bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermally dependent characteristics and spectral hole burning of the double-lasing, edge-emitting quantum-dot laser
Authors: Kim Y. J. , Joshi Y. K. , Fedorov A. G.
Published: April 2010

Thermally induced behavior of double-lasing edge-emitting quantum dot (QD) laser is investigated by coupling the electron/hole rate equation model with thermal analysis. The increase in substrate temperature due to laser self-heating causes the gradual and continual degradation of ground-state slope efficiency, roll-over, which eventually leads to a complete loss of ground-state light emission. Early excited-state spectral hole burning is observed, which is attributed to carrier leakage from the excited-state to the ground-state induced by the vigorous ground-state stimulated emission. At elevated temperatures, the enhanced carrier transport/communication yields the electron/hole occupation probabilities approaching quasithermal equilibrium, i.e., thermal equilibration. Spectral analysis also shows that self-heating results in recovery of the ground-state spectral hole burning of electron, which can be explained by the thermal equilibration. Homogeneous broadening optically synchronizes all the inhomogeneously broadened QDs by involving all the carriers at the same mode in different QDs, so that QD laser’s performance becomes more thermally sensitive. The strong coupling between thermally-induced emission and the spectral hole burning is demonstrated.
Dielectric relaxation and polaronic conduction in double perovskite La2MgMnO6
Authors: Lin Y. Q. , Chen X. M.
Published: April 2010

The dielectric and conductive characteristics of double perovskite La2MgMnO6 were investigated together with the mixed-valence structure. The magnetic characterization and x-ray photoemission spectroscopy analysis showed the co-presence of Mn3+ and Mn4+. A Debye type dielectric relaxation with an activation energy of 0.33 eV was observed in La2MgMnO6 ceramics. The relaxorlike dielectric characteristic was attributed to the dipolar effects coming from charge carrier hopping between Mn3+ and Mn4+. The dc conductivity of La2MgMnO6 was well fitted using adiabatic small polaron theory, and also correlated with the mixed-valence structure of Mn3+/Mn4+.
Edge-enhanced imaging obtained with very broad energy band x-rays
Authors: Taibi A. , Cardarelli P. , Di Domenico G. , Marziani M. , Gambaccini M. , Hanashima T. , Yamada H.
Published: April 2010

We demonstrate both theoretically and experimentally that edge-enhancement effects are produced when objects, in contact with the x-ray detector, are imaged by using very broad x-ray spectra. Radiographs of thin Al objects have been obtained with a table-top synchrotron source which generates x-rays in the energy range from a few kilo-electron-volts up to 6 MeV. Edge-enhancement effects arise from the combination of x-ray absorption (kilo-electron-volt part of the spectrum) and secondary particle emission (mega-electron-volt part of the spectrum) within the sample. The exact contribution of absorption and emission profiles in the edge-enhanced images has been calculated via Monte Carlo simulation.
The hairline plasma: An intermittent negative dc-corona discharge at atmospheric pressure for plasma medical applications
Authors: Bussiahn R. , Brandenburg R. , Gerling T. , Kindel E. , Lange H. , Lembke N. , Weltmann K.-D. , von Woedtke Th. , Kocher T.
Published: April 2010

A cold atmospheric pressure plasma source, called hairline plasma, for biological and medical applications has been developed. Using the physical effect of the negative dc corona discharge, a nanosecond pulsed microplasma has been created. The device produces a very thin (d∼30 μm) plasma filament with a length of up to 1.5 cm. Due to this geometrical parameters this plasma is particularly suitable for the treatment of microscopic cavities. The low plasma temperature allows to treat the human skin without any heating or painful irritation.
Coupled cluster with singles, doubles, and partial higher-order excitations based on the corresponding orbitals: The formulation and test applications for bond breaking processes
Authors: Xu Enhua , Shen Jun , Kou Zhuangfei , Li Shuhua
Published: April 2010

An approximate coupled-cluster (CC) method—CC singles, doubles, triples, and quadruples involving up to five-pair indices [CCSDTQ(5P)] based on the unrestricted Hartree–Fock (UHF) reference is presented. The key concept is to transform canonical molecular orbitals into corresponding orbitals so that all spin orbitals are grouped into pairs. An approximation to CCSDTQ(5P) is CCSDT(5P), in which none of quadruples are included. These two methods, CCSDT(5P) and CCSDTQ(5P), are approximations to the full CCSDT and CCSDTQ methods, respectively. Both methods computationally scale as the seventh power of the system size. They have been applied to study the bond breaking potential energy surfaces in several closed-shell molecules (HF, F2, CH4, H2O, and N2) and two open-shell molecules (OH and CH3). In comparison with full configuration interaction results, both methods are demonstrated to provide accurate descriptions for single-bond breaking processes, whose performance is significantly better than that of the UHF-based CCSD(T) method. For multiple bond breaking processes in H2O and N2, CCSDTQ(5P) or CCSDT(5P) also provides slightly better results than CCSD(T).
Dissociative electron attachment to pentaerythritol tetranitrate: Significant fragmentation near 0 eV
Authors: Edtbauer A. , Sulzer P. , Mauracher A. , Mitterdorfer C. , Ferreira da Silva F. , Denifl S. , Märk T. D. , Probst M. , Nunes Y. , Limão-Vieira P. , Scheier P.
Published: April 2010

