bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Titrated sedation with propofol or midazolam for flexible bronchoscopy: a randomised trial
Authors: Clark G. , Licker M. , Younossian A. B. , Soccal P. M. , Frey J-G. , Rochat T. , Diaper J. , Bridevaux P-O. , Tschopp J-M.
Published: May 2009

In this study, we questioned whether propofol provided clinical benefits compared with midazolam in terms of neuropsychometric recovery, safety profile and patient tolerance.

Patients, aged >18 yrs, were randomised to receive midazolam or propofol, given by non-anaesthetist physicians to achieve moderate levels of sedation as assessed by the electroencephalographic bispectral index (BIS; between 70 and 85). The primary end-point was the time delay until recovery of the BIS above 90. Other end-points included a neuropsychometric continuous performance test (CPT), serious respiratory adverse events, patient tolerance and physician satisfaction.

Neuropsychometric recovery was improved in the propofol compared to the midazolam group as evidenced by faster normalisation of BIS index (5.4±4.7 minversus11.7±10.2 min; p = 0.001) and better results at the CPT. In the midazolam group, 15% of patients presented profound sedation precluding CPT completion and one patient required mechanical ventilatory support. Patient tolerance was significantly better in the propofol group, whereas the operator’s assessment was comparable in both groups.

Compared with midazolam, propofol provided a higher quality of sedation in terms of neuropsychometric recovery and patient tolerance. BIS-guided propofol administration represents a safe sedation technique that can be performed by the non-anaesthesiologist.
Determinants of asthma phenotypes in supermarket bakery workers
Authors: Baatjies R. , Lopata A. L. , Sander I. , Raulf-Heimsoth M. , Bateman E. D. , Meijster T. , Heederik D. , Robins T. G. , Jeebhay M. F.
Published: May 2009

While baker's asthma has been well described, various asthma phenotypes in bakery workers have yet to be characterised. Our study aims to describe the asthma phenotypes in supermarket bakery workers in relation to host risk factors and self-reported exposure to flour dust.

A cross-sectional study of 517 supermarket bakery workers in 31 bakeries used a questionnaire, skin prick tests, and specific immunoglobulin E to wheat, rye and fungal α-amylase and methacholine challenge testing.

The prevalence of probable occupational asthma (OA, 13%) was higher than atopic (6%), nonatopic (6%) and work-aggravated asthma (WAA, 3%) phenotypes. Previous episodes of high exposure to dusts, fumes and vapours causing asthma symptoms were more strongly associated with WAA (OR 5.8, 95% CI 1.7–19.2) than OA (2.8, 1.4–5.5). Work-related ocular–nasal symptoms were significantly associated with WAA (4.3, 1.3–13.8) and OA (3.1, 1.8–5.5). Bakers with OA had an increased odds ratio of reporting adverse reactions to ingested grain products (6.4, 2.0–19.8).

OA is the most common phenotype among supermarket bakery workers. Analysis of risk factors contributes to defining clinical phenotypes, which will guide ongoing medical surveillance and clinical management of bakery workers.
RNAi in the cereal weevil Sitophilusspp: Systemic gene knockdown in the bacteriome tissue
Authors: Vallier Agnès , Vincent-Monégat Carole , Laurençon Anne , Heddi Abdelaziz
Published: May 2009

Background

The weevils Sitophilus spp. are among the most important cosmopolitan pests of stored cereal grains. However, their biology and physiology are poorly understood, mainly because the insect developmental stages take place within cereal grains and because of the lack of gene specific molecular manipulation.

Results

To gain access to the different insect developmental stages, weevil females were allowed to lay their eggs on starch pellets and hatched embryos were collected by dissolving starch with water. Embryos were transferred between two Glass Plates filled with packed Flour (GPF) to mimic compact texture of the cereal grain, and this system allowed us to recover specific developmental stages. To knockdown the gene expressed in the bacteria-bearing organ (the bacteriome), whole larvae were injected with dsRNA to target the wpgrp1 gene and they were then left to develop for a further 4 days period. Quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analyses on the bacteriome of these animals revealed a down-regulation of the wpgrp1 expression, both at transcript and protein levels.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that whole larval injection with dsRNA results in a high and systemic decrease of both mRNA and protein in the bacteriome tissue. This, along with the possibility of access to the insect developmental stages, opens up a new research avenue for exploring gene specific functions in the cereal weevils.
The little we know on the structure and machinery of V-ATPase
Authors: Saroussi Shai , Nelson Nathan
Published: May 2009

The life of every eukaryotic cell depends on the function of vacuolar H+-ATPase (V-ATPase). Today we know that V-ATPase is vital for many more physiological and biochemical processes than it was expected three decades ago when the enzyme was discovered. These range from a crucial role in the function of internal organelles such as vacuoles, lysosomes, synaptic vesicles, endosomes, secretory granules and the Golgi apparatus to the plasma membrane of several organisms and specific tissues, and specialized cells. The overall structure and mechanism of action of the V-ATPase is supposed to be similar to that of the well-characterized F-type ATP synthase (F-ATPase). Both consist of a soluble catalytic domain (V1 or F1) that is coupled to a membrane-spanning domain (Vo or Fo) by one or more `stalk' components. Owing to the complexity and challenging properties of V-ATPase its study is lagging behind that of its relative F-ATPase. Time will tell whether V-ATPase shares an identical mechanism of action with F-ATPase or its mode of operation is unique.
NhaA crystal structure: functional–structural insights
Authors: Padan Etana , Kozachkov Lena , Herz Katia , Rimon Abraham
Published: May 2009

