bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pyroelectric effect in ultrathin layers of achiral mesogenic composites
Authors: Yablonskii Serguei , Soto-Bustamante Eduardo A. , Trujillo-Rojo Victor Hugo , Sorokin Vladimir
Published: December 2008

The pyroelectric properties of the solid mixtures of achiral liquid crystalline polymers with their monomers were studied. The composites were fabricated in a thin film form (less than 1 μm) by spin-coating technique. The maximum value of the current responsivity being 0.67 μA/W has been obtained for optimum monomer/polymer ratio of 33%:67% by weight. The pyroelectric voltage was measured in the frequency range from 10 Hz up to 250 kHz. The figure of merit for the composite at room temperature is about 0.8 nC/cm2 K, which is more than twice higher than that of polyvinylidene fluoride with trifluroethylene 70%:30%.
Effects of bias on cathodoluminescence in ZnCdSe quantum well light emitting diodes
Authors: Nikiforov A. Yu. , Cargill G. S. , Guo S. P. , Tamargo M. C.
Published: December 2008

Bias voltages applied to Zn0.24Cd0.76Se quantum well light emitting diodes (QW-LEDs) affect both the intensity and wavelength of room temperature cathodoluminescence (CL). These effects have been studied experimentally and theoretically to advance understanding of the CL and optoelectronic behavior of these devices. QW CL intensity and photon energy are increased by forward bias, and they are decreased by reverse bias, with an exponential dependence of CL intensity on bias voltage from −1 to +1 V and little dependence from 1.5 to 2.5 V. The p-n junction current and electroluminescence increase rapidly for forward bias greater than 2.34 V, the calculated built-in potential. The bias dependence of QW CL intensity is little affected when electron beam currents change by ∼300 times, from 0.1 to 29 nA with 10 kV beam voltage and ∼1 μm2 irradiated area. The QW CL intensity increases sublinearly with beam current. Small hysteresis effects are seen in bias-dependent CL intensity for low beam currents. The effects of bias voltage on CL intensity and photon energy have been modeled, including bias dependence of carrier transport, QW energy levels, wave functions, overlap integrals, internal electric fields, exciton ionization, and rates of carrier capture in and escape from the QW. For the QW-LED and experimental conditions used in this study, the bias dependence of CL intensity at room temperature results mainly from electric field dependence of exciton ionization and of electron and hole captures in the QW, and the bias dependence of CL photon energy results from field-dependent shifts in QW energy levels of electrons and holes.
All-organic tunnel junctions as connecting units in tandem organic solar cell
Authors: Yu Bo , Zhu Feng , Wang Haibo , Li Gao , Yan Donghang
Published: December 2008

We employed organic heterojunction films as all-organic connecting units to fabricate tandem organic photovoltaic cells by continuous deposition. The all-organic connecting units with a better transparence and a lower sublimation temperature became an effective recombination center for electrons and holes photogenerated in front cell and back cell, respectively. Tunnel mechanism was proposed to explain the combination of photogenerated carrier. In the optimized tandem solar cell in which tin phthalocyanine dichloride/copper hexadecafluorophthalocyanine heterojunction is used as connecting units, the open-circuit voltage of 1.04 V is double of the single unit cells, and the PCE was increased by 60%, reaching to 1.8%. Therefore, it is an effective way to use the organic heterojunction films as connecting units in organic tandem cells to improve the device performance dramatically.
Microwave magnetoelectric effects in bilayers of single crystal ferrite and functionally graded piezoelectric
Authors: Petrov V. M. , Srinivasan G. , Galkina T. A.
Published: December 2008

A model is discussed for magnetoelectric interactions under ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) in bilayers of a ferrite and a functionally graded piezoelectric. A linear variation in the in-plane piezoelectric coefficient is assumed. A dc electric field E applied perpendicular to the sample plane will then result in a varying in-plane strain that is transferred to the ferrite and manifests a uniaxial magnetic anisotropy. Expressions have been obtained for microwave magnetic susceptibility, taking into account the effect of grading and substrate clamping and applied to specific cases of yttrium iron garnet/lead magnesium niobate–lead titanate (PMN-PT) and nickel ferrite/PMN-PT. The model predicts unique E dependence of microwave magnetic susceptibility and FMR absorption. With increasing E, the susceptibility is predicted to decrease, and there will be broadening of FMR absorption. The results are of interest for electric field tunable ferrite-piezoelectric microwave devices.
Magnetic properties of Co-doped TiO2 anatase nanopowders
Authors: Pereira L. C. J. , Nunes M. R. , Monteiro O. C. , Silvestre A. J.
Published: December 2008

This letter reports on the magnetic properties of Ti1−xCoxO2 anatase phase nanopowders with different Co contents. It is shown that oxygen vacancies play an important role in promoting long-range ferromagnetic order in the material studied in addition to the transition-metal doping. Furthermore, the results allow ruling out the premise of a strict connection between Co clustering and the ferromagnetism observed in the Co:TiO2 anatase system.
Holographic fabrication of photonic crystals using multidimensional phase masks
Authors: Lin Yuankun , Harb Ahmad , Rodriguez Daniel , Lozano Karen , Xu Di , Chen K. P.
Published: December 2008

