bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological Variance among Populations of Three Tropical Orchids with Restricted Gene Flow
Authors: TREMBLAY RAYMOND L.
Published: February 2005

Abstract Variance in floral morphology among populations was investigated in three species of Lepanthes (Orchidaceae) from Puerto Rico. Populations that share a common gene pool and similar environment are expected to share similar phenotypes, so that populations that are physically close should be more similar to each other than populations that are separated by large distances as gene flow is usually leptokurtic. Univariate and multivariate analyses of floral characteristics were compared using MANOVA and Linear Discriminant Function Analysis. Most groups of individuals (populations) differed significantly when analyzed by univariate or multivariate methods. Floral characteristics of populations separated by only few meters were often significantly different. No correlation between amount of morphological difference (square Mahalanobis distances) and inferred gene flow (physical distances) was present in any of three species studied. Other research has shown that genetic population sub‐structuring is high and effective population size is extremely small in all three species of orchids. It is thus argued that the large amount of morphological differences among populations are likely a result of genetic drift or phenotypic plasticity, and are unlikely to be the result of natural selection at the micro habitat level.
Demographic Genetics of the Japanese Beech,Fagus crenata, at Ogawa Forest Preserve, Ibaraki, Central Honshu, Japan. II. Genetic Substructuring among Size‐classes in Local Populations
Authors: KITAMURA KEIKO , SHIMADA KENICHI , NAKASHIMA KIYOSHI , KAWANO SHOICHI
Published: February 2005

AbstractWe investigated chronological changes in allozyme diversities inFagus crenatapopulations by means of size‐class discriminations, using allozyme variations in two transects established in a mixed beech‐oak forest in the Ogawa Forest Preserve. All individuals within transects were divided into six size‐classes based on their diameters: class 0, seedlings; class 1, juveniles <5 mm; class 2, 5 < juveniles < 10 mm; class 3, 10 < juveniles <25 mm; class 4, 25< juveniles <600 mm; class 5, 600 mm <mature. Relationships between the size (DBH or DGH) and age of suppressed juveniles were estimated. Most of these suppressed juveniles proved to possess unique heterozygote genotypes ofAdh, PgiandPgm2(in Transect 1) andGot2(in Transect 2). The differences in genetic structures among different size‐classes showed the effects of past repeated reproductive events by different mother trees, some of which had already died. Examination in the year that they had become established (1994) and three years (1997) later showed a considerable decline in the number of multilocus genotypes. Thus, the current state of genetic diversity among all individuals in the Ogawa population that we sampled reflects the consequences of repeated reproductive events and complex interactions among various biotic elements and abiotic environmental regimes in the habitats.
Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome: a misnomer reviewed
Authors: Stott V. L. , Hurrell M. A. , Anderson T. J.
Published: February 2005

Abstract

Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy is a syndrome of headache, seizures and visual loss, often associated with an abrupt increase in blood pressure. Prompt diagnosis and therapy with antihypertensives, anticonvulsants, removal of any offending medication and treatment of associated disorders is essential since early treatment might prevent progression to irreversible brain damage. We present six illustrative cases presenting to Christchurch Hospital and review the condition. All were hypertensive, two were receiving immunosuppressant therapy after transplantation and one chemotherapy. Only three made a full recovery. The term reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy is a misnomer as the condition is not always reversible, is not necessarily confined to the posterior regions of the brain and can affect both white and grey matter. Magnetic resonance imaging findings of increased T2 and fluid attenuated inversion recovery signal predominantly involving the posterior regions of the cerebral hemispheres should alert the clinician to the possibility of this diagnosis. (Intern Med J 2005; 35: 83–90)
Fatigue crack propagation in Ti–6Al–4V subjected to high strain amplitudes
Authors: ANDERSSON M. , HANSSON T. , PERSSON C. , MELIN S.
Published: February 2005

Fatigue crack propagation in circular Ti–6Al–4V specimens subjected to high strain amplitudes has been investigated. Crack closure was measured with an electrical potential‐drop technique. Closure was shown not to depend on strain ratio but to be a function of the applied strain range. At higher strain ranges, the crack was found to be closed for a smaller part of the load cycle than at lower strain ranges due to blunting of the crack tip. Furthermore, the use of a strain‐intensity approach to predict crack‐propagation rate was investigated, and it was found that for the upper parts of the da/dN curves the effective strain intensity yields good predictions. Also, the effective stress‐intensity factor was found to collapse the da/dN curves for different load ratios.
A probabilistic two‐scale model for high‐cycle fatigue life predictions
Authors: DOUDARD C. , CALLOCH S. , CUGY P. , GALTIER A. , HILD F.
Published: February 2005

It is proposed to develop and identify a probabilistic two‐scale model for HCF that accounts for the failure of samples, but also for the thermal effects during cyclic loadings in a unified framework. The probabilistic model is based on a Poisson point process. Within the weakest link theory, the model corresponds to a Weibull law for the fatigue limits. The thermal effects can be described if one considers the same hypotheses apart from the weakest link assumption. A method of identification is proposed and uses temperature measurements to identify the scatter in an S/N curve. The validation of the model is obtained by predicting S/N curves for different effective volumes of a dual‐phase steel.
Fatigue as a process of cyclic brittle microfracture
Authors: SUNDER R.
Published: February 2005

