bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Production in the open field.
Authors: Csizinszky A. A.
Published: November 2009

The tomato is the second most widely grown vegetable crop in the world after the potato. Several different production systems are used successfully under local conditions in different parts of the world to produce tomatoes (see Chapter 1). In this chapter, the methods used in the USA are presented, but the principles involved can be applied to field production anywhere. The following aspects are discussed: environmental requirements for timing of operations; soil preparation (bare ground and plastic mulch culture); stand establishment (direct sowing and transplanting); mulching and plant covers; nutrient management (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S and micronutrients); irrigation (crop water requirement and irrigation systems); crop management; and harvesting and handling.
Genetic improvement of apple: breeding, markers, mapping and biotechnology.
Authors: Brown S. K. , Maloney K. E.
Published: November 2009

This chapter covers the traditional breeding of apples, natural and induced variation in the crop and the apple breeding programmes in 31 countries from around the world. Notes are presented on the breeding of apples for disease resistance, improved quality and nutrient contents, and reduced flesh browning and allergenicity. The use of genetic markers for the selection of crops with improved traits, as well as the use of biotechnology in the improvement of the crop are discussed.
A model of destination competitiveness.
Authors: Ritchie J. R. B. , Crouch G. I.
Published: November 2009

This chapter examines a tourism-specific conceptual model of destination competitiveness.
Destination policy, planning and development.
Authors: Ritchie J. R. B. , Crouch G. I.
Published: November 2009

This chapter examines the nature of tourism policy and describes how effective tourism policy, planning and development should be structured, formulated and implemented. The chapter emphasizes that, in all cases, competitiveness and sustainability must be the primary goal of policy and that the effective pursuit of each of these goals requires a different set of skills and capabilities.
The destination audit: putting the model to work.
Authors: Ritchie J. R. B. , Crouch G. I.
Published: November 2009

This chapter examines the application of a destination audit model. The audit is an official examination that ensures that everything is in order, and where things are not in order the audit makes recommendations and seeks to provide answers to questions which might arise. Such questions may include the following. Where is the destination headed? Which are the destination's most significant competitors? What is the destination's image in key market segments? In what areas is the destination competitively strong or weak? Does the destination's current strategy meet present and future challenges? Does the present development of the destination meet the needs and aspirations of the residents of the destination? This audit is different from the periodic, organizational review of the principal tourism-related organizations promoting a destination. This is an audit of the destination itself.
Decision analysis: outline and basic assumptions.
Authors: Hardaker J. B. , Huirne R. B. M. , Anderson J. R. , Lien G.
Published: November 2009

This chapter focuses on the steps in risk management dealing with decision analysis. To illustrate the application of the basic decision analytic approach, the chapter takes as an example a choice faced by a dairy farmer in Europe who is worried about the risk of another outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. Sections of the chapter explain: the structuring of the problem; decision tree representation; analysis of the decision tree; the components of decision analysis and its axiomatic foundation; and rational choice under risk.
Making better probability judgements.
Authors: Hardaker J. B. , Huirne R. B. M. , Anderson J. R. , Lien G.
Published: November 2009

This chapter outlines methods to improve subjective probability judgements in the context of risk analysis in agriculture. First, methods of using data in probability assessments are explained, referring both to abundant and sparse data situations. In situations where there are no relevant data, taking expert advice is suggested as a good option to get the best possible probabilities. Then ways to obtain joint probability distributions using a combination of subjective judgements and data are presented. The last part of the chapter is devoted to psychological pitfalls that the decision maker should be aware of in making probability judgments.
Strategies decision makers can use to manage risk.
Authors: Hardaker J. B. , Huirne R. B. M. , Anderson J. R. , Lien G.
Published: November 2009

This chapter distinguishes between on-farm risk-management strategies and risk-management strategies that share risks with others. Compared with risk-sharing strategies, on-farm management strategies can more readily be used to avoid or soften the impact of undesirable events (downside risk). On-farm strategies include: avoiding or reducing exposure to risk; collecting information; selecting less risky technologies; diversification; and flexibility. Risk sharing strategies include: farm financing; insurance; share contracts; contract marketing; and trading in commodity derivatives.
The role of feed processing on gastrointestinal function and health in poultry.
Authors: Svihus B.
Published: November 2009

Nearly all feeds used in commercial poultry production are subjected to some form of feed processing. A majority of the feed is ground through a hammer mill and formed into pellets by pressing the heated feed through a pellet press. The two major effects of processing are thus: (i) changes in the micro- and macrostructure of the feed; and (ii) heat-induced chemical changes of some components in the feed. It has been shown that the microstructure of the feed, i.e. the particle distribution of the dissolved feed particles, has a significant impact on gut function. Gizzard activity increases significantly, resulting in a very finely ground feed material entering the small intestine. An increased feed volume in the gizzard and a decrease in gizzard pH when coarse material is fed results in a lower jejunal microflora number and changes in microfloral composition. In addition, secretion of bile acids and pancreatic enzymes is enhanced. The macrostructure determines to a large extent the feed intake pattern. It has been shown that a feed structure that allows for a high feed intake, such as pellets, may affect starch digestibility negatively. This may be associated with overconsumption of feed, and may be linked to a suboptimal feed flow regulation due to reduced gizzard function. Although poultry feeds are subjected to only moderate heat treatment, heat-induced chemical changes may take place. A small fraction of the starch will gelatinize, solubility of fibres may increase and proteins may form indigestible new bonds. In addition, vitamins and enzymes may lose their effect.
Wet litter: its causes and prevention and the role of nutrition.
Authors: Collett S. R.
Published: November 2009

