bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conceptions and practices of primary health care professionals regarding palliative care / Concepções e práticas dos profissionais da atenção primária à saúde acerca dos cuidados paliativos
Authors: Marcon Sonia Silva , Oliveira Vitoria Goulart de , Gomes Beatriz Jorge de Oliveira , Mendes Ana Heloisa , Mantovani Eloah Boska , Ferreria Patricia Chatalov
Published: March 2024

Objetivo: compreender as concepções e práticas dos profissionais da Atenção Primária  à Saúde acerca dos cuidados paliativos. Método: estudo descritivo-exploratório, de abordagem qualitativa realizado com profissionais atuantes em três Unidades Básicas em município no sul do Brasil. Os dados foram coletados em junho de 2021, mediante entrevistas presenciais, audiogravadas junto a 36 profissionais de saúde selecionados por conveniência e submetidos à análise de conteúdo, modalidade temática. Resultados: muitos profissionais da Atenção Primária, sobretudo os agentes comunitários, técnicos e auxiliares de enfermagem, possuem pouco conhecimento ou uma visão distorcida a respeito de cuidados paliativos, mas em seu cotidiano assistem pacientes e familiares. Considerações finais: embora não suficientemente preparados, os profissionais de saúde precisam estar junto, orientar e assistir usuários e familiares que necessitam de cuidados paliativos, necessitam portanto serem sensibilizados quanto a importância e benefícios dos Cuidados Paliativos e serem devidamente intrumentalizados para prestar essa assistência que valorize seus principios.
Nonlinear reference tracking control of a gas turbine with load torque estimation
Authors: Pongrácz B. , Ailer P. , Hangos K. M. , Szederkényi G.
Published: November 2007

Input–output linearization‐based adaptive reference tracking control of a low‐power gas turbine model is presented in this paper. The gas turbine is described by a third‐order nonlinear input‐affine state‐space model, where the manipulable input is the fuel mass flowrate and the controlled output is the rotational speed. The stability of the one‐dimensional zero dynamics of the controlled plant is investigated via phase diagrams. The input–output linearizing feedback is extended with a load torque estimator algorithm resulting in an adaptive feedback scheme. The tuning of controller parameters is performed considering three main design goals: appropriate settling time, robustness against environmental disturbances and model parameter uncertainties, and avoiding the saturation of the actuator. Simulations show that the closed‐loop system is robust with respect to the variations in uncertain model and environ‐mental parameters and its performance satisfies the defined requirements. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal degradation of a phenolic resin, vegetable fibers, and derived composites
Authors: Zárate C. N. , Aranguren M. I. , Reboredo M. M.
Published: November 2007

The thermal degradation behavior of resol, several vegetable fibers (two types of cotton fibers, sisal and sugar cane bagasse) and derived polymer composites have been investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The initial thermal degradation temperature TONSET, the temperature at the maximum degradation rate TDM, and the char left at 500°C corresponding to the crosslinked resol were higher than the values measured for the fibers and their composites. Thus, the addition of the fibers reduced the thermal resistance of the phenolic thermoset. The polymer and the fiber‐composites showed a complex degradation involving different thermal decomposition processes. For that reason, the DTG curves were deconvoluted and a phenomenological kinetic expression was found for each individual peak. The overall thermal decomposition curve was recalculated adding each degradation process weighted according to its contribution to the total weight loss. An increase in the activation energy corresponding to the cellulose degradation was observed in the composites, highlighting the protective action of the resin encapsulating the fibers. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Effect of polymorphism of isotactic polybutene‐1 on peel behavior of polyethylene/polybutene‐1 peel systems
Authors: Nase Michael , Androsch René , Langer Beate , Baumann Hans Joachim , Grellmann Wolfgang
Published: November 2007

The effect of polymorphism of isotactic polybutene‐1 (iPB‐1) on the peel behavior of the specific peel system low‐density polyethylene/polybutene‐1 (LDPE/iPB‐1) was investigated using wide‐angle X‐ray scattering, calorimetry, and the T‐peel test. Melt‐crystallization of iPB‐1, initially, yields tetragonal form II crystals which transform as a function of time to trigonal form I crystals. The kinetics of transformation at ambient temperature follows an exponential function, and is completed after about 50–75 h. The presence of LDPE in the peel system does not affect the transformation kinetics. The structure of the crystalline phase of iPB‐1 controls the peel force which decreases by about 25% during the crystal–crystal transformation in a blend with 20m% iPB‐1. The reduction of the peel force depends linearly on the mass fraction of iPB‐1 crystals in the peel system which further evidences the correlation between the crystal–crystal transformation of iPB‐1 and the peel‐characteristics of LDPE/iPB‐1 blends. Isothermal reorganization of crystals of LDPE is excluded as reason for the change of the peel‐performance of LDPE/iPB‐1 blends, since it is 5 to 10 times faster than the decrease of the peel force, and crystal–crystal transformation of iPB‐1, respectively. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Combined effect of the ΔPhe or ΔAla residue and the p‐nitroanilide group on a didehydropeptides conformation
Authors: Lisowski M. , Latajka R. , Picur B. , Lis T. , Bryndal I. , Rospenk M. , Makowski M. , Kafarski P.
Published: November 2007