Gas phase dissociative electron attachment (DEA) measurements to pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) are performed in a crossed electron-molecular beam experiment at high-energy resolution and high sensitivity. DEA is operative at very low energies close to ∼0 eV showing unique features corresponding to a variety of fragment anions being formed. There is no evidence of the parent anion formation. The fragmentation yields are also observed for higher electron energies and are operative via several resonant features in the range of 0–12 eV. In contrast to nitroaromatic compounds, PETN decays more rapidly upon electron attachment and preferentially low-mass anions are formed. The dominant fragment ion formed through DEA is assigned to the nitrogen trioxide NO3– and represents about 80% of the total anion yield. Further intense ion signals are due to NO2– (11%) and O− (2.5%). The significant instability of PETN after attachment of an electron with virtually no kinetic energy confers a highly explosive nature to this compound.
Polarization effects in molecular dynamics simulations of glass-formers Ca(NO3)2⋅nH2O, n=4, 6, and 8
Authors: Ribeiro Mauro C. C.
Published: April 2010

Thermodynamics, equilibrium structure, and dynamics of glass-forming liquids Ca(NO3)2⋅nH2O, n=4, 6, and 8, have been investigated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. A polarizable model was considered for H2O and NO3− on the basis of previous fluctuating charge models for pure water and the molten salt 2Ca(NO3)2⋅3KNO3. Similar thermodynamic properties have been obtained with nonpolarizable and polarizable models. The glass transition temperature, Tg, estimated from MD simulations was dependent on polarization, in particular the dependence of Tg with electrolyte concentration. Significant polarization effects on equilibrium structure were observed in cation-cation, cation-anion, and water-water structures. Polarization increases the diffusion coefficient of H2O, but does not change significantly the diffusion coefficients of ions. Viscosity decreases upon inclusion of polarization, but the conductivity calculated with the polarizable model is smaller than the nonpolarizable model because polarization enhances anion-cation interactions.
Thermodynamic and Thermophysical Properties of Organic Nitrogen Compounds. Part II. 1- and 2-Butanamine, 2-Methyl-1-Propanamine, 2-Methyl-2-Propanamine, Pyrrole, 1-,2-, and 3-Methylpyrrole, Pyridine, 2-,3-, and 4-Methylpyridine, Pyrrolidine, Piperidine, Indole, Quinoline, Isoquinoline, Acridine, Carbazole, Phenanthridine, 1- and 2-Naphthalenamine, and 9-Methylcarbazole
Authors: Das A. , Frenkel M. , Gadalla N. A. M. , Kudchadker S. , Marsh K. N. , Rodgers A. S. , Wilhoit R. C.
Published: April 2010

The thermodynamic and thermophysical properties of 1- and 2-butanamine, 2-methyl-1-propanamine, 2-methyl-2-propanamine, pyrrole, 1-, 2- and 3-methylpyrrole, pyridine, 2-, 3-, and 4-methylpyridine, pyrrolidine, piperiodine, indole, quinoline, isoquinoline, acridine, carbazole, phenanthridine, 1- and 2-naphthalenamine, and 9-methylcarbazole have been evaluated. Recommended values are given for the following properties: normal boiling, freezing and triple point temperatures, critical constants, thermodynamic properties in the solid and liquid phases, vapor pressure, enthalpy of vaporization, density, second virial coefficients, and enthalpy of combustion. Ideal gas thermodynamic properties have been calculated by statistical mechanical methods.
Protein structural dynamics in solution unveiled via 100-ps time-resolved x-ray scattering
Authors: Cho Hyun Sun , Dashdorj Naranbaatar , Schotte Friedrich , Graber Timothy , Henning Robert , Anfinrud Philip
Published: April 2010

We have developed a time-resolved x-ray scattering diffractometer capable of probing structural dynamics of proteins in solution with 100-ps time resolution. This diffractometer, developed on the ID14B BioCARS (Consortium for Advanced Radiation Sources) beamline at the Advanced Photon Source, records x-ray scattering snapshots over a broad range of
q
spanning 0.02–2.5 
Å
-1
, thereby providing simultaneous coverage of the small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) and wide-angle x-ray scattering (WAXS) regions. To demonstrate its capabilities, we have tracked structural changes in myoglobin as it undergoes a photolysis-induced transition from its carbon monoxy form (MbCO) to its deoxy form (Mb). Though the differences between the MbCO and Mb crystal structures are small (rmsd < 0.2 
Å
), time-resolved x-ray scattering differences recorded over 8 decades of time from 100 ps to 10 ms are rich in structure, illustrating the sensitivity of this technique. A strong, negative-going feature in the SAXS region appears promptly and corresponds to a sudden > 22 
Å
3
volume expansion of the protein. The ensuing conformational relaxation causes the protein to contract to a volume ∼2 
Å
3
larger than MbCO within ∼10 ns. On the timescale for CO escape from the primary docking site, another change in the SAXS/WAXS fingerprint appears, demonstrating sensitivity to the location of the dissociated CO. Global analysis of the SAXS/WAXS patterns recovered time-independent scattering fingerprints for four intermediate states of Mb. These SAXS/WAXS fingerprints provide stringent constraints for putative models of conformational states and structural transitions between them.
A relative Oka-Grauert principle for holomorphic submersions over 1-convex spaces
Authors: Prezelj Jasna
Published: April 2010

This paper presents the proof of the relative Oka-Grauert principle for holomorphic submersions over

1
1

-convex spaces using conic neighbourhoods of holomorphic sections over

1
1

-convex spaces. A proof of a version of Cartan’s Theorem

A
A

for

1
1

-convex spaces is also given.
Discrete groups and the complex contact geometry of 𝑆𝑙(2,ℂ)
Authors: Foreman Brendan
Published: April 2010

We investigate the vertical foliation of the standard complex contact structure on

Γ
∖
S
l
(
2
,

C

)

\Gamma \setminus Sl(2,\mathbb {C})

