bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An analysis of fish‐habitat associations on disturbed coral reefs: chaetodontid fishes in New Caledonia
Authors: Bozec Y.‐M. , Dolédec S. , Kulbicki M.
Published: March 2005

A concordance analysis was used to study the simultaneous influence of several environmental data sets on chaetodontid (butterflyfish) distributions. This multivariate and multitable method enabled the correlation of three types of benthic characteristics (mineral substratum, coverage of structural species and large echinoderms) with butterflyfish abundances in two bays of the urban centre of Nouméa (New Caledonia). The first concordance axis was related to a gradient in the coverage of branching corals. This disturbance gradient compared damaged reef areas dominated by long‐spined sea urchins to areas with an extensive coverage of branching corals. The abundance of corallivorous chaetodontids was related to this gradient, supporting the view of corals as a food and shelter source for these fishes. The second concordance axis was interpreted as a gradient of heterogeneity in the coverage of benthic life‐forms. The abundance of omnivorous chaetodontids was related to this gradient. Thus, the concordance axes defined two key components of habitat structure that were related to the entire fish community structure.
Use of parasite and genetic markers in delineating populations of winter flounder from the central and south‐west Scotian Shelf and north‐east Gulf of Maine
Authors: McClelland G. , Melendy J. , Osborne J. , Reid D. , Douglas S.
Published: March 2005

Discriminant function analyses of infection parameters of parasitic helminths revealed that abundances of seven helminth species contributed significantly to the delineation of four host populations of winter flounder Pleuronectes americanus from the central and south‐west Scotian Shelf and the north‐east Gulf of Maine (NAFO subdivision 4WX‐5Z). These were adult digeneans, Derogenes varicus, Genolinea laticauda, Steganoderma formosum and Steringophorus furciger, metacercariae of the digenean, Stephanostomum baccatum, and larval nematodes, Anisakis simplex and Hysterothylacium aduncum. The correct classification rate was 84% overall, with Georges Bank (5Z) and Sable Island Bank (4W) winter flounder being the most accurately classified samples at 98 and 88%, respectively. Winter flounder from south‐west Nova Scotia (4X), an inshore sample from St Marys Bay and offshore fish from Browns Bank, had the lowest rates of correct classification (76 and 71%, respectively) due, primarily, to cross‐misclassification between the two samples. Winter pairwise comparisons of four microsatellite markers identified significant genetic differences between all populations sampled with the Georges Bank population being the most genetically distinct overall, and St Marys Bay and Browns Bank fish being the least dissimilar.
Is white muscle anaerobic glycolysis capacity indicative of competitive ability in Arctic charr?
Authors: Le François N. R. , Lamarre S. G. , Blier P. U.
Published: March 2005

Food ingestion to assess dominance status, indicated that dominant Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus displayed significantly higher white muscle pyruvate kinase (PK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities compared to subordinate fish [PK = 429·57 ± 76·37 v. 331·00 ± 61·73 U g−1 tissue (P = 0·022) and LDH = 929·33 ± 61·03 v. 775·25 ± 110·96 U g−1 tissue; (P = 0·0007)].
Reproductive strategy of a primitive temperate notothenioid Eleginops maclovinus
Authors: Brickle P. , Laptikhovsky V. , Arkhipkin A.
Published: March 2005

The reproductive biology of Eleginops maclovinus was examined in the Falkland Islands between October 2000 and December 2002. Males predominated at total lengths (LT) of 10 to 52 cm and females at >53 cm LT. Length frequency analysis showed a bimodal distribution with females representing the larger mode for every month during the study period. Gonad histology revealed that 19% of the histological samples studied were considered to be those from hermaphrodites: morphologically as male gonads but containing protoplasmic oocytes. It was therefore concluded that E. maclovinus is a protandrous hermaphrodite. The size of first (male) maturation of E. maclovinus was 30·73 cm LT. Males and females matured from August onwards and spawning occurred between September and December at depths of >40 m. Eleginops maclovinus has the smallest eggs and highest fecundity among the notothenioids. The highest potential fecundity was attained at maturity stage III with c. 48 million eggs. Because of further oocyte resorption, this value gradually decreased until the final fecundity ranged from 1·1 to 7·3 million eggs. Oocyte length frequencies in ovaries suggested that E. maclovinus was a batch spawner. Hydrated oocytes were found to contain a large perivitelline space indicating that the egg had a pelagic development.
First confirmed record ofLagocephalus sceleratus(Gmelin, 1789) in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Akyol O. , Ünal V. , Ceyhan T. , Bilecenoglu M.
Published: March 2005

One specimen of the Indo‐Pacific silverstripe blaasopLagocephalus sceleratus(Gmelin, 1789)(Tetraodontidae) is recorded from the Aegean coast of Turkey and is confirmed for the Mediterranean. Dispersal of the species to the Mediterranean is due to migration from the Red Seaviathe Suez Canal.
Gonadal development and diandric protogyny in two populations of Dascyllus reticulatus from Madang, Papua New Guinea
Authors: Asoh K.
Published: March 2005

