bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computerized System to Quantify Aflatoxin Using Thin Layer Chromatography1
Authors: Whitaker T. B. , Dickens J. W. , Slate A. B.
Published: April 2010

A microcomputer was interfaced to an instrument (spotmeter) previously designed to measure the fluorescent intensity of aflatoxin spots on thin layer chromatography (TLC) plates. Software was developed that uses a cubic regression equation to describe the relationships between the spotmeter readings and the known quantities of aflatoxin in standard spots on TLC plates. The regression technique also provides methods to detect spotting and/or measurement errors. Based on the regression equation and measurements of sample extract spots on the same TLC plate, the system computes and records the amount of aflatoxin in the sample extract spots and the concentration of aflatoxin that was in the extracted sample. The percent error associated with computed amounts of aflatoxin in sample extract spots is affected by the amount of aflatoxin in the sample extract spots and standard spots on the plate. The average percent error ranged from 14.9% for a 2.6 ng spot of 4.1% for a 13 ng spot.
Characterization of the Resistance to Meloidogyne arenaria in an Interspecific Arachis Spp. Hybrid1
Authors: Starr J. L. , Schuster G. L. , Simpson C. E.
Published: April 2010

Seedlings of TP-135, an interspecific hybrid derived from four Arachis spp. and resistant to Meloidogyne arenaria race 1, and the susceptible cultivar Tamnut 74 were inoculated with 2,500 freshly hatched juveniles of M. arenaria. Plants were harvested at 7, 14, 21, and 35 days after inoculation (DAI) and the roots treated with acid fuchsin to stain infecting nematodes. Adult females with eggs were detected in roots of Tamnut 74 at 21 DAI, producing 1,395 eggs/g roots at 35 DAI. Most nematodes remained as second-stage juveniles and no nematode was observed to develop beyond the third or fourth juvenile stage in roots of TP-135 by 35 DAI. In other experiments, seedlings of Tamnut 74 and root cuttings of TP-135 were each inoculated separately with 3,000 eggs of 10 geographically diverse populations of M. arenaria race 1. All populations of the nematode had greater (P = 0.01) reproduction on Tamnut 74 than on TP-135. Based on these data, we conclude that although the mechanism of resistance in TP-135 to M. arenaria is most similar to that of the wild species A. cardenasii, it is not identical to that of any of the nematode-resistant parental species. Furthermore, we believe that the resistance will be effective against a range of populations of the nematode.
Influence of Maturity and Fruit Yield on Susceptibility of Peanut to Cercosporidium personatum (Late Leafspot Pathogen)1
Authors: Miller I. L. , Norden A. J. , Knauft D. A. , Gorbet D. W.
Published: April 2010

A positive relationship between both low pod yield and late maturity of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) with resistance to leafspot (Cercospora arachidicola Hori and Cercosporidium personatum (Berk & Curt.) Deighton) has been observed in breeding material and germplasm. To study this association, three peanut genotypes (Early Bunch, Florunner, and Dixie Runner) varying in maturity and yield potential were grown both with and without fungicide spray. Lower yield and later maturity treatments were further imposed on these genotypes through floral bud removal. Removal of floral buds resulted in less leafspot injury, as measured by lesion number per leaf or by a leaf retention score. There was a significant cultivar × treatment interaction. Removal of floral buds significantly reduced pod yield for Early Bunch. The use of chlorothalonil improved yields for Early Bunch and Florunner, but not for Dixie Runner. The proportion of sound mature kernels was increased in Florunner and decreased in Early Bunch by the floral bud removal treatment with no fungicide. Trends for yield of sound mature kernels were similar to those of pod yields. The improved resistance, delayed maturity, and lower yield of treatments with floral bud removal may explain the association noted among three traits in breeding material.
Characterization of Lesser Cornstalk Borer Injury to the Root-Hypocotyl Region of Peanut Plants1
Authors: Mack T. P. , Buckelew L. D. , Peterson C. M.
Published: April 2010

Lesser cornstalk borer, Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), larval injury to the root-hypocotyl region of greenhouse-reared ‘Florunner’ peanut, Arachis hypogaea L., plants was investigated by determining the size and distribution of feeding sites. The percent injury to periderm, cortex, phloem, and xylem tissues also was estimated. Tissue loss due to insect feeding was measured for only the most prominent of several wound sites on each stem axis. Percent injury to principal tissues was estimated by planimetric methods.

The lesser cornstalk borer caused significant injury to the periderm, cortex, and the phloem on mainstems of peanut plants. Mean percent injury was 31.67% for the periderm and cortex, 16.78% for phloem, and only 0.19% for the xylem. Approximately 91% of all feeding sites occurred on the mainstem or were contiguous with the mainstem and a branch. The frequently of plants with feeding sites declined linearly with increasing number of sites. These data support the hypothesis that root growth declines with increasing larval injury to phloem and xylem (food and water conducting tissues, respectively) in the root-hypocotyl region.
Sensitivity of Rhizoctonia solani isolates to fungicides and evaluation of peanut cultivars to Rhizoctonia limb rot1
Authors: Barnes J. S. , Csinos A. S. , Branch W. D.
Published: April 2010

