bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of soil temperature on the bud phenology, chlorophyll fluorescence, carbohydrate content and cold hardiness of Norway spruce seedlings
Authors: Repo Tapani , Leinonen Ilkka , Ryyppö Aija , Finér Leena
Published: April 2004

The effects of soil temperature on the shoot phenology, carbohydrate dynamics, chlorophyll fluorescence and cold hardiness of 4‐year‐old Norway spruce seedlings (Picea abies L. Karst.) were studied. The experiment was carried out under controlled conditions in the Joensuu dasotrons. Air conditions were similar but soil temperatures differed by treatments (9, 13, 18 and 21°C) during the second growing period in the dasotrons. The after‐effects of the treatments were investigated during the third growing period following the treatments. Low soil temperature increased the starch content of needles and delayed the loss of starch at the end of the growing season. The photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) of the PSII of the current‐year needles was reduced at the lowest soil temperature. The cold hardiness of needles correlated with the soluble sugar content. The differences in soil temperature had no effect on the timing of bud burst. No after‐effects from the treatments were observed during the third growing period in the dasotrons.
A comparison between clearing and radiographic techniques in the study of the root‐canal anatomy of maxillary first and second molars
Authors: Omer O. E. , Al Shalabi R. M. , Jennings M. , Glennon J. , Claffey N. M.
Published: April 2004

Aim  To compare a clearing technique with conventional radiography in studying certain features of the root‐canal system of maxillary right first and second molars. A secondary aim was to assess interexaminer agreement for these features using radiographs.

Methodology  Eighty‐three recently extracted permanent maxillary right first molars and 40 recently extracted maxillary right second molars from an Irish population were included. Standard periapical radiographs were taken from a buccolingual and mesiodistal direction. The specimens were then decoronated, demineralized in 10% hydrochloric acid for 8 days and then cleared using methyl salicylate. The cleared teeth were examined using a dissecting microscope (×20), and data relating to number of roots, canal type following Vertucci's classification, presence of lateral canals, presence of transverse anastomoses and position/number of apical foramina were collected. The radiographs were examined by two independent trained endodontists using an X‐ray viewer and a magnifying lens (×2) in a dark room for the same features studied using the clearing technique.

Results  The Kappa values for the agreement between the radiographic examiners A and B and the clearing technique and between the two examiners for the number of roots were 0.60, 0.64 and 0.53; for the root‐canal type, 0.37, 0.41 and 0.42; for the number of roots with lateral canals, 0.21, 0.18 and 0.14; and for the transverse anastomoses, 0.29 for radiographic Examiner A. Radiographic Examiner B did not feel capable of accurately recognizing transverse anastomoses from the radiographs. For the position/number of apical foramina, the Kappa values were 0.33 and 0.24, respectively. In general, the Kappa values were low to modest for all comparisons.

Conclusions  It is concluded that the agreement between the two radiographic examiners and the agreement between either radiographic examiner and the clearing technique were poor to moderate, indicating the limited value of radiographs alone when studying certain aspects of the root‐canal system.
In vitroevaluation of the effectiveness of irrigants and intracanal medicaments on microorganisms within root canals
Authors: Menezes M. M. , Valera M. C. , Jorge A. O. C. , Koga‐Ito C. Y. , Camargo C. H. R. , Mancini M. N. G.
Published: April 2004

Aim To evaluatein vitrothe effectiveness of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), chlorhexidine (CHX) and five intracanal medicaments on microorganisms within root canals.

Methodology Ninety‐six human single‐rooted extracted teeth were used. After removing the crowns, canal preparation was completed and the external root surfaces were coated with epoxy resin. Following sterilization, the teeth were contaminated withCandida albicansandEnterococcus faecalis, and were incubated at 37 ± 1 °C for 7 days. The teeth were divided according to the irrigant solution or intracanal medicament: group 1, sterile physiologic solution (SPS) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) paste; group 2, SPS and camphorated paramonochlorophenol (CPMC); group 3, SPS and tricresol formalin; group 4, SPS and CaOH2 + CPMC paste; group 5, SPS and PMC furacin; group 6, 2.5% NaOCl without intracanal medication; group 7, 2.0% CHX without intracanal medication and group 8, SPS without intracanal medication (control group). Microbiological samples were collected with sterile paper points, and bacterial growth was determined. The data were submitted to the analysis of variance (anova,P = 0.05).

Results ForC. albicans, groups 3 and 8 were statistically less effective than groups 1, 2, 4 and 5 (Kruskal–Wallis (K–W) = 65.241; gl = 7;P = 0.001). ForE. faecalis, groups 6 and 8 were statistically less effective than groups 1–4 and 7 (K–W = 61.048; gl = 7;P = 0.001).

