in the long run. However, migration rate in our experiment was density independent and migration was confined to the two nearest neighbors, whereas it is known that the dynamics of a metapopulation can vary depending on the exact form of density dependence (31) and scheme of migration (11). Moreover, growth rates of Drosophila (and most insects, microbes, and fishes) are higher than those of mammals and birds, which are generally of greater concern for conservation. The intrinsic growth rates of subpopulations are also known to interact strongly with migration rate in producing observed metapopulation dynamics (12). Therefore, due caution should be exercised when extrapolating our results to natural populations.

There is no control over the information provided with sequences when they are deposited in the sequence databases. Consequently mistakes can seed the incorrect annotation of other sequences. Grouping genes into families and applying controlled annotation overcomes the problems of incorrect annotation associated with individual sequences. Two databases (http://www.mendel.ac.uk) were created to apply controlled annotation to plant genes and plant ESTs: Mendel-GFDb is a database of plant protein (gene) families based on gapped-BLAST analysis of all sequences in the SWISS-PROT family of databases. Sequences are aligned (ClustalW) and identical and similar residues shaded. The families are visually curated to ensure that one or more criteria, for example overall relatedness and/or domain similarity relate all sequences within a family. Sequence families are assigned a 'Gene Family Number' and a unified description is developed which best describes the family and its members. If authority exists the gene family is assigned a 'Gene Family Name'. This information is placed in Mendel-GFDb. Mendel-ESTS is primarily a database of plant ESTs, which have been compared to Mendel-GFDb, completely sequenced genomes and domain databases. This approach associated ESTs with individual sequences and the controlled annotation of gene families and protein domains; the information being placed in Mendel-ESTS. The controlled annotation applied to genes and ESTs provides a basis from which a plant transcription database can be developed.

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investigated these markers in the diagnosis and prognosis of AD. Methods: Diagnosis: We compared the blood biomarker concentration of 94 patients with propable AD (pAD) and of 53 healthy controls. Prognosis: 131 MCI patients were followed up for 5 years. The prognostic (endpoint: ADconversion) value of baseline blood biomarker concentration was calculated. Results: Diagnosis: Both peptides were significantly increased in pAD-patients. At a Specificity of 80%, the Sensitivity for MR-ProANP was 63% (AUC 0.741, pϽ0.0001) and for MR-ProADM 47% (AUC 0.654, pϭ0.002). Prognosis During the observation period, 75 (57% of all patients) converted to pAD. Baseline MR-ProANP and MR-ProADM are significantly (pϽ0.0001) increased in the converter group. The AUC for the prognosis of conversion at 60 month was 0,79 for MR-ProANP and 0,7 for MR-ProADM. Conclusions: These data indicating the possible use of MR-ProANP and MR-ProADM as an aid in the diagnosis and prognosis of AD/MCI and support a possible role of circulatory dysfunction in the development of AD. Background: S100␤ is a calcium binding protein mostly produced and released by astrocytes in the central nervous system. The neuron-specific enolase (NSE) is a cytoplasmatic glycolytic enzyme, whose isoform ␥␥ is found in neurons, as well as in cells with neuroendocrine differentiation. Taken together, NSE and S100␤ protein could be considered, respectively, neuronal and glial peripheral markers of CNS pathologies. We evaluated S100␤ and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) serum levels in mild, moderate and severe Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and community healthy elderly. Methods: A cross-sectional study with 36 Alzheimer's disease patients (probable NINCDS-ADRDA criteria) and 66 community-dwelling healthy elderly was carried out. Severity was assigned by the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale. The inclusion criteria for the normal elderly were age greater than 60 years and CDRϭ0. Blood samples (3 ml) were collected without anticoagulants by venipuncture. Serum was obtained by centrifugation at 3000g for 5 min and, soon thereafter, was frozen at -70°C until analysis. Results: In AD, S100␤ levels were significantly different between mild and severe dementia (Pϭ0.02). There was a tendency for a difference between mild and moderate AD patients (Pϭ0.06; Mann-Whitney Uϭ26.00). NSE did not show significant difference among dementia severity. S100␤ levels marginally correlated with MMSE scores Pϭ0.05), but not with age (Spearman rϭ-0.05; Pϭ0.76). P1-There was no statistically significant difference between S100␤ and NSE serum levels of AD and normal elderly. In healthy elderly, S100␤ (rϭϪ0.02; Pϭ0.90) and NSE levels did not vary with age (rϭ0.18; Pϭ0.21). NSE levels were higher among men than women (Pϭ0.049), and S100␤ was similar. Among the healthy elderly, the levels of S100␤ and NSE were not different between the eldest ( 80) and the youngest group. Conclusions: NSE and S100B may not have a diagnostic role as peripheral markers in AD, but serum S100B may have a potential role ...

The provision of facilities for sport and recreation cannot be a primary factor in the discussion of educational policies and plans. But this provision is an essential part of an educational service and is of great importance to students. For many young people the sporting reputation of a college and the availability of sporting facilities are significant in assessing and selecting an institution of higher education. Who can deny the cachet of St Lukes and Loughborough? Some attention to this question is necessary in improving the image of the ‘other institutions’ of higher education and the government may find that a modest investment and interest will yield good political returns.

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It now seems certain that for the first time the salaries of teachers in technical colleges will become the subject of arbitration. The salary scales so determined are not likely to be settled before the end of November and teachers may expect a boosted cheque by Christmas.

Conditions of service overshadowed all other questions at the ATTI Conference despite the imminence of salary negotiations and difficulties. The Association's executive were given clear notice of trouble if they fail to make progress on a national agreement.