bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Melatonin as a naturally occurring co‐substrate of quinone reductase‐2, the putative MT3 melatonin membrane receptor: hypothesis and significance
Authors: Tan Dun‐Xian , Manchester Lucien C. , Terron M. Pilar , Flores Luis J. , Tamura Hiroshi , Reiter Russel J.
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  The nature of the MT3 melatonin receptor/binding site has been a long pondered mystery for scientists. Even though it is a presumptive membrane receptor, neither its transduction cascade nor its biological consequences, after its stimulation, have been uncovered. Moreover, solid data support the idea that the MT3 melatonin binding site is an enzyme, quinone reductase 2 (QR2), rather than a membrane melatonin receptor. Based on the data available and our preliminary studies, we hypothesize that melatonin is a co‐substrate of QR2. We surmise that melatonin binds to a co‐substrate binding site (MT3 binding site) donating an electron to the enzyme co‐factor, flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). FAD can be reduced to either FADH or FADH2 while melatonin is converted to N1‐acetyl‐N2‐formyl‐5‐methoxykynuramine and/or cyclic 3‐hydroxymelatonin. QR2 is considered to be a detoxifying and antioxidant enzyme and its behavior changes depending on available co‐substrates. As a naturally occurring substance, melatonin’s levels fluctuate with the light/dark cycle, with aging and with health/disease state. As a result, these alterations in melatonin production under physiological or pathological conditions would probably influence the activity of QR2.
Endocytosis: A Positive or a Negative Influence on Wnt Signalling?
Authors: Gagliardi Maria , Piddini Eugenia , Vincent Jean‐Paul
Published: October 2007

Endocytosis, with subsequent targeting to lysosomes for degradation, is traditionally seen as a way for cells to terminate signalling. However, in a few instances, endocytosis has been demonstrated to contribute positively to signalling. Here we review recent work on the role of endocytosis in Wnt signalling. Biochemical evidence suggests that the branch of Wnt signalling that controls planar cell polarity (PCP) does require endocytosis, although how endocytosis of Frizzled receptors is translated into PCP in vivo remains unknown. With respect to the main signalling branch (called the canonical or β‐catenin pathway), the literature is divided as to whether endocytosis is required. Results of in vivo experiments are inconclusive because of the toxic side‐effects of blocking endocytosis. Some results with cultured cells suggest the need for endocytosis in canonical signalling; however, it remains unclear whether the ligand–receptor complex must enter the cell by clathrin‐mediated or caveolae‐mediated endocytosis in order to signal. Means of specifically altering Wnt trafficking as well as of tracking the internalization route in different cell types are needed.
Forward Transport of K2P3.1: Mediation by 14‐3‐3 and COPI, Modulation by p11
Authors: O’Kelly Ita , Goldstein Steve A. N.
Published: October 2007

Surface expression of the K2P3.1 two‐pore domain potassium channel is regulated by phosphorylation‐dependent binding of 14‐3‐3, leading to suppression of coatomer coat protein I (COPI)‐mediated retention in endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Here, we investigate the nature of the macromolecular regulatory complexes that mediate forward and retrograde transport. We demonstrate that (i) the channel employs two separate but interacting COPI binding sites on the N‐ and C‐termini; (ii) disrupting COPI binding to either site interferes with the ER retention; (iii) p11 and 14‐3‐3 do not interact on their own; (iv) p11 binding to the C‐terminal retention motif is dependent on 14‐3‐3; and (v) p11 is coexpressed in only a subset of tissues with K2P3.1, while 14‐3‐3 expression is ubiquitous. We conclude that K2P3.1 forward transport requires 14‐3‐3 suppression of COPI binding, whereas p11 serves a modulatory role.
Common variants underlying cognitive ability: further evidence for association between the SNAP‐25 gene and cognition using a family‐based study in two independent Dutch cohorts
Authors: Gosso M. F. , De Geus E. J. C. , Polderman T. J. C. , Boomsma D. I. , Heutink P. , Posthuma D.
Published: October 2007

The synaptosomal associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP‐25) gene, located on chromosome 20 p12‐12p11.2 encodes a presynaptic terminal protein. SNAP‐25 is differentially expressed in the brain, and primarily present in the neocortex, hippocampus, anterior thalamic nuclei, substantia nigra and cerebellar granular cells. Recently, a family‐based genetic association was reported between variation in intelligence quotient (IQ) phenotypes and two intronic variants on the SNAP‐25 gene. The present study is a follow‐up association study in two Dutch cohorts of 371 children (mean age 12.4 years) and 391 adults (mean age 36.2 years). It examines the complete genomic region of the SNAP‐25 gene to narrow down the location of causative genetic variant underlying the association. Two new variants in intron 1 (rs363043 and rs353016), close to the two previous reported variants (rs363039 and rs363050) showed association with variation in IQ phenotypes across both cohorts. All four single nucleotide polymorphisms were located in intron 1, within a region of about 13.8 kbp, and are known to affect transcription factor‐binding sites. Contrary to what is expected in monogenic traits, subtle changes are postulated to influence the phenotypic outcome of complex (common) traits. As a result, functional polymorphisms in (non)coding regulatory sequences may affect spatial and temporal regulation of gene expression underlying normal cognitive variation.
Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita and neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer – Coincidence or patho‐genetic relationship?
Authors: Busch Jan‐Ole , Sticherling Michael
Published: October 2007

The etiology of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) is unknown. EBA may be associated with other autoim‐mune systemic diseases; it also has been described in connection with different malignant tumors, showing complete remission after successful treatment of the tumor.In such cases, EBA may be regarded as a paraneo‐plastic dermatosis.

