bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oviposition and hatching of the clover weevil Sitona lepidus Gyll. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: MOWAT D. J. , CLAWSON S.
Published: April 2006

The phenology and some aspects of the biology of the clover weevil Sitona lepidus Gyll. were studied in the field and the laboratory. Oviposition and hatching were temperature dependent. Most eggs were laid in September and October, although there was also an oviposition period in early summer. Hatching was largely confined to late spring and early summer. The relevance of this to control strategies is discussed.

Most eggs were laid on the plant but(were very easily dislodged and probably usually hatch on the ground. In no‐choice tests, there were as many eggs laid on more cyanogenic as on less cyanogenic plants and cultivars. There was no evidence that the cyanogenic ability or any other cultivar characteristic would be useful in control strategies.
Controlled grazing studies on Nardus grassland: effects of between‐tussock sward height and species of grazer on diet selection and intake
Authors: Armstrong R. H. , Grant S. A. , Common T. G. , Beattie M. M.
Published: April 2006

Groups of mature, non‐lactating sheep and cattle grazed a Nardus stricta community during the growing season for six consecutive years from 1984 to 1989. Three unreplicated treatments were applied by continuous variable stocking to maintain between‐tussock sward height at (a) 4·5 cm by cattle grazing and (b) 4·5 cm or (c) 3·5 cm by sheep grazing. Diet composition and herbage intake were measured from 1984 to 1987 on three occasions in the growing season, and live weight and stock density were recorded from 1984 to 1988. The diet of cattle usually contained more dead herbage, Nardus, sedges and rushes but less forbs and other fine‐leaved grasses than the diet of sheep. Principal coordinate analysis showed different trends across years in diet composition, especially between the sheep and cattle treatments at 4·5 cm. Diet digestibility was usually higher for sheep treatments than for the cattle treatment. Diet digestibility and herbage intake increased between 1984 and 1985, and 1986; they also declined from spring to late summer. Regression of diet digestibility on independent principal components — which were derived from diet composition measurements — showed that the two most important principal components accounted for 72% of the variation in digestibility. Stock‐carrying capacity (kg LW × d ha−1, calculated from live weight, grazing days and stock density) was greater on the cattle treatment than on either sheep treatment. Stock‐carrying capacity also increased more in successive years on the cattle than on either sheep treatment, and it was greater on the sward maintained at 3·5 cm than at 4·5 cm by sheep. These increases in stock‐carrying capacity were generally positively associated with the increase in the percentage specific frequency both of live material and of the more productive grasses in the swards. These data indicate that sheep‐only stocking tends to Nardus dominance and suggest that further study using productive cattle — either alone or mixed with sheep — is needed, preferably in association with measurements of floristic change both within and between tussocks.
Genetic differences between natural populations of diploid and tetraploid Dactylis glomerata ssp. izcoi
Authors: Lindner R. , Garcia A.
Published: April 2006

Twenty‐one natural populations (thirteen tetraploids and eight diploids) of Dactylis glomerata ssp. izcoi (an Iberian endemic) were evaluated in the field for three consecutive years, using two clones per genotype, to separate genetic and environmental factors. Many traits showed significant differences between ploidy levels, but all of them overlapped. Therefore, it is justified to include both cytotypes in a subspecies in which tetraploids could be autopolyploids. In general, however, diploids had shorter stomatal guard cells, lower seed production and were later heading than tetraploids. Within tetraploids, most traits differed significantly between and within populations. There was less inter‐ and intrapopulation variation in the diploids. The range of plant dimensions exceeded that of former descriptions of the sub‐species, bringing it closer to ssp. glomerata. Inland populations were not qualitatively different from one coastal population. Diploid populations showed less risk of hypomagnesemia than tetraploids.
Cellular and genetic therapies for haemophilia
Authors: LILLICRAP D. , VANDENDRIESSCHE T. , HIGH K.
Published: April 2006

Summary.  Haemophilia continues to be a prime target for a variety of gene and cell‐based therapies. Pre‐clinical successes in both mouse and dog models of the disease have been documented with a variety of approaches over the past decade, and there have now been six small clinical trials of gene transfer in haemophilia. To date, the only significant adverse events documented in these trials have been related to host immune responses, indicating that immunologic barriers continue to represent the major obstacle to achieving success of gene transfer in humans. Despite these challenges, new strategies are being explored with novel serotypes of viral vectors and with the use of transient periods of immunosuppression to attenuate the immune response to the vector and transgene product following gene delivery. Two new clinical trials, both using AAV vectors, will likely start within the next year, and additional large animal pre‐clinical studies using other viral vector‐mediated approaches for gene transfer are expected in the near future.
HIV and HCV coinfected haemophilia patients: what are the best options of orthopaedic treatment?
Authors: RODRIGUEZ‐MERCHAN E. C.
Published: April 2006