Two series of dehydropeptides of the general formulae Boc‐Gly‐X‐Phe‐p‐NA, Boc‐Gly‐Gly‐X‐Phe‐p‐NA, Gly‐X‐Gly‐Phe‐p‐NA·TFA, and Boc‐Gly‐X‐Gly‐Phe‐p‐NA, with X = ΔZPhe and ΔAla, were studied with NMR in DMSO and CDCl3‐DMSO, and with CD in MeOH, MeCN, and TFE. The NMR spectra measured in DMSO suggest that peptides with the ΔPhe residue next to Phe are folded whereas peptides with Gly between ΔPhe and Phe are less ordered. NMR spectra of ΔAla‐containing peptides indicate that these peptides are flexible and their conformational equilibria are populated by many different conformations. The CD spectra show that conformational properties of the peptides studied are distinctly influenced by a mutual position of the dehydroamino acid residue and the p‐NA group. They indicate that all dehydropeptides with the ΔPhe residue, Boc‐Gly‐ΔAla‐Phe‐p‐NA, and Boc‐Gly‐Gly‐ΔAla‐Phe‐p‐NA adopt ordered conformations in all solvents studied, presumably of the β‐turn type. The last two peptides exhibit surprising chiroptical properties. Their spectra show exciton coupling‐like couplets in the region of the p‐NA group absorption. This shape of CD spectra suggests a rigid, chiral conformation with a fixed disposition of the p‐NA group. The CD spectra indicate that Boc‐Gly‐ΔAla‐Gly‐Phe‐p‐NA and Gly‐ΔAla‐Gly‐Phe‐p‐NA·TFA are unordered, independently of the solvent. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 89: 220–234, 2008.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Structure–activity relationships in β‐defensin peptides
Authors: Taylor Karen , Barran Perdita E. , Dorin Julia R.
Published: November 2007

The β‐defensins comprise a large family of small cationic antimicrobial peptides widely distributed in plants, mammals and insects. These cysteine rich peptides display multifunctional properties with implications as potential therapeutic agents. Recent research has highlighted their role in both the innate and adaptive immune systems as well as being novel melanocortin ligands. Studies investigating structure and function provide an insight into the molecular basis of their immunological properties. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 90: 1–7, 2008.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Vapor phase growth of GaN using GaN powder sources and thermogravimetric investigations of the evaporating behaviour of the source material
Authors: Kallinger B. , Meissner E. , Berwian P. , Hussy S. , Friedrich J. , Mueller G.
Published: November 2007

The growth of GaN from the vapor phase is a promising technique for producing both bulk GaN crystals and GaN layers. For establishing a growth method from the vapor phase the source material and reactor setup are of great importance. Highly pure and self synthesized GaN powder was chosen as source material. The evaporation behaviour of the GaN powder was studied by means of thermogravimetry (TG). A vertical growth reactor was set up according to the results of numerical simulations of the temperature distributions and flow patterns. Freely nucleated GaN platelets of some millimetres in length were grown. Furthermore, thin GaN layers were deposited directly on a sapphire substrate. This nucleation layer was successfully overgrown by low pressure solution growth. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
No control, no drive: how noise may undermine conservation behavior in a commons dilemma
Authors: Brucks Wernher M. , Van Lange Paul A. M.
Published: November 2007

Sometimes people may no longer engage in conservational behavior (e.g., to reduce emissions) because their attempts to do so have been thwarted by “negative noise”, or external forces that may cause otherwise cooperative intentions to translate into non‐cooperative action (e.g., strikes prevented to commute by public transport rather than by car). The purpose of the present research is to examine whether experiences with negative noise in a commons dilemma may undermine conservational motivation and behavior, even in a subsequent commons dilemma that is free of noise. Participants first interacted in a commons dilemma task—with noise versus without noise—in which the common pool was sustained versus deteriorating. Afterwards, participants were involved in an identical second task in the same pool size condition but noise‐free for everybody. Consistent with hypotheses, participants who faced noise and a deteriorating resource in the first task exhibited lower levels of conservation in the second task than did participants who were always acting free of noise. This pattern was mediated by a reduced motivation to preserve the common pool, suggesting that the experience of noise in combination with a decline in collective resources may especially undermine cooperative motivation and behavior. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
When knowledge matters—differential effects of available knowledge in standard and basic anchoring tasks
Authors: Englich Birte
Published: November 2007