Na+/H+ antiporters are integral membrane proteins that exchange Na+ for H+ across the cytoplasmic membrane and many intracellular membranes. They are essential for Na+, pH and volume homeostasis, which are crucial processes for cell viability. Accordingly, antiporters are important drug targets in humans and underlie salt-resistance in plants. Many Na+/H+ antiporters are tightly regulated by pH. Escherichia coli NhaA Na+/H+ antiporter, a prototype pH-regulated antiporter,exchanges 2 H+ for 1 Na+ (or Li+). The NhaA crystal structure has provided insights into the pH-regulated mechanism of antiporter action and opened up new in silico and in situavenues of research. The monomer is the functional unit of NhaA yet the dimer is essential for the stability of the antiporter under extreme stress conditions. Ionizable residues of NhaA that strongly interact electrostatically are organized in a transmembrane fashion in accordance with the functional organization of the cation-binding site, `pH sensor', the pH transduction pathway and the pH-induced conformational changes. Remarkably,NhaA contains an inverted topology motive of transmembrane segments, which are interrupted by extended mid-membrane chains that have since been found to vary in other ion-transport proteins. This novel structural fold creates a delicately balanced electrostatic environment in the middle of the membrane,which might be essential for ion binding and translocation. Based on the crystal structure of NhaA, a model structure of the human Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE1) was constructed, paving the way to a rational drug design.
Carbonic anhydrases and anion transport in mosquito midgut pH regulation
Authors: Linser Paul J. , Smith Kristin E. , Seron Terri J. , Neira Oviedo Marco
Published: May 2009

Mosquito larvae use a digestive strategy that is relatively rare in nature. The anterior half of the larval mosquito midgut has a luminal pH that ranges between 10.5 and 11.5. Most other organisms, both large and small, initiate digestion in an acid medium. The relative uniqueness of the highly alkaline digestive strategy has been a long-standing research focus in larval lepidopterans. More recently, the disease vector potential of mosquitoes has fueled specific interest in larval mosquito biology and the alkaline digestive environment in the midgut. The probable principle anion influencing the highly alkaline gut lumen is bicarbonate/carbonate. Bicarbonate/carbonate is regulated at least in part by the activity of carbonic anhydrases. Hence, we have focused attention on the carbonic anhydrases of the mosquito larva. Anopheles gambiae, the major malaria mosquito of Africa, is an organism with a published genome which has facilitated molecular analyses of the 12 carbonic anhydrase genes annotated for this mosquito. Microarray expression analyses, tissue-specific quantitative RT-PCR, and antibody localization have been used to generate a picture of carbonic anhydrase distribution in the larval mosquito. Cytoplasmic, GPI-linked extracellular membrane-bound and soluble extracellular carbonic anhydrases have been located in the midgut and hindgut. The distribution of the enzymes is consistent with an anion regulatory system in which carbonic anhydrases provide a continuous source of bicarbonate/carbonate from the intracellular compartments of certain epithelial cells to the ectoperitrophic space between the epithelial cells and the acellular membrane separating the food bolus from the gut cells and finally into the gut lumen. Carbonic anhydrase in specialized cells of the hindgut (rectum) probably plays a final role in excretion of bicarbonate/carbonate into the aquatic environment of the larva. Detection and characterization of classic anion exchangers of the SLC4A family in the midgut has been problematic. The distribution of carbonic anhydrases in the system may obviate the requirement for such transporters, making the system more dependent on simple carbon dioxide diffusion and ionization via the activity of the enzyme.
Modular structure of sodium-coupled bicarbonate transporters
Authors: Boron Walter F. , Chen Liming , Parker Mark D.
Published: May 2009

Mammalian genomes contain 10 SLC4 genes that, between them, encode three Cl–HCO3 exchangers, five Na+-coupled HCO3 transporters (NCBTs), one reported borate transporter, and what is reported to be a fourth Cl–HCO3 exchanger. The NCBTs are expressed throughout the body and play important roles in maintaining intracellular and whole-body pH, as well as contributing to transepithelial transport processes. The importance of NCBTs is underscored by the genetic association of dysfunctional NCBT genes with blindness, deafness, epilepsy,hypertension and metal retardation. Key to understanding the action and regulation of NCBTs is an appreciation of the diversity of NCBT gene products. The transmembrane domains of human NCBT paralogs are 50–84% identical to each other at the amino acid level, and are capable of a diverse range of actions, including electrogenic Na/HCO3 cotransport (i.e. NBCe1 and NBCe2) and electroneutral Na/HCO3 cotransport (i.e. NBCn1 and NBCn2), as well as Na+-dependent Cl–HCO3 exchange(i.e. NDCBE). Furthermore, by the use of alternative promoters and alternative-splicing events, individual SLC4 genes have the potential to generate multiple splice variants (as many as 16 in the case of NBCn1), each of which could have unique temporal and spatial patterns of distribution, unitary transporter activity (i.e. flux mediated by one molecule), array of protein-binding partners, and complement of regulatory stimuli. In the first section of this review, we summarize our present knowledge of the function and distribution of mammalian NCBTs and their multiple variants. In the second section of this review we consider the molecular consequences of NCBT variation.
Epithelial ultrastructure and cellular mechanisms of acid and base transport in theDrosophilamidgut
Authors: Shanbhag Shubha , Tripathi Subrata
Published: May 2009