Summary.  In the era of contemporary orthopaedics, haematology and internal medicine, it is obvious that surgery can be indicated in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfected haemophilia patients suffering from severe and painful musculoskeletal problems. However, the expected high risk of infection and other postoperative complications is a concern due to the poor health status that many of these patients present. In a HIV and HCV coinfected haemophilia patient, the orthopaedic surgeon together with the multidisciplinary haemophilia team should weigh the risks and benefits carefully. Clinical and immunological status should be considered before suggesting a surgical procedure (specially a joint arthroplasty) in this group of patients. If a surgical procedure is contraindicated, conservative treatment could be an alternative, although many times with inferior results. Usually, surgical procedures can better relieve pain for several years and improve the quality of life in this cohort of patients. Regarding anaesthetics, drugs metabolized by the liver or the kidney should be avoided depending on every particular case. Rachianaesthesia is more recommendable than epidural anaesthesia in elderly patients in whom general anaesthesia sometimes could be dangerous, although in all ages we prefer general anaesthesia. The size of the needle should be small (size G‐27), and we never use spinal catheters.
Prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal disease in the haemophilia population: role of prophylaxis and synovectomy
Authors: VAN DEN BERG H. M. , DUNN A. , FISCHER K. , BLANCHETTE V. S.
Published: April 2006

Summary.  Prophylaxis is defined as primary (started before the onset of joint damage) or secondary (started after the onset of joint damage). The aim of primary prophylaxis is to prevent recurrent bleeding into joints and the development of chronic arthropathy in later life. When started early, and at most after two joint bleeds, the result is predictably excellent if there is compliance with the primary prophylaxis regimen. In order to decrease the need for central venous access devices to assure reliable venous access, a number of centres start primary prophylaxis with once weekly infusions with dose‐escalation based on frequency of joint bleeding. A major unanswered question is whether primary prophylaxis can be safely discontinued in adolescents/young adults and if so, when. A promising predictor for the milder bleeding phenotype in persons with severe haemophilia is a later onset of joint bleeding. Once joint damage has occurred as a result of recurrent bleeding, secondary prophylaxis can only retard, but not prevent, ongoing joint damage. Other strategies to decrease recurrent bleeding from target joints include surgical synovectomy (ideally performed using an arthroscopic technique), radionuclide synovectomy and chemical synovectomy. These interventions have very good outcomes when performed by an experienced team. Given the very high cost of factor concentrates required for programmes of prophylaxis prospective studies that document benefits to the child and family, e.g. quality of life are to be encouraged.
HLA DRB1*15‐DPB1*05 haplotype: a susceptible gene marker for isocyanate‐induced occupational asthma?
Authors: Kim S.‐H. , Oh H.‐B. , Lee K.‐W. , Shin E.‐S. , Kim C.‐W. , Hong C.‐S. , Nahm D.‐H. , Park H.‐S.
Published: April 2006

Background:  There has been no study for evaluating the associations of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I and II alleles with toluene diisocyanate (TDI)‐induced asthma in an Asian population.

Objective:  The aim of this study was to investigate a susceptible or protective marker of HLA class I and II alleles in TDI‐induced asthma.

Methods:  Fifty‐five patients with TDI‐induced asthma patients (group I) showing positive responses on TDI bronchoprovocation test, 47 asymptomatic exposed subjects (group II) and 95 unexposed healthy nonatopic controls (group III) were enrolled in our study. HLA class I and II genotyping was done by the direct DNA sequencing method.

Results:  The allelic frequency of C*09 (15.5%) was significantly higher in group I than in group III (6.8%, P = 0.019), but this statistical significance disappeared after correction was made for multiple comparisons. On two‐locus and three‐locus haplotype analysis, the allelic frequency of HLA DRB1*15‐DPB1*05 in group I (10.6%) was significantly higher than that of group II (0%, P = 0.001) and group III (2.5%, P = 0.003). The allelic frequencies of HLA A*02‐DRB1*15, A*02‐DQB1*06, B*62‐C*09 and A*02‐DRB1*15‐DQB1*06 were significantly higher in group I (8.5%, 10.3%, 8.2% and 6.8%, respectively) than those allelic frequencies of group III (1.3%, P = 0.002; 1.6%, P = 0.001; 0.6%, P < 0.0001; 0%, P < 0.0001, respectively). The allelic frequencies of HLA DQB1*06‐DPB1*05 and DRB1*15‐DQB1*06‐DPB1*05 were significantly higher in group I (16.0% and 10.5%) than those in group II (2.5%, P = 0.001; 0%, P = 0.001), while the frequencies of DRB1*09‐DPB1*05 and DRB1*09‐DQB1*0303‐DPB1*05 were significantly lower in group I (0% and 0%) than those of group II (7.4%, P = 0.004; 7.5%, P = 0.004). These differences remained statistically significant even after the correction for multiple comparisons.

Conclusions:  The HLA haplotype DRB1*15‐DPB1*05 can be a susceptibility gene marker for the development of TDI‐induced asthma among the exposed workers in the Korean population.
IgE‐receptor activation induces survival and Bfl‐1 expression in human mast cells but not basophils
Authors: Xiang Z. , Möller C. , Nilsson G.
Published: April 2006

Background:  The contribution of mast cells to the pathology of allergic diseases are facilitated by their long life span in tissue and ability to regranulate. Bcl‐2 genes are one of the main regulators of cell death and survival. The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for mast cell survival in allergy.

