bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation of polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite markers for the wedge‐billed woodcreeper Glyphorynchus spirurus
Authors: MILÁ BORJA , BARDELEBEN CAROLYNE
Published: January 2006

We have isolated six polymorphic microsatellite markers for the wedge‐billed woodcreeper Glyphorynchus spirurus from a genomic library enriched for (AAGG)n repetitive elements, and characterized them in 25 individuals. The number of alleles ranged from eight to 20 per locus, with observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.43 to 0.78.
Characterization of six microsatellite DNA loci for Sorex arizonae
Authors: ORTEGA J. , YOUNG S. , SIMONS L. H. , MALDONADO J. E.
Published: January 2006

Sorex arizonae is a rare species that occupies a narrow range of habitat types in several mountain ranges of New Mexico, Arizona and Northern Mexico. Here we identify and characterize six microsatellite loci for this species. We screened 63 individuals from four different localities from New Mexico and Arizona to analyse genetic variability. Alleles ranged from three to 16. Heterozygosity ranged from 40% to 78%. Most polymorphic loci were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium with the exception of one locus. Primers appear to have reasonable cross‐species applicability as five loci amplified in another shrew species (Sorex monticolus).
Isolation of microsatellite markers from an interspecific hybrid isolate of the fungal plant pathogen Verticillium dahliae
Authors: BARBARA D. J. , MORTON A. , MILLER N. J.
Published: January 2006

Ten microsatellite markers have been isolated from an amphihaploid isolate of Verticillium dahliae using genomic libraries enriched for (AGT), (GAC), (GCC), (TAC) and (TTA) repetitive elements. These were characterized on four amphihaploid isolates and two haploid isolates each of V. dahliae and Verticillium albo‐atrum. Nine were polymorphic, with between two and five alleles, and the tenth was polymorphic when tested on a further 20 haploid V. dahliae isolates (three alleles). Only one primer pair gave the expected double bands from the amphihaploid isolates, supporting the view that V. albo‐atrum is not one of the parents of the interspecific hybrid amphihaploid isolates.
Isolation of microsatellite loci in green abalone (Haliotis fulgens) and cross‐species amplification in two other North American red (Haliotis rufescens) and pink (Haliotis corrugata) abalones
Authors: CRUZ P. , IBARRA A. M. , FIORE‐AMARAL G. , GALINDO‐SÁNCHEZ C. E. , MENDOZA‐CARRIÓN G.
Published: January 2006

Microsatellite loci were isolated in Haliotis fulgens using a (CT)n enriched‐genomic library. From 33 sequenced clones, 21 microsatellites regions were identified, 15 with the expected (CT)n. Eight microsatellite loci were amplified, six of which were polymorphic with a range of three to 20 alleles, and five cross‐amplified in two other species (Haliotis rufescens and Haliotis corrugata). These microsatellites will be useful as population genetic markers in the three species.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers from the sweet passion fruit (Passiflora alata Curtis: Passifloraceae)
Authors: PÁDUA J. G. , OLIVEIRA E. J. , ZUCCHI M. I. , OLIVEIRA G. C. X. , CAMARGO L. E. A. , VIEIRA M. L. C.
Published: January 2006

Passiflora alata is one of the commercialized species of the passion vines, grown for its edible fruits. It is found in South America, mainly Paraguay, Argentina, Peru and Brazil. The development of a set of microsatellite markers was proposed to provide tools for analysing both genetic structure of wild populations and the reproductive system of the species, which are poorly understood. Seven markers were developed from a P. alata‐genomic library enriched for simple sequence repeats (SSR). Twelve individuals were genotyped, and the levels of the expected heterozygosity (HE) did show that those markers could be used to develop P. alata genetic studies.
Microsatellites for diversity studies in the golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus)
Authors: NEUMANN KARSTEN , MAAK STEFFEN , FRITZSCHE PETER , GATTERMANN ROLF
Published: January 2006

Ten polymorphic microsatellites were developed for the golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus), a widely used model organism in biological and medical researches. All loci were used to analyse the microsatellite variability in wild golden hamsters from Syria and in a sample of domestic animals comprising different strains. Average mean expected heterozygosity (HE) and mean allele number (A) of domestic hamsters measured 0.279 ± 0.058 and 2.6 ± 0.306, respectively, compared to 0.809 ± 0.019 and 8.3 ± 1.075 found for wild hamsters. Cross‐species application in other Mesocricetus species proved conservation of most loci throughout the genus.
Combined morphological and molecular analysis of individual nematodes through short‐term preservation in formalin
Authors: BHADURY P. , AUSTEN M. C. , BILTON D. T. , LAMBSHEAD P. J. D. , ROGERS A. D. , SMERDON G. R.
Published: January 2006

Small metazoans such as marine nematodes are increasingly identified using both molecular and morphological techniques. Formalin is the preferred fixative for morphological analysis but specimens become unsuitable for molecular study due to formalin‐induced modification of DNA. Nematodes fixed in ethanol work well for molecular studies but become unsuitable for taxonomy due to shrinkage. Here we show for the first time that formalin can be used as a short‐term fixative (≤ 7 days) for marine nematodes, allowing both morphological and molecular work to be conducted on the same individual. No sequence ambiguities were detected in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplifications of 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) following short‐term formalin preservation.
Characterization of newly developed microsatellite loci in the stemmed yellow violet, Viola pubescens (Violaceae)
Authors: CULLEY THERESA M.
Published: January 2006

