bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In search of the Solemn with Sri Lankan migrant priests
Authors: Brown Bernardo E.
Published: June 2017

The declining number of religious vocations joining Catholic seminaries in Italy has encouraged some dioceses to hire migrant religious workers to compensate for the lack of clergy available for parish work. Although initially approached as a temporary solution, an unforeseen consequence of this policy has been the emergence of congenial relationships between migrant priests and Italian parishioners, who often describe their bond as deeply spiritual. This article examines the experiences of Sri Lankan priests who work in Italy, highlighting the distinct emphasis that they place on reaching out to the communities that they work with. Through fieldwork conducted in Sri Lanka and Italy, I analyse how South Asian priests use concepts such as devotion and sincerity to explain how their approach to the priesthood makes a ‘solemn’ difference that is celebrated by local parishioners. With an explicit focus on pastoral work, this form of Asian Catholicism emphasises the importance of bodily comportment, ceremonial poise and ritual dignity, capturing the yearnings of Catholic laities avid for devotional celebrations capable of re‐connecting them to the spiritually meaningful aspects of their faith. My work draws lines of connection between the historical, theological and pedagogical underpinnings of Sri Lankan Catholicism and the affective responses that South Asian priests elicit in Europe.
Babesiosis: An unusual cause of sepsis after kidney transplantation and review of the literature
Authors: Ather Imtiaz , Pourafshar Negiin , Schain Denise , Gupte Asmita , Casey Michael J.
Published: June 2017

We report a unique case of babesiosis presenting as sepsis after kidney transplantation. A 70‐year‐old female kidney transplant recipient presented with fever, hemolytic anemia, and acute kidney injury, and met three of four systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria. Serology was positive for Babesia microti, confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. The patient was treated with atovaquone and azithromycin and made a full recovery. Reports of babesiosis after solid organ transplantation are rare, with only four prior cases reported in the literature. We report the first case of babesiosis, to our knowledge, presenting as sepsis that was successfully treated after solid organ transplantation.
microRNAs involved in auxin signalling modulate male sterility under high‐temperature stress in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)
Authors: Ding Yuanhao , Ma Yizan , Liu Nian , Xu Jiao , Hu Qin , Li Yaoyao , Wu Yuanlong , Xie Sai , Zhu Longfu , Min Ling , Zhang Xianlong
Published: June 2017

Male sterility caused by long‐term high‐temperature (HT) stress occurs widely in crops. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of endogenous non‐coding small RNAs, play an important role in the plant response to various abiotic stresses. To dissect the working principle of miRNAs in male sterility under HT stress in cotton, a total of 112 known miRNAs, 270 novel miRNAs and 347 target genes were identified from anthers of HT‐insensitive (84021) and HT‐sensitive (H05) cotton cultivars under normal‐temperature and HT conditions through small RNA and degradome sequencing. Quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction and 5′‐RNA ligase‐mediated rapid amplification of cDNA ends experiments were used to validate the sequencing data. The results show that miR156 was suppressed by HT stress in both 84021 and H05; miR160 was suppressed in 84021 but induced in H05. Correspondingly, SPLs (target genes of miR156) were induced both in 84021 and H05; ARF10 and ARF17 (target genes of miR160) were induced in 84021 but suppressed in H05. Overexpressing miR160 increased cotton sensitivity to HT stress seen as anther indehiscence, associated with the suppression of ARF10 and ARF17 expression, thereby activating the auxin response that leads to anther indehiscence. Supporting this role for auxin, exogenous Indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) leads to a stronger male sterility phenotype both in 84021 and H05 under HT stress. Cotton plants overexpressing miR157 suppressed the auxin signal, and also showed enhanced sensitivity to HT stress, with microspore abortion and anther indehiscence. Thus, we propose that the auxin signal, mediated by miRNAs, is essential for cotton anther fertility under HT stress.
Heterogeneous effects of trade liberalisation on firm‐level markups: Evidence from China
Authors: Xiang Xunyong , Chen Feixiang , Ho Chun‐Yu , Yue Wen
Published: June 2017

This paper analyses how trade liberalisation affects the markups of Chinese firms based on firm‐level production data, highly disaggregated transaction‐level product trade data and tariff data at the eight‐digit Harmonised System (HS) level. Our results show that there is a pro‐competition effect of output tariff reduction, that is decreasing output tariffs relate to a lower markup, and that there is a cost‐reduction effect of input tariff reduction, that is decreasing input tariffs relate to a higher markup. Interestingly, there are heterogeneous effects of trade liberalisation on firm‐level markups. The cost‐reduction effect of input tariff reduction is partially offset by the competition effect of new firm entry in more‐concentrated industries. Furthermore, there is a weaker effect of trade liberalisation on processing trade firms and state‐owned enterprises. Finally, our results are robust to the use of an instrumental variable approach to control for the endogeneity of tariffs and sample selection.
CHANGE POINT ANALYSIS: A STATISTICAL APPROACH TO DETECT POTENTIAL ABRUPT CHANGE
Authors: Mohd Arif Siti Nur Afiqah , Mohamad Mohsin Mohamad Farhan , Abu Bakar Azuraliza , Hamdan Abdul Razak , Syed Abdullah Sharifah Mastura
Published: June 2017

