bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of admission to a geriatric ward on medication use: 2002 versus 1985
Authors: Frankfort Suzanne V. , Tulner Linda R. , van Campen Jos. P. C. M. , Koks Cornelis H. W. , Beijnen Jos H.
Published: January 2006

Purpose

To investigate the changes in pharmacotherapy of patients during and after admission to a geriatric ward in 2002 and to investigate if this goes along with reduction of drugs. To describe the differences of the admitted patients and their medication in 2002 compared to 1985.

Methods

Included patients were admitted to the geriatric ward of a general hospital in the Netherlands during 2002 (n = 258, mean age 84.2 years). Medication at admission, during admission and at discharge were described after retrospective reviewing of medical charts. A comparable study was performed at the same ward in 1985.

Results

In 2002, most frequently used medication at admission was acetylsalicylic acid (30.2%). Pantoprazole was during admission used in 38.8% of patients and at discharge in 31.8%. Folic acid that was at admission used by 11.6% of patients was at discharge increased to 23.4%. At discharge, vitamin D was used in 21.5% of patients, whereas lisinopril was used in 17.8% of patients. Both in 1985 and 2002 vitamins were added and use of antibiotics was increased during admission. A mean addition of 1.0 drug in 1985 and of 0.7 drugs in 2002 was observed.

Conclusions

Geriatric hospital admission resulted both in 1985 and 2002 in addition of medication. In both periods reductions in medication were nullified by addition of medication for reason of therapy optimisation. Compared to 1985 admitted patients receive more medication resulting from new insights into pharmacotherapy and more use of preventive medicine. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of the disulfide bond configuration on the dynamics of the spin label attached to cytochrome c
Authors: Murzyn Krzysztof , Róg Tomasz , Blicharski Wojciech , Dutka Małgorzata , Pyka Janusz , Szytula Sebastian , Froncisz Wojciech
Published: January 2006

A series of multi‐nanosecond molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of wild‐type cytochrome c and its spin‐labeled variants with the methanethiosulfonate moiety attached at position C102 were performed (1) to elucidate the effect of the spin probe presence on the protein structure and (2) to describe the structure and dynamics of the spin‐label moiety. Comparisons with the reference crystal structure of cytochrome c (PDB entry: 1YCC) indicate that the protein secondary structure is well preserved during simulations of the wild‐type cytochrome c but slightly changed in simulations of the cytochrome c labeled at position C102. At the time scale covered in our simulations, the spin label exhibits highly dynamical behavior. The number of observed distinct conformations of the spin label moiety is between 3 and 13. The spin probe was found to form short‐lived hydrogen bonds with the protein. Temporary hydrophobic interactions between the probe and the protein were also detected. The MD simulations directly show that the disulfide bond in the tether linking a spin probe with a protein strongly influence the behavior of the nitroxide group. The conformational flexibility and interaction with the protein are different for each of the two low energy conformations of the disulfide bond. Proteins 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
SPINS: A laboratory information management system for organizing and archiving intermediate and final results from NMR protein structure determinations
Authors: Baran Michael C. , Moseley Hunter N. B. , Aramini James M. , Bayro Marvin J. , Monleon Daniel , Locke Jessica Y. , Montelione Gaetano T.
Published: January 2006

Recent technological advances and experimental techniques have contributed to an increasing number and size of NMR datasets. In order to scale up productivity, laboratory information management systems for handling these extensive data need to be designed and implemented. The SPINS (Standardized ProteIn Nmr Storage) Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) addresses these needs by providing an interface for archival of complete protein NMR structure determinations, together with functionality for depositing these data to the public BioMagResBank (BMRB). The software tracks intermediate files during each step of an NMR structure‐determination process, including: data collection, data processing, resonance assignments, resonance assignment validation, structure calculation, and structure validation. The underlying SPINS data dictionary allows for the integration of various third party NMR data processing and analysis software, enabling users to launch programs they are accustomed to using for each step of the structure determination process directly out of the SPINS user interface. Proteins 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Crystallisation and optimisation of soft magnetic properties in amorphous FeCuXSi13B9 (X = Mn, Co, Zr)‐type alloys
Authors: Badura Grzegorz , Rasek Józef , Kwapuliński Piotr , Stokłosa Zbigniew , Pająk Lucjan
Published: January 2006

It has been shown that annealing of FeCu1XSi13B9 (X = Mn, Co, Zr) alloys at suitable temperatures T op and times τ p leads to an increase of the magnetic permeability and a decrease of the coercive force (optimisation effect of soft magnetic properties) determined at room temperature. The optimisation effect of soft magnetic properties in these alloys has been investigated by different experimental techniques. This effect has been attributed to the formation of a nanocrystalline phase, a change of the magnetostriction coefficient, stress, and a change of the concentration of microvoids. The diffusion parameters of the optimisation effect of soft magnetic properties, the Curie temperature and the temperatures of first and second stages of the crystallisation process have also been determined. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Phase transformation of Si upon epitaxial CVD growths of β‐SiC layer on Si substrates
Authors: Zhu W. L. , Zhu J. L. , Wan K. S. , Nishino S. , Pezzotti G.
Published: January 2006

Micro‐Raman spectroscopy was applied to investigate the stress relaxation in the CVD growth of SiC on silicon substrates. We observed a double‐peak feature of the LO + 2TO silicon phonon in as‐grown SiC/Si samples, and tentatively ascribed it to phase transformation of silicon during the epitaxial growth. Stress analysis around the featured regions suggested that it might be related with incomplete relief of local stress, such as appearance of micropipes in suitable circumstances. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Tristain Murail’s complete piano music
Authors: Whittall Arnold
Published: January 2006

MURAIL: Complete Piano Works. Marilyn Nonken (pno). Metier MSV CD92097 (2-CD set).
Kancheli and Knaifel
Authors: Quinn Peter
Published: January 2006

GIYA KANCHELI: Time…and again; V & V; Piano Quartet. Gidon Kremer (vln), Oleg Maisenberg (pno), Kremerata Baltica, The Bridge Ensemble. ECM New Series 461 8182.