Methods:  Bcl‐2 family gene expression in human mast cells and basophils was analyzed by ribonuclease protection assay and by reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Cell survival was measured by mixing cells with the vital dye, trypan blue, and the number of living cells was enumerated. Apoptotic cells were measured by a Cell Death Detection ELISA.

Results:  We found that cross‐linking of FcɛRI on human cord blood cultured mast cells (CBCMCs) promoted cell survival and induced expression of the pro‐survival gene Bfl‐1. CBCMCs were found to express both Bfl‐1 and Bfl‐1S, two splicing variants of Bfl‐1. Bfl‐1 induction was mediated through Syk, PI3‐kinase and intracellular calcium mobilization, since piceatannol, wortmannin and EDTA, respectively, significantly reduced Bfl‐1 expression levels. In contrast to CBCMCs, no evidence was found for Bfl‐1 expression and survival promotion in human basophils.

Conclusions:  Immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐dependent activation‐induced mast cell survival was correlated with Bfl‐1 gene upregulation, providing a possible explanation for mast cell longevity in allergic reactions.
High incidence of sensitization to ornamental plants in allergic rhinitis
Authors: Mahillon V. , Saussez S. , Michel O.
Published: April 2006

Background:  A few indoor plants have been described as potential allergens, in single case reports of allergic rhinitis. There is no data evaluating the prevalence of allergic sensitization to these plants.

Aim:  The relationship between owning indoor ornamental plants with the risk to be sensitized has been evaluated in atopic rhinitis.

Methods:  A group of 59 patients with allergic rhinitis were submitted to skin prick tests (SPT) using both the leafs of their own plant and commercial extracts of the most frequent airborne allergens. A control group of 15 healthy subjects was tested with the same allergens.

Results:  While none subject from the control group developed a significant SPT to any of the tested plants, 78% of allergic rhinitis had positive SPT to at least one plant, the most frequent sensitization being Ficus benjamina, yucca, ivy and palm tree.

Conclusion:  In allergic rhinitis, indoor plants should be considered as potential allergens.
Plasticity in Forest Tent Caterpillar Collective Foraging Schedules
Authors: Peters M. I. , Despland E.
Published: April 2006

Self‐organization can generate synchronized group activity without external triggering cues, and schedules of self‐organized collective activity can vary with environmental conditions. This plasticity can improve group members’ ability to meet their requirements in different environments. In colonial caterpillars, synchronized colony foraging schedules have been postulated to depend either on avoidance of visual predators or on temperature effects on ectotherm physiology. We examine the foraging schedule of forest tent caterpillars (Malacosoma disstria) under different constant conditions to distinguish between these hypotheses. Plasticity in the foraging schedule was tested by keeping colonies under different constant regimes of light and temperature. Digital video and tracking software were used to record the colony's alternation between quiescent and active bouts. The duration and frequency of bouts was compared between treatments. The schedule of synchronized colony activity was not affected by lighting, but it accelerated at higher temperature, because of a decrease in the duration of both active and quiescent bouts. Forest tent caterpillars’ foraging schedule thus depends on the time required to accomplish the tasks of food finding (active bouts) and food processing (quiescent bouts). As caterpillars are ectotherms, locomotion and digestion rates increase at higher temperature and both tasks are accomplished faster. The forest tent caterpillar and the congeneric eastern tent caterpillar (M. americanum) both exhibit self‐organized synchronized collective foraging, but environmental modulation of foraging schedule differs between these species, according to differences in social organization and thermal ecology. Eastern tent caterpillars maintain a fixed foraging schedule under varying temperatures and use the tent to maintain high metabolic rates. In the forest tent caterpillar, flexibility of the foraging schedule in accordance with changes in metabolism lessens the constraints imposed by collective foraging. Synchronous foraging, where entire social groups travel together to and from feeding sites, is thought to have several fitness advantages including improved food finding, recruitment to profitable food sources, anti‐predator defense and group thermoregulation between foraging expeditions.
Expression and function ofWnt5ain the development of the glandular stomach in the chicken embryo
Authors: Listyorini Dwi , Yasugi Sadao
Published: April 2006

The epithelium of the chicken embryonic glandular stomach (proventriculus) differentiates into both a glandular and a luminal epithelium, the cells of which express specific marker genes. The subsequent formation and differentiation of the glands then proceed under the influence of the mesenchyme. To search for possible candidates for the mesenchymal factors involved, we have now investigated the expression and function ofWnt5ain this process. Our current results show thatWnt5ais expressed in the mesenchyme during active gland formation and that overexpression of this gene in ovo results in the increased and ectopic expression of some of the marker genes of the luminal and glandular epithelia. In particular, the overexpression ofWnt5amarkedly enhances the expression of theembryonic chicken pepsinogengene, a marker of the glandular epithelium, indicating its role as a mesenchymal factor that regulates the differentiation of the proventricular epithelium.
In vitro osteogenesis from human skin‐derived precursor cells
Authors: Buranasinsup Shutipen , Sila‐asna Monnipha , Bunyaratvej Narong , Bunyaratvej Ahnond
Published: April 2006

