bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biochemical and Serological Characterization of Flavobacterium columnare from Freshwater Fishes of Eastern India
Authors: Dash Swati Sucharita , Das Basanta Kumar , Pattnaik Phalguni , Samal Surya Kanta , Sahu Swagatika , Ghosh Subrato
Published: April 2009

Flavobacterium columnare is an important pathogen of freshwater fishes often causing high mortality. Seven strains of F. columnare have been isolated from gill necrosis, skin lesions and internal organs of Catla catla, Labeo rohita, Cirrhinus mrigala, Carassius auratus, Anabas testudineus and Clarias batrachus and characterized by biochemical reactions and serological tests viz indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Dot‐ELISA, agglutination test. All the strains showed binding to Congo red dye as well as hemolysis. All the seven strains were susceptible to amikacin, gentamycin and ofloxacin. In vivo LD50 dose of virulent strain MS2 was found to be 6 × 104 CFU/mL after experimental infection to L. rohita. Serologically all the seven strains showed a positive result to agglutination, Dot‐ELISA and indirect ELISA. The agglutination titer was found to be in the range of 256‐131,072. The lysozyme activity of hyperimmune sera was found to be 39.37 ± 0.80 units/mL. This is the first extensive study that report about the various strains of F. columnare from freshwater fishes of Eastern India and their differentiation by biochemical and serological methods.
Effect of Stocking Density on the Growth, Survival, and Behavior of Postpuerulus Western Rock Lobster, Panulirus cygnus (George) (Decapoda: Palinuridae)
Authors: Moyle Kane , Johnston Danielle , Knott Brenton , Melville‐Smith Roy , Walker Di
Published: April 2009

The effect of four stocking densities (30, 60, 100, and 150 lobsters/m2) on the growth and survival of Panulirus cygnus postpueruli was determined over a 112‐d grow‐out trial. Agonistic behavior at each experimental density was recorded using infrared filming. Survival and growth decreased with increasing density, although this trend was only significant between the lowest (30/m2) and the highest densities (150/m2) (P < 0.05) at the conclusion of the grow‐out trial. Density had no significant effect on apparent feed intake but significantly affected food conversion ratios (FCR) across all four densities, with FCR being best at 30/m2 and worst at 150/m2. The number and frequency of agonistic encounters per tank differed significantly with density, with agonistic encounters being highest at 150/m2 and lowest at 30/m2. Agonistic encounters coincided with the crepuscular foraging pattern of postpueruli. The reduction in survival and growth of postpueruli at the highest density (150/m2) can be attributed to the significant increase in the number of agonistic encounters. This study supports that P. cygnus postpueruli should be stocked at densities less than 100/m2 in order to minimize the negative effect of density on growth and survival.
Effects of Dietary Lipids on Growth and Feed Utilization of Jade Perch, Scortum barcoo
Authors: Song Li Ping , An Liguo , Zhu Yong An , Li Xian , Wang Ai Ying
Published: April 2009

To examine the effects of dietary lipids on the growth and feed utilization of jade perch juveniles, Scortum barcoo, diets containing 36.3% crude protein supplemented with increasing lipid levels (6, 9, 12, and 15% of the dry matter) were used to feed triplicate groups of 30 fish for 60 d. At the end of the experiment, more than 95% fish survived well from all diet groups (P > 0.05). Measurements on the weight gains and the daily specific growth rates indicated that fish fed with diets of 12 and 15% lipids exhibited higher growth rates (P < 0.05); evaluations for the feed conversion ratio and the protein efficiency ratio indicated that fish fed with 12 and 15% lipid diets used their feed and dietary proteins more efficiently (P < 0.05). The muscle lipid and dry matter contents increased dramatically in fish fed with higher dietary lipid levels (P < 0.05). The highest lipid contents were obtained from fish in the 15% lipid diet group and the highest amount of dry matters from the 12% lipid diet group. On the other hand, protein contents in fish muscles declined with increasing dietary lipid levels (P < 0.05), and the lowest values were shown in the 15% lipid diet group. Ash contents showed no significant differences from muscles of fish fed with four different diets (P > 0.05). Together, increasing lipid levels in fish diets was effective to improve fish growth, feed efficiency, and protein utilization.
A Microsatellite DNA Marker Developed for Identifying Disease‐resistant Population of Giant Black Tiger Shrimp, Penaeus monodon
Authors: Mukherjee Kuntal , Mandal Nripendranath
Published: April 2009

White spot disease caused by white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) poses major problems that result in huge economic losses each year in shrimp aquaculture throughout the world. In the present study, microsatellite‐based DNA fingerprints have been compared between naturally occurring WSSV disease‐resistant and susceptible populations of giant black tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon, to find DNA markers. For the first time, we report here a microsatellite locus, which, after amplification by polymerase chain reaction, provides a highly statistically significant DNA fingerprint of 71 bp, only in disease susceptible populations but not in disease‐resistant shrimp populations, whereas a 317 bp band is common in both. The absence of the former DNA marker will be very useful to identify disease‐resistant broodstock of P. monodon for marker‐assisted selection in breeding programs to generate disease‐free shrimps (P. monodon) in the aquaculture industry.
Berend Houwen Memorial Lecture: ISLH Las Vegas May 2009
Authors: SCULLY M. A. , MACHIN S. J.
Published: April 2009

