bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cockroaches that lack
Blattabacterium
endosymbionts: the phylogenetically divergent genus
Nocticola
Authors: Lo Nathan , Beninati Tiziana , Stone Fred , Walker James , Sacchi Luciano
Published: March 2007

Phylogenetic relationships among termites, mantids and the five traditionally recognized cockroach families have been the subject of several studies during the last half-century. One cockroach lineage that has remained notably absent from such studies is the Nocticolidae. This group of small, elusive surface- and cave-dwelling species from the Old World Tropics has been proposed to represent an additional family. Using molecular sequences, we performed an initial phylogenetic examination of
Nocticola
spp. The hypothesis that they are phylogenetically divergent was confirmed from the analyses of three genes and a combined dataset. To supplement our phylogenetic analyses, we attempted to amplify 16S rRNA from the obligate mutualistic endosymbiont
Blattabacterium cuenoti
, present in all cockroaches studied to date. Unexpectedly, amplification was unsuccessful in all
Nocticola
spp. examined. This result was confirmed by microscopic examinations of fat body tissue. These
Nocticola
spp. are the first cockroaches found to be uninfected by
B. cuenoti
, which raise questions about when the bacterium first infected cockroaches.
Post-mating disparity between potential and realized immune response inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Fedorka Kenneth M , Linder Jodell E , Winterhalter Wade , Promislow Daniel
Published: March 2007

Reproductive costs are an essential component of evolutionary theory. For instance, an increase in reproduction is generally coupled with a decrease in immunocompetence shortly after mating. However, recent work inDrosophila melanogastersuggests that the potential to mount an immune response, as measured by the levels of immune gene expression, increases after mating. These data are in contrast to previous studies, which suggest that mating can reduce a fly's ability to survive an actual bacterial challenge (realized immunity). This pattern may be driven by some aspect of mating, independent of resource limitation, which reduces immune function by inhibiting the effective deployment of immune gene products. Though several studies have examined both the potential and the realized immunity after mating, none have examined these immune measures simultaneously. Here, we examined the link between the potential and the realized immunity in a sterile mutant ofD. melanogaster. Shortly after mating, we found that female immune gene expression was high, but survival against infection was low. Surprisingly, this pattern was reversed within 24 h. Thus, estimates of immunity based on gene expression do not appear to reflect an actual ability to defend against pathogens in the hours following copulation. We discuss the possible mechanisms that may account for this pattern.
Competition moderates the benefits of thermal acclimation to reproductive performance in male eastern mosquitofish
Authors: Wilson Robbie S , Hammill Edd , Johnston Ian A
Published: March 2007

The reproductive behaviour of the sexually coercive male eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) offers an excellent model system for testing the benefits of reversible thermal acclimation responses to mating success. We acclimated male mosquitofish to either 18 or 30°C (14 h light : 10 h dark) for six weeks and tested their ability to obtain coercive copulations in the presence and the absence of male–male competition. Based on the beneficial acclimation hypothesis, we predicted for both sets of experiments that 18°C acclimated males would outperform 30°C acclimated males when tested at 18°C, and vice versa when tested at 30°C. We found that copulation success was greater for acclimated than non-acclimated males at both temperatures when individual males were tested without competing males. In contrast, when males from the different acclimation treatments were competed against each other for copulations with a single female, the 30°C acclimated males were more aggressive and obtained a greater number of copulations at both test temperatures. Thus, we found a clear benefit for acclimation when fish were tested in a non-competitive environment, but acclimation to cool temperatures was associated with a decrease in aggressive behaviour that reduced mating performance at both test temperatures in a competitive environment. In contrast with the long-held assumption that reversible plasticity is beneficial, the adaptive significance of reversible physiological plasticity is affected by a variety of other ecological factors and is more complex than previously suggested.
Characteristic appearances of the bone marrow in T‐cell large granular lymphocyte leukaemia
Authors: Osuji N , Beiske K , Randen U , Matutes E , Tjonnfjord G , Catovsky D , Wotherspoon A
Published: March 2007

Aims:  To augment the limited literature on bone marrow (BM) appearances in T‐cell large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukaemia and to identify a histological signature to aid in diagnosis of this condition.

Methods and results:  A descriptive analysis of the histology of the BM in T‐cell LGL leukaemia was performed (n = 38). Antibodies against CD3, CD4, CD5, CD8, CD16, CD56, CD57 and CD20 or CD79a were employed. Antibodies against CD68 (macrophages) and CD34 (sinusoids) were also included. BM was normocellular or hypercellular in the majority of cases, with interstitial lymphoid infiltration in 97%. Lymphoid nodules were present in 55% and intrasinusoidal permeation in 58%. Apoptotic figures and haemosiderin deposition were common. All cases showed trilinear haematopoiesis with normal or increased megakaryopoiesis and erythropoiesis, but normal/reduced myelopoiesis. Reticulin was increased (Grade II–III). Immunohistochemistry revealed interstitial infiltration in all cases and helped to identify lymphoid nodules in two‐thirds of cases. Preferential localization of CD8+ T lymphocytes to the interstitium and CD4+ T lymphocytes to the periphery of CD20+ B‐cell nodules was seen in almost 90% of cases.

