bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The thickness dependence of elastic modulus of organosilane interphases
Authors: Jancar J.
Published: October 2008

Series of organosilanes with varying molecular structure was deposited onto E glass. Solution coating and rf plasma enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PE‐CVD) techniques were used. Thickness of the deposited layers varied from 30 nm to 106 nm. Vibrational piezoelectric resonator technique and the speed of Rayleigh wave measurement were used to determine elastic modulus of the layers deposited on the glass substrate as a function of layer thickness. In all cases, increase of the Young modulus, E, of the organosilane layer with decreasing layer thickness was observed. Solution deposited layers exhibited always significantly lower elastic moduli compared to the layers deposited using PE‐CVD technique. Elastic moduli of deposited layers increased with increasing hydrocarbon chain rigidity at comparable chain length. Chlorosilane interlayers possessed always significantly greater elastic modulus compared to their ethoxy‐analogues. The observed increase of E with the decreasing layer thickness was ascribed to the reduction of the molecular mobility of chains near solid surface compared to their mobility in the bulk. It was shown that increasing the bond strength between the deposited layer and the solid E‐glass substrate resulted in immobilized region with constraints imposed by the surface spanning into a distance from the surface. This was in agreement with current models of reinforcement mechanism in nanocomposites based on the idea of immobilized entanglements. It was shown that the deposition technique plays important role in controlling the structure and properties of the deposited interphase. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
A robust shock and noise model for the manufacturing of molded LDPE foams
Authors: Chedly S. , Chettah A. , Bonnefoy H. , Ichchou M.N.
Published: October 2008

The article concerns the injection manufacturing process of molded foam sheets and their intrinsic shock and noise performances. The main goal is to optimize the physical performances of molded plastic foams at an early stage in their design and manufacturing. The effects of injection process parameters on the properties of molded LDPE foams are investigated. The input optimization parameters considered are: injection temperature, mold temperature, injection speed, plasticization back pressure, and screw rotation speed during the plasticization phase. The output optimization parameters considered are: density, shock absorption, and acoustic absorption. The experimental design method made use of the Taguchi table and central composition design. This allows us to identify simplified mathematical models for input/output and to detect the most influential input in the injection process. We conclude by validating the models and their robustness. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of crystallite size on the deformation and fracture of poly(vinylidene fluoride‐trifluorethylene) ferroelectric copolymer films under uniaxial tension
Authors: Fang F. , Yang W. , Jia C. , Zhang F.C.
Published: October 2008

The deformation and fracture behavior is characterized for poly(vinylidene fluoride‐trifluorethylene) 75/25 mol% copolymer films under uniaxial tension. The films are prepared by solution casting and then annealed at 135°C for 2 h, 6 h, and at 140°C for 2 h, respectively. The results demonstrate that all the copolymer films show the typical polymeric brittle fracture behavior. The copolymer film annealed at 135°C for 2 h shows the best combination of ductility and strength, with the fracture strain reaching 9.6%. Scanning electron microscope observation and X‐ray diffraction analysis are carried out to examine the morphology and microstructure change during uniaxial tension. It is revealed that the average size of the polymer crystallites increases while the content of the crystallites hardly changes as the annealing time or temperature increases. Reduction in the crystallite size leads to enhanced fracture strain and strength for the copolymer film under uniaxial tension. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Modeling contraction flows and swell of polymer melts extruded from dies of various lengths
Authors: Jeong Jae‐Hyeuk , Leonov Arkady I.
Published: October 2008

This article describes isothermal contraction flows and extrudate swell, using our recent model for fast (high Deborah number) contraction flows of polymers melts. The model analyzes the polymer flow in several regions as one continuous process. This approach makes possible to evaluate the extrudate swell as a result of complex contraction polymer flow in dies of various length. Using the asymptotic matching conditions for the change in flow type at the die exit allowed us to calculate the swelling profile for extrudate in the flow direction. The present calculations performed using a multi‐mode viscoelastic constitutive equation of differential type, are compared with the experimental/direct numerical data including basic rheological tests. The presented complex model for contraction flow and swelling consists of no fitting parameter and is applicable for calculations using any viscoelastic constitutive equation. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Direct patterning of polystyrene–polymethyl methacrylate copolymer by means of laser interference lithography using UV laser irradiation
Authors: Lasagni A.F. , Acevedo D.F. , Barbero C.A. , Mücklich F.
Published: October 2008

The fabrication of functionalized surfaces on polymeric substrates is of importance in chemistry, biology, physics, and material science. Examples of functional surfaces are micro/nano periodic arrays that can be fabricated using different methods. However, many of these techniques require several fabrication steps. In this communication, we report the fabrication of advanced architectures in poly(methylmethacrylate)–polystyrene (PMMA–PS) copolymers using direct laser interference patterning. Because of the mixed optical properties of the copolymers, a different type of periodic architectures could be fabricated when compared with traditional pure polymers. This new type of periodic structures results from the local swelling of the copolymer due to the formation of gaseous products induced by the laser radiation. Additionally, relatively low laser fluences are necessary to initiate the ablation process of the copolymers. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Studies on epoxy blends modified with a hyperbranched polyester
Authors: Cicala G. , Recca G.
Published: October 2008