Thrombotic microangiopathies are a relatively rare group of congenital and inherited disorders caused by defects in processing the ultra large forms of von Willibrand factor which pathologically give rise to platelet rich microthrombi in the micro arterial circulation leading to end organ damage particularly in the brain, heart and kidneys. Identification of the ADAMTS 13 gene has led to the definition of congenital deficiency of its activity or failure of activity due to the development of an inhibitory IgG antibody. The idiopathic autoimmune form of the disease is the most common. There are various subgroups of acquired TTP associated with HIV infection, pregnancy, pancreatitis, associated with bone marrow transplantation, various disseminated malignancies and certain drugs, particularly Clopidogrel. Diagnostic assays are now becoming widely available to identify ADAMTS 13 activity and also acquired antibodies to the enzyme. Mainline treatment is associated with daily plasma exchange with associated other immunosuppressant treatments particularly steroids and recently the use of Rituximab, a monoclonal anti‐CD20 antibody. Despite improvement in treatment modalities there is still significant mortality of 10–20%, particularly if there is a delay in initiating plasma exchange. Relapse also occurs in 20–50% of patients although this may be improved by Rituximab therapy.
A high density COX1 barcode oligonucleotide array for identification and detection of species of Penicillium subgenus Penicillium
Authors: CHEN W. , SEIFERT K.A. , LÉVESQUE C.A.
Published: April 2009

We developed a COX1 barcode oligonucleotide array based on 358 sequences, including 58 known and two new species of Penicillium subgenus Penicillium, and 12 allied species. The array was robotically spotted at near microarray density on membranes. Species and clade‐specific oligonucleotides were selected using the computer programs SigOli and Array Designer. Robotic spotting allowed 768 spots with duplicate sets of perfect match and the corresponding mismatch and positive control oligonucleotides, to be printed on 2 × 6 cm2 nylon membranes. The array was validated with hybridizations between the array and digoxigenin (DIG)‐labelled COX1 polymerase chain reaction amplicons from 70 pure DNA samples, and directly from environmental samples (cheese and plants) without culturing. DNA hybridization conditions were optimized, but undesired cross‐reactions were detected frequently, reflecting the relatively high sequence similarity of the COX1 gene among Penicillium species. Approximately 60% of the perfect match oligonucleotides were rejected because of low specificity and 76 delivered useful group‐specific or species‐specific reactions and could be used for detecting certain species of Penicillium in environmental samples. In practice, the presence of weak signals on arrays exposed to amplicons from environmental samples, which could have represented weak detections or weak cross reactions, made interpretation difficult for over half of the oligonucleotides. DNA regions with very few single nucleotide polymorphisms or lacking insertions/deletions among closely related species are not ideal for oligonucleotide‐based diagnostics, and supplementing the COX1‐based array with oligonucleotides derived from additional genes would result in a more robust hierarchical identification system.
Phase Equilibria Constraints on Relations of Ore‐bearing Intrusions with Flood Basalts in the Panxi Region, Southwestern China
Authors: ZHANG Zhaochong , HAO Yanli , AI Yu , LI Ying , ZHAO Li
Published: April 2009

There are two types of temporally and spatially associated intrusions within the Emeishan large igneous province (LIP); namely, small ultramafic subvolcanic sills that host magmatic Cu‐Ni‐Platinum Group Element (PGE)‐bearing sulfide deposits and large mafic layered intrusions that host giant Ti‐V magnetite deposits in the Panxi region. However, except for their coeval ages, the genetic relations between the ore‐bearing intrusions and extrusive rocks are poorly understood. Phase equilibria analysis (Q‐Pl‐Ol‐Opx‐Cpx system) has been carried out to elucidate whether ore‐bearing Panzhihua, Xinjie and Limahe intrusions are co‐magmatic with the picrites and flood basalts (including high‐Ti, low‐Ti and alkali basalts), respectively. In this system, the parental magma can be classified as silica‐undersaturated olivine basalt and silica‐saturated tholeiite. The equivalents of the parental magma of the Xinjie and Limahe peridotites and picrites and low‐Ti basalts are silica‐undersaturated, whereas the Limahe gabbro‐diorites and high‐Ti basalts are silica‐saturated. In contrast, the Panzhihua intrusion appears to be alkali character. Phase equilibria relations clearly show that the magmas that formed the Panzhihua intrusion and high‐Ti basalts cannot be co‐magmatic as there is no way to derive one liquid from another by fractional crystallization. On the other hand, the Panzhihua intrusion appears to be related to Permian alkali intrusions in the region, but does not appear to be related to the alkali basalts recognized in the Longzhoushan lava stratigraphy. Comparably, the Limahe intrusion appears to be a genetic relation to the picrites, whereas the Xinjie intrusion may be genetically related to be low‐Ti basalts. Additionally, the gabbro‐diorites and peridotites of the Limahe intrusion are not co‐magmatic, and the former appears to be derived liquid from high‐Ti basalts.
The effect of pedicle screw insertion through the neurocentral cartilage on the growth of immature canine vertebra
Authors: Wang Liang , Luo Zhuo‐jing , Luo Li‐jing , Feng Lin‐jie , Meng Hao
Published: April 2009

Objective:  To explore the influence of pedicle screw insertion through the neurocentral cartilage (NCC) on the development of vertebrae and spinal canal in an animal experiment.

