bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ISSR and SCAR markers linked to the mungbean yellow mosaic virus (MYMV) resistance gene in blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper]
Authors: Souframanien J. , Gopalakrishna T.
Published: November 2006

A recombinant inbred line (RIL) mapping population (F8) was generated by crossing Vigna mungo (cv. TU 94‐2) with Vigna mungo var. silvestris and screened for mungbean yellow mosaic virus (MYMV) resistance. The inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) marker technique was employed to identify markers linked to the MYMV resistance gene. Of the 100 primers screened, 54 showed amplification of which 36 exhibited polymorphism between the parents TU 94‐2 (resistant) and V. mungo var. silvestris (susceptible). Individual plants from 53 RIL populations were analysed and one marker (ISSR8111357) was identified as tightly linked to the MYMV resistant gene at 6.8 cM. Both the phenotype as well as the ISSR8111357 marker segregated in a 1 : 1 ratio. The ISSR8111357 marker was sequenced and sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) primers were designed (YMV1‐F and YMV1‐R) to amplify the marker. Screening for the SCAR marker in the RIL population distinguished the MYMV resistant and susceptible plants, agreeing well with the phenotypic data. The ISSR8111357 marker was validated using diverse blackgram genotypes differing in their MYMV reaction. The marker will be useful for the development of MYMV‐resistant genotypes in blackgram.
Development of SCAR markers for identification of stem rust resistance gene Sr31 in the homozygous or heterozygous condition in bread wheat
Authors: Das B. K. , Saini A. , Bhagwat S. G. , Jawali N.
Published: November 2006

The stem rust resistance gene Sr31, transferred from rye (Secale cereale) into wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) imparts resistance to all the virulent pathotypes of stem rust (Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici) found in India. Wheat genotypes including carriers and non‐carriers of the Sr31 gene were analysed using arbitrary primed polymerase chain reaction (AP‐PCR). AP‐PCR markers viz. SS30.2580(H) associated with the Sr31 gene and SS26.11100 associated with the allele for susceptibility were identified. Linkage between the markers and phenotypes was confirmed by analysing an F2 population obtained from a cross between a resistant and a susceptible genotype. The markers were tightly linked to the respective alleles. Both the AP‐PCR markers were converted into sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers, viz. SCSS30.2576 and SCSS26.11100 respectively. The markers were validated in two more segregating populations and 49 wheat genotypes. Using both markers it was possible to distinguish the homozygous from the heterozygous carriers of the Sr31 gene in the F2 generation. The markers developed in this study can be used for pyramiding of the Sr31 gene with other rust resistance genes and in marker‐assisted selection.
Outcrossing in lentil (Lens culinaris) depends on cultivar, location and year, and varies within cultivars
Authors: Horneburg B.
Published: November 2006

Knowledge about the degree of outcrossing is essential for onfarm crop management and breeding schemes and for lentil (Lens esculenta Medik.) only restricted evidence was available. Three varieties were investigated in two central European locations to foster research into on farm maintenance and development of cultivars. To determine outcrossing rates, the complete dominance of ‘orange cotyledons’ over ‘yellow cotyledons’ was used as a marker. The degree of outcrossing ranged from 0.06% to 5.12%. Results were strongly influenced by cultivar, year and location. The outcrossing rate of individuals also varied within cultivars, the extremes being 0% and 22.2%. There is evidence that the degree of outcrossing can be heritable. The potential for evolutionary changes in lentil cultivars can be considerable. Growing cultivars close together or as a mixture can lead to natural or even conscious selection and local adaptation. On the other hand, spatial separation may be necessary to avoid undesirable cross‐pollination.
QTL analysis of flooding tolerance in soybean at an early vegetative growth stage
Authors: Githiri S. M. , Watanabe S. , Harada K. , Takahashi R.
Published: November 2006

Soybean cultivars are sensitive to flooding stress and their seed yields are substantially reduced in response to the stress. This study was conducted to investigate the genetic basis of flooding tolerance at an early vegetative growth stage. Sixty recombinant inbred lines derived from a cross between a relatively tolerant cv. ‘Misuzudaizu’ and a sensitive cv. ‘Moshidou Gong 503’ were grown in pots in a vinyl plastic greenhouse in 2002 and 2003. At the two‐leaf stage, half of the pots were waterlogged by water placed in plastic containers and adjusted to 5 cm above the soil surface. After 3 weeks of treatment, the pots were returned to the greenhouse and grown until maturity. Flooding tolerance was evaluated by dividing the seed weight of the treated plants by that of the control plants. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis using 360 genetic markers revealed three QTLs for flooding tolerance, ft1 to ft3 in 2002. The ft1 (molecular linkage group C2) was reproducible and an additional four QTLs, ft4 to ft7, were found in 2003. The ft1 had a high LOD score in both years (15.41 and 7.57) and accounted for 49.2% and 30.5% of the total variance, respectively. A large QTL for days to flowering was consistently observed across treatments and years at a similar position to ft1. Comparing the relative location with markers, the maturity gene probably corresponds to E1. Late maturity may have conferred a longer growth period for recovery from flooding stress.
Rye doubled haploids as a research and breeding tool – a practical point of view
Authors: Tenhola‐Roininen T. , Immonen S. , Tanhuanpää P.
Published: November 2006

