bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Sampling Strategy for Conserving Genetic Diversity when Forming Core Subsets
Authors: Franco Jorge , Crossa José , Taba Suketoshi , Shands Henry
Published: May 2005

When forming core subsets, accessions from a collection are classified into clusters, and then samples are drawn from the clusters with the aim of maintaining the diversity of the collection. In a stratified sampling strategy, the allocation method provides a criterion for determining the number of accessions to be selected from each cluster. This paper proposes an allocation method (D method) and compares it with three other allocation methods (L, LD, and NY methods). In these allocation methods, the number of accessions sampled per cluster is proportional to (i) the mean of the Gower's distance between accessions within the cluster (D method), (ii) the logarithm of the cluster size (L method), (iii) the product of the cluster size times the mean Gower distance (NY method), and (iv) the product of the logarithm of the cluster size times the mean Gower distance (LD method). Five hundred independent stratified random samples with two sampling intensities (10 and 20%) were obtained from four datasets. The allocation methods were compared on the basis of three criteria: diversity of the samples, recovery of the range of variables in the sample, and variances of the samples. Results showed that the D method produced samples (i) with significantly more diversity than the other allocation methods, (ii) that recovered more of the range of the variables, (iii) with higher variances for the continuous variables than the other three methods, and (iv) with variances higher than the variance among accessions of the collection. A sampling intensity of 10% preserves the same or more variability than a sampling intensity of 20%.
Identification of Putative Velvet Bentgrass Clones Using RAPD Markers
Authors: Hollman Andrew B. , Stier John C. , Casler Michael D. , Jung Geunhwa , Brilman Leah A.
Published: May 2005

Bentgrasses (Agrostis spp.) are extensively used on golf courses in temperate regions for putting greens, tees, and fairways. The three most commonly used bentgrasses, creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.), colonial bentgrass (Agrostis capillaris L.), and velvet bentgrass (Agrostis canina L.), are often difficult to identify on the basis of morphological features. As such, naturalized bentgrass clones collected from old turfs can be difficult to classify. The objective of this study was to determine if random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers could identify 319 bentgrass clones according to species, ultimately to identify desirable velvet bentgrass germplasm for breeding projects. Germplasm sources included known velvet, creeping, and colonial bentgrasses, a seed collection of putative velvet bentgrass from the Azores, Portugal, and a clonal collection of putative velvet bentgrass from old Milwaukee golf courses. Five RAPD primers produced 82 polymorphic bands. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) was used to partition variation among groups (14.7%), among populations within groups (16.2%), and among individuals within populations (69.1%). A multidimensional scaling procedure (MDS) differentiated groups according to known species and allocated unknown plants into known clusters. The Milwaukee group was closely associated with creeping bentgrass cultivars while the Azores group associated with velvet bentgrass and colonial bentgrass. Flow cytometry confirmed ploidy levels of known and unknown clones. The clear differentiation between species suggests that RAPD markers are a useful tool for identifying bentgrass species.
Association between Soybean Cyst Nematode Resistance Loci and Yield in Soybean
Authors: Kopisch-Obuch F. J. , McBroom R. L. , Diers B. W.
Published: May 2005

Breeding for resistance to soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines Ichinohe; SCN) is an important objective of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] breeders. There is concern, however, that SCN resistant soybean cultivars yield less than SCN susceptible cultivars under low SCN pressure. This is supported by the report that two quantitative trait loci (QTL) conferring yield depression are linked to the major SCN resistance gene rhg1 on linkage group (LG) G in the resistant plant introduction (PI) 209332. The objective of our study was to test for the association of SCN resistance with yield and other agronomic traits in populations developed from soybean cultivars with resistance derived from PI 88788. We tested five populations of near isogenic lines (NIL) segregating for genetic markers Satt309 or CTA linked to rhg1 and two populations of NILs segregating for Satt431 linked to the resistance QTL cqSCN‐003 on LG J. Population sizes ranged from 23 to 44 NILs, and the populations were yield tested in two years across four locations that had low SCN incidence in previous years. Near isogenic lines predicted to carry the SCN resistance allele yielded significantly (p < 0.05) less than NILs predicted to carry the susceptibility allele in one out of five populations segregating for Satt309 (118 kg ha−1) and in one out of two populations segregating for Satt431 (76 kg ha−1). Significant differences between the two classes of NILs were also observed for plant maturity, plant lodging and plant height in some populations; however, these differences were small in magnitude. Molecular marker data from the NIL populations for the genetic regions flanking the segregating resistance genes suggest the presence of a yield depression QTL distal to rhg1 on LG G and another yield depression QTL linked or pleiotropic to cqSCN‐003 on LG J. Confirmation and refinement of our results will enable soybean breeders to use marker‐assisted breeding to select against yield depressing regions and develop SCN resistant cultivars that compete with SCN susceptible cultivars even under low SCN pressure.
ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES FOR DETERMINING THE USLE‐M SLOPE LENGTH FACTOR FOR GRID CELLS
Authors: Kinnell Peter I. A.
Published: May 2005

