bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Star Formation in Disk Galaxies
Authors: Wyse Rosemary F. G. , Ferguson Annette M. N. , Gallagher Jay S. , Hunter Deidre A.
Published: March 2011

We present results, some preliminary, from a major new study of the star formation properties of a sample of nearby disk galaxies (Ferguson 1997). Our emphasis is on the faint outer regions of disks. Hα images, combined with broad-band images and spectroscopy of HII regions, constrain the present and past star formation rates and chemical enrichment. These data also allow study of faint diffuse ionised gas, which traces the influence of massive stars on their environment, and the structure of the interstellar medium.
HI Supergiant Shells in the Large Magellanic Cloud
Authors: Kim S. , Staveley-Smith L. , Sault R. J. , Kesteven M. J. , McConnell D. , Dopita M. A. , Bessell M.
Published: March 2011

The recently completed HI mosaic survey of the Large Magellanic Cloud (Kim et al. 1997) reveals complex structure in the interstellar medium, including filaments, arcs, holes and shells. We have catalogued giant and supergiant HI shells and searched for correlations with Hα emission, using a new image taken with a camera lens mounted on the 16-inch telescope at Siding Spring Observatory.
LMC HII Region Luminosities versus Observed Ionising Stars
Authors: Oey M. S. , Kennicutt R. C.
Published: March 2011

We use the stellar census of OB associations in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) to predict the Hα luminosities of the host HII regions, based on results from stellar atmosphere models. These values are compared to the observed HII region luminosities, yielding an estimate for the mean fraction of H-ionising photons that escape the local nebulae in this sample. We formally estimate that, overall, 0–51% of the ionising radiation escapes the local HII regions and is available to ionise the warm, ionised medium in the LMC. We find both nebulae that appear to be density-bounded and ones that appear to be radiation-bounded.
A Survey for New PNe in the Southern Galactic Bulge
Authors: Beaulieu Sylvie F. , Dopita Michael A.
Published: March 2011

We present the results of a deep and uniform narrow-band Hα imaging survey for planetary nebulæ (PNe) in the southern galactic bulge. The goal of this survey was to obtain a sample of bulge tracers which can be used to study the dynamics of the Milky Way bulge (Beaulieu 1996).
An Imaging Survey of Northern Galactic Hα Emission with Arcminute Resolution
Authors: Dennison Brian , Simonetti John H. , Topasna Gregory A.
Published: March 2011

We present preliminary results from a high-resolution, high-sensitivity imaging survey of the northern galactic Hα emission. The survey is carried out using the Spectral Line Imaging Camera (SLIC) which incorporates a fast (f/1·2) lens attached to a cryogenic CCD in combination with a narrowband interference filter. The pixel size is 1·6 arcminutes and the diameter of each field is 10°. The fast optics, narrow bandpass (1·7 nm) filter, and high quantum-efficiency, low-noise CCD yield a high brightness sensitivity to Hα emission on arcminute scales. This gives an equivalent sensitivity to emission measure structure below 1 pc cm−6. Some faint features detected include a supershell connected with the star forming region W4 extending 7° above the galactic plane, and filaments possibly related to galactic loops II and III. In addition, we have carried out deep observations of fields in which anisotropies in the cosmic microwave background radiation have been detected. Our observations place stringent limits upon the contribution to the apparent microwave fluctuations from free–free emission in the galactic foreground.
Kiso Hα Imaging Observations of Nearby Galaxies
Authors: Hasegawa T. , Sakamoto S. , Nishiura S. , Ohyama Y. , Sofue Y.
Published: March 2011

We report Hα imaging observations of nearby galaxies with the Kiso Schmidt telescope. For spiral galaxy NGC 628, we found no clear correlation between Hα and CO intensities, and we discuss the star formation efficiency of this galaxy. No nuclear Hα emission in this galaxy was detected. This is consistent with spectroscopic observations which indicate that the nuclear region is in the post starburst phase. We also describe the Hα image of Hickson's compact group 92 in which diffuse emission is detected extending within the group system.
Some Results of an Hα Survey in the Taurus Dark Clouds
Authors: Hojaev Alisher S.
Published: March 2011

From a series of 4° objective-prism plates obtained on the 1 m Schmidt telescope of the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory, 20 new Hα emission line stars were found. The intensity of Hα emission line was evaluated for these stars. An additional sample of probable Hα emission stars was also found. We present here details and some observational features of these stars. The total number of Hα emission line stars estimated for the surveyed area is about 80.
RV Tau Variables in Globular Clusters: Clues on Their Nature?
Authors: Russell Stephen C.
Published: March 2011

We report on the detailed elemental abundances of RV Tau variables that reside in globular clusters, and how they compare with those of RV Tau variables in the field. Surprisingly, they seem to show definite differences, and at this stage, it is not clear why this is so.
Propagation-induced Circular Polarisation in Synchrotron Sources
Authors: Kennett Malcolm , Melrose Don
Published: March 2011