Viola pubescens is a perennial herb with a mixed mating system involving the production of both open, chasmogamous flowers and closed, cleistogamous flowers. Using a nonradioactive protocol, 12 microsatellite primers that amplified loci with perfect and imperfect repeats were developed in the species. As examined in five populations of V. pubescens using multiplex reactions, all loci exhibited polymorphism with an average of 5.4 alleles. Most primers also amplified in 12 additional Viola species and one cultivar, revealing the possibility of wide applicability across the genus. This is the first known report of microsatellite loci developed in Viola and the Violaceae.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellites in Chinese sturgeon,Acipenser sinensis
Authors: ZHU B. , LIAO X. , SHAO Z. , ROSENTHAL H. , CHANG J.
Published: January 2006

From (GATA)nand (AAAG)nenriched genomic libraries for the Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis), 50 primer pairs were developed using the fast isolation by AFLP of sequences containing repeats (FIASCO) protocol. Forty‐six primer pairs exhibited highly polymorphic with two to 11 alleles per locus, while the rest four displayed monomorphic. These markers yielded 246 alleles in a survey of eight specimens of wildA. sinensis. Average observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.13 to 1.00. These loci should provide sufficient levels of genetic diversity to allow parentage analysis for artificial stocking management and delineation of fine‐scale population structure.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite DNA loci for endangered fish, Japanese huchen (Hucho perryi)
Authors: HATAKEYAMA MAKOTO , WATANABE TOMOHISA , IKEDA MINORU , NAKAJIMA MASAMICHI , KAWAMULA HIROSHI , TANIGUCHI NOBUHIKO
Published: January 2006

Japanese huchen, Hucho perryi, is an endangered fish in Japan. In order to promote a conservation program for this species, it is necessary to evaluate its genetic diversity and population genetics. For this purpose, we designed 15 primers containing dinucleotide microsatellite regions and examined their allelic variation using a total of 23 wild individuals collected from two different localities. Eight loci showed moderate allelic variation ranging from two to four alleles, with expected heterozygosities from 0.043 to 0.548. These markers will be useful for the assessment of genetic variation for this species.
Isolation of polymorphic microsatellite loci in the clear lake gnat and two other phantom midge species of the genus Chaoborus (Diptera: Chaoboridae)
Authors: BERENDONK T. U. , DOBSON K.
Published: January 2006

Chaoborus is of great interest to many freshwater ecologists. The adults can become pests in certain areas in North America and the larvae are an important food source for fish. In this preliminary study, we identified variable microsatellite loci in three species: Chaoborus astictopus (HE = 0.52–0.76), Chaoborus americanus (HE = 0.46–0.80) and Chaoborus punctipennis (HE = 0.66–0.81). Using a biotin/streptavidin capture technique of repetitive sequences in a 96‐well format, we obtained microsatellite‐enriched genomic libraries for all three species and identified six polymorphic microsatellite markers for each species. None of the primers did yield a polymerase chain reaction fragment in a cross‐species test.
Conservation and versatility of a new set of primers for long‐PCR amplification of complete insect mitochondrial genomes based on Haematobia irritans mtDNA sequences
Authors: BARAU JOAN GRANDE , DE AZEREDO‐ESPIN ANA MARIA LIMA , LESSINGER ANA CLÁUDIA
Published: January 2006

The amplification of complete mitochondrial genomes by long PCR (polymerase chain reaction) has been a major contribution to the large‐scale sequencing of arthropodan mitochondrial genomes. In this work, we designed six conserved long‐PCR primers to successfully recover the entire mitochondrial genome of the horn fly Haematobia irritans (Diptera: Muscidae) in two overlapping fragments. The conservation and versatility of these primers were tested for 17 other species from four major insect orders: Diptera (14), Coleoptera (1), Lepidoptera (1) and Hymenoptera (1). The amplification of complete mitochondrial genomes in orders other than Diptera suggested an even broader application of these primers, especially within the Hexapoda.
A method to size DNA fragments from 50 to 800 bp on a DNA analyser
Authors: AVIS PETER G. , FELDHEIM KEVIN A.
Published: January 2006

We present a method to size DNA fragments from 50 to 800 bp on a DNA analyser using an alternative size standard (X‐Rhodamine MapMarker 1000) run on a capillary electrophoresis system (Applied Biosystem's 3730 DNA Analyser). This method avoids several limitations imposed by manufacturer‐developed size standards, instruments and software and offers a more robust approach to conducting DNA size fragment analyses.
Polymerase chain reaction primers for microsatellite loci in the semi‐aquatic grasshopper, Cornops aquaticum
Authors: BREDE EDWARD G. , BEEBEE TREVOR J. C.
Published: January 2006

The semi‐aquatic grasshopper Cornops aquaticum is native to South America, with a distribution as far south as the Argentinian pampas and as far north as the Gulf of Mexico. This study reports the characterization of nine microsatellite loci for this species. To our knowledge, no molecular studies have been conducted on C. aquaticum, therefore, little is known about this species’ genetic diversity and how this relates to host specificity. These primers will allow further studies to elucidate the population history of C. aquaticum across both its native and introduced ranges.
gener: a server‐based analysis of pollen pool structure
Authors: DYER RODNEY J.
Published: January 2006