Conclusions:  Nodules with non‐clonal B‐cell centres surrounded by CD4+ cells, with interstitial CD8+ cells, are a characteristic finding in T‐cell LGL leukaemia and may represent a histological signature for this condition.
BNIP3 expression in follicular lymphoma
Authors: Sington J , Giatromanolaki A , Campo L , Turley H , Pezzella F , Gatter K C
Published: March 2007

Aims:  To investigate the role of BNIP3, a 19‐kDa interacting protein of the Bcl‐2 family, alongside Bcl‐2 in follicular lymphoma in comparison with reactive lymphoid hyperplasia. The results were compared with those from p53 and caspase‐3 (apoptotic markers) and Ki67 (proliferation marker).

Methods and results:  Immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibodies showed BNIP3 to be strongly expressed in most follicular lymphomas but to be weak to negative in all of the reactive cases. There was also an inverse relationship with Bcl‐2 expression. There was no correlation of BNIP3 immunoreactivity with proliferation and caspase and p53 were virtually negative in all follicular lymphomas and reactive lymphoid cases.

Conclusions:  BNIP3 is strongly expressed in most follicular lymphomas, especially those that are Bcl‐2 negative. BNIP3 may serve as a marker of more aggressive behaviour in follicular lymphoma and be useful diagnostically in the distinction from reactive lymphadenitis.
Bone marrow findings correlate with clinical outcome in systemic AL amyloidosis patients
Authors: Hasserjian R P , Goodman H J B , Lachmann H J , Muzikansky A , Hawkins P N
Published: March 2007

Aims:  Bone marrow sampling is a key investigation in the work‐up of amyloid light chain (AL) amyloidosis, but the relationship between bone marrow findings and the varied phenotype and clinical outcome of AL amyloidosis is unclear. The aim was to determine if bone marrow pathological parameters at diagnosis were related to clinical behaviour in AL amyloidosis patients.

Methods and results:  Bone marrow findings, clinical features and outcome of 80 patients referred with a diagnosis of systemic AL amyloidosis were evaluated; six patients were subsequently excluded due to re‐categorization as other forms of amyloidosis. At latest follow‐up (median 66 months), 11 of the 18 patients with no identifiable bone marrow neoplastic cells (61%) versus only seven of the 56 patients with neoplastic plasma cells or non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (13%) were alive (P = 0.0046). However, neither the quantity of the neoplastic cells nor the serum light chain levels were correlated with amyloid burden or patient survival.

Conclusions:  Identification of a neoplastic population in the bone marrow of AL amyloidosis patients by histology and immunohistochemistry correlates with poor outcome; however, the neoplastic cell burden is not prognostically significant, suggesting that additional factors are important in determining disease behaviour in AL amyloidosis.
Significance of TWIST and E‐cadherin expression in the metastatic progression of prostatic cancer
Authors: Yuen H‐F , Chua C‐W , Chan Y‐P , Wong Y‐C , Wang X , Chan K‐W
Published: March 2007

Aim:  Development of metastasis is one of the main causes of prostatic cancer‐related death. We have previously found that up‐regulation of TWIST, a highly conserved basic helix–loop–helix transcription factor, in prostatic cancer cells can promote epithelial to mesenchymal transition through down‐regulation of E‐cadherin. The present study aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of TWIST and to correlate TWIST and E‐cadherin expression in prostatic cancer specimens.

Methods and results:  TWIST and E‐cadherin expression was studied in 115 prostatic cancer specimens, eight cases of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and 37 cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia by immunohistochemistry. Increased cytoplasmic expression of TWIST was associated with malignant transformation of prostatic epithelium and histological progression of prostatic cancer, while nuclear TWIST expression was significant in predicting the metastatic potential of the primary prostatic cancer. In addition, high levels of TWIST expression were also significantly associated with aberrant E‐cadherin expression.

Conclusions:  These results suggest that TWIST may serve as a prognostic marker for high‐grade prostatic cancer. In addition, up‐regulation of TWIST in combination with aberrant E‐cadherin expression in primary prostatic cancer specimens may predict development of distal metastatic disease.
Multiple differentiation centres of a non‐Mediterranean butterfly species in south‐eastern Europe
Authors: Schmitt Thomas , Rákosy László , Abadjiev Stanislav , Müller Paul
Published: March 2007

Aim The analysis of the phylogeographical structures of many European species reveals the importance of Mediterranean glacial refugia for many thermophilic species, but also underlines the relevance of extra‐Mediterranean glacial differentiation centres for a number of temperate species. In this context, phylogeographical analyses of species from south‐eastern Europe are highly important for a comprehensive understanding of Europe as a whole.

Location Romania and Bulgaria.

Methods We analysed 19 allozyme loci for 615 individuals of the temperate butterfly speciesErebia medusafrom 28 populations.