The small degree of circular polarisation observed in some synchrotron sources has a frequency dependence that is not consistent with simple predictions based on the intrinsic circular polarisation of synchrotron emission. The suggestion is explored that the circular polarisation arises as a propagation effect within the source. The physical basis of this alternative mechanism is the fact that the natural wave modes of a synchrotron emitting gas are linearly polarised, allowing partial conversion of linear into circular polarisation as in a quarter-wave plate. A relativistic rotation measure (RRM) is defined to characterise the magnitude of this effect.
Resonant Inverse Compton Scattering above Polar Caps: Gap Acceleration Efficiency for Young Pulsars
Authors: Luo Qinghuan , Protheroe R. J.
Published: March 2011

It is shown that for moderately hot polar caps (with effective temperature of ∼106 K), the efficiency of polar gap acceleration is lower compared to the case in which the polar caps are relatively cool and inverse Compton scattering plays no role in controlling the gap. For young pulsars with superstrong magnetic fields (≥109 T) and hot polar caps (with temperature of ≥5 × 106 K), because of the energy loss of electrons or positrons due to resonant inverse Compton scattering in the vicinity of polar caps, pair cascades occur at distances further away from the polar cap, and in this case we have a relatively high acceleration efficiency, with ions carrying most of the particle luminosity.
Luminosity Dependent Changes of Pulse Profiles in the X-ray Binary GX 1+4
Authors: Greenhill J. G. , Galloway D. , Storey M. C.
Published: March 2011

We have reviewed the X-ray pulse profiles from a large number of observations of the accreting binary pulsar GX 1+4 obtained during the last 25 years. The profiles cover various energy ranges between 1 and 100 keV. Using these data we present a coherent picture of present and past pulse profiles and the variations of these pulse profiles with time. The pulse shape is dependent on both the X-ray luminosity and whether the pulsar is spinning up or down. Profiles measured during the GX 1+4 high state in the 1970s are all trailing edge bright. Subsequently the profiles have generally been symmetric or leading edge bright. Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) satellite data taken in July 1996 show that similar pulse shape variations can occur on a timescale of hours. The implications of this new information for accretion models is discussed.
A Search for Distant Satellites of Neptune
Authors: Brown Michael J. I. , Webster Rachel L.
Published: March 2011

The recent discovery of two distant satellites of Uranus suggests that there could be similar bodies orbiting Neptune. Previous surveys for distant satellites of Neptune have had relatively bright magnitude limits (BJ ≃ 20·5) and would have missed satellites with magnitudes and colours similar to the two recently discovered Uranian satellites (R ~ 20·4 and R ~ 21·9). We have searched for satellites of Neptune to a limiting magnitude of R ~ 21 in a 0·1□° region centred on the planet. This search is up to ~ 2 magnitudes deeper than the previous wide field search for distant satellites by the UK Schmidt Telescope. Nereid was easily recovered by the search and no large variations of its magnitude were detected.
A Cloud Monitoring System for Remote Sites
Authors: Clay R. W. , Wild N. R. , Bird D. J. , Dawson B. R. , Johnston M. , Patrick R. , Sewell A.
Published: March 2011

A cloud monitor has been developed for use with cosmic ray air shower fluorescence detectors, the High Resolution Fly's Eye and the Pierre Auger Observatory. This is based on an infrared thermopile device which, unlike previous such monitors, requires no moving chopper and is suitable for unattended operation over long periods of time.
Search for HI in Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxies
Authors: Carignan Claude
Published: March 2011

After reviewing the HI content and distribution in extreme dwarf irregular (dIrr) and dwarf elliptical (dE) galaxies, previous searches for HI in dwarf spheroidal (dSph) galaxies will be discussed. I will report on the recent detections of HI probably associated with the Local Group (LG) dSph Sculptor and dIrr/dSph Phoenix, obtained with the ATCA, along with a similar detection in the Centaurus Group dSph CEN_41. Data obtained for Sculptor, using the Parkes Multibeam system, will also be presented and the advantage of the wide field for such nearby objects will be emphasised. Finally, the possible origin of the gas and the general problem of the missing ISM in dSph galaxies will be discussed.
Overview of Uncovered and Suspected Large-scale Structures behind the Milky Way
Authors: Kraan-Korteweg Renée C. , Woudt Patrick A.
Published: March 2011

Various dynamically important extragalactic large-scale structures in the local Universe lie behind the Milky Way. Most of these structures (predicted and unexpected) have only recently been made ‘visible’ through dedicated deep surveys at various wavelengths. The wide range of observational searches (optical, near infrared, far infrared, radio and X-ray) for galaxies in the Zone of Avoidance (ZOA) will be reviewed and the uncovered and suspected large-scale structures summarised. Particular emphasis is given to the Great Attractor region where the existence of yet another cluster is suspected (Woudt 1998). Predictions from reconstructions of the density field in the ZOA are discussed and compared with observational evidence. Although no major structures are predicted out to about v ≲ 10,000 km s−1 for which no observational evidence exists, the comparison between reconstructed density fields and the observed galaxy distribution remain important as they allow derivations of the density and biasing parameters.
Optical Counterparts to Galaxies in the Cen A Group Discovered by HIPASS
Authors: Knezek Patricia M.
Published: March 2011

