bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preventing desert locust plagues: optimizing management interventions
Authors: Van Huis Arnold , Cressman Keith , Magor Joyce I.
Published: February 2007

Solitarious desert locusts, Schistocerca gregaria (Forskål) (Orthoptera: Acrididae), inhabit the central, arid, and semi‐arid parts of the species’ invasion area in Africa, the Middle East, and South‐West Asia. Their annual migration circuit takes them downwind to breed sequentially where winter, spring, and summer rains fall. In many years, sparse and erratic seasonal rains support phase change and local outbreaks at only a few sites. Less frequently, seasonal rains are widespread, frequent, heavy, and long lasting, and many contemporaneous outbreaks occur. When such seasonal rains fall sequentially, populations develop into an upsurge and eventually into a plague unless checked by drought, migration to hostile habitats, or effective control. Increases in the proportion of gregarious populations as the plague develops alter the effectiveness of control. As an upsurge starts, only a minority of locusts is aggregated into treatable targets and spraying them leaves sufficient unsprayed individuals to continue the upsurge. Spraying all individuals scattered within an entire infested zone is arguably both financially and environmentally unacceptable. More of the population gregarizes and forms sprayable targets after each successive season of good rains and successful breeding. Eventually, unless the rains fail, the entire upsurge population becomes aggregated at high densities so that the infested area diminishes and a plague begins. These populations must continue to increase numerically and spread geographically to achieve peak plague levels, a stage last reached in the 1950s. Effective control, aided by poor rains, accompanied each subsequent late upsurge and early plague stage and all declined rapidly. The control strategy aims to reduce populations to prevent plagues and damage to crops and grazing. Differing opinions on the optimum stage to interrupt pre‐plague breeding sequences are reviewed.
Botanophila flies on Epichloë host species in Europe and North America: no evidence for co‐evolution
Authors: Leuchtmann Adrian
Published: February 2007

Species of Epichloë (Ascomycota: Clavicipitaceae), which infect grasses, maintain an obligate symbiotic relationship with flies of the genus Botanophila (Diptera: Anthomyiidae). Sexual reproduction of the fungus usually requires a visit by Botanophila, which serves to ‘pollinate’ the fungus with spermatia of the opposite mating type; the flies in turn deposit their eggs on fungal tissues upon which the larvae feed. For a molecular phylogenetic study, a total of 108 fly larvae were collected from 10 different Epichloë species on various grasses in Europe and North America. Sequence analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase gene (COII) detected six distinct Botanophila taxa that were associated with Epichloë. Three were restricted to samples from Europe, two to samples from North America, and one was present on both continents. In North America the common taxon [identified as Botanophila lobata (Collin)] was found on Epichloë hosts of native grasses and on Epichloë typhina (Pers.: Fr.) Tul. and Epichloë festucae Leuchtm., Schardl and M.R. Siegel of the introduced grasses Dactylis glomerata L. and Festuca rubra L., respectively. In a maximum likelihood phylogram, one of the American taxa was most basal, while the other was nested within the European taxa, suggesting that European and American taxa of Epichloë‐associated Botanophila spp. may not have separate origins. Analyses of the fly populations further indicated that up to four different Botanophila taxa can be present at a single location. On taxon level there was no specificity of flies for Epichloë host species (except taxon 6 that was found only on Epichloë glyceriae Schardl & Leuchtmann), although several taxa appeared to prefer some hosts over others. Comparison of molecular phylogenetic relationships of Botanophila species with those of the associated Epichloë hosts did not suggest co‐evolution of the fungus and the fly. Thus, associations between Botanophila flies and Epichloë hosts may have arisen independently more than once.
Elastofibroma: a clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical study of seven cases and literature review
Authors: GUN BANU DOGAN , BAHADIR BURAK , BEHZATOGLU KEMAL , GUN MUSTAFA OZKAN , OZDAMAR SUKRU OGUZ
Published: February 2007

Elastofibroma is a rare fibrous lesion characterized by accumulated abnormal elastic fibers whose etiology remains largely unknown. In this study, we analyzed seven cases of elastofibroma to further explore the characteristics of its cellular composition. Immunohistochemistry was performed for mast cell tryptase, S‐100 protein, vimentin, CD34, smooth muscle actin, desmin and collagen type IV. Histochemical staining methods for Gomori's trichrome and Verhoeff elastica‐van Gieson were also evaluated. Histopathologically, a haphazard array of collagen, eosinophilic amorphous fibers, and globules in a fibrous tissue was seen. The elastic nature of the fibers was confirmed by elastic stain, and with Gomori's trichrome collagen fibers were also demonstrated. The interspersed spindle or stellate cells were almost consistently positive for vimentin and frequently positive for CD34. Mast cell tryptase‐positive cells were present in five of the cases. Collagen type IV immunoreactivity was seen in two cases. No staining was observed with smooth muscle actin, desmin or S‐100 protein. Our findings suggest that CD34‐positive mesenchymal cells are an integral component of elastofibroma.
Coagulase‐negative staphylococci isolated from sternal wound infections after cardiac surgery: attachment to and accumulation on sternal fixation stainless steel wires
Authors: OLSSON EMMA , FRIBERG ÖRJAN , VENIZELOS NIKOLAOS , KOSKELA ANITA , KÄLLMAN JAN , SÖDERQUIST BO
Published: February 2007

