bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Take-off and landing kinetics of a free-ranging gliding mammal, the Malayan colugo (Galeopterus variegatus)
Authors: Byrnes Greg , Lim Norman T.-L , Spence Andrew J
Published: February 2008

Arboreal animals negotiate a highly three-dimensional world that is discontinuous on many spatial scales. As the scale of substrate discontinuity increases, many arboreal animals rely on leaping or gliding locomotion between distant supports. In order to successfully move through their habitat, gliding animals must actively modulate both propulsive and aerodynamic forces. Here we examined the take-off and landing kinetics of a free-ranging gliding mammal, the Malayan colugo (Galeopterus variegatus) using a custom-designed three-dimensional accelerometry system. We found that colugos increase the propulsive impulse to affect longer glides. However, we also found that landing forces are negatively associated with glide distance. Landing forces decrease rapidly as glide distance increases from the shortest glides, then level off, suggesting that the ability to reorient the aerodynamic forces prior to landing is an important mechanism to reduce velocity and thus landing forces. This ability to substantially alter the aerodynamic forces acting on the patagial wing in order to reorient the body is a key to the transition between leaping and gliding and allows gliding mammals to travel long distances between trees with reduced risk of injury. Longer glides may increase the access to distributed resources and reduce the exposure to predators in the canopy or on the forest floor.
Reproductive biology and population variables of the Brazilian sharpnose shark Rhizoprionodon lalandii (Müller & Henle, 1839) captured in coastal waters of south‐eastern Brazil
Authors: Andrade A. C. , Silva‐Junior L. C. , Vianna M.
Published: February 2008

Throughout 1 year, from October 2003 to September 2004, 88 visits to the landing site of a small urban fishery (APREBAN) in Rio de Janeiro city were conducted and 816 specimens of Rhizoprionodon lalandii were analysed. The sample, mostly females, was composed of two cohorts: young‐of‐the‐year were abundant in spring and summer and adults predominated in autumn and winter. Gravid females were most abundant from April to June, whereas post‐partum females composed most of the catch in August to September. Adult males were present all year although were more abundant between February and July. No neonates were captured during the study and most embryos collected measured slightly below the reported total length (LT) at time of birth (L0) for the species, suggesting that parturition may occur slightly outside the main fishing grounds or that neonates were not captured in commercial gillnets set at this time of the year. The mean LT at maturity (LT50) for males was 578 mm and females matured between 620 and 660 mm, although a precise estimate of LT50 for females could not be determined. The total length (LT) and total mass (MT) relationship was calculated for both sexes and showed no significant differences. The mean condition factor increased steadily from February to July followed by a steep decrease in values relative to females in August and September, suggesting a pupping season. The present study area can be classified as a coastal juvenile habitat and a probable mating ground for R. lalandii.
Shrinkage of flounder Platichthys flesus (L.) and turbot Psetta maxima (L.) following freezing
Authors: Florin A.‐B. , Lingman A.
Published: February 2008

Freezing of adult flounder Platichthys flesus and turbot Psetta maxima for 24 h resulted in mean decrease of total length (LT) of 2·1 and 1·3% and a reduced body mass (M) of 3·1 and 1·3%, respectively. Increasing the freezing time to 25 days increased the shrinkage in turbot but not in flounder. The LT and MT conversion equations for the different species and time spent frozen are given. The differences between species could be explained by the higher volume to surface area relationship in turbot compared with flounder.
Trends during a half century in relative squamous cell carcinoma distribution by body site in the Swedish population: Support for accumulated sun exposure as the main risk factor
Authors: DAL Henrik , BOLDEMANN Cecilia , LINDELÖF Bernt
Published: February 2008

There is a strong relationship between squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and exposure to ultraviolet radiation in terms of accumulated exposure. In this study, data from the Swedish Cancer Registry are surveyed to discern a reflection of behavioral and societal changes in relative distribution of SCC by body site. Data for the time period 1960–2004, including a total of 66 221 cases (56 669 people) were analyzed by body site for age and gender cohorts. The age‐standardized (European population) incidence per 100 000 of SCC in the year 2004 was 30.4 in males and 15.4 in females. In the year 1960, the corresponding incidences were 7.7 and 3.8; that is, SCC has become four times more frequent in Sweden for both sexes during this period. The standardized incidence of SCC increased on all body sites except eyelids (men and women) and ears (women). Head tumors dominated among patients aged 70 years or more and diagnosed 1960–1964. Among patients less than 70 years old at diagnosis in 2000–2004, tumors of the trunk and limbs dominated. A relative increase of tumors of the scalp and neck was observed in all age groups (men), and of tumors of the trunk and upper limbs in all age groups and both sexes except among patients aged more than 90 years of age. In contrast, a relative decrease of tumors on the face (including the ears) was seen in all age groups. The relative increase of SCC of the trunk and upper limbs is a plausible reflection of intentional tanning.
Therapy‐resistant skin ulcers on hypoplastic leg associated with neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: FUJIMURA Taku , OKUYAMA Ryuhei , AIBA Setsuya
Published: February 2008