We have completed a 21-cm survey of a 600 square degree region of the Centaurus A group of galaxies at a redshift of ∼500 km s−1 as part of a larger survey of the entire southern sky. This group of galaxies was recently the subject of a separate and thorough optical survey (Côté et al. 1997), and thus presented an ideal comparison for us to test the survey performance. We have identified 10 new group members to add to the 21 already known in our survey area. Six of the new members are previously uncatalogued galaxies, while four were catalogued but assumed not to be group members. Including the seven known members outside of our survey area, this brings the total known number of Cen A members to 38. All of the new HI detections have optical counterparts, most being intrinsically very faint (MB > –13·0), late-type low surface brightness dwarfs. Most of the new members have HI masses only a few times our survey limit of 107M☉ at an assumed distance for the group of 3·5 Mpc, and are extremely gas-rich, with a median MHI/LB > 1. Our limiting HI sensitivity was actually slightly worse than the HI follow-up observations of the Côté et al. optical survey, yet we have already increased the known number of group members by 50% using an HIsurvey technique. While we have increased the known number of members by ∼50%, these new members contribute <4% to its light.
Radio Source Evolution and Unified Schemes
Authors: Jackson C. A.
Published: March 2011

Powerful extragalactic radio sources are characterised by kpc-scale synchrotron emission associated with highly-collimated outflows of relativistic plasma. It is hypothesised that this outflowing plasma is powered by accretion processes concomitant with a central massive black hole. The radio morphologies of these sources comprise jets, lobes and for the most powerful sources, hotspots. At first sight, powerful extragalactic radio sources are a mixed group of objects, with the result that only some gross property delineates them further (e.g. steep-spectrum or flat-spectrum). However, there is accumulating observational evidence which suggests that it is the orientation of the radio axis to our line of sight that dictates their observed characteristics. This orientation dependence has been incorporated into ‘unified schemes’, which physically link apparently disparate radio source types via the random orientation of a ‘parent’ population on the plane of the sky. This paper summarises the ‘dual-population unified scheme’ paradigm investigated by Wall & Jackson (1997) and Jackson & Wall (1999) and discusses some of its implications with respect to radio source cosmology.
Optical Counterpart of the X-ray Transient RX J0117·6–7330: Spectroscopy and Photometry
Authors: Soria Roberto
Published: March 2011

We conducted spectroscopic and photometric observations of the optical companion of the X-ray transient RX J0117·6–7330 in the Small Magellanic Cloud, during a quiescent state. The primary star is identified as a B0·5 IIIe with a mass M* = (18 ± 2)M⨀ and bolometric magnitude Mbol = –7·4 ± 0·2. The main spectral features are strong Hα emission, Hβ and Hγ emission cores with absorption wings, and narrow He I and O II absorption lines. Equivalent widths and full widths at half maximum of the main lines are listed. The average systemic velocity over our observing run is vr = (184 ± 4) km s−1; measurements over a longer period of time are needed to determine the binary period and the K velocity of the primary. We determine a projected rotational velocity v sin i = (145 ± 10) km s−1 for the Be star; if we assume a true rotational velocity at the equator v = (400 ± 50) km s−1, we deduce that the inclination angle of the system is i = (21 ± 3) deg.
A Catalogue of X-ray Sources in the Sky Region between δ = −73° and δ = +27°
Authors: Meliani M. T.
Published: March 2011

This Catalogue lists coordinates, X-ray fluxes in different energy ranges, magnitudes and colour indices, optical counterparts, orbital periods of binaries, pulsar periods and other characteristics of 226 X-ray sources (HMXBs, LMXBs, pulsars and galaxies) between δ = −73° and δ = +27°.
Use of Role-playing Exercises in Teaching Undergraduate Astronomy and Physics
Authors: Francis Paul J. , Byrne Aidan P.
Published: March 2011

The use of role-playing exercises in the teaching of university astronomy and physics can enliven lectures, deepen student understanding and dramatically increase the level of classroom interaction. A series of case studies is presented, illustrating the nature of this technique, its advantages and some of its pitfalls. Several ready-to-run exercises are included.
Accretion Processes in Magnetic Binaries
Authors: Ferrario Lilia , Li Jianke , Saxton Curtis , Wu Kinwah
Published: March 2011

In this paper, we give a brief summary of the talks on accretion processes in AM Herculis systems which were presented at the ANU Astrophysical Theory Centre workshop on ‘Magnetic Fields and Accretion’. One of the topics to be discussed was the mechanism that leads to the formation of magnetically funnelled accretion flows in close interacting magnetic binaries. New solutions to the Bernoulli integral indicate that the field lines must be twisted and have a strong toroidal component at the base of the funnel in order for channelled flow to be possible. The magnetic field pressure of these toroidal fields first lifts the material out of the orbital plane allowing it to ‘levitate’ before freely falling along magnetic field lines towards the stellar surface. Results of recent calculations of the thermal structure and radiation properties of accretion funnels were also presented. These new 3D calculations allow for heating by the soft X-rays originating from the accretion shock, and by magnetic heating at the base of the funnel, and determine self-consistently the thermal structure, and the continuum and line emissions, allowing for both transfer of the external radiation field and the trapping of radiation within the funnel. Calculations were also presented of the expected properties of H- and He-like Fe lines originating from the accretion shock itself at the stellar surface. These lines are predicted to be rather strong and can be used as diagnostics of the accretion flow. Finally, the stability of the accretion shock was also addressed. In particular, it was shown that radiative cooling may cause thermal instability and an oscillatory behaviour, with two competing processes coming into play: bremsstrahlung cooling, which promotes instability, and cyclotron cooling, which tends to dampen the oscillations.
A Radio Survey of Older T Tauri Stars in the η Chamaeleontis Cluster
Authors: Mamajek Eric E. , Lawson Warrick A. , Feigelson Eric D.
Published: March 2011