Sternal wound infection (SWI) is a serious complication after cardiac surgery. Coagulase‐negative staphylococci (CoNS) have been found to be the most common pathogen involved in this postoperative infection related to implanted foreign materials, i.e. sternal fixation wires made from stainless steel. In this study a rapid and simple assay was developed for studying attachment and accumulation of CoNS on stainless steel wires in vitro using [3H] thymidine. The method showed a potential to detect differences in the dynamics of the adherence patterns among various CoNS isolates. However, no differences in attachment and accumulation were found between isolates causing deep SWI after cardiac surgery and contaminant isolates. In addition, there were no differences in the distribution of the ica operon between the two groups, as determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Nevertheless, the ability to produce biofilm was found to be present significantly more frequently among SWI isolates than among contaminants.
Experimental elicitation with hydroxyisohexyl‐3‐cyclohexene carboxaldehyde‐containing deodorants
Authors: Jørgensen Pia Haslund , Jensen Charlotte Devantier , Rastogi Suresh , Andersen Klaus Ejner , Johansen Jeanne Duus
Published: February 2007

Hydroxyisohexyl‐3‐cyclohexene carboxaldehyde (HICC) known as Lyral® is a frequent allergen. It is used in more than 50% of marketed deodorants. The aim of the present study was to determine elicitation thresholds for HICC under simulated conditions of deodorant use. 15 patients with previously diagnosed contact allergy to HICC were patch tested with 5 solutions of HICC‐scented and HICC‐unscented deodorants. Patients and 10 healthy controls performed a use test in the axillae using deodorants scented with HICC in increasing concentrations and unscented deodorants as control. The concentration of HICC was increased every second week (200, 600, and 1800 p.p.m.) until either a reaction developed or for 6 weeks. 14 patients completed the study, and all developed unilateral eczema from the HICC‐containing deodorant, while controls were all negative (P= 0.004). In 9/14 patients, a positive use test developed during the first 2 weeks to the deodorant containing 200 p.p.m. HICC. Positive correlations were found between the day of positive use and patch test threshold concentration of the HICC solutions (r= 0.71, P= 0.01) as well as the patch test thresholds of the HICC‐scented deodorants (r= 0.74, P= 0.007). In conclusion, HICC elicits allergic contact dermatitis in a high proportion of sensitized individuals at common usage concentrations in deodorants.
Occupational contact urticaria and rhinoconjunctivitis from dog’s milk in a veterinarian
Authors: Foti Caterina , Antelmi Annarita , Mistrello Gianni , Guarneri Fabrizio , Filotico Raffaele
Published: February 2007

We report the case of a 46‐year‐old veterinarian who developed rhinoconjunctivitis and contact urticaria (CU) on his hands and forearms after contact with dog’s milk. Prick tests results revealed a positive reactions to Parietaria pollens, Dermatophagoides farinae and D.pteronyssinus, dander of cat, grass, olive (+++), and to undiluted dog’s milk (++++). Control prick tests with dog’s milk performed in 5 healthy veterinarians were negative. We consider it important to take into account the possibility that dog’s milk may be the aetiological agent of CU in veterinarians.
Occupational allergic contact dermatitis from 2‐N‐octyl‐4‐isothiazolin‐3‐one
Authors: Aalto‐Korte Kristiina , Alanko Kristiina , Henriks‐Eckerman Maj‐Len , Kuuliala Outi , Jolanki Riitta
Published: February 2007

2‐N‐octyl‐4‐isothiazolin‐3‐one (OIT) is an antimicrobial agent that is mainly used in industrial settings. The objective of the study was to find the significance of OIT contact allergy at our clinic of occupational dermatology. We looked through our patient material from 1991 for allergic reactions to OIT and analysed the clinical records. We found 8 patients with ordinary allergic reactions to OIT and 1 late reaction. 2 workers in the manufacture of paints had occupational allergic contact dermatitis from OIT in biocides. 2 patients were machinists and 3 were female farmers: in these cases, however, we could not find any exposure. A sewing machine operator had patch test reactions to 2 of her mattress textiles, and chemical analysis of them showed 40–50 parts per million OIT. In conclusion, OIT is a rare sensitizer, and its contact allergies occur mainly in paint manufacturing. It is infrequently used in metal‐working fluids and possibly sensitizes machinists. Although it is also used in some biocides recommended for use in the textile industry, there are no previous reports of contact allergy in this field. Our sewing machine operator with OIT contact allergy had probably been sensitized from mattress textiles.
Seasonal variability in the abundance of Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus (L.)) recorded using hydroacoustics in Windermere, UK and its implications for survey design
Authors: Winfield I. J. , Fletcher J. M. , James J. B.
Published: February 2007

Abstract –  Hydroacoustic surveys are an important tool for assessing the abundance of Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus (L.)) in lakes, the requirement for which is increasing because of new environmental legislation. Consequently, survey demand is now such that assessments must be undertaken with the minimum of effort compatible with scientific validity. One major complication is seasonal variability in abundance, with which surveyors have attempted to deal by defining somewhat arbitrary seasonal sampling windows. The definition of more objective windows was pursued by analysing variations in the seasonal abundance of Arctic charr in Windermere, UK, recorded using day and night hydroacoustic surveys at monthly intervals from 1991 to 2001. Two alternative sampling windows for night surveys free of significant internal seasonal effects were revealed, i.e., December to September and September to December. It was also found that day surveys gave a useful, although lower, estimate of abundance as compared with night surveys.
Divergence of Salvelinus species from northeastern Asia based on mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Oleinik A. G. , Skurikhina L. A. , Brykov V. A.
Published: February 2007

