bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis and simulation modelling of population dynamics and bioenergetics of Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Cucujidae) in stored wheat
Authors: Campbell A. , Sinha R. N.
Published: October 2006

The consequences of infestation of stored wheat by the rusty grain beetle, Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens) was determined for 222 d at 30°C in 70‐1 drums containing wheat at 13.5% moisture content. Temperature, grain moisture, seed damage, germination and weight, dust weight, fat acidity values (FAV), published data on growth, reproduction, survival and cannibalism rates and energy budget were used to develop a computer simulation model to simulate the population dynamics of C. ferrugineus at 30°C. In the insect‐free control system, the fungi, Alternaria alternata decreased, Aspergillus glaucus group and Penicillium spp. increased, probably causing a rise in FAV of the grain. In the insect‐infested system, C. ferrugineus could only eat the wheat germ of kernels that had a broken bran layer; 35.7% of the wheat germ or 914.6 J per 100 kernels was consumed. Within two generations after initial introduction, C. ferrugineus reached a peak in numbers and biomass polluting the ecosystem with excreta and remains, and accelerating the deteriorative process observed in the insect‐free control system by increasing respiration temperature, FAV and reducing grain germination. After 87 d, the insect population declined to low levels. The simulation model provided a close match between the observed and predicted numbers of insect life stages and bioenergetic variables during the insect population growth phase. Simulation trials suggested that cannibalism of larger compared with smaller immature stages would be more wasteful of developmental time and energy, reducing the number of individuals reaching reproductive age, and that density‐dependent fecundity was probably not an important regulatory mechanism of C. ferrugineus population dynamics in this study.
Dynamics and distribution patterns of acarine populations in stored‐oat ecosystems
Authors: Sinha Ranendra N. , Kawamoto Hitoshi
Published: October 2006

Population dynamics and aggregation patterns of nine kinds of stored‐grain mites were studied in two 7.5 tonne lots of hulled (cv. Random) and hulless (cv. Terra) oat cultivars with 12–14% moisture content stored in two wooden bins in Manitoba, Canada during 1978–84. Random oats harbored more mites than Terra oats. Lepidoglyphus destructor Schrank was the most common granivorous mite and Cheyletus eruditus Shrank the most common predatory mite. Ecological data on a tydeid mite, Paratriophtydeus coineaui André, are presented for the first time. Because they were more abundant in Terra oats with higher fat acidity values (FAV) than Random oats with lower FAVs, L. destructor and Tarsonemus granarius Lindquist could be used as bioindicators of spoilage of stored oats. All species analyzed showed some significant difference in their abundance at different depths in the grain bulk; some species showed depthxtime interaction. Aggregation patterns indicated most mite species had overdispersed (clumped) distribution. T. granarius, and Blattisocius keegani Fox‐Androlaelaps casalis Berlese had a distinct aggregation pattern in each oat cultivar.
A comparative study of the searching efficiencies of a parasite and a hyperparasite
Authors: Chua Tock H.
Published: October 2006

The searching efficiencies of a primary parasite (Diaeretiella rapae (McIntosh)) and a hyperparasite (Alloxysta brassicae (Ash.)) were investigated and compared. In both species, at all parasite densities, there was a curvilinear relationship (P<0.001) between the number of hosts parasitised and the host density. A linear regression (log a=log Q−m log P) was fitted for log area of discovery against log parasite density (P<0.001). The area of discovery for its immediate (i.e. primary) host (viz. Diaeretiella for the hyperparasite and aphid for Diaeretiella) is lower in the hyperparasite than in the primary parasite. In Diaeretialla both the searching efficiency and the mutual interference constant increased (but not significantly, P>0.05) in the presence of its males.
An acarine predator‐prey population infesting roses
Authors: Burnett T.
Published: October 2006

When Phytoseiulus persimilis was reared with Tetranychus urticae, infesting roses propagated in a greenhouse at controlled daily temperatures of 24°C (12 hrs) and 18°C (12 hrs), prey numbers fluctuated with peaks of increasing amplitude. Differential dispersal of prey and predator species was one factor contributing to the inability of the natural enemy to control the pest population.
A note on key factor analysis
Authors: Manly B. F. J.
Published: October 2006

Various aspects of a model for key factor analysis (Manly, 1977a) are discussed. Equations for estimating the parameters of the model are given. The jackknife method is suggested for obtaining standard errors for estimators. The case of circular populations (where the adults in one generation produce all the individuals alive at the start of the next, generation) is considered. A computer program is described.