A radio continuum survey of X-ray-identified weak-lined T Tauri stars (WTTs) in the newly-discovered η Chamaeleontis cluster has been completed using the Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA). The 10 known WTTs in the cluster form a unique sample of codistant late-type pre-main-sequence stars with ages of ~8 Myr and masses ranging from 0·1–1·0 M⊙. Our survey detected none of the 10 X-ray-emitting WTTs with 3σ sensitivity limits at 4·8 and 8·6 GHz (6·2 and 3·5 cm) of typically 0·4 mJy, corresponding to a radio luminosity of 4·5 ×1015 erg Hz−1 s−1. Rotation periods for these stars indicate that they are not, as a group, fast-rotating stars. The non-detection in the radio bands supports the findings of other radio surveys of inhomogeneous samples of young stars, where radio emission is fairly common (10–30%) among very young T Tauri stars across all late spectral types, but confined to rapidly-rotating F-G-K stars amongst older zero-age main sequence stars. Rotation, more than youth, appears to be the key to radio emission in young stars.
Root, shoot and leaf traits of the congeneric Styrax species may explain their distribution patterns in the cerrado sensu lato areas in Brazil
Authors: Habermann Gustavo , Bressan Anna C. G.
Published: March 2011

Shoot and root lengths, the number of leaves, biomass and leaf area were measured in Styrax ferrugineus Nees and Mart., Styrax camporum Pohl. and Styrax pohlii A. DC cultivated in rhizotrons. Additionally, young individuals of these species were planted in a cerrado sensu stricto (s. str.), at the edge and in the understorey of a cerradão, and in the understorey of a riparian forest. Six months after planting, the specific leaf area (SLA) and the CO2 assimilation rate were assessed on an area (Aarea) and mass (Amass) basis. S. ferrugineus exhibited greater root and lower shoot length in comparison to S. pohlii. The high shoot growth and concomitantly substantial root length of S. camporum may illustrate why this species is widely distributed in the cerrado sensu lato areas, whereas the deep roots of S. ferrugineus could account for its occurrence in the cerrado s. str. In the field, an irradiance-diminishing gradient enlarged the SLA of S. pohlii, which positively influenced its Amass, and which could partially explain its occurrence in shady habitats. However, a non-plastic trait, such as the high shoot length of S. pohlii, is more likely to be responsible for the success of this species in forest habitats.
The effective opening of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors with single agonist binding sites
Authors: Williams Dustin K. , Stokes Clare , Horenstein Nicole A. , Papke Roger L.
Published: March 2011

We have identified a means by which agonist-evoked responses of nicotinic receptors can be conditionally eliminated. Modification of α7L119C mutants by the sulfhydryl reagent 2-aminoethyl methanethiosulfonate (MTSEA) reduces responses to acetylcholine (ACh) by more than 97%, whereas corresponding mutations in muscle-type receptors produce effects that depend on the specific subunits mutated and ACh concentration. We coexpressed α7L119C subunits with pseudo wild-type α7C116S subunits, as well as ACh-insensitive α7Y188F subunits with wild-type α7 subunits in Xenopus laevis oocytes using varying ratios of cRNA. When mutant α7 cRNA was coinjected at a 5:1 ratio with wild-type cRNA, net charge responses to 300 µM ACh were retained by α7L119C-containing mutants after MTSEA modification and by the ACh-insensitive Y188F-containing mutants, even though the expected number of ACh-sensitive wild-type binding sites would on average be fewer than two per receptor. Responses of muscle-type receptors with one MTSEA-sensitive subunit were reduced at low ACh concentrations, but much less of an effect was observed when ACh concentrations were high (1 mM), indicating that saturation of a single binding site with agonist can evoke strong activation of nicotinic ACh receptors. Single-channel patch clamp analysis revealed that the burst durations of fetal wild-type and α1β1γδL121C receptors were equivalent until the α1β1γδL121C mutants were exposed to MTSEA, after which the majority (81%) of bursts were brief (≤2 ms). The longest duration events of the receptors modified at only one binding site were similar to the long bursts of native receptors traditionally associated with the activation of receptors with two sites containing bound agonists.
Bacterial symbionts in insects or the story of communities affecting communities
Authors: Ferrari Julia , Vavre Fabrice
Published: March 2011

