bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epstein‐Barr virus‐associated bronchial leiomyoma in a boy with cellular immunodeficiency
Authors: Hatano Miho , Takada Hidetoshi , Nomura Akihiko , Ohga Shouichi , Ohshima Koichi , Saeki Isamu , Tajiri Tatsuro , Taguchi Tomoaki , Suita Sachiyo , Hara Toshiro
Published: January 2006

Bronchial leiomyoma is a rare disease in children. Recently, the association of leiomyoma and HIV infection was reported. We describe a boy with a cellular immunodeficiency, who had endobronchial leiomyoma. The tumor cells were positive for Epstein‐Barr virus‐encoded RNA‐1 (EBER‐1) and Epstein‐Barr virus‐determined nuclear antigen‐2, suggesting a role of Epstein‐Barr virus in the pathogenesis of leiomyoma. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Montelukast administered in the morning or evening to prevent exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction in children
Authors: Pajaron‐Fernandez Manuel , Garcia‐Rubia Servando , Sanchez‐Solis Manuel , Garcia‐Marcos Luis
Published: January 2006

Montelukast is recommended to be taken in the evening. The effectiveness of this drug to prevent exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) in children was already evaluated. However, there is no information to determine if this effectiveness could vary depending on dosage time. Children (n = 24) with a documented history of EIB performed an exercise challenge test before starting montelukast treatment. Twelve children were randomly allocated to receive the drug in the morning for 2 weeks, and another 12 to receive it in the evening. After this treatment period and after a week of washout, the children were crossed over. An exercise test was repeated after the first and second periods of treatment. Values obtained after morning or evening dosage were compared with pretreatment values for the whole group of children. There was a significant effect of montelukast for protecting against EIB, measured both as percent of maximum fall in forced expired volume in 1 sec (FEV1) (18.9 ± 9.7, morning, 18.7 ± 11.3, evening, vs. 27.5 ± 9.8, pretreatment; P < 0.05) or as area under the curve (156.4 ± 102.0, morning, 145.4 ± 130.6, evening, vs. 294.3 ± 156.5, pretreatment; P < 0.005). There were no statistical differences between taking the drug in the morning or evening. In conclusion, montelukast, taken for 2 weeks, is equally effective in exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction when dosing either in the morning or in the evening. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A comparative study of the anomalous fading effects of TL and OSL signals of Durango apatite
Authors: Polymeris G. S. , Tsirliganis N. , Loukou Z. , Kitis G.
Published: January 2006

The Thermoluminescence (TL), Blue Stimulated Luminescence (BSL) and Infrared Stimulated Luminescence (IRSL) properties of apatite (originating from Durango, Mexico) are studied. The TL dose response of Durango apatite is linear to an extended dose region whereas the BSL and IRSL dose responses are sublinear. The TL, BSL and IRSL signals are found to exhibit strong anomalous fading (AF). All experimentally obtained BSL and IRSL decay curves were transformed into pseudo‐linear modulated (pseudo‐LM) ones. The resulting glow‐curve shaped pseudo‐LM curves were analyzed using a deconvolution analysis, similar to that used for the glow‐curve deconvolution (GCD) of TL glow‐curves. It was found that the pseudo‐LM BSL and IRSL decay curves consist of two components termed fast and slow and their individual contributions were estimated. The AF of the remnant TL, BSL and IRSL signals as a function of storage time were fitted to the tunneling model equations and the fading rate g, in terms of percentage per decade was evaluated. According to the g values found the AF properties are ordered as following: The AF of the BSL and IRSL signals is stronger than that of the TL. The AF of the fast components of BSL and IRSL signals is almost the same. The stimulation by blue light causes strong bleaching of the TL signal and alterations in the glow‐curve shape, whereas the IR light causes, only, a slight bleaching of the TL signal without changes in the glow‐curve shape. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A collaborative and adaptive process for developing environmental flow recommendations
Authors: Richter Brian D. , Warner Andrew T. , Meyer Judy L. , Lutz Kim
Published: January 2006

Many river restoration projects are focusing on restoring environmental flow regimes to improve ecosystem health in rivers that have been developed for water supply, hydropower generation, flood control, navigation, and other purposes. In efforts to prevent future ecological damage, water supply planners in some parts of the world are beginning to address the water needs of river ecosystems proactively by reserving some portion of river flows for ecosystem support. These restorative and protective actions require development of scientifically credible estimates of environmental flow needs. This paper describes an adaptive, inter‐disciplinary, science‐based process for developing environmental flow recommendations. It has been designed for use in a variety of water management activities, including flow restoration projects, and can be tailored according to available time and resources for determining environmental flow needs. The five‐step process includes: (1) an orientation meeting; (2) a literature review and summary of existing knowledge about flow‐dependent biota and ecological processes of concern; (3) a workshop to develop ecological objectives and initial flow recommendations, and identify key information gaps; (4) implementation of the flow recommendations on a trial basis to test hypotheses and reduce uncertainties; and (5) monitoring system response and conducting further research as warranted. A range of recommended flows are developed for the low flows in each month, high flow pulses throughout the year, and floods with targeted inter‐annual frequencies. We describe an application of this process to the Savannah River, in which the resultant flow recommendations were incorporated into a comprehensive river basin planning process conducted by the Corps of Engineers, and used to initiate the adaptive management of Thurmond Dam. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The behaviour of Pacific salmonid smolts during passage over two experimental weirs under light and dark conditions
Authors: Kemp Paul S. , Gessel Michael H. , Sandford Benjamin P. , Williams John G.
Published: January 2006

