Intercalibration of assessment methods for macrophytes in lowland streams: direct comparison and analysis of common metrics

The results of four macrophyte assessment methods (French Indice Biologique Macrophytique en Rivière, German Reference Index, British Mean Trophic Rank and Dutch Macrophyte Score) were compared, based on plant survey data of medium-sized lowland streams in Central Europe. To intercalibrate the good quality class boundaries two alternative methods were applied: direct comparison and the use of “common metrics”. While the French and British methods were highly related (R²>0.75), the German RI showed less (0.20<R²<0.55) and the Dutch DMS least correlation (R²<0.10) with other methods. Of 70 macrophyte metrics tested only Ellenberg_N was considerably related to three of the national assessment methods, thus representing a potential common metric for intercalibration. Comparison of quality class boundaries via regression analysis using both intercalibration approaches revealed major differences between classifications of the French, German and British methods, which are, in addition, related in a nonlinear way.     

The black sun of the Nilgiris: Astronomy,photography and physical anthropology in South India

This article examines how photographs showing Nilgiri people were brought back to France and deposited at the Museum national d'histoire naturelle in 1872. This leads me to recall the circumstances of a scientific mission made by the French astronomer Jules Janssen in South India in 1871. The paper throws light on the sources and on the personal experience of his wife, who published an ethnographic article in 1882. The importance of photography in the activities and achievements of Jules Janssen was well known. However the snapshots he brought back are better appraised in the context of the beginnings of photography and the development of its practice in British India. This case also illustrates the relations between photography and physical anthropology.     

Genetic heterogeneity in regional populations of Quebec—Parental lineages in the Gaspe Peninsula

Stable colonization of the Gaspe Peninsula by Europeans started in the middle of the 18th century at the time of the British conquest of New France. The earliest settlers were Acadians, escaping British deportation policies, followed by Loyalists from the US, who preferred to remain under British rule after the Declaration of Independence. In the 19th century, the developing fishing industry attracted French Canadians from the St. Lawrence Valley and newcomers from Europe including Channel Islanders from Jersey and Guernsey. We analyzed parental lineages of the self‐declared descendants of these four groups of settlers by mtDNA D‐loop sequencing and Y‐chromosome genotyping and compared them with French, British, and Irish samples. Their representation in terms of haplotype frequency classes reveals different signatures of founder effects, such as a loss of rare haplotypes, modification of intermediate frequency haplotypes, reduction in genetic diversity (seen in Acadians), but also enrichment by admixture. Parental lineages correlate with group identity. Descendants of early settlers, Acadians and Loyalists, preserved their identity more than those of French Canadian and Channel Islander “latecomers.” Although overall genetic diversity among Gaspesians is comparable with their European source populations, F_ST analysis indicated their greater differentiation. Distinct settlement history, a limited number of founders and relative genetic isolation contributed to the regionalization of the Quebec gene pool that appears less homogenous than usually anticipated. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Charles-Edouard Brown-Séquard: an eventful life and a significant contribution to the study of the nervous system

This is an account of the life of a 19th-century physiologist who was born in 1817 in Port-Louis (Mauritius Island, formerly 'Ile de France') and died in Paris in 1894. His mother tongue, education and medical training were French, but as the 'Ile de France' had become British a few years before his birth, he was a British citizen and therefore ineligible for a permanent position in a French institution. This explains, partly at least, his eventful life, during which he restlessly wandered during several decades between France, the United States, Great Britain and Mauritius, without ever finding a position that would satisfy him. This difficult period lasted until 1879 when, having finally acquired French nationality, he succeeded Claude Bernard in the chair of experimental medicine at the 'Collège de France'. Some of his contributions to the physiology of the nervous system are analysed: sensory pathways in the spinal cord, vasoconstrictor innervation, nervous inhibition and experimental epilepsy.     

British and French policies towards high-skilled immigration during the 2000s: policy outplays politics or politics trumps policy?