Methods:  Sixteen dogs were randomly assigned to three groups: in group 1, posterior muscles at the surgery site were dissected; in group 2, the pedicles were drilled through the NCC by screws; in group 3, screws were placed in the pedicles through the NCC. Vertebrae of T8, T10, T12, L2, L4 and L6 were studied with the average data of the adjacent two vertebrae serving as controls. Spiral computerized tomography (CT) was used to assess the morphologic parameters of studied vertebrae and their controls. Measurements were made by an independent radiologist on the first post‐operative day and 3 months after operation. Paired Student's t‐tests of studied vertebrae and their controls were performed to evaluate the effect of pedicle screw insertion.

Results:  In group 3, 3 months after operation the area, transverse diameter and anterior‐posterior diameter of the vertebral canal and length of pedicle of studied vertebrae were significantly smaller than those of control vertebrae (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in morphologic parameters between the studied vertebrae and the control vertebrae in groups 1 and 2 (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:  (i) Pedicle screw placement has a significant impact on the growth of the canine vertebra canal, and may lead to iatrogenic spinal stenosis, but their placement has no significant effect on the vertebral bodies; and (ii) the NCC can repair itself automatically. Drilling pedicle bone through the NCC with a screw and then removing the screw has no obvious impact on the growth of vertebrae.
Regeneration of spinal cord with cell and gene therapy
Authors: Feng Shi‐qing , Kong Xiao‐hong , Liu Yang , Ban De‐xiang , Ning Guang‐zhi , Chen Jia‐tong , Guo Shi‐fu , Wang Pei
Published: April 2009

Objective:  Transplantation of fetal spinal cord cells (FSCC) can promote regeneration of injured spinal cord, while Schwann cells (SC) and some growth factors have a similar effect. However, the synergistic effects and optimal combination of these modalities have not yet been evaluated. In the current study, the efficiency of cell therapy of FSCC and/or SC, with/without growth factors (nerve growth factor [NGF] and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF]) was examined, with the aim of establishing an optimized protocol for spinal cord injury.

Methods:  One hundred and twenty adult rats were randomly divided into six groups with 20 rats in each group. One week after the thoracic spinal cord injury model had been created, the rats were treated with different therapeutic modalities: Dulbecco's modified Eagles medium (DMEM) in Group I, FSCC in Group II, FSCC plus SC in Group III, FSCC plus SC over‐expressing NGF in Group IV, FSCC plus SC over‐expressing BDNF in Group V, and FSCC plus SC over‐expressing both NGF and BDNF in Group VI. Subsequently, the rats were subjected to behavioral tests once a week after injury, while histology, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy were performed at one and three month post‐operation.

Results:  Both SC and FSCC promoted regeneration of spinal cord injury when used separately, while a combination of the two types of cell resulted in better recovery than either alone. Both growth factors (NGF and BDNF) enhanced the outcomes of cell therapy, while synergistic effects meant that a combination of each individual component (group VI) achieved the best results according to locomotion scale, histology and immunoreactivity in the injured cords.

Conclusion:  SC, NGF and BDNF can enhance the outcome of FSCC therapy, while the combination of FSC with SC, NGF and BDNF is possibly the optimal protocol for clinical treatment of acute spinal cord injury.
Apoptotic effects of curcumin on human osteosarcoma U2OS cells
Authors: Jin Song , Xu Hong‐guang , Shen Jing‐nan , Chen Xu‐wu , Wang Hong , Zhou Jia‐guo
Published: April 2009

Objective:  Curcumin, an active ingredient derived from the rhizome of the plant, Curcuma longa, has antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and anti‐cancer activities. The aims of this study were to examine whether curcumin can induce apoptosis in an osteosarcoma cell line.

Methods:  Curcumin‐induced apoptosis in human osteosarcoma U2OS cells was investigated using morphological analysis, marked nuclear condensation and fragmentation of chromatin, which were observed by Hoechst 33258 staining and DNA ladder formation. The U2OS cells were treated with or without curcumin. Cell viability was assessed by the 3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐Diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) method. Cell‐cycle, apoptosis and apoptosis‐related proteins in U2OS cells were evaluated by flow cytometry and western blotting.

Results:  Curcumin showed growth inhibitory effects on U2OS cells in a dose‐and time‐dependent manner, inducing significant G1 arrest and apoptosis in U2OS cells. This curcumin‐induced apoptosis in U2OS cells was accompanied by up‐regulation of Bax, Bak, and p‐Bad and down‐regulation of Bcl‐2, but no effect on the levels of Bcl‐XL or Bad proteins was noted. Moreover, curcumin treatment resulted in a significant reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential and increase in the concentrations of mitochondrial cytochrome C and caspase‐3.

Conclusion:  Multiple molecular pathways are involved in curcumin‐induced apoptosis of human U2OS cells. These include pro‐and anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 family proteins, mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial cytochrome C and caspase‐3.
Recurrence analysis in 66 cases with grade I and grade II chondrosarcomas in the extremities
Authors: Ma Xiao‐jun , Dong Yang , Zhang Chun‐lin , Zeng Bing‐fang
Published: April 2009

Objective:  We analyzed chondrosarcomas in long bones to assess whether Grade I and II chondrosarcomas should both be grouped as low grade malignant tumors (musculoskeletal Tumor Society Stage I or Stage II), and to explore rational surgical treatment for Grade I and II chondrosarcomas.