Doubled haploid (DH) plants were produced using anther culture from out‐crossing rye, including breeders’ lines, cultivars and F1 plants with DH parents, to examine the feasibility of using the DH technique for breeding and specifically for developing mapping populations. Only 10–36% of green regenerants produced via anther culture were suitable for research or breeding purposes because of low survival rate or low fertility. Spontaneously arising DH regenerants were more often fertile compared with the colchicine‐treated ones. The fertility of spontaneous DHs varied from sterile to half that found in a normal rye population, which has implications for the design of a crossing scheme and subsequent anther culture. In the reciprocal crosses within one DH population, fertility was the lowest observed, probably because of self‐incompatibility factors, whereas in the DH crosses with normal heterozygous cultivars fertility was the highest. Two mapping populations using DHs were established, the first for out‐crossing rye it would seem. These populations will be used for mapping two important traits, the semi‐dwarf growth habit and preharvest sprouting resistance in rye.
Near‐infrared spectroscopy on combine harvesters to measure maize grain dry matter content and quality parameters
Authors: Montes J. M. , Utz H. F. , Schipprack W. , Kusterer B. , Muminovic J. , Paul C. , Melchinger A. E.
Published: November 2006

Dry matter (DM) content and quality parameters of maize grain are important traits in breeding of maize hybrids. New developments in near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) allow to determine DM content and product quality parameters directly on plot combine harvesters. The main objective of our study was to examine the potential of NIRS on combine harvester (NOCH) for determination of DM, crude protein (CP) and starch (ST) contents in maize grain. Plot combine harvesters equipped with spectrometers were used. Eleven locations were harvested in Europe during 2003 and 2004. The NOCH calibration models were developed with standard error of prediction (SEP) and coefficient of determination for validation (R) of 1.2% and 0.95 for DM, 0.3% and 0.88 for CP, and 1.0% and 0.79 for ST, respectively. NOCH is a promising technology for determination of DM, CP and ST contents of maize grain for breeding purposes, because it automates the assessment of each harvested plot, and the information for making selection decision is rapidly available to plan the next generation.
Evaluation of the role of CT in the assessment of response to selective internal radiation therapy in patients with colorectal liver metastases*
Authors: Boppudi S , Wickremesekera SK , Nowitz M , Stubbs R
Published: November 2006

Selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) is a relatively new method for treating non‐resectable liver tumours. There is reason to believe that conventional assessments of response by CT scan may underestimate the efficacy of this treatment. A study was undertaken in 54 patients to evaluate CT changes after SIRT for advanced colorectal cancer and to compare these with tumour marker (carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)) changes to determine how best to assess whether a response has occurred. Computed tomography scans were carried out before treatment and at 3‐monthly intervals thereafter. Serial CEA measurements were undertaken at 4‐weekly intervals. Index lesions were identified and their size was assessed on serial scans by three independent, blinded investigators. Per cent changes in CEA levels after SIRT were calculated for all patients. Disappearance of all index lesions was noted in five patients (9.3%). A decrease in the size was seen in a further 41 patients (76%), no change was seen in five (9.3%), and an increase in size was noted in three (5.4%). The time taken for the maximum decrease in size to occur ranged from 3 to 21 months (median 12 months). Carcinoembryonic antigen changes were more dramatic, with a reduction of more than 75% within 2 months in 35 of 50 patients (70%) and a rise in only 3 of 50 patients (6%). Early assessment of response by CT scan may be misleading because of the time taken for size reduction to occur. Response to SIRT is more accurately judged in the early stages by tumour marker data.
Dental panoramic tomography: An approach for the general radiologist
Authors: Boeddinghaus R , Whyte A
Published: November 2006

Dental panoramic tomography is commonly presented to radiologists with no dental training for interpretation. An overview of the technique, basic anatomy and nomenclature and common pathology is presented with examples to show the anatomy and nomenclature, the artefacts and common pathology.
Supraclavicular radiotherapy must be limited laterally by the coracoid to avoid significant adjuvant breast nodal radiotherapy lymphoedema risk
Authors: Graham P , Jagavkar R , Browne L , Millar E
Published: November 2006

This cross‐sectional study aimed to investigate the effect of supraclavicular fossa (SCF) radiotherapy volumes as well as patient characteristics and nodal pathology on the development of lymphoedema. Ninety‐one women who had received SCF nodal radiotherapy after axillary dissection were evaluated. Lymphoedema was defined by two measurements: limb volume difference 200 mL, or circumference difference 10 cm proximal or distal to the olecranon >2 cm. On univariate analysis, the addition of axillary to SCF radiotherapy, increasing width of the SCF field, increasing age, presence of extracapsular extension of nodal involvement and use of hormone treatment was associated with lymphoedema by either one or both definitions. For both definitions of lymphoedema, on multivariate analysis, increasing nodal radiotherapy volume remained significant (P = 0.02 to 0.007), as did increased age (P = 0.05 to 0.001). We conclude that conventionally fractionated SCF radiotherapy limited laterally by the coracoid process has a lymphoedema risk similar to that expected from axillary dissection alone and a lower risk than wider SCF fields with or without an axillary boost.
Topographical organization of pathways from somatosensory cortex through the pontine nuclei to tactile regions of the rat cerebellar hemispheres
Authors: Leergaard Trygve B. , Lillehaug Sveinung , De Schutter Erik , Bower James M. , Bjaalie Jan G.
Published: November 2006

