bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mycorrhizal response and successional status in 80 woody species from south Brazil
Authors: Zangaro W. , Nisizaki S. M. A. , Domingos J. C. B. , Nakano E. M.
Published: May 2003

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi colonization and response were studied in seedlings of 80 native woody species belonging to different successional groups from the Tibagi River Basin, Paraná State, south Brazil. This study includes data from 43 native woody species already published. The results with 80 species did not differ from the results of the 43 species. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse in plastic bags filled with a mix of subsoil (85%) and sand (15%), inoculated or not with spores of native AM fungi obtained from rhizosphere soil of different native tree species in an area with natural vegetation dominated by woody pioneer species. The successional groups were represented by 16 pioneer, 20 early secondary, 29 late-secondary and 15 climax species. The AM response and colonization in the greenhouse were 5.9 and 4.2 times greater in the early successional species than in the late-successional species, respectively. Seedlings of 49 woody species were collected in the interior under the canopy of the tropical forest of the Mata dos Godoy State Park and in a cleared area dominated by woody pioneer species. The percentage of AM colonization in the field was 54.9, 40.4, 7.2 and 3.1 for the pioneer, early secondary, late-secondary and climax species, respectively. The response to AM inoculation was strongly and directly related to AM colonization in the greenhouse and field and inversely related to seed weight. The AM colonization in the greenhouse was strongly and directly related to AM colonization in field. The late-successional species showed lower AM colonization and response than early successional species. The accentuated mycotrophism of the early successional species may be involved in their establishment, growth, survival and early forest structuring on low-fertility soils.
Macrophyte rafts as dispersal vectors for fishes and amphibians in the Lower Solimões River, Central Amazon
Authors: Schiesari Luis , Zuanon Jansen , Azevedo-Ramos Claudia , Garcia Marcelo , Gordo Marcelo , Messias Mariluce , Monteiro Vieira Emerson
Published: May 2003

Large rivers have played a prominent role in biogeographic theory for their potential to act as barriers for the dispersal of terrestrial organisms,and therefore be involved in the generation of species diversity (Brown & Lomolino 1998). In this paper, we document the potential role of macrophyte rafts as a mechanism by which Amazonian rivers could act as dispersal agents rather than barriers, transferring organisms across banks and possibly across very large distances. These vectors could therefore act against speciation and towards homogenization of the local biota.
Litter quality and litter removal by the native fauna in the western Chaco woodland of Argentina
Authors: Bucher Enrique H. , Torres Patricia A. , Abril Adriana B.
Published: May 2003

Most researchers assume litter decomposition to take place at the site where
litterfall occurs, mostly by soil micro-organisms and microfauna of less than 1 mm in size.
Accordingly, the litterbag method has become the standard technique for evaluating litter
decomposition rates (Schlesinger 1985, Wedderburn & Carter 1999). However, there is evidence
indicating that at least in tropical arid ecosystems litter can be removed from the site in
substantial amounts by animals, including large vertebrates. For example, litter is removed for
forage or as building material for nests by ants (particularly leaf-cutting ants) and termites
(Bucher 1982, Scholes & Walker 1993). Moreover, ruminant species (including domestic cattle
and goats) supplement their food intake by feeding on falling leaf litter during the dry season
in African savannas (Owen-Smith & Cooper 1987) and in the Chaco savannas of Argentina
(Morello & Saravia-Toledo 1959). These observations suggest that litter removal may be an
important component of the decomposition process, particularly in tropical semi-arid environments
where lack of soil moisture decreases microbial activity, increasing litter availability
for herbivores.
Effect of ingestion by bats and birds on seed germination of Stenocereus griseus and Subpilocereus repandus (Cactaceae)
Authors: Naranjo Maria Elena , Rengifo Carlos , Soriano Pascual J.
Published: May 2003

VOLUME 19, NUMBER 1, JANUARY 2003, PAGES 19-25
Coagulase gene variants associated with distinct populations of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: CARTER P. E. , BEGBIE K. , THOMSON-CARTER F. M.
Published: May 2003

An identifying characteristic of Staphylococcus aureus is the production of staphylocoagulase (coagulase). The aim of this study was to determine the clonal distribution of coagulase gene (coa) variants within populations of S. aureus defined by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and protein A variation. The N-terminal region of the coa gene from 43 methicillin-susceptible (MSSA) and 252 methicillin-resistant (MRSA) S. aureus human isolates and 9 animal S. aureus isolates was amplified and digested with HinfI. Twelve types were identified amongst the MSSA isolates and the majority (93%) of MRSA isolates were assigned to 5 of the 12 types. MLST and PFGE analysis identified epidemic populations of MRSA and each epidemic population was characterized by a different coagulase type. Nine of the 12 MLST-defined clonal complex ancestral genotypes recently described each carried a different coagulase type suggesting that coagulase evolution and the evolution of the clonal complexes are intimately related.
Improving sensitivity of oral fluid testing in IgG prevalence studies: application of mixture models to a rubella antibody survey
Authors: GAY N. J. , VYSE A. J. , ENQUSELASSIE F. , NIGATU W. , NOKES D. J.
Published: May 2003

