bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Orbital Exenteration Reconstruction With Rectus Abdominis Microvascular Free Flap
Authors: Pryor Shepherd G. , Moore Eric J. , Kasperbauer Jan L.
Published: November 2005

Objectives: To determine the course of reconstructive treatment and outcomes with use of the rectus abdominis free flap after orbital exenteration with or without total maxillectomy.

Study Design: Retrospective chart review of treatment and outcomes of patients who had rectus abdominis free‐tissue transfer for orbital exenteration with or without total maxillectomy at the Mayo Clinic between 1994 and 2004.

Methods: Charts of patients who had rectus abdominis free flap reconstruction after orbital exenteration were retrospectively reviewed and the surgical technique evaluated. An explanation of the surgical technique for rectus abdominis free‐tissue transfer to the orbital cavity is provided, along with a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of this reconstructive method.

Results: Twelve of 13 patients who underwent reconstruction with rectus abdominis free‐tissue transfer had a successful outcome (flap viability 92%). Cosmetic results were acceptable both to patients and to surgeons.

Conclusions: Rectus abdominis microvascular free‐tissue transfer for repair of orbital exenteration defects is a safe and reliable alternative to the use of the temporalis or the pectoralis major muscle as a pedicle flap; it provides a larger volume of well‐vascularized tissue and greater placement flexibility without associated orientation problems; and the long vascular pedicle facilitates the use of multiple donor vessels within the head and neck, which is an advantage in previously irradiated patients. Postoperative care and the donor site defect are well tolerated. The flap allows reliable obturation of the oral maxillectomy defect, and it negates the need for cavity care in these patients.
Novel Strategy for Treatment of Inner Ears using a Biodegradable Gel
Authors: Endo Tsuyoshi , Nakagawa Takayuki , Kita Tomoko , Iguchi Fukuichiro , Kim Tae‐Soo , Tamura Tetsuya , Iwai Koji , Tabata Yasuhiko , Ito Juichi
Published: November 2005

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a biodegradable hydrogel as a drug‐delivery medium for the inner ear. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was chosen as the agent to be administered.

Method: First, we used an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay to measure BDNF concentrations in the cochlear fluid after placing a hydrogel containing this agent onto the round‐window membrane of the ear. Second, the functional and histologic protection of the auditory primary neurons (spiral ganglion neurons [SGNs]) by BDNF applied through the hydrogel was examined using an animal model of SGN degeneration.

Results: The results revealed sustained delivery of BDNF into the cochlear fluid by way of the hydrogel. Second, the functional and histologic protection of the auditory primary neurons (SGNs) by BDNF applied through the hydrogel was examined using an animal model of SGN degeneration. The measurement of electrically evoked auditory‐brainstem responses demonstrated that BDNF delivered by way of the hydrogel significantly reduced the threshold elevation. Immunohistochemistry for neurofilament 200 kD demonstrated increased survival of SGNs because of BDNF application through the hydrogel.

Conclusion: These findings indicate that biodegradable hydrogels can be used for drug delivery to the inner ear.
Identification, Expression, and Evolutionary Analyses of Plant Lipocalins
Authors: Frenette Charron Jean-Benoit , Ouellet François , Pelletier Mélanie , Danyluk Jean , Chauve Cédric , Sarhan Fathey
Published: November 2005

Lipocalins are a group of proteins that have been characterized in bacteria, invertebrate, and vertebrate animals. However, very little is known about plant lipocalins. We have previously reported the cloning of the first true plant lipocalins. Here we report the identification and characterization of plant lipocalins and lipocalin-like proteins using an integrated approach of data mining, expression studies, cellular localization, and phylogenetic analyses. Plant lipocalins can be classified into two groups, temperature-induced lipocalins (TILs) and chloroplastic lipocalins (CHLs). In addition, violaxanthin de-epoxidases (VDEs) and zeaxanthin epoxidases (ZEPs) can be classified as lipocalin-like proteins. CHLs, VDEs, and ZEPs possess transit peptides that target them to the chloroplast. On the other hand, TILs do not show any targeting peptide, but localization studies revealed that the proteins are found at the plasma membrane. Expression analyses by quantitative real-time PCR showed that expression of the wheat (Triticum aestivum) lipocalins and lipocalin-like proteins is associated with abiotic stress response and is correlated with the plant's capacity to develop freezing tolerance. In support of this correlation, data mining revealed that lipocalins are present in the desiccation-tolerant red algae Porphyra yezoensis and the cryotolerant marine yeast Debaryomyces hansenii, suggesting a possible association with stress-tolerant organisms. Considering the plant lipocalin properties, tissue specificity, response to temperature stress, and their association with chloroplasts and plasma membranes of green leaves, we hypothesize a protective function of the photosynthetic system against temperature stress. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that TIL lipocalin members in higher plants were probably inherited from a bacterial gene present in a primitive unicellular eukaryote. On the other hand, CHLs, VDEs, and ZEPs may have evolved from a cyanobacterial ancestral gene after the formation of the cyanobacterial endosymbiont from which the chloroplast originated.
Metabolite Profiling of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii under Nutrient Deprivation
Authors: Bölling Christian , Fiehn Oliver
Published: November 2005

