bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lymphocyte subsets in term and significantly preterm UK infants in the first year of life analysed by single platform flow cytometry
Authors: Berrington J E , Barge D , Fenton A C , Cant A J , Spickett G P
Published: March 2005

This observational study describes the ranges observed for lymphocyte subsets for significantly preterm infants (<32 weeks) in the first year of life, measured by single platform flow cytometry and compared to identically determined subsets in term infants. After ethical approval 39 term and 28 preterm infants had lymphocyte subset analysis before and after their primary immunization series. Median values with 5th and 95th percentiles of absolute counts and percentages are presented for total lymphocytes, T cells, NK cells, B cells, cytotoxic T cells, helper T cells, dual positive T cells, activated T cells, activated T helper cells (including T regulatory cells), pan memory T cells, pan naïve T cells, memory helper T cells, naïve helper T cells and the T helper/suppressor ratio. The lymphocyte profile of the preterm infants differed from that of the term infants.
Increased expression of chemokines in patients with Wegener's granulomatosis − modulating effects of methylprednisolone in vitro
Authors: Torheim E A , Yndestad A , Bjerkeli V , Halvorsen B , Aukrust P , Frøland S S
Published: March 2005

Chemokines, a group of cytokines that attracts and activates leucocyte subpopulations in inflamed tissue, have been associated with the pathogenesis of a number of inflammatory diseases, and some recent reports have suggested their involvement in Wegener's granulomatosis (WG). To elucidate further the possible role of chemokines in WG we examined serum levels of several CC- and CXC-chemokines in WG patients and assessed the ability of corticosteroids to modulate the expression of these mediators in vitro. Our main findings were: (i) WG patients (n = 14) had elevated serum levels of several inflammatory chemokines [i.e. regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 and interleukin (IL)-8] compared to healthy controls (n = 9), as assessed by enzyme immunoassays (EIAs); (ii) by using EIAs and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), we demonstrated the ability of methylprednisolone (MP) to down-regulate both the spontaneous and the staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB)-induced release of chemokines from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in vitro in both WG patients and controls, possibly involving both transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms; and (iii) the ability of MP to attenuate chemokine secretion was less pronounced in WG patients than in controls, particularly with regard to inhibition of spontaneous release. Our findings suggest a role for chemokines in the pathogenesis of WG. The diminished MP-mediated suppression of chemokines in PBMC from WG patients suggests that more specific modulators of chemokine levels should be investigated in this disorder.
Transgenic over-expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor renders mice markedly more susceptible to experimental colitis
Authors: Ohkawara T , Miyashita K , Nishihira J , Mitsuyama K , Takeda H , Kato M , Kondo N , Yamasaki Y , Sata M , Yoshiki T , Sugiyama T , Asaka M
Published: March 2005

Enhanced production of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is recognized in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and mice with experimental colitis; however, the precise molecular function of MIF in colitis is not fully understood. To further investigate this matter, we examined the pathological features of MIF transgenic mice with dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. We generated transgenic mice carrying a murine MIF cDNA driven by a cytomegalovirus enhancer and a β-actin/β-globin promoter. Mice were orally administered 1–4% DSS in drinking water for 7 days. Clinical disease activity, survival and histological features were evaluated. The level of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in the colon tissue was measured to assess neutrophil infiltration. The level of corticosterone in the serum was measured by enzyme linked-immunosorbent assay (ELISA). MIF mRNA and protein were markedly up-regulated in the colon and serum obtained from MIF transgenic mice. The severity of the colitis induced by 1% DSS treatment was markedly higher in MIF transgenic mice than in wild-type mice. We also found that MPO activity was significantly higher in MIF transgenic mice than wild-type mice in response to DSS stimulation. Interestingly, the corticosterone level remained unchanged in MIF transgenic mice. MIF enhances DSS-induced colitis, in part via neutrophil accumulation and inhibition of glucocorticoid bioactivity.
CpG oligodeoxynucleotides promote the host protective response against infection withCryptococcus neoformansthrough induction of interferon-gamma production by CD4+ T cells
Authors: Miyagi K , Kawakami K , Kinjo Y , Uezu K , Kinjo T , Nakamura K , Saito A
Published: March 2005

