bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tournefortii male sterility system in Brassica napus. Identification, expression and genetic characterization of male fertility restorers
Authors: Pahwa R. S. , Banga S. K. , Gogna K. P. S. , Banga S. S.
Published: October 2004

A germplasm collection of 152 diverse rapeseed accessions from Canada, China, France, India, Poland and South Korea was assayed for identifying new fertility restorers and sterility maintainers for a Tournefortii (tour) cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) system in rape‐seed. Only 16 (10.5%) genotypes showed complete fertility restoration following hybridization with tour CMS line NE 409A. Notable among these were GSL 8851, GSL 8953, Mokpo # 9, Mali, Buk‐wuk‐13, Kuju‐27 and Mokpo # 84. As many as 78 (51.3%) genotypes were perfect maintainers of sterility, the remaining 58 (38.2%) genotypes were classified as partial maintainers. To study the inheritance of fertility restoration, 20 CMS (tour) rapeseed lines were crossed with the four best fertility restorers, namely GSL 8851, GSL 8953, Kuju‐27 and Mokpo # 9, to obtain F2 and test cross populations. Segregation data indicated that fertility restoration for tour CMS was governed by two genes, of which, one is stronger than the other (χ212:3:1). Differences in gene interactions were also observed (χ29:3:4) which could be explained on the basis of influence of female parent genotypes/or modified expression of the restorer gene(s) in different genetic backgrounds. Tests of allelism indicated that the restorer genes present in the four restorers evaluated were allelic.
SCAR marker tagged to the alien leaf rust resistance gene Lr19 uniquely marking the Agropyron elongatum‐derived gene Lr24 in wheat: a revision
Authors: Prabhu K.V. , Gupta S. K. , Charpe A. , Koul S.
Published: October 2004

A sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker tagged to an Agropyron elongatum‐derived leaf rust resistance (Lr) gene Lr19 was validated on 18 known alien Lr gener in near‐isogenic lines (NILs) in the variety ‘Thatcher’, along with three wheat cultivers carrying Lr24 and two carrying Lr19. The marker was expressed only in the Lr24 lines confirming that the marker tagged the geneLr24. The monomorphic expression of the SCAR marker in 10NIL pairs for Lr19 and Lr24 revealed that each NIL pair possessed the same gene, Lr24. The donor parents used in the NIL pairs for Lr19 (‘Sunstar*6/C80‐1′) and Lr24 (‘TR380‐14*7/3Ag#14′) amplified the same fragment. Nonsegregation for leaf rust in the F2 population of the cross between the above donor parents confirmed the presence of the same gene in the two parents. Apparently, a genuine parent stock of ‘Sunstar*6/C80‐1’ was not involved in the development of the NIL pairs for Lr19 due to an improper maintence bredding protocol either at source or destination which went undetected in the absence of signs of virulence for either gene in the region.
Diallel analysis of callus formation ability in linseed anther culture
Authors: Lassaga S. L. , Camadro E. L. , Bonell M. L. , Franzone P.
Published: October 2004

In linseed, the time needed to obtain pure lines can be reduced by using in vitro anther culture. The technique has been improved but there are no reports on the inheritance of the characters (callogenesis and regeneration) involved in the response. To shed some light on this aspect, anthers of four linseed varieties and their F1 were cultivated in vitro. Callogenesis response was analysed according to a full diallel model. Among 7811 anthers, the percentage of callogenesis ranged from 27.40 to 82.04%, with the parental lines being around the average. The differences between specific hybrid combinations were significant and general and specific combining ability were highly significant. As well as dominant effects, additive and non‐additive effects are probable components of the heritability of this character, although additive effects would be more important than non‐additive. Differences between reciprocal crosses would indicate that cytoplasmic factors could also be involved in the determination of the character.
Genetic analysis of petal size through genomic manipulation in Brassica
Authors: Lu C. M. , Zhang B. , Liu L. , Kato M.
Published: October 2004

The effect of genome composition and cytoplasm on petal size was studied in Brassica. Two accessions of Brassica rapa (2n = 20, AA) were reciprocally crossed with three accessions of Brassica oleracea (2n =18, CC) to produce resynthesized B. napus (2n = 38, AACC or CCAA) and sesquidiploids (2n = 29, AAC or CAA). Petal size was measured and compared among diploids (AA and CC), sesquidiploids (AAC and CAA) and amphidiploids(AACC and CCAA). The results showed that petal size is a genome‐dependent and highly heritable character. The heritability of petal length is as high as 96.3%. The addition of each C‐genome to the AA genomic background increased the petal length by 4‐5 mm. Cytoplasm of B. oleracea showed a positive effect on petal length by about 1.3 mm over that of B. rapa. Petal width was positively correlated with petal length at a highly significant level (r= 0.806, df = 81). Resynthesized B. napus (AACC) showed significantly larger flower petals than natural rapeseed cultivars (AACC).
Detection of molecular markers linked to the durable adult plant stripe rust resistance gene Yr18 in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Imtiaz M. , Ahmad M. , Cromey M. G. , Griffin W. B. , Hampton J. G.
Published: October 2004