Two Dascyllus reticulatus populations from Madang, Papua New Guinea exhibited diandric protogyny. In both populations, gonads began as undifferentiated, and then developed oocytes in the primary growth stage and an ovarian lumen. From this ovarian state or from more developed ovaries containing oocytes beyond the primary‐growth stage, some gonads developed into testes. The first sign of testicular development was degeneration of oocytes, degeneration of oocytes in the primary growth stage in ovarian gonads and degeneration of oocytes of all growth stages present including the primary growth stage in ovaries, which was then followed by development of spermatogenic tissue. In both populations, most of the fish that had gonads with degenerating oocytes were smaller than the smallest mature females, indicating that development towards testes was mostly initiated in immature gonads containing only pre‐vitellogenic oocytes. On some occasions, however, females as large as other mature females also had gonads with degenerating oocytes, suggesting that development towards testes may have occurred in mature ovaries as well. This latter notion is further strengthened by the discovery of a fish having a gonad that contained both degenerating vitellogenic oocytes and developing spermatogenic tissue. Taken together, these results suggest that D. reticulatus can exhibit diandric protogyny, because testes in D. reticulatus developed from juvenile gonads as well as from mature ovaries.
Small anadromous Salvelinus malma at the southern limits of its distribution
Authors: Morita K. , Arai T. , Kishi D. , Tsuboi J.
Published: March 2005

Anadromy in the Dolly Varden Salvelinus malma at the southern limits of its distribution were examined by an intensive field survey and measurements of otolith Sr and Ca concentrations. Body sizes of anadromous individuals were small, only slightly larger than those of mature parr, and the degree of anadromy was extremely low.
Mortality estimates of Scyliorhinus canicula in the Cantabrian sea using tag‐recapture data
Authors: Rodríguez‐cabello C. , Sánchez F.
Published: March 2005

Survival and recovery rates were obtained for small‐spotted catshark Scyliorhinus canicula in the Cantabrian Sea (north of Spain) based on tagging data. A total of 7656 specimens were tagged from 1993 to 2001. Recovery models for multiyear tagging studies were applied using the programme Mark. The best model fitted was achieved considering constant survival and recovery rates following the Brownie parameterization. The outputs were a survival rate (S) 0·89 and a recovery rate (f) 0·006. The reduced parameterization (S and r) provided very similar results, 0·89 and 0·06 respectively. The total finite mortality estimated was therefore Z = 0·11.
Batch marking of otoliths and fin spines to assess the stock enhancement of Argyrosomus japonicus
Authors: Taylor M. D. , Fielder D. S. , Suthers I. M.
Published: March 2005

Juvenile mulloway Argyrosomus japonicus(54·6 ± 4·6 mm total length, mean ± s.e.) were immersed in a range of oxytetracycline (OTC) solutions ranging between 0–600 mg l−1 in salinities of 5 (diluted sea water) and 35 (undiluted sea water), and alizarin complexone (ALC) solutions ranging between 0–60 mg l−1 in undiluted sea water, for 6, 12 and 24 h. Optimal marking conditions were 600 mg l−1 OTC for 24 h in a salinity of 5, and 30 mg l−1 ALC for 12 h respectively. Mark quality (MQ) was assessed using a score of 0–3 in both otoliths and anal fin spines, with a score >2 found to be acceptable for adequate mark identification. Acceptable marks were not produced using OTC in undiluted sea water. Immersion in OTC or ALC, or reduced salinity had no effect on survival relative to controls. Transverse sections of vertebrae from the ALC and OTC treatments with the highest otolith mark quality showed no discrete marks. Optimal marking techniques were used to produce double marks with a 3 day interval between marking, and marking techniques were applied to 130 000 juvenile mulloway in batch mode with minimal mortality. A numerical model of the chemical behaviour of OTC in sea water describes the decline of available OTC in increasing salinity, so that a species’ salinity tolerance and successful marking can be optimized.
The occurrence of Theragra finnmarchicaKoefoed, 1956(Teleostei, Gadidae), 1932–2004
Authors: Christiansen J. S. , Fevolden S‐E. , Byrkjedal I.
Published: March 2005

Ten specimens of the codfish Theragra finnmarchica(Teleostei, Gadidae) were known to science until 2003. Collections of 31 additional specimens made off north Norway between February 2003 and April 2004 provide information on the geographical and vertical distribution of this assumed rare species.
Similarity Solutions for Strong Shocks in an Ideal Gas
Authors: Sharma V. D. , Arora Rajan
Published: March 2005

The method of Lie group invariance is used to obtain a class of self‐similar solutions to the problem of shocks in an inhomogeneous gaseous medium and to characterize analytically the state‐dependent form of the medium ahead for which the problem is invariant and admits self‐similar solutions. Different cases of possible solutions, known in the literature, with a power law, exponential, or logarithmic shock paths are recovered as special cases depending on the arbitrary constants occurring in the expression for the generators of the transformation. Particular cases of plane rising shocks in an exponential medium and collapse of an imploding shock are worked out in detail. Numerical calculations have been performed to obtain the similarity exponents and the profiles of the flow variables, and comparison is made with the known results.
Risk impacts on the economic performance of oil and gas projects in Nigeria
Authors: Omole Olusegun , Borisade T.A. , Muhammad Ahmad
Published: March 2005

