bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential phase shift quantum key distribution using single-photon detectors based on a sinusoidally gated InGaAs∕InP avalanche photodiode
Authors: Namekata Naoto , Fujii Go , Inoue Shuichiro , Honjo Toshimori , Takesue Hiroki
Published: July 2007

The authors report a quantum key distribution experiment, in which they implemented a differential phase shift quantum key distribution protocol, using single-photon detectors based on InGaAs∕InP avalanche photodiodes operated with a sinusoidal gating. The single-photon detectors were operated at a repetition frequency of 500MHz with low after pulsing probabilities and low dark counts. A sifted key generation rate of 1.5Mbit∕s was achieved over a communication distance of 15km. Taking account of the security of the protocol against general individual attacks, secure keys can be generated with a rate of 0.33Mbit∕s.
Deep-depletion physics-based analytical model for scanning capacitance microscopy carrier profile extraction
Authors: Wong K. M. , Chim W. K.
Published: July 2007

An approach for fast and accurate carrier profiling using deep-depletion analytical modeling of scanning capacitance microscopy (SCM) measurements is shown for an ultrashallow p-n junction with a junction depth of less than 30nm and a profile steepness of about 3nm per decade change in carrier concentration. In addition, the analytical model is also used to extract the SCM dopant profiles of three other p-n junction samples with different junction depths and profile steepnesses. The deep-depletion effect arises from rapid changes in the bias applied between the sample and probe tip during SCM measurements. The extracted carrier profile from the model agrees reasonably well with the more accurate carrier profile from inverse modeling and the dopant profile from secondary ion mass spectroscopy measurements.
Speech prosody in cerebellar ataxia
Authors: Casper Maureen A. , Raphael Lawrence J. , Harris Katherine S. , Geibel Jennifer M.
Published: July 2007

Persons with cerebellar ataxia exhibit changes in physical coordination and speech and voice production. Previously, these alterations of speech and voice production were described primarily via perceptual coordinates. In this study, the spatial–temporal properties of syllable production were examined in 12 speakers, six of whom were healthy speakers and six with ataxia. The speaking task was designed to elicit six different prosodic conditions and four contrastive prosodic events. Distinct prosodic patterns were elicited by the examiner for cerebellar patients and healthy speakers. These utterances were digitally recorded and analysed acoustically and statistically. The healthy speakers showed statistically significant differences among all four prosodic contrasts. The normal model described by the prosodic contrasts provided a sensitive index of cerebellar pathology with quantitative acoustic analyses. A significant interaction between subject groups and prosodic conditions revealed a compromised prosody in cerebellar patients. Significant differences were found for durational parameters, F0 and formant frequencies. The cerebellar speakers demonstrated different patterns of syllable lengthening and syllable reduction from that of the healthy speakers.
A Novel Pathway that Coordinates Mitotic Exit with Spindle Position
Authors: Nelson Scott A. , Cooper John A.
Published: July 2007

In budding yeast, the spindle position checkpoint (SPC) delays mitotic exit until the mitotic spindle moves into the neck between the mother and bud. This checkpoint works by inhibiting the mitotic exit network (MEN), a signaling cascade initiated and controlled by Tem1, a small GTPase. Tem1 is regulated by a putative guanine exchange factor, Lte1, but the function and regulation of Lte1 remains poorly understood. Here, we identify novel components of the checkpoint that operate upstream of Lte1. We present genetic evidence in agreement with existing biochemical evidence for the molecular mechanism of a pathway that links microtubule-cortex interactions with Lte1 and mitotic exit. Each component of this pathway is required for the spindle position checkpoint to delay mitotic exit until the spindle is positioned correctly.
Differential Regulation of Epithelial and Mesenchymal Markers by δEF1 Proteins in Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition Induced by TGF-β
Authors: Shirakihara Takuya , Saitoh Masao , Miyazono Kohei
Published: July 2007

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), a crucial event in cancer progression and embryonic development, is induced by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β in mouse mammary NMuMG epithelial cells. Id proteins have previously been reported to inhibit major features of TGF-β–induced EMT. In this study, we show that expression of the δEF1 family proteins, δEF1 (ZEB1) and SIP1, is gradually increased by TGF-β with expression profiles reciprocal to that of E-cadherin. SIP1 and δEF1 each dramatically down-regulated the transcription of E-cadherin in NMuMG cells through direct binding to the E-cadherin promoter. Silencing of the expression of both SIP1 and δEF1, but not either alone, completely abolished TGF-β–induced E-cadherin repression. However, expression of mesenchymal markers, including fibronectin, N-cadherin, and vimentin, was not affected by knockdown of SIP1 and δEF1. TGF-β–induced the expression of Ets1, which in turn activated δEF1 promoter activity. Moreover, up-regulation of SIP1 and δEF1 expression by TGF-β was suppressed by knockdown of Ets1 expression. In addition, Id2 suppressed the TGF-β– and Ets1-induced up-regulation of δEF1. Taken together, these findings suggest that the δEF1 family proteins, SIP1 and δEF1, are necessary, but not sufficient, for TGF-β–induced EMT and that Ets1 induced by TGF-β may function as an upstream transcriptional regulator of SIP1 and δEF1.
The role of growth changes in the decline and recovery of North Atlantic cod stocks since 1970
Authors: Brander Keith M.
Published: July 2007

