bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pirellula and OM43 are among the dominant lineages identified in an Oregon coast diatom bloom
Authors: Morris R. M. , Longnecker K. , Giovannoni S. J.
Published: April 2006

Although bacterioplankton and phytoplankton are generally perceived as closely linked in marine systems, specific interactions between discrete bacterioplankton and phytoplankton populations are largely unknown. However, measurements of bacterioplankton distributions during phytoplankton blooms may indicate specific microbial lineages that are responding to phytoplankton populations, and potentially controlling them by producing allelopathic compounds. Here we use a comprehensive molecular approach to identify, characterize and quantify bacterioplankton community responses to an Oregon coast diatom bloom. Total DAPI counts increased by nearly sevenfold in bloom samples, reaching 5.7 × 109 cells l−1, and lineage‐specific cell counts using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) indicated that Bacteria accounted for approximately 89% of observed increases. Several dominant members of the bacterial community present outside the bloom (SAR11 and SAR86) did not contribute significantly to observed increases in bloom samples. Clone library and FISH data indicated that uncultured planctomycetes most closely related to Pirellula, and members of the OM43 clade of beta proteobacteria, reached 0.5 × 108 and 1.2 × 108 cells l−1, respectively, and were among the dominant lineages in bloom samples.
Body mass as a predictive variable of home‐range size among Italian mammals and birds
Authors: Ottaviani D. , Cairns S. C. , Oliverio M. , Boitani L.
Published: April 2006

The existence of allometric relationships between home‐range size and body mass was tested for 34 Italian mammals and 106 Italian birds. These allometries were investigated in relation to a carnivorous, omnivorous or herbivorous diet and, in the case of birds, also territoriality. Initially, non‐phylogenetic comparative analyses were undertaken by fitting general linear models to data on average home‐range size and average body mass obtained from the literature. Then, two phylogenetic trees for the studied species of mammals and birds were reconstructed and phylogenetic independent contrasts were applied in order to determine the influence of phylogeny on these relationships. For mammals, the type of diet proved to be a determining factor in defining the relationship between home‐range size and body mass. Significant allometries were found with both conventional and phylogenetic analyses in all trophic groups. The results emphasized the importance of the spatial distribution of resources in understanding these allometries. For birds, conventional analysis showed significant relationships between home‐range size and body mass, and pointed to the importance of both diet and territorial systems in understanding these allometries. After controlling for phylogeny, significant allometries were found only for those birds for which information on the size of their feeding territory was available. Regardless of the complexity of factors influencing the home‐range size of a species, the outcomes of this study support the notion of the existence of an allometry between home‐range size and body mass among Italian mammals and birds, suggesting that further developments of this area of investigation may prove worthwhile.
Direct evidence for spinal cord microglia in the development of a neuropathic pain‐like state in mice
Authors: Narita Minoru , Yoshida Takuya , Nakajima Mayumi , Narita Michiko , Miyatake Mayumi , Takagi Tomoe , Yajima Yoshinori , Suzuki Tsutomu
Published: April 2006

The present study was undertaken to further investigate the role of glial cells in the development of the neuropathic pain‐like state induced by sciatic nerve ligation in mice. At 7 days after sciatic nerve ligation, the immunoreactivities (IRs) of the specific astrocyte marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and the specific microglial marker OX‐42, but not the specific oligodendrocyte marker O4, were increased on the ipsilateral side of the spinal cord dorsal horn in nerve‐ligated mice compared with that on the contralateral side. Furthermore, a single intrathecal injection of activated spinal cord microglia, but not astrocytes, caused thermal hyperalgesia in naive mice. Furthermore, 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU)‐positive cells on the ipsilateral dorsal horn of the spinal cord were significantly increased at 7 days after nerve ligation and were highly co‐localized with another microglia marker, ionized calcium‐binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1), but neither with GFAP nor a specific neural nuclei marker, NeuN, in the spinal dorsal horn of nerve‐ligated mice. The present data strongly support the idea that spinal cord astrocytes and microglia are activated under the neuropathic pain‐like state, and that the proliferated and activated microglia directly contribute to the development of a neuropathic pain‐like state in mice.
Combined Heat Shock Protein 90 and Ribosomal RNA Sequence Phylogeny Supports Multiple Replacements of Dinoflagellate Plastids
Authors: SHALCHIAN‐TABRIZI KAMRAN , MINGE MARIANNE A. , CAVALIER‐SMITH TOM , NEDREKLEPP JOACHIM M. , KLAVENESS DAG , JAKOBSEN KJETILL S.
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACT.Dinoflagellates harbour diverse plastids obtained from several algal groups, including haptophytes, diatoms, cryptophytes, and prasinophytes. Their major plastid type with the accessory pigment peridinin is found in the vast majority of photosynthetic species. Some species of dinoflagellates have other aberrantly pigmented plastids. We sequenced the nuclear small subunit (SSU) ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene of the “green” dinoflagellateGymnodinium chlorophorumand show that it is sister toLepidodinium viride, indicating that their common ancestor obtained the prasinophyte (or other green alga) plastid in one event. As the placement of dinoflagellate species that acquired green algal or haptophyte plastids is unclear from small and large subunit (LSU) rRNA trees, we tested the usefulness of the heat shock protein (Hsp) 90 gene for dinoflagellate phylogeny by sequencing it from four species with aberrant plastids (G. chlorophorum,Karlodinium micrum,Karenia brevis, andKarenia mikimotoi) plusAlexandrium tamarense, and constructing phylogenetic trees for Hsp90 and rRNAs, separately and together. Analyses of the Hsp90 and concatenated data suggest an ancestral origin of the peridinin‐containing plastid, and two independent replacements of the peridinin plastid soon after the early radiation of the dinoflagellates. Thus, the Hsp90 gene seems to be a promising phylogenetic marker for dinoflagellate phylogeny.
Mutations in dynamin‐related protein result in gross changes in mitochondrial morphology and affect synaptic vesicle recycling at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction
Authors: Rikhy R. , Kamat S. , Ramagiri S. , Sriram V. , Krishnan K. S.
Published: April 2006