We describe a case of therapy‐resistant skin ulcers in sporadic neurofibromatosis type 1. A 40‐year‐old woman had suffered from neurofibromata on her trunk and extremities since 30 years prior. She suffered from hypoplasia of her right leg from a young age and had a 1‐year history of therapy‐resistant skin ulcers on the leg and inguinal region. Magnetic resonance angiography disclosed a narrowed femoral artery at the level of the upper thigh with poor root in the inner side corresponding to the ulcerated lesions. The vascular changes were thought to be the cause of the skin ulcers.
Sentinel lymph node as a target of molecular diagnosis of lymphatic micrometastasis and local immunoresponse to malignant cells
Authors: Takeuchi Hiroya , Kitajima Masaki , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: February 2008

The sentinel lymph node (SLN) is defined as the lymph node(s) first receiving lymphatic drainage from the site of the primary tumor. The histopathological status of SLN is one of the most significant predictors of recurrence and overall survival for most clinical stage I/II solid tumors. Recent progress in molecular techniques has demonstrated the presence of micrometastatic tumor cells in SLN. There is now a growing body of data to support the clinical relevance of SLN micrometastasis in a variety of solid tumors. Increasing the sensitivity of occult tumor cell detection in the SLN, using molecular‐based analysis, should enable a more accurate understanding of the clinical significance of various patterns of micrometastatic nodal disease. The establishment of metastasis to SLN might not be simply reflected by the flow dynamics of lymphatic fluid that drains from the primary site to the SLN, and the transportation of viable cancer cells. Recent studies have demonstrated that primary tumors can actively induce lymphangiogenesis and promote SLN metastasis. Moreover chemokine receptors in tumor cells may facilitate organ‐specific tumor metastasis in many human cancers and some experimental models. In contrast, recent clinical and preclinical studies regard SLN as the first lymphoid organ to respond to tumor antigenic stimulation. SLN dramatically show morphological, phenotypical and functional changes that indicate immune suppression by tumor cells. The immune suppression in SLN results in failure of prevention or eradication of tumor metastasis. The mechanism of immunomodulation remains unclear; however, several regulatory molecules produced by tumor cells and tumor‐associated macrophages or lymphocytes are likely to be responsible for inducing the immune suppression in SLN. Further studies may develop a novel immunotherapy that overcomes tumor‐induced immune suppression and can prevent or eradicate SLN metastasis. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 441–450)
Aberrant methylation status of known methylation‐sensitive CpG islands in gastrointestinal stromal tumors without any correlation to the state of c‐kit and PDGFRA gene mutations and their malignancy
Authors: Saito Kana , Sakurai Shinji , Sano Takaaki , Sakamoto Kazuha , Asao Takayuki , Hosoya Yoshinori , Nakajima Takashi , Kuwano Hiroyuki
Published: February 2008

To identify additional alterations to c‐kit or platelet‐derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRA) genes in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), we investigated the methylation status of nine known methylation‐sensitive CpG islands (p15, p16, p73, 0‐6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase, E‐cadherin, mutL homolog 1, colon cancer nonpolyposis type 2 (escherichia), methylated in tumors [MINT]1, MINT2, and MINT31), and compared the results with the malignant potential and gain‐of‐function mutation types of GIST. Thirty‐five GIST (c‐kit mutations in 25 cases, PDGFRA mutations in seven cases, and lacking either mutation in three cases) were subjected to methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction to detect the methylation status of the nine methylation‐sensitive CpG islands. Aberrant DNA methylation of these loci was found in 94% of all GIST. The rates of DNA methylation at each locus were as follows: hMLH1, 60%; MINT2, 51%; MGMT, 49%; p73, 49%; p16, 20%; E‐cadherin, 14%; MINT1, 9%; p15, 6%; and MINT31, 0%. CpG islands methylator phenotype, which was defined as methylation involving more than three gene promoters, was found in 57% of GIST with c‐kit or PDGFRA gene mutations. According to the risk categories, CpG islands methylator phenotype was present in 55% of low‐risk GIST, and in 58% of high‐risk GIST. Our results suggested that in addition to c‐kit or PDGFRA mutations, the aberrant methylation of CpG islands, especially of mismatch‐repair genes, may have a role in the tumorigenesis of GIST. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 253–259)
Epidermal growth factor receptor mutation, but not sex and smoking, is independently associated with favorable prognosis of gefitinib‐treated patients with lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Toyooka Shinichi , Takano Toshimi , Kosaka Takayuki , Hotta Katsuyuki , Matsuo Keitaro , Ichihara Shuji , Fujiwara Yoshiro , Soh Junichi , Otani Hiroki , Kiura Katsuyuki , Aoe Keisuke , Yatabe Yasushi , Ohe Yuichiro , Mitsudomi Tetsuya , Date Hiroshi
Published: February 2008

