bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new optical method to evaluate three‐dimensional volume changes of alveolar contours: a methodological in vitro study
Authors: Windisch Simone I. , Jung Ronald E. , Sailer Irena , Studer Stephan P. , Ender Andreas , Hämmerle Christoph H. F.
Published: June 2007

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility and the accuracy of volumetric measurements of specimens imitating localized alveolar ridge defects using an optical three‐dimensional (3D) system.

Material and methods: Eight pairs of specimens (five with a cuboid and three with a geometrically complex form) were used for the measurements. Each of them imitated a pre‐operative ridge defect and a corresponding surgically corrected post‐operative situation. The true volume differences between two corresponding specimens were either assessed by a mechanical 3D coordinate measuring machine or by computer calculation (controls). For the test measurements, an optical 3D system with a newly developed software for volume measurements was utilized. The volumes of the specimen pairs were captured and the data digitized. The volume differences between the simulated pre‐ and post‐operative situations were calculated by subtracting the two values obtained. The accuracy of the optical 3D system was assessed comparing the test and the control values. The difference between these values described the systematic error of the test method. The reproducibility was evaluated by calculating the coefficients of variation of repeated test volume measurements. Descriptive statistics were applied.

Results: The accuracy of the optical 3D system was very high with differences between test and control measurements never exceeding 1.5%. The systematic error of the test measurements was consistently below 2.5 mm3. The reproducibility of the measurements showed very low coefficients of variation ranging from 0.05% to 0.5%, indicating excellent reproducibility.

Conclusions: The tested optical 3D system showed excellent accuracy and high reproducibility for measuring volume differences between specimens imitating localized alveolar ridge defects before and after augmentation procedures.
Probabilistic analysis of peri‐implant strain predictions as influenced by uncertainties in bone properties and occlusal forces
Authors: Petrie Cynthia S. , Williams John L.
Published: June 2007

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of variability in bone properties and loading on peri‐implant crestal and cancellous bone strains using a probabilistic approach, in combination with finite element (FE) analysis.

Material and methods: Oblique occlusal loading was applied to a single endosseous implant embedded in a two‐dimensional (2‐D) FE model of a premolar section of a mandible. Perfect bonding was assumed at all interfaces. Five independent parameters (cortical bone thickness (T), cortical (ECORT) and cancellous (ECANC) bone Young's moduli, and vertical (FVERT) and horizontal (FHOR) occlusal forces) were assigned statistical distributions based on data in the literature. Two cancellous bone distribution models were examined, one with a lower mean and range (LM) and the second with a higher mean and range (HM) of cancellous bone Young's modulus values. Sets of randomly chosen values for the five parameters were selected from the distributions and FE analyses were performed for all randomly selected sets.

Results: In the LM model, 50% of the cases experienced hyper‐physiologic peri‐implant crestal strains in the region of commonly reported saucerization, compared with about 25% of the cases in the HM model. Relative probabilistic sensitivities (%) of bone strains to the independent input parameters (T, ECORT, ECANC, FVERT and FHOR) were as follows: 29, 11, 30, 13, and 17 for the LM model, and 17, 11, 35, 21, and 15 for the HM model, respectively.

Conclusion: Probabilistic analyses of FE models suggest that up to twice as many cases in the LM distribution may be at risk of saucerization as compared with the HM distribution model. Although based on hypothetical distribution values and the limitations inherent to a 2‐D analysis, this probabilistic study demonstrated that FE models are very sensitive to the often arbitrarily assigned values for cancellous bone Young's modulus, and also to values used for cortical bone thickness, when the cancellous bone modulus is low.
Comparing histology and gonadosomatic index for determining spawning condition of small‐bodied riverine fishes
Authors: Brewer S. K. , Rabeni C. F. , Papoulias D. M.
Published: June 2007

Abstract –  We compared gonadosomatic index (GSI) and histological analysis of ovaries for identifying reproductive periods of fishes to determine the validity of using GSI in future studies. Four small‐bodied riverine species were examined in our comparison of the two methods. Mean GSI was significantly different between all histological stages for suckermouth minnow and red shiner. Mean GSI was significantly different between most stages for slenderhead darter; whereas stages 3 and 6 were not significantly different, the time period when these stages are present would allow fisheries biologists to distinguish between the two stages. Mean GSI was not significantly different for many histological stages in stonecat. Difficulties in distinguishing between histological stages and GSI associated with stonecat illustrate potential problems obtaining appropriate sample sizes from species that move to alternative habitats to spawn. We suggest that GSI would be a useful tool in identifying mature ovaries in many small‐bodied, multiple‐spawning fishes. This information could be combined with data from histology during mature periods to pinpoint specific spawning events.
Salinity tolerance in young Allis shad larvae (Alosa alosa L.)
Authors: Bardonnet A. , Jatteau Ph.
Published: June 2007

Abstract –  Estuarine migration in Allis shad (Alosa alosa) usually does not take place before mid‐summer, but exposure to salinity in brackish water may occur earlier as many spawning areas are of necessity located in upper estuarine zones due to the placement of dams. Therefore, Allis shad conservation programmes need to consider the risk of mortality due to the ability of young Allis shad to tolerate salinity. To evaluate larval mortality due to the inability of larvae to withstand salinity during early ontogeny, we exposed larvae of different ages (from few days old to 27 days old) to salinities ranging from 0 to 30 g·l−1. Results indicate that direct seawater exposure induces high mortality in young larvae whatever the ontogenetic stage. However, young larvae can easily deal with upper estuary salinity conditions.
Hyalinosis cutis et mucosae
Authors: Vago Bernadette , Haußer Ingrid , Hennies Hans Christian , Enk Alexander , Jappe Uta
Published: June 2007

