bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient selection of preimplantation transgenic embryos by an improved procedure using Dpn I - Bal 31 digestion and the polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Seo B. B. , Kim C.H , Tojo H. , Tanaka S. , Yamanouchi K. , Takahashi M. , Sawasaki T. , Tachi C.
Published: January 2006

Efficient selection of preimplantation transgenic embryos by an improved
method after pronuclear injection of exogenous DNA is described. The method is
based on subjecting DNA extracted from the embryos to restriction enzymes as
well as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The incorporated procedure
included recovery of the digested DNA with glassmilk before PCR, which
markedly enhanced the rate of accurate detection of transgenic embyos. When
exogenous DNA sequences in the mouse embryos were not integrated into the
genome they were digested with both Dpn I and
Bal31, and subsequent PCR analysis generated DNA
fragments of the injected DNA sequence in only 1 ·5% of cases
examined. However, DNA extracted from mouse embryos containing the transgene
sequences integrated into the genome evaded digestion by both enzymes and
yielded transgene-specific PCR products in 68· 6% of the embryos
tested. When bovine embryos were used, sequences of the endogenous haemoglobin
gene used as a control genomic DNA sequence were protected from enzyme
digestion (PCR products in 70· 5% of the embryos examined); by
contrast, the non-integrated injected sequences were almost completly
eliminated by the same treatment (PCR products in 1· 4% of the
embryos examined). It is suggested that this method might be useful for the
selection of transgenic embryos before embryo transfer, thereby reducing the
number of recipient females required.
Follicular cells affect the fertilizability and developmental competency of bovine oocytes in vitro
Authors: Kim K. S. , Minami N. , Yamada M. , Utsumi K.
Published: January 2006

The present study examined the time-dependent effects of follicular cells on
the fertilizability of oocytes and their subsequent development to
blastocysts. The percentages of oocytes reaching the metaphase-II stage of
maturation rose from 51·3% after 16 h of culture to
86·2% at 28 h (cumulus-intact oocytes; CIO) and, for the same
time points, from 65·4% to 83·3% (corona-enclosed
oocytes; CO) and 54·3% to 88·9% (denuded oocytes;
DO), respectively. When DO were cultured for more than 24 h before
insemination, fertilization rates were significantly lower compared with CIO
and CO. The maximum rates of development to blastocysts were observed when the
oocytes were cultured for 24 h in the CIO group (22·1%), 20 h in
the CO group (19· 7%) and 18 h in the DO group
(9·2%), respectively. These results suggest that
(i) the presence of cumulus cells or corona cells during
maturation is not necessary for nuclear maturation of oocytes;
(ii) the attachment of corona cells to the oocytes
during maturation is important for the further development to the blastocyst
stage, and (iii) the presence of attached cumulus
and/or corona cells during maturation in vitro
extends the maturation period required for further development to the
blastocyst stage.
Effect of maternal infusion of adrenocorticotrophin1 - 24(ACTH1 - 24) on parturition in guinea-pigs near term
Authors: Schellenberg J-C.
Published: January 2006

While the mechanism of onset of labour in guinea-pigs is unknown, it has beensuggested that administration ofadrenocorticotrophin1-24(ACTH1-24) near term induces labour. In order to verifythis finding, guinea-pigs were fitted with indwelling carotid and jugularvascular cannulae. ACTH1-24 (30 µgh-1 for four hours, n = 9)or vehicle (n = 5) was infused intravenously onDay 64 (term is 68 days). ACTH1-24 had no effect ongestational length (68·4 ± 1·0days,n = 6 v. control,69·6 ± 0·3 days, n = 5,P = 0·8). Symphysial width, fetal weight,number and viability were similar in both groups (all P> 0·1). Infusion of ACTH1-24 increasedmaternal ACTH concentrations from <1·8 pmolL-1 to 34·6 pmol L-1(n = 6, P < 0·01) while fetal ACTHconcentrations remained undetectable (n = 6).Infusion of ACTH1 24 increased cortisol concentrations in maternal plasma from8·3 ±0· 6 mmol L -1 to 15·8± 0·8 mmol L-1 (n= 6, P < 0·001) but had no effect onconcentrations of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2α(P = 0·8). It is concluded that(1) maternal infusion of ACTH1-24at the dosage used does not induce labour in guinea-pigs, and(2) ACTH1-24 does not cross the placenta.
Localization and quantitation of hyaluronan and sulfated glycosaminoglycans in the tissues and intraluminal fluid of the pig oviduct
Authors: Tienthai P. , Kjellén L. , Pertoft H. , Suzuki K. , Rodriguez-Martinez H.
Published: January 2006

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), hyaluronan (HA) and heparan sulfate (HS) were
localized in the pre- and post-ovulatory oviducts of inseminated and control
(non-inseminated) sows using biotinylated HA-binding protein (HABP) and
anti-syndecan antibodies respectively. In addition, the concentrations of HA
and total sulfated GAGs (S-GAGs) were measured in fluid collected
in vivo from either a selected tubal segment (isthmus or
ampulla) or from the contralateral whole oviduct (WO) of non-inseminated sows
during proestrus–metoestrus. HA was localized in the lamina propria of
the entire oviduct, but epithelial HA-labelling was only present in the sperm
reservoir (utero-tubal junction–adjacent isthmus) in control and
inseminated sows. In contrast, immunolabelling for HS proteoglycans (HSPGs,
syndecans) was present on the entire epithelial lining, both pre and post
ovulation and in both sow groups. Both HA and S-GAGs could be detected in the
intraluminal fluid. Concentrations varied among sows and segments; those of
the S-GAGs being higher (P<0.05) than that of HA.
Mean levels of S-GAGs and HA tended to increase in the fluid collected from
isthmus and ampulla during standing oestrus. Fluid levels from the WO,
however, fluctuated less during the collection period. Major statistical
differences were not present, owing to the large variation seen between
animals. The results confirm, however, that GAGs are present in the pig
oviduct. The conspicuous localization in the sperm reservoir and the tendency
to higher levels in the fluid during pre-ovulatory oestrus support the
hypothesis that GAGs play a role in modulating sperm viability and
capacitation during sperm transport in the pig oviduct.
Influences on fetal and placental weights during mid to late gestation in prolific ewes well nourished throughout pregnancy
Authors: Greenwood Paul L. , Slepetis Ramona M. , Bell Alan W.
Published: January 2006

