bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heritability, plasticity and canalization of Ural owl egg size in a cyclic environment
Authors: KONTIAINEN P. , BROMMER J. E. , KARELL P. , PIETIÄINEN H.
Published: November 2007

Avian egg size is highly variable on the population level, but is considered inflexible on the individual level. On the basis of 2969 measurements of individual eggs collected during 1981–2005, we analysed heritability, plasticity and selection on egg size in the Ural owl, a long‐lived bird that preys on voles. Vole abundance varied in a 3‐year cycle, creating varying food supply across the cycle’s phases. Ural owl egg size is heritable (h2 = 60%). Ural owls lay larger eggs in improved food conditions. On the basis of repeated breeding records of 59 females that bred in all vole cycle phases, we show that intra‐individual adjustment (plasticity) explained 22.4% of the variation in egg size across phases. Egg size was under stabilizing selection. Extremely small and extremely large eggs had reduced hatchability, and individuals who laid either large or small eggs had lower lifetime fledgling production than the ones laying intermediately sized eggs. Our findings illustrate how maternal investment in egg size can both be heritable and highly responsive to variable environmental conditions, and suggest that variation in the investment in egg size across individuals is canalized.
Spatio‐temporal variations in reproductive patterns and population structure of Pasiphaea multidentata (Decapoda: Caridea) in the Blanes canyon and adjacent margin, North‐western Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Ramirez‐Llodra Eva , Company Joan B. , Camps Mercedes , Rotllant Guiomar
Published: November 2007

Pasiphaea multidentata is a deep‐water caridean shrimp fished in the Mediterranean in association with the commercially exploited red‐shrimp Aristeus antennatus. A previous study describes seasonality in the reproductive pattern of P. multidentata using external morphological parametres. This study assesses the spatio‐temporal variations in the population structure, sex ratio, ovary cycle and gametogenesis of P. multidentata from three different fishing grounds in the Blanes canyon and adjacent margin (North‐western Mediterranean) over an annual cycle. The oogenetic pattern of this species is typical of a caridean shrimp. There is a pool of previtellogenic oocytes at all times that develop from the periphery of the gonad towards the centre during maturation. Previtellogenic oocytes grow to approximately 200 μm before undergoing vitellogenesis. The vitellogenic oocytes are surrounded by a monolayer of accessory cells. The maximum size observed for a mature oocyte was 1420 μm. The oocyte‐size distribution confirmed the seasonal reproductive pattern of this species; in winter, the ovaries contained mainly previtellogenic oocytes, some of which start maturing in spring, resulting in a slightly bimodal distribution. In summer, the vitellogenic oocytes reach approximately 1000 μm and in late autumn the ovaries are fully mature and ready to spawn. There were no significant differences in the reproductive and population structure patterns of P. multidentata among the three sites, suggesting that the population’s distribution is not affected by the geomorphology of the area, in particular the presence of the canyon. The populations are dominated by females at all sites and all seasons, with the arrival of juveniles in spring. The seasonal variations in the reproduction and recruitment of P. multidentata and the lack of spatial segregation within the population are discussed in terms of the species’ known biology, the effects of canyons in energy supply to the deep‐sea floor and the relationships of this species with the red‐shrimp A. antennatus.
Efficacy and tolerability of vildagliptin vs. pioglitazone when added to metformin: a 24‐week, randomized, double‐blind study*
Authors: Bolli G. , Dotta F. , Rochotte E. , Cohen S. E.
Published: November 2007

Aim:  The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and tolerability of vildagliptin vs. pioglitazone as add‐on therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with metformin monotherapy.

Methods:  This 24‐week, multicentre, double‐blind, randomized, active‐controlled study compared vildagliptin (100 mg daily, given as equally divided doses, n = 295) and pioglitazone (30 mg daily, given as a single q.d. dose, n = 281) in patients with inadequate glycaemic control (A1C 7.5–11%) while receiving a stable metformin dose (≥1500 mg daily). The adjusted mean changes from baseline to study endpoint (AMΔ) in A1C, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting lipids and body weight were compared by analysis of covariance.

Results:  When added to a stable dose of metformin (mean dose at baseline >2000 mg/day), both vildagliptin and pioglitazone decreased A1C (AMΔ = −0.9 ± 0.1% and −1.0 ± 0.1%, respectively) from identical baseline values (8.4 ± 0.1%). The between‐group difference in AMΔ A1C was 0.1 ± 0.1%, and non‐inferiority of vildagliptin to pioglitazone was established at both 0.4 and 0.3% margins for upper limit of the 95% confidence intervals. Pioglitazone decreased FPG (AMΔ = −2.1 ± 0.1 mmol/l) to a greater extent than vildagliptin (AMΔ = −1.4 ± 0.1 mmol/l), but only pioglitazone increased body weight (AMΔ = +1.9 ± 0.2 kg: between‐group difference = −1.6 ± 0.3 kg, p < 0.001). Adverse events (AEs) were reported by 60% of vildagliptin‐treated patients and by 56.4% of pioglitazone‐treated patients; serious AEs were reported by 2.0 and 4.6% of patients receiving vildagliptin and pioglitazone respectively. Mild hypoglycaemia was reported by one patient (0.3%) in the vildagliptin group and by no patients receiving pioglitazone.

