bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intravascular lymphocytosis in acute appendicitis: potential mimicry of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Lee Sandra , Ogilvie Robert T , Dupre Marc , Gao Zu‐Hua
Published: November 2009

Aims:  Intravascular lymphocytosis (IVL) in appendectomy specimens is a fairly common phenomenon but has not been described and studied in detail. The aim was to describe the IVL phenomenon in appendiceal specimens removed for appendicitis that can mimic chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and to investigate factors that could contribute to the development of IVL.

Methods and results:  The clinicopathology of 100 appendectomy cases and the appendices from 20 right hemicolectomy cases were reviewed. The IVL phenomenon was more commonly seen in laparoscopic appendectomy specimens [Fisher’s exact 0.011, odds ratio (OR) 3.14] and in patients <38 years old (Fisher’s exact 0.012, OR 3.01).

Conclusions:  Surgical manipulation and the patient’s innate immunity are contributary factors to the development of the IVL phenomenon. Pathologists should be aware of this histological artefact in order to prevent overdiagnosis of intravascular lymphoid neoplasia.
Identifying CD82 (KAI1) as a marker for human chromophobe renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Yusenko Maria V , Kovacs Gyula
Published: November 2009

Aims:  The variation in cytoplasmic staining and growth pattern makes differential diagnosis of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (RCC), especially from renal oncocytomas (RO), uncertain. The aim was to find an immunohistochemical marker to improve the diagnosis of chromophobe RCC.

Methods and results:  The expression profile of renal cell tumours was established using the Affymetrix HG U133 Plus 2.0 microarray. After performing hierarchical clustering we selected the best 50 genes and analysed 24 of them by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction. TMC5, RBM35, SPINK7, CD82/KAI1 and GLIS3 were expressed specifically in chromophobe RCCs. Immunohistochemical studies confirmed the specificity of CD82/KAI1. Analysis of tissue microarrays containing all major types of renal neoplasm revealed immunopositivity for CD82/KAI1 in 78% (69/88) of chromophobe RCCs but in only 3% (6/220) of conventional or clear cell RCCs. All 90 ROs and 171 papillary RCCs were immunonegative for CD82/KAI1. To confirm the specificity of antibody by immunoblotting, we transfected HEK293 cells with an expression vector containing the full‐length CD82/KAI1.

Conclusions:  CD82/KAI1 is an excellent marker for distinguishing chromophobe RCCs from other types of renal cell tumours, especially from ROs with overlapping phenotype.
Amoebic gill disease resistance is not related to the systemic antibody response of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.
Authors: Taylor R S , Crosbie P B , Cook M T
Published: November 2009

Amoebic gill disease (AGD) is a proliferative gill tissue response caused by Neoparamoeba perurans and is the main disease affecting Australian marine farmed Atlantic salmon. We have previously proposed that macroscopic gill health (‘gill score’) trajectories and challenge survival provide evidence of a change in the nature of resistance to AGD. In order to examine whether the apparent development of resistance was because of an adaptive response, serum was sequentially sampled from the same individuals over the first three rounds of natural AGD infection and from survivors of a subsequent non‐intervention AGD survival challenge. The systemic immune reaction to ‘wildtype’Neoparamoeba sp. was characterized by Western blot analysis and differentiated to putative carbohydrate or peptide epitopes by periodate oxidation reactions. The proportion of seropositive fish increased from 46% to 77% with each AGD round. Antibody response to carbohydrate epitope(s) was immunodominant, occurring in 43–64% of samples. Antibodies that bound peptide epitope were identified in 16% of the challenge survivors. A 1:50 (single‐dilution) enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay confirmed a measurable immune titre in 13% of the survivors. There was no evidence that antibodies recognizing wildtype Neoparamoeba provided significant protection against AGD.
IL‐5 expression and release from human CD34 cells in vitro; ex vivo evidence from cases of asthma and Churg–Strauss syndrome
Authors: Bossios A. , Sjöstrand M. , Dahlborn A.‐K. , Samitas K. , Malmhäll C. , Gaga M. , Lötvall J.
Published: November 2009

To cite this article: Bossios A, Sjöstrand M, Dahlborn A‐K, Samitas K, Malmhäll C, Gaga M, Lötvall J. IL‐5 expression and release from human CD34 cells in vitro; ex vivo evidence from cases of asthma and Churg–Strauss syndrome. Allergy 2010; 65: 831–839.

Background:  Eosinophils develop from hematopoietic CD34+ progenitor cells in the bone marrow (BM) under the influence of Interleukin‐5 (IL‐5). The primary source of IL‐5 is T‐lymphocytes, although other sources may exist. The aims of this study were to determine whether CD34+ cells from human peripheral blood (PB) and BM have the capacity to produce IL‐5 when stimulated in vitro, and secondly, whether an elevated number of IL‐5‐producing CD34+ cells can be found in situ in ongoing eosinophilic disease.

Methods:  CD34+ cells from PB and BM were stimulated in vitro, and IL‐5 production and release was assessed by ELISA, ELISPOT, flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry. Blood and BM from a patient with Churg–Strauss syndrome were analyzed by flow cytometry for CD34+/IL‐5+ cells, and immunohistochemical staining of CD34+/IL‐5+ cells in bronchial biopsies from an asthmatic patient was performed.

