bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drug Eluting Stent Technology
Authors: Alvarez William , Kapur Navin K.
Published: November 2005

The authors discuss the mechanism of action, clinical trial data, and economic impact of both the paclitaxel and sirolimus drug eluting stents (DESs). Both DESs have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of native coronary arteries to prevent in-stent restenosis (ISR), which patients have experienced since the advent of balloon angioplasty and the bare metal stent. In-stent restenosis, which manifests itself as ischemic symptoms in patients, occurs as a result of the healing process after stent implantation. Until now, there has not been an effective method to prevent ISR. The sirolimus and paclitaxel DESs elute agents that act locally by different mechanisms to reduce neointimal hyperplasia, which is primarily responsible for ISR. Both DESs are capable of reducing the rate of ISR. There are certain physical and mechanistic differences between the 2 stents; the stents have not been compared head to head. Currently, they are indicated for uncomplicated native coronary lesions. Further investigation is needed to define their roles in the treatment of more complex lesions.
Pharmacokinetic Properties of New Antiepileptic Drugs
Authors: Splinter Michele Y.
Published: November 2005

Eight new antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have been approved for use within the United States within the past decade. They are felbamate, gabapentin, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, oxcarbazepine, tiagabine, topiramate, and zonisamide. These afford clinicians with more options to increase efficacy and tolerability in the treatment of patients with epilepsy. Pharmacokinetic properties and drug interactions with other AEDs and other medications taken for comorbidities are individually discussed for each of these new agents. Drug concentrations are not routinely monitored for these newer agents, and there have been few studies designed to investigate their concentration-effect relationships. For most of these medications, the concentrations observed in responders and nonresponders overlap considerably and levels associated with efficacy are often associated with adverse events, complicating the definition of target ranges. Also, epilepsy manifests itself sporadically causing difficulty in clinically monitoring efficacy of medications. Therapeutic drug monitoring provides for the individualization of treatment for these agents, which is important because they demonstrate significant variability in inter- and intraindividual pharmaco-kinetic properties. Therapeutic drug monitoring also allows for identification of noncompliance, drug interactions, and toxicity. Current knowledge of the relationships between efficacy, toxicity, and drug concentrations is discussed.
Tumor-derived lactic acid modulates dendritic cell activation and antigen expression
Authors: Gottfried Eva , Kunz-Schughart Leoni A. , Ebner Stephanie , Mueller-Klieser Wolfgang , Hoves Sabine , Andreesen Reinhard , Mackensen Andreas , Kreutz Marina
Published: November 2005

The tumor milieu can influence dendritic cell (DC) differentiation. We analyzed DC differentiation in a 3-dimensional tumor model and propose a new mechanism of DC modulation by the tumor environment. Monocytes were cultured in the presence of IL-4 and GM-CSF within multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTSs) generated from different tumor cell lines. Monocytes invaded the MCTSs and differentiated into tumor-associated dendritic cells (TADCs). The antigen expression was altered on TADCs independent of the culture conditions (immature/mature DCs, Langerhans cells) and IL-12 secretion was reduced. Supernatants of MCTSs could partially transfer the suppressive effect. Conditioned media from urothelial carcinoma cell lines contained high levels of M-CSF and IL-6, both cytokines known to modulate DC differentiation. In contrast, melanoma and prostate carcinoma MCTS cocultures produced little M-CSF and IL-6, but high levels of lactic acid. Indeed, addition of lactic acid during DC differentiation in vitro induced a phenotype comparable with TADCs generated within melanoma and prostate carcinoma MCTSs. Blocking of lactic acid production in melanoma MCTS cocultures reverted the TADC phenotype to normal. We therefore conclude that tumor-derived lactic acid is an important factor modulating the DC phenotype in the tumor environment, which may critically contribute to tumor escape mechanisms.
A subset of human rapidly self-renewing marrow stromal cells preferentially engraft in mice
Authors: Lee Ryang Hwa , Hsu Shu Ching , Munoz James , Jung Jin Sup , Lee Na Rea , Pochampally Radhika , Prockop Darwin J.
Published: November 2005

Controversies have arisen as to whether adult stem cells or progenitor cells from bone marrow can engraft into nonhematopoietic tissues in vivo. To resolve some of the controversies, we developed a highly sensitive polymerase chain reaction-based single nucleotide polymorphism (PCR-SNP) assay for competitive engraftment of mixtures of stem/progenitor cells. We used the assay to follow engraftment in immunodeficient mice of subpopulations of the stem/progenitor cells from human bone marrow referred to as either mesenchymal stem cells or marrow stromal cells (MSCs). The engraftment into adult mice without induced tissue injury was low and variable, but there was preferential engraftment of a subpopulation of rapidly self-renewing MSCs (RS-MSCs) compared with a subpopulation of slowly renewing MSCs (SR-MSCs). After intravenous infusion, there was a tendency for the cells to engraft into the hippocampal region that was previously designated a “vascular niche.” Migration assays suggested that preferential engraftment of RS-MSCs was in part explained by their expression of CXCR4 and CX3R1, the receptors for SDF-1 and fractalkine.
Enhanced sensitivity to inhibition of SHP2, STAT5, and Gab2 expression in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
Authors: Scherr Michaela , Chaturvedi Anuhar , Battmer Karin , Dallmann Iris , Schultheis Beate , Ganser Arnold , Eder Matthias
Published: November 2005

