bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Usual diet in Bubis, a rural immigrant population of African origin in Madrid
Authors: Gil A. , Vioque J. , Torija E.
Published: January 2005

Objective  To assess the usual diet of an immigrant Bubis population living in Madrid, the main ethnic group from the Island of Bioco, Equatorial Guinea, and explore how different it is from the predominant diet in West Africa and from the adult population of Madrid.

Design  Cross‐sectional study. We randomly selected a sample of 213 Bubis aged 18–84 years, 83 men and 130 women, who were born in Bioco, emigrated and now live in the Madrid area. Participants were interviewed about their usual diet with the use of a food frequency questionnaire. Height and weight were also measured during interviews and prevalence of obesity was estimated as a body mass index (kg m−2).

Setting  The urban area of Madrid in 2001.

Results  The diet of the Bubis living in the metropolitan area of Madrid resembles more the urban diet observed among Spanish people than the traditional rural diet observed among people of West Africa. The percentage of calories from fat, protein and carbohydrates was 33.9, 18.3 and 47.7%, respectively. The Bubi diet presented a much higher protein intake and much lower fat intake than the usual diet in Cameroon. The usual Bubi diet also contained more protein and less fat and alcohol than the predominant diet of adult population living in the Madrid area. Women presented higher prevalence of obesity (23.2%) than men (11.0%), and even higher than that observed among Spanish women.

Conclusions  The first immigrant generation of Bubis in Madrid showed food and nutrient intakes closer to the prevalent diet in Madrid than to the diet of their native land. The impact of this westernization of the diet of this and other immigrant populations in Spain needs to be monitored in the future.
Gene function beyond the single trait: natural variation, gene effects, and evolutionary ecology in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: TONSOR S. J. , ALONSO‐BLANCO C. , KOORNNEEF M.
Published: January 2005

The purpose of plant functional genomics is to describe the patterns of gene expression and internal plant function underlying the ecological functions that sustain plant growth and reproduction. Plants function as integrated systems in which metabolic and developmental pathways draw on common resource pools and respond to a relatively small number of signal/response systems. Plants are also integrated with their environment, exchanging energy and matter with their surroundings and are consequently sensitive to changes in energy and resource fluxes. These two levels of integration complicate the description of gene function. Internal integration results in single genes often affecting multiple characteristics (pleiotropy) and interacting with multiple other genes (epistasis). Integration with the external environment leads to gene expression and the genes’ phenotypic effects varying across environmental backgrounds (gene–environment interaction). An accurate description of the function of all genes requires an augmentation, already underway, of the study of isolated developmental and metabolic pathways to a more integrated approach involving the study of genetic effects across scales of variation usually regarded as the purview of ecological and evolutionary research. Since the evolution of gene function also depends on this complex of gene effects, progress in evolutionary genetics will also require understanding the nature of gene interactions and pleiotropy and the constraints and patterns they impose on adaptive evolution. Studying gene function in the context of the integrated organism is a major challenge, best met by developing co‐ordinated research efforts in model systems. This review highlights natural variation in A. thaliana as a system for understanding integrated gene function in an ecological and evolutionary context. The current state of this research integration in A. thaliana is described by summarizing relevant approaches, current knowledge, and some potentially fruitful future studies. By introducing some of the fundamental questions of ecological and evolutionary research, experimental approaches and systems that can reveal new facets of gene function and gene effect are also described. A glossary is included in the Appendix.
Illuminating topics in plant photobiology
Authors: SPALDING E. P. , FOLTA K. M.
Published: January 2005

Light signals acting through photoreceptors and signal transduction chains shape plant growth, development, physiology and metabolism to best suit the organism to the prevailing conditions. Genetic, biochemical and molecular studies, particularly in the model system Arabidopsis thaliana, have produced highly detailed descriptions of many light responses so that now molecular pathways are coming into view. In this review the current state of research in several diverse areas within the field of plant photomorphogenesis is discussed. The topics include phytochrome localization and interactions with signalling elements, cryptochrome function, phototropin photochemistry and physiology, the role of proteolysis in light signalling, the plant circadian clock, and the transition to flowering.
The NO world for plants: achieving balance in an open system
Authors: YAMASAKI H
Published: January 2005

Nitric oxide (NO) is a free radical that had been known for many years simply as a toxic air pollutant. The discovery of enzymatic NO production in many living organisms has established a new paradigm: NO being an essential molecule endogenously produced in the cells. In plant science it has been suggested that NO acts as a plant hormone equivalent to ethylene; that is, as a gaseous signal transmitter. Even after experiencing such a scientific breakthrough, however, researchers may still feel difficulty in exploring plant NO signalling systems with conventional approaches. A major difference between plants and animals is that the growth and development of plants is closely linked to the surrounding environment where NO levels vary according to biotic and abiotic activities. This fundamental difference may make the NO‐signalling network system of plants larger and more complicated than that of vertebrates. This review intends to show prospects for the future of NO signalling research in plants by introducing a holistic concept to aid in the exploration of complicated systems such as the plant‐environment system. Furthermore, the novel ONS hypothesis is proposed to encompass the complexity and simplicity of NO in chemistry, biochemistry and physiology.
Steroid avoidance in renal transplantation using basiliximab induction, cyclosporine‐based immunosuppression and protocol biopsies
Authors: Anil Kumar Mysore S , Xiao Sheng‐Guang , Fyfe Billie , Sierka Debra , Heifets Michael , Moritz Michael J , Saeed Muhammad I , Kumar Aparna
Published: January 2005

