bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultivo de Oncidium baueri Lindley (Orchidaceae) em substratos a base de coco
Authors: Assis Adriane Marinho de , Faria Ricardo Tadeu de , Unemoto Lilian Keiko , Colombo Larissa Abgariani
Published: August 2008

Entre os substratos utilizados no cultivo de orquídeas, a fibra de coco vem se destacando como promissor substituto do xaxim, material utilizado por muitos produtores e colecionadores de orquídeas, porém ameaçado de extinção. Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, foi avaliar a eficiência de substratos à base de coco, no cultivo da orquídea Oncidium baueri. As mudas foram cultivadas em vasos de polipropileno, permanecendo em viveiro com 50% de luminosidade. Os tratamentos constituíram-se de xaxim desfibrado, coco desfibrado, coco em pó, coco desfibrado + coco em pó, coxim (coco em cubos), coxim + coco em pó e coxim + coco desfibrado. Após dezenove meses, foram avaliadas as variáveis: altura das plantas, diâmetro dos pseudobulbos, comprimento da maior raiz, massa seca das raízes, número de brotações e pH dos substratos. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com sete tratamentos e dez repetições. Para todas as variáveis avaliadas, os substratos coco em pó e a mistura de coco desfibrado com coco em pó mostraram-se tão eficientes ao desenvolvimento das plantas quanto o xaxim desfibrado, podendo substituí-lo no cultivo de O. baueri.
Enraizamento de estacas lenhosas de pessegueiro e clones de umezeiros submetidos à aplicação de AIB
Authors: Chagas Edvan Alves , Pio Rafael , Bettiol Neto José Emílio , Sobierajski Graciela da Rocha , Campo Dall´Orto Fernando Antônio , Signorini Guilherme
Published: August 2008

A utilização do umezeiro ou damasqueiro-japonês (Prunus mume Sieb & Zucc.) como porta-enxerto de Prunus sp. vem despertando grande interesse em função de sua rusticidade, resistência a pragas e doenças, adaptação e, principalmente, por reduzir o porte de pessegueiros e nectarineiras. Visto que trabalhos prévios constataram baixo enraizamento de alguns clones de umezeiro e um estímulo a este processo em estacas herbáceas com uso de 2000 mg.L-1 de AIB, objetivou-se no presente trabalho estudar o enraizamento de estacas de pessegueiro e clones selecionados de umezeiros tratados com diferentes concentrações de ácido indolbutírico (AIB) na forma líquida. Estacas lenhosas do pessegueiro 'Okinawa' e dos clones de umezeiro Clone IAC-2, Clone IAC-X, Clone IAC-10 e Clone IAC-XIX, foram padronizadas com 25 cm de comprimento, ausentes de folhas e 5 cm de suas bases tratadas com AIB, nas concentrações 0, 1000, 2000, 3000 e 4000 mg.L-1, por cinco segundos. As estacas foram colocadas em leito de areia umedecido, coberto com sombrite 50% de luminosidade. As avaliações ocorreram após 90 dias após o estaqueamento, avaliou-se a porcentagem de estacas vivas, com calos, enraizadas, brotadas e o número médio de raízes por estacas. Concluiu-se que a concentração de 2000 mg.L-1 de AIB promoveu os melhores resultados para a porcentagem de estacas enraizadas, com calos e número médio de raízes por estacas. De uma forma geral, o Clone IAC-X demonstrou-se superior entre os demais no enraizamento de suas estacas.
Seleção para alto teor de acilaçúcares em genótipos de tomateiro e sua relação com a resistência ao ácaro vermelho (Tetranychus evansi) e à traça (Tuta absoluta)
Authors: Pereira Guilherme Victor Nippes , Maluf Wilson Roberto , Gonçalves Luciano Donizete , Nascimento Ildon Rodrigues do , Gomes Luís Antônio Augusto , Licursi Vicente
Published: August 2008

Uma das estratégias do melhoramento do tomateiro, no Brasil, visando à resistência a pragas, tem sido a utilização de aleloquímicos presentes nos folíolos. Objetivou-se no presente trabalho, estudar os níveis de resistência a dois artrópodos-pragas [traça do tomateiro (Tuta absoluta) e ácaros (Tetranychus evansi)], em genótipos previamente selecionados com base apenas no seu teor foliar de acilaçúcares. Foram selecionadas 11 plantas contrastantes quanto aos níveis de acilaçúcares nos folíolos, de uma população F3RC2, derivada do cruzamento interespecífico Lycopersicon esculentum Mill 'TOM-584' x Lycopersicon pennellii (Correll) D'Arcy 'LA-716'. Esses genótipos, juntamente com os genitores TOM-584 e LA-716, foram submetidos a ensaios de repelência/resistência a artrópodos-pragas. No teste de repelência ao ácaro T. evansi, as plantas com altos teores de acilaçúcares se comportaram de forma semelhante ao genitor resistente LA-716. As magnitudes das correlações foram negativas e significativas, confirmando assim a associação entre altos teores do aleloquímico e a resistência (repelência) ao ácaro, avaliada pela distância percorrida. No ensaio realizado com a traça do tomateiro, os genótipos foram avaliados para danos nas plantas e lesões nos folíolos. Os genótipos contendo alto teor de acilaçúcares, demonstraram bons níveis de resistência a Tuta absoluta, não diferindo significativamente do acesso selvagem LA-716. Em todas as épocas de avaliação, os teores de acilaçúcares mostraram-se alta e negativamente correlacionados com os níveis de dano causados pela traça. Os resultados obtidos comprovaram a eficiência da seleção de genótipos de tomateiro com elevados teores de acilaçúcares nos folíolos, visando à resistência a artrópodos-praga.
Aromatase Inhibitors: Are There Differences Between Steroidal and Nonsteroidal Aromatase Inhibitors and Do They Matter?
Authors: Miller William R. , Bartlett John , Brodie Angela M. H. , Brueggemeier Robert W. , di Salle Enrico , Lønning Per Eystein , Llombart Antonio , Maass Nicolai , Maudelonde Thierry , Sasano Hironobu , Goss Paul E.
Published: August 2008

Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are approved for use in both early- and advanced-stage breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Although the currently approved “third-generation” AIs all powerfully inhibit estrogen synthesis, they may be subdivided into steroidal and nonsteroidal inhibitors, which interact with the aromatase enzyme differently. Nonsteroidal AIs bind noncovalently and reversibly to the aromatase protein, whereas steroidal AIs may bind covalently and irreversibly to the aromatase enzyme. The steroidal AI exemestane may exert androgenic effects, but the clinical relevance of this has yet to be determined. Switching between steroidal and nonsteroidal AIs produces modest additional clinical benefits, suggesting partial noncrossresistance between the classes of inhibitor. In these circumstances, the response rates to the second AI have generally been low; additional research is needed regarding the optimal sequence of AIs. To date, clinical studies suggest that combining an estrogen-receptor blocker with a nonsteroidal AI does not improve efficacy, while combination with a steroidal AI has not been evaluated. Results from head-to-head trials comparing steroidal and nonsteroidal AIs will determine whether meaningful clinical differences in efficacy or adverse events exist between the classes of AI. This review summarizes the available evidence regarding known differences and evaluates their potential clinical impact.
Comparison of the sensitivities of common in vitro and in vivo assays of estrogenic activity: Application of chemical toxicity distributions
Authors: Dobbins Laura L , Brain Richard A , Brooks Bryan W
Published: August 2008

A number of contaminants in municipal effluent discharges are estrogen agonists to fish. Whereas several in vitro and in vivo techniques have been developed to assess the estrogenic activity of these compounds or ambient environmental samples, previous comparisons of the relative sensitivities of these approaches remain inconclusive. We employed a probabilistic hazard assessment approach using chemical toxicity distributions (CTDs) to perform a novel evaluation of relative sensitivities of six common in vitro and in vivo assays. We predicted that there was an 8.3% (human breast ademocarcinoma cell line, MCF-7, assay), 6.3% (yeast estrogen screen assay), or 1.9% (fish hepatocyte vitellogenin, VTG, assay) probability of detecting a compound in aquatic systems that will elicit an estrogenic response at concentrations at or below 0.1 μg/L, suggesting that the MCF-7 assay was the most sensitive in vitro assay evaluated in this study. The probabilities of eliciting the estrogenic response of VTG induction at a concentration less than 0.1 μg/L in rainbow trout, fathead minnow, and Japanese medaka were determined at 29.9, 26.2, and 18.8%, respectively. Thus, rainbow trout VTG induction was the most sensitive in vivo assay assessed. Subsequently, CTDs may provide a useful technique for hazard assessment of chemical classes for which exposure data are limited and for chemicals with common toxicological mechanisms and modes of action.
Protectiveness of species sensitivity distribution hazard concentrations for acute toxicity used in endangered species risk assessment
Authors: Raimondo Sandy , Vivian Deborah N , Delos Charles , Barron Mace G
Published: August 2008

A primary objective of threatened and endangered species conservation is to ensure that chemical contaminants and other stressors do not adversely affect listed species. Assessments of the ecological risks of chemical exposures to listed species often rely on the use of surrogate species, safety factors, and species sensitivity distributions (SSDs) of chemical toxicity; however, the protectiveness of these approaches can be uncertain. We comprehensively evaluated the protectiveness of SSD first and fifth percentile hazard concentrations (HC1, HC5) relative to the application of safety factors using 68 SSDs generated from 1,482 acute (lethal concentration of 50%, or LC50) toxicity records for 291 species, including 24 endangered species (20 fish, four mussels). The SSD HC5s and HC1s were lower than 97 and 99.5% of all endangered species mean acute LC50s, respectively. The HC5s were significantly less than the concentrations derived from applying safety factors of 5 and 10 to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) toxicity data, and the HC1s were generally lower than the concentrations derived from a safety factor of 100 applied to rainbow trout toxicity values. Comparison of relative sensitivity (SSD percentiles) of broad taxonomic groups showed that crustaceans were generally the most sensitive taxa and taxa sensitivity was related to chemical mechanism of action. Comparison of relative sensitivity of narrow fish taxonomic groups showed that standard test fish species were generally less sensitive than salmonids and listed fish. We recommend the use of SSDs as a distribution-based risk assessment approach that is generally protective of listed species.
Effects of Nitrogen Rate and Regrowth Interval on Perennial Ryegrass Fatty Acid Content during the Growing Season
Authors: Witkowska Izabela Magdalena , Wever Christie , Gort Gerrit , Elgersma Anjo
Published: August 2008

