bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postpartum Ovarian Activity and Serum Estradiol‐17beta Level in Thai Crossbred Native Mares
Authors: Panasophonkul S , Lohachit C , Sirivaidyapong S
Published: January 2007

Contents

To study the postpartum ovarian activities for investigation of first postpartum oestrus, twenty‐five Thai crossbred native mares were monitored after parturition by oestrous detection, transrectal palpation and reproductive ultrasonography. Blood samplings were also taken for estradiol‐17beta (E2) analysis. The first ovulation occurred within 20 days postpartum in 92% (23/25) of the mares. The mean intervals of foaling to first oestrus and to first ovulation were 10.3 ± 2.9 and 13.4 ± 2.6 days (mean ± SD) respectively. Serum E2 increased from 7.0 ± 2.9 to a peak of 10.8 ± 3.3 pg/ml (mean ± SD) at 2 days before ovulation. In conclusion, from the study, it can be stated that the postpartum breeding management should be considered after day 10 postpartum by careful examination of ovarian activity with various methods. However, the uterine condition should be also estimated associated with the ovarian activity after parturition which may increase breeding performance and foal production.
Immunohistochemical Localization of Androgen Receptor in Two Subpopulations of Porcine Granulosa Cells In Vitro
Authors: Duda M , Slomczyńska M
Published: January 2007

Contents

In the ovarian follicles of mammals, androgens are utilized as substrates for estrogen synthesis or can act via androgen receptor (AR). Within the ovary, granulosa cells generally display the strongest immunoreactivity for AR protein. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyse possible changes in the intensity of AR staining in cultured mural and antral granulosa cells isolated from follicles at various stages of development. Porcine ovaries were obtained at a local slaughterhouse and the follicles were classified as small, medium and large dependently on their diameter. Isolated granulosa cells were separated into two populations, mural and antral, and then the cells were cultured during 48 h. After this time the cells were fixed and immunostained to visualize the AR. Androgen receptor immunostaining was detected in both, antral and mural granulosa cell cultures isolated from follicles at all stages of the development. In the mural granulosa cultures the immunostaining was comparatively weaker than that in the antral granulosa cells originating from all types of follicles. Our results provide immunohistochemical evidence that antral granulosa layer is the main site of AR immunoexpression.
Mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) fauna in inland areas of south‐west Western Australia
Authors: Lindsay Michael D A , Jardine Andrew , Johansen Cheryl A , Wright Anthony E , Harrington Susan A , Weinstein Philip
Published: January 2007

Abstract  Previously existing sources of data regarding mosquitoes in inland areas of south‐west Western Australia are few and qualitative in nature. This is the first attempt to quantitatively investigate mosquito fauna in this region. The existing data are reviewed and compared with the results of the quantitative surveys presented in this paper. Temporal comparisons appear to indicate that mosquito community structure in the region may have changed since the initial surveys in the 1950s from a combination of freshwater‐breeding species towards a strong dominance of Aedes camptorhynchus (Thomson), a major vector of Ross River virus in southern Australia. It is speculated that this shift may have been brought about by the increasing area and severity of dryland salinity in the region over the last century, and also may increase the potential for Ross River virus disease transmission.
Party Control of State Government and the Distribution of Public Expenditures*
Authors: Ansolabehere Stephen , Snyder James M.
Published: January 2007

This paper examines the effects of party control of state governments on the distribution of intergovernmental transfers across counties from 1957 to 1997. We find that the governing parties skew the distribution of funds in favor of areas that provide them with the strongest electoral support. This is borne out in two ways. (i) Counties that traditionally give the highest vote share to the governing party receive larger shares of state transfers to local governments. (ii) When control of the state government changes, the distribution of funds shifts in the direction of the new governing party. We find only weak evidence that parties reward electorally pivotal counties or counties in electorally pivotal legislative districts. Finally, we find that increased spending in a county increases voter turnout in subsequent elections. This suggests that parties have an electoral incentive to skew the distribution of funds to influence future election results, and the mechanism through which this works is “mobilization” rather than “conversion” of voters in a fixed electorate.
FOREIGN CAPITAL INFLOW, FISCAL POLICIES AND INCIDENCE OF CHILD LABOUR IN A DEVELOPING ECONOMY*
Authors: CHAUDHURI SARBAJIT , DWIBEDI JAYANTA KUMAR
Published: January 2007

Empirical evidence suggests that the incidence of child labour taken as a whole has declined in the developing countries with economic growth due to foreign capital. But, in some high‐growth‐prone areas, the problem has been on the rise. A pertinent question is why liberalized investment policies have produced dissimilar results in different cases. The present paper is intended to provide an answer to the above question using a three‐sector general equilibrium framework with two informal sectors and a non‐traded final commodity. The paper is also designed to investigate the efficacy of an education subsidy policy and a lump‐sum tax on the richer people in controlling the problem of child labour. We find that the effects of different policies on child labour crucially hinge on the relative intensities in which child labour and adult labour are used in the two informal sectors. However, we find that on the whole a policy of subsidy on education is more effective in comparison with the policy of economic growth with foreign capital in eradicating the prevalence of the evil in the system.
Catecholamine mapping within nucleus accumbens: differences in basal and amphetamine‐stimulated efflux of norepinephrine and dopamine in shell and core
Authors: McKittrick Christina R. , Abercrombie Elizabeth D.
Published: January 2007

