bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee: Origins, Status and Activities
Authors: Jendrośka Jerzy
Published: December 2011

The article aims to provide a background to a new series of reports presenting current cases related to the implementation of the Aarhus Convention. To this end the article briefly presents the origins and legal basis of the Committee as well as its structure and procedures, pointing to some of its particular features and providing some personal observations in this respect.
"To Sympathize and Exploit": Filipinos, Americans, and the Bataan Death March
Authors: Murphy Kevin
Published: December 2011

The Bataan Death March of 1942 has entered historical consciousness as one of the ultimate measures of Japanese wartime barbarity. At a level bound up with deference to the veterans who experienced such hardship, a compelling reality emerges: Helpless Americans marched under the watchful eyes and cruel bayonets of the Japanese oppressor, and the Filipinos, in despair over the defeat of their defenders, wept in sympathy as they watched. The pattern reinforces pleasing notions of a benevolent colonial relation, the "good war" against a barbarous enemy, and loyal allies enlisted in a righteous cause. Yet thousands of men, women, and children of three nationalities and various classes participated in the complex drama that came to represent the Death March. Their complexity demands an interpretation that goes beyond the simplicity of "oppressor – victim – sympathetic observer." This article finds another story which does not replace the first but which includes American racism and colonial support for Filipino elites, and Filipino divisiveness, poverty, resentment, and Death March exploitation of American weakness and need.
Charity Stamps and Famine Relief in China in the 1920s: The American Connection
Authors: Moskoff William
Published: December 2011

When famine overwhelmed ?ve North China provinces in 1920, one of the ways that funds were raised to combat the disaster was through the sale of "cinderella" stamps, stamps that could not be used as legal postage but rather could be pasted onto envelopes or packages as decorations. There were two such efforts during the 1920s and both mainly sold their stamps in the United States. The first fundraising drive was organized by the American Committee for the China Famine Relief Fund which sold a 3-cent stamp, the announced cost of feeding one Chinese person for one day. This effort raised nearly $4.4 million and ceased operations in early June 1921 after only about three months of activity. The second campaign, organized by the China International Famine Relief Commission (CIFRC), was considerably less successful in raising money. It issued a wider variety of stamps, probably between 1923 and 1929 and in 1924, the CIFRC even established a special department to coordinate the sale of stamps in China and the United States, mostly during the Christmas and New Year's season. Sales were uneven and always low; even in years where there were profits, they were trivial. The sale of these stamps ceased at the end of the decade.
The Labeling Paradox
Authors: Perry Brea L.
Published: December 2011

Although research supports the stigma and labeling perspective, empirical evidence also indicates that a social safety net remains intact for those with mental illness, recalling the classic “sick role” concept. Here, insights from social networks theory are offered as explanation for these discrepant findings. Using data from individuals experiencing their first contact with the mental health treatment system, the effects of diagnosis and symptoms on social networks and stigma experiences are examined. The findings suggest that relative to those with less severe affective disorders, individuals with severe diagnoses and more visible symptoms of mental illness have larger, more broadly functional networks, as well as more supporters who are aware of and sympathetic toward the illness situation. However, those with more severe diagnoses are also vulnerable to rejection and discrimination by acquaintances and strangers. These findings suggest that being formally labeled with a mental illness may present a paradox, simultaneously initiating beneficial social processes within core networks and detrimental ones among peripheral ties.
Trajectories of Social Engagement and Limitations in Late Life
Authors: Thomas Patricia A.
Published: December 2011

Although studies have established important links between social relations and health, much of this research does not take into account the dynamic nature of both social relations and health over time. The present study combines person-centered and variable-centered approaches and uses social integration theory within the life course framework to examine patterns of change in social engagement and how those patterns relate to trajectories of physical and cognitive limitations among older adults, using data from the Americans’ Changing Lives survey, a nationally representative panel study ( N = 1,667). Individuals who had trajectories of high and increasing social engagement experienced lower levels of physical and cognitive limitations over time. The findings suggest the importance of maintaining high levels of social engagement for the physical and cognitive health of older adults.
The brain as an instrument: Continuing the conversation
Authors: Gergen Kenneth J.
Published: December 2011

Derksen extends the discussion of brain determination in significant ways. He rightfully challenges my criterion of “Could I do otherwise?” as a way of gauging the force of brain determination, and discussion fruitfully shifts to the negotiated spaces between self and embodiment. Derksen also recharges my use of the term “instrument” by linking it with technology studies. I do, however, find problematic his emphasis on techno-agency as a means of linking brain to cultural life, and conclude with a recommendation for exploring the various discursive communities currently shaping our constructions of the brain.
There’s a Science for That
Authors: Shuffler Marissa L. , DiazGranados Deborah , Salas Eduardo
Published: December 2011

As teams have become an increasingly necessary component of organizational structure, organizations have turned to team development interventions in hopes of facilitating performance gains in their teams. However, it is critical to understand that team development interventions are not “one size fits all.” This review provides a close examination of the two most prevalent intervention approaches, team training and team building, in order to highlight their contributions to improving teams when designed according to team development science.
What Are Emotion Expressions For?
Authors: Shariff Azim F. , Tracy Jessica L.
Published: December 2011