Stripe rust of wheat caused by Puccinia striiformis West. f. sp. tritici presents a serious problem for wheat production worldwide, and identification and deployment of resistance sources to it are key objectives for many wheat breeders. Here we report the detection of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers linked to the durable adult plant resistance of cv. ‘Otane’, which has conferred this resistance since its release in New Zealand in 1984. A double haploid population from a cross between ‘Otane’ and the susceptible cv. Tiritea’ was visually assessed for adult plant infection types (IT) in the glasshouse and field, and for final disease severity in the field against stripe rust pathotype 106E139A+. At least three resistance loci controlled adult plant resistance to stripe rust in this population. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping results revealed that two of these, one on chromosome 7DS corresponds to the durable adult plant resistance gene Yr18 and other on chromosome 5DL were contributed from ‘Otane’; while the remaining one on chromosome 7BL, was contributed from the susceptible ‘Tiritea’. Interval mapping placed the ‘Otane’‐resistant segment near the centromere of chromosome 7DS at a distance of 7 cM from the SSR marker gwm44. The stability of QTL in the two environments is discussed. SSR gwm44 is potentially a candidate marker for identifying the durable resistance gene Yr18 in breeding programmes.
Relationship between heterosis and genetic distance based on morphological traits and AFLP markers in pepper
Authors: Geleta L. F. , Labuschagne M. T. , Viljoen C. D.
Published: October 2004

Genetic diversity is considered as one of the criteria for the selection of parents for hybrid breeding. The present study was undertaken to evaluate genetic divergence among seven pepper cultivars and to assess the relationship between heterosis and parental genetic distance. Twenty‐one F1 hybrids and seven parents were evaluated for 15 morphological characters in a greenhouse and in the field. The parents were examined for DNA polymorphisms using six amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) primer combinations. Cluster analysis using two genetic distance measures grouped the seven parents differently. Mid‐parent and high‐parent heterosis was observed for most characters. Most hybrids outperformed the parental lines for fruit yield, earliness and plant height. Morphological and AFLP‐based distance measurements were efficient enough to allocate pepper genotypes into heterotic groups. The correlations of morphological distances with mid‐parent heterosis were significant for days to flowering and maturity, suggesting earliness can be predicted from morphological distances of parental lines. However, the correlations of AFLP‐measured genetic distances with mid‐ and high‐parent heterosis were non‐significant for all characters, except for fruit diameter, and proved to be of no predictive value.
Quantitative trait loci for leafhopper (Empoasca fabae and Empoasca kraemeri) resistance and seed weight in the common bean
Authors: Murray J. D. , Michaels T. E. , Cardona C. , Schaafsma A. W. , Pauls K. P.
Published: October 2004

A population of 108 common bean recombinant inbred lines (RILs) (F5:6‐9), derived from a leafhopper (Empoasca fabae and E. kraemeri)‐susceptible cultivar (‘Berna’) and a leafhopper‐resistant line (EMP 419) was used to identify molecular markers genetically linked to leafhopper resistance and seed weight. Bulked segregant analysis and quantitative trait analysis identified eight markers that were associated with resistance to E. fabae, and four markers that were associated with E. kraemeri resistance. Three markers were associated with resistance to both species. A partial linkage map of the bean genome was constructed. Composite interval mapping identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) for resistance to both leaf hopper species on core‐map linkage groups B1, B3 and B7. QTL for seed weight were found close to the locus controlling testa colour and an α‐phaseolin gene.
Monosomic analysis of Helminthosporium leaf blight resistance genes in wheat
Authors: Ragiba M. , Prabhu K. V. , Singh R. B.
Published: October 2004

A set of 21 monosomic (2n ‐ 1) and the disomic (2n) lines of the ‘Chinese Spring’ cultivar were crossed with ‘Chirya‐3′, the CIMMYT synthetic wheat line which has been identified as highly resistant for Helminthosporium leaf blight disease (HLB), in order to locate the genes governing disease resistance. The F1 and segregating populations were challenged and screened against the most virulent pure mono‐conidial HLB isolate KL‐8 (Karnal, India). The F1 progenies of the crosses were found to be susceptible because of the recessive nature of resistance. The F2 progeny of the control cross (‘Chinese Spring’×‘Chirya‐3’), segregated in the ratio of 1: 15 (resistant: susceptible), indicating that resistance to HLB was controlled by a pair of recessive genes. While the F2 progeny of 19 monosomic crosses segregated in the ratio of 1: 15 (resistant: susceptible), the progeny of the remaining two crosses, 7B and 7D, deviated significantly from the ratio, revealing that 7B and 7D were the critical chromosomes for resistance genes that were located one on each chromosome. Moreover, the critical lines, 7B and 7D, confirmed the digenic complementary recessive nature of gene action by fitting well with the overall pooled F2 segregation ratio of 13: 51 (resistant: susceptible) as expected for digenic complementary recessive resistance. The F3 segregation ratios of the critical crosses, based on their pooled F2 analysis, was estimated as 19: 32: 13 (non‐segregating susceptible: segregating as susceptible and resistant: non‐segregating resistant). F3 progenies when tested with these ratios showed goodness‐of‐fit, confirming that the two pairs of recessive resistance genes were located on chromosomes 7B and 7D.
A dominant gdcP‐specific marker derived from Moricandia nitens used for introducing the C3‐C4 character from M. nitens into Brassica crops
Authors: Zhang C. , Xu G. , Huang R. , Chen C. , Meng J.
Published: October 2004