A metabolite profiling technique for Chlamydomonas reinhardtii cells for multiparallel analysis of low-molecular weight polar compounds was developed. The experimental protocol was optimized to quickly inactivate enzymatic activity, achieve maximum extraction capacity, and process large sample quantities. As a result of the rapid sampling, extraction, and analysis by gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry, more than 800 analytes from a single sample could be measured, of which more than 100 could be identified. Analyte responses could be determined mostly with ses less than 10%. Wild-type cells of C. reinhardtii strain CC-125 subjected to nitrogen-, phosphorus-, sulfur-, or iron-depleted growth conditions develop highly distinctive metabolite profiles. Individual metabolites undergo marked changes in their steady-state levels. Compared to control conditions, sulfur-depleted cells accumulated 4-hydroxyproline more than 50-fold, whereas the amount of 2-ketovaline was reduced to 2% of control levels. The contribution of each compound to the differences observed in the metabolic phenotypes is summarized in a quantitatively rigorous way by principal component analysis, which clearly discriminates the cells from different growth regimes and indicates that phosphorus-depleted conditions induce a deficiency syndrome quite different from the response to nitrogen, sulfur, or iron starvation.
Role of Salicylic Acid and Fatty Acid Desaturation Pathways in ssi2-Mediated Signaling
Authors: Kachroo Pradeep , Venugopal Srivathsa C. , Navarre Duroy A. , Lapchyk Ludmila , Kachroo Aardra
Published: November 2005

Stearoyl-acyl carrier protein desaturase-mediated conversion of stearic acid to oleic acid (18:1) is the key step that regulates the levels of unsaturated fatty acids (FAs) in cells. Our previous work with the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) ssi2/fab2 mutant and its suppressors demonstrated that a balance between glycerol-3-phosphate (G3P) and 18:1 levels is critical for the regulation of salicylic acid (SA)- and jasmonic acid-mediated defense signaling in the plant. In this study, we have evaluated the role of various genes that have an impact on SA, resistance gene-mediated, or FA desaturation (FAD) pathways on ssi2-mediated signaling. We show that ssi2-triggered resistance is dependent on EDS1, PAD4, EDS5, SID2, and FAD7 FAD8 genes. However, ssi2-triggered defects in the jasmonic acid pathway, morphology, and cell death phenotypes are independent of the EDS1, EDS5, PAD4, NDR1, SID2, FAD3, FAD4, FAD5, DGD1, FAD7, and FAD7 FAD8 genes. Furthermore, the act1-mediated rescue of ssi2 phenotypes is also independent of the FAD2, FAD3, FAD4, FAD5, FAD7, and DGD1 genes. Since exogenous application of glycerol converts wild-type plants into ssi2 mimics, we also studied the effect of exogenous application of glycerol on mutants impaired in resistance-gene signaling, SA, or fad pathways. Glycerol increased SA levels and induced pathogenesis-related gene expression in all but sid2, nahG, fad7, and fad7 fad8 plants. Furthermore, glycerol-induced phenotypes in various mutant lines correlate with a concomitant reduction in 18:1 levels. Inability to convert glycerol into G3P due to a mutation in the nho1-encoded glycerol kinase renders plants tolerant to glycerol and unable to induce the SA-dependent pathway. A reduction in the NHO1-derived G3P pool also results in a partial age-dependent rescue of the ssi2 morphological and cell death phenotypes in the ssi2 nho1 plants. The glycerol-mediated induction of defense was not associated with any major changes in the lipid profile and/or levels of phosphatidic acid. Taken together, our results suggest that glycerol application and the ssi2 mutation in various mutant backgrounds produce similar effects and that restoration of ssi2 phenotypes is not associated with the further desaturation of 18:1 to linoleic or linolenic acids in plastidal or extraplastidal lipids.
Traffic volume and highway permeability for a mammalian community in the Canadian Rocky Mountains
Authors: Alexander Shelley M. , Waters Nigel M. , Paquet Paul C.
Published: November 2005

We examined whether highway traffic volume changed the rates of movement (habitat permeability) for ten mammalian species in the central Canadian Rocky Mountains. Winter track count data were collected on four highways of varying traffic volume: the Trans‐Canada Highway (TCH) (14,000 annual average daily traffic [AADT]) and 1A Highway (3,000 AADT) in Banff National Park and the Highway 40 (5,000 AADT) and Smith Dorrien Trail in Kananaskis Country (2,000 AADT). Permeability represented the ratio of road crossing tracks/km to tracks/km on transects adjacent to roads. We compared permeability at the community level and for carnivore and ungulate guilds, using a Kruskal–Wallis H‐test. Traffic volume significantly reduced habitat permeability for the community ( P < 0.05). Pair‐wise Kruskal–Wallis tests showed that habitat permeability was significantly reduced for carnivores at high traffic volume ( P = 0.008) and for ungulates at very high traffic volume ( P < 0.043). Cross‐referencing with winter traffic counts, we found movement was impaired for carnivores when traffic ranged from 300 to 500 vehicles per day (VPD) and for ungulates between 500 and 5,000 VPD. Our results indicated that the TCH requires mitigation to restore habitat permeability for all species and yielded strong evidence that the Highway 40 is a priority for mitigation.
Fantastic topographies: neo‐liberal responses to Aboriginal land claims in British Columbia
Authors: Rossiter David , Wood Patricia K.
Published: November 2005