Conclusions Ca(OH)2 + CPMC paste was the most effective intracanal medicament for the elimination of the two microorganisms; 2.0% CHX solution was more effective than 2.5% NaOCl againstE. faecalis.
Risk as Analysis and Risk as Feelings: Some Thoughts about Affect, Reason, Risk, and Rationality
Authors: Slovic Paul , Finucane Melissa L. , Peters Ellen , MacGregor Donald G.
Published: April 2004

Modern theories in cognitive psychology and neuroscience indicate that there are two fundamental ways in which human beings comprehend risk. The “analytic system” uses algorithms and normative rules, such as probability calculus, formal logic, and risk assessment. It is relatively slow, effortful, and requires conscious control. The “experiential system” is intuitive, fast, mostly automatic, and not very accessible to conscious awareness. The experiential system enabled human beings to survive during their long period of evolution and remains today the most natural and most common way to respond to risk. It relies on images and associations, linked by experience to emotion and affect (a feeling that something is good or bad). This system represents risk as a feeling that tells us whether it is safe to walk down this dark street or drink this strange‐smelling water. Proponents of formal risk analysis tend to view affective responses to risk as irrational. Current wisdom disputes this view. The rational and the experiential systems operate in parallel and each seems to depend on the other for guidance. Studies have demonstrated that analytic reasoning cannot be effective unless it is guided by emotion and affect. Rational decision making requires proper integration of both modes of thought. Both systems have their advantages, biases, and limitations. Now that we are beginning to understand the complex interplay between emotion and reason that is essential to rational behavior, the challenge before us is to think creatively about what this means for managing risk. On the one hand, how do we apply reason to temper the strong emotions engendered by some risk events? On the other hand, how do we infuse needed “doses of feeling” into circumstances where lack of experience may otherwise leave us too “coldly rational”? This article addresses these important questions.
Risk Perceptions of Mobile Phone Use While Driving
Authors: White Mathew P. , Eiser J. Richard , Harris Peter R.
Published: April 2004

Numerous governments have introduced regulations governing the use of mobile (cellular) telephones while driving. Despite significant research into the “objective” risks, there is relatively little research into risk perceptions either in relation to other in‐car distractions or with respect to the factors underlying such perceptions. The current article reports on two studies addressing these issues. Study 1 (N= 199) found that whereas the use of hand‐held sets is seen as one of the riskiest activities to perform while driving, the risks of using a hands‐free kit are perceived to be relatively small. Study 2 (N= 1,320) found that nearly half of all drivers in the sample with a mobile phone reported having used it while driving and that, overall, the probability of having an accident was perceived to be less for oneself than for one's peers, indicating an optimistic bias. Two factors underpinned risk perceptions, “impact” including perceived severity and equitability, and “controllability” including immediacy, detectability, and probability. While higher “impact” scores were associated with increased preferences for restrictions on the use of hand‐held mobiles while driving, the “controllability” scores moderated this relationship such that when perceived “controllability” was low, restriction preferences were high irrespective of perceived “impact.” However, when “controllability” was high, restriction preferences remained high when “impact” was high but were low when “impact” was low. Given the growing number of in‐car technological innovations, it is suggested that regulators act strategically, rather than finding themselves developing a series of “hazard‐specific” regulations, which may ultimately lack coherence.
Risk‐Risk Balancing for Hazardous Waste Workers: Alternative Work, Traffic Fatalities, and Unemployment
Authors: Gochfeld Michael
Published: April 2004

Previous studies have shown that the fatality rate among hazardous waste remediation workers is likely to exceed the fatality rate averted among the public by remediation. The implication is that much hazardous waste remediation is inappropriate on a strictly risk‐based basis. Such analyses ignore the fact that the same hazardous waste workers would be engaged in other work with similar or perhaps greater safety risks, and that in any case the single greatest cause of occupational fatalities is traffic accidents, hence distance traveled may be a more important predictor than type of work performed.
Risk Assessment of Listeriosis Linked to the Consumption of Two Soft Cheeses Made from Raw Milk: Camembert of Normandy and Brie of Meaux
Authors: Sanaa Moez , Coroller Louis , Cerf Olivier
Published: April 2004

This article reports a quantitative risk assessment of human listeriosis linked to the consumption of soft cheeses made from raw milk. Risk assessment was based on data purposefully acquired inclusively over the period 2000–2001 for two French cheeses, namely: Camembert of Normandy and Brie of Meaux. Estimated Listeria monocytogenes concentration in raw milk was on average 0.8 and 0.3 cells/L, respectively, in Normandy and Brie regions. A Monte Carlo simulation was used to account for the time‐temperature history of the milk and cheeses from farm to table. It was assumed that cell progeny did not spread within the solid cheese matrix (as they would be free to do in liquid broth). Interaction between pH and temperature was accounted for in the growth model. The simulated proportion of servings with no L. monocytogenes cell was 88% for Brie and 82% for Camembert. The 99th percentile of L. monocytogenes cell numbers in servings of 27 g of cheese was 131 for Brie and 77 for Camembert at the time of consumption, corresponding respectively to three and five cells of L. monocytogenes per gram. The expected number of severe listeriosis cases would be ≤10−3 and ≤2.5 × 10−3 per year for 17 million servings of Brie of Meaux and 480 million servings of Camembert of Normandy, respectively.
Who Benefits from Deregulating the Separation of Banking Activities? Differential Effects on Commercial Bank, Investment Bank, and Thrift Stock Returns
Authors: Czyrnik Kathy , Klein Linda Schmid
Published: April 2004

We analyze the deregulation impact on commercial banks, investment banks, and thrifts associated with four major events progressively integrating commercial and investment banking activities in the United States during the 1990s. We find that commercial banks are the only group to react favorably to Federal Reserve announcements relaxing firewalls and easing restrictions on commercial bank revenues from investment banking activities. These regulations primarily benefit large banks. The Bankers Trust acquisition announcement of investment bank Alex Brown is associated with increased wealth for each of the three types of financial service institutions. At the eventual deregulation of the financial services industry, with the passage of the Financial Services Modernization Act in 1999, the values of commercial banks and investment banks increase significantly although thrifts are not affected.
Trypsin induces epidermal proliferation and inflammation in murine skin
Authors: Meyer‐Hoffert Ulf , Rogalski Christina , Seifert Stefanie , Schmeling Gero , Wingertszahn Jana , Proksch Ehrhardt , Wiedow Oliver
Published: April 2004

