bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automatic instantiation of abstract tests on specific configurations for large critical control systems
Authors: Flammini Francesco , Mazzocca Nicola , Orazzo Antonio
Published: February 2008

Computer‐based control systems have grown in size, complexity, distribution and criticality. In this paper a methodology is presented to perform an ‘abstract testing’ of such large control systems in an efficient way: an abstract test is specified directly from system functional requirements and has to be instantiated in more test runs to cover a specific configuration, comprising any number of control entities (sensors, actuators and logic processes). Such a process is usually performed by hand for each installation of the control system, requiring a considerable time effort and being an error‐prone verification activity. To automate a safe passage from abstract tests, related to the so‐called generic software application, to any specific installation, an algorithm is provided, starting from a reference architecture and a state‐based behavioural model of the control software. The presented approach has been applied to a railway interlocking system, demonstrating its feasibility and effectiveness in several years of testing experience. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Breast Cancer Issues in Developing Countries: An Overview of the Breast Health Global Initiative
Authors: Anderson Benjamin O. , Jakesz Raimund
Published: February 2008

Background

Of the 411,000 breast cancer deaths around the world in 2002, 221,000 (54%) occurred in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMCs). Guidelines for breast health care (early detection, diagnosis, and treatment) that were developed in high‐resource countries cannot be directly applied in LMCs, because these guidelines do not consider real world resource constraints, nor do they prioritize which resources are most critically needed in specific countries for care to be most effectively provided.

Methods

Established in 2002, the Breast Health Global Initiative (BHGI) created an international health alliance to develop evidence‐based guidelines for LMCs to improve breast health outcomes. The BHGI held two Global Summits in October 2002 (Seattle) and January 2005 (Bethesda) and using an expert consensus, evidence‐based approach developed resource‐sensitive guidelines that define comprehensive pathways for step‐by‐step quality improvement in health care delivery.

Results

The BHGI guidelines, now published in English and Spanish, stratify resources into four levels (basic, limited, enhanced, and maximal), making the guidelines simultaneously applicable to countries of differing economic capacities. The BHGI guidelines provide a hub for linkage among clinicians and alliance among governmental agencies and advocacy groups to translate guidelines into policy and practice.

Conclusions

The breast cancer problem in LMCs can be improved through practical interventions that are realistic and cost‐effective. Early breast cancer detection and comprehensive cancer treatment play synergistic roles in facilitating improved breast cancer outcomes. The most fundamental interventions in early detection, diagnosis, surgery, radiation therapy, and drug therapy can be integrated and organized within existing health care schemes in LMCs. Future research will study what implementation strategies can most effectively guide health care system reorganization to assist countries that are motivated to improve breast cancer outcome in their populations.
Standardized Algorithms for Management of Anastomotic Leaks and Related Abdominal and Pelvic Abscesses After Colorectal Surgery
Authors: Phitayakorn R. , Delaney C. P. , Reynolds H. L. , Champagne B. J. , Heriot A. G. , Neary P. , Senagore A. J. ,   International Anastomotic Leak Study Group
Published: February 2008

Background

The risk factors and incidence of anastomotic leak following colorectal surgery are well reported in the literature. However, the management of the multiple clinical scenarios that may be encountered has not been standardized.

Methods

The medical literature from 1973 to 2007 was reviewed using PubMed for papers relating to anastomotic leaks and abdominal abscess, with a specific emphasis on predisposing factors, prevention strategies, and treatment approaches. A six‐round modified Delphi research method was utilized to find consensus among a group of expert colorectal surgeons and interventional radiologists regarding standardized management algorithms for anastomotic leaks.

Results

Management scenarios were divided into those for intraperitoneal anastomoses, extraperitoneal (low pelvic) anastomoses, and anastomoses with proximal diverting stomas. Management options were then based on the clinical presentation and radiographic findings and organized into three interconnected algorithms.

Conclusions

This process was a useful first step toward establishing guidelines for the management of anastomotic leak.
Effects of inbreeding on the magnitude of inbreeding depression in a highly self‐fertilizing tree, Magnolia obovata
Authors: Ishida Kiyoshi
Published: February 2008

Inbreeding depression is one of the major selective forces driving the evolution of mating systems. Previous theories predict that long‐lived plants will show a negative correlation between inbreeding depression and the level of inbreeding (as determined by an inbreeding coefficient) at maturity, but the extent of this correlation may vary among life stages because of variation in the genetic basis for inbreeding depression at different stages. To test this prediction, I used electrophoretic allozyme analysis and pollination experiments to examine the fixation index (Fis) at maturity and inbreeding depression in the early and late life stages of two populations with different outcrossing rates of a highly self‐fertilizing tree, Magnolia obovata. The magnitude of inbreeding depression for early survival (δe) in an outcrossing population (tm = 0.51; Fis = −0.015) was higher (δe = 0.97) than that in an inbreeding population (tm = 0.18; Fis = 0.15; δe = 0.38). From these results, I estimated that both populations exhibited high inbreeding depression for late survival (δl) (0.94 in the outcrossing population and 0.93 in the inbreeding one) and lifetime survival (δt) (0.99 and 0.96, respectively). My results and previously published data demonstrate the predicted relationship between inbreeding depression and the level of inbreeding for early survival, but not for late survival. This suggests that there is a differential genetic basis for inbreeding depression at different life stages. The inbreeding depression for late survival appears to play a central role in the maintenance of reproductive traits that promote outcrossing in M. obovata.
NEA Presidential Address: Black Economists of the World you Cite!!
Authors: Price Gregory N.
Published: February 2008