Differential localization of decarboxylation and carboxylation in association with Kranz anatomy distinguish species with C4 or C3‐C4 intermediate photosynthesis from species with C3 photosynthesis. Moricandia nitens has a C3‐C4 intermediate photosynthetic mechanism and yet is closely related to C3Brassica species. In order to introduce the C3‐C4 character from M. nitens into Brassica crops, sesquitetraploids (MACC) were synthesized by crossing Brassica napus (AACC) and a somatic hybrid (M. nitens+B. oleracea, MMCC). Homologous fragments (2966 and 3254 bp) of P‐protein gene of glycine decarboxylase (gdcP) were isolated from M. nitens and B. napus, respectively, to develop a PCR‐based marker for assisted selection. Reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) of the partial encoding regions of both gdcPs indicated that the mRNAs were expressed in the expanded leaf. The characterization of high divergence, but with large conserved island in the regulatory region of the two C3 species, implies that they may play an important role in maintaining the C3 photosynthetic pathway. Thereafter, a dominant gene‐specific marker was developed within the highly divergent region for subsequent introduction of C3‐C4 photosynthesis from Moricandia nitens into Brassica crops.
Immunohistochemical study of apparently intact coronary artery in a child after Kawasaki disease
Authors: Suzuki Atsuko , Miyagawa‐Tomita Sachiko , Komatsu Keiko , Nakazawa Makoto , Fukaya Takashi , Baba Kunizou , Yutani Chikao
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Background
: Coronary arterial lesions (CAL) due to Kawasaki disease (KD) often show progressive intimal hyperplasia even many years after the disease. However, most patients have no CAL after the acute phase, and it is an important issue whether or not coronary arteries without CAL have significant intimal hyperplasia, and whether or not there is the potential for this to progress to stenosis and/or atherosclerosis.

Methods
: The authors examined formalin‐fixed specimens of the coronary arteries immunohistochemically, using antibodies against vascular growth factors (GFs), the receptors of transforming growth factor‐β (TβRs) and inducible nitric oxid synthesis (iNOS) in a KD patient without CAL, and also in four control patients: two with CAL due to KD and two without a history of KD.

Results
: Vascular endothelial GFs, Platelet‐derived growth factor‐A (PDGF‐A) and TβRs were expressed in the vascular smooth muscle cells of all patients. PDGF‐A, transforming Gfβ1 and iNOS were expressed in the intimal smooth muscle cells of the KD but not the normal coronary artery without a history of KD. The number of TβR‐II‐positive cells were fewer than TβR‐I‐positive cells in the intima of CAL due to KD, but the number was of both almost same in the intima of coronary artery without CAL after KD and in the normal coronary.

Conclusion
: The intact coronary artery 13 months after KD still showed the influence of the inflammation of KD. Although the authors speculate that the intimal proliferation will not continue beyond the acute phase, those patients may have a risk factor for atherosclerosis.
Body mass index of children from the United Kingdom diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorders
Authors: Whiteley Paul , Dodou Kalliopi , Todd Lynda , Shattock Paul
Published: October 2004

Abstract

Background
: The aim of the present study was to ascertain the Body Mass Index (BMI) (kg m–2) derived from parental reports of height (metres) and weight (kilograms) of a pilot sample of boys born and resident in the UK diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorders (PDD).

Method
: Analysis of parental reporting of height and weight measurements in boys (n = 50) diagnosed with PDD and comparison with age and sex‐matched reference populations.

Results
: The majority of patients were above the 50th percentile for height (70%), weight (74%) and BMI (80%) with 21% exceeding cut‐off points for overweight and 10% for clinical obesity. There were no significant differences (P < 0.05) found between PDD subgroups for any of the measures.

Conclusion
: Further studies are required to validate findings of skewed height, weight and BMI data in PDD.
Height‐specific body mass index reference curves for Japanese children and adolescents 5−17 years of age
Authors: Tokumura Mitsuaki , Nanri Seiichiro , Kimura Keiko , Tanaka Tetsuya , Fujita Hisayo
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Background
: Body mass index (BMI) reference values in consideration of height variation have not previously been reported. This study established height‐specific BMI reference curves for Japanese children and adolescents aged from 5 to 17 years.

Methods
: The 2001 nationwide survey data were utilized for the study. First, the range of variation in BMI corresponding to height (mean ± 2SD) at each age was compared with the range of variation in BMI corresponding to age (from minimum to maximum) at every cm height. Second, various age groups were combined, and percentile values of BMI (3rd, 5th, 15th, 50th, 85th, 95th, and 97th) were calculated for every cm height, regardless of age, and height‐specific BMI reference values (males 100−179 cm, females 100−169 cm) were prepared.

Results
: Variation in BMI due to variation in height at each age was significantly (P < 0.05) greater than variation in BMI due to age at every cm height [males, 12.7 ± 0.4 vs 9.2 ± 0.4; females, 11.7 ± 0.8 vs 8.8 ± 0.3 (mean ± SE)].

Conclusion
: Although the use of standard values established in consideration of age and height is desirable for BMI‐based guidelines for determining childhood overweight and obesity, to simplify the procedure for practical use, it is necessary to establish standard values by height, not by age. Height‐specific BMI reference curves are useful for BMI‐based evaluation of childhood overweight and obesity in the school health service and follow‐up of obese children until adulthood.
Sulthiame in childhood epilepsy
Authors: Ben‐Zeev Bruria , Watemberg Nathan , Lerman Pinchas , Barash Itshak , Brand Nathan , Lerman‐Sagie Tally
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Background
: Sulthiame is a central carbonic anhydrase inhibitor found to be effective for both partial and generalized seizures. It has been in use in some European countries and in Israel for over 30 years. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of sulthiame in childhood epilepsy by conducting a multicenter, retrospective study of patients who received this drug.

