bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solvent extraction of cues in the dust and frass of Prostephanus truncatus and analysis of behavioural mechanisms leading to arrestment of the predator Teretrius nigrescens
Authors: Stewart‐Jones Alex , Hodges Rick J. , Farman Dudley I. , Hall David R.
Published: October 2005

Abstract.  Teretrius nigrescens is a predatory beetle released into Africa for classical biological control of Prostephanus truncatus, currently the most serious insect pest of stored maize on the continent. T. nigrescens is arrested by the dust and frass produced by P. truncatus boring into maize and it has been concluded that this effect is most likely to be caused by chemicals in the dust/frass. A bioassay is presented in which EthoVision software (Noldus Information Technology, the Netherlands) captures and analyses the movement of individual insects within arenas containing zones to which solvent extracts are applied. The results demonstrate that cues enabling adult T. nigrescens to discriminate between maize flour and dust/frass are extractable in hexane, methanol and chloroform, but not water. Such discrimination is manifested by an increase in residence time, distance covered and path sinuosity in the dust/frass zone. Analysis of behaviour demonstrates cues that trigger inverse orthokinetic mechanisms contributing to arrestment in adult T. nigrescens. An increase in angular velocity would also suggest a direct klinokinetic component, although this parameter could be affected by postulated tropotactic and/or transverse klinotactic and/or longitudinal klinotactic mechanisms occurring at the edge of the application zone. Development of this bioassay, for the first time, permits responses of larval T. nigrescens to prey cues to be assessed. The results show that larvae apparently respond to cues extracted from dust/frass in a stronger manner than adults, with significant increases in the same descriptive parameters of time, distance and path sinuosity. However, unlike in the adults, there is no orthokinesis. It is proposed that strong larval response is attributable to either direct klinokinesis and/or tropotaxis interacting with transverse klinotaxis. Observations of larval backtracking at the zone boundary may also indicate longitudinal klinotaxis. The reasons for the differences in the adult and larval response to prey cues are considered, and how the described behavioural mechanisms combine to improve prey foraging is discussed.
Spatial and temporal scaling of intercellular CO2concentration in a temperate rain forest dominated byDacrydium cupressinumin New Zealand
Authors: TISSUE DAVID T. , BARBOUR MARGARET M. , HUNT JOHN E. , TURNBULL MATTHEW H. , GRIFFIN KEVIN L. , WALCROFT ADRIAN S. , WHITEHEAD DAVID
Published: October 2005

Seven methods, including measurements of photosynthesis (A) and stomatal conductance (gs), carbon isotope discrimination, ecosystem CO2and water vapour exchange using eddy covariance and the use of a multilayer canopy model and ecosystem Keeling plots, were employed to derive estimates of intercellular CO2concentration (Ci) across a range of spatial and temporal scales in a low productivity rain forest ecosystem dominated by the coniferDacrydium cupressinumLamb. in New Zealand. Estimates of shoot and canopyCiacross temporal scales ranging from minutes to years were remarkably similar (range of 274–294 µmol mol−1). The gradual increase in shootCiwith depth in the canopy was more likely attributable to decreases inAresulting from lower irradiance (Q) than to increases ingsdue to changes in air saturation deficit (D). The lack of marked vertical gradients inAandgsat saturatingQthrough the canopy and the low seasonal variability in environmental conditions contributed to the efficacy of scalingCi. However, the canopyCiestimate calculated from the carbon isotope composition of respired ecosystem CO2(δ 13CR; 236 µmol mol−1) was much lower than other estimates of canopyCi. Partitioningδ 13CRinto four components (soil, roots, litter and foliage) indicated root respiration as the dominant (> 50%) contributor toδ 13CR. Variable time lags and differences in isotopic composition during photosynthesis and respiration make the direct estimation of canopyCifromδ 13CRproblematic.
Growth and ethylene evolution by shade and sun ecotypes of Stellaria longipes in response to varied light quality and irradiance
Authors: KUREPIN LEONID V. , WALTON LINDA J. , REID DAVID M. , PHARIS RICHARD P. , CHINNAPPA C. C.
Published: October 2005

Plants growing in the shade receive both low light irradiance and light enriched in far red (FR) (i.e. light with a low red (R) to FR ratio). In an attempt to uncouple the R/FR ratio effects from light irradiance effects, we utilized Stellaria longipes because this species has two distinct natural population ecotypes, alpine (dwarf) and prairie (tall). The alpine population occupies the open, sun habitat. By contrast, the prairie population grows in the shade of other plants. Both ‘sun’ and ‘shade’ ecotypes responded with increased stem elongation responses under low irradiance, relative to growth under ‘normal’ irradiance, and this increased growth was proportionally similar. However, only the shade ecotype had increased shoot elongation in response to a low R/FR ratio. By contrast, the sun ecotype showed increased stem elongation in response to increasing R/FR ratio. Varying the R/FR ratios had no significant effect on ethylene evolution in either sun or shade ecotype. Under low irradiance, only the sun ecotype showed a significantly changed (decreased) ethylene evolution. We conclude that R/FR ratio and irradiance both regulate growth, and that irradiance can also influence ethylene evolution of the sun ecotype. By contrast, R/FR ratio and irradiance, while having profound influences on growth of the shade ecotype, do not appear to regulate these growth changes via effects on ethylene production.
Functional variants of the lipoprotein lipase gene and the risk of preeclampsia among non‐Hispanic Caucasian women
Authors: Zhang C , Austin MA , Edwards KL , Farin FM , Li N , Hsu L , Srinouanprachanh SL , Williams MA
Published: October 2005