Erosion within a grid cell depends on cell size and the size of the area that is upslope of the cell. The factor accounting for slope length when the USLE‐M is applied to predicting erosion in grid cells needs to (a) equal the universal soil loss equation (USLE) slope length factor for the cell when the area above the cell is completely pervious and (b) be directly related to the Desmet and Govers slope length factor when runoff is generated uniformly over the whole area. The procedure for calculating the slope length factor proposed previously fails to meet the second criteria. Alternative approaches which consider the contribution of the upslope area to the determination of the slope length factor to vary when the ratio of the runoff coefficient of the upslope area varies from that of the cell are described and shown to meet both criteria. The approach where the slope length factor is based on the ratio of the runoff coefficients for the upslope area and the upslope area plus the cell produces slope length factor values that lie within theoretically acceptable boundaries.
Scaling of Infiltration and Redistribution of Water across Soil Textural Classes
Authors: Kozak Joseph A. , Ahuja Lajpat R.
Published: May 2005

Results with an empirically based one‐parameter model showed that the pore‐size distribution index (λ) described in the Brooks and Corey formulation of soil hydraulic properties can scale the soil–water retention curves below the air‐entry pressure head (ψb) values across dissimilar soils. It is shown here that ψb and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) are also strongly related to λ, and thus all hydraulic parameters may be estimated from λ. The major objective here was to examine how these relationships to λ lead to relationships for infiltration and soil water contents during redistribution across soil textural classes. The Root Zone Water Quality Model simulated infiltration for four rainfall intensities and two initial pressure head conditions and redistribution for four initial wetting depths and two initial pressure head conditions in 11 textural class mean soils. All infiltration results across textural classes were scaled quite well by using the λ‐derived normalization variables based on the dimensional analysis of the Green–Ampt model. Thus, if infiltration for one soil (λ) is known, infiltration for other soils (λs) can be estimated. Additionally, we present infiltration, as well as redistribution, as explicit functions of λ. These functions can be used to approximately estimate infiltration and soil water contents across soil types for other soils and conditions by interpolation. This study enhances our understanding of the soil–water relationships among soil textural classes, and hopefully, provides a basis of further studies under field conditions for (i) estimating spatial variability of soil water for site‐specific management and (ii) for scaling up results in modeling from plots to fields to watersheds.
Phosphate Reactivity in Long‐Term Poultry Litter‐Amended Southern Delaware Sandy Soils
Authors: Arai Yuji , Livi K. J. T. , Sparks D. L.
Published: May 2005

Eutrophication caused by dissolved P from poultry litter (PL)‐amended agricultural soils has been a serious environmental concern in the Delaware–Maryland–Virginia Peninsula (Delmarva), USA. To evaluate state and federal nutrient management strategies for reducing the environmental impact of soluble P from long‐term PL‐amended Delaware (DE) soils, we investigated (i) inorganic P speciation; (ii) P adsorption capacity; and (iii) the extent of P desorption. Although the electron microprobe (EMP) analyses showed a strong correlation between P and Al/Fe, crystalline Al/Fe‐P precipitates were not detected by x‐ray diffraction (XRD). Instead, the inorganic P fractionation analyses showed high levels of oxalate extractable P, Al, and Fe fractions (615–858, 1215–1478, and 337–752 mg kg−1, respectively), which were susceptible to slow release during the long‐term (30‐d) P desorption experiments at a moderately acidic soil pHwater The labile P in the short‐term (24‐h) desorption studies was significantly associated with oxalate and F extractable Fe and Al, respectively. This was evident in an 80% reduction maximum in total desorbable P from NH4 oxalate/F pretreated soils. In the adsorption experiments, P was strongly retained in soils at near targeted pH of lime (≈6.0), but P adsorption gradually decreased with decreasing pH near the soil pHwater (≈5.0). The overall findings suggest that P losses from the can be suppressed by an increase in the P retention capacity of soils via (i) an increase in the number of lime applications to maintain soil pHwater at near targeted pH values, and/or (ii) alum/iron sulfate amendments to provide additional Al‐ and Fe‐based adsorbents.
Sediment Transport by Medium to Large Drops Impacting Flows at Subterminal Velocity
Authors: Kinnell Peter I. A.
Published: May 2005

Dripper‐type rainfall simulators producing water drops from drop formers (metal or plastic tubes) have been widely used in laboratory experiments. These rainfall simulators produce medium (2.0–3.5 mm) to large (>5.0 mm) raindrops and, in many cases, because of restrictions in the height of fall from the drop formers to the target, rain with drop impact velocities that are considerably less than terminal velocity. To answer the question “Can the results for drops impacting at low velocity be extrapolated to the terminal velocity situation using rainfall kinetic energy as an independent factor?”, the results of rainfall simulator experiments with medium (2.7 mm) and large (5.1 mm) pendant drops impacting water flowing over surfaces of 0.2‐mm sand and heights of fall 3 m and less are presented and compared with the results obtained when the drops fell 11.2 m. A linear relationship between sediment discharge and the expenditure of the kinetic energy of the rain in unit time was obtained with 2.7‐mm drops but not with 5.1‐mm drops. The results indicate that the departure from natural rainfall in terms of drop size and velocity is sufficient for data produced by dripper‐type simulators using large drops to be not as useful in a practical sense as data produced by rainfall simulators that produce rain drop sizes and velocities that are closer to those observed in natural rainfall.
Influence of Grass and Agroforestry Buffer Strips on Soil Hydraulic Properties for an Albaqualf
Authors: Seobi Tshepiso , Anderson S. H. , Udawatta R. P. , Gantzer C. J.
Published: May 2005