Conclusions:  When added to metformin, the efficacy of vildagliptin is non‐inferior to that of pioglitazone. The treatments were similarly well tolerated, but only pioglitazone increased body weight.
Erythropoietin in Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Belonje Anne M.S. , Voors Adriaan A. , Gilst Wiek H. van , Veldhuisen Dirk J. van
Published: November 2007

In patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), anemia is common and is associated with adverse outcome. Correction of anemia by erythropoiesis‐stimulating proteins would thus seem attractive. Endogenous erythropoietin (Epo) levels are increased in CHF and are associated with severity of the disease and with increased mortality. Furthermore, Epo levels poorly correlate with hemoglobin levels, suggesting that elevated Epo levels are not only driven by anemia, but by the condition of CHF as well. Several experimental studies have demonstrated ancillary cardioprotective effects of the recombinant form of Epo, including reduced apoptosis and increased neovascularization. Three early, small studies and 3 subsequent phase 2 trials found that erythropoiesis‐stimulating proteins in anemic CHF patients were safe overall and potentially beneficial. Currently, a large phase 3, randomized, clinical trial is ongoing that evaluates the effects of darbepoetin α on morbidity and mortality in CHF.
Volatile Compounds in the Flowers of Freesia Parental Species and Hybrids
Authors: Fu Yang , Gao Xiang , Xue Yiqun , Hui Yuejun , Chen Fengqing , Su Quanping , Wang Li
Published: November 2007

For centuries, freesia has been one of the most important crops in the floriculture industry. Here, aqua‐space samples collected from entire flowers of diploidFreesia refracta, three tetraploid freesia cultivars, and interspecific hybrids of three tetraploid freesia cultivars were analyzed using gas chromatograph coupled with mass selective detector. In all, 75 different compounds were identified. The compounds were mainly terpenes, hydrocarbons, alcohols, fatty acid esters and aromatic class compounds. Among these, linalool was detected from all the sweet‐scented flowers except for scentless white tetraploidF. hybrida. Stable inheritance of linalool betweenF. hybridaand their F1 progeny was observed. Based on the present analyses, the relationship between the aroma of freesia and linalool was discussed.
THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN RETRACTED  Modeling Responses of Leafy Spurge Dispersal to Control Strategies
Authors: Miao Zewei
Published: November 2007

Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.) has substantial negative effects on grassland biodiversity, productivity, and economic benefit in North America. To predict these negative impacts, we need an appropriate plant‐spread model which can simulate the response of an invading population to different control strategies. In this study, using a stochastic map lattice approach we generated a spatially explicitly stochastic process‐based model to simulate dispersal trajectories of leafy spurge under various control scenarios. The model integrated dispersal curve, propagule pressure, and population growth of leafy spurge at local and short‐temporal scales to capture spread features of leafy spurge at large spatial and long‐temporal scales. Our results suggested that narrow‐, medium‐, and fat‐tailed kernels did not differ in their ability to predict spread, in contrast to previous works. For all kernels, Allee effects were significantly present and could explain the lag phase (three decades) before leafy spurge spread accelerated. When simulating from the initial stage of introduction, Allee effects were critical in predicting spread rate of leafy spurge, because the prediction could be seriously affected by the low density period of leafy spurge community. No Allee effects models were not able to simulate spread rate well in this circumstance. When applying control strategies to the current distribution, Allee effects could stop the spread of leafy spurge; no Allee effects models, however, were able to slow but not stop the spread. The presence of Allee effects had significant ramifications on the efficiencies of control strategies. For both Allee and no Allee effects models, the later that control strategies were implemented, the more effort had to be input to achieve similar control results.
Traits of Masson Pine Affecting Attack of Pine Wood Nematode
Authors: Shi Juan , Luo You‐Qing , Song Ji‐Ying , Wu Hai‐Wei , Wang Lei , Wang Gary Z.
Published: November 2007

Masson pine characteristics were analyzed in five sample plots in Zhejiang Province, China. Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner et Buhrer) Nickle (pine wood nematode, PWN) carried by Monochamus alternatus predominately attacked Masson pines in the lower diameter classes. Among the 10 tree characteristics examined, mean crown width, percentage of bole with crown, 5‐year cumulative diameter growth, and resin amount showed significant variation between successfully attacked and unattacked trees. The attacked trees had a lower percentage of the bole covered with tree crown, lower crown width, lower radial growth in the last 5 years, and produced less induced resinosis than unattacked trees. Results allowed for effective ranking of the pine forest based on individual tree resistance to PWN. This index of resistance should be considered throughout the development of an “Evaluation Criterion and Indicator System”. The preceding ranking can be used to evaluate the resistance and resiliency of the pine forest ecosystem to PWN's invasion, which is similar to Pest Risk Analysis (PRA).
Importance of Prudent Antibiotic Use on Dairy Farms in South Carolina: A Pilot Project on Farmers’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices
Authors: Friedman D. B. , Kanwat C. P. , Headrick M. L. , Patterson N. J. , Neely J. C. , Smith L. U.
Published: November 2007