Hypertriglyceridemia is an important pathophysiologic feature of preeclampsia, a common vascular disorder of pregnancy. Three well‐documented functional variants (N291S, S447X, and D9N) of the lipoprotein lipase gene were related to hypertriglyceridemia. Results from the only two studies concerning the relationship between these variants and preeclampsia risk have been inconsistent. We investigated this relationship in a case–control study including 144 preeclamptic and 290 normotensive pregnant women (all non‐Hispanic Caucasians). We estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) adjusted for maternal age, pre‐pregnancy body mass index, and parity. After adjusting for covariates, women with the 291 N/S or S/S genotype had significantly increased risk of preeclampsia (OR 6.9, 95% CI 1.9–25.4) compared with women with the common 291N/N genotype. The 447 S/X or X/X genotype was not significantly associated with preeclampsia risk. The frequency of the 9N variant allele was 1.8% in controls, while this allele was not observed among cases. Haplotype 9D/291S/447S was strongly associated with higher risk of preeclampsia as compared with the most common haplotype 9D/291N/447S (adjusted OR 6.6, 95% CI 1.7–25.0). Results from our study support the thesis that abnormal lipid metabolism is important in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.
The role of preservation solution on acid–base regulation during machine perfusion of kidneys
Authors: Baicu Simona C , Taylor Michael J , Brockbank Kelvin GM
Published: October 2005

Abstract:  To meet the current clinical organ demand, efficient preservation methods and solutions are needed to increase the number of viable kidneys for transplantation. In the present study, the influence of perfusion solution buffering strength on renal pH dynamics and regulation mechanisms during kidney ex vivo preservation was determined. Porcine kidneys were hypothermically machine perfused for 72 h with either UnisolTM‐UHK or Belzer‐Machine Perfusion solution, Belzer‐MP solution. Renal perfusate samples were periodically collected and biochemically analyzed. The UHK solution, a Hepes‐based solution (35 mM), provided a more efficient control of renal pH that, in turn, resulted in minor changes in the perfusate pH relative to baseline, in response to tissue CO2 and HCO production. In the perfusate of Belzer‐MP kidney group a wider range of pH values were recorded and a pronounced pH reduction was seen in response to significant rises in pCO2 and HCO concentrations. The Belzer‐MP solution, containing phosphate (25 mM) as its main buffer, and only 10 mM Hepes, had a greater buffering requirement to attenuate larger pH changes.
Spatial heterogeneity and the stability of host-parasite coexistence
Authors: Brockhurst M. A. , Buckling A , Rainey P. B.
Published: October 2005

Spatially heterogeneous environments can theoretically promote more stable coexistence of hosts and parasites by reducing the risk of parasite attack either through providing permanent spatial refuges or through providing ephemeral refuges by reducing dispersal. In experimental populations of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the bacteriophage PP7, spatial heterogeneity promoted stable coexistence of host and parasite, while coexistence was significantly less stable in the homogeneous environment. Phage populations were found to be persisting on subpopulations of sensitive bacteria. Transferring populations to fresh microcosms every 24 h prevented the development of permanent spatial refuges. However, the lower dispersal rates in the heterogeneous environment were found to reduce parasite transmission thereby creating ephemeral refuges from phage attack. These results suggest that spatial heterogeneity can stabilize an otherwise unstable host-parasite interaction even in the absence of permanent spatial refuges.
Parvovirus B19 VP2‐Proteins Produced in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Comparison with VP2‐Particles Produced by Baculovirus‐Derived Vectors
Authors: Lowin T. , Raab U. , Schroeder J. , Franssila R. , Modrow S.
Published: October 2005

The capsids of human parvovirus B19 consist of two structural proteins, the minor‐capsid protein VP1 and the major‐capsid protein VP2. The latter which constitutes for 95% of the capsid are able to form virus‐like particles (VLPs) in yeast without the presence of VP1‐proteins. VP2‐proteins produced in Saccharomyces cerevisiae have the capacity to form VLPs in the absence of VP1‐proteins. These yeast‐derived VLPs resemble native virus or recombinant VP2–VLPs produced by baculovirus systems in respect of size, molecular weight and of antigenicity as shown by antigen‐capture ELISA and T‐cell proliferation tests. Regarding costs, yield and ease of handling particle production in yeast represents an alternative to the recombinant baculovirus expression system which is so far the source for VP2–VLPs of human parvovirus B19.
Human Parvovirus B19 Serology and Avidity Using a Combination of Recombinant Antigens Enables a Differentiated Picture of the Current State of Infection
Authors: Pfrepper K.‐I. , Enders M. , Motz M.
Published: October 2005

