bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of different dry eye treatments with artificial tears or ocular lubricants: a systematic review
Authors: Doughty Michael J. , Glavin Sara
Published: August 2009

Purpose:  To objectively review the outcome of clinical studies where rose bengal stain (RB) has been used as an outcome measure to assess the efficacy of artificial tears (AT) in patients with dry eye.

Methods:  From peer‐reviewed articles published between 1947 and 2008, information was sought on dry eye status, as reported using a grading scheme, after use of RB as a diagnostic test, before and after use of a specific regimen of artificial tears or ocular lubricants for approximately 30 days. Mean baseline scores and post‐treatment scores were calculated, along with the net change and the percentage change in the RB scores.

Results:  From a total of 33 suitable data sets, published between 1985 and 2006, the group mean pre‐treatment RB score was 4.25 ± 1.55 (±S.D.), which decreased to 2.84 ± 1.24 after 30 days of treatment. This represented a net change of −1.43 (95% CI of −1.04 to −1.45). For use of traditional AT (saline, hypromellose, etc), the net change was −0.95, it was −1.33 for use of carbomer (polyacrylic acid) gels and −2.10 for hyaluronic acid (HA) products. These changes represented net improvements of 25.9 ± 18.4%, 38.0 ± 20.7% and 41.8 ± 16.3% respectively. The greater change with HA was not associated with a lower final outcome score, but with higher pre‐treatment scores.

Conclusions:  Based on RB grading schemes used by numerous different clinicians over many years, treatment of dry eye with artificial tears or ocular lubricants can be expected to improve the condition of the exposed ocular surface. Assuming no improvement without treatment, a 30 days treatment period can be projected to produce an overall improvement of around 25%, but with no unambiguous statistical differences between product types.
Temporary host paralysis and avoidance of self‐superparasitism in the solitary endoparasitoid Meteorus pulchricornis
Authors: Chau Nguyen Ngoc Bao , Maeto Kaoru
Published: August 2009

We suggest a new mechanism for the avoidance of self‐superparasitism by a solitary endoparasitoid of free‐living hosts. Meteorus pulchricornis (Wesmael) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a solitary larval endoparasitoid of a wide range of Lepidoptera. First, we tested the tendency to avoid multiple oviposition on Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae, examining the distribution pattern of eggs deposited in 20 hosts in 24 h. The standardized Morisita index of dispersion (Ip) for the number of eggs in a host larva was almost always below zero, and the 95% confidence limits of the means were lower than zero for both experienced and inexperienced females, indicating that parasitoids tend to avoid multiple oviposition, although not completely. Second, we observed changes in host movements (head shaking and forward movement) after oviposition and the occurrence of additional ovipositions in pre‐oviposited hosts, because a recent study indicated the necessity of visual cues provided by host movements for oviposition by this species. The incidence of host movements decreased markedly after oviposition and remained at a low level for approximately 1 h, during which time additional ovipositions were rarely observed. Temporary host paralysis after oviposition would be a new mechanism for the avoidance of self‐superparasitism in a solitary endoparasitoid using visual cues from moving hosts for oviposition.
Topical application of a plant extract to different life stages of Trichoplusia ni fails to influence feeding or oviposition behaviour
Authors: Akhtar Yasmin , Shikano Ikkei , Isman Murray B.
Published: August 2009

We have previously determined that larval feeding experience with a feeding/oviposition deterrent modified the feeding responses of larvae and oviposition responses of subsequent moths. These behavioural changes were attributed to learning, but the possibility of chemical legacy could not be ruled out. In the present study, we have topically applied a feeding/oviposition deterrent plant extract from Hoodia gordonii (Masson) Sweet ex Decne (Asclepiadaceae) to larvae, pupae, and adults of Trichoplusia ni (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to determine whether the feeding response of larvae and oviposition response of subsequent female moths is similarly modified by chemicals applied to the external surface of the insect. Our results indicate that traces of the extract that may be present internally or externally on the larvae do not reduce the feeding deterrent response of larvae. Furthermore, traces of the extract in or on larvae, pupae, or adult moths did not alter oviposition choice of female moths, leading us to discount the role of experience through topical application in this study. The fact that feeding/oviposition choice was only influenced by prior feeding experience of the larvae and not by topical administration suggests that habituation via sensory stimulation through mouthpart chemosensilla is likely a central phenomenon. Continuous exposure of adult moths to the extract over a period of 7 days did not affect the oviposition response of the female moths, ruling out the role of adult experience on host‐plant selection in T. ni. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the role of experience via topical application of chemicals onto all life stages of the insect except the egg. Chemical legacy may not be playing a role in influencing the oviposition choices of female T. ni moths.
Mechanisms contributing to the competitive success of the invasive fruit fly Bactrocera invadens over the indigenous mango fruit fly, Ceratitis cosyra: the role of temperature and resource pre‐emption
Authors: Rwomushana Ivan , Ekesi Sunday , Ogol Callistus K.P.O. , Gordon Ian
Published: August 2009

