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Selected AbstractsAssessing the Risk of Introducing Exotic Species via the Live Marine Species TradeCONSERVATION BIOLOGY, Issue 1 2005SHANNON M. WEIGLE especies estuarinas; introducción de especies; mecanismos de transferencia de especies invasoras; prevención de especies invasoras; riesgo de invasiones Abstract:,Although the shipping industry has received considerable attention as a dispersal mechanism for aquatic nuisance species, many invasions have been linked to other mechanisms of transfer. The threat posed to coastal ecosystems by these alternative mechanisms, however, remains largely unquantified. We assessed the potential risks of introducing marine and estuarine species associated with seven mechanisms of transfer: seafood companies, aquaculture operations, bait shops, stores that sell marine ornamental species, research and educational organizations, public aquariums, and coastal restoration projects. For each, we compiled a comprehensive database of organizations in coastal Massachusetts. We then designed and administered a survey to a subset of organizations that inquired about (1) their proximity to saltwater and methods of handling live imports; (2) the type and quantity of marine species being imported; and (3) the organization's familiarity with marine invasions. Respondents in five of the seven categories acknowledged importing nonlocal live marine species to the area. Seafood companies handled the majority of individuals but relatively few taxa. This mechanism of transfer also had the most complex trade patterns and the greatest number of operations located near saltwater. In contrast, the other transfer mechanisms each had simpler trade pathways and fewer operations but varied in the quantity and taxonomic diversity of their imports. Significantly, no single mechanism of transfer stood out as presenting a primary risk. Rather, each had characteristics or used handling practices at different points in the importation process that could facilitate introductions. To prevent future marine invasions, better reporting requirements for live species imports are needed, and best-management practices and outreach strategies specific to the transfer mechanism should be developed and implemented. Resumen:,Aunque la industria de transportación marítima ha recibido considerable atención como un mecanismo de dispersión de especies acuáticas molestas, muchas invasiones han sido relacionadas con otros mecanismos de transferencia. Sin embargo, la amenaza de estos mecanismos alternativos a los ecosistemas costeros permanece en gran parte sin cuantificar. Evaluamos los potenciales riesgos para especies marinas y estuarinas asociados con siete mecanismos de transferencia: compañías de mariscos, operaciones acuaculturales, tiendas de especies marinas ornamentales, organizaciones de investigación y educativas, acuarios públicos y proyectos de restauración costera. Para cada uno, compilamos una amplia base de datos de organizaciones en la costa de Massachussetts. Luego diseñamos y aplicamos una encuesta a un subconjunto de organizaciones para obtener información sobre (1) su proximidad al agua marina y sus métodos para el manejo de importaciones vivas, (2) el tipo y cantidad de especies marinas importadas y (3) la familiaridad de la organización con invasiones marinas. Evaluamos los potenciales riesgos de introducciones de especies marinas y estuarinas. Los encuestados en cinco de siete categorías reconocieron importar especies marinas vivas no locales al área. Las compañías de mariscos manejaron a la mayoría de los individuos pero relativamente pocos taxa. Este mecanismo de transferencia también tuvo los patrones comerciales más complejos y el mayor número de operaciones localizadas cerca de agua marina. En contraste, cada uno de los demás mecanismos de transferencia tuvo canales de comercialización más simples y menos operaciones, pero variaron en la cantidad y diversidad taxonómica de sus importaciones. Significativamente, ningún mecanismo individual resaltó como un riesgo primario. Más bien, cada uno tenía características o utilizaba prácticas de manejo en diferentes etapas del proceso de importación que podían facilitar las introducciones. Para prevenir futuras invasiones marinas, se necesitan mejores requerimientos para reportar la importación de especies vivas, y se deben desarrollar e implementar prácticas de manejo óptimo y estrategias de extensión específicas para el mecanismo de transferencia. [source] Authors in Dermatologic SurgeryDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 12 2000Nathalie Q. Nguyen BS Authors of scientific papers have been evaluated in the past by how frequently the medical literature cites them. In this analysis, we specifically identify those individuals who have contributed to the field of cutaneous surgery through publications in Dermatologic Surgery. We further analyze those publications frequently cited in Dermatologic Surgery, allowing us to determine topics of utmost value and interest. Using a citation database provided by the Institute for Scientific Information, we first identify all publications and citations from 1981 to 1999 for Dermatologic Surgery and the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery and Oncology (the previous name for this journal). Of the original articles published during this time frame, 3099 authors published 2167 papers. We quantify the publications from each author, and identify 57 authors with at least 10 original articles. When expanding the database parameters to include original articles, reviews, notes, and proceedings (as defined by the Science Citation Index), we find that the eight authors with the greatest number of publications are the same individuals with the greatest number of original articles. This reflects significant contributions to the field of cutaneous surgery by these authors. This analysis further identifies source papers for authors in Dermatologic Surgery. Publications frequently cited include those papers discussing laser surgery, with Dermatologic Surgery serving as the most frequently cited journal. [source] Quantitative evaluation of sample application methods for semipreparative separations of basic proteins by two-dimensional gel electrophoresisELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 19-20 2003Richard C. Barry Abstract The use of cup-loading for sample application has become widely used in