Change-point analysis has proven to be an efficient tool in understanding the essential information contained in meteorological data, such as rainfall, ozone level, and carbon dioxide concentration. In this study, change-point analysis was used to discover potential significant changes in the annual means of total rainfall, temperature and relative humidity from 25 years of Malaysian climate data. Two methods, the CUSUM and bootstrap, were used in the analysis, where the CUSUM was used to analyze the data trends and patterns and bootstrapping was used to calculate the occurrence of change points based on the confidence level. The results of the analysis showed that potential abrupt shifts seem to have taken place in 1999, 2001 and 2002 with respect to the annual means for relative humidity, temperature and total rainfall, respectively. These identified change points will be further analyzed as potential candidates of abrupt change by extending the proposed method in a future study.
MODELING, SIMULATION AND MODEL OPTIMIZATION OF INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE FOR PHERB POWERTRAIN
Authors: Norbakyah J. S. , Daniel H. W. C. , Atiq W. H. , Daud M. Z. , Salisa A. R.
Published: June 2017

Internal combustion engine (ICE) is the most important part in vehicle. Generally, the combustion of ICE is facilitated by petrol and exhaust gas emission from vehicles is a primary contributor to the environmental pollution problem. In this research, Plug-in hybrid electric recreational boat (PHERB) is introduced and PHERB has a combination of energy storage system, ICE and electric machine. The objective of this work is to derive a detailed model of ICE in MATLAB/SIMULINK environment, develop proportional-integral (PI) controller for ICE and optimize ICE using a Genetic Algorithm (GA) based on PI controller. The efficiency of ICE for PHERB obtained was 40 % at rotational speed 4000 rpm of the engine. Via using the GA, the optimal performance of ICE is found by power demand curve, as a reference for the model with mutation probability used is 0.085. In terms of the performance results, the optimal tuning parameters of ICE for PHERB had a significantly improved performance towards green and clean technology.
Kerangka konsep penglibatan Politeknik dan industri dalam Mengaplikasikan Pembelajaran Berasaskan Kerja (PBK)
Authors: Ismail Syamhanim , Mohamad Mimi Mohaffyza
Published: June 2017

This concept paper discusses about the conceptual framework of qualitative case study research to show the input-process-output in more detail in achieving the goal of developing a suitable framework Work-based Learning (WBL) applied at the Polytechnic and industry through of the data to be acquired in the exploration of their experience in Work-based Learning involvement in the Polytechnic and industry. The concept paper will describe in detail the processes involved in research through the input process Work-based Learning models and theories. The process also needs to go through several phases such as interview technique to answer the all the research question and also several factors that will be found throughout the study. Finally, the output of the study will be designed as a result of research findings and appropriate Work-based Learning framework will be developed. Basically framework of this study is to identify and address as well as outline the problems faced by the Polytechnic and the industry in terms of bilateral relations in strengthening relationships to train students and institutions involved in WBL.
Indeks Jisim Badan (BMI) dan Hubungannya dengan Persepsi Imej serta Kepuasan Berat Badan dalam Kalangan Remaja
Authors: Abdullah Mai Shihah , Wan Kamaruddin Wan Nur Syahida
Published: June 2017

This study was conducted to examine the body image perception and body weight satisfaction among teenagers in relation to their Body Mass Index (BMI) trend. Two instruments were administered; the questionnaire, body image perception and the body weight satisfaction among 1200 teenagers. The body mass index (BMI) pola among of 54.41% of the teenagers fall in the normal BMI (18.5-24.9). However, there was an increasing pattern of towards overweight and obese parallel to increasing of ages. This study shows the level of accuracy of the body image perception was highly correlated to the actual BMI, r=0.77, p<0.01. Tehe relationship between body weight satisfaction and BMI is low (r=0.373). To conclude, BMI level of teenagers is at satisfactory level but there is a tendency for them to project for the body weight less than the normal range as prescribed by WHO/UNICEF (1998). Hence, a constant monitoring is indeed required to avoid issues on body weight management such as obesity and under-weight among the teenagers population.
Faktor Penentu Amalan Kitar Semula Generasi Y Di Terengganu
Authors: Cheku Noor. H. , Mamat Ibrahim , Ibrahim Mohd Yusri
Published: June 2017

Recycling campaign in Malaysia has failed because the practice of recycling among residents is still low. Thus, the Ministry of Housing and Local Government Malaysia has relaunched the campaign in 2001. Despite the high potential of recycling, only 10 per cent the amount of waste being recycled. This rate increased slowly, an increase of 5 percent over the past 12 years. This study aimed to investigate the relationship and the contribution of  attitude towards recycle, environmental concerns and recycling practiced by Y generation in Terengganu. The respondents consisted of 338 students from seven institutions of higher education that represents Y generation for each district in the State. Questionnaire on environmental  attitudes, environmental concerns and recycling practices was modified from previous studies and used as a research tool. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20. The findings showed that there was a significant relationship between the  attitudes towards environment and practice of recycling (r = 0.80, sig = 0.00) and environmental concerns with the practice of recycling (r = 0.82, sig = 0.00). The findings also  discovered that  the environmental attitudes and the concern for the environment have  contributed 72.2% to the practice of recycling. This study suggests a number of strategies to increase recycling practices.
Keberkesanan Permainan Persuasif Grafik Terhadap Perubahan Sikap Pemilihan Makanan Sihat Dalam Kalangan Murid-murid Tahun Dua
Authors: Esa Norlia Mat , Mailok Ramlah , Mohamad Yatim Maizatul Hayati
Published: June 2017