Brander, K. M. 2007. The role of growth changes in the decline and recovery of North Atlantic cod stocks since 1970. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 211–217.
Pelagic fish abundance in relation to regional environmental variation in the Gulf of Finland, northern Baltic Sea
Authors: Peltonen Heikki , Luoto Miska , Pääkkönen Jari-Pekka , Karjalainen Miina , Tuomaala Antti , Pönni Jukka , Viitasalo Markku
Published: July 2007

Peltonen, H., Luoto, M., Pääkkönen, J.-P., Karjalainen, M., Tuomaala, A., Pönni, J., and Viitasalo, M. 2007. Pelagic fish abundance in relation to regional environmental variation in the Gulf of Finland, northern Baltic Sea. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 487–495. This study applies variation partitioning to analyse spatial patterns in hydroacoustic estimates of fish abundance in relation to regional variation in the hydrography, food resources, and geography of the Gulf of Finland, northern Baltic Sea. Using variation partitioning based on generalized additive models, daily fluctuations in hydroacoustic abundance estimates were first eliminated, and the remaining variation in fish abundance was decomposed into independent and joint effects of hydrography, food resources, and geography. The independent effect of geographic variables (spatial location and water depth) captured the largest fraction of the variation (9.3%) in the fish-abundance patterns, whereas the independent effects of hydrography (5.8%) and food resources (5.6%) captured slightly less. However, a considerable portion of the variation in fish-abundance patterns was accounted for by the joint effects of explanatory variables and may therefore be causally related to two or all three groups of variables. The model applied efficiently eliminated the spatial autocorrelation in the fish abundance between sampling units, especially at distances >2000 m. At smaller scales, the residual autocorrelation may have been due to fish behavioural patterns independent of the explanatory variables in this analysis.
Unintended and perverse consequences of ignoring linkages in fisheries systems
Authors: Degnbol Poul , McCay Bonnie J.
Published: July 2007

Degnbol, P., and McCay, B. J. 2006. Unintended and perverse consequences of ignoring linkages in fisheries systems. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 793–797. The development of fisheries management strategies within institutions such as national governments, the EU, and ICES includes explicit or implicit decisions on longer term management objectives and performance criteria, on the relevant knowledge base for tactical management decisions, on decision rules regarding fisheries in the current or forthcoming fishing season, and on the implementation framework. These decisions, moreover, must be relevant to the characteristics of the fisheries and the stocks being exploited. The development of management strategies must be based, therefore, on an understanding of the overall fisheries system and linkages among its components. Based on recent examples in Europe and North America, we discuss how a failure to understand the linkages in the fisheries system may lead to management strategies that fail to achieve their objectives, and how an understanding of these linkages can inform the development of strategies that are more likely to achieve policy objectives.
Effort regulation of the demersal fisheries at the Faroe Islands: a 10-year appraisal
Authors: í Jákupsstovu S. H. , Cruz L. R. , Maguire J-J. , Reinert J.
Published: July 2007

Jákupsstovu, S. H. í, Cruz, L. R., Maguire, J-J., and Reinert, J. 2007. Effort regulation of the demersal fisheries at the Faroe Islands: a 10-year appraisal. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 730–737. Since 1996, the demersal fisheries for cod, haddock, and saithe in Faroese waters have been regulated by a combination of fishing licenses, effort quota (days fishing), and area closures. The number of days initially allocated aimed at exerting an average annual fishing mortality rate of 0.45 on each of the three species. Considering that these stocks are taken in mixed fisheries, it had been hypothesized that effort would be targeted at the most available species, resulting in lower fishing mortality on the less available species, allowing them to recover. We review ten years of experience with the management system with special focus on the underlying assumptions. Although the system appears to have achieved an appropriate balance in catch opportunities among the different fleet components and has minimized interference among gears, the objective of controlling fishing mortality on cod and saithe below the stated objective has not been achieved, partly because the original number of days allocated to fishing was too high. Also, there is no evidence that fleets switch target species according to relative abundance of all three species, which was one of the underlying assumptions of the effort management system. In view of the impact of major changes in productivity on stock development and exploitation, the current system cannot be expected to ensure spawning-stock biomasses above safe biological limits without a large reduction in the number of days allocated.
Effects of Organic Fertility Management on Physicochemical Properties and Sensory Quality of Diverse Rice Cultivars
Authors: Champagne Elaine T. , Bett‐Garber Karen L. , Grimm Casey C. , McClung Anna M.
Published: July 2007

