bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applying Quantile Regression to Analysis of AFIS Cotton Fiber Distribution
Authors: Gardunia Brian W. , Braden Chris , Hequet Eric , Smith C. Wayne
Published: July 2008

Varying fiber length distributions of cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., impacts its spinning performance. Advanced Fiber Information System (AFIS) facilitates the analysis of the length distribution of individual fibers in cotton. Quantile regression is a variant of standard regression with which conditional quantile values can be calculated by minimizing weighted sums of absolute deviations across the entire distribution. Quantile regression was used to analyze AFIS fiber length distribution among five genotypes of upland cotton grown at the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Farm near College Station, TX during 2001 and 2002. The shape of the distribution of ‘CAMD‐E’, a short‐staple variety, was actually similar to ‘Acala 1517‐99’, a long staple variety with good spinning quality, even though CAMD‐E had consistently lower fiber lengths. ‘FM 832’, and ‘TAM 94L‐25’ had similar mean fiber lengths to Acala 1517‐99, but their distribution shape was less skewed. ‘TTU 202’ had high cross entropy values, but little difference was detected in distribution shape by quantile regression. Year had a significant impact on distribution of fiber lengths, affecting distribution scale and location, which may be due to lower fiber fineness and maturity in 2001. Quantile regression was found to be an effective method for analyzing AFIS fiber length distributions, although further testing with a larger set of genotypes and environments with spinning data is needed.
Quantitative Trait Loci Associated with Deoxynivalenol Content and Kernel Quality in the Soft Red Winter Wheat ‘Ernie’
Authors: Abate Z. A. , Liu S. , McKendry A. L.
Published: July 2008

Fusarium head blight (FHB) caused by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe [telomorph: Gibberella zeae (Schwein.) Petch] reduces quality in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) when deoxynivalenol (DON) accumulates in the grain. ‘Ernie’ soft red winter wheat has been used as a source of FHB resistance in many U.S. breeding programs because of its type II resistance, low DON, and good kernel quality under heavy disease pressure. The objectives of this study were to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with both low DON and kernel quality and to determine their association with QTL previously identified for type II resistance in Ernie. Data for DON and Fusarium damaged kernels (FDK) were collected from 243 recombinant inbred lines of the cross Ernie/MO 94‐317 grown in inoculated greenhouse experiments conducted in 2002 and 2003. A total of 420 simple sequence repeat and 64 EcoRI/MseI amplified fragment length polymorphism primers were used for parental screening. Three QTL were consistently identified on chromosomes 3BSc, 4BL, and 5AS for both DON and FDK that explained 31 and 42% of the total phenotypic variation in these two traits, respectively. A fourth minor QTL on 2B (R2 = 4%) was also detected for FDK but was not significant for DON. These QTL were coincidental with those previously identified for type II resistance in Ernie, which suggested that the inheritance of these three resistance factors is interdependent in this variety. These findings should enhance the efficiency of using this source of resistance for FHB‐resistance breeding.
Intellectual Property Protection for Plant Varieties in the 21st Century
Authors: Smith Stephen
Published: July 2008

Most genetic gains in U.S. maize (Zea mays L.) breeding come from pedigree breeding compared to more predictable backcrossing strategies. Historically, breeding access to proprietary maize germplasm was limited by trade secrets and heterotic group assignation. Advances in marker technologies, doubled haploidy and off‐season nurseries have revolutionized the speed and efficiency of germplasm access and utilization. Immediate access and facilitated deployment of germplasm that is already widely used in cultivation reduces the effective level of intellectual property protection (IPP) that was previously in effect by virtue of plant variety protection (PVP). Consequences of reduced IPP include yet further development of hybrids that more closely resemble existing widely used varieties and reduced incentives for the private sector to broaden the adapted germplasm base from the introduction of exotic germplasm. Breeders worldwide should have the choice of using utility patents and/or a new form of PVP that includes a revised breeder exemption. These changes will promote investments in crop improvement, together with additional benefit sharing via royalty flows from the use of exotic and underutilized germplasm, providing broader social benefits. Regular surveys of genetic diversity deployed on farms should also be undertaken because they represent an important component of national and global food security.
Rapid Flowering under Greenhouse Conditions and Lack of Awns Are Widespread among Tetraploid Elymus Species
Authors: Hopkins A. A. , Rowland T. L.
Published: July 2008

A strong vernalization requirement can increase the amount of time needed per breeding cycle for cool season grasses, and the presence of awns can be an eye irritant to grazing livestock. Our objective was to identify awnless tetraploid (2n = 4x = 28) Elymus accessions capable of flowering quickly and consistently in the greenhouse. A total of 244 accessions, encompassing 27 Elymus species and subspecies, were evaluated during three different time periods in the greenhouse at Ardmore, OK. Heading date of accessions ranged from 53 to 90 d after planting, with 175 accessions representing 20 species or subspecies, flowering within 90 d of planting in the greenhouse. Eighty‐eight accessions, representing 11 species or subspecies, were awnless or awnletted (i.e., awns <1 mm). Across all three time periods, 56 awnless accessions, representing nine species or subspecies, consistently flowered within 90 d of planting. Thus, a wide array of awnless tetraploid Elymus accessions that can consistently and rapidly flower in the greenhouse are available. Some of these accessions are being used to attempt to introgress the awnless trait into an elite breeding line of Canada wildrye (Elymus canadensis L.).
Yield Increase Has Been More Rapid for Maize than for Grain Sorghum
Authors: Mason Stephen C. , Kathol Delon , Eskridge Kent M. , Galusha Tomie D.
Published: July 2008