two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) for resolution of basic proteins, but no side-by-side quantitative study has been published which compares cup-loading with the alternative passive and active rehydration methods to fully promote one type of loading method over another. Replicate 2-D gels from each loading method were quantitatively evaluated for gel-to-gel reproducibility using IPG 6,11 strips and semipreparative protein loads (300 ,g). Gels were stained with SYPRO Ruby and analyzed with PDQuest. An inexpensive home-made assembly for cup-loading was used with the Protean IEF Cell for separation of whole cell extracts from the archaeon, Sulfolobus solfataricus. Cup-loading was determined to be far superior for IPG 6,11 separations than active or passive rehydration methods. Cup-loading consistently produced the greatest number of detectable spots, the best spot matching efficiency (56%), lowest spot quantity variations (28% coefficient of variation, CV), and the best-looking gels qualitatively. The least satisfactory results were obtained with active rehydration, followed closely by passive rehydration in off-line tubes. Passive rehydration experiments, performed using an on-line isoelectric focusing (IEF) tray, produced comparable spot numbers to cup-loading (84%), with 55% of the spots having higher intensity but 10% more spot quantity variance than cup-loading. [source] Captures of the olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae on spheres of different coloursENTOMOLOGIA EXPERIMENTALIS ET APPLICATA, Issue 2 2001Byron I. Katsoyannos Abstract Alighting and capture of wild olive fruit flies, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) (Diptera, Tephritidae), on spheres of seven different colours was studied on Chios island, Greece. The 70-mm-diam plastic spheres, coated with adhesive, were suspended on olive trees. Yellow and orange spheres trapped the greatest number of males while red and black spheres trapped the greatest number of females. White and blue spheres were the least effective for both sexes. Peak captures occurred in the late afternoon and especially around sunset. Since mating takes place in the last hours of the photophase, the increased captures during that period may be related to the sexual behaviour of the fly. When red spheres were assessed against glass McPhail traps baited with 2% ammonium sulphate, which consist a standard tool for monitoring the olive fruit fly in Greece, there were no significant differences in male captures. However, spheres trapped almost three times as many females as McPhail traps. The possible mechanisms underlying colour discrimination, the motivation of alighting flies and the possible use of red spheres for monitoring and controlling B. oleae are discussed. [source] Gradients of coastal fish farm effluents and their effect on coral reef microbesENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 9 2008Melissa Garren Summary Coastal milkfish (Chanos chanos) farming may be a source of organic matter enrichment for coral reefs in Bolinao, Republic of the Philippines. Interactions among microbial communities associated with the water column, corals and milkfish feces can provide insight into the ecosystem's response to enrichment. Samples were collected at sites along a transect that extended from suspended milkfish pens into the coral reef. Water was characterized by steep gradients in the concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (70,160 ,M), total dissolved nitrogen (7,40 ,M), chlorophyll a (0.25,10 ,g l,1), particulate matter (106,832 ,g l,1), bacteria (5 × 105,1 × 106 cells ml,1) and viruses (1,7 × 107 ml,1) that correlated with distance from the fish cages. Particle-attached bacteria, which were observed by scanning laser confocal microscopy, increased across the gradient from < 0.1% to 5.6% of total bacteria at the fish pens. Analyses of 16S rRNA genes by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and environmental clone libraries revealed distinct microbial communities for each sample type. Coral libraries had the greatest number of phyla represented (range: 6,8) while fish feces contained the lowest number (3). Coral libraries also had the greatest number of ,novel' sequences (defined as < 93% similar to any sequence in the NCBI nt database; 29% compared with 3% and 5% in the feces and seawater libraries respectively). Despite the differences in microbial community composition, some 16S rRNA sequences co-occurred across sample types including Acinetobacter sp. and Ralstonia sp. Such patterns raise the question of whether bacteria might be transported from the fish pens to corals or if microenvironments at the fish pens and on the corals select for the same phylotypes. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of effluent,coral interactions will help predict the ability of coral reef ecosystems to resist and rebound from organic matter enrichment. [source] Mating Call Discrimination in Female European (Coturnix c. coturnix) and Japanese Quail (Coturnix c. japonica)ETHOLOGY, Issue 2 2003Sébastien Derégnaucourt Each year, thousands of domestic Japanese and hybrid quails are released within the breeding range of the European quail. We showed recently that no post-zygotic isolating mechanisms have yet been established between these subspecies. The aim of this study was to investigate whether pre-zygotic mechanisms are strong enough to prevent hybridization. We tested the level of subspecies selectivity in females of European and Japanese quail respectively using playbacks of European, hybrid and Japanese male mating calls. European quail females emitted the greatest number of rally calls in response to mating calls by conspecific males. Their responses were the weakest to mating calls produced by males of the other subspecies and intermediate to mating calls by hybrid males. In contrast, Japanese quails produced similar responses to all types of mating calls. These results suggest that mixed pairs could form in the wild. The European quail could thus become one of the most endangered galliforms of the Western Palearctic. [source] Hydroacoustic target strength validation using angling creel census dataFISHERIES MANAGEMENT & ECOLOGY, Issue 6 2002P. A. FREAR Validation of hydroacoustic in-situ target strength is problematic in large, deep lowland rivers, which cannot be sampled easily by conventional methods such as netting or electric fishing. A sampling programme involving