Economists who publish research in the economics and political economy of race seem averse to citing similar research by black economists. As citations are an important determinant of success as a research economist, black economists can possibly offset the aversion of non-black economists in citing black economists, by citing black economists themselves. This NEA Presidential address considers the relevance of black economist citations, and evaluates the extent to which black economists cite other black economists.
The Impact of Medical Education Reform on the Racial Health Status Gap, 1920–1930: A Difference-in-Differences Analysis
Authors: Dynan Linda
Published: February 2008

The racial impact of a quantity–quality tradeoff in physician supply (implemented through medical education reform) made during an era of racial segregation is assessed. The reform produced differential impacts across race and region. The health status of northern blacks improved the most; that of southern blacks the least. Accordingly, the health status gap between northern whites and blacks diminished, but the gap between southern blacks and every other demographic group increased. The path of northern blacks suggests that access to and high quality of health care are both necessary to close the racial gap in health status that persists today.
Effect of dietary alpine butter rich in conjugated linoleic acid on milk fat composition of lactating sows
Authors: Schmid Alexandra , Collomb Marius , Bee Giuseppe , Bütikofer Ulrich , Wechsler Daniel , Eberhard Pius , Sieber Robert
Published: February 2008

Multiparous sows (n 17) were included in a controlled cross-over-study in order to investigate the influence of a natural source of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) (alpine butter) on the milk fatty acid composition of lactating sows (as an animal model for lactating women) and on the growth performance of their progeny. The usual fat source of a standard lactation diet was replaced by either CLA-rich alpine butter or margarine (control diet). Compared with the margarine diet, feeding the alpine butter-supplemented diet increased (P < 0·001) the CLA concentration in the milk fat (742·3 (sd 272·0) v. 107·7 (sd 34·7) mg/100 g fat). Eleven of fourteen CLA isomers were higher (P ≤ 0·004) in milk fat after feeding the alpine butter-supplemented diet but the transfer was not proportional. The milk fat concentration of the sow milk and the level of SFA, MUFA and PUFA were not (P>0·05) affected. Growth performance of the progeny was similar for both dietary treatments. In summary, the findings show that adding alpine butter to the diet does not provoke a milk fat depression and does not alter the composition of total SFA, MUFA and PUFA in sow milk but increases its CLA concentration.
The effect of ageing with and without non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on gastrointestinal microbiology and immunology
Authors: Tiihonen Kirsti , Tynkkynen Soile , Ouwehand Arthur , Ahlroos Terhi , Rautonen Nina
Published: February 2008

Elderly individuals are more susceptible to gastrointestinal problems such as constipation than young adults. Furthermore, the common use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) among the elderly is known to further increase such gastrointestinal ailments. To describe the specific changes in elderly, intestinal microbes, their metabolites and immune markers were measured from faecal samples obtained from fifty-five elderly individuals (aged 68–88 years), using either NSAID or not, and fourteen young adults (aged 21–39 years). The faecal DM content increased with age but was significantly lower among the elderly NSAID users. The microbial metabolism was especially influenced by NSAID use and/or ageing, although fewer changes were observed in the composition of the microbial community, whilst the level of aerobes was increased in the elderly and the level ofClostridium coccoides–Eubacterium rectalereduced in the elderly NSAID users as compared with young adults. An increase in the concentrations of some branched SCFA andl-lactate but a decrease in some major SCFA concentrations were observed. Evidently, the decreased defecation frequency in the elderly directed colonic fermentation toward an unfavourable microbial metabolism but this was partially offset by the use of NSAID. Irrespective of the use of NSAID, the elderly subjects had significantly lower concentrations of faecal PGE2than the young adults, reflecting possibly a reduced immune response. According to the present study more attention should be paid to the development of dietary products that seek to enhance bowel function, saccharolytic fermentation and immune stimulation in the elderly population.
Effects of dietary cholesterol and fat on serum non-cholesterol sterols according to different apolipoprotein E subgroups among healthy men
Authors: Nissinen Markku J. , Gylling Helena , Miettinen Tatu A.
Published: February 2008

