bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of high‐dose sublingual immunotherapy on quality of life in patients with cypress‐induced rhinitis: a placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Di Rienzo V. , Pucci S. , D'Alò S. , Di Cara G. , Incorvaia C. , Frati F. , Romano A.
Published: May 2006

The efficacy of specific immunotherapy and particularly of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) in subjects allergic to Cupressaceae pollen is well defined, but no study assessed its effects on quality of life (QoL). We evaluated the effectiveness of SLIT with a standardized, high‐dose extract of Juniperus ashei in patients with cypress‐induced rhinitis, using QoL as the major outcome measure. Thirty‐four patients, 20 males and 14 females, mean age 33.8 years, with allergic rhinitis (AR) from cypress pollen were randomly assigned to receive an allergen extract standardized in index of reactivity (IR) of J. ashei (19 patients) or a placebo (15 patients). The schedule was pre‐coseasonal, with a build‐up phase in 12 days and a maintenance treatment with 300 IR a day up to the end of the cypress pollen season. All patients registered in diary cards their symptoms, drug consumption and side‐effects. The QoL was measured before and after SLIT by the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) by Juniper during the peak of the cypress pollen season. QoL significantly improved in respect to baseline in actively (P=0.017) but not in placebo‐treated patients, and there was a significant difference in favour of actively treated patients during the pollen season (P=0.02). Actively and placebo‐treated patients had comparable symptom–medication scores in the period from 15 February to 15 March, corresponding to the peak pollen season, but placebo‐treated patients showed an uneven drug consumption compared with actively treated patients. Side‐effects were relatively common, but mostly with local short‐lasting symptoms, and no systemic reaction was reported. These findings show that SLIT with high doses of J. ashei in subjects with cypress‐induced rhinitis significantly improves QoL and confirm previous observations on the disagreement between QoL – which assesses patient's perception – and medical parameters used in trials.
Quality of life in allergic rhinitis
Authors: Passalacqua G. , Baiardini I.
Published: May 2006

Quality of life (QoL)or, better, health‐related quality of life, is now recognized as a crucial aspect in assessing the impact of a given disease on the general well‐being of patients. This fact was ascertained in the last 10 years also for respiratory allergy (asthma and rhinitis). In particular, it was shown that allergic rhinitis (AR), although not life threatening, profoundly affects many aspects of everyday life. In this regard, a number of specific questionnaires (instruments) have been developed and validated to assess the quality of life in adults, adolescents and children. Although the concept of QoL is easy to understand, the development and validation process of questionnaires is quite complex and time consuming.

The literature provided strong evidence of the effects of AR and its treatments on QoL, but also evidenced some controversial points, including the weak correlation of QoL with objective parameters. It has therefore become clear that QoL questionnaires measure aspects of the disease that partially differ from the routinely evaluated parameters and that quality of life should integrate, not replace, the objective measurements. In the near future, ‘sharper’ instruments are expected to be developed for the evaluation of quality of life and of the effects of treatments in AR.
Quality of life in allergic rhinitis and impact of high‐dose sublingual immunotherapy: a real‐life study
Authors: Ariano R. , Amoroso S. , Astarita C. , Bassi M. , Bonadonna P. , Campi P. , Di Gioacchino M. , Musarra A. , Quercia O. , Russello M. , Venuti A. , Zambito M. , Di Cara G. , Incorvaia C. , Puccinelli P. , Frati F.
Published: May 2006

Allergic rhinitis (AR) may significantly impair quality of life (QoL), and therefore it is important to evaluate the effectiveness of the available treatments on such a parameter. We studied QoL by a real‐life model in a large group of patients with rhinitis caused by the most common aeroallergens and assessed the effects of high‐dose sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). An overall number of 452 subjects (229 males, 223 females, mean age 25±13 years) was included in the study. Of them, 208 were allergic to house dust mites, 196 to grass pollen, 104 to Parietaria pollen, 48 to olive pollen, 28 to ragweed pollen, and two to cypress pollen. QoL was measured before and after SLIT with the specific questionnaire Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality‐of Life‐Questionnaire (RQLQ) introduced and validated by Juniper. At the same time, patients evaluated their clinical status by visual analogue scale (VAS) from 0 (worst) to 10 (best). SLIT was performed by extracts from Stallergénes standardized in index of reactivity (IR) by a build‐up phase in 11 days and a maintenance phase with 300 IR three times a week for the duration of the study. All side‐effects were registered. The mean RQLQ was 2.93±1.04 before SLIT and 1.50±0.98 after SLIT (P<0.001), with comparable improvement in the different allergen treatments. The respective mean VAS score was 4.47±2.11 and 6.92±1.64 (P<0.001). SLIT was completely tolerated in 395 patients (87.4%), while in 57 (12.6%) it gave rise to slight reactions, mostly at the local level in the mouth or in the gastrointestinal tract. High dose SLIT, administered in a clinical model comparable with routine application, provides significant improvement of both clinical status and QoL in patients with AR caused by common aeroallergens.
New therapeutic strategies: a chimeric human–cat fusion protein inhibits allergic reactivity
Authors: Terada T.
Published: May 2006