Poultry litter becomes wet when the rate of water addition (urine/faeces/spillage) exceeds the rate of removal (evaporation). Anti-nutritional factors, toxins, pathogens and nutrient imbalances may cause wet litter directly by altering normal digestive physiology or indirectly by disturbing normal gut ecology. Poor-quality ingredients and those with excess oligosaccharides or minerals can cause a nutritionally induced polydypsia, polyuria and diarrhoea which may increase water output sufficiently to cause wet litter. If the situation persists for long enough the ensuing inflammatory response causes mild to severe gastroenteritis which further increases water output. The damage so caused to the cytoskeleton of the gastrointestinal tract reduces the surface area for nutrient absorption and allows the opportunity for pathogen proliferation, gut colonization and even invasion and systemic disease. Historically the solution to the downstream effect of compromised digestion and absorption on gut ecology has been to supplement birds with antibiotic growth promoters, a practice that has not been permitted within Europe from January 2006. The only alternative is to use a holistic approach in managing the gut ecology by manipulating the microbial populations and host inflammatory response through non-antibiotic nutritional techniques. Enzymes, probiotics, prebiotics, immune modulators and mycotoxin binders have all shown promise in this regard. Seeding the gastrointestinal tract with bacteria at hatch and subsequently managing the gastrointestinal environment, whilst at the same time reducing anti-nutritional factors and the use of precision diet formulation, has proved advantageous in minimizing the incidence of wet litter in birds whilst maintaining and improving bird performance.
Control of follicular development: intra-ovarian actions of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily members.
Authors: Knight P. G. , Al-Musawi S. L. , Lovell T. M. , Gladwell R. T.
Published: November 2009

This article discusses the development of ovarian follicles; the laying hen as a model; regulation of follicle development and ovulation; intra-ovarian growth factors and follicle development; different transforming growth factors (TGF)-β superfamily (activins, inhibins and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs)); and the presence of TGF-β superfamily members in the avian ovary.
Semen quality and semen storage.
Authors: Wishart G. J.
Published: November 2009

Poultry semen quality and semen storage respectively can be considered in terms of the intrinsic components of spermatozoa and seminal plasma and their properties, and of the oviducal sperm-storage systems and their regulation. However, the focus of this chapter is on the technologies for assessing semen quality and for storing semen in vitro. Semen quality is considered as methods for sperm quality evaluation to identify males of different fertilizing abilities. It is shown that sperm quality assays can be used to predict fertilizing ability and to select the 'best breeders' from a flock of chickens or turkeys when artificial insemination is employed. It may also be possible to select for sperm quality traits in breeding programmes. Sperm quality assays have, however, been shown to be poor monitors of the loss of fertilizing ability that occurs in semen during storage. Semen storage is reviewed in terms of cryopreservation, which enables long-term storage of spermatozoa at -196°C, the temperature of liquid nitrogen, and liquid semen storage, usually at lower than ambient temperatures above 0°C for up to 24 or 48 h. The most significant advance in sperm cryopreservation technology is the recent establishment of poultry sperm banks in several countries - the result of an international realization of the rate of loss of poultry breeds and lines. The background to the cryopreservation technology used in these cryobanks is considered with a view to providing an appreciation of the opportunities and limitations of poultry sperm cryopreservation. Liquid semen storage of chicken spermatozoa at temperatures of around 5°C is a well-established, although little-used, technology. Turkey sperm storage is successfully utilized in commercial breeding operations, but the efficiency of such systems in maintaining sperm fertilizing ability in vitro for 24 h pale into insignificance in comparison to the in vivo oviducal storage system, which can maintain fertilizing ability for many weeks.
Nematodes.
Authors: Nyczepir A. P. , Esmenjaud D.
Published: November 2009

This chapter focuses on four major nematode pests of peach: root-knot (Meloidogyne spp.), ring (Mesocriconema spp.), root-lesion (Pratylenchus spp.) and dagger (Xiphinema spp.) nematodes. The following aspects are covered: species identification and polymorphism, symptoms, biology, survival and dissemination, economic importance, geographical distribution, host range and management (through biological, cultural and chemical control methods, and host resistance).
The classification, origins, distribution and economic importance of the major vegetable crops.
Authors: Brewster J. L.
Published: November 2009

This chapter discusses the classification of alliums; distribution and ecology; the types, history and evolution of edible crops; and economic importance. The names and taxonomic grouping of the edible alliums important in commerce are tabulated, including the features that can be used in identification of these crops.
Section II. Sweet potato: origin and history.
Authors: Lebot V.
Published: November 2009