A method for the analysis of age-stratified antibody prevalence surveys is applied to a previously reported survey of antibody to rubella virus using oral fluid samples in which the sensitivity of the assay used was shown to be compromised. The age-specific distribution of the quantitative results of antibody tests using oral fluids is modelled as a mixture of strong positive, weak positive and negative components. This yields maximum likelihood estimates of the prevalence at each age and demonstrates that, when used in conjunction with mixture modelling techniques, the results of antibody prevalence studies using oral fluids accurately reflect those obtained using sera.
A national outbreak of multi-resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium definitive phage type (DT) 104 associated with consumption of lettuce
Authors: HORBY P. W. , O'BRIEN S. J. , ADAK G. K. , GRAHAM C. , HAWKER J. I. , HUNTER P. , LANE C. , LAWSON A. J. , MITCHELL R. T. , REACHER M. H. , THRELFALL E. J. , WARD L. R. ,   On behalf of the PHLS Outbreak Investigation Team
Published: May 2003

Between 1 August and 15 September 2000, 361 cases of Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium definitive phage type (DT) 104, resistant to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, streptomycin, sulphonamides, spectinomycin and tetracycline (R-type ACSSuSpT), were identified in England and Wales residents. Molecular typing of 258 isolates of S. Typhimurium DT104 R-type ACSSuSpT showed that, although isolates were indistinguishable by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, 67% (174/258) were characterized by a particular plasmid profile. A statistically significant association between illness and consumption of lettuce away from home was demonstrated (OR=7·28; 95% CI=2·25–23·57; P=0·0006) in an unmatched case–control study. Environmental investigations revealed that a number of food outlets implicated in the outbreak had common suppliers of salad vegetables. No implicated foods were available for microbiological testing. An environmental audit of three farms that might have supplied salad vegetables to the implicated outlets did not reveal any unsafe agricultural practices. The complexity of the food supply chain and the lack of identifying markers on salad stuffs made tracking salad vegetables back to their origin extremely difficult in most instances. This has implications for public health since food hazard warnings and product withdrawal are contingent on accurate identification of the suspect product.
FcγRIIa and FcγRIIIb polymorphisms were not associated with meningococcal disease in Western Norway
Authors: SMITH I. , VEDELER C. , HALSTENSEN A.
Published: May 2003

Fcγ-receptor (FcγR) polymorphisms have been associated with acquisition and severity of invasive meningococcal disease. We studied FcγR polymorphisms in a population with a high incidence of meningococcal disease. Fifty meningococcal disease patients aged 14–60 years, with bacteriologically confirmed disease and without detected complement deficiency, together with 100 healthy adult controls were included in the study. Clinical and bacteriological data were collected prior to FcγRIIa and FcγRIIIb genotyping, which was performed by polymerase chain reaction. The distribution of the FcγRIIa and FcγRIIIb allotypes and their allele frequencies were not significantly different amongst the patients and the controls. The combination FcγRIIa-R/R and FcγRIIIb-Na2/Na2 was less common among patients than controls (OR=0·11, Fisher's exact P=0·05). No significant association was found between the two FcγRs and severity of disease, meningococcal serogroup, age groups or gender. In contrast to previous findings, our study indicates that in Norwegian teenagers and adults, the FcγRIIa and FcγRIIIb allotypes are not decisive for the acquisition or for the severity of meningococcal disease.
Audit of scope and culture techniques applied to samples for the diagnosis of Mycobacterium bovis by hospital laboratories in England and Wales
Authors: DROBNIEWSKI F. , STRUTT M. , SMITH G. , MAGEE J. , FLANAGAN P.
Published: May 2003

This audit examines the ability of English and Welsh laboratories to diagnose Mycobacterium bovis infection. All 164 clinical laboratories submitting samples to the PHLS Mycobacterium Reference Unit and Regional Centres for Mycobacteriology were surveyed. Twenty per cent of responding centres did not use a pyruvate-containing medium or incubate for the minimum recommended period of 8 weeks. This study demonstrates the potential for the underdiagnosis of M. bovis infection in England and Wales. Possible reasons for underdiagnosis are discussed together with strategies to optimize recovery of M. bovis.
Environmental isolates of Citrobacter braakii that agglutinate with Escherichia coli O157 antiserum but do not possess the genes responsible for the biosynthesis of O157 somatic antigen
Authors: KHAN A. , NANDI R. K. , DAS S. C. , RAMAMURTHY T. , KHANAM J. , SHIMIZU T. , YAMASAKI S. , BHATTACHARYA S. K. , CHAICUMPA W. , TAKEDA Y. , BALAKRISH NAIR G.
Published: May 2003