Thermomechanical and rheological properties of epoxy blends modified with different percentages of a hyperbranched polymer have been reported. The addition of the hyperbranched modifier did not alter the rheological behavior of the blend. This effect is particularly advantageous for some composite manufacturing techniques because it allows for the establishment of low viscosity during processing. Morphological development was studied under curing by hot stage microscopy. The cryo‐fractured surfaces of the cured samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The morphological analysis showed that the blends did not phase separate at any modifier percentage. This result was further supported by dynamic mechanical testing (DMTA) on cured samples. In fact, DMTA showed a single relaxation peak for all the formulations studied. The dynamic testing was also used to assess the damping properties of the systems. The blends of this study were also compared with similar systems modified with poly(ε‐caprolactone), which were the subjects of a previous article. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Use of carboxylated nitrile rubber and natural rubber blends as retreading compound for OTR tires
Authors: Pal Kaushik , Das Tanya , Pal Samir K. , Das Chapal K.
Published: October 2008

Ore transportation is one of the important unit operations in a mineral industry. In this study, three raw rubber compounds are prepared in three different blend ratios, and four types of raw rubber samples of pure NR with silica reinforced has been collected from the different tire retreading industries. Blend properties largely depend on the blend ratio and on the blending technique. The improvement in the physical properties such as cure characteristics, mechanical characterization, cross‐link density, FTIR, thermal characterization, SEM studies, and dynamic mechanical analysis has been studied in those samples. It has been found that retread rubber made with 80 phr XNBR and 20 phr NR has given the better results when compared with the other samples against all the characterization done. It is also seen that rubber made by the researchers are very good in tough, rigid and these are extremely able to withstand for using as a retread rubber for 35T dump trucks tire when compared with the retread rubber made by the tire retreading industries for different mines in India. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Processing/structure/property relationships for artificial wood made from stretched PP/wood‐fiber composites
Authors: Kim Y.S. , Guo G. , Park C.B. , Wang K.H.
Published: October 2008

This article presents the processing/structure/property relationships for artificial wood made from stretched PP/wood‐fiber (WF) composites that have required strength and density. The die drawing of PP/WF composites causes a unidirectional orientation of the polymer molecules and enhances the mechanical properties significantly along the stretched direction. The drawing of the composites also lowers the density of artificial wood by generating voids at the WF and polymer matrix interface. The critical processing and materials parameters are identified. The effects of these parameters on the structure and the properties are also investigated. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Interfacial slip‐stick transition induced by reactive compatibilization in ethylene‐co‐butyl acrylate elastomer dispersed polyamide 6 blend subjected to high shear flow and extensional flow
Authors: Balamurugan G. Prasath , Maiti S.N.
Published: October 2008

The effect of phase interaction induced by reactive compatibilization during high shear and extensional flow in polyamide (PA6) and ethylene‐co‐butyl acrylate (EBA) blends was studied using advanced dual bore capillary rheometer. The viscosity‐composition behavior of the uncompatibilized PA6/EBA blends exhibited negative deviation behavior from log‐additivity rule. The interfacial slip mechanism, operative between the matrix PA6 and dispersed EBA during shear flow was studied by the use of Lin's and Bousmina‐Palierne‐Utracki (BPU) model for viscosity for the blends under the processing conditions. On the other hand, the compatibilized PA6/EBA‐g‐MAH0.49/EBA blends with varying dispersed phase volume fraction show positive deviation behavior. The reactive compatibilizers EBA‐g‐MAH0.49 and EBA‐g‐MAH0.96 increased the phase interaction with adequate reduction in the dynamic interfacial tension, which favored the particle break‐up and stabilized the morphology in the compatibilized blends. The extensional viscosity of the blends has enhanced because of the inclusion of EBA in all the uncompatibilized and compatibilized blends. The melt elasticity and elasticity function were systematically studied from first normal stress coefficient functions (ψ1). The variation in the recoverable shear strain (γR), shear rate dependent relaxation time (λ) and shear compliance (Jc) under various shear rates were thoroughly analyzed for all the blend compositions. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Optimised Plasma Absorption Probe for the Electron Density Determination in Reactive Plasmas
Authors: Scharwitz Christian , Böke Marc , Winter Jörg
Published: October 2008

The plasma absorption probe (PAP) is a recently developed tool for the efficient determination of electron densities, especially in reactive plasmas. A dielectric cover protects this probe against the influences in reactive plasmas and it withstands conditions where Langmuir probes are easily damageable. The lack of adequate calibration constants and the occurrence of multiple absorption signals were two major drawbacks, which are successfully overcome in this work. Design variations are tested by numerical computation and the model‐based achievements are established in experiment. In this work, a redesigned PAP is presented, which is optimised for the easy determination of electron densities. The developed tool works fast and efficiently, in particular in discharges in reactive gases.

