Mutation and Selection in Bacteria: Modelling and Calibration

Temporal evolution of a clonal bacterial population is modelled taking into account reversible mutation and selection mechanisms. For the mutation model, an efficient algorithm is proposed to verify whether experimental data can be explained by this model. The selection–mutation model has unobservable fitness parameters, and, to estimate them, we use an Approximate Bayesian Computation algorithm. The algorithms are illustrated using in vitro data for phase variable genes of Campylobacter jejuni.

Correct specimen 3-dimensional orientation in therapeutic mammaplasty to prevent false positive margins

Breast conserving therapy (BCT) is preferred over mastectomy in select cancer patients with the aim of tumour ablation with clear margins and leaving an aesthetically acceptable breast mound. We report on a particular therapeutic mammaplasty where a false positive margin occurred due to the 3-dimensional disorientation of the excised specimen.

Grade of recurrent in situ and invasive carcinoma following treatment of pure ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast

The grade of recurrent in situ and invasive carcinoma occurring after treatment of pure ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) has been compared with the grade of the original DCIS in 122 patients from four different centres (The Royal Marsden Hospitals, London and Sutton, 57 patients; Guy's Hospital, London, 19 patients; Nottingham City Hospital, 31 patients and The Royal Liverpool Hospital, 15 patients). The recurrent carcinoma was pure DCIS in 70 women (57%) and in 52 women (43%) invasive carcinoma was present, which was associated with an in situ element in 43. In all, 19 patients developed a second recurrence (pure DCIS in 11 and invasive with or without an in situ element in eight). The majority of invasive carcinomas followed high-grade DCIS. There was strong agreement between the grade of the original DCIS and that of the recurrent DCIS (kappa=0.679), which was the same in 95 of 113 patients (84%). The grade of the original DCIS showed only fair agreement with the grade of recurrent invasive carcinoma (kappa=0.241), although agreement was stronger with the pleomorphism score of the recurrent carcinoma (kappa=0.396). There was moderate agreement, in recurrent invasive lesions, between the grade of the DCIS and that of the associated invasive element (kappa=0.515). Other features that showed moderate or strong agreement between the original and recurrent DCIS were necrosis and periductal inflammation. The similarity between the histological findings of the original and subsequent DCIS is consistent with the concept that recurrent lesions represent regrowth of residual carcinoma. In addition, although agreement between the grade of the original DCIS and that of any subsequent invasive carcinoma was only fair, there is no suggestion that low-grade DCIS lesions progress to higher grade lesions or to the development of higher grade invasive carcinoma. This is in agreement with immunohistochemical and molecular data indicating that low-grade and high-grade mammary carcinomas are quite different lesions.

Molecular phylogenetics of leafrollers application to DNA diagnostics

Accurate and rapid diagnosis of taxa whether they be welldefined species or biotypes is of crucial importance to quarantine pest management and research Recent developments in DNA technology has resulted in a range of molecular techniques being available for use in such applications We have employed a phylogenetically focussed approach in the development of a diagnostic key to distinguish a range of leafroller species (Lepidoptera Tortricidae) using DNA sequence data derived from a 23 kb region of the mitochondrial genome containing the genes cytochrome oxidase I and II Phylogenetic analysis has revealed clear relationships between taxa although the genus Apoctena does not appear monophyletic The most appropriate diagnostic characters are either those which are phylogenetically informative either synapomorphies or autapomorphies A standardised approach to data collection is advocated for future studies

Organ donation: is there a need for new legislation?

Organ donation rates are insufficient to meet the demand. Current legislation may be considered out of date but proposals for a new system raise difficult ethical problems. Nurses need to develop their knowledge and skills to come to terms with the complex ethical issues surrounding organ donation.

APC expression in normal human tissues

The tumour suppressor gene APC codes for a 2843-amino acid protein whose precise functions are still poorly understood. This paper describes the development of two new antisera to APC (to amino- and carboxy-terminal epitopes) which permit localization of the protein by immunohistochemistry in archival paraffin sections. The protein is expressed in a wide variety of normal epithelial tissues. Its distribution frequently coincides with the location of post-replicative cells within tissues. Staining patterns demonstrate that the APC protein, although often diffusely cytoplasmic in distribution, may also accumulate in the apical and immediately subapical regions, or along the lateral margins of certain cells. These results indicate that APC is significant in many tissues in addition to the colorectal epithelium. They are compatible with a function related to signalling at the adherens junction and possibly with other more complex roles in cells committed to terminal differentiation.

APC expression in normal human tissues

The tumour suppressor gene APC codes for a 2843-amino acid protein whose precise functions are still poorly understood. This paper describes the development of two new antisera to APC (to amino- and carboxy-terminal epitopes) which permit localization of the protein by immunohistochemistry in archival paraffin sections. The protein is expressed in a wide variety of normal epithelial tissues. Its distribution frequently coincides with the location of post-replicative cells within tissues. Staining patterns demonstrate that the APC protein, although often diffusely cytoplasmic in distribution, may also accumulate in the apical and immediately subapical regions, or along the lateral margins of certain cells. These results indicate that APC is significant in many tissues in addition to the colorectal epithelium. They are compatible with a function related to signalling at the adherens junction and possibly with other more complex roles in cells committed to terminal differentiation.

Cognitive styles of Caucasian and Native Indian juvenile offenders

13 Native Indian and 24 Caucasian male juvenile offenders were compared with 21 Native Indian and 14 Caucasian male juvenile nonoffenders on Byrne's Repression-Sensitization Scale, Rotter's locus of control questionnaire, and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory including derived factors. Significant differences were noted between Offenders and Nonoffenders and between Native Indians and Caucasians on these variables. There is some concern regarding the validity of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory as applied to the Native Indian population as a result of insufficient normative data.

Formulating a control program against Mycoplasma meleagridis using economic decision analysis

Economic decision analysis was applied to a variety of programs for controlling Mycoplasma meleagridis (MM) using a hypothetical commercial turkey multiplier breeder as an example. The analysis demonstrated the economic significance of a particular program for controlling MM and reevaluated current egg-dipping practices. If forced to continue egg-dipping, the hypothetical breeder can expect to gain $1.58 per hen if he follows a MM-control program that includes monitoring and incentive payments. If he can discontinue dipping, he can expect a gain of $2.06 per hen.

Rod-and-Frame Test performance as a function of momentary arousal

44 Ss were randomly assigned to 2 groups. Solvable anagrams were administered to the control group, unsolvable anagrams to the experimental group. Pre- and post-anagram rod-and-frame test and palmar sweat scores were obtained. Analysis of variance indicated no significant effect of the experimental treatment on either measure. A correlation of .44 ( p < .025) between RFT and palmar sweat difference scores, obtained by subtracting post-from pre-anagram scores, was obtained for the experimental group.