, where

Γ
\Gamma

is a discrete subgroup. We find that, if

Γ
\Gamma

is nonelementary, the vertical leaves on

Γ

∖
S
l
(
2
,

C

)

{\Gamma }\setminus Sl(2,\mathbb {C})

are holomorphic but not regular. However, if

Γ
\Gamma

is Kleinian, then

Γ
∖
S
l
(
2
,

C

)

\Gamma \setminus Sl(2,\mathbb {C})

contains an open, dense set on which the vertical leaves are regular, complete and biholomorphic to

C

∗

\mathbb {C}^*

. If

Γ
\Gamma

is a uniform lattice, the foliation is nowhere regular, although there are both infinitely many compact and infinitely many nonclosed leaves.
Depth zero Boolean algebras
Authors: Kach Asher
Published: April 2010

We study the class of depth zero Boolean algebras, both from a classical viewpoint and an effective viewpoint. In particular, we provide an algebraic characterization, constructing an explicit measure for each depth zero Boolean algebra and demonstrating there are no others, and an effective characterization, providing a necessary and sufficient condition for a depth zero Boolean algebra of rank at most 

ω
\omega

to have a computable presentation.
Countable groups of isometries on Banach spaces
Authors: Ferenczi Valentin , Galego Elói
Published: April 2010

A group

G
G

is representable in a Banach space

X
X

if

G
G

is isomorphic to the group of isometries on

X
X

in some equivalent norm. We prove that a countable group

G
G

is representable in a separable real Banach space

X
X

in several general cases, including when

G
≃
{
−
1
,
1
}
×
H

G \simeq \{-1,1\} \times H

,

H
H

finite and

dim
⁡
X
≥

|

H

|

\dim X \geq |H|

, or when

G
G

contains a normal subgroup with two elements and

X
X

is of the form

c
0

(
Y
)

c_0(Y)

or

ℓ
p

(
Y
)

\ell _p(Y)

,

1
≤
p
>
+
∞

1 \leq p >+\infty

. This is a consequence of a result inspired by methods of S. Bellenot (1986) and stating that under rather general conditions on a separable real Banach space

X
X

and a countable bounded group

G
G

of isomorphisms on

X
X

containing

−
I
d

-Id

, there exists an equivalent norm on

X
X

for which

G
G

is equal to the group of isometries on

X
X

.

We also extend methods of K. Jarosz (1988) to prove that any complex Banach space of dimension at least

2
2

may be renormed with an equivalent complex norm to admit only trivial real isometries, and that any complexification of a Banach space may be renormed with an equivalent complex norm to admit only trivial and conjugation real isometries. It follows that every real Banach space of dimension at least

4
4

and with a complex structure may be renormed to admit exactly two complex structures up to isometry, and that every real Cartesian square may be renormed to admit a unique complex structure up to isometry.
Morse-Bott homology
Authors: Banyaga Augustin , Hurtubise David
Published: April 2010

We give a new proof of the Morse Homology Theorem by constructing a chain complex associated to a Morse-Bott-Smale function that reduces to the Morse-Smale-Witten chain complex when the function is Morse-Smale and to the chain complex of smooth singular

N
N

-cube chains when the function is constant. We show that the homology of the chain complex is independent of the Morse-Bott-Smale function by using compactified moduli spaces of time dependent gradient flow lines to prove a Floer-type continuation theorem.
The resolvent kernel for PCF self-similar fractals
Authors: Ionescu Marius , Pearse Erin , Rogers Luke , Ruan Huo-Jun , Strichartz Robert
Published: April 2010

For the Laplacian

Δ
\Delta

defined on a p.c.f. self-similar fractal, we give an explicit formula for the resolvent kernel of the Laplacian with Dirichlet boundary conditions and also with Neumann boundary conditions. That is, we construct a symmetric function

G

(
λ
)

G^{(\lambda )}

which solves
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="left-parenthesis lamda double-struck upper I minus normal upper Delta right-parenthesis Superscript negative 1 Baseline f left-parenthesis x right-parenthesis equals integral upper G Superscript left-parenthesis lamda right-parenthesis Baseline left-parenthesis x comma y right-parenthesis f left-parenthesis y right-parenthesis d mu left-parenthesis y right-parenthesis">

(
λ

I

−
Δ

)

−
1

f
(
x
)
=
∫

G

(
λ
)

(
x
,
y
)
f
(
y
)

d
μ
(
y
)

(\lambda \mathbb {I} - \Delta )^{-1} f(x) = \int G^{(\lambda )}(x,y) f(y) \, d\mu (y)

. The method is similar to Kigami’s construction of the Green kernel and

G

(
λ
)

G^{(\lambda )}

is expressed as a sum of scaled and “translated” copies of a certain function

ψ

(
λ
)

\psi ^{(\lambda )}

which may be considered as a fundamental solution of the resolvent equation. Examples of the explicit resolvent kernel formula are given for the unit interval, standard Sierpinski gasket, and the level-3 Sierpinski gasket

S

G
3

SG_3

.
Calibrations associated to Monge-Ampère equations
Authors: Warren Micah
Published: April 2010

We show the volume maximizing property of the special Lagrangian submanifolds of a pseudo-Euclidean space. These special Lagrangian submanifolds arise locally as gradient graphs of solutions to Monge-Ampère equations.
Admissible unitary completions of locally ℚ_{𝕡}-rational representations of 𝔾𝕃₂(𝔽)
Authors: Paškūnas Vytautas
Published: April 2010

Let

F
F

be a finite extension of

Q

p

\mathbb {Q}_p

,

p
>
2

p>2

. We construct admissible unitary completions of certain representations of

G
L

2

(
F
)