Abstract –  Phylogenetic analysis of charrs of the genus Salvelinus was performed using PCR‐RFLP analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Three fragments of mtDNA (ND1/ND2, ND5/ND6 and Cyt b/D‐loop) were amplified by PCR and examined for restriction site variation using 13 restriction endonucleases. Analysis of 313 sites of over 7672 bp of charr mtDNA was conducted. Six phylogenetic lineages of the mtDNA were revealed, corresponding to six separate charr taxa: Salvelinus leucomaenis Pallas; Salvelinus levanidovi Chereshnev, Skopetz & Gudkov; Salvelinus taranetzi Kaganovsky; Salvelinus malma krascheninnikovi Taranetz; Salvelinus malma malma Walbaum and Salvelinus alpinus alpinus. The Levanidov (S. levanidovi) and white‐spotted (S. leucomaenis) charrs represented the most divergent lineages. These are probably closest to a common ancestor of the genus. Salvelinus taranetzi was the next divergent lineage. Salvelinus malma krascheninnikovi was placed between S. leucomaenis and S. taranetzi. Salvelinus malma malma and S. a. alpinus were sister taxa, and were on the last branch to diverge. The divergence between S. m. malma and S. a. alpinus inferred from mtDNA nucleotide sequences was 1.1%; between S. m. malma and S. taranetzi 2.8%; between S. m. malma and S. m. krascheninnikovi 4%; between S. taranetzi, S. m. krascheninnikovi and S. a. alpinus 2.8%. Salvelinus levanidovi and S. leucomaenis were almost equally remote from the other charrs by some 9% and 7%, respectively. The extent of genetic differences between the northern S. m. malma populations and the European S. a. alpinus populations indicates that they diverged recently. The existence of many putative charr species with different divergence times in northeastern Asia suggests that this region may be one of the centres of speciation of the genus Salvelinus.
Protein Changes in Response to Pyrene Stress in Maize (Zea mays L.) Leaves
Authors: Xu Sheng‐You , Chen Ying‐Xu , Wu Wei‐Xiang , Zheng Shao‐Jian , Xue Sheng‐Guo , Yang Shi‐Ying , Peng Yi‐Jin
Published: February 2007

Phytoremediation is a relatively new approach to remove polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from the environment. When plants are grown under pyrene treatment, they respond by synthesizing a set of protective proteins. To learn more about protein changes in response to pyrene treatment, we extracted total proteins from the leaves of maize (Zea mays L.) 1 week after pyrene treatment. The proteins extracted were separated with two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis. In total, approximately 54 protein spots were found by comparing gels from treated and control groups. According to the isoelectric point, molecular weight, and abundance of these protein spots, 20 pyrene‐induced proteins were found to have changed abundance. Of these, 15 protein spots were increased and five protein spots were newly appeared in pyrene‐treated plant leaves. Six model upregulated protein spots of different molecular weights were excised from the gels and subjected to trypsin digestion followed by peptide separation using matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Peptide masses were used to search the matrix‐science database for protein identification. Two of the proteins were identified on the basis of the homology of their peptide profiles with existing protein sequences as pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase and the ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit. These proteins are involved in the regulation of carbohydrate and energy metabolism. The present study gives new insights into the pyrene stress response in maize leaves and demonstrates the power of the proteomic approach in phytoremediation of PAHs.
Two New Coumarins from Fraxinus chinensis Rexb.
Authors: Zhang Dong‐Mei , Wang Li‐Li , Li Jia , Hu Li‐Hong
Published: February 2007

The ethanol extract of the stem bark of Fraxinus chinensis Roxb. showed good inhibitory bioactivity against VEGF receptor‐1 kinase (IC50: 13.8 μg/mL). In order to find new and bioactive compounds, the chemical constituents of the stem bark of F. chinensis were investigated and two new coumarins, namely 6′‐O‐sinapinoyl esculin (compound 1) and 6′‐O‐vanillyl esculin (compound 2), together with eleven known compounds (compounds 3–13) were isolated. The structures of the two new compounds were identified by their physicochemical properties and spectral analysis, particularly one‐ and two‐dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectral methods. The known compound, oleuropein (compound 11), exhibited moderate activity (IC50: (8.7 ± 1.3) μmol/L) to inhibit VEGF receptor‐1 kinase.
New Isoflavonoid Glycosides from the Rhizomes of Iris leptophylla Lingelsh.
Authors: Qin Min‐Jian , Li Rong , Wang Xin , Ye Wen‐Cai
Published: February 2007