This paper reports the experimental approaches to the fabrication of two-layer integrated phase masks and the fabrication of photonic crystal templates using the phase mask based on holographic lithography technique. The photonic crystal template is formed by exposing photoresist mixtures to five-beam interference patterns generated through the phase mask. The fabricated phase mask consists of two layers of orthogonally oriented gratings produced in a liquid crystal and photoresist mixture. A polymerization-induced phase separation preserves the grating structure during the exposure. The vertical spatial separation between two layers of gratings produces a phase difference among diffracted laser beams, which enables the holographic fabrication of diamondlike photonic crystal structures. The fabricated photonic crystal structure is consistent with simulations based on the five-beam interference. The two-layer phase mask opens up an opportunity of direct printing photonic structures.
Strongly confined plasmonic wave propagation through an ultrawideband staggered double grating waveguide
Authors: Shin Young-Min , Barnett Larry R. , Luhmann Neville C.
Published: December 2008

In the course of research on high power terahertz vacuum electronic radiation sources, it was discovered that an intense plasmonic wave propagates through the channel between a half-period-staggered pair of TE-mode gratings. Experimental measurements were in good agreement with both a theoretical model and simulation analysis within 2% over the passband. This phase-shifted geometric modulation supports a dynamic bandwidth exceeding 25% with signal attenuation of less than 0.15dB∕cm (at Ka-band). Finite-difference time-domain analysis revealed that this low dispersion and low-loss optical response is ascribed to point-contact hopping motion of widespread resonant waveguide modes with the same phase velocity.
Ultrathin self-assembled fibrin sheets
Authors: O'Brien E. Tim , Falvo Michael R. , Millard Daniel , Eastwood Brian , Taylor Russell M. , Superfine Richard
Published: December 2008

Fibrin polymerizes into the fibrous network that is the major structural component of blood clots and thrombi. We demonstrate that fibrin from three different species can also spontaneously polymerize into extensive, molecularly thin, 2D sheets. Sheet assembly occurs in physiologic buffers on both hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces, but is routinely observed only when polymerized using very low concentrations of fibrinogen and thrombin. Sheets may have been missed in previous studies because they may be very short-lived at higher concentrations of fibrinogen and thrombin, and their thinness makes them very difficult to detect. We were able to distinguish fluorescently labeled fibrin sheets by polymerizing fibrin onto micro-patterned structured surfaces that suspended polymers 10 μm above and parallel to the cover-glass surface. We used a combined fluorescence/atomic force microscope system to determine that sheets were ≈5 nm thick, flat, elastic and mechanically continuous. Video microscopy of assembling sheets showed that they could polymerize across 25-μm channels at hundreds of μm
2
/sec (≈10
13
subunits/s·M), an apparent rate constant many times greater than those of other protein polymers. Structural transitions from sheets to fibers were observed by fluorescence, transmission, and scanning electron microscopy. Sheets appeared to fold and roll up into larger fibers, and also to develop oval holes to form fiber networks that were “pre-attached” to the substrate and other fibers. We propose a model of fiber formation from sheets and compare it with current models of end-wise polymerization from protofibrils. Sheets could be an unanticipated factor in clot formation and adhesion
in vivo
, and are a unique material in their own right.
Nanodomain fragmentation and local rearrangements in CdSe under pressure
Authors: Leoni Stefano , Ramlau Reiner , Meier Katrin , Schmidt Marcus , Schwarz Ulrich
Published: December 2008

Structural transformations in extended solids result from local atomic rearrangements and phase growth mechanisms. A broad class of technologically relevant properties critically depends on local structural issues connected with domain sizes, domain boundary geometries, and defects. However, a precise understanding of structural transformation mechanisms and domain formation is still an open question. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of very detailed mechanistic investigations in real materials as a prerequisite for intelligent property control. We address the problem of domain fragmentation in bulk CdSe under pressure, jointly by molecular dynamics simulations, high-pressure experiments, and HR-TEM imaging. We show that domain fragmentation is taking place in the high-pressure regime, where nucleation events generate both zinc blende (B3) and wurtzite (B4) structural motifs and, in turn, cause the final lamellar appearance observable by high-resolution TEM. A changed nucleation pattern and a modified B3/B4 ratio represents the system's response to modified external stress conditions.
mTORC1-dependent and -independent regulation of stem cell renewal, differentiation, and mobilization
Authors: Gan Boyi , Sahin Ergün , Jiang Shan , Sanchez-Aguilera Abel , Scott Kenneth L. , Chin Lynda , Williams David A. , Kwiatkowski David J. , DePinho Ronald A.
Published: December 2008

The Tuberous Sclerosis Complex component, TSC1, functions as a tumor suppressor via its regulation of diverse cellular processes, particularly cell growth. TSC1 exists in a complex with TSC2 and functions primarily as a key negative regulator of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling and protein synthesis, although the TSC1/TSC2 complex also shows mTORC1-independent outputs to other pathways. Here, we explored the role of TSC1 in various aspects of stem cell biology and dissected the extent to which TSC1 functions are executed via mTORC1-dependent versus mTORC1-independent pathways. Using hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) as a model system, we demonstrate that somatic deletion of
TSC1
produces striking stem cell and derivative effector cell phenotypes characterized by increased HSC cell cycling, mobilization, marked progressive depletion, defective long-term repopulating potential, and hematopoietic lineage developmental aberrations. On the mechanistic level, we further establish that TSC1 regulation of HSC quiescence and long-term repopulating potential and hematopoietic lineage development is mediated through mTORC1 signaling. In contrast, TSC1 regulation of HSC mobilization is effected in an mTORC1-independent manner, and gene profiling and functional analyses reveals the actin-bundling protein FSCN1 as a key TSC1/TSC2 target in the regulation of HSC mobilization. Thus, TSC1 is a critical regulator of HSC self-renewal, mobilization, and multilineage development and executes these actions via both mTORC1-dependent and -independent pathways.
Short Article: Goal relevance and artificial grammar learning
Authors: Eitam Baruch , Schul Yaacov , Hassin Ran R.
Published: December 2008