Although research on the nonverbal expression of emotion has played a prominent role throughout psychology during the past two decades—including an instrumental role in the development of contemporary evolutionary psychology—little research has focused on the evolutionary origins and functions of the emotional expressions themselves. However, recent findings from psychophysical, comparative, social, and cross-cultural psychology are converging to produce a compelling functionalist account, suggesting that emotional expressions serve critical adaptive purposes. Most of these studies have narrowly focused on single emotions—an approach that has been very useful for providing new insights about specific expressions but not for developing a broader understanding of why humans universally display and recognize distinct emotions. Here we unify these disparate findings in order to illuminate this fundamental form of social communication.
Prevalence and Correlates of Tobacco Smoking in Sri Lanka
Authors: Katulanda Prasad , Wickramasinghe Kremlin , Mahesh Jayaweera G. , Rathnapala Amila , Constantine Godwin R. , Sheriff Rezvi , Matthews David R. , Fernando Shyam S. D.
Published: December 2011

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and underlying sociodemographic correlates of smoking among Sri Lankans. Methods: A cross-sectional sample (N = 5000, age >18 years) was selected using a multistage random cluster sampling. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Results: Response rate was 91% (n = 4532); males 40%; mean age 46.1 years (±15.1). Overall, urban and rural prevalence of current smoking (smoking) was 18.3%, 17.2%, and 18.5%, respectively ( P = nonsignificant, urban vs rural). Smoking was much higher in males than in females (38.0% vs 0.1%, P < .0001). Ex-smokers comprised 10.0% (males 20.7%, females 0.1%, P < .0001). Among the smokers 87.0% smoked <10 cigarettes per day. The male age groups < 20 and 20 to 29 years had the lowest (15.6%) and the highest (44.6%) prevalence of smoking, respectively. In males, smoking was highest in the least educated (odds ratio = 1.96, P = .001). Conclusions: Smoking is common among Sri Lankan males and is associated with lower education, income, and middle age.
The Use of Total Assets as a Proxy for Socioeconomic Status in Northern Vietnam
Authors: Vu Lan , Tran Bich , Le Anh
Published: December 2011

Recently, total assets have become a popular method to capture socioeconomic status (SES) for health research/intervention done in developing countries. Although, this method is suitable for areas in a rural setting, there are 2 major issues in applying this method: ( a) which durable assets/infrastructure or housing characteristics truly reflect the family SES and ( b) how to aggregate different variables to get a derived index of SES and produce a range of critical points differentiating socioeconomic levels. This study aims to validate the use of total asset as proxy for SES by addressing these issues. Results indicated that ( a) variables reflecting family SES in rural setting area include variables capturing access to utilities and infrastructure, housing characteristics, and durable asset ownership; ( b) principal component analysis is a suitable method to construct a derived index from multiple variables; and ( c) the derived index is a valid indicator for SES in rural setting area.
Dengue Vector Surveillance Programs
Authors: Azil Aishah H. , Li Ming , Williams Craig R.
Published: December 2011

Vector surveillance is a cornerstone of dengue management yet there is a diversity of surveillance programs evident internationally. Such diversity is described in this review to enable a broader assessment of dengue vector surveillance methods. This review describes the diversity of surveillance programs for dengue vectors in several endemic and epidemic countries. Furthermore, strengths and weaknesses of vector surveillance methods, including larval surveys, BG-Sentinel trap, and autocidal and sticky ovitraps, are also discussed. The ability to compare and contrast these programs could contribute to the finding of better methods both locally and nationally and facilitate interregional technology transfer. Health authorities in both endemic and epidemic countries alike could benefit from adopting technologies and practices from other regions.
Rural–Urban Comparison in Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity Among Children and Adolescents of Asian Indian Origin
Authors: Ghosh Arnab
Published: December 2011

Objectives. To study whether the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents is restricted by habitat (urban vs rural). Methods. A total of 753 healthy children and adolescents, out of which 293 (159 boys and 134 girls) were collected Santiniketan (rural area) and 460 (241 boys and 219 girls) were from Calcutta and the suburbs (urban area), aged 8 to 18 years took part in the study. Participants were subsequently divided into 3 age groups: group I, 8 to 12 years; group II, 13 to 15 years, and group III, 16 to 18 years. Results. It was observed that the overall prevalence of overweight and obesity in the study was 9.6% and 5.7%, respectively. Urban residence and high level of parental education are associated with overweight and obesity in children and adolescents ( R2 = 40.3%). Conclusion. Prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents is not restricted to any particular habitat and warrants early intervention if this global epidemic is to be checked.
Implications of Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal Axis Functioning in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Jones Timmy , Moller Mary D.
Published: December 2011

