bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis: Is Alcoa Successfully Restoring a Jarrah Forest Ecosystem after Bauxite Mining in Western Australia?
Authors: Koch John M. , Hobbs Richard J.
Published: August 2010

A range of reviews and technical reports have been presented in this volume that cover many components of the jarrah forest ecosystem and its restoration after bauxite mining in Western Australia. This synthesis reviews these papers and attempts to decide if the jarrah forest ecosystem has been restored. All ecosystem functions, including nutrient cycling and nutrient accumulation, appear to be successful or developing on an appropriate trajectory. Structural attributes of the restored vegetation are controlled by the floristic composition and growth of the vegetation and are developing favorably with time. Biodiversity measures show some deficiencies, which should be solved by time (e.g., lack of old rotting wood and tree hollows for fauna) or are the subject of ongoing research and development (e.g., imbalance of seeder/resprouter plant species). Various ways of measuring the success of Alcoa’s restoration are discussed and a numerical scorecard is presented. The overall scores were calculated as between 90 and 92% depending on the input parameters used. Such scores seem to agree with the overall subjective impression that Alcoa’s mine restoration is largely successful at restoring the jarrah forest ecosystem. A single measure of ecosystem restoration success, which acts as a surrogate for all others, does not exist, but the use of two such measures, soil organic carbon levels and floristic similarity, would adequately integrate all ecosystem components and could be used to determine the level of ecosystem restoration in this region.
GUILLAIN‐BARRE SYNDROME WITH ANTIBODY TO A GANGLIOSIDE, N‐ACETYLGALACTOSAMINYL GD1A
Authors: Kaida K , Kusunoki S , Kamakura K , Motoyoshi K , Kanazawa I.
Published: August 2010

A retrospective case study of 33 Guillain‐Barre syndrome (GBS) patients with the antibody to the ganglioside N‐acetylgalactosaminyl GD1a (Ga1NAc‐GD1a) was made to investigate the clinical features of GBS with this antibody. Patients were classified into three groups: (i) 25 with IgG antibody (group G, titre greater than or equal to 1:40); (ii) 16 with high‐titre IgG antibody (group G‐high, titre greater than or equal to 1:320; selected from group G patients), and (iii) eight with IgM antibody but without elevation of IgG (group M, normal range <1:40 for both IgM and IgG). The control group consisted of 72 GBS patients without anti‐Ga1NAc‐GD1a antibody. Compared with the control group, the G‐high and G group patients were characterized as having had antecedent gastrointestinal infection (87% and 72% versus 31%, both P < 0.001), uncommon cranial nerve involvement (19% and 36% versus 54%, P = 0.02 and 0.2, respectively), distal‐dominant weakness (94% and 68% versus 36%, P < 0.001 and P = 0.01, respectively) and no sensory signs (81% and 60% versus 25%, P < 0.001 and P = 0.003, respectively). Electrophysiological findings indicative of axonal dysfunction were significantly more common in the G‐high and G group patients (63% and 52% versus 14%, both P < 0.001). The pure motor variant that showed neither sensory signs nor abnormalities in sensory conduction studies was also more frequent in these groups (44% and 32% versus 9%, both P < 0.001). IgG anti‐GalNAc‐GD1a antibody may be a marker of the pure motor and the axonal variants of GBS, and therefore it, as well as anti‐GM1 antibody, must be investigated in these forms in order to diagnose and understand the variants. By contrast, mild weakness, frequent facial palsy (75%) and a high incidence of IgM anti‐GM2 antibody reactivity (88%) were characteristic of group M, indicating that the GBS in that group resulted from a different immune mechanism from that in the G group.
TRUE NEUROLOGICAL THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME: 10 CASES
Authors: Le Forestier N , Mouton P , Maisonobe T , Fournier E , Moulonguet A , Willer Jc , Bouche P.
Published: August 2010

The thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) encompasses various clinical entities affecting the neurovascular bundle crossing the thoracic outlet. Unfortunately, this term often proves to be confusing because many of these entities have little in common beyond their known or presumed lesion site. Neurogenic TOS (true TOS) is caused by compression of the lower trunk in the brachial plexus, the cervical ribs or fibrous band. This syndrome is extremely rare. We consider that this neurological form of TOS is a clearly defined neurological syndrome. We report 10 patients with true TOS. All were females. Stating the onset was difficult because symptoms were progressive and insidious. Pain was the most frequently reported symptom. Sensory deficit was slight or absent. All patients showed unilateral severe atrophy of the thenar muscles. Wasting and weakness developed later. A reduced amplitude of ulnar and median compound muscle action potential associated with a normal amplitude of median sensory nerve action and a reduced amplitude of ulnar sensory nerve action potential were indicative of a chronic axon loss in the lower trunk of the brachial plexus. In all cases, we performed medial antebrachial cutaneous sensory nerve action potential, a C8‐T1 innervated nerve. The absence of the medial antebrachial cutaneous sensory nerve action potential in 9 patients and a reduction in amplitude of 50 p. 100 compared to the unaffected side in the other patient indicated the diagnostic value of this easy and reproducible test. It confirmed a C8‐T1 post‐ganglionic radicular lesion or a lower brachial plexus neuropathy. Radiography showed a rudimentary bilateral cervical rib or an elongated C7 transverse process in all cases. Surgery was performed in the affected side in 7 patients and in each case the lower part of the brachial plexus was found to be stretched and angulated over a fibrous band, which was removed. Pain was relieved after 1 to 4 weeks. A minimal motor improvement was observed after one year. Electrophysiological results were unchanged.
ANTI‐PMP22 ANTIBODIES IN PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY NEUROPATHY
Authors: Gabriel Cm , Gregson Na , Hughes Rac
Published: August 2010