This study investigated associations between fetal and placental weights from
85 to 130 days gestation in 49 fetuses from 21 ewes of a prolific genotype
used as an experimental model of intrauterine growth retardation. The
proportion of variation in fetal weight explained by placental weight
increased from zero at 85 days to 91% (residual standard deviation
(RSD) = 260 g) at 130 days. Overall, stage of pregnancy plus placental
weight accounted for 96% of fetal weight variation (RSD = 212
g). Litter size and number of fetuses per uterine horn also influnced
individual fetal weights. Gestational age, litter size, placental weight per
ewe, and liveweight and condition score of ewes during early to mid gestation
(initial LW and CS) explained 99.5% of the variation in fetal weight
per ewe (RSD = 236 g). Most variation (86%) in placental weight
was explained by stage of pregnancy, litter size, number of placentomes, and
initial LW and CS (RSD = 53 g). Placental weight per ewe was influenced
by stage of pregancy, litter size and initial ewe LW and CS
(R 2 = 0.97; RSD =
89 g). The association of fetal and placental weights with initial ewe LW was
positive, and with initial CS was negative. The results show that in the
absence of overt nutritional restriction of pregnant ewes, fetal and placental
weights are tightly coupled during late gestation and ewe fatness during early
pregnancy is inversely related to placental and fetal weights. They
demonstrate that placental weight explains most of the variation in fetal
weight in the present intrauterine growth retardation model.
Phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade during early embryo development in the mouse
Authors: Iwamori Naoki , Naito Kunihiko , Sugiura Koji , Kagii Hideyuki , Yamashita Masakane , Ohashi Satoshi , Goto Seitaro , Yamanouchi Keitaro , Tojo Hideaki
Published: January 2006

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade is one of the most
important signal transduction pathways that regulate the cell cycle in somatic
cells. The present study examined the phosphorylation states of components in
the MAPK cascade, Raf-1, MEK-1, and extracellular signal regulated kinases
(ERKs), which are activated by mitogens, throughout early mouse embryo
development and in cultured somatic cells generally. In somatic cells, Raf-1
and MEK-1 were phosphorylated at M-phase and dephosphorylated during
interphase. ERKs were not phosphorylated at any stage during the cell cycle.
These results were similar to previous findings for the first and second cell
cycles of early mouse embryos. In contrast, after the four-cell stage, not
only ERKs, but also Raf-1 and MEK-1, were not phosphorylated at any stage
during the cell cycle in mouse early embryos. These results suggest that the
MAPK cascade in mouse embryos is regulated by the same mechanism as in somatic
cells before the two-cell stage, and that regulation is changed to an
embryo-specific mechanism after the four-cell stage.
Relationships between changes in plasma concentrations of leptin before and after parturition and the timing of first post-partum ovulation in high-producing Holstein dairy cows
Authors: Kadokawa H. , Blache D. , Yamada Y. , Martin G. B.
Published: January 2006

During early lactation, dairy cattle are in negative energy balance and the
delay to first post-partum ovulation depends on the time taken to recover from
this situation. Lactating cows rely heavily on body fat to meet their
requirements, leading to the suggestion that leptin, a hormone secreted mainly
by adipocytes, is acting as a metabolic signal to sites that control the
reproductive axis. The relationship between plasma leptin concentrations and
the timing of the first ovulation post partum in 20 high-producing Holstein
dairy cows, using a radioimmunoassay based on recombinant bovine leptin was
studied. Plasma leptin concentrations declined after parturition, reached a
nadir of 0.74 ± 0.17 ng mL–1 on 10.1
± 2.2 days after parturition (all values are mean
± SEM). They then increased and became stable near the time of
ovulation. Leptin concentrations averaged 1.81 ± 0.31 ng mL
–1 in the 14 days prepartum, 1.32 ±
0.21 ng mL –1 in the post-partum preovulatory
period, and 1.61 ± 0.24 ng mL –1 in
the post-ovulatory period. The differences between periods were significant
(P<0.01). The interval from parturition to first
ovulation averaged 25.9 ± 2.0 days and was not correlated with
the prepartum, preovulatory or post-ovulatory leptin values. However, the
interval to first ovulation correlated significantly (r
= 0.83;P<0.0001) with the interval
from parturition to the leptin nadir. These results show that plasma
concentrations of leptin decrease in dairy cows in the early post-partum
period and suggest that a delay in the recovery of leptin secretion increases
the delay to the first ovulation.
Morphometric analysis of myofibre development in the adductor femoris muscle of single and twin fetal lambs
Authors: McCoard S. A. , McNabb W. C. , Peterson S. W. , McCutcheon S. N. , Harris P. M.
Published: January 2006