There is a resurgence of interest in the Drosophila midgut on account of its potential value in understanding the structure, development and function of digestive organs and related epithelia. The recent identification of regenerative or stem cells in the adult gut of Drosophila has opened up new avenues for understanding development and turnover of cells in insect and mammalian gastrointestinal tracts. Conversely, the physiology of the Drosophila gut is less well understood as it is a difficult epithelial preparation to study under controlled conditions. Recent progress in microperfusion of individual segments of the Drosophila midgut, in both larval and adult forms, has enabled ultrastructural and electrophysiological study and preliminary characterization of cellular transport processes in the epithelium. As larvae are more active feeders, the transport rates are higher than in adults. The larval midgut has at least three segments: an anterior neutral zone, a short and narrow acid-secreting middle segment and a long and wider posterior segment (which is the best studied) that secretes base (probably HCO3–) into the lumen. The posterior midgut has a lumen-negative transepithelial potential(35–45 mV) and a high resistance (800–1400 Ω.cm2)that correlates with little or no lateral intercellular volume. The primary transport system driving base secretion into the lumen appears to be a bafilomycin-A1-sensitive, electrogenic H+ V-ATPase located on the basal membrane, which extrudes acid into the haemolymph, as inferred from the extracellular pH gradients detected adjacent to the basal membrane. The adult midgut is also segmented (as inferred from longitudinal gradients of pH dye-indicators in the lumen) into anterior, middle and posterior regions. The anterior segment is probably absorptive. The middle midgut secretes acid (pH<4.0), a process dependent on a carbonic-anhydrase-catalysed H+ pool. Cells of the middle segment are alternately absorptive (apically amplified by ≈9-fold, basally amplified by >90-fold) and secretory (apically amplified by >90-fold and basally by ≈10-fold). Posterior segment cells have an extensively dilated basal extracellular labyrinth, with a volume larger than that of anterior segment cells, indicating more fluid reabsorption in the posterior segment. The luminal pH of anterior and posterior adult midgut is 7–9. These findings in the larval and adult midgut open up the possibility of determining the role of plasma membrane transporters and channels involved in driving not only H+ fluxes but also secondary fluxes of other solutes and water in Drosophila.
Mathematical modelling and comparative study of the machining characteristics in ultrasonic-assisted electrical discharge machining of cemented tungsten carbide (WC—10%Co)
Authors: Shabgard M R , Farahmand M R , Ivanov A
Published: May 2009

The phenomena occurring between the electrodes in electrical discharge machining (EDM) are still not fully understood. Poor quantitative knowledge of the sources of variability affecting this process hinders the identification of its natural tolerance limits. This paper presents a systematic methodology for developing statistical models to show the relationship between important machining performance data (material removal rate (MRR), tool wear ratio (TWR), and surface roughness Ra) and the input machining parameters (pulse current and pulse-on time) in the EDM and ultrasonic-assisted EDM (US/EDM) of tungsten carbide. The models obtained were used to analyse the effects of input parameters on machining performance. A comparative study was conducted to determine the influence of ultrasonic vibration of the tool on machining performance. The results show that the MRR is significantly increased in ultrasonic-assisted EDM of cemented tungsten carbide (WC—10%Co), especially in finishing modes, and can be up to four times greater than that of conventional EDM. The TWR and Ra values are also increased slightly in US/EDM. The mathematical models presented can be used for optimization of the machining parameters.
Pre-locating corners in images in order to improve the extraction of Fourier descriptors and subsequent recognition of shipbuilding parts
Authors: Sanders D A , Lambert G , Pevy L
Published: May 2009

Improvements are described for a pattern recognition system for recognizing shipbuilding parts. This is achieved by using a new simple and accurate corner finder. The new system initially finds corners in an edge detected image of a ship's part and uses that new information to extract Fourier descriptors to feed into a neural network to make decisions about shapes. Results show that the new corner finder was better at distinguishing between various ships' parts than other corner finders and proved to be a valid approach. The new corner finding technique uses a bottom-up approach to find corners by sampling points in edge-detected images and calculating the distance between the endpoints of a window around each sampled point. The points with the minimum distance are then interpreted as corners. Using an all-or-nothing accuracy measure, the new corner finding technique achieved an improvement over other systems. The new corner finder was included as pre-processing before extracting Fourier descriptors and using the artificial neural networks to identify parts. The whole system recognized parts more quickly and more efficiently than the most recently published systems.
Spin moment calculation and its importance in railway dynamics
Authors: Alonso A , Giménez J G , Martín L M
Published: May 2009