We investigated the influence of temperature and infestation sequence on interspecific competition between two fruit flies: an invasive (Bactrocera invadens Drew, Tsuruta & White, (B) and a native (Ceratitis cosyra Walker, C) (both Diptera: Tephritidae) species. Mango fruits [Mangifera indica L. (Anacardiaceae)] were co‐infested with larvae at different constant temperatures (15, 20, 25, and 30 °C) and relative humidity of 50 ± 8%, using different infestation sequences at each temperature (BC together; BC/CB 1, 2, and 3 days apart). There were significant effects of competition in most experimental treatments, resulting in reduced larval survival, pupal mass, and adult emergence for both species. At most of the infestation/temperature combinations, C. cosyra was clearly the inferior competitor. The only exception was at 20 °C when the outcome depended on the sequence of infestation: no C. cosyra survived when the sequence was BC, but more C. cosyra than B. invadens survived when it was CB. At 15 °C, all C. cosyra larvae died, while the development of B. invadens was prolonged and adult emergence reduced. We conclude that resource pre‐emption and fluctuations in temperature in mango agroecosystems help to explain observed shifts in dominance between B. invadens and C. cosyra on mango in many parts of Africa. The small window of competitive superiority for C. cosyra at 20 °C and CB infestation sequence, together with other factors such as fecundity and alternative hosts, may allow for co‐existence in some environments.
Sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma metastatic to the skin
Authors: Sohsman Marie , Yang Hui‐Min , Cassarino David S.
Published: August 2009

Sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC) is an aggressive malignancy of disputed histogenesis that arises in the sinonasal tract and has an extremely poor prognosis. Despite multimodality treatment with surgical resection, radiation, and chemotherapy, recurrence is common. The tumor spreads by direct local extension, but also metastasizes to lymph nodes, brain, lung and bone. To date, reports of metastasis to the skin have not been published. We report a case of a 58‐year‐old woman diagnosed with SNUC who underwent surgical resection of the tumor followed by chemoradiation. The tumor soon recurred, and she required wide re‐excision. Two months after this procedure, she developed multiple dermal nodules in the head and neck region, clinically suspicious for metastases. Biopsy of a nodule from the right neck revealed a poorly differentiated carcinoma, with morphological and immunohistochemical findings consistent with a metastasis of the patient's known SNUC. We conclude that the skin may be a rare site of metastasis of SNUC, and in some cases may be the presenting sign of tumor recurrence despite aggressive multimodality treatment.

Sohsman M, Yang H‐M, Cassarino DS. Sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma metastatic to the skin.
Patch area, substrate depth, and richness affect giving‐up densities: a test with mourning doves and cottontail rabbits
Authors: Abu Baker Mohammad A. , Brown Joel S.
Published: August 2009

We compared the foraging behavior of mourning doves Zenaida macroura and cottontail rabbits Sylvilagus floridanus in patches that varied in initial food abundance, surface area and substrate depth. We measured giving‐up densities (GUD), food harvest and proportion of food harvested to investigate their ability to respond to characteristics of resource patches. GUDs have been analyzed in three ways: grams of per patch, grams per unit surface area (GUDAREA), and grams per unit volume of sand (GUDVOL).

Mourning doves and cottontails exhibited similar responses to resource density and sand depth. Both foragers detected and responded to variation in initial food abundance. The proportion of food harvested from a patch increased from 40.7, 43.8 to 48.3% (for the doves) and 34.9, 35.8 to 38.4% (for the rabbits) in patches of low, medium and high initial food abundance, respectively. Deeper substrates reduced the foragers’ encounter probability with food, decreased patch quality and resulted in higher GUDs (60% higher in the deepest relative to shallowest substrate) and lower harvests. A significant interaction between initial food abundance and substrate depth showed that both species were willing to dig deeper in patches with higher resource density. Patch size (surface area) had no effect on food harvest or the proportion of food harvested. Consequently, GUDAREA and GUDVOL increased in patches with a smaller surface area. Smaller patches appeared to hamper the dove's and cottontail's movement across the surface.

Our results revealed that mourning doves and cottontails forage under imperfect information. Both species were able to respond to patch properties by biasing their feeding efforts toward rich and easy opportunities, however, mourning doves were more efficient at food harvesting.

The interaction of patch area, volume and food abundance directly influenced food harvest. Such resource characters occur under natural situations where food varies in abundance, area of distribution, and accessibility.
Using trophic hierarchy to understand food web structure
Authors: Scotti Marco , Bondavalli Cristina , Bodini Antonio , Allesina Stefano
Published: August 2009

Link arrangement in food webs is determined by the species’ feeding habits. This work investigates whether food web topology is organized in a gradient of trophic positions from producers to consumers. To this end, we analyzed 26 food webs for which the consumption rate of each species was specified. We computed the trophic positions and the link densities of all species in the food webs. Link density measures how much each species contributes to the distribution of energy in the system. It is expressed as the number of links species establish with other nodes, weighted by their magnitude. We computed these two metrics using various formulations developed in the ecological network analysis framework. Results show a positive correlation between trophic position and link density across all the systems, regardless the specific formulas used to measure the two quantities. We performed the same analysis on the corresponding binary matrices (i.e. removing information about rates). In addition, we investigated the relation between trophic position and link density in: a) simulated binary webs with same connectance as the original ones; b) weighted webs with constant topology but randomized link strengths and c) weighted webs with constant connectance where both topology and link strengths are randomized. The correlation between the two indices attenuates, vanishes or becomes negative in the case of binary food webs and simulated data (weighted and unweighted).