Inappropriate use of antibiotics in humans and animals contributes to decreased antimicrobial susceptibility in bacteria of medical importance. Resistant bacteria being transferred from animals to humans are causing public health concern. In‐person interviews were conducted with 20 dairy farmers in rural counties of South Carolina to determine farmers’ knowledge and attitudes about prudent antibiotic use among livestock. Four focus groups (n = 22) were also conducted to ascertain farmers’ specific information needs about proper antibiotic use. Survey results showed that participants (100%) typically determined a need for antibiotic treatment using symptom assessment and reported following some form of operating procedures regarding administration of antibiotics. Few farmers (32%) had actual written antibiotic protocols. Preferred information sources about antibiotics were veterinarians (100%) and other dairy farmers (50%). Most farmers (86%) were not concerned that overuse of antibiotics in animals could result in antibiotic resistance among farm workers. Qualitative analysis of focus groups revealed significant barriers to following proper antibiotic procedures including limited finances and lack of time. The need for bilingual educational resources for Hispanic/Latino dairy workers was expressed. Desired formats for educational materials were posters, flowcharts, videos, and seminars. Education of South Carolina dairy farmers by veterinarians and public health professionals on the appropriate use of antibiotics in dairy cattle is needed to ensure antibiotic effectiveness in both animals and humans.
Detection of hepatitis C virus natural recombinant RF1_2k/1b strain among intravenous drug users in Uzbekistan
Authors: Kurbanov Fuat , Tanaka Yasuhito , Avazova Dildora , Khan Anis , Sugauchi Fuminaka , Kan Nataliya , Kurbanova‐Khudayberganova Dinara , Khikmatullaeva Aziza , Musabaev Erkin , Mizokami Masashi
Published: November 2007

Aim:  A series of recent studies have indicated the presence of natural intergenotypic recombinant hepatitis C virus (HCV) strains in distinct parts of the world. The majority of the current genotyping methods are based on analysis of either 5′UTR, structural (Core/E1/E2) or non‐structural (NS5B) genomic regions of the virus.

Methods:  In the present study, based on both structural and non‐structural regions, we determined the genotype of 55 anti‐HCV‐positive intravenous drug users (IDUs) in Uzbekistan.

Results:  HCV‐3a (67.3%) was the most prevalent genotype in this cohort, followed by HCV‐1b (27.3%). A discrepancy in results was observed between structural and non‐structural regions in one case (1.8%). Phylogenetically this strain was related to the previously reported RF1_2k/1b variant. Based on accumulated sequences, specific primers were designed for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) spanning the tentative intergenotypic crossover point of RF1_2k/1b. The sensitivity and specificity of the method were assessed using generated template clones of HCV‐1b, 2a, 2 k and RF1_2k/1b. The method was applied to 55 cases in the present study and only one case showed a positive result, indicating that in these individuals, the variant is not present as a minor quasispecies clone.

Conclusion:  In conclusion, the finding of RF1_2k/1b in Central Asia indicates that the variant has wide geographic distribution. The PCR‐based screening method developed in this study should be useful in further epidemiological and clinical studies on the recombination phenomenon in HCV.
Energetic costs, underlying resource allocation patterns, and adaptive value of predator‐induced life‐history shifts
Authors: Rinke Karsten , Hülsmann Stephan , Mooij Wolf M.
Published: November 2007

We studied costs and benefits of life history shifts of water fleas (genus Daphnia) in response to infochemicals from planktivorous fish. We applied a dynamic energy budget model to investigate the resource allocation patterns underlying the observed life history shifts and their adaptive value under size selective predation in one coherent analysis. Using a published data set of life history shifts in response to fish infochemicals we show that Daphnia invests less energy in somatic growth in the fish treatment. This observation complies with theoretical predictions on optimal resource allocation. However, the observed patterns of phenotypic plasticity cannot be explained by changes in resource allocation patterns alone because our model‐based analysis of the empirical data clearly identified additional bioenergetic costs in the fish treatments. Consequently, the response to fish kairomone only becomes adaptive if the intensity of size selective predation surpasses a certain critical level. We believe that this is the first study that puts resource allocation, energetic costs, and adaptive value of predator induced life‐history shifts – using empirical data – into one theoretical framework.
Ecosystem effects of partial fish migration in lakes
Authors: Brodersen Jakob , Ådahl Emma , Brönmark Christer , Hansson Lars‐Anders
Published: November 2007

Migration is a widespread phenomenon in many ecosystems. Most often, studies on migration have focused on how migration strategies are dependent on ecological parameters, but little attention has been paid to the top‐down effect of migration on ecosystem processes. Cyprinid fish in many European lakes undergo partial migration, where a part of the population leaves the lake and enters streams for the winter. In this study, we model the effect of partial migration by fish on lower trophic levels in a lake ecosystem. Our results suggest that spring phyto‐ and zooplankton dynamics, including occurrences of clear‐water phases, can be related to the timing and magnitude of partial migration of planktivorous fish. From our results we conclude that partial migration can influence the dynamics of lower trophic levels in the ecosystem. Furthermore, we hypothesize that partial migration may affect the stability of alternative stable states and transitions between them.
Does scale‐dependent feedback explain spatial complexity in salt‐marsh ecosystems?
Authors: K. van Wesenbeeck Bregje , Van De Koppel Johan , M. J. Herman Peter , J. Bouma Tjeerd
Published: November 2007

