bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reading Capital for the Socializing Politics of Globalization
Authors: Martin Randy
Published: March 2006

The prospects for politics at a world scale are a casualty in the polarizing discussions that too often characterize reflections on globalization. The three volumes of Marx's Capital are taken as a field in which to mine a conception of the socializing effects of what is often treated as global finance's sweeping reign. This reading is used to understand recent financial developments in an effort to return a redesigned conception of socialism to the political arena.
Authoritarian Governance, Power, and the Politics of Rescaling
Authors: Swyngedouw Erik
Published: March 2006

In this paper I critically assess the alleged process of globalisation of the world economy. Five interrelated themes are addressed. First, I argue that the ‘real’ myth of the globalisation discourse is part of an intensifying ideological, political, socioeconomic, and cultural struggle over the organisation of society and the position of the citizen therein. Second, the ‘mythical’ resurrection of the ‘local’ or ‘regional’ scale—both in theory and in practice—is an integral part of the ‘myth’ of globalisation. Third, the preeminence of the ‘global’ in much of the literature and political rhetoric obfuscates, marginalises, and silences an intense and ongoing sociospatial struggle in which the reconfiguration of spatial scales of governance takes a central position. Fourth, the ‘rhetoric’ of globalisation is paralleled by and facilitates the emergence of more authoritarian or at least autocratic forms of governance. Fifth, the proliferation of new modes and forms of resistance to the restless process of deterritorialisation-reterritorialisation of capital requires greater attention to ‘spatial scale’ in order to assess how the emerging new ‘gestalt of scale’ could be turned into an emancipatory and empowering process.
Detecting quantitative trait loci affecting beef tenderness on bovine chromosome 7 near calpastatin and lysyl oxidase
Authors: Drinkwater R. D. , Li Y. , Lenane I. , Davis G. P. , Shorthose R. , Harrison B. E. , Richardson K. , Ferguson D. , Stevenson R. , Renaud J. , Loxton I. , Hawken R. J. , Thomas M. B. , Newman S. , Hetzel D. J. S. , Barendse W.
Published: March 2006

From a study of 3 large half-sib families of cattle, we describe linkage between DNA polymorphisms on bovine chromosome 7 and meat tenderness. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) for Longissimus lumborum peak force (LLPF) and Semitendonosis adhesion (STADH) were located to this map of DNA markers, which includes the calpastatin (CAST) and lysyl oxidase (LOX) genes. The LLPF QTL has a maximum lodscore of 4.9 and allele substitution of approximately 0.80 of a phenotypic standard deviation, and the peak is located over the CAST gene. The STADH QTL has a maximum lodscore of 3.5 and an allele substitution of approximately 0.37 of a phenotypic standard deviation, and the peak is located over the LOX gene. This suggests 2 separate likelihood peaks on the chromosome. Further analyses of meat tenderness measures in the Longissimus lumborum, LLPF and LL compression (LLC), in which outlier individuals or kill groups are removed, demonstrate large shifts in the location of LLPF QTL, as well as confirming that there are indeed 2 QTL on bovine chromosome 7. We found that both QTL are reflected in both LLPF and LLC measurements, suggesting that both these components of tenderness, myofibrillar and connective tissue, are detected by both measurements in this muscle.
Application of DNA markers in animal industries
Authors: Jeon J.-T. , Lee J.-H. , Kim K.-S. , Park C.-K. , Oh S.-J.
Published: March 2006

The current animal industry is both technology-intensive and globalised. Efficient molecular tools, such as DNA markers, are in demand to strengthen competitive power by maximising the improvement of livestock and obtaining the trust of customers by the verification of product origins. This review describes the present techniques applying DNA markers in the animal industry, with a focus on beef cattle and pigs. Preliminary data from an individual traceability assay for Hanwoo (Korean cattle) using 20 microsatellite markers is described. The potential uses of the assay are demonstrated for several key markers of different traits: for the porcine stress syndrome gene using the RYR mutation; for acid meat using the PRKAG3 mutation; for intramuscular fat using the FABP3 mutation and for fixing the Dominant white allele using KIT duplication. In addition, a possible strategy is suggested to discriminate between pig breeds using mutations of KIT, MC1R, ND2 and the 11-bp insertion in the D-loop of mitochondrial DNA. The industrial application of DNA techniques is limited at present, however, it is expected that DNA markers originating from trait genes, especially those of low-heritability and difficult-to-measure traits, may contribute to maximising the improvement of the major economic traits of animals in the future.
Evaluation of Bonsmara and Belmont Red cattle breeds in South Africa. 1. Productive performance
Authors: Corbet N. J. , Shepherd R. K. , Burrow H. M. , van der Westhuizen J. , Strydom P. E. , Bosman D. J.
Published: March 2006

