bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public Response to Chest Pain in Jordan
Authors: AL-Safi Saafan A. , Alkofahi Ahmad S. , El-Eid Hala S.
Published: April 2005

Background: Chest pain is one of the main and most frequent manifestations of myocardial infarction (MI). Increased level of public awareness on the optimal response to chest pain due to MI attacks is crucial for minimizing its complications and mortality rate.

Aims: The first aim of this investigation was to assess the level of public awareness on their response to acute chest pain. The second aim was to obtain information about self-reported risk factors for coronary heart disease and acute myocardial infarction.

Settings and design: This survey was conducted in various regions of Jordan during the period of July–September 2004. A total of 4194 adults (out of 4500), 2086 males (49.7%) and 2108 females (50.3%) resident in Jordan were included in the sample. The response rate was 92.3%.

Methods: Each individual of the sample who agreed voluntarily to participate in the investigation was asked to report in a questionnaire his/her possible risk factors for MI. Moreover, each person of the sample was asked “What do you do when you suffer from a severe and crushing chest pain that persists for longer than 15 min and radiates to jaws, neck or left shoulder, with sweating and paleness of the face?” The person was asked to choose one option out of 11.

Statistical analysis: The frequency and percentage were determined for each investigated parameter.

Results and conclusion: The highest percentage of respondents had good response by selecting the option “I go to a doctor” while the lowest percentage of respondents showed poor response by choosing the option “I use an antacid”. The remainder of responses was distributed among other options. Excellent awareness was reported by 47% of the sample. Differences in the type of responses were detected when the results were analyzed according to gender, type of job, level of education and ethnicity. Approximately half of the interviewed individuals of the sample had 2–4 clustering risk factors for developing acute MI attacks. Individuals in more than half of the sample had family history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus.

It is concluded that although the type of response to chest pain in Jordan is good–excellent, more improvement is recommended since the risk to MI is relatively high. Community education campaigns may participate in increasing public health education on the optimal response to chest pain of myocardial origin.
Does Smoking Affect Blood Pressure and Heart Rate?
Authors: Al-Safi Saafan A.
Published: April 2005

Background: Smoking is a risk factor for cardiovascular, coronary artery and thromboembolic disorders. There is overwhelming evidence supporting the association of cigarette smoking and the development of cardiovascular and thromboembolic events particularly in high risk populations.

Aim: The aim of this investigation was to explore the correlation of smoking habit with blood pressure and heart rate values through a randomized cross-sectional epidemiological study in Jordan.

Settings and design: This study was performed during the period of February–June 2004. The sample of this investigation included healthy adult males and females from various regions of Jordan. Most of the selected sample included Jordanian university students. Patients with hypertension or cardiovascular disorders were excluded.

Methods: Selected individuals of the sample were interviewed by well-trained senior pharmacy students. They were asked initially if they have hypertension or other cardiovascular disorders and if the answer was negative, further questions were asked followed by measurement of the blood pressure and heart rate. Demographic data such as age, sex, nationality, place of residence, occupation and level of education were also recorded. Smokers (for ≥ 6 months) were asked to report how many cigarettes per day they smoke. For each individual of the sample, the systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and heart rate were measured three times with 10–15 min intervals in the sitting position and at the resting state. The arterial blood pressure (ABP) was calculated from the measured SBP and DBP. The mean values were distributed according to sex and smoking habit.

Statistical analysis: The student unpaired t-test was used for statistical analysis. Results were considered statistically significant when the p value was less than 0.05.

Results and conclusion: A total of 14,310 adult males (7400) and females (6910) were selected in various regions of Jordan. The frequencies of smokers and non-smokers in the sample were 3832 (26.8%) and 10478 (73.2%), respectively. Smoker males and females had significantly higher SBP, DBP, ABP values than non-smokers. However, smoking had statistically non-significant effects on heart rate in females while heart rate values were significantly higher in male smokers than in non-smokers. Smoker or non-smoker adults with a positive family history of hypertension had significantly higher blood pressure and heart rate values than those with a negative family history of hypertension. In conclusion, smokers have higher blood pressure than non-smokers.
Food and feeding habits of smooth‐coated otters (Lutra perspicillata) and their significance to the fish population of Kerala, India
Authors: Anoop K. R. , Hussain S. A.
Published: April 2005

Feeding habits of smooth‐coated otters Lutra perspicillata were studied by analysing spraints collected from around the Periyar Lake within the Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala, India. Remains were identified by the comparison of body parts with a reference collection of appropriate prey species. Two methods were used to estimate the proportions of different prey consumed: frequency of occurrence and score‐bulk estimate. The number of prey types in a spraint varied between one and seven. More prey species were found during low water levels (March–April). Fish was the major prey, followed by frogs, crabs, birds and insects. Throughout the study, the exotic tilapia and European carp constituted the major prey in the diet. The quantity of native Deccan mahsheer and endemic Periyar barb in the diet was insignificant. A higher intake of bottom‐dwelling catfish was observed during periods of low water, probably because of the increased efficiency of otters to forage at these levels. By consuming large amounts of exotic species, such as tilapia and European carp, otters might contribute to the control of the rapid expansion of these species in the Periyar Lake and adjacent water bodies in the reserve.
Survival and behaviour of captive‐born weasels (Mustela nivalis nivalis) released in nature
Authors: Hellstedt Paavo , Kallio Eva Riikka
Published: April 2005

