bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of sulphur fertilizers on the grain yield and sulphur content of cereals
Authors: Withers P. J. A. , Tytherleigh A. R. J. , O'Donnell F. M.
Published: March 2009

In order to determine whether cereal crops require fertilizer sulphur (S) in areas estimated as receiving < 20 kg S/ha per year from the atmosphere, the effects of applying agricultural gypsum (10, 20, 30, 40, 60 and 80 kg S/ha), ammonium sulphate (24 and 48 kg S/ha) and foliar-applied elemental S (10 kg S/ha) fertilizers were compared with a nil-S control in replicated field experiments at 12 sites in England and Wales during 1987–90. Averaged across all S treatments, significant (P ≤ 0·01) positive yield responses of 0·4 t/ha were obtained in winter barley at three sites in 1990 on sandy soils in Wales (two sites) and in south-west England (one site). There was no yield advantage in applying > 10 kg/ha of S as gypsum at these sites. Yield responses were best predicted by a nitrogen: S concentration ratio ≥ 17:1 in leaf tissue at anthesis and a S concentration of ≤ 0·1% in the grain dry matter at harvest.

Significant increases in total S and sulphate-S concentrations in leaf tissue at anthesis were obtained from increasing the rates of gypsum applied at ten of the sites, but a significant increase in the concentration of S in the grain at harvest was obtained at only one site. There was no difference in effectiveness between gypsum and foliar-applied elemental sulphur when compared at a single rate of 10 kg S/ha. Comparison of the increases in leaf-S status from maximum application rates of ammonium sulphate and gypsum suggested that ammonium sulphate was the more effective Sfertilizer source. The results confirm that S deficiency is starting to appear in cereal crops in England and Wales.
Effect of powdery mildew (Erysiphe polygoni) on yields and yield components of early and late maturing coriander (Conundrum sutivum)
Authors: Kalra A. , Parameswaran T. N. , Ravindra N. S. , Dimri B. P.
Published: March 2009

Experiments were done during 1990/91 and 1991/92 at Bangalore to estimate the reduction in yield caused by powdery mildew (Erysiphe polygoni DC) on coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) cultivars differing widely in time to maturity. Powdery mildew resulted in smaller reductions in yield in the early maturing than the late maturing cultivars. Although the results of this study suggest that even expensive control measures can be recommended for managing powdery mildew in late maturing cultivars, because a small increase in the severity of powdery mildew infection may cause a considerable economic loss, they also indicate that such measures may not be economically viable for early maturing cultivars.
Response of strains of Rhizobium on nodulation, grain yield, protein and amino acids content of chick pea (Cicer arietinum Linn.)
Authors: Rai R. , Singh S. N.
Published: March 2009

Nine strains of Rhizobium sp. were studied in vivo for their nodulation capacity, leghaemoglobin content, grain yield, crude protein and 16 amino acids content, in the chick pea variety C 235 grown on a calcareous saline alkali soil. There was no significant correlation between grain yield and number of nodules (r = 0·37) or dry weight of nodules (r = 0·29), but grain yield was significantly correlated with leghaemoglobin content of nodules (r = 0·95). Of the 16 amino acids analysed in seed samples, aspartic, glutamic, proline and histidine were greatest with strain H 45; glycine, leucine and arginine with strain F 6; norleucine, tyrosine and phenylalanine with strain KG 38; and alanine and valine were greatest with strain KG 41. Strain KG 38 led to significantly higher grain yield than the other strains.
Seasonal changes in semen characteristics of Marwari and Magra sheep of the Indian desert
Authors: Mittal J. P.
Published: March 2009

The interactions of breed, season and environmental temperature influencing reproductive activity in Indian sheep breeds have been studied so far in some detail only with respect to the physical characteristics of the semen (Sahni & Roy, 1969; Mittal & Ghosh, 1979). The literature on the influence of these factors in determining the concentration of some of the important chemical constituents of ram semen is scanty, except for two recent reports by Nivsarkar, Dwarkanath & Pant (1977, 1978) in which data on fructose and citric acid concentration in electro-ejaculated semen of Magra rams, obtained during the winter and spring, have been presented. A need was felt for understanding the pattern of concentration of these constituents throughout the year in semen collected from rams under natural conditions. The present investigation was, therefore, undertaken to study the seasonal pattern of concentration of two important chemical constituents (fructose and citric acid) and physical (ejaculate volume and sperm concentration) characteristics of the naturally ejaculated semen of two important Indian desert sheep breeds, the Marwari and the Magra. A similar, though short-term, study on the semen of an exotic breed, the Corriedale, was also undertaken.
Investigations on Yield in the Cereals. Victoria. I. Census studies 1927–29
Authors: Forster H. C. , Vasey A. J.
Published: March 2009

Since the year 1927, observations have been made in Victoria on the development of wheat crops of various varieties grown in four different districts of the State.

The method used was based on that employed by Engledow in his “Investigations on Yield in Cereals,” by taking counts on numbers of plants in various “foot length” samples scattered in a systematic manner over the areas studied.