The nucleus accumbens is believed to play a critical role in mediating the behavioral responses to rewarding stimuli. Although most studies of the accumbens focus on dopamine, it receives afferents from many other nuclei, including noradrenergic cell groups in the brainstem. We usedin vivomicrodialysis to measure extracellular levels of both norepinephrine and dopamine in the accumbens shell and core. Regional analysis of shell and core and border regions demonstrated that norepinephrine was high in shell and decreased from medial shell to lateral core, where baseline levels were low or undetectable. Conversely, extracellular dopamine in core was twice the level seen in shell. Both catecholamines increased following a single injection of amphetamine (2 mg/kg, i.p.). The norepinephrine response was greater and long‐lasting in shell compared with core. The maximal dopamine response was higher in core than in shell, but the duration of the effect was comparable in both regions. The distinct neurochemical characteristics of shell and core are likely to contribute to the functional heterogeneity of the two subregions. Furthermore, norepinephrine may be involved in many of the functions generally attributed to the accumbens, either directly or indirectly via modulation of extracellular dopamine.
After Dawson
Authors: GAMMIE MALCOLM
Published: January 2007

At the first residential conference of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, which was held at St. Edmund Hall, Oxford, in September 1983, Mr Stewart Bates, QC, spoke on the implications of the decision of the House of Lords in the case of W. T. Ramsay Ltd v CIR. A report of those proceedings was held over until the decision of the House of Lords in the case of Furniss, v Dawson was known. The following report is based upon Mr Bates' address and the comments of Mr Stephen Oliver, QC, Mr John Avery Jones and Mr Adrian Shipwright who spoke at a lunchtime seminar convened by the IFS on 9 March 1984 to consider the decision in Furniss v Dawson. This report does not reflect the opinions of the IFS, which has no corporate views.
A Monte Carlo Procedure for the Construction of Complementary Cumulative Distribution Functions for Comparison with the EPA Release Limits for Radioactive Waste Disposal
Authors: Helton J. C. , Shiver A. W.
Published: January 2007

A Monte Carlo procedure for the construction of complementary cumulative distribution functions (CCDFs) for comparison with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) release limits for radioactive waste disposal (40 CFR 191, Subpart B) is described and illustrated with results from a recent performance assessment (PA) for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). The Monte Carlo procedure produces CCDF estimates similar to those obtained with importance sampling in several recent PAs for the WIPP. The advantages of the Monte Carlo procedure over importance sampling include increased resolution in the calculation of probabilities for complex scenarios involving drilling intrusions and better use of the necessarily limited number of mechanistic calculations that underlie CCDF construction.
Jury Service as an Invitation to Citizenship: Assessing the Civic Value of Institutionalized Deliberation
Authors: Gastil John , Weiser Phillip J.
Published: January 2007

When considering the merits of deliberative democracy, it is important to look into the experience of the American jury system. The jury has demonstrated the potential for citizen deliberation to play a central role in longstanding governmental institutions, but it has also played an unrecognized role in promoting civic engagement. Building on previous research demonstrating how jury service spurs increased electoral participation after jury service, we present results from a three‐wave panel survey that show that a subjectively rewarding jury experience can spur broader civic engagement beyond voting. Given the value of the jury as both a model of deliberation and an engine of civic spirit, we consider the potential value of creating citizen juries to improve the initiative process, which currently lacks the citizen deliberation that is essential for any effective direct democratic processes.
Semiparametric Analysis of Correlated Recurrent and Terminal Events
Authors: Ye Yining , Kalbfleisch John D. , Schaubel Douglas E.
Published: January 2007

SummaryIn clinical and observational studies, recurrent event data (e.g., hospitalization) with a terminal event (e.g., death) are often encountered. In many instances, the terminal event is strongly correlated with the recurrent event process. In this article, we propose a semiparametric method to jointly model the recurrent and terminal event processes. The dependence is modeled by a shared gamma frailty that is included in both the recurrent event rate and terminal event hazard function. Marginal models are used to estimate the regression effects on the terminal and recurrent event processes, and a Poisson model is used to estimate the dispersion of the frailty variable. A sandwich estimator is used to achieve additional robustness. An analysis of hospitalization data for patients in the peritoneal dialysis study is presented to illustrate the proposed method.
ISOLATION OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES DNA FROM MEAT PRODUCTS FOR QUANTITATIVE DETECTION BY REAL‐TIME PCR
Authors: RODRÍGUEZ‐LÁZARO DAVID , HERNÁNDEZ MARTA
Published: January 2007