While searching for Escherichia coli O157 in the aquatic environment of Calcutta using an immunodetection procedure, we fortuitously detected five strains of Citrobacter braakii, which cross-reacted with the commercially available O157 polyvalent antiserum. The five C. braakii isolates gave positive results when a sensitive dot-ELISA was performed with E. coli O157 monoclonal antibody. Further, the O157 monoclonal antibody recognized the bands of proteinase K treated whole cells of lipopolysaccharide of all the C. braakii isolates. Apart from weak reactions with two or three of the DNA probes, all the C. braakii strains did not hybridize with the other probes spanning the minimum region required for O157 O-antigen biosynthesis. These strains did not possess any of the virulence genes that are commonly found in the Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) specially the serotype O157[ratio ]H7. Therefore, it appears that the serological cross-reaction between C. braakii and E. coli O157 antiserum is based on structural mimicry between the O-polysaccharide of C. braakii and E. coli O157.
Smoking and polymorphisms of fucosyltransferase gene Le affect success of H. pylori eradication with lansoprazole, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin
Authors: MATSUO K. , HAMAJIMA N. , IKEHARA Y. , SUZUKI T. , NAKAMURA T. , MATSUURA A. , TAJIMA K. , TOMINAGA S.
Published: May 2003

Identification of factors influencing success of Helicobacter pylori (HP) eradication is important for clinical practice. We have prospectively conducted an HP eradication study in the Aichi Cancer Center with a total of 142 patients available for analysis. The overall success rate was 61·3% (95% confidence interval 52·7–69·3%). Smoking during the medication for eradication significantly decreased the success rate (42·9%), whereas smoking cessation during the treatment was associated with a similar rate as for non-smokers (66·7%). We also examined links between an eradication outcome and polymorphisms of Le, Se, IL1A, IL1B, IL1RN and MPO genes, but with one exception none showed any association. The non-functional le allele of Le polymorphisms, leading to decreased expression of Leb antigen to which HP attaches with adhesin, showed a beneficial effect for success. Although further clarification is necessary, our study indicated that smoking cessation and Le gene polymorphisms may affect the success rate of HP eradication.
Analysis of longitudinal bacterial carriage studies accounting for sensitivity of swabbing: an application to Neisseria meningitidis
Authors: TROTTER C. L. , GAY N. J.
Published: May 2003

Longitudinal carriage studies of colonizing bacteria such as Neisseria meningitidis can provide important insights into the transmission dynamics of these organisms. Carriage is detected by culturing from a nasopharyngeal swab, but the sensitivity of this technique is low and varies between studies. This paper applies a statistical method for estimating the sensitivity of swabbing, infection rate, recovery rate and initial prevalence of carriage to three longitudinal carriage studies of N. meningitidis. These parameters and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using maximum likelihood techniques. The sensitivity of swabbing was estimated to be 60–83% and this should be taken into account when interpreting carriage studies. The estimates of force of infection and recovery rates seem to be consistent with estimates from more traditional methods. Differences in the parameter estimates between datasets may be due to differences in study design. This method could be used to assist in the design of future carriage studies.
Economic evaluation of options for measles vaccination strategy in a hypothetical Western European country
Authors: BEUTELS Ph. , GAY N. J.
Published: May 2003

In this study an analysis was made of economic costs and medical effects (by cost-effectiveness and cost–benefit analysis) associated with measles vaccination in a hypothetical Western European country. We analysed ten vaccination options in terms of past and future vaccination coverage. We show that several of the proposed strategies for improving measles vaccination coverage are preferable to maintaining the existing policies, regardless of past coverage and the viewpoint of the analysis. For society, very high coverage (95%) two-dose vaccination is most optimal, irrespective of past vaccination coverage. The addition of a one-time campaign (to reduce susceptibility in (pre-)adolescent age groups) to such a high coverage two-dose vaccination programme is cost-saving to the health-care payer and to society when coverage in the past was low ([les ]70%). Even when coverage in the past was high (90%) for more than a decade, this ‘maximum strategy’ could be implemented at an acceptable cost to the health-care payer (incremental direct costs per discounted life-year gained <€30000), and at net savings to society.
Prevalence and characterization of Vero cytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli isolated from diarrhoeic and healthy sheep and goats
Authors: ORDEN J. A. , RUIZ-SANTA-QUITERIA J. A. , BLANCO M. , BLANCO J. E. , MORA A. , CID D. , GONZÁLEZ E. A. , BLANCO J. , DE LA FUENTE R.
Published: May 2003

Faecal samples from 146 diarrhoeic lambs and goat kids, and from 511 healthy sheep and goats were screened for the presence of Vero cytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC). In healthy sheep and goats, VTEC were isolated in 24·4 and 16·2% of the animals, respectively. Moreover, VTEC were detected in 3·1 and 5·9% of the diarrhoeic lambs and goat kids, respectively. These data suggest that VTEC seems not to be associated with diarrhoea in lambs and goat kids. Only four VTEC strains were eae-positive. The absence of the eae gene in most of these VTEC strains could indicate that these strains are less virulent for humans that the classical eae-positive enterohaemorrhagic E. coli types. However, almost half (42·9%) and 12·2% of VTEC strains isolated from healthy sheep and goats, respectively, belonged to serotypes associated with severe diseases in humans.
A large outbreak of influenza A and B on a cruise ship causing widespread morbidity
Authors: BROTHERTON J. M. L. , DELPECH V. C. , GILBERT G. L. , HATZI S. , PARASKEVOPOULOS P. D. , MCANULTY J. M. ,   on behalf of the Cruise Ship Outbreak Investigation Team
Published: May 2003

