel account of how a mechanised natural philosophy can lead to wisdom and happiness. The general unqualified rejection of the Spinozean model does not mean that in a struggle between legitimacy, which the Spinozean conception effectively abandoned, and autonomy, which it established beyond doubt, natural philosophers favoured legitimacy over autonomy. They wanted both, and the answer was deemed to lie in physico-theology: revelation and natural philosophy were treated as being mutually reinforcing, there being a process of triangulation towards the shared truth of revelation and natural philosophy.
Fully Implantable Hearing Aids in Patients With Congenital Auricular Atresia
Authors: Siegert Ralf , Mattheis Stefan , Kasic James
Published: February 2007

Introduction: Patients with congenital auricular atresia suffer from a conductive hearing loss (HL) with an air‐bone gap of 50 to 60 dB. Conventional bone conducting or bone anchored hearing aids are treatment options with several disadvantages and a biophysical limitation of almost no sound attenuation in the skull bone. Surgical construction of the sound conducting apparatus has been performed by others and modified by us into a three‐step procedure with in vivo prefabrication of the external ear canal and the tympanic membrane. Although the results improved after inauguration of our modifications, there still remains an air‐bone gap that makes air conducting hearing aids necessary in many patients. Implantable hearing aids have been developed for patients with perceptional HL and normal middle ear function but not for patients with middle ear disease or malformation.

Objectives: Our objectives were to improve the hearing results of auricular atresia.

Study Design: Prospective.

Methods: The surgical instruments, the transducer, and the operative technique of the only fully implantable hearing aid (Otologics Fully Implantable Middle Ear Transducer) clinically available were modified. They were implanted in five patients with congenital auricular atresia and their audiologic outcome evaluated.

Results: After activation and fitting of the devices, patients experienced an improvement of sound‐field thresholds up to 50 dB HL. The mean functional gain in a three frequency pure‐tone average was approximately 35 dB HL.

Conclusions: This technique appears to provide a completely new dimension for the audiologic rehabilitation of patients with severe malformation of the middle ear.
Helicobacter equorum sp. nov., a urease-negative Helicobacter species isolated from horse faeces
Authors: Moyaert H. , Decostere A. , Vandamme P. , Debruyne L. , Mast J. , Baele M. , Ceelen L. , Ducatelle R. , Haesebrouck F.
Published: February 2007

Gram-negative, curved, motile bacteria (strains EqF1T and EqF2) were isolated from faecal samples from two clinically healthy horses. Both strains possessed a single, monopolar, sheathed flagellum and were urease-negative. The novel strains grew at 37 °C under microaerobic conditions and were positive for oxidase, catalase and alkaline phosphatase activities. The isolates reduced nitrate to nitrite, but γ-glutamyl transpeptidase activity was not detected. The novel isolates did not grow at 42 °C or on media containing 1 % glycine. They were resistant to cephalotin and nalidixic acid and susceptible to metronidazole. Analysis of the 16S and 23S rRNA gene sequences of the two novel strains identified them as representing a single species within the genus Helicobacter. In terms of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, Helicobacter pullorum and Helicobacter canadensis were the most closely related species (98 % similarity). 23S rRNA gene sequence analysis also classified strains EqF1T and EqF2 within the enterohepatic division of the genus Helicobacter, but only 94 % similarity was detected with H. pullorum and H. canadensis, which are helicobacters with unsheathed flagella. The most closely related species in terms of 23S rRNA gene sequence similarity was Helicobacter canis (95 %). Numerical analysis of whole-cell protein extracts by SDS-PAGE was performed and the novel isolates were clearly differentiated from H. pullorum, H. canadensis, H. canis and other species of the genus Helicobacter. This finding was also confirmed by sequence analysis of the hsp60 gene. On the basis of these genetic, biochemical and protein data, the isolates are classified as representing a novel species, for which the name Helicobacter equorum sp. nov. is proposed (type strain EqF1T=LMG 23362T=CCUG 52199T).
Deinococcus yunweiensis sp. nov., a gamma- and UV-radiation-resistant bacterium from China
Authors: Zhang Yu-Qin , Sun Cheng-Hang , Li Wen-Jun , Yu Li-Yan , Zhou Jian-Qin , Zhang Yue-Qin , Xu Li-Hua , Jiang Cheng-Lin
Published: February 2007