The objective of this work is to analyse the influence of the spin moment generated at the wheel—rail contact area on both vehicle dynamics and dissipated energy that is closely related to wear. From the different methods used in railway simulation programs to model the tangential contact problem, FastSim algorithm has been selected in this work due to its accuracy in the calculation of the contact forces and also because it allows obtaining the spin moment integrating the shear stresses. In the first part of the article the accuracy of FastSim in the calculation of spin moment is analysed. Also, some modifications are introduced in the original algorithm in order to improve its accuracy. In the second part, the influence of the spin moment on the results of some typical situations is presented. It has been checked that its influence on railway dynamics is negligible. On the contrary, it has been found that the value of the dissipated energy can be greatly modified if this parameter is taken into account.
Parametric analysis of a gas turbine cycle coupled to a Brayton refrigeration cycle
Authors: Chen L , Zhang W , Sun F
Published: May 2009

Performance analysis and optimization of an endoreversible Brayton cycle coupled to a Brayton refrigeration cycle has been performed using finite-time thermodynamics. The analy-tical formulae are derived with respect to power, efficiency, optimal extracted pressure ratio of air refrigeration cycle corresponding to optimal power, optimal power and the corresponding efficiency. The influences of various parameters on the cycle performances are analysed by numerical examples. The results show that there exists one optimal pressure ratio of the compressor corresponding to maximum power and another optimal pressure ratio of the compressor corresponding to maximum efficiency; the compressor inlet temperature is reduced by mixing the chilled working fluid from the Brayton refrigeration cycle and the main intake working fluid streams; the intake working fluid temperature could be controlled even below the temperature of the heat sink and the gas turbine performance can be improved.
Simplified architecture of a type-2 fuzzy controller using four embedded type-1 fuzzy controllers and its application to a greenhouse climate control system
Authors: Hameed I A
Published: May 2009

Uncertainty is an inherent part of control systems used in real-world applications. The use of new methods for handling incomplete information and to cope with large amounts of uncertainties is of fundamental importance. The traditional type-1 fuzzy sets (T1FSs) used in conventional fuzzy logic systems (FLSs) cannot fully handle the uncertainties present in control systems. The type-2 FSs (T2FSs) used in T2FLSs can handle such uncertainties in a better way because they provide more parameters and more degrees of freedom. In spite of the features of the T2FS, it has not received the attention it deserves because of its implementation complexity. In this paper, a simple architecture of the T2FLS using four embedded T1FLSs is introduced. The performance of the proposed T2FLS is assessed by applying it to a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) greenhouse climate control system. Simulation results showed that the simplified architecture is able to cope with the complexity of the plant and has the ability to handle measurement and modelling uncertainties. The performance of the proposed T2FLS is comparable with the computationally costly T2FLS and outperforms its traditional T1FLS counterpart.
Cell Lines as Candidate Reference Materials for Quality Control of ERBB2 Amplification and Expression Assays in Breast Cancer
Authors: Xiao Yan , Gao Xiugong , Maragh Samantha , Telford William G , Tona Alessandro
Published: May 2009

Background: Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is an important biomarker whose status plays a pivotal role in therapeutic decision-making for breast cancer patients and in determining their clinical outcomes. Ensuring the accuracy and reproducibility of HER2 assays by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) requires a reliable standard for monitoring assay sensitivity and specificity, and for assessing methodologic variation. A prior NIST workshop addressed this need by reaching a consensus to create cell lines as reference materials for HER2 testing.

Methods: Breast carcinoma cell lines SK-BR-3 and MCF-7 were characterized quantitatively by IHC with chicken anti-HER2 IgY antibody and by FISH with biotinylated bacterial artificial chromosome DNA probes; both assays used quantum dots as detectors. Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) cell blocks were prepared and tested for suitability as candidate reference materials by IHC and FISH with commercially available reagents. IHC and FISH results were also compared with those obtained by laser-scanning cytometry and real-time PCR, respectively.

Results: MCF-7 cells had typical numbers of gene copies and very low production of HER2 protein, whereas SK-BR-3 cells contained approximately 10-fold more copies of the gene and exhibited approximately 15-fold higher amounts of HER2 protein than MCF-7 cells. FFPE SK-BR-3 cells showed results similar to those for fresh SK-BR-3 cells.

Conclusions: SK-BR-3 and MCF-7 are suitable as candidate reference materials in QC of HER2 testing. Coupled with the associated assay platforms, they provide valuable controls for quantitative measurement of HER2 amplification and production in breast cancer samples, irrespective of the antibody/probe or detector used.
Hyperbilirubinemia and Transcutaneous Bilirubinometry
Authors: El-Beshbishi Samar N , Shattuck Karen E , Mohammad Amin A , Petersen John R
Published: May 2009

Background: Neonatal jaundice or hyperbilirubinemia is a common occurrence in newborns. Although most cases of neonatal jaundice have a benign course, severe hyperbilirubinemia can lead to kernicterus, which is preventable if the hyperbilirubinemia is identified early and treated appropriately.

Content: This review discusses neonatal jaundice and the use of transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) measurements for identification of neonates at risk of severe hyperbilirubinemia. Such a practice requires appropriate serial testing and result interpretation according to risk level from a nomogram that provides bilirubin concentrations specific for the age of the neonate in hours. In this context, we have evaluated the potential impact on clinical outcome and limitations of TcB methods in current use.