The server‐based program gener performs the two‐generation analysis of pollen flow for data consisting of mother/offspring arrays using genetic markers. The gener program decomposes the genetic variance sampled by maternal individuals within and among pollen pool components of genetic variance and is accessible from http://dyerlab.bio.vcu.edu. These estimates are used to construct the test statistic, Φft, whose significance is tested via permutation. The Φft statistic can subsequently be used to quantify genetic effective pollen donor population size (Nep), effective mating area and dispersal distance. Furthermore, the gener program can calculate Φft values for all pairs of substrata within the data set.
Species‐specific microsatellite markers to monitor gene flow between exotic poplars and their natural relatives in eastern North America
Authors: KHASA DAMASE , POLLEFEYS PATRICK , NAVARRO‐QUEZADA AURA , PERINET PIERRE , BOUSQUET JEAN
Published: January 2006

Species‐specific microsatellite markers were obtained for the unambiguous recognition of five poplar species of ecological and commercial importance to eastern North America: the native species Populus balsamifera and Populus deltoides, the exotic species Populus maximowiczii, Populus nigra, Populus trichocarpa and their interspecific hybrids. Forty‐four of 71 tested primer pairs amplified simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci for all five taxa. Six of these loci showed non‐overlapping allelic diversity between species, including fixed differences. Together, they were useful to identify unambiguously the five taxa and to validate parental contributions in a group of hybrid progeny. These markers will be invaluable to detect gene flow from plantations of exotic poplar into adjacent stands of native species and between the two potentially hybridizing native species P. balsamifera and P. deltoides.
Twelve polymorphic microsatellite loci for the South China tigerPanthera tigris amoyensis
Authors: ZHANG ZHI‐HE , ZHANG WEN‐PING , YUE BI‐SONG , SHEN FU‐JUN , ZHANG LIANG , HOU RONG , ZHU MU‐YUAN
Published: January 2006

Twelve microsatellite loci were found from genomic DNA‐enriched libraries of the South China tiger (Panthera tigris amoyensis). The number of observed alleles for each locus in 53 individuals ranged from five to 14; the expected and observed heterozygosity was 0.480 to 0.883 and 0.333 to 0.956, respectively; and the mean polymorphic information content (PIC) was 0.729. These markers would be considered a useful tool for the study of genetic variation in South China tiger in the future.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite DNA loci in the toad‐headed lizards,Phrynocephalus przewalskiicomplex
Authors: URQUHART JOHN , BI KE , GOZDZIK AGNES , FU JINZHONG
Published: January 2006

To assess mechanisms of hybridization and speciation, we isolated and characterized 12 dinucleotide microsatellite DNA loci for the toad‐headed lizards,Phrynocephalus przewalskiicomplex. A total of 48 specimens were examined and all loci were polymorphic with seven to 25 alleles per locus. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.282 to 0.946 and 0.400 to 0.937, respectively. These loci are therefore suitable for a wide range of population level studies within theP. przewalskiicomplex.
Characterization of 14 polymorphic microsatellite loci for the lesser horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus hipposideros (Rhinolophidae, Chiroptera)
Authors: PUECHMAILLE SEBASTIEN , MATHY GREGORY , PETIT ERIC
Published: January 2006

Fourteen polymorphic microsatellites isolated in the lesser horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus hipposideros, are described. A subset of eight loci successfully coamplified in a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and allowed to confirm that expected heterozygosity was relatively high for the eight loci (0.56–0.83). This set of eight microsatellites indeed permits to build genetic tags that distinguish all individuals in colonies consisting of up to more than 1000 individuals.
Characterization of polymorphic microsatellites in the castration parasite plant‐ant Allomerus octoarticulatus cf. demerarae (Formicidae: Myrmicinae)
Authors: DEBOUT GABRIEL D. G. , PEREYRA RICARDO , EMERSON BRENT C. , YU DOUGLAS W.
Published: January 2006

Fifteen microsatellite loci were isolated from the Peruvian tropical plant‐ant Allomerus octoarticulatus cf. demerarae (Hymenoptera: Myrmicinae) and their polymorphism was characterized. High levels of within‐population variation were observed at most loci, with number of alleles ranging from one to 21, and heterozygosity from 0 to 1 per population sample. Cross‐species amplification of these loci was also tested in one other species of the ant genus Allomerus (Allomerus decemarticulatus), displaying similar life history.
Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in the Australian smelt, Retropinna semoni
Authors: HILLYER MIA J. , WOODS RYAN J. , HUGHES JANE M.
Published: January 2006

Five polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated from the Australian smelt, Retropinna semoni, in order to study levels of connectivity among populations at various spatial scales. Screening of one natural population (n = 30) from central Victoria, southeastern Australia, yielded nine to 14 alleles per locus with observed levels of heterozygosity ranging from 0.40 to 0.80. All loci were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium after Bonferroni correction for multiple tests. These loci should provide a useful tool in further understanding the population genetics of this species.
Characterization of microsatellite loci in polyploid Lavatera assurgentiflora ssp. assurgentiflora and ssp. glabra (Malvaceae)
Authors: WALLACE LISA E. , HELENURM KAIUS
Published: January 2006