This investigation used a newly developed artificial grammar learning (AGL) paradigm in which participants were exposed to sequences of stimuli that varied in two dimensions (colours and letters) that were superimposed on each other. Variation within each dimension was determined by a different grammar. The results of two studies strongly suggest that implicit learning in AGL depends on the goal relevance of the to-be-learned dimension. Specifically, when only one of the two stimulus dimensions was relevant for their task (Experiment 1) participants learned the structure underlying the relevant, but not that of the irrelevant dimension. However, when both dimensions were relevant, both structures were learned (Experiment 2). These findings suggest that implicit learning occurs only in dimensions to which we are attuned. Based on the present results and on those of Eitam, Hassin, and Schul (2008) we suggest that focusing on goal relevance may provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying implicit learning.
Bir1 Is Required for the Tension Checkpoint
Authors: Shimogawa Michelle M. , Widlund Per O. , Riffle Michael , Ess Michael , Davis Trisha N.
Published: December 2008

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromosomal passenger proteins Ipl1 (Aurora B) and Sli15 (INCENP) are required for the tension checkpoint, but the role of the third passenger, Bir1, is controversial. We have isolated a temperature-sensitive mutant (bir1-107) in the essential C-terminal region of Bir1 known to be required for binding to Sli15. This allele reveals a checkpoint function for Bir1. The mutant displays a biorientation defect, a defective checkpoint response to lack of tension, and an inability to detach mutant kinetochores. Ipl1 localizes to aberrant foci when Bir1 localization is disrupted in the bir1-107 mutant. Thus, one checkpoint role of Bir1 is to properly localize Ipl1 and allow detachment of kinetochores. Quantitative analysis indicates that the chromosomal passengers colocalize with kinetochores in G1 but localize between kinetochores that are under tension. Bir1 localization to kinetochores is maintained in an mcd1-1 mutant in the absence of tension. Our results suggest that the establishment of tension removes Ipl1, Bir1, and Sli15, and their kinetochore detachment activity, from the vicinity of kinetochores and allows cells to proceed through the tension checkpoint.
Serological Detection of Citrus tristeza virus with Antibodies Developed to the Recombinant Coat Protein
Authors: Iracheta-Cárdenas M. M. , Metheney P. , Polek M. L. , Manjunath K. L. , Lee R. F. , Rocha-Peña M. A.
Published: December 2008

Antibodies specific for the recombinant coat protein (rCP) of the p25 gene of Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) were developed in goats and rabbits and further evaluated as a complete kit for the detection of the virus using healthy and CTV-infected tissue. The combination of goat T1 used as primary (coating) and rabbit C3 as intermediate (detecting) rCP antibodies reacted efficiently, with optical density at 405 nm (OD405) values between 0.250 and 2.000 with samples from an international collection of diverse CTV isolates. The CTV isolates tested cause a broad spectrum of disease syndromes in different citrus hosts. The OD405 values for healthy tissue were less than 0.100. Likewise, the combination of goat T1 and rabbit C3 rCP antibodies gave consistent results for CTV-positive and -negative sample discrimination when directly compared with the Central California Tristeza Eradication Agency (CCTEA) antibodies used for large-scale CTV detection and a commercially available CTV serological detection kit. The combination of goat T1 and rabbit C3 rCP antibodies showed its suitability for large-scale indexing with samples collected in commercial groves as part of the CCTEA's regular monitoring program. The evaluation included 41,195 samples from 301 commercial groves from districts 1, 2, and 3. In total, 26 trees (0.063%) were found to be CTV positive using the T1/C3 rCP antibody combination. Results of this research provide evidence that rCP antibodies can be efficiently used for both capturing and detecting CTV antigens in double-antibody sandwich indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Occurrence of Beet black scorch virus Infecting Sugar Beet in Europe
Authors: González-Vázquez Magali , Ayala Julián , García-Arenal Fernando , Fraile Aurora
Published: December 2008

In a survey of soilborne viruses infecting sugar beet in central Spain, Beet black scorch virus (BBSV) was detected in field grown sugar beets with symptoms of rhizomania disease. BBSV was found in all analyzed sugar beet producing regions from central Spain, as well as in bait plants grown in soils with a history of rhizomania from several Western European countries, thereby constituting the first report of BBSV in Europe. BBSV was transferred to Chenopodium quinoa, where it caused chlorotic local lesions from which virus particles were purified. The nucleotide sequence of the 3′-untranslated region of the genomic RNA was determined for 13 European isolates, and sequences were highly similar to those reported for Chinese and U.S. isolates. Sequence comparisons revealed three clusters of sequences, one including most European isolates, one including one European and two Chinese isolates, and the third including the U.S. isolate. BBSV was detected in a number of samples with rhizomania symptoms in which Beet necrotic yellow vein virus went undetected. However, its role in rhizomania disease in Europe, if any, remains to be established.
Characterization of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. loti Forma Specialis nov., a Monophyletic Pathogen Causing Vascular Wilt of Birdsfoot Trefoil
Authors: Wunsch Michael J. , Baker Alexandra H. , Kalb David W. , Bergstrom Gary C.
Published: December 2008