In order to improve serodiagnostic methods for the determination of the state of human parovirus B19 infection, a new test system, recomLine Parvovirus, based on the use of recombinant antigens, has been developed and evaluated. The test system combines the advantages of enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods with those of the Western blot technique. For the recombinant line assay, five antigens of human parvovirus B19 that were recombinantly produced in Escherichia coli were applied directly on nitrocellulose membranes: VP2, the aminoterminal and the carboxyterminal domain of VP1 (VP‐N and VP‐C), VP‐1S another fragment of VP‐N and NS1. In addition, empty virus particles isolated from eukaryotic cell cultures were also applied. The recombinant‐line assay was used to detect human IgG and IgM antibodies directed against human parvovirus B19. In addition, the avidity of the IgG antibodies was investigated. The recombinant line assay was evaluated using 87 human serum samples of patients recently infected with human parvovirus B19 including 10 samples of three infection time courses and 100 serum samples of healthy blood donors. All results were compared with commercially available ELISAs. In the case of discrepancies, Western blot analysis was performed. The data revealed the recombinant line assay to be highly sensitive and specific. The individual determination of the human immune response against several recombinant antigens covering the structural proteins of human parvovirus B19 gives a deeper insight into the actual status of infection. In addition, the determination of IgG avidity against these individual recombinant antigens enables a more precise and differentiated picture of the infection event.
Tissue Distribution of Two Field Isolates and Two Vaccine Strains of Porcine Parvovirus in Foetal Organs after Experimental Infection of Pregnant Sows as Determined by Real‐time PCR
Authors: Wilhelm S. , Zeeuw E. J. L. , Selbitz H.‐J. , Truyen U.
Published: October 2005

The aim of this study was to investigate the tissue distribution of two different field isolates and two vaccine strains of porcine parvoviruses (PPV) in infected piglets after transplacental infection. The viral load in 10 different foetal organs was determined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction assays with SYBR® Green targeting the viral VP2 gene and the genomic c‐myc gene in 12 foetuses. The viral load in foetal tissues differed greatly among the different parvoviruses. Between one virulent field isolate compared with the other field isolate and the vaccine strains, the detected viral copy number differed in an order of magnitude of 109. The virulent isolate contained PPV in all 10 organs with viral loads varying between 1011 and 1015 per 106 cells. Concerning the other field isolate and the two vaccine strains, if PPV was detected, in most of the cases the highest viral load was found in foetal kidneys with a maximum viral load of 103 per 106 cells. Additionally, PPV was found in the heart of one foetus, in the liver and duodenum of one foetus and in the thymus of one foetus with viral loads varying between 102.1 and 103.5 per 106 cells. In completely mummified foetuses with no discriminable organs of foetuses infected with the vaccine strains and the less virulent isolate, PPV was present in very low amounts or even below the detection limit.
Quantitative, longitudinal profiling of the primate fecal microbiota reveals idiosyncratic, dynamic communities
Authors: Wireman Joy , Lowe Mary , Spiro Alex , Zhang Yu‐Zhong , Sornborger Andrew , Summers Anne O.
Published: October 2005

We used slot blot hybridization, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and flow cytometry microarrays to quantify specific 16S rDNAs in weekly fecal specimens from four monkeys housed in a research vivarium for periods ranging from five to 8 months. Even in these uniformly housed and fed animals the gut microbiota is idiosyncratic, very dynamic on short timescales, and shows significant positive and negative correlations among some bacteria as well as responses to heavy metal exposure. The relative quantification (fmol targets per total fmol bacterial 16S rDNA) afforded by flow cytometry microarrays agreed well with the absolute quantification (nanogram of target DNA per nanogram of fecal DNA) afforded by slot blots and qPCR. We also noted strengths and weaknesses in inter‐method comparisons for DNA‐based quantification of these complex bacterial communities.
The desert of Tataouine: an extreme environment that hosts a wide diversity of microorganisms and radiotolerant bacteria
Authors: Chanal Angélique , Chapon Virginie , Benzerara Karim , Barakat Mohamed , Christen Richard , Achouak Wafa , Barras Frédéric , Heulin Thierry
Published: October 2005

The phylogenetic diversity of prokaryotic communities exposed to arid conditions in the hot desert of Tataouine (south Tunisia) was estimated with a combination of a culture and – molecular‐based analysis. Thirty‐one isolates, representative of each dominant morphotypes, were affiliated to Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and the CFB group while none related to Archaea. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene libraries revealed the presence of species related to Bacteria and Archaea. Sequences related to Archaea were all affiliated to the non‐thermophilic Crenarchaeota subgroup. Bacterial sequences were dominated by Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Acidobacteria; a few sequences were distributed among eight others phyla, including Thermus/Deinococcus relatives. A correlation between tolerance to desiccation and to radiation has been demonstrated for the radiotolerant bacteria Deinococcus radiodurans. Because bacteria living in the hot desert of Tataouine are one way or another tolerant to desiccation, we investigate whether they could also be tolerant to radiation. Exposition of soil samples to intense gamma radiation yields Bacillus, Thermus/Deinococcus and α‐Proteobacteria relatives. Four of these strains correspond to radiotolerant species as revealed by evaluation of the resistance levels of the individual cultures. A detailed analysis of the resistance levels for two Thermus/Deinococcus and two α‐Proteobacteria relatives revealed that they correspond to new radiotolerant species.
Molecular analysis of the rstR and orfU genes of the CTX prophages integrated in the small chromosomes of environmental Vibrio cholerae non‐O1, non‐O139 strains
Authors: Bhattacharya Tanuja , Chatterjee Souvik , Maiti Diganta , Bhadra Rupak K. , Takeda Yoshifumi , Nair G. Balakrish , Nandy Ranjan K.
Published: October 2005

