bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of exogenous gibberellin inhibitors on tuber sprouting in yam
Authors: Shiwachi H , Ayankanmi T , Asiedu R , Onjo M
Published: March 2006

To induce sprouting two gibberellin inhibitors, uniconazole‐P (UP) and prohexadione‐calcium (PC), were applied to foliage of white Guinea yam (Dioscorea rotundata) and water yam (D. alata) 30 days before harvest or to tubers at harvest. The tuber sprouting period was shortened by about 35 days in D. alata TDa 95/00328 in response to UP and PC, and TDa 92‐2 in response to PC, but not in others through foliage treatment. Sprouting of tubers was promoted in D. rotundata TDr 99‐12 and D. alata TDa 99/00049 and TDa 291 when they were soaked in UP or PC, but the others had a limited response at harvest. Sprouting of TDa 99/00049 tubers started 70 days earlier and the periods of sprouting were 35 to 42 days shorter in response to the UP and PC. Foliar application was more effective in promoting tuber sprouting than tuber soaking at harvest in TDa 92‐2 and TDr 93‐31, and the reverse was true for TDr 99‐12 and TDa 291. The responses of yam varieties to UP and PC seem to vary depending on the stage of dormancy in their tubers. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd
Influence of different shades of light on pollination, seed set and seedling behaviour in mulberry
Authors: Chowdhuri S Roy , Sau H , Das KK , Ghosh PL , Saratchandra B
Published: March 2006

When mulberry flowers were exposed to eight different colours of light and also white from flowering to fruit harvest, seed set was higher in red and orange and less in black (darkness). Seed germination was highest with blue, red by violet and white and poor with pink. Red and orange gave significantly greater growth of seedlings. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd
The effect of pre‐treatments on the reconstitution of hot air‐dried plantain
Authors: Johnson P‐NT , Brennan JG , MacDougall DB
Published: March 2006

Moist infusion of plantain using 40°B sucrose or 15°B sucrose and 60 mg/g NaCl, or puffing of blanched plantain for 5 min after 3 h air‐drying before the main drying improved the reconstitution characteristics of the dried plantain. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd
Susceptibility of seeds and flour from local wheat cultivars to Tribolium castaneum infestation in storage
Authors: Lale NES , Modu B
Published: March 2006

Adult survival and progeny development of T. castaneum in whole and broken grains and whole and polished flour derived from ten local cultivars of wheat varied. Survival of parental adult beetles was significantly lower in whole than in broken grains or flour. Progeny development was greater in broken than in whole grains and in polished than in whole flour. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd
Effect of wormshaft speed and moisture content on oil and cake qualities of expelled sesame seed
Authors: Olayanju TMA
Published: March 2006

For processing two sesame seed accessions, Yandev 55 and E8, in an oil expeller, a wormshaft speed of 45 rpm and 5.3% seed moisture content gave the best oil and cake qualities. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd
Varietal effect on spoilage of yam (Dioscorea rotundata) tubers during storage
Authors: Oyebanji AO , Olayemi FF , Okoye WI
Published: March 2006

Of three common varieties of yam stored for 28 weeks, Gbakumo was the most resistant to rotting and sprouting, Odokumo the most susceptible to rotting and Odo most susceptible to sprouting. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd
Effect of seed priming on growth and phenology of wheat under late‐sown conditions
Authors: Kant Surya , Pahuja SS , Pannu RK
Published: March 2006

Seeds of four wheat varieties, Sonak, UP 2338, Raj 3765 and PBW 343, were treated with salts, water or growth regulator before sowing in the field in late winter. Sowing sprouted seeds resulted in more tillers, higher dry matter in leaves, stem and reproductive parts, and better grain yield. Priming with solutions of indole‐3‐acetic acid, KCl, water, ZnSO4 and Na2SO4 also gave more plant dry matter and grain yield than unprimed seeds. The plants from primed seeds took less time than the control to reach tillering, jointing, heading and flowering, but physiological maturity in all the treatments was at the same time. Biomass accumulation and grain yield were higher in UP 2338 and Raj 3765 in 1998–99, and in PBW 343 in 1999–2000. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd
Yield performance of whole‐tuber and cut‐piece planting of potato
Authors: Kabir MH , Alam MK , Hossain MA , Hossain MM , Hossain MJ
Published: March 2006

Planting half‐cut potato tubers (cv. Diamant) gave significantly higher yields than cut pieces. Planting cut pieces gave most tiny tubers. The benefit:cost ratio was highest for whole‐tuber planting. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd
The first Ecuadorean ‘Nacional’ cocoa collection based on organoleptic characteristics
Authors: Deheuvels O , Decazy B , Perez R , Roche G , Amores F
Published: March 2006

‘Nacional’ cocoa from Ecuador is a genetic group acknowledged for its ‘Arriba’ floral flavour, which has partly been lost due to the introduction of other more productive varieties. Between 1996 and 2000, 115 Nacional cocoa trees were identified by high yield, resistance to diseases and intense floral flavour, and reproduced by grafting. Some of the progeny are now fruiting and show resistance to Crinipellis perniciosa with an intense floral flavour. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd
Use of sodium chloride to control epiphytes on cocoa in Ghana
Authors: Acheampong K , Frimpong K Ofori
Published: March 2006