Twenty-one isolates were made from typical Rhizoctonia limb rot lesions of Florunner peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) and one each from a peanut pod and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata Walp.). Isolates of Rhizoctonia solani were characterized for sensitivity to three sterol-inhibiting fungicides, PCNB and chlorothalonil. Diniconazole, cyproconazole, and tebuconazole were the most effective inhibitors of radial growth, with a mean EC50 of 0.028, 0.056, and 0.166 μg/μL, respectively. EC50s for PCNB and chlorothalonil were 4.06 and 4.85 μg/mL, respectively. A technique to reproduce the disease in the greenhouse was developed and used to evaluate 18 peanut cultivars for resistance to limb inoculation with R. solani. NC 6, NC 7, New Mexico Valencia A, and Florunner were the most susceptible cultivars based on lesion length. Wounding before inoculation resulted in significantly increased lesion length for 15 of 18 cultivars. In a three-year (1986–88) field trial, NC 6, Florigiant, and NC 7 were the most susceptible cultivars, while VA 81B and Toalson appeared to be the most resistant.
Partial resistance of Southern Runner, Arachis hypogaea, to stem rot caused by Sclerotium rolfsii1
Authors: Brenneman T. B. , Branch W. D. , Csinos A. S.
Published: April 2010

The susceptibility of 16 peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) genotypes (eight Virginia and eight runner types) to southern stem rot (Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc.) was evaluated in field tests over three years. Mean disease incidence for all cultivars was 10.0, 15.4 and 16.4 disease loci per 12.2 m row and average yields were 3488, 2826 and 3569 kg/ha in 1986, 1987 and 1988, respectively. Disease incidence averaged 14.3 disease loci per 12.2 m of row for both market types. The mean yield for the eight Virginia types was 3287 kg/ha versus 3214 for the eight runner types. Culitvars within market types varied significantly in disease incidence and pod yield. Of the Virginia types, NC 6 and Florigiant were the most susceptible with NC 9, VA 81B and Early Bunch being the most resistant. Incidence of stem rot in runner cultivars was high except for Southern Runner and Langley which had about 50% less disease than the most susceptible entries. There was a highly significant correlation (P≤0.01) between yields and disease incidence all three years. Overall, Southern Runner had the lowest disease incidence and highest pod yield of any cultivar. Compared to Florunner, the current industry standard for runner types, Southern Runner had about 50% less disease and yields were 1346 kg/ha higher.
A Root Tube - Pegging Pan Apparatus: Preliminary Observations and Effects of Soil Water in the Pegging Zone1
Authors: Bennett J. M. , Sexton P. J. , Boote K. J.
Published: April 2010

Soil conditions, especially water deficits in either the pegging or rooting zone or both, affect pod initiation and seed development of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). The objectives of this study were to 1) construct a root tube - pegging pan apparatus which would allow for physical separation of the rooting and pegging zones, 2) determine growth and development of peanut when grown in the apparatus, and 3) examine the effects of soil water in the pegging zone on the initiation and development of peanut fruits. An experimental apparatus was constructed to provide a mechanism for separation of the rooting and pegging zones, allowing for independent control of soil water in both zones. Root tubes (1.6 m long and 15 cm in dia.) were constructed of polyvinyl chloride tubing. Watering access tubes were inserted at 0, 0.5 and 1.0 m from the top of the root tube. The top of the root tube was closed with a convex cap having a 5-cm central hole through which a peanut plant was allowed to grow. A pegging pan (50 cm long × 35 cm wide × 20 cm deep) was fitted around the upper portion of the root tube. Preliminary studies demonstrated satisfactory shoot growth and pod development of peanut plants grown in the apparatus provided over-watering was avoided. It also appeared that pods and seeds formed in air-dry pegging zone soil. To examine this in more detail, an experiment was conducted comparing the effects of air-dry vs. moist (7 to 12% water by weight) pegging zone soil on pod and seed formation. The air-dry pegging zone reduced the percentage of tagged pegs which developed into full pods (those having reached full expansion) from 61 to 48% and reduced the growth rate of developing seeds and pods by 18 and 29%, respectively. The root tube - pegging pan apparatus provided a useful technique to gain a better understanding of peanut pod formation as influenced by soil water environments in the pegging zone.
Isozyme Variability in Mature Seeds of U. S. Peanut Cultivars and Collections1
Authors: Grieshammer Uta , Wynne J. C.
Published: April 2010

The mature seeds of 61 U. S. peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cultivars, one breeding and six exotic peanut lines representing three botanical types were surveyed for 25 enzyme systems using horizontal starch gel electrophoresis. The genotypes assayed showed no variation for most of the enzymes. For catalase and malate dehydrogenase, variability was present but not reproducibly within genotypes. Only three enzymes—glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH), and phosphohexose isomerase (PHI)—were consistently polymorphic. Each of the three enzymes displayed two different banding patterns. With three exceptions, the distribution of the zymograms for GOT and PHI reflected the taxonomic relatedness of Spanish and Valencia botanical type peanuts which are members of the subspecies A. hypogaea L. ssp. fastigiata Waldron when compared with Virginia botanical varieties which belong to the subspecies hypogaea. IDH showed only one banding pattern for the Spanish- and valencia-type peanuts (one exception), whereas the virginia-type cultivars varied for this enzyme reflecting the narrow genetic base of most Spanish cultivars and the broader germplasm base used for the development of Virginia cultivars. The limited amount of variability appears to restrict the applicability of isozymes as genetic markers in the cultivated peanut.
Comparison of Pneumatic and Automatic Spout Samplers to Determine Grade of Farmers Stock Peanuts
Authors: Davidson J. I. , Tsai Y. J. , Dowell F. E. , Dorner J. W. , Cole R. J.
Published: April 2010