According to our analysis, link density in food webs decreases with trophic position so that it is greatly reduced toward the top of the trophic hierarchy. This outcome, that seems to challenge previous conclusions based on null models, strongly depends on link quantification. Including interaction strengths may improve substantially our understanding of food web organization, and possibly contradict results based on the analysis of binary webs.
Disentangling complex fine‐scale ecological patterns by path modelling using GLMM and GIS
Authors: Bakkestuen Vegar , Halvorsen Rune , Heegaard Einar
Published: August 2009

Question: How can statistical modelling tools (GLMM) and GIS be used as an aid in understanding complex ecological patterns? This general question was approached by using bryophyte demography data as an example. More specifically, we asked what is the contribution of terrain shape to explaining the performance and fate of plant individuals, controlling for all other known relationships?

Location: Norway.

Methods: Information on demography was obtained for 140 populations of the perennial clonal bryophyte Hylocomium splendens in Norway spruce forests during an 11‐year period (1992‐2002). Performance (size and branching pattern) was recorded for mature segments and fate was recorded for growing points. Positions of each of the more than 30 000 recorded bryophyte ramets were coupled with (micro‐) topographic characteristics (slope and convexity) derived from fine‐scale digital elevation models in a GIS framework. Carefully planned sequences of generalised linear mixed models (GLMM) were performed to test predictions from a conceptual path model.

Results: We demonstrate strong dependence of size on branching, fate and on vertical position in the bryophyte carpet, and an effect of vertical position on branching pattern. Micro‐topography contributed to explaining plant performance by four different mechanisms: (1) a direct effect of slope on the segment's vertical position in the carpet; (2‐3) direct effects of both slope and convexity on fates of individuals via controls on risk of burial; and (4) an indirect effect of convexity on branching pattern via a direct effect on size. No indication of a direct effect of terrain on branching was found.

Conclusions: Our study exemplifies the usefulness of GLMM for disentangling complex ecological relationships. Specifically, we recognise micro‐topography as a potentially important factor for plant demography in general and for performance and fate of individuals in particular.
USING A META‐ANALYTIC PERSPECTIVE TO ENHANCE JOB COMPONENT VALIDATION
Authors: STEEL PIERS , KAMMEYER‐MUELLER JOHN
Published: August 2009

This paper develops synthetic validity estimates based on a meta‐analytic‐weighted least squares (WLS) approach to job component validity (JCV), using position analysis questionnaire (PAQ) estimates of job characteristics, and the Data, People, & Things ratings from the Dictionary of Occupational Titles as indices of job complexity. For the general aptitude test battery database of 40,487 employees, nine validity coefficients were estimated for 192 positions. The predicted validities from the WLS approach had lower estimated variability than would be obtained from either the classic JCV approach or local criterion‐related validity studies. Data, People, & Things summary ratings did not consistently moderate validity coefficients, whereas the PAQ data did moderate validity coefficients. In sum, these results suggest that synthetic validity procedures should incorporate a WLS regression approach. Moreover, researchers should consider a comprehensive set of job characteristics when considering job complexity rather than a single aggregated index.
DAILY WORK STRESS AND ALCOHOL USE: TESTING THE CROSS‐LEVEL MODERATION EFFECTS OF NEUROTICISM AND JOB INVOLVEMENT
Authors: LIU SONGQI , WANG MO , ZHAN YUJIE , SHI JUNQI
Published: August 2009

Employee alcohol use has been shown to be prevalent and have potential detrimental effects for both employees' health and work outcomes. In this study, we used a daily telephone interview to investigate the relationships between work stress and alcohol use in a sample of Chinese workers. The results from multilevel modeling showed that daily work stress was significantly related to daily alcohol use and desire to drink. Further, there were significant interindividual variations in the work stress–alcohol use/desire to drink relationships that were predicted by neuroticism and job involvement. Both theoretical and practical implications of this study are discussed.
EFFECTS OF DESCRIPTOR SPECIFICITY AND OBSERVABILITY ON INCUMBENT WORK ANALYSIS RATINGS
Authors: DIERDORFF ERICH C. , MORGESON FREDERICK P.
Published: August 2009

Judgments regarding the requirements of jobs and the requirements of individuals performing those jobs comprise the critical groundwork on which human resource practices are built. Yet, such judgments are potentially limited in a variety of ways. Using a large sample of incumbents (N = 47,137) spanning over 300 different occupations, we present research empirically examining how the specificity and observability of focal descriptors affect subsequent ratings. We use variance component (VC) estimation and meta‐analysis to investigate sources of variance and interrater reliability of importance ratings across 5 descriptors (tasks, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and traits). Results indicate that when ratings are rendered on descriptors of low specificity and low observability (e.g., traits), variance due to rater idiosyncrasies increases and reliability decreases. Implications for work analysis practice and future research are discussed.
The structures of distant galaxies — IV. A new empirical measurement of the time-scale for galaxy mergers — implications for the merger history
Authors: Conselice Christopher J.
Published: August 2009