Sodium chloride solution controlled five epiphytes often encountered on cocoa in Ghana, Bulbophyllum sp., mosses, Angraecum birrimense, Platycerium stemaria and Asplenium africanum, but not Rhipsalis cassutha. Bulbophyllum sp. and mosses were killed by 2% NaCl, and 4% killed A. africanum and P. stemaria, but 6% was needed for A. birrimense. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd
Response of maize varieties to drought stress at different phenological stages in Ethiopia
Authors: Kefale Demelash , Ranamukhaarachchi SL
Published: March 2006

Moisture deficit throughout growth significantly reduced the vegetative growth and increased the time to tasseling of three varieties, without much effect on the days to silking. A water deficit one week before tasseling delayed silking but not tasseling. The grain yield was significantly affected by all water deficits, especially before tasseling. Variety Katumani endured drought stress by maintaining its vegetative growth at the expense of grain yield, whereas ACV‐6 significantly reduced its vegetative growth and sustained its grain yield. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd
Growth and yield of sweetpotato as affected by Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Agu CM
Published: March 2006

Meloidogyne incognita infection on sweetpotato reduced shoot growth, shoot‐to‐tuber ratio, days to maturity, tuber yields and the proportion of marketable tubers. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd
A milk clotting agent from the bark of Ongokea gore tree
Authors: Libouga David G , Womeni Hilaire M , Mbofung CMF
Published: March 2006

The milk clotting extract in Ongokea gore bark can best be extracted by soaking 10 to 20 g in 100 ml of 3% CaCl2 for 24 h at 4 to 30°C. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd
Physicochemical character and food value of two Venezuelan cactus fruits
Authors: Emaldi Unai , Nassar Jafet M , Semprun Carla
Published: March 2006

Properties of fruits of two wild species of two columnar cacti, cardon dato (Stenocereus griseus) and cardon lefaria (Cereus repandus) are reported. The fruits seem to have good potential as food and feed in Venezuelan arid zones. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd
In vitro shoot proliferation and plant regeneration in sweet carambola (Averrhoa carambola)
Authors: Prashantha KG , Sathyanarayana BN , Mathew Deepu
Published: March 2006

Sweet carambola can be propagated by nodal explants from seedlings cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium containing growth‐promoting agents. The best combination was 2.0 mg/l benzylaminopurine and 0.2 mg/l naphthylacetic acid. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd
Heavy metals in commercial fish of Ogun River at Abeokuta, Nigeria
Authors: Omoniyi IT , Agbon AO
Published: March 2006

Silver catfish, silverside fish, Nile tilapia and trunk fish caught near Abeokuta, contained Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn below the maximum acceptable level recommended by FAO for human consumption. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd
The germination and early growth of cashew (Anacardium occidentale)
Authors: Amoah FM
Published: March 2006

Cashew seeds soaked in water for 24 h and sown at 4cm depth gave better germination and growth than cracked seeds or those sown at 8 or 12 cm. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Effect of time of nitrogen application on late blight incidence, severity and potato yield
Authors: Agu CM
Published: March 2006

Time of nitrogen fertilizer application significantly affected late blight incidence and severity on potato. Nitrogen applied at planting and 7 days later favoured late blight infection. Application 14 and 21 days after planting minimized the disease and improved the yield. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd
Natural enemies of the shea defoliator, Cirina forda
Authors: Dwomoh EA , Akrofi AY , Ahadzi SK
Published: March 2006

Pupae of Cirina forda from soil, egg masses and larvae on ten shea trees at each of eight locations in the Upper West Region of Ghana were examined for growth of pathogens and emergence of parasitoids. A parasitic worm, Gordius aquaticus, was reared from 3rd to 6th instars and the parasitoids Hockeria crassa and Megaselia scalaris emerged from pupae after confinement in the laboratory. No pathogen was isolated from the eggs but some larvae and pupae showed symptoms of pathogen infections after confinement. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd
Composition of chia (Salvia hispanica) grown in six tropical and subtropical ecosystems of South America
Authors: Ayerza R , Coates W
Published: March 2006

Chia seeds grown in different ecosystems of South America showed a significant difference in protein and oil contents, peroxide index and fatty acid composition. The main fatty acid was α‐linolenic, which was lower in the Inter Andean Valley and Yungas ecosystems, and higher in the Great Chaco (Humid, Arid, and Semiarid) and the Atacama Desert. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd
Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus combination on late blight disease and potato yield
Authors: Agu CM
Published: March 2006

Response of potato late blight incidence to nitrogen depended on phosphorus application. The disease severity increased with phosphorus rate. The highest potato yield and least late blight severity were with a high nitrogen rate and half as much phosphorus. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd
Effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on cucumber cv. Poinsette grown in dry region of southern India
Authors: Umamaheswarappa P , Krishnappa KS
Published: March 2006

Application of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers increased the growth and yield of cucumber cv. Poinsette. Nitrogen improved most of the quality parameters, but phosphorus had no significant effect. Potassium had no significant effect on growth, yield or quality. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd
Host range of tef rust (Uromyces eragrostidis)
Authors: Mebrate Sewalem A
Published: March 2006

Sixteen of 17 wild relatives of tef were all infected by the tef rust fungus, indicating that they are alternative hosts. Barley, sorghum, maize, wheat, oats, some forage grasses and grass weed species were not infected. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd
Alkaline pulping of Acacia seyal
Authors: Khristova P , Kordsachia O , Daffalla S
Published: March 2006

