bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ontario doctors’ attitudes toward and use of clinical practice guidelines in oncology
Authors: Graham Ian D. , Brouwers Melissa , Davies Christine , Tetroe Jacqueline
Published: May 2006

Background  Clinical practice guidelines are intended to improve patient care and outcomes. Controversy exists about the utility of guidelines and doctors’ attitudes toward them. The purpose of the survey was to determine Ontario doctors’ attitudes toward practice guidelines in general, awareness of, and attitudes about, Cancer Care Ontario’s Practice Guideline Initiative and the evidence‐based guidelines it produces, self‐reported use of guidelines and, factors related to guideline use.

Methods  We conducted a cross‐sectional, self‐administered postal survey of 1034 Ontario doctors who treat cancer. Main outcome measures were attitudes toward practice guidelines in general, attitudes towards those developed by Cancer Care Ontario’s Practice Guideline Initiative, and self‐reported use of practice guidelines.

Findings  A total of 520 doctors responded producing a 57% survey response rate. Ontario doctors are quite positive about practice guidelines in general and those developed by Cancer Care Ontario. Forty‐four per cent reported using guidelines routinely or most of the time. Positive attitudes towards guidelines in general and the Ontario cancer guidelines specifically were related to more frequent reported use of guidelines. Other factors related to frequent reported use of guidelines included being a medical oncologist, treating gynaecological cancers and not other types of cancers.

Interpretation  Ontario doctors have positive attitudes toward practice guidelines and report frequent use of them. By understanding the relationship between doctors’ perceptions of specific guidelines and their subsequent adherence to them, guideline developers will be better positioned to produce quality evidence‐based guidelines that doctors will find acceptable, and therefore, be more predisposed to use.
Evaluation of the uses of aspirin, statins and ACEIs/ARBs in a diabetes outpatient population in southern Thailand
Authors: Pongwecharak J. , Maila‐ead C. , Sakulthap J. , Sripanitkulchai N.
Published: May 2006

Objective  To evaluate the uses of aspirin, statins and angiotensin converting enzymes inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEIs/ARBs) in a diabetes population in southern Thailand.

Methods  A review of outpatient medical records at the diabetic clinics of the regional hospital (n = 304) and a community hospital (n = 313), and a review of pharmacy computerized diabetes prescribing data (n = 398) of the teaching hospital. All were in the province of Songkhla, southern Thailand.

Results  A total of 1015 diabetes patients, mean age (SD) 60.1 (12.1) years, were identified, with type 2 diabetes being most prevalent (93%). Females constituted 69%. Hypertension was a co‐morbidity in almost half. Mean time (SD) since diagnosis was 5.8 (4.7) years. Where lipid profiles were available, less than one‐third achieved the target LDL‐C of <2.6 mmol L−1. Almost all patients (96%) were candidates for treatment with a statin according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommendation, whereas only 6.6 and 38.5% were actually taking one in the regional and the teaching hospital, respectively. Over 90% should have been taking primary prophylactic aspirin, whereas only 5.7–29% were actually prescribed one. A few had existing cardiovascular/cerebrovascular disease, and all were taking aspirin. There was no documented proteinuria status; however, 30–50% were on a ACEI/ARB, most likely as part of an antihypertensive regimen.

Conclusions  Aspirin as a primary prophylaxis of cardiovascular disease in diabetes is remarkably underused. Screening for albuminuria was apparently lacking. Statin therapy also presented a major deficiency. ACEI/ARB was probably prescribed for hypertension rather than in relation to proteinuria.
Automatic TEM image alignment by trifocal geometry
Authors: BRANDT S. S. , ZIESE U.
Published: May 2006

Here we propose a novel method for automatic, markerless, feature‐based alignment of TEM images suitable for electron tomography. The proposed method, termed trifocal alignment, is more accurate than the previous markerless methods. The key components developed are: (1) a reliable multi‐resolution algorithm for matching feature points between images; (2) a robust, maximum‐likelihood‐based estimator for determining the geometry of three views – the trifocal constraint – required for validating the correctness of the matches; and (3) a robust, large‐scale optimization framework to compute the alignment parameters from hundreds of thousands of feature point measurements from a few hundred images. The ability to utilize such a large number of measurements successfully compensates for point localization errors. The method was experimentally confirmed with electron tomography tilt series of biological and material sciences samples, consisting of from 40 to 150 images. The results show that, with this feature‐based alignment approach, a level of accuracy comparable with fiducial marker alignment can be achieved.
A fusion tag enabling optical marking and tracking of proteins and cells by FRET‐acceptor photobleaching
Authors: KUPPIG S. , NITSCHKE R.
Published: May 2006

Combined time‐lapse imaging with optical marking of fluorescent proteins (FPs) is a widely used method in studies of the dynamic behaviour of proteins, organelles and cell populations. Most of the approaches have specific limitations as they do not permit simultaneous observation of marked and non‐marked molecules, require co‐expression of two FP‐tagged proteins or rely on oligomerizing FPs. Here we provide a strategy to overcome such limitations with a fluorescence resonance energy transfer‐competent tandem fusion tag composed of two FPs. We combine optical marking by acceptor photobleaching with spectral imaging to discriminate between marked and non‐marked molecules. Such ‘bleach‐labelling’ may be employed in a broad range of studies for robust real‐time tracking of proteins, organelles and cells.
Inhomogeneous plastic flow investigated by X‐ray absorption microtomography of an aluminium alloy containing marker particles
Authors: HALDRUP K. , NIELSEN S. F. , BECKMANN F. , WERT J. A.
Published: May 2006