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of persuasive graphic game as compared to game without persuasive graphic on the attitude change on selection of healthy foods among year two students.  This study is a quasi-experimental with pre and post test for the non-equivalent group. The study sample comprised of 62 students consisting of 32 students in treatment group and 30 students in the control group. Analysing the data set using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA), the results indicate that the adjusted mean (79.90) of the persuasive graphic game is statistically significantly higher (F(1,57) = 16.63, p < .001) than the adjusted mean (73.70) of the non-persuasive graphic game. The obtained effect size (ES = +0.83), which is equivalent to approximately four fifth of a standard deviation, denotes the educational significance, favouring the persuasive graphic game group.
Thromboembolism in active ulcerative colitis
Authors: Goh Ian Y , Saric Stefan , Leschke Paul , McFarlane Mark , Jha Pankaj K
Published: June 2017

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has a range of both intestinal and extraintestinal manifestations. Thromboembolism involving the arterial and/or venous systems is rare. Early recognition and treatment of thrombosis in patients with IBD may prevent progression and minimise complications. However, clear guidelines on the duration of treatment and indications for primary prophylaxis need to be established. We report a case of a young patient with ulcerative colitis, who developed multiple site arterial and venous thrombosis, all occurring within short intervals of each other.
Characterising cis-regulatory variation in the transcriptome of histologically normal and tumour-derived pancreatic tissues
Authors: Zhang Mingfeng , Lykke-Andersen Soren , Zhu Bin , Xiao Wenming , Hoskins Jason W , Zhang Xijun , Rost Lauren M , Collins Irene , Bunt Martijn van de , Jia Jinping , Parikh Hemang , Zhang Tongwu , Song Lei , Jermusyk Ashley , Chung Charles C , Zhu Bin , Zhou Weiyin , Matters Gail L , Kurtz Robert C , Yeager Meredith , Jensen Torben Heick , Brown Kevin M , Ongen Halit , Bamlet William R , Murray Bradley A , McCarthy Mark I , Chanock Stephen J , Chatterjee Nilanjan , Wolpin Brian M , Smith Jill P , Olson Sara H , Petersen Gloria M , Shi Jianxin , Amundadottir Laufey
Published: June 2017

Objective

To elucidate the genetic architecture of gene expression in pancreatic tissues.

Design

We performed expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) analysis in histologically normal pancreatic tissue samples (n=95) using RNA sequencing and the corresponding 1000 genomes imputed germline genotypes. Data from pancreatic tumour-derived tissue samples (n=115) from The Cancer Genome Atlas were included for comparison.

Results

We identified 38 615 cis-eQTLs (in 484 genes) in histologically normal tissues and 39 713 cis-eQTL (in 237 genes) in tumour-derived tissues (false discovery rate <0.1), with the strongest effects seen near transcriptional start sites. Approximately 23% and 42% of genes with significant cis-eQTLs appeared to be specific for tumour-derived and normal-derived tissues, respectively. Significant enrichment of cis-eQTL variants was noted in non-coding regulatory regions, in particular for pancreatic tissues (1.53-fold to 3.12-fold, p≤0.0001), indicating tissue-specific functional relevance. A common pancreatic cancer risk locus on 9q34.2 (rs687289) was associated with ABO expression in histologically normal (p=5.8×10−8) and tumour-derived (p=8.3×10−5) tissues. The high linkage disequilibrium between this variant and the O blood group generating deletion variant in ABO (exon 6) suggested that nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) of the ‘O’ mRNA might explain this finding. However, knockdown of crucial NMD regulators did not influence decay of the ABO ‘O’ mRNA, indicating that a gene regulatory element influenced by pancreatic cancer risk alleles may underlie the eQTL.

Conclusions

We have identified cis-eQTLs representing potential functional regulatory variants in the pancreas and generated a rich data set for further studies on gene expression and its regulation in pancreatic tissues.
Role of Autophagy in Tumor Necrosis Factor-α-Induced Apoptosis of Osteoblast Cells
Authors: Zheng Liwen , Wang Wanchun , Ni Jiangdong , Mao Xinzhan , Song Deye , Liu Tang , Wei Jianwei , Zhou Huaying
Published: June 2017