We report a study of two different procedures for extraction of Listeria monocytogenes genomic DNA from cooked pork ham products, to be coupled to a specific real‐time (RTi‐) PCR assay, an open formula protocol based on the Chelex‐100 resin and the Wizard DNA kit. The reliability of each DNA extraction was evaluated by performing three independent experiments using eight replicates. The quality and quantity of the L. monocytogenes DNA were tested using both a fluorescence‐based DNA measuring protocol and a specific quantitative RTi‐PCR assay. The total DNA yield was similar for both extraction protocols. However, the Wizard‐based protocol produced a better quality of L. monocytogenes DNA, as it enhanced the RTi‐PCR results (approximately one order of magnitude greater than the Chelex‐based protocol). Thus, the protocol based on the Wizard DNA kit was more suitable for L. monocytogenes DNA extraction from meat samples when sensitive and accurate results are needed.
Effects of a Diphtheria-Tetanus-Acellular Pertussis Vaccine on Immune Responses in Murine Local Lymph Node and Lung Allergy Models
Authors: Vandebriel Rob J. , Gremmer Eric R. , van Hartskamp Michiel , Dormans Jan A. M. A. , Mooi Frits R.
Published: January 2007

We have previously shown that in mice, diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccination before
Bordetella pertussis
infection resulted in, besides effective clearance, immediate hypersensitivity (lung eosinophilia, increased total serum immunoglobulin E [IgE], and increased ex vivo Th2 cytokine production by cells from the bronchial lymph nodes). To better appreciate the extent of these findings, we measured DTaP vaccination effects in the local lymph node assay (LLNA) and an ovalbumin (OVA) lung allergy model. In the LLNA, mice were vaccinated or adjuvant treated before being sensitized with trimellitic anhydride (TMA; inducing a Th2-directed response) and dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB; inducing a Th1-directed response). Compared to the adjuvant-treated controls, the vaccinated mice showed a decreased response to TMA and (to a much lesser extent) an increased response to DNCB. The decreased response to TMA coincided with increased transforming growth factor β levels. With the exception of filamentous hemagglutinin, all vaccine constituents contributed to the decreased response to TMA. In the lung allergy model, sensitization induced OVA-specific IgE, lung pathology (peribronchiolitis, perivasculitis, and hypertrophy of the bronchiolar mucus cells) and increased the number of eosinophils, lymphocytes, and neutrophils in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Vaccination failed to modulate these parameters. In conclusion, although DTaP vaccination may affect the LLNA response, we found no evidence of an effect on lung allergy.
Use of Outer Surface Protein Repeat Regions for Improved Genotyping of
Staphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Monk Alastair B. , Archer Gordon L.
Published: January 2007

Staphylococcus epidermidis
is an important nosocomial pathogen, but little is known of its epidemiology. Accurate, reproducible typing systems would greatly improve epidemiologic investigations of
S. epidermidis
. The sequence-based typing technique most recently evaluated, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), often lacks discrimination and can be expensive. PCR and sequence-based analyses of the serine-aspartate repeat region of
sdrG
(Fbe) and the repeat region of the accumulation-associated protein gene (
aap
) were evaluated for the ability to discriminate among previously well-characterized
S. epidermidis
clinical isolates. Forty-eight strains were investigated, with
sdrG
found in 100% and
aap
found in 79% of all strains tested. Both genes demonstrated PCR product size and nucleotide sequence variation. Each system by itself gave an index of discrimination similar in value to that of MLST (0.924 and 0.953 compared to 0.96), but discrimination was further improved when combinations of the three systems were used. We conclude that typing systems using amino acid and nucleotide repeat regions of the
S. epidermidis
surface proteins SdrG and Aap show promise as typing tools and should be investigated using a larger panel of clinically relevant isolates.
Seagram India
Authors: Reddy Y. Malini
Published: January 2007

Seagram, India 's largest multinational player in the spirits business, had been operating across the entire wine and spirits spectrum in India since 1995. It had generated consumer pull through effective advertising. With India's entry into the World Trade Organization in 2001, the decision to open up the sector for imports and the subsequent restructuring in 2002–03 led to intensification of competition in the industry. This battle at the marketplace was further fueled by the anticipation of a steep fall in sales due to the ban on liquor advertising.

In November 2004, Seagram India was revisiting its marketing communications plans. With the aim of achieving greater market presence, it was developing its marketing communications strategy to achieve differentiation and competitive edge in the market. The company was exploring the emphasis on sales promotion rather than advertising to achieve that end.
A Simple Model for Simulating Tornado Damage in Forests
Authors: Holland Andrew P. , Riordan Allen J. , Franklin E. C.
Published: January 2007

An analytical model is presented to describe patterns of downed trees produced by tornadic winds. The model uses a combined Rankine vortex of specified tangential and radial components to describe a simple tornado circulation. A total wind field is then computed by adding the forward motion of the vortex. The lateral and vertical forces on modeled tree stands are then computed and are compared with physical characteristics of Scots and loblolly pine. From this model, patterns of windfall are computed and are compared to reveal three basic damage patterns: cross-track symmetric, along-track asymmetric, and crisscross asymmetric. These patterns are shown to depend on forward speed, radial speed, and tree resistance. It is anticipated that this model will prove to be useful in assessing storm characteristics from damage patterns observed in forested areas.
Copolymerization of MMA with VAc by Starch Catalysis
Authors: Zhu L. H. , Tang Y. J. , Ji Y. , Chen M. F. , Ding M. T.
Published: January 2007

Copolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) with vinyl acetate (VAc) is conducted by manganic pyrophosphate initiation and starch catalysis. The copolymer is characterized by IR spectra, 1HNMR spectra, and gel permeation chromatography. The influences of reaction conditions, including the pH value, initiator concentration, monomer concentration, reaction temperature, and the reaction time, on the yield of poly(MMA-co-VAc) copolymer are investigated. Comparative experiments are carried out without the addition of starch under the same conditions. The mechanism of the catalysis of starch is speculated based on experimental results.
Risk Factors and Consequences of Unwanted Sex Among University Students
Authors: Flack William F. , Daubman Kimberly A. , Caron Marcia L. , Asadorian Jenica A. , D’Aureli Nicole R. , Gigliotti Shannon N. , Hall Anna T. , Kiser Sarah , Stine Erin R.
Published: January 2007

This is the first study of unwanted sexual experiences in the collegiate “hooking-up” culture. In a representative sample of 178 students at a small liberal arts university. Twenty-three percent of women and 7% of men surveyed reported one or more experiences of unwanted sexual intercourse. Seventy-eight percent of unwanted vaginal, anal, and oral incidents took place while—“hooking up,”—whereas 78% of unwanted fondling incidents occurred at parties or bars. The most frequently endorsed reason for unwanted sexual intercourse was impaired judgment due to alcohol. The most frequently endorsed reason for unwanted fondling was that it happened before the perpetrator could be stopped. Of those affected by unwanted sexual intercourse or unwanted fondling, 46.7% and 19.2% reported unwanted memories, 50% and 32.7% reported avoidance and numbing responses, and 30% and 26.9% reported hyperarousal responses, respectively. A preliminary model of unwanted sex and collegiate social dynamics is proposed to provide a heuristic for further research.
Current Psychopathology in Previously Assaulted Older Adults
Authors: Acierno Ron , Lawyer Steven R. , Rheingold Alyssa , Kilpatrick Dean G. , Resnick Heidi S. , Saunders Benjamin E.
Published: January 2007

Older adult women age 55+ years ( N = 549) were interviewed as part of a population-based epidemiological research study of lifetime experiences with physical and sexual assault and current mental health problems. Although overall rates of psychopathology were low, producing very small cells for comparison, women who reported experiencing physical assault an average of 28 years previously were more likely to present with past year substance abuse, depression, and avoidance and reexperiencing symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than those with no previous physical or sexual assault. Women who reported experiencing sexual assault an average of 50 years previously were more likely to present with autonomic arousal and avoidance symptoms of PTSD than those with no prior sexual assault. The aforementioned findings should be considered with caution, however, as sample cell sizes were minimal for all but the PTSD symptom subtypes. Mental health service implications for older adults are discussed.
Envisioning Nursing in 2050 Through the Eyes of Nurse Theorists: Leininger and Watson
Authors: Pilkington F. Beryl
Published: January 2007

Madeleine Leininger and Jean Watson envision how their theoretical ideas will be expressed in the world in 2050. Leininger explains how her theory and ethnoresearch methodology have given rise to transcultural nursing and the culture care nursing paradigm and predicts that they will continue to contribute to culturally congruent care practices that promote health, healing, quality of life, and even world peace. Watson provides a vision based on an emergent perspective that emphasizes subjective dimensions related to self-knowledge, self-control, self-caring, and self-healing potential; spirit and wholeness of being/becoming; natural healing approaches; and caring, healing relationships with self and others.
The Evolution of Rogers' Science of Unitary Human Beings: 21st Century Reflections
Authors: Wright Barbara W.
Published: January 2007

The purpose of this article is to reflect on the state of Martha E. Rogers' science of unitary human beings as it has evolved over the past 40 years, with particular attention to the decade since her death. Although Rogers never updated her 1970 book, revised concepts and principles of homeodynamics, as reported in other publications, are discussed. In more than a decade since Rogers' death, nurse scientists have been prolific in explicating the science in scholarly research and writing. An example of theories derived from the science, as well as concepts under study, and research methods are identified. Twenty-first century thoughts on the science of unitary human beings, as expressed by three founders of the Society of Rogerian Scholars, are highlighted from an interview conducted by Fawcett. Rogers suggested that the development of a science of unitary human beings is a never ending process.
Mutual Caring of Elderly Korean Couples
Authors: Ahn Taesung , Kim Kwibun
Published: January 2007

The article described the experiences of elderly couples caring for each other using ethnographic methodology. Ten couples were interviewed in depth. The presence of a support system was found to be the primary requirement of elderly couples. Three taxonomies comprised the support system: (a) desire for respect in care, (b) desire for reliance, and (c) expectation. The close linkage and interaction of desire for care, desire for reliance, and expectations were confirmed. The findings suggested establishing a holistic support network for these elders.
The Family Pharm: An Ethical Consideration of Psychopharmacology in Couple and Family Counseling
Authors: Murray Christine E. , Murray Thomas L.
Published: January 2007

