bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A self-breathing microdirect methanol fuel cell with a spoke cathode structure
Authors: Liu X. W. , Zhang Y. F. , He H. , Yuan Z. Y. , Jia Q. , Chen S. , Liu S.
Published: November 2010

We present a self-breathing microdirect methanol fuel cell with a spoke cathode structure to improve the cell performance. Compared with the conventional perforated cathode structure, the spoke one can enhance the oxygen mass transport efficiency and reduce water flooding in the cathode effectively. The cells were fabricated using microelectromechanical systems technology and have been characterized at room temperature, showing a maximum power density of 14.79 mW/cm2 with 1 mol/L methanol fed with the flow rate of 0.1 mL/min. The testing results demonstrate that the spoke cathode structure can achieve a substantial increase in performance and stability of the cell.
Force balance and ion particle transport differences in high and low confinement tokamak edge pedestals
Authors: Stacey W. M. , Groebner R. J.
Published: November 2010

The various terms in the radial force balance in the edge plasma are evaluated using experimental data from the low (L) and high (H) confinement phase of a DIII-D [J. Luxon, Nucl. Fusion 42, 614 (2002)] discharge in order to investigate the differences in the radial force balance among the several electromagnetic and pressure gradient forces in L-mode and H-mode. The roles of cross-field toroidal momentum transport and of a radial pinch velocity in determining different radial particle fluxes in L-mode and H-mode are elucidated.
Polarization-dependent detection of cylinder nanoparticles with mode splitting in a high-Q whispering-gallery microresonator
Authors: Yi Xu , Xiao Yun-Feng , Li Yan , Liu Yong-Chun , Li Bei-Bei , Liu Zhao-Pei , Gong Qihuang
Published: November 2010

Using the single-scatterer-induced coupling mechanism of a pair of counterpropagating high-Q whispering-gallery modes (WGMs), we investigate the highly sensitive detection of single nonspherical nanoparticles. The nonspherical particle may produce distinct frequency splitting and additional damping for TE and TM WGMs. This polarization-dependent effect allows for studying the orientation of single biomolecule, molecule-molecule interaction on the microcavity surface, and possibly distinguishing different inner configurations of similar biomolecules.
Understanding efficiency droop effect in InGaN/GaN multiple-quantum-well blue light-emitting diodes with different degree of carrier localization
Authors: Wang Jiaxing , Wang Lai , Zhao Wei , Hao Zhibiao , Luo Yi
Published: November 2010

Two light-emitting diode samples are grown with InGaN and GaN underlying layers beneath the multiple quantum wells (MQWs), respectively. By measuring the carrier lifetime as a function of photon energy, it is found that the MQW with InGaN underlying layer has a higher degree of carrier localization. Comparison between the external quantum efficiency and injection current of these two samples reveals that efficiency droop at small injection current is attributed to the delocalization of carriers, while further droop at a higher injection current is due mostly to the carrier leakage demonstrated through temperature-dependent electroluminescence measurements.
Magnetically controllable unidirectional electromagnetic waveguiding devices designed with metamaterials
Authors: Liu Shiyang , Lu Wanli , Lin Zhifang , Chui S. T.
Published: November 2010

We demonstrate a sharply asymmetric reflection in a geometrically symmetric magnetic metamaterial (MM) system, which originates from the coupling of electromagnetic (EM) wave to magnetic surface plasmon resonance states and the broken time reversal symmetry in MM. Based on this effect, we have designed unidirectional EM waveguide, wave bender, and beam splitter. Our simulations indicate that the designs possess the merits of robustness against strong defect and disorder, controllability with an external magnetic field, in addition to the finite working bandwidth and the high transmission efficiency.
Spin-transfer torque efficiency measured using a Permalloy nanobridge
Authors: Hickey M. C. , Ngo D.-T. , Lepadatu S. , Atkinson D. , McGrouther D. , McVitie S. , Marrows C. H.
Published: November 2010

We report magnetoresistance, focused Kerr effect, and Lorentz microscopy experiments performed on a nanoscale Permalloy bridge connecting microscale pads. These pads can be switched from a parallel to antiparallel state through the application of small fields, causing a detectable magnetoresistance. We show that this switching field Hsw is modified by the application of a high current density (Jdc) through spin-transfer torque effects, caused by the spin-current interacting with the magnetization gradients generated by the device geometry, yielding an estimate for the spin-transfer torque efficiency ξ=dHsw/dJdc=0.027±0.001 Oe/MA cm−2.
An individual iron nanowire-filled carbon nanotube probed by micro-Hall magnetometry
Authors: Lipert K. , Bahr S. , Wolny F. , Atkinson P. , Weißker U. , Mühl T. , Schmidt O. G. , Büchner B. , Klingeler R.
Published: November 2010

We report on the magnetic properties of an individual, high-quality single-crystalline iron nanowire with diameter d=26 nm. The nanowire is embedded in a carbon nanotube which provides complete shielding against oxidation. Magnetization reversal is associated with domain wall formation where domain nucleation is initiated by curling. The observed nucleation fields of up to 900 mT are much higher than reported previously and nearly reach the shape anisotropy field of iron nanowires.
Abnormal humidity-dependent electrical properties of amorphous carbon/silicon heterojunctions
Authors: Gao Xili , Zhang Xiaozhong , Wan Caihua , Zhang Xin , Wu Lihua , Tan Xinyu
Published: November 2010

