bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding and altering the longitudinal course of marriage
Authors: Bradbury Thomas N. , Karney Benjamin R.
Published: October 2004

Weak and counterintuitive findings linking couples' interactional processes to marital outcomes have prompted new lines of research on how marriages change. Recent findings reviewed here highlight the value of (a) expanding conceptions of marital interaction by considering how social support and positive affect moderate the effects of problem‐solving skills on changes in marital quality; (b) examining partners' individual strengths and vulnerabilities as antecedents of marital aggression and hostile interaction; and (c) recognizing the central role of chronic and acute circumstances in governing fluctuations in spouses' judgments of marital quality. We outline implications of these findings for ongoing efforts to prevent adverse marital outcomes, and for recent federal initiatives to strengthen healthy marriages among people with low incomes.
Frequency of contact allergy in German children and adolescents patch tested between 1995 and 2002: results from the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology and the German Contact Dermatitis Research Group
Authors: Heine Guido , Schnuch Axel , Uter Wolfgang , Worm Margitta
Published: October 2004

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) affects approximately 7% of the general population. To evaluate the frequency of ACD in children, we analysed patch test results collected by the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology between 1995 and 2002. Data of 285 children (6–12 year) and 2175 adolescent patients (13–18 year) were analysed to determine the frequency of sensitization to the 30 most common contact allergens, adjusting for age and sex. As control group, we defined adult patients (60–66 year, n = 7904). The top allergens in children were thimerosal, gentamicin sulphate, nickel‐II‐sulphate, ammoniated mercury, cobalt‐II‐chloride, fragrance mix, bufexamac, Compositae mix, propylene glycol and turpentine. The overall proportion of sensitized patients according to the patch test results was 52.6% in the children group compared to 49.7% in the adolescent group. These findings were similar in the adult group at 52.2%. The detailed analysis regarding sex, occupation, atopy, site of eczema and age showed distinct patterns in each group indicating age‐specific exposures. Atopy‐related diseases were more common in children compared to adults. On the basis of the data of this study, the relationship between atopy and the risk of development of ACD, at least in children, needs further investigation.
Skin protection in nursing work: promoting the use of gloves and hand alcohol
Authors: Jungbauer F. H. W. , Van Der Harst J. J. , Groothoff J. W. , Coenraads P. J.
Published: October 2004

Nursing has been identified as a wet‐work occupation, with a high prevalence of occupational irritant contact dermatitis. Reduction of exposure to skin irritants contributes to the prevention of occupational skin disease in nurses. The role of the use of soap and water, hand alcohol and gloves in prevention programmes is discussed. 2 additional measures for reducing exposure to skin irritants are postulated: use of hand alcohol instead of soap and water in disinfection procedures when the hands are not visibly dirty; use of gloves in wet activities such as patient washing to prevent the hands from becoming wet and visibly dirty. We investigated the effectiveness of these recommendations in a model. Mean daily wet‐work exposure during nursing work was modelled: regular model. We also modelled exposure to skin irritants in combination with the implementation of these recommendations: prevention model. The hands of healthy volunteers were exposed to the regular or the prevention model over 3 weeks for 5 days a week. The change in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) on the back of the hands was measured after 3 weeks of exposure to these wet‐work simulations. An increase in TEWL occurred with the regular model, while mean TEWL decreased in the prevention model. Skin irritation from occlusion by gloves appeared to be more pronounced in the regular model compared to the prevention model. The results of this study justify the conclusion that in nursing work, hand alcohol is the preferred disinfectant. Although the prevention model implies increased occlusive exposure, this has no additional irritant effect, probably because of the absence of soap exposure.
Discretionary Pricing in a Monopolistic Audit Market
Authors: Shailer Greg , Cummings Lorne , Vatuloka Eroni , Welch Stephen
Published: October 2004

This paper investigates the possibility of discretionary audit pricing in a monopolistic public sector market. The underlying rational of the fee determinant model has different expectations (in terms of profit‐seeking behaviour, loss functions and liability exposure) from that implicitly employed in the broader audit fee literature, but incorporates the same variables. The opportunity for discretionary pricing is considered in the context of different types of auditees for which the auditor has varying degrees of monopoly power. Results are consistent with audits having lower (higher) input cost where loss exposure is lowest (highest) and acceptable audit risk is highest (lowest), and with the cost savings being appropriated by the auditor where monopoly power is the greatest and with fee discounting for agencies for which the auditor faces the greatest threat of competition.
Dwell time and functional failure in percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes: a prospective randomized‐controlled comparison between silicon polymer and polyurethane percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes
Authors: Blacka J. , Donoghue J. , Sutherland M. , Martincich I. , Mitten‐Lewis S. , Morris P. , Meredith G.
Published: October 2004

Background : Silicone percutaneous endoscopic gastros‐tomy (PEG) tubes are associated with more short‐term complications and possibly fail sooner than those made of polyurethane. Understanding the deterioration and long‐term complications leading to tube failure has important clinical and cost implications.

Aim : To compare dwell time and patterns of failure ofsilicone polymer and polyurethane PEG tubes.

Methods : Participants randomized to receive a siliconepolymer (n = 76) or polyurethane (n = 62) PEG werevisited monthly for 540 days, until death or tube removal. Tube and exit site characteristics and reasons for removal were recorded.

