bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Severity of fecal incontinence in community‐living elderly in a health maintenance organization
Authors: Bliss Donna Zimmaro , Fischer Lucy Rose , Savik Kay , Avery Melissa , Mark Peter
Published: May 2004

An anonymous survey containing questions about the severity of fecal incontinence (FI)—frequency, amount, and type—and its correlates was distributed to community‐living elderly at four managed‐care clinics. Completed surveys were received from 1,352 respondents whose mean (±standard deviation) age was 75 ± 6 years and 60% of whom were female. Approximately 19% reported having FI one or more times within the past year. Incontinence that soiled underwear or was of loose or liquid consistency was most common. More frequent FI and a greater amount of FI were significantly associated with loose or liquid stool consistency, defecation urgency, bowel surgery, and chronic health conditions. Therapies aimed at normalizing stool consistency or reducing urgency may be beneficial in lessening FI severity. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 27:162–173, 2004
Psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of the state anxiety scale for children
Authors: Li Ho Cheung William , Lopez Violeta
Published: May 2004

The assessment of anxiety in children undergoing surgery must be addressed before any intervention can be appropriately planned, provided, and evaluated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the State Anxiety Scale for Children. Two hundred and thirty‐seven children from a primary school and 112 children admitted for day surgery were recruited for this study. The instrument demonstrated adequate internal‐consistency reliability, appropriate concurrent validity, and construct validity. Factor analyses further confirmed the construct validity of the scale, with a good fit between the factor structure of the scale and the observed data. Results suggest that the Chinese version of the State Anxiety Scale for Children can be used as a self‐report assessment tool in measuring the anxiety level of Chinese children ages 7–12 years. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 27:198–207, 2004
Instrument development of the self‐efficacy scale for abused women
Authors: May Barbara A. , Limandri Barbara J.
Published: May 2004

The development of a scale to measure an abused woman's self‐efficacy is described. The Self‐Efficacy Scale for Abused Women (SESAW) originally was a 27‐item 100‐mm visual analog scale. It underwent face and content validity testing and was administered to a community sample of abused women (N = 50). The SESAW was tested for internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and construct validity. Cronbach's alphas were .95 and .96 at times 1 and 2, respectively. The bivariate correlation between the SESAW at times 1 and 2 was r = .85, p < .01. Construct validity was established by a moderate bivariate correlation with the criterion as measured by the Self‐Efficacy Scale—general/global subscale (r = .64, p < .01 at time 1, and r = .78, p < .01 at time 2). The SESAW was streamlined to 19 items. The SESAW is an acceptable measure of situation‐specific self‐efficacy in community‐based abused women. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 27:208–214, 2004
A pilot study of prophylactic ciprofloxacin during delayed intensification in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Yousef Abdelmottaleb A. , Fryer Christopher J.H. , Chedid Fares D. , Abbas Adil A.H. , Felimban Sami K. , Khattab Taha M.
Published: May 2004

Background

We hypothesized that prophylactic administration of an appropriate antibiotic following each delayed intensification (DI) in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) would reduce the episodes of fever and bacteremia associated with neutropenia, and hence reduce both the rate and duration of hospitalization.

Procedure

All patients in the study were treated according to a modified Medical Research Council United Kingdom ALL XI (MRC UKALL XI) protocol utilizing three DI courses. Between June and December 2000 patients received prophylactic ciprofloxacin following DI courses. The rates of hospitalization and bacteremias were compared to ALL patients who had received between one and three DI courses prior to June 2000.

Results

There were 69 patients who received a total of 194 DIs (controls 130; study group 64). The rate of hospitalization was 90% in the controls and 58% in the study group (P < 0.001). The median hospital stay was 10.1 days for controls and 6.0 for the study group (P < 0.001). Intensive care unit admissions were reduced from 12 to 1.5% (P = 0.02). The overall rate of proven bacteremia was reduced from 22 to 9% (P = 0.028). There were no Gram‐negative bacteremias in the study group compared to 10 (7.7%) in the controls (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Compared to historical controls, patients in this study receiving prophylactic ciprofloxacin had a reduced rate and duration of hospitalization and incidence of Gram‐negative bacteremia. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Some considerations on mechanical testing methods of rubbery materials using nonlinear finite element analysis
Authors: Kim Wan‐Doo , Kim Wan‐Soo , Woo Chang‐Soo , Lee Hak‐Joo
Published: May 2004

This paper discusses experimental test methods for the purpose of defining the nonlinear properties of rubbery materials used for finite element analysis. The typical tests are simple tension, simple compression and pure shear tests. It has been found in the simple tension test that a narrow strip specimen whose length is 10 times longer than the width can be used more appropriately than a dumbbell type specimen. In order to eliminate the effect of friction between the specimen and the platens in the compression test, a tapered platen is suggested. The effect of the tapered platens is verified by experimental and finite element analysis. In a shear test, it has been shown that the specimen width must be at least 10 times larger than the height of the specimen. The mechanical preconditioning has significant effects on the prediction of the behaviours of rubbery materials and components. The static stiffness of an automotive engine mount is calculated by nonlinear finite element analysis using the experimentally determined material properties and is compared with experimental results that take into account the mechanical preconditioning effect, resulting in a good correlation. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Dielectric relaxation spectroscopy of poly[(R)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate] (PHB) during crystallization
Authors: Bergmann Antje , Owen Anthony
Published: May 2004

