bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dormancy studies in seed of Avena fatua. 13. Influence of drought stress during seed development on duration of seed dormancy
Authors: Sawhney Ramma , Naylor J. M.
Published: October 2007

Plants of genetically dormant (D) and nondormant (ND) pure lines of Avena fatua were exposed to water stress during seed development. In comparison with normally well-watered controls, seeds produced by water-stressed plants exhibited shorter duration of primary dormancy. The magnitude of the effect varied among D families, but was consistently greater than in ND families.It is concluded that the dormancy phenotype of D lines is highly plastic and that the responses to high temperature and water stress are similar in a given pure line.
Tremella polyporina from New York State
Authors: Setliff Edson C.
Published: October 2007

Tremella polyporina Reid is reported from New York State as a common mycoparasite on Tyromyces lacteus (Fr.) Murr. Problems in morphological studies of parasitized polypores are discussed.
Character set incongruence in Medicago
Authors: Small Ernest , Lefkovitch L. P. , Classen D.
Published: October 2007

The extent of incongruence between vegetative, floral, fruit, pollen, and chemical characters in Medicago was assessed numerically. Moderate incongruence was found among the sets of characters, except for pollen traits which were highly incongruent with the remaining characters. Employing 99 vegetative, floral, and fruiting characters, and Lefkovitch's consensus coordinates as a suitable compromise between the sets, cluster analysis was carried out on the 55 species of Medicago.
A laboratory study of postfire nutrient redistribution in subarctic spruce–lichen woodlands
Authors: Dubreuil M.-A. , Moore T. R.
Published: October 2007

The redistribution of nutrients after fire was examined by igniting samples of spruce needles, birch leaves, and lichen and leaching the ash through a soil column, under laboratory conditions. Nitrogen was lost from the tissue samples at temperatures above 200 °C. Up to 40 kg/ha can be lost from the woodlands during a fire. Leaching of the plant tissue ignited at 500 °C for 2 min removed about a third of the cations, as well as 10% of the phosphorus, but very little ammonium or nitrate. The cations were adsorbed by the organic and subsoil horizons, so that losses from the soil column were small (10–15 kg/ha). Ninety percent of the phosphorus removed from the ash and the organic horizons was absorbed by the subsoil horizons. The leachates of the lichen ash were acid and low in nutrients, promoting nutrient removal from, or redistribution within, the soil column. The nutrient flush from subarctic woodland fires is small compared with the flush from other ecosystems.
Populations of endogonaceous fungi at two locations in central Iowa
Authors: Walker Christopher , Mize Carl W. , McNabb Jr. Harold S.
Published: October 2007

Two different sites in central Iowa were planted with hybrid poplars and subsequently sampled over a growing season for spores of endogonaceous fungi. At one of the sites, the effects of plowing and herbicide treatment on spore numbers also were examined. Ten species of fungi in the genera Acaulospora, Gigaspora, and Glomus were recorded at the first site. The second location yielded 12 species from the same genera. In both sites, the distribution of spores was highly variable. The poplars rarely became endomycorrhizal and had no effect on spore populations during the experimental period. Changes in spore populations were correlated with soil-moisture level. Evidence was found for some depression of spore production caused by plowing and herbicide treatment. The conclusion was drawn that small samples with but few replicates may not adequately represent populations of endogonaceous spores.
An improved culture medium for growing the orchid Cypripedium reginae axenically
Authors: Harvais Gaëtan
Published: October 2007

A new medium for growing Cypripedium reginae Walt. axenically from seed was designed. Liquid culture proved unsuitable, hence a 1% agar medium supplemented with 5% potato extract was used to investigate optimal mineral element, vitamin, amino acid, sugar, and growth regulator supplements for germination, and subsequent growth. A modified Pfeffer solution with 1400 mg/L NH4NO3 + 19 mg/L ammonium citrate + 2% dextrose + 10 mg/L niacin + 5 mg/L calcium pantothenate + 5 mg/L thiamine HCl + 1 mg/L kinetin + 0.1 mg/L α-naphthaleneacetic acid gave best germination and growth to 2 years with little or no phenolic production. Gamborg's B5 medium and Murashige–Skoog (MS) medium were less than optimal when tested against the above medium. Growth regulators were more active when sterilized by membrane filtration instead of autoclaving. Of the three aminopurines tested, kinetin, benzylaminopurine (BAP), and 6(γ,γ-dimethylallylamino) purine (γγ), the order of activity was initially γγ → BAP → kinetin, but kinetin produced better greening of protocorms and plantlets, and eventually greater survival. Hence, it was chosen for further study. The auxins indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) were also tested alone and in combination with the aminopurines. They did not stimulate germination, but improved growth and survival when combined with aminopurines. The most active of the auxins were NAA → IAA → IBA → 2,4-D. A kinetin:NAA ratio of 10:1 was very satisfactory.
The effect of alpha terthienyl on photosynthesis
Authors: Sinclair John , Arnason Thor
Published: October 2007