Results These populations had an intermediate genetic diversity, but the Bulgarian populations were significantly more diverse than the ones north of the Danube in Romania. The differentiation among populations was strong, and 52.1% of the genetic variance among populations was distributed between these two countries. The genetic differentiation was considerably stronger in Romania than in Bulgaria, but several sublineages were distinguished within each of these countries.

Main conclusions The observed genetic structure is so strong that it is most probably the result of glacial differentiation processes in south‐eastern Europe and not a post‐glacial structure. The strong differentiation into the two groups north and south of the Danube suggests a separating effect by this river valley. The strong differentiation accompanied with genetic impoverishment in Romania suggests the existence of several differentiation centres: at least two small ones on the southern slopes of the southern Carpathians and one in the eastern Carpathian Basin. The considerably weaker differentiation among the Bulgarian samples and their significantly higher genetic diversity imply that gene flow occurred among different regions of Bulgaria during the last ice age.
Spatial pattern of MHC class II variation in the great snipe (Gallinago media)
Authors: EKBLOM ROBERT , SÆTHER STEIN ARE , JACOBSSON PÄR , FISKE PEDER , SAHLMAN TOBIAS , GRAHN MATS , KÅLÅS JOHN ATLE , HÖGLUND JACOB
Published: March 2007

The genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) code for proteins involved in antigen recognition and triggering of the adaptive immune response, and are therefore likely to be under selection from parasites. These selection regimes may vary in space and time. Here we report a strong geographical structure in MHC class II B genes of a migrating bird, the great snipe (Gallinago media). Genetic differentiation in the MHC between two ecologically distinct distributional regions (Scandinavian mountain populations vs. East European lowland populations) was still present after statistically controlling for the effect of selectively neutral variation (microsatellites) using partial Mantel tests. This suggests a role for selection in generating this spatial structure and that it represents local adaptation to different environments. Differentiation between populations within the two regions was negligible. Overall, we found a high number of MHC alleles (50, from 175 individuals). This, together with a tendency for a higher rate of nonsynonymous than synonymous substitutions in the peptide binding sites, and high Tajima's D in certain regions of the gene, suggests a history of balancing selection. MHC variation is often thought to be maintained by some form of balancing selection, but the nature of this selection remains unclear. Our results support the hypothesis that spatial variation in selection regimes contributes to the high polymorphism.
The use of models for synthesizing knowledge for integrated lake basin management, and facilitating implementation of the World Lake Vision
Authors: Jorgensen Sven E. , Rast Walter
Published: March 2007

Integrated water resources management (IWRM) is becoming increasingly accepted as the most logical and effective means of managing aquatic ecosystems for their sustainable use. Despite efforts to provide practical examples of the application of IWRM, we still lack knowledge on how to best consider and integrate the potentially large quantity of data and information, both scientific and socioeconomic, which must be considered in pursuit of the goal of sustainable water resources. The unique features of (i) an integrating nature; (ii) long water retention time, and (iii) complex response dynamics make the management of lakes and reservoirs particularly difficult to achieve. Although the World Lake Vision has provided substantial management guidance to address some of the complex issues facing lake and reservoir management, additional work directed to analysing the interactions and linkages between the scientific/technical and the socioeconomic components of the sustainability ‘equation’ is needed. This report examines the use of mathematical models as a synthesizing tool in developing and applying management strategies for lakes and reservoirs. The different types of available models, and the criteria that can be used to select the ‘best’ model for a given situation, also are discussed, as is the important role of environmental indicators in the process. A case study focusing on the restoration of Lake Fure in Denmark provides an illustrative example of the application of the approach discussed in this report.
An assessment of flood hazard vulnerability in the Dongting Lake Region of China
Authors: Gao Jixi , Nickum James E. , Pan Yingzi
Published: March 2007

After the catastrophic floods along the Yangtze River (Chang Jiang) in 1998, the United Nations Environment Programme and the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements and the State Environmental Protection Administration of China jointly developed a methodology for assessing flood vulnerability that would be user‐friendly for policy‐makers. This report discusses this methodology, described herein with a trial application to the critical Dongting Lake Region, using an applied analytical hierarchy process to establish vulnerability weights, and geographical information systems to present the results in a readily comprehensible manner. This study is the first vulnerability assessment undertaken in China specifically directed at flood prevention.
Age‐related differences in care receipt and symptom experience of elderly cancer patients dying at home: Lessons from the DEATH project
Authors: Hirakawa Yoshihisa , Masuda Yuichiro , Kuzuya Masafumi , Iguchi Akihisa , Uemura Kazumasa
Published: March 2007

Background:  Data on the differences between older and younger elderly cancer patients dying at home is sparse. To clarify age‐related differences in symptom experience and care receipt of elderly cancer patients at end‐of‐life, we conducted a subanalysis study of the Dying Elderly at Home (DEATH) project, a multicenter study of 240 elderly aged 65 and older dying at home.

