The clinical assessment study of the foot (CASF): study protocol for a prospective observational study of foot pain and foot osteoarthritis in the general population.

BACKGROUND: Symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA) affects approximately 10% of adults aged over 60 years. The foot joint complex is commonly affected by OA, yet there is relatively little research into OA of the foot, compared with other frequently affected sites such as the knee and hand. Existing epidemiological studies of foot OA have focussed predominantly on the first metatarsophalangeal joint at the expense of other joints. This three-year prospective population-based observational cohort study will describe the prevalence of symptomatic radiographic foot OA, relate its occurrence to symptoms, examination findings and life-style-factors, describe the natural history of foot OA, and examine how it presents to, and is diagnosed and managed in primary care. METHODS: All adults aged 50 years and over registered with four general practices in North Staffordshire, UK, will be invited to participate in a postal Health Survey questionnaire. Respondents to the questionnaire who indicate that they have experienced foot pain in the preceding twelve months will be invited to attend a research clinic for a detailed clinical assessment. This assessment will consist of: clinical interview; physical examination; digital photography of both feet and ankles; plain x-rays of both feet, ankles and hands; ultrasound examination of the plantar fascia; anthropometric measurement; and a further self-complete questionnaire. Follow-up will be undertaken in consenting participants by postal questionnaire at 18 months (clinic attenders only) and three years (clinic attenders and survey participants), and also by review of medical records. DISCUSSION: This three-year prospective epidemiological study will combine survey data, comprehensive clinical, x-ray and ultrasound assessment, and review of primary care records to identify radiographic phenotypes of foot OA in a population of community-dwelling older adults, and describe their impact on symptoms, function and clinical examination findings, and their presentation, diagnosis and management in primary care

Flow and Transport in Regions with Aquatic Vegetation

This review describes mean and turbulent flow and mass transport in the presence of aquatic vegetation. Within emergent canopies, the turbulent length scales are set by the stem diameter and spacing, and the mean flow is determined by the distribution of the canopy frontal area. Near sparse submerged canopies, the bed roughness and near-bed turbulence are enhanced, but the velocity profile remains logarithmic. For dense submerged canopies, the drag discontinuity at the top of the canopy generates a shear layer, which contains canopy-scale vortices that control the exchange of mass and momentum between the canopy and the overflow. The canopy-scale vortices penetrate a finite distance into the canopy, δe, set by the canopy drag. This length scale segregates the canopy into two regions: The upper canopy experiences energetic turbulent transport, controlled by canopy-scale vortices, whereas the lower canopy experiences diminished transport, associated with the smaller stem-scale turbulence. The canopy-scale vortices induce a waving motion in flexible blades, called a monami.National Science Foundation (U.S.) (EAR 0309188)National Science Foundation (U.S.) (EAR 0125056)National Science Foundation (U.S.) (EAR0738352)National Science Foundation (U.S.) (OCE0751358

Evaluating the structure and magnitude of the ash plume during the initial phase of the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption using lidar observations and NAME simulations

The Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland erupted explosively on 14 April 2010, emitting a plume of ash into the atmosphere. The ash was transported from Iceland toward Europe where mostly cloud-free skies allowed ground-based lidars at Chilbolton in England and Leipzig in Germany to estimate the mass concentration in the ash cloud as it passed overhead. The UK Met Office's Numerical Atmospheric-dispersion Modeling Environment (NAME) has been used to simulate the evolution of the ash cloud from the Eyjafjallajökull volcano during the initial phase of the ash emissions, 14–16 April 2010. NAME captures the timing and sloped structure of the ash layer observed over Leipzig, close to the central axis of the ash cloud. Relatively small errors in the ash cloud position, probably caused by the cumulative effect of errors in the driving meteorology en route, result in a timing error at distances far from the central axis of the ash cloud. Taking the timing error into account, NAME is able to capture the sloped ash layer over the UK. Comparison of the lidar observations and NAME simulations has allowed an estimation of the plume height time series to be made. It is necessary to include in the model input the large variations in plume height in order to accurately predict the ash cloud structure at long range. Quantitative comparison with the mass concentrations at Leipzig and Chilbolton suggest that around 3% of the total emitted mass is transported as far as these sites by small (<100 μm diameter) ash particles