Results:  Both PB and BM CD34+ cells can produce and release IL‐5 when stimulated in vitro. In the Churg–Strauss patient, IL‐5‐producing CD34+ cells were found in PB and BM. Oral glucocorticoid treatment markedly decreased the number of IL‐5‐positive CD34 cells in the BM. CD34+/IL‐5+ cells were present in a patient with asthma.

Conclusion:  CD34+ cells in blood and BM are capable of producing IL‐5 both in vitro and in vivo in humans, arguing that these cells may have the capacity to contribute to eosinophilic inflammation. Consequently, targeting CD34+ progenitor cells that produce and release IL‐5 may be effective in reducing the mobilization of eosinophil lineage‐committed cells in eosinophilic‐driven diseases.
Interferon‐gamma and IL‐10 may protect from allergic polysensitization in children: preliminary evidence
Authors: Prigione I. , Morandi F. , Tosca M. A. , Silvestri M. , Pistoia V. , Ciprandi G. , Rossi G. A.
Published: November 2009

To cite this article: Prigione I, Morandi F, Tosca MA, Silvestri M, Pistoia V, Ciprandi G, Rossi GA. Interferon‐gamma and IL‐10 may protect from allergic polysensitization in children: preliminary evidence. Allergy 2010; 65: 740–742.

Background:  A functional defect of T regulatory cells (Treg) has been proposed as pathogenic mechanism of allergic reaction. Polysensitization is a common feature of allergic patients.

Aim of the study:  It was to investigate the possible role of Treg‐Th1 cytokines, in the development of new sensitizations in childhood.

Methods:  Forty monosensitized (MS) children with allergic rhinitis were evaluated and followed‐up for 2 years. New sensitizations were investigated. IL‐10 and IFN‐γ were evaluated in in vitro experiments.

Results:  Children remaining MS showed significant higher production of both IL‐10 and IFN‐γ.

Conclusion:  This preliminary study provided evidence that IL‐10 and IFN‐γ production could be defective in allergic children prone to develop polysensitization.
The group selection controversy
Authors: LEIGH Jr E. G.
Published: November 2009

Many thought Darwinian natural selection could not explain altruism. This error led Wynne‐Edwards to explain sustainable exploitation in animals by selection against overexploiting groups. Williams riposted that selection among groups rarely overrides within‐group selection. Hamilton showed that altruism can evolve through kin selection. How strongly does group selection influence evolution? Following Price, Hamilton showed how levels of selection interact: group selection prevails if Hamilton’s rule applies. Several showed that group selection drove some major evolutionary transitions. Following Hamilton’s lead, Queller extended Hamilton’s rule, replacing genealogical relatedness by the regression on an actor’s genotypic altruism of interacting neighbours’ phenotypic altruism. Price’s theorem shows the generality of Hamilton’s rule. All instances of group selection can be viewed as increasing inclusive fitness of autosomal genomes. Nonetheless, to grasp fully how cooperation and altruism evolve, most biologists need more concrete concepts like kin selection, group selection and selection among individuals for their common good.
Fisher’s fundamental theorem of inclusive fitness and the change in fitness due to natural selection when conspecifics interact
Authors: BIJMA P.
Published: November 2009

Competition and cooperation is fundamental to evolution by natural selection, both in animals and plants. Here, I investigate the consequences of such interactions for response in fitness due to natural selection. I provide quantitative genetic expressions for heritable variance and response in fitness due to natural selection when conspecifics interact. Results show that interactions among conspecifics generate extra heritable variance in fitness, and that interacting with kin is the key to evolutionary success because it translates the extra heritable variance into response in fitness. This work also unifies Fisher’s fundamental theorem of natural selection (FTNS) and Hamilton’s inclusive fitness (IF). The FTNS implies that natural selection maximizes fitness, whereas Hamilton proposed maximization of IF. This work shows that the FTNS describes the increase in IF, rather than direct fitness, at a rate equal to the additive genetic variance in fitness. Thus, Hamilton’s IF and Fisher’s FTNS both describe the maximization of IF.
The evolution of South American endemic canids: a history of rapid diversification and morphological parallelism
Authors: PERINI F. A. , RUSSO C. A. M. , SCHRAGO C. G.
Published: November 2009

The origin of endemic South American canid fauna has been traditionally linked with the rise of the Isthmus of Panama, suggesting that diversification of the dog fauna on this continent occurred very rapidly. Nevertheless, despite its obvious biogeographic appeal, the tempo of Canid evolution in South America has never been studied thoroughly. This issue can be suitably tackled with the inference of a molecular timescale. In this study, using a relaxed molecular clock method, we estimated that the most recent common ancestor of South American canids lived around 4 Ma, whereas all other splits within the clade occurred after the rise of the Panamanian land bridge. We suggest that the early diversification of the ancestors of the two main lineages of South American canids may have occurred in North America, before the Great American Interchange. Moreover, a concatenated morphological and molecular analysis put some extinct canid species well within the South American radiation, and shows that the dental adaptations to hypercarnivory evolved only once in the South American clade.
Improved Prediction of Ovulation Time may Increase Pregnancy Rates to Artificial Insemination in Lactating Dairy Cattle
Authors: Hockey CD , Morton JM , Norman ST , McGowan MR
Published: November 2009