The dielectric response of poly [(R)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate] (PHB) was investigated as a function of time after quenching a film from the melt to a crystallization temperature of 20 °C. In the frequency range investigated (20 to 106 Hz) a relaxation maximum was observed–attributable to the glass transition–which could be analysed by the Havriliak–Negami relation. Changes in the complex dielectric constant were monitored both during spherulite growth (primary crystallization) and subsequently during a period of progressive crystallization (secondary crystallization) at room temperature. The relaxation strength changed only slightly during primary crystallization and its peak position remained at a constant frequency. Subsequently a continuous decrease in relaxation strength occurred, indicating considerable changes in molecular mobility after spherulite growth had been completed. The results provide further evidence that molecular mobility in the amorphous regions decreases significantly with time, and that this would be the reason why PHB shows embrittlement on ageing at room temperature. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
N‐(2‐biphenylenyl)‐4‐[2′‐phenylethynyl] phthalimide: 2. Detailed study of the monomer cure and properties of the resulting polymer
Authors: Georgiades Alexis , Hamerton Ian , Hay John N , Herman Henryk , Shaw Steve J
Published: May 2004

A detailed study is presented of the high‐temperature cure of the difunctional monomer N‐(2‐biphenylenyl)‐4‐[2′‐phenylethynyl]phthalimide (BPP) and the thermal properties of the resulting homopolymer. Although the phenylethynyl groups are consumed within 1 h at 370 °C, other reactions continue well after this, leading to a cured polymer whose glass transition temperature (Tg) is highly dependent on cure time and temperature. A Tg of 450 °C is achieved after a 16 h cure at 400 °C. Use of chemometrics to analyse the infrared spectra of curing BPP provides evidence for changes in the aromatic moieties during cure, perhaps indicative of co‐reaction between the biphenylene and phenylethynyl groups; however, other processes also contribute to the overall complex cure mechanism. Despite the high Tg values, BPP homopolymer exhibits unacceptably poor thermo‐oxidative stability at 370 °C, showing a weight loss of about 50 % after 100 h ageing. This is perhaps a result of formation of degradatively unstable crosslink structures during elevated‐temperature cure. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparation and properties of montmorillonite‐based polyimide nanocomposites
Authors: Nah Changwoon , Han Sang Hyub , Lee Joong‐Hee , Lee Myong‐Hoon , Chung Kyung Ho
Published: May 2004

Montmorillonite (MMT)‐based polyimide (PI) nanocomposites were prepared via two‐stage polymerization of PI using polyamic acid (PAA). The clay was organically modified using various alkylammonium ions to examine the effect of changes in alkyl length on the intercalation spacing of both the treated clays and their hybrids with PAA and PI. The intercalation behavior of clay in the PI matrix and its thermal and mechanical properties were investigated as a function of clay concentration. The d‐spacing of organically modified MMT (O‐MMT) increased with increasing length of the alkylammonium chain. PI/O‐MMT hybrids form exfoliated nanocomposites at clay concentrations below 2 wt%, while they form intercalated nanocomposites together with some exfoliated ones at clay contents exceeding 4 wt%. Young's modulus increased rapidly to a clay loading of 2 wt%, and leveled off with further increases in clay loading. The tensile strength at break increased rapidly up to a clay loading of 1 wt%, and then decreased sharply, while the strain at break showed a monotonic decrease with increasing clay loading from 0 to 8 wt%. The storage modulus, E′, in the temperature range below the glass transition temperature Tg, generally increased with increasing clay content, except at the highest clay content of 8 wt%. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
The proteome of chicken skeletal muscle: Changes in soluble protein expression during growth in a layer strain
Authors: Doherty Mary K. , McLean Lynn , Hayter Julia R. , Pratt Julie M. , Robertson Duncan H. L. , El‐Shafei Abdel , Gaskell Simon J. , Beynon Robert J.
Published: May 2004

The whole animal, and the pectoralis muscle in particular, grows at a greatly enhanced rate in chickens selected for meat production (broilers) when compared to those selected for egg production (layers). As part of an ongoing study to analyse muscle protein dynamics under conditions of rapid growth, we have embarked upon a preliminary characterisation of the proteome of layer chicken pectoralis muscle, at specified time‐points from 1 to 27 days after hatching. Soluble extracts of muscle homogenates were separated by two‐dimensional (2‐D) gel electrophoresis and selected spots were analysed by in‐gel tryptic digestion and matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization‐time of flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectrometry. Of 90 spots, 51 gave mass spectra that matched to existing chicken proteins present in on‐line databases, 12 matched equivalent proteins from non‐avian species and 11 yielded good quality spectra but were unable to be matched against existing databases. For many of these proteins, growth over 27 days elicited dramatic changes in relative expression levels. Chicken skeletal muscle offers an excellent system for developmental proteomics.
Two‐dimensional electrophoresis protein profiling and identification in rat bronchoalveolar lavage fluid following allergen and endotoxin challenge
Authors: Signor Luca , Tigani Bruno , Beckmann Nicolau , Falchetto Rocco , Stoeckli Markus
Published: May 2004

