bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population analyses that utilize projection operators
Authors: Clark Aurora E. , Davidson Ernest R.
Published: May 2003

Several different methods have been explored that partition the 3‐D space of a molecule into its atomic components using Hermitian one‐electron position‐space projection operators,PA.Previously, we definedPAso that hard interatomic boundaries between atoms are observed. This idea has been extended to allow softer boundaries that have a region of overlap between atoms that can be controlled through an iterative process. Functions that determine the shape of the atomic volume are also discussed. The atomic electron populations of 17 different systems are presented as a function of these two factors. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem 93: 384–394, 2003
Theoretical study of the structure and antimicrobial activity of horminone
Authors: Nicolás Inés , Vilchis Martha , Aragón Nidia , Miranda René , Hojer Germund , Castro Miguel
Published: May 2003

The structural and electronic parameters of the horminone molecule, an abietan diterpene quinone, were studied by means of all‐electron calculations using Hartree–Fock and density functional theory‐based methods, as implemented in the Gaussian98 program. The 6‐31G orbital basis sets were used for the C, H, O, and Mg atoms. The results allow the identification of the negative site of horminone (HM) most favorable for its binding to the Mg2+ ion. The HM–Mg2+ complex is assumed to play a significant role in the antibacterial activity. First, it penetrates the membrane cell. Then, through its interaction with rRNA, it inhibits the protein synthesis in several types of bacteria. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem 93: 411–421, 2003
Gas‐phase geometries and energies of bis(2,2′‐bipyridine) interacting either with Cu(I) or Ag(I): Computational study
Authors: Corongiu Giorgina , Nava Paola
Published: May 2003

With a polarized double‐zeta basis set, we carried out MP2 and density functional theory geometry optimization of bis(2,2′‐bipyridine) interacting either with Cu(I) or Ag(I). The computed gas‐phase geometries of both Cu and Ag complexes present tetrahedral distortions around the ions. However, geometry optimization on Cu or Ag ions complexing with ammonia molecules yield perfect tetrahedral coordination and interaction energies comparable to those of the bis(2,2′‐bipyridine) complexes. Solid‐state laboratory studies on complexes of the same metal ions with substituted bis(2,2′‐bipyridine) revealed tetrahedral distortions around the ions, even stronger than those computed in the gas phase. From our analysis of the potential interaction energies we conclude that the origin of the larger distortions in the solid state result from stacking interactions. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem 93: 395–404, 2003
Interaction of hepatitis B virus with cells
Authors: Paran Nir , Cooper Arik , Shaul Yosef
Published: May 2003

Virus infection is initiated by recognition and attachment of the virus to the cell surface. Despite the fact that this interaction determines the virus‐related pathogenesis, its molecular basis remained obscure for HBV. This process is mediated primarily by the viral envelope and the cellular receptors. HBV infection is not exceptional in this regard but its putative receptors have not been identified yet. The recent development of protocols to establish HBV susceptible cell lines and unique tools to measure HBV‐cell attachment at a single cell resolution set the stage for the study of HBV‐host cell interaction. These studies revealed that the QLDPAF epitope of the HBV surface antigen large protein (LHBsAg) plays a major role in this process. Quantitative measurements suggested the presence of a second player in this process and both act synergistically to improve cell attachment. As the step of virus‐cell attachment is potentially susceptible to specific inhibitors, understanding the molecular basis of virus‐cell attachment can be expected to have therapeutic impacts. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hepatitis E virus
Authors: Emerson Suzanne U. , Purcell Robert H.
Published: May 2003

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a positive‐stranded RNA virus with a 7.2 kb genome that is capped and polyadenylated. The virus is currently unclassified: the organisation of the genome resembles that of the Caliciviridae but sequence analyses suggest it is more closely related to the Togaviridae. Hepatitis E virus is an enterically transmitted virus that causes both epidemics and sporadic cases of acute hepatitis in many countries of Asia and Africa but only rarely causes disease in more industrialised countries. Initially the virus was believed to have a limited geographical distribution. However, serological studies suggest that HEV may be endemic also in the United States and Europe even though it infrequently causes overt disease in these countries. Many different animal species worldwide recently have been shown to have antibodies to HEV suggesting that hepatitis E may be zoonotic. Although two related strains have been experimentally transmitted between species, direct transmission from an animal to a human has not been documented. There are four currently recognised genotypes and two of the four contain viruses isolated from swine as well as from humans. Regardless of country of origin or genotype of the virus, most, if not all, strains belong to a single serotype. A promising recombinant vaccine candidate comprised of a truncated capsid protein is currently under evaluation in Nepal. Published in 2003 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of adenovirus infection on the immunocompromised host
Authors: Kojaoghlanian Tsoline , Flomenberg Phyllis , Horwitz Marshall S.
Published: May 2003

Adenovirus (Ad) infections in immunocompromised hosts have increased in frequency as the number of patients with transplants of bone marrow, liver, kidney, heart and other organs increase in number and survive longer. The numbers of such patients have also increased because of the emergence of the HIV epidemic. Ad infections with the 51 different serotypes recognised to date have few pathognomonic signs and symptoms, and thus require a variety of laboratory‐based procedures to confirm infection. These viruses have the ability to target various organs with relative serotype specificity and can cause diverse manifestations including serious life‐threatening diseases characteristic of the organs involved. Ads have cytolytic and immunoregulatory properties. The clinical dilemma remains the prompt recognition of Ad‐related disease, the differentiation of Ad infection from Ad disease and the differentiation from other causative agents. Since the armamentarium of effective antiviral agents available to treat Ads is unproven by controlled trials and the virus is often not acquired de novo, it is difficult to prevent reactivation in immunodeficient hosts or new acquisition from donor organs. Timely discontinuation of immunosuppressive agents is necessary to prevent morbid outcomes. The clinical diseases, diagnostic tests, antiviral agents and biological aspects of the Ads as pathogens in immunocompromised patients are discussed in the context of this review. Some of the newer diagnostic tests are based on the well‐studied molecular biology of Ads, which also have been attenuated by selective viral DNA deletions for use as vectors in numerous gene therapy trials in humans. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Split genes and their expression in Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus
Authors: Zheng Zhi‐Ming
Published: May 2003