Varleyet al.'s (1973) data on the winter moth is used for illustrative purposes.
Diaphyseal Non-Union in the Distal Phalanx of a Child
Authors: ROGERS G. F. , LABOW B. I.
Published: October 2006

Non-union after finger fracture is an infrequent complication. Although well described in adults, there are few reported cases in children. We describe a 6 year-old boy who presented with a non-union of the diaphysis of the distal phalanx three years after a finger tip crush injury.
Two Significant Complications Following Percutaneous Needle Fasciotomy in a Patient on Anticoagulants
Authors: SYMES T. , STOTHARD J.
Published: October 2006

Percutaneous needle fasciotomy treatment of Dupuytren’s disease has been used on the continent for over two decades but has only recently gained popularity in the UK. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence published guidance in February 2004 stating that the procedure is safe and effective. We report a case of two complications in the same patient following the use of the technique, on only one occasion, in a patient who was anticoagulated. We believe that it is the first time that a false aneurysm has been reported following the procedure and that this was probably related to the inhibited coagulation cascade. The patient also sustained an injury to flexor digitorum profundus but had an intact superficialis tendon and we find it difficult to explain this occurrence. We report the above complication as we feel this technique may be chosen specifically in patients with co-existing medical problems such as anticoagulation.
The Effect of Short-Term Dependency and Immobility on Skin Temperature and Colour in the Hand
Authors: SINGH H. P. , DAVIS T. R. C.
Published: October 2006

The effects of short-term dependency and immobility on skin temperature were assessed in two experiments. In the first study, ten volunteers hung their left arm dependent and motionless while using their right hand for light office work. After 30 minutes, the dependent left hands were cooler (mean = 0.9 °C: 95% CI = 0.7–1.1) than the active right hands and exhibited a deeper colour with significantly increased green intensity ( P = 0.03) as assessed on digital images. In the second study, seven volunteers submerged both their hands in water at 15 °C for 15 minutes. The left arm was then left dependent and motionless while the right hand was placed on the table and its fingers were flexed and extended every 10 seconds. The left hands remained cooler than the right and were a median of 3.6 (range 2.9–4.5) °C cooler after 60 minutes. These studies demonstrate that skin temperature and colour differences between the hands, which are sometimes used to support the diagnosis of CRPS-1, can be produced and maintained by short-term immobility and dependency of the hand.
Capitalism, colonialism and the ‘tropical’ paradigm in Ireland
Authors: Ascherson Neal
Published: October 2006

On a first reading of this paper, I thought Audrey Horning might have crossed wires and contradicted herself. Is the weakness of much historical archaeology its deficit in theory-building, or is it, in contrast, a reluctance to emerge from theoretical analysis into a locally focused public archaeology which engages with contemporary political debates?
Who's afraid of Martin Heidegger? Some friendly comments on the paper by Professor Matthew Johnson
Authors: Peebles Christopher S.
Published: October 2006

I am in general agreement with Professor Johnson's main points. To his and the editor's question, ‘is there archaeological theory?’, His answer is ‘yes and no’. This ambiguous but accurate answer can be divided variously. The first category would be archaeological theory per se, which would encompass the work and thought from that of Nicholas Steno in the 17th century to that of Michael Schiffer (2002) today. It would be about the natural transformations of ‘deposits’. Next there would be theories about the transformation of natural materials into the more or less durable remains that comprise archaeological ‘data’ – the stuff of everyday lives. Again, work of Michael Schiffer (2001) and Daniel Miller (1998) comes to mind. They and a long list of contemporary archaeologists deploy theory on behalf of the understanding of the creation of things that build the human habitat. Broader use of theory comes with the deployment of frameworks from demography to demonology and ecology to ethics that are used to structure historical and anthropological questions that might be answered with archaeological remains. Each selection of a theoretical position entails one or another metaphysical commitment about what comprises ‘data’ and ‘evidence’ and what constitutes a proper explanation. In this regard Professor Johnson asks, does archaeology indiscriminately adopt and apply various philosophical positions without proper regard for their extent, implications and conditions for application? His answer is yes, certainly, and to our disadvantage. As Christopher Chippindale and I have noted on several occasions, archaeology treats philosophical traditions a bit like a Chinese menu or perhaps the contents of a supermarket: the archaeologist takes one from column A and another from column B, and a whole bunch of stuff from the dairy aisle and more from the fruits and vegetables section. Not only is this not kosher – one does not mix dairy and Derrida – but the selections are radically contradictory and sometimes even incoherent.
Strategies for nested and eddy‐permitting state estimation
Authors: Gebbie Geoffrey , Heimbach Patrick , Wunsch Carl
Published: October 2006

Both ocean process and prediction studies increasingly rely on state estimation (i.e., data assimilation) to provide the most complete representation of how the ocean circulates. This study applies the formalism and methodology of state estimation, recently developed for the global, coarse‐resolution problem, to eddy‐permitting state estimation in regional domains. Two major challenges exist for a state estimate that is nested inside a global state estimate: (1) estimation of open‐boundary conditions consistent with information interior and exterior to the regional domain and (2) estimation with the higher‐resolution models of regional studies. Here a least squares cost function defines the problem of minimizing the misfit between a North Atlantic regional general circulation model and actual observations, including those of the Subduction Experiment. A first experiment, using a novel “multiscale” method to constrain the large‐scale regional circulation, shows that the use of the adjoint of both an eddy‐permitting model and its coarse‐resolution twin leads to a solution of the least squares problem in a computationally practical way. Therefore no fundamental obstacle exists to constraining the large‐scale regional circulation nested within a global circulation. A second experiment in the North Atlantic shows that the model circulation can be constrained to the full observational signal, including eddy variability, as observed at selected point locations. Both experiments in this study produce eddy‐permitting state estimates which are exactly self‐consistent with the equations of motion as embodied by a general circulation model. Therefore dynamical balances can be diagnosed and easily interpreted; in particular, a companion paper uses the state estimates to determine eddy subduction rates in the North Atlantic.
Kinematics of the North American–Caribbean‐Cocos plates in Central America from new GPS measurements across the Polochic‐Motagua fault system
Authors: Lyon‐Caen H. , Barrier E. , Lasserre C. , Franco A. , Arzu I. , Chiquin L. , Chiquin M. , Duquesnoy T. , Flores O. , Galicia O. , Luna J. , Molina E. , Porras O. , Requena J. , Robles V. , Romero J. , Wolf R.
Published: October 2006