The impact of apo E phenotypes on applicability of relative cholesterol synthesis (lathosterol:cholesterol) and absorption (ratios of cholestanol, campesterol and sitosterol to cholesterol) during diets of various cholesterol and fat content is unclear. We examined and compared with each other both relative and absolute synthesis and absorption among twenty-nine men, of whom eight, nine and twelve had apo E phenotypes 2 (2/2, 2/3, 2/4), 3 (3/3) and 4 (3/4, 4/4), respectively. Serum lipids, lipoproteins, sterols and cholesterol metabolism were examined on four subsequent diets: high-cholesterol high-fat (home diet; HD), low-cholesterol low-fat (LCLF), high-cholesterol low-fat (HCLF) and low-cholesterol high-fat (LCHF). LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) level was about 40 % lower (P < 0·05) in apo E2 than apo E3 and E4 groups irrespective of dietary fat and cholesterol. Serum proportions of phytosterols were determined apo E-dependently on LCLF and HCLF, and those of lathosterol, cholestanol and campesterol were increased in apo E2 and E3 groups (P < 0·05 for eachv.HD). Serum proportion of sitosterol reflected almost consistently apo E phenotype (rrange+0·308 to+0·383;Prange 0·214–0·011). Relative cholesterol synthesis and absorption reflected respective absolute values during each diet in the apo E4 group (rrange+0·713 to+0·893;P < 0·05 for each), but only during HD (r+0·594;P = 0·015) in the apo E2+E3 group. The consumption of a high amount of fat did not interfere with cholesterol metabolism or serum levels of LDL-C differently in apo E phenotypes. Surrogate sterol markers of cholesterol metabolism reflected absolute ones (especially in the apo E4 group) and apo E phenotypes despite variable amounts of dietary cholesterol and fat.
Preliminary data about the influence of vitamin D status on the loss of body fat in young overweight/obese women following two types of hypocaloric diet
Authors: Ortega Rosa M. , Aparicio Aránzazu , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Elena , Bermejo Laura M. , Perea José M. , López-Sobaler Ana M. , Ruiz-Roso Baltasar , Andrés Pedro
Published: February 2008

The loss of weight was analysed in a group of sixty overweight/obese women of childbearing age (20–35 years) according to their initial vitamin D status. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of two slightly hypocaloric diets: Diet V, in which the consumption of vegetables was increased, or Diet C, in which the relative consumption of cereals (especially breakfast cereals) was increased. Dietetic, anthropometric and biochemical data were collected at the start of the study and again at 2 weeks after dividing the women into groups depending on their having an initial serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration of < 50 nmol/l (LD) or ≥ 50 nmol/l (HD). Dietary intervention led to a reduction in energy intake, body weight and BMI in all groups. The HD women showed greater body fat losses during the study than the LD women (1·7 (sd 1·8) kg compared to 0·5 (sd 0·8) kg). A better vitamin D status therefore aided the loss of body fat over the experimental period (OR 0·462; CI 0·271, 0·785; P < 0·001). However, when the dietary groups were analysed separately, this effect was only seen in the C subjects (OR 0·300; CI 0·121, 0·748; P < 0·001). The present results suggest that women with a better vitamin D status respond more positively to hypocaloric diets and lose more body fat; this was especially clear among the C subjects who had a greater vitamin D supply during the experimental period.
Dietary long-chain inulin reduces abdominal fat but has no effect on bone density in growing female rats
Authors: Jamieson Jennifer A. , Ryz Natasha R. , Taylor Carla G. , Weiler Hope A.
Published: February 2008

New strategies to improve Ca absorption and bone health are needed to address the current state of osteoporosis prevention and management. Inulin-type fructans have shown great promise as a dietary intervention strategy, but have not yet been tested in a young female model. Our objective was to investigate the effect of long chain (LC) inulin on bone mineralization and density in growing, female rats, as well as the quality of growth. Weanling Sprague–Dawley rats were assigned to inulin or cellulose treatments for either 4 or 8 weeks. Growth was measured weekly and quality of growth assessed using fat pad weights and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Whole body (WB) and selected regions were analysed for bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition by DXA. Serum markers of bone turnover were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Ca and P concentrations were determined in excised femurs by inductively coupled plasma spectrometry. Feeding inulin resulted in 4 % higher femoral weight (adjusted for body weight) and 6 % less feed intake. Inulin did not affect WB or regional BMD, but was associated with a 28 % lower parametrial fat pad mass, 21 % less WB fat mass and 5 % less WB mass. In summary, LC-inulin lowered body fat mass, without consequence to bone density in growing female rats.
Resistant carbohydrates stimulate cell proliferation and crypt fission in wild-type mice and in theApcMin/+mouse model of intestinal cancer, association with enhanced polyp development
Authors: Mandir Nikki , Englyst Hans , Goodlad Robert A.
Published: February 2008

Fermentation of carbohydrates in the colon can stimulate cell proliferation and could thus be a cancer risk. The effects of resistant carbohydrates, i.e. those not digested and absorbed in the small intestine, on cell proliferation, crypt fission and polyp development were investigated in wild-type and adenomatous polyposis coli multiple intestinal neoplasia (ApcMin/+) mice. Fifteen 4-week-old female wild-type and fifteenApcMin/+mice were used for each group and fed a chow diet, a semi-synthetic diet or the semi-synthetic supplemented with wheat bran or an apple pomace preparation, both high in resistant carbohydrates, for 8 weeks. Tissue from all mice was used to measure cell proliferation and crypt fission and tissue from theApcMin/+mice was scored for polyp number and tumour burden. There were slight reductions in intestinal mass in the mice fed the semi-synthetic diets and this was increased by the inclusion of resistant carbohydrates. TheApcMin/+mice had elevated cell proliferation and crypt fission in the distal small intestine and colon and these were increased by the resistant carbohydrates. Bran or apple pomace significantly increased polyp number in the proximal third of the small intestine. Apple pulp more than doubled polyp number throughout the small bowel (99·2 (sem11·1)v.40·0 (sem8·2),P < 0·004). Bran and apple pomace increased polyp diameter and hence burden in the colon by 243 and 150 %, respectively (P < 0·05). In conclusion, both types of resistant carbohydrates increased polyp number and tumour burden and this was associated with elevated epithelial cell proliferation and crypt fission.
Acute induction of histone acetylation on the jejunal sucrase–isomaltase gene by dietary fructose
Authors: Honma Kazue , Mochizuki Kazuki , Goda Toshinao
Published: February 2008