A Gram-negative, non-spore-forming, non-motile, rod-shaped, red-pigmented strain, designated YIM 007T, was found as a contaminant on an agar plate in the laboratory of Yunnan Institute of Microbiology, China. The optimum growth pH and temperature for the isolate were 7.0–7.5 and 30 °C, respectively. The predominant respiratory quinone was MK-8. The polar lipid profile consisted mainly of various unknown phosphoglycolipids and glycolipids. The major cellular fatty acids were C16 : 1
ω7c, C16 : 0, C17 : 0 and C17 : 1
ω8c. l-Ornithine was detected in its peptidoglycan. The DNA G+C content was 64.1 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain YIM 007T showed 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity levels of 86.8–92.1 % to the other described Deinococcus species. Based on the high 16S rRNA gene sequence divergence and phenotypic differences, it is proposed that the unknown strain should be classified as a novel species in the genus Deinococcus with the name Deinococcus yunweiensis sp. nov. The type strain is YIM 007T (=KCTC 3962T=DSM 17005T).
Flavobacterium aquidurense sp. nov. and Flavobacterium hercynium sp. nov., from a hard-water creek
Authors: Cousin Sylvie , Päuker Orsola , Stackebrandt Erko
Published: February 2007

Ten new Flavobacterium-like strains were isolated from freshwater of the hard-water creek Westerhöfer Bach, northern Germany. These strains formed two phylogenetic groups: strains WB 1.1-56T, WB 1.1-04, WB 1.1-14, WB 1.1-57 and WB 1.1-63; and strains WB 4.2-33T, WB 4.1-86, WB 4.2-34, WB 4.2-32 and WB 4.2-78. Cells were Gram-negative, yellow-pigmented, chemoheterotrophic rods. Their major fatty acid profiles were similar, consisting of iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 3-OH, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1
ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH). DNA G+C contents for strains WB 1.1-56T and WB 4.2-33T were 33.5 and 37.5 mol%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on almost complete 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain WB 1.1-56T was phylogenetically most closely related to Flavobacterium frigidimaris KUC-1T, and that strain WB 4.2-33T was related most closely to F. frigidimaris KUC-1T and Flavobacterium saccharophilum DSM 1811T. Levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strains WB 1.1-56T and WB 4.2-33T and the type strains of recognized members of the genus Flavobacterium were below 98 %. DNA–DNA hybridization experiments confirmed the separate genomic status of strains WB 1.1-56T and WB 4.2-33T. Strains WB 1.1-56T and WB 4.2-33T and their respective relatives differed from phylogenetically related Flavobacterium species based on several phenotypic characteristics. On the basis of their phenotypic and phylogenetic distinctiveness, the two groups of strains are considered to represent two novel species, for which the names Flavobacterium aquidurense sp. nov. (type strain WB 1.1-56T=DSM 18293T=CIP 109242T) and Flavobacterium hercynium sp. nov. (type strain WB 4.2-33T=DSM 18292T=CIP 109241T) are proposed.
Photobacterium lutimaris sp. nov., isolated from a tidal flat sediment in Korea
Authors: Jung Seo-Youn , Jung Yong-Taek , Oh Tae-Kwang , Yoon Jung-Hoon
Published: February 2007