Contents

A prospective observational study was conducted in two Australian dairy herds to assess the potential for improving pregnancy rates (proportions of inseminations that result in pregnancy) to artificial insemination (AI) if the time of ovulation could be predicted with more certainty. Herd 1 calved year‐round and inseminations were performed during two periods each day. Herd 2 calved during autumn–winter and inseminations were performed only after the morning milking each day. In both herds, the AI to ovulation interval of enrolled cows was determined by trans‐rectal ovarian ultrasonography approximately 0, 12, 24 and 36 h after AI, and pregnancy was assessed by palpation per rectum 35–56 days after AI. Also, in Herd 1 vaginal electrical resistance (VER) measurements were taken at approximately 0, 12, 24 and 36 h after AI, and in Herd 2 cows were fitted with neck mounted activity meters that monitored cow activity count in 2‐h periods. There was substantial variation in the intervals from AI to ovulation within and between herds (mean ± SD 21.2 ± 10.7, n = 102; 14.7 ± 10.4, n = 100 in herds 1 and 2, respectively). Pregnancy rates were higher for inseminations close to, but preceding, ovulation. Using combined herd data (n = 202), the highest pregnancy rate (50.8%) was observed for inseminations between 0 and 16 h before ovulation, a period in which only a modest proportion of inseminations (31.2%) occurred. In contrast, pregnancy rate was significantly lower (28.7%; risk ratio 0.6; 95% CI 0.4–1.0; p = 0.039) for inseminations between 16 and 32 h before ovulation, a period where the highest proportion of inseminations (53.2%) occurred. Thus pregnancy rates could potentially be improved if a greater proportion of inseminations were conducted shortly before ovulation. In Herd 1, mean VER during the peri‐ovulatory period varied with time from ovulation. Lowest values (mean ± SEM, VER = 64.8 ± 1.2, n = 55) occurred approximately 18 h before ovulation and were significantly lower than measurements approximately 6 h before ovulation (67.4 ± 1.0; n = 73; p = 0.003). Further work is required to determine if VER can be used to identify ovulation time and hence the optimal time to inseminate in individual animals. In Herd 2 a modest proportion of inseminations (26.9%) occurred between 24 and 40 h after the onset of increased cow activity where the highest pregnancy rate (67.9%) was observed, whereas a significantly lower pregnancy rate (42.4%; risk ratio 0.6; 95% CI 0.4–0.9; p = 0.036) was observed for inseminations between 8 and 24 h after the onset of increased cow activity where the highest proportion of inseminations (56.7%) occurred. Thus cow activity monitoring may be useful to identify the optimal time to inseminate cows. Results from this study indicate that improved methods of ovulation prediction may allow better insemination timing relative to ovulation and consequently increased pregnancy rates.
Expression and Hormonal Regulation of E‐Cadherin in Canine Uterus During Early Pregnancy
Authors: Guo B , Han B‐C , Tian Z , Zhang X‐M , Jiang L‐X , Liu J‐X , Yue Z‐P
Published: November 2009

Contents

E‐cadherin, a Ca2 + ‐dependent cell adhesion molecule, is necessary for endometrial receptivity to blastocyst implantation. The aim of this study was to investigate the differential expression of E‐cadherin in canine uterus during early pregnancy and its regulation under different conditions by in situ hybridization. E‐cadherin mRNA expression was at a low level in the glandular epithelium on days 6, 12 and 17 of pregnancy. On days 20 and 23 of pregnancy, E‐cadherin mRNA was highly expressed in the glandular epithelium surrounding the embryo, but not in the luminal epithelium and declined in villi and placenta on day 28 of pregnancy. During oestrous cycle, a moderate level of E‐cadherin mRNA expression was found in the luminal and glandular epithelium of canine uteri at oestrus stage. The same expression was also found at anoestrus stage. Progesterone slightly induced the expression of E‐cadherin mRNA in the luminal and glandular epithelium of ovariectomized canine uterus. These results suggest that E‐cadherin expression is closely related to canine implantation and can be up‐regulated by progesterone.
The attitudes of student and registered nurses to sleep promotion in hospitals
Authors: McIntosh Annette E , MacMillan Maureen
Published: November 2009

This study explored the attitudes of student and registered nurses regarding sleep promotion in hospitals. Qualitative data were obtained using semistructured interviews with volunteer samples and subsequently transcribed and analysed. The findings showed that the study participants held generally positive attitudes to sleep as a curative and beneficial medium. However, for many there were clear blocks to their practice, including the attitudes of others, the ward culture and routine orientation of care, resulting in sleep promotion having a low priority. The implications of the findings include the need to foster staff awareness and practice of this element of care, particularly through managers who have to take responsibility for encouraging a positive ethos towards sleep promotion.
The social world of Australian practice nurses and the influence of medical dominance: An analysis of the literature
Authors: Mills Jane , Hallinan Christine
Published: November 2009