The Polochic‐Motagua strike‐slip fault system in Guatemala marks the on‐land plate boundary between the North American (NA) and the Caribbean (CA) plates. GPS observations in 1999 and 2003 show that the far‐field velocity across the system (NA‐CA relative velocity) is ∼20 mm/yr. This is significantly higher than the NUVEL‐1A velocity but is consistent with the GPS based CA‐NA velocity proposed by DeMets et al. (2000). The observations are modeled by a fault centered on the Motagua fault, locked at a depth of 20 km, with a slip‐rate decreasing from eastern to central Guatemala from 20 to 12 mm/yr towards the NA‐CA‐Cocos triple junction. This decrease is accommodated by ∼8 mm/yr of E‐W extension in the westernmost part of CA south of the Motagua fault. About 10 mm/yr of dextral slip is observed across the Mid‐American Volcanic Arc. The NA‐CA‐Cocos triple junction is thus a complex, ∼400 km‐wide wedge‐shaped area.
Long‐Term Follow‐Up of Right Atrial Ablation in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation:
Authors: CALÒ LEONARDO , LAMBERTI FILIPPO , LORICCHIO MARIA LUISA , CASTRO ANTONIO , SHPUN SHLOMO , BOGGI AUGUSTO , PANDOZI CLAUDIO , SANTINI MASSIMO
Published: October 2006

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and the impact on quality of life of a new ablative approach to the right atrium in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods and Results: Seventy‐four symptomatic patients with paroxysmal (n = 49) or permanent (n = 25) refractory AF underwent radiofrequency ablation. A nonfluoroscopic electroanatomic mapping system was used to perform the following lesions: (1) an isthmus line between the tricuspid annulus and the inferior vena cava; (2) a posterior intercaval line from the superior vena cava and the inferior vena cava; (3) a septal line from the superior vena cava to the fossa ovalis, proceeding to the coronary sinus ostium where a circumferential line around the ostium was performed, and then on to the inferior vena cava; and (4) a transversal lesion connecting the posterior intercaval and the septal lesions. In addition, electrical disconnection of the superior vena cava was performed. There were no complications. Postablation remapping showed the absence of discrete electrical activity inside and just around the ablation lines. Electrical disconnection of the superior vena cava was obtained in all patients. After 21 ± 6 months, 49 patients (66%) had stable sinus rhythm with continuation of the previous antiarrhythmic drug therapy, 13 patients (18%) were considered improved, and 12 (16%) received no benefit (unsuccessful procedure). After ablation, quality of life was significantly improved, reaching the levels of the general Italian population. Ejection fraction and the extent of the low‐voltage area were found by multivariate analysis to be independent predictors of AF recurrence.

Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that this ablative approach in combination with antiarrhythmic drugs is safe and effective in treating AF, leading to a marked increase in quality of life in patients with refractory AF. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 15, pp. 37‐43, January 2004)
Photodissociation dynamics of fluorobenzene (C6H5F) at 157 and 193nm: Branching ratios and distributions of kinetic energy
Authors: Lee Shih-Huang , Wu Chia-Yan , Yang Sheng-Kai , Lee Yuan-Pern
Published: October 2006

Following photodissociation of fluorobenzene (C6H5F) at 193 and 157nm, we detected the products with fragmentation-translational spectroscopy by utilizing a tunable vacuum ultraviolet beam from a synchrotron for ionization. Between two primary dissociation channels observed upon irradiation at 193 (157)nm, the HF-elimination channel C6H5F→HF+C6H4 dominates, with a branching ratio of 0.94±0.02 (0.61±0.05) and an average release of kinetic energy of 103 (108)kJmol−1; the H-elimination channel C6H5F→H+C6H4F has a branching ratio of 0.06±0.02 (0.39±0.05) and an average release of kinetic energy of 18.6 (26.8)kJmol−1. Photofragments H, HF, C6H4, and C6H4F produced via the one-photon process have nearly isotropic angular distributions. Both the HF-elimination and the H-elimination channels likely proceed via the ground-state electronic surface following internal conversion of C6H5F; these channels exhibit small fractions of kinetic energy release from the available energy, indicating that the molecular fragments are highly internally excited. We also determined the ionization energy of C6H4F to be 8.6±0.2eV.
Size effects in the infrared spectra of NH3 ice nanoparticles studied by a combined molecular dynamics and vibrational exciton approach
Authors: Firanescu George , Luckhaus David , Signorell Ruth
Published: October 2006