The content of fatty acids (FA) in herbage is important for forage quality and animal‐source foods, but there is a lack of knowledge on effects of agronomic practices, and on environmental factors related to seasonal variation in FA concentrations and FA composition. This research investigated the effects of N applications and forage cutting intervals in a factorial combination on FA composition of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). The research was conducted during 2 yr that evaluated early, intermediate, and late cutting regimes during various seasons. Positive effects of N application and negative effects of extended regrowth interval on FA concentration and profile were found that appeared to be consistent within periods and years. The total concentration of FA was 32 to 53% higher in spring than in summer, and 18 to 25% higher in autumn than in summer. A positive relationship (P < 0.001; r2 = 0.84) between concentrations of total FA and N was observed within and across a wide range of samples. Concentrations of total FA and N were on average 30% higher (P < 0.001) in early‐cut highly fertilized herbage than in late‐cut unfertilized herbage. In generative canopies in late spring, the changes in FA concentration were related to differences in leaf blade proportion (P < 0.001; r2 = 0.64). In contrast, in vegetative canopies the changes in FA concentration were associated with seasonal changes in solar radiation and temperature. Overall, applying high rates of N and harvesting perennial ryegrass after short regrowth intervals resulted in higher fatty acid concentrations in herbage.
Effects of Italian Ryegrass and Date of Plow‐In on Soil Mineral Nitrogen and Sugarbeet Yield and Quality
Authors: Kramberger B. , Lukac B. , Gruskovnjak D. , Gselman A.
Published: August 2008

Winter cover crops can reduce N losses from cropping systems; however, they can affect subsequent crops. Two field experiments were conducted in Slovenia to determine the effects of the Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorumLam.) as a cover crop and the date of spring plow‐in on the soil mineral N (Nmin) content before winter and in spring, and on subsequent productivity of sugarbeet (Beta vulgarisL.). In Exp. I (2004–2005), summer seeded Italian ryegrass was fertilized with 60 kg N ha−1(IRF) or not (IR0); the control (C) was without cover crop or fertilization. In Exp. II (2005–2006), oil radish [Raphanus sativusL. spp.oleiferus(DC.) Metzg.] (OR) and white mustard (Sinapis albaL.) (WM) were added as additional treatments. In Exp. I, the top growth of cover crops was removed in autumn from the field. Differences between IRF and IR0 were not significant, neither in soil Nmincontent, nor in sugarbeet yield in any of the experiments. The IRF and IR0 treatments significantly reduced soil Nmincontent in spring. Early plow‐in (EP; 17 d before sugarbeet seeding), resulted in higher soil Nmincontent at seeding than did late plow‐in (LP; 4 d before seeding). In Exp. I, fresh beet yield was higher for C than for IRF and IR0, and was higher in EP than in LP. In Exp. II, fresh beet yields were higher in control treatments C, OR, and WM than in IRF and IR0, and was higher in EP than in LP. The IRF and IR0 did not affect sugar concentration, nonsugar impurities (K, Na, α‐amino N) concentrations, or white sugar yield, whereas EP increased Na concentration in Exp. I, and α‐amino N concentration in Exp. II. Results suggest that Italian ryegrass as a winter cover crop can efficiently reduce soil Nmincontent during autumn and winter. Results also indicated a negative effect of Italian ryegrass on succeeding sugarbeet fresh yield, although the effect on white sugar yield was not significant atP≤ 0.05.
Poultry Manure Supply of Potentially Available Nitrogen with Soil Incubation
Authors: Ruiz Diaz Dorivar A. , Sawyer John E. , Mallarino Antonio P.
Published: August 2008

Poultry production is an important and growing livestock industry in Iowa and use of poultry manure as a crop N resource is increasing. Aerobic incubation studies were used to examine potentially available nitrogen (PAN) from poultry manure using two contrasting Iowa agricultural soils, a Clarion loam (fine‐loamy, mixed, superactive, mesic Typic Hapludolls) and Canisteo clay loam (fine‐loamy, mixed, superactive, calcareous, mesic Typic Endoaquolls). Two consecutive incubation experiments were conducted, each using the same soils and treatments. Incubation 1 used an approximate rate of 86 mg total N kg−1 incubated for 112 d, and Incubation 2 used an approximate rate of 200 mg total N kg−1 incubated for 84 d. Incubation 2 included more frequent initial sampling. Nitrogen sources included urea, uric acid, and two sources of poultry manure, chicken (Gallus domesticus) and turkey (Melleagris gallopavo) obtained from local production facilities. Soil samples were collected at multiple times during incubation and inorganic NH4+–N and NO3−–N concentrations measured. The accumulation of NO3−–N was used to estimate PAN. The poultry manure sources provided high levels of PAN, 66% of total manure N for chicken and 55% for turkey. These values were lower than those found for urea and uric acid. The majority of the NO3−–N accumulation occurred within 7 d of incubation, with no increase after 14 d. This indicates that considerable NO3−–N used to estimate PAN originated from the combined NH4+–N and uric acid–N components of the poultry manures. However, water soluble nitrogen (WSN) represented approximately 66 and 58% of total N for the chicken and turkey manure, respectively, which are higher than the NH4+–N plus uric acid–N fractions. These WSN levels are close to the estimated PAN values for each manure source. This indicates that poultry manure analysis for WSN could improve the estimation of crop available–N compared to NH4+–N or a fraction of total N.
A Wheat Grazing Model for Simulating Grain and Beef Production: Part I—Model Development
Authors: Zhang X.‐C. , Phillips W. A. , Garbrecht J. D. , Steiner J. L. , Hunt L. A.
Published: August 2008