We detected a highly differentiated neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer in a 78‐year‐old woman with EBA. Even thought her tumor was completely removed and the patient has been disease‐free for over seven years, a complete regression of her autoimmune bullous dermatosis could not be induced. By using intravenous immunoglobulins in combination with mycophenolate mofetil, further blister formation could be ameliorated.
Recommendations for the use of immunoapheresis in the treatment of autoimmune bullous diseases
Authors: Zillikens Detlef , Derfler Kurt , Eming Rüdiger , Fierlbeck Gerhard , Goebeler Matthias , Hertl Michael , Hofmann Silke C. , Karlhofer Franz , Kautz Ocko , Nitschke Martin , Opitz Andreas , Quist Sven , Rose Christian , Schanz Stefan , Schmidt Enno , Shimanovich Iakov , Michael Michael , Ziller Fabian
Published: October 2007

Despite the use of high‐dose systemic corticosteroids in combination with other immunosuppressants, in some patients with autoimmune bullous diseases only insufficient improvement is achieved. In these cases and in acute severe disease, adjuvant immunoapheresis has been increasingly used. A consensus meeting was held in mid‐2005 in Hamburg, aiming at developing guidelines for the use of immunoapheresis in the treatment of autoimmune bullous diseases.This paper summarizes the experts‘ recommendations.
Cost‐effectiveness of reduced follow‐up in malignant melanoma
Authors: Hengge Ulrich R. , Wallerand Andrea , Stutzki Andreas , Kockel Norbert
Published: October 2007

Background: Considerable variability exists in the extent and frequency of follow‐ up examinations for melanoma patients between different countries, generating significantly different total costs and uncertain clinical benefits.

Patients and Methods: We have analyzed the follow‐up of melanoma patients under clinical and economic aspects based on the latest recommendations of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) and the German Dermatologic Society (DDG) in the Düsseldorf cohort of 526 patients (stage IIII) during a 5‐year follow‐up period. Outcome measures were frequency of metastasis detection, most effective detection method, costs per detected metastasis and cost per quality‐adjusted life year.

Results: Structured follow‐up detected 17 recurrences in stages I‐III. Physical examination and lymph node ultrasound were the only cost‐effective methods at all stages, while laboratory studies were generally not cost‐effective. The implementation of a reduced, yet medically adequate follow‐up reducing chest X‐rays, abdominal ultrasound examinations and eliminating blood tests in early stages yielded savings of more than 100,000 € (120,000 $) annually at a tertiary care university hospital.

Conclusion: The implementation of a reduced follow‐up for melanoma patients seems not only medically justified but also economically required without adversely affecting patient outcome.
Varicella vaccination in children with atopic eczema
Authors: Kienast Antonia K. , Kreth Hans W. , Höger Peter H.
Published: October 2007

Chickenpox in children may be complicated by local or systemic bacterial infections.Group A streptococci and S. aureus are the predominant pathogens. Children with atopic dermatitis are particularly prone to bacterial superinfection. After the introduction of universal varicella vaccination in the USA ten years ago, the number of serious bacterial soft tissue infections in children dropped significantly. Since 2004, the VZV immunization has also been included in the routine German series.Many children with atopic dermatitis have not been immunized because of concerns on the part of parents or physicians. Recent studies demonstrated the safety and efficacy of VZV vaccination in children with atopic dermatitis who appear to benefit particularly from this vaccination.
Andrology
Authors: Glander Hans‐Jürgen , Haidl Gerhard , Köhn Frank‐Michael , Ochsendorf Falk , Paasch Uwe , Schuppe Hans‐Christian
Published: October 2007

Andrology is part of dermatology in Germany, as it arose from dermatology as a subspecialty. Accordingly training in andrology is part of the curriculum for specialty certification in dermatology. All dermatologists are required to “have experience in the diagnosis of andrologic disorders and their subsequent treatment”. The specialty of andrology deals with male infertility problems including questions regarding fertility prophylaxis, contraception, erectile dysfunction, disturbance in libido, ejaculation and copulation, and primary and secondary hypogonadism, as well as male aging and diseases of the male breast. Evaluation and treatment of the partner may also be necessary. Ejaculate analysis is the most important laboratory tool and each dermatologist must be qualified in its performance.
The Gender Gap in Attitudes About Childlessness in the United States
Authors: Koropeckyj‐Cox Tanya , Pendell Gretchen
Published: October 2007

Acceptance of childlessness has increased since the 1970s, with women reporting greater acceptance than men. Using the National Survey of Families and Households (1987 – 1988;N= 10,648) and the General Social Survey (1994;N=1,395), we examined this gender gap as it relates to both structural and sociocultural factors, including religion, gender attitudes, and other attitudes about gender and family. Women were more likely than men to hold positive attitudes about childlessness, and women’s less traditional attitudes about marriage, gender equality, and women’s employment only partially explained this difference. In the childbearing ages, positive attitudes were strongly related to intentions to remain childless and showed a greater gender gap at higher education levels. The findings highlight important differences in men’s and women’s experiences of family, work, and gender issues.
College Women’s Plans for Different Types of Egalitarian Marriages
Authors: Deutsch Francine M. , Kokot Amy P. , Binder Katherine S.
Published: October 2007