This paper presents an analysis of the referendum on Native land claims that took place in British Columbia (BC) in the spring of 2002. The province's Liberal Government claimed that the referendum was needed in order to secure a public mandate for a set of negotiating principles that would breath new life into the supposedly stalled treaty process. Drawing evidence from government press releases, politicians' statements and media coverage, we argue that the BC Government and its supporters employed a discourse centred on neo‐liberal economic logic in order to justify the exercise. Furthermore, we charge that this discourse relies on an erasure of the historical–geographical contexts of Native–newcomer relations in the province. By drawing on Cindi Katz's socio‐spatial metaphor of ‘topographies’, we suggest that Native space in British Columbia needs to be understood as a series of situated and grounded experiences of colonialism and capitalist production. Then, extending the metaphor, we highlight the ways in which the referendum supporters' rhetoric contains a vision of future topographies of Native experience that adhere to the private property ethic of neo‐liberal economics. We conclude that the politics surrounding the treaty process must be understood as a contest over the terms of Aboriginal citizenship and not merely as a conflict over the allotment of land and resources.
Crown corporations and co‐operatives as coping mechanisms in regional economic development
Authors: Rice Murray D. , Lavoie Darren C.
Published: November 2005

This paper focuses attention on two types of businesses, Crown corporations and co‐operatives, that have long been associated with attempted solutions to regional economic developmental problems in Canada. The paper argues that co‐operatives and Crown corporations can be viewed as coping mechanisms that attempt to make up for shortcomings in Canada's market‐based economic system. Consistent with this perspective, the case study of co‐operatives and Crown corporations finds that, taken as a single group, these firms are more spatially dispersed than their privately held and publicly traded counterparts at both the Canadian national level and the regional level in Saskatchewan. The study also shows that, taken separately, Crown corporations are highly concentrated within Saskatchewan, while co‐operatives are dispersed across the province. A possible explanation for this behaviour, warranting further research, is that Crown corporations in Saskatchewan encourage development provincially by linking with global and national business networks in their respective industries, while co‐operatives in Saskatchewan largely focus on facilitating economic development opportunities at a local level across the many smaller town‐ and city‐centred regions of the province. The paper discusses the meaning of these and other findings for regional economic development efforts in Saskatchewan and Canada.
Climate change, biodiversity conservation and protected area planning in Canada
Authors: Lemieux Christopher J. , Scott Daniel J.
Published: November 2005

For more than a decade, climate change has been identified as an important emerging issue for protected areas. Utilising outputs from two equilibrium global vegetation models (GVMs) forced with six climate‐change scenarios, this study assessed potential terrestrial biome‐type change in Canada's protected area network (2,979 national parks, national wildlife areas, migratory bird sanctuaries, Ramsar sites, ecological reserves, wilderness wildlife areas and provincial parks). Vegetation‐modelling results project that 37–48 percent of Canada's protected areas could experience a change in terrestrial biome type under doubled atmospheric carbon‐dioxide conditions. Park and protected area planning in Canada have traditionally been founded upon enduring‐feature analysis and ecoregion representation frameworks. These conservation‐planning frameworks are based on climatic and biogeographic stability; assumptions that what these modelling results for Canada's protected areas and other vegetation‐modelling studies indicate are untenable in an era of global climate change. Implications for protected area policy and planning in Canada are also discussed.
Do haddock select habitats to maximize condition?
Authors: Hiddink J. G. , Jennings S. , Kaiser M. J.
Published: November 2005

Haddock Melanogrammus aeglefinus in the North sea increased their distributional range when more abundant, but this density dependent habitat selection (DDHS) explained only a small part of the year‐on‐year variation in distribution patterns. The condition of haddock was examined at 24 sites in the North Sea in August and September 2004 and related to their abundance, to examine if the ideal free distribution theory (IFD), which assumes that organisms select habitats that maximize their rate of food intake, can be used to explain this variation in large scale distribution patterns. At a given temperature, condition (hepato‐somatic index, IH) was better at stations where haddock were most abundant. Therefore, haddock were not distributed perfectly according to the IFD in 2004. The positive correlation between abundance and IH, however, indicated there was some habitat selection by haddock, as in the total absence of habitat selection no correlation between IH and abundance, and no spatial variation in abundance was expected. DDHS may only explain a small part of the yearly variation in the distribution because haddock did not equalize and maximize their fitness at the scale of the North Sea. In addition, stable isotope analysis of muscle samples showed that haddock did not avoid competition for food when at high abundance by feeding at a lower or wider range of trophic levels.
Forest change and stream fish habitat: lessons from ‘Olde’ and New England
Authors: Nislow K. H.
Published: November 2005