Alpha terthienyl (α-T), an allelopathic polyacetylene derivative occurring in the Asteraceae, was examined for its photosensitizing effect on respiration in Chlorella and photosynthesis in Chlorella and isolated spinach chloroplasts. In experiments with the Clark electrode, O2 evolution in saturating light with Chlorella was much more sensitive to α-T plus near ultraviolet (UV) treatments than respiration. O2 transients at the onset of illumination as measured with the modulated O2 polarograph were also inhibited by α-T plus near UV. The Hill reaction in uncoupled spinach chloroplasts using ferricyanide as electron acceptor is sensitive to photosensitization with α-T, but electron transport through photosystem I operating on its own showed no decrease in activity. The results are interpreted as an indication of a site of inhibition near photosystem II and possibly in CO2 fixation as well.
Pestalotiopsis menezesiana on greenhouse plantings of Cissus rhombifolia with notes on related fungi occurring on Vitaceae
Authors: Bissett J.
Published: October 2007

Pestalotia menezesiana Bres. & Torr., reported to cause dieback of rooted cuttings of Cissus rhombifolia Vahl in Ontario greenhouses, is redisposed in Pestalotiopsis and a description of the fungus in pure culture is provided. Eight other species assigned originally to Pestalotia and occurring on Vitaceae are discussed. A key is presented to differentiate these species on the basis of conidial morphology. The following new combinations are proposed: Truncatella pitospora (da Costa & da Camara) Bissett, Pestalotiopsis uvicola (Speg.) Bissett, and Pestalotiopsis quadriciliata (Bubák & Dearness) Bissett.
Genera Coelomycetum. XX. Crucellisporiopsis anam. gen. nov., a discomycete analog
Authors: Raj T. R. Nag
Published: October 2007

A new anamorph genus, Crucellisporiopsis, sometimes with an apothecioid conidioma, is described. Comparisons are drawn with Eriosporella and Crucellisporium.
Lateral stress initiates bending responses in dandelion peduncles: a clue to geotropism?
Authors: Clifford P. E. , Fensom D. S. , Munt B. I. , McDowell W. D.
Published: October 2007

Lateral stress applied to vertically held peduncles of Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) under conditions where amyloplast displacement would have been minimal resulted in bending responses. Such responses were similar to those obtained when peduncles were horizontally geostimulated and returned to the vertical position. It is suggested that stress may act as the trigger for geobending without the need for statoliths or could be the mechanism by which amyloplasts normally trigger geotropism.
The productivity and carbohydrate economy of a developing stand of Rubus idaeus
Authors: Whitney Gordon G.
Published: October 2007

The dry matter production and resource allocation patterns of a series of 1- to 5-year-old stands of Rubus idaeus are described. Stand development proceeds along a predictable pattern of development from the building to the self-thinning phases. The building phase is characterized by an active period of vegetative propagation, insuring almost full occupancy of the site at the end of the 2nd to 3rd years. It is suggested that the shift from clonal growth to fruit production in the self-thinning phase represents an adaptive response to a deteriorating environment. Competition for the available assimilates between the 1st-year cane, the primocane, and the 2nd-year cane, the floricane, is minimized by the temporal and spatial separation of their activities.
Mycoflora of soybean leaves, pods, and seeds in Mississippi
Authors: Miller W. A. , Roy K. W.
Published: October 2007

Fifty-six fungal taxa, 10 of which were previously unreported from soybean, were isolated from soybean leaves, pods, or seeds periodically sampled during two growing seasons. Incidence of fungi varied annually owing in part to differences in rainfall. Some of the more frequently isolated fungi, in order of prevalence, were Alternaria alternata, Diaporthe phaseolorum var. sojae, and Phorna spp. (from leaves); D. phaseolorum var. sojae, A. alternata, and Fusarium spp. (from pods); and Fusarium spp., D. phaseolorum var. sojae, and A. alternata (from seeds). Frequency of occurrence of the more prevalent fungi usually increased in plant tissues throughout the sampling period while other fungi often decreased in frequency. Incidence of some fungi was related to the spatial distribution of plant organs from which they were isolated.
Effect of nitrogen fertilization on the growth of Sporobolomyces roseus on wheat leaves
Authors: Frossard R. , Fokkema N. J.
Published: October 2007

Green flag leaves of spring wheat grown with low or high nitrogen supply in the form of Ca(NO3)2 were inoculated with Sporobolomyces roseus. Growth of the yeast in a controlled environment was followed for several days by culturing techniques. No consistent differences were found between the development of S. roseus on leaves from low or high nitrogen treated plants, suggesting that leaf exudates from low nitrogen treated plants still contain enough nitrogen compounds to support growth of S. roseus. Nitrogen fertilization obviously seems not to be an appropriate means to manipulate the phyllosphere mycoflora.
Accroissement de la résistance au froid de plantules de blé avec un milieu cryoprotecteur : variation de la température et de la durée du traitement d'imprégnation. Aspects physiologiques
Authors: Gazeau C. M.
Published: October 2007

