bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hospitalized elders and family caregivers: a typology of family worry
Authors: Li Hong
Published: January 2005

Objective.  This qualitative study explored the kinds of worry that family caregivers experience when their older relatives are hospitalized.

Background.  Little is known about what kinds of worries family caregivers may have in association with the hospitalizations of older relatives. An understanding of the different patterns of family worry may help health care teams intervene more effectively to meet family caregiver's needs by reducing their anxiety.

Design.  A qualitative descriptive design with Loftland and Loftland (1984) approach for the study of a phenomenon occurring in a social setting was used.

Method.  A purposeful sample of 10 participants was obtained that included six family caregivers and four nurses. Participants were recruited from two hospitals in the northwest US. Intensive interviews and participant observations were used for data collection, and Loftland and Loftland's (1984) qualitative approach was used for data analysis.

Results.  Family worry was defined as family caregivers’ felt difficulty in fulfilling their roles because of worry. Four categories of family worry were identified as a result of this study: (i) worry about the patient's condition; (ii) worry about the patient's care received from the health care team; (iii) worry about future care for the patient provided by the family caregiver; and (iv) worry about finances.

Conclusions.  The findings of this pilot study provide nurses with the initial knowledge of the typology of family worry associated with elderly relatives’ hospitalizations.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The findings of this study may sensitize the nurses to more precisely evaluate family caregivers’ worry about their hospitalized elders and provide more effective nursing interventions to improve outcomes of both patients and their family caregivers.
Assessing competency in nursing: a comparison of nurses prepared through degree and diploma programmes
Authors: Clinton Michael , Murrells Trevor , Robinson Sarah
Published: January 2005

Aims and objectives.  The present study aimed to investigate the competencies of qualifiers from three‐year degree and three‐year diploma courses in England at one, two and three years after qualification.

Background.  The provision of three‐year preregistration nursing degrees in the UK has increased in recent years and in many colleges degrees are offered alongside the existing three‐year diploma courses. Yet little is known about the relationship between these different education programmes and the competence of qualifiers.

Methods.  A cross‐sectional survey design was employed to make comparisons of both self‐reported and line‐manager‐rated competencies of graduate and diplomate nurses who had qualified up to three years previously.

Instruments.  A revised version of the Nursing Competencies Questionnaire was used to measure both overall competence and also eight specific nursing competencies. A shortened version of this scale was also used to assess internal consistency across measures. Two additional competencies, research awareness and policy awareness, were also measured.

Results.  Structural equation modelling found very little difference in the overall competence and specific competencies of graduates and diplomates. Where differences were found in the self‐report data, diplomates scored more highly than graduates in the constructs of planning and social participation; however, these differences became non‐significant when background variables were controlled for.

Limitations.  The findings are interpreted with caution due to the size of differences, the size of some of the samples of respondents and the developmental stage of the instrument used.

Conclusions.  It does not appear that graduates and diplomates in England differ in their level of competence to any great extent as measured by the Nursing Competencies Questionnaire. Areas of further work are discussed in the light of the findings.

Relevance to clinical practice.  While this may alleviate concerns about clinical disparities between the two groups, it raises questions about the proposed benefits to nursing of three‐year preregistration degrees in terms of quality of care during the first three years of qualification.
Evaluation of apical sealing ability and adaptation to dentine of two resin‐based sealers
Authors: SEVİMAY S. , KALAYCI A.
Published: January 2005

summary  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the apical sealing ability and adaptation to dentine of two resin‐based root canal sealers. The root canals of 55 human maxillary anterior teeth were prepared using a step‐back technique and the smear layer removed with 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. The teeth were divided into two groups of 25 teeth and the remaining five teeth served as control. Then the teeth were prepared and obturated with gutta‐percha by a lateral condensation and either AH plus and EndoRez used as a sealer. Twenty teeth from each group were used for the apical leakage test and the remaining five teeth from each group were used for examination under the scanning electron microscope (SEM). For apical leakage test, teeth were covered with nail varnish and sticky wax to within 1 mm of the apical foramen and placed in 2% methylene blue for 7 days. After this period, the teeth were sectioned longitudinally and apical leakage measurements made. The mean value of dye penetration for AH plus was 2·87 ± 0·43 mm, while that of EndoRez was 4·54 ± 0·36 mm. The difference between mean of dye penetration was statistically significant (P < 0·01). The SEM examination showed both sealers had better adaptation and penetration in coronal and middle thirds than apical third of root canal. In apical third, AH plus was adapted better adpated to dentine than EndoRez. In conclusion, AH plus sealer has better apical sealing ability and adaptation to dentine than EndoRez sealer.
Surface electromyographic response of the neck muscles to maximal voluntary clenching of the teeth
Authors: CIUFFOLO F. , MANZOLI L. , FERRITTO A. L. , TECCO S. , D'ATTILIO M. , FESTA F.
Published: January 2005