The demand for organically grown rice has increased with consumer demand for organic foods. The objective of this research was to determine whether there are physicochemical differences in organically and conventionally grown rice that contribute to flavor and texture differences, as determined by descriptive sensory analysis, an objective tool. Five diverse cultivars (four nonwaxy and one waxy) were grown at Beaumont, TX, with 100 or 50% recommended nitrogen fertilizer using conventional management or with chicken litter using organic management. Mean protein content differed significantly (P < 0.05) with fertilizer input, whereas mean apparent amylose and mineral contents (with few exceptions) did not differ. The mean protein content of each cultivar grown with the 100% N rate typically used was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of the cultivar grown organically or at the 50% N rate. The mean protein contents of the cultivars grown organically and at the 50% N rate did not significantly differ (P > 0.05). Slickness, which correlates negatively with protein content, was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in four of the five organically grown rice cultivars than in the same cultivars grown conventionally using the 100% N rate. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the slickness of the cultivars grown organically and conventionally using the 50% N rate. Roughness and hardness, which have a weak positive correlation with protein content, also differed significantly (P < 0.05) with fertilizer input in some of the cultivars. Observed differences in pasting and cooked textural properties of cultivars grown with different fertilizer types and input were the result of differences in protein content and not organic management, per se. In addition, no differences in flavor were observed due to management method. These results demonstrate that rice grown on land that is being transitioned into organic production is not expected to have significant differences in cooking or processing quality. The organic management method resulted in reduced protein content and a change in texture that may positively affect consumer acceptance of organically grown rice in markets that prefer rice that is more slick.
High-testosterone men reject low ultimatum game offers
Authors: Burnham Terence C
Published: July 2007

The ultimatum game is a simple negotiation with the interesting property that people frequently reject offers of ‘free’ money. These rejections contradict the standard view of economic rationality. This divergence between economic theory and human behaviour is important and has no broadly accepted cause. This study examines the relationship between ultimatum game rejections and testosterone. In a variety of species, testosterone is associated with male seeking dominance. If low ultimatum game offers are interpreted as challenges, then high-testosterone men may be more likely to reject such offers. In this experiment, men who reject low offers ($5 out of $40) have significantly higher testosterone levels than those who accept. In addition, high testosterone levels are associated with higher ultimatum game offers, but this second finding is not statistically significant.
The ecology and conservation status of Madagascar's endemic freshwater crayfish (Parastacidae; Astacoides)
Authors: JONES JULIA P. G. , ANDRIAHAJAINA FORTUNAT B. , HOCKLEY NEAL J. , CRANDALL KEITH A. , RAVOAHANGIMALALA OLGA R.
Published: July 2007

1. Freshwater crayfish of the genus Astacoides are endemic to the highlands of eastern Madagascar. Very little is known about their ecology and how this affects their vulnerability to threats. Working in the Fianarantsoa forest corridor, we used a combination of ecological research (>29 000 crayfish caught and released) and interviews (>130 interviews in 38 villages) to investigate the ecology and status of four of the seven described species.

2. Astacoides species studied showed very slow growth, with growth rates of Astacoides granulimanus and Astacoides crosnieri among the slowest known in any species of crayfish. We found individuals of all three species for which we had growth data which we estimate at more than 20‐years old. The size at which females became ovigerous varied among species. Astacoides betsileoensis withheld reproduction until a large size (only 30% of females were gravid at 60‐mm carapace length, compared with 90% for A. granulimanus). This is likely to make A. betsileoensis particularly vulnerable to overexploitation and we found that only 10% of individuals measured in a market (n = 909) would have reproduced before being caught compared with 35% of the more common A. granulimanus (n = 30 561).

3. Habitat loss is a serious threat to the genus; even A. granulimanus, the most widespread species, was only found in rivers or streams flanked by natural vegetation. Astacoides caldwelli, the rarest species in this study, was found only at low altitudes (<800 m) in rivers draining forested catchments. Habitat loss is particularly rapid in low elevation forest. A. crosnieri was restricted to swampy land that is rapidly being converted to rice fields. Introduced Asian snakehead fish (Channa maculata) may pose a hitherto unrecognised threat to some species, particularly A. betsileoensis.

4. Madagascar's freshwater habitats have great significance for global biodiversity yet conservation effort, as in much of the world, has focused on terrestrial ecosystems. Until recently almost nothing was known about the ecology of Astacoides crayfish, a diverse and economically important genus. Here, we show that members of the genus vary markedly in their reproductive biology, growth rates, habitat requirements and the threats they face. We suggest that habitat loss is an urgent threat, especially to A. caldwelli and A. crosnieri, while overharvesting is probably the most immediate threat to the larger A. betsileoensis. We call for more attention to be paid to Madagascar's exceptional, yet understudied, freshwater biodiversity.
Molecular and morphological patterns of introgression between two large white‐headed gull species in a zone of recent secondary contact
Authors: GAY L. , NEUBAUER G. , ZAGALSKA‐NEUBAUER M. , DEBAIN C. , PONS J.‐M. , DAVID P. , CROCHET P.‐A.
Published: July 2007