Methods:  We assessed the frequency of symptom experience and end‐of‐life care receipt in home elderly patients during the last 2 days of their lives and evaluated the differences between younger elderly (aged 65–74) and older elderly (aged 75+) cancer decedents. The general practitioners were asked to fill out a questionnaire immediately after the death of study patients. A total of 66 younger and 51 older elderly cancer decedents were included in the analysis.

Results:  Coma and dementia were common among younger and older elderly patients. Older decedents were less likely to experience anxiety, but, after adjustment for baseline characteristics, this age‐related difference did not clearly appear. Older decedents were also less likely to receive opioids than younger decedents. There were no significant differences in volume of i.v. hydration between the two groups.

Conclusions:  Our results suggested that there were no differences in symptom experience and care receipt among older and younger decedents, except in opioid use, at end‐of‐life. These findings imply a similar need of end‐of‐life care for younger and older elderly cancer patients who opt for home death.
Contract Law and the Governance of Inter‐Firm Technology Partnerships – An Analysis of Different Modes of Partnering and Their Contractual Implications*
Authors: Hagedoorn John , Hesen Geerte
Published: March 2007

abstract This paper studies some major legal implications of inter‐firm technology partnering through equity joint ventures, non‐equity partnerships, and licensing contracts. These different partnerships are placed within the classical and relational contracting perspectives, while also considering intellectual property rights issues. Samples of contracts of partnerships in bioscience, fine chemicals, biotechnology and biopharmaceuticals are analysed, in detail, with reference to the distribution of property rights, major contractual clauses, and measures for conflict resolution. Equity joint ventures and non‐equity partnerships are found to largely follow a relational contracting perspective, while licensing contracts are governed by a classical contracting perspective.
Children's Self‐esteem and Moral Self: Links to Parent–Child Conversations Regarding Emotion
Authors: Reese Elaine , Bird Amy , Tripp Gail
Published: March 2007

The current study has two aims: (1) to examine associations between the emotional content of parent–child past event conversations and two aspects of children's self‐concept—moral self and self‐esteem; and (2) to examine the degree to which talk about past events is uniquely associated with self‐concept when compared with talk about ongoing events and situations. Fifty‐one five‐ and six‐year‐old New Zealand children and their parents discussed four emotional past events and two ongoing conflicts. Children's moral self, self‐esteem and language ability were also assessed. When parents referred to a greater number of positive emotions and evaluations, regardless of conversation type, their children had higher self‐esteem. Past event talk also uniquely predicted children's self‐esteem: Parents who used more explanations during conversations regarding past negative emotions, and more explanations and confirmations of past positive emotions, had children with higher self‐esteem. We discuss these results with respect to an autobiographical memory approach to self‐concept development.
Children's Perspectives on Their Relationships With Grandparents Following Parental Separation: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Bridges Laura J. , Roe Amy E. C. , Dunn Judy , O'Connor Thomas G.
Published: March 2007

Following parental separation, children's closeness to grandparents has been reported to be linked to their family situation and differences in adjustment. This relationship has not been investigated longitudinally. This study investigated children's relationships with grandparents over time in different family settings, and associations with intergenerational relationships. Data from 385 children, with longitudinal analyses on 140, were collected at two time points over a five‐year period. Associations between closeness of the child–grandparent relationship and adjustment were not found at the later time point. There was a mean drop in frequency of contact over time, but not in closeness. However, there was stability of individual differences in both frequency of contact and closeness; closeness to the maternal grandmother was particularly stable for children living with a single mother. Intergenerational links were found with the mother's own childhood experiences, particularly in single‐mother families. Following parental separation, the matrifocal bias in kinship patterns was accentuated.
Voting with Their Feet: Jobs versus Amenities
Authors: FERGUSON MARK , ALI KAMAR , OLFERT M. ROSE , PARTRIDGE MARK
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT  The determinants of rural and urban community population change over the period 1991–2001 are investigated at a very fine level of disaggregation for Canada. The study examines the influence of local amenities, economic factors, and agglomeration economies on population growth for age cohorts starting from the very young to the elderly. Motivated by the objective of assessing the overall jobs versus people question in economic development, the emphasis is on estimating the relative contribution of groupings of variables in explaining the variations in population change rather than the contribution of individual variables. Results indicate that rural and urban populations are influenced to differing degrees by amenity, economic, and urban scale groupings of variables and that there are variations among age cohorts in both urban and rural areas. While economic variables are the most influential in population change for all rural cohorts, their contribution somewhat diminishes with age. In urban areas, amenity, and economic variable groupings have approximately equal importance across all cohorts. For the key young adult cohort, the economic grouping is clearly the most influential in rural areas, while it is a close second to amenities in urban areas.
Identifying Rattus species using mitochondrial DNA
Authors: ROBINS JUDITH H. , HINGSTON MELANIE , MATISOO‐SMITH ELIZABETH , ROSS HOWARD A.
Published: March 2007

