bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional characterization of ORCTL2 ‐ an organic cation transporter expressed in the renal proximal tubules
Authors: Reece Mark , Prawitt Dirk , Landers John , Kast Christina , Gros Philippe , Housman David , Zabel Bernhard U. , Pelletier Jerry
Published: April 2003

Chromosome 11p15.5 harbors a gene or genes involved in Beckwith‐Wiedemann syndrome that confer(s) susceptibility to Wilms' tumor, rhabdomyosarcoma, and hepatoblastoma. We have previously identified a transcript at 11p15.5 which encodes a putative membrane transport protein, designated organic cation transporter‐like 2 (ORCTL2), that shares homology with tetracycline resistance proteins and bacterial multidrug resistance proteins. In this report, we have investigated the transport properties of ORCTL2 and show that this protein can confer resistance to chloroquine and quinidine when overexpressed in bacteria. Immunohistochemistry analyses performed with anti‐ORCTL2 polyc.onal antibodies on human renal sections indicate that ORCTL2 is localized on the apical membrane surface of the proximal tubules. These results suggest that ORCTL2 may play a role in the transport of chloroquine and quinidine related compounds in the kidney.
Phosphorylation of specific sets of tau isoforms reflects different neurofibrillary degeneration processes
Authors: Mailliot Christel , Sergeant Nicolas , Bussière Thierry , Caillet-Boudin Marie-Laure , Delacourte André , Buée Luc
Published: April 2003

Tau proteins are the basic components of filaments that accumulate within neurons during neurofibrillary degeneration, a degenerating process with disease‐specific phenotypes. This specificity is likely to be sustained by both phosphorylation state and isoform content of tau aggregates that form neuronal inclusions. In the present study, characterization of tau isoforms involved in neurofibrillary degeneration in Alzheimer's disease, Pick's disease, corticobasal degeneration and progressive supra‐nuclear palsy was performed. Both analyses by immunoblotting using specific tau antibodies and cell transfection by tau isoform cDNAs allowed us to demonstrate the aggregation of (1) the six hyperphosphorylated tau isoforms in Alzheimer's disease, (2) tau isoforms without exon 10‐encoding sequence in Pick's disease and (3) hyperphosphorylated exon 10‐tau isoforms in corticobasal degeneration and progressive supranuclear palsy. Thus, neurofibrillary degeneration phenotypes are likely to be related to the phosphorylation of different combinations of tau isoforms (with and/or without exon 10‐encoding sequence) in subpopulations of neurons.
Macrophage populations of different origins have distinct susceptibilities to lipid peroxidation induced by β‐haematin (malaria pigment)
Authors: Omodeo-Salè Fausta , Basilico Nicoletta , Folini Marco , Olliaro Piero , Taramelli Donatella
Published: April 2003

We investigated the susceptibility of peritoneal mouse macrophages and macrophage and microglia cell lines to the peroxidative activity of β‐haematin, the synthetic polymer identical to native malaria pigment. The extent of lipid peroxidation, measured as production of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), was greater for peritoneal macrophages than for cell lines and microglia cells. TBARS production apparently was not attributable to the release of free iron from the protoporphyrin moiety, but related to lower glutathione content and different lipid composition of the cell membrane. These findings offer a new interpretation for the contentious immunomodulatory effects of β‐haematin reported for phagocytes of different origins.
Protein phosphatase inhibitors and heat preconditioning prevent Hsp27 dephosphorylation, F‐actin disruption and deterioration of morphology in ATP‐depleted endothelial cells
Authors: Loktionova Svetlana A. , Kabakov Alexander E.
Published: April 2003

The vascular endothelium response to ischemic depletion of ATP was studied in vitro. Endothelial cells (EC) cultured from human aorta or umbilical vein were incubated in a glucose‐free medium containing CCCP or rotenone. Such blockade of energy metabolism caused a drop in ATP, destruction of actin filaments, morphological changes, and eventually disintegration of EC monolayer within 2–2.5 h. While ATP fell and F‐actin collapsed, the 27‐kDa heat shock protein (Hsp27) lost basal phosphorylation and became Triton X‐100‐insoluble forming granules inside the cell nuclei. Protein phosphatase (PP) inhibitors (okadaic acid, cantharidin, sodium orthovanadate) did not delay the ATP decrease in energy‐deprived EC but arrested both the alterations in the Hsp27 status and the changes for the worse in F‐actin and cell morphology. Similarly, the Hsp27 dephosphorylation/insolubilization/granulation and the cytoskeletal and morphological disturbances resulting from lack of ATP were suppressed in heat‐preconditioned (thermotolerant) cultures, this effect being sensitive to quercetin, a blocker of Hsp induction. The longer preservation of the cytosolic pool of phosphorylated Hsp27 during ATP depletion in the PP inhibitor‐treated or thermotolerant EC correlated with the acquired resistance of F‐actin and morphology. These data suggest that PP inhibitors as well as heat‐inducible Hsp(s) can protect ischemia‐stressed cells by preventing the ATP loss‐provoked protein dephosphorylation and breakdown of the actin cytoskeleton.
Free fatty acids regulate the uncoupling protein and alternative oxidase activities in plant mitochondria
Authors: Sluse Francis E. , Almeida Andréa M. , Jarmuszkiewicz Wieslawa , Vercesi Anibal E.
Published: April 2003

