bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interleukin‐13: prospects for new treatments
Authors: Brightling C. E. , Saha S. , Hollins F.
Published: October 2009

IL‐13 is a T‐helper type 2 cytokine. Animal models have implicated IL‐13 as a critical cytokine in the development of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In vitro IL‐13 exerts important effects on both structural and inflammatory cells within the airway and has the capacity to drive the clinical features of airways disease. In asthma, this view is strongly supported by associations with IL‐13 genetic polymorphisms and increased mRNA and protein expression in blood, sputum and bronchial submucosa. In particular, IL‐13 up‐regulation is associated with severe disease. Current evidence in COPD is conflicting, with some reports supporting and others refuting a role for IL‐13. Early clinical trials of anti‐IL‐13 therapies in asthma have shown promise, and the results of further efficacy studies are eagerly awaited.

Cite this as: C. E. Brightling, S. Saha and F. Hollins, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 42–49.
Intravenous immunoglobulins – understanding properties and mechanisms
Authors: Durandy A , Kaveri S V , Kuijpers T W , Basta M , Miescher S , Ravetch J V , Rieben R
Published: October 2009

High-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) preparations are used currently for the treatment of autoimmune or inflammatory diseases. Despite numerous studies demonstrating efficacy, the precise mode of action of IVIg remains unclear. Paradoxically, IgG can exert both pro- and anti-inflammatory activities, depending on its concentration. The proinflammatory activity of low-dose IVIg requires complement activation or binding of the Fc fragment of IgG to IgG-specific receptors (FcγR) on innate immune effector cells. In contrast, when administered in high concentrations, IVIg has anti-inflammatory properties. How this anti-inflammatory effect is mediated has not yet been elucidated fully, and several mutually non-exclusive mechanisms have been proposed. This paper represents the proceedings of a session entitled ‘IVIg – Understanding properties and mechanisms’ at the 6th International Immunoglobulin Symposium that was held in Interlaken on 26–28 March 2009. The presentations addressed how IgG may affect the cellular compartment, evidence for IVIg-mediated scavenging of complement fragments, the role of the dimeric fraction of IVIg, the anti-inflammatory properties of the minor fraction of sialylated IgG molecules, and the genetic organization and variation in FcγRs. These findings demonstrate the considerable progress that has been made in understanding the mechanisms of action of IVIgs, and may influence future perspectives in the field of Ig therapy.
Conforming Falcon‡ gravity and the global gravity anomaly
Authors: Dransfield Mark
Published: October 2009

Gravity derived only from airborne gravity gradient measurements with a normal error distribution will have an error that increases with wavelength. It is straightforward in principle to use sparsely sampled regional gravimeter data to provide the long wavelength information, thereby conforming the derived gravity to the regional gravity. Regional surface or airborne gravimeter data are not always available and can be difficult and expensive to collect in many of the areas where an airborne gravity gradiometer survey is flown. However the recent release by the Danish National Space Centre of the DNSC08 global gravity anomaly data has provided regional gravity data for the entire earth of adequate quality for this purpose. Studies over three areas, including comparisons with ground, marine and airborne gravimetry, demonstrate the validity of this approach. Future improvements in global gravity anomaly data are expected, particularly as the product from the recently launched Gravity field and steady‐state Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE) satellite becomes available and these will lead directly to an improvement in the very wide bandwidth gravity available after conforming gravity derived from gravity gradiometry with the global gravity.
Source measurement effect on high fidelity vibratory seismic separation
Authors: Nagarajappa Nirupama , Wilkinson David
Published: October 2009

High Fidelity Vibratory Seismic (HFVS) acquisition and separation can play an important role in today's land acquisition schemes. The method – in which multiple vibrators are swept simultaneously using sweeps with known phase encoding and then the data are inverted and separated into individual records – can improve productivity in the field and at the same time improve signal characteristics in the data. It relies on the measured weighted sum of accelerations (base plate and reaction mass) to invert the acquired data and separate the individual vibrator responses. Separation can be sub‐optimal if the measured motions vary from the ‘true source’ input into the ground. Differences in true source and measured source can arise due to poor coupling between vibrators and ground, soil compaction or other factors. Using both a synthetic model and real data, we show that if the true source changes between sweeps but is not measured, vibrator responses can leak into adjacent vibrator responses upon separation. In a recent survey with HFVS acquisition, we observed a 25–30 dB separation between adjacent vibrators, which could be improved with greater reliability of the source measurement. The vibrator leakage can reduce the data quality considerably. We discuss the results of this survey and show that separation is affected by source measurement error. Further, we conclude that it is necessary either 1) to use source measurements that can capture the variability of the true source between sweeps or 2) to compensate for the source measurement variations in processing or in acquisition.
New early prophylaxis regimen that avoids immunological danger signals can reduce FVIII inhibitor development
Authors: KURNIK K. , BIDLINGMAIER C. , ENGL W. , CHEHADEH H. , REIPERT B. , AUERSWALD G.
Published: October 2009