A split or interrupted gene is defined as a gene consisting of introns and exons. Removal (splicing) of the intron(s) from a primary transcript (pre‐mRNA) is essential for creating a mRNA. Initial assignment of a potential protein coding region in the KSHV genome was based on the initiation codon context and predicted protein size larger than 100 amino acids, but the gene discontinuity was disregarded. Experimental investigation of the assigned ORFs has demonstrated that there are up to 25 split genes, more than one fourth of the total KSHV genes described in the KSHV genome. This includes the genes involved in all phases (latent, immediate early, early and late) of KSHV infection. The complexity of a split gene expression depends upon the availability of a proximal promoter and polyadenylation (pA) signal. Sharing a single promoter or a single pA signal by two or three genes is not uncommon in the expression of KSHV split genes and the resulting transcripts are usually polycistronic. Among those of KSHV split genes, 15 genes express a bicistronic or tricistronic RNA and 10 genes express a monocistronic RNA. Alternative RNA splicing could happen in a particular pre‐mRNA due to intron or exon inclusion or skipping or the presence of an alternative 5′ splice site or 3′ splice site. This may, respectively, result in at least 8 species of K8 and 14 species of K15 transcripts. This appears to be related to cell differentiation and stages of the virus infection, presumably involving viral cis elements and trans splicing factors. Published in 2003 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neurological manifestations of human parvovirus B19 infection
Authors: Barah Faraj , Vallely Pamela J. , Cleator Graham M. , Kerr Jonathan R.
Published: May 2003

Since its discovery, human parvovirus B19 has been linked with a broad spectrum of clinical syndromes. An aetiological role for the virus has been confirmed in erythema infectiosum, transient aplastic crisis, persistent infection manifesting as pure red cell aplasia in immunocompromised persons, non‐immune hydrops fetalis and arthritis. Less commonly recognised, but receiving increasing attention recently, are the neurological manifestations, a variety of which have been described in patients with either clinically diagnosed or laboratory confirmed B19 infection. The purpose of this review is to summarise present knowledge of B19, its known and potential pathogenic mechanisms and its association with human diseases, particularly those with neurological manifestations. The outcome of the review supports an aetiological role of the virus in neurological disease. However, the pathogenesis remains unknown and elucidating this is a priority. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functional Expression of the Raw Starch‐Binding Domain of Bacillus sp. Strain TS‐23 α‐Amylase in Recombinant Escherichia coli
Authors: Lin Long‐Liu , Lo Huei‐Fen , Chi Meng‐Chun , Ku Kow‐Loung
Published: May 2003

Two DNA fragments encoding the starch‐binding domain (SBD) of Bacillus sp. strain TS‐23 α‐amylase were prepared by polymerase chain reaction and cloned into the Escherichia coli expression vector, pQE‐30, to generate pQE‐N428/C607 and pQE‐N465/ C607. In isopropyl‐β‐D‐thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG)‐induced E. coli strain M15 harboring these expression plasmids, the recombinant SBDs (N428/C607 and N465/C607) could comprise up to 20% of the total soluble proteins. The His‐tag/SBD fusion proteins were purified to homogeneity with a His‐bind affinity column and had molecular masses of approximately 22.6 and 16.5 kDa, respectively. Starch‐binding assays revealed that about 7.1 and 8.3 μg, respectively, of N428/C607 and N465/C607 were bound by 1 mg of raw corn starch, indicating that the SBD of Bacillus sp. strain TS‐23 α‐amylase retain sufficient function in the absence of a catalytic center.
Effects of Compositional and Granular Properties on the Pasting Viscosity of Rice Starch Blends
Authors: Chen Jih‐jou , Lai Vivian M.‐F. , Lii Cheng‐yi
Published: May 2003

The changes in swelling power and pasting properties of suspensions of starch blends were studied in dependence on starch composition and at various isothermal temperatures (Tiso). Samples were prepared by mixing rice starches from Kaoshiung Sen 7 (KSS7, a high‐amylose‐content variety) and Taichung waxy 70 (TCW70, a waxy variety). Generally, mixing these starches at a comparable ratio caused significant decrements in overall swelling power, onset temperature of gelatinization or viscosity rise, and final viscosity of hot pastes after 30 min of isothermal stirring. Notable increases in the peak and conclusion temperatures of gelatinization and in the peak viscosity of the pastes were also observed. Generally, all viscosity parameters of the blends showed two linear dependencies on the starch composition, the graphs intersecting at a critical starch composition depending on the parameters concerned. The onset temperature of viscosity increase was related to the volume fraction of swollen granules when they were just closely packed in suspension. The volume fraction of KSS granules was smaller than that of TCW70. In addition, the rate of viscosity increase and the peak viscosity of the starch suspensions could be well described in terms of the swelling power (Q) when Q ≤ ∼27, and depending on the Tiso examined. From the photomicrographs of starch suspensions, the extensive shear‐induced disintegration of TCW70 granules in the co‐existence of rigid KSS7 granules was evident and in turn responsible for the reduced final viscosities of the hot pastes obtained from starch blends.
Inverse Emulsion of Starch‐graft‐Polyacrylamide
Authors: Lu Shaojie , Lin Tong , Cao Deyong
Published: May 2003

