bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The conservation status and vocalizations of threatened birds from the scarp forests of the Western Angola Endemic Bird Area
Authors: RYAN PETER G. , SINCLAIR IAN , COHEN CALLAN , MILLS MICHAEL S. L. , SPOTTISWOODE CLAIRE N. , CASSIDY RODNEY
Published: November 2004

The western Angola Endemic Bird Area has 14 range-restricted species. Little is known about the conservation status of the region's birds due to the civil war that has raged in Angola for the last 27 years. The greatest diversity of restricted-range species is found in Cuanza Sul province, and given the uncertainty about their current status, many of these species are listed as Threatened. In this paper we report the first significant ornithological visits to the Gabela region since 1974. We visited an extensive scarp forest patch at Kumbira Primero, near Conda, as well as smaller forest areas along the Sumbe–Gabela and Sumbe–Seles roads. Most of the threatened species were relocated, including several species not seen since the 1970s. Gabela Bush-shrike Laniarius amboimensis was common and Monteiro's Bush-shrike Malaconotus monteiri was fairly common in degraded secondary forest, old coffee plantations and primary forest at Kumbira. Pulitzer's Longbill Macrosphenus pulitzeri was fairly common at higher elevations at Kumbira as well as in the dense understorey of secondary forest west of Seles. Gabela Akalat Sheppardia gabela was less common, with only three birds found at Kumbira and one near Seles, but may have been overlooked. Only one group of eight Gabela Helmet-shrike Prionops gabela was recorded, in open woodland at the base of the scarp between Kumbira and Seles. Angola Cave-chat Xenocopsychus ansorgei was found on the rocky slopes above the forest at Kumbira. We describe the first sound recordings for five threatened species, which will help future systematic surveys of the region's forests. Vocal evidence confirms the close relationship between Gabela Bush-shrike and Lühder's Bush-shrike L. luehderi. The most pressing need is to assess the extent of remaining forests, map the distribution of key species of conservation concern, and then draft a strategy to conserve key habitat blocks.
Group size and habitat use by Black-necked Storks Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus in an agriculture-dominated landscape in Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: SUNDAR K. S. GOPI
Published: November 2004

Group size and habitat use of Black-necked Storks Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus were studied over a 30-month period in an unprotected landscape with a mosaic of natural and manmade features in Etawah and Mainpuri districts, Uttar Pradesh, India. Group size was largely one or two and never more than a family of two adults and three young. Group size did not change with season or across habitat types. Black-necked Storks used habitats to different extents across years and seasons. Wetlands were preferred in all seasons and rice-paddies were preferred during the monsoon. The use of irrigation canals was consistent across seasons and was always in proportion to their availability. Irrigation canals and crop-fields, particularly flooded rice-fields, provided some additional habitat to Black-necked Storks, but catered to the population for a very small period of time. While some studies have demonstrated that flooded rice-fields are useful for wintering waterbird species, conversion of natural wetlands to crop-fields will not be advantageous to Black-necked Storks, and these habitats need to be preserved to conserve the species.
Considerations for targeting soil conservation investments in southern Honduras
Authors: THUROW AMY P. , THUROW THOMAS L. , SANTOS HECTOR R.
Published: November 2004

Honduras is vulnerable to catastrophic losses associated with landslides and flooding in the aftermath of hurricanes (Fifi in 1974 and Mitch in 1998, most recently). Taking a watershed-scale approach to targeting conservation programs to promote stability on cropped steeplands in rural southern Honduras would reduce landslide and flooding risks, thus protecting export-earning downstream industries and investments. A case study of the Land Use and Productivity Enhancement project (1990–1998) was conducted to estimate the costs of extension programming to promote three conservation technologies – mulching, vetiver grass barriers, and rock walls – and to assess their efficacy (i.e., cost per ton of soil saved). Geographic Information System mapping tools were applied to suggest conservation priorities for steepland sites that are the most prone to landslides, both to maximize the soil saved per hectare protected and to minimize downstream damages.
Irrigation water pricing: policy implications based on international comparison
Authors: TSUR YACOV , DINAR ARIEL , DOUKKALI RACHID M. , ROE TERRY
Published: November 2004

This paper is concerned with the regulation of irrigation water via pricing. The main concepts underlying efficient water use are first discussed and then applied in actual practice to demonstrate empirically how readily available data can be used to implement pricing schemes that achieve efficient allocation of water. The policy discussion includes also equity considerations. The empirical findings, however, reveal that water prices have a small effect on income distribution within the farming sector, thereby supporting the view that water pricing should be designed primarily to increase the efficiency of water use, leaving income distribution considerations to other policy tools.
Rights transfers in Madagascar biodiversity policies: achievements and significance
Authors: ANTONA MARTINE , BIÉNABE ESTELLE MOTTE , SALLES JEAN-MICHEL , PÉCHARD GÉRALDINE , AUBERT SIGRID , RATSIMBARISON RIVO
Published: November 2004