Amorphous carbon (a-C) film/n-Si heterojunctions have been fabricated by pulse laser deposition, and their current-voltage characteristics have been investigated. The results show that the atmosphere relative humidity (RH) has a significant effect on the reverse bias I-V characteristics of the heterojunctions. For the low bias voltages, the resistance of the a-C/Si heterojunction decreases with the increase of the RH. However, when the applied voltage is greater than a threshold, the resistance of the a-C/Si heterojunctions increases with the increase of the RH. This humidity-dependent phenomenon is attributed to the charge transfer from the absorbed H2O molecular to a-C film.
The electronic structure of β-Ga2O3
Authors: Mohamed M. , Janowitz C. , Unger I. , Manzke R. , Galazka Z. , Uecker R. , Fornari R. , Weber J. R. , Varley J. B. , Van de Walle C. G.
Published: November 2010

β -Ga 2 O 3 has the widest energy gap of the transparent conducting oxides. The interest in its electronic properties has recently increased because of its applications in various optoelectronic devices, semiconductor lasers, and ultrasensitive gas detecting systems. In contrast, information on the electronic structure of β-Ga2O3 is very scarce. Here, we present the experimental valence-band structure of β-Ga2O3 single crystals determined by high-resolution angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy utilizing synchrotron radiation. We find good matching of the experimental band structure with the advanced density functional theory calculations employing hybrid functionals and projector augmented wave potentials.
Mode-selective noncontact excitation of microcantilevers and microcantilever arrays in air using the ultrasound radiation force
Authors: Huber Thomas M. , Abell Bradley C. , Mellema Daniel C. , Spletzer Matthew , Raman Arvind
Published: November 2010

We demonstrate the use of focused ultrasound waves to excite eigenmodes of microfabricated structures such as atomic force microscopy microcantilevers and coupled microcantilever arrays, among the smallest objects that have been excited in air using ultrasound radiation force. The method is based on the radiation force produced by a double-sideband suppressed carrier ultrasound waveform, centered at 500 kHz. The difference frequency between the sidebands, ranging from 10 to 200 kHz, excited resonances of these structures. Frequency response curves and deflection shapes were consistent with conventional base excitation, demonstrating the feasibility of noncontact excitation for a variety of microscale devices.
Multilayered graphene efficiently formed by mechanical exfoliation for nonlinear saturable absorbers in fiber mode-locked lasers
Authors: Chang You Min , Kim Hyungseok , Lee Ju Han , Song Yong-Won
Published: November 2010

An efficiently prepared graphene from a bulk graphite using mechanical exfoliation is experimentally investigated for the first practical application to ultrafast photonics. Overcoming the limitations of the method in its size and atomic layer control, the multilayered graphene guarantees a nonlinear intensity modulation. After confirming its excellent crystal quality and few-layered nanostructure employing Raman analysis and atomic force microscopy the graphene layer is introduced into a fiber laser as an intracavity saturable absorber to realize the passive mode-locking that produces picosecond pulses at the repetition rate of 10.9 MHz. Extinction ratio of the resultant pulsed output is higher than 40 dB.
Silicon emitter for shortwave infrared (1.6–3 μm) band by light down-conversion
Authors: Malyutenko V. K. , Bogatyrenko V. V. , Tykhonov A. M.
Published: November 2010

No silicon-based light emitting diodes exist for shortwave infrared (1.6–3.0 μm) band due to bandgap limitations imposed on luminescence wavelengths. To alleviate this problem, we propose a photonic device in which below-bandgap radiation comes as the result of the thermal emission enhanced by free charge carriers generated by the above-bandgap excitation (light downconversion). With this approach, we demonstrate high-temperature (T>300 K) large-area (20×20 mm2) Si emitter with stable high-power output (∼100 mW/cm2) and prescribed spectrum inside the 1.6–3 μm band for applications such as dynamic scene simulation devices operating at frequencies above 1 kHz.
Spherical plasma oscillations in a reversed-polarity inertial-electrostatic confinement device
Authors: Tuft C. , Khachan J.
Published: November 2010

A pulsed reversed-polarity inertial-electrostatic confinement device has been investigated experimentally using voltage and spectroscopic diagnostics. Large-amplitude oscillations were observed in the floating potential of the plasma immediately following the initiation of the discharge. It is postulated that the observations were the result of coherent ion oscillations within a harmonic potential well formed by a uniform electron density in the center of the device. A simple model of the system predicts the depth of this transient potential well to be approximately 100 V. Observations of the relative occupation of the third and fourth energy levels of hydrogen in the plasma indicated the formation of a Maxwellian electron energy distribution after 20 μs. The results suggest a promising avenue toward a net fusion power gain by utilizing these oscillations to periodically compress and heat the plasma to thermonuclear densities and energies.
Deinstitutionalisation for Long-Term Mental Illness: Cost Differences in Hospital and Community Care
Authors: Lapsley Helen M. , Tribe Kate , Tennant Chris , Rosen Alan , Hobbs Coletta , Newton Lesley
Published: November 2010

Objective: This project studied the cost analysis of psychiatric hospital and then community care for long-stay patients with chronic mental illness discharged during the closure of a psychiatric hospital in Sydney.

Method: Expenditure and income data in both settings were collected. Costs were analysed on an occupied bed-day basis.

Results: The hospital setting cost more per patient per day compared with the various community costs which were one-third to one-half of the comparable hospital costs.