Different methods of hardening wheat seedlings to withstand freezing to low temperatures were studied. The procedures involved the impregnation of the seedlings with a cryoprotective mixture of glycerol, dimethyl sulfoxide and sucrose for various times and at various temperatures. Impregnation of the seedlings with such a mixture at 20 °C for 1 day imparted an effective protection to freezing at 1 °C/min. Longer periods of impregnation did not further increase the freezing survival. On the other hand, if the impregnation was carried out at 2 °C, freezing tolerance developed only slowly for the first 3 days, but improved rapidly between the 4th and the 6th day. Longer periods of impregnation at 2 °C did not further increase freezing survival. Freezing tolerance was observed to be related to both a lowered nucleation and ice-formation temperature in the impregnated tissues.
Early development of cassava (Manihot esculenta)
Authors: Lowe S. B. , Mahon J. D. , Hunt L. A.
Published: October 2007

Root development and plant dry matter distribution were observed for 16 weeks after planting in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) grown from stem cuttings in controlled-environment chambers with a day–night temperature of 32–27 °C. During an initial phase lasting 6 weeks, axillary shoots and adventitious roots regenerated, while the original cutting lost weight, and total plant weight remained constant. During the second phase from the 6th to the 16th week there was growth of all plant parts including root tubers. Tuber growth accounted for 46% of plant dry matter accumulated over the final 2 weeks of the study. Roots arising from the base of the cutting were more numerous than nodal roots and produced a proportionately greater number of tubers. Differentiation of secondary tissues started at 4 weeks, and root thickening was visible to the naked eye at 6 weeks. Tuber initiation occurred over the 6- to 16-week period in some of the thickened roots and resulted from production of enlarged storage parenchyma cells in place of secondary xylem fibres, along part of the root axis. At 8 weeks, these thickenings became visible to the naked eye as tubers, distinguishable from the thinner "neck" region, which continued to produce normal secondary xylem with little storage tissue. Other roots thickened uniformly along the root axis, by normal secondary growth, and did not initiate tubers. Root tubers grew in size by continued production of storage tissue, increasing tuber width but not length, accompanied by a decrease in sugar content and increase in starch content.
Cytological comparison of early stages of wall regeneration of Cercospora nicotianae and Neurospora crassa protoplasts
Authors: Gwinn Kimberly D. , Daub Margaret E. , Huang Pi-Yu
Published: October 2007

Freshly isolated protoplasts of Cercospora nicotianae and Neurospora crassa are equally sensitive to the toxin, cercosporin. After a 12-h regeneration period C. nicotianae cells are resistant, but N. crassa cells remain sensitive. Production of cell wall material by both C. nicotianae and N. crassa was monitored by transmission electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy. Freshly isolated protoplasts lacked cell wall material as shown by observation with electron microscopy and inability to bind the fluorescent brightener Tinopal 5BM. After a 12-h incubation, electron micrographs of regenerating protoplasts showed well-developed cell walls for N. crassa, whereas C. nicotianae displayed variations in wall structure. Ability to bind Tinopal 5BM was acquired very early by regenerating cells of both fungi. Percentages of cells that could bind Concanavalin A did not differ between the two fungi at any time after protoplast isolation. Ability to bind wheat germ agglutinin and Bandeiraea simplicifolia agglutinin II was detected earlier in C. nicotianae than in N. crassa. These data demonstrate the presence of cell wall materials in both C. nicotianae and N. crassa at the time that differential sensitivity to cercosporin is observed. These results suggest that components in the C. nicotianae cell wall may play a role in cercosporin resistance.
Pseudohalonectria (Lasiosphaeriaceae), an antagonistic genus from wood in freshwater
Authors: Shearer C. A.
Published: October 2007

Pseudohalonectria lignicola and five new species of Pseudohalonectria are described and illustrated from submerged wood in freshwater. Species are similar in overall morphology and produce bright yellow to brown perithecia, asci with thimble-shaped apical apparatuses and that separate from ascogenous hyphae at maturity, long, septate paraphyses attached to ascogenous hyphae, and hyaline to lightly pigmented phragmosporous ascospores. An anamorphic state was found for only one species. Pseudohalonectria has features common to both the Sordariales and Diaporthales, but is best placed in the Sordariales. Species are inhibitory to other filamentous fungi and yeasts in paired culture, and form soft-rot cavities in balsa and beech wood.
The indirect effect of exogenous auxin on initiation of cell divisions in wheat root expiants (Triticum aestivum) during callus induction
Authors: Kudirka Dalia T. , Brightwell Blanche B.
Published: October 2007

Mitotic activity (indices) was measured in apical and nonapical regions of primary root explants excised from 2-day-old germinating seedlings of wheat (Triticum aestivum Thell em L.) and cultured in the presence of the synthetic auxins 3,6-dichloro-O-anisic acid (dicamba) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Mitotic activity in the root apical meristem decreased with increasing concentration of auxin in the culture media. Correlated with the decrease of mitotic activity in the root apical meristem was an increase of mitotic activity in nonapical regions of the root. The degree of cell division activity initiated in nonapical regions of the root was (i) inversely proportional to the degree of inhibition of cell divisions in the root apex, but (ii) independent of the concentration of auxin in the culture medium. These data suggest that the primary effect of these synthetic auxins on mitotic activity in wheat root explants is to suppress cell divisions in the primary root apex and not to stimulate cell divisions in the nonapical regions of the root. Cell cycle control in nonapical regions of the root appears to be a function of factor(s) emanating from mitotically active cells of the primary apical meristem.
Carbon partitioning in nodulated alfalfa in the presence of nitrate
Authors: Côté Richard , Bordeleau Lucien M. , Lapointe Jacques , Grodzinski Bernard
Published: October 2007