The behaviour and survival of captive‐born least weasels Mustela nivalis nivalis released in nature were reported in this study. Altogether 27 captive‐born and six wild‐caught weasels were equipped with radio transmitters and their survival was studied as a function of age and season. The daily mortality rate was generally higher in captive‐born than in wild‐caught weasels. The survival of captive‐born weasels was highest if they were released during the summer and hence when they were young. Differences in the behavioural patterns of captive‐born and wild‐caught weasels were apparent. Captive‐born weasels were often more visible in the field and were less timid than wild‐caught weasels. Results suggest that to be successful, restocking of weasels should be done with young animals, which are preferably released during the season with abundant food resources.
Sleeping sites of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) in defaunated urban forest fragments: a strategy to maximize food intake
Authors: Pontes Antonio Rossano Mendes , Soares Marina Lira
Published: April 2005

The purpose of this study was to investigate if there was any species‐specific type and structure of sleeping sites of common marmosetsCallithrix jacchusand their key determinant. The study was conducted in an urban fragment of the Atlantic forest of north‐eastern Brazil, where a group of common marmosets was followed for 488 h. For this purpose we usedad libobservations, performed twice a week, when the animals were entering and leaving the sleeping sites, identified potential predators of the common marmosets through interviews with local people, and identified the trees that provided them with fruit and/or exudate during the study. Five sleeping sites were identified, all invariably in the border of the native forest and the orchard. No predators of common marmosets were seen by local people or recorded during this study, and the sleeping trees were located invariably in the place where there was the highest concentration of feeding trees, regardless of its structure. There was no species‐specific type and structure of sleeping places of common marmosets. The key variable defining the choice of a sleeping place was the availability and location of immediate sources of food.
When Darwin Met Einstein: Gravitational Lens Inversion with Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Brewer Brendon J. , Lewis Geraint F.
Published: April 2005

Gravitational lensing can magnify a distant source, revealing structural detail which is normally unresolvable. Recovering this detail through an inversion of the influence of gravitational lensing, however, requires optimisation of not only lens parameters, but also of the surface brightness distribution of the source. This paper outlines a new approach to this inversion, utilising genetic algorithms to reconstruct the source profile. In this initial study, the effects of image degradation due to instrumental and atmospheric effects are neglected and it is assumed that the lens model is accurately known, but the genetic algorithm approach can be incorporated into more general optimisation techniques, allowing the optimisation of both the parameters for a lensing model and the surface brightness of the source.
c-Myc regulates cell size and ploidy but is not essential for postnatal proliferation in liver
Authors: Baena Esther , Gandarillas Alberto , Vallespinós Mireia , Zanet Jennifer , Bachs Oriol , Redondo Clara , Fabregat Isabel , Martinez-A. Carlos , de Alborán Ignacio Moreno
Published: April 2005

The c-Myc protein is a transcription factor implicated in the regulation of multiple biological processes, including cell proliferation, cell growth, and apoptosis.
In vivo
overexpression of
c-myc
is linked to tumor development in a number of mouse models. Here, we show that perinatal inactivation of c-Myc in liver causes disorganized organ architecture, decreased hepatocyte size, and cell ploidy. Furthermore, c-Myc appears to have distinct roles in proliferation in liver. Thus, postnatal hepatocyte proliferation does not require c-Myc, whereas it is necessary for liver regeneration in adult mice. These results show novel physiological functions of
c-myc
in liver development and hepatocyte proliferation and growth.
An Anchor Site–Type Defect in Human Telomerase That Disrupts Telomere Length Maintenance and Cellular Immortalization
Authors: Moriarty Tara J. , Ward Ryan J. , Taboski Michael A.S. , Autexier Chantal
Published: April 2005

Telomerase-mediated telomeric DNA synthesis is important for eukaryotic cell immortality. Telomerase adds tracts of short telomeric repeats to DNA substrates using a unique repeat addition form of processivity. It has been proposed that repeat addition processivity is partly regulated by a telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT)-dependent anchor site; however, anchor site-mediating residues have not been identified in any TERT. We report the characterization of an N-terminal human TERT (hTERT) RNA interaction domain 1 (RID1) mutation that caused telomerase activity defects consistent with disruption of a template-proximal anchor site, including reduced processivity on short telomeric primers and reduced activity on substrates with nontelomeric 5′ sequences, but not on primers with nontelomeric G-rich 5′ sequences. This mutation was located within a subregion of RID1 previously implicated in biological telomerase functions unrelated to catalytic activity (N-DAT domain). Other N-DAT and C-terminal DAT (C-DAT) mutants and a C-terminally tagged hTERT-HA variant were defective in elongating short telomeric primers, and catalytic phenotypes of DAT variants were partially or completely rescued by increasing concentrations of DNA primers. These observations imply that RID1 and the hTERT C terminus contribute to telomerase's affinity for its substrate, and that RID1 may form part of the human telomerase anchor site.
Understanding Turing's Universal Machine — Personal Style in Program Description
Authors: Naur P.
Published: April 2005