Agroforestry production systems have been introduced in temperate regions to improve water quality and diversify farm income. Agroforestry and grass–legume buffer effects on soil hydraulic properties for a Putnam soil (fine, smectitic, mesic Vertic Albaqualf) were evaluated in a corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] watershed in northeastern Missouri. The no‐till management watershed was established in 1991 with agroforestry buffers implemented in 1997. Agroforestry buffers, 4.5 m wide and 36.5 m apart, consist of redtop (Agrostis gigantea Roth), brome (Bromus spp.), and birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) with pin oak (Quercus palustris Muenchh.), swamp white oak (Q. bicolor Willd.), and bur oak (Q. macrocarpa Michx.) trees. Soil cores (7.6 cm in diam. by 7.6 cm long) were collected from the treatments from four 10‐cm depth increments to determine saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), soil water retention, pore‐size distributions, and bulk density. Bulk density was 2.3% lower (P < 0.05) within the grass and agroforestry buffers compared with the row crop areas. Total porosity and coarse mesoporosity (60‐ to 1000‐μm diam.) were 3 and 33% higher (P < 0.05), respectively, for the grass and agroforestry buffer treatments than the row crop treatment. The Ksat was three and 14 times higher (P < 0.05) in the grass and agroforestry buffer treatments compared with the row crop treatment. Results show that the grass and agroforestry buffer treatments increased potential water storage by 0.90 cm and 1.1 cm per 30‐cm depth compared with the row crop treatment. Although the claypan horizon will dominate the surface hydrology, buffers may provide some benefit by reducing runoff from row crop management.
Nitrous Oxide Emission from No‐Till Irrigated Corn
Authors: Ginting Daniel , Eghball Bahman
Published: May 2005

Field experiments were conducted to determine optimal time during the day for N2O flux determination and to evaluate the effects of wheel traffic and soil parameters on N2O fluxes following urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) injection and summer UAN fertigations. The experiments were located on silty clay loam soils under no‐till irrigated continuous corn of eastern Nebraska. Three approaches were used. First, near‐continuous N2O flux measurements were made in non‐wheel‐tracked (NWT) interrows in four 24‐h periods during the growing season of 2002. Second, point measurements of N2O flux were made in the wheel‐tracked (WT) and NWT interrows at five dates during the growing season of 2002. Third, point measurements of N2O fluxes and soils (nitrate, ammonium, moisture, and temperature) were made in the NWT interrows from 2001 to 2004. The differences between point vs. continuous flux measurements (<8 g N2O‐N ha−1 d−1) and between the WT vs. the NWT (<3.7 g N2O‐N ha−1 d−1) were not significant. The means of N2O daily flux within 60 d after injection (period of high soil N) in the first, second, and third year were 26.8, 21.2, and 28.0 g N2O‐N ha−1 d−1, respectively. The means during low soil N were 9.24, 4.05, and 7.50 g N2O‐N ha−1 d−1, respectively. Summer fertigations did not increase N2O flux. Under the conditions of this study, optimal point measurement for N2O daily flux can be made any time during the day at the NWT interrows. Among the soil parameters, soil nitrate dynamics in the injection zone correlates best with N2O fluxes.
Nondestructive Evaluation
Authors: Kundu T.
Published: May 2005

The technology of nondestructive evaluation (NDE) includes all nondamaging or nonintrusive methods for determining material identity; for evaluating material properties, composition, structure, or serviceability; and for detecting discontinuities and defects in materials. Nondestructive tests commonly are used for quality control, process control, and for reliability assurance of materials, protective coatings, components, welds, assemblies, structures, and operating systems. The use of these tests helps prevent premature failure of materials during processing, manufacturing, or assembly, and during service under anticipated operating stresses and environments. Nondestructive evaluation provides an essential service toward achieving the goal of optimum plant and system operation.

An overview of NDE methods and applications that apply to most inspection demands that can arise in the chemical industry is presented. Candidates for inspection with NDE range from massive aircraft and pressure vessels to minute fibers used in the construction of high strength composites and fine arts objects. Techniques applicable to such a wide range of items may be classified as external energy tests, where the signal or probing medium is generated externally to the system being evaluated, or passive energy tests, where the signal comes from the system itself. Probe sources range from the ultrasonic and microwave through γ‐ and X‐rays. Surface investigation, leak detection, flaw sizing, imaging of material systems, and routine inspections are all carried out using NDE.
InverseGaussian andGaussian Analogies
Authors: Natarajan Rajeshwari
Published: May 2005

The family of inverse Gaussian (IG) distributions is a versatile alternative to modeling nonnegative right‐skewed data. The two parameter IG model is useful because of several properties it shares with the two‐parameter Gaussian (normal) distribution. For example, in both cases, the maximum likelihood estimates of the parameters are sufficient and complete. They also are independent and characterize the distributions (Items 2–6, Table 1). Furthermore, the optimal procedure for testing homogeneity of several means involves anF‐distribution analogous to theF‐statistic associated with Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). This article catalogues such analogies between the two families.
Uniform Designs
Authors: Fang Kai‐Tai
Published: May 2005