An experimental model of inflammatory radiculoneuropathy is induced by immunising rats with peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22). We have investigated whether PMP22 may be important in inducing human inflammatory neuropathy. We examined sera of patients with Guillain‐Barre syndrome (GBS), chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP), other neuropathies (ONP) and normal controls for IgM and IgG antibodies against PMP22 by ELISA (against synthetic PMP22 extracellular peptide fragments) and Western blot (against cauda equina). Antibodies were detected by both methods in 52% of patients with GBS, 35% with CIDP, 3% with ONP and no normal controls. We conclude that an immune response against PMP22 may play a role in the pathogenesis of the inflammatory neuropathies.
A CLONE CONTIG OF 12Q24.3 ENCOMPASSING THE DISTAL HEREDITARY MOTOR NEUROPATHY TYPE II GENE
Authors: Irobi J , Tissir F , De Jonghe P , De Vriendt E , Van Broeckhoven C , Timmerman V , Beuten J.
Published: August 2010

We previously assigned the disease locus for autosomal dominant hereditary motor neuropathy type II (distal HMN II) within a 13‐cM interval at chromosome 12q24.3. We constructed a physical map of the distal HMN II region based on yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs), P1 artificial chromosomes (PACs), and bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) using an STS content mapping approach. The contig contains 26 YAC, 15 PAC, and 60 BAC clones and covers a physical distance of approximately 5 Mb. A total of 99 STS markers, including 25 known STSs and STRs, 49 new STSs generated from clone end‐fragments, 20 ESTs, and 5 known genes, were located on the contig. This physical map provides a valuable resource for mapping genes and markers located within the distal HMN II region and facilitates the positional cloning of the distal HMN II gene.
UNCOUPLING OF MYELIN ASSEMBLY AND SCHWANN CELL DIFFERENTIATION BY TRANSGENIC OVEREXPRESSION OF PERIPHERAL MYELIN PROTEIN 22
Authors: Niemann S , Sereda Mw , Suter U , Griffiths Ir , Nave Ka
Published: August 2010

We have generated previously transgenic rats that overexpress peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22) in Schwann cells. In the nerves of these animals, Schwann cells have segregated with axons to the normal 1:1 ratio but remain arrested at the promyelinating stage, apparently unable to elaborate myelin sheaths. We have examined gene expression of these dysmyelinating Schwann cells using semiquantitative reverse transcription‐PCR and immunofluorescence analysis. Unexpectedly, Schwann cell differentiation appears to proceed normally at the molecular level when monitored by the expression of mRNAs encoding major structural proteins of myelin. Furthermore, an aberrant coexpression of early and late Schwann cell markers was observed. PMP22 itself acquires complex glycosylation, suggesting that trafficking of the myelin protein through the endoplasmic reticulum is not significantly impaired. We suggest that PMP22, when overexpressed, accumulates in a late Golgi‐cell membrane compartment and uncouples myelin assembly from the underlying program of Schwann cell differentiation.
MRI IN UNEXPLAINED MONONEUROPATHY
Authors: Weig Sg , Waite Rj , McAvoy K.
Published: August 2010

Four young patients with severe unexplained progressive mononeuropathy are described. None had a history of known trauma to the affected limb. In addition to the standard neurologic examination and electrophysiologic studies (nerve conduction studies and electromyography), all underwent neuroimaging of the involved extremity. In three patients, magnetic resonance imaging revealed intrinsic abnormalities of the appropriate nerve. The pattern or absence of magnetic resonance imaging changes directly influenced decisions about surgical exploration of the nerve in all four patients. With the advent of more sophisticated technology, magnetic resonance neurography has become a potent diagnostic tool in the evaluation of disorders of peripheral nerve and muscle.
NITRIC OXIDE INVOLVEMENT IN THE TRIGEMINAL HYPERALGESIA IN DIABETIC RATS
Authors: Rodella L , Rezzani R , Corsetti G , Bianchi R.
Published: August 2010

Trigeminal hyperalgesia frequently appears in diabetic neuralgia altering the transmission of orofacial sensory information. This study was designed to explore the effects of trigeminal hyperalgesia in streptozotocin‐induced diabetes monitoring the expression of nitric oxide synthase in the trigeminal ganglion cells. The threshold to heat noxious stimuli decreased in diabetic animals. The number of NADPH‐diaphorase (NADPH‐d)‐positive neurons significantly decreased in the diabetic rats compared with controls. Insulin treatment prevented the decreased nociceptive threshold and reduction of the number of NADPH‐d‐positive neurons. These findings point out that there is a relationship between the trigeminal nociceptive perception and NADPH‐d neuronal expression suggesting that NO may play a role in the pathogenesis of trigeminal sensory neuropathy.
THE INCREASE IN SYMPATHETIC NERVE ACTIVITY AFTER GLUCOSE INGESTION IS REDUCED IN TYPE I DIABETES
Authors: Fagius J , Berne C.
Published: August 2010