Results : Tube failure occurred in 25% of silicone PEGs and 12.9% of polyurethane PEGs. Mean tube survival for silicone PEGs was 377.2 days (CI: 326–428) and for polyurethane 436.8 days (CI: 383–490; P = 0.13). A greater proportion of silicone PEGs developed intralumenal colonization and altered tube integrity than polyurethane (P < 0.001). Silicone PEGs blocked more frequently (P < 0.005) and were removed because of irreversible blockage more often than polyurethane PEGs (P < 0.05). Silicone PEGs with reversible blockage and tube integrity changes had a significantly greater probability of failure than silicone tubes without these changes (P < 0.005 and P < 0.05, respectively).

Conclusions : Observations over time indicate that sili‐cone PEGs are more susceptible than polyurethane PEGs to tube deterioration, resulting in substantially increased management demands to sustain patients' feeding and medication schedules.
Manual versus target‐controlled infusions of propofol
Authors: Breslin D. S. , Mirakhur R. K. , Reid J. E. , Kyle A.
Published: October 2004

Target‐controlled infusion systems have been shown to result in the administration of larger doses of propofol, which may result in delayed emergence and recovery from anaesthesia. The aim of this study was to investigate if this was due to a difference in the depth of hypnosis (using the bispectral index monitoring) between the manual and target controlled systems of administration. Fifty unpremedicated patients undergoing elective surgery were randomly allocated to have their anaesthesia maintained with manual or target‐controlled propofol infusion schemes. In both groups, the rate of propofol administration was adjusted according to standard clinical criteria while bispectral index scores were recorded by an observer not involved in the delivery of anaesthesia. The total dose of propofol used was higher in the target controlled group (mean 9.9 [standard deviation 1.6] compared with 8.1 [1.0] mg.kg−1.h−1 in the manual group [p < 0.0001]). The times to emergence and recovery end‐points were comparable between the two groups. The difference in the total dosage of propofol was mainly due to higher rate of propofol administration in the first 30 min in the target controlled infusion group. The bispectral index scores were lower in the target controlled group during this time, being significantly so over the first 15 min of anaesthesia. We conclude that propofol administration by a target controlled infusion system results in the administration of higher doses of propofol and lower bispectral index values mainly in the initial period of anaesthesia.
Comparison of surgical site and patient's history with a simplified risk score for the prediction of postoperative nausea and vomiting
Authors: Apfel C. C. , Kranke P. , Eberhart L. H. J.
Published: October 2004

Although site of surgery and previous occurrence of postoperative nausea and vomiting are often used to decide whether prophylactic anti‐emetic drugs are indicated, the value of these predictors is unclear. We compared these two risk factors against a simplified four‐factor risk score. We analysed data from 1566 adult inpatients who received balanced anaesthesia without prophylactic anti‐emetics. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive value and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve were used to quantify predictive properties. Nausea and vomiting occurred in 600 (38.3%) patients within 24 h. Sensitivity and specificity were, respectively, 47% and 59% for surgical site; 47% and 70% for history of postoperative nausea and vomiting; and 58% and 70% for risk score with three or more factors. The area under the curve for surgical site was 0.53 (95% CI 0.50–0.56); that for patient's history was 0.58 (95% CI 0.56–0.61) while for risk score it was 0.68 (95% CI 0.66–0.71;P < 0.001). Prediction using surgical site or patient's history alone was poor while the simplified risk score provided clinically useful sensitivity and specificity.
Continuous Assessment of Right Ventricular Ejection Fraction: New pulmonary artery catheter versus transoesophageal echocardiography
Authors: Zink W. , Nöll J. , Rauch H. , Bauer H. , DeSimone R. , Martin E. , Böttiger B. W.
Published: October 2004

In 25 cardiac surgical patients, right ventricular ejection fraction was continuously measured with a new pulmonary artery catheter and transoesophageal echocardiography, scanning the ‘fractional area change’ in a standardised transatrial cross section area. Measurements were recorded at three predefined time points (pre‐, intra‐, and postoperatively). Both methods were compared using the Bland‐Altman analysis. Comparing right ventricular ejection fraction values obtained from the pulmonary artery catheter with those assessed by transoesophageal echocardiography, bias was −3.7%, with a precision of 30.9%. Bias and precision significantly improved when the heart rate was less than 100 beats.min−1, pulmonary artery pressures were low and cardiac performance adequate. In conclusion, the new continuous pulmonary artery catheter system appears to be a valid and useful bedside monitoring device in the haemodynamic management of critically ill patients.
Clearing the cervical spine in unconscious adult trauma patients: A survey of practice in specialist centres in the UK*
Authors: Jones P. S. , Wadley J. , Healy M.
Published: October 2004

A postal questionnaire survey of neurosurgery and spinal injury departments in the UK was conducted to determine how they assessed the cervical spine in unconscious, adult trauma patients, and at what point immobilisation was discontinued. Of the 32 units contacted, 27 responded (response rate, 84%). Most centres had no protocols to guide initial imaging or when immobilisation devices should be removed. Most responding centres performed fewer than three plain radiographs, and most did not use computerised tomography routinely. Routine use of magnetic resonance imaging or dynamic flexion–extension fluoroscopy was rare, and few units regarded the latter as safe in unconscious patients. There was no consensus on when immobilisation of the cervical spine should be discontinued. Most centres that terminated immobilisation immediately after imaging did so on the basis of plain radiographs alone. Unconscious adult trauma patients remain at risk of inadequate assessment of potential cervical spine injuries.
Prehospital airway management in Ambulance Services in the United Kingdom*
Authors: Ridgway S. , Hodzovic I. , Woollard M. , Latto I. P.
Published: October 2004