Incomplete reproductive isolation promotes gene flow between diverging taxa. However, any gene encoding for traits involved in the reproductive barriers will be less prone to introgression than neutral markers. Comparing introgression rates among loci is thus informative of the number and functions of loci involved in the reproductive barriers. This study aimed at identifying possible mechanisms of restriction to gene flow across a zone of recent secondary contact between Larus argentatus and Larus cachinnans by comparing introgression patterns for nine microsatellite loci, a fragment of mitochondrial DNA and a set of phenotypic traits. The low linkage disequilibrium between neutral nuclear markers indicated introgression without any barrier to gene flow. However, asymmetric introgression of mitochondrial DNA suggested that interspecific crosses may be more successful in one direction. The introgression rate for phenotypic traits was variable and low compared to neutral molecular markers. This was particularly evident in colouration of bare parts: individuals with intermediate colouration were scarcer in sympatry than expected if the genomes recombined freely. We hypothesized that one of these variables, the orbital ring colour, may play a role in mate choice, acting as an incomplete premating barrier through assortative mating. This study emphasizes that multilocus approaches are useful to discriminate among possible mechanisms responsible for the maintenance of hybrid zones.
Differential var gene expression in the organs of patients dying of falciparum malaria
Authors: Montgomery Jacqui , Mphande Fingani A. , Berriman Matthew , Pain Arnab , Rogerson Stephen J. , Taylor Terrie E. , Molyneux Malcolm E. , Craig Alister
Published: July 2007

Sequestration of parasitized erythrocytes in the microcirculation of tissues is thought to be important in the pathogenesis of severe falciparum malaria. A major variant surface antigen, var/Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1, expressed on the surface of the infected erythrocyte, mediates cytoadherence to vascular endothelium. To address the question of tissue‐specific accumulation of variant types, we used the unique resource generated by the clinicopathological study of fatal paediatric malaria in Blantyre, Malawi, to analyse var gene transcription in patients dying with falciparum malaria. Despite up to 102 different var genes being expressed by P. falciparum populations in a single host, only one to two of these genes were expressed at high levels in the brains and hearts of these patients. These major var types differed between organs. However, identical var types were expressed in the brains of multiple patients from a single malaria season. These results provide the first evidence of organ‐specific accumulation of P. falciparum variant types and suggest that parasitized erythrocytes can exhibit preferential binding in the body, supporting the hypothesis of cytoadherence‐linked pathogenesis.
The Deep Seismicity of the Tyrrhenian Sea*
Authors: Giardini Domenico , Velonà Maddalena
Published: July 2007

The deep seismicity of the Tyrrhenian Sea is analysed using data from a new instrumental catalogue of the seismicity of the Italian area. We use algorithms for the determination of absolute and relative hypocentral locations and for the evaluation of the geometry and coherence of the state of stress within the subducting slab. The structure of the Benioff zone, although simpler than previously indicated, reveals anomalous traits both in the seismicity distribution and in the stress geometry, confirming that standard subduction models cannot be applied in the Tyrrhenian region. The velocity anomaly and the location of few isolated events indicate that the subducted slabs extend to the north along the Apenninic chain approximately to the latitude of the Irpinia region, in Central Italy (˜ 42°N).
Late. Oligocene Pacific‐wide tectonic event
Authors: Kamp Peter J.J.
Published: July 2007

Stratigraphic and structural changes, radiometrically and biostratigraphically dated, from basins and basement across New Zealand, indicate that the modern Australia‐Pacific plate boundary, including the Alpine fault sector, formed between 28 and 24 Ma. This age range coincides with changes at about 25 Ma in the trends of the Hawaiian and Louisville hotspot chains, and a 27–25 Ma reorganization of spreading on the Antarctic‐Pacific spreading ridge. It also follows closely the 28.5 Ma initiation of subduction of the East Pacific Rise south of Mendocino fracture zone that lead to formation of the San Andreas continental transform. The late Oligocene Pacific‐wide tectonic reorganization may have been triggered by this ridge‐trench collision.
A view of texture dynamics
Authors: Wheeler J.
Published: July 2007

Textures in rocks reflect the interactions of driving forces and the mechanisms allowing them to induce change. The driving forces are excess chemical energy induced by changing pressure and temperature, deviatoric stress, and surface energy. The mechanisms whereby they are manifest include diffusion (in grains, fluids and grain boundaries), surface reaction, dislocation creep and nucleation. Emphasis is put on the first two processes in this discussion. Diffusion is frequently important in metamorphic reactions and is the dominant chemical means whereby stress induces shape change (pressure solution). Conversely, surface and interface reaction (and not surface energy anisotropy) control growth and dissolution of euhedral grains. Processes of texture development in turn affect the driving forces, in particular creating new transient forces. Thus a purely chemical driving force induced by, for example, temperature change, can lead to the buildup of stresses whose chemical effect reaches a comparable magnitude. Similarly, surface‐reaction controlled growth of grains can give rise to large local surface energies which themselves drive further changes. Detailed grain‐scale models are required to describe these phenomena; attempts to ‘average’ properties such as diffusion or reaction on the scale of many grains can give rise to misleading inferences. Instead, local buffering of species in individual grain boundaries can have a great effect on overall transport properties and texture development. Not only measurements of diffusion and reaction rate parameters, but also consistent qualitative models for texture development are required to characterize these processes.
The hydrodynamics of the Snorre Field area, offshore Norway
Authors: Caillet G. , Séjourné C. , Grauls D. , Arnaud J.
Published: July 2007