Cellular development of the adductor femoris muscle from
twin and single fetuses was studied at 140 days gestation to evaluate the
effect of moderate fetal growth retardation on myofibre development. Twin
fetuses had lower bodyweights (13%) and disproportionately small
adductor femoris muscle weights (22%) compared
with single fetuses. Reduced muscle mass was associated with smaller myofibre
cross-sectional areas (CSA) and lower DNA content (22%), indicative of
fewer myonuclei and retarded myofibre hypertrophy. Myofibre number and the
phenotypic maturation of the myofibres were similar between twins and
singletons. These results indicate that even modest growth restriction during
fetal life can negatively influence myofibre hypertrophy, highlighting the
importance of fetal nutrition for muscle growth. Large muscles, such as the
adductor femoris, have intrafascicularly terminating
myofibres, which necessitates accurate sampling of the muscle when
investigating possible perturbations in morphological characteristics (e.g.
between singletons and twins). The second objective of the present study was
to investigate the impact of the sampling site on the morphological parameters
of the adductor femoris muscle. The apparent total
myofibre number decreased from the proximal to the distal region of the
adductor femoris muscle. The apparent number of
slow-twitch fibres also decreased from the proximal to the medial region, but
was not different between the medial and distal regions of the muscle.
Similarly, myofibre CSA differed between the medial and distal regions. These
results indicate that, particularly with large muscles, such as the
adductor femoris, which has intrafascicularly
terminating myofibres, single site sampling for the determination of
morphological fibre characteristics may generate misleading results and that
careful selection of the sampling area may be necessary.
Assessment of learning ability and behaviour in low birthweight lambs following intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Camm E. J. , Gibbs M. E. , Cock M. L. , Rees S. M. , Harding R.
Published: January 2006

The present study used behavioural tasks to assess learning ability and
behaviour in postnatal lambs, and to examine the effects of low birthweight
(LBW) and age on subsequent performance. It was hypothesized that intrauterine
growth restriction (IUGR) and LBW lead to learning and behavioural deficits in
the early postnatal period. IUGR and LBW were induced by umbilico-placental
embolization from 120 days of gestational age (g.a.) to the onset of labour.
Behavioural studies were performed on 6 LBW and 6 control lambs between 2 and
6 weeks after birth. LBW lambs were born at 139 1 days g.a. (2.4 0.2 kg) and
control lambs were born at 149 1 days g.a. (4.5 0.4 kg). Three tasks were used
to assess the learning ability and behaviour of the lambs: a simple maze, an
obstacle course, and a T-maze. LBW lambs took longer to complete the simple
maze at all ages, and made a greater number of errors at Week 1 of testing
compared to control lambs; the total trial duration and number of errors
decreased with age for both groups. In the obstacle course, the times taken to
complete the first and third trials were used for analysis; a decrease in
trial time and the number of errors from Trial 1 to Trial 3 were indications
of the lamb’s ability to learn how to negotiate the objects within the
course. LBW lambs recorded longer trial durations for the first trial at Week
5 of testing, and for the third trial at Week 4. LBW lambs made more errors
for the first trial at Week 5 of testing than control lambs. In the T-maze,
there was no significant effect of treatment or age. It was concluded that
differences between the groups may have been the result of LBW lambs being
prematurely born. The value of these tasks in the assessment of learning
ability and behaviour in young lambs is discussed.
Bursaria (Pittosporaceae): a morphometric analysis and revision
Authors: Cayzer L. W. , Crisp M. D. , Telford I. R. H.
Published: January 2006

Bursariais an endemic Australian genus of mostlyspinescent, scruffy shrubs and trees, found in all but the most arid or alpineareas. Previous classifications include many infraspecific taxa and haveproved unworkable in eastern Australia. This paper presents a revision of thegenus. On the basis of phenetic analyses of morphometric characters thefollowing taxa are now recognised: B. calcicolaL.Cayzer, Crisp & I.Telford, B. incana Lindl.,B. longisepala Domin,B. occidentalis E.M.Benn.,B. reevesii L.Cayzer, Crisp & I.Telford,B. spinosa Cav. subsp. lasiophylla (E.M.Benn.) L.Cayzer, Crisp & I.Telford, B. spinosasubsp. spinosa and B. tenuifoliaF.M.Bail. Two are described as new(B. calcicola, B. reevesii), and one is changed in rank:B. spinosa subsp. lasiophylla(formerly B. lasiophylla E.M.Benn.). None of the otherinfraspecific taxa recognised previously is supported by our analyses.
Variation in the morphology and volatile leaf oils of Eucalyptus yarraensis (Myrtaceae), a disjunct rare species in Victoria
Authors: Simmons D. , Parsons R. F.
Published: January 2006

Variation in adult morphology and volatile leaf oils was examined in five populations of the rare Eucalyptus yarraensis Maiden & Cambage sampled over the species’ natural range in Victoria. Thespecies shows little morphological variation, but there is clear geographicseparation of two chemical forms of leaf oil, with a high benzaldehyde form ineastern populations, and a high 1,8-cineole chemical form in westernpopulations. The occurrence of chemical forms may be related to environmentalparameters. In the absence of genetic data, the chemical variation in thespecies suggests that secure populations need to be protected to include thetwo different chemical types. There are some relatively secure westernpopulations, but representative eastern populations are usually small andvulnerable to local extinctions. If the genetic resources of this disjunctspecies are to be preserved, the species may need formal legislative protection.
Revision of the genus Sporobolus (Poaceae, Chloridoideae) in Australia
Authors: Simon Bryan K. , Jacobs Surrey W. L.
Published: January 2006

