bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Manifestation of ripples in free‐standing graphene in lattice images obtained in an aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscope
Authors: Bangert U. , Gass M. H. , Bleloch A. L. , Nair R. R. , Geim A. K.
Published: March 2009

The shape of ripples in free‐standing graphene is derived from bond length distributions in high‐angle annular‐dark‐field (Z‐contrast) images, obtained in an aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscope (superSTEM). Local undulation patterns can readily be visualized by applying fast Fourier transform procedures to the lattice images, using a spatial frequency filter which passes the precise graphitic a ‐plane spacing. Using aberration‐corrected STEM presents the unique opportunity to correlate atomic resolution imaging with the undulations. Values for projected bond lengths, and hence bond inclinations, can be obtained by adjusting the filter to the appropriate band pass. Ripples with amplitude ∼0.5 nm and width ∼5 nm were observed. Their patterns modify in repeated image scans, with prolonged scanning introducing vacancies. These, in conjunction with adatoms which are also revealed in Z‐contrast, induce highly localized changes in the mechanical properties of graphene. Ripples in defected graphene remain dynamic, with changes occurring together with redistribution of defects. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Synthesis, mechanical and I –V characteristics of Ag–PVA nanocomposite films
Authors: Gautam A. , Ram S.
Published: March 2009

Hybrid polymer–inorganic nanocomposites have been prepared from an aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and silver nitrate (AgNO3). The silver nanoparticles have been generated in PVA matrix by reduction of silver ion with PVA molecules at 60–70 °C over a magnetic stirrer. X‐ray diffraction studies, UV–visible analysis, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and current–voltage analysis were used to characterize the nanocomposite films prepared. The X‐ray diffraction studies showed that silver metal is present in a face‐centered cubic (fcc) crystal structure with average crystallite size 19 nm, which grows to 22 nm on annealing the film at 150 °C in air. This is in good agreement with the result obtained from TEM. The UV–visible spectrum shows a single peak at 433 nm, arising from the surface plasmon absorption of silver colloids. This result clearly indicates that silver nanoparticles are embedded in PVA. An improvement of mechanical properties (storage modulus) was also noticed due to a modification of PVA up to 0.5 wt% of silver content. The current–voltage (I–V) characteristics nanocomposite films obey Ohm's law and the current drawn increases with increasing Ag content in the films. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Efficiency and non‐thermal roll‐over of violet emitting GaInN light‐emitting diodes grown on substrates with different dislocation densities
Authors: Maier Markus , Passow Thorsten , Kunzer Michael , Pletschen Wilfried , Liu Shangjing , Wiegert Joachim , Schmidt Ralf , Köhler Klaus , Wagner Joachim
Published: March 2009

Three series of 400 nm light‐emitting diodes (LED) with GaInN well widths ranging from 3 nm to 18 nm were grown on freestanding GaN‐substrates, on ultra low dislocation GaN templates on sapphire, and directly on sapphire substrates using conventional low temperature nucleation. The resulting defect densities in the active layers range from 4 × 107 to 1 × 109 cm‐2. Employing pulsed electroluminescence (EL) measurements to assess the EL efficiency over a wide range of current densities up to 650 A/cm2, the LEDs grown on defect reduced substrates showed the highest EL efficiency among all devices, which was achieved for GaInN well widths >10 nm and at comparatively high current densities (>100 A/cm2). In contrast, conventional 3 nm wide quantum well LEDs showed the peak EL efficiency at low current densities (<100 A/cm2), irrespective of the type of substrate used. While LEDs grown directly on sapphire showed a pronounced short‐wavelength shift of the EL spectrum by as much as 35 nm upon increasing current densities for intermediate GaInN well widths around 10 nm, the EL spectra of LEDs grown on low defect density templates or substrates occur at an almost constant wavelength which shifts by less than 5 nm upon variation of the current density from 0.5 A/cm2 to 300 A/cm2. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A study of the grain size and electric properties of Mn‐doped ZnO thin films grown by plasma‐assisted molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Lin Hung‐Ji , Lin Der‐Yuh , Hong Jia‐Zheng , Yang Chu‐Shou , Lin Chih‐Ming , Lin Chia‐Feng
Published: March 2009

In this study, we investigated the effect of manganese (Mn) doping on the grain size and electrical properties of Zn1‐xMnxO films grown on c ‐sapphire substrates by plasma‐assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PAMBE). Compared with the Raman spectra of reference ZnO films grown at the same conditions without Mn‐doping, the Mn related mode is observed and studied. The surface morphology and grain size were investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results show that the grains become smaller with increasing the Mn doping content. The electric properties including carrier concentration and mobility have been studied by Hall measurements. The decrease in mobility and the increase in resistivity of the samples with higher Mn doping content might be related to an increase of impurity scattering centers. The electric properties of the grain interior and grain boundary have been studied by using impedance spectroscopy (IS). Based on the IS data, we found that the relaxation time increases gradually with increasing Mn doping content. Besides, the activation energy for grain and grain boundary conduction are studied. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Catalyst free MBE‐VLS growth of GaAs nanowires on (111)Si substrate
Authors: Paek J. H. , Nishiwaki T. , Yamaguchi M. , Sawaki N.
Published: March 2009