Summary.  The most problematic complication of haemophilia A treatment is the development of inhibitors to FVIII. The highest risk of developing inhibitors is during the first 20 exposure days (EDs). If the patient can be brought through this high risk period without inhibitor development, the subsequent risk is low. Therefore, as a pilot project, we developed a prophylaxis regimen for the first 20–50 EDs specifically designed to induce tolerance to the administered FVIII and to minimize inhibitor development by avoiding immunological danger signals. Twenty‐six consecutive previously untreated patients (PUPs) with severe haemophilia A were treated with the new prophylaxis regimen and the incidence of inhibitor development in this group was compared with that in a historical control group of 30 consecutive PUPs treated with a standard joint protection prophylaxis regimen (40–50 IU kg−1, three times a week). There were no significant differences between the study and control groups in patient‐related inhibitor risk factors such as ethnicity (all Caucasian), severity of haemophilia (all <1% FVIII), severity of FVIII gene mutation (P < 0.0006) nor in some treatment‐related factors such as product type, age at first exposure, vaccination regimen or the need for surgery. 14 of 30 subjects given standard prophylaxis but only one of the 26 subjects given the new regimen developed an inhibitor (P = 0.0003, odds ratio 0.048, 95% CI: 0.001–0.372). Our results indicate that minimizing danger signals during the first 20 EDs with FVIII may reduce the risk of inhibitor formation. These results should be confirmed in a larger prospective clinical study.
Thrombin generation in vitro in the presence of by‐passing agents in siblings with severe haemophilia A
Authors: KLINTMAN J. , BERNTORP E. , ASTERMARK J. ,   ON BEHALF OF THE MIBS STUDY GROUP
Published: October 2009

Summary.  Previous data have shown an inter‐individual difference in the thrombin generating capacity in vitro as well as phenotypic bleeding pattern among patients with severe haemophilia A (FVIII:C activity below 1%). The reason for this is not known. In addition, there are no reports on how thrombin generation may correlate between siblings. In this study, we evaluated and compared thrombin generation in vitro using plasma samples in the presence of by‐passing agents (FEIBA® and NovoSeven®) in 21 unrelated brother pairs with and without inhibitors enrolled in the Malmö International Brother Study (MIBS). Mean maximum thrombin formation in patients with a current inhibitor titer was 182.0 ± 52.8 mmol mL−1 (FEIBA®) and 130.7 ± 54.9 mmol mL−1 (rFVIIa), respectively, and somewhat higher in those without inhibitors, 222.7 ±85.5 mmol mL−1 (FEIBA®) and 142.8 ±53.6mmol mL−1 (rFVIIa) (P = 0.16 and 0.29). The variance regarding the maximum thrombin production within a family was significantly lower compared with the thrombin production between families (P < 0.001 for both FEIBA® and NovoSeven®). Our data indicate that genetically determined factors, other than the FVIII:C activity seems to influence the phenotypic variation in thrombin formation in the presence of by‐passing agents. The nature of these determinants remains to be identified.
Understanding Orobanche and Phelipanche–host plant interactions and developing resistance
Authors: PÉREZ‐DE‐LUQUE A , FONDEVILLA S , PÉREZ‐VICH B , ALY R , THOIRON S , SIMIER P , CASTILLEJO M A , FERNÁNDEZ‐Martinez J M , JORRÍN J , RUBIALES D , DELAVAULT P
Published: October 2009

Orobanche and Phelipanche spp. (broomrapes) are parasitic plants that can be responsible for devastating losses in several important crops. The development of resistant cultivars is one of the key strategies in the fight against this pest. However, the nature of resistance is complex and the basis of the interaction between the host and the parasite is still largely unknown. Despite the progress achieved during the last century through breeding programmes, sources of resistance are often scarce (e.g. the legumes). The resistance that is available is often not durable, with field resistance being overcome by new races of the parasite (e.g. sunflower). This review summarises efforts made to improve the resistance of crop hosts for broomrapes through classical breeding programmes and looks forward to the integration of new knowledge generated from molecular and morphological studies. Emphasis is given to the need for a multidisciplinary approach to achieve success, ranging from improved field phenotyping to genetic and biotechnological studies. All components are necessary to understand this particular and characteristic interaction: a plant parasitising another plant.
Extent and pattern of genetic differentiation within and between European populations of Phelipanche ramosa revealed by amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis
Authors: VAZ PATTO M C , FERNÁNDEZ‐APARICIO M , SATOVIC Z , RUBIALES D
Published: October 2009

The extent and pattern of genetic differentiation between Phelipanche ramosa populations colonising tobacco in different European regions were investigated by amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis, in order to determine levels of variation for tobacco resistance breeding and management programmes. Four different AFLP primer pairs amplified a total of 1050 clear and reproducible bands, of which 962 (91.62%) were polymorphic among the 35 individuals taken from four P. ramosa populations collected in Spain, Italy, Bulgaria and Germany. Cluster analysis based on the AFLP data categorised the plants into distinct groups, in line with their geographical origin, denoting clear genetic differentiation among the four populations. This differentiation was supported by both high bootstrap values and significant results of the analysis of molecular variance. The most divergent population was the one from Bulgaria. The majority of the genetic diversity was attributable to differences among populations (77.80%), as expected from the predominant autogamous behaviour of this species. Populations differed significantly in within‐population diversity, as measured by Shannon’s information index. The German population presented the lowest genetic diversity and the Italian population harboured the highest level of within‐population genetic diversity. There are significant differences in genetic diversity level among the studied P. ramosa populations and clear population‐specific genetic diversity structures. These need to be taken into account, together with the potential differences in parasite aggressiveness, when planning breeding and management strategies for P. ramosa control in tobacco cultivation.
Impact of Fusarium oxysporum on the holoparasitic weed Phelipanche ramosa: biocontrol efficacy under field‐grown conditions
Authors: KOHLSCHMID E , SAUERBORN J , MÜLLER‐STÖVER D
Published: October 2009

