bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demography and habitat availability in territorial occupancy of two competing species
Authors: Carrete Martina , Sánchez‐Zapata José A. , Calvo José F. , Lande Russell
Published: December 2004

Although metapopulation dynamics have become the focus of considerable theoretical research, little attention has been paid to its role when examining the coexistence of species. When two or more species live in the same patch network, interspecific interactions may affect their dispersal, colonization and extinction rates, and it may be possible to incorporate competition affecting these parameters in metapopulation models. Here, we extend the territorial occupancy model proposed by Lande to competing species. Our model estimates an equilibrium proportion of habitat occupancy as a function of life‐history parameters, dispersal behavior, habitat suitability and interspecific interactions. Moreover, it could prove to be useful as a tool in the assessment of potential management decisions. We apply the model to the goldenAquila chrysaetosand the Bonelli's eagleHieraaetus fasciatus, two territorial raptors that coexist in the Mediterranean region, sharing food and nesting habitats. Over the last twenty years, while the golden eagle has maintained and, in some cases, increased its breeding numbers, Bonelli's eagle has suffered a marked decline, with many territories abandoned by the latter now occupied by the former. This suggests that the dynamics of these species could be influenced by interspecific competition. The model identified the relative importance of competition (stable equilibrium that allows long‐term coexistence) and predicted that, when habitat overlap is slight as in the study area, intraspecific dynamics are much more important for the persistence of each species than interspecific ones. Our results suggest that the improvement of territorial bird survival and productivity are the most urgently needed actions to be undertaken in the case of the golden eagle, while for Bonelli's eagle efforts should be focused on improving territorial and non‐territorial bird survival. As habitat conservation measures, the proportion of suitable exclusive habitat should be increased for both species.
Species’ geographic ranges and distributional limits: pattern analysis and statistical issues
Authors: Fortin M.‐J. , Keitt T. H. , Maurer B. A. , Taper M. L. , Kaufman Dawn M. , Blackburn T. M.
Published: December 2004

With the increasing concern about species conservation, a need exists for quantitaive characterization of species’ geographic range and their borders. In this paper, we survey tools appropriate for the quantification of static spatial patterns related to geographical ranges and their borders. We then build on these static methods to consider the problem of changes in geographic range through time. Methods discussed are illustrated using lark sparrow data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey. While there is no such thing as the “best” or “only” method to analyze species geographical range and border, we show that a series of methods can be used in sequence to provide complementary and useful quantitative information for species occupancy of range. Indeed, the location of species’ borders estimated at different times can be compared to identify locations where species expand or go locally extinct. The ability to delineate accurately species’ ranges will be useful to conservation biologists, managers and ecologists.
Motility: mobility as capital
Authors: Kaufmann Vincent , Bergman Manfred Max , Joye Dominique
Published: December 2004

Social and territorial structures form intricate relations that transcend a social stratification or spatial focus. Territorial features and geographic displacements are structuring principles for society, as societal features and social change effect the structure and use of territory. Based on our examination of the conceptual and theoretical links between spatial and social mobility, we propose a concept that represents a new form of inequality. Termed ‘motility’, this construct describes the potential and actual capacity of goods, information or people to be mobile both geographically and socially. Three major features of motility — access, competence and appropriation — are introduced. In this article, we focus on conceptual and theoretical contributions of motility. In addition, we suggest a number of possible empirical investigations. Motility presents us with an innovative perspective on societal changes without prematurely committing researchers to work within structuralist or postmodern perspectives. More generally, we propose to revisit the fluidification debate in the social sciences with a battery of questions that do not begin and end with whether or not society is in flux. Instead, we introduce a field of research that takes advantage of the insights from competing paradigms in order to reveal the social dynamics and consequences of displacements in geographic and social space.

Les structures sociales et territoriales forment des relations complexes qui dépassent toute stratification sociale ou convergence spatiale. Les caractéristiques territoriales et déplacements géographiques sont, pour la société, des principes structurants, tout comme les caractéristiques sociétales et le changement social font naître la structure et l'usage d'un territoire. A partir d'un examen des liens conceptuels et théoriques entre les mobilités spatiale et sociale, cet article propose un concept traduisant une nouvelle forme d'inégalité: appelé‘motilité’, il décrit le potentiel et l'aptitude réelle des marchandises, informations ou individus àêtre mobiles sur un plan tant géographique que social. Trois traits essentiels de la motilité— accès, compétence et appropriation — sont présentés. Si l'article s'attache aux contributions conceptuelles et théoriques de la motilité, il suggère aussi plusieurs axes possibles d'études empiriques. La motilité offre une perspective novatrice sur les changements sociétaux, sans engager prématurément les travaux de recherches sur des rails structuralistes ou post‐modernes. Plus généralement, il s'agit de revisiter le débat sur la fluidification en sciences sociales à l'aide d'une batterie de questions qui, ni au début ni à la fin, ne demande si la société est fluctuante ou non. En revanche, l'article propose un domaine de recherches qui exploite les réflexions tirées de paradigmes concurrents afin de révéler la dynamique sociale et les conséquences des déplacements dans l'espace géographique et social.
Territories in action, territories for action: the territorial dimension of Italian local development policies
Authors: Governa Francesca , Salone Carlo
Published: December 2004