Two new isoflavonoid glucosides, 5‐hydroxy‐6,7‐methylenedioxy‐isoflavone‐4′‐O‐D‐glucopyranosyl (2→1)‐L‐rham‐noside (irilone‐bioside) (compound 1) and 5,4′‐methoxy‐6,7‐methylenedioxyisoflavone‐3′‐O‐β‐D‐glucoside (irisleptophyllidin) (compound 2), together with five known compounds, nigricanin‐ 4′‐O‐β‐D‐glucoside (compound 3), irifloside (compound 4), irigenin (compound 5), 5, 3′, 4′‐trimethoxy‐6,7‐methylenedioxyisoflavone (compound 6), and nigricanin (compound 7) were isolated from the alcoholic extract of rhizomes of Iris leptophylla Lingelsh. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods.
Varied Transcriptional Efficiencies of Multiple Arabidopsis U6 Small Nuclear RNA Genes
Authors: Li Xia , Jiang Dan‐Hua , Yong Kelan , Zhang Da‐Bing
Published: February 2007

Arabidopsis U6 small nuclear RNA (snRNA) promoters are those transcribed by RNA polymerase III, but all the core elements for transcriptional initiation are located in the 5’promoter region. Previously, three Arabidopsis U6 snRNA genes (U6‐1, U6‐26, and U6‐29) were identified. Herein, we have further identified three new U6 loci (U6‐4, U6‐5, and U6‐6) in the Arabidopsis genome. Alignment of these revealed that the upstream sequence element and TATA elements were contained in six U6 promoters. In addition, a unique, highly conserved element named the “CAT” element was observed in the promoter region. To understand the expression patterns of these U6 genes in Arabidopsis, we fused these promoters to the DNA segment of β‐glucuronidase and then transferred these six constructs into Arabidopsis. Real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction analysis of these fused transcripts indicated that the newly identified U6 genes are active in Arabidopsis and that the U6‐26 promoter seems to have higher transcriptional activity in leaf, stem, flower and silique. These results help to understand the function of these U6 snRNAs in Arabidopsis.
Pollen‐Ovule Ratio and Gamete Investment in Pedicularis (Orobanchaceae)
Authors: Yang Chun‐Feng , Guo You‐Hao
Published: February 2007

The Pedicularis species provides ideal materials to study floral evolution because of their substantial flower variation based on a narrow genetic basis, even though they are almost exclusively pollinated by bumblebee. These traits allow us to detect the evolutionary trends of floral parameters without considering genetic background and the difference of pollination vectors. The pollen‐ovule ratio is widely used to estimate the pattern of resource investment in two sexual functions in flowering plants. Forty species representing all of the corolla types in Pedicularis were used to study pollen‐ovule ratio, gamete investment, and their correlations. Results show that pollen‐ovule ratio does not differ among both different corolla types and taxonomic groups. It is therefore suggested that pollen‐ovule ratio should be a parallel evolution. The correlations between pollen‐ovule ratio and pollen size (−), and ovule size (+) can be successfully explained in terms of sex allocation theory. The biological significance of such relationships was also discussed. Additionally, we analyzed the pattern of resource investment into female gamete, which has been somewhat neglected, and found that plants have different patterns of gamete investment between the two sexual functions.
Biotransformation of 4‐Hydroxybenzen Derivatives by Hairy Root Cultures of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb.
Authors: Yan Chun‐Yan , Yu Rong‐Min , Zhang Zhang , Kong Ling‐Yi
Published: February 2007

The biotransformation of four 4‐hydroxybenzen derivatives (1,4‐benzenediol (compound 1), 4‐hydroxybenzaldehyde (compound 2), 4‐hydroxybenzyl alcohol (compound 3) and 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid (compound 4)) by the hairy root cultures of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. as a new biocatalyst was investigated. It was found that the substrates were transformed to their corresponding glucosides, 4‐hydroxyphenyl β‐D‐glucopyranoside (arbutin, compound 1a), 4‐hydroxymethylphenyl β‐D‐glucopyranoside (gastrodin, compounds 2a, 3a) and 4‐carboxyphenyl α‐D‐glucopyranoside (compound 4a), respectively. In the meantime, the hairy roots of P. multiflorum were able to stereoselectively and regioselectively glucosylate phenolic hydroxyl groups of compounds 1–4, but the cultures could not glucosylate the aldehyde group of compound 2 or the benzylic hydroxyl group of compound 3, and no glucosyl esterification of carboxyl groups of compound 4 was detected. On the other hand, the result also showed that the hairy roots of P. multiflorum were able to reduce the 4‐hydroxybenzaldehyde to its corresponding alcohol. This is the first report that substrate 4 has been converted into its α‐D‐glucopyranoside by a plant biotransformation system.
Spatial Distribution of Mountain Pine Beetle Outbreaks in Relation to Climate and Stand Characteristics: A Dendroecological Analysis
Authors: Campbell Elizabeth M. , Alfaro René I. , Hawkes Brad
Published: February 2007