The study presents the results of an experiment on programmers' descriptions and understanding. The 12 participants, students of computing, have produced notes on Turing's description of his universal machine and, in a second experiment phase, have made mutual evaluations of their notes. The analysis of the resulting notes shows large individual differences of styles and evaluations with respect to all significant issues of the descriptions and understanding, including the evaluations of program descriptions having particularly full formal characteristics. The consequences of the observations for the teaching of programming and for programming methodologies are discussed. The Appendix gives an annotated version of Turing's description of the universal machine.
Evaluation of Stool Antigen Test for Helicobacter pylori Infection in Asymptomatic Children from a Developing Country Using 13C‐urea Breath Test as a Standard
Authors: Shaikh Saijuddin , Khaled M A , Islam Aminul , Kurpad A V , Mahalanabis Dilip
Published: April 2005

Objective:

Prevalence of asymptomatic Helicobacter pylori infection is very high in infants and children in developing countries. 13C urea breath test (UBT) is a reliable non‐invasive diagnostic test for H. pylori infection in children that avoids invasive endoscopy. We compared a newly introduced H. pylori stool antigen test (with a high sensitivity and specificity in symptomatic children) with UBT in asymptomatic children mostly 1‐5 years old, from a population with a high prevalence of infection.

Method:

Eighty six asymptomatic children (42 boys and 44 girls) were tested for H. pylori infection using the UBT and a stool antigen test (HpSA) based on a sandwich enzyme immunoassay for antigen detection.

Results:

Forty five of the eighty‐six (52.3%) children tested positive for H. pylori using the breath test. In 34 of these forty‐five children, H. pylori antigen was detected in stool (sensitivity = 75.6%, 95% CI = 63 to 88%). Of the 50 of 86 (58%) children positive by HpSA test, 34 were positive for breath test. Of the 41 children with negative UBT test 25 were negative for stool antigen test (specificity = 61%, 95% CI = 46 to 76%).

Conclusion:

The sensitivity and specificity of the new stool antigen test are lower in asymptomatic children with high H. pylori prevalence rate compared to those reported for children with gastrointestinal symptoms. Its usefulness is limited for diagnosis in an asymptomatic child with H. pylori infection.
Changes in Intestinal Morphology and Permeability in the BioBreeding Rat Before the Onset of Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Neu Josef , Reverte Christopher M , Mackey Amy D , Liboni Kellym , Tuhacek‐Tenace Lauren M , Hatch Marguerite , Li Nan , Caicedo Ricardo A , Schatz Desmond A , Atkinson Mark
Published: April 2005

Objective:

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that occurs in genetically susceptible individuals. It has been hypothesized that the disease could be triggered by environmental agents that gain entry into the body through small intestinal absorption. Increased intestinal permeability has been reported both in spontaneous animal models of type 1 diabetes and human type 1 diabetes. In these studies, we examined both the physical and functional permeability characteristics of the small intestine in diabetes‐prone and control rats.

Methods:

In a series of studies, BioBreeding diabetes‐prone(n = 31), BioBreeding diabetes‐resistant (n = 20) and control Wistar (n = 25) rats were examined at intervals from 21 to 125 days of age.

Results:

The percentage of goblet cells and the mucosal crypt depth were significantly greater in BioBreeding diabetes‐prone than BioBreeding diabetes‐resistant rats (P < 0.001 and P = 0.01, respectively). BioBreeding diabetes‐prone and BioBreeding diabetes‐resistant rats expressed less of the tight junction protein claudin (P < 0.05) and exhibited greater intestinal permeability (P < 0.001) than did Wistar rats. Intestinal permeability measured both in vivo and ex vivo decreased in all rat strains as age increased (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

In a genetically susceptible rodent model of diabetes, early increased intestinal permeability might allow unregulated passage of environmental antigens that could potentially trigger the autoimmune response leading to type 1 diabetes.
Facilitating and Inhibiting Factors in English as a Foreign Language Writing Performance: A Model Testing With Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Lee Sy‐ying
Published: April 2005

This study presents and tests a hypothesized structural model that attempts to explain the relationship of writing in English as a foreign language by Taiwanese university students to a variety of factors. Investigated were factors considered to be inhibiting (writing apprehension and writer's block), factors considered to be facilitative (free reading and self‐initiated writing), and students’ beliefs about and attitudes toward the instructional activities they experienced. Structural equation modeling was employed to test the interrelationships among the factors and the impact of each factor on writing performance. Results showed that free voluntary reading was the only significant predictor of writing performance. The analysis also confirmed that the modified model containing both facilitating and inhibiting factors was an adequate representation of the sample data.
Determinants of Physical Activity and Low‐Fat Diet Among Low Income African American and Hispanic Middle School Students
Authors: Frenn Marilyn , Malin Shelly , Villarruel Antonia M. , Slaikeu Kimberly , McCarthy Stephanie , Freeman Joan , Nee Erinn
Published: April 2005