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Novel Polymeric Thin Films from Labile Lactic Acid by a Dry Process
Authors: Chang Yi‐Hsin , Chang Chun‐Chih , Chen Ying‐Chu , Yang Arnold C.‐M. , Liu Yin‐Chang , Cheng Cheng‐Kung
Published: October 2008

Novel biocompatible polymer films were derived from LLA with molecularly smooth surfaces by using a plasma deposition method significantly enhanced with higher monomer vapor densities. It was found that hydrocarbons (and chain crosslinks) increased relative to the oxygen‐containing moieties as plasma power or reaction time increased, following a reaction scenario dominated by energy‐mediated molecular scission pathways. With the hydroxyl groups being retained, the films of excellent mechanical strength were highly hydrophilic and manifested excellent biocompatibility applicable for a wide range of biomedical coatings. This work also demonstrated the feasibility of converting common molecules to useful polymers under appropriate plasma conditions.

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Metabolism of fungicidal cyanooximes, cymoxanil and analogues in various strains of Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Tellier Frédérique , Fritz René , Kerhoas Lucien , Ducrot Paul‐Henri , Carlin‐Sinclair Abel , Einhorn Jacques , Leroux Pierre
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND: The metabolism of cymoxanil [1‐(2‐cyano‐2‐methoxyiminoacetyl)‐3‐ethylurea] and fungicidal cyanooxime analogues was monitored on three phenotypes of Botrytis cinerea Pers. ex Fr. differing in their sensitivity towards cymoxanil. For this purpose, labelled [2‐14C]cymoxanil was added either to the culture medium of these strains or to its cell‐free extract.

RESULTS: In the culture medium of the most sensitive strain, four main metabolites were detected. Three were isolated and identified. Cymoxanil was quickly metabolised by at least three concurrent enzymatic pathways: (i) cyclisation leading, after hydrolysis, to ethylparabanic acid, (ii) reduction giving demethoxylated cymoxanil, (iii) hydrolysis followed by reduction and then acetylation leading to N‐acetylcyanoglycine. In the cell‐free extract of the same strain, only the first and the second of these enzymatic reactions occurred. By comparing the metabolic profile of the most sensitive strain with that of the less sensitive ones, it was shown that the decrease in sensitivity to cymoxanil correlates with a reduced acetylcyanoglycine formation. Among all metabolites, only N‐acetylcyanoglycine is active against the most sensitive strain. Moreover, in a culture of this strain, two other fungicidal cyanooximes were also metabolised into this metabolite.

CONCLUSION: The formation of N‐acetylcyanoglycine may play an important role in the fungitoxicity of cymoxanil and cyanooxime derivatives. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Second‐harmonic generation from Langmuir–Blodgett film of cyclic peptide carrying two disperse red 1 on fused quartz surface
Authors: Fujii Shigekatsu , Morita Tomoyuki , Kimura Shunsasku
Published: October 2008

Cyclic octapeptide carrying one or two nonlinear optical chromophores, disperse red 1 (DR‐1), was synthesized and immobilized on a substrate to attain an active surface for second‐harmonic generation (SHG). Each cyclic octapeptide was transferred on a fused quartz substrate by the Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) method to afford a uniform monolayer. Infrared reflection–absorption spectroscopy of the LB monolayer revealed that the cyclic skeleton lay roughly flat on the surface. The SHG intensity from the monolayer of the cyclic peptide with two DR‐1 units was stronger than that from that with one DR‐1 unit. The difference is discussed in terms of molecular orientation and surface density of the active chromophores. The cyclic peptide is shown here to be an effective scaffold to modify a substrate surface with functional groups of a monolayer with taking stability of the monolayer and orientation of the functional group into consideration. Copyright © 2008 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selenopeptide chemistry
Authors: Muttenthaler Markus , Alewood Paul F.
Published: October 2008

This review focuses on the chemical aspects of the 21st proteinogenic amino acid, selenocysteine in peptides and proteins. It describes the physicochemical properties of selenium/sulfur and selenocysteine/cysteine based on comprehensive structural (X‐ray, NMR, CD) and biological data, and illustrates why selenocysteine is considered the most conservative substitution of cysteine. The main focus lies on the synthetic methods on selenocysteine incorporation into peptides and proteins, including an overview of the selenocysteine building block syntheses for Boc‐ and Fmoc‐SPPS. Selenocysteine‐mediated reactions such as native chemical ligation and dehydroalanine formation are addressed towards peptide conjugation. Selenopeptides have very interesting and distinct properties which lead to a diverse range of applications such as structural, functional and mechanistic probes, robust scaffolds, enzymatic reaction design, peptide conjugations and folding tools. Copyright © 2008 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MaSK: A visualization tool for teaching and research in computational chemistry
Authors: Podolyan Yevgeniy , Leszczynski Jerzy
Published: October 2008