Embryonic tissue and organ development are initiated from three embryonic germ layers: ectoderm (skin and neuron), mesoderm (blood, bone, muscle, cartilage and fat) and endoderm (respiratory and digestive tract). In former times, it was believed that cell types in each germ layer are specific and do not cross from one to another throughout life. A new finding is that one tissue lineage can differentiate across to another tissue lineage, and this is termed transdifferentiation. We were interested in studying the transdifferentiation of skin‐derived precursor cells (ectoderm layer) to osteoblastic cells (mesoderm layer). Human skin‐derived precursor cells (hSKP) were isolated and induced into an osteoblastic lineage using osteogenic induction medium (α‐MEM plus 10% fetal bovine serum supplemented with ascorbic acid, β‐glycerophosphate and dexamethasone). The specific characteristics of osteoblastic cells, including the expression of enzyme alkaline phosphatase, the deposition of mineral and the expression of osterix, bone sialoprotein and osteocalcin, were detected only from the inductive group. The results in our study show that SKP from human skin are a practically available source for osteogenesis. The samples are easily obtainable for autologous use with a high expansion capacity.
PULSATING VARICOSE VEINS!! THE DIAGNOSIS LIES IN THE HEART
Authors: Abbas Manzoor , Hamilton Mark , Yahya Mazri , Mwipatayi Patrice , Sieunarine Kishore
Published: April 2006

Right heart failure is associated with increased systemic venous pressure, which can be diagnosed clinically with the findings of elevated jugular venous pressure, pulsatile liver and distinctive cardiac murmurs (precordial systolic). Severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) has occasionally been known to lead to marked pulsation of varicose veins. We report three cases that were referred to the vascular clinic of Royal Perth Hospital in which the patients involved had unilateral (right leg) varicose veins and chronic venous ulcers. On clinical examination all three patients had pulsations along the course of the varicose long saphenous vein up to the mid calf. The main differential diagnosis was arterio‐venous malformation, which was excluded by compression of the sapheno‐femoral junction and demonstrating absence of pulsation in the long saphenous vein. A venous duplex scan showed a grossly incompetent sapheno‐femoral junction with abnormal wave forms. Two of the cases were managed conservatively with compression dressing. The option of sapheno‐femoral junction ligation was reserved in one patient who had unsettling cellulitis and oedema of the lower limb in spite of compression dressing and optimal conservative management. All three patients had improvement in ulcer size at 3‐month follow up with compression therapy. This article highlights that in cases of right heart failure the venous pressures can be felt as low as the mid calf level and that can be a cause of the venous ulcers. There should be a high suspicion of right heart failure in patients with late onset venous insufficiency.
MIRIZZI SYNDROME: HISTORY, PRESENT AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Lai Eric C. H. , Lau Wan Yee
Published: April 2006

Background:  Mirizzi syndrome was reported in 0.3–3% of patients undergoing cholecystectomy. The distortion of anatomy and the presence of cholecystocholedochal fistula increase the risk of bile duct injury during cholecystectomy.

Methods:  A Medline search was undertaken to identify articles that were published from 1974 to 2004. Additional papers were identified by a manual search of the references from the key articles.

Results:  A preoperative diagnosis was made in 8–62.5% of cases. Open surgical treatment gave good short‐term and long‐term results. There was a lack of good data in laparoscopic treatment. Conversion to open surgery rates was high, and bile duct injury rate varied from 0 to 22.2%.

Conclusion:  A high index of clinical suspicion is required to make a preoperative or intraoperative diagnosis, which leads to good surgical planning to treat the condition. Open surgery is the gold standard. Mirizzi syndrome should still be considered as a contraindication for laparoscopic surgery.
Registered nurses as responsible clinicians under the New Zealand Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992
Authors: McKenna Brian G. , O'Brien Anthony J. , Dal Din Toni , Thom Kate
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACT:  The objectives of this research were to determine how many registered nurses are working as ‘responsible clinicians’, under what phases of the legislation they are functioning, and to describe the enabling processes and barriers to nurses undertaking this statutory role. An anonymous descriptive survey was distributed to the 11 nurses who were currently responsible clinicians as well as five senior nurses selected from each of the 21 District Health Boards and the Auckland Regional Forensic Psychiatry Services (n = 121). The response rate was 88.4% (n =  107). The survey questioned respondents on statutory roles currently undertaken. Respondents were asked whether the responsible clinician role was a legitimate one for nurses and whether they were motivated to attain it. They were also asked which competencies of the role they believed they met, their perceptions of credentialing processes and the educational requirements needed to achieve the role. A descriptive statistical analysis was undertaken and open‐ended questions were analysed using content analysis. Of the approximately 395 responsible clinicians nationally, 11 (2.8%) are nurses. Most nurses viewed the role as legitimate. However, many were unaware of competencies for the role and credentialing processes, and were somewhat ambivalent about achieving the role due to current workload, role conflict and lack of remuneration. Competency deficits were highlighted. There are grounds to encourage nurses as responsible clinicians given the intent of the legislation. This will require the promulgation of appropriate mental health policy, and a concerted effort by major stakeholders in mental health service delivery.
Conflicting agendas between consumers and carers: The perspectives of carers and nurses
Authors: Goodwin Val , Happell Brenda
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACT:  Increasingly, Australian government policy advances an expectation that consumer and carer participation will be present in all aspects of mental health service delivery. A review of the literature suggests that consumers and carers actively seek the opportunity to participate but are frequently hampered by barriers. However, government policy documents tend to discuss consumers and carers with regards to participation as though their needs and desires are essentially similar. This paper presents the findings of a qualitative research project involving in‐depth interviews with carers and mental health nurses. The issue of conflict between the issues for consumers and carers emerged as a major theme. This issue is explored and discussed in light of the goals of current mental health policy. It is concluded that conflicting agendas are apparent and must be addressed if genuine participation in service delivery is possible for both consumers and carers.
A dual symbiosis shared by two mussel species, Bathymodiolus azoricus and Bathymodiolus puteoserpentis (Bivalvia: Mytilidae), from hydrothermal vents along the northern Mid‐Atlantic Ridge
Authors: Duperron Sébastien , Bergin Claudia , Zielinski Frank , Blazejak Anna , Pernthaler Annelie , McKiness Zoe P. , DeChaine Eric , Cavanaugh Colleen M. , Dubilier Nicole
Published: April 2006