Methods
: The charts of 125 consecutive epilepsy patients treated with sulthiame as monotherapy or add‐on therapy were reviewed.

Results
: Twenty‐nine out of 39 patients with benign focal epilepsy of childhood became seizure‐free. Total seizure control was also achieved in 17 of 42 patients with symptomatic, non‐refractory localization‐related epilepsy, and in all 10 cases with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. Complete normalization of the EEG occurred in 13 of 20 patients with benign partial epilepy of childhood. Side‐effects were minimal and caused discontinuation of treatment in only seven children.

Conclusion
: The high tolerability, efficacy, convenience of use and low cost suggest that sulthiame should become a first line drug in the benign partial epilepsies of childhood and juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. It also has a role as add‐on treatment in other partial and myoclonic epilepsies.
Spontaneous pneumothorax in children in the South‐east of Turkey
Authors: Eren Sevval , Gurkan Fuat , Balci Akin E. , Ulku Refik , Onat Serdar , Eren M. Nesimi
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Background
: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the etiological factors, symptomatology, management and outcome of spontaneous pneumothorax in children aged <15 years.

Methods
: The authors’ reviewed the records of 44 children with spontaneous pneumothorax between January 1990 and February 2002.

Results
: The median age was 4.6 years (range 2 months–14 years), and 51% were male. Breathlessness and coughing were the most common symptoms. All pneumothoraces were initially managed by closed tube drainage. Thirty‐seven (84%) of the children responded well and were cured of pneumothorax with closed tube thoracostomy alone. Seven children (16%) underwent thoracotomy. The median hospital stay was 12.9 days. There were two deaths from respiratory failure. Six‐ to 96‐month follow‐up information was available for 32 patients, and only one recurrence was found.

Conclusions
: Lung infections were the most frequently observed underlying pathology in the patients studied. Closed tube thoracostomy alone was sufficient for the majority of patients.
Glomerular dysfunction, independent of tubular dysfunction, induced by antineoplastic chemotherapy in children
Authors: Ikarashi Yukie , Kakihara Toshio , Imai Chihaya , Tanaka Atsushi , Watanabe Akihiro , Uchiyama Makoto
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Background
: For the purpose of studying renal side‐effects induced by antineoplastic agents, the authors examined glomerular injury as well as tubular injury of patients with chemotherapy.

Methods
: Thirteen patients underwent a combined total of 64 courses of chemotherapy. Urinary albumin, β2‐microglobulin (β2‐MG), N‐acetyl‐β‐glucosaminidase (NAG) and urinary protein were measured before and serially after chemotherapy.

Results
: The values of albumin/creatinine (albumin/cre) ratio and β2‐MG/creatinine (β2‐MG/cre) ratio after chemotherapy were higher than those before chemotherapy (P < 0.01). NAG/creatinine (NAG/cre) ratio and creatinine clearance (Ccr) were not different. These were also examined before the next course of chemotherapy and were compared with those of control children. Albumin/cre ratio was significantly different (P < 0.01). β2‐MG/cre ratio and NAG/cre were not different. Furthermore, in patients with normal β2‐MG/cre, the albumin/cre ratio was significantly higher than in control children.

Conclusions
: These results indicate that antineoplastic agents can not only induce tubular dysfunction but also glomerular dysfunction, which is persistent and independent of tubular dysfunction.
Screening for G71R mutation of the UGT1A1 gene in the Javanese‐Indonesian and Malay‐Malaysian populations
Authors: Sutomo Retno , Talib Norlelawati A. , Yusoff Narazah M. , Van Rostenberghe Hans , Sadewa Ahmad H. , Sunarti  , Sofro Abdul S.M. , Yokoyama Naoki , Lee Myeong J. , Matsuo Masafumi , Nishio Hisahide
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Background
: There are significant differences in the prevalence and severity of neonatal jaundice among various populations. Recently, it has been reported that a mutation of the UGT1A1 gene, glycine to arginine at codon 71 (G71R), is related to the development of neonatal jaundice in East Asian populations. However, whether the G71R mutation contributes to the high incidence of neonatal jaundice in different Asian populations remains unknown. The authors screened for this mutation in the Javanese‐Indonesian and Malay‐Malaysian populations.

Methods
: One hundred and thirty‐six subjects were enrolled in this study: 68 Javanese‐Indonesian adults and 68 Malay‐Malaysian newborns (32 with jaundice and 36 without jaundice). Denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) was used to screen for the G71R mutation, and the results were confirmed by nucleotide sequencing analysis.

Results
: With DHPLC, the authors easily and clearly detected seven subjects carrying the G71R mutation: two Javanese‐Indonesian adults and five Malay‐Malaysian newborns. In the 68 Javanese‐Indonesian adults, the genotype distribution for G71R mutation was 66 G/G, two G/R and no R/R genotypes, and the mutated allele frequency was 0.015. In the 68 Malay‐Malaysian newborns, genotype distribution for the mutation was 63 G/G, five G/R and no R/R genotypes, and the mutated allele frequency was 0.037. The genotype distributions did not differ significantly between the newborns with jaundice and those without jaundice.