This chapter covers the domestication, origin, discovery, and geographical distribution of sweet potato.
Section II. Sweet potato: taxonomy and botany.
Authors: Lebot V.
Published: November 2009

This chapter covers the taxonomy, morphology, related species and cytology (largely discussing chromosome number) of sweet potato.
Section III. Yams: origin and history.
Authors: Lebot V.
Published: November 2009

This chapter covers the following aspects of the origin and history of yam (Dioscorea spp.): domestication, discovery of the crop by Western explorers, and geographical distribution.
Section III. Yams: taxonomy and botany.
Authors: Lebot V.
Published: November 2009

This chapter covers the taxonomy, morphology and cytology of yam (Dioscorea spp., including D. alata, D. bulbifera, D. cayenensis, D. rotundata, D. esculenta, D. opposita, D. nummularia, D. pentaphylla, D. transversa and D. trifida) and related species.
Section III. Yams: developmental physiology.
Authors: Lebot V.
Published: November 2009

This chapter covers the following aspects of yam (Dioscorea spp., including D. alata, D. nummularia, D. esculenta, D. opposita, D. bulbifera and D. rotundata) developmental physiology: growth cycle (tuber germination, foliage development, tuber bulking, foliage senescence and dormancy); photoperiodism; responses to temperature and water stress; nutritional disorders; and yield potential.
Section III. Yams: pests and diseases.
Authors: Lebot V.
Published: November 2009

This chapter covers the pests (nematodes and insects) and diseases (caused by bacteria, fungi and viruses) of yams (Dioscorea spp.), and their management (biological, cultural, chemical and integrated control methods).
Section IV. Aroids: agronomy.
Authors: Lebot V.
Published: November 2009

This chapter focuses on the following aspects of aroids (mainly Alocasia macrorrhiza, Amorphophallus campanulatus, Colocasia esculenta, Cyrtosperma merkusii and Xanthosoma sagittifolium) agronomy: soil preparation, propagule selection and preparation, crop density and establishment, intercropping, weeding (cultural and chemical weed control methods), fertilizer application and nutrient disorders, and harvesting.
Hectareage, number of trees and production of olive oil and table olives.
Authors: Therios I.
Published: November 2009

Tabulated data on the hectareage and number of olive trees worldwide; the global olive oil production; the olive oil production in the Mediterranean; and the EU production of olive oil are provided. There is a variety of table olives (whole, pitted, sliced, stuffed) and, as observed in the case of olive oil, the production of table olives fluctuates from year to year, due to both weather conditions and the alternate bearing habit of olive trees. When the price of olives for the production of table olives is low, part of the yield is used for oil production. The EU is the largest table olive producer (40%), others being Turkey (13%), the USA (10%), Morocco (8%), Syria (7%) and Egypt (4%).
Flowering, pollination, fertilization and fruiting.
Authors: Therios I.
Published: November 2009

This chapter discusses olive flowering (as affected by climatic change) and pollination. Some models for the prediction of flowering date are presented and the location of flowers within the inflorescence is described. The cytoplasmic sterility and antioxidative enzyme (superoxide dismutase) content of olive pollen are also described. The factors affecting fruit set are given, i.e. number of florets per inflorescence, perfect and pistillate flowers, ovarian size, number and quality of ovules, and temperature.
Oleuropein, olive leaf extract, olive oil and the benefits of the Mediterranean diet to human health.
Authors: Therios I.
Published: November 2009

This chapter discusses the antioxidant and antimicrobial (bacteria and fungi) activities; effect on the protection of low-density lipoprotein from oxidation and on the inactivation of cytochrome P450; and blood pressure-lowering effect of oleuropein. The anti-human immunodeficiency virus activity of olive leaf extract is described as well as the role of olive oil in reducing the risk of human cancer (e.g. breast, ovarian, colonic and endometrial cancer), in membrane lipid composition and in cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease. The minor components of the Mediterranean diet and its role in cancer prevention are also described.
Biological and integrated olive culture.
Authors: Therios I.
Published: November 2009

Biological (or organic) olive culture is an agricultural management system that reduces significantly the use of chemical fertilizers and phytoprotective materials. The products (fertilizers, phytoprotective materials, biological control agents, and biological traps) permitted for use in biologically cultivated olive orchards are mentioned, and the techniques of cultivation in organic olive growing in terms of soil cultivation and fertilizer application, use of cover crops, weed control, irrigation, pest and disease control and harvesting are described. The application of the integrated management of olive orchards involving the conventional or chemical and ever-bearing olive culture methods is highlighted.
Biotechnological aspects of olive culture.
Authors: Therios I.
Published: November 2009