Fusarium wilt, a vascular wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum, has been a serious problem for birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) production in parts of New York and Vermont since the 1970s, causing wilt, severe root necrosis, and rapid plant death. Analysis of F. oxysporum isolates causing this disease indicated that the pathogen has a unique host range relative to previously designated F. oxysporum formae speciales and is monophyletic. Pathogenic isolates from New York and Vermont caused severe vascular wilt of trefoil and moderate vascular wilt of pea but no disease on alfalfa, red clover, soybean, or dry bean. The host range of trefoil isolates was distinct from F. oxysporum isolates pathogenic to other legumes. F. oxysporum isolates pathogenic to trefoil belonged to a single vegetative compatibility group separate from nonpathogenic isolates and shared identical mitochondrial small subunit rDNA, translation elongation factor 1-alpha, and nuclear rDNA intergenic spacer haplotypes. Phylogenetic analysis of the concatenated sequence data assigned isolates pathogenic to trefoil to a single, well-supported clade distinct from other pathogenic F. oxysporum. We propose designating the fungus Fusarium oxysporum Schlechtendahl emend. Snyder & Hansen f. sp. loti forma specialis nova.
Incidence of Viruses Infecting Tomato and Their Natural Hosts in the Southeast and Central Regions of Iran
Authors: Massumi Hossain , Shaabanian Mehdi , Pour Akbar Hosseini , Heydarnejad Jahangir , Rahimian Heshmetollah
Published: December 2008

A survey was conducted to determine the incidence of Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Beet curly top virus (BCTV), Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), Tomato chlorotic spot virus (TcSV), Potato virus Y (PVY), Potato virus S (PVS), Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), Tomato ringspot virus (TRSV), Tomato aspermy virus (TAV), Arabis mosaic virus (ArMV), Tobacco streak virus (TSV), Tomato bushy stunt virus (TBSV), Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), and Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) in the major horticultural crop growing areas in the southeast and central regions of Iran. A total of 1,307 symptomatic leaf samples from fields and 603 samples from greenhouses were collected from January 2003 to July 2005 in five southeastern and central provinces of Iran. Samples of symptomatic plants were analyzed for virus infection by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using specific polyclonal antibodies. ArMV and CMV were the most frequently found viruses, accounting for 25.6 and 23.4%, respectively, of the collected samples. BCTV, TSWV, TMV, PVY, ToMV, and TYLCV were detected in 6.1, 5.8, 5.6, 5, 4.8, and 1.6% of the samples, respectively. TBSV, TAV, TSV, PVS, and TRSV were not detected in any of the samples tested. Double and triple infections involving different combination of viruses were found in 13.9 and 1.7% of samples, respectively. This is the first report of PVY and ArMV as viruses naturally infecting tomato in Iran. Infection of tomato plants with PVY and ArMV was confirmed. Six out of 20 plant species belonging to six genera, growing in tomato fields or in the nearby areas, were found infected with TSWV, TMV, PVY, and CMV.
First Report of Colletotrichum boninense Causing Anthracnose on Pepper in Brazil
Authors: Tozze H. J. , Massola N. M. , Câmara M. P. S. , Gioria R. , Suzuki O. , Brunelli K. R. , Braga R. S. , Kobori R. F.
Published: December 2008

Colletotrichum boninense was isolated from pepper (Capsicum annuum) fruits (cv. Amanda) with preharvest anthracnose symptoms collected in the Brazilian states of Rio Grande do Sul and São Paulo in July of 2005. In the field, the disease affected mature fruits and leaves with an incidence near 25%. Typical symptoms in fruits were circular, sunken lesions with orange spore masses in a dark center. Three single conidia isolates were obtained from infected fruits. When grown on potato dextrose agar at 25°C with a 12-h photoperiod, these isolates produced white colonies with a cream-to-orange color in the opposite side, but no sclerotia. Conidia were cylindrical, had obtuse ends and a hilum-like low protuberance at the base, and measured 13.5 to 15.5 × 4.6 to 5.1 μm. Conidial length/width ratio was 2.8 to 3.0. These morphological characteristics are consistent with the description of C. boninense (1). To confirm pathogen identity, the internal transcribed spacer rRNA region was sequenced (GenBank Accession Nos. FJ010199, FJ010200, and FJ010201) and compared with the same region of C. boninense (GenBank Accession No. DQ286160.1). Similarity between these sequences was 98 to 99%. The pathogenicity of the three isolates was determined on pepper fruits cv. Amanda. Attached as well as detached fruits from potted plants were inoculated. Inoculation was performed by depositing 40-μl droplets of a suspension (105 conidia per ml) on the surfaces of nonwounded (detached n = 5; attached n = 5) and wounded (detached n = 5; attached n = 5) fruits with a sterilized hypodermic needle. Incubation took place in a moist chamber for 12 days at 25°C with a 12-h photoperiod. Inoculation of control fruits was similar in procedure and number to that of test fruits, except sterile distilled water was used instead of the conidial suspension. Symptoms, observed in wounded and nonwounded test fruits 3 to 5 days after inoculation, were characterized by necrotic, sunken zones containing acervuli, black setae, and orange spore masses. Control fruits presented no symptoms. Pathogens reisolated from infected fruits showed the same morphological and molecular characteristics of the isolates previously inoculated. To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. boninense infecting pepper in Brazil.