Under the changing agro‐climatic conditions of western Europe, the parasitic weed Phelipanche ramosa infests host crops such as tomato, hemp, tobacco and oilseed rape at an increasing rate. A Fusarium oxysporum isolate (FOG), that had effectively reduced the parasite’s incidence under controlled environmental conditions, was tested in different granular formulations (pesta granules, alginate pellets) on P. ramosa parasitising tobacco under field‐grown conditions. FOG reduced number and biomass of P. ramosa shoots by between 50% and 70% in three consecutive years (2006–2008). A single pesta application did not show consistent results throughout seasons; 50% reduction of P. ramosa biomass (DM) in the first year could not be repeated in the following years (20–30%). An alginate formulation applied alone performed better. However, a combination of pesta granules with alginate pellets had the highest reliable control efficacy (60–70%) of all treatments in two seasons, compared with the untreated control. Fungal population counts in soil samples did not show a close correlation to biocontrol efficacy. To understand field performance of this biocontrol agent, additional glasshouse and laboratory studies were conducted using soil from the experimental site. The glasshouse study revealed some fungistatic effects of the field soil that partly explain the reduced efficacy (‐40%) in the field compared with results obtained under controlled conditions. Results show the potential of FOG for P. ramosa control. Because formulation affected the biocontrol efficacy, it may be worthwhile to test how the delivery system can be changed in order to achieve increased disease development in the field.
Gene expression profiling of Medicago truncatula roots in response to the parasitic plant Orobanche crenata
Authors: DITA M A , DIE J V , ROMÁN B , KRAJINSKI F , KÜSTER H , MORENO M T , CUBERO J I , RUBIALES D
Published: October 2009

Orobanche crenata is a root parasitic weed that is a major constraint for grain and forage legume cultivation in Mediterranean and West Asia. Only moderate to low levels of incomplete resistance of complex inheritance has been identified so far in legume crops, which has hampered genetic and genomic analysis. In the present study, we provide a gene expression profile of roots of the model legume Medicago truncatula in response to infection by O. crenata. M. truncatula accessions SA27774 (complete resistance acting at early penetration stages) and SA4087 (incomplete late acting resistance mediated by necrosis of parasite tubercle) were inoculated with O. crenata seeds in a semi‐sterile dish system. Roots were harvested at 15 (first contacts of the parasitism structures with the host roots), 21 (initial stage of parasite tubercle formation on SA4087) and 35 (prior necrosis of well‐developed parasite tubercle of on SA4087) days post‐inoculation. Array hybridisations revealed several hundred genes up‐regulated in response to O. crenata infection. Gene expression patterns suggest that resistance mechanisms activated in both genotypes are temporally and spatially different and resemble those associated with plant resistance to microbial pathogens. Regulated genes identified here represent a comprehensive resource that can be used as a support to breeding strategies for resistance.
Steatosis of the hepatic graft as a risk factor for post‐transplant biliary complications
Authors: Baccarani Umberto , Isola Miriam , Adani Gian L. , Avellini Claudio , Lorenzin Dario , Rossetto Anna , Currò Giuseppe , Comuzzi Chiara , Toniutto Pierluigi , Risaliti Andrea , Soldano Franca , Bresadola Vittorio , De Anna Dino , Bresadola Fabrizio
Published: October 2009

Baccarani U, Isola M, Adani GL, Avellini C, Lorenzin D, Rossetto A, Currò G, Comuzzi C, Toniutto P, Risaliti A, Soldano F, Bresadola V, De Anna D, Bresadola F. Steatosis of the hepatic graft as a risk factor for post‐transplant biliary complications. Clin Transplant 2009 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2009.01128.x. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract: Background:  Despite recent advances in organ preservation, immunosuppression, and surgical techniques, the biliary tree is still considered the Achilles’ heel of liver transplantation. The aim of this study is to retrospectively analyze the incidence of biliary complications and identify risk factors that might predispose to the development of biliary problems.

Methods:  From January 2004 to December 2007, 117 consecutive liver transplantations were retrospectively analyzed for the development of biliary complications by the review of medical records. Patients were divided into group 1 with biliary complications (n = 43) and group 2 without biliary complications (n = 74).

Results:  The overall biliary complication rate was 36.8% (leakage 6% and stricture 30.8%). Univariate analysis indicated that significant predictors of biliary complications were the time interval between portal and arterial reperfusion (p = 0.037) and macrovacuolar steatosis of the graft > 25% (p = 0.004). Stepwise logistic regression model demonstrated that a macrosteatosis of the graft > 25% (OR = 5.21 CI 95% [1.79–15.15], p = 0.002) was the only independent risk factor predicting biliary complications after liver transplantation. No differences in patient’s and graft’s survival were noted between the two groups.