The present research examines whether anchoring effects—the assimilation of a numeric estimate towards a previously considered standard—depend on judges' available knowledge in the target domain. Based on previous research, I distinguish two types of anchoring effects. Standard anchoring is obtained if judges are explicitly asked to compare the anchor to the target. Basic anchoring results if the accessibility of the anchor is increased prior to judgments about the target. I expected that only basic but not standard anchoring is reduced by providing judges with judgment‐relevant knowledge. Using a standard versus basic anchoring paradigm, 112 participants were confronted with a high versus low anchor before estimating the average price of a German midsize car. Prior to this task, participants were provided with information about prices of cars (relevant knowledge) versus kitchens (irrelevant knowledge). Results demonstrate that this knowledge only influenced the magnitude of basic but not standard anchoring effects. This finding demonstrates that knowledge has differential effects in different types of anchoring. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Racing pigeon identification using STR and chromo‐helicase DNA binding gene markers
Authors: Lee James Chun‐I , Tsai Li‐Chin , Kuan Yuan‐Yang , Chien Wen‐Hsien , Chang Kai‐Tai , Wu Cheng‐Hsien , Linacre Adrian , Hsieh Hsing‐Mei
Published: November 2007

Pigeon racing appeals to many in Taiwan, due in part to the potential large financial gains based on illegal betting. The races are unregulated with frequent examples of fraud, such as substitution of one bird for a substandard one. There is no test available to reliably verify the bloodline of pigeons and thus help to resolve such disputes. In this study, we describe a multiplex PCR amplification system combining 7 STR loci and a chromo‐helicase DNA binding gene (CHD) marker for the identification of individual pigeons. The cumulative power of discrimination (CPd) of the 7 STR loci was 0.99999234 based upon our population study. The cumulative probability of paternity (CPP) when used in paternity testing of 17 pigeon families ranged from 97.36 to 99.99% and the combined probability of exclusion (CPE) was 0.9325 for these seven STR markers. The statistical data illustrates the potential of this system to be used in pigeon individualization and paternity testing. Furthermore, the established STR system could be also used in the other areas, such as ecology, population genetics, and avian breeding programs.
Identification and analysis of α1,6‐fucosylated proteins in human normal liver tissues by a target glycoproteomic approach
Authors: Dai Zhi , Fan Jia , Liu Yinkun , Zhou Jian , Bai Dousheng , Tan Changjun , Guo Kun , Zhang Yu , Zhao Yan , Yang Pengyuan
Published: November 2007

α1,6‐Fucose residues within the N‐glycan core structures were commonly observed in many glycoproteins. Our previous studies showed that aberrantly α1,6‐fucosylated glycoproteins might be associated with metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Little is known about human normal liver tissues (HNLTs) in the literatures. In this study, a target glycoproteomic approach which consists of lectin‐affinity chromatography, 2‐DE, protein immunoprecipitation and lectin blot, and MALDI‐MS/MS, was utilized to screen physiologically α1,6‐fucosylated glycoproteins. Lens culinaris agglutinin (LCA)‐affinity glycoprotein profiles of HNLT were established and analyzed, which allowed identification of 53 proteins by MS analysis, including haptoglobin precursor, α‐enolase, etc. Gene ontology (GO) annotation proved that these proteins distribute predominately in organelle and play crucial roles in binding and catalytic reactions. The present methodology enabled the identification of all the specific subsets of glycoprotein, and the corresponding data could contribute to the finding of more aberrantly α1,6‐fucosylated glycoproteins related to liver diseases.
Preparative separation and purification of phenolic compounds from Canarium album L. by macroporous resins
Authors: He Zhiyong , Xia Wenshui
Published: November 2007

BACKGROUND: Canarium album L. (also called Chinese olive) is a traditional medicine material in China, and phenolic compounds from C. album possess great pharmacological activities. To obtain high‐purity phenolics from C. album, a crude extract of C. album phenolics was prepared by ethanol extraction. The use of macroporous resins for further separation and purification of phenolics in the extract was studied.

RESULTS: Through static adsorption and desorption tests, AB‐8 resin was chosen for the separation of phenolics because of its higher adsorption capacity and desorption ratio than other resins. Then, dynamic adsorption and desorption experiments were carried out on an AB‐8 resin packed column to obtain optimal separation parameters. The highest adsorption capacity of AB‐8 was achieved when variables including initial concentration (C0), feed flow rate and feed volume were 10 mg mL−1, 2 mL min−1 and 9 bed volumes (BV), respectively, and saturated resin was first washed with 5 BV of water to remove impurities, then a purified product containing more than 85% of C. album phenolics was obtained by desorbing the resin with 2.5 BV of 70% (v/v) aqueous ethanol at flow rate of 1 mL min−1, and the recovery of phenolics was up to 75%. In addition, five phenolic compounds in the product were identified as gallic acid, ellagic acid, corilagin, hyperin and kaempferol‐3‐glucopyranoside by UV and LC–ESI–MS analysis.