Lavatera assurgentiflora (Malvaceae) is one of four species of the genus Lavatera native to California and Baja California. Two geographically defined subspecies are recognized: L. a. assurgentiflora on the northern islands and L. a. glabra on the southern islands. We isolated nine polymorphic microsatellite loci that amplify in both subspecies of L. assurgentiflora. Substantial levels of polymorphism were observed at many of the loci. Four loci exhibited more than 10 alleles, polymorphism information content ranged from 0.4 to 0.8, and up to six alleles were found in some individuals, supporting reports that these taxa are hexaploid. All loci also amplified in Lavatera lindsayi from Guadalupe Island, and we anticipate that they will cross‐amplify in other California Lavatera species as well.
Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite markers from Primula nutans (Primulaceae)
Authors: KREIVI MARJUT , HUTTUNEN SUSANNA , ASPI JOUNI
Published: January 2006

Seven polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed for a perennial seashore plant, Primula nutans. Degenerate oligonucleotide‐primed (DOP)–polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐amplified DNA was ligated to TOPO TA vector and screened with radioactively labelled dinucleotide repeat probes. A sample of 378 individuals from Finland, Norway and Russia were used to characterize those loci, which exhibited two to four alleles per locus with observed heterozygosity of 0.003–0.229 and expected heterozygosity of 0.016–0.527. No linkage disequilibrium was found between these seven loci. These are the first microsatellite markers reported for P. nutans.
Geographical and seasonal gradients in hatching failure in Eastern Bluebirds Sialia sialis reinforce clutch size trends
Authors: COOPER CAREN B. , HOCHACHKA WESLEY M. , PHILLIPS TINA B. , DHONDT ANDRÉ A.
Published: January 2006

Eggs untended during the laying phase can lose viability if exposed to high temperatures, such as those common at lower latitudes and late in the nesting season. The egg‐viability hypothesis states that constraints on viability during the laying phase could account for latitudinal and seasonal gradients in clutch size. We used 7 years’ worth of data collected by volunteers (The Birdhouse Network, co‐ordinated by the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology) to look simultaneously at populations across the temperate breeding range of Eastern Bluebirds Sialia sialis in order to test three predictions of the egg‐viability hypothesis: the probability of hatching failure decreases at higher latitude and increases later in the season, and that these trends are strongest among large clutches. The overall average number of unhatched eggs relative to the total number of eggs laid was similar to that found by other studies (7.8%; range 6.8–8.9% annually; n = 32 567 eggs from 7231 nests from 530 study sites). Using generalized linear mixed models that controlled for the non‐independence of eggs within a clutch, we found that the ‘per‐egg’ probability of hatching failure was highest late in the season, highest at lower latitudes, and highest for both small (three‐egg) and large (six‐egg) clutches. The seasonal and geographical gradients in egg hatching failure reinforce documented seasonal and geographical trends in clutch size. Loss of egg viability prior to incubation currently provides the most parsimonious and consistent explanation of the observed patterns of hatching failure. However, alternative explanations for large‐scale patterns, particularly those not consistent with the egg‐viability hypothesis, warrant further research into other causes of hatching failure, such as microbes and infertility (related to extra‐pair mating). Our results demonstrate that investigating causes of variation in demography among local populations across a geographical gradient provides a potential means of identifying selection pressures on life‐history traits.
Multicriteria Decision Analysis: A Comprehensive Decision Approach for Management of Contaminated Sediments
Authors: Linkov I. , Satterstrom F. K. , Kiker G. , Seager T. P. , Bridges T. , Gardner K. H. , Rogers S. H. , Belluck D. A. , Meyer A.
Published: January 2006

Contaminated sediments and other sites present a difficult challenge for environmental decisionmakers. They are typically slow to recover or attenuate naturally, may involve multiple regulatory agencies and stakeholder groups, and engender multiple toxicological and ecotoxicological risks. While environmental decision‐making strategies over the last several decades have evolved into increasingly more sophisticated, information‐intensive, and complex approaches, there remains considerable dissatisfaction among business, industry, and the public with existing management strategies. Consequently, contaminated sediments and materials are the subject of intense technology development, such as beneficial reuse or in situ treatment. However, current decision analysis approaches, such as comparative risk assessment, benefit‐cost analysis, and life cycle assessment, do not offer a comprehensive approach for incorporating the varied types of information and multiple stakeholder and public views that must typically be brought to bear when new technologies are under consideration. Alternatively, multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) offers a scientifically sound decision framework for management of contaminated materials or sites where stakeholder participation is of crucial concern and criteria such as economics, environmental impacts, safety, and risk cannot be easily condensed into simple monetary expressions. This article brings together a multidisciplinary review of existing decision‐making approaches at regulatory agencies in the United States and Europe and synthesizes state‐of‐the‐art research in MCDA methods applicable to the assessment of contaminated sediment management technologies. Additionally, it tests an MCDA approach for coupling expert judgment and stakeholder values in a hypothetical contaminated sediments management case study wherein MCDA is used as a tool for testing stakeholder responses to and improving expert assessment of innovative contaminated sediments technologies.
Formation of Carbide‐Derived Carbon on β‐Silicon Carbide Whiskers
Authors: Cambaz Z. G. , Yushin G. N. , Gogotsi Y. , Vyshnyakova K. L. , Pereselentseva L. N.
Published: January 2006