We have undertaken to develop new therapies for allergic diseases by taking advantage of negative signalling via immunoreceptor tyrosine‐based inhibition motif (ITIM)‐containing receptors. Bi‐functional molecules that indirectly crosslink Fcɛ receptors to FcγII receptors on targeted cells were constructed. This approach employed coaggregation of FcɛRI and FcγRII using an antigen‐specific chimeric fusion protein (GFD) composed of human Fcγ and the major cat allergen Fel d 1. GFD was designed to block mediator release by directly attaching to Fcγ receptors and at the same time indirectly binding to FcɛRI via Fel d 1 antigen‐specific IgE already bound to that receptor. GFD was expected to function as a safe form of antigen‐specific immunotherapy by blocking acute reactivity to Fel d 1; i.e. by functioning as an immunogen but not as allergen.

GFD inhibited passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reactivity to Fel d 1 in transgenic mice but did not induce skin reactivity at sensitized sites. Balb/c mice sensitized to Fel d 1 and challenged intratracheally (IT) on days 28 and 42 showed lowered temperature and increased lung resistance, indicating systemic and pulmonary allergic reactions, respectively. On the other hand, mice given GFD 5 μg SQ on days 7, 14, and 21 showed inhibition of systemic reactivity to IT challenge on days 28 and 42. Hence GFD inhibited Fel d 1‐induced allergic response in mice.

This chimeric γ‐allergen protein platform may provide allergen‐specific therapy with an enhanced safety profile that might be critical in situations such as food allergy. Overall, we have developed new therapeutic strategies that are antigen‐specific and provide novel yet distinctive approaches for the potential therapy of human allergic disease.
Morphological and functional changes of epithelial cells in allergic rhinitis
Authors: Takeuchi K. , Suzuki S. , Majima Y.
Published: May 2006

The functions of epithelial cells in the nose can be summarized as follows: (1) building a physical barrier to prevent allergens and foreign bodies from penetrating into the subepithelial layers; (2) secreting airway fluid by transepithelial ion transport and mucin production; and (3) responding to various stimuli by producing mediators that recruit lymphocytes, eosinophils, and mast cells to the nasal mucosa. However, in the setting of allergic rhinitis (AR) various morphological and functional changes occur in these cells, and the physical barrier of epithelial cells becomes vulnerable, which enables allergens to penetrate into the subepithelial layers. Histamine and thrombin are factors that influence the physical barrier. Although it is believed that epithelial damage in AR is less extensive than that in bronchial asthma, continued allergen exposure does damage epithelial cells in allergic animal models. Changes in ion transport during acute allergic reactions in vivo can be studied by nasal transepithelial potential difference. Comparison of nasal potential differences during pollen season has revealed lower values in allergic patients than in normal control subjects; the lowest value was reached 15 min after nasal allergen challenge. In vitro studies revealed that various factors including leukotrienes increase mucin gene transcription. These changes may lead to abnormalities of nasal secretion during allergic reactions.
Role of epidermal growth factor receptor in the proliferation of human airway epithelial cells
Authors: Tamaoki J. , Takeyama K. , Kaneko K. , Kondo M. , Taira M. , Nagai A.
Published: May 2006

A novel airway trypsin‐like serine proteinase (ATSP) has been found in the sputum of asthma patients and might play a role in the pathogenesis of allergic airway inflammation, but the physiological significance of this enzyme is unknown. In this study we examined human primary bronchial epithelial cell cultures to determine whether ATSP affects the proliferation of airway epithelium and the mechanism of action involved. Incubation of cells in serum‐free medium with recombinant ATSP increased the incorporation of [3H]‐thymidine and [3H]‐leucine into cells in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. This effect was not altered by secretory leucocyte proteinase inhibitor (SLPI), but completely inhibited by pretreatment with the serine proteinase inhibitors leupeptin and 4‐amidinophenylmethane‐sulphonyl fluoride (p‐APMSF), the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF‐R) tyrosine kinase inhibitors AG1478 and BIBX1382, and the mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor PD98059. Transfection of a dominant negative mutant of H‐Ras likewise abolished the effect of ATSP. Stimulation with ATSP also induced processing of membrane anchored pro‐heparin binding (HB) EGF, association of phosphorylated EGF‐R and Shc with glutathione‐S‐transferase–Grb2 fusion protein, and phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK). Pretreatment with leupeptin abolished ATSP‐induced HB‐EGF processing, and pretreatment with each of AG1478, [Glu52]Diphtheria toxin, a specific inhibitor of HB‐EGF, and neutralizing HB‐EGF antibody inhibited ATSP‐induced ERK activation. These results suggest that ATSP stimulates the proliferation of airway epithelium through the activation of ERK cascade, involving processing of HB‐EGF and concomitant activation of EGF‐R.
Clouds, shadows or twilight? Mayfly nymphs recognise the difference
Authors: SCHLOSS ANNETTE L. , HANEY JAMES F
Published: May 2006

1. We examined the relative changes in light intensity that initiate night‐time locomotor activity changes in nymphs of the mayfly, Stenonema modestum (Heptageniidae). Tests were carried out in a laboratory stream to examine the hypothesis that nymphs increase their locomotion in response to the large and sustained reductions in relative light intensity that take place during twilight but not to short‐term daytime light fluctuations or a minimum light intensity threshold. Ambient light intensity was reduced over a range of values representative of evening twilight. Light was reduced over the same range of intensities either continuously or in discrete intervals while at the same time nymph activity on unglazed tile substrata was video recorded.