ALEXANDER KNAIFEL: Psalm 51 (50); Amicta Sole. Mstislav Rostropovich (vlc), Tatiana Melentieva (sop), Glinka Choral College, State Hermitage Orchestra c. Arkady Shteinlukht. ECM New Series 472 0832.
London, St. Andrew’s Church, Holborn
Authors: Dunnett Roderic
Published: January 2006

London, St. Andrew’s Church, Holborn: Ed Hughes’s The Birds, Wed 29 June.
Presteigne Festival 2005
Authors: Conway Paul
Published: January 2006

Presteigne Festival 2005: Cecilia McDowall and John McCabe
Birmingham
Authors: Dunnett Roderic
Published: January 2006

Birmingham: John Joubert’s ‘Jane Eyre’
St Albans
Authors: Barlow Jill
Published: January 2006

St Albans: International Organ Festival 2005
Shrewsbury, Maidment Hall
Authors: Venn Edward
Published: January 2006

Shrewsbury, Maidment Hall: Hugh Wood’s Overture op. 48.
Trends in the nonvolcanic component of stratospheric aerosol over the period 1971–2004
Authors: Deshler Terry , Anderson‐Sprecher Richard , Jäger Horst , Barnes John , Hofmann David J. , Clemesha Barclay , Simonich Dale , Osborn M. , Grainger R. G. , Godin‐Beekmann Sophie
Published: January 2006

The six longest records of stratospheric aerosol (in situ measurements at Laramie, Wyoming, lidar records at: Garmisch‐Partenkirchen, Germany; Hampton, Virginia; Mauna Loa, Hawaii; São José dos Campos, Brazil, and SAGE II measurements) were investigated for trend by (1) comparing measurements in the 3 volcanically quiescent periods since 1970 using standard analysis of variance techniques, and (2) analyzing residuals from a time/volcano dependent empirical model applied to entire data sets. A standard squared‐error residual minimization technique was used to estimate optimum parameters for each measurement set, allowing for first order autocorrelation, which increases standard errors of trends but does not change magnitude. Analysis of variance over the 3 volcanically quiescent periods is controlled by the end points (pre‐El Chichón and post‐Pinatubo), and indicates either no change (Garmisch, Hampton, São José dos Campos, Laramie‐0.15 μm) or a slight, statistically insignificant, decrease (Mauna Loa, Laramie‐0.25 μm), −1 ± 0.5% yr−1. The empirical model was applied to the same records plus 1020 nm SAGE II data separated into 33 latitude/altitude bins. No trend in stratospheric aerosol was apparent for 31 of 33 SAGE II data sets, 3 of 4 lidar records, and in situ measurements at 0.15 μm. For Hampton and Laramie‐0.25 μm, the results suggest a weak negative trend, −2 ± 0.5% yr−1, while 2 SAGE II data sets (30–35 km, 30° and 40°N) suggest a positive trend of similar magnitude. Overall we conclude that no long‐term change in background stratospheric aerosol has occurred over the period 1970–2004.
Effect of aerosol on warm convective clouds: Aerosol‐cloud‐surface flux feedbacks in a new coupled large eddy model
Authors: Jiang Hongli , Feingold Graham
Published: January 2006

We present a new large eddy simulation model that comprises coupled components representing size‐resolved aerosol and cloud microphysics, radiative properties of aerosol and clouds, dynamics, and a surface soil and vegetation model. The model is used to investigate the effect of increases in aerosol on liquid water path LWP, cloud fraction, optical depth, and precipitation formation in warm, continental cumulus clouds. Sets of simulations that either neglect, or include the radiative properties of a partially absorbing aerosol are performed. In the absence of aerosol radiative effects, an increase in aerosol loading results in a reduction in precipitation. However, the clouds do not experience significant changes in LWP, cloud fraction and cloud depth; aerosol effects on LWP and cloud fraction are small compared to the dynamical variability of the clouds at any given aerosol concentration. Reasons for this response are discussed. When aerosol radiative effects are included, the modification in atmospheric heating profiles, and the reduction in surface latent and sensible heat fluxes resulting from the presence of these particles, have a significant effect on cloud parameters and boundary layer evolution. For the case considered, there is a significant reduction in the strength of convection, LWP, cloud fraction and cloud depth. Cloud optical depth responds non‐monotonically to the increase in aerosol. These results indicate that in continental regions surface processes must be included in calculations of aerosol‐cloud‐precipitation interactions. Neglect of these surface processes may result in an overestimate of the second aerosol indirect effect.
HIV-TAT Protein Upregulates Expression of Multidrug Resistance Protein 1 in the Blood–Brain Barrier
Authors: Hayashi Kentaro , Pu Hong , Andras Ibolya E , Eum Sung Yong , Yamauchi Atsushi , Hennig Bernhard , Toborek Michal
Published: January 2006

