bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vaginal Orgasm Is Associated with Less Use of Immature Psychological Defense Mechanisms
Authors: Brody Stuart , Costa Rui Miguel
Published: March 2008

Introduction

Freud implied a link between inability to have a vaginal orgasm and psychosexual immaturity. Since Kinsey, many sexologists have asserted that no such link exists. However, empirical testing of the issue has been lacking.

Aim

The objective was to determine the relationship between different sexual behavior triggers of female orgasm and use of immature psychological defense mechanisms.

Methods

Women reported their past month frequency of different sexual behaviors and corresponding orgasm rates and completed the Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40).

Main Outcome Measure

The association between ability to have vaginal intercourse orgasm (versus clitoral orgasm) and the use of DSQ-40 immature psychological defense mechanisms (associated with various psychopathologies) was examined.

Results

In a sample of 94 healthy Portuguese women, vaginal orgasm (triggered solely by penile–vaginal intercourse) was associated with less use of DSQ-40 immature defenses. Vaginal orgasm was associated with less somatization, dissociation, displacement, autistic fantasy, devaluation, and isolation of affect. Orgasm from clitoral stimulation or combined clitoral-intercourse stimulation was not associated with less use of immature defenses, and was associated with more use of some immature defenses. In one regression analysis, more masturbation and less vaginal orgasm consistency made independent contributions to the statistical prediction of immature defenses. In another regression analysis, any use of extrinsic clitoral stimulation for intercourse orgasm, and lack of any vaginal orgasm, made independent contributions to the statistical prediction of immature defenses. Vaginally anorgasmic women had immature defenses scores comparable to those of established (depression, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive–compulsive disorder) outpatient psychiatric groups. Results were not confounded by social desirability responding or relationship quality.

Conclusions

The results linking penile–vaginal orgasm with less use of immature psychological defense mechanisms are consistent with both early psychoanalytic personality theory and recent advances in sexual physiology. Implications for diagnosis and sex therapy are noted.
Therapeutic Response after First Month of Tadalafil Treatment Predicts 12 Months Treatment Continuation in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction: Results from the DETECT Study
Authors: Roumeguère Thierry , Verheyden Benny , Arver Stefan , Bitton Alain , Belger Mark , Schmitt Henry , for the DETECT study investigators
Published: March 2008

Introduction

The DETECT study is a prospective, 12-month, European, multicenter, observational study of patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) initiating or changing treatment to tadalafil in routine clinical practice.

Aim

To determine the effectiveness of tadalafil and the factors associated with the continuation of treatment for ED at 12 months.

Methods

The DETECT study included 1,900 men aged 18 years and older with a history of ED and who were initiating or changing treatment to tadalafil.

Main Outcome Measures

Sexual function at baseline, 1, 6, and 12 months was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function-erectile function (IIEF-EF) domain. Factors associated with treatment continuation at 12 months were evaluated using multivariate regression analysis.

Results

At 12 months, 1,319 (84%) of 1,567 patients who completed the questionnaire reported continued use of tadalafil. Among these patients, tadalafil was highly effective: 94%, 95%, and 71% with severe, moderate, and mild ED at baseline, respectively, improved by at least one IIEF-EF category and 65% had normal EF. Five factors were associated with tadalafil continuation at 12 months: (i) ED severity at 1 month (based on IIEF-EF domain score); (ii) tolerance to treatment at 1 month; (iii) age younger than 60 years; (iv) number of sexual attempts in the first month; and (v) no history of pelvic surgery. Patient and partner factors at baseline were not significantly associated with continued tadalafil use.

Conclusions

Tadalafil is an effective treatment for ED in routine clinical practice. The therapeutic response and treatment tolerance after 1-month treatment are the most important factors influencing tadalafil continuation.
Recreational Use of PDE5 Inhibitors by Young Healthy Men: Recognizing This Issue Among Medical Students
Authors: Korkes Fernando , Costa-Matos André , Gasperini Renato , Reginato Pedro V. , Perez Marjo D.C.
Published: March 2008

Introduction

In recent years, recreational use of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors has become popular as a sexual enhancement aid among some men without erectile dysfunction (ED) and even among women.

Aim

The aim of the present study, therefore, was to investigate the recreational use of PDE5 among young and healthy men.

Main Outcome Measures

We evaluated the use of PDE5 inhibitors among young and healthy men, their main reasons for using these drugs, and their expectations regarding its effects.

Methods

A survey was carried out among 167 male medical students (21.2 ± 2.3 years, range 17–31). The surveys were divided into domains, assessing epidemiological data, use of PDE5 inhibitor, and the simplified International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5).

Results

All men considered themselves with perfect erectile function. However, 9% reported previous use of PDE5 inhibitors. Of these, 46.7% had used PDE5 inhibitors more than three times, and 71.4% had mixed them with alcohol. Among this group of men, 13.3% had ED according to the IIEF-5. ED occurring with condom use, however, was twice more common, and 71.4% of the men who had taken PDE5 inhibitors thought that the drug had potential to facilitate condom use.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the use of PDE5 inhibitors by young men is more frequent than previously reported. Condom-related ED seems to be an underestimated problem, frequently solved with PDE5 inhibitors. However, potential deleterious effects might exist. Because PDE5 inhibitors are being used as non-prescribed drugs by as much as 9% of young men, further studies must evaluate the effects of these drugs in young and healthy men.
Clinical Implications of a Close Vicinity of Nervus Dorsalis Penis/Clitoridis and Os Pubis
Authors: Šedý Jiří , Naňka Ondřej , Špačková Jana , Jarolím Ladislav
Published: March 2008

Introduction

Close relation of nervus dorsalis penis/clitoris and os pubis has a major impact in surgical disciplines.