By combining a synchrotron X‐ray source and the microtomography technique, the displacement gradient tensor components can be measured directly throughout the volume of a metal sample containing highly absorbing marker particles to detect material flow. The present article describes application of these techniques to compression of a rectangular Al–W specimen with a central hole. The results show that the externally imposed axial displacement gradient is accommodated mainly in two 45° shear bands passing through the hole. A simple deformation analysis provides insight into shear band formation.
The inner ear ultrastructure from the paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) using transmission electron microscopy
Authors: LOVELL J. M. , FINDLAY M. M. , HARPER G. M. , MOATE R. M.
Published: May 2006

The structure of the hair cells on each sensory macula from the inner ear of the paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) was studied using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, revealing the nucleated cell bodies and peripheral nerve fibres of the saccule utricle and lagena. Examination of the structures within the cell body revealed comparable features with those found in the inner ear hair cells from bony fish species, although in P. spathula the afferent cell body is almost twice the size. This is the first time that the inner ear hair cells from an Acipenseriform fish have been studied using transmission microscopy, thus providing benchmark anatomical information in relation to the cellular morphology of the afferent receptors from a ‘healthy’P. spathula ear. Structural information is of assistance in the study of aquatic animal hearing for environmental monitoring purposes, as morphological data can be used to confirm if evidence of raised hearing thresholds from animals exposed to intense anthropogenic noise or other destructive agents (determined using electrophysiological or behavioural techniques) are a direct result of damage to the ultrastructure of the inner ear.
Focused ion beam milling of vitreous water: prospects for an alternative to cryo‐ultramicrotomy of frozen‐hydrated biological samples
Authors: MARKO M. , HSIEH C. , MOBERLYCHAN W. , MANNELLA C. A. , FRANK J.
Published: May 2006

The feasibility of using a focused ion beam (FIB) for the purpose of thinning vitreously frozen biological specimens for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was explored. A concern was whether heat transfer beyond the direct ion interaction layer might devitrify the ice. To test this possibility, we milled vitreously frozen water on a standard TEM grid with a 30‐keV Ga+ beam, and cryo‐transferred the grid to a TEM for examination. Following FIB milling of the vitreous ice from a thickness of approximately 1200 nm to 200–150 nm, changes characteristic of heat‐induced devitrification were not observed by TEM, in either images or diffraction patterns. Although numerous technical challenges remain, it is anticipated that ‘cryo‐FIB thinning’ of bulk frozen‐hydratred material will be capable of producing specimens for TEM cryo‐tomography with much greater efficiency than cryo‐ultramicrotomy, and without the specimen distortions and handling difficulties of the latter.
Total internal reflection fluorescence imaging using an upconverting cover slip for multicolour evanescent excitation
Authors: MORGAN C. G. , MITCHELL A. C.
Published: May 2006

Total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy is well known as a means of studying surface‐bound structures in cell biology. It is usually measured either by coupling a light source to the sample using a prism or with a special objective where light passing through the periphery of the lens illuminates the contact region beyond the critical angle. In this study we present a new and simple approach to total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy where the sample is mounted on a cover slip prepared from a high‐index upconverting glass‐ceramic. Excitation of the cover slip with a low‐cost near‐infrared laser diode generates intense narrow‐band visible emission within the cover slip, some of which is totally internally reflected. This emission gives rise to an evanescent wave at the interface and hence can excite surface‐bound fluorescent species. Depending on the excitation conditions the cover slip can generate violet, green and red emission and hence can excite a wide range of fluorescent labels. Fluorescence emission from the sample can be detected in spectral regions where the direct emission from the cover slip is very weak. The advantages and limitations of the technique are discussed in comparison with conventional total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy measurements and prospects for novel total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy geometries are considered.
Multi‐photon excitation microscopy in intact animals
Authors: ROTHSTEIN EMILY C. , NAUMAN MICHAEL , CHESNICK SCOTT , BALABAN ROBERT S.
Published: May 2006

Two‐photon excitation fluorescence microscopy and backscattered‐second harmonic generation microscopy permit the investigation of the subcellular events within living animals but numerous aspects of these experiments need to be optimized to overcome the traditional microscope geometry, motion and optical coupling to the subject. This report describes a stable system for supporting a living instrumented mouse or rabbit during endogenous reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and exogenous dye two‐photon excitation fluorescence microscopy measurements, and backscattered‐second harmonic generation microscopy measurements. The system was a modified inverted LSM510 microscope (Carl Zeiss, Inc., Thornwood, NY, U.S.A.) with a rotating periscope that converted the inverted scope to an upright format, with the objective located approximately, 15 cm from the centre of the microscope base, allowing easy placement of an instrumented animal. An Olympus 20× water immersion objective was optically coupled to the tissue, without a cover glass, via a saline bath or custom hydrated transparent gel. The instrumented animals were held on a specially designed holder that poised the animal under the objective as well as permitted different ventilation schemes to minimize motion. Using this approach, quality images were routinely collected in living animals from both the peripheral and body cavity organs. The remaining most significant issue for physiological studies using this approach is motion on the micrometre scale. Several strategies for motion compensation are described and discussed.
Specific cleavage of ribosomal RNA and mRNA during victorin‐induced apoptotic cell death in oat
Authors: Hoat Trinh X. , Nakayashiki Hitoshi , Tosa Yukio , Mayama Shigeyuki
Published: May 2006