Photosynthetic carbon partitioning from a fully expanded upper canopy leaf of nodulated alfalfa was examined in plants in which nitrogenase activity and leghemoglobin content were reduced by 70 and 50%, respectively, in the presence of 10 mM KNO3. The nitrite level in nodules of nitrate-treated plants was 12.5 ± 0.5 μg N/g FW and 0.3 ± 0.4 μg N/g FW in the control plants. Growth of axillary shoots and roots was markedly enhanced in treated plants, as were steady state leaf photosynthesis (54 ± 4 to 113 ± 8μmol CO2/(mg chlorophyll∙h)) and translocation speed (0.37 ± 0.05 to 0.56 ± 0.05 cm∙min−1). Nodules received 5% of the newly fixed carbon of the feed leaf 7 days after transfer to [Formula: see text], compared with less than 1% for the control plants maintained on [Formula: see text] medium. Sucrose was the major 14C-labelled photoassimilate, although small amounts of labelled raffinose-series sugars were detected in leaves of treated plants. The specific activity of asparagine in the leaf increased dramatically, consistent with a reduction in both nitrogen fixation and the import of unlabelled asparagine from nodules. Concentrations of alanine, γ-amino butyric acid, glutamic acid, and aspartic acid were greater in all tissues of treated plants. However, pools of asparagine, glutamine, serine, glycine, threonine, and arginine were lower in leaf, shoot, and root tissue of the treated plants. The levels of all amides and amino acids in the nodules remained high in treated plants. The high levels of nitrite and amino acids in nodules of treated plants were correlated with reduced leghemoglobin content and nitrogenase activity, but this does not explain directly the mechanism of suppression of nitrogen fixation in alfalfa exposed to nitrate. Nevertheless, the ability of alfalfa nodules, which have an indeterminate growth pattern, to compete for carbon from upper leaves in the canopy may explain their longevity under [Formula: see text] stress in the field. Key words: partitioning, photosynthesis, 14CO2, alfalfa, nitrate, nitrogenase, amino acids.
An assessment of the role of biotic interactions and dynamic processes in the organization of species in a saxicolous lichen community
Authors: John Elizabeth A.
Published: October 2007

A saxicolous lichen community is examined for evidence of dynamic processes and biotic interactions among its members. Spatial relationships among species are examined in a series of association analyses at three scales: (i) the "nearest-neighbour" scale, i.e., associations between touching thalli; (ii) associations between thalli 10 and 20 cm apart; and (iii) associations at the scale of the whole rock face. The nearest-neighbour analysis reveals fundamental differences in the way crustose and foliose thalli sample their environment; crustose lichens are more likely to have uncolonized rock as a nearest neighbour, whereas foliose lichens are more likely to contact another thallus. Associations between species at the 10- and 20-cm scales are often negative, reflecting the degree of microhabitat specificity in this community; however, intraspecific associations at the same scale are often positive, possibly indicating local dispersal processes. At the whole-rock scale, there are many positive associations indicating that, even at this larger scale, microhabitat specificity is important. Thallus-size distributions are also studied, and these indicate that recruitment into lichen populations is an ongoing process, based on the assumption that small thalli are younger than large thalli. There is little evidence of succession to a higher plant community over most of the rocks at this 500-year-old site, and it is hypothesized that cyclic successional processes maintain this dynamic and diverse community.
Comparative anatomy of colonization of cotton hypocotyls and roots by virulent and hypovirulent isolates of Rhizoctonia solani
Authors: Sneh B. , Ichielevich-Auster M. , Shomer I.
Published: October 2007

The hypovirulent (HV) isolate (No. 521) densely colonized the outer surface of the hypocotyls and roots of radish and cotton seedlings but did not penetrate into the cortical parenchyma, whereas the virulent (V) isolate (No. 82) penetrated the root and hypocotyl tissues (except for the xylem vessels) to the center of the pith parenchyma. The HV isolate did not cause any degradation of the cell wall material except for the cuticular layer that had disappeared in the regions of close contact between the hyphae and the epidermal outer surface. During the prepenetration stages of the V isolate, the cell walls of the seedlings underwent a significant, visible degradation. The cuticle between the hyphae and the epidermis was detached and degraded. The HV isolate seems to densely cover the outer surface of the seedlings, and it may occupy the possible infection sites, rendering recognition and occupation of such sites unavailable for the virulent pathogen.
Effects of photochemical smog on growth, injury, and gas exchange of pine seedlings
Authors: Bytnerowicz Andrzej , Olszyk David M. , Huttunen Satu , Takemoto Brent
Published: October 2007