Two Acacia seyal varieties (fistula and seyal) grown in Sudan were examined for their suitability for pulping and papermaking with different alkaline methods. Their physical, morphological and chemical characteristics and fibre dimensions are reported. Pulping was carried out with kraft‐AQ, soda‐AQ, modified alkaline sulphite‐AQ and ASAM methods. The kraft process without AQ was performed as reference. ASAM pulping gave the best results in yield, degree of delignification and strength properties. A kraft and an ASAM pulp were bleached with a TCF bleaching sequence to 88–89% ISO brightness. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd
The effect of imidacloprid and mixed pirimiphos‐methyl and bifenthrin on non‐target arthropods of cocoa
Authors: Adu‐Acheampong R , Ackonor JB
Published: March 2006

Imidacloprid was less effective in reducing ant populations than a mixture of pirimiphos‐methyl and bifenthrin, while the mixture also greatly reduced the number of spiders. Imidacloprid caused some reduction in spider numbers for a week after spraying but then numbers rose substantially. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Effect of stubble height and successive harvest on yield and quality of Alfalfa forage in north central Ethiopia
Authors: Seid Ali , Tamir Berhan , Melaku Solomon
Published: March 2006

Alfalfa cv. Hairy Peruvian was harvested at stubble heights of 5, 10, 15 and 20 cm in four successive harvests at 10% bloom after a mean regrowth period of 46 days. Harvesting at 10 cm stubble height is the best compromise between yield and nutritive value. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Estimation of shelf life of cooked foo‐foo sold in Nigeria
Authors: Uzochukwu Sylvia VA , Ojoye Abiodun M , Imam EO
Published: March 2006

The shelf life of the cooked cassava paste product foo‐foo, wrapped in polyamide was assessed by sensory evaluation and microbial count. It could be kept for a week at ambient (30°C), two weeks under refrigeration (4°C) and for at least a month in a freezer (−18°C). Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd
Effect of harvest date on the dormancy period of yam (Dioscorea rotundata)
Authors: Swannell MC , Wheeler TR , Asiedu R , Craufurd PQ
Published: March 2006

Tuber dormancy enables yams to survive in the ground during the dry season and post‐harvest storage. Three clones of Dioscorea rotundata were harvested after five intervals and then stored in a cooler (20.6°C) or at ambient temperature (27.8°C). The time from harvest to sprouting was shorter as harvest was delayed. The period from sowing to sprouting for each clone was similar for tubers harvested from 140 days after planting, but tubers harvested earlier took longer to sprout. The cooler temperature delayed sprouting. Tubers of two clones sprouted after only 70 days of crop growth. If the dormancy period of these young tubers can be broken, the generation time of yam crop improvement programmes could be considerably reduced. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd
Reibungsversuche mit Krypton bei niedrigen Drücken
Authors: Beyer Chr. , Brezina J. , Engländer H. , Klingner P. J. , Schittko F. J. , Seckel I.
Published: March 2006

Anwendung einer linearen Beziehungen bei der Auswertung von Reibungsversuchen mit Krypton bei niedrigen Drücken und Zusammenhänge mit der Viskosität

Die Viskosität von Gasen ist im Bereich der Normalbedingungen weitgehend unabhängig vom Druck. Beim Evakuieren erniedrigen sich die Viskositätswerte. Im molekularen Gebiet entfällt die innere Gasreibung. Hier spricht man von molekularer‐ oder Vakuum Viskosität.

Experimentelle Gasreibungsbestimmungen sind nur möglich, wenn sich das Gas zwischen zwei Flächen befindet, die parallel zueinander bewegt werden. Zur inneren Gasreibung kommt also die Wechselwirkung an den Oberflächen hinzu.

Wir untersuchten die Wirkung von Gasreibungen zwischen rotierenden Zylinderflächen. Die Viskositätswerte bei niedrigen Drücken, der Wert dieser Drücke und der Viskosität bei Normaldruck erfüllen eine lineare Gleichung ihrer Reziprokwerte.

Aus den Versuchen folgt: Es gibt ein Gebiet, in dem die lineare Gleichung gilt. Es hat eine untere Grenze beim Übergang zur molekularen Wechselwirkung und eine obere verursacht durch die Erwärmung des Reibgases.
CVD ZrO2‐Beschichtung von Fasern bei Normaldruck
Authors: Samoilenkov Sergej , Wahl Georg , Than Eberhard
Published: March 2006

Zwei neuartige Normaldruck‐Gasphasenabscheideverfahren von Zirkoniumdioxid auf Faserbündeln mit mehreren tausend Einzelfasern (Einzelfaserdurchmesser ≈10 µm) wurden im Rahmen des AiF‐Vorhabens 12783N entwickelt:

1) Mit Flammen‐CVD, einem weitgehend kontainerlosen Atmosphärendruck‐Verfahren, konnte ZrO2 aus Zirkoniumdipivaloylmethanat bzw. Zirkoniumacetylacetonat auf SiTiC Fasern abgeschieden werden. Eine mittlere Abscheiderate von 3·10–5 mol·m–2·s–1 wurde bei einer Beschichtungszonenlänge von 4 cm erreicht.

