bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The incidence of local government allocations in Tanzania
Authors: Boex Jameson
Published: November 2003

Since 1999, Tanzania has been actively pursuing reforms of the way in which the central government finances local government activities. This article looks at the potential problems with the mechanism that the central government currently uses to distribute budget resources among the 114 local government authorities and sets out to reveal the incidence of central government allocations to local authorities in Tanzania. Two strands of economics literature—the public choice literature and the political economy literature—consider the distribution of central government resources across local governments. Using regression analysis, this study specifies an incidence model that reveals the determinants of variations in local government allocations in Tanzania. The empirical analysis only finds weak evidence supporting the presumed pro‐poor allocation of some local government resources by the central government in Tanzania. Instead, the study finds more convincing support for substantial pro‐wealthy and pro‐urban tendencies in the way in which central government officials divide public resources across local government units. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The performance framework: a systems approach to understanding performance management
Authors: Saltmarshe Douglas , Ireland Mark , McGregor J. Allister
Published: November 2003

The article presents a framework for better understanding the nature of performance in organisations involved in the provision of overseas development assistance (ODA). It uses a case study to illustrate the three main features of the framework which are: goals, performance assessment and performance management. It is asserted that a vibrant performance culture is one which links these features together to form an organisation capable of continual improvement through producing effective learning. Organisational culture determines the nature of linkages between the three sub‐systems. The article stresses how the notion of performance may extend beyond various forms of evaluation and scrutiny to being part of a sentient learning system rooted in an organisation's culture and structure. The article concludes with consideration of key issues associated with the generation of a reflexive learning organisation operating in the ODA sector. These are concerned with understanding the role and nature of systems, organisational vision, the embracing of diversity, training and accountability. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rare cell isolation using antibodies covalently linked to slides: application to fetal cells in maternal blood
Authors: Irene Jauho Eva , Havsteen Jakobsen Mogens
Published: November 2003

We describe here a new type of method for isolation of rare cell populations in biological fluids. The method is based on the anthraquinone technology for covalent binding of molecules to a polymer surface. An anthraquinone molecule conjugated via a linker to an electrophilic group (AQ Immobilizer™ reagent, Exiqon A/S) is covalently bound to a polymer surface by UV irradiation. The electrophilic group of this AQ reagent can covalently bind a specific antibody directed against a specific cell marker. Applying a cell sample to the functional surface, the cells having the specific cell marker on the cell surface will bind to the antibody on the functional surface. Using this technique, even extremely small cell populations may be isolated. We succeeded in isolating fetal cells from maternal blood samples in the first trimester for chromosome defects genetic diagnosis. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Possible human chimera detected prenatally after in vitro fertilization: a case report
Authors: Simon‐Bouy B. , Plachot M. , Mokdad A. , Lavaud N. , Muti C. , Bazin A. , Vialard F. , Belaisch‐Allart J.
Published: November 2003

Background

Chimerism is the coexistence of more than one cell line in an individual, due to the fusion of originally separate zygotes. It has been very rarely described in humans.

Methods

A 36‐year‐old woman who was referred for in vitro fertilization (IVF) for unexplained infertility had three embryos transferred.

Results

Four weeks and five days after the transfer, ultrasound examination detected a single fetus in the uterus. Ultrasound examination at 17 weeks for metrorrhagia showed severe intrauterine growth retardation. Amniocentesis revealed a mixture of 46,XY and 46,XX clones. Histopathologic examination showed a dysmorphic fetus with female phenotype and severe growth retardation.

Conclusions

Although demonstration by fingerprinting has not been possible, fusion of two of the three transferred embryos (one male and one female) seems to be the most probable mechanism that could explain both cytogenetic and histopathologic observations. No chimera has yet been described after IVF. It would be interesting to collect any such observations from other IVF centers. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strings in plane wave backgrounds
Authors: Pankiewicz A.
Published: November 2003

I review aspects of string theory on plane wave backgrounds emphasising the connection to gauge theory given by the BMN correspondence. Topics covered include the Penrose limit and its role in deriving the BMN duality from AdS/CFT, light‐cone string field theory in the maximally supersymmetric plane wave and extensions of the correspondence to less supersymmetric backgrounds.
The road to compliance with electronic records and electronic signature rules
Authors: Reed Kathleen L. , Barrowclough Kathleen D. , Rhea Robert C. , Kelly Wonda K. , Oster Maryanne B.
Published: November 2003

Activities required for compliance with electronic records (e‐records) and electronic signatures (e‐signatures) rules go a long way toward meeting the Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) requirements for assuring the quality of the data collected and the overall integrity of the study. This paper describes one facility's journey on the road to compliance. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Behavioral phenomena in quality assurance auditing
Authors: Winchell Terry
Published: November 2003

There are some unique considerations involved with the management and direction of a Quality Assurance (QA) auditing operation in both government and industry. An adequate understanding of not only the technical but also the unique behavioral dimensions of this profession are essential to effective operation and management. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What's new?
Authors: Bohaychuk Wendy , Broughton Steve
Published: November 2003