Food intake is followed by an increase in baroreflex‐governed sympathetic outflow to muscle vessels. It is established that insulin contributes to this stimulation; however, the increase occurs (to a lesser degree) even in the absence of enhanced insulin secretion. To further elucidate the role of insulin, muscle nerve sympathetic activity was recorded by microneurography, and the increase after an oral 100‐g glucose load in eight C‐peptide‐negative patients with type I diabetes without any signs of neuropathy was compared with that in 16 healthy control subjects. The level of sympathetic activity at rest was similar in the two groups (type I diabetes patients, 19.5 +/− 2.4 bursts/min; controls, 20.4 +/− 4.8 bursts/min; means +/− S.D.). Following glucose intake there was a significant increase in activity in both groups, with maximum values at 30 min of 24.3 +/− 3.7 bursts/min for type I diabetes patients and 34.4 +/− 9.1 bursts/min for controls. The summarized response (during 90 min) of the diabetic patients was less than half that of the control subjects (P = 0.0003). It is concluded that the response of muscle nerve sympathetic activity to glucose ingestion is reduced to about half of its normal strength in the absence of insulin, and that there is no difference in sympathetic outflow at rest between healthy subjects and diabetic patients without polyneuropathy.
COMMON PERONEAL NEUROPATHY DUE TO SURFING
Authors: Watemberg N , Amsel S , Sadeh M , Lerman‐Sagie T.
Published: August 2010

Common peroneal neuropathy is uncommon in children and adolescents. In this population, it is usually caused by direct nerve injury at the fibular head level. Most commonly, the nerve is damaged during sports‐related blunt trauma. Other etiologies such as hereditary neuropathies and bone tumors are much less frequent. In some cases, repetitive microtrauma to the peroneal nerve is fell to cause neuropathy. We describe the case of a teenager who developed common peroneal neuropathy in association with prolonged wave‐surfing in the presence of weight loss.
GAMMA‐DIKETONE PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY—II. NEUROFILAMENT SUBUNIT CONTENT
Authors: Chiu Fc , Opanashuk La , He Dk , Lehning Ej , LoPachin Rm
Published: August 2010

Quantitative morphometric analyses have demonstrated that axon atrophy is the primary neuropathic alteration in peripheral nerve of 2,5‐hexanedione (HD)‐intoxicated rats (Lehning et al., Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 165, 127–140, 2000). Research suggests that axon caliber is regulated by neurofilament (NF) content and density. Therefore, as a possible mechanism of atrophy, NF subunit (NF‐L, ‐M, and ‐H) proteins were quantitated in moderately affected rats intoxicated with HD at three daily dosing rates (175, 250, and 400 mg/kg/day). Analyses of subunit protein contents in proximal sciatic nerves indicated uniformly small decreases, which corresponded to minimal changes in axon area occurring in this region. In distal tibial nerve, subunit proteins were decreased substantially (40–70%) when rats were exposed to the 175 and 250 mg/kg/day doses. These reductions in NFs corresponded to significant decreases (approximately 50%) in tibial axon area induced by lower dosing rates. In contrast, 400 mg/kg/day produced similar changes in caliber but smaller reductions (18–25%) in NF‐L, ‐M, and ‐H levels. This suggests that a decrement in axonal NF content is unlikely to be solely responsible for gamma‐diketone‐induced axon atrophy and that the corresponding mechanism probably involves additional changes in factors regulating NF density. Analysis of NF content in peripheral nerve also identified the presence of anomolous higher molecular weight NF‐H proteins. However, the neurotoxicological significance of these abnormal subunits is uncertain based on their limited occurrence and inconsistent spatiotemporal expression.
Establishment and characterization of immortalized Schwann cells from murine model of Niemann‐Pick disease type C (spm/spm)
Authors: Watabe Kazuhiko , Ida Hiroyuki , Uehara Keiko , Oyanagi Kiyomitsu , Sakamoto Tsuyoshi , Tanaka Junichi , Garver William S. , Miyawaki Shigeki , Ohno Kousaku , Eto Yoshikatsu
Published: August 2010