Principal components analysis, followed by K‐means cluster analysis, was used to detect variations in the timing and magnitude of Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud. growth releases attributed to mountain pine beetle outbreaks in 31 stands of central British Columbia. Four major growth release patterns were identified from 1970 to 2000. Variations in the timing of growth releases among clustered stands corresponded well to aerial survey data indicating the timing of beetle outbreaks in the study area. Redundancy analysis was used to determine how variations in the timing and magnitude of growth releases attributed to beetle outbreaks changed with variations in climate or stand conditions over the study area. The first RDA axis, which accounted for 39% of the variations in growth patterns among stands, was significantly (P <0.05) correlated with gradients in the percentage of pine in stands killed by mountain pine beetle, summer aridity, variation in summer precipitation, distance from initial infestation site, average pine age, and maximum August temperatures. The second RDA axis explained 6% of the variations and was significantly correlated with gradients in the beetle climate suitability index, extreme cold month temperatures, and site index. Comparisons of growth release patterns with aerial survey data and redundancy analyses indicated that dendrochronological techniques are useful for identifying mountain pine beetle outbreaks in central British Columbia, particularly among stands that had a density high enough to produce a growth release signal. Provided future studies account for interannual weather fluctuations, identification of growth increases due to stand thinning caused by beetle outbreaks will be useful for reconstructing the history of beetle outbreaks over much longer time periods.
Hydrological Response of Populus euphratica Olve. Radial Growth in Ejinaa Banner, Inner Mongolia
Authors: Liu Pu‐Xing , Peng Jian‐Feng , Chen Fa‐Hu
Published: February 2007

Populus euphratica Olve. is a dominant tree species in Ejinaa Oasis of the lower reaches of the Heihe River, Inner Mongolia, China. In recent years, the population of this species has shown signs of degradation that are suggested to be probably associated with the decrease of surface water. In this study, the history of river runoff in this region was examined with a dendrochronological study of P. euphratica from four sites. It is found that tree‐ring widths in the all sites have negative correlation with runoffs of all months at the Zhengyixia hydrological station. Principal component (PC) analysis of the tree‐ring chronologies shows that the first PC (PC1) accounts for 49.98% of the total variances. The first PC is found to have a significantly negative correlation with runoffs in March and April (− 0.52 and − 0.43, respectively, P < 0.05). This negative correlation might be related to variations in the depth of underground water.
Age Structure and Growth Pattern of an Endangered Species, Amentotaxus formosana Li
Authors: Lin Chinsu , Chan Ming‐Hsun , Chen Feng‐Sheng , Wang Ya‐Nan
Published: February 2007

Amentotaxus formosana Li is a native, tolerant, and under‐wood species in Taiwan. This particular species is only distributed around the Chachayalaishan and Dawushan areas. Because of its rarity, and the endangered and native properties of the species, we explored the regeneration process of the species in the native environment. This paper, therefore, aims to outline the age distribution and growth characteristics of A. formosana in the native stand using the techniques of tree ring analysis. An inventory was conducted in a site at the Chachayalaishan area from 2004 to 2006. According to the inventory, there are 67 trees in the sampling plot among which 16 individual A. formosana trees were counted. This is roughly 24% of the total population. This particular species is distributed around the understory space, while other species such as Litsea spp., Meliosma squamulata Hance, Schefflera octophylla Harms, Elaeocarpus japonicus Sieb et Zucc and Cleyera japonica Thunb are the major species whose canopy occupying the upperstory space of the stand. Results of tree‐ring analysis suggest that the age of most of the trees in the sampling plot is between 31 and 90 years old with an average of 56. For the endangered species, A. formosana, age of the individuals varied from 14 and 126 years old and the average was 58 years old. Age distribution of the species was modeled using the Weibull probability density function and was statistically assessed using Sigmaplot statistical software. The estimate of shape parameter is 1.404 5 indicating a medium regeneration situation. The diameter growth rate of A. formosana is 0.32 cm and ranks 20th among the 26 species in the sampling plot. Using the age as a regressor variable, we can predict the diameter increment of A. formosana efficiently. The coefficient of determination, R2, is 0.832 2. The diameter growth among the trees of the upperstory and understory was competitive. Relationship between the growth change percentage of A. formosana and the surrounding hardwoods is negative.
Motivational interviewing with hazardous drinkers
Authors: Beckham Nancy
Published: February 2007

Purposes: To test the effectiveness of motivational interviewing in a population of hazardous drinkers utilizing community health care centers in rural southeastern Idaho.

Data sources: This study targeted rural people at risk for alcohol dependence utilizing low‐income community health care centers in rural southeastern Idaho. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) was used to screen interested clients’ alcohol use. Clients achieving an AUDIT score indicating hazardous alcohol use were recruited into the study and randomized into a control or treatment group. Twenty‐six hazardous drinkers attending five low‐income community health centers participated in the study. The experimental group participated in one motivational interviewing session with the investigator, a family nurse practitioner (NP). The comparison group received no treatment. Alcohol use was tracked for 6 weeks after successful recruitment into the program.

Conclusions: Participants in the study significantly decreased their average number of drinks per day. At time 1 (pretreatment), the control group drank 4.37 drinks per day and the treatment group drank 4.65 drinks per day. At time 2 (posttest), the control group drank 3.77 drinks per day and the treatment group drank 1.95 drinks per day. The effects of the motivational interviewing treatment on hazardous drinking also were measured by serum gamma‐glutamyltransferase (GGT), a liver function test. There was also a significant decrease in the GGT from pretest to posttest in the treatment group.