Decentralization and people's participation have been key features of government environmental policy since the 1990s. In Madagascar, the policy of Secured Local Management of Natural Resources, known as the GELOSE act, has created a framework for the transfer of rights from central government to local communities. This article analyses the practical implementation of this policy by focusing on the nature of the rights transferred and on the nature of the contracts and incentives developed. The Aghion and Tirole model for allocation of formal and real authority in an organization is used to shed light on the contractual definition process and on the trade-offs between giving responsibilities to local communities and losing control over natural resources management. It is shown that a congruence of interests between the parties is crucial for effective delegation of authority to local communities and that this congruence may emerge in relation to the transfer of exclusion rights.
Environmental values and resource management options: a choice modelling experience in Malaysia
Authors: OTHMAN JAMAL , BENNETT JEFF , BLAMEY RUSSELL
Published: November 2004

The management of the Matang Mangrove Wetlands in Perak State, Malaysia is under review. To assist decision makers in determining the optimal management strategy, a choice modelling application was undertaken to estimate the non-market values provided under different management options. Implicit prices for environmental attributes including the area of environmental forest protected, the number of bird species protected and the recreation use of the area were estimated. In addition, the implicit price of a social, non-market attribute, the employment of local people in wetland based extractive industries, was estimated. Compensating surplus estimates for a number of alternative wetland management scenarios were also calculated.
The Association of Forskolin-Stimulated Cyclic AMP Levels in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Healthy People with Depressive Mood and Sense of Coherence
Authors: Cohen Miri , Sklair-Tavron Liora , Pollack Shimon
Published: November 2004

Abstract: Background: Depressive mood exerts a suppressive effect on immune functions, mediated through neuro-immune processes. Research suggests a protective effect of sense of coherence (SOC) on psychological and physical health in face of stressful life events. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is a cellular second messenger that is coupled to certain receptors expressed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). By interfering with the neuro-endocrine-immune axis, depressive mood may induce changes in intracellular cAMP levels in PBMC. Aims of study: To examine a possible association of SOC, stressful life events during the previous year, depressive mood, and cAMP levels. Methods: Fifteen male volunteers participated in the study. They completed the SOC and Zung's depression questionnaires and stressful life events inventory. Basic cAMP level and forskolin-stimulated cAMP production were measured in PBMC. Results: Forskolin-stimulated cAMP production was significantly higher in individuals who reported higher depressive mood, more stressful life events, or lower SOC scores. SOC scores explained 40% of forskolin-stimulated cAMP production. Basal cAMP levels could not be correlated with psychological scores. Age or education level did not affect forskolin-stimulated or basal cAMP levels. Conclusions: Our data suggest that high forskolin-stimulated cAMP production in PBMC is associated with low SOC, which points to availability of personal resources for coping with stressful life events. Further examination of the possible mediating role of SOC in relation to depressive mood and neuroimmune functions is needed.
The mechanism of ammonia transport based on the crystal structure of AmtB of
Escherichia coli
Authors: Zheng Lei , Kostrewa Dirk , Bernèche Simon , Winkler Fritz K. , Li Xiao-Dan
Published: November 2004

Ammonium is one of the most important nitrogen sources for bacteria, fungi, and plants, but it is toxic to animals. The ammonium transport proteins (methylamine permeases/ammonium transporters/rhesus) are present in all domains of life; however, functional studies with members of this family have yielded controversial results with respect to the chemical identity (

\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\usepackage{wasysym}
\usepackage{amsfonts}
\usepackage{amssymb}
\usepackage{amsbsy}
\usepackage{mathrsfs}
\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}
\begin{document}
\begin{equation*}{\mathrm{NH}}_{4}^{+}\end{equation*}\end{document}

or NH
3
) of the transported species. We have solved the structure of wild-type AmtB from
Escherichia coli
in two crystal forms at 1.8- and 2.1-Å resolution, respectively. Substrate transport occurs through a narrow mainly hydrophobic pore located at the center of each monomer of the trimeric AmtB. At the periplasmic entry, a binding site for

\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\usepackage{wasysym}
\usepackage{amsfonts}
\usepackage{amssymb}
\usepackage{amsbsy}
\usepackage{mathrsfs}
\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}
\begin{document}
\begin{equation*}{\mathrm{NH}}_{4}^{+}\end{equation*}\end{document}

is observed. Two phenylalanine side chains (F107 and F215) block access into the pore from the periplasmic side. Further into the pore, the side chains of two highly conserved histidine residues (H168 and H318) bridged by a H-bond lie adjacent, with their edges pointing into the cavity. These histidine residues may facilitate the deprotonation of an ammonium ion entering the pore. Adiabatic free energy calculations support the hypothesis that an electrostatic barrier between H168 and H318 hinders the permeation of cations but not that of the uncharged NH
3.
The structural data and energetic considerations strongly indicate that the methylamine permeases/ammonium transporters/rhesus proteins are ammonia gas channels. Interestingly, at the cytoplasmic exit of the pore, two different conformational states are observed that might be related to the inactivation mechanism by its regulatory partner.
Combinatorics of traces of Hecke operators
Authors: Frechette Sharon , Ono Ken , Papanikolas Matthew
Published: November 2004

We investigate the combinatorial properties of the traces of the
n
th Hecke operators on the spaces of weight
2k
cusp forms of level
N
. We establish examples in which these traces are expressed in terms of classical objects in enumerative combinatorics (e.g., tilings and Motzkin paths). We establish in general that Hecke traces are explicit rational linear combinations of values of Gegenbauer (also known as ultraspherical) polynomials. These results arise from “packaging” the Hecke traces into power series in weight aspect. These generating functions are easily computed by using the Eichler–Selberg trace formula.
A requirement for breast-cancer-associated gene 1 (BRCA1) in the spindle checkpoint
Authors: Wang Rui-Hong , Yu Hongtao , Deng Chu-Xia
Published: November 2004