Within the context of global competition for human talent, two policy shifts in favour of the promotion of high-skilled immigration (HSI) were observed in the UK and France during the 2000s. In light of similar policy inputs, this article compares the development and implementation of the British Highly Skilled Immigration Programme between 2002 and 2008 and the French Carte de Competences et Talents (Card of Competences and Talents) from 2006 to 2009. This research explores whether there was an overall convergence across these two European countries' policies towards HSI and if they have conformed to a similar client politics model. Whereas this politics model was identified in the UK, a policy gap was observed in France. This article relates the identified divergences with the political agency of the British and French policymakers, while the conclusions argue that politics trumped policy in the two selected cases.     

Mutant allele frequencies among domestic cats in some eastern areas of Canada: regional homogeneity of factors in Canadian Atlantic Provinces and the French colony of Saint Pierre.

Surveys to determine mutant allele frequencies in domestic cats of the Canadian Atlantic Provinces (Halifax, Nova Scotia; Fredericton, New Brunswick; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; St. John's Newfoundland) and the French colony of Saint Pierre, Saint Pierre et Miquelon, reveal a general regional homogeneity for most factors. Despite diverse historical patterns of settlement, a strong common component of origin is indicated. This is tentatively identified as late 18th and early 19th century British. One mutant, polydactyly, which is of New England origin appears to have been distributed largely by loyalist refugees from New England at the time of the American Rebellion. No elements of a specific Acadian (French) character have yet been identified. Siamese cats have been "introduced" to the region in recent years and are now so abundant that they will undoubtedly cause a significant change in some mutant allele frequencies over the next few decades. Interregional exchanges of cats no doubt are contributing to homogenizing the populations of the area, but the practice of sterilization of pets offsets this to some degree.     

One Discipline, Four Ways: British, German, French, and American Anthropology

One Discipline, Four Ways: British, German, French, and American Anthropology. Fredrik Barth, Andre Gingrich, Robert Parkin, and Sydel Silverman. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2005. 406 pp.     

Mortality differentials in Canada, 1951–1971: French,British, and Indians

Mortality differentials reflect in part the social and economic conditions of groups in society. In this paper, the relationship between ethnic origin and mortality is investigated from the point of view of convergence and minority group status hypotheses. Multivariate methods are used to study differences among the French, the British and Native Indian (includes Metis and Eskimos) populations of Canada over three census periods from 1951 to 1971. A significant downward trend in the death rates of all three subpopulations is noted, but substantial differences persist, as the pace of mortality decline over time varies across the three ethnic groups. In the twenty-year interval between 1951 and 1971, Native Indians have experienced spectacular reductions in their overall death rates, but in comparative terms, their mortality levels still exceed those of the French (who show intermediate levels) and the British ethnic groups. The multivariate analysis provides strong support for the minority status effect, which is taken to suggest that the roots of inequalities in survival probabilities are partly a result of social and economic disparities. The convergence thesis received some support: over time the general pattern is one of declining mortality with some narrowing of the differences. An examination of four broad causes of death (neoplasms, cardiovascular, accidents-violence, and "other") suggests that Native Indians are characteristic of populations undergoing epidemiologic and demographic transitions. Their elevated risk of accidents-violence reflects social disruption in the process of modernization. Causes of death of the French and British populations are characterized by higher risks of cancer and cardiovascular diseases, typical of advanced societies.     

Papers from the local Bird Reports

The movements of British auks, as revealed by ringing, are highly complex, and the detailed analysis undertaken here reveals that different age-groups, and different local populations, within a species are often exposed to different risks during the non-breeding season. Any conservation measures must, therefore, depend heavily on ringing results. International action to prevent oil pollution would benefit all populations, and the outlook for many British colonies would be improved if shooting for sport in areas as distant as the Norwegian, French and Iberian coasts could be banned.     