While fatigue crack growth in vacuum may occur by slip alone, environmental fatigue including crack growth in air is strongly influenced by crack‐tip surface chemistry that adversely affects ductility. Cumulative diffusion, combined with adsorption and chemisorption in the loading half‐cycle may promote instantaneous crack extension by brittle microfracture (BMF). Unlike slip, the BMF component will be sensitive to parameters that affect near‐tip stresses, such as load history and constraint. BMF dominates near‐threshold environmental fatigue. Being a surface phenomenon, it loses its significance with increasing growth rate, as slip‐driven crack extension gains momentum and growth becomes less sensitive to environment. The BMF model provides for the first time, a scientific rationale for the residual stress effect as well as the related connection between stress–strain hysteresis and load‐sequence sensitivity of metal fatigue including notch response. Experimental evidence obtained on a variety of materials under different loading conditions in air and vacuum appears to support the proposed model and its implications.
Structural behaviour of aeronautical tungsten carbide/carbon‐coated titanium ball screws under space thermal‐vacuum conditions
Authors: CORRADI S. , MARCHETTI M.
Published: February 2005

In view of the pressing need for improvements in space mechanisms and tribology research work, a thermal high‐vacuum mechanism test facility has been constructed at Rome ‘La Sapienza’ University. The purpose of this facility is to provide fundamental data on the performance of mechanical components and materials in high vacuum in order to test the validity of space mechanism designs. The facility also makes it possible to examine the behaviour of both mechanisms and materials under combined environmental factors, such as ultraviolet radiation, atomic oxygen and temperature. This paper reports on the behaviour of titanium recirculating ball screws provided by Umbra Cuscinetti SpA (Foligno, Italy) under thermal‐vacuum conditions. It is to be noted that these ball screws—well known in the aeronautical field—may be particularly attractive as a new generation of space mechanisms. A solid multilayer film of tungsten carbide/carbon (WC/C) was deposited on screw surfaces as a lubricant and was then compared with the case of no lubrication, which presently appears promising for many mechanisms. In order to compare experimental results, traditional stainless steel mechanisms were also tested and analysed. The requisites imposed by the space environment, as well as by contact mechanical stresses, have given useful information on a preliminary geometrical configuration and choice of materials, both of which are presented in this paper. Thermal‐vacuum effects on overall ball screw efficiency and on ball screw coating friction and wear are also reported and commented on herein as well as numerical contact simulations of crack mechanisms.
Making Hay with Actualism? The Need for a Realist Concept of Structure
Authors: McAnulla Stuart
Published: February 2005

This article criticises the ontological assumptions outlined in Colin Hay's recent book Political Analysis (2002). It takes issue with Hay's interpretation of critical realism, in particular his reading of the work of Margaret Archer. Furthermore, it is suggested that Hay's understanding of the structure-agency relationship contains weaknesses which have implications for both his theoretical and empirically-based work. It is argued that a more robust concept of social structure may be required to support the kind of critical political analysis Hay aspires to.
The Potential of Path Dependence in Political Studies
Authors: Greener Ian
Published: February 2005

This article explores the difficulties with both the theoretical content and application of the concept of ‘path dependence’ in political studies, but suggests that, by combining it with insights from morphogenetic social theory, we can provide a coherent framework for its use. After providing a brief survey of the literature on path dependence, it presents a summary of the most significant criticisms made of the approach. The article then moves on to examine morphogenetic social theory and its potential to meet these criticisms before concluding by characterising the elements of a path-dependent system incorporating insights from both new institutionalism and morphogenetic social theory.
The Balassa‐Samuelson Hypothesis in Estonia: Oil Shale, Tradable Goods, Regulated Prices and Other Culprits
Authors: Égert Balázs
Published: February 2005

This paper analyses the Balassa‐Samuelson (B‐S) framework for the case of Estonia using a unique dataset that consists of a 15‐sectoral breakdown of GDP and a five‐digit level CPI disaggregation with 260 items over the period from 1993 to 2002. Unlike the existing literature, the paper focuses on the following four aspects of the phenomenon: (a) data disaggregation, (b) definition of goods tradability, (c) price regulatedness in services and (d) possible heterogeneity across transition countries. It turns out that the first three aspects do matter and, in addition to this, Estonia appears to bear very specific characteristics when compared with other transition countries. A battery of cointegration techniques (DOLS, ARDL, Johansen) shows that productivity is strongly related to relative prices only when regulated prices are controlled for appropriately in the consumer price index and when country‐specific classification is applied to the open and closed sectors. The B‐S effect contributed to CPI by 1 to 1.5 per cent at the outset of the period and by 0.4 to 0.6 per cent in 2002, whereas its potential long‐run impact is estimated to be 1 to 1.2 per cent. Although real appreciation due to the B‐S effect seems higher in the early 1990s, it explains that better real appreciation occurred in recent years.
ASEAN‐China Free Trade Area: A Bane or Boon for ASEAN Countries?
Authors: Tongzon Jose L.
Published: February 2005