One-year-old seedlings of Pinus coulteri, P. pondersosa, P. jeffreyi, and P. sylvestris were exposed for 5 months to ambient photochemical smog (average 24-h monthly concentrations of ozone 0.067 to 0.108 ppm) in the San Gabriel Mountains of the Los Angeles Basin. Plants were grown in open-top chambers ("ambient-air" and "clean-air" treatments) and in outside plots. Rinsing of needles as well as scanning electron microscope observations revealed the highest deposition of particles to plants in the outside plots. No significant changes in growth in any of the studied species were observed. Exposure to photochemical smog had no significant effect on net photosynthesis and dark respiration in P. coulteri and P. ponderosa. Visual observation of injury showed that, by the end of the exposures, the P. ponderosa foliage in the ambient-air treatments was more damaged than in the clean-air treatment, but no negative effects on P. coulteri and P. jeffreyi foliage were seen. A tendency towards greater injury of P. sylvestris foliage in the ambient-air chambers and in the outside plots was also determined. Scanning electron microscope observations showed some subtle changes in the surface of P. coulteri and P. sylvestris in the ambient air treatment. Longer, multiseasonal exposures seem to be needed to study the effects of ambient concentrations of photochemical pollutants on forest trees.
Variation in fungal endophyte populations in needles of the genus Pinus
Authors: Hata Kunihiko , Futai Kazuyoshi
Published: October 2007

Endophytic fungi were isolated from the needles of 45 species and varieties of the genus Pinus planted in an arboretum, and the species composition of the endophytes were compared among the pines examined. In general, Leptostroma spp. and Cenangium ferruginosum Fr. ex Fr. were dominant in the middle segment of the needle, while on the basal segment, Phialocephala sp. was more frequently isolated than the other two taxa. Leptostroma spp. seemed to be excluded from the basal segment by Phialocephala sp. The endophytic mycobiota of pines belonging to the same taxonomic group was similar. The taxonomic affinities of the host pines strongly affected the colonization patterns of the endophytes, while the effects of factors such as sampling date, tree age, and location in the stand were much weaker. Keywords: endophytic fungi, Pinus, host preference.
Les systèmes de reproduction des espèces françaises du genre Romulea (Iridaceae): données morphohistologiques
Authors: Moussel Bernard , Moussel Colette , Moret Jacques
Published: October 2007

Stigma and style morphohistological features of the six Romulea species (Iridaceae) living in France and their various pollination modes, described for the first time in this study, were considered with regard to nectar floral apparatus features, also described for the first time here. This apparatus was also variable among taxa. The results confirmed the self-compatibility of all species as well as the almost obligate autogamy among the small-flower species, and the allogamy among the gynodioic large-flower species. This study represents a new and necessary step in the reconstitution of the speciation and genus evolution. Keywords: Romulea, reproductive systems, autogamy, allogamy, evolution, speciation. [Journal translation]
The New Policy Framework of the Bank of Japan: Central Banking in an Uncertain World
Authors: Nishimura Kiyohiko G.
Published: October 2007

When the Bank of Japan ended its Quantitative Easing Policy on 9 March 2006, it also issued a document entitled “The Introduction of a New Framework for the Conduct of Monetary Policy” to explain its policy stance. “Fundamental uncertainty” (the existence of “unknown unknowns”) is the most important consideration in this New Policy Framework. The Framework has two basic principles: a Two-Perspective Strategy and the collective wisdom of “agreeing to disagree.”
Military Spouse Employment
Authors: Castaneda Laura Werber , Harrell Margaret C.
Published: October 2007

This study responds to the recognition that the majority of military spouses have paid employment but that neither the Department of Defense nor other organizations understand their motivations for work or their perceptions of how the military lifestyle has affected their employment. This article summarizes the input from more than a thousand military spouses who participated in interviews for this research. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to examine spouse experiences and perceptions regarding their employment. Findings indicate that the majority of military spouses believe that the military has a negative effect on their employment. In addition, the interviews revealed that these spouses work for a variety of reasons, both financial and nonpecuniary. The reasons for the military's negative effect and spouse motives for working are discussed, along with the ensuing implications for policy.
Mediating Structures and the Military
Authors: Rosman-Stollman Elisheva
Published: October 2007

Very few armed forces consciously relate to the religious component of soldiers' identities. Like religions, the military system demands individuals to conform to rules and schedules. Should military and religious obligations clash, soldiers are forced to choose. When modern armed forces relate to religious elements in their members' identities, how do they do so? What are the conditions most conducive to a military relating to the religious component of its soldiers' identities? This article posits a framework for the analysis of both questions, employing the concept of mediating structures to illustrate the mechanisms whereby militaries and religions accommodate each other and Luckham's typology of boundaries (integral, permeable, fragmented) to identify the conditions that are most—and least—hospitable to mediation. This framework is illustrated by references to institutional and individual relations between religion and armed forces in Iran, Israel, Turkey, the United States, and India.
Reliability and Validity A Quick Review
Authors: Fitzner Karen
Published: October 2007

The purpose of this article is to provide a brief review of reliability and validity testing. These concepts are important to researchers who are choosing techniques and/or developing tools that will be applied and evaluated in diabetes education practice. Several types of reliability and validity testing are defined, and an easy-to-use check sheet is provided for research purposes. Following testing for the basic aspects of reliability and validity such as face and construct validity, a tool may be appropriate for use in practice settings. Those conducting comprehensive outcomes evaluations, however, may desire additional validation such as testing for external validity. Diabetes educators can and should incorporate rigorous testing for these important aspects when conducting assessments of techniques and tools relating to diabetes self-management training.
Mothers' and Fathers' Perceptions of Change and Continuity in Their Relationships With Young Adult Sons and Daughters
Authors: Proulx Christine M. , Helms Heather M.
Published: October 2007