The protein content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from actively sensitised Brown Norway (BN) rats challenged with allergen (ovalbumin, OA) and from naïve Brown Norway rats challenged with endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) was analyzed and compared to healthy controls treated with vehicle only. BALF proteins were analyzed by one‐dimensional (1‐D) and two‐dimensional (2‐D) gel electrophoresis and identified by peptide mass fingerprinting matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization‐mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS) or nanoliquid chromatography‐tandem MS (nanoLC‐MS/MS) after in‐gel trypsin digestion of selected 2‐D gel spots. Our study shows that the BALF protein profile is significantly different in animals after allergen (OA) or endotoxin (LPS) challenge as compared to controls, concerning the content of proteins derived from plasma or produced locally in the lung. In both challenges the following proteins presented patterns which differed qualitatively compared to control: T‐kininogen I and II, α‐1‐antitrypsin, calgranulin A, fetuin A and B, and haptoglobin. Other proteins were diminished in both challenges, such as Clara cell 10 kDa secretory protein (CC10) and pulmonary surfactant associated protein B (SP‐B); c‐reactive protein increased in the OA‐challenge and decreased in the LPS‐challenge, and pulmonary surfactant associated protein A (SP‐A) was decreased in the OA‐challenge and was not significantly changed in the LPS‐challenge. The identified proteins could be important not only for the diagnosis but have also interesting implications for medical treatment of lung inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, even if based on a limited number of animals, our results are of interest for the identification of lung protein markers and a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of lung diseases.
Coefficients of molecular packing and intrinsic birefringence of aromatic polyimides estimated using refractive indices and molecular polarizabilities
Authors: Terui Yoshiharu , Ando Shinji
Published: May 2004

Molecular structure dependences of the coefficients of molecular packing (Kp) and the intrinsic birefringence (Δn0) were investigated for aromatic polyimides (PIs) using a method based on the modified Lorentz–Lorenz equation and the Vuks equation. This method needs only average refractive indices and polarizability tensors (

) for PI repeating units. αˆ was calculated using the density functional theory at the B3LYP/6‐31+G(d) theory level that was confirmed as optimal for PI repeating units. Because bent or kinked structures in main chain hinder the ordering of polymer chains, Kp decreases in cases that ether linkages are introduced in the main chain and that kinked‐structured dianhydrides are used. Introduction of side groups, trifluoromethyl (CF3) groups in particular, also causes decreases in Kp. On the other hand, the estimated values of Δn0 are proportional to the calculated anisotropy in αˆ (Δα/Vvdw), thus Δn0 can be well predicted by computation. The values of Δα/Vvdw are decreased not only by bent structures in the main chain (e.g., ether linkage), presence of side groups, but also by large fractions of imide rings in the polymer structures. The estimated values of Δn0 range from 0.338 to 0.470, which are much larger than the reported ones for optically transparent conventional polymers. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 2354–2366, 2004
Random MAX SAT, random MAX CUT, and their phase transitions
Authors: Coppersmith Don , Gamarnik David , Hajiaghayi MohammadTaghi , Sorkin Gregory B.
Published: May 2004

With random inputs, certain decision problems undergo a “phase transition.” We prove similar behavior in an optimization context. Given a conjunctive normal form (CNF) formulaFonnvariables and withm k‐variable clauses, denote by maxFthe maximum number of clauses satisfiable by a single assignment of the variables. (Thus the decision problemk‐SATis to determine if maxFis equal tom.) With the formulaFchosen at random, the expectation of maxFis trivially bounded by (3/4)m⩽ 𝔼 maxF⩽m. We prove that for random formulas withm= ⌊cn⌋ clauses: for constantsc< 1, 𝔼 maxFis ⌊cn⌋ − Θ(1/n); for largec, it approaches and in the “window”c= 1 + Θ(n−1/3), it iscn− Θ(1). Our full results are more detailed, but this already shows that the optimization problemMAX2‐SATundergoes a phase transition just as the 2‐SATdecision problem does, and at the same critical valuec= 1. Most of our results are established without reference to the analogous propositions for decision 2‐SAT, and can be used to reproduce them. We consider “online” versions ofMAX2‐SAT, and show that for one version the obvious greedy algorithm is optimal; all other natural questions remain open. We can extend only our simplestMAX2‐SATresults toMAXk‐SAT, but we conjecture a “MAXk‐SATlimiting function conjecture” analogous to the folklore “satisfiability threshold conjecture,” but open even fork= 2. Neither conjecture immediately implies the other, but it is natural to further conjecture a connection between them. We also prove analogous results for randomMAX CUT. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2004
Prediction of preterm delivery in twin pregnancy: a prospective, observational study of cervical length and fetal fibronectin testing
Authors: Gibson J. L. , Macara L. M. , Owen P. , Young D. , Macauley J. , Mackenzie F.
Published: May 2004

Objective

To evaluate prospectively cervical length measurements and fetal fibronectin detection as predictors of spontaneous preterm delivery in an unselected population of twin pregnancies.