The ctxAB genes encoding cholera toxin, reside in the genome of a filamentous bacteriophage CTXφ. The presence of CTX prophage in non‐epidemic environmental Vibrio cholerae strains is rare. The CTX prophage, the lysogenic form of CTXφ in V. cholerae, is comprised of the ‘RS2’ and the ‘Core’. Analysis of the rstR gene present in the RS2 region of the CTX prophage revealed the presence of new alleles of the prophages in four environmental non‐O1, non‐O139 strains VCE22 (O36), VCE228 (O27), VCE232 (O4) and VCE233 (O27), and the CTX prophages are located in the small chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis based on the nucleotide sequences of the rstR and orfU (present in the core) genes of these prophages placed them in a single unique cluster, which is distally located compared with that of epidemic V. cholerae O1 strains. Further analysis indicated that the genome of the prophage present in the strain VCE22 is devoid of the ctxAB genes, called pre‐CTX prophage and the strain also possess the toxin‐coregulated pilus protein coding gene tcpA of classical type, another important pathogenicity determining locus of the epidemic V. cholerae strains. Comparative analysis of the nucleotide sequences of the rstR and orfU genes indicated that the pre‐CTX prophage of VCE22 might be the progenitor of new alleles of the CTX prophages present in these environmental strains.
Improved serial analysis of V1 ribosomal sequence tags (SARST‐V1) provides a rapid, comprehensive, sequence‐based characterization of bacterial diversity and community composition
Authors: Yu Zhongtang , Yu Marie , Morrison Mark
Published: October 2005

Serial analysis of ribosomal sequence tags (SARST) is a recently developed technology that can generate large 16S rRNA gene (rrs) sequence data sets from microbiomes, but there are numerous enzymatic and purification steps required to construct the ribosomal sequence tag (RST) clone libraries. We report here an improved SARST method, which still targets the V1 hypervariable region of rrs genes, but reduces the number of enzymes, oligonucleotides, reagents, and technical steps needed to produce the RST clone libraries. The new method, hereafter referred to as SARST‐V1, was used to examine the eubacterial diversity present in community DNA recovered from the microbiome resident in the ovine rumen. The 190 sequenced clones contained 1055 RSTs and no less than 236 unique phylotypes (based on ≥ 95% sequence identity) that were assigned to eight different eubacterial phyla. Rarefaction and monomolecular curve analyses predicted that the complete RST clone library contains 99% of the 353 unique phylotypes predicted to exist in this microbiome. When compared with ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis (RISA) of the same community DNA sample, as well as a compilation of nine previously published conventional rrs clone libraries prepared from the same type of samples, the RST clone library provided a more comprehensive characterization of the eubacterial diversity present in rumen microbiomes. As such, SARST‐V1 should be a useful tool applicable to comprehensive examination of diversity and composition in microbiomes and offers an affordable, sequence‐based method for diversity analysis.
Preventive effects of glycaemic control on ocular complications of Spontaneously Diabetic Torii rat
Authors: Sasase T. , Ohta T. , Ogawa N. , Miyajima K. , Ito M. , Yamamoto H. , Morinaga H. , Matsushita M.
Published: October 2005

Aim:  Spontaneously Diabetic Torii (SDT) rat is a new model of non‐obese type 2 diabetes. SDT rats show severe ocular complications such as cataracts, tractional retinal detachment with fibrous proliferation and massive haemorrhaging in the anterior chamber. In the present study, blood glucose levels of SDT rats were controlled in order to examine whether these ocular complications are caused by hyperglycaemia.

Methods:  SDT rats were treated with an insulin implant to control blood glucose. To evaluate retinal function, we used electroretinograms (ERG) and measured vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentrations within the aqueous humour. Finally, we studied retinal flat‐mounts and trypsin digestion to evaluate vascular abnormalities in SDT rats.

Results:  Forty‐four‐week‐old SDT rats displayed an increase in VEGF concentrations within the aqueous humour and significant prolongation of the peak latencies in ERG (Σ(OP1–OP4); Sprague–Dawley (SD): 146.2 ± 1.06 ms; SDT: 166.3 ± 2.38 ms; SDT + insulin: 149.2 ± 1.83 ms). Retinal flat‐mounts of SDT rats showed venous dilation and meandering vascular networks. Furthermore, acellular capillaries were observed in the retinal trypsin digestion. Insulin treatment prevented these ocular abnormalities in SDT rats.