Aim

To summarize a current knowledge about this region, represented by the course of sulcus nervi dorsalis penis/clitoridis.

Methods

Literature search of years 1970–2007.

Main Outcome Measures

In male, it accommodates nervus dorsalis penis whereas in female nervus et arteria dorsalis clitoridis. Lateral border of sulcus nervi dorsalis penis corresponds to vertical ridge and lateral border of sulcus nervi dorsalis clitoridis to ventral arc—two parameters, which are parts of the Phenice's method for sexing of isolated os pubis.

Results

Exact preparation of nervus dorsalis penis is crucial in correct performance of conversion of genitalia in patients with transsexualism, in reconstruction of posterior urethra, in hypospadia, during performance of penile blockade during circumcision and in revascularization surgery of erectile dysfunction. Possible role of the sulcus nervi dorsalis penis in the Alcock's syndrome is discussed. Similarly, it is advisable to take care of nervus dorsalis clitoridis during reduction clitoridoplasty in patients with adrenogenital syndrome and during the insertion of transobturator vaginal tape. Injury of nervus dorsalis penis/clitoridis leads to hypestesia or anestesia of glans penis/clitoridis. The injury to arteria dorsalis clitoridis leads to bleeding and/or hematoma.

Conclusions

Clinical anatomy of sulci is important in several situations in urologic surgery. It is possible to use sulcus nervi dorsalis penis/clitoridis for sexing of isolated pubis for antropological or forensic purposes.
Canadian and American Sex Therapists' Perceptions of Normal and Abnormal Ejaculatory Latencies: How Long Should Intercourse Last?
Authors: Corty Eric W. , Guardiani Jenay M.
Published: March 2008

Introduction

Lay public perceptions about how long intercourse should last are discrepant from objective data on ejaculatory latencies. This may be problematic as the subjective interpretation of latency is a factor related to perceived distress with length of intercourse.

Aim

Quantify the opinion of expert sex therapists as to what are “adequate,”“desirable,”“too short,” and “too long” intravaginal ejaculatory latencies.

Method

A random sample of members of the Society for Sex Therapy and Research in the United States and Canada was surveyed.

Main Outcome Measure

Intravaginal ejaculatory latency, in minutes, for four different conditions: coitus that lasts an amount of time that is “adequate,”“desirable,”“too short,” and “too long.”

Results

The interquartile range for the sex therapists' opinions regarding an “adequate” length for ejaculatory latency was from 3 to 7 minutes; “desirable” from 7 to 13 minutes; “too short” from 1 to 2 minutes; “too long” from 10 to 30 minutes.

Conclusions

Therapists' beliefs about ejaculatory latencies were consistent with objective data on ejaculatory latency and were not affected by therapist demographic characteristics such as sex or experience. These results suggest that the average sex therapist believes that intercourse that lasts 3 to 13 minutes is normative and not prima facie worthy of clinical concern. Dissemination to the public of these results may change lay expectations for intravaginal ejaculatory latency and prevent distress. These results may also be beneficial to couples in treatment for sexual problems by normalizing expectations.
Transsexualism in Serbia: A Twenty-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Vujovic Svetlana , Popovic Srdjan , Sbutega-Milosevic Gorica , Djordjevic Miroslav , Gooren Louis
Published: March 2008

Introduction

Gender dysphoria occurs in all societies and cultures. The prevailing social context has a strong impact on its manifestations as well as on applications by individuals with the condition for sex reassignment treatment.

Aim

To describe a transsexual population seeking sex reassignment treatment in Serbia, part of former Yugoslavia.

Methods

Data, collated over a period of 20 years, from subjects applying for sex reassignment to the only center in Serbia, were analyzed retrospectively.

Main Outcome Measures

Age at the time of application, demographic data, family background, sex ratio, the prevalence of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) among female-to-male (FTM) transsexuals, and readiness to undergo surgical sex reassignment were tabulated.

Results

Applicants for sex reassignment in Serbia are relatively young. The sex ratio is close to 1:1. They often come from single-child families. More than 10% do not wish to undergo surgical sex reassignment. The prevalence of PCOS among FTM transsexuals was higher than in the general population but considerably lower than that reported in the literature from other populations. Of those who had undergone sex reassignment, none expressed regret for their decision.

Conclusions

Although transsexualism is a universal phenomenon, the relatively young age of those applying for sex reassignment and the sex ratio of 1:1 distinguish the population in Serbia from others reported in the literature.
Normal Variations in Personality are Associated with Coital Orgasmic Infrequency in Heterosexual Women: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Harris Juliette M. , Cherkas Lynn F. , Kato Bernet S. , Heiman Julia R. , Spector Tim D.
Published: March 2008

Introduction

As many as 20–30% of women report an inability to orgasm during sexual intercourse. Some female sexual problems have been reported to cluster with psychological and social problems. Underlying personality type may play a role in the development or maintenance of such problems.