Conclusions: The analysis demonstrated overall that hospital care was nearly twice as expensive as care in the community setting. The factors which may have influenced, although not necessarily altered, the substance of the findings largely related to ‘organisational efficiency’. The mental hospital as an older, more rigid system was likely to be less efficient than the newer community service provision which was under intensive scrutiny both clinically and financially by all interested parties.
Evaluation of Degree of Elasticity and Other Mechanical Properties of Wheat Kernels
Authors: Figueroa J. D. C. , Hernández Z. J. E. , Véles M. J. J. , Rayas‐Duarte P. , Martínez‐Flores H. E. , Ponce‐García N.
Published: November 2010

Three samples were selected representing bread, soft, and durum wheat. Uniaxial compression and stress relaxation tests were performed on wheat kernels. Force‐deformation curves from intact wheat grain typically exhibited at least two points of inflection (PI) at ≈0.1 and 0.2 mm displacement. The first PI is related to the mechanical properties of all the bran layers. The second PI (0.2 mm) seems to be the endosperm boundary near the aleurone layer. These structures had higher degree of elasticity (DE) compared to the inner endosperm (0.5–0.6 mm). Besides wheat class and specific structures of the caryopsis, moisture content is a prominent factor affecting the mechanical strength of kernels. Stress relaxation tests show that bread wheat kernels with 69.2% DE at 13% moisture decreased to 31.6% DE with additional 6% moisture content. Soft wheat kernels DE of 61.0% at 13% moisture decreased to 22.7% at 19.7% moisture. Stress relaxation revealed pronounced time‐dependence. However, the differences of stress values at 120–180 sec were not significant in all wheat classes and moisture contents evaluated. The stress values after 120 sec might be attributed to the elastic deformation of the kernels.
Chemical Composition and Antinutritional Factors of Field Peas (Pisum sativum), Chickpeas (Cicer arietinum), and Faba Beans (Vicia faba) as Affected by Extrusion Preconditioning and Drying Temperatures
Authors: Adamidou S. , Nengas I. , Grigorakis K. , Nikolopoulou D. , Jauncey K.
Published: November 2010

Legumes are valuable plant sources of protein and energy and extrusion is one of the most common processing methods for manufacturing both human food and animal feeds. In the present study, three different legumes (field peas, chickpeas, and faba beans) were ground and processed in a pilot‐scale extrusion line. Various preconditioning and dryer temperatures were applied to each legume separately that reflected or differed from standard manufacturing conditions. Although literature exists regarding the effects of extrusion temperature and moisture on legume antinutrients, no data are available on the respective effects of preconditioning and drying. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of processing on both nutritional and antinutritional factors for each processing combination. Proximate composition, starch, oligosaccharides, total nonstarch polysaccharides (NSP), soluble (S‐NSP), and insoluble (I‐NSP) levels were evaluated. The antinutritional factors phytic acid, tannins, and trypsin inhibitors were also determined. Chickpea and field pea NSP values were not drastically affected by processing, while for most processing conditions, total NSP, S‐NSP, and I‐NSP were slightly reduced in faba beans. Preconditioning before extrusion processing generally improved the nutritional value of the ingredients by significantly reducing trypsin inhibitor level. Phytate and total tannin levels were greatly reduced irrespective of the preconditioning and drying treatment. Wet preconditioning can be used in combination with extrusion to improve the nutritional value of legumes, while drying at 90–150°C does not significantly further reduce antinutritional factor levels.
Association of Barley Kernel Hardness with Physical Grain Traits and Food Processing Parameters
Authors: Nair S. , Ullrich S. E. , Baik B.‐K.
Published: November 2010

Kernel hardness is not a well‐characterized food quality trait in barley. Unlike wheat, not much is known about the effect of barley kernel hardness on food processing. Ten barley genotypes differing in single kernel characterization system hardness index (SKCS‐HI) (30.1–91.2) of dehulled kernels were used to determine the association of barley HI with other physical grain traits and food processing parameters. Thousand kernel weight (TKW) values of 10 genotypes were 29.7–38.1 g. Values for bulk density of grains were 721.1–758.9 kg/m3. Crease width and depth values were 0.9–1.3 mm and 0.4–0.7 mm, respectively. Barley HI showed no significant association with TKW, bulk density, or kernel crease dimensions. Kernel loss due to pearling after 325 sec of abrasion was 28.8–38.4% and showed significant negative correlation with HI (r = –0.87, P < 0.01). Proportion of barley flour particles >106 μm had values of 34.5–42.0%, and starch damage values were 1.8–4.5% among those 10 barley genotypes. HI showed significant positive correlations with both proportion of barley flour particles >106 μm (r = 0.93, P < 0.01) and starch damage (r = 0.93, P < 0.01). Water imbibition of barley kernels and cooked kernel hardness did not show significant correlation with HI.
Quality and Agronomic Effects of Three High‐Molecular‐Weight Glutenin Subunit Transgenic Events in Winter Wheat
Authors: Graybosch Robert A. , Seabourn Bradford , Chen Yuanhong R. , Blechl Ann E.
Published: November 2010