Abstract  Niemann‐Pick disease type C (NPC) is characterized by an accumulation of unesterified cholesterol in the endosomal/lysosomal (E/L) system, resulting in progressive neurodegeneration and death during early childhood. To investigate the cellular pathomechanism of nervous system involvement in NPC, continuous neural cell lines are desirable. In this study, we obtained neuronal and Schwann cell cultures and established spontaneously immortalized Schwann cell lines from dorsal root ganglia and peripheral nerves of NPC model mouse (spm/spm). One of the cell lines, designated SPMS9, had distinct Schwann cell phenotypes and was maintained over 10 months without phenotypic alterations. The level of Npc1 mRNA was markedly decreased, and NPC1 protein was not detectable in SPMS9 cells. These cells contained intracytoplasmic granules positive for filipin cholesterol staining and immunoreactive for GM2 ganglioside. Electron‐microscopically, intracytoplasmic polymorphous membranous inclusions and vacuoles were demonstrated in SPMS9 cells. The treatment with an inhibitor of ceramide‐specific glucosyltransferase, N‐butyldeoxynojirimysin (NB‐DNJ) markedly reduced the intracytoplasmic granular immunofluorescence for GM2 ganglioside in SPMS9 cells, whereas the amount of filipin‐positive granules remained unchanged. The SPMS9 cells retained vesicular fluorescence of cationic dye acriflavine 16–24 hours after loading, indicating the defect of transmembrane efflux pump activity of NPC1 in the E/L compartment in these cells. These immortalized Schwann cells can be useful in studies on the nervous system lesions in NPC.
Focal myelin swellings and tomacula in anti‐MAG IgM paraproteinaemic neuropathy: Novel teased nerve fiber studies
Authors: Cai Zhao , Cash Kathy , Swift Jeffrey , Sutton‐Smith Peter , Robinson Martin , Thompson Philip D. , Blumbergs Peter C.
Published: August 2010

Abstract  Focal myelin swellings and tomacula in teased nerve fibers from a case of IgM anti‐myelin‐associated glycoprotein (MAG) paraproteinaemic neuropathy were examined using a novel technique. Five different morphologic abnormalities were identified—myelin sheath outfolding, myelin sheath infolding, enlargement of the adaxonal space, myelin degeneration, multiple increased concentric loops—and a combination of these structural abnormalities often occur in association with myelin degeneration. Similar structural changes were found in externally normal segments of teased fibers without evidence of myelin swelling or tomacula from the same case. These structural abnormalities are consistent with a disturbance of the normal adhesion functions of MAG in the maintenance of axon‐myelin relationships.
The Use of Research in the Seattle and Jefferson County Desegregation Cases: Connecting Social Science and the Law
Authors: Tropp Linda R. , Smith Amy E. , Crosby Faye J.
Published: August 2010

On June 28, 2007, a plurality of the United States Supreme Court held that two public school desegregation plans, which relied in part on racial classifications, violated the Equal Protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. This article provides an overview of the cases and discusses the ways in which examples of social science research were used and interpreted by Justices on both sides of the issue. We also describe some differences in perspective between social scientific and legal traditions and offer insights about connections between these perspectives in this and future work.
Does Going Greek Impair Undergraduate Academic Performance?
Authors: Grubb Farley
Published: August 2010

Abstract.  Controlling for SAT scores, college major, gender, and state of residence, university students were more likely to have joined a fraternity or sorority if they had come from in state and had higher verbal SAT scores, but lower math SAT scores, the opposite of what simple uncontrolled averages indicate. Controlling for the same variables, fraternity and sorority members suffered from 1 to 10 percent lower cumulative GPAs than non‐Greek students. This negative effect was most pronounced for small fraternities and weakest for sororities.
On Being Lutheran In A Religiously Plural World
Authors: Ingram Paul O.
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  For those of us who are self‐consciously Lutheran, the reality of contemporary religious pluralism engenders important theological questions. The thesis of this essay is that “being Lutheran” within the context of contemporary religious pluralism requires the creation of “Lutheran identity” that is pluralistic in structure, while simultaneously avoiding either theological exclusivism or theological inclusivism. The implications of this thesis are that (1) dialogue with the religious traditions of the world is of primary importance for thinking Lutherans, and (2) the church's witness and mission needs to be reconfigured in light of the practice of interreligious dialogue.
Structure of Major Surface Determinants and DNA Diagnosis of Pneumocystis carinii
Authors: NAKAMURA YOSHIKAZU , TANABE KIVOKATSU , EGAWA KOH.JI
Published: August 2010

Pneumocystis carinii is a pathogen which, causes fatal pneumonia in patients with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). To facilitate the basic study of P. carinii, we have analyzed its major surface proteins by both immunochemical and biochemical methods. The major protein components of both cysts and trophozoites are a group of proteins called “P115” with apparent masses of 105–120 kd. It includes 6 isoelcclric variants. A monoclonal antibody raised against cysts recognizes all 6 variants and reacts with epitopes located in the cell wall indicating that P115 is an immunorcactive surface component. The isoelectric variants contain identical or closely related protein components and they are mannose‐rich glycoproteins. The isoelectric variation may be due primarily to differences in glycosylation. The majority of sera from humans with diagnosed pneumocystosis that were tested reacted strongly with the P115 proteins. To develop probes for DNA diagnosis and to facilitate molecular studies, a genomic DNA library of P. carinii has been constructed. Some of these clones were used for DNA hybridization analysis of rat and human lungs.
Failure to Validate a Predictive Model for Refusal of Care to Emergency‐department Patients
Authors: Birnbaum Adrienne , Gallagher E. John , Utkewicz Mark , Gennis Paul , Carter Wallace
Published: August 2010

Objective:To determine whether previously developed triage criteria for refusal of care to patients presenting to an emergency department (ED) with nonurgent problems could be validated for an independent patient population.