Summary: TcB measurement is a viable option in screening neonates to determine if they are at risk for clinically significant hyperbilirubinemia. Total serum bilirubin should be measured by a clinical laboratory if a newborn is shown to be at higher risk for clinically significant hyperbilirubinemia. In addition, external quality assessment to identify biases and operator training issues should be part of any TcB monitoring program.
Regulating for e-waste in China: progress and challenges
Authors: Ye J. , Kayaga S. , Smout I.
Published: May 2009

Electronic waste (e-waste) is an emerging issue in the municipal towns of China. Its significance is driven by the rapidly increasing quantities, the hazards involved and the valuable materials in it. The poor quality e-waste recycling and disposal methods commonly practised in China have serious and hazardous effects on the environment and on the health of workers and residents. Additionally, industrialised countries are exporting increasing quantities of e-waste to China, complicating the situation further. The Chinese government needs to strengthen regulatory systems to ensure that the huge economic benefits from the e-waste recycling industry are not overshadowed by the negative impact on welfare and overall environmental sustainability. In response to the growing concern on e-waste, the government and other policy-making agencies in China are continuously strengthening the legislative and institutional framework for regulating importation and industrial activities in e-waste recycling and disposal. This paper provides a situational analysis and discusses the basic elements of the existing legislative framework for e-waste management in China. The paper concludes with an analysis of opportunities and challenges that exist in improving the enabling/regulatory environment for a hazardous but valuable commodity in a fast-growing economy.
Britain's tall building boom: now bust?
Authors: Skelton I. R. , Demian P. , Bouchlaghem D.
Published: May 2009

From early 2005 up to the freeze induced by the world's faltering financial markets during the first quarter of 2008, Britain experienced a demand for tall buildings of an unprecedented high level: in London alone, ten tall buildings have started, or were due to start on site, between the first quarter of 2007 to the fourth quarter of 2008. This is directly comparable in size with America's Manhattan Island skyscraper boom of the 1920s. The objectives of this paper are: first, to investigate the evolution of the UK tall building and determine the reasons behind this building form's growth at unprecedented rates; second, to define the UK tall building and compare it with the international tall building stage; third, to analyse the differing types of demand and categorise these subsectors of the UK tall building market; fourth, to calculate the size and value of this specialist construction market in the UK and forecast its growth potential; and finally, to analyse the latest negative market developments during 2008 and warn of the current match of the UK tall building market to the Skyscraper Index model and the resulting risk of full-blown economic recession.
Outcomes of a Breast Health Project for Hmong Women and Men in California
Authors: Kagawa-Singer Marjorie , Tanjasiri Sora Park , Valdez Annalyn , Yu Hongjian , Foo Mary Anne
Published: May 2009

Objectives. We used a community-based research approach to test a culturally based breast cancer screening program among low-income Hmong women in central and southern California.

Methods. We designed a culturally informed educational program with measures at baseline and 1-year follow-up in 2 intervention cities and 1 comparison city. Measures included changes in breast cancer screening, knowledge, and attitudes.

Results. Compared with women in the comparison community, women in the intervention community significantly improved their attitudes toward, and increased their knowledge and receipt of, breast cancer screenings. Odds of women in the intervention group having had a mammogram, having had a clinical breast examination, and having performed breast self-examination was 6.75, 12.16, and 20.06, respectively, compared with women in the comparison group.

Conclusions. Culturally informed education materials and intervention design were effective methods in conveying the importance of maintaining and monitoring proper breast health. The strength of community collaboration in survey development and intervention design highlighted the challenges of early detection and screening programs among newer immigrants, who face significant language and cultural barriers to care, and identified promising practices to overcome these health literacy challenges.
Health Insurance Coverage and Medical Expenditures of Immigrants and Native-Born Citizens in the United States
Authors: Ku Leighton
Published: May 2009

Objectives. I examined insurance coverage and medical expenditures of both immigrant and US-born adults to determine the extent to which immigrants contribute to US medical expenditures.

Methods. I used data from the 2003 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey to perform 2-part multivariate analyses of medical expenditures, controlling for health status, insurance coverage, race/ethnicity, and other sociodemographic factors.

Results. Approximately 44% of recent immigrants and 63% of established immigrants were fully insured over the 12-month period analyzed. Immigrants' per-person unadjusted medical expenditures were approximately one half to two thirds as high as expenditures for the US born, even when immigrants were fully insured. Recent immigrants were responsible for only about 1% of public medical expenditures even though they constituted 5% of the population. After controlling for other factors, I found that immigrants' medical costs averaged about 14% to 20% less than those who were US born.

Conclusions. Insured immigrants had much lower medical expenses than insured US-born citizens, even after the effects of insurance coverage were controlled. This suggests that immigrants' insurance premiums may be cross-subsidizing care for the US-born. If so, health care resources could be redirected back to immigrants to improve their care.
Impact of Social Position on the Effect of Cardiovascular Risk Factors on Self-Rated Health
Authors: Delpierre Cyrille , Lauwers-Cances Valérie , Datta Geetanjali D. , Berkman Lisa , Lang Thierry
Published: May 2009

Objectives. We assessed the impact of education level on the association between self-rated health and cardiovascular risk factors (blood pressure, glycosylated hemoglobin level, and total cholesterol and triglyceride levels).