summary  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the activity of digastric, sternocleidomastoid, upper trapezius, lower trapezius and cervical muscles in response to maximum voluntary clenching (MVC) of the teeth. Twenty healthy subjects aged 24–31 years were divided into two groups of 10: a resting group and a clenching group. The resting group simply maintained the mandible at rest with teeth apart for two 1‐min periods, whereas the clenching group underwent an initial resting period followed after 1‐min by a clenching period during which they were required to perform MVC. The electromyography (EMG) responses of each muscle were recorded during all periods, and means and standard deviations of the root mean square EMG were calculated. Within‐group and between‐group comparisons of EMG activity were made using, respectively, the Sign two‐tailed test for two related samples and the Kolmogorov–Smirnov two‐tailed test for two independent samples (significance level 0·05). Data indicated a significant increase of EMG activity of the anterior neck muscles (digastric and sternocleidomastoid) during MVC as compared with EMG recorded during resting periods. If confirmed by further research, our findings suggesting an involvement of anterior neck muscles during isometric contraction of the jaw elevator muscles may have clinical implications.
Evaluation of biocompatibility of mineral trioxide aggregate with an improved rabbit ear chamber
Authors: MASUDA Y. M. , WANG X. , HOSSAIN M. , UNNO A. , JAYAWARDENA J. A. , SAITO K. , NAKAMURA Y. , MATSUMOTO K.
Published: January 2005

summary  In the present study, the biocompatibility of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) to the revascularization of the connective tissues was evaluated by using the improved rabbit ear chamber, in vivo. Twenty improved rabbit ear chamber was prepared from 12 male albino‐rabbit by using a well through which a material could be introduced into the living vascular tissue. Ten chambers were provided for MTA, and the remaining 10 chambers were used for a calcium hydroxide‐containing root canal sealer (Sealapex), as a comparator. A volume of about 1·5 mm3 of the materials were inserted into the chamber and the interaction between the vascular tissue and materials was observed by using a biomicroscope immediately after application, at 1, 3, 5·5, 8, 24, 48, 72 h, and once a week up to 4 weeks. The results revealed that revascularization of connective tissue took place with complete recovery of microcirculation within 4 weeks in both MTA and Sealapex. However, the precipitate‐barrier and brown zone around periphery of Sealapex was not observed in MTA treated samples. It can be concluded that MTA is biocompatible and does not produce any adverse site effect on microcirculation of the connective tissue.
Effect of flame cleaning of ceramic surface on the bond strength of composite to ceramic
Authors: OH W.‐S. , SHEN C.
Published: January 2005

summary  This study tested the hypothesis that flame cleaning of ceramic surface would increase the bond strength of composite to ceramic than pressure‐vaporized steam cleaning. Eris and IPS‐Empress ceramic blocks were fabricated, polished (control), airborne‐particle abraded with 50‐μm alumina particle (A), etched with 5% hydrofluoric acid gel for 2 min (E), or treated with a combination of A and E (AE). They were subjected to either steam cleaning for 20 s or flame cleaning over a gas burner for 2 s. Followed by an application of an adhesive resin, a composite was built‐up. Twenty micro‐tensile test specimens (≈0·9 × 0·9 × 16 mm) were obtained from each group and loaded to failure under tensile force using a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0·5 mm min−1. anova showed statistically significant differences in the mean bond strength by ceramic, surface roughness, and cleaning method (P < 0·0001). The groupings of the mean bond strength were as follows: flame‐cleaned > steam‐cleaned; IPS‐Empress > Eris; and AE > E > A for IPS‐Empress and AE > E ≈ A for Eris (Duncan's multiple analysis; α=0·05). This in vitro study suggests that mechanical bond of composite to ceramic can be improved with flame cleaning of ceramic surface.
Shear bond strength of composite resin cements to lithium disilicate ceramics
Authors: KUMBULOGLU O. , LASSILA L. V. J. , USER A. , TOKSAVUL S. , VALLITTU P. K.
Published: January 2005

summary  The aim of this study was to evaluate the shear bond strength of different commercial composite resin cement systems to lithium disilicate all‐ceramic substrate. Five adhesive resin cement systems Panavia 21 and Panavia F (Kuraray), Variolink 2 (Ivoclar‐Vivadent), RelyX Unicem Applicap and RelyX ARC (3M ESPE) were used on all‐ceramic (IPS Empress 2; Ivoclar‐Vivadent) substrate. Shear bond strength of adhesive resin cement to substrate was tested after thermocycling, or without thermocycling (n = 10). Substrate surfaces of the specimen after loading were SEM microscopically examined. The highest bond strengths in water stored conditions were obtained with RelyX ARC (28·7 ±3·9 MPa), while in thermocycled conditions the highest bonding values were obtained with Variolink 2 (23·2 ± 7·5 MPa). The lowest values in both water stored (5·8 ± 4·0 MPa) and thermocycled (2·4 ± 2·9 MPa) conditions were obtained with Panavia 21. Shear bond strengths appeared to be affected significantly by thermocycling (anova, P < 0·05). It was concluded that there were significant differences between the bond strengths of adhesive resin cements to lithium disilicate substrate.
Adhesion to root canal dentine using one and two‐step adhesives with dual‐cure composite core materials
Authors: FOXTON R. M. , NAKAJIMA M. , TAGAMI J. , MIURA H.
Published: January 2005

