bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sclerotium rolfsii on Alstroemeria in Alberta, Canada
Authors: CHANG K. F , MIRZA M.
Published: April 2007

Sclerotium rolfsii was isolated from diseased rhizomes of greenhouse–grown Alstroemeria (Alstroemeria sp.) in Edmonton in 1992. The underground portions of the plants were attacked resulting in leaf chlorosis which started on the lower leaves and gradually moved upwards. The characteristics of the isolates from diseased Alstroemeria were compared with those from other crops. This is the first report of S. rolfsii on Alstroemeria in Canada.
Occurrence of scab of Phaseolus vulgaris caused by Elsinoë phaseoli in South Africa
Authors: PHILLIPS A. J. L.
Published: April 2007

Scab of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) caused by Elsinoë phaseoli Jenkins is reported for the first time from South Africa. The conidial state (a Sphaceloma sp.) was isolated in pure culture from symptomatic plants. Typical scab symptoms were produced on plants inoculated with the Sphaceloma sp. and the pathogen was re‐isolated from the scab lesions. Asci and ascospores typical of E. phaseoli were found on lesions on artificially inoculated plants and on plants from the field.
Occurrence and viability of Septoria oenotherae in commercial seed samples of evening primrose
Authors: SIMPSON M. J. A. , O'CONNELL M. N. , STOBART R. M. , CULLUM F. J.
Published: April 2007

Pycnidia of Septoria oenotherae were detected in 146 out of 198 commercial seed stocks examined. Where present, pycnidia were usually on fragments of pods, stems or leaves contained in these stocks, and were only rarely on the seeds. Of 124 samples tested, 61 samples produced viable conidia as demonstrated by inoculating test seedlings. Spring and winter crops from the UK and New Zealand, and spring crops from The Netherlands, frequently produced seed stocks containing pycnidia and viable conidia on non‐seed debris that caused Septoria disease symptoms in test seedlings. Conidia capable of infecting test plants were detected after 5 years in stored seed samples and after 10 months in soilborne debris of evening primrose.
The growth of nematode ‘tolerant’ and ‘intolerant’ soyabeans as affected by phosphorus, Glomus intraradices and light
Authors: PRICE N. S. , RONCADORI R. W. , HUSSEY R. S.
Published: April 2007

The effects of the vesicular‐arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungus, Glomus intraradices, and the soyabean cyst nematode (SCN), Heterodera glycines, were studied singly and in combination on two soyabean cultivars, cv. Bragg (nematode intolerant) and cv. Wright (moderately nematode tolerant) grown in the greenhouse in soils with low (35 μg/g) and high (70 μg/g) phosphorus (P). Cultivar Wright grew better than cv. Bragg, showing a greater response to P and VAM, and was damaged less by SCN. These differences were not apparent, or were reversed, when the same cultivars were grown in growth chambers where lighting was sub‐optimal. Cultivar Wright had a larger shoot:root ratio than cv. Bragg. This finding and the observed growth responses indicate that cv. Wright has a more efficient root system than cv. Bragg. This, we suggest, is the basis of both the greater VAM response observed in. and the greater nematode tolerance ascribed to, cv. Wright compared to cv. Bragg.
Effects of humidity, leaf wetness, temperature and light on conidial production by Phaeoisariopsis personata on groundnut
Authors: BUTLER D. R. , WADIA K. D. R. , REDDY R. K.
Published: April 2007

Controlled‐environment studies of conidial production by Phaeoisariopsis personata on groundnut are described. With constant relative humidity (RH), conidia were only produced above a threshold (94·5% RH) and there was a linear increase between 94·5% RH and 100% RH. Conidial production was less with continuous leaf wetness (resembling heavy dew) than with continuous 98–99% RH, but it was similar with intermittent leaf wetness and intermittent 98–99% RH (8 h at 70% RH each day). With alternate high (≥97% RH) and low humidity, daily conidial production depended both on the duration of high RH and on the low RH value. With 99% RH at night (12 h), night‐time conidial production decreased with the previous daytime RH. After conidial production had started, small numbers of conidia were produced even when the RH was well below the threshold (94·5%). Conidia were produced in continuous light when the photon flux density was 2 μmol/m2/s, but production was completely inhibited with 60 μmol/m2/s. With constant RH, more conidia were produced with a 12 h photoperiod than in continuous darkness. However, more than 75% of the conidia were produced in the dark. With continuous darkness, more conidia were produced during the night (18.00–06.00 h) than during the day, but this biological rhythm was overcome with a (light‐night)/(dark‐day) regime. With constant 98–99% RH there was a linear increase in conidial production with temperature between 10 and 28°C, and virtually no conidia were produced at 33°C. The daily production of conidia increased with time for 2 to 6 days, depending on the treatment.
Effect of rust (Uromyces viciae‐fabae) on yield components of faba bean
Authors: SACHE I. , ZADOKS J. C.
Published: April 2007