The North Atlantic region has a long history of land use change that has influenced and will continue to influence stream ecosystems and fisheries production. This paper explores and compares the potential consequences of changes in forest cover for fish production in upland, coldwater stream environments in New England, U.S.A. and the British Isles, two regions which share important similarities with respect to overall physical, biotic and socio‐economic setting. Both regions were extensively deforested and essentially no extensive old‐growth forest stands remain. In New England, recovering forests, consisting almost entirely of naturally‐regenerated native species, now cover >60% of the landscape. Associated with this large‐scale reforestation, open landscapes, common in the 19th and first half the 20th century, are currently rare and declining in this region. In the British Isles, forests still cover <20% of the landscape, and existing forests largely consist of exotic conifer plantations stocked at high stand densities and harvested at frequent rotations. While forest restoration and conservation is frequently recommended as a fisheries habitat conservation and restoration tool, consideration of the way in which forests affect essential aspects of fish habitat suggests that response of upland stream fish to landscape change is inherently complex. Under certain environmental settings and reforestation practices, conversion of open landscapes to young‐mature forests can negatively impact fish production. Further, the effects of re‐establishing old‐growth forests are difficult to predict for the two regions (due to the current absence of such landscapes), and are likely to depend strongly on the extent to which critical ecosystem attributes (large‐scale disturbances, fish migrations, keystone species, large woody debris recruitment) are allowed to be re‐established. Understanding these context‐dependencies is critical for predicting fish responses, and should help managers set realistic conservation, management and restoration goals. Management may best be served by promoting a diversity of land cover types in a way that emulates natural landscape and disturbance dynamics. This goal presents very different challenges in New England and the British Isles due to differences in current and predicted land use trajectories, along with differences in ecological context and public perception.
Patterns of density‐dependent growth in juvenile stream‐dwelling salmonids
Authors: Grant J. W. A. , Imre I.
Published: November 2005

Literature data for 19 populations from 16 different studies of six species of stream‐dwelling salmonids were analysed to test the hypothesis that density‐dependent growth is stronger at low rather than at high population density. Fifteen of 19 populations showed evidence of a significant decrease in growth rate with increasing density. In 11 of these 15 populations, the pattern of density‐dependent growth was better described by a negative power curve than by a linear regression (i.e. Akaike Information Criterion,AIClinear − AICpower > 2), whereas only one population was better described by a linear regression than by a negative power curve; three populations were adequately described by both models (AIC < 2). In 10 of the 11 populations that were best described by a negative power curve, most of the decrease in growth rate occurred at population densities <1 fish m−2, when space limitation is unlikely. This analysis provides broad support for the hypothesis that density‐dependent growth in stream salmonids occurs primarily at low population densities, probably due to exploitative competition.
The feeding strategy of dabLimanda limandain the southern North Sea: linking stomach contents to prey availability in the environment
Authors: Hinz H. , Kröncke I. , Ehrich S.
Published: November 2005

The feeding strategy of dabLimanda limandawas investigated within a predefined research area in the southern North Sea for 2 years. The aims were: 1) to establish the relationship between prey availability and dab abundance, distribution, body condition and prey selection, and 2) to determine the underlying functional processes of prey choice in dab. Temporal and spatial trends of prey availability in relation to dab abundances, distribution, condition and prey selection were analysed. Temporal trends in dab condition, percentage of empty stomachs and numbers of ingested prey were apparent. In particular in the winter period 2000–2001 dab were in poor condition and prey items were only rarely found in stomachs. Similarly prey availability decreased in the environment while the abundance of dab increased. Thus, temporal changes in the nutritive state were partly thought to be attributed to density‐dependent effects. The stomach composition of dab during the two consecutive summers was mainly dominated byPariambus typicusandOphiura albidawhile in the winter period onlyO. albidamade a significant contribution to the stomach content. Analysis of prey characteristics indicated that only prey densities in the environment significantly influenced prey choice in dab, while other characteristics such as the position of the prey in the habitat, its palatability or mobility did not have significant effects. The feeding strategy of dab thus was highly opportunistic, although trends were apparent that suggested that buried living fauna was less likely to be ingested, which was also observed in previous studies.
The shallow water gobiid assemblage of the Venice Lagoon: abundance, seasonal variation and habitat partitioning
Authors: Malavasi S. , Franco A. , Fiorin R. , Franzoi P. , Torricelli P. , Mainardi D.
Published: November 2005