Two energy‐dissipating systems, an alternative oxidase and an uncoupling protein, are known to exist in plant mitochondria. In tomato fruit mitochondria linoleic acid, a substrate for the uncoupling protein, inhibited the alternative oxidase‐sustained respiration and decreased the ADP/O ratio to the same value regardless of the level of alternative oxidase activity. Experiments with varying concentrations of linoleic acid have shown that inhibition of the alternative oxidase is more sensitive to the linoleic acid concentration than the uncoupling protein activation. It can be proposed that these dissipating systems work sequentially during the life of the plant cell, since a high level of free fatty acid‐induced uncoupling protein activity excludes alternative oxidase activity.
A comparative differential scanning calorimetric study of tobacco mosaic virus and of its coat protein ts mutant
Authors: Orlov V.N. , Kust S.V. , Kalmykov P.V. , Krivosheev V.P. , Dobrov E.N. , Drachev V.A.
Published: April 2003

The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) ‘melting curves’ for virions and coat proteins (CP) of wild‐type tobacco mosaic virus (strain U1) and for its CP ts mutant ts21–66 were measured. Strain U1 and ts21–66 mutant (two amino acid substitutions in CP: I21 → T and D66 → G) differ in the type of symptoms they induce on some host plants. It was observed that CP subunits of both U1 and ts21–66 at pH 8.0, in the form of small (3–4S) aggregates, possess much lower thermal stability than in the virions. Assembly into the virus particles resulted in a DSC melting temperature increase from 41 to 72°C for U1 and from 38 to 72°C for ts21–66 CP. In the RNA‐free helical virus‐like protein assemblies U1 and ts21–66 CP subunits had a thermal stability intermediate between those in 3–4S aggregates and in the virions. ts21–66 helical protein displayed a somewhat lower thermal stability than U1.
Apoptosis induced by modified ribonucleosides in human cell culture systems
Authors: Meisel Hans , Günther Sonja , Martin Dierk , Schlimme Eckhard
Published: April 2003

The in vitro modulation of apoptosis and cell proliferation by modified in comparison with non‐modified ribonucleosides was investigated for the first time using peripheral blood lymphocytes, HL‐60 cells and Caco‐2 cells as human cell culture models. Modulating effects of several ribonucleosides were found in the range of 10−7–10−3 mol/l. The following ribonucleosides induced significant apoptosis of HL‐60 cells: adenosine, N
6‐dimethyladenosine, N
6‐(2‐isopentenyl)‐adenosine, N
2‐dimethylguanosine. A significant apoptotic effect on PBL was found with N
6‐dimethyladenosine and N
6‐(2‐isopentenyl‐adenosine. N
6‐Dimethyladenosine, N
6‐(2‐isopentenyl)‐adenosine and guanosine had a pronounced inhibitory effect on Caco‐2 cell apoptosis. Regarding the known function of ribonucleosides as pathobiochemical marker molecules for cancer, the possibility of a selective apoptotic effect against malignant cells is discussed.
The cost of emergency obstetric care: concepts and issues
Authors: Desai J
Published: April 2003

Emergency obstetric care (EmOC), like any health intervention, requires resources, and resources are almost always limited. This forces decision makers to take into account the costs (and effectiveness) of EmOC provision and compare them with the costs (and effectiveness) of other health interventions. This is not inordinately complicated, but it does require paying attention to the fact that EmOC services require different types of inputs and are produced in facilities that also provide other health care services. This paper discusses the basic concepts underlying the costing of EmOC services, and the essential issues one must take into account while assessing the cost‐effectiveness of EmOC interventions. A definition of EmOC provision cost is offered and then explained by progressively refining a simple measure of expenditures on all that is used to provide EmOC services. Thereupon the process of collecting cost data and calculating costs is outlined using a simple spreadsheet format, and issues related to the analysis of costs and cost‐effectiveness are discussed.
The FIGO Save the Mothers Initiative: the Ethiopia–Sweden collaboration
Authors: Mekbib T. , Kassaye E. , Getachew A. , Tadesse T. , Debebe A.
Published: April 2003