The uniform design is a space‐filling design that has been applied in computer experiments, industrial experiments when the underlying model is unknown, and experiments with mixtures. The uniform design is robust against model specification. This entry introduces the theory, method, properties, and applications of this design.
AIDSStochastic Models
Authors: Tan Wai‐Yuan
Published: May 2005

To model the HIV epidemic, there are four different approaches: The deterministic models, the stochastic models, the statistical models, and the state space models. The last three models treat the HIV epidemic as random processes. This article presents a systematic review of these random processes. It illustrates how to develop stochastic models and statistical models of the HIV epidemic and how to combine these models into state space models. Using a homosexual population as an example, it illustrates how to develop stochastic equations for the state variables and how to use the state space models to develop a generalized Bayesian method to estimate the unknown parameters and the state variables. The methodology is illustrated by using the AIDS incidence data of the San Francisco homosexual population.
6‐Substituted Purines as Inhibitors of 15‐Lipoxygenase; a Structure‐Activity Study
Authors: Bråthe Anders , Gundersen Lise‐Lotte , Malterud Karl E. , Rise Frode
Published: May 2005

15‐Lipoxygenase (15‐LO) has been implicated in oxidation of low‐density lipoproteins (LDL), a process believed to be important for the development of atherosclerosis, as well as other pathogenic conditions. Potent and selective inhibitors of 15‐LO may have a drug potential. In this study, purines with a variety of substituents have been examined as inhibitors of 15‐lipoxygenase (15‐LO) from soybeans. Several 6‐substitued purines where the purine ring and a phenyl ring in the substituent were separated by a “spacer” were synthesized and their ability to inhibit the enzyme was explored. Sepa ration of the purine and the phenyl rings with none, one or two sp3‐carbons resulted in essentially inactive compounds, trans‐styrylpurines and phenylethynylpurines, on the other hand, they exhibited activity close to the well‐known 15‐LO inhibitor quercetin. High activity was also found when the “spacer” was a trans‐cyclopropyl ring. The shape of the spacer was important; a corresponding cis‐cyclopropylpurine exhibited much less affinity for the enzyme. Only minor differences in inhibitory activity against 15‐LO were found regardless of whether an N‐substituent was situated on N‐9 or N‐7, even when the N‐substituent was relatively large. Also, a variety of substituents in the purine 2‐ and 8‐position were well tolerated.
Theoretical and experimental study of a diode-pumped actively
Q-switched Nd:YVO4 green laser with periodically poled KTP
Authors: Li G , Zhao S , Yang K , Wu W
Published: May 2005

A diode-pumped acively Q-switched Nd:YdVO4 green
laser with periodically poled KTP (PPKTP) has been realized. The
dependences of pulse width, pulse energy and peak power on
incident pump power are measured for the generated-green-light
pulses. A rate equation model is introduced to theoretically
analyze the results obtained in the experiment, in which the
spatial distributions of the intracavity photon density, the pump
beam and the population-inversion density are taken into account.
These rate equations are solved numerically and the theoretical
calculations are in agreement with the experimental results.
A New Strategy to Exfoliate Silicone Rubber/Clay Nanocomposites
Authors: Ma Jun , Yu Zhong‐Zhen , Kuan Hsu‐Chiang , Dasari Arovind , Mai Yiu‐Wing
Published: May 2005

Summary: A new strategy was developed to prepare disorderly exfoliated nanocomposites, in which a soft siloxane surfactant with a weight‐average molecular weight () of 1 900 was adopted to modify the clay. The modified clay slurry was then mixed with silicone rubber by hand, and exfoliation was achieved. The proposed mechanism thereof was verified by TEM and XRD. The physical entanglement of the soft siloxane surfactant plays a vital role in the diffusion and intercalation of the matrix molecules during the compounding of the slurry‐polymer mixture. This simple method is applicable to other silicone‐based materials reinforced by clay.

TEM micrograph of silicone rubber/clay‐sil nanocomposite.

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TEM micrograph of silicone rubber/clay‐sil nanocomposite.
Polycarbazoles: 25 Years of Progress
Authors: Morin Jean‐François , Leclerc Mario , Adès Dominique , Siove Alain
Published: May 2005

Summary: Carbazole‐based oligomeric and polymeric materials have been studied for almost 25 years for their unique electrical, electrochemical and optical properties. Interestingly, carbazole units can be linked in two different ways leading to either poly(3,6‐carbazole) or poly(2,7‐carbazole) derivatives. While the former class seems to be very interesting for electrochemical and phosphorescence applications, the latter shows very promising optical properties in the visible range for light emitting diodes (LED). The major intrinsic difference between these two classes is the effective conjugation length: poly(2,7‐carbazole) materials having the longer one, due to their poly(p‐phenylene)‐like structure. Using different synthetic strategies and substitution patterns, the physico‐chemical properties of both classes can be fine‐tuned, leading to high performance materials for a large number electronic applications.

Chemical structures for poly(3,6‐carbazole) and poly(2,7‐carbazole) and the materials used as the starting points for their respective syntheses.