Turfgrass research report 1996

Preemergence herbicide efficacy on crabgrass-1996 / J. Street and R. Stewart --Postemergence herbicide efficacy on crabgrass -1996 / J. Street and R. Stewart -- General turfgrass broadleaf weed control evaluation / W. Pound -- Nonselective herbicide evaluation / W. Pound -- Postemergent yellow nutsedge evaluation / W. Pound and R. Stewart -- Preemergent broadleaf weed control / W. Pound -- Control of ant mounds in turfgrass-1996 / D. J. Shetlar, H. D. Niemczyk and K. T. Power -- Control of hairy chinch bugs in turfgrass -1996 / D. J. Shetlar, H. D. Niemczyk and K. T. Power -- Preventive and curative insecticide applications for control of hairy chinch bugs in turfgrass - 1996 / D. J. Shetlar, H. D. Niemczyk and K. T. Power -- Quick kill of black cutworm larvae in bentgrass - 1996 / D. J. Shetlar, H. D. Niemczyk and K. T. Power -- Control of black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel), and sod webworms (Pyralidae: Crambinae) in creeping bentgrass, Agrostis palustris Hudson, with spinosad formulations, Columbus, Ohio, 1996 / D. J. Shetlar, H. D. Niemczyk and M. Belcher -- Control of black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel), and sod webworms (Pyralidae: Crambinae) in creeping bentgrass, Agrostis palustris Hudson, with observations on black turfgrass Ataenius adults, Ataenius spretulus (Haldeman), Columbus, Ohio, 1996 / D. J. Shetlar, H. D. Niemczyk and M. Belcher -- Control of black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel), sod webworms (Pyralidae: Crambinae), and black turfgrass Ataenius adults, Ataenius spretulus (Haldeman), in creeping bentgrass, Agrostis palustris Hudson, Columbus, Ohio, 1996 / D. J. Shetlar, H. D. Niemczyk and M. Belcher -- Control of bluegrass billbug, Sphenophorus parvulus Gyllenhal, larvae in lawn turf, Wooster, Ohio, 1996 / D. J. Shetlar, H. D. Niemczyk and M. Belcher -- Efficacy of spinosad applied prior to oviposition for control of bluegrass billbug larvae in turfgrass - 1996 / D. J. Shetlar, H. D. Niemczyk and K. T. Power -- Efficacy of insecticides applied prior to oviposition for control of bluegrass billbug larvae in turfgrass - 1996 / D. J. Shetlar, H. D. Niemczyk and K. T. Power -- Application of insecticides to kill black turfgrass Ataenius adults prior to egg laying on golf course fairways-1996 / D. J. Shetlar, H. D. Niemczyk and K. T. Power -- Preventive applications for control of Japanese beetle larvae in turfgrass - 1996 / D. J. Shetlar, H. D. Niemczyk and K. T. Power -- Influence of application date on the efficacy of insecticides applied for control of Japanese beetle larvae in turfgrass - 1996 / D. J. Shetlar, H. D. Niemczyk and K. T. Power -- Application of insecticides for preventive control of Japanese beetle larval populations in turfgrass - 1996 / D. J. Shetlar, H. D. Niemczyk and K. T. Power -- Application of Bacillus thuringiensis strain 'buibui' for control of white grubs in turfgrass -1996 / D. J. Shetlar, H. D. Niemczyk and K. T. Power -- Curative control of masked chafer larvae in turfgrass -1996 / D. J. Shetlar, H. D. Niemczyk and K. T. Power -- A field test of RH-0345 2SC and 2.5G at 2.0 lb.ai/ acre and Merit 75WP at 0.3 lb. ai/ acre for control of black cutworm larvae on golf course greens / H. D. Niemczyk -- Dollar spot control study - 1996 / K. Danneberger, J. Rimelspach, M. Boehm, and J. Taylor -- quality ratings for various fungicide treatments on creeping bentgrass putting green turf / K. Danneberger, J. Rimelspach, M. Boehm, and J. Taylor -- Brown patch control study on creeping bentgrass turf - 1996 / K. Danneberger, J. Rimelspach, M. Boehm, and J. Taylor -- Brown patch control on tall fescue / K. Danneberger, J. Rimelspach, M. Boehm, and J. Taylor -- Yellow tuft study-1996 / K. Danneberger, J. Rimelspach, M. Boehm, and J. Taylor -- Creeping bentgrass melting-out study / K. Danneberger, J. Taylor, R. Golembiewski, G. Bell, J. Rimelspach, and M. Boehm -- Kentucky bluegrass melting-out study / K. Danneberger, J. Rimelspach, M. Boehm and J. Taylor -- Red thread control study on perennial ryegrass / J. Rimelspach, K. Danneberger, and M. Boehm -- Red thread control study on Kentucky bluegrass / J. Rimelspach, K. Danneberger and M. Boehm -- Evaluation of fungicides for the control of red thread in Kentucky bluegrass, 1996 / J. Rimelspach, M. Boehm, K. Danneberger and J. Taylor -- Evaluation of fungicides for the control of red thread in perennial ryegrass, 1996 / J. Rimelspach, M. Boehm, K. Danneberger and J. Taylor -- Pink snow mold control study-1995-1996 / J. Rimelspach and K. Danneberger -- Primo & Sentinel applications on Poa annua quality / K. Danneberger, J. Taylor, R. Golembiewski, and G. Bell -- Nitrogen source, rate, and timing effect on Kentucky bluegrass -1996 / J. R. Street and R. M. Stewart -- Natural organic source evaluation on a Kentucky bluegrass-perennial ryegrass mixture-1996 / J. R. Street and R. M. Stewart -- Polymer-coated urea source and rate effect on Kentucky bluegrass / J. R. Street and R. M. Stewart -- Polymer-coated urea and IBDU fertilizer performance on Kentucky bluegrass / J. R. Street and R. M. Stewart -- 1993 NTEP bentgrass (fairway/tee) cultivar evaluation / J. A. Taylor -- 1993 NTEP fineleaf fescue cultivar evaluation / J. Taylor -- 1994 NTEP perennial ryegrass cultivar evaluation / J. Taylor -- 1995 Kentucky bluegrass (medium/high input) cultivar evaluation / J. Taylor -- 1995 NTEP Kentucky bluegrass (low input) cultivar evaluation / J. Taylor -- Controlling annual bluegrass and rough bluegrass in creeping bentgrass fairways: a nutritional approach / G. E. Bell, E. Odorizzi and T. K. Danneberger -- "Primo" growth regulator evaluation on creeping bentgrass / W. Pound and R. Stewart -- Influence of dollar spot on a blend of two creeping bentgrass cultivars / R. C. Golembiewski, T. K. Danneberger and P. M. Sweeney -- Dollar spot severity as influenced by Primo, creeping bentgrass cultivars, and nitrogen fertility / R. C. Golembiewski and T. K. Danneberger -- Identification of bulk samples of perennial ryegrass cultivars with RAPD Markers / P. M. Sweeney and T. K. Danneberge