Current changes in territorial organization are interpreted by focusing on two main aspects that are different yet closely interrelated. The first aspect concerns relationships between unfolding processes of territorial redefinition and changes imposed by globalization processes and by European integration, and by the loss of centrality and of part of the power of nation‐state government. The second aspect concerns the change in forms and procedures of collective action in urban and territorial policies, recognizing, in particular, the consolidation — including in practices — of forms of partnership, inter‐institutional cooperation, strategic planning and governance. Within this general context, this article aims to present and discuss changes, both ongoing and recent, by (1) presenting the changes that are emerging in the framework of Italian urban and territorial policies; and (2) discussing critically, with reference to the Italian case, the relationship between change in the idea of local territories and change in urban and territorial policies. Our aim is to verify whether, within what limits and from what point of view, the innovations introduced in the Italian context may be interpreted as changes that are moving towards more place‐focused forms of urban and territorial governance.

On interprète les évolutions actuelles de l'organisation territoriale à travers deux aspects dominants, différents quoique étroitement liés. Le premier concerne les relations entre les processus d'explication de la redéfinition territoriale et les changements imposés par les processus de mondialisation et l'intégration européenne, et par la disparition de la centralité et d'une partie de la puissance gouvernementale de l'Énation. Le second porte sur la transformation des formes et procédures d'action collective dans les politiques publiques urbaines et territoriales, celles‐ci reconnaissant notamment la fusion — y compris dans les pratiques — de formes de partenariat, coopération inter‐institutions, planification stratégique et gouvernance. Dans ce contexte général, l'article cherche à exposer et étudier les évolutions actuelles et récentes, d'une part en présentant les changements qui apparaissent dans le cadre des politiques urbaines et territoriales italiennes, d'autre part en abordant de façon critique, par rapport au cas italien, le lien entre un changement d'idée sur les territoires locaux et une transformation des politiques urbaines et territoriales. Il s'agit de vérifier si les innovations introduites dans le contexte italien peuvent s'interpréter comme des changements tendant à des formes de gouvernance urbaine et territoriale plus soucieuses des lieux, et ce dans quelle mesure et de quel point de vue.
Participatory democracy and political opportunism: municipal experience in Italy and Spain (1960–93)
Authors: Yánez Clemente J. Navarro
Published: December 2004

The relationship between local scale and participatory democracy is one of the main issues of normative theory of democracy. This article tries to show that the development of this model of democracy also depends on institutional factors. In his political opportunism hypothesis the author proposes that local governments have to develop adaptive strategies to make electoral victory compatible with offers of opportunities of participation: on the one hand, because the parties have to make government or opposition action compatible between local and central political levels; on the other, because the supply of participation presupposes the redistribution of power among local interest groups and the possibility of imposing limits over local government actions. To test this hypothesis, the author analyses data on citizen participation among Italian and Spanish local governments by qualitative comparative analysis (QCA). In conclusion, the author argues that political opportunism could limit local democratization and new urban governance initiatives.

La relation entre échelle locale et démocratie participative constitue l'une des grandes questions de la théorie normative de la démocratie. L'auteur tente de montrer que l'élaboration de ce modèle de démocratie dépend aussi de facteurs institutionnels. Dans son hypothèse d'opportunisme politique, il propose que les gouvernements locaux mettent au point des stratégies adaptatives afin de rendre toute victoire électorale compatible avec les possibilités de participation offertes, d'un côté parce que les parties doivent rendre compatibles les actions du gouvernement ou de l'opposition entre les niveaux politiques local et central, de l'autre parce qu'une participation potentielle présuppose la redistribution du pouvoir entre groupes d'intérêt locaux et la capacité d'imposer des limites aux actions gouvernementales locales. Cette hypothèse est testée par l'analyse de données sur la participation des citoyens dans les gouvernements locaux italiens et espagnols via une analyse comparative qualitative. La conclusion déduit qu'un opportunisme politique pourrait entraver des initiatives de démocratisation locale et de gouvernance urbaine originale.
Privatization Bolivian style: a cautionary tale
Authors: Kohl Benjamin
Published: December 2004

This article examines the long term impacts of Bolivia's partial privatization of state‐owned enterprises, known as capitalization. Despite attempting to introduce an innovative social component to distribute the benefits of privatization to Bolivian citizens, the lack of an adequate government regulatory structure meant that capitalization was unable to meet most of its objectives. While foreign direct investment rose between 1995 and 2000, these investments created few jobs and the taxes paid by the privatized companies failed to replace the revenue they had previously provided to the government. Capitalization has not reduced corruption but, rather, shifted the locus of rent seeking from the public to the private sector. The perception of the privatization of public resources led to increased social protest and political instability. The cycle of protests culminated with the resignation of the president in October 2003 following protests that left over 70 civilians dead. Rather than create a climate favorable for free markets, capitalization served as a catalyst to mobilize popular protest against neoliberal restructuring and may threaten the neoliberal economic policies in Bolivia in the coming years.