Abstract:  Background:  Reducing chronic steroid exposure is important to minimize steroid‐related morbidity, particularly for susceptible renal transplant recipients. Steroid‐free and steroid‐sparing protocols have shown benefits, but safety has not been established for all populations. We investigated the safety of steroid avoidance (SA) in a population including African‐Americans, using modern immunosuppression with protocol biopsy monitoring.

Methods:  A randomized‐controlled SA trial (early discontinuation, days 2–7) was conducted in a population (n = 77) including African‐Americans and cadaveric kidney recipients. Patients received basiliximab, cyclosporine (CsA), and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). In controls, steroids were tapered to 5 mg prednisone/d by day 30. Protocol biopsies were performed (1, 6, 12 and 24 months) to evaluate subclinical acute rejection (SCAR) and chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN).

Results:  The SA did not result in significantly higher incidences of graft loss, AR, SCAR, CAN, or renal fibrosis. SA patients experienced similar renal function, comparable serum lipid levels, and a trend toward fewer cases of new‐onset diabetes. Clinical outcomes of African‐American and non‐African‐American patients did not significantly differ.

Conclusions:  The SA is safe in the context of basiliximab induction and CsA‐based immunosuppression. This protocol could minimize steroid‐related side effects in susceptible groups, including African‐Americans, without increasing the risk of AR or graft failure.
Comparing renal transplant patients’ adherence to free cyclosporine and free tacrolimus immunosuppressant therapy
Authors: Chisholm Marie A , Mulloy Laura L , DiPiro Joseph T
Published: January 2005

Abstract:  Background:  The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a difference in renal transplant patients’ (RTPs) adherence to cyclosporine compared to tacrolimus when medications are supplied free to the RTPs.

Methods:  Adult primary RTPs were included in the study if they received a renal transplant at the Medical College of Georgia (MCG) from June 1998 through August 2001 and received their first post‐transplant year of follow‐up care at MCG and free cyclosporine or free tacrolimus from the MCG outpatient pharmacy. Adherence was estimated by comparing each RTPs’ tacrolimus or cyclosporine pharmacy refill records to the prescribed regimen for 12 months after transplant. Patients’ cyclosporine and tacrolimus serum concentrations were used to validate adherence. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to estimate the fraction of RTPs remaining adherent and to compare the mean time RTPs were adherent in each group (cyclosporine vs. tacrolimus).

Results:  Thirty‐three RTPs were included in the study, 25 (76%) received cyclosporine and eight received tacrolimus. The mean time to the first non‐adherent month was 8 months post‐transplant. At 12‐months post‐transplant, approximately 42% of the patients remained adherent. A greater percentage of the patients who received tacrolimus remained adherent compared with those who were taking cyclosporine (63% vs. 33%, p < 0.05). Approximately 75% of non‐adherent patients were found to have subtarget drug concentrations, and only 24% of adherent patients had subtarget levels (p < 0.01).

Conclusions:  When provided free, patients are more adherent to tacrolimus than cyclosporine. Regardless of treatment, intensive efforts to increase adherence should be implemented.
A survey of dental care protocols among US organ transplant centers
Authors: Guggenheimer James , Mayher Debra , Eghtesad Bijan
Published: January 2005

Abstract:  Untreated dental disease represents a potential risk for infection in transplant patients, but the vast transplantation literature has few references to this complication. There is also little information with regard to dental care protocols for patients before and after organ transplantation. To obtain more definitive documentation about the policies that deal with dental care and experience with dental infections, we conducted a survey of US transplant centers.The instrument consisted of eight questions that addressed pre‐transplant dental evaluation procedures, incidence of pre‐ and post‐transplant dental infections, and recommendations for antibiotic prophylaxis with dental treatment after transplantation. Questionnaires were sent to 768 medical and/or surgical directors at all US transplant centers. Responses were received from 294 recipients (38%). Among the respondents, 80% routinely requested a pre‐transplant dental evaluation, but 49% of these were only for specific organs. The occurrence of a dental infection prior to transplantation that resulted in a postponement or cancellation was reported by 38% of the respondents. Post‐transplantation sepsis from a suspected dental source was acknowledged in 27% of the surveys. Prophylaxis with antibiotics prior to dental care was recommended by 83%; 77% indicated that it be used for all dental procedures, whether invasive or not. Most respondents (96%) recommended the 1997 American Heart Association endocarditis prevention regimen. A survey of organ transplant centers has provided some information with regard to pre‐transplantation dental screening, dental infections, and the use of prophylactic antibiotics. Additional studies are needed in order to accrue more definitive data that will assist with the development of standardized and appropriate pre‐ and post‐transplant dental care protocols.
Strategyand Transaction Costs: The Organizationofdistributioninthecarbonatedsoftdrinkindustry
Authors: Muris Timothy J. , Scheffman David T. , Spiller Pablo T.
Published: January 2005