The overall goal of the FIGO Save the Mothers Fund was to establish basic and comprehensive emergency obstetric care (EmOC) with the specific objectives of increasing the availability and utilization of quality obstetric care as measured by the UN indicators. As a result of this commitment by FIGO, the Ethiopian Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ESOG) launched the Save the Mothers Project (SMP) in West Showa Zone (WSZ), Ethiopia in 1998 to implement and test a demonstration project and evaluate the feasibility and impact of the intervention. The overall objectives matched FIGO's—reducing maternal deaths by promoting the availability, access and utilization of EmOC services for women with complications of pregnancy and childbirth. The intervention package included capacity building as a major activity, and physicians and other service providers from Ambo Hospital, Shenen and Ijaji Health Centers were trained in EmOC. This was intended to combat the high staff turnover in the area. Equipment, materials and supplies were also provided to the demonstration sites to enable them provide basic and comprehensive EmOC services. The interventions, begun in 1999, led to improvements in availability, utilization and met need, which suggests that such an approach may eventually lead to the reduction of maternal deaths. The cesarean section rate for Ambo Hospital increased from 3.7% in 1998 to 17.3% in 2001—an almost six‐fold increase. At Ambo Hospital both the total number of deliveries and cases admitted with obstetric complications have increased from baseline. Patients with obstructed labor comprise 39% of all obstetric patients making it the leading cause of hospitalization. Obstetric hemorrhage comes next with 24% of all admissions. The case fatality rate (CFR) (for direct maternal deaths) decreased from 7.2% at baseline, to 4.6% in 2001—showing a definite trend of improvement. Currently, there is 24‐h EmOC service at Ambo Hospital where an obstetrician and general medical practitioners with EmOC training are responsible for the service. Shenen and Ijaji health Centers are upgraded in terms of training of staff members, provision of equipment and supplies, and regular supervision so that the community in these areas has access to basic EmOC services. To replicate similar activities, in a setting like ours, EmOC projects have to be low cost to attract decision‐makers. The SMP used almost US $100 000 over 3 years to ensure availability of EmOC services for women in WSZ. A favorable political climate such as maintenance of relative peace, and flexibility in adapting to local conditions also contributed to the success of the SMP.
Risk factors for secondary arrest of labor among women >41 weeks' gestation with an unfavorable cervix undergoing membrane sweeping for cervical ripening
Authors: Magann E.F , Chauhan S.P , Mobley J.A , Klausen J.H , Martin Jr J.N , Morrison J.C
Published: April 2003

Objective: To identify the risk factor(s) for secondary arrest of labor among women with an unfavorable cervix at >41 weeks' gestation. Methods: Prospectively all gravid women with a Bishop score of ≤4 and no contraindication to a vaginal delivery were candidates for this study. Univariate analysis followed by logistic regression modeling were used to identify variables with a significant association. Results: Over a 9‐month period, 115 women entered into the study. In univariate analysis, variables with a significant association with cesarean delivery: (1) non‐Caucasian race (P=0.007), Bishop score <7 at hospitalization; P=0.001, and reason for admission (P=0.017). Logistic regression analysis yielded OR 4.7 (1.6, 15) non‐Caucasian race and 9.5 (3.2, 30.8) Bishop <7 on admission. Conclusion: Pregnancies >41 weeks with an unfavorable cervix, non‐Caucasian race and a failure to achieve a Bishop score of ≥7 prior to hospitalization were significant risk factors for abdominal delivery.
Sonographically diagnosed pelvic hematomas and postcesarean febrile morbidity
Authors: Gemer O , Shenhav S , Segal S , Harari D , Segal O , Zohav E
Published: April 2003

Objective: To evaluate the incidence of ultrasonographically‐diagnosed postcesarean hematomas and correlate their presence with febrile morbidity. Methods: Prospective study of 111 consecutive patients who had a pelvic ultrasound 4–6 days post‐operatively. Ultrasonographic findings were correlated with clinical data. Results: Post‐operative fever was diagnosed in 28 (25%) patients. Fifteen (13.5%) women had hematomas; 10 (9%) had bladder‐flap and five (4.5%) had subfascial hematomas. Only subfascial hematomas were significantly associated with post‐operative fever (P=0.01). Conclusions: Postcesarean bladder‐flap hematomas are not predictive of post‐operative fever. The presence of subfascial hematomas should be specifically sought in the evaluation of a febrile postcesarean patient.
Timing of suicide attempts by self‐poisoning during pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Czeizel A.E , Tı́már L , Susánszky É
Published: April 2003

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the timing and consequences of suicide attempts by self‐poisoning during pregnancy. Methods: A population‐based prospective study was organised in the toxicological in‐patient hospital in Budapest which is responsible for health services for adult inhabitants poisoned by ingesting chemicals in Budapest and the surrounding area involving 3 million people between 1985 and 1993. All women aged between 16 and 50 years (22 969) who were admitted to the study hospital due to suicide attempts by drug ingestion were examined by a sensitive serum pregnancy test. Results: Of 559 self‐poisoned pregnant women, two died. The peak period of suicide attempts was found to be in the first postconceptual month and its majority resulted in a very early fetal loss. The second highest figure was recorded in the second postconceptual month. Thus, 61% of suicide attempts occurred before the third postconceptual month. Later pregnancies had a significantly lower proportion of attempting suicide parallel with advanced fetal development. Conclusions: Most suicide attempts by self‐poisoning occurred after the early recognition of unwanted pregnancies and most resulted in a very early fetal loss. Pregnancies with advanced gestation months had a significantly lower proportion of attempting suicide.
Factors affecting the contraceptive choice in a developing country
Authors: Ozalp S , Yalcin O.T , Hassa H , Erbay B , Dalan N
Published: April 2003