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate whether certain domains of personality are associated with female coital orgasmic infrequency. To our knowledge this is the first such study in a large unselected population.

Methods

A total of 2632 women (mean age 51) from the TwinsUK registry completed questionnaires relating to personality and sexual behavior. Personality domains were assessed using the validated Ten-Item Personality Index (TIPI). Coital orgasmic frequency was measured using a seven-point Likert scale.

Main Outcome Measures

Using logistic regression, we investigated whether variations in five domains of personality are associated with female coital orgasmic infrequency. Discordant twin analysis was used to verify findings.

Results

Introversion (odds ratio [OR] 2.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7–3.7), emotional instability (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.3–3.1), and not being open to new experience (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.6–3.6) were significantly associated with orgasmic infrequency, whereas indices of agreeableness and conscientiousness were not significantly associated with orgasm frequency.

Conclusion

Specific personality subtypes appear to be significant risk factors for orgasmic infrequency. Consideration of these behavioral risk factors may need to be incorporated into research into female orgasmic disorder, and possible approaches to its treatment.
Cigarette Smoking and Erectile Dysfunction: Focus on NO Bioavailability and ROS Generation
Authors: Tostes Rita C. , Carneiro Fernando S. , Lee Anthony J. , Giachini Fernanda R.C. , Leite Romulo , Osawa Yoichi , Webb R. Clinton
Published: March 2008

Introduction

Thirty million men in the United States suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED) and this number is expected to double by 2025. Considered a major public health problem, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients and their partners, ED becomes increasingly prevalent with age and chronic smoking is a major risk factor in the development of ED.

Aim

To review available evidence concerning the effects of cigarette smoking on vascular changes associated with decreased nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.

Methods

We examined epidemiological and clinical data linking cigarette smoking and ED, and the effects of smoking on vascular NO bioavailability and ROS generation.

Main Outcome Measures

There are strong parallels between smoking and ED and considerable evidence supporting the concept that smoking-related ED is associated with reduced bioavailability of NO because of increased ROS.

Results

Cigarette smoking-induced ED in human and animal models is associated with impaired arterial flow to the penis or acute vasospasm of the penile arteries. Long-term smoking produces detrimental effects on the vascular endothelium and peripheral nerves and also causes ultrastructural damage to the corporal tissue, all considered to play a role in chronic smoking-induced ED. Clinical and basic science studies provide strong indirect evidence that smoking may affect penile erection by the impairment of endothelium-dependent smooth muscle relaxation or more specifically by affecting NO production via increased ROS generation. Whether nicotine or other products of cigarette smoke mediate all effects related to vascular damage is still unknown.

Conclusions

Smoking prevention represents an important approach for reducing the risk of ED. The characterization of the components of cigarette smoke leading to ED and the mechanisms by which these components alter signaling pathways activated in erectile responses are necessary for a complete comprehension of cigarette smoking-associated ED.
Growth of laboratory‐reared ship rats (Rattus rattus L.)
Authors: BENTLEY E. W. , TAYLOR EILEEN J.
Published: March 2008

Mean weight‐on‐age curves for eighty‐two male and sixty‐five female Rattus rattus reared in the laboratory show that at birth the males were slightly heavier on the average than the females; for a week or two the females gained weight more quickly, but at 5–6 weeks of age the males became significantly heavier again and remained so. A change in growth rate seemed to occur in both sexes at about 7 days and again at about 6 weeks in the males and at 8–9 weeks in the females. In the females initial weight was significantly correlated with maximum weight: in the males it was significantly negatively correlated with the age at which maximum weight was achieved.

In both sexes, at all ages from birth onwards, some rats weighed twice as much as others. This militates against the use in the field of weight as a guide to age. Variability in weight was very largely a consequence of differences between litters.

The mean maximum weight attained by seventy‐two males was 215g.; the heaviest weighed 305g. The mean maximum reached by fifty females was 173g. and the heaviest weighed 260g. The mean age of attainment of maximum weight was 504 days for males and 553 days for females: the difference was not significant.

The mean age at death of the males that died of 'natural' causes was 779: that of the females was 837 days. This difference was also non‐significant. Longevity was significantly correlated with both maximum weight and the age at which it was attained. Life tables are presented for male and female rats that survived to 35 days and died both from 'natural' causes and from all causes. Factors are given for calculating the corresponding probabilities of survival from birth.

The average number of rats per litter was 6·2: the ratio of the two sexes at birth did not differ significantly from unity.

