bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of a Beet necrotic yellow vein virus RNA-5-derived replicon as a new tool for gene expression
Authors: Schmidlin Laure , Link Didier , Mutterer Jérôme , Guilley Hubert , Gilmer David
Published: January 2005

A new gene-expression system based on RNA-5 of Beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV) was constructed to allow the expression of recombinant proteins in virally infected cells. Replication and expression levels of the RNA-5-based replicon containing the green fluorescence protein (GFP) gene were compared with those obtained with the well-characterized RNA-3-derived replicon (Rep-3). When RNA-3 and/or RNA-4 BNYVV RNAs were added to the inoculum, the expression levels of RNA-5-encoded GFP were considerably reduced. To a lesser extent, RNA-3-derived GFP expression was also affected by the presence of RNA-4 and -5. Both RNA-3- and RNA-5-derived molecules were able to express proteins within the same infected cells. Together with Rep-3, the RNA-5-derived replicon thus provides a new tool for the co-expression of different recombinant proteins. In Beta macrocarpa, Rep-5-GFP was able to move in systemic tissues in the presence of RNA-3 and thus provides a new expression system that is not restricted to the inoculated leaves.
Foxl1 is a mesenchymal Modifier of Min in carcinogenesis of stomach and colon
Authors: Perreault Nathalie , Sackett Sara D. , Katz Jonathan P. , Furth Emma E. , Kaestner Klaus H.
Published: January 2005

Constitutive activation of the Wnt/APC/β-catenin pathway is a frequent initiating event in gastrointestinal carcinogenesis. Mutations in the Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) gene up-regulate Wnt signaling by stabilizing β-catenin and causing activation of targets important in proliferation control. Here we show that loss of the mesenchymal transcription factor Foxl1 leads to a marked increase in tumor multiplicity in the colon of ApcMin mice. ApcMin/+;Foxl1-/- mice also develop gastric tumors not observed in ApcMin mice. These effects are caused by earlier tumor initiation due to accelerated loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at the Apc locus. Foxl1 is the first mesenchymal Modifier of Min and plays a key role in gastrointestinal tumorigenesis.
Charge density of (−)-strychnine from 100 to 15 K, a comparison of four data sets
Authors: Messerschmidt Marc , Scheins Stephan , Luger Peter
Published: January 2005

Strychnine has an interesting oligocyclic structure of seven condensed rings. It is easy to crystallize and gives crystals of excellent quality which diffract nicely to high regions in reciprocal space. It was thus chosen for a comparative charge-density study based on four high-resolution data sets (sin θ/λ ≥ 1.15 Å−1) that were measured with different experimental setups in the temperature range 100–15 K. In addition, a theoretical charge density was derived from a B3LYP/6-311++G(3df,3pd) calculation. The agreement expressed in bond topological parameters among the four experimental charge densities is better than between experiment and theory.
Can developing countries benefit from export promotion?
Authors: Yin Xiangkang , Yin Xiangshuo
Published: January 2005

Purpose

Although economic theory generally does not support government intervention in international trade, casual observation shows that many developing countries adopt certain trade policies to promote their exports. The objective of this paper is to answer the question that whether developing countries can benefit from export promotion.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper considers a developing country which has to import new technology from the world market to improve its productivity. If it has certain economic rigidities, the country is short of foreign exchange and domestic firms cannot import an adequate amount of new technology. Even if there is no rigidity, domestic firms may not have sufficient incentive to invest in new technology. Therefore, the government can step in to subsidize exports. Through an analytical model, this paper investigates in what conditions the measures of export promotion can stimulate production and employment, and improve efficiency and social welfare.

Findings

This paper analyzes two effects of export promotion: raising the incentive of capital investment and reducing capital goods shortage caused by foreign exchange constraint. These effects might be the economic rationale for developing country governments to promote exports. It is found that export promotion can definitely raise employment and productivity, but whether these measures can stimulate the supply to the domestic market and improve domestic welfare depends on the sufficient and necessary condition given in the paper.

Originality/value

Establishes an analytical model to investigate in what conditions the measures of export promotion such as export subsidies and domestic currency devaluation can stimulate production and employment, and can improve efficiency and social welfare.
Business ethics in TQM
Authors: Svensson Göran , Wood Greg
Published: January 2005

Purpose

The objective of this research is to introduce and describe a conceptual framework of business ethics in TQM.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to highlight the concepts proffered, a case study in the Swedish retail industry was conducted. The data that underpin the case illustration have been collected as part of a larger research project in the Swedish retail industry. This paper draws on and reports the findings from one case of the larger research project that has been used in this instance to inform the role of business ethics in TQM. The case illustration is based on a qualitative approach. The data were collected through interviews with leading executives in the corporation,

Findings

Both time and context become crucial parameters to manage the quality and spectrum zones of core values in the marketplace. In fact, the necessary quality management of business operations has to be performed without delay, minimising the damage. Therefore, the importance of business ethics becomes evident in TQM. In the long run, TQM will not succeed in business operations unless business ethics is considered in the core values to support the techniques and tools applied.