The basis of the observations was the determination of the values which comprise yield, viz. p = numbers of plants, e = ears per plant, n = number of grains per ear, g = average weight of grain.
The Effects of Summer Green Manures on the ammonia and Nitrate Contents of soils Cropped for Winter Wheat. An Examination of the Woburn Green Manure Plots
Authors: Mirchandani T. J.
Published: March 2009

1. The Woburn field experiments on wheat after green manures are briefly reviewed. Contrary to the original expectations the wheat was less good after two summer crops of tares than after two mustard crops. This result was obtained many times and in recent years the wheat yields were extremely low after both green manures.

2. Regular soil analyses for nitrate and ammonia through 1928 and 1929 showed that the mean nitrate content was extremely low (1·2 parts of nitric nitrogen per million of soil). During the cold dry winter of 1928–9 the ammonia nitrogen was several times greater than the nitrate nitrogen.

3. Further evidence of an acute nitrogen deficiency during the critical period for the wheat plant in May and June was afforded by the large responses to top dressings of sodium nitrate both in the 1929 and the 1930 wheat crop.
Studies on Soil Reaction. VII. An Electrodialysis Apparatus for the Determination of Replaceable Bases in Soils
Authors: Basu J. K.
Published: March 2009

1. A simple form of two-compartment electrodialysis cell is described for the determination of replaceable bases in sets of six soils at a time. The determination requires little attention and the total replaceable bases are obtained by direct titration.

2. The disturbing influence of water-soluble salts is examined and it is shown that the technique may be modified so as to exclude the kations of soluble salts from either the total bases as determined by direct titration of the dialysate or from the individual bases as determined by analysis.
Commemorating the Soviet Deportations of 1945 and Community-Building in Post-communist Upper Silesia
Authors: OCHMAN EWA
Published: March 2009

This article focuses on the remembrance of the deportations of Silesians to the Soviet Union in 1945, undertaken in Upper Silesia, Poland, after the collapse of communism. It explores the relationship between local elite-sponsored official remembrance of the deportations and the formation of regional identity in the context of the Upper Silesia's borderland locality and the post-war population movement. The article also investigates the role of public commemorations of the Silesian past in the construction of a Silesian national identity undertaken by the Silesian separatist movement that gained in popularity against the backdrop of the post-1989 de-industrialisation of the region, Poland's most important centre for coal mining industry.
Bimodal behavior of the seasonal upwelling off the northeastern coast of Taiwan
Authors: Chang Yu‐Lin , Wu Chau‐Ron , Oey Lie‐Yauw
Published: March 2009

Observations over the outer shelf and shelf break off the northeastern coast of Taiwan indicate a curious seasonal variability of upwelling. At deeper levels 100 m below the surface, upwelling is most intense in summer but weaker in winter. Nearer the surface at approximately 30 m below the surface, the opposite is true and the upwelling is stronger in winter than in summer. Results from a high‐resolution numerical model together with observations and simple Ekman models are used to explain the phenomenon. It is shown that the upwelling at deeper levels (∼100 m) is primarily induced by offshore (summer) and onshore (winter) migrations of the Kuroshio, while monsoonal change in the wind stress curl, positive in winter and negative in summer, is responsible for the reversal in the seasonal variation of the upwelling near the surface (∼30 m). This mechanism reconciles previous upwelling data.
Current Practices in Pediatric Cochlear Implantation
Authors: Bradham Tamala S. , Snell Geneine , Haynes David
Published: March 2009

Technological advances, specifically cochlear implants, have significantly impacted the treatment of children with severe to profound hearing loss. There are, however, very few professional guidelines or resources providing direction for hearing healthcare providers who are serving children with cochlear implants. The following article discusses a comprehensive management protocol for interdisciplinary teams providing cochlear implant services for children.
Mechanisms of interdot coupling in (In,Ga)As/GaAs quantum dot arrays
Authors: Mazur Yu. I. , Dorogan V. G. , Marega E. , Tarasov G. G. , Cesar D. F. , Lopez-Richard V. , Marques G. E. , Salamo G. J.
Published: March 2009

Interdot coupling in (In,Ga)As/GaAs quantum dot arrays is studied by means of steady state and time-resolved photoluminescence (PL). A peculiar dependence of the PL decay time on the excitation and detection energy is revealed and ascribed to the peculiarities of the carrier and energy relaxation caused by both immediate electronic interdot coupling and long-range coupling through the radiation field.
Predicting individual differences in early literacy acquisition in German
Authors: Fricke Silke , Szczerbinski Marcin , Stackhouse Joy , Fox-Boyer Annette V.
Published: March 2009