Bacterial symbionts are widespread in insects and other animals. Most of them are predominantly vertically transmitted, along with their hosts' genes, and thus extend the heritable genetic variation present in one species. These passengers have a variety of repercussions on the host's phenotypes: besides the cost imposed on the host for maintaining the symbiont population, they can provide fitness advantages to the host or manipulate the host's reproduction. We argue that insect symbioses are ideal model systems for community genetics. First, bacterial symbionts directly or indirectly affect the interactions with other species within a community. Examples include their involvement in modifying the use of host plants by phytophagous insects, in providing resistance to natural enemies, but also in reducing the global genetic diversity or gene flow between populations within some species. Second, one emerging picture in insect symbioses is that many species are simultaneously infected with more than one symbiont, which permits studying the factors that shape bacterial communities; for example, horizontal transmission, interactions between host genotype, symbiont genotype and the environment and interactions among symbionts. One conclusion is that insects' symbiotic complements are dynamic communities that affect and are affected by the communities in which they are embedded.
Do multiple herbivores maintain chemical diversity of Scots pine monoterpenes?
Authors: Iason Glenn R. , O'Reilly-Wapstra Julianne M. , Brewer Mark J. , Summers Ron W. , Moore Ben D.
Published: March 2011

A central issue in our understanding of the evolution of the diversity of plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) is whether or not compounds are functional, conferring an advantage to the plant, or non-functional. We examine the hypothesis that the diversity of monoterpene PSMs within a plant species (Scots pine
Pinus sylvestris
) may be explained by different compounds acting as defences against high-impact herbivores operating at different life stages. We also hypothesize that pairwise coevolution, with uncorrelated interactions, is more likely to result in greater PSM diversity, than diffuse coevolution. We tested whether up to 13 different monoterpenes in Scots pine were inhibitory to herbivory by slugs (
Arion ater
), bank voles (
Clethrionomys glareolus
), red deer (
Cervus elaphus
) and capercaillie (
Tetrao urogallus)
, each of which attack trees at a different life stage. Plants containing more α-pinene were avoided by both slugs and capercaillie, which may act as reinforcing selective agents for this dominant defensive compound. Herbivory by red deer and capercaillie were, respectively, weakly negatively associated with δ
3
-carene, and strongly negatively correlated with the minor compound β-ocimene. Three of the four herbivores are probably contributory selective agents on some of the terpenes, and thus maintain some, but by no means all, of the phytochemical diversity in the species. The correlated defensive function of α-pinene against slugs and capercaillie is consistent with diffuse coevolutionary processes.
Functional genetics of intraspecific ecological interactions in
Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Wolf Jason B. , Mutic Joshua J. , Kover Paula X.
Published: March 2011

Studying the genetic basis of traits involved in ecological interactions is a fundamental part of elucidating the connections between evolutionary and ecological processes. Such knowledge allows one to link genetic models of trait evolution with ecological models describing interactions within and between species. Previous work has shown that connections between genetic and ecological processes in
Arabidopsis thaliana
may be mediated by the fact that quantitative trait loci (QTL) with ‘direct’ effects on traits of individuals also have pleiotropic ‘indirect’ effects on traits expressed in neighbouring plants. Here, we further explore these connections by examining functional relationships between traits affected directly and indirectly by the same QTL. We develop a novel approach using structural equation models (SEMs) to determine whether observed pleiotropic effects result from traits directly affected by the QTL in focal individuals causing the changes in the neighbours' phenotypes. This hypothesis was assessed using SEMs to test whether focal plant phenotypes appear to mediate the connection between the focal plants' genotypes and the phenotypes of their neighbours, or alternatively, whether the connection between the focal plants' genotypes and the neighbours' phenotypes is mediated by unmeasured traits. We implement this analysis using a QTL of major effect that maps to the well-characterized flowering locus,
FRIGIDA
. The SEMs support the hypothesis that the pleiotropic indirect effects of this locus arise from size and developmental timing-related traits in focal plants affecting the expression of developmental traits in their neighbours. Our findings provide empirical insights into the genetics and nature of intraspecific ecological interactions. Our technique holds promise in directing future work into the genetic basis and functional relationship of traits mediating and responding to ecological interactions.
Controlling for non-independence in comparative analysis of patterns across populations within species
Authors: Stone Graham N. , Nee Sean , Felsenstein Joseph
Published: March 2011

How do we quantify patterns (such as responses to local selection) sampled across multiple populations within a single species? Key to this question is the extent to which populations within species represent statistically independent data points in our analysis. Comparative analyses across species and higher taxa have long recognized the need to control for the non-independence of species data that arises through patterns of shared common ancestry among them (phylogenetic non-independence), as have quantitative genetic studies of individuals linked by a pedigree. Analyses across populations lacking pedigree information fall in the middle, and not only have to deal with shared common ancestry, but also the impact of exchange of migrants between populations (gene flow). As a result, phenotypes measured in one population are influenced by processes acting on others, and may not be a good guide to either the strength or direction of local selection. Although many studies examine patterns across populations within species, few consider such non-independence. Here, we discuss the sources of non-independence in comparative analysis, and show why the phylogeny-based approaches widely used in cross-species analyses are unlikely to be useful in analyses across populations within species. We outline the approaches (intraspecific contrasts, generalized least squares, generalized linear mixed models and autoregression) that have been used in this context, and explain their specific assumptions. We highlight the power of ‘mixed models’ in many contexts where problems of non-independence arise, and show that these allow incorporation of both shared common ancestry and gene flow. We suggest what can be done when ideal solutions are inaccessible, highlight the need for incorporation of a wider range of population models in intraspecific comparative methods and call for simulation studies of the error rates associated with alternative approaches.
Insect-resistant biotech crops and their impacts on beneficial arthropods
Authors: Gatehouse A. M. R. , Ferry N. , Edwards M. G. , Bell H. A.
Published: March 2011