Research limitations/implications

The model has only been tested by relating it to one case in the Swedish retail industry.

Practical implications

TQM is dependent on the contextual and evolutionary issues in the marketplace. Therefore, TQM should be interpreted as a continuous process. The importance of continuously monitoring the spectrum zones and qualities of core values in TQM should not be under‐estimated. Therefore, business ethics should always be present in TQM. Further research would benefit from other case studies of how business ethics benefits TQM. Therefore, the dynamics of business ethics in TQM should be further explored.

Originality/value

Business ethics needs to be an essential consideration of any TQM process. This paper examines how an organisation can incorporate this task.
Total quality management
Authors: Hoogervorst J.A.P. , Koopman P.L. , van der Flier H.
Published: January 2005

Purpose

The core principles of total quality management (TQM) are considered to be incompatible with the traditional mechanistic way of organizing. It is believed that this constitutes a major reason for failed TQM programs: attempting to introduce its principles with the traditional mindset. Additionally, initiatives to change behaviour often fail due to the fact that no concurrent attention is given to the coherence and consistency of those macro‐organizational variables determining behaviour. These two primary reasons for TQM failures are the subject of this discussion.

Design/methodology/approach

From the perspective of TQM, the importance of a human‐centred approach to organizing is argued. The human‐centred approach to organizing fundamentally offers the possibility of aligning human interests with organizational interests. Rather than depersonalisation of work, with the possible danger of alienation, work offers possibilities for self‐realization and self‐development. This is considered to be the most fundamental contribution of TQM. It is thus argued that TQM in its ideal fundamental concept differs from the traditional mechanistic principles by offering genuine possibilities for employee development and self‐realization.

Findings

It is argued that TQM entails a human‐centred approach to organizing which is fundamentally incompatible with traditional mechanistic thinking. Further, the needed focus on employee behaviour requires attention to organizational culture, management practices, and organizational structures and systems, seen as macro variables determining behaviour. Absence of coherence and consistency among these variables when attempting to change behaviour has been argued to be another major source of TQM failures.

Originality/value

Establishing coherence and consistency among the three elements of the behavioural context should thus be a central focus area.
Editorial “Health for all”: an attainable goal or an idealistic dream?
Authors: Marks Ray
Published: January 2005

Purpose

Reflects on the prevailing health inequities across the globe and attempts to address some of these global health determinants and related global injustices.

Design/methodology/approach

Specifically focuses on potential directives for achieving the lofty goal of “health for all” through improved health promotion efforts.

Findings

The concept of “health for all”, envisages the attainment of a level of health that permits all the people of the world to lead a socially and economically productive life and this goal has been guiding health strategies all over the world for the past two decades. However, in the present day heterogeneous world, where wide disparities in health and social conditions exist between and within countries and regions, achievements in health are disturbingly dissimilar.

Originality/value

Presents a health promotion perspective that could advance the ideal of “health for all”.
School‐based health education strategies for the improvement of body image and prevention of eating problems
Authors: O'Dea Jennifer A.
Published: January 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review current programmes and major issues surrounding preventive interventions for body image and obesity in schools.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review was carried out by analysing papers cited in major literature databases from the last 50 years. This review describes and summarises activities from body image programmes and eating disorder prevention programmes in schools and outlines self esteem and media literacy approaches that have produced positive results in some large, randomised and controlled interventions.

Findings

A total of 21 programmes met the inclusion criteria. Of these, four included males and 17 reported at least one improvement in knowledge, beliefs, attitudes or behaviours. The most effective programmes were interactive, involved parents, built self esteem and provided media literacy.

Practical implications

Body image concerns, eating problems and obesity among children and adolescents are becoming increasingly targeted for preventive health education and health promotion programmes. The role of health educators is complicated because of legitimate concerns that we must “do no harm” in our efforts to ameliorate both issues in schools. Health educators need to be careful to ensure that the implementation of programmes for the prevention of child obesity do not inadvertently create food concerns, body image issues, weight stigma, prejudice or eating disorders. Similarly, eating disorder prevention programmes must take care both not to condone obesity nor to glamorise or normalise dieting or disordered eating.

Originality/value

This paper provides health educators with an overview of important issues and suitable strategies to consider when implementing programmes for body image improvement and the prevention of eating problems and childhood obesity.
Prevention work with children disaffected from school
Authors: Gray Paul , Seddon Toby
Published: January 2005

Purpose

To report on findings from the evaluation of two innovative community‐based prevention projects in the UK targeted at children disaffected from school, one involving football the other horticulture.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative inquiry focusing on three areas: “theories of change” underpinning the projects; referral and operational processes; inter‐agency partnerships. Main methods were: an interactive event for 50 practitioners; semi‐structured interviews with project staff, project participants and other stakeholders; review of project documentation; observations.

Findings

Both the projects evaluated had clear and plausible “theories of change”. Referral processes were effective. Strong variations in “dosage” and length of project involvement appeared to be linked to differences in the effectiveness of the two projects.