The productive performance of progeny by Bonsmara and Belmont Red sires was compared in contemporarily reared groups in South Africa. Measurements on 4279 pedigreed progeny of 96 Bonsmara sires and 18 Belmont Red sires were recorded over 15 years in 4 diverse climatic regions of South Africa. Growth traits were measured on growing stock from birth to 18 months at pasture. Weight gain, feed conversion rate, frame size, scrotal circumference and visually assessed ‘functional efficiency’ scores were recorded on male progeny fed high protein rations. Carcass traits were measured on a subset of the male progeny. Age at first calving, and repeated measurements of calving date and calving interval were recorded on breeding females as indicators of reproductive performance. Tick counts were made on males and females across a range of ages during times of heavy field infestation.
There were differences in progeny performance for some traits. Bonsmara sired animals generally scored higher than Belmont Red progeny for functional efficiency. Belmont Red sired calves were lighter at birth (35.9 v. 37.3; P0.05) and cows by Belmont Red sires had a shorter average calving interval (440 v. 455; P<0.05). Sire breed by region interaction was not important. The differences in scored and measured traits generally reflected differences in selection policies adopted by the breed societies. Variation in growth and fertility traits due to sire was greater than variation due to breed and demonstrated the potential for identifying superior individuals. The performance of the sire breeds for the range of traits and environments studied advocated that selected Bonsmara and Belmont Red animals from South African herds would be suitable for inclusion in breeding programs in Australian Belmont Red herds.
Gene expression-based approaches to beef quality research
Authors: Lehnert S. A. , Wang Y. H. , Tan S. H. , Reverter A.
Published: March 2006

Advances in mammalian genomics have permitted the application of gene expression profiling approaches to gene discovery for meat quality traits in cattle. The first custom cDNA microarray based on the transcriptome of bovine muscle and fat tissue was developed and applied to animal experimentation and cell culture experimentation between 1999 and 2005. Complementary DNA microarray tools for beef quality research were developed in parallel with bioinformatics tools that permit the analysis of microarray data obtained from complex experimental designs commonly encountered in large animal research. In addition, tools were designed to link gene expression data with gene function in the bovine, such as in vitro models of bovine adipogenesis and bioinformatics tools to map gene networks from expression data. The application of these genomics tools to the study of beef quality has yielded novel knowledge of genes and molecules involved in the processes of intramuscular adipogenesis and protein turnover. This review summarises the current state of knowledge and important lessons derived from bovine genomics initiatives in Australia and around the world.
Discovery, validation and delivery of DNA markers
Authors: Nicholas F. W.
Published: March 2006

Early attempts at finding markers for quantitative trait loci (QTL) in the 1950s and 1960s involved searching for associations between production traits and polymorphisms at loci encoding blood groups, milk proteins and blood proteins. Overall, this work identified many small and/or non-significant associations, insufficient to warrant their use in marker-assisted selection. It was not until the discovery of microsatellites in the early 1990s that a really useful form of DNA marker became available. By the mid-1990s, linkage maps comprising mainly microsatellites covered most regions of most chromosomes of the cow, and it was then possible to hunt for QTL using a mapping approach first proposed in Drosophilia back in 1961. Fine-mapping of QTL has eventually resulted in the identification of markers in or near particular genes. Some of these markers have been commercialised. In most cases, the actual causative quantitative trait nucleotide (QTN) remains elusive. The recent development of technologies for large-scale detection and genotyping for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and for placing the entire genome on a chip have opened up exciting possibilities for the future: geneticists should begin contemplating how best to use SNP and genome chips, which will surely become a reality. Just as one must estimate genetic and phenotypic correlations for every new quantitative trait that is introduced into a genetic evaluation scheme, so must the correlated effects of new DNA markers be evaluated before their commercial use. Researchers and their funders must resist the temptation to cut corners in getting markers to market.
Breeding strategies for the development of the Australian beef industry: an overview
Authors: Hammond K.
Published: March 2006

Strategic directions for the period 2010 to 2020 and research and development needs are considered for the Australian Beef Industry from the breeding sector’s perspective. These are related to the way major technologies are developed for an industry, the current status and likely trends in market development and appropriation of benefits to the consumer, processor, commercial beef producer and breeding sectors. The primary strategic needs identified are: (i) understand the functional biology for the major production environments (supply chain packages), (ii) accelerate the speed of genetic improvement for production environment breeding goals based on commercial sector profitability and the dissemination of superior genetic material to this sector, and (iii) retain and develop the Beef Cooperative Research Centre concept over the period. Tactics for realising each strategy are considered. Rigorously designed industry-level studies based on a genotype × environment interaction approach, involving all major production environments and breeds, have an important role to play, as do the serial development of measuring equipment and procedures for carcass quality and yield, body maintenance, disease management and maternal performance. Information and communication, molecular genetics and artificial insemination technologies, along with formal progeny testing and an extended BREEDPLAN system, will be increasingly used by the breeding as well as commercial industry sectors to more consistently meet particular market demands. Carefully executed progeny testing is a pragmatic and necessary breeding approach for the period, serving a number of important purposes. The beef industry as a whole will need to take more responsibility for its genetic improvement element by: managing the appropriation of benefits across sectors, developing an increasingly effective system of value-based marketing and, for each sector and production environment, a more appropriate program of capacity building. The industry could now usefully consider the further development of its activity to address these longer-term strategic needs.
The electronic effects of substituents on nJPX (n = 2, 3; X = H, C) coupling constants and phosphorus chemical shifts; syntheses and spectroscopic investigation of some phosphoramidates
Authors: Gholivand Khodayar , Shariatinia Zahra , Tadjarodi Azadeh
Published: March 2006