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations have been reported as a predictive factor for favorable prognosis of gefitinib‐treated patients with lung adenocarcinoma. However, its confounding with sex and smoking makes it unclear whether the EGFR mutation is independently associated with prolonged patient survival. In this study, we analyzed a large‐scale database to discriminate the survival impact of EGFR mutations against those of sex and smoking after gefitinib therapy. EGFR mutations in exon19 and exon21 named drug‐sensitive EGFR mutations were examined to investigate the impact of EGFR mutation, sex, and smoking status on survival of 362 gefitinib‐treated patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Drug‐sensitive EGFR mutations were detected in 169 patients (46.7%). The multivariate analysis including EGFR, sex, and smoking status showed that drug‐sensitive EGFR mutations were significantly related to longer overall survival (OS) (P < 0.001) and progression‐free survival (PFS) (P < 0.001). In addition, we investigated the impact of sex and smoking status according to EGFR mutation status, and the impact of EGFR mutation status according to sex and smoking status on survival. Sex and smoking status were not significantly associated with longer OS and PFS according to EGFR mutation status. Drug‐sensitive EGFR mutations were significantly associated with longer OS and PFS according to sex or smoking status. Our results indicated that drug‐sensitive EGFR mutations were the only independent factor for longer survival of patients treated with gefitinib, suggesting that patient selection based on EGFR mutation status for gefitinib therapy will lead to a better outcome for patients with lung adenocarcinoma. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 303–308)
Humoral immune responses in patients vaccinated with 1–146 HER2 protein complexed with cholesteryl pullulan nanogel
Authors: Kageyama Shinichi , Kitano Shigehisa , Hirayama Michiko , Nagata Yasuhiro , Imai Hiroshi , Shiraishi Taizo , Akiyoshi Kazunari , Scott Andrew M. , Murphy Roger , Hoffman Eric W. , Old Lloyd J. , Katayama Naoyuki , Shiku Hiroshi
Published: February 2008

The CHP‐HER2 vaccine, comprising truncated 146HER2 protein complexed with nanogels of cholesteryl pullulan (CHP), is a novel protein antigen vaccine that elicits 146HER2‐specific CD8+ and CD4+ T‐cell immune responses in patients with HER2‐expressing tumors. We analyzed the humoral responses in patients vaccinated with CHP‐HER2 and those with CHP‐HER2 plus granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF). The vaccine was injected subcutaneously at a dose of 300 µg protein. Nine patients received the vaccine alone over the first four injections, followed by CHP‐HER2 with GM‐CSF or OK‐432, whereas six received CHP‐HER2 plus GM‐CSF from the first cycle. 146HER2‐specific IgG antibodies were induced in 14 patients, who were negative at baseline. The antibodies became detectable after the second or third vaccination and reached plateau levels after the third or fourth cycle in patients vaccinated with CHP‐HER2 plus GM‐CSF. In contrast, the antibodies appeared only after the third to sixth vaccination and the plateau appeared after the fourth to eighth cycle in patients vaccinated with the CHP‐HER2 vaccine alone over the first four cycles. The antibodies induced by the vaccine were not reactive with HER2 antigen expressed on the cell surface in any of the patients. Epitope analysis using overlapping peptides revealed a single region in the 146HER2 protein, amino acids 127–146, in eight patients who were initially vaccinated with CHP‐HER2 alone. Similarly, the same HER2 region was recognized dominantly in patients vaccinated with GM‐CSF. Our results indicate that CHP‐HER2 induced HER2‐specific humoral responses in patients with HER2‐expressing tumors and that GM‐CSF seems to accelerate the responses. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 601–607)
Roles for deregulated receptor tyrosine kinases and their downstream signaling molecules in hematologic malignancies
Authors: Matsumura Itaru , Mizuki Masao , Kanakura Yuzuru
Published: February 2008

Growth, survival and differentiation of hematopoietic cells are regulated by the interactions between hematopoietic growth factors and their receptors. The defect in these interactions results in a failure of hematopoiesis, while aberrantly elevated and/or sustained activation of these signals cause hematologic malignancies. Among them, constitutively activating mutations of the receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), such as c‐Kit, platelet‐derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) and FLT3, are often involved in the pathogenesis of various types of hematologic malignancies. Constitutive activation of RTKs is provoked by several mechanisms including chromosomal translocations and various mutations involving their regulatory regions. Chromosomal translocations commonly generate chimeric proteins consisting of the cytoplasmic domain of RTKs and the dimerization or multimerization motif of the fusion partner, resulting in the constitutive dimerization of RTKs. On the other hand, missense, insertion or deletion mutations in the regulatory regions, such as juxtamembrane domain, activation loop, and extracellular domain, also cause constitutive activation of RTKs mainly by preventing the auto‐inhibitory regulation. Oncogenic RTKs activate downstream signaling molecules such as Ras/MAPK, PI3‐K/Akt/mTOR, and STATs as well as ligand‐activated wild type RTKs. However, their signals are quantitatively and qualitatively different from wild type RTKs. Based on these findings, several agents that target oncogenic RTKs or their downstream molecules have been developed: imatinib and FLT3 inhibitors for RTKs themselves, farnesyltransferase inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors and MEK inhibitors for the downstream signaling molecules. As promising results have been obtained in several clinical trials using these agents, the establishment of these molecular targeted agents is expected. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 479–485)
Exposure to opioid maintenance treatment reduces long‐term mortality
Authors: Gibson Amy , Degenhardt Louisa , Mattick Richard P. , Ali Robert , White Jason , O'Brien Susannah
Published: February 2008

Aims  To (i) examine the predictors of mortality in a randomized study of methadone versus buprenorphine maintenance treatment; (ii) compare the survival experience of the randomized subject groups; and (iii) describe the causes of death.

Design  Ten‐year longitudinal follow‐up of mortality among participants in a randomized trial of methadone versus buprenorphine maintenance treatment.

Setting  Recruitment through three clinics for a randomized trial of buprenorphine versus methadone maintenance.