Quality and agronomic effects of three transgenic high molecular weight glutenin subunit (HMW‐GS) events were characterized in advanced‐generation breeding lines of hard winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in three Nebraska crop years. Two of the transgenic events studied, Dy10‐E and B52a‐6, overexpress HMW‐GS 1Dy10, while the third event, Dx5 +Dy10‐H, overexpresses HMW‐GS 1Dx5 and, to a much lesser extent, 1Dy10. In addition, novel proteins possessing solubility characteristics defined as HMW‐GS were present in Dx5+Dy10‐H and B52a‐6. Average grain yield of lines derived from the three transgenic events was statistically lower than that of a group of control cultivars and advanced breeding lines, but not lower than the mean values of respective nontransgenic siblings. Grain hardness was influenced by one of the events. Dx5+Dy10‐H produced harder kernels than controls, its nontransgenic siblings, and the two additional transgenic events. All three events produced doughs with unusual mixing properties, although not likely to be directly useful in commercial applications. As a consequence, loaf volumes were depressed to variable degrees by the three events. The results indicated that over‐expression of HMW‐GS could eventually lead to improved breadmaking quality by optimizing the level of overexpression or by development and characterization of additional events.
Pyrenophora bromi, Causal Agent of Brownspot of Bromegrass, Expresses a Gene Encoding a Protein with Homology and Similar Activity to Ptr ToxB, a Host-Selective Toxin of Wheat
Authors: Andrie Rachael M. , Ciuffetti Lynda M.
Published: November 2010

Ptr ToxB, encoded by ToxB, is one of multiple host-selective toxins (HST) produced by the wheat pathogen Pyrenophora tritici-repentis. Homologs of ToxB are found in several ascomycetes, including sister species Pyrenophora bromi, causal agent of brownspot of bromegrass. Due to the close evolutionary relatedness of P. tritici-repentis and P. bromi and that of their grass hosts, we hypothesized that homologs of ToxB in P. bromi may act as HST in the disease interaction between P. bromi and bromegrass. A representative set of transcriptionally active P. bromi ToxB genes were heterologously expressed in Pichia pastoris and the resultant proteins tested for their ability to act as HST on bromegrass. The tested Pyrenophora bromi ToxB (Pb ToxB) proteins were not toxic to bromegrass; thus, Pb ToxB does not appear to function as an HST in the P. bromi–bromegrass interaction. Instead, we revealed that the Pb ToxB proteins can be toxic to Ptr ToxB-sensitive wheat, at levels similar to Ptr ToxB, and the corresponding P. bromi ToxB genes are expressed in P. bromi-inoculated wheat. Our data suggest that P. bromi possesses the potential to become a wheat pathogen and highlights the importance of investigating the interaction between P. bromi and wheat.
Endophytic Trichoderma Isolates from Tropical Environments Delay Disease Onset and Induce Resistance Against Phytophthora capsici in Hot Pepper Using Multiple Mechanisms
Authors: Bae Hanhong , Roberts Daniel P. , Lim Hyoun-Sub , Strem Mary D. , Park Soo-Chul , Ryu Choong-Min , Melnick Rachel L. , Bailey Bryan A.
Published: November 2010

Endophytic Trichoderma isolates collected in tropical environments were evaluated for biocontrol activity against Phytophthora capsici in hot pepper (Capsicum annuum). Six isolates were tested for parasitic and antimicrobial activity against P. capsici and for endophytic and induced resistance capabilities in pepper. Isolates DIS 70a, DIS 219b, and DIS 376f were P. capsici parasites, while DIS 70a, DIS 259j, DIS 320c, and DIS 376f metabolites inhibited P. capsici. All six isolates colonized roots but were inefficient stem colonizers. DIS 259j, DIS 320c, and DIS 376f induced defense-related expressed sequence tags (EST) in 32-day-old peppers. DIS 70a, DIS 259j, and DIS 376f delayed disease development. Initial colonization of roots by DIS 259j or DIS 376f induced EST with potential to impact Trichoderma endophytic colonization and disease development, including multiple lipid transferase protein (LTP)-like family members. The timing and intensity of induction varied between isolates. Expression of CaLTP-N, encoding a LTP-like protein in pepper, in N. benthamiana leaves reduced disease development in response to P. nicotianae inoculation, suggesting LTP are functional components of resistance induced by Trichoderma species. Trichoderma isolates were endophytic on pepper roots in which, depending on the isolate, they delayed disease development by P. capsici and induced strong and divergent defense reactions.
First Report of Botrytis hyacinthi on Pineapple Lily in California
Authors: Blomquist C. L. , Greene I. D.
Published: November 2010