Here we report that rRNA and mRNA are specifically degraded in oat (Avena sativa L.) cells during apoptotic cell death induced by victorin, a host‐selective toxin produced by Cochliobolus victoriae. Northern analysis indicated that rRNA species from the cytosol, mitochondria and chloroplasts were all degraded via specific degradation intermediates during victorin‐induced apoptotic cell death but, in contrast, they were randomly digested in necrotic cell death induced by 30 mm CuSO4 and heat shock. This indicates that specific rRNA cleavage could be controlled by an intrinsic program. We also observed specific cleavage of mRNA of housekeeping genes such as actin and ubiquitin during victorin‐induced cell death. Interestingly, no victorin‐induced mRNA degradation was detected with stress‐responding genes such as PR‐1, PR‐10 and GPx throughout the experimental period. The RNA degradation mostly, but not always, occurred in parallel with DNA laddering, but pharmacological studies indicated that these processes are regulated by different signaling pathways with some overlapping upstream signals.
Functional and signaling mechanism analysis of rice CRYPTOCHROME 1
Authors: Zhang Yan‐Chun , Gong Song‐Fu , Li Qing‐Hua , Sang Yi , Yang Hong‐Quan
Published: May 2006

Cryptochromes (CRY) are blue‐light photoreceptors that mediate various light responses, such as inhibition of hypocotyl elongation, enhancement of cotyledon expansion, anthocyanin accumulation and stomatal opening in Arabidopsis. The signaling mechanism of Arabidopsis CRY is mediated through direct interaction with COP1, a negative regulator of photomorphogenesis. CRY has now been characterized in tomato, pea, moss and fern, but its function in monocots is largely unknown. Here we report the function and basic signaling mechanism of rice cryptochrome 1 (OsCRY1). Overexpresion of OsCRY1b resulted in a blue light‐dependent short hypcotyl phenotype in Arabidopsis, and a short coleoptile, leaf sheath and leaf blade phenotype in rice (Oryza sativa). On fusion with β‐glucuronidase (GUS), the C‐terminal domain of either OsCRY1a (OsCCT1a) or OsCRY1b (OsCCT1b) mediated a constitutive photomorphogenic (COP) phenotype in both Arabidopsis and rice, whereas OsCCT1b mutants corresponding to missense mutations in previously described Arabidopsis cry1 alleles failed to confer a COP phenotype. Yeast two‐hybrid and subcellular co‐localization studies demonstrated that OsCRY1b interacted physically with rice COP1 (OsCOP1). From these results, we conclude that OsCRY1 is implicated in blue‐light inhibition of coleoptile and leaf elongation during early seedling development in rice, and that the signaling mechanism of OsCRY1 involves direct interaction with OsCOP1.
Nt‐RhoGDI2 regulates Rac/Rop signaling and polar cell growth in tobacco pollen tubes
Authors: Klahre Ulrich , Becker Claude , Schmitt Arno C. , Kost Benedikt
Published: May 2006

Rac/Rop‐type Rho‐family small GTPases accumulate at the plasma membrane in the tip of pollen tubes and control the polar growth of these cells. Nt‐RhoGDI2, a homolog of guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitors (GDIs) regulating Rho signaling in animals and yeast, is co‐expressed with the Rac/Rop GTPase Nt‐Rac5 specifically in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) pollen tubes. The two proteins interact with each other in yeast two‐hybrid assays, preferentially when Nt‐Rac5 is prenylated. Transient over‐expression of Nt‐Rac5 and Nt‐RhoGDI2 depolarized or inhibited tobacco pollen tube growth, respectively. Interestingly, pollen tubes over‐expressing both proteins grew normally, demonstrating that the two proteins functionally interact in vivo. Nt‐RhoGDI2 was localized to the pollen tube cytoplasm and effectively transferred co‐over‐expressed YFP–Nt‐Rac5 fusion proteins from the plasma membrane to this compartment. A single amino acid exchange (R69A), which abolished binding to Nt‐RhoGDI2, caused Nt‐Rac5 to be mis‐localized to the flanks of pollen tubes and strongly compromised its ability to depolarize pollen tube growth upon over‐expression. Based on these observations, we propose that Nt‐RhoGDI2‐mediated recycling of Nt‐Rac5 from the flanks of the tip to the apex has an essential function in the maintenance of polarized Rac/Rop signaling and cell expansion in pollen tubes. Similar mechanisms may generally play a role in the polarized accumulation of Rho GTPases in specific membrane domains, an important process whose regulation has not been well characterized in any cell type to date.
Improvement of seed yields under boron‐limiting conditions through overexpression of BOR1, a boron transporter for xylem loading, in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Miwa Kyoko , Takano Junpei , Fujiwara Toru
Published: May 2006