New phosphoramidates with the general formulae Me2NP(O)Cl(p-NHC6H4-R) (A) and Me2NP(O)(p-NHC6H4-R)2 (B), where R = H, CH3 and NO2, F, Cl, Br, I, were synthesized and characterized by 1H, 13C, 31P NMR and IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The electronic effects of donor, acceptor and neutral groups on nJPX coupling constants (n = 2, 3; X = H, C) and phosphorus chemical shifts are discussed. NMR data show that only the 4-nitroaniline substituent resulted in the disappearance of all coupling (nJPX = 0.0 Hz). Two nearly linear correlations were obtained between para-substituent constants (σp) and phosphorus chemical shifts for the two series A and B.
Discrete organoselenolate anions: Preparation and crystal structures of tetraphenylphosphonium 2-thienylselenolate and 2-furylselenolate
Authors: Paldán Kaisa , Oilunkaniemi Raija , Laitinen Risto S. , Ahlgrén Markku
Published: March 2006

The reactions of LiSeR (R = 2-thienyl, Th or 2-furyl, Fu) with PPh4Br afford isomorphic tetraphenyl (2-thienylselenolate) (1) or (2-furylselenolate) (2) in relatively good yields. In the former reaction, a small amount of (Ph4P)(SeTh) · H2O (1 · H2O) was also obtained. Both (Ph4P)(SeTh) (1) and (Ph4P)(SeFu) (2) are monoclinic, space group P21/n. The unit cell of 1 is a = 10.746(2), b = 13.353(3), c = 16.954(3) Å, β = 108.01(3)° and that of 2 is a = 10.484(2), b = 13.286(3), c = 16.900(3) Å, β = 108.13(3)°. The thienylselenolate and furylselenolate anions in 1 and 2 are located between the Ph4P+ cations and there is no association between the cations and the anions or between the anions. By contrast, in 1 · H2O (a = 8.879(2), b = 14.257(3), c = 19.883(4) Å, β = 91.84(3)°, space group P21/c) the anions are associated as dimeric units by weak hydrogen bonds between the selenium atoms of the selenolate and hydrogen atoms of two water molecules. These dimeric units form layers of skewed stacks between the Ph4P+ cations.
The social bases of development: Hungary and Romania in comparative perspective
Authors: Negoita Marian
Published: March 2006

The present paper studies the relationship between state and development in the post-communist world. My strategy is to extend the applicability of the ‘developmental state’ concept to the post-communist context. Whereas the ‘developmental state’ model emphasizes the relationship between state bureaucrats and business groups, post-communist societies lacked a capitalist class at the beginning of transition. Using a concept developed by Mann (1989), I argue that capitalist development is associated with an increase in the infrastructural power of the state. This necessary condition is accompanied, in a late development context, by what I call ‘deliberative capacity’—the ability of the state managers to navigate between internal and external pressures in pursuing their goals. The comparative analysis of Hungary and Romania shows that, where capitalist classes are missing, a powerful technocratic class spurred by the industrialization process can transform the state if it is able to topple Stalinist bureaucrats from positions of power.
Isolation and genetic diversity of endangered grey nurse shark (Carcharias taurus) populations
Authors: Stow Adam , Zenger Kyall , Briscoe David , Gillings Michael , Peddemors Victor , Otway Nicholas , Harcourt Robert
Published: March 2006

Anthropogenic impacts are believed to be the primary threats to the eastern Australian population of grey nurse sharks (Carcharias taurus), which is listed as critically endangered, and the most threatened population globally. Analyses of 235 polymorphic amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP) loci and 700 base pairs of mitochondrial DNA control region provide the first account of genetic variation and geographical partitioning (east and west coasts of Australia, South Africa) inC. taurus. Assignment tests, analysis of relatedness andFst values all indicate that the Australian populations are isolated from South Africa, with negligible migration between the east and west Australian coasts. There are significant differences in levels of genetic variation among regions. AustralianC. taurus, particularly the eastern population, has significantly less AFLP variation than the other sampling localities. Further, the eastern Australian sharks possess only a single mitochondrial haplotype, also suggesting a small number of founding individuals. Therefore, historical, rather than anthropogenic processes most likely account for their depauperate genetic variation. These findings have implications for the viability of the eastern Australian population of grey nurse sharks.
Objects that make objects: the population dynamics of structural complexity
Authors: Crutchfield James P , Görnerup Olof
Published: March 2006

To analyse the evolutionary emergence of structural complexity in physical processes, we introduce a general, but tractable, model of objects that interact to produce new objects. Since the objects—
ϵ-machines
—have well-defined structural properties, we demonstrate that complexity in the resulting population dynamical system emerges on several distinct organizational scales during evolution—from individuals to nested levels of mutually self-sustaining interaction. The evolution to increased organization is dominated by the spontaneous creation of structural hierarchies and this, in turn, is facilitated by the innovation and maintenance of relatively low-complexity, but general individuals.
Tyrosine-derived polycarbonate membrane in treating mandibular bone defects. An experimental study
Authors: Asikainen Antti J , Noponen Jukka , Lindqvist Christian , Pelto Mika , Kellomäki Minna , Juuti Hanne , Pihlajamäki Harri , Suuronen Riitta
Published: March 2006