In the United States, much grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] production area has shifted to maize (Zea mays L.) during the last 25 yr, which has been partially due to grain yield differences between these crops. The objective of this study was to document the rate of grain yield increases for maize and sorghum hybrids from 1950 to 1999 in rainfed and irrigated environments in eastern Nebraska. Across all production environments and years, maize produced 1.7 to 4.3 Mg ha−1 greater yield than sorghum. The rate of yield increase was approximately three times faster for maize than sorghum but varied with production environments. The highest rate of yield increase (0.050 Mg ha−1 yr−1) was found for rainfed, high water‐holding capacity soil conditions; the second highest rate of increase was for irrigated maize (0.028 Mg ha−1 yr−1). The rate of sorghum yield increase under all environments and maize under rainfed, low water‐holding capacity soil conditions was low at 0.010 to 0.015 Mg ha−1 yr−1 Pearson correlations indicated that the number of ears (panicles) per square meter had the highest association with yield (r = 0.68 for maize and r = 0.59 for sorghum) while both the number of kernels per ear (per panicle) and kernel weight were significantly correlated to yield for both crops. Yield component analysis for maize shows that yield increases with introduction year resulted from increased number of ears per square meter and kernel weight, while sorghum saw no significant correlation between yield and yield components.
Phenological Characterization of Near‐Isogenic Sunflower Families Bearing Two QTLs for Photoperiodic Response
Authors: Fonts C. , Andrade F. H. , Grondona M. , Hall A. , León A. J.
Published: July 2008

Understanding the effects of environment and genotype on crop phenology is critical to achieving appropriate adaptation of cultivars to targeted production areas. The main objective of this work is to examine the phenology of near‐isogenic sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) families bearing all combinations of alleles for quantitative trait loci (QTLs) A and B associated with photoperiodic response growing in controlled environment chambers under short and extended photoperiods. Plants were harvested at intervals, the apices dissected out, and apex development from the start (apex transformation) to the end of floral differentiation scored using a 10‐point scale of floral stages. Parental lines showed significant (p < 0.05) contrasting responses to photoperiod. The genotypes exhibited significant (p < 0.0001) effects of photoperiod, QTL, QTL × photoperiod, and QTL × QTL interactions for the timing of apex transformation (B0) and for the inverse of rate of development during floral differentiation (B1). The strong QTL A × QTL B interaction for both B0 and B1 reflects the much greater delay in development under both photoperiods when QTL A was derived from HA89 and QTL B from ZenB8. This effect on B1, but not on B0, increased under extended photoperiod in the same family, reflecting a three‐factor (QTL A × QTL B × photoperiod) interaction acting on rate of development during the floral differentiation process. Given the weight of direct and interaction contributions associated with the two QTLs to the nonerror variability of both B0 and B1 across genotypes and photoperiods, we conclude both QTLs are important effectors in the photoperiodic control of flowering in sunflower.
Resistance of Sclerotinia homoeocarpa to Iprodione, Propiconazole, and Thiophanate‐Methyl in Tennessee and Northern Mississippi
Authors: Bishop Pamela , Sorochan John , Ownley Bonnie H. , Samples T. J. , Windham Alan S. , Windham M. T. , Trigiano R. N.
Published: July 2008

Dollar spot, caused by Sclerotinia homoeocarpa F.T. Bennett, is a common foliar disease on golf courses. Of 284 isolates collected from Tennessee and northern Mississippi, 90 were tested for in vitro resistance to three commonly used fungicides. The estimated fungicide concentration required to inhibit growth by 50 and 90% varied among locations. Isolates at seven locations were resistant to iprodione, whereas isolates were resistant to propiconazole at only one location. Isolates at five locations were resistant to thiophanate‐methyl. Some isolates showed resistance to 1000 μg a.i. mL−1 iprodione and thiophanate‐methyl, whereas resistance occurred at 10 μg a.i. mL−1 propiconazole. Isolates at only one location exhibited resistance to both thiophanate‐methyl and iprodione, and isolates at only one location had resistance to all three fungicides. This study revealed that resistance to fungicides has developed in S. homoeocarpa in Tennessee and Northern Mississippi. These results also support the contention that repeated use of these three classes of fungicide may lead to development of resistant isolates of S. homoeocarpa
Locations of Quantitative Trait Loci Conferring Russian Wheat Aphid Resistance in Barley Germplasm STARS‐9301B
Authors: Mittal Shipra , Dahleen Lynn S. , Mornhinweg Dolores
Published: July 2008