In Australia, the number of practice nurses is growing at a rapid rate. On the nursing landscape, this group of nurses stand out because of their relationship with the Australian Government who both fund them, and concern themselves with their continuing professional development. This paper provides a construction of the social world of Australian practice nurses, identifying stakeholders in the business of practice nursing. Literature produced by the various social world segments is analysed for the influence of medical dominance on the role, image, power and politics of practice nurses.
Validity and reliability of the community‐environmental index regarding daily living among the mental disorders in community: An assessment instrument based on community nursing activity
Authors: Morita Takae , Yamazaki Hideo , Sakabe Soichi , Zhang Jian‐Guo
Published: November 2009

The purpose of this study was to examine validity and reliability of a community‐environmental assessment instrument analysing community‐environmental conditions among the mental disorders in a community. Thirty‐three factors were extracted from the data based on a nationwide investigation by the factor analysis. The principal component analysis was applied to these extracted factors, and the first principal component score (1PCS) was interpreted as a synthetic index regarding daily living of the mental disorders in the community. Then, validity and reliability of 1PCS were confirmed. The item analyses from a viewpoint of statistics processing were adopted. As a result, coefficient alpha of the reliability was calculated from the scores and variances, and its value was 0.96. Next, kappa statistic was calculated in order to confirm whether two indices derived from the 52‐item and 33‐item questionnaires had the correspondence of the actual conditions with 1PCS in regard to the population scale of the municipality. As a result, the kappa was 0.94. In this study, we proposed the 33‐item questionnaire composed of 33 factors. This was called as the Morita's community‐environmental index (MCEI). It was suggested that the MCEI was useful to assess community‐environmental conditions regarding daily living of the mental disorders in the community.
Jordanian mother's report of their childbirth experience: Findings from a questionnaire survey
Authors: Oweis Arwa
Published: November 2009

The main aim of this study is to document women's perceptions of the different aspects their childbirth experience including expectations, satisfaction and self‐control. Other aspects of the labour process including length of labour, difficulty of labour, effectiveness of pain control, expectations of pain level, perception of level of involvement in decisions among other variables were also explored. A descriptive cross‐sectional design was used to achieve the aim of this study. A convenience sample of 177 Jordanian mothers was used. They were recruited from three primary health‐care centres located in Irbid, north of Jordan. Findings of the study indicated that women had a more painful labour than they expected, they were scared of the experience of labour, they went through different procedures during labour including induction and episiotomy, and perceived that they had an intense childbirth experience. The majority of participants reported that they were not satisfied with the different aspects of the childbirth experience and perceived that they had little control during childbirth. These findings should be considered by all health‐care providers, hospital administrators and policy‐makers to plan and implement appropriate strategies that could help women go through the childbirth experience with less fear and anxiety and empowered with coping mechanisms that could reduce their dissatisfaction with their childbirth experience and to help them regain more control during childbirth. Such strategies might include reconsidering staffing in the maternity units and patient nurse or midwife ratio.
Enhancing cultural competence: Trans‐Atlantic experiences of European and Canadian nursing students
Authors: Koskinen Liisa , Campbell Barbara , Aarts Clara , Chassé France , Hemingway Ann , Juhansoo Tiina , Mitchell Maureen P , Marquis France L , Critchley Kim A , Nordstrom Pamela M
Published: November 2009

This paper describes the enhancement of cultural competence through trans‐Atlantic rural community experiences of European and Canadian nursing students using critical incident technique (CIT) as the students' reflective writing method. The data generated from 48 students' recordings about 134 critical incidents over a 2‐year project were analysed by qualitative content analysis. Five main learning categories were identified as: cross‐cultural ethical issues; cultural and social differences; health‐care inequalities; population health concerns; and personal and professional awareness. Four emergent cultural perspectives for the health sector that became apparent from the reflections were: health promotion realm; sensitivity to social and cultural aspects of people's lives; channels between the health sector and society; cultural language and stories of local people. CIT was successfully used to foster European and Canadian undergraduate students' cultural reflections resulting in considerations and suggestions for future endeavours to enhance cultural competence in nursing education.
Registered nurses' everyday activities in municipal health care: A study of diaries
Authors: Nilsson Kerstin , Lundgren Solveig , Furåker Carina
Published: November 2009

This study described the work content of registered nurses (RNs) employed in municipal health care. Diary notes of three working days from 34 RNs were analysed using content analysis, and a total of 3185 activities were identified. Of these, 2807 were analysed further and grouped by comparing similarities and differences. The content of the RNs' nursing activities consisted of assessing health, giving treatments and conducting check‐ups, handling pharmaceuticals and teaching. In the administration category, the content comprised planning and reporting, followed by documentation. The RNs' role in municipal health care is consultative, which reinforces their need for competence in advanced nursing, as well as in leadership and pedagogy. RNs mostly work without colleagues and they are responsible for many seriously ill patients. In order to be confident in providing qualified nursing, specialist nursing education in elderly care is needed.
Surveying health professionals' satisfaction with the Integrated Management of Adult and Adolescent Illness Chronic HIV Care training programme: The Papua New Guinea experience
Authors: Clark Geoffrey , Chapman Ysanne , Francis Karen
Published: November 2009