The aim of this study is to investigate the role of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in apoptosis and autophagy of mouse osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells, as well as the crosstalk between autophagy and apoptosis. Mouse osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured in vitro and treated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), rapamycin, 3-methyl adenine (3-MA) and TNF-α either alone or in combination, respectively. MTT assays were used to monitor the cell viability upon different treatments. Annexin-V-FITC/propidium iodide (PI) staining was used to detect the apoptotic rate of osteoblasts. Autophagic structure and apoptotic bodies were visualized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Western blot analysis was performed to detect the autophagic marker LC3-II/I, p62 and apoptotic marker cleaved caspase-3. TNF-α inhibits MC3T3-E1 cell viability in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. Annexin-V-FITC/PI staining, coupled with TEM, showed that TNF-α induced cell apoptosis and autophagy in MC3T3-E1 cells. The autophagy inducer rapamycin ameliorated TNF-α-induced apoptosis. In contrast, 3-MA, which is an autophagy inhibitor, caused an exaggerated induction of TNF-α-induced apoptosis. TNF-α upregulated autophagy marker LC3-II/I, but downregulated p62 in osteoblasts. Combined treatment of rapamycin and TNF-α further exaggerated this effect, whereas co-treatment of 3-MA and TNF-α decreased LC3-II/I, but increased p62 compared with TNF-α alone. In addition, TNF-α caused an induction of apoptotic marker cleaved caspase-3. TNF-α-mediated induction of cleaved caspase-3 was downregulated by rapamycin, but upregulated by 3-MA, respectively. TNF-α induced both autophagy and apoptosis in osteoblasts, and upregulated autophagy protects the cell by reducing TNF-α-induced apoptosis.
Reducing tobacco-related harm: FDA’s proposed product standard for smokeless tobacco
Authors: Berman Micah L , Hatsukami Dorothy K
Published: June 2017

This Special Communication discusses the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) proposed rule that would limit N-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) levels in smokeless tobacco products. It argues that finalising and implementing this first ’product standard' would mark a significant step forward in the FDA’s efforts to reduce tobacco-related harms.
Influence of sex on performance fatigability of the plantar flexors following repeated maximal dynamic shortening contractions
Authors: Lanning Amelia C. , Power Geoffrey A. , Christie Anita D. , Dalton Brian H.
Published: June 2017

The purpose was to determine sex differences in fatigability during maximal, unconstrained velocity, shortening plantar flexions. The role of time-dependent measures (i.e., rate of torque development, rate of velocity development, and rate of neuromuscular activation) in such sex-related differences was also examined. By task termination, females exhibited smaller reductions in power and similar changes in rate of neuromuscular activation than males, indicating females were less fatigable than males.
Visitation frequency of Melampyrum roseum var. japonicum (Scrophulariaceae) by three bumblebee species and its relation to pollination efficiency
Authors: Hiei Kayako , Suzuki Kazuo
Published: June 2017

The efficiency of pollination of Melampyrum roseum Maximowicz var. japonicum Franchet et Savatier by three bumblebee species, Bombus consobrinus Vogt, Bombus diversus Smith, and Bombus honshuensis Tkalců, which differ especially in proboscis length, was examined under experimental conditions where visitation frequencies were controlled. First, we found that B. honshuensis, with the shortest proboscis, deposited the most pollen per stigma, resulting in the highest seed set in single visit experiments among the three bumblebee species, while B. diversus removed the most pollen from the anthers. The morphological match between pollinators and flowers was found to be an important factor affecting the per-visit pollination intensity mentioned above. Second, we found that seed set and pollen removal increased when flowers were visited twice by any of the three bumblebee species and that the differences among the three bumblebee species disappeared. When flowers were visited three or four times, the seed set and pollen removal did not increase further. These findings indicate that pollination effectiveness may differ among the bumblebee species only when flowers are infrequently visited by any of the bumblebee species.Key words: Melampyrum roseum, bumblebees, pollination efficiency, reproductive success, seed set, visitation frequency.
Effect of an auxin transport inhibitor on aggregation and attachment processes during ectomycorrhiza formation between Laccaria bicolor S238N and Picea abies
Authors: Rincón Ana , Gérard Joëlle , Dexheimer Jean , Tacon François Le
Published: June 2017

Transmission electron microscopy observations performed with cytochemical stains to detect polysaccharides and cysteine-rich proteins have been done to study the effect of an auxin transport inhibitor (2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid, TIBA) on Laccaria bicolor (Marie) Orton. hypha attachment and aggregation during mycorrhiza formation in Picea abies (L.) Karst. roots. When the two partners were growing separately without any exchange of information, TIBA did not affect the cell wall's polysaccharide or protein structures, which could play a role in the aggregation or attachment process. The presence of the host strongly increased the production of fungal polysaccharide fibrils, allowing hypha aggregation and attachment with the roots. TIBA inhibited this host effect. Thus, we can hypothesize that TIBA, by preventing fungal indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) transport towards the root, inhibited the production or the efflux of host elicitors responsible for the increase of fungal polysaccharide fibril production. However, we cannot exclude that TIBA had other effects than inhibiting fungal IAA transport.Key words: ectomycorrhizas, auxin transport inhibitor, polysaccharide fibrils.
Pollutant inputs from the atmosphere and accumulations in soils and vegetation near a nickel–copper smelter at Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
Authors: Freedman B. , Hutchinson T. C.
Published: June 2017