The behaviour of catalyst free GaAs nanowire growth is investigated on (111)Si substrate by molecular beam epitaxy under different Ga and As fluxes. It is found that the diameter of nanowire is increased by increasing the Ga flux, while it is decreased by increasing the As flux. The growth rate along the wire axis is enhanced by increasing the As flux under a constant Ga flux. Moreover, the Ga droplet at the top disappears by the growth interruption and the growth along the wire axis is strictly prohibited. By adopting the last result, the growth of GaAs/AlGaAs core‐shell structure is attempted. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Stress‐induced Curie temperature increase in the Fe64Ni36 invar alloy
Authors: Gorria Pedro , Boada Roberto , Fernández‐Martínez Alejandro , Garbarino Gastón , Smith Ronald I. , Chaboy Jesús , Alonso J. I. García , Martínez‐Blanco David , Castro German R. , Mezouar Mohamed , Hernando Antonio , Blanco Jesús A.
Published: March 2009

Structural and magnetic changes on invar Fe64Ni36 alloy (TC = 500 K) produced by mechanical milling followed by heating up to 1073 K, were investigated by neutron diffraction, magnetization measurements, X‐ray diffraction under high pressures and X‐ray absorption at both Fe and Ni K‐edges. We argue that the strain induced in the Fe64Ni36 material after this treatment mainly affects the Fe sites due to the magnetovolume coupling, the most notorious feature being the increase of the Curie temperature (ΔTC = 70 K). (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Theoretical insights into the thiol reductase activity of ebtellur
Authors: Sakimoto Yukiko , Hirao Kimihiko , Musaev Djamaladdin G.
Published: March 2009

Reductase activity of ebtellur was studied at the density functional level. For this purpose, the mechanism and controlling factors of the reactions EbTeO + 2GSH → EbTe + GS‐SG + H2O (2) and EbTeO + H2O + 2GSH → EbTe(OH)2 + 2GSH → EbTe + GS‐SG + 2H2O (3) were analyzed. It was shown that the addition of the first thiol molecule to 2_TeO (model of EbTeO), which occurs with a few kcal/mol activation barrier and exothermic by 20–25 (9–13) kcal/mol, leads to 2_TeO, 2_Te(OH)(SMe), II, intermediate. Addition of the next thiol molecule to II may proceed via the both “concerted” and “stepwise” pathways with a rate‐determining SS bond formation step. It was found that the “concerted” pathway is slightly favorable at the enthalpy level than the “stepwise” pathway. Overall reaction (2) is found to be exothermic by 41.6 (41.4) kcal/mol. Calculations show that the MeSH bond activation by oxo species, 2_TeO, is much easier process than that by dihydroxy species, 2_Te(OH)2. Comparison of the calculated barriers for rate‐determining steps of the reaction 2_TeO + 2 MeSH with that, 19.4 (30.3) kcal/mol, for the reaction 2_TeO + H2O + 2 MeSH → 2_Te(OH)2 + MeSH indicates that in the presence of water molecule ebtellur should show less (slow) thiol reductase activity. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Structures and improvisation for inquiry‐based science instruction: A teacher's adaptation of a model of magnetism activity
Authors: Harlow Danielle Boyd
Published: March 2009

One aspect of scientific inquiry that appears to be particularly challenging to learn is how explanatory models are developed and used in science. It is even more challenging to learn to teach through methods that engage young students in building and using explanatory models. In part, this is because to do so requires that teachers make real‐time instructional decisions in response to the ideas that students articulate. In this paper I present an example of a teacher who participated in a series of activities during a professional development course that guided her and her colleagues through the process of developing and revising an explanatory model of magnetic phenomenon. She subsequently transformed this series of activities to use with her elementary school students. Contrasting the series of activities in the elementary classroom to the corresponding professional development activities revealed improvisational instructional acts and shed light on aspects of the classroom context that necessitated and facilitated improvisation. In particular, this paper highlights the multiple pedagogical and disciplinary structures that teachers implicitly chose among when improvising. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 94:142–163, 2010
The contested concept of sustainable aviation
Authors: Walker S. , Cook M.
Published: March 2009

International passenger aviation has increased threefold in the last 25 years and is predicted to continue a similar rapid expansion over the next 25 years. While bringing considerable economic benefits, growth of the aviation sector is also likely to lead to greater adverse social and environmental impacts. To address this, sustainable aviation policy is framed as a ‘balanced strategy’. While this emphasizes the economic benefits of the aviation sector, it also aims to address the environmental and social impacts that may arise from its expansion. Other groups disagree with this interpretation of sustainable aviation, and there is little rapprochement between environmental NGOs and the aviation sector. Sustainable aviation policy is therefore contested, and different groups are attempting to reframe it to suit their own objectives. A categorization exercise supported by rhetorical, stylistic and thematic analysis was used to identify and explore the environmental discourses that are competing to construct policy for sustainable aviation. The analysis revealed that the discourse category of ecological modernization with an emphasis on environmental technology and management is dominant, that government and aviation sector attempts to achieve discursive closure through the rhetoric of ‘balance’ are failing and that sustainable aviation remains a rich discursive battleground. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Free trade, fair trade and gender inequality in less developed countries
Authors: Rice Julie Steinkopf
Published: March 2009