2. Nymphs increased their locomotor activity during darkness in response to large, sustained relative light decreases, but not in response to short‐term, interrupted periods of light decrease. Nymphs did not recognise darkness unless an adequate light stimulus, such as large and sustained relative decrease in light intensity, had taken place.

3. We show that nymphs perceive light change over time and respond only after a lengthy period of accumulation of light stimulus. The response is much lengthier than reported for other aquatic organisms and is highly adaptive to heterogeneous stream environments.
Use of physical restraints in rehabilitation settings: staff knowledge, attitudes and predictors
Authors: Suen Lorna K.P. , Lai C.K.Y. , Wong T.K.S. , Chow S.K.Y. , Kong S.K.F. , Ho J.Y.L. , Kong T.K. , Leung J.S.C. , Wong I.Y.C.
Published: May 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a study examining the knowledge, attitudes and practices of staff with regard to the use of restraints in rehabilitative settings, and quantifying the direct and indirect effects of the factors that influenced these practices.

Background.  Nursing staff hold many misconceptions that support the continued use of physical restraints as a desirable technique in clinical settings to control clients. A number of previous studies measuring the knowledge, attitudes and/or practices of nursing staff towards the use of restraints have been conducted in acute, elder care, or psychiatric settings. However, not many have examined the predictors of staff practices when restraints are applied. In the study reported here, physical restraint was defined as any manual method or physical/mechanical device, material or equipment attached to a client's body so that their free movement was restricted.

Methods.  A questionnaire was administered to 168 nursing staff in two rehabilitation centres in Hong Kong. The data were collected in 2002–2003 and the response rate was 80%.

Findings.  Inadequate knowledge and negative attitudes on the use of restraints were found among staff. Most believed that good alternatives to restraints are not available, or they underestimated the physical and psychological impact of restraints on clients. Path analysis indicated that staff attitudes and their clinical experiences had positive direct effects on restraint use. In addition, level of knowledge and clinical experience had a positive indirect effect on practice by influencing attitudes.

Conclusion.  These data could serve as a basis for re‐educating nursing staff on the subject. Staff with more clinical experience could give appropriate guidance to other members of staff on decisions to apply restraints. More effective alternative interventions to restraining clients should be explored. Once the gaps in knowledge are closed, more positive attitudes among staff towards the use of restraints can be cultivated, thus leading to a higher standard of nursing practice.
Folk concepts of mental disorders among Chinese‐Australian patients and their caregivers
Authors: Hsiao Fei‐Hsiu , Klimidis Steven , Minas Harry I. , Tan Eng S.
Published: May 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a study of (a) popular conceptions of mental illness throughout history, (b) how current social and cultural knowledge about mental illness influences Chinese‐Australian patients’ and caregivers’ understanding of mental illness and the consequences of this for explaining and labelling patients’ problems.

Background.  According to traditional Chinese cultural knowledge about health and illness, Chinese people believe that psychotic illness is the only type of mental illness, and that non‐psychotic illness is a physical illness. Regarding patients’ problems as not being due to mental illness may result in delaying use of Western mental health services.

Methods.  Data collection took place in 2001. Twenty‐eight Chinese‐Australian patients with mental illness and their caregivers were interviewed at home, drawing on Kleinman's explanatory model and studies of cultural transmission. Interviews were tape‐recorded and transcribed, and analysed for plots and themes.

Findings.  Chinese‐Australians combined traditional knowledge with Western medical knowledge to develop their own labels for various kinds of mental disorders, including ‘mental illness’, ‘physical illness’, ‘normal problems of living’ and ‘psychological problems’. As they learnt more about Western conceptions of psychology and psychiatry, their understanding of some disorders changed. What was previously ascribed to non‐mental disorders was often re‐labelled as ‘mental illness’ or ‘psychological problems’.

Conclusion.  Educational programmes aimed at introducing Chinese immigrants to counselling and other psychiatric services could be made more effective if designers gave greater consideration to Chinese understanding of mental illness.
Antepartum immunoprophylaxis of three doses of hepatitis B immunoglobulin is not effective: a single‐centre randomized study
Authors: Yuan J. , Lin J. , Xu A. , Li H. , Hu B. , Chen J. , Yao J. , Dong H. , Jiang M.
Published: May 2006

Summary.  To investigate the efficacy of antepartum administration of three doses of hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIg), currently being used in China, 250 pregnant women who were seropositive for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) were randomly divided into study (117 cases) and control groups (133 cases). Subjects in the study group received HBIg 400 IU intramuscularly once a month at the third, second and first month before delivery; subjects in the control group received no antepartum treatment. All neonates received passive‐active immunization after birth. The maternal hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) titres and HBV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) levels were measured at week 28 of gestation (before the antepartum treatment) and at labour; the neonatal serum HBV markers were detected at birth and at 12 months after birth. No side‐effects were found in any of the women or their neonates. No statistical differences were seen between the maternal HBsAg and HBV DNA levels of the study and control groups at labour nor the protective efficacy rates of postnatal immunoprophylaxis at 12 months after birth (P > 0.05, respectively). To conclude, antepartum administration of three doses of HBIg for the HBeAg‐positive women is inefficacious.
Impacts of ecosystem engineers on community attributes: effects of cushion plants at different elevations of the Chilean Andes
Authors: Badano Ernesto I. , Cavieres Lohengrin A.
Published: May 2006