Bathymodiolus azoricus and Bathymodiolus puteoserpentis are symbiont‐bearing mussels that dominate hydrothermal vent sites along the northern Mid‐Atlantic Ridge (MAR). Both species live in symbiosis with two physiologically and phylogenetically distinct Gammaproteobacteria: a sulfur‐oxidizing chemoautotroph and a methane‐oxidizer. A detailed analysis of mussels collected from four MAR vent sites (Menez Gwen, Lucky Strike, Rainbow, and Logatchev) using comparative 16S rRNA sequence analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) showed that the two mussel species share highly similar to identical symbiont phylotypes. FISH observations of symbiont distribution and relative abundances showed no obvious differences between the two host species. In contrast, distinct differences in relative symbiont abundances were observed between mussels from different sites, indicating that vent chemistry may influence the relative abundance of thiotrophs and methanotrophs in these dual symbioses.
A Linear Model for the Continuous Network Design Problem
Authors: Waller S. Travis , Mouskos Kyriacos C. , Kamaryiannis Dimitrios , Ziliaskopoulos Athanasios K.
Published: April 2006

Abstract:  This article is concerned with the continuous network design problem on traffic networks, assuming system optimum traffic flow conditions and time‐dependent demand. A linear programming formulation is introduced based on a dynamic traffic assignment (DTA) model that propagates traffic according to the cell transmission model. The introduced approach is limited to continuous link improvements and does not provide for new link additions. The main contribution of the article is to provide an analytical formulation for network design that accounts for DTA conditions that can be used for further analysis and extensions. The model is tested on a single destination example network, resembling a freeway corridor, for various congestion levels, loading patterns and budget sizes, to demonstrate the simplicity and effectiveness of the approach.
GPS–GIS‐Based Procedure for Tracking Vehicle Path on Horizontal Alignments
Authors: Imran M. , Hassan Y. , Patterson D.
Published: April 2006

Abstract:  This article presents a global positioning system–geographic information system (GPS–GIS)‐based procedure for the deduction of the horizontal alignment of a road based on the path of a control vehicle. Using differential GPS surveying, field data were collected at a 0.1‐second interval, under different speed conditions on a 25‐km section of a two‐lane rural highway in eastern Ontario. The raw GPS data were post‐processed to filter out the possible errors and then imported into a GIS environment for analysis and interpretation of the results. An extension for ArcView was written to determine the geometric features of the highway horizontal alignment, including the tangents, spirals, and circular curves. Values were obtained for the radius and length of nine circular curves, length of spirals, and the lateral position of the vehicle path along the straight and curved segments. These values were compared with the same features of the actual highway alignment. The results showed that the developed procedure and ArcView extension could produce the horizontal alignment of a road quickly, accurately, and for a relatively low cost. In addition to the extraction of the horizontal alignment of a road, the procedure can be used to track the actual vehicle path under normal driving conditions and compare it with the horizontal alignment of a road in an investigation concerning driver behavior.
The Effects of Three Factor VII Polymorphisms on Factor VII Coagulant Levels in Healthy Singaporean Chinese, Malay and Indian Newborns
Authors: Quek S. C. , Low P. S. , Saha N. , Heng C. K.
Published: April 2006

Factor VII (FVII) is an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease. Three polymorphisms of the factor VII gene (F7) were studied in a group of healthy newborns comprising 561 Chinese, 398 Malays and 226 Asian Indians from Singapore. The allele frequencies of 3 polymorphisms (R353Q, Promoter 0/10bp Del/Ins and Intron 7) in the FVII gene were ascertained through genotyping by polymerase chain reaction and restriction digestion of amplified fragments. In Chinese the minor allele frequencies are Q: 0.04, Ins: 0.03, R7: 0.44; Malays, Q: 0.06, Ins: 0.10, R7: 0.41; and Indians, Q: 0.25, Ins: 0.23, R7: 0.43. Strong linkage disequilibrium (Δ > 0.7) is observed between the 0/10bp and the R353Q sites in all ethnic groups. We conclude that: (i) the prevalence of the minor Q and Ins alleles of the R353Q and 0/10 bp polymorphisms are significantly higher in the Indian newborns than the Chinese and Malays; (ii) the Q allele is significantly associated (p = 0.01) with a lower plasma FVII coagulant level in the Indian and Malay neonates; and this polymorphism explains up to 3.8% of the variance in FVII coagulant levels; (iii) there is no significant difference in allele frequencies of the three polymorphisms between neonates with and without family histories of CAD.
Terrible ones? Assessment of externalizing behaviors in infancy with the Child Behavior Checklist
Authors: Van Zeijl Jantien , Mesman Judi , Stolk Mirjam N. , Alink Lenneke R.A. , Van IJzendoorn Marinus H. , Bakermans‐Kranenburg Marian J. , Juffer Femmie , Koot Hans M.
Published: April 2006