International research findings have repeatedly confirmed the significance of speech and language processing skills and letter knowledge for successful literacy acquisition. However, the importance of these skills for early literacy success in German speakers remains uncertain. The present longitudinal study aimed to explore this issue. Sixty-nine German-speaking children were assessed in nursery a few months before starting school (mean age 5;11) and in Grade 1 (mean age 6;11) with tests of phonological awareness, rapid automatized naming, expressive vocabulary, grammar comprehension, letter knowledge, and nonverbal reasoning. Grade 1 assessments also included measures of reading accuracy, speed, comprehension, and spelling. The results confirmed that speech and language processing skills and letter knowledge before and around the time of school enrolment explain individual differences in early literacy development, with letter knowledge and phonological awareness emerging as most important predictors. No variance in literacy performance was uniquely predicted by nonverbal reasoning.
Effect of a speculum blade on dynamic MRI evaluation of pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: DELANEY SARAH , FERNANDEZ PEDRO , N'GUYEN AMELIE , SALOMON LAURENCE , CARBONNE BRUNO , LAISSY JEAN PIERRE , ANSQUER YAN
Published: March 2009

We aimed to evaluate whether the use of a speculum blade modifies the evaluation of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) as assessed by dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Twenty‐seven women with POP Quantification (POPQ) stage II or greater, scheduled for POP surgery, were evaluated using MRI. The procedure was repeated using the posterior blade of a standard plastic Grave's speculum to successively retract the anterior and posterior vaginal walls. Standard POPQ was 15% stage II (n =4), 59% stage III (n =16) and 26% stage IV (n =7). The use of a blade evidenced hidden pelvic prolapsed compartments in 59% (n =16) of cases. For 48% of patients (n =13), the variation of the leading edge of at least one additional prolapsed compartment was diagnosed as more than 20 mm. In this series, the use of a speculum blade during dynamic MRI modified the POP evaluation in a large proportion of patients with POP stage ≥II.
Carbon gain in the competition for light between genotypes of the clonal herb Potentilla reptans
Authors: Vermeulen Peter J. , Stuefer Josef F. , Anten Niels P. R. , During Heinjo J.
Published: March 2009

Different views exist as to what traits will lead to dominance when plants compete for light. One view is that taller plants with better relative positions in the canopy will exclude shorter plants because they intercept almost all light and thus can achieve a higher carbon gain. Alternatively, resource competition models predict that plants that are capable of positive net photosynthesis at the lowest light level will win. In a 5‐year‐old dense competition experiment with 10 genotypes of the clonal plant Potentilla reptans, both these views were tested to see if either of them could explain the dominance of one of the genotypes, or the possible coexistence of several others.

Using a combination of measured morphological and physiological traits, a canopy model was constructed to calculate whole‐shoot daily photosynthetic rates of the genotypes in the different layers of the canopy in relation to the invested mass.

Results show that the dominant genotype exhibited characteristics of relative shade tolerance: low rates of light‐saturated photosynthesis and respiration. This resulted in a calculated daily carbon gain at the bottom of the canopy, where other genotypes could not achieve that. However, the dominant genotype did not have the highest photosynthetic rates throughout the whole canopy. Some genotypes that persisted in the stand in coexistence with the dominant one achieved greater daily carbon gain at the top of the canopy.

Synthesis. The dominant genotype had characteristics similar to those predicted by resource competition models such as the ability to have positive growth at lower light levels. The persistence of several other genotypes, in contrast, may be explained by traits that allowed them to achieve higher carbon gains at the top of the canopy. This suggests that the light gradient formed by the plants themselves creates enough heterogeneity for strategies for dealing with different light requirements to coexist, even within a single species.
Eugenic utopias/dystopias, reprogenetics, and community genetics
Authors: Raz Aviad E.
Published: March 2009

The impetus for this review is the intriguing realisation that eugenics, viewed as dystopian and authoritarian in most of the 20th century, is in the process of being reinterpreted today – in the context of reproductive genetics – as utopian and liberal. This review offers an analytical framework for mapping the growing literature on this subject in order to provide a summary for both teaching and research in medical sociology. Recent works are subsumed and explored in three areas: historical criticism of the ‘old eugenics’; the continuation of this stream in the form of criticism of reprogenetics as a new, ‘backdoor’ eugenic regime of bio‐governmentality – an area which also includes the application of Foucauldian and feminist perspectives; and the recent enthusiasm regarding ‘liberal eugenics,’ claiming that reprogenetic decisions should be left to individual consumers thus enhancing their options in the health market. The review concludes by discussing and illustrating potential research directions in this field, with a focus on the social and ethical aspects of ‘community genetics’ and its emerging networks of individuals genetically at risk.
Combination therapy with Coenzyme Q10 and creatine produces additive neuroprotective effects in models of Parkinson’s and Huntington’s Diseases
Authors: Yang Lichuan , Calingasan Noel Y. , Wille Elizabeth J. , Cormier Kerry , Smith Karen , Ferrante Robert J. , Flint Beal M.
Published: March 2009