\mathrm {GL}_2(F)

on

L
L

-vector spaces, where

L
L

is a finite extension of

F
F

. When

F
=

Q

p

F=\mathbb {Q}_p

using the results of Berger, Breuil and Colmez we obtain some results about lifting

2
2

-dimensional mod

p
p

representations of the absolute Galois group of

Q

p

\mathbb {Q}_p

to crystabelline representations with given Hodge-Tate weights.
Essential Role for the CRAC Activation Domain in Store-dependent Oligomerization of STIM1
Authors: Covington Elizabeth D. , Wu Minnie M. , Lewis Richard S.
Published: April 2010

Oligomerization of the ER Ca2+ sensor STIM1 is an essential step in store-operated Ca2+ entry. The lumenal EF-hand and SAM domains of STIM1 are believed to initiate oligomerization after Ca2+ store depletion, but the contributions of STIM1 cytosolic domains (coiled-coil 1, CC1; coiled-coil 2, CC2; CRAC activation domain, CAD) to this process are not well understood. By applying coimmunoprecipitation and fluorescence photobleaching and energy transfer techniques to truncated and mutant STIM1 proteins, we find that STIM1 cytosolic domains play distinct roles in forming both “resting” oligomers in cells with replete Ca2+ stores and higher-order oligomers in store-depleted cells. CC1 supports the formation of resting STIM1 oligomers and appears to interact with cytosolic components to slow STIM1 diffusion. On store depletion, STIM1 lacking all cytosolic domains (STIM1-ΔC) oligomerizes through EF-SAM interactions alone, but these oligomers are unstable. Addition of CC1 + CAD, but not CC1 alone, enables the formation of stable store-dependent oligomers. Within the CAD, both CC2 and C-terminal residues contribute to oligomer formation. Our results reveal a new function for the CAD: in addition to binding and activating Orai1, it is directly involved in STIM1 oligomerization, the initial event triggering store-operated Ca2+ entry.
Genetics of Leaf Rust Resistance in the Soft Red Winter Wheat Cultivars Coker 9663 and Pioneer 26R61
Authors: Kolmer J. A.
Published: April 2010

Leaf rust, caused by the fungus Puccinia triticina, is an important disease of soft red winter wheat cultivars that are grown in the southern and eastern United States. The objectives of this study were to identify the leaf rust resistance genes in two soft red winter wheat cultivars, Coker 9663 and Pioneer 26R61, that have been widely grown and were initially highly resistant to leaf rust. Both cultivars were crossed with the leaf-rust-susceptible spring wheat cv. Thatcher and the F1 plants were crossed to Thatcher to obtain backcross (BC1) F2 families. In seedlings, the Thatcher/Coker 9663 BC1F2 families segregated for three independent seedling resistance genes when tested with different leaf rust isolates. The leaf rust infection types of selected BC1F3 lines, when tested with different leaf rust isolates, indicated that seedling resistance genes Lr9, Lr10, and Lr14a were present. In field plot tests, BC1F4 lines that were seedling susceptible had some adult plant resistance to leaf rust. Seedlings of the Thatcher/Pioneer 26R61 BC1F2 families segregated for two independent resistance genes. Infection types of selected BC1F3 lines indicated the presence of Lr14b and Lr26. The adult plant gene Lr13 was determined to be present in selected BC1F4 lines that were tested with different leaf rust isolates in greenhouse tests.
First Report of Neofusicoccum parvum Causing Dieback Disease of Chinese Weeping Cypress in China
Authors: Li S. B. , Li J. Z. , Li S. C. , Lu Z. H. , Wang J. H. , Zhang H.
Published: April 2010

Cupressus funebris Endl. (Chinese weeping cypress) is native to southwestern and central China. In June 2008, blighted shoots of Chinese weeping cypress trees were observed in Yunnan Province (southwestern China). Symptomatic trees were located in an ornamental planting established approximately 8 to 12 years ago. Additional samples were collected from 11 locations in the provinces of Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, and Chongqing. Disease symptoms included yellowing and wilting of leaves on several branches, followed by sudden death within 6 to 8 weeks. Cross sections on trunks and branches revealed darkened zones. Tissue from diseased samples was plated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and incubated at 25°C. Fungal isolates developed copious, white, aerial mycelium that became dark gray after 4 to 6 days and formed black pycnidia after 25 days. Conidia were hyaline, ellipsoidal to fusiform, externally smooth, thin walled, nonseptate, and measured 12.5 to 18.5 × 4.0 to 6.5 μm. Identity was confirmed by analysis of the rDNA internal transcribed spacer region (ITSI-5.8S-ITS2) and the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (EF1-α). BLAST searches at GenBank showed a high identity with reference sequences (ITS: >99%; EF1-α: 100%). Representative sequences of both regions were deposited in GenBank (ITS: Accession No. FJ842960 and FJ842961; EF1-α: Accession No. GU811148). Morphological and molecular results confirmed this species as Neofusicoccum parvum, reported as the anamorph of Botryosphaeria parva. Pathogenicity tests were conducted by stem inoculation of 2-year-old C. funebris seedlings. Mycelial plugs (4 mm in diameter) of N. parvum from actively growing colonies were applied to same-size bark wounds on the middle point of the stems. Control seedlings were inoculated with sterile PDA plugs. Inoculated and control seedlings (five each) were kept in a greenhouse and watered as needed. After 5 weeks, all C. funebris seedlings showed leaf wilting and dark vascular stem tissue. N. parvum was reisolated from all inoculated, symptomatic tissues, fulfilling Koch's postulates; no symptoms were visible in the control seedlings. N. parvum has previously been reported to cause canker and dieback disease of avocado (3), mango (2), and magenta cherry (Syzygium paniculatum) (1). To our knowledge, this is the first report of N. parvum causing dieback of C. funebris in China.