Fair trade is often viewed as an alternative to free trade that reduces global inequality and poverty. This paper examines whether fair trade is truly an alternative to the free market, and as a consequence whether it can effectively advance gender equality and alleviate the poverty of women in less developed countries (LDCs). First, neoclassical economics and trade liberalization policies are reviewed. The paper then examines how fair trade seeks to correct market imperfections, thereby making the free market more efficient in distributing wealth. The ability of fair trade to address the central issues related to trade liberalization and women in LDCs is discussed, and the gendered structures of fair trade identified. Whether fair trade can provide gender equality within global capitalist structures is a theoretical matter that requires further empirical inquiry. Suggestions for future research, informed by feminist theories of the political economy, are provided. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Can cognitive biases explain venture team homophily?
Authors: Parker Simon C.
Published: March 2009

Although venture teams whose founders are dissimilar (heterophilious) tend to outperform teams whose founders are similar (homophilious), most new venture teams are characterized by homophily. I try to explain this puzzle with a learning model in which founders are prone to two cognitive biases: overoptimism and self‐serving attributions. Founders choose cofounders with similar beliefs as themselves because they expect this to promote the most effective allocation of effort to the venture. Self‐serving bias reinforces and perpetuates these beliefs. In principle, informed outsiders (e.g., practitioners or hands on investors) can improve venture team composition compared with private choices by founders. Copyright © 2009 Strategic Management Society.
How relational capital and knowledge combination capability enhance the performance of work units in a high technology industry
Authors: Carmeli Abraham , Azeroual Benny
Published: March 2009

The defense industry in Israel has long been considered a critical platform for the development of the high‐technology sector. This study examines the importance of knowledge combination capability work units build through social relationships to enhance their performance. Specifically, we probe how both intraunit relational capital (within a unit) and interunit relational capital (across units) enable units to build knowledge combination capabilities and how such capabilities affect their performance. Data collected from senior managers in 122 knowledge units indicate that: (1) both intra‐ and interunit relational capital are positively related to knowledge combination capability; (2) knowledge combination capability is positively associated with enhanced unit performance; (3) knowledge combination capability fully mediates the relationship between interunit relational capital and unit performance; and (4) intraunit relational capital impacts both directly and indirectly (through knowledge combination capability) on unit performance. The findings suggest that interunit relational capital entails greater variation in knowledge stocks and thus may lead to more radical innovation than intra‐relational capital that entails more similar knowledge bases and, thus, produces more incremental innovations. Copyright © 2009 Strategic Management Society.
An Intrinsically Fluorescent Recognition Ligand Scaffold Based on Chaperonin Protein and Semiconductor Quantum‐Dot Conjugates
Authors: Xie Hongzhi , Li Yi‐Fen , Kagawa Hiromi K. , Trent Jonathan D. , Mudalige Kumara , Cotlet Mircea , Swanson Basil I.
Published: March 2009

Genetic engineering of a novel protein–nanoparticle hybrid system with great potential for biosensing applications and for patterning of various types of nanoparticles is described. The hybrid system is based on a genetically modified chaperonin protein from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Sulfolobus shibatae. This chaperonin is an 18‐subunit double ring, which self‐assembles in the presence of Mg ions and ATP. Described here is a mutant chaperonin (His‐β‐loopless, HBLL) with increased access to the central cavity and His‐tags on each subunit extending into the central cavity. This mutant binds water‐soluble semiconductor quantum dots, creating a protein‐encapsulated fluorescent nanoparticle. The new bioconjugate has high affinity, in the order of strong antibody–antigen interactions, a one‐to‐one protein–nanoparticle stoichiometry, and high stability. By adding selective binding sites to the solvent‐exposed regions of the chaperonin, this protein–nanoparticle bioconjugate becomes a sensor for specific targets.
A Thin Carbon‐Fiber Web as a Scaffold for Bone‐Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Aoki Kaoru , Usui Yuki , Narita Nobuyo , Ogiwara Nobuhide , Iashigaki Norio , Nakamura Koichi , Kato Hiroyuki , Sano Kenji , Ogiwara Naoko , Kametani Kiyokazu , Kim Chan , Taruta Seiichi , Kim Yoong Ahm , Endo Morinobu , Saito Naoto
Published: March 2009