In September 2000 an outbreak of influenza-like illness was reported on a cruise ship sailing between Sydney and Noumea with over 1100 passengers and 400 crew on board. Laboratory testing of passengers and crew indicated that both influenza A and B had been circulating on the ship. The cruise coincided with the peak influenza period in Sydney. Morbidity was high with 40 passengers hospitalized, two of whom died. A questionnaire was sent to passengers 3 weeks after the cruise and 836 of 1119 (75%) responded. A total of 310 passengers (37%) reported suffering from an influenza-like illness (defined as cough, fever, myalgia and weakness) and 528 (63%) had seen a doctor for illness related to the cruise. One-third of passengers reported receipt of influenza vaccination in 2000; however neither their rates of influenza-like illness nor hospitalization were significantly different from those in unvaccinated passengers. A case–control study also found no significant protective effect of influenza vaccination. With the increasing popularity of cruise vacations, such outbreaks are likely to affect increasing numbers of people. Whilst influenza vaccination of passengers and crew may afford some protection, uptake and effectiveness may not be sufficient to prevent outbreaks. Surveillance systems and early intervention measures, such as antiviral therapies, should be considered to detect and control such outbreaks.
First epidemic of aseptic meningitis due to echovirus type 13 among Spanish children
Authors: TRALLERO G. , CASAS I. , AVELLÓN A. , PÉREZ C. , TENORIO A. , LOMA A. DE LA
Published: May 2003

Echoviruses are the commonest cause of aseptic meningitis (AM). Echovirus type 13 (EV-13) was the second enterovirus serotype associated with different local outbreaks of AM in Spain between February and October 2000. It was the first time that an epidemic AM caused by this virus was recognized in Spain. The index case appeared in the Canary Islands (Canarias). The EV-13 virus was isolated from 135 patients, predominantly from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). All isolates were from children under 13 years. The age specific peak incidence was in infants under 1 year. Most patients had fever, headache and other meningeal signs. This enterovirus serotype, not previously detected in Spain, caused severe illness with a high attack rate.
Factors influencing the shedding of verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli O157 by beef suckler cows
Authors: SYNGE B. A. , CHASE-TOPPING M. E. , HOPKINS G. F. , McKENDRICK I. J. , THOMSON-CARTER F. , GRAY D. , RUSBRIDGE S. M. , MUNRO F. I. , FOSTER G. , GUNN G. J.
Published: May 2003

A study was designed to investigate management factors that might influence the shedding of verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) O157 by beef cows in Scotland, where there is a particularly high rate of human infection. Thirty-two herds were visited at least monthly over approximately 1 year for collection of fresh faecal pat samples and information on management factors. The faecal pat samples were tested for VTEC O157 by established culture and immunomagnetic separation methods. Questionnaires were completed at the monthly visits to record management factors. Data were analysed using both univariate and multi-factor (GLMM) analysis. Changes in the number of cows in a group, dogs, wild geese, housing, and the feeding of draff (distillers' grains) were statistically significant as risk factors. The event of calving appeared to reduce the likelihood of shedding. Any effects of weaning or turnout were not statistically significant. It appears that the rate of shedding of VTEC O157 is influenced by several factors but possibly the most important of these are the circumstances of animals being housed, or, when outside, the presence of wild geese.
Assessment of neonatal tetanus elimination in an African setting by lot quality assurance cluster sampling (LQA–CS)
Authors: COTTER B. , BREMER V. , STROH G. , MSAMBICHAKA K. , MABUZANE E. , MUNYORO M. , SHIREHWA F. , BIELLIK R. , BIRMINGHAM M.
Published: May 2003

Neonatal tetanus (NT) elimination, <1 case per 1000 live births (LB), was assessed at district level in Zimbabwe using a combined lot quality assurance–cluster sampling survey (LQA–CS). Three of the highest risk districts were selected. NT was considered eliminated if fewer than a specified number of NT deaths (proxy for NT cases) were found in the sample determined using operating characteristic curves and tables. TT2+ vaccine coverage was measured in mothers who gave birth 1–13 months before the survey and women aged 15–49 years. NT was considered as eliminated, TT2+ coverage was 78% (95% CI 71–82%) in women aged 15–49 and 83% (95% CI 76–89%) in mothers. The survey cost US$ 30000 excluding costs of consultants. NT incidence was below the elimination threshold (<1/1000 LB) in the surveyed districts and probably in all districts. LQA–CS is a practical, relatively cost effective field method which can be applied in an African setting to assess NT elimination status.
Outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa folliculitis associated with a swimming pool inflatable
Authors: TATE D. , MAWER S. , NEWTON A.
Published: May 2003