BRCA1-associated breast cancer exhibits significantly higher levels of chromosomal abnormalities than sporadic breast cancers. However, the molecular mechanisms regarding the roles of BRCA1 in maintaining genome integrity remain elusive. By using a mouse model deficient for Brca1 full-length isoform (
Brca1

Δ
11/
Δ
11

), we found that
Brca1

Δ
11/
Δ
11

cells displayed decreased expression of a number of genes that are involved in the spindle checkpoint, including Mad2, which is a key component of spindle checkpoint that inhibits anaphase-promoting complex. We showed that
Brca1

Δ
11/
Δ
11

cells failed to arrest at metaphase in the presence of nocodazole and underwent apoptosis because of activation of p53. Consistently, reconstitution of Mad2 in
Brca1

Δ
11/
Δ
11

cells partially restored the spindle checkpoint and attenuated apoptosis. By using UBR60 cells, which carry tetracycline-regulated expression of BRCA1, we demonstrated that BRCA1 binds to transcription factor OCT-1 and up-regulates the transcription of MAD2. Furthermore, we showed that the induction of BRCA1 to endogenous MAD2 or transfected MAD2 luciferase reporter in UBR60 cells was completely inhibited by acute suppression of BRCA1 by RNA interference. These data reveal a role of BRCA1 in maintaining genome integrity by interplaying with p53 and genes that are involved in the spindle checkpoint and apoptosis.
Processing of Notch and amyloid precursor protein by γ-secretase is spatially distinct
Authors: Tarassishin Leonid , Yin Ye Ingrid , Bassit Bhramdeo , Li Yue-Ming
Published: November 2004

γ-Secretase activity is associated with a presenilin (PS)-containing macromolecular complex. Whether PS contains the active site of γ-secretase has been controversial. One challenge is to find PS that is engaged in the active γ-secretase complex at the cell surface, where some substrates appear to be processed. In this study, we developed an intact cell photolabeling technique that allows the direct visualization of active γ-secretase at the cell surface. We demonstrated that active γ-secretase is present in the plasma membrane. Moreover, the PS1 heterodimer is specifically photolabeled at the cell surface by a potent inhibitor that binds to only the active γ-secretase. We also explored the cellular processing sites of γ-secretase for amyloid precursor protein (APP) and Notch by using small molecular probes. MRL631, a γ-secretase inhibitor that is unable to penetrate the cell membrane, significantly blocks γ-secretase-mediated Notch cleavage but has little effect on APP processing. These results indicate that Notch is processed at the cell surface and that the majority of APP is processed by intracellular γ-secretase. Furthermore, the fact that inhibitors first target γ-secretase in the plasma membrane for Notch processing, and not for APP, will have important implications for drug development to treat Alzheimer's disease and cancer.
Dimeric Novel HSP40 Is Incorporated into the Radial Spoke Complex during the Assembly Process in Flagella
Authors: Yang Chun , Compton Mark M. , Yang Pinfen
Published: November 2004

The radial spoke is a stable structural complex in the 9 + 2 axoneme for the control of flagellar motility. However, the spokes in Chlamydomonas mutant pf24 are heterogeneous and unstable, whereas several spoke proteins are reduced differentially. To elucidate the defective mechanism, we clone RSP16, a prominent spoke protein diminished in pf24 axonemes. Unexpectedly, RSP16 is a novel HSP40 member of the DnaJ superfamily that assists chaperones in various protein-folding-related processes. Importantly, RSP16 is uniquely excluded from the 12S spoke precursor complex that is packaged in the cell body and transported toward the flagellar tip to be converted into mature 20S axonemal spokes. Rather, RSP16, transported separately, joins the precursor complex in flagella. Furthermore, RSP16 molecules in vitro and in flagella form homodimers, a characteristic required for the cochaperone activity of HSP40. We postulate that the spoke HSP40 operates as a cochaperone to assist chaperone machinery at the flagellar tip to actively convert the smaller spoke precursor and itself into the mature stable complex; failure of the interaction between the spoke HSP40 and its target polypeptide results in heterogeneous unstable radial spokes in pf24.
THE EFFECTS OF SELECTED HERBICIDES ON ZYGOSPORE GERMINATION AND GROWTH OF CHLAMYDOMONAS MOEWUSII (CHLOROPHYCEAE, VOLVOCALES)11
Authors: Cain Jerome R. , Cain Renee K.
Published: November 2004

A laboratory study was conducted, to examine and compare the sensitivity of vegetative cells and zygospores of Chlamydomonas moewusii Gerloff to 20 different herbicides. Under the culture conditions employed, both vegetative growth and zygospore germination were affected by certain herbicides and not by others. Over a concentration range from 1.0–80.0 μM, growth was inhibited to various degrees by herbicides containing ametryne, paraquat, endothall, diquat, diuron, linuron, propanil, dinoseb, ioxynil, atrzine, prometon, and alachlor. Zygospore germination was inhibited significantly by herbicides containing dinoseb, endothall, parquet, diquat, propanil, linuron, ioxynil, ametryne, fenac and picloram at 80.0 μM concentrations. Comparisons of the results obtained indicate that concentrations of herbicides which affect growth may or may not effect zygospore germination and vice versa. Zygospores may be more resistant than vegetative cells to some but not all herbicides.
MORPHOMETRY OF BATRACHOSPERMUM POPULATIONS INTERMEDIATE BETWEEN B. BORYANUM AND B. ECTOCARPUM (RHODOPHYTA)1
Authors: Sheath Robert G. , Burkholder Jo Ann M.
Published: November 2004