Methods:  We retrospectively reviewed 66 patients from January 1996 to December 2007 with Grade I and II chondrosarcoma of the extremities without metastases at the Department of Orthopaedics of Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital. Thirty‐eight patients had undergone intralesional or marginal resection, and 28 patients had undergone wide marginal or radical excision based on imaging findings. The mean age of the patients was 43 years (range, 5–85) and the minimum follow‐up was 31 months (mean, 48; range, 5–141). We analyzed grade diagnosis, therapeutic options, and local recurrence rate of the two grades of chondrosarcoma.

Results:  Of all patients, 22 experienced local recurrence, making the local recurrence rate 33.3%. A statistically significant difference in outcome between patients with Grade I and Grade II tumors undergoing intralesional resection was identified. No significant difference according to surgical method was found between the two groups in total.

Conclusion:  Grade II chondrosarcomas should be grouped as high stage malignant tumors (Stage II) and grade I chondrosarcomas assigned to the low stage malignant tumor group (Stage I). Our experience suggests the surgical method should be related to radiographic margin status and oncologic classification. Wide resection should be considered for Grade II, while intralesional resection is suitable for Grade I.
An intramedullary nail with multifunctional interlocking for all types of fracture in both femurs
Authors: Wang Yong‐qing , Hu Yong‐cheng , Xu Zhan‐min , Zhao Ya‐wei , Wu Jia‐min
Published: April 2009

Objective:  A femoral compound interlocking intramedullary nail (FCIIN) was designed to treat all types of fractures between the trochanter and epicondyle of both femurs. It could substitute for femoral interlocking intramedullary nails (FIIN) at five points.

Methods:  According to the morphological characteristics of the femoral medullary canal, the nail is designed to accommodate a 1250 mm radius of radian and a 135° neck‐shaft angle. Three interlocking holes of 6.5 mm diameter are located at the proximal end of the FCIIN, making crossing of the screws possible. The hole is designed to be vertical (90°) or oblique (45° upper or lower). At the tip of the proximal interlocking screws, whose root diameter gradually increases from 3.5 mm to 6.5 mm, a self‐tapping cancellous screw is placed. There are two types of distal interlocking screws. One is a fine thread and the other a bolt screw. Two interlocking holes and a recess 4.5 mm in diameter are located at the distal end of the FCIIN. Under biomechanical destructive testing, the proximal interlocking screw device has satisfactory strength and reasonable structure. A total of 47 patients (31 males and 16 females, with an average age of 39.83 years) with femoral fractures were assessed in this study. Fourteen cases were diagnosed as intertrochanteric, 7 as subtrochanteric, 18 as femoral shaft, and 8 as supracondylar fractures. All 47 patients were treated with the FCIIN.

Results:  Of the 47 patients, anatomic reduction was achieved in 34, good reduction in 11, and forced line reduction in 2 cases. Reduction was excellent or good in 95.87% of the fractures. The removal time of the FCIIN was 12 to 21 months (average, 16.9 months). One patient with an intertrochanteric fracture who had a fixation failure combined with non‐union achieved healing with an external fixator at 18 months. Failure to insert the distal interlocking screws occurred in 5 patients but did not affect bone healing.

Conclusion:  The FCIIN is a useful device in the treatment of a variety of femoral fractures.
Long‐term results of thoracolumbar and lumbar burst fractures after short‐segment pedicle instrumentation, with special reference to implant failure and correction loss
Authors: Xu Bao‐shan , Tang Tian‐si , Yang Hui‐lin
Published: April 2009

Objective:  To assess the long‐term results of short‐segment pedicle instrumentation for thoracolumbar and lumbar burst fractures.

Methods:  From February 1987 to June 1995, 89 patients with thoracolumbar or lumbar burst fracture were treated with short‐segment pedicle instrumentation, and 68 (76.4%) of them were followed up for an average of 8.0 years (range, 5–13 years). Radiographs were taken pre‐ and post‐ operatively, before implant removal and at final follow‐up. Computerized tomography (CT) scans of the fractured vertebrae were done on 18 patients, with their consent, at final follow‐up.

Results:  At final follow‐up, neurological status had improved at least one grade in the Frankel Grading system in 90.8% patients who had presented incomplete paralysis preoperatively, and low back pain was evaluated as Denis' P1 in 60.3%, P2 in 35.3% and P3 in 4.4% of patients. An average of 2.5 mm (range, 0–6.5 mm) of implant deformation was recorded before implant removal, and implant failure was noted in 11 (16.2%) patients. At final follow‐up, loss of correction of the anterior vertebral body height and Cobb angle averaged 1.9% and 12.1°, leaving residual correction rates of 30.5% and 5.8°, respectively. The loss of correction occurred mainly at adjacent disc spaces, and collapse of the vertebral body was more severe at its center. CT scan revealed an obvious gap, which communicated with the adjacent disc space, in the vertebral body of 16 of the 18 patients scanned. Local kyphosis of more than 20° existed in five patients and three of them had low back pain.

Conclusion:  Short‐segment pedicle instrumentation provides satisfactory reduction for thoracolumbar and lumbar burst fractures. The relatively high incidence of implant failure and the loss of correction may be caused by various factors, and more adequate fusion is recommended.
A free‐hand technique for pedicle screw placement in the lower cervical spine
Authors: Xu Rong‐ming , Ma Wei‐hu , Wang Qing , Zhao Liu‐jun , Hu Yong , Sun Shao‐hua
Published: April 2009

Objective:  To describe a free‐hand method for pedicle screw placement in the lower cervical spine with no intraoperative imaging monitors, and to evaluate the safety of this technique.