Conclusion
: The G71R mutation is present, but very rare, in Javanese‐Indonesians and Malay‐Malaysians. Thus, G71R mutation may not contribute to the high incidence of the neonatal jaundice in South‐east Asian populations. DHPLC analysis is a very useful method for detecting the G71R mutation.
Real R&D options1
Authors: Newton David P. , Paxson Dean A. , Widdicks Martin
Published: October 2004

Real options have been growing in popularity in recent years, and this has been accompanied by improvements in their modelling and valuation. Real options enable companies or managers to value projects more accurately by incorporating managerial flexibilities into the valuation model. This is in contrast to traditional discounted cash flow valuation, where projects are assumed to proceed as planned, regardless of future events. One area where real option techniques have been used extensively is in R&D. This paper gives a review of the research on real R&D options, starting with the fundamentals, then detailing more innovative and up‐to‐date models as well as discussing the difficulties of applying these models, particularly with reference to parameter estimation. It also attempts to provide a ‘best practice’ for practitioners wishing to value R&D projects using real options.
Maturation of fetal responses to music
Authors: Kisilevsky B.S. , Hains S.M.J. , Jacquet A.‐Y. , Granier‐Deferre C. , Lecanuet J.P.
Published: October 2004

Maturation of fetal response to music was characterized over the last trimester of pregnancy using a 5‐minute piano recording of Brahms’ Lullaby, played at an average of 95, 100, 105 or 110 dB (A). Within 30 seconds of the onset of the music, the youngest fetuses (28–32 weeks GA) showed a heart rate increase limited to the two highest dB levels; over gestation, the threshold level decreased and a response shift from acceleration to deceleration was observed for the lower dB levels, indicating attention to the stimulus. Over 5 minutes of music, fetuses older than 33 weeks GA showed a sustained increase in heart rate; body movement changes occurred at 35 weeks GA. These findings suggest a change in processing of complex sounds at around 33 weeks GA, with responding limited to the acoustic properties of the signal in younger fetuses but attention playing a role in older fetuses.
Father absence, menarche and interest in infants among adolescent girls
Authors: Maestripieri Dario , Roney James R. , DeBias Nicole , Durante Kristina M. , Spaepen Geertrui M.
Published: October 2004

In this study we examined the relationship between menarche and interest in infants among adolescent girls, and the effects of early environment, particularly of father absence from home, on both variables. Eighty‐three girls ranging in age from between 11 and 14 years served as study participants. Interest in infants was assessed through their preferences for photos and silhouettes of animal and human faces of infants versus adults. Information on menarche and the early family environment was obtained with questionnaires and interviews. Variation in menarcheal status or timing of menarche was associated with some differences in interest in infants. There was little or no evidence, however, that suggested a direct causal relationship between these variables. Instead, both menarche and interest in infants were independently associated with early father absence from home such that father‐absent girls exhibited earlier menarche and greater attraction to infant visual stimuli than father‐present girls. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that father absence is associated with a developmental trajectory characterized by earlier readiness for reproduction and parenting.
Learning during the newborn's first meal: special resistance to retroactive interference
Authors: Cheslock Sarah J. Ferdinand , Sanders Sarah K. , Spear Norman E.
Published: October 2004

At their first postnatal meal, 3‐hour‐old rats learned an association between an odor and a sweet or bitter taste. Retention after a long interval or after associative interference was compared to that of 1‐day‐old rats. Despite equivalent and negligible effect of the long retention interval, contrary to infantile amnesia, newborns differed strikingly from 1‐day‐olds in susceptibility to associative interference. When lemon odor predicted saccharin in the first episode but quinine in the second, 1‐day‐olds had strong retroactive interference, but the newborn's first memory was unaffected by the second. The results were identical when the first memory was a lemon‐quinine association and the second a lemon‐saccharin association. It is uncertain whether this special robustness of memories associated with the first postnatal meal is best understood in terms of cognitive primacy or neurochemical and physiological consequences of the birth process.
Evaluating Boards of Directors: what constitutes a good corporate board?
Authors: Van den Berghe L. A. A. , Levrau Abigail
Published: October 2004

This paper is an attempt to identify what constitutes a good board of directors, and this is based on a comparison between academic literature, corporate governance rating systems and our field research into board practices. We observed that “traditional” academic research focused on a limited number of quantifiable board characteristics, while practitioners attach greater importance to “soft” elements, which are nearly absent in the literature and in the governance ratings. These findings highlight the need for a better understanding of all elements that determine board effectiveness. Furthermore, our results identify three areas of improvement for boards of directors.
Compare and Contrast: perspectives on board committees
Authors: Spira Laura F. , Bender Ruth
Published: October 2004

The establishment of board sub‐committees has been strongly recommended as a suitable mechanism for improving corporate governance, by delegating specific tasks from the main board to a smaller group and harnessing the contribution of non‐executive directors. In the UK, the Cadbury committee proposals focused on audit committees and the Greenbury study group advocated remuneration committees. Over the last decade, most large public com‐panies have set up such committees, but their impact on governance standards has not been widely explored. This paper identifies significant differences in the orientation and operation of these committees. It also draws on interview data collected from participants in audit and remuneration committees to argue that these differences may lead to unacknowledged pressures on non‐executive directors who form the membership of both committees. Given the current focus on the role of non‐executive directors, the impact of such pressure is of particu‐lar importance.
Why Do Companies Use Performance‐Related Pay for Their Executive Directors?
Authors: Bender Ruth
Published: October 2004