Batrachospermum plants collected as part of a comprehensive study of New England streams were found to be intermediate between B. boryanum Sirdt. find B. ectocarpum Sirdt. Sixty‐four specimens from ten Rhode Island streams were examined for several characteristics in replicates of two to four hundred. The size ranges obtained were then compared with previous published data for B. boryanum and B. ectocarpum from Europe, Asia and North America. The Rhode Inland populations and individuals exhibited as much or even more variability as that reported for both species combined throughout the world. Therefore, it appears that there is no definite basis for separation of these taxa and it is proposed that they be merged under the name B. boryanum. This combined species ran be distinguished from other species of the section Batrachospermum by compressed mature lateral whorls, little secondary fascicle formation, curved distal branching, terminal hairs on a small proportion of branches, predominantly dioecious state, sessile trichogynes and carposporophytes in outer portions of lateral whorls.
ISOLATION OF NUCLEI FROM THE UNICELLULAR ALGA OLISTHODISCUS LUTEUS (CHLOROMONADOPHYCEAE)1
Authors: Rizzo Peter J. , Burghardt Robert C.
Published: November 2004

Methods are described for the isolation of nuclei from the marine chloromonad Olisthodiscus luteus. For each of the three alternative methods, the ratios to DNA of RNA, acid‐soluble and acid‐insoluble protein are 0. 17, 1.1 and 2.0, respectively. The nuclear preparations are free of whole cell and organelle contamination, although some membranes are present. The yield is 65–80% based on the recovery of DNA in the nuclear pellet. The nuclei are in DNA‐dependent RNA synthesis.
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS RELEASED FROM A NATURAL POPULATION OF EPIBENTHIC BLUEGREEN ALGAE1
Authors: Hall Shelly L. , Fisher Frank M.
Published: November 2004

Extracellular release of dissolved organic compounds by the bluegreen algal community of a brackish marsh was studied using 14C techniques. Mannitol and trehalose were identified as the most commonly released compounds. The proportions of these two extracellular compounds varied in response to light intensity and the water potential of the environment. The presence of mannitol, in particular, suggests that excretion of organic compounds in natural situations is a function of osmotic adjustment.
FLORIDOSIDES IN CYANIDIUM CALDARIUM, CYANIDIOSCHYZON MEROLAE AND GALDIERIA SULPHURARIA(RHODOPHYTA, CYANIDIOPHYCEAE)1
Authors: De Luca Paolo , Moretti Aldo
Published: November 2004

Cyanidium caldarium Geitler, Cyanidioschyzon merolae De Luca, Taddei & Varano and Galdieria sulphuraria (Galdieri) Merola are the three thermoacidophilic algae characterized by a chloroplast which is bounded by a single membrane. The presence of this atypical chloroplast made the inclusion of these algae in the Rhodophyta difficult. The discovery in the three algae of floridoside and isofloridoside, typical storage products of red algae, in compatible with their inclusion in the Rhodophyta
ON THE WEALTH DYNAMICS OF SWEDISH FAMILIES, 1984–98
Authors: Klevmarken N. Anders
Published: November 2004

This paper focuses on three issues. First, it analyzes the increasing inequality of wealth in Sweden in terms of percentile age and birth cohort differences, and finds very weak evidence of life‐cycle savings. There are rather strong birth cohort differences in wealth accumulation. Second, it is shown that bequests and inter vivo gifts contribute to the age and cohort differences in wealth, but do not increase the inequality of wealth. The third theme is mobility of wealth as a function of bequests, age, period, length of the transition period, and the magnitude of quantile differences.
UNDERSTANDING ECONOMIC GROWTH AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Authors: İşcan Talan B.
Published: November 2004

Review of Explaining Growth: A Global Research Perspective, edited by Gary McMahon and Lyn Squire and Productivity Growth, Inflation, and Unemployment: The Collected Essays of Robert J. Gordon by Robert J. Gordon
Why education matters to anthropology: An interview with Sue Wright
Authors: Houtman Gustaaf
Published: November 2004

‘Evidence‐based’ methodology has migrated from medical sciences to other disciplines and into policy‐making. An important vector is the US Council for Excellence in Government, which has four ex‐US presidents as honorary cochairs and which targets as principals (members) prestigious individuals who have served as public officials and are now leaders in corporations and NGOs. Through its Coalition for Evidence‐Based Policy, it is working with top federal and state policy makers, arguing that social policies should only be based on this methodology as it reveals ‘what works’ (a phrase echoed by Blair). Education has been a special target, and the Coalition and the US Department of Education cosponsored an OECD meeting on evidence‐based policy research in education in April 2004. It seems US university reform relies more on influencing research methodology than as yet in Europe. This methodology uses statistics and tests which are so large‐scale that they supposedly quash any political agendas harboured by academics. But which political agendas are promoting and prescribing this methodology for academic research into education and social policy?