Ecosystem engineers are organisms able to modulate environmental forces and, hence, may change the habitat conditions for other species. In so doing, ecosystem engineers may affect both species richness and evenness of communities and, in consequence, change species diversity. If these changes in community attributes are related to the magnitude of the habitat changes induced by the engineers, it seems likely that engineer species will have greater effects on diversity in sites where they cause larger habitat changes. We addressed this issue by evaluating the effects of three alpine cushion plants on species richness, evenness, and diversity of high‐Andean plant communities. Given that the difference in microclimatic conditions between cushions and the external environment increases with elevation, we proposed that these organisms should have greater effects on community attributes at higher than at lower elevation sites. Results showed that the three cushion species had positive effects on species richness, diversity, and evenness of plant communities. It was also observed that the magnitude of these effects changed with elevation: positive effects on species richness and diversity increased towards upper sites for the three cushions species, whereas positive effects on evenness increased with elevation for one cushion species but decreased with elevation for other two cushion species. These results suggest that the presence of cushions is important to maintain plant diversity in high‐Andean communities, but this positive effect on diversity seems to increase as the difference in environmental conditions between cushions and the external environment increases with elevation.
Quality of life following allogeneic stem cell transplantation, comparing parents' and children's perspective
Authors: Forinder Ulla , Löf Catharina , Winiarski Jacek
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  There is insufficient knowledge about the quality of life (QoL) among children after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT). We recently reported an overall, good self‐assessed QoL and health in 52 children who were three yr or more beyond SCT. The focus of this paper is the QoL as assessed by their parents, of whom 42 participated in the study. Using Swedish child health questionnaire (SCHQ)‐PF50, parents rated their children's QoL lower on both the psychosocial (p<0.001) and physical summary scales (p<0.001) than the normative group of parents of children without chronic disease. Although essentially following each other, parent scores tended to be lower than children's own SCHQ‐CF87 scores, particularly in the domains ‘role socially due to physical limitations’ (p<0.01) and ‘self‐esteem’ (p<0.05). In the ‘bodily pain’ domain, patients' and parents' low scores agreed. The child's condition had a greater impact on parents' emotional situation than in the norm population (p<0.001). The severity of the child's physician‐rated late effects (p<0.05) or of self‐assessed subjective symptoms (p<0.01–0.05) was associated with a lower parental rating of the child's QoL. High Lansky or Karnofsky scores corresponded, respectively, to higher psychosocial (p<0.05) and physical (p<0.05) summary scores. It is concluded that as children, parents, and clinicians do not necessarily adopt similar views of a child's illness and of its impact on the child's life, clarity with regard to who is responsible for assessing the child's QoL is crucial when interpreting pediatric QoL studies.
Chenodeoxycholic acid and taurochenodexycholic acid induce anti‐apoptotic cIAP‐1 expression in human hepatocytes
Authors: Hirano Fuminori , Haneda Masakazu , Makino Isao
Published: May 2006

Background and Aims:  Increased concentration of endogenous bile acids in the liver correlates with clinical features of cholestatic liver diseases. Recently, it was reported that non‐toxic hydrophobic bile acid activated a survival signaling pathway via phosphatidylinositol 3 (PI3) kinase in hepatocytes. However, whether bile acid induces inhibitors of apoptosis protein (IAPs) directly in human hepatocytes remains unknown. This study investigated effects of bile acids on cIAP‐1, cIAP‐2 and XIAP expression in hepatocytes.

Methods:  Human fetal hepatocytes and HepG2 cells were treated with free or conjugated chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) or ursodeoxycholic acid in the presence or absence of several inhibitors. Reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses were performed for mRNA and protein expressions, respectively, of IAPs. Luciferase assay was used to investigate transcriptional activity of nuclear factor (NF)‐κB.

Results:  Chenodeoxycholic acid up‐regulated both mRNA and protein expressions of cIAP‐1. In particular, taurochenodeoxycholic acid (TCDCA), but not glycochenodeoxycholic acid (GCDCA), induced cIAP‐1 mRNA expression. In contrast, cIAP‐2 and XIAP mRNA expressions were not influenced by CDCA. Moreover, CDCA‐induced cIAP‐1 mRNA expression was inhibited completely by calphostin C and SB203580, but not by wortmannin. Luciferase assay showed that CDCA and TCDCA activated NF‐κB‐driven transcriptional activity.