Participants  A total of 405 heroin‐dependent (DSM‐IV) participants aged 18 years and above who consented to participate in original study.

Measurements  Baseline data from original randomized study; dates and causes of death through data linkage with Births, Deaths and Marriages registries; and longitudinal treatment exposure via State health departments. Predictors of mortality examined through survival analysis.

Findings  There was an overall mortality rate of 8.84 deaths per 1000 person‐years of follow‐up and causes of death were comparable with the literature. Increased exposure to episodes of opioid treatment longer than 7 days reduced the risk of mortality; there was no differential mortality among methadone versus buprenorphine participants. More dependent, heavier users of heroin at baseline had a lower risk of death, and also higher exposure to opioid treatment. Older participants randomized to buprenorphine treatment had significantly improved survival. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander participants had a higher risk of death.

Conclusions  Increased exposure to opioid maintenance treatment reduces the risk of death in opioid‐dependent people. There was no differential reduction between buprenorphine and methadone. Previous studies suggesting differential effects may have been affected by biases in patient selection.
Longitudinal analysis of alcohol consumption and health of middle‐aged women in Australia
Authors: Powers Jennifer R. , Young Anne F.
Published: February 2008

Aims  To assess the prospective association between alcohol consumption and self‐rated health: in particular whether there is a relationship between stable alcohol intake and health; whether health is affected by changes in alcohol consumption; whether having a chronic condition alters the relationships between stable and changing alcohol intake and health; and whether the health of longer‐term abstainers is different from more recent and intermittent abstainers.

Design  Longitudinal analysis of a prospective, population‐based study.

Setting  Australia.

Participants  A total of 13 585 randomly selected 45–50‐year‐old women surveyed in 1996, of whom 9396 (69%) were resurveyed in 1998, 2001 and 2004.

Measurements  Estimates for the General Health subscale of the SF‐36 for different levels of alcohol intake adjusted for having a chronic condition, depression, smoking and other factors.

Findings  Longitudinal models of consistent alcohol intake showed mean scores for general health of moderate drinkers were significantly better than that of non‐drinkers [mean difference = 4.3, standard error (SE) = 0.61], occasional drinkers (mean difference = 3.1, SE = 0.52) and heavy drinkers (mean difference = 2.1, SE = 1.00). Among moderate drinkers, a decrease or variation in alcohol consumption was associated with a significant decline of three to four points in general health. Similar results were obtained when women with an existing chronic condition were excluded from these models. The health of recent abstainers and intermittent drinkers was the same as longer‐term abstainers.

Conclusions  Consistent moderate drinkers had the best health even after adjustment for having a chronic condition, depression and life‐style factors. Poorer health was associated with decreased alcohol intake among occasional and moderate drinkers.
Primary versus secondary immunoglobulin E sensitization to soy and wheat in the Multi‐Centre Allergy Study cohort
Authors: Matricardi P. M. , Bockelbrink A. , Beyer K. , Keil T. , Niggemann B. , Grüber C. , Wahn U. , Lau S.
Published: February 2008

Background
IgE sensitization to soy and wheat is classified as ‘primary’ when generated by food ingestion and ‘secondary’ when it as a consequence of primary sensitization to cross‐reacting pollen antigens via inhalation. The age‐specific relevance of these categories of sensitization throughout childhood is unknown.

Objective
To monitor the natural course of IgE sensitization against common food allergens in childhood in relation to sensitization against cross‐reactive airborne allergens.

Methods
The German Multi‐Centre Allergy Study with follow‐up from birth to age 13 recruited initially 1314 children. IgE antibody levels against cow's milk, hen's egg, soy, wheat, mites, cat and dog dander, birch and grass pollens were tested. Longitudinal data were analysed from the 273 children with sera obtained at age 2, 5, 7 and 10 years of age.

Results
The point prevalence of sensitization (>1.0 kU/L) to milk and egg allergens progressively decreased from about 4% at 2 years to <1% at 10 years. By contrast, the prevalence of IgE to wheat and soy progressively increased with age, from 2% to 7% (soy) and from 2% to 9% (wheat). At 10 years of age, IgE to grass pollen was detected in 97% and 98% of the children reacting against soy and wheat, respectively; IgE to birch pollen was observed in 86% and 82% of the children reacting against soy and wheat, respectively. Early IgE sensitization to soy or wheat preceded that to grass or birch pollen in only 4% and 8% of participants sensitized to soy and wheat, respectively.

Conclusion
IgE sensitization to soy and wheat is relatively uncommon and mostly primary in early infancy, more frequent and mostly secondary to pollen sensitization at school age.

Clinical Implications
Awareness should be raised to avoid unnecessary diet restrictions due to the high frequency of clinically irrelevant, secondary sensitization to soy and wheat in schoolchildren with pollinosis.
Association between suppressors of cytokine signalling, T‐helper type 1/T‐helper type 2 balance and allergic sensitization in children
Authors: Daegelmann C. , Herberth G. , Röder S. , Herbarth O. , Giese T. , Krämer U. , Behrendt H. , Borte M. , Heinrich J. , Emmrich F. , Lehmann I. ,   for the LISAplus study group
Published: February 2008

Background
Suppressors of cytokine signalling (SOCS) family members have been shown to play an important role in the balance of cytokines that determine the onset of T‐helper type 1 (Th1)‐ and Th2‐mediated immune responses. In particular, for cytokine‐induced Src‐homology 2 protein (CIS), SOCS1, SOCS3 and SOCS5, a role in the regulation of T cell differentiation has been discussed. However, only few data exist so far in the human system.