In recent years, research has shown that geographical variation in mitochondrial DNA of commensal rats provides a strong signal of human dispersal and migration. However, interpretation of genetic variation is complicated by the presence of multiple species of Rattus especially in Island Southeast Asia, by the occurrence of some of these Rattus sp. as subfossils in archaeological and natural sites, and by the difficulty of osteological identification of these remains. Amplification of DNA from ancient sources usually yields only small fragments (∼200 bp). We assessed whether we could identify Rattus sp. reliably with DNA barcoding using cytochrome oxidase I (COI) sequences, or tree‐based methods using D‐loop, cytochrome b and COI sequences. Species forming well‐differentiated clades in a molecular phylogeny were accurately identified by both methods, even when we used short DNA fragments. Identification was less accurate for paraphyletic and polyphyletic species. We suggest that taxonomic revisions that recognize cryptic or polytypic species will lead to even greater accuracy of DNA‐based identification methods.
wombsoft: anrpackage that implements the Wombling method to identify genetic boundary
Authors: CRIDA A. , MANEL S.
Published: March 2007

wombsoftis anrpackage that analyses individually georeferenced multilocus genotypes for the inferences of genetic boundaries between populations. It is based on the Wombling method that estimates the systemic function by looking for the local variation of the allele frequencies. This study presents an original way of estimating the systemic function, based on the local polynomial regression, and a binomial test to assess the significance of boundaries. The method applies to codominant or dominant markers and allows for missing data. The softwarercan be downloaded fromhttp://www.r‐project.org/andwombsoftfromhttp://www‐leca.ujf‐grenoble.fr/logiciels.htmorhttp://www.r‐project.org/.
Development of polymorphic microsatellite markers for the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata)
Authors: FORSTMEIER WOLFGANG , SCHIELZETH HOLGER , SCHNEIDER MELANIE , KEMPENAERS BART
Published: March 2007

To study the population genetics as well as the mating system of captive zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) populations, we developed primers for 12 microsatellite loci and screened them in 529 individuals from two successive generations of a single captive population. All markers were polymorphic with five to 14 alleles per locus. We checked all markers for Mendelian inheritance in 307 offspring whose parents were known for sure. Four markers showed evidence for the presence of null alleles. Once allowing for null alleles, we found no mismatches between offspring and parents, suggesting a very low rate of mutation. Average observed and expected heterozygosities across the eight loci showing no evidence for null‐alleles was 0.819 and 0.812, respectively.
A new species of Bracon (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) parasitic on alien sweetpotato weevils in the south‐west islands of Japan
Authors: MAETO Kaoru , UESATO Takumi
Published: March 2007

A new species of braconid, Bracon yasudai Maeto et Uesato sp. nov., is described here from the south‐west islands of Japan. It is a solitary idiobiont ectoparasitoid of the larvae of the West Indian sweetpotato weevil, Euscepes postfasciatus (Curculionidae), and the sweetpotato weevil, Cylas formicarius (Brentidae), both feeding on Ipomoea batatas (L.) (Convolvulaceae). The percentage parasitism of the braconid on E. postfasciatus in the vines of I. batatas was 19.9–40.7% in the field. Bracon cylasovorus (Rohwer) reared from C. formicarius in the Philippines is also described.
Amiota sinuata species group from eastern Malaysia (Diptera, Drosophilidae)
Authors: CHEN Hong‐wei , TODA Masanori J. , LAKIM Maklarin B. , MOHAMED Maryati Bte
Published: March 2007

Eight species of the Amiota sinuata species group are reported from eastern Malaysia, including six new species, A. bispinula, A. cerata, A. curvibacula, A. lambirensis, A. parviserrata and A. quadrifoliolata spp. nov. A key to Asian species of the group is provided.
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and Epilepsy: Recent Developments and Future Challenges
Authors: Holmes Gregory L. , Stafstrom Carl E. ,   The Tuberous Sclerosis Study Group
Published: March 2007

Summary: Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a congenital syndrome characterized by the widespread development of benign tumors in multiple organs, caused by mutations in one of the tumor suppressor genes, TSC1 or TSC2. About 80% of affected patients have a new mutation, and the remaining 20% have inherited a TSC gene mutation from a parent. The disorder affects approximately 1 in 6000 individuals. Cortical tubers are the neuropathological hallmark of TSC. The most common neurological manifestations of TSC are epilepsy, mental retardation, and autistic behavior. Epilepsy occurs in up to 80–90% of patients and is often intractable, with a poor response to anticonvulsant medications.