Hyalinosis cutis et mucosae is a rare autosomal recessive disorder which is characterized by deposition of hyaline material around the basement membrane of the skin and mucous membranes. Typical clinical symptoms are hoarseness, infiltration of the mucous membranes and papular verrucous skin changes. Mutations within the extracellular matrix protein gene (ECM‐1) are the underlying defect.We report on a 24‐year‐old man, who had first been seen inour department at the age of seven and had undergone the necessary diagnostic procedures and who revisited 17 years later with hoarseness and extensive verrucous skin changes at elbows and knees which were removed by excision. A new mutation of the ECM1 gene was identified.
Lyme borreliosis – an update
Authors: Aberer Elisabeth
Published: June 2007

Lyme borreliosis is the most common tick‐borne, infectious disease in the northern hemisphere. Disease manifestations in the United States and Europe vary as a result of geographic distribution of different species within the genospeciesBorrelia burgdorferisensu lato, which in turn are host‐specific. Certain toxigenicB. burgdorferistrains cause early disseminated disease. The ability of Borrelial organisms to break down the extracellular matrix also promotes dissemination.B. burgdorferiare eliminated by complement‐mediated lysis and by T and B cell activity of the specific immune response. Yet,B. burgdorferican evade humoral immunity by means of type of protective mechanism by which it adheres to the proteoglycan decorin in the joints and skin. A further factor in the persistence of the pathogen is altered antigen expression. Re‐infection usually occurs with a different strain, although repeated infection with the same strain is also possible after a certain period of latency. New developments in serologic testing include the use of recombinant native antigen as well as antigens produced in vivo such as VlsE (variable major protein‐like sequence, expressed) or decorin‐binding protein A. Diagnosis continues to be complicated by seropositivity of healthy individuals, the persistence of antibodies after therapy, and a lacking humoral immune response in patients with erythema migrans.
Comparison of the efficacy and safety of topical minoxidil and topical alfatradiol in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in women
Authors: Blume‐Peytavi Ulrike , Kunte Christian , Krisp Andreas , Bartels Natalie Garcia , Ellwanger Ulf , Hoffmann Rolf
Published: June 2007

Background: Two drugs which are approved for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in women in Germany were compared with regard to their influence on hair growth.

Patients and Methods: Patients were randomized to group I (n = 52) who used 2% minoxidil solution twice daily for a period of 12 months or to group II (n = 51) who used 0.025% alfatradiol solution once daily for 6 months and were then switched to 2% minoxidil solution for months 7–12. Changes in hair growth parameters were determined using the TrichoScan.

Results:Topical treatment with 2% minoxidil solution for 6 months resulted in a significant increase of cumulative hair thickness (p < 0.0001) and absolute hair density (p ≤ 0.0025), whereas these parameters of hair growth remained nearly unchanged after 6 months of treatment with alfatradiol solution.

Evaluation of the same parameters from month 7 to month 12 demonstrated that 12 months minoxidil treatment resulted in an increasing stabilization (group I). After the alfatradiol→minoxidil switch in group II a significant increase in cumulative hair thickness (p < 0.0001) and absolute hair density (p < 0.0001) was achieved. Both study medications were well tolerated.

Conclusions: Treatment with minoxidil can induce an increase in hair density and hair thickness,whereas treatment with alfatradiol results in deceleration or stabilization of hair loss.
Treatment of pustular psoriasis with infliximab
Authors: Weishaupt Carsten , Metze Dieter , Luger Thomas A. , Ständer Sonja
Published: June 2007

Pustular psoriasis is a severe form of psoriasis with a generalized pustular eruption. Since TNF‐α plays an important role in pustular psoriasis, we treated two patients who had not responded to established therapy regimens with the TNF‐α antagonist infliximab. Both patients showed significant improvements of their skin eruption and their general condition within three days after treatment and without any side effects. We suggest that infliximab is a therapeutic option for severe therapy‐resistant pustular psoriasis because a single well‐tolerated dose significantly ameliorates the patient's condition.
Galenics of dermal products – vehicles, properties and drug release
Authors: Daniels Rolf , Knie Ulrich
Published: June 2007

The efficiency, tolerability, and applicability of topical agents are directly related to employed vehicles. Thus to achieve optimum topical therapy, a solid knowledge of the vehicles, their composition, and their physical and dermato‐pharmacological actions are important. Common vehicles are complex mixtures consisting of diverse ingredients belonging to six major groups, i. e. hydrophilic and lipophilic bases, emulsifiers, gel‐forming agents, preservatives, and antioxidants.This makes it possible to optimize both the cosmetic features and to adjust a vehicle to the properties of an incorporated drug and site of application. On the other hand it makes it difficult to make a proper choice between several alternatives or to use it in individual prescriptions. In order to simplify the selection of a formulation, it is useful to categorize them systemically into several groups, such as ointments, creams, gels, emulsions, and suspensions.