Epidemics of faba bean rust (Uromyces viciae‐fabae) differing in duration and final severity were induced by a point inoculation. Relationships between disease severity observed on three canopy layers (top, middle and bottom) at different assessment dates and yield components (grain weight per stem, average grain weight, number of grains per pod and number of pods per stem) were established. Epidemics occurring after the initiation of pod setting had no effect on yield components. Earlier epidemics significantly decreased the grain weight per stem, the average grain weight, and the number of pods per stem, but only marginally affected the number of grains per pod. The yield components generally decreased with increasing severity level, but a few parabolic relationships were observed at a late stage in crop development. The effect of rust on yield components could be predicted by a critical point model using disease severity assessed on the middle or bottom canopy layer in the mid‐flowering stage. Rust severity greater than 5% during that critical stage would substantially decrease final yield, and fungicide spraying against rust would be advised.
Investigation of in‐vitro methods for measuring eggplant resistance to Verticillium dahliae
Authors: CRISTINZIO G. , ROTINO G. L. , SCALA F.
Published: April 2007

An assay based on electrolyte leakage (LEA) from callus tissue of Solanum spp. treated with culture filtrates of Verticillium dahliae was useful for screening eggplant genotypes for resistance to Verticillium wilt. Loss of electrolytes from the most resistant genotypes was significantly lower than that from the susceptible genotypes when callus tissue was incubated with a 10% filtrate solution of the virulent isolate 122. No difference was detected with filtrate solutions of the avirulent isolate 809 of the fungus. Among the tested genotypes, the S. melongena lines CCR3 and SM19/14 and the wild species S. torvum were the most resistant in the glasshouse tests and released the smallest amounts of electrolytes. The most susceptible cultivars, Lunga Violetta and Giant of China, produced the greatest leakage of electrolytes. LEA performed on stem segments failed to distinguish between susceptible and resistant genotypes of eggplant.
Characterization and persistence of Verticillium albo‐atrum isolated from alfalfa growing in high temperature regions of southern California
Authors: HOWELL A. B. , ERWIN D. C.
Published: April 2007

Verticillium albo‐atrum isolated from alfalfa (lucerne) (Medicago sativa) growing at high air temperatures in southern California desert regions was compared with isolates from cooler, more favourable climates in Europe and the northern USA by determination of colony morphology, temperature effects on radial growth on agar, virulence on a resistant (NK‐89786) and susceptible (Moapa‐69) alfalfa cultivar, and by isozyme electrophoresis. Isolates from Europe, northern USA and southern California produced different colony morphologies on lactose yeast prune agar. Southern California isolates incubated at 30°C on agar produced significantly (P = 005) greater colony diameters than isolates from northern USA and Europe after 20 days. The virulence of isolates from southern California and northern USA was equally severe on alfalfa, while the virulence of European isolates was comparatively less severe. Alfalfa isolates of V. albo‐atrum from southern California had similar isozyme banding patterns to alfalfa isolates from Europe and northern USA, suggesting a common origin. However, differences in morphology, virulence and temperature relations indicate that isolates may have adapted to local environmental conditions. V. albo‐atrum from southern California was tested for its persistence in alfalfa debris at high temperatures over time, and for its ability to infect other crops and weeds. The fungus persisted over a 32‐month period in baled alfalfa hay exposed to air temperatures as high as 40°C during the summer months. Alfalfa stem pieces infected with V. albo‐atrum were buried in sterile soil or in non‐sterile field soil, or held without soil and incubated at 20, 24, 30, 35 and 41°C. Regrowth continued for up to 16 months at 30°C and for 3 months at 35°C from a small percentage of stem pieces buried in field soil. Regrowth continued for up to 16 months at 41°C from a small percentage of stems stored without soil. V. albo‐atrum was reisolated from all nine inoculated weed species, with three of these exhibiting foliar symptoms of Verticillium wilt. Ten of the inoculated crop species harboured V. albo‐atrum and four showed symptoms.
Dispersal of Phytophthora capsici and P. parasitica in furrow‐irrigated rows of bell pepper, tomato and squash
Authors: FILHO A.C. CAFÉ , DUNIWAY J.M.
Published: April 2007

Dispersal of Phytophthora capsici and P. parasitica from point sources buried near the upper end of 74 m‐long irrigation furrows was studied with three annual host crops. Furrows next to tomato were inoculated with either P. capsici or P. parasitica, while furrows next to pepper and squash were inoculated with P. capsici only. Irrigation was carried out on a 14‐day cycle. Dispersal of each fungus in the water was monitored by transplants in the furrows and the incidence of infected tomato fruit along furrows. Disease gradients on roots and shoots of all hosts were also measured. Repeated irrigations dispersed P. capsici and P. parasitica up to 70 m from the source. Fruit infection increased with increasing distances downstream, suggesting an accumulation of secondary inoculum with the repeated flow of water. Conversely, gradients of disease severity on roots of tomato and pepper peaked at the source and rapidly decreased to low levels up to 32 m downstream. Fruit and root infection upstream from source was negligible. Root and crown rot in squash was highly variable, being confined to locations near the initial inoculum in some units while developing to severe levels several meters downstream in other units. Unlike the other hosts, squash petioles were in contact with the irrigation water and may have served as routes of invasion by P. capsici. Transport of inoculum from the furrow water to the roots was limited. P. capsici isolates were more virulent on tomato roots and caused a higher incidence of buckeye rot on tomato fruit than did isolates of P. parasitica.
Leaf scald (Xanthomonas albilineans) incidence and its effect on yield in seven sugarcane cultivars in Guadeloupe
Authors: ROTT P. , SOUPA D. , BRUNET Y. , FELDMANN P. , LETOURMY P.
Published: April 2007