The biomedical standardization of premenstrual syndrome

This essay traces the history of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in French, British, and American medical literature from 1950 to 2004. Aetiological theories, treatments and diagnostic criteria have varied over time and place, reflecting local conditions and changing notions of objectivity and evidence. During the 1970s researchers in each nation utilised different research strategies to overcome variation and contradictory results characteristic of PMS research. Since the 1980s, attempts have been made to standardise research internationally through prospective daily rating questionnaires that diagnose and measure PMS. Amidst controversy, a psychiatric reformulation of the syndrome was included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). While the diagnostic criteria for this psychiatric category, now called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), are widely accepted for research purposes, efforts to transfer them to medical practice have been less successful. PMDD remains a contested disease construct.     

Parallel polymorphism for supernumerary segments in Chorthippus parallelus (Zetterstedt)

French populations of Chorthippus parallelus like those from Britain are polymorphic with respect to supernumerary segments on the M₇ and S₈ chromosomes. The pattern of polymorphism parallels that of British material on both morphological and behavioural grounds. It agrees also in its effect on mean cell chiasma frequency and the absence of any effect on between cell variance. Finally the agreement extends also to the distribution of karyotypes within populations, those of the S₈ showing a Hardy-Weinberg distribution whereas those of the M₇ show a deficiency of structurally heterozygous types. All these parallels imply a common origin for the British and French material, an origin which, so we must suppose, antedated the physical separation of Britain and France some 8,000 years ago.     

Anglo-Canadian Exchange in General Practice: Canadian View of British General Practice

Before embarking on this exchange venture in British general practice I had many preconceived impressions of what it might be like to be an English family physician. Early in my five months of group practice it became apparent that many of my attitudes had no real basis and in fact I had to admit many aspects of the British health system were indeed superior. It has been my impression that a group general practice in Great Britain can certainly afford the practising family doctor a stimulating and rewarding professional and social life.     

The age of the British upper coal measures with reference to their miospore content

Details are given of miospore distributions and zonation in the British Upper Coal Measures. These are compared with miospore distributions in strata of comparable age in France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, Spain, and parts of Russia and the United States. Various published correlations of these strata are discussed and an amended correlation between the British and French sequences suggested. It is concluded that there is as yet little palynological evidence for the presence in Britain of Carboniferous strata of an age younger than that of the Westphalian D stage.     

Origin and colonization history of the white-clawed crayfish,Austropotamobius pallipes,in Ireland

The presence of the white-clawed crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes complex in Ireland is suspected to be a result of human translocations. Two hypotheses have been formulated about the origin of the crayfish: from British populations or from western French populations. In order to resolve this question, nine Irish crayfish populations (a total of 124 individuals) were sampled along a south-north cline and investigated by combining two molecular markers: mtDNA and RAPDs. The mtDNA marker, analysed by RFLP on the entire molecule, showed an absence of polymorphism within and among Irish populations. The RFLP haplotype found in Irish populations was only recorded in western French populations and was different from those found in English populations. This result may be explained by a human introduction of crayfish to Ireland from western French populations. RAPD analysis showed a clinal reduction of genetic variability within Irish populations from south to north, associated with an increase in their genetic differentiation. A stepwise model of translocation from the south to the north of Ireland is proposed and discussed.     

Schizophrenia sans frontieres: concepts of schizophrenia among French and British psychiatrists.

OBJECTIVE--To compare the first admission rates for schizophrenia in England and France, and to compare the concept of schizophrenia held by practising British and French psychiatrists. DESIGN--Comparative study of incidence rates in England and France; and postal questionnaire survey of a sample of about 1 in 30 psychiatrists in the United Kingdom and in l''Aquitaine, France. SUBJECTS--All first admissions for schizophrenia to psychiatric hospitals in England and France 1973-82; 92 psychiatrists in the United Kingdom and 69 in France. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Age adjusted first admission rates for schizophrenia between 1973-82; and opinions on the aetiology, diagnosis, and management of schizophrenia. RESULTS--First admission rates were much higher in France than in England before the age of 45, but lower after that age. Rates were falling in England over the 10 year period, while they were rising in France. In the questionnaire study English and French psychiatrists showed prominent differences of opinion for 31 out of 38 statements. The French sample did not diagnose schizophrenia after the age of 45 and endorsed psychoanalytical concepts. CONCLUSIONS--British and French psychiatrists use different diagnostic criteria and contrasting methods of treatment for schizophrenia. Differences in diagnostic criteria probably contribute towards the disparity in administrative incidence rates and time trends for schizophrenia in the two countries. Doctors in the European Community can now work in any country. Further work is needed to ensure psychiatrists are talking a common language.     