Little is known of how fish respond to the hydraulic environment associated with diversion or bypass structures at hydroelectric power installations. To address this lack of knowledge, this paper presents results from a study to assess how three species of Pacific salmonid smolt (Oncorhynchus spp.) responded to distinct gradients of velocity and depth associated with two submerged weirs as they passed through an experimental flume at McNary Dam (Columbia River, USA) under illuminated and dark conditions. Migrating smolts entered one of two available treatment channels as coherent schools from which individuals would either disassociate from the group and pass over the weirs, or would reject them by swimming upstream. Alternatively, fish maintained position at the upstream end of the flume by swimming into the flow. The response of smolts to velocity and depth gradient and light condition varied between species, and route of passage was influenced by fork length. Initial channel selection and school size was not influenced by weir type, although schools resided longer within the short‐weir channel. The majority of smolts (70%) entered the treatment channels facing downstream (negative rheotaxis), but switched orientation at the crests of the weirs. This switch in orientation occurred farther downstream in the short‐weir treatment and for the largest smolts. The variation in response of different species of smolts to hydraulic gradients has important implications for the design of screening mechanisms used at hydroelectric power installations to divert migrant juvenile salmonids. Published in 2006 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Use of Laser Differential Interference Contrast Microscopy for the Characterization of Starch Granule Ring Structure
Authors: Li Ji‐Hong , Guiltinan Mark J. , Thompson Donald B.
Published: January 2006

A laser differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy protocol was developed for the visualization of starch growth rings in an optical section series. Potato and maize starches were observed with this new technique. Partial lintnerization was necessary to visualize the rings. The best image contrast was obtained using a blue laser and image deconvolution. For native starches, growth rings were evident in potato starch, but not as much as in native normal and waxy maize starches. Lintnerization enhanced the visualization of growth rings until granule integrity became compromised (by 48 h for waxy maize and by 96 h for normal maize and potato starches). Density of growth rings was not different for normal and waxy maize starches (11.3 and 12.1 rings/10 μm) but was lower for potato starch (7.5 rings/10 μm). Compared to other techniques for visualization of growth rings such as SEM and TEM, this protocol is fast and simple with minimum sample preparation and little possibility of artifacts.
Physicochemical Characterization of Mexican Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) Tailing Starch
Authors: Lecuona‐Villanueva Abril , Torruco‐Uco Juan , Chel‐Guerrero Luis , Betancur‐Ancona David
Published: January 2006

A physicochemical characterization was made of tailing starch isolated from cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), a legume. Proximate composition was 1.6% protein, 3.1% fiber, 0.7%, 0.6% ash and 94.0% carbohydrates as nitrogen‐free extract. Total dietary fiber content was 14.1%, soluble fiber was 12.1%, and insoluble fiber was 2.0% as determined by the Prosky method. Amylose content was 22.9%. Gelatinization temperature ranged from 73.5°C to 86.3°C, the peak temperature being 79.3°C. Gelatinization enthalpy was 12.9 J/g. Swelling power ranged from 6.1 g water per gram starch at 60°C to 26.3 g water per gram starch at 90°C. Solubility, analyzed within the same temperature interval, ranged from 4.3% to 23%. Water absorption capacity was 5.8 g water per gram starch at 60°C and 19.4 g water per gram starch at 90°C. Initial pasting temperature was 78°C, breakdown was ‐68 Brabender Units (BU), consistency was 265 BU, and setback was 197 BU. Clarity, expressed as transmittance, was 13.4%. Syneresis in a 6% gel stored for 24 h at 4°C was 6.6% and 22.5% at −10°C. The physicochemical properties of Mexican cowpea tailing starch indicate that it is a good source of dietary fiber which can be included in food systems that require thermal treatments as bakery products.
Habitat variation in species composition of flea assemblages on small mammals in central Europe
Authors: Krasnov Boris R. , Stanko Michal , Miklisova Dana , Morand Serge
Published: January 2006

We studied patterns of variation in species composition of flea assemblages on small mammals across different habitats of Slovakia and compared flea species composition within and across host species among habitats. We asked (1) how variable the composition of flea assemblages is among different populations of the same host occurring in different habitats and (2) whether the composition of flea assemblages in a habitat is affected either by species composition of hosts or by environmental affinities of this habitat. Between‐habitat similarity in flea species composition increased with an increase in the similarity in host species composition. Species richness of flea assemblages of a host species correlated positively with mean number of cohabitating host species but not with the number of habitats occupied by a host species. Results of the ordination of flea collections from each individual host demonstrated that the first five principal components explained most of the variance in species composition of flea assemblages. The segregation between rodent and insectivore flea assemblages was easily discerned from the ordination diagram when flea assemblages were plotted according to their hosts. When flea assemblages were plotted according to their habitat affinities, the distinction of habitats based on variation in flea composition was not as clear. The results of ANOVA of each principal component showed the significant effect of both host species and habitat type. The variation in each principal component was explained better by the factor of host species compared with the factor of habitat type. Multidimensional scaling of flea assemblages within host species across habitats demonstrated that among‐habitat variation in flea composition was manifested differently in different hosts.
Susceptibility of Prussian carp infected by metacercariae of Posthodiplostomum cuticola (v. Nordmann, 1832) to fish predation
Authors: Ondračková Markéta , Dávidová Martina , Gelnar Milan , Jurajda Pavel
Published: January 2006