Background: Cortisol secretions serve as the barometer of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates and controls responses to stress. Studies of cortisol secretions in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) reveal inconsistent results. Purpose: Current research on HPA axis functioning in PTSD is examined to elucidate the neuroendocrine contributions in the disorder, identify current treatment’s impact on the HPA axis, and consider implications for nursing care and areas for future research. Findings: There is evidence for HPA dysregulation in PTSD, which contributes to widespread impairment in functions such as memory and stress reactivity and to physical morbidity via processes such as allostatic load. There is limited, but building, evidence that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which is released simultaneously with cortisol, may provide anti-glucocorticoid and neuroprotective effects. Conclusion: Current treatments such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and psychotherapy may have a beneficial impact on the HPA axis in PTSD populations. Somatic approaches to treating PTSD have not yet been studied in relation to their impact on HPA axis parameters in PTSD patients. Treatment studies of DHEA or glucocorticoids have not yet used HPA axis endpoints. PTSD treatment studies that include measures of HPA axis target mechanisms and consider HPA axis regulation as an additional treatment outcome are warranted.
Physical Health Problems After Single Trauma Exposure
Authors: D’Andrea Wendy , Sharma Ritu , Zelechoski Amanda D. , Spinazzola Joseph
Published: December 2011

Research has established that chronic stress, including traumatic events, leads to adverse health outcomes. The literature has primarily used two approaches: examining the effect of acute stress in a laboratory setting and examining the link between chronic stress and negative health outcomes. However, the potential health impact of a single or acute traumatic event is less clear. The goal of this literature review is to extend the literature linking both chronic trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder to adverse health outcomes by examining current literature suggesting that a single trauma may also have negative consequences for physical health. The authors review studies on health, including cardiovascular, immune, gastrointestinal, neurohormonal, and musculoskeletal outcomes; describe potential pathways through which single, acute trauma exposure could adversely affect health; and consider research and clinical implications.
Antenatal Psychobiological Predictors of Psychological Response to Childbirth
Authors: Alder Judith , Breitinger Gertrud , Granado Cristina , Fornaro Isabel , Bitzer Johannes , Hösli Irene , Urech Corinne
Published: December 2011

Background: Several psychological and obstetric predictors of a negative childbirth experience and traumatic response to delivery have been identified. However, the influence of antepartum physiological stress parameters has not been elucidated. Objective: The study includes an exploratory analysis of the associations of fear of delivery, antenatal basal and reactive activity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, and obstetric outcomes, with childbirth experience and posttraumatic avoidance in the postpartum period. Design: This was a prospective study with two antenatal measurements and a final assessment during the first week postpartum. An experimental condition with a standardized stressor (Trier Social Stress Test) was included in the design to study psychobiological stress response as a predictor of traumatic birth and posttraumatic avoidance. Results: Linear regression analyses show independent associations of fear of delivery and more pronounced antenatal cortisol awakening response with a more negative childbirth experience. Fear of delivery was mediated by state anxiety after stress exposure, which, together with cortisol awakening response, explained 16% of the variance in the outcome of a more negative childbirth experience. Finally, antenatal fear of delivery and a negative childbirth experience both predicted higher avoidance scores during the first week postpartum. Conclusions: The associations found in this study can improve identification during pregnancy of women at risk for negative psychological response to childbirth. For these women, the provision of supportive care during pregnancy should be evaluated.
Synthesis and Enhanced Radical Scavenging Activity of a Conformationally Constrained Epigallocatechin Analogue
Authors: Imai Kohei , Nakanishi Ikuo , Anzai Kazunori , Ozawa Toshihiko , Miyata Naoki , Urano Shiro , Okuda Haruhiro , Nakamura Asao , Fukuhara Kiyoshi
Published: December 2011

The freely rotating single bond between the pyrogallol and chroman substructures in epigallocatechin (EGC) was constrained by reaction of EGC with acetone in the presence of trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate to prepare the rigidified analog in good yield. The synthesized analog was examined for free radical scavenging activity toward the galvinoxyl radical and was found to be 27-fold more potent than EGC.
Effects of Long-Term Storage on the Detection of Proteins, DNA, and mRNA in Tissue Microarray Slides
Authors: Karlsson Christina , Karlsson Mats G.
Published: December 2011

Storage of tissue slides has been claimed to induce dramatically reduced antigen detection particularly for immunohistochemistry (IHC). With tissue microarrays, the necessity to serially cut blocks in order to obtain as much material as possible is obvious. The presumed adverse effect of storage might hamper such an approach. The authors designed an experimental setting consisting of four different storage conditions with storage time of tissue slides of up to 1 year. Detection of proteins, DNA, and mRNA was performed using IHC and in situ hybridization techniques. Slight but significant changes in IHC occurred over time. The most important factor is the primary antibody used: four showed no significant changes, whereas limited decreases in 8 antibodies could be detected by image analysis. Whether the antigen was nuclear or cytoplasmic/membranous did not matter. No major differences between different storage conditions could be shown, but storage at 4C was overall the best procedure. Furthermore, gene copy number aberrations, chromosomal translocations, and the presence of mRNA could be detected on slides stored up to 1 year. In conclusion, in tissues optimally formalin fixed and using modern histological techniques, only minute changes in tissue antigenicity are induced by long-term storage.
The Skeletal Muscle Satellite Cell
Authors: Yablonka-Reuveni Zipora
Published: December 2011