Infrared extinction spectra of ammonia ice nanoparticles with radii between 2 and 10nm show pronounced band shape variations depending on the conditions of particle formation by collisional cooling. We present experimental and theoretical evidence showing that the variations in the region of the ν2 (umbrella) fundamental are due to changes in the particle size. The effect is analyzed in terms of an explicit atomistic model of the particles’ structure and vibrational dynamics. An explicit potential function combined with a novel extension of the vibrational exciton approach allows us to simulate extinction spectra for particles containing up to 16 000 atoms. It is shown that the particles formed under the conditions of our experiments consist of a crystalline core surrounded by an amorphous shell with an approximately constant thickness of 1–2nm. For the ν2 fundamental, this shell gives rise to a broad band [full width at half maximum (FWHM) 72cm−1] blueshifted by about 19cm−1 relative to a narrow peak (FWHM of 19cm−1) which arises from the crystalline core.
Supercooling of aqueous NaCl and KCl solutions under acoustic levitation
Authors: Lü Y. J. , Wei B.
Published: October 2006

The supercooling capability of aqueous NaCl and KCl solutions is investigated at containerless state by using acoustic levitation method. The supercooling of water is obviously enhanced by the alkali metal ions and increases linearly with the augmentation of concentrations. Furthermore, the supercooling depends on the nature of ions and is 2–3K larger for NaCl solution than that for KCl solution in the present concentration range: Molecular dynamics simulations are performed to reveal the intrinsic correlation between supercoolability and microstructure. The translational and orientational order parameters are applied to quantitatively demonstrate the effect of ionic concentration on the hydrogen-bond network and ice melting point. The disrupted hydrogen-bond structure determines essentially the concentration dependence of supercooling. On the other hand, the introduced acoustic pressure suppresses the increase of supercooling by promoting the growth and coalescence of microbubbles, the effective nucleation catalysts, in water. However, the dissolved ions can weaken this effect, and moreover the degree varies with the ion type. This results in the different supercoolability for NaCl and KCl solutions under the acoustic levitation conditions.
A New Derivation for the Radiation Reaction Force
Authors: Hugrass W. N.
Published: October 2006

A new derivation for the radiation reaction on a point charge is presented.
The field of the charge is written as a superposition of plane waves. The
plane wave spectrum of the field consists of homogeneous plane waves which
propagate away from the charge at the speed of light, and inhomogeneous plane
waves which constitute the Coulomb field of the point charge. The radiation
field is finite at the orbit of the point charge. The force acting on the
charge due to this field is the well known Abraham-Lorentz radiation reaction.
Stimulated Vacuum Pair Production in a Focused Laser Field
Authors: Derlet P. M. , Perlman H. S. , Troup G. J.
Published: October 2006

The quantum electrodynamical process of vacuum pair production in the presence
of a focused laser field is investigated. A coherent states picture of the
electromagnetic field in the focal region is developed which facilitates its
inclusion into perturbative S-matrix quantum electrodynamics. The lowest order
differential transition rate with respect to the direction of the newly
created positron is presented for a number of scattering geometries. It is
found that with current technological trends such an event should be
detectable in the not too distant future.
“Dormant” secondary metal-alkyl complexes are not omnipresent
Authors: Flisak Zygmunt , Ziegler Tom
Published: October 2006

This theoretical study was inspired by the perpetual debate over the so-called “dormancy” of the active sites in propylene polymerization, i.e., a drop in their activity after a regioerror (2,1-insertion), which was reported to occur in many (although not all) catalytic systems. To explore the range of possible situations, we have selected two homogeneous systems of fundamentally different structure: an octahedral system of C
2
symmetry with a tetradentate

O

N

N

O

ligand and a bridged indenyl catalyst. This choice was not accidental; it is in these two systems where the experimentalists cannot reach a consensus about dormancy. Our density-functional theory calculations explain why in certain catalytic systems both primary and secondary alkyl complexes can be equally reactive toward propylene polymerization, despite the intuitive concept of dormancy. To understand such a behavior, it was imperative to build an extensive model, including the counteranion and solvent effects. The discussion is also supplemented by our latest calculations on the classical second-generation Ziegler–Natta system.
Large scale data mining approach for gene-specific standardization of microarray gene expression data
Authors: Yoon Sukjoon , Yang Young , Choi Jiwon , Seong Jeeweon
Published: October 2006

Motivation: The identification of the change of gene expression in multifactorial diseases, such as breast cancer is a major goal of DNA microarray experiments. Here we present a new data mining strategy to better analyze the marginal difference in gene expression between microarray samples. The idea is based on the notion that the consideration of gene's behavior in a wide variety of experiments can improve the statistical reliability on identifying genes with moderate changes between samples.

Results: The availability of a large collection of array samples sharing the same platform in public databases, such as NCBI GEO, enabled us to re-standardize the expression intensity of a gene using its mean and variation in the wide variety of experimental conditions. This approach was evaluated via the re-identification of breast cancer-specific gene expression. It successfully prioritized several genes associated with breast tumor, for which the expression difference between normal and breast cancer cells was marginal and thus would have been difficult to recognize using conventional analysis methods. Maximizing the utility of microarray data in the public database, it provides a valuable tool particularly for the identification of previously unrecognized disease-related genes.