Methods:A convenience sample of 534 adults presenting to a municipal hospital ED between July 1, 1992, and October 15, 1992, who met preestablished criteria for refusal of care were entered into a prospective, observational, cohort study. The single target outcome variable was hospitalization. In order to optimize the criteria's performance, both the triage nurse and the physician caring for the patient had to agree that all criteria for “refusal of care” were specifically met. No patient was refused care, nor was a patient's management or disposition interfered with in any way by the investigators. All patients were followed until hospital admission or release from the ED.

Results:Six (1.1%) of 534 patients (95% CI 0.4–2.4) who met the criteria for refusal of care were hospitalized. This represents a greater than 50‐fold difference in incidence of hospitalization when compared with that found by other investigators, who reported that only 0.02% (95% CI 0.0004–0.04) of those patients who were refused care subsequently required hospitalization (p < 10–7).

Conclusion:The authors were unable to validate a previously developed predictive model for refusal of care to patients presenting to an ED. Refusal of care to selected ED patients based on current guidelines is not a viable solution to overcrowding. Alternative strategies must be sought.
Judicial Outcome for the Intoxicated Driver Admitted to a Regional Trauma Center
Authors: Evett John K. , Finley Christopher J. , Nunez Armida , Britt L. D. , Huff J. Stephen
Published: August 2010

Objective:To examine the judicial outcomes for intoxicated drivers who were admitted to regional trauma centers as a result of motor vehicle collisions (MVCs).

Methods:A retrospective review of the trauma registry of a Level I trauma center was conducted for the period from January 1,1989, through December 31, 1990. Inclusion criteria for entry into the study were 1) identification of the patient as the driver involved in an MVC, 2) a blood alcohol content (BAC) above 0.10 g/dL, and 3) survival until discharge from the hospital. A total of 245 patients from the trauma registry met the inclusion criteria. The number of persons from the submitted list who were later convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) was obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DM V) of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Results:Of the list submitted to the DMV, only nine individuals (3.7%; 95% confidence interval = 1.3–6.0%) were convicted of DUI during the MVCs that led to hospitalization during the study period. During the same time period, the statewide conviction rate for DUI‐cited drivers was 85%.

Conclusion:Admission to the trauma service at a Level I trauma center may provide a refuge from legal consequences for intoxicated drivers involved in MVCs.
An Evaluation of Research Training in a Large Residency Program
Authors: Rydman Robert J. , Zalenski Robert J. , Fagan Joanne K.
Published: August 2010

Objective: Evaluation of a research training program for emergency medicine residents.

Methods: A cross‐sectional, descriptive analysis of knowledge and skill acquisition observed following the introduction of a resident research curriculum was performed at a university‐affiliated emergency medicine residency program within a large‐volume, inner‐city hospital. The didactic program was based upon a published SAEM model research curriculum and included tutorials in computer applications for research. Seventeen first‐year residents participated in the new curriculum and self‐assessment evaluation. The rate of research proposal preparation after curriculum implementation for the 17 course participants was compared with that of 26 historical control subjects from the same residency program.

Results: Resident attendance for the sessions, offered twice annually, averaged 82%. Significant self‐perceived knowledge gains (p < 0.05) were found in the areas of study design and methods, journal selection, research planning, and two microcomputer application areas. There was a strong correlation between postcourse examination scores for many specific subject areas and attendance at the related sessions. Thirteen of the 17 participants (76%) completed an original (NIH PHS398‐formatted) research proposal within four months following the training program, compared with only six of 26 residents (23%) not exposed to such a curriculum in previous years (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Residents appeared satisfied with this level of training and made gains in their skills and knowledge of research activities. The rate of preparation of research proposals by course attendees surpassed that of former residents. This educational intervention may augment the standard practice of faculty mentorship of residents and fellows for research knowledge and skill acquisition.
Reproductive costs of mating with a sibling male: sperm depletion and multiple mating in Cephalonomia hyalinipennis
Authors: Pérez‐Lachaud Gabriela
Published: August 2010

Polygynous parasitoid males may be limited by the amount of sperm they can transmit to females, which in turn may become sperm limited. In this study, I tested the effect of male mating history on copula duration, female fecundity, and offspring sex ratio, and the likelihood that females will have multiple mates, in the gregarious parasitoid Cephalonomia hyalinipennis Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae: Epyrinae), a likely candidate for sperm depletion due to its local mate competition system. Males were eager to mate with the seven females presented in rapid succession. Copula duration did not differ with male mating history, but latency before a first mating was significantly longer than before consecutive matings. Male mating history had no bearing on female fecundity (number of offspring), but significantly influenced offspring sex ratio. The last female to mate with a given male produced significantly more male offspring than the first one, and eventually became sperm depleted. In contrast, the offspring sex ratio of first‐mated females was female biased, denoting a high degree of sex allocation control. Once‐mated females, whether sperm‐depleted or not, accepted a second mating after a period of oviposition. Sperm‐depleted females resumed production of fertilized eggs after a second mating. Young, recently mated females also accepted a second mating, but extended in‐copula courtship was observed. Carrying out multiple matings in this species thus seems to reduce the cost of being constrained to produce only haploid males after accepting copulation with a sperm‐depleted male. I discuss the reproductive fitness costs that females experience when mating solely with their sibling males and the reproductive fitness gain of males that persist in mating, even when almost sperm‐depleted. Behavioural observations support the hypothesis that females monitor their sperm stock. It is concluded that C. hyalinipennis is a species with a partial local mating system.
Unpacked and packed fluid milk consumption patterns and preferences in Turkey
Authors: Akbay Cuma , Tiryaki Gulgun Yildiz
Published: August 2010