Conclusion:  According to our experience, transplanting a liver with > 25% of steatosis is a risk factor for the development of biliary complication.
Hypermethylation of HLA class I gene is associated with HLA class I down‐regulation in human gastric cancer
Authors: Ye Q. , Shen Y. , Wang X. , Yang J. , Miao F. , Shen C. , Zhang J.
Published: October 2009

Abstract

Down‐regulated expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules in many human cancers facilitate tumor cells to escape from immune attack. Promoter hypermethylation, one of the major epigenetic changes responsible for gene inactivation, plays an important role in gastric carcinogenesis. This study evaluated the expression and alteration of HLA class I molecules in a panel of 47 pairs of gastric cancer specimens with their noncancerous parts from Chinese patients by using immunohistochemistry (IHC), reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and methylation‐specific PCR (MSP) analysis. The expression of HLA‐A, HLA‐B/C and HLA class I complex was lost or down‐regulated in human gastric cancer. The percentage of promoter methylation was 59.57% for HLA‐A gene, 55.32% for HLA‐B gene and 48.94% for HLA‐C gene in gastric cancer, while it was decreased to 19.15%, 12.77% and 6.38% in the adjacent nontumor tissues, respectively. Seven of 10 (70%), 4 of 6 (66.7%) and 3 of 4 (75%) gastric cancer specimens with promoter hypermethylation at HLA‐A, ‐B and ‐C loci showed transcriptional inactivation of HLA‐A,‐B and ‐C genes, suggesting an association between promoter hypermethylation and down‐regulated expression of HLA class I molecules. Human gastric cancer cell line BGC‐823 showed HLA‐A down‐regulation with promoter methylation of HLA‐A locus. Treatment with DNA methyltransferase inhibitor restored the expression of HLA‐A mRNA and surface HLA‐A complex. Thus, our results showed that promoter hypermethylation might be one of the mechanisms that lead to HLA class I antigen down‐regulation in gastric cancer.
Nuclear factor‐kappa B as a promising target for selenium chemoprevention in rat hepatocarcinogenesis
Authors: Alwahaibi Nasar Y , Budin Siti B , Mohamed Jamaludin , Alhamdani Aisha
Published: October 2009

Background and Aims:  Selenium's molecular mechanism for cancer chemoprevention remains unknown. We aimed to study the gene expression of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), tumor growth factor‐α (TGF‐α) and cyclin D1 and the effects of sodium selenite using preventive and therapeutic approaches in chemically‐induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats.

Methods:  Rats were divided randomly into six groups: negative control, positive control (diethyl nitrosamine [DEN] + 2‐acetylaminofluorene [2‐AAF]), preventive group, preventive control (respective control for preventive group), therapeutic group and therapeutic control (respective control for therapeutic group). The relative gene expression of NF‐κB, TGF‐α and cyclin D1 in liver tissues were measured using real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results:  The findings showed that the gene expression of NF‐κB in the preventive group and its respective control was significantly lower (P < 0.05) when compared with both the negative and positive controls. However, the expression of NF‐κB in the positive controls and therapeutic group was significantly higher (P < 0.05) when compared with the negative controls. The expression of TGF‐α and cyclin D1 was insignificant in all groups.

Conclusion:  The inhibition of the NF‐κB pathway in the initiation phase of hepatocarcinogenesis could be a promising target for selenium chemoprevention. However, further studies are required.
Efficacy of switching to entecavir monotherapy in Japanese lamivudine‐pretreated patients
Authors: Suzuki Fumitaka , Akuta Norio , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Yatsuji Hiromi , Sezaki Hitomi , Arase Yasuji , Hirakawa Miharu , Kawamura Yusuke , Hosaka Tetsuya , Kobayashi Masahiro , Saitoh Satoshi , Ikeda Kenji , Kobayashi Mariko , Watahiki Sachiyo , Kumada Hiromitsu
Published: October 2009

Background and Aims:  To assess the efficacy of switching Japanese chronic hepatitis B patients from lamivudine monotherapy to entecavir 0.5 mg/day.

Methods:  A retrospective analysis was conducted on 134 patients switched to entecavir between September 2006 and February 2008 for 6 months or more. Patients were divided into three groups based on viral load at entecavir switching point (baseline < 2.6, 2.6–5.0 and > 5.0 log10 copies/mL).

Results:  At baseline, detection of lamivudine‐resistant virus was highest in patients with higher hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA (76% vs 23% in ≥ 2.6 and < 2.6 log10 copies/mL, respectively), and in patients with longest previous exposure to lamivudine (52%, 28% and 24% for > 3 years, 1–3 years and < 1 year, respectively). Two years after entecavir switching, HBV DNA suppression to less than 2.6 log10 copies/mL was achieved in 100% (32/32), 92% (12/13) and 44% (4/9) of patients in the less than 2.6, 2.6–5.0 and more than 5.0 log10 copies/mL baseline groups, respectively. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization occurred in 76–96% and 90–100% of patients following 1 and 2 years of entecavir treatment, respectively. One patient (2.6–5.0 log10 copies/mL) with lamivudine‐resistant mutants at baseline developed entecavir resistance at week 48 during follow up.

Conclusion:  Switching to entecavir 0.5 mg/day achieves or maintains undetectable HBV DNA levels and ALT normalization over 2 years, especially in patients with viral load less than 5.0 log10 copies/mL.
UK health professionals' attitudes and knowledge regarding Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination: A West Yorkshire Study
Authors: Hopkins Tom G , Wood Nick J , West Robert M , Darling Jonathan C
Published: October 2009

Aim:  To investigate the willingness of clinicians to recommend human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, the strength of support for a national HPV vaccine programme and to determine which factors, if any, affected these.