Mitochondria are the primary source of ATP needed for the steps of the synaptic vesicle cycle. Dynamin‐related protein (DRP) is involved in the fission of mitochondria and peroxisomes. To assess the role of mitochondria in synaptic function, we characterized a Drosophila DRP mutant combination that shows an acute temperature‐sensitive paralysis. Sequencing of the mutant reveals a single amino acid change in the guanosine triphosphate hydrolysing domain (GTPase domain) of DRP. The synaptic mitochondria in these mutants are remarkably elongated, suggesting a role for DRP in mitochondrial fission in Drosophila. There is a loss of neuronal transmission at restrictive temperatures in electroretinogram (ERG) recordings. Like stress‐sensitive B (sesB), a mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) translocase mutant we studied earlier for its effects on synaptic vesicle recycling, an allele‐specific reduction in the temperature of paralysis of Drosophila synaptic vesicle recycling mutant shibire was seen in the DRP mutant background. These data, in addition to depletion of vesicles observed in electron microscopic sections of photoreceptor synapses at restrictive temperatures, suggest a block in synaptic vesicle recycling due to reduced mitochondrial function.
The Plasticity of Poetry
Authors: Smith Jessica
Published: April 2006

This essay won the 2005 Literature Compass Graduate Essay Prize, Twentieth Century Section.

By comparing avant‐garde visual poetry to the avant‐garde architecture of Arakawa and Madeline Gins, this essay describes how one virtually “moves through” poetic space. Appealing to examples from L=A=N=G=U=A=G=E poets Charles Bernstein, Steve McCaffery and Susan Howe and contemporary Chilean poet Cecilia Vicuña, I steer the reader through complex visual poems based on the grounds that a disruption of the reader’s sense of space has aesthetic and political implications.
Between Ideals, Realities, and Popular Perceptions: An Analysis of the Multifaceted Nature of London Zoo, 1828-1848
Authors: Ito Takashi
Published: April 2006

This article considers the implications of the early development of London Zoo. It gives insight into the differences between the ideal image of the zoo, the real situation under which the zoo was managed, and popular perceptions of the zoo. The discussion explores three areas: the heterogeneous audience of the zoo, the aestheticization of the zoo and its animal displays, and the pedagogy of observing nonhuman animals in the zoo. The zoo's ideals confronted various difficulties, while the pedagogy of zoo visits, which developed within a frame of natural theology, was subject to various applications. The article argues that these differences were not evidence of the zoo's failure to consolidate its ideological backbone in Victorian society. It concludes that such divergence characterized the zoo's unique capacity both to evoke and to receive competing ideals, anxieties and criticism.
Industrial experience and research into the causes of SARS virus transmission in a high-rise residential housing estate in Hong Kong
Authors: Hung H CK , Chan D WT , Law L KC , Chan E HW , Wong E SW
Published: April 2006

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak in 2003 triggered concerns regarding the ability of buildings to resist disease transmission. In particular, the outbreak that occurred in the high-rise residential blocks in the Amoy Gardens housing estate, sounded an alarm to the local practice of design, installation, commissioning, operation and maintenance of building services systems. Virus transmission through the vertical drainage stack is believed to have been one of the causes of disease transmission in Amoy Gardens. In this paper, the authors share their experiences and research findings on the building drainage system. The paper includes a review of the outbreak incident in Amoy Gardens; and of the observations and site measurements of foul air and water back flow in the drainage system of another vacant high-rise residential housing estate. In addition, tracer gas measurements were studied in order to verify the upwards flow of air in the vertical stack. These field studies allow comparisons between the gas flow from the drainage system to the living accommodation, and confirm the hypothesized infection route. Finally, the authors make recommendations on the proper design and operation of high-rise building drainage systems.