Due to the rapid progress being made in tissue regeneration therapy, biomaterials used as scaffolds are expected to play an important role in future clinical application. We report the development of a 3D web (sheet) consisting of high‐purity carbon fibers in a nanoscale structure. When the thin carbon‐fiber web (TCFW) and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP‐2) composite is implanted in the murine back muscle, new ectopic bone is formed, and the values of the bone mineral content and bone mineral density are significantly higher than those obtained with a collagen sheet. Observation of the interface between the carbon fibers and bone matrix reveal that the fibers are directly integrated into the bone matrix, indicating high bone‐tissue compatibility. Further, the rhBMP‐2/TCFW composite repairs a critical‐size bone defect within a short time period. These results suggest that the TCFW functions as an effective scaffold material and will play an important role in tissue regeneration in the future.
Linking the components of a university program to the qualification profile of graduates: The case of a sustainability‐oriented environmental science curriculum
Authors: Hansmann Ralf
Published: March 2009

A university Environmental Sciences curriculum is described against the background of requirements for environmental problem solving for sustainability and then analyzed using data from regular surveys of graduates (N = 373). Three types of multiple regression models examine links between qualifications and curriculum components in order to derive some conclusions about which qualifications are enhanced by which curriculum components. The underlying rationale of these models is that assessments of the importance of a certain component (and the time graduates think should be allocated to it) should increase with the workplace demand for the qualifications it provides. A comprehensive set of 19 qualifications was used, subdivided into three areas of environmental problem‐solving skills (A, basic scientific and technological skills; B, transformation‐oriented skills; and C, sociopolitical skills) and two areas of transferable skills (D, individual key skills and E, social and communication skills). Relationships identified by different regression models are discussed in terms of mutual consistency and with regard to the design, content, and learning goals of the curriculum components. Many plausible relationships were identified. Using such regression models is a promising indirect method that may be generally applicable for the explorative qualification‐oriented evaluation of university curricula and their fundamental components based on graduates' judgments. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 46: 537–569, 2009
Connecting photosynthesis and cellular respiration: Preservice teachers' conceptions
Authors: Brown Mary H. , Schwartz Reneè S.
Published: March 2009

The biological processes of photosynthesis and plant cellular respiration include multiple biochemical steps, occur simultaneously within plant cells, and share common molecular components. Yet, learners often compartmentalize functions and specialization of cell organelles relevant to these two processes, without considering the interconnections as well as the significance of the plant as an independent biological system functioning as a nested component within local and global ecosystems. Understanding connections among biological systems at macro and micro levels is important to biological literacy. This study examined preservice elementary teachers' conceptions of photosynthesis and plant cellular respiration, with attention to interconnections and systems. Participants were limited in their understanding of the processes impacting multiple ecological levels, and they held inadequate representations of interconnections between the processes. Participants' views were laden with sociological and egocentric components. They often compared plant functions with analogous human functions. Most participants viewed plants as dependent on humans while having societal use. Justifications for views included nominal knowledge of the processes; experiential authoritarian reasoning; and anthropomorphism. We discuss instructional implications in light of the findings. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 46: 791–812, 2009
BER of OFDM in Rayleigh fading environments with selective diversity
Authors: Le Khoa N.
Published: March 2009

This paper derives the analytical bit error rate (BER) of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems employing selective diversity in Rayleigh fading environments. First, the probability density function (pdf) of inter‐carrier interference (ICI) power in Rayleigh fading environments is derived. Second, the pdf of the signal‐to‐interference ratio (SIR) is then derived. The cumulative distribution function (cdf) and hence pdf of the SIR with selective diversity are then given in the third and fourth steps. Using the BER expressions of binary phase shift keying (BPSK) and differential BPSK (DBPSK) modulation in an added white Gaussian noise (AWGN), the corresponding BER expressions of OFDM systems can then be derived. Detailed discussions are given. Possible future work is also outlined. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal health and function among the elderly: lessening severity of ADL disability
Authors: Eynon Nir , Yamin Chen , Ben-Sira David , Sagiv Moran
Published: March 2009

Despite mounting evidence implicating sedentary behavior as a significant risk factor among the elderly, there is a limited amount of information on the type and amount of activity needed to promote optimal health and function in older people. Overall muscle strength and mass decline 30–50% between the ages of 30 and 80. The loss of muscle mass accounts for most of the observed loss of strength. The loss of muscle tissue is due to a decrease in the number of muscle fibers and to atrophy of the type II muscle fibers. The declining strength reduces the capacity to carry out basic activities of daily life and puts people at risk for falls and dependence on others. The objective of the present review is to examine the role of exercise training as a primary tool for increasing cardiopulmonary and muscular fitness in order to lessen the severity of disability in activities of daily living and to attain optimal health and functioning among the elderly.
HO1 and PcyA proteins involved in phycobilin biosynthesis form a 1:2 complex with ferredoxin‐1 required for photosynthesis
Authors: Okada Ken
Published: March 2009

MINT‐7014675: PcyA (uniprotkb:P59288) and Fd1 (uniprotkb:P0A3C9) bind (MI:0407) by cross‐linking studies (MI:0030)
Oncostatin M synergistically inhibits HCV RNA replication in combination with interferon‐α
Authors: Ikeda Masanori , Mori Kyoko , Ariumi Yasuo , Dansako Hiromichi , Kato Nobuyuki
Published: March 2009