On 18 February 2002, the Communicable Disease Unit was notified by the local Public Health Service Laboratory of a child with a positive skin swab for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This child had attended the local swimming pool and played on an inflatable, subsequently presenting to a Primary Care Nurse Practitioner with folliculitis. A total of 35 cases was identified during the outbreak. This paper describes a case–control study and microbiological sampling of the cases, the suspected inflatable and a survey of 10 swimming pool inflatables in the local area. The odds ratio for developing folliculitis following use of the inflatable was 12 (95% CI 1·05–136·80). The strain of P. aeruginosa found on the inflatable was identical to that obtained from skin swabs of cases. Nine of 10 (90%) of the inflatables sampled were colonized by P. aeruginosa. Attention should be given to the problem of routine decontamination of swimming pool inflatables. P. aeruginosa folliculitis needs to be considered in the differential diagnosis of skin rashes in children, especially in Primary Care.
Molecular study on human tuberculosis in three geographically distinct and time delineated populations from ancient Egypt
Authors: ZINK A. R. , GRABNER W. , REISCHL U. , WOLF H. , NERLICH A. G.
Published: May 2003

We describe the molecular identification of human tuberculosis (TB) from vertebral bone tissue samples from three different populations of ancient Egypt. The specimens were obtained from the predynastic to early dynastic necropolis of Abydos (7 individuals, c. 3500–2650 B.C.), from a Middle Kingdom to Second Intermediate Period tomb of the necropolis of Thebes-West (37, c. 2100–1550 B.C.) and from five further Theban tombs used in the New Kingdom and the Late Period (39, c. 1450–500 B.C.). A total of 18 cases tested positive for the presence of ancient DNA (aDNA) of the M. tuberculosis complex. Out of the 9 cases with typical macromorphological signs of tuberculous spondylitis, 6 were positive for mycobacterial aDNA (66·7%). Of 24 cases with non-specific pathological alterations, 5 provided a positive result (20·8%). In 50 cases of normally appearing vertebral bones 7 tested positive (14·0%). There were only minor differences in the frequencies between the three populations. These data strongly support the notion that tuberculosis was present and prevalent in ancient Egypt since very early periods of this civilization. The unexpectedly high rate of mycobacterial aDNA in normal bone samples is presumably due to a pre- to perimortal systemic spread of the bacteria and indicates a generalized infection by M. tuberculosis.
Laryngeal features in German
Authors: Jessen Michael , Ringen Catherine
Published: May 2003

It is well known that initially and when preceded by a word that ends with a voiceless sound,
German so-called ‘voiced’ stops are usually voiceless, that intervocalically both
voiced and voiceless stops occur and that syllable-final (obstruent) stops are voiceless.
Such a distribution is consistent with an analysis in which the contrast is one of [voice]
and syllable-final stops are devoiced. It is also consistent with the view that in German
the contrast is between stops that are [spread glottis] and those that are not.
On such a view, the intervocalic voiced stops arise because of passive voicing of the
non-[spread glottis] stops. The purpose of this paper is to present experimental
results that support the view that German has underlying [spread glottis] stops,
not [voice] stops.
Coronal epenthesis and markedness
Authors: Lombardi Linda
Published: May 2003

Coronals have been claimed to behave as unmarked consonants in epenthesis. However, it is well known that the glottal consonants ([h ʔ]) are frequently epenthetic, and the empirical basis for the claim about coronal epenthesis has been weak, with only a single example commonly cited. I will show that coronals can in fact occur as epenthetic segments, but only in specific situations showing the classic signs of constraint conflict. I will argue that these patterns can be accounted for in Optimality Theory using fully specified Place in the representations and extending Smolensky's (1993) universally ranked *PLACE hierarchy so that the glottals have the least marked Place. The result will be that when all other things are equal, glottals will be the ideal epenthetic consonant, but when some higher-ranked requirement makes epenthesising a glottal impossible, the still relatively low-ranked position of *COR means that coronals will be the next best way to satisfy Place markedness.
Tohono O'odham stress in a single ranking
Authors: Fitzgerald Colleen M.
Published: May 2003

This paper argues in favour of the analysis of Tohono O'odham stress originally presented in Fitzgerald (1997). This analysis relies on a single grammar in which metrical and rhythmic constraints are interleaved with the MORPHEME-TO-STRESS PRINCIPLE (MSP), a constraint that requires morphemes to be stressed. The single-grammar approach is contrasted with the co-phonology account offered for the same data in Yu (2000). The two analyses use the same basic constraints, with the exception of the MSP. Instead of this constraint, Yu uses three separate co-phonologies. The comparison between the two theories is focused on this difference, the MSP vs. the multiple grammars of the co-phonology model. The point made here is that Tohono O'odham does not need co-phonologies.
On targeted constraints and cluster simplification
Authors: McCarthy John J.
Published: May 2003

In his article ‘Consonant cluster neutralisation and targeted constraints’, Wilson (2001) proposes a far-reaching revision of Optimality Theory to accommodate targeted constraints, which compare candidates differing only in certain specific ways. Targeted constraints, it is argued, can explain why cluster-simplification processes affect the first member of a cluster but never the more marked member of a cluster. In this remark, I show that this argument encounters difficulties once it has been embedded in a fuller picture of constraint interaction. Some general properties of the targeted-constraints model are also discussed.
The theory and practice of ekphonetic notation: the manuscript Sinait. gr. 213
Authors: Martani Sandra
Published: May 2003