The gobiid assemblage of the Venice Lagoon shallow waters was investigated by means of a semi‐quantitative standardized sampling (using a small beach seine), stratified into five main types of shallow subtidal habitats and conducted on a seasonal basis during 1 year. The degree of overlap in resource utilization among six coexisting goby species was assessed, along both the time axis, by analysing the seasonal variation in abundance and reproductive status (as revealed by the gonado‐somatic index) and the habitat axis, by comparing species abundance across different habitat types and controlling for the effects of some abiotic factors. Smaller species, and especially the marbled goby Pomatoschistus marmoratus, dominated the local assemblage. Although the cycle of shallow water colonization and seasonal variation in total abundance were basically similar, species showed differences in timing of reproduction and recruitment, as well as in habitat preference. The larger species belonging to the genera Gobius and Zosterisessor tended to overlap their habitat use, being more abundant in seagrass habitats than in the unvegetated habitats, whereas the smaller species belonging to the genera Knipowitschia and Pomatoschistus avoided seagrasses, preferring in most cases mud flats and salt marsh creeks. Within these two groups of species some further slight differences in species habitat preference, relationship with abiotic factors and reproductive ecology could be detected. Results are discussed in the light of both ecological mechanisms underlying coexistence of closely related species and the current knowledge of the phylogeny of Mediterranean gobies.
A case study of habitat compensation to ameliorate impacts of hydroelectric development: effectiveness of re‐watering and habitat enhancement of an intermittent flood overflow channel
Authors: Scruton D. A. , Clarke K. D. , Roberge M. M. , Kelly J. F. , Dawe M. B.
Published: November 2005

Development of the Rose Blanche River, insular Newfoundland, Canada, for hydroelectricity resulted in destruction of fluvial habitat and habitat compensation was required to achieve ‘no net loss’(NNL) of habitat productive capacity. The preferred compensation alternative involved modification of a 1·2 km long natural high flow, flood bypass channel, wetted only during peak snow melt events. The channel consisted of 99·6 units (100 m2) of habitat and was modified, with hydraulic control structures, to ensure a constant regulated flow. Physical enhancement included addition of spawning gravels, bank stabilization, protection dykes to prevent flooding and installation of low head barriers to create pools. A 3 year study (2000–2002) was undertaken to assess: (1) habitat stability in the channel, (2) re‐population of the compensatory channel, (3) biological characteristics of fishes utilizing the channel and (4) movement and migration between the compensatory channel and the main river. Study results indicated evolution of meso‐habitat characteristics due to geomorphological and hydrological factors, with distribution of spawning gravels and increased input of organic matter. The channel was utilized preferentially by brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis, with a mix of size and age classes, indicating habitat use by all life stages. Total fish biomass over 3 years increased in the compensation channel while it decreased in the river main stem. Young‐of‐the‐year density was strong for both brook trout and Atlantic salmon Salmo salar in 2001 and 2002 suggesting good spawning and incubation conditions. Year class strength was less in the main river indicating differential (improved) survival in the compensatory habitat. Tag returns provided little evidence of site fidelity for both species suggesting considerable movement within the channel and possibly between the main river and channel. Habitat compensation effectiveness, in terms of NNL, determined that fish production in the compensatory channel achieved 69, 92 and 128% of lost production in 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively. Fish production increased each year after development and NNL was achieved by the third year. The NNL was achieved in the compensatory channel which contained 100 units as opposed to the 570 units destroyed, a 1 : 5·7 ratio. The results of the study indicated that both habitat area and a measure of habitat productive capacity need to be considered in planning and assessing habitat compensation projects.
Principles for linking fish habitat to fisheries management and conservation
Authors: Naiman R. J. , Latterell J. J.
Published: November 2005

A set of eight simple ecological and social principles is proposed that could enhance the understanding of what constitutes fish ‘habitat’ and, if implemented, could contribute to improved management and conservation strategies. The habitat principles are a small, interrelated sub‐set that may be coupled with additional ones to formulate comprehensive guidelines for management and conservation strategies. It is proposed that: 1) habitat can be created by keystone species and interactions among species; 2) the productivity of aquatic and riparian habitat is interlinked by reciprocal exchanges of material; 3) the riparian zone is fish habitat; 4) fishless headwater streams are inseparable from fish‐bearing rivers downstream; 5) habitats can be coupled – in rivers, lakes, estuaries and oceans, and in time; 6) habitats change over hours to centuries; 7) fish production is dynamic due to biocomplexity, in species and in habitats; 8) management and conservation strategies must evolve in response to present conditions, but especially to the anticipated future. It is contended that the long‐term resilience of native fish communities in catchments shared by humans depends on incorporating these principles into management and conservation strategies. Further, traditional strategies poorly reflect the dynamic nature of habitat, the true extent of habitat, or the intrinsic complexity in societal perspectives. Forward‐thinking fish management and conservation plans view habitat as more than water. They are multilayered, ranging from pools to catchments to ecoregions, and from hours to seasons to centuries. They embrace, as a fundamental premise, that habitat evolves through both natural and anthropogenic processes, and that patterns of change may be as important as other habitat attributes.
Habitat use, migration pattern and population dynamics of chevron snakehead Channa striata in a rainfed rice farming landscape
Authors: Amilhat E. , Lorenzen K.
Published: November 2005