CONCLUSION: The results in this study could provide scientific references for the large‐scale production of phenolics from C. album. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
An advanced model for predicting clear‐air visibility
Authors: Price J. D.
Published: November 2007

This article describes a new model to predict clear‐air visibility as a function of bearing with respect to the Sun. Its primary use is for aviation forecasting, and it is capable of providing estimates of visual range for any point along an aircraft flight path, using normal output from a numerical forecast model. It is also capable of forecasting line‐of‐sight visibility along airport approach paths. The model uses Mie theory to predict scattering from the direct solar beam into the line of sight, and combines this with a diffuse and Rayleigh component of the extinction coefficient to provide visual range estimates. The methodology is presented together with some examples of how visibility varies with solar bearing angle. © Crown copyright 2007. Reproduced with the permission of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Unambiguous structural elucidation of base‐modified purine nucleosides using NMR
Authors: Narukulla Raman , Shuker David E. G. , Ramesh Vasudevan , Xu Yao‐Zhong
Published: November 2007

A general and unambiguous approach has been developed for structural elucidation of modified purine nucleosides using NMR spectroscopy. Systematic assignment of proton and carbon signals of modified nucleosides was firmly established by COSY and the anomerism of the glycosidic linkage of synthetic nucleosides clearly elucidated by NOESY experiments. Characteristic properties of 15N‐isotopic labelling at specific positions of nucleosides were also employed for structural studies. The reported approach is applicable to other modified nucleosides and nucleotides, as well as nucleobases. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ventilation induced pneumothorax following resolved empyema
Authors: Nyman A.G. , Sonnappa S. , Prendiville A.T. , Jaffe A.
Published: November 2007

We report a case of pneumothorax as a result of positive pressure ventilation in a child previously treated for empyema. Three months following discharge for successful treatment of empyema our patient received a general anesthetic for an elective MRI of the brain for investigation of nystagmus. During recovery from the anesthetic he developed respiratory distress and was found to have a loculated pneumothorax. We propose that pleural fragility in childhood empyema possibly persists even after clinical resolution and in this case for up to 3 months. The complication of pneumothorax should be considered in all patients receiving positive pressure ventilation following resolved empyema. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:99–101. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Airway epithelial cell signaling in response to bacterial pathogens
Authors: Gómez Marisa I. , Prince Alice
Published: November 2007

The airway epithelium represents a primary site for the introduction and deposition of potentially pathogenic microorganisms into the body, through inspired air. The epithelial mucosa is an important component of the innate immune system that recognizes conserved structures in microorganisms and initiates appropriate signaling to recruit and activate phagocytic cells to the airways. This review focuses on how airway epithelial cells sense and respond to the presence of bacterial pathogens. The major signaling cascades initiated by epithelial receptors that lead to phagocyte recruitment to the airways as well as the ability of the epithelium to regulate inflammation are discussed. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:11–19. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Saint‐Venant's principle and its connections to shape and topology optimization
Authors: Barbarosie C. , Toader A.‐M.
Published: November 2007

A version of Saint‐Venant's principle is stated and proven for a scalar elliptic equation in a domain of arbitrary shape, loaded only in a small ball. Some links are pointed out to the bubble method in topology optimization: when a small hole is introduced in a given shape, the difference between the perturbed solution and the unperturbed one satisfies the hypotheses of Saint‐Venant's principle. An important tool is the Poincaré‐Wirtinger inequality for functions defined on a sphere; results from spectral geometry are used to determine the constant therein.
Proteomic Profiling of Ovarian Cancer Plasma using Immunoaffinity Depleted Plasma and Two-Dimensional PAGE
Authors: Oliva Karen T. , Ayhan Mustafa , Barker Gillian , Dellios Nicole L. , Quinn Michael A. , Rice Gregory E.
Published: November 2007

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate a multiple immunoaffinity protein depletion (multiple affinity removal system, MARS) pre-treatment strategy with subsequent two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D PAGE) and peptide mass finger printing analysis for the detection of ovarian cancer-associated plasma proteins.

Materials and Methods

Following immunoaffinity depletion, total plasma protein content was reduced by 84.2 ± 1.8% (mean ± SE, n = 32). The number of proteins detected in the control and ovarian cancer groups was 349 and 357, respectively. This represented an increase in spot detection of almost twofold when compared to 2D PAGE displays of untreated plasma (174 spots). Of the proteins displayed, post-depletion, 300 (control) and 302 (ovarian cancer, OC) were common within each group. PDQuest analysis indicated that 109 protein spots were statistically different between the two groups and, of these, 59 exhibited greater than or equal to twofold difference in spot density (Student’s t test, p = 0.01). Thirty-nine of these proteins were successfully identified with reliable confidence.

Results and Discussion

The data obtained in this study demonstrates that immunodepletion of plasma before 2D PAGE profiling have generated identifiable plasma proteins that are differentially expressed in the high-grade ovarian cancer sample set compared to controls. This approach, therefore, may be useful in identifying candidate biomarkers for inclusion in multi-marker tests for ovarian cancer that may exhibit greater sensitivity and specificity than those currently available. It was evident, however, from the predominant identification of host response proteins that immunodepletion did not generate sufficient levels of enrichment of lower abundance tumor-specific proteins to facilitate detection.
Suboptimal boundary controls for elliptic equation in critically perforated domain
Authors: Kogut Peter I. , D'Apice Ciro , De Maio Umberto
Published: November 2007

In this paper we study the asymptotic behaviour, as
ɛ
tends to zero, of a class of boundary optimal control problems