The skeletal muscle satellite cell was first described and named based on its anatomic location between the myofiber plasma and basement membranes. In 1961, two independent studies by Alexander Mauro and Bernard Katz provided the first electron microscopic descriptions of satellite cells in frog and rat muscles. These cells were soon detected in other vertebrates and acquired candidacy as the source of myogenic cells needed for myofiber growth and repair throughout life. Cultures of isolated myofibers and, subsequently, transplantation of single myofibers demonstrated that satellite cells were myogenic progenitors. More recently, satellite cells were redefined as myogenic stem cells given their ability to self-renew in addition to producing differentiated progeny. Identification of distinctively expressed molecular markers, in particular Pax7, has facilitated detection of satellite cells using light microscopy. Notwithstanding the remarkable progress made since the discovery of satellite cells, researchers have looked for alternative cells with myogenic capacity that can potentially be used for whole body cell-based therapy of skeletal muscle. Yet, new studies show that inducible ablation of satellite cells in adult muscle impairs myofiber regeneration. Thus, on the 50th anniversary since its discovery, the satellite cell’s indispensable role in muscle repair has been reaffirmed.
Adsorption of Pharmaceuticals to Microporous Activated Carbon Treated with Potassium Hydroxide, Carbon Dioxide, and Steam
Authors: Fu Heyun , Yang Liuyan , Wan Yuqiu , Xu Zhaoyi , Zhu Dongqiang
Published: December 2011

Adsorption of sulfapyridine, tetracycline, and tylosin to a commercial microporous activated carbon (AC) and its potassium hydroxide (KOH)‐, CO2‐, and steam‐treated counterparts (prepared by heating at 850°C) was studied to explore efficient adsorbents for the removal of selected pharmaceuticals from water. Phenol and nitrobenzene were included as additional adsorbates, and nonporous graphite was included as a model adsorbent. The activation treatments markedly increased the specific surface area and enlarged the pore sizes of the mesopores of AC (with the strongest effects shown on the KOH‐treated AC). Adsorption of large‐size tetracycline and tylosin was greatly enhanced, especially for the KOH‐treated AC (more than one order of magnitude), probably due to the alleviated size‐exclusion effect. However, the treatments had little effect on adsorption of low‐size phenol and nitrobenzene due to the predominance of micropore‐filling effect in adsorption and the nearly unaffected content of small micropores causative to such effect. These hypothesized mechanisms on pore‐size dependent adsorption were further tested by comparing surface area–normalized adsorption data and adsorbent pore size distributions with and without the presence of adsorbed antibiotics. The findings indicate that efficient adsorption of bulky pharmaceuticals to AC can be achieved by enlarging the adsorbent pore size through suitable activation treatments.
Atmospheric Emissions of Nitrous Oxide, Methane, and Carbon Dioxide from Different Nitrogen Fertilizers
Authors: Sistani K. R. , Jn‐Baptiste M. , Lovanh N. , Cook K. L.
Published: December 2011

Alternative N fertilizers that produce low greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from soil are needed to reduce the impacts of agricultural practices on global warming potential (GWP). We quantified and compared growing season fluxes of N2O, CH4, and CO2 resulting from applications of different N fertilizer sources, urea (U), urea‐ammonium nitrate (UAN), ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3), poultry litter, and commercially available, enhanced‐efficiency N fertilizers as follows: polymer‐coated urea (ESN), SuperU, UAN + AgrotainPlus, and poultry litter + AgrotainPlus in a no‐till corn (Zea mays L.) production system. Greenhouse gas fluxes were measured during two growing seasons using static, vented chambers. The ESN delayed the N2O flux peak by 3 to 4 wk compared with other N sources. No significant differences were observed in N2O emissions among the enhanced‐efficiency and traditional inorganic N sources, except for ESN in 2009. Cumulative growing season N2O emission from poultry litter was significantly greater than from inorganic N sources. The N2O loss (2‐yr average) as a percentage of N applied ranged from 0.69% for SuperU to 4.5% for poultry litter. The CH4–C and CO2–C emissions were impacted by environmental factors, such as temperature and moisture, more than the N source. There was no significant difference in corn yield among all N sources in both years. Site specifics and climate conditions may be responsible for the differences among the results of this study and some of the previously published studies. Our results demonstrate that N fertilizer source and climate conditions need consideration when selecting N sources to reduce GHG emissions.
Mediterranean and Continental Tall Fescue: I. Effects of Endophyte Status on Leaf Extension, Proline, Mono‐ and Disaccharides, Fructan, and Freezing Survivability
Authors: Dierking R. M. , Young C. A. , Kallenbach R. L.
Published: December 2011