The inputs of the airborne pollutants nickel, copper, iron, and sulfur were determined in bulk dustfall–rainfall collection and in snow samples taken along transects originating at a large nickel–copper smelter near Sudbury, Ontario. Determinations were made from 1975 to 1978, which was subsequent to the building of a 380-m smokestack at the smelter in 1972. Atmospheric SO2 was also monitored, using sulfation plates. Higher levels of all smelter pollutants occurred at sites closer to the smelter, compared with sites as far as 60 km SSE. All bulk rainwater samples collected along a 60-km transect SSE of the smelter were found to be acidic, most with a pH of less than 4.0. Since there was no clear gradient of acidity with distance from the smelter, it appears that the acidic precipitation problem is a severe regional one. Simple deposition budgets based on data collected on six 30-day sampling intervals in 1976 and 1977 indicate that less than 3% of the sulfur emitted from the smelter was deposited within a 60-km radius. In contrast, about 42% of the nickel, 40% of the copper, and 52% of the iron emitted from the smelter were calculated to be deposited within a 60-km radius.The contamination of forest soils, soil litter, and vegetation by copper, nickel, iron, and sulfur at sites closer to the smelter has been caused by past as well as ongoing emissions. In soil profiles, the metals were concentrated in the surface organic horizons, relative to deeper mineral soils. Surface soils up to 70 km from the smelter showed elevated nickel and copper concentrations. Elevated concentrations of these same metals in the foliage of a number of tree species were detectable at least to 12 km from the smelter. The horsetail Equisetum sylvaticum showed especially high concentrations of sulfur, while the moss Polytrichum commune was an accumulator of nickel, copper, and sulfur at sites up to 6 km. No consistent trends with distance occurred for foliar levels of the bases calcium, magnesium, and potassium. However, higher calcium concentrations occurred in forest litter collected at control sites, compared with sites closer to the smelter.
Fungal parasites of rotifers: a new Tolypocladium with underwater conidiation
Authors: Barron G. L.
Published: June 2017

A new species, Tolypocladium parasiticum, is described as endoparasitic on the rotifer host Adineta. Unlike most other known Hyphomycetes parasitic on rotifers, conidia are produced underwater. Infection is initiated by conidia lodging in the lower gullet near the mastax of the host. Conidiogenous cells (phialides) arise either directly from the host body or in clusters from short, simple conidiophores. This species produces solitary terminal resting spores with an unusual nodular appearance.
Accumulation of phytoalexins in Ulmus americana in response to infection by a nonaggressive and an aggressive strain of Ophiostoma ulmi
Authors: Duchesne L. C. , Jeng R. S. , Hubbes M.
Published: June 2017

Alcohol extraction was made from seedlings of Ulmus americana L. first inoculated with either a nonaggressive or an aggressive strain of Ophiostoma ulmi (Buisman) Nannf. and cross-inoculated 2 weeks later. The content of mansonones A,C,E,F, and G, phytoalexins in U. americana, was determined weekly for 1–6 weeks after the first inoculation. Inoculation with the nonaggressive strain led to greater levels of mansonones than did inoculation with the aggressive strain. The aggressive strain counteracted the effect of the nonaggressive strain in cross-inoculated seedlings. Mansonones F and E were the two quantitatively most important mansonones, representing 40.0 and 32.4%, respectively, whereas mansonones G,C, and A represented 15.2, 8.7, and 3.7%, respectively, of the total quantities of mansonones A,C,E,F, and G present in each sample.
Specificity of mycoparasite attachment to the host cell surface
Authors: Manocha M. S.
Published: June 2017

The use of isolated cell wall fragments of Choanephora cucurbitarum (Berk. & Rav.) Thaxter (a host), and of Linderina pennispora Raper and Fennell (a nonhost), has provided not only a convenient method to quantify attachment of the parasite, Piptocephalis virginiana Leadbeater and Mercer, by the artificial inoculation and washing-off procedure, but also an excellent material for investigations on the molecular basis of specificity and host recognition. The parasite germ tubes are attached to the cell wall fragments of the host but not of the nonhost. Attachment was inhibited by the addition of sugars, chitobiose and chitotriose, and by treatment with acid or alkali indicating the involvement of proteins or glycoproteins in recognizing sugar residues at the cell surface. Both host and nonhost showed a positive binding reaction with fluorescent lectins specific for N-acetyl-D-glucosamine oligomer. The cell surface of the nonhost also contains D-galactose and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine residues as lectin binding sites. Sodium dodecyl sulfate – polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of cell wall extracts of host and nonhost revealed four bands of glycoproteins common to both fungi and two were specific to the host.
Interactions hôte–parasite lors de l'infection par Cercosporella herpotrichoides, agent du piétin-verse : morphologie du parasite et ultrastructure des parois d'hôtes sensibles et résistants
Authors: Soulie Marie-Christine , Vian Brigitte , Guillot-Salomon Thérèse
Published: June 2017

Segments of seedlings of susceptible and resistant lines of Triticineae were infected in vitro by a virulent strain of Cercosporella herpotrichoides Fron. Samples were taken 4 days after inoculation and examined using scanning electron microscopy. In susceptible lines, a strong adhesion and an important development of the mycelium occurred in contact with the coleoptile. Simultaneously, a massive sporulation was observed. Conversely, in resistant lines, the hyphal stroma remained loose and poorly developed and failed to sporulate. A cytochemical and ultrastructural study of the walls of host cells showed changes in texture and an important deposition of strongly reactive compounds. These components could not be extracted by the usual solvents of matrix constituents of both cellulosic and lignified cell walls. An enhanced synthesis of such substances could prevent the action of the parasite glycolytic enzymes and therefore stop the fungal invasion. The wall, or at least some of its components, seems to be implicated both in the recognition of the pathogen by the host and in the triggering of a response leading to sequestration of the latter and arrest in its development.
Effects of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization on growth and formation of ectomycorrhizae of Quercus alba and Q. rubra seedlings by Pisolithus tinctorius and Scleroderma auranteum
Authors: Beckjord Peter R. , Melhuish Jr. John H. , McIntosh Marla S.
Published: June 2017