Within these groups some general rules can be derived for the selection of a vehicle with respect to skin conditions and the application site. When active substances are incorporated into a base the dermato‐biopharmaceutical properties of the whole system (drug + vehicle) also have to be considered. If for a given vehicle drug transport into the skin does not suffice, several methods are described to facilitate its penetration, such as by hydrating the skin or by adding chemical penetration enhancers.
Xanthophyll Cycle and Inactivation of Photosystem II Reaction Centers Alleviating Reducing Pressure to Photosystem I in Morning Glory Leaves under Short‐term High Irradiance
Authors: Li Xin‐Guo , Li Jian‐Yong , Zhao Jin‐Ping , Xu Ping‐Li , He Qi‐Wei
Published: June 2007

Under 30‐min high irradiance (1500 μmol m−2 s−1), the roles of the xanthophyll cycle and D1 protein turnover were investigated through chlorophyll fluorescence parameters in morning glory (Ipomoea setosa) leaves, which were dipped into water, dithiothreitol (DTT) and lincomycin (LM), respectively. During the stress, both the xanthophyll cycle and D1 protein turnover could protect PSI from photoinhibition. In DTT leaves, non‐photochemical quenching (NPQ) was inhibited greatly and the oxidation level of P700 (P700+) was the lowest one. However, the maximal photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm) in DTT leaves was higher than that of LM leaves and was lower than that of control leaves. These results suggested that PSI was more sensitive to the loss of the xanthophyll cycle than PSII under high irradiance. In LM leaves, NPQ was partly inhibited, Fv/Fm was the lowest one among three treatments under high irradiance and P700+ was at a similar level as that of control leaves. These results implied that inactivation of PSII reaction centers could protect PSI from further photoinhibition. Additionally, the lowest of the number of active reaction centers to one inactive reaction center for a PSII cross‐section (RC/CSo), maximal trapping rate in a PSII cross‐section (TRo/CSo), electron transport in a PSII cross‐section (ETo/CSo) and the highest of 1‐qP in LM leaves further indicated that severe photoinhibition of PSII in LM leaves was mainly induced by inactivation of PSII reaction centers, which limited electrons transporting to PSI. However, relative to the LM leaves the higher level of RC/CSo, TRo/CSo, Fv/Fm and the lower level of 1‐qP in DTT leaves indicated that PSI photoinhibition was mainly induced by the electron accumulation at the PSI acceptor side, which induced the decrease of P700+ under high irradiance.
Genetic Relationships Among Five Basic Genomes St, E, A, B and D in Triticeae Revealed by Genomic Southern and in situ Hybridization
Authors: Liu Zhao , Li Dayong , Zhang Xueyong
Published: June 2007

The St and E are two important basic genomes in the perennial tribe Triticeae (Poaceae). They exist in many perennial species and are very closely related to the A, B and D genomes of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Genomic Southern hybridization and genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) were used to analyze the genomic relationships between the two genomes (St and E) and the three basic genomes (A, B and D) of T. aestivum. The semi‐quantitative analysis of the Southern hybridization suggested that both St and E genomes are most closely related to the D genome, then the A genome, and relatively distant to the B genome. GISH analysis using St and E genomic DNA as probes further confirmed the conclusion. St and E are the two basic genomes of Thinopyrum ponticum (StStEeEbEx) and Th. intermedium (StEeEb), two perennial species successfully used in wheat improvement. Therefore, this paper provides a possible answer as to why most of the spontaneous wheat‐Thinopyrum translocations and substitutions usually happen in the D genome, some in the A genome and rarely in the B genome. This would develop further use of alien species for wheat improvement, especially those containing St or E in their genome components.
Variation in the Coat Protein Gene of Papaya ringspot Virus Isolates from Multiple Locations of China
Authors: Wei Jun‐Ya , Liu De‐Bing , Li Xiao‐Ying , Zhou Peng
Published: June 2007

The potyvirus Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) is an important pathogen of papaya that causes severe losses in economic crops for papaya production globally. The coat protein (CP) genes of five PRSV isolates originating from different locations in China were cloned and sequenced. The CP‐coding region varied in size from 864–873 nucleotides, encoding proteins of 288–291 amino acids. The five Chinese isolates of PRSV have been characterized as papaya‐infecting (PRSV‐P). The CP sequences of the Chinese isolates were compared with those of previously published PRSV isolates originating from different countries at amino acid levels. A number of KE repeat boxes in the N terminus of the PRSV‐CP were found in all Chinese isolates. The phylogenetic branching pattern revealed that there was certain extended grouping between geographic locations, and the Asian type probably represents the oldest population of PRSV. The information of CP genes will be useful in designing and developing durable virus resistant‐PRSV transgenic papaya in China. Meanwhile broad‐spectrum‐virus resistant, strongly resistant‐PRSV and good safe papaya lines are required.
Erwinia carotovora ssp. carotovora Infection Induced “Defense Lignin” Accumulation and Lignin Biosynthetic Gene Expression in Chinese Cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis)
Authors: Zhang Song‐He , Yang Qing , Ma Rong‐Cai
Published: June 2007

Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora (Ecc) infects and causes soft rot disease in hundreds of crop species including vegetables, flowers and fruits. Lignin biosynthesis has been implicated in defensive reactions to injury and pathogen infection in plants. In this work, variations of lignin content and gene expression in the molecular interaction between Chinese cabbage and Ecc were investigated. H2O2 accumulation and peroxidase activity were detected by 3, 3′‐Dimethoxybenzidine staining at mocked and Ecc‐inoculated sites of Chinese cabbage leafstalks. Klason lignin content in inoculated plants increased by about 7.84%, 40.37%, and 43.13% more than that of the mocked site at 12, 24 and 72 h after inoculation, respectively. Gas chromatography detected more p‐coumaryl (H) and less coniferyl (G) and sinapyl (S) monolignins in leafstalks of Chinese cabbage. All three monomers increased in Ecc‐infected leafstalks, and the Ecc‐induced “defense lignin” were composed of more G and H monolignins, and less S monolignin. After searching the expressed sequence tags (EST) data of Chinese cabbage, 12 genes putatively encoding enzymes involved in lignin biosynthesis were selected to study their expression. All of these genes could be induced by mock inoculation and Ecc infection, while the gene expression lasted for several more hours in the infected samples than in mocked and untreated plants. Our results indicated that “defense lignin” was different from the developmental lignin in composition; G and S monolignins were significantly induced in plants in response to the soft rot Ecc; thus, lignin biosynthesis was differentially regulated and played a role in plant response to the soft rot Ecc.
Seed Treatment with Auxins Modulates Growth and Ion Partitioning in Salt‐stressed Wheat Plants
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad , Ashraf Muhammad
Published: June 2007

Experiments were performed to determine whether seed priming with different concentrations (100, 150, and 200 mg/L) of auxins (indoleacetic acid (IAA), indolebutyric acid (IBA), or their precursor tryptophane (Trp)) could alter salinity induced perturbances in salicylic acid and ion concentrations and, hence, growth in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars, namely M.H.‐97 (salt intolerant) and Inqlab‐91 (salt tolerant). Primed and non‐primed seeds were sown in Petri dishes in a growth room, as well as in a field treated with 15 dS/m NaCl salinity. All priming agents, except IBA, increased the final germination percentage in both cultivars. The seedlings of either cultivar raised from Trp‐treated seeds had greater dry biomass when under salt stress. In field experiments, Trp priming was much more effective in mediating the increase in grain yield, irrespective of the cultivar, under salt stress. The alleviatory effect of Trp was found to be associated with reduced uptake of Na+ in the roots and subsequent translocation to the shoots, as well as increased partitioning of Ca2+ in the roots of salt‐stressed wheat plants. Plants of both cultivars raised from Trp‐ and IAA‐treated seeds accumulated free salicylic acid in their leaves when under salt stress. Overall, the Trp priming‐induced improvement in germination and the subsequent growth of wheat plants could be related to ion homeostasis when under salt stress. The possible involvement of salicylic acid in the Trp priming‐induced better growth under conditions of salt stress is discussed.
Kinetics of the Anti‐oxidant Response to Salinity in the Halophyte Cakile maritima
Authors: Amor Nader Ben , Jiménez Ana , Megdiche Wided , Lundqvist Marianne , Sevilla Francisca , Abdelly Chedly
Published: June 2007

The effects of NaCl stress on the activity of anti‐oxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), monodehydroascorbate reductase, dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), and glutathione reductase (GR)), anti‐oxidant molecules (ascorbate and glutathione), and parameters of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde (MDA), electrolyte leakage, and H2O2 concentrations) were investigated in Cakile maritima, a halophyte frequent along the Tunisian seashore. Seedlings were grown in the presence of salt (100, 200, and 400 mmol/L NaCl). Plants were harvested periodically over 20 days. Growth was maximal in the presence of 0–100 mmol/L NaCl. At 400 mmol/L NaCl, growth decreased significantly. The salt tolerance of C. maritima, at moderate salinities, was associated with the lowest values of the parameters indicative of oxidative stress, namely the highest activities of POD, CAT, APX, DHAR, and GR and high tissue content of ascorbate and glutathione. However, prolonged exposure to high salinity resulted in a decrease in anti‐oxidant activities and high MDA content, electrolyte leakage, and H2O2 concentrations. These results suggest that anti‐oxidant systems participate in the tolerance of C. maritima to moderate salinities.
Seasonal variation of nutrient intake and digestibility of forage in beef cows grazed on a dwarf bamboo (Pleioblastus argenteostriatus f. glaber) dominant pasture
Authors: Nakano Miwa , Yayota Masato , Karashima Jun , Ohtani Shigeru
Published: June 2007

Dwarf bamboo is a significant but unique native forage for cattle grazing in Japan. A pasture dominated by Pleioblastus argenteostriatus f. glaber, a type of dwarf bamboo, was used to evaluate nutrient intake, digestibility of forage and nutritional status of grazing cows. Eight Japanese Black cows were grazed on the pasture, and six among the eight grazing cows were used for the experiment. This experiment consisted of three periods: spring (May), summer (July) and autumn (September–October) in 2002 and 2003. The nutrient intake and digestibility of the cows were estimated by the double indicator method with chromic oxide (Cr2O3) as the external indicator and acid detergent insoluble ash (ADIA) in forages as the internal indicator. The crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) contents of forage selected by the cows hardly changed during the grazing seasons in both years. Crude ash, acid detergent lignin (ADL), ADIA, and acid detergent insoluble protein (ADIP) contents were the highest in autumn in both years. Nutrient intake of the cows was lower in autumn than in other seasons. Nutrient digestibility of the cows increased slightly from spring to summer and then decreased in autumn. Metabolizable energy (ME) intake satisfied the maintenance requirements of the cows in spring and summer; however, it was only 50%–70% of the maintenance in autumn for both years. Urea nitrogen concentration in plasma was always high, approximately 20 mg dL−1, during grazing periods. Inorganic phosphate (IP) concentration in plasma was lower than critical value (4.5 mg dL−1) in spring and autumn. Therefore, energy and phosphate supplementation are needed for the cows grazed on P. argenteostriatus f. glaber‐dominated pasture.
Feed and feeding quality of imported grass hays as evaluated by newly proposed grades
Authors: Niwa Yoshitsugu , Nishino Matsuyuki , Saeki Mao , Abe Akira
Published: June 2007