Twenty-six species of Sporobolus from Australia
(including two closely related, weedy species that may occur in the future)
are revised taxonomically in this paper. Two new species,
S. latzii and S. sessilis, are
recognised and described. The DELTA system has been used to generate
descriptions of all taxa and a complete list of all characters used is given.
Brief discussion is given on classification, ecology, economic value and weed
potential, anatomy, rare or threatened status of species, distribution, seed
proteins, RAPD analysis and diseases. A key is provided to all species and
infra-specific taxa. Illustrations, photographs or reference to illustrations
are included as well as distribution maps of all Australian entities. Lists
containing information on approximately 3200 exsiccatae examined have been
incorporated into an accessory publication*.
Revision of Rhytidosporum (Pittosporaceae)
Authors: Cayzer L. W. , Crisp M. D. , Telford I. R. H.
Published: January 2006

As part of a revision of the family Pittosporaceae in Australia, a cladistic
analysis was undertaken to resolve the phylogeny of
Rhytidosporum and thereby clarify the taxonomic status
of this small genus. Rhytidosporum is confirmed as a
separate genus, and five species are now recognised:
R. alpinum, R. diosmoides,
R. inconspicuum, R. procumbens and
R. prostratum.
Rhytidosporum inconspicuum, found in subalpine areas
mainly in Victoria and Tasmania, is described for the first time.
Rhytidosporum diosmoides, which ranges from central New
South Wales to southern Queensland, is reinstated at species level.
Plant macrofossils of the Upper Cretaceous Kaitangata Coalfield, New Zealand
Authors: Pole Mike , Douglas Barry
Published: January 2006

Uppermost Cretaceous sediments from the Cretaceous Kaitangata Coal Mine and
the Wangaloa coast (south of Dunedin, New Zealand) were investigated for
dispersed plant macrofossils. The gymnosperms include two cycads
(Macrozamia sp. and Pterostoma
sp.), Ginkgo sp., three further possible ginkgophyte
taxa, and ten conifer taxa. The conifers include two new conifer genera and
species, Maikuku stephaniae and
Waro riderensis, which are placed in the Taxodiaceae
s.l., five forms which can be placed into pre- existing
genera (Araucaria sp.,
Otakauia lanceolata, Kaia minuta,
Kakahuia sp. ‘Kai Point’, and
Paahake cf. P. papillatus), and
three others which are not identified to genus (Araucariaceae gen. indet., cf.
Dacrycarpus, and ‘Wangaloa conifer’). There
are also 13 types of angiosperm cuticle, including one in the Lauraceae, and
one with affinities to Chloranthaceae and Monimiaceae. Sample heterogeneity as
regards taxa present and their abundance suggests taxonomic heterogeneity in
the original vegetation.
Variation in the Eucalyptus flocktoniae complex (Myrtaceae) and the description of four new taxa from southern Australia
Authors: Nicolle Dean , Conran John G.
Published: January 2006

Eucalyptus flocktoniae is considered to be a complex distinguished within EucalyptusseriesSubulatae by decurrent juvenile leaves and glossyadult leaves. The geographical range of E. flocktoniae(Maiden) Maiden was examined to quantify the patterns of variation in bothadult and seedling morphology. The putatively related speciesE. aspersa Brooker & Hopper,E. cooperiana F.Muell.,E. socialis F.Muell. exMiq.,E. transcontinentalis Maiden sens.lat.and E. yumbarrana Boomsma werealso studied to assess similarity and relationships toE. flocktoniae sens. lat. Phenetic analysis of adult andjuvenile data sets (46 and 21 characters, respectively) indicated that theE. flocktoniae complex consisted of five distinct taxa,distinguishable from one another in habit, branchlet pruinosity, leaf colourand gloss, inflorescence pruinosity, umbellaster orientation, bud size andornamentation, and fruit shape and ornamentation. These taxa areE. flocktoniae subsp. flocktoniae,here redefined, as restricted to between Three Springs and the Oldfield Riverin Western Australia (WA); subsp. hebes Nicolle subsp.nov. from Balladonia to north-east of Ravensthorpe, WA;E. neutra Nicolle sp. nov., from the south-centralwheatbelt of WA; E. peninsularis Nicolle sp. nov. fromlower Eyre Peninsula in SA; and E. urna Nicolle sp.nov., a common and widespread species between Kondinin and Caiguna in WA. Akey and distribution maps are provided for taxa of theE. flocktoniae complex.
Generic position of Melaleuca punicea: Petraeomyrtus, gen. nov. (Myrtaceae)
Authors: Craven L. A.
Published: January 2006

Morphological aspects of the androecium, gynoecium and seeds of
Melaleuca punicea Byrnes are such that the particular
combination of character states renders the species anomalous not only in
Melaleuca L. but also in Regelia
Schauer in which it also has been included. The new genus,
Petraeomyrtus Craven, is described to accommodate the
species.
Batrachospermum (Batrachospermales, Rhodophyta) in Australia and New Zealand: New taxa and records in sections Contorta and Hybrida
Authors: Entwisle Timothy J. , Foard Helen J.
Published: January 2006