The What's New? section in the Quality Assurance Journal aims to draw attention to items of importance to QA professionals. There is usually a three‐month interval between final submission of manuscripts and distribution of the journal. For this issue, the entries in the What's New? section arise from the period of 01 June 2003 to 31 August 2003. If you feel that there is any other new information that should be brought to the attention of readers, please let us know by e‐mailing: rha@verdandi.ch Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Matrix convex directions for time delay systems
Authors: Kharitonov Vladimir , Mondié Sabine , Santos Joaquin
Published: November 2003

The characterization of convex direction for real Hurwitz matrices is extended to the case of multivariable time delay linear systems. The above is achieved using the results of convex directions for quasipolynomials. An illustrative example is given. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the determinants of “small” and “large” foreign exchange market interventions: The case of the Japanese interventions in the 1990s
Authors: Frenkel Michael , Pierdzioch Christian , Stadtmann Georg
Published: November 2003

During the past 30 years, central banks have often intervened in foreign exchange markets, and the magnitude of their foreign exchange market interventions has varied widely. We develop a quantitative reaction function model that renders it possible to examine the determinants of “small” and “large” interventions. We apply the model to analyzing the intervention policy of the Japanese monetary authorities (JMA) in the yen/U.S. dollar market during the period from 1991 through 2001. To this end, we use recently released official data on the foreign exchange market interventions of the JMA. We find that the JMA tended to conduct large interventions when the yen/U.S. dollar exchange rate drifted away from an “implicit target exchange rate.”
A single aquaporin gene encodes a water/glycerol/urea facilitator in Toxoplasma gondii with similarity to plant tonoplast intrinsic proteins1
Authors: Pavlovic-Djuranovic Slavica , Schultz Joachim E. , Beitz Eric
Published: November 2003

We describe a single aquaporin gene in Toxoplasma gondii which, surprisingly, has only 28% sequence similarity to the aquaglyceroporin of another apicomplexan parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. Sequence comparisons showed 47% similarity to water‐specific plant aquaporins and the conservation of typical pore‐forming residues. We established that the Toxoplasma aquaporin protein is a bifunctional membrane pore with intermediate water and high glycerol permeability. Furthermore, we identified hydroxyurea, an antineoplastic agent with inhibitory effects on parasite proliferation, as a permeant of this channel.
Brief systemic work in psychiatric settings where a family member has been diagnosed as schizophrenic
Authors: Jones Elsa
Published: November 2003

In this paper I discuss work with the families of patients diagnosed as schizophrenic. The focus is on two particular aspects of such work: special features of therapy with these families and the important preparatory contextual work that needs to be done with colleagues in the professional network.
Men and fathers in therapy
Authors: O'Brien Margaret
Published: November 2003

This paper relates social scientific research on masculinity and fatherhood to the position of men and fathers in therapeutic settings. Common male pathways used for seeking help are described. The paper ends by exploring the implications of these patterns for couple and family work. Particular attention is paid to gender differences in the perception of male engagement in therapy.
The skeleton in the cupboard: experiential geneogram work for family therapy trainees
Authors: Francis Mireille
Published: November 2003

This paper outlines the experiences of five family therapy trainees, relating to seminars which involved visual geneogram analysis and research into their extended families of origin. Changes induced by the seminars and their impact on the trainees' personal lives and clinical performance will be examined. These findings are discussed in the light of some of the literature dealing with the relevance, for the family therapy trainee, of an appropriate family‐oriented experiential training.
Using masks as therapeutic aids in family therapy
Authors: Baptiste David A.
Published: November 2003

‘Man is least himself when he talks in his own person, give him a mask and he will tell the truth’ (Oscar Wilde).

This paper describes an innovative technique which uses masks as therapeutic aids in treating families in conflict. Structured within the framework of interpersonal perception, this technique uses play, humour, and the power and ‘magic’ of masks paradoxically to ‘unmask’ family members and facilitate reality‐testing of perceptions distorted by the emotional masks individuals create and project onto each other. Mask usage is suggested as an adjunct to other therapeutic approaches currently used with families. Caveats and contradictions for the technique are presented. A case study illustrates the use of the technique with a reconstituted family.
Countertransference to families where child abuse has occurred
Authors: Carr Alan
Published: November 2003

In this paper five countertransference reactions, which may be experienced by workers on child abuse management teams, are described. Karpman's Drama Triangle is used as a framework within which to define these reactions. The reactions are: (i) rescuing the child; (2) rescuing the parents; (3) rescuing the mother and child while persecuting the father; (4) rescuing the father; and (5) persecuting the family.
The King and his Fool*
Authors: Wilkinsf Robert
Published: November 2003

The Fool in Shakespeare's King Lear is portrayed as an unsuccessful medieval psychotherapist. Parallels are drawn with modern psychotherapeutic practices, especially the potentially dangerous misuse of humour, metaphor, paradox and absurdity by inexperienced therapists.
Family interaction in adolescent school phobia
Authors: Huffington Clare M. , Sevitt Michael A.
Published: November 2003

The families of 26 school non‐attending adolescents (15 phobics, 11 truants) took part in a special task interview which was observed and video taped. The Summary Format for Family Interaction and Family Description Form were used to describe the families.