Although targeting the BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase activity by imatinib mesylate has rapidly become first-line therapy in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), drug resistance suggests that combination therapy directed to a complementing target may significantly improve treatment results. To identify such potential targets, we used lentivirus-mediated RNA interference (RNAi) as a tool for functional genomics in cell lines as well as primary normal and CML CD34+ cells. In a conditional cell culture model, we demonstrate that RNAi-mediated reduction of SHP2, STAT5, and Gab2 protein expression inhibits BCR-ABL-dependent but not cytokine-dependent proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Similarly, colony formation of purified primary CML but not of normal CD34+ colony-forming cells is specifically reduced by inhibition of SHP2, STAT5, and Gab2 expression, respectively. In addition, coexpression of both anti-BCR-ABL and anti-SHP2 shRNAs from a single lentiviral vector induces stronger inhibition of colony formation as compared to either shRNA alone. The data indicate that BCR-ABL expression may affect the function of normal signaling molecules. Targeting these molecules may harbor significant therapeutic potential for the treatment of patients with CML.
Annexin 1 and its bioactive peptide inhibit neutrophil-endothelium interactions under flow: indication of distinct receptor involvement
Authors: Hayhoe Richard P. G. , Kamal Ahmad M. , Solito Egle , Flower Roderick J. , Cooper Dianne , Perretti Mauro
Published: November 2005

We have tested the effects of annexin 1 (ANXA1) and its N-terminal peptide Ac2-26 on polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) recruitment under flow. Differential effects of the full-length protein and its peptide were observed; ANXA1 inhibited firm adhesion of human PMNs, while Ac2-26 significantly attenuated capture and rolling without effect on firm adhesion. Analysis of the effects of ANXA1 and Ac2-26 on PMN adhesion molecule expression supported the flow chamber results, with Ac2-26 but not ANXA1 causing l-selectin and PSGL-1 shedding. ANXA1 and its peptide act via the FPR family of receptors. This was corroborated using HEK-293 cells transfected with FPR or FPRL-1/ALX (the 2 members of this family expressed by human PMNs). While Ac2-26 bound both FPR and FPRL-1/ALX, ANXA1 bound FPRL-1/ALX only. ANXA1 and Ac2-26 acted as genuine agonists; Ac2-26 binding led to ERK activation in both FPR- and FPRL-1/ALX-transfected cells, while ANXA1 caused ERK activation only in cells transfected with FPRL-1/ALX. Finally, blockade of FPRL-1/ALX with a neutralizing monoclonal antibody was found to abrogate the effects of ANXA1 in the flow chamber but was without effect on Ac2-26-mediated inhibition of rolling. These findings demonstrate for the first time distinct mechanisms of action for ANXA1 and its N-terminal peptide Ac2-26.
Identification of the sequence determinants mediating the nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling of TIAR and TIA-1 RNA-binding proteins
Authors: Zhang Tong , Delestienne Nathalie , Huez Georges , Kruys Véronique , Gueydan Cyril
Published: November 2005

TIAR and TIA-1 are two closely related RNA-binding proteins which possess three RNA recognition motifs (RRMs) followed by an auxiliary region. These proteins are involved in several mechanisms of RNA metabolism, including alternative hnRNA splicing and regulation of mRNA translation. Here we characterize the subcellular localization of these proteins in somatic cells. We demonstrate that TIAR and TIA-1 continuously shuttle between the cytoplasm and the nucleus and belong to the class of RNA-binding proteins whose nuclear import is transcription-dependent. We identified RRM2 and the first half of the auxiliary region as important determinants for TIAR and TIA-1 nuclear accumulation. In contrast, the nuclear export of TIAR and TIA-1 is mediated by RRM3. Both RRMs contribute to TIAR and TIA-1 nuclear accumulation or export by their RNA-binding capacity. Indeed, whereas mutations of the highly conserved RNP2 or RNP1 peptides in RRM2 redistribute TIAR to the cytoplasm, similar modifications in RRM3 abolish TIAR nuclear export. Moreover, TIAR and TIA-1 nuclear accumulation is a Ran-GTP-dependent pathway, in contrast to its nuclear export which is unaffected by Ran-GTP depletion and which is independent of the major CRM1-exporting pathway. This study demonstrates the importance of TIAR and TIA-1 RNA-binding domains for their subcellular localization and provides the first evidence for distinct functions of TIAR and TIA-1 RRMs.
Caught Nek-ing: cilia and centrioles
Authors: Quarmby Lynne M. , Mahjoub Moe R.
Published: November 2005

The Nek family of cell-cycle kinases is widely represented in eukaryotes and includes numerous proteins that were described only recently and remain poorly characterized. Comparing Neks in the context of clades allows us to examine the question of whether microbial eukaryotic Neks, although not strictly orthologs of their vertebrate counterparts, can provide clues to ancestral functions that might be retained in the vertebrate Neks. Relatives of the Nek2/NIMA proteins play important roles at the G2-M transition in nuclear envelope breakdown and centromere separation. Nek6, Nek7 and Nek9 also seem to regulate mitosis. By contrast, Nek1 and Nek8 have been linked with polycystic kidney disease. Results of statistical analysis indicate that the family coevolved with centrioles that function as both microtubule-organizing centers and the basal bodies of cilia. This evolutionary perspective, taken together with functional studies of microbial Neks, provides new insights into the cellular roles of the proteins and disease with which some of them have been linked.
Asymptotic Properties of Monte Carlo Estimators of Derivatives
Authors: Detemple Jérôme , Garcia René , Rindisbacher Marcel
Published: November 2005