At the ASEAN Summit in November 2000, the leaders of ASEAN and China agreed to enhance economic cooperation and integration with the goal of establishing an ASEAN‐China Free Trade Area (FTA). This decision was a natural response to a number of important global and regional developments of the past decade. Since the signing of the framework agreement, policymakers from China and ASEAN member states have already started their negotiations on the specific terms and features for this proposed FTA. While such an FTA would hold the potential of yielding enormous economic benefits, it also causes some sense of apprehension and uncertainty in some quarters, due to the common perception that China is already a strong competitor in trade and attracting foreign investment. To examine the economic basis for such concern, this paper analyses the economic implications of this proposed free trade area from the ASEAN economies’ perspective. Specifically, it examines how competitive ASEAN countries are vis‐à‐vis China, evaluate the scope for strengthening China‐ASEAN trade and the impediments facing Chinese and ASEAN investors in each other's markets, and recommends policy measures to maximise the benefits and minimise the hardships resulting from an ASEAN‐China FTA.
Risk factors for occlusive lesions of intracranial arteries in stroke‐free Japanese
Authors: Uehara T. , Tabuchi M. , Mori E.
Published: February 2005

The aim of this study was to identify relevant risk factors for occlusive lesions of the intracranial arteries in stroke‐free population. The subjects of this study were 425 patients without a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack and without any abnormality on a neurological examination who consecutively visited a neurology clinic between January 1994 and June 2001 requesting medical evaluation for possible cerebrovascular diseases. Subjects included 245 men and 180 women ranging in age from 33 to 89 years (mean ± SD = 64.0 ± 10.0 years). We performed cervical and intracranial magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in all subjects. Using a validated rating scheme of MRA for occlusive lesions, we evaluated the degree of stenoses in the extracranial portion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and the intracranial arteries including the intracranial portion of the ICA, middle cerebral artery (MCA) stem, intracranial portion of the vertebral artery (VA), and basilar artery (BA). More than 25% stenoses were regarded as significant lesions in this study. Multiple logistic regression analyses showed that significant and independent predictors for extracranial ICA lesions were age, hyperlipidemia, and ischemic heart disease (IHD), those for intracranial ICA lesions were age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and IHD, those for MCA lesions were age and hypertension, those for intracranial VA lesions were hyperlipidemia and IHD, and those for BA lesions were hypertension and diabetes mellitus. The present study suggested that atherosclerosis of the intracranial VA was related to hyperlipidemia and IHD as was the case for the extracranial carotid artery, whilst atherosclerosis of other sites of intracranial arteries was associated with hypertension and diabetes mellitus in stroke‐free Japanese.
Identification and possible functions of ADAM33 as an asthma susceptibility gene
Authors: Holgate S. T. , Davies D. E. , Rorke S. , Cakebread J. , Murphy G. , Powell R. M. , Holloway J. W.
Published: February 2005

Asthma is a disorder of the conducting airways in which Th‐2 mediated inflammation interacts with structural changes to cause variable airflow obstruction. Fundamental to disordered function is the concept of bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR), in which the airways construct too much and too easily. It has been stated that BHR represents the ‘Holy Grail’ of asthma, yet our understanding of its underlying causes(s) is poorly developed [1]. Measurement of BHR has found clinical utility as a diagnostic test to help differentiate asthma from other lung disorders, but unfortunately its specificity is low. However, it is the severity of BHR and its relative independence from measures of baseline airway calibre that differentiates BHR encountered in asthma from that of other diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sarcoidosis and heart failure.
Function of Siglec‐8 on human eosinophils
Authors: Nutku E. , Aizawa H. , Hudson S. , Bochner B. S.
Published: February 2005

Eosinophil recruitment and activation are regarded as central to the pathophysiology of allergic diseases, including asthma. An improved understanding of the mechanisms involved in these responses is therefore of great relevance to asthma pathogenesis and the development of new therapeutics. As part of ongoing efforts to discover novel eosinophil‐specific molecules, we recently cloned Siglec‐8 (formerly called sialoadhesin family member‐2) from a human eosinophil cDNA library. Siglecs (sialic acid binding Ig‐like lectins) are a family of transmembrane, I‐type lectins characterized by an N‐terminal V‐set Ig domain that binds sialic acid. We now know that Siglec‐8 is expressed only on human eosinophils, basophils and mast cells, giving it a unique expression pattern on effector cells of allergic disease. We have determined that in eosinophils, Siglec‐8 exists in two isoforms, one of which contains two putative cytoplasmic tyrosine‐based signalling motifs, including an ITIM (immunoreceptor tyrosine‐based inhibitory motif) sequence. Because of the ITIM sequence, we hypothesized that Siglec‐8 ligation would inhibit eosinophil functions. Initial studies found that incubation of eosinophils with Siglec‐8 binding monoclonal antibodies under cross‐linking conditions caused rapid and profound caspase‐dependent apoptosis, and this response could not be rescued by the survival‐promoting cytokine interleukin (IL)‐5. In fact, IL‐5 enhanced the ability of Siglec‐8 cross‐linking to induce eosinophil apoptosis. Activation via Siglec‐8 could potentially be used to inhibit eosinophil survival in vivo, providing a novel strategy for reducing or inhibiting these cells in allergic and other diseases.
Mast cell localization within the airway smooth muscle: relationship to airway hyperresponsiveness and other asthma phenotypes
Authors: Wardlaw A. J. , Bradding P. , Pavord I. D. , Brightling C. E.
Published: February 2005