We have previously reported that dietary fructose rapidly induces jejunal sucrase–isomaltase (SI) gene expression in rats. In this study, we confirmed in mice that SI mRNA was induced 6 h after force-feeding fructose, but not glucose. Using the chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, we revealed that histones H3 and H4 on the promoter/enhancer regions of the SI gene in mice given fructose were highly acetylated, compared with those given glucose or water. These results suggest that acute induction of SI gene expression by dietary fructose is associated with acetylation of histones H3 and H4 on the SI gene.
Vitamin K status is associated with childhood bone mineral content
Authors: van Summeren Marieke J. H. , van Coeverden Silvia C. C. M. , Schurgers Leon J. , Braam Lavienja A. J. L. M. , Noirt Florence , Uiterwaal Cuno S. P. M. , Kuis Wietse , Vermeer Cees
Published: February 2008

In adult bone, vitamin K contributes to bone health, probably through its role as co-factor in the carboxylation of osteocalcin. In children, the significance of vitamin K in bone-mass acquisition is less well known. The objective of this longitudinal study was to determine whether biochemical indicators of vitamin K status are related to (gains in) bone mineral content (BMC) and markers of bone metabolism in peripubertal children. In 307 healthy children (mean age 11·2 years), BMC of the total body, lumbar spine and femoral neck was determined at baseline and 2 years later. Vitamin K status (ratio of undercarboxylated (ucOC) to carboxylated (cOC) fractions of osteocalcin; UCR) was also measured at both time points. Markers of bone metabolism, sex steroids, vitamin D status and growth hormones were measured at baseline only. Large variations in the levels of the UCR were found at both time-points, indicating a substantial interindividual difference in vitamin K status. Improvement of vitamin K status over 2 years (n281 children) was associated with a marked increase in total body BMC (r− 49·1,P < 0·001). The UCR was associated with pubertal stage, markers of bone metabolism, sex hormones and vitamin D status. A better vitamin K status was associated with more pronounced increase in bone mass in healthy peripubertal children. In order to determine the significance of these findings for childhood bone health, additional paediatric studies are needed.
Comparison of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, air displacement plethysmography and bioelectrical impedance analysis for the assessment of body composition in severely obese Caucasian children and adolescents
Authors: Lazzer Stefano , Bedogni Giorgio , Agosti Fiorenza , De Col Alessandra , Mornati Daniela , Sartorio Alessandro
Published: February 2008

The objectives of the present study were to compare body composition assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), air displacement plethysmography (ADP) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in severely obese Caucasian children and adolescents and to develop and validate new equations for predicting body composition from BIA using DXA as the reference method. Body composition was assessed in fifty-eight obese children and adolescents (BMI 34·4 (sd 4·9) kg/m2) aged 10–17 years by DXA, ADP and BIA. ADP body fat content was estimated from body density using equations devised by Siri (ADPSiri) and Lohman (ADPLohman). In the whole sample, the Bland–Altman test showed that ADPSiri and ADPLohman underestimated percentage fat mass (%FM) by 2·1 (sd 3·4) and by 3·8 (sd 3·3) percent units (P < 0·001), respectively, compared to DXA. In addition, compared to DXA, BIA underestimated %FM by 5·8 (sd 4·6) percent units in the whole group (P < 0·001). A new prediction equation (FFM (kg) = 0·87 × (stature2/body impedance)+3·1) was developed on the pooled sample and cross-validated on an external group of sixty-one obese children and adolescents. The difference between predicted and measured FFM in the external group was − 1·6 (sd 2·9) kg (P < 0·001) and FFM was predicted accurately (error < 5 %) in 75 % of subjects. In conclusion, DXA, ADP and the BIA are not interchangeable for the assessment of %FM in severely obese children and adolescents. The new prediction equation offers an alternative approach to DXA for the estimation of body composition in severely obese children and adolescents.
Vitamin E supplementation may transiently increase tuberculosis risk in males who smoke heavily and have high dietary vitamin C intake
Authors: Hemilä Harri , Kaprio Jaakko
Published: February 2008