No differences in body weight could be distinguished between the two colour forms of Rattus rattus that are commonest in Britain.
The ingestion of nitrogen and solid matter from Vicia faba by Aphis fabae Scop.
Authors: BANKS C. J. , MACAULAY E. D. M.
Published: March 2008

Aphis fabae were reared on two varieties of field bean (Vicia faba) on which they differ in fecundity, and the total amounts of solids and nitrogen ingested and assimilated during larval life and during the reproductive and early post‐reproductive life were estimated. Larvae ingested 0·7–0·8mg. solids containing 0·02–0·03mg. nitrogen in 7 days of larval life; they ingested and excreted more solids and nitrogen from one variety. Adult virginoparae ingested 4·4–4·9mg. solids containing 0·08–0·09mg. nitrogen during the reproductive life of 3 weeks; they ingested almost equal amounts of solids from each variety and, like the larvae, assimilated about 20%; their dry weights increased slowly during reproductive life and rapidly during early post‐reproductive life. Adults assimilated 70% and larvae 50% of the nitrogen ingested and, although larvae assimilated and excreted significantly more nitrogen on one variety, the adults assimilated more nitrogen on the other variety, on which they produced significantly more larvae. The nitrogen content of the sap of both varieties seems more than adequate for the aphids to grow and reproduce and did not determine fecundity.
The species, aerial density and sexual maturity of Thysanoptera caught in mass flights
Authors: LEWIS T.
Published: March 2008

The commonest Thysanoptera in mass flights between ground level and 1000 ft. in south‐east England are females of species dwelling on grasses and cereals. Individuals with immature ovaries probably disperse over the greatest distances. Aerial densities as large as 60,000 thrips per 106 cu. ft. were recorded.
Treatment of soil with chemicals to prevent transmission of tomato blackring and raspberry ringspot viruses by Longidorus elongatus (de Man)
Authors: MURANT A. F. , TAYLOR C. E.
Published: March 2008

The use of chemical soil treatments to control the nematode, Longidorus elongatus, which transmits raspberry ringspot and tomato blackring viruses, was studied in a 4‐year field trial.

In untreated soil, after an overwinter fallow, the nematodes lost their infectivity, but regained it in the spring from germinating infected weed seeds. In soil treated with D‐D (with or without a surface seal of solubilized xylenols) at 400 lb./acre, 95% of the L. elongatus were killed. This treatment, and that with 20% quintozene at 1200 lb./acre, prevented transmission of virus to Talisman strawberries throughout the 4‐year experiment.

In both treated and untreated soils, L. elongatus populations increased about fourfold each year after strawberries were planted but, because of the initial kill, the populations in the D‐D plots at the end of the experiment were approximately only one‐eighth of those in the control plots.

After the first year, both D‐D and quintozene treatments led to significant increases in crop, reaching 130% in the third fruiting season.

Metham‐sodium and thiram, at the doses used, were only partially effective as nematicides: by the end of the second growing season the numbers of L. elongatus in the plots receiving these treatments equalled those in the untreated soil, and the infectivity had returned almost to its original level.
Studies on plant growth‐regulating substances. XX. The metabolism of γ‐(2,4,5‐trichlorophenoxy)butyric acid in wheat and pea stem tissues
Authors: BALAYANNIS P. G. , SMITH M. S. , WAIN R. L.
Published: March 2008

Gas chromatography has been used to study the capacity of wheat and pea stem tissues and growing seedlings to degrade the side chain of γ‐(2,4,5‐trichlorophenoxy)butyric acid. The substance was converted to its acetic derivative in wheat, presumably undergoing β‐oxidation within the tissues. No evidence for such breakdown was obtained in pea stems. The results are fully consistent with the earlier findings of Wain and Wightman who studied these same systems by other methods.
Factors in testing fungicides against powdery mildews. II. Tests against oat powdery mildew in the greenhouse
Authors: ZARACOVITIS C.
Published: March 2008

Some factors affecting fungicidal efficiency were studied during greenhouse tests with Erysiphe graminis on oat seedlings. In a comparison of non‐ionic, cationic and anionic surface‐active compounds, for formulating chemicals for testing, 'Ethylan CP' at 0·0025% in demineralized water at 30°C., plus 1–2% of acetone or ethyl alcohol, was found satisfactory and was used throughout later work. Studies of the effect of time of eradicant application on the efficacy of 'dinocap', lauric acid and a captan analogue demonstrated that these chemicals applied 24 hr. after inoculation were significantly less effective than at 48 and 72 hr. Fungitoxicity trials using a homologous series of n‐alkyl fatty acids and related compounds showed that lauric acid applied at 2·5 X 10‐4m as an eradicant 48 hr. after inoculation gave 99% reduction of infection. Of the related compounds, n‐alkylamines with 11–13 carbon atoms equalled the acids in activity, but the amides and fatty alcohols at the same molar concentration were inactive.
Single‐bath hot‐water treatment for the control of loose smut (Ustilago nuda) in cereals
Authors: DOLING D. A.
Published: March 2008

The single‐bath hot‐water treatments for the control of loose smut in wheat and barley give satisfactory results over a range of time/temperature combinations. Thus the soaking period recommended for wheat ranges from 1 1/2–2 hr. at 120°F. (49°C.) to 5–6 hr. at 105°F. (41°C): for barley the range is from 1 1/2 hr. at 120 to 5 hr. at 105°F. The general relationship in these treatments may be expressed as t=k logh+c, where t= temperature, h= minimum no. of hours required and k and c are constants.
Some ecological factors influencing the proportion of loose smut (Ustilago nuda (Jens.) Rostr.) in wheat crops
Authors: DOLING D. A.
Published: March 2008

Cappelle–Desprez winter wheat produced different proportions of smutted ears when grown at several centres throughout the country. This variation was not simply related to crop density, though plots which showed poor establishment in 1961/62 gave very low numbers of smutted ears.