There were significant differences in performance of the pneumatic sampler (PS) and automatic spout sampler (ASpS) as determined by differences in mean values or variability for several grade factors. Significant differences in mean were found for loose shelled kernels (LSK), foreign material (FM), sound mature kernels (SMK) and other kernels (OK). Significant differences in variability were also found for LSK, sound mature kernels plus sound splits (SMK+SS) and total kernels (TK). The mean LSK averaged 1.6 percentage points higher for samples taken with the PS than for those taken with the ASpS. Evidently the PS shelled out a small percentage of the peanuts during the sampling process. This shelling action of the PS may have contributed to the slightly higher estimations of foreign material (FM) and other kernels (OK) and the slightly lower estimation of total sound mature kernels (SMK+SS) than obtained with the ASpS. When applying 1988 quota prices to the average grade for these 14 loads of peanuts, the value for 0.90 metric ton (1 ton) of peanuts was $18.60 higher for peanuts using the ASpS compared to the same amount using the PS. This higher value would be an important factor when considering new marketing strategies that use the ASpS or similar in-line samplers. When using the PS and AsPs, the grade (except for SMK) tended to overestimate the plant outturns. Linear regression equations were developed to relate grade estimates to plant outturns.
Reflections from Utilizing Reflexive Photography to Develop Rural Tourism in Indonesia
Authors: Cahyanto Ignatius , Pennington-Gray Lori , Thapa Brijesh
Published: April 2010

Interest in the use of reflexive photography as a method of social research has gained attention in a variety of fields in recent years. Reflexive photography has been used in numerous studies across disciplines to extract information from research participants. A few studies have applied
reflexive photography in tourism settings. However, there are some issues of application in tourism research. The purpose of this study was to examine the utility of reflexive photography as a method within the context of a rural village in Indonesia. The study was conducted in Sambi village
during June–July, 2007. Data were gathered using reflexive photography with 28 participants. Four main issues related to the utilization of reflexive photography are discussed: (1) the importance of absent objects, (2) the strength of meaning, (3) the use of technology by locals, and
(4) the timing of the study. The study concluded that reflexive photography can be an alternative tool in local participatory decision-making in tourism development, especially in rural communities. However, due to the unique nature of the method, it is imperative to understand the issues
and appropriately plan the utilization to maximize the outcomes. Recommendations for future uses of this method in tourism research are discussed.
Tourism Productivity: Incentives and Obstacles to Fostering Growth
Authors: Lionetti Stefania
Published: April 2010

This article intends firstly to estimate tourism productivity in 208 countries in the years 1990, 1995, 2000, and 2004. Secondly, it analyzes if the differential of productivity across countries could be due to some structural characteristics of the countries themselves. The study uses
a stochastic production frontier approach and a technical efficiency model to analyze the determinants of efficiency across countries. Private capital and labor result to be more influential than public capital on the number of arrivals. The results suggest that the tertiary school enrolment,
the level of communication technologies, and the country openness to international trade all significantly contribute to efficiency.
Travel Meta-Search: Opportunity or Threat?
Authors: Christodoulidou Natasa , Connolly Daniel J. , Brewer Pearl
Published: April 2010

In the world of travel distribution, the Internet serves as a disruptive technology. It gives rise to new tools and methods to transact business and provides consumers with greater access to information and better means to comparison shop. One such set of tools gaining in popularity
is travel (meta) search engines, which simultaneously search multiple travel-related websites for travel accommodations, availability, and pricing information and then link consumers with travel suppliers or online travel agencies (OTAs) to finalize the booking process. These tools hold great
potential to further alter the distribution landscape and shift the balance of power in the relationship between buyers and travel suppliers. Using institutional theory and coercive isomorphism as the theoretical underpinnings, this multiple case study explores the impact of travel meta-search
engines and the potential strategic threats they introduce. It attempts to understand the phenomenon of travel search engines looking from the perspectives of online travel agencies.
Managerial Perspective on Regional Marketing Activities of Destination Management Organizations (DMOs)
Authors: Genç Ruhet , Pirnar Ige
Published: April 2010

Destination management is an important competitive marketing method for global tourism destinations. Especially, when cooperated with image and brand management, it helps destinations to stand out from today's severe crowd of competition. The successful and efficient destination management
companies usually play a major role in marketing their destinations, but there exists a conflict in literature on the level of involvement in related marketing activities. Though managing an autonomous organization having its' own budget and freedom in decision making seems to be the best
solution to meet the rapidly changing trends and needs of global tourists, it needs to be analyzed within the organizations' managerial level. The aim of this article is to determine the perspectives of DMO managers from the most important two destinations in Turkey, which is a very popular
country that is usually in the first 10 in the international tourism market. The destinations chosen are Istanbul and Izmir, which by using destination management within the last 10 years were able to become popular global brands in the world market by increasing their share rapidly.
Notes on Contributors
Authors: Cabut Jean (Cabu) , Feuchtenberger Anke , Morgan Harry , Nevins Mark David , Plantureux Jean (Plantu) , Rossiter Caroline ,   Tanitoc, Vann Michael G. , Weston Jane
Published: April 2010