The number of researchers using computational chemistry tools is growing every year. There are multiple programs used for calculation of various molecular and electronic properties such as optimized geometry, energy, vibrational spectra, and so forth. Another set of programs is used for the visualization of these properties. However, such programs are either too complex for a beginner or too simple for an intermediate user for everyday use. Molecular Modeling and Simulation Kit (MaSK) is designed to fill this gap by presenting an easy‐to‐use intuitive interface to quantum chemical programs such as GAMESS and Gaussian with an array of advanced tools. The program can be used as a postprocessor to visualize calculated properties or as a preprocessor to prepare the input files for quantum chemical programs. In addition, some properties such as the surfaces of molecular orbitals, electron and spin densities, and molecular electrostatic potentials are actually calculated by MaSK. If MaSK is combined with PC GAMESS, the preparation of the input, running of the calculations, and the display of the results can all be done without leaving the program's interface. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Evaluation of semi‐autonomous convoy driving
Authors: Davis James , Animashaun Asisat , Schoenherr Edward , McDowell Kaleb
Published: October 2008

Autonomous mobility technologies may have applications to manned vehicle convoy operations—they have the ability to enhance both system performance and operator capability. This effort examines the potential impact of introducing semi‐autonomous mobility [Convoy Active Safety Technologies (CAST)] into manned vehicles. Twelve civilians with experience driving military vehicles in convoy‐type operations participated in this experiment. For the experiment, they were tasked with following a lead vehicle while completing a concurrent security task (scanning the local environment for targets). The control of the manned vehicle was varied between CAST and manual control at several different speed levels. Several objective speed and accuracy variables along with subjective operator assessment variables were examined for each task. The results support the potential benefits of incorporating semi‐autonomous mobility technologies into manned vehicle convoy operations. The semi‐autonomous mobility system was associated with significantly better performance in several aspects of operator situational awareness and convoy integrity, including enhanced target identification, improved maintenance of following distance, and improved performance for unanticipated stops. This experiment also highlighted a critical human factors issue associated with the incorporation of autonomy in real‐world applications: participants felt that, overall, they outperformed the semi‐autonomous system on the simulated convoy operation. The operator's perception of the system's performance could potentially affect his or her willingness to use the system in real‐world applications. This experiment demonstrated that enhancements to overall system performance in real‐world applications are achieved by considering both technological and human factors solutions. Published 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.*

This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain of the United States of America.
A Scalable Local Algorithm for Distributed Multivariate Regression
Authors: Bhaduri Kanishka , Kargupta Hillol
Published: October 2008

This paper offers a local distributed algorithm for multivariate regression in large peer‐to‐peer environments. The algorithm can be used for distributed inferencing, data compaction, data modeling and classification tasks in many emerging peer‐to‐peer applications for bioinformatics, astronomy, social networking, sensor networks and web mining. Computing a global regression model from data available at the different peer‐nodes using a traditional centralized algorithm for regression can be very costly and impractical because of the large number of data sources, the asynchronous nature of the peer‐to‐peer networks, and dynamic nature of the data/network. This paper proposes a two‐step approach to deal with this problem. First, it offers an efficient local distributed algorithm that monitors the “quality” of the current regression model. If the model is outdated, it uses this algorithm as a feedback mechanism for rebuilding the model. The local nature of the monitoring algorithm guarantees low monitoring cost. Experimental results presented in this paper strongly support the theoretical claims. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining 1: 000‐000, 2008
Improving network anomaly detection effectiveness via an integrated multi‐metric‐multi‐link (M3L) PCA‐based approach
Authors: Chatzigiannakis V. , Papavassiliou S. , Androulidakis G.
Published: October 2008

In this paper an enhanced anomaly detection approach based on the fusion of data gathered from various monitors spread throughout a wide area network is introduced. The proposed approach is based on the application of principal component analysis on multi‐metric‐multi‐link data, and provides an efficient and unified way of taking into account the combined effect of the correlated observed data, for anomaly detection purposes. It actually introduces a generalized anomaly detection methodology, capable of detecting not only volume based anomalies but also a much wider range of classes of anomalies, such as the ones that may result in alterations in traffic composition or traffic paths. The performance of the proposed multi‐metric‐multi‐link anomaly detection approach is evaluated via simulation, and is compared against the corresponding techniques that are based on the single‐metric analysis. Finally, its operational effectiveness is demonstrated in a realistic environment using real data collected from the core routers of the Greek research and technology network (GRNET). Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An essential role of Tap42‐associated PP2A and 2A‐like phosphatases in Ty1 transcriptional silencing of S. cerevisiae
Authors: Jiang Yi Wei
Published: October 2008

