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Identifying mechanisms of diseases with complex inheritance patterns, such as macular telangiectasia type 2, is challenging. A link between macular telangiectasia type 2 and altered serine metabolism has been established previously.Through exome sequence analysis of a patient with macular telangiectasia type 2 and his family members, we identified a variant inTwo variants known to cause HSAN1 were identified as causal for macular telangiectasia type 2: of 11 patients with HSAN1, 9 also had macular telangiectasia type 2. Circulating deoxysphingolipid levels were 84.2% higher among 125 patients with macular telangiectasia type 2 who did not have pathogenic variants affecting SPT than among 94 unaffected controls. Deoxysphingolipid levels were negatively correlated with serine levels, which were 20.6% lower than among controls. Reduction of serine levels in mice led to increases in levels of retinal deoxysphingolipids and compromised visual function. Deoxysphingolipids caused photoreceptor-cell death in retinal organoids, but not in the presence of regulators of lipid metabolism.Elevated levels of atypical deoxysphingolipids, caused by variant

Background The risk of optic disc haemorrhages on visual outcome in idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is unknown. We report the type and frequency of optic disc haemorrhages and other funduscopic abnormalities at baseline in the study eye of the 133 subjects enrolled in the Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Treatment Trial completing 6 months of follow-up. Methods We reviewed optic disc photographs to tabulate the frequency and type of optic disc haemorrhages, other funduscopic abnormalities and papilloedema grades of the study eye at baseline and analyse if their presence is associated with a poor visual outcome. Results 27.2% of subjects had nerve fibre layer haemorrhages in at least one eye. Five of seven, 71% of subjects that met criteria for treatment failure, had nerve fibre layer haemorrhages in at least one eye (Fisher9s exact test: p=0.02). There was a good correlation between presence of nerve fibre layer haemorrhages and Frisen grade (Spearman9s correlation, p=0.002; r=0.271). Subjects with nerve fibre layer haemorrhages had a higher cerebrospinal fluid pressure (40.0 mm water, p=0.04). There was poor correlation between nerve fibre layer haemorrhages at baseline and the perimetric mean deviation change at 6 months. Cotton wool spots were present in 4% of subjects, exudates in 3% and pseudodrusen in 4%. Conclusions Nerve fibre layer haemorrhages are common in patients with IIH with mild visual loss and correlate with the severity of the papilloedema. They occur more frequently in treatment failure subjects and therefore may be associated with poor visual outcomes. Trial registration number NCT01003639, Post-results.

This article discusses the capabilities and the application of an innovative combined hygrothermal and population model to assess the impact of building design and occupant behaviour on house dust mite populations in a mattress. The combined model is the first of its kind able to predict the impact of hourly transient hygrothermal conditions within a 3-dimensional mattress on a population of 'wild' Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus mites. The modelling shows that the current drive for energy efficiency in buildings might lead to an increase in house dust mite infestations in UK dwellings. Further research is needed to accurately determine the size of these effects and to adequately evaluate any trade-offs between energy efficiency measures and health outcomes.

This paper describes a pilot intervention study on the effectiveness of house dust mite allergen avoidance for 12 asthmatic children (two being controls). In addition to mite allergen removal, the study included tailored advice aimed at reducing mite population growth via changes in moisture production, heating and ventilation habits. This paper focuses on the effects of this advice on household behaviour, hygrothermal conditions and mite populations. The efficacy of monitoring and modelling techniques is also discussed. The study highlighted a number of interrelated confounding factors which have to be addressed in future similar larger scale studies, but the results are promising with regards to the effectiveness of such studies. Practical application: This study suggests that in temperate climates tailored advice on moisture production, heating and ventilation habits can lead to valuable changes in hygrothermal conditions, which in turn can result in reduced mite populations. However, pre-existing adverse building conditions may hinder such changes, and the effectiveness of tailored advice and of hygrothermal modifications is often difficult to assess. It is therefore recommended that any similar larger intervention study measures ventilation rates and adequately controls for a number of confounding variables — including the effect of changes in outdoor conditions and of the removal of existing mite populations. In this respect, hygrothermal population models can play a very useful role in the assessment of study effectiveness.