We study the convergence of Monte Carlo estimators of derivatives when the transition density of the underlying state variables is unknown. Three types of estimators are compared. These are respectively based on Malliavin derivatives, on the covariation with the driving Wiener process, and on finite difference approximations of the derivative. We analyze two different estimators based on Malliavin derivatives. The first one, the Malliavin path estimator, extends the path derivative estimator of Broadie and Glasserman (1996) to general diffusion models. The second, the Malliavin weight estimator, proposed by Fournié et al. (1999), is based on an integration by parts argument and generalizes the likelihood ratio derivative estimator. It is shown that for discontinuous payoff functions, only the estimators based on Malliavin derivatives attain the optimal convergence rate for Monte Carlo schemes. Estimators based on the covariation or on finite difference approximations are found to converge at slower rates. Their asymptotic distributions are shown to depend on additional second-order biases even for smooth payoff functions.
An Algorithm for Portfolio Optimization with Transaction Costs
Authors: Best Michael J. , Hlouskova Jaroslava
Published: November 2005

We consider the problem of maximizing an expected utility function of n assets, such as the mean-variance or power-utility function. Associated with a change in an asset's holdings from its current or target value is a transaction cost. This cost must be accounted for in practical problems. A straightforward way of doing so results in a 3n-dimensional optimization problem with 3n additional constraints. This higher dimensional problem is computationally expensive to solve. We present a method for solving the 3n-dimensional problem by solving a sequence of n-dimensional optimization problems, which accounts for the transaction costs implicitly rather than explicitly. The method is based on deriving the optimality conditions for the higher-dimensional problem solely in terms of lower-dimensional quantities. The new method is compared to the barrier method implemented in Cplex in a series of numerical experiments. With small but positive transaction costs, the barrier method and the new method solve problems in roughly the same amount of execution time. As the size of the transaction cost increases, the new method outperforms the barrier method by a larger and larger factor.
Treatment for Allergic Rhinitis and Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria: Focus on Oral Antihistamines
Authors: Morgan Matthew M , Khan David A , Nathan Robert A
Published: November 2005

OBJECTIVE

To review the efficacy and safety of first- and newer-generation antihistamines for the management of allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU), with a focus on management in the pharmacy.

DATA SOURCES

A literature review was performed using MEDLINE (1966–October 2005), with no time or language restrictions. Key words or phrases used were histamine, antihistamine(s), first- and second-generation, allergic rhinitis, chronic idiopathic urticaria, quality of life, impairment, sedation, cost-effectiveness, astemizole, cetirizine, desloratadine, diphenhydramine, fexofenadine, loratadine, hydroxyzine, ketotifen, and mizolastine. Additional references were found in the bibliographies of the articles cited.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION

Clinical trials and other experimental studies of the use of antihistamines for the management of allergic rhinitis and CIU were selected. Review papers and guidelines were also included.

DATA SYNTHESIS

First-generation antihistamines are effective at ameliorating the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and CIU; however, they are associated with adverse effects due to a lack of selectivity for the histamine H1-receptor and an ability to bind to cerebral H1-receptors. Newer-generation agents, in general, possess high H1-receptor selectivity and a low tendency to cross the blood–brain barrier, while maintaining efficacy. In general, safety at elevated doses has been demonstrated for the newer antihistamines, although higher rates of sedation and impairment have been reported with increasing doses for some agents.

CONCLUSIONS

Pharmacists can play an important role in the management of allergic rhinitis and CIU by considering the relative advantages of newer-generation agents when reviewing treatment options.
Impedanzspektroskopie für gewebebasierte Biosensoren (Impedance Spectroscopy for Tissue-based Biological Sensors)
Authors: Thielecke Hagen
Published: November 2005

Dieser Artikel behandelt die Anwendung der Impedanzspektroskopie zur Charakterisierung kleinster biologischer Gewebeproben. Es wird auf die Empfindlichkeit eingegangen, mit der biologisch relevante Parameter erfasst werden können, sowie eine Kapillarmessmethode und deren Anwendung zur Unterstützung der pharmazeutischen Therapieentwicklung und medizinischen Therapieoptimierung vorgestellt.
Refractory Mo–Si-Based Glassy Alloy Designed for Ultrahigh Strength and Thermal Stability
Authors: Zhang X.Q. , Wang W. , Ma E. , Xu J.
Published: November 2005

Mechanically alloyed Mo44Si26Ta5Zr5Fe3Co12Y5 multicomponent glassy alloy exhibits an exceptionally high glass transition temperature of 1202 K and a crystallization temperature of 1324 K, as well as an ultrahigh hardness of 18 GPa. This example is used to demonstrate metallic glasses that possess extraordinary thermal stability and ultrahigh strength and, at the same time, a wide supercooled liquid region (122 K) that is needed for processing into bulk forms through powder metallurgy routes.
Incontinuous Grain Growth in Pure Co Nanocrystalline Powders Prepared by Mechanical Attrition
Authors: Song Xiaoyan , Zhang Jiuxing , Yang Keyong
Published: November 2005