Russian wheat aphid (RWA, Diuraphis noxia Kurdjumov) infestations reduce grain yield and quality and have caused more than $1 billion in losses for barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the western United States since 1986. Our objective was to map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) conferring resistance to RWA feeding damage in the germplasm line STARS‐9301B via polymerase chain reaction–based marker assays of 191 F2–derived F3 families from the cross ‘Morex’/STARS‐9301B. Morex is a susceptible six‐rowed malting barley. STARS‐9301B is a selection from RWA‐resistant Afghanistan introduction PI366450. Replicated seedling reactions to RWA infestations were used to phenotype each family based on a 1 to 9 visual rating of chlorosis. A total of 107 molecular markers was used to construct a linkage map. Quantitative trait loci analysis identified two major QTLs for resistance. The QTL on the short arm of chromosome 1H was associated with B‐hordein and explained 26% of the variation for RWA reaction. A QTL on chromosome 3H associated with EBmac0541 explained 38% of the variation. A minor QTL on chromosome 2H was associated with marker GBM1523 and explained 6% of the variation. A combined analysis indicated that the marker–QTL associations explained 59% of the phenotypic variation for RWA resistance. These markers linked with QTLs will be valuable in breeding for RWA resistance. Pyramiding the genes from STARS‐9301B with genes from other sources will be helpful for long‐term protection against RWA in barley.
Integration of Cool‐Season Annual Legumes and Dairy Manure Compost with Switchgrass
Authors: Bow J. Randal , Muir James P. , Weindorf David C. , Rosiere Randy E. , Butler Twain J.
Published: July 2008

Annual cool‐season legumes can contribute forage or green manure to warm‐season grass pastures or biofuel crops but may interfere with subsequent grass development. Arrowleaf clover (Trifolium vesiculosum Savi cv. Yuchi), common vetch (Vicia sativa L.), and button medic [Medicago orbicularis (L.) Bartal cv. Estes] were oversown on 10‐yr‐old switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) in north‐central Texas to evaluate dry matter (DM) yield and nutritive value. Legumes were no‐till drilled into a Windthorst fine sandy loam in autumn of 2000 and 2001; plots either received no dairy manure compost or 30 Mg compost ha−1 Forage was harvested when individual legume species reached flowering, when switchgrass regrowth reached boot stage, and at the end of the summer growing season. Switchgrass DM yields (3022–6630 kg ha−1 yr−1) were not reduced by overseeded legumes. Arrowleaf clover had the greatest production among the legume species and yielded more in a monoculture (1762–1923 kg ha−1 yr−1) than with switchgrass (757–814 kg). Cumulative yields increased the second year as a result of legumes, compost, and combinations of the two. Compost increased phosphorus concentrations in both the grass and legumes, but not crude protein or acid detergent fiber concentrations. Cool‐season annual legumes may be beneficial in switchgrass forage and biofuel systems, especially in combination with manure compost.
Tax-Exempt Organizations and Nonarticulation: Estimates Are No Substitute for Disclosure of Cash Provided by Operations
Authors: Fischer Mary , Gordon Teresa P. , Khumawala Saleha B.
Published: June 2008

SYNOPSIS: Not-for-profit entities’ audited financial statements are considered proprietary information, but the World Wide Web provides easy access to financial information from Form 990, the information return filed annually with the Internal Revenue Service. However, Form 990 return does not include potentially useful information for donors, creditors, and regulators such as cash provided by operating activities. Because of articulation of financial statements inherent with the double-entry system, it is theoretically possible to derive operating cash flows from revenues, expenses, and balance sheet accounts that are included on the return. The objective of this study is to determine whether cash from operations can be accurately calculated from Form 990 data. Our analysis includes both simple and more elaborate formulas because complexity may reduce potential usefulness even if accuracy increases. Using 254 observations from two industry groups (higher education and conservation/environmental protection), we compare five formulas. The mean absolute percentage errors of our computations were extremely large for all formulas. Even the formula with the smallest errors produced an amount for cash from operations that was correlated with the actual number for only one of the two industries. The paper also describes articulation problems encountered when a small subsample was examined in more detail. As with similar studies of business entities, it appears that an accurate estimate of cash flow from operating activities cannot be derived from the other financial statements. Therefore, based on the results of this study we recommend that Form 990 should be revised to include selected information from the cash flow statement.
Case Study Research in Accounting
Authors: Cooper David J. , Morgan Wayne
Published: June 2008

SYNOPSIS: We describe case study research and explain its value for developing theory and informing practice. While recognizing the complementary nature of many research methods, we stress the benefits of case studies for understanding situations of uncertainty, instability, uniqueness, and value conflict. We introduce the concept of phronesis—the analysis of what actions are practical and rational in a specific context—and indicate the value of case studies for developing, and reflecting on, professional knowledge. Examples of case study research in managerial accounting, auditing, and financial accounting illustrate the strengths of case studies for theory development and their potential for generating new knowledge. We conclude by disputing common misconceptions about case study research and suggesting how barriers to case study research may be overcome, which we believe is an important step in making accounting research more relevant.
The Role of Revenue in Firm Valuation
Authors: Chandra Uday , Ro Byung T.
Published: June 2008