With a projected population of 10 billion by 2050, an immediate priority for agriculture is to achieve increased crop yields in a sustainable and cost-effective way. The concept of using a transgenic approach was realized in the mid-1990s with the commercial introduction of genetically modified (GM) crops. By 2010, the global value of the seed alone was US $11.2 billion, with commercial biotech maize, soya bean grain and cotton valued at approximately US $150 billion. In recent years, it has become evident that insect-resistant crops expressingδ-endotoxin genes fromBacillus thuringiensishave made a significant beneficial impact on global agriculture, not least in terms of pest reduction and improved quality. However, because of the potential for pest populations to evolve resistance, and owing to lack of effective control of homopteran pests, alternative strategies are being developed. Some of these are based onBacillusspp. or other insect pathogens, while others are based on the use of plant- and animal-derived genes. However, if such approaches are to play a useful role in crop protection, it is desirable that they do not have a negative impact on beneficial organisms at higher trophic levels thus affecting the functioning of the agro-ecosystem. This widely held concern over the ecological impacts of GM crops has led to the extensive examination of the potential effects of a range of transgene proteins on non-target and beneficial insects. The findings to date with respect to both commercial and experimental GM crops expressing anti-insect genes are discussed here, with particular emphasis on insect predators and parasitoids.
Quantitative trait loci mapping of phenotypic plasticity and genotype–environment interactions in plant and insect performance
Authors: Tétard-Jones C. , Kertesz M. A. , Preziosi R. F.
Published: March 2011

Community genetic studies generally ignore the plasticity of the functional traits through which the effect is passed from individuals to the associated community. However, the ability of organisms to be phenotypically plastic allows them to rapidly adapt to changing environments and plasticity is commonly observed across all taxa. Owing to the fitness benefits of phenotypic plasticity, evolutionary biologists are interested in its genetic basis, which could explain how phenotypic plasticity is involved in the evolution of species interactions. Two current ideas exist: (i) phenotypic plasticity is caused by environmentally sensitive loci associated with a phenotype; (ii) phenotypic plasticity is caused by regulatory genes that simply influence the plasticity of a phenotype. Here, we designed a quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping experiment to locate QTL on the barley genome associated with barley performance when the environment varies in the presence of aphids, and the composition of the rhizosphere. We simultaneously mapped aphid performance across variable rhizosphere environments. We mapped main effects, QTL × environment interaction (QTL×E), and phenotypic plasticity (measured as the difference in mean trait values) for barley and aphid performance onto the barley genome using an interval mapping procedure. We found that QTL associated with phenotypic plasticity were co-located with main effect QTL and QTL×E. We also located phenotypic plasticity QTL that were located separately from main effect QTL. These results support both of the current ideas of how phenotypic plasticity is genetically based and provide an initial insight into the functional genetic basis of how phenotypically plastic traits may still be important sources of community genetic effects.
Low cytochrome b variation in bream Abramis brama
Authors: Hayden B. , Coscia I. , Mariani S.
Published: March 2011

Variability in cytochrome b (cytb) in European populations of bream Abramis brama was assessed. The cytb gene was found to be strongly conserved in A. brama relative to other cyprinid taxa. This limits the usefulness of this marker in examining geographical genetic structure in this species and raises interesting questions as to the recent evolutionary history of the species.
YN968D1 is a novel and selective inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2 tyrosine kinase with potent activity in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Tian Shu , Quan Haitian , Xie Chengying , Guo Haiyi , Lü Fangfang , Xu Yongping , Li Jin , Lou Liguang
Published: March 2011

Angiogenesis is an important process in cell development, especially in cancer. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling is an important regulator of angiogenesis. Several therapies that act against VEGF signal transduction have been developed, including YN968D1, which is a potent inhibitor of the VEGF signaling pathway. This study investigated the antitumor activity of YN968D1 (apatinib mesylate) in vitro and in vivo. YN968D1 potently suppressed the kinase activities of VEGFR‐2, c‐kit and c‐src, and inhibited cellular phosphorylation of VEGFR‐2, c‐kit and PDGFRβ. YN968D1 effectively inhibited proliferation, migration and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells induced by FBS, and blocked the budding of rat aortic ring. In vivo, YN968D1 alone and in combination with chemotherapeutic agents effectively inhibited the growth of several established human tumor xenograft models with little toxicity. A phase I study of YN968D1 has shown encouraging antitumor activity and a manageable toxicity profile. These findings suggest that YN968D1 has promise as an antitumor drug and might have clinical benefits. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 1374–1380)
Browning inhibition on fresh‐cut chestnut kernel by exogenous nitric oxide
Authors: Shi Jingying , Li Jinxiu , Zhu Shuhua , Zhou Jie
Published: March 2011