The percentage of ectomycorrhizal short roots on Quercus alba and Q. rubra inoculated with Pisolithus tinctorius followed a nearly matching pattern among fertilizer treatments, supporting the hypothesis that there may be an optimal amount of N or P for maximum mycorrhizal formation. Several cycles of low and high fertilizations could produce well-balanced seedlings with adequate growth and percentage of ectomycorrhizal short roots for planting.
Foliar, nonstructural nectaries in the Marantaceae
Authors: Kirchoff Bruce K. , Kennedy Helen
Published: June 2017

Nonstructural, foliar nectaries have been found in two genera of the Marantaceae (Zingiberales). Two nectaries are located on each leaf, at the junction of the leaf sheath and petiole. Externally, they may be readily distinguished from the surrounding tissue by their lighter color and absence of hairs. Internally, they show no specifically differentiated nectariferous tissue. In most species, the location of the nectaries is correlated with the distribution of fiber bundles. In nonncctariferous regions these bundles lie directly beneath the epidermis, while in the region of the nectary they occur several cell layers beneath the epidermis. Nectar secretion takes place through stomates. The cells surrounding the substomatal cavity may play an important role in the process of secretion. The distribution of structural nectaries in the family is also discussed.
Radial elongation of the epidermal cells of scutellum during caryopsis germination of wild oats (Avena fatua)
Authors: Rao D. V. , Raju M. V. S.
Published: June 2017

The radial elongation of epidermal cells of the scutellum of wild oat (Avena fatua L.) embryos was studied quantitatively. In the nondormant embryos, the length of these cells, both on the adaxial and abaxial sides of the scutellum, was doubled in 10 days after the beginning of the imbibition of caryopses in water; no such elongation of cells was observed in the dormant embryos. The epidermal cells elongated to form papillae only after the primary root had emerged from the caryopsis. The length of the entire scutellum and that of its epidermal cells increased significantly in the presence of gibberellic acid and glucose or sucrose. It is suggested that the epidermal cell elongation is a postgermination phenomenon involving absorption and transport of the products of starchy endosperm hydrolysis, thus promoting further growth in the germinated embryo of the wild oat.
Light and electron microscopy of callus initiation from haploid barley embryos
Authors: Kott L. S. , Howarth M. J. , Peterson R. L. , Kasha K. J.
Published: June 2017

Cultured immature haploid embryos of barley generated callus tissue from rapidly dividing epidermal and subepidermal cells of the scutellum. Ultrastructural features, including large nuclei, many mitochondria, and dictyosomes, confirm the meristematic nature of these scutellar cells and autoradiography indicates that they are already actively synthesizing DNA by day 3. By day 5, a wet, dark callus is initiated from the coleorhiza. Within 14 days of culture, relatively large amounts of nodular, dense, yellow–white callus were generated. This type of callus is known to have regenerative potential, while callus produced early in culture from the coleorhiza region does not regenerate.
Production of extracellular enzymes by germinating cysts of Phytophthora infestans
Authors: Moreau Robert A. , Seibles Thomas S.
Published: June 2017

Cysts of Phytophthora infestans were prepared and allowed to germinate in water for 0 to 20 h. The activities of 11 different types of hydrolytic enzymes were detected in the extracellular germination medium. A time-course study revealed that most of the enzyme activities increased very little during germination. However, esterase activity increased 45-fold during germination. The rate of appearance of esterase activity closely paralleled the rate of germ tube growth. The intracellular levels of esterase activity were low throughout germination. These observations suggest that esterase is secreted during germination. Cysts also were allowed to germinate in the presence of various potential metabolic inhibitors and their effect on the appearance of esterase activity and on germ tube growth was measured. With each compound that inhibited the rate of germ tube growth, there was a nearly proportionate inhibition in the rate of appearance of extracellular esterase.
The continuity of primary and secondary growth in Cordyline terminalis (Agavaceae)
Authors: DeMason Darleen A. , Wilson Mark. A.
Published: June 2017

The primary thickening meristem in Cordyline terminalis (L.) Kunth was found to be continuous with the secondary thickening meristem in vegetative shoots. This could be seen in longitudinal and transverse sections stained with azure B, aniline blue–black, or safranin and fast green. The primary thickening meristem was a wide zone in the crown, and initial cells were arranged in anticlinal files which were continuous from an area within the central cylinder to the outer cortex. The secondary thickening meristem was narrow in radial extent and consisted of initial cells which were arranged in short, anticlinal files. When vascular bundles were followed (and plotted) acropetally from serial transverse sections starting with groups of anastomosing secondary bundles, secondary bundles were continuous with both major and minor axial primary bundles or with procambial strands. All bundles were collateral in the crown but became amphivasal in the intermediate region of the central cylinder and remained so in the secondary tissue. Procambial strands ran along or within the thickening meristem at all levels of the stem. These observations lead us to believe that in Cordyline terminalis (i) the primary and secondary thickening meristems function as a single entity and (ii) the primary and secondary bundles describe a single, continuus vascular system.
Characterization of the ozone response of potato leaf protoplasts
Authors: Illman B. L. , Pell E. J.
Published: June 2017