Oncostatin M (OSM), a member of the interleukin‐6 family, possesses various functions, including hepatocyte differentiation and suppression of melanoma cell growth. Here, we report anti‐hepatitis C virus (HCV) activity of OSM as a new function of this cytokine. OSM possessed marked anti‐HCV activity (50% effective concentration: 0.71 ng/ml) in an HCV RNA replication cell culture system. The most striking finding is that OSM exhibited synergistic inhibitory activity on interferon (IFN)‐α even at a low concentration with weak anti‐HCV activity, such as 25 pg/ml. OSM is a candidate anti‐HCV reagent and may improve the current IFN therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis C.
Presentation and management of perineal endometriosis
Authors: Zhu Lan , Lang Jinghe , Wang Hanbi , Liu Zhufeng , Sun Dawei , Leng Jinhua , Zhou Huimei , Cui Quancai , Wong Felix
Published: March 2009

Objective

To analyze the clinical presentation of perineal endometriosis and evaluate its treatment.

Methods

Clinical data were analyzed from the records of 36 patients with perineal endometriosis who were operated on between 1983 and 2007 at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, and followed up for 0.5 to 14 years.

Results

The incidence of perineal endometriosis was 0.31% among the women with endometriosis treated surgically at the hospital. The latent period was between 4 months and 13 years. All patients had cyclical and painful lesions. Of the 36 patients, 5 (13.9%) also suffered from pelvic endometriosis. All patients without anal sphincter involvement were cured after complete surgical excision. In 7 patients who had anal sphincter involvement, disease recurred because of incomplete excision.

Conclusion

Perineal endometriosis can be diagnosed on the basis of clinical features and surgical excision is the treatment of choice. The recurrence rate of perineal endometriosis is related to sphincter involvement making preoperative evaluation of anal sphincter important.
Estimate of global oil resource and the forecast for global oil production in the 21st century
Authors: Kontorovich A.E.
Published: March 2009

A probabilistic estimate of the global conventional recoverable oil resource was performed based on the concept of the Earth’s sedimentary cover as a holistic system. A forecast for global oil production was made for the period till the end of the 21st century. It has been shown that the global oil production will most likely peak at 4.2–4.7 billion tons a year in 2020–2030. For that period, the top oil-producing regions in the world will be the Persian Gulf, West and East Siberia. The upstream sector at that time will turn its focus to the Arctic shelf. Annual oil production could be maintained at a level of 4.2–4.5 billion tons till the late 2040s.
The western part of the West Siberian petroleum megabasin: geologic history and structure of the basement
Authors: Ivanov K.S. , Koroteev V.A. , Pecherkin M.F. , Fedorov Yu.N. , Erokhin Yu.V.
Published: March 2009

On the basis of complex research into the western part of the West Siberian Plate, a new scheme of the structure-formation zones of its basement has been developed and a new geological map of its pre-Jurassic basement has been compiled. Ophiolites and other mafic-ultramafic complexes (fragments of the oceanic Earth’s crust) were studied. The most complete Late Ordovician ophiolite complex comprising a melange of serpentinites, gabbroids, plagiogranites, and basalt with jasper interbeds lies in the Shaim area. Weakly altered spinel lherzolites were also examined there. The research has revealed not only Ordovician but also Devonian basalts as well as gabbroid complexes (392 Ma, Sm-Nd dating). The Paleozoic geodynamic history of the region was terminated with collision, which was accompanied by tectonic piling and the intrusion of granite plutons, metamorphism, and formation of new continental crust. These crucial events, which consolidated Paleozoic complexes throughout the vast area of the future West Siberian megabasin, date from the Early Permian. The composition, age, and nature of granitoid plutons in western West Siberia were studied, and isochrons and isotope characteristics were obtained, which give an insight into both the genesis and age of granite plutons and their subsequent transformations.
Phylogenetic Analysis of Brine Shrimp (Artemia) in China Using DNA Barcoding
Authors: Wang Weiwei , Luo Qibin , Guo Haiyan , Bossier Peter , Van Stappen Gilbert , Sorgeloos Patrick , Xin Naihong , Sun Qishi , Hu Songnian , Yu Jun
Published: March 2009

DNA barcoding is a powerful approach for characterizing species of organisms, especially those with almost identical morphological features, thereby helping to to establish phylogenetic relationships and reveal evolutionary histories. In this study, we chose a 648-bp segment of the mitochondrial gene, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI), as a standard barcode region to establish phylogenetic relationships among brine shrimp (Artemia) species from major habitats around the world and further focused on the biodiversity of Artemia species in China, especially in the Tibetan Plateau. Samples from five major salt lakes of the Tibetan Plateau located at altitudes over 4,000 m showed clear differences from other Artemia populations in China. We also observed two consistent amino acid changes, 153A/V and 183L/F, in the COI gene between the high and low altitude species in China. Moreover, indels in the COI sequence were identified in cyst and adult samples unique to the Co Qen population from the Tibetan Plateau, demonstrating the need for additional investigations of the mitochondrial genome among Tibetan Artemia populations.
In Silico Analysis of Crop Science: Report on the First China-UK Workshop on Chips, Computers and Crops
Authors: Chen Ming , Harrison Andrew
Published: March 2009