This study was designed to evaluate the suitability of a novel bioabsorbable material in treating bone defects. A poly(desaminotyrosyl-tyrosine-ethyl ester carbonate) (PDTE carbonate) membrane (thickness 0.2–0.3 mm) was implanted into the mandibular angle of 20 New Zealand White rabbits to cover a through-and-through defect (12×6 mm). In group 1, the defects were left unfilled but covered with membrane and in group 2 the defects were filled with bioactive glass mesh and covered with membrane, too. Controls were left uncovered and unfilled. The animals were followed for 6, 12, 24 and 52 weeks, respectively. The material was evaluated by qualitative analysis of histological reactions and newly formed bone.

We found that PDTE carbonate elicited a modest foreign body reaction in the tissues, which was uniform throughout the study. New bone formation was seen in all samples after six weeks. Group 1 had more new bone formation until 24 weeks and after this the difference settled. Based on findings of this study it was concluded that PDTE carbonate membranes have good biocompatibility and are sufficient to enhance bone growth without additional supportive matrix.
Stochastic predation events and population persistence in bighorn sheep
Authors: Festa-Bianchet Marco , Coulson Tim , Gaillard Jean-Michel , Hogg John T , Pelletier Fanie
Published: March 2006

Many studies have reported temporal changes in the relative importance of density-dependence and environmental stochasticity in affecting population growth rates, but they typically assume that the predominant factor limiting growth remains constant over long periods of time. Stochastic switches in limiting factors that persist for multiple time-steps have received little attention, but most wild populations may periodically experience such switches. Here, we consider the dynamics of three populations of individually marked bighorn sheep (
Ovis canadensis
) monitored for 24–28 years. Each population experienced one or two distinct cougar (
Puma concolor
) predation events leading to population declines. The onset and duration of predation events were stochastic and consistent with predation by specialist individuals. A realistic Markov chain model confirms that predation by specialist cougars can cause extinction of isolated populations. We suggest that such processes may be common. In such cases, predator–prey equilibria may only occur at large geographical and temporal scales, and are unlikely with increasing habitat fragmentation.
Cytokeratin 15 expression in apocrine mixed tumors of the skin and other benign neoplasms with apocrine differentiation
Authors: MISAGO Noriyuki , NARISAWA Yutaka
Published: March 2006

To clarify the features of apocrine mixed tumors (AMT) of the skin among benign neoplasms with apocrine differentiation in their relationship to follicular stem cells, we investigated the immunohistochemical expression of CK15 (LHK15 and C8/144B), which is a relatively specific marker of hair follicle stem cells in the bulge, in 35 cases of eight different benign neoplasms with presumed apocrine differentiation. All eight cases of AMT of the skin showed CK15 immunostaining of the neoplastic cells, and all four cases of syringocystadenoma papilliferum, all five cases of spiradenoma, and both cases of cylindroma also showed a focally positive reaction to CK15. None of the other benign neoplasms with presumed apocrine differentiation showed CK15 expression. In AMT of the skin, the proportion of CK15‐positive cells in the follicular or sebaceous differentiation group (78.8%, average of four cases) was significantly higher than the group without this differentiation (8.8%, average of four cases). AMT of the skin are unique among benign neoplasms with apocrine differentiation in their substantial and constant CK15 expression, suggesting that they derive from multipotent epithelial stem cells in the bulge. AMT of the skin with follicular or sebaceous differentiation are considered to show an immature stage of apocrine differentiation still rich in stem cells or to originate from stem cells with an incompletely established apocrine fate. The partially positive reaction for CK15 in syringocystadenomas papilliferum and spiradenoma/cylindroma may depend on the ability to express CK15 in stem cells with an apocrine fate or result from the follicular and apocrine nature of this neoplasm.
Effects of alpha‐hydroxy acids on the human skin of Japanese subjects: The rationale for chemical peeling
Authors: YAMAMOTO Yuki , UEDE Koji , YONEI Nozomi , KISHIOKA Akiko , OHTANI Toshio , FURUKAWA Fukumi
Published: March 2006