Cet article étudie les impacts à long terme de la privatisation partielle des entreprises publiques boliviennes, désignée par ‘capitalisation’. Malgré la tentative d'introduction d'une composante sociale originale visant à distribuer les bénéfices de la privatisation aux Boliviens, l'absence de structure régulatrice gouvernementale adéquate a empêché la ‘capitalisation’ d'atteindre la plupart de ses objectifs. Même si l'investissement direct de l'étranger a progressé entre 1995 et 2000, ces fonds ont créé peu d'emplois et les charges fiscales payées par les entreprises privatisées n'ont pas remplacé les recettes qu'elles apportaient auparavant au gouvernement. La ‘capitalisation’ n'a pas atténué la corruption, décalant plutôt la scène du parasitisme du secteur public vers le secteur privé. La perception de la privatisation des ressources publiques a accentué agitation sociale et instabilité politique. Le cycle de protestation a atteint son apogée avec la démission du Président en octobre 2003 après des manifestations ayant fait 70 morts parmi la population. Au lieu de créer un climat favorable à la liberté de marché, la ‘capitalisation’ a servi de catalyseur à la mobilisation de l'opposition populaire contre la reconstruction néolibérale, mettant ainsi en péril les politiques économiques néolibérales de la Bolivie dans les années à venir.
New trends in urban development and public policy in eastern Germany: dealing with the vacant housing problem at the local level
Authors: Glock Birgit , Häussermann Hartmut
Published: December 2004

Supported by federal funds, many eastern German cities have started to address their acute vacant housing problem, and the new strategies attempt to pursue revitalization in especially consistent and comprehensive forms. This article offers evidence that current policies are not meeting their main objectives. Very little is being done in the older, inner‐city neighbourhoods, although these have been given a top political priority in the planning process since they are perceived as one of the greatest economic and cultural assets of eastern Germany. Rather, the policies have been effective only in the large‐scale housing estates, where local administrations and city governments meet ‘big partners’ with resources for action. Further, it is argued that present policy strategies focus too tightly on housing market issues alone. Many housing problems cannot be solved using housing market policy tools alone as vacancy is caused by the general trends of depopulation and deindustrialization in the region.

Avec l'aide de financements fédéraux, de nombreuses grandes villes est‐allemandes se sont attaquées à leur grave problème de logements inoccupés, et les nouvelles stratégies tentent une relance par des formules particulièrement vastes et cohérentes. Cet article démontre que les politiques actuelles n'atteignent pas leurs objectifs principaux. Très peu est fait dans les quartiers anciens déshérités, même si on leur a donné une priorité politique élevée dans le processus d'aménagement puisqu'ils sont en bonne place, dit‐on, dans le patrimoine économique et culturel de l'Allemagne de l'Est. En revanche, les politiques publiques n'ont été efficaces que dans les projets de logements à grande échelle lorsque les administrations locales et autorités de la ville rencontrent des ‘partenaires de poids’ ayant des ressources pour agir. De plus, les stratégies politiques présentes s'attachent trop aux seuls aspects liés au marché du logement. Bien des problèmes d'habitat ne peuvent être résolus à l'aide d'outils de politique de marché puisque la vacance tient aux tendances générales à la dépopulation et à la désindustrialisation de la région.
Antioxidant deficit and enhanced susceptibility to oxidative damage in individuals with different forms of α‐thalassaemia
Authors: Cheng Mei‐ling , Ho Hung‐yao , Tseng Hsiu‐chuan , Lee Chien‐Hong , Shih Lee‐yung , Chiu Daniel Tsun‐yee
Published: December 2004

α‐Thalassaemia is a common red cell disorder in Taiwan, affecting 6–8% of Taiwanese. Previous studies have shown that reactive oxygen species are generated in increased amounts in thalassaemic red cells. This implies the possible alteration of redox status in thalassaemic patients, which may adversely affect their health. In the present study, the redox status of patients with α‐thalassaemia trait and haemoglobin H (Hb H) disease was investigated. Lipid peroxidation, as measured by the level of plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), was increased in α‐thalassaemic patients, with the highest level of TBARS in Hb H disease patient. The plasma levels of vitamin A, C, and E were significantly lower in α‐thalassaemic patients than in controls. The overall antioxidant capacity in plasma was inversely correlated with the severity of α‐globin gene defect: the more severe the form of α‐thalassaemia, the lower the overall antioxidant capacity in plasma. Erythrocytes isolated from α‐thalassaemia patients had lower levels of vitamin E, glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase. In addition, these α‐thalassaemic red cells were more susceptible to hydrogen peroxide‐induced lipid peroxidation and decrease in deformability. All these data suggest that the α‐thalassaemic patients suffer from increased oxidative stress and antioxidant deficit, which may complicate the pathophysiology of α‐thalassaemia.
C‐reactive protein and complement depositions in human infarcted myocardium are more extensive in patients with reinfarction or upon treatment with reperfusion
Authors: Nijmeijer R. , Krijnen P. A. J. , Assink J. , Klaarenbeek M. A. R. , Lagrand W. K. , Veerhuis R. , Visser C. A. , Meijer C. J. L. M. , Niessen H. W. M. , Hack C. E.
Published: December 2004

Background  Impaired perfusion of the heart induces a local inflammatory response, which involves deposition of C‐reactive protein and complement activation products C3d and C5b‐9. We investigated whether reperfusion or reinfarction enhances these phenomena in humans.