Six species of Batrachospermum from Australia and New
Zealand have a twisted to coiled carpogonial branch and determinate
gonimoblast filaments, and are therefore referable to section
Contorta or Hybrida.
Batrachospermum australicum KÜtz. ex sp. nov. from
large rivers in tropical Northern Territory has a tightly 3-coiled carpogonial
branch; B. vittatum sp. nov. from tropical Northern
Territory has a characteristic longitudinal mid-whorl band of spermatangia;
and B. deminutum sp. nov. from a single locality in
eastern-central New South Wales has reduced whorls and long carpogonial
branches. The other three species are cosmopolitan in distribution:
B. virgatodecaisneanum Sirodot is widespread but
uncommon in temperate regions of both countries;
B. ambiguum Montagne is widespread and common in
tropical Australia; and B. globosporum Israelson is
restricted in Australia to near Brisbane in subtropical southern Queensland.
Chromosome numbers and karyotypes in the Australian Gnaphalieae and Plucheeae (Asteraceae)
Authors: Watanabe K. , Short P. S. , Denda T. , Konishi N. , Ito M. , Kosuge K.
Published: January 2006

Chromosome number determinations from 152 collections representing 42 genera
and 106 species of the Australian Gnaphalieae and Plucheeae are reported. The
chromosome numbers of 75 of these species have not been previously counted or
differ from those previously reported for species. Chromosome numbers have
been documented for the first time for 14 genera:
Argyroglottis (n = 12),
Cephalosorus (2n = 24),
Decazesia (n = 14),
Dielitzia (2n = 26),
Eriochlamys (n = 14),
Erymophyllum (n = 11 and
14), Gilruthia (n = 13),
Leucochrysum (n = 9),
Myriocephalus s. str. (n =
14, 2n = 24),
Polycalymma s. str. (n =
14), Pterocaulon (n = 10),
Pterochaeta (n = 12),
Quinetia (2n – 24) and
Sondottia (2n = 6).
Remaining counts augment and agree with previously reported determinations.
Some problems with generic delimitation and interpretation of chromosome data
are outlined.
There is an array of karyotypes within the Australian Gnaphalieae and
dysploidy is widespread. Polyploidy has also played an important role in the
evolution of some taxa. Evidence suggests that the base number for Australian
Gnaphalieae is x = 14. This may be the base
number for the entire tribe.
Morphological and genetic variation in Centrolepis paludicola and C. monogyna (Centrolepidaceae)
Authors: Cambecèdes J. , Vaillancourt R. E. , Potts B. M.
Published: January 2006

Centrolepis paludicola is a small cushion-forming herb
which is listed as an endangered species. However, some taxonomists have
questioned its species status and treat it as a subspecies of the common
C. monogyna. Morphological measurements were taken on
plants from 50 cushions collected from 31 sites throughout Tasmania, and
included C. paludicola,
C. monogyna and C. fascicularis as
an outgroup to resolve this taxonomic issue. While
C. fascicularis was distinct in all morphological
analyses, the sympatric C. paludicola and
C. monogyna could not be clearly distinguished on the
basis of the reproductive and vegetative characters that are supposed to
separate them. Centrolepis monogyna is henceforth
interpreted as a morphologically variable species which includes
C. paludicola. Once it was shown that these are best
treated as one species, RAPD molecular markers were used to analyse genetic
variation between populations. This analysis revealed a high level of
polymorphism between cushions. As in the multivariate analysis of
morphological data, C. monogyna and
C. paludicola containing cushions were
indistinguishable. However, there was a strong geographical structure to the
genetic variation in the
C. monogyna/C. paludicola
group, consistent with a model in which gene flow between populations is
limited and local differentiation has occurred.
Preface to 'Biodiversity and biogeography of Australian fungi'
Authors: Simpson Jack , May Tom W.
Published: January 2006

The ascomycetes of Australia are generally poorly known. Some major
contributions to their study last century are those of G. Beaton and G. Weste,
C. G. Hansford, K. D. Hyde and co-workers, J. Kohlmeyer and H. J. Swart. A
preliminary list of more than 1657 Australian ascomycete species was located
in an extensive search of the literature. The Australian
Meliolaceae, Mycosphaerellaceae
and Xylariaceae are relatively well known. Most
ascomycete records are in the genera Meliola,
Hypoxylonand Xylaria.
Comprehensive treatments of Australian ascomycetes can be found in the
monographs of the genera Anthostomella,
Didymosphaeria, Hypoxylonand
Massarina and Orders Heliotales and Pezizales.
Freshwater and marine ascomycetes and ascomycetes associated with plant
diseases have been relatively well studied. There is also a relatively large
amount of literature on the ascomycetes occurring on palms. Ascomyceteous
pathogens may be host specific (e.g. Mycosphaerella,
Phyllachoraspp.) or probable generalists (e.g.
Diaporthe, Glomerellaspp.).
Saprobes are less likely to be host-specific, but examples from palms indicate
that several species may exhibit a host genus preference. Biogeographical
distributions of ascomycetes on
Archontophoenix alexandrae indicate that when a plant is
removed from its native surroundings (e.g. a rainforest) and planted elsewhere
(e.g. in botanical gardens) it looses its endemic fungal population and
ubiquituous fungi move in and fill the niche of these lost fungi. Most
ascomycetes are inconspicuous and poorly collected. Studies on most of the
larger families are already in progress. Therefore, a habitat approach is
recommended for future Australian ascomycete studies. This can provide data on
biodiversity, ecology and the roles of the fungi and specimens can be lodged
in herbaria for future taxonomic studies.
Helminth parasites of the grassland melomys (Muridae : Hydromyinae) from Australia and Papua New Guinea
Authors: Smales L. R.
Published: January 2006