Asthma is a condition characterized by variable airflow obstruction, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and airway inflammation which is usually, but not invariably, eosinophilic. Current thoughts on the pathogenesis of asthma are focused on the idea that it is caused by an inappropriate response of the specific immune system to harmless antigens, particularly allergens such as cat dander and house dust mite, that result in Th2‐mediated chronic inflammation. However, the relationship between inflammation and asthma is complex with no good correlation between the severity of inflammation, at least as measured by the number of eosinophils, and the severity of asthma. In addition there are a number of conditions such as eosinophilic bronchitis and allergic rhinitis in which there is a Th2‐mediated inflammatory response, but no asthma as measured by variable airflow obstruction or AHR. When we compared the immunopathology of eosinophilic bronchitis and asthma the only difference we observed was that in asthma the airway smooth muscle (ASM) was infiltrated by mast cells, suggesting that the airways obstruction and AHR was due to an ASM mast cell myositis. This observation emphasizes that the features that characterize asthma, as opposed to bronchitis, are due to abnormalities in smooth muscle responsiveness which could be intrinsic or acquired and that inflammation is only relevant in that it leads to those abnormalities. It also emphasizes the importance of microlocalization as an organizing principle in physiological responses to airway inflammation. The factors controlling the compartmentalization of leucocyte subsets within the bronchial mucosa are therefore of paramount importance and are discussed.
Dendritic cells in the pathogenesis of asthma
Authors: Lambrecht B. N. , Kuipers H. , Van Rijt L. , Hammad H.
Published: February 2005

Dendritic cells are mainly recognized for their potential to induce primary immune responses to foreign antigens. In allergic asthma, airway dendritic cells are at the very heart of the sensitization process, leading to stable Th2 immunity to commonly inhaled aeroallergens. Recently however, a role for dendritic cells beyond sensitization has been suggested. These studies show that airway DCs control the secondary immune response typical of late asthmatic reactions by recruiting and activating primed Th2 cells locally in the airways.
Generation of cytokines through the leucocyte immunoglobulin‐like receptors
Authors: Arm J. P.
Published: February 2005

The LIRs comprise a family of immunoregulatory receptors with activating and inhibitory members as well as soluble forms of the receptors. These receptors are part of the larger context of other families of activating and inhibitory receptors, some of which are closely related members of the immunoglobulin superfamily and others of which are C‐type lectin receptors. In vitro data have demonstrated the capacity of the inhibitory LIRs to regulate the threshold and amplitude of cellular responses to diverse agonists. The emerging data on the activating receptors indicate that they may elicit release of preformed, granule‐associated mediators, de novo lipid mediator generation and cytokine release either from preformed stores or by gene induction. The identification of ligands for the LIRs is limited currently to the recognition of a broad array of MHC class I molecules by LIR1 and LIR2 (and possibly LIR6). Gene disruption studies of the closest mouse homologues of the inhibitory LIRs support the hypothesis that the LIRs may regulate inflammatory responses, particularly those dependent on the mast cell and/or Th2 cell‐dependent humoral responses. The relative balance of inhibitory and activating LIRs expressed by a particular cell, the differential regulation of their putative ligands, whether endogenous host‐related or exogenous pathogen‐related, and the exposure of the LIRs to those ligands may play an important role in determining cellular activation responses and the development and resolution of tissue inflammation.
Epithelial responses in airway inflammation and immunity
Authors: Schleimer R. P. , Sha Q. , Vandermeer J. , Lane A. P. , Kim J.
Published: February 2005

The epithelium is thought to serve an important barrier function in the airways. However, growing evidence now supports the notion that the respiratory epithelium plays a key role in host responses to infectious and allergenic stimuli. The epithelium functions to produce a variety of proinflammatory cytokines during the inflammatory response. More recently, the epithelium has been shown to express a variety of receptors that can recognize microorganisms, such as toll‐like receptors (TLRs), as well as complement and acute phase proteins. Additionally, the cell surface of epithelial cells have also been shown to express a variety of costimulatory molecules which may be involved in regulating the activation of antigen‐specific T cells in the airways. This paper reviews the novel ways by which the epithelium may function in both the innate and adaptive immune responses of the airways.
Glucocorticoid‐resistant asthma
Authors: Corrigan C. J. , Hawrylowicz C. M. , Lavender P. , Lee T. H.
Published: February 2005

In the past decade it has become clear that asthmatic patients who are clinically unresponsive, or “resistant” to glucocorticoid therapy may have T cells which manifest resistance to glucocorticoid inhibition. This is shown by failure of glucocorticoid not only to repress the production of pro‐inflammatory, asthma‐relevant cytokines such as IL‐5, but also to induce the production of anti‐inflammatory cytokines, such as IL‐10. Molecular mechanisms underlying this resistance are beginning to be defined, and include inappropriate production of transcriptional regulatory proteins (which may bind to and inactivate the glucocorticoid receptor), cytokine‐induced modifications of the glucocorticoid receptor (such as phosphorylation), which alter its capacity to bind to ligand, and complex interactions which regulate histone acetylation status and the quaternary structure of DNA itself. Continued study of these phenomena will lead to a better understanding of the “normal” physiological mechanisms of glucocorticoid action, and may point to new, alternative avenues of therapy for glucocorticoid resistant asthmatics who suffer from severe disease, and for whom as yet no adequate therapy is available.
Management of fixed airflow limitation caused by asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Romagnoli M. , Luppi F. , Corbetta L. , Papi A. , Fabbri L. M.
Published: February 2005