Complexity theory highlights scale‐dependent feedback mechanisms as an explanation for regular spatial patterning in ecosystems. To what extent scale‐dependent feedback clarifies spatial structure in more complex, non‐regular systems remains unexplored so far. We report on a scale‐dependent feedback process generating patchy landscapes at the interface of intertidal flats and salt marshes. Here, vegetation was characterized bySpartina anglicatussocks, surrounded by erosion gullies. To demonstrate the presence of a scale‐dependent feedback, we determined if vegetation induced habitat modification resulted in local facilitation and large scale‐inhibition of plant growth. Field surveys revealed that larger tussocks have deeper gullies, suggesting that gully erosion is caused by increased water flow around tussocks. This was confirmed by flume experiments, showing that feedback effects vary with current velocity and water depth. Transplantation of smallSpartinaunits inside and just outside present tussocks revealed that the growth ofSpartinatransplants compared to transplant growth on bare sediment was higher within the raisedSpartinatussocks, but lower in the gully just outsideSpartinatussocks, providing clear evidence of scale‐dependent feedback. Our results emphasize that scale‐dependent feedback is a more general explanation for spatial complexity in ecosystems than previously considered.
Vegetative Hyphal Fusion Is Not Essential for Plant Infection by
Fusarium oxysporum
Authors: Prados Rosales Rafael C. , Di Pietro Antonio
Published: November 2007

Vegetative hyphal fusion (VHF) is a ubiquitous phenomenon in filamentous fungi whose biological role is poorly understood. In
Neurospora crassa
, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) Mak-2 and the WW domain protein So are required for efficient VHF. A MAPK orthologous to Mak-2, Fmk1, was previously shown to be essential for root penetration and pathogenicity of the vascular wilt fungus
Fusarium oxysporum
. Here we took a genetic approach to test two hypotheses, that (i) VHF and plant infection have signaling mechanisms in common and (ii) VHF is required for efficient plant infection.
F. oxysporum
mutants lacking either Fmk1 or Fso1, an orthologue of
N. crassa
So, were impaired in the fusion of vegetative hyphae and microconidial germ tubes. Δ
fmk1
Δ
fso1
double mutants exhibited a more severe fusion phenotype than either single mutant, indicating that the two components function in distinct pathways. Both Δ
fso1
and Δ
fmk1
strains were impaired in the formation of hyphal networks on the root surface, a process associated with extensive VHF. The Δ
fso1
mutants exhibited slightly reduced virulence in tomato fruit infection assays but, in contrast to Δ
fmk1
strains, were still able to perform functions associated with invasive growth, such as secretion of pectinolytic enzymes or penetration of cellophane sheets, and to infect tomato plants. Thus, although VHF per se is not essential for plant infection, both processes have some signaling components in common, suggesting an evolutionary relationship between the underlying cellular mechanisms.
Extracellular Vesicles Produced by
Cryptococcus neoformans
Contain Protein Components Associated with Virulence
Authors: Rodrigues Marcio L. , Nakayasu Ernesto S. , Oliveira Debora L. , Nimrichter Leonardo , Nosanchuk Joshua D. , Almeida Igor C. , Casadevall Arturo
Published: November 2007

Cryptococcus neoformans
produces vesicles containing its major virulence factor, the capsular polysaccharide glucuronoxylomannan (GXM). These vesicles cross the cell wall to reach the extracellular space, where the polysaccharide is supposedly used for capsule growth or delivered into host tissues. In the present study, we characterized vesicle morphology and protein composition by a combination of techniques including electron microscopy, proteomics, enzymatic activity, and serological reactivity. Secretory vesicles in
C. neoformans
appear to be correlated with exosome-like compartments derived from multivesicular bodies. Extracellular vesicles manifested various sizes and morphologies, including electron-lucid membrane bodies and electron-dense vesicles. Seventy-six proteins were identified by proteomic analysis, including several related to virulence and protection against oxidative stress. Biochemical tests indicated laccase and urease activities in vesicles. In addition, different vesicle proteins were recognized by sera from patients with cryptococcosis. These results reveal an efficient and general mechanism of secretion of pathogenesis-related molecules in
C. neoformans
, suggesting that extracellular vesicles function as “virulence bags” that deliver a concentrated payload of fungal products to host effector cells and tissues.
The Opportunistic Human Pathogenic FungusAspergillus fumigatusEvades the Host Complement System
Authors: Behnsen Judith , Hartmann Andrea , Schmaler Jeannette , Gehrke Alexander , Brakhage Axel A. , Zipfel Peter F.
Published: November 2007