Practical application: Sanitary drainage systems form a critical engineering component in maintaining hygienic conditions in buildings. In fact the issue has been addressed over several hundreds of years, for example during the Black Death outbreak worldwide. Despite this, the SARS outbreak demonstrates that there is still room for improvement on the safety of soil waste disposal in buildings. The findings in this paper shed light on the understanding of the outbreak in Hong Kong, and on the critical aspects to avoid performance failure in soil waste disposal.
Modern engineering interventions to reduce the transmission of diseases caused by inadequate domestic water supplies and sanitation in developing countries
Authors: Mara D D
Published: April 2006

Inadequate water supplies and inadequate sanitation are responsible for a large proportion of disease transmission in rural and periurban areas in developing countries. Engineering interventions for water supply and sanitation improvements in rural areas are well understood, but not to the same extent in periurban areas. Greater innovation is required to provide poor and very poor periurban households with adequate and affordable water supplies and sanitation. Periurban water supplies can be developed on the large scale required through standpipe co-operatives and yard-tap supplies in conjunction with a sensible tariff structure. Periurban sanitation is only likely to be feasible with the large-scale adoption of simplified (condominial) sewerage in conjunction with innovative sanitation service delivery mechanisms.
Innovation in facilities maintenance management
Authors: Pitt M , Goyal S , Sapri M
Published: April 2006

This paper highlights the function and the implications of a strategic maintenance management system in relation to building maintenance performance. The paper examines the technical and management functions in building maintenance and highlights the issues of quality management, contract management, resourcing strategy and the innovation processes required in the organizational drive towards effective and efficient maintenance management systems. The paper concludes that innovative solutions to maintenance issues are essential for continued efficiency and are brought about through the creation of an environment in which creativity is able to thrive.
Prolonged extra-pyramidal side effects after discontinuation of haloperidol as an antiemetic
Authors: White Clare , McPherson Alan , McCann Mary-Ann , Sadler Aaroon , Fyvie Joan
Published: April 2006

We describe a case of prolonged extra-pyramidal side effects after discontinuation of haloperidol as an antiemetic.
Management of diabetes during the last days of life: attitudes of consultant diabetologists and consultant palliative care physicians in the UK
Authors: Ford-Dunn S , Smith A , Quin J
Published: April 2006

Diabetes is an increasingly common condition and hence, managing dying patients with diabetes as a co-morbidity will become a frequent challenge. It is uncertain whether there is net beneficence in preventing hyperglycaemia in diabetic patients during the terminal phase or whether the distress involved in administering therapy and blood glucose monitoring may outweigh this ordeal. Since there is no available evidence upon which to base clinical decisions, a semi-structured questionnaire based around three clinical vignettes was sent to consultants in diabetes and palliative care in the UK. There was consensus of opinion from both groups of consultants that treatment and monitoring should be stopped in patients with type 2 diabetes, once in the terminal phase. There was less consensus regarding management of type 1 diabetes. Practical issues were raised by both groups of consultants and clinical guidelines are suggested.
The sound of death rattle I: are relatives distressed by hearing this sound?
Authors: Wee Bee L , Coleman PG , Hillier R , Holgate SH
Published: April 2006

Background: Death rattle is the noisy, rattling breathing that occurs in many dying patients. Health professionals intervene because the sound is said to distress attendant relatives. We found no formal study to confirm or refute relatives’ distress, so we decided to ask the relatives. Method: Face-to-face semi-structured interviews with 27 bereaved relatives to investigate their experience of terminal care and what their response had been to the sound of death rattle if this had occurred. Interview transcripts were subjected to thematic content analysis. Results: We found that almost half of the 12 relatives who had heard the sound of death rattle had been distressed by it. The others were either neutral about the sound or found it a helpful signal of impending death. Conclusion: We confirmed that some relatives do find it distressing to hear the sound of death rattle. However, our expectation that relatives are universally disturbed by this sound was unfounded. There is no justification for a ‘blanket’ approach to therapeutic intervention when death rattle occurs. A better understanding is required of how relatives make sense of the sound of death rattle.
Home care of a child dying of a malignancy and parental awareness of a child’s impending death
Authors: Surkan Pamela J , Dickman Paul W , Steineck Gunnar , Onelöv Erik , Kreicbergs Ulrika
Published: April 2006

In this population-based study, we found that parents who are aware that their child will die from a malignancy are more likely to care for their child at home during the child’s last month of life compared to parents who are not aware. End-of-life home care was comparable to hospital care for satisfactory pain relief, access to pain relief and access to medications for other physical symptoms. Using an anonymous postal questionnaire, we obtained information from 449 parents in Sweden who had lost a child due to a malignancy between 1992 and 1997, 4 to 9 years before participating in our study. The prevalence of dying at home and being cared for at home during the last month of life was 23.7% when parents realized intellectually more than 1 month in advance that the child would die (versus 12% who did not), 28.7% for parents who sensed that the child was aware of his or her imminent death (versus 7.8% who did not sense this) and 21.9% for those who received information that the child’s illness was incurable (versus 9.4% who did not receive the information). Prevalence of children’s unrelieved pain was 11.6% for those receiving home care and 15.3% for those receiving care outside the home.
Levels of retinyl palmitate and retinol in the stratum corneum, epidermis, and dermis of female SKH-1 mice topically treated with retinyl palmitate
Authors: Yan Jian , Wamer Wayne G , Howard Paul C , Boudreau Mary D , Fu Peter P
Published: April 2006