Guided by contemporary feminist revisions of individual theories on adolescent development, interviews with 142 parent dyads were conducted to better understand the variation in mothers' and fathers' perceptions of changes and continuities in their relationships with their firstborn young adult sons and daughters. A between-families content analysis of parents' responses revealed that the most salient issues were firstborns' independence, contact and time spent together, and role patterns. Several gendered patterns emerged, suggesting that mothers and fathers might differentially relate to their daughters and sons. However, a within-family analysis of parental dyads' responses challenges previously held beliefs about gender differences and suggests few gendered differences emerge when considering responses from both parents within the same family. Implications for future research on parent—child relationships are discussed.
Exhibitionism
Authors: Bader Shannon M. , Schoeneman-Morris Katherine A. , Scalora Mario J. , Casady Thomas K.
Published: October 2007

This study used a police sample to examine offense characteristics, recidivism rates, and other types of sexual offending among individuals suspected of exhibitionism. The sample consisted of 202 incidents of indecent exposure perpetrated by 106 identified individuals. Demographic information showed that one quarter of the sample had symptoms of a mental illness and one quarter had a history of substance abuse. More than 84% of the sample had other nonsexual criminal charges. Approximately 30% of the perpetrators were charged for more than one exposure incident. Masturbating during the offense, exposing to child victims, and speaking to the victim did not show any relationship to the occurrence of more sexually aggressive behaviors. However, individuals who had subsequent rape or molestation charges (16.9%) were more likely than those who did not to have had multiple exposure incidents and a history of physical assault charges.
Assessing the Factors Associated With Sexual Harassment Among Young Female Migrant Workers in Nepal
Authors: Puri Mahesh , Cleland John
Published: October 2007

This article explores the extent of, and factors associated with, sexual harassment of young female migrant workers in the carpet and garment factories in Kathmandu Valley. Information is drawn from a survey of 550 female workers aged 14 to 19 and 12 in-depth case histories. Bivariate and multivariate techniques were applied to identify the factors associated with harassment. The survey found that 1 in 10 young women had experienced sexual harassment or coercion. Those who were exposed to pornographic movies were more likely than those with no exposure to any kind of movies to report sexual harassment. Perpetrators included coworkers, boyfriends, employers, and relatives. Case histories revealed that the inability of young women to communicate effectively with their peers and sex partners, lack of self-esteem, job insecurity, and other socioeconomic problems made them vulnerable to these abuses. The results suggest the need for advocacy and a range of factory-based interventions.
Parricide
Authors: Heide Kathleen M. , Petee Thomas A.
Published: October 2007

Empirical analysis of homicides in which children have killed parents has been limited. The most comprehensive statistical analysis involving parents as victims was undertaken by Heide and used Supplementary Homicide Report (SHR) data for the 10-year period 1977 to 1986. This article provides an updated examination of characteristics of victims, offenders, and offenses in parricide incidents using SHR data for the 24-year period 1976 to 1999. The analysis proceeds in two stages. First, offense (homicide circumstances), victim (age, race), and offender (age, race, sex) correlates are reported. Second, juvenile involvement in incidents in which parents were killed is examined and a determination is made whether changes in youth involvement in parricide offenses are discernible over the 24-year period. The article concludes with a comparison of findings that emerged from 24 years of data with those from the earlier 10-year period and the discussion of the significance of these findings.
Why work is not a panacea: a decomposition analysis of EU-15 countries
Authors: de Beer Paul
Published: October 2007

Increasing the level of labour participation is one of the key objectives of the European Employment Strategy and the Lisbon agenda. Increasing the employment rate is generally considered crucially important to safeguarding the sustainability of the welfare state and achieving a number of other socio-economic objectives. This article examines the extent to which higher employment does result in lower unemployment, lower poverty rates, decreased dependence on social security and reductions in public expenditures on social protection. To this end, a decomposition analysis is performed concerning the evolution of the unemployment rate, poverty rate, benefit recipiency rate and social expenditure rate in the 15 original EU member states and the United States since the 1980s. Results of this analysis show that, in many cases, the favourable effects of increases in employment are partially (and sometimes even fully) offset by simultaneous changes in other variables, including labour supply, eligibility criteria, benefit generosity and the concentration of non-working people in work-poor households. The article concludes that increasing the employment rate is not a panacea for all socio-economic ills. European social policy should therefore focus less one-sidedly on employment and should address additional objectives, including benefit generosity and poverty. In addition, the process of benchmarking in the EU should be transformed from its current top-down character to one which proceeds from the bottom up.
The Bulgarian pension reform: post-accession issues and challenges
Authors: Asenova Darinka , McKinnon Roddy
Published: October 2007

Focusing on the social impacts of the 2000—2 pension reform in Bulgaria, the article examines how Bulgarian pensioners cope with income risk in old age. Reporting that old-age pensions are frequently inadequate to household consumption needs, the authors argue for more generous tax-financed social pensions alongside contributory pension provision, to combat old-age poverty. As the poorest country to date to achieve European Union accession, the article concludes by suggesting that Bulgaria's pursuit of fuller integration and development within the EU cannot be divorced from better meeting the social security needs of its ageing population.
The incomes of families with children: a cross-national comparison
Authors: Sigle-Rushton Wendy , Waldfogel Jane
Published: October 2007