Methods:  An online, invitation‐only questionnaire was developed and distributed to three medical professional groups in the West Yorkshire Region, United Kingdom.

Results:  Two hundred twenty‐two responders were included in the final analysis, from the following

specialties: general practice (62), paediatrics (103) and obstetrics and gynaecology (57). The majority of doctors were in favour of an National Health Service‐funded national vaccination programme. Over 90% supported vaccination of girls as early as ages 11–13. Fewer doctors felt comfortable recommending vaccination to parents of girls under 16 than to young women. Latent class analysis demonstrated that doctors' self‐rated knowledge of the HPV vaccine was an important determinant of willingness to recommend vaccination. Younger, more recently qualified doctors were less likely to be willing to recommend vaccination.

Conclusions:  There is widespread support for vaccination. Information provision to doctors will be important in maximising clinician confidence in recommending vaccination, and may be most beneficial when targeted at more junior doctors.
Quality of care at the end of life in children with cancer
Authors: Heath John A , Clarke Naomi E , McCarthy Maria , Donath Susan M , Anderson Vicki A , Wolfe Joanne
Published: October 2009

Aim:  Current Australian guidelines for the provision of paediatric palliative care highlight the importance of services being focused on the needs of the child and family. We aimed to establish parents' level of satisfaction with the quality of care currently being provided to children dying of cancer.

Methods:  We interviewed 96 parents of children who died of cancer in Melbourne, Australia between 1996 and 2004 to ascertain how they rated the care provided to their child during the end‐of‐life period.

Results:  A majority of parents were satisfied with the care provided by their primary oncologist, local doctors, palliative care services and home‐care nurses. Most parents felt that discussions about key medical and treatment decisions were appropriate and clearly understood. Parents were generally satisfied with the leadership roles undertaken in decision‐making in the end‐of‐life period; however, parents who were not satisfied indicated that they would like additional involvement of their primary oncologist.

Conclusions:  Current approaches to end‐of‐life care in children with cancer appear to be satisfactory. The main focus should continue to be on open and honest communication.
Determinants of structural change in food exports from developing countries
Authors: Jongwanich Juthathip , Magtibay‐Ramos Nedelyn
Published: October 2009

Over the past three decades, there has been a rapid expansion of processed food exports, replacing traditional agriculture exports such as coffee and tea. However, this development and its policy implications have received little attention in the literature. This paper provides an overview of key characteristics and growth patterns of processed food exports in developing countries. The determinants of structural change towards processed food exports in developing countries are examined using panel data econometric analysis. The results suggest that trade policy openness, large domestic markets, good macroeconomic management—especially in terms of price stability—adequate financial support and infrastructure are the key factors influencing the shift towards processed food exports.
Agricultural productivity growth in traditional and transitional economies in Asia
Authors: Rungsuriyawiboon Supawat , Wang Xiaobing
Published: October 2009

This paper reports estimates of agricultural productivity growth in Asian countries, with special attention to the transition economies. A parametric output distance function approach is formulated to decompose total factor productivity (TFP) growth into its associated components and to examine how input and output intensities shift in response to the adoption of innovations. The results show that by including the transition economies, Asia achieved healthy TFP growth at an annual average rate of 1.9 per cent. However, TFP growth and its components differ widely across the transition countries and at different stages of the transition periods within these countries.
Managed Care expansion to Asia: a critical review
Authors: Simonet Daniel
Published: October 2009

The paper examines the concept of Managed Care as practised in Southeast Asia and argues that Managed Care insurers are unlikely to spread further. The first part of the paper reviews individual country experience (Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Singapore) followed by a summary of difficulties that Managed Care has encountered. Among these are increasing public defiance, opposition by physicians and the already low costs that are unlikely to make Managed Care an attractive option.
Creating Fair Lineups for Suspects With Distinctive Features
Authors: Zarkadi Theodora , Wade Kimberley A. , Stewart Neil
Published: October 2009

In their descriptions, eyewitnesses often refer to a culprit's distinctive facial features. However, in a police lineup, selecting the only member with the described distinctive feature is unfair to the suspect and provides the police with little further information. For fair and informative lineups, the distinctive feature should be either replicated across foils or concealed on the target. In the present experiments, replication produced more correct identifications in target-present lineups—without increasing the incorrect identification of foils in target-absent lineups—than did concealment. This pattern, and only this pattern, is predicted by the hybrid-similarity model of recognition.
I'll Walk This Way: Eyes Reveal the Direction of Locomotion and Make Passersby Look and Go the Other Way
Authors: Nummenmaa Lauri , Hyönä Jukka , Hietanen Jari K.
Published: October 2009