SYNOPSIS: This study examines the role of revenue in valuing firms beyond earnings and investigates whether this (1) is pervasive or limited to certain situations in which earnings may be less informative, (2) is sensitive to nonlinearity in the relation between returns and earnings, and (3) has changed over time. Our analysis indicates that revenue is useful both as a summary measure for valuation purposes and in conveying new information to the market, after controlling for earnings information. These results are not driven by technology firms, extreme earnings news or loss situations, or by model misspecification because of nonlinearities. The role of revenue in firm valuation is greater, and the role of earnings is smaller, in extreme earnings situations. We also find that revenue is more useful in summarizing the performance of technology firms and for profit observations. While the combined ability of revenue and earnings to summarize contemporaneous value-relevant information has remained stable over time, the new information conveyed by earnings has declined whereas the ability of revenue to incrementally convey new information has not diminished.
A Perspective on the SEC’s Proposal to Accept Financial Statements Prepared in Accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) without Reconciliation to U.S. GAAP
Authors: Jamal Karim , Benston George J. , Carmichael Douglas R. , Christensen Theodore E. , Colson Robert H. , Moehrle Stephen R. , Rajgopal Shivaram , Stober Thomas L. , Sunder Shyam , Watts Ross L. ,   American Accounting Association’s Financial Accounting Standards Committee
Published: June 2008

SYNOPSIS: The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently issued a call for comment on a proposal to accept financial statements prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) without reconciliation to U.S. GAAP. Accounting researchers have attempted to assess the quality of IFRS using different methods and criteria. While we are skeptical of drawing direct conclusions about the SEC’s proposal based on this research, there is adequate evidence that both IFRS and U.S. GAAP provide useful information to investors and other users of financial statements. Moreover, we see no conclusive research evidence that financial reports prepared using U.S. GAAP are better than reports prepared using IFRS. The prudent approach when faced with alternatives with no clear difference in quality is to promote competition among them, which supports adopting the SEC’s proposal to permit foreign private issuers a choice between IFRS and U.S. GAAP. Furthermore, to help improve U.S. and international GAAP through standards-setting competition, we recommend that the Commission extend the choice of IFRS to U.S. companies, and require all companies to indicate clearly whether they are filing under U.S. GAAP or IFRS. Finally, we recommend that the Commission and its staff investigate and seek feedback on the educational consequences of its proposed actions. This attention will help educators to better prepare future professionals to implement these proposed regulatory changes.
Taxes and Asset Prices: The Case of Thoroughbreds
Authors: Key Kimberly G.
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACT: This study examines the thoroughbred auction market in order to assess the effect of taxes on asset prices. Yearlings purchased from 2002 to 2004 are eligible for bonus depreciation, and the price of the yearlings is predicted to be bid up during this period. The research design employs pricing models that have been published in economics and agri-business academic journals. These models control for such factors as yearling lineage, gender, and month foaled. Thoroughbreds are sold annually, and much of the data set is constructed using auction market sale catalog information. Consistent with the prediction, yearling prices are higher in the bonus period than in other periods. A control group of broodmares, which are not eligible for bonus depreciation, does not exhibit the same time period price differential.
The Impact of Tax Status on the Relation between Employee Stock Options and Debt
Authors: Aier Jagadison K. , Moore Jared A.
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACT: This study extends prior research on the tax-motivated substitution of employee stock options (ESOs) for debt by providing evidence on the manner in which the tax status of the firm and ESOs interact to influence debt policy. Using tobit regression and a sample of 13,345 firm-year observations over the period 1993–2004, we find that firms whose expected marginal tax rates are likely to be affected by non-debt tax shields (i.e., tax-sensitive firms) substitute ESOs for debt. In contrast, we find no association between debt and ESOs for firms that are likely able to fully utilize all available tax shields without affecting their expected marginal tax rates due to their high level of profitability for tax purposes (i.e., tax-insatiable firms). These results suggest that tax status impacts the association between debt and ESOs such that the two tax shields are not substitutes for all groups of firms across tax status categories.
Tax-Induced Trading around the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997
Authors: Ayers Benjamin C. , Li Oliver Zhen , Robinson John R.
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACT: We examine investor trading around the passage of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 (TRA97), which reduced the capital gains tax rate from 28 percent to 20 percent. We provide evidence that individual investors increase their demand for equity shares on the announcement day of TRA97, consistent with the capitalization of capital gains taxes. On the effective day of TRA97, we find that individual investors increase the supply of equity shares with accrued gains, consistent with the lock-in effect of capital gains taxes. Regression results suggest that the demand-side effect associated with tax capitalization is a more powerful effect on abnormal trading than the supply-side effect associated with lock-in for the median stock trading around TRA97. Overall, our results suggest that capital gains taxes influence both the demand and supply for equity by tax-sensitive investors and that the effect on demand is more pronounced than the effect on supply.
Approximate analytical solutions of scattering states for Klein-Gordon equation with Hulthén potentials for nonzero angular momentum
Authors: Chen Chang-Yuan , Lu Fa-Lin , Sun Dong-Sheng
Published: June 2008