Retinyl esters are the storage form of vitamin A in skin, and retinyl palmitate (RP) accounts for the majority of the retinyl esters endogenously formed in skin. RP is also obtained exogenously through the topical application of cosmetic and skin care products that contain RP. There is limited information on the penetration and distribution of RP and vitamin Awithin the stratified layers of the skin. The purpose of these studies was to determine the time course for accumulation and disappearance of RP and retinol in the stratified layers of skin from female SKH-1 mice that received single or repeated topical applications of creams containing 0.5 or 2% of RP. We developed an HPLC method with detection limits of 5.94 and 1.62 ng, to simultaneously quantify the amount of RP and retinol, respectively, in skin samples. Our results showed that RP rapidly diffuses into the stratum corneum and epidermal skin layers within 24 h following the application of RP-containing creams. Of the three skin layers, the highest level of RP and retinol per weight unit (ng/mg) at all time points was found in the epidermis. Levels of RP and retinol were lowest in the dermal layer and intermediate in the stratum corneum. The levels of RP and retinol in the separated skin layers and in the intact skin decreased with time, but levels of RP remained higher than control values for a period of up to 18 days. Our results indicate that the application of RP to mouse skin alters the normal physiological levels of RP and retinol in the skin.
Photoirradiation of representative polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and twelve isomeric methylbenz[a]anthracene with UVA light: formation of lipid peroxidation
Authors: Xia Qingsu , Chou Ming W , Yin Jun J , Howard Paul C , Yu Hongtao , Fu Peter P
Published: April 2006

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widespread genotoxic environmental pollutants, which require metabolic activation in order to exert biological activities, including mutagenicity and carcinogenicity. Photoactivation is another activation pathway that can lead to PAH genotoxicity. In this paper, we demonstrate that photoirradiation of a series of representative PAHs, with and without bearing a methyl substituent, with UVA light in the presence of methyl linoleate resulted in the formation of methyl linoleate hydroperoxides (a lipid peroxide). The lipid peroxide formation was inhibited by dithiothreitol (DTT) (free radical scavenger), NaN3 (singlet oxygen and free radical scavenger), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (superoxide scavenger), but was enhanced by the presence of deuterium oxide (D2O) (extends singlet oxygen lifetime). These results suggest that photoirradiation of PAHs by UVA light generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which induce lipid peroxidation.
A botulism outbreak from roasted canned mushrooms
Authors: Cengiz Melike , Yilmaz Murat , Dosemeci Levent , Ramazanoglu Atilla
Published: April 2006

Food-borne botulism is a rare disease that results from ingestion of the toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum. The most common cause of the disease is the consumption of home-canned foods prepared under inappropriate conditions, especially in rural environments. In this report, a food-borne botulism outbreak potentially caused by roasted home-canned mushrooms is evaluated and the major reasons for delayed diagnosis are emphasized. The clinical features, symptoms and prognosis of the five botulism patients involved in this outbreak are presented. The clinical progressions, treatments, durations of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit stays and hospital stays of the three patients admitted to Akdeniz University Hospital are reported.
Changes in growth rate and thyroid- and sex-hormones blood levels in rats under sub-chronic lithium treatment
Authors: Allagui M S , Hfaiedh N , Vincent C , Guermazi F , Murat J-C , Croute F , Feki A El
Published: April 2006

Lithium therapy, mainly used in curing some psychiatric diseases, is responsible for numerous undesirable side effects. The present study is a contribution to the understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying lithium toxicity. Male and female mature rats were divided into three batches and fed commercial pellets: one batch was the control and the second and third batches were given 2 g (Li1) and 4 g (Li2) of lithium carbonate/kg of food/day, respectively. After 7, 14, 21 and 28 days, serum levels of free tri-iodothyronine (FT3), thyroxine (FT4), testosterone and estradiol were measured. Attention was also paid to growth rate and a histological examination of testes or vaginal mucosa was carried out.

In treated rats, a dose-dependent loss of appetite and a decrease in growth rate were observed, together with symptoms of polydypsia, polyuria and diarrhea. Lithium serum concentrations increased from 0.44 mM (day 7) to 1.34 mM (day 28) in Li1 rats and from 0.66 to 1.45 mM (day 14) in Li2 rats. Li2 treatment induced a high mortality after 14 days, reaching 50-60% in female and male animals. From these data, the LD50 (14 days Li2 chronic treatment) was calculated to be about 0.3 g/day per kilogram of animal, leading to Li serum concentrations of about 1.4 mM.

A significant decrease of FT3 and FT4 was observed in treated rats. This effect appeared immediately for the highest dose and was more pronounced for FT3, resulting in an increase of the FT4/FT3 ratio. In males, testosterone decreased and spermatogenesis was stopped. Conversely, in females, estradiol increased in a dose-dependent manner as the animals were blocked in the diestrus phase at day 28. This finding supports a possible antagonistic effect of lithium on the estradiol receptors.
Brazilian natural dietary components (annatto, propolis and mushrooms) protecting against mutation and cancer
Authors: Ribeiro L R , Mantovani M S , Ribeiro D A , Salvadori D MF
Published: April 2006

Considering the high number of new cancer cases in Brazil (approximately 470 000 cases in 2005) and the remarkable differences in the incidence of this disease around the world, the development of chemopreventive strategies using foods widely consumed would have a huge impact, both medically and economically. This review summarizes some of our studies conducted to verify the anti-mutagenic and anti-carcinogenic potential of some Brazilian natural dietary constituents (annatto, mushrooms, and propolis). Overall data have shown a clear role for these compounds in preventing mutation and specific preneoplastic lesions. Taken together, these agents indicate a favorable side-effect profile and may prove to be a promising alternative for cancer prevention strategies, although more investigation is needed to fully explore this issue.
Response to interferon-beta therapy in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a comparison of different clinical criteria
Authors: Portaccio E , Zipoli V , Siracusa G , Sorbi S , Amato M P
Published: April 2006