Abstract  African Americans, Hispanics, and those with low income experience disproportionate health problems that can be prevented by physical activity and a lower fat diet. In this descriptive cross‐sectional study, antecedents of diet and exercise within the Health Promotion/Transtheoretical Model were examined among low‐income African American and Hispanic seventh‐grade students (n = 127). Total support was associated with higher physical activity for girls. African Americans perceived greater social support for activity than Hispanics. Family models and support for physical activity and low‐fat diet were greater as family income increased. However, higher family role models and lower dietary fat were found among the lowest income Hispanic students' residing ZIP code with a higher concentration of Hispanics and greater availability of Hispanic foods and culture. A school‐based approach may be useful to build peer support for physical activity and lower dietary fat. Parish nurse or clinic settings may be most appropriate for building family role models and support. Living in a neighborhood with traditional Hispanic culture and foods appears to have ameliorated the harmful effects of lower income, although further study with larger samples followed over time is needed.
Cancer Risk Factors Among Southeast Asian American Residents of the U.S. Central Gulf Coast
Authors: Xu Yu , Ross M. Candice , Ryan Rebecca , Wang Bin
Published: April 2005

Abstract  This study profiles aggregate‐specific cancer risk factors of Southeast Asian Americans residing along the Central Gulf Coast in the United States. An investigator‐designed cross‐sectional survey was conducted with 332 volunteer Southeast Asian community residents aged 18 years and above. Aggregate‐specific cancer risk factors include high prevalence of hepatitis, high smoking and drinking rates in men, extended ultraviolet light exposure without protection, low colorectal and prostate cancer screening rates, and knowledge deficits of cancer and cancer screenings. Based on the study findings, progress toward the targets of the Alabama Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan: 2001–2005 is evaluated and compared to available national data. Implications for public health nursing practice and future research are also addressed. In particular, the study findings underscore the importance of developing culturally tailored interventions to reduce cancer risk factors in this underserved Asian American population.
A Case Study of a Distance‐Based Public Health Nursing/Community Health Nursing Practicum
Authors: Vandenhouten Christine , Block Derryl
Published: April 2005

ABSTRACT  Facilitating a distance‐based public health/community health nursing practicum for RN to BSN students posed challenges and opportunities. Challenges included time involved in arranging the practicum, relationship building with agencies and staff, communicating with students, and the need for flexible practicum scheduling. Exposure to practice models from across the nation allowed students to compare and contrast these public health nursing models. Programs planning to offer this type of course should consider faculty workload particularly during the semester prior to teaching the practicum.
Design of Ceramic Materials for Chemical Sensors with Novel Properties
Authors: Traversa Enrico
Published: April 2005

Recently, the search for novel functions has received increasing attention in the field of materials. Outstanding possibilities for innovative applications are given by electroceramics. One of the fields which may be improved by a different use of functional ceramics is that of chemical sensors. In fact, the materials conventionally used in this field show problems still to be solved, such as insufficient gas selectivity, inability to detect very low gas concentrations, and changes in sensing properties caused by surface contamination. One possible solution to these problems is the design of materials with novel detection mechanisms. The design of innovative properties may be achieved by integration or hybridization of materials with different properties. In this paper, examples of multiphase materials for humidity and gas sensors are reported, i.e., La2CuO4/ZnO p‐n heterocontacts, Au/ZnO Schottky barriers, and sol‐gel processed thin films of TiO2 with 10 at. % of K, based, respectively, on the interaction of p‐type/n‐type semiconductors, metal/ceramic, and conductor/insulator.
Degradation Phenomena Due to Impulse‐Current in Zinc Oxide Varistors
Authors: Bai Shr‐Nan , Tseng Tseung‐Yuen
Published: April 2005

The relationship between the electrical characteristics of the ZnO varistors and applied current impulse is investigated in this study. The degradation phenomena of the ZnO varistors due to current impulse are studied by I–V and ac measurements. The influence of various numbers of applied surge on the I–V behaviors, V0.1mA and leakage current, is attributed to the asymmetrical deformation of the grain‐boundary barriers. As the applied impulses increase, the changes observed in the properties of deep bulk trap and conduction mechanism are attributed to the alternation of defect structure and model of conduction.
Relationships between Hysteresis Measurements and the Constituent Properties of Ceramic Matrix Composites: I, Theory
Authors: Vagaggini Emmanuel , Domergue Jean‐Marc , Evans Anthony G.
Published: April 2005

A methodology for assessing constituent properties of ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) from stress/strain curves is developed. The procedures demonstrate how the properties of the interface and the misfit strain can be related to the unload/reload hysteresis and the permanent strain. The approach is illustrated in companion papers by obtaining experimental measurements on two CMCs. The results demonstrate why differences in the sliding stress and the debond energy of the interfaces result in substantial changes in the shape of the stress/strain curve.
Formation of β‐SiAION as an Intermediate Oxidation Product of SiC–AIN Ceramics
Authors: Xu Youren , Zangvil Avigdor , Ruh Robert
Published: April 2005