Life histories of "wild" house dust mites, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Trouessart) (Acari: Pyroglyphidae), were compared with laboratory cultures by using a diet consisting of skin and dust or a laboratory diet consisting of dried liver and yeast. Under constant conditions of 25 degrees C and 75% RH, fecundity and rate of reproduction were higher in laboratory cultures on both diets compared with wild mites. There were also trends for a shorter prereproductive period and more rapid egg development of laboratory mites compared with wild mites. Overall, there was little effect of diet on either strain of mites at 75% RH. At low RH (64%), fecundity was significantly lower (for both strains on both diets), and there were also trends for longer prereproductive period, reduced rate of reproduction, reduced adult survival, prolonged egg and juvenile development, or a combination compared with 75% RH. Additionally egg and juvenile mortality were significantly higher on the liver and yeast diet. Overall, the skin and dust diet favored both strains of mites at 64% RH. On the liver and yeast diet at 64% RH, wild mite adults performed significantly better than laboratory mites, and egg mortality was lower. These results suggest that laboratory mites have stronger reproduction and development than wild mites, except when under environmental stress and that diet is a significant factor, particularly in suboptimal conditions. This could have important implications for predictive models of house dust mite populations in their natural habitat. Ideally, such models should be developed using data from wild dust mite populations reared on a natural diet.

A generalised model of the life cycle of a house dust mite, which can be tailored to any particular species of domestic mite, is presented. The model takes into account the effects of hygrothermal conditions on each life cycle phase. It is used in a computer simulation program, called POPMITE, which, by incorporating a population age structure, is able to predict population dynamics. The POPMITE simulation is adapted to the Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Acari: Pyroglyphidae) (DP) mite using published data on the egg development period, total development period, adult longevity, mortality during egg development, mortality during juvenile development, and fecundity of individual DP mites held at a range of constant hygrothermal conditions. An example is given which illustrates how the model functions under constant hygrothermal conditions. A preliminary validation of POPMITE is made by a comparison of the POPMITE predictions with published measurements of population growth of DP mites held at a range constant hygrothermal conditions for 21 days. The POPMITE simulation is used to provide predictions of population growth or decline for a wide range of constant relative humidity and temperature combinations for 30 and 60 days. The adaptation of the model to correctly take account of fluctuating hygrothermal conditions is discussed.

To test two models of how wood mouse Apodemus sylvaticus populations in different patches might interact, we estimated parameters from capture-mark-recapture data in four habitats (set-aside, crop, boundary and woodlot) at two sites in arable farmland. In the source-sink model, populations in 'source' patches have fitness > 1, while in 'sink' patches fitness is < 1; dispersal is constrained so there is a net flow of individuals from sources to sinks. In the balanced dispersal model, patches may vary in quality and carrying capacity, but there are no sinks and no constraints on dispersal; fitness is equal across patches. Our results broadly support balanced dispersal. Patches close together were more likely to exchange individuals than those far apart, there was no evidence of density-dependent dispersal and little evidence for directionality of movement. Overall population growth rates were similar in all patches (range: 0.99-1.05). Times when no animals were known to be alive occurred in some patches and could be attributed to stochastic events. On one crop patch, however, extinction followed high abundance, and coincided with poor recruitment, suggesting sink dynamics. Recruitment rates were highest in boundary and crop, but surprisingly, the proportion of individuals in reproductive condition, timing of breeding and pregnancy rates did not vary between habitats. Apparent survival rates were lowest in crop, although recapture rates were high. While female body size in December did not vary between habitats, males on set-aside were smaller than elsewhere. In general, the balanced dispersal model best described arable wood mouse populations, but dynamics on one patch suggested an 'attractive' sink. Our results demonstrate that more than one model for dispersal dynamics between populations may apply within the same landscape, for the same species.

