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Many plants release large numbers of metabolically active root border cells into the rhizosphere. We have proposed that border cells, cells produced by the root cap meristem that separate from the rest of the root upon reaching the periphery of the cap, are a singularly differentiated part of the root system that modulates the environment of the plant root by producing specific substances to be released into the rhizosphere. Proteins synthesized in border cells exhibit profiles that are very distinct from those of the root tip (root cap, root meristem, and adjacent cells). In vivo-labeling experiments demonstrate that 13% of the proteins that are abundant in preparations from border cells are undetectable in root tip preparations. Twenty-five percent of the proteins synthesized by border cells in a 1-h period are rapidly excreted into the incubation medium. Quantitative variation in levels of specific marker proteins, including glutamine synthetase, heat-shock protein 70, and isoflavone reductase, also occurs between border cells and cells in the root tip. mRNA differential-display assays demonstrate that these large qualitative and quantitative differences in protein expression are correlated with similarly distinct patterns of gene expression. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that a major switch in gene expression accompanies differentiation into root border cells, as expected for cells with specialized functions in plant development.

Computer-assisted screening of cervical liquid-based cytology (LBC) preparations using the ThinPrep® Imaging System (TIS) has shown improved qualitative and quantitative gains. The use of Multicyte™ has not been described in a well-established national screening programme with a low incidence of high-grade dyskaryosis.To assess the impact of computer-assisted screening within the Scottish Cervical Screening Programme (SCSP).Two groups of three laboratories, each sharing a ThinPrep® Imager, screened 79 366 slides randomized to test and 90 551 to control arms by laboratory accession. Screeners were not blinded. Standard laboratory reporting profiles of the SCSP, sensitivity, specificity and false-negative rates of all grades of LBC abnormalities with respect to final cytology reports, predictive value for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2+) on histology; and screening rates were compared for both arms.Inadequate and negative reporting rates were significantly lower and low-grade reporting rates significantly higher in the imager arm. Imager-assisted screening showed significantly better specificity than manual screening with respect to the final cytology result. There was no evidence of a significant difference in the detection of CIN2+ or CIN3 +. Positive, abnormal and total predictive values (high-grade, low-grade and all abnormal cytology found to be CIN2+, respectively) were similar in both arms. Productivity was significantly higher in the imager arm. Computer-assisted screening in a well established screening programme showed significantly improved productivity without loss of quality. These findings should inform future policy for cervical screening programmes.

We aimed to evaluate the difference in the pick up rate of high grade cervical abnormalities using both primary colposcopy and cervical smear compared with cervical cytology screen only on women with genital warts. We also wished to establish whether this group was at high risk of sexually transmittable infections (STIs) and whether there is a correlation between those with high grade CIN and other STIs. This was a retrospective analysis based in the Department of Genito-Urinary Medicine, Dundee Teaching Hospitals Trust, Dundee, UK. We studied all women (n =117) attending the Department with genital warts between January 1995 and March 1997 who were screened by both cervical cytology and colposcopy High grade cervical abnormalities (CIN II-CIN III) were diagnosed in 10 patients (8.5.%) using cervical screening only and in 41 patients (35%) (CIN II-III) when primary colposcopy and histopathology were undertaken. Of 117 women screened for sexual transmittable infection there were 53 with a positive diagnosis (48%). Of the 53 positive there were 17 women (30%) with high grade CIN. We conclude that women with genital warts are a high risk group, both in terms of having high grade cervical abnormalities and sexually transmittable infection. The result suggests that, when practicable primary colposcopy should be performed as a routine screening tool, on this group of patients over and above cervical cytology screening. All patients with genital warts should be referred to genitourinary medicine for STI screening.

The account of the death of Palinurus at the end ofAen.5 raises to a higher level of importance a figure who has previously seemed very much a minor character in theAeneid. This is achieved partly by the narrative brilliance of Virgil's account of his destruction by Somnus, and partly also by the atmosphere of solemn mystery which surrounds his fate. This solemn note is first struck in the passage which directly prepares the way for Palinurus' death. AtAen.5.779 Venus, anxious that Juno's wrath may still prevent the safe arrival of Aeneas in Italy, appeals for help to Neptune. He reassures her. Aeneas will arrive safely. There is, however, one condition:unus erit tantum amissum quem gurgite quaeres;unum pro multis dabitur caput. (5.814–15)

Of the various contests held by Aeneas to mark the anniversary of his father's death the ship-race (Aen. 5. 116–286) is marked out by its length and initial position as especially important. However its precise significance is by no means obvious. That Virgil intends it to have some relevance to events of later Roman history seems fairly clear. First, we are told the names of the families descended from three of the four captains involved — Cluentii, Memmii and Sergii. It seems therefore that we should look to the activities of members of these families to discover Virgil's intention. Two families — Cluentii and Memmii — are a mystery, since none of their members plays an obviously prominent role in the events of Virgil's own time. However, Sergestus and the Sergii point unmistakably towards Catiline. Sergestus' rash folly, which is nearly the ruin of his men and his ship, exactly matches Catifine's own furor, which would have destroyed Rome. Even the name of his ship, Centaurus, reinforces the point.

The general significance of Ovid's Apollo-Dapbne (Met. 1. 452 ff.) within its immediate context seems plain enough. Ovid's technique, as Otis remarks, is to set epic pretensions beside elegiac behaviour and thus to show a struggle between incompatible styles of life and poetry. Yet the episode still poses certain problems. These mainly concern the significance of the story within the wider context of the opening of Ovid's poem. One difficulty is hinted at by Otis himself. He observes that with the Apollo-Dapbne and Jupiter-10 (1. 568 ff.) Ovid has ‘deflated his divine prologue’. Yet elsewhere3 Otis remarks that in one sense the gap between the behaviour of the gods in the concilium deorum (1. 163 ff.) and their philandering in the Daphne and Io stories is very slight.

The Platonic MS. Vat. gr. 225 (Δ) (saec. XII–catalogue: non ante saec. XIII–Post: saec. XV–Schanz) contains tetr. I, VI. 3, 4, II–IV, while its companion volume in the same hand Vat. gr. 226 (Θ) contains V–VI. 2, VIII. 3, VII, Spp., VIII. 1, 2. Posts states that for tetr. I and VI. 3 A is close to Vind. suppl. gr. 7 (W) (A.D. 950–1050–Maas: saec. XI–Diels, Post, catalogue: saec. XII?–Alline, Robin, Diès) and thereafter derives from the Clarkianus (B) (A.D. 895). I am here concerned only with the testimony of Δ in. 2 (ApoL).This manuscript has been largely ignored by commentators and editors. Schanz does not quote it, nor does Bekker (at any rate for ApoL.). Alline is scornful about it. Neither Burnet nor Croiset quotes it—and indeed Burnet claims that it is merely an interpolated apograph of W. Stallbaum seems to be the only editor who quotes it for Apol. This appears to be an unwarranted neglect since A has, in fact, a good claim to be considered as a primary witness in this dialogue.

Aspirate from an argyrophil carcinoma ("carcinoid") of the breast showed malignant dispersed epithelial cells. With Diff-Quik, the cytoplasm was seen to be abundant, with prominent eosinophilic granularity. The nuclei were fairly uniform, round or oval, and eccentric and had a finely stippled chromatin pattern. On histology, the tumor appeared typical for argyrophil carcinoma, and staining with Grimelius for argyrophilic granules was positive. Membrane-bound neurosecretory granules were seen on electron microscopy.