Abstract:  Human keratinocytes are known to express the protease‐activated receptors, PAR‐1 and PAR‐2. Activation of PAR‐1 results in increased proliferation, whereas PAR‐2 activation results in decreased keratinocyte proliferation. Trypsin activates PAR‐1 and in higher concentrations, PAR‐2. The aim of this study was to evaluate the overall effect of trypsin on keratinocyte proliferation in a mouse in vivo and in vitro model. Daily topical application of 0.3–300 pmol trypsin/cm2 on hairless mouse skin induced dose‐dependent epidermal hyperproliferation as determined by an increase in 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine incorporation of up to eight‐fold in basal keratinocytes and an up to three‐fold increase in keratinocyte layers. This was accompanied by an increased transepidermal water loss. These effects of trypsin were abolished by the addition of the trypsin inhibitor n‐p‐tosyl‐l‐lysine‐chloromethyl ketone. Histological analysis revealed acanthosis, hypergranulosis, and spongiosis in the epidermis as well as vasodilatation and an inflammatory infiltrate in the upper dermis. In the murine keratinocyte cell line PAM‐212 activation of PAR‐1 with specific activating peptides resulted in a calcium influx and an increase of proliferation, whereas activation of PAR‐2 caused a diminished proliferation. Incubation with trypsin, PAR‐1‐, and PAR‐2‐activating peptides induced cytokine‐induced neutrophil chemoattractant (KC) mRNA expression as a marker for inflammation in PAM‐212 in a dose‐dependent manner. In conclusion, our results suggest that trypsin induces in vivo epidermal proliferation and inflammation. Proliferation seems not to be signaled by PAR activation, but PAR‐2‐induced KC chemokine expression may contribute in part to trypsin‐induced inflammation.
The role of calcitonin gene‐related peptide in cutaneous immunosuppression induced by repeated subinflammatory ultraviolet irradiation exposure
Authors: Legat Franz J. , Jaiani Lasha T. , Wolf Peter , Wang Minsheng , Lang Roland , Abraham Tonya , Solomon Alvin R. , Armstrong Cheryl A. , Glass Jonathan D. , Ansel John C.
Published: April 2004

Abstract:  Ultraviolet (UV) light is an effective treatment for skin disorders like psoriasis in which the cutaneous neurosensory system may have a pathogenic role. In this study, we examined the possibility that UV modulation of the cutaneous neurosensory system and calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) may contribute to local immunosuppression mediated by repeated subinflammatory UV irradiation. Our results indicated that exposure of hairless mice to subinflammatory UV three times weekly for 4 weeks significantly increased the number of epidermal nerve fibers (ENFs) immunoreactive for CGRP without altering the total number of ENFs. The skin content of CGRP as measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was also significantly increased after exposure to this dose of UV. These effects were most apparent 1 day after the last UV exposure and declined 1 week after UV. The role of CGRP in UV‐induced immunosuppression of contact hypersensitivity was then examined. Our results indicated that UV suppression of epicutaneous 2,4‐dinitro‐1‐fluorobenzene (DNFB) sensitization could be significantly inhibited by a systemically administered CGRP receptor antagonist. A broad‐spectrum sunscreen applied before UV exposure inhibited increased cutaneous CGRP and blocked immunosuppression. These findings support a role for CGRP in the local immunosuppression caused by chronic, repeated subinflammatory UV exposure.
‘Do not attempt resuscitation’ decision‐making: a study exploring the attitudes and experiences of nurses
Authors: Giles Helen , Moule Pam
Published: April 2004

• At the time of the research being undertaken, a policy regarding resuscitation decisions did not exist at a local hospital. However, it was proposed that a new ‘do not attempt resuscitation’ policy should be implemented

• Nurses' attitudes to, and experiences of, the communication involved in ‘do not attempt resuscitation’ decision‐making were explored and compared with five variables (nurses' age, nurses' grade, years of nursing, area of nursing practice and length of nursing experience on current ward)

• Seventy‐eight qualified nurses, who made up a convenience sample, participated in the study. An adapted questionnaire was used to explore nurses' attitudes to, and experiences of, ‘do not attempt resuscitation’ decision‐making

• The findings suggested that nurses' attitudes did generally concur with the guidelines outlined in the new policy. However, in practice, there were many disparities between nurses' experiences of current ‘do not attempt resuscitation’ decision‐making and the policy's guidelines

• There were no significant differences between nurses' attitudes to current ‘do not attempt resuscitation’ decision‐making and the five variables. However, there was one significant difference identified between nurses' experiences and the area of nursing practice (p = 0·008)

• To adhere to the principles of the forthcoming ‘do not attempt resuscitation’ policy at the local hospital, the research findings have suggested that changes need to occur to both nurses' attitudes to and nurses' experiences of current ‘do not attempt resuscitation’ decision‐making
TNF‐α hyperpolarizes membrane potential and potentiates the response to nicotinic receptor stimulation in cultured rat myenteric neurones
Authors: Rehn M. , Hübschle T. , Diener M.
Published: April 2004

Aims: 
Tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) plays a central role in the pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel disease. The present experiments were designed to characterize the action of this cytokine on enteric neurones.