Central nervous system (CNS) complications of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection remain a serious health risk in HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome despite significant advances in highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Specific drugs used for HAART are substrates for the efflux transport systems, such as the multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRPs), which are present on brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMEC) and astrocytes, that is, the main cell types that form the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Thus, drugs employed in HAART are actively removed from the CNS and do not efficiently inhibit HIV replication in the brain. To study the potential mechanisms of this process, the aim of the present research was to address the hypothesis that HIV Tat protein can contribute to upregulation of MRP expression at the BBB level. Tat is a protein produced and released by HIV-infected cells, which may play an important role in brain vascular pathology in the course of HIV infection. Among the family of MRPs, exposure to Tat specifically induced MRP1 messenger ribonucleic acid and protein expression both in BMEC and astrocytes. These alterations were accompanied by enhanced MRP1-mediated efflux functions. Furthermore, activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling cascade was identified as the mechanism involved in Tat-mediated overexpression of MRP1. These results indicate that Tat exposure can lead to alterations of the BBB functions and decrease HAART efficacy in the CNS through overexpression of drug efflux transporters.
The Chronic Vascular and Haemodynamic Response after Permanent Bilateral Common Carotid Occlusion in Newborn and Adult Rats
Authors: Choy ManKin , Ganesan Vijeya , Thomas David L , Thornton John S , Proctor Edward , King Martin D , van der Weerd Louise , Gadian David G , Lythgoe Mark F
Published: January 2006

Vascular growth and redistribution of flow can compensate for arterial occlusion and possibly reduce the effects of hypoperfusion. As yet there is limited information on the age-dependent nature of vasculature remodelling. In this study, we have monitored the vascular and morphologic changes using magnetic resonance imaging and histology in a chronic bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) model in both newborn and adult rats. Acutely, cerebral blood flow (CBF) decreased immediately after BCCAO, producing a state of oligaemic hypoperfusion. At 6 months after BCCAO in both adult and neonatal rats, the CBF had normalised at control values. To investigate the underlying mechanism for the return of CBF to control values, intra- and extracerebral magnetic resonance angiograms (MRAs) were acquired. As expected, signal from the common carotid arteries was present in the sham-operated rats, but was absent in the BCCAO animals. India ink angiograms demonstrated more tortuous basilar arteries in the adult rats post-BCCAO and MRAs demonstrated more extracerebral midline collaterals in the neonatal rats post-BCCAO, indicating different modes of vascular adaptation dependent on the age at onset of the insult. Both groups had collateral vessels arising from the vertebral arteries, and BCCAO was also associated with increased diameter of basilar, posterior cerebral, posterior communicating, internal carotid, middle cerebral and anterior cerebral arteries. Our study suggests that the developing and mature animals exhibit different patterns of vascular remodelling and that the BCCAO hypoperfusion model will be useful for investigating age-dependent vascular events in response to vasoocclusive disease.
Electron spin relaxation of N@C60 in CS2
Authors: Morton John J. L. , Tyryshkin Alexei M. , Ardavan Arzhang , Porfyrakis Kyriakos , Lyon S. A. , Andrew D. Briggs G.
Published: January 2006

We examine the temperature dependence of the electron spin relaxation times of the molecules N@C60 and N@C70 (which comprise atomic nitrogen trapped within a carbon cage) in liquid CS2 solution. The results are inconsistent with the fluctuating zero-field splitting (ZFS) mechanism, which is commonly invoked to explain electron spin relaxation for S⩾1 spins in liquid solution, and is the mechanism postulated in the literature for these systems. Instead, we find an Arrhenius temperature dependence for N@C60, indicating the spin relaxation is driven primarily by an Orbach process. For the asymmetric N@C70 molecule, which has a permanent ZFS, we resolve an additional relaxation mechanism caused by the rapid reorientation of its ZFS. We also report the longest coherence time (T2) ever observed for a molecular electron spin, being 0.25ms at 170K.
Energy barrier to magnetic vortex nucleation
Authors: Lau J. W. , Bording J. K. , Beleggia M. , Zhu Y.
Published: January 2006

An array of micron-sized square Permalloy™ elements exhibits pure nucleation behavior under selected ranges of applied field and temperature. As a consequence, macroscopically observed net magnetization loss with logarithm of time can be correlated with discrete vortex nucleation events using in situ Lorentz microscopy. Application of various magnetic fields revealed different resistances to nucleation. Using the Arrhenius-Néel model, the energy barrier to magnetic vortex nucleation is measured and a clear dependence on the applied field is observed.
State-resolved reactive scattering by slice imaging: A new view of the Cl+C2H6 reaction
Authors: Li Wen , Huang Cunshun , Patel Mohat , Wilson Delon , Suits Arthur
Published: January 2006

We present state-resolved crossed beam scattering results for the reaction Cl+C2H6→HCl+C2H5, obtained using direct current slice imaging. The HCl (v=0,J=2) image, recorded at a collision energy of 6.7±0.6kcal∕mol, shows strongly coupled angular and translational energy distributions revealing features of the reaction not seen in previous studies. The overall distribution is mainly forward scattered with respect to the Cl beam, with a translational energy distribution peaking near the collision energy. However, there is a substantial backscattered contribution that is very different. It shows a sharp peak at 8.0kcal∕mol, but extends to much lower energy, implying substantial internal excitation in the ethyl radical coproduct. These results provide new insight into the reaction, and they are considered in terms of alternative models of the dynamics. This work represents the first genuine crossed-beam study in which a product other than the methyl radical was detected with quantum state specificity, showing the promise of the approach generally for high resolution state-resolved reactive scattering.
Photoluminescence of Ge(Si) self-assembled islands embedded in a tensile-strained Si layer
Authors: Shaleev M. V. , Novikov A. V. , Yablonskiy A. N. , Drozdov Y. N. , Lobanov D. N. , Krasilnik Z. F. , Kuznetsov O. A.
Published: January 2006