Pineapple lily (Eucomis vandermerwei) is grown for its exotic-looking flower spike that looks like a small pineapple. It is used as an accent plant in the garden or for its long-lasting cut flowers. In late November 2007, plant foliage was submitted to the California State Diagnostic Laboratory by a commercial grower for phytosanitary inspection before shipment of bulbs to Europe. Leaves had wet, brown, elliptical spots of 1 to 2 cm long, some with yellow halos. The interior of the older spots was pale brown and papery. Conidiophores typical of Botrytis spp. were observed on the abaxial side of the leaf in the interior of the older spots. Isolations on half-strength acidified potato dextrose agar (APDA) yielded a grayish mycelium with conidiophores developing on the plant tissue only. The agar was grayish yellow, especially when viewed from the underside. Conidiophores measured 275 to 650 μm × 15 to 20 μm (411.2 × 15.5 μm average). Conidia were light brown, subglobose to broadly ellipsoidal, and measuring 10 to 15 × 13 to 20 μm (11.8 × 16.2 μm average). Scattered, black sclerotia measuring 335 to 1,007 × 518 to 1,079 μm (668.9 × 743.9 μm average) formed on the medium after approximately 7 days. Pathogenicity was confirmed by inoculating four Eucomis spp. plants with one inoculation per leaf, four leaves per plant. Each leaf was wounded with a sterile pushpin and three agar plugs from 4-day-old cultures were placed in a plastic screw-cap lid filled with sterile water and clipped onto each wound. Plants were misted with water, covered with a plastic bag, and placed in a growth chamber at 16°C (12-h photoperiod) for 48 h after which the agar plugs and caps were removed. An equal number of plants were wounded and mock inoculated with APDA. Pathogenicity experiments were repeated. After 14 days, all inoculated leaves had lesions and the fungus was reisolated. No Botrytis spp. were isolated from the mock-inoculated plants. Our sequence of the intergenic spacer regions of one isolate, GenBank FJ10809, matched Botrytis hyacinthi sequence AJ716297 with 99.8% identity. Using molecular (3) and morphological characters (1,4), the pathogen was identified as B. hyacinthi, the cause of fire disease in hyacinths. This pathogen was described previously on hyacinths in Washington State (2), the Netherlands (4), and the United Kingdom (2). The importance and economic impact of this disease appears to be limited because it has only been observed on mature or senescing foliage and not bulbs. To our knowledge, this is the first report of B. hyacinthi causing a leaf spot on pineapple lily.

References: (1) C. J. Gould et al. Plant Dis. Rep. 42:534, 1958. (2) W. C. Moore. Page 14 in: Diseases of Bulbs. Bull. No. 117. Minist. Agric. Fish. London, 1939. (3) M. Staats et al. Mol. Biol. Evol. 22:333, 2005. (4) J. Westerdijk and F. H. Van Beyma Thoe Kingma. Meded. Phytopathol. Lab. “Willie Commelin Scholten” 12:15, 1928.
Decision Aids for Multiple-Decision Disease Management as Affected by Weather Input Errors
Authors: Pfender W. F. , Gent D. H. , Mahaffee W. F. , Coop L. B. , Fox A. D.
Published: November 2010

Many disease management decision support systems (DSSs) rely, exclusively or in part, on weather inputs to calculate an indicator for disease hazard. Error in the weather inputs, typically due to forecasting, interpolation, or estimation from off-site sources, may affect model calculations and management decision recommendations. The extent to which errors in weather inputs affect the quality of the final management outcome depends on a number of aspects of the disease management context, including whether management consists of a single dichotomous decision, or of a multi-decision process extending over the cropping season(s). Decision aids for multi-decision disease management typically are based on simple or complex algorithms of weather data which may be accumulated over several days or weeks. It is difficult to quantify accuracy of multi-decision DSSs due to temporally overlapping disease events, existence of more than one solution to optimizing the outcome, opportunities to take later recourse to modify earlier decisions, and the ongoing, complex decision process in which the DSS is only one component. One approach to assessing importance of weather input errors is to conduct an error analysis in which the DSS outcome from high-quality weather data is compared with that from weather data with various levels of bias and/or variance from the original data. We illustrate this analytical approach for two types of DSS, an infection risk index for hop powdery mildew and a simulation model for grass stem rust. Further exploration of analysis methods is needed to address problems associated with assessing uncertainty in multi-decision DSSs.
A Single Dominant Locus,Ren4, Confers Rapid Non-Race-Specific Resistance to Grapevine Powdery Mildew
Authors: Ramming David W. , Gabler Franka , Smilanick Joe , Cadle-Davidson Molly , Barba Paola , Mahanil Siraprapa , Cadle-Davidson Lance
Published: November 2010

In the present study we screened the progeny of Vitis vinifera × V. romanetii populations segregating for resistance to powdery mildew and determined the presence of a single, dominant locus, Ren4, conferring rapid and extreme resistance to the grapevine powdery mildew fungus Erysiphe necator. In each of nine Ren4 pseudo-backcross 2 (pBC2) and pBC3populations (1,030 progeny), resistance fit a 1:1 segregation ratio and overall segregated as 543 resistant progeny to 487 susceptible. In full-sib progeny, microscopic observations revealed the reduction of penetration success rate (as indicated by the emergence of secondary hyphae) from 86% in susceptible progeny to below 10% in resistant progeny. Similarly, extreme differences were seen macroscopically. Ratings for Ren4 pBC2population 03-3004 screened using natural infection in a California vineyard and greenhouse and using artificial inoculation of an aggressive New York isolate were fully consistent among all three pathogen sources and environments. From 2006 to 2010, Ren4 pBC2and pBC3vines were continuously screened in California and New York (in the center of diversity for E. necator), and no sporulating colonies were observed. For population 03-3004, severity ratings on leaves, shoots, berries, and rachises were highly correlated (R2= 0.875 to 0.996) in the vineyard. Together, these data document a powdery mildew resistance mechanism not previously described in the Vitaceae or elsewhere, in which a dominantly inherited resistance prevents hyphal emergence and is non-race-specific and tissue-independent. In addition to its role in breeding for durable resistance, Ren4 may provide mechanistic insights into the early events that enable powdery mildew infection.
New Virulence Groups in Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. phaseoli: The Expression of the Gene Coding for the Transcription Factor ftf1 Correlates with Virulence
Authors: de Vega-Bartol José J. , Martín-Dominguez Raúl , Ramos Brisa , García-Sánchez María-Asunción , Díaz-Mínguez José María
Published: November 2010