Habitat use, migration, mortality and growth of the chevron snakehead Channa striata in a rainfed rice farming landscape of north‐east Thailand were studied through a tagging experiment. A total of 751 fish were captured, tagged and released during three distinct events in the late dry season, and in the beginning and at the end of the wet season. Rice fields provided the major wet season habitat for C. striata. Small trap ponds built to provide dry season habitat on farms provided 20% of catches and, if not harvested, could increase recruitment to the spawning stock by >30% despite accounting for <1% of dry season habitat by area. Migrations were localized (mostly <500 m). Up‐migration from perennial to seasonal water bodies at the beginning of the wet season involved longer distances and took place over a longer time than down‐migration at the end of the wet season. Natural mortality rates were extremely high, particularly during the period of down‐migration. Fishing mortality rates were high in absolute terms, but contributed only 6–36% to the total mortality. Growth was seasonal with a maximum towards the end of the wet season. Snakeheads have successfully colonized the rainfed rice farming landscape, where populations can withstand intensive exploitation and respond well to aquatic habitat management on farmland.
Size‐related and diel variations in microhabitat use of three endangered small fishes in a Mediterranean coastal stream
Authors: Clavero M. , Blanco‐Garrido F. , Zamora L. , Prenda J.
Published: November 2005

This study analysed the microhabitat use of three endangered fish species, Andalusian toothcarp Aphanius baeticus, Iberian loach Cobitis paludica and sand smelt Atherina boyeri, in a coastal stream stretch. Plastic minnow traps were set both during daytime and at night on the bottom and at the surface. Depth and presence of effective refuge were recorded for each trap. To assess size‐related changes in microhabitat use individuals of each species were classified in three size classes. The three species preferentially used bottom positions in the water column, though this behaviour was more evident in the case of Iberian loach. While large Iberian loach remained active at night Andalusian toothcarp and sand smelt were strongly diurnal, especially larger individuals. The three species showed a clear ontogenetic change in microhabitat preferences towards deeper waters. Small Andalusian toothcarp and medium‐sized Iberian loach used deeper microhabitat in the presence of refuge. Large Andalusian toothcarp consistently preferred exposed microhabitat at any time. Andalusian toothcarp using refuge were smaller at any time, while Iberian loach followed this pattern only at night. The differential vulnerability of these species to different predators (aerial and aquatic; diurnal and nocturnal) could explain the observed patterns in microhabitat use. Fish tended to co‐occur in microhabitats either due to habitat characteristics independently of species or due to species independently of habitat. Andalusian toothcarp segregated spatio‐temporally from sand smelt and Iberian loach, but these species occurred independently of each other. According to these co‐occurrence patterns, Andalusian toothcarp would be more sensitive than Iberian loach or sand smelt to interspecific interactions.
Molecular predictors of clinical outcome in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Thomas Giovana R. , Nadiminti Hari , Regalado Jacinto
Published: November 2005

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) involves the upper aerodigestive tract and can destroy the structure and function of organs involved in voice, speech, taste, smell and hearing, as well as vital structures necessary for survival. HNSCC has long been a treatment challenge because of the high rate of recurrences and of advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. Molecular identification of tissue biomarkers in diagnostic biopsy specimens may not only identify patients at risk for developing HNSCC but may also select patients that may benefit from more aggressive treatment modalities. Several biomarkers studied to date such as the proteins p53, cyclin D1, p16, Cox‐2 enzyme, epidermal growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor receptors, matrix metalloproteinases and the Fhit marker for genomic instability could be manipulated for the therapeutic benefit of these patients. This review presents the most updated information on molecular biomarkers with the greatest prognostic potential in HNSCC and discusses some factors that contribute to the controversy concerning their prognostic importance.
On the lack of good scientific reasons for the growing phylogeny/classification gap
Authors: Franz Nico M.
Published: November 2005

An increasing number of phylogenetic analyses is no longer translated into classifications. The resulting phylogeny/classification gap is undesirable because the precise transmission of phylogenetic insights depends on the frequent revision of Linnaean names. The move away from classifying has numerous correlates. These include: an expanded pool of researchers who are able to produce phylogenetic estimates, a mismatch between the properties of molecular phylogenies and the requirements for verbal Linnaean definitions, the emphasis of statistical representations over the creation and evaluation of scientific terms, and a partial disconnect between the processes of nomenclature and taxonomy. The “taxonomic concept” approach allows systematists to express their varying perspectives with a high precision and can therefore help reduce the aforementioned gap. The phylogeny/classification link must persist in order to ensure community‐wide access to, and continued testing of, the products of systematic research.

© The Willi Hennig Society 2005.
Conflict and congruence in a combined DNA–morphology analysis of megachiropteran bat relationships (Mammalia: Chiroptera: Pteropodidae)
Authors: Giannini Norberto P. , Simmons Nancy B.
Published: November 2005

The phylogeny of megabats (Mammalia: Chiroptera: Megachiroptera) has been addressed only on molecular grounds, as little effort has previously been made to describe the impressive morphological variation of the group in terms of phylogenetically informative characters. Here we provide a morphological matrix of 236 characters from the integument, dentition, cranial and post‐cranial skeleton, digestive apparatus and urogenital system. This data set covers most characters discussed previously in more restricted taxonomic contexts, as well a large number of new characters. Our aim was to generate a phylogenetic hypothesis for megabats based on a combined analysis of morphological characters and available gene sequence data from four mitochondrial and one nuclear loci. We used direct optimization under conventional equal costs, as well as under a cost ratio that maximizes homology when inapplicables (gaps) are present. Our results contradict the allegedly high level of conflict between the molecular and morphological partitions. We found that, although morphology alone recovered trees different and to some extent incompatible with those from previous molecular analyses, the combination of the two sources of evidence easily accommodated the morphological and molecular signals, yielding a resolved and relatively well‐supported phylogeny of Megachiroptera that is in reasonable agreement with the current morphology‐based taxonomy of the group. Overall congruence favored the maximization of homology by a narrow margin. In addition, partial analyses showed that implied weighting of morphology performed slightly better than equal weighting with respect to the combined analyses.