three different techniques (split beam sonar, angling census and post-angling competition data collection) was conducted to examine methodologies suitable for target strength validation. This combination of techniques also assessed the relative merits of each method for best describing fish populations and the stocks exploited in a recreational coarse fishery. The sonar estimated the greatest number of fish of the three techniques, with a strong positive size correlation with the other two methods. The angling census and post-competition census accounted for more larger fish, >26 cm, than were detected acoustically, indicating a stratification of species that were exploited by angling but not detected by horizontal sonar. The combined techniques demonstrated a suitable, cost-effective, hydroacoustic validation method for large UK rivers, which supports recreational coarse fisheries management, with the added advantage of species identification. [source] Can America Finance Freedom?FOREIGN POLICY ANALYSIS, Issue 4 2009Assessing U.S. Democracy Promotion via Economic Statecraft Recent discourse on U.S. efforts to promote democracy has focused on military activities; especially the strategic and normative perils of democracy promotion at the point of bayonets. This paper explores the United States' use of economic statecraft to foster democratization, with particular attention to democracy incentive and assistance strategies. Incentive approaches attempt to promote democracy from the top-down, by leveraging aid and trade privileges to persuade authoritarian leaders to implement political reform. Assistance approaches aim to induce democratization from the inside, through funding and technical assistance to state institutions, and from the bottom-up, by providing support to civil society and elections. This study finds that while top-down incentive approaches can stimulate democratic change, this strategy tends to work only when aid and trade benefits are conditional; that is, when benefits are withheld until recipient states meet rigorous democratic benchmarks. Washington has historically eschewed democratic conditionality, however, and thus can claim very few aid-induced or trade-induced democratization events. Scant evidence exists to demonstrate that inside approaches,that is, institutional aid,possesses significant capacity to induce democracy. It is the bottom-up approach,empowering the masses to compel democratic change,that has registered the greatest number of democracy promotion successes. [source] Prosthetic crowns and other clinical risk indicators of caries among old-old Swedish adults: Findings from the KEOHS ProjectGERODONTOLOGY, Issue 2 2002Douglas E. Morse Abstract Objectives: The Kungsholmen Elders Oral Health Study (KEOHS) evaluated the oral health status of generally healthy, community-dwelling persons over the age of 80 living in Kungsholmen, Sweden. This paper explored possible clinical risk indicators of coronal and root caries among the KEOHS subjects. Design: In this cross-sectional study, dentate KEOHS subjects received a caries assessment using defined visual, tactile criteria. Setting: Examinations were carried out in two local clinics by standardized examiners. Subjects: One hundred twenty-nine dentate persons were examined. Main Outcome Measures: The examination identified decayed and filled surfaces, prosthetic crowns, and missing teeth. Results: More root than coronal surfaces had untreated decay, and secondary root caries contributed the greatest number of decayed surfaces. Ninety percent of the examined dentate subjects had at least one prosthetic crown. Root surfaces exposed to crown margins were more likely to have caries than root surfaces not so exposed, particularly among women. The presence of untreated coronal caries (yes/no) was positively associated with having untreated root caries and an intermediate number (14,20) of teeth, but inversely associated with having 4+ prosthetic crowns. Active root caries (yes/no) was positively associated with having untreated coronal caries, 14,20 teeth, and 4+ prosthetic crowns. Nearly 20% of identified root lesions were present at or below the gingival margin, and most (88%) were secondary caries associated with crown margins (65%) or other restorations (23%). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that some dental characteristics, including the presence of prosthetic crowns, are risk indicators for the presence of untreated coronal and root caries. [source] Sources of information on adverse effects: a systematic reviewHEALTH INFORMATION & LIBRARIES JOURNAL, Issue 3 2010Su Golder Background:, Systematic reviews can provide accurate and timely information on adverse effects. An essential part of the systematic review process is a thorough search of the literature. This often requires searching many different sources. However, it is unclear which sources are most effective at providing information on adverse effects. Objective:, To identify and summarise studies that have evaluated sources of information on adverse effects. Methods:, Studies were located by searching in 10 databases as well as by reference checking, hand searching, citation searching and contacting experts. Results:, A total of 6218 citations were retrieved yielding 19 studies which met the inclusion criteria. The included studies tended to focus on the adverse effects of drug interventions and compare the relative value of different sources using the number of relevant references retrieved from searches of each source. However, few studies were conducted recently with a large sample of references. Conclusions:, This review suggests that embase, Derwent Drug File, medline and industry submissions may potentially provide the greatest number of relevant references for information on adverse effects of drugs. However, a systematic evaluation of the current value of different sources of information for adverse effects is urgently required. [source] Factors affecting transfer of training in ThailandHUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT QUARTERLY, Issue 3 2005Siriporn Yamnill To begin the validation process for the Learning Transfer System Inventory (LTSI) in Thailand, research replicating Holton, Bates, and Ruona's study (2000) was conducted in Thailand. The LTSI was administered to 1,029 employees. Exploratory factor analysis and MANOVA were used to identify factors. A factor structure almost identical to that of Holton and