A postal survey of the 38 Ambulance Services in the United Kingdom was undertaken to find out what equipment is provided for paramedic crews to aid tracheal intubation and to confirm tracheal placement. The response rate to our survey was 100%. Fourteen (37%) ambulance services provided neither stylet nor bougie to facilitate difficult intubation. The laryngeal mask airway was available to 15 (40%) ambulance services. Seventeen (45%) ambulance services had use of a needle cricothyroidotomy set. Twenty‐nine (76%) ambulance services had no type of device other than a stethoscope to confirm tracheal tube placement. This survey showed wide variations in the equipment for airway management available to paramedic crews in the United Kingdom. We recommend provision of a standard set of airway management equipment to all paramedic crews in the United Kingdom together with introduction of appropriate training programmes.
Smooth muscle hypertrophy in distal airways of sensitized infant rhesus monkeys exposed to house dust mite allergen
Authors: Tran M.‐U. T. , Weir A. J. , Fanucchi M. V. , Rodriguez A. E. , Pantle L. M. , Smiley‐Jewell S. M. , Van Winkle L. S. , Evans M. J. , Miller L. A. , Schelegle E. S. , Gershwin L. J. , Hyde D. M. , Plopper C. G.
Published: October 2004

Background
Airway smooth muscle hypertrophy is closely associated with the pathophysiology of hyper‐reactive airways in allergic asthma.

Objective
To determine whether repeated exposure to allergens during postnatal lung development promotes remodelling of airway smooth muscle.

Methods
Infant, male rhesus monkeys (30‐day‐old) were sensitized to house dust mite allergen (HDMA) and then exposed to HDMA aerosol periodically over 5 months. Smooth muscle mass and bundle size and abundance in conducting airways were measured and compared with age‐matched control (filtered air‐exposed) monkeys.

Results
Total smooth muscle mass and average bundle size were significantly greater in the conducting airways of monkeys exposed to HDMA. Smooth muscle bundle abundance was not affected by exposure to HDMA.

Conclusion
Repeated cycles of allergen exposure alter postnatal morphogenesis of smooth muscle, affecting both total mass and bundle size, in conducting airways of infant monkeys.
Declining asthma prevalence in Hong Kong Chinese schoolchildren
Authors: Wong G. W. K. , Leung T. F. , Ko F. W. S. , Lee K. K. M. , Lam P. , Hui D. S. C. , Fok T. F. , Lai C. K. W.
Published: October 2004

Background
Many studies have reported an increase in the prevalence of asthma and related atopic disorders. The lack of standardized methodologies and ‘objective’ measurements make reliable comparison and monitoring of trends of asthma very difficult.

Methods
In this study, a total of 3321 schoolchildren aged 13–14 years were recruited for study using the Phase III Protocol of the International Study of Asthma and Allergic discase in Childhood (ISAAC). The results were compared with those obtained in the Phase I ISAAC study (1994–95), which used the identical and validated core questionnaires.

Results
The prevalence rates of physicians' diagnosis of asthma were similar in the two surveys (11.2% and 10.2%), but the prevalence rates of wheeze (written questionnaire) in the past year have decreased from 12.4% in 1994–95 to 8.7% in 2002 (P<0.001). For the video questionnaire, all asthmatic symptoms in the preceding 12 months were significantly lower in 2002 when compared with those in 1994–95. Among the subjects with diagnosed asthma, the prevalence rates of wheeze in the past 12 months (written questionnaire) has decreased from 39.1% to 27.6% (P<0.001). The prevalence rates of having wheezing attack at least once per month (video questionnaire) has decreased from 10.5% to 5.6% (P=0.013).

Conclusion
Using the same standardized and validated ISAAC questionnaire, the prevalence rates of asthma symptoms in Hong Kong Chinese schoolchildren have decreased since 1994. The exact reasons for such trend remain to be explored.
Haplotypes of the interleukin‐4 receptor α chain gene associate with susceptibility to and severity of atopic asthma
Authors: Hytönen A.‐M. , Löwhagen O. , Arvidsson M. , Balder B. , Björk A. L. , Lindgren S. , Hahn‐Zoric M. , Hanson L. Å. , Padyukov L.
Published: October 2004

Background
Development of asthma is likely to depend on a complex interaction between environmental and genetic factors. Several groups have suggested the gene of the IL‐4 receptor α chain (IL4R) as a candidate gene for the development of asthma, although association with single polymorphisms has shown contradicting results.

Objective
We chose to analyse IL4R gene haplotypes and assess their possible relevance in susceptibility to asthma and to certain clinical phenotypes.

Methods
IL4R gene haplotypes were analysed, based on the three markers C‐3223T, Q551R and I50V, using the expectation–maximization algorithm, in 170 atopic asthma patients and 350 controls, all adult Swedish Caucasians.