Alpha‐hydroxy acid (AHA) agents, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, have been used as therapeutic agents for more than a quarter of a century. Recently, they have been used as agents to rejuvenate photo‐aged skin. It is believed that these AHA agents induce the epidermis to remodel and accelerate desquamation, thus exerting their therapeutic effects. In this study, we investigated the histological differences in skin treated with glycolic, lactic, citric and acetic acids once daily for 6 weeks. The melanin pigments in the basal layer were less prominent in the glycolic and lactic acid‐treated skin than in the citric and acetic acid‐treated skin. The melanin deposits in the horny layers were equal for all AHA. However, the melanin deposits in the squamous layers were less prominent in the glycolic and lactic acid‐treated skins than in the citric and acetic acid‐treated skins; this was analogous to observations of the basal layers. Collagen I and procollagen I were increased after treatment with glycolic, lactic and citric acid in the upper dermis, but were not increased with acetic acid treatment. However, the staining of the epidermis and dermis for matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1) after treatment was not significantly different among the agents. Our data suggest that longer treatment intervals with glycolic and lactic acid can cause improvements in both the epidermal and dermal components and support the usefulness of AHA for rejuvenating photo‐damaged skin.
A case of tinea nigra palmaris in Okinawa, Japan
Authors: UEZATO Hiroshi , GUSHI Makiko , HAGIWARA Keisuke , KAYO Susumu , HOSOKAWA Atsushi , NONAKA Shigeo
Published: March 2006

We report a case of tinea nigra on the left palm of a 13‐year‐old girl. She had noticed a pigmented, asymptomatic macule on the left palm approximately 4–5 years prior to her first visit to our hospital. The color of the lesion tended to change before and after a bath; it became lighter after a bath and darkened some time later. Physical examination revealed that the macule was 4 cm × 5 cm in size, dark brown in color and irregularly shaped. Direct potassium hydroxide (KOH) microscopic examination from skin scrapings revealed branched brown hyphae with light brown septa. A fungal culture on Sabouraud's agar media produced wet, medium brown, yeast‐like colonies, the surface of which later became black and shiny. A slide culture disclosed light brown, elliptic or peanut‐shaped conidia comprised of one to two ampullaceous cells. Scanning electron microscopic examination of the conidia showed both annellation conidia with lunate bud scars and sympodial conidiogenesis. Using extracted DNA from separately cultured fungi, we performed polymerase chain reaction with the primers specific to Hortaea werneckii. The results showed positive bands. We performed direct sequencing with the DNA segments from the positive bands. The causative fungus in our case was determined to be type C of H. werneckii on the grounds of the base sequences obtained. The final diagnosis of the present case was made as tinea nigra by H. werneckii. We also report a brief survey of all the cases of tinea nigra reported in Japan to date.
Adult variant of self‐healing papular mucinosis in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis: Predominant proliferation of dermal dendritic cells expressing CD34 or factor XIIIa in association with dermal deposition of mucin
Authors: YOKOYAMA Emi , MUTO Masahiko
Published: March 2006

According to a recent classification, self‐healing papular mucinosis (SHPM) is a subtype of papular mucinosis (also known as lichen myxedematosus), which is in turn a type of idiopathic localized cutaneous mucinosis. SHPM tends to occur in children, but there have been a few reports of an adult type. We report a 70‐year‐old Japanese woman who presented with reddish, rice‐kernel‐sized papules of a few days’ duration on her right arm. She had a 25‐year history of rheumatoid arthritis, which had been well treated with a low dose of corticosteroid as well as some other medications. No paraproteinemia or thyroid dysfunction were observed. The eruptions spontaneously resolved within 2.5 months of onset. Histological findings showed a well‐circumscribed mucinous stroma surrounded by dermal mesenchymal cells, such as fibroblast‐like cells in the middle of the dermis. Immunohistochemically, these cells were positive only for vimentin on the mucinous lesion. On the circumference of the mucinous lesion, these cells expressed either CD34 or factor XIIIa (FXIIIa). Because vimentin was common to dermal mesenchymal cells, we defined the cells expressing CD34 or FXIIIa, except for vimentin+ cells lacking CD34 or FXIIIa, as dermal dendritic cells (DDC). The findings of the present case suggest that CD34+ or FXIIIa+ DDC and tryptase‐positive mast cells on the perilesional area in combination with vimentin+ cells on the mucinous lesion might have given rise to the dermal deposition of mucin in our case. These cells, which are possibly activated in an autoimmune manner associated with rheumatoid arthritis, might play important roles in the development of dermal deposition of mucin in SHPM.
Syringoma‐like eccrine sweat duct proliferation induced by radiation
Authors: YOSHII Noriko , KANEKURA Takuro , CHUREI Hisahiko , KANZAKI Tamotsu
Published: March 2006

We report a 45‐year‐old woman with breast cancer who had undergone surgery and radiation and anti‐estrogen therapy and presented with many reddish papules in the irradiated breast area. Skin biopsy of the affected area disclosed proliferation of eccrine sweat ducts and cystic structures; the clinical and histopathological features were consistent with syringoma‐like eccrine sweat duct proliferation. The lesions spread rapidly on her chest during radiation therapy and regressed spontaneously 3 weeks after its completion. We postulate that the lesions were induced by radiation, and promoted by anti‐estrogen therapy.
A case of bullous dermatitis artefacta possibly induced by a deodorant spray
Authors: IKENAGA Satsuki , NAKANO Hajime , UMEGAKI Noriko , MORITSUGU Ryuta , AIZU Takayuki , KURIBAYASHI Michihito , HANADA Katsumi
Published: March 2006