This study shows that humans (a) infer other people's movement trajectories from their gaze direction and (b) use this information to guide their own visual scanning of the environment and plan their own movement. In two eye-tracking experiments, participants viewed an animated character walking directly toward them on a street. The character looked constantly to the left or to the right (Experiment 1) or suddenly shifted his gaze from direct to the left or to the right (Experiment 2). Participants had to decide on which side they would skirt the character. They shifted their gaze toward the direction in which the character was not gazing, that is, away from his gaze, and chose to skirt him on that side. Gaze following is not always an obligatory social reflex; social-cognitive evaluations of gaze direction can lead to reversed gaze-following behavior.
The Restraint Bias: How the Illusion of Self-Restraint Promotes Impulsive Behavior
Authors: Nordgren Loran F. , Harreveld Frenk van , Pligt Joop van der
Published: October 2009

Four studies examined how impulse-control beliefs—beliefs regarding one's ability to regulate visceral impulses, such as hunger, drug craving, and sexual arousal—influence the self-control process. The findings provide evidence for a restraint bias: a tendency for people to overestimate their capacity for impulse control. This biased perception of restraint had important consequences for people's self-control strategies. Inflated impulse-control beliefs led people to overexpose themselves to temptation, thereby promoting impulsive behavior. In Study 4, for example, the impulse-control beliefs of recovering smokers predicted their exposure to situations in which they would be tempted to smoke. Recovering smokers with more inflated impulse-control beliefs exposed themselves to more temptation, which led to higher rates of relapse 4 months later. The restraint bias offers unique insight into how erroneous beliefs about self-restraint promote impulsive behavior.
The Positioning Diamond: A Trans‐Disciplinary Framework for Discourse Analysis
Authors: SLOCUM‐BRADLEY NIKKI
Published: October 2009

Social science requires a dual ontology: one for the physical realm, and one for the symbolic realm of meaning. Much research produced in social science remains based in an old paradigm, which entirely neglects the symbolic realm. While social scientists attempting to forge a new paradigm have embraced a discursive approach, this approach lacks a coherent framework that can be systematically applied in the analysis of meaning. This paper presents the positioning diamond as a framework that can be employed in discourse analysis across social science disciplines. The four facets of the diamond—storylines, identities, rights and duties, and the social force of acts—can be analyzed at three levels of discourse: the content, narrator‐interlocutor, and ideological levels. The framework can be employed to provide explanations of most types of human thought and action.
A PRELIMINARY TAXONOMIC REVISION OF THE BRITISH WHITEFISH WITH ESPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE GWYNIAD OF LLYN TEGID (BALA)
Authors: Gasowska Matylda
Published: October 2009

The paper deals with a biometrical analysis of forty‐one specimens of the Gwyniad, Coregonus clupeoides pennantii (Cuv. et Val.) of Bala Lake, (Llyn Tegid) North Wales. Tho Gwyniad shows the greatest relationship to the continental coregonids Coregonus lavaretus. It is proposed that the taxonomy of the British whitefishes be revised and that the Gwyniad be classified as Coregonus lavaretus pennantii (Cuv. et Val.). Similarly, it is proposed that the Powan of Loch Lomond be classified as Coregonus lavaretus clupeoides Lacépède. The classification of the Schelly from the English Lake District needs further investigation.
STRUCTURE OF THE EGG‐SHELL OF CULEX PIPIENS AND MANSONIA AFRICANA (CULICIDAE, DIPTERA)
Authors: Lincoln D. C. R.
Published: October 2009

Eggs of Culex pipiensL. are laid in rafts on the surface of still or slow moving water, whereas those of Mansonia africana (Theobold) are deposited beneath tho surface of the water on the undersides of floating leaves (Laurence & Smith 1958; Laurence 1959). The eggs of both species are surrounded by air, those of Culex pipiens are in direct contact with the external atmosphere, whereas those of Mansonia africana are partially surrounded by a bubble of air trapped between them. The anterior onds of the eggs of Mansonia africana project through the bubble of air into the surrounding water. This bubble of air is only found around living eggs and disappears if tho eggs die and shortly before they hatch. Iyengar (1935) has shown that the eggs of Ficalba minima Theo. although often deposited on the same leaf as those of Mansonioides, are laid above the water line and resemble in structure those of Culex and Coquillettidia. The structure of the egg‐shell of both Culez pipiens and Mansonia africana is described and discussed.
SCAPULAR SHAPE AND PRIMATE CLASSIFICATION
Authors: ASHTON E. H. , OXNARD C. E. , SPENCE T. F.
Published: October 2009

Certain quantitative features of the primato scapula bear no obvious mechanical relevance to such functions of the bone as are known to be significant in the employment of the forelimb during progression. Statistically these “residual” features are but weakly correlated with those of established locomotor significance and do not show a correspondingly regular pattern of contrast between Primates in different locomotor categories.

These features would, therefore, appear not to be adapted to locomotor function. Consequently, unless they have other functional significance or are linked genetically with other adaptive characters, their parallel variation may indicate genetic relationship. Thus, residual metrical features of this type may be of significance in primate classification. This is in contrast to features of proved locomotor significance whose concurrent appearance in several groups probably represents the result of parallel selection acting in unrelated species.