2) In einem weiteren thermischen CVD‐Prozess bei Atmosphärendruck erfolgte die Beschichtung durch die Hydrolyse von Zirkoniumdipivaloylmethanat in Wasserdampf. In der Pilot‐Anlage mit 60 cm langer Abscheidezone wurde eine Abscheiderate von 7·10–6 mol·m–2·s–1 erreicht. Die mittlere Schichtdicke von 10 nm ist in der Pilot‐Anlage für die Fasertransportgeschwindigkeit von ca. 30 m/h erreichbar. Diese Abscheidegeschwindigkeiten stellen die höchsten bisher erreichten Werte für Oxid CVD Abscheideprozesse bei Normaldruck dar.
Neuartige dekorative Farbschichten durch Plasma‐Beschichtung
Authors: Bucher Volker
Published: March 2006

Der Markt verlangt stetig nach Neuerungen, nur wer innovative Produkte bieten kann wird neue Marktsegmente erschließen und nicht so schnell gegen die Billiganbieter aus Fernost verlieren. Dies gilt besonders für den Bereich der Oberflächentechnik. Viele Produkte wären ohne die Plasmatechnik nicht mehr wettbewerbsfähig. In den Unternehmen, die mit Plasma Oberflächen behandeln, wird auch in Zukunft ein gesundes Wachstum zwischen 20 und 50 Prozent pro Jahr erwartet [1].

Die Abscheidung dünner Schichten im Plasma eröffnet durch eine spezielle Prozesstechnik hoch brillante Farbschichten sowie spezielle Farbverläufe (Regenbogenfarben) und vom Blickwinkel abhängige Farbwechsel. Diese optischen Spezial‐Effekte sind mit herkömmlichen Lackiertechniken nicht machbar und eröffnen somit ein neues Feld in der Oberflächenbeschichtung.

Die Farben entstehen bei diesen Schichten durch Interferenzen der Farbanteile des zur Beleuchtung genutzten Lichts. Es handelt sich um Interferenzfarben, wie man sie z. B. vom Ölfilm auf der Regenpfütze kennt.
Analysis of corrosion resistant plasma polymer films on metals
Authors: Grundmeier Guido , Giza Miroslaw , Titz Tobias
Published: March 2006

To understand the corrosion resistance of plasma polymer film covered metals, the interface chemistry and adhesion, the morphology of the films and the barrier properties have to be studied. Combined methods of thin film spectroscopy, electrochemistry and microscopy are essential to provide the required complementary information. The aim of these analytical studies is the investigation of the detailed correlation between thin film and interface structure and the stability of the coated substrates in corrosive environments.
Ventillose Flüssigkeitsring‐Vakuumpumpen
Authors: Hähre Pierre
Published: March 2006

Neben den verfahrenstechnischen Anforderungen gewinnen in den letzten Jahren verstärkt Investitions‐ und Betriebskosten an Bedeutung.

Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit wurden im Hinblick auf die Vereinfachung der Konstruktion und Reduktion der Wartungskosten neue Erkenntnisse zu den Vorgängen in Flüssigkeitsring‐Vakuumpumpen vorgestellt. Die Analyse vorhandener, einstufiger Flüssigkeitsring‐Vakuumpumpen mit Ventiltechnik zur Abdeckung des gesamten Druckbereiches war Ausgangspunkt für eine Neuentwicklung.

Ergebnis der Untersuchungen ist nun eine neue Baureihe, die hinsichtlich des wachsenden Kostenbewusstseins neue Maßstäbe setzt. Die Verknüpfung neuer Erkenntnisse mit den bisherigen Erfahrungen führte zu einer erheblichen Vereinfachung der Konstruktion als auch einer Verbesserung des Betriebsverhaltens. Neueste Technologien und Fertigungsmöglichkeiten ergaben eine robuste und kostengünstige Konstruktion.
Lattice models in ecology and social sciences
Authors: Nakamaru Mayuko
Published: March 2006

Random matching between individuals, or the complete‐mixing model, is often assumed in analyzing evolutionary or population dynamics in ecology and game theory or other models in social sciences. Making and analyzing a model is not difficult under this simple assumption. However spatial‐ or network‐structured populations, including the lattice model and the power‐law network, are more realistic for many ecological and social phenomena than the complete‐mixing model. In this review, I will show first that a lattice model can be useful in investigating the effect of neighborhood interactions on the dynamics, not only of plants and forests, but also of animal and human societies. Second, the lattice model promotes the evolution of spiteful behavior, even though it is well‐known that the lattice model promotes the evolution of cooperation. Finally, different social networks result in traits, such as social norms, spreading at different speeds.
Inhibition of platelet‐derived growth factor‐induced mesangial cell proliferation by cyclooxygenase‐2 overexpression is abolished through reactive oxygen species
Authors: Zahner Gunther , Wolf Gunter , Schroeder Saskia , Stahl Rolf A.K.
Published: March 2006

Proliferation of mesangial cells (MC) is an early event in many forms of glomerulonephritis. We have previously shown that platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐induced proliferation of MC was inhibited by the overexpression of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2). Since reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important mediators of mitogenic signaling, we evaluated the role of ROS in the COX‐2 induced growth arrest in MC. We demonstrate that ROS are reduced in COX‐2 overexpressing MC. Intracellular elevation of ROS restored PDGF‐induced proliferation, while the expression of the cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitors p21cip1 and p27kip1 were decreased in these cells. The data suggest that COX‐2 decreases ROS formation which consequently leads to the PDGF‐induced inhibition of MC proliferation.
Expression of the Arabidopsis high‐affinity hexose transporter STP13 correlates with programmed cell death
Authors: Nørholm Morten H.H. , Nour-Eldin Hussam H. , Brodersen Peter , Mundy John , Halkier Barbara A.
Published: March 2006