A Gram-negative, motile, pale-yellow-pigmented, oval-shaped bacterial strain, DF-42T, was isolated from a tidal flat sediment in Korea. Strain DF-42T grew optimally at 25–30 °C and in the presence of 2–3 % (w/v) NaCl. It contained Q-8 as the predominant ubiquinone and C16 : 0, C18 : 1
ω7c and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1
ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH) as the major fatty acids. The DNA G+C content was 48.3 mol%. Phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain DF-42T falls within the evolutionary radiation enclosed by the genus Photobacterium. Strain DF-42T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 93.8–97.9 % to the type strains of Photobacterium species with validly published names. DNA–DNA relatedness data and differential phenotypic properties made it possible to categorize strain DF-42T as representing a species that is separate from previously described Photobacterium species. The name Photobacterium lutimaris sp. nov. is proposed, with strain DF-42T (=KCTC 12723T=JCM 13586T) as the type strain.
Parabacteroides johnsonii sp. nov., isolated from human faeces
Authors: Sakamoto Mitsuo , Kitahara Maki , Benno Yoshimi
Published: February 2007

A bacterial strain isolated from human faeces, M-165T, was characterized in terms of its phenotypic and biochemical features, cellular fatty acid profile, menaquinone profile and phylogenetic position (based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis). A 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the isolate was a member of the genusParabacteroides. Strain M-165Twas closely related toParabacteroides merdaestrains, showing 98 % sequence similarity. The strain was obligately anaerobic, non-pigmented, non-spore-forming, non-motile, Gram-negative, rod-shaped and was able to grow on media containing 20 % bile. Although the phenotypic characteristics of the strain M-165Twere similar to those ofP. merdae, the isolate could be differentiated fromP. merdaeby means of API 20A tests forl-arabinose andl-rhamnose fermentation. DNA–DNA hybridization experiments revealed the genomic distinctiveness of the novel strain with respect toP. merdaeJCM 9497T(⩽60 % DNA–DNA relatedness). The DNA G+C content of the strain is 47.6 mol%. On the basis of these data, strain M-165Trepresents a novel species of the genusParabacteroides, for which the nameParabacteroides johnsoniisp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is M-165T(=JCM 13406T=DSM 18315T).
Thermoanaerobacterium aciditolerans sp. nov., a moderate thermoacidophile from a Kamchatka hot spring
Authors: Kublanov I. V. , Prokofeva M. I. , Kostrikina N. A. , Kolganova T. V. , Tourova T. P. , Wiegel J. , Bonch-Osmolovskaya E. A.
Published: February 2007

An anaerobic, moderately thermoacidophilic bacterium, strain 761-119T, was isolated from an acidic hot spring in the Orange Field of the Uzon Caldera (Kamchatka, far-eastern Russia). Cells were spore-forming, Gram-positive rods, possessing one polar flagellum. Growth of strain 761-119Twas observed between 37 and 68 °C and in the pH20 °Crange 3.2–7.1. No growth was observed within 5 days of incubation at or below 35 °C and at or above 70 °C, as well as at or below pH20 °C2.8 and at or above pH20 °C7.5. The optimal temperature and pH20 °Cfor growth were 55 °C and pH20 °C5.7, respectively. A wide range of carbohydrates and polysaccharides were fermented, as well as peptides and proteinaceous substrates. The main products of glucose fermentation were acetate, ethanol, lactate, H2and CO2. The DNA G+C content was 34 (±0.5) mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain 761-119Tbelonged to the genusThermoanaerobacterium. The level of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with otherThermoanaerobacteriumspecies was 86.5–97.8 %, with the only moderately acidophilic member of this genus,Thermoanaerobacterium aotearoense, being one of its closest relatives. DNA–DNA hybridization withT. aotearoenseshowed 33 % relatedness. Thus, morphological (one polar flagellum) and physiological characteristics (lower pH limit of growth at pH20 °C3.2 compared withT. aotearoense) and 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses revealed that strain 761-119Trepresents a novel species in the genusThermoanaerobacterium, for which the nameThermoanaerobacterium aciditoleranssp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain 761-119T(=DSM 16487T=VKM B-2363T).
Sulfitobacter marinus sp. nov., isolated from seawater of the East Sea in Korea
Authors: Yoon Jung-Hoon , Kang So-Jung , Oh Tae-Kwang
Published: February 2007