Methods. We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for the years 2001 through 2004 (4015 men and 4066 women). Multivariate analyses were performed with a logistic regression model.

Results. After adjustment for age and ethnicity, among women with high glycosylated hemoglobin levels, the most-educated women had poorer self-rated health compared with the least-educated women (odds ratio [OR] = 4.61; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.90, 7.34 vs OR = 2.59; 95% CI = 1.60, 4.20, respectively; interaction test, P = 0.06). The same was true among women with high cholesterol levels (OR = 2.23; 95% CI = 1.40, 3.56 vs OR = 1.13; 95% CI = 0.85, 1.49, respectively; interaction test, P = 0.06). Among men, the impact of education level on the association between self-rated health and any cardiovascular risk factors (measured or self-reported) was not significant.

Conclusions. The impact of cardiovascular risk factors on self-rated health was higher for highly educated women, which could lead to underestimation of health inequalities between socioeconomic groups when self-rated health is used as an indicator of objective health.
The Association of Immigration and Acculturation Attributes With Oral Health Among Immigrants in New York City
Authors: Cruz Gustavo D. , Chen Yu , Salazar Christian R. , Le Geros Racquel Z.
Published: May 2009

Objectives. We examined associations between immigration and acculturation attributes and oral disease among immigrants.

Methods. We conducted a large cross-sectional study of 1318 immigrants in New York City. We performed comprehensive interviews and oral examinations of the participants and used linear regression models to assess differences in oral disease levels among immigrant subgroups. We also constructed proportional odds models to evaluate the association of oral disease level with length of stay in the United States, age at immigration, and language preference.

Results. After we controlled for most known risk factors, country of birth and age at immigration were associated with variations in oral disease prevalence and need for oral health care. Length of stay was inversely associated with need for treatment of dental caries but not with any other indicator of oral disease. Language preference was not associated with any indicator of oral disease.

Conclusions. Immigrants’ country of birth, length of stay in the United States, and age at immigration played important roles in their oral disease prevalence, independently of most known risk factors for oral diseases. Our findings emphasize the need for more studies to elucidate the complex relationships of ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and culturally influenced factors that impact immigrants' oral health.
Methods to Determine Dormancy and Preharvest Sprouting Resistance in Barley
Authors: Lin R. , Horsley R. D. , Schwarz P. B.
Published: May 2009

Preharvest sprouting (PHS), defined as germination of seeds on plants before harvest, is an ever‐present problem and concern for barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) growers, processors, and researchers worldwide. A major factor leading to PHS is a lack of seed dormancy, the failure of viable seeds to germinate under favorable conditions. The objectives of this research were to identify a simple, quick, and consistent method to determine the dormancy level and PHS resistance using 14 barley genotypes. The genotypes were grown in two greenhouse trials and six field experiments in North Dakota in 2004, 2005, and 2006. Two methods to determine dormancy and one method to determine PHS resistance were evaluated. Spikes harvested at harvest maturity were used for the germination test and artificial rain treatment to determine the dormancy level, whereas stirring number was measured on seeds from spikes that underwent field weathering to determine PHS resistance. All three methods evaluated had repeatability values ≥0.89. In addition, the “moderately strong” correlations (r = 0.73–0.88) between the three methods suggested that any of the methods could be used to determine the dormancy level and/or PHS resistance of barley genotypes. However, the germination test was preferred because it is simple and fast and does not require expensive equipment. Testing using greenhouse‐grown materials can be used to screen for nondormant genotypes that may undergo PHS in the field and therefore must not be released as cultivars.
Molecular Identification of Saccharum spp. × Erianthus fulvus Hybrids Using Sequence‐Characterized Amplified Region Markers
Authors: Wang Xian‐Hong , Yang Qing‐Hui , Li Fu‐Sheng , He Li‐Lian , He Shun‐Chang
Published: May 2009

Identification of hybrids derived from crosses between cultivated sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) and its wild relatives, including Erianthus fulvus Nees ex Hack., is important for the development of new sugarcane cultivars. The aim of the present study was to identify true hybrids in 73 F1 progeny obtained from five crosses with cultivated sugarcane as female parents and E. fulvus as male parents. Three random 10mers were used as primers in random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) reactions. A total of 10 E. fulvus–specific RAPD markers were cloned and sequenced, of which four were successfully applied as sequence‐characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers. Based on the four RAPD marker sequences, five SCAR primer pairs were designed for polymerase chain reaction amplifications. Of the 73 progeny examined, 58 produced E. fulvus–specific SCAR bands, thus representing true hybrids of cultivated sugarcane and E. fulvus These results demonstrate the first use of SCAR marker analysis as an effective tool for the identification of intergeneric sugarcane hybrids.
Selection of Bioassay Method Influences Detection of Annual Bluegrass Resistance to Mitotic‐Inhibiting Herbicides
Authors: Cutulle Matthew A. , McElroy J. Scott , Millwood Reginald W. , Sorochan John C. , Stewart C. Neal
Published: May 2009