The Snorre Field, in the Norwegian North Sea, contains a 300 m oil column and is characterized by high pressures. The Snorre Field and its satellites are a well‐documented area and it was considered as an excellent case history for documenting hydrocarbon migration and petroleum hydrodynamics in an overpressured regime. The reservoirs are Triassic and Lower Jurassic sandstones overlain by thick shale formations. The overpressure in the acquifer is 14 MPa. The variations of the oil‐water contact levels observed throughout the structure can be correlated with oil density variations. This implies that some faults are partly sealing and suggests that leakage through the cap rock is possible together with a selective input of hydrocarbons within the compartments. The possible mechanisms of pressuring and their consequences on the migration system are discussed in this paper.

The origin of abnormal pressures in the reservoir is not directly related to the vertical overburden. Some equivalent overpressures due to the compaction exist further south at the North Alwyn location. An equalization of about 14 MPa overpressure occurs along a SW‐NE structural trend, through the North Alwyn, Brent, Statfjord and Snorre fields. Snorre being at the shallowest depth, the pore pressure at the top of the reservoir reaches the stress limit for fracturing and hydrocarbons leak from the field.

The idea that a large structural trend acts as a preferential route for the migration of hydrocarbons is well supported; however, the oils in Snorre have a GOR increasing from the southwest to the northeast part of the field and this feature, supported by organic geochemistry, reflects an input of light hydrocarbons from source areas in the adjacent 34/5 basin to the east where high pressures are generated. Evidence for high pressures in the basin exists on seismic profiles, where velocity anomalies indicate highly pressured deep zones and migration possibilities along fractures or unconformities.

The pressure regime and the stress conditions are key points for the exploration in this area, together with the sealing capacity of the main faults.
Prolonged preseasonal treatment phase with Grazax sublingual immunotherapy increases clinical efficacy
Authors: Calderon M. A. , Birk A. O. , Andersen J. S. , Durham S. R.
Published: July 2007

Background:  Sublingual immunotherapy treatment with grass allergen tablets (Grazax®) is initiated preseasonally without up‐dosing and treatment is continued throughout the entire grass pollen season.

Aims of the study:  The influence of the duration of preseasonal treatment on clinical efficacy obtained within the grass pollen season was investigated.

Methods:  Data from three randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multi‐centre trials with varying preseasonal treatment periods were analysed. In the grass pollen season, symptom and medication score reductions relative to placebo were calculated and correlated with the duration of the preseasonal treatment period.

Results:  The analysis was based on data from 934 patients. A significant reduction in seasonal daily rhinoconjunctivitis symptom and medication scores (17%, CI: 1–33% and 23%, CI: 1–47%, P < 0.05) was observed for patients treated with Grazax® compared with placebo after approximately 8 weeks of pretreatment. The magnitude of the reductions in rhinoconjunctivitis symptom and medication scores increased with longer duration of preseasonal treatment (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions:  Sublingual immunotherapy with Grazax® must be initiated at least 8 weeks prior to the grass pollen season to provide a significant clinical efficacy. A longer preseasonal treatment period (>8 weeks) improves the clinical efficacy (relative to placebo) during the grass pollen season.
H1‐antihistamines for the treatment of anaphylaxis: Cochrane systematic review
Authors: Sheikh A. , Ten Broek V. , Brown S. G. A. , Simons F. E. R.
Published: July 2007

Background:  Anaphylaxis is an acute systemic allergic reaction, which can be life‐threatening. H1‐antihistamines are commonly used as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of anaphylaxis. We sought to assess the benefits and harm of H1‐antihistamines in the treatment of anaphylaxis.

Methods:  We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, The Cochrane Library); MEDLINE (1966 to June 2006); EMBASE (1966 to June 2006); CINAHL (1982 to June 2006) and ISI Web of Science (1945 to July 2006). We also contacted pharmaceutical companies and international experts in anaphylaxis in an attempt to locate unpublished material. Randomized and quasi‐randomized‐controlled trials comparing H1‐antihistamines with placebo or no intervention were eligible for inclusion. Two authors independently assessed articles for inclusion.

Results:  We found no studies that satisfied the inclusion criteria.

Conclusions:  Based on this review, we are unable to make any recommendations for clinical practice. Randomized‐controlled trials are needed, although these are likely to prove challenging to design and execute.
Genetic differences in omega‐gliadins involved in two different immediate food hypersensitivities to wheat
Authors: Laurière M. , Pecquet C. , Boulenc É. , Bouchez‐Mahiout I. , Snégaroff J. , Choudat D. , Raison‐Peyron N. , Vigan M. , Branlard G.
Published: July 2007

Background:  Anti‐gliadin IgE are expressed in patients with food allergy associated to skin immediate hypersensitivity to hydrolyzed wheat proteins (IHHWP). It is not known if they react with ω5‐gliadins, the major allergens in wheat dependant exercise‐induced food anaphylaxis (WDEIA), encoded on wheat chromosomes 1B.