Results
Our data showed significantly higher levels of soluble IL‐4R (sIL‐4R) in asthma patients compared with controls (P<0.0001). Furthermore, we showed a significant association between the IL4R haplotype containing the alleles T‐3223, V50 and R551 (TVR) of the IL4R gene, and susceptibility to atopic asthma, with a frequency of 6.5% in the patients compared with 1% in the controls (P<0.0005). A subgroup of patients with heterozygous or homozygous state for the T‐3223, V50 and R551 alleles, also had lower levels of sIL‐4R in their circulation compared with patients with homozygous state in the C‐3223, I50 and Q551 alleles (P<0.05) and showed less severe asthma according to lung function test (P<0.05). Analysis of single markers showed the T‐3223 IL4R allele to associate with lower serum levels of sIL‐4 receptor (P<0.0001) and patients carrying the T allele also had more symptoms of active asthma (wheezing, P<0.01; coughing, P<0.05 and breathing difficulties, P<0.01).

Conclusion
Our data suggest that asthmatic patients with low levels of sIL‐4 receptor may represent a genetically distinct subgroup of atopic asthma. TVR haplotype analyses confirm the importance of IL4R as a candidate gene for susceptibility to asthma. This finding may have implications for the understanding of the pathogenesis of asthma and possibly for the development of more specific therapies.
Self‐reported drug allergy in a general adult Portuguese population
Authors: Gomes E. , Cardoso M. F. , Praça F. , Gomes L. , Mariño E. , Demoly P.
Published: October 2004

AimTo estimate the prevalence of self‐reported drug allergy in adults.

MethodsCross‐sectional survey of a general adult population from Porto (all of whom were living with children involved in the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood–phase three), during the year 2002, using a self‐administered questionnaire.

ResultsThe prevalence of self‐reported drug allergy was 7.8% (181/2309): 4.5% to penicillins or other β‐lactams, 1.9% to aspirin or other non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and 1.5% to other drugs. In the group ‘allergic to β‐lactams’, the most frequently implicated drug was penicillin G or V (76.2%) followed by the association of amoxicillin and clavulanic acids (14.3%). In the group ‘allergic to NSAIDs’, acetylsalicylic acid (18.2%) and ibuprofen (18.2%) were the most frequently identified drugs, followed by nimesulide and meloxicam. Identification of the exact name of the involved drug was possible in less than one‐third of the patients, more often within the NSAID group (59.5%). Women were significantly more likely to claim a drug allergy than men (10.2% vs. 5.3%). The most common manifestations were cutaneous (63.5%), followed by cardiovascular symptoms (35.9%). Most of the reactions were immediate, occurring on the first day of treatment (78.5%). Only half of the patients were submitted to drug allergy investigations. The majority (86.8%) completely avoided the suspected culprit drug thereafter.

ConclusionsThe results showed that self‐reported allergy to drugs is highly prevalent and poorly explored. Women seem to be more susceptible. β‐lactams and NSAIDs are the most frequently concerned drugs.
Red blood cells regulate eosinophil chemotaxis by scavenging RANTES secreted from endothelial cells
Authors: Kanda A. , Adachi T. , Kayaba H. , Yamada Y. , Ueki S. , Yamaguchi K. , Hamada K. , Fujita M. , Chihara J.
Published: October 2004

Background
Eosinophils play a critical role in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. CC chemokines, such as regulated on activation, normal, T cell expressed, and secreted (RANTES), are key regulators of eosinophil locomotion. Although eosinophils migrate from the bloodstream into tissues, mechanisms that generate a chemogradient across the endothelium remain to be fully elucidated.

Objective
We first examined the polar secretion of RANTES by endothelial cells. We also studied the functional scavenging effect of red blood cells (RBCs) on RANTES secreted into the intravascular side.

Methods and results
Endothelial cells were cultured in a transwell chamber with a membrane pore size of 0.45, 3.0, and 8.0 μm and stimulated with TNF‐α, IL‐1β, or IFN‐γ from the apical or basolateral side for 16 h. The measurement of RANTES in the supernatant was performed by ELISA. We did not see any difference in the amount of RANTES secreted from the cytokine‐stimulated endothelium between inner (intravascular side) and outer (extravascular side) wells separated by the 8.0‐μm membrane, although apical polarization was observed with the 0.45‐μm membrane. The addition of RBCs (hemoglobin (Hb): 0.5–15 g/dL) to the apical supernatant of TNF‐α‐stimulated endothelial cells reduced the RANTES level in a concentration‐dependent manner. The treatment of supernatant on the intravascular side with RBCs significantly enhanced the migration of eosinophils.

Conclusion
RBCs possess a scavenging effect on intravascular RANTES, and thereby regulate transendothelial migration of eosinophils. Our findings suggest a new role of RBCs in allergic inflammation.
Mould extracts increase the allergic response to ovalbumin in mice
Authors: Instanes C. , Ormstad H. , Rydjord B. , Wiker H. G. , Hetland G.
Published: October 2004

Background
Exposure to moulds in indoor air is thought to induce asthma in susceptible persons. Moulds may contain several potent allergens. However, more importantly, moulds may increase the allergic response to other allergens (adjuvant effect). Previously, we have found that a β‐1,3‐glucan from the cell wall of the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum increases the allergic response to the model allergen ovalbumin (OVA) in a mouse model.