Despite the risks and uncertainties associated with investment in the petroleum industry, Nigeria remains attractive to foreign investors, due (partly) to the high rate of return on investment, the presence of a prodigious hydrocarbon base and the existence of a reliable legal framework for the protection of such investment. This study attempts to identify the key elements of risks and uncertainties in the Nigerian oil and gas industry and their associated impacts on the economic performance of capital projects, using data obtained from experts in the industry. The study reveals that the reservoir area, the hydrocarbon formation thickness, the porosity, the production drive mechanism and, hence, the recovery factor are the most significant uncertainty factors in oil exploitation. The major economic uncertainties identified include the crude oil price and joint venture cash calls (the latter is currently on the decline, due to the improved Government commitment to its cash call obligations).
A review of upstream development policies in Kuwait
Authors: Al‐Attar Abdulaziz E.
Published: March 2005

Since 1993, Kuwait's legislative bodies have been looking closely at the prospect of opening‐up the country's upstream oil sector for development and production to international oil companies (IOCs). The country has proposed doing this by means of a mechanism called an “operating service agreement” (OSA). This has generated controversy. One side argues that opening‐up the oil sector embodies a pattern of denationalisation and is reminiscent of the country's former concession agreement of 1934. And the other side maintains that the proposed OSA is unquestionably different to the concession agreement, in terms of legal framework, fiscal system and the role of the state. This paper reviews and compares the two types of agreement.

It then discusses the impact of improved oil recovery factors on increasing oil reserves and production in the northern and western Kuwaiti oil fields, by transferring technology from industrialised countries.
The impact of downstream refinery concerns on the international oil market
Authors:   OPEC Secretariat
Published: March 2005

This article looks at the difficulties experienced by the international oil market in 2004, in the context of the heavy pressure that has been put on stability and prices by downstream refinery problems, even though the market has remained well‐supplied with crude. It notes the efforts OPEC has made to maintain a reasonable market balance, in particular by accelerating the implementation of production expansion plans to increase the excess supply cushion. But it seems that, along with a tight market for light sweet crude oil, problems in the downstream sector will remain major upside risks for the market in 2005, risks that require urgent attention.
Autopsy case of primary choriocarcinoma of the urinary bladder
Authors: Minamino Keizo , Adachi Yasushi , Okamura Akiharu , Kushida Taketoshi , Sugi Motohiko , Watanabe Masato , Muguruma Kouei , Sugao Hideki , Suzuki Yasuhiro , Iwasaki Masayoshi , Nakano Keiji , Koike Yasushi , Wang Jianfeng , Mukaide Hiromi , Zhang Yuming , Matsuda Tadashi , Matsumura Miyo , Ikehara Susumu
Published: March 2005

Choriocarcinomas usually develop in the uterus and ovaries in the female, being extremely rare in the extragenital organs in the male. Extragenital choriocarcinomas in the male usually develop in the mediastinum or retroperitoneum. The frequency of choriocarcinoma in the urinary bladder is extremely low. The purpose of the present paper was to report an autopsy case of choriocarcinoma in the urinary bladder in the male. An 81‐year‐old male patient with macrohematuria was first diagnosed with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). At autopsy a hemorrhagic necrotic tumor, which was found in the urinary bladder with metastatic lesions in the lungs, was diagnosed as choriocarcinoma microscopically. There was no evidence for choriocarcinoma derived from any other organs than the urinary bladder, although there were metastatic lesions in both lungs and the direct invasion into the prostate. From these findings it is concluded that the tumor was a primary choriocarcinoma in the urinary bladder in a male patient. Choriocarcinoma of the urinary bladder is very rare, but the prognosis is extremely poor in comparison with TCC even in the urinary bladder. Therefore, it is essential to clearly discriminate between choriocarcinomas and TCC.
Proposed mechanism for the origin of sodic patches in Kruger National Park, South Africa
Authors: Khomo L. M. , Rogers K. H.
Published: March 2005

The accumulation of sodium on the footslopes of granitic catenas in semi‐arid southern Africa leads to the formation of sodic patches. Sodic patches are ecologically important for nutrient accumulation, predator evasion and wallowing, but they are often perceived as derelict lands because of vegetation denudation and low aesthetic quality. This negative perception, by both ecologists and tourists, often leads to ill‐advised management and ‘rehabilitation’ measures. In Kruger National Park, sodic patches occur at the riparian‐upland boundary and hence the processes originating in both systems may contribute to their origin. The upland‐based catena and riparian‐based evapotranspiration models were used to explore the hypothesis that these soils originate from both catena and evapotranspiration‐driven hydraulic processes. The models predict vegetation zonation dictated by a salt tolerance gradient and an increase in sodic patch area over time as a result of progressive salt accumulation. Vegetation structure and hillslope morphology across the riparian‐upland boundary and analysis of change in patch configuration over a 50‐year aerial photographic record were used to test the hypotheses. Sodic patches have unique vegetation, occur on the intermediate positions of hillslopes, have increased in area three‐fold over 50 years and are encroaching into the riparian zone. This behaviour is consistent with the assertion that these patches originate from both catena and evapotranspiration processes. Results imply a dynamic aspect of sodic patches, which have been previously viewed as static landscape features in pedogenic time scales. However, we show that they change over relatively smaller time scales meaning that their management should be commensurate with this dynamic nature. Therefore, sodic patches should be managed under a scheme that incorporates their small‐scale expansion and recognizes their ecological importance.
Demographic status of elephants in the Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves, Kenya
Authors: Wittemyer G. , Daballen D. , Rasmussen H. , Kahindi O. , Douglas‐Hamilton I.
Published: March 2005