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Chemical structures for poly(3,6‐carbazole) and poly(2,7‐carbazole) and the materials used as the starting points for their respective syntheses.
Contribution of the Src family of kinases to the appearance of malignant phenotypes in renal cancer cells
Authors: Yonezawa Yuko , Nagashima Yoji , Sato Hiromi , Virgona Nantiga , Fukumoto Keiko , Shirai Sumiko , Hagiwara Hiromi , Seki Taiichiro , Ariga Toyohiko , Senba Hironobu , Suzuki Kazuyuki , Asano Ryuji , Hagiwara Kiyokazu , Yano Tomohiro
Published: May 2005

Although the constitute activation of the Src family of kinases (Src) has been established as a poor prognostic factor in several types of cancer, the role of Src in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has not been defined. This study aimed to determine whether Src could contribute to the appearance of malignant phenotypes in RCC. The role of Src in the appearance of malignant phenotypes in RCC was examined in two human renal cancer cell lines, Caki‐1 from human metastatic RCC and ACHN from human primary RCC. Src activity in Caki‐1 cells was higher than that in ACHN cells, and this difference corresponded to the difference of PP1 (a Src family inhibitor)‐induced cytotoxicity on the two cells. The difference in cytotoxicity between the cells did not depend on cell cycle regulation but on the induction of apoptosis, and the difference in apoptosis particularly related to the reduction of the Bcl‐xL level. Furthermore, in Caki‐1 cells with higher Src activity, Src stimulated the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), partially via the activation of Stat3, and the inhibition of Src activity caused a reduction of the VEGF level in serum, angiogenesis, and tumor development in a xenograft model. These results suggested that Src contributed to the appearance of malignant phenotypes in renal cancer cells, particularly due to the resistance against apoptosis by Bcl‐xL and angiogenesis stimulated by Src‐Stat3‐VEGF signaling. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dietary fibres as “prebiotics”: Implications for colorectal cancer
Authors: Lim Chiara C. , Ferguson Lynnette R. , Tannock Gerald W.
Published: May 2005

A “prebiotic” is a nondigestible food ingredient whose beneficial effects on the host result from the selective stimulation of growth and/or activity of members of the bacterial community that inhabits the human bowel (the gut microbiota). Although much of the prebiotic literature focuses on nondigestible oligosaccharides, such as oligofructose, most dietary fibres that are fermentable carbohydrates could be considered as prebiotics. Early studies suggested that colonic bacteria were risk factors for colon cancer. However, altering the composition or metabolic activity of the bowel microbiota through the use of dietary fibre might be important in reducing the prevalence of colorectal cancer. Mechanisms for beneficial effects of prebiotics might include changing the activity of exogenous carcinogens through modulating metabolic activation and/or detoxification, or stimulating the production of the short‐chain fatty acid, butyrate. However, modern analytical techniques suggest that an important consequence of a modified bacterial community could be a change in the expression not only of a range of different bacterial genes in bowel contents, but also in the bowel mucosa of the host. Analogous with observations with probiotics, the stimulation of cytokines and modification of immune responses could be important in producing beneficial effects. Compared with transitory effects of probiotics, the prebiotic action of fermentable carbohydrates potentially provide the opportunity for sustainable modulation of activity of the gut microbiota. However, their mechanisms of action in humans are speculative, and research aimed at providing an integrated view of the gut microbiota and dietary fibre nutrition of humans needs to be developed.
Production and characterisation of two wheat‐bran fractions: an aleurone‐rich and a pericarp‐rich fraction
Authors: Harris Philip J. , Chavan Ramesh R. , Ferguson Lynnette R.
Published: May 2005

Wheat bran is a good source of dietary fibre in the form of cell walls, but contains a number of different cell types. We describe a large‐scale procedure for the production of an aleurone‐rich and a pericarp‐rich fraction from hard, Australian wheat. The fractions were characterised by field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, by using a range of bright‐field stains, colour reagents, and fluorochromes, and by chemical analysis of the walls. The aleurone fraction included the seed coat with its cuticle. Only the pericarp walls showed a histochemical reaction for lignin. The concentrations of ester‐linked ferulic acid and (1 → 3),(1 → 4)‐β‐glucans were greater in the aleurone‐rich fraction than in the pericarp‐rich fraction. The results are consistent with the arabinoxylans in the walls of the pericarp‐rich fraction being more highly substituted with arabinose than those in the walls of the aleurone‐rich fraction. When the fractions were fed as a dietary supplement to rats and walls were isolated from the faeces, it was found that the pericarp walls were not degraded, but the aleurone walls were partially degraded.
Combination sclerotherapy for exceptionally large varicose veins: One method of preserving the greater saphenous vein for future grafts
Authors: Malkoff Jay S.
Published: May 2005

The aim of this study was to demonstrate that sclerotherapy of exceptionally large varicose veins, i.e., > 2.0 cm in diameter, is achievable, and should be the method of choice if one wishes to preserve the greater saphenous vein as a source for future bypass grafts. There is an increasing propensity toward microphlebectomy when treating varicose veins in America today. And, there is a corresponding reluctance to perform sclerotherapy, especially when dealing with the larger varices. The following are possible reasons for these decisions:

Once deep vein pathology has been ruled out, sclerotherapy can be a successful treatment for any large vein. The second caveat is that significant saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) reflux ( > 1 second) must be eliminated prior to sclerotherapy; the author feels this should be accomplished surgically, not with sclerotherapy. With large varices, if the SFJ is competent then there is most likely a responsible perforator that must either be ligated and/or injected with sclerosant. Less frequently the short saphenous may be involved, and in these cases there are several alternatives, i.e., sclerotherapy or ligation and stripping of the short saphenous vein. Finally, but of great importance, ligation and stripping the greater saphenous vein in order to eliminate the varices that are merely branches of it, creates an unacceptable loss of potential bypass grafts for future CAD patients. This, alone, is reason enough to promote sclerotherapy for very large varicose veins. The author presents two enormous varices that were successful treated with combination sclerotherapy, with a detailed description of the method utilized.
Turner syndrome with unusual clinical features: A case report
Authors: Dalgic Nazan , Tunaoğlu Sedef , Kula Serdar , Olguntürk Rana
Published: May 2005

Turner Syndrome is a genetic disease with a frequency of 1 in every 1500–2500 live-born female babies. In this report, a 2 years 10 months old patient who had the genotype of 46,XOi (Xq) will be introduced, although her phenotype and cardiovascular system involvement are not seen in the classic Turner spectrum.
Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for total coronary occlusion: The effect of restenosis on left ventricular function
Authors: TÜkek Tufan , Akkaya Vakur , Sözen Ahmet Bilge , Demirel Şeref , Nişanci Yilmaz , Korkut Ferruh
Published: May 2005

The study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of restenosis on global and regional left ventricular function after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) for total coronary occlusion. Thirty-one consecutive patients with total coronary occlusion treated successfully with PTCA and had follow-up angiography at 3–6 months formed the study group. Nineteen patients had restenosis (16 males, mean age 48 ± 10 years) and 12 had no restenosis (11 males, mean age 53 ± 10 years). In the LAD group there were increases in anterobasal (35.9 ± 8.5% vs 43.1 ± 5.7%, p=0.05) and apical (24.1 ± 6.8% vs 31.7 ± 2.9%, p=0.03) segment motion scores in patients without restenosis after PTCA. Global ejection fractions (63.1 ± 14.5% vs 68.9 ± 12.4%, p=0.09) and anterolater,al (28.7 ± 11.3% vs 39.7 ± 10.2%, p=0.09) segment scores increased, but did not reach statistical significance. In the LAD restenosis group anterobasal (41.5 ± 14.3% vs 34.3 ± 12.6%, p=0.001), apical (21.1 ± 15.0% vs 17.8 ± 10.9%, p=0.05) and anterolateral (32.7 ± 19.6% vs 26.6 ± 13.8%, p=0.03) segment motion scores decreased but the decrease in the global ejection fraction (60.3 ± 18.5% vs 58.6 ± 17.4, p=0.38) was not significant. In the RCA+LCX group there was a significant increases in global ejection fraction (69.0 ± 7.5% vs 74.2 ± 7.6%, p=0.03) and posterobasal (23.8 ± 7.8 vs 34.4 ± 8.0, p=0.04) segment motion scores in patients without restenosis. The wall motion scores were unchanged in patients with restenosis in the RCA+LCX group. It was concluded that restenosis after a successful PTCA for total coronary occlusion may deteriorate segmental wall motion and treatment modalities with increased patency rates should be used for total coronary occlusions.
Surgical treatment of asymptomatic popliteal aneurysms using midline posterior incision
Authors: Babatasi Gérard , Massetti Massimo , Bhoyroo Satar , Khayat André
Published: May 2005

The authors report eight cases of surgical treatment of popliteal aneuryms via a strictly posterior approach. The aneurysm was asymptomatic in each case and was diagnosed during assessment of a symptomatic contralateral popliteal aneurysm treated by a conventional technique (exclusion—interposition of a femoropopliteal vein graft or prosthetic tube via a medial incision). The operation was performed with the patient in the ventral supine position and consisted of excision graft with direct anatomical interposition of a femoropopliteal prosthetic tube. This approach has limitations as it cannot be extended superiorly and is therefore indicated in saccular or short fusiform aneurysms whose superior pole does not extend beyond Hunter's canal. In all eight cases, the prosthesis consisted of a 8 mm PTFE spiral tube. All patients underwent postoperative bilateral dynamic angiography and all were asymptomatic. During the same period, four postoperative thromboses of the grafts
requiring embolectomy were observed in four cases of conventional repair of symptomatic contralateral aneurysms. The use of the posterior approach for popliteal aneurysm surgery, considering very precise criteria, appears to be a very attractive alternative, decreasing the morbidity, restoring a strictly anatomical course, and allowing a reduction in the incidence of the graft's thrombosis, ensuring a better long-term patency.
Are metallic markers necessary for coronary artery bypass grafts? A study using X-ray computed tomography and selective graft angiography
Authors: Tamiya Eiji , Imai Yukiko , Ito Nobuhiko , Ikenouchi Hiroshi , Hada Yoshiyuki , Tanaka Kimihiro , Murota Yoshihiro , Ando Takeshi , Furuse Akira , Asano Ken-ichi
Published: May 2005