Patients with fixed airflow limitation are often classified as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and some international guidelines recommend classifying asthma with fixed airflow limitation as COPD. Indeed, both COPD (induced by smoking or other noxious agents) and asthma may be associated with a decline of lung function that causes fixed airflow limitation. In the presence of fixed airflow limitation, patients are often diagnosed COPD, even if the differential diagnosis between asthma and COPD in these patients may be important as the natural history as well as the response to treatment are different, depending on whether fixed airflow limitation is due to asthma or COPD. The assessment of patients presenting with fixed airflow limitation has recently highlighted that airway inflammation is markedly different in asthma and COPD although characterized by the same degree of airflow limitation. Thus, asthma with fixed airflow limitation maintain the same pathological characteristics as asthma with completely reversible airflow limitation. In conclusion, subjects with fixed airflow limitation due to asthma have distinct characteristics compared with subjects with COPD, and they should be diagnosed and treated accordingly.
Leukotrienes and other mast cell mediators cause asthmatic airway obstruction
Authors: Dahlén S.‐E. , Sundström E. , Gulliksson M. , Gyllfors P. , Kumlin M. , Dahlén B.
Published: February 2005

From an evolutionary perspective, bronchoconstriction is a highly conserved mechanism for defence against stimuli that are noxious for the lung and airways. The presence of mast cells in all layers of the airways makes them ideally situated to function as sensors of environmental changes that require such a host defence reaction. In addition to being activated by high affinity IgE receptors, many other trigger factors are known to activate signal transduction pathways leading to mast cell degranulation. This includes changes in the physical and chemical composition of the environment, exposure to endotoxin and other microbial factors acting on Toll‐like receptors [1], intake of certain drugs and in particular virtually all nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in subjects with the peculiar syndrome aspirin‐intolerant asthma (AIA) [2]. Irrespective of the trigger, the consequence of mast cell activation is release of biologically active smooth muscle stimulating mediators as well as the secretion of cytokines, chemotactic factors and enzymes that are believed to trigger further cascades contributing to long‐term tissue remodelling and chronic airway inflammation.
Strategies for early prevention of asthma
Authors: De Benedictis Fernando Maria , Franceschini Fabrizio , Carnielli Virgilio , Tonietti Giorgio
Published: February 2005

Asthma is the most commonly diagnosed chronic disease in childhood. Pathogenesis of the disease has received much attention lately as the last few decades have seen such a global rise in prevalence. There is hope to reverse this trend in prevalence by developing new preventive strategies.

Here, we summarize the recent evidence for the role of early life events such as prenatal factors, infections, pollution, allergen exposure, nutrition, and discuss the implications for future strategies for asthma prevention.
Polymorphic microsatellite loci for the swarm‐founding wasp Polybia paulista (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)
Authors: KUDÔ Kazuyuki , ISHIGURO Norio , TSUCHIDA Koji , TSUJITA Sumiko , YAMANE Sôichi , ZUCCHI Ronaldo
Published: February 2005

A polymorphic microsatellite locus was isolated and characterized from Polybia paulista, one of the most common polygynic, swarm‐founding social wasps in Brazil. Three other microsatellite loci for which the primer sets were originally developed in independent‐founding paper wasps also showed polymorphism in the size of amplification products in P. paulista.
A new species of Pulvinaria (Homoptera: Coccidae) and a new locality record of Pulvinaria neocellulosa
Authors: TANAKA Hirotaka , AMANO Hiroshi
Published: February 2005

A new soft scale insect of the tribe Pulvinariini, Pulvinaria hakonensis sp. nov., is described from Japan based on several adult females. The lectotype of Pulvinaria neocellulosa Takahashi, 1940 is designated and the species is redescribed and recorded from Japan for the first time.
Taxonomic review of the genus Xenolecanium Takahashi and description of the new genus Takahashilecanium Kondo (Hemiptera: Coccidae; Coccinae, Paralecaniini)
Authors: KONDO Takumasa , WILLIAMS Michael L. , GULLAN Penny J.
Published: February 2005

The genus Xenolecanium Takahashi is reviewed and transferred from the subfamily Myzolecaniinae to the Coccinae (tribe Paralecaniini). The type species Xenolecanium mangiferae Takahashi is redescribed, and Xenolecanium takahashii Kondo sp. nov. from Indonesia is described based on the adult female and first instar nymph. A taxonomic key is provided to separate adult females of the two species of Xenolecanium. Xenolecanium rotundum Takahashi is transferred to become the type species of a new monotypic genus, Takahashilecanium Kondo, which is also placed in the Paralecaniini. The morphological justification for placing Xenolecanium and Takahashilecanium in the Paralecaniini is discussed, and we provide a taxonomic key for separating both genera from all other members of the Paralecaniini.
New species of the genus Salganea (Blattaria, Blaberidae, Panesthiinae) from Myanmar, with molecular phylogenetic analyses and notes on social structure
Authors: MAEKAWA Kiyoto , KON Masahiro , ARAYA Kunio
Published: February 2005