In the present study, we elucidated the effect of synthetic CpG-containing oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) on pulmonary and disseminated infection caused by Cryptococcus neoformans. CDF-1 mice were inoculated intratracheally with a highly virulent strain of this pathogen, which resulted in massive bacterial growth in the lung, dissemination to the brain and death. Administration of CpG-ODN promoted the clearance of C. neoformans in the lungs, decreased their dissemination to brain and prolonged the survival of infected mice. These effects correlated well with the enhanced production of interleukin (IL)-12 and interferon (IFN)-γ and attenuated secretion of IL-4 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF) and promoted development of Th1 cells, as indicated by the increased production of IFN-γ by paratracheal lymph node cells upon restimulation with cryptococcal antigens. The IFN-γ synthesis in BALF was inhibited by depletion of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells on days 7 and 14 after infection, respectively, but not by depletion of NK and γδ T cells. Consistent with these data, intracellular expression of IFN-γ was detected predominantly in CD8+ and CD4+ T cells in the lung on days 7 and 14, respectively. The protective effect of CpG-ODN, as shown by the prolonged survival, was completely and partially inhibited by depletion of CD4+ or CD8+ T cells, respectively, but not by depletion of other cells. Finally, TNF-α was markedly induced by CpG-ODN, and the protective effect of this agent was strongly inhibited by neutralizing anti-TNF-α MoAb. Our results indicate that CpG-ODN alters the Th1–Th2 cytokine balance and promotes host resistance against infection with C. neoformans.
Identification of a new HLA-A*0201-restricted CD8+ T cell epitope from hepatocellular carcinoma-associated antigen HCA587
Authors: Li B , Wang Y , Chen J , Wu H , Chen W
Published: March 2005

For the development of peptide-based cancer immunotherapies, we aimed to identify specific HLA-A*0201-restricted CTL epitopes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated antigen HCA587, which has been identified as a member of the cancer/testis (CT) antigens highly expressed in HCC. We first combined the use of an HLA-A*0201/peptide binding algorithm and T2 binding assays with the induction of specific CD8+ T cell lines from normal donors by in vitro priming with high-affinity peptides, then IFN-γ release and cytotoxicity assays were employed to identify the specific HLA-A*0201 CD8+ T cell epitope using peptide-loaded T2 cells or the HCA587 protein+ HCC cell line HepG2. In the six candidate synthesized peptides, two peptides showed higher binding ability in T2 binding assays. No. 2 peptide, encompassing amino acid residues FLAKLNNTV (HCA587317−325), was able to activate a HCA587-specific CD8+ T-cell response in human lymphocyte cultures from two normal donors and two HCC patients, and these HCA587-specific CD8+ T cells recognized peptide-pulsed T2 cells as well as the HCA587 protein+ HCC cell line HepG2 in IFN-γ release and cytotoxicity assays. The results indicate that no. 2 peptide is a new HLA-A*0201-restricted CTL epitope capable of inducing HCA587-specific CTLs. Our data suggest that identification of this new HCA587/HLA-A*0201 peptide FLAKLNNTV may facilitate the design of peptide-based immunotherapies for the treatment of HCA587-bearing HCC patients.
Importance of stromal determinants in the generation of dendritic and natural killer cells in the human spleen
Authors: Briard D , Azzarone B , Brouty-Boyé D
Published: March 2005

The interaction between stroma and blood cells in the human spleen has received little attention, despite their well-defined roles during blood cell development in bone marrow. We have reported previously that human spleen-derived fibroblasts display a differentiated myofibroblast phenotype and constitutively express a biologically active form of membrane interleukin (IL)-15 that can drive co-cultured CD34+ blood cells to differentiate into activated natural killer (NK) cells. Here, we show that, in addition to NK cells, CD34/fibroblast co-cultures also yield myeloid CD1a+CD38+CD68+CD86+ HLA-DR+CD14–CD80– dendritic cells (DCs) after 3–4 weeks in culture. We found that DC development depended on endogenously secreted stromal macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and CD40/CD40L interaction rather than on fibroblast- and CD34-derived membrane IL-15. CD1a+ cells were necessary for co-produced NK cells to acquire lytic functions by a mechanism involving cell-to-cell contact and DC-derived IL-12. This study highlights the importance of spleen myofibroblasts in the in vitro generation of two distinct cell types (DC and NK cells) from the innate immune system and suggests that the human spleen is involved in the generation of NK cells from circulating progenitors.
New therapies for systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Goldblatt F , Isenberg D A
Published: March 2005

In the past 40 years, prognosis for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has improved, with 10-year survival now approximately 90%. This is due probably to a combination of earlier disease diagnosis and diagnosis of milder disease, due in part to availability of multiple serological tests for SLE, use of steroids and other immunosuppressive agents, and availability of renal dialysis and transplantation. Despite this, however, the potential for significant morbidity and mortality remains in the group of patients with partially responsive or treatment resistant disease. More recently, advancements in the understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of SLE have translated to the development of novel therapies, offering possible alternatives to this patient cohort. Discussion of these pharmacological options and ongoing research forms the basis of this review.
Evaluating research for use in practice: what criteria do specialist nurses use?
Authors: French Beverly
Published: March 2005

Aim.  This paper reports a study identifying the criteria chosen by nurses to evaluate whether to use research in practice. This work is part of a larger project on the process of research use by nurses.

Background.  Prescriptive models of research utilization direct practitioners to evaluate a range of criteria to assess the fit of the research to current practice. Criteria relating to the research, task and nursing context are specified, but it is not known whether nurses use these criteria in practice.