Eight such features examined in thirty genera (covoring most of the primate order) differentiate significantly between genera within subfamilies and somewhat fewer features differentiate between the components of progressively higher taxonomic groups. But the degree of overlap between genera is such as to minimize the value of individual dimensions in classifying an unknown specimen. It would, however, seem likely that the combination of these dimensions by multivariate techniques might effect a more efficient separation of forms within the primate order.
REPRODUCTION IN TWO SPECIES OF KANGAROO (MACROPUS ROBUSTUS AND MEGALEIA RUFA IN THE ARID PILBARA REGION OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Authors: SADLEIR R. M. F. S.
Published: October 2009

The officiency of euro (Macropus robustus Gould) and marloo (Meguleia rufu Desmarest) reproduction was investigated on two pastoral leases, Mount Edgar and Mundabullangana, froni 1959 to 1961. Despite fluctuations in physical condition (due to seasonal changes in food availability and temperature), females of both species breod continuously and exhibit high lcvels of fertility and fecundity throughout tho year. The incidence of quioscent blast‐ ocysts has been documented in three populations of these kangaroos. A hypothesis is suggested that the ecological role of the quiescent blastocyst is to extend the sequence of parturitions under drought conditions. Three moasures of male fertility (test8is weight, density of sperm and total numbers of sperm in the ejaculato) showed no significant seasonal changes. Both species woro shown to have very much lower densities of sperm in the semen than any domestic eutherians. Female euros were aged by a dental index, and it was found that old females had a reduced fertility. The old malos of both species showed a reduced fertility. Continuous breeding and high reproductive efficiency in euros and marloos allows for a large recruitmcnt in these species. These phenomena seem to be related to the relatively long period of time between conception and weaning of tho young and the uncertainty of prediction of t'he optimal weaning season in an irregular desert environment.
THE TEETH OF HYPOGEOPHIS ROSTRATUS (AMPHIBIA, APODA) AND TOOTH STRUCTURE IN THE AMPHIBIA
Authors: LAWSON R.
Published: October 2009

The bipartite nature of the tooth has been recently used to demonstrate the close relationship between the three existing groups of Amphibia. However, Considerable doubt has remained as to the composition of the two parts of the tooth and the way in which they are linked.

It order to clearify the position the teeth in Hypogeophis were examined. It is clear that the bulk of the crown and the pedicel is composed of dentine which is produced by a continuous layer of odontoblasts. This layer of cells is also responsible for the formation of the fibrous ring which joins the two portions of the tooth. This ring is regarded as an area where the odontoblasts produce fibres and little or no matrix.
CHANGES DURING LACTATION IN THE COMPOSITION OF THE MILK OF THE AFRICAN BLACK RHINOCEROS (DICEROS BICORNIS)
Authors: GREGORY MARGARET E. , ROWLAND S. J. , THOMPSON S. Y. , KON VANDA M.
Published: October 2009

With the birth of a second rhinoceros calf at Bristol Zoological Gardens, it was possible to obtain samples of rhinoceros's milk during the colostral period and subsequently at regular intervals throughout sixteen months of lactation. The chemical composition and vitamin content of the samples are reported here. The analysis shows that rhinoceros's milk contains very little fat at all times during the lactation cycle.
SOME ASPECTS OF THE BIOLOGY OF THE MARINE LEECHHEMIBDELLA SOLEAE
Authors: LLEWELLYN L. C.
Published: October 2009

The biology of the marine leechHemibdella soleaewas studied. It was found that multiple infections were common, the leeches being attached by the posterior sucker to spines on the ctenoid scales of the upper surface of the sole. It was observed that in aqqaria they change position every few days, tending to migrate antoriorly and this orientation may perhaps be directed by the arrangement of the scales.

Cocoons, which are not deposited at 8d̀ C or below, are attached to the shell fragments with which the soles camouflage themselves and the young leeches hatch after about forty‐one days at 17d̀ C. Leeches reach maturity about twenty‐three days after finding a host and are fully grown after a further fortnight.

BritishHemibdellaseem to be confuned toSoleu soleaalthough several other hosts (All Soleidae) have been recorded for this leech in the Mediterranean.
THE LOXOSOMATIDAE OF THE ISLE OF MAN
Authors: EGGLESTON D.
Published: October 2009

Sixteen loxosomatid entoprocts (including Loxosoma monensis sp. n. and Loxosomella brucei sp. n.) are described from Manx waters together with notes on their distribution and reproduction.
THE ROLE OF DETRITUS IN THE NUTRITION OF TWO MARINE DEPOSIT FEEDERS, THE PROSOBRANCH HYDROBIA ULVAE AND THE BIVALVE MACOMA BALTHICA
Authors: NEWELL RICHARD
Published: October 2009

Observation on the shore show that the density of the population of the prosobranch Hydrobia ulvae and of the bivalve Macoma balthica at Whitstable varies considerably With the grade of deposit, dense populations being found in fine deposits and sparse populations in coarse deposits. From laboratory experiments it seems probable that these animals feed by abstracting proteins, which can be assessed as nitrogen, from the bodies of microorganisms in the deposits and that the micro‐organisms are more abundant in fine deposits than in coarse ones.

As a result of these conclusions it is suggested that the rapid increase in population density of Hydrobia ulvae and Macoma balthica, and by inference of other deposit‐feeders, towards regions of fine‐grained deposits is attributable to the increase in density of the micro‐organism population. this, in turn, is related to the surface area of the deposits rather than to the abundance of organic debris.