Research limitations/implications

The principal limitation to the research was the lack of case monitoring and outcome data that prevented any quantitative assessment of the projects. Further research is needed to establish the long‐term impact of this kind of targeted prevention work.

Practical implications

Prevention work targeted at children disaffected from school needs to be underpinned by clear “theories of change”. Effective work requires good relationships with referring schools, the delivery of multi‐faceted interventions and interventions to be of an adequate length.

Originality/value

The focus on “theories of change” or mechanisms is an original contribution to the prevention literature. The paper will be valuable for those working in drug action teams and local authorities in planning prevention work for young people. The two projects were highly innovative in involving pupils in two very different activities – football and horticulture.
Crafting a competitive advantage: tempering entrepreneurial action with positioning‐based values
Authors: Beverland Michael , Lockshin Lawrence S.
Published: January 2005

The essence of entrepreneurship is “effectual action”. Researchers at the entrepreneurial/marketing interface suggest that small firms adapt marketing theory to their needs, undertaking a range of emergent actions in response to day‐to‐day events and problems, without recourse to formal planning or research. By way of contrast, brands require guided action, in order to build a sustainable position in the marketplace, while research also reveals that small specialist firms increase their chance of failure if they undertake a range of unguided actions that lead to niche drift. Based upon an in‐depth case study, identifies that SMEs do benefit from constant actions, but only if guided by a strong set of positioning values, which are diffused into an organisational culture, primarily via the actions of the leader.
The nature of networking in small firms
Authors: O'Donnell Aodheen
Published: January 2005

For some time, researchers at the marketing/entrepreneurship interface have employed the concepts of networks and networking as a means of exploring how entrepreneurs “do business”. More recently, attempts have been made to show how the process of networking contributes to small firm marketing. The overall research study on which this paper is based aimed to show how networking contributes to marketing. This paper focuses on a specific objective of the overall research study, namely an understanding of the process of small firm networking. It reviews previous research into the concept of networking and demonstrates how the process of networking can be captured as a number of dimensions along which entrepreneurial networking may vary. The paper then explains that while previous research has allowed a conceptual framework of small firm networking to be developed, further empirical research is merited and an entirely appropriate type of research is of a qualitative nature.
The synergism of teleworking and information and communication technologies
Authors: Pérez Pérez Manuela , Martínez Sánchez Angel , de Luis Carnicer Pilar , José Vela Jiménez María
Published: January 2005

Purpose

Aims to contribute to the teleworking literature by analysing the differences between teleworking adopters and non‐adopters regarding the use and impact of information and communication technologies.

Design/methodology/aproach

Analyses the differences on the use and impact of information and communication technologies in a sample of Spanish companies. The data for the study come from a survey of a representative sample of 479 small and medium sized companies located in Galicia, a Spanish region in the northwest of the country. The data were obtained through interviews with the company managers (CEO, systems information manager, or technology manager) between May and October of 2003

Findings

The results indicate that teleworking companies have adopted more equipment (per company and per employee), and the differences are statistically significant for all type of information equipment but personal computers. Although there is a positive correlation between the number of equipment and firm size (number of employees), there are not statistically significant differences of firm size between teleworking adopters and non adopters. Firm size is not an explanatory variable of equipment use in the adopter companies.

Originality/value

Contributes to the teleworking literature by analysing the differences between teleworking adopters and non adopters regarding the use and impact of information and communication technologies
Stability of mutant serpin/furin complexes: Dependence on pH and regulation at the deacylation step
Authors: Dufour Erick K. , Désilets Antoine , Longpré Jean‐Michel , Leduc Richard
Published: January 2005

Furin proteolytically cleaves a wide variety of proprotein substrates mainly within the trans‐Golgi network (TGN) but also at the cell membrane and in endosomal compartments where pH is more acidic. Incorporation of furin recognition sequences within the reactive site loop (RSL) of α1‐antitrypsin (AT) leads to the production of furin inhibitors. In an attempt to design more stable, potent, and specific serpin‐based inhibitors, we constructed a series of AT and α1‐antichymotrypsin (ACT) mutants by modifying the P7–P1 region of their RSLs. The biochemical properties of these variants were assessed by evaluating their propensity to establish SDS‐resistant complexes with furin in a variety of conditions (pH 6.0–9.0) and by measuring their association rate constants. The effect of pH during the initial steps of complex formation was minimal, suggesting that the acylation step is not rate‐limiting. The decrease in stoichiometry of inhibition (SI) values observed in AT variants at high pHs was a result of the reduced pH‐dependent deacylation rate, which is rate‐limiting in this mechanism and which suggests increased complex stability. Conversely, the SI values for ACT mutants had a tendency to be lower at acidic pH. Transiently transfecting HEK293 cells with these mutants abolished processing of the pro‐von Willebrand factor precursor but, interestingly, only the ACT variants were secreted in the media as uncleaved forms. Our results suggest that reengineering the reactive site loops of serpins to accommodate and target furin or other serine proteases must take into account the intrinsic physicochemical properties of the serpin.
Identifying Plasmodium falciparum cytoadherence‐linked asexual protein 3 (CLAG 3) sequences that specifically bind to C32 cells and erythrocytes
Authors: Ocampo Marisol , Rodríguez Luis E. , Curtidor Hernando , Puentes Álvaro , Vera Ricardo , Valbuena John J. , López Ramses , García Javier E. , Ramírez Luis E. , Torres Elizabeth , Cortes Jimena , Tovar Diana , López Yolanda , Patarroyo Manuel A. , Patarroyo Manuel E.
Published: January 2005