The opportunistic human pathogenic fungusAspergillus fumigatuscauses severe systemic infections and is a major cause of fungal infections in immunocompromised patients.A. fumigatusconidia activate the alternative pathway of the complement system. In order to assess the mechanisms by whichA. fumigatusevades the activated complement system, we analyzed the binding of host complement regulators toA. fumigatus. The binding of factor H and factor H-like protein 1 (FHL-1) from human sera toA. fumigatusconidia was shown by adsorption assays and immunostaining. In addition, factor H-related protein 1 (FHR-1) bound to conidia. Adsorption assays with recombinant factor H mutants were used to localize the binding domains. One binding region was identified within N-terminal short consensus repeats (SCRs) 1 to 7 and a second one within C-terminal SCR 20. Plasminogen was identified as the fourth host regulatory molecule that binds toA. fumigatusconidia. In contrast to conidia, other developmental stages ofA. fumigatus, like swollen conidia or hyphae, did not bind to factor H, FHR-1, FHL-1, and plasminogen, thus indicating the developmentally regulated expression ofA. fumigatussurface ligands. Both factor H and plasminogen maintained regulating activity when they were bound to the conidial surface. Bound factor H acted as a cofactor to the factor I-mediated cleavage of C3b. Plasminogen showed proteolytic activity when activated to plasmin by urokinase-type plasminogen activator. These data show thatA. fumigatusconidia bind to complement regulators, and these bound host regulators may contribute to evasion of a host complement attack.
Identification of a Spermidine Excretion Protein Complex (MdtJI) in
Escherichia coli
Authors: Higashi Kyohei , Ishigure Hiroyuki , Demizu Risa , Uemura Takeshi , Nishino Kunihiko , Yamaguchi Akihito , Kashiwagi Keiko , Igarashi Kazuei
Published: November 2007

A spermidine excretion protein in
Escherichia coli
was looked for among 33 putative drug exporters thus far identified. Cell toxicity and inhibition of growth due to overaccumulation of spermidine were examined in an
E. coli
strain deficient in spermidine acetyltransferase, an enzyme that metabolizes spermidine. Toxicity and inhibition of cell growth by spermidine were recovered in cells transformed with pUC
mdtJI
or pMW
mdtJI
, encoding MdtJ and MdtI, which belong to the small multidrug resistance family of drug exporters. Both
mdtJ
and
mdtI
are necessary for recovery from the toxicity of overaccumulated spermidine. It was also found that the level of
mdtJI
mRNA was increased by spermidine. The spermidine content in cells cultured in the presence of 2 mM spermidine was decreased, and excretion of spermidine from cells was enhanced by MdtJI, indicating that the MdtJI complex can catalyze excretion of spermidine from cells. It was found that Tyr
4
, Trp
5
, Glu
15
, Tyr
45
, Tyr
61
, and Glu
82
in MdtJ and Glu
5
, Glu
19
, Asp
60
, Trp
68
, and Trp
81
in MdtI are involved in the excretion activity of MdtJI.
Application of a Microsphere-Based Array for Rapid Identification of
Acinetobacter
spp. with Distinct Antimicrobial Susceptibilities
Authors: Lin Yu-Chi , Sheng Wang-Huei , Chang Shan-Chwen , Wang Jann-Tay , Chen Yee-Chun , Wu Ruei-Jiuan , Hsia Ko-Chiang , Li Shu-Ying
Published: November 2007

Acinetobacter
spp. have emerged as important nosocomial and multidrug-resistant pathogens in the last decade.
A. calcoaceticus
,
A. baumannii
,
Acinetobacter
genospecies 3, and
Acinetobacter
genospecies 13TU are genetically closely related and are referred to as the
A. calcoaceticus-A. baumannii
complex (ACB complex). Distinct
Acinetobacter
spp. may be associated with differences in antimicrobial susceptibility, so it is important to identify
Acinetobacter
spp. at the species level. We developed a microsphere-based array that combines an allele-specific primer extension assay and microsphere hybridization for the identification of
Acinetobacter
spp. This assay can discriminate the 13 different
Acinetobacter
spp. in less than 8.5 h, and it has high specificity without causing cross-reactivity with 14 other common nosocomial bacterial species. The sensitivity of this assay was 100
A. baumannii
cells per ml of blood, and it could discriminate multiple species in various mixture ratios. The developed assay could differentiate clinical
Acinetobacter
spp. isolates with a 90% identification rate. The antimicrobial susceptibility test showed that
A. baumannii
isolates were resistant to most antimicrobial agents other than imipenem, while the genospecies 3 and 13TU isolates were more susceptible to most antimicrobial agents, especially ciprofloxacin and ampicillin-sulbactam. These results supported the idea that this assay possibly could be applied to clinical samples and provide accurate species identification, which might be helpful for clinicians when they are treating infections caused by
Acinetobacter
spp.
HIV infection and lymphoma
Authors: Grogg K L , Miller R F , Dogan A
Published: November 2007

The incidence of lymphoma in patients with HIV infection greatly exceeds that of the general population. The increased risk for lymphoma appears related to multiple factors, including the transforming properties of the retrovirus itself, the immunosuppression and cytokine dysregulation that results from the disease, and, most importantly, opportunistic infections with other lymphotrophic herpes viruses such as Epstein–Barr virus and human herpesvirus 8. Histologically lymphomas fall into three groups: (1) those also occurring in immunocompetent patients; (2) those occurring more specifically in HIV-positive patients; and (3) those also occurring in patients with other forms of immunosuppression. Aggressive lymphomas account for the vast majority cases. They frequently present with advanced stage, bulky disease with high tumour burden and, typically, involve extranodal sites. Clinical outcome appears to be worse than in similar aggressive lymphomas in the general population. However, following the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy, the risk for developing lymphoma in the context of HIV infection has decreased and the clinical outcome has improved.
Adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma
Authors: Matutes E
Published: November 2007

Adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is a mature T-cell neoplasm of post-thymic lymphocytes aetiologically linked to the human T-cell lymphotropic virus, HTLV-I, and with a distinct geographical distribution. The disease manifests with leukaemia in greater than two thirds of patients, while the remaining patients have a lymphomatous form. According to the disease manifestations, various forms which differ in clinical course and prognosis have been recognised: acute, chronic, smouldering and lymphoma. Organomegaly, skin involvement, circulating atypical lymphocytes (“flower” cells) with a CD4+ CD25+ phenotype and hypercalcaemia are the most common disease features. The diagnosis should be based on a constellation of clinical features and laboratory investigations. The latter comprise: lymphocyte morphology, immunophenotype, histology of the tissues affected in the pure lymphoma forms and serology or DNA analysis for HTLV-I. The differential diagnosis of ATLL includes other mature T-cell neoplasms such as T-cell prolymphocytic leukaemia (T-PLL), Sézary syndrome (SS), peripheral T-cell lymphomas and occasionally healthy carriers of the virus or Hodgkin disease. The clinical course is aggressive with a median survival of less than 12 months in the acute and lymphoma forms. Despite major advances in understanding the pathogenesis of the disease, management of these patients remains a challenge for clinicians as they do not respond or achieve only transient responses to therapies used in high-grade lymphomas. The use of antiretroviral agents such as zidovudine in combination with interferon-alpha, with or without concomitant chemotherapy, has shown activity in this disease with improvement in survival and response rate. Consolidation with high dose therapy and autologous or allogeneic stem-cell transplantation should be considered in young patients.
QUARK-GLUON PLASMA AND THERMALIZATION
Authors: ARNOLD PETER
Published: November 2007

In these lectures, I will attempt a pedagogical and qualitative introduction to the theory of equilibrium and thermalization of quark-gluon plasmas. I assume only that the reader is familiar with quantum field theory at zero temperature and with QCD as the theory of the strong interactions. I focus on the limit of small αs, which in principle should be relevant at extremely high temperature because of asymptotic freedom, and in any case provides a clean theoretical context in which to discuss a variety of phenomena. Topics discussed include the basic equilibrium formalism for finite-temperature quantum field theory, Debye screening, electric deconfinement, magnetic confinement, dimensional reduction, plasma waves, kinetic theory, hydrodynamic properties such as viscosity, the Landau–Pomeranchuk–Migdal effect, thermalization in (arbitrarily high energy) heavy ion collisions, and QCD plasma instabilities.
ISOVECTOR COMPONENTS OF LIGHT SCALAR MESON AND NUCLEAR MATTER PROPERTIES
Authors: VASCONCELLOS C. A. Z. , LÜTZ E. , RAZEIRA M. , BODMANN B. E. J. , DILLIG M. , MARRANGHELLO G. F.
Published: November 2007

We have predicted (contribution to this issue) an isovector component of the light scalar meson sector by using the chiral symmetry transformation formalism. On the basis of this result, we study dense hadronic matter in a generalized relativistic mean field approach with σ, ω and ρ mesons as well as nonlinear self-couplings of the I = 1 component of a light scalar meson field and compare its predictions for neutron star properties with results from different models for nuclear matter found in the literature.
STUDY OF GHOSTS IN MAXIMALLY ABELIAN GAUGE ON THE LATTICE
Authors: MIHARA ANTONIO , CUCCHIERI ATTILIO , MENDES TEREZA
Published: November 2007

Abelian dominance is manifested in the (continuum) perturbative regime through the fact that the running coupling constant, obtained from the ghost-gluon vertex in Maximally Abelian Gauge (MAG), depends only on the renormalization factor of the diagonal (or Abelian) gluon propagator, due to cancellation of the other renormalization factors. We investigate such a cancellation nonperturbatively using lattice numerical simulations and present some preliminary results for the running coupling constant.
THE STRENGTH OF TRILINEAR HIGGS BOSON COUPLING IN COMPOSITE MODELS
Authors: DOFF A. , NATALE A. A.
Published: November 2007

In this work we discuss the strength of the trilinear Higgs boson coupling in composite models in a model independent way. The coupling is determined as a function of a very general ansatz for the fermionic self-energy, and turns out to be equal or smaller than the one of the Standard Model Higgs boson depending on the dynamics of the theory.
NONLINEAR GLUON EVOLUTION AND PHOTON PRODUCTION IN HADRONIC COLLISIONS
Authors: MARIOTTO C. BRENNER , GONÇALVES V. P.
Published: November 2007

In this contribution we consider the influence of nonlinear gluon evolution in the production of prompt photons at the LHC pp collider. We consider the EHKQS parton distributions, which are based on the GLR-MQ evolution equations, and imply in an enhanced small-x gluon distribution at Q2 ≤ 10 GeV 2 relative to the LO DGLAP gluon distribution. We find an enhancement of low-pT photons for both single and double photon production. Consequences of this effect for the Quark-Gluon Plasma searches and for the QCD background to Higgs are also discussed.
AN ITERATION SCHEME FOR CALCULATING TRANSPORT PROPERTIES OF MOLECULAR SYSTEMS
Authors: YI XIZHANG , ZHANG RUIQIN , FAN WEI , ZHANG XIAOHONG
Published: November 2007