Understanding the role of mergers in galaxy formation is one of the most outstanding problems in extragalactic astronomy. While we now have an idea for how the merger fraction evolves at redshifts z < 3, converting this merger fraction into merger rates, and therefore how many mergers an average galaxy undergoes during its history, is still uncertain. The main reason for this is that the inferred number of mergers depends highly upon the time-scale observational methods are sensitive for finding ongoing or past mergers. While there are several theoretical and model-based estimates of merger times, there is currently no empirical measure of this time-scale. We present the first observationally based measurement of merger times utilizing the observed decline in the galaxy major merger fraction at z < 1.2 based on >20 000 galaxies in the Extended Groth Strip Survey and Cosmic Evolution Survey. Using a new methodology described in this Letter, we are able to determine how long a galaxy remains identifiable as a merging system within the CAS system. We find a maximum CAS major merger time-scale of 1.1 ± 0.3 Gyr at z < 1.2, and a most likely CAS merger time-scale of 0.6 ± 0.3 Gyr, in good agreement with results from N-body simulations. Utilizing this time-scale, we are able to measure the number of major mergers galaxies with masses M* > 1010 M⊙ undergo at z < 1.2, with a total number Nm= 0.90+0.44−0.23. We further show that this time-scale is inconsistent with a star formation origin for ultrahigh asymmetries, thereby providing further evidence that structural methods are able to locate mostly merging galaxies.
Glucocorticoid‐induced osteoporosis: unawareness or negligence in India?
Authors: GERA Chanchal , VIJ Amarjit Singh
Published: August 2009

Background:  The burden of osteoporosis is on the rise and glucocorticoids are one of the leading causes of drug‐induced osteoporosis. According to available guidelines, patients on long‐term glucocorticoid therapy should receive adequate prophylaxis to prevent osteoporosis.

Objectives:  To compare prescription patterns in relation to Royal College of Physicians (RCP) Guidelines 2002. To identify prescribing trends for prophylaxis and management of steroid‐induced osteoporosis.

Methods:  We conducted a retrospective audit for patients in a tertiary care center to determine whether clinicians are evaluating and appropriately following prophylactic guidelines for corticoid‐induced osteoporosis. Information regarding risk assessment for osteoporosis, instructions regarding its prevention, bone mineral density measurements, and prophylactic therapy were recorded.

Results:  One hundred and five patients (38 men and 67 women), more then 18 years of age were included in this study. Of the 105 patients, 56% had at least one documented intervention for osteoporosis prevention (calcium, vitamin D, bisphosphonates or a bone mineral density study). Only three patients received bisphosphonates for osteoporosis prophylaxis.

Conclusion:  The study shows poor pre‐therapeutic risk assessment, absence of instructions regarding preventive measures, inappropriate investigation for presence of osteoporosis, and unacceptable absence of bone protective agents.
High‐dose prednisolone and bolus cyclophosphamide in interstitial lung disease associated with systemic sclerosis: a prospective open study
Authors: WANCHU Ajay , SURYANARYANA Bettadpura Shamanna , SHARMA Shefali , SHARMA Aman , BAMBERY Pradeep
Published: August 2009

Aim:  Currently, therapy for interstitial lung disease in patients with systemic sclerosis is unsatisfactory. A prospective open label study was conducted in a North Indian tertiary Institute to assess the efficacy of intermittent pulse cyclophosphamide (CYC) and high‐dose prednisolone in systemic sclerosis (SSc)‐related interstitial lung disease (ILD).

Methods:  Consecutive patients with SSc and ILD, diagnosed on spirometry, carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO) and high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan were treated. Pulmonary function tests were carried out at baseline and after 6 months. Patients received oral prednisolone 1 mg/kg body weight initially, with tapering to a dose of 7.5 mg/day was reached. Monthly CYC pulses were given for 6 months followed by 3‐monthly maintenance pulses. CYC was discontinued in patients with declining pulmonary function, adverse effects or static disease after 6 months.

Results:  Average disease duration of 36 patients was 59.78 ± 63.22 months. Seven patients improved (forced vital capacity [FVC] increase 10% or DLCO increase 15%), five deteriorated (FVC decline 10% or DLCO decline 15%) and 24 had stable disease. Thus, 31 out of 36 patients either improved or had static lung disease. Mean FVC (% of predicted) improved by 4.16% over 6 months (P = 0.069). Mean DLCO (% of predicted) improved by 5.66% (P = 0.27). Average % of predicted DLCO at baseline was 39%.

Conclusion:  High‐dose prednisolone with pulse CYC can either improve or stabilize lung functions in patients with severe systemic sclerosis lung disease irrespective of presence of ground glass appearance on HRCT.
Does prolonged systemic glucocorticoid use increase risk of tophus formation among gouty arthritis patients?
Authors: RASO Anne‐Annette P. , STO.NIÑO Oscar Vic , LI‐YU Julie
Published: August 2009

Aim:  To determine the relationship of steroid use with tophus formation and other comorbid conditions among male gout patients.

Methods:  Review of medical records of Filipino gout patients under the care of rheumatologists was conducted. Univariate analysis (chi‐square, Student’s t‐test) and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed to establish the risk for tophus formation among glucocorticoid users. Bivariate analysis was separately done to determine the confounding effect of steroid use in the association of comorbidities and tophi formation.

Results:  There were 295 Filipino men with a mean age of 56 years and a mean duration of 12 years of gouty arthritis who were included in the study. Multivariate analysis showed a five times higher likelihood (OR 4.81 95% CI 1.92–12.04, P < 0.001) for tophus formation among prolonged steroid users. Confounders identified were disease duration of gout (≥ 10 years), presence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and elevated serum creatinine level (SCr). Bivariate analysis of comorbidities showed that steroid use introduced a considerable bias in the relationship of hypertension, elevated SCr, CKD and dyslipidemia.