The granule cell layer of the cerebellar hemispheres contains a patchy and noncontinuous map of the body surface, consisting of a complex mosaic of multiple perioral tactile representations. Previous physiological studies have shown that cerebrocerebellar mossy fibre projections, conveyed through the pontine nuclei, are mapped in registration with peripheral tactile projections to the cerebellum. In contrast to the fractured cerebellar map, the primary somatosensory cortex (SI) is somatotopically organized. To understand better the map transformation occurring in cerebrocerebellar pathways, we injected axonal tracers in electrophysiologically defined locations in Sprague–Dawley rat folium crus IIa, and mapped the distribution of retrogradely labelled neurons within the pontine nuclei using three‐dimensional (3‐D) reconstructions. Tracer injections within the large central upper lip patch in crus IIa‐labelled neurons located centrally in the pontine nuclei, primarily contralateral to the injected side. Larger injections (covering multiple crus IIa perioral representations) resulted in labelling extending only slightly beyond this region, with a higher density and more ipsilaterally labelled neurons. Combined axonal tracer injections in upper lip representations in SI and crus IIa, revealed a close spatial correspondence between the cerebropontine terminal fields and the crus IIa projecting neurons. Finally, comparisons with previously published three‐dimensional distributions of pontine neurons labelled following tracer injections in face receiving regions in the paramedian lobule (downloaded from http://www.rbwb.org) revealed similar correspondence. The present data support the coherent topographical organization of cerebro‐ponto‐cerebellar networks previously suggested from physiological studies. We discuss the present findings in the context of transformations from cerebral somatotopic to cerebellar fractured tactile representations.
Enaminones and norepinephrine employ convergent mechanisms to depress excitatory synaptic transmission in the rat nucleus accumbens in vitro
Authors: Kombian Samuel B. , Ananthalakshmi Kethireddy V. V. , Edafiogho Ivan O.
Published: November 2006

We recently reported that anticonvulsant anilino enaminones depress excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) indirectly via γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) acting on GABAB receptors [S.B. Kombian et al. (2005)Br. J. Pharmacol., 145, 945–953]. Norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA), both known to be involved in seizure disorders, also depress EPSCs in this nucleus. The current study explored a possible interaction between enaminones and adrenergic and/or dopaminergic mechanisms that may contribute to their synaptic depression and anticonvulsant effect. Using whole‐cell recording in rat forebrain slices containing the NAc, we show that NE‐induced, but not DA‐induced, EPSC depression occludes E139‐induced EPSC depressant effect. UK14,304, a selective α2 receptor agonist, mimicked the synaptic effect of NE and also occluded E139 effects. Phentolamine, a non‐selective α‐adrenergic antagonist that blocked NE‐induced EPSC depression, also blocked the E139‐induced EPSC depression. Furthermore, yohimbine, an α2‐adrenoceptor antagonist, also blocked the E139‐induced EPSC depression, while prazosin, a selective α1‐adrenergic antagonist, and propranolol, a non‐selective β‐adrenoceptor antagonist, did not block the E139 effect. Similar to the E139‐induced EPSC depression, the NE‐induced EPSC depression was also blocked by the GABAB receptor antagonist, CGP55845. By contrast, however, neither SCH23390 nor sulpiride, D1‐like and D2‐like DA receptor antagonists, respectively, blocked the E139‐induced synaptic depression. These results suggest that NE and E139, but not DA, employ a similar mechanism to depress EPSCs in the NAc, and support the hypothesis that E139, like NE, may act on α2‐adrenoceptors to cause the release of GABA, which then mediates synaptic depression via GABAB receptors.
The serotonergic inhibition of slowly bursting cells in the intergeniculate leaflet of the rat
Authors: Blasiak T. , Siejka S. , Raison S. , Pevet P. , Lewandowski M. H.
Published: November 2006

Electrophysiological studies combined with local neurotoxic lesions were conducted on anaesthetized rats in order to determine whether the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) inhibits the intergeniculate leaflet (IGL) of the lateral geniculate nucleus by means of innervation by serotonin‐containing fibres. In the control animals, electrical stimulation of the DRN induced the long‐latency and long‐lasting inhibition of the neuronal firing of the IGL cells that are characterized by rhythmic, slow‐bursting activity in light conditions. The electrical destruction of the DRN resulted in an increase in the firing rate of the recorded IGL cells, whilst at the same time not affecting the rhythmic, bursting pattern of the activity. In the second group of animals, local neurotoxic lesion of serotonergic fibres was performed by injection of the toxin 5,7‐dihydroxytryptamine into the IGL. After 10 days of postoperative recovery, electrophysiological experiments were performed on the toxin‐treated rats. In these animals, electrical stimulation as well as electrical lesion of the DRN did not induce any change in the firing of the slowly bursting cells in the 5,7‐dihydroxytryptamine‐injected IGL. The results obtained provide evidence that inhibition of the IGL slowly bursting cells, by innervation from the dorsal raphe, is mediated by the release of serotonin. Furthermore, the observed serotonergic inhibition of the light‐dependent activity of slowly bursting cells can contribute to the neuronal mechanism gating the information that flows through this nucleus to the vestibular, visuomotor, circadian and sleep/arousal systems, with which the IGL is strongly interconnected.
Single forebrain neurons represent interval timing and reward amount during response scheduling
Authors: Kalenscher Tobias , Ohmann Tobias , Windmann Sabine , Freund Nadja , Güntürkün Onur
Published: November 2006