Availability: A user friendly web-interface () was constructed to provide the present large-scale approach for the analysis of GEO microarray data (GS-LAGE server).

Contact:  yoonsj@sookmyung.ac.kr
Robust method for detecting differential gene expression in twin studies
Authors: Begun Alexander
Published: October 2006

Motivation: A steadily increasing number of experiments with microarrays stimulate the further development of the statistical methods of the analysis of gene expression data. One of the central problems in this area is detecting differential gene expression under two or more conditions. Unfortunately, up to now it has not been studied how the correlations between related individuals, such as twins influence the estimates of differential gene expression.

Results: In this paper, we discuss this problem and propose a new method that is robust with respect to correlations of gene expression data for twins.

Contact:  a.begun@ikmb.uni-kiel.de
Sequences, sequence clusters and bacterial species
Authors: Hanage William P , Fraser Christophe , Spratt Brian G
Published: October 2006

Whatever else they should share, strains of bacteria assigned to the same species should have house-keeping genes that are similar in sequence. Single gene sequences (or rRNA gene sequences) have very few informative sites to resolve the strains of closely related species, and relationships among similar species may be confounded by interspecies recombination. A more promising approach (multilocus sequence analysis, MLSA) is to concatenate the sequences of multiple house-keeping loci and to observe the patterns of clustering among large populations of strains of closely related named bacterial species. Recent studies have shown that large populations can be resolved into non-overlapping sequence clusters that agree well with species assigned by the standard microbiological methods. The use of clustering patterns to inform the division of closely related populations into species has many advantages for poorly studied bacteria (or to re-evaluate well-studied species), as it provides a way of recognizing natural discontinuities in the distribution of similar genotypes. Clustering patterns can be used by expert groups as the basis of a pragmatic approach to assigning species, taking into account whatever additional data are available (e.g. similarities in ecology, phenotype and gene content). The development of large MLSA Internet databases provides the ability to assign new strains to previously defined species clusters and an electronic taxonomy. The advantages and problems in using sequence clusters as the basis of species assignments are discussed.
Effect of gemtuzumab ozogamicin on acute myeloid leukaemia blast cells in vitro, as a single agent and combined with other cytotoxic agents
Authors: Morris K. L. , Adams J. A. , Liu Yin J. A.
Published: October 2006

The effect of gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) alone, or combined with low‐dose cytarabine or etoposide, on the proliferation of acute myeloid leukaemia blast cells in vitro was investigated. GO alone induced a dose‐dependent inhibition of proliferation although an increase in apoptosis was only seen in a minority of patients. A correlation was found between PgP function and GO sensitivity but not between CD33 or PgP expression and GO. Combinations of GO with varying concentrations of cytarabine or etoposide were additive in inhibiting proliferation, reducing cell viability and increasing apoptosis.
Knowing a medical doctor is associated with reduced mortality among sick children consulting a paediatric ward in Guinea‐Bissau, West Africa
Authors: Sodemann M. , Biai S. , Jakobsen M. S. , Aaby P.
Published: October 2006

Background  To examine equity in access to public health services in Guinea‐Bissau.

Methods  The study was conducted in 2000–2001 at the emergency clinic of the only paediatric ward in Bissau. Mothers of all children from the study area were interviewed about previous care seeking and relations with anybody working in the health sector. All management actions in the emergency clinic were registered. In‐hospital and subsequent community mortality was ascertained through community surveillance. The measured outcome was mortality risk within 30 days of first consultation.

Results  We followed 1572 children with a first consultation. Of these, 8.2% died within 30 days. Acquaintance with a physician reduced 30‐day mortality risk by 48% (95% CI: 18–66). The effect was strongest among post‐neonatal children (54%; 95% CI: 18–74). Mortality within 30 days of consultation was also independently predicted by consultation after 7 pm, nurse team on duty, day of week and young mother. In a multivariate model, socioeconomic status and school education were not associated with 30‐day mortality when acquaintance with a medical doctor was taken into account.

Conclusion  Favouritism may be a significant factor for quality of care and child mortality in developing countries. Interventions to improve hospital and health worker performance should be given high priority.
The effectiveness of intermittent isotretinoin treatment in mild or moderate acne
Authors: Kaymak Y , İlter N
Published: October 2006

Background  Isotretinoin is the only drug that affects almost all factors in acne pathogenesis. Recently, its use for the treatment of chronic mild or moderate acne unresponsive to long‐term antibiotic therapy, and with a tendency to cause scarring and leading to negative psychological effects, has became popular. The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of intermittent isotretinoin treatment in mild or moderate acne.

Methods  Sixty patients with mild or moderate acne localized to the face were enrolled in the study. The treatment regimen consisted of isotretinoin, 0.5–0.75 mg/kg per day, applied for 1 week every 4 weeks for a total period of 6 months, according to the degree of acne and number of inflammatory lesions.

Results  Forty‐one (68.3%) of the 60 patients completed the 6‐month therapy. At the end of the treatment complete improvement was observed in 34 patients (82.9%) out of 41. All adverse effects were mild and discontinuation of the treatment was not necessary.