Objective
In the present study, we wanted to confirm the adjuvant effect of another β‐1,3‐glucan, MacroGard® (MG) from baker's yeast in this model. More importantly, we wished to explore the putative effects of extracts from the moulds Cladosporium herbarum (CH) and Penicillium chrysogenum (PC) using the very same model as used to explore effects of β‐glucans.

Methods
Groups of eight Balb/c mice were injected with OVA alone, OVA+extract or OVA+MG, into one footpad. On day 21, all mice were reinjected with OVA, before exsanguination on day 26. The levels of OVA‐specific IgE, IgG1 and IgG2a in serum were measured by ELISA.

Results
Compared with OVA alone, OVA+MG, OVA+CH extract and OVA+PC extract increased OVA‐specific IgE and IgG1 levels significantly. For all groups, the levels of IgG2a anti‐OVA remained similar to those of the OVA‐alone group.

Conclusions
Our results show that extracts from CH and PC, and the β‐1,3/1,6‐glucan from baker's yeast have adjuvant effects on the allergic response in mice.
Effect of temperature on development and growth of the raptorial cladoceran Leptodora kindtii under laboratory conditions
Authors: Vijverberg Jacobus , Koelewijn Hans Peter
Published: October 2004

1. Leptodora is a key species in many temperate freshwater systems, but so far its role in the food web could not be properly evaluated because detailed information about its secondary production was lacking. As we wanted to estimate the secondary production of Leptodora, we measured its development and growth rates in the laboratory.

2. Employing improved methods to estimate growth and instar durations, we cultured Leptodora kindtii in the laboratory at four constant temperatures (15, 17.5, 20 and 25 °C). Growth in length and development times of eggs and instar stages were assessed.

3. Growth rates at 15, 17.5 and 20 °C were similar, but at 25 °C growth was distinctly faster. At 17.5 °C we observed seven juvenile instar stages before the first adult instar stage was reached.
Relating larval distributions to patterns of oviposition: evidence from lotic hydrobiosid caddisflies
Authors: Reich Paul , Downes Barbara J.
Published: October 2004

1. To assess the influence of oviposition patterns on distributions of hydrobiosid caddisfly larvae, abundances of three hydrobiosid caddisfly species were estimated in whole reaches with and without suitable oviposition substrata along an upland temperate Australian stream. In addition, within‐reach spatial patterns were examined in relation to known oviposition locations as well as flow characteristics that corresponded to oviposition preferences.

2. Larval abundances in all samples were low relative to previous estimates of egg inputs into reaches. The presence of suitable oviposition substrata at a reach did not influence the abundances of larvae. For one species, benthic samples taken proximate to oviposition substrata revealed a sharp decline in abundance between first and later instars. Larvae of two taxa exhibited flow‐specific habitat preferences mirroring those described as important as cues for oviposition site selection. Previous estimates of egg mass aggregation were also reflected in similarly high levels of larval clumping; however, larval aggregation did not differ between reaches with and without oviposition sites.

3. Collectively, our results suggest that a large difference in the supply of potential recruits does not translate into marked differences in larval abundances of hydrobiosids at the reach level but may account for some variation in larval distribution within a reach and between instars. This evidence is consistent with the notion that (i) posthatching dispersal between reaches is substantial and (ii) mortality of larvae, particularly early instars, is high and (iii) within reach habitat preferences change with larval growth.

4. If adults are unable to lay eggs at reaches without suitable oviposition substrata, then reaches with oviposition substrata may be crucial as a source of recruits elsewhere. Furthermore, high mortality and/or dispersal among first instars signal this as an important part of the life history. Further data on the mortality and dispersal rates of newly hatched larvae would greatly benefit our understanding of the importance of local births in structuring patterns of abundance in stream invertebrates.
Diurnal patterns of denitrification, oxygen consumption and nitrous oxide production in rivers measured at the whole‐reach scale
Authors: Laursen Andrew E. , Seitzinger Sybil P.
Published: October 2004

1. Denitrification, net oxygen consumption and net nitrous oxide flux to the atmosphere were measured in three small rivers (discharge approximately 2–27 m3 s−1) at the whole reach scale during Spring and Summer, 2002. Two of these rivers (Iroquois River and Sugar Creek in north‐west Indiana – north‐east Illinois, U.S.A.) drained agricultural catchments and the other (Millstone River in central New Jersey, U.S.A.) drained a mixed suburban–agricultural catchment.

2. Denitrification, oxygen consumption and N2O flux were measured based on net changes in dissolved gas concentrations (N2, O2, and N2O) during riverine transport, correcting for atmospheric exchange. On each date, measurements were made during both light and dark periods.

3. Denitrification rates in these rivers ranged from 0.31 to 15.91 mmol N m−2 h−1, and rates within each river reach were consistently higher during the day than during the night. This diurnal pattern could be related to cyclic patterns of nitrification driven by diurnal variations in water column pH and temperature.

4. Oxygen consumption ranged from 2.56 to 241 mmol O2 m−2 h−1. In contrast to denitrification, net oxygen consumption was generally higher during the night than during the day.