Methods:  Myenteric ganglia from newborn rats were treated for 20 h with TNF‐α (100 ng mL−1) and studied with the patch‐clamp technique.

Results:  Control neurones showed a membrane potential of −34.6 ± 2.2 mV (n = 22), whereas TNF‐α‐treated cells exhibited a membrane potential of −50.8 ± 3.5 mV (n = 25). The depolarization evoked by carbachol (50 μm) was potentiated from 5.2 ± 0.7 mV (n = 6) in control neurones to 27.5 ± 2.0 mV (n = 10) in TNF‐α‐treated cells. This effect was mimicked by 1,1‐dimethyl‐4‐phenylpiperazinium iodide, but not by bethanechol. The changes in basal membrane potential and in the nicotinic receptor response were suppressed by the non‐selective cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor indomethacin (10 μm), and the COX II‐specific inhibitor, nimesulide (100 μm), whereas the COX‐I selective inhibitor SC‐560 (5 μm) and the proteintyrosinekinase inhibitor genistein (50 μm) only partially inhibited the action of TNF‐α. Staining of the ganglionic cells with an antibody against the transcription factor STAT5 revealed that TNF‐α induced a nuclear translocation of STAT5 in non‐neuronal cells.

Conclusion:  TNF‐α changes the electrophysiological properties of myenteric neurones via cyclooxygenase metabolites and protein tyrosine phosphorylation; the cells primarily responding to the cytokine seem to be non‐neuronal cells in the ganglion culture, which respond with a nuclear STAT5 translocation suggesting an action on gene transcription.
Constitutive expression of inducible Hsp70 is linked to natural shifts in skeletal muscle phenotype
Authors: O'Neill D. E. T. , Noble E. G.
Published: April 2004

Aim:  Constitutive expression of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) is elevated in frequently recruited, metabolically efficient rodent striated muscle. We aimed to assess the relative importance of muscle phenotype vs. increased contractile activity on this pattern of expression using the rat diaphragm, which undergoes a dramatic and sustained increase in recruitment with parturition and development.

Methods:  Diaphragms were collected from rats of various ages (20 day fetus, 1 and 3 days, and 1, 3, 6 and 12 weeks postpartum; PP), and assessed for changes in oxidative capacity, Hsp70 and Type I myosin heavy chain (MHCI) (used as a marker of muscle phenotype changes).

Results:  Oxidative capacity of the diaphragm (as indicated by citrate synthase activity) and whole body growth rate (% increase in body weight per week), factors thought to require chaperone activity, increased rapidly, peaked at 3–6 weeks PP and declined late in development. In contrast, at 1 week PP, increased contractile activity in the diaphragm had not altered the expression of Hsp70 protein or mRNA from fetal levels. Significant increases in Hsp70 were not observed until between 1 and 3 weeks, achieving their highest levels at 12 weeks PP. Both MHC I protein (r = 0.69, P = 0.001) and mRNA (r = 0.76, P = 0.001) were significantly correlated with their Hsp70 counterparts.

Conclusions:  Expression of Hsp70 in the developing diaphragm represents an adaptation associated with a shift towards a slower, more metabolically efficient adult phenotype rather than simply a response to contractile stress.
New model for kinetic studies of HDL metabolism in humans
Authors: Chétiveaux M. , Ouguerram K. , Zair Y. , Maugère P. , Falconi I. , Nazih H. , Krempf M.
Published: April 2004

Background   The aim of the study was to develop a new model for kinetic studies of Apolipoprotein A‐I of HDL (Apo A‐I‐HDL) labelled with stable isotope by using HDL subclasses isolated with fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC).

Materials and methods  Apo A‐I‐HDL kinetics were studied by infusing [5.5.5–2H3]‐leucine for 14 h in six healthy subjects. Preβ1 and αHDL were separated by FPLC and total HDL by ultracentrifugation (HDL‐UC).

Results  The tracer‐to‐tracee ratios were higher in preβ1 HDL than in HDL‐UC or αHDL. Leucine enrichments found in HDL‐UC were higher compared with αHDL, suggesting that HDL‐UC were composed of a mixture of Apo A‐I‐αHDL and Apo A‐I‐preβ1 HDL. Kinetic analysis of data obtained from FPLC was achieved using a multicompartmental model, including a conversion between preβ1 and αHDL compartments. The production rate of preβ1 HDL was 7·72 ± 2·86 mg kg−1 d−1 (mean ± SD). Preβ1 HDL were converted to αHDL at a rate of 96·24 ± 42·99 pool d−1, and the synthesis rate of preβ1 HDL from αHDL was 10‐fold slower: 7·09 ± 4·51 pool d−1. Apo A‐I‐FCR of HDL‐UC was estimated using a one‐compartment model (0·165 ± 0·074 pool d−1), and was higher but not significantly compared with FCR of Apo A‐I‐αHDL (0·112 ± 0·026 pool d−1) calculated with the new model.