Conclusions:  These findings indicate that ocular complications of SDT rats are caused by hyperglycaemia. The features of SDT rats indicate their usefulness for the future study of diabetic retinopathy.
Placement of responsibility and moral reasoning in couple therapy
Authors: Kurri Katja , Wahlström Jarl
Published: October 2005

Within the past two decades there has been a growing awareness of the importance of moral and ethical judgements in family and couple therapy. In this article we provide a detailed analysis of placements of responsibility related to blame in one couple therapy session. We suggest that it is important to study therapeutic interaction in situ, when searching for an understanding of moral reasoning in couple therapy and an ethical evaluation of the practice. A detailed analysis of discursive tools used by clients and therapists makes it possible to look at moral reasoning in action as it unfolds within the flow of therapeutic conversation. The findings are discussed in relation to two discourses of moral justification: autonomy and relationality. The principle guiding the therapists' actions in the studied conversation could be called ‘relational autonomy’.
Thematic review of family therapy journals in 2004
Authors: Carr Alan
Published: October 2005

In this paper the principal English‐language family therapy journals published in 2004 are reviewed under the following headings: evidence‐based practice, common factors in effective therapy, innovations in family therapy, innovations in couples therapy, training, gender, diversity, international developments, terrorism, and historical transitions.
The Antecedents of Middle Managers’ Strategic Contribution: The Case of a Professional Bureaucracy
Authors: Currie Graeme , Procter Stephen J.
Published: October 2005

abstract Our study contributes towards a burgeoning literature that argues organizational performance is heavily influenced by what happens in the middle of the organization, rather than at the top. Examining the UK National Health Service, our study develops the work ofFloyd and Wooldridge (1992,1994,1997,2000). It utilizes role theory to conceptualize changing experiences of middle managers in organizations as a role transition. Associated with this are problems of role conflict and role ambiguity (Biddle, 1979,1986;Biddle and Thomas, 1966;Kahn et al., 1964,1966). Our study illustrates that there are limiting factors to a more strategic role for middle managers associated with the professional bureaucracy context. However, role conflict and ambiguity can be mediated by a socialization process, which values incoming identity and personal characteristics (Van Maanen and Schein, 1979).
Cooperation Costs, Governance Choice and Alliance Evolution*
Authors: White Steven
Published: October 2005

abstract While researchers in alliance management have identified the duality of cooperation and control within alliances, comparative governance scholars have not yet developed a coherent framework for relating the costs of cooperation to governance choices. This paper proposes a theory of cooperation costs highlighting the importance of joint task complexity, interpartner diversity, equity and strategic implications on the perception of alliance value and the formation and evolution of hybrid governance structures. A tolerance frontier is used to predict conditions for alliance failure both ex ante and after formation, as well as conditions under which an alliance will evolve once formed. The framework is illustrated through an analysis of the initial structuring and subsequent changes in the NedCar alliance between Mitsubishi Motors and Volvo, and implications for further research are discussed.
Gelatinization temperature of rice explained by polymorphisms in starch synthase
Authors: Waters Daniel L. E. , Henry Robert J. , Reinke Russell F. , Fitzgerald Melissa A.
Published: October 2005

The cooking quality of rice is associated with the starch gelatinization temperature (GT). Rice genotypes with low GT have probably been selected for their cooking quality by humans during domestication. We now report polymorphisms in starch synthase IIa (SSIIa) that explain the variation in rice starch GT. Sequence analysis of the eight exons of SSIIa identified significant polymorphism in only exon 8. These single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were determined in 70 diverse genotypes of rice. Two SNPs could classify all 70 genotypes into either high GT or low GT types which differed in GT by 8 °C. ‘A’ rather than ‘G’ at base 2412 determined whether a methionine or valine was present at the corresponding amino acid residue in SSIIa, whilst two adjacent SNPs at bases 2543 and 2544 coded for either leucine (GC) or phenylalanine (TT). Rice varieties with high GT starch had a combination of valine and leucine at these residues. In contrast, rice varieties with low GT starch had a combination of either methionine and leucine or valine and phenylalanine at these same residues. At least two distinct polymorphisms have apparently been selected for their desirable cooking qualities in the domestication of rice.
Manipulation of starch granule size distribution in potato tubers by modulation of plastid division
Authors: de Pater Sylvia , Caspers Martien , Kottenhagen Marijke , Meima Henk , Ter Stege Renaldo , de Vetten Nick
Published: October 2005

Starch granule size is an important parameter for starch applications in industry. Starch granules are formed in amyloplasts, which are, like chloroplasts, derived from proplastids. Division processes and associated machinery are likely to be similar for all plastids. Essential roles for FtsZ proteins in plastid division in land plants have been revealed. FtsZ forms the so‐called Z ring which, together with inner and outer plastid division rings, brings about constriction of the plastid. It has been shown that modulation of the expression level of FtsZ may result in altered chloroplast size and number. To test whether FtsZ is also involved in amyloplast division and whether this, in turn, may affect the starch granule size in crop plants, FtsZ protein levels were either reduced or increased in potato. As shown previously in other plant species, decreased StFtsZ1 protein levels in leaves resulted in a decrease in the number of chloroplasts in guard cells. More interestingly, plants with increased StFtsZ1 protein levels in tubers resulted in less, but larger, starch granules. This suggests that the stoichiometry between StFtsZ1 and other components of the plastid division machinery is important for its function. Starch from these tubers also had altered pasting properties and phosphate content. The importance of our results for the starch industry is discussed.
Consistency of data in six phase III clinical studies of a two‐compound product containing calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate ointment for the treatment of psoriasis
Authors: Kragballe K , Van De Kerkhof PCM
Published: October 2005

Background  Calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate are both proven products in the topical treatment of psoriasis. The efficacy and tolerability of a new ointment containing these two compounds has been assessed in six phase III clinical studies.