Background:  This study investigated the occurrence, cross‐informant agreement, 1‐year stability, and context characteristics of externalizing behaviors in 12‐month‐old children, as compared to 24‐ and 36‐month‐olds.

Method:  In a general population sample of 786 12‐month‐olds, 720 24‐month‐olds, and 744 36‐month‐olds, the CBCL/1½–5 was obtained from mothers and fathers and again one year later for a subsample of 307 children. Mothers of 1,831 children also provided complete data on child, mother, and family characteristics.

Results:  Over three‐fourths of the externalizing behaviors occurred in more than 10% of 12‐month‐olds, over one‐third of the items in more than 25%. For almost all externalizing behaviors, the occurrence was significantly lower in 12‐month‐olds compared to 24‐ and 36‐month‐old children. Mother–father agreement and 1‐year stability of externalizing behaviors in 12‐month‐old children were significant, but generally somewhat lower than in 24‐ and 36‐month‐olds. Context characteristics were related to externalizing behaviors in 12‐month‐olds as well as in older children. Some associations were less pronounced in 12‐month‐old children, but the overall pattern of correlates was similar across age groups.

Conclusions:  The results of this study show that externalizing behaviors in 12‐month‐old children merit further research and can be assessed with the CBCL in a valid way.
The prevalence of mental health problems in Ethiopian child laborers
Authors: Fekadu Daniel , Alem Atalay , Hägglöf Bruno
Published: April 2006

Background:  Child labor refers to a state when a child is involved in exploitative economical activities that are mentally, physically, and socially hazardous. There are no prevalence studies on the magnitude of psychiatric disorders among child laborers.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional population survey was conducted in Addis Ababa using the Diagnostic Interview for Children and Adolescents (DICA). Subjects were a random sample of 528 child laborers aged between 5 and 15 years and comprising child domestics, street‐workers and private enterprise workers. These were compared with 472 non‐economically active controls.

Results:  The aggregate prevalence of any DSM‐III‐R childhood emotional and behavioral disorders was found to be 16.5%, with 20.1% and 12.5% among child laborers and controls respectively, OR = 1.89 (95% CI, 1.34–2.67, p < .01). Internalizing disorders such as mood disorders were significantly higher among the laborers than the non‐laborers, OR = 6.65 (95% CI, 2.20–22.52, p = .0001). Anxiety disorder was seen over twofold among child laborers while psychosocial stressors were one and half times more likely among the study subjects than controls. When all factors were taken into account, child labor status was the only significant factor in determining DSM‐III‐R diagnosis.

Conclusion:  In this study childhood emotional and behavioral disorders are found to be more common among child laborers than among non‐laborers. We recommend a larger study to look into childhood disorders and risk factors in child labor. As part of the concerted effort, government, NGOs, and the public should at least view child labor as a menace in a child's development, with risk of psychosocial difficulties.
A genomic walking method for screening sequence length polymorphism
Authors: WALSER JEAN‐CLAUDE , EVGEN’EV MICHAEL B. , FEDER MARTIN E.
Published: April 2006

We adapted a recently developed nonrestrictional, nonligational genome walking method, Universal Fast Walking (UFW), for detection of length polymorphism in the proximal promoter region of genes. We demonstrate its efficacy at discovering naturally occurring transposition into heat‐shock genes of wild Drosophila and show that it surmounts limitations of simple polymerase chain reaction (PCR) approaches. We further present modifications to the standard UFW protocol and provide some guidelines to improve specificity. Although the resultant banding pattern of a standard UFW can be regarded as a DNA fingerprint, many amplicons result from false priming and not real polymorphisms. We describe ways to distinguish between UFW amplicons and false priming products in a high‐throughput assay.
Development and characterization of six new microsatellite markers for the silver‐ or gold‐lipped pearl oyster, Pinctada maxima (Pteriidae)
Authors: EVANS B. S. , KNAUER J. , TAYLOR J. J. U. , JERRY D. R.
Published: April 2006

Six di‐, tri‐ and tetranucleotide microsatellite loci were developed for the silver‐ or gold‐lipped pearl oyster Pinctada maxima using a linker‐ligated, magnetic bead enrichment protocol. Based on a minimum of 134 Indonesian pearl oyster samples, number of alleles and observed heterozygosity at each locus ranged from six to 17 alleles and from 0.172 to 0.813 (mean = 0.448), respectively. Mean polymorphic information content for the six loci was 0.562. These loci should be very useful in DNA parentage analyses and population differentiation of P. maxima in Australia and Indonesia.
Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellites from Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis
Authors: ZHU Z. Y. , SHI Y. H. , LE G. W.
Published: April 2006

Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) has great commercial significance in Asia, but is an invasive organism in Europe and America. We isolated five novel microsatellites for E. sinensis. All five loci were polymorphic. The average allele number was 16.8 per locus with a range of 13 to 21, while the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.82 to 0.91 with an average of 0.88. These markers could be applicable to studies of the genetic diversity and population structure of E. sinensis.
Comparative Advantage in Demand: Experimental Evidence of Preferences for Genetically Modified Food in the United States and European Union
Authors: Lusk Jayson L. , Bruce Traill W. , House Lisa O. , Valli Carlotta , Jaeger Sara R. , Moore Melissa , Morrow Bert
Published: April 2006

The United States (US) exports more than US$6 billion in agricultural commodities to the European Union(EU) each year, but one issue carries the potential to diminish this trade: use of biotechnology in food production. The EU has adopted more stringent policies towards biotechnology than the US. Understanding differences in European and American policies towards genetically modified (GM) foods requires a greater understanding of consumers’ attitudes and preferences. This paper reports results from the first large‐scale, cross‐Atlantic study to analyse consumer demand for genetically modified food in a non‐hypothetical market environment. We strongly reject the frequent if convenient assumption in trade theory that consumer preferences are identical across countries: the median level of compensation demanded by English and French consumers to consume a GM food is found to be more than twice that in any of the US locations. Results have important implications for trade theory, which typically focuses on differences in specialization, comparative advantage and factor endowments across countries, and for on‐going trade disputes at the World Trade Organization.
Multilateral Trade and Agricultural Policy Reforms in Sugar Markets
Authors: Elobeid Amani , Beghin John
Published: April 2006

We analyse the impact of trade liberalisation, removal of production subsidies and elimination of consumption distortions in world sugar markets using a partial‐equilibrium international sugar model calibrated on 2002 market data and current policies. The removal of trade distortions alone induces a 27% price increase while the removal of all trade and production distortions induces a 48% increase in 2011/2012 relative to the baseline. Aggregate trade expands moderately, but location of production and trade patterns change substantially. Protectionist Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) countries (the EU, Japan, the US) experience an import expansion or export reduction and a significant contraction of production in unfettered markets. Competitive producers in both OECD countries (Australia) and non‐OECD countries (Brazil, Cuba), and even some protected producers (Indonesia, Turkey), expand production when all distortions are removed. Consumption distortions have marginal impacts on world markets and the location of production. We discuss the significance of these results in the context of mounting pressures to increase market access in highly protected OECD countries and the impact on non‐OECD countries.
Relational Contracting in Partnerships
Authors: Doornik Katherine
Published: April 2006

When performance is not verifiable, firms in a long‐term relationship may rely on incentive contracts that are self‐enforced or “relational.” This paper studies the optimal design and performance of relational contracts in partnerships such as joint ventures or buyer‐seller alliances. Optimal contracts look the same in each period as long as the relationship continues, but may require termination of the relationship after bad outcomes. Payments between the partners depend on their relative performance. In the special case of bilateral trade with specific investments, optimal relational contracting results in a price that varies with cost and demand conditions but is more stable than under spot market bargaining. Parallels are drawn with “Japanese style” subcontracting.
The Impact of Product Innovativeness on the Link between Development Speed and New Product Profitability*
Authors: Langerak Fred , Jan Hultink Erik
Published: April 2006

A review of the literature reveals that the relationship between development speed and new product profitability is not as strong and straightforward as conventional wisdom suggests. A number of studies show positive results, others show mixed results, and some present no evidence of a relationship. In other words, the valence of the link between development speed and new product profitability is unclear at this time. Therefore, this study investigates whether or not speeding new products to market has positive or negative effects on new product profitability. Prior research shows that product innovativeness influences both development speed and new product profitability. This raises the question of whether increasing speed is equally successful in improving profitability across new products that differ in their degree of innovativeness. Therefore, this study also investigates the moderating effect of product innovativeness on the relationship between development speed and new product profitability. The results from a survey‐based study of 233 manufacturers of industrial products in the Netherlands reveal an inverted U‐shaped relationship between development speed and new product profitability. The findings also show that the optimal point is different for two new product types—product improvements and line additions—that vary in their innovativeness. These results provide an onset for the development of a decision tool that helps managers to determine how much to spend on accelerating the development of individual new products and how they should allocate that spending across products in their new product portfolio.
“Freedom of Choice”: Israeli Efforts to Prevent Soviet Jewish Émigrés to Resettle in the United States
Authors: Lazin Fred A.
Published: April 2006