Dermatitis artefacta is one of a spectrum of factitious diseases etiologically responsible for skin lesions denied by patients. These factors often make it difficult to identify the causative agents of the condition. Herein, we report a case of bullous dermatitis artefacta in a 12‐year‐old girl, for which a deodorant spray was suspected as the probable cause. Pathological examination revealed subepidermal blistering with full‐thickness necrosis of the epidermis, suggesting a thermo‐ or cryo‐induced injury. Psychological testing demonstrated her immaturity and dependence. In searching for the causative agent, we suspected a deodorant spray as a blister‐inducing agent. We succeeded in reproducing a similar blister lesion on the volunteer's healthy skin using the same spray. Psychiatric involvement significantly complicates the treatment of factitious diseases, including dermatitis artefacta. Cooperation among dermatologists, psychiatrists and the patient's family members is required for ensuring a favorable prognosis.
Acquired ichthyosis associated with an overlap syndrome of systemic sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: LEE Hae‐Woong , AHN Soo‐Jin , CHOI Jung‐Chul , CHANG Sung‐Eun , CHOI Jee‐Ho , MOON Kee‐Chan , KOH Jai‐Kyoung
Published: March 2006

Acquired ichthyosis is a condition accompanying many systemic illnesses such as lymphoma, sarcoidosis, dermatomyositis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Overlap syndromes are defined as clinical entities which satisfy each of the diagnostic criteria of two different connective tissue diseases concurrently or consecutively. The coexistence of SLE with systemic sclerosis has been very rarely reported. We describe a 33‐year‐old woman with an overlap syndrome consisting of systemic sclerosis and SLE who developed ichthyosis on her extremities.
Dynamics of the methanogenic archaeal community in anoxic rice soil upon addition of straw
Authors: Conrad R. , Klose M.
Published: March 2006

Addition of rice straw, which is a common practice in rice agriculture, generally results in enhanced production and emission of the greenhouse gas methane (CH4). However, it is unclear whether straw addition affects only the activity or also the composition of the methanogenic microbial community. It is also unclear to what extent methanogenic archaea would be able to proliferate in the soil. Anoxic slurries of Italian rice‐field soil produced CH4 after a lag, during which ferric iron and sulfate were reduced. Addition of rice straw slightly decreased this lag and greatly enhanced the subsequent production of CH4. At the same time, addition of rice straw enhanced the intermediate production of H2 and acetate that served as the methanogenic substrates. Compared with the unamended control, the addition of rice straw resulted in an increased concentration of phospholipid fatty acids in the soil. Quantitative ‘real‐time’ PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene also showed increased copy numbers of both Bacteria and Archaea in the straw‐amended soil at the end of the experiment. The composition of the archaeal community was followed over time by terminal restriction length polymorphism (T‐RFLP) analysis of the archaeal 16S rRNA genes extracted from straw‐amended soil and the control. Rice Cluster‐I (RC‐I) methanogens and Methanosarcinaceae were the most abundant methanogenic populations, followed by Methanobacteriales, Methanomicrobiales and Methanosaetaceae. Addition of rice straw resulted in a relative increase of Methanosarcinaceae and Methanobacteriales and a relative decrease of RC‐I methanogens and Methanomicrobiales. Our results revealed a dynamic methanogenic community in anoxic rice‐field soil and showed that addition of organic matter selectively enhanced the growth of particular methanogenic populations, which were apparently better adapted to the presence of straw than the others. The extent of archaeal growth was consistent with that expected theoretically from the ambient Gibbs free energies of hydrogenotrophic and acetoclastic methanogenesis.
Influence of available substrates on the decomposition in soil of plant materials with genetic modifications to lignin biosynthesis
Authors: Hopkins D. W. , Webster E. A. , Tilston E. L. , Halpin C.
Published: March 2006

The decomposition in soil of plant material from the stems of uniformly grown tobacco plants with genetic modifications to lignin biosynthesis was investigated by measuring CO2 production over 74 days. The effect on decomposition of readily available C, N and combined C plus N (as glucose, NH4NO3 and alanine, respectively) were determined by adding these compounds to the soil before the addition of plant materials. The genetic modifications to tobacco were the introduction of partial or antisense transgenes for cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD), caffeic acid O‐methyl transferase (COMT) and cinnamoyl CoA reductase (CCR), which are all enzymes that catalyse key steps in the monolignol pathway. In line with previous reports, reduced CCR material decomposed significantly faster than the reduced CAD or reduced COMT materials, which decomposed significantly faster than the unmodified material. All the plant materials had large C‐to‐N ratios (58, 72, 61 and 52 for the unmodified, reduced CAD, reduced COMT and reduced CCR materials, respectively), but the relationships between C‐to‐N ratio and decomposition rate were not consistent across all materials. Addition of glucose slowed the decomposition rate of all the materials. This is consistent with the additional C leading to a surplus of C relative to other nutrients at the sites of plant residue decomposition, but the reduction in decomposition rate was directly related to the combined C‐to‐N ratio of the plant material and soil amendment. In the case of reduced CCR material, addition of N as either NH4NO3 or alanine led to an increase in decomposition rate, indicating that a constraint on decay of this material was alleviated by N addition. However, addition of N did not increase the decomposition of the unmodified, reduced CAD and reduced COMT materials, which indicates that their decomposition was constrained by factors other than N. We have shown significant effects of targeted lignin modification on decomposition in laboratory studies over a relatively short period (< 74 days). However, longer‐term and more detailed field‐based investigations are needed before the wider ecological significance of the differences in decomposition can be properly assessed.
Analysis of variance, inference, multiple comparisons and sampling effects in soil research
Authors: Webster R.
Published: March 2006