A Gram-negative, non-motile, rod- or oval-shaped Sulfitobacter-like bacterial strain, SW-265T, was isolated from seawater at Hwajinpo, Korea, and was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Strain SW-265T grew optimally at pH 7.0–8.0 and 30 °C in the presence of 2 % (w/v) NaCl. It contained Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone and C18 : 1
ω7c as the major fatty acid. The DNA G+C content was 57.8 mol%. A phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain SW-265T fell within the cluster comprising Sulfitobacter species. The levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain SW-265T and the type strains of Sulfitobacter species ranged from 97.1 to 98.7 %. DNA–DNA relatedness data and differential phenotypic properties, together with the phylogenetic distinctiveness, demonstrated that strain SW-265T differs from recognized Sulfitobacter species. On the basis of the phenotypic, phylogenetic and genetic data, strain SW-265T represents a novel species of the genus Sulfitobacter, for which the name Sulfitobacter marinus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SW-265T (=KCTC 12738T=JCM 13602T).
Pontibacter akesuensis sp. nov., isolated from a desert soil in China
Authors: Zhou Yu , Wang Xu , Liu Huan , Zhang Ke-Yun , Zhang Yu-Qin , Lai Ren , Li Wen-Jun
Published: February 2007

A Gram-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain AKS 1T, was isolated from a desert soil sample collected from Akesu, XinJiang Province, China. A taxonomic study, including phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and phenotypic characteristics, was performed on the novel isolate. The predominant menaquinone of strain AKS 1T was MK-7. The major fatty acids included i-C15 : 0, ai-C17 : 1 B/i-C17 : 1 I and i-C17 : 0 3-OH. The G+C content of the DNA was 51.4 mol%. Based on the results of phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, strain AKS 1T should be assigned as representing a novel species of the genus Pontibacter, for which the name Pontibacter akesuensis is proposed. The type strain is AKS 1T (=KCTC 12758T=CCTCC AB 206086T).
Prevalence of Comorbidities and Their Influence on Blood Pressure Goal Attainment in Geriatric Patients
Authors: Bisognano John D. , Townsend Kevin A. , Skyles Amy J. , Samuels Kiela M.
Published: February 2007

Hypertension in elderly patients is common and is associated with unique challenges. This study examines the prevalence of comorbidities in elderly hypertensive patients and evaluates the association between comorbidities and other covariates with blood pressure goal attainment. Data were collected through retrospective review of medical records and included patient characteristics, comorbidities, treatment‐related variables, and blood pressure goal attainment. At least 1 comorbidity was present in 88% of patients, and 61% had multiple comorbidities. The most common comorbidity was isolated systolic hypertension. The presence of diabetes or isolated systolic hypertension at initial visit and treatment with a thiazide diuretic at the final clinic visit were associated with significantly higher odds of patients not achieving blood pressure goal. A diagnosis of heart failure was associated with lower odds of not achieving blood pressure goal. These issues should be given special consideration during the evaluation, treatment selection, and long‐term monitoring of this population.
Does disturbance affect the structure of tropical fish assemblages? A test using null models
Authors: Bhat A. , Magurran A. E.
Published: February 2007

Null model analyses on fish presence‐absence data from tropical river assemblages of the Western Ghats, India, revealed a difference in the extent of randomness in species assemblage structure among impacted and unimpacted rivers in the region.
Circadian self‐feeding rhythms in greater amberjack Seriola dumerili (Risso)
Authors: Chen W.‐M. , Umeda N. , Mitsuboshi T. , Hirazawa N.
Published: February 2007