Materials and methods  Depositions of C‐reactive protein and complement were quantified in tissue samples of infarcted myocardium from 76 patients who had died after acute myocardial infarction. The extent of depositions in patients treated with reperfusion or suffering from reinfarction was compared with that in patients who had no reperfusion or reinfarction.

Results  Patients with reinfarction had significantly more extensive depositions of C‐reactive protein and complement (C3d and C5b‐9) in the infarcted myocardium than patients without reinfarction. Similarly, patients who received reperfusion therapy had more extensive depositions also than those who had not received this therapy.

Conclusions  Both reinfarction and reperfusion therapy significantly increase the extent of C‐reactive protein and complement depositions in human myocardial infarcts.
In vivo and in vitro evidence for a hepatic modulation of the leptin signal in rats
Authors: Brabant G. , Nave H. , Horn R. , Anderwald C. , Müller G. , Roden M.
Published: December 2004

Background  Leptin is primarily secreted by the adipose tissue. It binds not only to hypothalamic structures involved in energy regulation but also to many peripheral tissues including the liver. Leptin circulates in free and receptor‐bound forms. Both components are differentially regulated under various pathophysiological conditions and serve different physiological functions. They are released from adipose tissue but previous data suggest an additional formation outside the fat compartment. Here we tested the contribution of the liver in binding and modulating leptin in the circulation.

Materials and methods  In vivo experiments were performed with radioactive labelled leptin with and without pretreatment with unlabelled leptin in freely moving, chronic intravenously cannulated male rats. Livers were investigated by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization and immunoblotting was performed, followed by ex vivo liver perfusion studies with human recombinant leptin.

Results  In in vivo experiments radioactively labelled leptin (at low concentrations) is avidly bound to rat liver (greater than 80% of basal serum values 90 min following i.v. infusion). Pre‐treatment with excess of unlabelled leptin in vivo revealed a rapid hepatic down‐regulation of leptin receptor isoforms when tested by in situ hybridization, immunoblotting or immunohistochemistry. Ex vivo perfusion of rat liver with human recombinant leptin induced a dose‐ and time‐dependent formation of receptor‐bound leptin in the perfusate.

Conclusions  The present data support an active role of the liver in the modulation of the leptin signal through different regulation of the soluble leptin receptor, the bound and free forms of the hormone, which may have important implications for leptin's central efficacy and the development of ‘leptin resistance’.
Primary hyperparathyroidism: new concepts in clinical, densitometric and biochemical features
Authors: BILEZIKIAN J. P. , BRANDI M. L. , RUBIN M. , SILVERBERG S. J.
Published: December 2004

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is characterized most commonly now as an asymptomatic disorder with hypercalcaemia and elevated levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH). The elevation in PTH is detected by both the standard immunoradiometric assays (IRMA) and a more recent IRMA that detects only the 1–84 full‐length PTH molecule. The serum calcium concentration is usually <1 mg dL−1 above normal. Recently, another variant of PHPT (normocalcaemic PHPT) has been described in which the serum calcium is normal but the serum PTH is elevated, in the absence of any secondary cause for PTH elevation. Although usually sporadic, PHPT also occurs in inherited syndromes. Skeletal manifestations are appreciated by densitometry showing a typical pattern in which cancellous bone of the lumbar spine is reasonably well preserved whilst the cortical bone of the distal third of the radius is preferentially reduced. Although reduced in incidence, renal stones remain the most common overt complication of PHPT. Other organs are theoretical targets of PHPT such as the neurobehavioural axis and the cardiovascular system. Vitamin D looms as an important determinant of the activity of the PHPT state. The 2002 NIH Workshop on asymptomatic PHPT has led to revised guidelines to help doctors determine who is best advised to have parathyroid surgery and who can be safely followed without surgery. New information about the natural history of PHPT in those who did not undergo surgery has helped to define more precisely who is at‐risk for complications. At the NIH workshop, a number of items were highlighted for further investigation such as pharmacological approaches to controlling hypercalcaemia, elevated PTH levels and maintaining bone density.
Biochemical diagnosis, localization and management of pheochromocytoma: focus on multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 in relation to other hereditary syndromes and sporadic forms of the tumour
Authors: PACAK K. , ILIAS I. , ADAMS K. T. , EISENHOFER G.
Published: December 2004