We previously reported that overproduction of non‐translatable mRNA silences Ty1 transcription, possibly via functional inactivation of the nuclear cap‐binding complex (CBC) and subsequent hyperstimulation of the TORC1 pathway. Further experimental evidence for CBC‐to‐TORC1 signalling in Ty1 transcriptional silencing is presented here. The role of Tap42 (a key downstream component of the TORC1 pathway) was tested. Mutations affecting components of the Tap42‐associated PP2A/2A‐like phosphatases (Tap42, redundant Pph21/Pph22 and Sit4) eliminate Ty1 transcriptional silencing and epistasis experiments show that the phosphatases function downstream of CBC. Thus, Tap42 functions in the same positive direction as Sit4, Pph21 and Pph22 in Ty1 transcriptional silencing, providing support to the idea that Tap42 may play a positive role in phosphatase activity in response to TORC1 signalling. Moreover, the pph21‐102 and sit4‐102 mutations affecting interactions of the phosphatases with the Tap42 regulator also abolish Ty1 transcriptional silencing, confirming that the Tap42–phosphatase complex is one required for TORC1‐mediated Ty1 transcriptional silencing. PP2A holoenzyme activity, which is independent of Tap42 and TORC1, is not essential for Ty1 transcriptional silencing, strengthening the argument that TORC1‐specific signalling underlies Ty1 transcriptional silencing. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SH3BP2 is a Critical Regulator of Macrophage and Osteoclast Response to M-CSF and RANKL Stimulation
Authors: McMahon Mark S. , Ueki Yasuyoshi
Published: October 2008

The protein Src homology 3 domain-binding protein 2 (SH3BP2) is a regulator of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha generation in macrophages and of osteoclast differentiation. SH3BP2 regulates bone marrow monocyte responses to macrophage and osteoclast differentiation signals downstream of the receptors for macrophage colony-stimulating factor and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand. SH3BP2 is a potential target for the development of novel anti-TNF-alpha therapeutic interventions as well as a target for suppression of osteoclastogenesis.
Leiomyoma of the Hand
Authors: Kulkarni Anita R. , Haase Steven C. , Chung Kevin C.
Published: October 2008

Leiomyoma is most commonly found in the uterus and lower extremities of middle-aged women. Leiomyoma is uncommonly reported in the hand and is extremely uncommon in children. We present three cases of leiomyoma of the hand, including one case in the hand of a 10-year-old boy.
The Fabrication of Nano-Particles in Aqueous Solution From Oxyfluoride Glass Ceramics by Thermal Induction and Corrosion Treatment
Authors: Yu Hua , Hu Nan , Wang Ya-Nan , Wang Zi-Lan , Gan Zong-Song , Zhao Li-Juan
Published: October 2008

An innovative route is reported to fabricate nano-particles in aqueous solution from oxyfluoride glass by the thermal induction and corrosion treatment in this letter. The investigations of X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope based on nano-particles in glass ceramics (GCs) and aqueous solution indicate that the nano-particles formed in glass matrix during the thermal induction process are released to aqueous solution and their structure, shape and luminescent properties in glass host can be kept. Owing to the designable composition of the nano-particles during glass preparation process, the method is a novel way to obtain nano-particles in aqueous solution from GCs.
Studies on Quality of Coconut Oil Blends after Frying Potato Chips
Authors: Khan Mohammad Imtiyaj , Asha M. R. , Bhat K. K. , Khatoon Sakina
Published: October 2008

The quality (chemical and sensory) of oil blends prepared by blending equal proportions of coconut oil with sesame oil (blend 1), coconut olein with sesame oil (blend 2) and coconut olein with palmolein (blend 3) was evaluated after deep‐fat frying of potato chips. After frying, the free fatty acid content did not change, however, the anisidine value increased. Blend 2 had the highest anisidine value (44.0). A marginal decrease in the iodine value and an increase in the diene values were observed in blends 1 and 2. The β‐carotene content in blend 3 and tocols in all the three blends were found to decrease after frying. Sensory odor profiles of oil blends after frying showed a decrease in the characteristic coconut oil aroma. The earthy and seedy aroma associated with sesame oil was found to decrease on frying. The sensory profile of potato chips showed a slight bitter taste in the samples fried in blends 1 and 2. However, the intensity of bitterness decreased and the earthy note increased on storage. Blend 3 had the highest overall quality.
Variation in Fatty Acid Compositions, Oil Content and Oil Yield in a Germplasm Collection of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)
Authors: Uzun Bülent , Arslan Çiğdem , Furat Şeymus
Published: October 2008

The variation in oil content, oil yield and fatty acid compositions of 103 sesame landraces was investigated. The landraces varied widely in their oil quantity and quality. The oil content varied between 41.3 and 62.7%, the average being 53.3%. The percentage content of linoleic, oleic, palmitic and stearic acids in the seed oil ranged between 40.7–49.3, 29.3–41.4, 8.0–10.3 and 2.1–4.8%, respectively. Linolenic and arachidic acids were the minor constituents of the sesame oil. Linoleic and oleic acids were the major fatty acids of sesame with average values of 45.7 and 37.2%, respectively. The total means of oleic and linoleic acids as unsaturated fatty acids of sesame were about 83% which increases the suitability of the sesame oil for human consumption. The superiority of the collection was observed in oil content. The oil content of a few accessions was above 60%, proving claims that some varieties of sesame can reach up to 63% in oil content. The accessions with the highest oil content were relatively richer in the linoleic acid content while there were some landraces in which linoleic and oleic acid contents were in a proportion of almost 1:1. The results obtained in this study provide useful background information for developing new cultivars with a high oil content and different fatty acid compositions. Several accessions could be used as parental lines in breeding programmes aiming to increase sesame oil quantity and quality.
Biphasic effect of insulin on beta cell apoptosis depending on glucose deprivation
Authors: Guillen C. , Bartolomé A. , Nevado C. , Benito M.
Published: October 2008