Individual based demographic records of the elephants utilizing Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves were collected from 1998 through 2003 and indicate that this elephant population was increasing at an average rate of 4.6% per year. Although the majority of carcasses were not found, known sources of mortality include disease, injury, and predation by lions and humans. Poaching did occur during the study period, however the population is increasing and thus our findings indicate ivory poaching has limited impact on the demographic status of these elephants. This population is part of the Samburu/Laikipia MIKE Site and thus its status is relevant to CITES ligislation.
Measuring species diversity while counting large mammals: comparison of methods using species‐accumulation curves
Authors: Gaidet Nicolas , Fritz Hervé , Messad Samir , Mutake Snoden , Le Bel Sébastien
Published: March 2005

With a growing need for wildlife conservation and management in the communal lands of Africa, comprehensive ecological monitoring tools need to be developed and evaluated. While wildlife census methods are often compared in terms of precision and accuracy to estimate the population size of various target species, little attention has been paid to the measure of species diversity in mammal communities. A combined measure of abundance and community composition is, however, a crucial source of information in determining conservation priorities and to evaluate the ecosystem responses to management activities. In this study, we present five census methods of large to medium‐sized mammals and compare their efficacy in measuring species diversity. A species accumulation curve analysis is used with a predictive model to estimate the local species richness, the level of completeness of our censuses as well as the effort required to carry out a census. Advantages and limits of each method are discussed through comparison of their respective measure of species richness and their species accumulation rate. Results illustrate a large difference between methods in the ability for species detection, with censuses completed by bicycle offering the best option within the context of a unprotected area.
Aspects of comparative thermal ecology of sympatric hinge‐back tortoises (Kinixys homeana and Kinixys erosa) in the Niger Delta, southern Nigeria
Authors: Luiselli Luca
Published: March 2005

Aspects of the thermal ecology of two sympatric hinge‐back tortoises, Kinixys erosa and Kinixys homeana, were studied in the rainforest zone of south‐eastern Nigeria (West Africa). There were no significant differences in mean body temperatures (Tb) among K. homeana males, K. homeana females, K. erosa males and K. erosa females. In both species, there was a significant correlation between Tb and air temperature (Ta), and the regression line of Ta plotted against Tb differed significantly from the line of ideal poikilothermy. These regressions did not differ significantly between sexes in either species. There were no significant differences in terms of mean Tb in K. homeana during the various day‐hour intervals, whereas the mean Tb of K. erosa varied significantly among the various daytime intervals, attaining the higher values at 11.01–15.00 and 15.01–19.00 hours. In both species, Tbs were nearly always below Tas, and the negative difference ‘Tb ‐ Ta’ increased with increasing Ta. The hourly‐time course of the difference between Tb and Ta showed significant differences in K. homeana (with the higher negative differences at 11.01–15.00 and 15.01–19.00 hours), whereas no such difference was observed in K. erosa. In general, tortoises of both species showed behavioural thermoregulation in their avoidance of overheating in tropical environments, taking advantage of shady forest environments.
Food and feeding ecology of the rock fowl Picatthartes oreas in Old Oyo National Park, Nigeria
Authors: Adeyemo A. I. , Ayodele I. A.
Published: March 2005

The rock fowl is an endangered species and its food and feeding ecology was studied in the forest zone of Old Oyo National Park, Nigeria. The methods used were direct observation, and fragmentation analysis of faecal and crop content of samples collected during both the wet and dry seasons. The results showed that rock fowl feed on a wide range of species of insects, fruits and flower buds. In the wet season, animal resources represented 54 and 62% of the adult and chick diet, respectively, whereas in the dry season, animal food resources represented about 60% of both adult and the chick diets. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the food composition of the birds between the dry and wet seasons. There was also a significant (P < 0.05) difference in food preference between adults and chicks. Food sharing was not common, although it was observed between rock fowl cockerels and hens. Food search and selection indices were directly related to season and food availability. It was concluded that food scarcity may not be a serious contributory factor in the threat to the rock fowl.
Studies on the hydrochemistry of Kangimi reservoir, Kaduna State, Nigeria
Authors: Kemdirim E. C.
Published: March 2005