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. phaseoli strains isolated from runner bean plants showing Fusarium wilt symptoms were characterized. The analysis of the genetic diversity of these strains and the comparison with strains formerly isolated from diseased common bean plants grown in the same region of Spain indicated a close genetic similarity among them. Pathogenicity assays carried out on runner bean plants showed virulence differences that allowed the classification of these strains into three groups: super virulent, highly virulent, and weakly virulent. However, all the analyzed strains behaved as highly virulent when inoculated on common bean plants, indicating that virulence is specific of the host–pathogen interaction. We also analyzed the number of copies and expression of the gene encoding the transcription factor ftf1, which has been shown to be specific of virulent F. oxysporum strains and highly up-regulated during plant infection. In planta real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction expression analysis showed that expression of ftf1 was correlated with the degree of virulence. The comparative analysis of the polymorphic copies of ftf1 detected in the strains here characterized and those detected in the genome sequence of F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici strain 4287 indicates that some of the copies are likely nonfunctional.
Reproducibility of non‐standardised autonomic function testing in the pre‐operative assessment screening clinic*
Authors: Keet S. W. M. , Bulte C. S. E. , Boer C. , Bouwman R. A.
Published: November 2010

By convention, autonomic function tests are undertaken under standard test conditions that limit their implementation during routine pre‐operative assessment. We therefore evaluated the comparability of autonomic function tests under both non‐standardised and standardised test conditions in 20 healthy male subjects. Autonomic function was assessed using an ECG monitor and a continuous non‐invasive blood pressure measurement device. Under non‐standardised conditions, intraclass correlation for heart rate variability analysis was good for the low and high frequency bands (0.87; 95% CI 0.58–0.96 and 0.83; 95% CI 0.56–0.94, respectively), but moderate (0.65; 95% CI 0.14–0.86) for the very low frequency band; reproducibility was high for the expiration/inspiration ratio (0.89; 95% CI 0.71–0.96), Valsalva ratio (0.76; 95% CI 0.37–0.91) and handgrip test (0.76; 95% CI 0.35–0.91) (all p < 0.05) but was low for the response to quick standing. Reproducibility under standardised conditions was comparable to the above values. We demonstrated that reproducibility for most autonomic tests under non‐standardised conditions is acceptable and suggest that implementation of these tests during pre‐operative assessment may be feasible.
Intraplate subsidence and basin filling adjacent to an oceanic arc–continent collision: a case from the southern Caribbean‐South America plate margin
Authors: Bayona Germán , Montes Camilo , Cardona Agustín , Jaramillo Carlos , Ojeda Germán , Valencia Victor , Ayala‐Calvo Carolina
Published: November 2010

The upper Campanian–Lower Eocene synorogenic sedimentary wedge of the Ranchería Basin was deposited in an intraplate basin resting on a tilted continental crustal block that was deformed by collision and subsequent subduction of the Caribbean Plate. Upper Cretaceous–Lower Eocene strata rest unconformably upon Jurassic igneous rocks of the Santa Marta Massif, with no major thrust faults separating the Santa Marta Massif from the Ranchería Basin. The upper Campanian–Lower Eocene succession includes, from base to top: foraminifera‐rich calcareous mudstone, mixed carbonate–siliciclastic strata and mudstone, coal and immature fluvial sandstone beds. Diachronous collision and eastward tilting of the plate margin (Santa Marta Massif and Central Cordillera) favoured the generation of accommodation space in a continuous intraplate basin (Ranchería, Cesar and western Maracaibo) during the Maastrichtian to Late Palaeocene. Terrigenous detritus from the distal colliding margin filled the western segments of the continuous intraplate basin (Ranchería and Cesar Basins); in the Late Paleocene, continental depositional systems migrated eastwards as far as the western Maracaibo Basin. In Early Eocene time, reactivation of former extensional structures fragmented the intraplate basin into the Ranchería‐Cesar Basins to the west, and the western Maracaibo Basin and Palmar High to the East. This scenario of continent–oceanic arc collision, crustal‐scale tilting, intraplate basin generation and fault reactivation may apply for Upper Cretaceous–Palaeogene syntectonic basins in western Colombia and Ecuador, and should be considered in other settings where arc–continent collision is followed by subduction.
Therapeutic failure in American cutaneous leishmaniasis is associated with gelatinase activity and cytokine expression
Authors: Maretti-Mira A C , de Oliveira-Neto M P , Da-Cruz A M , de Oliveira M P , Craft N , Pirmez C
Published: November 2010

Cutaneous lesions caused by Leishmania braziliensis infection occasionally heal spontaneously, but with antimonials therapy heal rapidly in approximately 3 weeks. However, about 15% of the cases require several courses of therapy. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 are gelatinases that have been implicated in other chronic cutaneous diseases and skin re-epithelialization. These enzymes are controlled by their natural inhibitors [tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMPs)] and by some cytokines. Uncontrolled gelatinase activity may result in intense tissue degradation and, consequently, poorly healing wounds. The present study correlates gelatinase activity to therapeutic failure of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) lesions. Our results demonstrate an association between gelatinase activity and increased numbers of cells making interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β in lesions from poor responders. Conversely, high levels of MMP-2 mRNA and enhanced MMP-2 : TIMP-2 ratios were associated with a satisfactory response to antimonials treatment. Additionally, high gelatinolytic activity was found in the wound beds, necrotic areas in the dermis and within some granulomatous infiltrates. These results indicate the importance of gelatinase activity in the skin lesions caused by CL. Thus, we hypothesize that the immune response profile may be responsible for the gelatinase activity pattern and may ultimately influence the persistence or cure of CL lesions.
Autoantibodies to GW bodies and other autoantigens in primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: Stinton L M , Swain M , Myers R P , Shaheen A A , Fritzler M J
Published: November 2010