Conclusions  This study reports for the first time a model involving enrichments of Apo A‐I in preβ1 and αHDL which allowed the measure of Apo A‐I cycling within HDL fraction and will aid better understanding of kinetics of HDL in humans.
Are the long‐term fluctuations in Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) population related to environmental changes?
Authors: Ravier Christelle , Fromentin Jean‐Marc
Published: April 2004

We tested whether synchronous, long‐term fluctuations in Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) trap catches, collected from the ancestral Mediterranean and Atlantic trap fishery, might be related to large‐scale environmental change. Nine time series of trap catches of more than 80 yr long were compared with long time series of three preselected environmental variables, i.e. the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), the Length of the Day Index (LOD, a proxy of the atmospheric circulation index) and the temperature. Spectral analyses of trap catches, LOD and temperature displayed similar spectra with peaks at low frequencies, whereas those of the NAO exhibited a broad band spectrum. Regression analyses and tests of correlation did not reveal any clear relationship between trap catches on the one hand and NAO and LOD on the other hand. In contrast, long‐term fluctuations in trap catches appear to be closely and negatively related to long‐term trends in temperature. Underlying processes that could explain such a relationship are discussed, with special focus on changes in migration patterns of the Atlantic bluefin tuna.
Change in feeding ecology and trophic dynamics of Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) in the central Gulf of Alaska in relation to climate events
Authors: Kaeriyama M. , Nakamura M. , Edpalina R. , Bower J. R. , Yamaguchi H. , Walker R. V. , Myers K. W.
Published: April 2004

The effects of climate events on the feeding ecology and trophic dynamics of Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) in offshore waters of the central Gulf of Alaska were investigated during early summers (1994–2000), based on analyses of stomach contents, and carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N). Gonatid squids (mainly Berryteuthis anonychus) were the dominant prey of all salmon species except for chum salmon (O. keta). During the 1997 El Niño event and the 1999 La Niña event, squids decreased sharply in the diets of all Pacific salmon except coho salmon (O. kisutch) in the Subarctic Current, and chum salmon diets changed from gelatinous zooplankton (1995–97) to a more diverse array of zooplankton species. A δ13C and δ15N analysis indicated that all salmon species occupied the same branch of the food web in 1999–2000. We hypothesize that high‐seas salmon adapt to climate‐induced changes in their prey resources by switching their diets either within or between trophic levels. To understand the effects of climate change on Pacific salmon in the Gulf of Alaska, biological oceanographic research on B. anonychus and other important prey resources is needed.
Assumed and inferred spatial structure of populations: the Scandinavian brown bears revisited
Authors: Manel S. , Bellemain E. , Swenson J. E. , François O.
Published: April 2004

We reanalysed the spatial structure of the Scandinavian brown bear (Ursus arctos) population based on multilocus genotypes. We used data from a former study that had presumed a priori a specific population subdivision based on four subpopulations. Using two independent methods (neighbour‐joining trees and Bayesian assignment tests), we analysed the data without any prior presumption about the spatial structure. A subdivision of the population into three subpopulations emerged from our study. The genetic pattern of these subpopulations matched the three geographical clusters of individuals present in the population. We recommend considering the Scandinavian brown bear population as consisting of three (instead of four) subpopulations. Our results underline the importance of determining genetic structure from the data, without presupposing a structure, even when there seems to be good reason to do so.
Population structure and conservation genetics of wild riceOryza rufipogon(Poaceae): a region‐wide perspective from microsatellite variation
Authors: Gao Lizhi
Published: April 2004

Oryza rufipogonGriff. is the most agriculturally important but seriously endangered wild rice species. To better estimate how genetic structure can be used to obtained a conservation perspective of the species, genetic variability at six polymorphic microsatellite DNA loci was examined. High levels of genetic variability were detected at six loci in 1245 individuals of 47 natural populations covering most of the species’ range in China (overallRS = 3.0740,HO = 0.2290,HS = 0.6700). Partitioning of genetic variability (FST = 0.246) showed that most microsatellite variation was distributed within populations. Significant departures from Hardy–Weinberg expectations and very strong linkage disequilibrium indicate a high degree of inbreeding in the species and severe subdivision within populations. A meanNmvalue of 0.7662 suggested a limited gene flow among the assayed populations. Our study suggests that conservation and restoration genetics should focus in particular on the maintenance of historically significant processes such as high levels of outbreeding and gene flow and large effective population size in the species.
Genetic diversity across a vertebrate species’ range: a test of the central–peripheral hypothesis
Authors: Garner Trenton W. J. , Pearman Peter B. , Angelone Sonia
Published: April 2004

Although it has been long presumed that population genetic variability should decrease as a species’ range margin is approached, results of empirical investigations remain ambiguous. Sampling strategies employed by many of these studies have not adequately sampled the entire range. Here we present the results of an investigation of population genetic diversity in a vertebrate species, the Italian agile frog, Rana latastei, sampled comprehensively across its entire range. Our results show that genetic variability is not correlated with population location with respect to the range periphery. Instead, the model that best explains the genetic variation detectable across the range is based on an east‐to‐west gradient of declining diversity. Although we cannot state definitively what has led to this distribution, the most likely explanation is that the range of Rana latastei expanded postglacially from a Balkan refugium.
A population genetic comparison of argali sheep (Ovis ammon) in Mongolia using the ND5 gene of mitochondrial DNA; implications for conservation
Authors: Tserenbataa T. , Ramey R. R. , Ryder O. A. , Quinn T. W. , Reading R. P.
Published: April 2004