The oxidation mechanisms in SiC‐AlN solid solutions, exposed at 1370°C for 200 h in air, have been investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), analytical and high‐resolution electron microscopy (HREM), and X‐ray diffraction techniques. Five hot‐pressed compositions, including pure SiC and pure AIN, were examined. Assuming parabolic rate behavior, the values of the parabolic rate constants based on oxide layer thickness increased by over 2 orders of magnitude by increasing AIN contents from 0% to 62%. A continuous amorphous phase containing cristobalite and mullite crystallites was present at the oxide layer in 13% AIN and 27% AIN samples. Two reaction layers were found in the oxidized SiC–62% AIN solid solution. The inner layer consisted of a mixture of β‐SiAION and graphite phases, while the outer layer consisted of mullite as a major phase and cristobalite as a minor phase. The oxidation proceeded in two stages: a partial oxidation of SiC–AIN to β‐SiAION and carbon (graphite), and a final oxidation of β‐SiAION to mullite + SiO2.
Effect of Oxygen Octahedron Rotations on the Phase Stability, Transformational Characteristics, and Polarization Behavior in the Lead Zirconate Titanate Crystalline Solution Series
Authors: Dai Xunhu , Xu Zhengkui , Viehland Dwight
Published: April 2005

Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramics with Zr/Ti ratios between 95/5 and 55/45 have been examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dielectric spectroscopy, Sawyer‐Tower polarization techniques, and dilatometric measurements. The relative phase stability in the high‐Zr‐content end of the PZT phase diagram is believed to be directly related to the coupling of the polarization to various oxygen octahedral rotational systems. The transformation between the high‐ and low‐temperature rhombohedral ferroelectric phases (FER(HT)‐FER(LT)) in PZT 90/10 was found to be associated with a transition between a high‐temperature M‐type and a low‐temperature R‐type oxygen octahedral rotational system. However, with increasing Ti content (Zr/Ti < 80/20), a transition between a disordered R‐type tilted state to a low‐temperature ordered R‐type tilted state was found near the FER(HT)‐FER(LT) boundary. The transition between the disordered and ordered R‐type tilted states became increasingly gradual with increased Ti content. In the disordered R‐type tilted state, local strains due to random octahedral rotations are believed to disrupt the long‐range polar order, resulting in an inability to sustain a remnant polarization. A modified phase diagram illustrating the various oxygen octahedral tilted states and polarization behaviors is presented.
Ca Segregation to Basal Surfaces in α‐Alumina
Authors: Kaplan Wayne D. , Mxillejans Harald , Rühle Manfred , Rödel Jürgen , Claussen Nils
Published: April 2005

High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and analytical electron microscopy (AEM) were used to investigate the structure and chemistry of (0001) α‐A12O3/ A1 interfaces in melt‐infiltrated polycrystalline alumina composites. HRTEM revealed an interfacial region different from both Al and α‐A12O3, with a structural width of 0.8 ± 0.2 nm. AEM of the same interfaces revealed a Ca excess of Γ=2.5 ± 0.5 Ca atoms per nm2 (Ca/nm2). AEM of a basal twin boundary in the α‐A12O3 also revealed a Ca excess (Γ= 1.0 ± 0.5 Ca/nm2). Since the metal‐ceramic interfaces were the free surfaces of pores before melt infiltration, it can be concluded that Ca segregates to the basal surface of alumina, as well as to basal twin boundaries. Furthermore, the Ca at the free surfaces does not reside on only one cation plane, but is spread over 4 ± 1 basal cation layers and forms an interfacial phase with a nominal composition of CaO‐6A12O3.
Valence Change of Mn Ions in BaTiO3‐Based PTCR Materials
Authors: Lee Joon‐Hyung , Kim Sung‐Hee , Cho Sang‐Hee
Published: April 2005

The effect of Mn on the PTCR characteristics of La‐doped BaTiO3 ceramics was studied. Acceptor state density was measured from a p‐1/T graph as a function of Mn concentration. The behavior of room‐temperature resistivity with Mn concentration was explained by compensation of acceptors at grain boundaries. The valence state of Mn was analyzed by ESR, and it changed near the Curie temperature of BaTiO3 from 3+ in tetragonal phase to 2+ in cubic phase. Therefore, the number of electron traps increased at the Curie temperature, leading to the great improvement in the PTCR effect. The valence change of Mn ions was explained by vanishing of the Jahn‐Teller effect as the phase changes from tetragonal to cubic.
Preparation of Dense BaTiO3 Ceramics from Sol‐Gel‐Derived Monolithic Gels
Authors: Shimooka Hirokazu , Kuwabara Makoto
Published: April 2005

Dense, small‐grained BaTiO3 ceramics, with a grain size around 1 μm and a relative sintered density >98%, were obtained at 1100°C from sol‐gel‐derived gel monoliths without using any sintering additives. The monolithic gels asprepared had a relative density of about 50% and consisted of ultrafine pseudo‐cubic BaTiO3 particles (<50 nm). These gels, with a significantly high density compared with that of previous ones (∼30%), have been synthesized at room temperature from a sol solution with a concentration of equimolar mixture of titanium isopropoxide and barium ethoxide (0.8 mol/L), using the methanol/2‐methoxyethanol mixed‐solvent system. Microstructural development of the gel monoliths with increasing sintering temperature and the dielectric properties of the obtained dense BaTiO3 ceramic have been investigated.
Implication of the feeding limb morphology for herbivorous feeding in some freshwater cyclopoid copepods
Authors: HOPP ULRICH , MAIER GERHARD
Published: April 2005

1. The mouthparts of five species of adult planktonic cyclopoid copepods (Cyclops vicinus, C. abyssorum, Acanthocyclops robustus, Mesocyclops leuckarti and Thermocyclopscrassus), in particular the distance between setae and setules of the maxilliped (which can indicate the ability to retain small particles), were compared using electron and light microscopy.