We report the biochemical characterization in Xenopus oocytes of the Arabidopsis thaliana membrane protein, STP13, as a high affinity, hexose‐specific H+‐symporter. Studies with kinase activators suggest that it is negatively regulated by phosphorylation. STP13 promoter GFP reporter lines show GFP expression only in the vascular tissue in emerging petals under non‐stressed conditions. Quantitative PCR and the pSTP13‐GFP plants show induction of STP13 in programmed cell death (PCD) obtained by treatments with the fungal toxin fumonisin B1 and the pathogen Pseudomonas syringae. A role for STP13 in PCD is supported by microarray data from e.g. plants undergoing senescence and a strong correlation between STP13 transcripts and the PCD phenotype in different accelerated cell death (acd11) mutants.
The fission yeast stress MAPK cascade regulates the pmp3+ gene that encodes a highly conserved plasma membrane protein
Authors: Wang Ling-yu , Shiozaki Kazuhiro
Published: March 2006

In eukaryotic organisms, stress‐activated mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK) play crucial roles in transmitting environmental signals to regulate gene expression for cellular stress adaptation. Here we report that, in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Spc1/Sty1 MAPK and the Atf1 transcription factor regulate the stress‐induced expression of Pmp3, a ubiquitous small membrane protein implicated in the modulation of the plasma membrane potential. The pmp3 null mutant, as well as the spc1 and atf1 mutants, is hypersensitive to the cationic antibiotic hygromycin B. Transcriptional regulation of the Pmp3‐like genes by the stress‐activated MAPK may also be conserved in other eukaryotes, including plants.
Kinetics and synergistic effects of siRNAs targeting structural and replicase genes of SARS‐associated coronavirus
Authors: He Ming-Liang , Zheng Bo-jian , Chen Ying , Wong Kin-Ling , Huang Jian-Dong , Lin Marie C. , Peng Ying , Yuen Kwok Y. , Sung Joseph J.Y. , Kung Hsiang-fu
Published: March 2006

SARS‐associated coronavirus was identified as the etiological agent of severe acute respiratory syndrome and a large virus pool was identified in wild animals. Virus generates drug resistance through fast mutagenesis and escapes antiviral treatment. siRNAs targeting different genes would be an alternative for overcoming drug resistance. Here, we report effective siRNAs targeting structural genes (i.e., spike, envelope, membrane, and nucleocapsid) and their antiviral kinetics. We also showed the synergistic effects of two siRNAs targeting different functional genes at a very low dose. Our findings may pave a way to develop cost effective siRNA agents for antiviral therapy in the future.
Indicators of the health of the North Sea fish community: identifying reference levels for an ecosystem approach to management
Authors: Greenstreet Simon P.R. , Rogers Stuart I.
Published: March 2006

The shift in emphasis away from the single-species focus of traditional fisheries management towards an ecosystem approach to management requires application of indicators of ecosystem state. Further, an ecosystem approach to management requires the identification of ecological reference points against which management objectives might be set. In applying indicators, identifying reference points, and setting objectives, an obvious requirement is that the indicators respond primarily to the anthropogenic activity being managed and are sufficiently sensitive that impacts of the activity and the responses to management action are clearly demonstrable. Here we apply a suite of 12 indicators to Scottish August groundfish survey data collected in the northern North Sea over the period 1925–1997. These include indicators of size structure, life-history character composition, species diversity, and trophic structure within the community. Our choice of analytical design has two purposes; first to show that fishing has unequivocally affected these various aspects of the structure of the groundfish community, and second to illustrate an approach by which long time-series data sets might be used to identify possible management reference points. The results are discussed in the context of selecting ecological indicators in support of an ecosystem approach to management and determining appropriate reference points for objective-setting.
Closed Rupture of the Flexor Tendons of the Little Finger Secondary to Non-Union of Fractures of the Hook of the Hamate
Authors: YAMAZAKI H. , KATO H. , NAKATSUCHI Y. , MURAKAMI N. , HATA Y.
Published: March 2006

We report six patients with closed flexor tendon rupture affecting the little finger, occurring secondarily to non-union of the hook of the hamate bone. The ununited fragments were separated from the basal part of the hook by more than 1 mm. The fragments were also rounded and showed marginal sclerosis. Non-union was located in the middle part of the hook in three patients, the tip in two, and the base in one. At operation, the fragments were removed in all patients. Five patients were treated by free tendon grafts using three palmaris and two plantaris grafts and one underwent tendon transfer. Postoperative total range of active motion of the little finger averaged 218° (range 185–265°). All patients returned to their original employment. This series would suggest that flexor tendon rupture can occur after fracture of the hook of the hamate bone, even when the ununited fragment is small and/or rounded.
Systematic review of topical antimicrobial therapy for acute otitis externa
Authors: Rosenfeld Richard M. , Singer Michael , Wasserman Jared M. , Stinnett Sandra S.
Published: April 2006

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of topical antimicrobials for acute otitis externa.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and random effects metaanalysis of randomized, controlled trials with parallel groups permitting one or more of the following comparisons: antimicrobial vs placebo, antiseptic vs antimicrobial, quinolone antibiotic vs nonquinolone antibiotic, steroid‐antimicrobial vs antimicrobial, or antimicrobial‐steroid vs steroid.