This study examined college women’s plans for egalitarian marriages. One hundred and forty‐four heterosexual undergraduate women completed surveys about their preferences for different life scenarios and their attitudes about work and family life. The pattern of their preferences showed a distinction between home‐centered, balanced, and job‐centered egalitarian families. Regressions showed that gender ideology, ideas about parenting and motherhood, career orientation, and family dynamics were associated differentially with the three types of egalitarian families, which reflected the different values that underlay the pursuit of each. The results also cast doubt on whether outsourcing is truly an egalitarian path. Outsourcing domestic labor may simply be a means for women to pursue careers without achieving real equality in families.
Persistent Policy Effects on the Division of Domestic Tasks in Reunified Germany
Authors: Cooke Lynn Prince
Published: October 2007

We are only beginning to unravel the mechanisms by which the division of domestic tasks varies in its sociopolitical context. Selecting couples from the German SocioEconomic Panel who married between 1990 and 1995 in the former East and West regions of Germany and following them until 2000 (N= 348 couples), I find evidence of direct, interaction, and contextual effects predicting husbands’ hours in and share of household tasks but not child care. East German men perform a greater share of household tasks than West German men after controlling for individual attributes and regional factors. Child care remains more gendered, and the first child’s age proves the most important predictor of fathers’ involvement. These findings further our understanding of how the state shapes gender equity in the home.
Marriage and the Motherhood Wage Penalty Among African Americans, Hispanics, and Whites
Authors: Glauber Rebecca
Published: October 2007

This study draws on data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (N = 5,929) to analyze the moderating effects of race and marriage on the motherhood wage penalty. Fixed‐effects models reveal that for Hispanic women, motherhood is not associated with a wage penalty. For African Americans, only married mothers with more than 2 children pay a wage penalty. For Whites, all married mothers pay a wage penalty, as do all never‐married mothers and divorced mothers with 1 or 2 children. These findings imply that racial differences in the motherhood wage penalty persist even for women with similar marital statuses, and they suggest that patterns of racial stratification shape women’s family experiences and labor market outcomes.
Parental Childrearing Attitudes as Correlates of Father Involvement During Infancy
Authors: Gaertner Bridget M. , Spinrad Tracy L. , Eisenberg Nancy , Greving Karissa A.
Published: October 2007

Using daily diary data to document involvement with infants at 6 – 8 months of age (n= 142) and 6 months later (n= 95), we examined relations between reported childrearing attitudes and resident fathers’ relative (as compared to mothers’) involvement with children. Fathers’ authoritarian views related negatively to their relative involvement on weekdays, and this relation held over time for caregiving and playing activities. Mothers’ protective attitudes had concurrent negative associations with fathers’ relative weekend involvement. Findings suggest that fathers’ authoritarian and mothers’ protective attitudes relate to how parenting responsibilities are shared within families and may be detrimental to how much fathers become, or choose to become, directly involved in the care of their infants in comparison to mothers.
Commitments to Fathering and the Well‐Being and Social Participation of New, Disadvantaged Fathers
Authors: Knoester Chris , Petts Richard J. , Eggebeen David J.
Published: October 2007

This study uses data on 2,494 new fathers from the Fragile Families Study to analyze why and how the arrival of a new child may influence fathers’ well‐being and social participation. Our regression results indicate that changes in commitments to fathering are positively associated with changes in well‐being, religious participation, and hours in paid labor. The one exception is that increases in fathers’ engagement activities with their new child are negatively associated with changes in their hours in paid labor. The findings suggest that increases in commitments to fathering after the arrival of a new child are generally beneficial for fathers. In addition, greater commitments to fathering seem likely to benefit mothers, children, and society at large.
Longitudinal Changes in Marital Relationships: The Role of Offspring’s Pubertal Development
Authors: Whiteman Shawn D. , McHale Susan M. , Crouter Ann C.
Published: October 2007

This study charted the longitudinal trajectories of wives’ and husbands’ reports of marital love, satisfaction, and conflict and explored whether and how first‐ and second‐born offspring’s pubertal development was related to marital changes. Data were drawn from the first 7 years of a longitudinal study of family relationships. Participants included wives, husbands, and first‐ and second‐born children from 188 White, working‐ and middle‐class families. Multilevel models revealed declines over time in wives’ and husbands’ reports of marital love and satisfaction but only small changes in conflict. Offspring’s pubertal development was related to changes in marital qualities; declines in positivity and increases in negativity were most consistently linked to firstborns’ puberty. Overall, the results highlight the interrelatedness of family subsystems.
Perceived Marginalization and the Prediction of Romantic Relationship Stability
Authors: Lehmiller Justin J , Agnew Christopher R
Published: October 2007

The present research examined how perceived marginalization of one’s romantic relationship is associated with level of future commitment to and stability of that involvement. Results from a 7‐month longitudinal study of romantically involved individuals (N= 215) revealed that perceived social network marginalization at Time 1 predicted breakup status at Time 2, with commitment level at Time 1 fully mediating this association. Among those individuals whose relationships remained intact, social network marginalization predicted Time 2 commitment above and beyond satisfaction, alternatives, and investments. Additional analyses revealed that perceived general societal marginalization was a less robust predictor of relationship commitment and stability compared to social network marginalization. These findings highlight the important consequences of perceived social disapproval on relationship outcomes.
Children and Power in Mexican Transnational Families
Authors: Dreby Joanna
Published: October 2007