Objectives
The aim of the present study was to analyse the relationship between these suppressors and Th1/Th2 regulation as well as allergic sensitizations within a population‐based study.

Methods
Within the Lifestyle–Immune system–Allergy plus cohort study, mRNA was prepared from blood samples of 6‐year‐old children for the analysis of cytokines, transcription factors for T cell regulation and SOCS molecule expression by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. In addition, total and specific IgE concentrations have been measured by the Pharmacia CAP System. A complete data set from 248 children was available.

Results
Among the SOCS molecules investigated, only SOCS1 showed a strong positive correlation to allergic sensitizations. In addition, an up‐regulated SOCS1 expression correlated with down‐regulated T‐box expressed in T cells (Tbet) and higher expression levels of GATA‐binding protein 3 (GATA‐3) and IL‐4. No association between SOCS1 and forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) was observed. For SOCS3, SOCS5 and CIS, a contradictory picture was found. The expression of these SOCS molecules was positively correlated with Tbet and FOXP3 and (with the exception of CIS) negatively with IL‐4.

Conclusions
Our data suggest that SOCS3, SOCS5 and CIS, which correlate with an up‐regulated Th1 and regulatory T cell activity, are without relevance for the allergic status. In contrast, SOCS1 might be involved in the development of a Th2‐skewed immune response and subsequent allergic sensitizations.
Cutaneous vascular tumours: an update
Authors: Goh S G N , Calonje E
Published: February 2008

This review evaluates changes in vascular nomenclature particularly in the category of vascular tumours of intermediate malignancy that includes the various haemangioendotheliomas, Kaposi’s sarcoma and giant cell angioblastoma. Recently described entities in this category, including the latter tumour and composite haemangioendothelioma, are described. Several newly characterized vascular tumours not included in recent classifications of vascular tumours are also summarized. These include acquired elastotic haemangioma, symplastic haemangioma, cutaneous epithelioid angiomatous nodule and cutaneovisceral angiomatosis with thrombocytopenia. The newly introduced clinical classification of congenital haemangiomas into non‐involuting and rapidly involuting variants and radiation‐induced atypical vascular lesions are also reviewed.
A broad transition zone between an inner Baltic hybrid swarm and a pure North Sea subspecies ofMacoma balthica(Mollusca, Bivalvia)
Authors: NIKULA RAISA , STRELKOV PETR , VÄINÖLÄ RISTO
Published: February 2008

The populations of the bivalve clamMacoma balthicain the low‐salinity Northern Baltic Sea represent an admixture of two strongly diverged genomic origins, the PacificMacoma balthica balthica(approx. 60% genomic contribution) and AtlanticMacoma balthica rubra(40%). Using allozyme and mtDNA characters, we describe the broad transition from this hybrid swarm to the pureM. b. rubrain the saline North Sea waters, spanning hundreds of kilometre distance. The zone is centred in the strong salinity gradient of the narrow Öresund strait and in the adjacent Western Baltic. Yet the multilocus clines show no simple and smoothly monotonic gradation: they involve local reversals and strong differences between neighbouring populations. The transitions in different characters are not strictly coincident, and the extent of introgression varies among loci. The Atlantic influence extends further into the Baltic in samples from the southern and eastern Baltic coasts than on the western coast, and further in deeper bottoms than at shallow (< 1 m) sites. This fits with the counterclockwise net circulation pattern and with a presumably weaker salinity barrier for invading Atlantic type larvae in saline deeper water, and corresponding facilitation of outwards drift of Baltic larvae in diluted surface waters. Genotypic disequilibria were strong particularly in the shallow‐water samples of the steepest transition zone. This suggests larval mixing from different sources and limited interbreeding in that area, which makes a stark contrast to the evidence of thorough amalgamation of the distinct genomic origins in the inner Baltic hybrid swarm of equilibrium structure.
High incidence of the maternally inherited bacterium Cardinium in spiders
Authors: DURON OLIVIER , HURST GREGORY D. D. , HORNETT EMILY A. , JOSLING JAMES A. , ENGELSTÄDTER JAN
Published: February 2008

Inherited bacteria are now recognized as important players in arthropod evolution and ecology. Here, we test spiders, a group recently identified as possessing inherited bacteria commonly, for the presence of two reproductive parasites, Cardinium hertigii (Bacteroidetes group) and Wolbachia (α‐proteobacteria), estimating incidence, prevalence, any sex bias in infection, and infection diversity, for a panel of field‐collected specimens. We identify spiders as a hotspot for Cardinium. Present in 22% of the sampled species, incidence was significantly higher than that previously recorded in insects. Where present, Cardinium infection occurred at medium prevalence without evidence of sex bias in prevalence that would indicate sex‐ratio distortion activity. Wolbachia was present in 37% of species, but revealed a gradation from being rare to very common. In one case, Wolbachia was found significantly more commonly in females than males, indicating it may act as a sex‐ratio distorter in some species. Breeding work conducted on two species confirmed that Wolbachia and Cardinium were transmitted maternally, which represents the first proof of inheritance of these symbionts in spiders. Overall, this study demonstrates that the majority of spider species are infected with inherited bacteria, and their role in host biology clearly requires determination.
Water vapour isotopic exchange by epiphytic bromeliads in tropical dry forests reflects niche differentiation and climatic signals
Authors: REYES‐GARCÍA CASANDRA , MEJIA‐CHANG MONICA , JONES GLYN D. , GRIFFITHS HOWARD
Published: February 2008