Dinitroaniline‐resistant annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) has been reported in several states; however, there are no standardized screening methods for detecting resistance. Research was conducted to evaluate screening techniques (Murashige and Skoog [MS] media, filter paper, hydroponics, and soil based) to detect herbicide resistance to dithiopyr, prodiamine, and pendimethalin in a suspected resistant ecotype of annual bluegrass from Chattanooga, TN (Chattanooga). A senstitive ecotype from Fresno, CA (Control) was also tested. All the bioassays were able to diagnose the ecotype from Chattanooga as resistant to prodiamine and pendimethalin. However, the degree of resistance was highly variable between bioassays. In hydroponics, the amount of prodiamine required to inhibit Chattanooga growth by 50% was 26 times more than Control. Comparatively, in MS media the amount of prodiamine required to inhibit Chattanooga growth by 50% was 80 times more than Control. Minor dithiopyr resistance from the Chattanooga ecotype was detected by the hydroponics, filter‐paper and soil‐based bioassays. Hydroponics provided the most rapid diagnosis of resistance, accessing resistance for a mature plant in 10 d. The MS‐media bioassay had the least amount of confounding variables. These findings highlight the potential variation in results that can occur in mitotic‐inhibiting herbicide resistance detection simply on the basis of how plant samples are assayed.
Relationships between Large‐Spike Phenotype, Grain Number, and Yield Potential in Spring Wheat
Authors: Gaju O. , Reynolds M.P. , Sparkes D.L. , Foulkes M.J.
Published: May 2009

Our objective was to investigate the physiological basis of grain number per square meter (GN) and yield in two CIMMYT spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) lines of large‐spike phenotype (LSP), LSP1 and LSP2, and one check cultivar, Bacanora, when grown as single plants in the growth room and at normal sowing densities in high radiation, irrigated field conditions. In the growth room, rachis length, spikelets per spike, and grains per spike were increased by 14 to 39%, 12 to 31% and 8 to 19%, respectively, compared to Bacanora. Increased spikelet number was associated with a longer thermal duration for spikelet primordia production. In the field, averaged over three seasons, 2003–2004 to 2005–2006, spikelets per spike and grains per spike were increased by 4 to 6% and 4 to 5%, respectively, in LSP lines compared to Bacanora (P < 0.05). Overall GN (−23%) and yield (−8%) were decreased in LSP2 compared to Bacanora associated with a lower spike number per square meter (−26%) (P < 0.05). The GN (−9%) and yield (+2%) of LSP1 overall were not different to Bacanora, although LSP1 yielded more in one season, 2004–2005 (+9%) (P < 0.05). LSP1 produced grains about 10% heavier and LSP2, about 20% heavier, than Bacanora, in both growth‐room and field experiments. LSP1 showed a positive departure from the overall negative relationship between grains per gram of spike dry matter (at anthesis) and grain weight among the genotypes. LSP1 may represent a source of novel spike morphology for use in breeding programs aimed at boosting grain size at high GN to enhance yield potential.
Response of Nitrogen Uptake and Partitioning to Critical Nitrogen Supply in Oat Cultivars
Authors: Zhao G. Q. , Ma B. L. , Ren C. Z.
Published: May 2009

Nitrogen uptake and partitioning in oat (Avena sativa L.) are not well documented. A greenhouse study was conducted to determine the critical timing of N supply on the growth, N uptake, and partitioning. Plants grown in plastic pots were subjected to five N fertilization regimes: (i) control, N supply from seedling to physiological maturity (PM); (ii) N supply from seedling to flag leaf; (iii) N supply from flag leaf to PM; (iv) N supply from seedling to heading; and (v) N supply from heading to PM. Leaf chlorophyll content, plant dry matter (DM), and N uptake and accumulation were measured. Total plant DM was 21% greater for naked ‘VAO‐2’ than for covered ‘Prescott’, while both genotypes produced similar grain yields. Varietal differences in total plant N were significant (P < 0.05) with average of 18% higher N content for VAO‐2, but most of its accumulated N was in the vegetative components. For both varieties, N supply was more critical before heading than thereafter. Compared with the control, restriction of N supply from seedling to flag leaf stage significantly reduced spikelet number (28%) and grain yield (26%). Withholding N supply until heading reduced yield by up to 65% and N uptake by 75%. No yield reduction occurred when N was withheld from flag leaf or heading to PM. Although naked VAO‐2 accumulated more N than Prescott under the same conditions, partitioning of N to the grain in VAO‐2 was less efficient.
Reaction of Soybean Rust‐Resistant Lines Identified in Paraguay to Mississippi Isolates of Phakopsora pachyrhizi
Authors: Li Shuxian
Published: May 2009