Today, many families find that they are unable to fulfill the goal of maintaining a household by living together under the same roof. Some members migrate internationally. This article addresses the consequences of a transnational lifestyle for children who are left behind by migrant parents. Using ethnographic fieldwork and interviews with a total of 141 members of Mexican transnational families, I explore how children who are left behind react to parents’ migrations. I focus on how Mexican children manifest the competing pressures they feel surrounding parents’ migrations and consequently shape family migration patterns. The article shows that children may experience power, albeit in different ways at different ages, while simultaneously being disadvantaged as dependents and in terms of their families’ socioeconomic status.
Krit 1 interactions with microtubules and membranes are regulated by Rap1 and integrin cytoplasmic domain associated protein‐1
Authors: Béraud‐Dufour Sophie , Gautier Romain , Albiges‐Rizo Corinne , Chardin Pierre , Faurobert Eva
Published: October 2007

The small G protein Rap1 regulates diverse cellular processes such as integrin activation, cell adhesion, cell–cell junction formation and cell polarity. It is crucial to identify Rap1 effectors to better understand the signalling pathways controlling these processes. Krev interaction trapped 1 (Krit1), a protein with FERM (band four‐point‐one/ezrin/radixin/moesin) domain, was identified as a Rap1 partner in a yeast two‐hybrid screen, but this interaction was not confirmed in subsequent studies. As the evidence suggests a role for Krit1 in Rap1‐dependent pathways, we readdressed this question. In the present study, we demonstrate by biochemical assays that Krit1 interacts with Rap1A, preferentially its GTP‐bound form. We show that, like other FERM proteins, Krit1 adopts two conformations: a closed conformation in which its N‐terminal NPAY motif interacts with its C‐terminus and an opened conformation bound to integrin cytoplasmic domain associated protein (ICAP)‐1, a negative regulator of focal adhesion assembly. We show that a ternary complex can form in vitro between Krit1, Rap1 and ICAP‐1 and that Rap1 binds the Krit1 FERM domain in both closed and opened conformations. Unlike ICAP‐1, Rap1 does not open Krit1. Using sedimentation assays, we show that Krit1 binds in vitro to microtubules through its N‐ and C‐termini and that Rap1 and ICAP‐1 inhibit Krit1 binding to microtubules. Consistently, YFP‐Krit1 localizes on cyan fluorescent protein‐labelled microtubules in baby hamster kidney cells and is delocalized from microtubules upon coexpression with activated Rap1V12. Finally, we show that Krit1 binds to phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐P2‐containing liposomes and that Rap1 enhances this binding. Based on these results, we propose a model in which Krit1 would be delivered by microtubules to the plasma membrane where it would be captured by Rap1 and ICAP‐1.
Prevalence and Correlates of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and Treatment Seeking for ED in Asian Men: The Asian Men's Attitudes to Life Events and Sexuality (MALES) Study
Authors: Tan Hui-Meng , Low Wah Yun , Ng Chirk Jenn , Chen Kuang-Kuo , Sugita Minoru , Ishii Nobuhisa , Marumo Ken , Lee Sung Won , Fisher William , Sand Michael
Published: October 2007

Introduction

There have been limited multiregional studies in Asia examining the parameters of men's general and sexual health and quality of life in the general population vs. those in clinical cohorts of patients with erectile dysfunction (ED).

Aims

The aims of the Asian Men's Attitudes to Life Events and Sexuality (Asian MALES) study were to investigate the prevalence of ED, associated health conditions, and ED treatment-seeking patterns in the general male population in five regions of Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and Taiwan).

Main Outcome Measure

Standardized questionnaire previously used in a similar multiregional study and modified to ensure culturally appropriate content for Asia.

Methods

Phase I of the study involved 10,934 adult men, aged 20–75 years, who were interviewed using the standardized questionnaire. Phase II of the study involved men with self-reported ED recruited from Phase I and via physician referral, invitations in general practitioner offices, and street interception (total Phase II sample, N=1,209).

Results

The overall prevalence of self-reported ED in the Phase I study population was 6.4%. ED prevalence varied by region and significantly increased with age (P <0.01). Men with ED reported significantly greater rates of comorbid illness (P <0.0001) and a reduced quality of life (P =0.0001), compared with men without ED. Phase II of the study revealed that fewer than half of men with self-reported ED had sought treatment for their problem. Men were more likely to seek help for erection difficulties from Western doctors than from traditional medicine practitioners (P =0.0001). A man's partner/spouse was the most common influencer of treatment seeking in all regions except Malaysia.

Conclusion

The findings confirm those of existing research on ED in both Asian and non-Asian males: ED is a prevalent condition; the prevalence of ED increases with age and is strongly associated with comorbid conditions; and the majority of men have never sought treatment for their condition. This study highlights a substantial need for the evaluation and treatment of ED in Asian men.
The Prevalence and Causes of Sexual Problems among Premenopausal Turkish Women
Authors: Oniz Adile , Keskinoglu Pembe , Bezircioglu Incim
Published: October 2007

Introduction

Sexual dysfunction in females is an important public health problem worldwide. It is suggested that sexual problems among women are more common than the number of diagnosed female sexual dysfunction (FSD) cases indicates.