In conjunction with investigating the quality of imported grass hays, the present study set out to develop an evaluation standard. A total of 123 hay samples were tested: 70 of timothy hay, 23 of sudangrass hay, 20 of oat hay and 10 of bermudagrass hay. Crude protein content, nitrogen cell wall free extract (NCWFE) content, Oa (organic a fraction in cell wall, non‐lignified portion of cell wall) content and Ob (organic b fraction in cell wall, lignified portion of cell wall) content were measured for each sample, and the values of these were used as the basis for the determination of digestible carbohydrate content and dry matter intake (DMI). The variation in crude protein, NCWFE, Oa and Ob content within each grass species was large. The coefficients of variation for the chemical composition of all 123 samples were 24.9% for crude protein, 37.4% for NCWFE, 30.7% for Oa and 11.0% for Ob. Because variation in composition was large, variations in digestible carbohydrate content and DMI within each species were also large. On the basis of the mean values of chemical composition, it was determined that the harvesting period was after the flowering stage. Evaluation standards were set using a five‐point scale (5, excellent; 4, good; 3, medium; 2, low; 1, poor), based on the 123 samples tested in the present study, using the mean values and standard deviations of chemical parameters, digestible carbohydrate content and DMI. Consequently, in assessing DMI (per bodyweight of 600 kg), a grade of 5 was given for values of 14.3 kg or higher, 4 for values between 11.5 and 14.3 kg, 3 for values between 8.7 and 11.5 kg, 2 for values between 5.9 and 8.7 kg, and 1 for values lower than 5.9 kg.
Ensilage of wilted whole crop rice (Oryza sativa L.) using a roll baler for chopped material: Silage quality in long‐term storage
Authors: Kawamoto Hidenori , Otani Ryuji , Oshibe Akinori , Yamaguchi Hiromichi , Deguchi Shin , Tanaka Osamu , Uozumi Sunao , Watanabe Hiroaki
Published: June 2007

We examined the effects of long‐term storage on the fermentation quality, chemical composition, and digestibility of wilted whole crop rice silage prepared using a roll baler for chopped material (set chop length, 13 mm) and compared the results with those obtained by using a conventional roll baler. The roll balers were used for ensiling whole crop rice of three types: (i) dough‐ripe stage with light wilting (45% dry matter); (ii) dough‐ripe stage with heavy wilting (65% dry matter); and (iii) yellow‐ripe stage with light wilting (45% dry matter). The apparent dry matter density was higher in the ensiled roll bales composed of chopped whole crop rice (chopped bales) than in those composed of non‐chopped whole crop rice (conventional bales) (195–250 kg m−3 vs 156–218 kg m−3, respectively). The formation of volatile fatty acids and ammonia‐nitrogen was low in all types of silage. Further, no marked differences in the chemical composition and apparent dry matter digestibility were observed between silage from the two types of bales. However, there were significant differences in their lactic acid and ethanol contents. The lactic acid production in the conventional silage was low (0.08–0.14% fresh matter), whereas that in the chopped silage was high (0.71–0.97% fresh matter). A lower pH value (pH 4.0–4.3) was retained in the chopped silage after 10 months of storage. High ethanol production (1.1–2.5% fresh matter) was observed in the conventional silage, whereas ethanol production decreased to less than 1% in the chopped silage. These results indicate that although the ethanol fermentation is readily enhanced in the ensilage of wilted whole crop rice performed by a conventional baler, the ensilage performed by a baler for chopped material encourages lactic acid fermentation and suppresses ethanol production over a wide moisture range throughout the long‐term storage.
Isozyme variability amongElymusspecies indigenous to the Tibetan and Inner Mongolian Plateaus
Authors: Yan Xuebing , Guo Yuxia , Zhou He , Wang Kun
Published: June 2007

Utilizing allozyme markers, genetic relationships were investigated for 40 populations representing 10Elymusspecies indigenous to the Tibetan and Inner Mongolian Plateau regions. From the allozyme analysis, the genetic diversity within populations (He) was very low, ranging 0.0160–0.1680. At the species level, Nei's gene diversity and Shannon's information index ranged 0.0800–0.2528 and 0.1173–0.3769, respectively. Allzoyme locus diversity across the 40 populations suggested that polymorphic loci contributed to 72.1% of the total allozyme diversity (HT = 0.2979) while only 27.9% was indicated within populations. A low occurrence of gene flow among populations (Nm), based onGstcalculations, was calculated to be 0. 1932. With respect to potential gene flow (Nm) at the species and population level, a lower frequency of gene flow occurred between populations within species than between species. In general, species ofE. geminatusandE. glaucus,and the nationally protected plantE. breviaristatus,indicated the lowest level of genetic variability. From a geographic standpoint, accessions obtained from different regions indicated a wide range of genetic diversity values. Populations indigenous to the Tibetan Plateau suggested a higher level of genetic diversity than those sampled from the Inner Mongolian Plateau.
Isolation and characterization of cDNA encoding cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench)
Authors: Tsuruta Shin‐ichi , Ebina Masumi , Nakagawa Hitoshi , Kawamura Osamu , Akashi Ryo
Published: June 2007