This study reports findings from a survey of Papua New Guinean registered nurse who completed the Integrated Management of Adult and Adolescent Illness (IMAI) Chronic HIV Care training conducted between November 2005 and December 2006. The survey conducted is one component of a mixed method evaluation of the IMAI program in Papua New Guinea. Data from the questionnaires were entered into version 16 of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software program. The responses on the effect of the IMAI training program had on various aspects of how care is provided, learning needs and other program outcomes were analysed with a chi‐square test being applied to detect any difference in the response given by the different demographic subgroups in terms of gender, age, care status, current employer and past educational attainment. The survey revealed that all thirty‐five respondents have a positive impression of the IMAI program and expressed the view that the IMAI program had a positive effect on various aspects of patient care and their learning and experience. Overall, the survey identified that registered nurses who participated in the IMAI Chronic HIV Care training program perceive the program to be beneficial for improving the way HIV care is provided.
Factors hampering the use of patient complaints to improve quality: An exploratory study
Authors: Hsieh Sophie Yahui
Published: November 2009

This study aims to explore factors that might hamper the use of patient complaints to improve quality. A teaching hospital in Taiwan was purposefully chosen for a case study based on data triangulation. The study included in‐depth interviews with hospital senior managers, senior social workers, government officials and non‐government organizations staff; as well as analysis of documents. In the Case Hospital, the organizational responses to complaints appear to be influenced by the interaction between managerial factors, operational factors and technical factors. Externally, there were no national guidelines to regulate how the hospital handled complaints. This was bound to have a major influence on the response of the hospital to complaints. Internally, the hospital itself did not place great importance on complaints. The mindset of the hospital was that patient complaints are not welcome. If the hospital attempts to use patient complaints to improve its quality of care, senior hospital management needs to recognize the values of complaints handling and respond to these in a more constructive manner. Moreover, the government has to set up the protocols of using complaints to improve quality at the policy level. This legal incentive would encourage the hospital to handling complaints effectively.
Having a child with asthma—Quality of life for Jordanian parents
Authors: Al‐Akour Nemeh , Khader Yousef S
Published: November 2009

This study was conducted to assess the quality of life (QoL) of Jordanian parents of children with asthma and its associated factors. Three hundred and twenty‐six parents of 200 children participated in the study. The Pediatric Asthma Caregivers’ Quality of Life Questionnaire (PACQLQ) was used to measure how parents of children with asthma disease impaired their daily life during the previous week on two domains ‘activity limitations’ and ‘emotional function’. In this study, parents of children with asthma scored their QoL during the past week moderately to the positive end of the scale but they scored more limitations in the domain of activities than in emotions. Parents in the same family scored activity domain fairly similar and there was a significant difference in their scoring of total emotional function. Parents with older children, living in the rural areas, mothers of children with mild asthma were associated with higher QoL. Children received needed daily asthma medication during the preceding week. Asthma medication might mean to the parents that the child was getting the best possible treatment. Further studies to identify the factors that influence QoL of parents of children with asthma in Jordan are needed.
Nurses' perception of the quality of care they provide to hospitalized drug addicts: Testing the Theory of Reasoned Action
Authors: Natan Merav Ben , Beyil Valery , Neta Okev
Published: November 2009

A correlational design was used to examine nursing staff attitudes and subjective norms manifested in intended and actual care of drug users based on the Theory of Reasoned Action. One hundred and thirty‐five nursing staff from three central Israeli hospitals completed a questionnaire examining theory‐based variables as well as sociodemographic and professional characteristics. Most respondents reported a high to very high level of actual or intended care of drug users. Nurses' stronger intentions to provide quality care to drug users were associated with more positive attitudes. Nursing staff members had moderately negative attitudes towards drug users. Nurses were found to hold negative stereotypes of drug addict patients and most considered the management of this group difficult. Positive attitudes towards drug users, perceived expectations of others and perceived correctness of the behaviour are important in their effect on the intention of nurses to provide high‐quality care to hospitalized patients addicted to drugs.
Physical regimes and nutrient limitation affecting phytoplankton growth in a meso‐eutrophic water supply reservoir in southeastern Brazil
Authors: Delazari‐Barroso Alessandra , Barroso Gilberto Fonseca , De Moraes Huszar Vera Lúcia , De Oliveira e Azevedo Sandra Maria Feliciano
Published: November 2009

The water‐mixing regime, light availability, nutrient limitation and trophic state were evaluated for the Duas Bocas Reservoir (DBR; Espírito Santo State, southeastern Brazil), a small (0.51 km2), shallow (zmax < 10 m) water supply reservoir located in a conservation area. Monthly water sampling was conducted for the lacustrine zone (zmax = 10 m) next to the water withdrawal tower, during one hydrological cycle (October 2002 to September 2003). Water samples were taken at four depths in this area, including subsurface, Secchi depth, euphotic/aphotic boundary and near the bottom of the lake. The variability of the reservoir’s limnological features defined two periods. Period 1, comprised of the summer months (October to April), was characterized by strong thermal stratification, nutrient limitation in the mixing layer, a metalimnetic biomass maximum and anoxia and high nutrient concentrations in the hypolimnion. Period 2, comprised of the winter months (May to September), was characterized by overturn events during which the phytoplankton population experienced light limitation. The observed water‐mixing regime was characteristic of warm monomictic system, presenting atelomixis, the incomplete vertical mixing of stratified water masses. The average total phosphorus and chlorophyll‐a concentrations suggested a meso‐eutrophic water system. The nutrient concentrations exhibited nitrogen and phosphorus limitation, suggesting that nutrients, rather than light, limit or regulate the phytoplankton biomass in the DBR for most of the year.
Assessing sediment inputs to small reservoirs in Upper East Region, Ghana
Authors: Adwubi Afua , Amegashie Bright Kofi , Agyare Wilson Agyei , Tamene Lulseged , Odai Samuel Nii , Quansah Charles , Vlek Paul
Published: November 2009