Implications for practice: The results of this investigation found that motivational interviewing shows promise as an effective intervention for hazardous drinkers attending low‐income community clinics. Although other possible explanations could be postulated for the positive changes in sample participants, the data indicate that the motivational interviewing approach was responsible for a significant portion of the positive changes within the current sample. The information collected from the study adds to the literature on hazardous drinking, research, and treatment of this significant problem. Negotiating change in behavior is part of the practice of NPs. People struggling with alcohol use are more likely to encounter NPs, family doctors, or social workers than counselors specializing in alcohol treatment. Motivational interviewing is specifically designed for preparing people for change. Because most people resist being told what to do, that is, “you have to stop drinking,” use of motivational interviewing principles can decrease resistance and optimize change. Additionally, identifying and intervening with hazardous drinking in a primary care setting can reduce healthcare costs and reduce the stigma of specialist care. Adding this valuable communication skill to the competencies of NPs is important to both clients and NPs.
The anti‐emetic efficacy of maropitant (Cerenia™) in the treatment of ongoing emesis caused by a wide range of underlying clinical aetiologies in canine patients in Europe
Authors: De la Puente‐Redondo V. A. , Siedek E. M. , Benchaoui H. A. , Tilt N. , Rowan T. G. , Clemence R. G.
Published: February 2007

Objectives: The efficacy of maropitant (Cerenia™; Pfizer Inc.) as an anti‐emetic for use in dogs with ongoing emesis was evaluated in a two‐phase multi‐centric study conducted at veterinary clinics in France, Italy, Slovakia and the UK.

Methods: In phase I, dogs with ongoing emesis were randomised in a 1:1 ratio to either maropitant (32 dogs) or metoclopramide (34 dogs). In phase II, dogs were randomised in a 2:1 ratio to maropitant (77 dogs) or metoclopramide (40 dogs). Maropitant was administered subcutaneously at 1 mg/kg/day for up to five days. Metoclopramide was administered as recommended on the product labels as licensed at 0·5 to 1 mg/kg/day subcutaneously or orally with the daily dose divided over two to three administrations per day for up to three to five days.

Results: In phase I, 97 per cent of dogs treated with maropitant and 71 per cent of dogs treated with metoclopramide did not vomit after treatment (P<0·01). The mean number of emetic events after maropitant treatment was significantly reduced compared with that after metoclopramide treatment (P=0·01). In phase II, the occurrence of emesis was lower for maropitant during the first 24 hours (P<0·0001) and for each day thereafter.

Clinical Significance: A single daily dose of maropitant was more effective than metoclopramide administered two or three times daily in the treatment of emesis caused by various aetiologies in dogs.
Numerical Model to Predict Unsteady Cavitating Flow Behavior in Inducer Blade Cascades
Authors: Fortes-Patella R. , Coutier-Delgosha O. , Perrin J. , Reboud J. L.
Published: February 2007

The cavitation behavior of a four-blade rocket engine turbopump inducer is simulated. A two-dimensional numerical model of unsteady cavitation was applied to a blade cascade drawn from an inducer geometry. The physical model is based on a homogeneous approach of cavitation, coupled with a barotropic state law for the liquid/vapor mixture. The numerical resolution uses a pressure-correction method derived from the SIMPLE algorithm and a finite volume discretization. Unsteady behavior of sheet cavities attached to the blade suction side depends on the flow rate and cavitation number. Two different unstable configurations of cavitation are identified. The mechanisms that are responsible for these unstable behaviors are discussed, and the stress fluctuations induced on the blade by cavitation instabilities are estimated.
Concentration Field Measurements Within Isolated Turbulent Puffs
Authors: Ghaem-Maghami E. , Johari H.
Published: February 2007

The structure of passive scalar concentration field within isolated turbulent puffs was measured using the planar laser Mie scattering technique. Puffs were generated by injecting seeded air through a 5-mm-diameter nozzle into a chamber with a weak air co-flow. The injection time and volume was varied by the use of a fast-response solenoid valve. Puffs were examined in the range of 25–55 diameters downstream of the nozzle. The Reynolds number based on the average velocity and nozzle diameter was 5000. The results indicate that as the injection volume increases, puffs evolve from a spherical geometry to that with a tail. The half-width of radial concentration profiles through the puff center decrease as the injection volume increases. On the other hand, the puff length in the axial direction increases with the injection volume. The volume of ambient fluid entrained by the puff, and normalized by the injected volume, decreases with increasing injection volume.
Curvature Law of the Wall for Swirling Axial Flows in Rotating Machinery
Authors: Xi Jinxiang , Si Xiuhua , Longest P. Worth , Gad-el-Hak Mohamed
Published: February 2007

A new law of the wall accounting for curvature effects in swirling axial flows is derived. The influence of the curvature on the turbulence mixing lengths in both axial and tangential directions is examined theoretically using the Reynolds stress transport equations. For equilibrium flows with weak curvature, identical mixing lengths are derived for the axial and tangential directions. Additionally, the effect of finite local curvature and shear stress ratio on the near-wall velocities is systematically explored. It is found that the curvature effect in swirling axial flows is suppressed by a factor of 1∕(1+σw2) compared to that in curved channel flows, where σw is the ratio of the axial to swirl shear stress. For a given curvature radius, the maximum velocity deviation occurs when the axial-to-swirl shear stress ratio is zero. Finally, the performance of the new curvature law is evaluated by implementing it as a wall function in a well-established CFD code. The new wall function provides improved agreement for swirl velocity distributions inside labyrinth cavities in comparison with existing experimental laser Doppler anemometry measurements.
The Influence of Material Properties and Spreading Resistance in the Thermal Design of Plate Fin Heat Sinks
Authors: Richard Culham J. , Khan Waqar A. , Michael Yovanovich M. , Muzychka Yuri S.
Published: February 2007