Insulin resistant states are associated with an increase in the beta cell mass and also high levels of circulating insulin. Ultimately the beta cells undergo a failure that leads to diabetes. At this stage, a question arises if those persistent high levels of circulating insulin may contribute to beta cell damage. To address this important issue, we submitted beta cells to a prolonged effect of increasing concentrations of insulin. We observed that a prolonged effect of high levels of insulin on the presence of serum (15–24 h) in glucose‐deprived beta cells induced apoptosis. This apoptotic effect was both dose‐ and cycloheximide‐dependent.
Reciprocal influences of CB1cannabinoid receptor agonists on ERK and JNK signalling in N1E‐115 cells
Authors: Bosier Barbara , Lambert Didier M. , Hermans Emmanuel
Published: October 2008

Agonists acting at the CB1cannabinoid receptor in N1E‐115 neuroblastoma cells were found to activate MAPK family members with reciprocal efficacies. Thus, HU 210 robustly increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 whereas CP 55,940 was more effective in activating JNK. The use of selected kinase inhibitors confirmed that distinct signalling cascades were involved in these responses. This reciprocal control of MAPK activity was correlated with the observation that HU 210‐ and CP 55,940‐mediated regulations of tyrosine hydroxylase gene expression were respectively impaired by MEK and JNK inhibitors. These data indicate that complex interactions of the CB1receptor with intracellular signalling partners controlling MAPK activities may explain the apparent disparities in cellular responses to functional selective agonists.
A novel ING2 isoform, ING2b, synergizes with ING2a to prevent cell cycle arrest and apoptosis
Authors: Unoki Motoko , Kumamoto Kensuke , Robles Ana I. , Shen Jiang Cheng , Zheng Zhi-Ming , Harris Curtis C.
Published: October 2008

We identified a novel inhibitor of growth family member 2 (ING2) isoform, ING2b, which shares exon 2 with ING2a, but lacks the N‐terminal p53 binding region. Contrary to ING2a, ING2b's promoter has no p53 binding sites. Consistently, activation of p53 led to suppression of ING2a, leaving ING2b unaffected. Through isoform‐specific targeting, we showed that ING2a knockdown suppressed cell growth only in the presence of p53, ING2b knockdown had no effect on cell growth, and knockdown of both induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis independently of p53. ING2a and ING2b have compensatory roles that protect cells from cell cycle arrest and apoptosis and may be involved in development of chemotherapeutic resistance.
Impact of the biological control agent Mesoclanis polana (Tephritidae) on bitou bush (Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata) in eastern Australia
Authors: Edwards P.B. , Adair R.J. , Holtkamp R.H. , Wanjura W.J. , Bruzzese A.S. , Forrester R.I.
Published: October 2008

The seed fly Mesoclanis polana (Diptera: Tephritidae) was released in Australia in 1996. Its impact on seed production of bitou bush (Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata) was monitored at eight sites along the New South Wales coast from 1996 to 2004. Peak flowerhead production occurred in autumn (March to May); therefore, samples collected in May of each year were used to compare abundance and impact of M. polana across sites and between years. Latitude had a significant effect on abundance and impact of M. polana. By May 2004, 99.6% of flowerheads at the five most northern sites contained at least one egg, while 64% of flowerheads from the two most southern sites contained at least one egg. In May 2004, mean numbers of M. polana eggs per flowerhead were between 13 and 17 at four of the six northern sites and below two at the two southern sites. In May 2004, average seed destruction by M. polana was 58% at the four most northern sites and 11% at the two most southern sites. The highest level of seed destruction recorded was 86% at Kingscliff in May 2003. Percentage seed destruction in May provided a reasonable estimate of seed destruction for the whole year. Parasitoids were found throughout the range of M. polana in Australia. Their attack rate on M. polana was less than 10% at all sites, except at the two most northern sites where parasitism of up to 27% was recorded. Parasitism results are compared with predictions made following an earlier study. The release of Mesoclanis magnipalpis, a species suited to cooler environments, is recommended for the southern range of C. monilifera subsp. rotundata.
Assessment of Napier millet (Pennisetum purpureum×P. glaucum) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) trap crops for the management of Chilo partellus on maize
Authors: Hari N.S. , Jindal J.
Published: October 2008