Highly pure Co nanocrystalline powders were prepared by high-energy ball milling under the condition that all operations on the powders were performed in the glovebox filled with highly purified argon gas. A series of annealing experiments at different temperatures were carried out to investigate grain growth in the milled powders. The as-milled and annealed microstructures were observed and analyzed with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM, high-resolution scanning electron microscopy, and x-ray diffraction methods. Characteristics of the incontinuous grain growth in the milled nanocrystalline powders were found. It is considered by the authors that the sharp increase in nanograin size in certain intermediate-temperature region is a result of accelerated grain growth promoted by the stored energy as a supplied driving force, and through a particular dominant mechanism of nanograin rotations in contrast to grain boundary migration in polycrystalline materials.
Creep rupture induced silica-based nanofibers formed on fracture surfaces of Ti3SiC2
Authors: Sun Z.M. , Zhen T.J. , Barsoum M.W.
Published: November 2005

After creep failure at 1300 °C, silica-based nanofibers with diameters of ∼250 nm and lengths of up to a few tens of microns were observed on the fracture surfaces of Ti3SiC2. A possible mechanism for the formation of these fibers is proposed.
Crystallization Behavior and Microhardness Evolution in Al92−xNi8Lax Amorphous Alloys
Authors: Sahoo K.L. , Wollgarten M. , Kim K.B. , Banhart J.
Published: November 2005

The crystallization behavior of melt-spun amorphous Al92−xNi8Lax (x = 4 to 6) alloys was investigated by means of differential scanning calorimetry, x-ray diffractometry, and transmission electron microscopy. Crystallization kinetics were analyzed by Kissinger and Johnson–Mehl–Avrami approaches. Microhardness of all the ribbons was examined at different temperatures and correlated with the corresponding structural evolution. The results show that the variation of La content from Al88Ni8La4 to Al86Ni8La6 has significant influence on the crystallization pathways from amorphous to stable crystalline phases and on the evolution of microhardness with temperature. The two stages of crystallization in Al88Ni8La4 and Al87Ni8La5 alloys correspond to formation of fcc-Al and Al11La3, Al3Ni, Al3La. In Al86Ni8La6, three stages of crystallization are observed which correspond to formation of a metastable phase, fcc-Al, Al11La3, Al3Ni, and Al11La3, Al3Ni, Al3La, and decomposition of a metastable phases to stable crystalline phases.
Fabrication, Structural, and Spectroscopic Investigation of Tb-Doped Lu3Al5O12 Phosphor
Authors: Liao Yikun , Jiang Danyu , Feng Tao , Shi Jianlin
Published: November 2005

A simple solution combustion synthesis technique was explored to produce Tb3+-doped Lu3Al5O12 (LuAG:Tb) phosphor with particle size in the range from about 25 to 900 nm by using glycine, urea, and the mixture of them as fuels. The effects of processing parameters such as type of fuel, fuel-to-oxidizer ratio and the composition of the complex fuel were studied. An increase in phosphor brightness and a decrease in crystallization temperature with increasing urea content in the fuel were observed. The integrated emission intensity ratio of the 5D3–7Fj transition to the 5D4–7Fj transition as a function of Tb concentration in LuAG was also investigated. It is very interesting that the growth process of the particles exhibited two steps when the content of urea in the complex fuel increased from 0 to 1.0. By tailoring the glycine-to-urea ratio in the fuel, an excellent fuel was found and high performance phosphors were obtained.
Compositional Tailored Sol-Gel SiO2–TiO2 Thin Films: Crystallization, Chemical Bonding Configuration, and Optical Properties
Authors: Yang Li-Lan , Lai Yi-Sheng , Chen J.S. , Tsai P.H. , Chen C.L. , Chang C. Jason
Published: November 2005

Thin films of SiO2–TiO2 composite oxides with various SiO2:TiO2 compositions were prepared by the sol-gel method, using tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) and titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP) as precursors. The composition, crystal structure, and chemical bonding configuration of the as-deposited and annealed SiO2–TiO2 thin films were analyzed using Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), glancing incident angle x-ray diffraction (GIAXRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), respectively. Optical properties of the films were characterized by spectroscopic ellipsometry and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry. The Si/Ti ratios in the SiO2–TiO2 films agree with the TEOS/TTIP molar ratio in the sol-gel precursor. When the TEOS/(TEOS + TTIP) ratio is greater than 40%, the SiO2–TiO2 thin films remain amorphous (without formation of TiO2 crystalline phase) after annealing at temperatures as high as 700 °C. FTIR spectra indicate that the quantity of Si–O–Ti bonding can be maximized when the TEOS:TTIP in the precursor is 80%:20%. The refractive index of the SiO2–TiO2 films increases approximately linearly to the mixing ratio of TTIP/(TEOS + TTIP). However, SiO2-rich films possess higher ultraviolet-visible transmittance than the TiO2-rich films. The modification of microstructure and chemical bonding configuration in the SiO2–TiO2 films by the composition and its influence on the optical properties are discussed.
Experimental Verification of the Strain-Gradient Plasticity Model for Indentation
Authors: Qian Linmao , Yang Hui , Zhu Minhao , Zhou Zhongrong
Published: November 2005