The cantillation of the Scriptures played an important role in the complex matrix of symbols that is the Byzantine liturgy. Beginning in the ninth century, a special type of notation called ‘ekphonetic’ was developed to indicate in the lectionaries the formulae used in the chanting of the appointed scriptural pericopes. Gradually, over the course of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries the system fell into disuse, and the meaning of the notational signs was forgotten. Unfortunately, no surviving Byzantine theoretical treatises explain the system; hence the only sources of information about it (apart from the lectionaries themselves) are lists of ekphonetic neumes found in some manuscripts. Of particular value in this regard is the manuscript Sinaiticus graecus 213. Not only is this one of the oldest datable Greek evangeliaries, but it contains the most ancient list of neumes heretofore discovered, having escaped the attention of musicologists probably because of its unusual location in the manuscript. The present study, proceeding from an analysis of the theoretical information contained in the Sinait. graec. 213 list, will seek to establish the practical application of the neumes within the body of the manuscript, thus contributing to a clarification of the structural characteristics of the earliest, so-called ‘preclassic’, phase of the notational system.
Tenores ad longum and rhythmic cues in the early fifteenth-century motet
Authors: Allsen J. Michael
Published: May 2003

This article deals primarily with a small repertory of early fifteenth-century motets that survive with tenores ad longum - substitute parts for notationally difficult tenors: works by Dunstaple, Binchois, Ciconia, Brassart, Velut, Carmen and Antonius de Civitate. The eight cases, together with Du Fay's O Sancte Sebastiane and the fourteenth-century motet Inter densas, are discussed individually, with consideration of the reason for inclusion of a tenor ad longum or other rhythmic cues, and who might have been responsible for the part.
Music in pre-Reformation York: a new source and some thoughts on the York Masses
Authors: Colton Lisa
Published: May 2003

Ever since Hugh Baillie and Philippe Oboussier's pioneering study of York, Borthwick Institute MS Mus 1, better known as the York Masses, it has been generally accepted that its compositions, if not the choirbook itself, originated elsewhere than York. Two locations claimed primacy in their bid for the manuscript's original provenance,
Lincoln and London, owing to the internal evidence of two composers named in the manuscript, ‘Johannes Cuke’ and ‘Horwod’. The evidence is reassessed here with regard to an important new source relating to polyphonic music and other fragments of music preserved in post-Reformation York bindings. It is suggested that these fragments originated at one or more churches in York in the late fifteenth century, and that they were finally sold for binding material c. 1583, resulting in their appearance in the same series of court books for York Minster. The cultural background for the genesis and performance of polyphonic music is then addressed, with reference to York and other northern locations such as Durham, Beverley and Selby.
Economic development, demographics, and renewable resources: a dynamical systems
approach
Authors: Anderies John M.
Published: May 2003

Many developing economies are faced with growing populations and deteriorating natural resources. It is often argued that economic growth will arrest these trends via cleaner technology and social change accompanied by reduced birth rates. Two questions arise: (1) What general economic, demographic, and ecological conditions favor this scenario? and (2) What adjustments, technological, demographic, or ecological, are more important in realizing this scenario? I address these questions using a two-sector growth model which includes human demographics and a renewable resource base. Using powerful numerical bifurcation techniques and rescaling arguments, I obtain the following general results. If the regeneration rate of the renewable resource base is slow relative to the rate of economic growth, population overshoot and resource collapse is more likely. Demographic adjustments are more important than technological adjustments in avoiding renewable resource degradation. Several related results are presented that support these general findings.
Flexibility mechanisms and credit discounting
Authors: Shin Sungwhee , Suh Sang-Chul
Published: May 2003

We consider the international treaties on climate change as self-enforcing agreements. Applying non-cooperative game theory, we interpret the UN framework Convention on Climate Change as a Nash equilibrium outcome of an international abatement game where only domestic abatement is allowed. The Kyoto Protocol is a Nash equilibrium outcome of the game where flexibility mechanisms are introduced. We also show that credit discounting on foreign abatement can Pareto improve the welfare of all countries.
Getting incentives right?: a comparative analysis of policy instruments for livestock waste pollution abatement in Yucatán, Mexico
Authors: Drucker Adam G. , Latacz-Lohmann Uwe
Published: May 2003

Building on the extensive theoretical and empirical work regarding the cost-minimizing properties of economic instruments, this article describes and analyses the Mexican legislation relevant to the treatment/disposal of pig slurry in the state of Yucatán. Using a linear programming model to determine the optimal level of pig production and abatement processes simultaneously, different policy instruments and scenarios are compared. Serious shortcomings associated with the recently introduced command-and-control (CAC) legislation, which establishes concentration-based standards for discharges, are identified. It is shown that it will be extremely difficult and expensive to comply with (cost: US$41.8 million per annum). An alternative mass-based CAC approach, which instead regulates nitrogen applications to land, has compliance costs of US$3.5–US$9.4 million per annum, depending on the strictness of the standard. By contrast, an environmentally equivalent economic instrument approach results in additional cost savings of 22–25 per cent. The results are of relevance to Mexican policy makers, extensionists, researchers, and farmers.
A CGE framework to evaluate policy options for reducing air pollution emissions in Chile
Authors: O'Ryan Raúl , Miller Sebastian , de Miguel Carlos J.
Published: May 2003