Many small dams and dugouts have been constructed in the Upper East Region of Ghana to address the problem of regional water scarcity. The reservoirs were constructed primarily as water supplies for agricultural irrigation and livestock watering, aquaculture and domestic use. However, many of the reservoirs dry up during the dry season, affecting the livelihoods of their basin inhabitants. A major cause for the dried reservoirs is siltation, which reduces the reservoir’s storage capacities. The goal of this study is to quantify the annual siltation rate of four study reservoirs, using a bathymetric survey and reservoir soil sampling. The sediment yield and its relation to catchment area also were assessed. The results of this study indicate that the annual siltation rates are 1272, 3518, 2764 and 6135 t year−1 for Doba, Dua, Zebilla and Kumpalgogo reservoirs, respectively. Analyses of the sediment yield and catchment areas illustrated that the sediment yields decreased with increasing catchment area. All the study reservoirs have lost their dead storage capacity, which was meant to store sediment until the end of their anticipated design lives. The decreasing storage capacity because of siltation will affect the livelihoods of the local basin inhabitants, as the reservoirs will not be able to achieve all their intended purposes. The results of this study indicate that, because siltation is not the only factor threatening the benefits gained from the reservoirs, the integrated assessment of all relevant factors is required.
Length–length and length–weight relationships for 48 fish species from reservoirs of the Paraná State, Brazil
Authors: Gubiani Éder A. , Gomes Luiz C. , Agostinho Angelo A.
Published: November 2009

Length–length and length–weight relationships was estimated for 48 fish species collected in 30 neotropical reservoirs located in the State of Paraná, Brazil. Significant relations were found for all species. The values of the parameter slope (b) in the length–weight relationship ranged from 2.49 to 3.46 for grouped sexes, and from 2.66 to 3.15 for separated sexes. Differences between sexes (indication of sexual dimorphism) were verified for 20 species. Males exhibited greater lengths than females for Astyanax janeiroensis, Bryconamericus iheringii, Geophagus brasiliensis, Glanidium ribeiroi and Hypostomus derbyi, whereas females attained greater lengths than males for the other 15 species examined in this study.
Statistical assessment of water quality seasonality in large tropical reservoirs
Authors: Rangel‐Peraza Jesús Gabriel , De Anda Jose , González‐Farias Fernando , Erickson Dana
Published: November 2009

A statistical assessment was used to assess if a tropical reservoir had reached a stable condition, permitting the use of water quality models to predict the water quality dynamics of a water system under different climatic or management scenarios. This approach was applied to Aguamilpa Reservoir in western Mexico, one of the largest tropical reservoirs in the world. Water quality data collected by the National Water Commission, and hydrological and climatic data from the Federal Electricity Commission from the period of January 2000 to December 2007 served as the data base. Time‐series analysis identified three distinct homogeneous seasonal groups: (i) warm dry season, (ii) rainy season and (iii) cold dry season. The seasonal responses of water quality parameters (temperature, electrical conductivity, total suspended solids concentration, biochemical oxygen demand and total coliforms) were demonstrated through analysis of variance of the principal components.
Discharge pulses of hydroelectric dams and their effects in the downstream limnological conditions: a case study in a large tropical river (SE Brazil)
Authors: De Oliveira Naliato Danilo A. , Nogueira Marcos Gomes , Perbiche‐Neves Gilmar
Published: November 2009

To address daily fluctuations in electricity demands, the quantities of water passing through the turbines of hydropower plants can vary significantly (up to fourfold) during a 24‐h cycle. This study evaluates the effects of hourly variations in water discharges on the limnological conditions observed in two below‐dam river stretches. The study reservoirs, Capivara and Taquaruçu, are the 9th and 10th reservoirs in a cascade of dams in the Paranapanema River in south‐east Brazil. The reservoirs exhibit different trophic conditions, water retention times, thermal regimes and spillway positions. Capivara Reservoir is deeper, meso‐eutrophic, with a high water retention time and hypolimnetic discharges (32 m) varying between 500 and 1400 m3 s−1. In contrast, Taquaruçu Reservoir is relatively shallow, oligo‐mesotrophic, and has a low retention time, with water discharges varying between 500 and 2000 m3 s−1. Its turbine water intake zone also is more superficial (7 m). For two periods of the year, winter and summer, profiles of limnological measurements were developed in the lacustrine (above‐dam site) zones of the reservoirs, as well as in the downstream river stretches (below‐dam site). In both cases, the sampling was carried out at 4‐h intervals over a complete nictemeral cycle. The results demonstrated that the reservoir operating regime (water discharge variations) promoted significant differences in the conditions of the river below the dams, especially for water velocity, turbidity, and nutrient and suspended solids concentrations. The reservoir physical characteristics, including depth, thermal stratification and outlet structure, are also key factors influencing the limnology and water quality at the below‐dam sampling sites. In the case of Capivara Reservoir, for example, the low dissolved oxygen concentration (<5.0 mg L−1) in its bottom water layer was transferred to the downstream river stretches during the summer. These study results demonstrated that it is important to continue such investigations as a means of verifying whether or not these high‐amplitude/low‐frequency variations could negatively affect the downstream river biota.
Morphological and population responses to deer grazing for herbaceous species in Nara Park, western Japan
Authors: SUZUKI RYO O. , KATO TEIKO , MAESAKO YURI , FURUKAWA AKIO
Published: November 2009