Beginning in 1967 the Soviet Union allowed some Jewish citizens to leave for family reunification in Israel (seeAppendix). Due to the break in diplomatic relations between Israel and the U.S.S.R., most émigrés traveled to Vienna where they were then flown to Israel. After 1976 the majority of émigrés who left on visas for Israel “dropped out” in Vienna and chose to resettle in the West. Several American Jewish organizations facilitated their obtaining visas and being resettled in the United States and other countries. This article examines efforts by Israel to deny Soviet Jewish émigrés the option of resettling in the United States. Israeli officials pressured American Jewish organizations to desist from aiding Russian Jews who wanted to resettle in the United States. Initially American Jews resisted Israeli efforts. Following Gorbachev's decision in the late 1980s to allow free emigration for Soviet Jews, the American Jewish community agreed to a quota on Soviet Jewish refugees in the United States, which resulted in most Soviet Jewish émigrés to Israel. The article uses the case study to explore efforts by American Jews and Israel to influence American refugee policy in the 1970s and 1980s. It provides insights into ethnic politics as well as “sponsored politics,” whereby Israel used the American Jewish community to further its interests in the making of United States foreign policy. It also deals with the issue of human rights and migration. While no migrant has the right to go to a country of his or her choice, Israel did deny some émigrés the right to exercise freedom of movement to other countries who welcomed them as refugees.
The mineral wealth of ancient Arabia and its use I: Copper mining and smelting at Feinan and Timna – comparison and evaluation of techniques, production, and strategies
Authors: Weisgerber Gerd
Published: April 2006

Near Eastern fieldwork in mining archaeology and archaeometallurgy began at Timna (Israel) in the 1960s and 1970s and continued in Feinan (Jordan) in the 1980s and 1990s. For the first time, Bronze Age copper mines were excavated and cleared and importance was given to the slag recovered. At both sites copper was produced for over 5000 years, from the Chalcolithic to the Mamluk periods. Although the broad outlines of technical development can be traced, much remains to be learned in future studies.
Cutaneous Protothecosis. Report of a Case from Iran
Authors: Nabai Hossein , Mehregan Amir H.
Published: April 2006

We are reporting the first instance of cutaneous Protothecosis observed in Iran. A brief review is made of ten other cases of human prototheca infection of which only five showed primary cutaneous involvement.
Topical Cycloheximide in Psoriasis
Authors: Montes Leopoldo F.
Published: April 2006

Cycloheximide is an antimitotic and an inhibitor of the synthesis of both DNA and protein. Topical application in low concentrations (0.1 %– 0.2 %) resulted in definite involution of psoriatic plaques. Because of its potency this experimental drug – not yet available for clinical use – was employed on small areas only and with extreme caution. Results of a full evaluation for safety, currently in progress, are being awaited with interest.
Reiter's Syndrome, Immunodepression and Strongyloidiasis
Authors: JARAMILLO DIEGO , LEÓN WALTER , CÁRDENAS VÍCTOR , CORTÉS ALONSO
Published: April 2006

We present the case of a 52‐year‐old white male who showed arthritis, conjunctivitis and non‐gonococcal urethritis. Besides those manifestations, the patient also showed mucocutaneous lesions that were both clinically and histologically indistinguishable from those of pustular psoriasis. Due to the severity of the disease it was necessary to treat this patient with corticosteroids and immunosuppressors. With this therapy the clinical manifestations of Reiter's Syndrome disappeared but sudden abdominal and bronchopulmonary symptoms complicated the picture and the patient died in a septical shock. The autopsy findings revealed massive Strongyloidiasis with the presence of larvae in several organs, particularly in the intestinal wall, the lungs and the liver.
Ultrastructural Identification of Langerhans Cells in Seborrheic Keratoses
Authors: WILBORN W. H. , DISMUKES D. E. , MONTES L. F.
Published: April 2006

Lesions of seborrheic keratoses studied by transmission electron microscopy showed an unusually large number of Langerhans cells in the epidermis. The role of Langerhans cells in the development of these lesions needs further study.
Immunohistochemical Demonstration of Basement Membrane Collagen in Normal Human Skin and in Psoriasis
Authors: GAY S. , KRESINA T. F. , GAY R. , MILLER E. J. , MONTES L. F.
Published: April 2006

Antibodies prepared against the collagen C‐chain derived from human placenta specifically stain the epidermal basement membrane of normal human skin as well as the basement membrane surrounding the skin appendages and capillaries. Using the antibodies, it was observed that all basement membranes in untreated psoriatic plaques appear fragmented and separated into several layers. The results suggest that psoriatic lesions are associated with a general loss of basement membranc integrity which may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Proliferating Pilar Cyst with Spindle Cell Component
Authors: WARNER THOMAS F.C.S.
Published: April 2006

Proliferating pilar cysts are rare tumors which occur most commonly on the scalp of elderly women. The infiltrative areas of these tumors should be differentiated from epidermoid carcinoma because they are usually benign. The intimate association of this entity with a spindle cell component is described here, to our knowledge for the first time.
Bizarre Cutaneous Neurofibromas
Authors: KING DONALD T. , BARR RONALD J.
Published: April 2006

Bizarre cutaneous neurofibroma is an uncommon benign neoplasm. Microscopically, it is usually characterized by stellate and polyhedral cells embedded in a myxoid stroma, and less commonly by solid sheets of epithelioid cells. Cellular pleomorphism and mitotic figures are regular features and have resulted in erroneous diagnosis of malignancy. The mucinous material has the staining characteristics of a sulfated mucosubstance, probably chondroitin sulfate B. Terms previously applied to this lesion include nerve sheath myxoma. Pacinian neurofibroma, myxoid neurofibroma, and neurotheceoma.