Climbing activity, the gradual increase of neural discharge rate across a delay, has been suggested to play a crucial role in interval timing. However, most previous studies demonstrated climbing activity only in conjunction with tasks that involved a passive tracking of the passage of time, but that did not necessitate to actively time an event, e.g. a motor response. To demonstrate the significance of climbing activity for action timing, we trained pigeons in a self‐control task requiring either immediate responding to a key after the onset of a light cue (‘rapid‐response’ trials), or waiting for a fixed interval after cue presentation before responding to the key (‘wait’ trials). The cue also indicated whether a correctly timed response would be rewarded with a large or a small reward. Single‐cell recordings in the Nidopallium caudolaterale, the avian prefrontal cortex, revealed that some neurons showed climbing activity between cue onset and response. Their increase in firing rate was flatter and reached the peak later in wait compared with rapid‐response trials. An error analysis confirmed that, relative to correct responses, premature responses were accompanied by steeper, and tardy responses by flatter ramps. In addition, the climbing discharge pattern was modulated by the amount of the anticipated reward, suggesting that timing is an intrinsic property of neurons encoding other task‐related information. These results demonstrate the behavioural and motivational significance of climbing activity in prospective information encoding. Our study supports a recent paradigm shift in our understanding of the vertebrate brain evolution, and it provides further evidence for the similarity between the mammalian cortex and the avian pallium.
A Diabetes Outcome Progression Trial (ADOPT): baseline characteristics of Type 2 diabetic patients in North America and Europe
Authors: Viberti G. , Lachin J. , Holman R. , Zinman B. , Haffner S. , Kravitz B. , Heise M. A. , Jones N. P. , O’Neill M. C. , Freed M. I. , Kahn S. E. , Herman W. H. ,   for the ADOPT Study Group
Published: November 2006

Aims  To examine baseline characteristics of patients recruited into ADOPT, a multinational trial comparing three oral glucose‐lowering monotherapies.

Methods  Between April 2000 and June 2002, 4360 patients aged 30–75 years with Type 2 diabetes diagnosed for < 3 years and remaining on diet therapy alone with fasting plasma glucose levels (FPG) between 7.0 and 10.0 mmol/l were enrolled by 488 North American and European centres. Medical histories, anthropometric data and laboratory measurements were determined using common methodologies.

Results  The mean (sd) age of the patients was 57 (10) years, body mass index 32.2 (6.4) kg/m2, HbA1c 7.4 (0.9)%; 58% were male, 88% Caucasian and 15% smoked. North American Caucasians (NAC) were younger, more obese, and more insulin resistant than European Caucasians (EUC), but had better pancreatic B‐cell function. NAC had lower total, low‐density lipoprotein‐ and high‐density liporpotein‐cholesterol concentrations with higher triglyceride concentrations and were more often on lipid‐lowering treatment. They had lower blood pressure levels but were equally likely to be on antihypertensive treatment. Metabolic syndrome was more frequent and microalbuminuria less frequent in NAC. Within North America, NAC had lower HbA1c concentrations than Blacks, Hispanics and Asians despite similar or higher FPG and 30‐min postchallenge glucose concentrations.

Conclusions  Caucasian North American and European ADOPT patients differ with respect to adiposity, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome prevalence. North American Blacks, Hispanics and Asians had lower HbA1c concentrations than NAC despite similar or higher glucose concentrations. These phenotypic differences may influence the progression of Type 2 diabetes and the response to initial oral glucose‐lowering monotherapy.
Robust Transportation Network Design Under Demand Uncertainty
Authors: Ukkusuri Satish V. , Mathew Tom V. , Waller S. Travis
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  This article addresses the problem of a traffic network design problem (NDP) under demand uncertainty. The origin–destination trip matrices are taken as random variables with known probability distributions. Instead of finding optimal network design solutions for a given future scenario, we are concerned with solutions that are in some sense “good” for a variety of demand realizations. We introduce a definition of robustness accounting for the planner's required degree of robustness. We propose a formulation of the robust network design problem (RNDP) and develop a methodology based on genetic algorithm (GA) to solve the RNDP. The proposed model generates globally near‐optimal network design solutions, f, based on the planner's input for robustness. The study makes two important contributions to the network design literature. First, robust network design solutions are significantly different from the deterministic NDPs and not accounting for them could potentially underestimate the network‐wide impacts. Second, systematic evaluation of the performance of the model and solution algorithm is conducted on different test networks and budget levels to explore the efficacy of this approach. The results highlight the importance of accounting for robustness in transportation planning and the proposed approach is capable of producing high‐quality solutions.
Measuring and Analyzing Class Inequality with the Gini Index Informed by Model-Based Clustering
Authors: Liao Tim Futing
Published: November 2006