An iteration method of functional theory is used to solve Poisson equation self-consistently in order to determine the retarded and advanced Green's function of a molecular system. The approach is demonstrated using a system with a spherical potential. The retarded and advanced Green's functions are calculated and the determined current–voltage results compare well with experimental data for the system involving Coulomb potential. The approach is expected to find wide applications in general systems.
TOPOLOGICAL STUDY OF REACTIVE POTENTIAL-ENERGY SURFACES FROM MODEL DIABATIC STATES COUPLED TO SURROUNDING MEDIA
Authors: ARTECA GUSTAVO A. , RANK JEAN PIERRE , TAPIA O.
Published: November 2007

Reaction paths are studied with the help of diabatic potential-energy surfaces coupled in a generic external field. We show that all putative geometrical and topological features of two-dimensional (2D) potential-energy surfaces for an isomerization can be generated with a model consisting of strictly diabatic harmonic 2D wells coupled in a static (yet uniform) external field. For a large class of three-state models, we provide a phase diagram of possible topologies in the relevant parameter space for three-state models. By following the shift in diabatic electronic amplitudes (denoted by {|ck|2}) in coherent quantum states produced in the field, we assess whether the models within each phase can produce reaction paths visiting regions of configurational space that are structurally similar to the diabatic transition state.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE LIPOPHILICITY AND ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF SOME BENZIMIDAZOLE DERIVATIVES
Authors: PODUNAVAC-KUZMANOVIĆ SANJA , MARKOV SINIŠA , BARNA DIJANA
Published: November 2007

In the present paper, the antifungal activity of some 1-benzylbenzimidazole derivatives were evaluated against yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The tested compounds displayed in vitro antifungal activity and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined for all the compounds. Quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) has been used to study the relationships between inhibitory activity and lipophilicity parameters ( log P). A variety of lipophilicity parameters ( log PHyper, CS log P, mi log P, A log P, IA log P, C log P, log PKow, and X log P) were calculated using different software products, and experimentally determined ("shake-flask" method). On the basis of correlations, the nonlinear structure–activity models were derived between the log 1/cMICand two different lipophilicity parameters. Four high-quality QSAR models were found to have a good predictive ability and a close agreement between the experimental and predicted values was obtained.
CONTRIBUTION OF PURCHASING AND SUPPLY MANAGEMENT TO ECOLOGICAL INNOVATION
Authors: PREUSS LUTZ
Published: November 2007

This paper explores the contribution of the purchasing function to ecological innovation in the upstream supply chains of manufacturing companies. In terms of innovation type, purchasing managers reported much more activity on ecological process innovation than on product or organisational innovation. Few purchasing managers initiate ecological innovation in supply themselves, although they can play a range of supporting roles, not least lobbying for internal acceptance of supplier innovations. Among the motives for undertaking such initiatives, cost advantages, corporate reputation, supply chain pressure and legal requirements dominate. While making a significant contribution, the role of purchasing managers in ecological innovation is thus, at the same time, somewhat limited. To an extent, these limitations can be explained by a lag between the technological innovations purchasing managers can induce in their supply chains and a lack in organisational innovation in the rules and practices that govern their own work.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Chronic Systemic Inflammatory Disease
Authors: van Eeden Stephan F. , Sin Don D.
Published: November 2007

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by chronic inflammation in both the airways causing airway obstruction and the lung tissues causing emphysema. The disease is induced by inhalation of noxious gasses and particulate matter resulting in a chronic persistent inflammatory response in the lung, and the extent of the inflammatory reaction correlates with the severity of the disease. This chronic inflammatory response in the lung is also associated with a significant systemic inflammatory response with downstream adverse clinical health effects. The systemic response in COPD is associated with mortality, specifically cardiovascular mortality. This review describes the nature of the systemic inflammatory response in COPD and the clinical manifestations associated with the systemic response, with a focus on the potential mechanisms for these adverse health effects.
Paradoxes of the postmodern reactionary Michel Rio and Michel Houellebecq
Authors: Schoolcraft Ralph , Golsan Richard J.
Published: November 2007

This study examines two writers, Michel Rio and Michel Houellebecq, who have encountered opposite fortunes among the public and critics. However, they share numerous writing practices associated with postmodernism that include mixing literary forms, integrating epistemological discourses, doubling characters, avoidance of meta-narratives, and destabilizing interpretation through irony, fractured perspectives and the parodic recycling of popular genres such as detective fiction and eroticism. Moreover, both display putatively reactionary elements in their fiction: Houellebecq quite explicitly, Rio through his sexual and political imaginary (especially in the Francis Malone `enquêtes'). We conclude that both writers are indeed rooted in reactionary habits of thought, but Rio's practices place him in the camp of modernism (hierarchy of epistemologies, elitist stereotyping, scientism), while Houellebecq falls among the postmodernists (neutralizing voices of authority, erasing high/low cultural distinction, refusal of progress, denial of the subject). The di ference in their literary strategies no doubt accounts at least in part for their diverse receptions, with Rio remaining inside a familiar (albeit intellectually demanding) model while Houellebecq enacts a highly debatable but radical critique of the modern notions of humanism, the desiring subject, and the benefits of liberal democracy.
The measurement and sensing of water quality: a review
Authors: Briggs R. , Grattan K.T.V.
Published: November 2007