Conclusion:  It was shown that CDCA induced cIAP‐1 expression in hepatocytes through protein kinase C‐ and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase‐mediated pathway. Especially, TCDCA, but not GCDCA, increased cIAP‐1 mRNA expression and NF‐κB‐regulated transcriptional activity. Therefore, it is suggested that CDCA and TCDCA themselves have an inhibitory potential against apoptosis through the cIAP‐1‐survival signaling pathway, in addition to PI3 kinase‐dependent pathway.
Presence of antimitochondrial autoantibodies in patients with autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Nezu Saeko , Tanaka Atsushi , Yasui Hideaki , Imamura Makiko , Nakajima Hiroshi , Ishida Hitoshi , Takahashi Shin‐Ichi
Published: May 2006

Background and Aim:  Antimitochondrial autoantibodies (AMA) are known to be a hallmark of primary biliary cirrhosis, and it has been suggested that AMA play a crucial role in generating biliary changes. Biliary tract lesions are not uncommon in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and previous works have demonstrated that AMA are occasionally detectable in sera of patients with AIH. Therefore, the role of AMA as a cause of bile duct lesions in AIH livers should be addressed. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the presence of AMA is associated with clinical features, especially the occurrence of bile duct lesions, in patients with AIH.

Methods:  Forty‐one patients diagnosed as having AIH according to the revised scoring system of the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group were enrolled in this study. Clinical data were retrospectively reviewed, and histological findings of the liver were investigated. AMA reactivity was determined by immunoblotting using beef heart mitochondria as antigens.

Results:  Although not found in any enrolled patient by conventional indirect immunofluorescence, AMA were detectable in 14 out of 41 patients (34%). Clinical parameters including biochemistry, autoantibody profile, and responses to treatment were similar irrespective of AMA status. Bile duct lesions were noted in 14/14 (100%) and 23/27 (85%) of AMA‐positive and ‐negative patients with AIH, respectively (P = 0.134). There was no statistically significant difference in the grade of inflammation or stage of fibrosis between the two groups.

Conclusion:  Antimitochondrial autoantibodies were found to be present in sera of patients with AIH more frequently than expected, even at very low titer. However, clinical features and histological findings of AIH were not influenced by the AMA status.
Estimation of Integrated Volatility in Continuous‐Time Financial Models with Applications to Goodness‐of‐Fit Testing
Authors: DETTE HOLGER , PODOLSKIJ MARK , VETTER MATHIAS
Published: May 2006

Abstract.  Properties of a specification test for the parametric form of the variance function in diffusion processes are discussed. The test is based on the estimation of certain integrals of the volatility function. If the volatility function does not depend on the variable x it is known that the corresponding statistics have an asymptotic normal distribution. However, most models of mathematical finance use a volatility function which depends on the state x. In this paper we prove that in the general case, where σ depends also on x the estimates of integrals of the volatility converge stably in law to random variables with a non‐standard limit distribution. The limit distribution depends on the diffusion process Xt itself and we use this result to develop a bootstrap test for the parametric form of the volatility function, which is consistent in the general diffusion model.
Maximum Likelihood Estimation in Gaussian Chain Graph Models under the Alternative Markov Property
Authors: DRTON MATHIAS , EICHLER MICHAEL
Published: May 2006

Abstract. The Andersson–Madigan–Perlman (AMP) Markov property is a recently proposed alternative Markov property (AMP) for chain graphs. In the case of continuous variables with a joint multivariate Gaussian distribution, it is the AMP rather than the earlier introduced Lauritzen–Wermuth–Frydenberg Markov property that is coherent with data‐generation by natural block‐recursive regressions. In this paper, we show that maximum likelihood estimates in Gaussian AMP chain graph models can be obtained by combining generalized least squares and iterative proportional fitting to an iterative algorithm. In an appendix, we give useful convergence results for iterative partial maximization algorithms that apply in particular to the described algorithm.
Do Today's Sociologists Really Appreciate Weber's Essay The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism?
Authors: Campbell Colin
Published: May 2006

It is noted that Max Weber is held in very high regard by the majority of contemporary sociologists, while his essay, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, is generally considered his most important as well as his most famous work. However attention is drawn to the marked contradiction between the practice of today's sociologists in routinely heaping praise on this essay and the fact that their own self-confessed theoretical statements constitute a direct rejection of Weber's approach. This contradiction is illustrated by demonstrating that although The Protestant Ethic is essentially an examination of the role of motives in human action the concept of motive is effectively missing from contemporary sociology. A possible explanation for this apparent contradiction is then considered in the form of the claim that those theoretical positions favoured by contemporary sociologists could be considered as ‘developed out of’ or ‘descended from’ Weber's theory of ‘motivational understanding'. This however is shown to be an untenable claim, given that the vocabulary of motives perspective, the treatment of motives as reasons, and rational choice theory all represent straightforward rejections of Weber's position. Consequently it is concluded that there remains an unresolved and largely unrecognised contradiction between the iconic status accorded to Weber's essay by contemporary sociologists and their own very obvious rejection of his theoretical approach.
The iemoto System and the Avant-Gardes in the Japanese Artistic Field: Bourdieu's Field Theory in Comparative Perspective
Authors: Morishita Masaaki
Published: May 2006