The most widely used measure for studying social, economic, and health inequality is the Gini index/ratio. Whereas other measures of inequality possess certain useful characteristics, such as the straightforward decomposability of the generalized entropy measures, the Gini index has remained the most popular, at least in part due to its ease of interpretation. However, the Gini index has a limitation in measuring inequality. It is less sensitive to how the population is stratified than how individual values differ. The twin purposes of this paper are to explain the limitation and to propose a model-based method—latent class/clustering analysis for understanding and measuring inequality. The latent cluster approach has the major advantage of being able to identify potential “classes” of individuals who share similar levels of income or one or more other attributes and to assess the fit of the model-based classes to the empirical data, based on different cluster distributional assumptions and the number of latent classes. This paper distinguishes class inequality from individual inequality, the type that is better captured by the Gini. Once the classes are estimated, the membership of estimated classes obtained from the best fitting model facilitates the decomposition of the Gini index into individual and class inequality. Class inequality is then measured by two relative stratification indices based on either the relative size of the Gini between-class components or the relative number of stratified individuals. Therefore, the Gini index is extended and assisted by model-based clustering to measure class inequality, thereby realizing its great potential for studying inequality. Income data from France and Hungary are used to illustrate the application of the method.
Effect Displays for Multinomial and Proportional-Odds Logit Models
Authors: Fox John , Andersen Robert
Published: November 2006

An “effect display” is a graphical or tabular summary of a statistical model based on high-order terms in the model. Effect displays have previously been defined by Fox (1987, 2003) for generalized linear models (including linear models). Such displays are especially compelling for complicated models—for example, those including interactions or polynomial terms. This paper extends effect displays to models commonly used for polytomous categorical response variables: the multinomial logit model and the proportional-odds logit model. Determining point estimates of effects for these models is a straightforward extension of results for the generalized linear model. Estimating sampling variation for effects on the probability scale in the multinomial and proportional-odds logit models is more challenging, however, and we use the delta method to derive approximate standard errors. Finally, we provide software for effect displays in the R statistical computing environment.
Reproductive limits of a late‐flowering high‐mountain Mediterranean plant along an elevational climate gradient
Authors: Giménez‐Benavides L. , Escudero A. , Iriondo J. M.
Published: November 2006

Mountain plants are particularly sensitive to climate warming because snowmelt timing exerts a direct control on their reproduction. Current warming is leading to earlier snowmelt dates and longer snow‐free periods. Our hypothesis is that high‐mountain Mediterranean plants are not able to take advantage of a lengthened snow‐free period because this leads to longer drought that truncates the growing season. However, reproductive timing may somewhat mitigate these negative effects through temporal shifts.

We assessed the effects of flowering phenology on the reproductive success of Silene ciliata, a Mediterranean high‐mountain plant, across an altitudinal gradient during two climatically contrasting years.

The species showed a late‐flowering pattern hampering the use of snowmelt water. Plant fitness was largely explained by the elapsed time from snowmelt to onset of flowering, suggesting a selective pressure towards early flowering caused by soil moisture depletion. The proportion of flowering plants decreased at the lowest population, especially in the drier year. Plants produced more flowers, fruits and seeds at the highest population and in the mild year.

Our results indicate that water deficit in dry years could threaten the lowland populations of this mountainous species, while high‐altitude environments are more stable over time.
Chronic hypoxia stress‐induced differential modulation of heat‐shock protein 70 and presynaptic proteins
Authors: Fei Guanghe , Guo Conghui , Sun Hong‐Shuo , Feng Zhong‐Ping
Published: November 2006

Chronic hypoxia exposure can cause neurobehavioral dysfunction, but the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we found that adult Lymnaea stagnalis snails maintained in low O2 (∼ 5%) for 4 days developed slowed reactions to light stimuli, and reduced righting movement. Semiquantitative immunoblotting analyses showed that hypoxia exposure induced increased expression of heat‐shock protein (HSP)70 in ganglion preparations, and suppressed expression of the presynaptic proteins syntaxin I, synaptic vesicle protein 2 (SV2) and synaptotagmin I. Detailed time course analyses showed that an early moderate increase developed within 6 h, preceding a substantial up‐regulation of HSP70 after 4 days; an early reduction of syntaxin I in the first 24 h; a delayed reduction of synaptotagmin I after 4 days; and a biphasic change in SV2. Using a double‐stranded RNA interference approach, we demonstrated that preventing the hypoxia inducible HSP70 enhanced down‐regulation of syntaxin and synaptotagmin, and aggravated motor and sensory suppression. Co‐immunoprecipitation analysis revealed an interaction between HSP70 and syntaxin. We have thus provided the first evidence that early induction of HSP70 by chronic hypoxia is critical for maintaining expression levels of presynaptic proteins. These findings implicate a new molecular mechanism underlying chronic hypoxia‐induced neurobehavioral adaptation and impairment.
Isolation of polymorphic microsatellite loci from the flea beetle Phyllotreta nemorum L. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: VERBAARSCHOT P. , CALVO D. , ESSELINK G. D. , MOLINA J. Ma. , VRIELING K. , DE JONG P. W.
Published: November 2006

Ten microsatellite markers for the flea beetle Phyllotreta nemorum were developed using di‐ and trinucleotide repeat‐enriched libraries. Each of these primer pairs were characterized on 96 individuals. Expected heterozygosities ranged between 0.11 and 0.84 and the number of alleles ranged between two and 14 per locus. These microsatellite markers are the first published for any Phyllotreta species.
Evaluation of weed eradication programs: containment and extirpation
Authors: Panetta F. Dane
Published: November 2006