Methods:  Unmodified gliadins from 14 wheat varieties expressing most of the 1B ω‐gliadin alleles, were immunoprobed after SDS‐PAGE and blotting, with four sera from patients with IHHWP, and two with WDEIA. Gliadins reacting with IgE were visualized using chemiluminescence and identified according to their mobility and typical SDS‐PAGE pattern. The resulting signal was also measured to compare their IgE reactivity.

Results:  IHHWP and WDEIA sera exhibited distinct patterns of reactivity. IgE of patients with IHHWP reacted mainly with all ω‐gliadins alleles and one γ‐gliadin encoded respectively on chromosomes 1D and 1B, but not with any ω5‐gliadins alleles as for WDEIA. A few other reactive alleles of ω‐gliadins were encoded on chromosomes 1A. Unassigned additional bands of the whole gliadin pattern were also reactive. The four patients with IHHWP exhibited almost the same pattern of reactivity. Main differences concerned band reactivity which modulated the overall reactivity of each wheat variety.

Conclusions:  The IgE epitopes involved in IHHWP and WDEIA are different. This suggests that the protein state and the route of exposure to very similar gluten structures, probably orientate the pattern of epitope reactivity and the wheat food allergy manifestations.
A comparison of counselee and counselor satisfaction in reproductive genetic counseling
Authors: Aalfs CM , Oort FJ , de Haes JCJM , Leschot NJ , Smets EMA
Published: July 2007

Important insights in the process of genetic counseling can be provided by establishing levels of satisfaction. The aim of our study was to compare counselees’ and counselors’ satisfaction with the initial consultation in reproductive genetic counseling and to gain insight into the factors associated with their contentment. One hundred and fifty‐one women and 11 counselors participated in this study. Pre‐test questionnaires included counselees’ socio‐demographic, physical and psychological characteristics, i.e. their degree of worry, expectations, preferred participation in decision making and experienced degree of control. Post‐visit questionnaires asked for counselees’ and counselors’ satisfaction, counselees’ participation in decision making and counselees’ Perceived Personal Control (PPC). Little difference was found between counselees’ and counselors’ overall visit‐specific satisfaction (mean 79 vs 74, respectively, on a visual analogue scale from 0 to 100). The correlation between counselees’ and counselors’ satisfaction was medium sized (r = 0.26, p < 0.01). Counselees’ satisfaction was positively associated with being pregnant and with their post‐visit PPC. Counselors’ satisfaction was positively associated with counselees’ post‐visit PPC. No other counselee and counselor related variables appeared to be associated with satisfaction, nor was the duration of the consultation. Our findings suggest that, although both groups were satisfied with the consultation, counselees and counselors do not always have equal perceptions of the consultation process and may form their evaluation in different ways. In the assessment of quality of care, evaluation of both counselees’ and counselors’ satisfaction deserves more attention.
Environmental risk factors for early infantile atopic dermatitis
Authors: Wang I. J. , Guo Y. L. , Weng H. J. , Hsieh W. S. , Chuang Y. L. , Lin S. J. , Chen P. C.
Published: July 2007

Previous studies of predictors of atopic dermatitis (AD) in Asia have had limited sample size and small numbers of variables focused primarily on family history or dietary exposures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of various environmental risk factors for early infantile AD. We used multistage, stratified systematic sampling to recruit 2048 mother–child pairs from the Taiwan national birth registration in 2003. Information on environmental risk factors for infant AD gathered by questionnaire were available from 1760 infants at 6 months of age. Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for risk factors for AD after adjusting for potential confounders. AD was noted in 118 of 1760 (6.7%) of the infants. After adjusting for maternal age and education, family history of atopy, infant gender, and gestational age, fungi on walls of the house [aOR 2.14 (95% CI 1.41–3.22)] and frequent use of microwave oven at home [aOR 1.71 (95% CI 1.13–2.58)] increased the risk of early infantile AD. This study suggests that environmental factors do play a role in early infantile AD. Fungi, a kind of aeroallergen, are especially important in humid climate as in Taiwan and their impacts might be felt at the early infant stage. The hazards of microwave use should be paid more attention.
Crash of a population of the marine heterotrophic flagellate Cafeteria roenbergensis by viral infection
Authors: Massana Ramon , Del Campo Javier , Dinter Christian , Sommaruga Ruben
Published: July 2007