Olive culture was spread to all the various countries of the Mediterranean region accompanying human migration, but in modern times certain changes must be considered in order to face several issues: (i) cultivar identification; (ii) micropropagation; (iii) fruit ripening; (iv) abiotic stress (cold, ozone, water and salinity) tolerance; (v) plant size and architecture; (vi) resistance to pests and diseases; (vii) parthenocarpy; (viii) olive oil quality; (ix) chilling requirements; and (x) self-compatibility, which are discussed in this chapter.
Taxonomy and systematics.
Authors: Bompard J. M.
Published: November 2009

This chapter covers the geographical distribution, ecology, habitat, taxonomy, origin and molecular characterization of Mangifera species, as well as the origin of mango and its domestication in South-east Asia.
Important mango cultivars and their descriptors.
Authors: Knight R. J., Jr. , Campbell R. J. , Maguire I.
Published: November 2009

This chapter presents a list of mango cultivars (63) that are of interest in areas other than their places of origin, along with descriptions intended to facilitate their differentiation.
Fruit diseases.
Authors: Prusky D. , Kobiler I. , Miyara I. , Alkan N.
Published: November 2009

This chapter covers the pathogenicity, symptoms, epidemiology and management (through chemical, biological and cultural control methods, and disease resistance) of anthracnose (caused by Glomerella cingulata and Colletotrichum acutatum), Alternaria rot (caused by Alternaria alternata), stem-end rots (caused by a variety of fungi) and minor diseases on mango fruits.
Food for endurance - the evidence, with a focus on glycaemic index.
Authors: Little J. P. , Chilibeck P. D. , Bennett C. , Zello G. A.
Published: November 2009

We reviewed the effects of glycaemic index (GI) of carbohydrates, consumed before exercise, on metabolism and performance. A carbohydrate with a high GI results in rapid absorption of glucose and a large and fast rise in blood insulin. A carbohydrate with a low GI results in a slower and smaller rise in blood glucose and insulin levels. Increased insulin levels inhibit fat oxidation and promote carbohydrate oxidation, which may result in faster glycogen depletion when high-GI carbohydrates are consumed before exercise. High-GI carbohydrates may also result in rebound hypoglycaemia, which would leave one with lower than normal blood glucose levels and hinder exercise performance. Most studies of low-versus high-GI carbohydrates consumed before exercise indicate that low-GI carbohydrates confer a better metabolic response (i.e. lower insulin release, increased fat oxidation and decreased glucose oxidation compared with high-GI carbohydrates). Despite this improved metabolic response, intake of low- and high-GI carbohydrates result in similar improvements in exercise performance. In the 20 studies we reviewed, low-GI carbohydrates were more beneficial for improvement in performance in seven studies, high-GI carbohydrates were more beneficial in one study, and there was no difference in performance improvement between carbohydrates of differing GI in 12 studies. We conclude that low-GI carbohydrates result in a more favourable metabolic response compared with high-GI carbohydrates when consumed before exercise, but this does not always result in a greater improvement in exercise performance.
Word learning, phonological short-term memory, phonotactic probability and long-term memory: towards an integrated framework
Authors: Gupta Prahlad , Tisdale Jamie
Published: November 2009

Word learning is studied in a multitude of ways, and it is often not clear what the relationship is between different phenomena. In this article, we begin by outlining a very simple functional framework that despite its simplicity can serve as a useful organizing scheme for thinking about various types of studies of word learning. We then review a number of themes that in recent years have emerged as important topics in the study of word learning, and relate them to the functional framework, noting nevertheless that these topics have tended to be somewhat separate areas of study. In the third part of the article, we describe a recent computational model and discuss how it offers a framework that can integrate and relate these various topics in word learning to each other. We conclude that issues that have typically been studied as separate topics can perhaps more fruitfully be thought of as closely integrated, with the present framework offering several suggestions about the nature of such integration.
Word learning and lexical development across the lifespan
Authors: Gaskell M. Gareth , Ellis Andrew W.
Published: November 2009

Word learning is one of the core components of language acquisition. In this article, we provide an overview of the theme issue on word learning, describing some of the ways in which research in the area has progressed and diverged. In recent years, word learning has become central in a wider range of research areas, and is important to research on adult, as well as child and infant language. We introduce 10 papers that cover the recent developments from a wide range of perspectives, focusing on developmental research, the influence of reading skills, neuroimaging and the relationship between word learning and general models of memory.
EXPO2009: structure solution by powder data in direct and reciprocal space
Authors: Altomare Angela , Camalli Mercedes , Cuocci Corrado , Giacovazzo Carmelo , Moliterni Anna , Rizzi Rosanna
Published: November 2009

The programEXPO2009is the evolution ofEXPO2004[Altomare, Caliandro, Camalli, Cuocci, Giacovazzo, Moliterni & Rizzi (2004).J. Appl. Cryst.37, 1025–1028].EXPO2009performs all the steps ofab initiostructure solution by powder data: indexing, space-group determination, estimation of the reflection integrated intensities, structure solution by direct/Patterson methods and/or by a direct-space/hybrid approach, and model refinement by the Rietveld technique. New procedures have been introduced inEXPO2009for enhancing the structure solution process, particularly in the case of low-resolution data and/or organic compounds, when traditional approaches like direct methods may fail. TheEXPO2009graphical interface has been optimized and made very user friendly.
(111)p microtwinning in SrRuO3 thin films on (001)p LaAlO3
Authors: Han Y. , Reaney I. M. , Tinberg D. S. , Trolier-McKinstry S.
Published: November 2009