A new species of the genus Salganea is described from Mount Victoria, Chin State, Myanmar under the name of Salganea matsumotoi sp. nov. Morphological investigation suggests that this species belongs to the S. nigrita species group. The inferred molecular phylogenetic tree indicates that S. matsumotoi is most closely related to the taxa S. incerta, S. taiwanensis, S. gressiti and S. esakii, distributed in Thailand, Taiwan and Japan, all of which belong to the S. nigrita species group. Social structural data suggest that this species is subsocial, and in contrast to other studied species in the genus, potentially has more than one reproductive episode.
Association of Helicobacter pylori‐related Distal Gastric Cancer with the HLA Class II Gene DQB1*0602 and cagA+ Strains in a Southern European Population
Authors: Quintero Enrique , Pizarro Ma. Angeles , Rodrigo Luis , Piqué Josep M. , Lanas Angel , Ponce Julio , Miño Gonzalo , Gisbert Javier , Jurado Aurora , Herrero Ma. José , Jiménez Alejandro , Torrado Julio , Ponte Ana , Díaz‐de‐Rojas Francisco , Salido Eduardo
Published: February 2005

Background.  Distinct human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DQ genes have been associated with an increased or reduced risk for gastric cancer, but its association with Helicobacter pylori status is controversial. In the present study we evaluated the influence of host HLA DQA1 and DQB1 loci, H. pylori genotype, and socio‐economic factors on predicting H. pylori‐associated distal gastric cancer in a southern European population.

Material and methods.  In a prospective case–control (1 : 2) study, 42 patients with H. pylori‐associated distal gastric cancer were matched by age (±5 years) and gender to 84 patients with H. pylori‐associated benign gastroduodenal disease (controls). The level of education received, smoking status, alcohol consumption, origin and familial history of gastric cancer were registered at inclusion. HLA DQA1 and DQB1 typing and H. pylori genotyping were determined from endoscopic gastric mucosal biopsies.

Results.  Compared with control patients, a positive association with cagA+ strains (p < .002) and a negative association with vacA‐s2 strains (p < .02) was found in patients with distal gastric cancer. At the DQB1 locus, the *0602 allele was more frequent in distal gastric cancer than in controls (26.2% vs. 4.8%; p < .005). After correction for multiple comparisons (exact multiple regression analysis) the cagA+ status and the DQB1*0602 allele were associated with an increased distal gastric cancer risk (OR 3.7; 95% CI = 1.33–12.26 and OR 4.82; 95% CI = 1.24–19.83, respectively) whereas the vacA‐s2 status was associated with a decreased risk (OR 0.33; 95% CI = 0.10–0.94).

Conclusion.  Our findings suggest that in the H. pylori‐infected southern European population, the cagA genotype and the HLA‐DQB1*0602 gene confer an increased risk for distal gastric cancer.
The Concept of Decisional Control: Building the Base for Evidence‐Based Nursing Practice
Authors: Ervin Naomi E. , Pierangeli Lori T.
Published: February 2005

Purposes: The purposes of this article are to add clarification to the meaning of decisional control and provide a review of research related to the concept.

Definitions and Characteristics of Decisional Control: A summary of the definitions of decisional control is followed by a discussion of the characteristics of the concept. The concept of decisional control includes the ability or power to decide what will be one's involvement in health care decisions.

Review of Research: Studies on decisional control have tended to center on inpatient, physician office, or clinic settings with a focus on the diagnosis of cancer in which multiple medical treatment decisions arise. Most of the research thus far has been performed in the United States and Canada related to medical treatment. At this point, it is not entirely clear how patient preferences for decisional control relate to health outcomes.

Measuring Decisional Control: An overview of the tools available to measure decisional control follows the review of the research.

Future Direction: Future research needs to focus on the identification of the differences in decisional control by country, in differing cultural and ethnic groups within countries, and in various geographical areas of countries. The relationship of patient characteristics (e.g., age, gender, education, and income) to decisional control preferences is not clearly identified. A large gap in the research relates to how nurses can facilitate preferred decisional control to improve patient outcomes through evidence‐based nursing practice.
Self‐Reported Headache Frequency in Canadian Adolescents: Validation and Follow‐Up
Authors: Dooley Joseph M. , Gordon K. E. , Wood E. P.
Published: February 2005

Objective.—To validate our previous estimates of the prevalence of frequent headache and associated factors in a new sample of 12‐ to 13‐year‐old adolescent Canadians, and to explore if estimates of the prevalence of frequent headache and associated factors remain stable within the original cohort after a two‐year interval.

Methods.—We analyzed the self‐administered questionnaire microdata files of the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (NLSCY: 1998–1999). 1694 respondents representing 724 400 youth aged 12 to 13 years were used to validate the prevalence in our initial estimates. From the initial cohort, 1764 respondents representing 819 600 youth, now aged 14 to 15 years, were used to examine whether frequent headache prevalence or associated factors had changed in the intervening two years.

Results.—Among the analyzed individuals, 26.3% of 12‐ to 13‐year olds and 31.2% of 14‐ to 15‐year olds reported frequent headaches of “about once a week” or more often (P= .001). Our previous study of the NLSCY: 1996–1997 found a prevalence of 26.6% in 12‐ to 13‐year olds.