The susceptibility of prey fish infected by metacercariae of Posthodiplostomum cuticola (Digenea: Diplostomatidae) to the predation of non‐host predators under experimental conditions was investigated. Parasitized young‐of‐the‐year Prussian carp Carassius auratus were consumed significantly more often by perch Perca fluviatilis compared to non‐parasitized individuals, independent of Prussian carp density. The proportion of parasitized and non‐parasitized fish consumed by the predator remained stable at four different prey densities. The probability of predation did not increase with the intensity of parasite infection. The effect of P. cuticola on the host seems to result mostly from pathological changes (poor condition, black spots). However, our results provide evidence of higher probability of parasitized Prussian carp being consumed by fish predators under experimental conditions.
Hardy inequalities and dynamic instability of singular Yamabe metrics
Authors: Pisante Adriano
Published: January 2006

We study the Cauchy problem

\tag{P}
\begin{cases}
u_{t} = \mathrm{\Delta }u + |u|^{\sigma −1}u & \text{in }\mathbb{R}^{N} \times (0, + \infty ), \\ u(x,0) = u_{0}(x) & \text{in }\mathbb{R}^{N},
\end{cases}

for nonnegative functions

u\::\mathbb{R}^{N} \times (0, + \infty )\rightarrow \mathbb{R}^{ + }

. Here

N \geq 3

,

\sigma + 1 = 2^{ \ast } = \frac{2N}{N−2}

is the Sobolev exponent of the embedding

H^{1}(\mathbb{R}^{N})↪L^{2^{ \ast }}(\mathbb{R}^{N})

and

u_{0} = U

is a time independent positive solution with nonempty singular set

\Sigma = \mathrm{Sing}(U)

, e.g. a distributional solution associated to a singular Yamabe metric on

S^{N}

. We show that, if

Σ

is a finite set, then problem (

\mathrm P

) has a weak solution which is smooth for positive time. Hence, time independent singular solutions may be unstable and the Cauchy problem (

\mathrm P

) may have infinitely many weak solutions. A similar weaker result is proved for any nonnegative distributional solution

U

when

Σ

is a compact set.

Nous étudions le problème de Cauchy

\tag{P}
\begin{cases}
u_{t} = \mathrm{\Delta }u + |u|^{\sigma −1}u & \text{in }\mathbb{R}^{N} \times (0, + \infty ), \\ u(x,0) = u_{0}(x) & \text{in }\mathbb{R}^{N},
\end{cases}

pour fonctions nonnégatives

u\::\mathbb{R}^{N} \times (0, + \infty )\rightarrow \mathbb{R}^{ + }

.

N \geq 3

,

\sigma + 1 = 2^{ \ast } = \frac{2N}{N−2}

est la puissance critique pour l'injection de Sobolev

H^{1}(\mathbb{R}^{N})↪L^{2^{ \ast }}(\mathbb{R}^{N})

et

u_{0} = U

est une solution stationnaire singulière, par exemple une solution distributionelle associée à une métrique de Yamabe singulière sur

S^{N}

. Nous montrons que, si

\Sigma = \mathrm{Sing}(U)

est un ensemble fini, alors le problème (

\mathrm P

) a une solution faible qui est régulière pour temps positives. Par conséquent, solutions stationnaires singulières peuvent être instables et le problème de Cauchy (

\mathrm P

) peut avoir un nombre infini de solutions faibles. De plus, nous montrons un rèsultat similaire pour chaque solution distributionelle

U

avec ensemble singulier compact.
Essential Dynamics for Lorenz maps on the real line and the Lexicographical World
Authors: Moreira Carlos Gustavo , Labarca Rafael
Published: January 2006

In this paper we describe some topological and geometric properties of the set of sequences

\mathrm{LW} = \{(a,b)\in \Sigma _{0} \times \Sigma _{1};\:a \leq \sigma ^{n}(a) \leq b,\:a \leq \sigma ^{n}(b) \leq b,\:\forall n\in \mathbb{N}\}

, which essentially represents all the allowed dynamics for piecewise continuous increasing maps with one discontinuity. In particular, we describe the first main bifurcations in

LW

which generate non-trivial dynamics, and we study (fractal) geometric properties of

LW

and of the phase spaces

\Sigma _{a,b}

associated to it.