Conclusion  Intermittent isotretinoin treatment was found to be a safe and effective choice for patients with mild or moderate acne.
Monitoring for Adverse Effects of Antiepileptic Drugs
Authors: Camfield Peter , Camfield Carol
Published: October 2006

Summary:  Best practices for monitoring the adverse effects of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have not been carefully studied. Routine blood and urine studies do not appear to be of value in asymptomatic patients to avoid severe acute reactions. Subtle chronic AED side effects exist but algorithms for their detection and treatment are not well developed. Randomized clinical trials do not support the value of routine AED serum levels to improve compliance, seizure control, or avoid side effects. Simple screening procedures for neurotoxicity have not been developed. Some personal suggestions are offered.
A Child with Epilepsy: Initial Presentation and Subsequent Course
Authors: Dlugos Dennis J.
Published: October 2006

Summary:  Presented is the case of a child with epilepsy with dramatic evolution between the ages of 18 months and 3 years. Initially, the case is one of treatment‐responsive focal epilepsy, but then evolves to treatment‐resistant focal epilepsy with an epileptic encephalopathy. The case demonstrates the poorly understood entities of age‐related changes in seizure suspectibility, seizure types, and drug responsiveness.
Time Course of Attention for Alcohol Cues in Abstinent Alcoholic Patients: The Role of Initial Orienting
Authors: Noël Xavier , Colmant M. , Van Der Linden Marial , Bechara Antoine , Bullens Quentin , Hanak Catherine , Verbanck Paul
Published: October 2006

Objective:Addicted people are characterized by enhanced attention for drug cues leading to drug use. However, there is little research on the component processes of attention in individuals with alcoholism. Here, we examine 2 distinct components of attention in abstinent alcohol‐dependent individuals and social drinkers of alcohol, that is to say, the initial orienting to alcohol‐related cues, and the maintenance of attention to them.

Method:The present study used an “alcohol” version of the visual probe detection task with alcohol‐related or neutral pictures being presented briefly (i.e., 50 ms), to assess initial orienting, or longer (i.e., 500 and 1,250 ms), to assess the maintenance of attention.

Results:Only alcoholic patients were faster in detecting a probe displayed immediately after pictures related to alcohol presented for 50 ms than in detecting the same probe replacing non–alcohol‐related pictures. However, when pictures were presented for 500 ms, only social alcohol drinkers were faster in detecting the probe replacing alcohol scenes. At a stimulus of 1,250 ms duration, no group showed attentional bias toward alcohol cues. In addition, the severity of alcoholism measured by the total number of prior detoxification treatments was positively correlated with the attentional bias (or “attraction”) for alcohol pictures presented for 50 ms.

Conclusions:These results show that, subsequent to initial visual orienting to alcohol‐related cues, abstinent patients' attention was disengaged from these stimuli, thus suggesting a visual approach‐disengagement attentional pattern. The influence of these findings on relapse was discussed.
COLOR DOPPLER AND DOPPLER SPECTRAL ANALYSIS IN THE SPINAL CORD OF NORMAL DOGS
Authors: Hudson Judith A. , Finn‐Bodner Susan T. , Coates Joan R. , Sorjonen Donald C. , Simpson Stephen T. , Wright James C. , Steiss Jan E. , Cox Nancy R. , Vaughn Dana M. , Miller Starr C. , Brown Scott A. , Garrett Phillip D.
Published: October 2006