Using X-ray computed tomography (CT) and selective graft angiography, the authors studied the necessity of metallic markers in coronary artery bypass grafts on 45 patients (mean age 57.2 years) with 87 saphenous vein grafts. Eight patients had 17 markers. X-ray CT was performed after surgery using an apparatus with a 1-second scanning time. Noncontrast X-ray CT was performed on horizontal sections, at 5-mm intervals, from the lower margin of the aortic arch to the lower left ventricle. A contrast medium was then injected into the antecubital vein (3 ml/second, total 30 ml) in one cross-section at the level of bifurcation of the pulmonary artery. Aortography (60° in the left anterior and oblique positions, 20 ml/second, total 40 ml) was performed concurrently. Selective graft angiography was taken in the same direction, using 4 cm right of the Judkins with reference to the aortographic image and position of five clips on the sternum. Aortography revealed 79 patent and 8 occluded grafts. Selective graft angiography was easily performed even in grafts without markers. A cross-section of the occulded graft could not be seen with X-ray CT. Grafts with markers were often masked by artifacts produced by markers on X-ray CT. The number of observed graft slices (marker-positive grafts) was only 1.2 ± 1.1 slices, significantly (p <0.01) lower than marker-negative grafts (4.1 ± 3.1 slices). In particular, the number of marker-positive right coronary artery grafts was 0.4 ± 0.9 slices. Four of five right coronary artery grafts were unobservable due to artifacts. In grafts without markers, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of X-ray CT to graft patency were 100%, 85.7%, 98.4%, 100%, and 98.6%, respectively. This study suggests that metallic markers may not be necessary for coronary artery bypass grafts.
Angioplasty of subclavian artery stenosis: Report of two cases and review of the literature
Authors: Gök Hasan , Korkut Bayram , Sarigüzel M. Asm
Published: May 2005

In this study we present two patients who underwent successful percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of a symptomatic left subclavian artery stenosis. We have compared our data with the data obtained from the current literature.
Diagnosis of abnormal subclavian venous flow by radionuclide venography in patients with permanent pacemaker
Authors: Çeliker Cengiz , Sayman Haluk , Ersanl Murat , Hamidi Musa , Doğruca Zeynep , Önsel Çetin , Yazcoğlu Nuran
Published: May 2005

In this study, we investigated the role of radionuclide venography in the diagnosis of abnormal subclavian venous flow due to the lead in patients (pts) with permanent pacemakers. The study was conducted with 53 frames in 52 asymptomatic pts (26 females, mean age 64.5±15; range 25–89 years). The mean time after implant was 67.6±47.5 months. Technetium 99m pertecnetate (250 MBq) was given to both antecubital veins simultaneously. The images were acquired in 0.25-second frames for 20 seconds. The pts were evaluated visually in terms of the activity flow through the subclavian veins bilaterally. The retrograde flow in the jugular vein, decrease in flow rate, and subtotal and total obstruction of the subclavian veins were accepted as abnormal venous flow patterns. In 17 pts with abnormal findings, 10 (58.8%) had retrograde flow in the jugular vein, 4 had (23.5%) decreased flow rate, 1 (5.8%) had subtotal and 2 (11.7%) total obstruction in the subclavian vein. The mean of the body diameter of the leads was significantly greater and the percentage of the silicone-insulated leads was higher (76% vs 52%) in the group with abnormal flow. No complication due to the procedure was seen. In conclusion, radionuclide venography, a noninvasive method, may be used easily and safely to show the venous flow abnormalities due to the lead in pts with permanent pacemakers. The abnormal subclavian venous flow was especially seen in pts who had larger leads.
Hyperacute intracerebral hemorrhage due to an occult venous angioma in the contralateral hemisphere of craniotomy: A case report
Authors: Altmörs Nur , Caner Hakan , Şekerci Sumru , Demirhan Beyhan
Published: May 2005

A case of acute severe neurologic deterioration following a craniotomy performed for a left frontotemporal arachnoid cyst is reported here. Early postoperative cranial computed tomography (CT) showed a large right parietal intracerebral hematoma which was removed immediately, resulting in neurologic improvement. Surgical and histopathologic observations revealed venous angioma as the cause of the hemorrhage which was not detected on the preoperative cranial CT. Six months postoperatively, the patient developed subdural hematoma over the left cerebral hemisphere with no evidence of trauma.
Isolated internal iliac artery aneurysm eleven years after tube graft repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm: Case report and literature review
Authors: Aboulafia Elie D. , Dardano Anthony N. , Engle Jennifer , Brown Otto W.
Published: May 2005

Internal iliac artery (hypogastric) aneurysms are most commonly associated with common iliac or other arterial aneurysms. Isolated internal iliac aneurysms are quite rare and represent about 1/2% of intracorporal aneurysms. The occurrence of an isolated internal iliac artery aneurysm many years after repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm, and its successful surgical management have not been previously reported. An 84-year-old Caucasian male presented with acute left femoro-popliteal deep vein thrombosis 11 years after repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm with insertion of a knitted Dacron tube graft. In the course of his workup he was found to have an isolated 5-cm right, hypogastric, arterial aneurysm. After treating the patient for this deep vein thrombosis, the internal iliac artery aneurysm was repaired via a transperitoneal approach, using the technique of obliterative endoaneurysmorrhaphy. The natural history, diagnosis, and options for treatment modalities of isolated internal iliac arterial aneurysms are presented with a review of the literature.
Graphical representations and Odds Ratios in a Distance-Association Model for the Analysis of Cross-Classified Data
Authors: de Rooij Mark , Heiser Willem J.
Published: May 2005