The gene encoding cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD; EC 1.1.1.195), which catalyzes the final step in the biosynthesis of monolignol, was isolated and characterized in sorghum. The nucleotide sequence of sorghum CAD (SbCAD) cDNA is approximately 1457 bp in length encoding a polypeptide of 365 amino acids. A comparison of sorghum CAD amino acid sequence with those of other species showed highly homology to monocot CAD cDNA. DNA gel blot analysis revealed one or two strong signals, suggesting that a single CAD gene was present in sorghum. Expression analysis using the total RNA with a SbCAD cDNA probe demonstrates that the transcripts of the CAD gene are more abundant in the lower stem than the upper stem. It was not possible to detect any signal in the leaf tissue because it exhibits a low level of lignification.
Effect of tunneler dung beetles on cattle dung decomposition, soil nutrients and herbage growth
Authors: Yamada Daigo , Imura Osamu , Shi Kun , Shibuya Takeshi
Published: June 2007

Two field experiments were conducted to evaluate effects of dung beetles on cattle dung decomposition, soil nutrients and herbage growth. On an orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerataL.) pasture, three treatments, each composed of 1 kg of cattle dung, were placed in a randomized block design. For each treatment, dung beetles of three tunneler species were released at a density of 0, 40 or 80 beetles per dung sample in the 2000 experiment and 0, 40 or 120 beetles per dung sample in the 2001–2002 experiment. The respective weights and nutrient contents in the dung sample remnants were measured for 56 days; nutrients in the soil beneath the dung samples were also measured for the same period in the 2001–2002 experiment. Additionally, herbage yield along with the dung weight and nutrients were measured over 2 years in the 2001–2002 experiment. In both the 2000 and 2001–2002 experiments, the greater the dung beetles released, the greater the decomposition and loss of nutrients from the dung. Inorganic nitrogen (N) in the soil of beetle‐released plots increased considerably until the seventh day according to the beetles released. That pattern in the soil reflected the N loss from the dung. Trends of available phosphorus (P) and exchangeable potassium (K) in the soil were not explained so clearly as the case of N. Yield and N and P uptakes of herbage around the dung were significantly larger in the beetle‐released plot than in the no‐beetle released plot in September of the first year in the 2001–2002 experiment. In other seasons (July 2001 and May, July and September 2002), however, significant relationships between yield and nutrient uptakes of herbage and dung beetle activities were not detected. These results indicate that dung beetles promoted dung decomposition and nutrient transfer from the dung to soil, however, subsequent effects on herbage growth were not clear under field conditions.
Farm‐scale trials to compare the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana with pirimiphos methyl + deltamethrin and essential oil of lemon grass for protection of stored cowpea against Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)
Authors: Cherry A.J. , Abalo P. , Hell K. , Korie S.
Published: June 2007

In trials conducted in Benin, conidia of Beauveria bassiana were evaluated as a control method against the cowpea weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus, in stored cowpea. In the first trial using a high artificial infestation of C. maculatus in 8‐kg batches of cowpea in jerry cans under typical conditions, concentrations of 1 × 109 and 1 × 1011 conidia kg−1 were compared with lemon grass oil at 2 mL kg−1 and the synthetic pesticide mixture of 1.5% pirimiphos methyl + 0.05% deltamethrin at 0.5 g kg−1. After 2 months of storage, seed losses (SD) were 20.63 (5.3)% in the untreated control, 8.04 (3.2)% in the low‐dose B. bassiana group, 3.12 (1.3)% in the high‐dose B. bassiana group, 2.52 (0.4)% in the lemon grass oil group and 0% in the pirimiphos methyl + deltamethrin group. In a second trial with natural infestations in 50‐kg batches of cowpea in 200‐L drums, treatment with B. bassiana 1 × 1011 conidia kg−1 was compared with pirimiphos methyl + deltamethrin at 0.5 g kg−1. After 6 months of storage on six farms, losses reached 30.76 (1.5)% in the control, 1.28 (0.2)% in the pirimiphos methyl + deltamethrin group and 3.69 (0.6)% in the B. bassiana group.
A new method for collecting isothiocyanates released from plant residues incorporated in soil
Authors: Papadopoulos A. , Alderson P.
Published: June 2007

A method was developed for collecting isothiocyanates (ITCs) from compost and their detection by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Identification of the compounds was based on retention time, molecular weight and previously published information (Wiley Database, Hewlett Packard ChemStation Library). The release of ITCs from freeze‐dried plant material of Brassica carinata, Cleome spinosa and Tropaeolum majus cultivars was investigated by incorporation in compost contained in pots. Allyl isothiocyanate, methyl isothiocyanate and benzyl isothiocyanate, respectively, were released after hydrolysis of plant tissues. Abundance of ITCs was monitored for 12 days and was shown to decrease rapidly following incorporation until the fourth day for all types of plant tissue.
Germination responses of Reaumuria vermiculata to salinity and temperature
Authors: Gorai M. , Neffati M.
Published: June 2007