In the present study, 10 greater amberjack Seriola dumerili held individually were given free access to self‐feeder, and trigger actuations were continuously monitored. Most (80%) of greater amberjack developed stable self‐feeding activity within 1 week. The fish was a rigidly diurnal feeder under a 12L:12D cycle, with a feeding peak of 1–3 h occurring just after the onset of lights. Under constant conditions, all 10 individual fish exhibited free‐running self‐feeding rhythms, which persisted for 43 days without a sign of damping out. As far as is known, this seems to be the longest record of free‐running behavioural rhythms in fishes. Except one fish free‐ran at a period length (τ) of 25·2 h, τ of free‐running self‐feeding rhythms in the other nine fish was shorter than 24 h, ranging from 20·0 h to 21·5 h. In addition, phase transients of feeding activity were observed in response to the advancement of lights on. It is concluded that feeding activity in greater amberjack is mediated by endogenous circadian oscillators.
Long‐term effects of maternal cortisol exposure and mild hyperthermia during embryogeny on survival, growth and morphological anomalies in farmed Atlantic salmon Salmo salar offspring
Authors: Eriksen M. S. , Espmark Å. , Braastad B. O. , Salte R. , Bakken M.
Published: February 2007

With the objective of elucidating potential effects of prenatal stress on ontogeny of the progeny, a long‐term experiment was designed where mature farmed Atlantic salmon Salmo salar females were cortisol‐administered 6 days prior to stripping and additionally, fertilized eggs were exposed to mild hyperthermia during incubation. This study is a supplement to a previous paper and demonstrates that maternal cortisol increment caused several durable impacts on offspring survival, growth and morphological abnormalities, and that the most distinct effects were observed in offspring exposed to both augmented prenatal cortisol levels and a subsequent episode of early thermal stress. Moreover, offspring displaying anomalous morphology had reduced fork length and body mass compared to their normal counterparts.
Feeding efficiency of white bream at different inorganic turbidities and light climates
Authors: Pekcan‐Hekim Z. , Horppila J.
Published: February 2007

Experiments were conducted to test the effects of turbidity (10–50 NTU) and light (0–2 μE m−2 s−1) on the feeding efficiency of white bream Abramis björkna preying on Chaoborus flavicans. Increased turbidity and low light levels did not have a significant impact on the feeding of white bream. In total darkness feeding was impeded indicating that white bream depends on vision for feeding. The dominance of white bream in temperate eutrophic lakes could be attributed to their success of feeding in turbid and low light environments.
Characterization of sperm motility in sea bass: the effect of heavy metals and physicochemical variables on sperm motility
Authors: Abascal F. J. , Cosson J. , Fauvel C.
Published: February 2007

Computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA) was used to characterize the motility of sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax spermatozoa and to study the effect of several physicochemical variables and heavy metals on sperm swimming performance. Duration of sperm motility in sea bass was very short (<50 s). During the first 20 s all the motility variables measured remained approximately constant, the velocity and linearity of the movement being maximum during this period, while both variables decreased sharply later. While slight variations in pH did not significantly modify sperm swimming performance, changes in osmolality affected all the measured motility variables. Two of the heavy metals tested, Cu2+ and Pb2+, did not affect sperm motility when the activating media contained up to 100 ppm of the metal salts. In contrast, Hg2+ modified the morphology of post‐swimming spermatozoa at 0·4–1 ppm (sperm dilution rate 1:39) and completely arrested sperm motility at concentrations as low as 0·1 ppm (sperm dilution rate 1:2500). Assuming a covalent binding to sperm cells, this revealed a finite number of c. 10 million Hg2+ binding sites per spermatozoon. Complementary results using demembranated spermatozoa suggested that the main target of HgCl2 would be located in the plasma membrane and that HgCl2 would inhibit water channels, hence preventing sperm motility.
Phenology and North Sea codGadus morhuaL.: has climate change affected otolith annulus formation and growth?
Authors: Pilling G. M. , Millner R. S. , Easey M. W. , Maxwell D. L. , Tidd A. N.
Published: February 2007