Objective  To compare the results obtained in the clinical studies of the new calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate ointment.

Methods  A total of 6050 patients with psoriasis took part in the six randomized, double‐blind studies. The two‐compound product was compared with each of the active constituents, either in the new ointment vehicle or in the marketed formulation.

Results  After 4 weeks of treatment the mean reduction in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) ranged from 65 to 74% with the two‐compound product applied once or twice daily, from 46 to 59% with calcipotriol alone and from 57 to 63% with betamethasone dipropionate alone. The tolerability profile of the two‐compound product was similar to betamethasone dipropionate monotherapy and better than calcipotriol alone.

Conclusion  The new two‐compound product containing calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate was found to consistently provide rapid, highly effective treatment of psoriasis vulgaris.
Localized Kaposi's sarcoma in a patient with pemphigus vulgaris
Authors: Avalos‐Peralta P , Herrera A , Ríos‐Martín JJ , Pérez‐Bernal AM , Moreno‐Ramírez D , Camacho F
Published: October 2005

We report the case of a patient with a 13‐year history of pemphigus vulgaris (PV) treated with immunosuppressive agents, prednisone and mycophenolate mofetil who had developed lesions of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) on a sole plaque of PV that had been previously treated with intralesional injections of steroids. The lesions were surgically removed and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) demonstrated human herpesvirus‐8 (HHV‐8) DNA. There were neither recurrences nor later dissemination of KS following gradual decrease of the immunosuppressive therapy. We suggest that the treatment with intralesional steroids may have influenced the local reactivation of a latent infection of the virus, determining the appearance of this localized KS.
Familial eruptive dermatofibromas in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Yazici AC , Baz K , Ikizoglu G , Koca A , Kokturk A , Apa DD
Published: October 2005

Multiple eruptive dermatofibromas (MEDF) are rare and their aetiology is unknown. More than half of the patients with MEDF have underlying diseases, and more than 80% of the underlying diseases are immune mediated. Familial cases suggesting a genetic cause have also been reported. We report a case of familial eruptive dermatofibromas associated with atopic dermatitis, possibly caused by both hereditary factors and compromised immunity.
Can Improvisation be Taught?
Authors: Peters Gary
Published: October 2005

The aim of this article is to reconsider the (age old) problem of relating theory to practice in art education by placing it within the largely ignored context of improvisation. In so doing it is hoped that some of the well‐known ‘difficulties’ art practitioners have when confronted with the (usually mandatory) history and theory components of their programmes of study might be better understood and, perhaps, managed rather differently.
An Experimental Study in an Architectural Design Studio: the Search for Three‐Dimensional Form and Aesthetics through Clay
Authors: Yamacli Rusen , Ozen Aysegul , Tokman Leyla Yekdane
Published: October 2005

In architectural design education, the main objective is to help students, especially first‐year students, improve their design ideas, creativity, perception of three dimensions and ways of expressing them. Thus, as an embedded concept in architecture, art has been emphasized here as a design method. In other words, the necessary help to enable students to think more freely has been provided by ceramic art. The concept dealt with in this article is an interdisciplinary approach to space design as an experimental method in design education. Just as fine art students are inspired from the principles of architecture, clay, as basic material to fine art students, makes a creative material and design tool for architecture students. A workshop was organised in the design courses by the first author, the instructor, for the first‐ and third‐year architecture students. The second author, a ceramics artist and lecturer, has participated in the workshop as a visiting instructor and contributed with her own studies related to space, house, building and materials.
Identifying the Core in the Subject of Fine Art
Authors: Corner Frances
Published: October 2005

This paper explores the basis and main characteristics of fine art as a subject discipline and looks at how these elements combine to create a distinctive and in many ways unique learning environment. Taking the premise that fine art as a subject discipline is concerned with encouraging the development of individual artistic practice and enabling the student to articulate and define the social and cultural context that they are working within, this paper considers how fine art students come to develop alternative ways of thinking, seeing and conceptualising. Referring to the Art and Design Subject Benchmark statements the paper argues that in a fine art education, a set pf principles, core characteristics, skills and abilities are combined to create a unique learning environment that gives its graduates a set of abilities that are particularly relevant to our complex society.
Fluid evolution and thermal structure in the rapidly exhuming gneiss complex of Namche Barwa–Gyala Peri, eastern Himalayan syntaxis
Authors: CRAW D. , KOONS P. O. , ZEITLER P. K. , KIDD W. S. F.
Published: October 2005