The potential usage of nitric oxide (NO) as a powerful anti‐browning agent in fresh‐cut chestnut kernels was investigated. Chestnut kernels were dipped in 0, 1, 5 or 10 μmNO solutions for 10 min, respectively, and then stored at 20 °C. Changes of browning index and colour were evaluated, while content of total phenols, activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) and individual phenolic compounds were measured. The results showed that NO treatment delayed browning and lightness of chestnut kernels and 5 μmNO treatment had the best control effect compared with others. PPO and POD activities were inhibited and total phenolic content was increased in NO‐treated fruit, and 5 μmNO significantly increased the content of catechin, chlorogenic acid, syringic acid, phloretic acid and ferulic acid but inhibited that of tannic acid. However, it had no significant effect on caffeic acid.
SO32– effects the 5‐hydroxymethyl‐2‐furaldehyde content in ammonium sulphite–glucose solutions
Authors: Guan Yong‐Guang , Zhu Si‐Ming , Yu Shu‐Juan , Xu Xian‐Bing , Shi Wen‐Hui
Published: March 2011

Effects of sulphite concentration on ammonium sulphite–glucose solution’s pH value and browning intensity were studied. Results showed both the solution’s pH value and browning intensity changed significantly in relation to the increases in SO32– concentration. 5‐hydroxymethyl‐2‐furaldehyde was measured by nuclear magnetic resonance and HPLC. This study indicates that the changes of 5‐hydroxymethyl‐2‐furaldehyde content accompanied changes in browning intensity. Moreover, adding ammonium sulphite significantly reduced the 5‐hydroxymethyl‐2‐furaldehyde content. The mechanism may be that SO32– limits the formation of N‐glucosamine, an important precursor for forming 5‐hydroxymethyl‐2‐furaldehyde, by reacting with glucose, which could not form an imine in further reaction.
Influence of casein hydrolysates on the growth and lactic acid production of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus
Authors: Zhang Qingli , Ren Jiaoyan , Zhao Haifeng , Zhao Mouming , Xu Jiaoyun , Zhao Qiangzhong
Published: March 2011

The growth performance of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (L. bulgaricus) and Streptococcus thermophilus (S. thermophilus) was determined in the presence of casein hydrolysates produced by the action of five proteolytic enzymes (Alcalase, Flavorzyme, Neutrase, Papain and Trypsin) with various degrees of hydrolysis (DH). In addition, these five kinds of casein hydrolysates were fractionated by ultrafiltration and the influence of the amino acid composition of the peptides on the growth and lactic acid yield of yoghurt lactic acid bacteria (LAB) was studied. The results showed that the ultrafiltered fraction (<3000 Da) was the determinant stimulator in crude hydrolysates. Furthermore, the hydrophilic amino acid residua including His, Lys, Glu and Ser were beneficial for bacterial growth. Compared with control, the cell growth and lactic acid yield of yoghurt LAB were increased with the supplementation of the peptides fraction (<3000 Da) produced with papain by 65.1% and 49.6%, respectively.
Effects of boiling and microwaving treatments on nutritional characteristics and antioxidant activities of Agaricus blazei Murril
Authors: Sun Liping , Zhuang Yongliang , Bai Xue
Published: March 2011

The effects of boiling and microwaving on nutritional compositions, antioxidant components and antioxidant activities of fresh and frozen A. blazei Murril (AbM) were evaluated and compared. The results showed that the contents of crude protein, ash, total soluble protein, total soluble sugar, vitamin C, and total phenolics decreased by both cooking treatments, but no significant changes were observed in lipids. Amino acid composition analysis showed that the ratio of total essential amino acids to total amino acids increased, and the ratio of total non‐essential amino acids to total amino acids thus decreased by both cooking treatments. Boiling and microwaving significantly decreased the contents of glucose, galactose and mannose, and the effect of boiling was higher than that of microwaving. Furthermore, boiling and microwaving significantly decreased the DPPH‐scavenging activity and reducing power of AbM. Analysis of the relations between the antioxidant activities and total phenolic concentrations testified that the cooking treatments not only decreased the total phenolic contents, but also changed the types and relative amounts of phenolic compounds of AbM.
The effects of rosemary extract combination with vacuum packing on the quality changes of Atlantic mackerel fish burgers
Authors: Uçak İlknur , Özogul Yesim , Durmuş Mustafa
Published: March 2011

The effects of the use of antioxidant technology on the quality of mackerel burgers stored at 4 °C were investigated in terms of sensory, biochemical [thiobarbituric acid (TBA), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N), peroxide value (PV) and free fatty acids (FFA)] and microbiological analyses [total viable count (TVC)]. Fish meat was divided into three groups; the control (C) without rosemary extract, the second group with 0.4% rosemary extracts (Group A) and the third with 0.8% rosemary extracts (Group B). Results showed that the TVB‐N level did not exceed acceptability limit (30–35 mg 100 g−1) for all groups. TBA value for the control significantly increased from 1.47 to 4.80 MA kg−1 whereas it slightly increased in treatment groups as the storage time increased. Significantly higher PV and FFA (P < 0.05) were obtained from the control group. Rosemary extract, in combination with vacuum pack was effective in controlling the growth of bacteria and biochemical indices.
Acrylamide–taurine adducts formation as a key mechanism for taurine’s inhibitory effect on acrylamide formation
Authors: Hao Ruifang , Leng Xiaojing , Jing Hao
Published: March 2011