Approximately 50% of patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) 2A or 2B develop pheochromocytoma. These tumours are almost exclusively benign and localized in the adrenal glands. About one‐third are bilateral at initial diagnosis. Amongst patients with pheochromocytoma, those with MEN 2A have subtler symptoms compared to those with sporadic disease. Since pheochromocytomas in patients with MEN 2 often secrete catecholamines episodically (but metabolize them continuously to metanephrines), the first choice for biochemical diagnosis is the measurement of free metanephrines in plasma, with urinary fractionated metanephrines being the second choice. In patients with pheochromocytomas that produce exclusively normetanephrine, MEN 2 can be excluded. In patients with biochemically proven MEN 2‐related pheochromocytoma, anatomical imaging of the adrenals (with either computerized tomography or magnetic resonance) should be obtained next. Functional imaging with specific ligands (e.g. scintigraphy with [123I]‐metaiodobenzylguanidine or, if available, positron emission tomography with [18F]‐fluorodopamine, [18F]‐dihydroxyphenylalanine, [11C]‐adrenaline or [11C]‐hydroxyephedrine) may then be particularly useful in patients with distorted anatomy from previous surgery, in cases of equivocal biochemical data despite high clinical suspicion for a tumour, to rule out multifocal disease, or where there is suspicion of metastatic disease (e.g. tumours larger than 5 cm). Laparoscopic surgery is the treatment of choice and subtotal (cortical‐sparing) adrenalectomy is the procedure of choice in bilateral pheochromocytomas.
Transmission of PPV‐M to Prunus persica by Brachycaudus schwartzi and Phorodon humuli (Hem., Aphididae)
Authors: Manachini B. , Casati P. , Aliverti I. , Cinanni L.
Published: December 2004

Abstract:  Aphids are reported to be vectors of the most serious viral pathogen of the drupaceous species plum pox virus (PPV), but there is little direct experimental evidence of this. PPV (serotype M) is widespread in peach orchards even where there are severe control measures. Laboratory bioassays were conducted to study, under controlled conditions, the ability of Brachycaudus schwartzi (Börner) and Phorodon humuli (Schrank) to transmit PPV (serotype M). The results have shown that all the peach trees tested had evident symptoms of sharka and were positive to the RT‐PCR analysis, confirming the ability of these two aphid species to transmit the virus.
Nursing on the medical ward
Authors: Parker Judith M.
Published: December 2004

This paper considers some issues confronting contemporary medical nursing and draws upon psychoanalytic theories to investigate some seemingly straightforward and taken‐for‐granted areas of medical nursing work. I am arguing that the everyday work of medical nurses in caring for patients is concerned with bringing order to and placing boundaries around inherently unsettled and destabilized circumstances. I am also arguing that how nurses manage and organize their work in this regard stems from traditional practices that tend to be taken for granted and not explicitly thought about. It is therefore difficult for nurses to consider changing these practices that often have negative consequences for the nurses.

I want to examine the impact upon nurses of the consequences of three taken‐for‐granted nursing practices: (i) the tendency of nurses to confine their reactions to what is going on so as to present a caring self; (ii) the tendency of nurses in their everyday talk to patients to confine, limit and minimize meaning; and (iii) the tensions and ambiguities that emerge for nurses in the policing function they perform in confining patients to the bed or the ward. Negative consequences on nurses of these practices potentially include stress and confusion regarding their ability to care for patients; an undervaluing of nursing skills; and a deterioration in the nurse–patient relationship. Clinical supervision for medical nurses is proposed as a means of facilitating greater understanding of the nature of nurses’ relationships with patients and the complex dimensions of their medical nursing role.
Re‐reading nursing and re‐writing practice: towards an empirically based reformulation of the nursing mandate
Authors: Allen Davina
Published: December 2004

This article examines field studies of nursing work published in the English language between 1993 and 2003 as the first step towards an empirically based reformulation of the nursing mandate. A decade of ethnographic research reveals that, contrary to contemporary theories which promote an image of nursing work centred on individualised unmediated caring relationships, in real‐life practice the core nursing contribution is that of the healthcare mediator. Eight bundles of activity that comprise this intermediary role are described utilising evidence from the literature. The mismatch between nursing's culture and ideals and the structure and constraints of the work setting is a chronic source of practitioner dissatisfaction. It is argued that the profession has little to gain by pursuing an agenda of holistic patient care centred on emotional intimacy and that an alternative occupational mandate focused on the healthcare mediator function might make for more humane health services and a more viable professional future.
Mating system of four inbreeding monkeyflower (Mimulus) species revealed using ‘progeny‐pair’ analysis of highly informative microsatellite markers
Authors: RITLAND KERMIT , LEBLANC MARISSA
Published: December 2004

The high variability of microsatellite markers has allowed more powerful and novel inferences regarding mating systems. We show that the many alleles at microsatellite loci allow a different approach for estimating a mating system that uses four‐gene coefficients of relationship; the four genes are those possessed by two progeny at a single locus. We estimated the mating system in four Mimulus taxa sampled from California, USA, all of which display inbreeding floral syndromes: Mimulus nasutus, Mimulus micranthus, Mimulus nudatus and Mimulus laciniatus. For each taxa, 20 progeny pairs were assayed for nine microsatellite loci. Substantial amounts of selfing were found, ranging from 64% to 92% across the taxa. Parent inbreeding coefficients were high (range 70%) in two taxa, and in these two taxa both facets of correlated matings (correlation of selfing and of outcrossed paternity) were also much higher (range 50–80%) than in the other two taxa. This association between correlated matings and levels of selfing has not been previously demonstrated. Microsatellites allow new approaches for mating system inference, but at the disadvantage of higher genotyping costs and potential biases resulting from null alleles.
Implications from seed traps for reproductive success, allocation and cost in a tall tree species Lindera erythrocarpa
Authors: HIRAYAMA DAISUKE , ITOH AKIRA , YAMAKURA TAKUO
Published: December 2004