5. River water was consistently supersaturated with N2O, ranging from 102 to 209% saturated. Net flux of N2O to the atmosphere ranged from 0.4 to 60 μmol N m−2 h−1. Net flux of N2O was generally higher at night than during the day. The high flux of N2O from these rivers strengthens the argument that rivers are an important contributor to anthropogenic emissions of this greenhouse gas.
Spatial responses of hyporheic invertebrates to seasonal changes in environmental parameters
Authors: Storey Richard G. , Dudley Williams D.
Published: October 2004

1. Spatial relationships between hyporheic invertebrates and subsurface water flow patterns, sediment characteristics, water physicochemical parameters and several possible food sources were compared over three seasons at one site beneath a riffle. Measures of food sources included particulate organic matter (POM), bacterial activity (aerobic respiration, nitrate respiration and mineralisation of organic nitrogen) and microbial abundance.

2. Patterns of water flow changed significantly over the 9‐month study period, from predominantly upwelling beneath the entire riffle in spring, to distinct differentiation between downwelling and upwelling zones in summer and autumn. Water physicochemical parameters changed accordingly, showing gradually weaker correlations with depth and stronger correlations with zone between spring and autumn.

3. Despite these changes, depth remained the strongest predictor of invertebrate richness, density and taxon composition throughout the study period. However, invertebrate distributions were secondarily correlated with water physicochemical parameters, and a minor gradient in invertebrate distributions between downwelling and upwelling zones became stronger from spring to summer.

4. The correlations between invertebrates and physicochemical parameters changed in both magnitude and direction with season. In spring, invertebrates showed a negative correlation with surface water infiltration, whereas in summer and autumn, the correlation was positive. Correlations were strongest in summer, when interstitial dissolved oxygen concentrations were lowest.

5. No relationships were found between hyporheic invertebrates and POM, microbial abundance or activity. This suggests that at this site, proximity to the streambed surface and physicochemical variables are more important than the abundance of food in controlling invertebrate distributions.
Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis of the genetic structure of the zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, in the Mississippi River
Authors: Elderkin Curt L. , Perkins Edward J. , Leberg Paul L. , Klerks Paul L. , Lance Richard F.
Published: October 2004

1. We predicted that zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas), genetic structure in the Mississippi River would follow a model of invasive species genetics, which predicts low genetic structure among populations of recently established species. This prediction was upheld in our previous genetic study using allozymes, however, one locus yielded anomalous results.

2. We employed amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis as a neutral marker to assess the amount of genetic structure within and among populations, and as a test of expected population structure from both invasion genetic theory, and the results from our previous study.

3. There was greater spatial differentiation, as measured by Fst, observed using AFLP's than for allozymes (P < 0.001). There was no evidence that AFLP variation conformed to an isolation by distance model, and genetic relationships of populations, as measured by AFLP markers, were not similar to those detected in our allozyme survey.

4. The lack of concordance between these two genetic marker systems probably reflects their differential responses to drift, migration, and selection occurring during this rapid invasion. Strong population structure is counter to predictions that populations of invasive species will not be differentiated, as with observations based on allozyme markers. Therefore, newly established species may require genetic surveys using multiple marker systems to evaluate population structure.
Does vicariance shape biotas? Biogeographical tests of the vicariance model in the north‐west European land snail fauna
Authors: Hausdorf Bernhard , Hennig Christian
Published: October 2004

Aim To investigate the importance of vicariance in shaping the north‐west European land snail fauna.

Location North‐west Europe.

Methods We tested whether there is a non‐random congruence, i.e. a clustering of species ranges, using a Monte Carlo procedure with a null model that generates range data sets such that their range size distribution, the species richness distribution of the geographic cells and the spatial autocorrelation of the occurrences of a taxon approach the parameters in the real data set. Biotic elements, groups of species with similar ranges, were delimited with Model based Gaussian clustering. The prediction that closely related species belong to different biotic elements, has been tested with a chi‐square test.

Results The distribution areas of the north‐west European land snail species are significantly clustered as predicted by the vicariance model. One widespread and seven regional biotic elements were identified. Contrary to the predictions of the vicariance model, closely related north‐west European land snail species belong significantly more often to the same biotic element than should be expected by chance.

Main conclusions The clustering of closely related north‐west European land snail species within the same biotic element indicates that speciation modes other than vicariance were frequent or that the imprint of vicariance on the ranges was obscured by extensive post‐speciational dispersal. Extensive dispersal may have been caused by Pleistocene climatic fluctuations. The core areas of the regionally restricted biotic elements might indicate the positions of glacial refugia of land snails.
Predators in natural fragments: foraging ecology of wolves in British Columbia's central and north coast archipelago
Authors: Darimont C. T. , Price M. H. H. , Winchester N. N. , Gordon‐Walker J. , Paquet P. C.
Published: October 2004

Aim Predator–prey dynamics in fragmented areas may be influenced by spatial features of the landscape. Although little is known about these processes, an increasingly fragmented planet underscores the urgency to predict its consequences. Accordingly, our aim was to examine foraging behaviour of an apex mammalian predator, the wolf (Canis lupus), in an archipelago environment.

Location Mainland and adjacent archipelago of British Columbia, Canada; a largely pristine and naturally fragmented landscape with islands of variable size and isolation.