Conclusion:  Patients with equivalent prednisone intake of at least 15 mg/week for ≥ 3 months is associated with tophi formation. In the presence of hypertension, renal impairment, and elevated serum creatinine level, use of steroids confounds the individual risk that each factor carries.
Destructive arthritis in Behçet’s disease: a report of eight cases and literature review
Authors: FRIKHA F. , MARZOUK S. , KADDOUR N. , FRIGUI M. , BAHLOUL Z.
Published: August 2009

Behçet’s disease (BD) is a multisystemic disease with typically non‐erosive and non‐deforming joint manifestations. The occurrence of destructive arthritis in Behçet’s disease has rarely been reported. Here we attempt to define the epidemiological, clinical and radiological features of this unusual type of osteoarticular manifestation of BD. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 553 patients with Behçet’s disease seen over 25‐year period in our department of Internal Medicine (Sfax‐Tunisia). All the patients fulfilled The International Study Group of Behçet’s Disease criteria. Patients with destructive arthritis (defined by radiological changes: erosions and/or geodes and/or global narrowing of the joint space and/or ankylosis) were included in this study. Rheumatologic manifestations were observed in 71.1% patients. Eight patients (1.4% overall, 2% among patients with rheumatologic manifestations) had presented with destructive arthritis. The joint symptoms involved the knee in two cases, the wrist in one case, the elbow (one case), the sternoclavicular joint in two cases, the foot in one case and the tarsal scaphoïd in one case. There was recurrent arthritis at the same joint in the majority of cases. X‐ray examinations revealed radiological changes: global narrowing of the joint in one case (knee), narrowing of the joint with geodes in three cases (knee, sternoclavicular), isolated geodes in two cases (tarsal scaphoid, foot) and severe lesions with ankylosis in two cases (two elbows, right wrist). Joint manifestations are common in patients with BD, but destructive arthritis is rare.
Abdominal angiostrongyliasis: what does the rheumatologist must know about it?
Authors: PALOMINOS Penélope Esther , MASSIGNAN Angela , MONTICIELO Odirlei André , BORTOLI Rodrigo , KOHEM Charles , CRUZ Dennis Baroni , KEISERMAN Briele , MUSTAFÁ Yasser , BRENOL João Carlos Tavares , XAVIER Ricardo Machado
Published: August 2009

Abdominal angiostrongyliasis (AA) is a disease caused by Angiostrongylus costaricensis, a nematode that can infect humans accidentally through the ingestion of larvae. Worms live inside intestinal small vessels and can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms and bowel necrosis in otherwise healthy patients. Therefore, abdominal angiostrongyliasis may be important in the differential diagnosis with systemic vasculitides and other rheumatic diseases with vascular involvement. We report a case of abdominal angiostrongyliasis in an 18‐year‐old woman presenting with necrosis of the terminal ileum.
Evidence for Obliquity Forcing of Glacial Termination II
Authors: Drysdale R. N. , Hellstrom J. C. , Zanchetta G. , Fallick A. E. , Sánchez Goñi M. F. , Couchoud I. , McDonald J. , Maas R. , Lohmann G. , Isola I.
Published: August 2009

Oblique Reasoning

In Milankovich theory, the canonical theory of glaciation and deglaciation, ice sheets wax and wane in response to the amount of summer insolation at a latitude of 65°N, which is consistent with the observed timing of the last deglaciation. The penultimate glaciation behaved quite differently, however. Now,

Drysdale
et al.

(p.
1527
, published online 13 August) offer firmer constraints on the timing of the penultimate deglaciation, by correlating a difficult-to-date marine record of ocean volume to a precisely datable nearby speleothem (terrestrial stalagmite). Ocean volume began to increase about 141,000 years ago, thousands of years before the rise in 65°N summer insolation. Thus, instead of the forcing mechanism proposed by Milankovich, variations in Earth's obliquity may be mostly responsible for the disappearance of ice sheets.
An Acidic Matrix Protein, Pif, Is a Key Macromolecule for Nacre Formation
Authors: Suzuki Michio , Saruwatari Kazuko , Kogure Toshihiro , Yamamoto Yuya , Nishimura Tatsuya , Kato Takashi , Nagasawa Hiromichi
Published: August 2009

Making Mother of Pearl

Nacre is an iridescent layer of calcium carbonate lining the inside of shells of marine mollusks and is commonly known as “mother of pearl.” It is composed of layers of uniformly oriented crystals of aragonite (a metastable form of calcium carbonate) separated by layers of organic matrix. How the ordered structure of aragonite layers is achieved has been unclear.

Suzuki
et al.

(p.
1388
, published online 13 August 2009; see the Perspective by

Kröger

) identified two acidic matrix proteins (Pif 97 and Pif 80) that regulate nacre formation in the Japanese pearl oyster. The proteins appear to form a complex in which Pif 80 binds to aragonite and Pif 97 binds to other macromolecules in the organic matrix.
Clinical effectiveness of customised sport shoe orthoses for overuse injuries in runners: a randomised controlled study
Authors: Hirschmüller A , Baur H , Müller S , Helwig P , Dickhuth H-H , Mayer F
Published: August 2009

Background and objectives

Treatment of chronic running-related overuse injuries by orthopaedic shoe orthoses is very common but not evidence-based to date.

Hypothesis

Polyurethane foam orthoses adapted to a participant's barefoot plantar pressure distribution are an effective treatment option for chronic overuse injuries in runners.