Method.  Three different groups of nurse specialists from a number of health care providers in the North West of England were studied. The specialists were involved in a series of meetings at a local university to construct evidence‐based policy recommendations for practice. The discussion was analysed to identify the evaluation criteria they used to assess what should be done in the practical setting.

Findings.  Three sets of evaluative criteria were identified relating to the research, the task and the fit of the task with the nursing context, and included relevance and quality of the research, effectiveness, practicality, effort and the impact of the task on client and staff, feasibility and fit with the status quo, and the availability of nursing control and feedback from practice. Criteria were domain‐, task‐ and context‐specific.

Conclusions.  Three frames of reference for decisions relating to the use of research are identified: the debate between efficiency and effectiveness in health care, the difficulties of risk management and the responsibility for risk, and research use as a strategy for control in contested arenas. These frames of reference reflect how nurses are judged in a political and organizational context. Attempts to influence research uptake need to take into account how research is perceived and evaluated by practitioners and how it serves their purposes.
Nurse‐led models of chemotherapy care: mixed economy or nurse–doctor substitution?
Authors: Fitzsimmons Deborah , Hawker Sheila E. , Simmonds Peter , George Steve L. , Johnson Colin D. , Corner Jessica L.
Published: March 2005

Aim.  This paper reports a study exploring the perspectives of people affected by cancer (service users) and health care professionals’ about current medical consultant‐led services and the acceptability of a proposed nurse‐led ambulatory chemotherapy service.

Background.  A number of studies have evaluated a nurse‐led model of cancer care delivery but little work has been undertaken in chemotherapy settings. Furthermore, many of these studies give little information on how the perspective of users was incorporated in the design and evaluation of these services.

Methods.  Service users (n = 26) and health care professionals (n = 22) were recruited across the South East of England. A qualitative study was undertaken… Using a semi‐structured interview schedule, participants were asked to give their perceptions of current chemotherapy services and the potential of a nurse‐led service. A thematic analysis of data was undertaken.

Findings.  This paper focuses on the theme of the current and future context of a chemotherapy service. Three sub‐themes were identified: contextualizing roles, defining therapeutic outcomes, and demonstrating effectiveness. All interviewees saw this role as different but complementary to the role of medical staff. There were mixed opinions from service users and professionals on the acceptability of nurse‐led chemotherapy provision. In defining potential outcomes of nurse‐led care, service users described benefits in terms of service and economic outcomes. Professionals saw additional benefits in terms of patient‐based outcomes. Professionals and service users expressed the need for appropriate education of nurses for this role and rigorous evaluation of any new service before widespread implementation.

Conclusions.  Understanding the perspective of users is imperative when re‐designing cancer nursing services. Implementation of nurse‐led models in chemotherapy services should be preceded by staff education and followed by systematic evaluation.
Body care experienced by people hospitalized with severe respiratory disease
Authors: Lomborg Kirsten , Bjørn Agnes , Dahl Ronald , Kirkevold Marit
Published: March 2005

Aim. The paper gives a theoretical account of experiences of assisted personal body care (APBC) in hospitalized patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Background. Body care has been identified as a central but underestimated area of nursing. Hospitalized patients with severe COPD suffer from breathlessness on exertion and are dependent on help with personal body care. Studies have described patient strategies for managing breathlessness and preferences regarding nursing care during hospitalization. Yet the problems that patients can experience because of their inability to manage personal body care by themselves have not previously been explored. This study explored patients’ experiences of being assisted with personal body care.

Methods. A grounded theory methodology was used with a convenience sample of 12 patients. Data were gathered from participant observation of sessions of APBC, in‐depth interviews after the observed sessions and measurement of breathlessness perceived by patients before and after the sessions.

Findings. The patients perceived body care as a significant daily activity that needed to be carried out in order to preserve their integrity. Dependency and breathlessness, however, impeded the performance of body care activities and patients were struggling for self‐preservation. They managed APBC by using a threefold strategy ofnot letting go,coping with dependency, andminimizing the risk of escalating breathlessness. Two dilemmas were identified as being inherent to the strategy.

Conclusion. Increased knowledge of the complexities involved in providing assistance might improve nurses’ ability to facilitate patients in managing APBC. Dependency is a central issue to address in order to support patients’ efforts to preserve integrity and resolve dilemmas inherent to the strategy they use.
Initiation and continuation of breastfeeding: theory of planned behaviour
Authors: Swanson Vivien , Power Kevin G.
Published: March 2005

Aims.  This paper reports a study investigating new mothers’ subjective norms in relation to both breast‐ and bottle‐feeding. The influence of norms on women's infant feeding decisions and the relative influence of social referents at varying degrees of social distance were assessed.

Background.  Increasing breastfeeding initiation and continuation rates is a key challenge for health educators. The perceived influence of other people's views (subjective norms), including the views of women's partners and health care professionals, is an important predictor of infant feeding behaviour.