Field margin plots, sown with either a simple grass mix, a complex grass mix with or without forbs or allowed to regenerate naturally were established around four fields on the Royal Agricultural College’s Harnhill farm in the west of England. Two of the fields were managed conventionally and two were managed organically. Plants and invertebrates were recorded on the margin plots over a 2 year period to test the influence of the different mixtures on the community assemblages. There was no difference in the seed bank of the different plot types, however the organically managed margins contained more unsown species than the conventionally managed margins. The simple mix plots had significantly fewer plant species than the other plots. The naturally regenerating plots had significantly lower grass cover and grass species diversity than the other plots. In the second year perennial grass and perennial forb cover increased in all mixtures. Both the cover and numbers of unsown species were reduced in the sown plots in the second year. Percentage cover and species richness of forbs were significantly higher in the complex grass with forbs and naturally regenerating plots. Auchenorrhyncha, Heteroptera and Araneae abundance were significantly correlated with plant species richness. Also, both plant species richness and total plant cover significantly influenced the Auchenorrhyncha community. Invertebrate abundance was greater in the organically managed plots than in the conventional ones, except larval Coleoptera. In the second year significantly more predatory Coleoptera species were trapped in the natural regeneration plots. Farming system and field crop type influenced the Coleoptera communities, phytophagous Coleopteran diversity being significantly correlated with plant diversity. Sowing field margins with a complex seed mixture with some forb species and managing the field with reduced inputs suppressed undesirable plant species and increased invertebrate abundance and diversity. A mixture containing forbs increased plant species richness and maximised heterogeneity of the margin, providing a more diverse habitat for invertebrates.

Summary 1 Farmland is readily divisible into linear habitats such as hedges, and non-linear habitats such as fields and woodlots. In agricultural landscapes, conservationists have generally focused on enhancing linear habitats, but there are few data from which to judge whether or not this is a good strategy for biodiversity. 2 We investigated whether the linear or non-linear character of habitat patches, mediated by edge effects, has an impact on the abundance, diversity and richness of the small mammal communities that live within and between them. 3 In particular, we hypothesized, first, that edge effects cause narrow linear habitats to be avoided by specialists such as the bank vole Clethrionomys glareolus, but not by generalists such as the wood mouse Apodemus sylvaticus; secondly, that edge effects lead to specialists being present in atypical habitat, through excursions at the interface between two habitats. 4 We tested these hypotheses by live-trapping small mammals in grids in the centres of three non-linear farmland habitats (woodlots, set-aside and crop fields) and in field boundaries consisting of a series of adjoining linear habitats. We compared mammal communities in the non-linear habitats with the field boundary as a whole, and with the individual linear habitat elements within the boundary. 5 There was no evidence that specialists avoided linear habitats. Indeed, the field boundary was the most species-rich habitat surveyed, and bank voles were more abundant in linear hedgerow than in non-linear woodland. Bank voles were present in linear set-aside and in the crop edge, but never in non-linear blocks of set-aside or crop, implying that they diffused out of the hedgerow into the adjacent habitats. There was no evidence of an effect of habitat linearity on field voles Microtus agrestis, wood mice or common shrews Sorex araneus. 6 Our results suggest that on uncropped land such as set-aside, the linear or non-linear character of habitats will make little difference to small mammal abundance and diversity. We advocate similar assessments for other taxa so that the effects of farm management and habitat configuration on biodiversity can be understood more fully.