Bibliography of the living coelacanth Latimeria chalumnae,with comments on publication trends

Synopsis A list of published references on the coelacanth Latimeria chalumnae is provided. All known publications in the scientific literature are included as well as popular articles and press reports that are considered to provide new information or interpretations. Marked trends are noticeable in the literature as different disciplines have been applied to research on the coelacanth over the past five decades. The bibliography lists a total of 823 publications including 490 papers in journals, 37 books, 3 theses, 45 chapters in books, 166 popular articles, 22 reports and 60 newspaper articles. Studies on taxonomy and morphology initially dominated the literature followed by reports on research in the fields of physiology, behaviour, breeding biology, ecology and conservation as frozen and eventually live specimens became available for study. The literature on the living coelacanth is predominantly in English, French, Japanese and German but references in 12 other languages were also traced. The dominant authors in the first decades of coelacanth research were the French scientists J. Millot and J. Anthony and the South African describer of the first and second coelacanths, J.L.B. Smith. In subsequent years French, British, American, South African, Japanese, Canadian and German authors, among others, have made significant contributions.     

Neuropathological characterisation of French bovine spongiform encephalopathy cases

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in cattle is a neurodegenerative disease belonging to the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, a group of diseases including sheep scrapie and human Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. The pathological characteristics of BSE are vacuolation, mild gliosis, little neuronal degeneration without inflammatory process and abnormal prion protein (PrPsc) accumulation. The aim of this study was to define precisely the neuropathology of BSE in French cases by assessing the distributions of vacuolar lesions and PrPsc within cattle brains. We showed that vacuolation and PrPsc accumulation varied from one structure to the other, and most often coexisted. These distributions were in accordance with British and Portuguese data previously published. Seven types of PrPsc immunolabelling were described based on morphology and localisation. Besides mild gliosis mainly associated with vacuolation, we observed a very slight neuronal apoptosis. In addition, we saw a moderate vimentin labelling colocalised with vacuolation, a discrete ubiquitin staining and no Tau protein staining. This study provides precise histopathological data that will be completed with a quantitative study on more than 100 obex samples of French BSE cases.     

Psychiatry in the Soviet Union

The services for chronically handicapped people with psychiatric disorders in the Soviet Union are described. The system is based upon a network of community units, each of which includes a day centre, a follow-up clinic, and a sheltered workshop. British services could profitably learn from the experience of these units. The diagnostic system used by many Soviet psychiatrists is different from that incorporated in the International Classification of Diseases. In particular, the term “schizophrenia” is used to describe conditions which British psychiatrists would label in other ways.This clinical difference partly explains the different concept of “criminal responsibility,” but another large component of the difference is political rather than medical. There are also variations from British practice in certain juridical procedures. These differences together make Soviet psychiatric practice in the case of political dissenters unacceptable to most British psychiatrists. It is too soon to say that frank discussions of these matters could not lead to improvement. British and Soviet psychiatrists still have something to learn from each other.     

Survey of pulmonary tuberculosis in south and west Wales (1976-8).

In routine clinical practice 20% of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis were treated with the regimen recommended by the British Thoracic Association after the British trial of short-course chemotherapy. Despite the use of several regimens that could be considered inadequate, no patients from the survey within south and west Wales appears to have relapsed yet. Deaths from pulmonary tuberculosis continue at the same rate as 10 years ago. Patient default remains a difficult problem even with modern, less toxic, short-course regimens.