We assessed the proportion and potential predictors of response to interferon-beta (IFNβ) therapy in relapsing-remitting (RR) multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, comparing different definitions of response: a) lower relapse rate during therapy compared to the year and the two years before therapy, b) reduction of relapse rate during therapy of at least 30% compared to the two years before therapy, c) no relapse during treatment, d) no progression on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Among 147 RR patients treated for at least one year, 33 received IFNβ-1b subcutaneously (SC) (Betaferon), 59 IFNβ-1a intramuscularly (Avonex) and 55 IFNβ-1a SC (Rebif). Using definitions a), b) and d), 72%, 73% and 73% patients, respectively, were considered responders. Forty-four per cent of our patients were completely relapse free. In the logistic regression model, using definitions a) and b), a higher relapse rate in the two years preceding the therapy turned out to be a significant predictor of response. Considering definition c), lower baseline relapse rate was associated with a more favourable response.
Anti-GD2-like IgM autoreactivity in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Marconi S , Acler M , Lovato L , De Toni L , Tedeschi E , Anghileri E , Romito S , Cordioli C , Bonetti B
Published: April 2006

Seric IgM autoreactivity in 100 multiple sclerosis (MS) and 106 control (70 of whom had other neurological diseases) patients was assessed either by immunohistochemistry on normal human CNS tissue or to GD2, GD1a, GD3 by ELISA and thin layer chromatography (TLC) techniques. By double immunohistochemistry, we found that 44% of the total MS population showed seric IgM reactivity to oligodendrocytes and myelin, this finding being particularly frequent in patients with secondary progressive MS. In the non-MS cohort, positive signals were seen only in one patient. In all cases, extraction of lipids from CNS sections abolished the immunoreactivity. Among the gangliosides investigated by ELISA, anti-GD2-like IgM autoantibodies were detected in the serum of 30% of MS patients, a subgroup of whom (below 10%) reacted also with GD1a and/or GD3. More than 85% of MS cases with anti-GD2-like IgM immunoreactivity by ELISA showed also IgM anti-oligodendrocyte/myelin staining by immunohistochemistry. However, no immunostaining in MS sera was observed when gangliosides were resolved by TLC. A positive correlation with neurological disability was observed, as the Expanded Disability Status Scale of MS patients with anti-GD2-like IgM autoreactivity by ELISA was significantly worse than seronegative MS cases. The results of the present study enforce the role of glycolipids as potential autoantigens and of IgM autoantibodies in MS pathogenesis.
The method of aperture meridians: a simple calculation tool for applying the ISO/CIE Standard General Sky
Authors: Kittler R , Darula S
Published: April 2006

Following the recent publication of the CIE Standard General Sky,1 adopted as an ISO Standard,2 an Application Guide is expected to be prepared by CIE Technical Committee 3-37 with the aim of explaining and simplifying its practical use. The advantage of the 15 Standard Sky Luminance Distributions (SSLD) adopted by CIE and ISO in relative terms normalized to zenith luminance is not only in the more versatile definition of skylight in various locales and daylight climate regions, but also in the possibility of simulating annual daylight profiles in absolute units based on typical luminance sky patterns. As well as complex computer programs for producing isoluminance contours in plan projections of the sky vault, a simpler tool is needed to calculate absolute sky luminance within the solid angle of arbitrarily dimensioned apertures, especially vertical windows. With this objective in mind, the Method of Aperture Meridians or MAM for any SSLD is introduced in this paper.
Average daylight factor for the 15 CIE standard skies
Authors: Li DHW , Cheung GHW
Published: April 2006

For daylighting calculations, the design criteria are often expressed in terms of average daylight factors (DFave) with the computations being based on the CIE (International Commission on Illumination) overcast sky, which is generally considered to provide the worst daylight condition. The daylight illuminance of a room is mainly influenced by the luminances and patterns of the sky in the direction of view of the window at any given time. Overcast skies may not always be the appropriate reference sky types for daylighting analysis. Recently, Kittler et al. have proposed a new range of 15 standard sky luminance distributions including five clear, five partly cloudy and five overcast sky types. These 15 sky luminance models have been adopted as the CIE General Standard Skies. This paper presents an approach to computing the DFave for the 15 standard skies. The techniques for calculating the two configuration parameters for the DFave determination, namely; (a) light received directly from the sky above the horizon on a vertical surface, and (b) light received directly from the ground below the horizon on a vertical surface are established and described. The performance of the proposed method was assessed against the results obtained by other independent calculation methods and computer simulations. It is shown that the results predicted by the proposed approach are in reasonably good agreement with those produced from the other two calculation tools. The findings provide architects and building designers with a reliable and simple method for estimating the interior daylight illuminance under various standard overcast and nonovercast sky conditions.
Light piping performance enhancement using a deflecting sheet
Authors: Venturi L , Wilson M , Jacobs A , Solomon J
Published: April 2006