Characteristic items were observed more frequently in phobic than truant families. The two items that discriminated statistically between the groups, and could therefore be said to characterize phobic families, involved the index child's behaviour within the family, notably his passivity and lack of initiative, his sadness and appearance of having given up. A number of other items just failed to reach statistical significance.

A pattern of interaction in phobic families is suggested and the nature of its relationship with the phobic symptom is discussed. A developmental model is used to explain some of the differences seen in families of adolescents.
‘Holding’ as a therapeutic manoeuvre in family therapy
Authors: de Wet Vorster
Published: November 2003

This paper describes the use of planned parental physical ‘holding’ as part of family therapy in a Child and Family Guidance Clinic. It is used when the child is overactive or out of parental control, or is not attached to its parents. Direct or indirect suggestions that parents hold their children are made by the therapist.
Abstracts
Authors: Frude Neil
Published: November 2003

Zygmond, M. J. and Boorhem, H. (1989) Ethical decision making in Family Therapy. Family Process

Armsworth, M. W. (1989) Therapy of incest survivors: Abuse or support. Child Abuse and Neglect

Wamboldt, F. S. and Reiss, D. (1989) Defining a family heritage and a new relationship identity: Two central tasks in the making of a marriage. Family Process

Wood, W., Rhodes, N. and Whelan, M. (1989) Sex differences in positive well‐being: A consideration of emotional style and marital status. Psychological Bulletin

Lange, A. (1989) The ‘help’ paradigm in the treatment of severely distressed couples: A combination of paradoxical and problem‐solving elements. American Journal of Family Therapy
A therapist's ritual of respect
Authors: Lane Gerry , Schneider Amy
Published: November 2003

A great deal of attention in systemic family therapy has been given to the process and technique ofdeveloping ‘therapeutic’ rituals for families. In this paper we address the process of the therapist developing the ritual of practising respect. By practising respect the therapist shifts to a position similar to that of an anthropologist who is attempting to understand another culture and its epistemology. The ritual of practising respect has the potential of changing the therapist's tendency to move toward social control and moralist judgements. A case example is presented in this paper which illustrates the therapeutic ritual of practising respect for the client/family.
Milan systemic family therapy: a review of ten empirical investigations
Authors: Carr Alan
Published: November 2003

Ten empirical investigations of Milan Family Therapy (MFT) are reviewed in this paper. The studies include both single and comparative group outcome trials; investigations of therapeutic process; clinical audit and consumer satisfaction surveys. Substantive findings and methodological issues are discussed in the light of family therapy and individual psychotherapy research generally. Findings indicate that MFT may lead to symptomatic change in two‐thirds to three‐quarters of cases and to systemic change in half the treated cases. Engagement of fathers may be important for positive outcome. Technical aspects of MFT, such as the use of screens and teams, may lead to client dissatisfaction in some cases. MFT‐based consultation may be effective in resolving therapeutic impasses. Coupled with short‐term residential placement, MFT may reduce the risk and complexity of cases as rated by referring social workers.
The comparative efficacy of Milan family therapy for disturbed children and their families
Authors: Simpson Lei
Published: November 2003

This paper describes a study comparing the efficacy of Milan family therapy with that of other treatments routinely used in an out‐patient child psychiatry department. Some 118 subjects were allocated on a random, prospective basis to one of two treatment groups, the Milan family therapy group or the other treatments group. The methods of assessment included semi‐structured interviews, questionnaires, visual analogue scales and standardized therapy schedules. The results showed that whilst subjects in both treatment groups achieved comparable symptomatic improvement at the end of treatment and at six‐month follow‐up, the Milan approach produced more changes for family members other than the referred child as well as requiring less treatment time than the other treatments.
Abstracts
Authors: Frude Neil
Published: November 2003

Veevers, J. E. (1990) Traumas versus strens: a paradigm of positive versus negative divorce outcomes. Journal of Divorce and Remarriage

Kiser, L.J., Pugh, R.J., McColgan, E. B., Pruitt, D. B. and Edwards, N. B. (1991) Treatment strategies for victims of extra‐familial child sexual abuse. Journal of Family Psychotherapy

Bloch, S., Sharpe, M. and Allman, P. (1991) Systemic family therapy in adult psychiatry. British Journal of Psychiatry

Crisp, A. H., Norton, K., Gowers, S., Halek, C., Bowyer, C., Yeldham, D., Levett, G. and Bhat, A. (1991) A controlled study of the effect of the therapies aimed at adolescent and family psycho‐pathology in anorexia nervosa. British Journal of Psychiatry

Dunn, J. and Plomin, R. (1991) Why are siblings so different? The significance of differences in sibling experiences within the family. Family Process
Paediatric liaison research: problems at the clinical—research interface
Authors: McFadyen Anne , Altschuler Jenny
Published: November 2003

The implications of the quest for scientific credibility in relation to clinically based paediatric liaison research are considered. Some of the problems arising from particular research strategies and their relationship to clinical issues are discussed. In particular, both recognition that ambivalence about research may occur in patients and their families, clinicians and researchers, and awareness that the research process may mirror the clinical process, may be helpful in facilitating both the continuation of research and increased cohesion in the multidisciplinary team.
The problem with in‐laws
Authors: Silverstein Judith L.
Published: November 2003