The Danish meaning of pedagogy is the study of the formation of the person in all informal settings as well as in formal education. This differs from the English meaning of pedagogy which emphasizes principles and practice of teaching in formal education.
The Bologna process and European higher education
Authors: Mills David
Published: November 2004

Plenary Session, 8th Biennial Conference of the European Association of Social Anthropologists, 10 September 2004
Influence of Knowledge and Attitudes on Exclusive Breastfeeding Practice Among Rural Jamaican Mothers
Authors: Chatman Leia M. , Salihu Hamisu M. , Roofe Michele E.A. , Wheatle Patrick , Henry Donnadeen , Jolly Pauline E.
Published: November 2004

Abstract:  Background: A large number of mothers may not be practicing exclusive breastfeeding in rural Jamaica, although no recent systematic study has been conducted. The impact of knowledge about and attitude toward breastfeeding on the duration of exclusive breastfeeding is also poorly understood. The objective of this study was to gather information about factors that influence exclusive breastfeeding and its duration. Method: A cross‐sectional study was conducted in 11 health centers within the parish of Saint Ann, Jamaica. A pretested questionnaire collected information on breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes toward intention to breastfeed and other relevant sociodemographic characteristics. Results: Information was documented for 599 mother‐child pairs. The prevalence of breastfeeding initiation was 98.2 percent; of mothers who initiated breastfeeding, 22.2 percent practiced it exclusively (at least 6 months). No difference occurred between exclusive and nonexclusive breastfeeding mothers in terms of knowledge about and attitudes toward breastfeeding. Of potential predictors assessed, the male partner's role as the main source of income for the family was the only significant predictor for exclusive breastfeeding. Women whose male partner was the main source of income for the family were twice as likely to exclusively breastfeed their infants compared with the referent group (mothers as main source of income)(OR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.4–3.0). In addition, the dominant reason for partial breastfeeding was maternal anxiety that breastmilk alone might not provide sufficient nourishment. Conclusion: The level of exclusive breastfeeding was extremely low at the study site. Formulation of strategies to aggressively promote exclusive breastfeeding practices is urgently needed there. Such interventions should consider involvement of the male partner, especially, with respect to the financial support, as well as alleviating maternal anxiety regarding nutritional adequacy of breastmilk.
SF‐1/Ad4BP transforms primary long‐term cultured bone marrow cells into ACTH‐responsive steroidogenic cells
Authors: Gondo Shigeki , Yanase Toshihiko , Okabe Taijiro , Tanaka Tomoko , Morinaga Hidetaka , Nomura Masatoshi , Goto Kiminobu , Nawata Hajime
Published: November 2004

Bone marrow stem cells develop into haematopoietic and mesenchymal lineages, but have not been known to participate in steroidogenic cell production. Steroidogenic factor 1 (SF‐1), also designated adrenal 4 binding protein (Ad4BP), is an essential orphan nuclear receptor for steroidogenesis as well as for adrenal and gonadal gland development. In the present study, we revealed that the adenovirus‐mediated forced expression of SF‐1 can transform cultured primary long‐term cultured bone marrow cells into steroidogenic cells, showing the de novo synthesis of multiple steroid hormones in response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). This finding may provide an initial step in innovative autograft cell transfer therapy for steroid hormone deficiencies.
Transcriptional regulation of multidrug resistance‐1 gene by interleukin‐2 in lymphocytes
Authors: Tsujimura Shizuyo , Saito Kazuyoshi , Nakayamada Shingo , Nakano Kazuhisa , Tsukada Junichi , Kohno Kimitoshi , Tanaka Yoshiya
Published: November 2004

P‐glycoprotein, encoded by the multidrug resistance (MDR)‐1 gene, expels various drugs from cells resulting in drug resistance. However, its functional relevance to lymphocytes and the regulatory mechanism remain unclear. Although MDR‐1 is known to be induced by various cytotoxic stimuli, it is poorly understood whether the activation stimuli such as cytokines induce MDR‐1 transcription. We investigated the transcriptional regulation of MDR‐1 in lymphocytes by activation stimuli, particularly by interleukin (IL)‐2. IL‐2 induced translocation of YB‐1, a specific transcriptional factor for MDR‐1, from the cytoplasm into nucleus of lymphocytes in a dose‐dependent manner and resulted in the sequential events; transcription of MDR‐1, expression of P‐glycoprotein on the cell surface, and excretion of the intracellular dexamethasone added in vitro. Transfection of YB‐1 anti‐sense oligonucleotides inhibited P‐glycoprotein expression induced by IL‐2. Cyclosporin A, a competitive inhibitor of P‐glycoprotein, recovered intracellular dexamethasone levels in lymphocytes. We provide the first evidence that IL‐2, a representative lymphocyte‐activation stimulus, induces YB‐1 activation followed by P‐glycoprotein expression in lymphocytes. Our findings imply that lymphocytes activation by IL‐2 in vivo, in the context of the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, results in P‐glycoprotein‐mediated multidrug resistance, and that P‐glycoprotein could be an important target for the treatment of refractory autoimmune diseases.
Management of haemophilic patients with inhibitors in major orthopaedic surgery by immunadsorption, substitution of factor VIII and recombinant factor VIIa (NovoSeven®): a single centre experience
Authors: Habermann B. , Hochmuth K. , Hovy L. , Scharrer I. , Kurth A. H. A.
Published: November 2004