Soil fertilization is a common practice in modern agriculture, undertaken to prevent nutrient deficiency in crops. However, fertilization is costly and causes environmental pollution. The cultivation of plants that tolerate low nutrient supplies may circumvent this problem. Here, we report the generation of Arabidopsis thaliana plants that tolerate boron (B)‐deficient conditions due to the overexpression of BOR1, an efflux B transporter that is required for efficient xylem loading of B. In several independently generated transgenic plants expressing BOR1 or BOR1–GFP under the control of the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S RNA promoter, root‐to‐shoot translocation of B was enhanced and shoot growth was greater under B‐limiting conditions compared with wild‐type plants. In addition, the transgenic plants showed increased translocation of B, especially to the shoot apex, and set seed normally under B‐limiting conditions, under which wild‐type plants failed to set seed. This study therefore reports plants that show improved seed yields compared with wild‐type under nutrient‐deficient conditions as a result of increased production of an essential mineral nutrient transporter.
Working towards healthy air in dwellings in Europe
Authors: Franchi M. , Carrer P. , Kotzias D. , Rameckers E. M. A. L. , Seppänen O. , Van Bronswijk J. E. M. H. , Viegi G. , Gilder J. A. , Valovirta E.
Published: May 2006

Poor indoor air quality has been implicated in the increase in allergic and respiratory diseases seen in industrialized countries in recent decades. Although air pollution in the workplace is well studied, much less is known about the consequences of poor air quality in homes. In an attempt to halt or slow down the increase in allergic and respiratory diseases, the European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients Associations (EFA) carried out the EU‐funded project entitled ‘Towards Healthy Air in Dwellings in Europe’ (THADE). The aims were to: compile an overview of evidence‐based data about exposure to indoor air pollution and its health effects, particularly in relation to allergies, asthma and other respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; review cost‐effective measures and technology to improve indoor air quality; review legislation and guidelines on indoor air pollution; produce maps of pollutants in dwellings; and recommend an integrated strategy that defines appropriate indoor air quality policies for implementation in Europe. This paper summarizes the information about air quality in dwellings and indoor environment‐related diseases collected by expert consultants within the framework of THADE and terminates with recommendations for actions aimed at improving air quality in homes. The results of this project confirmed that air pollution in dwellings is a relevant health problem. It is a complex problem that must be addressed at European and international levels, and it involves the medical profession, scientific societies, patients’ organizations, lawmakers, architects and the building industry. The complete THADE report is available at http://www.efanet.org/activities/documents/THADEReport.pdf.
Immunological mechanisms of sublingual immunotherapy
Authors: Akdis C. A. , Barlan I. B. , Bahceciler N. , Akdis M.
Published: May 2006

Administration of allergen‐specific immunotherapy by the oral route, sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), has been shown to be effective, with an improved safety profile compared with subcutaneous administration. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the induction of immune tolerance by SLIT remain unclear. Contact of the allergen with the antigen‐presenting cells in oral mucosa is likely to be critical. Mucosal Langerhans cells can capture the allergen and transport it to local lymph nodes, which may favour the induction of T lymphocytes that suppress the allergic response. In addition, the production of blocking IgG4 antibodies and the involvement of mucosal B cells appear to play a role. There is a growing evidence to support the role of regulatory T cells in controlling the development of asthma and allergic disease. Nevertheless, there remains a lack of firm evidence that SLIT induces regulatory T cells, although preliminary in vitro data suggest that SLIT may increase interleukin‐10, which has a clear role in suppressing the allergic immune response. Further studies are required to determine the involvement of regulatory T cells, the role of different dendritic cell subsets, mucosal B cells as well as the potential use of adjuvants during SLIT.
Future developments in sublingual immunotherapy
Authors: Didier A.
Published: May 2006

The increasing prevalence of allergic rhinitis and its progression to asthma has severe implications for patients and health care systems in many countries. An ideal therapy is one that is effective not only against symptoms but also towards the natural progression of the allergic disease. Immunotherapy is recognized to achieve both these aims. Administration of allergens by the sublingual route, a modality with a very low rate of systemic reactions, is widely considered a treatment of choice. However, if it is to be universally accepted, more developments are required. Although, it is effective against grass and other seasonal pollens, further controlled trials are needed to confirm its efficacy against perennial allergens. Additional studies, particularly in paediatric populations, are needed to confirm its long‐term effects on disease progression. New vaccine developments, which take into account the increasing understanding of the underlying immune mechanisms and that exploit molecular engineering techniques will create allergens that are effective, stable, risk free and easy to administer.
Factors in decision making following genetic counseling for pre‐natal diagnosis of de novo chromosomal rearrangements
Authors: Wallerstein R , Strmen V , Durcan J , White S , Bar‐Lev A , Pruski‐Clark J , Wallerstein D , McCarrier J , Twersky S
Published: May 2006