Adhesion of mature asexual stage Plasmodium falciparum parasite‐infected erythrocytes (iRBC) to the vascular endothelium is a critical event in the pathology of Plasmodium falciparum malaria. It has been suggested that the clag gene family is essential in cytoadherence to endothelial receptors. Primers used in PCR and RT‐PCR assays allowed us to determine that the gene encoding CLAG 3 (GenBank accession no. NP_473155) is transcribed in the Plasmodium falciparum FCB2 strain. Western blot showed that antisera produced against polymerized synthetic peptides from this protein recognized a 142‐kDa band in P. falciparum schizont lysate. Seventy‐one 20‐amino‐acid‐long nonoverlapping peptides, spanning the CLAG 3 (cytoadherence‐linked asexual protein on chromosome 3) sequence were tested in C32 cell and erythrocyte binding assays. Twelve CLAG peptides specifically bound to C32 cells (which mainly express CD36) with high affinity, hereafter referred to as high‐affinity binding peptides (HABPs). Five of them also bound to erythrocytes. HABP binding to C32 cells and erythrocytes was independent of peptide charge or peptide structure. Affinity constants were between 100 nM and 800 nM. Cross‐linking and SDS‐PAGE analysis allowed two erythrocyte binding proteins of around 26 kDa and 59 kDa to be identified, while proteins of around 53 kDa were identified as possible receptor sites for C‐32 cells. The HABPs' role in Plasmodium falciparum invasion inhibition was determined. Such an approach analyzing various CLAG 3 regions may elucidate their functions and may help in the search for new antigens important for developing antimalarial vaccines.
Improving the alkalophilic performances of the Xyl1 xylanase from Streptomyces sp. S38: Structural comparison and mutational analysis
Authors: De Lemos Esteves Frédéric , Gouders Thierry , Lamotte‐Brasseur Josette , Rigali Sébastien , Frère Jean‐Marie
Published: January 2005

Endo‐β‐1,4‐xylanases of the family 11 glycosyl‐hydrolases are catalytically active over a wide range of pH. Xyl1 from Streptomyces sp. S38 belongs to this family, and its optimum pH for enzymatic activity is 6. Xyn11 from Bacillus agaradhaerens and XylJ from Bacillus sp. 41M‐1 share 85% sequence identity and have been described as highly alkalophilic enzymes. In an attempt to better understand the alkalophilic adaptation of xylanases, the three‐dimensional structures of Xyn11 and Xyl1 were compared. This comparison highlighted an increased number of salt‐bridges and the presence of more charged residues in the catalytic cleft as well as an eight‐residue‐longer loop in the alkalophilic xylanase Xyn11. Some of these charges were introduced in the structure of Xyl1 by site‐directed mutagenesis with substitutions Y16D, S18E, G50R, N92D, A135Q, E139K, and Y186E. Furthermore, the eight additional loop residues of Xyn11 were introduced in the homologous loop of Xyl1. In addition, the coding sequence of the XylJ catalytic domain was synthesized by recursive PCR, expressed in a Streptomyces host, purified, and characterized together with the Xyl1 mutants. The Y186E substitution inactivated Xyl1, but the activity was restored when this mutation was combined with the G50R or S18E substitutions. Interestingly, the E139K mutation raised the optimum pH of Xyl1 from 6 to 7.5 but had no effect when combined with the N92D substitution. Modeling studies identified the possible formation of an interaction between the introduced lysine and the substrate, which could be eliminated by the formation of a putative salt‐bridge in the N92D/E139K mutant.
Interaction between natural and synthetic fruit odor influences response of apple maggot flies to visual traps
Authors: Rull Juan , Prokopy Ronald J.
Published: January 2005