The thermal design of plate fin heat sinks can benefit from optimization procedures where all design variables are simultaneously prescribed, ensuring the best thermodynamic and air flow characteristic possible. While a cursory review of the thermal network established between heat sources and sinks in typical plate fin heat sinks would indicate that the film resistance at the fluid-solid boundary dominates, it is shown that the effects of other resistance elements, such as the spreading resistance and the material resistance, although of lesser magnitude, play an important role in the optimization and selection of heat sink design conditions. An analytical model is presented for calculating the best possible design parameters for plate fin heat sinks using an entropy generation minimization procedure with constrained variable optimization. The method characterizes the contribution to entropy production of all relevant thermal resistances in the path between source and sink as well as the contribution to viscous dissipation associated with fluid flow at the boundaries of the heat sink. The minimization procedure provides a fast, convenient method for establishing the “best case” design characteristics of plate fin heat sinks given a set of prescribed boundary conditions. It is shown that heat sinks made of composite materials containing nonmetallic constituents, with a thermal conductivity as much as an order of magnitude less that typical metallic heat sinks, can provide an effective alternative where performance, cost, and manufacturability are of importance. It is also shown that the spreading resistance encountered when heat flows from a heat source to the base plate of a heat sink, while significant, can be compensated for by making appropriate design modifications to the heat sink.
Green Autofluorescence in Dinoflagellates, Diatoms, and Other Microalgae and Its Implications for Vital Staining and Morphological Studies
Authors: Tang Ying Zhong , Dobbs Fred C.
Published: February 2007

Green autofluorescence (GAF) has been described in the short flagellum of golden and brown algae, the stigma ofEuglenophyceae, and cytoplasm of different life stages of dinoflagellates and is considered by some researchers a valuable taxonomic feature for dinoflagellates. In addition, green fluorescence staining has been widely proposed or adopted to measure cell viability (or physiological state) in areas such as apoptosis of phytoplankton, pollutant stresses on algae, metabolic activity of algae, and testing treatment technologies for ships' ballast water. This paper reports our epifluorescence microscopic observations and quantitative spectrometric measurements of GAF in a broad phylogenetic range of microalgae. Our results demonstrate GAF is a common feature of dinoflagellates, diatoms, green algae, cyanobacteria, and raphidophytes, occurs in the cytoplasm and particularly in eyespots, accumulation bodies, spines, and aerotopes, and is caused by molecules other than chlorophyll. GAF intensity increased with time after cell death or fixation and with excitation by blue or UV light and was affected by pH. GAF of microalgae may be only of limited value in taxonomy. It can be strong enough to interfere with the results of green fluorescence staining, particularly when stained samples are observed microscopically. GAF is useful, however, for microscopic study of algal morphology, especially to visualize cellular components such as eyespots, nucleus, aerotopes, spines, and chloroplasts. Furthermore, GAF can be used to visualize and enumerate dinoflagellate cysts in marine and estuarine sediments in the context of anticipating and monitoring harmful algal blooms and in tracking potentially harmful dinoflagellates transported in ships' ballast tanks.
Historical and Contemporary NaCl Concentrations Affect the Duration and Distribution of Lag Times from Individual Spores of Nonproteolytic
Clostridium botulinum
Authors: Webb Martin D. , Pin Carmen , Peck Michael W. , Stringer Sandra C.
Published: February 2007

In this study we determined the effect of NaCl concentration during sporulation (0 or 3.0% [wt/vol] added NaCl) and subsequent growth (0 or 2.0% [wt/vol] added NaCl) on the distributions of times associated with various stages of the lag phase of individual spores of nonproteolytic
Clostridium botulinum
strain Eklund 17B. The effects of NaCl on the probability of germination and the probability of subsequent growth were also determined. Spore populations exhibited considerable heterogeneity at all stages of lag phase for each condition tested. Germination time did not correlate strongly with the times for later stages in the lag phase, such as outgrowth and doubling time. Addition of NaCl to either the sporulation or growth media increased the mean times for, and variability of, all the measured stages of the lag phase (germination, emergence, time to one mature cell, and time to first doubling). There was a synergistic interaction between the inhibitory effects of NaCl in the sporulation medium and the inhibitory effects of NaCl in the subsequent growth medium on the total lag time and each of its stages. Addition of NaCl to either the sporulation medium or the growth medium reduced both the probability of germination and the probability of a germinated spore developing into a mature cell, but the interaction was not synergistic. Spores formed in medium with added NaCl were not better adapted to subsequent growth in suboptimal osmotic conditions than spores formed in medium with no added NaCl were. Knowledge of the distribution of lag times for individual spores and quantification of the biovariability within lag time distributions may provide insight into the underlying mechanisms and can be used to improve predictions of growth in food and to refine risk assessments.
Prevalence of Shiga Toxin-Producing
Escherichia coli stx
1
,
stx
2
,
eaeA
, and
rfbE
Genes and Survival of
E. coli
O157:H7 in Manure from Organic and Low-Input Conventional Dairy Farms
Authors: Franz Eelco , Klerks Michel M. , De Vos Oscar J. , Termorshuizen Aad J. , van Bruggen Ariena H. C.
Published: February 2007