An inverse emulsion of cationic starch‐graft‐polyacrylamide was prepared by inverse emulsion polymerization and a subsequent Mannich reaction. The copolymerization was carried out using potassium persulfate as initiator. The reaction conditions and factors affecting emulsion stability were studied. Experiments showed that a high solids content, a high cationic degree and a stable latex can be obtained under the following condition: A molar ratio starch/acrylamide/formaldehyde/dimethylamine of 0.11:1:1:1.2; a stable inverse emulsion system; graft copolymerization of starch and acrylamide for 2‐3 h at 50 °C; pre‐formation of an aldehyde‐amine adduct, which is subsequently dropped into an inverse emulsion of starch‐graft‐polyacrylamide. The reaction temperature was 45 °C, the reaction time was 3‐4 h, and the pH was 5.5.
Toxicological comparison of diverseCylindrospermopsis raciborskiistrains: Evidence of liver damage caused by a FrenchC. raciborskiistrain
Authors: Bernard C. , Harvey M. , Briand J. F. , Biré R. , Krys S. , Fontaine J. J.
Published: May 2003

The freshwater cyanobacteriumCylindrospermopsis raciborskiiis known to produce toxic effects in several countries. Acute and chronic exposures toC. raciborskiiin Australia have been linked to liver damage (hepatotoxicity) with concomitant effects on the kidneys, adrenal glands, small intestine, lungs, thymus, and heart. The alkaloid cylindrospermopsin, which produces these toxic effects, is thought to be a potent inhibitor of protein synthesis.C. raciborskiistrains producing cylindrospermopsin or analogue alkaloids have also been reported in Florida, USA, and Thailand. Brazilian isolates ofC. raciborskiiare also toxic but act by a different mechanism, causing acute death in mice with neurotoxic symptoms similar to those induced by the saxitoxins. In this article we compare the toxicity in the mouse of aC. raciborskiiFrench strain withC. raciborskiistrains from various other sources (Australia, Brazil, Mexico, and Hungary). We tested the toxicity of cell extracts by a mouse bioassay. Acute, fatal neurotoxicity was produced by the Brazilian strain, which was confirmed by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection of the cell extracts, which revealed the presence of saxitoxin, neosaxitoxin, and decarbamoylsaxitoxin, along with two unidentified compounds. Acute hepatotoxicity with severe liver, kidney, and thymus damage was observed with the Australian cylindrospermopsin‐producing strain. The Mexican and Hungarian strains were not found to be toxic to mice in our experimental conditions. No animals died after exposure to the extracts of the FrenchC. raciborskiistrain. Histological examination of the liver revealed moderate, multifocal necrosis characterized by small areas of hepatocellular necrosis, combined with disorganization of the parenchyma and congestion of the inner sinusoid. These symptoms and lesions resembled those induced by cylindrospermopsin, but the chemical analysis performed by liquid chromatography coupled with either a diode array detector or a mass spectrometer demonstrated that this toxin was not present in our culture extract. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 18: 176–186, 2003.
Occurrence of toxic cyanobacterial blooms in San Roque Reservoir (Córdoba, Argentina): A field and chemometric study
Authors: Amé María Valeria , del Pilar Díaz María , Wunderlin Daniel Alberto
Published: May 2003

We evaluated the presence of cyanobacterial blooms in San Roque Reservoir (Córdoba, Argentina). Cyanobacterial blooms and water samples were collected over 4 years (1998–2002). We confirmed the presence of microcystin‐LR and microcystin‐RR in 97% of these blooms. The total amount of microcystin (MC) ranged between 5.8 and 2400.0 μg g−1 of freeze‐dried bloom material. These values suggest that guidelines for safe water consumption and recreational use should be established for this reservoir. Twenty‐eight physical and chemical parameters were measured in water samples and evaluated by discriminant analysis (DA). A first DA was used to evaluate the factors promoting cyanobacteria occurrence, identifying nine parameters following three patterns associated with cyanobacterial growth. Inorganic phosphorous was found to promote the presence of blooms, whereas the highest proliferation of cyanobacteria was observed in the presence of smaller amounts of carbonate, bicarbonate, sulfate, and fecal coliform bacteria. The results observed during our fieldwork, analyzed using DA, agreed with the results of other laboratory studies, thus confirming the usefulness of DA to help with the evaluation of a complicated environmental data matrix. A second DA, using only water samples collected during the presence of cyanobacteria blooms, identified another nine parameters. The analysis of these parameters allowed us to identify certain environmental factors that could lead to the dominance of toxic strains, thus increasing the amount of MC. The results showed that, in our case, an increase in the water temperature was associated with higher amounts of MC per dry weight unit, whereas an increase in the concentrations of ammonia–nitrogen and iron were associated with lower amounts of MC, thus disfavoring the dominance of toxic strains. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 18: 192–201, 2003.
Effects of microcystin‐free and microcystin‐containing strains of the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa on growth of the grazer Daphnia magna
Authors: Lürling M.
Published: May 2003