Objectives: To evaluate the factors affecting the contraceptive choice of women in a developing country. Methods: Demographic characteristics, education and income level, previous and current contraceptive choices of the women from a maternity and a university hospital were retrospectively reviewed for 2 years. The data obtained from the two hospitals were analyzed by Student's t‐ and χ2‐tests. Results: Family planning services were offered to 651 and 7427 women in the university and the maternity hospital, respectively. Although the mean ages and income levels of the women in two centers were similar, the women in the university hospital had lower mean gravidity and mean number of living child, while they had higher education level and previous modern contraceptive use (P<0.05–0.001). The women in the university hospital more frequently preferred combined oral contraceptive and surgical sterilization, while those in the maternity hospital chose condom and intrauterine device (P<0.01–0.001). Conclusions: Women with higher education level had a lower number of pregnancies and living children due to more frequent use of previous effective contraception and they chose combined oral contraceptives and irreversible methods more frequently.
Estrogen therapy for depression in postmenopausal women
Authors: Carranza‐Lira S , Valentino‐Figueroa M.L
Published: April 2003

Objective: To look at the modification in depressive mood in postmenopausal depressed women after estrogen replacement therapy (ERT). Method: Twelve depressed patients divided into two groups of six women each were studied. One group received conjugated equine estrogens (CEE) 0.625 mg/day; the other did not receive any treatment (control group). Mood was assessed in all the subjects at baseline and at 6 months with Hamilton Rating Scale score and considered as depression when it was >15. Differences between groups were determined by Mann–Whitney U‐test, and in each group between baseline and 6‐month values with Wilcoxon test. Results: The ERT group had a statistically significant decrease in depressive mood (21 vs. 13 points, P<0.03), while in the control group no significant change was found. Final Hamilton scale scores were significantly lower (P<0.05) in those under ERT, when compared with those in the control group. Conclusion: Depressive mood decreased after 6 months with CEE, so the prescription of ERT can be useful in postmenopausal women with depressive mood.
S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) in a feline acetaminophen model of oxidative injury
Authors: Webb CB , Twedt DC , Fettman MJ , Mason G
Published: April 2003

S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is reported to have hepatoprotective and antioxidant functions. Acetaminophen (paracetamol) was used to induce oxidative damage in cats, and to then determine the effect of SAMe treatment on erythrocyte morphology, PCV, liver histopathology, thiobarbituate reacting substances (TBARS), reduced glutathione (GSH), and oxidised glutathione (GSSG).

Cats receiving acetaminophen had a significant increase in methemoglobin and Heinz body production. A significant effect for the interaction of time and treatment was found for Heinz body production and changes in PCV. No significant changes were found in blood or hepatic TBARS. Blood GSH increased significantly in all cats, while the blood GSH:GSSG ratio tended to increase the most in cats given acetaminophen only. The hepatic GSH:GSSG ratio tended to increase in cats given SAMe and decrease in cats given acetaminophen, but this effect was not significant.

SAMe protected erythrocytes from oxidative damage by limiting Heinz body formation and erythrocyte destruction and maybe useful in treating acetaminophen toxicity.
Understanding Cardiac Follow-Up Services—A Qualitative Study of Patients, Healthcare Professionals, and Managers
Authors: Henriksen E. , Rosenqvist U.
Published: April 2003

The study explores the experience and understanding of stakeholders involved in follow-up services after a cardiovascular event. A multimethod approach was used consisting of questionnaires, telephone surveys, and in-depth, face-to-face interviews. Five themes were identified: patients wished to be seen in their total context, patients should do as told; healthcare professionals perform check-ups and control cardiac risk factors; healthcare professionals are in charge of the care processes; and the structure and processes of the healthcare organization. Results indicate that healthcare professionals have considerable difficulty in understanding the patient's situation and to collaborate between different levels of care. Furthermore, the total healthcare organization lacked comprehensive and practical structures in the follow-up process, rehabilitation, and secondary preventive services.
Seed chitinases
Authors: Gomez L. , Allona I. , Casado R. , Aragoncillo C.
Published: April 2003

Specific chitinases accumulate in seeds of many species as part of their normal developmental programme. Some chitinases can also be induced in developing and germinating seeds in response to microbial attack. All known seed isoforms belong to classes I, II, IV and VII, which are encoded byChiagenes, as well as to the more divergent class III encoded byChibgenes. The study of seed-specific chitinases has contributed significantly to current knowledge of this ubiquitous protein family, including antifungal properties, structure, specificity and catalytic mechanism. Indeed, the first plant chitinase for which a three-dimensional structure was solved had been isolated from barley seeds. Moreover, the finding that a chitinase could rescue a somatic embryo mutant was the first evidence of a non-defensive function. Several lines of evidence have substantiated the biotechnological potential of chitinases to counter plant fungal disease. The recent identification of several seed and fruit chitinases as major panallergens should be taken into account when selecting the genes to be introduced into food crops.
Effects of light, temperature and population variability on the germination of seven Spanish pines
Authors: Escudero A. , Pérez-García F. , Luzuriaga A. L.
Published: April 2003

