bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rehabilitation of freshwater fisheries: tales of the unexpected?
Authors: Cowx I. G. , Van Zyll de Jong M. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe maintenance and development of freshwater fisheries is based on an understanding of the many biotic and abiotic factors influencing the fish population dynamics. This information has been used to derive models on the most suitable habitats for different fish species and predict carrying capacities of the water bodies concerned. They are also used to determine the impact of various anthropogenic activities on the fish stocks and the possible outcome of enhancement and rehabilitation activities. Unfortunately, rehabilitation schemes based on such a narrow approach are not always as effective as predicted. This is because the schemes have failed to address the wider catchment problems affecting the fish communities. This paper presents two case studies to illustrate this point, and suggests that strategic management is required to improve the success of future rehabilitation schemes.
Prevalence and attitudes to fissure sealants in the general dental service in England
Authors: Hassall D.C. , Mellor A.C. , Blinkhorn A.S. 
Published: May 2004

Objectives. The study objectives were to investigate changes in the prevalence of fissure sealants over a 5‐year period among a comparable group of 14–15‐year‐old regular dental attenders registered with general dental practitioners in 1989 and 1994, and to investigate attitudes towards this form of care amongst general dental practitioners in 1994. Methods. Random samples of 14–15‐year‐old pupils were selected from school lists in three areas in England (Doncaster, Hereford/Worcester and Wycombe) in 1989 and 1994. Once parental consent had been gained to examine the children, the Dental Practice Board (DPB) indicated which subjects were ‘regular attenders’, only these subjects were included in the study. All the subjects in each area were examined by a single trained and calibrated examiner using a standardized technique. In 1994, a group of randomly selected dentists in each area completed a telephone questionnaire assessing attitudes and treatment patterns regarding fissure sealants. Results. In 1989, 2836 letters were posted to parents asking for consent to examine their child and 2174 positive responses were received (response rate 77%). Of the 1919 children examined, 459 were classed as regular attenders, 140 in Doncaster, 159 in Hereford/Worcester and 160 in Wycombe.In 1994, 2560 consent letters were distributed to children in school to pass to their parents and 1587 positive responses were received (response rate 62%). Of the 1388 children examined, 891 were classed as regular attenders, 294 in Doncaster, 318 in Hereford/Worcester and 279 in Wycombe. Large rises in sealant prevalence were observed in all areas, but particularly in Doncaster where sealant prevalence increased from 13% in 1989 to 50% in 1994. In Hereford/Worcester it increased from 25% to 47% and in Wycombe it increased from 16% to 30%. There was also a fall in mean DMFT in all areas. In Doncaster it fell from 2·97 in 1989 to 1·82 in 1994, in Hereford/Worcester it fell from 2·60 to 1·83 and in Wycombe it fell from 1·86 to 1·29. In all three areas the changes in sealant prevalence and DMFT were statistically significant. The questionnaire revealed positive attitudes towards fissure sealants and their usage as well as a number of areas of concern that could potentially hinder sealant usage. Conclusions. Dramatic increases in sealant prevalence and considerable reductions in dental caries among these regularly attending adolescents have been demonstrated. Some concerns were highlighted regarding sealant usage, which may be prejudicing further increases in their application.
Dental maturation in British children: are Demirjian's standards applicable?
Authors: Liversidge H.M. , Speechly T. , Hector M.P. 
Published: May 2004

Objective. The objective of this study was to determine if the standards of dental maturation of Demirjian et al. (1973, 1976) are applicable to British children. Design. The design was cross‐sectional, retrospective. Sample and method. The sample comprised 521 London children of Bangladeshi and white Caucasian (English, Welsh and Scottish) origin aged between 4 and 9 years. Dental age was assessed by crown and root stages of seven mandibular teeth from rotational pantomographs. Dental age was compared to chronological age using a t‐test. Results. Differences in dental maturation between the two ethnic groups were not significant. British children as a group were dentally advanced compared to the Canadian standards. The mean (± standard deviation) advancement in girls was 0·51 ± 0·79 years and in boys was 0·73 ± 0·73 years. Conclusions. The standards of dental maturation described by Demirjian et al. (1973, 1976) may not be suitable for British children.
Age, performance and sleep deprivation
Authors: Philip Pierre , Taillard Jacques , Sagaspe Patricia , Valtat Cédric , Sanchez‐Ortuno Montserrat , Moore Nicholas , Charles André , Bioulac Bernard 
Published: May 2004