Two Napier millet (Pennisetum purpureum×P. glaucum) hybrids, namely PBN 83 and PBN 233 and one sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) variety, SL 44, were assessed for their potential role as a trap crop in the management of the stem borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) on maize. Oviposition preference and larval survival and development were determined for different test plants under laboratory and screen house conditions. Further, field dispersal of C. partellus larvae was assessed between Napier millet and maize crops. Results from no-choice and dual-choice tests indicated that Napier millet hybrids were preferred for oviposition over maize by C. partellus moths. Sorghum was, however, not preferred over maize in this respect. Napier millet hybrids were poor larval hosts, and a rapid decline in larval numbers was noticed within the first five days after hatching and virtually no larvae survived to pupation. Leaf area eaten by the borer larvae was significantly less on these hybrids than on maize or sorghum. Plant damage was more severe in maize and sorghum than Napier millet hybrids. No appreciable larval shift was noticed from Napier millet hybrids to the adjoining maize crop. The evaluated Napier millet hybrids, therefore, had potential for use as trap crop in C. partellus management. Sorghum, however, did not hold promise in this respect.
Monitoring Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) in pilot-scale warehouses treated with β-cyfluthrin: are residual insecticides and trapping compatible?
Authors: Toews M.D. , Arthur F.H. , Campbell J.F.
Published: October 2008

Integrated pest management strategies for cereal processing facilities often include both pheromone-baited pitfall traps and crack and crevice applications of a residual insecticide such as the pyrethroid cyfluthrin. In replicated pilot-scale warehouses, a 15-week-long experiment was conducted comparing population trends suggested by insect captures in pheromone-baited traps to direct estimates obtained by sampling the food patches in untreated and cyfluthrin-treated warehouses. Warehouses were treated, provisioned with food patches and then infested with all life stages of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst). Food patches, both those initially infested and additional uninfested, were surrounded by cyfluthrin bands to evaluate if insects would cross the bands. Results show that insect captures correlated with population trends determined by direct product samples in the untreated warehouses, but not the cyfluthrin-treated warehouses. However, dead insects recovered from the floor correlated with the insect densities observed with direct samples in the cyfluthrin-treated warehouses. Initially, uninfested food patches were exploited immediately and after six weeks harbored similar infestation densities to the initially infested food patches. These data show that pest management professionals relying on insect captures in pheromone-baited traps in cyfluthrin-treated structures could be deceived into believing that a residual insecticide application was suppressing population growth, when the population was actually increasing at the same rate as an untreated population.
Landscape composition modulates population genetic structure ofEriosoma lanigerum(Hausmann) onMalus domesticaBorkh in central Chile
Authors: Lavandero B. , Miranda M. , Ramírez C.C. , Fuentes-Contreras E.
Published: October 2008

Landscape genetics have been particularly relevant when assessing the influence of landscape characteristics on the genetic variability and the identification of barriers to gene flow. Linking current practices of area-wide pest management information on pest population genetics and geographical barriers would increase the efficiency of these programs. The woolly apple aphid,Eriosoma lanigerum(Hausmann), an important pest of apple orchards worldwide, was collected on apple trees (Malus domesticaBorkh) from different locations in a 400 km north-south transect trough central Chile. In order to determine if there was population structure, diversity and flow were assessed. A total of 215 individuals from these locations were analysed using Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers. Four ISSR primers generated a total of 114 polymorphic loci. The percentage of molecular variation among locations was 18%. As the algorithm used bystructuremay be poorly suited for inferring the number of genetic clusters in a data set that has an IBD relationship, the number of genetic clusters in the samples was also analyzed using a Bayesian clustering method implemented in software Bapsversion 4.14. We inferred the presence of four genetic clusters in the study region. Clustering of individuals followed a pattern explained by some geographical barriers. Using partial Mantel tests, we detected barriers to gene flow other than distance, created by a combination of main rivers and mountains. Although landscape genetics are rarely used in pest management, our results suggest that these tools may be suitable for the design of area-wide pest management programs.
Negative per capita effects of two invasive plants, Lythrum salicaria and Phalaris arundinacea, on the moth diversity of wetland communities
Authors: Schooler S.S. , McEvoy P.B. , Hammond P. , Coombs E.M.
Published: October 2008

Invasive plants have been shown to negatively affect the diversity of plant communities. However, little is known about the effect of invasive plants on the diversity at other trophic levels. In this study, we examine the per capita effects of two invasive plants, purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) and reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), on moth diversity in wetland communities at 20 sites in the Pacific Northwest, USA. Prior studies document that increasing abundance of these two plant species decreases the diversity of plant communities. We predicted that this reduction in plant diversity would result in reduced herbivore diversity. Four measurements were used to quantify diversity: species richness (S), community evenness (J), Brillouin's index (H) and Simpson's index (D). We identified 162 plant species and 156 moth species across the 20 wetland sites. The number of moth species was positively correlated with the number of plant species. In addition, invasive plant abundance was negatively correlated with species richness of the moth community (linear relationship), and the effect was similar for both invasive plant species. However, no relationship was found between invasive plant abundance and the three other measures of moth diversity (J, H, D) which included moth abundance in their calculation. We conclude that species richness within, and among, trophic levels is adversely affected by these two invasive wetland plant species.
Post-release evaluation ofEretmocerus hayatiZolnerowich and Rose in Australia
Authors: De Barro P.J. , Coombs M.T.
Published: October 2008