We previously identified 22 risk factors, of which 15 were replicated and one proxy was available within this iteration of the survey. For the 12‐ to 13‐year olds, 14/16 were associated (P < .01, chi‐square) with frequent headaches. For the initial cohort, now 14‐ to 15‐year olds, 15/16 risk factors remained associated (P < .01, chi‐square) with an increased risk of headaches.

Conclusions.—Our estimates of frequent headache prevalence are reliable and consistent in two large nationally representative cohorts of 12‐ to 13‐year olds. In the first of these groups there was an increase in prevalence over 2 years as adolescence progresses. Our identified risk factors for frequent headaches have been validated within another cohort and are maintained as the cohort ages.
The Efficacy and Safety of Venlafaxine in the Prophylaxis of Migraine
Authors: Ozyalcin Suleyman N. , Talu Gul Koknel , Kiziltan Emre , Yucel Basak , Ertas Mustafa , Disci Rian
Published: February 2005

Objective.—To evaluate the efficacy and safety of venlafaxine in the prophylaxis of migraine.

Background.—The efficacy of venlafaxine, which is selectively effective on the serotonergic and noradrenergic mechanisms, on various headaches and chronic pain syndromes has been demonstrated. To our knowledge, this is the first placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, randomized study of two different doses of venlafaxine for migraine treatment.

Methods.—In this prospective study, 60 migraine patients without aura were randomly assigned to venlafaxine XR 75 mg, venlafaxine XR 150 mg, or placebo. The frequency of headache attacks, the severity and the duration of attacks, and analgesic use were monitored every 2 weeks for 2 months. Adverse events and patient satisfaction were also evaluated during these visits. At the end of the 2 months, global efficacy and tolerance were investigated.

Results.—A significant difference was observed between the venlafaxine 150 mg and placebo groups in the number of headache attacks (P= .006). According to patient satisfaction comparisons, the active drug groups were significantly different when compared with placebo (P= .001 at visit 2 and visit 6). When the global efficacy was considered, 80% of patients in the 75‐mg group and 88.2% of the patients in the 150‐mg group evaluated treatment benefits as either good or very good.

Conclusions.—Venlafaxine was more effective than placebo and is safe and well tolerated as migraine prophylaxis.
An International Survey of Nurse Editors' Roles and Practices
Authors: Freda Margaret Comerford , Kearney Margaret
Published: February 2005

Purpose:

To describe the editorial practices of nurse editors, including proprietary arrangements, manuscript processing systems, and editorial review, and to ascertain editors' opinions on effective editorial practices.

Design:

A descriptive study in which an author‐designed 108‐question survey was distributed and collected by e‐mail. Of 177 international nursing editors identified, 164 e‐mail addresses could be located, and 137 nurse editors expressed willingness to participate. Ninety journals were represented in the final purposive convenience sample, including 71 published in the US and 19 outside the US. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t test, chi square, and content analysis.

Findings:

Of the 90 journals, 78 were characterized by their editors as scholarly journals. Fifty‐two were official journals of associations. The nurse editors' average age was 53, with over 20 years of experience in nursing and 8 years as editor. Although practices and compensation at U.S. and international journals did not differ significantly, scholarly journals and “other” publications such as magazines and newsletters were managed differently. Blinded peer review was in place at 98% of journals. Editors generally used manuscript reviewers as advisors rather than as voters; only 30% of editors thought their ultimate decision must agree with the majority of reviewers. Nurse editors often needed 3–5 years to feel comfortable in the role. Editors of association journals often reported struggling with the issue of editorial independence versus association control. Editors believed their role was influential in maintaining scholarly excellence and evidence‐based practice, but many noted the constant pressure of deadlines and dealing with poor writing from authors as challenges of the work.

Conclusions:

The role of nurse editor is not part of the formal preparation of nurse scholars or clinicians; standards for nurse editors are not readily apparent, and nurse editors often work in isolation, lacking professional support. This survey included data by which nurse authors and readers of nursing journals can understand how nurse editors work and make decisions about manuscripts, ultimately influencing knowledge dissemination in nursing journals. Nurse editors can use this information to compare their practices with that of others, and advocate for adequate preparation, compensation, and assistance with production.
Cost‐effectiveness of rituximab (MabThera®) in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma in the Netherlands
Authors: Groot M. T. , Lugtenburg P. J. , Hornberger J. , Huijgens P. C. , Uyl‐de Groot C. A.
Published: February 2005

Abstract: Objective: To determine the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (CHOP) vs. CHOP plus rituximab (R‐CHOP) in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients in the Netherlands.Methods: A state transition model was developed to estimate the clinical course, costs and quality of life of patients with stage II, III or IV DLBCL receiving initial treatment with CHOP or R‐CHOP to arrive at the ICER. The base year for the cost analysis was 2002 and was performed from the societal perspective. Only direct medical costs were included. The time horizon of the model was 15 yr and both costs and effects were discounted at 4%. Sensitivity analyses were performed to determine the effect of varying base‐line assumptions of the model.Results: The incremental gain in quality adjusted life years (QALYs) was 0.88 in both the younger and the older patient groups. The costs were €12 343 higher in the younger group of patients and €15 860 in the older patients. This resulted in an ICER of €13 983 for the younger and €17 933 for the older patients per QALY gained. These results were sensitive to the time horizon of the model, other variations had a marginal impact on the outcome.Conclusion: The addition of rituximab to standard therapy for DLBCL results in a gain of 0.88 QALYs. The ICER of €13 983 for younger and €17 933 for older patients per QALY gained should, seen in the light of disease severity, be considered acceptable by most policy makers in priority setting for budget allocation.
Bronchoalveolar lavage in immunocompromised patients with haematological malignancy – value of new microbiological methods
Authors: Hohenthal U. , Itälä M. , Salonen J. , Sipilä J. , Rantakokko‐Jalava K. , Meurman O. , Nikoskelainen J. , Vainionpää R. , Kotilainen P.
Published: February 2005