Amino acids have attracted increasing attention in developing effective inhibitors on acrylamide (AA) formation during food processing. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effect and mechanism of taurine (Tau) on AA formation. In the presence of Tau, AA formation was effectively inhibited in asparagine/glucose (Asn/Glc) model system. Results also showed that Glc content was decreased as Glc–Tau solution was heated, which indicated that Tau could react directly with Glc in the Maillard reaction. LC‐QTOF MS revealed two peaks in extracted ion chromatograms [M  +  H] + at m/z 197 and m/z 268 during the thermal treatment, which were identified as AA–Tau and AA dimmer–Tau adducts, respectively. Our results demonstrated that inhibitory effect of Tau on AA formation was not only mediated through contesting consumption of Glc with Asn, but also directly reacting with AA to promote formation of AA–Tau and AA dimer–Tau adducts.
Production of isomalto‐oligosaccharide syrup from rice starch using an one‐step conversion method
Authors: Lin Qinlu , Xiao Huaxi , Zhao Jian , Li Lihui , Yu F engxiang , Liu Xing , Cheng Xiangxu
Published: March 2011

Isomalto‐oligosaccharides (IMO) belong to a group of prebiotics that can significantly increase the number of protective gut microflora. A one‐step method using neopullulanase (NPN) in conjunction with saccharifying α‐amylase (SAA) for the bioconversion of rice starch into IMO was investigated. Purified rice starch slurry (30% w/w) was mixed with NPN (3.5 U g−1 starch substrate) and SAA (6.5 U g−1 starch substrate) and the slurry was incubated at 57 °C for 92 h under constant stirring. The carbohydrate composition of the resulting syrup was analysed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the dextrose equivalent (DE) determined by titration. The amount of IMO in the syrup reached maximum (59.2%, dry basis) after 72 h of bioconversion. The concentration of glucose and maltose, which were the main carbohydrate residues of the IMO syrup, was 25.5% while the concentration of other oligosaccharide residues was about 1.0%. The results demonstrate that rice starch is a suitable matrix for producing IMO syrup and the one‐step conversion procedure appears to be an efficient method for converting starch into IMO syrup.
Strong and consistent natural selection associated with armour reduction in sticklebacks
Authors: LE ROUZIC ARNAUD , ØSTBYE KJARTAN , KLEPAKER TOM O. , HANSEN THOMAS F. , BERNATCHEZ LOUIS , SCHLUTER DOLPH , VØLLESTAD L. ASBJØRN
Published: March 2011

Measuring the strength of natural selection is tremendously important in evolutionary biology, but remains a challenging task. In this work, we analyse the characteristics of selection for a morphological change (lateral‐plate reduction) in the threespine stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus. Adaptation to freshwater, leading with the reduction or loss of the bony lateral armour, has occurred in parallel on numerous occasions in this species. Completely‐plated and low‐plated sticklebacks were introduced into a pond, and the phenotypic changes were tracked for 20 years. Fish from the last generation were genotyped for the Ectodysplasin‐A (Eda) locus, the major gene involved in armour development. We found a strong fitness advantage for the freshwater‐type fish (on average, 20% fitness advantage for the freshwater morph, and 92% for the freshwater genotype). The trend is best explained by assuming that this fitness advantage is maximum at the beginning of the invasion and decreases with time. Such fitness differences provide a quantifiable example of rapid selection‐driven phenotypic evolution associated with environmental change in a natural population.
Stochastic dynamics of actin filaments in guard cells regulating chloroplast localization during stomatal movement
Authors: WANG XIU‐LING , GAO XIN‐QI , WANG XUE‐CHEN
Published: March 2011

Actin filaments and chloroplasts in guard cells play roles in stomatal function. However, detailed actin dynamics vary, and the roles that they play in chloroplast localization during stomatal movement remain to be determined. We examined the dynamics of actin filaments and chloroplast localization in transgenic tobacco expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐mouse talin in guard cells by time‐lapse imaging. Actin filaments showed sliding, bundling and branching dynamics in moving guard cells. During stomatal movement, long filaments can be severed into small fragments, which can form longer filaments by end‐joining activities. With chloroplast movement, actin filaments near chloroplasts showed severing and elongation activity in guard cells during stomatal movement. Cytochalasin B treatment abolished elongation, bundling and branching activities of actin filaments in guard cells, and these changes of actin filaments, and as a result, more chloroplasts were localized at the centre of guard cells. However, chloroplast turning to avoid high light, and sliding of actin fragments near the chloroplast, was unaffected following cytochalasin B treatment in guard cells. We suggest that the sliding dynamics of actin may play roles in chloroplast turning in guard cells. Our results indicate that the stochastic dynamics of actin filaments in guard cells regulate chloroplast localization during stomatal movement.