Notes on contributors
'I Must Not Draw . . .'
Authors: Plantureux Jean (Plantu)
Published: April 2010

The publication of some caricatures of the prophet Mohammed by the Jyllands-Posten, a Danish newspaper, and their distribution around the globe provoked a tremendous outcry and debate, which even led to physical destruction and death. This raises fundamental questions about the nature of blasphemy, (self-)censorship and the freedom of expression, the responsibility of cartoonists, trans-cultural communication, and the power of caricature. The author, who played a direct role in the French part of this affair, reflects on the questions it raises and on his own practice of editorial cartooning.
Cabu Reporter
Authors:   Tanitoc, Cabut Jean (Cabu)
Published: April 2010

French editorial cartoonist and comic-strip artist Cabu (pen name of Jean Cabut) is interviewed by Tanitoc, French cartoonist and contributing artist to European Comic Art. They talk about the evolution of political caricature in France, differing reactions of people to being caricatured by a cartoonist or being filmed, and the use of archetypes in caricature. Cabu also discusses the influences of other cartoonists on his own art, the high points of his cartooning career, his cartoon reportages, and various book publications of his work
The Gourary Töpffer Manuscript of Monsieur Jabot
Authors: Kunzle David
Published: April 2010

The purpose of this essay is dual and makes for a two-part division: the first, after a physical description, argues for the authenticity, genesis and dating of the Gourary manuscript album of drawings for Monsieur Jabot. The existence of this manuscript, which I believe to be by the hand of Rodolphe Töpffer, is scarcely known, and its authenticity has been questioned. This first part describes the circumstances and rationale of its making, the intricacies of dating, the delay in distribution, and the very slight (with one or two more significant) improvements made in the printed version of 1833-1835. This latter represents Töpffer's first essay in autolithography of a sequence of humorous drawings, an histoire en images, Töpffer's invention within the controversial genre of caricature. The second part, in a connected account, uses the newly published correspondence to establish and confirm the chronology of the various stages of production of Jabot:1 redrawing (in the Gourary manuscript), transfer to lithographic paper, printing (1833-1834), and, finally, a long-delayed distribution through the author's peculiar private system de proche en proche ['gradually, by degrees']. I explain the delay and the changes made during production, and document the private distribution through friends from October 1835. The whole story has to be fitted together like a jigsaw puzzle in which some pieces are inevitably missing.
Constitution of an Object of Study. Slovenia between Global and Local
Authors: Wolfe Thomas C.
Published: April 2010

This paper is an effort to think reflexively about the positions that the social sciences offer in the constitution of an object of study like post-socialist Slovenia. It encourages us to feel a heightened degree of sensitivity about the relationship between social science disciplines like history and anthropology and the ongoing construction of national cultures, and describes the dilemma that confronts states like Slovenia concerning the nature of cultural autonomy in a world of free flowing cultural commodities.
***
Razprava je poskus reflektirati položaj družboslovnih znanosti pri konstituiranju predmeta raziskave, konkretno postsocialistične Slovenije. Spodbuja nas, da se bolj zavemo občutljivosti razmerja med družbenimi znanostmi, npr. zgodovino in antropologijo, in nenehnim konstruiranjem nacionalnih kultur. Opisuje dilemo, ki zadeva naravo kulturne avtonomije v svetu prostega pretoka kulturnih dobrin in s katero se spoprijemajo države, kakršna je Slovenija.
Fundamentals of Slovenian Paremiology
Authors: Grzybek Peter
Published: April 2010

This article discusses some major theoretical issues concerning the documentation and study of proverbs in general, and of Slovenian proverbs in particular. The author argues in favor of a close interplay between paremiography and paremiology, and places particular emphasis on empirical methods in paremiology. Some initial results of an empirical study on familiarity with Slovenian proverbs are presented and discussed with regard to their relevance not only for paremiography, but also for linguistic, poetic, and other analyses.
***
Razprava obravnava nekatera glavna vprašanja dokumentacije in raziskovanja pregovorov na splošno in še posebej slovenskih pregovorov. Avtor zagovarja tesno vzajemno povezavo med paremiografijo in paremiologijo. Pri tem prikaže in komentira prve izsledke empiričnega študija seznanjenosti s slovenskimi pregovori ne le z ozirom na njihov pomen za paremiografijo, temveč tudi za jezikoslovne, poetične in druge analize.
Investigating (Post-)Socialist Public Holidays
Authors: Habinc Mateja
Published: April 2010