Methods:  A study of the free‐hand technique of cervical pedicle screw placement was conducted by postoperative radiological review and follow‐up. Thirty‐six patients who had had cervical reconstruction with posterior plate utilizing pedicle screw fixation, and been followed for a minimum of 2 years, were studied. The position of the pedicle screw was evaluated by postoperative oblique radiographs and axial computed tomograms. Clinical outcomes were measured by Odem's criteria.

Results:  A total of 144 screws of diameter 3.5 or 4.0 mm were inserted into the cervical pedicles in 36 patients. Postoperative images showed that 16 (11.1%) of the screws had penetrated the pedicle walls. Among them, 10 (6.9%) screws had penetrated the lateral, 4 (2.8%) the superior and 2 (1.3%) the inferior walls. However, there were no neurological or vascular complications related to the malpositioned screws during a minimum of 2 years follow‐up. In addition, Odem's scores were applied postoperatively in all patients except one with complete neurological deficit.

Conclusion:  Based on 144 screw placements, cervical pedicle screw insertion utilizing a free‐hand technique without intraoperative imaging guidance seems to be safe and reliable. However, solid knowledge of the anatomy of the cervical pedicle and adjacent neurovascular bundles, and careful preoperative review of cervical images, are imperative for successful screw placement in the cervical spine.
Reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the lower limb using the free serratus anterior flap
Authors: Xu Xiang‐yang , Zhu Yuan , Liu Jin‐hao
Published: April 2009

Objective:  To present the application and clinical results of soft tissue reconstruction of the lower limb with the free serratus anterior muscle flap.

Methods:  Twenty Chinese adult cadavers were studied to determine detailed anatomical information about the serratus anterior muscle flap. From 1997 to 2007, 82 patients with soft tissue defects of the lower limbs were treated with free serratus anterior muscle flaps and skin grafts. There were 24 females and 58 males, aged from 22 to 63 years (mean 34). The patients were followed up for an average of 30 months (range, 8 months–5 years).

Results:  All flaps survived except for one, in which necrosis occurred. Six patients developed partial necroses of the muscle flap or skin graft. Five of them healed with debridement or wound care, and one healed with a repeat skin graft. There was no notable donor site morbidity. Dysfunction of the shoulder was not found in any of the patients.

Conclusion:  The serratus anterior muscle flap is a good option for the treatment of soft tissue defects of the lower limb. This muscle flap has many advantages owing to its anatomical features.
Two‐year follow‐up results after treatment of lumbar instability with titanium‐coated fusion system
Authors: Zhang Ya‐feng , Yang Hui‐lin , Wang Jian‐wei , Tang Tian‐si
Published: April 2009

Objective:  The purpose of this prospective clinical trial, with a minimum two‐year follow‐up, was to evaluate the clinical effects of a titanium‐coated lumbar interbody fusion system in the treatment of lumbar instability.

Methods:  The study cohort consisted of 94 patients with lumbar instability who accepted posterior lumbar interbody fusion with a titanium‐coated fusion system. The patients were examined at the sixth, 12th and 24th month postoperatively. The clinical outcomes of all patients were evaluated according to the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and Oswestry disability index (ODI). Radiological studies, which included assessment of loss of disc space height, intervertebral angle and isodense bone bridging, were used to evaluate the fusion.

Results:  The overall fusion rate was 95.75% at the 24th month after surgery. Ninety‐two (97.87%) patients were able to work while 53 patients (56.38%) were capable of performing heavy manual labor. Neurological assessment showed 77 patients (81.92%) had no sensory or motor deficit. The mean JOA score had increased from 15.34 to 28.92 and ODI had decreased from 45 to 15 at the 24th month after surgery. No implant fracture or displacement was found.

Conclusion:  The titanium‐coated intervertebral fusion cage is effective and safe for treatment of lumbar instability.
Introduction Halal Pizza: Food and Culture in a Busy World1
Authors: James Roberta
Published: April 2009

This article introduces a collection of seven papers that offer anthropological examinations of contemporary food‐related practices in the Australasian‐Pacific region. The collection is based on those presented in the panel ‘Eat me! An anthropological examination of food’ at the Australian Anthropological Society Annual Conference, La Trobe University, Melbourne, 2001. I set out the ethnographic terrain of food in processes of contemporary Australian cultural production, introduce the articles and then briefly discuss the three key themes of the collection. These are the trajectory of grand processes, such as colonialism, in the intimate movements of daily life; the reproduction of social forms via socialities relating to food and commensality; and the (sensory) manifestation and embodiment of epistemes (such as gender) in food‐ and consumption‐related values and practices.
Corporate Decision Making and Part Differentiation: A Strategy for Customer-Driven Product Development Planning
Authors: Carey Hillary , Cagan Jonathan , Vogel Craig M. , Weingart Laurie R.
Published: April 2009