In Western societies problems with in‐laws are multifaceted and often relate to issues of jealousy, competition, transference, displacement, poor distance/boundary regulation, and discrepant role expectations. Problems with in‐laws, although sometimes based on real conflicts across generations, often represent problems in the dynamics of the couple and within the individual members of the couple.
Population Dynamics and Secondary Production of Emerita brasiliensis (Crustacea: Hippidae) at Prainha Beach, Brazil
Authors: Petracco Marcelo , Veloso Valeria Gomes , Cardoso Ricardo Silva
Published: November 2003

Abstract.  The secondary production and population dynamics of the mole crab Emerita brasiliensis Schmitt, 1935 (Decapoda: Hippidae) were studied by taking monthly samples from June 1993 to May 1995 at each of three intertidal transects at Prainha beach, Brazil. The lifespan was ca. 8 months for males and females, but females showed higher growth, mortality, secondary production, and turnover rate. The higher production in spring versus autumn and winter was related to intense recruitment during that period. The population production was estimated at between 39.86 and 46.88 g (AFDW) · m−2 · a−1 for the first year (June 93–May 94) and between 150.95 and 156.07 g (AFDW) · m−2 · a−1 for the second year (June 94–May 95); the mean annual biomass was 4.91 and 23.09 g (AFDW) · m−2, respectively. High P/B rates, between ca. 6 and 9 · a−1, reflected the fast growth, high mortality, and low lifespan of the population, characterized by a high percentage of recently recruited individuals.
Putative SNP discovery in interspecific hybrids of catfish by comparative EST analysis
Authors: He C. , Chen L. , Simmons M. , Li P. , Kim S. , Liu Z. J.
Published: November 2003

In this study, we identified putative SNP markers within genes by comparative analysis of expressed sequence tags (ESTs). Comparison of 849 ESTs from blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) with >11 000 ESTs from channel catfish (I. punctatus) deposited in GenBank resulted in the identification of 1020 putative SNPs within 161 genes, of which 145 were nuclear genes of known function. The observed frequency of SNPs within ESTs of the two closely related catfish species was 1.32 SNP per 100 bp. The majority of identified SNPs differed between the two species and, therefore, these SNPs are useful for mapping genes in channel catfish × blue catfish interspecific resource families. The SNPs that differed within species were also observed; these can be applied to genome scans in channel catfish resource families.
Characterization of gene expression in double‐muscled and normal‐muscled bovine embryos
Authors: Potts J. K. , Echternkamp S. E. , Smith T. P. L. , Reecy J. M.
Published: November 2003

Myostatin, a member of the transforming growth factor‐β superfamily, is a negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth. Cattle with mutations that inactivate myostatin exhibit a remarkable increase in mass of skeletal muscle called double muscling that is accompanied by an equally remarkable decrease in carcass fat. Although a mouse knockout model has been created which results in mice with a 200% increase in skeletal muscle mass, molecular mechanisms whereby myostatin regulates skeletal muscle and fat mass are not fully understood. Using suppressive subtractive hybridization, genes that were differentially expressed in double‐muscled vs. normal‐muscled cattle embryos were identified. Genetic variation at other loci was minimized by using embryonic samples collected from related Piedmontese × Angus dams or Belgian Blue × Hereford dams bred to a single sire of the same breed composition. Embryos were collected at 31–33 days of gestation, which is 2–4 days after high‐level expression of myostatin in the developing bovine embryo. The suppressive subtraction resulted in 30 clones that were potentially differentially expressed, 19 of which were confirmed by macroarray analysis. Several of these genes have biological functions that suggest that they are directly involved in myostatin's regulation of skeletal muscle development. Furthermore, several of these genes map to quantitative trait loci known to interact with variation in the myostatin gene.
Development of a single nucleotide polymorphism map of porcine chromosome 2
Authors: Jungerius B. J. , Rattink A. P. , Crooijmans R. P. M. A. , van der Poel J. J. , van Oost B. A. , Te Pas M. F. W. , Groenen M. A. M.
Published: November 2003

Single nucleotide polymorphism markers are developed on SSC2, predominantly on the p‐arm. Several studies reported a quantitative trait loci (QTL) for backfat thickness in this region. Single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified by comparative re‐sequencing of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products from a panel of eight individuals. The panel consisted of five Large Whites (each from a different Dutch breeding company), a Meishan, a Pietrain and a Wild Boar. In total, 67 different PCR products were sequenced and 301 SNPs were identified in 32 429 bp of consensus sequence, an average of one SNP in every 108 bp. After correction for sample size, this polymorphism rate corresponds to a heterozygosity value of one SNP in every 357 bp. For 63% of the SNPs, there was variation among the five Large Whites, and these SNPs are relevant for linkage and association studies in commercial populations. Comparing the Whites with other breeds revealed higher variation rates with: (i) Meishan, 89%; (ii) Pietrain, 69%; (iii) Wild Boar, 70%. Because many of the experimental populations to identify QTL are based on crosses between these breeds, these SNPs are relevant for the fine mapping of the QTL identified within these crosses.
The Paradox of Emotion Attribution
Authors: Halberstadt Jamin
Published: November 2003