Methods We sampled 30 mainland watersheds and 29 islands for wolf faeces in summers 2000 and 2001 and identified prey remains. We examined broad geographical patterns and detailed biogeographical variables (area and isolation metrics) as they relate to prey consumed. For island data, we used Akaike Information Criteria to guide generalized linear regression model selection to predict probability of black‐tailed deer (main prey;Odocoileus hemionus) in faeces.

Results Black‐tailed deer was the most common item in occurrence per faeces (63%) and occurrence per item (53%) indices, representing about 63% of mammalian biomass. Wolves consumed more deer on islands near the mainland (65% occurrence per item) than on the mainland (39%) and outer islands (45%), where other ungulates (mainland only) and small mammals replaced deer. On islands, the probability of detecting deer was influenced primarily by island distance to mainland (not by area or inter‐landmass distance), suggesting limited recolonization by deer from source populations as a causal mechanism.

Main conclusions Although sampling was limited in time, consistent patterns among islands suggest that population dynamics in isolated fragments are less stable and can result in depletion of prey. This may have important implications in understanding predator–prey communities in isolation, debate regarding wolf–deer systems and logging in temperate rain forests, and reserve design.
Avifaunal responses to habitat fragmentation in the threatened littoral forests of south‐eastern Madagascar
Authors: Watson James E. M. , Whittaker Robert J. , Dawson Terence P.
Published: October 2004

Aim Madagascar's lowland forests are both rich in endemic taxa and considered to be seriously threatened by deforestation and habitat fragmentation. However, very little is known about how these processes affect biodiversity on the island. Herein, we examine how forest bird communities and functional groups have been affected by fragmentation at both patch and landscape scales, by determining relationships between species richness and individual species abundance and patch and landscape mosaic metrics.

Location Littoral forest remnants within south‐eastern Madagascar.

Methods We sampled 30 littoral forest remnants in south‐eastern Madagascar, within a landscape mosaic dominated byEricaspp. heathland. We quantified bird community composition within remnants of differing size, shape and isolation, by conducting point counts in November–December in 2001 and October–November 2002. Each remnant was characterized by measures of remnant area, remnant shape, isolation, and surrounding landscape complexity. We used step‐wise regression to test the relationship between bird species richness and landscape structural elements, after correcting for sampling effort. Relationships between bird species abundances and the landscape variables were investigated with Canonical Correspondence Analysis and binomial logistic regression modelling.

Results Bird species richness and forest‐dependent bird species richness were significantly (P < 0.01) explained by remnant area but not by any measure of isolation or landscape complexity. The majority of forest‐dependent species had significant relationships with remnant area. Minimum area requirements for area‐sensitive species ranged from 15 to 150 ha, with the majority of species having area requirements > 30 ha. Surprisingly, there was no relationship between bird body size and minimum area requirement. Forest‐dependent canopy insectivorous species and large canopy frugivorous species were the most sensitive functional groups, with > 90% species sensitivity within each group. The distribution of four forest‐dependent species also appeared to be related to remnant shape where remnant area was < 100 ha.

Main conclusions The majority of forest‐dependent species, including many that are considered widespread and common, were found to have significant relationships with fragment size, indicating that they are sensitive to processes associated with habitat loss and fragmentation. As deforestation and habitat fragmentation remain serious problems on the island, it follows that many forest‐dependent bird species will decline in abundance and become locally extinct. At the regional scale, we urge that large (> 200 ha) blocks of littoral forest are awarded protected status to preserve their unique bird community.
Environmental risk factors associated with amoebic gill disease in cultured salmon, Salmo salar L., smolts in Ireland
Authors: Bermingham M L , Mulcahy M F
Published: October 2004

A 2‐year study was carried out on amoebic gill disease (AGD) involving monthly samples of 1+ Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., smolts, histological assessment of the gills and analysis of environmental data. Gill pathology was seen before amoebae could be detected microscopically. These changes in gill integrity were associated with marine environmental conditions, particularly elevated ammonium, nitrite and chlorophyll levels. The results suggest that the environmental changes predispose salmon to colonization by amoebae and ciliates. High densities of histophagous scuticociliates were observed in the gills during periods of advanced gill pathology. A number of different amoebae were observed in close association with gill pathology. Neoparamoeba was not seen in high densities, nor was it associated with gill pathology, indicating that Neoparamoeba may not be the primary agent of the AGD in Irish salmonid culture.
Detection of koi herpesvirus in common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., by loop‐mediated isothermal amplification
Authors: Gunimaladevi I , Kono T , Venugopal M N , Sakai M
Published: October 2004

Loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a novel method that amplifies DNA with high specificity and rapidity under isothermal conditions. In this study, using the LAMP method, a protocol for koi herpes virus (KHV) detection in common carp was designed. A set of four primers, two inner and two outer, were designed based on the sequence of the thymidine kinase (tk) gene of KHV. Time and temperature conditions for detection of KHV were optimized for 60 min at 65 °C. The detection limit using LAMP was found to be similar to that by polymerase chain reaction. In this study, we have developed a highly sensitive and rapid diagnostic procedure for detection of KHV infection in common carp.
Morphological characterization and notes on the life cycle of a newly discovered variant of Loma salmonae (Putz, Hoffman & Dunbar) from a natural infection of chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (Walbaum)
Authors: Lovy J , Wadowska D W , Wright G M , Speare D J
Published: October 2004