Wood mice Apodemus sylvaticus are potentially useful indicators of change in arable ecosystems. Here we focus on changes resulting from removal of land from arable production under the set-aside scheme. Wood mice were radio-tracked to compare: (a) their use of set-aside, crop and hedgerow before and after harvest; (b) set-aside configured as margins and as a 3 ha block; (c) cut and uncut 20-m wide set-aside margins. Males had larger home ranges, and were more mobile than females. Ranges were larger, and animals more mobile, before harvest than afterwards. There were no differences in range sizes of breeding and non-breeding animals after harvest, suggesting that changes in habitat use were not a function of cessation of breeding. Before harvest, wood mice used habitats within their ranges at random, and their ranges contained a high proportion of cropped area. After harvest they preferred hedgerow and avoided margin set-aside within their ranges, but did not similarly avoid the set-aside block. The proportion of cropped area within their ranges decreased after harvest, and the proportion of margin increased. Our evidence suggests wood mice avoided using the area adjacent to the hedgerow, perhaps to avoid predators. Uncut set-aside patches were favoured and cut patches avoided, possibly in response to differences in food availability and levels of protection from predators. These results confirm that wood mice are useful indicators of change in arable landscapes.

Set-aside is a potentially important habitat for field voles, ( Microtus agrestis ), populations of which may have declined in lowland Britain. We hypothesized that field vole abundance would increase with the length of time set-aside was left in situ. To test this we monitored development of field vole populations in the first 2 years after set-aside establishment, and on older set-aside we related abundance to set-aside age and vegetative characteristics. Voles were not recorded on set-aside until 9 months after establishment, and populations only began to increase after nearly 2 years. In set-aside fields 2–9 years old, vole abundances were not related to age, but increased with the proportion of grasses and litter in the sward. Management practices such as sowing with a grass seed mix, mowing at least once annually and leaving set-aside in place for >2 years are likely to benefit field voles.

The set-aside scheme, whereby land is removed from arable production, is primarily aimed at manipulating agricultural surplus within the European Community, but has potentially great consequences for biodiversity and wildlife management (Feber et al., 1995; Macdonald et al., 1998; Sotherton 1998). Managed inappropriately, set-aside could prove environmentally damaging by reducing biodiversity and directly harming certain species, such as ground-nesting birds (Thompson, 1993). Conversely, appropriately managed set-aside could foster desirable ecological communities, with enhanced populations and biodiversity.

Aims and methodProvision for patients with loosely defined anxiety disorders has been reviewed. During a two-week period. 66 of the 69 adult mental health practitioners working in a modestly sized community health care trust surveyed all patients with anxiety disorder currently under their care.ResultsThese practitioners were seeing a total of 758 patients who fitted a loose definition of anxiety disorder. A further 134 patients had been treated in anxiety management groups during the preceding year. Disparate treatments were being used, reflecting idiosyncratic approaches to this otherwise homeogenous group of patients.Clinical implicationsLess than one-tenth of the estimated population of anxiety disorder patients were receiving specialised treatment. Among those that were, choices of treatment were arbitrarily determined and idiosyncratic. It was clear that the management of these patients does not fulfill the requirements of ‘evidence-based practice’.

Despite its conversation potential, little is known of whether land taken out of arable production as set-aside benefits wildlife, nor what features enhance its value as a habitat. Authors studied the presence of small mammals on one-year set-aside through a summer harvest period (278 captures in 3000 trap nights). Trapping success was low on all set-aside (0.6%), but was higher in adjoining hedgerow (30%) and cereal crops (13%). Wood mice Apodemus sylvaticus (Linnaeus, 1758) were the most commonly caught species, and the only species to occur on set-aside. There were no significant differences in trap success between set-aside configured in blocks and strips, nor between sown and naturally regenerated set-aside. Captures on set-aside increased after harvest, when the crop no longer provided cover. Data demonstrate that set-aside is not necessarily a suitable habitat for small mammals.