While the molecular basis of TSC is well established, far less is known about the mechanisms of epilepsy in this disorder. In this article, we first summarize known clinical aspects of TSC with emphasis on its neurological features. Then, based on the molecular, pathological, immunohistochemical, neurochemical, and physiological properties of tubers in patients with TSC and in animal models, we discuss possible mechanisms of seizures and epileptogenesis in TSC. Finally, we provide an updated literature review and a consensus statement from the Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Working Group for future research into the mechanisms of epilepsy in TSC.
Idiosyncratic Adverse Reactions to Antiepileptic Drugs
Authors: Zaccara Gaetano , Franciotta Diego , Perucca Emilio
Published: March 2007

Summary: Idiosyncratic drug reactions may be defined as adverse effects that cannot be explained by the known mechanisms of action of the offending agent, do not occur at any dose in most patients, and develop mostly unpredictably in susceptible individuals only. These reactions are generally thought to account for up to 10% of all adverse drug reactions, but their frequency may be higher depending on the definition adopted. Idiosyncratic reactions are a major source of concern because they encompass most life‐threatening effects of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), as well as many other reactions requiring discontinuation of treatment. Based on the underlying mechanisms, idiosyncratic reactions can be differentiated into (1) immune‐mediated hypersensitivity reactions, which may range from benign skin rashes to serious conditions such as drug‐related rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms; (2) reactions involving unusual nonimmune‐mediated individual susceptibility, often related to abnormal production or defective detoxification of reactive cytotoxic metabolites (as in valproate‐induced liver toxicity); and (3) off‐target pharmacology, whereby a drug interacts directly with a system other than that for which it is intended, an example being some types of AED‐induced dyskinesias. Although no AED is free from the potential of inducing idiosyncratic reactions, the magnitude of risk and the most common manifestations vary from one drug to another, a consideration that impacts on treatment choices. Serious consequences of idiosyncratic reactions can be minimized by knowledge of risk factors, avoidance of specific AEDs in subpopulations at risk, cautious dose titration, and careful monitoring of clinical response.
Endothelial Progenitor Cells: A Promising Therapeutic Alternative for Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: DONG CHUNMING , GOLDSCHMIDT‐CLERMONT PASCAL J.
Published: March 2007

The integrity and functional activity of the endothelial monolayer play a critical role in preventing atherosclerotic disease progression. Endothelial cell (EC) damage by atherosclerosis risk factors can result in EC apoptosis with loss of the integrity of the endothelium. Thus, approaches to repair the injured vessels with the goal of regenerating ECs have been tested in preclinical experimental models and in clinical studies. Indeed, endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) originating from the bone marrow have been shown to incorporate into sites of neovascularization and home to sites of endothelial denudation. These cells may provide an endogenous repair mechanism to counteract ongoing risk factor‐induced endothelial injury and to replace dysfunctional endothelium. Risk factors for coronary artery disease, such as age, smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes, however, reduce the number and functional activity of circulating EPCs, potentially restricting the therapeutic prospective of progenitor cells and limiting the regenerative capacity. Furthermore, the impairment of EPCs by risk factors may contribute to atherogenesis and atherosclerotic disease progression. The article reviews the role of EPCs in atherogenesis and in predicting cardiovascular outcomes, and highlights the potential challenges in developing therapeutic strategies aiming to interfere with the balance of injury and repair mechanisms.
Ugo1p Is a Multipass Transmembrane Protein with a Single Carrier Domain Required for Mitochondrial Fusion
Authors: Coonrod Emily M. , Karren Mary Anne , Shaw Janet M.
Published: March 2007

The outer mitochondrial membrane protein Ugo1 forms a complex with the Fzo1p and Mgm1p GTPases that regulates mitochondrial fusion in yeast. Ugo1p contains two putative carrier domains (PCDs) found in mitochondrial carrier proteins (MCPs). Mitochondrial carrier proteins are multipass transmembrane proteins that actively transport molecules across the inner mitochondrial membrane. Mitochondrial carrier protein transport requires functional carrier domains with the consensus sequence PX(D/E)XX(K/R). Mutation of charged residues in this consensus sequence disrupts transport function. In this study, we used targeted mutagenesis to show that charge reversal mutations in Ugo1p PCD2, but not PCD1, disrupt mitochondrial fusion. Ugo1p is reported to be a single‐pass transmembrane protein despite the fact that it contains several additional predicted transmembrane segments. Using a combination of protein targeting and membrane extraction experiments, we provide evidence that Ugo1p contains additional transmembrane domains and is likely a multipass transmembrane protein. These studies identify PCD2 as a functional domain of Ugo1p and provide the first experimental evidence for a multipass topology of this essential fusion component.
A world survey of husbandry practices for Lion‐tailed macaques Macaca silenus in captivity
Authors: MALLAPUR A. , SINHA A. , WARAN N.
Published: March 2007

A questionnaire survey was conducted to compare husbandry and management protocols for Lion‐tailed macaques Macaca silenus in 42 zoos in various parts of the world. A relatively higher number of zoos outside India compared with those in India reported foraging behaviour in their individuals, whereas abnormal behaviour was rare. The reproductive success of macaques in these zoos was also significantly higher than that in Indian zoos. The results of this study suggest that group composition, enclosure design, dietary preparation and nutrition, as well as visitor–animal interaction influence the welfare and breeding success of Lion‐tailed macaques in Indian zoos. Also, poor management is a problem in the Indian‐zoo scenario. Hence, we emphasize the need for good zoo management through proper record‐keeping, regularized behaviour monitoring and administration of environmental enrichment, and a well‐established marking/tagging method to identify individual animals.
Torpor in an African caprimulgid, the freckled nightjar Caprimulgus tristigma
Authors: McKechnie Andrew E. , Ashdown Robert A. M. , Christian Murray B. , Brigham R. Mark
Published: March 2007