The 18O signals in leaf water (δ18Olw) and organic material were dominated by atmospheric water vapour 18O signals (δ18Ovap) in tank and atmospheric life forms of epiphytic bromeliads with crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM), from a seasonally dry forest in Mexico. Under field conditions, the mean δ18Olw for all species was constant during the course of the day and systematically increased from wet to dry seasons (from 0 to +6‰), when relative water content (RWC) diminished from 70 to 30%. In the greenhouse, progressive enrichment from base to leaf tip was observed at low night‐time humidity; under high humidity, the leaf tip equilibrated faster with δ18Ovap than the other leaf sections. Laboratory manipulations using an isotopically depleted water source showed that δ18Ovap was more rapidly incorporated than liquid water. Our data were consistent with a Craig–Gordon (C‐G) model as modified by Helliker and Griffiths predicting that the influx and exchange of δ18Ovap control δ18Olw in certain epiphytic life forms, despite progressive tissue water loss. We use δ18Olw signals to define water‐use strategies for the coexisting species which are consistent with habitat preference under natural conditions and life form. Bulk organic matter (δ18Oorg) is used to predict the δ18Ovap signal at the time of leaf expansion.
Children with recurrent otitis show defective IFNγ‐producing cells in adenoids
Authors: Avanzini Antonietta M. , Castellazzi Anna Maria , Marconi Massimo , Valsecchi Chiara , Marseglia Alessia , Ciprandi Giorgio , Silvestri Annalisa De , Marseglia Gian Luigi
Published: February 2008

Infectious diseases are frequently observed in children and their recurrence represents a demanding challenge for the paediatrician. It has been hypothesized that a defective immune response may occur in these patients. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether children presenting with recurrent otitis have a defective interferon (IFN)γ production by the lymphocytes of peripheral blood and of adenoid tissue, in comparison with children without recurrent otitis. Our study group was represented by 58 children undergoing adenoidectomy for adenoidal hypertrophy. They were subdivided into two groups according to the recurrence of otitis (≥3 per year) or not (<3 per year). Intracellular cytokine profile of lymphocyte subsets in adenoids and peripheral blood was evaluated by flow cytometry analysis. Children with recurrent otitis showed a significantly lower percentage of CD8+‐producing IFNγ cells in adenoids than children with <3 otitis per year (p = 0.003). The reduced capability of the adenoid cells to produce INF‐γ may induce a high susceptibility to the recurrence of otitis in children.
Kidney transplantation in children with posterior urethral valves
Authors: Otukesh Hasan , Basiri Abbas , Simfroosh Naser , Hoseini Rozita , Fereshtehnejad Seyed‐Mohammad , Chalian Majid
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  There is controversy about the outcome of renal transplantation in patients with PUV. The objective of this study was to analyze the outcome of renal transplantation in children with PUV. Fifteen patients had a history of PUV as the etiology of their ESRD. Forty‐five patients comprised a control group without lower urinary tract anomalies. Mean age and follow‐up duration were not significantly different between the case and the control group (p = 0.1). The immunosuppressive protocol and the year of transplantation were similar in these two groups (p = 0.2, 0.4, respectively). Among patients with PUV, 37.5% had acute rejection; and 56.2% had chronic rejection. Among the controls, 22.2% had acute rejection and 28.8% had chronic rejection. None of these differences was significant. Mean survival time was seven yr in affected patients and 6.2 yr in the control group (p = 0.9). Among patients with PUV, the rate of graft survival in the first year after transplantation was 95%; and those in the third, fifth, and seventh yr, 91%, 65%, and 50%, respectively. For the controls, the graft survival was 83% at one yr; 80% at three yr; 71% at five yr; and 60% at seven yr after transplantation (p = 0.9). Conclusively, this study showed that a history of PUV had no effect on graft function. Graft survival was not different among these patients compared with patients free of these anomalies. We also showed that urological complications were few in these patients.
Aspergillus “fungus ball” of the bladder after hematopoietic transplantation in a pediatric patient: Successful treatment with intravesical voriconazole and surgery
Authors: González‐Vicent Marta , Lassaletta Alvaro , López‐Pino Miguel Angel , Romero‐Tejada Juan Carlos , De La Fuente‐Trabado Manuel , Díaz Miguel Ángel
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  Aspergillosis is an important cause of mortality in allogeneic HSCT. A “fungus ball” formation of Aspergillus in the bladder has seldom been reported. We report a child that underwent HSCT and developed possible disseminated aspergillosis with an intravesical “fungus ball,” diagnosed by genitourinary MRI and PCR of the mass that was removed from the bladder. It is important to consider this complication in a patient with HC after HSCT. The treatment included a combination of systemic antifungal therapy along with intravesical voriconazole and surgical removal.
Hepatitis C testing and infection rates in bipolar patients with and without comorbid substance use disorders
Authors: Matthews Annette M , Huckans Marilyn S , Blackwell Aaron D , Hauser Peter
Published: February 2008

Objectives:  To determine and compare hepatitis C (HCV) screening and testing rates among four groups: those with (i) bipolar disorder [BD group (history of BD but no substance use disorder)]; (ii) substance use disorders [SUD group (history of SUD but no BD)]; (iii) co‐occurring disorders [DD group (history of both BD and an SUD)]; and (iv) a control group (no history of either bipolar disorder or substance use disorder). Our hypothesis was that HCV antibody testing rates and HCV prevalence would be higher in the BD, SUD, and DD groups than the control group.