A model of strategic planning for product development is introduced which captures corporate decision making from the earliest planning stages to final product success, measured by cost-control and revenue generation stemming from a strong emotional response in customers. The model was created based on observation and interviews ranging from top executives to design team members from all major disciplines at a large automobile company. By mapping an approach to part differentiation based on part complexity and lifestyle (i.e., value) impact onto the decision making model, those decisions most critical to different aspects of the product are identified and more heavily emphasized. Many companies tend to drive the entire process based on cost and technology objectives as a means to maximize profit, rather than by understanding the true impact of customer response to the product as well. In bringing Design strategy decisions into the earliest phases, companies set a strategy that fulfills customer expectations while reducing conflict, delays, added costs, and improving quality. The model helps companies recognize how to structure decisions and allocate resources to appropriately balance costs and customer’s emotional response.
Performance of the Abbott Real-Time PCR Assay Usingm2000spandm2000rtfor Hepatitis C Virus RNA Quantification
Authors: Chevaliez Stéphane , Bouvier-Alias Magali , Pawlotsky Jean-Michel
Published: April 2009

Quantification of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA is essential for the everyday management of chronic hepatitis C therapy. “Real-time” PCR techniques are potentially more sensitive than classical PCR techniques, are not prone to carryover contamination, and have a consistently wider dynamic range of quantification. Thus, they are rapidly replacing other technologies for routine quantification of HCV RNA. We extensively evaluated the intrinsic characteristics and clinical performance of them2000sp-m2000rtAbbott real-time PCR platform for HCV RNA quantification. The study shows that them2000sp-m2000rtplatform is sensitive, specific, and precise; that the results are reproducible; and that the platform has a broad dynamic range of quantification. When comparing HCV RNA levels measured in the same individuals with them2000sp-m2000rtplatform and the third-generation branched-DNA assay, a trend toward a modest overestimation of HCV RNA levels was observed in them2000sp-m2000rtplatform in all genotypes except genotype 5. The differences, however, were unlikely to have any impact in clinical practice. In conclusion, our study shows that the Abbottm2000 real-time PCR system for HCV RNA quantification is sensitive, specific, and precise; that the results are reproducible; and that the platform's broad dynamic range of quantification is well suited to HCV RNA monitoring in the clinical setting.
Cyclopoid Predation on Lake Michigan Fish Larvae
Authors: Hartig John H. , Jude David J. , Evans Marlene S.
Published: April 2009

Cyclopoid predation on fish larvae, as evidenced by copepods attached to larvae in field collections, was quantitatively investigated during 1975–76 in southeastern Lake Michigan. Although six species of fish larvae were collected, predation occurred primarily (98%) on alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus); 2% of the predators were attached to spottail shiner (Notropis hudsonius) larvae. No cyclopoids were observed on rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax), yellow perch (Perca flavescens), common carp (Cyprinus carpio), or sculpin (Cottus spp.) larvae. Most alewife larvae attacked were 3–8 mm long; older larvae and larvae of more robust species, such as yellow perch and spottail shiner, are apparently immune to such predation. Most predation (99%) occurred in July when alewife larvae were numerous and cyclopoids abundant. Fish larvae with attached copepods were found only in night collections. Most cyclopoid predators (99%) were adult female Diacyclops thomasi and Acanthocyclops vernalis. Other predaceous species of zooplankton, that occurred in close temporal and spatial proximity to fish larvae, apparently were not predaceous on these organisms.Key words: Alosa pseudoharengus larvae, Notropis hudsonius larvae, Diacyclops thomasi, Acanthocyclops vernalis, cyclopoid predation, Lake Michigan
Predatory Behavior and Prey Selectivity of the Pelagic Water Mite Piona constricta
Authors: Riessen Howard P.
Published: April 2009

Predation by the pelagic water mite Piona constricta on the various components of the zooplankton community of Heney Lake, Quebec, Canada, was investigated through both direct observation and several series of feeding experiments. On encountering a prey item, the mite seized the organism with its four pairs of legs and pair of palps and tore a hole in the body wall with its chelicerae. The soft body tissues of the prey were predigested and the liquid nutriment was then drawn into the mouth. Pionid adults ate an average of 10–15 prey∙mite−1∙d−1 and selected prey items as follows: Bosmina > Daphnia, Ceriodaphnia > Chydorus >> Diaphanosoma, Diaptomus > Mesocyclops. The nymphs ate only 2–3 prey∙mite−1∙d−1 with Bosmina and Chydorus as the preferred items. The other cladocerans and the copepods were only rarely eaten. The pattern of prey selection for the adults and nymphs appeared to depend primarily on the escape response of the prey (their ability to detect an approaching mite and flee the area before being grabbed). Prey size and carapace thickness were of secondary importance.Key words: water mites, Piona constricta; zooplankton, predator–prey interactions
Susceptibility of Trouts of Different Species and Origins to Various Isolates of Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis Virus
Authors: Silim A. , Elazhary M. A. S. Y. , Lagacé A.
Published: April 2009

We investigated the susceptibility of trouts of different species and origins to infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) and the pathogenicity of three strains of IPNV for brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) of various origins and lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) of a single origin. Fish were inoculated by immersion in water containing 105 PFU of virus/mL for 6 h. Susceptibility to IPNV infection was assessed by counting dead fish over a period of 21 d after infection and on histological lesions in the pancreas, kidney, and intestine of the infected fish. Different species of trouts had different susceptibility to IPNV strain 3865. Brook trout had the highest mortality followed by rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri), whereas the least mortality occurred in lake trout. Brook trout from Crowford, Nebraska, were more than twice as susceptible as the same species from Baldwin Mills, Quebec. Rainbow trout also varied in susceptibility as a result of origin. Virus isolate 3B, originally isolated from chain pickerel (Esox niger), was less virulent than isolates 4495 or 3865 (both from trout). Hatcheries that use water from sources containing pickerel may increase their chances of IPN infection.Key words: trout species, infectious pancreatic necrosis virus, resistance
Factors Controlling Phytoplankton Production in Lake Vanda (77°S)
Authors: Vincent Warwick F. , Vincent Connie L.
Published: April 2009