Reproductive success of the tall tree species Lindera erythrocarpa Makino (Lauraceae) was examined on a per individual basis using the seed‐trap method and a new method of numerical analysis of seed dispersal. Female flower and seed production per tree were successfully estimated using the model, and the dependence of each variable on tree size was expressed using allometric equations. Although seed set was highest on medium‐sized trees (5% at 27 cm d.b.h.), seed production per tree was highest on the largest trees. Thus, a relative measure of reproductive success, such as seed set, was not a reliable predictor of individual variations in absolute seed production. Dry matter investment in reproduction was also expressed using an allometric equation. Reproductive investment increased as net production increased. Vegetative growth of the woody organs of individual trees reached a peak of 31.2 kg/year, at which point reproductive investment was 4.41 kg/year. The usefulness of the seed‐trap method and the allometric approach to evaluate differences in reproductive variables among individuals of a large tree species was confirmed.
Life history monographs of Japanese plants: A new series
Authors: KAWANO SHOICHI , OHARA MASASHI
Published: December 2004

Plant Species Biologywill publish a continuing series of papers on the biology and life history characteristics of vascular plant species indigenous to, or well naturalized in, the flora of Japan. This paper sets forth the guidelines and format for contributors to this series. This new series attempts to establish a record as complete as possible concerning all aspects of the life history characteristics as well as significant biosystematic characteristics of the species under consideration. Keen attention will be given to species that are becoming very rare and endangered, particularly in lowland areas, aquatic habitats (e.g. rivers, ponds and wetlands), coastal habitats (e.g. sand dunes, salt marshes) and alpine zones (including serpentine and limestone habitats).
ARGON PLASMA COAGULATION: IN VIVO TISSUE DAMAGE TO THE ESOPHAGUS AND STOMACH AND CLINICAL EFFICACY FOR EARLY ESOPHAGEAL AND GASTRIC CANCER
Authors: Mitsufuji Shoji , Nagoshi Mariko , Tatsumi Yoichi , Sakai Miki , Shiomi Satoshi , Wakabayashi Naoki , Konishi Hideyuki , Okano Hitoshi , Kataoka Keisho , Okanoue Takeshi
Published: December 2004

Background:  Argon plasma coagulation (APC) has been proven to be safe in vitro, and has been widely introduced to therapeutic endoscopy. We evaluated the thermal effects on esophageal or gastric wall in vivo, and its effectiveness as an adjunct to incomplete resection of early esophageal and gastric cancer after endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR).

Methods:  Thermal injuries were made using endoscopic APC irradiation in porcine esophagus and stomach under various conditions during general anesthesia, and depth of tissue damage was determined histopathologically. Patients with early gastric cancer (n = 24) and early esophageal cancer (n = 5) were treated with additional APC following microscopically incomplete EMR. APC was applied to coagulate the entire edge of EMR‐induced ulcer 1 week after resection at power/gas settings of 50 W and 1.5 L/min in the stomach, and 40 W and 1.5 L/min in the esophagus for less than 5 s at each point.

Results:  Depth of tissue damage was related to pulse duration and power output. At power/gas settings of 60 W and 2.0 L/min, thermal damage extended across the submucosal layer with 5‐s pulse duration in the stomach. Thermal damage with 5‐s pulse duration at power/gas settings of 40 W and 2.0 L/min extended to the muscularis propria in the esophagus. In the clinical study of additional APC therapy, the recurrence rate was 6.9% (two of 29 cases).

Conclusion:  To avoid perforation, we recommend an APC power setting of 40–60 W for less than 5 s in the stomach and a lower power setting with shorter duration in the esophagus. APC seems to reduce recurrence of esophageal or gastric cancer after incomplete EMR.
DAI‐KENCHU‐TO, A HERBAL MEDICINE, IMPROVES PRECOLONOSCOPY BOWEL PREPARATION WITH POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL ELECTROLYTE LAVAGE: RESULTS OF A PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL
Authors: Saida Yoshihisa , Sumiyama Yoshinobu , Nagao Jiro , Nakamura Yasushi , Nakamura Yoichi , Katagiri Miwa
Published: December 2004

Background:  This prospective randomized controlled trial examines the effect of combination of Dai‐kenchu‐to (DKT), a traditional Japanese herbal medicine, and polyethylene glycol electrolyte (PEG) lavage in precolonoscopic preparation.

Methods:  Two hundred and eight‐five colonoscopy patients from January to December 2001 were divided into two groups randomly; 144 patients into group A (with DKT) and 141 into group B (without DKT).

Results:  Abdominal pain and nausea were observed in 17% and 24% of group A, and 15% and 21% of group B, respectively. Preparation scores were 0.28 ± 0.52 in group A and 0.81 ± 0.77 in group B. Times for reaching the cecum were 6.4 ± 3.6 min in group A and 7.3 ± 4.0 min in group B. Group A demonstrated significantly better preparation (P < 0.001) and shorter times (P = 0.04) than group B.