This article presents an overview of ethical issues surrounding psychopharmacology as it applies to the field of couple and family counseling. The authors ground their discussion of these issues in the ethical codes of the American Counseling Association and the International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors. Case studies illustrate the ethical issues that couple and family counselors may face when working with clients who have been prescribed psychotropic medications.
Utilizing a Family-Sensitive Cognitive Behavioral Intervention With Chronic Illness: The Impact of Family Dynamics and Therapy on Medical Symptoms
Authors: Sperry Len
Published: January 2007

One third of adults seek medical treatment for bothersome symptoms for which there is no serious medical explanation and for which standard medical treatment offers little or no relief. Furthermore, research indicates that certain individual and family dynamics can significantly affect symptomatic distress. There is a family-sensitive cognitive-behavioral intervention that can ease the symptoms of such chronic illnesses. This article describes and illustrates this intervention with a case study including a session transcription.
Erosion of Learned Sexual Controls in Geriatric Care
Authors: Renshaw Domeena C.
Published: January 2007

Aging Americans have created a demand for geriatric care that takes into account interpersonal and sexual boundaries. Boundary erosion of learned sexual controls must be addressed to preserve safety and individual rights. Case examples and potential solutions are explored.
Preventing Female-Perpetrated Sexual Abuse
Authors: Oliver Brian E.
Published: January 2007

Sexual abuse and sexual assault are serious public health concerns. Although almost all of the research shows that the majority of sexual perpetrators are males, there is growing evidence that female-perpetrated sexual abuse is not rare and that the consequences of female-perpetrated sexual abuse can be just as traumatic as male-perpetrated sexual abuse. Despite this, there has been very little research published that has focused on female sex offending. Furthermore, although there have been some efforts in the past decade to stop sexual offenses by targeting potential perpetrators, few efforts have specifically focused on preventing females from becoming sex offenders. In an attempt to fill this gap, this article describes common characteristics of female sex offenders; and, based on these characteristics, suggestions are given of possible ways to intervene in the lives of at-risk females before they offend.
Supplementary Notes on Charles John Andersson's Journey to the Okavango River
Authors: Wilmsen Edwin N.
Published: January 2007

Recently in this journal (Wilmsen 2003:360-375), I delineated Charles John Andersson's route to the Okavango River based on entries in his diaries and an overlooked map of the route published by Thomas Baines in 1866. noted there that, while the place, Okambombo, where Andersson first stood on the banks of the Okavango was correctly plotted on Baines' map, its geographical coordinates were given only approximately. I also noted that Andersson did not bring along his astronomical instruments on his first excursion to the river, and assumed therefore that no coordinates for the place were obtained. However, in the course of my preparation of Andersson's papers for publication, I have since worked through the 116 unnumbered pages of geographical calculations recorded in volume 10 of the papers and found latitude observations for several points along the route, including Ombongo and Okambombo; his calculations for these latter two places are shown in Figure 1.

Andersson left the river on 29 March 1859 and returned to it on 29 April (CJAP-3.3:169); on 4 May the correct latitude, 17°46′08″S, was determined by astronomical observation. About this, Andersson (CJAP-3.3:172) wrote, “[o]btained a latitude. Between Ombongo & this place (Okambombo) I am only out a mile in latitude.” The latitude for Ombongo was obtained just before this, on 16 April on his way back to the river (CJAP-3.3:165). On Baines' map this latitude is given as 17°37′53″S, but as can be seen, this is just one of Andersson's interim reckonings before the “True Latd 17°39′38″” is calculated (figure 1). Baines (1866:217) gave approximate coordinates for Okambombo in his text, writing “17°30′S. lat. and longitude about 19°E,” but the correct coordinates (17°46′08″S about 18°55′E) are plotted on the map. Both discrepancies are due to the fact that the published map was redrawn by Royal Geographical Society cartographers, who copied one that Andersson made in Cape Town at Galton's urging (GP-UCL 1866) based on “upwards of three thousand prismatic compass triangulations and astronomical observations of latitudes” (found in volume 10), while Baines copied from the letter Andersson wrote from Okambombo to Dr. Norton Shaw, secretary of the Society.
Herbicide tolerance of Martonvásár maize genotypes
Authors: Bónis P. , Árendás T. , Marton C. L. , Berzsenyi Z.
Published: January 2007

A comparison was made of herbicide tolerance results for two years, one
dry (2003) and one wet (2004). The maximum permitted dose and twice this rate
of the herbicides (mesotrione,
mesotrione + atrazine, nicosulfuron, rimsulfuron) were sprayed on inbred maize
lines in the 7-8-leaf stage. The effect of the herbicides on 20 inbred lines
was evaluated on the basis of visible phytotoxic symptoms. In the dry year the
greatest damage, averaged over the inbred lines, was caused by the double rate
of rimsulfuron and nicosulfuron, but the plants had overcome this
by the end of the vegetation period. In 2004 the cool wet spring weather
retarded the metabolic processes of maize, leading to greater phytotoxic
damage. The most severe symptoms were observed for the double rate of mesotrione
+atrazine. The phytotoxic damage caused by the “normal” rates
applied in commercial maize production was overcome by the lines in the wet
year, too. Despite the initial visible phytotoxic damage, none of the herbicides
caused significant differences in grain yield between the control and the
single or double rates of treatment.
Yielding ability of different types of maize hybrids
Authors: Cygert H. , Adamczyk J. , Rogacki J.
Published: January 2007