Tall fescue [Festuca arundinacea Schreb. syn. Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh.] is widely used for hay and pasture in the Eastern regions of the United States, with new types of Mediterranean tall fescue possessing superior growth under cool growing conditions. However, they do not survive Midwestern winters. To date, little research has examined the role of endophyte infection on the ability of tall fescue to grow under cold conditions or survive freezing conditions. This study's objectives determined the endophyte's role in tall fescue growth and production of metabolites for nonfreezing conditions. Additionally, the role of endophyte infection on the ability of plants to survive freezing temperatures was determined. This experiment used five genotypes of tall fescue. Half of the plants from each genotype were endophyte infected (E+), with the remaining genotypes being endophyte free (E–). We report for the first time the effects of endophyte status on proline, simple sugars, and fructan accumulation when plants were grown under cold, nonfreezing temperatures and the survivability at various freezing temperatures. Endophyte removal only affected fructan concentrations at 4.5°C; however, plant genotype affected leaf extension rate, proline, sugars, and fructan concentration. The freezing test found no effect of the endophyte on tiller survival, while plant genotype was significant. These data indicate that endophyte removal has little influence on the measured traits, and plant genotype is more critical for survival under cold conditions.
System to Uniquely Name Wheat Plant Structures
Authors: Moragues Marc , McMaster Gregory S.
Published: December 2011

Uniquely naming wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plant parts is useful for communicating plant development research and the effects of environmental stresses on normal wheat development. Over the past 30+ years, several naming systems have been proposed for wheat shoot, leaf, spike, spikelet, floret, and caryopsis structures. While these systems work very well in most field situations, several problems have emerged that can lead to confusion in uniquely naming all possible tillers and leaves. This confusion is unnecessary and leads to errors in communication that can be avoided. This paper describes a naming system that extends the previous systems so that all canopy structures are uniquely identified and additionally incorporates a phenological component if desired.
Assessment of Genetic Diversity in Zoysia Species using Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism Markers
Authors: Kimball Jennifer A. , Zuleta M. Carolina , Kenworthy Kevin E. , Lehman Virginia G. , Milla‐Lewis Susana
Published: December 2011

Zoysia spp. are warm‐season turfgrass species widely used in the transition zone and southern regions of the United States for their superior heat tolerance and relatively low input requirements. A better understanding of the levels of genetic diversity present in Zoysia germplasm could aid in the utilization of these materials in future breeding efforts. The objective of this study was to compare levels of molecular diversity within and among Zoysia spp. {Z. japonica Steud., Z. matrella (L.) Merr., Z. machrostachya Franch. & Sav., Z. minima (Colenso) Zotov, Z. pacifica (Goudswaard) M. Hotta & Kuroki [syn. Z. matrella (L.) Merr. var. pacifica Goudswaard], and Z. sinica Hance} and germplasm types (cultivars, plant introductions, and collections). Two hundred and forty‐one Zoysia accessions from public and private sources were genotyped with 12 amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) primer pairs. Five hundred and fifty‐two polymorphic AFLP loci were scored. Genetic similarity values (Sij) among genotypes ranged from 0.60 to 0.81, with the average being 0.68. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) results indicated that 28 and 54% of the total AFLP variation could be explained by differences among and within species, respectively. Unweighted pair group method with arithmetic averaging (UPGMA) cluster analysis and principal coordinate analysis (PCO) identified high levels of similarity among all genotypes. Analyses revealed that individuals from the same species type occasionally failed to cluster into one distinct group, reflecting a predominantly outcrossing mating system and high levels of gene flow among the species types studied. Understanding the distribution of genetic diversity within and among Zoysia spp. may enhance cultivar development efforts.
Physiological Traits Contributing to Differential Canopy Wilting in Soybean under Drought
Authors: Ries Landon L. , Purcell Larry C. , Carter Thomas E. , Edwards Jeffery T. , King C. Andy
Published: December 2011

Delayed wilting is observed in a few unusual soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] genotypes, but the reasons and importance of this trait for conferring agronomic drought tolerance are poorly understood. We hypothesized that soybean genotypes with delayed wilting conserve soil moisture by restricting transpiration and that this would be reflected in decreased radiation use efficiency (RUE) and/or improved water use efficiency (WUE). Water conserved when soil moisture was plentiful would be available later in the season when drought is usually more severe. Irrigated field experiments in eight environments compared RUE of genotypes known to wilt differently during drought. In addition, we measured stomatal conductance, carbon isotope discrimination (CID), volumetric soil‐moisture content, stomatal density, and canopy temperature depression. In six of the eight environments, slow‐wilting genotypes generally had lower RUE than fast‐wilting genotypes, which is consistent with our hypothesis. Three of four slow‐wilting genotypes had higher soil moisture immediately before irrigation than fast‐wilting genotypes, which is also consistent with the hypothesis. Genotypic differences in CID (a proxy for WUE) were present but were not consistently related with slow wilting. No genotypic differences were detected in stomatal conductance or canopy temperature. These results suggest that multiple mechanisms involving RUE and WUE could result in soil‐water conservation in these diverse genotypes.
Growth Chamber Evaluation of a Tobacco ‘Beinhart 1000’ × ‘Hicks’ Mapping Population for Quantitative Trait Loci Affecting Resistance to Multiple Races of Phytophthora nicotianae
Authors: Vontimitta V. , Lewis R. S.
Published: December 2011