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and creatine are promising agents for neuroprotection in neurodegenerative diseases via their effects on improving mitochondrial function and cellular bioenergetics and their properties as antioxidants. We examined whether a combination of CoQ10 with creatine can exert additive neuroprotective effects in a MPTP mouse model of Parkinson’s disease, a 3‐NP rat model of Huntington’s disease (HD) and the R6/2 transgenic mouse model of HD. The combination of the two agents produced additive neuroprotective effects against dopamine depletion in the striatum and loss of tyrosine hydroxylase neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) following chronic subcutaneous administration of MPTP. The combination treatment resulted in significant reduction in lipid peroxidation and pathologic α‐synuclein accumulation in the SNpc neurons of the MPTP‐treated mice. We also observed additive neuroprotective effects in reducing striatal lesion volumes produced by chronic subcutaneous administration of 3‐NP to rats. The combination treatment showed significant effects on blocking 3‐NP‐induced impairment of glutathione homeostasis and reducing lipid peroxidation and DNA oxidative damage in the striatum. Lastly, the combination of CoQ10 and creatine produced additive neuroprotective effects on improving motor performance and extending survival in the transgenic R6/2 HD mice. These findings suggest that combination therapy using CoQ10 and creatine may be useful in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and HD.
The Changing Relationship between Māori and Environmentalists in 1970s and 1980s New Zealand
Authors: Mills Keri
Published: March 2009

Throughout most of New Zealand history there has been little interaction between the Māori protest movement and the environmental movement. This began to change during the 1970s and early 1980s, when environmentalists and Māori worked together to protest over government mismanagement of culturally valuable areas. This period of co‐operation was short lived, the relationship becoming more complicated and politically tense from the late 80s onwards. This paper briefly surveys the literature on the histories and interests of the New Zealand environmental movement and the Māori protest movement, and discusses the changing relationship in this light.
How Predictive Appeals Affect Policy Opinions
Authors: Jerit Jennifer
Published: March 2009

When political actors debate the merits of a public policy, they often focus on the consequences of a bill or legislative proposal, with supporters and opponents making stark but contradictory predictions about the future. Building upon the framing literature, I examine how rhetoric about a policy's consequences influences public opinion. I show that predictive appeals work largely by altering people's beliefs about the impact of a policy. Following in the tradition of recent framing research, this article also examines how opinions are influenced when people are exposed to opposing predictions. The analysis focuses on two strategies that are common in real‐world debates—the direct rebuttal (in which an initial appeal is challenged by a statement making the opposite prediction) and the alternate frame (which counters an initial appeal by shifting the focus to some other consequence). There are important differences in the effectiveness of these two strategies—a finding that has implications for the study of competitive framing and the policymaking process more generally.
Accuracy of BR Regression Equation for Impacted Teeth in Age Estimation in Haryana Population of India
Authors: Rai Balwant , Anand S.C.
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  Dental cementum is a vital tissue that demonstrates continuous apposition throughout the life of a tooth. Positive correlation has been reported between the coronal displacement of cementum and age in impacted teeth and BR regression equation has been proposed. The present study is an attempt to calculate accuracy of BR regression equation in Haryana population of India. The study was conducted on 20 impacted mandibular third molars extracted from healthy patients, aged between 22 and 32 years. The bucco‐lingual ground sections were prepared and the distance between the edges of enamel and cementum were measured with micrometer attached to a light microscope and BR regression equation was applied for age estimation. Although the estimated age with BR regression equation was less than chronological age it was not statistically significant. Hence, the BR regression equation can be used in medicolegal as well as in forensic odontology for age estimation.
Source Camera Identification for Heavily JPEG Compressed Low Resolution Still Images*
Authors: Alles Erwin J. , Geradts Zeno J. M. H. , Veenman Cor J.
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  In this research, we examined whether fixed pattern noise or more specifically Photo Response Non‐Uniformity (PRNU) can be used to identify the source camera of heavily JPEG compressed digital photographs of resolution 640 × 480 pixels. We extracted PRNU patterns from both reference and questioned images using a two‐dimensional Gaussian filter and compared these patterns by calculating the correlation coefficient between them. Both the closed and open‐set problems were addressed, leading the problems in the closed set to high accuracies for 83% for single images and 100% for around 20 simultaneously identified questioned images. The correct source camera was chosen from a set of 38 cameras of four different types. For the open‐set problem, decision levels were obtained for several numbers of simultaneously identified questioned images. The corresponding false rejection rates were unsatisfactory for single images but improved for simultaneous identification of multiple images.
Effectiveness of limited cone‐beam computed tomography in the detection of horizontal root fracture
Authors: Kamburoğlu Kıvanç , İlker Cebeci A. R. , Gröndahl Hans Göran
Published: March 2009