It is a common practice to grow winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) as a dual‐purpose crop in the U.S. Southern Great Plains to decrease production risk and to increase profit margin through cattle (Bos taurus) production. Crop management of the dual‐purpose wheat is complex because of the tradeoffs between beef production and wheat grain yield. A wheat grazing model helps in making optimal decision. The objective of this study was to develop and incorporate a grazing and metabolizable energy‐based cattle growth module into the Decision Support Systems for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) to simulate beef and wheat grain production. The wheat grazing model was comprised of wheat growth, wheat–cattle interaction, and cattle growth components. Wheat growth was simulated by the cropping system model (CSM) of DSSAT. For the wheat–cattle interface, removals of canopy biomass and leaf area by grazing were estimated daily. Predicted grain yield was also reduced by 50 kg ha−1 per day for each day of grazing past the first hollow stem stage. Cattle growth rate was based on a metabolizable energy intake. Maximum voluntary daily intake was estimated based on stocker body weight and forage quality, and is further adjusted for actual forage availability, temperature, and adaptation status during the first 14 d of grazing to estimate the actual daily intake. Changes in wheat growth processes brought about by grazing, including a grazing effect on the delay of plant phenological development, are not simulated in the model. Field experiments to characterize any such effects are needed to help fine‐tune the model.
Plant‐Available Nitrogen from Poultry Manure as Affected by Time of Application
Authors: Ruiz Diaz Dorivar A. , Sawyer John E.
Published: August 2008

Appropriate poultry manure management is essential to ensure maximum crop N utilization and reduce risk of negative environmental impact. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of three application times (late fall, winter, and spring preplant) on N availability from two sources of poultry manure [chicken (Gallus domesticus) and turkey (Melleagris gallopavo)] for corn (Zea mays L.) production. Manure was applied based on total N, intending to supply 84 and 168 kg total N ha−1. Urea fertilizer was applied at the same time as the manure at six rates (0, 34, 67, 100, 134, 168 kg N ha−1). Soil classification used for the study was primarily Clarion (fine‐loamy, mixed, superactive, mesic Typic Hapludolls) and Nicollet (fine‐loamy, mixed, superactive, mesic Aquic Hapludolls). Effect of application timing was determined by response in grain yield, grain N uptake (GNU), leaf chlorophyll meter (CM) reading, and soil NO3−–N measured in early June. Soil NO3−–N concentrations were greater for manure and fertilizer N applied in spring compared with fall and winter application, but the same for both poultry manure sources. Grain yield, GNU, and CM reading response to manure N were not different among either poultry manure sources or application timings. Furthermore, estimated manure plant N availability was not different among poultry manure sources or time of application. Overall first year crop‐available N from poultry manure, based on fertilizer N equivalence, using grain yield, GNU, and CM readings was estimated at 43 to 53% of total N. The supply of available N to corn was not affected by poultry manure application timing despite different lengths of time to crop uptake or delayed incorporation with winter application.
Impact of spring warming on sowing times of cereal, potato and sugar beet in Finland
Authors: KAUKORANTA T. , HAKALA K.
Published: August 2008

Historical data were used to determine if the warm springs experienced in recent decades have influenced time of sowing of spring cereals (barley, wheat and oats), potato and sugar beet in Finland. The start of the thermal growing season was used to represent all climatic factors affecting sowing time. Regional anomalies in sowing and start of growing season were computed for the years 19652007. The start of the growing season was 22.8 days earlier per decade, with a steeper increase since 1980. Sugar beet sowing advanced 2.5 (since 1980 5.2) and potato planting 3.4 (since 1980 4.5) days per decade, more than expected solely due to earlier starts to the growing season. Sowing of spring cereals advanced 0.6, 0.7 and 1.7 days per decade in the east, north and west respectively (since 1980 1.0, 1.9 and 3.1), with statistically significant trend (p < 0.01) in the west. Earlier sowings can be largely explained by warmer springs, but the trend was not as steep as that for the growing season. This has however not led to increased temperatures during early vegetative phases and thus faster development and increased drought or pest risk, which would have reduced the positive effects of earlier sowing on yield potential. Earlier sowing detected in the west can be explained by changes in spring temperatures, but may also result from economic and technological development. Farmers seem to have adequately adjusted their field activities to the changes in spring temperatures.;
Localisation of primary food production in Finland: production potential and environmental impacts of food consumption patterns
Authors: RISKU-NORJA H. , HIETALA R. , VIRTANEN H.
Published: August 2008

The potential for and environmental consequences of localising primary production of food were investigated by considering different food consumption patterns, based on conventional and organic production. Environmental impact was assessed according to agricultural land use and numbers of production animals, both of which depend on food consumption. The results were quantified in terms of nutrient balances, greenhouse gas and acid emissions and the diversity of crop cultivation, which indicate eutrophication of watersheds, climate change and landscape changes, respectively. The study region was able to satisfy its own needs for all farming and food consumption scenarios. Dietary choice had a marked impact on agricultural land use and on the environmental parameters considered. Organic farming for local food production resulted in higher greenhouse gas emissions. Compared with mixed diets, the vegetarian diet was associated with lower emissions and nutrient surpluses, but also with reduced crop diversity. The arable areas allocated to leys and pastures were also smaller. The study area represents a predominantly rural region and is a net exporter of agricultural produce. Therefore, only part of the environmental impact of food production results from local needs. Both the differences among the dietary options and the overall environmental benefit of localised primary food production were greatly reduced when considering total agricultural production of the region. Much of the negative impact of agriculture is due to food consumption in the densely populated urban areas, but the consequences are mainly felt in the production areas. The environmental impacts of localisation of primary food production for the rural areas are small and inconsistent. The results indicate the importance of defining local on a regional basis and including the urban food sinks in impact assessment.;
Comparison of Environmental Effects and Resource Consumption for Different Wastewater and Organic Waste Management Systems in a New City Area in Sweden
Authors: Hellström Daniel , Baky Andras , Jeppsson Ulf , Jönsson Håkan , Kärrman Erik
Published: August 2008