Reaumuria vermiculata is a xerohalophytic perennial dwarf shrub distributed in many gypseous and saline areas in southern Tunisia. A laboratory experiment was carried out to assess the effects of temperature and salinity on germination. The germination responses of the seeds in darkness were determined under a range of salinity and temperature regimes. Temperatures between 10°C and 30°C seem to be favourable for the germination of this species. Germination was inhibited by either an increase or a decrease in temperature from the optimal temperature (15°C). Highest germination percentages were obtained under non‐saline conditions and increases in salinity inhibited seed germination. Salt stress decreased both the germination percentage and the germination speed (increase of the mean time to germinate). Seed germination decreased with an increase in NaCl concentrations at all temperatures. An interaction between salinity and temperature yielded no germination at salinity of 300 mM, whereas some seeds germinated under the optimal temperature.
Determining the specific DNA sequences of the Gastrodia tuber and their potential importance
Authors: Tao J. , Luo Z.‐Y. , Liu S.‐P. , Tang Y.‐H. , Shu X.‐S. , Wen L. , Luo S.‐Q. , Wang Z.‐C. , Hu W.‐X.
Published: June 2007

The Gastrodia tuber, as well as the gastrodine extract derived from it, has been found to have many pharmacological effects. The gastrodine content of different tuber populations was determined, and their genomic DNA fingerprints were investigated. Through recovery, cloning, sequencing and bioinformatics analyses of DNA fragments, five DNA sequences were proved to be new discoveries. Using the PCR technique, we further studied the distribution of the sequences in eight Gastrodia populations, as well as their correlation with gastrodine content. The distribution of the five DNA sequences varied greatly among the populations. DNA sequences 1 and 5 were found in all the populations studied and determined to be specific DNA molecular markers that differentiate Gastrodia from other species. DNA sequence 2 was found only in the populations showing the highest gastrodine content. Hence, these sequences can be applied to identify genuine Gastrodia tubers and to optimise the selection of better populations.
Architecture and Climate: The Environmental Continuum
Authors: Pearlmutter David
Published: June 2007

Architecture and climate have always been linked in a pattern of mutual influence. In its role as a provider of shelter, architecture intentionally modifies the climate of an immediate area – and traditionally, its design has been shaped by the stresses and opportunities inherent in the regional climate. In modern times, this cycle of influence has been obscured, because technology and cheap fuel have allowed architects the option of ignoring climatic cues. In the process, buildings and cities have produced unintentional modifications to climate at different scales, from the local to the global. In tandem with these trends, efforts have been made to better understand the dynamic interactions between the built and natural environments, and to pursue paths for bringing them into balance. This essay traces some of the milestones in these cross‐disciplinary efforts, and examines the directions in which leading‐edge research is headed. Finally, some thoughts are offered on sustainable architecture in an age of dwindling resources and questionable climatic stability.
Rethinking Economic Geographies of Knowledge
Authors: Vallance Paul
Published: June 2007

This article reviews recent research on knowledge and learning in economic geography that moves away from established regional development approaches. This conventional position is briefly outlined, focusing on the fixity of tacit knowledge in local inter‐firm relations and institutions, within settings such as clusters and learning regions. The literature that I focus on here explores a range of alternative ways to conceptualise learning processes and the movement of knowledge in the global economy. In this article, I identify and discuss two cross‐theoretical themes within this literature. The first theme examines the diversity of learning processes in different types of organisational and spatial setting. The second theme considers the circulation of mobile forms of knowledge across geographical space. Together these trends suggest the emergence of multiple economic geographies of knowledge.
Methods for Generating Longitudinally Correlated Binary Data
Authors: Farrell Patrick J. , Rogers‐Stewart Katrina
Published: June 2007

The analysis of longitudinally correlated binary data has attracted considerable attention of late. Since the estimation of parameters in models for such data is based on asymptotic theory, it is necessary to investigate the small‐sample properties of estimators by simulation. In this paper, we review the mechanisms that have been proposed for generating longitudinally correlated binary data. We compare and contrast these models with regard to various features, including computational efficiency, flexibility and the range restrictions that they impose on the longitudinal association parameters. Some extensions to the data generation mechanism originally suggested by Kanter (1975) are proposed.
Current Problems in the Management of Marine Fisheries
Authors: Beddington J. R. , Agnew D. J. , Clark C. W.
Published: June 2007

The public perception of fisheries is that they are in crisis and have been for some time. Numerous scientific and popular articles have pointed to the failures of fisheries management that have caused this crisis. These are widely accepted to be overcapacity in fishing fleets, a failure to take the ecosystem effects of fishing into account, and a failure to enforce unpalatable but necessary reductions in fishing effort on fishing fleets and communities. However, the claims of some analysts that there is an inevitable decline in the status of fisheries is, we believe, incorrect. There have been successes in fisheries management, and we argue that the tools for appropriate management exist. Unfortunately, they have not been implemented widely. Our analysis suggests that management authorities need to develop legally enforceable and tested harvest strategies, coupled with appropriate rights-based incentives to the fishing community, for the future of fisheries to be better than their past.
Comment on "Tequila, a Neurotrypsin Ortholog, Regulates Long-Term Memory Formation in
Drosophila
"
Authors: Sonderegger Peter , Patthy Laszlo
Published: June 2007