Doppler ultrasonography of the spinal cord was performed in 34 normal, anesthetized dogs following hemilaminectomy. This study was part of an investigation to evaluate the efficacy of a 21‐aminosteroid compound and high dose methylprednisolone for the treatment of spinal cord trauma. Grey‐scale images of the canine spinal cord were similar to those described for the spinal cord of people. Doppler waveforms of intraparenchymal spinal arteries exhibited high end diastolic blood flow velocities, indicating low resistance to flow. Doppler values (mean ± SD) for arteries immediately ventrolateral to the central canal were: Peak Systolic Velocity = 5.78 ± 2.5 cm/sec, Minimum Diastolic Velocity = 3.5 ± 1.62 cm/sec, Mean Velocity = 4.45 ± 1.96 cm/sec, Minimum Diastolic Velocity = 3.5 ± 1.62 cm/sec, Mean Velocity = 4.45 ± 1.96 cm/sec, Systolic/Diastolic ratio = 169 ± 0.19, Pulsatility Index = 0.53 ± 0.09, and Resistance Index = 0.4 ± 0.06.
Effect of Antioxidant Solubility and Concentration on Discoloration of Beef Vertebrae Marrow during Display
Authors: Mancini Richard A. , Hunt Melvin C. , Seyfert Mark , Kropf Donald H. , Hachmeister Kathy A. , Herald Tom J. , Johnson Dallas E.
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACT:  Two experiments were conducted to assess the role of aqueous‐ and lipid‐based antioxidants in preventing or limiting beef lumbar vertebrae marrow discoloration. In experiment 1, lumbar vertebrae (n= 8 replications) were treated with either 0%, 1.5%, or 2.5% (wt/wt) of ascorbic acid or ascorbate‐6‐palmitate. Vertebrae color (visual and L*a*b*) was evaluated during 5 d of display at 1 °C in high‐oxygen modified atmosphere packaging (MAP; 80% oxygen/20% carbon dioxide). Ascorbic acid treatments minimized (P < 0.05) discoloration compared with ascorbate‐6‐palmitate. In experiment 2, lumbar vertebrae (n= 8 replications) were treated with 0, 0.06 M, or 0.10 M ascorbic acid and ascorbate‐6‐palmitate, packaged in high‐oxygen MAP, and displayed for 5 d (1 °C). During display, vertebrae treated with ascorbic acid had a redder color (P < 0.05) than those treated with ascorbate‐6‐palmitate, and both treatments were redder (P < 0.05) than untreated controls. To better understand the mechanism of beef bone marrow discoloration, future work might address the hydrophobic antioxidants' lack of effectiveness and the potential localization of components responsible for bone discoloration within the aqueous phase of erythropoietic marrow.
Color Halo/Horns and Halo‐Attribute Dumping Effects within Descriptive Analysis of Carbonated Beverages
Authors: Kappes S.M. , Schmidt S.J. , Lee S.‐Y.
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACT:  Training panelists to focus on and evaluate a specific set of attributes is difficult. While every attempt is made to eliminate bias, such as methodology, panel influence, and product differences, unknown halo/horns effects may still influence the data collected. The objectives of this research were to (1) determine if a halo/horns effect of color exists in evaluating commercial cola and lemon/lime flavored carbonated beverages, and (2) determine if a halo‐attribute dumping effect on mouthfeel attributes exists by aroma, aroma‐by‐mouth, taste, and afterfeel attributes. Ten panelists were trained to describe aroma, aroma‐by‐mouth, mouthfeel, taste, and afterfeel attributes of carbonated beverages. Each of the 6 carbonated beverages was evaluated by 3 treatments: (1) as is, (2) mix no color, and (3) mix with color. In the 1st set of product evaluations, all products were evaluated for mouthfeel attributes alone. In the 2nd of product evaluations, all products were evaluated for aroma, aroma‐by‐mouth, mouthfeel, taste, and afterfeel attributes. Color halo/horns effects were shown on mouthfeel intensity scores of lemon/lime carbonated beverages when caramel color was added. Adding caramel color significantly increased (halo effect) perceived body and mouthcoating and significantly decreased (horns effect) bite, burn, numbing, and carbonation attributes. A halo‐attribute dumping effect was observed when mouthfeel attributes were rated exclusively compared to when other attributes in the modalities of aroma, aroma‐by‐mouth, taste, and afterfeel were rated in addition to mouthfeel attributes. Perceived intensities of bite, burn, numbing, and astringent attributes significantly increased (halo‐attribute dumping) when rated alone compared to when all attributes were rated.
Fine mapping of apistilloid-stamen(PS) gene on the short arm of chromosome 1 in rice
Authors: Luo Hongfa , Li Yunfeng , Yang Zhenglin , Zhong Bingqiang , Xie Rong , Ren Maozhi , Luo Da , He Guanghua
Published: October 2006

A novel floral organ mutant of rice (Oryza sativa L. subsp. indica), termed pistilloid-stamen (ps) here, has flowers with degenerated lemma and palea, with some stamens transformed into pistils and pistil–stamen chimeras. Genetic analysis confirmed that the ps trait is controlled by a single recessive gene. F2and F3segregation populations derived from PS ps heterozygote crossed with Oryza sativa subsp. indica 'Luhui-17' (PS PS) were used for molecular mapping of the gene using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. With 97 recessive individuals from an F2segregation population, the ps locus was preliminarily mapped 6.2 cM distal to marker RM6324 and 3.1 cM proximal to marker RM6340 in the terminal region of the short arm of chromosome 1. With a large F3segregation population, the gene was fine-mapped between markers RM6470 and RM1141, at distances of 0.10 and 0.03 cM to each marker, respectively. The position of the ps gene was finally located within a 20 kb physical region containing 3 annotated putative genes. One of them, encoding a protein with a single C2H2zinc-finger domain, may be the candidate gene for PS.Key words: rice (Oryza sativa L. subsp. indica), pistilloid-stamen mutant (ps mutant), molecular marker, simple sequence repeat (SSR), gene mapping
S16, a novel S-RNase allele in the diploid species Solanum chacoense
Authors: Marcellán Olga N , Acevedo Alberto , Camadro Elsa L
Published: October 2006

Wild potato species have a gametophytic self-incompatibility system controlled by a single multiallelic S locus. In the style, the S-RNase gene codes for an allele-specific ribonuclease that is involved in the rejection of pollen that carries the same S haplotype. This gene has 5 conserved regions (C1–C5) and highly variable regions outside of these areas that play a role in S-RNase allele specificity. In this work, PCR-mediated amplification of genomic DNA from 2 Solanum chacoense accessions was performed using primers designed on the basis of the C1 and C4 conserved regions. By sequencing the PCR products, a new S-RNase allele (S16) was identified in 1 plant of the QBCM argentinian accession. Comparison of the partial sequence (from C2 to C3) of S16 RNase with those of 11 S-RNase genes of other Solanaceae species showed the highest and the lowest similarity scores within the same plant species (respectively, 71% with the S11 and S13 RNase and 35% with the S2 RNase). Differences at the nucleotide level between S16 and S11 RNase alleles are discussed.Key words: gametophytic self-incompatibility, Solanum chacoense, S16 RNase allele, nucleotide and amino acid sequence variability.
Development and linkage mapping of E-STS and RGA markers for functional gene homologues in apple
Authors: Naik Suresh , Hampson Cheryl , Gasic Ksenija , Bakkeren Guus , Korban Schuyler S
Published: October 2006