Civil protection orders offer abused women a legal means to maintain their residences apart from the abuser and exert some autonomy in their relationships. The implementation of protection order statutes remains, however, largely unclear. Court records were examined for 200 petitioners randomly selected from 674 petitions for protection orders filed in one Pennsylvania county court during the year 1990. Court dockets, court petitions, and protection orders were coded for petitioner background, court factors, case disposition, and protective provisions. Approximately three quarters (76%) of the petitioners did receive a final protection order. In the majority of cases not receiving a protection order, the petitioners withdrew or dropped their petitions. The final protection orders limited the batterer's contact in some way and prohibited his future acts of abuse. However, the provisions regarding restricted contact, child custody and visitation, financial support, and property allocation were much less extensive than requested. Relevant background factors and court factors were not significantly associated with the outcome of the case, except for being in a marriage relationship. While protection orders were liberally granted, the provisions for the orders appeared inadequate to ensure separation from the abuser, given the low financial status of many petitioners and the abuser's visitation or joint custody of the children. Means to ensure more extensive and more comprehensive provisions may be needed.

SUMMARY In this paper I describe the disruptions of external and internal reality in the experience of exile, the interplay of these, and the impact of bereavement in the context of trauma. I consider the factors which disturb the mourning process in such circumstances. I draw upon the psychoanalytic literature, particularly that related to the Holocaust and other ‘man-made disasters’, and upon my own clinical material. Particular attention is drawn to the importance of acknowledgment and containment, and to awareness of the symbolic value of traditional mourning practices.

Little is known about the risk factors and exposures to aeroallergens in subjects with atopic dermatitis (AD) in Southern Puerto Rico. The objective was to determine the prevalence of skin reactions to aeroallergens and to analyze self-reported risk factors in AD patients and a nonallergic control population.A cross-sectional study was conducted which included 726 AD patients and 313 nonallergic control subjects. Skin tests were conducted and a questionnaire was self-applied to all participants.Seventy six percent of the AD patients showed at least one positive skin reactions to aeroallergens. Of these, half had positive skin reactions to dust mites, and one third to Periplaneta americana. A low prevalence of positive skin reactions to dog, cat, plant and fungal allergens was detected. Co-sensitivitity between mites and cockroaches was 30%. The maximum skin reactivity to mites was at 10-19 years of age declining thereafter while skin reactivity to dogs, and plants increased with age. No significant differences in the prevalence of skin reactions was observed between the male and female AD population. CONCLUSIONS. Of the aeroallergens tested, those derived from dust mites are the most frequent sensitizing agents in the AD patients. Data also showed that the mites B. tropicalis and E. maynei are also important sources of sensitization. Our study show that young patients specially those between the age of 10-19 age group are the most allergic. Being female, or having an asthmatic father are significant risk factors associated with allergen sensitivity in the AD population.

The domestic mite Blomia tropicalis is found in subtropical and tropical environments, and its clinical importance as a sensitizing agent in allergic disease is widely accepted.To investigate the IgE reactivity to allergens present in extracts of the domestic mite B. tropicalis, and compare the IgE responses to these allergens by asthmatics, patients with atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis, as well as nonatopic controls.Extracts from B. tropicalis were used for skin tests. The B. tropicalis specific IgE in the serum were measured using the FAST Plus Test and immunoblot analysis.A total of 199 volunteers participated in the study. The data show that 18 out of 29 polypeptide bands present in extracts of this mite species were recognized by the allergic and control sera. Of these allergens, four showed a high IgE binding frequency and had relative molecular weights of 104, 80, 68 and 14 kDa. The 14 kDa allergen demonstrated the highest IgE binding frequency.Sera from atopic patients reacted to more allergens than sera from patients controls. Extracts from pure bodies of B. tropicalis contain one immunodominant and three important allergens. A common characteristic between all of the sera tested was the high degree of serum IgE reactivity observed to the 14 kDa allergen.