Abstract –  To compare the diagnostic accuracy of conventional film radiography, charge coupled device (CCD) and photostimulable phosphor plate (PSP) digital images and limited cone‐beam computed tomography in detecting simulated horizontal root fracture. Root fractures were created in the horizontal plane in 18 teeth by a mechanical force and fragments were relocated. Another 18 intact teeth with no horizontal root fracture served as a control group. Thirty‐six teeth were placed in the respective empty maxillary anterior sockets of a human dry skull in groups three by three. Intraoral radiographs were obtained in three different vertical views by utilizing Eastman Kodak E‐speed film, CCD sensor, RVG 5.0 Trophy and a PSP sensor Digora, Optime. Cone beam CT images were taken with a unit (3D Accuitomo; J Morita MFG. Corp, Kyoto, Japan). Three dental radiologists separately examined the intraoral film, PSP, CCD and cone beam CT images for the presence of horizontal root fracture. Specificity and sensitivity for each radiographic technique were calculated. Kappa statistics was used for assessing the agreement between observers. Chi‐square statistics was used to determine whether there were differences between the systems. Results were considered significant at P < 0.05. Cone beam CT images revealed significantly higher sensitivities (P < 0.05) than the intraoral systems between which no significant differences were found. Specificities did not show any statistically significant differences between any of the four systems. The kappa values for inter‐observer agreement between observers (four pairs) ranged between 0.82–0.90 for the 3DX evaluations and between 0.63–0.71 for the different types of intraoral images. Limited cone beam CT, outperformed the two‐dimensional intraoral, conventional as well as digital, radiographic methods in detecting simulated horizontal root fracture.
TEACHER AS PROPHETIC TRICKSTER
Authors: Garrison Jim
Published: March 2009

Abstract There are a multitude of powerful cultural archetypes and images of the school teacher. These include nurturing caregiver, guardian of morality, champion of the global economy, self‐sacrificing do‐gooder, cultural worker, intellectual, tyrant, and many more metaphors. Jim Garrison’s essay introduces another figure, a mythological persona, to the pantheon of images depicting the school teacher — the Trickster. Tricksters are masters of multiple interpretation that cross, bend, break, and redefine borders. Garrison concentrates on prophetic tricksters that create openings in closed structures to reveal hidden possibilities. In practice, many teachers are tricksters. They know how to maneuver in, around, and through rigid bureaucratic structures and standards to connect with their students and make a difference while exercising creative autonomy in the classroom. Garrison’s essay provides examples of trickster teachers drawn from literature depicting classroom practice.
Physician and Patient Satisfaction with the New AMS 700 Momentary Squeeze Inflatable Penile Prosthesis
Authors: Knoll L. Dean , Henry Gerard , Culkin Daniel , Ohl Dana A. , Otheguy Juan , Shabsigh Ridwan , Wilson Steven K. , Delk II John
Published: March 2009

Introduction

A single-armed, prospective, multicenter study evaluated the redesigned American Medical Systems (AMS) 700 Momentary Squeeze (MS) pump inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) with enhanced features for ease of implantation and patient manipulation. The device incorporates design changes to all components: pump, cylinders, rear-tip extenders, and reservoir.

Aim

To assess physician and patient satisfaction with the new AMS 700 MS pump.

Methods

Patients were selected from the existing population experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED) without previous prosthetic implantation.

Main Outcome Measures

Survey questionnaires were used to capture physician feedback on ease of implantation and patient education. Patient satisfaction with the device and existence of autoinflation were assayed.

Results

Sixty-nine patients were implanted at seven U.S. sites. Mean age was 60.1 ± 9.6 years. History of ED was >5 years in 34 (44.7%) patients. Main ED etiology was organic, nonspecific (32%). Eighty-four percent of the physicians felt proximal cylinder insertion was easier because of the smaller angle of cylinder input tubing and narrower base diameter. The new pump was felt easier to implant than the previous model by 57% of the physicians. The patients found the manipulation of the pump simple at device activation, with 96% easily locating the inflation bulb and 94% deflating the device with one push of the deflation button. Reviews were mixed among physicians concerning ease of training compared with the Tactile pump. Patient training was easier in 71%, harder in 21%, and same in 8%. Nevertheless, 67% of the patients were trained in 6 minutes or less. At 6 months, 77% of the patients were very satisfied, 9% somewhat satisfied, and 14% dissatisfied. Autoinflation occurred in two patients (3%).

Conclusion

The new AMS 700 MS IPP seems a distinct improvement over previous devices with most physicians feeling implantation and patient instruction were easier. The device also satisfied 86% of the users and virtually eliminated autoinflation.
The Characterization and Geographical Distribution of the Genes Responsible for Vernalization Requirement in Chinese Bread Wheat
Authors: Sun Qing‐Ming , Zhou Rong‐Hua , Gao Li‐Feng , Zhao Guang‐Yao , Jia Ji‐Zeng
Published: March 2009

The frequency and distribution of the major vernalization requirement genes and their effects on growth habits were studied. Of the 551 bread wheat genotypes tested, seven allelic combinations of the three Vrn‐1 genes were found to be responsible for the spring habit, three for the facultative habit and one for the winter habit. The three Vrn‐1 genes behaved additively with the dominant allele of Vrn‐A1 exerting the strongest effect. The allele combinations of the facultative genotypes and the discovery of spring genotypes with “winter” allele of Vrn‐1 implied the presence of as yet unidentified alleles/genes for vernalization response. The dominant alleles of the three Vrn‐1 genes were found in all ten ecological regions where wheat is cultivated in China, with Vrn‐D1 as the most common allele in nine and Vrn‐A1 in one. The combination of vrn‐A1vrn‐B1Vrn‐D1 was the predominant genotype in seven of the regions. Compared with landraces, improved varieties contain a higher proportion of the spring type. This was attributed by a higher frequency of the dominant Vrn‐A1 and Vrn‐B1 alleles in the latter. Correlations between Vrn‐1 allelic constitutions and heading date, spike length, plant type as well as cold tolerance were established.
In Vitro Sunscreen Transmittance Measurement with Concomitant Evaluation of Photostability: Evolution of a Method
Authors: Sayre Robert M. , Dowdy John C. , Stanfield Joseph W.
Published: March 2009