Seven 5—month‐old sugarcane cultivars difTering in resistance to leaf scald disease were inoculated by the decapitation technique with Xanthomonas albilineans. The effects of disease progress and incidence on yields were studied for the plant (first harvest) and two ratoon crops (second and third harvest). The percentage of diseased stalks and disease severity at first harvest 5 months after inoculation were 0·7 and 0·4, respectively, for the most resistant cultivar and 71·0% and 63·3, respectively, for the most susceptible cultivar. They decreased in all cultivars in both ratoon crops, but were still important in one cultivar (B69379). Significant (P= 0·05) yield reductions of 12% and 21% occurred in two of the seven cultivars (B69566 and B69379, respectively). The number of symptomatic sugarcane stalks in the first ratoon crop (second harvest) was lower than the number of stalks colonized by the pathogen. Symptoms and yield losses of cultivars R570 and B69566 varied with the crop. Yield losses occurred in cultivar R570 only in the plant crop when this cultivar displayed numerous symptoms. Cultivar B69566 appeared to recover from the disease to a certain extent from the plant to the second ratoon crop (third harvest), as did the resistant cultivars in the first ratoon crop. In contrast, severe leaf scald symptoms were observed in the case of cultivar B69379 regardless of the crop, and significant yield losses occurred in the two ratoon crops. These results support the recommendation that cultivar B69379 should not be replanted in Guadeloupe.
Suppression of cucumber powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca fuliginea) by foliar sprays of pbospbate and potassium salts
Authors: REUVENI M. , AGAPOV V. , REUVENI R.
Published: April 2007

Powdery mildew, caused by Sphaerotheca fuliginea, was significantly controlled by a single spray of aqueous solutions (25 mm) containing various phosphates and potassium salts. Phosphates were suppressive when applied alone; however, treatments in combination with Tween‐20 were more effective in causing the disappearance of powdery mildew pustules from diseased foliage. Efficiency of control, as expressed by the disappearance of 99% of pustules, was recorded 1 or 2 days after application of single sprays of phosphate and potassium salt solutions. Treatment was effective for up to 12 or 15 days, respectively, following application to small or large greenhouse‐grown plants with established mildew infection. Treatments also markedly reduced (> 99%) the production of eonidia from colonies. A further application of these salts to the same plants resulted in the elimination of about 50% of mildew colonies present prior to the application. Further spray application inhibited disease development compared with water‐sprayed plants, but did not reduce the number of existing lesions. Phosphate was more effective than the systemic fungicide pyrifenox and reduced established powdery mildew infection up to 11 days after application, but the converse was true when assessments were made after 15 days. These properties of phosphates and potassium salts make them appropriate for use as foliar fertilizers with a potential beneficial influence on disease control.
Influence of plant species on disease suppression by Pseudomonas fluorescens strain CHAO with enhanced antibiotic production
Authors: MAURHOFER M. , KEEL C. , HAAS D. , DÉFAGO G.
Published: April 2007

Introduction of the recombinant cosmid pME3090 into Pseudomonas fluorescens strain CHAO, a good biocontrol agent of various diseases caused by soilborne pathogens, increased three‐ to five‐fold the production of the antibiotic metabolites pyoluteorin (Pit) and 2,4‐diacetylphlorogIucinol (Phi) in vitro. Strain CHAO/pME3090 also overproduced Pit and Phi in the rhizosphere of wheat infected or not infected with Pythium ultimum. The biocontrol activity of the wild‐type and recombinant Straitis was compared using various plant pathogen‐host combinations in a gnotobiotic system. Antibiotic overproduction affected neither the protection of wheat against P. ultimum and Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici nor the growth of wheat plants. In contrast, strain CHA0/pME3090 showed an increased capacity to protect cucumber against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum and Phomopsis sclerotioides, compared with the wild‐type strain CHAO, The antibiotic overproducing strain protected tobacco roots significantly better against Thielaviopsis basicola than the wild‐type strain but drastically reduced the growth of tobacco plants and was also toxic to the growth of sweet com. On King's B agar and on malt agar, the recombinant strain CHA0/pME3090 inhibited all pathogens more than did the parental strain CHAO. Synthetic Pit and Phi were toxic to all fungi tested. Tobacco and sweet com were more sensitive to synthetic Pit and Phi than were cucumber and wheat. There was no correlation between the sensitivity of the pathogens to the synthetic antibiotics and the degree of disease suppression by strain CHAO pME3090. However, there was a correlation between the sensitivity of the plants and the toxicity of the recombinant strain. We conclude that the plant species rather than the pathogen determines whether cosmid pME3090 in P. fluorescens strain CHAO leads to improved disease suppression.
The effects of temperature on zoospores of the crook root fungus Spongospora subterranea f.sp. nasturtii
Authors: CLAXTON J. R. , ARNOLD D. L. , BLAKESLEY D. , CLARKSON J. M.
Published: April 2007