Carbon was synthesized on β‐SiC whiskers by extraction of Si atoms from SiC. In this study, three different elevated temperature extraction methods were used to remove Si atoms from SiC: treatments in either Cl2 or HCl and vacuum decomposition. In all chlorination experiments and vacuum treatment at 1700°C, carbon preserved the original shape of SiC whiskers. At higher temperatures (2000°C), vacuum decomposition led to a distortion in the shape of the whiskers. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy showed that the structure of carbide‐derived carbon depends on the Si extraction method and the process parameters. Chlorination of SiC resulted in the formation of mostly amorphous nanoporous carbon. High‐temperature treatment of SiC in HCl environment produced fullerene‐like structures, while high‐temperature vacuum decomposition resulted in the formation of graphite. Transmission electron microscopy studies of the carbon coating thickness produced in Cl2 at various chlorination times revealed linear reaction kinetics at 700°C. Raman studies showed that the carbon structure became more ordered with increasing chlorination temperature. The results obtained demonstrate that by using the silicon extraction technique, one can precisely control the thickness and morphology of the carbon coating.
Photocatalytic Activity of Ni 8 wt%‐Doped TiO2 Photocatalyst Synthesized by Mechanical Alloying Under Visible Light
Authors: Hyun Kim Dong , Sub Lee Kyung , Kim Yoon‐Suk , Chung Yong‐Chae , Kim Sun‐Jae
Published: January 2006

Ni 8 wt%‐doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) was synthesized by mechanical alloying. The photocatalytic activity of Ni 8 wt%‐doped TiO2 powder was evaluated by measuring the visible light absorption ability by ultraviolet visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV/Vis‐DRS) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Ni 8 wt%‐doped TiO2 powders had only a rutile phase and spherical particles with an average grain size of less than 10 nm. The UV/Vis‐DRS analysis showed that the UV absorption for the Ni 8 wt%‐doped TiO2 powder moved to a longer wavelength and the photoreactivity was rapidly enhanced. And PL results revealed that the new absorption was believed to be induced by localization of the trapping level near the valance band or conduction band. Moreover, Ni 8 wt%‐doped TiO2 had a high reaction activity for decomposition of 4‐chlorophenol in aqueous solution under UV and visible light. To obtain the electronic structure of Ni‐doped TiO2, we have performed ab initio pseudopotential plane wave methods based on the density functional theory. The band gap of Ni‐doped TiO2 narrowed more than pure TiO2. These results agree with the experimentally observed phenomenon.
Low‐Fire Processing of Microwave BaTi4O9Dielectric with BaO–ZnO–B2O3Glass
Authors: Jhou Ming‐Zong , Jean Jau‐Ho
Published: January 2006

The effects of BaO—ZnO–B2O3(BZB) glass addition on the densification and dielectric properties of BaTi4O9(BT4) have been investigated. With increasing BaO content in the BZB glass, the softening and melting points of the resulting BZB glass decrease, but the wetting between BZB and BT4 improves cosiderably. Although the densification temperature is reduced from 1300°C for pure BT4 to 925°C for BT4+BZB dielectric ceramics, the enhancement in densification becomes less significant with increasing BaO content in the BZB glass. The above result is attributed to a chemical reaction taking place at the interface of BZB/BT4 during firing, which becomes less extensive with increasing BaO content in the BZB glass. For the BZB glass with a BaO content in the range of 0–20 mol%, the resulting 90 vol% BT4+10 vol% BZB microwave dielectric has a dielectric constant of 28–33, and a product (Q×fr) of quality factor (Q) and a resonant frequency (fr) of 15 000–20 000 GHz at 6.6 GHz.
Oxidation/Corrosion of Polymer‐Derived SiAlCN Ceramics in Water Vapor
Authors: Wang Yiguang , Fei Weifeng , An Linan
Published: January 2006

Fully dense polymer‐derived SiAlCN ceramics were exposed to pure water vapor flowing at the rate of 4.4 cm/s at 1100°C. Weight changes as a function of annealing time were recorded to illustrate the oxidation/corrosion behavior of the materials. The paralinear kinetic model was used to determine the parabolic and linear rate constants from the experimental data. The results show that the polymer‐derived SiAlCN ceramics have a much better water‐vapor corrosion resistance than pure silicon‐based ceramics.
Effects of the Addition of Different Types of Fillers on the Properties of BaO–ZnO–B2O3–SiO2 Glass Composites for Application to Barrier Ribs of Plasma Display Panels
Authors: Kim Sang‐Gon , Park Jong‐Sung , An Jae‐Sul , Sun Hong Kug , Shin Hyunho , Kim Hyungsun
Published: January 2006