This paper sets out the results of interview‐based research to determine why companies use performance‐related pay. The findings indicate that many companies adopt this structure despite a belief that the money does not motivate executives. Reasons related in part to best practice in human resource management: pay structures were designed to attract and retain executives with the potential of large earnings; to focus their efforts in the direction agreed by the board; and to demonstrate fairness. Importantly, the variable pay was seen as a symbol of the director's success, both internally and to his or her peers in other companies. Finally, and significantly, an institutional theory explanation was given: companies used performance‐related pay because their peers did, and because that legitimised them in the eyes of the establishment.
Corporate Governance, Institutional Investors and Conflicts of Interest
Authors: Ingley C. B. , Van Der Walt N. T.
Published: October 2004

The paper outlines the problems of conflicts of interest for fiduciary shareholders with respect to the stock of publicly owned companies in their portfolios and considers various approaches proposed to address these problems. The questions of whether fiduciary problems are the result of a vacuum of ownership and an imbalance of power, and the extent to which regulatory reform and shareholder activism can resolve these problems, are examined. From this analysis a framework is developed that describes the sources, outcomes and factors contributing to the effectiveness of conflict management in the context of the current investment environment. A series of recommendations for mediating conflicts of interest by changing board architectures are presented. These recommendations apply principles of participative corporate democracy to the overall governance system.
Can the UK Experience Provide Lessons for the Evolution of SRI in Japan?
Authors: Solomon Aris , Solomon Jill , Suto Megumi
Published: October 2004

In this paper we review the growth of socially responsible investment (SRI) in the UK and in Japan. We consider the various factors which have given rise to the growth of SRI in both countries. As SRI is currently more mature in the UK than in Japan, we consider ways in which the UK experience may provide some lessons for the growth of SRI in Japan. Significantly, we consider that the use of corporate governance mechanisms such as engagement and dialogue by large shareholders, to solve social, ethical and environmental (SEE) problems in companies, is a realistic route for the development of SRI in Japan. However, these mechanisms need to be designed so that they may operate more efficiently. Pension funds and other investment institutions need to appreciate the value of engagement over screening as an SRI stra‐tegy. Further, the disclosure of SRI strategies by pension funds in Japan may contribute to enhancing consciousness about the responsibility of shareholders for the SEE outcomes of corporate activities that they invest in indirectly. We acknowledge, however, that this suggestion may be difficult to implement in the near future.
Fluid evolution along multistage composite fault systems at the southern margin of the Lower Palaeozoic Anglo‐Brabant fold belt, Belgium
Authors: Dewaele S. , Muchez Ph. , Banks D. A.
Published: October 2004

Mineralised vein systems have been investigated at nine localities at the southern margin of the Anglo‐Brabant fold belt in Belgium. During the late Silurian to early Middle Devonian Caledonian orogeny, shear zones formed, inferred to be associated with granitoid basement blocks in the subsurface. The circulation of a metamorphic fluid, possibly originating in the Cambrian core of the fold belt, along these shear zones resulted in the formation of mesozonal orogenic mineralisation at the southern margin of the Anglo‐Brabant fold belt. The fluid had a composition dominated by H2O–CO2–X–NaCl–KCl. The shear zones form part of a greater fault zone, the Nieuwpoort–Asquempont fault zone, which is characterised by normal faulting that started before the Givetian and by the reactivation of the shear zones. Two fluid generations are associated with this normal faulting. First, a low salinity H2O–NaCl(–KCl) fluid migrated through the Palaeozoic rocks after the Silurian. Based on the isotopic composition, this fluid could be a late‐metamorphic Caledonian fluid or a younger fluid that originated from the Rhenohercynian basin and interacted with Lower Devonian rocks along its migration path. Second, a high salinity H2O–NaCl–CaCl2 fluid was identified in the fault systems. Similar fluids have been found in southern and eastern Belgium, where they produced Mississippi Valley‐type Zn–Pb deposits. These fluids are interpreted as evaporative brines that infiltrated the Lower Palaeozoic basement, from where they were expelled during extensional tectonism in the Mesozoic.
Ki‐67, Bcl‐2 and p53 expression in endometrial polyps and in the normal endometrium during the menstrual cycle
Authors: Maia Hugo , Maltez Amélia , Studart Eduardo , Athayde Célia , Coutinho Elsimar M.
Published: October 2004

Objective  To determine the presence of proteins related to proliferation (Ki‐67) and apoptosis (Bcl‐2, p53) in endometrial polyps and normal endometrium during the menstrual cycle.

Design  Retrospective study using paraffin embedded tissue.

Setting  Hospital affiliated to the university.

Population  Premenopausal patients with endometrial polyps.

Methods  Seventy‐eight premenopausal patients in different phases of the menstrual cycle were submitted to polypectomy using the Bettocchi hysteroscope. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of these proteins in endometrial polyps. One hundred and eighteen normal endometrial biopsies were used as controls.

Main outcome measures  Detection of Bcl‐2 and Ki‐67 expression by immunohistochemistry.