summary  The regional tensile bond strengths of two dual‐cure composite resin core materials to root canal dentine using either a one or two‐step self‐etching adhesive were evaluated. Extracted premolar teeth were decoronated and their root canals prepared to a depth of 8 mm and a width of 1·4 mm. In one group, a one‐step self‐etching adhesive (Unifil Self‐etching Bond) was applied to the walls of the post‐space and light‐cured for 10 s. After which, the post‐spaces were filled with the a dual‐cure composite resin (Unifil Core) and then half the specimens were light‐cured for 60 s and the other half placed in darkness for 30 min. In the second group, a self‐etching primer (ED Primer II) was applied for 30 s, followed by an adhesive resin (Clearfil Photo Bond), which was light‐cured for 10 s. The post‐spaces were filled with a dual‐cure composite resin (DC Core) and then half the specimens were light‐cured for 60 s and the other half placed in darkness for 30 min. Chemical‐cure composite resin was placed on the outer surfaces of all the roots, which were then stored in water for 24 h. They were serially sliced perpendicular to the bonded interface into 8, 0·6 mm‐thick slabs, and then transversely sectioned into beams, approximately 8 × 0·6 × 0·6 mm, for the microtensile bond strength test (μTBS). Data were divided into two (coronal/apical half of post‐space) and analysed using three‐way anova and Scheffe's test (P < 0·05). Failure modes were observed under an scanning electron microscope (SEM) and statistically analysed. Specimens for observation of the bonded interfaces were prepared in a similar manner as for bond strength testing, cut in half and embedded in epoxy resin. They were then polished to a high gloss, gold sputter coated, and after argon ion etching, observed under an SEM. For both dual‐cure composite resins and curing strategies, there were no significant differences in μTBS between the coronal and apical regions (P > 0·05). In addition, both dual‐cure composite resins exhibited no significant differences in μTBS irrespective of whether polymerization was chemically or photoinitiated (P > 0·05). Both dual‐cure composite resins exhibited good bonding to root canal dentin, which was not dependent upon region or mode of polymerization.
Phylogenetic analysis of Trechitae (Coleoptera: Carabidae) based on larval morphology, with a description of first‐instarPhrypeusand a key to genera
Authors: Grebennikov Vasily V. , Maddison David R.
Published: January 2005

Abstract. Sixty‐nine characters of larval structure of twenty‐eight genera of the supertribe Trechitae (Coleoptera: Carabidae) were analysed phylogenetically. The monophyly of Trechitae is strongly supported with five unique synapomorphies. The monophyly of Zolini + Bembidiini + Pogonini is supported with two synapomorphies. We propose that the tribe Trechini is a sister group to them and its monophyly is supported with two unique synapomorphies. The inferred branching pattern of Trechini genera is (Perileptus + Thalassophilus) + (Amblystogenium + (Trechimorphus + (Trechus + Epaphius + Aepopsis + Trechisibus)));Perileptusis a member of Trechodina rather than Trechina. The monophyly of Zolini is not supported. The monophyly of Pogonini is supported with two unique synapomorphies; its sister group relationships remain obscure; the branching pattern of pogonine genera is (((Pogonus + Pogonistes) + Cardiaderus) + Thalassotrechus). No evidence for monophyly of the tribe Bembidiini (s. lato; including subtribes Bembidiina, Tachyina, Xystosomina, and Anillina) was found. The relationships ofPhrypeusare obscure; no evidence could be found linking it with Bembidiina. WithoutPhrypeus, Bembidiina might be a monophylum with a single synapomorphy.Sinechostictusbranches basal of (Bembidion + Asaphidion) and therefore should be treated as a separate genus. Tachyina and Xystosomina form a monophylum based on two unique synapomorphies; a close relationship with a monophyletic Anillina is suggested. Reduction of the number of claws from two to one in Trechitae has taken place twice: within Trechina (Trechus,Epaphius,AepopsisandTrechisibus) and in (Zolini + Bembidiini + Pogonini). The previously unknown larvae of the isolated genusPhrypeusare described and illustrated. A key to all twenty‐eight analysed Trechitae genera based on characters of larvae and a list of larval autapomorphies for each genus are provided.
Evolution of the Scarabaeini (Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae)
Authors: Forgie Shaun A. , Philips T. Keith , Scholtz Clarke H.
Published: January 2005

Abstract. A phylogenetic analysis of the Scarabaeini, based on 244 morphological characters, including 154 multistate and three biological characters, is presented. Tree topologies generated from unweighted data and some weighted algorithms are similar and support only two clades in the tribe representing the generaScarabaeusL. andPachylomerusBertoloni. The only supported subordinate groups treated in this paper as subgenera areKheperKirbystat. nov.,PachysomaMacLeay,ScarabaeolusBalthasar andSceliagesWestwoodstat. nov.DrepanopodusJanssenssyn. nov.is synonymised withScarabaeusand six additional names,MadateuchusPaulian,MnematidiumRitsema,MnematiumMacLeay,NeateuchusGillet,NeomnematiumJanssens andNeopachysomaFerreira, remain synonyms. A single origin of flightlessness is supported with the subgenusPachysoma, the most derived lineage in this clade. Rolling dung balls backwards is the ancestral behaviour and predominant mode of food relocation in Scarabaeini, although tunnelling, forward pushing, and carrying also are utilized by some lineages. Pushing food has evolved independently inSceliagesspecies andS.galenus(Westwood) and a novel mode of forward food relocation by dragging evolved in the subgenusPachysoma. Feeding on wet dung is the plesiomorphic condition and maintained by the majority of species in the tribe. The most unusual feeding behaviours in the tribe are represented by the obligate millipede‐feeding species ofSceliagesand the dry dung pellet and/or detritus feeders ofPachysoma.
Field validation of sensitivity and specificity of rapid test for detection of Brugia malayi infection
Authors: Jamail M. , Andrew K. , Junaidi D. , Krishnan A. K. , Faizal M. , Rahmah N.
Published: January 2005