We sequenced 556 bp of the mitochondrial ND5 gene to infer aspects of population structure and to test subspecific designations of argali sheep (Ovis ammon) in Mongolia. Analysis of molecular variance (amova) revealed greater variation within than among putative subspecies and populations, suggesting high levels female‐mediated gene flow. Compared with bighorn sheep (O. canadensis) in North America, substantially less differentiation in mitochondrial DNA was found among argali populations over 1200 km than was found among bighorn populations over 250 km. This result is consistent with differences in argali and bighorn life history traits. Argali run for long distances across open terrain in the presence of a threat rather than running up into steep escape terrain like bighorn sheep do. Our results suggest recognizing only one Evolutionary Significant Unit (subspecies) of argali in Mongolia, but they may support recognizing two Management Units, because two regions do exhibit slightly different haplotype frequencies at the ND5 gene of mtDNA.
Three‐dimensional fine‐scale genetic structure of the neotropical epiphytic orchid, Laelia rubescens
Authors: Trapnell Dorset W. , Hamrick J. L. , Nason John D.
Published: April 2004

Epiphytic plants occupy three‐dimensional space, which allows more individuals to be closely clustered spatially than is possible for populations occupying two dimensions. The unique characteristics of epiphytes can act in concert to influence the fine‐scale genetic structure of their populations which can, in turn, influence mating patterns and other population phenomena. Three large populations of Laelia rubescens (Orchidaceae) in the Costa Rican seasonal dry forest were sampled at two levels of intensity to determine: (i) whether individual clusters contain more than one genotype, and (ii) the spatial distribution and fine‐scale genetic structure of genotypes within populations. Samples were assayed for their multilocus allozyme genotypes and spatial autocorrelation analyses were performed. High levels of genetic diversity, high genotypic diversity and low among‐population variation were found. In the larger clusters, multiple genets per cluster were common with discrete clusters containing up to nine genotypes. Spatial autocorrelation analyses indicated significant positive genetic structure at distances of ≤ 45 cm. This result is likely due to the formation of discrete clusters by vegetative reproduction, as well as the establishment of sexually derived progeny within and near maternal clusters.
Dengue vector prevalence and virus infection in a rural area in south India
Authors: Tewari S. C. , Thenmozhi V. , Katholi C. R. , Manavalan R. , Munirathinam A. , Gajanana A.
Published: April 2004

We conducted a 2‐year (1997–1999) longitudinal, entomological and virological study in three dengue endemic villages in Vellore district, Tamil Nadu, to understand the dynamics of dengue transmission. Aedes aegypti (Linn.), Ae. albopictus (Skuse) and Ae. vittatus (Bigot) were the prevalent vector species. Aedes aegypti was breeding throughout the year with a Breteau index ranging from 9.05 to 45.49. Aedes albopictus and Ae. vittatus were prevalent mainly in the rainy season. Small water holding containers (cemented tanks/cisterns) were the perennial breeding source of Ae. aegypti, and its abundance was significantly higher in semi‐urbanized central areas than the peripheral areas of the villages. From 271 pools (4016 specimens) of adult females, eight dengue virus (DENV) isolates were obtained of which seven were from Ae. aegypti and one from Ae. albopictus. This is the first report of DENV isolation from Ae. albopictus in rural India. Infection rates in the two species were comparable. However, due to higher and perennial prevalence, Ae. aegypti is considered as primary vector with Ae. albopictus playing a secondary role. Despite circulation of all four serotypes (DENV 1–4) detected mainly during the transmission season, the high anthropophilic index of the vectors and their abundance, no human dengue case was reported, suggesting silent dengue transmission.
Epidemiological study of kala‐azar by direct agglutination test in two rural communities of eastern Nepal
Authors: Koirala S. , Karki P. , Das M. L. , Parija S. C. , Karki B. M. S.
Published: April 2004

We conducted a sero‐epidemiological study of kala‐azar in two endemic communities (Kasaini and Gidhaniya) situated in the Terai (plain) of eastern Nepal. Direct agglutination test (DAT) was used as a serological test for screening. Capillary blood samples were collected by filter paper method from 601 (96%) people of a total population of 628 in Kasaini and from 482 (94%) people of 515 in Gidhaniya. Positive DAT titres (1:2000) were found in 66 (6.09%) of 1083 sera tested. The male–female sero‐prevalence ratio was 1.44:1 and the age group of 15 years and above was most affected. Among the bone marrow aspirates collected from 66 DAT seropositive cases, only 19 were positive for Leishmania donovani (LD bodies). Of the 47 DAT seropositive but LD bodies’ negative cases, three were clinically active cases of kala‐azar. Another nine developed clinical symptoms of kala‐azar during 6 months follow‐up and 23 were cases that had received prior treatment for kala‐azar (within 1 year). The results of this study show the potential of the DAT on filter paper as a screening test for the surveillance of kala‐azar at a community level.
Detailed clinical and ultrasound examination of children and adolescents in a Schistosoma mansoni endemic area in Kenya: hepatosplenic disease in the absence of portal fibrosis
Authors: Vennervald Birgitte J. , Kenty LeeCarol , Butterworth Anthony E. , Kariuki Curtis H. , Kadzo Hilda , Ireri Edmund , Amaganga Clifford , Kimani Gachuhi , Mwatha Joseph , Otedo Amos , Booth Mark , Ouma John H. , Dunne David W.
Published: April 2004