Dans ce travail nous décrivons quelques proprietés topologiques et géometriques de l'ensemble de suites

\mathrm{LW} = \{(a,b)\in \Sigma _{0} \times \Sigma _{1};\:a \leq \sigma ^{n}(a) \leq b,\:a \leq \sigma ^{n}(b) \leq b,\:\forall n\in \mathbb{N}\}

, que répresentent essentiellement toutes les dynamiques permises pour des fonctions continues et croissantes par morceaux avec un point de discontinuité. En particulier, on décrit les premières bifurcations dans

LW

qui produisent des dynamiques non-triviales et nous étudions des proprietés géometriques (fractales) de

LW

et des espaces de phase

\Sigma _{a,b}

associés.
The relationship between activity and pain in patients 6 months after lumbar disc surgery: Do pain‐related coping modes act as moderator variables?
Authors: Hasenbring Monika Ilona , Plaas Heike , Fischbein Benjamin , Willburger Roland
Published: January 2006

Background In LBP patients, the relationship between pain and physical activity remains unclear. Whereas a negative relationship between pain and self‐reported physical activity was found, this relation disappeared in the case of overt behavioral data (e.g., accelerometer). Cognitive‐behavioral models of the development of chronic pain suggest subgroups with signs of physical underuse and overuse.

Aims To examine if patients with pain‐related adaptive, endurance and fear‐avoidance coping differ in pain, self‐reported physical function and overt physical activity 6 months after disc surgery.

Methods 24 patients completed questionnaires (Von Korff chronic pain grade (CPG), Kiel pain inventory (KPI), Funktionsfragebogen Hannover‐Rücken FFbH‐R) and underwent an 8‐h accelerometer assessment in their daily life (physical activity level (PAL), number of constant postures (CP)). The KPI differed between adaptive coping (AC) (N = 9), fear avoidance coping (FAC) (N = 1) and endurance coping (EC) (N = 14).

Results In the whole group, pain intensity was negative related to self‐reported physical activity whereas PAL and CP displayed no correlation with pain. EC patients showed significantly higher pain scores and lower self‐reported physical functioning compared to AC but the same level of PAL and furthermore, a significantly higher number of CPs in daily life. The visual inspection of the FAC patient revealed also high pain, low physical functioning and low overt physical activity.

Conclusions The assessment of pain‐related coping modes yielded an important differentiation between subgroups of LBP patients 6 months after surgery. Endurance copers displayed signs of overuse in their daily behavior in spite of pain than adaptive copers. The one fear avoidance coper tends to do less physical activity in the sense of underuse.
Effects of intermittent hemodialysis on buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine plasma concentrations in chronic pain patients treated with transdermal buprenorphine
Authors: Filitz Jörg , Griessinger Norbert , Sittl Reinhard , Likar Rudi , Schüttler Jürgen , Koppert Wolfgang
Published: January 2006

The present study was designed to study the impact of intermittent hemodialysis on the disposition of the partial agonist buprenorphine and its metabolite norbuprenorphine during therapy with transdermal buprenorphine in chronic pain patients with end‐stage kidney disease. Ten patients (mean age 63 years) who had received transdermal buprenorphine for at least 1 week, were asked to provide blood samples immediately before and after hemodialysis. Blood samples were analysed for buprenorphine and its metabolite norbuprenorphine. The median buprenorphine plasma concentrations were found to be 0.16 ng/ml before and 0.23 ng/ml after hemodialysis. A significant correlation between plasma levels and administered doses was observed (Spearman R = 0.74; P < 0.05). In three patients norbuprenorphine plasma levels were detected. No differences in pain relief before and after hemodialysis were observed. This investigation shows no elevated buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine plasma levels in patients with renal insufficiency receiving transdermal buprenorphine up to 70 μg/h. Furthermore, hemodialysis did not affect buprenorphine plasma levels, leading to stable analgesic effects during the therapy.
Insight in eukaryotic ABC transporter function by mutation analysis
Authors: Frelet Annie , Klein Markus
Published: January 2006

With regard to structure–function relations of ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporters several intriguing questions are in the spotlight of active research: Why do functional ABC transporters possess two ATP binding and hydrolysis domains together with two ABC signatures and to what extent are the individual nucleotide‐binding domains independent or interacting? Where is the substrate‐binding site and how is ATP hydrolysis functionally coupled to the transport process itself? Although much progress has been made in the elucidation of the three‐dimensional structures of ABC transporters in the last years by several crystallographic studies including novel models for the nucleotide hydrolysis and translocation catalysis, site‐directed mutagenesis as well as the identification of natural mutations is still a major tool to evaluate effects of individual amino acids on the overall function of ABC transporters. Apart from alterations in characteristic sequence such as Walker A, Walker B and the ABC signature other parts of ABC proteins were subject to detailed mutagenesis studies including the substrate‐binding site or the regulatory domain of CFTR. In this review, we will give a detailed overview of the mutation analysis reported for selected ABC transporters of the ABCB and ABCC subfamilies, namely HsCFTR/ABCC7, HsSUR/ABCC8,9, HsMRP1/ABCC1, HsMRP2/ABCC2, ScYCF1 and P‐glycoprotein (Pgp)/MDR1/ABCB1 and their effects on the function of each protein.
Endogenous macrophage migration inhibitory factor modulates glucocorticoid sensitivity in macrophages via effects on MAP kinase phosphatase‐1 and p38 MAP kinase
Authors: Aeberli Daniel , Yang Yuan , Mansell Ashley , Santos Lanie , Leech Michelle , Morand Eric F.
Published: January 2006