SummaryYoung subjects are frequently involved in sleep‐related accidents. They could be more affected than older drivers by sleep loss and therefore worsen their driving skills quicker, or have a different perception of their level of impairment. To test these hypotheses we studied variations of reaction time (RT), a fundamental prerequisite for safe performing, as measured by lapses, i.e. responses ≥500 ms and self‐assessment of performance and sleepiness after a night awake and after a night asleep in a balanced crossover design in young versus older healthy subjects. Ten young (20–25 years old) and 10 older volunteers (52–63 years old) were tested with and without 24 h of sleep deprivation. Without sleep deprivation, RTs were slower in older subjects than in the younger ones. However, after sleep deprivation, the RTs of young subjects increased while that of the older subjects remained almost unaffected. Sleepiness and self‐perception of performance were equally affected in both age groups showing different perception of performance in the age groups. Our findings are discussed in terms of vulnerability to sleep‐related accidents.
Distribution of South African C3 and C4 species of Cyperaceae in relation to climate and phylogeny
Authors: STOCK W. D. , CHUBA D. K. , VERBOOM G. A. 
Published: May 2004

Abstract  In this study the contribution of climatic factors and phylogenetic relationships affecting the geographical distribution of C3 and C4 genera of the Cyperaceae in South Africa was investigated. The δ13C values of herbarium specimens of 68 southern African species from 22 genera and eight tribes were used to assign the species to either the C3 or C4 photosynthetic pathway. Geographical distribution data for the Cyperaceae were used to investigate relationships between climatic factors and the number of species and proportional abundance of C4 species per region. The number of Cyperaceae species per 2° × 2° square across South Africa varied from less than five in the north‐western regions to more than 15 in the south‐western and north‐eastern regions of South Africa where rainfall exceeds 800 mm y‐1. Of the 68 species investigated, 28 had C4 photosynthesis and these were scattered among nine genera of four tribes (Cypereae, Scirpeae, Abildgaardieae and Rhyncosporeae). The proportional abundance of C4 species ranged from 14% in the winter rainfall regions of the south‐west of South Africa to 67% in the summer rainfall areas of the north‐east. The geographical distribution of species was related to their phylogenetic position such that the distributions of C3 and C4 species in Cypereae, Scirpeae and Schoeneae was quite distinct. Linear regression analysis showed that the transition temperatures (equal C3 and C4 species numbers) for the Cyperaceae were different to those obtained for the Poaceae from the same region. No strong relationships were found between the proportional abundance of C4 species and other climate factors such as altitude and rainfall. Our analysis of the current geographical distribution of C4 Cyperaceae in southern Africa in a phylogenetic context suggests that the ecological advantages conferred by the C4 pathway differ amongst the different plant groups.
Glucosamine‐induced insulin resistance in L6 muscle cells
Authors: Bailey C. J. , Turner S. L. 
Published: May 2004

Background:  Glucosamine increases flux through the hexosamine pathway, causing insulin resistance and disturbances similar to diabetic glucose toxicity.Aim:  This study examines the effect of glucosamine on glucose uptake by cultured L6 muscle cells as a model of insulin resistance.Methods:  Glucose uptake by L6 myotubes was measured using the non‐metabolized glucose analogue 2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose after incubation with glucosamine for 4 and 24 h, with and without insulin and several other agents (metformin, peroxovanadium and d‐pinitol) that improve glucose uptake in diabetic states.Results:  After 4 h, high concentrations of glucosamine (5 × 10−3 and 10−2 M) reduced basal and insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake by up to 50%. After 24 h, the effect of insulin was completely abolished by 10−2 M glucosamine and reduced over 50% by 5 × 10−3 M glucosamine. Lower concentrations of glucosamine did not significantly alter glucose uptake. The effect of glucosamine could not be attributed to cytotoxicity assessed by the Trypan Blue test. Metformin, peroxovanadium and d‐pinitol, each of which increased glucose uptake by L6 cells, did not prevent the decrease in glucose uptake with glucosamine.Conclusion:  Glucosamine decreased insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake by L6 muscle cells, providing a potential model of insulin resistance with similarities to glucose toxicity. Insulin resistance induced by glucosamine was not reversed by three agents (metformin, peroxovanadium and d‐pinitol) known to enhance or partially mimic the effects of insulin.
Antidiabetic effect of diasulin, a herbal drug, on blood glucose, plasma insulin and hepatic enzymes of glucose metabolism in hyperglycaemic rats
Authors: Pari L. , Saravanan R. 
Published: May 2004