The objective of this study is to investigate unpacked and packed fluid milk consumption patterns and preferences among Turkish households by using cross‐sectional survey data from 18,278 households. Based on the data, 47.8% of the households consume unpacked milk, 29.3% consume sterilized milk, and 7.9% consume pasteurized fluid milk at least once a month. Results of the multinomial logit model for fluid milk consumption behavior suggest that unpacked fluid milk preference is related positively to household size, income and age of the household head, and negatively to education level of the household head and status of the household wife. Similarly, pasteurized and sterilized fluid milk preferences are related positively to income and the education level of the household head, and negatively to household size and age of the household head. Results from these analyses are used to suggest techniques for marketing fluid milk products to specific segments of the consumer population.
Empowering rural people for their own development
Authors: Binswanger Hans P.
Published: August 2010

This Elmhirst lecture first discusses the factors that allow rural people in low‐income countries to design, plan, and implement their own rural development. These are divided into two broad groups: the institutional environment for rural development (the private sector, communities, civil society, local government, and sector institutions) and the factors governing profitability of investment in agriculture. While in many poor countries the institutional environment has improved over the last 20 years, the most poorly performing countries still have by far the poorest environment for local government in the world. Within an empowering institutional environment, the rate of agricultural and rural development is determined by investments of many different types that in turn depend primarily on the profitability of agriculture. Among the many factors that determine profitability few are under the direct control of farmers or agricultural sector institutions, but depend on governance and investments in other sectors such as trade and transport. In many of the poorest countries there has been considerable improvement in macro‐economic management and sector policies over the past 20 years, but progress in international and intra‐regional trade policies, in agricultural trade policies, in transport infrastructure, and in agricultural research and extension has been limited.
The economics of natural disasters: implications and challenges for food security
Authors: De Haen Hartwig , Hemrich Günter
Published: August 2010

A large and growing share of the world's poor lives under conditions in which high risk of natural hazards coincides with high vulnerability. As a result natural disasters hit the poor disproportionately. In the last decade, natural disasters claimed 79,000 lives each year and affected more than 200 million people, with damages amounting to almost US$70 billion annually. Experts predict that disasters will become even more frequent and their impact more severe, expecting a 5‐fold global cost increase over the next 50 years, mainly due to climate change and a further concentration of the world's population in vulnerable habitats. The article argues that in order to mitigate disaster impact on poor population groups, development policy and disaster management need to become mutually supportive. Focusing on challenges disasters pose to food security, it proposes that in disaster‐prone locations measures to improve disaster resilience should be an integral part of food security policies and strategies. It expands the twin‐track approach to hunger reduction to a “triple‐track approach,” giving due attention to cross‐cutting disaster risk‐management measures. Practical areas requiring more attention include risk information and analysis; land use planning; upgrading physical infrastructures; diversification and risk transfer mechanisms. Investments in reducing disaster risk will be most needed where both hazard risk and vulnerability are high. As agriculture is particularly vulnerable to disaster risk, measures to reduce this vulnerability, i.e., protecting agricultural lands and water and other assets, should get greater weight in development strategies and food security policies. Investing in disaster resilience involves trade‐offs. Identifying the costs, benefits, and trade‐offs involved will be a prominent task of agricultural economists.
Food safety as a global public good
Authors: Unnevehr Laurian J.
Published: August 2010

Globalization of the food system increases the shared risks from food safety, making it a global public good. Globally shared food safety risks include microbial pathogens, pesticide residues, or mycotoxins. Food safety is addressed as a global public good through improved private sector information, institutional innovations such as the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards Agreement under the World Trade Organization, and trade capacity building to improve food safety in developing country exports. Although meeting standards for high‐income consumers motivates trade facilitation, there could be large positive spillovers for developing country consumers from such investments.
Tariff line analysis of U.S. and international dairy protection
Authors: Grant Jason H. , Hertel Thomas W. , Rutherford Thomas F.
Published: August 2010

General equilibrium (GE) models have been criticized because of policy aggregation issues. Partial equilibrium (PE) models can be more disaggregated but do not account for the economy‐wide effects from trade reform. In this article, we illustrate a methodology that combines a fully disaggregated, subsector (PE) model with a standard GE framework permitting us to extend GE analysis to the tariff line. We offer some insight into the aggregation errors implicit in standard GE analyses by comparing our PE/GE approach to that of GE only under a global dairy liberalization experiment. Our PE/GE approach allows for a comprehensive treatment of tariff rate quotas at the sub‐sector level across narrowly defined product lines.
Sharecropping efficiency in Ethiopia: threats of eviction and kinship
Authors: Kassie Menale , Holden Stein
Published: August 2010