A retrospective survey of genetic counselors was conducted in order to identify practice patterns and factors that influence a patient's decision making when a de novo translocation is diagnosed pre‐natally. Different variables that influence patients' decisions about pregnancy management were assessed and compared. Specifically, the type of rearrangement and/or knowledge of the breakpoints, risks provided for abnormal outcome, anxiety, fetal ultrasound findings and personal reasons for parental decisions were evaluated. Our findings suggest that patient anxiety level significantly predicts pregnancy management decisions. This information may be of benefit in identifying potential areas of education for genetic counselors as well as other health care providers.
Performance of Timothy‐based Grass/Legume Mixtures in Cold Winter Region
Authors: Kunelius H. T. , Dürr G. H. , McRae K. B. , Fillmore S. A. E.
Published: May 2006

This study sought to identify grass/legume mixtures that increase the yield and persistence of forage stands with improved nutritive quality in cold‐winter regions, compared with the standard mixture of timothy (Phleum pratense L.)/red clover (Trifolium pratense L.)/alsike clover (Trifolium hybridum L.). Timothy was mixed with either perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis L.) or Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.). The legumes in mixtures were red clover, alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) or white clover (Trifolium repens L.). Averaged over three production years, the majority of mixtures had greater dry matter (DM) yields than the standard (8.35 t ha−1). Timothy, grown alone and in three mixtures, outyielded the standard by 19–30 %. Yield reductions in mixtures over the 3‐year period were greatest with red clover, and least with bluegrass. Mixtures with alfalfa were highest in nitrogen (28.4 g kg−1), while grasses grown alone (24.6 g kg−1) and the standard mixture (25.1 g kg−1) were the lowest in N. Mixtures with red clover or alfalfa had the least neutral detergent fibre (NDF), averaging 418 and 429 g kg−1 respectively. Mixtures including white clover were initially low in NDF at 347 g kg−1 in year 1 but increased to 550 g kg−1 in year 3 as white clover composition declined in the sward.
Influence of Soil Temperature on Seedling Emergence and Early Growth of Peanut Cultivars in Field Conditions
Authors: Prasad P. V. V. , Boote K. J. , Thomas J. M. G. , Allen L. H. , Gorbet D. W.
Published: May 2006

Peanut or groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) sown in early spring often has poor seed germination and seedling development. The influence of soil temperature on seedling emergence and early growth of six peanut cultivars (Florida MDR98, Southern Runner, Georgia Green, SunOleic 97R, Florunner and C‐99R) was studied in natural field soil profiles in temperature‐gradient greenhouses. We evaluated the influence of a range of soil temperatures by sowing at eight dates between January 2001 and May 2002 in Gainesville, Florida. On each sowing date, two additional temperature treatments (ambient and ambient +4.5 °C air temperature) were evaluated by sowing on either end of each greenhouse and applying differential heating. In total, 16 different soil temperature treatments were evaluated. Each treatment was replicated four times in four different greenhouses. Mean soil temperature from sowing to final emergence in different treatments ranged from 15 to 32 °C. Sowing date, temperature treatment and cultivar had significant effect on seedling emergence and development (V2 stage). For all cultivars, the lowest germination was observed at the earliest sowing date (coolest soil temperature). Among cultivars, Florida MDR98 was the most sensitive to reduced (cool) temperature with the lowest germination and smallest seedling size at 21 days after sowing, followed by Southern Runner. Georgia Green was the most cold‐tolerant with the highest germination, followed by SunOleic 97R. There were no significant differences among cultivars for base temperature, which averaged 11.7 and 9.8 °C for rate of emergence and rate of development to V2 stage respectively. These results imply that cultivar choice and/or genetic improvement of peanut for cold tolerance during emergence and seedling development in regions where cooler soil temperatures persist and/or regions where early sowing is desirable.
Evaluation of Genotype × Environment Interactions in Chinese Spring Wheat by the AMMI Model, Correlation and Path Analysis
Authors: Li W. , Yan Z.‐H. , Wei Y.‐M. , Lan X.‐J. , Zheng Y.‐L.
Published: May 2006

An understanding of the characteristics of crop varieties and advanced lines could help improve their cultivation and to further enhance their potential. The objectives of this study were to estimate the genotype (G), environment (E) and genotype × environment (GE) interactions on the grain yield of Chinese spring wheat genotypes in 2000 and 2001 by the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model, and to evaluate the relationships between yield and its components by correlation and path analysis. Grain yield varied from 3.9 to 5.2 t ha−1, among which SW8188 had the highest yield performance, followed by 58769‐6 and Chuannong 16. Three interaction principal components (IPC) accounted for a total of 79.99 % and 72.96 % of the interactions with 41.05 % and 52.08 % for the corresponding degrees of freedom in 2000 and 2001, respectively. When IPC3 was significant, the stability coefficient Di was more useful in the evaluation of the stability of each genotype. The estimates of Di in the 2 years indicated that the Di values varied between genotypes and years. The Di values ranged from 1.804 to 14.665 and 2.497 to 12.481 in 2000 and 2001 respectively. The suitable locations (environments) for all genotypes were characterized. These results would be useful for improving the Chinese spring wheat cultivation and improvement.
Genetic variation in wheat cadmium accumulation on soils with different cadmium concentrations
Authors: Stolt P. , Asp H. , Hultin S.
Published: May 2006