RESULTS: Twenty trials met inclusion criteria and 18 had data suitable for pooling. Topical antimicrobials increased absolute clinical cure rates over placebo by 46% (95% confidence interval [CI], 29% to 63%) and bacteriologic cure rates by 61% (95% CI, 46% to 76%). No significant differences were noted in clinical cure rates for other comparisons, except that steroid alone increased cure rates by 20% compared with steroid plus antibiotic (95% CI, 3% to 38%). Quinolone drops increased bacteriologic cure rates by 8% compared with nonquinolone antibiotics (95% CI, 1% to 16%), but had statistically equivalent rates of clinical cure and adverse events

CONCLUSION: Topical antimicrobial is highly effective for acute otitis externa with clinical cure rates of 65% to 80% within 10 days of therapy. Minor differences were noted in comparative efficacy, but broad confidence limits containing small effect sizes make these of questionable clinical significance.

SIGNIFICANCE: Summary estimates from the 13 meta‐analyses can be used to facilitate evidence‐based management recommendations and clinical practice guideline development. © 2006 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved.
The Bradford bone-anchored hearing aid programme: impact of the multidisciplinary team
Authors: Goodyear P W A , Raine C H , Firth A L , Tucker A G , Hawkins K
Published: March 2006

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the impact on implant survival, abutment skin reaction and patient satisfaction in patients implanted with a bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA), following the introduction of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) in 1997.

Design and methods: Part prospective and retrospective analysis. Implant survival and cause of failures were recorded along with abutment skin reaction (graded as none, mild, moderate and severe, according to the amount of wound care required). Patient satisfaction and quality of life were assessed using a questionnaire enquiring about several aspects of the use and benefits of their BAHA.

Setting and participants: Eighty patients treated at the Bradford Royal Infirmary between 1991 and 2005. The unit is a recognized tertiary referral centre.

Results and conclusions: Twelve out of 80 implants failed, giving an overall failure rate of 15 per cent. Kaplan–Meier survival curves show a steady decrease in implant survival. The MDT had a positive effect on implant survival and adverse skin reactions, with a higher proportion of patients experiencing no reaction after its introduction. There was a 92.5 per cent response rate to the questionnaire. Overall patient satisfaction was high, both before and after the introduction of the MDT.
Validation of sonotubometry in healthy adults
Authors: van der Avoort S J C , Heerbeek N van , Zielhuis G A , Cremers C W R J
Published: March 2006

Background: Frequent active opening of the eustachian tube (ET) allows ventilation of the middle ear and equilibration of pressure changes. Active opening is accomplished by the contraction of the paratubal muscles during swallowing. Because a disturbance of the ventilatory function of the ET may contribute to the development of otitis media with effusion, it is important to investigate ET function. Sonotubometry can be used to detect whether the ET can open or not during swallowing acts.

Methods: We developed a sonotubometer to test ET ventilatory function in 36 healthy adults. The width of the test signal frequency was between 5500 and 8500 Hz (centre frequency of 7000 Hz) and the loudness was 95 dB. To test reproducibility, testing took place in two sessions of 10 swallowing acts each.

Results: Opening of the ET could be registered in 91.6 per cent of the subjects in at least one of the two measurements. The first and the second measurements were highly correlated, with a Spearman's coefficient of 0.907.

Conclusion: We confirmed that there is generally a good ventilatory ET function in otologically healthy adults, although, in a few cases, ET opening was not registered. Furthermore, we confirmed that our sonometric test equipment had acceptable reproducibility. Sonotubometry is a promising method for assessing ventilatory ET function. Research is ongoing to test the discriminative power of sonotubometry in children with various otological conditions.
Thyroid hemiagenesis: clinical significance in the patient with thyroid nodule
Authors: Park I-H , Kwon S-Y , Jung K-Y , Woo J-S
Published: March 2006

Thyroid hemiagenesis is a rare abnormality in which one thyroid lobe fails to develop. Most of the patients diagnosed have an associated thyroid disease. We report the case of a 32-year-old woman who presented with a left thyroid mass which had been gradually increasing in size over a period of two years. A thyroid scan revealed the absence of the right thyroid lobe and isthmus, and a hypoactive nodule was evident in the lower pole of the left lobe. Ultrasonography confirmed the right lobe and the isthmus agenesis. The operative findings confirmed hemiagenesis of the right lobe and nodular hyperplasia in the left lobe.

The purpose of this report is to present a patient with hemiagenesis of the thyroid gland who concomitantly had nodular hyperplasia; we also stress the importance of pre-operative differentiation between benign lesions and malignancy in order to aid critical decision making and to facilitate preservation of thyroid function if possible.
Neglected keratosis obturans causing facial nerve palsy
Authors: Glynn F , Keogh I J , Burns H
Published: March 2006

Keratosis obturans is characterized by the accumulation of desquamated keratinous material in the bony portion of the external auditory canal. Classically, it is reported to present with severe otalgia, conductive hearing loss and global widening of the external auditory canal. Extensive erosion of the bony meatus, with exposure of the facial nerve, has been previously reported, but no case of facial nerve palsy has as yet been published. We report the first published case, to our knowledge, of a unilateral facial nerve palsy secondary to neglected keratosis obturans.
Influence of diabetes mellitus on deep neck infection
Authors: Lin H-T , Tsai C-S S , Chen Y-L , Liang J-G
Published: March 2006

Objective: To investigate the influence of hyperglycaemia on deep neck infection (DNI) and the differences between the diabetic and non-diabetic form of DNI.

Study design and setting: Retrospective review of 131 patients with DNI treated between 1993 and 2002 at Shin Kong Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.