We conducted a field study of a rapid test (Brugia Rapid) for detection of Brugia malayi infection to validate its sensitivity and specificity under operational conditions. Seven districts in the state of Sarawak, Malaysia, which are endemic for brugian filariasis, were used to determine the test sensitivity. Determination of specificity was performed in another state in Malaysia (Bachok, Kelantan) which is non‐endemic for filariasis but endemic for soil‐transmitted helminths. In Sarawak both the rapid test and thick blood smear preparation were performed in the field. The rapid test was interpreted on site, whereas blood smears were taken to the district health centres for staining and microscopic examination. Sensitivity of Brugia Rapid dipstick as compared with microscopy of thick blood smears was 87% (20/23; 95% CI: 66.4–97.2) whereas the specificity was 100% (512/512). The lower sensitivity of the test in the field than in laboratory evaluations (≥95%), was probably due to the small number of microfilaraemic individuals, in addition to difficulties in performing the test in remote villages by field personnel. The overall prevalence of brugian filariasis as determined by the dipstick is 9.4% (95% CI: 8.2–0.5) while that determined by microscopy is 0.90% (95% CI: 0.5–1.3) thus the dipstick detected about 10 times more cases than microscopy. Equal percentages of adults and children were found to be positive by the dipstick whereas microscopy showed that the number of infected children was seven times less than infected adults. The rapid dipstick test was useful as a diagnostic tool for mapping and certification phases of the lymphatic filariasis elimination programme in B. malayi‐endemic areas.
Coping with Risks through Mismatches: Domestic and International Financial Contracts for Emerging Economies
Authors: De La Torre Augusto , Schmukler Sergio L.
Published: January 2005

We analyse how short termism, dollarization and foreign jurisdictions are ways of coping with systemic risks prevalent in emerging economies. These are symptoms at least as much as problems. We conclude first that under high systemic risks, the market equilibrium settles in favour of investor protection against price risk (through short‐duration peso and dollar contracts) instead of protection against default risk. Second, the option value to litigate in the event of default, which is higher in dollar and foreign‐jurisdiction contracts, may explain this equilibrium outcome and, more generally, the ‘original sin’. Third, dollar contracts trump short‐duration peso contracts as a risk‐coping device; they are a better hedge against inflation volatility and are superior at mitigating the risk of loss given default. Fourth, according to a conservation principle, the mitigation of risk via the use of a coping mechanism allows additional risk taking in other forms, leaving total risk unchanged.
A novel senescence‐associated gene encoding γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA):pyruvate transaminase is upregulated during rice leaf senescence
Authors: Ansari Mohammad Israil , Lee Ruey‐Hua , Chen Shu‐Chen Grace
Published: January 2005

The gene Osl2, which is specifically upregulated during leaf senescence in rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Tainong 67), was cloned and functionally characterized. The protein coding region of the gene consists of 19 exons encoding 516 amino acids, with a putative mitochondrial targeting sequence and conserved sequence of the pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate‐binding domain. The recombinant Osl2 fusion protein over‐expressed in Escherichia coli displays pyruvate‐dependent γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) transaminase (EC 2.6.1.19) activity. Examination of the expression patterns of the Osl2 gene in rice reveals that Osl2‐specific transcripts are induced in the senescing leaves. The temporal profile of Osl2 protein accumulation is correlated with that of pyruvate‐dependent GABA transaminase activity in rice leaves, with the highest expression level at the S3 senescent stage. The potential role for GABA transaminase during rice leaf senescence is discussed.
Overexpression of the Ca2+‐binding protein calreticulin in the endoplasmic reticulum improves growth of tobacco cell suspensions (Nicotiana tabacum) in high‐Ca2+ medium
Authors: Åkesson Anna , Persson Staffan , Love John , Boss Wendy F. , Widell Susanne , Sommarin Marianne
Published: January 2005

Calreticulin (CRT) is a eukaryotic, highly conserved, Ca2+‐binding protein predominantly located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen. In addition to being involved in the regulation of cellular Ca2+, calreticulin is a key quality control element during protein folding in the ER lumen. Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) suspension cells overexpressing a maize CRT (CRT1a) were used here to examine the properties of CRT in growing plant cells with respect to stress exposure. The endogenous CRT gene was induced rapidly after subculturing of the cells to new medium. In accordance, the CRT protein levels increased, peaking at days 3–4. At day 5, when the CRT transcript levels had levelled off, a further increase in endogenous CRT expression was obtained when the cells were treated with excess Ca2+ or the N‐linked glycosylation inhibitor tunicamycin. Whereas the response to Ca2+ occurred within 30 min, the induction by tunicamycin took several hours to be established. Transforming tobacco cells with maize CRT1a, under a constitutive mannopine synthase promoter, resulted in a stable level of expressed CRT1a during the growth cycle compared with endogenous CRT. The CRTs showed differences in attached glycans, but both contained the high mannose‐rich‐type glycans characteristic of ER proteins. In agreement with an ER location, both tobacco CRT and the transgene product CRT1a codistributed with the ER marker NADH cytochrome c reductase after density gradient centrifugation of microsomal fractions from tobacco cells. Increased production of CRT, as was obtained in the transgenic tobacco cell lines, made cells more tolerant than wild‐type cells to high Ca2+ during growth. These data suggest that overexpression of CRT1a in plant cells results in a more efficient calcium buffering capacity in the ER.
The suppression of salinity‐associated oxygen radicals production, in pepper (Capsicum annuum) fruit, by manganese, zinc and calcium in relation to its sensitivity to blossom‐end rot
Authors: Aktas Hakan , Karni Leah , Chang Dong‐Chil , Turhan Ece , Bar‐Tal Asher , Aloni Beny
Published: January 2005