Methods

Transvaginal ultrasound assessments of cervical length were performed serially at 18, 24, 28 and 32 weeks' gestation. Receiver–operating characteristic curves were generated at each time point to determine the optimal cut‐off for cervical length and rate of change in cervical length in the prediction of preterm delivery (< 35 weeks). A bedside assay for the detection of fetal fibronectin in the maternal vaginal secretions was performed prior to cervical length measurements from 24 weeks. Likelihood ratios (LRs) were used to assess the performance of each test.

Results

The spontaneous preterm delivery rate was 16.5% in 91 studied twin pregnancies. A cervical length ≤ 25 mm at 18 weeks (LR+ 9.7, sensitivity 14.3%) and ≤ 22 mm at 24 weeks (LR+ 9.6, sensitivity 28.6%) were the best predictors of preterm delivery. A shortening of cervical length ≥ 2.5 mm per week between 18 and 28 weeks' gestation also predicted preterm delivery (LR+ 10.8, sensitivity 16.7%). There was no relationship between the detection of fetal fibronectin and preterm delivery.

Conclusions

This study confirms the value of transvaginal ultrasound assessment of cervical length as a predictor of preterm delivery in twin pregnancies. However, the poor sensitivity of this test makes it unsuitable as a single predictor of preterm delivery. Fetal fibronectin testing does not identify twin pregnancies destined to deliver prematurely. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Three‐dimensional (3D) and 4D color Doppler fetal echocardiography using spatio‐temporal image correlation (STIC)
Authors: Chaoui R. , Hoffmann J. , Heling K. S.
Published: May 2004

Objective

Color Doppler echocardiography is used to visualize three transverse planes: the four‐chamber, five‐chamber, and three vessels and trachea views. Color Doppler spatio‐temporal image correlation (STIC) is a new three‐dimensional (3D) technique allowing the acquisition of a volume of data from the fetal heart that is displayed as a cineloop of a single cardiac cycle. The aim of the study was to examine the potential of color Doppler STIC to evaluate normal and abnormal fetal hearts.

Methods

This prospective study included 35 normal fetuses and 27 fetuses with congenital heart defects (CHD) examined between 18 and 35 weeks of gestation. Volume acquisition was achieved by initiating the image capture sequence from the transverse four‐chamber view. Volumes were stored for later offline evaluation using a personal computer‐based workstation in a multiplanar mode and as spatial volume rendering.

Results

Successful acquisition was possible in all 62 cases. The three planes could be demonstrated in 31/35 healthy fetuses and in 24/27 fetuses with CHD. Spatial volume rendering was attempted in 18 fetuses with CHD. In the four normal fetuses with inadequate visualization using color Doppler STIC, the region of interest was perpendicular to the ultrasound beam. In two fetuses with CHD inadequate visualization was related to an enlarged heart in late gestation, in which the entire cardiac volume could not be acquired. The third case was an 18‐week fetus with complex CHD and transposed great vessels in which artifacts were related to confluent color signals as a result of low resolution in the reconstructed plane.

Conclusions

STIC in combination with color Doppler ultrasound is a promising new tool for multiplanar and 3D/4D rendering of the fetal heart. Limitations may be found later in gestation in fetuses with large hearts and early in gestation as a result of low discrimination of signals. In addition, insonation perpendicular to the structure of interest does not image color Doppler signals and should be avoided during acquisition. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Behaviour and development of Elasmosoma sp. (Neoneurinae: Braconidae: Hymenoptera), an endoparasite of Formica ants (Formicidae: Hymenoptera)
Authors: POINAR G.
Published: May 2004

The behaviour and development of Elasmosoma sp., near pergandei Ashm. (Neoneurinae: Braconidae: Hymenoptera), a parasite of the ant, Formica obscuriventris clivia Creighton, was studied in a coastal sand dune habitat in central Oregon over a 2-year period. Female wasps oviposited into the abdomen of major worker ants after alighting briefly on the host. Embryonic development of the wasp occurred inside the serosal membrane or trophamnion of the egg in the abdomen of the ant host. First instar wasp larvae possessed a large head capsule with falcate mandibles, 11 ventral body lobes, an elongate tail and a dorsally located anus. Second instar larvae were unspecialized and lacked the large head capsule, elongate tail and paired ventral body lobes. Third instar larvae were hymenopteriform with a distinct head capsule. Cocoon formation and adult emergence is described. Observations on the percentage parasitism and altered behaviour of parasitized ants are presented. The association between neoneurine wasps and ants is a well-balanced system that has been in existence for at least 40 million years.
The dynamics ofWuchereria bancroftiinfection: a model-based analysis of longitudinal data from Pondicherry, India
Authors: SUBRAMANIAN S. , STOLK W. A. , RAMAIAH K. D. , PLAISIER A. P. , KRISHNAMOORTHY K. , VAN OORTMARSSEN G. J. , AMALRAJ D. DOMINIC , HABBEMA J. D. F. , DAS P. K.
Published: May 2004