The indentation size effect of pure iron samples with various pre-plastic tensile strains has been experimentally investigated and analyzed. With the increase in the strain, the indentation size effect of iron samples becomes weak, accompanied by the multiplication of the statistically stored dislocations. All of the hardness (H) versus indentation depth (h) curves fit the strain-gradient plasticity model for indentation of Nix and Gao well. Two fitting parameters, the hardness in the limit of infinite depth (H0) and the characteristic length (h*), were obtained for each curve. The hardness (H0) of iron samples can also be estimated as the microhardness (H) at a very large depth, h ≅ 10h*. Both the fitted H0 and the measured H0′ increase linearly with the tensile yield stress σy of iron samples, indicating a dependence of H0 on the statistically stored dislocation density through σy. Furthermore, 1/√h* shows a linear increase with the tensile yield stress σy, which also agrees qualitatively with the general prediction of the Nix and Gao theory. Therefore, our experiments and analysis demonstrate that the strain-gradient plasticity model for indentation of Nix and Gao can interpret the indentation size effect with satisfied precision.
Bioluminescence Color Modulation of Vibrio fischeri Strain Y1 Coupled with Alterable Levels of Endogenous Yellow Fluorescent Protein and Its Fluorescence Imaging
Authors: Karatani Hajime , Matsumoto Shoji , Miyata Koji , Yoshizawa Susumu , Suhama Yuki , Hirayama Satoshi
Published: November 2005

Bioluminescence (BL) (λmax∼ 535 nm) of Vibrio fischen' strain Y1 has been previously characterized in terms of the fluctuation in intracellular levels of yellow fluorescent protein (YFP). In this study fluorescence microscopic analysis has revealed that yellow fluorescence, as well as blue fluorescence attributable to a luciferase intermediate, is localized to the periphery of V. fischeri Y1 cells. This finding indicates that both YFP and the luciferase are present in the vicinity of the cell membrane. By using cyanide to enhance yellow BL, it has been shown that BL modulation is coupled with the fluctuations in the intracellular levels of YFP and the primary emitter. On the basis of the BL characterization, combined with results of a sedimentation experiment, it has been shown that larger cells produce a relatively stronger yellow BL. Two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis of cell‐protein extracts has shown that the YFP level is more alterable than the luciferase level. It is postulated that the yellow BL modulation takes place in connection with cell growth.
Biological Monitoring of Solar UV Radiation at 17 Sites in Asia, Europe and South America from 1999 to 2004
Authors: Munakata Nobuo , Cornain Santoso , Kanoko Mpu , Mulyadi Ketut , Lestari Sri , Wirohadidjojo Widodo , Bolseé David , Kazadzis Stelios , Meyer‐Rochow Victor , Schuch Nelson , Casiccia Claudio , Kaneko Motohisa , Liu Chung‐Ming , Jimbow Kowichi , Saida Toshiaki , Nishigori Chikako , Ogata Katsumi , Inafuku Kazuhiro , Hieda Kotaro , Ichihashi Masamitsu
Published: November 2005

A small and robust dosimeter for determining the biologically effective dose of ambient UV radiation has been developed using UV‐sensitive mutant spores of Bacillus subtilis strain TKJ6312. A membrane filter with four spots of the spores was snapped to a slide mount. The slide was wrapped and covered with two or more layers of polyethylene sheet to protect the sample from rain and snow and to reduce monthly‐cumulative doses within the measurable range. From 1999, monthly data were collected at 17 sites for more than 1 year, and data for 4 to 6 consecutive years were obtained from 12 sites. Yearly total values of the spore inactivation dose (SID) ranged from 3200 at subarctic Oulu to 96000 at tropical Denpasar, and the mean yearly values of SID exhibited an exponential dependence on latitude in both hemispheres with a doubling for about every 14 degrees of change. During the observation period, increasing trends of UV doses have been observed at all sites with more than 5 years of data available. Year‐to‐year variations at high and middle latitude sites are considered due mostly to climatic variation. At three tropical sites, negative correlations between the yearly doses and the column ozone amounts were observed. The results verified the applicability of spore dosimetry for global and long‐time monitoring of solar UV radiation, in particular at tropical sites where no monitoring is taking place.
Determination of Photo‐oxidation Products Within Photoyellowed Bleached Wool Proteins
Authors: Dyer Jolon M. , Bringans Scott D. , Bryson Warren G.
Published: November 2005

Photo‐oxidative processes occurring in wool can lead to significant photoyellowing of the fiber. In particular, wool that has been chemically bleached photoyellows more rapidly and to a greater degree than untreated wool. Direct identification of the chromophores responsible for such yellow discoloration in irradiated wool has proven to be elusive for many years. This article describes the characterization and location of yellow photo‐oxidation products within the proteins of photoyellowed bleached wool fabric, using advanced protein chemistry techniques. The discolored fabric was enzymatically digested and chromatographed by high‐pressure liquid chromatography, with monitoring at 400 nm, to select out fractions containing yellow chromophoric species. Thorough tandem mass spectrometric analysis was then used to sequence peptides and, in turn, to characterize modifications to key amino acid residues that had resulted in yellow chromophore formation. In total, 11 separate yellow chromophoric species were identified, ten derived from tryptophan residues and one from tyrosine. The tryptophan‐derived modifications characterized included hydroxytryptophan, N‐formylkynurenine, hydroxyformylkynurenine, kynurenine, hydroxykynurenine, carbolines, tryptophandiones and nitro‐tryptophan. The tyrosine‐derived modification of tyrosine to dopa was also identified. The range of photomodifications we observed provides insight into the photo‐oxidation pathways occurring within irradiated fibrous proteins leading to the formation of yellow chromophores.
Feline cholecystitis and acute neutrophilic cholangitis: Clinical findings, bacterial isolates and response to treatment in six cases
Authors: Brain Philip H. , Barrs Vanessa R. , Martin Patricia , Baral Randolph , White Joanna D. , Beatty Julia A.
Published: November 2005