Methods.  Semi‐structured questionnaires were administered to 203 new mothers in central and northern Scotland and followed‐up by postal questionnaire at 6 weeks. Infant feeding intentions, feeding behaviour at birth and follow‐up, behavioural beliefs and subjective norms for both breastfeeding and bottle‐feeding were assessed. The data were collected in 1998–1999.

Results.  Subjective norms were important determinants of initiation and continuation of breastfeeding for breast‐ and bottlefeeders. Breastfeeders rated close social referents as more in favour of bottle‐feeding and more against breastfeeding at follow‐up, whereas bottlefeeders’ ratings did not change. Partner's and nurses’/midwives’ views were an important influence at baseline and follow‐up. Breastfeeding ‘continuers’ perceived their partners as more pro‐breastfeeding at 6 weeks. Discontinuers perceived more overall social pressure to bottle‐feed. However, sampling limitations may have led to over‐representation of the views of breastfeeders at baseline and follow‐up.

Conclusions.  Nurses and midwives have a crucial role in communicating positive views on breastfeeding to new mothers at different time points. Future interventions to promote breastfeeding could adopt a broad social approach, encouraging positive norms for existing and potential mothers and fathers, families and people in general.
Individualized care, quality of life and satisfaction with nursing care
Authors: Suhonen Riitta , Välimäki Maritta , Leino‐Kilpi Helena
Published: March 2005

Aims.  This paper reports a study of the maintenance of individualized care from surgical patients’ point of view and examines associations between individualized care, patient satisfaction with nursing care, and health‐related quality of life.

Rationale.  There is preliminary evidence that individualized care is effective from patients’ point of view, and is associated with improved patient outcomes, such as patient satisfaction and quality of life. However, individualized care has mainly been studied from the vantage‐point of nurses’ experiences.

Methods.  In this cross‐sectional, descriptive, correlational study the data were collected with surgical adult patients (n = 279, response rate 93%) in surgical wards in Finland using self‐administered questionnaires including the Individualized Care Scales, Patient‐Satisfaction Scale, and Finnish versions of the Nottingham Health Profile and EuroQol 5D. Associations between individualized care, satisfaction with care and health‐related quality of life were examined. Cronbach's alpha values and item analysis were used to evaluate the psychometric properties of the instruments, especially the Individualized Care Scales.

Results.  The more often patients felt they received support for individuality through specific nursing interventions, the higher the individuality of care received. Secondly, the more individualized patients regarded their care, the higher the level of reported patient satisfaction with nursing care. However, the correlation between individualized care and health‐related quality of life was fairly low, albeit statistically significant.

Conclusion.  Individualized care may produce positive outcomes, such as patient satisfaction. Further research is needed to explore individualized care in relation to health‐related quality of life.
Pressure ulcers: guideline development and economic modelling
Authors: Legood Rosa , McInnes Elizabeth
Published: March 2005

Aim.  This paper presents the development process for clinical guidelines on the use of pressure‐relieving devices (beds, mattresses and overlays), with emphasis on incorporating economic evidence.

Background.  Previous UK guidelines on the use of pressure‐relieving devices to prevent pressure ulcers have not considered whether any recommendations made are cost effective. The routine inclusion of cost effectiveness evidence in guidelines is a recent policy development, and there has been little research into its potential role in the guideline process.

Methods.  We systematically reviewed the literature to assess both the clinical and cost effectiveness of pressure‐relieving devices for prevention of pressure ulcers. Where there was sufficient evidence on the comparative clinical effectiveness between alternative devices, economic modelling was undertaken to assess comparative cost effectiveness. A guideline development group (comprising both clinicians and patient representatives) reviewed all the available evidence to formulate clinical practice guidelines and recommendations for further research.

Results.  Studies showed that caring for people vulnerable to developing pressure ulcers on high‐specification foam mattresses compared with standard hospital mattresses significantly reduced their risk of developing a pressure ulcer. Cost effectiveness modelling indicated that, because of savings accruing through treating fewer pressure ulcers, high‐specification foam mattresses are likely to cost less overall and are more effective. The resulting clinical practice guideline was uncompromising on the use of high‐specification foam mattresses as the minimum provision in patients vulnerable to pressure ulcers. Significant weaknesses were identified in both the quality and availability of evidence for most of the other pressure relieving devices considered.

Conclusions.  Cost effectiveness assessment was an integral part of the guideline development process. It clarified the shortcomings of some of the clinical effectiveness evidence and helped in formulating pragmatic clinical practice recommendations.
Stress in carers of individuals with dementia and Community Mental Health Teams: an uncontrolled evaluation study
Authors: Hoskins Sid , Coleman Mick , McNeely Dave
Published: March 2005

Aim.  The aim of this was to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions provided by a Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) in reducing stress in carers of individuals with dementia.

Background.  The CMHT had been created to working specifically with older people with mental health problems and their carers. Following initial multidisciplinary assessment a range of interventions were provided to both clients and carers according to assessed need. There is an established need for mental health services to focus on the need of carers and the study attempts to see if the interventions provided were useful in reducing carer stress.