This paper presents a model-based analysis of longitudinal data describing the impact of integrated vector management on the intensity ofWuchereria bancroftiinfection in Pondicherry, India. The aims of this analysis were (1) to gain insight into the dynamics of infection, with emphasis on the possible role of immunity, and (2) to develop a model that can be used to predict the effects of control. Using the LYMFASIM computer simulation program, two models with different types of immunity (anti-L3 larvae or anti-adult worm fecundity) were compared with a model without immunity. Parameters were estimated by fitting the models to data from 5071 individuals with microfilaria-density measurement before and after cessation of a 5-year vector management programme. A good fit, in particular of the convex shape of the age-prevalence curve, required inclusion of anti-L3 or anti-fecundity immunity in the model. An individual's immune-responsiveness was found to halve in ~10 years after cessation of boosting. Explanation of the large variation in Mf-density required considerable variation between individuals in exposure and immune responsiveness. The mean life-span of the parasite was estimated at about 10 years. For the post-control period, the models predict a further decline in Mf prevalence, which agrees well with observations made 3 and 6 years after cessation of the integrated vector management programme.
Cysteine proteinase activities in the fish pathogenPhilasterides dicentrarchi(Ciliophora: Scuticociliatida)
Authors: PARAMÁ A. , IGLESIAS R. , ÁLVAREZ M. F. , LEIRO J. , UBEIRA F. M. , SANMARTÍN M. L.
Published: May 2004

This study investigated protease activities in a crude extract andin vitroexcretion/secretion (E/S) products ofPhilasterides dicentrarchi, a ciliate fish parasite causing economically significant losses in aquaculture. Gelatin/SDS–PAGE analysis (pH 4, reducing conditions) detected 7 bands with gelatinolytic activity (approximate molecular weights 30–63 kDa) in the crude extract. The banding pattern observed in analysis of E/S products was practically identical, except for 1 low-molecular-weight band detected in the crude extract but not in the E/S products. In assays with synthetic peptidep-nitroanilide substrates, the crude extract hydrolysed substrates characteristic of cysteine proteases, namely Z-Arg-Arg pNA, Bz-Phe-Val-Arg pNA and Z-Phe-Arg pNA. These activities were strongly inhibited by the cysteine protease inhibitor E-64 and by Ac-Leu-Val-Lys aldehyde, a potent inhibitor of cysteine proteases of the cathepsin B protease subfamily. The proteases present in the crude extract degraded both type-I collagen and haemoglobinin vitro, consistent with roles in tissue invasion and nutrition respectively. Again, E-64 completely (collagen) or markedly (haemoglobin) inhibited this degradation. Finally, the histolytic activity of the ciliate in turbot fibroblast monolayers was strongly reduced in the presence of E-64, confirming the importance of secreted cysteine proteinases in the biology ofPhilasterides dicentrarchi.
A preliminary phylogenetic analysis of the Capsalidae (Platyhelminthes: Monogenea: Monopisthocotylea) inferred from large subunit rDNA sequences
Authors: WHITTINGTON I. D. , DEVENEY M. R. , MORGAN J. A. T. , CHISHOLM L. A. , ADLARD R. D.
Published: May 2004

Phylogenetic relationships within the Capsalidae (Monogenea) were examined using large subunit ribosomal DNA sequences from 17 capsalid species (representing 7 genera, 5 subfamilies), 2 outgroup taxa (Monocotylidae) plusUdonella caligorum(Udonellidae). Trees were constructed using maximum likelihood, minimum evolution and maximum parsimony algorithms. An initial tree, generated from sequences 315 bases long, suggests that Capsalinae, Encotyllabinae, Entobdellinae and Trochopodinae are monophyletic, but that Benedeniinae is paraphyletic. Analyses indicate thatNeobenedenia, currently in the Benedeniinae, should perhaps be placed in a separate subfamily. An additional analysis was made which omitted 3 capsalid taxa (for which only short sequences were available) and all outgroup taxa because of alignment difficulties. Sequence length increased to 693 bases and good branch support was achieved. The Benedeniinae was again paraphyletic. Higher-level classification of the Capsalidae, evolution of the Entobdellinae and issues of species identity inNeobenedeniaare discussed.
Questing height of nymphs of the bush tick,Haemaphysalis longicornis, and its closely related species,H. mageshimaensis: correlation with body size of the host
Authors: TSUNODA T. , TATSUZAWA S.
Published: May 2004

The questing height (i.e. ambush height) of ticks on a plant plays an important role in host selection. To test the hypothesis that the questing height of ticks in a locality had adapted to the body size of the host in that locality, we examined the questing height of nymphs of the ticks,Haemaphysalis longicornisandH. mageshimaensis, at 7 locations in Japan. Sika deer,Cervus nippon, is the primary host of these ticks and there is considerable geographical variation in the body size of sika deer. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the questing height in the field was influenced by the height of the plants and by the body size of deer at a location. However, the questing height of ticks at some locations may have been constrained by the height of the plants and might not be the same as their intrinsic questing height. When ticks were placed in vertical glass tubes in the laboratory, the questing height of ticks from a locality was correlated with the mean body size of deer at that locality. Therefore, the prominent cue determining the questing height ofH. longicornisandH. mageshimaensisseems to be the body size of the host deer.
Genetic variability in cysteine protease genes ofHaemonchus contortus
Authors: RUIZ A. , MOLINA J. M. , NJUE A. , PRICHARD R. K.
Published: May 2004