Clinicopathological findings from six cats with confirmed cholecystitis or acute neutrophilic cholangitis are presented. Historical findings included lethargy and anorexia or inappetence of up to five days duration. On physical examination all cats were pyrexic and four out of six were jaundiced and had cranial abdominal pain. Bile samples were obtained by cholecystocentesis at exploratory coeliotomy (two cases) or by percutaneous, ultrasound-guided cholecystocentesis (four cases). Gall bladder rupture and bile peritonitis occurred subsequent to ultrasound-guided cholecystocentesis in one case. The most common bacterial isolate was Escherichia coli (four cases); E coli was isolated alone in two cases, in combination with a Streptococcus species (one case) and in combination with a Clostridium species (one case). Streptococcus species alone was isolated from one case, as was Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. The latter is the first reported case of Salmonella-associated cholecystitis in a cat. Concurrent pancreatic or intestinal disease was detected histologically in three cases. All cases were treated with antimicrobials based on in vitro susceptibility results. Treatment was successful in five cases. One cat with concurrent diffuse epitheliotropic intestinal lymphoma was euthanased. Percutaneous ultrasound-guided cholecystocentesis is an effective, minimally-invasive technique enabling identification of bacterial isolates in cats with inflammatory hepatobiliary disease.
Understanding service experience in non‐profit performing arts: Implications for operations and service management
Authors: Hume Margee , Sullivan Mort Gillian , Liesch Peter W. , Winzar Hume
Published: November 2005

Recent research in the non‐profit performing arts has shown that marketing efforts designed to increase revenue from ticket sales are not achieving the results required to sustain the performing arts. This paper applies operations management analytical techniques to the non‐profit performing arts to increase understanding of operational issues and inform service management strategy. The paper takes a two‐study idiographic approach. Implementing a modified version of service transaction analysis (STA), Study One describes a performing arts service from provider and customer perspectives, identifies service gaps and develops an elaborated service description incorporating both perspectives. In Study Two, building on the elaborated service description and extant research, in‐depth interviews are conducted to gather thick descriptions of predictors of satisfaction, value and service quality as they relate to repurchase intention (RI). Technical, functional and critical factors required to improve organizational performance are identified. Implications for operational strategy, service design and service management theory for this context are discussed.
Post-communism as an episode of state building: A reversed Tillyan perspective
Authors: Ganev Venelin I.
Published: November 2005

The paper offers an answer to one of the most intriguing questions about post-communist politics: why did the infrastructure of governance deteriorate considerably immediately after the collapse of the old regimes in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet UnionŒ The analysis delineates broader themes derived from Charles Tilly’s writings on the historical sociology of state formation, and brings these themes to bear upon the study of post-’89 institutional transformations—a line of inquiry that is unjustifiably neglected in mainstream inquiries into the causes and manifestations of post-communist ‘state weakness.’ It compares post-communism—conceptualized as a historically specific period of state building—with earlier episodes of state formation, particularly in early modern Europe and thus sheds analytical light on the factors that brought about the fluctuation of ‘stateness’ and militated against the maintenance of viable state structures in the former Soviet world.
Climate change and population history in the pacific lowlands of Southern Mesoamerica
Authors: Neff Hector , Pearsall Deborah M. , Jones John G. , Arroyo de Pieters Bárbara , Freidel Dorothy E.
Published: November 2005

Core MAN015 from Pacific coastal Guatemala contains sediments accumulated in a mangrove setting over the past 6500 yr. Chemical, pollen, and phytolith data, which indicate conditions of estuarine deposition and terrigenous inputs from adjacent dry land, document Holocene climate variability that parallels the Maya lowlands and other New World tropical locations. Human population history in this region may be driven partly by climate variation: sedentary human populations spread rapidly through the estuarine zone of the lower coast during a dry and variable 4th millennium B.P. Population growth and cultural florescence during a long, relatively moist period (2800–1200 B.P.) ended around 1200 B.P., a drying event that coincided with the Classic Maya collapse.
Do hermit crabs like living in sponges? Paguristes eremita and Suberites domuncula: biometric data from the southern Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Caruso Tancredi , Falciai Lucia , Zupo Valerio
Published: November 2005

A biometric analysis was performed on crabs (Paguristes eremita) collected in the soft bottom of the Sicilian Channel (southern Mediterranean Sea), on associated suberitid sponges (Suberites domuncula), and on shells inside sponges. Populations of crabs living in sponges overgrown on shells were compared with populations of crabs living in shells associated with the sea anemone Calliactis sp. Results from multivariate ordinations (principal component analysis, non-metric multidimensional scaling) and univariate linear regression analysis were discussed considering two possible models: (1) sponges are preferred to clean shell because they are a growing home; and (2) sponges are not preferred: they are used as an ‘emergency’ refuge by crabs searching for shells suitable for carrying sea anemones. Differences in shell assemblages and in biometric variables between populations living in sponges and populations living in shells associated with anemones, suggest that crabs, especially small ones, may live briefly in sponges and that sponges may be inhabited by a series of crabs over a long period.
Megafauna associated with assemblages of deep-water gorgonian corals in Northeast Channel, off Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: Metaxas Anna , Davis Julie
Published: November 2005