Reference: (1) J. Moriwaki et al. Mycoscience 44:47, 2003.
Mid1p/anillin and the septation initiation network orchestrate contractile ring assembly for cytokinesis
Authors: Hachet Olivier , Simanis Viesturs
Published: December 2008

In both animal cells and fungi, cytokinesis proceeds via a contractile actomyosin ring (CAR). Many CAR components and regulators are evolutionarily conserved. In Schizosaccharomyces pombe, the spatial cue for cytokinesis is provided by Mid1p/Anillin, whereas temporal coordination is ensured by the septation initiation network (SIN). However, neither Mid1p nor the SIN is considered to be essential for CAR assembly per se. Here, using 4D imaging, we reveal an unanticipated, novel role for the SIN in CAR assembly. We demonstrate that CAR assembly involves three, genetically separable steps: establishment of a cortical network of CAR proteins, its lateral condensation, and finally, the formation of a homogeneous CAR. We show that SIN mutants fail to form a homogeneous CAR; we identify hypophosphorylation and recruitment of the conserved PCH-family protein Cdc15p to the CAR as critical steps requiring SIN function. Furthermore, we show that in the absence of Mid1p, CAR assembly proceeds via an actomyosin filament, rather than a cortical network of CAR proteins. This mode of assembly is totally dependent on SIN signaling, thereby demonstrating a direct role for the SIN in CAR formation. Taken together, these data establish that Mid1p and the SIN are the key regulators that orchestrate CAR assembly.
Right into the heart of microRNA-133a: Figure 1.
Authors: Meder Benjamin , Katus Hugo A. , Rottbauer Wolfgang
Published: December 2008

MicroRNAs play an essential role in diverse cellular processes, such as proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and stress response. Recent studies demonstrate that miRNAs are important for timing developmental decisions and fine-tuning cellular determination in vertebrate heart development. In an elegant set of experiments reported in this issue of Genes & Development, Liu et al. (3242–3254) demonstrate that miR-133a functions as an inhibitor of cardiomyocyte proliferation and a modifier of serum response factor (SRF)-dependent transcriptional signaling in the murine heart. Both targeted deletion and transgenic overexpression of miR-133a can result in the same cardiac phenotype, ventricular septal defect (VSD) and heart failure. The new data add another piece to the puzzle of regulatory networks that are implicated in cardiac disease. It will be interesting to see, if miR-133a is also involved in human heart diseases, especially VSD and dilated cardiomyopathy.
Rice Aldehyde Dehydrogenase7 Is Needed for Seed Maturation and Viability
Authors: Shin Jun-Hye , Kim Sung-Ryul , An Gynheung
Published: December 2008

Aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs) catalyze the irreversible oxidation of a wide range of reactive aldehydes to their corresponding carboxylic acids. Although the proteins have been studied from various organisms and at different growth stages, their roles in seed development have not been well elucidated. We obtained T-DNA insertional mutants in OsALDH7, which is remarkably inducible by oxidative and abiotic stresses. Interestingly, endosperms from the osaldh7 null mutants accumulated brown pigments during desiccation and storage. Extracts from the mutant seeds showed a maximum absorbance peak at 360 nm, the wavelength that melanoidin absorbs. Under UV light, those extracts also exhibited much stronger fluorescence than the wild type, suggesting that the pigments are melanoidin. These pigments started to accumulate in the late seed developmental stage, the time when OsALDH7 expression began to increase significantly. Purified OsALDH7 protein showed enzyme activities to malondialdehyde, acetaldehyde, and glyceraldehyde. These results suggest that OsALDH7 is involved in removing various aldehydes formed by oxidative stress during seed desiccation. The mutant seeds were more sensitive to our accelerated aging treatment and accumulated more malondialdehyde than the wild type. These data imply that OsALDH7 plays an important role in maintaining seed viability by detoxifying the aldehydes generated by lipid peroxidation.
GNOM-Mediated Vesicular Trafficking Plays an Essential Role in Hydrotropism of Arabidopsis Roots
Authors: Miyazawa Yutaka , Takahashi Akiko , Kobayashi Akie , Kaneyasu Tomoko , Fujii Nobuharu , Takahashi Hideyuki
Published: December 2008

Roots respond not only to gravity but also to moisture gradient by displaying gravitropism and hydrotropism, respectively, to control their growth orientation, which helps plants obtain water and become established in the terrestrial environment. As gravitropism often interferes with hydrotropism, however, the mechanisms of how roots display hydrotropism and differentiate it from gravitropism are not understood. We previously reported MIZU-KUSSEI1 (MIZ1) as a gene required for hydrotropism but not for gravitropism, although the function of its protein was not known. Here, we found that a mutation of GNOM encoding guanine-nucleotide exchange factor for ADP-ribosylation factor-type G proteins was responsible for the ahydrotropism of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), miz2. Unlike other gnom alleles, miz2 showed no apparent morphological defects or reduced gravitropism. Instead, brefeldin A (BFA) treatment inhibited both hydrotropism and gravitropism in Arabidopsis roots. In addition, a BFA-resistant GNOM variant, GNM696L, showed normal hydrotropic response in the presence of BFA. Furthermore, a weak gnom allele, gnomB/E, showed defect in hydrotropic response. These results indicate that GNOM-mediated vesicular trafficking plays an essential role in hydrotropism of seedling roots.
Identification of multiple sites suitable for insertion of foreign genes in herpes simplex virus genomes
Authors: Morimoto Tomomi , Arii Jun , Akashi Hiroomi , Kawaguchi Yasushi
Published: December 2008