High‐grade gneisses (amphibolite–granulite facies) of the Namche Barwa and Gyala Peri massifs, in the eastern Himalayan syntaxis, have been unroofed from metamorphic depths in the late Tertiary–Recent. Rapid exhumation (2–5 mm year−1) has resulted in a pronounced shallow conductive thermal anomaly beneath the massifs and the intervening Tsangpo gorge. The position of the 300 °C isotherm has been estimated from fluid inclusions using CO2–H2O immiscibility phase equilibria to be between 2.5 and 6.2 km depth below surface. Hence, the near‐surface average thermal gradient exceeds 50 °C km−1beneath valleys, although the thermal gradient is relatively lower beneath the high mountains. The original metamorphic fluid in the gneisses was >90% CO2. This fluid was displaced by incursion of brines from overlying marine sedimentary rocks that have since been largely removed by erosion. Brines can exceed 60 wt% dissolved salts, and include Ca, Na, K and Fe chlorides. These brines were remobilized during the earliest stages of uplift at >500 °C. During exhumation, incursion of abundant topography‐driven surface waters resulted in widespread fracture‐controlled hydrothermal activity and brine dilution down to the brittle–ductile transition. Boiling water was particularly common at shallow levels (<2.5 km) beneath the Yarlung Tsangpo valley, and numerous hot springs occur at the surface in this valley. Dry steam is not a major feature of the hydrothermal system in the eastern syntaxis (in contrast to the western syntaxis at Nanga Parbat), but some dry steam fluids may have developed locally.
A Likelihood Ratio Approach to Family‐based Association Studies with Covariates
Authors: Baksh M. F. , Balding D. J. , Vyse T. J. , Whittaker J. C.
Published: October 2005

We introduce a procedure for association based analysis of nuclear families that allows for dichotomous and more general measurements of phenotype and inclusion of covariate information. Standard generalized linear models are used to relate phenotype and its predictors. Our test procedure, based on the likelihood ratio, unifies the estimation of all parameters through the likelihood itself and yields maximum likelihood estimates of the genetic relative risk and interaction parameters. Our method has advantages in modelling the covariate and gene‐covariate interaction terms over recently proposed conditional score tests that include covariate information via a two‐stage modelling approach. We apply our method in a study of human systemic lupus erythematosus and the C‐reactive protein that includes sex as a covariate.
Study of the PVRL1 Gene in Italian Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip Patients with or without Cleft Palate
Authors: Scapoli L. , Palmieri A. , Martinelli M. , Vaccari C. , Marchesini J. , Pezzetti F. , Baciliero U. , Padula E. , Carinci P. , Carinci F.
Published: October 2005

Nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P) is a complex genetic trait and little is known about its aetiology. Recent investigations on rare clefting syndromes provided interesting clues about genes involved in face development. The PVRL1 gene encodes nectin1, a cell‐to‐cell adhesion molecule. Mutations in its sequence have been shown to cause the rare autosomal recessive syndrome CL/P‐ectodermal dysplasia syndrome (CLPED1), while heterozygosity for the mutation W185X seemed to increase the risk of non syndromic CL/P in a population from northern Venezuela. In the present study, we screened 143 Italian CL/P patients for mutations in PVRL1. Three rare sequence variants in exon 3 that create amino‐acid changes were detected in a total of 7 patients. Two of these mutations were not found in a panel of 292 unaffected controls, while the third was found in two controls. This study describes new mutations that may represent genetic risk factors for CL/P. Even though a study to look at the effects of the mutations on nectin1 function was not feasible, supporting evidence was reported, thus confirming the involvement of PVRL1 in the aetiology of non‐syndromic CL/P malformation.
Leonhard Miksch (1901–1950)
Authors: Goldschmidt Nils , Berndt Arnold
Published: October 2005

Abstract German economist Leonhard Miksch's ideas on ordoliberalism have so far received little attention in the history of economic thought. This is surprising, as Miksch provides insights into the debates within the so‐called “Freiburg School of Law and Economics” in its early phase and, moreover, gave impulses that were essential to the further development of this economic approach. In addition, as a close advisor to Ludwig Erhard, the “political father” of the German “Social Market Economy,” his influence on German postwar economic policy was considerable.
Social Circumstances and Rationality:
Authors: Witztum Amos
Published: October 2005

Abstract  Upon the uniformity in individuals’ decision‐making mechanism rests a great deal of the legitimacy of natural liberty. As we are all equally sovereign (cognitive‐wise), we only strike deals that inevitably make us better off. We all gain from trade and thus, as everyone is better off, so must be the whole of society. But could it be that people are rational yet not equally sovereign? In this paper, we examine Smith's interpretation of rationality, and we find that it is fundamentally a social concept. As such, the manifestation of rationality in individual behavior depends on how sophisticated is individuals’ access to public opinion. Consequently, individuals who are equally self‐interested may face very different sets of options, which are determined by their social circumstances. This difference may suggest that, although all agents may be motivated by the same objective, they cannot be considered as equally sovereign.
Consumer Inertia
Authors: Greenfield Harry I.
Published: October 2005

Abstract  This note seeks to explore one of the factors affecting a consumer who is faced with a price increase. We are also interested in the consumer as a supplier of labor services who is faced with an increase in offered wages. In both cases we postulate a less than instantaneous response to market change, which phenomenon we term an inertial interval. Note is taken of previous work by Armen A. Alchian relating time and elasticity. The present emphasis on consumer inertia is said not to be inconsistent with Alchian's view.

The factors affecting consumer (and producer) inertia are referred to in general terms as habit and sensitivity to peer pressure, thus opening the discussion to psychosocial investigation of the behavior in question.
Acute retrobulbar optic neuropathy due to rupture of an anterior communicating artery aneurysm
Authors: Claes Catherine , Milea Dan , Bodaghi Bahram , Tran Thi Ha Chau , LeHoang Phuc , Blanc Raphael
Published: October 2005

Purpose:  The vast majority of ruptured aneurysms of the anterior communicating artery typically present with subarachnoid haemorrhage. Isolated visual complaints are very uncommon in this setting. We present an unusual case of a patient with an acute retrobulbar optic neuropathy, secondary to a ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysm.