Results: Deep neck infection was significantly more prevalent in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) over 60 years of age than in non-DM subjects of a similar age (p = 0.004). In the DM group, Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most common aerobic pathogen and tended to involve more than two anatomical spaces (p < 0.0001). Seventeen out of 18 patients (94.4 per cent) displayed an elevated (≥7 per cent) glycosylated haemoglobin level. The DM group had a significantly higher complication rate, longer hospital stay and tracheotomy rate than the non-DM group.

Conclusions: Diabetic DNI differs from non-diabetic DNI in several aspects and is associated with a higher morbidity. A greater than normal haemoglobin A1c level was commonly observed.
High-pressure water jet injury to the pharynx, requiring intubation
Authors: Ahmad M , Midwinter K , Capper R
Published: March 2006

We report a case of upper airway obstruction following high-pressure water jet injury to the pharynx incurred from a car wash jet. Injuries from high-pressure water jets are relatively rare and, to the best of our knowledge, airway obstruction as a result has not been reported. Since this unusual injury may be associated with life-threatening complications, it must be promptly recognized and treated.
Suicide in Hong Kong: a case-control psychological autopsy study
Authors: CHEN ERIC Y. H. , CHAN WINCY S. C. , WONG PAUL W. C. , CHAN SANDRA S. M. , CHAN CECILIA L. W. , LAW Y. W. , BEH PHILIP S. L. , CHAN K. K. , CHENG JOANNE W. Y. , LIU KA Y. , YIP PAUL S. F.
Published: March 2006

Background. The relative contribution of psychosocial and clinical risk factors to suicide among Chinese populations is an important issue. In Hong Kong, this issue requires vigorous examination in light of a 50% increase in suicide rate between 1997 and 2003.

Method. Using a case-control psychological autopsy method, 150 suicide deceased were compared with 150 living controls matched by age and gender. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the next-of-kin of the subjects. Data were collected on a wide range of potential risk and protective factors, including demographic, life event, clinical and psychological variables. The relative contribution of these factors towards suicide was examined in a multiple logistic regression model.

Results. Six factors were found to significantly and independently contribute to suicide: unemployment, indebtedness, being single, social support, psychiatric illness, and history of past attempts.

Conclusions. Both psychosocial and clinical factors are important in suicides in Hong Kong. They seem to have mediated suicide risk independently. In addition, socio-economic adversities seem to have played a relatively important role in the increasing suicide rate in Hong Kong.
Introduction to the special issue on the formation of an American monetary union
Authors: WEIMAN DAVID F.
Published: March 2006

This special issue of the Financial History Review contributes to the vast literature on
the political economy of monetary unions. Inspired by the recent events in Europe,
it reaches back in history to consider an earlier experiment in forming a monetary
(as well as economic and political) union. In this historical case the pivotal event was
the ratification of the United States Constitution in 1788, two centuries before the
Maastricht Treaty. Between formal independence in 1781 and the implementation
of the Constitution reforms in 1789, the fledgling country was organised politically
into a loose confederation of thirteen, virtually sovereign states. Despite the nominal
powers granted to the national government under the Articles of Confederation,
it lacked the direct means to collect taxes and to enforce its policies. Consequently,
during this brief period, state governments could and did pursue their own
economic and monetary policies.
Development of the US monetary union
Authors: MICHENER RONALD , WRIGHT ROBERT E.
Published: March 2006

The US monetary union has undergone four distinct phases of development. From the early colonial period through the Revolution and Confederation, the unit of account differed in each region of British North America. Soon after the Constitution went into effect in 1789, the country shared a single specie-based unit of account and standard of deferred payment, but exchange media were numerous. After the Civil War, the trend was towards the use of fewer media of exchange. Over the course of the twentieth century, the current system, characterised by a common medium of exchange denominated in a single unit of account divorced from specie, evolved.
The US Constitution and monetary powers: an analysis of the 1787 constitutional convention and the constitutional transformation of the US monetary system
Authors: GRUBB FARLEY
Published: March 2006

The monetary powers embedded in the US Constitution were revolutionary and led to a watershed transformation in the nation's monetary structure. They included determining what monies could be legal tender, who could emit fiat paper money, and who could incorporate banks. How the debate at the 1787 constitutional convention over these powers evolved and led the founding fathers to the specific powers adopted is presented and deconstructed. Why they took this path rather than replicate the successful colonial system and why they codified such powers into supreme law rather than leaving them to legislative debate and enactment are addressed.
A common currency: early US monetary policy and the transition to the dollar
Authors: ROUSSEAU PETER L.
Published: March 2006

The transition of the US money supply from the mixture of paper bills of credit, certificates and foreign coins that circulated at various exchange rates with the British pound sterling during the colonial period to the unified dollar standard of the early national period was rapid and had far-reaching consequences. This article documents the transition and highlights the importance of this standardisation in bringing order to the nation's finances and in facilitating the accumulation and intermediation of capital. It describes how the struggle of the colonies to maintain viable substitutes for hard money set the stage for the financial leaders of the Federalist period to settle upon the dollar, attach it to a convertible metallic base, and create a national bank that issued notes denominated in the new monetary unit. It also presents recently constructed estimates of the US money stock for 1790–1820 and relates them to measures of the nation's early modernisation.
Regime Type, Post-Materialism, and International Public Opinion about US Foreign Policy: The Afghan and Iraqi Wars
Authors: GOLDSMITH BENJAMIN E.
Published: March 2006