After grading the seed it was found that the smallest seed size contained a higher proportion of smutted grains.

Spaced‐plant studies showed that the earing capacity of healthy and infected seedlings differed. The number of smutted ears per infected plant was less than the number of ears per healthy plant and the proportion of smutted ears decreased as the total number of ears of an infected plant increased.

It is concluded that the differences in the proportion of smutted ears at different centres could be the result of competition for establishment between healthy and infected seedlings or be due to the differential tillering capacity of the two kinds of plants.
The epidemiology of Phytophthora infestans. IV. Spraying trials, 1959 to 1963, and the infection of tubers
Authors: HIRST J. M. , STEDMAN O. J. , LACEY J. , HIDE G. A.
Published: March 2008

The methods needed to decrease losses from potato blight in the variety Majestic are different from those required for King Edward. Few Majestic tubers become infected and control depends chiefly on prolonging the life of the haulm to ensure the maximum yield of tubers. With King Edward, infected tubers often cause more loss than premature defoliation. Tuber infection often occurs very early in the attacks, when profuse sporulation coincides with sufficient rain to penetrate through soil to the tubers.

Spraying with fungicide delayed initial tuber infection of King Edward but did not necessarily decrease the proportion of tubers infected at harvest. The largest yield of sound tubers from fungicide‐sprayed plots in the 1960 epidemic was obtained after killing the haulm when only 5% had been destroyed by blight. Allowing the foliage to survive later than this stage did not increase the yield of sound tubers even in years when blight attacks were late and slow. Protection with fungicide and haulm destruction are complementary treatments, both of which require careful timing to obtain the best result with tuber‐susceptible varieties.
Seasonal fluctuations in spore concentrations of Podosphaera leucotricha (Ell. and Ev.) Salm. in relation to the incidence of leaf infections
Authors: BURCHILL R. T.
Published: March 2008

In spore trapping studies in 1963 and 1963, apple mildew (Podosphaera leucotricha (Ell. and Ev.) Salm.) conidia were not detected in the atmosphere until just before the pink bud stage. Spore concentrations reached a maximum in June, thereafter a series of minor peaks occurred until the end of September in 1962 and the end of August in 1963.

The June peak of spore release was followed approximately 2 weeks later by a rise in the incidence of new leaf infections.

The importance to the perennation of the disease of these high spore concentrations and possible methods of restricting their increase are discussed.
The toxicity of nonyl phenol ethoxylate to the developmental stages of the rainbow trout, Salmo gairdnerii Richardson
Authors: MARCHETTI R.
Published: March 2008

Successive developmental stages of Salmo gairdnerii showed marked differences in their resistance to the action of the non‐ionic surfactant, nonyl phenol ethoxylate. The alevins, immediately after hatching, were highly resistant and survived concentrations of up to 42 p.p.m. for 6 hr. This resistance gradually decreased with the absorption of the yolk sac: when the yolk had been completely absorbed and before the fry had fed the lethal concentration was 2·5 p.p.m.

After several days of feeding, resistance slightly increased but showed no further rise after 15 days. A concentration of 5·2 p.p.m. of nonyl phenol ethoxylate for 6 hr. was toxic both to 40‐ and to 210‐day‐old fish.

It is considered that these changes in resistance are not correlated with changes in respiratory activity of the fish but with their water metabolism.
Comparative assessment of dosage distributions in cotton resulting from helicopter and ground‐spray treatments
Authors: JOHNSTONE D. R. , MATTHEWS G. A.
Published: March 2008

The distribution of carbaryl resulting from helicopter and ground spray applications on Rhodesian‐grown cotton plants at different stages of growth has been measured. Results for dosage distributions on leaves indicate that at all stages of growth the deposit after helicopter spraying was greatest on the top part of the plant, particularly on the upper surface of the leaves. In general considerably more even cover, though again with higher relative deposit on the upper leaf surface, was recorded after the ground spray treatments.
Field experiments with chat‐fruit virus disease of apple
Authors: POSNETTE A. F. , CROPLEY R.
Published: March 2008

Using the indicator variety, Lord Lambourne, apple chat‐fruit virus was detected in some plants of the apple rootstock clones M. IV and M. VII but not in clones M. I, M. II, M. III, M. IX, M. XII, M. XVI and Crab C. The virus occurred in three nurserymen's Lord Lambourne scion material but not in that of a fourth.

Fruit weights were more reliable than visual observations for diagnosis of chat‐fruit disease, especially in young trees. Natural spread of the disease in these field trials was very slow and insufficient to interfere with interpretation of results.

Infection was not fully systemic in apple trees, so that both healthy and infected trees were propagated from affected trees, some buds from which, when used as graft‐inoculum, transmitted the virus to test trees while others did not.