The conceptual framework of ‘field’ proposed by Pierre Bourdieu and his model of the literary and artistic fields in nineteenth-century France are widely applied to studies of the development of the literary and artistic fields in other regions and the fields of other cultural practices. These researches, while showing similarities to Bourdieu's model, reveal the distinct forms of nomos which those different fields developed through localised contingencies. In other words, their findings highlight the cultural specificity of the cases on which Bourdieu's field theory is based. The main purpose of this paper is to argue that the field theory can be beneficially applied to cross-cultural cases provided that its culturally specific elements are clearly identified. For this purpose, I focus on one particular aspect associated with the nomos of Bourdieu's model – the orientation toward autonomy – to argue for its cultural specificity, which becomes clearer when it is compared to a distinct case of the artistic field in early-twentieth-century Japan. My case study shows that the Japanese artistic field did not develop the same form of autonomy as Bourdieu's model, but it also discloses the processes in which a certain form of nomos was shaped through the struggles between the artistic field and other fields.
Natural and Social Order at Walt Disney World; The Functions and Contradictions of Civilising Nature
Authors: Wright Chris
Published: May 2006

Elias' theory of the civilising process is used to show how the Walt Disney World Theme Parks construct social control over visitors without calling into question the official presentation of these visitors as free, choice-making, experience seeking individuals. Particular attention is drawn to the manipulation of images of nature as either ‘wild’ or ‘civilised’ to code, respectively, forbidden and legitimate places for visitors. In doing so, WDW is able to maintain civilised, non-coercive, discourse with its ‘guests’ who are, thus presented to themselves as responsible and self-regulating persons. Attention is drawn to the contradiction that this strategy creates between ‘authentic’ and ‘civilised’ spectacle particularly in the presentation of animals. It is noted how this creates an imperative to show only civilised animal behaviour but which, in turn, limits the means that the Disney Corporation can adopt in order to create a space that is free from the intrusion of uncivilised nature.
The sociology of chronic illness: a review of research and prospects
Authors: Bury Michael
Published: May 2006

This paper provides a review of research and debate in the held of chronic illness. It first outlines some general features of a sociological approach, and then goes on to use recent empirical studies of chronic illness to illustrate some of the main stages involved. These include: onset and the problems of explanation and legitimation, the impact of treatment, and the development of adaptive responses. An attempt is made to distinguish the use of the terms‘coping’, ‘strategy’and ‘style’in describing adaptation. The paper argues that a sociological approach needs to recognise the positive actions people take, as well as the problems they face. In this way, diversity in managing chrome illness, and the continuing need for a person‐based approach to sociological work, are underlined
A 3-Year Follow-Up of Headache Diagnoses and Symptoms in Swedish Schoolchildren
Authors: Laurell K , Larsson B , Mattsson P , Eeg-Olofsson O
Published: May 2006

Information is sparse concerning the incidence and prognosis of headache in children from the general population, especially of tension-type headache. In this study, headache diagnoses and symptoms were reassessed in 122 out of 130 schoolchildren after 3 years. Nearly 80± of those with headache at first evaluation still reported headache at follow-up. Although the likelihood of experiencing the same headache diagnosis and symptoms was high, about one-fifth of children with tension-type headache developed migraine and vice versa. Female gender predicted migraine and frequent headache episodes predicted overall headache at follow-up. The estimated average annual incidence was 81 and 65 per 1000 children, for tension-type headache and migraine, respectively. We conclude that there is a considerable risk of developing and maintaining headache during childhood. Headache diagnoses should be reassessed regularly and treatment adjusted. Girls and children with frequent headache have a poorer prognosis and therefore intervention is particularly important in these groups.
The Conditional Relationship Between Beta and Returns: A Reassessment
Authors: Freeman Mark C. , Guermat Cherif
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  Several recent empirical tests of the Capital Asset Pricing Model have been based on the conditional relationship between betas and market returns. This paper shows that this method needs reconsideration. An adjusted version of this test is presented. It is then demonstrated that the adjusted technique has similar, or lower, power to the more easily implemented CAPM test of Fama and MacBeth (1973) if returns are normally distributed.
The Interrelationship Between Managerial Ownership and Board Structure
Authors: Lasfer M. Ameziane
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  The paper tests the hypothesis that high managerial ownership entrenches managers by allowing the CEO to create a board that is unlikely to monitor. The results show a strong negative relationship between the level of managerial ownership and corporate governance factors, such as, the split of the roles of the CEO and the Chairman, the proportion of non‐executive directors, and the appointment of a non‐executive director as a Chairman. I also find that companies with low managerial ownership are more likely to change their board structure to comply with the Cadbury (1992) recommendations. The results suggest that managers, through their high ownership, choose a board that is unlikely to monitor. Overall, the findings cast doubt on the effectiveness of the board as an internal corporate governance mechanism when managerial ownership is high.
Evidence for bias in estimates of local genetic structure due to sampling scheme
Authors: Latch E. K. , Rhodes O. E.
Published: May 2006