\mathbb{P}_{ɛ}

, set in
ɛ
-periodically perforated domain. The holes have a critical size with respect to
ɛ
-sized mesh of periodicity. The support of controls is contained in the set of boundaries of the holes. This set is divided into two parts, on one part the controls are of Dirichlet type; on the other one the controls are of Neumann type. We show that the optimal controls of the homogenized problem can be used as suboptimal ones for the problems

\mathbb{P}_{ɛ}

.
Nodal domains and spectral minimal partitions
Authors: Terracini S. , Helffer B. , Hoffmann-Ostenhof T.
Published: November 2007

We consider two-dimensional Schrödinger operators in bounded domains. We analyze relations between the nodal domains of eigenfunctions, spectral minimal partitions and spectral properties of the corresponding operator. The main results concern the existence and regularity of the minimal partitions and the characterization of the minimal partitions associated with nodal sets as the nodal domains of Courant-sharp eigenfunctions.
Constitutive endocytosis in characean internodal cells is independent of an intact actin cytoskeleton
Authors: Foissner Ilse , Klima Andreas
Published: November 2007

We have investigated constitutive endocytosis in internodal cells of the characean green algae. The endocytic tracer FM1‐43 accumulated in distinct plasma membrane domains that are probably enriched in sterol‐like substances. Internalization of the dye was active but independent of an intact actin or microtubule cytoskeleton.
Non‐invasive microscopy of tip‐growing root hairs as a tool for study of dynamic and cytoskeleton‐based vesicle trafficking
Authors: Ovečka Miroslav , Baluška František , Lichtscheidl Irene
Published: November 2007

The techniques of live cell imaging by electronic light microscopy and confocal microscopy were used to analyse the cytoarchitecture, organelle dynamics and membrane trafficking in living root hairs of Arabidopsis thaliana and Medicago sativa. We focused on the motility of vesicles in the tip of growing root hairs, the internalisation of plasma membrane by endocytosis and the fate of endocytic compartments. Vesicles as well as their trafficking to and contact with the plasma membrane were visualised in the tip of root hairs. We showed rapid endocytosis using a pulse treatment with lipophillic FM dyes in growing root hairs. Endocytosis was active at the very tip and labelled endocytic membranes progressed further down the endocytic network through dynamic compartments merging with the vacuole by their fusion with highly dynamic tonoplast.
Development of transformation vectors based upon a modified plant α‐tubulin gene as the selectable marker
Authors: Yemets Alla , Radchuk Vladimir , Bayer Oleg , Bayer Galina , Pakhomov Alexey , Baird W. Vance , Blume Yaroslav B.
Published: November 2007

A plant transformation and selection system has been developed utilizing a modified tubulin gene as a selectable marker. The vector constructs carrying a mutant α‐tubulin gene from goosegrass conferring resistance to dinitroaniline herbicides were created for transformation of monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants. These constructs contained β‐ and/or mutant α‐tubulin genes driven either by ubiquitin or CaMV 35S promoter. The constructs were used for biolistic transformation of finger millet and soybean or for Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation of flax and tobacco. Trifluralin, the main representative of dinitroaniline herbicides, was used as a selective agent in experiments to select transgenic cells, tissues and plantlets. Selective concentrations of trifluralin estimated for each species were as follows: 10 μM for Eleusine coracana, Glycine max, Nicotiana plumbaginifolia and Nicotiana sylvestris; 3 μM for Linum usitatissimum. PCR and Southern blotting analyses of transformed lines with a specific probe to nptII, α‐tubulin or β‐tubulin genes were performed to confirm the transgenic nature of regenerated plants. Band specific for the mutant α‐tubulin gene was identified in transformed plant lines. Results confirmed the stable integration of the mutant tubulin gene into the plant genomes. The present study clearly demonstrates the use of a plant mutant tubulin as a selective gene for plant transformation.
Plant tubulin intronics
Authors: Breviario Diego , Gianì Silvia , Ponzoni Elena , Mastromauro Francesco , Morello Laura
Published: November 2007

Introns of plant tubulin genes are useful molecular tools to study IME (Intron Mediated Enhancement of gene expression) and to define plant genetic and evolutionary relationships through ILP (Intron Length Polymorphism). Here we show that the intron present within the 5′UTR sequence of some rice β‐tubulin genes can sustain IME in rice transgenic plants and that degenerated oligonucleotide mixtures designed to amplify the first and the second intron present within the coding sequence of plant β‐tubulin genes can successfully detect ILPs among different bean varieties.
Effects of levosimendan on coronary artery flow and cardiac performance in patients with advanced heart failure
Authors: Ikonomidis Ignatios , Parissis John T. , Paraskevaidis Ioannis , Kourea Kallirrhoe , Bistola Vasiliki , Lekakis John , Filippatos Gerasimos , Kremastinos Dimitrios Th.
Published: November 2007

Background

Levosimendan has inotropic and vasodilatory effects. We investigated the effects of levosimendan on coronary flow and associated changes in neurohormonal activation and cardiac performance in patients with advanced heart failure.