The recent paper by Miura et al. (Photochem. Photobiol. 84[6], 1569–1575) offers a re‐examination of extant in vitro methods for dynamically measuring sunscreen photodegradation under continuous irradiation in situ. We commend the authors’ efforts toward developing an improved system for accurate in vitro sunscreen assessment. This work describes an alternate derivative apparatus incorporating an improved detector which may prove an exceptionally valuable contribution toward that goal. Unfortunately their report suffers from insufficient detail in instrumentation description and lacks requisite calibration procedures. Their utilization of a solar simulator filtered for conventional in vivo sun protection factor (SPF) testing poses transmittance measurement limitations at short wavelengths that are not adequately addressed and is also deficient, relative to sunlight, in longer UVA wavelengths shown to contribute to sunscreen photoinstability. We concur that the in vitro sunscreen testing should utilize continuous or multiple irradiation doses and should ideally use the same 2 mg cm−2 product application amount as does the human SPF test. We encourage their proposal that methodology, which simultaneously measures sunscreen spectral transmittance and photodegradation under continuous irradiation to an accumulated erythemic endpoint, as we previously described, be developed into a consensus test standard.
Lens autofluorescence is not increased at high altitude
Authors: Kessel Line , Kofoed Peter Kristian , Zubieta‐Calleja Gustavo , Larsen Michael
Published: March 2009

Purpose:  To study the relation between ambient environmental ultraviolet radiation exposure and lens fluorescence.

Methods:  Non‐invasive lens fluorometry measurements were compared in healthy Bolivian and Danish subjects. Background ultraviolet radiation was 4.5 times higher in Bolivia than in Denmark.

Results:  No significant differences in lens fluorescence or transmittance were found between Bolivian and Danish volunteers.

Conclusion:  Age‐corrected lens fluorescence and transmittance were comparable for healthy participants living at high altitude near the equator and healthy volunteers living at sea level at 55° northern latitude. These results suggest that lens ageing, as assessed by lens autofluorometry, is independent of exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
Alpha‐tocopherol and ginger are protective on Cyclophosphamide‐induced gonadal toxicity in adult male albino rats
Authors: Sabik Laila M.E. , Abd El‐Rahman Sahar S.
Published: March 2009

Background and aim: The ameliorative effect of alpha‐tocopherol (vitamin E) and Zingiber officinale (ginger) on cyclophosphamide‐induced gonadal toxicity are studied in adult male rats. Methods: Forty‐four adult male albino rats were used in this study in four groups. Group I served as normal control, groups II–IV received cyclophosphamide intraperitoneally at a daily dose of 20 mg per kg body weight for 7 days but group III and IV received supplementary vitamin E and ginger respectively for two weeks starting one week before the start of the cyclophosphamide. Results: The sperm counts of the normal (I), cyclophosphamide treated group alone (II), cyclophosphamide with vitamin E (III) and with ginger (IV) showed 23.5, 8.5, 14.2, 18.1 (× 106 per cubic milimeter) and abnormal morphology was most frequently found in group II (16.2%) followed by groups III (6.3%), IV (5.9%) and I (2.2%). Testosterone level, malondialdehyde enzyme activity, and red cell catalase and superoxide dismutase activities also correlated well with the morphological parameters. Incidence of apoptosis and the number of TUNEL‐stained cells as well as pathological findings in reproductive organs also correlated with these parameters. Conclusion: Both vitamin E and ginger have protective effect from the cyclophosphamide‐induced gonadal toxicity. The mechanism is largely unknown but empirical supplementation of vitamin E and ginger would be recommended before and during cyclophosphamide chemotherapy.
Therapeutic potential and related signal pathway of adipose‐derived stem cell transplantation for rat liver injury
Authors: Liang Liang , Ma Tao , Chen Wei , Hu Jinling , Bai Xueli , Li Junjian , Liang Tingbo
Published: March 2009

Aim:  Liver transplantation is the only currently effective therapy for end‐stage chronic liver disease and severe acute liver failure, but its use is limited by high cost and a shortage of allografts. Here we explored the effectiveness of transplanting adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) into rats with experimentally induced liver injury.

Methods:  ADSCs obtained from rats were hepatogenic induced in vitro with MAPK pathways inhibitors preconditioning. In vivo, ADSCs were transplanted into rats via different routes and serum liver function markers from post‐operative rats were tested.