Cadmium (Cd) accumulation in wheat genotypes of spring bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and spring durum wheat (Triticum turgidum var. durum) was studied in field trials every third week throughout the growing season. The study was carried out in Sweden on three different soils and during two growing seasons. The results showed that the genetic variation in shoot and grain Cd accumulation remained consistent, regardless of soil type or growing season. In addition, it was possible to select the genotype that accumulated most Cd already at the beginning of the growing season, since this genotype also accumulated most Cd in the vegetative tissues of the shoot. These results indicate that it is possible to identify genotypes that accumulate most Cd in the grain at an early plant development stage. High Cd concentrations in the shoot were also observed to give high Cd concentrations in the grain. This indicates that the regulatory mechanism for grain Cd accumulation is not located in the shoot, but in the root or as a feature of root Cd uptake. The soil material and the soil solution at all three sites were analysed for strongly bound Cd (as extracted with 2 m HNO3), more easily plant‐available Cd (as extracted with ammonium lactate), pH, organic matter, clay content and conductivity. None of these parameters was clearly correlated to the Cd concentration in the grain.
Effect of Aqueous Leaf Leachate of Anthemis cotula– An Alien Invasive Species on Germination Behaviour of Some Field Crops
Authors: Allaie R. R. , Reshi Z. , Rashid I. , Wafai B. A.
Published: May 2006

Leaf leachate of Anthemis cotula inhibits seed germination of the commonly cultivated field crops in Kashmir valley. Among the four indices of germination (GT, S, AS, CRG), S (speed of germination) and AS (speed of accumulated germination) are sensitive enough to establish the allelopathic activity of the leaf leachate. Inhibition of seed/grain germination of the field crops showed a species‐specific and dose‐dependent response with highest inhibition occurring at 5000 ppm concentration. Brassica campestris seeds are most sensitive, whereas those of Vigna radiata are least sensitive. Interestingly, achene germination of A. cotula is promoted by its own leachate at low concentrations and inhibited at high concentrations.
Does the Honeybee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Reduce the Blooming Period of Canola?
Authors: Sabbahi R. , De Oliveira D. , Marceau J.
Published: May 2006

The aim of this study was to determine if and how the honeybee reduces the blooming period of canola (Brassica napus). Colonies were installed in different fields of canola in the Chaudiere‐Appalaches (two replicates) and Quebec City (one replicate) regions to create a density gradient of zero to three colonies per hectare. To calculate the blooming period under these conditions, 10 labelled plants were caged in the field, out of the reach of pollinators, and 10 others were labelled in the field and exposed to foragers. The number of flowers found on each plant was recorded daily. This study also aims at demonstrating that the canola plant will produce new flowers as long as it does not reach its maximum carrying capacity, thereby extending the blooming period. To simulate the fall of unfertilized flowers, a predetermined number of flowers from 20 randomly selected plants in one of the replicates were cut off every day. The plant, when it reaches its maximum carrying capacity, stops producing new flowers. With three colonies per hectare, the blooming period was reduced by 3.8 days, or 17 % compared with in the absence of pollinators. Because of the efficient pollen transfer to the stigma, the honeybees do not only cause the flower to live for a shorter period of time, but they also bring about a decrease in the number of flowers produced by the plant, thereby reducing the duration of blooming period.
Variation of Phyllosphere Microflora of Different Rice Varieties in Sri Lanka and its Relationship to Leaf Anatomical and Physiological Characters
Authors: De Costa D. M. , Rathnayake R. M. P. S. , De Costa W. A. J. M. , Kumari W. M. D. , Dissanayake D. M. N.
Published: May 2006

Anatomical and physiological characters of the leaf surface and its physico‐chemical environment substantially influence the density and diversity of phyllosphere‐inhabiting microorganisms, which may include natural antagonists of important pathogens. The objective of this investigation was to quantify the phyllosphere (i.e. leaf surface) microbial population in a range of rice varieties grown in Sri Lanka and to identify the leaf anatomical and physiological characters that determine the density and diversity of phyllosphere microbes. Fifteen rice varieties including both traditional and new high‐yielding varieties were used in a planthouse experiment and a field experiment in two consecutive seasons to quantify the phyllosphere microbial population and measure leaf characters that may influence it. There were highly significant intervarietal variations in the density and diversity of epiphytic bacterial, fungal and total microbial populations under both planthouse and field conditions. However, there was no difference between traditional and new, high‐yielding varieties in their capacity to harbour epiphytic microbes in the phyllosphere. Total microbial density (TMD) under both conditions showed positive correlations with leaf hair density, stomatal density and transpiration rate. Under planthouse conditions, TMD was also positively correlated with leaf hair length and negatively correlated with leaf temperature. These correlations can be explained in terms of providing favourable microsites on the phylloplane for epiphytic microbial growth.
Quantification and Simulation of Grazing Impacts on Soil Water in Boreal Grasslands
Authors: Donkor N. T. , Hudson R. J. , Bork E. W. , Chanasyk D. S. , Naeth M. A.
Published: May 2006