We report photoluminescence (PL) studies of Ge(Si) self-assembled islands embedded into a tensile-strained Si layer grown on smooth relaxed Si0.75Ge0.25∕Si(001) buffer layers subjected to chemical-mechanical polishing. The intense PL from Ge(Si) islands embedded into a strained Si layer compared to the PL from islands grown on unstrained Si(001) is associated with efficient confinement of electrons in a strained Si layer on the heterojunction with islands. The observed dependence of the island PL peak position on thickness of strained Si layer confirms the validity of the model for real-space indirect optical transition between electrons confined in the strained Si layer, and holes localized in islands.
Atomistic modeling of surface alloy ordering and segregation in the Fe–Pt system
Authors: Bozzolo Guillermo , Lukaszew Rosa Alejandra , Garcés Jorge E.
Published: January 2006

A unified description of Pt segregation in Fe–Pt alloys and alloy ordering after Fe deposition on a Pt substrate is provided. Atomistic modeling using the Bozzolo–Ferrante–Smith quantum approximate method for alloys explains the mechanisms leading to full Pt segregation in the first case and a stable mixed Fe–Pt surface with subsurface ordering in the second.
Non-Hermitian interactions between harmonic oscillators, with applications to stable, Lorentz-violating quantum electrodynamics
Authors: Altschul B.
Published: January 2006

We examine a new application of the Holstein-Primakoff realization of the simple harmonic oscillator Hamiltonian. This involves the use of infinite-dimensional representations of the Lie algebra su(2). The representations contain nonstandard raising and lowering operators, which are nonlinearly related to the standard a† and a. The new operators also give rise to a natural family of two-oscillator couplings. These nonlinear couplings are not generally self-adjoint, but their low-energy limits are self-adjoint, exactly solvable, and stable. We discuss the structure of a theory involving these couplings. Such a theory might have as its ultra-low-energy limit a Lorentz-violating Abelian gauge theory, and we discuss the extremely strong astrophysical constraints on such a model.
Radiative recombination of GaInNP alloys lattice matched to GaAs
Authors: Izadifard M. , Bergman J. P. , Chen W. M. , Buyanova I. A. , Hong Y. G. , Tu C. W.
Published: January 2006

cw- and time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy is employed to evaluate dominant mechanisms for light emission in GayIn1−yNxP1−x alloys grown by gas source molecular-beam epitaxy on GaAs substrates. Different from other direct band gap dilute nitrides, the low temperature PL emission was shown to be largely attributed to radiative transitions involving spatially separated localized electron-hole pairs. The observed charge separation is tentatively attributed to the long range CuPt ordering promoted by the presence of nitrogen.
Comparison of Ti∕Al∕Pt∕Au and Ti∕Au Ohmic contacts on n-type ZnCdO
Authors: Chen Jau-Jiun , Jang Soohwan , Ren F. , Rawal S. , Li Yuanjie , Kim Hyun-Sik , Norton D. P. , Pearton S. J. , Osinsky A.
Published: January 2006

A comparison of Ti∕Au and Ti∕Al∕Pt∕Au Ohmic contacts on n-type Zn0.05Cd0.95O layers grown on ZnO buffer layers on GaN/sapphire templates showed a minimum contact resistivity of 2.3×10−4Ωcm2 at 500°C anneal temperature for Ti∕Al∕Pt∕Au and 1.6×10−4Ωcm2 at 450°C for Ti∕Al. The morphology of the Ti∕Al∕Pt∕Au contacts showed much better thermal stability and remained smooth until at least 450°C, whereas the Ti∕Au contacts show a reacted appearance after 350°C anneals. Auger electron spectroscopy depth profiling of the contact schemes as a function of anneal temperature suggests that the formation of TiOx phases that induce oxygen vacancies in the ZnCdO are responsible for the improved contact resistance after annealing in both types of metal schemes.
Directionally dependent ferroelectric phase transition order of anisotropic epitaxial BaxSr1−xTiO3 thin films
Authors: Bellotti Jeffrey A. , Chang Wontae , Qadri Syed B. , Kirchoefer Steven W. , Pond Jeffrey M.
Published: January 2006

Epitaxial Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 thin films were grown by pulsed-laser deposition on (100) LaAlO3 substrates in two distinct strain states, c∕a>1 and c∕a<1. X-ray diffraction measurements over the temperature range of 20°Cto−120°C showed that the change in the c∕a ratio with decreasing temperature was discontinuous and positive for the film with c∕a>1, and continuous and negative for the film with c∕a<1. These symmetry changes in the c∕a ratio with temperature were correlated with measurements of the in-plane dielectric properties, and showed that the polarization in these two types of structures has characteristically different behavior that is highly directionally-dependent.
On annealing-induced amorphization and anisotropy in a ferromagnetic Fe-based film: A magnetic and property study
Authors: Chu Jinn P. , Lo Chang-Ting , Fang Yi-Kun , Han Bao-Shan
Published: January 2006

Magnetic and property characteristics of sputtered Fe65Ti13Co8Ni7B6Nb1 film in as-deposited and annealed conditions are examined. The film is transformed into various nanoscale and amorphous structures during annealing. Fully amorphous structure is obtained at 773–823K, whereas nanocrystalline γ-fcc FeNi, cubic Fe(Ni) and FeNi phases evolve sequentially at various temperatures. Amorphization and nanocrystallization yield alterations in electrical, hardness and magnetic properties with good soft magnetic properties obtained at 898K. Magnetic force images reveal stripe magnetic domain structures at 923–973K, indicating the presence of the strong stress-induced perpendicular magnetic anisotropy due to the combined effect of the positive magnetostriction and the compressive stress.
Magnetoelectric CoFe2O4∕Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 double-layer thin film prepared by pulsed-laser deposition
Authors: Zhou Jian-ping , He Hongcai , Shi Zhan , Nan Ce-Wen
Published: January 2006