The pro‐inflammatory cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is induced by glucocorticoids (GCs), but it was not previously known if MIF regulates cellular sensitivity to GC. Here we show in GC and LPS‐treated peritoneal macrophages derived from MIF−/− and wt mice that the absence of endogenous MIF is associated with increased sensitivity to GC of TNF release. This is associated with increased expression of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphatase‐1 (MKP‐1), concomitant decreased phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, but no effect of MIF on nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB). These results demonstrate that MIF regulates GC sensitivity by phosphorylation of p38, and provides a cellular mechanism for this observation, indicating that MKP‐1 is a central target of this regulation.
Developmental and amyloid plaque‐related changes in cerebral cortical capillaries in transgenic Tg2576 Alzheimer mice
Authors: Kouznetsova Elena , Klingner Margrit , Sorger Dietlind , Sabri Osama , Großmann Udo , Steinbach Jörg , Scheunemann Matthias , Schliebs Reinhard
Published: January 2006

There is experimental evidence that cerebral perfusion is decreased during aging and in Alzheimer's disease. To characterize the temporal relationship between amyloid deposition, plaque size and cerebrovascular abnormalities, a semiquantitative immunohistochemical study was performed in transgenic Tg2576 mice that express the Swedish double mutation of human amyloid precursor protein (APP) and progressively develop Alzheimer‐like β‐amyloid deposits. Cortical cryocut sections, obtained from mice at ages ranging between 4 and 18 months, were immunostained to label glucose transporter type 1 (GLUT1), a marker of vascular endothelial cells, and thioflavine‐S to visualize plaques. Regardless of age and transgene, a laminar distribution of capillaries was observed being highest in cortical layers IV and V. The density of microvessels estimated in cortical regions with high plaque load was found to be significantly lower as compared to areas with low plaque load. Around large thioflavine‐S‐positive senile plaques the capillary density was low, while diffuse plaques demonstrated a close association of capillaries with no signs of any damage.

The data suggest that amyloid plaque deposition differentially affects the cerebrovascular system in an age‐ and plaque type‐related manner, and provide further evidence that β‐amyloid, in addition to its well‐described neurotoxic effects, may also contribute to neuronal dysfunction through its actions on the cerebrovasculature.
PEARL MILLET GROWTH ON AN EROSION-AFFECTED SOIL IN THE SAHEL
Authors: MICHELS KARLHEINZ , BIELDERS CHARLES L.
Published: January 2006

The residual effects of three years' mulch application and the associated erosion processes, such as soil loss or deposition, on pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) growth have been investigated on a Sahelian sandy soil in field and pot studies. The smallest millet yields were found on unmulched eroded plots despite mineral phosphorus (P) applications, whereas stover mulching or manure and urine consistently resulted in larger yields. Bioassays revealed that aluminium (Al) by itself was not growth-limiting. Neither nematodes nor lack of micronutrients contributed to the small millet yields. On soil from eroded plots, millet dry matter yield tripled after P addition, and increased by a factor of 13.5 when additional nitrogen (N) was applied. High P availability was found to be the key to reversing decline in yields on erosion-affected fields, but the addition of organic material is a prerequisite to prevent acidification. Manure was more effective than straw because of the large amounts of N and P it contained. The addition of small quantities of lime (CaCO3) may partly compensate for organic matter addition by increasing soil pH and reducing P fixation. P-Bray was not a suitable indicator of plant available P on degraded sandy acid soils.
THE RESPONSE OF COTTON TO SUBSURFACE DRIP AND FURROW IRRIGATION IN A VERTISOL
Authors: BHATTARAI S. P. , MCHUGH A. D. , LOTZ G. , MIDMORE D. J.
Published: January 2006

The practice and management of subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) on heavy clay soils is poorly understood. Over-irrigation can lead to excessive runoff and drainage, with associated negative environmental consequences. Experiments were conducted in 2001/2002 and 2002/2003 on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) in a Vertisol in Australia to evaluate the effect of SDI at various application rates on cotton yield and quality, and the results were compared with those for conventional furrow irrigation. Irrigating with SDI that supplied 50% or 75% of daily crop evapotranspiration (ETc) maintained a dry upper soil profile throughout the season. SDI at 50% ETc could potentially capture 250mm more rain during the season compared to SDI 90% ETc, and even more than furrow irrigation. However, supplying only 50% ETc with SDI hastened the maturity of the crop by on average 25 days compared with furrow irrigation and higher SDI rates, fewer bolls were set and yields were lower than in the other treatments. Nevertheless, a shorter season, if yield sacrifice is acceptable, favours logistics when integrating winter crops with summer cotton. It also reduces the number and cost of pesticide sprays and irrigation. Yield plateaued when 75% or more of daily ETc was supplied by SDI. The two drier treatments (SDI at 50% and 75% of ETc) had consistently higher water use efficiencies (WUE) for lint production compared with those of the two wetter SDI treatments (SDI at 90% and 105/120% ETc). All SDI treatments were also more efficient in the first year in the use of water for lint production than was furrow irrigation, but improved irrigation management in the form of faster irrigation and reduction of tail water in the second year obviated the advantage of SDI. Irrigation of cotton with SDI at 75% ETc offered significant benefits in terms of saved irrigation water over wetter SDI treatments, resulted in the highest average WUE for lint production over the two years, and reduced drainage and runoff compared with higher SDI rates and furrow irrigation.
EARLY IDENTIFICATION OF SALT TOLERANT GENOTYPES OF RICE (ORYZA SATIVA L.) USING CONTROLLED DETERIORATION
Authors: ALAM M. Z. , STUCHBURY T. , NAYLOR ROBERT E. L.
Published: January 2006