Method.  The study used a time series design over a 2‐year period on all referrals to the CMHT. All carers of individuals with dementia or clearly identified memory problems were invited to participate and a total of 26 carers consented and participated in all stages of data collection. Data were collected on initial assessment, as well as 3 and 6 months following the initial assessment using the Caregiver Strain Index (CSI). A questionnaire was also administered which collected basic demographic information and details of symptoms demonstrated by the carer's relatives.

Results.  On initial assessment the mean CSI score for the overall sample was 9·23. The mean CSI reading at 3 months (6·63) and 6 months period (4·12) demonstrated statistically highly significant reductions in carer stress (P = 0·000). A linear stepwise regression analysis of the impact of the different interventions on reductions in the CSI scores showed a statistically significant relationship between respite care and reduction in carer stress (B = 1·705, t = 2·586, P = 0·017).

Conclusion.  The results add support to the role of multidisciplinary community based services for individuals with dementia, offering a range of interventions to both clients and their carers, in reducing carer stress. The authors also argue for the routine use of the CSI in such teams as means of monitoring the well‐being of carers as well as evaluating the effectiveness of service delivery.
Full‐field strain mapping by optical correlation of micrographs acquired during deformation
Authors: QUINTA DA FONSECA J. , MUMMERY P. M. , WITHERS P. J.
Published: March 2005

Optical correlation is an emerging strain‐mapping technique that allows full‐field surface strain mapping by comparing the images of the same region before, during and after deformation. The fundamental aspects of optical correlation are presented, with emphasis on the applicability of the technique to the analysis of micrographs obtained during in situ deformation studies. Without considering specific algorithms, this paper discusses important practical issues such as accuracy and spatial resolution and how these are affected by image quality and other experimental difficulties. The technique was used to analyse image sequences obtained during in situ deformation tensile tests on two very different materials: antler bone and ferritic steel. As the technique does not require patterns or coatings to be applied on the surface of interest, the strain maps obtained could be used to relate strain heterogeneity to the underlying microstructure.
Imaging orientational order and lipid density in multilamellar vesicles with multiplex CARS microscopy
Authors: WURPEL G. W. H. , RINIA H. A. , MÜLLER M.
Published: March 2005

Multiplex coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy is used to measure the width of the orientational order distribution of lipid acyl chains within a three‐dimensionally confined microscopic probing volume. A theoretical model is developed to describe and simulate the polarization‐dependent measurements. We observe that the orientational order in phosphatidylcholine multilammellar vesicles increases significantly upon addition of small amounts (≤ 15 mol%) of cholesterol and is significantly reduced for unsaturated lipids. Based on these measurements and using the quantitative nature of multiplex CARS microscopy the exact local concentration of lipid molecules within the vesicles can be measured in terms of the number of lipid bilayers present in the microscopic probing volume.
AB‐plot assisted determination of fluorophore mixtures in a fluorescence lifetime microscope using spectra or quenchers
Authors: HANLEY Q. S. , CLAYTON A. H. A.
Published: March 2005

Most treatments of frequency domain lifetime measurements indicate that a set of measurements must be made at multiple frequencies in order to determine the lifetimes of the components in a mixture. Although this is the case in general, under special conditions, single‐frequency data can resolve multiple lifetimes. Here, data are presented showing several approaches to determining fluorescence lifetimes in two‐component mixtures using single‐frequency data. Common to all of the procedures presented is exploitation of variations in the relative contributions of a particular fluorophore to the total fluorescence from a mixture of fluorophores. This variation can be produced intentionally by observing a number of samples which contain different relative amounts of the fluorophores. It can be produced fortuitously by observing spatial variations in a mixture of fluorophores in a specimen or set of specimens observed with a lifetime imaging system. It can also be produced by examination of the lifetime spectrum obtained from a fluorophore mixture or by varying the concentration of a quencher in a fluorophore mixture, in which the two fluorophores have different rate constants for quenching. In many instances, the set of approaches presented here will be unsuitable for examination of arbitrary samples of unknown composition for which the multifrequency approach should be used. However, measurements produced using single‐frequency methods may be applied to good effect for controlled experiments having defined fluorophores or sets of fluorophores, particularly in the case of biological lifetime imaging studies.
Comments on the shortcomings of predicting the precision of Cavalieri volume estimates based upon assumed measurement functions
Authors: GLASER E.
Published: March 2005