2. The mesh‐sizes of the food‐collection grid formed by these setae and setules ranged between 4.6 and 13.2 μm; the area covered by the grid ranged between 6000 and 32 000 μm2.

3. Mesh‐size was not simply correlated with body size. Cyclops abyssorum and M. leuckarti have the coarsest meshes and T. crassus the finest, while C. vicinus and A. robustus were intermediate.

4. The results suggest that cyclopoid copepods are able to retain particles in the size range of nanoplankton and that differences in mesh‐sizes between species may explain differences in the ability to subsist and reproduce on a diet of small algae.
Macroinvertebrate community response to natural and forest harvest gradients in western Oregon headwater streams
Authors: HERLIHY ALAN T. , GERTH WILLIAM J. , LI JUDITH , BANKS JANEL L.
Published: April 2005

1. To examine the effects of forest harvest practices on headwater stream macroinvertebrates, we compiled a 167 site database with macroinvertebrate, fish, physical habitat and catchment land cover data from the three forested ecoregions in western Oregon. For our analysis, headwater streams were defined by catchment areas <10 km2 and perennial water during summer low flows. Almost all sites in the database were selected using a randomised survey design, constituting a representative sample of headwater streams in these ecoregions.

2. Macroinvertebrate taxonomic and functional feeding group composition were very similar among the three ecoregions in the study area (Coast Range, Cascades and Klamath Mountains). On average, 55% of the individuals at each site were in the orders Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera or Trichoptera. Dipteran taxa (mostly chironomids) accounted for another 34%. At almost all sites, non‐insects made up <10% of the macroinvertebrate assemblage. Almost half (49%) of the assemblages were collectors; remaining individuals were about evenly divided among scrapers, shredders and predators.

3. There were 189 different macroinvertebrate taxa at the 167 sites with richness at individual sites ranging from 7 to 71 taxa. Ordination by non‐metric multidimensional scaling revealed a strong association between % Ephemeroptera, especially Baetis, and site scores along the first axis. This axis was also strongly related to % coarse substratum and fast water habitat. The second axis was strongly related to % intolerant individuals, site slope and altitude. No strong relationships were evident between any ordination axis and either logging activity, presence/absence of fish, catchment size or ecoregion.

4. Based on macroinvertebrate index of biotic integrity (IBI) scores, 62% of the sites had no impairment, 31% of the sites had slight impairment and only 6% of the sites had moderate or severe impairment. IBI scores were not strongly related to forest harvest history. All four severely impaired sites and five of the seven sites with moderate impairment were lower altitude, shallower slope stream reaches located in the Coast Range with evidence of agricultural activity in their catchment or riparian zone. % sand + fine substratum was the environmental variable most strongly related to macroinvertebrate IBI.
Identification of a novel family of 70 kDa microtubule‐associated proteins in Arabidopsis cells
Authors: Korolev Andrey V. , Chan Jordi , Naldrett Mike J. , Doonan John H. , Lloyd Clive W.
Published: April 2005

Most plant microtubule‐associated proteins (MAPs) have homologues across the phylogenetic spectrum. To find potential plant‐specific MAPs that will have evaded bioinformatic searches we devised a low stringency method for isolating proteins from an Arabidopsis cell suspension on endogenous taxol‐microtubules. By tryptic peptide mass fingerprinting we identified 55 proteins that were enriched on taxol‐microtubules. Amongst a range of known MAPs, such as kinesins, MAP65 isoforms and MOR1, we detected ‘unknown’ 70 kDa proteins that belong to a family of five closely related Arabidopsis proteins having no known homologues amongst non‐plant organisms. To verify that AtMAP70‐1 associates with microtubules in vivo, it was expressed as a GFP fusion. This confirmed that the protein decorates all four microtubule arrays in both transiently infected Arabidopsis and stably transformed tobacco BY‐2 suspension cells. Microtubule‐directed drugs perturbed the localization of AtMAP70‐1 but cytochalasin D did not. AtMAP70‐1 contains four predicted coiled‐coil domains and truncation studies identified a central domain that targets the fusion protein to microtubules in vivo. This study therefore introduces a novel family of plant‐specific proteins that interact with microtubules.
Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals significant differences in gene expression and signalling pathways between developmental and dark/starvation‐induced senescence in Arabidopsis
Authors: Buchanan‐Wollaston Vicky , Page Tania , Harrison Elizabeth , Breeze Emily , Lim Pyung Ok , Nam Hong Gil , Lin Ji‐Feng , Wu Shu‐Hsing , Swidzinski Jodi , Ishizaki Kimitsune , Leaver Christopher J.
Published: April 2005