This paper presents results of laboratory measurements of illuminance for various angle configurations of a deflecting sheet coupled to a mirror light pipe (MLP). The target of the work is to assess whether the performance of a light pipe can be enhanced throughout the year with a deflecting sheet at zero azimuth on the inlet of the duct and altering, on a monthly basis, the angle the sheet forms with respect to the pipe’s axis. The results indicate the performance achievement giving the optimum angle of the sheet to maximize the output for every month of the year. A large enhancement is obtained for low elevations during the winter months, this increase enables the MLP to be useful for longer periods, but in the meanwhile the measurements show a small output reduction in the summer months and a considerable reduction under diffuse light. The work sets the basis, in the authors’ opinion, for a system that could be proposed to the market in the form of a simple and affordable mechanical device (eg, using a mechanism similar to a blind) mounted on a light pipe in which the customer could adjust the deflecting sheet throughout the year.
Modulation of gastrointestinal permeability of low-molecular-weight heparin by L-arginine: in-vivo and in-vitro evaluation
Authors: Motlekar Nusrat Abbas , Srivenugopal Kalkunte Srirangachar , Wachtel Mitchell S , Youan Bi-Botti Celestin
Published: April 2006

L-Arginine is the principal physiological precursor of nitric oxide (NO, a key neurotransmitter) that plays a versatile role in the physiology of the gastrointestinal tract. In this study, the efficacy of L-arginine in enhancing intestinal absorption of ardeparin, a low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) was investigated in Caco-2 cell monolayers and a rat model. Regional permeability studies using rat intestine were performed using a modified Ussing chamber. Cell viability in the presence of various concentrations of enhancer was determined by MTT assay. Furthermore, the eventual mucosal epithelial damage was histologically evaluated. LMWH formulated with L-arginine was administered orally to male Sprague-Dawley rats and the absorption of LMWH was determined by measuring plasma anti-factor Xa activity. Higher ardeparin in-vitro permeability (∼3 fold) compared with control was observed in the presence of 2% L-arginine. Regional permeability studies indicated predominant absorption in the colon region. Cell viability studies showed no significant cytotoxicity below 0.8% L-arginine. The oral bioavailability of ardeparin formulated with L-arginine (250 mg kg−1) was increased by ∼2 fold compared with control. The formulation was well tolerated by the rats and no abnormal histopathological findings were observed in intestinal tissues of rats exposed to L-arginine. These results suggest that L-arginine may be useful in enhancing the intestinal absorption of LMWHs.
UK National Audit of Early Syphilis Management. Case notes audit: diagnosis and treatment
Authors: McClean Hugo , Daniels David , Carne Chris , Bunting Paul , Miller Rob ,   The National Audit Group of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV
Published: April 2006

A national audit of 781 early syphilis cases presenting during 2002–03 in UK genitourinary medicine clinics was conducted in late 2004, organized through the Regional Audit Groups. Data were aggregated by region and National Health Service trust, allowing practice to be compared between regions, between trusts within regions, as well as to national averages and the UK National Guidelines. An enzyme immunoassay was used to diagnose 695 (89%) cases (regional range 18–100%). Use of a non-treponemal test was not recorded for 44 (6%) cases. Dark ground microscopy was used in the diagnosis of only 80 (29%) primary cases. Uptake of HIV testing was 77% (range 69–94%). Nationally, 527 (67%) treatments were parenteral, with almost equal use of benzathine penicillin G for 262 (50%, range 0–97%) cases and procaine penicillin G (PPG) for 260 cases (49%, range 3–100%). There were 14 (5%) treatments with less than the recommended 750 mg dose of PPG. One hundred and five (40%) PPG treatments were with greater than 750 mg and/or for longer than 10 days of which 76 (72%) were for early latent syphilis and/or cases with HIV infection. One hundred and ninety two (86%, range 0–100%) of all oral treatments were with doxycycline. The recommended regimen of 100 mg doxycycline twice daily for 14 days was used for 104 (53%) cases; the other 91 (47%) treatments were with a variety of regimens, mainly treatments with larger doses and/or longer treatment intervals and some combination treatments. Fourteen (2%) cases were not treated; treatment was not reported for seven (0.9%) and not known for 10 (1.3%) cases, who were treated at other centres.
DIE GATTUNGSNAMEN RACODIUM PERSOON UND ZASMIDIUM FRIES
Authors: Riedl Harald
Published: April 2006

The genus Racodium Persoon was lectotypified as early as 1829 by E. Fries by the species R. rupestre Pers. This is a species belonging to the imperfect Lichens. The well‐known cellar fungus Racodium cellare Persoon does not belong to the genus Cladosporium because of the different structure of the conidiophor, but to the genus Zasmidium Fries (1849) for which it is the type species [Z. cellare (Pers. ex Fr.) Fr.].
DISTRIBUTION DES FLAVONOIDES CHEZ LES HAMAMÉLIDACÉES ET FAMILLES AFFINES
Authors: Jay M.
Published: April 2006

The results of the flavonoid analysis of thirty representatives of the Hamamelidaceae, Myrothamnaceae, Platanaceae, Cercidiphyllaceae, Eupteleaceae, and Eucommiaceae are compared with the corresponding morphological, anatomical, caryological and palynological data. The study reveals the homogeneity of the group Hamamelidaceae‐Myrothamnaceae‐Platanaceae and its undeniable affinities with the Saxifragaceae. The Eupteleaceae and the Eucommiaceae do not belong to this group; the Cercidiphyllaceae, although close to the Magnoliales, have certain morphological and biochemical features in common with the Hamamelidaceae.
CHROMOSOME NUMBERS AND EVOLUTION IN PRIMITIVE ANGIOSPERMS
Authors: Ehrendorfer F. , Krendl F. , Habeler E. , Sauer W.
Published: April 2006