Design

Prospective, randomised, controlled clinical trial.

Intervention

51 patients with running injuries were treated with custom-made, semirigid running shoe orthoses for 8 weeks. 48 served as a randomised control group that continued regular training activity without any treatment.

Main outcome

measures Evaluation was made by the validated pain questionnaire Subjective Pain Experience Scale, the pain disability index and a comfort index in the orthoses group (ICI).

Results

There were statistically significant differences between the orthoses and control groups at 8 weeks for the pain disability index (mean difference 3.2; 95% CI 0.9 to 5.5) and the Subjective Pain Experience Scale (6.6; 2.6 to 10.6). The patients with orthoses reported a rising wearing comfort (pre-treatment ICI 69/100; post-treatment ICI 83/100) that was most pronounced in the first 4 weeks (ICI 80.4/100).

Conclusion

Customised polyurethane running shoe orthoses are an effective conservative therapy strategy for chronic running injuries with high comfort and acceptance of injured runners.
Indoor concentrations of nicotine in low-income, multi-unit housing: associations with smoking behaviours and housing characteristics
Authors: Kraev T A , Adamkiewicz G , Hammond S K , Spengler J D
Published: August 2009

Objective:

An analysis of airborne nicotine measurements collected in 49 low-income, multi-unit residences across the Greater Boston Area.

Methods:

Nicotine concentrations were determined using passive monitors placed in homes over a one-week sampling period and air exchange rates (AER) were sampled using the perfluorocarbon tracer technique. Residents were surveyed through a questionnaire about smoking behaviour and a visual inspection was conducted to collect information on housing characteristics contributing to secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure. Using a mass balance model to account for the air exchange rate, volume of the home and sorption and re-emission of nicotine on indoor surfaces, the effective smoking rate (SReff) was determined for each residence.

Results:

Nicotine levels ranged from the limit of detection to 26.92 μg/m3, with a mean of 2.20 μg/m3and median of 0.13 μg/m3. Nicotine measurements were significantly associated with the number of smokers in the household and the number of cigarettes smoked in the home. The results of this study suggest that questionnaire reports can provide a valid estimate of residential exposure to tobacco smoke. In addition, this study found evidence that tobacco smoke contamination in low-income housing developments is not limited to homes with smokers (either residing in the home or visiting). The frequent report of tobacco smoke odour coming from other apartments or hallways resulted in increased levels of nicotine concentrations and SReffin non-smoking homes, suggestive of SHS infiltration from neighbouring units.

Conclusion:

These findings have important implications for smoking regulations in multi-unit homes and highlight the need to reduce involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke among low-income housing residents.
Segregation of allozyme loci in megagametophytes of Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir
Authors: Shea Kathleen L.
Published: August 2009

Segregation ratios and linkage of 10 allozyme loci were examined in haploid megagametophytes obtained from natural populations of Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) and subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) in the Colorado Front Range. For data pooled over trees, the 1:1 segregation ratio expected at Mendelian loci was obtained for five polymorphic loci in 32 Engelmann spruce trees and for seven polymorphic loci in 40 subalpine fir trees. The Gdh and Idh loci in spruce were very tightly linked: no recombinants were detected among 60 megagametophytes of trees heterozygous for both loci. In fir only the Aco and Pgm-1 loci were linked, with an estimated recombination rate of 0.317 ± 0.073. The low levels of among-tree heterogeneity and of segregation distortion found in these populations suggest that reliable estimates of both genetic variation and outcrossing rates can be obtained using allozyme data from these wind-pollinated species.Key words: segregation, linkage, allozymes, Engelmann spruce, subalpine fir.
Chromosome segregation from cell hybrids. V. Does segregation result from asynchronous centromere separation?
Authors: Graves Jennifer A. Marshall , Zelesco Paula A.
Published: August 2009

Hamster–mouse and hamster–human hybrid cell lines were used to test the hypothesis that a species-specific difference in the timing of centromere separation is the basis for preferential chromosome segregation from interspecific cell hybrids. Colcemid-treated preparations were C-banded to differentiate hamster and mouse chromosomes or G-11 banded to differentiate hamster and human chromosomes. Metaphase spreads showing at least some centromere separation were photographed and the extent of separation, and the species of origin, was determined for each chromosome. There was no evidence that centromere separation of segregant chromosomes was consistently premature or delayed.Key words: chromosome segregation, centromere separation, cell hybrids.
Genetic analysis of barley mutants with modifications of powdery mildew resistance gene Ml-a12
Authors: Jørgensen J. Helms
Published: August 2009

Fifteen mutants with increased powdery mildew susceptibility (infection types between 0–1 and 3–4) were crossed with the Ml-a12 resistant mother line 'Sultan-5' (infection type 0) and the susceptible variety 'Carlsberg II'. Analysis of the material revealed that 13 mutants had mutational modifications of the Ml-a12 gene. Two mutants had a suppressor-mutant gene that modified the phenotypic expression of gene Ml-a12. One suppressor gene was recessive, the other was semidominant. The possible function of gene Ml-a12 is discussed.Key words: barley, Hordeum vulgare, powdery mildew, Erysiphe graminis hordei, mutation, resistance, suppressor.
Chromosome polymorphism in natural populations of Anopheles quadrimaculatus Say species A and B
Authors: Kaiser P. E. , Seawright J. A. , Birky B. K.
Published: August 2009