Recent data suggest that facultative hypothermic responses such as torpor are more important in the energy balance of birds from tropical and sub‐tropical regions than previously thought. We used telemetric measurements of skin temperature (Tskin) for five individuals on 151 bird‐nights to investigate the occurrence of torpor during winter in an 81 g African caprimulgid, the freckled nightjar Caprimulgus tristigma. We found that freckled nightjars have the capacity to enter torpor, with a minimum observed Tskin of 12.8°C. During the torpor bouts we observed, complete rewarming typically occurred after sunrise, and coincided with the availability of solar radiation. There was considerable inter‐individual variability in the frequency and depth of torpor bouts, with one female nightjar exhibiting particularly frequent and deep torpor. Our results confirm the ability to use torpor by a nocturnal aerial insectivore from the Afrotropics, and reiterate the variability in patterns of torpor that can exist within a population.
A GALLERY OF CHUA ATTRACTORS: PART I
Authors: BILOTTA ELEONORA , PANTANO PIETRO , STRANGES FAUSTO
Published: March 2007

Chua Oscillator exhibits a wide variety of nonlinear behavior and has become a paradigm for theoretical and experimental investigations of chaotic systems. An initial exploration of the parameter space for the circuit shows that the system and its generalizations generates a broad range of very different strange attractors. In the work described in this paper, we constructed "a gallery" of these attractors, including patterns that have never previously been observed. We identified the regions of parameter space occupied by each attractor and the initial conditions leading to production of the attractor. System behavior was characterized using time series, FFT graphs and in some cases Lyapunov exponents. In this way we created a complex picture of chaos, which we divided into six parts. The first, we publish here. The rest of our work will be published in subsequent issues of this journal. In this first paper, we describe how to build Chua Oscillator and some of its generalizations, as proposed in the recent literature. We introduce the main features that characterize the chaotic behavior of each of these systems. Finally, we offer hints on the mechanisms underlying synchronization between pairs of coupled Chua Oscillators. The investigation of chaos allows for the emergence of a complex picture, which could improve our knowledge of these challenging phenomena in contemporary science.
TURING PATTERNS IN RD-CNNs FOR THE EMERGENCE OF PERCEPTUAL STATES IN ROVING ROBOTS
Authors: ARENA PAOLO , FORTUNA LUIGI , FRASCA MATTIA , LOMBARDO DAVIDE , PATANÈ LUCA , CRUCITTI PAOLO
Published: March 2007

Behavior-based robotics considers perception as a holistic process, strongly connected to behavioral needs of the robot. We present a bio-inspired framework for sensing-perception-action, applied to a roving robot in a random foraging task. Perception is here considered as a complex and emergent phenomenon where a huge amount of information coming from sensors is used to form an abstract and concise representation of the environment, useful to take a suitable action or sequence of actions. In this work a model for perceptual representation is formalized by means of RD-CNNs showing Turing patterns. They are used as attractive states for particular set of environmental conditions in order to associate, via a reinforcement learning, a proper action. Learning is also introduced at the afferent stage to shape the environment information according to the particular emerging pattern. The basins of attraction for the Turing patterns are so dynamically tuned by an unsupervised learning in order to form an internal, abstract and plastic representation of the environment, as recorded by the sensors.
A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF LINEAR DRIFT-DIFFUSION EQUATIONS WITH TIME-DEPENDENT OR DEGENERATE COEFFICIENTS
Authors: BARTIER JEAN-PHILIPPE , DOLBEAULT JEAN , ILLNER REINHARD , KOWALCZYK MICHAŁ
Published: March 2007

This paper is concerned with entropy methods for linear drift-diffusion equations with explicitly time-dependent or degenerate coefficients. Our goal is to establish a list of various qualitative properties of the solutions. The motivation for this study comes from a model for molecular motors, the so-called Brownian ratchet, and from a nonlinear equation arising in traffic flow models, for which complex long time dynamics occurs. General results are out of the scope of this paper, but we deal with several examples corresponding to most of the expected behaviors of the solutions.

We first prove a contraction property for general entropies which is a useful tool for uniqueness and for the convergence to some large time asymptotic solutions which may depend on time. Then we focus on power law and logarithmic relative entropies. When the diffusion term is of the type ∇(|x|α∇·), we prove that the inequality relating the entropy with the entropy production term is a Hardy–Poincaré type inequality, that we establish. Here we assume that α ∈ (0,2] and the limit case α = 2 appears as a threshold for the method. As a consequence, we obtain an exponential decay of the relative entropies. In the case of time-periodic coefficients, we prove the existence of a unique time-periodic solution which attracts all other solutions.