To increase the existent genetic variability in cysteine proteases, a polymorphism study was performed inHaemonchus contortusby comparing 2 different strains of the parasite: North American (NA) and Spanish (SP) strains. For this purpose, the polymorphism of 5 previously reported genes (AC-1,AC-3,AC-4,AC-5andGCP-7) were analysed by PCR–SSCP and sequencing procedures. Based on the SSCP results, a total of 20 different alleles were identified for the 5lociassessed. Exceptlocus AC-5, all thelociwere polymorphic.Loci AC-1,AC-3,AC-4andGCP-7showed 5, 8, 2 and 4 alleles, respectively. The allelic frequencies ranged from 0·0070 to 0·8560 and were significantly different between strains. In addition, nucleotide diversity analyses showed a significant variation within and between strains. The variations in the nucleotide sequence of the different alleles were translated in some cases into changes in the amino acid sequence. Evidence of genetic variability in cysteine proteases from two different strains ofH. contortusfor the same set of genes had not been previously reported.
What causes the vulnerability of endemic animals? A case study from Sri Lanka
Authors: Wijesinghe Mayuri R. , Brooke M. de L.
Published: May 2004

Around the world, endemic species with restricted ranges seem to be at particular risk of extinction. When range size is controlled, lowland continental species may be especially at risk, more so than island or montane species. Our study aimed to investigate reasons behind the high vulnerability of endemic species. In Sri Lanka, large‐scale national surveys and intensive localized fieldwork established that endemic plant and animal species are mostly associated with undisturbed rainforest habitats. On the other hand, non‐endemic species used both forest and non‐forest habitats almost equally, suggesting they are less likely to suffer from deleterious edge effects. To understand the different distribution of endemic and non‐endemic species, our study focused on rats. Compared to the widespread species, the endemic rat species had a larger home range and fed on fewer species of forest fruit, possibly indicating greater specialization. The abundance of the endemic species was also negatively correlated with the abundance of the non‐endemic species, to which it was behaviourally subordinate. Greater specialization and competitive inferiority could both contribute to the vulnerability of endemic species.
Long‐distance movements of the grey‐headed flying fox (Pteropus poliocephalus)
Authors: Tidemann Christopher R. , Nelson John E.
Published: May 2004

The grey‐headed flying fox Pteropus poliocephalus, a nationally vulnerable species, is endemic to coastal eastern Australia, from Maryborough, Queensland, through New South Wales to Melbourne, Victoria. Pteropus poliocephalus forages at night, primarily on eucalypt blossom within 50 km of traditional camps (day roosts), usually in dense, riparian vegetation. Several attempts have been made to track long‐distance movements of P. poliocephalus across its extensive and climatically highly variable range, but the technology has been inadequate for tracking at the required speed and scale. Satellite tracking was used to monitor movements of a 2‐year‐old male P. poliocephalus, trapped at the Currie Park camp in the north of the species' range (28°48′S) from January 2000, and another from its most southerly camp, Melbourne (37°50′S), from April 2000. The first flying fox moved camp 50 km noth‐east to Dallas Park, where it stayed until March, then transited at least 15 other camps between 28°12′–32°44′S, before returning to Dallas Park in September. The second flying fox remained in Melbourne until July, then transited at least six other camps to 33°44′S, before returning to Melbourne in January 2001. Both animals made round trips of at least 2000 km, traversing >4° latitude, before returning to their camps of origin, while other animals remained. The study suggests that P. poliocephalus is a partial migrant that uses winds to facilitate long‐distance movements, and underlines the importance of management at a national scale.
Phylogenetic relationships within the family Talpidae (Mammalia: Insectivora)
Authors: Motokawa Masaharu
Published: May 2004

The phylogenetic relationships within the family Talpidae (Mammalia, Insectivora) were inferred from parsimonious analysis of 55 morphological characters, which were collected from 43 skulls of 22 species, and which included all of the extant genera in the current taxonomy of the Talpidae. Two equally parsimonious cladograms were obtained. The Uropsilinae, Desmaninae and Talpinae subfamilies formed monophyletic clades, and the Desmaninae and Talpinae subfamilies were sister clades. The Talpinae subfamily was subdivided into the following clades: Urotrichus, Dymecodon, Scalopus–Scapanus, Parascalops–Scapanulus, Condylura, Neurotrichus, Scaptonyx and Talpini (Talpa, Euroscaptor, Scaptochirus, Parascaptor and Mogera). The Urotrichini (Urotrichus, Dymecodon and Neurotrichus) and Scalopini (Scalopus, Scapanus, Parascalops and Scapanulus) were considered to be paraphyletic, and were defined primarily by their ancestral characteristics. Since the genus Dymecodon was not clustered with Urotrichus, it was considered to be a valid genus, and not just a junior synonym of the latter. The Asian genus Euroscaptor was found to be a paraphyletic group, and deserves further systematic revision. The evolution from semi‐fossorial habit to fully fossorial habit seems to have occurred three times in the Scalopus–Scapanus, Parascalops–Scapanulus and Talpini clades. The migration of the Talpinae to North America from Eurasia probably occurred on four separate occasions in the Scalopus–Scapanus, Parascalops, Condylura and Neurotrichus lineages.
Adult female survival, population trend, and the implications of early primiparity in a capital breeder, the southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina)
Authors: Pistorius P. A. , Bester M. N. , Lewis M. N. , Taylor F. E. , Campagna C. , Kirkman S. P.
Published: May 2004