Design:  Observational case report.

Methods:  A 29‐year‐old woman was assessed for an acute, isolated unilateral optic neuropathy of unknown origin. Although an initial encephalic MRI was believed to be normal, an underlying ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysm was eventually diagnosed when the patient became stuporous because of intracranial bleeding.

Conclusions:  Occurrence of an acute retrobulbar optic neuropathy may be the initial isolated sign related to a ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysm, prompting an appropriate neuroradiological assessment.
The influence of donor age and cause of death on corneal endothelial cell density
Authors: Krohn Jørgen , Høvding Gunnar
Published: October 2005

Purpose:  To evaluate the joint effects of donor age and cause of death on the endothelial cell density of fresh human corneas.

Methods:  The corneal endothelial cell density of 946 eyes from 946 donors was analysed. The donors were divided into three age groups: group 1 comprised those aged 50 years and less; group 2 those aged 51–75 years, and group 3 those aged over 75 years. They were also grouped according to the cause of death: group A included those who had died of cancer; group B those who had died of acute myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism or intracerebral haemorrhage, and group C those who had died as a result of other diseases.

Results:  There was a statistically significant negative correlation between donor age and mean corneal endothelial cell density, which was 2868 ± 309 cells/mm2 in group 1, 2716 ± 335 cells/mm2 in group 2, and 2670 ± 368 cells/mm2 in group 3. Among the various causes of death, the mean endothelial cell density was 2677 ± 343 cells/mm2 in group A, 2741 ± 367 cells/mm2 in group B, and 2713 ± 337 cells/mm2 in group C. The endothelial cell density was significantly lower in group A than in group B (p = 0.02). When the donors in the oldest age group (group 3) were analysed according to the various causes of death, the difference between group A (2603 ± 342 cells/mm2) and group B (2729 ± 338 cells/mm2) was even more significant (p = 0.0067).

Conclusion:  Longlasting, severe diseases like cancer, leading to cachexia and catabolism, reduce the number of endothelial cells to a greater degree than diseases that cause a more rapid death. This negative effect of cancer on endothelial cell density is aggravated by the general decline in endothelial cell density with advancing age.
The Combined Effect of Pressure and Autofrettage on Uniform Arrays of Three-Dimensional Unequal-Depth Cracks in Gun Barrels
Authors: Perl M. , Ostraich B.
Published: October 2005

Due to the repeated firing of the gun, large uniform arrays of unequal-depth fatigue cracks develop from the inner surface of the barrel. The combined effect of pressure and autofrettage on the mode I stress intensity factor (SIF) distribution along the fronts of these three-dimensional, semi-elliptical, surface cracks is herein studied. Crack depth inequality is modeled using the “two-crack depth level model” previously proposed. The analysis is performed via the finite element (FE) method employing singular elements along the crack front. The autofrettage residual stress field is simulated using an equivalent thermal load. The distribution of the combined stress intensity factor due to pressurization and full autofrettage KIN=KIP+KIA, for numerous array configurations is evaluated for a barrel of outer to inner radii ratio of Ro/Ri=2. These configurations bear n=n1+n2=8 to 128 cracks, a wide range of crack depth to wall thickness ratios, a1/t=0.01 to 0.40, and various crack depth to half-length ratios (ellipticities) a1/c1=0.30 to 1.50. The results for KIN distributions clearly indicate that the level of effect of crack depth inequality depends on all three parameters: crack number in the array, crack depth and crack ellipticity. Furthermore, the results indicate that adjacent unequal-depth cracks influence each other only within a limited range of their depths, i.e., the “interaction range”. The range of influence between adjacent cracks on the maximal SIF KNmax depends on crack ellipticity and is found to be inversely proportional to the crack density of the array. The results re-emphasize the favorable effect the residual stress field has on the fracture endurance and the fatigue life of gun barrels bearing uniform arrays of three-dimensional unequal-depth cracks at their inner surface. This favorable effect is governed by the ratio of the gun’s material yield stress to its internal pressure—ψ=σ0/p. The higher ψ is, the more effective autofrettage becomes.
A Thin Shell Theoretical Solution for Two Intersecting Cylindrical Shells Due to External Branch Pipe Moments
Authors: Xue M. D. , Li D. F. , Hwang K. C.
Published: October 2005

A theoretical solution is presented for cylindrical shells with normally intersecting nozzles subjected to three kinds of external branch pipe moments. The improved double trigonometric series solution is used for the particular solution of main shell subjected to distributed forces, and the modified Morley equation instead of the Donnell shallow shell equation is used for the homogeneous solution of the shell with cutout. The Goldenveizer equation instead of Timoshenko’s is used for the nozzle with a nonplanar end. The accurate continuity conditions at the intersection curve are adopted instead of approximate ones. The presented results are in good agreement with those obtained by tests and by 3D FEM and with WRC Bulletin 297 when d∕D is small. The theoretical solution can be applied to d∕D⩽0.8, λ=d∕DT⩽8, and d∕D⩽t∕T⩽2 successfully.