Methods

Forty‐two patients with NYHA III–IV and a left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) 25±6%, were randomised to levosimendan 0.1 μg/kg/min (n=21) or placebo for 24 h. Before and 24 h after each treatment, we assessed: the maximal velocity (Vmax), time integral (VTI) and deceleration time (DT) of the diastolic coronary flow wave (CF) in LAD using transthoracic Doppler echocardiography, pulmonary artery systolic pressure by Doppler echocardiography, E/E' ratio using Doppler imaging of mitral inflow velocity, tissue Doppler imaging of the mitral annulus and B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels.

Results

By ANOVA, there was a greater increase in CF‐Vmax (43±23 vs.25±8 cm/s), CF‐DT (904±250 vs. 667±151 ms), and EF and a greater decrease in BNP, pulmonary artery systolic pressure and E/E′ after levosimendan than after placebo (p<0.05). Compared to baseline, the percent changes in CF‐VTI were related to the concomitant changes in EF, E/E′, and BNP after treatment with levosimendan (r=0.69, r=−0.51 and r=−0.80, p<0.05 respectively).

Conclusion

Treatment with levosimendan improves coronary flow and microcirculation in parallel with an improvement in cardiac performance and neurohormonal activation in patients with advanced heart failure.
The impact of state weakness on citizenship a case study of Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Ruget Vanessa , Usmanalieva Burul
Published: November 2007

This article, using contemporary Kyrgyzstan as a case study, examines how state weakness is both reflected and reinforced at the citizens’ level. Based upon field research conducted in April and May 2007, we discuss three hypotheses. First, the inability of the state to provide essential goods and services and has deterred citizens’ willingness to fulfill their responsibilities such as paying taxes, respecting the laws, and serving in the army. Second, citizens have lost trust in their regime; some directly confront the state by joining demonstrations, strikes, and other protest activities. Finally, state weakness has negatively influenced the feeling of collective membership and reinforced sub-national identities. Declining loyalty is particularly evident among the citizens who have left the country in the prospect of better employment abroad.
Quality of chrysotile asbestos and high-temperature conductance of the host ultramafics: possible linkage
Authors: Bakhterev V.V.
Published: November 2007

The paper reports physical, physicochemical, and mineralogical-petrographic studies of serpentinite samples from the Bazhenovo deposit of chrysotile asbestos. The samples differ in mineralogy, physical and physicochemical parameters, and in quality (fiber tenacity) of the hosted chrysotile asbestos. The experiments allowed estimating the temperature dependence of electrical resistance of serpentinites in a range of 20 to 800 °C, the parameters of their high-temperature resistance (the activation energy E0 and the resistance coefficient lg R0), and the relationship between fiber tenacity of asbestos and high-temperature conductance of the host serpentinites. The serpentinite samples that host brittle and tenacious chrysotile asbestos plot different fields in the coordinates E0–lg R0 without any overlap. Thus, the quality of chrysotile asbestos can be inferred from the parameters of high-temperature conductance of the host serpentinites.
Resistivity pattern of crust and upper mantle in Southern Urals
Authors: Diakonova A.G. , Ivanov K.S. , Astafiev P.F. , Vishnev V.S. , Konoplin A.D.
Published: November 2007

A resistivity model of the southern Urals to depths of 120 km was obtained by numerical simulation of natural- and controlled-source EM soundings at 160 kHz to 4⋅10−4 Hz. The structure of crust and upper mantle was imaged along a transect running ∼800 km across the East European Platform, the Ural foredeep, and the Ural mountains. The new data on geology and tectonics of the southern Urals enlarge the knowledge gained through URSEIS-95 reflection profiling along one of best representative cross-orogen profiles. We discovered a large conductor traceable to depths at least 100–120 km at the junction between the East European Platform and the Ural foredeep. It indicates that the Ural foredeep originated in a weak tectonic zone at the platform edge. The Ural orogen is imaged as a nearly bivergent structure to depths of 70–80 km producing a mosaic pattern of conductors rooted deep beneath the Magnitogorsk greenstone province and the granitic belt of the central East Ural uplift where it is 150 km wide at a depth of ∼120 km. We interpret the discovered deep roots in the context of the geological history of the Urals.
On the Larval and Pupal Stages of West African Culicidæ
Authors: Wesché W. , Graham W. M.
Published: November 2007

In dealing with this extremely interesting and valuable collection of Mosquito larvæ and pupae from Lagos, which we owe to the industry of that indefatigable collector and observer, Dr. W. M. Graham, I have endeavoured to give a practical and not too technical description of each species, and I have given illustrations of all tbe principal characters, and of some points of more general interest. If technicalities are indulged in, they are explained in the preliminary text, and in the plates. It has been my object to make it impossible for the careful worker to mistake any one of these larvæ for that of another species, but persons who have experience of such work, know the difficulty of arriving at such results without a knowledge of all known forms, and that knowledge I have no pretensions to possess.
Mating interactions between two biotypes of the whitefly,Bemisia tabaci(Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in Australia
Authors: De Barro P.J. , Hart P.J.
Published: November 2007