Summary. Inhibitors of factor VIII or FIX in haemophilic patients are a common and serious complication associated with an increased risk of life‐threatening bleeding during elective surgery. Substitution therapy fails to be effective, therefore an alternative treatment is needed. We have performed six major elective orthopaedic interventions in four patients with haemophilia A and inhibitors. A preoperative immunadsorbant therapy with TherasorbTMto eliminate inhibitors was successful in four cases, but during FVIII substitution inhibitors increased on day 4 to day 6 after surgery, leading to decreasing FVIII levels. Therefore, therapy was changed to recombinant FVIIa (rFVIIa; NovoSeven®). Two interventions had to be covered with sole rFVIIa therapy as immunadsorbant therapy failed to be effective in one case and the need for acute intervention did not allow pretreatment in the other. We did not see increased bleeding during or after surgery when compared to our experience with non‐inhibitor haemophilic patients. In conclusion, a preoperative decrease of inhibitors from immunadsorbant therapy, perioperative substitution of FVIII and changing treatment to rFVIIa when inhibitors are increased, is a safe and economic therapy for guaranteeing haemostasis in major elective orthopaedic surgery. On the contrary, sole therapy with rFVIIa allows immediate surgical intervention without a long hospital stay prior to surgery and a need for laboratory monitoring of inhibitor titres and FVIII levels. Our findings support data previously published.
‘MYNI's orthosis’: a self‐adjustable, dynamic knee extension orthosis for quadriceps weakness in haemophilia rehabilitation
Authors: Manigandan C. , Bedford E. , Kumar S. , Nathan V. , Peter B. K. , Premkumar J. C.
Published: November 2004

Summary.  In developing countries like India, where walking is the primary, preferred and feasible mode of transport, the implications following quadriceps weakness poses a serious threat to ones functional independence. This has been a challenge for professionals while ambulating individuals with haemophilia, where quadriceps weakness is very common. Although external splinting has been understood for many years, as a means of support in haemophilia, there is still a dearth of knowledge in making an appropriate splint to assist or to take over the weak quadriceps during ambulation. This newly designed ‘MYNI's orthosis’ helps in versatile ways in addition to assisting the weak quadriceps. It provides prolonged stretch to contracted tissue, allows for being used as a serial cast in improving the knee range and is cosmetically acceptable. Above all, it is user‐friendly, thus enhancing compliance and superior outcome in haemophilic knee rehabilitation.
A survey of factor prophylaxis in the Canadian haemophilia A population
Authors: Blanchette P. , Rivard G. , Israels S. , Robinson S. , Ali K. , Walker I. , Stain A. M. , Blanchette V. ,   on behalf of The Association of Hemophilia Clinic Directors of Canada (AHCDC) and the Canadian Association of Nurses in Hemophilia Care
Published: November 2004

Summary.  High‐dose factor prophylaxis, defined as the infusion of 25–40 factor (F) VIII International Units (IU) kg bodyweight (bw)−1≥ × 3 per week, started at age 1–2 years of life in boys with severe haemophilia A prevents the development of significant bleed‐related arthropathy. However, programmes of prophylaxis are very expensive and venous access is a challenge. To ascertain patterns of prophylaxis in Canada during the period of a global shortage of recombinant FVIII concentrate a survey was conducted in 2001. The response rate was 83% and the survey identified 247 inhibitor‐negative haemophilia A cases receiving prophylaxis, defined as the regular administration of FVIII at least once weekly, from 14 Canadian haemophilia treatment centres. The median age of the group identified was 13 years (range: 1–65) and 95% of cases had severe haemophilia A defined by a circulating factor level of <1%. The median FVIII infusion dose was 26 (range: 16–33) IU kg−1; infusions were administered ≥ × 3 per week in 67% of cases. High‐dose factor prophylaxis was used most frequently in boys <5 years of age (23 of 28 cases, 82%) as compared with 56% (56 of 100), 66% (40 of 61) and 62% (36 of 58) of males ages 5–12, 13–18 and >18 years. Prophylaxis accounted for 50% of the annual Canadian FVIII consumption and was a major driving force in the 10% increase (=19.3 million FVIII IU) in the FVIII consumption in Canada in the 4‐year period 1999–2003. Given the economic implications of increased use of prophylaxis prospective studies are warranted to better define optimal prophylaxis regimens in the haemophilia A population.
Transfusion‐transmitted virus is not present in factor IX concentrates commonly used to treat haemophilia B
Authors: Oza V. M. , Jabbar A. A. , Hakobyan N. , Kazarian T. , Valentino L. A.
Published: November 2004

Summary.  Transfusion‐transmitted virus (TTV) is a potential cause of post‐transfusion hepatitis in patients with haemophilia. Plasma‐derived clotting factor concentrates currently undergo processes that are effective in removal and inactivation of viruses such as HIV, hepatitis B and C; however, their effectiveness with respect to TTV is unknown. To determine if TTV DNA is present in plasma‐derived concentrates of factor IX, we tested 14 lots of Mononine® and compared the results with BeneFix®. Nucleic acid isolation, followed by a two‐round polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and agarose gel analysis indicated that all 17 lots were negative for TTV. Although TTV may be considered an emerging pathogen, no evidence of the virus was detected in the commercially available plasma‐derived concentrate of FIX most commonly used to treat haemophilia B.
Bird–flower interactions in the Macaronesian islands
Authors: Valido Alfredo , Dupont Yoko L. , Olesen Jens M.
Published: November 2004