Double-layer magnetoelectric CoFe2O4 (CFO)∕Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 (PZT) nanocomposite thin film was prepared via a pulsed-laser deposition. X-ray diffraction showed that there are no other phases but PZT and CFO phases in the film. The smooth film surface was obtained after depositing the CFO and PZT layers. The double-layer thin film exhibits both good ferromagnetic and electric properties, as well as a magnetoelectric coupling effect. The magnetic-field-induced polarization in the thin film is zero below the dc magnetic field of 800Oe and keeps constant above 800Oe, and is strongly dependent on the ac magnetic field frequency which drives the magnetic domain rotation and then the electric polarization in the PZT layer.
Enhancement of rf breakdown field of superconductors by multilayer coating
Authors: Gurevich A.
Published: January 2006

It is shown that the rf breakdown magnetic field of superconducting resonator cavities can be significantly enhanced by multilayer coating consisting of alternating insulating layers and thin superconducting layers of thickness smaller than the London penetration depth. Such coating increases the field of vortex penetration and the quality factor determined by a small surface resistance Rs in the Meissner state. Delaying strong rf vortex dissipation up to fields higher than the thermodynamic critical field Bc of Nb makes it possible to take advantage of many type-II superconductors with higher Bc and lower Rs in high-field rf applications.
Planar MgB2 Josephson junctions and series arrays via nanolithography and ion damage
Authors: Cybart Shane A. , Chen Ke , Cui Y. , Li Qi , Xi X. X. , Dynes R. C.
Published: January 2006

We have fabricated planar thin-film MgB2 Josephson junctions and 20-junction series arrays using 200-keV ion implantation and electron-beam lithography. Resistively shunted junction I-V characteristics were observed in the temperature range of 34–38K. The ac Josephson effect was observed and flat giant Shapiro steps in arrays suggest good junction uniformity with a small spread in junction parameters. The temperature dependence of the critical current suggests that the nature of the interface between the superconductor and normal region can be described using a soft boundary proximity effect coupling model. We believe that the higher operating temperature and close spacing of these junctions make them promising candidates for quantum voltage standards and other devices.
Effect of Al∕N flux ratio during nucleation layer growth on the microstructure of GaN films grown by molecular-beam epitaxy
Authors: Zhou Lin , Smith David J. , Storm D. F. , Katzer D. S. , Binari S. C. , Shanabrook B. V.
Published: January 2006

The microstructure of AlN nucleation layers grown on semi-insulating 4H-SiC substrates by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy has a major effect on subsequent GaN and AlGaN∕GaN film quality and electronic properties. Characterization by transmission electron microscopy shows that the morphology of the GaN films is critically dependent on the Al to active nitrogen flux ratio used during nucleation layer growth. Structures grown with Al∕N flux ratios slightly above approximately 0.98 have many basal-plane stacking faults in the AlN nucleation layer, the GaN∕AlN interfaces are wavy and ill defined, and regions of cubic GaN exist close to the GaN∕AlN interfaces. In comparison, for structures grown with lower Al∕N flux ratios, the AlN nucleation layers have no stacking faults and the GaN∕AlN interfaces are sharp. The impact of these changes in microstructure on the electron Hall mobility and buffer leakage are discussed.
Corrigendum to: Conversion of canopy intercepted radiation to photosynthate: a review of modelling approaches for regional scales
Authors: Medlyn Belinda , Barrett Damian , Landsberg Joe , Sands Peter , Clement Robert
Published: January 2006

A fundamental component of most models of terrestrial carbon balance is an estimate of plant canopy photosynthetic uptake driven by radiation interception by the canopy. In this article, we review approaches used to model the conversion of radiation into photosynthate. As this process is well understood at the leaf-scale, the modelling problem is essentially one of up-scaling, to canopy, regional or global scale. Our review therefore focuses on issues of scaling, including model identification, parameterisation and validation at large scales. Four different approaches are commonly taken to modelling photosynthate production at large scales: the maximum productivity, resource-use efficiency, big-leaf, and sun-shade models. Models representing each of these approaches are discussed and model predictions compared with estimates of gross primary productivity derived from eddy covariance data measured above a Sitka spruce forest. The sun-shade model was found to perform best at all time scales considered. However, other models had significant advantages including simplicity of implementation and the ability to combine the model with remotely-sensed information on vegetation radiation interception. We conclude that all four approaches can be successfully used to model photosynthetic uptake and that the best approach in a given situation will depend on model objectives and data availability.
Blocking ethylene perception enhances flooding tolerance in rice seedlings
Authors: Ella Evangelina S. , Kawano Naoyoshi , Yamauchi Yasuo , Tanaka Kiyoshi , Ismail AbdelbagiM.
Published: January 2006

Large areas of rainfed lowlands in South and Southeast Asia annually experience short durations of flash flooding during the rice-growing season, which dramatically affect plant survival and productivity. Submergence-intolerant cultivars usually show progressive leaf chlorosis, which could be triggered by ethylene produced during submergence. An ethylene inhibitor, 1-methyl cyclopropene (MCP), was used to evaluate the effect of ethylene on chlorophyll degradation and plant survival. Seedlings of two cultivars, FR13A (tolerant) and IR42 (intolerant) either untreated or treated with MCP for 5 h before submergence, were submerged for 6 d. Chlorophyll content and activity and gene expression of chlorophyllase, the first enzyme involved in chlorophyll degradation, were determined during submergence and recovery, and survival scores were recorded after 21 d of recovery. MCP treatment decreased chlorophyll degradation, lowered the activity and gene expression of chlorophyllase, and improved seedling survival in IR42, but with no effect on underwater relative shoot expansion. Chlorophyllase enzyme activity and gene expression were lower in FR13A, suggesting that this cultivar might have reduced ethylene level or sensitivity. Manipulation of ethylene synthesis or sensitivity through molecular approaches might therefore help improve tolerance of flash flooding in rice.
Revision of Aulacofoenus Kieffer (Hymenoptera : Gasteruptiidae), Hyptiogastrine wasps with a restricted Gondwanic distribution
Authors: Jennings J. T. , Austin A. D.
Published: January 2006