Harmful effects of the common bloom‐forming cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa on the grazer Daphnia have been explained from morphological features, nutritional insufficiency, and the production of toxins called microcystins. The effects of four M. aeruginosa strains, including one free of microcystins, on the growth of Daphnia magna were examined. Population growth was measured in Daphnia fed each M. aeruginosa strain alone and fed mixtures of each strain with the green alga Scenedesmus obliquus to avoid nutritional deficiency. The presence of Microcystis in the food resulted in decreased Daphnia population growth rates. A significant correlation (P < 0.001) was found between the amount of microcystins (MC) in the food and the population growth rate, but growth inhibition in Daphnia fed with the MC‐free strain could not be explained by the toxicity of the microcystins. Inasmuch as there was greater reduction in growth of the Daphnia fed mixtures of the MC‐free strain with Scenedesmus than of the Daphnia fed only the same amount of Scenedesmus as in the mixtures, other factors associated with this Microcystis strain must have inhibited growth. However, morphology and nutritional insufficiency could be excluded as causal factors. The strong relationship between Daphnia feeding activity and population growth suggests that feeding inhibition may have caused the observed detrimental effects on the animals. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 18: 202–210, 2003
Correlated evolution of life-history with size at maturity in Daphnia pulicaria: patterns within and between populations
Authors: BAER CHARLES F. , LYNCH MICHAEL
Published: May 2003

Explaining the repeated evolution of similar sets of traits under similar environmental conditions is an important issue in evolutionary biology. The extreme alternative classes of explanations for correlated suites of traits are optimal adaptation and genetic constraint resulting from pleiotropy. Adaptive explanations presume that individual traits are free to evolve to their local optima and that convergent evolution represents particularly adaptive combinations of traits. Alternatively, if pleiotropy is strong and difficult to break, strong selection on one or a few particularly important characters would be expected to result in consistent correlated evolution of associated traits. If pleiotropy is common, we predict that the pattern of divergence among populations will consistently reflect the within-population genetic architecture. To test the idea that the multivariate life-history phenotype is largely a byproduct of strong selection on body size, we imposed divergent artificial selection on size at maturity upon two populations of the cladoceran Daphnia pulicaria, chosen on the basis of their extreme divergence in body size. Overall, the trajectory of divergence between the two natural populations did not differ from that predicted by the genetic architecture within each population. However, the pattern of correlated responses suggested the presence of strong pleiotropic constraints only for adult body size and not for other life-history traits. One trait, offspring size, appears to have evolved in a way different from that expected from the within-population genetic architecture and may be under stabilizing selection.
Potential impact of recombination on sitewise approaches for detecting positive natural selection
Authors: SHRINER DANIEL , NICKLE DAVID C , JENSEN MARK A. , MULLINS JAMES I.
Published: May 2003

Current sitewise methods for detecting positive selection on gene sequences (the de facto standard being the CODEML method (Yang et al., 2000)) assume no recombination. This paper presents simulation results indicating that violation of this assumption can lead to false positive detection of sites undergoing positive selection. Through the use of population-scaled mutation and recombination rates, simulations can be performed that permit the generation of appropriate null distributions corresponding to neutral expectations in the presence of recombination, thereby allowing for a more accurate estimation of positive selection.
Effects of faecal n-alkane recovery in estimates of diet composition
Authors: BROSH A. , HENKIN Z. , ROTHMAN S. J. , AHARONI Y. , ORLOV A. , ARIELI A.
Published: May 2003

The outer surfaces of plant leaves and stems are covered with a waxy layer, a considerable fraction of which comprises n-alkanes which are not digested and, therefore, can be used as markers in animal nutrition studies. Most plant species have a characteristic pattern of n-alkane concentrations in their cuticular wax and this enables the diet composition to be estimated by comparison with the pattern of the n-alkanes in faeces. N-alkane recovery in faeces was determined in a digestibility trial involving three different diets given to four goats, six cows and five calves. The validity of using n-alkane markers to determine diet composition was examined in in vivo feeding trials with goats and cows. The recovery of the odd chain length n-alkanes increased linearly with n-alkane chain length, with no significant differences between treatments. Estimates of diet composition were affected by the faecal n-alkane recovery rate. N-alkanes in plant cuticular wax can be used as natural markers for estimating diet composition, but a recovery factor should be used to correct for incomplete recovery in faeces. More research is needed to extend the findings to wider ranges of diets, animals, environmental conditions and physiological and reproductive states.
The influence of variety, year, disease control and plant growth regulator application on crop damage, yield and quality of winter oats (Avena sativa)
Authors: WHITE E. M. , McGAREL A. S. L. , RUDDLE O.
Published: May 2003

Yield, straw length, ripening, damage, grain composition and quality were determined on seven winter oat varieties included in trials grown in Northern Ireland between 1990 and 2000. Three management regimes were applied to the varieties in each year: (1) with fungicide but without plant growth regulator applications (+F−PGR); (2) with plant growth regulator and fungicide applications (+F+PGR); and (3) with neither fungicide nor plant growth regulator applications (−F−PGR). Disease control significantly improved yield, kernel content and the proportions of groats above 2·0- and 2·2-mm sieves but delayed ripening and increased the content of free kernels. Application of chlormequat significantly reduced straw length and the content of empty husks and increased the content of good oats but reduced kernel content. Specific weight, grain weight and the proportions of grain above 2·0- and 2·2-mm sieves were not significantly affected by either control of disease or application of chlormequat.

The combined effects of disease control and chlormequat significantly reduced leaning and brackling while lodging was reduced but not significantly. Rather than an increased incidence following disease control which was reduced by application of chlormequat, the two management strategies resulted in similar small incremental reductions in straw damage. In years with severe straw damage lower specific weight, grain weight and kernel content may have been attributable to the damage but quality was also poor in some years when there was little damage. Grain and groat size were only poor in those years when severe lodging or brackling occurred.