This paper analyzes the ongoing transformation of the soft drink distribution of Coca‐Cola and Pepsi‐Cola from systems of independent bottlers to captive bottling subsidiaries, A transaction cost‐based theory is developed to explain this restructuring. It is postulated that changes in the external environment and the resulting changes in the strategies of Coca‐Cola and Pepsi‐Cola raised the costs of transacting between them and their independent bottlers. Two types of empirical tests are presented. One exploits the difference in the distribution of Coca‐Cola and Pepsi‐Cola in the fountain channel. The other consists of statistical analyses of the competitive effects of the move toward captive distribution. Both types of tests support the basic hypothesis.
Managerial Conservatismand Rational Information Acquisition
Authors: Rasmusen Eric
Published: January 2005

Managerial behavior that is rational and profit‐maximizing sometimes will seem to be overly conservative. If the valuation of innovations contains white noise and the status quo would be preferred to random innovation, then any innovation that does not appear substantially better than the status quo should be rejected, for reasons arising from regression toward the mean. The more successful the firm, the higher is the optimal acceptance threshold and conservative bias. Other things equal, more successful firms will spend less on research, adopt fewer innovations, and be less likely to advance the industry's best practice.
Monopoly Pricingand Regulatory Oversight
Authors: Banks Jeffrey S.
Published: January 2005

This paper analyzes the interaction between a regulator and monopolist in the determination of the price for the monopolist's product, where only the monoplast knows ex ante its true marginal cost of production. The regulator observes the market price proposed by the monopolist and decides whether to hold a rate hearing, where suck a hearing is a costly means of verifying the monopolist's marginal cost. Subsequent to a rate hearing, the regulator can impose a market price for the monopolist's product; in the absence of a rate hearing, the market price is set equal to the monopolist's proposed price. Equilibrium behavior by the monopolist and regulator is characterized, and the degree of regulatory “activism,” as defined by the probability a rate hearing is held, is seen to vary ex post with the monopolist's true marginal cost.
Deregulation, Mergers, and Cost Savingsin Class I U.S. Railroads, 1974‐1986
Authors: Vellturo Christopher A. , Berndt Ernst R. , Friedlaender Ann F. , Chiang Judy Shaw‐Er Wang , Showalter Mark H.
Published: January 2005

In this paper we attempt to disentangle the effects of deregulation on rail costs from those directly attributable to mergers. We estimate that cost reductions obtained from mergers ranged from a high of 33% for the Burlington Northern to a low of a 3% cost increase for the CSX. However, firms not engaged in significant merger activities experienced similar cost differentials indicating that consolidation was not a prerequisite for cost savings. We conclude that although mergers did confer some benefits on the participating firms, they were not a prerequisite for railroads being able to achieve substantial cost savings.
Innovation, Product Durability, and Market Structure
Authors: Goaring Gregory E.
Published: January 2005

Because many durable goods industries are also industries with significant innovative activity, we analyze the relationship between an oligopolistic firm's choice of product durability and cost‐reducing innovation in rental and sales markets. We demonstrate the firm's durability may be greater than, equal to, or less than a social planner's, depending upon innovation's impact on the marginal cost of durability. We also show that the firm's innovation level can be maximized for moderate levels of concentration if the output is durable. This provides theoretical support for the empirical observation that innovation is often maximized in markets of moderate concentration.
Is It Time To Createa New Theoryof the Firm? Discussion
Authors: Scheffman David T.
Published: January 2005

In this comment on James Emshoff's (1993) paper,1 I will begin by briefly summarizing the paper. Then I will give my reaction to the issues raised in the paper from the perspective of an economist and professor of business strategy. As I discuss later, it is the work of Alfred Chandler, Jr., rather than work of economists, that is most relevant to the issues raised by Emshoff. In my view economists must understand the limitations of standard economic approaches to organizational issues in order to begin to make progress on issues raised by Chandler and Emshoff.
Power in Profit‐Maximizing Organizations
Authors: Rotemberg Julio J.
Published: January 2005

I study how profit‐maximizing organizations make decisions. Members of organizations tend to have incompatible preferences over decisions, but willingness to pay for decisions plays a very limited role in actual decision making. A sizable empirical literature documents that people who provide critical services, are hard to replace, or deal effectively with external shocks are powerful; they have disproportionate influence over decisions. This can be profit maximizing because the right to shape the firm through its decisions renders the firm more attractive as an employer. Thus, the relative costliness of employees' departures should affect their relative power.
Rent Division, Restructuring, and Managerial Risk Taking: A Strategic Bargaining Model
Authors: Noe Thomas H. , Rebello Michael J.
Published: January 2005