An analysis of the environmental effects and resource consumption by four systems for management of wastewater and organic household waste in a new city area have been performed, as follows: (1) conventional system complemented with advanced sludge treatment for phosphorus recovery, (2) blackwater system with urine diversion and food waste disposers, (3) blackwater system with food waste disposers and reverse osmosis, and (4) local wastewater treatment plant with nutrient recovery by using reverse osmosis. Substance‐flow analysis and energy/exergy calculations were performed by using the software tool URWARE/ORWARE. Emissions were calculated and classified based on the impact categories global warming potential, acidification, and eutrophication, according to ISO14042 (2000). The analysis also included nutrient recovery (i.e., the potential to use nutrients as a fertilizer). Depending on which aspects are prioritized, different systems can be considered to be the most advantageous.
Performance of a Full‐Scale Biofilm System Retrofitted with an Upflow Multilayer Bioreactor as a Preanoxic Reactor for Advanced Wastewater Treatment
Authors: An Jin‐Young , Kwon Joong‐Chun , Ahn Deog‐Won , Shin Hang‐Sik , Won Sung‐Ho , Kim Byung‐Woo
Published: August 2008

To enhance nitrogen removal in an existing microbial contact oxidation (MCO) system with a treatment capacity of 900 m 3/d, an upflow multilayer bioreactor (UMBR) was chosen as a preanoxic reactor for the removal of organic matter and nitrate. The removal performance of the retrofitted plant was evaluated during the startup phase at a low temperature in winter. The high removal (>80%) of organic matter and suspended solids in the UMBR provided stable nitrification conditions in the MCO system, as a result of the substantial reduction in organic matter and solids loaded onto the MCO system. This treatment system showed a stable nitrogen removal efficiency of 75.3%, even in the low temperature range 7 to 10°C. Phosphorus was completely removed by chemical precipitation. Production rates of excess sludge, as a function of the loads of influent flowrate and biological oxygen demand (BOD), were 0.022 kg dry solid/m 3 wastewater and 0.132 kg dry solid/kg BOD.
Predicting Type 2 Diabetes Based on Polymorphisms From Genome-Wide Association Studies
Authors: van Hoek Mandy , Dehghan Abbas , Witteman Jacqueline C.M. , van Duijn Cornelia M. , Uitterlinden André G. , Oostra Ben A. , Hofman Albert , Sijbrands Eric J.G. , Janssens A. Cecile J.W.
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVE—Prediction of type 2 diabetes based on genetic testing might improve identification of high-risk subjects. Genome-wide association (GWA) studies identified multiple new genetic variants that associate with type 2 diabetes. The predictive value of genetic testing for prediction of type 2 diabetes in the general population is unclear.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We investigated 18 polymorphisms from recent GWA studies on type 2 diabetes in the Rotterdam Study, a prospective, population-based study among homogeneous Caucasian individuals of 55 years and older (genotyped subjects, n = 6,544; prevalent cases, n = 686; incident cases during follow-up, n = 601; mean follow-up 10.6 years). The predictive value of these polymorphisms was examined alone and in addition to clinical characteristics using logistic and Cox regression analyses. The discriminative accuracy of the prediction models was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs).

RESULTS—Of the 18 polymorphisms, the ADAMTS9, CDKAL1, CDKN2A/B-rs1412829, FTO, IGF2BP2, JAZF1, SLC30A8, TCF7L2, and WFS1 variants were associated with type 2 diabetes risk in our population. The AUC was 0.60 (95% CI 0.57–0.63) for prediction based on the genetic polymorphisms; 0.66 (0.63–0.68) for age, sex, and BMI; and 0.68 (0.66–0.71) for the genetic polymorphisms and clinical characteristics combined.

CONCLUSIONS—We showed that 9 of 18 well-established genetic risk variants were associated with type 2 diabetes in a population-based study. Combining genetic variants has low predictive value for future type 2 diabetes at a population-based level. The genetic polymorphisms only marginally improved the prediction of type 2 diabetes beyond clinical characteristics.
Is a Priming Dose of Insulin Necessary in a Low-Dose Insulin Protocol for the Treatment of Diabetic Ketoacidosis?
Authors: Kitabchi Abbas E. , Murphy Mary Beth , Spencer Judy , Matteri Robert , Karas Jim
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVE—The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of an insulin priming dose with a continuous insulin infusion versus two continuous infusions without a priming dose.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—This prospective randomized protocol used three insulin therapy methods: 1) load group using a priming dose of 0.07 units of regular insulin per kg body weight followed by a dose of 0.07 unit · kg−1 · h−1 i.v. in 12 patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA); 2) no load group using an infusion of regular insulin of 0.07 unit · kg body weight−1 · h−1 without a loading dose in 12 patients with DKA, and 3) twice no load group using an infusion of regular insulin of 0.14 · kg−1 · h−1 without a loading dose in 13 patients with DKA. Outcome was based on the effects of insulin therapy on biochemical and hormonal changes during treatment and recovery of DKA.

RESULTS—The load group reached a peak in free insulin value (460 μU/ml) within 5 min and plateaued at 88 μU/ml in 60 min. The twice no load group reached a peak (200 μU/ml) at 45 min. The no load group reached a peak (60 μU/ml) in 60–120 min. Five patients in the no load group required supplemental insulin doses to decrease initial glucose levels by 10%; patients in the twice no load and load groups did not. Except for these differences, times to reach glucose ≤250 mg/dl, pH ≥7.3, and HCO3− ≥15 mEq/l did not differ significantly among the three groups.