Aim:  The present study was designed to investigate the effect of diasulin, a polyherbal drug, on blood glucose, plasma insulin and the activities of hepatic glucose metabolic enzymes in alloxan‐induced diabetic rats.Methods:  Male Wistar rats, body weight of 180–200 g (12 normal and 30 diabetic rats), were used in this study. The rats were divided into seven groups after the induction of alloxan diabetes. In the experiment, six rats were used in each group. Group 1: normal rats given 2 ml of saline; group 2: normal rats given aqueous solution of diasulin (0.20 g/kg of body weight); group 3: diabetic control rats given 2 ml of saline; group 4: diabetic rats given aqueous solution of diasulin (0.05 g/kg of body weight); group 5: diabetic rats given aqueous solution of diasulin (0.10 g/kg of body weight); group 6: diabetic rats given aqueous solution of diasulin (0.20 g/kg of body weight) and group 7: diabetic rats given aqueous solution of glibenclamide (600 µg/kg of body weight). The treatment was given for 30 days. After the treatment, fasting blood glucose, plasma insulin, urine sugar and the activities of hepatic glucose metabolic enzymes were determined in normal and experimental animals.Results:  Treatment with diasulin resulted in a significant reduction in blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin and an increase in plasma insulin and total haemoglobin and a significant improvement in glucose tolerance. Diasulin also resulted in a significant reduction in the activities of glucose‐6‐phosphatase and fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphatase in the liver, whereas the level of plasma insulin and hepatic hexokinase activity was significantly increased in alloxan diabetic rats.Conclusions:  The present investigation suggests that diasulin, a polyherbal drug, controls the blood glucose level by increasing glycolysis and decreasing gluconeogenesis with a lower demand of pancreatic insulin than in untreated rats. This is possible, because it regulates the activities of hepatic glucose metabolic enzymes.
Generation of volatile fatty acids by axillary bacteria1
Authors: James A. G. , Hyliands D. , Johnston H. 
Published: May 2004

SynopsisIt is generally accepted that short‐chain (C2–C5) volatile fatty acids (VFAs) are among the causal molecules of axillary malodour. It is also widely acknowledged that malodour generation is attributable to the biotransformation of odourless natural secretions, into volatile odorous products, by axillary bacteria. However, little information is available on the biochemical origins of VFAs on axillary skin. In these studies, assay systems were developed to investigate the generation of VFAs from substrates readily available to the bacteria resident on axillary skin. Propionibacteria and staphylococci were shown to ferment glycerol and lactic acid to the short‐chain (C2–C3) VFAs, acetic and propionic acid. Furthermore, staphylococci are capable of converting branched aliphatic amino acids, such as leucine, to highly odorous short‐chain (C4–C5) methyl‐branched VFAs, such as isovaleric acid, which are traditionally associated with the acidic note of axillary malodour. However, in vitro kinetic data indicates that these pathways contribute less to axillary VFA levels, than fatty acid biotransformations by a recently defined sub‐group of the Corynebacterium genus, corynebacteria (A). The results of these studies provide new understanding on the biochemical origins of VFA‐based axillary malodour which, in turn, should lead to the development of novel deodorant systems.
Dielectric spectroscopy of concentrated cosmetic W/O‐emulsions: possibilities to distinguish product changes caused by coalescence, sedimentation and variation of ingredients
Authors: Friedrich S. , Brummer R. , Wittern K.‐P. , Hochstein B. 
Published: May 2004