The response of germination and early seedling growth to levels of salinity (0, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mM NaCl) were examined in single seed lots of ten modern rice genotypes. Unaged and deteriorated rice seeds were germinated in rolled paper towels and in Petri dishes. Initial seed quality, final germination, germination rate and early seedling growth were assessed. The samples of the rice genotypes differed in their initial seed quality (measured in terms of Ki). The effect of deterioration varied depending upon the initial seed quality and the severity of the treatment imposed. Ageing (using the technique of controlled deterioration, CD) for up to 24 h had no effect on final germination levels. Although CD for 30 h only reduced final germination slightly, ageing for 36 or 48 h reduced it greatly. Controlled deterioration for 36 h or longer reduced the final length and the rate of extension of both the plumule and radicle. Combining information about germination in salt solution with that about seed quality enabled a distinction to be made between varieties which performed poorly because they were genetically salt-susceptible from those which germinated poorly due to poor seed quality. It is argued that the seed vigour of seed lots used in genotype evaluation should be assessed in order to avoid discarding potentially useful genotypes because of poor physiological seed quality.
COMPOSITIONAL TRAITS OF SOYBEAN SEEDS AS INFLUENCED BY PLANTING DATE IN INDIA
Authors: KUMAR VINEET , RANI ANITA , PANDEY VIMAL , MANDE PURVI , CHAUHAN G. S.
Published: January 2006

Information on the influence of date of planting on protein, oil and fatty acid composition of soybean seeds is meagre, whilst similar studies on lipoxygenase isozymes and trypsin inhibitor contents are lacking. A field experiment was conducted with nine Indian genotypes and three planting dates (spread over 23 days) to study the influence of planting dates on these seed traits. Results based upon a one-year study indicated that oil content declined with delays in planting. Oleic acid content increased from the first to third planting, while the reverse trend was observed for linolenic acid. Lipoxygenase-1 activity was reduced by delayed plantings. Protein content was the lowest and trypsin inhibitor content was the highest for the second planting. However, no differences were observed for protein and trypsin inhibitor contents between the first and third planting. Significant interactions. observed between genotype and planting date for most of the seed compositional characters suggest that the influence of late planting is genotype-dependent.
PARTICIPATORY PLANT BREEDING IS BETTER DESCRIBED AS HIGHLY CLIENT-ORIENTED PLANT BREEDING. II. OPTIONAL FARMER COLLABORATION IN THE SEGREGATING GENERATIONS
Authors: WITCOMBE J. R. , GYAWALI S. , SUNWAR S. , STHAPIT B. R. , JOSHI K. D.
Published: January 2006

Many public-sector breeding programmes do not use explicit techniques to orient their programmes close to their clients' needs. Participatory techniques can be used to achieve high client orientation but these techniques do not have to involve farmers making selections during the segregating generations. This particularly applies when a sound initial market survey has been made or the learning from a participatory varietal selection (PVS) programme provides feedback to scientists. However, some published results on selection by farmers in the segregating generations (collaborative selection) indicate that it can produce appropriate varieties more effectively than less collaborative research. There is also evidence, from the few cases reported in the literature, that it is cost-effective. Alternative, less collaborative, approaches are also effective. Consultative forms of farmer participation, i.e. where farmers evaluate material grown by scientists, to aid selection in the segregating generations are more widely applicable because they demand fewer resources than collaborative methods. For more time-consuming tasks, such as in the selection of aromatic rice in segregating material, the most appropriate from of participation is contractual i.e., farmers are paid for their work. Mainly using examples from our research in Nepal, we present the particular circumstances in which the involvement of farmers in selection in the segregating generations is desirable or essential. These include: the occurrence of market failure (where the usual mechanisms of supply and demand have failed so there is no incentive to breed new varieties) and supply can only be met by actively involving farmers in the breeding process; when there are cost advantages to involving farmers – this is determined by the particular resources available to the institute undertaking the plant breeding research; when grain quality is both important and determined by a complex set of factors that are difficult to measure in the laboratory; when the objective is to learn in more detail about farmers' selection criteria to better orient the breeding programme to client needs; and when the goal is to empower farmers.
PARTICIPATORY VARIETY SELECTION IN THE ETHIOPIAN CEREAL TEF (ERAGROSTIS TEF)
Authors: BELAY G. , TEFERA H. , TADESSE B. , METAFERIA G. , JARRA D. , TADESSE T.
Published: January 2006