To quantify the morphological and population responses of plants to grazing by deer, we conducted two deer‐exclusion experiments in Nara Park, western Japan. The first experiment assessed the morphological differences in 10 traits of two species with erect growth (Oxalis corymbosa and Cyperus brevifolius. var. leiolepis) and two species with prostrate growth (Oxalis corniculata and Hydrocotyle maritima) between shoots inside and outside of the exclosures at the end of a growing season (late autumn). The size and weight of the leaves, stems and reproductive organs of the four perennials were significantly smaller outside the exclosures. The degree of size reduction was highest for an erect species, O. corymbosa, compared with the other three species, and was similar between the two prostrate species. The second experiment, using 11 erect species and 15 prostrate species, demonstrated that erect species exhibited greater reduction in leaf length and cover in the grazing environments compared with prostrate species, suggesting that the erect species suffered more from grazing. In conclusion, many of the plant species reduced their size under grazing pressure during the growing season, but the nature of the changes depended on the growth form of each species. It remains unclear whether the morphological reduction was an adaptive response to grazing.
Genetic variation in remnant Festuca hallii populations is weakly differentiated, but geographically associated across the Canadian Prairie
Authors: QIU JIE , FU YONG‐BI , BAI YUGUANG , WILMSHURST JOHN F.
Published: November 2009

Genetic diversity is essential for predicting plant evolutionary potential and for formulating conservation strategies. However, little is known about the genetic variation of plains rough fescue [Festuca hallii (Vasey) Piper], a widespread and diagnostic grass in the Fescue Prairie. We used the amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) technique to assess the genetic variation of 30 fragmented populations of F. hallii across the northern Canadian Prairie and its associations with 12 geographical, fragmentation and environmental attributes. Three AFLP primer pairs were used to screen 840 samples, representing approximately 30 samples from each population, and 246 polymorphic bands were scored. The fescue plant was genetically diverse, as revealed by the proportion of polymorphic bands (0.870–0.967), the mean band frequency (0.364–0.457) and the within‐population variation (69.4–85.4). The genetic variation was not highly differentiated, with only 6.5% of the total AFLP variation residing among populations. A Mantel test revealed a significant correlation between genetic and geographical distances (r = 0.39; P < 0.004) and a spatial autocorrelation up to 60 km among populations was detected. The AFLP variation displayed a longitudinal decline and was significantly associated with environmental attributes related to moisture, indicating local adaptation. However, the AFLP variation was not significantly associated with the estimated population size and geographical distance to the nearest neighbor, suggesting that fragmentation has not generated considerable genetic impact on the fescue populations. Implications for fescue conservation, restoration and management are discussed.
Genetic structure and mating system of Ammopiptanthus mongolicus (Leguminosae), an endangered shrub in north‐western China
Authors: CHEN GUO‐QING , CRAWFORD DANIEL , HUANG HONGWEN , GE XUE‐JUN
Published: November 2009

Ammopiptanthus mongolicus (Maxim.) Cheng f. is an endangered evergreen shrub endemic to the deserts of central Asia and is particularly important for the ecological–environmental stability of native habitats. We investigated the allozyme diversity of A. mongolicus seed populations and estimated the mating system of this species using progeny arrays assayed for polymorphic allozyme loci. The mating system analysis demonstrated that A. mongolicus has a mixed mating system with outcrossing rates of tm = 0.648–0.746, which are congruent with the floral biology of this species. An overall low level of allozyme variation was detected in A. mongolicus populations (mean He = 0.081, P = 20.1%). Using both STRUCTURE software and a neighbor‐joining tree of the populations based on pairwise FST, genetic divergence was detected between populations from the Tengger Desert and from Ulan Buh Desert/Helan Mountain, which suggested that the populations in both regions may have originated from different refugia. Furthermore, the moderate level of genetic differentiation among populations (FST = 0.106) detected in the present study may result from a pre‐existing population structure before habitat fragmentation. The mating system, natural selection and evolutionary history of A. mongolicus populations all play important roles in shaping the genetic structure of this species. The implications of the results of the present study for both in situ and ex situ conservation of the species are discussed.
Reproduction dynamics of eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) populations in Ise–Mikawa Bay, central Honshu, Japan
Authors: YOSHIDA TSUKASA , OKAMOTO HIDEAKI , TANAKA YOSHITO , HIBINO TAKASHI , SUZUKI TERUAKI , TAKABE TERUHIRO
Published: November 2009