Two previously unrecorded effects of chat‐fruit disease were observed: circular spots on the fruit and delayed fruit drop.
The ‘hardening’ effect of lime‐sulphur sprays on maiden apple trees
Authors: LLEWELYN F. W. M.
Published: March 2008

Maiden Mailing IV apple rootstocks were sprayed with 2% lime‐sulphur on four occasions and all combinations of these occasions both in the presence and absence of weekly sprays of 0·05% didecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB). The effect of these spray schedules was measured fortnightly as the ratio of the dry weights of extension growth plus leaves of sprayed to un‐sprayed plants. DDAB had no effect upon the growth of the plants. Maximum damage from the lime‐sulphur sprays occurred during the first fortnight after spraying, the ratio rising again to unity during the next 6 weeks. Early sprays of lime‐sulphur resulted in less damage being done by later sprays, thus confirming quantitatively the reported 'hardening' effect of these sprays.
The effects of an artificial windbreak on the aerial distribution of flying insects
Authors: LEWIS T.
Published: March 2008

Suction traps were used to measure the aerial density of insects near a low, slatted wooden fence on an otherwise exposed plot. When winds blew approximately at right angles to the fence insects gathered in the air near to it, especially to leeward, where they were from 2 to 27 times as concentrated as elsewhere. The increases in concentration extended farther to leeward for day‐flying insects than for night‐flyers. These accumulations were caused mainly by wind, and turbulence in the incident air stream had a greater influence than wind velocity. The relative density profiles for winged insects, spiders and inert particles measured near the fence had much the same pattern except that, close to the fence, the insects and spiders were more concentrated than the particles; strong day‐flying insects gathered to leeward in greater numbers than weak day‐flyers or night‐flyers.
The effect of an artificial windbreak on the distribution of aphids in a lettuce crop
Authors: LEWIS T.
Published: March 2008

On an exposed plot the distribution of lettuce damaged by lettuce root aphid (Pemphigus bursarius L.) in summer was correlated with the distribution of shelter, produced by an artificial windbreak, when the aphids were migrating in spring.
Protandric simultaneous hermaphroditism in the shrimps Lysmata bahia and Lysmata intermedia
Authors: Baeza J. Antonio
Published: March 2008

Abstract. The sexual system of two peppermint shrimps, Lysmata bahia and Lysmata intermedia, inhabiting intertidal fossil coral terraces at Bocas del Toro, on the Caribbean coast of Panama, was examined. Dissections suggested that the population of each species consisted of functional males and functional simultaneous hermaphrodites. Males have cincinulli and appendices masculinae on the first and second pair of pleopods, respectively, gonopores located at the coxae of the third pair of walking legs, and ovotestes with a well‐developed male portion full of sperm, but an undeveloped female portion. Hermaphrodites lacked appendices masculinae and cincinulli. However, they have male gonopores and ovotestes with well‐developed ovaries full of mature oocytes and testes with sperm. When hermaphrodites were maintained in pairs, both molted and spawned eggs (to beneath abdomen) that continued developing after 3 d, demonstrating that hermaphrodites can reproduce as males and inseminate other hermaphrodites acting as females. The possibility of self‐fertilization or parthenogenetic reproduction was tested and disregarded, because hermaphrodites reared in isolation spawned oocytes that failed to develop, disappearing from the abdomen after 2 d. Males reared in pairs mature as hermaphrodites in <50 d, showing the ability of males to mature as hermaphrodites. These results demonstrate that L. bahia and L. intermedia are protandric simultaneous hermaphrodites, as reported for all species of this genus whose sexual system has been examined. However, the studied species featured a lifestyle, termed “tropical‐low abundance,” here not recognized previously for the genus; they occur in low abundances in tropical environments, they do not develop symbiotic associations with sessile invertebrates, and they are not conspicuously colored. Information on the sexual systems and lifestyles of more species needs to be examined before these observations can be placed into a comparative context within the genus.
Glacial Refugia of Ginkgo biloba and Human Impact on Its Genetic Diversity: Evidence from Chloroplast DNA
Authors: Gong Wei , Zeng Zhen , Chen Ye‐Ye , Chen Chuan , Qiu Ying‐Xiong , Fu Cheng‐Xin
Published: March 2008

Variations in the trnK region of chloroplast DNA were investigated in the present study using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism to detect the genetic structure and to infer the possible glacial refugia of Ginkgo biloba L. in China. In total, 220 individuals from 12 populations in China and three populations outside China were analyzed, representing the largest number of populations studied by molecular markers to date. Nineteen haplotypes were produced and haplotype A was found in all populations. Populations in south‐western China, including WC, JF, PX, and SP, contained 14 of the 19 haplotypes and their genetic diversity ranged from 0.771 4 to 0.867 6. The TM population from China also showed a high genetic diversity (H = 0.848 5). Most of the genetic variation existed within populations and the differentiation among populations was low (GST = 0.2). According to haplotype distribution and the historical record, we suggest that populations of G. biloba have been subjected to extensive human impact, which has compounded our attempt to infer glacial refugia for Ginkgo. Nevertheless, the present results suggest that the center of genetic diversity of Ginkgo is mainly in south‐western China and in situ conservation is needed to protect and preserve the genetic resources.
Relationship between the Virtual Dynamic Thinning Line and the Self‐Thinning Boundary Line in Simulated Plant Populations
Authors: Chen Kang , Kang Hong‐Mei , Bai Juan , Fang Xiang‐Wen , Wang Gang
Published: March 2008