This study documents the helminth assemblages of grassland melomys: Melomys burtoni (Ramsay, 1887), Melomys sp. cf. burtoni and Melomys lutillus (Thomas, 1913). In total, 22 helminth species comprising one cestode and 21 nematodes from 112 hosts were found. All the specimens of Physaloptera spp. examined proved to be Physaloptera banfieldi Johnston & Mawson, 1941 with P. troughtoni Johnston & Mawson, 1941 the junior synonym. The dominant helminth group was the trichostrongyloid nematodes including Odilia melomyos (Mawson, 1961) and O. mackerrasae (Mawson, 1961). The most prevalent, O. melomyos, occurred in each of the host species across all areas sampled (New South Wales, Northern Territory, Papua New Guinea, Queensland and Western Australia). The helminth assemblage of M. burtoni from hosts from New South Wales and Queensland was the most diverse. The helminths of M. burtoni from the Northern Territory and of M. lutillus from Papua New Guinea were subsets of that assemblage. That of M. cf. burtoni from Western Australia, with only six helminth species, was not dominated by trichostrongyloids, three of the six species were not found in other localities, and, with Sorensen’s Indices of 18.2% when compared with the helminths from Papua New Guinea and the Northern Territory and 24% when compared with Queensland, was the least similar. No substantial differences were found between the helminth assemblages of the grassland melomys group, excluding M. cf. burtoni, and Melomys cervinipes (Gould, 1852), the fawn footed melomys. This was reflected in a Sorensen’s Index of 67.9%. The time between the arrival of Melomys into Australia during the Pleistocene and the present day suggests that the trichostrongyloids O. melomyos, O. mackerrasae and O. mawsonae (Durette-Desset, 1969) may have travelled with their rodent hosts from New Guinea to Australia and other helminths in the assemblage may have been acquired in Australia.
Distinct Ceramide Synthases Regulate Polarized Growth in the Filamentous FungusAspergillus nidulans
Authors: Li Shaojie , Du Liangcheng , Yuen Gary , Harris Steven D.
Published: January 2006

In filamentous fungi, the stabilization of a polarity axis is likely to be a pivotal event underlying the emergence of a germ tube from a germinating spore. Recent results implicate the polarisome in this process and also suggest that it requires localized membrane organization. Here, we employ a chemical genetic approach to demonstrate that ceramide synthesis is necessary for the formation of a stable polarity axis in the model fungus Aspergillus nidulans. We demonstrate that a novel compound (HSAF) produced by a bacterial biocontrol agent disrupts polarized growth and leads to loss of membrane organization and formin localization at hyphal tips. We show that BarA, a putative acyl-CoA-dependent ceramide synthase that is unique to filamentous fungi mediates the effects of HSAF. Moreover, A. nidulans possesses a second likely ceramide synthase that is essential and also regulates hyphal morphogenesis. Our results suggest that filamentous fungi possess distinct pools of ceramide that make independent contributions to polarized hyphal growth, perhaps through the formation of specialized lipid microdomains that regulate organization of the cytoskeleton.
Disembedding Socialist Firms as a Statist Project: Restructuring the Chinese Oil Industry, 1997–2002
Authors: Lin Kun-Chin
Published: January 2006

Crucial to the success of China’s transition to the market economy is the central government’s capacity for institutional innovation. Since 1997, Chinese politicians have sought to transform the governance of state-owned industries from decentralized administrator control to centralized corporate shareholder control. This essay examines the ideological, political, and institutional components of the central state’s strategy of “disembeddedness” that aimed to disrupt preexisting social norms and exchange relations of the planned economy. However, this authoritarian approach to organizational change has generated sociopolitical contentions and unintended economic outcomes that point to alternative conceptions of authority and exchange relations at industrial and firm levels. Focusing on the recent restructuring of the oil and petrochemical sectors into national oil corporations, I provide evidence of how certain types of informal social dynamics have shaped and constrained the implementation of asset control strategies and industrial policies favored by the state, with direct implications for the proper functioning of new market institutions.
67‐kDa Laminin Receptor in Human Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Liang , Xie Ming , Zhou Jia Qing , Tao Lei
Published: January 2006

Objectives/Hypothesis: Abnormal interaction of epithelial cells with laminin component of basement membrane may account for altered biological behavior of cells, influencing proliferation, adhesion, and motility. In the current study, we investigated the role of 67‐kDa laminin receptor (67LR), a high affinity receptor for laminin, in aggressiveness of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods: Thirty paraffin‐embedded specimens and 20 fresh tissues of pa‐tients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma were analyzed using immunohistologic and reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction techniques, respectively. Expression of 67LR on the surface of AMC‐HN‐8 cells was examined by flow cytometry. The effect of 67LR monoclonal antibody (MLuC5) on the adhesive and invasive abilities of AMC‐HN‐8 cells was determined by adherence and invasion inhibition assay in vitro.

Results: Both at the mRNA and protein level, laryngeal carcinoma cells expressed higher level of 67LR than normal epithelial cells (P < .01). The expression of 67LR correlated inversely with differentiation extent of tumor (P < .05). 67LR level was significantly increased in patients with lymph node metastases than those without lymph node involvement (P < .05). Flow cytometry showed 80.9 ± 0.9% of AMC‐HN‐8 cells expressed 67LR. After 60 minutes and 120 minutes of incubation, MluC5 induced 57.1 ± 3.6% and 63.2 ± 2.8% inhibition of adhesion, respectively. The invasive ability of AMC‐HN‐8 cells to matrigel was reduced by MLuC5.