The physicochemical characteristics of Kangimi reservoir were investigated monthly at two stations of the reservoir between July 1998 and September 1999. This was done to determine if acceptable water quality standards are being maintained in the reservoir and to assess if the water could maintain a thriving fishery. All the physicochemical parameters investigated fell within the range of allowable standards for potable waters according to the World Health Organization (WHO, 1993). Alkalinity, conductivity, nitrate‐nitrogen and phosphate phosphorus showed significantly higher (P < 0.05) values during the rains, which was associated with surface runoff, whereas dissolved oxygen, hardness, transparency and chlorophyll‐a showed significantly higher values (P < 0.05) during the dry season. The reservoir was indicated to be oligotrophic. The biological significance of these findings are discussed.
The ecological impact of bush encroachment on the yield of grasses in Borana rangeland ecosystem
Authors: Angassa Ayana
Published: March 2005

The ecological impact of woody encroachment and the responses of herbage yield to encroachment were assessed at three locations in Borana rangeland at the end of the growing season. The study was carried out in two communal grazing areas (Medhecho and Dubluk) and one Government ranch (Dida‐Tuyura) in bush and/or shrub encroached and non‐encroached sites. In each area, three altitude ranges were distinguished and in each altitude range one transect, covering both encroached and non‐encroached rangeland, was selected. The assessment was based on the yield and botanical composition of the herbaceous layer. The grasses Cenchrus ciliaris, Chrysopogon aucheri and Panicum coloratum were common or dominant in both encroached and non‐encroached sites. Pennisetum mezianum and Pennise‐tum stramineum were typically found in encroached vegetation. The relative yield increased with non‐encroached sites and varied at different altitude ranges from about 106% to about 150%, thus increases ranged from 75% in Medhecho to 350% in Dubluk as determined from the lower values of the ranges.

The encroached vegetation had a significantly lower score for herbage yield than the non‐encroached vegetation for most of the sites, although the differences were small. Differences based on altitude range were also significant for Eragrostis papposa and Pennisetum stramineum, while the three areas showed a significant difference for the mean yield of Aristida adscensionis, Cenchrus ciliaris and Eragrostis papposa.
Genetic structure of montane isolates of Pinus sylvestris L. in a Mediterranean refugial area
Authors: Robledo‐Arnuncio J. J. , Collada C. , Alía R. , Gil L.
Published: March 2005

Aim  This work investigates the population genetic effects of periodic altitudinal migrations and interstadial fragmentation episodes in long‐term Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) populations at a regional scale.

Location  The study focuses on Scots pine populations in the northern Meseta and peripheral mountain chains, central and north‐western Iberian Peninsula. The ample macrofossil record in the area shows that this 60,000‐km2 region represent a glacial refugium for Scots pine. The species occupied large areas on the Meseta plains during glacial cold stages, but it has periodically sheltered at high elevation in the surrounding mountain chains during warm episodes, conforming to a fragmented pattern similar to its present‐day distribution.

Methods  We perform a fine‐scale chloroplast microsatellite (cpSSR) survey to assess the genetic structure of 13 montane Scots pine isolates in the northern Meseta (total N = 322 individuals). Using a hierarchical analysis of molecular variance (amova), we test the hypothesis of genetic isolation among disjunct mountain areas. We use a standard coalescence model to estimate genealogical relationship among populations, investigating the potential role of the regional relief as a factor influencing historic gene exchange among Scots pine populations.

Results  Population haplotypic diversity was high among Scots pine populations (He = 0.978), greater than values reported for other more thermophilic pine species in the Iberian Peninsula. The amova revealed low (but significant) differentiation among populations (ΦST = 0.031, P = 0.010), showed that the disjoint montane distribution could not account for the genetic divergence among areas (ΦCT = 0.012, P = 0.253), and that there was non‐trivial subdivision among populations within the same mountain region (ΦSC = 0.021, P = 0.012). The genealogical relationships among populations showed that Scots pine isolates growing on disjoint mountain blocks, but on slopes flowing to the same basin, were genetically closer than populations growing on different slopes of the same mountain chain, flowing to different basins.

Main conclusions  The observed genetic structure for Scots pine is consistent with its population history, inferred from the palaeobotanical record, with vertical migrations throughout climatic pulses and with the drainage basins and large long‐term population sizes connecting different mountain blocks during the cooler glacial periods. Overall, the results suggest that, despite periodic interstadial fragmentation episodes, Scots pine biology provides for the long‐term maintenance of high within‐population and low among‐population genetic diversity at neutral genetic markers.
Coastal dune vegetation and pollen representation in south Buenos Aires Province, Argentina
Authors: Fontana Sonia L.
Published: March 2005

Aim  To establish the relationship between coastal dune vegetation and its pollen representation as an aid to interpret Holocene vegetation dynamics and environmental changes from pollen assemblages.

Location  The study area is situated on the temperate Atlantic coast of south Buenos Aires Province, Argentina (c. 39° S and 61°20′ W).

Methods  The vegetation of the active dune area adjacent to the beach was described on the basis of its floristic composition from 25 plots. Classification of the vegetation into distinct zones was carried out by cluster analysis. Surface samples were collected from each vegetation stand and analysed for their pollen composition. Pollen percentage data were analysed using principal components analysis in order to investigate the degree to which the different vegetation units can be distinguished by their pollen spectra. Pollen–vegetation relationships for selected taxa were explored using simple scatter plots and indices of association, under‐ and over‐representation. Indices of floristic diversity and palynological richness were used to assess the representation of the vegetation in the pollen spectra.