Successful economic growth in Chile based on open market and export strategy, is characterized by a high dependence on natural resources, and by polluting production and consumption patterns. There is an increasing concern about the need to make potentially significant trade-offs between economic growth and environmental improvements. Additionally, policy makers have been reluctant to impose standards that could have regressive consequences, making the poor poorer. Using the CGE model ECOGEM-Chile we study the direct and indirect effects of imposing environmental taxes in Chile for PM-10 as well as taxes on fuels. We analyze the effects over macroeconomic variables as well as sectoral, distributive, and environmental variables. The results show that the most significant impacts are on emissions and sectoral outputs. There are winners and losers. Macroeconomic and distributional impacts are low when low emission reductions are required, however they can be significant if a 50% reduction in emissions are imposed.
Environmental costs and their impact on the net present value of a hydro-electric project in Kerala, India
Authors: Santhakumar V. , Chakraborty Achin
Published: May 2003

This paper presents the operational procedures involved in incorporating the environmental costs in the cost–benefit analysis of a hydro-electric project. The proposed project, if implemented, would result in the loss of 2,800 hectares of tropical forests and dislocation of two settlements of about 200 families who are currently dependent on the forests for their livelihood. The forests are mainly used for extracting reed – a material used both by traditional artisans and the paper-pulp industry. The potential environmental costs and benefits of the project are identified and approximate estimates of some of these costs are made for items such as carbon sequestration, bio-diversity, and so on, based on similar estimates made elsewhere. These estimated environmental costs are incorporated into the analysis, and the hypothetical estimate of the non-use value, which would make the project's net benefit zero, is estimated under different discount rates. The analysis brings into sharp focus some crucial factors that have a direct bearing on the social trade-off involved in the project choice.
On the use of cost-benefit analysis for the evaluation of farm household investments in natural resource conservation
Authors: Hoogeveen Hans , Oostendorp Remco
Published: May 2003

Farm households in developing countries are generally credit constrained. This forces them to simultaneously take production and consumption decisions. In this paper, a two-period lifecycle model of the farm household is constructed and the household's investment response to changes in land and agricultural output prices are derived theoretically. It is shown that in the absence of credit markets household responses to exogenous price changes may differ from the predictions of cost–benefit analysis. Farm household responses are also derived for the case where price increases for land and agricultural output are accompanied by the introduction of a credit market. For this case the results show that farm household reactions are in accordance with predictions made by cost–benefit analysis. An empirical case study from Bénin underscores the relevance of considering access to credit in establishing whether investments in soil conservation are beneficial to farm households.
Transferring the benefits of avoided health effects from water pollution between Portugal and Costa Rica
Authors: Barton David N. , Mourato Susana
Published: May 2003

Two very similar contingent valuation surveys eliciting willingness-to-pay (WTP) to avoid eye irritation, gastroenteritis, and coughing episodes due to seawater pollution were conducted on visitors to beaches in Portugal and Costa Rica. Various forms of the hypothesis regarding the transfer of mean WTP between the two countries were rejected, as was the hypothesis that model parameters were drawn from the same pooled sample across countries for three different illness episodes. When compared to on-site studies in Costa Rica, benefit transfer from Portugal leads to errors typically of the order of 100 per cent. Adjusting WTP for declared income or other easily accessible socio-demographic variables does not reduce transfer error. This study shows that transfer of health benefit estimates can be potentially quite unhealthy for policy analysis, questioning whether the time and resource savings are justified in this particular transfer context.
Valuing marine parks in a developing country: a case study of the Seychelles
Authors: Mathieu Laurence F. , Langford Ian H. , Kenyon Wendy
Published: May 2003

A strategic issue facing many developing economies is the maintenance of natural resources, which are important in ecological terms as well as for providing income from tourism. This paper presents an analysis of the economic value of marine protected areas in the Seychelles. The contingent valuation method (CVM) is used to determine tourists willingness to pay (WTP) for visits to Seychelles' marine national parks. In addition, attitudinal and motivational data are related to respondents' stated economic preferences. Three hundred interviews were conducted in the Seychelles during June 1998 and both tourists having visited a park and a more general population of tourists were surveyed. The results demonstrate that different economic values are predicted for respondents from different countries who display a range of both consumer and citizen behaviour in constructing their preferences. In addition, significantly different WTP amounts are predicted depending on which particular marine parks are visited, and the expectations of visitors to Seychelles. The discussion focuses on exploring how this information may be of use to policy makers in setting a realistic pricing policy for visitors to Marine National Parks in the Seychelles.
Hedonic pricing in Windhoek townships
Authors: Humavindu Michael Nokokure , Stage Jesper
Published: May 2003