Year had the greatest influence on most characteristics and variety to a lesser extent. Disease control and to a lesser extent chlormequat application had smaller effects on fewer characteristics. While the effect of disease control on yield is of economic significance, the effect of chlormequat appears to be mainly of psychological significance.
The consequences of self-fertilization and outcrossing of the cestode Schistocephalus solidus in its second intermediate host
Authors: CHRISTEN M. , MILINSKI M.
Published: May 2003

Many hermaphroditic parasites reproduce by both cross-fertilization and self-fertilization. To understand the maintenance of such mixed mating systems it is necessary to compare the fitness consequences of the two reproductive modes. This has, however, almost never been done in the context of host–parasite coevolution. Here we show the consequences of outcrossing and selfing in an advanced life-stage of the cestode Schistocephalus solidus, i.e. in its second intermediate host, the three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus). Each juvenile stickleback was simultaneously exposed to 2 experimentally infected copepods, one harbouring outcrossed the other selfed parasites. At 60 days p.i. parasites were removed from the fish's body cavity and, with microsatellite markers, assigned to either outcrossed or selfed origin. Prevalence was not significantly higher in outcrossed parasites. However, those fish that were infected contained significantly more outcrossed than selfed parasites. Thus the probability of a selfed parasite to progress in the life-cycle is reduced in the second intermediate host. Furthermore, we found that even the multiply infected fish increased in weight during the experiment. Nevertheless, total worm weight in multiply infected fish was significantly lower than in singly infected ones, which thus might be a parasite life-history strategy.
Euro-English: A Swedish perspective
Authors: Modiano Marko
Published: May 2003

This survey considers the emergence of English as a language shared across the European Union in particular and the European continent at large, and together with its distinctive ‘lingua franca’ dimension among the mainland European nations. It considers in particular the situation of ‘non-native speakers’ who regularly use the language as well as the concept of a ‘Euro-English’ in general and the Swedish, ‘Swenglish’ and English relationship on the other. It concludes by considering the liberation of non-native users from ‘the beginning of native-speaker norms’.
Seed germination and early seedling establishment of some elephant-dispersed species in Banyang-Mbo Wildlife Sanctuary, south-western Cameroon
Authors: Nchanji Anthony Chifu , Plumptre Andrew J.
Published: May 2003

Effects of the elephant gut and elephant dung on seed germination and early seedling establishment/growth were investigated in Banyang-Mbo Wildlife Sanctuary using undestroyed seeds of 14 plant species sorted from fresh elephant dung between 1 June 1994 and 31 May 1995 and similar seeds extracted from fresh ripe fruits fallen on the forest floor within the same period both sown in fresh elephant dung and forest soil. Parameters measured were final germination success, germination time and seedling growth rate. Results indicated that two species, Panda oleosa and Poga oleosa, did not germinate at all after 365 d irrespective of their sources and media of planting. Germination success observed in ingested seeds was significantly different from that observed in seeds from fresh fruits. Germination success observed in elephant dung was not significantly different from that in forest soil. Mean germination time varied widely between species and treatments but was generally shorter in seeds that passed through the elephant gut than those collected from fresh ripe fruits and these differences in mean germination time were significant in 92% of the species that germinated. Growth rates of seedlings from ingested seeds were higher than those from fresh ripe fruits especially in elephant dung. Growth medium was highly significant to growth in 10 of 12 species (83%) and source was important only to two species (16%) while their combined interacting effects were significant to three of the 12 species (25%). It is concluded that ingestion of seeds by the elephant is important in the germination of some rain-forest species and the elephant dung that contains the seeds dispersed is very important in the rapid growth of the seedlings. On the basis of germination success plant species that are absolutely or exclusively dependent on elephants for dispersal/germination are absent in Banyang-Mbo Wildlife Sanctuary, while Omphalocarpum elatum and Strychnos aculeata would be on the basis of fruit morphology.
Nest site selection by ants in a flooded Mexican mangrove, with special reference to the epiphytic orchid Myrmecophila christinae
Authors: Dejean Alain , Durou Sébastien , Olmsted Ingrid , Snelling Roy R. , Orivel Jérôme
Published: May 2003

The distribution of the arboreal ant community plus a termite species of the genus Nasutitermes was inventoried on 938 red mangrove, Rhizophora mangle L., trees in a completely flooded mangrove forest of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Colonies sheltered in dry hollow branches of the trees and the pseudobulbs of the epiphytic orchid, Myrmecophila christinae. Two size classes of dry hollow tree branches were categorized in order to test differences in ant distribution. As some trees remained unoccupied by either an ant or a termite colony, we deduced that the competition for nesting sites was low. Differences in the composition of the ant community corresponded to the nature of the shelters (i.e. diameter of the hollow branches or orchid pseudobulbs). The ant fauna was richer in the large dry hollow branches of R. mangle than in the smaller ones, with certain ant species belonging to the subfamilies Ponerinae and Formicinae being significantly more frequent in the large dry hollow branches than in the small ones. Cephalotes and Pseudomyrmex were the most frequent ant genera inhabiting the dry branches of R. mangle, while Dolichoderus bispinosus was the most frequent ant species inhabiting the orchid pseudobulbs. Arboreal Nasutitermes sp. selected mostly the orchid pseudobulbs and thus indirectly interfered with ant nest-site selection. Our results highlight niche differentiation through the selection of nest sites among different types of shelter.
Rain-forest fragmentation and the phenology of Amazonian tree communities
Authors: Laurance William F. , Rankin-de Merona Judy M. , Andrade Ana , Laurance Susan G. , D'Angelo Sammya , Lovejoy Thomas E. , Vasconcelos Heraldo L.
Published: May 2003