Hepatosplenic schistosomiasis involving organomegaly, portal fibrosis and portal hypertension has been observed in autopsy studies. Here, we have tested the hypothesis that hepatosplenic disease including organomegaly and markers of increased portal pressure can occur in school aged children in the absence of fibrosis. A case‐only study of 96 children aged 7–20 years defined by ultrasound detectable hepatomegaly was undertaken in Makueni district, Kenya. A novel method of clinical examination that involved a consensus scoring by three or four examiners was used to classify children as presenting with severe or moderate hepatosplenic disease after palpation of livers and spleens. Ultrasound examination of livers and spleens was based on the Niamey protocol. Clinical measurements included spleen enlargement along the mid‐clavicular and mid‐axillary lines, liver enlargement along the mid‐sternal (MSL) and mid‐clavicular lines, as well as organ consistency. The clinical examination indicated that 9% and 60% of the children had severe or moderate hepatosplenomegaly, respectively. Amongst egg‐positive children, all clinical measurements, except MSL liver enlargement, correlated with egg count, as did portal vein diameter, spleen length and liver length measured by ultrasound. Peri‐portal fibrosis was not observed in any child, whereas 28% of the children were classified as having increased portal pressure according to World Health Organization criteria. There was no effect of malaria parasitaemia or hepatitis seropositvity on any of the observed parameters. These results indicate that hepatosplenic disease in school‐aged children attributable to S. mansoni infection, involving hepatosplenomegaly and increased portal vein diameter, can occur in the absence of peri‐portal fibrosis.
A randomized trial of amodiaquine and artesunate alone and in combination for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in children from Burkina Faso
Authors: Barennes Hubert , Nagot Nicholas , Valea Innocent , Koussoubé‐Balima Tatiana , Ouedraogo Albert , Sanou Thérèse , Yé Suzanne
Published: April 2004

Combining artesunate (AR) with existing antimalarial drugs may improve cure rates, delay emergence of resistance and reduce parasite clearance time. In order to investigate the latter, we conducted a randomized clinical trial testing the AR plus amodiaquine (AQ) combination for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Burkina Faso. Children aged 1–15 years were randomly assigned to either AQ (10 mg/kg) or AR (4 mg/kg first day then half dose) or AQ + AR (AQAR) as a single daily dose under supervision for three consecutive days for all groups. Follow‐up lasted 28 days. Primary endpoints were parasite and fever clearance time. Eighty‐seven children were evaluated: 27 received AQ, 27 AR and 33 AQAR. Using an intention to treat analysis, fever clearance time was similar in the three groups. However, it was significantly faster in the AR (1.21 days; P = 0.02) and AQAR groups (1.19 days; P < 0.01) than in the AQ group (1.46 days) when excluding other concomitant causes of fever. Parasite clearance time was faster in AR (1.13 days; P = 0.008) and AQAR groups (1.13 days; P < 0.01) than in the AQ group (1.6 days). All children cleared their parasites by day 14, including the child with Late Parasitological Failure (LPF) at day 7 after rescue treatment. Only one child (4%) from the AR group and one (4%) from the AQ group presented with asymptomatic parasitaemia at day 7 and day 21, respectively (LPF). Gametocyte carriage was not detectable in any group during follow‐up nor was any adverse reaction observed. While resistance to first‐line treatment (chloroquine) is already established in the country, AQ and AR used alone or in combination therapy proved highly efficacious in our study. Burkina Faso stands in a very good situation for an internationally recommended switch to AR‐containing combination as first‐line treatment for uncomplicated malaria. Including AQ in this regimen seems the best option.
Does sequencing the PKRBD of hepatitis C virus NS5A predict therapeutic response to combination therapy in an Australian population?
Authors: MACQUILLAN GERRY C , NIU XIANWA , SPEERS DAVID , ENGLISH SUZANNE , GARAS GEORGE , HARNETT GERRY B , REED WILLIAM D , ALLAN JANE E , JEFFREY GARY P
Published: April 2004

Background and Aim:  The presence of four or more amino acid substitutions within the interferon sensitivity determining region (ISDR) of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1b NS5A gene determines sensitivity to interferon (IFN) monotherapy in Japanese patients. Resistance of HCV genotype 1 to IFN‐alpha has been attributed to the functional inhibition of a RNA dependent protein kinase (PKR) by the HCV NS5A PKR binding domain (PKRBD), which includes the ISDR. The ability of the ISDR and PKRBD sequence to predict a response to IFN‐alpha and ribavirin combination therapy was investigated in an Australian population.

Methods:  The sequence of the PKRBD of NS5A, including the ISDR, for the dominant quasi‐species of HCV was determined in 37 genotype 1 (genotype 1a: n = 26, genotype 1b: n = 11) and 13 genotype 3a infected patients.

Results:  The number of PKRBD amino acid substitutions in HCV genotype 1 infected patients with a sustained virological response was significantly higher than that in patients with a non‐response to treatment (P = 0.047). It was found that only 2/37 HCV genotype 1 infected patients had four or more amino acid substitutions relative to the prototype ISDR sequence (HCV‐J). Importantly, a sustained virological response was not found in any of the HCV infected patients who had a prototype ISDR genotype 1 sequence (n = 5).