This study applies the hedonic pricing model to property sales in the township areas in Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia, where municipal authorities have pursued a programme of selling plots of land to settlers in order to encourage them into a formalized economic situation. We find that, apart from house quality, access to the central business district, access to marketplaces and access to transportation, environmental quality also has a large impact on property prices. Properties located close to a garbage dump sell at considerable discounts, while properties located close to a combined conservation and recreation area sell at premium prices. The results thus suggest that the hedonic pricing method can be useful for studying townships in developing countries, and that this can help to clarify the importance of environmental factors which are otherwise frequently neglected in town planning for township settlements.
Genetic structure in otter (Lutra lutra) populations in Europe: implications for conservation
Authors: Randi Ettore , Davoli Francesca , Pierpaoli Massimo , Pertoldi Cino , Madsen Arksel Bo , Loeschcke Volker
Published: May 2003

During the twentieth century otter (Lutra lutra) populations in central and western Europe declined and became fragmented because of habitat alterations, chemical pollution and direct persecution. In this study we used microsatellites to describe spatial patterns of genetic diversity and subdivision in otters from eight populations in Europe. Genetic diversity was moderately high within populations (He = 0.45–0.77), and significantly partitioned among locations (FST= 0.17; RST= 0.16; P < 0.001). A Bayesian cluster analysis of multilocus genotypes assigned individuals to seven genetically distinct groups, which were partly concordant with the geographical origin of the samples. An assignment test of the individuals to the populations showed that the Danish and, to a lesser extent, the Spanish populations were unique and distinct, whereas the other populations were partially admixed. Inference of past demographic fluctuations from coalescent analysis suggested that otter populations probably declined several thousand years ago, with the exception of the Irish population for which no such decline could be detected. No genetic evidence for recent bottlenecks was found. The historical decline could stem from post‐glacial founding events and recolonization of northern Europe after the last glacial maximum, or from more recent dry stages in the early Holocene in central Europe. On the basis of these results, we recommend that recovery plans should promote the expansion of existing natural populations through improvements of river and wetland habitats.
Demographic monitoring of an entire species (the northern hairy‐nosed wombat, Lasiorhinus krefftii) by genetic analysis of non‐invasively collected material
Authors: Banks Sam C. , Hoyle Simon D. , Horsup Alan , Sunnucks Paul , Taylor Andrea C.
Published: May 2003

Successful management of endangered species may be greatly facilitated by the ability to monitor population trends. The Australian northern hairy‐nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus krefftii) is one of the world's most endangered mammals, but precise abundance estimation by trapping surveys has proven exceedingly difficult. A mark‐recapture study was conducted in the sole remaining L. krefftii population, based on microsatellite identification of individuals and their gender from DNA in remotely collected single hairs. Population size was estimated to be 113 (95% confidence interval of 96 to 150). This suggests an increase in population size over the previous estimate of 65 (95% CI 42–186) in 1993, although the estimates did not differ significantly. There was a significant male bias in the sex ratio (2.25 males:1 female), in agreement with recent trapping surveys. The non‐invasive approach used here is vital for estimating population size and trends, and hence it is the most important recent advance in the conservation management of the northern hairy‐nosed wombat.
The frequency and severity of catastrophic die‐offs in vertebrates
Authors: Reed David H. , O'Grady Julian J. , Ballou Jonathan D. , Frankham Richard
Published: May 2003

Rare bouts of extreme environmental perturbations (catastrophes) have been predicted to have a major influence on the probability of extinction. Yet very little information is available on the frequency and severity of catastrophes. Improving the available information concerning catastrophe parameters would allow for an evaluation of their effect and a start towards understanding their causes. We used the Global Population Dynamics Database to determine the frequency and severity of die‐offs in 88 species of vertebrates. We define a catastrophe as any 1‐year decrease in population size of 50% or greater. The data yielded three findings. (1) The frequency of severe die‐offs in vertebrate populations is strongly related to the generation length of the organism. (2) The probability of a severe die‐off for a particular population is approximately 14% per generation. (3) The frequency of die‐off severity can be modelled as a modified power function with the frequency of die‐offs decreasing with increasing magnitude of effect. The distribution is not consistent with catastrophes stemming from environmental sources different than those responsible for smaller fluctuations, but seems to represent the tail of a continuous distribution of environmental perturbations.
Fire, demography and the persistence of siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus: Hylobatidae) in a Sumatran rainforest
Authors: O'Brien Timothy G. , Kinnaird Margaret F. , Nurcahyo Anton , Prasetyaningrum Maya , Iqbal Muhammad
Published: May 2003

We show a direct impact of El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) related fires on the demography and persistence of the siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus), a frugivorous, Southeast Asian rainforest primate. Siamang groups affected by ENSO‐related wildfires in a Sumatran rainforest were significantly smaller and experienced significantly lower infant and juvenile survival. Likelihood of infants surviving to subadults was higher by a factor of 2.8 for groups in undisturbed habitat. Burn groups had access to 48% fewer reproductive‐size strangling fig trees in their territories, compared to non‐burn groups. Dietary and foraging behaviour changes associated with habitat disturbance may result in lower productivity and higher mortality of young animals. Reproductive potential of burn groups is insufficient to offset low survival and groups are unlikely to persist for more than two generations. Increasing frequency of ENSO events increases the likelihood that siamang and other long‐lived species that rely on fruiting trees will experience multiple fires within one generation; the resulting reduction in seed dispersal services will slow recovery of burned forest.