An analysis of changes in global gene expression patterns during developmental leaf senescence in Arabidopsis has identified more than 800 genes that show a reproducible increase in transcript abundance. This extensive change illustrates the dramatic alterations in cell metabolism that underpin the developmental transition from a photosynthetically active leaf to a senescing organ which functions as a source of mobilizable nutrients. Comparison of changes in gene expression patterns during natural leaf senescence with those identified, when senescence is artificially induced in leaves induced to senesce by darkness or during sucrose starvation‐induced senescence in cell suspension cultures, has shown not only similarities but also considerable differences. The data suggest that alternative pathways for essential metabolic processes such as nitrogen mobilization are used in different senescent systems. Gene expression patterns in the senescent cell suspension cultures are more similar to those for dark‐induced senescence and this may be a consequence of sugar starvation in both tissues. Gene expression analysis in senescing leaves of plant lines defective in signalling pathways involving salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA) and ethylene has shown that these three pathways are all required for expression of many genes during developmental senescence. The JA/ethylene pathways also appear to operate in regulating gene expression in dark‐induced and cell suspension senescence whereas the SA pathway is not involved. The importance of the SA pathway in the senescence process is illustrated by the discovery that developmental leaf senescence, but not dark‐induced senescence, is delayed in plants defective in the SA pathway.
The burden of the Leishmania chagasi/infantum infection in a closed rural focus of visceral leishmaniasis in Lara state, west‐central Venezuela
Authors: Dora Feliciangeli M. , Delgado Olinda , Suarez Benny , Chiurillo Miguel Angel
Published: April 2005

A prospective study was conducted in El Brazilar, Curarigua, Lara State, Venezuela, a small rural focus of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) to investigate the burden and the evolution of Leishmania infection in the human and canine population. The incidence of the disease from February 1998 to February 2002 was recorded and two cross‐sectional surveys using the leishmanin skin test (LST) and immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) were carried out. The dipstick test with recombinant r‐K39 antigen was also applied in 2002. The incidence of the disease per year among the population (n = 118) during the period of study was 0.004. The rate of new infections per year was 0.07 [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.15–1.09]. The overall prevalence of infection measured by LST was not significantly higher in 2002 (43.2%) than in 1998 (28.3%), but it was with IFAT [16.3%vs. 4.6%; odds ratio (OR): 4.01; 95% CI: 1.03–22.78; P = 0.022] which would indicate an increasing transmission. The dipstick test only detected infection in children up to 10 years (19.4%). Prevalence in dogs was not significantly different in 2002 (57%) vs. 1998 (33%). The parasite was isolated from dogs and identified by a polymerase chain reaction based on telomeric sequences as Leishmania chagasi/infantum.
The role of sequential administration of sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine following quinine in the treatment of severe falciparum malaria in children
Authors: Ogutu B. R. , Nzila A. M. , Ochong E. , Mithwani S. , Wamola B. , Olola C. H. O. , Lowe B. , Kokwaro G. O. , Marsh K. , Newton C. R. J. C.
Published: April 2005

Sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine (SP) is often administered with quinine in the treatment of severe falciparum malaria to shorten the course of quinine. The efficacy of SP alone in the treatment of non‐severe malaria has been declining rapidly in East Africa, raising concerns of the usefulness of a shortened course of quinine followed SP. We audited the efficacy of quinine/SP in the treatment of severe malaria in Kenyan children. Children with severe falciparum malaria were treated with parenteral quinine followed by a single oral dose of SP. A clinical evaluation was performed 3 weeks later in which a blood sample was obtained for full haemogram, blood slide and analysis of the parasite dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) codons, mutations of which are associated with resistance to SP. A total of 452 children were enrolled, of whom 374 completed the study. Fifty‐two (13.9%) children were parasitaemic by 3 weeks of whom 17 (4.5%) had fever as well. The treatment failure group had a significantly higher parasitaemia (129 061 vs. 43 339; P < 0.001) and haemoglobin on admission, but only admission parasitaemia independently predicted treatment failure. Those with treatment failure had a significantly lower rise in haemoglobin at 3 weeks compared with treatment successes (9.0 vs. 10.0 g/dl). Of the 76 parasite isolates collected before treatment, 40 (53%) were triple mutant DHFR‐double DHPS (Tp–Db), the genotype most associated with SP resistance. Three weeks after SP treatment, the proportion of Tp–Db increased to 72% (31/43). The high treatment failure rate and proportion of parasites with Tp–Db negate the use of SP to shorten the course of quinine treatment in East Africa.
Short Communication: Colour vision and proficiency in diagnostic microscopy
Authors: Seki Naomi , Yassin Mohammed A. , Cuevas Luis E. , Wendy Bailey J. , Bertel Squire S. , Ramsay Andrew
Published: April 2005

The microscopical diagnosis of infectious diseases is an essential medical laboratory service in resource‐poor countries. We conducted an external quality assessment (EQA) of peripheral laboratories in southern Ethiopia using a panel of 20 ready‐prepared sputum and blood smears containing either no pathogens or locally common pathogens. Microscopists also undertook a colour discrimination test (Farnsworth–Munsell 100 hue test). Twenty microscopists from 10 health centres participated. Their microscopy results were compared with that of the EQA controllers. Their Kappa indices of agreement ranged from 0.1 to 0.89 (mean ± SD: 0.58 ± 0.21). Kappa values were analysed according to microscopists’ colour discrimination ability. The Kappa indices for the correct reading of diagnostic smears were associated with the colour vision ability of the technicians. Our results suggest that routine quality improvement activities may not achieve their desired effect if the colour discrimination abilities of technicians are not considered.
Uphill shifts in the distribution of the white stork Ciconia ciconia in southern Poland: the importance of nest quality
Authors: Tryjanowski Piotr , Sparks Tim H. , Profus Piotr
Published: April 2005

The aim of this paper is to explain the altitudinal changes that have occurred during the 20th century to the white stork distribution in the Podhale region of the uplands of the Tatra mountains, southern Poland. We analysed both historical data from the white stork censuses and detailed yearly records from 1974 to 2003 on population size, distribution and breeding success.