Multiple races of Phytophthora nicotianae (van Breda de Haan) cause the black shank disease of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.). Identification of novel alleles affecting resistance and associated DNA markers might help increase the range and level of cultivar resistance. A doubled haploid mapping population generated from a highly resistant × susceptible cross (‘Beinhart 1000’ × ‘Hicks’) was evaluated for resistance after inoculation with either race 0 or race 1 in a growth chamber and also genotyped at 206 microsatellite marker loci. Multiple interval mapping identified two major genomic regions affecting resistance to both races. A quantitative trait locus (QTL) on linkage group 8 explained 54.7 and 45.5% of the observed variation for end percent survival after race 0 and race 1 inoculation, respectively. A QTL on linkage group 4 explained a larger proportion (16.8%) of phenotypic variation for race 1 resistance as compared to race 0 resistance (1.8%). In combination with previously reported field data, the study authenticates the role of these two regions on black shank resistance. Correlations of line performance under field and growth chamber environments were good, and agreement was excellent at extreme levels of resistance or susceptibility. With appropriate isolate selection, growth chamber inoculations may provide a superior alternative to field evaluations for mapping QTL affecting black shank resistance. Identified QTL and associated markers may be useful for increasing levels of resistance to P. nicotianae in tobacco cultivars.
Development of Entry-Level Competence Tests: A Strategy for Evaluation of Vocational Education Training Systems
Authors: Schütte Marc , Spöttl Georg
Published: December 2011

Developing countries such as Malaysia and Oman have recently established occupational standards based on core work processes (functional clusters of work objects, activities and performance requirements), to which competencies (performance determinants) can be linked. While the development of work-process-based occupational standards is supposed to have a positive effect on human resource development and economic prosperity, a continuing problem is associated with the evaluation of such standards. Evaluation of occupational standards has two angles of interest: (a) competence assessment (considering approval of workers); and (b) matching analysis (considering the difference between standard and work-process structures). The working hypothesis of this article is that occupational entry-level tests, an established means of competence assessment, can be utilised for matching analysis – that is, item development and field tests can provide qualitative and quantitative feedback about the relationship between standard structures and the requirements of current work-process structures. The article reflects experiences from the Sultanate of Oman. In particular, the text describes the strategy of (classical) test development and presents exemplary results. The final conclusion is that test development is a feedback mechanism and a decision-making resource linking prospective standards with the status quo in VET systems and related economic sectors.
Hydrothermal Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Two Polymorphs of (3-nitro-4-bromophenyl)Acetic Acid
Authors: Ge Yu-Hua , Gao Ge
Published: December 2011

Two polymorphs of (3-nitro-4-bromophenyl)acetic acid, were prepared as single crystals through hydrothermal reaction and were structurally characterised using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Both polymorphs crystallise in the monoclinic space group P21/ c, but their cell parameters are obviously different. Hydrogen-bonding interactions has a crucial role in assembling two small molecules into dipolymer in the two polymorphs. The arrangements of the dipolymers in phase A and B are remarkably different for the molecular orientation and interatomic distances according to their strong hydrogen bonds and π…π stacking interactions.
Isolation and identification of antibiotic albaflavenone from Dictyophora indusiata (Vent: Pers.) Fischer
Authors: Huang Mingquan , Chen Xi , Tian Hongyu , Sun Baoguo , Chen Haitao
Published: December 2011

A sesquiterpene antibiotic was isolated from the dried fruiting body of Dictyophora indusiata (Vent: Pers.) Fischer by solvent extraction and column chromatography and identified as albaflavenone by FTIR, GC-MS, HR-FIMS and NMR spectra. The content of albaflavenone in the dried fruiting body of Dictyophora indusiata (Vent: Pers.) Fischer (the content of water was 15.63%) was quantified by GC through an external standard method to be about 0.0063%. The compound isolated has an earthy, camphor-like odour.
A New Cycloartane-Type Triterpenoid from the Stigma of Zea Mays L
Authors: Qiang Yin , Ni Jing-Man , Shi Yan-Bin , Zhang Xiao-Yun , Yang Xian , Li Shou-Tang
Published: December 2011

A new cycloartane triterpenoid has been isolated from an EtOH extract of the stigma of Zea mays L. and shown to be cycloart-24-ene-2α, 3β-diol based on extensive spectroscopic analysis, including IR, NMR, and MS. The cytotoxic activity of this compound against BEL-7402, HL-60, PC3, and HeLa cell lines is described.
Synthesis of Benzimidazole Thiazolinone Derivatives under Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Yu Jun , Hu Peng , Zhou Taoyu , Xu Yanhua
Published: December 2011