Habitat fragmentation affects the ecology of tropical rain forests in many ways, such as reducing species diversity of many taxa (Laurance et al. 2002, Lovejoy et al. 1986) and increasing rates of tree mortality and canopy-gap formation near forest edges (Laurance et al. 1997, 1998, 2001). Such obvious alterations have been documented in many fragmented forests,
but more subtle changes, such as those affecting plant phenology (the timing and frequency of
flower, fruit and leaf production), have received far less attention. Adler & Kiepinski
(2000) showed that different populations of the successional tree Spondias mombin on small
man-made islands in Panama had highly synchronous flowering and fruiting. In montane forests in
Colombia, Restrepo et al. (1999) demonstrated that under-storey fruit abundance was
consistently increased over time near forest edges relative to forest interiors. Beyond these and
a few other studies (Ackerly et al. 1990, Nason & Hamrick 1997), however, the effects
of fragmentation on plant phenology have been inadequately assessed, especially in the
tropics.
Injections in health care settings: a risk factor for acute hepatitis B virus infection in Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: USMAN H. R. , AKHTAR S. , RAHBAR M. H. , HAMID S. , MOATTAR T. , LUBY S. P.
Published: May 2003

A case control study was conducted to identify the association of therapeutic injections with acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Karachi, Pakistan. We enrolled 67 cases of acute HBV infection (IgM anti-HBc positive) and 247 controls (anti-HBc negative) from four hospitals of Karachi during July 2000–June 2001. Exposure to various risk factors during the period relevant to the incubation period of HBV was recorded both from cases and controls using a structured questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of the data showed that cases were more likely to have received one injection (OR=4·0; 95% CI 1·4, 11·1), or more than one injection (OR=6·3; 95% CI 3·2, 12·4) compared to controls. The estimated population attributable risk (PAR) for therapeutic injections was 53%. Also the cases compared to controls were more likely to have household size of seven or more (OR=1·9; 95% CI 0·95, 3·9). This study showed that unsafe therapeutic injections appear to be the major risk factor for acute HBV infection and needs immediate focus from public health stand point.
Clinical, epidemiological and molecular characteristics of Streptococcus uberis infections in dairy herds
Authors: ZADOKS R. N. , GILLESPIE B. E. , BARKEMA H. W. , SAMPIMON O. C. , OLIVER S. P. , SCHUKKEN Y. H.
Published: May 2003

A longitudinal observational study (18 months) was carried out in two Dutch dairy herds to explore clinical, epidemiological and molecular characteristics of Streptococcus uberis mastitis. Infections (n=84) were detected in 70 quarters of 46 cows. Bacterial isolates were characterized at strain level by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprinting. Persistent infections were usually attributable to one strain, while recurrent infections could be caused by different strains. When multiple quarters of a cow were infected, infections were mostly caused by one strain. In each herd, multiple strains were identified yet one strain predominated. The majority of all infections were subclinical, and infections attributed to predominant strains were more chronic than infections attributed to other strains. Epidemiological and molecular data suggest infection from environmental sources with a variety of S. uberis strains as well as within-cow and between-cow transmission of a limited number of S. uberis strains, with possible transfer of bacteria via the milking machine.
The music is the message: music in the apostolic liturgy of Saint Martial
Authors: Grier James
Published: May 2003

On 3 August 1029, Adémar de Chabannes inaugurated his newly-composed liturgy for the Feast of Saint Martial that recognized Martial, patron saint of the abbey that bears his name in Limoges, as an apostle. The Mass of the day was celebrated at the cathedral of Saint Stephen in Limoges, with the full support of Odolric, abbot of Saint Martial, and Jordan, the city's bishop. Adémar created a grand musical canvas to form part of the spectacular ceremony that took place that day. Among the original compositions he created for the Mass are several in which the literary text moves far into the background behind elaborate melismatic settings, and, in one case, the offertory of the Mass, the text virtually disappears. With these gestures, Adémar seems to be stepping beyond the verbal text to address the non-Latin speaking populace of Limoges directly in melody, to convince them of the necessity of acknowledging what most of them knew to be untrue: that Martial, their patron saint, was an apostle.
Retest-Reliabilität und faktorenanalytische Dimensionalität der FSKN
Authors: Bergemann Niels , Scheurer Heinz , Altstötter-Gleich Christine
Published: May 2003