This paper demonstrates that, when the manager of a poorly performing firm generates firm‐specific rents, strategic considerations associated with anticipated future restructuring may lead to the adoption of risky operating policies. Furthermore, this bias toward risky policies may be exacerbated by increases in managerial entrenchment. This is the case even when the manager does not have an ownership stake in the firm. On the other hand, a manager of a firm that is performing well will prefer safer policies. These results are driven by endogenously determined management‐borne costs of financial distress, and obtain under both restructuring regimes that enforce the priority of creditor claims as well as restructuring regimes that induce deviations from absolute priority.
Does Competition Make Firms More Flexible? A Study of Limited Managerial Cognition
Authors: Stennek Johan
Published: January 2005

A model of procedural decision making in firms is combined with an oligopoly model to study the effect of limited managerial cognition on firm flexibility. It is argued that a firm may vary its flexibility, and, hence, that there exists a trade‐off between decision‐making costs and costs due to imperfect adjustment to the environment. The main conclusions are the following: (1) The level of flexibility chosen by firms tends to be too low, from a social welfare point of view. (2) Entry reduces firm flexibility. Aggregated flexibility in the market may, however, increase in which case consumers are unambiguously better off. (3) Integration of isolated markets increases firm flexibility and consumer welfare.
Models of Competitive Price Promotions: Some Empirical Evidence from the Coffee and Saltine Crackers Markets
Authors: Villas‐Boas J. Miguel
Published: January 2005

I present tests of a competitive rationale for price promotions. In a model with a population of informed and uninformed customers, price competition yields a static equilibrium in which each seller draws a price from a specified density function. Price data on coffee and saltine crackers products are used to test whether the sample of prices on each product could have possibly come from the theoretically specified density function. The results suggest that some markets are indeed consistent with the marginal distributions of prices predicted by the model. Furthermore, in the process of testing this rationale for price promotions, estimates are obtained for the marginal cost of each product, the number of competing goods, and the percentage of informed consumers. The resulting excess variability of these estimates across competing brands can also raise questions with respect to the empirical validity of the model.
Tacit Collusion Under regulation in the Pricing of Interstate Long‐Distance Telephone Services
Authors: MacAvoy Paul W.
Published: January 2005

Analysis of seven wholesale and retail markets for long‐distance telephone services since the AT & T divestiture indicates that service provider concentration declined in the later 1980s and then stabilized in the 2990–1993 period. In addition to this stability in market shares, a number of other conditions established since 1990 have been conducive to the development of market sharing rather than significant price competition. The most important of these conditions has been the tarifing process of the Federal Communications Commission by which MCI and Sprint replicate ATGT's price announcements. As market shares stabilized and became more equal, and as regulation formalized the price‐setting process, the price‐cost margins of the three large carriers increased and became more nearly identical. These results are consistent not with price competition but rather with emerging tacit collusion among AT&T, MCI, and Sprint.
The Effect of Incentive regulation on Infrastructure Modernization: Local Exchange Companies' Deployment of Digital Technology
Authors: Greenstein Shane , Mcmaster Susan , Spiller Pablo T.
Published: January 2005

This study examines the investment patterns of all large local exchange telephone companies in the United States over time. It identifies how different regulatoy environments have influenced the recent historical pattern of investment in modern infrastructure equipment. It focuses exclusively on the postdivestiture experience of local telephone exchange companies (LECs). It examines the growth of fiber‐optic deployment and of complementary equipment associated with the modernization of today's information infrastructure. The study estimates the influence of different regulatory structures on infrastructure deployment by LECs. The study is unique in that if relates individual LEC investment patterns to LEC‐specific regulatory, demographic, and economic characteristics. Thus, it isolates the contribution of state regulatory policies from that of other demographic and economic factors in the determination of infrastructure deployment at the state LEC rather than at the corporate level. Its main findings are as follows: First, price regulation (and, in particular, price caps) is a more potent regulatory mechanism than the standard earnings sharing scheme. Second, when associated with an earnings sharing scheme, price regulation is less effective in triggering infrastructure deployment than when it is implemented by itself. These results raise questions about the effectiveness of a popular regulatory instrument‐earnings sharing schemes‐and highlight the effectiveness of generic price‐cap regulation. These results have implications for the design of regulatory policy at both the state and federal levels. In particular, given the importance currently being placed on the development of the information superhighway, regulatory emphasis should be focused more on price regulation than on regulating profits.
Input Market Competition and the Make‐or‐Buy Decision
Authors: Garvey Gerald T. , Pitchford Rohan
Published: January 2005