Aim

To determine the frequency and causes of sexual problems among premenopausal and married women who attend primary healthcare facilities.

Methods

This study was conducted at the Mother and Child Health and Family Planning Center. All women who attended this center during a 3-month period were included in the study. Sexual problems were evaluated via questionnaire and a standardized scale known as the Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS).

Main Outcome Measure

A cross-sectional study.

Results

Although a total of 422 women aged 19–51 years were eligible for inclusion in the study, the participation rate was 27%. Nearly two-thirds of the women were aged 20–34 years, and of this group, 84.3% were unemployed. According to self-reports, 15.7% (18) of the women had sexual problems, whereas the prevalence of sexual dysfunction using GRISS was 26.1%. Vaginismus (41.7%), infrequent intercourse (39.1%), and nonsensuality (38.3%) were the most common complaints of the women with sexual problems. The rate of sexual dissatisfaction was found to be 7%. Sexual problems among women who had a long-term marriage (more than 11 years) and who were sexually inexperienced at the time of their marriage were significantly higher (P =0.036, P =0.034, respectively). It was found that discussing sexual problems with husbands and healthcare professionals did not reduce sexual problems.

Conclusions

According to GRISS, nearly one-quarter of the women were suffering from sexual problems. The most common sexual problem was vaginismus, followed by infrequent intercourse. It is suggested that inadequate knowledge and the attitudes of spouses and health workers in primary healthcare settings are the important causes of FSD in this population.
Biology and damage traits of emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennisFairmaire) in China
Authors: WEI XIA , WU YUN , REARDON RICHARD , SUN TIE‐HUAN , LU MIN , SUN JIANG‐HUA
Published: October 2007

Emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennisFairmaire) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) is a major stem borer of ash (Fraxinusspp.). It is univoltine in Tianjin, while it is semivoltine in Heilongjiang Province, and both univoltine and semivoltine in Changchun, Jilin Province, where the majority is univoltine. The longevity of emerald ash borer adults is 17.2 ± 4.6 days (n= 45), eggs 9.0 ± 1.1 days (n= 103), univoltine larvae 308 days, semivoltine larvae 673 days, and pupae 61.2±1.6 days (n= 45). It takes about 100 days from the time larvae bore into the phloem to when they complete the pupal cell. In a 10‐year‐old velvet ash (Fraxinus velutinaTorr.) plantation in Tianjin, emerald ash borer preferred to oviposit on the regions of boles from 50‐150 cm above ground, accounting for 76.7% of the total girdling. Girdling on the south side of the tree boles accounted for 43.40% of the total girdling. The emerald ash borer population density is higher at the edge of the plantation compared with the center.
Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) nymphal feeding in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) leaves
Authors: CHU CHANG‐CHI , MARGOSAN DENNIS A. , BUCKNER JAMES S. , FREEMAN THOMAS P. , HENNEBERRY THOMAS J.
Published: October 2007

We used brightfield electron microscopy (BEM), differential interference contrast microscopy (DICM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) to investigate the stylet pathways of Bemisia tabaci during nymphal feeding behavior in cotton leaves beginning with penetration of the abaxial leaf surface and ending with stylets in sieve tubes in phloem tissues. Most nymphal stylets within salivary sheaths penetrating leaf tissues made complex turns and developed more than one salivary sheath branch before ending in sieve tubes. The external morphology of the salivary sheaths and their routes between and through leaf cells are described during the present study. Results showed the presence of the stylet within the sieve tubes. B. tabaci nymphs may remove stylets and feed in different sieve tubes. Ten short movies showing the progression of the stylet penetrations from adaxial surface to the sieve tubes are attached to Figures 8‐15. The report and movies can be viewed from the internet. Download the movies to a local drive in your computer first for fast upload. The movies are posted on the website http://www.ars.usda.gov/Services/docs.htm?docid=14629. The movies can be used as a teaching aid in biology classes.
Segregation of F‐2 interspecific hybrid growth performance and wing color patterns relative to parental species in the Papilio machaon species group (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae)
Authors: SCRIBER J. MARK
Published: October 2007

A strange Papilio female specimen with a prominent yellow wing band type very much like P. brevicauda (and also seen in P. machaon, and P. zelicaon) was captured in the forested mountains of southwest Vermont, USA. Despite its brevicauda‐ like appearance, it had mt‐DNA of P. polyxenes. In eastern North America the P. brevicauda (Maritime Provinces of Canada) is currently believed to reflect previous (ancient) hybridization between ancestral P. machaon and P. polyxenes. It is uncertain whether the brevicauda‐like wing trait features in the odd Vermont female may be a result of some introgression of P. machaon or P. brevicauda with P. polyxenes in eastern North America as seen also in the Ozark Mountains with P. joanae. Nonetheless, the significance of wing trait analyses in relation to hybrid zones with P. polyxenes remains relevant. The segregation of wing color patterns and hostplant use abilities (efficiencies and growth rates) were examined for laboratory hand‐paired F‐2 hybrids of P. zelicaon × Papilio polyxenes relative to the parental species and primary hybrids. The black adult color pattern characterizing P. polyxenes is presumed to be inherited as a simple autosomal dominant. These hybrids were examined to determine: (i) how F‐1 primary hybrid offspring perform relative to the parental types in survival, growth rates, and growth efficiencies; and (ii) whether these larval traits and the adult color patterns might be linked with wing morphology in the F‐2 hybrids. While the F‐1 hybrids grew as well as the P. polyxenes parent (P. zelicaon was significantly less efficient and slower in growth than either of these), we could not convincingly determine whether the growth performances of the F‐2 segregants were linked with the parental wing patterns.
Aphidophagous guilds on nettle (Urtica dioica) strips close to fields of green pea, rape and wheat
Authors: ALHMEDI AMMAR , HAUBRUGE ERIC , BODSON BERNARD , FRANCIS FRÉDÉRIC
Published: October 2007