Zusammenfassung: Selbstkonzepte werden in zunehmenden Maße im Rahmen unterschiedlichster klinischer Fragestellungen als verhaltens- und vorhersagerelevante Variablen berücksichtigt. Als eine Voraussetzung hierfür müssen Verfahren verfügbar sein, die im klinischen Bereich testtheoretisch evaluiert wurden und teststatistischen Gütekriterien genügen. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit ist die testtheoretische, insbesondere dimensionsanalytische Überprüfung der Frankfurter Selbstkonzeptskalen (FSKN, Deusinger 1986 ), ein Verfahren zur differentiellen Erfassung von Selbstkonzepten, das in Forschung und klinischer Praxis häufig Anwendung findet. Sowohl 180 Probanden aus der Normalpopulation als auch 152 schizophrene Patienten wurden mit den FSKN untersucht. Die Daten beider Stichproben wurden klassischen teststatistischen Analysen sowie einer Faktorenanalyse (FA) auf Itemebene zur Untersuchung der Konstruktvalidität unterzogen. Für beide Gruppen zeigten sich Cronbach α-Werte, die nur zum Teil in befriedigenden Bereichen lagen. Die Retest-Reliabilitäten für die klinische Stichprobe lagen überwiegend in befriedigenden Bereichen. Die Skalen des FSKN konnten anhand der untersuchten Stichproben faktorenanalytisch nicht repliziert werden, so dass von einer Überdifferenzierung der FSKN ausgegangen werden muss. Die Ergebnisse werden vor dem Hintergrund bisheriger Befunde diskutiert, wobei insbesondere die FSKN-Analysen mit nichtmetrischer multidimensionaler Skalierung von Interesse sind.
Studienerfolgsprognose - konfigurativ oder linear additiv?
Authors: Brandstätter Hermann , Farthofer Alois
Published: May 2003

Zusammenfassung: Im Rahmen einer Studie zur Evaluation der an der Universität Linz seit 10 Jahren angebotenen Studienberatungstests wird geprüft, ob eine Konfigurationsfrequenzanalyse (KFA; Krauth, 1993 ) hinsichtlich der Genauigkeit der Studienerfolgsprognose (Kriterium Notendurchschnitt) einer linearen multiplen Regressionsanalyse überlegen ist. In einem ersten Schritt erwiesen sich bestimmte Konfigurationen von Schul- und kognitiven Testleistungen, Persönlichkeitsmerkmalen (Mittelwert aus Normgebundenheit, Belastbarkeit und Introversion) und Interessenkongruenz als valide. Für eine Teilgruppe von zunächst nicht entscheidbaren Fällen stellte sich intrinsische Motivation bei Personen mit hoher Unabhängigkeit als erfolgsfördernd heraus. Schließlich wurden die bis dahin ermittelten prognostischen Erfolgskategorien mit Konfigurationen von Forschungsinteresse und Mathematiknote kombiniert und zur Verbesserung der Erfolgsprognose genutzt. Obwohl sich die Entscheidungsregeln in der Überprüfung an der zweiten Kohortengruppe als gleichermaßen valide erwiesen, hat sich die erwartete Überlegenheit der KFA gegenüber einer regressionsanalytisch bestimmten Summe optimal gewichteter Prädiktoren nicht bestätigt.
Die Skalen zum akademischen Selbstkonzept
Authors: Dickhäuser Oliver , Schöne Claudia , Spinath Birgit , Stiensmeier-Pelster Joachim
Published: May 2003

Zusammenfassung: Wenn Personen Urteile über ihre eigenen Fähigkeiten abgeben, dann tun sie dies entweder, ohne ausdrücklich zu vergleichen, oder sie verwenden dabei soziale, individuelle und kriterienbezogene Bezugsnormen. In Fragebögen zum Fähigkeitselbstkonzepts werden diese Vergleichsarten entweder gar nicht oder nicht ausgewogen thematisiert. Da die Verwendung unterschiedlicher Bezugsnormen sowohl entwicklungspsychologisch als auch motivationspsychologisch von großem Interesse ist, wird ein Instrument zum akademischen Selbstkonzept vorgestellt, in dem die drei Bezugsnormen systematisch berücksichtigt werden. In drei Studien wird ein Fragebogen entwickelt und überprüft, der Fähigkeitsurteile absolut (d.h. ohne Vergleich), sozial, individuell und kriterienbezogen erfasst. Die entwickelten Skalen (in einer Version für Schüler der Stufen 5 bis 10 und in einer Version für Studenten) weisen mit .74 bis .92 akzeptable bis gute Reliabilitäten auf. Die bezugsnormspezifischen Skalen können faktorenanalytisch identifiziert werden. Korrelationen mit anderen Selbstkonzeptfragebögen, Selbstwirksamkeitserwartung, dem Leistungsmotiv, Prüfungsangst und Leistung weisen auf die konvergente und diskriminante Validität des Verfahrens hin.
Effects of Systematic Training in Psychological Assessment on Competence in Writing Reports
Authors: Eckert Heike , Westhoff Karl
Published: May 2003

Abstract: In practice every graduate in psychology is expected to be competent in writing psychological reports. First we discuss the basic determinants of the acquisition of this competence. Then we describe how these basic determinants are taken into consideration in the study. The effects of several measures to improve this training are tested. They relate to structure, contents and realization in the sequence of lectures and seminars. Three hypotheses on the effectiveness of our training were tested by evaluation of the examination reports written in 5 consecutive years (N1 = 229, N2 = 119). The results show that a systematic acquisition of knowledge and competence can be supported by different didactic aids as individual feedback, checklists with rules on how to proceed and also checklists for mistakes.
Zur Bedeutung von subjektiven, emotionalen Intelligenzkomponenten für das komplexe Problemlösen
Authors: Otto Jürgen H. , Döring-Seipel Elke , Lantermann Ernst-Dieter
Published: May 2003