We conducted a 2‐year study in central Alberta to quantify and simulate the soil water status of boreal grasslands under three grazing systems using wapiti (Cervus elaphus Canadensis), viz. (1) ungrazed control (UNG), (2) high intensity [4.16 animal unit month per ha (AUM) ha−1 ] short‐duration grazing (SDG) and (3) moderate intensity (2.08 AUM ha−1) continuous grazing (CG). Soil water was measured from May 1997 to September 1998 to a depth of 15 cm. Total annual precipitation in 1997 and 1998 was 494 and 429 mm respectively. In both years grazing treatments reduced soil water. Soil water content under SDG was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than CG. Simulation of soil water on each grazing system was conducted using PASTURE, a simple compartmental system dynamics model. Evaluation of the model was conducted using statistical criteria that included calculation of average error, root mean square, coefficient of residual mass and modelling efficiency and comparing these statistics against optimal values. Although the model under‐predicted soil water, simulations of soil water for grazing treatments in both years were closest to measured values with modelling efficiency (how well observed values are close to simulated values) up to 68 %.
Adhesive powder uptake and transfer by Mediterranean fruit flies, Ceratitis capitata (Dipt., Tephritidae)
Authors: Barton L. , Armsworth C. , Baxter I. , Poppy G. , Gaunt L. , Nansen C.
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  EntostatTM is an electrostatically charged wax powder that is used as a carrier particle in novel delivery systems for contaminating target insect pests with insecticides, biologicals or pheromones. Here, the adhesion of two forms of Entostat to the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly) Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) was examined, and the adhesion of Entostat to live and dead medflies was compared. From controlled contaminations of medflies, it was shown that live medflies acquired larger quantities of Entostat than dead medflies, which could be due to the electrostatic charge shown to be carried by live insects. Air‐milled Entostat (7.59 μm mean diameter) adhered in larger quantities to medflies than pestle and mortar‐ground Entostat (9.17 μm mean diameter). Exposing medflies to different quantities of Entostat affected the initially adhering quantity but did not alter the proportion of powder retained over time. Medfly males contaminated with air‐milled Entostat were shown to transfer small quantities to females during mating. This documentation of secondary powder transfer underscores the potential for using slow‐acting killing agents on the basis of this delivery system.
Stimulating effect of bark polar fraction from the terminal leader of Norway spruce, Picea abies, on white pine weevil, Pissodes strobi, feeding and oviposition
Authors: Nicole M.‐C. , Lavallée R. , Bauce É. , Charest M. , Séguin A.
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  The objective of the study was to demonstrate the importance of bark polar fraction from Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] terminal leaders on the feeding activity and oviposition process of the female white pine weevil, Pissodes strobi (Peck). The bark polar fraction was extracted with a ternary solvent [chloroform, methanol and water (12 : 5 : 3)]. This extracted fraction was added, at different concentrations, to an artificial diet on which mated female white pine weevils could feed and oviposit. The bark polar fraction of Norway spruce terminal leaders promoted white pine weevil oviposition compared with untreated artificial diet. The results of this study contributed to the development of an efficient artificial rearing substrate required to better understand the interactions between white pine weevil and its host plants. The importance of more specific compounds found in the polar fraction could eventually help produce more resistant trees.
A small HSP gene is not responsible for diapause and cold tolerance acquisition in Chilo suppressalis
Authors: Sonoda S. , Fukumoto K. , Izumi Y. , Ashfaq M. , Yoshida H. , Tsumuki H.
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  The cDNA sequence of a small heat shock protein (hsp19.7) was cloned and sequenced from the rice stem borer, Chilo suppressalis Walker. The cDNA encoded a protein of 177 amino acids with a calculated molecular weight of 19.7 kDa. The deduced amino acid sequence showed the highest identity of 90% to Bombyx morihsp19.9. Expression levels of hsp19.7 were similar between diapausing and non‐diapausing larvae. In non‐diapausing larvae, but not in diapausing ones, hsp19.7 expression was upregulated by cold acclimation. Involvement of hsp19.7 in larval diapause and cold tolerance in C. suppressalis is discussed.
The role of semiochemicals in tritrophic interactions between the spruce bark beetle Ips typographus, its predators and infested spruce
Authors: Hulcr J. , Ubik K. , Vrkoc J.
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  Semiochemical interactions between the spruce bark beetle Ips typographus, its predators Medetera setiventris, Thanasimus formicarius and Thanasimus femoralis, and the host Norway spruce, Picea abies, were studied in the field. The chemicals S‐cis‐verbenol, 2‐methyl‐3‐buten‐2‐ol, ipsdienol, (+)‐α‐pinene, (−)‐α‐pinene, (±)‐α‐pinene, limonene, camphor and their naturally occuring mixtures were used as trap baits in a multiple‐choice design that allowed for comparison of their attractivity for the focal species. Medetera was attracted to both the prey aggregation pheromone and its multifunctional component, ipsdienol. On the contrary, both Thanasimus species responded predominantly to ipsdienol and less to the prey aggregation pheromone. In the case of I. typographus, the attractivity of aggregation pheromone seems to be increased by the addition of a mixture of monoterpenic tree volatiles, and by addition of ipsdienol. Bark beetles and predators showed species‐specific responses to volatile mixtures representing different stages of tree decay and different stages of bark beetle colony establishment. These responses correlates with the optimal foraging habitat of each species. None of the predator species responded to 2‐methyl‐3‐buten‐2‐ol, a substantial component of I. typographus pheromonal bouquet, thus it is hypothesized that only substances of monoterpenic origin attract predators.
Bilateral perisylvian ulegyria: Clinicopathological study of patients presenting with pseudobulbar palsy and epilepsy
Authors: Kim Hyoung‐Ihl , Lee Min‐Cheol , Lee Ji‐Shin , Kim Hyung‐Seok , Kim Myeong‐Kyu , Woo Young‐Jong , Kim Jae‐Hyoo , Jung Shin , Palmini Andre , Kim Seung U.
Published: May 2006