CONCLUSIONS—A priming dose in low-dose insulin therapy in patients with DKA is unnecessary if an adequate dose of regular insulin of 0.14 unit · kg body weight−1 · h−1 (about 10 units/h in a 70-kg patient) is given.
Duration of Nocturnal Hypoglycemia Before Seizures
Authors: Buckingham Bruce , Wilson Darrell M. , Lecher Todd , Hanas Ragnar , Kaiserman Kevin , Cameron Fergus
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVE—Despite a high incidence of nocturnal hypoglycemia documented by the use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), there are no reports in the literature of nocturnal hypoglycemic seizures while a patient is wearing a CGM device.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—In this article, we describe four such cases and assess the duration of nocturnal hypoglycemia before the seizure.

RESULTS—In the cases where patients had a nocturnal hypoglycemic seizure while wearing a CGM device, sensor hypoglycemia (<60 mg/dl) was documented on the CGM record for 2.25–4 h before seizure activity.

CONCLUSIONS—Even with a subcutaneous glucose lag of 18 min when compared with blood glucose measurements, glucose sensors have time to provide clinically meaningful alarms. Current nocturnal hypoglycemic alarms need to be improved, however, since patients can sleep through the current alarm systems.
Southern Coup: Recruiting African American Faculty Members at an Elite Private Southern Research University
Authors: Barrett Thomas Gregory , Smith Theophus
Published: August 2008

Competition for highly qualified African American faculty members among elite universities in the United States remains keen. Two of the most successful research universities at recruiting African American faculty members are located in the Southeast. Employing a conceptual framework grounded in organizational culture and climate literature, in this qualitative study the authors identified sets of tangible, intangible, and non-work-related factors that influenced the decisions of 12 African American faculty members in several disciplines to accept positions at an elite private research university in the Southeast. Study participants identified other factors not included in the original conceptual framework that also played significant roles in their decisions to accept positions at this university. Understanding such factors may assist other elite research universities in developing recruiting strategies to compete more effectively for African American faculty members.
Faculty Mentoring Programs: Reenvisioning Rather Than Reinventing the Wheel
Authors: Zellers Darlene F. , Howard Valerie M. , Barcic Maureen A.
Published: August 2008

In this review, the authors trace the evolution of mentoring programs in the United States in business and academe, provide insight on the challenges associated with the study of mentoring, and identify the limited research-based studies of faculty mentoring programs that currently inform our understanding of this professional development practice in American higher education. The findings indicate that the sophistication of research has not advanced over the past decade. However, evidence does suggest that academe should be cautious in overgeneralizing the findings of studies conducted in corporate cultures. Although mentoring is recognized to be contextual, only recently have investigators considered the impact of organizational culture on the effectiveness of corporate mentoring programs. More rigorous investigation of this practice in higher education is warranted. As more studies point to the need to foster an employment culture that supports mentoring, understanding faculty mentoring programs within the context of their academic cultures is critical.
Application of the Kaptay model in calculation of ternary liquid alloys' viscosities
Authors: Žvivković Dragana
Published: August 2008

An equation, based on the Eyring equation of viscosity, has been recently derived by Kaptay to extrapolate dynamic viscosity of pure liquid metals to the viscosity of liquid metallic alloys. The results of its application to ternary metallic alloys, calculated on the basis of the known concentration dependence of the integral enthalpy of mixing and excess molar volume of investigated alloys, are presented in this paper. As an example, viscosities of ternary Au – Ag – Cu alloys have been calculated in the temperature interval 1373 – 1573 K and compared with literature data.
Amorphization, nanocrystallization and magnetic properties of mechanically milled Sm–Co magnetic powders
Authors: Gopalan R. , Suresh K. , Sridhara Rao D. V. , Singh A. K. , Rama Rao N. V. , Bhikshamaiah G. , Chandrasekaran V.
Published: August 2008

The microstructure and the magnetic properties of mechanically milled Sm–Co nano powders were investigated using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and vibrating sample magnetometry. Microstructural studies revealed that after 40 h milling the powder nearly becomes amorphous with a small fraction of nanocrystallites embedded in the amorphous matrix. With increase in milling time up to 16 h, the diffracted crystallite size decreased exponentially and thereafter it remained constant. The grain size of 40 h milled powder was found to be ∼2 – 10 nm.
On the reaction scheme and liquidus surface in the ternary system Al–Si–Ti
Authors: Liu Shuhong , Weitzer Franz , Schuster Julius C. , Krendelsberger Nataliya , Du Yong
Published: August 2008

The constitution of the ternary system Al–Si–Ti is reinvestigated over the entire composition range using X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, differential thermal analysis up to 1500 °C and metallography. The ternary phases τ1 and τ2 are confirmed and their crystal structures and solid state phase equilibria are corroborated. The compositions observed confirm previous literature. The phase τ1 (I41/amd, Zr3Al4Si5-type) melts incongruently at 953 °C < T < 1000 °C into L + τ2 + TiSi2. The phase τ2 (Cmcm, ZrSi2-type) melts incongruently at 1338 °C into L + TiSi + TiSi2. The liquidus surface is characterized by a eutectic trough, which descends monotonically from the pseudobinary maximum emax1 L = βTi + Ti5Si3 at 1540 ± 5 °C through a series of transition reactions and ends in the ternary eutectic L = τ1 + (Si) + (Al) at 573 °C.
The emergence and disappearance of a high density of microcracks in nitrided Fe-4.65 at.% Al alloy
Authors: Meka Sairamudu , Hosmani Santosh S. , Clauss Arno R. , Mittemeijer Eric J.
Published: August 2008