The analysis of variance is a crucial step in extracting information from efficiently designed experiments and surveys in soil science. It is only the beginning, however. From it, follow the standard errors (SEs) of means, SEs of differences and other effects provided by experiments, which in turn lead to tests of significance. Use the simple least significant difference (LSD) at some acceptable probability for testing comparisons of individual means. Do not use experiment‐wise multiple comparison tests. In experiments with graded treatments do not make multiple comparisons of any kind; instead fit a response curve and analyse the data by regression. Sampling fluctuation within experimental units and surveys contributes short‐range variation to the residual variance of measured soil properties and increases errors. Diminish this contribution either by replicate sampling and measurement within plots or by bulking before measurement. Sample all replicates in the field; sampling in the laboratory (pseudo‐replication) is no substitute. In almost all investigations the mean values for experimental treatments and survey classes are the most important outcomes. So report them with their SEs; readers will then be able to make of them what they will.

L’analyse de variance, inférence, comparaisons multiples et des effets d’échantillonage dans la recherche du sol

L’analyse de variance est une étape cruciale pour extraire des informations pertinentes des expériences et prospections conues en science du sol. Neanmoins, elle ne constitue qu’un commencement. D’elle proviennent les écart‐types des moyennes, les écart‐types des différences et d’autres paramètres issus d’expériences, dont la connaissance conduit aux tests de signification. Pour tester les différences entre couples de moyennes, il faut utiliser la plus petite différence significative simple et éviter les tests de comparaisons multiples entre l’ensemble des moyennes d’une expérience. Dans les expériences qui comprennent des traitements progressifs il ne faut pas faire des comparaisons entre les différents niveaux des traitements, mais ajuster une courbe de réponse puis analyser les données par régression. La fluctuation d’échantillonnage dans les unités expérimentales et les prospections contribue aux variations à courte distance au sein de la variance residuelle des propriétés du sol mesurées et augmente les erreurs. Cette contribution est réduite par un échantillonnage avec répétitions des mesures dans les parcelles ou par création d’échantillons composites avant mesure. Les répétitions doivent être effectuées au champ; l’échantillonnage au laboratoire (pseudo‐replication) n’est pas un substitut. Dans presque toutes les investigations les moyennes des traitements expérimentaux et des classes de sols sont les plus importantes. Il faut donc les estimer avec leurs écarts‐types; les lecteurs pourront ensuite effectuer leurs propres inférences.
The diversity and conservation of plant reproductive and dispersal functional traits in human‐dominated tropical landscapes
Authors: MAYFIELD MARGARET M. , ACKERLY DAVID , DAILY GRETCHEN C.
Published: March 2006

Human‐altered landscapes dominate the planet, yet little is known about their capacity to sustain plant functional diversity. Most conservation‐orientated studies of such landscapes focus on species diversity, whereas less attention is given to functional traits and their conservation.

We examine the functional diversity of herbaceous and shrubby plant communities in three forest habitats (understorey, tree‐fall gaps and riverbanks) and three deforested habitats (pasture, roadside vegetation and pasture riverbanks), each replicated in three human‐dominated landscapes in southern Costa Rica. We focus on six categorical traits related to forest regeneration, reproduction and dispersal: pollination mechanism, dispersal mechanism, growth form, fruit type, fruit size and seed size.

We compared trait state richness and composition of each trait in forested and deforested habitats and how three pollination states (bat, bird and bee pollination) and three dispersal states (fur, bird and monkey dispersal) of conservation interest were distributed across these landscapes.

Only one trait state was missing from forest, and none was missing from deforested habitats. Understorey and pasture were consistently trait state poor. Forested and deforested plots differed in trait state composition for all traits. Pasture riverbanks and road verges were compositionally similar to forest riverbanks and tree‐fall gaps, for multiple traits. There were more compositional similarities between forested and deforested habitat types when abundance of individuals with a trait state was used as the basis for similarity measures than when the number of species with each trait state was used. Bat‐, bird‐ and bee‐pollinated plants and plants with bird‐ and monkey‐dispersed fruits were most common in forest and pasture riverbanks whereas species with fur‐dispersed seeds were more common in all deforested habitats.

Functional diversity patterns were inconsistent across habitat types and locations but overall functional similarity was high between forested and deforested communities. Patterns of functional diversity were far more variable between habitats and landscapes than the consistent patterns found previously for species diversity.
The effects of neighbouring tree islands on pollinator density and diversity, and on pollination of a wet prairie species, Asclepias lanceolata (Apocynaceae)
Authors: ARTZ DEREK R. , WADDINGTON KEITH D.
Published: March 2006

The Everglades (Florida, USA) is a mosaic of different habitats. Tropical and temperate trees grow on patches of high ground (tree islands) surrounded by lower elevation wetland communities (marl prairie).