SrRuO3 (SRO) thin films grown on (001)p (p = pseudocubic) oriented LaAlO3 (LAO) by pulsed laser deposition have been characterized using transmission electron microscopy. Observations along the 〈100〉p directions suggests that although the SRO layer maintains a pseudocube-to-pseudocube orientation relationship with the underlying LAO substrate, it has a ferroelastic domain structure associated with a transformation on cooling to room temperature to an orthorhombic Pbnm phase (a
−
a
−
c
+ Glazer tilt system). In addition, extra diffraction spots located at ±1/6(ooo)p and ±1/3(ooo)p (where `o' indicates an index with an odd number) positions were obtained in 〈110〉p zone-axis diffraction patterns. These were attributed to the existence of high-density twins on {111}p pseudocubic planes within the SrRuO3 films rather than to more conventional mechanisms for the generation of superstructure reflections.
Prf immune complexes of tomato are oligomeric and contain multiple Pto‐like kinases that diversify effector recognition
Authors: Gutierrez Jose R. , Balmuth Alexi L. , Ntoukakis Vardis , Mucyn Tatiana S. , Gimenez‐Ibanez Selena , Jones Alexandra M.E. , Rathjen John P.
Published: November 2009

Cytoplasmic recognition of pathogen virulence effectors by plant NB‐LRR proteins leads to strong induction of defence responses termed effector triggered immunity (ETI). In tomato, a protein complex containing the NB‐LRR protein Prf and the protein kinase Pto confers recognition of the Pseudomonas syringae effectors AvrPto and AvrPtoB. Although structurally unrelated, AvrPto and AvrPtoB interact with similar residues in the Pto catalytic cleft to activate ETI via an unknown mechanism. Here we show that the Prf complex is oligomeric, containing at least two molecules of Prf. Within the complex, Prf can associate with Pto or one of several Pto family members including Fen, Pth2, Pth3, or Pth5. The dimerization surface for Prf is the novel N‐terminal domain, which also coordinates an intramolecular interaction with the remainder of the molecule, and binds Pto kinase or a family member. Thus, association of two Prf N‐terminal domains brings the associated kinases into close promixity. Tomato lines containing Prf complexed with Pth proteins but not Pto possessed greater immunity against P. syringae than tomatoes lacking Prf. This demonstrates that incorporation of non‐Pto kinases into the Prf complex extends the number of effector proteins that can be recognized.
Gray matter, white matter, brain, and intracranial volumes in first‐episode bipolar disorder: a meta‐analysis of magnetic resonance imaging studies
Authors: Vita Antonio , De Peri Luca , Sacchetti Emilio
Published: November 2009

Objectives:  To perform a comprehensive quantitative analysis of the existing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of the brain conducted on patients with first‐episode bipolar disorder (BD).

Methods:  A systematic search was performed of MRI studies that reported quantitative measurements of brain volumes of first‐episode bipolar patients and healthy controls. Four meta‐analyses were performed for four cerebral regions.

Results:  Significant overall effect sizes were demonstrated, with a reduction detected in patients with BD for total intracranial and white matter volumes, but not for gray matter and whole brain volumes.

Conclusions:  The available MRI literature indicates that specific structural brain abnormalities are already present in first‐episode bipolar patients. These do not overlap with those emerging from previous meta‐analyses performed in patients with chronic BD. These findings support the hypothesis of different patterns of changes in brain morphology over the time course of bipolar disorder.
Do we need the category of postdeterminer in the NP?1
Authors: Van de Velde Freek
Published: November 2009

The structural make‐up of the English NP is a matter of long‐standing debate. In this paper, a closer look is taken at a notably intricate part of it, viz. the determiner, and more specifically where it fuzzily borders on the adjective. It will be argued that any attempt to resolve the indeterminacy issues associated with this boundary needs to take the diachrony of NP syntax as a vantage point. More specifically, it will be claimed that what are often conveniently but somewhat misleadingly called postdeterminers are in fact elements undergoing a diachronic transition from adjective slotfiller to determiner slotfiller. The postdeterminer slot is hence not a stable position.
Completeandsort of: from identifying to intensifying?
Authors: Davidse Kristin
Published: November 2009