SynopsisA quick result whether a newly developed cosmetic water‐in‐oil (W/O)‐emulsion shows constant sensory behavior (stable) or whether it changes its behavior over time (instable) is an important aspect in cosmetic research. In order to observe changes as quickly as possible, analytic methods are used. An established method is rheology, a sensitive method that gives direct information on sensory aspects. Additional information concerning the kind of instability allows a more focused improvement of formulation in the case of instabilities. In order to gain this information, an additional analytic method with a more ingredient specific focus is needed. In this article, the possibilities of using dielectric spectroscopy in order to get additional information are discussed. For concentrated W/O‐emulsions a dependence of emulsion behavior from volume median droplet diameter dv50 is visible by both methods: rheology and dielectric spectroscopy. A variation of droplet size distribution at constant volume median droplet diameter dv50 does not change the results for the examined emulsions. Quantitative information about mean droplet size is possible with calibration. Because of their different physical forci, rheology and dielectric spectroscopy complement each other in high‐sensitive detection of coalescence. In contrast to the mechanical properties of W/O‐emulsion, dielectric spectroscopy gives additional information concerning some reasons of change in emulsion structure. Mechanism like sedimentation and coalescence can be distinguished and the phase where changes take place (oil phase or water phase) can be located. The latter is possible by a new parameter – the correlation between maximum of dielectric loss ɛ′′(fR) and the relaxation frequency fR. Their correlation can be described by a simple power law. By coupling rheology and dielectric spectroscopy, an improvement in fast emulsion development and production control may be achieved without losing the advantage of a quick and easy measurement procedure.
Versican expression by dermal papilla‐regenerated hair follicles – a promising tool for hair‐regrowth products
Authors: Kishimoto J. , Soma T. , Burgeson R. , Hibino T. 
Published: May 2004