Conclusions:  There are relatively few amino acid mutations within the ISDR of this Western Australian patient population. Patients infected with a HCV genotype 1 prototype sequence should be counseled before receiving combination IFN‐alpha and ribavirin therapy as they have a poor response to treatment.
Ribavirin upregulates interleukin‐12 receptor and induces T cell differentiation towards type 1 in chronic hepatitis C
Authors: SHIINA MASAAKI , KOBAYASHI KOJU , SATOH HIROKO , NIITSUMA HIROFUMI , UENO YOSHIYUKI , SHIMOSEGAWA TOORU
Published: April 2004

Background and Aim:  The mechanisms of ribavirin as an immune modulator have not been fully revealed, contrary to its clinical benefit in chronic hepatitis C. Recently, host immune defense, especially cytotoxic T lymphocytes and T helper cells, have been considered to be closely related to the pathophysiology of chronic viral hepatitis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the function of ribavirin in cellular immunity.

Methods:  Peripheral blood mononuclear cells and total RNA were prepared from chronic hepatitis C patients. To evaluate the polarization of T helper cells, we performed intracellular cytokine assay and quantified the production of key cytokines. mRNA levels of interleukin‐12 receptor (IL‐12R), interferon (IFN)‐γ and interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) were measured by real time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR).

Results:  The population of T helper 1 cells increased significantly both in mitogen and hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein stimulated cells with 0.1 µg/mL of ribavirin. However, the population of T helper 2 cells did not seem to be affected by ribavirin. The level of IL‐12R β2 chain mRNA was also upregulated to 130% after 24 h incubation with 0.1 µg/mL ribavirin (P = 0.037), whereas the β1 chain did not change significantly under these conditions. In addition, 0.1 µg/mL ribavirin could upregulate the levels of IFN‐γ or IL‐4 mRNA in some cases.

Conclusion:  Ribavirin, perhaps by acting directly on CD4+ T cells, induces T cell differentiation towards type 1, depending on the upregulated signal of the IL‐12/IL‐12R pathway.
Barrett's esophagus: Prevalence and its relationship with dyspeptic symptoms
Authors: TORUNER MURAT , SOYKAN IRFAN , ENSARI ARZU , KUZU ISINSU , YURDAYDIN CIHAN , ÖZDEN ALI
Published: April 2004

Background and Aim:  Barrett's metaplasia is a premalign condition which plays a pivotal role in the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma. It is considered a complication of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease. Although esophageal adenocarcinoma is an uncommon cancer, its incidence is rapidly increasing. The aims of the present study were to determine the prevalence of Barrett's metaplasia in outpatients referred for gastroscopy for upper gastrointestinal symptoms, and to clarify the relationship between Barrett's metaplasia and upper gastrointestinal symptoms.

Methods:  Three‐hundred and ninety‐five consecutive dyspeptic patients, never previously investigated, underwent gastroscopy and were enrolled into the study.

Results:  Barrett's metaplasia was detected in 29 patients (7.4%). The age‐specific prevalence of Barrett's metaplasia increased with age. In multivariate analysis, Barrett's metaplasia was independently and positively related to age, sex and duration of symptoms, but not with upper gastrointestinal symptoms. In univariate analysis, Barrett's metaplasia was significantly more common in patients with antral intestinal metaplasia (24%) and presence of hiatal hernia (65.5%), compared with those with normal endoscopic findings (6.2% and 39.2%, respectively, p = 0.001).

Conclusion:  Symptoms do not predict Barrett's metaplasia. Barrett's metaplasia is age‐related and more common in patients with a longer duration of symptoms, presence of hiatal hernia and antral intestinal metaplasia.
Borderline Personality Disorder: towards a systemic formulation
Authors: Allen Catherine
Published: April 2004

The diagnostic label, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), is rapidly gaining currency in the UK. Although many systemic practitioners are skilled and experienced at working with the clinical difficulties associated with the diagnosis, there is little systemic literature on the topic. This paper discusses some of the difficulties for systemic practitioners in engaging with the concept of BPD and offers some pointers for the development of systemic practice in this area.
‘Milking The Elephant’: Financial Markets as Real Markets in Kenya
Authors: Johnson Susan
Published: April 2004

Financial liberalization policies in the 1990s were intended to raise formal sector interest rates, enhance competition and expand access for users. This article investigates patterns of provision and use in a local financial market in Karatina, Kenya, at the end of the 1990s after a period of financial and economic liberalization. It takes a holistic approach, examining both formal and informal financial arrangements and microfinance interventions. This is because the role of the informal financial sector is particularly important for poor people and has received relatively little attention in the discussion of the consequences of reform. The author does this using a ‘real’ markets approach that sees markets as socially regulated and structured. Significant provision by the mutual sector (formal and informal), and poor lending performance by the banking sector is explained through an examination of the characteristics of the services on offer and their embeddedness in social relations, culture and politics.
The Negation of Politics in Participatory Development Projects, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Chhotray Vasudha
Published: April 2004

Based on a case study of two watershed development projects in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh in India, this article argues that participatory development projects are legitimized by using formalistic compliance criteria, while removing politics as a context. It shows how key aspects of the liberal political framework have not been fully harmonized with communitarian theories; the result is an interpretation of participation as a set of practices that are far removed from politics. As a development practice, participation can turn into the itemizing of participatory objectives, which are then to be fulfilled in the same way as physical and financial targets. The practitioners see their role as merely ‘technocratic’ and the projects they implement as ‘apolitical’. The author argues that, central to these claims, is a limited definition of ‘politics’ as a one dimensional domain comprising contest and irreconcilable conflict, from which the participatory projects, based on so‐called consensus, publicly expressed, are to be shielded. The article concludes that participatory projects accommodate and reflect existing relations of domination and control much more than their outward orientation would suggest.