Various types of crystalline ceramic fillers (TiO2, ZrO2, Al2O3, MgO, and cordierite) were added to BaO–ZnO–B2O3–SiO2 (BZBS) glass (5–20 wt%), and the resultant dielectric constant, coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), and optical reflectance were investigated for the application of the composites to the barrier ribs in plasma display panels. All the investigated fillers were partially dissolved into the glass at the fabrication temperature (575°C), and the residual fillers were aligned along the boundaries of sintered glass frits. By considering all aspects of the properties, the addition of TiO2 fillers of about 10 wt% to BZBS glass was the most desirable of the types of fillers investigated. The addition of TiO2 filler (10 wt%) yielded 61% in optical reflectance, 8.3 × 10−6 K–1 in coefficient of thermal expansion, and 15.5 in dielectric constant, which were properties comparable with the currently used Pb‐based barrier ribs.
Pattern and severity of early childhood caries
Authors: Hallett Kerrod B. , O'Rourke Peter K.
Published: January 2006

Abstract –  Objectives:  The aim of this study was to investigate the association between selected social and behavioural variables and the pattern and severity of early childhood caries (ECC) within a community child population.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional sample of 2515 children aged 4–5 years were examined in a preschool setting using decayed, missing, filled teeth/surface (dmft/dmfs) indices and a self‐administered questionnaire was used to obtain information regarding social, demographic, birth, infant feeding, oral and general health attitudes. Children with caries (847) were divided into anterior or posterior caries pattern groups and severe (dmfs score ≥6) or non‐severe (dmfs score <6) caries groups. The data were analysed using a chi‐square test and modelled using a logistic regression procedure.

Results:  Significant variables associated with anterior ECC pattern were ethnicity other than Caucasian (OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.4–3.1), sipping from the bottle during the day (OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.3–2.7), male gender (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.2–2.2) and sleeping with a bottle at night (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.1–2.2). Significant variables associated with severe ECC form were sipping from the bottle during the day (OR = 2, 95% CI = 1.4–2.8), maternal age at birth ≤24 years (OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.3–2.7), ethnicity other than Caucasian (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.1–2.5) and sleeping with a bottle at night (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.1–2.2).

Conclusions:  Infant bottle‐feeding habits (either allowing a child to sip from a bottle during the day or put to sleep at night) and ethnicity other than Caucasian were significant determinants for both anterior caries pattern and severity of ECC in 4–5‐year‐old Australian children.
A field trial of resin‐based and glass–ionomer fissure sealants: clinical and radiographic assessment of caries
Authors: Poulsen S. , Laurberg L. , Væth M. , Jensen U. , Haubek D.
Published: January 2006

Abstract –  Objective:  The purpose of the present study was to provide further data for comparison of retention and caries‐preventive effect of a resin‐based sealant (Delton®), and a glass–ionomer sealant (Fuji III®).

Methods:  The study was conducted in the municipality of Værløse located 15 km north of Copenhagen, Denmark in the period 1996–2001. The study comprised 153 children aged 8–13 years with a total of 364 site‐pairs. Caries was diagnosed both clinically and radiographically, and sealant retention was diagnosed clinically. Sealants were placed either by one of four dentists, who had the responsibility for the children's dental care, by a dental hygienist or a dental assistant. Mean follow‐up time was 38–39 months for sites on first permanent molars and 28–29 months for sites on second permanent molars.

Results:  The retention rates were consistently, and considerably lower for Fuji III® than for Delton®. Relative risks of caries in Delton®‐sealed teeth over Fuji III®‐sealed teeth was 0.435 (95% CI 0.150–0.846) based on the clinical diagnosis, and 0.559 (95% CI 0.342–0.905) based on the radiographic diagnosis. The ratio of the relative risks (clinical over radiographic diagnosis) was close to 1 (0.778; 95% CI 0.272–1.481).

Conclusion:  In the present study, Delton®‐sealed teeth had a lower risk than Fuji III®‐sealed teeth of developing caries, independent of the caries diagnostic method used.
Tyrosinase maturation through the mammalian secretory pathway: bringing color to life
Authors: Wang Ning , Hebert Daniel N.
Published: January 2006

Tyrosinase has been extensively utilized as a model substrate to study the maturation of glycoproteins in the mammalian secretory pathway. The visual nature of its enzymatic activity (melanin production) has facilitated the identification and characterization of the proteins that assist it becoming a functional enzyme, localized to its proper cellular location. Here, we review the steps involved in the maturation of tyrosinase from when it is first synthesized by cytosolic ribosomes until the mature protein reaches its post‐Golgi residence in the melanosomes. These steps include protein processing, covalent modifications, chaperone binding, oligomerization, and trafficking. The disruption of any of these steps can lead to a wide range of pigmentation disorders.
A comparison between three rating scales for perceived exertion and two different work tests
Authors: Borg E. , Kaijser L.
Published: January 2006