References: (1) R. C. Ploetz et al. Plant Pathol. 58:801, 2009. (2) B. Slippers et al. Mycologia 97:99, 2005. (3) T. Zea-Bonilla et al. Plant Dis. 91:1052, 2007.
First Report of Brown Rot Caused by Monilinia fructicola on Apricot in a Swiss Orchard
Authors: Hilber-Bodmer M. , Bünter M. , Patocchi A.
Published: April 2010

Monilinia fructicola (G. Wint.), causal agent of brown rot on stone and pome fruits, is a quarantine pathogen in Europe (EPPO A2 quarantine pest). Since it was first discovered in French orchards in 2001, this pathogen has been officially identified from orchards in Austria (eradicated), Spain, Czech Republic, Italy, and Germany. M. fructicola has also been reported on imported fruit in Hungary and Switzerland (2). Orchard surveys in Switzerland in 2003 and 2005 found no evidence of natural infections (2). From July to August 2008, a large-scale survey of orchards was conducted in the primary apricot- (Prunus armeniaca Linn.) production region of Switzerland (Canton Valais). Apricots showing brown rot symptoms were collected from 57 different orchards at packinghouses (152 samples). In addition, mummies and fresh fruits showing brown rot symptoms were directly collected from three orchards (70 samples). All samples were tested using the PCR-based assay of Côté et al. (3). Ten apricots, originating from an orchard where the samples were directly collected from the trees, tested positive for M. fructicola. These apricots showed brown, sunken lesions covered with grayish pustules. The remaining brown rot samples were identified as M. laxa and M. fructigena. The positive samples were confirmed by the M. fructicola PCR protocols of Hughes et al. (4), following the EPPO diagnostic protocol (1). Eight amplicons obtained with the PCR protocol of Hughes et al. (4) were sequenced, compared with each other, and blasted to the NCBI database. These amplicons were identical to each other and had a 100% match to 16 M. fructicola isolates originating from several countries including the United States, New Zealand, Japan, and China. The unicellular, hyaline, lemon-shaped conidia of three isolates grown at 22°C on PDA averaged 14.4 ± 1.3 μm long and 8.8 ± 0.77 μm wide, therefore fitting the description for M. fructicola (1). Koch's postulates were fulfilled by reproducing brown rot symptoms on mature apricots inoculated with conidia. Six days after inoculation, typical brown rot symptoms appeared on inoculated fruits while control fruits remained healthy. Molecular tests performed with the protocol of Côté et al. (3) and Hughes et al. (4) confirmed the presence of M. fructicola on the inoculated fruits. In 2009, the presence M. fructicola in the orchard where the pathogen was detected in 2008 was verified. One hundred and thirty-seven apricots showing brown rot symptoms were collected and tested (3). M. fructicola was recovered from two samples, indicating the persistence of the pathogen in the orchard. To our knowledge, this is the first report of natural infection of M. fructicola in a Swiss orchard.

References: (1) Anonymous. OEPP/EPPO Bull. 33:281, 2003. (2) E. Bosshard et al. Plant Dis. 90:1554, 2006. (3) M.-J. Côté et al. Plant Dis. 88:1219, 2004. (4) K. J. D. Hughes et al. OEPP/EPPO Bull. 30:507, 2000.
Isolation, Characterization, and Sensitivity to 2,4-Diacetylphloroglucinol of Isolates of Phialophora spp. from Washington Wheat Fields
Authors: Kwak Youn-Sig , Bakker Peter A. H. M. , Glandorf Debora C. M. , Rice Jennifer T. , Paulitz Timothy C. , Weller David M.
Published: April 2010

Dark pigmented fungi of the Gaeumannomyces–Phialophora complex were isolated from the roots of wheat grown in fields in eastern Washington State. These fungi were identified as Phialophora spp. on the basis of morphological and genetic characteristics. The isolates produced lobed hyphopodia on wheat coleoptiles, phialides, and hyaline phialospores. Sequence comparison of internal transcribed spacer regions indicated that the Phialophora isolates were clearly separated from other Gaeumannomyces spp. Primers AV1 and AV3 amplified 1.3-kb portions of an avenacinase-like gene in the Phialophora isolates. Phylogenetic trees of the avenacinase-like gene in the Phialophora spp. also clearly separated them from other Gaeumannomyces spp. The Phialophora isolates were moderately virulent on wheat and barley and produced confined black lesions on the roots of wild oat and two oat cultivars. Among isolates tested for their sensitivity to 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (2,4-DAPG), the 90% effective dose values were 11.9 to 48.2 μg ml–1. A representative Phialophora isolate reduced the severity of take-all on wheat caused by two different isolates of Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici. To our knowledge, this study provides the first report of an avenacinase-like gene in Phialophora spp. and demonstrated that the fungus is significantly less sensitive to 2,4-DAPG than G. graminis var. tritici.
Quantitative Trait Loci in the Ogle/TAM O-301 Oat Mapping Population Controlling Resistance to Puccinia coronata in the Field
Authors: Jackson E. W. , Obert D. E. , Avant J. B. , Harrison S. A. , Chong J. , Carson M. L. , Bonman J. M.
Published: April 2010