Recent theories of vertical integration based on incomplete contracts assume perfect competition on at least one side of the market. As a result, the make‐or‐buy choice has no redistributive effect and will reflect efficiency considerations only. This paper introduces imperfect competition into an otherwise standard model of a vertical relationship with noncontractable specific investments. We assume that there are a finite number of potential input suppliers with private information about their costs. We first show that a monopoly buyer of such inputs will often prefer to own the seller's assets even though it would be more efficient for the seller's assets not to be so owned. We then show that an increase in the number of potential partners on either side of the market reduces this inclination towards vertical integration. With perfect competition on either side of the market, the make‐buy decision will reflect only efficiency considerations.
Nonlinear Pricing and Oligopoly
Authors: Stole Lars A.
Published: January 2005

We consider the general problem of price discrimination with nonlinear pricing in an oligopoly setting where firms are spatially differentiated. We characterize the nature of optimal pricing schedules, which in turn depends importantly upon the type of private information the customer possesses–either horizontal uncertainty regarding brand preference or vertical uncertainty regarding quality preference. We show that as competition increases, the resulting quality distortions decrease, as well as price and quality dispersions. Additionally, we indicate conditions under which price discrimination may raise social welfare by increasing consumer surplus through encouraging greater entry.
Pollution Regulation and Incentives for Pollution‐Control Research
Authors: Biglaiser Gary , Horowitz John K.
Published: January 2005

We study the firm's incentives to engage in research for pollution‐control technologies and to adopt new technologies that if discovers or that are discovered by other firms. Licensing of discoveries is assumed possible. We also study the regulator's problem in designing optimal environmental regulations that both control pollution and provide incentives for research. Technology adoption standards are part of the optimal regulation. Another finding is that making the adoption standard stricter reduces research.
The Interactive Effect of Product Differentiation and Cost Variability on Profit
Authors: Chang Myong‐Hun , Harrington Joseph E.
Published: January 2005

It is generally believed that industries with greater product differentiation have higher rates of return. This paper shows that this effect breaks down in the presence of firm‐specific cost shocks. Greater substitutability in products generates two opposing effects: (1) it allows a larger increase in demand when a firm has a favorable cost shock, which more than compensates for the reduction in demand when it has an unfavorable cost shock, and (2) it results in more intense price competition. These two countervailing forces result in industry profit being highest in markets with a moderate degree of product differentiation.
Price and Money‐Back Guarantees as Signals of Product Quality
Authors: Shieh Shiou
Published: January 2005

Why is it so common for the seller to provide guarantees that say “Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back” along with the sale of a product? Newly introduced goods and mail‐ordered products are usually sold with such guarantees. In honoring money‐back guarantees, why is it a common business practice to pay back exactly the purchase price rather than a portion of it? In this paper we study the informational role and optimality of the common business practice of money‐back guarantees in a signaling model with quality uncertainty and risk‐neutral buyers. We find that money‐back guarantees and price together completely reveal a monopoly firm's private information about product quality, Moreover, the private information is revealed at no signaling cost. Furthermore, we show that in terms of the level of monetary compensation specified by a guarantee, price is the profit‐maximizing level of monetary payback in case of product failure.
Morphological Examination of the Intraorbital Muscles (musculi bulbi) in Persian Cats in the Perinatal Period
Authors: Klećkowska J. , Pospieszny N.
Published: January 2005

The study involved 34 fetuses of Persian cats from eight uteruses, gestational day 58. The intraorbital muscles were analysed morphologically in respect of the location of the recti muscles, oblique muscles and retractor bulbi muscle, their length and breadth, the distance of the muscle tendon insertions from the corneal limbus and the line of insertions.
Histomorphology of the Equine Cervix
Authors: Huchzermeyer S. , Wehrend A. , Bostedt H.
Published: January 2005

The cervix provides an effective, morphological barrier between the uterus and the outside world. The aim of this study was to characterize the epithelial morphology and the vascular structures of the equine cervix along the longitudinal and horizontal axis in more detail by light microscopy. For this purpose, cervical tissue specimens that had been removed from five different regions along the caudocranial axis of 10 genitally healthy mares were available. The histological staining was carried out with haematoxylin–eosin, azan according to Heidenhain, periodic acid‐Schiff reaction and resorcinfuchsin. An average epithelial cell height of 17.5 ± 1.7 μm is measured, there being differences in the various areas of the mucosal folds and along the longitudinal axis of the cervix. Three types of cells can be differentiated morphologically. Contrary to the data in the literature, in a large number of cells the free cell membrane shows a clearly discernible border of kinocilia along the total cervical canal. The deep layers of the lamina propria mucosae show pronounced vascularization (46.3 ± 25.1 vessels/mm2) that mainly consists of veins and venules. Support of the occlusive function of the cervical canal in the form of a cavernous body is assumed to be the function of this vascular plexus.
Three‐dimensional Reconstruction of the Equine Ovary
Authors: Kimura J. , Hirano Y. , Takemoto S. , Nambo Y. , Ishinazaka T. , Himeno R. , Mishima T. , Tsumagari S. , Yokota H.
Published: January 2005