In the present article, three scales developed by Borg are compared on bicycle ergometer work. In the first study, comparing the Borg Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and Category scales with Ratio properties (CR10) scales, 40 healthy subjects (12 men and eight women for each scale) with a mean age of about 30 years (SD≈6) participated. A work‐test protocol with step‐wise increase of work loads every minute was used (20 W increase for men and 15 W for women). Ratings and heart rates (HRs) were recorded every minute and blood lactates every third minute. Data obtained with the RPE scale were described with linear regressions, with individual correlations of about 0.98. Data obtained with the CR10 scale could also be described by linear regressions, but when described by power functions gave exponents of about 1.2 (SD≈0.4) (with one additional constant included in the power function). This was significantly lower than the exponent of between 1.5 and 1.9 that has previously been observed. Mean individual correlations were 0.98. Blood lactate concentration grew with monotonously increasing functions that could be described by power functions with a mean exponent of about 2.6 (SD≈0.6) (with two additional constants included in the power functions). In the second study, where also the more recently developed Borg CR100 scale (centiMax) was included, 24 healthy subjects (12 men and 12 women) with a mean age of about 29 years (SD≈3) participated in a work test with a step‐wise increase of work loads (25 W) every third minute. Ratings and HRs were recorded. RPE values were described by linear regressions with individual correlations of about 0.97. Data from the two CR scales were described by power functions with mean exponents of about 1.4 (SD≈0.5) (witha‐values in the power functions). Mean individual correlations were about 0.98. In both studies, a tendency for a deviation from linearity between RPE values and HRs was observed. The obtained deviations from what has previously been obtained for work of longer duration (4–6 min) points to a need for standardization of work‐test protocols and to the advantage of using CR scales.
Effects of isometric training at different knee angles on the muscle–tendon complex in vivo
Authors: Kubo K. , Ohgo K. , Takeishi R. , Yoshinaga K. , Tsunoda N. , Kanehisa H. , Fukunaga T.
Published: January 2006

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influences of isometric training at different joint angles on the muscle size and function of the human muscle–tendon complex in vivo. Furthermore, we tried to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in angle specificity after isometric training from the aspect of neuromuscular adaptation and the changes in the properties of the muscle–tendon complex. Nine males completed 12‐week unilateral training program (70% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) × 15 s × six sets) on the knee extensors at 50° (shorter muscle length: ST) and 100° (longer muscle length: LT). The internal muscle force (mechanical stress) is higher at 100° than at 50° because of the difference in the moment arm length, although there were no difference in the relative torque level, contraction and relaxation times, and repetition between ST and LT. Before and after training, isometric strength at eight angles and muscle volume were determined. Tendon elongation of knee extensors was measured by ultrasonography. There was no significant difference in the rate of increment of muscle volume between the protocols. Tendon stiffness increased significantly for LT, but not for ST. Although significant gain was limited to angles at or near the training angle for ST, increases in MVC at all angles were found for LT. These results suggest that only mechanical stress (internal muscle force imposed on muscle and tendon) contributes to adaptation in the tendon stiffness, although metabolic (relative torque level, etc.) and mechanical stress relate to muscle hypertrophy. Furthermore, increment of tendon stiffness for LT might contribute to increase torque output at smaller angles other than the training angle.
Upper body training and the triceps brachii muscle of elite cross country skiers
Authors: Terzis G. , Stattin B. , Holmberg H.‐C.
Published: January 2006

This study aimed at evaluating whether addition of extensive upper body training in well‐trained cross country skiers induces an adaptation of the triceps brachii (TB) muscle and whether this affects performance. Muscle biopsies were obtained from TB muscle in six male elite cross country skiers before and after 20 weeks of increased upper body training. The cross‐sectional area of type I and IIA fibers increased by 11.3% and 24.0%, respectively, and so did the number of capillaries per fiber (2.3–3.2) (all P<0.05). SDS‐polyacrylamide electrophoresis revealed in single fibers that the number of fibers expressing myosin heavy chain (MHC) type I isoform decreased from 68.7% to 60.9% (P<0.05), MHC I/IIA isoform was unaltered, while MHC IIA fibers increased from 21.6% to 35.7% and the 4.8% MHC IIA/IIX disappeared with the training (both P<0.05). Citrate synthase and 3‐hydroxyacyl coenzyme A dehydrogenase activities increased by 23.3% and 15.4%, respectively, and double poling 10 km time‐trial by 10.4% (all P<0.05). The values for TB are similar to what has been demonstrated for leg muscles after exercise training. The subjects who demonstrated the largest improvement in performance exhibited the largest muscle adaptation, which, in turn, was related to the pre‐maximal oxygen uptake.
Shoulder terminal range eccentric antagonist/concentric agonist strength ratios in overhead athletes
Authors: Yildiz Y. , Aydin T. , Sekir U. , Kiralp M. Z. , Hazneci B. , Kalyon T. A.
Published: January 2006

Objective: The agonist–antagonist strength relationship for shoulder external rotation and internal rotation was formerly described by the relatively more functional ratios of eccentric external rotator to concentric internal rotator moments, and eccentric internal rotator to concentric external rotator moments for the entire range of motion. The aim of this study was to provide descriptive data for terminal range eccentric antagonist/concentric agonist rotator cuff strength in overhead athletes.

Method: The dominant and non‐dominant shoulders of 40 asymptomatic military overhead athletes were tested through a range of 20° of external rotation to 90° of internal rotation using the Cybex NORM isokinetic dynamometer at a speed of 90°/s. Differences between the dominant and non‐dominant shoulders were assessed using the paired samples t‐test.

Results: The terminal range ratios during external rotation (20° of internal rotation – 10° of external rotation) were found to be 2.09 and 1.58 for the dominant and non‐dominant shoulders, respectively, whereas the terminal range ratios during internal rotation (60–90° of internal rotation) were 1.03 and 1.19 for the dominant and non‐dominant shoulders, respectively. These ratio differences between the dominant and non‐dominant shoulders were significant (P<0.01 for external and internal rotation).