Aulacofoenus Kieffer, which can be readily distinguished
from other hyptiogastrine genera by having a short hidden ovipositor, the
first flagellomere much longer than the second, a groove on the hind
trochanter, and two discal cells in the fore wing, is revised. Fourteen
species (10 new) are recognised; twelve of these [A.
fallax (Schletterer),
A. thoracicus (Guérin Menéville), comb.
nov., A. bungeyi, sp. nov.,
A. fletcheri, sp. nov.,
A. goonooensis, sp. nov.,
A. kurmondi, sp. nov., A. loxleyi,
sp. nov., A. marionae, sp. nov.,
A. perenjorii, sp. nov., A. swani,
sp. nov., A. whiani, sp. nov.,
andA. wubinensis, sp. nov.] are recorded from
Australia, and two [A. deletangi(Schletterer) and
A. infumatus (Schletterer)] from South America. Two
synonymies are proposed: A. asymmetricus (Turner) with
A. thoracicus, comb. nov. and
A. szépligetiiKieffer with
A. deletangi. Relationships among genera of
Hyptiogastrinae and species of Aulacofoenus are
discussed, as is the restricted Gondwanic (amphinotic) distribution of the
genus. A key to species is also presented.
Systematics of Nanexila Winterton & Irwin, gen. nov. (Diptera:Therevidae) from Australia
Authors: Yeates David K. , Winterton Shaun L. , Irwin Michael E.
Published: January 2006

Nanexila Winterton & Irwin, gen. nov. is describedand figured from Australia. This genus of typically small, slender flies isdivided into three species-groups following cladistic analysis. The previouslyunplaced N. manni (Hardy) comb. nov. is redescribed inthe Nanexilamanni species-group, along with four newspecies: N. armeniacum,N. carminata, N. furcata andN. nana. Nanexila ruficornis (Macquart) comb. nov. isredescribed in the Nanexila palassa species-group, alongwith ten new species: N. argentiquadris,N. cylomelasma, N. danielsi,N. ligula, N. lignyos,N. livea, N. palassa,N. spilotis, N. variabilis, andN. vittata. Four new species are described in theNanexila atricostalis species-group:N. atricostalis, N. aureilineata,N. intermedia, and N. paradoxa.The twenty Nanexila species and five outgroup specieswere compared across 167 states in 71 characters. A cladistic analysis wasconducted and the phylogenetic relationships of Nanexiladiscussed. Nanexila is endemic to Australia, with alargely southern distribution. Only N. argentiquadrisand N. cylomelasma are known from northern Australia.Adult Nanexila have been collected between August andApril, with the peak period of activity for most species during October andNovember. The duration of adult activity is related to latitude, with northernspecies active for longer periods than southern species.
Systematics of the world genera of Cardiochilinae (Hymenoptera:Braconidae)
Authors: Whitfield J. B. , Dangerfield P. C. , Austin A. D.
Published: January 2006

The genera of Cardiochilinae are revised on the basis of a phylogeneticanalysis of qualitative and morphometric characters. Partition homogeneitytesting was used to evaluate the congruence between qualitative andmorphometric data sets. Three most-parsimonious cladograms of 217.9 steps werefound when morphometric characters were ordered and fractionally reweighteddepending on the number of states. Sixteen monophyletic genera are recognisedfor the subfamily, with six described as new:Asiacardiochiles Telenga, stat. rev. (Australasian and Palaearctic), Austerocardiochiles, gen. nov. (typespecies: Cardiochiles pollinator Dangerfield & Austin) (Afrotropical, Oriental, Australasian and Palaearctic),Bohayella Belokobylskij (Afrotropical, Oriental,Australasian, Nearctic and Palaearctic), CardiochilesNees ab Esenbeck, s. str. (Cosmopolitan),Eurycardiochiles, gen. nov. (type species:C. occidentalis Dangerfield & Austin) (Australasianand Oriental), Gwenia, gen. nov. (type species:C.turneri Dangerfield & Austin) (Australasian),Hansonia Dangerfield (Neotropical),Hartemita Cameron (Oriental),Heteropteron Brullé (Neotropical),Hymenicis, gen. nov. (type species:C. noongarensis Dangerfield & Austin)(Australasian), Latitergum, gen. nov. (type species:C. areyongensis Dangerfield & Austin)(Australasian), Pseudcardiochilus Hedwig (Australasian and Palaearctic), PsilommiscusEnderlein, stat. rev.(Oriental), Retusigaster, gen. nov. (type species:C. rubidus Mao) (Nearctic and Palaearctic),Schoenlandella Cameron (Cosmopolitan) andToxoneuron Say (Afrotropical, Nearctic, Neotropical,introduced into Oriental). Wesmaelella Spinola andNeocardiochiles Szépligeti are placed as juniorsynonyms of Heteropteron.Cardiochiles ruficollis (Szépligeti), stat. rev.,is brought out of synonymy with C. saltator (F.), alectotype has been designated for S. testaceipes(Cameron) and Cardiochiles croceum (Cameron), comb. nov.is transferred to Phanerotoma Wesmael (Cheloninae).Diagnoses, information on distribution and hosts, and an illustrated key togenera are provided. After examination of all available holotypes, 169 of the182 described species are placed in the new generic classification.
The molecular regulation of stilbene phytoalexin biosynthesis in Vitis vinifera during grape berry development
Authors: Bais Anthony J. , Murphy Peter J. , Dry Ian B.
Published: January 2006