MostPinusspecies are obligate seeders. Thus, knowledge of germination characteristics can help in the understanding, prediction and manipulation of the regeneration and dynamics of pine forests. Seven pine species with contrasting habitat preferences and different genetic pairwise distances are present in the Iberian Peninsula and the Canary Islands:P. halepensis, P. nigra, P. pinaster, P. pinea, P. sylvestris, P. uncinataandP. canariensis. These seven pine species comprise an exceptional experimental set to test some questions related to germination traits, such as: (1) What are the effects of light and temperature on germination, taking into account interpopulation variability? (2) Is there any association of germination traits with habitat (montane versus lowland) preferences? and (3) What is the relationship between germination traits and the genetic distance between pine species?P. nigra,P. sylvestrisandP. uncinataseeds showed faster germination rates. Seeds ofP. nigraandP. sylvestrisreached high total germination percentages in every temperature and light treatment, suggesting an opportunistic germination strategy. Unlike montane pines, lowland pines did show significant effects of temperature on germination response: final germination was higher between 15°C and 20°C than at warmer and alternating temperatures. Relatively low temperatures associated with the winter rainy season would favour germination of most of these species. Nested models showed that population variability was the main source of variation in germination response. Thus, there is no phylogenetic control of the germination response and, surprisingly, germination traits were not related to habitat preferences. As a consequence, we believe that studies of the germination characteristics of a pine species should consider different populations.
Functions and regulation of β-1,3-glucanases during seed germination, dormancy release and after-ripening
Authors: Leubner-Metzger Gerhard
Published: April 2003

β-1,3-Glucanase (βGlu) expression in seeds plays important roles in the regulation of seed germination, dormancy and in the defence against seed pathogens. A thickβ-1,3-glucan layer is typical for the seed envelope of cucurbitaceous species, confers seed semipermeability and is degraded during germination. In many species with coat-imposed dormancy, the seed envelope confers a physical constraint to radicle emergence. In the solanaceous species, the micropylar endosperm and testa have this function, and endosperm weakening appears to be a prerequisite for germination. Class IβGlu is transcriptionally induced in the micropylar endosperm of tobacco, tomato and other solanaceous seeds just prior to radicle emergence.βGlu induction and germination are tightly linked in response to plant hormones and environmental factors, e.g. they are both promoted by gibberellins and inhibited by abscisic acid (ABA). Sense and antisense transformation of tobacco reveals two sites ofβGlu action: after-ripening-mediated release of testa-imposed dormancy and endosperm rupture during germination. The use of an ABA-inducible chimeric sense-transgene resulted in overexpression of class IβGlu in seeds and provided direct evidence thatβGlu contributes to endosperm rupture. A model integratingβGlu, seed dormancy, after-ripening and germination is presented, and possible mechanisms forβGlu action are discussed. It is proposed thatβGlu not only helps defend seeds against pathogens, but is also a key factor in regulating coat-imposed dormancy and germination of seeds in response to environmental and hormonal cues.
Membrane integrity and oxidative properties of mitochondria isolated from imbibing pea seeds after priming or accelerated ageing
Authors: Benamar Abdelilah , Tallon Christelle , Macherel David
Published: April 2003

Germination is an energy-demanding process that requires the operation of mitochondria, which must survive desiccation in the quiescent seed and become rapidly functional after imbibition to meet the ATP demand. The relationship between germination and mitochondrial performance was addressed by analysing the properties of mitochondria isolated from control, primed and aged pea (Pisum sativum L.) seeds. Mitochondria were isolated and purified at early stages of germination (before radicle protrusion), and their oxidative properties, membrane integrity and ultrastructure were examined. Mitochondria isolated after 12 h of imbibition readily oxidized exogenous NADH and Krebs cycle substrates at high rates. However, their phosphorylation efficiency was restricted by poor membrane integrity. After 22 h from the beginning of imbibition, purified seed mitochondria had intact outer membranes and oxidized the substrates at slightly lower rates, but with higher respiratory control (improved capacity for phosphorylation). Purified seed mitochondria were always found to be deficient in endogenous NAD, although the organelles were capable of importing and retaining the cofactor. While the priming treatment appeared to slightly increase the performance of mitochondria, seed deterioration by accelerated ageing strongly affected the oxidative properties of mitochondria, which were badly impaired in ATP production. Outer and inner membrane integrity was identified as the primary target for desiccation and ageing stress. A link between mitochondrial function and seed quality was also corroborated by respiration measurements of seed fragments at the onset of imbibition.
A quantitative analysis of dormancy loss dynamics inPolygonum aviculareL. seeds: Development of a thermal time model based on changes in seed population thermal parameters
Authors: Batlla Diego , Benech-Arnold Roberto Luis
Published: April 2003

A model for simulatingPolygonum aviculareL. seed dormancy loss in relation to stratification temperature was developed. The model employs the lower limit temperature for germination (Tl) as an index of seed population dormancy status. While population mean forTl(Tl(50)) andTldistribution within the population (σTl) are allowed to vary as seeds are released from dormancy, other thermal parameters characterizing the germination thermal responses (base, optimal and maximal temperatures, and thermal time required for germination) and the higher limit temperature for germination (Th) are held constant. In order to relate changes inTl(50)and σTlto variable time and temperature, a stratification thermal time index (Stt) was developed, which consists of the accumulation of thermal time units under a threshold temperature for dormancy loss to occur. Therefore,Tl(50)and σTlvaried in relation to the accumulation ofSttaccording to time and temperature. To derive model equations, changes in seed population thermal parameters were estimated for buried seeds stored at 1.6, 7 and 12°C for 110 d. Seeds were exhumed at regular intervals, and were incubated at 15°C and at a gradually increasing temperature regime in the range 6–25°C. The germination time-course curves obtained were reproduced using a mathematical model. Thermal parameters that best fit simulated and experimentally obtained germination time-course curves were determined. Model performance was evaluated against data of two unrelated experiments, showing acceptable prediction of timing and percentage of germination of seeds exhumed from field and controlled temperature conditions.
The influence of selected factors on perceptions of the general public regarding services provided by medical practitioners
Authors: Tait M. , van Eeden S.M. , Tait M.
Published: April 2003