People who explain why ambiguous faces are expressing anger perceive and remember those faces as angrier than do people who explain why the same faces are expressing sadness. This phenomenon may be explained by a two-stage process in which language decomposes a facial configuration into its component features, which are then reintegrated with emotion categories available in the emotion explanation itself. This configural-decomposition hypothesis is consistent with experimental results showing that the explanation effect is attenuated when configural face processing is impaired (e.g., when the faces are inverted). Ironically, although people explain emotional expressions to make more accurate attributions, the process of explanation itself can decrease accuracy by leading to perceptual assimilation of the expressions to the emotions being explained.
Language Learning Disabilities
Authors: Tallal Paula
Published: November 2003

Developmental language learning impairments affect 10 to 20% of children and increase their risk of later literacy problems (dyslexia) and psychiatric disorders. Both oral- and written-language impairments have been linked to slow neural processing, which is hypothesized to interfere with the perception of speech sounds that are characterized by rapid acoustic changes. Research into the etiology of language learning impairments not only has led to improved diagnostic and intervention strategies, but also has raised fundamental questions about the neurobiological basis of speech, language, and reading, as well as hemispheric lateralization.
Who to report to the Coroner? A survey of intensive care unit directors and Her Majesty's Coroners in England and Wales
Authors: Booth S. A. , Wilkins M. L. , Smith J. M. , Park G. R.
Published: November 2003

We performed a postal survey to assess the ability of intensive care unit directors and Her Majesty's Coroners to recognise deaths that should be reported to the local coroner. The survey questionnaire consisted of 12 hypothetical case scenarios. Coroners were significantly better at identifying reportable deaths than intensive care unit directors (median correct recognition scores of 11 (interquartile range 9.25–11) vs. 8 (interquartile range 7–10), respectively, p < 0.01). Deaths associated with an accident, medical treatments, industrial disease, neglect and substance abuse were significantly under‐reported by intensive care unit directors (p < 0.01). Results show that significant numbers of deaths on intensive care units in England and Wales may not be being referred for further investigation, and that wide variation in local coroners' practices exists. Improvements in postgraduate medicolegal education about deaths reportable to a coroner are required. National regulations need to be more detailed and standardised so that regional variation is eliminated.
Seasonal changes in particulate and dissolved lipids in a eutrophic prairie lake
Authors: ARTS MICHAEL , ROBARTS RICHARD , EVANS MARLENE
Published: November 2003

1. Critical periods of lipid energy transfer from phyto‐ to zooplankton were inferred by comparing seasonal patterns of particulate and dissolved lipid fractions in lake water with temporal changes in lipid energy reserves of the zooplankton in a hypereutrophic lake.

2. The midsummer phytoplankton community was dominated by the bloom‐forming cyanobacterium Aphanizomenon flos‐aquae. The collapse of the bloom was accompanied by a 2‐week period of severe nitrogen deficiency after which there was a marked increase in the concentration of lipid energy reserves in the particulate (algal) fraction.

3. Areal lipid energy reserves of the dominant herbivorous zooplankton responded positively to changes in the tri‐and diacylglycerol content of the particulate fraction of lake water in a species‐specific manner.

4. Bacterial numbers also peaked in September concomitant with a large increase in free fatty acids in the dissolved lipid fraction probably produced by the decay of the

A. flos‐aquae bloom.

5. The association between periods of nitrogen deficiency and increased energy reserve lipids in the particulate fraction supports observations made with laboratory algal cultures that periods of nutrient deficiency may intensify lipid synthesis in some algal species, thereby enhancing the rate of lipid energy transfer from phytoplankton to zooplankton.
Effects of nutrient limitation on biochemical constituents of Ankistrodesmus falcatus
Authors: KILHAM SUSAN , KREEGER DANIEL , GOULDEN CLYDE , LYNN SCOTT
Published: November 2003

1. Cell size and volume changed as a function of the type of resource limitation, with nitrogen‐limited cells being smaller and less dense and phosphorus‐limited cells being larger and more dense than non‐limited cells.

2. The major biochemical constituents of the green alga Ankistrodesmus falcatus varied as a function of nitrogen or phosphorus limitation (15% of maximum growth rate) compared to cells growing at their maximum rate. Nitrogen‐limited cells had much lower protein content and phosphorus‐limited cells had higher carbohydrate and lipid contents than cells growing under no limitation.

3. Phosphorus‐limited cells had a higher total lipid content than either nitrogen‐limited or non‐limited cells, but the lipid class composition was similar.