Ovarian polytene chromosomes from eight populations of Anopheles quadrimaculatus in the southeastern United States were observed for chromosomal polymorphisms. Two sibling species, species A and B, each with intraspecific inversions, were distinguished. Species A correlates with the previously published standard maps for salivary gland and ovarian nurse-cell polytene chromosomes. Species A was found at all eight collection sites, and five of these populations also contained species B. Three inversions on the right arm of chromosome 3 were observed in species A. Species B contained a fixed inversion on the X chromosome, one fixed and one floating inversion on the left arm of chromosome 2, and one fixed and one floating inversion on the right arm of chromosome 3. The fixed inversion on the X chromosome makes this the best diagnostic chromosome for distinguishing species A and B. An unusual dimorphism in the left arm of chromosome 3, found in both species A and B, contained two inversions. The heterokaryotypes, as well as two distinct homokaryotypes, were seen in all of the field populations. Intraspecific clinal variations in the frequencies of the species A inversions were noted. The Florida populations were practically devoid of inversions, the Georgia and Alabama populations contained some inversions, and the Arkansas population was mostly homozygous for two of the inversions. The phylogenetic relationships of species A and B to the Maculipennis complex (Nearctic) are discussed.Key words: Anopheles, inversion, populations, chromosome polymorphism, phylogenetics.
Diallel analysis of barley anther culture response
Authors: Powell W.
Published: August 2009

The genetics of barley microspore development in culture was examined by means of diallel analysis. The frequency of microspore derived green and albino plant production was shown to be under genetic control. This genotypic limitation to microspore development will limit the application of anther culture techniques to barley breeding programmes. However, significant additive genetic effects were detected for the characters measured and indicate that the frequency of green plant regeneration may be improved by the hybridization of suitable parents. Significant reciprocal differences were also detected and indicate that the direction of the cross is important in determining microspore development. An embryogenic route to green plantlet formation was observed in a number of genotypes in the diallel experiment. The implications of these findings for barley improvement and genetics are discussed.Key words: doubled haploids, barley, anther culture, microspore, embryoid.
Genetic interactions among four genes for resistance to stem rust in bread wheat
Authors: Knott D. R. , Weller Janet
Published: August 2009

Near-isogenic lines of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) carrying the genes Sr7a, Sr8a, Sr9b, and Sr11 for stem rust (Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici Eriks, and Henn.) resistance had been developed previously using nine backcrosses to the cultivar Marquis. The lines were intercrossed to produce the six possible two-gene combinations and three of the four possible three-gene combinations. The objective was to test for additive, modifying, or residual effects of the genes. The nine combinations, the four near-isogenic parents, 'Marquis', and three near-isogenic lines with only five backcrosses to 'Marquis' were tested. Seedling tests with five races were done in a growth room and field tests were done with two races. Relatively few interactions among the genes were detected in the seedling tests. All involved small additive effects when Sr7a was combined with either Sr8a or Sr9b. Interactions were much more common in the field tests. With race 56, the three two-gene combinations of Sr8a, Sr9b, and Sr11 showed significant additive effects. With race 15B-1, there were four cases of an ineffective gene modifying the effect of an effective gene. In addition, the data indicated that Sr9b and possibly Sr11 had residual effects against race 15B-1. The reaction of a genotype to stem rust in the field clearly involves a complex interaction of effective and ineffective genes.Key words: rust resistance, Puccinia, wheat, Triticum, modifiers, residual effects, additive effects.
Wheat endopeptidase: genetic control, polymorphism, intrachromosomal gene location, and alien variation
Authors: Koebner R. M. D. , Miller T. E. , Snape J. W. , Law C. N.
Published: August 2009

Isoelectric focusing separations of aqueous extracts of mature embryo tissue of 'Chinese Spring' wheat (Triticum aestivum) confirmed the previous gene location of the endopeptidase-1 (Ep-1) homoeoallelic series to the long arms of the group 7 chromosomes. Screening of a range of wheat varieties revealed a significant degree of polymorphism at each of the three loci, Ep-A1, Ep-B1, and Ep-D1, including three alleles at Ep-A1, five at Ep-B1, and three at Ep-D1. One allele at each locus was null. Polymorphism at Ep-B1 allowed this locus to be mapped both with respect to a number of other markers on 7BL and from the breakpoint of the 5BL.7BL translocation. A close linkage with the leaf rust resistance gene Lr14a was established and the locus was independent of the centromere. A number of alien relatives of wheat were found to carry distinct homoeoalleles on their group 7 chromosomes.Key words: wheat, endopeptidase, isozymes, isoelectric focusing.
Fluorescent banding patterns of the chromosomes of the genus Salmo
Authors: Phillips Ruth B. , Hartley Sheila E.
Published: August 2009