The molecular regulation of stilbene
phytoalexin biosynthesis in developing Vitis vinifera L.
grape berries was investigated using a UV induction system. Berries were
collected at 1, 5, 10 and 16 weeks post-flowering from the cultivars Shiraz,
Semillon, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay and the skins analysed for
resveratrol production following irradiation with UV-C light. The rate and
maximal level of resveratrol accumulation increased markedly in berries
sampled from 1–5 weeks post-flowering and then dramatically declined in
maturing berries sampled from 10–16 weeks post-flowering in all
cultivars. In berries sampled at 1 and 5 weeks post-flowering, maximal levels
of resveratrol accumulation were recorded at incubation periods of 24 and 48 h
respectively whereas maximal resveratrol levels were not recorded in week 16
berry skins until 72 h after UV-treatment. Gene expression analysis indicated
that stilbene synthase (STS) mRNA accumulated within 4–8 h of UV
treatment in berries sampled at 1 and 5 weeks post-flowering, but did not
increase in week 16 berries until 24–48 h following UV-irradiation.
Furthermore, the overall level of STS gene expression declined in berries
sampled 10–16 weeks post-flowering. The results demonstrate that
inducible stilbene accumulation in ripening grape berries is highly regulated
at the level of STS gene transcription. This decline in inducible STS gene
expression may be a major factor contributing to the increased susceptibility
of ripening grape berries to Botrytis cinerea infection.
Review: A brief story of nitrogen fixation in sugarcane — reasons for success in Brazil
Authors: Baldani José I. , Reis Veronica M. , Baldani Vera L. D. , Döbereiner Johanna
Published: January 2006

Sugarcane was first introduced into Brazil in 1532, in São Vicente
(São Paulo State) by the Portuguese. Since the first cane selection and
breeding programs started in Brazil, both local and introduced material were
used. In none of the breeding programs were large amounts of nitrogen
fertilizer utilized, and this may be the reason why today the best materials
have little demand for nitrogen fertilizer, and an effective association has
developed between endophytic nitrogen-fixing bacteria and the plant. In some
cases high inputs of associated biological nitrogen fixation have been
observed. The oil crisis also played a role in the sugarcane story, since the
alcohol-from-cane-juice (PRO-ÁLCOOL) program installed to find a
substitute for gasoline in cars, stimulated the selection of highly efficient
varieties with low nitrogen fertilizer input. The recent promising results
involving the inoculation of micropropagated sugarcane plants with endophytic
diazotrophic bacteria, along with the ongoing Brazilian sugarcane plant and
bacterial genome programs, suggest that the success of the Brazilian sugarcane
business may continue for many years to come, considering the potential to be
exploited.
Corrigendum to: Abscisic acid is correlated with the leaf growth inhibition of four genotypes of maize differing in their response to salinity
Authors: Cramer Grant R. , Quarrie Steve A.
Published: January 2006

In this paper we tested the hypothesis that the leaf growth reduction of
salt-stressed maize is regulated by the abscisic acid (ABA) concentrations in
the growing zone of the leaf. Leaf elongation rate (LER) of maize
(Zea mays L.) was rapidly inhibited by salinity (80 mM
NaCl), and the (+)-ABA concentration increased significantly in the
growing zone of the leaf. Upon removal of salinity, ABA concentrations
decreased rapidly in the growing zone and LER increased to control levels.
Four maize genotypes differing in their responses to salinity were compared
over a range of leaf ABA concentrations. (+)-ABA concentrations in the
growing zone of the leaf were highly correlated with LER inhibition for all
four genotypes. However, the sensitivity of LER to leaf ABA concentrations
differed amongst the genotypes. Thus, for each genotype, ABA concentrations in
the growing zone of the leaf were a good predictor of maize LER response to
salinity.
Carbon partitioning and sucrose metabolism in two field-grown asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) cultivars with contrasting yield
Authors: Guo Jianmin , Jermyn William A. , Turnbull Matthew H.
Published: January 2006

The aim of this study was to investigate the roles of carbon partitioning and
sucrose metabolism in regulating cultivar differences in spear yield in
asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.). In the two
cultivars studied, maximum net photosynthetic rate
(Amax) was positively correlated
with sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) activity
(r2=0.86), which was in
turn linked to increases in sucrose content in cladophyll tissue. The
high-yielding cultivar ASP-69 exhibited greater SPS activity and sucrose
content than the low-yielding cultivar ASP-03, in fully-expanded and mature
cladophyll tissue. ASP-69 also displayed a higher percentage of soluble solids
in stem cell sap than did ASP-03. Sucrose synthase (SS) activity in storage
roots in ASP-69 was significantly greater than in ASP-03 during fern growth
season. Total non-structural carbohydrate (TNC) in storage roots did not
differ in the two cultivars. Biomass analysis revealed that ASP-69 had a
greater root/shoot ratio than ASP-03, suggesting that the total
carbohydrate storage pool, rather than carbohydrate concentration, is an
important determinant of asparagus yield. The overall results substantiate the
conclusion that carbohydrate partitioning in the two asparagus cultivars
studied is a property of the entire plant, and is influenced by both source
and sink properties. This is highlighted by greater
Amax, SPS activity and sucrose
concentrations in cladophyll tissue in ASP-69, and greater SS activity and
total carbohydrate content in storage root tissue in ASP-69.
Enhancement by Osmotic Treatment of Hairy Root Transformation of Alfalfa Suspension Cultures, and Chromosomal Variation in the Transformed Tissues
Authors: Xu Zi-Qin , Jia Jing-Fen , Hu Zhi-De
Published: January 2006