The self‐thinning rule defines a straight upper boundary line on log‐log scales for all possible combinations of mean individual biomass and density in plant populations. Recently, the traditional slope of the upper boundary line, −3/2, has been challenged by −4/3 which is deduced from some new mechanical theories, like the metabolic theory. More experimental or field studies should be carried out to identify the more accurate self‐thinning exponent. But it's hard to obtain the accurate self‐thinning exponent by fitting to data points directly because of the intrinsic problem of subjectivity in data selection. The virtual dynamic thinning line is derived from the competition‐density (C‐D) effect as the initial density tends to be positive infinity, avoiding the data selection process. The purpose of this study was to study the relationship between the virtual dynamic thinning line and the upper boundary line in simulated plant stands. Our research showed that the upper boundary line and the virtual dynamic thinning line were both straight lines on log‐log scales. The slopes were almost the same value with only a very little difference of 0.059, and the intercept of the upper boundary line was a little larger than that of the virtual dynamic thinning line. As initial size and spatial distribution patterns became more uniform, the virtual dynamic thinning line was more similar to the upper boundary line. This implies that, given appropriate parameters, the virtual dynamic thinning line may be used as the upper boundary line in simulated plant stands.
Identification of Optimal Hyperspectral Bands for Estimation of Rice Biophysical Parameters
Authors: Wang Fu‐Min , Huang Jing‐Feng , Wang Xiu‐Zhen
Published: March 2008

The present study aims to identify the narrow spectral bands that are most suitable for characterizing rice biophysical parameters. The data used for this study come from ground‐level hyperspectral reflectance measurements for five rice species at three levels of nitrogen fertilization during the growing period. Reflectance was measured in discrete narrow bands between 350 and 2 500 nm. Observed rice biophysical parameters included leaf area index (LAI), wet biomass and dry biomass. The stepwise regression method was applied to identify the optimal bands for rice biophysical parameter estimation. This research indicated that combinations of four narrow bands in stepwise regression models explained 69% to 83% variability for LAI, 56% to 73% for aboveground wet biomass and 70% to 83% for leaf wet biomass. An overwhelming proportion of rice information was in a particular portion of near infrared (NIR) (1 100–1 150 nm), red‐edge (700–750 nm), and a longer portion of green (550–600 nm). These were followed by the moisture‐sensitive NIR (950–1 000 nm), the intermediate portion of shortwave infrared (SWIR) (1 650–1 700 nm), and another portion of NIR (1 000–1 050 nm).
Microsatellite DNA Variation of the Gametophyte Clones Isolated from Introduced Laminaria japonica (Phaeophyta) and L. longissima of China and Varieties Derived from them
Authors: Li Bing‐Jun , Shi Yuan‐Yuan , Yang Guan‐Pin , Che Shi , Xiao‐Jie Li , Yi‐Zhou Cong
Published: March 2008

The variation of 90 Laminaria gametophyte clones representing the introduced Laminaria japonica (Group 1) and Laminaria longissima (Group 2), the varieties of L. japonica (Group 3) and the varieties derived from interspecific hybrids (Group 4) was determined with 18 microsatellite markers. The allelic diversity and Nei's gene diversity of Group 1 were significantly higher than those of Group 2 (2.9 vs. 1.8 and 0.414 vs. 0.161, respectively), demonstrating that the variation of the introduced L. japonica is richer than that of L. longissima. Both allelic diversity and Nei's gene diversity of Group 3 were lower than those of Group 1, indicating that only a portion of variation of L. japonica was incorporated into the varieties of L. japonica. Significant genetic differentiation was detected between four groups and between female (Population 1) and male (Population 2) gametophyte clones in each group. The variation among groups accounted for 39.95%, while that among populations accounted for 21.65% of the total. The genetic distance between Group 1 and Group 4 was obviously longer than that between Group 2 and Group 4 (0.686 vs. 0.291), indicating that maternal gametophyte clone contributed more variation to the hybrids than the paternal gametophyte clone did.
Establishment of a Multi‐color Genomic in situ Hybridization Technique to Simultaneously Discriminate the Three Interspecific Hybrid Genomes in Gossypium
Authors: Guan Bing , Wang Kai , Zhou Bao‐Liang , Guo Wang‐Zhen , Zhang Tian‐Zhen
Published: March 2008

To identify alien chromosomes in recipient progenies and to analyze genome components in polyploidy, a genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) technique that is suitable for cotton was developed using increased stringency conditions. The increased stringency conditions were a combination of the four factors in the following optimized state: 100:1 ratio of blocking DNA to probe, 60% formamide wash solution, 43 °C temperature wash and a 13 min wash. Under these specific conditions using gDNA from Gossypium sturtianum (C1C1) as a probe, strong hybridization signals were only observed on chromosomes from the C1 genome in somatic cells of the hybrid F1 (G. hirsutum × G. sturtianum) (AtDtC1). Therefore, GISH was able to discriminate parental chromosomes in the hybrid. Further, we developed a multi‐color GISH to simultaneously discriminate the three genomes of the above hybrid. The results repeatedly displayed the three genomes, At, Dt, and C1, and each set of chromosomes with a unique color, making them easy to identify. The power of the multi‐color GISH was proven by analysis of the hexaploid hybrid F1 (G. hirsutum × G. australe) (AtAtDtDtG2G2). We believe that the powerful multi‐color GISH technique could be applied extensively to analyze the genome component in polyploidy and to identify alien chromosomes in the recipient progenies.
High‐throughput Procedure for Single Pollen Grain Collection and Polymerase Chain Reaction in Plants
Authors: Chen Ping‐Hua , Pan Yong‐Bao , Chen Ru‐Kai
Published: March 2008