It is generally assumed that intensifying uses of adjectives and nouns, as inacompletemessandwhatsortof jerk, are a later development of other uses of these elements. This paper investigates the question whether the source of the intensifying uses is formed by descriptive or (primary or secondary) identifying uses, as both hypotheses have been put forward in the literature. It does this by considering two cases, completeandsort of, reconstructing the precise paths of development of their intensifying uses. On the basis of study of diachronic data, it is established thatcompletedeveloped its intensifying meanings from descriptive uses andsort offrom – intensified –quantifier uses. Hence, the hypotheses of unitary paths have to be given up in favour of multiple paths. The question is also considered howcompleteandsort ofdeveloped theintensification scalesinherent in their intensifying meanings. Forcompletetwo shifts are posited: from bounded descriptive to closed‐scale emphasizing (the complete establishment→a complete wreck), and from unbounded descriptive to open‐scale emphasizing uses (God’s complete(‘perfect’)law→a complete knave). Forsortit is argued that its intensifying uses developed from early quantifying complex determiners such asall sort of,a good/great sort of. The unbounded scale of absolute quantification incorporated by these could easily be transformed into the open intensification scale of the intensifying uses.
Differences in the C‐terminus contribute to variations in trafficking between rat and human 5‐HT2Areceptor isoforms: identification of a primate‐specific tripeptide ASK motif that confers GRK‐2 and β arrestin‐2 interactions
Authors: Bhattacharya Aditi , Sankar Shobhana , Panicker Mitradas M.
Published: November 2009

J. Neurochem.(2010)112, 723–732.

Internalization and recycling of G‐protein coupled receptors are important cellular processes regulating receptor function. These are receptor‐subtype and cell type‐specific. Although important, trafficking variations between receptor isoforms of different species has received limited attention. We report here, differences in internalization and recycling between rat and human serotonin 2A receptor (5‐HT2AR) isoforms expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells in response to serotonin. Although the human and rat 5‐HT2ARs differ by only a few amino acids, the human receptor takes longer to recycle to the cell surface after internalization, with the additional involvement of β arrestin‐2 and G‐protein receptor kinase 2. The interaction of β arrestin‐2 with the human receptor causes the delay in recycling and is dependent on a primate‐specific ASK motif present in the C‐terminus of the receptor. Conversion of this motif to NCT, the corresponding sequence present in the rat isoform, results in the human isoform trafficking like the rat receptor. Replacing the serine 457 with alanine in the ASK motif of human isoform resulted in faster recycling, although with continued arrestin‐dependent internalization. This study establishes significant differences between the two isoforms with important implications in our understanding of the human 5‐HT2AR functions; and indicates that extrapolating results from non‐human receptor isoforms to human subtypes is not without caveats.
Hypoxia protects neuronal cells from human prion protein fragment‐induced apoptosis
Authors: Seo Jae‐Suk , Seol Jae‐Won , Moon Myung‐Hee , Jeong Jae‐Kyo , Lee You‐Jin , Park Sang‐Youel
Published: November 2009

J. Neurochem. (2010) 112, 715–722.

Prion diseases are neurodegenerative disorders characterized by the accumulation of an abnormal isoform of the prion protein PrPSc. Human prion protein fragment, PrP (106–126) (prion protein peptide 106–126), may contain most of the pathological features associated with PrPSc. Hypoxic conditions elicit cellular responses adaptively designed to improve cell survival and have an important role in the process of cell survival. We investigate the effects of hypoxia on PrP (106–126)‐induced apoptosis in the present study. Human neuroblastoma and glioblastoma cells were incubated with varied doses of PrP (106–126) under both normoxic or hypoxic conditions, in order to determine the regulatory effects of hypoxia on PrP (106–126)‐induced apoptosis. The results indicate that hypoxia protects neuronal cells against PrP (106–126)‐induced cell death by activating the Akt signal, which is inactivated by prion proteins, and inhibiting PrP (106–126)‐induced caspase 3 activation. Low oxygen conditions increase the Bcl‐2 protein, which is associated with anti‐apoptotic signals, and recover the PrP (106–126)‐induced reduction in mitochondrial transmembrane potential. This study demonstrates that hypoxia inhibits PrP (106–126)‐induced neuron cell death by regulating Akt and Akt‐related signaling, and it also suggests that prion‐related neuronal damage and disease may be regulated by hypoxia or by hypoxic‐inducing genes.
Diagnostic performance and partition values of exercise electrocardiographic variables in the detection of coronary artery disease – improved accuracy by using ST/HR hysteresis
Authors: Kronander Håkan , Fischer‐Colbrie Werner , Nowak Jacek , Brodin Lars‐Åke , Elmqvist Håkan
Published: November 2009