Linkage maps developed from known-function genes can be valuable in the candidate gene mapping approach. A set of 121 expressed sequence tagged site (E-STS) primer pairs were tested on a framework genetic linkage map of apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) constructed using simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. These known-function gene markers, E-STSs, were supplemented by markers for resistance gene analogues (RGAs), designed based on conserved motifs in all characterized resistance genes isolated from plant species. A total of 229 markers, including 46 apple E-STSs, 8 RGAs, 85 SSRs from apple and peach, and 88 RAPDs, were assigned to 17 linkage groups covering 832 cM of the apple genome, based on 52 individuals originating from the cross 'Antonovka debnicka' (Q12-4) × 'Summerred'. Clusters of E-STS and RGA loci were located in linkage groups previously identified to carry resistance genes, some of which confer resistance to apple scab disease caused by Venturia inaequalis (Cke.) Wint.Key words: apple scab, EST, Malus, RAPD, SSR.
Increases in Plasma Carotenoid Concentrations in Response to a Major Dietary Change in the Women's Healthy Eating and Living Study
Authors: Pierce John P. , Natarajan Loki , Sun Shelly , Al-Delaimy Wael , Flatt Shirley W. , Kealey Sheila , Rock Cheryl L. , Thomson Cynthia A. , Newman Vicky A. , Ritenbaugh Cheryl , Gold Ellen B. , Caan Bette J. ,   for the Women's Healthy Eating and Living Study Group
Published: October 2006

Background: Cohort studies suggest that higher circulating carotenoid concentrations through food sources may reduce breast cancer events. Other intervention studies have not achieved the level of change in circulating carotenoids required to properly test this hypothesis.

Methods: In a randomized trial of 2,922 breast cancer survivors, we examined blood and self-reported diet at baseline and 1 year. Intensive telephone counseling encouraged a plant-based diet in the intervention group. Diet was measured via 24-hour recalls, and a panel of plasma carotenoid concentrations was assessed at both time points.

Results: The study intervention was associated with a 51% increase in total carotenoid concentration, from 2.272 ± 1.294 to 3.440 ± 2.320 μmol/L, achieved mainly by marked increases in targeted carotenoids: α-carotene, β-carotene, and lutein. For each of these targeted carotenoids, the proportion of the intervention sample remaining below the cutpoint for the lowest baseline quartile decreased by one third to one half. After 1 year of study, half of the intervention group was in the highest baseline quartile. No change in distribution was observed in comparison group. Intervention participants achieved this change by both dietary pattern and vegetable juice consumption. Participants who chose to change dietary pattern without consuming significant quantities of vegetable juice achieved 75% of the level of change observed in other intervention participants.

Conclusions: Innovative telephone counseling intervention and dietary targets in the Women's Healthy Eating and Living study were associated with the level of change in circulating carotenoid concentration necessary to test the diet and breast cancer hypothesis suggested by cohort studies. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(10):1886–92)
The Case for a Genetic Predisposition to Serrated Neoplasia in the Colorectum: Hypothesis and Review of the Literature
Authors: Young Joanne , Jass Jeremy R.
Published: October 2006

In recent years, an alternative pathway of colorectal cancer development has been described in which serrated polyps replace the traditional adenoma as the precursor lesion. Importantly, serrated polyps and a subset of colorectal cancer show largely nonoverlapping mutation profiles to those found in adenomas and the majority of colorectal cancer. These genetic alterations include activating mutation of the BRAF proto-oncogene and widespread gene promoter hypermethylation (CpG island methylator phenotype or CIMP). Up to 15% of colorectal cancer is likely to develop on the basis of a strong genetic predisposition. The two most well-characterized syndromes, familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome), both develop via the adenoma-carcinoma pathway and together account for approximately one third of familial colorectal cancer. We have recently described 11 families in which there is evidence that the genetic predisposition to autosomal dominant colorectal cancer is linked to the serrated pathway. This condition, serrated pathway syndrome, and the related condition, hyperplastic polyposis, the presentation of which suggests a recessive mode of inheritance, represent two syndromes in which BRAF mutation and methylation co-occur within serrated precursor lesions. Further, CIMP is observed in the normal colonic mucosa of individuals with hyperplastic polyposis consistent with a field defect in epigenetic regulation. The spectrum of serrated neoplasia may also implicate the apparently sporadic and later onset subset of colorectal cancer with high levels of microsatellite instability. The tendency for these lesions to be multiple, associated with smoking, and to show frequent BRAF mutation and CIMP points to a defect that may result from interactions between the environment and a weakly penetrant genetic alteration. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(10):1778–84)