At least three floristically distinct communities of algae were distributed down the permanently ice-capped water column of Lake Vanda. Phytoplankton at each depth were highly specialized towards specific conditions of light and temperature. Maximum photosynthesis and algal biomass was at the bottom of the euphotic zone (55–57.5 m) immediately above a region of nutrient-rich anoxic water. This Phormidium-dominated community was adapted towards warm temperatures (18–20 °C) but a dim light regime. Dissolved inorganic N to P ratios in this region were extreme (> 5000:1) and the plankton demonstrated strong cellular P deficiency. A much smaller photosynthetic maximum was recorded in the middle of a large thermohaline convection cell at 25–30 m where P deficiency was less severe, but detectable. A microflagellate community immediately under the ice demonstrated the least response to phosphorus enrichment, but photosynthetic characteristics appeared to be more attuned to the low irradiances which prevail early in the growing season rather than to the relatively bright light regime during midsummer sampling. Algal biomass levels at most depths declined over 4 wk of sampling, further indicating that population maxima are timed early in the season. The low input of phosphorus relative to nitrogen exerts an overall control on phytoplankton biomass in Lake Vanda, but low production rates per unit biomass characterize the shade-adapted populations at all depths.Key words: phytoplankton, photosynthesis, algal biomass, N to P ratios, ice cap
Stock Definition in Atlantic Herring (Clupea harengus harengus): Genetic Evidence for Discrete Fall and Spring Spawning Populations
Authors: Kornfield Irv , Sidell Bruce D. , Gagnon P. S.
Published: April 2009

Ripe Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus harengus) were sampled from seven discrete spawning grounds in the Gulf of Maine and Gulf of St. Lawrence over a period of 3 yr. Genetic polymorphisms were observed at 13 enzyme loci by starch gel electrophoresis. Five highly polymorphic loci were used to assess population structure of herring stocks by contingency analysis of log-likelihood differences in gene frequencies. Significant temporal variation was observed at several localities. Within both spring spawning and fall spawning populations, significant spatial heterogeneity was noted for particular years, but was not temporally stable. By contrast, overall heterogeneity between spring and fall spawning populations was highly significant indicating genetic isolation of spring spawning populations in the Gulf of St. Lawrence from fall spawning aggregates in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Gulf of Maine. The low levels of genetic heterogeneity and absence of both temporal stability within fall spawning samples and spatial stability among samples is not consistent with the existence of more than a single genetic population of fall spawning herring in the northwest Atlantic.Key words: Clupea harengus harengus, population genetics, biochemical genetic variation, stock differentiation
Macroinvertebrate Colonization of Multiplate Samplers in the Ohio River: the Effect of Dams
Authors: Beckett David C. , Miller Michael C.
Published: April 2009

We investigated the importance of contrasting current velocities on macroinvertebrate colonization in a large river, manipulating multiplate samplers placed upstream (slow current) and downstream (fast current) from a surface-release dam. Some samplers were colonized in solely fast-water or slow-water conditions while other colonized samplers were "switched" (with the original communities intact) to the opposite condition and subsequently collected either 1 d or 1 wk later. Experimental results confirmed observations from an earlier length-of-the-river study and showed that widely different communities become established on the samplers in the two contrasting flow conditions. An amphipod, Gammarus sp., colonized slow-water samplers in relatively large numbers while hydropsychid caddisflies dominated fast-water samplers. Gammarus sp. was found in only very small numbers in the fast-water samplers while the hydropsychids were almost completely absent from the slow-water samplers. Similar striking differences in current velocity preferences were exhibited by the congeneric chironomid species Polypedilum convictum (fast-water) and P. illinoense (slow-water). The transfer portion of the experiment demonstrated that a sudden reduction in current will cause large increases in invertebrate drift, regardless of whether the amount of living space changes.Key words: freshwater macroinvertebrates, colonization, current, invertebrate drift, impoundment effects, Ohio River
Annual Production by Caddisflies and Mayflies in a Western Minnesota Plains Stream
Authors: MacFarlane M. B. , Waters T. F.
Published: April 2009

Annual production was estimated for five species of caddisflies and mayflies, comprising major components of the insect community, in the Redwood River, a second- to third-order plains stream in western Minnesota. Estmates were made at two sites, one above and one below an impoundment. At the upstream site, annual production (g∙m−2, wet weight) and annual P/B ratios (in parentheses) were Hydropsyche bifida, 8.3 (6.9); Cheumatopsyche pettiti, 5.5 (7.0); Stenonema nepotellum, 3.4 (5.7); Stenacron interpunctatum canadense, 0.8 (7.0); and Caenis simulans, 4.7 (4.2); with total annual production of 22.7 g∙m−2. At the downstream site, annual production and P/B ratios were H. bifida, 34.3 (4.4); C. pettiti, 68.5 (4.4); S. interpunctatum canadense, 24.1 (6.1); and C. simulans, 2.8 (4.4); with total annual production of 129.7 g∙m−2. These species comprised 27.5% of the total insect standing stock at the upstream site and 75.9% downstream. The hydropsychid production at the downstream site was apparently sustained by the drift of zooplankton from the impoundment, resulting in considerably higher production by hydropsychids than reported in woodland streams.Key words: production, Trichoptera, Ephemeroptera, plains stream, benthos, size–frequency method
Effects of Copper on Nitrogen Fixation and Growth of Blue-Green Algae in Natural Plankton Associations
Authors: Wurtsbaugh Wayne A. , Horne Alexander J.
Published: April 2009