In order to improve perimeter trapping for apple maggot fly behavioral control, we designed a set of experiments which aimed to reach a better understanding of the nature of the interaction between the natural host odor released by susceptible and low‐susceptibility apple cultivars, and an artificial host odor currently employed as a lure along with visual traps for apple maggot fly, Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh) (Diptera: Tephritidae), perimeter trapping programs. The response of apple maggot flies to lured and unlured visual traps deployed in different rectangular arrays of susceptible and low‐susceptibility apple cultivars (two central trees of a particular cultivar surrounded by four perimeter trees of the same or a different cultivar) was evaluated over 2 years under field conditions. In uniform blocks of susceptible (Tidemann Red, Jersey Mac) or low‐susceptibility (Marshall McIntosh) cultivars, lured traps recovered a significantly greater proportion of the total capture than unlured traps, irrespective of lure position (center or perimeter trees). Unlured traps on central susceptible apple cultivars (Red Astrachan, Gala, Fuji) recovered a significantly greater proportion of the total capture than unlured traps on surrounding low‐susceptibility cultivars (Marshall McIntosh, Paula Red, Red Delicious, and Golden Delicious). Placing the lures near traps on low‐susceptibility cultivar trees surrounding unlured traps on central susceptible cultivar trees reduced apple maggot fly visits to traps on central trees, but the latter still recovered a similar proportion of the total capture as lured traps on perimeter trees. By contrast, placing the lures near traps on central susceptible cultivar trees surrounded by unlured traps on low‐susceptibility cultivar trees allowed lured central traps to receive a significantly greater proportion of the total capture than unlured perimeter traps. We conclude that the synthetic and natural host odor of susceptible cultivars interact additively in attracting apple maggot flies to visual traps, and that, when given the choice, traps and lures should be deployed on preferred rather than on less preferred cultivar trees. Implications for trap deployment strategies for tephritid monitoring and control are discussed in the light of our findings.
Effects of glycolic acid on desquamation‐regulating proteinases in human stratum corneum
Authors: Horikoshi T. , Matsumoto M. , Usuki A. , Igarashi S. , Hikima R. , Uchiwa H. , Hayashi S. , Brysk M. M. , Ichihashi M. , Funasaka Y.
Published: January 2005

Abstract:  In order to investigate the mechanism of glycolic acid (GA) function in human stratum corneum, we monitored changes in cathepsin D‐like (CD) and chymotrypsin‐like (SCCE) proteinases for 3 weeks following topical GA application (50% w/v, pH 0.9) for 30 min to human skin. In the early phase, weakened stratum corneum cohesion in the lower layers was observed on day 2 and the amount of active CD in the upper layer of the stratum corneum was significantly decreased from 30 min until day 2, whereas that in the lower layer remained normal. In contrast, the amount of active SCCE showed no change during the experimental period. The surface pH of the stratum corneum drastically decreased to pH 2 at 30 min and slightly recovered to around pH 3 until 1 day after treatment. From 9 to 19 days, a decrease in corneocyte cell area and a remarkable long‐term increase in the amount of active CD in the upper layer were observed. In an in vitro study, the activities of desquamation‐regulating proteinases were shown to have remarkably increased at around pH 3, due to activation of CD at its optimal pH. These results suggest that GA functions via at least two different mechanisms, acute activation of CD in the lower layer by acidification around pH 3, along with inactivation of CD in the upper layer, and long‐term enhancement of de novo CD production in the few weeks following GA treatment.
Cystic hypersecretory carcinoma: rare and poorly recognized variant of intraductal carcinoma of the breast. Report of five cases
Authors: Skalova A , Ryska A , Kajo K , Di Palma S , Kinkor Z , Michal M
Published: January 2005

Aims : To report five cases of a rare variant of intraductal carcinoma of the breast, so‐called cystic hypersecretory carcinoma. The clinical and pathological characteristics of the lesion are described, along with a review of the literature.

Methods and results : The patients were females aged between 53 and 78 years (average 66.8 years). The size of the lesions ranged between 70 and 80 mm in largest dimension. In two cases, the development of high‐grade invasive ductal carcinoma was observed; in one additional case there was recurrence of high‐grade in‐situ carcinoma after 3 years. This emphasizes the importance of correct diagnosis of this potentially aggressive lesion. Strong over‐expression of HER‐2/neu protein was observed in three cases, including the two with an invasive component. Protein p53 was variably positive in all cases. Steroid receptor immunohistochemistry yielded variable results with only one case being positive for both oestrogen and progesterone receptors. Interestingly, in most cases (4/5) staining for androgen receptors was observed.

Conclusions : Cystic hypersecretory ductal carcinoma of the breast is a rare distinctive variant of ductal carcinoma in situ. It has the potential for invasive growth and the development of metastases.
The ones we left behind: Comparing plot sampling and floristic habitat sampling for estimating bryophyte diversity
Authors: Newmaster Steven G. , Belland René J. , Arsenault André , Vitt Dale H. , Stephens Tara R.
Published: January 2005

An efficient method for estimating bryophyte diversity in forest stands must consider more than just the dominant forest mesohabitat. We compared two methodologies commonly used for estimating diversity in forest ecosystems. Floristic habitat sampling (FHS) utilizes stratification of all forest mesohabitats, which includes the natural diversity of microhabitats found within and stratifies a mosaic of mesohabitats (e.g. forest, streams, seeps, and cliffs) and microhabitats (e.g. rocks logs, etc.) that are often not considered in forest research projects that use plot sampling to estimate species diversity. In Canadian cedar hemlock forest, FHS methodology recorded more than twice as many bryophyte species as plot sampling (PS). A comparison of the dominant forest mesohabitat concluded that plot sampling was not as efficient as FHS in estimating bryophyte diversity and that plot sampling can result in different interpretations of species diversity. Rare species ordination of stands sampled using FHS showed strong clustering of sites with respect to biogeoclimatic zones and age since the last major disturbance (fire or logging) as compared with rare species ordinations from PS data, which showed no delineation of stands along temporal gradients. Plot sampling has many useful applications in ecology, but floristic habitat sampling is more efficient for quantifying overall bryophyte diversity. FHS provides an excellent way to record a comprehensive list of species.
Patterns of geophyte diversity and storage organ size in the winter‐rainfall region of southern Africa
Authors: Procheş Şerban , Cowling Richard M. , du Preez Derek R.
Published: January 2005