V članku je predstavljen pregled etnološkega oziroma antropološkega preučevanja koledarskih praznikov po letu 1945. Najprej so orisane značilnosti evropskih in ameriških študij postsocializma, nato pa še raziskav v nekdanjih republikah bivše Jugoslavije. Podrobnejša pozornost je namenjena predvsem preučenosti koledarskih (post)socialističnih praznikov v Sloveniji. Avtorica ugotavlja, da so raziskave etnologije oziroma antropologije postsocializma zelo skromno zasnovane na slovenskem gradivu in da je to vsaj v zvezi s koledarskimi prazniki še redkeje tudi interpretirano.
***
The article presents an overview of ethnological and anthropological research of seasonal holidays after 1945. First the author gives a brief outline of characteristics of European and American postsocialist studies and then she focuses on the postsocialist studies in the former republics of Jugoslavia. How much and in what way seasonal (post)socialist holidays in Slovenia were or are researched is analysed in more detail. The author ascertains that the ethnological and anthropological research of postsocialism in Slovenia is very poorely based on slovenian material and that the material considering seasonal holidays is even more rearely interpreted.
Folk-Song Research – Between Text and Context
Authors: Pisk Marjeta
Published: April 2010

Raziskovanje ljudske pesmi kot dela folkloristike, ki se osredotoča na simbolne identitete skupin, je mogoče skozi več različno orientiranih raziskovalnih paradigem. Poglaviten premik v raziskovanju pomeni premik od raziskovanja teksta k raziskovanju konteksta, ki ga lahko delimo na ožji kontekst izvedbe in širši kontekst, ki nanj vpliva. Predstavljeno je vprašanje sinhronega in diahronega vidika raziskovanja folklore ter vloga raziskovalca pri oblikovanju podobe ljudskopesemske tradicije.
***
Folk-song research as a part of folklore studies focusing on symbolic identities is possible using research paradigms with various orientations. The main shift in research is the transition from text-oriented research towards studying the context: in the narrower sense, the context of the performance, which in turn is influenced by the broader context. The issues of synchronic and diachronic aspects of folklore research, as well as the role of the researcher in forming the image of folk-song tradition, are also examined.
A new one parameter viscosity model for binary mixtures
Authors: Fang Sheng , He Chao‐Hong
Published: April 2010

The Grunberg & Nissian equation with one parameter is widely recommended in the viscosity calculation. However, it is demonstrated that this equation fails to generate satisfactory results for size‐asymmetric mixtures containing large and small molecules. In this work, a new one parameter viscosity model for binary mixtures has been developed on the basis of Eyring's absolute reaction rate theory and the Flory‐Huggins equation. The concept of molecular surface fraction is introduced for modeling liquid mixture viscosities. The viscosity calculations of the new equation are compared with the Grunberg & Nissian equation for a broad range of chemical mixtures including 527 binary systems (containing 63 binary ionic liquid cosolvent systems) and total 17,268 viscosity points. The new equation was found to have an improved performance over the frequently employed Grunberg & Nissian equation, especially for size‐asymmetric mixtures containing large and small molecules. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 57: 517–524, 2011
Nonfatal tool‐ or equipment‐related injuries treated in US emergency departments among workers in the construction industry, 1998–2005
Authors: Lipscomb Hester J. , Schoenfisch Ashley L. , Shishlov Kirill S. , Myers Douglas J.
Published: April 2010

Background

Individuals in the construction industry are exposed to a variety of tools and pieces of equipment as they work.

Methods

Data from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) occupational supplement to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS‐Work) were used to characterize tool‐ and equipment–related injuries among workers in the construction industry that were treated in US emergency departments between 1998 and 2005. Based on a national stratified probability sample of US hospitals with 24 hr emergency services, NEISS‐Work allows calculation of national injury estimates.

Results

Over the 8‐year period between 1998 and 2005, we estimated 786,900 (95% CI 546,600–1,027,200) ED‐treated tool‐ or equipment‐related injuries identified by the primary or secondary source of injury code. These injuries accounted for a quarter of all ED‐treated construction industry injuries. Although over 100 different tools or pieces of equipment were responsible for these injuries, seven were responsible for over 65% of the injury burden: ladders, nail guns, power saws, hammers, knives, power drills, and welding tools in decreasing order.

Conclusions

Current injury estimates and their severity, marked by the proportion of cases that were not released after ED treatment, indicate interventions are particularly needed to prevent injuries associated with use of ladders as well as nail guns and power saws. Attention should focus on design and guarding to more efficiently prevent these injuries rather than simply calling for the training of workers in how to safely use a dangerous tool or piece of equipment. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53: 581–587, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Linking MECP2 and pain sensitivity: The example of Rett syndrome
Authors: Downs Jenny , Géranton Sandrine M. , Bebbington Ami , Jacoby Peter , Bahi‐Buisson Nadia , Ravine David , Leonard Helen
Published: April 2010