Zusammenfassung: Traditionelle Intelligenzkomponenten (z.B. die Verarbeitungskapazität) sind bei üblichen Problemlöseaufgaben zur Verhaltensvorhersage geeignet, während bei komplexen Problemsituationen subjektive, emotionale Intelligenzkomponenten (z.B. die Klarheit der Emotionen) die Verhaltensvorhersage verbessern sollen. An N = 63 Studierenden (32 Frauen, 31 Männer, Mdn = 26 Jahre) wurden in einem 2 × 2-Design, das aus einer weniger gegenüber einer hoch komplexen Problemsituation und Gruppen mit hoch vs. gering klarheitsdisponierten Versuchsteilnehmern bestand, Indikatoren des Problemlöseverhaltens, der Leistung und des Gefühlszustandes erfasst. Als Kovariate wurde die Verarbeitungskapazität erhoben. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass hoch klarheitsdisponierte Personen geeigneteres Problemlöseverhalten in der hoch komplexen Situation und generell eine bessere Leistung und Stimmung aufweisen als niedrig klarheitsdisponierte Personen. Regressionsanalytisch sagt die emotionsbezogene Klarheit unabhängige, gleich große Leistungsanteile wie die Verarbeitungskapazität vorher. Abschließend werden Fähigkeits- und Mischmodell-Konzepte der emotionalen Intelligenz diskutiert und das Verhältnis von subjektiven zu objektiven Komponenten der Intelligenz problematisiert.
Die Erfassung von selbsteingeschätzter Intelligenz
Authors: Rammstedt Beatrice , Rammsayer Thomas H.
Published: May 2003

Zusammenfassung: Mit dem Inventar zur selbsteingeschätzten Intelligenz (ISI) wird erstmals ein Messinstrument zur Erfassung der selbsteingeschätzten Intelligenz für den deutschsprachigen Raum vorgestellt und teststatistisch überprüft. Die elf Skalen verbales Verständnis, Wortflüssigkeit, mathematische Intelligenz, räumliche Intelligenz, Gedächtnisfähigkeit, Wahrnehmungsgeschwindigkeit, logisches Denken, musikalische Intelligenz, körperlich-kinästhetische Intelligenz, intra- und interpersonale Intelligenz, operationalisiert durch jeweils ein Item, repräsentieren ein möglichst stark differenziertes Intelligenzkonzept. In der hier vorgestellten Untersuchung mit insgesamt 852 Probanden konnten sowohl für die Gesamtstichprobe als auch für unterschiedliche Teilstichproben Geschlechtsunterschiede für Selbsteinschätzungen in den Bereichen mathematische Intelligenz, räumliche Intelligenz und logisches Denken nachgewiesen werden, wobei sich Männer konsistent höher einschätzten als Frauen. Die Skalen weisen zufrieden stellende Retest-Reliabilitätskoeffizienten auf. Die Validität des ISI wurde in drei Studien überprüft, die die Zusammenhänge zwischen der selbsteingeschätzten Intelligenz und (a) Schulnoten in entsprechenden Unterrichtsfächern, (b) psychometrischen Intelligenzmaßen sowie (c) Fremdbeurteilungen der Intelligenzbereiche untersuchten.
Persönlichkeit und Synkopenperformanz
Authors: Stumm Ralf , Schmitt Manfred , Gollwitzer Mario
Published: May 2003

Zusammenfassung: Ausgehend von den musiksoziologischen und -psychologischen Überlegungen Adornos wird die Hypothese, Autoritarismus gehe mit einer Präferenz für klar strukturierte, geordnete und leicht wiedererkennbare Melodien, Harmonien und Rhythmen einher, um den Aspekt der Kompetenz erweitert. Es wird erwartet, dass zwischen bestimmten, mit Autoritarismus assoziierten Persönlichkeitseigenschaften (Normorientierung, Dogmatismus, Ambiguitätsintoleranz, Rigidität und Gehemmtheit) und der individuellen Fähigkeit, rhythmische Motive höherer Komplexität zu verarbeiten, negative Korrelationen bestehen. Zur Prüfung dieser Hypothese werden N = 107 Personen mit unterschiedlicher musikalischer Expertise gebeten, eine Reihe akustisch dargebotener rhythmischer Motive unterschiedlichen Komplexitätsgrades nachzutrommeln. Über die Leistung in diesem Test wird die individuelle Synkopenperformanz ermittelt. Korrelations- und Regressionsanalysen zeigen, dass Synkopenperformanz insbesondere mit der Dimension Normorientierung zusammenhängt.
Zur Validität retrospektiver Datenerhebungen
Authors: Schumacher Jörg , Hinz Andreas , Brähler Elmar
Published: May 2003

Zusammenfassung: Anhand eines Vergleiches der Erinnerungen von jungen Erwachsenen an das elterliche Erziehungsverhalten mit den Erinnerungen ihrer Eltern an das eigene Erziehungsverhalten wird die Validität von retrospektiv erhobenen Daten untersucht. Darüber hinaus wird der Einfluss der aktuellen Stimmung auf die erziehungsbezogenen Erinnerungen überprüft. In die Studie einbezogen wurden N = 150 Studierende sowie deren Eltern. Sowohl das erinnerte kindperzipierte als auch das elternperzipierte Erziehungsverhalten sowie die aktuelle Stimmung der Studierenden wurden mittels Fragebögen erfasst. Im Ergebnis zeigte sich, dass die erziehungsbezogenen Erinnerungen der Studierenden und der Eltern signifikant positiv miteinander korreliert sind. Dies wird als Hinweis auf die Validität der erfassten subjektiven Repräsentationen des elterlichen Erziehungsverhaltens gewertet. Darüber hinaus ließen sich in der Studie Hinweise für eine Stimmungskongruenz des erinnerten elterlichen Erziehungsverhalten finden. Sowohl bezüglich des erinnerten Erziehungsverhaltens als auch der Stimmungseffekte sind dabei jedoch differentielle Aspekte (hinsichtlich der betrachteten Erziehungsstildimensionen und der Elternteile) in Rechnung zu stellen.