Abstract:  Purpose: To assess the usefulness of new culture‐independent microbiological methods to analyse bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from haematological patients with clinical pneumonia. Patients and methods: Results of 135 BALs from 122 disease episodes in 99 patients treated between 1996 and 2002 were retrospectively analysed. Forty‐three patients had undergone haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and 56 patients had been treated with conventional chemotherapy for haematological malignancy. In addition to conventional microbiological methods, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for Pneumocystis carinii, cytomegalovirus (CMV), Legionella sp., mycobacterium, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Chlamydia pneumoniae and the Aspergillus antigen test were performed. Results: Three (2.2%) quantitative and four (3.0%) special bacterial cultures gave an aetiological diagnosis. A respiratory virus was isolated in 10 episodes (8.2%). The diagnostic yield increased to 35.6% (48 of 135) by other methods. The P. carinii PCR test was positive in 21 of 24 patients with P. carinii pneumonia, being the only microbiological indication of P. carinii in four cases. The CMV PCR test was positive in 18 patients, but in 14 patients the clinical significance of the finding remained unproven. The Aspergillus antigen test was positive in seven of nine patients with aspergillosis, being the only microbiological indication of Aspergillus in three cases. The result of BAL indicated commencement of specific antimicrobial treatment in 27 episodes (22.1%). Conclusion: The contribution of new culture‐independent methods to the total diagnostic yield was of note. Among these methods, the P. carinii PCR and Aspergillus antigen tests proved the most valuable, while the CMV PCR test was not clinically useful.
Association of Hb Q‐Thailand with homozygous Hb E and heterozygous Hb Constant Spring in pregnancy
Authors: Sanchaisuriya Kanokwan , Chunpanich Sunisa , Fucharoen Supan , Fucharoen Goonnapa , Sanchaisuriya Pattara , Changtrakun Yossombat
Published: February 2005

Abstract:  Hemoglobin (Hb) Q‐Thailand [α74(EF3): Asp→His] is an abnormal Hb found mainly in China and South‐east Asian countries. Association of the αQ‐Thailand allele with α‐thalassemia has important implications in diagnosis. We report the hitherto undescribed conditions of this variant in two unrelated pregnant Thai women. Routine Hb analyses using high‐performance liquid chromatography identified abnormal Hb migrating after Hb A2 in addition to a homozygous Hb E in the proband 1 and to a heterozygous Hb Constant Spring (Hb CS) in the proband 2. Further α‐globin gene analysis identified that the variant was caused by the GAC to CAC mutation at codon 74 of the α1‐globin gene corresponding to the Hb Q‐Thailand, detected in cis to the 4.2 kb deletional α‐thalassemia 2 in both cases. Interaction of the αQ‐Thailand with the βE globin chains in the proband 1 leads to a Hb variant, namely the Hb QE. Family study of the proband 1 showed that her non‐pregnant sister had the same genotype but her father was a double heterozygote for Hb E and Hb Q‐Thailand in whom both Hb Q‐Thailand and Hb QE were detected. Genotype–phenotype relationships observed in these families with complex hemoglobinopathies are presented and compared with those of simple homozygote for Hb E, heterozygote for Hb CS and heterozygote for Hb Q‐Thailand found in other unrelated subjects. A simple DNA assay based on allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction for simultaneous detection of the Hb Q‐Thailand mutation and the 4.2 kb deletional α‐thalassemia 2 determinant was developed and validated.
Teaching Reiser’s extremal principle for hydrodynamics
Authors: Stauffer D.
Published: February 2005

The Reiser extremum principle in hydrodynamics is discussed.
Nod2
Mutation in Crohn's Disease Potentiates NF-κB Activity and IL-1ß Processing
Authors: Maeda Shin , Hsu Li-Chung , Liu Hongjun , Bankston Laurie A. , Iimura Mitsutoshi , Kagnoff Martin F. , Eckmann Lars , Karin Michael
Published: February 2005

Variants of NOD2, an intracellular sensor of bacteria-derived muramyl dipeptide (MDP), increase susceptibility to Crohn's disease (CD). These variants are thought to be defective in activation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and antibacterial defenses, but CD clinical specimens display elevated NF-κB activity. To illuminate the pathophysiological function of NOD2, we introduced such a variant to the mouse
Nod2
locus. Mutant mice exhibited elevated NF-κB activation in response to MDP and more efficient processing and secretion of the cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β). These effects are linked to increased susceptibility to bacterial-induced intestinal inflammation and identify NOD2 as a positive regulator of NF-κB activation and IL-1β secretion.