Seeds of alfalfa were germinated on Murashige and Skoog medium without
phytohormones. The hypocotyls ofseedlings were excised and cultured on the
same medium with 2,4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (9.05 mM) to induce callus.
Granular calluses were suspended and cultured in Schenk and Hildebrandt medium
supplemented with 2.26 mM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid on a shaker at 80
rpm. Alfalfa suspension cultures were treated with 0.45 M mannitol for 1 h,
and washed twice with 0.16 M CaCl2
.2H2 O. After pretreatment, the pellets were resuspended
in Schenk and Hildebrandt medium without phytohormone (10 mL
g-1 suspension cultures), and 0.2 mL of
Agrobacterium rhizogenes suspension was added. A mixture
of alfalfa cells and Agrobacterium was co-cultured at 25
± 2˚C for 2 days. Transformants (transformed calluses and hairy
roots) were obtained by hormone-free selection. Several factors, such as
culturing stage of suspension cultures, phytohormone constitution of
suspension medium and basal selection medium of transformants, affected the
transformation frequency remarkably. Paper electrophoresis revealed that over
70% of transformants could synthesise agropine and mannopine. A
comparative cytological analysis revealed the number and structural
alterations of chromosomes in the resulting materials. The transformed tissue
was not able to be regenerated, possibly due to chromosomal abnormalities.
Stomatal Responses to Leaf-to-Air Vapour Pressure Deficit in Sahelian Species
Authors: Maroco João P. , Pereira João S. , Chaves M. Manuela
Published: January 2006

Stomatal response to leaf-to-air vapour pressure deficit
(LAVPD) was studied in the annual arid zone
C4 grasses Schoenefeldia gracilis,
Dactyloctenium aegyptium and
Eragrostis tremula and in the C3
species, convolvulus, Ipomoea pes-tigridis and
Ipomoea vagans. Stomatal responses to
LAVPD were consistent with the drought survival
strategies adopted by the different species. In drought resistant species
(S. gracilis, I. vagansand
I. pes-tigridis) stomatal conductance showed a negative
response to increasing LAVPD whereas, in drought
escaping species (D. aegyptium and
E. tremula), stomatal conductance was independent of
LAVPD. These observations suggest that resistance to
drought was associated with stomatal closure as LAVPD
increased, thus reducing the negative effect of a higher evaporative demand on
water use efficiency, whereas in drought escaping species stomata showed no
response to increasing evaporative demand in the atmosphere.
Biosynthesis of a 34-kDa Polypeptide in the Root-cell Plasma Membrane of a Zn-efficient Wheat Genotype Increases upon Zn Deficiency
Authors: Rengel Z. , Hawkesford M. J.
Published: January 2006

Zinc-efficient wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Warigal)
has a greater rate of net Zn uptake than the Zn-inefficient cv. Durati
(T. turgidum conv. durum (Desf.)
MacKey). In both genotypes Zn uptake is partly repressed at sufficient Zn
supply. In contrast, after prolonged Zn deficiency, the rates of net Zn uptake
increased in Zn-efficient Warigal and decreased in Zn-inefficient Durati.
Intact plants of these two genotypes grown at four Zn nutrition regimes were
labelled with 35S; the analysis of translation products
by SDS-PAGE indicated increased abundance of a 34-kDa polypeptide in the
root-cell plasma membrane fraction of Warigal grown under prolonged Zn
deficiency only. Soluble (cytosolic) and microsomal (organelle) fractions did
not contain 34-kDa polypeptide in any of the eight treatments. Silver-stained
PAGE showed that the 34-kDa polypeptide was present in the plasma membrane of
Zn-efficient Warigal regardless of Zn nutrition, indicating that
de novo biosynthesis of that polypeptide in 18-day-old
plants was regulated by Zn deficiency. The pI of the 34-kDa polypeptide was
around pH 5.5 as shown by 2-D PAGE. The 34-kDa polypeptide is the first
reported root-cell plasma membrane polypeptide specifically induced under Zn
deficiency. Since it is accumulated only in the Zn-efficient wheat genotype,
the 34-kDa polypeptide may be connected with the capacity of that genotype to
sustain prolonged Zn deficiency.
Proanthocyanidin synthesis in the forage legume Onobrychis viciifolia. A study of chalcone synthase, dihydroflavonol 4-reductase and leucoanthocyanidin 4-reductase in developing leaves
Authors: Joseph Roslyn , Tanner Gregory , Larkin Philip
Published: January 2006

The timing of proanthocyanidin (PA) biosynthesis in leaves of
Onobrychis viciifolia (sainfoin) was examined using
nucleotide probes, enzyme assays and immunochemical detection. To achieve
this, a chalcone synthase (CHS) cDNA clone was isolated
and a PCR-amplified DNA fragment corresponding to part of a dihydroflavonol
reductase (DFR) gene was obtained from sainfoin. The
high sequence homology of the CHS clone, both at the
nucleotide and amino acid levels, with CHS sequences from other species,
confirmed the identity of the clone. The identity of the PCR fragment was
confirmed by sequence homology to known DFR sequences.
The level of DFR mRNA, DFR and leucoanthocyanidin
reductase (LAR) enzyme activities, CHS mRNA and CHS
protein were at a maximum in young, unexpanded leaves of sainfoin. The levels
of DFR mRNA, and DFR and LAR enzyme activity declined
rapidly and were absent in older tissues. PA content of leaves declined
slightly on a fresh and dry weight basis in the more mature phases of leaf
development; however, PA content on a per leaf basis continued to increase
throughout development. The apparent anomaly between the activity of critical
enzymes (LAR and DFR) and the accumulation of PA indicates that the process of
proanthocyanidin biosynthesis is still poorly understood.