Exercise electrocardiography is widely used for initial identification of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). This study compares the measurements of ST‐segment changes during exercise and during early postexercise recovery in terms of diagnostic discrimination capacity and optimal partition values. Data from 1876 patients undergoing a routine bicycle exercise test were analysed. CAD was angiographically verified in 668 patients, and excluded by angiography (n = 119), myocardial scintigraphy (n = 250), and on clinical grounds (n = 839) in 1208 patients. Postexercise ST/HR hysteresis was calculated as normalized for heart rate (HR) ST/HR loop area during the first 3 min of recovery. ST/HR index was obtained by dividing the overall ST amplitude change during exercise by exercise‐induced HR change, and ST/HR slope was calculated using linear regression analysis of ST/HR data pairs during exercise. ST‐segment depression was measured during, and for 3 min after the exercise. Discriminating capacity of the methods was evaluated in terms of receiver operating characteristic areas and optimal partition values providing the combination of the best sensitivity and specificity were established. The best diagnostic discrimination was provided by ST/HR hysteresis at optimal partition value of −15 μV, followed by postexercise ST amplitude measurements at gender‐specific partition values of −10 to −90 μV, ST/HR slope [partition value 2·4 μV (beats/min)−1], ST/HR index [partition value 1·6 μV (beats/min)−1], and ST‐segment depression during exercise (partition value 70 μV in men and 90 μV in women). The results demonstrate that analysis of postexercise ST/HR hysteresis offers the most accurate and gender indifferent identification of patients with CAD.
The effectiveness of an individually tailored oral health educational programme on oral hygiene behaviour in patients with periodontal disease: a blinded randomized‐controlled clinical trial (one‐year follow‐up)
Authors: Jönsson B. , Öhrn K. , Oscarson N. , Lindberg P.
Published: November 2009

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of an individually tailored oral health educational programme for oral hygiene self‐care in patients with chronic periodontitis compared with the standard treatment.

Material and Method: A randomized, evaluator‐blinded, controlled trial with two different active treatments were used with 113 subjects (60 females and 53 males) randomly allocated to an experimental or a control group. The individually tailored oral health educational programme was based on cognitive behavioural principles and the individual tailoring for each participant was based on participants' thoughts, intermediate, and long‐term goals, and oral health status. The effect of the programmes on gingivitis [gingival index (GI)], oral hygiene [plaque indices (PlI) and self‐report], and participants' global rating of treatment was evaluated 3 and 12months after oral health education and non‐surgical treatment.

Results: Between baseline and the 12‐month follow‐up, the experimental group improved both GI and PlI more than the control group. The mean gain‐score difference was 0.27 for global GI [99.2% confidence interval (CI): 0.16–0.39, p<0.001] and 0.40 for proximal GI (99.2% CI: 0.27–0.53, p<0.001). The mean gain‐score difference was 0.16 for global PlI (99.2% CI: 0.03–0.30, p=0.001), and 0.26 for proximal PlI (99.2% CI: 0.10–0.43, p<0.001). The subjects in the experimental group reported a higher frequency of daily inter‐dental cleaning and were more certain that they could maintain the attained level of behaviour change.

Conclusion: The individually tailored oral health educational programme was efficacious in improving long‐term adherence to oral hygiene in periodontal treatment. The largest difference was for interproximal surfaces.
Dual effect of statin medication on the periodontium
Authors: Saxlin Tuomas , Suominen‐Taipale Liisa , Knuuttila Matti , Alha Pirkko , Ylöstalo Pekka
Published: November 2009

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between statin medication and periodontal infection in an adult population.

Material and Methods: The study was based on a subpopulation of the Health 2000 Survey, which included dentate non‐diabetic, non‐rheumatic subjects who did not smoke, aged 40–69 years (n=2032). The main outcome variable was the number of teeth with periodontal pockets of 4 mm or more. Statin medication was categorized in two ways: firstly, subjects with statin medication of some sort (n=134) versus those with none, and secondly, subjects taking either simvastatin (n=58), atorvastatin (n=38), some other statin (n=38) or no statin medication. Relative risks (RR) were estimated using negative binomial and Poisson regression models.

Results: We found a weak negative association between statin medication and periodontal infection among subjects with dental plaque or gingival bleeding. Among subjects with no gingival bleeding, statin medication was found to be associated with an increased likelihood of having deepened periodontal pockets.

Conclusion: Statin medication appears to have an effect on the periodontium that is dependent on the inflammatory condition of the periodontium. More evidence is needed to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the effects of statins.
The association of occlusal contacts with the presence of increased periodontal probing depth
Authors: Harrel Stephen K. , Nunn Martha E.
Published: November 2009

Aim: This study evaluates relationships in humans between various occlusal contacts and the presence of deeper probing depths, reduced width of keratinized tissue, and less than favourable initial prognosis.

Materials and Methods: The tooth level relationship between various occlusal contacts and pocket probing depths, width of keratinized gingiva, and prognosis at the time of initial examination was evaluated (multivariate model) in a group of patients (85 patients, 2219 teeth) with active periodontal disease.

Results: The following were noted to be associated with significantly deeper pocket probing depths: premature contacts in centric relation (0.89 mm, p<0.0001), posterior protrusive contacts (0.51 mm, p<0.0001), balancing contacts (1.01 mm, p<0.0001), combined working and balancing contacts (1.13 mm, p<0.0001), and the length of slide between centric relation and centric occlusion. Protrusive contacts on anterior teeth were significantly associated with shallower probing depths (−0.18 mm, p=0.0076) and a wider zone of keratinized tissue (0.16 mm, p=0.0065). Balancing contacts with and without working contacts and centric prematurities were all associated with an increased incidence of a less than “Good” prognosis