The winter‐rainfall region of southern Africa, covered largely by the fynbos and succulent karoo biomes, harbours the world's greatest concentration of geophyte species. Species diversity is greatest in the south‐west, where more than 500 species co‐occur in one quarter‐degree square; in the south‐east the values are generally around 100, and in the arid north‐west, always less than 50 (more often less than 10). In at least three species‐rich genera (Moraea,EriospermumandOxalis), the size of storage organs (bulbs, corms, tubers) varies inversely, with the largest average values occurring in the species‐poorer areas — both in the north‐western, and in the south‐eastern parts of the region. This negative correlation between average storage organ size and species diversity is, however, only observed at relatively large spatial scales, which suggests that there is no direct relationship between storage organ size and species diversity. More likely, both these measures are driven by winter rainfall amount and reliability, both of which peak in the south‐western Cape. We suggest that reliable winter rainfall makes large storage organs unnecessary and depresses extinction rates, thus leading to the accumulation of species.
Conservation Biogeography: assessment and prospect
Authors: Whittaker Robert J. , Araújo Miguel B. , Jepson Paul , Ladle Richard J. , Watson James E. M. , Willis Katherine J.
Published: January 2005

There is general agreement among scientists that biodiversity is under assault on a global basis and that species are being lost at a greatly enhanced rate. This article examines the role played by biogeographical science in the emergence of conservation guidance and makes the case for the recognition of Conservation Biogeography as a key subfield of conservation biology delimited as:the application of biogeographical principles, theories, and analyses, being those concerned with the distributional dynamics of taxa individually and collectively, to problems concerning the conservation of biodiversity.Conservation biogeography thus encompasses both a substantial body of theory and analysis, and some of the most prominent planning frameworks used in conservation. Considerable advances in conservation guidelines have been made over the last few decades by applying biogeographical methods and principles. Herein we provide a critical review focussed on the sensitivity to assumptions inherent in the applications we examine. In particular, we focus on four inter‐related factors: (i) scale dependency (both spatial and temporal); (ii) inadequacies in taxonomic and distributional data (the so‐called Linnean and Wallacean shortfalls); (iii) effects of model structure and parameterisation; and (iv) inadequacies of theory. These generic problems are illustrated by reference to studies ranging from the application of historical biogeography, through island biogeography, and complementarity analyses to bioclimatic envelope modelling. There is a great deal of uncertainty inherent in predictive analyses in conservation biogeography and this area in particular presents considerable challenges.

 Protected area planning frameworks and their resulting map outputs are amongst the most powerful and influential applications within conservation biogeography, and at the global scale are characterised by the production, by a small number of prominent NGOs, of bespoke schemes, which serve both to mobilise funds and channel efforts in a highly targeted fashion. We provide a simple typology of protected area planning frameworks, with particular reference to the global scale, and provide a brief critique of some of their strengths and weaknesses. Finally, we discuss the importance, especially at regional scales, of developing more responsive analyses and models that integrate pattern (the compositionalist approach) and processes (the functionalist approach) such as range collapse and climate change, again noting the sensitivity of outcomes to starting assumptions. We make the case for the greater engagement of the biogeographical community in a programme of evaluation and refinement of all such schemes to test their robustness and their sensitivity to alternative conservation priorities and goals.
Clinical, psychosocial, and treatment differences in minority patients with bipolar disorder
Authors: Kilbourne Amy M , Bauer Mark S , Pincus Harold , Williford William O , Kirk Gail F , Beresford Thomas ,   Veterans Administration (VA) Cooperative Study #430 Team
Published: January 2005

Objectives:  The clinical profile of minorities with bipolar disorder has been largely unexplored. We compared the clinical (e.g. psychiatric and substance use comorbidity), psychosocial, and treatment characteristics between white and minority patients with bipolar disorder (minorities were defined as black or other minority, which included Hispanic, Asian‐American, or Native‐Americans).

Methods:  We collected demographic, diagnosis, and treatment information using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV (SCID) from 330 inpatients with a current major affective episode across 11 Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers enrolled in the VA Cooperative Study (Reducing the Efficacy–Effectiveness Gap in Bipolar Disorder).