Tree islands of various sizes provide nesting substrate, larval host plants and floral resources for insect pollinators. Herbaceous plants in the open surrounding wetlands may also depend on these pollinators.

We investigated pollinator diversity and abundances in both tree island and marl prairie habitats using transect sampling methods and estimated pollination success of the milkweed Asclepias lanceolata, an insect‐pollinated marl prairie species, in relation to distance from and size of the closest tree island.

On a total of 11 bayhead tree islands, we found that insect diversity and abundance were greater on the edge of larger tree islands (20–30 m2) than on smaller tree islands (5–10 m2). Pollinator diversity and abundance in the marl prairie decreased with increasing distance from tree islands.

Pairs of potted A. lanceolata plants were placed in the marl prairie at distances up to 1000 m from small and large tree islands. Fruit and seed production were highest for plants placed less than 25 m from tree islands and decreased with increasing distance.

Our results suggest that tree islands are an important source of pollinators for the plants in the tree island and surrounding wetland habitats.

This landscape‐based study illustrates how overall landscape structure affects important biotic interactions, particularly plant–pollinator relationships. Our findings have far‐reaching ecological implications for the reproductive success of plants in small, isolated populations that may depend on insect vectors for pollination.
Metapopulation processes in epiphytes inferred from patterns of regional distribution and local abundance in fragmented forest landscapes
Authors: LÖBEL SWANTJE , SNÄLL TORD , RYDIN HÅKAN
Published: March 2006

Deciduous trees within a coniferous forest landscape provide habitat for many organisms. Single trees in deciduous forests form dynamic patches that emerge, grow and fall, but the stands themselves are also dynamic patches established after disturbances and replaced by conifers during succession. Increased dispersal distance, as imposed by landscape fragmentation, may lead to extinctions and reduced biodiversity among species dependent on this dynamic network.

We analysed regional frequency distributions, local abundances and spatial occupancy patterns of epiphytic bryophytes in 135 deciduous forest stands in a fragmented landscape in Sweden. We used generalized non‐linear models to test whether these patterns could be assigned to metapopulation dynamics of individual epiphytes by investigating the relative importance of stand size, habitat quality, connectivity and landscape history on species occupancies and local abundances.

Most asexually dispersed species were regionally rare, and spatial species occupancy patterns suggest that this is caused by dispersal limitation. In sexually dispersed species, a strong rescue effect was indicated by a bimodal frequency distribution of the species, as well as by increasing local abundance with increasing connectivity to stands present today, or some decades ago. There was a strong positive relationship between regional frequency and local abundance of the species, and between species richness and forest stand size. Vicinity to forest edge negatively affected the local abundance of most species.

Our results clearly indicate a metapopulation structure. Sensitivity of epiphytes to habitat fragmentation is caused by decreasing forest sizes, habitat alteration at forest edges and increasing dispersal distances. Even in assumed good dispersers, increasing distances can significantly alter regional dispersal processes. A lower rescue effect leads to smaller stand population sizes with a larger extinction risk. Rapid reduction of the amount of habitat during the last decades and the expected time‐lag in species extinctions suggest that epiphytes will further decline in the future, although there may still be time for restoration programmes to prevent extinction.
Preventing crown collisions increases the crown cover and leaf area of maturing lodgepole pine
Authors: MENG SHAWN X. , RUDNICKI MARK , LIEFFERS VICTOR J. , REID DOUGLAS E. B. , SILINS ULDIS
Published: March 2006

Crown collisions induced by tree sway are hypothesized to reduce crown closure and leaf area in maturing cold temperate forests. These declines are thought to lead to the decline in productivity when a stand ages.

We tethered groups of lodgepole pine (Pinus contortaDougl. Ex Loud. Var.latifoliaEngelm.) trees in a web pattern at 10 m height, in four 15‐m tall stands in western Alberta, Canada, to determine whether preventing crown collisions would increase crown cover and leaf area.

The stands all had less than 65% crown closure at the beginning of study. Photographs of the canopy were taken in each control and webbed plot in 1998 and at the same point in 2004. Six years after webbing, crown cover had increased by 14.4%, compared to a 2.1% increase for the control plots.

Webbing also resulted in significant increases in mean branch length, leaf area per branch and foliage density of individual branches from top and middle sections of the crown. Polishing of branches, caused by chronic contact with adjacent trees, was three times as common on control trees compared to webbed trees. The mean leaf area per tree was larger for the webbed trees.

Crowns of webbed trees were more symmetrical than those of control trees. Trees from webbed plots, however, had a decline in leaf area density. The branches of control trees were typically curved upward with twigs pointed inward, making the crowns more compact compared to the outwardly expanding crowns of trees from the webbed plots.

The fact that crowns expanded laterally after webbing, despite little change in light regime, provides strong evidence against the hypothesis that loss of crown closure in maturing stands is caused by a lack of light.

The study indicates that the decline in crown closure and leaf area in maturing and tall stands is at least partly related to wind‐induced sway of trees abrading the edges of crowns.