Using data on seven countries, we estimate trajectories in family incomes for families with and without children following several stylized life-courses. Focusing mainly on women with a medium level of education, we find, in general, that gaps in family income are smallest in the Nordic countries, intermediate in the Anglo-American countries, and largest in the continental European countries. Our findings are similar to patterns observed in the literature on family gaps in women's earnings and suggest that differences in earnings and labour market participation between women with different family histories are the major driver in the gaps in gross and disposable incomes that we observe.
Reflections on the GUN CONTROL simulation: Pedagogical implications for EAP writing classes
Authors: Gastão Saliés Tânia
Published: October 2007

This article critically reflects on the GUN CONTROL simulation (Saliés, 1994a) by retaking ideas advanced by Saliés (2002) and applying them to the context of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) writing classes in Brazil. It examines how controlled practice relates to learners' performance on the first draft in a simulation-based content unit designed for EAP writing courses. Specifically, it describes how fluency and controlled practice were balanced during briefing and debriefing, and it critically discusses the outcomes. Among other issues, it addresses the role of explicit instruction on learners' logical organization of thought, documentation, and use of language.
Clonal mutations in primary human glial tumors: evidence in support of the mutator hypothesis
Authors: Misra Anjan , Chattopadhyay Parthaprasad , Chosdol Kunzang , Sarkar Chitra , Mahapatra Ashok K , Sinha Subrata
Published: October 2007

Background

A verifiable consequence of the mutator hypothesis is that even low grade neoplasms would accumulate a large number of mutations that do not influence the tumor phenotype (clonal mutations). In this study, we have attempted to quantify the number of clonal mutations in primary human gliomas of astrocytic cell origin. These alterations were identified in tumor tissue, microscopically confirmed to have over 70% neoplastic cells.

Methods

Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was performed using a set of fifteen 10-mer primers of arbitrary but definite sequences in 17 WHO grade II astrocytomas (low grade diffuse astrocytoma or DA) and 16 WHO grade IV astrocytomas (Glioblastoma Multiforme or GBM). The RAPD profile of the tumor tissue was compared with that of the leucocyte DNA of the same patient and alteration(s) scored. A quantitative estimate of the overall genomic changes in these tumors was obtained by 2 different modes of calculation.

Results

The overall change in the tumors was estimated to be 4.24% in DA and 2.29% in GBM by one method and 11.96% and 6.03% in DA and GBM respectively by the other. The difference between high and lower grade tumors was statistically significant by both methods.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the presence of extensive clonal mutations in gliomas, more in lower grade. This is consistent with our earlier work demonstrating that technique like RAPD analysis, unbiased for locus, is able to demonstrate more intra-tumor genetic heterogeneity in lower grade gliomas compared to higher grade. The results support the mutator hypothesis proposed by Loeb.
Nationwide monitoring of end-of-life care via the Sentinel Network of General Practitioners in Belgium: the research protocol of the SENTI-MELC study
Authors: Van den Block Lieve , Van Casteren Viviane , Deschepper Reginald , Bossuyt Nathalie , Drieskens Katrien , Bauwens Sabien , Bilsen Johan , Deliens Luc
Published: October 2007

Background

End-of-life care has become an issue of great clinical and public health concern. From analyses of official death certificates, we have societal knowledge on how many people die, at what age, where and from what causes. However, we know little about how people are dying. There is a lack of population-based and nationwide data that evaluate and monitor the circumstances of death and the care received in the final months of life. The present study was designed to describe the places of end-of-life care and care transitions, the caregivers involved in patient care and the actual treatments and care provided to dying patients in Belgium. The patient, residence and healthcare characteristics associated with these aspects of end-of-life care provision will also be studied. In this report, the protocol of the study is outlined.

Methods/Design

We designed a nationwide mortality follow-back study with data collection in 2005 and 2006, via the nationwide Belgian Sentinel Network of General Practitioners (GPs) i.e. an existing epidemiological surveillance system representative of all GPs in Belgium, covering 1.75% of the total Belgian population. All GPs were asked to report weekly, on a standardized registration form, every patient (>1 year) in their practice who had died, and to identify patients who had died "non-suddenly." The last three months of these patients' lives were surveyed retrospectively. Several quality control measures were used to ensure data of high scientific quality.