Weed eradication programs often require 10 years or more to achieve their objective. It is important that progress is evaluated on a regular basis so that programs that are ‘on track’ can be distinguished from those that are unlikely to succeed. Earlier research has addressed conformity of eradication programs to the delimitation criterion. In this paper evaluation in relation to the containment and extirpation criteria is considered. Because strong evidence of containment failure (i.e. spread from infestations targeted for eradication) is difficult to obtain, it generally will not be practicable to evaluate how effective eradication programs are at containing the target species. However, chronic failure of containment will be reflected in sustained increases in cumulative infested area and thus a failure to delimit a weed invasion. Evaluating the degree of conformity to the delimitation and extirpation criteria is therefore sufficient to give an appraisal of progress towards the eradication objective. A significant step towards eradication occurs when a weed is no longer readily detectable at an infested site, signalling entry to the monitoring phase. This transition will occur more quickly if reproduction is prevented consistently. Where an invasion consists of multiple infestations, the monitoring profile (frequency distribution of time since detection) provides a summary of the overall effectiveness of the eradication program in meeting the extirpation criterion. Eradication is generally claimed when the target species has not been detected for a period equal to or greater than its seed longevity, although there is often considerable uncertainty in estimates of the latter. Recently developed methods, which take into consideration the cost of continued monitoring vs. the potential cost of damage should a weed escape owing to premature cessation of an eradication program, can assist managers to decide when to terminate weed eradication programs.
Conservation biogeography in North‐east India: hierarchical analysis of cross‐taxon distributional congruence
Authors: Pawar Samraat S. , Birand Ayşegül C. , Ahmed M. Firoz , Sengupta Saibal , Raman T. R. Shankar
Published: November 2006

Distributional similarity (congruence) between phylogenetically independent taxonomic groups has important biogeographical as well as conservation implications. When multiple groups show congruence, one or two of them can be used as surrogates of diversity in others; thus, simplifying some of the challenges of area prioritization for conservation action. Here we test for congruence in complementarity between amphibians, reptiles and birds across seven tropical rainforest sites in the Eastern Himalaya and Indo‐Burma global biodiversity hotspots. The results show that while frogs and lizards are strongly congruent with each other, birds as a whole do not show congruence with either of them. However, certain bird subgroups delineated on the basis of broad ecological niche and life history attributes are significantly congruent with both frogs and lizards. Multiple Mantel regression between environmental variable and species distribution dissimilarity matrices indicate that along with differential response to between‐site ecological differences, inherent life‐history characteristics shared by certain groups contributes to observed patterns of congruence. Our analyses indicate that examining biologically distinct subsets of larger groups can improve the resolution of congruence analyses. This approach can refine area‐prioritization initiatives by revealing fine‐scale discordances between otherwise concordant groups, and vice versa. Given that monetary resources do not always allow inclusion of multiple groups in biodiversity inventorying efforts, performing such analyses also makes economic sense because it can provide better resolution even with single‐group data. In the context of conservation in North‐east India, the results highlight the biogeographical complexity of the region, and also point at future priorities for biodiversity inventorying and conservation prioritization, both in terms of areas as well as taxonomic groups.
A Randomized Double‐Blind Placebo‐Controlled Trial of Thioctic Acid in Migraine Prophylaxis
Authors: Magis Delphine , Ambrosini Anna , Sándor Peter , Jacquy Jean , Laloux Patrice , Schoenen Jean
Published: November 2006

Background.—Impaired mitochondrial phosphorylation potential may play a role in migraine pathogenesis. Metabolic enhancers, such as riboflavin or coenzyme Q, are effective in migraine prophylaxis and quasi‐devoid of adverse effects. Thioctic acid (‐lipoïc acid) is another substance known to enhance energy metabolism in mitochondria and to be beneficial in diabetic neuropathy.

Objective.—After an open pilot study suggesting its therapeutic antimigraine potentials, we embarked therefore in a randomized controlled trial of thioctic acid (Thioctacid) in migraine prophylaxis steered by the Belgian Headache Society.

Methods.—Five Belgian centers recruited 54 migraineurs (43 migraine without aura, 11 with aura; mean age 38 ± 8 years; 7 males). After a 1‐month single‐blinded run‐in period, 44 patients received either placebo (n = 18) or thioctic acid 600 mg p.o./day (n = 26) for 3 months.

Results.—Statistical analysis was carried out on an intention‐to‐treat basis. Monthly attack frequency tended to be reduced between run‐in and the 3rd month of treatment in the thioctic acid group compared to placebo (P= .06). The proportion of 50% responders was not significantly different between thioctic acid (30.8%) and placebo (27.8%). Within‐group analyses showed a significant reduction of attack frequency (P= .005), headache days (P= .009), and headache severity (P= .03) in patients treated with thioctic acid for 3 months, while these outcome measures remained unchanged in the placebo group. No adverse effects were reported. For logistical reasons this trial was interrupted before the planned 80 patients were enrolled.