Conclusion:  The present study indicates that DKT in combination with PEG is a safe and gentle method, improving precolonoscopic bowel preparation without increasing abdominal pain and nausea.
OBLIQUE‐VIEWING ENDOSCOPE FACILITATES ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY AND ASSOCIATED PROCEDURES IN POST‐BILLROTH II GASTRECTOMY PATIENTS
Authors: Kikuyama Masataka , Matsubayashi Yuji , Kageyama Fujito , Sumiyoshi Shinichi , Kobayashi Yoshimasa
Published: December 2004

Background:  Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and associated procedures have been reported to be difficult to perform in patients with Billroth II gastrectomy. We evaluated the feasibility of using an oblique‐viewing endoscope equipped with a cannula deflector for these procedures in such patients.

Patients and Methods:  Twenty‐four patients with Billroth II gastrectomy were enrolled in the present study and underwent ERCP, endoscopic sphincterotomy, endoscopic nasobiliary drainage, expandable metal stent placement or tube stent placement. All procedures were performed with an oblique‐viewing endoscope equipped with a cannula deflector.

Results:  In all patients, afferent loops were entered. Reaching the papilla of Vater was achieved in 22 (91.7%) patients, in whom all planned procedures were accomplished. One patient experienced acute pancreatitis, hemorrhage from the papilla of Vater after sphincterotomy, and intestinal perforation.

Conclusions:  We believe an oblique‐viewing endoscope equipped with a cannula deflector to be useful in performing ERCP and associated procedures in many patients with Billroth II gastrectomy. However, one should be aware of major complications, such as perforation, that may occur.
CHARACTERISTICS AND ROLE OF ENDOSCOPIC MUCOSAL RESECTION USING CAP‐FITTED PANENDOSCOPE FOR EARLY GASTRIC CANCER
Authors: Tani Masao , Takeshita Kimiya , Kawano Tatsuyuki
Published: December 2004

Background:  It is accepted in Japan and in the gastric cancer treatment guidelines that small gastric mucosal cancers without lymph node metastasis can be curatively treated by endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). Various techniques of EMR for early gastric cancer have been reported, and in the present study, the results of EMR using cap‐fitted panendoscope (EMRC) for early gastric neoplastic lesions are examined, and the characteristics and the role of EMRC procedure are discussed.

Methods:  From August 1992 to March 2003, 181 gastric neoplastic lesions in 155 patients were treated by EMRC at the Department of Surgery, Esophagogastric Division, Tokyo Medical and Dental University. The frequency of residue and the cause of residue following EMRC for 181 gastric neoplastic lesions were examined. Five‐year survival rates were calculated and compared according to the 49 patients who underwent en bloc resection and the 49 patients who underwent planned fractionated resection by EMRC for early gastric cancer.

Results:  There was residue in nine (5%) of 181 lesions treated by EMRC. Residues from four elevated lesions resulted from muscular resection and insufficient additional resection; residues from five depressed lesions resulted from incorrect diagnosis of the spread of the lesions prior to resection and insufficient additional resection. In the EMRC patients, the survival rates for 49 patients treated by en bloc resection (93%) and 49 patients by planned fractionated resection (91%) were not significantly different.

Conclusion:  The EMRC technique, that is en bloc and planned fractionated resection by EMRC procedure, has an important role as an easy and curative EMR method for almost all of the indicated early gastric cancers by the gastric cancer treatment guidelines with no limitations from the lesion sites.
FREQUENT K‐RAS MUTATIONS AMONG LATERALLY SPREADING TUMORS WITH GRANULAR COMPONENTS AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE FOR RECTAL CARCINOMAS
Authors: Yokoyama Yuichi , Tamura Satoru , Onishi Saburo
Published: December 2004

Background:  To clarify the genetic characteristics of superficial‐type colorectal tumors, we investigated gene mutations of K‐ras codon 12 of superficial‐type colorectal tumors.

Methods:  We examined the endoscopic appearance of 72 specimens for K‐ras mutations.

Results:  Laterally spreading tumors with granular components had a high incidence of K‐ras mutations (68%). As for tumor locations, the K‐ras mutation was detected in 13/19 (68.4%) tumors of the rectum, 10/36 (27.8%) tumors of the proximal colon and in 5/17 (29.4%) tumors of the distal colon.