Didelot
et al
. (Reports, 11 August 2006, p. 851) claimed that
Drosophila
Tequila (Teq) and human neurotrypsin are orthologs and concluded that deficient long-term memory after Teq inactivation indicates that neurotrypsin plays its essential role for human cognitive functions through a similar mechanism. Our analyses suggest that Teq and neurotrypsin are not orthologous, leading us to question their equivalent roles in higher brain function.
Response to Comment on "Tequila, a Neurotrypsin Ortholog, Regulates Long-Term Memory Formation in
Drosophila
"
Authors: Preat Thomas , Da Lage Jean-Luc , Colleaux Laurence , Didelot Gérard , Molinari Florence , Tchenio Paul , Milhiet Elodie , Munnich Arnold , Cariou Marie-Louise
Published: June 2007

Sonderegger and Patthy argue that the trypsin catalytic domains of
Drosophila
Tequila and human neurotrypsin are not linked by an orthology relationship. We present analyses based both on BLAST (basic local alignment search tool) comparisons and on phylogenetic relationships, which show that these two proteases do share an orthologous region that includes the trypsin domain.
Quantitative Morphological Signatures Define Local Signaling Networks Regulating Cell Morphology
Authors: Bakal Chris , Aach John , Church George , Perrimon Norbert
Published: June 2007

Although classical genetic and biochemical approaches have identified hundreds of proteins that function in the dynamic remodeling of cell shape in response to upstream signals, there is currently little systems-level understanding of the organization and composition of signaling networks that regulate cell morphology. We have developed quantitative morphological profiling methods to systematically investigate the role of individual genes in the regulation of cell morphology in a fast, robust, and cost-efficient manner. We analyzed a compendium of quantitative morphological signatures and described the existence of local signaling networks that act to regulate cell protrusion, adhesion, and tension.
Restriction of an Extinct Retrovirus by the Human TRIM5α Antiviral Protein
Authors: Kaiser Shari M. , Malik Harmit S. , Emerman Michael
Published: June 2007

Primate genomes contain a large number of endogenous retroviruses and encode evolutionarily dynamic proteins that provide intrinsic immunity to retroviral infections. We report here the resurrection of the core protein of a 4-million-year-old endogenous virus from the chimpanzee genome and show that the human variant of the intrinsic immune protein TRIM5α can actively prevent infection by this virus. However, we suggest that selective changes that have occurred in the human lineage during the acquisition of resistance to this virus, and perhaps similar viruses, may have left our species more susceptible to infection by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1).
Explaining the Relation Between Birth Order and Intelligence
Authors: Kristensen Petter , Bjerkedal Tor
Published: June 2007

Negative associations between birth order and intelligence level have been found in numerous studies. The explanation for this relation is not clear, and several hypotheses have been suggested. One family of hypotheses suggests that the relation is due to more-favorable family interaction and stimulation of low-birth-order children, whereas others claim that the effect is caused by prenatal gestational factors. We show that intelligence quotient (IQ) score levels among nearly 250,000 military conscripts were dependent on social rank in the family and not on birth order as such, providing support for a family interaction explanation.
Do Vibrational Excitations of CHD
3
Preferentially Promote Reactivity Toward the Chlorine Atom?
Authors: Yan Shannon , Wu Yen-Tien , Zhang Bailin , Yue Xian-Fang , Liu Kopin
Published: June 2007

The influence of vibrational excitation on chemical reaction dynamics is well understood in triatomic reactions, but the multiple modes in larger systems complicate efforts toward the validation of a predictive framework. Although recent experiments support selective vibrational enhancements of reactivities, such studies generally do not properly account for the differing amounts of total energy deposited by the excitation of different modes. By precise tuning of translational energies, we measured the relative efficiencies of vibration and translation in promoting the gas-phase reaction of CHD
3
with the Cl atom to form HCl and CD
3
. Unexpectedly, we observed that C–H stretch excitation is no more effective than an equivalent amount of translational energy in raising the overall reaction efficiency; CD
3
bend excitation is only slightly more effective. However, vibrational excitation does have a strong impact on product state and angular distributions, with C–H stretch-excited reactants leading to predominantly forward-scattered, vibrationally excited HCl.
Explaining Floral Diversity
Authors: Simpson Beryl B.
Published: June 2007

Ecology and Evolution of Flowers
.
Lawrence D. Harder and Spencer C. H. Barrett, Eds.
. Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2006. 398 pp. $150, £75. ISBN 9780198570851. Paper, $75, £37.50. ISBN 9780198570868.

The contributors combine new findings and a synthesis of recent empirical and theoretical research to explore the functional basis of floral diversity.
Development and Preliminary Evaluation of a Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Procedure for Sensitive Detection of
Cryptosporidium
Oocysts in Fecal and Water Samples
Authors: Karanis Panagiotis , Thekisoe Oriel , Kiouptsi Klytaimnistra , Ongerth Jerry , Igarashi Ikuo , Inoue Noborou
Published: July 2007

A loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) procedure for the detection of
Cryptosporidium
in environmental and fecal samples was developed and evaluated. This is the first demonstration of LAMP applied to detection of
Cryptosporidium
. Due to its specificity and simplicity, the method could become a useful diagnostic tool for epidemiologic studies of
Cryptosporidium
presence.