Conclusions: Laryngeal carcinoma cells over‐expressing 67LR have a stronger aggressive potential, which might make 67LR a promising target for the treatment of metastatic tumor.
The Learning Curve in Stapes Surgery and Its Implication to Training
Authors: Yung M. W. , Oates J , Vowler S. L.
Published: January 2006

Objective: To identify the stapedotomy learning curve of two U.K. otolaryngologists.

Study Design: A retrospective review of the outcome of first 100 stapedotomy operations by each surgeon. Included in the study was a postal survey of the incidence of stapes surgery by U.K. otolaryngologists.

Setting: Two tertiary referral centers.

Patients: All ears in which primary stapedotomy was performed for otosclerosis. Nonotosclerotic cases and malleus stapedotomy cases were excluded.

Intervention: One surgeon used the technique of small fenestra stapedotomy with either a Teflon‐wire or titanium piston but without vein graft interposition, whereas the second used the technique of stapedotomy with vein graft interposition and a Teflon piston.

Main Outcome Measures: A moving average with a window of 15 dB was used to plot learning curves for the postoperative air‐bone gaps. Using a postoperative air‐bone gap of 20 dB or better as a definition of ‘success,’ the success rates with the increase in surgical experience of both surgeons were plotted on graphs, the learning curves. The end point of the learning curve was defined as the point where the curve reached its peak, and the results were sustainable.

Results: There was no clear‐cut end point in both learning curves, although it appears that there is a landmark point at 60 to 80 cases for both surgeons. Both surgeons also had one “dead ear” in their first 15 cases. The postal survey showed that some trainers only performed small numbers of stapes surgery, whereas some otolaryngologists who performed stapedotomies regularly were not trainers.

Conclusions: The study supports a learning curve in stapes surgery. To maximize the training opportunity of trainee surgeons, it may be advisable for learning centers to form network to provide target training for the trainee who has demonstrated the necessary dexterity and temperament of an otologist.
Response to Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation in Patients with Unilateral Vestibular Loss
Authors: Kim Hyun Jik , Choi Jae Young , Son Eun Jin , Lee Won‐Sang
Published: January 2006

Objectives: This study sought to characterize various responses to galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) by comparing GVS‐induced eye movements in healthy subjects and patients with vestibular function loss. The study also aimed to estimate the clinical significance of GVS tests. Finally, an effort was made to localize the primary excitation site of stimulation in the vestibular system.

Materials and Methods: Three parameters of response to GVS, spontaneous nystagmus, galvanic stimulating nystagmus (GSN), and postgalvanic stimulating nystagmus (PGSN), were evaluated in 20 normal subjects and 14 patients with complete unilateral vestibular function loss resulting from labyrinthectomy or vestibular neurectomy using a three‐dimensional video‐electronystagmography technique.

Results: In normal subjects, GSN was detected in all subjects and was directed toward the negative electrode. PGSN was also detected but was directed toward the opposite electrode. When the negative electrode was attached to the intact side in unilateral vestibular loss subjects, GSN was always directed toward the negative electrode and PGSN was never observed. When the negative electrode was attached to the lesion side, however, GSN was detected in only one case, and PGSN was observed and directed to the intact side in 13 patients.

Conclusions: The response to GVS in vestibular loss patients differed from that in normal subjects, which suggests that GVS could be useful for estimating the extent of vestibular function loss. The fact that the patterns of GVS response differed so significantly suggests that the primary site of excitation is not central but is instead the peripheral vestibular organ.
Hearing Genes and Cisplatin Deafness: A Pilot Study
Authors: Knoll Christine , Smith Richard J. H. , Shores Carol , Blatt Julie
Published: January 2006

Objective: Cisplatin commonly is used to treat pediatric solid tumors. A major dose‐limiting toxicity is sensorineural hearing loss. Which patients experience ototoxicity after treatment with cisplatin must reflect individual susceptibility, since it is not seen in all similarly treated patients. We hypothesized that mutations or polymorphisms in hearing genes are more common in patients who experience ototoxicity than in the general population.

Study Design: We completed retrospective mutation screening of GJB2 and SLC26A4 and screened for three mtDNA mutations in patients with a history of childhood cancer who developed severe hearing loss at cumulative cisplatin doses of less than 400 mg/M2.

Materials and Methods: Patients younger than 21 years of age who experienced severe hearing loss after cisplatin were identified using the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study database. Archival DNA from buccal washes of 11 patients was used for mutation screening and detection.

Results: With the exception of one patient (9.1%) who was a carrier for the 35delG mutation, no mutant alleles were found. Given the reported prevalence of the 35delG mutation in the general population of 2.5%, this result is not significant (P = .35).

Conclusions: It is not likely that any of the five hearing genes we examined contribute to cisplatin ototoxicity. Further study may be warranted to look at other hearing genes as possible predictors of cisplatin ototoxicity.
Planned Post‐Chemoradiation Neck Dissection: Significance of Radiation Dose
Authors: Stenson Kerstin M. , Huo Dezheng , Blair Elizabeth , Cohen Ezra E.W. , Argiris Athanassios , Haraf Daniel J. , Vokes E Everett
Published: January 2006

Objective: The increasing prominence of multimodality therapy for patients with advanced head and neck cancer reflects its high survival and functional preservation rates. We report the pathologic data on patients undergoing neck dissection (ND) after induction chemotherapy followed by concomitant chemoradiotherapy (IC‐CRT) in three similar protocols utilizing decreasing doses of radiation therapy.