Crown rust is the most damaging disease of cultivated oat (Avena sativa) and genetic resistance is the primary means of controlling the disease. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) with major and minor effects have been identified in Ogle1040 and TAM O-301 (most notably, Pc58 and PcNQMG/LGCG from TAM O-301 and OT-27 from Ogle1040) through single-isolate greenhouse and field tests. To map loci and determine the effectiveness of previously identified QTL against naturally occurring pathogen populations in highly disease-conducive environments, the Ogle/TAM O-301 (OT) recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was grown in Texas and Louisiana over 2 years and in Manitoba, Canada. The genetic region characterized by the Pc58 resistance gene complex, particularly Pc58a, accounted for most of the diseased leaf area (DLA) and infection type (IT) variance in all five experiments. Additionally, the genetic region characterized by PcNQMG/LGCG accounted for a portion of the IT variance in three experiments. Although no QTL was detected on OT-27 in this study, all the markers on this linkage group were associated (P < 0.0001) with reducing both IT and DLA using single-marker analysis. Screening with 25 Puccinia coronata isolates from six different states indicated that Pc58abc and Pc58a were highly effective, while characterization using F2 populations derived from OT RILs containing the two main genetic regions responsible for crown rust resistance in TAM O-301 (Pc58 and PcNQMG/LGCG) and a minor QTL in Ogle (OT-27) indicated that Pc58a, in combination with a locus in Ogle1040, provided high levels of resistance to natural races in Texas. This study provides new information and key loci in OT mapping population and may be useful for effective control of crown rust in North America.
Identification and Validation of Quantitative Trait Loci for Partial Resistance to Crown Rust in Oat
Authors: Acevedo M. , Jackson E. W. , Chong J. , Rines H. W. , Harrison S. , Bonman J. M.
Published: April 2010

Management of oat crown rust disease with host resistance is challenging because major gene resistance is generally short lived. Partially resistant oat cultivars could benefit oat growers by providing more durable resistance. The objective of this study was to validate and discover quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting crown rust resistance in the partially resistant oat line MN841801-1 using conventional and molecular assessments of disease produced in single-race greenhouse inoculations, single-race polycyclic field tests, and under natural infection in disease-conducive environments. Crown rust was assessed on 150 F6:9 MN841801-1/‘Noble-2’ recombinant inbred lines. In total, eight QTL associated with MN841801-1 alleles were detected. Of these, seven matched QTL previously identified while a new QTL (Prq8) was detected on linkage group MN13. Four QTL (Prq1a, Prq2, Prq7, and Prq8) were consistently detected and predicative genetic assays for these QTL should be developed for future validation in additional genetic backgrounds.
Role of Caveolin-3 and Glucose Transporter-4 in Isoflurane-induced Delayed Cardiac Protection
Authors: Tsutsumi Yasuo M. , Kawaraguchi Yoshitaka , Horikawa Yousuke T. , Niesman Ingrid R. , Kidd Michael W. , Chin-Lee Blake , Head Brian P. , Patel Piyush M. , Roth David M. , Patel Hemal H.
Published: April 2010

Background

Caveolae are small, flask-like invaginations of the plasma membrane. Caveolins are structural proteins found in caveolae that have scaffolding properties to allow organization of signaling. The authors tested the hypothesis that delayed cardiac protection induced by volatile anesthetics is caveolae or caveolin dependent.

Methods

An in vivo mouse model of ischemia-reperfusion injury with delayed anesthetic preconditioning (APC) was tested in wild-type, caveolin-1 knockout, and caveolin-3 knockout mice. Mice were exposed to 30 min of oxygen or isoflurane and allowed to recover for 24 h. After 24 h recovery, mice underwent 30-min coronary artery occlusion followed by 2 h of reperfusion at which time infarct size was determined. Biochemical assays were also performed in excised hearts.

Results

Infarct size as a percent of the area at risk was reduced by isoflurane in wild-type (24.0 +/- 8.8% vs. 45.1 +/- 10.1%) and caveolin-1 knockout mice (27.2 +/- 12.5%). Caveolin-3 knockout mice did not show delayed APC (41.5 +/- 5.0%). Microscopically distinct caveolae were observed in wild-type and caveolin-1 knockout mice but not in caveolin-3 knockout mice. Delayed APC increased the amount of caveolin-3 protein but not caveolin-1 protein in discontinuous sucrose-gradient buoyant fractions. In addition, glucose transporter-4 was increased in buoyant fractions, and caveolin-3/glucose transporter-4 colocalization was observed in wild-type and caveolin-1 knockout mice after APC.

Conclusions

These results show that delayed APC involves translocation of caveolin-3 and glucose transporter-4 to caveolae, resulting in delayed protection in the myocardium.
Homotypic clusters of transcription factor binding sites are a key component of human promoters and enhancers
Authors: Gotea Valer , Visel Axel , Westlund John M. , Nobrega Marcelo A. , Pennacchio Len A. , Ovcharenko Ivan
Published: April 2010