The effect of temperature on the release, survival, encystment and infectivity of Spongospora subterranea f.sp. nasturtii zoospores released from diseased watercress roots was studied. There was rapid, synchronized release of zoospores at 20°C followed by a steep decline in zoospore numbers. A similar trend occurred at 10° C and 15° C, although fewer zoospores were released and the subsequent decline was more gradual. In contrast, at 5°C very low numbers of zoospores were released over the first 5 days. Subsequently, zoospore release increased rapidly over the following 3 days and zoospore numbers were maintained at relatively high levels for a further 6 days. This duration of high zoospore numbers at 5°C was due to prolonged survival rather than continual release. When a uniform zoospore suspension released at IOC was transferred to 20·C zoospore numbers were found to decline rapidly over 6 days; the decline was less rapid at 15° C and IOC, taking 9 and 15 days, respectively. At 5°C zoospore numbers decreased slowly. Few zoospores encysted on roots at 20° C but increased numbers were found at 15°C and 10°C. There were significantly more diseased roots at 10° C than at 5,15 or 20° C. The lowest number of diseased roots was found at 20° C. The correlation between increased seventy of the disease in the field during the winter months and the effect of temperature on zoospores of S. subterranea f.sp. nasturtii is discussed.
Incidence of apothecia of Tapesia yallundae at setaside sites in England and sensitivity of the ascospore offspring to the fungicides benomyl and prochloraz
Authors: DYER P. S. , LUCAS J. A.
Published: April 2007

A total of 45 field sites in England were surveyed once for the presence of apothecia of Tapesia yallundae from 1992 to 1994. Apothecia were found at 21 locations and were mainly present on less than 3% of stems. However, apothecia were found on 1532% of stems at four sites. Analysis of the growth characteristics of ascospore isolates from seven sites showed that most produced colonies characteristic of the W‐type of T. yallundae, with only one site yielding the R‐type, Most ascospore isolates were resistant to the fungicide benomyl and effectively all remained sensitive to prochloraz. The results of the study are discussed in relation to the fungicidal control and epidemiology of T. yallundae, and the risk of spread of disease from set‐aside sites.
Fusarium ear blight (scab) in small grain cereals—a review
Authors: PARRY D. W. , JENKINSON P. , McLEOD L.
Published: April 2007

This review of Fusarium ear blight (scab) of small grain cereals has shown that up to 17 causal organisms have been associated with the disease, which occurs in most cereal‐growing areas of the world. The most common species were Fusarium graminearum (Gibberella zeae), F. culmorum, F, avenaceum (G, avenacea), F, poae and Microdochium nivale (Monographella nivalis). The disease was recorded most frequently under hot, wet climatic conditions where significant yield losses and mycotoxin accumulation in grain were reported. Possible sources of inoculum were reported as crop debris, alternative hosts and Fusarium seedling blight and foot rot of cereals. The mode of dispiersal of inoculum to ears remains unclear, but contaminated arthropod vectors, systemic fungal growth through plants, and wind and rain‐splash dispersal of spores have been proposed. Infection of wheat ears was shown to occur mainly during anthesis, and it has been demonstrated that fungal growth stimulants may be present in anthers. Despite the importance of the disease, particularly during epidemic years, control methods are limited. Much effort has gone into breeding resistant wheat varieties and into improving our understanding of the possible mechanisms and genetic basis of resistance, with only moderate success. There are also surprisingly few reports of successful fungicidal or biological control of the disease in the field.
The population genetic structure of the rust fungus Melampsora lini as revealed by pathogenicity, isozyme and RFLP markers
Authors: BURDON J.J. , ROBERTS J.K.
Published: April 2007

Isozyme and RFLP markers were used to investigate genetic variation underlying the racial structure of populations of Melampsora lini occurring on the Australian endemic host species, Linum marginale. Previous studies of the pathogenicity of isolates occurring in a series of discrete but interconnected populations detected an overall structure characterized by linkage disequilibrium—indicative of a pathogen population reproducing asexually as a number of clonal lines (Burdon & Jarosz, 1992), Using samples from that study, we detected two isozyme multi‐locus phenotypes. One of these was restricted to two closely related races which appear to be examples of recent migrants into the area. Variation was also detected among and between races of the pathogen using two RFLP markers. Differences detected by one of these markers suggested the occurrence of a previous migrational event. Variation in the other marker detected two phenotypes within three common, widespread races. However, not all possible phenotypes were recovered, suggesting that the variation detected was not generated by recent sexual recombination.
Detection of Spongospora subterranea using monoclonal antibodies in ELISA
Authors: WALLACE A. , WILLIAMS N. A. , LOWE R. , HARRISON J. G.
Published: April 2007

Five hybridoma cell lines secreting antibodies (MAbs) recognizing zoospores of S. subterranea were raised from splenocytes of mice. One MAb also weakly recognized plasmodia/zoosporangia and cystosori of S. subterranea, and another recognized only plasmodia/zoosporangia in plate‐trapped antigen ELISA. Polymyxa graminis was recognized most strongly out of 26 micro‐organisms other than S. subterranea against which the MAbs were tested. Most were recognized only weakly or not at all. The MAb that recognized zoospores of S. subterranea most strongly detected as few as three zoospores per microtitre plate well when 12 replicate wells per treatment were arranged randomly on plates and absorbance values subjected to analysis of variance. The sensitivity of detection was not improved by mixing antibodies, using a biotin‐streptavidin amplification system, or by using a double antibody sandwich system. Zoospores of S. subterranea flushed from soil were detected only after unrealistically large numbers of cystosori had been added. They were not detected in samples of naturally infested soil removed from a field shortly after a severely scabbed potato crop had been harvested.
Pathogen‐associated molecular pattern recognition rather than development of tissue necrosis contributes to bacterial induction of systemic acquired resistance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Mishina Tatiana E. , Zeier Jürgen
Published: April 2007

Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) is usually described as a phenomenon whereby localized inoculation with a necrotizing pathogen renders a plant more resistant to subsequent pathogen infection. Here we show that Pseudomonas syringae strains for which Arabidopsis thaliana represents a non‐host plant systemically elevate resistance although the underlying interactions neither trigger a hypersensitive response nor cause necrotic disease symptoms. A similar enhancement of systemic resistance was observed when elicitor‐active preparations of two typical bacterial pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), flagellin and lipopolysaccharides (LPS), were applied in a localized manner. Several lines of evidence indicate that the observed systemic resistance responses are identical to SAR. Localized applications of non‐adapted bacteria, flagellin or LPS elevate levels of the SAR regulatory metabolite salicylic acid (SA) and pathogenesis‐related (PR) gene expression not only in treated but also in distant leaves. All treatments also systemically increase expression of the SAR marker gene FLAVIN‐DEPENDENT MONOOXYGENASE 1. Further, a whole set of SAR‐deficient Arabidopsis lines, including mutants in SA biosynthesis and signalling, are impaired in establishing the systemic resistance response triggered by non‐host bacteria or PAMPs. We also show that the magnitude of defence reactions such as SA accumulation, PR gene expression or camalexin accumulation induced at sites of virulent or avirulent P. syringae inoculation but not the extent of tissue necrosis during these interactions determines the extent of SAR in distant leaves. Our data indicate that PAMPs significantly contribute to SAR initiation in Arabidopsis and that tissue necroses at inoculation sites are dispensable for SAR activation.
Two case reports of oral ulcers with lamotrigine several weeks after oxcarbazepine withdrawal
Authors: O'Neill Amy , De Leon Jose
Published: April 2007

Objective:  To report two cases of mouth ulcers in lamotrigine patients after oxcarbazepine withdrawal.

Patients and methods:  The first patient was a 35‐year‐old woman with bipolar disorder II (BD II) started on lamotrigine and tapered off oxcarbazepine while an inpatient. The second patient was a 36‐year‐old man with BD II. He was discharged on lamotrigine and oxcarbazepine with the recommendation of a slow withdrawal of oxcarbazepine.

Results:  Many weeks after hospital discharge and after a stable lamotrigine dose had been established, both patients developed painful mouth ulcers that were diagnosed during outpatient visits. The first patient developed ulcers 39 days after oxcarbazepine was stopped and the ulcers resolved 4 days after lamotrigine discontinuation. The second patient was taking 1200 mg/day of oxcarbazepine and after leaving hospital decreased this to 600 mg/day. Twenty‐two days after the oxcarbazepine decrease, he developed oral ulcers that resolved with oxcarbazepine and lamotrigine discontinuation.

Conclusions:  Lamotrigine is mainly metabolized by glucuronidation, specifically by the uridine 5′‐diphosphate glucuronosyltransferases 1A4 (UGT1A4). Carbamazepine is a UGT1A4 inducer. These two cases suggest that oxcarbazepine may also induce lamotrigine metabolism. The discontinuation or dosage decrease of carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine may be associated with a slow increase of lamotrigine levels over several weeks and thus increase risk of lamotrigine toxicity that may manifest as oral ulcers. Hospital psychiatrists need to be aware that discontinuation of inducers may take several weeks to manifest as side effects.
Sensorimotor gating in manic and mixed episode bipolar disorder
Authors: Carroll Christine A , Vohs Jenifer L , O'Donnell Brian F , Shekhar Anantha , Hetrick William P
Published: April 2007

Objectives:  Few studies have examined acoustic startle sensorimotor gating in bipolar disorder (BPD) despite the fact that patients with BPD have exhibited inhibitory dysfunctions on a variety of early information processing tasks. The present study aimed to expand the current literature through the investigation of electromyographic (EMG) measures of acoustic startle prepulse inhibition (PPI) in manic and mixed episode BPD.

Methods:  Fourteen manic and 21 mixed episode BPD patients were compared to 32 healthy controls on acoustic startle measures of PPI using a 120‐ms lead interval.

Results:  Prepulse inhibition did not significantly differ across diagnostic groups (manic, mixed, control), and the presence of psychosis in the patient sample was not significantly related to PPI levels. With respect to startle response characteristics, patients in the mixed phase of the disorder showed prolonged prepulsed startle latency and attenuated responses to both probe‐alone and prepulsed probes, though no differences in startle habituation were found across diagnostic groups.