New chromosome counts on material of wild origin from the Magnoliales:Winteraceae, Himantandraceae, Annonaceae, Myristicaceaeand from the Laurales:Austrobaileyaceae, Amborellaceae, Monimiaveae, Lauraceae, Hernandiaceae, andChloranthaceaesubstantiate the assumption that primitive Angiosperms (woody Polycarpicae) are mostly ancient palaeo‐polyploids, ranging tot 24‐ploidy (table 1). Chromosomal data point to the parallel and reticulate evolutionary patterns of woody Polycarpicae (fig. 2) and give important hints for phylogenetic affinities and improved systematic arrangements on family and generic levels. Remarkable chromosomal similarities with Amentiferae strongly suggest a monophyletic origin of Angiosperms from progenitors with x = 7.
A COMPUTER‐BASED SYSTEM FOR FORMING IDENTIFICATION KEYS
Authors: Hall A. V.
Published: April 2006

The criteria for maximal efficiency in identification keys are briefly reviewed. Some techniques for meeting these criteria in a system using numerically coded data are described. The general structure of a key‐forming program written for an I.C.L. 1301 computer is given. The performance of this program using a small set of data is briefly reported and some desirable refinements are noted. The results of this study were generally satisfactory and the system shows promise in the rapid production of keys for a variety of special uses.
PROVOCATION OF BIOSYSTEMATICS
Authors: Merxmüller H.
Published: April 2006

A breach exists between the biosystematists, who deal with evolutionary processes, and the more classical ‘conservative’ taxonomists, who deal with the endproducts. While dealing with processes, the problem of a generalized species concept (referring in fact to the end products) is hardly relevant to the study of biosystematics. Biosystematics can be successful only when it overcomes the gaps between its approaches “at the cross‐roads” to genetics and to systematics; biosystematics can thus become a true integral part of general systematics.
DUCHESNE, BUISSON, DURANDE, EARLY FOLLOWERS OF THE NATURAL METHOD OF THE JUSSIEUS
Authors: Guédès Michel
Published: April 2006

Duchesne'sManuel de Botanique(Paris, 1764) contains the first publication of Bernard de Jussieu's natural system, the only one that appeared during Bernard's lifetime. Buisson'sClasses et noms des plantes(Paris, 1779) and Durande'sNotions élémentaires de Botanique(Dijon, 1781) include publications of Antoine‐Laurent's 1774 system, which constituted an intermediary stage between Bernard's method and that of the 1789Genera plantarum, and in accordance with which the botany school in Paris was replanted.
KARYOLOGICAL STUDIES IN SOME SPECIES OF LAURACEAE
Authors: Okada Hiroshi , Tartaka Ryuso
Published: April 2006

The chromosomes of sixteen species of nine genera of Lauraceae were studied morphologically at interphase, prophase and metaphase. The chromosomes of Cassytha filiformis were found to show different morphological characteristics in comparison with the other fifteen species, although the basic number of its chromosomes was the same, i. e., x = 12. The karyomorphological evidence in these species coincides with the proposal of Melchior (1964) to divide the Lauraceae into two subfamilies, Lauroideae and Cassythoideae.
SYSTEMATICS AND APPRECIATION OF REALITY
Authors: Smith Albert C.
Published: April 2006

Taxonomy is defined as a technique of systematics, which in turn is an aspect of evolutionary biology. The thesis is developed that, among scientists dealing with life, systematists are in a unique position to appreciate the reality of evolutionary processes and to help interpret them. The primary questions propounded by students of historical evolution delimit the area of systematic biology as the study of organisms in time and in space. While systematics is completely dependent upon other disciplines for its basic data, those data derived from observational approaches remain essential in providing the outline of the probable course of events in the past. Speculation, hypothesis, and cumulative circumstantial evidence are all valid parts of these approaches. Data derived from experimental approaches are also essential in clarifying matters of detail and in defining unexplored areas of endeavor.

The systematist, to perform effective research, is required to adopt an external philosophical viewpoint in his contemplation of life on this planet and the prior phases of atomic evolution. This viewpoint, rejecting any but natural causes, is that of the cosmic optimist. Within the limits imposed by time, intellectual competence, and the currently available evidence, this viewpoint can most satisfactorily lead to a comprehension and an appreciation of reality.
ADDITIONS TO THE BIBLIOTHECA RAFINESQUIANA
Authors: Stuckey Ronald L. , Roberts Marvin L.
Published: April 2006

Constantine Samuel Rafinesque (1783‐1840) is undoubtedly the most discussed North American naturalist. HisBibliothecanow numbers at least 370 entries, of which 127 are here indexed for the first time. These 127 entries complement the already 134 titles published by Fitzpatrick in 1911 and the 109 titles listed by Merrill in 1949.
PHYLOGENY OF THE CHAROPHYTA
Authors: Grambast Louis J.
Published: April 2006

The affinities of the phylum Charophyta and the general evolutionary trends undergone by this group since the Late Silurian are discussed briefly. The main emphasis is placed on the Mesozoic family Clavatoraceae as the rapid changes in the utricle, a supplementary envelope investing the female gametangium, have led to quite diversified and elaborate structures that allow more detailed phylogenetic studies.