We investigated the possibility that oxidative stress contributes to blossom‐end rot (BER) initiation in bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) grown under high salinity. Pepper plants (cv. Mazurka, Rijk Zwaan, the Netherlands) were grown in a greenhouse and irrigated with nutrient solution made up with either desalinated water (control — rising from E.C. 1.9 to 2.4 dS m−1) or saline water (salinity – rising from E.C. 3.2 to 7.0 dS m−1). Irrigation was by a circulation system. BER symptoms were observed throughout the experiment but were highly enhanced in the salinity–grown plants during the spring and summer. The fruit calcium concentration was not affected by salinity, but manganese concentrations in both leaves and fruits were significantly reduced under these conditions. Under salinity there was an enhancement of apoplast reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which was partly a result of increase in NAD(P)H oxidase activity in the pericarp of pepper fruit at the stage that it was most sensitive to BER. Apoplast ROS production and extracted NAD(P)H oxidase activity were inhibited by manganese, zinc and to a lesser extent by calcium. These cations also negated the enhancement of ROS production caused by incubation of fruit pericarp discs in NaCl solutions. Manganese, zinc and calcium also inhibited NAD(P)H oxidase activity, extracted following their infiltration into fruit pericarp discs. The results suggest that generation and scavenging of oxygen free radicals in the apoplast may contribute to the appearance of BER symptoms in pepper fruits under saline conditions. It is suggested that manganese may serve as antioxidant in pepper fruit and that manganese addition to peppers grown under salinity may alleviate BER symptoms in the fruits.
Characterization of an unusually regulated gene encoding asparagine synthetase in the parasitic plant Striga hermonthica (Scrophulariaceae)
Authors: Simier Philippe , Delavault Philippe , Demarsy Emilie , Pouvreau Jean‐Bernard , Pageau Karine , Le Bizec Bruno , Fer André , Thalouarn Patrick
Published: January 2005

In the parasitic plant Striga hermonthica (Del. Benth), asparagine synthesis plays a prominent role in the metabolism of the host‐derived nitrogen and in the detoxification process of a steady‐state N‐excess. Here, we show that asparagine synthetase (EC 6.3.5.4), the primary enzyme involved in asparagine production in plants, is encoded in Striga by a small gene family, with at least two AS genes, including the gene called ShAS related to the small class II Asparagine Synthetase genes. The functionality of ShAS was demonstrated by complementation of an E. coli asn auxotroph mutant and its expression was characterized by semiquantitative RT‐PCR. The ShAS expression pattern in plants growing under standard light conditions and in light‐grown calli differs from the expression pattern of most plant AS genes since ShAS transcripts accumulated in all the plant organs and this accumulation was not repressed by light. In contrast, ShAS expression was light‐induced in mature leaves and in the chlorophyllous calli. The promoter region of ShAS was also sequenced and characterized and displayed various light‐responsive, as well as potential sugar‐responsive, cis‐elements. A correlation between ShAS expression and asparagine synthesis was demonstrated in the illuminated mature leaves by 15N‐labelling in vivo experiments. ShAS was also shown to be positively regulated in light‐grown calli by C‐ and N‐starvation and was associated with senescence‐related protein breakdown. ShAS expression was not repressed by light in haustoria, roots, senescing leaves and inflorescences. These findings show that one or more unknown factors of regulation can override light as the major regulator.
Response of red‐osier dogwood (Cornus stolonifera) seedlings to sodium sulphate salinity: effects of supplemental calcium
Authors: Renault Sylvie
Published: January 2005

A greenhouse study was designed to test the effects of sodium sulphate (Na2SO4) on red‐osier dogwood (Cornus stolonifera Michx) seedlings in the presence and absence of additional calcium (Ca2+). Changes in growth parameters, ion and carbohydrate accumulation and cell wall composition were examined. Calcium alleviated the effect of Na2SO4 on shoot height; however, it did not affect the reduction in shoot and root dry weights. An increased level of sodium (Na+) in roots of plant exposed to Na2SO4 was recorded in the presence of supplemental Ca2+ whereas there was no change in potassium (K+) and Ca2+ levels. In shoots of seedlings treated with Na2SO4, the addition of Ca2+ did not affect Na+, K+ and Ca2+ levels. The amount of soluble carbohydrates was increased in leaves of seedlings treated with Na2SO4 both in the absence and presence of supplemental Ca2+. The decrease in cell wall material in response to salt stress was alleviated by Ca2+ in stem tissues although Ca2+ did not alter the changes in hemicellulose and cellulose. Sugar composition of pectins and hemicellulose were modified in stems and leaves by Na2SO4 and/or Ca2+. The results of this study showed that calcium was able to alleviate the effects of salt stress on shoot height and cell wall content of red‐osier dogwood stems. Furthermore, changes occurred in cell wall composition of red osier seedlings treated with Na2SO4.
Heat shock treatments delay the increase in wound‐induced phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase activity by altering its expression, not its induction in Romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa) tissue
Authors: Campos‐Vargas Reinaldo , Nonogaki Hiroyuki , Suslow Trevor , Saltveit Mikal E.
Published: January 2005