Conclusions:  Although PPI deficits were not observed in either BPD sub‐group, attenuated probe‐alone and prepulsed startle magnitudes and reduced prepulse‐induced latency facilitation in the mixed episode group is consistent with evidence that the mixed phase of BPD is associated with a more severe clinical outlook than other stages of the disorder. The absence of attenuated PPI in the patient sample may be due to the low incidence of psychosis in the BPD groups, though further studies are required to systematically assess the effects of symptom factors and clinical phase on sensorimotor gating in BPD.
Lithium normalizes elevated intracellular sodium
Authors: Huang Xian , Lei Zhenmin , El‐Mallakh Rif S
Published: April 2007

Background:  Both mania and bipolar depression are characterized by elevations of intracellular sodium concentrations. This observation has been purported to be central to the pathophysiology of abnormal moods in bipolar illness. Reduction of sodium influx is a proposed shared mechanism of action of effective mood stabilizers, but direct documentation of this effect for lithium has never been demonstrated.

Methods:  Flame spectroscopic determinations of intracellular sodium concentration were performed in the human glioma cell line, LN292, after treatment with the sodium pump inhibitor, ouabain, and co‐treatment with ouabain and lithium.

Results:  Ouabain 0.1 μM doubles the intracellular sodium concentration after 3 days. Pretreatment with lithium 1 mM for 1 week normalizes intracellular sodium.

Conclusion:  This is the first demonstration that lithium can normalize abnormally elevated intracellular sodium levels. This may be an important mechanism of lithium action.
Nutritional status of low‐birthweight ethnic minority infants in Backan province, Vietnam
Authors: HIEN NGUYEN THANH , USHIJIMA HIROSHI
Published: April 2007

Background: Birthweight and length have been reported to be important determinants of infant growth and future nutritional status. The study aims to describe the weight and length growth patterns during the first year of life of low‐birthweight (LBW) ethnic minority infants in the mountainous province Backan, Vietnam.

Methods: A total of 64 LBW and normal birthweight infants of ethnic minority mothers were recruited from 2001 to 2002 into a prospective cohort study. The weight and length of infants were measured monthly for 1 year. Data on nutritional status and feeding practices of the infants were collected from monthly health records and face‐to‐face interviews with mothers while their infants were 6 and 12 months of age.

Results: Most of the increase in weight, length and catch‐up to the 10th percentile for LBW infants occurred during the first 3 and 6 months for boys and for girls, respectively. After these ages, the mean weight and length diverged from National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) reference curves to below the 10th percentile. LBW infants’ weight‐for‐age z‐scores was below the NCHS standard at birth (−2.16 SD), caught up after birth, became sustainable by 4 months, fell rapidly from the sixth month, then decreased to −2 SD at 12 months of age. LBW infants’ length‐for‐age z‐scores increased in the first month after birth, decreased in the second month and sharply increased again until 5 months of age before decreasing.

Conclusions: For LBW infants, it is difficult to achieve the same weight or length curves at 12 months of age as the NCHS standard.
Immune concept of human papillomaviruses and related antigens in local cancer milieu of human cervical neoplasia
Authors: Sheu Bor‐Ching , Chang Wen‐Chun , Lin Ho‐Hsiung , Chow Song‐Nan , Huang Su‐Cheng
Published: April 2007

It is presently the right time for clarifying human papillomavirus (HPV)‐associated cellular immunity and clinical implications before global HPV vaccination programs begin. Infection with oncogenic HPV associates with the progression of cervical neoplasia. Both cellular and humoral immune responses are essential for the clearance of HPV‐associated cervical lesions. There is increasing evidence that the immune system plays a pivotal role in determining the outcome of HPV infection. Viruses and associated neoplastic cells are proposed to have evolved mechanisms to avoid immune attack. T‐cell‐mediated immune responses against oncogenic HPV are believed to play a central role in cervical carcinogenesis. The presence of HPV‐specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) in a majority of human cervical cancer patients provides an approach for further study of their functional role in modulating this malignancy. Tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) develop as manifestations of the recognition and defense against malignant cells by the host immune system. Cancer cells may overcome immune surveillance, either by downregulating the proliferation of HPV‐specific CTL, or altering the effector compositions of immune cells against HPV infections. TIL in the tumor microenvironment can be functionally inhibited and lose the ability of clonal proliferation as a result of depressed expression of IL‐2Rα. The upregulation of inhibitory signaling relates to the modulation of the virus‐ and/or tumor‐specific immune responses. Alteration of host genetic susceptibility may also lead to abnormal immune response as a general genomic instability resulting from virus persistence. Induction of HPV‐specific immune responses is anticipated as an intimate point for the treatment of cervical neoplasia.
Synchronous rectal and colon cancer caused by familial polyposis coli during pregnancy
Authors: Lolis Evangelos D. , Likoudis Paulos , Voiniadis Panagiotis , Hassiakos Dimitrios , Samanides Lazaros
Published: April 2007

The management of colon and rectal cancer during pregnancy is controversial and challenging. Rectal or colon cancer during pregnancy is a very rare event. A 29‐year‐old woman, pregnant with her second child, was diagnosed with rectal cancer causing bowel obstruction and synchronous colon cancer during the 27th week of gestation. Both cancers occurred as a result of familial polyposis. This is the first case of synchronous rectal and colon cancer caused by familial polyposis during pregnancy reported in the published literature. We discuss the therapeutic interventions and the surgical management of the cancer in relation to the gestation.
Census Data Issues for Epidemiology and Health Risk Assessment: Experiences from the Small Area Health Statistics Unit
Authors: Briggs David , Fecht Daniela , De Hoogh Kees
Published: April 2007