The common nettle (Urtica dioica L.) is a perennial and cosmopolitan plant species and is known to be the source of food for a great diversity of insects. To understand the importance of the nettle in agro‐ecosystems, a field experiment was carried out in an experimental farm at Gembloux (Belgium) to study the effect of nettle margin strips on aphid and aphidophagous populations in close field crops, namely wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), green pea (Pisum sativum L.) and rape (Brassicae napus L.). The aphids and related beneficial populations were weekly assessed, from March to August 2005, by visual observations in two plots per field crop. A higher abundance of aphidophagous beneficials was collected in nettle strips when compared to the field crops. Particularly, the presence of predatory anthocorids, mirids and green lacewings was observed on nettle only. Nevertheless, the most abundant aphid predatory family, the Coccinellidae, was distributed in both environments, in nettle strips and in crop fields. The field margin supported a significantly higher density of Harmonia axyridis than the field crops. In contrast, the field crops, green pea particularly, supported a higher density of Coccinella septempunctata. The distribution of the aphidophagous species, mainly the ladybirds, was discussed in relation to the host plant and related aphid species and their potential effect on integrated pest management.
Plant population and weeds influence stalk insects, soil moisture, and yield in rainfed sunflowers
Authors: QURESHI JAWWAD A. , STAHLMAN PHILLIP W. , MICHAUD J. P.
Published: October 2007

Insect infestation, soil moisture, and yield were examined in populations of ≈ 33 140 plants/ha (low) and ≈ 40 340 plants/ha (high) of an oilseed sunflower, Helianthus annuus L, cv.‘Triumph 660CL’with two levels of weediness. Less weedy plots resulted from the application of herbicide combination of S‐metolachlor and sulfentrazone, whereas more weedy plots resulted from application of sulfentrazone alone. Among the 12 weed species recorded, neither plant numbers nor biomass differed between crop plant densities. Larvae of the stalk‐boring insects Cylindrocopturus adspersus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Mordellistena sp. (Coleoptera: Mordellidae) were less abundant in high density sunflowers, ostensibly due to reduced plant size. However, the same effect was not observed for Dectes texanus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) or Pelochrista womanana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), two other stalk‐boring insects. Soil moisture was highest in low density and lowest in the high density sunflowers that were less weedy. Stalk circumference, head diameter, and seed weight were reduced for sunflower plants with short interplant distances (mean = 20 cm apart) compared to plants with long interplant distances (mean = 46 cm apart). These three variables were greater in less weedy plots compared with more weedy plots and positively correlated with interplant distance. Yields on a per‐hectare basis paralleled those on a per‐plant basis but were not different among treatments. The agronomic implications of planting density are discussed in the context of weed and insect management.
How common are long gamma-ray bursts in the local Universe?
Authors: Chapman Robert , Tanvir Nial R. , Priddey Robert S. , Levan Andrew J.
Published: October 2007

The two closest gamma-ray bursts so far detected (GRBs 980425 and 060218) were both under-luminous, spectrally soft, long-duration bursts with smooth, single-peaked light curves. Only of the order of 100 GRBs have measured redshifts, and there are, for example, 2704 GRBs in the BATSE (Burst and Transient Source Experiment) catalogue alone. It is therefore plausible that other nearby GRBs have been observed but not identified as being relatively nearby. Here we search for statistical correlations between BATSE long-duration GRBs and galaxy samples with recession velocities v≤ 11 000 km s−1 (z= 0.0367, ≈155 Mpc) selected from two catalogues of nearby galaxies. We also examine the correlations using burst subsamples restricted to those with properties similar to the two known nearby bursts. Our results show correlation of the entire long-GRB sample to remain consistent with zero out to the highest radii considered whereas a subsample selected to be low fluence, spectrally soft, with smooth single-peaked light curves (177 bursts), demonstrates increased correlation with galaxies within ≈155 Mpc. The measured correlation (28 ± 16 per cent of the sample) suggests that BATSE observed between two and nine long-duration GRBs per year similar to, and from within similar distances to, GRBs 980425 and 060218. This implies an observed local rate density (to BATSE limits) of 700 ± 360 Gpc−3 yr−1 within 155 Mpc.
On the crystallinity of silicate dust in the interstellar medium
Authors: Li M. P. , Zhao G. , Li Aigen
Published: October 2007