4. The protein : lipid ratio was lowest (0.38) in the nitrogen‐limited cells, intermediate in the phosphorus‐limited cells (0.44) and highest in the non‐limited control cells (1.14).
Use of green fluorescent protein fusions to analyse the N‐ and C‐terminal signal peptides of GPI‐anchored cell wall proteins in Candida albicans
Authors: Mao Yuxin , Zhang Zimei , Wong Brian
Published: November 2003

Glycophosphatidylinositol (GPI)‐anchored proteins account for 26–35% of the Candida albicans cell wall. To understand the signals that regulate these proteins’ cell surface localization, green fluorescent protein (GFP) was fused to the N‐ and C‐termini of the C. albicans cell wall proteins (CWPs) Hwp1p, Als3p and Rbt5p. C. albicans expressing all three fusion proteins were fluorescent at the cell surface. GFP was released from membrane fractions by PI‐PLC and from cell walls by β‐glucanase, which implied that GFP was GPI‐anchored to the plasma membrane and then covalently attached to cell wall glucans. Twenty and 25 amino acids, respectively, from the N‐ and C‐termini of Hwp1p were sufficient to target GFP to the cell surface. C‐terminal substitutions that are permitted by the ω rules (G613D, G613N, G613S, G613A, G615S) did not interfere with GFP localization, whereas some non‐permitted substitutions (G613E, G613Q, G613R, G613T and G615Q) caused GFP to accumulate in intracellular ER‐like structures and others (G615C, G613N/G615C and G613D/G615C) did not. These results imply that (i) GFP fusions can be used to analyse the N‐ and C‐terminal signal peptides of GPI‐anchored CWPs, (ii) the ω amino acid in Hwp1p is G613, and (iii) C can function at the ω+2 position in C. albicans GPI‐anchored proteins.
Physical maps and recombination frequency of six rice chromosomes
Authors: Wu Jianzhong , Mizuno Hiroshi , Hayashi‐Tsugane Mika , Ito Yukiyo , Chiden Yoshino , Fujisawa Masaki , Katagiri Satoshi , Saji Shoko , Yoshiki Shoji , Karasawa Wataru , Yoshihara Rie , Hayashi Akiko , Kobayashi Harumi , Ito Kazue , Hamada Masao , Okamoto Masako , Ikeno Maiko , Ichikawa Yoko , Katayose Yuichi , Yano Masahiro , Matsumoto Takashi , Sasaki Takuji
Published: November 2003

We constructed physical maps of rice chromosomes 1, 2, and 6–9 with P1‐derived artificial chromosome (PAC) and bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones. These maps, with only 20 gaps, cover more than 97% of the predicted length of the six chromosomes. We submitted a total of 193 Mbp of non‐overlapping sequences to public databases. We analyzed the DNA sequences of 1316 genetic markers and six centromere‐specific repeats to facilitate characterization of chromosomal recombination frequency and of the genomic composition and structure of the centromeric regions. We found marked changes in the relative recombination rate along the length of each chromosome. Chromosomal recombination at the centromere core and surrounding regions on the six chromosomes was completely suppressed. These regions have a total physical length of about 23 Mbp, corresponding to 11.4% of the entire size of the six chromosomes. Chromosome 6 has the longest quiescent region, with about 5.6 Mbp, followed by chromosome 8, with quiescent region about half this size. Repetitive sequences accounted for at least 40% of the total genomic sequence on the partly sequenced centromeric region of chromosome 1. Rice CentO satellite DNA is arrayed in clusters and is closely associated with the presence of Centromeric Retrotransposon of Rice (CRR)‐ and RIce RetroElement 7 (RIRE7)‐like retroelement sequences. We also detected relatively small coldspot regions outside the centromeric region; their repetitive content and gene density were similar to those of regions with normal recombination rates. Sequence analysis of these regions suggests that either the amount or the organization patterns of repetitive sequences may play a role in the inactivation of recombination.
Intronic L1 insertion and F268S, novel mutations in RPS6KA3 (RSK2) causing Coffin–Lowry syndrome
Authors: Martínez‐Garay I , Ballesta MJ , Oltra S , Orellana C , Palomeque A , Moltó MD , Prieto F , Martínez F
Published: November 2003

Two novel mutations of the ribosomal S6 kinase 2 gene (also known as RSK2) have been identified in two unrelated patients with Coffin–Lowry syndrome. The first mutation consists of a de novo insertion of a 5′‐truncated LINE‐1 element at position −8 of intron 3, which leads to a skipping of exon 4, leading to a shift of the reading frame and a premature stop codon. The L1 fragment (2800 bp) showed a rearrangement with a small deletion, a partial inversion of the ORF 2, flanked by short direct repeats which duplicate the acceptor splice site. However, cDNA analysis of the patient shows that both sites are apparently not functional.

The second family showed the nucleotide change 803T>C in exon 10, resulting in the F268S mutation. This mutation was detected in two monozygotic twin patients and in their mother, who was mildly affected. The patients fulfill the clinical criteria of the syndrome, and therefore the mutation provides further support for the importance of phenylalanine at position 268, which is highly conserved in the protein kinase domain of many serine–threonine protein kinases.
CANCER INPATIENTS MORPHINE USAGE: A NEW ENGLAND AREA SURVEY
Authors: Trollor John
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACT: This is a one year study of the use of morphine in cancer patients in 10 inpatient facilities in the New England Area Health Service in the north‐west of New South Wales. The study explored 170 admissions relating to 122 patients, most of whom were cared for by their general practitioners. The use of morphine in these cancer patients was compared with the recommendations made by the expert working group of the European Association of Palliative Care.