Results and conclusions  Five vegetation zones are defined on the basis of species composition and their quantitative variation: back shore, mobile dunes, slacks, semi‐fixed and fixed dunes. Pollen assemblages from back shore, mobile dunes and slacks are clearly differentiated from semi‐fixed and fixed dunes. Pollen assemblages differ considerably from the associated vegetation composition. Major discrepancies are caused by large differences in pollen and vegetation proportion of Hyalis argentea and Discaria americana. There is a considerable proportion of non‐local pollen in every spectrum. Pollen representation in the coastal dunes at Monte Hermoso is influenced by differences in pollen production, dispersal and preservation of individual taxa as well as by the spatial distribution of the vegetation, the topography of the dune system and the wind pattern. The pollen–vegetation relationship established in this study has important implication for understanding and interpreting fossil pollen records from coastal dune environments.
‘First’ appearances in the Cenozoic land‐mammal record of the Greater Antilles: significance and comparison with South American and Antarctic records
Authors: MacPhee R.D.E.
Published: March 2005

Aim Through analysis of fossil records, the aim of this paper is to show that fossil representatives of at least three land‐mammal clades (pitheciine atelid primates, heteropsomyine echimyid rodents, and megalonychid phyllophagan xenarthrans) that once lived in the Greater Antilles are as old as, if not older than, ‘first’ occurrences of these same groups on the South American mainland.

Location Greater Antilles, South America, Antarctic Peninsula.

Methods Analysis of Cenozoic land‐mammal fossil records for the three areas.

Results Comparison reveals an interesting similarity to the Tertiary vertebrate palaeontological record for the Antarctic Peninsula (Seymour Island), in the sense that the latter also includes early (Eocene) representatives of some typical ‘South American’ groups (e.g. meridiungulates, sloths, certain marsupial groups).

Conclusions Given how limited the Antillean and Antarctic records are in quantity and quality, it seems unlikely that these ‘first’ appearances have much bearing on real origins (basal divergences). Rather, it suggests that the fossil basis for interpreting the origin and earliest diversification of ‘South American’ clades during the latest Cretaceous/early Cenozoic is probably even scantier than generally realized. In particular, the Antillean record strengthens arguments that some crown‐group continental lineages are considerably older than fossil evidence currently allows – a point increasingly (if unevenly) supported by molecular studies of many of the same clades.
How local community knowledge about malaria affects insecticide‐treated net use in northern Ghana
Authors: Adongo Philip B. , Kirkwood Betty , Kendall Carl
Published: March 2005

Large‐scale trials of insecticide‐treated nets (ITNs) throughout Sub‐Saharan Africa demonstrated that they reduce child mortality in malaria endemic communities. These encouraging results have generated interest in ITNs as a viable malaria control strategy in many malaria endemic countries. However, regular use of ITNs under routine or non‐project conditions has been beset with several problems. This paper explores how local community knowledge about malaria acts as a barrier to the use of ITNs in three settings. We employed structured formal observation and a range of interviewing techniques which included informal interviews, focus group discussions, semi‐structured in‐depth interviews, and structured survey interviewing. People recognize the term ‘malaria’ but have limited biomedical knowledge of the disease, including its aetiology, the role of the vector, and host response. Convulsions and anaemia are rarely linked to malaria. The people acknowledged a role for ITNs in nuisance reduction, but not for malaria prevention.
Malaria control in Vietnam: the Binh Thuan experience
Authors: Nam Nguyen Van , de Vries Peter J. , Toi Le Van , Nagelkerke Nico
Published: March 2005

Objective  The National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) in Vietnam is based on application of insecticide‐treated bed nets (ITNs), spraying of insecticides and early microscopic diagnosis of malaria and treatment (EDTM) with artemisinin drugs. This study explores the implementation of the NMCP at provincial level and its impact on malaria incidence (mi) and prevalence in Binh Thuan in southern Vietnam.

Methods  Data on implementation of EDTM, distribution of ITNs, annual mi and Plasmodium index (pi) were derived from intervention logbooks and surveillance records kept by the provincial Malaria Station since 1988. The relation between interventions and the change of pi over time was analysed with Generalized Estimating Equations.

Results  Control activities focused on the highly endemic zones where ITNs were distributed free of charge to ethnic minority groups, including twice yearly re‐impregnation, from 1992 onwards. This almost completely replaced insecticide spraying. Complete ITN coverage of these groups was achieved in 1995, constituting 40% of the entire population. In all malaria endemic communes, primary health care posts were consecutively upgraded or installed, mainly between 1992 and 1995, offering EDTM with artemisinin drugs free of charge. Before 1994, mi peaked to over 50/1000, pi to over 16% in the highly endemic zones. In 1998, these had decreased to below 9/1000 and 4% respectively. The effects of the interventions could not be discerned with statistical significance.