The biological consequences of mating interactions between indigenous and exotic biotypes ofBemisia tabaci(Gennadius) in Australia were studied using a combination of field and laboratory experiments. The key results of the interaction between the B and eastern Australian biotypes were reduced population increase, a marked increase in the proportion of male progeny, fewer eggs produced by females paired with males of different biotype and no difference in the numbers of eggs per unmated female and females paired with males of the same biotype. In addition, there was no change in the proportion of eggs hatching, mixed biotype pairs spent more time courting than single biotype pairs and a low level of hybridization in field cages and small containers was observed. These observations suggest three possibilities. The first is the ‘distracting male hypothesis’ in which mating pairs made up of different biotypes apportion more time to courtship and less time to egg laying than single biotype pairs. The second invokes the ‘single-locus complementary sex determination model’ in which the production of non-viable diploid male zygotes may explain the reduction in eggs laid. The third is cytoplasmic incompatibility between biotypes caused byWolbachia. The results also suggest that the geographical distribution of clusters of related biotypes both overseas and in Australia may be explained by between-biotype interactions leading to the formation of parapatric populations.
Comparison of two alpha-cyano pyrethroids when impregnated into bednets against a pyrethroid resistant and susceptible strain of Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Culicidae) and their F1 progeny
Authors: Kolaczinski J.H. , Curtis C.F.
Published: November 2007

The two alpha-cyano pyrethroid insecticides lambda-cyhalothrin and alpha-cypermethrin were tested as bednet treatments at a target dose of 20 mg m-2. To establish their efficacy, female pyrethroid resistant and susceptible Anopheles stephensi Liston, and the F1-hybrids were allowed to fly freely in a room with a human subject under an impregnated net. Both treatments provided good personal protection by significantly reducing the number of blood fed mosquitoes compared to an untreated control net. Mortality after 24 h was significantly higher for the alpha-cypermethrin treated net when compared to lambda-cyhalothrin. For each insecticide there were no significant differences in the proportion of susceptible homozygotes and F1-hybrids found dead after a 24 h holding period, which suggests that there would be no selection for pyrethroid resistant heterozygotes by either of the insecticides.
Potential of the mite-pathogenic fungusNeozygites floridana(Entomophthorales: Neozygitaceae) for control of the cassava green miteMononychellus tanajoa(Acari: Tetranychidae)
Authors: Elliot S.L. , de Moraes G.J. , Delalibera I. , da Silva C.A.D. , Tamai M.A. , Mumford J.D.
Published: November 2007

The cassava green mite,Mononychellus tanajoa(Bondar), is an exotic pest in Africa and is the target of a classical biological control programme. Field data from the Neotropics, where it is indigenous, are presented for the first time, charting the variation in abundance ofM. tanajoaover several seasons. This was highly variable, with a characteristic trough mid-year and a peak at the turn of the year. This pattern corresponded positively with rainfall levels, appearing to fit a phenology also characteristic of African studies, where rainfall at the start of the wet season promotes a leaf flush and so growth inM. tanajoapopulations. Analyses implied some impact of leaf-inhabiting predatory mites (predominantlyNeoseiulus idaeusDenmark & Muma) and a considerable impact of the fungal pathogenNeozygites floridanaFisher onM. tanajoapopulations. This pathogen was not observed in the host population for several (generally dry) periods implying survival outside the host, perhaps as resting spores. This is a particularly desirable characteristic of a biological control agent. It is therefore proposed thatN. floridanamight be of particular use in drier cassava-growing areas where rainfall at the outset of the wet season is not sufficiently intense to cause heavyM. tanajoamortality but may be sufficient to stimulate epizootics of the fungal pathogen, protecting the flush of new cassava growth.
Why Trichogramma (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) egg parasitoids of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) fail on chickpea
Authors: Romeis J. , Shanower T.G. , Zebitz C.P.W.
Published: November 2007

Trichogramma spp. egg parasitoids are generally absent in eggs of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) collected from chickpea, Cicer arietinum. In this study, the plant characters responsible for the absence of egg parasitoids and the feasibility of increasing parasitism levels on chickpea by mass-releasing Trichogramma chilonis Ishii were investigated. The residence time of female T. chilonison chickpea leaves was affected by trichomes and the acidic trichome exudates secreted on all green parts of the plant. The parasitoids spent a longer time on chickpea leaves where the acidic trichome exudates had been washed off than on unwashed leaves, and longer on leaves of a glabrous chickpea mutant than on washed leaves. When placed on unwashed chickpea leaves, 6.8% of the parasitoids were trapped and killed by the exudates. In a filter paper bioassay, female T. chilonis were deterred by high concentrations of malic and oxalic acids, the major components of the trichome exudate. Acetone and hexane extracts from the surface of chickpea leaves did not elicit a response from the parasitoids in the bioassay. Similarly, the parasitoids did not respond to volatiles emitted by chickpea plants in a four-armed airflow olfactometer. No parasitized eggs were collected from a chickpea field in which T. chiloniswere released five times at a weekly interval at a rate of > 137,000 females ha–1. Sticky trap catches showed that no parasitoid population was sustained in the release field.
Chemical analysis of oxygenated homosesquiterpenes: a putative sex pheromone from Lutzomyia lichyi (Diptera: Psychodidae)
Authors: Hamilton J.G.C. , Brazil R.P. , Morgan E.D. , Alexander B.
Published: November 2007