colleagues was identified. Perceived content validity of the training was identified as the most important factor. Organization type created the greatest number of differences among variables tested. [source] The effects of spatial configuration on preschoolers' attention strategies, selective attention, and incidental learningINFANT AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT, Issue 3 2005Fran C. Blumberg Abstract This study investigated the effects of spatial arrangement on preschool children's selective attention and incidental learning. Three- and four-year old children were shown a multi-coloured box designated as a ,special place' containing miniature chairs and models of animals. One category of objects were designated as relevant and one as irrelevant. Relevant items were placed in each of the apparatus' corners, in the middle of its walls, or in two corners and in the middle of two walls. Findings revealed that children shown relevant items in corners demonstrated the greatest number of correct relocations for relevant items while those shown relevant items in the middle of the walls showed the greatest number of correct relocations for irrelevant items. Findings also suggest that for both age groups, the ability to recall relevant items may have been independent of their ability to demonstrate a selective attention strategy. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Literature and language teaching 1986,2006: a reviewINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF APPLIED LINGUISTICS, Issue 1 2007Ronald Carter For Christopher Brumfit (1940,2006) The teaching of literature can thus be seen as a means of introducing learners to such a serious view of our world, of initiating them in the process of defining themselves through contact with others' experience. How it is best done, what the relationship between ,reading' and ,literature' needs to be for the greatest number of people to be led to literature, exactly what books are appropriate at what levels , these are questions for teachers to address. But the seriousness of the enterprise should not be doubted. It is only when these reading processes are centrally addressed as processes and when the debate moves away from content to what we do with literary texts, that genuine literary issues can be addressed. (Brumfit 2001: 92) [source] Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Children and Adolescents With Motor Vehicle,Related InjuriesJOURNAL FOR SPECIALISTS IN PEDIATRIC NURSING, Issue 3 2003Kathleen A. Zink MSN ISSUES AND PURPOSE Motor vehicle crashes account for the greatest number of childhood injuries, but there has been little study of the psychological responses. DESIGN AND METHODS This longitudinal, descriptive study included 143 children 7 to 15 years of age who experienced a motor vehicle,related injury. Parents/guardians completed the Child Behavior Checklist Behavioral Problem Scale. Each child and parent completed the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) section of the Diagnostic Interview for Children and Adolescents at 2 and 6 months postinjury. RESULTS Twenty-two percent of the children met criteria for PTSD. There were no associations for presence or absence of PTSD with age, gender, race, injury, or cause of injury. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Children who are injured in motor vehicle crashes are at risk for PTSD. Anticipatory guidance about behavioral distress symptoms should be provided to parents of children who experience motor vehicle related injuries. [source] Comparison of three enrichment media for the isolation of Campylobacter spp. from foodsJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 5 2000C.L. Baylis Aim: This study compared the performance of three Campylobacter enrichment broths: Bolton broth (BB), Campylobacter Enrichment broth (CEB) and Preston broth (PB). Methods and Results: Pure cultures of target and competitor organisms, and naturally-contaminated food samples, were used to establish the performance of these media. In pure culture the PB supported the growth of the greatest number of strains of Campylobacter spp. but failed to inhibit some competitor organisms. The CEB showed the opposite result, inhibiting all 15 competitor organisms used but failing to support the growth of five Campylobacter strains. By comparison, BB showed the best compromise between inhibition of competitors and growth of Campylobacter. Conclusions: Plates inoculated with BB and CEB food enrichments resulted in more Campylobacter growth than those inoculated with PB, which supported significantly less typical growth (P , 0·001). The most common competitor organism isolated from PB was Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas spp. were frequently isolated from BB and CEB. Both BB and CEB were better than PB for the isolation of Campylobacter from naturally-contaminated foods, although BB yielded more confirmed Campylobacter growth than CEB. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study highlighted differences in performance of media used to isolate Campylobacter spp. from foods. [source] MLO-Y4 Osteocyte-Like Cells Support Osteoclast Formation and Activation,JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 11 2002S. Zhao Abstract Osteocytes are terminally differentiated cells of the osteoblast lineage that have become embedded in mineralized matrix and may send signals that regulate bone modeling and remodeling. The hypothesis to be tested in this study is that osteocytes can stimulate and support osteoclast formation and activation. To test this hypothesis, an osteocyte-like cell line called MLO-Y4 and primary murine osteocytes were used in coculture with spleen or marrow cells. MLO-Y4 cells support osteoclast formation in the absence of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OD)2D3] or any other exogenous osteotropic factor. These cells alone stimulate osteoclast formation to the same extent or greater than adding 1,25(OH)2D3. Coaddition of 1,25(OH)2D3 with MLO-Y4 cells synergistically increased osteoclast formation. Optimal osteoclast formation and pit formation on dentine was observed with 200,1000 MLO-Y4 cells per 0.75-cm2 well. No osteoclast formation was observed with 2T3, OCT-1, or MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cells (1000 cells/well). Conditioned media from the MLO-Y4 cells had no effect on osteoclast formation, indicating that cell contact is necessary. Serial