Timing and rate of seasonal zone formation in southern North Sea codGadus morhuaotoliths was studied. Samples were taken from two time periods, representing low and high temperature regimes. Opaque zones were laid down between January and June, in contrast with the pattern described in other published studies. Translucent zone formation started earlier in the warmer period, corresponding to peak annual sea surface temperatures, and a period of slow body growth and low metabolic activity. Translucent zone formation, however, continued once temperatures decreased and growth rate increased. It is hypothesized that translucent zone formation is triggered at a threshold of metabolic stress, and that the combined energetic requirements of reproduction, growth and migration may maintain translucent zone formation even if feeding conditions improve. Higher temperatures had a significant negative effect on the rate of translucent zone deposition, but caused a slight increase in opaque zone formation rate. The findings of this study indicate that historical otolith collections could provide key inputs into future phenological studies to improve the understanding of climate change impacts and the dynamics of otolith structure.
Functional response of juvenile pink and chum salmon: effects of consumer size and two types of zooplankton prey
Authors: Moss J. H. , Beauchamp D. A.
Published: February 2007

Feeding rate experiments were conducted for pink salmon Oncorhynchus gorbuscha fry [mean fork length (LF) 39 mm], juveniles (103–104 mm LF) and juvenile chum salmon Oncorhynchus keta (106–107 mm LF). Fishes were presented with small copepod (Tisbi sp.) or larger mysid shrimp (Mysidopsis bahia) prey at varying densities ranging from 1 to 235 prey l−1 in feeding rate experiments conducted at water temperatures ranging from 10·5 to 12·0° C under high light levels and low turbidity conditions. Juvenile pink and chum salmon demonstrated a type II functional response to mysid and copepod prey. Mysid prey was readily selected by both species whereas the smaller bodied copepod prey was not. When offered copepods, pink salmon fry fed at a higher maximum consumption rate (2·5 copepods min−1) than larger juvenile pink salmon (0·4 copepods min−1), whereas larger juvenile chum salmon exhibited the highest feeding rate (3·8 copepods min−1). When feeding on mysids, the maximum feeding rate for larger juvenile pink (12·3 mysids min−1) and chum (11·5 mysids min−1) salmon were similar in magnitude, and higher than feeding rates on copepods. Functional response models parameterized for specific sizes of juvenile salmon and zooplankton prey provide an important tool for linking feeding rates to ambient foraging conditions in marine environments, and can enable mechanistic predictions for how feeding and growth should respond to spatial‐temporal variability in biological and physical conditions during early marine life stages.
Separate elements are required for ligand‐dependent and ‐independent internalization of metastatic potentiator CXCR4
Authors: Futahashi Yuko , Komano Jun , Urano Emiko , Aoki Toru , Hamatake Makiko , Miyauchi Kosuke , Yoshida Takeshi , Koyanagi Yoshio , Matsuda Zene , Yamamoto Naoki
Published: February 2007

The C‐terminal cytoplasmic domain of the metastatic potentiator CXCR4 regulates its function and spatiotemporal expression. However, little is known about the mechanism underlying constitutive internalization of CXCR4 compared to internalization mediated by its ligand, stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 alpha (SDF‐1α)/CXCL12. We established a system to analyze the role of the CXCR4 cytoplasmic tail in steady‐state internalization using the NP2 cell line, which lacks endogenous CXCR4 and SDF‐1α. Deleting more than six amino acids from the C‐terminus dramatically reduced constitutive internalization of CXCR4. Alanine substitution mutations revealed that three of those amino acids Ser344Glu345Ser346are essential for efficient steady‐state internalization of CXCR4. Mutating Glu345to Asp did not disrupt internalization, suggesting that the steady‐state internalization motif is S(E/D)S. When responses to SDF‐1α were tested, cells expressing CXCR4 mutants lacking the C‐terminal 10, 14, 22, 31 or 44 amino acids did not show downregulation of cell surface CXCR4 or the cell migration induced by SDF‐1α. Interestingly, however, we identified two mutants, one with E344A mutation and the other lacking the C‐terminal 17 amino acids, that were defective in constitutive internalization but competent in ligand‐promoted internalization and cell migration. These data demonstrate that ligand‐dependent and ‐independent internalization is genetically separable and that, between amino acids 336 and 342, there is a negative regulatory element for ligand‐promoted internalization. Potential involvement of this novel motif in cancer metastasis and other CXCR4‐associated disorders such as warts, hypogammaglobulinemia, infections and myelokathexis (WHIM) syndrome is discussed. (Cancer Sci2007; 98: 373–379)
Brunel's coastal railway
Authors: Fookes Peter G.
Published: February 2007