The house dust mites Dermatophagoides farinae (Df) and D. pteronyssinus (Dpt) are commonly implicated as allergens causing canine atopic dermatitis in the UK. However, there are few studies that characterize the exposure of UK pet dogs to these mites. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of the mite species on the skin, hair coat and bedding of a population of pet dogs. Dust samples (n = 68) were collected from both dogs and their beds using a standardized vacuuming technique and stored at -20 degrees C. Mites were identified using accepted morphological criteria. House dust mite allergen concentrations were assayed using standardized ELISA for Dpt and Df group 1 allergens (Der p 1 and Der f 1). Mites were identified in 15/68 samples (22%) and Dpt was the most common. Df mites were not present. Der p 1 allergens were detected in 60% of samples, and Der f 1 in 6% of samples. There were no significant differences between the number of Der p 1 positive samples from dogs and the number of those from their bedding, or between the average Der p 1 concentrations from dogs and the number of those from their bedding. Contrary to studies elsewhere in Europe and the USA, these findings support studies of human asthma patients in the UK, where exposure to Df is rare, but to Dpt is common. As the prevalence of positive intradermal and serological reactions to Df in atopic dogs is high, further investigations are warranted to clarify true Df hypersensitivity or potential immunological cross-reactivity between mite allergens.

Since 1990 our knowledge of the biology of domestic mites has increased in a number of areas. Taxonomically, keys that are easier to use by nonacarologists have been made available and should help in clinical studies of mite populations in the home environment. From house dust surveys our understanding of the geographical distribution ofE. maynei andB. tropicalis has progressed. Detailed studies of mite populations in mattresses has clarified the distribution of mites within this habitat, which may eventually aid in targeting control of mites in mattresses. In relation to this, a clearer understanding of the influence of climatic factors on the mattress microhabitat has led to investigations into the potential use of ventilation as a means of domestic mite control. Our increased understanding of the survival of desiccation resistant protonymphs is important in this regard. More information on the biochemistry of mite enzymes has been obtained from studies to characterize potentially allergenic mite enzymes. Finally, the relationship between house dust mites and fungi has been resolved with respect to both nutritional ecology and allergen production. Our progress in all of these areas serves to demonstrate the invaluable contribution that biological research can make to clinical studies of domestic mite epidemiology, allergen production, and control.

The house dust mites Dermatophagoides farinae and D. pteronyssinus are commonly used in diagnostic serological and intradermal tests for canine atopic dermatitis in the UK. However, there are few studies that have characterised the exposure of UK pet dogs to these mites. Objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of mites and to characterise the mite species on skin, hair coat and bedding of pet dogs. A population of nonhospitalized pet dogs for which bedding was available for analysis was recruited irrespective of dermatological status (n = 34). Dust samples (n = 68) were collected from both dogs and their beds using a standardised vacuuming technique. Mites were identified using accepted morphological criteria. House dust mite allergen concentrations were assayed using a standardised ELISA for Der p 1 and Der f 1. Mites were identified in 15 of 68 samples (22%): D. pteronyssinus alone in three of 68, D. pteronyssinus in combination with storage or unclassified mites in five of 68, and storage or unclassified mites alone in seven of 68. Dermatophagoides farinae was not identified in any samples. Der p 1 allergens were detected in 37 of 68 samples (54%), and Der f 1 in four of 68 samples (5.9%). Contrary to studies elsewhere in Europe and North America, these findings support studies of human asthma patients in the UK where exposure to D. pteronyssinus is common, but rare to D. farinae. Given the high prevalence of positive intradermal and serological reactions to D. farinae in atopic dogs, further investigations are warranted to clarify potential cross-reactivity with other mite allergens. Funding: PetPlan Charitable Trust, Pfizer Animal Health.