The aim of the
research was to find out whether registered hybrids have the best formula or
not. The experimental material consisted of four commercial hybrids: BLASK,
GROM, WIARUS and WILGA, and 17 experimental hybrids obtained from the same or
related lines. The material was divided into the following groups: 1) SC
hybrids: BLASK, and GROM and 7 related hybrids, 2) TC hybrids: WIARUS and 8
related hybrids, 3) TC hybrid WILGA and 2 related hybrids. In the first group one experimental hybrid yielded the
same as BLASK, while four other hybrids yielded as well as GROM. In the second
group the experimental hybrids did not differ significantly in yield compared
to WIARUS. in the third group
WILGA appeared to have the optimal formula.
Building on Tradition
Authors: Flanagan D. , Wylie L.
Published: January 2007

Back to the future: Studying the past can reveal the future. A brief look back in time can show us the origins of some of today's most advanced research in materials science. This editorial takes a look at the foundations of some of today's hot topics, as reported at the MRS Fall Meeting, and reflects on 200 years of excellence in publishing as John Wiley and Sons celebrates its bicentennial.
Childhood malnutrition and growth in a rural area of Western Kenya
Authors: Semproli Samantha , Gualdi‐Russo Emanuela
Published: January 2007

An anthropometric survey was carried out on 1,383 school students aged 5–17 years in Suba district (a rural area of western Kenya). Body size and proportion were computed from height, weight, sitting height, arm circumference, and skinfolds. The aim of the study was to evaluate patterns of growth and nutritional status of the Luo population by assessment of the prevalence and trends of malnutrition among children and adolescents. Very few age‐groups show significant sex differences for height, body weight, and arm muscle area. However, there are several differences in skinfold thicknesses and arm circumference, always with higher mean values in girls. Analysis of the nutritional status (weight‐for‐age, height‐for‐age, and BMI‐for‐age) shows significant differences among the age‐groups in both sexes. Boys present lower Z‐scores than girls and there are higher percentages of malnourished subjects (stunted and underweight) among the males. The Luo data were compared with those of other African populations. Their body dimensions, nutritional status, and growth are similar to those of the other sub‐Saharan samples. In conclusion, the Luo children are generally undernourished at the older ages: adolescents (11–16 years of age) show the most severe undernutrition and the highest percentages of undernourished subjects. In addition to the higher risk of undernutrition in teenagers, an emerging problem of over‐nutrition is evident among the younger age‐groups, with a higher prevalence in females. These findings are discussed in light of sexual dimorphism in sensitivity to adverse environmental conditions. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Karyotypic changes detected by comparative genomic hybridization in a stillborn infant with chorioangioma and liver hemangioma
Authors: Miliaras Dimosthenis , Conroy Jeffrey , Pervana Stavroula , Meditskou Soultana , McQuaid Devin , Nowak Norma
Published: January 2007

BACKGROUND:

Placental hemangioma (chorioangioma) and congenital hemangioma are relatively common tumors, which on rare occasions may occur together. Very little is known about the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying these lesions.

CASE:

Herein we describe a rare case of a stillborn infant with chorioangioma, placental mesenchymal dysplasia, and liver cavernous hemangioma. In addition, we present the findings of the karyotype analysis of these lesions, which was done with the bacterial artificial chromosome arrays using the comparative genomic hybridization method. The chromosomal abnormalities that we found were deletions at 2q13 and 7p21.1 and were common to both placental and liver lesions.

CONCLUSIONS:

None of the identified chromosomal aberrations have been previously associated with chorioangiomas or hemangiomas. Important genes that lie in these DNA regions may be implicated in the pathogenesis of congenital hemangiomas and mesenchymal dysplasia. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hypothalamus region‐specific global gene expression profiling in early stages of central endocrine disruption in rat neonates injected with estradiol benzoate or flutamide
Authors: Shibutani Makoto , Lee Kyoung‐Youl , Igarashi Katsuhide , Woo Gye‐Hyeong , Inoue Kaoru , Nishimura Tetsuji , Hirose Masao
Published: January 2007