Results  In endometrial polyps, Ki‐67, p53 and Bcl‐2 expression was detected with more frequency during the proliferative than during the luteal phase of the cycle. Similar findings were observed in the normal endometrium.

Conclusion  Endometrial polyps undergo cyclic changes in the expression of their proteins related to proliferation and apoptosis during the menstrual cycle, similar to those of the cycling endometrium.
The conservative management of interstitial pregnancy
Authors: Jermy Karen , Thomas James , Doo Alex , Bourne Tom
Published: October 2004

Objectives  To evaluate the effectiveness of systemic methotrexate in the treatment of interstitial pregnancy.

Design  Prospective observational study.

Setting  An Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit in a London Teaching Hospital.

Sample  Twenty consecutive women diagnosed with an interstitial pregnancy.

Methods  Women were diagnosed with an interstitial pregnancy based on transvaginal ultrasound findings. Single dose, intramuscular methotrexate was administered on day 0. A second dose of methotrexate was given if the β‐hCG levels had not fallen by 15% between days four and seven. Weekly follow up continued until the serum β‐hCG < 5 IU.

Main outcome measure  The resolution of serum β‐hCG levels without the need for surgical intervention.

Results  Two hundred and ninety‐three ectopic gestations were diagnosed over a 42‐month period. Twenty of these were interstitial in nature, with a median initial serum β‐hCG of 6452 IU. Of the 20 interstitial pregnancies, 17 cases received systemic methotrexate. Sixteen were treated successfully (94%), including all of the four cases with fetal heart activity present. A second methotrexate dose was given to six patients. Two cases were managed expectantly. Two cases underwent laparotomy and cornual resection: one elected for surgical management at the outset and one as a result of suspected ectopic rupture after two doses of methotrexate. There were no other complications.

Conclusions  Systemic methotrexate is a safe and highly effective treatment for interstitial pregnancy. Surgery can be avoided in the majority of women with this condition. Early recognition of the cornual pregnancy with transvaginal ultrasound is essential.
Functional importance of the C‐terminus of the human norepinephrine transporter
Authors: Distelmaier Felix , Wiedemann Philipp , Brüss Michael , Bönisch Heinz
Published: October 2004

Three C‐terminal variants of the human norepinephrine transporter (hNET) are known: the wild‐type hNET in which exon 14 encodes the last seven amino acids and two variants with either three or 18 amino acids encoded by an alternatively spliced exon 15. In transfected HEK293 cells we compared by means of [3H]norepinephrine ([3H]NE) uptake and [3H]nisoxetine ([3H]NIS) binding the functional properties of the wild‐type hNET with those of the more abundant long splice variant containing exon 15 (hNET‐Ex15L) and of two artificial hNET mutants lacking either the last three (hNET‐Ex14–4) or all seven (hNET‐Ex14–0) C‐terminal amino acids of exon 14. No differences among the NET isoforms were observed concerning the Km for uptake of NE and the KD for binding of NIS. However, compared with the wild‐type hNET, the three isoforms (hNET‐Ex15L, hNET‐Ex14–4 and hNET‐Ex14–0) showed a pronounced decrease in Vmax of [3H]NE uptake and Bmax of [3H]NIS binding which correlated with strongly reduced surface expression of the transporter isoforms. The decrease in surface expression of the hNET isoforms is probably a consequence of the lack of the three amino acids leucine, alanine and isoleucine at the C‐terminal end which may represent a motif facilitating cell surface expression of the hNET. Expression of hNET‐Ex15L exerted a dominant negative effect on plasma membrane expression of the wild‐type hNET and thus may represent a novel mechanism for regulation of noradrenergic neurotransmission.
A modified β‐amyloid hypothesis: intraneuronal accumulation of the β‐amyloid peptide – the first step of a fatal cascade
Authors: Wirths Oliver , Multhaup Gerd , Bayer Thomas A.
Published: October 2004

Accumulating evidence points to an important role of intraneuronal Aβ as a trigger of the pathological cascade of events leading to neurodegeneration and eventually to Alzheimer's disease (AD) with its typical clinical symptoms, like memory impairment and change in personality. In the present article, we review recent findings on intracellular monomeric and oligomeric β‐amyloid (Aβ) generation and its pathological function in cell culture, transgenic AD mouse models and post mortem brain tissue of AD and Down syndrome patients, as well as its interaction with oxidative stress and its relevance in apoptotic cell death. Based on these results, a modified Aβ hypothesis is formulated, that integrates biochemical, neuropathological and genetic observations with AD‐typical neuron loss and plaque formation.
P311 accelerates nerve regeneration of the axotomized facial nerve
Authors: Fujitani Masashi , Yamagishi Satoru , Che Yong Ho , Hata Katsuhiko , Kubo Tateki , Ino Hidetoshi , Tohyama Masaya , Yamashita Toshihide
Published: October 2004

In axotomized adult neurons, a process of axonal regrowth and re‐establishment of the neuronal function has to be activated. Developmentally regulated factors may be reactivated during neuronal regeneration. Here we identify a gene, previously designated P311, that is up‐regulated in the axotomized facial motoneurons. Ectopically expressed P311 localizes in the cytoplasm and the nucleus. Over‐expression of P311 induces p21WAF1/Cip1 expression, leading PC12 cells to differentiate and to have neuron‐like morphologies. Adenovirus‐mediated P311 gene transfer promotes neurite outgrowth of postnatal dorsal root ganglion neurons and embryonic hippocampal neurons in vitro. This effect is abolished by the activation of Rho kinase. P311 also facilitates nerve regeneration following facial nerve injury in vivo. Our data provide evidence that genes involved in the differentiation process contribute to the regeneration of injured mature neurons, and may provide a practical molecular target.
Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in Alzheimer's disease: old and new mechanisms of action
Authors: Gasparini Laura , Ongini Ennio , Wenk Gary
Published: October 2004