Wounding lettuce (Lactuca sativaL., var. Longifolia) leaves induced an eight‐fold increase in the activity of phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (PAL; EC 4.3.1.5), and the subsequent accumulation of phenolic compounds and tissue browning at 10°C. PAL is a key enzyme in the synthesis of phenolic compounds. A PAL cDNA was previously isolated by reverse‐transcription PCR using total RNA from wounded lettuce leaves. RNA gel blots showed that maximum accumulation of both PAL mRNA and PAL enzyme activity occurred 24 h after wounding. A 2‐min heat shock at 45°C administered within 5 min of wounding delayed the wound‐induced increase in PAL activity, but did not delay the increase in wound‐induced PAL mRNA. Changes in the content of PAL protein were also followed by immunoblot using anti‐PAL antibody raised against the bacterially expressed protein from the cDNA. Immunoblots showed that the level of PAL protein in wounded lettuce tissue was significantly reduced by the heat shock treatment. These data suggest that heat shock reduces the rise in wound‐induced PAL enzyme activity by reducing the translation of wound‐induced PAL mRNA, or by increasing the turnover of the induced PAL protein.
Stimulation of alanine amino transferase (AlaAT) gene expression and alanine accumulation in embryo axis of the model legume Medicago truncatula contribute to anoxia stress tolerance
Authors: Ricoult Claudie , Cliquet Jean‐Bernard , Limami Anis M.
Published: January 2005

The efficiency of ethanolic fermentation in anoxia tolerance under sugar‐limiting conditions, as in the field is still matter of debate. Due to higher rates of glycolysis and ethanol fermentation, faster depletion of sugar stores leads to decreased survival. In the present work the hypothesis that alanine amino transferase (AlaAT) fermentation be involved in anoxia tolerance was explored in Medicago truncatula during germination and seedling establishment. Expression of AlaAT and two low oxygen‐responsive genes, alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were determined by real time quantitative RT‐PCR and AlaAT activity was determined by 15N‐Glutamate labelling coupled to amino acids analysis by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and HPLC. Under anoxia not only ADH and LDH levels of expression increased but also AlaAT expression increased substantially. In parallel in vivo AlaAT activity increased and resulted in an increase in alanine synthesis that accumulated as the major amino acid instead of asparigine. These findings support the hypothesis that AlaAT expression and alanine accumulation contribute efficiently to anoxia tolerance. By competing with ethanolic fermentation for pyruvate, under sugar‐limiting conditions alanine synthesis saves C3 skeletons avoiding a shortage in carbon availability and limits accumulation of acetaldehyde, a toxic compound. On another hand, increase in alanine was accompanied by an increase in γ‐amino butyric acid, both amino acids may intervene in cytosolic pH regulation. Finally the role of alanine in anoxia tolerance was strengthened by the fact that when alanine synthesis was impaired germination and seedling development failed under anoxia.
Methods for evaluation of soybean chilling tolerance at the reproductive stage under artificial climatic conditions
Authors: Funatsuki H. , Matsuba S. , Kawaguchi K. , Murakami T. , Sato Y.
Published: January 2005

Several evaluation methods for soybean chilling tolerance at the reproductive stage were examined under artificial climatic conditions. Comparisons were made on plants in control and treated plots using three cultivars differing in the level of chilling tolerance. In all methods, plants were grown at 22/17°C (day/night) until first flowering, and then transferred to growth chambers at 24/17°C for control and 15/15°C for chilling treatment, respectively. A method, in which plants were grown at 20/16°C after 4 weeks of the different temperature treatments, proved comparable to the conventional one, in which chilling tolerance at the flowering stage is evaluated using natural and artificial conditions. Another method, in which the plants in chilling treatment plots were grown at 15°C until maturity, also proved usable to evaluate genotypic differences in chilling tolerance independently of maturity time.
Primers amplifying a range of Prunus S‐alleles
Authors: Sutherland B. G. , Robbins T. P. , Tobutt K. R. , Weber W.E.
Published: January 2005

Although various consensus polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers have been reported for identifying Prunus S‐alleles, they have been developed from and optimized on a limited set of alleles, which may limit their applicability to a broader allele range. To develop a primer set for use across the genus, degenerate consensus primers were designed from conserved regions of 27 S‐RNase sequences available from five Prunus species. The primers were tested in 15 previously genotyped cultivars of cherry, almond and apricot, representing alleles S1 to S6 in each crop and also Sc in apricot. Comparisons were made with previously published primers tested in the same 15 cultivars under reported reaction conditions. The new primers generated an amplification product for each of the 19 S‐alleles whereas those previously available amplified no more than 14. The primers will be useful for genotyping and genetic studies in cultivars and wild populations.
Expression of a Triticum turgidum var. dicoccoides source of Fusarium head blight resistance transferred to synthetic hexaploid wheat
Authors: Hartel K. D. , Berzonsky W. A. , Kianian S. F. , Ali S.
Published: January 2005