SUMMARY Late-Devensian and Flandrian deposits are described from six sites in lowland Durham, ranging from Neasham, near Darlington, in the south, to Thorpe Bulmer, near Hartlepool in the north-east. Pollen diagrams from each site are presented and show the changes in vegetation of the different areas. At Thorpe Bulmer the tundra vegetation of the Older Dryas period gave way to rather open birchwoods in the Allerod and there was then a return to sedge tundra in the Younger Dryas. This sequence is compared with others in Durham, Yorkshire and Northumberland. The Flandrian sequence opens with the development of birchwoods followed by the appearance of the more thermophilous forest trees. There are in the late Boreal and early Atlantic periods local differences in the forest, as for instance in the early establishment of alder at Mordon Carr (7760 B.P.) and the prevalence of pine around Bishop Middleham, the latter being related to the close proximity of Magnesian Limestone. The ‘elm decline’is dated at 5500–5200 B.P. and there are after that a number of clearance phases beginning with small scale clearance by Neolithic people from about 5200 B.P. From the Bronze Age on there are local differences, again presumed to be related to the proximity of Magnesian Limestone and to soil differences. At Bishop Middleham there is a massive clearance of forest and spread of pasturing from 3660 B.P., reaching a maximum at 3360 B.P. (Middle Bronze Age) when cereal cultivation was introduced. Except for Hutton Henry where there was considerable clearance the rest of the area saw only moderate and temporary clearance at this time. At Thorpe Bulmer there is evidence for intensive cultivation of hemp and some cereals from 2064 B.P. (Late Pre-Roman Iron Age) rising to a maximum in the Roman period (1730 B.P.) and continuing at a low level until the Norman Conquest (852 B.P.). At nearby Hutton Henry there is evidence for extensive agriculture around 1842 B.P. but in the southern part of the region such clearance was not reached until much later (1213 B.P. at Neasham). In all these deposits there are interesting differences in rate of peat growth from one period to another and at Thorpe Bulmer there is a very long break in the sequence.

The purpose of this study was to determine if 7-year-old boys estimated their shoulder width differently under dynamic and static conditions, if those estimates were different from the measured width of their shoulders, and if the differences between the estimates (if there were any) were related to the amount of body sway associated with the walking pattern. Four measures were obtained for each of the 27 subjects: (a) actual shoulder width, (b) the subject's estimate of shoulder width in a static situation, (c) the subject's estimate of shoulder width in a dynamic situation, and (d) the body sway associated with each subject's walking pattern. Paired measures were compared through the application of t tests. Estimates made in the dynamic situation were not found to be significantly different from static situation estimates of shoulder width. Significant differences were revealed between both static and dynamic estimates and measured shoulder width.

We examine the lives and growth processes of women who have achieved considerable development of personality. Subjects of study are seven women in a longitudinal sample who, at ages 42-45, are classified by the Loevinger Sentence Completion Test at the highest ego-levels. As a way of describing their lives, all seven are analyzed in terms of Levinson's model of male development, one case is presented in terms of Gilligan's model of female development, another in terms of Loevinger's general model, and linkages among theories are observed. Characteristics of Loevinger's autonomous stage are illustrated and the extent to which they are gender-related is discussed. Findings show that women with very different personalities, problems, and ways of life can attain a high level of ego-development; that their lives tend not to have been orthodox or easy; and that theories of adult development are useful but uneven in application.

Cette etude generale aborde successivement l'epidemiologie, l'entomologie (taxonomie, physiologie, biologie et ecologie des acariens), les allergenes des acariens (identification et standardisation), la methodologie de l'evaluation des acariens, la methodologie pour la collecte et le traitement des echantillons de poussieres, la lutte contre les acariens

This paper provides a detailed description and analysis of habitat and management differences between 89 pairs of organic and non-organic fields on 161 farms containing arable crops distributed throughout England. Data were derived at different scales ranging from field to landscape scale using a range of methods including: land manager questionnaires, habitat surveys and the use of large-scale landscape datasets. Organic farms were situated in inherently more diverse landscape types, had smaller field sizes, higher, wider and less gappy hedgerows subject to less frequent management, used rotational practices including grass, were more likely to be mixed farms and did not use artificial fertilisers and pesticides. Organic farms were associated with heterogeneous landscape types. However, even in such landscape types the organic farming system produced greater field and farm complexity than farms employing a non-organic system. The findings of the study point to the importance of organic farming systems for maintaining landscape and local complexity with consequent benefits for biodiversity in arable farming landscapes. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.