Finally, the nature of detritus is discussed and it is recommended that this term is replaced by “organic debris”.
ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE JUGULAR AND CEREBRAL VEINS IN FISHES
Authors: BERTMAR GUNNAR
Published: October 2009

The development of the jugular and cerebral veins and adjacent lymphatic vessels in Hepsetus, Salmo, Amia, Acipenser, Neoceratodus, Scyllium and Squalus has been studied on a large embryological material. The reconstruction method has been applied. There has been much confusion in the literature on head veins. This is partly due to the rather schematic investigations of e.g. van Gelderen, and partly to the publications of de Beer and Holmgren, paying no regard to the lymphatic vessels. The currently new features on the v. capitis medialis are that in adult fishes a larger part of the vein remains than was earlier believed. It usually consists of three portions. No secondary vein takes part in the constitution of the jugular vein, as was supposed by de Beer, Holmgren and others. In actinopterygians the secondary vein is in reality represented by the anterior portion of the v. cardinalis anterior as well as of all the v. capitis lateralis, and in elasmobranchs it is only represented by the former portion. The elasmobranchian (except Squalus) jugular vein is instead formed from the v. capitis lateralis, and in teleostomes and Squalus it is developed from two veins, viz. the anterior portion of the v. capitis medialis and all the v. capitis lateralis. The latter vein is formed from two (teleostomes) or three (elasmobranchs) loops. The v. cardinalis anterior becomes completely atrophied in Squalus, and partly atrophied in Acipenser, Amia and Neoceratodus. The development of the three main cerebral veins is described. van Gelderen's classification of the v. cerebralis media is criticized. And so also is his hypothesis for the evolution of the head veins in fishes. It is suggested that the Hepsetus type is primitive and that the Acipenser and Amia types have evolved from it or from a similar type. Neoceratodus and Squalus have rather specialised types, which seem to have evolved separately right from the base of the system.
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF A HEATED EFFLUENT IN DOCKS AT SWANSEA, S. WALES
Authors: NAYLOR E.
Published: October 2009

Observations on the fauna of a heated, fully saline dock have been made by diving and by using suspended test panels. The seasonal abundance and breeding of native and immigrant species are described. The effects of subsequent cooling of the dock and the appearance of additional native species in the fauna are described and discussed.
THE FOOD AND REPRODUCTIVE CYCLES OF THE CENTIPEDES LITHOBIUS VARIEGATUS AND LITHOBIUS FORFICATUS IN A YORKSHIRE WOODLAND
Authors: LEWIS J. G. E.
Published: October 2009

Lithobius variegatus and L. forficatus occupy similar ecological niches and frequently occur together although there are differences in their distribution in the British Isles. An investigation of their food and reproductive cycles, being a preliminary step towards a further understanding of their ecological relationships, is described.

Lithobiomorph centipedes have hitherto been regarded as wholly carnivorous, but it is shown that these species feed on litter as well as small litter animals, the presence of litter in the guts of these species not being connected with the presence of animal remains. Whereas L. forficatus takes litter throughout the year, L. variegatus does so mainly in the winter.

Both species appear to lay eggs for a considerable part of the year, though there appears to be only a short period of sperm transfer in spring. It is suggested that the long oviposition period may prevent the loss of the entire brood in a dry summer. The succession of epimorph stadia in L. variegatus is described.

L. forficatus was more common than L. variegatus in the drior part of the woods studied.
PREDATION AND ITS EFFECTS ON MIGRATION AND SPECIATION IN AFRICAN FISHES: A COMMENT
Authors: FRYER GEOFFREY
Published: October 2009

Contrary to a recently expressed view very little factual evidence has been brought forward to support the idea that predatory fishes, and especially Lates and Hydrocynus, have had restrictive effects on speciation among other African freshwater fishes. A considerable body of data supports the view that the effects of these fishes do not differ from those of other predators and that predation has facilitated speciation. Further reasons why Lates and Hydrocynus cannot be considered as having effects different from those of other predators are given.

The situation in lakes containing these predators is reconsidered. There is no need to attempt to minimize their effects in Lake Tanganyika where their presence and effects are fully compatible with the existence of a rich endemic fauna. The situation in Lakes Albert and Rudolf is more satisfactorily explained by the brief duration of the existence of the present‐day lakes and by their recent invasion by a fully differentiated Nilotic fauna, than by imagining that Lates and Hydrocynus have restricted speciation.

The suggestion that Lates and Hydrocynus were responsible for the inception of the habit of upstream migration for purposes of spawning is discredited, and what seem to be more probable reasons for the phenomenon are given.
A POPULATION STUDY OF AN EQUATORIAL LAND SNAIL, LIMICOLARIA MARTENSIANA (ACHATINIDAE)
Authors: OWEN D. F.
Published: October 2009

Near the equator in Uganda, the herbivorous land snail, Limicolaria martensiana, occurs in well‐defined populations. These populations may be very large and the snails may in places occur at exceedingly high densities. The snails breed all the year round, but with two peaks that correspond with the two annual dry seasons. They enter dispause whenever the weather is very dry. The size of adult snails seems environmentally determined and it varies in different populations : the largest snails occur on soil rich in calcium. The shells of the snails are highly variable and polymorphic in colour and pattern. In particular, there is a streaked form that occurs in all populations, and four distinct pallid “dilute” forms. The relative frequency of the forms varies markedly in different populations. Polymorphism is greatest at high population densities and the snails are all streaked where they are rare. Polymorphism can be distinguished in Pleistocene fossil populations.