Three lineages are analysed which, throughout the Lower Cretaceous, show a sequence of gradual changes linking quite distinct extreme types. These lineages concern respectively the genus Globator, the genera Perimneste and Atopochara, and the genera Flabellochara and Clypeator, for each of which new data are presented.

The relationships between the three subfamilies and the several genera of the Clavatoraceae are discussed, as well as the mode of extinction of the group at the end of the Cretaceous and the rates of taxonomic evolution in the studied lineages. A biochronological zonation is established for the Lower Cretaceous on the basis of the three described evolutionary sequences. The zonation, with nine biozones from the Berriasian to the Cenomanian, seems to be useful in correlating non‐marine formations on a worldwide scale.
BIOSYSTEMATICS OFCYNODONL. C. RICH. (GRAMINEAE)
Authors: de Wet J. M. J. , Harlan J. R.
Published: April 2006

The genusCynodonwas subdivided intoC. arcuatusJ. S. Presl ex C. B. Presl,C. aethiopicusClayton et Harlan,C. barberiRang. et Tad.,C. dactylon(L.) Pers. var.dactylon, var.afghanieusHarlan et de Wet, var.aridusHarlan et de Wet, var.coursii(A. Camus) Harlan et de Wet var.elegansRendle and var.polevansii(Stent) Harlan and de Wet,C. incompletusNees var.incompletusand var.hirsutus(Stent) de Wet et Harlan,C. nlemfuensisVanderyst var.nlemfuensisand var.rcbustusClayton and Harlan,C. plectostachyus(K. Schum.) Pilg., and C.transvaalensisBurrt‐Davy.Cynodon arcuatus, C. aethiopicus, C. barberi, C. incompletusand C.plectostachyusare well isolated genetically from each other and the other species. The other taxa are closely allied genetically, but remain morphologically distinct in nature. Their classification is a functional one based almost exclusively on gross morphological discontinuities.
EVOLUTION OF GRASSES AND GRASSLANDS IN SOUTH AMERICA
Authors: Burkart Arturo
Published: April 2006

This is a discussion of the South American grasslands from the standpoint of their evolution and composition. The tribes are considered in relation to climate, and grasses are classified as mega‐, meso‐, or microthermic with respect to their temperature requirements. The principal grassland regions are three: (A) Tropical and Subtropical, which include the Llanos of the Orinoco River system and the Campos Cerrados of Central Brazil; (B) Temperate, including the Pampa of Argentina and the Campos of Uruguay; and (C) Cold Country Grasslands, which are the Steppes of the high Andes and Patagonia, and also the Páramos of Colombia and Ecuador. Some attention is given to the floristic composition of each of these regions. The subject of endemism is dealt with, as well as the problem of disjunct distribution. Included is a discussion of changes brought about by agriculture and ranching in historic times, and what may be expected in the future.
AN ECOLOGICAL AND PHYTOGEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS OF THE GRASSLANDS OF MEXICO
Authors: Rzedowski J.
Published: April 2006

Grassland covers no less than 10–12% of the territory of Mexico. Its main types are briefly described and grouped according to their ecological determinism as climatic, edaphic, and anthropogenic. Ecological affinities of Mexican grasslands in relation to those of other parts of America are discussed, and 5 different communities dominated by grasses are analyzed as to the total geographical distribution of their genera and species, utilizing floristic lists available in the literature.

The grassland characteristic of the semiarid areas of the High Plateau shows a high percentage of endemic species and genera. Its flora is similar to that of xerophilous scrubs of Mexico and has relatively little in common with the flora of the United States, in spite of the fact that ecologically this plant community is similar to the “short‐grass prairie” of western North America. The alpine grassland is also rich in species which are restricted to Mexico, but the analysis does not show any genus of limited area. On the other hand neotropical and holarctic influences in the flora are more or less even, although by its ecology and physiognomy the community is analogous to some “páramos” of the South American Andes. The savannas, or warm and humid climate grasslands, have few endemics in Mexico, and their floristic and ecological affinities are directed evidently to the south. The inland variant of the halophilous grassland shows moderate abundance of elements of restricted distribution, and the neotropical influence prevails slightly in its flora over the holarctic. The gypsophilous grassland, which does not seem to exist in America outside northern Mexico and adjacent areas of the United States, is rich in endemic genera and species, many of the last being obligate gypsophytes of very limited distribution.

There is no direct evidence regarding the origin and the age of Mexican grasslands, but on the basis of data obtained from the analysis made, from the distribution of several grasses important in these grasslands, as well as from some paleogeographical and paleozoological data, it can be speculated that the existence of grasslands in Mexico may date from the middle or even from the early Tertiary. It is postulated that semiarid grasslands of this country, as well as the gypsophilous ones, had an “autochthonous” origin and a long evolutionary history. It is also possible that Mexico played an important role in the evolution of the halophilous grasslands of America. In contrast, the alpine ones seem to have a relatively recent origin, and the savannas possibly originated and evolved mainly in other sections of tropical America.