Information on sites in HSV genomes at which foreign gene(s) can be inserted without disrupting viral genes or affecting properties of the parental virus are important for basic research on HSV and development of HSV‐based vectors for human therapy. The intergenic region between HSV‐1 UL3 and UL4 genes has been reported to satisfy the requirements for such an insertion site. The UL3 and UL4 genes are oriented toward the intergenic region and, therefore, insertion of a foreign gene(s) into the region between the UL3 and UL4 polyadenylation signals should not disrupt any viral genes or transcriptional units. HSV‐1 and HSV‐2 each have more than 10 additional regions structurally similar to the intergenic region between UL3 and UL4. In the studies reported here, it has been demonstrated that insertion of a reporter gene expression cassette into several of the HSV‐1 and HSV‐2 intergenic regions has no effect on viral growth in cell culture or virulence in mice, suggesting that these multiple intergenic regions may be suitable HSV sites for insertion of foreign genes.
Coffee, green tea, and caffeine consumption and subsequent risk of bladder cancer in relation to smoking status: a prospective study in Japan
Authors: Kurahashi Norie , Inoue Manami , Iwasaki Motoki , Sasazuki Shizuka , Tsugane Shoichiro ,   for the Japan Public Health Center (JPHC) Study Group
Published: December 2008

Coffee and caffeine consumption are thought to increase the risk of bladder cancer. However, few studies have stratified this risk by smoking status, which is a potential confounder. Here, we investigated the association between coffee, green tea (another major source of caffeine), and caffeine, and bladder cancer incidence in relation to smoking status. We conducted a population‐based prospective study in a cohort of Japanese, comprising a total of 49 566 men and 54 874 women aged 40–69 years who reported their coffee and green tea consumption at baseline. During follow‐up from 1990 through 2005, 164 men and 42 women were newly diagnosed with bladder cancer. Cigarette smoking was associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer, with a strong dose–response relationship. Coffee was positively associated with bladder cancer risk in men, without statistical significance. When stratified by smoking status, coffee and caffeine consumption were associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer in never‐ or former‐smoking men, with hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) in the highest categories of coffee (one or more cups per day) and caffeine consumption compared with the lowest of 2.24 (95% CI = 1.21–4.16) and 2.05 (95% CI = 1.15–3.66), respectively. In conclusion, cigarette smoking was confirmed as a risk factor for bladder cancer. Coffee and caffeine may be associated with an increased bladder cancer risk in never or former smokers among Japanese men. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 284–291)
Analysis of phosphorus in two humic acid fractions of intensively cropped lowland rice soils by31P‐NMR
Authors: Mahieu N. , Olk D. C. , Randall E. W.
Published: December 2008

The organic forms of phosphorus in the soil appear to be changing as rice growing intensifies and the soil is flooded for longer in tropical Asia. To examine these changes, we extracted the labile mobile humic acid (MHA) and more recalcitrant calcium humate (CaHA) fractions from soils supporting long‐term field trials in the Philippines and analysed them by solution31P‐nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Diester P and sugar‐diester P accumulated moderately with increasing intensity of irrigated rice cropping, reaching a combined 42% of all MHA‐P for a triple‐cropped irrigated field compared with 28% for fully aerated fields growing dryland crops. The mono‐ to diester P ratio decreased by 43% for the MHA and CaHA from the aerated fields to the triple‐cropped field. Smaller effects on forms of P were noted for the rates and type of N, P and K fertilizer and site effects. The effects of treatment and site were more noticeable in the MHA than in the CaHA. The proportions in the NMR spectra were tightly correlated with visible light absorption, concentrations of organic free radicals and H, and15N‐NMR spectral proportions, which indicate the degree of humification. The MHA and CaHA accounted for only 0.6–8.3% and 0.9–5.7%, respectively, of total P; most of the P is inorganic.
Detection, quantifications and pharmacokinetics of toltrazuril sulfone (Ponazuril®) in cattle
Authors: DIRIKOLU L. , YOHN R. , GARRETT E. F. , CHAKKATH T. , FERGUSON D. C.
Published: December 2008

Toltrazuril sulfone (Ponazuril®) is a triazine‐based anti‐protozoal agent with highly specific actions against apicomplexan group of organisms, which are undergoing intensive investigation. Toltrazuril sulfone may have clinical application in the treatment ofNeospora. caninumand other protozoal infections in cattle. To evaluate absorption, distribution, and elimination characteristics of toltrazuril sulfone in cattle, a sensitive validated quantitative high‐pressure liquid chromatography method for toltrazuril sulfone in bovine biological fluids was developed. After a single oral dose of toltrazuril sulfone at 5 mg/kg (as 150 mg/g of Marquis®; Bayer HealthCare, Shawnee Mission, KS, USA), samples from six cows showed good plasma concentrations of toltrazuril sulfone, which peaked at 4821 ng/mL ± 916 (SD) at 48 h postadministration. Thereafter, plasma concentration declined to 1950 ng/mL ± 184 (SD) at 192 h after administration with an average plasma elimination half‐life of ∼58 h. Following oral dose of toltrazuril sulfone, the observed peak plasma concentrations were in relatively close agreement ranging from the lowest 3925 ng/mL to the highest of 6285 ng/mL with the mean peak plasma concentration being 4821 ng/mL. This study shows that toltrazuril sulfone is relatively well absorbed after oral dose in cattle. These results are therefore entirely consistent with and support the reported clinical efficacy of toltrazuril sulfone in the treatment of experimentally induced clinical cases ofN. caninumand other protozoal‐mediated bovine diseases.
Comparison of the cardio‐respiratory effects of methadone and morphine in conscious dogs††
Authors: MAIANTE A. A. , TEIXEIRA NETO F. J. , BEIER S. L. , CORRENTE J. E. , PEDROSO C. E. B. P.
Published: December 2008