The case of a degenerate diffusion coefficient taking the form |x|α with α > 2 is also studied. The Gibbs state exhibits a non-integrable singularity. In this case concentration phenomena may occur, but we conjecture that an additional time-dependence restores the smoothness of the asymptotic solution.
Secondary Prevention of Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack
Authors: Liao James K.
Published: March 2007

Background—

Recurrent cerebrovascular events constitute an estimated 200 000 of the 700 000 strokes reported annually in the United States, which makes secondary stroke prevention an important goal in the management of disease among patients who have experienced stroke or transient ischemic attack.

Methods and Results—

Various pharmacological approaches have been advocated, but the relative efficacy and safety of these regimens has remained the subject of much debate. The results of recent clinical trials on the use of antiplatelet therapy suggest that patients with a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack may constitute a population distinct from patients with coronary or peripheral vascular disease. This may be caused, in part, by the differing etiologies of stroke and the increased vulnerability of cerebral vessels to bleeding. Indeed, dual antiplatelet therapy, which has been found to be beneficial for the treatment of acute coronary syndromes and percutaneous coronary interventions, does not confer secondary stroke protection. The emerging paradigm is that some level of platelet inhibition is required for secondary stroke protection; a level beyond which increased risk of bleeding arises.

Conclusion—

Because the vast majority of patients with ischemic stroke have recurrent stroke or transient ischemic attack, rather than myocardial infarction, as their next event, antiplatelet therapies for these patients should be administered according to what has been shown to be efficacious for secondary stroke protection rather than for myocardial protection. Combination therapies, which provide optimal platelet inhibition as well as vascular protection, may offer the best strategy for secondary stroke protection.
Atmospheric Fronts along the East Coast of Taiwan Studied by ERS Synthetic Aperture Radar Images
Authors: Alpers Werner , Chen Jen-Ping , Lin I-I. , Lien Chun-Chi
Published: March 2007

The existence of quasi-stationary alongshore atmospheric fronts typically located 30–70 km off the east coast of Taiwan is demonstrated by analyzing synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images of the sea surface acquired by the European Remote Sensing Satellites ERS-1 and ERS-2. For the data interpretation, cloud images from the Japanese Geostationary Meteorological Satellite GMS-4 and the American Terra satellite, rain-rate maps from ground-based weather radars, sea surface wind data from the scatterometer on board the Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT) satellite, and meteorological data from weather maps and radiosonde ascents have also been used. It is shown that these atmospheric fronts are generated by the collisions of the two airflows from opposing directions: one is associated with a weak easterly synoptic-scale wind blowing against the high coastal mountain range at the east coast of Taiwan and the other with a local offshore wind. At the convergence zone where both airflows collide, air is forced to move upward, which often gives rise to the formation of coast-parallel cloud bands. There are two hypotheses about the origin of the offshore wind. The first one is that it is a thermally driven land breeze/katabatic wind, and the second one is that it is wind resulting from recirculated airflow from the synoptic-scale onshore wind. Air blocked by the mountain range at low Froude numbers is recirculated and flows at low levels back offshore. Arguments in favor of and against the two hypotheses are presented. It is argued that both the recirculation of airflow and land breeze/katabatic wind contribute to the formation of the offshore atmospheric front but that land breeze/katabatic wind is probably the main cause.
Resonance in Optimal Perturbation Evolution. Part I: Two-Layer Eady Model
Authors: de Vries H. , Opsteegh J. D.
Published: March 2007

A detailed investigation has been performed of the role of the different growth mechanisms (resonance, potential vorticity unshielding, and normal-mode baroclinic instability) in the evolution of optimal perturbations constructed for a two-layer Eady model and a kinetic energy norm. The two-layer Eady model is obtained by replacing the conventional upper rigid lid by a simple but realistic stratosphere. To make an unambiguous discussion possible, generally applicable techniques have been developed. At the heart of these techniques lies a description of the linear dynamics in terms of a variable number of potential vorticity building blocks (PVBs), which are zonally wavelike, vertically localized sheets of potential vorticity.

If the optimal perturbation is composed of only one PVB, the rapid surface cyclogenesis can be attributed to the growth of the surface PVB (the edge wave), which is excited by the tropospheric PVB via a linear resonance effect. If the optimal perturbation is constructed using multiple PVBs, this simple picture is modified only in the sense that PV unshielding dominates the surface amplification for a short time after initialization. The unshielding mechanism rapidly creates large streamfunction values at the surface, as a result of which the resonance effect is much stronger. A similar resonance effect between the tropospheric PVBs and the tropopause PVB acts negatively on the surface streamfunction amplification. The influence of the stratosphere to the surface development is negligible.

In all cases reported here, the growth due to traditional normal-mode baroclinic instability contributes either negative or only little to the surface development up to the optimization time of two days. It takes at least four days for the flow to become fully dominated by normal-mode growth, thereby confirming that finite-time optimal perturbation growth differs in many aspects fundamentally from asymptotic normal-mode baroclinic instability.