The South African medical fraternity is existing within an increasingly turbulent environment, characterised by government interference, budget cuts, restrictive legislation, as well as diseases which threaten the very basis on which this fraternity exits. The medical profession exists within the ambit of services marketing. Attempts to improve the service delivery should be studied within this framework. Medical doctors are in short supply and complaints regarding the services provided are increasing. The focus of the article is on current and potential patients of general medical practitioners in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The sample size was 500, which yielded 156 useable questionnaires. The response rate of 31.2 per cent was regarded as acceptable. The location of the practice of the medical practitioner and personal loyalty of the patient towards the medical practitioner, are of vital importance in determining whether the patient will return or not, and whether a positive perception will be developed.
Tourism in Africa’s economic development: policy implications
Authors: Dieke Peter U.C.
Published: April 2003

This paper assesses the progress that has been made in realizing the contributions of tourism to Africa’s economic development. It does this by examining the nature of tourism development and identifying problems that have inhibited this. Consequently, the paper highlights the need for intra‐African co‐operation for the provision of an enabling environment and mobilization of strategic resources. It concludes that successful tourism development in Africa is predicated on attention to a range of issues such as clear tourism development objectives, integration of these into national plans, local involvement and control, regional co‐operation and integration, tourism entrepreneurship, etc. Africa’s experience may have relevance to other developing countries seeking to encourage tourism development strategy.
Debt burden and corruption impacts: African market dynamism
Authors: Richards Darlington , Nwanna Gladson , Nwankwo Sonny
Published: April 2003

Heavy debt burdens and corruption have not only had a debilitating effect on development but also undermined efforts at economic recovery and market‐enhancing initiatives in many African countries. Africa is the world’s most aid‐dependent and indebted region of the world. Much of the resources that could have been ploughed into investments are used to service debts and/or misappropriated by corrupt leaders – with all the attendant negative perceptions of Africa’s business environment. Therefore, in developing a “business plan” for Africa’s economic renascence, corruption and debt management and mismanagement (by both lenders and borrowers) need to be put squarely on the agenda. Against the backdrop of the currency of opinion for debt relief, this paper highlights the institutional processes that underlie the misallocation and misappropriation of original receipts, policy dynamism of their management and the overall market impact.
The myth(?) of the police sub‐culture
Authors: Cochran John K. , Bromley Max L.
Published: April 2003

This study examines empirically the extent to which there is evidence of an endemic sub‐culture of policing among a sample of sheriffs’ deputies. While failing to observe widespread adherence to the sub‐cultural norms and values suggested in the literature, such adherence is observed among a subset of our sample. Advanced statistical techniques (i.e. cluster analysis and discriminant function analysis) are then used to create, replicate, and validate a numerical taxonomy of policing. The taxonomy reveals three types of law enforcement orientations: “Sub‐Cultural Adherents,” “COP Cops,” who represent a nouveau sub‐culture strongly committed to public service, and “Normals,” who, on average, are quite average and are not especially committed to either sub‐cultural form.
Justice and law enforcement in Afghanistan under the Taliban
Authors: Mohammad Fida , Conway Paul
Published: April 2003

Presents an overview of the justice and law enforcement systems which prevailed in Afghanistan under the Taliban, incorporating personal views of some Afghan intellectuals and Pakistani intelligence officials who had close contact with Taliban personnel. Summarizes the historical background and notes the historic strong, informal social controls with retributive elements of tribal societies; the failed attempt to introduce a Soviet‐style criminal justice system after the Communist coup of 1978; the ensuing period of general chaos and anarchy, brought to an end by the emergence of the Taliban on Afghanistan’s political and military scene by the mid‐1990s, which established some sort of civil order, ruthlessly enforced according to the Taliban’s own interpretation of Islamic justice. Describes the hierarchies within the country’s administrative system and methods of solving civil and criminal disputes. Concludes that it is too early to predict whether a new viable legal order will emerge in the future, particularly when warlords control significant regions beyond the Karzai‐administered city of Kabul.
Gender differences in laboratory aggression under response choice conditions
Authors: Zeichner Amos , Parrott Dominic J. , Frey F. Charles
Published: March 2003