In this paper, using the exponential function transformation approach along with an approximation for the centrifugal potential, the radial Klein-Gordon equation with the vector and scalar Hulthén potential is transformed to a hypergeometric differential equation. The approximate analytical solutions of t-waves scattering states are presented. The normalized wave functions expressed in terms of hypergeometric functions of scattering states on the “k/2π scale” and the calculation formula of phase shifts are given. The physical meaning of the approximate analytical solution is discussed.
On excited states of the Au3 cluster: an ab initio study
Authors: Rusakov Alexander , Zaitsevskii André
Published: June 2008

Excited electronic states of the Au3 cluster are studied within the shape-consistent small-core relativistic pseudopotential model using many-body multipartitioning perturbation theory. Vertical transition energies and dipole moments are evaluated. For highly symmetric isomer, these theoretical results are in reasonable agreement with spectroscopic data from experiments.
Design and economics of industrial production of fructooligosaccharides
Authors: Vaňková Katarína , Onderková Zdenka , Antošová Monika , Polakovič Milan
Published: June 2008

A process for industrial production of fructooligosaccharides (FOS’s) based on the conversion of sucrose by immobilized fructosyltransferase (FTase) from the cells of Aureobasidium pullulans CCY 27-1-94 was developed. Particular process operations and conditions were designed employing results of laboratory and semi-pilot scale experiments. The process flowsheet comprised three sections: FTase production, which included fermentation, isolation and purification of the enzyme, FTase immobilization and FOS’s production where a product with a high content of FOS’s was prepared by the removal of glucose, fructose and unreacted sucrose from the reaction mixture using simulated moving-bed chromatography. Two alternative process flowsheets were proposed for the annual production of 10 000 t of FOS’s: one for a powdery product and the second one for syrup. The economic analysis provided the costs for the production of immobilized FTase and FOS’s using two different price estimates for sucrose.
Effect of different Fe(III) compounds on photosynthetic electron transport in spinach chloroplasts and on iron accumulation in maize plants
Authors: Kráľová Katarína , Masarovičová Elena , Šeršeň František , Ondrejkovičová Iveta
Published: June 2008

Synthesis and spectral characteristics of [Fe(nia)3Cl3] and [Fe(nia)3(H2O)2](ClO4)3 are described. The effect of these compounds as well as of FeCl3·6H2O on photosynthetic electron transport in spinach chloroplasts was investigated using EPR spectroscopy. It was found that due to the interaction of these compounds with tyrosine radicals situated at the 161st position in D1 (TyrZ) and D2 (TyrD) proteins located at the donor side of photosystem (PS) II, electron transport between the photosynthetic centres PS II and PS I was interrupted. In addition, the treatment with [Fe(nia)3(H2O)2](ClO4)3 resulted in a release of Mn(II) from the oxygen evolving complex situated on the donor side of PS II. Moreover, the effect of the Fe(III) compounds studied on some production characteristics of hydroponically cultivated maize plants and on Fe accumulation in plant organs was investigated. In general, the production characteristic most inhibited by the presence of Fe(III) compounds was the leaf dry mass and [Fe(nia)3(H2O)2](ClO4)3 was found to be the most effective compound. The highest Fe amount was accumulated in the roots, and the leaves treated with Fe(III) compounds contained more Fe than the stems. The treatment with FeCl3·6H2O caused the most effective translocation of Fe into the shoots. Comparing the effect of nicotinamide complexes, [Fe(nia)3(H2O)2](ClO4)3 was found to facilitate the translocation of Fe into the shoots more effectively than [Fe(nia)3Cl3]. This could be connected with the different structure of these complexes. [Fe(nia)3(H2O)2](ClO4)3 has ionic structure and, in addition, coordinated H2O molecules can be easily substituted by other ligands.
Synthesis and reactions of 2-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]furo[3,2-c]pyridine
Authors: Bradiaková Ivana , Prónayová Naďa , Gatial Anton , Krutošíková Alžbeta
Published: June 2008