digestions of 2-week-old mouse calvaria yielded populations of cells that support osteoclast formation when cocultured with 1,25(OH)2D3 and marrow, but the population that remained in the bone particles supported the greatest number of osteoclasts with or without 1,25(OH)2D3. To examine the mechanism whereby these cells support osteoclast formation, the MLO-Y4 cells were compared with a series of osteoblast and stromal cells for expression of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), RANKL, and osteoprotegerin (OPG). MLO-Y4 cells express and secrete large amounts of M-CSF. MLO-Y4 cells express RANKL on their surface and their dendritic processes. The ratio of RANKL to OPG mRNA is greatest in the MLO-Y4 cells compared with the other cell types. RANK-Fc and OPG-Fc blocked the formation of osteoclasts by MLO-Y4 cells. These studies suggest that both RANKL and OPG may play a role in osteocyte signaling, OPG and M-CSF as soluble factors and RANKL as a surface molecule that is functional in osteocytes or along their exposed dendritic processes. [source] Description of distributed features of the nestin-containing cells in brains of adult mice: A potential source of neural precursor cellsJOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH, Issue 5 2010Renshi Xu Abstract The distribution of neural precursor cells (NPCs) in adult mice brain has so far not been described. Therefore, we investigated the distribution of NPCs by analyzing the nestin-containing cells (NCCs) in distinct brain regions of adult nestin second-intron enhancer-controlled LacZ reporter transgenic mice through LacZ staining. Results showed that NCCs existed in various regions of adult mouse brain. In cerebellum, the greatest number of NCCs existed in cortex of the simple lobule, followed by cortex of the cerebellar lobule. In olfactory bulb, NCCs were most numerous in the granular cell layer, followed by the mitral cell layer and the internal plexiform, glomerular, and external plexiform layers. In brain nuclei (nu), NCCs were most numerous in the marginal nu, followed by the brainstem and diencephalon nu. NCCs in sensory nu of brainstem were more numerous than in motor nu, and NCCs in the dorsal of sensory nu were more numerous than in the ventral part. In brain ventricle systems, NCCs were largely distributed in the center of and external to the lateral ventricle, the inferior part of the third ventricle, the dorsal and inferior parts of the fourth ventricle, and the gray matter around the cerebral aqueduct. NCCs in the left vs. right brain were not significantly different. These data collectively indicate that NCCs were extensively distributed in the cerebellum and olfactory bulb, the partial nu of the marginal system, the partial brain nu adjacent to brain ventricle systems, the subependymal zone, and the cerebral cortex around the marginal lobe and were a potential source of NPCs. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Viability of fibroblasts in cell culture after treatment with different chemical retraction agentsJOURNAL OF ORAL REHABILITATION, Issue 1 2002I. Kopa Prior to fixed prosthodontic impression procedures, temporary horizontal retraction of the free gingival tissue should be accomplished apically to the preparation finishing line. The mechanical,chemical method using cotton retraction cords of various sizes impregnated with various retraction chemicals is the most commonly employed retraction technique. Most retraction agents have pH values from 0·8 to 0·3, and are therefore hazardous to the cut dentine and periodontal tissues. Sympathomimetic vasoconstrictors introduced recently have a pH of 5·6, and are free of systemic side-effects. The present study using the dye exclusion test, colony forming ability test and colorimetric assay was undertaken to evaluate cytotoxic effects of four chemical retraction agents on cultured V-79 fibroblasts, and the dependence of cytotoxicity on the agent concentration and time of exposure. Original concentrations of retraction agents produced stronger cytotoxic effects than dilutions of 1:1 and 1:10. The most aggressive agent, 25% aluminium chloride, took only 1 min to damage all cell cultures. The proportion of cells damaged after 10 min of exposure to tetrahydrozoline was 60%, which was significantly less compared with other chemicals tested. With the colony forming ability test using retraction agents diluted to 1:10 the greatest number of colonies emerged in samples treated with tetrahydrozoline (statistical significance: P < 0·01). The colorimetric assay showed equal cytotoxic effects for 25% aluminium sulphate and tetrahydrozoline. The colorimetric test used in the study has proved an ergonomic, accurate and reliable test for cytotoxicity determination. [source] Fusarium eumartii Growth in Resistant and Susceptible Oak SpeciesJOURNAL OF PHYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 9 2001A. Ragazzi Fusarium eumartii is a fungus associated with declining Quercus robur, in which it is found in the vessels. The response of oak species to infection is known to vary: Q. robur is susceptible, but Quercus cerris and Quercus pubescens are resistant. An experiment was carried out in 1996 and repeated in 1997, to examine how F. eumartii colonization differed in oak species that were susceptible or resistant to the fungus by counting the number of vessels with mycelium at various distances from the inoculation site in infected seedlings and by determining the amount of viable fungus in infected tissue. Infected vessels with mycelium were counted on sections (10 ,m thick) cut at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 cm from the inoculation site on 1-year-old inoculated seedlings as well as on sections cut every 2 cm to the seedling tip. The amount of viable fungus was determined by counting the colony forming units (CFUs) in stem segments from the same seedlings. Quercus robur seedlings had the greatest number of infected vessels and the greatest number of CFUs. Forty days after inoculation, the extent of vertical fungal spread was 28.12 cm in Q. robur, 3.15 cm in Q. cerris and 3.00 cm in Q. pubescens. The greatest number of CFUs was found in Q. robur at day 5 after inoculation. Analysis of variance confirmed the results. [source] The distribution of heath balds in the Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina and TennesseeJOURNAL OF VEGETATION SCIENCE, Issue 4 2001Peter S. White White (1982). Abstract. We used remote