Eighty‐four undergraduate student volunteers were tested on the Response Choice Aggression Paradigm [Zeichner et al., 1999]. Men (n=43) and women (n=41) participants were provoked in a reaction time competition by receiving electric shocks and were allowed to respond to a confederate with similar shocks or to refrain from any retaliation. Results indicated that men administered more shocks, chose more intense shocks, and administered the highest available shock at a greater proportion relative to all their shock selections than did women. In contrast, women evinced a longer latency before becoming aggressive and initiated aggression at lower intensities than did men. Moreover, across shock trials, gender‐specific aggression patterns indicated that while men alternated response frequency, women gradually increased their response frequency to a peak close to the end of the task. The results confirm earlier findings of gender differences in aggression and offer new indices of aggression “flashpoint” as a step closer to understanding aggressive behavior in naturalistic circumstances. Aggr. Behav. 29:95–106, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Links between social information processing in middle childhood and involvement in bullying
Authors: Camodeca Marina , Goossens Frits A. , Schuengel Carlo , Terwogt Mark Meerum
Published: March 2003

The aim of this study was to investigate the way in which bullies, victims, bully/victims, and those not involved process social information. A peer nomination measure of bullying and victimization was administered twice over an interval of one year. The sample consisted of 236 (126 girls and 110 boys) children at the beginning of the study (T1) and 242 children one year later (T2) (mean age: 8 years). To test how children responded when provoked, both spontaneously and after prompting, we used provocation scenarios, and to test their attributional interpretations we used ambiguous scenarios. The results showed that children not involved in bullying responded in an assertive way to provocation more often than bullies and victims, but not more than bully/victims. In general, aggressive answers diminished after prompting and irrelevant answers increased. Appealing for the help of an adult or a peer was the strategy most often chosen. When the intent of the perpetrator was ambiguous, bully/victims attributed more blame, were angrier, and would retaliate more than those not involved. Partly similar results were obtained when stably involved children were compared with those unstably involved. Suggestions for intervention are presented. Aggr. Behav. 29:116–127, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of chronic administration with high doses of testosterone propionate on behavioral and physiological parameters in mice with differing basal aggressiveness
Authors: Martínez‐Sanchis Sonia , Arnedo M. Teresa , Salvador Alicia , Moya‐Albiol Luis , González‐Bono Esperanza
Published: March 2003

The effects of testosterone propionate, an anabolic‐androgenic steroid, on the behavior displayed during a social encounter by gonadally intact male mice were investigated. Animals were distributed into three groups according to their attack latency in a pre‐screening test (high‐, moderate‐, and low‐ attacking mice) and each group received weekly injections of 60 or 120 mg/kg of testosterone or sesame oil for 10 weeks. Behavioral tests were then carried out. Afterwards, organs were weighed and blood samples collected in order to obtain hormonal data. Treatment had a differential impact on attack in the three groups of animals. Only the high‐attacking testosterone‐treated mice showed lower total duration of attack than their controls. Those that received 60 mg/kg spent more time exhibiting exploratory behaviors. As an index of the anabolic activity of the drug, all testosterone‐treated mice had heavier kidneys and, as an index of the androgenic activity of testosterone propionate, they had heavier seminal vesicles, lighter testes, and showed higher testosterone levels in a dose‐dependent way than their controls. Hence, the effect of treatment on peripheral physiological parameters was similar in all three groups whereas behavioral effects differed depending on basal aggressiveness, considered a characteristic of coping style. Aggr. Behav. 29:173–189, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Retaliatory motivation enhances attributions of hostility when people process ambiguous social stimuli
Authors: Topalli Volkan , O'Neal Edgar C.
Published: March 2003

We hypothesized that provocation and readiness to aggress (Retaliatory Motivation) would increase the tendency to construe the ambiguous actions of others as reflecting hostile intent. Male undergraduates were either verbally provoked or not provoked by a male experimenter and half were led to believe that they would be allowed to retaliate anonymously against the provoker in the form of a potentially damaging written evaluation. Participants then rated the hostility and aggressive intent of the characters in brief ambiguous scenarios of interpersonal conflict. According to prediction, men who were provoked and anticipated retaliation against their provoker rated the scenarios as containing hostility and aggression to a significantly greater extent than did non‐provoked or merely provoked participants. Results are discussed within a motivation‐based affective relevance model of perception. Aggr. Behav. 29:155–172, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
van den Ende–Gupta syndrome of blepharophimosis, arachnodactyly, and congenital contractures: Clinical delineation and recurrence in brothers
Authors: Schweitzer Daniela N. , Lachman Ralph S. , Pressman Barry D. , Graham John M.
Published: March 2003