Nitriding of recrystallised and cold-rolled Fe-4.65 at.% Al alloy at 550 °C in an ammonia – hydrogen gas mixture of nitriding potential 0.104 atm− 1/2 indicated that nucleation of the thermodynamically (most) stable hexagonal (wurzite) AlN in the ferrite matrix of recrystallised specimen is difficult. The competition between the precipitation of nitrogen gas (dissociation of nitrogen supersaturated ferrite into pure ferrite and nitrogen gas) at the grain boundaries and the precipitation of hexagonal (wurzite) AlN led, via the coalescence of pores filled with nitrogen gas, to the emergence of microcracks along the grain boundaries and the formation of nitride-precipitate free zones near the grain boundaries of the recrystallised specimens. Upon continued nitriding the initially partially nitrided grains became fully nitrided and the microcracks disappeared.
Scaling relations for viscoelastic – cohesive conical indentation
Authors: Pichler Christian , Lackner Roman , Ulm Franz-Josef
Published: August 2008

Most geomaterials exhibit both viscoelastic and plastic material response when indented by a sharp conical tip. Lacking analytical solutions for viscoelastic – plastic material response, a numerical approach based on the finite element method is proposed for backcalculation of model parameters from indentation data. Departing from the analytical solutions recently obtained by Vandamme and Ulm, viscoelastic – cohesive conical indentation of a homogeneous material halfspace is dealt with in this paper. Results from finite element analysis, i. e., the load – penetration history for a rigid, conical indenter with linearly increasing load, are presented in dimensionless form. From the results, scaling relations are constructed for application to materials exhibiting viscoelastic – cohesive behavior.
Energy-based hardness of soda-lime silicate glass
Authors: Yoshida Satoshi , Sawasato Hiroshi , Yoshikawa Masanori , Matsuoka Jun
Published: August 2008

Energy-based inelastic hardness of soda-lime silicate glass is obtained from the work of indentation and the residual impression volume, which is measured by using a scanning probe microscope. The indenter shape dependence and the indentation load dependence of energy-based hardness are investigated. Physical meanings of the energy-based hardness and the apparent hardness of glass are discussed in terms of the mechanisms of inelastic deformation for brittle and glassy materials.
AFM testing of the nanomechanical behaviour of MEMS micromembranes
Authors: Ekwinski G. , Goehlich A. , Trieu K. , Rymuza Z. , Koszewski A.
Published: August 2008

The nanomechanical behaviour of micromembranes for high temperature applications of a microelectro mechanical system pressure sensor has been studied by use of atomic force microscopy. A method was elaborated and used for measure nanometre deformation of the membrane under application of high loads. This method was also useful for identifying failures of a membrane, e. g., undesired position against the substrate of the structure. The tests were performed for a series of membranes. The characteristics of the mechanical behaviour were plotted for different geometrical features of the membranes to identify the influence of geometry and dimension. The method was found to be very effective for the process characterisation of the fabricated MEMS micromembranes devoted, e. g., to high temperature pressure sensors.
A 10.7 Mb interstitial deletion of 13q21 without phenotypic effect defines a further non‐pathogenic euchromatic variant
Authors: Roos Andreas , Elbracht Miriam , Baudis Michael , Senderek Jan , Schönherr Nadine , Eggermann Thomas , Schüler Herdit M.
Published: August 2008

Chromosome 13 deletions are associated with widely varying phenotypes but the clinical picture nearly almost includes mental and growth retardation, craniofacial dysmorphisms, and/or malformations. Several attempts have been made to link monosomy 13q intervals with specific clinical features, but a genotype–phenotype correlation could not be delineated. We report on a woman with a normal phenotype and intelligence referred for chromosomal analysis because of recurrent abortions followed by reproductive loss. Conventional karyotyping revealed an interstitial deletion of chromosome 13q21. By SNP array analysis and FISH the deletion was shown to comprise nearly 10.7 Mb of euchromatic material. This region harbors several genes but an association with recurrent miscarriages has not yet been reported. This is the second report of a 13q21 deletion without psychomotoric retardation, dysmorphisms and malformations. Both cases indicate that this 13q21 deletion can be added to the growing list of euchromatic imbalances without obvious phenotypic abnormalities. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Living with a child at risk for psychotic illness: The experience of parents coping with 22q11 deletion syndrome: An exploratory study
Authors: Hercher Laura , Bruenner Georgette
Published: August 2008

Patients with 22q11 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) have a 25–30% risk of developing schizophrenia, as well as an increased risk for other psychiatric illnesses including bipolar and schizo‐affective disease. As a result, their families may be informed of a risk for psychotic illness years or even decades before the likely age of onset. We performed an exploratory study, surveying 41 caretakers of individuals with 22q11DS, and found that information about the association between 22q11DS and psychiatric disease was omitted at diagnosis a majority of the time and rarely addressed subsequently by pediatricians or other medical specialists, including medical geneticists. Families frequently received their information only from non‐medical sources, principally the Internet. Individuals with 22q11DS often have many medical issues, but a majority of parents indicated that the risk of psychotic illness was their greatest source of anxiety. Looking at how predictive information affects those who receive it is an important adjunct to the development of genetic testing; the experience of these families suggests that in order to use the information to improve outcomes or modify risk it is necessary to receive it in the context of ongoing support and access to resources. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Application of metaphase HR‐CGH and targeted chromosomal microarray analyses to genomic characterization of 116 patients with mental retardation and dysmorphic features
Authors: Nowakowska B. , Stankiewicz P. , Obersztyn E. , Ou Z. , Li J. , Chinault A.C. , Smyk M. , Borg K. , Mazurczak T. , Cheung S.W. , Bocian E.
Published: August 2008

Recent advances in molecular cytogenetics enable identification of small chromosomal aberrations that are undetectable by routine chromosome banding in 5–20% of patients with mental retardation/developmental delay (MR/DD) and dysmorphism. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical usefulness of two molecular cytogenetic techniques, metaphase high‐resolution comparative genomic hybridization (HR‐CGH) and targeted array CGH, also known as Chromosomal Microarray Analysis (CMA). A total of 116 patients with unexplained mild to severe MR and other features suggestive of a chromosomal abnormality with apparently normal or balanced karyotypes were analyzed using HR‐CGH (43 patients) and/or CMA (91 patients). Metaphase HR‐CGH detected seven interstitial deletions (16.3%). Rare deletions of chromosomes 16 (16p11.2p12.1) and 8 (8q21.11q21.2) were identified. Targeted CMA revealed copy‐number changes in 19 of 91 patients (20.8%), among which 11 (11.8%) were clinically relevant, 6 (6.5%) were interpreted as polymorphic variants and 2 (2.1%) were of uncertain significance. The changes varied in size from 0.5 to 12.9 Mb. In summary, our results show that metaphase HR‐CGH and array CGH techniques have become important components in cytogenetic diagnostics, particularly for detecting cryptic constitutional chromosome imbalances in patients with MR, in whom the underlying genetic defect is unknown. Additionally, application of both methods together increased the detection rates of genomic imbalances in the tested groups. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Extended follow‐up of the Finnish cartilage‐hair hypoplasia cohort confirms high incidence of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma and basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Taskinen Mervi , Ranki Annamari , Pukkala Eero , Jeskanen Leila , Kaitila Ilkka , Mäkitie Outi
Published: August 2008

Cartilage‐hair hypoplasia (CHH) is an autosomal recessive chondrodysplasia with short stature, sparse hair and defective cell‐mediated immunity. It is caused by mutations in the RMRP (ribonuclease mitochondrial RNA processing) gene, encoding the RNA component of the ribonuclease complex RNase MRP. The aim of this study was to further elucidate the risk and spectrum of cancer in CHH. A cohort of 123 Finnish patients with CHH (51 males) was followed for malignancy through the Finnish Cancer Registry. The number of identified cancers was compared with expected numbers of cancer using population‐based data to obtain standardized incidence ratios (SIR). Hospital records were reviewed for clinical data related to the malignancies. During the follow‐up (2,365 person‐years; mean 19.2 years), 14 cases of cancer were diagnosed in the CHH cohort (expected number 2.0; SIR 7.0, CI 3.8–12). Non‐Hodgkin lymphoma was the most frequent cancer type (n = 9; SIR 90.2, CI 39.0–180) followed by squamous cell carcinoma (3), leukemia (1) and Hodgkin lymphoma (1). One tumor was not histologically classified. Nine of the 14 cancers were diagnosed in patients less than 45 years of age. In addition, ten patients had basal cell carcinoma of the skin (expected number 0.3; SIR 33.2, CI 16–61). Patients with CHH have significantly increased risk for developing non‐Hodgkin lymphoma or basal cell carcinoma at early age; the overall prognosis is poor. The underlying pathogenetic mechanisms remain to be elucidated in future studies. Careful follow‐up, extending beyond pediatric age, is warranted for early diagnosis of malignancies. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The population‐based prevalence of achondroplasia and thanatophoric dysplasia in selected regions of the US
Authors: Waller D.K. , Correa A. , Vo Tuan M. , Wang Y. , Hobbs C. , Langlois P.H. , Pearson K. , Romitti P.A. , Shaw G.M. , Hecht J.T.
Published: August 2008

There have been no large population‐based studies of the prevalence of achondroplasia and thanatophroic dysplasia in the United States. This study compared data from seven population‐based birth defects monitoring programs in the United States. We also present data on the association between older paternal age and these birth defects, which has been described in earlier studies. The prevalence of achondroplasia ranged from 0.36 to 0.60 per 10,000 livebirths (1/27,780–1/16,670 livebirths). The prevalence of thanatophoric dysplasia ranged from 0.21 to 0.30 per 10,000 livebirths (1/33,330–1/47,620 livebirths). In Texas, fathers that were 25–29, 30–34, 35–39, and ≥40 years of age had significantly increased rates of de novo achondroplasia among their offspring compared with younger fathers. The adjusted prevalence odds ratios were 2.8 (95% CI; 1.2, 6.7), 2.8 (95% CI; 1.0, 7.6), 4.9 (95% CI; 1.7, 14.3), and 5.0 (95% CI; 1.5, 16.1), respectively. Using the same age categories, the crude prevalence odds ratios for de novo cases of thanatophoric dysplasia in Texas were 5.8 (95% CI; 1.7, 9.8), 3.9 (95% CI; 1.1, 6.7), 6.1 (95% CI; 1.6, 10.6), and 10.2 (95% CI; 2.6, 17.8), respectively. These data suggest that thanatophoric dysplasia is one‐third to one‐half as frequent as achondroplasia. The differences in the prevalence of these conditions across monitoring programs were consistent with random fluctuation. Birth defects monitoring programs may be a good source of ascertainment for population‐based studies of achondroplasia and thanatophoric dysplasia, provided that diagnoses are confirmed by review of medical records. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.