Methods:  Data were retrospectively collected on 325,410 patients seen between 1998 and 2004 within facilities and clinics of the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 20 Northwest Veterans Health Care Administration from electronic medical records. HCV screening and prevalence rates were compared between the BD, SUD, DD, and control groups. Odds ratios and relative risks were determined and compared between groups.

Results:  Patients in the BD, SUD, and DD groups had been tested at a higher rate than controls and were at increased risk for HCV infection compared with controls. These high‐risk groups had a 1.31‐fold, 4.86‐fold, and 5.46‐fold increase in the relative risk of HCV infection, respectively. Overall, compared to the control group, the relative risk of a patient having HCV if he or she had BD (with or without an SUD) was 3.6.

Conclusions:  Patients with BD and comorbid SUD had an over fourfold increase in relative risk for HCV than our control group and a similar risk as patients in our SUD group. Furthermore, even if bipolar patients did not have a comorbid SUD (the BD group), their relative risk of HCV was significantly higher than that of the control group. This suggests that patients with BD, particularly those with a comorbid SUD, should be screened and tested for HCV.
Clinical predictors of unrecognized bipolar I and II disorders
Authors: Mantere Outi , Suominen Kirsi , Arvilommi Petri , Valtonen Hanna , Leppämäki Sami , Isometsä Erkki
Published: February 2008

Objectives:  Bipolar disorder (BD) is correctly diagnosed in only 40–50% of patients. No previous study has investigated the characteristics of bipolar patients in psychiatric care with or without clinical diagnoses of BD. We investigated the demographic and clinical predictors of the absence of a clinical diagnosis of BD I and II among psychiatric patients.

Methods:  In the Jorvi Bipolar Study, 1,630 psychiatric in‐ and outpatients were screened with the Mood Disorder Questionnaire. Suspected cases were diagnosed with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV Axis I Disorders‐Patient version (SCID‐I/P) for BD. Patients with no preceding clinical diagnosis of BD, despite previous manic, hypomanic or mixed phases and treatment in psychiatric care, were classified as undiagnosed. The clinical characteristics of unrecognized BD I patients (23 of 90 BD I patients) and BD II patients (47 of 93 BD II patients) were compared to those of patients who had been correctly diagnosed.

Results:  No previous hospitalizations [odds ratio (OR) = 10.6, p = 0.001] or psychotic symptoms (OR = 4.4, p = 0.045), and the presence of rapid cycling (OR = 11.6, p = 0.001) predicted lack of BD I diagnosis. No psychotic symptoms (OR = 3.3, p = 0.01), female gender (OR = 3.0, p = 0.03), and shorter time in treatment (OR = 1.1, p = 0.03) predicted the lack of a BD II diagnosis.

Conclusions:  Correct diagnosis of BD I is related to the severe phases of illness leading to hospitalizations. In BD II, the illness factors may not be as important as time elapsed in treatment, a factor that often leads to a delay in diagnosis or none at all. Excessive reliance on typical and cross‐sectional presentations of illness likely explain the non‐recognition of BD. The challenge for correctly diagnosing bipolar patients is in outpatient settings.
Rapid Detection by Genomic Amplification of Loofah Witches’ Broom Phytoplasma in Leafhopper Vectors
Authors: Kuan C.‐P. , Kuan M.‐M. , Hsu M.‐C. , Li M.‐L.
Published: February 2008

Loofah (Luffa cylindrical) is a common vegetable crop in Taiwan and other Asian countries. Reported here is a novel rapid approach for detecting loofah witches’ broom (LfWB) phytoplasma in single leafhoppers. Field samples of suspected diseased plants and potential vectors from southern Taiwan were processed to test for the presence of the LfWB phytoplasmas using both strain‐specific DNA hybridization (DH) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. The commonest pathogen causing loofah disease in southern Taiwan is LfWB phytoplasma. Leafhoopers collected at nine locations near LfWB‐infected plants were found to be positive for LfWB by PCR / DH at an incidence of 28.5–40.0%. Of the different leafhopper species tested, only Hishimonus concavus was positive for LfWB, suggesting that H. concavus is a natural vector of LfWB in Taiwan. Using our proposed primers in this PCR assay, a single LfWB‐infected leafhopper can be detected rapidly and directly.
‘Inductions of labour’: on becoming an experienced midwifery practitioner in Aotearoa/New Zealand
Authors: Surtees Ruth
Published: February 2008