In 2006 the engineering profession (and many others) celebrated the 200th anniversary of the birth of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The list of Brunel's engineering successes is extensive, including the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol, and the Thames Tunnel, and his influence is felt world‐wide. Although not usually quoted as one of his iconic masterpieces, Brunel's stretch of coastal railway from Dawlish Warren to Teignmouth in southern England (South Devon) is an early Victorian engineering triumph that has a close connection with geology. Although having many initial technical problems, subsequent breaches and continual need for maintenance, it still stands today as a monument to Brunel's genius. It has, however, influenced coastal processes, and has yet to face the predicted global warming sea level rises.
Hepatitis C virus genotypes among patients with thalassemia and inherited bleeding disorders in Markazi province, Iran
Authors: SAMIMI‐RAD K. , SHAHBAZ B.
Published: February 2007

Summary.  Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes, multiple genotypes infection and HCV seroprevalence were investigated among 98 thalassemia patients and 76 haemophiliacs in Markazi province, Iran. HCV antibody was detected in 5 (5.1%) of the first group and 33 (43.4%) of the latter. Risk factors associated with anti‐HCV antibody were also determined. Anti‐HCV positivity in thalassemiacs were related to the number of blood transfusion units, splenectomy and duration of thalassemia. Analysis of risk factors in haemophiliacs revealed that seropositivity was significantly associated with duration of transfusion (P =0.009) and severity of disease (P = 0.000). The prevalence of HCV antibody in thalassemia subjects dropped from 8.1% to 0% after implementation of anti‐HCV screening (1996). It was found that higher prevalence of HCV antibody in haemophiliacs (43.4%) compared with thalassemia patients (5.1%) correlated with clotting factor concentrates. Of the 34 seropositive haemophilia patients, HCV RNA was detected in 23 (67.7%). HCV genotype distribution was one in 50%, three in 18.2%, two in 4.54% and mixed in 27.3% (1 + 2 in 9.1%, 1 + 3 in 4.54%, 1 + 4 in 9.2% and 2 + 3a in 4.54%) cases. Among the five anti‐HCV‐positive thalassemiacs, two (40%) were positive for HCV RNA and one sample was found to be subtype 3a. This study confirms that multitransfused patients in Markazi province had similar genotype distribution as those previously reported form some other regions of Iran. Considering the possibilities of HCV mixed genotype among patients with haemophilia and thalassemia, accuracy and precision should be highly concerned in the detection of genotypes and their subsequent treatment.
Morphometric study of the apical anatomy of C‐shaped root canal systems in mandibular second molars
Authors: Cheung G. S. P. , Yang J. , Fan B.
Published: February 2007

Aim  To investigate the apical anatomy of C‐shaped canal systems in mandibular second molars by micro‐computerized tomography (μCT) and stereomicroscopy.

Methodology  Forty‐four permanent mandibular second molars with a C‐shaped root canal systems from a native Chinese population were scanned at 100 μm intervals by μCT at a resolution of 30 × 30 μm. The apical 5 mm of each tooth was reconstructed three‐dimensionally for visualization and classification of the canal configuration using Vertucci's criteria. The main and auxiliary (accessory) foramina were examined under a stereomicroscope.