An accurate knowledge of the mineralogy (chemical composition and crystal structure) of the silicate dust in the interstellar medium (ISM) is crucial for understanding its origin in evolved stars, the physical and chemical processing in the ISM, and its subsequent incorporation into protostellar nebulae, protoplanetary discs and cometary nuclei where it is subjected to further processing. While an appreciable fraction of silicate dust in evolved stars, in protoplanetary discs around pre-main-sequence stars, in debris discs around main-sequence stars and in cometary nuclei is found to be in crystalline form, very recent infrared spectroscopic studies of the dust along the sightline toward the Galactic Centre source Sgr A* placed an upper limit of ∼1.1 per cent on the silicate crystalline fraction, well below the previous estimates of ∼5 or ∼60 per cent derived from the observed 10-μm absorption profile for the local ISM toward Cyg OB2 No. 12. Since the sightline toward Sgr A* contains molecular cloud materials as revealed by the detection of the 3.1- and 6.0-μm water ice absorption features, we argue that by taking into account the presence of ice mantles on silicate cores, the upper limit on the degree of silicate crystallinity in the ISM is increased to ∼3–5 per cent.
THE EFFECT OF α‐TOCOPHEROL, STORAGE TIME AND STORAGE TEMPERATURE ON PEROXIDE VALUE, FREE FATTY ACIDS AND pH OF KAVURMA, A COOKED MEAT PRODUCT
Authors: AKSU MUHAMMET İRFAN
Published: October 2007

The effects of α‐tocopherol, storage temperature and storage time on the peroxide value (PV), free fatty acids (FFAs) and pH of sliced, vacuum‐packaged kavurma, a high‐fat cooked meat product, were investigated. Kavurma was made from fresh beef meat, melted beef fat and salt as three groups: (1) control (without α‐tocopherol), (2) 50 mg/kg α‐tocopherol and (3) 100 mg/kg α‐tocopherol. The kavurma was sliced at 3–4 cm thick, vacuum packed and stored at 4 or 10C for 90 days; and peroxide, FFA and pH values of the products were determined during storage (0, 45 and 90 days). Use of antioxidants in kavurma production resulted in a significant (P < 0.01) decrease in the PV (P < 0.01), FFA (P < 0.01) and pH values (P < 0.01). Kavurma samples with antioxidant had the lowest PV, FFA and pH values. These values increased during storage (P < 0.01); the greatest increase was observed in the control group. Storage temperature had a significant effect on the PV (P < 0.01), FFA (P < 0.01) and pH values (P < 0.01). The sliced and vacuum‐packaged kavurma with added α‐tocopherol showed greater lipid stability at 4 or 10C for 90 days.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Lipid oxidation is a major problem during storage and in the market place. Results of this study can be applied to prevent lipid oxidation and hydrolysis in kavurma and to improve quality/safety of kavurma during storage. Based on the results, alpha‐tocopherol can be used to improve the shelf life of kavurma.
EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT SALTING PROCESS ON THE STORAGE QUALITY OF MEDITERRANEAN MUSSEL (MYTILUS GALLOPROVINCIALIS L. 1819)
Authors: TURAN HÜLYA , SÖNMEZ GÜLŞAH , ÇELİK M. YEŞIM , YALÇIN METIN , KAYA YALÇIN
Published: October 2007

The effects of brine and dry salting on sensory and quality attributes of mussels stored at 4 ± 1C were investigated in this study. In brine salting method, the mussels were immersed in brine containing 26.4 g NaCl/100 mL water. In the dry salting method, the mussels were salted with a mixture of thin and thick granular salt by using the ratio of mussel to salt as 4:1 by weight. The salted mussels remained in the liquid pickle formed by salt and liquid extracted from the mussels. This solution was not drained during the storage period. Both brine‐salted and dry‐salted mussels were stored at 4 ± 1C. Initial dry matters were 13.94 and 20.75% in raw and boiled mussels, which increased to 32.84 and 39.67%, respectively at the end of the storage time after brine and dry salting. Salt content was 0.87% in raw mussels, and increased to 21.01% in brine‐salted mussels and 25.26% in dry‐salted mussels at the end of the storage period. The total volatile basic nitrogen was 11.83 mg/100 g in raw mussels, which decreased to 2.80 mg/100 g after boiling. The TVB‐N content increased to 7.00 mg/100 g in brine‐salted mussels and 10.50 mg/100 g in dry‐salted mussels at the end of the storage time. Trimethylamine nitrogen values in raw and boiled mussels were 1.13 and 1.01 mg/100 g, respectively, and increased to 3.86 mg/100 g in brine‐salted mussels and 4.10 mg/100 g in dry‐salted mussels at the 120th day of the storage period. The salted mussel was a different taste for consumers. It was concluded that Mediterranean mussels can be consumed for a period of 4 months in refrigerated conditions.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Salting is the oldest preservation method for foods. Salting may be dry or wet. The most commonly employed method is a hybrid of the dry and wet methods. The mussels are processed commonly as fried, canned or frozen. This study investigated the suitability of Mediterranean mussels for salting processing. Brine and dry salting processes can be successfully applied to the Mediterranean mussels.
Ground Water Dependence of Endangered Ecosystems: Nebraska’s Eastern Saline Wetlands
Authors: Harvey F. Edwin , Ayers Jerry F. , Gosselin David C.
Published: October 2007

Many endangered or threatened ecosystems depend on ground water for their survival. Nebraska’s saline wetlands, home to a number of endangered species, are ecosystems whose development, sustenance, and survival depend on saline ground water discharge at the surface. This study demonstrates that the saline conditions present within the eastern Nebraska saline wetlands result from the upwelling of saline ground water from within the underlying Dakota Aquifer and deeper underlying formations of Pennsylvanian age. Over thousands to tens of thousands of years, saline ground water has migrated over regional scale flowpaths from recharge zones in the west to the present‐day discharge zones along the saline streams of Rock, Little Salt, and Salt creeks in Lancaster and Saunders counties. An endangered endemic species of tiger beetle living within the wetlands has evolved under a unique set of hydrologic conditions, is intolerant to recent anthropogenic changes in hydrology and salinity, and is therefore on the brink of extinction. As a result, the fragility of such systems demands an even greater understanding of the interrelationships among geology, hydrology, water chemistry, and biology than in less imperiled systems where adaptation is more likely.