Vitamin E and β-carotene affect the immune function and might influence the predisposition of man to infections. To examine whether vitamin E or β-carotene supplementation affects tuberculosis risk, we analysed data of the Alpha-Tocopherol Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention (ATBC) Study, a randomised controlled trial which examined the effects of vitamin E (50 mg/d) and β-carotene (20 mg/d) on lung cancer. The trial was conducted in the general community in Finland in 1985–93; the intervention lasted for 6·1 years (median). The ATBC Study cohort consists of 29 023 males aged 50–69 years, smoking at baseline, with no tuberculosis diagnosis prior to randomisation. Vitamin E supplementation had no overall effect on the incidence of tuberculosis (risk ratio (RR) = 1·18; 95 % CI 0·87, 1·59) nor had β-carotene (RR = 1·07; 95 % CI 0·80, 1·45). Nevertheless, dietary vitamin C intake significantly modified the vitamin E effect. Among participants who obtained 90 mg/d or more of vitamin C in foods (n13 502), vitamin E supplementation increased tuberculosis risk by 72  (95 % CI 4, 185)%. This effect was restricted to participants who smoked heavily. Finally, in participants not supplemented with vitamin E, dietary vitamin C had a negative association with tuberculosis risk so that the adjusted risk was 60 (95 % CI 16, 81) % lower in the highest intake quartile compared with the lowest. Our finding that vitamin E seemed to transiently increase the risk of tuberculosis in those who smoked heavily and had high dietary vitamin C intake should increase caution towards vitamin E supplementation for improving the immune system.
Relationship between eating behaviours and food and drink consumption in healthy postmenopausal women in a real-life context
Authors: Goulet Julie , Provencher Véronique , Piché Marie-Ève , Lapointe Annie , John Weisnagel S. , Nadeau André , Bergeron Jean , Lemieux Simone
Published: February 2008

Associations between eating behaviours and dietary variables have not been thoroughly investigated in healthy postmenopausal women in a real-life uncontrolled context. To investigate how eating behaviours (cognitive dietary restraint, disinhibition and susceptibility to hunger) were associated with food and drink consumption, energy density and meal pattern in 112 healthy postmenopausal women (age 56·8 (sd4·4) years) not on hormonal therapy. Women completed a 3 d weighed food record and filled out the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire. The sample was divided according to the median of the distribution of cognitive dietary restraint and disinhibition (9 and 6 respectively). Both subgroups of women with high restraint level (presenting either high or low disinhibition) consumed a diet with a lower energy density than subgroups of women with lower restraint level. Women with high restraint–low disinhibition had a lower consumption of red meat and processed meat and a lower consumption of diet soft drinks than women with low restraint–high disinhibition. They were also characterised by a higher intake of whole grains than women with high restraint–high disinhibition and than women with lower restraint level (with either high or low disinhibition). Women with high restraint–high disinhibition levels showed differences in dietary variables when compared with subgroups of women with lower restraint level, namely for refined grains and diet soft drinks. We conclude that in healthy postmenopausal women, dietary consumption of specific food and drink may be related to particular eating behaviours. Women with high restraint and low disinhibition levels generally showed the most healthy dietary pattern.
Dominance, activity density and prey preferences of rove beetles (Coleoptera:Staphylinidae) in conventionally treated Hungarian agro-ecosystems
Authors: Balog A. , Markó V. , Szarvas P.
Published: February 2008

Field experiments were conducted to investigate the mechanism underlying patterns of the rove beetle populations in apple and pear orchards (1998–2002) and winter wheat (2006–2007) in Hungary following treatment with broad-spectrum insecticide. The capacity of predatory staphylinid species to feed on cereal pests was measured, with six species tested in petri dishes, in the laboratory at room temperature. Almost 23% of the Hungarian and 13% of the European staphylinid fauna are represented in the investigated agro-ecosystems. In orchards, 5236 individuals, belonging to 253 species, were collected. The most widely occurring wereOmalium caesumGravenhorst,Drusilla canaliculata(F.),Dinaraea angustula(Gyllenhal),Palporus nitidulus(F.),Xantholinus. longiventris(Olivier),X. linearis(Olivier) andAleochara bipustulata(L.). In winter wheat, 798 individuals and 20 species were collected, the most frequent wereStaphylinus caesareusCederh,Tachyporus hypnorum(F.),Philonthus cognatus(Stephens),Aloconota gregaria(Erichson),Tachyporus chrysomelinus(L.) andT. obtusus(L.). Species composition differed by crop (apple, pear and wheat), soil composition and surrounding habitat. Species diversity was also influenced by these parameters. In wheat, one acute change in species composition was observed with the decline ofTachyporusspp., which occurred equally across all farms. The consumption rate of prey by the dominant species occurring in wheat ecosystems was relatively high; however, we did not offer any fungal food to compare with insects' prey.
Rapid method for the detection of storage mites in cereals: feasibility of an ELISA based approach
Authors: Dunn J.A. , Thind B.B. , Danks C. , Chambers J.
Published: February 2008

This paper describes the development of rapid immunodiagnostic tests for the detection of storage mite infestations in cereals and cereal products. The study's first phase (proof of concept) involved the production of a species-specific enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) for the flour mite, Acarus siro (L.), a major pest of stored commodities. The specificity of this new assay was assessed against key stored product contaminants (13 species of mites of which three were predatory, five species of insects and five species of fungi) in the presence and absence of grain. The assay was species-specific (no cross-reactivity to other storage contaminants) and was unaffected by the presence of cereal antigens in the extract. In the study's second phase, species- and genera-specific ELISAs were developed for a range of key storage mite pests: the cosmopolitan food mite (Lepidoglyphus destructor), the grocers' itch mite (Glycyphagus domesticus), the grainstack mite (Tyrophagus longior), mites of the Tyrophagus and Glycyphagus generas, and all storage mites. All tests were demonstrably specific to target species or genera, with no cross-reactions observed to other storage pest contaminants or cereals. The final, validation phase, involved a comparative assessment of the species-specific A. siro and the genus-specific Tyrophagus ELISAs with the flotation technique using laboratory and field samples. Both ELISAs were quantitative (0–30 mites per 10 g wheat) and produced good comparative data with the flotation technique (A. siro r2=0.91, Tyrophagus spp. r2=0.99).
Stability of spinosad resistance inFrankliniella occidentalis(Pergande) under laboratory conditions
Authors: Bielza P. , Quinto V. , Grávalos C. , Fernández E. , Abellán J. , Contreras J.
Published: February 2008