Results:  When grown in adipogenic induction medium, ADSCs were able to differentiate into adipocytes. In hepatogenic induction medium, ADSCs were able to differentiate into hepatocyte‐like cells, with appropriate changes in morphology and appropriately elevated expression of hepatocyte‐specific markers. ERK1/2 phosphorylation activity was also significantly upregulated during the hepatogenic differentiation process, and was blocked by the ERK/MAPK pathway‐specific inhibitor PD98059. In a rat liver injury model, intravenously injected ADSCs successfully engrafted into recipient livers. We found that injection via the hepatic portal vein was more efficient than via the dorsal vein of the penis. ADSC transplantation into damaged livers significantly decreased the level of serum liver enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, and improved serum albumin level. Both the number of engrafted cells and the improvement of liver function reached a peak two weeks after transplantation.

Conclusion:  Transplanted ADSCs appear to be therapeutically effective in the rat liver injury model, which may ultimately provide a therapeutic alternative to liver transplantation in human patients.
Identification of apolipoprotein A‐I in the α‐globulin fraction of avian plasma
Authors: Roman Yannick , Bed'Hom Bertrand , Guillot Alain , Levrier Julie , Chaste‐Duvernoy Daniel , Bomsel‐Demontoy Marie‐Claude , Jalme Michel Saint
Published: March 2009

Background: Plasma protein electrophoresis is frequently used in birds as a tool for the diagnosis and monitoring of disease. Identification of proteins in individual peaks can help improve our understanding of changes in protein concentration in physiologic and pathologic conditions.

Objective: The aim of this study was to verify the presence and identity the protein(s) in the prominent α‐globulin peak of orange‐winged parrots (Amazona amazonica), black kites (Milvus migrans), and rock pigeons (Columba livia).

Methods: Heparinized plasma samples were obtained from 12 birds of each species. Agarose gel electrophoresis and total protein concentration were determined using standard techniques. One plasma sample from each species was then electrophoresed using high‐resolution agarose gels to isolate the α‐globulin band. Gel strips were digested in trypsin and peptides were extracted and analyzed using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. De novo sequencing was used to identify the protein based on homology scoring against a protein database.

Results: Electrophoresis verified the presence of a single prominent α‐globulin peak, usually in the α1‐region, that had a median concentration of 9.4 g/L (range, 2.1–11.7 g/L, 21.6% of total protein) in parrots, 12.2 g/L (10.4–13.2 g/L, 35.9%) in kites, and 10.7 g/L (9.0–11.5 g/L, 40.0%) in pigeons. Mass spectrometry and sequencing analysis unequivocally identified the protein as a mature circulating form of apolipoprotein A‐I (apo A‐I) in all 3 species.

Conclusions: Apo A‐I accounts for the prominent α‐globulin peak and comprises a major proportion of total protein concentration in diverse avian species. As a high‐density lipoprotein and negative acute phase protein with a pivotal role in cholesterol homeostasis, further study is warranted to determine the significance of changes in apo A‐I concentration in avian electrophoretograms.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Burkholderia glumae
BGR1
Authors: Lim JaeYun , Lee Tae-Ho , Nahm Baek Hie , Choi Yang Do , Kim Minkyun , Hwang Ingyu
Published: March 2009

Burkholderia glumae
is the causative agent of grain and seedling rot in rice and of bacterial wilt in many field crops. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
B. glumae
BGR1 isolated from a diseased rice panicle in Korea.
Genomic Instability in Regions Adjacent to a Highly ConservedpchProphage inEscherichia coliO157:H7 Generates Diversity in Expression Patterns of the LEE Pathogenicity Island
Authors: Yang Zhijie , Kim Jaehyoung , Zhang Chaomei , Zhang Min , Nietfeldt Joeseph , Southward Carolyn M. , Surette Michael G. , Kachman Stephen D. , Benson Andrew K.
Published: March 2009

The LEE pathogenicity island has been acquired on multiple occasions within the different lineages of enteropathogenic and enterohemorrhagicEscherichia coli. In each lineage, LEE expression is regulated by complex networks of pathways, including core pathways shared by all lineages and lineage-specific pathways. Within the O157:H7 lineage of enterohemorrhagicE. coli, strain-to-strain variation in LEE expression has been observed, implying that expression patterns can diversify even within highly related subpopulations. Using comparative genomics ofE. coliO157:H7 subpopulations, we have identified one source of strain-level variation affecting LEE expression. The variation occurs in prophage-dense regions of the genome that lie immediately adjacent to the late regions of thepchprophage carryingpchA, pchB, pchC, and a newly identifiedpchgene,pchX. Genomic segments extending from the holin S region to thepchA, pchB, pchC, andpchXgenes of their respective prophage are highly conserved but are nonetheless embedded within adjacent genomic segments that are extraordinarily variable, termedpchadjacent genomic regions (pchAGR). Despite the remarkable degree of variation, the pattern of variation inpchAGR is highly correlated with the distribution of phylogenetic markers on the backbone of the genome. Quantitative analysis of transcription from theLEE1promoter further revealed that variation in thepchAGR has substantial effects on absolute levels and patterns of LEE1 transcription. Variation in thepchAGR therefore serves as a mechanism to diversify LEE expression patterns, and the lineage-specific pattern ofpchAGR variation could ultimately influence ecological or virulence characteristics of subpopulations within each lineage.
What principlism misses
Authors: Walker Tom
Published: March 2009