(E)-3-{5-[3-(Trifluoromethyl)phenyl]furan-2-yl}propenoic acid (I) was prepared from 5-[3-(tri-fluoromethyl)phenyl]furan-2-carbaldehyde under the Doebner’s conditions. The obtained acid was converted to the corresponding azide II, which was cyclized by heating in diphenyl ether to 2-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-4,5-dihydrofuro[3,2-c]pyridin-4-one (III). This compound was aromatized with phosphorus oxychloride to chloroderivative IV which was reduced with H2NNH2-Pd/C to the title compound V. 2-[3-(Trifluoromethyl)phenyl]furo[3,2-c]pyridin-5-oxide (VI) was synthesized by reaction of V with 3-chloroperoxybenzoic acid in dichloromethane. On treatment of VI with benzoyl chloride and potassium cyanide (Reissert-Henze reaction), corresponding 2-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]furo[3,2-c]pyridine-1-carbonitrile (VII) resulted. 5-Amino-2-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]furo[3,2-c]pyridin-5-ium-4-methylbenzene sulfonate (VIII) was prepared by direct N-amination of the title compound V with 1-[(aminooxy)sulfonyl]-4-methylbenzene in dichloromethane. Then, VIII was transformed to a non-isolated zwitterionic N-imid IX which afforded the corresponding furo[3,2-c]pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine carboxylic acid esters X, XI by 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions with dimethyl but-2-ynedionate (DBD) or ethyl propiolate. The structures of all compounds were confirmed by their IR and NMR spectra.
Square-wave adsorptive stripping voltammetric determination of an antihistamine drug astemizole
Authors: Alghamdi Ahmad
Published: June 2008

The square-wave voltammetric technique was used to explore the adsorption properties of the astemizole drug. The analytical methodology used was based on the adsorptive preconcentration of the drug on a hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE), followed by the electrochemical reduction process which yielded a well-defined cathodic peak at −1.184 V (vs. the Ag/AgCl electrode). To achieve high sensitivity, various experimental and instrumental variables were investigated such as the supporting electrolyte, pH, accumulation time and potential, drug concentration, scan rate, SW frequency, pulse amplitude, convection rate, and the working electrode area. Under the optimized conditions, the AdSV peak current was proportional over the analyte concentration range of 5 × 10−7 to 2.5 × 10−6 mol L−1 (r = 0.998) with the detection limit of 1.4 × 10−8 mol L−1 (6.4 ng mL−1). The precision of the proposed method in terms of RSD was 2.4 %, whereas the method accuracy was indicated by the mean recovery of 100.1 %. Possible interferences of several substances usually present in the pharmaceutical tablets and formulations were also evaluated. The applicability of this electroanalytic approach was illustrated by the determination of astemizole in tablets and biological fluids.
Biological basis for the surgical treatment of depression
Authors: Abosch Aviva , Cosgrove G. Rees
Published: June 2008

An estimated 20% of patients with major depression are refractory to existing therapies. The purpose of this review is to provide a theoretical and neuroscientific framework in which to interpret new work in the field of surgical treatment for depression. This review focuses on existing clinical and imaging data, current disease models, and results of recent case reports and patient series that together may inform the construction of appropriate clinical trials for the surgical treatment of refractory depression.
Potential surgical targets for deep brain stimulation in treatment-resistant depression
Authors: Hauptman Jason S. , DeSalles Antonio A. F. , Espinoza Randall , Sedrak Mark , Ishida Warren
Published: June 2008

Object

The goal of this study was to evaluate the definition of treatment-resistant depression (TRD), review the literature regarding deep brain stimulation (DBS) for TRD, and identify potential anatomical and functional targets for future widespread clinical application.

Methods

A comprehensive literature review was performed to determine the current status of DBS for TRD, with an emphasis on the scientific support for various implantation sites.

Results

The definition of TRD is presented, as is its management scheme. The rationale behind using DBS for depression is reviewed. Five potential targets have been identified in the literature: ventral striatum/nucleus accumbens, subgenual cingulate cortex (area 25), inferior thalamic peduncle, rostral cingulate cortex (area 24a), and lateral habenula. Deep brain stimulation electrodes thus far have been implanted and activated in only the first 3 of these structures in humans. These targets have proven to be safe and effective, albeit in a small number of cases.

Conclusions

Surgical intervention for TRD in the form of DBS is emerging as a viable treatment alternative to existing modalities. Although the studies reported thus far have small sample sizes, the results appear to be promising. Various surgical targets, such as the subgenual cingulate cortex, inferior thalamic peduncle, and nucleus accumbens, have been shown to be safe and to lead to beneficial effects with various stimulation parameters. Further studies with larger patient groups are required to adequately assess the safety and efficacy of these targets, as well as the optimal stimulation parameters and long-term effects.
Modern psychosurgery before Egas Moniz: a tribute to Gottlieb Burckhardt
Authors: Manjila Sunil , Rengachary Setti , Xavier Andrew R. , Parker Brandon , Guthikonda Murali
Published: June 2008

The history of modern psychosurgery has been written in several ways, weaving around many pioneers in the field during the 19th century. Often neglected in this history is Gottlieb Burckhardt (1836–1907), who performed the first psychosurgical procedures as early as 1888, several decades before the work of Egas Moniz (1874–1955). The unconventional and original case series of Burckhardt, who claimed success in 50% of patients (3 of 6), had met with overt criticism from his contemporary medical colleagues. The authors describe 2 illustrative cases of cortical extirpation performed by Burckhardt and review his pioneering case series for surgical outcome, despite the ambiguity in postoperative evaluation criteria. Although Burckhardt discontinued the project after publication of his surgical results in 1891, neurosurgeons around the world continued to investigate psychosurgery and revitalized his ideas in 1910; psychosurgery subsequently developed into a full-fledged neurosurgical specialty.
Surgical treatment of occipital lobe epilepsy
Authors: Binder Devin K. , Von Lehe Marec , Kral Thomas , Bien Christian G. , Urbach Horst , Schramm Johannes , Clusmann Hans
Published: June 2008

Object

Occipital lobe epilepsy (OLE) accounts for a small percentage of extratemporal epilepsies and only few and mostly small patient series have been reported. Preoperative findings, surgical strategies, histopathological bases, and postoperative outcomes for OLE remain to be elucidated.