Organic compounds containing the thiazolinone ring are of increasing interest due to their bactericidal, pesticidal, anticonvulsant, antiinflammatory, antithyroidal and antimicrobial activities. A rapid microwave-assisted synthesis thiazolinone derivatives is described. The 3-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-2-substituted phenyl thiazolidin-4-one were identified by IR, 1H NMR, elemental analyses. The target compounds were performed in a shorter reaction time compared to conventional heating methods.
Integrales Management von gravitativen Naturrisiken in der Schweiz
Authors: Hollenstein Kurt , Hess Josef
Published: December 2011

Integral management of gravitational natural hazards in Switzerland

The management of gravitational natural hazards has undergone several fundamental changes in the past centuries. As late as the 17th century, natural catastrophes were considered to be strokes of fate or the expression of divine or satanic dealings. In the age of Enlightenment the comprehension of the processes involved in these dangers grew, together with the conviction that it was possible by technical means to protect oneself against them. A long way into the 20th century this concept of protection from danger had a large following. The natural catastrophes of the second half of the 20th century then showed ever more clearly the technical and financial limits of this concept. By the middle of the 1960s protection from natural hazards began to be considered within the context of overall land-use development. Nowadays integral risk management, which includes risk analysis, evaluation, and response, is well anchored in practice as regards gravitational natural hazards. Nonetheless, in order to make the best use of the potential of this approach, it is now necessary to improve certain basic politico-legal, organisational, and professional conditions.
Notification of the Release of Annual Ryegrass Genetic Stock IL1
Authors: Kindiger Bryan
Published: December 2011

Within the Festuca–Lolium genome complex there is a need for the rapid development of improved germplasm resources. Traditional recurrent selection methods for population or synthetic development are labor intensive and time consuming. One objective of our research is to identify novel genetic methods that will enhance traditional breeding methods and facilitate the development of improved Lolium spp. germplasm resources. IL1 (Reg. No. GS‐9, PI 660129) is a wide‐based, diploid (2n = 2x = 14), early maturing, annual ryegrass [Lolium perenne L. subsp. multiflorum (Lam.) Husnot (syn. Lolium multiflorum Lam.)] genetic stock that has the ability to induce genome or chromosome loss when hybridized with other Lolium species. IL1 was developed from a population segregating for a low level of pollen sterility. IL1 has been identified to produce dihaploid lines following interspecific Lolium × Festuca hybridizations either through chimeral sectors or through rare seed development. The hybrids are capable of producing viable seed via genome loss and a infrequency parthenogenic response. Utilizing these materials with a complementary breeding approach may provide for the development of new and superior Lolium spp. cultivars. The release of this material will be of value to researchers of Lolium spp. breeding programs focused on developing improved germplasm.
Registration of PR0401‐259 and PR0650‐31 Dry Bean Germplasm Lines
Authors: Beaver J. S. , Zapata M. , Alameda M. , Porch T. G. , Rosas J. C.
Published: December 2011

Web blight (WB), caused by Thanatephorus cucumeris (Frank) Donk (anamorph: Rhizoctonia solani Kühn), is an important disease of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in the humid tropics. Common bacterial blight (CBB), caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli (Smith) Vauterin et al., and Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV) pose a threat to common bean production throughout the world. The development and release of dry bean cultivars with enhanced levels of resistance to these and other diseases is an important goal of the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) breeding program. PR0401‐259 (Reg. No. GP‐286, PI 663155) and PR0650‐31 (Reg. No. GP‐285, PI 663154) are multiple‐disease‐resistant bean germplasm lines adapted to the humid tropics and were developed and released cooperatively in 2011 by the UPR Agricultural Experiment Station, the USDA‐ARS, and the Escuela Agrícola Panamericana in Honduras. PR0401‐259 is a pink bean line and PR0650‐31 is a black bean line that possess the allele at the I locus that confers resistance to BCMV. Both lines have high levels of resistance to CBB and moderate levels of resistance to WB. PR0401‐259 also has the bgm‐1 gene for resistance to Bean golden yellow mosaic virus. PR0401‐259 and PR0650‐31 produced mean seed yields similar to those of the check varieties ‘Talamanca’ and ‘Amadeus 77’. PR0401‐259 and PR0650‐31 should serve as useful sources of resistance to WB, CBB, and BCMV.
Hydrogen therapy may be a promising, safe and effective treatment for diabetic erectile dysfunction: a hypothesis
Authors: Chen Jun , Zhang Bin , Li Mingchao , Qi Tao , Chen Zheng , Sun Xuejun , Chen Xiao
Published: December 2011

Inhalation of hydrogen gas has been proven to be an effective treatment for ischemiareperfusion injury by selectively reducing hydroxyl and peroxynitrite radicals. There has been considerable evidence of hydrogen’s protective effect against diseases related to oxidative injury, such as the ischemia-reperfusion injury of the brain, liver and heart. More and more studies suggest that radical oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in the development of diabetic erectile dysfunction (ED) and antioxidants can markedly decrease the production of ROS and improve the erectile function. We hypothesize that hydrogen therapy may be a promising, safe and effective treatment for diabetic ED by reducing the production of ROS.
Traditional medicines: bridging the gaps for a better future
Authors: Grundmann Oliver
Published: December 2011