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by cerebral deposits of β‐amyloid (Aβ) peptides and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) which are surrounded by inflammatory cells. Epidemiological studies have shown that prolonged use of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduces the risk of developing AD and delays the onset of the disease. It has been postulated that some NSAIDs target pathological hallmarks of AD by interacting with several pathways, including the inhibition of cyclooxygenases (COX) and activation of the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ. A variety of experimental studies indicate that a subset of NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, flurbiprofen, indomethacin and sulindac also possess Aβ‐lowering properties in both AD transgenic mice and cell cultures of peripheral, glial and neuronal origin. While COX inhibition occurs at low concentrations in vitro (nM‐low μm range), the Aβ‐lowering activity is observed at high concentrations (≤ 50 μm). Nonetheless, studies with flurbiprofen or ibuprofen in AD transgenic mice show that the effects on Aβ levels or deposition are attained at plasma levels similar to those achieved in humans at therapeutic dosage. Still, it remains to be assessed whether adequate concentrations are reached in the brain. This is a crucial aspect that will allow defining the dose‐window and the length of treatment in future clinical trials. Here, we will discuss how the combination of anti‐amyloidogenic and anti‐inflammatory activities of certain NSAIDs may produce a profile potentially relevant to their clinical use as disease‐modifying agents for the treatment of AD.
Choline is transported by vesicular acetylcholine transporter
Authors: Bravo Dawn T. , Kolmakova Natalia G. , Parsons Stanley M.
Published: October 2004

Previously published results appeared to show that vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) does not transport choline (Ch). Because it is uniquely suited to detect transport of weakly bound substrates, a recently developed assay that detects transmembrane reorientation of the substrate binding site was used to re‐examine transport selectivity. Rat VAChT was expressed in PC12A1237 cells, postnuclear supernatant‐containing microvesicles was prepared, and the reorientation assay was conducted with unlabeled Ch and tetramethylammonium (TMA). Also, [14C]Ch and [3H]acetylcholine (ACh) were used in an optimized accumulation assay. The results demonstrate that Ch is transported at least as well as ACh is, but with sevenfold lower affinity. Even TMA is transported, but with 26‐fold lower affinity. Ch transport by VAChT is of interest in view of the possibilities that Ch (i) occurs at higher concentration than ACh does in terminal cytoplasm under some conditions, and (ii) is an agonist for α7 nicotinic receptors.
Detecting bioactive amyloid β peptide species in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Liu Yuanbin , Dargusch Richard , Banh Cindy , Miller Carol A. , Schubert David
Published: October 2004

Amyloid β peptide (Aβ) is believed to play a central role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the form of Aβ that induces neurodegeneration in AD, defined here as bioactive Aβ, is not clear. Preventing the formation of bioactive Aβ or inactivating previously formed bioactive Aβ should be a promising approach to treat AD. We have previously developed a cell‐based assay for the detection of bioactive Aβ species. The assay is based upon the correlation between the ability of an Aβ sample to induce a unique form of cellular MTT [3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide] formazan exocytosis, and its ability to activate glia and induce neurotoxicity. Here, we show that this cell‐based assay is not only useful for a cellular model of Aβ amyloidogenesis but is also able to detect bioactive Aβ species in a transgenic mouse model of AD, as well as in post‐mortem cortex samples from AD patients. There is a good correlation between the extent of glia activation and the level of bioactive Aβ species in the mouse brain. A promising deuteroporphyrin that can inactivate bioactive Aβ species was also identified using this assay. These novel insights and findings should have important implications for the treatment of AD.
Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II is reversibly autophosphorylated, inactivated and made sedimentable by acute neuronal excitation in rats in vivo
Authors: Yamagata Yoko , Obata Kunihiko
Published: October 2004

Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is highly enriched in the central nervous system, and is proposed to play important roles in activity‐dependent modifications of neuronal functions. We reported previously on the dynamic regulation of the autonomous CaMKII in homogenates from hippocampus and parietal cortex by acute neuronal excitation induced by electroconvulsive treatment (ECT) in rats in vivo. In the present study, we examined in more detail the biochemical changes in CaMKII under such conditions. We unexpectedly found a concurrent increase in autophosphorylation at Thr286(α)/287(β) and decrease in the specific activity of CaMKII in the particulate fraction in either hippocampus or parietal cortex during ECT‐induced acute, brief seizure activity. On the other hand, the soluble CaMKII showed a marked decrease in autophosphorylation with unchanged or rather increased specific activity. Increased autophosphorylation and decreased CaMKII activity were associated with the detergent‐insoluble particulate fraction. All these changes disappeared soon after the termination of seizure activity. The reversible formation of such an autophosphorylated, inactivated and sedimentable form of CaMKII during acute neuronal excitation may indicate the existence of a novel regulatory mechanism of CaMKII that may be important for normal functioning of the brain.