Census data are vital components of epidemiological studies, but the issues that are involved in using these data in such studies are often not fully appreciated. The paper describes some of the problems and uncertainties that arise, and some of the approaches that can be used to address them, based on experience in the Small Area Health Statistics Unit at Imperial College London. Issues considered include the geography of census data (zone design systems, recasting and the role of postcodes), temporal aspects of census data (especially in relation to migration and population change) and information content (especially in relation to characterization of socio-economic status). In the light of these issues, opportunities to improve the resolution and utility of census data for epidemiological studies are discussed.
Resident and transient dynamics, site fidelity and survival in wintering BlackcapsSylvia atricapilla: evidence from capture–recapture analyses
Authors: BELDA EDUARDO J. , BARBA EMILIO , MONRÓS JUAN S.
Published: April 2007

In their winter quarters, migrant birds may either remain within a small area (resident strategy) or move frequently over a large area looking for locally abundant food (transient strategy). It has been suggested that both strategies could simultaneously occur in the same population. We used time‐since‐marking capture–recapture models to infer the coexistence of these two behavioural strategies (transient and resident) among wintering BlackcapsSylvia atricapillausing weekly recapture data over a 7‐year period. A related question is whether Blackcaps, if surviving to the next winter, always return to the same wintering area, so we also used this approach to analyse winter site fidelity and to estimate annual survival probabilities. Model selection supported the existence of heterogeneity in survival estimates for both the within‐season and the interannual survival probabilities, i.e. there was evidence for the existence of transients. It was estimated that 26% of the Blackcaps were resident during the winter. Mean apparent annual survival probability was 0.46 (se = ±0.11). However, there was some evidence suggesting that not all individuals showed winter site fidelity. The estimated proportion of individuals that, if alive, returned to the wintering area was 28%. This is the first study to show the existence of these two behavioural strategies (residence and transience) among wintering Blackcaps, and the first confirming this pattern using capture–recapture models. These models considering transient and resident dynamics may become an important tool with which to analyse wintering strategies.
Kantian Virtue
Authors: Baxley Anne Margaret
Published: April 2007

Kant's most familiar and widely read works in practical reason are theGroundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals(1785) and theCritique of Practical Reason(1788). His principal aims in these works are to analyze the nature and ground of morality and to justify its supreme principle (the categorical imperative). Nevertheless, in these texts, Kant also paints a picture of what it means to have a good will or good character, and it is this account of the good will and the associated theory of moral motivation that have been the target of many of the historical and contemporary objections to Kant's rationalism. From the perspective of these foundational works in Kant's moral theory, it appears that all that is required for Kantian character is a firm commitment to do one's duty from the motive of duty in the absence of inclination, or in the teeth of countervailing inclination. Kant's defenders have rightly insisted that it would be hasty to draw any final conclusions about his considered views on character and moral psychology on the basis of theGroundworkand the secondCritique. An adequate assessment of these kinds of charges against Kant, they have argued, must address his theory of virtue, as it is set out in his other important ethical texts, especially theDoctrine of Virtue(1797) andReligion Within the Boundaries of Mere Reason(1793). In his theory of virtue, Kant presents a detailed account of virtue as a character trait, provides lengthy discussions of the various virtues he sees as central for the ethical life, and maintains that there are moral feelings that are part of a virtuous character and serviceable for morality. For these reasons, those interested in gleaning a more complete picture of Kant's ethics await a detailed, systematic account of Kant's views about virtue. This entry aims to sketch the outlines of such an account.
Mechanisms of cardiac potassium channel trafficking
Authors: Steele David F. , Eldstrom Jodene , Fedida David
Published: April 2007

The regulation of ion channels involves more than just modulation of their synthesis and kinetics, as controls on their trafficking and localization are also important. Although the body of knowledge is fairly large, the entire trafficking pathway is not known for any one channel. This review summarizes current knowledge on the trafficking of potassium channels that are expressed in the heart. Our knowledge of channel assembly, trafficking through the Golgi apparatus and on to the surface is covered, as are controls on channel surface retention and endocytosis.
β‐Liddle mutation of the epithelial sodium channel increases alveolar fluid clearance and reduces the severity of hydrostatic pulmonary oedema in mice
Authors: Randrianarison Nadia , Escoubet Brigitte , Ferreira Chrystophe , Fontayne Alexandre , Fowler‐Jaeger Nicole , Clerici Christine , Hummler Edith , Rossier Bernard C. , Planès Carole
Published: April 2007