We tested a theoretical model with the Marshallian inefficiency (H1) and threat of eviction (H2) hypotheses having opposite effects on land productivity on sharecropped plots. The model also assumes that kinship contracts may eliminate or reduce the Marshallian inefficiency (H3) and threat of eviction (H4) effects on land productivity. Our empirical findings were consistent with H2 and H4 being true. We found higher land productivity on sharecropped plots than on share tenants’ own plots and higher land productivity on sharecropped plots of nonkin than of kin tenants. The nature of the data allowed controlling for unobservable household characteristics through household fixed effects and for observable plot characteristics. Analyses with and without plot characteristics revealed that these findings were stronger with plot characteristics than without them. Based on the plausible assumption that observable plot characteristics are positively correlated with unobservable plot characteristics this strengthens our conclusion. The results are also supported by first‐order stochastic dominance analysis. Sharecropped plots’ output value distribution unambiguously dominated the output value distribution from share tenants’ own plots. Nonkin sharecropped plots’ output value distribution also first‐order stochastically dominated the output value distribution from kin sharecrop plots.
EU agri‐environmental programs and the “restaurant table effect”
Authors: Glebe Thilo , Salhofer Klaus
Published: August 2010

The share of agricultural area enrolled in EU agri‐environmental programs varies significantly between EU member states. These national differences are explained, based on a model that reflects both, that these programs internalize externalities and the political economy. We identify six factors that affect the extent to which agri‐environmental programs are implemented: environmental benefits, opportunity costs of participation, budgetary pressure, the share of program expenditures financed by the EU, the political weight attributed to farmers at the national, and the political influence of each country at the EU level. In addition, we demonstrate that, if the policy decision‐making process is noncooperative at the EU level, countries that contribute less to the EU budget willceteris paribusimplement more programs. Using data of four years and feasible generalized least square methods, we are able to confirm our theoretical results including a noncooperative behavior of EU member states.
Spillovers from high‐value agriculture for exports on land use in developing countries: evidence from Madagascar
Authors: Minten Bart , Randrianarison Lalaina , Swinnen Johan
Published: August 2010

High‐value agriculture for exports is increasingly important in developing countries. In a case study of contract farming for exports of vegetables from Madagascar, strong spillover effects of these trade opportunities on land use are found to exist. Using a matched plot sampling design, the productivity of rice—the main domestically consumed staple—is shown to be two‐thirds higher on fields that were contracted during the off‐season for the production of vegetables. This increase in yields is linked to an increase of soil fertility due to the application of fertilizer and compost, which farmers did not use prior to the contracts. Although agricultural output goes up significantly, labor productivity stays the same, suggesting that there is greater labor absorption on existing land and the diffusion of this type of technology at a larger scale throughout Madagascar would be expected to substantially decrease incentives to deforest by increasing wages and to boost productivity of existing lands relative to newly deforested ones.
The impact of coffee price changes on rural households in Uganda
Authors: Bussolo Maurizio , Godart Olivier , Lay Jann , Thiele Rainer
Published: August 2010

Employing household survey data covering the periods 1992–1993, 1995–1996, and 1999–2000, this article shows for the case of Uganda that a coffee market liberalization followed by a price boom was associated with substantial reductions in poverty, which could even be sustained when prices went down again. Coffee is not planted by the richest farmers and the gains from higher coffee prices accrued to poorer and richer coffee farmers alike. Nor were poorer farmers hurt disproportionately when prices fell. In addition, we find strong spillovers from coffee production to other agriculture, which tends to favor the poor, and to nonagricultural activities. These multiplier effects are concentrated in coffee regions. In an economic environment characterized by a booming agricultural sector, coffee farmers were able to accommodate the negative price shock, in particular through agricultural diversification. General agricultural growth also cushioned possible negative multiplier effects in coffee regions. Overall, the case of coffee in Uganda thus lends support to the view that agricultural trade liberalization is beneficial for the poor.
Lymphoma immunophenotyping: “borderline” lymphomas
Authors: Mut‐Popescu Delia , Lupu Anca , Bumbea H. , Vladareanu Ana‐Maria , Barbu Doina , Angelescu Silvana , Olteanu Nicoleta , Colita A.
Published: August 2010

Immunophenotyping of B‐cell lymphoproliferative disorders is indispensable, especially in disorders with CD19(+) CD5(+) B lymphocytes, where we have to make the distinction between low grade neoplasia, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia with CD23(+) malignant lymphocytes, and aggressive neoplasia such as mantle cell lymphoma with CD23(‐) malignant lymphocytes. We found some cases of CD19(+) CD5(+) lymphoproliferative disorders that do not meet all criteria for diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia or mantle cell lymphoma. For instance, we found cases with a low or no expression of CD23, asociated with absence of expression of FMC7 and surface immunoglobulins. These cases could be classified as “borderline” CD19(+) CD5(+) B cell lymphoproliferative disorders, with an intermediate neoplasic grade.
Nilotinib hampers the proliferation and function of CD8+ T lymphocytes through inhibition of T cell receptor signalling
Authors: Chen J. , Schmitt A. , Chen B. , Rojewski M. , RuBeler V. , Fei F. , Yu Y. , Yu X. , Ringhoffer M. , von Harsdorf S. , Greiner J. , Gbtzz M. , Guillaume P. , Dbhner H. , Bunjes D. , Schmitt M.
Published: August 2010