Phakopsora pachyrhizi is the causal agent of Asian soybean rust (ASR). Since the discovery of ASR in North America in 2004, evaluation of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] lines with U.S. isolates has become an important objective to identify resistance sources to the pathogen. In this study, 10 plant introductions (PIs) previously identified as resistant in Paraguay were evaluated using three ASR isolates from Mississippi. Soybean cultivars Williams 82 and Freedom, and four PIs with known single genes for resistance to P. pachyrhizi also were included as susceptible and resistant checks, respectively. Replicated experiments were conducted in growth chambers at the USDA‐ARS Stoneville Research Quarantine Facility in Mississippi. Soybean line PI 567102B was identified as the most resistant line among the 10 resistant PIs identified in Paraguay. It had the lowest severity rating, no sporulation, and near immune/hypersensitive reaction to isolate MS07‐2, and red‐brown (RB) reactions to isolates MS06‐1 and MS07‐1. In addition, reaction of PI 567102B to ASR differed from that of four PIs with known resistance genes. PI 200492 (Rpp1) had immune reaction to all three Mississippi isolates, while PI 230970 (Rpp2), PI 462312 (Rpp3), and PI 459025B (Rpp4) had RB lesions with different sporulation ratings. Soybean lines having resistant reactions to both U.S. and Paraguay isolates may be important sources for developing elite cultivars with broad resistance to ASR.
Impact of Long‐Term Phosphorus and Potassium Fertilization on Alfalfa Nutritive Value–Yield Relationships
Authors: Lissbrant S. , Stratton S. , Cunningham S. M. , Brouder S. M. , Volenec J. J.
Published: May 2009

Phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) increase alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) yield, but little information is available on how forage nutritive value is affected by P and K fertilization. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of long‐term P and K fertilization on alfalfa yield–forage nutritive value relationships. A factorial experiment with four P and five K treatments was replicated four times. Beginning in 1998 and continuing through 2004, herbage samples were collected in May, June, July, and September. Samples were analyzed for crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), in vitro true dry matter disappearance (IVTDMD), and acid detergent lignin (ADL) using near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy. Soils were also analyzed for P and K concentrations. Concentrations of NDF, ADF, and ADL were reduced by low P and K fertility. Addition of P fertilizer increased CP concentrations, while addition of K fertilizer reduced CP concentrations. Concentrations of NDF, ADF, and ADL and dry matter yield decreased with stand age and harvest within year. The low forage dry matter yield of unfertilized alfalfa was associated with higher IVTDMD. Yield of digestible nutrients per hectare (yield × IVTDMD) was highly correlated with yield but not IVTDMD concentration. Fertilizing for high yield, despite the slight reduction in forage nutritive value, remains the most viable strategy for maximizing digestible nutrient production per hectare in alfalfa.
A Comparison of Three Isolines of Cotton Differing in Fiber Color for Yield, Quality, and Photosynthesis
Authors: Hua Shuijin , Yuan Shuna , Shamsi Imran Haider , Zhao Xiangqian , Zhang Xiaoquan , Liu Yingxing , Wen Guoji , Wang Xuede , Zhang Haiping
Published: May 2009

Naturally colored cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) fibers (CCFs) are eco‐friendly for the textile industry because they omit the dyeing process and reduce harmful effluent liquor. However, the low yield and quality of CCFs have greatly affected their development. Limited information is available on the reasons for the low yield and quality of CCFs. The aim of this 2‐yr investigation was to compare variations in chlorophyll concentration, net photosynthesis rate, monosaccharide concentration, and fiber yield and quality among white‐fiber cotton (WFC), brown‐fiber cotton (BFC), and green‐fiber cotton (GFC). White‐fiber cotton had the highest lint yield, which was on average 33.6 and 41.9% higher than that of BFC and GFC, respectively. Other yield components such as boll number and boll weight had similar trends in both years. The fiber length of GFC and BFC was reduced by 17.4 and 11.1%, respectively, compared with that of WFC. These results indicated that GFC had the lowest fiber yield and quality. Leaf chlorophyll concentration, net photosynthesis rate, and fructose and glucose concentrations of GFC were slightly higher than those of WFC, indicating its active photosynthesis. However, its vigorous vegetative growth had reduced its reproductive growth, partly resulting in low yield and quality. Brown‐fiber cotton had the lowest leaf chlorophyll concentration and other photosynthetic indexes, leading to a lower amount of photosynthetic product and, hence, yield and quality.
Microsatellite Markers in and around Rice Genes: Applications in Variety Identification and DUS Testing
Authors: Bonow Sandro , Von Pinho Edila V. R. , Vieira Maria G. C. , Vosman Ben
Published: May 2009

In Brazil, rice (Oryza sativaL.) varieties adapted to different ecological regions are available on the market. However, these varieties exhibit highly similar morphologies, which makes their identification difficult. In this study we identified microsatellites in and around genes that are useful for the identification of the main rice varieties cultivated in Brazil. Thirteen microsatellites were selected from the region upstream of MADS‐box genes and 37 were derived from expressed sequence tags (ESTs). Of the 50 microsatellites selected, 19 were polymorphic, and a small set of five primer pairs was sufficient to discriminate among the 37 rice varieties studied. The polymorphic information content (PIC) value of the 19 microsatellite markers varied between 0.05 and 0.94. Unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) analysis showed that these markers group the 37 varieties according to their subspecies,indicaorjaponicaThese results indicate that it is possible to identify informative microsatellites in and around rice genes, and that these markers are capable of discriminating between closely related varieties of rice. Moreover, our findings suggest that microsatellite markers can play an important role as a source of additional information to supplement the morphological descriptors recommended by International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV).