bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality-of-Life Comparisons in a Randomized Trial of Interval Secondary Cytoreduction in Advanced Ovarian Carcinoma: A Gynecologic Oncology Group Study
Authors: Wenzel Lari , Huang Helen Q. , Monk Bradley J. , Rose Peter G. , Cella David
Published: August 2005

Purpose

To compare self-reported quality of life (QOL) in patients who did versus did not undergo interval secondary cytoreduction after initial surgery and combination chemotherapy for advanced ovarian cancer and to assess the association between baseline QOL scores and survival.

Patients and Methods

Consenting patients participating in a Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) phase III treatment trial (GOG 152) completed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Ovarian (FACT-O) questionnaire and treatment-specific supplemental questions at the third and sixth chemotherapy cycles and at 6 and 12 months after starting treatment.

Results

For all patients, QOL decreased approximately 1 unit from the first to second assessment. Significant improvement observed at 6 months (P < .001) was sustained at 12 months, with no appreciable between-group difference. The baseline FACT-O score was associated with overall survival (P = .048) but not progression-free survival. Less neurotoxicity was reported among patients who did (38.4%) versus did not (54.0%) undergo interval secondary cytoreduction at the third assessment (P = .005), and older patients experienced more long-term effects.

Conclusion

This is the first multicenter randomized trial in ovarian cancer to longitudinally examine self-reported QOL and establish a predictive value of baseline QOL on survival, attributed primarily to the lowest-scoring quartile. Although interval secondary cytoreduction resulted in no notable long-term difference, a clinically significant improvement was seen in both arms at 6 and 12 months after starting therapy. Interestingly, there were fewer complaints of neurotoxicity at 6 months among patients who did versus did not undergo interval secondary cytoreduction.
Phase II Trial of the Novel Retinoid, Bexarotene, and Gemcitabine Plus Carboplatin in Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Edelman Martin J. , Smith Ruth , Hausner Petr , Doyle L. Austin , Kalra Kavita , Kendall Joyce , Bedor Michelle , Bisaccia Sonia
Published: August 2005

Purpose

Platinum-based chemotherapy is the standard treatment for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Unfortunately, a plateau in efficacy with currently available agents has been reached. Previous studies of the retinoid, bexarotene, a retinoid X receptor-specific ligand, have indicated that it may improve outcome in advanced NSCLC.

Patients and Methods

Patients with previously untreated stage IIIB or stage IV disease, a performance status of 0 to 2, and adequate organ status were entered. Treatment consisted of up to six cycles of carboplatin (area under the curve = 5.0 on day 1) and gemcitabine (1,000 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8) administered every 21 days. Bexarotene 400 mg/m2 orally was to be administered continuously beginning on day 1 and until progression of disease. All patients received atorvastatin 10 mg orally beginning before bexarotene. The objective was to demonstrate a 1-year survival rate of more than 50%.

Results

Forty-eight patients were entered; all were assessable for survival, and 47 were assessable for toxicity and response. The therapeutic regimen was well tolerated except for hypertriglyceridemia. The median time to progression was 6.7 months, and overall median survival was 12.7 months. There was a 25% response rate and a 1-year survival rate of 53%. These results were compared with the outcome of 33 patients treated at our institution with two-drug, platinum-based chemotherapy on controlled trials with similar entry criteria in the previous 5 years.

Conclusion

Bexarotene can be safely added to platinum-based chemotherapy provided that there is aggressive prophylaxis of hypertriglyceridemia. The median time to progression and overall survival are promising and warrant further evaluation of bexarotene in advanced NSCLC.
Prognostic Factors and Outcome of Core Binding Factor Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients With t(8;21) Differ From Those of Patients With inv(16): A Cancer and Leukemia Group B Study
Authors: Marcucci Guido , Mrózek Krzysztof , Ruppert Amy S. , Maharry Kati , Kolitz Jonathan E. , Moore Joseph O. , Mayer Robert J. , Pettenati Mark J. , Powell Bayard L. , Edwards Colin G. , Sterling Lisa J. , Vardiman James W. , Schiffer Charles A. , Carroll Andrew J. , Larson Richard A. , Bloomfield Clara D.
Published: August 2005

Purpose

Because both t(8;21) and inv(16) disrupt core binding factor (CBF) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and confer relatively favorable prognoses, these cytogenetic groups are often treated similarly. Recent studies, however, have shown different gene profiling for the two groups, underscoring potential biologic differences. Therefore, we sought to determine whether these two cytogenetic groups should also be considered separate entities from a clinical standpoint.

Patients and Methods

We analyzed 144 consecutive adults with t(8;21) and 168 with inv(16) treated on Cancer and Leukemia Group B front-line studies. We compared pretreatment features, probability of achieving complete remission (CR), overall survival (OS) and cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) between the two groups.

Results

With a median follow-up of 6.4 years, for CBF AML as a whole, the CR rate was 88%, 5-year OS was 50% and CIR was 53%. After adjusting for covariates, patients with t(8;21) had shorter OS (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.5; P = .045) and survival after first relapse (HR = 1.7; P = .009) than patients with inv(16). Unexpectedly, race was an important predictor for t(8;21) AML, in that nonwhites failed induction more often (odds ratio = 5.7; P = .006) and had shorter OS than whites when certain secondary cytogenetic abnormalities were present. In patients with t(8;21) younger than 60 years, type of induction also correlated with relapse risk. For inv(16) AML, secondary cytogenetic abnormalities (especially +22) and male sex predicted better outcome.

Conclusion

When the prognostic impact of race, secondary cytogenetic abnormalities, sex, and response to salvage treatment is considered, t(8;21) and inv(16) AMLs seem to be distinct clinical entities and should be stratified and reported separately.
DrosophilaMyt1 is a Cdk1 inhibitory kinase that regulates multiple aspects of cell cycle behavior during gametogenesis
Authors: Jin Zhigang , Homola Ellen M. , Goldbach Philip , Choi YunHee , Brill Julie A. , Campbell Shelagh D.
Published: August 2005

The metazoan Wee1-like kinases Wee1 and Myt1 regulate the essential mitotic regulator Cdk1 by inhibitory phosphorylation. This regulatory mechanism, which prevents Cdk1 from triggering premature mitotic events, is also induced during the DNA damage response and used to coordinate cell proliferation with crucial developmental events. Despite the previously demonstrated role for Myt1 regulation of Cdk1 during meiosis, relatively little is known of how Myt1 functions at other developmental stages. To address this issue, we have undertaken a functional analysis of Drosophila Myt1 that has revealed novel developmental roles for this conserved cell cycle regulator during gametogenesis. Notably, more proliferating cells were observed in myt1 mutant testes and ovaries than controls. This can partly be attributed to ectopic division of germline-associated somatic cells in myt1 mutants, suggesting that Myt1 serves a role in regulating exit from the cell cycle. Moreover, mitotic index measurements suggested that germline stem cells proliferate more rapidly, in myt1 mutant females. In addition, male myt1 germline cells occasionally undergo an extra mitotic division, resulting in meiotic cysts with twice the normal numbers of cells. Based on these observations, we propose that Myt1 serves unique Cdk1 regulatory functions required for efficient coupling of cell differentiation with cell cycle progression.
Terrestrial locomotion does not constrain venous return in the American alligator,Alligator mississippiensis
Authors: Munns Suzanne L. , Hartzler Lynn K. , Bennett Albert F. , Hicks James W.
Published: August 2005

The effects of treadmill exercise on components of the cardiovascular(heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, central venous pressure, venous return) and respiratory (minute ventilation, tidal volume, breathing frequency, rate of oxygen consumption, rate of carbon dioxide production)systems and on intra-abdominal pressure were measured in the American alligator, Alligator mississippiensis, at 30°C. Alligators show speed-dependent increases in tidal volume and minute ventilation,demonstrating that the inhibition of ventilation during locomotion that is present in some varanid and iguanid lizards was not present in alligators. Exercise significantly increases intra-abdominal pressure; however,concomitant elevations in central venous pressure acted to increase the transmural pressure of the post caval vein and thus increased venous return. Therefore, despite elevated intra-abdominal pressure, venous return was not limited during exercise in alligators, as was the case in Varanus exanthematicus and Iguana iguana. Respiratory cycle variations in intra-abdominal pressure, central venous pressure and venous return indicate that, at high tidal volumes, inspiration causes a net reduction in venous return during active ventilation and thus may act to limit venous return during exercise. These results suggest that, while tonically elevated intra-abdominal pressure induced by exercise does not inhibit venous return,phasic fluctuations during each breath cycle may contribute to venous flow limitation during exercise.
Role of biogenic amines and cHH in the crustacean hyperglycemic stress response
Authors: Lorenzon Simonetta , Edomi Paolo , Giulianini Piero Giulio , Mettulio Romina , Ferrero Enrico Antonio
Published: August 2005

In this study, we investigated (using bioassays and ELISA) the variation of cHH (crustacean hyperglycemic hormone) level in the eyestalks and hemolymph of Palaemon elegans (Rathke) (Decapoda, Caridea) following injection of serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) and correlated cHH profile with the variation in amount and time course of glycemia.

5-HT induced in P. elegans a rapid and massive release of cHH from the eyestalk into the hemolymph followed by hyperglycemia. On the contrary, DA did not significantly affect cHH release and hyperglycemia. In addition, we measured the level and variation of 5-HT in the eyestalk and hemolymph of P. elegans following copper contamination. The release of 5-HT from the eyestalk is very rapid and dose dependent. In the hemolymph, a peak of 5-HT occurs after 30 min, and again the circulating concentration of 5-HT is dose dependent on copper exposure. After 1 h, the level of 5-HT slowly decreases to basal level.

The release of 5-HT from the eyestalk into the hemolymph after copper exposure precedes the release of cHH, confirming its role as a neurotransmitter acting on cHH neuroendocrine cells. The fact that copper induced a rapid and massive release of 5-HT from the eyestalk can explain its demonstrated role in inducing the release of cHH and the consequent hyperglycemia in intact but not eyestalkless animals.
Assessing physiological complexity
Authors: Burggren W. W. , Monticino M. G.
Published: August 2005

Physiologists both admire and fear complexity, but we have made relatively few attempts to understand it. Inherently complex systems are more difficult to study and less predictable. However, a deeper understanding of physiological systems can be achieved by modifying experimental design and analysis to account for complexity. We begin this essay with a tour of some mathematical views of complexity. After briefly exploring chaotic systems,information theory and emergent behavior, we reluctantly conclude that, while a mathematical view of complexity provides useful perspectives and some narrowly focused tools, there are too few generally practical take-home messages for physiologists studying complex systems. Consequently, we attempt to provide guidelines as to how complex systems might be best approached by physiologists. After describing complexity based on the sum of a physiological system's structures and processes, we highlight increasingly refined approaches based on the pattern of interactions between structures and processes. We then provide a series of examples illustrating how appreciating physiological complexity can improve physiological research, including choosing experimental models, guiding data collection, improving data interpretations and constructing more rigorous system models. Finally, we conclude with an invitation for physiologists, applied mathematicians and physicists to collaborate on describing, studying and learning from studies of physiological complexity.
Sarcomere length measurement permits high resolution normalization of muscle fiber length in architectural studies
Authors: Felder Amanda , Ward Samuel R. , Lieber Richard L.
Published: August 2005

The use of sarcomere length to normalize fiber length in architectural studies is commonly practiced but has not been explicitly validated. Using mouse hindlimb muscles as a model system, ankle joints were intentionally set to angles ranging from 30° to 150° and their muscles fixed. Tibialis anterior (TA), extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus muscles were removed and their raw fiber length measured. Sarcomere length was then measured for each fiber length sample and fiber length was normalized to a standard sarcomere length. As expected, raw fiber length was dependent on tibiotarsal angle (P<0.0005 for all muscles, r2 range 0.22–0.61), while sarcomere length normalization eliminated the joint-angle dependent variation in fiber length (P>0.24, r2 range 0.001–0.028). Similarly, one-way ANOVA revealed no significant differences in normalized fiber length among ankle angles for any of the three muscles (P>0.1), regardless of animal size. To determine the resolution of the method, power calculations were performed. For all muscles studied, there was >90% chance of detecting a 15% fiber length difference among muscles and >60% chance of detecting fiber length differences as small as 10%. We thus conclude that the use of sarcomere length normalization in architectural studies permits resolution of fiber length variations of 15% and may even be effective at resolving 10%fiber length variations.
Optimal distribution of drawing strains in the two-pass tube drawing process
Authors: Moon Y H , Lee D H , Van Tyne C J
Published: August 2005

A multiple-pass tube-drawing process is often used to obtain large cross-sectional reductions in tubular components. For a multi-pass drawing process, it is important to distribute the strains among the individual passes. With even distribution of the strains, there is less chance to exceed the formability limit of the material in any one pass, thus preventing defects such as drawing cracks from occurring. In the present study, an analytical model is developed, which determines the appropriate intermediate tube geometry to ensure uniform strain distributions for a two-pass drawing process. The model is based on the evaluation of the cross-sectional changes of the tube after each pass. For a desired product geometry, the model provides the intermediate diameter and intermediate thickness that should be used to distribute evenly the drawing strains between the two passes. Finite element modelling of the two-pass tube-drawing process confirms the viability and validity of the analytical model. The model has also been used to develop criteria curves for various limit strains. These criteria curves can be used to determine whether the tube will fail or will be successfully drawn in a two-pass process.
Remote edge detection of subcutaneous stiffeners
Authors: Fenn R , Watson J C
Published: August 2005

Construction of narrow-gap double skin components requires, at some stage, blind welding from one side. During construction, due to thermal distortion, the hidden stiffeners (spacers or stringers) may move sufficiently far from their designated locations that assembly welds, made from one side, could miss the stringers completely. Thus, a real-time sensor capable of identifying and accurately locating spacer edges beneath the outer skin is required. Outer skin magnetic properties and plate/spacer separation seriously influence the capabilities of the best candidate detecting methods. Initial trials were undertaken using a non-destructive testing (NDT) eddy current method to detect beneath aluminium plate.

Probe design and construction concentrated on air-cored absolute coils, on which finite element analysis (FEA) was used to predict electrical response. When the refined detector system was tested on magnetic material (mild steel), it was found to be preferable if a static magnetic field was applied to the plate component. Applied magnetism had a profound effect on coil field penetration and hence detectability (maximum plate thickness rose swiftly from 3mm, unmagnetized, to over 12mm, magnetized). As a sensor, the eddy current detector was shown to be capable of finding subcutaneous edges in both aluminium and mild steel fabrications. What has been developed is a sensor simply requiring computer-controlled movement to allow completely automatic hidden edge finding.
The development of a remanufacturing platform design: A strategic response to the Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
Authors: King A M , Burgess S C
Published: August 2005

Between 1980 and 1997, municipal solid waste in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries increased by around 40 per cent, and it is predicted to grow by a further 40 per cent by 2020. In response to these problems, the European Union has implemented (among other policies) the Directive on waste electrical and electronic equipment, making original equipment manufacturers and importers legally bound to take significant responsibility for the treatment and disposal of post-consumer products.

This paper presents the four main waste avoidance routes of repair, reconditioning, remanufacturing, and recycling. It concludes that remanufacturing may often be a strong strategy. This is based on the fact that it preserves both the embodied energy of virgin production (thus reducing the environmental impact) and the intrinsic ‘value-adding’ process of the producer (thus increasing the manufacturer's profitability).

The paper then outlines the present major technical barriers to remanufacturing and outlines how a platform design strategy could remove some of these barriers. The paper explains the authors' definition of a platform design and describes how this could be applied to remanufacturing.
Pricing and Allocation for Quality-Differentiated Online Services
Authors: Bapna Ravi , Goes Paulo , Gupta Alok
Published: August 2005

We explore the problem of pricing and allocation of unique, one-time digital products in the form of data streams. We look at the short-term problem where the firm has a capacitated shared resource and multiple products or service levels. We formulate the allocatively efficient Generalized Vickrey Auction (GVA) for our setting and point out the computational challenges in determining the individual discriminatory transfer payments. We propose an alternative uniform-price, computationally efficient, revenue-maximizing knapsack formulation called the Multiple Vickrey Auction (MVA). While not incentive compatible, the MVA mechanism achieves bounded posterior regret and can be solved in real time. It has the added benefit of realizing imputed commodity prices for the various services, a feature lacking in the discriminatory GVA approach. For service providers that are concerned about the incentive compatibility but want imputed service prices, we suggest a maximal MVA (mMVA) uniform-pricing scheme that trades off revenue maximization for allocative efficiency. For sake of completeness we discuss the properties of a first-price pay-your-bid scheme. While NP-hard and not incentive compatible, this formulation has the perceived benefit of cognitive simplicity on the parts of sellers and bidders.
Experimental study of guiding and filtering of acoustic waves in a two dimensional ultrasonic crystal
Authors: Khelif Abdelkrim , Choujaa Abdelkrim , Benchabane Sarah , Djafari-Rouhani Bahram , Laude Vincent
Published: August 2005

We present a combined experimental and theoretical study of the guiding, bending and filtering of acoustic waves in an ultrasonic crystal. The crystal consists of a two-dimensional periodical array of steel rods immersed in water, for wich a complete acoustic band gap extending from 240 to 325 kHz is found experimentally. Waveguides for acoustic waves are further created by removing a line defect, on which stubs can be added by removing rods from the side-walls of the waveguide. Full transmission is observed for a one-period-wide straight waveguide within the full-band-gap of the perfect phononic crystal, i.e. for a waveguide aperture smaller than one acoustic wavelength. Waveguiding over a wide frequency range is also obtained for a one-period-wide waveguide with two sharp 90° bends. Finite-difference time-domain computations are found to be in good agreement with the measurements in all experimental configurations.
Apoptosis in rabbit embryos produced by fertilization or nuclear transfer with fibroblasts and cumulus cells
Authors: Liu Shu-Zhen , Yao Li-Juan , Jiang Man-Xi , Lei Zi-Li , Zhang Li-Sheng , Zhang Yan-Ling , Sun Qing-Yuan , Zheng Yue-Liang , Song Xiang-Fen , Chen Da-Yuan
Published: August 2005

In this study, we investigated the development, the cell number of the blastocyst, and apoptosis in rabbit nuclear transfer (NT) embryos derived from adult fibroblasts and cumulus cells as compared with embryos derived fromin vivofertilization andin vitroculture. The developmental rate and the total cell number of the blastocyst were significantly lower in NT embryos than in fertilized embryos (FEs). The type of donor cells did not affect the embryonic developmental rate and the total cell number of blastocysts in NT groups. The present study investigated the onset and the frequency of apoptosis in NT embryos and FEs by using a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick and labeling (TUNEL) assay. The earliest positive TUNEL signals were detected at the eight-cell stage in NT embryos and at the morula stage in FEs. The apoptotic index of the total blastocysts, the inner cell mass and the trophoderm was greatly higher in the NT embryos than in FEs. Moreover, the apoptotic index of the blastocyst from fibroblasts was significantly higher than that of the blastocyst from cumulus cells.
Spectroscopic and Photochemical Properties of the Lichen Compound Lobaric Acid
Authors: Hidalgo María Eliana , Bascuñan Luis , Quilhot Wanda , Fernández Ernesto , Rubio Cecilia
Published: August 2005

Lichens synthesize and accumulate photoprotective compounds against possible damage induced by UV radiation in the photobiont. A biological model has been recently formulated that allows the use of lichens to evaluate changes at different UV radiation levels. The thermodynamics, photo‐physical and photochemical properties of lobaric acid were studied in acetonitrile, ethanol and Brij 35(3%) micelles at different pH values. Also the sun protector factor (SPF) was determined by in vitro methods. Lobaric acid was extracted from Stereoculon alpinum Laur. and characterized by means of standard procedures. Solutions were irradiated in oxygen and under nitrogen conditions with a UV medium pressure lamp. Lobaric acid absorbs at 287, 303 nm, and no fluorescence emission was observed. The maximum value of the molar extinction coefficient (5479.6 M−1 cm−1) was obtained in Brij 35 at pH 12. Solubility is pH dependant and is highest in Brij 35 at pH 12 (4.45 × 10−4M). Photo‐consumption quantum yields ranged between 10−4 and 10−5 in aerobic and anaerobic experimental conditions. Lobaric acid SPF was very low (0.5) compared with homosalate (4.0), (reference solar filter). Two pKa values, 5.05 (carboxylic acid group deprotonation) and 9.75 (phenolic OH deprotonation), were determined.
Pond Production and Fatty Acid Profiles of the Fillets of Channel Catfish Reared on Diets with Different Protein Sources
Authors: Hedrick R L , Popma T J , Davis D A
Published: August 2005

Three protein sources were evaluated as supplements to grow-out feeds for mixed-sized channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus stocked at 16,750 fish/ha in 0.04-ha earthen ponds. Three practical diets were tested: (1) meat, bone, and blood meal (MBM), (2) fish meal containing menhaden Brevoortia spp., and (3) soybean meal and wheat (lysine added). The fish were fed to satiation once daily for 133 d. For total fish harvested, dietary protein did not affect the weight gain, hepatosomatic index, percent survival, harvest yield, protein efficiency ratio, percentage of intraperitoneal fat, or dress-out percentage. Feed consumption and the feed conversion ratio were significantly higher in fish fed the MBM diet. This diet also produced a significantly lower percentage of lipids in the fillets. Significant differences were shown for fatty acids found in the fillets of large fish and small fish fed all diets. A size-related significant difference was found for the total saturated fatty acids, where values for the fillets of small fish were lower than those of large fish. Conversely, a size-related significant difference was found for the total monounsaturated fatty acids in the fillets, where the large fish had lower levels than those of the small fish. When the fatty acids found in the fillets were classified as total polyunsaturated fatty acids (total omega-3 fatty acids or total omega-6 fatty acids), no significant differences in concentrations as a result of diet were found. This suggests that all three protein sources performed similarly and that the all-vegetable diet supplemented with lysine is a suitable alternative to diets containing animal and fish protein sources for channel catfish grown under pond production conditions.
Effects of Exogenous Lipid Peroxides on Mortality and Tissue Alterations in Japanese Pearl Oysters Pinctada fucata martensii
Authors: Sugishita Yoshiyuki , Hirano Mizuki , Tsutsumi Kenichi , Mobin S. M. A. , Kanai Kinya , Yoshikoshi Kazuma
Published: August 2005

The effects of exogenous lipid peroxides, suspected to be a cellular injury factor that causes mass mortalities of cultured Japanese pearl oysters Pinctada fucata martensii, were investigated in vivo and in vitro. Cumulative mortalities of experimental oysters exposed to oxidized oils in suspension (fish feed oil) or emulsion (methyl linoleate) were approximately 40% after 8 or 9 weeks, whereas mortalities were 0.0% (suspension) and 5.6% (emulsion) in control oysters exposed to unoxidized oils. Pathological changes observed in experimental oysters were characterized by blebbing and necrosis of cells in various organs that had spread from the digestive organ and were identical to those observed in diseased oysters from natural mass mortalities. The thiobarbituric acid values of experimental oysters were consistently and significantly higher than those of control oysters. An in vitro exposure examination also demonstrated that oxidized oil caused conspicuous blebbing and necrosis in the epithelial cells of the digestive organ. These results suggest that organic pollution caused by suspended solids containing lipid peroxides, emulsion of oxidized oils, or both is a major environmental factor that chronically damages tissues of cultured oysters and can cause mass mortalities.
Intraovum Infection Caused by Flavobacterium psychrophilum among Eggs from Captive Atlantic Salmon Broodfish
Authors: Cipriano Rocco C.
Published: August 2005

This study indicated that the bacterium Flavobacterium psychrophilum induced an infection within eggs of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar that were held at federal New England restoration facilities. The pathogen, which originated from the Connecticut, Penobscot, Machias, East Machias, Dennys, Narraguagus, and Sheepscot rivers, was obtained from these eggs at concentrations that ranged from 5.0 × 102 to 2.5 × 108 colony-forming units per gram of egg, despite successive treatments with povidone iodine (I2). Treatments consisted of 50 mg/L of water for 30 min, then 100 mg/L for 10 min, followed at the eyed egg stage by 100 mg/L for 60 min. Collectively, 63% of the egg lots (77 of 122) obtained from paired matings of these captive broodfish were infected; 39% of these lots contained 10 or fewer infected eggs (60 eggs sampled per lot), and less than 10% of the lots contained more than 20 positive eggs. Consequently, standard iodophor disinfection procedures were ineffective. Eggs were positive from each of the river-specific captive brood populations during both of the spawning cycles that were studied. I concluded that F. psychrophilum established an intraovum infection that was prevalent among captive brood lots from different New England watersheds.
Tillage, Cover Crops, and Nitrogen Fertilization Effects on Cotton and Sorghum Root Biomass, Carbon, and Nitrogen
Authors: Sainju Upendra M. , Singh Bharat P. , Whitehead Wayne F.
Published: August 2005

Management practices may influence cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench)] root C and N inputs for improving soil quality. We examined the influence of three tillage practices [no‐till (NT), strip till (ST), and chisel till (CT)], four cover crops {legume [hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth)], nonlegume [rye (Secale cereale L.)], biculture of legume and nonlegume (vetch and rye), and no cover crops (winter weeds)}, and three N fertilization rates (0, 60–65, and 120–130 kg N ha−1) on cotton and sorghum root C and N from the 0‐ to 120‐cm soil depth. A field experiment was conducted in a Dothan sandy loam (fine‐loamy, kaolinitic, thermic, Plinthic Kandiudults) from 2000 to 2002 in central Georgia. Root C and N at 0 to 15 cm were greater in NT than in ST and CT in 2000 cotton and 2001 sorghum, but at 30 to 60 cm they were greater in ST than in NT and CT in 2000 cotton. Root C and N at 0 to 15 cm were also greater with vetch and rye biculture than with vetch and weeds in 2001 sorghum. Total root C and N at 0 to 120 cm were greater in ST with vetch than in ST with rye or in CT with weeds in 2000 cotton. In contrast, total root N was greater in NT with rye than in ST with rye or CT with vetch in 2001 sorghum and 2002 cotton. Total root N was also greater in CT with 60 kg N ha−1 than in NT or CT with 120 kg N ha−1 in 2000 cotton, but was greater in ST with 60 kg N ha−1 than in NT with 0 kg N ha−1 or CT with 120 kg N ha−1 in 2002 cotton. The NT or ST with vetch and rye cover crops and 60 kg N ha−1 may increase cotton and sorghum root C and N compared with CT with no cover crops and N fertilization, thereby helping to improve soil quality and productivity.
Surface‐Banding Liquid Manure over Aeration Slots: A New Low‐Disturbance Method for Reducing Ammonia Emissions and Improving Yield of Perennial Grasses
Authors: Bittman Shabtai , van Vliet Laurens J. P. , Kowalenko C. Grant , McGinn Sean , Hunt Derek E. , Bounaix Frederic
Published: August 2005

Low‐disturbance methods for applying slurry manure on forages are needed that can maximize crop response and minimize loss of nutrients to the environment. A new implement [Aerway SSD (subsurface deposition slurry applicator)] that bands manure over aeration‐type slots was assessed relative to conventional broadcasting and surface banding. The comparison was based on immediate and residual crop responses to single and multiple applications of dairy slurry by tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.). Also, ammonia emissions were compared using both semiopen chamber and micrometeorological (integrated horizontal flux) methods. The aeration slots without manure generally did not have a significant effect on yield or N uptake. Averaged over all harvests, surface banding increased yield and N uptake over broadcasting by 6.9 and 6.8%, respectively. The SSD increased yield and N uptake over surface banding by 4.4 and 7.5%, respectively. The relative effectiveness of the techniques on yield varied among experiments. In the ammonia volatilization trials (micrometeorological method), loss of applied total ammoniacal N in the 2 wk after application ranged from 36 to 61% for broadcast manure compared with 17 to 32% for SSD‐applied manure. With both micrometeorological and semiopen chamber, ammonia emissions from applied manure were 46 to 48% lower with the SSD than with broadcasting. Emissions from surface‐banded manure (chamber method) averaged 33% greater with surface banding than with the SSD. The results indicate that the SSD manure applicator reduced ammonia loss and increased yield and N uptake relative to broadcasting and surface‐banding techniques.
Relationships of Isoflavone, Oil, and Protein in Seed with Yield of Soybean
Authors: Yin Xinhua , Vyn Tony J.
Published: August 2005

Ideal soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production systems achieve both high seed yield and high concentrations of desired seed quality components. However, the relationships between seed quality and yield of soybean are largely unknown. This study sought to determine the relationships of isoflavone, oil, and protein with seed yield of soybean across a wide range of yield levels. Field experiments involving soybean response to K fertilizer applications in alternate tillage and soybean row‐width treatments were conducted at five locations in Ontario, Canada, from 1998 through 2000. Soybean yield and the concentrations and yields of oil, protein, daidzein, genistein, glycitein, and total isoflavone in seed were determined from a total of 13 trials. Oil concentration in seed decreased 4.2 g kg−1 with each megagram per hectare of increased seed yield. The relationship between protein concentration and seed yield was not significant. Concentrations of daidzein, glycitein, genistein, and total isoflavone increased by 249, 11, 164, and 427 mg kg−1 with each megagram per hectare of increased seed yield. Overall, oil and protein concentrations were much less responsive to seed yield increases compared with individual and total isoflavone concentrations. Daidzein was the most variable and glycitein the most stable isoflavone component. In addition, yields of individual and total isoflavones, and yields of oil and protein, were all positively related to seed yield. Our results suggest that high soybean seed yield can be accompanied by high concentrations of isoflavones without any substantial declines in oil and protein concentrations.
Optimization of Liquid Swine Manure Sidedress Rate and Method for Grain Corn
Authors: Ball Coelho B. R. , Roy R. C. , Bruin A. J.
Published: August 2005

Sidedressing may provide a better window of opportunity for land application of liquid swine (Sus scrofa) manure than early spring or fall application. Rates could be fine‐tuned to match crop N demand using the presidedress nitrate test (PSNT) if: (i) the yield response function to sidedress rate is consistent and (ii) yield and PSNT are positively correlated. To optimize application rate and method, we measured corn (Zea maysL.) grain yield response to in‐row injection (INJ) and topdress (TD) of liquid swine manure (LSM) sidedressed at different rates on clay loam (51‐cm rows in 1999) and silt loam (75‐cm rows from 2000–2002). Yields exceeded local long‐term averages with INJ in all but the wettest year, were variable with TD, and were 2 Mg ha−1greater with INJ than TD at 37.4 m3LSM ha−1. From the quadratic yield response to sidedress injection rate, optimal rate (to achieve 95% maximum yield) ranged from 38 to 63 m3ha−1(plot‐scale data; four 6‐m sections per plot) and 37 to 49 m3ha−1(field‐scale data; 0.2‐ha plots). Yields were correlated with the PSNT (r= 0.75 for no LSM sidedress;r= 0.24 for all treatments). Given the consistent yield response to sidedress INJ rate and accurate (correct 88% of the time) PSNT‐based predictions of additional N requirements (from comparisons of N fertilizer recommendation and relative yield), sidedress injection of LSM using the PSNT to fine‐tune rates according to crop N requirements can be considered as a best management practice.
Pubertal timing, hormones, and body composition among adolescent Turkana males
Authors: Campbell Benjamin C. , Leslie Paul W. , Little Michael A. , Campbell Kenneth L.
Published: August 2005

The Turkana, like other East African pastoral groups, are known for their tall adult stature, achieved despite a blunted growth spurt during adolescence and continued growth into the early 20s. To investigate the hormonal mechanisms associated with the pattern of slow and continued adolescent growth, we collected data on hormonal status, height, weight, and trunk skinfolds and ethnographic self‐reports of testicular maturation in a cross‐sectional sample of 35 nomadic and 37 settled Turkana males aged 14–24. Hormonal determinations included testosterone (T), sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG), and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in blood, in addition to urinary DHEA. Self‐reports of testicular maturation showed no difference between settled and nomadic subpopulations. However, nomadic boys exhibited significantly higher levels of T, DHEA, and SHBG. Of all the hormones, only SHBG showed a significant relationship with age. Multiple regression models show blood T and SHBG to be significant independent predictors of achieved height as well as weight, controlling for age. Our results suggest that onset of puberty is substantially delayed among Turkana males, and that bioavailable T is related to growth in stature during adolescence. We suggest that SHBG acts to mediate the effects of energy availability on adolescent growth in this energetically limited population. Our findings may also have implications for understanding adolescent growth amongHomo erectus. Am J Phys Anthropol 2005., © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Trauma‐induced changes in diaphyseal cross‐sectional geometry in two elites from Copan, Honduras
Authors: Nystrom Kenneth C. , Buikstra Jane E.
Published: August 2005

This research utilized biplanar radiographs to estimate cross‐sectional biomechanical properties for the skeletal remains of two elite individuals from the Early Classic period (ca. AD 400–600) of Copan, Honduras: K'inich Yax K'uk' Mo' (Hunal Burial 95‐2), founder of the Early Classic Dynasty at Copan, and the primary female interment (Burial 37‐8) from the Motmot tomb. Both individuals survived severe blunt‐force insults to the right forearm. Gross skeletal examination and evaluation of the radiographs for K'inich Yax K'uk' Mo' suggest that these traumas resulted from, at least in part, disuse atrophy of the affected forearm skeletal elements. Gross and radiologic evaluation of the Motmot remains countered the possibility that she suffered from a metabolic bone disease, and confirmed the presence of a well‐healed parry fracture of the right ulna. The degree of asymmetry in cross‐sectional biomechanical properties reported here for K'inich Yax K'uk' Mo' is likely the secondary result of the described blunt‐force trauma. The results obtained for the principal Motmot interment are not as dramatic, but suggest subtle changes to humeral cross‐sectional geometry subsequent to trauma. Am J Phys Anthropol., 2005 © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Determination and pharmacokinetic study of chlorogenic acid in rat dosed with Yin‐Huang granules by RP‐HPLC
Authors: Li Xin‐Pu , Yu Jie , Luo Jin‐Yin , Li Hong‐Sheng , Han Fu‐Jie , Chen Xing‐Guo , Hu Zhi‐De
Published: August 2005

A reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatographic (RP‐HPLC) method was described for the determination of chlorogenic acid (CGA) in rat plasma using protocatechuic acid as internal standard (IS). CGA in plasma was extracted with acetonitrile, which also acted as deproteinization agent. Chromatographic separation was performed on a Kromasil C18 column with methanol–0.2 m acetic acid (pH 3.0, 25:75, v/v) as mobile phase at a flow‐rate of 1.0 mL/min with an operating temperature of 30°C and UV detection at 300 nm. The standard curve was found to be linear over the concentration ranges of 0.4–2.5 µg/mL and 2.5–40 µg/mL, and the limit of quantification (LOQ) was 0.4 µg/mL. The analytical precision and accuracy were validated by relative standard deviation (RSD) and relative error, which were in ranges 3.14–10.78% and −2.20–5.00%, respectively. The average recovery of CGA was 87.59%. The method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of CGA in Yin‐Huang granules. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transposon tools and methods in zebrafish
Authors: Kawakami Koichi
Published: August 2005

Zebrafish is an excellent model animal to study vertebrate development by genetic approaches. Hundreds of mutations affecting various processes of development have been isolated by chemical mutagenesis and insertional mutagenesis using a pseudotyped retrovirus. However, useful transposon tools and methods had not been available in zebrafish. This is mainly because no active transposable element has been found from the zebrafish genome. Recently, efficient transgenesis, gene trap, and enhancer trap methods have been developed in zebrafish by using the Tol2 and the Sleeping Beauty transposon systems. These methods should increase the usefulness of zebrafish as a model vertebrate and facilitate the study of developmental biology, genetics, and genomics. Developmental Dynamics 234:244–254, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Challenges in the study of neuronal differentiation: A view from the embryonic eye
Authors: Adler Ruben
Published: August 2005

Progress in the study of the molecular mechanisms that regulate neuronal differentiation has been quite impressive in recent years, and promises to continue to an equally fast pace. This should not lead us into a sense of complacency, however, because there are still significant barriers that cannot be overcome by simply conducting the same type of experiments that we have been performing thus far. This article will describe some of these challenges, while highlighting the conceptual and methodological breakthroughs that will be necessary to overcome them. Developmental Dynamics 234:454–463, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
vHnf1 regulates specification of caudal rhombomere identity in the chick hindbrain
Authors: Aragón Ferran , Vázquez‐Echeverría Citlali , Ulloa Encarna , Reber Michael , Cereghini Silvia , Alsina Berta , Giraldez Fernando , Pujades Cristina
Published: August 2005

The homeobox‐containing gene variant hepatocyte nuclear factor‐1 (vHnf1) has recently been shown to be involved in zebrafish caudal hindbrain specification, notably in the activation of MafB and Krox20 expression. We have explored this regulatory network in the chick by in ovo electroporation in the neural tube. We show that misexpression of vHnf1 confers caudal identity to more anterior regions of the hindbrain. Ectopic expression of mvHnf1 leads to ectopic activation of MafB and Krox20, and downregulation of Hoxb1 in rhombomere 4. Unexpectedly, mvhnf1 strongly upregulates Fgf3 expression throughout the hindbrain, in both a cell‐autonomous and a non‐cell‐autonomous manner. Blockade of FGF signaling correlates with a selective loss of MafB and Krox20 expression, without affecting the expression of vHnf1, Fgf3, or Hoxb1. Based on these observations, we propose that in chick, as in zebrafish, vHnf1 acts with FGF to promote caudal hindbrain identity by activating MafB and Krox20 expression. However, our data suggest differences in the vHnf1 downstream cascade in different vertebrates. Developmental Dynamics 234:567–576, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Screening of plenum cables using a small‐scale fire test protocol
Authors: Khan Mohammed M. , Bill Robert G. , Alpert Ronald L.
Published: August 2005

The extent of flame propagation of electric cables in the FM Global intermediate‐scale parallel panel test (PPT) using a 60 kW sand burner has been correlated with a dimensional fire propagation index (FPI,)[(m/s1/2)/(kW/m)2/3] derived from ignition and vertical propagation tests in small‐scale ASTM E‐2058 Fire Propagation Apparatus (FPA). Two distinct types of fire behavior were observed in the PPT. The cables that did not propagate beyond the vicinity of the ignition burner flames have a FPI equal to or less than 7 [(m/s1/2)/(kW/m)2/3], whereas cables that propagated to the top of the 4.9 m parallel panels had a FPI equal to or greater than 14 [(m/s1/2)/(kW/m)2/3]. All the plenum rated (Ul‐910 or NFPA 262 tested) cables tested in this study did not exhibit flame propagation in the PPT, had FPI values of 7 [(m/s1/2)/(kW/m)2/3] or less and generated considerably lower smoke than those cables that propagated in the PPT. Based on this study, it is suggested that FPI measured in ASTM E‐2058 FPA may be used for screening cables for UL‐910 or NFPA262 tests, thus requiring substantially less cable to be supplied for testing. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trademark image retrieval by distance–angle pair‐wise histogram
Authors: Lin Shinfeng D. , Shie Shih‐Chieh , Chen Wen‐Sheng , Shu B. Y. , Yang X. L. , Su Yu‐Lung
Published: August 2005

Because of the continuously increasing number of registered trademarks, it is more and more difficult to design and register a new trademark without conflicting with the registered trademarks or logos. Traditionally, trademark indexing by text description is applied for trademark image databases. However, as more and more trademarks have been designed with complex content, describing a trademark only with text description is not an efficient approach any more. Therefore, trademark indexing by its content is required for comparing, retrieving and classifying similar trademarks. In this article, a content‐based trademark image retrieval system is proposed. The newly designed trademarks can be avoided from being similar with the registered ones with such a system. This scheme makes use of the distance–angle pair‐wise histogram as a feature vector of trademark shape for retrieving similar registered trademarks. Several moment‐based trademark retrieval schemes have also been implemented in computer simulations. Experiments have been conducted on registered trademark databases. Impressive results are shown to demonstrate the robustness of the proposed scheme. Moreover, it is quite simple to construct the distance–angle pair‐wise histogram for a trademark object. Therefore, the retrieval speed is acceptable and the system can be accessed through internet on a web browser. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 15, 103–113, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ima.20043
Stereoscopic imaging and computer vision of impinging fires by a single camera with a stereo adapter
Authors: Ng Wen Bin , Zhang Yang
Published: August 2005

In this article, the novelty of using a single camera for stereoscopic imaging and computer vision of fire dynamics has been described. Specifically, 3D surface topology of the fires can be reconstructed and visualized using stereoscopic methodology. The basic stereo apparatus used in the present study consists of a high‐resolution digital camera and a stereo adapter, which is mounted to the front filter ring of the camera. A pair of stereo images could therefore be formed through the same lens system and recorded simultaneously on the same charge coupled device (CCD) chip. The mechanism of using a stereo adapter for stereoscopic imaging and its geometry has been elaborated in detail. The digitally reconstructed 3D results have also been validated by optical stereoscopic viewing using a pair of electronic shutter glasses synchronized with a computer monitor. The results have demonstrated that the single camera technique is a very powerful and cost‐effective diagnostic tool for fire studies. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 15, 114–122, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ima.20044