Transepithelial sodium transport via alveolar epithelial Na+ channels and Na+,K+‐ATPase constitutes the driving force for removal of alveolar oedema fluid. Decreased activity of the amiloride‐sensitive epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) in the apical membrane of alveolar epithelial cells impairs sodium‐driven alveolar fluid clearance (AFC) and predisposes to pulmonary oedema. We hypothesized that hyperactivity of ENaC in the distal lung could improve AFC and facilitate the resolution of pulmonary oedema. AFC and lung fluid balance were studied at baseline and under conditions of hydrostatic pulmonary oedema in the β‐Liddle (L) mouse strain harbouring a gain‐of‐function mutation (R566stop) within the Scnn1b gene. As compared with wild‐type (+/+), baseline AFC was increased by 2‐ and 3‐fold in heterozygous (+/L) and homozygous mutated (L/L) mice, respectively, mainly due to increased amiloride‐sensitive AFC. The β2‐agonist terbutaline stimulated AFC in +/+ and +/L mice, but not in L/L mice. Acute volume overload induced by saline infusion (40% of body weight over 2 h) significantly increased extravascular (i.e. interstitial and alveolar) lung water as assessed by the bloodless wet‐to‐dry lung weight ratio in +/+ and L/L mice, as compared with baseline. However, the increase was significantly larger in +/+ than in L/L groups (P= 0.01). Volume overload also increased the volume of the alveolar epithelial lining fluid in +/+ mice, indicating the presence of alveolar oedema, but not in L/L mice. Cardiac function as evaluated by echocardiography was comparable in both groups. These data show that constitutive ENaC activation improved sodium‐driven AFC in the mouse lung, and attenuated the severity of hydrostatic pulmonary oedema.
Analytical modeling for the electron emission properties of carbon nanotube arrays
Authors: Nicolaescu D. , Filip V. , Takaoka G. H. , Gotoh Y. , Ishikawa J.
Published: April 2007

Computations for three-dimensional diode/triode configurations involving regular arrays of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been performed. The numerical results have been used to derive analytical relationships for the CNT electric field. These relationships, together with a previously obtained analytical formula giving the CNT electron emission current, allow the computation of the array current as function of various parameters. For diode configurations, an optimum spacing of the CNT array is shown to exist. Triode configurations with regular CNT arrays have highly nonuniform fields, the CNTs placed at the array edge providing more than 90% of the array current.
Effect of double layer coating on carbon nanotubes for field emission and secondary electron emission measurement
Authors: Lee Jungwoo , Park Jaehong , Kim Jeongyoul , Yi Whikun
Published: April 2007

Field emissions of wide-band-gap-material (WBGM)-coated single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were studied. Field emission current was gradually increased after monolayer coating (MgO-coated SWCNTs) and successive double layer coating (CsI∕MgO-coated SWCNTs). The turn-on field decreased from 3.26 to 2.43 and 1.61μAcm−2, respectively. The calculated work functions were found to be 3.34 and 3.01eV, and the maximum secondary electron emission yields were 115 and 40 for MgO- and CsI∕MgO-coated SWCNTs, respectively. These results would be due to a higher electric field generation around the SWCNT surface after double layer WBGM coating rather than single layer WBGM coating. To reveal the influence of WBGM coating on carbon nanotubes, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and energy dispersive analysis of x-ray spectra were analyzed.
Screen effects on field emission from an array of one-dimensional nanostructures grown on silicon substrates: A simulation study using classical transport model
Authors: Lan Yung-Chiang , Yan MingXun , Liu Wen-Jen
Published: April 2007

In this article, the field emission properties of the one-dimensional (1D) nanostructure array grown on doped silicon substrate influenced by the screen effects have been studied via computer simulation. The classical transport equation is used to describe the carrier transport in the material and is solved together with the Poisson’s equation. The field emission at the emitter-vacuum interface is modeled by the Fowler-Nordheim equation. For an array of 1D nanostructures with different heights, the field emission characteristics of the higher 1D nanostructures are very similar to those of the equal-height 1D nanostructure array. But the field emission characteristics of the shorter 1D nanostructures are contrary to those of the higher ones. These anomalous phenomena for the shorter 1D nanostructures are induced by the electric fields enhanced due to the equal-potential lines penetrating into the higher emitters and reduced due to the equal-potential lines compressed by the higher emitters. This kind of screen effect is very different from the screen effect of the conducting emitters.
Fabrication and characteristics of novel graphite field emitters for application to electron-beam-pumped light sources
Authors: Shiozawa Kazufumi , Neo Yoichiro , Okada Morihiro , Matsumoto Takahiro , Takahashi Masafumi , Hashiguchi Gen , Mimura Hidenori
Published: April 2007

The authors have fabricated novel carbon nanoneedle field emitters by etching a graphite substrate with Ar or H2 gases using a radio frequency magnetron sputtering equipment for application to electron-beam-pumped light sources. The field emitter sputtered with H2 gas displays an emission current density of 10mA∕cm2 at a field of 12V∕μm and a stability of 6.4% at a field of 11V∕μm. The authors also demonstrate an electron-beam-pumped light source from the excitation of Ar gas and clearly observe an Ar gas spectrum with a peak at 309nm.
Bayard-Alpert ionization gauge using carbon-nanotube cold cathode
Authors: Huang J. X. , Chen Jun , Deng S. Z. , Xu N. S.
Published: April 2007

A cold-cathode Bayard-Alpert (BA) ionization gauge based on a carbon-nanotube (CNT) cold cathode has been fabricated. The linear CNT cathode was prepared by growing CNTs on a stainless-steel rod using thermal chemical vapor deposition. The gauge was tested at different pressure ranges and good linearity between the collected ion current and pressure was obtained. The sensitivity of the ionization gauge was tested and was about 3.6Torr−1 when the pressure ranged from 3×10−5to3×10−6Torr. The methods for further improving the performance of the cold-cathode ionization gauge are discussed.