Although RC(M)-association models have become a generally useful tool for the analysis of cross-classified data, the graphical representation resulting from such an analysis can at times be misleading. The relationships present between row category points and column category points cannot be interpreted by inter point distances but only through projection. In order to avoid incorrect interpretation by a distance rule, joint plots should be made that either represent the row categories or the column categories as vectors. In contrast, the present study proposes models in which the distances between row and column points can be interpreted directly, with a large (small) distance corresponding to a small (large) value for the association. The models provide expressions for the odds ratios in terms of distances, which is a feature that makes the proposed models attractive reparametrizations to the usual RC(M)-parametrization. Comparisons to existing data analysis techniques plus an overview of related models and their connections are also provided.
Exact Tests for the Rasch Model Via Sequential Importance Sampling
Authors: Chen Yuguo , Small Dylan
Published: May 2005

Rasch proposed an exact conditional inference approach to testing his model but never implemented it because it involves the calculation of a complicated probability. This paper furthers Rasch’s approach by (1) providing an efficient Monte Carlo methodology for accurately approximating the required probability and (2) illustrating the usefulness of Rasch’s approach for several important testing problems through simulation studies. Our Monte Carlo methodology is shown to compare favorably to other Monte Carlo methods proposed for this problem in two respects: it is considerably faster and it provides more reliable estimates of the Monte Carlo standard error.
Acute and long-term effects of infection by the respiratory syncytial virus in children with congenital cardiac malformations
Authors: Feltes Timothy F. , Groothuis Jessie R.
Published: May 2005

All newborn infants have limited pulmonary reserve compared with older children. This puts them at increased risk of respiratory complications, such as those associated with infection by the respiratory syncytial virus. Young children with congenital cardiac disease are particularly likely to suffer severe disease related to infection by the virus. In these children, the extreme vulnerability of the lung to pulmonary oedema is compounded by the additional burden caused by the respiratory syncytial virus.

In addition to the well-documented acute pulmonary effects of infection with the respiratory syncytial virus, there may also be consequent long-term respiratory morbidity. Clinical studies have shown that infection by the virus in infancy is associated with a higher risk of developing subsequent bronchial obstructive disease. Much debate surrounds the mechanisms underlying this association. It is thought that a combined immunological and neurogenic response mechanism is likely. Prevention of severe respiratory disease in infants and young children with congenital heart disease due to infection by the virus may, therefore, offer both immediate and long-term benefits. Indeed, an increasing body of evidence supports this hypothesis, indicating a clinical rationale for prophylaxis against the virus in infancy, in order to reduce the chance of developing reactive airways disease and asthma in later life.
Development of a cardiac technician led paediatric echocardiographic service – experience from a district general hospital in the United Kingdom
Authors: Allen Jane , Dickinson David F. , Ramachandran Arun , Thomson John D. R.
Published: May 2005

Objectives:To report our experience in providing cardiac technician led paediatric echocardiography services in a district general hospital in the United Kingdom.Methods:We have collected prospectively the numbers of referrals, and the proportion of abnormal echocardiograms, since inception of the service in 2000. In additional, for a period of 12 months, we have audited in detail the patterns of referral to the service, and outcomes, assessing the effect of the service on the outreach clinic run by a visiting paediatric cardiologist.Results:Use of the system resulted in detection of a wide range of abnormalities, with our audit showing that the patients received appropriate management. The total referrals to the service increased 10 fold over the 4 year period of the study. The proportion of abnormal hearts detected by echocardiography, however, dropped from 90 per cent to 16 per cent over the same period. The numbers of patients seen in the outreach cardiology clinic remained unaltered.Conclusions:Having been proved to be an effective model for the triage of children with suspected congenital cardiac disease, adoption of a cardiac technician led echocardiographic service has seen a dramatic increase in the numbers of echocardiograms requested, without decreasing the workload of the visiting paediatric cardiologist.
Dayside global ionospheric response to the major interplanetary events of October 29–30, 2003 “Halloween Storms”
Authors: Mannucci A. J. , Tsurutani B. T. , Iijima B. A. , Komjathy A. , Saito A. , Gonzalez W. D. , Guarnieri F. L. , Kozyra J. U. , Skoug R.
Published: May 2005

We demonstrate extreme ionospheric response to the large interplanetary electric fields during the “Halloween” storms that occurred on October 29 and 30, 2003. Within a few (2–5) hours of the time when the enhanced interplanetary electric field impinged on the magnetopause, dayside total electron content increases of ∼40% and ∼250% are observed for the October 29 and 30 events, respectively. During the Oct 30 event, ∼900% increases in electron content above the CHAMP satellite (∼400 km altitude) were observed at mid‐latitudes (±30 degrees geomagnetic). The geomagnetic storm‐time phenomenon of prompt penetration electric fields is a possible contributing cause of these electron content increases, producing dayside ionospheric uplift combined with equatorial plasma diffusion along magnetic field lines to higher latitudes, creating a “daytime super‐fountain” effect.