The fluorescent banding patterns of the chromosomes of Salmo gairdneri (rainbow trout), Salmo trutta (brown trout), and Salmo salar (Atlantic salmon) from North America and Great Britain are described. Quinacrine stained a subset of C bands in S. gairdneri and S. salar from North America. No bright quinacrine (Q) bands were found on the chromosomes of S. salar from Great Britain or the chromosomes from any of the three stocks of S. trutta that were examined. Q bands were found at the centromeres of three to seven different chromosome pairs in S. gairdneri, including the pair that has been identified as the sex chromosome pair in some populations. In S. salar from North America the Q bands were found at the teleomeres of three to four chromosome pairs and at interstitial locations in the 10–13 large acrocentric chromosome pairs. Chromomycin A3 stained either the nucleolar organizer region or the adjacent heterochromatin or both in all three species. In S. trutta the entire short arm of the acrocentric chromosome containing the nucleolar organizer region always stained with chromomycin A3 while in S. gairdneri and S. salar the staining properties of the NOR and adjacent heterochromatin were polymorphic.Key words: banding, C-, Q-; Salmo; trout.
Gametocidal genes in wheat and its relatives. III. Chromosome location and effects of two Aegilops speltoides-derived gametocidal genes in common wheat
Authors: Tsujimoto H. , Tsunewaki K.
Published: August 2009

A new gametocidal gene was found in a common wheat cultivar Chinese Spring carrying the cytoplasm of Aegilops speltoides strain KU 5725 (Plant Germplasm Institute, Kyoto University). Monosomic analysis revealed that this gene and a previously known gametocidal gene Gc1, both derived from Ae. speltoides, are located on chromosome 2B. The two genes appear to be allelic and so have been designated as Gc1a (previous gene) and Gc1b (present gene). The two genes differ in their ability to induce hybrid dysgenesis in wheat: Gc1a causes endosperm degeneration and chromosome aberrations, whereas Gc1b results in abnormal seed lacking the shoot primodium. No correlation between embryo or endosperm degeneration and chromosome breakage was observed.Key words: wheat, Aegilops speltoides, gametocidal gene, hybrid dysgenesis, chromosome breakage.
Characterization of a potential source of barley yellow dwarf virus resistance for wheat
Authors: Xin Z. Y. , Brettell R. I. S. , Cheng Z. M. , Waterhouse P. M. , Appels R. , Banks P. M. , Zhou G. H. , Chen X. , Larkin P. J.
Published: August 2009

Resistance to barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) has been described in lines derived from crosses between wheat and Thinopyrum intermedium. The resistance in one such line, Zhong 4, originating in China, was expressed against two different serotypes of BYDV as measured by accumulation of virus in infected seedlings. F1 hybrids between wheat (2n = 42) and Zhong 4 (2n = 56) had 49 chromosomes and intermediate levels of virus when compared to the parent lines. Cytological and molecular hybridization studies suggested that the BYDV resistance in Zhong 4 is carried on a set of seven pairs of nonwheat chromosomes that derived from a combination of the E and X genomes present in Th. intermedium.Key words: Barley yellow dwarf virus, wheat, ribosomal DNA, Agropyron intermedium, Thinopyrum intermedium, virus resistance.
A FAMILY OF DISCRETE HAMILTONIAN EQUATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH A DISCRETE THREE-BY-THREE MATRIX SPECTRAL PROBLEM
Authors: MA LIN-LIN , XU XI-XIANG
Published: August 2009

A family of integrable lattice equations with four potentials is constructed from a new discrete three-by-three matrix spectral problem. The Hamiltonian structures of the integrable lattice equations in the family are derived by applying the discrete trace identity. Finally, infinitely many common commuting conserved functionals of the resulting integrable lattice equations are given.
EXACT SOLUTIONS AND COMPLEX WAVE EXCITATIONS OF GENERALIZED SASA–SATSUMA SYSTEM IN (2+1)-DIMENSIONS
Authors: ZHENG CHUN-LONG , YE JIAN-FENG
Published: August 2009

Starting from a Painlevé–Bäcklund transformation, an exact variable separation solution with four arbitrary functions for the (2+1)-dimensional generalized Sasa–Satsuma (GSS) system are derived. Based on the derived exact solutions in the paper, some complex wave excitations in the (2+1)-dimensional GSS system and revealed, which describe solitons moving on a periodic wave background. Some interesting evolutional properties for these solitary waves propagating on the periodic wave background are also briefly discussed.
NOVEL STRUCTURES FOR CARBON NANOTUBE FIELD EFFECT TRANSISTORS
Authors: FAEZ RAHIM , HOSSEINI SEYED EBRAHIM
Published: August 2009

A carbon nanotube field effect transistor (CNTFET) has been studied based on the Schrödinger–Poisson formalism. To improve the saturation range in the output characteristics, new structures for CNTFETs are proposed. These structures are simulated and compared with the conventional structure. Simulations show that these structures have a wider output saturation range. With this, larger drain-source voltage (Vds) can be used, which results in higher output power. In the digital circuits, higher Vds increases noise immunity.
LARGE COERCIVITY IN ANTIFERROMAGNETIC Mn2O3/ Mn5O8 AND MnO/Mn NANOPARTICLES
Authors: SI P. Z. , ZHANG Z. D.
Published: August 2009

Mn 2 O 3/ Mn 5 O 8 and MnO/Mn nanoparticles were prepared by annealing manganese nanoparticles in air and hydrogen, respectively. The antiferromagnetic Mn 2 O 3/ Mn 5 O 8 and MnO/Mn nanoparticles exhibit anomalous magnetic properties, such as large moments, and large coercivity of up to 169 kA/m and 105 kA/m, respectively. This ferromagnetic-like behavior is attributed to the finite size effect of antiferromagnetic nanoparticles and the presence of ferrimagnetic Mn 3 O 4 phases.