Lutzomyia lichyi (Floch & Abbonenc) is a suggested secondary vector of Leishmania in Colombia. Taxonomically, L. lichyi is very closely related to the L. longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva) species complex. Male members of the complex can be distinguished by their sex pheromones which are produced in papules found grouped together in pale patches on tergites 3 or tergites 3 and 4. Male L. lichyi also have papules, very similar in appearance to those of the L. longipalpis species complex but distributed on tergites 4, 5, 6 and 7. Chemical analysis of male L. lichyi hexane extracts has revealed the presence of two novel oxygenated methylsesquiterpenes. The two major oxygenated terpenes found in the extract of L. lichyi males are tentatively characterized as a primary and tertiary alcohol. The mass spectrum of the proposed primary alcohol is very similar to the published mass spectrum of 3-methyl-α-himachalene, the sex pheromone produced by the Jacobina chemotype of the L. longipalpis complex. The mass spectrum of the proposed tertiary alcohol also has similarities to the 3-methyl-α-himachalene sex pheromone.
Effect of density of pheromone sources, pheromone dosage and population pressure on mating of pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)
Authors: Kehat M. , Anshelevich L. , Gordon D. , Harel M. , Zilberg L. , Dunkelblum E.
Published: November 2007

The effect of density of the Shin-Etsu twist-tie rope pheromone formulation (PBW rope L®) on mating of female pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella(Saunders) was tested in Israel. The success of mating disruption was evaluated during 1997 by the mating table technique, comparing the percentage of mating of virgin sentinel females in pheromone-treated and control plots. Under low pest population pressure application of ‘long-life’ formulation of P. gossypiellapheromone, PBW rope L®, spaced 9 m, 11 m and 14 m apart, resulted in very high suppression of mating (96.5–100%) and complete shut-down of pheromone trap catch. These application rates were much lower than those now prevailing in Israel and elsewhere. Spacing of ropes 20 m apart resulted in less effective mating disruption of 65% only, and shut-down of pheromone traps was also incomplete. The tests during 1998 were carried out at high pest population and efficacy of treatments was assessed by the reduction of male capture in traps in pheromone-treated plots relative to catches in the control. The distance between pheromone sources proved to be the most critical factor determining success. In both years, any spacing significantly greater than 10 m gave markedly less than complete trap catch shutdown/mating suppression. Pheromone dosages and population density were also important in determining mating success. Results obtained in this study indicate the possibility of reducing the number of pheromone sources per unit area and the total amount of pheromone as compared with that in use today, only at very low pest populations. However at high population levels, dispensers closely-spaced, with increased dosages of pheromone, are required.
Stimulation of oogenesis by proteinaceous adult diets for screwworm,Cochliomyia hominivorax(Diptera: Calliphoridae)
Authors: Hammack L.
Published: November 2007

The influence of protein in the adult diet on first cycle gonotrophic development was examined in newly colonized screwworm flies,Cochliomyia hominivorax(Coquerel), reared on an artificial larval diet and bred in subsequent generations from females stimulated to oviposit only after all individuals in a colony were expected to have matured their eggs. This latter criterion was established with the goal of reducing selection for early ovarian maturity and increased autogeny. Under these conditions, supplementing the diet with raw meat during the first week after adult emergence hastened egg maturation by two to four days or more, increased the percentage of seven- to ten-day-old females that was gravid by 45%, and boosted the number of eggs per gravid female byc.30%. The serous discharge from screwworm-infested sheep wounds, a casein–salt mixture, or casein in potassium hydroxide was as effective as raw meat. Addition of B vitamins to the casein–salt mixture was without further effect. The measures taken to reduce selection for altered gonotrophic development were not critically evaluated here, but they appeared successful in that age and protein affected ovarian maturation rates similarly in F2and F27. Fecundity measured as eggs matured per gravid female differed between generations, but appeared correlated with size differences that were unrelated to colonization duration.
Evidence for the presence of chemicals attractive to the banana weevil, Cosmopolites sordidus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in dead banana leaves
Authors: Braimah H. , van Emden H.F.
Published: November 2007

The effects of host and non-host plant odours on the foraging responses of the banana weevil, Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar), were investigated in the laboratory through arena and olfactometer bioassays. Contrary to previous reports that banana rhizome and pseudostem were the most attractive parts to the weevil, dead leaves were most preferred. Comparison of dead banana leaves with dead leaves of other plants showed that attractant odours were present in yam, cocoyam and dead grasses but absent in cocoa and soybean leaves. Complete leaf senescence while the leaf was attached to the mother plant proved necessary for the development of the dead-leaf-based odours but the involvement of microbial organisms could not be demonstrated. It is possible that dead-leaf-based attractants could be used in combination with microbials such as entomogenous fungi and nematodes in integrated management of C. sordidus.