The effects of methadone and morphine were compared in conscious dogs. Six animals received morphine sulfate (1 mg/kg) or methadone hydrochloride (0.5 mg/kg [MET0.5] or 1.0 mg/kg [MET1.0]) intravenously (i.v.) in a randomized complete block design. Cardiopulmonary variables were recorded before (baseline), and for 120 min after drug administration. One outlier was not included in the statistical analysis for hemodynamic data. Morphine decreased heart rate (HR) compared to baseline from 30 to 120 min (−15% to −26%), while cardiac index (CI) was reduced only at 120 min (−19%). Greater and more prolonged reductions in HR (−32% to −46%) and in CI (−24% to −52%) were observed after MET1.0, while intermediate reductions were recorded after MET0.5 (−19 to −28% for HR and −17% to −27% for CI). The systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) was increased after methadone; MET1.0 produced higher SVRI values than MET0.5 (maximum increases: 57% and 165% for MET0.5 and MET1.0, respectively). Compared to morphine, oxygen partial pressure (PaO2) was lower (−12% to −13%) at 5 min of methadone (0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg), while carbon dioxide partial pressure (PaCO2) did not change significantly. It was concluded that methadone induces cardiovascular changes that are dose‐related and is a more potent cardiovascular depressant agent than morphine in conscious dogs.
Identification of SFR6, a key component in cold acclimation acting post‐translationally on CBF function
Authors: Knight Heather , Mugford Sarah G. , Ülker Bekir , Gao Dahai , Thorlby Glenn , Knight Marc R.
Published: December 2008

Thesfr6‐1mutant ofArabidopsis thalianawas identified previously on the basis of its failure to undergo acclimation to freezing temperatures following exposure to low positive temperatures. This failure is attributed to a defect in the pathway leading to cold on‐regulated (COR) gene expression via CBF (C‐box binding factor) transcription factors. We identified a region of chromosome 4 containingSFR6by positional mapping. Fine mapping of thesfr6‐1mutation proved impossible as the locus resides very close to the centromere. Therefore, we screened 380 T‐DNA lines with insertions in genes within the large region to whichsfr6‐1mapped. This resulted in the identification of two further mutant alleles ofSFR6(sfr6‐2andsfr6‐3); like the originalsfr6‐1mutation, these disrupt freezing tolerance andCORgene expression. To determine the protein sequence, we cloned anSFR6cDNA based on the predicted coding sequence, but this offered no indication as to the mechanism by which SFR6 acts. TheSFR6gene itself is not strongly regulated by cold, thus discounting regulation of SFR6 activity at the transcriptional level. We show that over‐expression of CBF1 or CBF2 transcription factors, which constitutively activateCORgenes in the wild‐type, cannot do so insfr6‐1. We demonstrate that CBF protein accumulates to wild‐type levels in response to cold insfr6‐1. These results indicate a role for the SFR6 protein in the CBF pathway ‐downstream of CBF translation. The fact that the SFR6 protein is targeted to the nucleus may suggest a direct role in modulating gene expression.
Modeling stress and drug craving in the laboratory: implications for addiction treatment development
Authors: Sinha Rajita
Published: December 2008

Addition is a chronic relapsing illness affected by multiple social, individual and biological factors that significantly impact course and recovery of the illness. Stress interacts with these factors and increases addiction vulnerability and relapse risk, thereby playing a significant role in the course of the illness. This paper reviews our efforts in developing and validating laboratory models of stress and drug cue‐related provocation to assess stress responses and stress‐related adaptation in addicted individuals compared with healthy controls. Empirical findings from human laboratory and brain imaging studies are presented to show the specific stress‐related dysregulation that accompanies the drug‐craving state in addicted individuals. In order to adequately validate our laboratory model, we have also carefully examined relapse susceptibility in the addicted individuals and these data are reviewed. The overarching goal of these efforts is to develop a valid laboratory model to identify the stress‐related pathophysiology in addiction with specific regard to persistent craving and compulsive seeking. Finally, the significant implications of these findings for the development of novel treatment interventions that target stress processes and drug craving to improve addiction relapse outcomes are discussed.
Effect of parental ageing on offspring developmental and survival attributes in an aphidophagous ladybird, Cheilomenes sexmaculata
Authors: Singh K. , Omkar
Published: December 2008

The present study is the first attempt to investigate the effect of parental ageing of Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fabricius) on total developmental period, developmental rate, adult weight on emergence, longevity, egg to adult survival and age‐specific survivorship of the offspring. Young parents (10–20 day old) produced offspring with the shortest total developmental period, highest development rate, highest weight on emergence, greater longevity and highest survival. Age‐specific survivorship of the offspring of younger parents declined later than the offspring of middle (30–40 day old) and old (50–60 day old) aged parents. This study would help in understanding the effect of parental ageing on future generations of predaceous ladybird beetles and would be helpful in designing mass multiplication programme of the bioagent, C. sexmaculata, in the laboratory.
NORMAL AND ABNORMAL VARIATION IN THE DIMENSIONS OF PAIRS OF KIDNEYS
Authors: Blandy JohnP. , Pead John
Published: December 2008

1. Study of kidney weights in post‐mortem material defined the limits of normal variation in weight between the members of pairs of healthy kidneys.