Participatory variety selection (PVS) was carried out in two of the major tef-growing woredas (districts) of Ethiopia, Ada and Akaki, in 2003 and 2004. The objectives were to identify farmers' selection criteria, to increase farmers' awareness and their access to improved tef varieties, to enable farmers to assess the performances of improved tef varieties of their choice and to accelerate seed dissemination of farmers' chosen varieties through farmer-to-farmer exchange mechanisms. Seed colour was the overriding selection criterion. Farmers overwhelmingly selected the very white seed variety DZ-01-196 (Magna) for market purposes, indicating that tef is a cash crop. Farmers also selected brown-seeded tef, but for home consumption. There was no evidence of connection between seed colour and desirable agronomic traits, or nutritional quality (protein content). Factors other than seed-colour were of secondary concern to farmers. When market demands become the dominant selection criteria, PVS should not be an end by itself: rather, it complements the formal breeding system. The results imply that tef performance evaluation trials need to be separated on a colour-group basis, and any new successful variety in the two woredas should be superior to DZ-01-196 not only in grain yield but also in seed-colour quality. A faster, more efficient and reliable pure-seed supply system than the traditional farmer-to-farmer exchange mechanism is required in order for farmers to continue planting improved varieties, which might be better achieved through small-scale commercial producers and/or cooperatives.
TISSUE CULTURE FOR FARMERS: PARTICIPATORY ADAPTATION OF LOW-INPUT CASSAVA PROPAGATION IN COLOMBIA
Authors: ESCOBAR R. H. , HERN ANDEZ C. M. , LARRAHONDO N. , OSPINA G. , RESTREPO J. , MU NOZ L. , TOHME J. , ROCA W. M.
Published: January 2006

The lack of good quality planting material of farmers' cassava varieties, produced locally and at low cost, is a major constraint limiting the expansion of cassava production in Colombia. This article describes the adaptation of conventional cassava propagation to a low-input scheme for rural tissue-culture multiplication, developed and run by small, resource-poor farmers (referred in this article as an informalfarmers' seed production system). Developed through a two-phase participatory process by a group of women farmers, a non-governmental organization and International Center for Tropical Agriculture scientists in a farmers' community in the hillsides of southern Colombia, the project resulted in alternative, economical and readily available sources of tissue-culture material and equipment. Rates of multiplication achieved with the system were as high as with conventional tissue-culture procedures.
Factors associated with emergence of Shrunken-2 maize in Korea
Authors: ADETIMIRIN VICTOR O. , KIM SOON-KWON , SZCZECH M.
Published: January 2006

Seventeen supersweet Shrunken-2 (sh-2) maize lines and progenies of their crosses to two sh-2 hybrid testers were investigated for factors responsible for differences in field emergence in Korea in studies carried out in the field, greenhouse and laboratory. The lines and their testcrosses showed significant genetic variation for emergence. Two lines showed significant positive general combining ability (GCA) for emergence while two other lines had significant negative GCA effects. Because none of the specific combining ability effects was significant, emergence was primarily influenced by additive gene action, and could, therefore, be improved by recurrent selection. Seed weight was significantly (P<0·05) correlated with emergence for inbreds (r=0·63) and testcross progeny involving the tester with the lower mean seed weight (r=0·54). Two lines also showed significant positive GCA effects for seed weight. The lines with positive GCA effects for emergence were different from those with positive GCA for seed weight, indicating that factors other than seed weight influence field emergence. The severity of Fusarium infection of seeds of the lines was significantly correlated to germination (r=−0·61, P<0·05) and emergence (r=−0·67, P<0·01), suggesting that practices that prevent pathogenic field infection, such as timely harvest and treatment with fungicides, are crucial for high seed quality. The field emergence of sh-2 inbred parents did not give an indication of emergence in hybrid combinations.
Recent progress in the ancient lentil
Authors: SARKER A. , ERSKINE W.
Published: January 2006

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus subsp. culinaris) was among the first crops domesticated and has become an important food legume crop in the farming and food systems of many countries globally. Its seed is a rich source of protein, minerals, and vitamins for human nutrition, and the straw is a valued animal feed. Its ability in nitrogen and carbon sequestration improves soil nutrient status, which in turn provides sustainability in production systems. In the current paper, research progress achieved in lentil improvement at national and international levels is reviewed.

Since the late 1970s there have been significant national and international lentil improvement programmes, with the main objectives being to develop phenologically adapted, stress resistant and high-yielding cultivars with improved production packages.

Systematic research on lentil started recently, compared to other early-domesticated crops. During the last two and a half decades, research progress has been made in various aspects of the crop. Large numbers of germplasm have been collected, evaluated and preserved at national and international levels, with the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) holding the largest collection of cultivated and wild germplasm accessions. A major effort has been made to study the genetic variation in the world germplasm collection, in order to understand local adaptation and to develop specific research programmes. Genotypes with resistance to various biotic and abiotic stresses, particularly resistance to vascular wilt, rust and Ascochyta blight have been identified, and directly exploited or used in breeding programmes. New genotypes have been bred with good standing ability, suitable for mechanical harvest for West Asia and North Africa. Through introduction and hybridization, the genetic base of lentil has been broadened, most particularly in South Asia, by breaking an ancient genetic bottleneck.