The distribution and abundance of benthic megafauna in areas known to be inhabited by dense gorgonian coral assemblages were examined at Northeast Channel, off Nova Scotia, Canada, in August 2001. Using a remotely operated vehicle, 1–5 video transects during each of 1–2 dives at each of four sites (Rips, Middle Canyon, Hell Hole West and Hell Hole East) were conducted. The relationships in the structure of biological assemblages at three spatial scales: within transects (10s of metres); between dive locations (100s of metres); and among sites (10s to 100s of kilometres) were explored. The most abundant epibenthic taxa included the gorgonians Primnoa resedaeformis and Paragorgia arborea, several suspension feeders (Actinauge verrilli, Bolocera tudiae, an unidentified anemone and encrusting sponge, Ophiacantha abyssicola), the deposit feeder Porania pulvillus insignus and the predatory Solaster endeca. The basket star Gorgonocephalus arcticus was present only on colonies of Paragorgia arborea. Despite large variability in abundance and assemblage composition among transects and dive locations, clear patterns were observed among sites. Mean abundance of most cnidarians and echinoderms was greatest at Hell Hole West. No gorgonians were found at Hell Hole East. The encrusting sponge was most abundant at the Rips and least abundant at Hell Hole East. Cluster analysis and multidimensional scaling (MDS) indicated that, when abundance was averaged across transects for each dive, the megafaunal assemblages fall into groups of dives that separated by site. These differences among sites are most likely related to variability in the physical environment. The epibenthic megafaunal assemblages were as diverse in the presence as in the absence of gorgonian corals, at least at the abundances that we observed. However, the apparent low recruitment and abundance, combined with small population size make these assemblages particularly vulnerable to perturbations.
A new genus of marine chaetonotids (Gastrotricha), with a description of two new species from Greenland and Denmark
Authors: Todaro M.A. , Balsamo M. , Kristensen R.M.
Published: November 2005

Two new marine species of Gastrotricha: Chaetonotidae are described from West Greenland and Denmark. Some peculiar features suggest the affiliation of the two species to a new genus, for which the name Diuronotus is proposed. The affinity of these gastrotrichs with species of Musellifer, the only genus entirely marine and hermaphroditic, and possibly the most basal one along the Chaetonotidae evolutionary line, is discussed from a morphological point of view. The span of the geographical distribution of Diuronotus is discussed in the light of a record of an additional co-generic, undescribed species from the USA. The relationships of this genus will be important in reconstructing the evolutionary pathways within Gastrotricha: Chaetonotida.
Dual stable isotope abundances unravel trophic position of estuarine nematodes
Authors: Moens Tom , Bouillon Steven , Gallucci Fabiane
Published: November 2005

The role and quantitative importance of free-living nematodes in marine and estuarine soft sediments remain enigmatic for lack of empirical evidence on the feeding habits and trophic position of most nematode species. Here we use natural abundances of carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes of some abundant nematode species/genera from estuarine intertidal sediments to assess their trophic level and major food sources. In all stations, δ15N of different dominant nematode species/genera spanned a range of 3.6 to 6.3 ppt, indicating that at least two trophic levels were represented. The large nematodes Enoplus brevis, Enoploides longispiculosus and Adoncholaimus fuscus consistently had high δ15N, in line with mouth-morphology based predictions and empirical evidence on their predacious feeding modes. Daptonema sp., Metachromadora remanei, Praeacanthonchus punctatus and ‘Chromadoridae’ (dominated by Ptycholaimellus ponticus) had comparatively lower δ15N, and δ13C suggesting that microphytobenthos (MPB) is their major carbon source, although freshly sedimented particulate organic matter may also contribute to their nutrition in silty sediments. The trophic position of Sphaerolaimus sp., a genus with documented predacious feeding mode, was ambiguous. Ascolaimus elongatus had δ15N signatures indicating a predacious ecology, which is at variance with expectations from existing feeding type classifications. Our study shows that—despite limitations imposed by the biomass requirements for EA-IRMS (elemental analyser—isotope ratio mass spectrometry)—natural isotope abundances of carbon and nitrogen are powerful tools to unravel trophic structure within nematode communities. At the same time, the prominence of different trophic levels results in a large span of δ15N, largely invalidating the use of nitrogen isotope abundances to assess food sources and trophic level of whole nematode communities.
Kin recognition and adoption in mysids (Crustacea: Mysidacea)
Authors: Johnston Nadine M. , Ritz David A.
Published: November 2005

The phenomenon of adoption, i.e. replacement of larvae prematurely liberated from the brood pouch of conspecifics, and kin recognition was examined in three mysid species found commonly in Tasmanian waters: Anisomysis mixta australis, Paramesopodopsis rufa and Tenagomysis tasmaniae. A new method for testing the incidence of adoption using fluoroscein dye, which enables the determination of ‘same stage’ adoptions, is described. Under field and laboratory conditions, all species practised intraspecific adoption into their own brood pouches. Under laboratory conditions the incidence of adoption was higher in T. tasmaniae than it was in the other two species. Tenagomysis tasmaniae also adopted its own young in preference to those of a conspecific. Differences in the incidence of adoption between the three species suggests a higher degree of maternal care in T. tasmaniae than in either A. mixta australis or P. rufa and may be explained by differences in anatomy, habitat conditions and predation pressure.
Opisthoteuthis borealis: a new species of cirrate octopod from Greenland waters
Authors: Collins Martin A.
Published: November 2005