The equine ovary has a very unique structure in terms of its extreme large size, the presence of the ovulation fossa and the inverted location of its cortex and medulla. In the previous study, it was recognized that the application of three‐dimensional internal structure microscopy (3D‐ISM) to observe the mare ovary is very effective. Three‐dimensional reconstruction of serially sliced images made by 3D‐ISM was successful in this study with the aid of the sophisticated image processing technique. The rotation of the reconstructed ovary has been carried out with and without the application of the transparency technique in the ovarian stromal region. The spatial localization of follicles and corpus luteum was clearly visualized by rotating the reconstructed image of the ovary. The extraction of the images of follicles and corpus luteum was also available and gave a quantifiable understanding of their structure.
Non‐Vocal Shaping of Avian Song Development: Parallels to Human Speech Development
Authors: King Andrew P. , West Meredith J. , Goldstein Michael H.
Published: January 2005

Vocal development in young male cowbirds (Molothrus ater) is sensitive to acoustical stimulation from males, but also to social feedback from female cowbirds, even though females do not sing. Juvenile males show different vocal trajectories if housed with local or distant population females. The major goal of the present study was to identify differences in the form and timing of non‐vocal cues from females during the period in early spring when juvenile males begin to sing stereotyped song and to finalize their repertoires. We housed juvenile males with either local or distant population females and no adult males. We found significant differences between the two groups of females in the use of wing stroking and in male reactions to wing strokes and gapes. There were also differences between the groups in male song performance. To understand further the potential consequences of these differences, we correlated measures of male and female responsiveness to results reported in Smith et al. (2000) on vocal ontogeny and song potency. We found that wing stroking by females was associated with a faster rate of song development and tended to relate to differences in song potency. The non‐vocal shaping seen here may represent a general mechanism for the development of vocal communication, as similar processes influence phonological development in human infants.
Variation of plasma parameters and nitrogen metabolism in finishing Belgian Blue double‐muscled cull females
Authors: Cabaraux J.‐F. , Dufrasne I. , Istasse L. , Hornick J.‐L.
Published: January 2005

The changes over time in plasma parameters and nitrogen metabolism were studied in finishing Belgian Blue double‐muscled females offered a maize silage based diet. When compared with literature data, plasma glucose along with triglycerides concentrations was low while non‐esterified fatty acids were high and rich in polyunsaturated forms. The concentrations in thyroid hormones, insulin‐like growth factor 1 and insulin were also low and plasma insulin decreased with time. Growth hormone concentration, by contrast, increased with time. On average, the females retained 44 g nitrogen per day from an intake of 210 g but the efficiency of retention decreased with time. The fractional rates of accretion and synthesis of muscle protein were also affected by time. The dry matter content in muscle biopsies was close to 22% and increased with the finishing, as did the diameter of the tailhead adipocytes.
Activation of dendritic cells by human papillomavirus‐like particles through TLR4 and NF‐κB‐mediated signalling, moderated by TGF‐β
Authors: Yan Mengyong , Peng Judy , Jabbar Ibtissam A , Liu Xiaosong , Filgueira Luis , Frazer Ian H , Thomas Ranjeny
Published: January 2005

Human papillomavirus‐like particles (HPV‐VLP) are a candidate vaccine for prevention of HPV infection, and also are a candidate for an immunogenic delivery system for incorporated antigen. VLP activate in vitro generated dendritic cells (DC) but not Langerhans cells (LC); however, the mechanism of this activation is unknown. We have shown that uptake and activation of DC by VLP involves proteoglycan receptors and can be inhibited by heparin. Heparin has been shown to activate DC by signalling through Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor (NF)‐κB. The pathway of DC activation by VLP was further investigated in the present study. Exposure to VLP induced costimulatory molecule expression, RelB translocation and IL‐10 production by DC but not by LC. The lack of LC activation was reversible when TGF‐β was removed from the LC medium. VLP‐induced induction of costimulatory molecule expression, RelB activation and cytokine secretion by DC was blocked by inhibition of NF‐κB activation, heparin or TLR4 mAb. The data provide evidence that HPV‐VLP signal DC through a pathway involving proteoglycan receptors, TLR4 and NF‐κB, and shed light on the mechanism by which VLP stimulate immunity in the absence of adjuvants in vivo. LC may resist activation in normal epithelium abundant in TGF‐β, but not in situations in which TGF‐β concentrations are reduced.
IFN‐γ and TNF‐α are involved in urushiol‐induced contact hypersensitivity in mice
Authors: Wakabayashi Toshiteru , Hu Dong‐Liang , Tagawa Yoh‐Ichi , Sekikawa Kenji , Iwakura Yoichiro , Hanada Katsumi , Nakane Akio
Published: January 2005