Adult female survival as a potential proximate factor responsible for observed changes in southern elephant seal Mirounga leonina populations was investigated. We compared the survival rate estimates from mark–recapture data for female elephant seals from the Marion Island population (using program MARK) for two periods (pre‐ and post‐decline) during the past 15 years and with estimates from another population in southern Argentina, which had increased steadily during the same period. Survival of prime‐age adult females increased significantly by 6.2% during the latter part of the decline at Marion Island, and the survival of adult females at the colony in southern Argentina was 3.2% greater than at Marion Island after the stabilization. We thereby demonstrated the importance of adult female survival in population regulation and emphasized the importance of monitoring adult females in order to understand population changes in southern elephant seals. In addition, we investigated whether reproductive expenditure early on in life reduces future reproductive potential in the population at Marion Island. We did this by estimating and comparing future survival and breeding probabilities of females primiparous at different ages. The future annual survival and breeding probabilities of females breeding at a young age, was similar to those from females primiparous at an older age. There was also no reduced survival in the year following first breeding in young or older first time breeders. Reproductive expenditure in young primiparous females therefore did not entail future fitness costs relative to older primiparous females, and we found no evidence supporting the existence of various life‐history strategies in terms of age of primiparity within a population of southern elephant seals.
Masticatory morphological diversity and chewing modes in South American caviomorph rodents (family Octodontidae)
Authors: Olivares A. Itatí , Verzi Diego H. , Vassallo Aldo I.
Published: May 2004

The relationship between masticatory morphology and chewing modes in all living genera of South American rodents in the family Octodontidae was analysed. Chewing directions and the patterns of molar occlusion were assessed. Factor and regression analyses of skull and jaw characters, and attributes of the adductor musculature, especially the line of action of masseters and pterygoids, were performed to check their relations with the chewing modes. Two basic chewing strategies are present in octodontids: oblique unilateral (associated with anterolingual jaw displacement, and alternate occlusion of left and right molar series), and propalinal bilateral (associated with mostly posteroanterior jaw displacement, and simultaneous occlusion). The skull and jaw characters examined are related only partly to these chewing strategies. The temporal pattern of muscle contraction provides a possible explanation for such a functional versatility. Propalinal grinding in octodontids could be achieved through simultaneous muscle contraction, with limited reliance on the lines of action of the involved muscles. Therefore, simultaneous contraction explains a similar propalinal masticatory mode in morphologically disparate genera. In accordance with phylogenetic information, oblique unilateral chewing is primitive in octodontids, and the derived propalinal mode has been developed independently at least twice in the evolution of the family.
Temporal dynamics in spatial organization of a rodent community in the Negev Highlands (Israel)
Authors: Shenbrot Georgy , Krasnov Boris
Published: May 2004

Dynamics of a rodent community were studied in the Negev Desert Highlands (Israel) during 8 years on 24 permanent 1‐ha plots representing six main habitat types. Based on theoretical models of habitat selection, we hypothesized that niche overlap between species of the same spatial guild should increase with density faster than that between species of different guilds. Data were analysed using multivariate (principal component and discriminant) analyses to test the hypothesis. Density changes in most rodent species followed fluctuations in the amount of rainfall. Habitat niche breadth was density‐dependent in six species and density‐independent in four species. Significant habitat shifts and switches of spatial guild membership were found in three of 10 species. Pairwise values of habitat overlap were significantly and positively correlated with density only in species pairs where both species demonstrated density‐dependent variation of habitat breadth. In most other pairs of species, overlap values were density‐independent. Comparison of changes in average within‐season values of habitat overlap with density within and among spatial guilds directly supported our hypothesis demonstrating faster increase of niche overlap with density between species of the same spatial guild than between species of different guilds.
A Look Inside
Authors: Fields R. Douglas
Published: May 2004

In footnote 21 of a groundbreaking paper on astrocyte
communication published in Science in 1990, there is a prediction.
The authors, Cornell-Bell et al., showed calcium waves
propagating widely through monocultures of astrocytes in
response to glutamate application. But in the footnote, they
cautioned that their observations could be considered in some
respects an experimental artifact. The authors believed that
instead of the promiscuous propagation of calcium waves
spreading throughout the entire population of astrocytes
in culture, that in the brain, the communication would be far
more discrete and more interesting.
A novel spalt gene expressed in branchial arches affects the ability of cranial neural crest cells to populate sensory ganglia
Authors: BAREMBAUM MEYER , BRONNER-FRASER MARIANNE
Published: May 2004