Results:  Twenty‐four percent (n = 80) were minority; 9% (n = 30) were women, 4% (n = 20) were ≥65 years old; and the majority (87%, n = 286) had bipolar type I. Minorities compared with whites were no more likely to have a current episode of psychosis (30% versus 37%, respectively; p = 0.28). However, minorities were more likely than whites to have a cocaine use disorder (adjusted odd's ratio, OR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.4–3.5; p < 0.01) or current alcohol abuse disorder (adjusted OR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.1–3.9;p < 0.05). Further breakdown by race/ethnicity revealed that cocaine use disorder was most prevalent among blacks (n = 14, 29%), compared with all other minorities (n = 2, 6%) or whites (n = 10, 4%; p < 0.001). Other minorities compared with blacks or whites were more likely involuntarily committed during some part of their index hospitalization (adjusted OR = 2.47; 95% CI: 1.1–5.7; p = 0.04).

Conclusions:  Minorities with bipolar disorder may be a more vulnerable population because of higher rates of substance use disorder and higher rates of involuntary psychiatric commitment. Moreover, the specific profile of vulnerability may differ across minority groups.
African‐American participants in a bipolar disorder registry: clinical and treatment characteristics
Authors: Kupfer David J , Frank Ellen , Grochocinski Victoria J , Houck Patricia R , Brown Charlotte
Published: January 2005

Objectives:  The goal of this paper was to compare clinical characteristics and treatment history of African‐American and Caucasian participants in a bipolar disorder registry.

Methods:  The Western Pennsylvania Bipolar Disorder Registry used several recruitment methods to reach individuals self‐identified as having bipolar disorder. Individuals who contacted and joined the registry completed an interviewer‐administered questionnaire on clinical characteristics and treatment history. A sample of 2,718 registry participants was analyzed in order to compare these characteristics and history by race.

Results:  African‐Americans in the registry reported a greater number of inpatient hospitalizations (9.8 versus 4.4) than Caucasians, as well as a higher suicide attempt rate (64% versus 49%). African‐American participants were more likely to report a family member with schizophrenia. With respect to psychotropic medication, African‐Americans were less likely to report taking antimanic medication or benzodiazepines, but more likely to report taking antipsychotics than Caucasians.

Conclusions:  The present findings reinforce previous reports regarding the chronicity and severity of bipolar disorder among African‐Americans. They also support previous studies that found high rates of attempted suicide among African‐Americans with bipolar disorder. These findings provide further impetus for specific community and mental health services delivery efforts to reduce barriers to early accurate diagnosis and to appropriate ambulatory treatment for bipolar disorder.
Influence of Sperm Cell Dose and Post‐insemination Backflow on Reproductive Performance of Intrauterine Inseminated Sows
Authors: Mezalira A , Dallanora D , Bernardi ML , Wentz I , Bortolozzo FP
Published: January 2005

Contents

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of the sperm cell dose and semen backflow on the pregnancy rate and number of embryos of sows inseminated once at 0–24 h before ovulation, using an intrauterine technique. The results were analysed from a total of 211 sows assigned to three groups inseminated with doses of 0.25 × 109 (T1), 0.5 × 109 (T2) and 1.0 × 109 (T3) spermatozoa. Semen backflow was observed in 95% of the females (143/151) evaluated for this purpose. The percentage of semen backflow is close to two‐third of the volume and the percentage of sperm is around 15% of the infused sperm dose. Intrauterine insemination can be successfully performed provided that at least 0.5 billion of sperm cell dose is infused at an interval of 0–24 h before ovulation.
Developmental Changes of Bull (Bos taurus) Genitalia as Evaluated by Caliper and Ultrasonography
Authors: Kh Abdel‐Razek A , Ali A
Published: January 2005

Contents

The objective of the present study is to follow the growth of the testes and the pelvic genitalia in cattle bulls, using ultrasonographic examination and measurements of external genitalia by caliper. Six Friesian bulls were examined periodically from 3 to 24 months of age with 3‐month interval. Scrotum circumference (SC) and length were measured by tape. Testicular length, width and depth were measured by caliper. Scrotal contents including testes and epididymis, and the pelvic genitalia including bulbourethral gland (BUG), prostate and seminal glands (SG) were examined using transrectal ultrasonography. Scrotal circumference, length and the three dimensions of the testes showed significant increase with the advancement of age. Significant correlation was present between SC and testes breadth. At the same time, testis breadth as estimated by sonar showed positive correlation with that estimated by caliper. A positive correlation was also found between testicular breadth with each of the BUG and SG. Finally, it was concluded that ultrasonography gave appreciable benefits in studying the developmental changes of the testes and accessory glands of growing bulls. The obtained data could provide a useful tool for predicting bull puberty and fertility.
High Porcine Parvovirus Antibodies in Sow Herds: Prevalence and Associated Factors
Authors: Oravainen J , Heinonen M , Tast A , Virolainen JV , Peltoniemi OAT
Published: January 2005

Contents

Porcine parvovirus (PPV) is widespread among swine. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of loosely housed sow herds in Finland with at least one animal with high (infection level) PPV antibodies and to gather basic knowledge about vaccination practices. In addition, selected factors associated with high antibody levels found in sows were examined. Altogether, 247 animals were sampled in 21 randomly chosen loosely housed sow herds. Samples were analysed with the haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test. PPV proved to be common; in 17 farms (81%) at least one animal had a high titre (>1 : 512), and 44% of all animals sampled had a high titre. The vaccination programmes had many shortcomings. In the generalised estimation equations (GEE) population‐averaged model developed, the factors found to have a significant (p ≤ 0.05) effect on HI titres were herd size, parity of two or greater and storage of the vaccine vial after use. Non‐returning rate, re‐breeding interval and litter size did not differ between herds with no high HI titres (n = 4) and those with at least one high HI titre (n = 17).
Predicting vascular risk in Type 1 diabetes: stratification in a hospital based population in Scotland
Authors:   Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh Diabetes Register Group
Published: January 2005

Aims  To estimate the absolute cardiovascular risk of patients with Type 1 diabetes attending hospital diabetes clinics in Scotland and to develop a method for identifying those at highest risk, thus enabling therapy to be targeted.