Viruses are known as important mortality agents of marine microorganisms. Most studies focus on bacterial and algal viruses, and few reports exist on viruses infecting marine heterotrophic protists. Here we show results from several incubations initiated with a microbial assemblage from the central Indian Ocean and amended with different amounts of organic matter. Heterotrophic flagellates developed up to 30 000 cells ml−1 in the most enriched incubation. A 18S rDNA clone library and fluorescent in situ hybridization counts with newly designed probes indicated that the peak was formed by Cafeteria roenbergensis and Caecitellus paraparvulus (90% and 10% of the cells respectively). Both taxa were below detection in the original sample, indicating a strong positive selective bias during the enrichment. During the peak, C. roenbergensis cells were observed with virus‐like particles in the cytoplasm, and 4 days later this taxa could not be detected. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the viral nature of these particles, which were large (280 nm), had double‐stranded DNA, and were produced with a burst size of ∼70. This virus was specific of C. roenbergensis as neither C. paraparvulus that was never seen infected, nor other flagellate taxa that developed in later stages of the incubation, appeared attacked. This is one of the few reports on a heterotrophic flagellate virus and the implications of this finding in the Indian Ocean are discussed.
Effects of interpregnancy interval and outcome of the preceding pregnancy on pregnancy outcomes in Matlab, Bangladesh
Authors: DaVanzo J , Hale L , Razzaque A , Rahman M
Published: July 2007

Objective  To estimate the effects on pregnancy outcomes of the duration of the preceding interpregnancy interval (IPI) and type of pregnancy outcome that began the interval.

Design  Observational population‐based study.

Setting  The Maternal Child Health–Family Planning (MCH–FP) area of Matlab, Bangladesh.

Population  A total of 66 759 pregnancy outcomes that occurred between 1982 and 2002.

Methods Bivariate tabulations and multinomial logistic regression analysis.

Main outcome measures  Pregnancy outcomes (live birth, stillbirth, miscarriage [spontaneous fetal loss prior to 28 weeks], and induced abortion).

Results  When socio‐economic and demographic covariates are controlled, of the IPIs that began with a live birth, those <6 months in duration were associated with a 7.5‐fold increase in the odds of an induced abortion (95% CI 6.0–9.4), a 3.3‐fold increase in the odds of a miscarriage (95% CI 2.8–3.9), and a 1.6‐fold increase in the odds of a stillbirth (95% CI 1.2–2.1) compared with 27‐ to 50‐month IPIs. IPIs of 6–14 months were associated with increased odds of induced abortion (2.0, 95% CI 1.5–2.6). IPIs ≥ 75 months were associated with increased odds of all three types of non‐live‐birth (NLB) outcomes but were not as risky as very short intervals. IPIs that began with a NLB were generally more likely to end with the same type of NLB.

Conclusions  Women whose pregnancies are between 15 and 75 months after a preceding pregnancy outcome (regardless of its type) have a lower likelihood of fetal loss than those with shorter or longer IPIs. Those with a preceding NLB outcome deserve special attention in counselling and monitoring.
Short communication: A review of the management by hysterectomy of 25 cases of gestational trophoblastic tumours from March 1993 to January 2006
Authors: Doumplis D , Al‐Khatib K , Sieunarine K , Lindsay I , Seckl M , Bridges J , Smith JR
Published: July 2007

We reviewed 25 cases of gestational trophoblastic tumours referred for surgical management from Charing Cross Hospital (the London centre for gestational trophoblastic disease [GTD]) over a 13‐year period. The operation performed was total abdominal hysterectomy, with lymph node sampling in 9/25 (36%) women and bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy in 11/25 (44%) women. Radical hysterectomy and unilateral parametrectomy was required in 3/25 (12%) women. Three of 25 (12%) women failed to survive, i.e. the overall rate of survival was 88%. Management by hysterectomy of primary drug‐resistant and relapse cases of GTD is a useful and safe adjunct to chemotherapy.
Her Majesty the Queen
Authors: Ionescu Ghiţa
Published: July 2007

Queen Elizabeth II Has Now Entered The Forty-First year of her reign. This is an exceptional achievement in a historical period marked by speed and turbulence. Indeed, in the exercise she has also become the personality with the longest record of continuity of service and experience in high politics, not only in this country but in the whole world. This is an obvious advantage for the new generation of British political leaders who will seek her counsel.
The Bharatiya Janata Party of India
Authors: Austin Dennis , Lyon Peter
Published: July 2007

Observers of The Indian Political Scene Have Been puzzled by the performance and prospects of the Bharatiya Janata Party. It is the largest opposition group in the central legislature in New Delhi, and forms the government in four northern states, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan. The elements of opposition and government have taken new shape; and the rise of the BJP, say critics, constitutes a challenge not simply to Congress but to the Nehru-established state and its secular democratic inheritance. Its leaders couch their appeal in relation to the religious sentiments of the Hindu majority of India and they talk not only of roti but Ram — the bread of life itself. ‘Away with the “pseudo-secularism” of Western values: India must rediscover its past.’ Such is the simple message of the Hindutva party and its allies. It is an old theme but opponents and supporters alike believe that the 119 seats which the BJP now has in the Lok Sabha (India's lower house) give the demand for fundamental reform a new political force.
The 1992 US Elections
Authors: Norris Pippa
Published: July 2007