This paper presents a review of techniques and applications in the measurement and sensing of chemical species in the water and water-using industries. The needs of the market are reviewed and the solutions to measurement problems in the industries discussed.
Viability: what quality management lacks
Authors: Flood Robert L.
Published: November 2007

The paper argues that quality and viability in management imply each other. Quality principles are interpreted using the traditional mechanical-coercive vision of organisations held in early scientific management and bureaucracy theory. The interpretation contradicts the intent of quality principles - viability was missing. The quality principles are re-interpreted using a viable-system vision of organisations, highlighting the synergy between viability and quality.
A tutorial on loop shaping using H-infinity robust stabilisation
Authors: Glover K. , Sefton J. , McFarlane D.C.
Published: November 2007

A new method for multi-variable control was proposed in McFarlane and Glover (1988a). This method involved the shaping of the open-loop singular values with pre- and/or post-compensators and then the designing of a controller to robustly stabilise a normalised coprime factorisation of this weighted plant. The method has many attractive features, including guaranteed loop shape and robust stability and performance. This paper will outline the rationale of this method and illustrate its use on a number of applications.
An improved design for a set of optimum angle gauges
Authors: Ge Ming-xian
Published: November 2007

A new set of optimum angle gauges has been designed which consists of 13 pieces. Angles from 3" to 110° 11' 10" can be realised in 169118 discrete values (to cover the range 3" to 109° 13' 46" in 3" (sometimes 2" or 1") steps). Within this range at most eight gauges need to be combined for any given angle reducing errors when compared with a set of the NPL Combination Angle Gauges (13 pieces set made by the Coventry Gauge and Tool Co Ltd) which requires up to 13 gauges to cover the range 3" to 81° 40' 57" in 3" steps (98019 values). Tables are given for the combination of gauges required to obtain a particular discrete angle within the range.
Practical robust adaptive control on a fixed point digital signal processor
Authors: Pratt P. , Downing C.J.
Published: November 2007

This paper addresses the development of a novel real-time Adaptive Controller which overcomes the difficulties associated with numerical ill-conditioning and 'bursting' phenomena. These problems arise as a result of truncation effects, mismodelling and lack of persistent excitation. The algorithm is implemented on a Texas Instruments TMS320C25 fixed point digital signal processor and the resultant Adaptive Controller is shown to be both practical and robust.
Accurate multi-step-ahead prediction of non-linear systems using the MLP neural network with spread encoding
Authors: Gomm J.B. , Lisboa P.J.G. , Williams D. , Evans J.T.
Published: November 2007

This paper focuses on the use of the standard multi-layer perceptron (MLP) neural network to provide accurate multi-step-ahead predictions of non-linear dynamical systems. A spread encoding method of representing continuous variables in a form suitable for presentation to an MLP is investigated. With this technique each numerical value is spread over the activity of several nodes at the inputs and outputs of the network. The main purpose of using spread encoding in this application is to form representations with sufficient accuracy to allow a neural network, trained using conventional feed-forward algorithms, to be used recursively. In this mode the network is required to predict the time evolution of the process output multiple time steps into the future, thus acting as a process model which has potential for improving control strategies that rely on a model of the plant and enhancing the performance of neural networks when used as simulation tools. The spread encoding form of data representation is compared to the conventional scaling method in an application of the MLP to modelling the response of a non-linear process. Results demonstrate that significant improvements in the neural network model prediction accuracy can be achieved using the spread encoding technique. The ability of the network model to capture the process dynamics is further illustrated by examining the localised frequency response of the network, in a novel application of spectral analysis techniques. The paper also includes introductory material on using neural networks for multi-step and single-step prediction.
A high power/weight dexterous manipulator using 'Sensory Glove' based motion control and tactile feedback
Authors: Caldwell D.G. , Andersen U. , Bowler C.J. , Wardle A.J.
Published: November 2007

Manipulators in one form or another have been in existence for many hundreds of years with the design (ranging from simple hooks or two-jaw systems to complex multi-articulated grippers) usually motivated by the particular class of task. When the problem domain includes a varied range of objects, one approach is to emulate those attributes of the human hand which make it such a versatile end-effector.

This work considers the design of a dexterous (3-fingered 1-thumb) hand driven by newly developed high power/ weight performance pneumatic muscle actuators (PMA). Although the manipulator can be used in conventional robotic applications the primary aim is for a high-performance tele-presence system with full manipulator input and tactile feedback. The robot manipulator closely replicates the skeletal layout of the human hand, making controlfrom a gloved input device (developed at Salford) feasible, thereby substantially reducing the control difficulties associated with decterous devices and making widevpread low cost use of flexible manipulative devices possible.
Control for profit
Authors: Anderson Jim
Published: November 2007

For some years the process industry has not benefited as much as it might have done from the application of control technology. The twin pressures of the economic situation and environmental concerns have focused company attention at all aspects of their operations and, in particular, on cost-effective ways of maximising the return from existing assets. This, together with the emergence of some robust control techniques and the power of modern computing systems, has resulted in some spectacular operational improvements. This is resulting in increased management awareness of the power of control techniques to provide a high return on investment.

The background to this change of perception is presented together with the description of an industryproven approach to highlighting profit opportunities and quantifying the benefit of investment in process control improvement before a commitment to expenditure is made. Recent developments and established control techniques that are effective in recovering these predicted benefits are described with reference to other papers in this issue of the transactions.