sensing and a geographic information system to model the distribution of evergreen shrub communities, called ,heath balds', in the Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina and Tennessee, USA. The 421 heath balds averaged 1.8 ha in size and covered 0.3% of the landscape. They reached their greatest importance on upper slopes (92% had relative slope positions > 80), convex topography (82% occurred on sites with a curvature greater than 2.6), and elevations between 1100 and 1600 m (94% of the balds). Although heath balds were found in old-growth watersheds, the two watersheds with the greatest number of balds burned extensively after logging in the early 1900s. Bald occurrence was positively correlated with burned sites, old growth condition, and a highly acidic rock type. Heath balds showed a striking geographic pattern, with 88.1% of the area of this community found in six watersheds comprising only 35.4% of the study area. Despite similar topography, geology, and history, the eleven other watersheds had only 11.9% of the bald area while comprising 64.4% of the study area. Multivariate models showed that this community occurs on only 0.4 to 9.0% of the seemingly appropriate sites. Once established, this shrub community, with its dense evergreen canopy and thick leaf litter, is resistant to tree invasion. Both forest and shrub communities are stable on sites that are seemingly ideal for heath bald occurrence. [source] Liver organ allocation for hepatocellular carcinoma: Are we sure?LIVER TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 7 2003J. Wallis Marsh Of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), 70% to 90% present with cirrhosis. Accordingly, liver transplantation ,LT), not liver resection, currently remains the only possibility of cure for these patients. Because there is a severe shortage of liver organ donors, not all patients in need can be offered LT. Therefore, transplant listing criteria simultaneously must determine the greatest number of suitable candidates for transplantation while rejecting the smallest number of those who could benefit from LT. The objective of this study was to determine the outcome of patients with HCC who are denied LT by current listing criteria. Of patients who are being denied liver transplantation by the current United Network for Organ Sharing listing criteria (but who were transplanted before the current guidelines took effect(, 27% to 49% were cured by this procedure. The listing criteria for LT in the presence of HCC should reflect the minimum acceptable )not maximum acceptable) recurrence-free survival rate and must reflect a consensus of the transplant community. [source] Development of Gelatin Hydrogel Pads as Antibacterial Wound DressingsMACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE, Issue 10 2009Vichayarat Rattanaruengsrikul Abstract Gelatin hydrogel pads have been prepared from a 10,wt.-% gelatin solution that contained 2.5,wt.-% AgNO3 in 70% v/v acetic acid by a solvent-casting technique. The AgNO3 -containing gelatin solution was aged under mechanical stirring for various time intervals to allow for the formation of silver nanoparticles (nAgs). The formation of nAgs was monitored by a UV-vis spectrophotometer. The morphology and size of the nAgs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). To improve the water resistance of the hydrogels, various contents of glutaraldehyde (GTA) were added to the AgNO3 -containing gelatin solution to cross-link the obtained gelatin hydrogels. These hydrogels were tested for their water retention and weight loss behavior, release characteristics of the as-loaded silver, and antibacterial activity against Gram-negative Escherichiacoli and Gram-positive Staphylococcusaureus. The AgNO3 -containing gelatin solution that had been aged for 5 d showed the greatest number of nAgs formed. The size of these particles, based on TEM results, was 10,11,nm. With an increase in the GTA content used to cross-link the hydrogels, the water retention, the weight loss, and the cumulative amount of silver released were found to decrease. Finally, all of the nAg-loaded gelatin hydrogels could inhibit the growth of the tested pathogens, which confirmed their applicability as antibacterial wound dressings. [source] Trawl-induced bottom disturbances off the south coast of Portugal: direct observations by the ,Delta' manned-submersible on the Submarine Canyon of PortimãoMARINE ECOLOGY, Issue 2007Paulo Morais Abstract The effects of marine fishing activities on benthic habitat and communities have become an important environmental issue. In addition to the direct removal of target species, effects include by-catch, damage to benthic organisms and alteration of habitat structure. The growing number of studies on the impact of fishing on bottom habitats indicates that the effects vary with the physical nature of the seabed and with the local natural disturbance regime. Several studies have been conducted on fisheries by-catch and discards off the south coast of Portugal since 1996. The results provide an idea of the impact on biodiversity: more than 60% of the species caught by the trawl fishery are discarded. The crustacean trawl captures the greatest number of species, probably due to the greater fishing depth range. In April 2004, the manned submersible ,Delta' (from DELTA Oceanographics, USA) conducted a sea campaign integrated in the SEMAPP programme (Science, Education, and Marine Archaeology Program in Portugal) to directly observe and assess the biological, geological, and archaeological aspects. A total of 15 dives were conducted mainly near the head and in the flanks inside Portimão canyon, down to 300 m. Observations showed variations in bottom type, the sedimentary framework and biological communities. These dives (150,300 m depth) also revealed a heavily trawled canyon bottom and erosion structures leading to changes in habitat structure and biodiversity. Of special interest was the occurrence of low-relief boulder substrates with relatively high densities of demersal finfish and shellfish. These sites served as a refuge for several species, whose abundance here was greater than on the surrounding areas of fine-grained substrates. Strong marks on the bottom are apparently caused by the doors of the trawl nets. Their impact will be examined in greater detail in future studies. [source] CLASSIFYING PREY HARD PART STRUCTURES RECOVERED FROM FECAL REMAINS OF CAPTIVE STELLER