The American Elections This Year Overturned conventional expectations. In March 1991 President Bush — leader of the free world during the fall of the Berlin wall and winner of the Gulf war — seemed invincible. With the troops home in victory parades, Bush's approval rating stood at 88 per cent in Gallup polls. Few thought he could lose against Governor Clinton, dogged by questions about the draft and marital fidelity, perceived as a second-rank Democratic contender from a small southern state. Yet President Bush won 37.7 per cent, the lowest share of the popular vote of any incumbent president since William Taft in 1912. Against most predictions, 19 per cent of the vote went to Ross Perot, the best result for a third party candidate since Teddy Roosevelt. Governor Clinton enjoyed a comfortable victory, with 43.2 per cent of the popular vote and 370 electoral college votes in 32 states. The result for Clinton was not a landslide, indeed his share of the popular vote was similar to Mondale's in 1984 and Carter's in 1980, and less than Dukakis's in 1988. But questions about a popular mandate are academic: Democrats now control both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue, and almost two-thirds of governorships and state legislative chambers.
Letter from America via Paris
Authors: Barber Benjamin R.
Published: July 2007

Americans in Paris Often Feel Neither American Nor French — which sometimes allows them to see both countries more clearly. I have just completed a year living in the Fifth Arondissement while occupying the French American Foundation's Chair of American Civilization at the Ecole des hautes etudes en sciences sociales. If my sojourn does not licence me to play Tocqueville to the Americans, it does let me watch my fellow Americans from a distance and the culturally distant French from close up.
Italy: A Clean‐up after the Cold War
Authors: Sidoti Franceso
Published: July 2007

In These Pages We Will Discuss The Thesis That in order to understand the present problems of Italy, one must look back on an era of international politics dominated by the bipolar and conflictual relationship between East and West. This came to an end finally after the failed Moscow coup in mid-1991.

From 1946, without interruption, in a Europe divided by the iron curtain, Italy was the frontier country where the cold war was most bitterly fought, because the Italian Communist Party (PCI) was the strongest communist party in the world outside the Soviet empire. From many viewpoints, the Italian Communists were ordinary politicians peacefully involved in cooperatives and in the trade unions. Their management of some important regions and municipalities was judged very favourably by many scholars. In public declarations they stated their preference for a peaceful way to socialism, conversion to liberty, independence from Soviet influence, and acceptance of a democratic system. In fact they shared Moscow's orientations in every international problem where East and West were opposed. Now we understand why: they were heavily financed, directly and indirectly, by the Soviets. But after Yeltsin had thrown out many skeletons from the Kremlin closets, we had the proof that the staunch anti-communists were right. The big lie about Bolshevism concerned Italy also, where the PCI had been helped from Stalin to Gorbachev. This is why still in 1985 the Italian Communists declared the USA to be the only imperialist state in the world.
The Rhetoric of Reaction — Two Years Later
Authors: Hirschman Albert O.
Published: July 2007

There are various reasons why an author may wish to return, not to the ‘classic’ he wrote thirty years ago (this is a widely practised and accepted form of narcissism), but to a book he has only recently published. One such reason could be that he suffers from an acute case of what the French call esprit de l'escalier (spirit of the staircase) — thinking of the brilliant remark one might have made during the conversation only as one walks down the staircase after leaving the party. Another possibility is that the book was attacked and that some new ideas occurred to the author as he replied to his detractors. Also, upon reflecting on his book, the author may discover some connecting link between it and his earlier writings which he feels he would like to explore. While we are working on a new book we are often providentially protected by the illusion that we are engaged on an entirely novel and original enterprise. We may need this feeling to set out at all. Only after we are finished do we recognize that an argument we have put forth is closely related to points which we have made long ago or which, alternatively, stand in some tension to it.
Mental Stereotypes in the First Years of Post‐Totalitarian Romania
Authors: Mihăilescu Ioan
Published: July 2007

THE TRANSITION FROM COMMUNIST TOTALITARIANISM TO a democratic socio-political organization and to a market economy system depends on several economic factors (capital, technology, skilled labour force, competent management) and also on political and cultural elements. The political speeches, whether delivered by government or opposition in Romania, underline almost exclusively the financial, technological or political aspects, neglecting quite completely the psycho-sociological dimension of this transitory period. The fact that the economic reforms somehow failed is only partly due to the lack of economic resources or to organizational setbacks. These are, of course, significant and undeniable reasons, but there is one more explanation rather forgotten, and that is the attitude of the Romanian population itself towards economic, social and political changes.
The Italian Political Class
Authors: Sidoti Francesco
Published: July 2007

IN MODERN ITALIAN, ‘POLITICAL CLASS’ IS A CONCEPT quite distinct from that of a ruling class. The notion of political class applies to a million people who are in full-time politics. The cream of these professional politicians is part of the ruling class: a term which applies to the people who effectively run the country working in business, finance, administration, politics, and so on.

In Italy the history of the changing importance of the political class has always been connected with the weakness of the ruling class, which was evident from the beginning of unification. Italy became a nation-state in 1861, largely thanks to the action of a tiny group of patriots consisting of ambitious aristocrats and romantic intellectuals. While in the same period the Prussian monarchy gave strong leadership to the process of unification in Germany, the Piedmont monarchy led the Italian process of national unification under the discreet partnership, open protection, or direct involvement of other major European states. From 1861 to the present time in Italian history many observers have pointed to the weakness of the ruling class and the interference of foreign powers.