The novel selective BCR‐ABL Breakpoint cluster region – Abelson murine leukemia viral oncogene homolog 1 (BCR‐AML) inhibitor nilotinib (AMN107) is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that is more potent against leukaemia cells in vitro than imatinib. As nilotinib might be used in the context of allogeneic stem cell transplantation where CD8+ T lymphocytes play a pivotal role in the graft‐versus‐leukaemia (GVL) effect, we investigated effects of nilotinib on this lymphocyte subpopulation. Nilotinib inhibits phytohemagglutinin (PHA)‐induced proliferation of CD8+T lymphocytes in vitro at therapeutically relevant concentrations (0.5–4 μM). The inhibition of CD8+ T lymphocytes specific for leukaemia or viral antigens through nilotinib was associated with a reduced expansion of antigen peptide specific CD8+ T lymphocytes and with a decreased release of interferon—γ and granzyme B by these cells as analysed by flow cytometry and enzyme‐linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assays. The inhibitory effect caused by nilotinib was two times stronger than by imatinib. These effects were mediated through the inhibition of the phosphorylation of ZAP‐70, Lck and ERK 1/2 and the NF‐κβ signalling transduction pathway. Taken together, we observed a strong suppressive impact of nilotinib on the CD8+ T lymphocyte function which should be considered carefully in the framework of allogeneic stem cell transplantation or other T cell based immunotherapies.
D‐serine signalling as a prominent determinant of neuronal‐glial dialogue in the healthy and diseased brain
Authors: Billard J.‐M.
Published: August 2010

Introduction

D‐serine in the brain: regional expression and synaptic turnover

D‐serine regulation of synaptic transmission and plasticity

D‐serine signalling in normal aging and Alzheimer's disease

D‐serine signalling and schizophrenia

Conclusions

Rather different from their initial image as passive supportive cells of the CNS, the astrocytes are now considered as active partners at synapses, able to release a set of gliotransmitter‐like substances to modulate synaptic communication within neuronal networks. Whereas glutamate and ATP were first regarded as main determinants of gliotransmission, growing evidence indicates now that the amino acid D‐serine is another important player in the neuronal‐glial dialogue. Through the regulation of glutamatergic neurotransmission through both N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA‐R) and non‐NMDA‐R, D‐serine is helping in modelling the appropriate connections in the developing brain and influencing the functional plasticity within neuronal networks throughout lifespan. The understanding of D‐serine signalling, which has increased linearly in the last few years, gives new insights into the critical role of impaired neuronal‐glial communication in the diseased brain, and offers new opportunities for developing relevant strategies to treat cognitive deficits associated to brain disorders.
Oral zinc supplementation in Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Safai‐Kuttl Soodabeh
Published: August 2010

Safai‐Kutti S. Oral zinc supplementation in Anorexia Nervosa. Acta Psychiatr Scand Suppl. 361, Vol. 82. 1990: 14–17.

There is evidence to suggest that zinc (Zn) deficiency may be involved in the pathogenesis of anorexia nervosa (AN). In an open study of 20 females, aged 14–26 years, afflicted with AN the effect of oral zinc supplementation was investigated. In each case the diagnosis of AN was based on the criteria of DSM‐III‐R. After a careful history, complete physical examination and laboratory screening the subjects were started on 45–90 mg of Zn2+, as zinc sulfate, (SolvezinkR, Tika, Sweden) per day. During a follow‐up period of 8–56 months 17 patients increased their body weight by more than 15%. The maximum gradual weight gain of 57% was encountered in one patient after 24 months of zinc therapy. The most rapid weight gain was recorded in a patient who increased her body weight by 24% over a period of 3 months. After the institution of zinc, weight loss was not registered in any of our patients. In 13 subjects the menstruation returned 1–17 months after the initiation of zinc therapy. None of our patients developed bulimia. The design of an ongoing multicenter placebo‐controlled clinical trial of zinc supplementation to patients with AN is described.
Can you dope yourself with food? On the abuse aspect of Bulimia Nervosa
Authors: Peterson Birgit
Published: August 2010

Petersson B. Can you dope yourself with food? On the abuse aspect of Bulimia Nervosa.

Acta Psychiatr Scand Suppl. 361, Vol. 82. 1990: 19–22.

Bulimia Nervosa (BN) fulfilling the DSM‐III‐R criteria have been seen in Denmark since 1980. In this article the syndrome is divided in two parts, an abuse part, the binge‐eating and a part related to the socialization of women, the different forms of weight regulation. The development and treatment of the syndrome is discussed from experience with women in group psychotherapy.