A new species of cirrate octopod, Opisthoteuthis borealis sp. nov. is described from specimens caught at depths of 957–1321 m off the coast of Greenland. Opisthoteuthis borealis sp. nov. is the most northerly of the Atlantic species of the genus and can be distinguished from the other species by the form of the digestive gland and the arrangement of enlarged suckers on the arms of mature males.
Development and growth of the feather star Decametra tigrina (Crinoidea), with emphasis on the morphological differences between adults and juveniles
Authors: Kohtsuka Hisanori , Nakano Hiroaki
Published: November 2005

The development and growth of a feather star Decametra tigrina from Notojima Island, Japan, is reported. This is the first record describing the complete development, from early embryos to juveniles, in the family Colobometridae. Their larval development was observed to progress independently from the adults, and was similar to other feather star species. Embryos hatched as uniformly ciliated gastrulae, which turned into doliolaria larvae when four narrow circumferential ciliated bands were formed. Skeletal ossicles began to form inside the doliolaria larvae, which subsequently settled to the substrate, proceeding to the cystidean stage. The protrusion of the arms from the oral opening marked the beginning of the pentacrinoid stage. About 45 days after hatching, they autotomized their stalks and became juvenile comatulids with arms about 6 mm long. These early juveniles apparently differ from the adults in morphological characters, such as having no pairs of tubercles or spines on the dorsal of their cirrals, and no proximal pinnules except for the first pinnule (P1). Both features are prominent in adults and are used for the classification of D. tigrina. Morphological differences between juveniles and the adults may also occur in other feather star species. A revision of the classification of comatulids, which considers morphological changes with growth, is required.
Nerve cells of Xenoturbella bocki (phylum uncertain) and Harrimania kupfferi (Enteropneusta) are positively immunoreactive to antibodies raised against echinoderm neuropeptides
Authors: Stach Thomas , Dupont Samuel , Israelson Olle , Fauville Geraldine , Nakano Hiroaki , Kånneby Tobias , Thorndyke Mike
Published: November 2005

The phylogenetic position of Xenoturbella spp. has been uncertain since their discovery in 1949. It has been recently suggested that they could be related to Ambulacraria within Deuterostomia. Ambulacraria is a taxon that has been suggested to consist of Hemichordata and Echinodermata. The hypothesis that X. bocki was related to Ambulacraria as well as the hypothesis of a monophyletic Ambulacraria is primarily based on the analysis of DNA sequence data. We tested both phylogenetic hypotheses using antibodies raised against SALMFamide 1 and 2 (S1, S2), neuropeptides isolated from echinoderms, on X. bocki and the enteropneust Harrimania kupfferi. Both species showed distinct positive immunoreactivity against S1 and S2. This finding supports the Ambulacraria-hypothesis and suggests a close phylogenetic relationship of X. bocki to Ambulacraria. In particular, the presence of immunoreactivity against S2 can be interpreted as a synapomorphy of Enteropneusta, Echinodermata, and Xenoturbella spp.
Stomach contents of English Channel cetaceans stranded on the coast of Normandy
Authors: De Pierrepont J.F. , Dubois B. , Desormonts S. , Santos M.B. , Robin J.P.
Published: November 2005

During 1998–2003 stomach contents of 47 marine mammals stranded on the coast of Normandy were analysed. The animals were first examined by a veterinary network and stomach contents were analysed at the University of Caen. The sample comprised: 26 common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), four bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), seven harbour porpoises (Phocoena phoecoena), five grey seals (Halichoerus grypus), two long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas), one white beaked dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris), one minke whale (Balaenoptera acurostrata) and one striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba). The identification of food items was done using hard parts (i.e. fish otoliths and cephalopod beaks). Diet indices were computed including prey frequency and percentage by number. Common dolphins ate mainly gadoid fish (Trisopterus sp.), gobies and mackerel (Scomber scombrus). Cephalopods occurred in small numbers in the diet and commercially important species (cuttlefish and common squid) were scarce.
Successive changes in tissue migration capacity of developing larvae of an intestinal nematode,Strongyloides venezuelensis
Authors: MARUYAMA H. , NISHIMAKI A. , TAKUMA Y. , KURIMOTO M. , SUZUKI T. , SAKATOKU Y. , ISHIKAWA M. , OHTA N.
Published: November 2005

Infective larvae of an intestinal nematode,Strongyloides venezuelensis, enter rodent hosts percutaneously, and migrate through connective tissues and lungs. Then they arrive at the small intestine, where they reach maturity. It is not known howS. venezuelensislarvae develop during tissue migration. Here we demonstrate that tissue invasion ability ofS. venezuelensislarvae changes drastically during tissue migration, and that the changes are associated with stage-specific protein expression. Infective larvae, connective tissue larvae, lung larvae, and mucosal larvae were used to infect mice by various infection methods, including percutaneous, subcutaneous, oral, and intraduodenal inoculation. Among different migration stages, only infective larvae penetrated mouse skin. Larvae, once inside the host, quickly lost skin penetration ability, which was associated with the disappearance of an infective larva-specific metalloprotease. Migrating larvae had connective tissue migration ability until in the lungs, where larvae became able to settle down in the intestinal mucosa. Lung larvae and mucosal larvae were capable of producing and secreting adhesion molecules.