Methods

A group of 54 patients with occipital lobe involvement were identified from a prospective epilepsy surgery database established in 1989. Medical charts, surgical reports, MR imaging, and histopathology data were reviewed, and patients with additional temporal and/or parietal involvement were categorized separately. Seizure outcome was classified according to the Engel classification scheme (Classes I–IV). Two patients were excluded due to incomplete data sets. Fifty-two patients with intractable epilepsy involving predominantly the occipital lobe were included in the study, comprising 17.8% of 292 patients undergoing operations for extratemporal epilepsies.

Results

In nearly all cases (50 [96.2%] of 52), a structural lesion was visible on preoperative MR imaging. Of these cases, 29 (55.8%) had “pure” OLE with no temporal or parietal lobe involvement. Most patients (83%) had complex partial seizures, and 60% also had generalized seizures. All patients underwent occipital lesionectomies or topectomies; 9 patients (17.3%) underwent additional multiple subpial transections. Histopathology results revealed 9 cortical dysplasias (17.3%), 9 gangliogliomas (17.3%), 6 other tumors (11.5%), 13 vascular malformations (25%), and 15 glial scars (28.8%). Visual field deficits were present in 36.4% of patients preoperatively, and 42.4% had new or aggravated visual field deficits after surgery. After a mean follow-up of 80 months, 36 patients were seizure free (69.2% Engel Class I), 4 rarely had seizures (7.7% Engel Class II), 8 improved more than 75% (15.4% Engel Class III), and 4 had no significant improvement (7.7% Engel Class IV). Multifactorial logistic regression analysis revealed that early age at epilepsy manifestation (p = 0.031) and shorter epilepsy duration (p = 0.004) were predictive of better seizure control. All other clinical and surgical factors were not significant in predicting outcome.

Conclusions

Occipital lobe epilepsy is an infrequent but significant cause of extratemporal epilepsy. Satisfactory results (Engel Class I or II) were obtained in 77% of patients in our series. Postoperative visual field deficits occurred in a significant proportion of patients. In the modern MR imaging era, lesions should be investigated in patients with OLE and lesionectomies should be performed early for a better outcome.
Onyx in an experimental aneurysm model: histological and angiographic results
Authors: Struffert Tobias , Roth Christian , Romeike Bernd , Grunwald Iris O. , Reith Wolfgang
Published: June 2008

Object

The use of liquid embolic agents for endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms is evolving. The authors' aim was to evaluate the use of Onyx HD-500 in an experimental aneurysm model and to obtain histological and angiographic long-term results.

Methods

Ten aneurysms were created using an elastase model in rabbits. The aneurysms were embolized using Onyx in combination with an inflated balloon. One animal died 1 day after embolization. The animals were divided into 2 different groups. The animals in the first group (4 rabbits) were killed at 3 months and those in the second group (5 rabbits) were killed at 6 months after embolization. A venous control angiogram was obtained, and the aneurysms were examined histologically.

Results

In both groups control angiograms demonstrated that all aneurysms were completely occluded. There were no signs of recanalization. Migration of Onyx was seen in 4 animals, leading to the death of 1. Histological examination not only proved the aneurysms to be occluded but also demonstrated a thin layer of endothelium at the neck of the aneurysm. The histological result was identical in both groups.

Conclusions

This is the first study reporting the formation of a neointima over the neck of aneurysms embolized with Onyx in a rabbit model. Although the technique is challenging and migration of the liquid embolic agent cannot always be prevented, Onyx has a great potential to achieve a durable occlusion of aneurysms.
Short-lasting, unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing syndrome treated successfully with transsphenoidal resection of a growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma
Authors: Adamo Matthew A. , Drazin Doniel , Popp A. John
Published: June 2008

Short-lasting, unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) syndrome was first described in 1978 as one of the trigeminal autonomic cephalgias. In this paper the authors present a patient with a growth hormone–secreting pituitary adenoma who experienced resolution of SUNCT syndrome after transsphenoidal tumor resection.
Metachronous mature teratoma in the corpus callosum occurring 12 years after a pineal germinoma
Authors: Kamoshima Yuuta , Sawamura Yutaka , Iwasaki Motoyuki , Iwasaki Yoshinobu , Sugiyama Kazuhiko
Published: June 2008