We describe two Hispanic brothers born to unrelated parents with van den Ende–Gupta syndrome (VDEGS), a distinctive combination of characteristic dysmorphic features, skeletal abnormalities, and cerebellar hyperplasia. This syndrome was previously delineated by van den Ende et al. [1992: Am J Med Genet 42:467–469] and Gupta et al. [1995: J Med Genet 32:809–812], with additional reports by Phadke et al. [1998: Am J Med Genet 77:16–18] and Bistritzer et al. [1993: Clin Genet 44:15–19]. This is the fifth report of VDEGS, which is characterized by blepharophimosis, narrow nose with hypoplastic alae nasi, hypoplastic maxilla, everted lower lip, slender and elongated hands and feet, arachnodactyly, self‐limiting joint contractures, and distinctive skeletal findings. This report of affected siblings, and a previous report of double second cousins born to consanguineous parents [Bistritzer et al. [1993: Clin Genet 44:15–19]], suggests autosomal recessive inheritance. This brings to eight, the total number of reported cases, derived from six families, three of which are consanguineous. It is important to distinguish VDEGS from Marden–Walker syndrome (MWS) since both syndromes include blepharophimosis, arachnodactyly, and congenital contractures. Both syndromes are inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion, but VDEGS lacks severe mental retardation, serious brain malformations, microcephaly, failure to thrive, and severe joint limitation, which are consistently present in MWS. Of particular importance, MWS may be associated with cerebellar malformations such as Dandy‐Walker malformation, while the brothers reported herein with VDEGS both demonstrated distinctive cerebellar enlargement, a new finding for this disorder. While, congenital contractures with arachnodactyly are features commonly seen in several other delineated syndromes, such as congenital contractural arachnodactyly (CCA) syndrome, characteristic facial features (blepharophimosis, narrow nose with ocular hypertelorism, prominent ears, and everted lower lip), distinguish VDEGS from other syndromes associated with CCA, including CCA. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mapping of MRX81 in Xp11.2‐Xq12 suggests the presence of a new gene involved in nonspecific X‐linked mental retardation
Authors: Annunziata Ida , Lanzara Carmela , Conte Ivan , Zullo Alberto , Ventruto Valerio , Rinaldi Maria Michela , D'Urso Michele , Casari Giorgio , Ciccodicola Alfredo , Miano Maria Giuseppina
Published: March 2003

X‐linked nonspecific mental retardation (MRX) accounts for ∼25% of mental retardation in males. A number of MRX loci have been mapped on the X chromosome, reflecting the complexity of gene action in central nervous system (CNS) specification and function. Eleven MRX genes have been identified, but many other causative loci remain to be refined to the single gene level. In 21 MRX families, the causative gene is located in the pericentromeric region; and we report here the identification by linkage analysis of a further such locus, MRX81. The new MRX locus was identified by two‐ and multi‐point parametric analysis carried out on a large Italian family. Tight linkage of MRX81 to DNA markers ALAS2, DXS991, and DXS7132 was observed with a maximum LOD score of 3.43. Haplotype construction delineates an MRX81 critical region of 8 cM, the smallest MRX pericentromeric interval so far described, between DXS1039 and DXS1216, and placing it in Xp11.2‐Xq12. So far, automated sequencing of two candidates in the region, the MRX gene oligophrenin (OPHN1) and the brain‐specific ephrinB1 (EFNB1) gene, in DNA from affected males excluded their candidacy for MRX81, suggesting a novel disease gene. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mechanism of intrachromosomal triplications 15q11‐q13: A new clinical report
Authors: Vialard François , Mignon‐Ravix Cécile , Parain Dominique , Depetris Danielle , Portnoï Marie‐France , Moirot Hélène , Mattei Marie‐Geneviève
Published: March 2003

We describe here a patient with intrachromosomal triplication 15q11‐q13, a rare chromosomal event associated with severe mental retardation and intractable epilepsy. Cytogenetic studies including FISH on interphasic nuclei showed that the middle segment of the triplication was inverted in orientation. Molecular analyses demonstrated that the rearrangement was of maternal origin. Based on these cytogenetic and molecular data and those of the nine cases reported in the literature, we discuss the mechanistic origins of these triplications. We present several arguments for the mechanism involving two U‐type exchanges occurring simultaneously at the pachytene stage of meiosis. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effective monosomy or trisomy of chromosome band 2q37.3 due to the unbalanced segregation of a 2;11 translocation
Authors: Batstone Paul J. , Simpson Sheila , Bonthron David T. , Keng Wee T. , Hamilton Doreen , Forsyth Linda , Sales Mark , Pratt Norman , Goudie David
Published: March 2003

We report a seven generation family in which a 2;11 chromosome translocation is segregating. Both unbalanced segregants have been found in the family, and cytogenetic analysis demonstrates that this results in effective monosomy or trisomy for chromosome band 2q37.3. Those family members who are monosomic exhibit a variable phenotype with a number of features associated with an Albright's Hereditary Osteodystrophy‐like phenotype (AHO‐like) whilst those who are trisomic have a phenotypic spectrum ranging from mild facial anomalies and growth retardation to apparent normality. The latter group of patients represent the first reported patients with pure trisomy for chromosome band 2q37.3. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of a chromosome 8‐derived minute marker chromosome using microdissection and FISH in a boy with growth retardation
Authors: Engelen J.J.M. , Schrander‐Stumpel C.T.R.M. , Theunissen P.M.V.M. , Vaes‐Peeters G. , Albrechts J.C.M. , Hamers A.J.H.
Published: March 2003

In a 9‐year‐old boy referred because of growth retardation, chromosome analysis showed the presence of a minute marker chromosome in 75% of the metaphases examined. The application of microdissection in combination with fluorescence in situ hybridization demonstrated that the marker was derived from the centromere region of chromosome 8, the karyotype being: mos 47,XY,+mar.ish der(8)(D8Z1+)[75]/46,XY[25]. The clinical and cytogenetical findings are compared with cases previously reported in the literature. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.