Those items which matched the recommendations included the initial doses for new users of morphine and the subcutaneous route being the preferred parenteral route.

The data in this study differed from the recommendations in that only half of the patients received the immediate release morphine when first given oral morphine, only 43% had orders for immediate release oral morphine for breakthrough pain (with a variable frequency) and a significant number of orders for parenteral and immediate release oral morphine for breakthrough pain were outside the recommended doses (100% and 86.2%, respectively). Written orders for immediate release oral and parenteral morphine involved a dose range in significant numbers while only 30% of patients had orders for parenteral morphine for breakthrough pain. There was a low use of fixed interval variable dose (FIVD) morphine charts despite these being available in most facilities. (See summary Appendix A.)
Neurocardiovascular regulation in mice: Experimental approaches and novel findings
Authors: Ma Xiuying , Abboud Francois M , Chapleau Mark W
Published: November 2003

1. Neural mechanisms are of major importance in the regulation of arterial blood pressure, blood volume and other aspects of cardiovascular function. The recent explosion in gene discovery and advances in molecular technologies now provide the opportunity to define the molecular and cellular mechanisms essential to integrative neurocardiovascular regulation. The unique susceptibility of mice to genetic manipulation makes this species an attractive model for such investigation.

2. We provide here a brief overview of: (i) experimental approaches used to assess autonomic and reflex control of the circulation in mice; (ii) novel mechanisms of neurocardiovascular regulation revealed using these approaches; and (iii) findings from recent studies involving mouse models of cardiovascular disease.
Redox‐dependent signalling by angiotensin II and vascular remodelling in hypertension
Authors: Touyz Rhian M , Tabet Fatiha , Schiffrin Ernesto L
Published: November 2003

1. Hypertension is associated with structural alterations of resistance arteries, a process known as remodelling (increased media‐to‐lumen ratio).

2. At the cellular level, vascular remodelling involves changes in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) growth, cell migration, inflammation and fibrosis. These processes are mediated via multiple factors, of which angiotensin (Ang) II appears to be one of the most important in hypertension.

3. Angiotensin II signalling, via AT1 receptors, is upregulated in VSMC from resistance arteries of hypertensive patients and rats. This is associated with hyperactivation of vascular NADPH oxidase, leading to increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), particularly O2– and H2O2.

4. Reactive oxygen species function as important intracellular second messengers to activate many downstream signalling molecules, such as mitogen‐activated protein kinase, protein tyrosine phosphatases, protein tyrosine kinases and transcription factors. Activation of these signalling cascades leads to VSMC growth and migration, modulation of endothelial function, expression of pro‐inflammatory mediators and modification of extracellular matrix.

5. Furthermore, ROS increase intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), a major determinant of vascular reactivity.

6. All these processes play major roles in vascular injury associated with hypertension. Accordingly, ROS and the signalling pathways that they modulate provide new targets to regress vascular remodelling, reduce peripheral resistance and prevent hypertensive end‐organ damage.

7. In the present review, we discuss the role of ROS as second messengers in AngII signalling and focus on the implications of these events in the processes underlying vascular remodelling in hypertension.
In the Wake of ‘A Certain Maritime Incident’: Ministerial Advisers, Departments and Accountability
Authors: Keating Michael
Published: November 2003

This article considers the accountability of ministerial advisers and their relationship with departments in the light of ‘the children overboard’ incident. It argues that if ministers are not going to accept responsibility for the actions of their advisers then on those occasions the advisers should be separately accountable to the parliament. The article further suggests that the department heads have a particular responsibility for ensuring the integrity of ministerial advice, and proposes steps to reinforce their capacity to fulfil that responsibility.
Are Employment Effects of Gender Discrimination Important? Some Evidence from Great Britain
Authors: Kidd Michael P. , Phimister Euan , Ferko Ivan
Published: November 2003

Interpreting the unexplained component of the gender wage gap as indicative of discrimination, the empirical literature to date has tended to ignore the potential impact wage discrimination may have on employment. Employment effects may arise if discrimination lowers the female offered wage and the labour supply curve is upward sloping. The empirical analysis employs the British Household Panel Study and finds evidence of both wage and associated employment effects.
Bounds Tests of the Gibson Paradox and the Fisher Effect: Evidence from Low‐Frequency International Data
Authors: Atkins Frank J. , Serletis Apostolos
Published: November 2003

We use long low‐frequency data on prices and interest rates for Canada, Italy, Norway, Sweden, the UK and the USA to investigate empirical relationships previously taken to support the Gibson paradox and the Fisher effect. Using recent advances in applied econometrics, we reject the existence of a long‐run relationship between the price level and the nominal interest rate and between the inflation rate and the nominal interest rate.
Characteristics of Migraine in an Out-Patient Population Over 60 Years of Age
Authors: Mazzotta G , Gallai V , Alberti A , Billeci AMR , Coppola F , Sarchielli P
Published: November 2003

One hundred and sixty-three consecutive patients (129 females and 34 males) over 60 years of age attending the Headache Centre of the University of Perugia in the period January 2000-December 2001 were included in the study.