The authors report a metachronous germ cell tumor with different histological type occurring 12 years after resection of a pineal germinoma. Histological examination of the original tumor revealed germinoma without any other component of germ cell tumor, and the patient underwent chemotherapy followed by 24 Gy of localized irradiation. Twelve years later, follow-up MR imaging showed a round mass in the genu of the corpus callosum. Two courses of chemotherapy were administered, but the tumor size remained stable. A second operation was performed and this second tumor was completely removed. The histological diagnosis was mature teratoma. The second tumor was considered as a metachronous mature teratoma rather than a recurrence of the original germinoma. To the authors' knowledge, this combination of metachronous germ cell tumor has not previously been reported in the literature
Long-term follow-up of Huntington disease treated by bilateral deep brain stimulation of the internal globus pallidus
Authors: Biolsi Brigitte , Cif Laura , Fertit Hassan El , Robles Santiago Gil , Coubes Philippe
Published: June 2008

Deep brain stimulation is now accepted as a safe and efficient treatment for movement disorders including selected types of dystonia and dyskinesia. Very little, however, is known about its effect on other movement disorders, particularly for “choreic” movements. Huntington disease is a fatal autosomal-dominant neurodegenerative disorder characterized by movement disorders, progressive cognitive impairment, and psychiatric symptoms. Bilateral chronic stimulation of the internal globus pallidus was performed to control choreic movements in a 60-year-old man with a 10-year history of Huntington disease. Chronic deep brain stimulation resulted in remarkable improvement of choreic movements. Postoperative improvement was sustained after 4 years of follow-up with a marked improvement in daily quality of life.
Schwannoma of the intermediate nerve
Authors: Scheller Christian , Rachinger Jens , Prell Julian , Kornhuber Malte , Strauss Christian
Published: June 2008

The intermediate nerve is seldom identified as the site of tumor origin in cerebellopontine angle schwannomas. A 29-year-old man presented with a 6-month history of slowly progressive hearing loss and dizziness; facial nerve weakness was not observed clinically. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a tumor in the left cerebellopontine angle region extending up to the geniculate ganglion and along the course of the superficial petrosal nerve. A CT scan showed enlargement of the facial nerve canal. Microsurgery was performed via an extended retrosigmoid approach. Intraoperative and electrophysiological findings identified the intermediate nerve as the site of tumor origin.
Sublabial–endonasal approach to the sella turcica
Authors: Kerr P. Benjamin , Oldfield Edward H.
Published: June 2008

In this paper the authors describe the sublabial-endonasal-transsphenoidal approach to the sella turcica, a modification that combines elements of the sublabial-submucosal-transseptal approach and the endonasal approach. It provides a midline, or near midline, trajectory, wide exposure of the sella, and secure speculum placement on the osseous edge of the pyriform aperture, while avoiding dissection of the nasal mucosa, and it can be used for microscopic and endoscopic surgery.
Utility of multislice computed tomography and reformatted images: identification of migratory intraventricular clot exacerbating obstructive hydrocephalus
Authors: Khan Rihan , Mamourian Alexander C. , Radwan Tarek
Published: June 2008

Multidetector CT has become widely available and with it the ability to rapidly create detailed reformatted images. Multiplanar images can be created depicting the anatomy in planes other than the traditional axial plane, using isotropic to near-isotropic data. It is important for both clinicians and radiologists to be aware of this capability in order to take advantage of such images. To illustrate the value of this type of imaging, the authors present a case of a third ventricular clot that migrated into the cerebral aqueduct exacerbating hydrocephalus.
Potential heating caused by intraparenchymal intracranial pressure transducers in a 3-tesla magnetic resonance imaging system using a body radiofrequency resonator: assessment of the Codman MicroSensor Transducer
Authors: Newcombe Virginia F. J. , Hawkes Robert C. , Harding Sally G. , Willcox Roslyn , Brock Sarah , Hutchinson Peter J. , Menon David K. , Carpenter T. Adrian , Coles Jonathan P.
Published: June 2008

Magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy may provide important clinical information in the acute stages of brain injury. For this to occur it must be ensured that intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring devices are safe to bring into the MR imaging suite. The authors tested a Codman MicroSensor ICP Transducer (Codman & Shurtleff, Inc.) within a 3-T MR imaging system using the transmit body coil and receive-only coils and the transmit-and-receive head coil. Extreme and rapid heating of 64°C was noted with the transducer wire in certain positions when using the transmit body coil and receive-only head coil. This is consistent with the phenomenon of resonance, and the probe was shown to have a distinct resonant response when coupled to HP 4195A Network Analyzer (Hewlett Packard). Coiling some of the transducer wire outside of the receive-only head coil reduced the generated current and so stopped the thermogenesis. This may be due to the introduction of a radiofrequency choke. The ICP transducer performed within clinically acceptable limits in both the static magnetic field and during imaging with high radiofrequency power when the excess wire was in this configuration. No heating was observed when a transmit-and-receive head coil was used. This study has shown when using a high-field magnet, the Codman ICP probe is MR conditional. That is, in the authors' system, it can be safely used with the transmit-and-receive head coil, but when using the transmit body coil the transducer wire must be coiled into concentric loops outside of the receive-only head coil.