Yield and quality reductions caused by Fusarium head blight (FHB) have spurred spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) breeders to identify and develop new sources of host plant resistance. Four wheat synthetic hexaploids (×Aegilotriticum sp.) were developed, each having a quantitative trait locus (QTL), Qfhs.ndsu‐3AS, providing FHB resistance from Triticum turgidum L. var. dicoccoides chromosome 3A. Synthetics were produced by hybridizing a ‘Langdon’‐T. dicoccoides‐ recombinant chromosome 3A substitution line (2n = 4x = 28, AABB with two accessions of T. tauschii (2n= 2x = 14, DD). Synthetics were inoculated and evaluated for FHB resistance in two separate greenhouse seasons. One synthetic, 01NDSWG‐5, exhibited FHB severity ratings of 36% and 32% in the separate seasons, compared with ratings of 9% and 30% for ‘Alsen’, a FHB‐resistant spring cultivar, and ratings of 70% and 96% for ‘McNeal’, a susceptible spring cultivar, respectively. Synthetic × Alsen backcross‐derived lines were produced to initiate combining different sources of FHB resistance.
Differential response and genes for resistance to Peronospora parasitica (downy mildew) in Brassica juncea (mustard)
Authors: Nashaat N. I. , Heran A. , Awasthi R. P. , Kolte S. J.
Published: January 2005

The response of a wide range of Brassica juncea accessions to 14 isolates of Peronospora parasitica, 12 from India (IP00A, IP02, IP03, IP04, IP04A, IP05, IP05B, IP33 and IP33A were derived from B. juncea; IP09, IP14 and IP13A from B. rapa) and two from B. napus in the UK (R1 and P003), was screened. Sixteen differential host response groups to these isolates (classified as groups A‐P) were identified. Groups‘A’and‘B’expressed the widest resistance profiles to these isolates. Group‘A’was susceptible to isolates IP05 and IP05B, moderately resistant to isolate IP33 and resistant to all other isolates. Group‘B’was susceptible to isolates IP03, IP04 and IP04A, and resistant to the other isolates. Putative homozygous lines resistant to all 14 isolates were selected from the F4 progeny of crosses involving lines RESBJ‐200 from group‘A’(selection from cv. Kranti) and RESBJ‐190 from group‘B’(selection from cv. Krishna). Both selections were selfed and tested for uniformity of reactions to all isolates for three generations. The resistance of RESBJ‐200 to isolates IP00A, IP04A and IP33A seems to be conditioned by single dominant genes. The resistance of RESBJ‐190 to isolates IP00A, IP05B and IP33A was also conditioned by single dominant genes. The gene for resistance to IP00A and IP33A in RESBJ‐200 seems to be independent of the genes for resistance to the same isolates in RESBJ‐190. The new genes for differential resistance to P. parasitica will be of value in future studies of the genetics of the host‐pathogen interaction and for breeding for disease resistance.
Genetics of the timing of vegetative phase transition in a maize population
Authors: Revilla P. , Malvar R. A. , Butrón A. , Tracy W. F. , Abedon B. G. , Ordás A.
Published: January 2005

Variability for the timing of transition from juvenile to adult vegetative phases in maize (Zea mays L.) is assumed to be genetically regulated and has been associated with disease and pest tolerance. The objective of this work was to estimate the genetic variances of vegetative phase transition and its correlation with yield and its components. Full‐sib and half‐sib families were developed in a maize synthetic, following the Design I mating system. Progenies were evaluated in randomized complete block design with sets within replications in north‐western Spain for 2 years. Phase transition‐related traits showed significant additive variance, no interaction with environment and high heritability (above 65%). Correlation coefficients indicate that selection for delayed transition should not affect yield or its components. Therefore, selection for delaying phase transition could be used as a indirect selection, without expecting detrimental effects on yield.
Identification of a Brassica juncea‐derived recessive gene conferring resistance to Leptosphaeria maculans in oilseed rape
Authors: Saal B. , Brun H. , Glais I. , Struss D.
Published: January 2005

Screening of 212 spring type Brassica napus lines carrying B genome chromosome additions and introgressions from B. nigra, B. juncea and B. carinata resulted in the identification of one line segregating for resistance to Leptosphaeria maculans (anamorph Phoma lingam) at the seedling (cotyledon) stage. This line was derived from an interspecific hybrid containing the B genome of B. juncea. Trypan blue staining of cotyledons from resistant individuals demonstrated a hypersensitive response which is delayed in plants with intermediate lesion size. Genetic analysis supported the hypothesis of a monogenic recessive inheritance of resistance. The resistance gene, termed rjlm2, is effective in spring and winter type oilseed rape backgrounds against all tested virulent pathotypes, including two isolates which have been shown to overcome two dominant (race‐specific) B genome‐derived resistance genes in B. napus.
Elective cesarean section without urethral catheterization
Authors: Senanayake Hemantha
Published: January 2005

Aim: To determine the feasibility and safety of carrying out elective lower‐segment cesarean section without urethral catheterization.

Methods: A prospective comparative study was carried out at a private hospital in Colombo, Sri Lanka. A pilot study involving 50 women was carried out to measure the volume of urine obtained at the beginning and at the end of cesarean section, using an indwelling catheter. In the main study, surgery was carried out without urethral catheterization on 344 women who had voided within the previous hour.

Results: The mean volume of urine collected at the beginning and at the end of surgery was 25.5 and 42.8 mL, respectively. This volume was calculated to be accommodated in spheres of 4.0 and 4.6 cm in diameter, respectively. In the main study, 73% had the bladder distended to a level <3 cm from the lower cut edge of the rectus sheath. In the remaining 27% it was above this level, but covered completely by Doyen's retractor. There were no cases of accidental cystotomy. The difference in the mean time taken for surgery in the two groups was not significant (P = 0.30). Distress catheterization was required in two (0.58%). The rest voided after a mean of 8.76 h (SD = 2.37). The majority (68.2%) voided in the toilet. The difference in the urinary infection rates between the two groups (6%vs 0.58%) was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Cesarean section without urethral catheterization does not compromise the safety or ease of surgery. It reduces the risk of urinary infection.
Outcome of the use of tension‐free vaginal tape in women with mixed urinary incontinence, previous failed surgery, or low valsalva pressure
Authors: Abdel‐Hady El‐Said , Constantine Glyn
Published: January 2005

Aim: To assess the safety and efficacy of the use of tension‐free vaginal tape (TVT) for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women with mixed incontinence, previous failed incontinence surgery or low valsalva leak point pressure (VLPP).