A workshop on “Chips, Computers and Crops” was held in Hangzhou, China during September 26–27, 2008. The main objective of the workshop was to bring together China and UK scientists from mathematics, bioinformatics and plant molecular biology communities to exchange ideas, enhance awareness of each others’ fields, explore synergisms and make recommendations on fruitful future directions in crop science. Here we describe the contributions to the workshop, and examine some conceptual issues that lie at the foundations and future of crop systems biology.
On the Accumulation of Fertility by Land allowed to run wild.
Authors: Hall A. D.
Published: March 2009

It is well known that the fertility of “virgin” soils is due to the accumulation of the débris of a natural vegetation which has been in occupation of the soil for a long epoch previously. Only when the climate and rainfall are suitable to the growth of the plants and the partial preservation of their residues does a virgin soil of any richness arise; on the one hand, virgin soil may be as poverty stricken as the most worn-out European field because it has never carried any vegetation; on the other hand, as in the tropics, the débris of an extensive vegetation may decay with such rapidity that no reserve of fertility accumulates.
The Amounts of Nitrogen as Ammonia and as Nitric Acid, and of Chlorine in the Rain-water collected at Rothamsted.
Authors: Miller N. H. J.
Published: March 2009

At the time of the commencement of the Rothamsted experiments very little was known as to the amounts of combined nitrogen and other substances present in rain-water.

Marggraf (74) found nitric acid, chlorine and lime in rain-water collected during the winter of 1749–50, and, subsequently, in snow. These analyses, which are probably the earliest, were followed by those of Bergman (15) who detected the same substances both in rain and snow; whilst somewhat later de Saussure (99) noticed the presence of ammonia in the atmosphere. Between 1820 and 1825 several analyses of rain-water were made.
The Bearing of Mendelism on the Susceptibility of Wheat to Rust.
Authors: Butler E. J.
Published: March 2009

In Mr Biffeu's paper on “Mendel's Laws of Inheritance and Wheat Breeding” in the first number of this Journal reference is made on page 40 to the characters of immunity and susceptibility to the attacks of yellow rust. Mr Biffen's experiments confirm the conclusions of other observers, such as Farrer in Australia, that resistance and susceptibility to rust are inherited characters, and he shows that they follow the Mendelian laws. As the question is of enormous practical importance in the wheat growing countries this general statement requires to be made more precise. It holds for a given rust in a particular locality; it may or may not hold where the wheat is exposed to the attacks of a second species of rust or when it is transferred to another locality. Thus experience in India so far seems to show that resistance to yellow rust, Puccinia glumarum, does not imply resistance to orange rust, P. tritidna. And it is certain that the characters alter with change of locality.
The Botanical and Chemical Composition of the Herbage of Pastures and Meadows
Authors: Armstrong S. F.
Published: March 2009

The following is a brief summary of the more important points which our investigations so far appear to have given us:—

1. That white clover and ryegrass form by far the greater part of the herbage on the best grazing lands—both old and recent in the English Midlands—and that the next most abundant species on these pastures are usually crested dogstail, florin (A. stolonifera), and rough-stalked meadow grass.

2. That the herbage of the inferior types of grass land in the same district consists very largely of bent grass (A. vulgaris) and various weeds, while white clover and ryegrass are present in comparatively small quantities.
Oxidation in Soils, and its Relation to Productiveness
Authors: Darbishire Francis V. , Russell Edward J.
Published: March 2009

It was shown in an earlier communication that the absorption of oxygen by soil is mainly brought about by the action of microorganisms, and is greatly diminished if the soil has previously been heated to 120ºC. On one occasion the temperature of the steriliser only rose to 95º, and it was found that the rate of oxidation of the soil, instead of being reduced, was considerably increased. This unexpected result led to experiments with other methods of partial sterilisation, such as exposure to vapours of toluene, chloroform, etc., and in each case the same effect was produced, the amount of oxygen absorbed showed a marked increase after the antiseptic was removed.
Notes on the Hop Mildew (Sphaerotheca humuli (DC.) Burr.)
Authors: Salmon E. S.
Published: March 2009

It is only quite recently that the perithecium, ascocarp or sporocarp, as it has been variously called, of the Erysiphaceae has been shown to possess a regular dehiscence accompanied by the ejection of the ascospores. We find the fact first recorded, I believe, by Worthington G. Smith, in 1884. In 1903 I independently observed the phenomenon in the same species, viz. Erysiphe Graminis DC., which Smith had studied. Smith's observations seem to have been entirely overlooked until attention was called to them in my paper in 1903, and up to this date the perithecium of the Erysiphaceae is described in nearly all text-books as a cleistothedum or cleistocarp, since it was supposed to remain closed until it decayed and ruptured to permit of the escape of the ascospores.
The Mineral Constituents of Foods
Authors: Ingle Herbert
Published: March 2009