The stability of spinosad resistance in western flower thrips (WFT),Frankliniella occidentalis(Pergande), populations with differing initial frequencies of resistance was studied in laboratory conditions. The stability of resistance was assessed in bimonthly residual bioassays in five populations with initial frequencies of 100, 75, 50, 25 and 0% of resistant individuals. There were no consistent changes in susceptibility of the susceptible strain after eight months without insecticide pressure. In the resistant strain, very highly resistant to spinosad (RF50>23,000-fold), resistance was maintained up to eight months without further exposure to spinosad. In the absence of any immigration of susceptible genes into the population, resistance was stable. In the case of the population with different initial frequency of resistant thrips, spinosad resistance declined significantly two months later in the absence of selection pressure. With successive generations, these strains did not change significantly in sensitivity. Spinosad resistance inF. occidentalisdeclined significantly in the absence of selection pressure and the presence of susceptible WFT. These results suggest that spinosad resistance probably is unstable under field conditions, primarily due to the immigration of susceptible WFT. Factors influencing stability or reversion of spinosad resistance are discussed.
Enhanced activity of carbohydrate- and lipid-metabolizing enzymes in insecticide-resistant populations of the maize weevil,Sitophilus zeamais
Authors: Araújo R.A. , Guedes R.N.C. , Oliveira M.G.A. , Ferreira G.H.
Published: February 2008

Insecticide resistance is frequently associated with fitness disadvantages in the absence of insecticides. However, intense past selection with insecticides may allow the evolution of fitness modifier alleles that mitigate the cost of insecticide resistance and their consequent fitness disadvantages. Populations ofSitophilus zeamaiswith different levels of susceptibility to insecticides show differences in the accumulation and mobilization of energy reserves. These differences may allowS. zeamaisto better withstand toxic compounds without reducing the beetles' reproductive fitness. Enzymatic assays with carbohydrate- and lipid-metabolizing enzymes were, therefore, carried out to test this hypothesis. Activity levels of trehalase, glycogen phosphorylase, lipase, glycosidase and amylase were determined in two insecticide-resistant populations showing (resistant cost) or not showing (resistant no-cost) associated fitness cost, and in an insecticide-susceptible population. Respirometry bioassays were also carried out with these weevil populations. The resistant no-cost population showed significantly higher body mass and respiration rate than the other two populations, which were similar. No significant differences in glycogen phosphorylase and glycosidase were observed among the populations. Among the enzymes studied, trehalase and lipase showed higher activity in the resistant cost population. The results obtained in the assays with amylase also indicate significant differences in activity among the populations, but with higher activity in the resistant no-cost population. The inverse activity trends of lipases and amylases in both resistant populations, one showing fitness disadvantage without insecticide exposure and the other not showing it, may underlay the mitigation of insecticide resistance physiological costs observed in the resistant no-cost population. The higher amylase activity observed in the resistant no-cost population may favor energy storage, preventing potential trade-offs between insecticide resistance mechanisms and basic physiological processes in this population, unlike what seems to take place in the resistant cost population.
Seasonal responses and genotype-by-season interactions for the growth dynamic and development traits of peanut
Authors: PHAKAMAS N. , PATANOTHAI A. , PANNANGPETCH K. , JOGLOY S. , HOOGENBOOM G.
Published: February 2008

Information on the interactions between genotypes and environments for physiological traits of peanut (Arachis hypogaeaL.) is limited. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of seasons and genotype×season (G×S) interactions for dynamic growth and development traits of peanut. Fifteen peanut lines varying in maturity duration, seed type and yield level were grown in a field experiment at the Khon Kaen University in Northeast Thailand during the 2002 and 2003 rainy seasons and the 2003 and 2004 dry seasons. Data were recorded on phenological development stages, pod yield and final biomass, and leaf area index (LAI), crop growth rate (CGR), pod growth rate (PGR), partitioning coefficient (PC), pod harvest index (HI), shelling percentage, and specific leaf area (SLA) were determined. Seasonal effects were found for all development and growth traits of the test peanut lines. Crop duration for the dry season was much longer than for the rainy season because of low temperatures during the early growth stage, causing a delay in flowering and a longer period of pod formation. The test peanut lines showed small differences in the duration of vegetative development and pod formation, but varied greatly in the seed filling duration. This period also showed the greatest differential responses to seasons between the peanut genotypes. Crop yields for the 2003 rainy and the 2004 dry seasons were much lower than for the other two seasons because of late leaf spot disease in the 2003 rainy season and cool temperatures at flowering in the 2004 dry season, resulting in poor pod setting, low PGR and low HI. The test peanut lines differed considerably in pod and biomass yields and all the growth traits measured. Significant G×S interactions were also found for all of these traits, though were much smaller than season effect. Regression analyses identified PGR as the dominant physiological trait determining the G×S interaction for pod yield. Exploring marker-assisted selection for this trait is suggested.
A rare case of Proteus syndrome
Authors: Zingade N D , Zingade N N
Published: February 2008

Introduction:

We report a rare case of Proteus syndrome which presented with dysphagia due to unilateral tonsillar hypertrophy.