Conclusion:  ;Our results suggest that superficial‐type tumors with granular components and rectal ones may have a different genetic pathway for tumor progression compared with those without granular components and colonic ones, respectively.
Between the Hammer and the Anvil: lifestyles of Russian students in the years of permanent crisis
Authors: TOMUSK VOLDEMAR
Published: December 2004

This article attempts to look at Russian students in the broader social, economic and political context as it has developed over the past 13 years. While society needs higher education to consolidate its identity that was deeply wounded by the shock of the political and economic collapse of the early 1990s, it still lacks the means to maintain it. As a result of a complex interplay of various actors and their short‐term interests, Russian youth is being literally stored as students in higher education institutions, barely able to survive physically, with little hope for improvement in a foreseeable future.
Lunar cycles and reproductive activity in reef fishes with particular attention to rabbitfishes
Authors: Takemura Akihiro , Rahman Md. Saydur , Nakamura Sigeo , Park Young Ju , Takano Kazunori
Published: December 2004

Cues from the moon influence synchrony in growth, feeding, migration, behaviour and reproduction of many reef fishes. Compared with comprehensive studies on the annual and daily activities of fish, few physiological studies have paid attention to the importance of lunar cues in reproductive activities. We review mutual and interesting relationships between fish reproduction and environmental changes induced by the moon, with particular emphasis on the reproductive activity of the rabbitfishes (Siganidae). Rabbitfish species exhibit, in nature, a definitive reproductive season, which differs among the tropical areas. During the reproductive season, synchronous spawning of rabbitfish is associated with a particular lunar phase. The lunar phase used by the respective species is similar in different regions on the earth. Histological observations revealed that gonads develop synchronously towards a peak around the spawning lunar phase, after which the gonads return to spent condition. Concomitant with gonadal development, sex steroid hormones were produced under the influence of gonadotropin (GtH). Injections of human chronic gonadotropin (hCG) to the fish that are undergoing active spermatogenesis accelerated testicular maturation. These results suggest that hormonal response in maturing the gonads in rabbitfish is under the regulation of GtH, and that pituitary secretion of GtH according to the lunar cycle accounts for the lunar rhythm in gonadal development. We speculate that the cues from the moon can be recognized by the higher parts of the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonadal axis. Possible relationships between exogenous environmental factors and the lunar‐reproductive rhythm are also discussed.
Inflation‐Plus Targeting at the Reserve Bank of Australia
Authors: Bell Stephen
Published: December 2004

This article first outlines the dynamics of what appear to be increasingly prevalent cycles of asset price inflation in liberalised financial systems, as well as the difficulties entailed in successful monetary policy responses. The article then analyses the Reserve Bank of Australia's policy responses to recent rises in credit growth and asset price inflation in the property sector. The Bank's responses are characterized in terms of an inflation‐plus targeting framework which has subtly redefined the Bank's approach to inflation targeting to include vaguely defined factors such as mediumterm‘risks’, as well as extending the time frame of such risk assessment. The article explains why, for a variety of reasons, the Bank has been reticent to fully declare its hand.
Annuity Values in Defined Contribution Retirement Systems: Australia and Singapore Compared
Authors: Doyle Suzanne , Mitchell Olivia S. , Piggott John
Published: December 2004

Annuities promise to play an increasingly important role in countries with national defined contribution retirement systems. In this article we examine life annuities in two countries, Singapore and Australia, each of which has a national mandatory pension program. Exploiting data on annuity pricing and purchase behaviour, we compare the money's worth of life annuity products across these two nations. Our results indicate that, after controlling on administrative loadings, there are important differences in measured adverse selection. Part of the explanation may be due to the different structures of the two countries’retirement systems.
Employment Rules in German Theatres: An Application and Evaluation of the Theory of Employment Systems
Authors: Haunschild Axel
Published: December 2004

This paper applies David Marsden's Theory of Employment Systems to employment relations in German non‐profit repertory theatres. Constraints in applying Marsden's framework to theatres are taken as a starting point for a reconsideration of its underpinning assumptions. I show that this approach (i) helps us to understand the institutional embeddedness of theatrical employment and (ii) enables a closer look at the strengths and weaknesses of Marsden's theory. Since Marsden supports the idea that the open‐ended employment relationship will persist and will remain prevalent, challenging his theory can contribute to our understanding of ‘new’ forms of employment.
Temporary Work Agencies: Here Today, Gone Tomorrow?
Authors: Purcell John , Purcell Kate , Tailby Stephanie
Published: December 2004

The complexities of the triangular relationship between employer, worker and agency are explored in two sectors to establish the extent to which the use of agency workers constitutes strategic and rational decisions on the part of employers. Evidence of strategic subcontracting to agencies is evident in the ICT examples, but, as in the healthcare case, organizational outcomes need to be understood with reference to workers’ preferences, the agencies’ own sophisticated strategies, operational pressures and labour market context. Relationships with agencies were embedded but inherently contingent, reflecting their own dependency on clients or, in the case of healthcare, government.
‘Crooks, thieves, and receivers’: transaction costs in nineteenth‐century industrial Birmingham1
Authors: CARNEVALI FRANCESCA
Published: December 2004

The existence of cooperation and trust between competing economic agents is taken for granted by much of the literature on industrial districts. This article explores the structure of the Birmingham jewellery‐making district and the problems created by the opportunistic behaviour of many of its members. Archival sources show that the district was plagued by endemic dishonesty and that proximity did not generate trust and cooperation. The absence of barriers to entry into the trade created a district where social sanctions could not be used to reduce moral hazard. All these factors threatened to destroy the district during the crisis of the 1880s. The article shows how firms joined together to create the Birmingham Jewellers Association, to establish and enforce ‘rules of the game’, with the aim of reducing transaction costs.