Cranial neural crest cells differentiate into diverse derivatives including neurons and glia of the cranial ganglia, and cartilage and bone of the facial skeleton. Here, we explore the function of a novel transcription factor of the spalt family that might be involved in early cell-lineage decisions of the avian neural crest. The chicken spalt4 gene (csal4) is expressed in the neural tube, migrating neural crest, branchial arches and, transiently, in the cranial ectoderm. Later, it is expressed in the mesectodermal, but not neuronal or glial, derivatives of midbrain and hindbrain neural crest. After over-expression by electroporation into the cranial neural tube and neural crest, we observed a marked redistribution of electroporated neural crest cells in the vicinity of the trigeminal ganglion. In control-electroporated embryos, numerous, labeled neural crest cells (∼80% of the population) entered the ganglion, many of which differentiated into neurons. By contrast, few (∼30% of the population) spalt-electroporated neural crest cells entered the trigeminal ganglion. Instead, they localized in the mesenchyme around the ganglionic periphery or continued further ventrally to the branchial arches. Interestingly, little or no expression of differentiation markers for neurons or other cell types was observed in spalt-electroporated neural crest cells.
Axonal cell-adhesion molecule L1 in CNS myelination
Authors: BARBIN G. , AIGROT M.S. , CHARLES P. , FOUCHER A. , GRUMET M. , SCHACHNER M. , ZALC B. , LUBETZKI C.
Published: May 2004

Of the axonal signals influencing myelination, adhesion molecules expressed at the axonal surface are strong candidates to mediate interactions between myelinating cells and axons. The recognition cell-adhesion molecule L1, a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily has been shown to play important roles in neuronal migration and survival, and in PNS myelination. We have investigated the role of axonally expressed L1 in CNS myelination. In co-cultures of myelinating oligodendrocytes and neurons derived from murine brain, we demonstrate that, before myelination, L1 immunoreactivity is confined to neurites. After myelination commences, L1 expression is downregulated on myelinated axons and adjacent, but not yet myelinated, internodes. Interfering with L1 before the onset of myelination, by adding either anti-L1 antibody or L1-Fc fusion proteins to the culture medium, inhibits myelination. In addition, in purified cultures of oligodendrocytes, L1-Fc fusion protein prevents lysophosphatidic acid-induced activation of the mitogen-activated kinase (MAP)-kinase pathway. Together, our data indicate that L1 is involved in the initiation of CNS myelination, and that this effect might involve the dephosphorylation of oligodendroglial phosphoproteins.
Structure and variability of semidiurnal internal tides in Mamala Bay, Hawaii
Authors: Eich Michelle L. , Merrifield Mark A. , Alford Matthew H.
Published: May 2004

Moored current meter and temperature observations and results from a three‐dimensional primitive equation model are used to examine the energetic semidiurnal internal tides present in Mamala Bay on the south coast of Oahu, Hawaii. The steady, harmonic component of the internal tide is characterized by large vertical displacements in the central region of the bay (35 m amplitude for the M2 constituent), and enhanced alongshelf baroclinic currents at the headlands on either end of the bay (0.27 m s−1). Seasonal changes in amplitude and phase are observed. The model captures the qualitative spatial structure of the observations. Baroclinic energy flux estimates, from the mooring observations and the numerical simulations, suggest that internal tide energy propagates into the bay and does not originate within the bay. The model indicates that internal wave generation occurs over the flanks (500–1000 m depth) of the ridge, predominantly on the east side, with perhaps some additional contribution on the west from an energetic internal tide generated north of Oahu. Wave superposition is believed to account for the alongshelf spatial structure of currents and displacements. Incoherent modulations of the internal tide occur that are not related to local changes in stratification, at least on superannual timescales. Factors contributing to this signal may include stratification variations at the deep generation sites, mesoscale activity, and/or the shoaling of a random internal wave field into the bay from the open ocean.
Numerical modeling of the semidiurnal tidal exchange through the Strait of Gibraltar
Authors: Sannino G. , Bargagli A. , Artale V.
Published: May 2004

A three‐dimensional sigma coordinate free surface model is used to investigate the semidiurnal tidal exchange through the Strait of Gibraltar. The model makes use of a coastal‐following, curvilinear orthogonal grid that includes the Gulf of Cadiz and the Alboran Sea, with very high resolution in the strait (<500 m). A lock‐exchange initial condition is used: the western part of the model domain is filled with Atlantic water, whereas the eastern part is filled with Mediterranean water. The model is forced at the open boundaries through the specification of the semidiurnal (M2 and S2) tidal surface elevation. The model is run over a spring neap cycle (fortnightly period), and the results are compared with available observed data. Simulated cotidal maps of the M2 and S2 tidal elevation components are in quantitative and qualitative good agreement with observed data as well as with the simulated major and minor axis of tidal ellipse. The model reproduces the generation and the subsequent propagation of internal bores both eastward and westward, showing that they are always generated during the fortnightly period. However, the principal aim of this work is to quantify the effects of tidal forcing on mean quantities, entrainment, and transport of Atlantic and Mediterranean water along the strait. Model results reveal that the contribution of the semidiurnal tidal component (M2) to the transport is relevant over Camarinal Sill, whereas it is negligible at the eastern end of the strait. Model results indicate, also, that the effect of the semidiurnal tide is to increment the mean transport by about 30% both for the inflow and the outflow.