Autoantibodies to intracellular targets in mitochondria and nuclei are serological hallmarks of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). One of the most recently identified cellular targets of PBC autoantibodies is a novel cytoplasmic structure referred to as GW bodies [GWB, G (glycine) W (tryptophan)-containing bodies (GWB)]. GWB are indentified as discrete cytoplasmic domains that are involved in mRNA processing via the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. Key components of GWB include the proteins GW182, Ago2, RNA-associated protein 55 (RAP55) and Ge-1/Hedls. The primary objective was to study the frequency and clinical association of antibodies directed to GWB components, in 109 PBC patients. Autoantibodies to mitochondrial antigen–pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (M2), branched-chain 2-oxo-acid dehydrogenase complex and 2-oxo glutarate dehydrogenase complex (3E-BPO), gp210, sp100, promyelocytic leukaemia cell antigen (PML) and liver kidney microsomal-1 antigen (LKM-1) were detected by a line immunoassay and antibodies to GWB (GW182, RAP55, Ge-1, GW2, GW3) and glutamate receptor interacting protein (GRIP)-associated protein-1 (GRASP-1), by an addressable laser bead immunoassay (ALBIA). The most common GWB autoantigen targets were: RAP55-28%, GW182-12%, GW2-2% and antibodies to GRASP-1-17%. By comparison, the frequency of reactivity to established PBC autoantigens was: gp210, 27%; sp100, 27% and PML, 17%. None of the autoantibodies were associated with differences in Mayo risk score or liver decompensation. This study is the first study to show that antibodies to RAP55, GW182 and GRASP-1 are the most common GWB targets in PBC.
Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 mediates anti-β2GPI/β2GPI-induced tissue factor expression in THP-1 cells
Authors: Zhou H , Yan Y , Xu G , Zhou B , Wen H , Guo D , Zhou F , Wang H
Published: November 2010

Our previous study demonstrated that annexin A2 (ANX2) on cell surface could function as a mediator and stimulate tissue factor (TF) expression of monocytes by anti-β2-glycoprotein I/β2-glycoprotein I complex (anti-β2GPI/β2GPI). However, ANX2 is not a transmembrane protein and lacks the intracellular signal transduction pathway. Growing evidence suggests that Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) might act as an ‘adaptor’ for intracellular signal transduction in anti-β2GPI/β2GPI-induced TF expressing cells. In the current study, we investigated the roles of TLR-4 and its related molecules, myeloid differentiation protein 2 (MD-2) and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), in anti-β2GPI/β2GPI-induced TF expressing human monocytic-derived THP-1 (human acute monocytic leukaemia) cells. The relationship of TLR-4 and ANX2 in this process was also explored. Along with TF, expression of TLR-4, MD-2 and MyD88 in THP-1 cells increased significantly when treated by anti-β2GPI (10 µg/ml)/β2GPI (100 µg/ml) complex. The addition of paclitaxel, which competes with the MD-2 ligand, could inhibit the effects of anti-β2GPI/β2GPI on TLR-4, MD-2, MyD88 and TF expression. Both ANX2 and TLR-4 in THP-1 cell lysates could bind to β2GPI that had been conjugated to a column (β2GPI-Affi-Gel). Furthermore, TLR-4, MD-2, MyD88 and TF expression was remarkably diminished in THP-1 cells infected with ANX2-specific RNA interference (RNAi) lentivirus (LV-RNAi-ANX2), in spite of treatment with a similar concentration of anti-β2GPI/β2GPI complex. These results indicate that TLR-4 and its signal transduction pathway contribute to anti-β2GPI/β2GPI-induced TF expression in THP-1 cells, and the effects of TLR-4 with ANX2 are tightly co-operative.
Prevention of excessive collagen accumulation by human intravenous immunoglobulin treatment in a murine model of bleomycin-induced scleroderma
Authors: Kajii M , Suzuki C , Kashihara J , Kobayashi F , Kubo Y , Miyamoto H , Yuuki T , Yamamoto T , Nakae T
Published: November 2010

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by fibrotic changes in skin and other organs involving excessive collagen deposition. Here we investigated the effect of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) on fibrosis in a murine model of bleomycin (BLM)-induced scleroderma. Scleroderma was induced in C3H/He J mice by subcutaneous BLM injections daily for 35 days. The collagen content in skin samples from the BLM-injected group (6·30 ± 0·11 mg/g tissue) was significantly higher than the PBS group (5·80 ± 0·10 mg/g tissue), and corresponded with dermal thickening at the injection site. In contrast, mice treated with IVIG for 5 consecutive days after initiating BLM injection showed lesser collagen content significantly (IVIG group, 5·61 ± 0·09 mg/g tissue; BLM vs. IVIG). In order to investigate the cellular and protein characteristics in the early stage of the model, the skin samples were obtained 7 days after the onset of experiment. Macrophage infiltration to the dermis, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1)-positive cells, and increased TGF-β1 mRNA expression were also observed in the BLM group. IVIG inhibited these early fibrogenic changes; MCP-1 expression was significantly lesser for the IVIG group (1·52 ± 0·19 pg/mg tissue) than for the BLM group (2·49 ± 0·26 pg/mg tissue). In contrast, TGF-β1 mRNA expression was significantly inhibited by IVIG. These results suggest that IVIG treatment may inhibit macrophage recruitment to fibrotic sites by down regulating MCP-1 and TGF-β production, and thus could be a potential drug for managing fibrotic disorders such as SSc.
Using plant functional traits to understand the landscape distribution of multiple ecosystem services
Authors: Lavorel Sandra , Grigulis Karl , Lamarque Pénélope , Colace Marie‐Pascale , Garden Denys , Girel Jacky , Pellet Gilles , Douzet Rolland
Published: November 2010