Aims  Several bird‐pollinated or ornithophilous flowers are present on the Macaronesian archipelagos, the Canary Islands and Madeira, but absent from nearby NW Africa and Europe. In Macaronesia, no specialist nectar‐feeding birds are found, but several generalist passerine bird species visit flowers for nectar. Two hypotheses attempt to explain the origin and evolution of ornithophily in the Macaronesian flora. According to ‘the island de novo hypothesis’, bird‐flowers evolved from mainland insect‐pollinated ancestors after island colonization. Alternatively, ancestors of the ornithophilous Macaronesian plant species evolved bird‐flowers before reaching the islands (‘the relict hypothesis’). In this study we first compile information of Macaronesian bird–flower interactions from the literature and our own field observations. Secondly, we discuss the two hypotheses of origin of ornithophily in the light of evidence from recent molecular plant phylogenies, palaeontology, historical biogeography of the African avifauna and flora, and present‐day ecological patterns.

Location  Madeira and Canary Islands.

Results  At least eleven endemic Macaronesian plant species from six genera have typical ornithophilous floral traits. These genera are: Canarina and Musschia (Campanulaceae), Isoplexis (Scrophulariaceae), Echium (Boraginaceae), Lotus (Fabaceae) and Lavatera (Malvaceae). These lineages have clear affinities to the Mediterranean region, except for Canarina whose closest relatives grow in East African mountains. Six generalist passerine bird species of Sylvia, Phylloscopus (Sylviidae), Serinus (Fringillidae) and Parus (Paridae) visit this flora for nectar.

Main conclusion  We suggest that the origin and evolution of ornithophilous traits in these plant species took place mostly in mainland areas prior to island colonization. In Canarina and Lavatera, it is well supported that ornithophily is a relict condition, which originated in mainland areas possibly in association with specialist nectar‐feeding birds. For the remaining plant species except Echium wildpretii bird floral traits probably also are a relict condition. These species may be derived from ancestors, which were visited by specialist nectar‐feeding birds during geological periods when the Mediterranean and the Ethiopian vegetation were intermingled in mainland Africa. Probably, these mainland ancestors went extinct due to severe climatic fluctuations, while their Macaronesian descendants survived in ‘refuge’ on the islands. Finally, the island de novo hypothesis may explain the evolution of a mixed bird/insect‐pollination system in the neo‐endemic red‐flowered Echium wildpretii.
What is a node?
Authors: Heads Michael
Published: November 2004

Biogeographic nodes can be characterized as sites of biological endemism, high diversity, distribution boundaries, anomalous absences, disjunct populations, taxonomic incongruence, parallelism and altitudinal anomalies. Their interpretation has depended on the evolutionary model used, in particular the mode of speciation: Croizat's vicariance or Mayr's ‘peripatric’ or ‘founder dispersal’ (=Darwin's ‘chance dispersal’, Hennig's ‘speciation by colonization’). All authors agree that the first process, together with movement of individual organisms and diaspores, occurs, but the second is much more controversial, with panbiogeographers and many geneticists denying its importance. Although nodes have often been interpreted as centres of origin – as in refugium theory – this is not accepted here as it fails to account for their constituting both centres and margins of distribution as well as zones of absence. Instead they are interpreted as sites of vicariance related to different kinds of tectonic activity which have been shown to occur in the same locality, such as terrane accretion, subduction, regional metamorphism, granitization, volcanism, faulting, folding, uplift, subsidence and regression of epicontinental seas. It is concluded that the identification of nodes is a more productive approach to biogeographic analysis than dividing a study area into ‘biogeographic regions’, which are usually based firmly on current geography and represent geological and biogeographic composites.
Mining the record: historical evidence for climatic influences on maize –Abutilon theophrasti competition
Authors: McDonald A J , Riha S J , Mohler C L
Published: November 2004

Variations in climate are widely recognized as central factors governing the competitive balance in mixed‐species plant communities. In agricultural systems, highly variable patterns of crop yield reduction as a function of weed density have been documented across sites and among years at the same site for several crop–weed combinations. This variation is typically attributed to contrasting environmental conditions. Despite broad acknowledgement of their importance, experimental and temporal limitations have constrained the investigation and systematic understanding of environmental controls on the dynamics of competition. For several well‐studied crop–weed associations, aggregating historical data from similar competition experiments provides an opportunity to explore interference relationships over an array of conditions. In this study, 19 site‐years of maize –Abutilon theophrasti (velvetleaf) data were compiled and the weather characterized (i.e. average ambient temperature and moisture regime) for discrete portions of each growing season. These features were then related to patterns of maize yield loss from A. theophrasti interference at high weed densities. Results of this analysis suggest that temperatures following establishment, together with the presence or absence of water stress during the maize crop's exponential growth phase, account for over 60% of the observed variation in relative yield loss.
Tolerance of competitive spring barley cultivars to weed harrowing
Authors: Rasmussen J , Kurtzmann J I , Jensen A
Published: November 2004