Traditional population genetic analyses typically seek to characterize the genetic substructure caused by the nonrandom distribution of individuals. However, the genetic structuring of adult populations often does not remain constant over time, and may vary relative to season or life‐history stages. Estimates of genetic structure may be biased if samples are collected at a single point in time, and will reflect the social organization of the species at the time the samples were collected. The complex population structures exhibited by many migratory species, where temporal shifts in social organization correspond to a large‐scale shift in geographic distribution, serve as examples of the importance that time of sampling can have on estimates of genetic structure. However, it is often fine‐scale genetic structure that is crucial for defining practical units for conservation and management and it is at this scale that distributional shifts of organisms relative to the timing of sampling may have a profound yet unrecognized impact on our ability to interpret genetic data. In this study, we used the wild turkey to investigate the effects of sampling regime on estimates of genetic structure at local scales. Using mitochondrial sequence data, nuclear microsatellite data and allozyme data, we found significant genetic structuring among localized winter flocks of wild turkeys. Conversely, we found no evidence for genetic structure among sampling locations during the spring, when wild turkeys exist in mixed assemblages of genetically differentiated winter flocks. If the lack of detectable genetic structure among individuals is due to an admixture of social units as in the case of wild turkeys during the spring, then the FIS value rather than the FST value may be the more informative statistic in regard to the levels of genetic structure among population subunits.
DEVELOPMENT OF QUIESCENT CENTRES IN ROOT MERISTEMS
Authors: CLOWES F. A. L.
Published: May 2006

Summary

A group of cells in the middle of the apical meristems of roots stops synthesizing DNA and dividing. This occurs during germination of the seeds in the primary roots of Sinapis, and during growth of the primordia within the cortex of the mother root in the lateral roots of Pistia and Eichornia. The first cells to become quiescent are those at the poles of the histogens of the stele and cortex. Neighbouring cells of these histogens become quiescent later on and there may be several hundred such cells enclosed within the meristem during normal growth. The neighbouring cells of the root cap remain meristematic until the whole meristem becomes quiescent.
ADENINE INCORPORATION AND CELL DIVISION IN SHOOT APICES
Authors: CLOWES F. A. L.
Published: May 2006

Summary

Incorporation of 14C labelled adenine into DNA has been used to investigate the rates of division among cells of shoot meristems. This technique shows that all the cells of a growing apex, including the axial cells of the outermost layers, synthesize DNA. There is no quiescent region such as is found in root meristems. This conclusion is at variance with some of the recent views on the behaviour of shoot meristems.
THE EFFECTS OF DAYLENGTH ON THE MOVEMENTS OF PULVINATE LEAVES
Authors: HOLDSWORTH M.
Published: May 2006

Summary

Various illumination cycles, of the sort that are known to have effects in photoperiodism, were tested for effect on the course of the diurnal leaf movements of Bauhinia monandra. Under 12 hour: 12 hour alternations of light and darkness, the leaves open abruptly on illumination and begin to close again rapidly just before the end of the light period. In continued illumination, the evening closure is completed but the leaves reopen at once and further movements are indistinct and irregular. It was concluded that the effects of previous photoperiodic treatment are all but exhausted 12 hours after beginning illumination. Attention was therefore concentrated upon the effects of previous treatments on the timing and amplitude of the evening closure. Moderate lengthening or shortening of the preceding dark period had small, if any, effect on the amplitude, but advanced or retarded (respectively) the time of closure. After very short dark periods (less than 6 hours) closure practically fails altogether. Beginning the illumination period with weak light also delays closure. Light breaks in the dark period advance closure, dark breaks in the daytime retard it, but neither of these effects is evident unless the break is of some hours’ duration. The observations are discussed in relation to Biinning's Tagesrhythmik theory and it is pointed out that the periodicity of Bauhinia leaf movements has been shown not to be constant, whereas, on the other hand, their amplitude is generally more stable. The leaf movements of several other plants have been compared with those of Bauhinia and a classification into long‐ and short‐day types of behaviour as suggested by Bunning has been attempted. This could not, however, be made to agree with their actual photoperiodic sensitivities for flower initiation.
THE CALCIUM AND MAGNESIUM CONTENTS OF TREE SPECIES GROWN IN CLOSE STANDS
Authors: OVINGTON J. D.
Published: May 2006

summary

The percentages of calcium and magnesium at different positions in the boles and canopies of a number of trees from three experimental areas are given.

The total weights of calcium and magnesium in the individual trees and the crops are determined.

The calcium and magnesium contents of the trees and other components of the woodland ecosystems are compared.

The balance and circulation of calcium and magnesium within the woodland ecosystems are discussed.
THE ABSORPTION OF POTASSIUM BY BEECH MYGORRHIZA
Authors: HARLEY J. L. , WILSON J. M.
Published: May 2006

Summary

The processes of absorption and loss of potassium, sodium and rubidium by excised mycorrhizas of beech were investigated.

The internal potassium content of mycorrhizas was found to be about 70 μg Equiv. per 100 mg of dry tissue. Sodium was present at about one‐tenth of this value.

Temperatures above 20°C, oxygen tensions below 3% and low concentrations of metabolic inhibitors cause loss of potassium. The process of potassium loss in low oxygen tensions is very sensitive to temperature.

The rates of absorption of potassium, sodium and rubidium are affected by temperature and their optimum temperatures are between 15 and 20°C.

The rates of absorption of the alkali metals are oxygen‐sensitive, and that of potassium reaches zero at about 3 % oxygen. Rubidium absorption from isotopically labelled chloride solutions does not cease in low oxygen tensions owing to physical equilibration of the solution with the tissues.