Single pollen grain polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has succeeded in several species, however only limited numbers of pollen grains were involved due to difficulties in pollen isolation and lysis. This has limited its application in genetic analysis and mapping studies in plants. A high‐throughput (HT) procedure for collecting and detecting genetic variation in a large number of individual pollen grains by PCR is reported. The HT procedure involved the collection of individual pollen grains by a pair of special forceps and the lysis of pollen grains in a heated alkali/detergent solution followed by neutralization with a tris‐ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (TE) buffer. These resulting template solutions yielded PCR reactions involving the 5S ribosomal RNA intergenic spacers, randomly amplified polymorphic DNA, and simple sequence repeats markers. Using this procedure, one person with experience could collect and process up to 288 single pollen grain PCR reactions per day. The method worked well on sugarcane, corn, Miscanthus spp., snap bean, sorghum, and tomato. The ability to collect and conduct PCR on individual pollen grains on a large scale offers a new approach to genetic analyses and mapping studies in an easily controllable environment with a considerable cost reduction. The method will also significantly benefit studies in species that are difficult subjects for classical genetic research.
Phenotypic Characterization, Genetic Analysis and Gene‐mapping for a Brittle Mutant in Rice
Authors: Xu Jian‐Di , Zhang Quan‐Fang , Zhang Tao , Zhang Hong‐Yu , Xu Pei‐Zhou , Wang Xu‐Dong , Wu Xian‐Jun
Published: March 2008

Plant mechanical strength is an important agronomic trait of rice. An ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS)
‐induced rice mutant, fragile plant 2 (fp2), showed morphological changes and reduced mechanical strength. Genetic analysis indicated that the brittle of fp2 was controlled by a recessive gene. The fp2 gene was mapped on chromosome 10. Anatomical analyses showed that the fp2 mutation caused the reduction of cell length and cell wall thickness, increasing of cell width, and the alteration of cell wall structure as well as the vessel elements. The consequence was a global alteration in plant morphology. Chemical analyses indicated that the contents of cellulose and lignin decreased, and hemicelluloses and silicon increased in fp2. These results were different from the other mutants reported in rice. Thus, fp2 might affect the deposition and patterning of microfibrils, the biosynthesis and deposition of cell wall components, which influences the formation of primary and secondary cell walls, the thickness of cell walls, cell elongation and expansion, plant morphology and plant strength in rice.
Water Sources of Dominant Species in Three Alpine Ecosystems on the Tibetan Plateau, China
Authors: Duan De‐Yu , Ouyang Hua , Song Ming‐Hua , Hu Qi‐Wu
Published: March 2008

Plant water sources were estimated by two or three compartment linear mixing models using hydrogen and oxygen isotope (δD and δ18O) values of different components such as plant xylem water, precipitation and river water as well as soil water on the Tibetan Plateau in the summer of 2005. Four dominant species (Quercus aquifolioides, Pinus tabulaeformis, Salix rehderiana and Nitraria tangutorum) in three typical ecosystems (forest, shrub and desert) were investigated in this study. Stable isotope ratios of the summer precipitations and the soil water presented variations in spatial and temporal scales. δ18O values of N. tangutorum xylem water were constant in the whole growth season and very similar to those of deep soil water. Water sources for all of the plants came from both precipitations and soil water. Plants switched rapidly among different water sources when environmental water conditions changed. Rainwater had different contributions to the plants, which was influenced by amounts of precipitation. The percentage of plant xylem water derived from rainwater rose with an increase in precipitation. Water sources for broad‐leaved and coniferous species were different although they grew in the same environmental conditions. For example, the broad‐leaved species Q. aquifolioides used mainly the water from deep soil, while 92.5% of xylem water of the coniferous species P. tabulaeformis was derived from rainwater during the growth season. The study will be helpful for us to fully understand responses of species on the Tibetan Plateau to changes in precipitation patterns, and to assess accurately changes of vegetation distribution in the future.
TRIPS‐Plus Implications for Access to Medicines in Developing Countries: Lessons from Jordan–United States Free Trade Agreement
Authors: El‐Said Hamed , El‐Said Mohammed
Published: March 2008

Since the establishment of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995 and implementation of the Agreement on Trade‐Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) as a result, the United States (US) sought to impose still higher levels of intellectual property rights on developing countries, a phenomenon that is commonly known today as TRIPS‐Plus. The Jordan–US FTA, signed in 2001, contains several TRIPS‐Plus rules that restrict the poor's access to medicines, and is today touted by US officials and the US Trade Representative (USTR) as a success, and providing a wide range of benefits. These benefits not only include a higher growth rate, but also more specific benefits to the pharmaceutical sector in particular, such as an improved ability to develop generic medicine and engage in new innovative research, as well as increasing the presence of and collaboration with multinational drug makers. This article analyzes in detail the TRIPS‐Plus provisions of the Jordan–US FTA. It challenges the claims that the FTA brings general and specific benefits to developing countries, and provides fresh evidence which strongly suggests that benefits from the Jordan–US FTA have been largely exaggerated while the costs underestimated.