Clustering of multiple transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) for the same transcription factor (TF) is a common feature of cis-regulatory modules in invertebrate animals, but the occurrence of such homotypic clusters of TFBSs (HCTs) in the human genome has remained largely unknown. To explore whether HCTs are also common in human and other vertebrates, we used known binding motifs for vertebrate TFs and a hidden Markov model–based approach to detect HCTs in the human, mouse, chicken, and fugu genomes, and examined their association with cis-regulatory modules. We found that evolutionarily conserved HCTs occupy nearly 2% of the human genome, with experimental evidence for individual TFs supporting their binding to predicted HCTs. More than half of the promoters of human genes contain HCTs, with a distribution around the transcription start site in agreement with the experimental data from the ENCODE project. In addition, almost half of the 487 experimentally validated developmental enhancers contain them as well—a number more than 25-fold larger than expected by chance. We also found evidence of negative selection acting on TFBSs within HCTs, as the conservation of TFBSs is stronger than the conservation of sequences separating them. The important role of HCTs as components of developmental enhancers is additionally supported by a strong correlation between HCTs and the binding of the enhancer-associated coactivator protein Ep300 (also known as p300). Experimental validation of HCT-containing elements in both zebrafish and mouse suggest that HCTs could be used to predict both the presence of enhancers and their tissue specificity, and are thus a feature that can be effectively used in deciphering the gene regulatory code. In conclusion, our results indicate that HCTs are a pervasive feature of human cis-regulatory modules and suggest that they play an important role in gene regulation in the human and other vertebrate genomes.
A Comprehensive Toolkit of Plant Cell Wall Glycan-Directed Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Pattathil Sivakumar , Avci Utku , Baldwin David , Swennes Alton G. , McGill Janelle A. , Popper Zoë , Bootten Tracey , Albert Anathea , Davis Ruth H. , Chennareddy Chakravarthy , Dong Ruihua , O'Shea Beth , Rossi Ray , Leoff Christine , Freshour Glenn , Narra Rajesh , O'Neil Malcolm , York William S. , Hahn Michael G.
Published: April 2010

A collection of 130 new plant cell wall glycan-directed monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) was generated with the aim of facilitating in-depth analysis of cell wall glycans. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based screen against a diverse panel of 54 plant polysaccharides was used to characterize the binding patterns of these new mAbs, together with 50 other previously generated mAbs, against plant cell wall glycans. Hierarchical clustering analysis was used to group these mAbs based on the polysaccharide recognition patterns observed. The mAb groupings in the resulting cladogram were further verified by immunolocalization studies in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) stems. The mAbs could be resolved into 19 clades of antibodies that recognize distinct epitopes present on all major classes of plant cell wall glycans, including arabinogalactans (both protein- and polysaccharide-linked), pectins (homogalacturonan, rhamnogalacturonan I), xyloglucans, xylans, mannans, and glucans. In most cases, multiple subclades of antibodies were observed to bind to each glycan class, suggesting that the mAbs in these subgroups recognize distinct epitopes present on the cell wall glycans. The epitopes recognized by many of the mAbs in the toolkit, particularly those recognizing arabinose- and/or galactose-containing structures, are present on more than one glycan class, consistent with the known structural diversity and complexity of plant cell wall glycans. Thus, these cell wall glycan-directed mAbs should be viewed and utilized as epitope-specific, rather than polymer-specific, probes. The current world-wide toolkit of approximately 180 glycan-directed antibodies from various laboratories provides a large and diverse set of probes for studies of plant cell wall structure, function, dynamics, and biosynthesis.
Achieving better performance through target cost contracts
Authors: Chan Daniel W.M. , Lam Patrick T.I. , Chan Albert P.C. , Wong James M.W.
Published: April 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the implementation framework, project performance, underlying motives, perceived benefits, potential difficulties, as well as critical success factors, of adopting the target cost contracting (TCC) form of procurement, based on an in‐depth real‐life case study of a challenging underground railway station modification project in Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

The case project was analysed by means of the related project documentation and face‐to‐face interviews with the relevant senior representatives from the client organisation.

Findings

The target cost‐based procurement strategy generates a plethora of benefits throughout the whole delivery process of the project case, including the provision of cost incentives for the contractor to work efficiently, aligning individual goals of various contracting parties with the overall project objectives, achieving better value for money and more satisfactory overall project performance in terms of time, cost and dispute occurrence.

Practical implications

Although the selected TCC case study project is based in Hong Kong, the research findings and hands‐on experience of the relevant industrial practitioners may be cross‐referenced to other similar TCC projects in other parts of the world for international comparisons.

Originality/value

The paper provides some useful insights into assisting key project stakeholders in maximising the benefits, whilst minimising the detriments brought about by potential difficulties in launching the TCC scheme. It seeks more research evidence to evaluate the entire project delivery process, and capture the levels of success and lessons learned from previous TCC construction projects for generating best practice recommendations to achieve better construction performance.
Effects of web experience on consumer choice: a multicultural approach
Authors: Constantinides Efthymios , Lorenzo‐Romero Carlota , Gómez Miguel A.
Published: April 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to analyze the buying behavior of internet users in two European countries with different cultural backgrounds, Spain and The Netherlands, assessing the influence of online experience factors on the choice of an internet vendor. It also aims to identify and compare the influence of personal and behavioral characteristics on the e‐vendor choice.

Design/methodology/approach

The study simulated a realistic virtual shopping activity in the computer laboratory; participants had to complete an online shopping assignment and an online questionnaire.

Findings

The findings indicate that the basic traits of the online consumer behavior of internet users in the two countries are quite similar. Most of the disparities observed are attributed to different levels of experience with the internet as a commercial channel.

Research limitations/implications

The outcome could suggest the emergence of a global virtual village, an issue worthy of further research but also of particular importance for global web vendors and website designers. The basic limitation of the study is that it is conducted in only two European countries and refers only to online purchasing of a standardized tangible consumer product.

Practical implications

The findings of the study can be translated to web design guidelines useful to online organizations operating in different cultural or ethnic environments.