One hundred and fifty-two (93.3%) were affected by a primary headache disorder. According to the 1988 IHS Criteria, their prevailing attacks could be diagnosed as migraine without aura (MwoA) in 57.2% of cases ( n = 87) and as migraine with aura (MwA) in 11.8% of cases ( n = 18). Attacks both in MwoA and MwA were unilateral and of severe-to-moderate intensity in 45% and 50% of cases. Head pain was referred as pulsating by 56% and 38.9% of MwoA patients MwA patients, respectively. Aggravation with routine daily activities was present in 72.4% and 61.1% in MwoA and MwA patient groups. The most frequent accompanying symptoms were photophobia and phonophobia. Headache attacks were of shorter duration in MwA patients, but in 3.4% of MwoA patients attacks lasted between 2 and 4 h. Of patients affected by MwA, 55% referred, together with the typical attacks, symptoms of aura not followed by headache. A worsening of headache in the last 5 years was reported by 67.8% and 44.4% of MwoA and MwA patients, respectively. Of the patients with MwoA, 86.2% ( n = 75), and 83.3% ( n = 15) of those with MwA used symptomatic drugs for their attacks. In the majority of cases they took more than one analgesic or non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. A total of 51.7% of patients with MwoA and 55.5% of patients with MwA were under prophylactic treatment. Preventive drugs included antidepressants, beta-blockers, calcium channel antagonists and antiepileptic drugs. The choice of symptomatic or prophylactic drugs was made, in the majority of cases, on the basis of concomitant diseases.
Determination of Residual Stress in Beams Under Bauschinger Effect Using Surface Strain Measurements
Authors: Urriolagoitia‐Sosa G. , Durodola J. F. , Fellows N. A.
Published: November 2003

Abstract:  The paper explores the use of surface strain measurements to determine residual stresses induced in plastically bent beams under Bauschinger effect using minimal stress–strain data. The hardening behaviour of some materials in tensile and compressive are dissimilar specially under Bauschinger effect. It is therefore ideally necessary to obtain both tensile and compressive stress–strain data in order to determine residual stresses in such materials. The paper shows that the compression stress–strain data can be implicitly determined from tensile and bending stress–strain results by using equilibrium considerations. This removes the need for separate compression tests to be carried out. The agreement of the derived stress–strain data in compression and of residual stress with experimental results is encouraging.
Three‐Dimensional Pharmacology, a Subject Ranging from Ignorance to Overstatements
Authors: Waldeck Bertil
Published: November 2003

Abstract: Stereoselectivity has been known to play a role in drug action for 100 years or more. Nevertheless, chiral drugs have been developed and used as racemates, neglecting the fact that they comprise mixtures of two or more compounds which may have quite different pharmacological properties. A very limited access to pure enantiomers in the past has been responsible for this unsatisfactory state of affairs. During the last 20 years, significant achievements have made it possible to perform stereoselective synthesis and analysis. Today, novel chiral drugs are as a rule developed as single enantiomers. Yet, studies of old racaemic drugs are still designed, performed and published without mention of the fact that two or more compounds are involved. In recent years, a number of old racaemic drugs have been re‐evaluated and re‐introduced into the clinical area as the pure, active enantiomer (the eutomer). While in principle correct, the clinical benefit of this shift from a well established racaemate to a pure enantiomer often seems to be limited and sometimes exaggerated. Racaemic drugs with a deleterious enantiomer that does not contribute to the therapeutic effect (the distomer), may have been sorted out in the safety evaluation process. However, in the future any pharmacological study of racaemic drugs must include the pure enantiomers. This will generate new, valuable information on stereoselectivity in drug action and interaction.
Mood disorders – review of structural MRI studies
Authors: Serap Monkul E. , Malhi Gin S. , Soares Jair C.
Published: November 2003

Background:

Mood disorders are related to considerable morbidity and mortality, and although there is little doubt that they are brain-based disorders, their neural correlates still remain elusive. A neuro-anatomic model of mood regulation comprising the prefrontal cortex, amygdala-hippocampus complex, thalamus, basal ganglia, and connections among these areas has been proposed.

Objective:

We reviewed the evidence for regional brain abnormalities in bipolar disorder, and attempted to integrate available findings into a comprehensive pathophysiological model of illness.

Methods:

A computerized Medline Ovid search was conducted for the period 1966–2002, and complemented by a manual search of bibliographical references from recent reviews. Articles meeting specified criteria were included.

Results:

Hyperintense lesions in cortical and subcortical regions are the most consistently reported and widely studied structural abnormalities. Smaller prefrontal cortical volume is a common finding in bipolar disorder and unipolar depression. Enlarged amygdala (in bipolar disorder) and smaller hippocampus (in unipolar depression) have been reported by several groups. Decreased volumes (in unipolar depression) and increased or unaltered volumes (in bipolar disorder) of striatal structures have been reported.

Conclusions:

Bipolar and unipolar mood disorders are associated with detectable structural brain abnormalities. The histopathology underlying such anatomical changes remains to be elucidated. To reach more definitive conclusions about neuroanatomical changes that take place during the course of mood disorders, prospective longitudinal studies are needed. Also, integration with functional imaging is necessary in order to elucidate the relevance of identified structural abnormalities.