Previous research (e.g., Horiuchi, Goldsmith, and Inoguchi, 2005) has shown some intriguing patterns of effects of several variables on international public opinion about US foreign policy. But results for the theoretically appealing effects of regime type and post-materialist values have been weak or inconsistent. This paper takes a closer look at the relationship between these two variables and international public opinion about US foreign policy. In particular, international reaction to the wars in Afghanistan (2001) and Iraq (2003) are examined using two major multinational surveys. The conclusions of previous research are largely reinforced: neither regime type nor post-materialist values appears to robustly influence global opinion on these events. Rather, some central interests, including levels of trade with the US and NATO membership, and key socialized factors, including a Muslim population, experience with terrorism, and the exceptional experiences of two states (Israel, Albania) emerge as the most important factors in the models. There is also a consistent backlash effect of security cooperation with the US outside of NATO. A discussion of these preliminary results points to their theoretical implications and their significance for further investigation into the transnational dynamics of public opinion and foreign policy.
Factional Influence on the 2001 LDP Primaries: A Quantitative Analysis
Authors: EHRHARDT GEORGE
Published: March 2006

For the first time in 20 years, the prefectural level 2001 LDP primaries offer a chance to reevaluate the relationship between Diet members and the LDP rank and file. Since 1982, scholars have agreed that Diet members use their support organizations to control how rank and file vote in LDP leadership contests; and the absence of any suitable data from the 1980s and 1990s has prevented a reassessment of this hypothesis in Japan's evolving political environment. This study uses regression analysis on prefectural-level primary ballot totals in order to measure Diet member influence over the rank-and-file primaries. The results suggest while national politicians did influence voters, their impact was too small to affect the outcome of the election. This implies that the relationship between LDP Diet members and the rank and file is changing and suggests directions for further study.
Live imaging of glioblastoma cells in brain tissue shows requirement of actin bundles for migration
Authors: CASPANI ELISABETTA M. , ECHEVARRIA DIEGO , ROTTNER KLEMENS , SMALL J. VICTOR
Published: March 2006

Live-cell imaging of glioblastoma U373 and U87 cells transfected with actin cytoskeleton markers has been used to study the re-arrangements that are associated with migration in two- and three-dimensional matrices and in brain tissue. In collagen gels and in brain slices, both cell types developed neuronal-like processes with ruffling membranes and filopodia. Blebbing cells were also observed, but these were mainly immobile. The retraction of trailing cell processes in a tissue environment was associated with the transient development and contraction of bundles of axial stress fibers. The inhibition of Rho-kinase caused glioblastoma cells in brain slices to become immobile and develop neurite-like processes at random, which indicates the requirement of Rho signaling and contractility for migration. Actin stress fibers were also observed in glioblastoma cells injected into the brains of living mice. Thus, invading glioblastoma cells use neurite-like extensions to penetrate between neuronal fibers and contractile actin bundles for traction of the cell body.
Optical oceanography: Recent advances and future directions using global remote sensing and in situ observations
Authors: Dickey T. , Lewis M. , Chang G.
Published: March 2006

The present review describes progress in addressing and solving several fundamental and applied problems involving optical oceanography. These problems include: primary productivity, ecosystem dynamics, biogeochemical cycling, upper ocean heating, and the impacts of anthropogenic disturbances on ocean dynamics. Technological advances in optical sensors and ocean observing platforms are being used to increase the variety and quantity of optical observations and to greatly expand their sampling capabilities in time and space. Remote sensing of ocean color from aircraft‐ and satellite‐borne instruments is vital to obtain regional‐ and global‐scale optical data synoptically. In situ observations provide complementary subsurface data sets with high temporal and spatial resolution. In situ observations are also essential for calibration and validation of remotely sensed data as well as for algorithm development and data assimilation models. Important challenges remain to synthesize regional and global optical data sets obtained from optical sensors and oceanographic platforms and to utilize these data sets in predictive models of oceanic optical, physical, and biogeochemical dynamics.
Long‐lead probabilistic forecasting of streamflow using ocean‐atmospheric and hydrological predictors
Authors: Araghinejad Shahab , Burn Donald H. , Karamouz Mohammad
Published: March 2006

A geostatistically based approach with a local regression method is used to predict the magnitude of seasonal streamflow using ocean‐atmospheric signals and the hydrological condition of a basin as predictors. The model characterizes the stochastic behavior of a forecast variable by generating a conditional distribution of the predicted value for different hydroclimatic conditions. The correlation structure between dependent and independent variables is represented by the variography of the predicted values in which the distance variable in the variogram is determined by measuring the distance between the predictors. This variogram in a virtual field constructed from the predictors makes it possible to predict variables as unmeasured points while considering historic information as measurement points of the field. Different types of kriging, as well as a generalized linear model regression, are used to predict data in interpolation and extrapolation modes. The forecast skill is evaluated using a linear error in probability space score for different combinations of predictors and different kriging methods. The method is applied to a case study of the Zayandeh‐rud River in Isfahan, Iran. The utility of the method is demonstrated for forecasting autumn‐winter and spring streamflow using the Southern Oscillation Index, the North Atlantic Oscillation, serial correlation between seasonal streamflow series, and the snow budget. The study analyzes the application of the proposed method in comparison with a K‐nearest neighbor regression method. The results of this study show that the proposed method can significantly improve the long‐lead probabilistic forecast skill for a nonlinear relationship between hydroclimatic predictors and streamflow in a region.