Structural abnormalities related with pseudobulbar palsy have been gaining attention because of their characteristic symptoms and unique pathogenesis. We present five cases of bilateral perisylvian ulegyria (BPU) presenting epilepsy and pseudobulbar palsy with pathogenesis different from previously reported syndromes. All patients showed medically intractable seizures, complex partial seizures with secondary generalization and clinical symptoms of pseudobulbar palsy, including dysarthria, limitation of tongue movement and drooling. MRI revealed BPU in all patients, and BPU associated with hippocampal sclerosis in four patients. Intracranial EEG recording with subdural grip and stripe was helpful for localizing the area of ictal generation. Resective surgeries, including the temporal lobe, central area and parietal lobe, were performed depending on the localizing information. The surgical outcome was favorable after 9.8 years of follow‐up. Characteristic features of ulegyria were confirmed on pathological examination. Ulegyria is considered to be another important perinatal or postnatal structural abnormality which can explain the etiological heterogeneity for pseudobulbar palsy, which results from bilateral perisylvian lesions. Awareness of this disorder can provide a useful strategy for evaluation and treatment which differs from that in perisylvian polymicrogyria.
Aggressive intracranial and extra‐cranial epithelioid hemangioendothelioma: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Fernandes Antonio L. , Ratilal Bernardo , Mafra Manuela , Magalhaes Coriolano
Published: May 2006

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is a rare tumor of intermediate malignancy. Twelve intracranial cases have been well documented. We report an intra‐ and extra‐cranial single mass epithelioid hemangioendothelioma. We describe the case of a 27‐year‐old male who presented a left temporal and retroauricular pain and an intra and extra‐cranial mass extending to the left infratemporal fossa. The neoplasm was isointense with gray matter in both T1 and T2‐weighted images, showing marked nodular gadolinium enhancement. About 90% of the tumor was surgically removed. The neoplasm was fibrous, well defined and arose from the left temporal artery branches. Recovery was uneventful. The histological diagnosis was epithelioid hemangioendothelioma. Enhanced magnetic resonance scan was repeated at 3 and 6 months after surgery, showing an increasing mass volume extending to the surrounding tissues, including intracranially, infratemporal fossa and left orbit. The patient died 8 months after the initial diagnosis. Epithelioid hemangioendotheliomas can be very aggressive tumors, presenting initially at an intra‐ and extra‐cranial location, due to its fast growth. From our review of the literature, they seem to have an equal gender distribution (M : F = 7 : 6) and tend to affect people under the age of 30 (10/13). We report a unique and extremely aggressive tumor. The rarity of reports and the continuous spectrum of differentiation, ranging from borderline to highly malignant are obstacles to identifying initial therapeutic protocols and the adjunctive therapy after surgery.
Histopathological study of five cases with sporadic meningioangiomatosis
Authors: Wang Yin , Gao Xiang , Yao Zhen‐Wei , Chen Hong , Zhu Jing‐Jing , Wang Shan‐Xiang , Gao Ming‐Shi , Zhou Liang‐Fu , Zhang Fu‐Lin
Published: May 2006

We report five cases of sporadic meningioangiomatosis, three males and two females, ranging in age from 12 to 36 years at diagnosis. The lesion was found incidentally by MRI after a head trauma in one case; the other four subjects had a seizure disorders, which improved following surgical resection of the cortical lesions. Grossly, the lesionectomy specimens were of a whitish color and firm consistency. Histological examination revealed that the lesions were confined to the cortex with focal involvement of the overlying leptomeninges, and revealed unifying features of meningioangiomatosis, such as proliferating microvessels with perivascular cuffs of spindle‐cell proliferation within the cortex. Two cases had numerous calcifications; one was associated with a prominent fibrocalcifying component. Immunostaining results were variable among the cases. Only vimentin was consistently positive. Some of the spindle cells were weak positive for EMA in two cases. Immunoreactions with anti‐CD34 detected within the cytoplasm of the spindle cells were observed in three of the five cases. The Ki‐67 proliferation index of all the cases was very low, less than 0.1%. Neurofibrillary tangles were identified in only one of the five cases using the Bodian and immunostaining methods. These findings indicate that meningioangiomatosis lesions show a wide range of clinicopathological features, making diagnosis difficult. A histopathological spectrum and differential diagnoses were discussed with a review of the literature. Since this lesion is a distinct clinicopathological entity and hamartomatous in nature, it is important to make a correct diagnosis in order to avoid further aggressive treatment.