Simonsenia aveniformis sp nov (Bacillariophyceae), molecular phylogeny and systematics of the genus, and a new type of canal raphe system

The genus Simonsenia is reviewed and S. aveniformis described as new for science by light and electron microscopy. The new species originated from estuarine environments in southern Iberia (Atlantic coast) and was isolated into culture. In LM, Simonsenia resembles Nitzschia, with bridges (fibulae) beneath the raphe, which is marginal. It is only electron microscope (EM) examination that reveals the true structure of the raphe system, which consists of a raphe canal raised on a keel (wing), supported by rib like braces (fenestral bars) and tube-like portulae; between the portulae the keel is perforated by open windows (fenestrae). Based on the presence of portulae and a fenestrated keel, Simonsenia has been proposed to be intermediate between Bacillariaceae and Surirellaceae. However, an rbcL phylogeny revealed that Simonsenia belongs firmly in the Bacillariaceae, with which it shares a similar chloroplast arrangement, rather than in the Surirellaceae. Lack of homology between the surirelloid and simonsenioid keels is reflected in subtle differences in the morphology and ontogeny of the portulae and fenestrae. The diversity of Simonsenia has probably been underestimated, particularly in the marine environment.Polish National Science Centre in Cracow within the Maestro program [N 2012/04/A/ST10/00544]; Sciences and Technologies Foundation-FCT (Portugal) [SFRH/BD/62405/2009]info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Lentropin, a protein that controls lens fiber formation, is related functionally and immunologically to the insulin-like growth factors.

Lentropin, a factor present in the vitreous humor of the eye, stimulates lens fiber differentiation from chicken embryo lens epithelial cells in vitro. Lentropin has been partially purified but has not been isolated in sufficient quantity or purity for direct comparison with other growth and differentiation factors. Previous studies have shown that insulin and fetal bovine serum share with lentropin the ability to stimulate lens fiber formation from cultured epithelial cells. In the present study, a number of hormones and growth factors were assayed for lentropin activity. Of those tested, the only substances that had this activity were the insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) somatomedin C (Sm-C/IGF-I) and multiplication-stimulating activity (MSA/IGF-II). Sm-C/IGF-I was approximately 30 times more potent than insulin or MSA/IGF-II in promoting fiber cell formation. A monoclonal antibody to human Sm-C/IGF-I inhibited purified Sm-C/IGF-I, fetal bovine serum, and chicken vitreous humor from stimulating fiber cell differentiation in vitro. This antibody has been shown not to crossreact with insulin and did not block insulin-stimulated lens fiber formation. These findings indicate that lentropin is related to the IGFs and that these factors may play important roles in controlling cell differentiation, in addition to their better-known ability to stimulate cell division

The Effects of Alfven Waves and Radiation Pressure in Dust Winds of Late-type Stars

In the present study, we analyze the effects of a flux of Alfven waves acting together with radiation pressure on grains as an acceleration mechanism of the wind of late-type stars. In the wind model we simulate the presence of grains through a strong damping of the waves, we used a non-isothermal profile for temperature, coherent with grain formation theories. We examine the changes in the velocity profile of the wind and we show that if the grains are created in the region 1.1 < r/r_0 < 2.0 their presence will affect the mass loss and terminal velocity. The model is applied to a K5 supergiant star and for Betelgeuse (alpha Ori).Comment: 6 pages, 3 figures, accepted in ApJ (Sep, 2002