Ozone response of Solanum tuberosum L. leaf protoplasts was characterized to better understand the cellular effects of this important air pollutant. 'Norchip' and 'Cherokee' potato cultivars relatively tolerant of and sensitive to ozone, respectively, were studied. Protoplasts were exposed to ozone, air, or oxygen for 0, 1, 3, 5, 10, or 15 min. Two criteria, lysis and fluorescein diacetate staining, were used to measure protoplast response. Protoplasts exposed to ozone exhibited a significant increase in lysis and reduction in fluorescein diacetate staining during the first 10 min of exposure. During the following 5 min there were no further significant changes in lysis or fluorescein diacetate staining. The two ozone responses paralleled each other, probably reflecting two different nonsequential cellular effects. Neither oxygen nor air elicited the protoplast responses observed after ozone exposure. The relative differences in ozone response observed in intact plants of 'Norchip' and 'Cherokee' were not observed in experiments performed with protoplasts of these cultivars. The experimental results reported herein illustrate the importance of the plasma membrane to the ozone response but do not support its role in explaining the differential tolerance of the two potato cultivars studied.
Chromosome studies on natural hybrids between maritime species of Carex (sections Phacocystis and Cryptocarpae) in northeastern North America, and their taxonomic implications
Authors: Cayouette Jacques , Morisset Pierre
Published: June 2017

Morphological descriptions, chromosome numbers, and meiotic behaviour are presented for nine different hybrids of Carex in sections Cryptocarpae and Phacocystis from northeastern North America, mainly salt-marsh species from the St. Lawrence estuary and gulf. They are C. aquatilis × subspathacea (2n = 79), C. nigra × subspathacea (2n = 81, 83), C. nigra × salina (2n = 80), C. paleacea × salina (2n = ca. 74, 75), C. aquatilis × recta (2n = 74), C. nigra × recta (2n = 78, 79), C. paleacea × recta (2n = 73), C. aquatilis × paleacea (2n = 74), and C. nigra × paleacea (2n = 78 + fragment, 79). Hybrids showed a mixture of morphological characters from both putative parent species, and chromosome numbers were mostly intermediate between those of their parents. Meiosis of hybrids was disturbed with variable numbers of univalents, trivalents, and quadrivalents, such as in two of the parent species, C. salina and C. recta. In general, hybrids differed from parent species by the frequent occurrence of desynaptic bivalents and higher numbers of trivalents. Pollen stainability was low in hybrids (10.0–56.6%, with two exceptionally high values of 71.8 and 92.2%). Pollen stainability was also low though quite variable in C. salina (23.7–62.8%) and C. recta (16.2–80.7%), but it was much higher in C. paleacea (92.7–100%), C. nigra (63.1–92.9%), and C. aquatilis (78.0–97.2%). Almost all hybrids and parents produced some well-formed achenes. A formula indicating the maximum affinity pairing (MAP formula) and two euploidy indexes were used to compare hybrid individuals and their parent species. Carex salina and C. recta are cytologically considered of hybrid origin, but they behave ecologically as stable species.
Biomass allocation in Aster acuminatus: variation within and among populations over 5 years
Authors: Ashmun Jeffrey W. , Brown Robert L. , Pitelka Louis F.
Published: June 2017

Patterns of biomass allocation were analyzed over a 5-year period for 15 patches of the forest herb, Aster acuminatus Michx., on Kent Island, New Brunswick. The patches were distributed over a wide range of understory light regimes but otherwise occupied similar environments. In every year, light level was positively correlated with mean ramet size, ramet density, and plot standing crop (grams per square metre). This suggests that the patches were at or near their light-determined carrying capacities. There was significant variation in patterns of biomass allocation among plots in every year. This variation was always correlated with plot standing crop. In general, as standing crop increased, mean relative allocation to stems, flowers, and clonal growth increased, while allocation to leaves and rhizomes decreased. Patterns of allocation varied significantly between years for those plots sampled more than once, yet among-plot relationships with standing crop were maintained. Both thinning and shading of natural patches had pronounced effects on growth and allocation. Thinning resulted in larger plants and greater relative allocation to flowers and clonal growth, compared to controls. Shading resulted in generally opposite patterns. This study documents the important role of light availability, working directly and through intraspecific competition, in determining patterns of growth and biomass allocation in A. acuminatus.
Matacil insecticide spraying, pollinator mortality, and plant fecundity in New Brunswick forests
Authors: Thomson James D. , Plowright R. C. , Thaler G. R.
Published: June 2017