SEA LIONS (EUMETOPIAS JUBATUS)MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE, Issue 2 2002Paul E. Cottrell Abstract Feces were collected from six Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) that consumed known amounts of Atka mackerel (Pleurogrammus monopterygius), Pacific herring (Clupea barengus), pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha), walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma), and squid (Loligo opalacens). The goal was to determine the numbers and types of taxon-specific hard parts that pass through the digestive tract and to develop correction factors for certain abundantly occurring structures. Over 20,000 fish and squid were consumed during 267 d of fecal collection. During this period, over 119,000 taxon-specific hard parts, representing 56 different structures, were recovered. Skeletal structures and non-skeletal structures accounted for 72% and 28% of all hard parts, respectively. The branchiocranium, axial skeleton, and dermocranium regions of the skeletal system accounted for the greatest number of hard parts recovered. Over 70% of all recovered hard parts were represented by one to six taxa specific structures for each prey type. The average number of hard parts (3.1,31.2) and structure types (2.0,17.7) recovered per individual prey varied across taxa and were used to derive correction factors (to reconstruct original prey numbers). A measure of the variability of hard part recovery among sea lions showed no difference for certain herring, pollock, and squid structures, however, there was a significant difference for salmon and Atka mackerel structures. Identifying all taxon- specific prey hard parts increases the likelihood of identifying and estimating the number of prey consumed. [source] Human and other faeces as breeding media of the trachoma vector Musca sorbensMEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 3 2001P. M. Emerson Abstract. The fly Musca sorbens Wiedemann (Diptera: Muscidae) apparently transmits Chlamydia trachomatis, causing human trachoma. The literature indicates that M. sorbens breeds predominantly in isolated human faeces on the soil surface, but not in covered pit latrines. We sought to identify breeding media of M. sorbens in a rural Gambian village endemic for trachoma. Test breeding media were presented for oviposition on soil-filled buckets and monitored for adult emergence. Musca sorbens emerged from human (6/9 trials), calf (3/9), cow (3/9), dog (2/9) and goat (1/9) faeces, but not from horse faeces, composting kitchen scraps or a soil control (0/9 of each). After adjusting for mass of medium, the greatest number of flies emerged from human faeces (1426 flies/kg). Median time for emergence was 9 (inter quartile range = 8,9.75) days post-oviposition. Of all flies emerging from faeces 81% were M. sorbens. Male and female flies emerging from human faeces were significantly larger than those from other media, suggesting that they would be more fecund and live longer than smaller flies from other sources. Female flies caught from children's eyes were of a similar size to those from human faeces, but significantly larger than those from other media. We consider that human faeces are the best larval medium for M. sorbens, although some breeding also occurs in animal faeces. Removal of human faeces from the environment, through the provision of basic sanitation, is likely to greatly reduce fly density, eye contact and hence trachoma transmission, but if faeces of other animals are present M. sorbens will persist. [source] Interactions between habitat quality and connectivity affect immigration but not abundance or population growth of the butterfly, Parnassius smintheusOIKOS, Issue 10 2009Stephen F. Matter Habitat geometry has been a primary focus in studies of spatially structured systems. Recent studies have indicated that a more comprehensive approach including habitat quality may be needed, however most previous studies have neglected potential interactions between quality and geometry. We investigated the effects of habitat quality for the butterfly Parnassius smintheus among a series of 17 sub-populations. Specifically, we examined how habitat connectivity and local nectar flower density affect dispersal, and local population abundance and growth. We first determined which flower species were potentially important by examining nectar flower electivity and then quantified nectar flower density in meadows over a five year period (2003,2007). These data along with meadow connectivity were compared to local population statistics derived from mark,recapture over the same time period. The number of immigrants to a meadow increased as meadow connectivity increased, but showed no direct relationship with nectar flower density; however, there was a significant interaction between meadow connectivity and nectar flower density such that meadows with high connectivity and a high density of nectar flowers received the greatest number of immigrants. The number of emigrants from a meadow increased with increasing habitat quality and connectivity, but showed no interactive effect. The abundance of butterflies increased with meadow connectivity, but showed no relationship with habitat quality or any interactive effect. Separate experiments showed that access to nectar flowers significantly increased female reproductive output, but not lifespan. Despite the effects on immigration and reproductive output, local population growth rates also showed no relationship to nectar flower density. Our results indicate that habitat quality can be important for immigration in spatially structured populations; however, effects of habitat quality may not necessarily translate into higher abundance or population growth. Additionally, habitat quality should not be considered independently from habitat isolation, particularly if it directly affects dispersal. Preserving or augmenting habitat quality will do little to bolster immigration or colonization without adequate connectivity. [source] ROCK ART AND RITUAL LANDSCAPE IN CENTRAL SPAIN: THE ROCK CARVINGS OF LA HINOJOSA (CUENCA)OXFORD JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGY, Issue 1 2003MARGARITA DÍAZ-ANDREU Summary. In this article the rock art carvings of La Hinojosa in central Spain are examined. Their connection to a major transit route recorded at least from the medieval period is explored, as well as their location in a valley located at the confluence