The importance of a “well balanced” ration in feeding animals has long been recognised, and most intelligent stock-keepers pay some attention to the albuminoid ratio of the foods they use.
Indian Insect Life, A Manual of the Insects of the Plains (Tropical India)
Authors: Maxwell-Lefroy H. , Howlett F. M.
Published: March 2009

To those who for the first time visit a tropical country nothing is more striking than the extraordinary profusion of insect life. Some by their abundance, others by their bizarre form, others again by the brilliance of their colouring or through some suggestive vague resemblance to familiar northern forms, stimulate curiosity and excite a longing to learn more of their strange lives. This need the authours have attempted to satisfy in so far as it can be done within the limits of a single volume. Such a work must of course be sketchy, and probably no one realises this better that the authors themselves. Insects are already responsible for 14 volumes of the Fauna of British India and the tale is yet to run.
Some Observations on “Nitrification”
Authors: Ashby S. F.
Published: March 2009

It is now a well-established fact that the ammonia, which is formed in the cultivated soil by the breaking down of nitrogenous organic matter through the action of bacteria and moulds, is itself converted by oxidation into nitrates. The latter process, “nitrification“ proper, is effected in two stages by two distinct species of bacteria, the one carrying the oxidation to nitrite, and the other changing the latter compound into nitrate. It is also known that, in the absence of a base, nitrification does not take place. The most usual and most available soil base is calcium carbonate, which is, however, present in some arable soils to only a very small amount, less than ·05 per cent.; in such soils, and in others where its presence cannot be detected, nitrification is still active, a fact which seems to suggest that other substances may replace it and serve as bases for nitrification.
Lax and Dense-Eared Wheats
Authors: Parker W. H.
Published: March 2009

The present paper is written with no pretence at finality, and consequently some excuse is due for its publication at the present time. The author was induced to write it since the results so far obtained by him do not seem to agree, in all points, with the work previously done on the subject, and tend to show that there is much scope for future work both on this matter and also on a matter of much greater general importance, namely, on the influence of external conditions on a quantitative character.
The Miceo-floea of Stilton Cheese
Authors: Percival J. , Mason G. Heather
Published: March 2009

1. The numbers of bacteria and fungi in a newly-made Stilton may rise to the enormous number of 1000 to 3000 millions per gram in the first week.

2. There is a gradual fall in the numbers up to the time of ripeness (100 to 150 days old), when 50 to 100 millions only are found.

3. In the early stages lactic acid bacteria are most abundant. When the cheese is ripe the lactic acid bacteria are few and weakened in physiological power; Penicillium glaucum and a form of Torula are then abundant.

4. Five characteristic organisms are found in all Stilton cheeses examined, viz.:—(1) Streptococcus lacticus, (2) a short rod-shaped form of Bs. acidi lactici, (3) a species of Tyrothrix, (4) Penicillium glaucum, and (5) a round form of Torula, sometimes accompanied or replaced by an oval form.

In cheeses where starters have been used we find a large celled form of Streptococcus lacticus present.

5. Penicillium glaucum is checked in its growth by the Tyrothrix.
Studies of the Formation and Translocation of Carbohydrates in Plants: II. The Dextrose-Laevulose Ratio in the Mangold
Authors: Davis William A.
Published: March 2009

1. It is shown that in the extracts of mangold leaves and stalks optically active impurities are always present which are not precipitated by basic lead acetate and hence vitiate the estimation of the dextrose and laevulose. These substances are possibly acid amides (such as glutamine and asparagine) or amino-acids (such as glutamic and aspartic acids) which form soluble lead salts.

2. These impurities occur in the leaves, but are much more abundant in the mid-ribs and stalks.

3. In the leaves the dextrose and laevulose appear to be present in approximately equal amount, as would be expected if they were formed from saccharose by inversion. When the ratio departs from unity it is probably owing to the presence of a dextro-rotatory impurity (glutamine?) which increases the amount of dextrose apparently present; but at certain times of the day a laevo-rotatory impurity seems to predominate so that the ratio becomes less than unity.
The Solution and Precipitation of Iron in the formation of Iron Pan
Authors: Morison C. G. T. , Sothers D. B.
Published: March 2009

The formation of Iron Pan or Ortstein is of fairly frequent occurrence both in Britain and on the Continent of Europe. It is of some economic importance, for where it occurs considerable expense has to be incurred before it is possible to grow a crop of any kind on the soil. The Pan consists of a hard layer of material which has to be broken through for successful cultivation, as it is cemented together in such a manner as to prevent any penetration of plant roots and to limit the circulation of air and water.
Studies in milk secretion: I. The effect of nutrition on yield and composition
Authors: Hammond J. , Hawk J. C.
Published: March 2009

I. As a result of withholding food for a few days, together with an injection of phloridzin, thereby reducing the nutrition, the daily yield of milk in goats was diminished and in one case the flow was actually stopped. On giving food again the yield returned almost to normal within a few days.