Exposure-cage trials in spruce–fir forest near Doaktown, N.B., Canada, showed that Matacil aminocarb insecticide, applied for control of spruce budworm, increased mortality rates of several types of solitary bees and syrphid flies, although previous studies had found no effect on bumblebees. Of two plant species predominantly pollinated by the sensitive pollinator taxa, one (Maianthemum canadense Desf.) showed significantly reduced fecundity in sprayed areas. The other (Cornus stolonifera Michx.) tended toward reduced fecundity in sprayed areas, although this trend was obscured by great within-treatment variability. Cornus canadensis L., which is visited by bumblebees as well as by the smaller, Matacil-susceptible insects, showed no reduction of fecundity in sprayed areas. This study generally supports the practicality of assessing plant risk a priori by considering (i) the breeding system, (ii) the flowering phenology, (iii) the effective pollinators, and (iv) the known susceptibility of the pollinators to the spray agent in use.
Detection of specific polypeptides in Chlamydomonas segnis adapted to atmospheric concentrations of CO2, using a zwitterionic detergent
Authors: Badour S. S. , Kim W. K.
Published: June 2017

Polypeptides from 5% CO2 adapted and air-adapted cells of Chlamydomonas segnis, extracted in the presence of the zwitterionic (ampholytic) detergent CHAPS, then lyophilized and washed with a chloroform – methanol mixture, were compared with those extracted in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate and Nonidet-P40 and precipitated by cold acetone, using two-dimensional electrophoresis. The electrophoretograms of these detergent-soluble polypeptides indicate that the use of CHAPS instead of sodium dodecyl sulphate – Nonidet-P40 considerably increases the mobility of proteins in the isoelectric focussing gels, improves resolution, and facilitates the detection of polypeptides with low molecular masses on the gradient gels. Comparison of polypeptides extracted with CHAPS from air-adapted and 5% CO2 adapted cells revealed the presence of 20 polypeptides unique to the former type of cells. Fourteen of these polypeptides had molecular masses of approximately 20 kDa and isoelectric-point (pI) values ranging from 7.4 to 6.4. They represented the major proteins characteristic of cells capable of active photosynthesis and growth under atmospheric concentrations of CO2.
The population biology of the arctic dwarf birch, Betula glandulosa: seed rain and the germinable seed bank
Authors: Weis I. Michael , Hermanutz Luise A.
Published: June 2017

The seed rain and seed bank of arctic dwarf birch, Betula glandulosa, were studied at Kuujjuaq, Que., and Tarr Inlet, near Iqaluit, N.W.T. At each site dispersing seeds were captured in sticky traps in three adjacent plots having locally high and low birch densities; soil cores were collected in parallel. Trap data indicate that birch samaras disperse principally during late fall and early spring. The number of samaras dispersed was significantly greater at Kuujjuaq than near Iqaluit and was greater in high- than in low-density areas. Samaras collected at Kuujjuaq were significantly heavier (x = 0.19 mg) than those from Tarr Inlet (x = 0.10 mg). Germination showed an asymptotic exponential weight dependence. From the weight distribution of samaras, we expected germination of 69.7% of samaras from Kuujjuaq. Few viable propagules were found in collections from the Iqaluit area; from their weight distribution 0.38% were expected to germinate. We predicted emergence from soil cores, using seed-trap and germination data, and tested predictions under greenhouse conditions. Observations and predictions agreed for low-density areas. At Kuujjuaq 248 emergences/m2 were predicted and 229 observed; at Iqaluit no emergences were predicted and none observed. In high-density plots at Kuujjuaq 9292 emergences/m2 were predicted and 2164 observed. Corresponding rates for Iqaluit were 2 and 17 emergences/m2, respectively. Differences in seed banks and recruitment indicate differences in the structure, dynamics, and reproductive biology of populations at the two sites.
Two new species of Lepanthes (Orchidaceae) from Mexico
Authors: Catling Paul M. , Catling Vivian R.
Published: June 2017

Two new species, Lepanthes aprica and Lepanthes oreophila, are described from the state of Oaxaca, Mexico. The latter species is similar to L. blepharistes Rchb.f. and L. schiedii Rchb.f. Lepanthes aprica does not closely resemble any other Mesoamerican species.
Lignicolous marine fungi of Singapore
Authors: Leong W. F. , Tan T. K. , Jones E. B. G.
Published: June 2017

Fourteen lignicolous marine fungi growing on twigs and driftwood are reported, 11 of which are new records for Singapore. The most common fungi were Bathyascus tropicalis, Ceriosporopsis halima, and Lulworthia medusa. Other fungi frequently encountered were Papulaspora halima and Periconia prolifica.
Distribution and ecology of Myxomycetes in temperate forests. I. Patterns of occurrence in the upland forests of southwestern Virginia
Authors: Stephenson Steven L.
Published: June 2017

A comparative ecological study of the Myxomycetes occurring in five different upland forest communities in the Mountain Lake area of southwestern Virginia was carried out during 1982–1986. Although the forest communities selected for study occupied different relative positions (from subxeric to mesic) with respect to an environmental moisture complex-gradient, a high degree of similarity existed among the communities for species composition of Myxomycetes. However, absolute abundance, species richness, and species diversity were higher for the more mesic communities. The seasonal pattern was for both species richness and species diversity to be exceedingly low early in the season, to increase to their highest levels in August, and then to decline throughout the remainder of the season. In general, Myxomycetes appear to be rather opportunistic organisms, occupying those microhabitats suitable for their growth and development as these become available to them. Nevertheless, considerable resource partitioning among species would seem to exist, since characteristic patterns of microhabitat occupation and sporulation phenology were noted for most species. In an effort to quantify resource partitioning, values of niche breadth and niche overlap were calculated for 39 quantitatively important species.