Results  Type IV and VIII canal configurations were most often found in the apical 5 mm of these canal systems. The prevalence of accessory canals, lateral canals, inter‐canal communications and apical delta were 41%, 25%, 27% and 11%, respectively. Approximately 80% of C‐shaped canals had 1–3 apical foramina; the prevalence of accessory foramina was about 48%. The mean distance between the main foramen and the anatomic root apex was 0.84 mm, and that between the accessory foramen and the apex was 1.61 mm. The mean (shortest and longest) diameters of major and accessory foramina were 0.19∼0.32 mm and 0.07∼0.10 mm, with a mean form factor of 0.73 and 0.82, respectively.

Conclusion  The apical anatomy of C‐shaped root canal systems in mandibular second molars is extremely complex with many anatomical variations.
Phase transformation behaviour and bending properties of hybrid nickel–titanium rotary endodontic instruments
Authors: Hayashi Y. , Yoneyama T. , Yahata Y. , Miyai K. , Doi H. , Hanawa T. , Ebihara A. , Suda H.
Published: February 2007

Aim  To investigate the bending properties of hybrid rotary nickel–titanium endodontic instruments in relation to their transformation behaviour.

Methodology  Four types of nickel–titanium rotary endodontic instruments with different cross‐sectional shapes (triangular‐based and rectangular‐based) and different heat treatment conditions (super‐elastic type and hybrid type with shape memory effect) were selected to investigate bending properties and phase transformation behaviour. Bending load of the instruments was measured in a cantilever‐bending test at 37 °C with the maximum deflection of 3.0 mm. A commercial rotary instrument, ProFile (PF; Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) was used as a reference for the bending test. Phase transformation temperatures were calculated from the diagrams obtained from differential scanning calorimetry. Data were analysed by anova and Scheffe's test.

Results  The bending load values of the hybrid type that had undergone additional heat treatment at the tip were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than those of the super‐elastic type with no additional heat treatment. The bending load values of rectangular‐based cross‐sectional shaped instruments were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than those of triangular‐based cross‐sectional shaped instruments. Phase transformation temperatures (Ms and Af points) of the hybrid type were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the super‐elastic type. The Mf and As points of the tip part were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those of the whole part of the hybrid instrument.

Conclusions  Additional heat treatment of hybrid nickel–titanium instruments may be effective in increasing the flexibility of nickel–titanium rotary instruments.
Stereological estimation of surface area and barrier thickness of fish gills in vertical sections
Authors: DA COSTA OSCAR T. F. , PEDRETTI ANA CAROLINA E. , SCHMITZ ANKE , PERRY STEVEN F. , FERNANDES MARISA N.
Published: February 2007

Previous morphometric methods for estimation of the volume of components, surface area and thickness of the diffusion barrier in fish gills have taken advantage of the highly ordered structure of these organs for sampling and surface area estimations, whereas the thickness of the diffusion barrier has been measured orthogonally on perpendicularly sectioned material at subjectively selected sites. Although intuitively logical, these procedures do not have a demonstrated mathematical basis, do not involve random sampling and measurement techniques, and are not applicable to the gills of all fish. The present stereological methods apply the principles of surface area estimation in vertical uniform random sections to the gills of the Brazilian teleost Arapaima gigas. The tissue was taken from the entire gill apparatus of the right‐hand or left‐hand side (selected at random) of the fish by systematic random sampling and embedded in glycol methacrylate for light microscopy. Arches from the other side were embedded in Epoxy resin. Reference volume was estimated by the Cavalieri method in the same vertical sections that were used for surface density and volume density measurements. The harmonic mean barrier thickness of the water‐blood diffusion barrier was calculated from measurements taken along randomly selected orientation lines that were sine‐weighted relative to the vertical axis. The values thus obtained for the anatomical diffusion factor (surface area divided by barrier thickness) compare favourably with those obtained for other sluggish fish using existing methods.