Hair follicle stem cells and dermal papilla cells play essential roles in the cyclical hair regeneration process. However, compared with the recent progress of follicular stem cell research, detailed analysis of dermal papilla cells is virtually unknown. We have focused on a large chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan molecule, versican, and prove its pivotal role in hair follicle induction both in vitro and in vivo. First, we examined versican expression with hair cycling by in situ hybridization (mRNA) and immunohistochemistry (protein). Results clearly showed specific versican expression in anagen onset of dermal papilla cells implying a function role of versican in hair induction. We then generated transgenic lines with LacZ or green fluorescent protein reporter genes under a versican regulatory element (promoter) control, and confirmed dermal papilla‐specific activation of the reporter. These transgenic lines were utilized to isolate the dermal papilla cell population by means of a fluorescent activated cell sorter.While freshly isolated dermal papilla cells were able to induce hair growth in a skin reconstitution assay when grafted with undifferentiated epidermal cells, this ability and versican expression were rapidly lost during passages in culture. In order to examine the functional role of versican in hair growth induction, versican full‐length cDNAs were transfected into inactive passaged dermal papilla cells. Impressively, this forced expression of versican molecules partially restored hair inductivity of dermal papilla cells in a skin reconstitution assay. These results demonstrated the pivotal role of versican in hair induction both in vitro and in vivo and will connect the missing link between the signal from dermal papilla cells to follicular stem cells, and initiation of hair regeneration. We have also shown that the hair growth‐promoting compound, cyclosporin A, can upregulate versican expression implying the application of a novel screening approach for hair growth‐promoting compounds by monitoring versican expression as an indicator.
Criminal Justice on Trial
Authors: Bird Sheila M. , Fairweather Clive B. 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
The range of initiatives for young or drug-dependent offenders is bewildering, and includes arrest referral (to drugs worker), drug treatment and testing orders, drugs courts, random mandatory drugs testing of prisoners, transitional care between prison and community, and Scotland's now disbanded Airborne Initiative. Yet judges prescribe sentence on lesser evidence about what works, is safe and is cost effective than that relied on by doctors prescribing licensed medicines. Sheila M. Bird and Clive B. Fairweather make a passionate plea for an evidence-based approach to investigating the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of criminal justice initiatives
Indicators for Democratic Debate
Authors: Longva Svein 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
One possible way for official statistics to become more useful and visible in public debate is to time the publication programme to match major events in society, such as local and general elections. Svein Longva, head of Statistics Norway, describes how, in the run-up to the last three Norwegian elections, Statistics Norway has published statistics and background analyses considered relevant to issues addressed in the election campaign. The response has been overwhelmingly positive and there have been no complaints that Statistics Norway interferes in the political debate or presents biased information.
Control Charts in Practice
Authors: Caulcutt Roland 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
In the first issue of Significance, Roland Caulcutt suggested that a common feature of many successful companies is their development of a “management-by-fact” culture. He further suggested that such a culture requires that managers focus on processes, and that control charts be used at all levels throughout the organisation. In this follow-up article he explains how the various types of control chart are set up and used in practice.
Differential Cellular Requirements for Activation of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Early (tk) and Late (gC) Promoters by ICP4
Authors: Zabierowski Susan , DeLuca Neal A. 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACTThe herpes simplex virus type 1 immediate-early protein, ICP4, activates the transcription of viral early and late genes and is essential for viral growth. It has been shown to bind DNA and interact with components of the general transcription machinery to activate or repress viral transcription, depending upon promoter context. Since early and late gene promoters have different architectures and cellular metabolism may be very different at early and late times after infection, the cellular requirements for ICP4-mediated activation of early and late genes may differ. This hypothesis was tested using tk and gC as representative early and late promoters, respectively. Nuclear extracts and phosphocellulose column fractions derived from nuclear extracts were able to reconstitute basal and ICP4-activated transcription of both promoters in vitro. When examining the contribution of the general transcription factors on the ability of ICP4 to activate transcription, the fraction containing the general transcription factor TFIIA was not essential for ICP4 activation of the gC promoter, but it was required for efficient activation of the tk promoter. The addition of recombinant TFIIA restored the ability of ICP4 to efficiently activate the tk promoter, but it had no net effect on activation of the gC promoter. The dispensability of TFIIA for ICP4 activation of the gC promoter required an intact INR element. In addition, microarray and Northern blot analysis indicated that TFIIA abundance may be reduced at late times of infection. This decrease in TFIIA expression during infection and its dispensability for activation of late but not early genes suggest one of possibly many mechanisms for the transition from viral early to late gene expression.
Involvement of Glutathione as a Mechanism of Indirect Protection against Spontaneous Ex Vivo Apoptosis Associated with Bovine Leukemia Virus
Authors: Sanchez Alcaraz Teresa , Kerkhofs Pierre , Reichert Michal , Kettmann Richard , Willems Luc 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACTViruses have developed strategies to counteract the apoptotic response of the infected host cells. Modulation of apoptosis is also thought to be a major component of viral persistence and progression to leukemia induced by retroviruses like human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) and bovine leukemia virus (BLV). Here, we analyzed the mechanism of ex vivo apoptosis occurring after isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from BLV-infected sheep. We show that spontaneous apoptosis of ovine B lymphocytes requires at least in part a caspase 8-dependent pathway regardless of viral infection. Cell death is independent of cytotoxic response and does not involve the tumor necrosis factor alpha/NF-κB/nitric oxide synthase/cyclooxygenase pathway. In contrast, pharmaceutical depletion of reduced glutathione (namely, γ-glutamyl-l-cysteinyl-glycine [GSH]) by using ethacrynic acid or 1-pyrrolidinecarbodithioic acid specifically reverts inhibition of spontaneous apoptosis conferred indirectly by protective BLV-conditioned media; inversely, exogenously provided membrane-permeable GSH-monoethyl ester restores cell viability in B lymphocytes of BLV-infected sheep. Most importantly, intracellular GSH levels correlate with virus-associated protection against apoptosis but not with general inhibition of cell death induced by polyclonal activators, such as phorbol esters and ionomycin. Finally, inhibition of apoptosis does not correlate with the activities of GSH peroxidase and GSH reductase. In summary, our data fit into a model in which modulation of the glutathione system is a key event involved in indirect inhibition of apoptosis associated with BLV. These observations could have decisive effects during therapeutic treatment of δ-retroviral pathogenesis.