To identify genes linked to early stages of disruption of brain sexual differentiation, hypothalamic region‐specific microarray analyses were performed using a microdissection technique with neonatal rats exposed to endocrine‐acting drugs. To validate the methodology, the expression fidelity of microarrays was first examined with two‐round amplified antisense RNAs (aRNAs) from methacarn‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue (PET) in comparison with expression in unfixed frozen tissue (UFT). Decline of expression fidelity when compared with the 1×‐amplified aRNAs from UFTs was found as a result of the preferential amplification of the 3′ side of mRNAs in the second round in vitro transcription. However, expression patterns for the 2×‐amplified aRNAs were mostly identical between methacarn‐fixed PET and UFT, suggesting no obvious influence of methacarn fixation and subsequent paraffin embedding on expression levels. Next, in the main experiment, neonatal rats at birth were treated subcutaneously either with estradiol benzoate (EB; 10 μg/pup) or flutamide (FA; 250 μg/pup), and medial preoptic area (MPOA)‐specific microarray analysis was performed 24 h later using 2×‐amplified aRNAs from methacarn‐fixed PET. Numbers of genes showing constitutively high expression in the MPOA predominated in males, implying a link with male‐type growth supported by perinatal testosterone. Around 60% of genes showing sex differences in expression demonstrated altered levels after EB treatment in females, suggesting an involvement of genes necessary for brain sexual differentiation. When compared with EB, FA affected a rather small number of genes, but fluctuation was mostly observed in females, as with EB. Moreover, many selected genes common to EB and FA showed down‐regulation in females with both drugs, suggesting a common mechanism for endocrine center disruption in females, at least at early stages of post‐natal development. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2007.
Neural precursor cells from a fatal human motoneuron disease differentiate despite aberrant gene expression
Authors: Pakkasjärvi Niklas , Kerosuo Laura , Nousiainen Heidi , Gentile Massimiliano , Saharinen Juha , Suhonen Satu , Sariola Hannu , Peltonen Leena , Kestilä Marjo , Wartiovaara Kirmo
Published: January 2007

Precursor cells of the human central nervous system can be cultured in vitro to reveal pathogenesis of diseases or developmental disorders. Here, we have studied the biology of neural precursor cells (NPCs) from patients of lethal congenital contracture syndrome (LCCS), a severe motoneuron disease leading to prenatal death before the 32nd gestational week. LCCS fetuses are immobile because of a motoneuron defect, seen as degeneration of the anterior horn and descending tracts of the developing spinal cord. The genetic defect for the syndrome is unknown. We show that NPCs isolated postmortem from LCCS fetuses grow and are maintained in culture, but display increased cell cycle activity. Global transcript analysis of undifferentiated LCCS precursor cells present with changes in EGF‐related signaling when compared with healthy age‐matched human controls. Further, we show that LCCS‐derived NPCs differentiate into cells of neuronal and glial lineage and that the initial differentiation is not accompanied by overt apoptosis. Cells expressing markers Islet‐1 and Hb9 are also generated from the LCCS NPCs, suggesting that the pathogenic mechanism of LCCS does not directly affect the differentiation capacity or survival of the cells, but the absence of motoneurons in LCCS may be caused by a noncell autonomous mechanism. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2007
A Dutch day treatment program for anorexia and bulimia nervosa in comparison with internationally described programs
Authors: Lammers M. W. , Exterkate C. C. , De Jong C. A. J.
Published: January 2007

A Dutch day treatment program for patients with anorexia and bulimia nervosa is described and compared to intensive day treatment programs for patients with eating disorders outlined in international literature. The 5‐day program is described in terms of its general characteristics, intended outcome and specific treatment interventions. Along these parameters it is compared to the programs found in a systematic literature search of day hospitalization programs for eating disorders. Global inspection shows a lot of similarities between all the programs. Looking more closely, also many important differences exist (concerning, e.g. treatment duration, intensity of treatment, theoretical orientation, goals of treatment and weight gain regime). Because of the differences, it is hard to compare outcome data between centres. Besides, on many of these dimensions, the literature does not yet tell us unambiguously what is best for our patients. Therefore, it is necessary to keep the dialogue between treatment centres going. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Ex post and ex ante prediction of unobserved multivariate time series: a structural‐model based approach
Authors: Nieto Fabio H.
Published: January 2007

A methodology for estimating high‐frequency values of an unobserved multivariate time series from low‐frequency values of and related information to it is presented in this paper. This is an optimal solution, in the multivariate setting, to the problem of ex post prediction, disaggregation, benchmarking or signal extraction of an unobservable stochastic process. Also, the problem of extrapolation or ex ante prediction is optimally solved and, in this context, statistical tests are developed for checking online the ocurrence of extreme values of the unobserved time series and consistency of future benchmarks with the present and past observed information. The procedure is based on structural or unobserved component models, whose assumptions and specification are validated with the data alone.  Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Caloric restrictions affect some factors involved in age‐related hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Martini Chiara , Pallottini Valentina , Cavallini Gabriella , Donati Alessio , Bergamini Ettore , Trentalance Anna
Published: January 2007