Conclusion.—Albeit underpowered, this study tends to indicate that thioctic acid may be beneficial in migraine prophylaxis. Before any firm conclusion can be drawn, however, a large multicenter trial is necessary.
Similarities and Differences Between Chronic Migraine and Episodic Migraine
Authors: Ferrari Anna , Leone Sheila , Vergoni Anna Valeria , Bertolini Alfio , Sances Grazia , Coccia Ciro Pio Rosario , Ottani Alessandra , Pinetti Diego , Sternieri Emilio
Published: November 2006

Objective.—To quantify and characterize the similarities and the differences between chronic migraine (CM) patients with medication overuse and episodic migraine (EM) patients with only occasional analgesic use.

Background.—Population‐level epidemiology, characteristics, mechanisms of chronic daily headache, and medication‐overuse headache have been widely studied but patient characteristics have received less attention.

Methods.—We compared sociodemographic data, family history, physiological and medical history, health services utilized, drugs taken/prescribed, and outcome of 2 groups of subjects: 150 patients, suffering from CM, complicated by probable medication‐overuse headache (CM group), consecutively admitted during 2005 to the inpatients' ward of the Headache Centre of the University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy, to undergo withdrawal from their overused medications; 100 patients suffering from EM, uncomplicated by medication overuse (EM group), consecutively referred to the outpatients' ward of the Headache Centre during November and December 2005.

Results.—All sociodemographic characteristics were significantly different between the 2 groups. As a whole, the CM group began to suffer from migraine earlier than the EM group. Drug and/or alcohol abuse was significantly higher among first‐degree relatives of CM (19%) than of EM (6%) patients. The most frequent comorbid disorders were psychiatric (67%) and gastrointestinal diseases (43%) in the CM group, and allergies in the EM group (31%). Seventy percent of CM patients and 42% of EM patients were taking daily at least another drug, besides those for headache treatment. Most overused medications in the CM group were triptans (43%); the EM group used above all single NSAIDs (56%). At 3‐month follow‐up, prophylactic treatments reduced, by at least 50%, the frequency of headache in about three‐fourths of patients of both the groups; however, headache remained significantly more frequent in the CM than in EM group: only a minority (15%) of CM patients reverted to a headache frequency comparable to that of the EM group.

Conclusions.—CM patients present more multiple comorbid disorders, polypharmacy, and social impediments than EM patients. These associated conditions complicate CM clinical management. Even after withdrawal from medication overuse, CM could not be completely reverted by current prophylactic treatments.
MMP‐9 Immunoreactivity in Acute Migraine
Authors: Leira Rogelio , Sobrino Tomás , Rodríguez‐Yáñez Manuel , Blanco Miguel , Arias Susana , Castillo José
Published: November 2006

Objective.—To examine the role of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP‐9) in migraine during headache and asymptomatic periods.

Methods.—Thirty‐four patients with migraine with and without aura (according to International Headache Society criteria) were studied. Clinical characteristic of headache were recorded. Blood samples for measurement of MMP‐9 were drawn during headache attacks and during asymptomatic periods in all patients and in 10 healthy controls.

Results.—We found higher plasma MMP‐9 levels in migraine patients than in control group (129.3 [78.0–258.9] vs. 49.6 [39.1‐64.3] ng/mL; P < .001). Migrainous patients showed higher MMP‐9 plasma levels during headache attacks than in asymptomatic periods, both in migraine without aura (338.4 [275.1–396.2] vs. 118.2 [75.3–137.5] ng/mL; P < .0001), and migraine with aura (389.3 [273.4–487.1] vs. 139.3 [107.3–191.4] ng/mL; P < .0001).

Conclusions.—Our study showed an increased production of MMP‐9 during migraine attacks. These data suggest a possible role of inflammation or blood–brain barrier disruption during the migraine attack.
The effect of antibodies to TGF‐β1 and TGF‐β2 at a site of sciatic nerve repair
Authors: Atkins Simon , Smith Keith G. , Loescher Alison R. , Boissonade Fiona M. , Ferguson Mark W. J. , Robinson Peter P.
Published: November 2006

Abstract  Scar formation at a site of nerve injury can cause a mechanical barrier to axonal regeneration and lead to the development of multiple axonal sprouts to form a neuroma. We have investigated the hypothesis that the application of a scar‐preventing agent to a nerve repair site would enhance regeneration of the nerve and reduce neuroma formation. The left sciatic nerve was exposed under general anaesthesia in 18 adult Sprague‐Dawley rats. In 12 animals, the nerve was sectioned and immediately re‐approximated using four epineurial sutures, and in 6 of these animals neutralising antibodies to transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 and TGF‐β2 were injected into and around the repair site. The six other animals acted as controls. After 7 weeks, the outcome was assessed by recording compound action potential (CAP) ratios, measuring collagen levels using picrosirius red staining, and counting the number of myelinated axons proximal and distal to the repair. After repair alone, the mean percentage of area of staining (PAS) for collagen within the nerve had significantly increased. However, after repair with the administration of antibodies, the PAS was not significantly different from that in the sham controls. After administration of antibodies, the CAP ratios were significantly smaller than in controls but not after repair alone. In both nerve injury groups, the myelinated fibre counts were significantly increased distal to the injury site, but there was no difference between these two groups. We conclude that administration of antibodies to TGF‐β1 and TGF‐β2 reduced scar formation at the repair site but did not enhance regeneration of the nerve or reduce the development of multiple axonal sprouts.
Acute heroin‐related neuropathy
Authors: Dabby Ron , Djaldetti Ruth , Gilad Ronit , Herman Oscar , Frand Jacob , Sadeh Menahem , Watemberg Nathan
Published: November 2006