Contact hypersensitivity (CHS) is a cutaneous T‐cell‐mediated immunological reaction to applied haptens. Activated antigen‐specific T cells release several cytokines and chemokines followed by the recruitment of inflammatory cells and skin damage. CD8+ T cells and CD4+ T cells have been involved in the establishment of previously described CHS. In this study, we investigated the induction of CHS by urushiol in mice. Maximum swelling in mouse ears was elicited 24 h after challenge with urushiol on day 9 of sensitization. IFN‐γ, TNF‐α and IFN‐γ‐inducible protein 10 (IP‐10) mRNA were expressed after challenge of the antigen in urushiol‐sensitized mice, but not in unsensitized mice. IFN‐γ knockout (KO) mice and TNF‐α KO mice failed to elicit CHS with urushiol. Contact hypersensitivity and expressions of IFN‐γ, TNF‐α and IP‐10 mRNA were markedly suppressed in CD4+ and CD8+ cell‐depleted mice. These results suggest that IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, and possibly IP‐10, play a critical role in CHS induced by urushiol, depending on both CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells.
These are a few of my favourite things: reflections on the doctor–doctor relationship
Authors: Allen R. K. A.
Published: January 2005

The doctor–patient relationship is often spoken about and is typically characterized by one of trust and compassion. However, the doctor–doctor relationship is rarely discussed openly as it is too hurtful to reveal the truth. Lack of compassion, competitiveness and even cruelty abounds in the opinion of the author who exemplifies this by some personal anecdotes and is based on 30 years as a physician. Unfortunately the lessons to be learned occur too late for most individuals. Selection of medical graduates may also play an important role in the whole malady. (Intern Med J 2005; 35: 65–66)
Total evidence requires exclusion of phylogenetically misleading data
Authors: Lecointre Guillaume , Deleporte Pierre
Published: January 2005

Treating all available characters simultaneously in a single data matrix (i.e. combined or simultaneous analysis) is frequently called the ‘total evidence’ (TE) approach, following Kluge's introduction of the term in 1989, quoting Carnap (1950). However, the general principle and one of the possible procedures involved in its application are often confused. The principle, first enunciated within the context of inductive logic by Carnap in 1950, did not refer to a particular procedure, and TE meant using all relevant knowledge, rather than a combined analysis of all available data. Using TE, all relevant knowledge should be taken into account, including the fact that some data are probably misleading as indicators of species phylogeny and should be discarded. Based on the assumption that molecular partitions have some biological significance (process partitions obtained from nonrandom homoplasy or from ‘processes of discord’), we suggest that separate analyses constitute an important exploratory investigation, while the phylogenetic tree itself should be produced by a final combined analysis of all relevant data. Given that the concept of process partitions is justified and that reliability cannot be evaluated using any robustness measure from a single combined analysis, the analysis of multiple data sets involves five steps: (1) perform separate analyses without consensus trees in order to assess reliability of clades through their recurrence and improve the detection of artifacts; (2) test significance of character incongruence, using, for example, pairwise ILD tests in order to identify the sets responsible for incongruence; (3) replace likely misleading data with question marks in the combined data matrix; (4) perform simultaneous analysis of this matrix without the misleading data; (5) assess the reliability of clades found by the combined analysis by computing their recurrence within the previous separate analyses, giving priority to repeatability.
DNA sequence variation at the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I subunit among pheromotypes of the sibling taxaDiachrysia chrysitisandD. tutti(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Hille Axel , Miller Michael A. , Erlacher Sven
Published: January 2005

We surveyed variation in the mtDNA cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene in the noctuid sibling speciesDiachrysia chrysitisandD. tutti, whose taxonomic status has been queried. Taxonomically, these taxa are separated on the basis of wing pattern and time of flight period. Samples were field‐collected from different geographical sites where pheromone traps were baited to attract males containing different mixtures of two blends of pheromone components: (Z)‐5‐decenyl acetate and (Z)‐7‐decenyl acetate. Most specimens were sequenced over a 709‐bp segment of the COI gene. Single specimens each ofD. chrysitisandD. tuttiwere sequenced over a region of 1.5 kilobases. mtDNA variation within and amongD. chrysitisandD. tuttiis most simply interpreted as DNA polymorphism within a complex of closely related, but well‐differentiated pheromotypes. Maximal nucleotide difference per site among haplotypes was 0.28%, which is at the lower end of the range for interspecific mtDNA nucleotide diversity in Lepidoptera. Coefficient of differentiation Gstwasc. 76.3% ± 11.7%, a typical value at the intraspecific level. Sequences revealed stable diagnostic differences between pheromotypes irrespective of geographical origin. Identification of pheromone‐trapped males based on morphology remained vague and uncorrelated to mtDNA haplotypes. The survey illustrated the potential utility of direct DNA sequencing in assessing lineage structures or taxon limits among moths that have been previously found to be different using the pheromone mate recognition system, but which have not been subjected to DNA analysis. The results of mtDNA analyses presented here support recognition ofchrysitisandtuttilineages as presented in previous allozyme studies.
Protoxenidae fam. nov. (Insecta, Strepsiptera) from Baltic amber — a ‘missing link’ in strepsipteran phylogeny
Authors: Pohl Hans , Beutel Rolf G. , Kinzelbach Ragnar
Published: January 2005