It is well known that the estimation of an object's volume by means of serial cross‐sections, the so‐called Cavalieri method, yields an unbiased estimate. But by itself it provides no means by which to estimate how precise this estimate is unless the shape of the volume is fully known beforehand. This knowledge can only be partially determined from the serial section information that is collected. Methods have been developed that claim to surmount this difficulty by using the serial section data to create a mathematical model of the volume's shape properties. The model then is used to estimate (predict) the precision of the volume estimate (its CE) from the single set of data available. Unfortunately, the theory underlying the model is flawed and so the model itself amounts to no more than an unsubstantiated guess about the shape of the volume. Therefore, the precision of the volume estimates that one obtains from the method is only as good as the model and this cannot be ascertained from the single set of acquired data. In this letter I explain the inadequacies of the modelling method. I suggest that it be used only with caution, if at all. Instead I suggest two alternative ways to predict the CE, one that is based upon a rule‐of‐thumb approach to the object's shape, and another that is based upon spectral analysis of the measurement function and that is easy to implement with available computer software.
Sedimentation on a wave‐dominated, open‐coast tidal flat, south‐western Korea: summer tidal flat – winter shoreface
Authors: YANG B. C. , DALRYMPLE R. W. , CHUN S. S.
Published: March 2005

Sedimentation on the open‐coast tidal flats of south‐western Korea is controlled by seasonal variation in the intensity of onshore‐directed winds and waves. As a result, an environmental oscillation takes place between tide‐dominated conditions in summer and wave‐dominated conditions in winter. In summer, thick muddy deposits, including sporadic storm deposits, accumulate in response to low wave energy, weak currents, and intense solar insolation that promotes consolidation of the mud at low tide. Bioturbation is minimal because of rapid sedimentation and soft substrate. During the autumn, the summer mud deposits experience erosion due to increasingly strong onshore winds and waves, until only small mud patches and mud pebbles remain. The concentration of ebb runoff between the mud patches produces small, ephemeral tidal creeks. In winter, storm waves occur frequently (ca 10 days a month) and dominate sedimentation in the intertidal zone, producing extensive wave‐generated parallel lamination and short‐wavelength (0·3–2 m) hummocky cross‐stratification. The prevalence of strong onshore winds decreases in spring, allowing longer and more frequent intervals of calm weather, during which time muddy sediments are deposited by tidal processes. Over the long term, winter storm waves dominate sedimentation and the preserved deposits consist of amalgamated storm beds that resemble those generally associated with shorefaces. This raises the question of how many ancient ‘shorefaces’ are, in fact, open‐coast tidal flats.
Grain‐size sorting in grainflows at the lee side of deltas
Authors: KLEINHANS MAARTEN G.
Published: March 2005

The sorting of sediment mixtures at the lee slope of deltas (at the angle of repose) is studied with experiments in a narrow, deep flume with subaqueous Gilbert‐type deltas using varied flow conditions and different sediment mixtures. Sediment deposition and sorting on the lee slope of the delta is the result of (i) grains falling from suspension that is initiated at the top of the delta, (ii) kinematic sieving on the lee slope, (iii) grainflows, in which protruding large grains are dragged downslope by subsequent grainflows. The result is a fining upward vertical sorting in the delta. Systematic variations in the trend depend on the delta height, the migration celerity of the delta front and the flow conditions above the delta top. The dependence on delta height and migration celerity is explained by the sorting processes in the grainflows, and the dependence on flow conditions above the delta top is explained by suspension of fine sediment and settling on the lee side and toe of the delta. Large differences in sorting trends were found between various sediment mixtures. The relevance of these results with respect to sorting in dunes and bars in rivers and laboratory flumes is discussed and the elements for a future vertical sorting model are suggested.
Combining molecular and morphological analyses of water strider phylogeny (Hemiptera–Heteroptera, Gerromorpha): effects of alignment and taxon sampling
Authors: Damgaard Jakob , Andersen Nils M. , Meier Rudolf
Published: March 2005

Abstract.  The semiaquatic bugs (Hemiptera–Heteroptera, infraorder Gerromorpha), comprising water striders and their allies (c. 1900 described species), are familiar inhabitants of water surfaces in all continents. Recent fossil evidence indicates that the evolutionary history of semiaquatic bugs spans more than 120 million years of geological time. At present, our insight into the phylogeny of higher taxa is based upon Andersen's manual cladistic analysis of a suite of morphological characters. The present work expands the phylogenetic insight with numerical cladistic analyses of morphological and molecular datasets (partial sequences of 16S and 28S rDNA) for forty species of Gerromorpha covering most higher taxa (families, subfamilies), estimates of branch support, character incongruence, and topological congruence (nodal stability). For the molecular data we apply different alignment options (manual vs numerical alignment; multiple alignment vs direct optimization), treat insertion–deletion events (indels) as either missing data or as a fifth character state, subject the data to a sensitivity analysis, and estimate topological congruence between different analysis trees. Relationships change considerably under different analysis conditions, which means that there is little node stability, and for selecting preferred analysis conditions there is conflicting evidence from rescaled incongruence length difference and the key node criterion. Based on the analysis of the combined morphological and molecular datasets, this study supports the close relationship between the families Gerridae, Hermatobatidae and Veliidae (superfamily Gerroidea), but not the monophyly of the family Veliidae. The results suggest that the genus Ocellovelia (Ocelloveliinae) should be excluded from this family and placed as a sister group to Gerridae + the remaining species of Veliidae. Our study also supports a close relationship between the subfamilies Halobatinae and Ptilomerinae (Gerridae), and that the subfamily Veliinae is probably nonmonophyletic.
Species differentiation of insects and other multicellular organisms using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry protein profiling
Authors: Campbell Peter M.
Published: March 2005