Manure samples were collected from 16 organic (ORG) and 9 low-input conventional (LIC) Dutch dairy farms during August and September 2004 to determine the prevalence of the STEC virulence genes
stx
1
(encoding Shiga toxin 1),
stx
2
(encoding Shiga toxin 2), and
eaeA
(encoding intimin), as well as the
rfbE
gene, which is specific for
Escherichia coli
O157. The
rfbE
gene was present at 52% of the farms. The prevalence of
rfbE
was higher at ORG farms (61%) than at LIC farms (36%), but this was not significant. Relatively more LIC farms were positive for all Shiga toxin-producing
E. coli
(STEC) virulence genes
eaeA
,
stx
1
, and
stx
2
, which form a potentially highly virulent combination. Species richness of
Enterobacteriaceae
, as determined by DGGE, was significantly lower in manure positive for
rfbE
. Survival of a green fluorescent protein-expressing
E. coli
O157:H7 strain was studied in the manure from all farms from which samples were obtained and was modeled by a biphasic decline model. The time needed to reach the detection limit was predominantly determined by the level of native coliforms and the pH (both negative relationships). Initial decline was faster for ORG manure but leveled off earlier, resulting in longer survival than in LIC manure. Although the nonlinear decline curve could theoretically be explained as the cumulative distribution of an underlying distribution of decline kinetics, it is proposed that the observed nonlinear biphasic pattern of the survival curve is the result of changing nutrient status of the manure over time (and thereby changing competition pressure), instead of the presence of subpopulations differing in the level of resistance.
Formation of Tellurium Nanocrystals during Anaerobic Growth of Bacteria That Use Te Oxyanions as Respiratory Electron Acceptors
Authors: Baesman Shaun M. , Bullen Thomas D. , Dewald James , Zhang Donghui , Curran Seamus , Islam Farhana S. , Beveridge Terry J. , Oremland Ronald S.
Published: February 2007

Certain toxic elements support the metabolism of diverse prokaryotes by serving as respiratory electron acceptors for growth. Here, we demonstrate that two anaerobes previously shown to be capable of respiring oxyanions of selenium also achieve growth by reduction of either tellurate [Te(VI)] or tellurite [Te(IV)] to elemental tellurium [Te(0)]. This reduction achieves a sizeable stable-Te-isotopic fractionation (isotopic enrichment factor [ε] = −0.4 to −1.0 per ml per atomic mass unit) and results in the formation of unique crystalline Te(0) nanoarchitectures as end products. The Te(0) crystals occur internally within but mainly externally from the cells, and each microorganism forms a distinctly different structure. Those formed byBacillus selenitireducensinitially are nanorods (∼10-nm diameter by 200-nm length), which cluster together, forming larger (∼1,000-nm) rosettes composed of numerous individual shards (∼100-nm width by 1,000-nm length). In contrast,Sulfurospirillum barnesiiforms extremely small, irregularly shaped nanospheres (diameter < 50 nm) that coalesce into larger composite aggregates. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and selected area electron diffraction indicate that both biominerals are composed entirely of Te and are crystalline, while Raman spectroscopy confirms that they are in the elemental state. These Te biominerals have specific spectral signatures (UV-visible light, Raman) that also provide clues to their internal structures. The use of microorganisms to generate Te nanomaterials may be an alternative for bench-scale syntheses. Additionally, they may also generate products with unique properties unattainable by conventional physical/chemical methods.
Phosphopantetheinyl Transferase CfwA/NpgA Is Required for
Aspergillus nidulans
Secondary Metabolism and Asexual Development
Authors: Márquez-Fernández Olivia , Trigos Ángel , Ramos-Balderas Jose Luis , Viniegra-González Gustavo , Deising Holger B. , Aguirre Jesús
Published: February 2007

Polyketide synthases (PKSs) and/or nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) are central components of secondary metabolism in bacteria, plants, and fungi. In filamentous fungi, diverse PKSs and NRPSs participate in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites such as pigments, antibiotics, siderophores, and mycotoxins. However, many secondary metabolites as well as the enzymes involved in their production are yet to be discovered. Both PKSs and NRPSs require activation by enzyme members of the 4′-phosphopantetheinyl transferase (PPTase) family. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of
Aspergillus nidulans
strains carrying conditional (
cfwA2
) and null (Δ
cfwA
) mutant alleles of the
cfwA
gene, encoding an essential PPTase. We identify the polyketides shamixanthone, emericellin, and dehydroaustinol as well as the sterols ergosterol, peroxiergosterol, and cerevisterol in extracts from
A. nidulans
large-scale cultures. The PPTase CfwA/NpgA was required for the production of these polyketide compounds but dispensable for ergosterol and cerevisterol and for fatty acid biosynthesis. The asexual sporulation defects of
cfwA
, Δ
fluG
, and Δ
tmpA
mutants were not rescued by the
cfwA
-dependent compounds identified here. However, a
cfwA2
mutation enhanced the sporulation defects of both Δ
tmpA
and Δ
fluG
single mutants, suggesting that unidentified CfwA-dependent PKSs and/or NRPSs are involved in the production of hitherto-unknown compounds required for sporulation. Our results expand the number of known and predicted secondary metabolites requiring CfwA/NpgA for their biosynthesis and, together with the phylogenetic analysis of fungal PPTases, suggest that a single PPTase is responsible for the activation of all PKSs and NRPSs in
A. nidulans
.