 A white stork nest was first recorded at Podhale in 1931 and numbers increased to seven nests in 1933, all located below 650 m altitude. During the 30‐years, 1974–2003, both the maximum and upper‐quartile altitudes of nests increased significantly. In 1974 the highest nest was at an altitude of 770 m, and the maximum reached 890 m in 1999. In the same period, the breeding population increased significantly. The minimum and lower‐quartile altitudes of nests decreased significantly following initial occupation of suitable lower altitude sites before uphill expansion. We noted the positive association between nest occupancy over the study period and breeding performance. As a result, long‐occupied nests contributed most of the young produced in the population and chicks from these nests probably colonized new areas. We believe this is the first well‐documented evidence of, and mechanism for, a particular bird species to ascend to higher elevations and that the altitudinal shifts reported for butterflies, plants and whole biomes can be detected in birds as well.
Predicted range expansion of the invasive fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, in the eastern United States based on the VEMAP global warming scenario
Authors: Morrison Lloyd W. , Korzukhin Michael D. , Porter Sanford D.
Published: April 2005

The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, is an invasive pest from South America that currently occupies much of the south‐eastern USA. Global warming is likely to allow range expansion of many invasive species, including S. invicta. We used a dynamic, ecophysiological model of fire ant colony growth coupled with models simulating climate change to predict the potential range expansion of S. invicta in the eastern USA over the next century. The climate change scenario predicted by the Vegetation–Ecosystem Modelling and Analysis Project (VEMAP) was used in our analyses. Our predictions indicate that the habitable area for S. invicta may increase by c. 5% over the next 40–50 years (a northward expansion of 33 ± 35 km). As the pace of global warming is expected to quicken in the latter half of the century, however, the habitable area for S. invicta in 2100 is predicted to be > 21% greater than it currently is (a northward expansion of 133 ± 68 km). Because the black imported fire ant, S. richteri Forel, occupies higher latitudes than S. invicta, the overall area of the eastern USA infested with invasive Solenopsis species could be greater than that estimated here.
A survey and audit of the first ‘Guides to Local Health Services’ produced by Primary Care Trusts in England
Authors: Noble Jenny , Hann Mark , Sheaff Rod , Marshall Martin
Published: April 2005

Background  Providing more information for the public about the range and quality of health services is an important part of improving accountability, quality and public responsiveness. Most sources of information to date have failed to address the information needs of people about their local services. The launch in England in 2002 of a new publication, Guides to Local Health Services, was designed to address this deficiency. We conducted an audit of the first Guides, and surveyed those responsible for their production, in order to examine the Guides’ development, content, presentation and dissemination, and to critique the purpose of the initiative.

Methods  A semi‐structured questionnaire survey of those responsible for producing the Guides, and an audit of the Guides produced by Primary Care Trusts (PCTs).

Results  Most PCTs complied with central guidance about structure and content, but in meeting multiple requirements the Guides lost their clarity of purpose. The content was dominated by information relating to financial and strategic accountability. In producing the Guides, external consultation was limited, particularly with the public but also with local partnership providers of health and social care. The main issues were the lack of a clear focus for Guide information, the level of central direction, the short production lead times, difficulties with distribution, and the many competing demands being made on PCT resources.

Conclusions  Guide content should be clearly focused on information that the public wants. Greater responsibility should be devolved to front line PCT staff to determine content in consultation with local users.
Evaluating health‐care: the perspectives of sufferers with upper limb pain
Authors: Calnan M. , Wainwright D. , O'Neill C. , Winterbottom A. , Watkins C.
Published: April 2005

Background and aims  There is considerable uncertainty over the diagnosis, treatment and management of upper limb pain, which has implications for patient care. Research into patient experiences and evaluation of health‐care has been neglected and the study presented here aims to fill this gap.

Methods  A two‐staged, mixed methodology was adopted. Phase 1 involved a postal survey of a random sample (n = 2781) of the working age population (25–64) of an area in south‐west England. Phase 2 consisted of follow‐up, informal face‐to‐face interviews with a purposive sample of 47 informants identified, according to pre‐defined criteria, from the survey sample.

Results  Our data showed that concerns about the effectiveness of treatments for alleviating pain were fundamental to users’ evaluations of both orthodox and non‐orthodox health‐care. This took priority over the need for a diagnosis and other information. There was a general recognition that the treatments available were, at least, only partially effective and the pragmatic approach led some to eventually withdraw from both orthodox care and complementary and alternative medicines (CAM).

Conclusion  Patients’ priorities for health‐care, in this context, were perceived to involve the provision of treatments which alleviated pain and were safe and painless. Orthodox and non‐orthodox care needed to be more closely integrated into primary care services.