Abstract.  Protein profiling by ‘whole cell MALDI’ is a well developed tool for species identification in bacteria but this is the first report that this inexpensive and simple technique can also be used for the identification of small multicellular organisms such as insects. A proof‐of‐concept experiment demonstrates that the method can distinguish between sibling species from the Drosophila melanogaster subgroup. This suggests that the technique may be used as a rapid screen for cryptic species and to identify known species.
Phylogenetic evidence for multiple invasions and speciation in caves: the Australian planthopper genus Solonaima (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Cixiidae)
Authors: Soulier‐Perkins A.
Published: March 2005

Abstract.  The Australian genus Solonaima comprises thirteen described plus two undescribed species. Six are cavernicolous, obligate or not, and are found in different caves. The phylogeny presented here confirms the monophyly of the genus. This phylogeny was compared with the estimate obtained using the method of Marques and Gnaspini, who recommend coding characters susceptible to parallelism differently from the others. Further comparison was made with a cladogram derived from the matrix from which such characters susceptible to parallelism were withdrawn. Scenarios concerning historical invasions of caves were tested using phylogenetic inference. The most‐parsimonious hypothesis proposed four invasions of the caves, within two of which a diversification of species took place.
The genus Neocicada Kato, 1932 (Hemiptera: Cicadomorpha: Cicadidae), with descriptions of three new species
Authors: Sanborn Allen F. , Heath Maxine S. , Sueur Jérôme , Phillips Polly K.
Published: March 2005

Abstract.  A revision of the genus Neocicada Kato, 1932 previously known only by two species and a subspecies (N. hieroglyphica (Say), N. hieroglyphica var. johannis (Walker), N. chisos (Davis)), is expanded to include three additional species described here: N. australamexicana, sp.n., N. centramericana, sp.n., and N. mediamexicana, sp.n. To facilitate comparison of the species and for consistency and completeness in descriptions, the original genus and species descriptions have been expanded and keys to the genus have been included. The biogeography and eco‐ethology of the genus are discussed, including habitat preference and song production activity. This genus appears unrelated to any other in North America, its closest relative being the genus Cicada L., 1758, from which it is separated geographically.
Discovered in our backyard: a new genus and species of a new family from the Rocky Mountains of North America (Diptera, Tabanomorpha)
Authors: Zloty Jack , Sinclair Bradley J. , Pritchard Gordon
Published: March 2005

Abstract.  A new genus of the Tabanomorpha, Oreoleptis,gen.n., assigned to the monotypic family Oreoleptidae, fam.n., is described from the Rocky Mountains of North America. The male, female, larva and pupa of Oreoleptis torrenticola, sp.n. are described and illustrated. Adults were reared from larvae collected from torrential streams and rivers, and from pupae collected from riverbanks. No adults have been collected yet in the field. The larvae have two pairs of very long, ventrolateral, crocheted prolegs on abdominal segments 2–7, and a short, dorsal pair on segments 6–7. The larval head and mouthparts resemble those of athericids and tabanids. The mandibular hook has an internal canal, the basal mandibular sclerite is compressed with both condyles coming together and articulating on the tentorial phragma; the mandibular brush is located on a vertical rod; and the salivary pump is greatly enlarged. The adult male genitalia have aedeagal tines similar to athericids, tabanids and Bolbomyia Loew, the hypandrium is fused with the gonocoxites, the epandrium is subrectangular, lying flat on the gonocoxites, and tergite 10 is present (a mixture of advanced and primitive features). The endoaedeagal process is reduced (as in athericids), and the gonocoxal apodemes are long and slender, an advanced condition shared by athericids and tabanids. The female has a long, extrusible postabdomen and ovipositor, two‐segmented cerci, and the basal cercal segment has a prominent posteroventral lobe, typical of rhagionids and pelecorhynchids. Cladistic analysis assigns the genus Oreoleptis to sister group status of the Athericidae + Tabanidae. However, wing venation, simple, unmodified female abdomen, undivided first tergite, and two‐segmented female cercus, excludes this taxon from the Athericidae and Tabanidae. The relationships of the new family are discussed and the phylogeny of the higher Tabanomorpha reassessed.
Retinoblastoma protein regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, and endoreduplication in plants
Authors: Park Jong‐A. , Ahn Joon‐Woo , Kim Yu‐Kyung , Kim Su Jung , Kim Ju‐Kon , Kim Woo Taek , Pai Hyun‐Sook
Published: March 2005