1. Spatially explicit understanding of the delivery of multiple ecosystem services (ES) from global to local scales is currently limited. New studies analysing the simultaneous provision of multiple services at landscape scale should aid the understanding of multiple ES delivery and trade‐offs to support policy, management and land planning.

2. Here, we propose a new approach for the analysis, mapping and understanding of multiple ES delivery in landscapes. Spatially explicit single ES models based on plant traits and abiotic characteristics are combined to identify ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ spots of multiple ES delivery, and the land use and biotic determinants of such distributions. We demonstrate the value of this trait‐based approach as compared to a pure land‐use approach for a pastoral landscape from the central French Alps, and highlight how it improves understanding of ecological constraints to, and opportunities for, the delivery of multiple services.

3. Vegetative height and leaf traits such as leaf dry matter content were response traits strongly influenced by land use and abiotic environment, with follow‐on effects on several ecosystem properties, and could therefore be used as functional markers of ES.

4. Patterns of association among ES were related to the dominant traits underlying different ecosystem properties. The functional decoupling between height and leaf traits provided alternative pathways for high agronomic value, as well as determining hot and cold spots of ES. Traditional land uses such as organic fertilization and mowing or altitude summer grazing were also linked with ES hot spots, because functional characteristics supporting fodder production and quality are compatible with species and functional diversity.

5. Synthesis. Analyses of ES using plant functional variation across landscapes are a powerful approach to understanding the fundamental ecological mechanisms underlying ES provision, and trade‐offs or synergies among services. Sustainable management of species and functionally diverse grassland could simultaneously aim at conserving biodiversity and locally important ES by taking advantage of correlations and trade‐offs among different plant functional traits.
Purple loosestrife suppresses plant species colonization far more than broad‐leaved cattail: experimental evidence with plant community implications
Authors: Hovick Stephen M. , Bunker Daniel E. , Peterson Chris J. , Carson Walter P.
Published: November 2010

1. Dominant plant species, whether native or invasive, often change community composition and cause decreases in diversity. Still invasive species are considered more deleterious to communities than dominant natives, although evidence for this is surprisingly rare. We tested two hypotheses: (i) an exotic invasive species will have greater impacts at the community level than a dominant native and (ii) this deleterious impact will be exacerbated with eutrophication.

2. Both hypotheses were tested by evaluating colonizer success in large, well‐replicated experimental monocultures of two dominant and widespread wetland species, invasive purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) and native broad‐leaved cattail (Typha latifolia). To facilitate comparisons, we standardized competitive effects by canopy biomass and by light availability beneath the canopy. The latter is a novel approach that accounts directly for resource reductions caused by community dominants.

3. Loosestrife was particularly detrimental to rare species and dramatically reduced colonizer success compared to cattail by nearly all of our metrics, including colonizer biomass (50.2% lower), species richness (34.2% lower), Shannon diversity (35.8% lower) and the proportion of mesocosms that were colonized (38.5% lower). Moreover, 15 of 16 uncommon species failed to colonize loosestrife communities. Graminoids fared poorly in loosestrife monocultures, but forb biomass (predominantly Sagittaria latifolia) was 3.5 times higher there. These results suggest that over time, plant communities under loosestrife canopies will contrast sharply with those under cattail. Contrary to our second hypothesis, fertilization did not exacerbate loosestrife’s ability to suppress colonizers, relative to that of cattail.

4. Canopy biomass and light attenuation were similar for cattail and loosestrife, yet biomass explained little variation in colonizer success. Increasing light availability in the understorey increased colonizer richness and diversity only under cattail canopies, suggesting loosestrife suppresses colonization via below‐ground competition while cattail does so via light reduction.

5. Synthesis. Ours is the first study to show that an invasive species suppresses colonizers much more than a dominant native and to identify contrasting mechanisms by which this may occur. Biomass‐based comparisons of competitive effects may have limited utility for highly productive dominant species generally, thus our approach also offers a viable new alternative that could be applied broadly.
Gene network architecture as a canvas for the interpretation of ecological genomics investigations
Authors: LANDRY CHRISTIAN R. , AUBIN‐HORTH NADIA
Published: November 2010

New technologies promise to revolutionize the field of molecular ecology. This technological progress comes with its own set of challenges. Among the most important ones is the analysis and interpretation of the data in a way that tells us about the molecular causes of the phenotype of interest and its consequences. In this issue, Whitehead et al. (2010) reveal part of the mechanistic basis of evolved pollution tolerance by studying the developmental and transcriptional response of tolerant and sensitive fish embryos to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a pollutant commonly found in coastal waters of the United States. By integrating their gene expression profiling data with phenotypic data on individuals along with what is known about pathways by which this pollutant acts in zebrafish and mammals, they are able to suggest detailed mechanisms that have evolved to allow a fish population to adapt to a very damaging pollutant and develop normally.