Conclusion: The muscle torque ratios of eccentric antagonist/concentric agonist are different between dominant and non‐dominant shoulders of skilled overhead athletes at terminal ranges. This functional assessment of strength testing that reflects dynamic shoulder joint stability during the throwing activity at these specific ranges may provide valuable information either during preventive exercise programs or in the evaluation of the injured shoulder of the overhead athlete. We recommended functional exercises that improve eccentric external rotation strength on the dominant shoulder during the rehabilitation and prevention programs in overhead athletes.
A new instrument for measuring self‐efficacy in patients with an anterior cruciate ligament injury
Authors: Thomeé P. , Währborg P. , Börjesson M. , Thomeé R. , Eriksson B. I. , Karlsson J.
Published: January 2006

It has been suggested that self‐efficacy belief is of major importance for rehabilitation outcome after sports‐related injuries. No instruments are, however, available to evaluate perceived self‐efficacy for prognostic and outcome expectations in patients with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Perceived self‐efficacy is defined as a judgment of one's potential ability to carry out a task, rather than a measure of whether or not one actually can or does perform the task. The purpose of this study was to develop a reliable and valid instrument for measuring perceived self‐efficacy in patients with an ACL injury.

A total of 210 male and female patients with an ACL injury were included in this study. The items were generated by health professionals with long clinical experience of patients with an ACL injury and by discussions with patients. After item analysis and item reduction, based on the results from 88 patients, the final 22‐item version of the Knee Self‐Efficacy Scale (K‐SES) was evaluated in 18 patients for test–retest reliability and in 104 patients for internal consistency and validity. The K‐SES was compared with the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC), Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ), SF‐36 and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) instruments. A factor analysis was also performed on the K‐SES.

The test–retest revealed a correlation ofrs=0.73 between test‐days and an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.75. No significant difference between test‐days was found. The internal consistency was 0.94, as calculated with Cronbach's α. There were low correlations between the K‐SES and MHLC and the K‐SES and CSQ, respectively. A strong correlation was found between the K‐SES and physical functioning, as measured by the SF‐36 (rs=0.8). All the sub‐scales in the KOOS correlated moderately to strongly (rs=0.4–0.7) to the K‐SES. The factor analysis produced two factors of importance. Factor one was related to how patients perceived their present physical performance/function, while factor two was related to how patients perceived the future physical performance/prognosis of their knee.

Good reliability and good face, content, construct and convergent validity were demonstrated for this new instrument (K‐SES) for measuring perceived self‐efficacy in patients with an ACL injury. The K‐SES is recommended for studies designed to evaluate prognostic and outcome expectations of perceived self‐efficacy in patients with an ACL‐insufficient knee.
Neuromuscular fatigue and recovery in elite female handball players
Authors: Ronglan L. T. , Raastad T. , Børgesen A.
Published: January 2006

The purpose of this study was to investigate the degree of neuromuscular fatigue and recovery from fatigue, following handball training and handball matches at elite level. The focus was specifically on changes in physical performance when playing three matches over the course of 3 days, which simulates a sequence in international championships. Female players from the Norwegian national handball team were tested during a 5‐day training camp (seven players) and a 3‐day international tournament (eight players). Testing was done before and after training sessions and matches. Neuromuscular fatigue was measured as changes in voluntary isokinetic knee extensions, jump height in counter‐movement jumps, and 20 m sprint time. The results showed a significant reduction by 2–6% in all three performance tests during the training camp and by 4–7% during the tournament (sprint and jump test) (P<0.05). Slow recovery was indicated by incomplete restoration of performance between matches and training sessions. The paper discusses the insufficient recovery measured related to handball performance. Because of changes in the rules of the game and strategic tendencies towards higher speed in play, the physical demands in elite handball seems to be increasing. The results of the study indicate that coaches should consider physical loading and recovery time available when distributing playing time between individual players in international tournaments.
Vaccinia Virus‐Induced Microtubule‐Dependent Cellular Rearrangements
Authors: Schepis Antonino , Schramm Birgit , de Haan Cornelis A. M. , Locker Jacomine Krijnse
Published: January 2006

Although infection with vaccinia virus (VV) is known to affect the cytoskeleton, it is not known how this affects the cellular architecture or whether the attenuated modified VV ankara (MVA) behaves similar to wild‐type VV (wtVV). In the present study, we therefore compared effects of wtVV and MVA infection on the cellular architecture. WtVV‐infection induces cell rounding early in infection, which coincides with the retraction of microtubules (MTs) and intermediate filaments from the cellular periphery, whereas mitochondria and late endosomes cluster around the nucleus. Nocodazole treatment demonstrates that cell rounding and organelle clustering require intact MTs. At the onset of virus assembly late in infection, cells reflatten, a process that coincides with the regrowth of MTs into the cellular periphery. We find that the actin network undergoes several rearrangements that occur sequentially in time and that closely follow the cell‐shape changes. Unexpectedly, these actin changes are blocked or reversed upon nocodazole treatment, indicating that intact MTs are also responsible for the wtVV‐induced actin rearrangements. Finally, MVA infection does not induce any of these cellular changes. Because this virus lacks a substantial number of VV genes, MVA opens up a system to search for the molecules involved in wtVV‐induced cellular changes; in particular, those that may regulate actin/MT interactions.