Methods: Six hundred and fifty‐eight women with SUI underwent the TVT procedure. These included women with mixed stress and urge incontinence (n = 128), previous surgery for SUI (n = 118), low VLPP (n = 80), and those over 70 years old (n = 68). The procedure was carried out under spinal anesthetic and operative and immediate postoperative data was collected for all women. Six‐month follow‐up data was available on 454 women, with the first 300 women completing a quality of life (QOL) questionnaire before and after surgery.

Results: The overall subjective cure rate at 6 months was 91%, with 8% of women reporting significant (>50%) improvement in their symptoms. Subgroups with a body mass index > 30, age > 70 years, coexisting instability, previous failed surgery, and low VLPP showed cure rates of 81–89%. QOL improvements for all groups were highly significant. Significant complications included voiding difficulties in 29 women (4.4%), retropubic hematomas in four (0.6%), and thromboembolic episodes in three (0.5%).

Conclusion: The simplicity and high efficacy of the TVT makes it the first choice for the treatment of women with SUI, including those with more complex problems or coexisting risk factors.
Management of bilateral fallopian tube carcinoma coexistent with tuberculous salpingitis
Authors: Ingec Metin , Erdogan Fazli , Kumtepe Yakup , Isaoglu Unal , Gundogdu Cemal , Kadanali Sedat
Published: January 2005

Primary carcinoma of the fallopian tube is a rare gynecologic malignancy. Chronic tubal inflammation is associated with primary carcinoma of the fallopian tube. There are only a few reports on primary carcinoma of the fallopian tube coexisting with tuberculous salpingitis. We are reporting a patient with both the primary carcinoma of the fallopian tube and tuberculous salpingitis, which were detected in bilateral fallopian tubes. The histologic type was serous adenocarcinoma. The patient was treated with total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy, infracolic omentectomy, and bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy followed by chemotherapy consisting of paclitaxel and cisplatin. She has been alive without evidence of disease for 18 months.
Reference birth‐length range for multiple‐birth neonates in Japan
Authors: Kato Noriko , Uchiyama Yuko
Published: January 2005

Aim: To clarify the birth length of twins according to gestational age.

Methods: We studied a total of 51 910 live‐birth–live‐birth pairs of twins, 4561 triplet live births and 256 quadruplet live births, using data obtained from corresponding birth certificates. The birth length of twins was analyzed according to gestational age.

Results: Compared to singleton neonates, the median birth length of twins was approximately 0.5 cm smaller after the gestational age of 34 weeks, increasing to approximately 2.0 cm at 42 weeks of gestation. The median birth length according to gestational age was found to be the greatest in twins, lower in triplets and the lowest in quadruplets, in which the difference was <2.0 cm.

Conclusion: The birth length of twins was smaller than that of singletons, but the difference was smaller than the difference in birthweight between twins and singletons.
Fatigue crack growth prediction accounting for the damage zone
Authors: MRÓZ Z. , SEWERYN A. , TOMCZYK A.
Published: January 2005

The present paper is concerned with modelling of fatigue crack initiation and propagation by applying the non‐local critical plane model, proposed by Seweryn and Mróz. Using the linear elastic stress field at the front of a crack or sharp notch the damage growth on a physical plane is specified in terms of mean values of stress and strength functions. When the damage zone reaches a critical length, crack growth accompanies damage evolution. The model is applied to study crack propagation under cyclically varying tension compression and the predictions are compared with experimental data. The evolution of the damage zone and crack propagation in the biaxial case is considered next.
Fatigue crack paths in coarse‐grained magnesium
Authors: NICOLETTO G. , KONEČNÁ R. , PIRONDI A.
Published: January 2005

This paper examines fatigue crack paths in coarse‐grained magnesium alloys. Visualization of the microstructure by etching and continuous crack monitoring with a microscope provide evidence of the crack‐grain interaction at different fatigue crack growth regimes. Near‐threshold fatigue crack growth promotes the development of rough surfaces by the activation of single slip mechanisms and crack deflection. The R‐ratio effect on near‐threshold results is discussed in the light of the partial crack‐closure model. The role of grain boundaries and grain‐to‐grain crack deflections on fatigue crack growth rates is discussed.
Shear lips on fatigue fracture surfaces of aluminum alloys
Authors: ZUIDEMA J. , VEER F. , VAN KRANENBURG C.
Published: January 2005

A fatigue crack normally grows in so‐called mode I, with a flat fracture surface perpendicular to the loading direction. Sometimes the crack front becomes slanted, at about 45° with the loading direction. In that case it is possible that the original crack growth direction is maintained, but also a deviated growth direction can be found. The paper describes various effects related to the occurrence of slant growth due to shear lips on fatigue fracture surfaces in (thin) sheets. After a general introduction the attention is focused on the relations between shear lips and fatigue crack growth. Questions about why shear lips develop and about other aspects of shear lip behaviour will be answered.