Originality/value

The paper presents one of the first studies comparing the influence of online experience factors in two culturally different countries.
The influence of hydrology and waterway distance on population structure of Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha in a large river
Authors: Olsen J. B. , Beacham T. D. , Wetklo M. , Seeb L. W. , Smith C. T. , Flannery B. G. , Wenburg J. K.
Published: April 2010

Adult Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha navigate in river systems using olfactory cues that may be influenced by hydrologic factors such as flow and the number, size and spatial distribution of tributaries. Thus, river hydrology may influence both homing success and the level of straying (gene flow), which in turn influences population structure. In this study, two methods of multivariate analysis were used to examine the extent to which four indicators of hydrology and waterway distance explained population structure of O. tshawytscha in the Yukon River. A partial Mantel test showed that the indicators of hydrology were positively associated with broad‐scale (Yukon basin) population structure, when controlling for the influence of waterway distance. Multivariate multiple regression showed that waterway distance, supplemented with the number and flow of major drainage basins, explained more variation in broad‐scale population structure than any single indicator. At an intermediate spatial scale, indicators of hydrology did not appear to influence population structure after accounting for waterway distance. These results suggest that habitat changes in the Yukon River, which alter hydrology, may influence the basin‐wide pattern of population structure in O. tshawytscha. Further research is warranted on the role of hydrology in concert with waterway distance in influencing population structure in Pacific salmon.
Multiple factors have shaped the phylogeography of Chinese spiny loach Cobitis sinensis in Taiwan as inferred from mitochondrial DNA variation
Authors: Chiang T.‐Y. , Lin H.‐D. , Shao K.‐T. , Hsu K.‐C.
Published: April 2010

Mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b sequences (1140 bp) in 61 specimens of Chinese spiny loach Cobitis sinensis from 12 drainages in Taiwan were identified as two major clades, exhibiting a southern and a northern distribution, north of TzengWen and south of TzengWen (including TzengWen), respectively. The divergence time between these two phylogroups was estimated at 7·34–9·06 million years before present (b.p.), but these two phylogroups were formed c. 3·41–4·23 and 2·22–2·75 M b.p., respectively. Moreover, geological events have been recalculated that Taiwan Island emerged above sea level at an estimate of c. 4–5 M b.p., and quickly became its present shape at c. 2 M b.p. through mountain building. These results suggest that these two major clades of C. sinensis in Taiwan might originate from two different continental populations, since the island's initial isolation in the Pliocene. Within southern Taiwan, the initial colonization was hypothesized to be in KaoPing River, followed by its northward dispersal. The high divergence between KaoPing and TzengWen was influenced by glaciations and landforms. Within north Taiwan, the colonization was from the Miaoli Plateau through western Taiwan to north‐eastern and northern Taiwan. This dispersal pattern is concordant with the previously proposed hypothesis. Apparently, both geological and phylogeographic evidence suggested that river capture of the upper Takia River by the LanYang River promoted range expansion in freshwater fishes and also indicated that the Central Range within Taiwan did not act as a barrier to the dispersal of C. sinensis.
Generation and analysis of 10 000 ESTs from the half‐smooth tongue sole Cynoglossus semilaevis and identification of microsatellite and SNP markers
Authors: Sha Z. , Wang S. , Zhuang Z. , Wang Q. , Wang Q. , Li P. , Ding H. , Wang N. , Liu Z. , Chen S.
Published: April 2010

Three normalized cDNA libraries were constructed, two of which were constructed from reproductive tissues ovary and testis, and the other one from pooled immune tissues including head kidney, intestine, liver and spleen. A total of 10 542 clones were sequenced generating 10 128 expressed sequence tags (ESTs). Cluster analysis indicated a total of 5808 unique sequences including 1712 contigs and 4096 singletons. A total of 4249 (73%) of the unique ESTs had significant hits to the non‐redundant protein database, 2253 of which were annotated using Gene Ontology (GO) terms. A total of 311 microsatellites (with 246 having sufficient flanking sequences for primer design) and 6294 putative SNPs were identified. These genome resources provide the material basis for future microarray development, marker validation and genetic linkage and QTL analysis.
Polycomb group molecule PHC3 regulates polycomb complex composition and prognosis of osteosarcoma
Authors: Iwata Shintaro , Takenobu Hisanori , Kageyama Hajime , Koseki Haruhiko , Ishii Takeshi , Nakazawa Atsuko , Tatezaki Shin‐ichiro , Nakagawara Akira , Kamijo Takehiko
Published: April 2010

Polyhomeotic homolog 3 (PHC 3) is a member of the human polycomb complex and has been regarded as a candidate tumor suppressor of osteosarcoma. In the present paper, we performed a mutation survey and PHC3 expression analysis by quantitative real‐time PCR using 10 osteosarcoma cell lines and 42 primary osteosarcoma samples. Relative PHC3 expression values of clinical samples were analyzed with clinical outcomes, and it was suggested that lower PHC3‐expressing patients had significantly worse overall survival. Relative PHC3 values of clinical samples were less than those of normal bone tissues, whereas they were greater than those of cell lines. By denaturing high performance liquid chromatography analysis and direct sequencing, we found a PHC3 missense mutation in U2OS cells, which resulted in arginine56 to proline substitution. The same point mutation existed in four of 42 primary osteosarcoma samples. Regarding functional analysis, PHC3 expression significantly suppressed the colony formation of tumor cells. Intriguingly, polycomb repressive complex 1 members, Bmi1 and Ring1b proteins, were reduced in PHC3‐expressing osteosarcoma cells. Deletion mutant PHC3 expression suggested that the carboxyl terminus of PHC3 has a role in suppression; the above‐mentioned point mutation of PHC3 also lost inhibitory activities. Conversely, Bmi1 expression reduced PHC3 at the mRNA level and induced the proliferation of osteosarcoma cells. Taken together, we confirmed the role of PHC3 as a tumor suppressor in osteosarcoma cells and found that PHC3‐dependent tumor suppression may be caused by modification of the composition of polycomb repressive complex 1 in cancer cells. (Cancer Sci 2010)