Recent animal studies suggest links between MeCP2 function and sensitivity to pain. This study investigated the nature and prevalence of atypical pain responses in Rett syndrome and their relationships with specific MECP2 mutations. Families enrolled in the Australian Rett Syndrome Database (ARSD) and InterRett database participated in this study. Cases with a known MECP2 pathogenic mutation, whose families had completed a questionnaire on registration and had answered questions on pain sensitivity were included (n = 646). Logistic regression was used to analyze relationships between the atypical pain responses and genotype. Descriptions of decreased pain sensitivity were content analyzed. The prevalence estimate of reporting an abnormal pain response was 75.2% and a decreased sensitivity to pain was 65.0% in the population‐based ARSD. Families of ARSD and InterRett subjects with a C‐terminal (OR 2.6; 95% CI 0.8–8.0), p.R168X (OR 2.1; 95% CI 0.7–6.1), or p.R306C (OR 2.7; 95% CI 0.8–9.6) mutation were more likely to report decreased sensitivity to pain. Parents and carers described decreased and delayed responses in situations judged likely to cause pain such as injections, falls, trauma, and burns. This study has provided the first precise estimate of the prevalence of abnormal sensitivity to pain in Rett syndrome but specific relationships with genotype are not yet clear. Clinical practice should include a low threshold for the clinical assessment of potential injuries in Rett syndrome. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of chemical structure of hardener on mechanical and adhesive properties of epoxy polymers
Authors: González Garcia Filiberto , Leyva Maria Elena , Oliveira Marcia Gomes , De Queiroz Alvaro Antonio Alencar , Simões Alexandre Zirpoli
Published: April 2010

The mechanical and adhesive properties of epoxy formulations based on diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A cured with various aliphatic amines were evaluated in the glass state. Impact and uniaxial compression tests were used to determine the impact energy, elastic modulus and yield stress, respectively. The adhesion tests were carried out in steel–steel joints using single‐lap shear, T‐peel, and impact adhesive joints geometry. The better mechanical and adhesive behavior of the networks is obtained when exists high flexibility of chain between crosslink and/or high elastic modulus. The 1‐(2‐aminoethyl)piperazine epoxy network presents the best adhesive properties, high flexibility, and the largest impact energy. However, it possesses low elastic modulus and yield stress. Also, exhibits increases in peel strength and impact energy while reductions in lap shear strength. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Effects of a pretreatment with N‐methylmorpholine‐N‐oxide on the structures and properties of ramie
Authors: Gao Ming , Chen Sheng , Han Jinshi , Luo Denghong , Zhao Ling , Zheng Qingkang
Published: April 2010

To improve the dyeing properties of ramie, the ecofriendly organic solvent N‐methylmorpholine‐N‐oxide (NMMO) was used to substitute sodium hydroxide as a ramie‐fiber swelling solvent. Through padding and baking pretreatment, ramie fabric was modified by an NMMO aqueous solution. Ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry were used to investigate the effects of NMMO pretreatment on the structure of the ramie, whereas the color strength (K/S, where K is the light absorption coefficient and S is the scattering coefficient), adsorption isotherm, and dye uptake rate curve were measured to investigate the effects of NMMO pretreatment on the dyeing properties of the ramie. The results show that the ramie fiber experienced a limited and irreversible swelling because of the partial breakage of interhydrogen and intrahydrogen bonds of cellulose molecules in the amorphous area, but the crystal and chemical structure of the ramie fiber did not change obviously under the experimental conditions. The K/S value of the NMMO‐modified ramie fabrics dyed with reactive dyes increased by about 100%, and the dye uptake increased by 27.88% compared to that of the raw sample, whereas the standard affinity and diffusion coefficient value of the reactive dyes on the NMMO‐modified ramie fabric were higher than those of the raw ramie fabric. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
The role of spirituality in medical school and psychiatry residency education
Authors: LoboPrabhu Sheila , Lomax James
Published: April 2010

The Association of American Medical Colleges recommends addressing and teaching spirituality in the medical curriculum. Stimulated by the competitive awards program of the Templeton Foundation, medical schools and psychiatry residency programs have sought to devise curricula to teach how to take a spiritual history and how to provide spiritually sensitive care. Some of this teaching occurs in a formal learning environment by means of lectures, seminars, and on teaching rounds. However, this form of teaching predominantly affects knowledge about spiritually sensitive care. In order to promote receptive attitudes and to develop clinical skills in learners for incorporating religion and spirituality into patient care, attention needs to be directed on how to influence individualized learning and the “hidden curriculum.” This can be done by experiential learning such as role play, empathy training, observation of role models and participation in chaplaincy rounds. Special clinical environments such as cancer care, geriatric psychiatry, geriatric care clinics or units, palliative care, pediatrics, and substance abuse clinics provide rich environments to learn about spiritual issues in patient care. Use of appropriate tools to measure outcomes can provide an evidence base for determining efficacious teaching about spirituality and religion in patient care. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Generalized bone loss as a predictor of three‐year radiographic damage in African American patients with recent‐onset rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Zhang Jie , Redden David T. , McGwin Gerald , Callahan Leigh F. , Smith Edwin A. , Alarcón Graciela S. , Moreland Larry W. , van der Heijde Désirée M. , Brown Elizabeth E. , Arnett Donna K. , Mikuls Ted R. , Bridges S. Louis
Published: April 2010

Objective

To examine the association between baseline bone mineral density (BMD) and radiographic damage at 3 years of disease duration in a longitudinal cohort of African Americans with recent‐onset rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

African American RA patients with a disease duration of <2 years (n = 141) were included in the study. All patients underwent baseline BMD measurements (femoral neck and/or lumbar spine) using dual x‐ray absorptiometry. T scores were calculated using normative data from the general population of African Americans. Patients were categorized as having osteopenia/osteoporosis (T score less than or equal to −1) or as being healthy. Hand and wrist radiographs, obtained at baseline and at 3 years of disease duration, were scored using the modified Sharp/van der Heijde method. The association between baseline BMD and total radiographic score at 3 years of disease was examined using multivariable negative binomial regression.