Conclusions: Multiple types of occlusal contacts were shown to be associated with deeper probing depths and the increased assignment of a less than “Good” initial prognosis.
Reactive shifts in the pattern of resource allocation in three Lolium species with different levels of persistency under clipping disturbance
Authors: Aoyagi Yukiko , Akimoto Masahiro
Published: November 2009

Persistency of plant growth is closely related to the manner of resource allocation; however, plants often shift the pattern of resource allocation depending on their growth condition. We examined how the plants with different levels of persistency change their resource allocation patterns in response to defoliation using three Lolium species: L. temulentum (annual); L. multiflorum (predominantly annual but occasionally overwinter); and L. perenne (perennial). We subjected the plants to clipping treatment by excising approximately 70% of the aboveground body parts of the plants from the three species, and compared the growth pattern of clipped plants with that of the intact controls. Lolium species with different persistency have developed different reaction norms for resource allocation to clipping treatment. After clipping, L. temulentum and L. multiflorum maintained the proportion of reproductive tillers and seed productivity resulting in an increase in the resource investment in the development of reproductive parts, which was compensated with the loss of allocation to the development of vegetative parts. Annual species, which can propagate themselves only through seed generation, possibly enhanced seed production to ensure regeneration under undesirable condition at the cost of vegetative growth. In contrast, L. perenne invested more resources in foliage development by reducing seed production in response to clipping treatment. Perennial plants that can endure adverse effects possibly allocate substantial portion of the resources to vegetative growth for ensuring survival. L. multiflorum showed similar regrowth habits with respect to the constant foliage and seed production per panicle as those of L. perenne, but differed from those of L. temulentum. This may be because the two former species have common ancestors.
Wear of Machine Components
Authors: Kragelskii I. V. , Marchenko E. A.
Published: November 2009

The paper presents a brief review of concepts on wear of machine components with two aspects of the problem being considered: (a) models of wear and the relevant calculation relationships, (b) physics involved in the process. The available classifications of the types of wear are presented and their analysis made proceeding from up-to-date knowledge of mechanisms occurring in damage of a rubbing surface. The character of the interaction of solids is assumed to have a dual nature (adhesion and scratching). A relation between the types of the interaction varies depending upon the conditions in the contact, which lead to the different types of wear. In practice, however, the wear particles are formed only as a result of the multiple interaction, i.e. the wear has a fatigue nature. The forming of the wear particles under the single interaction (in the case of a deep scratch or a strong adhesive joint) does not occur in real conditions.
Effects of Lubricant Viscosity at Pressure and Sliding Velocity on Lubricating Conditions in the Compression-Friction Test on Sheet Metals
Authors: Mizuno T. , Okamoto M.
Published: November 2009

To measure friction on the die-workpiece interface, sheet specimens of soft copper were first subjected to plastic compression in plane strain, and then one of the platens was slid in the direction of sheet width. With lower viscosity lubricants and lower sliding speeds, depressed flat portions and discrete oil pits were evident on the worked surfaces. With lubricants of higher viscosity under pressure and higher sliding speeds, “microscopic plasto-hydrodynamic interactions” operated to diminish oil pits and to increase the thickness of boundary films on the flat portions. The frictional stress increased almost logarithmically with the product of viscosity under pressure and sliding speed.
Flow and Pressure Head at the Inlet of Narrow Passages, Without Upstream Free Surface
Authors: Tipei N.
Published: November 2009

A model of the flow at the inlet of narrow passages, based on the theory of potential flows, is presented. No free surface is supposed to exist. A boundary layer is carried by a moving boundary; the impact of the fluid with the frontal surface of the other body, at rest, generates various flow patterns, as well as a pressure head at the entrance of the gap. A complete theory is presented, then a simplified model is shown, and flow mappings are obtained. The pressure head is calculated and shows an important dependence on the pressure gradient at the inlet of the passage.
Ball-Ball Load Carrying Capacity in Retainerless Angular-Contact Bearings
Authors: Kingsbury E.
Published: November 2009

Load carrying capacity between the balls in a retainerless bearing, theoretically zero, is shown experimentally to be large enough to allow for full complement operation.
The Influence of Fluid Inertia in Steady Laminar Lubrication
Authors: Malvano R. , Vatta F.
Published: November 2009

In this work the authors give a method to determine the influence of the inertial terms, in the case of a lubricated slider bearing, based on the solution of the “inverse problem.” That is to determine the geometry of a slider bearing given the pressure distribution, the lubricant flow rate and the slider velocity. Unlike other methods till now proposed (i.e., the Slezkin and Targ, Kahlert, Constantinescu methods), in this work no simplifying assumptions have been made. A sensible influence of the inertial forces, already at the value of the modified Reynolds number Re* = 0.1, has been shown. At the same load capacity, the minimum thickness of the film decreases because of the inertia (at values of the parameters Re* = 0.1 and a = 0.2 the decreasing is about five percent). At a given geometry of the lubricant film, the inertial forces increase the load capacity, the friction forces and the friction coefficient if they are compared with the linear case. A comparison between the results of the present study and the results obtained solving the “direct problem” with approximate methods shows a good agreement relating to quality.