Two variants of Loma salmonae occur in net‐pen reared chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha. The typical variant (OA) has a host specificity for salmonids of the genus Oncorhynchus whereas the atypical variant (SV) has a host specificity for brook trout, Salvelinus fontinalis, and in this study, the ultrastructure of the two are compared. In fish at 8 weeks post‐exposure xenomas of the SV variant have a very high proportion of mature spores compared with other developmental stages, while in xenomas of the OA variant there are fewer spores and many other developmental stages. Spores of the SV variant had up to 20 turns of their polar tube whereas those of the OA variant only had 17. Furthermore, the spores of the SV variant were significantly larger than those of the OA variant. The sporophorous vesicle for both variants appears to form around a sporogonial plasmodia, which results in many spores developing within the vesicle.
Exogenously added polyamines recover browning tissues into normal callus cultures and improve plant regeneration in pine
Authors: Tang Wei , Newton Ronald J. , Outhavong Vilay
Published: October 2004

Polyamines are known to influence a variety of growth and developmental processes in higher plants. Tissue browning seriously reduces in vitro plant regeneration in pine species by decreasing the levels of antioxidant enzymes and polyamines in tissue cultures. In the present investigation, the effect of exogenously added polyamines on recovering browning tissues into normal callus cultures and on improving plant regeneration was examined in Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana Mill.). Among the polyamines administered, 1.5 mM putrescine (Put), 1.5 mM spermidine (Spd), or 1.5 mM spermine (Spm) alone resulted in a 19.55%, 18.92%, and 1.45%, respectively, recovering of browning tissues into normal callus cultures in 5 weeks. A combination of Put with Spd or Spm did not result in an increase of recovering rate, compared to the Put or Spd alone. Exogenously added 1.5 mM Put, 1.5 mM Spd, 1.5 mM Put + 1.5 mM Spd, or 1.5 mM Put + 1.5 mM Spm recovers browning tissues into normal callus cultures by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes ascorbate peroxidase (APOX), glutathione reductase (GR) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and by decreasing lipid peroxidation. Exogenously added 1.5 mM Put, 1.5 mM Spd, 1.5 mM Put + 1.5 mM Spd, or 1.5 mM Put + 1.5 mM Spm significantly improve the growth rate of callus cultures, shoot formation, and rooting adventitious shoots. These results demonstrated that exogenously added polyamines recover browning tissues into normal callus cultures by decreasing oxidative damage and improving plant regeneration by acting as plant growth substances.
Regulation of gene expression involved in flavonol and anthocyanin biosynthesis during petal development in lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum)
Authors: Noda Naonobu , Kanno Yoshiaki , Kato Naoki , Kazuma Kohei , Suzuki Masahiko
Published: October 2004

To elucidate gene regulation of flower colour formation, the gene expressions of the enzymes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis were investigated in correlation with their product during floral development in lisianthus. Full‐length cDNA clones of major responsible genes in the central flavonoid biosynthetic pathway, including chalcone synthase (CHS), chalcone isomerase (CHI), flavanone 3‐hydroxylase (F3H), flavonoid 3′,5′‐hydroxylase (F3′5′H), dihydroflavonol 4‐reductase (DFR), anthocyanidin synthase (ANS), and flavonol synthase (FLS), were isolated and characterized. In lisianthus, the stage of the accumulation of flavonols and anthocyanins was shown to be divided clearly. The flavonol content increased prior to anthocyanin accumulation during floral development and declined when anthocyanin began to accumulate. CHS, CHI, and F3H were necessary for both flavonol and anthocyanin biosynthesis and were coordinately expressed throughout all stages of floral development; their expressions were activated independently at the stages corresponding to flavonol accumulation and anthocyanin accumulation, respectively. Consistent with flavonol and anthocyanin accumulation patterns, FLS, a key enzyme in flavonol biosynthesis, was expressed prior to the expression of the genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis. The genes encoding F3′5′H, DFR, and ANS were expressed at later stages, just before pigmentation. The genes responsible for the flavonoid pathways branching to anthocyanins and flavonols were strictly regulated and were coordinated temporally to correspond to the biosynthetic order of their respective enzymes in the pathways, as well as in specific organs. In lisianthus, FLS and DFR, at the position of branching to flavonols and anthocyanins, were supposed to play a critical role in regulation of each biosynthesis.
Solitary metastasis of renal cell carcinoma to the parotid gland 10 years after radical nephrectomy
Authors: GÖĞÜŞ ÇAĞATAY , KILIÇ ÖZCAN , TULUNAY ÖZLEM , TULUNAY ÖZDEN , BEDÜK YAŞAR
Published: October 2004

Abstract  Renal cell carcinoma metastasis to the parotid gland after tumor nephrectomy is extremely rare. We report a case of solitary parotid metastasis from clear cell renal cell carcinoma in a 59‐year‐old woman, who presented 10 years after primary treatment. To our knowledge this is the first case in the published literature presenting with solitary parotid metastasis after such a long time. Superficial parotidectomy with preservation of the facial nerve was performed. One year after, the patient developed contralateral multiple kidney tumors and underwent left radical nephrectomy. She is currently on a dialysis program and no additional metastasis has been observed for 18 months.