Conclusion  Malaria incidence and prevalence declined significantly in Vietnam, possibly due to the malaria control efforts, but coinciding with rapid socioeconomic changes.
Lymphatic filariasis in Ghana: establishing the potential for an urban cycle of transmission
Authors: Gbakima Aiah A. , Appawu Maxwell A. , Dadzie Samuel , Karikari Collins , Sackey Samuel O. , Baffoe‐Wilmot Aba , Gyapong Johnny , Scott Alan L.
Published: March 2005

Lymphatic filariasis is a significant public health and economic problem in many tropical and sub‐tropical regions. Unplanned urbanization leading to a lack of proper sanitary conditions has resulted in an increase in the urban‐based transmission of a number of vector‐borne diseases, including lymphatic filariasis. It has been well established that lymphatic filariasis is endemic in rural areas of Ghana. The goal of this study was to determine if there is a potential of establishing urban transmission cycles in Ghana's major cities. We clinically and immunologically assessed 625 individuals from the three major urban areas (Bawku, Bolgatanga and Secondi/Takoradi), finding that the prevalence of infection with Wuchereria bancrofti ranged from 0 to 12.5%. The results of a polymerase chain reaction based analysis of mosquitoes collected from these areas suggested that there is a low but detectable prevalence of mosquitoes infected with W. bancrofti. We conclude that there may be a potential for an established urban transmission of lymphatic filariasis in Ghana.
Antiretroviral treatment in resource‐poor settings: public health research priorities
Authors: Jaffar Shabbar , Govender Thilo , Garrib Anupam , Welz Tanya , Grosskurth Heiner , Smith Peter G. , Whittle Hilton , Bennish Michael L.
Published: March 2005

Many countries in Africa are planning to provide highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) to millions of people with acquired immune deficiency syndrome. This will be a highly complex therapy programme. Physician‐based models of care adapted from industrialized countries will not succeed in providing treatment to the majority of those who need it in resource‐constrained settings. A high priority is to identify care models for Africa that will increase coverage of HAART safely and effectively: key issues are (i) whether nursing staff or non‐clinically qualified staff can take the major role in the treatment programme and reduce the workload of physicians, (ii) whether treatment and monitoring can be delivered through peripheral health centres or through home visits and achieve better adherence and be more cost‐effective than delivery at hospitals and (iii) which clinical algorithms used by nursing or non‐clinically qualified staff will be effective for screening, diagnosing and managing treatment‐related side‐effects and medical problems being incurred. Many current ART support programmes are making little or no investment in research, but answering important questions on delivery of HAART will be essential if HAART programmes are to be successful in African nations with a high burden of human immunodeficiency virus infection.
High risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection during the Hajj pilgrimage
Authors: Wilder‐Smith Annelies , Foo Winnie , Earnest Arul , Paton Nicholas I.
Published: March 2005

Introduction  Annually more than 2 million pilgrims from all over the world attend the Hajj in Saudi Arabia. Overcrowding during this pilgrimage leads to a high risk of transmission of airborne infectious diseases. Tuberculosis (TB) is common among hospitalized pilgrims, but the overall risk of acquiring Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection during this pilgrimage is not known. We conducted a prospective study to assess the risk of M. tuberculosis infection among Hajj pilgrims.

Methods  We measured the immune response to TB antigens using a whole‐blood assay (QuantiFERON TB assay) prior to departure and 3 months after return from the Hajj pilgrimage.

Results  Of 357 paired assays, 149 pilgrims were negative prior to the Hajj and 15 (10%) of these had a significant rise in immune response to TB antigens.

Conclusions  Pilgrims may be at high risk of acquiring M. tuberculosis infection during the Hajj. This has significant public health implications for TB control in countries with large Muslim populations.
Community‐directed interventions strategy enhances efficient and effective integration of health care delivery and development activities in rural disadvantaged communities of Uganda
Authors: Katabarwa M. N. , Habomugisha P. , Richards F. O. , Hopkins D.
Published: March 2005

The community‐directed interventions (CDI) strategy achieved a desired coverage of the ultimate treatment goal (UTG) of at least 90% with ivermectin distribution for onchocerciasis control, and filled the gap between the health care services and the communities. However, it was not clear how its primary actors – the community‐directed health workers (CDHW) and community‐directed health supervisors (CDHS) – would perform if they were given more responsibilities for other health and development activities within their communities. A total of 429 of 636 (67.5%) of the CDHWs who were involved in other health and development activities performed better than those who were involved only in ivermectin distribution, with a drop‐out rate of 2.3%. A total of 467 of 864 (54.1%) of CDHSs who were involved in other health and development activities also maintained the desired level of performance. They facilitated updating of household registers (P < 0.05), trained and supervised CDHWs, and educated community members about onchocerciasis control (P < 0.001). Their drop‐out rate was 2.6%. The study showed that the majority of those who dropped out had not been selected by their community members. Therefore, CDI strategy promoted integration of health and development activities with a high potential for sustainability.
Viewpoint: HIV/AIDS and the health workforce crisis: What are the next steps?
Authors: Marchal Bruno , Brouwere Vincent De , Kegels Guy
Published: March 2005