Materials and Methods: The databases of 221 patients who underwent IC‐CRT between 1999 and 2002 were reviewed. Based on posttreatment residual or pretreatment N2a or greater neck disease, 73 patients without pretreatment neck surgery were eligible for analysis (1 N1, 3 N2a, 26 N2b, 20 N2c, 23 N3). Three additional subgroups were also analyzed with respect to outcome: Undissected patients with less than N2 disease, patients who had neck surgery prior to IC‐CRT, and patients with N2a or greater neck disease who did not have post‐IC‐CRT ND.

Study Design: Retrospective analysis.

Results: Sixty‐seven patients underwent unilateral or bilateral selective neck dissection. Six patients had modified or radical ND. There were no wound healing complications. Pathologic analysis revealed viable cancer in 15 of 73 patients (20.5%): 1 had N1, 3 had N2b, 4 had N2c, and 7 had N3 neck disease. The incidence of viable cancer in the neck dissection specimen increased as radiation dose decreased. Complete response induction chemotherapy predicted negative pathology (P = .003). In the subgroup analysis, patients who had pretreatment surgery had a lower risk of dying from the primary cancer

Conclusions: 1) The incidence of positive pathology after IC‐CRT increases as radiation dose decreases. 2) Selective neck dissection after CRT has been demonstrated to be feasible and safe; the complication rate of ND after IC‐CRT is acceptably low. 3) There is viable posttreatment cancer in 20.5% of patients, indicating necessity of ND in these patients.
Dispersion in steady and oscillatory flows through a tube with reversible and irreversible wall reactions
Authors: Ng Chiu-On
Published: January 2006

An asymptotic analysis is presented for the advection–diffusion transport of a chemical species in flow through a small-diameter tube, where the flow consists of steady and oscillatory components, and the species may undergo linear reversible (phase exchange or wall retention) and irreversible (decay or absorption) reactions at the tube wall. Both developed and transient concentrations are considered in the analysis; the former is governed by the Taylor dispersion model, while the latter is required in order to formulate proper initial data for the developed mean concentration. The various components of the effective dispersion coefficient, valid when the developed state is attained, are derived as functions of the Schmidt number, flow oscillation frequency, phase partitioning and kinetics of the two reactions. Being more general than those available in the literature, this effective dispersion coefficient incorporates the combined effects of wall retention and absorption on the otherwise classical Taylor dispersion mechanism. It is found that if the phase exchange reaction kinetics is strong enough, the dispersion coefficient is probably to be increased by orders of magnitude by changing the tube wall from being non-retentive to being just weakly retentive.
Local disturbance history and habitat parameters influence the microdistribution of stream invertebrates
Authors: EFFENBERGER MICHAEL , SAILER GABRIELE , TOWNSEND COLIN R. , MATTHAEI CHRISTOPH D.
Published: January 2006

1. We investigated the effects of local disturbance history and habitat parameters (abiotic and biotic) on the microdistribution of benthic invertebrates during several floods in two streams, the Schmiedlaine in Germany (four events) and the Kye Burn in New Zealand (two events).

2. Bed movement patterns were quantified using metal‐link scour chains. Before and after each flood, quantitative invertebrate samples were taken from replicate bed patches that had experienced sediment scour, fill or remained stable.

3. Patterns of invertebrate density in the different bed stability types (i.e. scour, fill, stable) varied between floods, sampling dates and streams, but invertebrate density was highest in stable patches in >50% of all the patch type effects detected and lowest in fill patches in 75% of all detected effects. Stable bed patches acted as a refugium for Liponeura spp. and Leuctra spp. in the Schmiedlaine and for Hydracarina and Deleatidium spp. in the Kye Burn.

4. Averaged across both streams, only near‐bed current velocity was correlated with invertebrate distribution on the streambed more often than disturbance history. In the Kye Burn, disturbance history and water depth were the most influential habitat parameters.

5. Our results suggest that a thorough understanding of the microdistribution of benthic invertebrates requires knowledge of disturbance history, as well as more readily measured habitat parameters such as current velocity or water depth.
Rituximab in the treatment of high responding inhibitors in severe haemophilia A
Authors: MOSCHOVI M. , ARONIS S. , TRIMIS G. , PLATOKOUKI H. , SALAVOURA K. , TZORTZATOU‐STATHOPOULOU F.
Published: January 2006

Summary.  The development of antibodies to factor VIII (FVIII) in severely affected haemophilia A patients is a serious complication associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Bypassing agents are used to treat acute bleeding episodes; however, elimination of the inhibitors can only be achieved with immune tolerance therapy (ITT) in 60–80% of cases. High responding (HR) inhibitors are more likely to respond to ITT if the titre is decreased to <5 BU over time or in selected cases after the administration of immunosuppressive drugs, plasmapheresis or immunoabsorption, techniques difficult to apply in children. Anti‐CD20 (rituximab), a monoclonal antibody, was given as an alternative treatment in two haemophilic children with HR inhibitors and impaired quality of life, due to recurrent haemarthrosis. Rituximab was given at the dose of 375 mg m−2, once weekly for four consecutive weeks. Both patients showed a partial response to rituximab reducing the inhibitor titre to <5 BU, thus facilitating ITT initiation; however, only the older patient eradicated the inhibitor within 21 days after application of ITT. The second patient, despite depletion of B cells, did not respond to ITT. No long‐term side effects have been observed in both patients for a follow‐up period of 20 and 18 months respectively. In conclusion, rituximab appears to be an alternative effective therapy to rapidly reduce or eliminate the inhibitor in selected cases of severely affected haemophiliacs before further proceeding to ITT. However, the dose and appropriate schedule, as well as long‐term side effects need further investigation.