Methods  Baseline information was collected for 2136 patients with Type 1 diabetes using the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh Diabetes Register. These records were then linked to diagnoses of macrovascular disease in databases of the Information Statistics Division of the Common Services Agency.

Results  During six to nine years of follow up 110 patients (5%) developed macrovascular disease. There were significant associations between baseline age (P < 0.00001), blood pressure (P < 0.00001), albuminuria (P < 0.0002), HbA1c (P < 0.001), cholesterol (P < 0.00001) and smoking status (P < 0.00001) with the development of macrovascular disease. A scoring system for future macrovascular risk was developed from a multivariate analysis of this data.

Conclusions  The data confirm the high vascular risk of patients with Type 1 diabetes. The relationship with age is such that those patients above 50 years require only one additional risk factor to reach such a high vascular risk that intervention is indicated. Using these data many patients between the age of 40 and 49 years are also likely to be identified to be at high risk.
Optimization of process parameters for the development of a cheese analogue from pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) and soy milk using response surface methodology
Authors: VERMA P , AGRAWAL U S , SHARMA A K , SARKAR B C , SHARMA H K
Published: January 2005

Response surface methodology was used to optimize starter culture concentration (3–7%), pigeon pea–soy solids ratio (1 : 0.3–1 : 1.1), pigeon pea–water ratio (1 : 12–1 : 9), incubation temperature (37–45C) and coagulation temperature (75–95C) in the development of a cheese analogue from pigeon pea and soy milk. Pigeon pea milk and soy milk were prepared by a hot water grinding method, followed by filtration and inoculation. Cheese analogue was obtained through coagulation of the fermented milk by boiling for 15 min, followed by filtration using double‐layered muslin cloth and pressing at 1 kg/cm

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pressure for 1 h. The results showed that the total solids recovery (TSR), protein content, fat content and pH varied from 51.09–62.61%, 40.04–55.93%, 9.35–15.36% and 4.48–4.9, respectively, depending on the experimental conditions. The optimum conditions of process parameters for maximum total solids recovery were 6.0% starter culture concentration, 1 : 0.4 pigeon pea–soy solids ratio, 1 : 11 pigeon pea–water ratio, 40.5C incubation temperature and 88.5C coagulation temperature.
Outcome of term breech births: 10‐year experience at a district general hospital
Authors: Pradhan Poonam , Mohajer Michele , Deshpande Sanjeev
Published: January 2005

Objective  To review the short and long term outcomes among singleton infants with breech presentation at term delivered in a geographically defined population over a 10‐year period.

Design  Retrospective, cohort study.

Setting  District General Hospital.

Population  1433 term breech infants alive at the onset of labour and born between January 1991 and December 2000.

Methods  Data abstracted from birth registers, neonatal discharge summaries and the child health database system were used to compare the short and long term outcomes of singleton term breech infants born by two different modes of delivery (prelabour caesarean section and vaginal or caesarean section in labour). Fisher's exact test was used to compare the categorical variables.

Main outcome measures  Short term outcomes: perinatal mortality, Apgar scores, admission to the neonatal unit, birth trauma and neonatal convulsions. Long term outcomes: deaths during infancy, cerebral palsy, long term morbidity (development of special needs and special educational needs).

Results  Of 1433 singleton term infants in breech presentation at onset of labour, 881 (61.5%) were delivered vaginally or by caesarean section in labour and 552 (38.5%) were born by prelabour caesarean section. There were three (0.3%) non‐malformed perinatal deaths among infants born by vaginal delivery or caesarean section in labour compared with none in the prelabour caesarean section cohort. Compared with infants born by prelabour caesarean section, those delivered vaginally or by caesarean section in labour were significantly more likely to have low 5‐minute Apgar scores (0.9%vs 5.9%, P < 0.0001) and require admission to the neonatal unit (1.6%vs 4%, P= 0.0119). However, there was no significant difference in the long term morbidity between the two groups (5.3% in the vaginal/caesarean section in labour group vs 3.8% in the prelabour caesarean group, P= 0.26); no difference in rates of cerebral palsy; and none of the eight infant deaths were related to the mode of delivery.

Conclusions  Vaginal breech delivery or caesarean section in labour was associated with a small but unequivocal increase in the short term mortality and morbidity. However, the long term outcome was not influenced by the mode of delivery.