2. There is an almost identical variation in the areas of pairs of kidneys in normal pyelograms.

3. In a large series of pyelograms it was found that abnormally small kidneys were found more frequently on the right side than on the left.

4. This preponderance of contracted kidneys on the right side cannot be explained by hypo‐plasia, dysplasia or hypertensive vascular disease.

5. Post‐mortem weights of pairs of pyelonephritic kidneys show a disproportionate number of contracted kidneys on the right side.
CYTOLOGICAL VERSUS HISTOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF NEEDLE BIOPSY SPECIMENS IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF PROSTATIC CANCER
Authors: Ekman Hans , Hedberg Kersti , Person P. Sigvard
Published: December 2008

Biopsy specimens of the prostate were obtained by both fine‐needle transrectal puncture for cytological examination and by perianal puncture with a punch biopsy needle (Veenema's type) for histological examination in 100 cases of clinically manifest or suspect prostatic cancer. The former method produced material sufficient for examination in 96 per cent.; the latter, in 99 per cent. The results obtained by the two methods were concordant in 76 per cent.

Forty‐one cases were diagnosed as cancer cytologically and 45 histologically. Malignancy was suspected cytologically in 11 and histologically in five.

Of seven cases interpreted cytologically as cancer and histologically as benign or suspect, repeated histological biopsy revealed cancer in six.

Of 34 cases of malignant tumours graded cytologically and histologically, the results were concordant in 24.

Fine‐needle puncture is only a minor operation, it does not require hospitalisation or anzsthesia of the patient and its range of indications is wide. Judging from the above, cytological examination is from a practical point of view preferable to liistological examination as a routine procedure in the diagnosis of prostatic cancer.
CONCEPTS OF URETHRAL RESISTANCE
Authors: Rankin J. T.
Published: December 2008

The development of concepts of bladder outflow tract resistance is discussed. It is recommended that the calculated effective urethral cross‐sectional area as derived from the formula

A=1.14 F/P be adopted as the most satisfactory measure of outflow tract obstruction.
CYTOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF URINE USING A MEMBRANE FILTER1
Authors: Trott P. A.
Published: December 2008

One hundred and fifty‐six samples of urine from 148 patients were examined using a Gelman membrane filter, and 31 of these patients were seen to have a tumour cystoscopically at the time of urine examination. In two of these cases neoplastic cells were present on the filter, but absent in the smear made from the centrifuged deposit. The significance of the “false positive” result, and its relationship to carcinoma in situof the bladder is discussed.
One Store, Two Employment Systems: Core, Periphery and Flexibility in China's Retail Sector
Authors: Gamble Jos , Huang Qihai
Published: December 2008

Research on ‘flexible’ or ‘contingent work’, derived primarily from manufacturing and production contexts in Western settings, has often been theorized in terms of a core‐periphery model. Based upon ethnographic research on vendor representatives and regular store employees conducted at a multinational retail firm in China, we indicate that this model is insufficient to capture the complexity of employment arrangements in this context. This article delineates the coexistence of two employment systems and a quadrilateral relationship in which workers' interests sometimes overlap but often compete. Our research also indicates that institutional arrangements in China significantly affect the strategies that are open to firms and the consequent structure of employment relations.
Attenuation of positive and negative affect in men and women at increased risk for hypertension: A function of endogenous barostimulation?
Authors: Wilkinson Daniel Z. , France Christopher R.
Published: December 2008

We hypothesized that activation of endogenous baroreflexes would be associated with reduced responsivity to affective stimuli and that this effect would be enhanced in individuals at risk for hypertension. Images from the International Affective Picture System were presented during systolic and diastolic phases of the cardiac cycle. Affective responsivity was measured using electromyographic activity, skin conductance, and ratings of arousal and valence. Compared to offspring of normotensives, individuals with a parental history of hypertension showed reduced responsivity to both positive and negative affective stimuli; however, responsivity did not differ as a function of cardiac cycle phase. Although these findings do not support a barostimulation mechanism of affective dampening, it is premature to discount the baroreflex inhibition hypothesis given the limited affective reactions elicited by visual stimuli presented in the laboratory.
Trait anxiety and conflict monitoring following threat: An ERP study
Authors: Dennis Tracy A. , Chen Chao‐Cheng
Published: December 2008

Threat‐related attentional disruptions in anxiety may relate to changes in cognitive control during task processing. The present study examined this question using the N2 event‐related brain potential. It was predicted that threat stimuli will selectively influence the N2 for those showing elevated trait anxiety and that reduced N2 may reflect a compensatory process predicting better attention performance. EEG was recorded while 36 participants completed a cued flanker task with threat or nonthreat distracters. N2 amplitudes were greater to incongruent versus congruent flankers. Following threat, high trait anxious participants showed reduced modulation of the N2 by flanker type and greater N2 amplitudes to congruent flankers. Reduced N2 was associated with better attention performance. This study was among the first documenting the emotional modulation of the N2 related to the threat bias and its links with attention interference in anxiety.