A male specimen of a new strepsipteran genus and species (Protoxenos janzeni gen. et sp. nov.) and family (Protoxenidae fam. nov.) found in Baltic amber is described and illustrated. It shows features which are apparently more plesiomorphic than in hitherto known strepsipterans, such as laterally inserted eight‐segmented antennae, very robust mandibles with a broad base, a prominent galea, a comparatively short, transverse metapostnotum, hindwings that are feebly extended in a rostrocaudal direction, and equally sclerotized abdominal tergites and sternites. Based on a cladistic analysis of 46 characters of males of 11 genera and three outgroup taxa, P. janzeni is the sister group of all other known strepsipterans, and Mengea the sister group of Strepsiptera s.s. Eoxenos is the sister group of the remaining extant strepsipterans and Mengenillidae is therefore paraphyletic. Newly established groundplan features of Strepsiptera will facilitate the clarification of the systematic position of the Order in future studies.
The Role of Mothers' Use of Control in Children's Perfectionism: Implications for the Development of Children's Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Kenney‐Benson Gwen A. , Pomerantz Eva M.
Published: January 2005

Abstract
The central aim of this research was to investigate the possibility that when parents use heightened control with children, children develop perfectionistic concerns, which may foster depressive symptoms. Mothers' use of control with their elementary school children (N=104) was observed in the laboratory along with their affective expression toward their children; children's behavior (e.g., task engagement) that might influence mothers' use of control was also observed. Self‐oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism and depression were assessed in children through self‐report. Mothers using heightened control had children with perfectionistic concerns, particularly socially prescribed ones. This was not due to mothers' affective expression or children's behavior. Children's socially prescribed perfectionism mediated the link between mothers' use of heightened control and children's heightened depressive symptoms.
Forgivingness, Vengeful Rumination, and Affective Traits
Authors: Berry Jack W. , Worthington Everett L. , O'Connor Lynn E. , Parrott Les , Wade Nathaniel G.
Published: January 2005

Abstract
Trait forgivingness is the disposition to forgive interpersonal transgressions over time and across situations. We define forgiveness as the replacement of negative unforgiving emotions with positive, other‐oriented emotions. Rumination has been suggested as a mediator between forgivingness and emotional outcomes; however, we suggest that different content of rumination leads to different outcomes after transgressions. In four studies of 179, 233, 80, and 66 undergraduate students, trait forgivingness was negatively correlated with trait anger, hostility, neuroticism, fear, and vengeful rumination and was positively correlated with agreeableness, extraversion, and trait empathy. The disposition to ruminate vengefully mediated the relationship between trait forgivingness and (1) anger‐related traits and (2) both revenge motivations and state anger following a specific recent transgression, but it did not mediate between forgivingness and (1) fearfulness and (2) avoidance motivations following a specific transgression. Self‐hate statements, a proxy for depressive rumination, mediated the relationship between forgivingness and both depression and fearfulness but not the relationship between forgivingness and trait anger. Future research should distinguish the contents of mental rumination following interpersonal transgressions.
Nonlinear Personality–Performance Relationships and the Spurious Moderating Effects of Traitedness
Authors: Cucina Jeffrey M. , Vasilopoulos Nicholas L.
Published: January 2005

Abstract
This article evaluated the validity of two traditional traitedness measures (i.e., standard deviation traitedness measures and global, single‐item traitedness measures) and three new traitedness measures (i.e., multi‐item, ranking, and facet traitedness measures). Overall, there was poor construct validity for both the traditional and new measures of traitedness. Furthermore, traitedness was a spurious moderator of the relationship between openness to experience and academic performance. Finally, evidence of nonlinear personality‐academic performance relationships was discovered.
Effect of chitosan on weight loss in overweight and obese individuals: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Mhurchu C. Ni , Dunshea‐Mooij C. , Bennett D. , Rodgers A.
Published: January 2005

This article aims to determine whether chitosan, a popular, over‐the‐counter, weight loss supplement, is an effective treatment for overweight and obesity. It is designed as a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. The data sources include the electronic databases Medline, EMBASE, Biosis, CINAHL and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CCTR); the specialized websites Controlled Trials, International Bibliographic Information on Dietary Supplements (IBIDS), System for Information on Grey Literature in Europe (SIGLE), Reuter's Health Service, Natural Alternatives International and Pharmanutrients; and bibliographies of relevant journal articles. Included were randomized controlled trials of chitosan with a minimum duration of 4 weeks in adults who were overweight or obese and/or had hypercholesterolaemia at baseline. Fourteen trials involving a total of 1071 participants were included in the review. Analyses involving all trials indicated that chitosan preparations result in a small but statistically significant greater reduction in body weight (weighted mean difference −1.7 kg; 95% confidence interval −2.1, −1.3 kg, P < 0.00001) compared with placebo. Analyses restricted to high‐quality studies showed that reductions in weight [−0.6 (−1.2, 0.1) kg, P = 0.11] were less than in lower quality  studies [−2.3 (−2.7, −1.8) kg, P < 0.00001]. Results obtained from high‐quality trials indicate that the effect of chitosan on body weight is minimal and unlikely to be of clinical significance.