Results

At baseline, the mean age and the mean disease duration were 52.4 years and 14.8 months, respectively; 85.1% of the patients were women. The average total radiographic scores at baseline and at 3 years of disease were 2.4 and 5.7, respectively. In the final reduced multivariable model, adjusting for age, sex, anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody positivity, and the presence of radiographic damage at baseline, the total radiographic score at 3 years disease in patients with osteopenia/osteoporosis of the femoral neck was twice that in patients with normal bone density, and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.0084). No association between lumbar spine osteopenia/osteoporosis and radiographic score was found.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that reduced generalized BMD may be a predictor of future radiographic damage and support the hypothesis that radiographic damage and reduced generalized BMD in RA patients may share a common pathogenic mechanism.
A Robust Method for Large‐Scale Multiple Hypotheses Testing
Authors: Han Seungbong , Andrei Adin‐Cristian , Tsui Kam‐Wah
Published: April 2010

When drawing large‐scale simultaneous inference, such as in genomics and imaging problems, multiplicity adjustments should be made, since, otherwise, one would be faced with an inflated type I error. Numerous methods are available to estimate the proportion of true null hypotheses π0, among a large number of hypotheses tested. Many methods implicitly assume that the π0 is large, that is, close to 1. However, in practice, mid‐range π0 values are frequently encountered and many of the widely used methods tend to produce highly variable or biased estimates of π0. As a remedy in such situations, we propose a hierarchical Bayesian model that produces an estimator of π0 that exhibits considerably less bias and is more stable. Simulation studies seem indicative of good method performance even when low‐to‐moderate correlation exists among test statistics. Method performance is assessed in simulated settings and its practical usefulness is illustrated in an application to a type II diabetes study.
Programmed‐Assembly System Using DNA Jigsaw Pieces
Authors: Endo Masayuki , Sugita Tsutomu , Katsuda Yousuke , Hidaka Kumi , Sugiyama Hiroshi
Published: April 2010

A novel method for assembling multiple DNA origami structures has been developed by using designed 2D DNA origami rectangles, so‐called “DNA jigsaw pieces” that have sequence‐programmed connectors. Shape and sequence complementarity were introduced to the concavity and convex connectors in the DNA rectangles for selective connection with the help of nonselective π‐stacking interactions between the side edges of the DNA jigsaw piece structures. Single DNA jigsaw piece units were assembled into unidirectional nanostructures with the correct alignment and uniform orientation. Three and five different DNA jigsaw pieces were assembled into predesigned and ordered nanostructures in a programmed fashion. Finally, three‐, four‐, and five‐letter words have been displayed by using this programmed DNA jigsaw piece system.
Association of local capacity for endoscopy with individual use of colorectal cancer screening and stage at diagnosis
Authors: Haas Jennifer S. , Brawarsky Phyllis , Iyer Aarthi , Fitzmaurice Garrett M. , Neville Bridget A. , Earle Craig , Kaplan Celia Patricia
Published: April 2010

BACKGROUND:

Limited capacity for endoscopy in areas in which African Americans and Hispanics live may be a reason for persistent disparities in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and stage at diagnosis.

METHODS:

The authors linked data from the National Health Interview Survey on the use of CRC screening and data from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results‐Medicare on CRC stage with measures of county capacity for colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy (endoscopy) derived from Medicare claims.

RESULTS:

Hispanics lived in counties with less capacity for endoscopy than African Americans or whites (for National Health Interview Survey, an average of 1224, 1569, and 1628 procedures per 100,000 individuals aged ≥50 years, respectively). Individual use of CRC screening increased modestly as county capacity increased. For example, as the number of endoscopies per 100,000 residents increased by 750, the odds of being screened increased by 4%. Disparities in screening were mitigated or diminished by adjustment for area endoscopy capacity, racial/ethnic composition, and socioeconomic status. Similarly, among individuals with CRC, those who lived in counties with less endoscopy capacity were marginally less likely to be diagnosed at an early stage. Adjustment for area characteristics diminished disparities in stage for Hispanics compared with whites but not African Americans.

CONCLUSIONS:

Increasing the use of CRC screening may require interventions to improve capacity for endoscopy in some areas. The characteristics of the area where an individual resides may in part mediate disparities in CRC screening use for both African Americans and Hispanics, and disparities in cancer stage for Hispanics. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Predictions of Munsell values with the same perceived lightness at any specified chroma irrespective of hues—Determination of any tonal colors
Authors: Nayatani Yoshinobu , Sakai Hideki
Published: April 2010

Simple formulas are proposed for predicting the Munsell value of colors with the same tone (the same values for whiteness‐blackness, perceived lightness, and chroma irrespective of hue). The formulas can be used for any tone. In other words, the method can determine the Munsell value with the same perceived lightness at any specified chroma irrespective of hue. The chromatic strength (CS) function is only used for the derivations. The formulas are very simple, and can be used not only in the colorimetry but also in the color design field. The concept described in this study is that a common CS function can be used for transforming each of the three color attributes (hue, lightness, and chroma) from their uniform color space metric to their corresponding color appearance space attribute. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 2011
Exciplex Formation and Excited State Deactivation of Difluoroborondipyrromethene (Bodipy) Dyads
Authors: Benniston Andrew C. , Copley Graeme , Lemmetyinen Helge , Tkachenko Nikolai V.
Published: April 2010