© The Willi Hennig Society 2005.
Spreading of methylation within RUNX3 CpG island in gastric cancer
Authors: Homma Naoyuki , Tamura Gen , Honda Teiichiro , Matsumoto Yutaka , Nishizuka Satoshi , Kawata Sumio , Motoyama Teiichi
Published: November 2005

RUNX3 is a novel tumor suppressor gene that is frequently silenced by promoter hypermethylation in gastric cancer. The methylation status of multiple regions within the RUNX3 promoter CpG island (3478 bp) was examined in gastric cancer cell lines, primary gastric cancers and non‐neoplastic gastric mucosa to clarify how methylation spreads within the CpG island. The critical regions for RUNX3 silencing were evaluated by analysis of cell lines. The most 5′ region of the CpG island was methylated in 90% (9/10) of gastric cancer cell lines, 96% (43/45) of primary gastric cancers and in 96% (43/45) of non‐neoplastic gastric mucosa. The frequencies of methylation were less near the transcription start site and were 40% (4/10) in cell lines, 53% (24/45) in primary gastric cancers and 11% (5/45) in non‐neoplastic gastric mucosa, where methylation was proven to be critical for gene silencing. Thus, hypermethylation initially occurs at the most 5′ region of the RUNX3 CpG island and spreads to the transcription start site before ultimately shutting down RUNX3 mRNA expression. The detection of hypermethylation at multiple regions within the RUNX3 CpG island may be useful in the diagnosis and risk assessment of gastric cancer. (Cancer Sci 2005)
Molecular mechanisms of pancreatic carcinogenesis
Authors: Furukawa Toru , Sunamura Makoto , Horii Akira
Published: November 2005

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is one of the most fatal malignancies. Intensive investigation of molecular pathogenesis might lead to identifying useful molecules for diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma harbors complicated aberrations of alleles including losses of 1p, 6q, 9p, 12q, 17p, 18q, and 21q, and gains of 8q and 20q. Pancreatic cancer is usually initiated by mutation of KRAS and aberrant expression of SHH. Overexpression of AURKA mapping on 20q13.2 may significantly enhance overt tumorigenesity. Aberrations of tumor suppressor genes synergistically accelerate progression of the carcinogenic pathway through pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) to invasive ductal adenocarcinoma. Abrogation of CDKN2A occurs in low‐grade/early PanIN, whereas aberrations of TP53 and SMAD4 occur in high‐grade/late PanIN. SMAD4 may play suppressive roles in tumorigenesis by inhibition of angiogenesis. Loss of 18q precedes SMAD4 inactivation, and restoration of chromosome 18 in pancreatic cancer cells results in tumor suppressive phenotypes regardless of SMAD4 status, indicating the possible existence of a tumor suppressor gene(s) other than SMAD4 on 18q. DUSP6 at 12q21‐q22 is frequently abrogated by loss of expression in invasive ductal adenocarcinomas despite fairly preserved expression in PanIN, which suggests that DUSP6 works as a tumor suppressor in pancreatic carcinogenesis. Restoration of chromosome 12 also suppresses growths of pancreatic cancer cells despite the recovery of expression of DUSP6; the existence of yet another tumor suppressor gene on 12q is strongly suggested. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of pancreatic carcinogenesis will likely provide novel clues for preventing, detecting, and ultimately curing this life‐threatening disease. (Cancer Sci 2005)
The role of alcohol and drugs in triggering criminal violence: a case‐crossover study*
Authors: Haggård‐Grann Ulrika , Hallqvist Johan , Långström Niklas , Möller Jette
Published: November 2005

Aims  To investigate the triggering effects of alcohol, illegal substances and major classes of prescribed psychotropic drugs on criminal violence.

Design  A case‐crossover design, using each subject as its own control.

Setting and participants  A consecutive sample of 133 violent offenders was recruited from a forensic psychiatric evaluation unit and a national prison evaluation unit in Sweden during 2002–03.

Measurements  Offenders were assessed with structured interviews. Risk estimates were based on hazard periods of 24 hours. We used standard Mantel–Haenszel methods for statistical analyses.

Findings  A 13.2‐fold increase of risk of violence [95% confidence interval (CI): 8.2–21.2] was found within 24 hours of alcohol consumption. This increase in violence risk was similar among individuals combining alcohol with benzodiazepines [Relative risk (RR) = 13.2, 95% CI: 4.9–35.3]. Use of benzodiazepines alone in regular doses (RR = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2–0.5) or antidepressants [selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or tricyclics] (RR = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.3–0.8) was associated with a lowered risk for violence.