Retinoblastoma protein (Rb) plays a key role in cell cycle control, cell differentiation, and apoptosis in animals. In this study, we used virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) to investigate the cellular functions of Rb in higher plants. VIGS of NbRBR1, which encodes the Nicotiana benthamiana Rb homolog, resulted in growth retardation and abnormal organ development. At the cellular level, Rb suppression caused prolonged cell proliferation in tissues that are normally differentiated, which indicates that Rb is a negative regulator of plant cell division. Furthermore, differentiation of the epidermal pavement cells and trichomes was partially retarded, and stomatal clusters formed in the epidermis, likely due to uncontrolled cell division of stomata precursor cells. Rb suppression also caused extra DNA replication in endoreduplicating leaf cells, suggesting a role of Rb in the endocycle. These Rb phenotypes were accompanied by stimulated transcription of E2F and E2F‐regulated S‐phase genes. Thus, disruption of Rb function in plants leads to ectopic cell division in major organs that correlates with a delay in cell differentiation as well as increased endoreduplication, which indicates that Rb coordinates these processes in plant organ development.
A nuclear‐encoded sigma factor, Arabidopsis SIG6, recognizes sigma‐70 type chloroplast promoters and regulates early chloroplast development in cotyledons
Authors: Ishizaki Yoko , Tsunoyama Yuichi , Hatano Kyoko , Ando Kohei , Kato Ko , Shinmyo Atsuhiko , Kobori Maki , Takeba Go , Nakahira Yoichi , Shiina Takashi
Published: March 2005

Eubacterial‐type multi‐subunit plastid RNA polymerase (PEP) is responsible for the principal transcription activity in chloroplasts. PEP is composed of plastid‐encoded core subunits and one of multiple nuclear‐encoded sigma factors that confer promoter specificity on PEP. Thus, the replacement of sigma factors associated with PEP has been assumed to be a major mechanism for the switching of transcription patterns during chloroplast development. The null mutant (sig6‐1) of plastid sigma factor geneAtSIG6exhibited a cotyledon‐specific pale green phenotype. Light‐dependent chloroplast development was significantly delayed in thesig6‐1mutant. Genetic complementation of the mutant phenotype by theAtSIG6cDNA demonstrated that AtSIG6 plays a key role in light‐dependent chloroplast development. Northern and array‐based global analyses for plastid transcripts revealed that the transcript levels of most PEP‐dependent genes were greatly reduced in thesig6‐1mutant, but that the accumulation of nuclear‐encoded RNA polymerase (NEP)‐dependent transcripts generally increased. As the PEPαsubunit and PEP‐dependenttrnVaccumulated at normal levels in thesig6‐1mutant, theAtSIG6knockout mutant probably retained functional PEP, and the transcriptional defects are likely to have been directly caused byAtSIG6deficiency. Most of the AtSIG6‐dependent genes are preceded byσ70‐type promoters comprised of conserved −35/−10 elements. Thus, AtSIG6 may act as a major general sigma factor in chloroplasts during early plant development. On the other hand, the mutant phenotype was restored in older seedlings. Arabidopsis probably contains another late general sigma factor, the promoter specificity of which widely overlaps with that of AtSIG6.
The profile of fogo selvagem (endemic pemphigus foliaceus) at the University Hospital of Brasilia–Brazil. Epidemiological and clinical considerations
Authors: Quinteiro Ribeiro Ana Maria , Aiza Alvarez Rosicler Rocha , Friedman Horácio , Campbell Iphis ,   The Cooperative Group osn Fogo Selvagem Research
Published: March 2005

Background  Endemic pemphigus foliaceus (EPF) or fogo selvagem (FS) is an endemic autoimmune disease, characterized by flaccid bullae induced by IgG4 subclass antibodies. The authors demonstrate the epidemiological and clinical status of patients who have been followed at the University Hospital of Brasília (HUB) for more than 15 years.

Methods  One hundred and ninety‐six patients with FS took part in the project. In setting up this study a historical descriptive cohort of patients was put together. In order to collect data, the authors used a questionnaire where the patient indicated the sex, age at the onset, occupation, origin, clinical status, including scalp compromise, evolution, cofactors influencing clinical worsening and the treatment compliance. In order to minimize loss to follow up, the authors used the statistical method of incidence density (patients/years).

Results  The disease occurred in 58.4% of the young patients in the 11–30‐year age bracket, and 52% came from urban areas. These patients included students and teachers. Localized disease predominated as compared with the generalized presentation of this condition. Fifty‐nine percent of the patients evolved to the recurrent form. Those patients with the evolutional form, in remission for more than 1 year (94%), had been followed for more than 5 years. Even patients with the less active forms of the disease had scalp lesions. Thus scalp lesions are not an indicator of bad prognosis.

Conclusions  In the present study, the disease affected patients from a higher sociocultural class than previously described. Furthermore, in contrast to other reports, a substantial number of the patients lived in urban areas, although often spending some time in a rural setting for leisure or professional activities. This study suggests that the longer the follow up, the higher the likelihood that the disease would progress to a more controlled clinical presentation. Scalp lesions were not related to adverse prognosis. Sun, heat and infections act as triggering factors for the immunological imbalance, worsening the disease.