Copper toxicity bioassays were conducted on six stages of the spring Aphanizomenon flos-aquae bloom in eutrophic Clear Lake, California. Major variables tested were nitrogen fixation, carbon fixation, pigments, and cell numbers. Inhibition of nitrogen fixation, carbon fixation, and pigment accumulation increased linearly between 10 and 30 μg Cu/L. Higher concentrations produced little additional toxicity. In contrast, there was a stimulatory effect of copper, especially on nitrogen fixation, at the very low level of 2 μg/L. There was no inhibitory effect of copper on nitrogen fixation without a comparable or greater effect on carbon fixation or chlorophyll a. Other algae growing with the Aphanizomenon bloom were not affected by additions of copper up to 20–30 μg Cu/L, but were affected at the 50–100 μg/L level.Key words: algae, algicide, blue-green algae, copper, cyanobacteria, metal, limiting nutrient, nitrogen fixation, photosynthesis, phytoplankton, toxicity
The Recent Introduction of the Seagrass Zostera japonica Aschers. and Graebn. to the Pacific Coast of North America
Authors: Harrison Paul Garth , Bigley Richard E.
Published: April 2009

The seagrass Zostera japonica Aschers. and Graebn., recently introduced to British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon, is smaller than the native eelgrass Z. marina L.; grows intertidally where Z. marina is rare; and is an annual, overwintering as buried seeds, or a short-lived perennial, whereas the longer-lived perennial Z. marina usually overwinters as leafy shoots. Establishment of new populations of Z. japonica occurs mainly by seed germination although the chance of a seedling surviving its first summer is small. Once established, patches expand in area exponentially in spring and may help to stabilize the sediment. The fact that several areas where Z. japonica is abundant are or were sites of intensive oyster cultivation suggests that the plant was introduced as a contaminant (probably seeds) in shipments of Japanese oysters in the first few decades of the 20th century. Now common on the central coast of Washington, in northern Puget Sound, and in the southern Strait of Georgia, Z. japonica occurs as far south as Coos Bay, Oregon, and has the potential to spread further north and south.Key words: biogeography, distribution, establishment, introduction, oyster culture, seagrass, Zostera americana, Zostera japonica
Distribution and Activity of Attached and Free-Living Suspended Bacteria in the Bay of Fundy
Authors: Cammen Leon M. , Walker Judith A.
Published: April 2009

We investigated the distribution of suspended bacteria in the Bay of Fundy on cruises in the spring, summer, and fall of 1979; a total of 22 stations were sampled throughout the Bay at the surface, midwater, and bottom. Free-living bacteria dominated the lower Bay in all seasons (0.2–4.0 × 106 cells∙mL−1 compared to 0.0–0.5 × 106 attached cells∙mL−1). Attached bacteria were more important in the upper reaches of the Bay with numbers as high as 2 × 106 cells∙mL−1 accounting for up to 94% of the total bacteria. Both the abundance and proportion of attached bacteria were strongly correlated with the concentration of suspended particulate matter. Average cell volume was not significantly different between spring (0.11 μm3, surface water only) and summer (0.09 μm3, all depths) and was similar for free-living and attached cells.Bacterial activity in summer and fall, based on uptake of [3H]glutamic acid, generally followed the same pattern as cell numbers. Mean turnover time for glutamic acid in surface water was 64 h in summer and 205 h in fall. On a per cell basis, free-living bacteria in surface water were about twice as active as attached cells during summer, but only half as active during fall. The proportion of total activity due to attached cells increased with increasing substrate concentration.Key words: suspended bacteria, attached bacteria, free-living bacteria, heterotrophic activity, suspended particulate matter
Reproductive Strategies in Flatfish: A First Synthesis
Authors: Roff Derek A.
Published: April 2009

This paper examines the factors determining the age and size at maturity of temperate species of flatfish. In some species maturity is governed by size, not age. I propose that the most likely determinant of this size is size-dependent predation. Many species fast during the winter months and rely upon reserves stored in the body tissues to provide energy for gonad maturation. The stress placed upon a fish by the breakdown of body tissues may be very substantial and could significantly affect the predation function. Under these conditions selection may favor the deferment of maturity until a size is achieved at which predation is relatively low. I suggest that such a mechanism may account for the extreme geographic variation in life history parameters of American plaice, Hippoglossoides platessoides, and witch flounder, Glyptocephalus cynoglossus. The generality of winter cessation of feeding suggests that the above hypothesis may also be applicable to a wider range of species. By contrast, in several species, age has been shown to be more important than size in determining the onset of maturity. I suggest that age is likely to be more important than size in early maturing species; in these a decrease in the age at maturity may be, temporarily at least, prevented by genetic/physiological constraints imposed by the time required for oocyte development. This hypothesis is tested and supported by historical data on several European species. Finally, I examine the intra- and inter-specific patterns of allocation to fecundity. Interspecific differences in allocation to reproduction are greatly reduced but not eliminated when egg volume is taken into consideration. Factors influencing the observed allocation patterns are examined.Key words: pleuronectiformes, life history, reproduction, fecundity, maturity