Bemisia tabacibiotype B is a significant pest of agriculture world-wide. It was first detected in Australia in 1994. Assessments of the potential of parasitoids already present in Australia to control this pest indicated that two species ofEretmocerusand 11 species ofEncarsiawere present, but they did not exert sufficient control with a combined average of 5.0±0.3% apparent parasitism of 4th instars. Further, only 25% of samples containing biotype B had parasitised individuals present. The surveys also identified that fewer B biotype were being parasitised compared with the Australian indigenous biotype. Overall,Er. munduswas the most abundant parasitoid prior to the introduction. Previous research indicated thatEr. hayatioffered the best prospects for Australia and, in October 2004, the first releases were made. Since then, levels of apparent parasitism have averaged 29.3±0.1% of 4th instars with only 24% of collections having no parasitism present.Eretmocerus hayaticontributed 85% of the overall apparent parasitism. In addition, host plants of the whitefly with low or no parasitism prior to the release have had an order of magnitude increase in levels of parasitism. This study covers the establishment of the case to introduceEr. hayatiand the post-release establishment period November 2004–March 2008.
Genetic evaluation of Ethiopian Boran cattle and their crosses with Holstein Friesian in central Ethiopia: reproductive traits
Authors: HAILE A. , JOSHI B. K. , AYALEW W. , TEGEGNE A. , SINGH A.
Published: October 2008

Breed additive and non-additive effects as well as genetic parameters for calving interval (CI), days open (DO), age at first service (AFS), age at first calving (AFC), number of services per first conception (NSC) and breeding efficiency (BE) were estimated in Ethiopian Boran cattle and their crosses with Holstein Friesian in central Ethiopia. The data analysed were spread over 15 years (1990–2004). The Ethiopian Boran cattle had longer CI and DO, lower BE and delayed AFS and AFC compared with all the crosses. However, there was no significant difference in NSC between the genetic groups. Comparison between the crosses revealed no clear cut superiority of any of the genetic groups except for CI and DO which were shorter for 0·50 and 0·875 crosses compared with the 0·75 crosses. The additive breed differences between Ethiopian Boran and Holstein Friesian for CI, DO, NSC and BE were not significant (P>0·05). These estimates are also associated with large standard errors. The non-significance of the otherwise large difference (40 days for CI for instance) between the two breeds could be a result of a large variation (and hence standard errors) associated with the traits. On the other hand, the estimates for additive direct effects for AFS and AFC were negative and significant (P<0·01). The estimates were −7±2·1 and −7±2·8 months, respectively. The individual heterosis values were not significant (P>0·05) for CI, DO, NSC and BE. However, significant (P<0·01) estimates for AFS and AFC (P<0·05) were recorded. None of the maternal heterotic effects for reproduction traits were significant (P>0·05) except for AFC, for which positive (2·9 months) and significant (P<0·05) estimates were obtained. Heritabilities of CI, DO, AFS, AFC, NSC and BE for crosses were 0·1±0·046, 0·1±0·047, 0·6±0·145, 0·7±0·159, 0·1±0·071 and 0·6±0·156, respectively. Selection coupled with improved herd reproductive management should substantially improve the reproductive performance of the indigenous Ethiopian Boran breed under such production system.
On the parametric decay of waves in magnetized plasmas
Authors: BRODIN G. , STENFLO L.
Published: October 2008

We reconsider the theory for three-wave interactions in cold plasmas. In particular, we demonstrate that previously overlooked formulations of the general theory are highly useful when deriving concrete expressions for specific cases. We also point out that many previous results deduced directly from the basic plasma equations contain inappropriate approximations leading to unphysical results. Finally, generalizations to more elaborate plasma models containing, for example, kinetic effects are given.
The Intelligibility of God-talk
Authors: Nielsen Kai
Published: October 2008

There are certain primary religious beliefs which are basic to a whole religious Weltanschauung, for they are the cornerstone of the whole edifice. If these beliefs are unintelligible, incoherent, irrational or false the whole way-of-life, centering around them, is ‘a house of cards’. Certain segments of it may still be seen to have a value when viewed from some other perspective, but if these primary religious belief are faulted, the religious Weltanschauung itself has been undermined. If it has been undermined and if people recognise that it has been undermined and still go around believing in it, accepting and acting in accordance with its tenents, they are then being very irrational. And while in humility we should recognise that we all suffer from propensities to irrationality and perhaps in some spheres of our life can't help being irrational, it is a propensity we should resist, for to be irrational is to do something we ought not to do.