Discussion

In 2005 and 2006, respectively 1385 and 1305 deaths were identified of which 66% and 63% died non-suddenly. The first results are expected in 2007. Via this study, we will build a descriptive epidemiological database on end-of-life care provision in Belgium, which might serve as baseline measurement to monitor end-of-life care over time. The study will inform medical practice as well as healthcare authorities in setting up an end-of-life care policy. We publish the protocol here to inform others, in particular countries with analogue GP surveillance networks, on the possibilities of performing end-of-life care research. A preliminary analysis of the possible strengths, weaknesses and opportunities of our research is outlined.
Genetic Knockout and Pharmacologic Inhibition of Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase Attenuate Nerve Injury-Induced Mechanical Hypersensitivity in Mice
Authors: Guan Yun , Yaster Myron , Raja Srinivasa N , Tao Yuan-Xiang
Published: October 2007

Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) is a key enzyme for nitric oxide production in neuronal tissues and contributes to the spinal central sensitization in inflammatory pain. However, the role of nNOS in neuropathic pain remains unclear. The present study combined a genetic strategy with a pharmacologic approach to examine the effects of genetic knockout and pharmacologic inhibition of nNOS on neuropathic pain induced by unilateral fifth lumbar spinal nerve injury in mice. In contrast to wildtype mice, nNOS knockout mice failed to display nerve injury-induced mechanical hypersensitivity. Furthermore, either intraperitoneal (100 mg/kg) or intrathecal (30 μg/5 μl) administration of L-NG-nitro-arginine methyl ester, a nonspecific NOS inhibitor, significantly reversed nerve injury-induced mechanical hypersensitivity on day 7 post-nerve injury in wildtype mice. Intrathecal injection of 7-nitroindazole (8.15 μg/5 μl), a selective nNOS inhibitor, also dramatically attenuated nerve injury-induced mechanical hypersensitivity. Western blot analysis showed that the expression of nNOS protein was significantly increased in ipsilateral L5 dorsal root ganglion but not in ipsilateral L5 lumbar spinal cord on day 7 post-nerve injury. The expression of inducible NOS and endothelial NOS proteins was not markedly altered after nerve injury in either the dorsal root ganglion or spinal cord. Our findings suggest that nNOS, especially in the dorsal root ganglion, may participate in the development and/or maintenance of mechanical hypersensitivity after nerve injury.
Glucosamine affects intracellular signalling through inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation in human chondrocytes
Authors: Scotto d'Abusco Anna , Calamia Valentina , Cicione Claudia , Grigolo Brunella , Politi Laura , Scandurra Roberto
Published: October 2007

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of glucosamine on matrix metalloprotease (MMP) production, on mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation, and on activator protein (AP)-1 transcription factor activation in human chondrocytes. The human immortalized cell line lbpva55 and healthy human chondrocytes (obtained from healthy donors) were subjected to challenge with 10 ng/ml IL-1β after pretreatment with 2.5 or 10 mmol/l glucosamine. MMP mRNA expression levels were evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR, and MMP protein production levels were evaluated in the culture supernatant using ELISA. MAPK phosphorylation was evaluated using Western blotting. AP-1 transcription factor activation was evaluated by measuring AP-1 DNA-binding activity. After IL-1β stimulation, levels of MMP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-13 production were markedly increased. Treatment with 2.5 and 10 mmol/l glucosamine reduced expression of these metalloproteases. MMP expression is regulated by transcription factors such as the AP-1 complex, which is activated by phosphorylated MAPKs. IL-1β stimulated phosphorylation of c-jun amino-terminal kinase, p38 MAPK and extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2. Glucosamine inhibited c-jun amino-terminal kinase and p38 phosphorylation, and consequently c-jun binding activity. These findings demonstrate, for the first time, that glucosamine inhibits IL-1β-stimulated MMP production in human chondrocytes by affecting MAPK phosphorylation.
Chromogenic in situ hybridisation for the assessment of HER2 status in breast cancer: an international validation ring study
Authors: van de Vijver Marc , Bilous Michael , Hanna Wedad , Hofmann Manfred , Kristel Petra , Penault-Llorca Frédérique , Rüschoff Josef
Published: October 2007

Introduction

Before any new methodology can be introduced into the routine diagnostic setting it must be technically validated against the established standards. To this end, a ring study involving five international pathology laboratories was initiated to validate chromogenic in situ hybridisation (CISH) against fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) as a test for assessing human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status in breast cancer.

Methods

Each laboratory performed CISH, FISH and IHC on its own samples. Unstained sections from each case were also sent to another participating laboratory for blinded retesting by CISH ('outside CISH').

Results

A total of 211 invasive breast carcinoma cases were tested. In 76 cases with high amplification (HER2/CEP17 ratio >4.0) by FISH, 73 cases (96%) scored positive (scores ≥ 6) by 'outside CISH'. For FISH-negative cases (HER2/CEP17 ratio <2.0), 94 of 100 cases (94%) had CISH scores indicating no amplification (score ≤ 5), and only three cases were positive by CISH; in the three remaining cases, no CISH result could be obtained. For cases with low-level amplification using FISH (HER2/CEP17 ratio 2.0–4.0), 20 of 35 had CISH scores indicating gene amplification. Inter-laboratory concordance was also very high: 95% for normal HER2 copy number (1–5 copies); and 92% for cases with HER2 copy numbers ≥ 6. CISH intra-laboratory concordance with IHC was 92% for IHC-negative cases (IHC 0/1+) and 91% for IHC 3+ cases. Among IHC 2+ cases, CISH was 100% concordant with samples showing high amplification by FISH, and 94% concordant with FISH-negative samples.

Conclusion

These results show that CISH inter- and intra-laboratory concordance to FISH and IHC is very high, even in equivocal IHC 2+ cases. Therefore, we conclude that CISH is a methodology that is a viable alternative to FISH in the HER2 testing algorithm.