Conclusions  This study confirmed that alcohol is a strong trigger of criminal violence. Benzodiazepines in combination with alcohol caused no further increase of violence risk. Benzodiazepines in regular doses and antidepressants may inhibit violence, but further studies are needed to verify causality. The case‐crossover method can contribute to research on the proximal causes of criminal violence.
The role of gemtuzumab ozogamicin in acute leukaemia therapy
Authors: Tsimberidou Apostolia‐Maria , Giles Francis J. , Estey Elihu , O'Brien Susan , Keating Michael J. , Kantarjian Hagop M.
Published: November 2005

Gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) is an immunoconjugate that binds to CD33 on the surface of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) blasts and, after internalisation, releases a cytotoxic drug, calicheamicin. GO is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of CD33‐positive AML at first relapse in patients 60 years and older who are not candidates for other cytotoxic therapy. GO as a single agent has low antileukaemic activity. When given to patients meeting the criteria noted above, it produces a complete response (CR) rate of only 12%, with another 12% achieving CR with inadequate platelet recovery (CRp). The median survival of patients treated with GO monotherapy is 11·2 months. GO therapy at 9 mg/m2 is complicated with hepatic veno‐occlusive disease in 5–10% of patients, particularly prior to or following stem cell transplantation. GO at lower doses combined with chemotherapy as induction or postremission therapy is promising, however, and phase III trials are ongoing. GO is probably most active in acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL). It is used for induction regimens in high‐risk APL and for the elimination of minimal residual APL. Case reports suggest that GO also has activity in CD33‐positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. In conclusion, single agent GO can induce responses in patients with CD33‐positive AML in first recurrence. The future of GO is its use in combination with other cytotoxic agents. Ongoing clinical trials may better define the role of GO combinations, particularly in untreated AML.
Cancer stem cells: lessons from leukaemia
Authors: Bonnet D.
Published: November 2005

Abstract.  Increasing evidence suggests that leukaemias are sustained by leukaemic stem cells. Leukaemia can indeed be viewed as aberrant haematopoietic processes initiated by rare leukaemic stem cells that have maintained or reacquired the capacity for indefinite proliferation through accumulated mutations and/or epigenetic changes. Yet, despite their critical importance, much remains to be learned about the developmental origin of leukaemic stem cells and the molecular pathways underlying the transformation of normal cells into leukaemic stem cells. This report will review our current knowledge on leukaemic stem cells development and finally demonstrate how these discoveries provide a paradigm for identification of cancer stem cells from solid tumours.
Liver cancer: the role of stem cells
Authors: Alison M. R. , Lovell M. J.
Published: November 2005

Abstract.  Studies of aggregation chimaeras and X‐linked polmorphisms strongly suggest that liver tumours are derived from single cells (monoclonal), but the important question is, which cell? Stem cell biology and cancer are inextricably linked. In continually renewing tissues such as the gut mucosa and epidermis, where a steady flux of cells occurs from the stem cell zone to the terminally differentiated cells that are imminently to be lost, it is widely accepted that cancer is a disease of stem cells, since these are the only cells that persist in the tissue for a sufficient length of time to acquire the requisite number of genetic changes for neoplastic development. In the liver the identity of the founder cells for the two major primary tumours, hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma, is more problematic. The reason for this is that no such obvious unidirectional flux occurs in the liver, although it is held that the centrilobular hepatocytes may be more differentiated (polyploid) and closer to cell senescence than those cells closest to the portal areas. Moreover, the existence of bipotential hepatic progenitor cells, along with hepatocytes endowed with longevity and long‐term repopulating potential suggests there may be more than one type of carcinogen target cell. Cell proliferation at the time of carcinogen exposure is pivotal for ‘fixing’ any genotoxic injury into a heritable form, thus any proliferative cell in the liver can be susceptible to neoplastic transformation. Hepatocytes are implicated in many instances of hepatocellular carcinoma, direct injury to the biliary epithelium implicates cholangiocytes in some cases of cholangiocarcinoma, while hepatic progenitor cell/oval cell activation accompanies many instances of liver damage irrespective of aetiology, making such cells very likely carcinogen targets. Of course, we must qualify this assertion by stating that many carcinogens are both cytotoxic and cytostatic, and that hepatic progenitor cell proliferation may be merely a bystander effect of this toxicity. An in‐depth discussion of causes of cancer in the liver is beyond the scope of this review, but infectious agents (e.g. hepatitis B and C viruses) play a major role, not just in transactivating or otherwise disrupting cellular proto‐oncogenes (hepatitis B virus), but also in causing chronic inflammation (hepatitis C and B viruses). Sustained epithelial proliferation in a milieu rich in inflammatory cells, growth factors and DNA‐damaging agents (reactive oxygen and nitrogen species – produced to fight infection), will lead to permanent genetic changes in proliferating cells. Up‐regulation of the transcription factor NF‐κB in transformed hepatocytes, through the paracrine action of TNF‐α from neighbouring endothelia and inflammatory cells, may be critical for tumour progression given the mitogenic and antiapoptotic properties of proteins encoded by many of NF‐κB's target genes.