This paper analyzes and explores varying discourses within the talk of new practitioner direct entry (DE) midwives in Aotearoa/New Zealand. In Aotearoa/New Zealand, midwifery is theorized as a feminist profession undertaken in partnership with women. Direct entry midwifery education is similarly based on partnerships between educators and students in the form of liberatory pedagogies. The context for the analysis is a large ethnographic study undertaken with a variety of differently positioned midwives based mainly in one city in New Zealand. I interviewed and observed over 40 midwives in their different practice settings in 2003. Complex and contesting forms of knowledge production are analyzed in this paper drawing on methodological insights from Foucauldian discourse analysis. New practitioners engage in techniques of self‐monitoring and surveillance as they move towards becoming established practitioners. New midwifery subjectivities and forms of knowledge production which contest authoritative forms of knowledge are produced. Midwives in New Zealand are seen to inhabit a complex and liminal space of midwifery praxis. Paradoxically, they are exhorted to remain the ‘guardians of normal birth’ in a time of increasing interventions into birth both locally and internationally. Paradoxes encountered by new midwifery practitioners in New Zealand as they struggle to maintain ideals of ‘normal’ birth may be paralleled by the constraints inadvertently produced through governing discourses of emancipatory or liberatory pedagogies. The relevance of this is also highly critical for midwifery and birth practices internationally.
STRESS INTENSITY FACTORS FOR CORNER CRACKS AT A HOLE BY A 3‐D WEIGHT FUNCTION METHOD WITH STRESSES FROM THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
Authors: Zhao W. , Newman J. C. , Sutton M. A. , Wu X. R. , Shivakumar K. N.
Published: February 2008

Abstract— Stress intensity factors for quarter‐elliptical corner cracks emanating from a circular hole are determined using a 3‐D weight function method combined with a 3‐D finite element method. The 3‐D finite element method is used to analyze uncracked configurations and provide stress distributions in the region where a crack is likely to occur. Using this stress distribution as input, the 3‐D weight function method is used to determine stress intensity factors. Three different loading conditions, i.e. remote tension, remote bending and wedge loading, are considered for a wide range of geometrical parameters. The significance of using 3‐D uncracked stress distributions is studied. Comparisons are made with solutions available in the literature.
A METHOD TO REDUCE THE SCATTER IN FATIGUE CRACK GROWTH RATE DATA
Authors: Zheng J. , Powell B. E.
Published: February 2008

Abstract—The scatter in experimentally determined fatigue crack growth rates is dependent, in part, on the data reduction process applied to the paired values of crack length and number of cycles recorded in crack growth tests. An additional data reduction process is proposed which replaces the original test data by a smooth curve. Analysis of mid‐range growth rate data for Udimet 720 shows that the introduction of this additional data reduction procedure reduces the scatter in the calculated growth rates, increases the effectiveness of Walker's method in accounting for the effects of stress ratio, and leads to more accurate predictions of the experimental crack propagation lives of test specimens.
A NEW POWERFUL TOOL FOR SURVEYING CLEAVAGE FRACTURE SURFACES
Authors: Semprimoschnig C. O. A. , Stampfl J. , Pippan R. , Kolednik O.
Published: February 2008

Abstract— A new tool is presented to investigate cleavage fracture surfaces. It is based on the combined techniques of crystal orientation measurements using the Electron Back‐Scatter Diffraction (EBSD)‐technique and 3‐dimensional surfaces reconstruction by an Automatic Surface Reconstruction System (ASRS).

With this tool we can perform crystallographic fractometry of cleavage fracture facets of polycrystals within the limits of the resolution of a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), e.g. we can determine the crystallographic indices of cleavage planes and of directions on such planes.
CHARACTERIZATION OF DELAMINATION GROWTH BEHAVIOUR OF HYBRID BONDED LAMINATES
Authors: Guo Y. J. , Wu X. R. , Zhang Z. L.
Published: February 2008

Abstract— The objective of this work is to study the delamination growth behaviour of hybrid composite‐aluminium bonded laminates. A modified Double Crack Lap Shear (DCLS) specimen was chosen for this study. An expression relating the delamination size and the compliance of a DCLS specimen was derived, and a test method for the delamination growth rate in DCLS specimens developed. The delamination sizes and the delamination growth rates of DCLS specimens were determined by monitoring the compliances of specimens during fatigue. Delamination growth rates at different stress ratios (R= 0.1, 0.3,0.5) were measured. A Walker‐type equation for the delamination growth rate was obtained by a multiple linear regression analysis.

It was shown that the compliance method for determining the delamination growth rate of DCLS specimens is not only convenient and practical, but also accurate. The delamination size in DCLS specimens increases linearly with cycles during fatigue, i.e. delamination growth rate is constant, independent of delamination size. The energy release rate was adopted to characterize delamination growth behaviour. Good agreement between the Walker equation and test results of the delamination growth rate was found.
A NEW METHOD FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF MODE II FATIGUE THRESHOLD STRESS INTENSITY FACTOR RANGE ΔKτth
Authors: Murakami Y. , Hamada S.
Published: February 2008

Abstract— In order to evaluate the threshold value ΔKτth for mode II fatigue crack growth, a new measurement method of mode II fatigue crack growth has been developed. This method uses a conventional closed‐loop tension—compression fatigue testing machine without additional loading attachments. Mode II fatigue tests for structural steel and rail steel have been carried out. This method has proved successful and has reproduced mode II fatigue fracture surfaces similar to those found in the spalling of industrial steel‐making rolls. The crack length during testing was measured by an AC potential method. The relationships between da/dN and ΔKτ and AKτth for several materials have been obtained.