Agronomic practices, including seeding time, seed rate, tillage requirements, soil type, and weed control, are optimized locally and improved production packages have been developed to realize higher yield. To date, a total of 91 improved cultivars have been released globally, emanating from genetic material supplied by ICARDA. Due to adoption of improved varieties combined with production technologies, the average global productivity has increased from 611 kg/ha to 966 kg/ha, and total production from 1·3 million tonnes to 3·8 million tonnes in the last three decades. Research at the molecular level, including construction of a lentil genetic linkage map, identification of molecular markers, and genetic transformation, has progressed considerably.
An ultraviolet simulator for the incident Martian surface radiation and its applications
Authors: Kolb C. , Abart R. , Bérces A. , Garry J.R.C. , Hansen A.A. , Hohenau W. , Kargl G. , Lammer H. , Patel M.R. , Rettberg P. , Stan-Lotter H.
Published: January 2006

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can act on putative organic/biological matter at the Martian surface in several ways. Only absorbed, but not transmitted or reflected, radiation energy can be photo-chemically effective. The most important biological UV effects are due to photochemical reactions in nucleic acids, DNA or RNA, which constitute the genetic material of all cellular organisms and viruses. Protein or lipid effects generally play a minor role, but they are also relevant in some cases. UV radiation can induce wavelengths-specific types of DNA damage. At the same time it can also induce the photo-reversion reaction of a UV induced DNA photoproduct of nucleic acid bases, the pyrimidine dimers. Intense UVB and UVC radiation, experienced on early Earth and present-day Mars, has been revealed to be harmful to all organisms, including extremophile bacteria and spores. Moreover, the formation of oxidants, catalytically produced in the Martian environment through UV irradiation, may be responsible for the destruction of organic matter on Mars. Following this, more laboratory simulations are vital in order to investigate and understand UV effects on organic matter in the case of Mars. We have designed a radiation apparatus that simulates the anticipated Martian UV surface spectrum between 200 and 400 nm (UVC–UVA). The system comprises a UV enhanced xenon arc lamp, special filter-sets and mirrors to simulate the effects of the Martian atmospheric column and dust loading. We describe the technical setup and performance of the system and discuss its uses for different applications. The design is focused on portability, therefore, the Mars-UV simulator represents a device for several different Mars simulation facilities with specific emphasis on Mars research topics.
HOME AWAY FROM HOME: MIGRANT YUNNANESE CHINESE IN NORTHERN THAILAND
Authors: Chang Wen-Chin
Published: January 2006

In the face of a complex external situation, the migrant Yunnanese in northern Thailand have undergone repeated moves since the 1950s, and the narratives of their lived experiences disclose an ongoing negotiation of their inner self with the external social world across time and space. The feeling of “dwelling in displacement” is the fundamental basis of their narrated stories and this constructs particular discourses on “home away from home”. The primary aim of this paper is to analyze their conceptualizations of home and the intertwining of their various migration patterns. It seeks to see how they are shaped by external structural forces on the one hand, and their reaction to them with their interstitial agency on the other. Moreover, by probing their diasporic consciousness linked to the longue durée of Yunnanese mobility, the paper attempts to accentuate the different layers of their perceptions of time and place, and to illuminate their interplay.
INDEPENDENT PAPER. CHINESE CRICKET-FIGHTING
Authors: Suga Yutaka
Published: January 2006

The so-called hua niao yu chong (“flower, bird, fish, insect”) culture of China is a tradition related to the growth and raising of small and easy-to-care-for plants and animals. Typical of this culture is that of fighting crickets. Cricket fights, between two male crickets, is an amusement especially popular among urban dwellers. In the past it was followed by the emperor and the nobility, by the rich and by intellectuals such as the literati. Because of this, previous research into Chinese culture has tended to emphasize only the glamorous side of cricket fighting and paid scant attention to those who sustained it in the background. Nevertheless we cannot ignore those people in rural areas who go out to catch the crickets that will provide amusement for cricket-fight aficionados in the cities. In fact, both urban dwellers, as consumers, and farmers, as providers, sustain the culture of cricket fighting, but there are wide differences between them in terms of folk knowledge and skills. The knowledge and skills of the farmers who hunt crickets are concerned closely with the habits of crickets and resemble the type of knowledge that is based on observation, and so can be explained in terms of entomological ecology and behavioural science. Urban aficionados, on the other hand, care for crickets in terms of how they think crickets should live, quite differently from their natural habitat. They have anthropomorphized them, rearing them as if they were associating with other human beings, and in general have inserted human values into their lives.
LAW, STATE AND SOCIETY IN CHINA [4]. THE NATURE OF SOCIAL AGREEMENTS (YUE) IN THE LEGAL ORDER OF MING AND QING CHINA (PART TWO)
Authors: Terada Hiroaki
Published: January 2006

In Part One, social agreements (yue) were introduced as a way of examining the relationship between private agreements/contracts and official law in Ming and Qing China. Their breadth and dynamic were illustrated through the analysis of three types of agreement: community agreements, village compacts, and rent-resistance compacts and alliances. Such agreements however were not simply voluntary contracts, for they also had a coercive aspect. Part Two first discusses the way coercion and voluntarism coexisted in social agreements, and emphasizes the importance of the fluctuating relationship between advocacy and response in this. It then looks at the role social agreements played in the local order, particularly at how official pronouncements were mediated by local customary practices, and suggests that both laws and contracts can be analysed in terms of advocacy and response. The validity of this approach may be further tested by applying it to the way pacts have been used in modern China, suggesting that it would be useful to look for the same issues here that have been discussed regarding social compacts in the Ming and Qing periods.