Two series of geometrically‐related dyads are discussed based on the difluoroborondipyrromethene (Bodipy) unit, and incorporating covalently attached hydroquinone/quinone groups. These units are anchored directly, or via a phenylene spacer, to the Bodipy core at the meso position in one series (BD‐MHQ, BD‐MQ, BD‐MPHQ, BD‐MPQ), but for the second series the attachment site is the 2‐position (BD‐SHQ, BD‐SQ, BD‐SPHQ, BD‐SPQ). The compounds show various levels of fluorescence depending on the oxidation state of the appended group and the substitution pattern. In non‐polar solvents such as toluene, diethyl ether and dichlorobenzene, the S1 state deactivation of the Bodipy unit in BD‐SPQ and BD‐MPQ is dominated by 1, 3exciplex formation, which has not been reported for Bodipy derivatives so far. In the latter molecule, the decay of the exciplex is divided between population of the Bodipy triplet state (13 %–21 %) and ground state reformation. This partitioning is not seen for the side‐on substituted derivative, BD‐SPQ, and only ground state reformation is observed following decay of the exciplex. This difference in behavior is explained by the radical‐pair inter‐system‐crossing mechanism, which more effectively operates in BD‐MPQ because of the orthogonality of the donor‐acceptor units. In the more polar solvent CH3CN all the quinone derivatives show fast formation of the charge‐separated state (kCS) followed by slower charge recombination (kCR). The ratio kCS/kCR≤80.
Phenotypic commitment of monocytes towards a protective hemoglobin scavenging phenotype (CD14posCD163highHLA‐DRlow) following cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Quimby Kim R. , Greenidge Andre , Harris Anthony , Landis R. Clive
Published: April 2010

Background:

Intravascular hemolysis may cause tissue injury directly or via a systemic inflammatory response. Under physiological conditions, extracorpuscular hemoglobin (Hb) is bound by haptoglobin (Hp) and the complex internalized via the hemoglobin scavenger receptor CD163 on monocytes, prior to catabolism via heme‐oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1). Recently, a novel subset of CD68posCD163highHLA‐DRlow macrophages with high expression of HO‐1 was recognized in hemorrhagic areas of atherosclerotic plaques, distinct from CD68posCD163lowHLA‐DRhigh foam cell macrophages with low‐ HO‐1 content. Considering the hemolytic insult during CPB, we hypothesized that an equivalent compensatory CD163highHLA‐DRlow phenotype will evolve in circulating CD14pos monocytes post surgery.

Methods:

Twelve patients undergoing elective surgery with CPB were enrolled with informed consent. Whole‐blood samples were collected in EDTA at predetermined time‐points, pre‐ intra‐, and postoperatively. Whole‐blood was evaluated by three‐color flow cytometry for expression of CD14, CD163, and HLA‐DR; CD14pos cells were also permeabilized to detect intracellular HO‐1 protein. Plasma [Hp‐Hb] concentration was determined by ELISA.

Results:

A striking phenotypic switch from CD163lowHLA‐DRhigh preoperatively to CD163highHLA‐DRlow postoperatively at 24 h was observed on circulating CD14pos monocytes. Intracellular HO‐1 protein was also significantly up‐regulated at 24 h after declamping. These phenotypic changes were preceded by peak Hb‐Hp levels observed at 2 h.

Conclusion:

We have shown for the first time, a phenotypic commitment of monocytes towards a protective CD14posCD163highHLA‐DRlow population with increased intracellular HO‐1 occurring in the circulation during the recovery phase of CPB. These findings have implications for monitoring of anti‐inflammatory interventions and linkage to clinical outcomes. © 2010 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Generation and characterization of Atoh1‐Cre knock‐in mouse line
Authors: Yang Hua , Xie Xiaoling , Deng Min , Chen Xiaowei , Gan Lin
Published: April 2010

Atoh1 encodes a basic helix‐loop‐helix (bHLH) transcription factor required for the development of the inner ear sensory epithelia, the dorsal spinal cord, brainstem, cerebellum, and intestinal secretory cells. In this study, to create a genetic tool for the research on gene function in the ear sensory organs, we generated an Atoh1‐Cre knock‐in mouse line by replacing the entire Atoh1 coding sequences with the Cre coding sequences. Atoh1Cre/+ mice were viable, fertile, and displayed no visible defects whereas the Atoh1Cre/Cre mice died perinatally. The spatiotemporal activities of Cre recombinase were examined by crossing Atoh1‐Cre mice with the R26R‐lacZ conditional reporter mice. Atoh1‐Cre activities were detected in the developing inner ear, the hindbrain, the spinal cord, and the intestine. In the inner ear, Atoh1‐Cre activities were confined to the sensory organs in which lacZ expression is detected in nearly all of the hair cells and in many supporting cells. Thus, Atoh1‐Cre mouse line serves as a useful tool for the functional study of genes in the inner ear. In addition, our results demonstrate that Atoh1 is expressed in the common progenitors destined for both hair and supporting cells. genesis 48:407–413, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.