of two primary river basins in the Iberian Peninsula separated by less than five kilometres. It is argued that this singularity of the landscape seems to have been perceived by the people who marked the stones. From the 17 decorated rocks recorded in La Hinojosa valley, three were exceptionally elaborately decorated. They were situated at regular intervals in the valley. The site with the greatest number of motifs, the large rock of San Bernardino, occupies a central location. This site is also exceptional because of the transformations which the rock shows throughout the day, pointing to a narrative in which cups and anthropomorphs seem to have a primary role. It is suggested that gender may have constituted one of the main guidelines of the narrative, given the apparent replacement of feminine by masculine human representations throughout the day. [source] Palaeocology of Hard Substrate Faunas from the Cretaceous Qahlah Formation of the Oman MountainsPALAEONTOLOGY, Issue 1 2001Mark A. Wilson Skeletal encrusters and carbonate hardgrounds are rare in siliciclastic sands and gravels because of high levels of abrasion and sediment movement. An exception to this is the Maastrichtian Qahlah Formation of the Oman Mountains, a sequence of coarse siliciclastic sediments deposited on a shallow marine shelf above wavebase and at an equatorial palaeolatitude. This unit contains intercalated carbonate hardgrounds and other hard substrates which were encrusted and bored. The hard substrates, comprising carbonate and silicate clasts, calcareous bioclasts (mollusc shells and coral fragments) and wood, supported a diverse encrusting and boring fauna dominated in biomass by the oyster Acutostrea. There are twelve bryozoan species and at least two serpulid worm species, most living cryptically. Other encrusters on exposed surfaces include the agglutinated foraminiferan Placopsilina and several species of colonial corals. Borings in the carbonate clasts and shells are predominantly those of bivalves (Gastrochaenolites), with subsidiary clionid sponge (Entobia) and acrothoracican barnacle (Rogerella) borings. The woodgrounds are thoroughly bored by teredinid bivalves (Teredolites). Of the common substrate types, carbonate hardground clasts support the greatest number of taxa, followed by chert clasts, with limestone rockground pebbles being depauperate. Clast composition and relative stability probably explain these differences. Individual clasts probably had variable and typically long colonisation histories. Detailed palaeoecological interpretation is constrained by taphonomic loss, time-averaging and clast transportation and reorientation. Evidence from the Qahlah Formation shows that tropical rocky-shore biotas in the Cretaceous were not impoverished as previously believed. [source] Determinants of the optimal first-line therapy for follicular lymphoma: A decision analysis,AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY, Issue 4 2010Rebecca L. Olin Combination immunochemotherapy is the most common approach for initial therapy of patients with advanced-stage follicular lymphoma, but no consensus exists as to the optimal selection or sequence of available regimens. We undertook this decision analysis to systematically evaluate the parameters affecting the choice of early therapy in patients with this disease. We designed a Markov model incorporating the three most commonly utilized regimens (RCVP, RCHOP, and RFlu) in combinations of first- and second-line therapies, with the endpoint of number of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) until disease progression. Data sources included Phase II and Phase III trials and literature estimates of long-term toxicities and health state utilities. Meta-analytic methods were used to derive the values and ranges of regimen-related parameters. Based on our model, the strategy associated with the greatest number of expected quality-adjusted life years was treatment with RCHOP in first-line therapy followed by treatment with RFlu in second-line therapy (9.00 QALYs). Strategies containing RCVP either in first- or second-line therapy resulted in the lowest number of QALYs (range 6.24,7.71). Sensitivity analysis used to determine the relative contribution of each model parameter identified PFS after first-line therapy and not short-term QOL as the most important factor in prolonging overall quality-adjusted life years. Our results suggest that regimens associated with a longer PFS provide a greater number of total QALYs, despite their short-term toxicities. For patients without contraindications to any of these regimens, use of a more active regimen may maximize overall quality of life. Am. J. Hematol. 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Changes in prescribed drug doses after market introductionPHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY, Issue 6 2002Eibert R. Heerdink PhD Abstract Purpose The establishment of recommended dosing regimens has always been a difficult aspect of drug development. This paper examines the extent to which postmarketing prescribing deviates from initially recommended dosing regimens. We used the World Health Organization's (WHO) periodically updated compilation of the ,Defined Daily Dose' (DDD) to reflect prevailing patterns of prescribing in national markets. The aim of this study was to evaluate DDD changes over time (1982,2000) and to identify possible determinants of these changes. Methods Data on DDD changes were obtained from the WHO's Oslo Collaborating Centre. We performed a case,control analysis in which we compared drugs with (cases) and without (controls) postmarketing changes in DDD on possible determinants associated with DDD change. Results We found 115 instances of a change of DDD in the period 1982,2000 (45 (39.1%) increases and 70 (60.9%) decreases). Antibiotics showed the greatest number of changes in DDD: predominantly increases in the 1980s, while the 1990s were dominated by decreases in DDD of mostly cardiovascular drugs. Conclusion Changes in DDD reflect the outcome of a melange of forces, including misconceptions of dose requirements during pre-market development of drug and postmarketing changes in pharmacotherapeutic knowledge, clinical concepts, economic forces, and, in the case of anti-infective agents, changing patterns of resistance/sensitivity of target microorganisms to the anti-infective agent(s) in question. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||