Abstract  Heroin‐related peripheral nervous injury has scarcely been reported, mostly as compressive neuropathy. Rarely, other types of peripheral nervous system (PNS) injury have been recognized, such as plexopathy, polyradiculopathy, mononeuropathy, and rhabdomyolysis. These complications are usually not related to local trauma, but the nature of nerve injury remains unknown. Immunologic mechanisms have been proposed, although generally there is no laboratory evidence of inflammation and usually there is no improvement following steroid therapy. We describe six patients who developed acute PNS injury following intravenous or intranasal heroin self‐administration with no evidence of compression injury or inflammation. Four patients had plexopathy (two lumbosacral and two brachial), and two had symmetric distal axonal sensorimotor neuropathy affecting the lower extremities. Of the six patients, five had concomitant rhabdomyolysis (creatine kinase, CK: 5,000–100,000 U/l) and one patient with brachial plexopathy had normal CK levels. The neurological deficit was noticed 3–36 h after heroin administration. Electromyography in five patients was consistent with sensorimotor axonal loss either confined to the affected plexus or with a diffuse distribution in the legs in the two patients with neuropathy. We propose that a toxic mechanism may be responsible for non‐compression cases of acute neuropathy following heroin abuse.
Nerve root degeneration and regeneration by intrathecal phenol in rats: a morphologic approach
Authors: Romero‐Figueroa Socorro , Aldrete J. Antonio , Martínez‐Cruz Angelina , Orozco Sandra , Castillo Sebastian , Castillo‐Henkel Carlos , Guízar‐Sahagún Gabriel
Published: November 2006

Abstract  Intrathecal injection of phenol (ITP) has been used to control intractable pain and spasticity. Direct caustic nerve damage has been postulated as the mechanism of analgesia. Sensation is commonly recovered, suggesting that a spontaneous regeneration process takes place. There is, however, a lack of mechanistic information on ITP therapy. To define morphologically the neurolysis and regeneration phenomena produced by ITP, anesthetized rats were subjected to laminectomy at L5; 5 μl of 22% phenol in saline solution or vehicle (control) was injected. Light and electron microscopy studies of nerve roots were performed at 2, 14, and 60 days after injection. Rats given ITP showed at the early stage a variable amount of roots with signs of infarction characterized by loss of axon‐myelin units and thrombosis of intra‐root vessels. At 14 days, abundance of macrophages removing debris, open vessels, and nerve sprouts was identified in damaged roots. At this time, non‐myelinating glial fibrillary acidic protein‐positive Schwann cells were observed in both damaged and apparently undamaged roots. At 60 days, abundance of 2′,3′‐cyclic nucleotide 3′‐phosphodiesterase‐positive Schwann cells myelinating newly formed axons was observed in damaged roots. Control rats did not show signs of neural or vascular pathology. Attempting to prevent thrombosis, another group of rats received heparin before ITP; these anti‐coagulated rats developed radicular thrombosis, neurolysis, and hemorrhage. In conclusion, neurolysis produced by ITP is associated with acute ischemia (not prevented by heparin) and is followed by vascular, nerve, and myelin regeneration. Our results help understand the lack of efficacy of and some complications by ITP clinical therapy.
Carcinogenic Risk Assessment with Time‐Dependent Exposure Patterns
Authors: Murdoch Duncan J. , Krewski Daniel
Published: November 2006

Previous applications of carcinogenic risk assessment using mathematical models of carcinogenesis have focused largely on the case where the level of exposure remains constant over time. In many situations, however, the dose of the carcinogen varies with time. In this paper, we discuss both the classical Armitage–Doll multistage model and the Moolgavkar–Venzon–Knudson two–stage birth–death–mutation model with time‐dependent dosing regimens. Bounds on the degree of underestimation of risk that can occur through the use of a simple time‐weighted average dose are derived by means of comparison with an equivalent constant dose corresponding to the actual risk under the time‐dependent dosing regimen.
Repetition and Focus on Form in Processing L2 Spanish Words: Implications for Pronunciation Instruction
Authors: TROFIMOVICH PAVEL , GATBONTON ELIZABETH
Published: November 2006

Situated in the context of learning second language (L2) pronunciation, this article discusses from information‐processing and pedagogical perspectives the role of repetitive practice with L2 input and of explicit focus on its form‐related (phonological) properties. First, we report the results of an auditory word‐priming experiment with 60 L2 learners of Spanish varying in degree of L2 pronunciation accuracy; these results suggest that both repetition and focus on form have measurable benefits for processing L2 speech. Next, we discuss these findings in terms of information processing and its relationship to L2 pronunciation teaching. Finally, we describe a communicative framework for teaching L2 pronunciation that is compatible with the outlined information‐processing principles, that is, a framework that includes meaningful repetition and form‐focused activities within a communicative context.
Personalizing Foods for Health and Delight
Authors: German J.B. , Watzke H.J.
Published: November 2006

Consumer goods have become increasingly individualized over the past 50 y, and the scientific knowledge of genetics, diet, and metabolism will bring similar personal values to foods and health.