Absorption of alkali metals is inhibited by metabolic inhibitors.

The rate of absorption of alkali metals by mycorrhizas which have been stored in water for several days is stimulated by a supply of glucose.

These experimental results are discussed and it is concluded that absorption of the alkali metals by mycorrhizas is dependent on an oxidatively produced carrier.
THE EMBRYO CULTURE OF INTER‐SPECIFIC HYBRIDS OF HORDEUM
Authors: DAVIES D. ROY
Published: May 2006

Summary

Culturing young hybrid embryos on a synthetic medium proved, in four out of six crosses attempted, to be a successful method of overcoming inter‐specific incompatibility within the genus Hordeum.

Hybrids of diploid H. vulgare and tetraploid H. bidbosum were studied morphologically and cytologically.
THE COMPARATIVE BIOLOGY OF CLOSELY RELATED SPECIES LIVING IN THE SAME AREA
Authors: MCNAUGHTON I. H. , HARPER JOHN L.
Published: May 2006

Summary

The hybrids Papaver dubium×P. rhoeas, and the reciprocal cross, have been produced by artificial cross‐pollination. The hybrids are not intermediate in character between the parents and are highly variable. Three main classes may be recognized although these intergrade: (a) forms which die in the rosette stage from a characteristic apical die‐back, (b) forms which lose apical dominance and become bushy, with chlorotic, distorted leaves and abortive flower buds—resembling certain virus syndromes (e.g. tomato bushy stunt), (c) forms which retain a degree of apical dominance and produce small open flowers, which are both male‐ and female‐sterile, in numbers much higher than in either parent.

The hybrids are much less vigorous than the parents in the field, where they rarely survive under experimental conditions.

Few previously recorded natural hybrids between these species can be accepted as valid, and most published descriptions of the hybrids seem to be based on aberrant specimens of the species, not on hybrids. Naturally occurring hybrids have been found near Oxford which conform well with hybrids produced artificially.

The significance of these experiments and observations is discussed in relation to (1) the symptoms of virus infections, viroids and ‘Dauer‐modification’, (2) nature of breeding‐barriers between the species of Papaver, and (3) problems of the taxonomy of hybrids.
POPULATION DIFFERENTIATION IN AGROSTIS TENUIS SIBTH
Authors: BRADSHAW A. D.
Published: May 2006

Summary

In order to investigate the physiological differentiation occurring within a species, samples of sixty tillers of a number of populations of Agrostis tennis were transplanted into experimental plots established in various contrasting natural habitats in the neighbourhood of Aberystwyth in central Wales. Two populations were also grown on lead‐contaminated soil. Their performance under the different environments was examined. It was found that:

Populations originating from contrasting habitats differed considerably in their ability to tolerate different extreme conditions. For instance, the growth of lowland populations in the upland plot was seriously affected by winter conditions, and the growth of upland populations in the coastal plot was affected by salt storm spray. The population from a lead mine was able to grow in lead‐contaminated soil, while the population from normal pasture was not. The behaviour of each population could always be related to the environment from which the population originated.

These differences were also found, although on a smaller scale, between populations originating from less contrasting environments.

Populations originating from habitats only a short distance apart showed considerable differences in performance in those cases where the original habitats were markedly different.

Such physiological differentiation was not necessarily accompanied by morphological differentiation. It is likely that this is because the two types of differentiation are in relation to unrelated factors of the environment.

It was concluded that the pattern of physiological differentiation was a graded patchwork similar to the pattern of morphological differentiation previously described.
STRATIGRAPHY AND POLLEN ANALYSIS OF THE RAISED BEACH DEPOSITS AT BALLYHALBERT, GO. DOWN, NORTHERN IRELAND
Authors: MORRISON M. E. S. , STEPHENS N.
Published: May 2006

Summary

The development and stratigraphy of the raised beach shingle ridge at Ballyhalbert, on the east coast of the Strangford Peninsula, are described.

A pollen diagram from the peat layer buried beneath the beach gravels shows that the lowest of the gravels was deposited towards the close of the Boreal period, namely sub‐zone VIc.

The discussion emphasizes that the precise date of the maximum of the marine transgression in Ireland cannot be obtained from present Irish data. However, it is reasonable to accept tentatively that in Ireland, as in England, the maximum arrived during the Atlantic period.
SOME ASPECTS OF THE DEVELOPMENTAL ANATOMY OF THE‘LONG’SHOOT IN LARIX DECIDUA MILL., WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO SEASONAL PERIODICITY*
Authors: FRAMPTON C. V.
Published: May 2006

Summary

A description is given of the structure and behaviour of the terminal bud of the ‘long’ shoot in Larix decidua Mill, throughout the yearly growth cycle. Within the bud two regions of the new growth, the ‘axial’ and the ‘fascicular’, may be recognized. The capacity of a bud to grow into a ‘long’ shoot depends on the presence within it of the ‘axial’ portion, and is thus determined in the season prior to the opening of the bud. Weaker branches of the tree bear smaller terminal buds in which the ‘axial’ portion is reduced or absent.