Two experiments were conducted in 14 spring barley cultivars to investigate if crop tolerance to post‐emergence weed harrowing is related to morphological traits that reflect competitiveness. The experiments were carried out in organically grown fields where low weed densities and biomass production were assumed to be without significant influence on crop growth. The experiments showed that different cultivars responded differently to post‐emergence weed harrowing in terms of yield reduction. Taller and higher yielding cultivars with high leaf area index (LAI) tended to be less tolerant to post‐emergence weed harrowing than shorter and lower yielding cultivars with low LAI. This conclusion, however, is only valid for 13 of 14 cultivars because one very tall cultivar was tolerant to harrowing. Although the tallest and highest yielding cultivars were damaged the most, they remained the highest yielding cultivars after weed harrowing. This study is the first attempt to relate competitiveness of cereal cultivars to tolerance to harrowing, and it is thought provoking that competitiveness and tolerance is found to be counterproductive.
Simulating the effects of weed spatial pattern and resolution of mapping and spraying on economics of site‐specific management
Authors: Barroso J , Fernandez‐Quintanilla C , Maxwell B D , Rew L J
Published: November 2004

The economic benefits of using site‐specific weed management (SSWM) are related to the proportion of the field that is weed‐infested, the number of weed patches and the spatial resolution of sampling and spraying technologies. In this paper we simulate different combinations of these factors using parameter values obtained forAvena sterilisssp.ludovicianagrowing in Spanish winter barley crops. The profitability of SSWM systems increased as the proportion of the field infested by this weed decreased and when patch distribution was more concentrated. Under most of the conditions tested, positive net returns for SSWM were obtained when the weed‐infested area was smaller than 30%. The highest net return occurred using a 12 m × 12 m mapping and spraying resolution. The critical parameter that determined the economic viability of patch mapping and spraying resolution was the technology costs. The site specific strategy was economically superior to the standard strategy (overall herbicide application) in most cases. However, the differential between the two strategies decreased when the number of patches and the resolution of mapping and spraying increased, such that the highest net returns were obtained with a single patch covering 14% of the field and using a 12‐m mapping and spraying resolution; whereas the worst net returns were obtained for all patch numbers when 64% of the field was infested and a 3‐m mapping and spraying resolution was used.
Effects of selected pesticides and adjuvants on germination and vegetative growth of Phomopsis amaranthicola, a biocontrol agent for Amaranthus spp.
Authors: Wyss G S , Charudattan R , Rosskopf E N , Littell R C
Published: November 2004

Phomopsis amaranthicola, a bioherbicide agent for Amaranthus spp., was tested in vitro for its compatibility with commercial formulations of 16 adjuvants, 24 herbicides, nine fungicides and four insecticides at 2X, 1X (highest labelled product dose rate), 0.75X, 0.5X and 0.25X concentrations. These chemicals were tested for their effects on spore germination. Selected herbicides and fungicides at 1X were also tested for their influence on colony growth and sporulation. All tested compounds were finally categorized in compatibility classes regarding germination, mycelial growth and sporulation such as low, medium and high compatibility. High compatibility in terms of germination and fungal colony growth was only observed with the herbicide bentazone. Many of the adjuvants tested were highly compatible in the germination studies. Most fungicides and insecticides had medium and low compatibility with P. amaranthicola. Effects of pesticides on spore germination did not fully correspond with their effects on colony growth. Thus, it is possible to integrate the use of P. amaranthicola with some herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and adjuvants but not others. A case‐by‐case selection of application methods, such as tank‐mix or sequential application, along with proper timing of applications of the fungus and the chemical agents will be necessary.
Complex regulation of gene expression, photosynthesis and sugar levels by pathogen infection in tomato
Authors: Berger Susanne , Papadopoulos Martina , Schreiber Ulrich , Kaiser Werner , Roitsch Thomas
Published: November 2004

The infection of plants with pathogens results in the induction of defence reactions as well as changes in carbohydrate metabolism. On the one hand, the pathogen attempts to manipulate the carbohydrate metabolism of the plant for its own advantage. On the other, the plant has to reorganize carbon fluxes to ensure fight against the pathogen. In order to further investigate the connection between pathogen infection and carbohydrate metabolism, the effects of two types of pathogen, biotrophic and necrotrophic, on gene expression, endogenous sugar levels and photosynthesis of tomato plants were analysed. Photosynthetic gene expression was downregulated on infection with Pseudomonas syringae and Botrytis cinerea. In contrast, expression of a sink‐specific gene encoding a cell wall invertase and of defence genes was induced by both pathogens. These results provide evidence for a co‐regulation of defence, sink and photosynthetic gene expression in planta in response to both types of pathogen. The brassinosteroid‐containing plant restorative ComCat enhanced resistance against B. cinerea and counter‐regulated the repression of photosynthetic gene expression. Endogenous sugar levels decreased and the hexose to sucrose ratio increased on treatment with B. cinerea. The application of chlorophyll fluorescence imaging revealed the spatio‐temporal heterogeneity of the pathogen response. At 24 h after infection, inhibition of photosynthetic electron transport was restricted to the direct vicinity of the infection site, which was surrounded by a circle of increased photosynthetic activity. The photosynthesis of the remaining leaf was not affected at this stage. These results show the usefulness of chlorophyll fluorescence imaging for the assessment of the complex spatio‐temporal changes and for the definition of the areas relevant for other types of determination, e.g. gene expression.