The use of traditional medicines has provided a crucial support and health system to millions of people around the globe for centuries past and this continues to the present day. In some countries, less than 20% of the population has access to basic generic medicines or healthcare. This highlights the need for a global initiative, such as the World Health Organization’s Millenium Development Goals. This includes fighting child weight deficit, providing access to essential medicines, and treating diseases that significantly impact the health of the community, such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, malaria, and tuberculosis.
High-dose clopidogrel, prasugrel or ticagrelor: trying to unravel a skein into a ball
Authors: Aprile Alessandro , Marzullo Raffaella , Biondi Zoccai Giuseppe , Modena Maria Grazia
Published: December 2011

Antiplatelet therapy is a mainstay in the management of coronary artery disease. Indeed, optimal and rapid inhibition of platelet function is a key therapeutic goal in patients with acute coronary syndromes and those undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Currently, dual antiplatelet treatment with aspirin and clopidogrel is the gold standard care in patients with acute coronary syndromes or receiving coronary stents without prohibitive bleeding risk. However, recent data show that the efficacy of clopidogrel is hampered by its slow and variable platelet inhibition, with ensuing increased risk of ischemic events, including death, myocardial infarction and stent thrombosis. Novel agents such as prasugrel and ticagrelor have been developed to clopidogrel limits and thus improve cardiovascular outcomes. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the benefits and limitations of current and shortly available antiplatelet agents, providing detailed arguments in favor and against prasugrel and ticagrelor.
Subacute neuronopathy in a young man: a possible association with tetracycline treatment
Authors: Vrethem Magnus , Dahle Charlotte , Lindvall Björn
Published: December 2011

A young man with subacute neuronopathy following tetracycline treatment is described. The symptoms started as a sensory dorsal root affection but by time also involved motor nerves. He developed a severe sensory ataxia with pseudoathetotic movements. Other possible aetiologies were scrutinized and excluded. Tetracycline induced neuronopathy is hitherto not reported in the literature. We propose a possible association between treatment with tetracycline and the development of sensory neuronopathy in this patient.
Cervical spine intradural-extramedullary hematoma presenting as ipsilateral hemiparesis
Authors: Lin Chih Ming
Published: December 2011

A 75-year-old Taiwanese man suffered from acute onset of right-sided extremity weakness while talking to his neighbors. He was transferred to the hospital within three-hour time after symptom onset. Initial acute ischemic cerebral infarct was diagnosed based on his symptom and cerebral computed tomography. Thrombolytic therapy was held after his symptom improved promptly and could not excluded other etiology. Thorough history taking unraveled previous Chinese medicine clinic visit because of neck sore. However, he received limited improvement after several times of massage treatment. Magnetic resnance imaging (MRI) of the cervical spine demonstrated hematoma compressing right side intradural-extramedullary space at the C2/C3 level. Through his clinical course, muscle weakness was the sole neurological finding with sparing of sensory defects. Given the close anatomy relationship between sensory and motor lamina distribution in the cervical spinal cord, our patient presented a rare manifestation. Cases of cervical spine intradural-extramedullary hematoma are not often seen and only sporadic in the documented literature. We wish, through the report of this article, to inform the first- line physicians with the following information. Among the elderly, neck sore is a common symptom. Over- stretching or overt local massage is not suggested due to relatively fragile musculature. In the clinical diagnosis and localization of lesion, cerebral or cervical spine lesion could mimic with each other and manifest hemiparesis as their first symptom. Meticulous history taking, neurological/ physical examination and pertinent laboratory work-up should be done before initiation of intravenous thrombolytic therapy as it could cause catastrophic consequences if not used properly.
Geology, Tangle Peak, British Columbia
Authors: McMechan M E , Leech G B
Published: December 2011

Tangle Peak map area (NTS 82-J/12, 1:50 000 scale) straddles portions of the Main Ranges and Western Ranges subdivisions of the southern Canadian Rocky Mountains, from northeast to southwest. The Middle and Upper Cambrian Kickinghorse Rim, an abrupt westward
facies change from competent platform and ramp carbonate units to thick basinal strata, divides the Main Ranges into eastern broadly folded and western penetratively deformed parts. Hydrothermal alteration localized immediately inboard of the Kickinghorse Rim produced magnesite in the Cross River
area and zinc showings in the Albert River drainage. Tight and overturned, northeast-facing folds occur in basinal strata immediately west of the rim whereas, a regional southwest-facing, overturned fold occurs at the transition into the Western Ranges. Folded Cambrian to Middle Devonian strata cut
by steep longitudinal and transverse faults characterize the Western Ranges. Thick breccia units occur along several faults. Middle Devonian gypsum deposits occur in the Windermere Creek area.