Ageing has been defined as a progressive decrease in physiological capacity and a reduced ability to respond to environmental stresses. It has been observed that diet‐restricted animals show a minor morbidity in age‐related disease. Among these age‐related diseases, hypercholesterolemia is the most recurring one and it is often associated with cardiac failure. Several studies have been published indicating age‐dependent changes in circulating levels of cholesterol in both humans and in rodents; recently changes have also been reported in the proteins involved in cholesterol homeostasis, that is, 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG‐CoAR), Insig‐induced gene (Insig) protein, SREBP cleavage activating protein (SCAP), sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP), and low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr). Most age‐related modifications of biochemical parameters are normalized or very improved in food‐restricted animals, so the aim of this work is to examine whether or not alterations of the factors involved in cholesterol homeostasis which occur during ageing could be counteracted by caloric restriction (CR). The data show that the diet restrictions used attenuate the age‐related effects on the factors involved in the synthesis and the degradation rate of HMG‐CoAR; in spite of this, CRs have a good effect on the age‐related hypercholesterolemia whose reduction seems to depend both on the correct membrane LDLr localization and on the proper restored HMG‐CoAR activity. J. Cell. Biochem. 101: 235–243, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immunohistochemical and hodological characterization of calbindin‐D28k‐containing neurons in the spinal cord of the turtle, Pseudemys scripta elegans
Authors: Morona Ruth , López Jesús M. , Domínguez Laura , González Agustín
Published: January 2007

Neurons and fibers containing the calcium‐binding protein calbindin‐D28k (CB) were studied by immunohistochemical techniques in the spinal cord of adult and juvenile turtles, Pseudemys scripta elegans. Abundant cell bodies and fibers immunoreactive for CB were widely and distinctly distributed throughout the spinal cord. Most neurons and fibers were labeled in the superficial dorsal horn, but numerous cells were also located in the intermediate gray and ventral horn. In the dorsal horn, most CB‐containing cells were located in close relation to the synaptic fields formed by primary afferents, which were not labeled for CB. Double immunohistofluorescence demonstrated distinct cell populations in the dorsal horn labeled only for CB or nitric oxide synthase, whereas in the dorsal part of the ventral horn colocalization of nitric oxide synthase was found in about 6% of the CB‐immunoreactive cells in this region. Choline acetyltransferase immunohistochemistry revealed that only about 2% of the neurons in the dorsal part of the ventral horn colocalized CB, whereas motoneurons were not CB‐immunoreactive. The involvement of CB‐containing neurons in ascending spinal projections to the thalamus, tegmentum, and reticular formation was demonstrated combining the retrograde transport of dextran amines and immunohistochemistry. Similar experiments demonstrated supraspinal projections from CB‐containing cells mainly located in the reticular formation but also in the thalamus and the vestibular nucleus. The revealed organization of the neurons and fibers containing CB in the spinal cord of the turtle shares distribution and developmental features, colocalization with other neuronal markers, and connectivity with other tetrapods and, in particular with mammals. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of signal‐to‐noise ratio and spectral linewidth on metabolite quantification at 4 T
Authors: Bartha Robert
Published: January 2007

The accuracy and precision of measurements of metabolite concentrations from short echo‐time spectra has previously been characterized at l.5 T as a function of signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and peak linewidth. The purpose of this study was to characterize the systematic error in quantification of metabolite concentrations associated with linewidth and SNR for the major metabolites of interest in the short echo‐time 1H‐MR spectrum at 4 T. Simulated 4 T LASER localized spectra (TE = 46 ms) were generated with full width at half maximum (FWHM) over the range 4–14 Hz, and SNR over the range 5–500 by adding 100 Gaussian‐distributed noise realizations at each combination of SNR and linewidth. Linewidth and SNR were treated as independent parameters, and therefore an increase in linewidth at a constant SNR resulted in increased metabolite areas. All spectra were fitted in the time domain using identical prior‐knowledge and relative parameter starting values. Six metabolites (N‐acetylaspartate, glutamate, creatine, myo‐inositol, glycerophosphocholine, phosphocholine) were quantified with >90% accuracy and <10% standard deviation at SNR = 10 for linewidths ranging from 8 to 14 Hz FWHM. These simulations did not consider additional sources of variation, including eddy current artifacts, incomplete macromolecule baseline removal, and incomplete water suppression. Regardless, the results show that metabolite quantification from 4 T short echo‐time 1H‐MRS is sensitive to SNR and linewidth. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling the octanol–water partition coefficient of substituted phenols by the use of structure information
Authors: Jäntschi Lorentz , Bolboacă Sorana‐Daniela
Published: January 2007

This work presents the abilities in estimation and prediction of the octanol–water partition coefficient of some para‐substituted phenols through the integration of complex structures information by the use of an original molecular descriptors family on the structure–property relationship approach. The proposed approach uses the complex information obtained from para‐substituted phenols structure in order to generate and calculate the molecular descriptors family. The structure–property relationship models were built based on the generated descriptors. The obtained multi‐varied models (model with two and four descriptors, respectively) were validated through the assessment of the cross‐validation leave‐one‐out score. The comparison between the multi‐varied model with two and four descriptors was performed using Steiger's Z‐test. The analysis of the statistical characteristics of the obtained models demonstrated that the model with four descriptors has greater ability to estimate and predict compared with the model with two descriptors. This observation was also sustained by the results of correlated‐correlation analysis. The multi‐varied model with four descriptors revealed that the octanol‐water partition coefficient of studied para‐substituted phenols is likely to be of geometry nature, it is strongly dependent on the partial charges of compounds and group electronegativity, and it is in relation to the elastic force. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007