Results further indicate that when dealing with ground water discharge–dependent ecosystems, and particularly those dependent on dissolved constituents as well as the water, wetland management must be expanded outside of the immediate surface location of the visible ecosystem to include areas where recharge and lateral water movement might play a vital role in wetland hydrologic and chemical mixing dynamics.
Practical Issues in Imaging Hydraulic Conductivity through Hydraulic Tomography
Authors: Illman Walter A. , Craig Andrew J. , Liu Xiaoyi
Published: October 2007

Hydraulic tomography has been developed as an alternative to traditional geostatistical methods to delineate heterogeneity patterns in parameters such as hydraulic conductivity (K) and specific storage (Ss). During hydraulic tomography surveys, a large number of hydraulic head data are collected from a series of cross‐hole tests in the subsurface. These head data are then used to interpret the spatial distribution of K and Ss using inverse modeling. Here, we use the Sequential Successive Linear Estimator (SSLE) of Yeh and Liu (2000) to interpret synthetic pumping test data created through numerical simulations and real data generated in a laboratory sandbox aquifer to obtain the K tomograms. Here, we define “K tomogram” as an image of K distribution of the subsurface (or the inverse results) obtained via hydraulic tomography. We examine the influence of signal‐to‐noise ratio and biases on results using inverse modeling of synthetic and real cross‐hole pumping test data. To accomplish this, we first show that the pumping rate, which affects the signal‐to‐noise ratio, and the order of data included into the SSLE algorithm both have large impacts on the quality of the K tomograms. We then examine the role of conditioning on the K tomogram and find that conditioning can improve the quality of the K tomogram, but can also impair it, if the data are of poor quality and conditioning data have a larger support volume than the numerical grid used to conduct the inversion. Overall, these results show that the quality of the K tomogram depends on the design of pumping tests, their conduct, the order in which they are included in the inverse code, and the quality as well as the support volume of additional data that are used in its computation.
SOURCE ROCK EVALUATION OF COALS FROM THE LOWER MAASTRICHTIAN MAMU FORMATION, SE NIGERIA
Authors: Akande S. O. , Ogunmoyero I. B. , Petersen H. I , Nytoft H. P.
Published: October 2007

The Lower Maastrichtian Mamu Formation in the Anambra Basin (SE Nigeria) consists of a cyclic succession of coals, carbonaceous shales, silty shales and siltstones interpreted as deltaic deposits. Sub‐bituminous coals within this formation are distributed in a north‐south trending belt from Enugu‐Onyeama to Okaba in the north of the basin.

Maceral analyses showed that the coals are dominated by huminite with lesser amounts of liptinite and inertinite. Despite high liptinite contents in parts of the coals, an HI versus Tmax diagram and atomic H/C ratios of 0.80‐0.90 and O/C ratios of 0.11‐0.17 classify the organic matter in the coals as Type III kerogen. Vitrinite reflectance values (%Rr) of 0.44 to 0.6 and Tmax values between 417 and 429°C indicate that the coals are thermally immature to marginally mature with respect to petroleum generation. Hydrogen Index (HI) values for the studied samples range from 203 to 266 mg HC/g TOC and S1+S2 yields range from 141.12 to 199.28 mg HC/ g rock, suggesting that the coals have gas and oil‐generating potential. Ruthenium tetroxide catalyzed oxidation (RTCO) of two coal samples confirms the oil‐generating potential as the coal matrix contains a considerable proportion of long‐chain aliphatics in the range C19‐35.

Stepwise artificial maturation by hydrous pyrolysis from 270°C to 345°C of two coal samples (from Onyeama, HI=247 mg HC/g TOC; and Owukpa, HI=206 mg HC/g TOC) indicate a significant increase in the S1 yields and Production Index with a corresponding decrease in HI during maturation. The Bitumen Index (BI) also increases, but for the Owukpa coal it appears to stabilize at a Tmax of 452‐454°C, while for the Onyeama coal it decreases at a Tmax of 453°C. The decrease in BI suggests efficient oil expulsion at an approximate vitrinite reflectance of ∼I%Rr. The stabilization/decrease in BI is contemporaneous with a significant change in the composition of the asphaltene‐free coal extracts, which pass from a dominance of polar compounds (∼77‐84%) to an increasing proportion of saturated hydrocarbons, which at >330°C constitute around 30% of the extract composition. Also, the n‐alkanes change from a bimodal to light‐end skewed distribution corresponding to early mature to mature terrestrially sourced oil.

Based on the obtained results, it is concluded that the coals in the Mamu Formation have the capability to generate and expel liquid hydrocarbons given sufficient maturity, and may have generated a currently unknown volume of liquid hydrocarbons and gases as part of an active Cretaceous petroleum system.