Suitable methods for the conservation and reconstruction of eelgrass populations are needed because of decreasing eelgrass populations. For this, it is important to understand the reproduction mechanism of eelgrass populations at a molecular level as well as at a macro level. In the present study, we analyzed the dynamic changes in eelgrass populations in Ise–Mikawa Bay by monitoring their distribution from 1993 to 2005 and by genetic analysis using microsatellite polymorphism. The distribution of eelgrass populations in the eastern part of Ise Bay showed a periodic shift with a cycle of 4 years, that is, eelgrass populations appeared on the bar trough, gradually moved to the inshore side of the habitat every year, and disappeared in the fourth year. Microsatellite analysis revealed that the eelgrass populations in Ise–Mikawa Bay have high genetic diversity. The eelgrass populations in Ise Bay and those in Mikawa Bay showed genetic differentiation and genetic connectivity. The importance of upstream parent populations, seed transportation among local populations and genetic diversity were discussed for the sustainability of eelgrass populations.
Generalist pollinators in the dioecious shrub Rhus trichocarpa Miq. (Anacardiaceae) and their role in reproductive success
Authors: MATSUYAMA SHUHEI , OSAWA NAOYA , SAKIMOTO MICHINORI
Published: November 2009

We examined the floral display size and potential pollinators of female and male Rhus trichocarpa in northern Kyoto, Japan, in June 2005. The entomophilous pollination system comprised 431 insects and one spider belonging to 124 species. Most pollinators were non‐social bees and occasional Diptera and Coleoptera, whereas eusocial bees were not dominant in the pollination system. Male‐biased frequencies were observed in the eusocial bees and in some of the non‐social bees, probably because they are sensitive to the larger male floral rewards. A pollinator introduction experiment confirmed that male‐biased, unbiased and infrequent non‐social bees can pollinate R. trichocarpa, indicating that non‐social bees can contribute to fruit set. The results suggest that there are likely to be two different functional groups of generalist pollinators: (i) the majority of the pollinators may contribute to reproductive success through unbiased and occasional visits; and (ii) a minority group of eusocial bees may contribute to reproductive success through male‐biased visits.
Disputing the myth of the sexual dysfunction of circumcised women: An interview with Fuambai S. Ahmadu by Richard A. Shweder
Authors: Ahmadu Fuambai S. , Shweder Richard A.
Published: November 2009

Fuambai S. Ahmadu is both a professional anthropologist and an initiated member of the Bondo society of Sierra Leone. This interview with Ahmadu by Richard A. Shweder on the subject of female genital cutting serves to contextualize a submission by Carlos D. Londoño Sulkin, who describes the changes of perception he and other members of the audience experienced after a lecture by Fuambai Ahmadu on this subject at the University of Regina on 19 March 2009. The title of Ahmadu's talk was ‘Disputing the myth of the sexual dysfunction of circumcised women’. In order to make sense of Londoño Sulkin's reactions to her account, Fuambai Ahmadu was invited to set out her case, which she does in the form of a question‐and‐answer session with Richard Shweder.
Of conferences and conflicts: 16th Congress of the IUAES, China, Summer 2009
Authors: Hann Chris
Published: November 2009

The 16th Congress of the International Union of Anthropological and Ethnological Sciences in July 2009 was an opportunity for China to showcase socialist policies toward ethnic minorities. However just three weeks before the Congress 200 people were killed in ethnic rioting in Xinjiang. Hann's Narrative contrasts the dominant rhetoric of the Congress with the realities on the ground in rural eastern Xinjiang.
Environmental Integrity and Non‐Discrimination in the Norwegian Emissions Trading Scheme
Authors: Voigt Christina
Published: November 2009

When Norway set up its National Allocation Plan (NAP) for 2008–2012 as required under Directive 2003/87/EC to permit it to engage in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS), it attempted to increase the environmental effectiveness of the EU ETS by introducing the auctioning of allowances to some sectors. In particular, Norway's NAP directed that the petroleum sector would not receive allowances free of charge and set out special allocation rules for land‐based industries. While older installations are to receive allowances free of charge, those established after 31 December 2001 are to purchase their allowances on the market.

The scheme was met with criticism by the European Free Trade Agreement (EFTA) Surveillance Authority, in particular for its discriminatory treatment between older and newer installations. Norway addressed the EFTA Surveillance Authority's objections by correcting its NAP to the detriment of its environmental integrity.

This article argues that Norway missed an opportunity to make polluters face the full incremental environmental costs of their activities in accordance with the polluter pays principle. The EU ETS for 2013–2020 is set to introduce an EU‐wide emissions cap, auctioning and stronger harmonization of allocation rules. Despite the ‘European Economic Area relevance’ of the proposed amendments to Directive 2003/87/EC to improve the EU ETS, it remains to be seen whether and how Norway is going to implement these changes. No other piece of EU legislation has implied so strong a shift in decision‐making power from the national to the EU level. For Norway as a non‐EU Member State, this raises fundamental questions of democratic legitimacy, which must be addressed.