Case report:

Our case had involvement of multiple organs in addition to bony deformities, namely, enlarged right parotid gland and right testis, verrucous naevus, varicose veins and abdominal lipoma. The features unique to this case were a larger right optic disc and expansion of the inner table of the skull.

Discussion:

A literature review revealed less than 100 bona fide, published cases which fit the revised diagnostic criteria proposed by Turner.

The ENT manifestations of Proteus syndrome are high arched palate, gingival hypertrophy, malocclusion and overcrowding of teeth, hyperostosis of the external auditory meatus, and low nasal bridge. Our patient had a unilateral enlargement of the tonsil causing dysphagia, which was relieved by tonsillectomy.
Hearing loss and fluctuating hearing levels in X-linked hypophosphataemic osteomalacia
Authors: Pantel G , Probst R , Podvinec M , Gürtler N
Published: February 2008

Background and objective:

X-linked hypophosphataemic osteomalacia is the most common of the genetically determined forms of osteomalacia. The occurrence of hearing loss in X-linked hypophosphataemic osteomalacia has been known since 1984. However, observations on the progression of such hearing loss, and suggestions regarding possible therapy, have not previously been published.

Methods:

Case report of a patient with X-linked hypophosphataemic osteomalacia and hearing loss, with three years' audiological follow up, description of empirical therapy and literature review.

Results:

The patient presented with fluctuating hearing. An audiogram showed mild to severe sensorineural hearing loss mainly in the low and high frequencies. A temporary improvement of 20–40 dB after steroid therapy was observed. Four weeks later, hearing had deteriorated again, mainly in the low frequencies. After one year of fluctuating hearing levels, stabilisation occurred.

Conclusions:

In X-linked hypophosphataemic osteomalacia, hearing loss occurs predominantly in the low and high frequencies. The hearing loss type and progression pattern point to an endolymphatic hydrops as the pathogenetic mechanism. Steroid therapy may be of some benefit.
Uniqueness of bridge surfaces for 2-bridge knots
Authors: SCHARLEMANN MARTIN , TOMOVA MAGGY
Published: February 2008

Any 2-bridge knot in S3 has a bridge sphere from which any other bridge surface can be obtained by stabilization, meridional stabilization, perturbation and proper isotopy.
Cusps of Hilbert modular varieties
Authors: McREYNOLDS D. B.
Published: February 2008

Motivated by a question of Hirzebruch on the possible topological types of cusp cross-sections of Hilbert modular varieties, we give a necessary and sufficient condition for a manifoldMto be diffeomorphic to a cusp cross-section of a Hilbert modular variety. Specialized to Hilbert modular surfaces, this proves that every Sol 3–manifold is diffeo morphic to a cusp cross-section of a (generalized) Hilbert modular surface. We also deduce an obstruction to geometric bounding in this setting. Consequently, there exist Sol 3–manifolds that cannot arise as a cusp cross-section of a 1–cusped nonsingular Hilbert modular surface.
Integral Riemann–Roch formulae for cyclic subgroups of mapping class groups
Authors: AKITA TOSHIYUKI , KAWAZUMI NARIYA
Published: February 2008

The first author conjectured certain relations for Morita–Mumford classes and Newton classes in the integral cohomology of mapping class groups (integral Riemann–Roch formulae). In this paper, the conjecture is verified for cyclic subgroups of mapping class groups.
The effect of overall stimulus velocity on motion parallax
Authors: ZHANG YING , SCHILLER PETER H.
Published: February 2008

This study examined the effectiveness with which motion parallax information can be utilized by rhesus monkeys for depth perception. A visual display comprised of random-dots that mimicked a rigid, three-dimensional object rocking back and forth was used. Differential depth was produced by presenting sub-regions of the dots moving at different velocities from the rest of dots in the display. The tasks for the monkeys were to detect or discriminate a target region that was protruding the furthest from the background plane. To understand the role of stimulus movement, we examined the accuracy and the rapidity of the saccadic responses as a function of rocking velocity of the entire three-dimensional object. The results showed that performance accuracy improved and reaction times decreased with increasing rocking velocities. The monkeys can process the motion parallax information with remarkable rapidity such that the average reaction time ranged between 212 and 246 milliseconds. The data collected suggest that the successive activation of just two sets of cones is sufficient to perform the task.
The posterior cingulate cortex and planum temporale/parietal operculum are activated by coherent visual motion
Authors: ANTAL A. , BAUDEWIG J. , PAULUS W. , DECHENT P.
Published: February 2008

The posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) is involved in higher order sensory and sensory-motor integration while the planum temporale/parietal operculum (PT/PO) junction takes part in auditory motion and vestibular processing. Both regions are activated during different types of visual stimulation. Here, we describe the response characteristics of the PCC and PT/PO to basic types of visual motion stimuli of different complexity (complex and simple coherent as well as incoherent motion). Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was performed in 10 healthy subjects at 3 Tesla, whereby different moving dot stimuli (vertical, horizontal, rotational, radial, and random) were contrasted against a static dot pattern. All motion stimuli activated a distributed cortical network, including previously described motion-sensitive striate and extrastriate visual areas. Bilateral activations in the dorsal region of the PCC (dPCC) were evoked using coherent motion stimuli, irrespective of motion direction (vertical, horizontal, rotational, radial) with increasing activity and with higher complexity of the stimulus. In contrast, the PT/PO responded equally well to all of the different coherent motion types. Incoherent (random) motion yielded significantly less activation both in the dPCC and in the PT/PO area. These results suggest that the dPCC and the PT/PO take part in the processing of basic types of visual motion. However, in dPCC a possible effect of attentional modulation resulting in the higher activity evoked by the complex stimuli should also be considered. Further studies are warranted to incorporate these regions into the current model of the cortical motion processing network.
Location, architecture, and retinotopy of the anteromedial lateral suprasylvian visual area (AMLS) of the ferret (Mustela putorius)
Authors: MANGER PAUL R. , ENGLER GERHARD , MOLL CHRISTIAN K.E. , ENGEL ANDREAS K.
Published: February 2008

The present paper describes the results of architectural and electrophysiological mapping observations of the medial bank of the suprasylvian sulcus of the ferret immediately caudal to somatosensory regions. The aim was to determine if the ferret possessed a homologous cortical area to the anteromedial lateral suprasylvian visual area (AMLS) of the domestic cat. We studied the architectural features and visuotopic organization of a region that we now consider to be a homologue to the cat AMLS. This area showed a distinct architecture and retinotopic organization. The retinotopic map was complex in nature with a bias towards representation of the lower visual field. These features indicate that the region described here as AMLS in the ferret is indeed a direct homologue of the previously described cat AMLS and forms part of a hierarchy of cortical areas processing motion in the ferret visual cortex. With the results of the present study and those of earlier studies a total of twelve cortical visual areas have been determined presently for the ferret, all of which appear to have direct homologues with visual cortical areas in the cat (which has a total of eighteen areas).
A reciprocal connection between the ventral lateral geniculate nucleus and the pretectal nuclear complex and the superior colliculus: Anin vitrocharacterization in the rat
Authors: BORN GESCHE , SCHMIDT MATTHIAS
Published: February 2008

The ventral lateral geniculate nucleus (vLGN), the pretectal nuclear complex (PNC) and the superior colliculus (SC) are structures that all receive retinal input. All three structures are important relay stations of the subcortical visual system. They are strongly connected with each other and involved in circadian and/or visuomotor processes. However, the information transferred along these pathways is unknown and their possible functions are, therefore, not well understood. Here, we characterized multiple pathways between the vLGN, the PNC, and the SC electrophysiologically and anatomically in anin vitrostudy using acute rat brain slices. Using orthodromic and antidromic electrical stimulation, we first characterized vLGN neurons that receive pretectal input and those that project to the PNC. Morphological reconstructions of cells labeled after patch clamp recordings identified these neurons as geniculo-tectal neurons and as medium-sized multipolar neurons. We identified inhibitory connections in both pathways and we could show that inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) evoked from the PNC in vLGN neurons are mediated only by GABAAreceptors, while IPSCs evoked in PNC neurons by vLGN stimulation are either mediated by both, GABAAand GABACreceptors or by a GABA receptor with mixed GABAAand GABACreceptor-like pharmacology. Finally, retrograde double labeling experiments with two different fluorescent dextran amines indicated that pretectal neurons which project to the ipsilateral vLGN also project to the ipsilateral SC.
HCN4-like immunoreactivity in rat retinal ganglion cells
Authors: OI HANAKO , PARTIDA GLORIA J. , LEE SHERWIN C. , ISHIDA ANDREW T.
Published: February 2008

Antisera directed against hyperpolarization-activated, cyclic nucleotide–sensitive (HCN) channels bind to somata in the ganglion cell layer of rat and rabbit retinas, and mRNA for different HCN channel isoforms has been detected in the ganglion cell layer of mouse retina. However, previous studies neither provided evidence that any of the somata are ganglion cells (as opposed to displaced amacrine cells) nor quantified these cells. We therefore tested whether isoform-specific anti-HCN channel antisera bind to ganglion cells labeled by retrograde transport of fluorophore-coupled dextran. In flat-mounted adult rat retinas, the number of dextran-backfilled ganglion cells agreed with cell densities reported in previous studies, and anti-HCN4 antisera bound to the somata of approximately 40% of these cells. The diameter of these somata ranged from 7 to 30 μm. Consistent with localization to cell membranes, the immunoreactivity formed a thin line that circumscribed individual somata. Optic fiber layer axon fascicles, and the proximal dendrites of some ganglion cells, also displayed binding of anti-HCN4 antisera. These results suggest that the response of some mammalian retinal ganglion cells to hyperpolarization may be modulated by changes in intracellular cAMP levels, and could thus be more complex than expected from previous voltage and current recordings.