Principlism aims to provide a framework to help those working in medicine both to identify moral problems and to make decisions about what to do. For it to meet this aim, the principles included within it must express values that all morally serious people share (or ought to share), and there must be no other values that all morally serious people share (or ought to share). This paper challenges the latter of these claims. I will argue that as a descriptive claim about what values morally serious people do in fact share, principlism is inadequate; more principles would be needed to make this claim true. Furthermore, I will argue that while, taken as a claim about what principles we ought to share, principlism could turn out to be correct, it is either unsupported or unable to meet its aims. The only way in which principlists can avoid these problems is to add to the current four principles.
Eglon als ,,Kälbermann"? Exegetische Beobachtungen zu Jdc 3:12-30
Authors: Neef Heinz-Dieter
Published: March 2009

This essay argues against the idea that King Eglon in Judges 3:12-30 should be understood in a negative light in the sense of a ,,Kälbermann". Such an interpretation is inherent neither in the king's name nor in the story itself. The story of Ehud and Eglon is fundamentally a hero saga, which portrays the successful assassination of the overpowering king of the Moabites, Eglon, by the seemingly powerless and chanceless Judge Ehud. The story leaves Yahweh unnamed, but behind the allusion to the miracle that no evidence of the murder was left behind, lies a hidden allusion to the works of Yahweh for the sake of Ehud and Israel.
Masoretic and Rabbinic Lights on the Word Ruth 3:15
Authors: Martín-Contreras Elvira
Published: March 2009

A new definition concerning the morphological analysis of in Ruth 3:15 is made taking into the account the rabbinic and masoretic evidence. This suggestion is based on relevant information on the spelling and gender of the word, that has been ignored in the explanation commonly given to it. According to the evidence, the word should be connected to the root and understood as feminine, in spite of its masculine form.
What Belongs in a Fictional World?
Authors: Weisberg Deena Skolnick , Goodstein Joshua
Published: March 2009

How do readers create representations of fictional worlds from texts? We hypothesize that readers use the real world as a starting point and investigate how much and which types of real-world information is imported into a given fictional world. We presented subjects (N=52) with three stories and asked them to judge whether real world facts held true in the story world. Subjects' responses indicated that they imported many facts into fiction, though what exactly is imported depends on two main variables: (1) the distance that a narrative world lies from reality and (2) the types of fact being imported. Facts that are true of the real world are more likely to be imported into worlds that are more similar to the real world, and facts that are more central to the representation of the real world are more likely to be imported overall. These results indicate that subjects make nuanced inferences when creating fictional worlds, basing their representations both on how different a story world is from the real world and on what they know to be causally central to the real world.
NGFFFamide and echinotocin: structurally unrelated myoactive neuropeptides derived from neurophysin-containing precursors in sea urchins
Authors: Elphick Maurice R. , Rowe Matthew L.
Published: March 2009

The myoactive neuropeptide NGIWYamide was originally isolated from the holothurian (sea cucumber) Apostichopus japonicus but there is evidence that NGIWYamide-like peptides also occur in other echinoderms. Here we report the discovery of a gene in the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus that encodes two copies of an NGIWYamide-like peptide:Asn-Gly-Phe-Phe-Phe-(NH2) or NGFFFamide. Interestingly, the C-terminal region of the NGFFFamide precursor shares sequence similarity with neurophysins, carrier proteins hitherto uniquely associated with precursors of vasopressin/oxytocin-like neuropeptides. Thus, the NGFFFamide precursor is the first neurophysin-containing neuropeptide precursor to be discovered that does not contain a vasopressin/oxytocin-like peptide. However, it remains to be determined whether neurophysin acts as a carrier protein for NGFFFamide. The S. purpuratus genome also contains a gene encoding a precursor comprising a neurophysin polypeptide and `echinotocin' (CFISNCPKGamide)– the first vasopressin/oxytocin-like peptide to be identified in an echinoderm. Therefore, in S. purpuratus there are two genes encoding precursors that have a neurophysin domain but which encode neuropeptides that are structurally unrelated. Furthermore, both NGFFFamide and echinotocin cause contraction of tube foot and oesophagus preparations from the sea urchin Echinus esculentus, consistent with the myoactivity of NGIWYamide in sea cucumbers and the myoactivity of vasopressin/oxytocin-like peptides in other animal phyla. Presumably the NGFFFamide precursor acquired its neurophysin domain following partial or complete duplication of a gene encoding a vasopressin/oxytocin-like peptide, but it remains to be determined when in evolutionary history this occurred.
Visually controlled locomotion and visual orientation in animals
Authors: Gibson James J.
Published: March 2009

A general theory of locomotor behaviour in relation to physical objects is presented. Since the controlling stimulation for such behaviour is mainly optical, this involves novel assumptions about object perception and about what is called ‘visual kinaesthesis’. Evidence for these assumptions is cited. On the basis of this theory it is possible to suppose that animals are visually oriented to the surfaces of their environment, not merely to light as such. In short, it is possible to explain why they seem to have space perception. Implications of this approach for maze‐learning are pointed out.