II. As the daily yield of milk diminished under these conditions so the percentage of fat in the milk rose. Limitation of the available nutriment in the body (change from a high to low state of nutrition) did not reduce the percentage of lactose or protein in the milk (Paton and Cathcart) but reduced the quantity of milk (together with the amounts of protein, sugar and salts) produced. The secretion of fat was not at first affected by the change in metabolism and as a consequence milk rich in fat was produced.

III. The amount of fat secreted per day under these conditions of diminishing yield was however not constant but became reduced, possibly as a secondary effect of the decreased secretion taking place in the gland cells.

IV. On again giving food to animals in such a reduced state of nutrition, the percentage of fat in the milk decreased as the yield increased, in some cases to such an extent that it was below that of the normal milk before the experiment began.
Cod liver oil in the winter feeding of milch cows
Authors: Drummond Jack Cecil , Coward Katharine Hope , Golding John , Mackintosh James , Zilva Sylvester Solomon
Published: March 2009

1. Further confirmation is presented in support of the relationship between the presence of vitamin A in the milk and its supply in the food.

2. The influence of the supply of the vitamin A in the food on the quantity or fat content of the milk is uncertain, in any case it appears to be much less than that produced by turning the cows out to grass.

3. The increase of the vitamin A-content of the milk produced by feeding cod liver oil is not accompanied by a rise in the lipochrome pigments as is the case when the cows are turned out to grass.

4. Up to 4 ounces per day of a good quality cod liver oil produced no fishy flavour in the milk or butter of one cow, but further experiments appear desirable.

5. Stall feeding even when ensilage was used causes the winter milk to be lower in vitamin-content than summer milk; this is mitigated by such restricted grass feeding as is possible in the south of England.
The production, composition and utilisation of whey
Authors: Berry Reginald Arthur
Published: March 2009

Wheyis the liquid which drains from the curd produced by the action of rennet on milk or from the curd formed by natural souring of milk or by the addition to milk of weak acids or other precipitants.

The concentration of cheese-making at factories in recent years has resulted in the production of large quantities of whey at centres where adequate provision has not been made for its disposal. Part of it is consumed as pig food. The remainder is discharged into streams and sewers. This involves the destruction of large amounts of valuable food material. To prevent contamination, discharge into streams is now generally prohibited. Sometimes it is irrigated on to the land as manure. On the farm practically all the whey produced is consumed as pig food.
On some physical properties of Transvaal soils
Authors: Marchand B. de C.
Published: March 2009

Much work has been done in the past on the chemical composition of South African soils. The study of the physical properties of soils has, however, been somewhat neglected.

Transvaal soils differ from those of European countries in several important respects. In the first place, a large proportion of the soil is derivedin situfrom igneous rocks, and secondly, the country has never been glaciated in recent geological times. These two factors bear directly on the physical properties of the soils. Soil formation takes place chiefly by the chemical decomposition of rocks and only to a limited extent by mechanical disintegration. As a consequence we find in our soils very fine material, resulting from the chemical decomposition of easily weathered minerals, and rather coarse material which represents those rock constituents which are only subject in a limited degree to decomposition. In comparison with European soils particles of intermediate size do not play any dominant part in the mechanical make-up of Transvaal soils. Soils of alluvial origin are, of course, excepted. These latter occupy only a small area, but they are of considerable importance in the present stage of development of the country. Another factor which differentiates Transvaal soils from European ones is the presence in many of the former of finely divided hydrated ferric oxide. This feature will be discussed later.
On the moisture relationships in an ideal soil
Authors: Keen Bernard A.
Published: March 2009

The movement of water in soil, and the manner in which water is distributed over the particles and within the interstices, i.e. the dynamical and statical aspects respectively of moisture distribution, are of fundamental importance in soil science. The literature of the subject abounds with experimental determinations, but the difficulties of theoretical treatment are great, and it is only within recent years that any serious attempts have been made in this direction.
The volume-changes associated with variations of water content in soil
Authors: Haines William B.
Published: March 2009

(1) A new and simple method of measuring the shrinkage of moist soil on drying is described, which at the same time gives values for the pore space and specific gravity of the soil.

(2) Diagrams for a number of diverse soils are given, illustrating the character of soil shrinkage.

(3) The shrinkage is shown to take place in two stages in both of which there is a linear relationship to the moisture content.

(4) Tentative explanations of these two stages are advanced, based on the well-known colloidal-coating hypothesis, and confirmatory experiments described.

(5) By means of the method the effect of alternate wetting and drying of soil in producing a good tilth is illustrated.
Studies in crop variation. II. The manurial response of different potato varieties
Authors: Fisher R. A. , Mackenzie W. A.
Published: March 2009

It is not infrequently assumed that varieties of cultivated plants differ not only in their suitability to different climatic and soil conditions, but in their response to different manures. Since the experimental error of field experiments is often underestimated, this supposition affords a means of explaining discrepancies between the results of manurial experiments conducted with different varieties; in the absence of experimental evidence adequate to prove or disprove the supposed differences between varieties in their response to manures such explanations cannot be definitely set aside, although we very often suspect that the discrepancies are in reality due to the normal errors of field experiments.