In scaling up antiretroviral treatment (ART), financing is fast becoming less of a constraint than the human resources to ensure the implementation of the programmes. In the countries hardest affected by the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) pandemic, AIDS increases workloads, professional frustration and burn‐out. It affects health workers also directly, contributing to rising sick leave and attrition rates. This burden is shouldered by a health workforce weakened already by chronic deficiencies in training, distribution and retention. In these countries, health workforce issues can no longer be analysed from the traditional perspective of human resource development, but should start from the position that entire societies are in a process of social involution of a scale unprecedented in human history. Strategies that proved to be effective and correct in past conditions need be reviewed, particularly in the domains of human resource management and policy‐making, education and international aid. True paradigm shifts are thus required, without which the fundamental changes required to effectively strengthen the health workforce are unlikely to be initiated.
HJV gene mutations in European patients with juvenile hemochromatosis
Authors: Gehrke SG , Pietrangelo A , Kaščák M , Braner A , Eisold M , Kulaksiz H , Herrmann T , Hebling U , Bents K , Gugler R , Stremmel W
Published: March 2005

A large variety of mutations within the genes encoding hepcidin (HAMP) and hemojuvelin (HJV) have been identified in patients with the severe iron overload disorder juvenile hemochromatosis (JH). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the molecular background of JH in patients from central parts of Europe. Sequence analyses of HAMP and HJV were performed in seven JH patients from six families from Germany, Slovakia, and Croatia. For detection of the G320V mutation in HJV, a rapid polymerase chain reaction‐based assay was developed. No mutations were found within the HAMP gene. Six of seven (86%) JH patients carried at least one copy of the G320V mutation within the HJV gene. Four of these patients were homozygous for the G320V mutation. In addition, two novel HJV mutations were identified (C119F and S328fsX337). Taken together, the present study demonstrates that molecular analysis of the HJV gene is a powerful tool for an early and reliable diagnosis of JH. As in affected patients from Greece, the G320V mutation seems to be widely distributed among JH patients from central parts of Europe. Therefore, detection of the G320V mutation could identify the majority of JH cases from these regions non‐invasively.
Molecular analysis of non‐syndromic preaxial polydactyly: preaxial polydactyly type‐IV and preaxial polydactyly type‐I
Authors: Fujioka H , Ariga T , Horiuchi K , Otsu M , Igawa H , Kawashima K , Yamamoto Y , Sugihara T , Sakiyama Y
Published: March 2005

Human GLI3 gene mutations have been identified in several phenotypes of digital abnormality such as Greig cephalopolysyndactyly syndrome, Pallister–Hall syndrome, preaxial polydactyly type‐IV (PPD‐IV) and postaxial polydactyly. However, the different phenotypes resulting from GLI3 mutations have not yet been properly defined. We have experienced two types of digital abnormality without other complicating developmental defects; a family with foot PPD‐IV with syndactyly of the third and fourth fingers, and four sporadic cases with biphalangeal thumb polydactyly (PPD‐I). The genes responsible for syndactyly of the third and fourth fingers (syndactyly type‐I) and PPD‐I have not yet been identified; we therefore examined the involvement of the GLI3 gene in these subtypes of digital abnormality. We found a non‐sense mutation in the GLI3 gene in the family with foot PPD‐IV accompanied with hand syndactyly of the third and fourth fingers, but no mutations were detected in the GLI3 gene in the four other cases with PPD‐I alone. Thus, the phenotype of foot PPD‐IV accompanied with hand syndactyly of the third and fourth fingers may result from a GLI3 mutation, whereas the PPD‐I phenotype alone is not caused by GLI3 gene defect. These results will help to define the phenotypic spectrum of GLI3 morphopathies, which have been recently proposed.
Coexistence of gastric‐ and intestinal‐type endocrine cells in gastric and intestinal mixed intestinal metaplasia of the human stomach
Authors: Otsuka Takafumi , Tsukamoto Tetsuya , Mizoshita Tsutomu , Inada Ken‐ichi , Takenaka Yoshiharu , Kato Sosuke , Yamamura Yoshitaka , Miki Kazumasa , Tatematsu Masae
Published: March 2005

Intestinal metaplasia (IM) in the human stomach has previously been classified into a gastric and intestinal mixed (GI‐IM) and a solely intestinal phenotype (I‐IM). The phenotypes of mucous and endocrine cells were evaluated in 3034 glandular ducts associated with chronic gastritis. In the pyloric region, the relative expression of gastric endocrine cell markers, such as gastrin and somatostatin, decreased gradually from glandular ducts with only gastric mucous cell phenotype (G type) to GI‐IM toward I‐IM, while that of the intestinal endocrine cell markers, glicentin, gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) was inversely correlated. In the fundic region, gastrin‐positive  cells  emerged  in  the  pseudo‐pyloric  and  GI‐IM glands, whereas I‐IM glands did not possess any gastrin‐positive cells, suggesting the presence of a distinct pathway of intestinalization. Double staining revealed coexistence of gastrin‐ and GLP‐1‐positive cells in the same gland and occasionally in the same cell in GI‐IM glands. These results suggest that the phenotypes of endocrine cells are in line with those for mucous counterparts and support the concept that all of the different types of mucous and endocrine cells in normal and IM glands might be derived from a single progenitor cell in each gland.