bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of intermittent aeration on the microbial community structure of activated sludge in a submerged membrane bioreactor
Authors: Chang Jun‐Jun , Liang Wei , Xiao En‐Rong , Wu Zhen‐Bin
Published: January 2010

Low removal rate for total nitrogen (TN) is the main limitation of a membrane bioreactor (MBR). The effects of intermittent aeration on the removal of TN and the microbial community structure of activated sludge from a submerged membrane bioreactor (SMBR) operating at three different aeration on/off times (run 1, continuous aeration; run 2, 60/60 min aeration on/off time; and run 3, 60/75 min aeration on/off time) were studied. The results showed that the removal rates for TN under different operation conditions were 26.2% (run 1), 59.5% (run 2) and 70.7% (run 3), respectively, and significant improvements were achieved. Monounsaturated phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) and saturated PLFAs were dominant PLFA types in activated sludge, followed by branched PLFAs; cyclopropane fatty acid were relatively small in amount. The highest ratio of the characteristic fatty acid representing the abundance of bacteria in activated sludge was found in run 2. Aerobic prokaryotes were the predominant groups under all three operation conditions, followed by the anaerobic bacteria and the Gram‐positive bacteria group; sulphate‐reducing bacteria (SRB) and other anaerobic bacteria occupied the lowest proportion. Intermittent aeration can be used as a possible means to improve the treatment performance in an MBR.
Mastocytoma in the common carpal sheath of the digital flexor tendons of a horse
Authors: Leadbeater JC , Gutierrez‐Nibeyro SD , Brown JA
Published: January 2010

A 13‐year‐old Morgan gelding was examined for right forelimb lameness and tenosynovitis of the right common carpal sheath of the digital flexor tendons. The horse had moderate right forelimb lameness at the trot and marked effusion of the right common carpal sheath of the digital flexor tendons. Ultrasonographic examination revealed a soft tissue mass within the proximal pouch of the affected tendon sheath, located adjacent to the distal physis of the radius. Cytology and culture of the fluid revealed a sterile, eosinophilic tenosynovitis. Tenoscopic exploration confirmed the presence of a capsulated soft tissue mass. Thecotomy was required to fully debride the mass, which histology revealed to be a mast cell tumour. At 22 months postoperatively, the horse developed mild right forelimb lameness and eosinophilic tenosynovitis because of recurrence of the mastocytoma. Mastocytosis is a possible differential diagnosis in any horse exhibiting lameness associated with tenosynovitis. Surgical excision combined with rest and postoperative intrasynovial and systemic corticosteroids may be palliative.
Immune‐mediated haemolytic anaemia in 110 dogs in Victoria, Australia
Authors: McAlees TJ
Published: January 2010

Objective Evaluate the survival and prognostic indicators (i.e. breed predilection, season, blood transfusion, and the prevalence of autoagglutination) of dogs with immune‐mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA) in Victoria, Australia.

Design Retrospective study of 110 diagnosed with primary IMHA at the University of Melbourne Veterinary Clinic and Hospital.

Results In total, 80 of the dogs (72.7%) were discharged from hospital and 48 of 65 (73.8%) dogs available for follow‐up were known to be alive at 1 year, giving an overall 1‐year survival of 48 (50.5%) of 95 dogs for which survival data were available. Regarding breed, 80 (18.2%) of the 110 dogs were Maltese‐breed dogs compared with 81 (7.4%) of 1100 control dogs (P < 0.001). Springer Spaniels (P = 0.02), Hungarian Vizslas (P = 0.02) and Airedale Terriers (P < 0.001) were also over‐represented compared with the control sample. There was no evidence of an association between the occurrence of IMHA in dogs and season in this study. Receiving one or more blood transfusions did not affect survival to the time of discharge from hospital. On initial blood smear examination, 57 (51.8%) of the 110 dogs had spontaneous autoagglutination and its presence was associated with decreased survival to discharge from hospital (P = 0.03). Packed cell volume, white cell count, platelet count and serum total bilirubin on admission had no effect on survival to the time of discharge from hospital or 1 year later.

Conclusion Dogs with IMHA have a guarded prognosis as only half are still alive 1 year after the acute event.
Development of novel chloroplast microsatellite markers to identify species in the Agrostis complex (Poaceae) and related genera
Authors: ZAPIOLA MARIA L. , CRONN RICHARD C. , MALLORY‐SMITH CAROL A.
Published: January 2010

We needed a reliable way to identify species and confirm potential interspecific and intergeneric hybrids in a landscape level study of gene flow from transgenic glyphosate‐resistant Agrostis stolonifera (Poaceae) to compatible relatives. We developed 12 new polymorphic chloroplast microsatellite markers to aid in identifying species recipient of transgenic pollen both within the Agrostis complex and the related genera Polypogon.
Predation and its rate of return: the sugar industry, 1887–1914
Authors: Genesove David , Mullin Wallace P.
Published: January 2010

We show that the price wars following two major entry episodes were predatory. Our proof is twofold: by direct comparison of price to marginal cost, and by construction of a lower bound to predicted competitive price‐cost margins that we show to exceed observed margins. Predation occurred only when its relative cost to the dominant firm, the American Sugar Refining Company (ASRC), was small. Its most clear effect was to lower the acquisition price of entrants and small incumbents. It may also have deterred future capacity additions and raised ASRC's share of industry profits. Predation operated by strengthening ASRC's reputation as a willing predator.
Ownership, incentives, and the hold‐up problem
Authors: Baldenius Tim
Published: January 2010

Vertical integration is often proposed as a way to resolve hold‐up problems. This ignores the empirical fact that division managers tend to maximize divisional (not firmwide) profit when investing. I develop a model with asymmetric information at the bargaining stage and investment returns taking the form of cash and “empire benefits.” Owners of a vertically integrated firm will then provide division managers with low‐powered incentives to induce them to bargain more cooperatively, resulting in higher investments and overall profit as compared with nonintegration. Vertical integration therefore mitigates hold‐up problems even without profit sharing.
Reputation and turnover
Authors: Rob Rafael , Sekiguchi Tadashi
Published: January 2010

We consider a repeated duopoly game where each firm privately chooses its investment in quality, and realized quality is a noisy indicator of the firm's investment. We focus on turnover equilibria in which a low‐quality realization is penalized by lowering future demand of the firm that delivered this quality. We determine when a turnover equilibrium that gives higher welfare than the static equilibrium exists and how this relates to market fundamentals. We also derive comparative statics properties, and we characterize a set of investment levels and, hence, payoffs that turnover equilibria sustain.
Budget or target: the choice between input and output strategies
Authors: Miller Nolan H. , Pazgal Amit I.
Published: January 2010

In many competitive environments, players need to commit either to a specific goal they will achieve (an output target) or to the resources they are willing to expend in pursuit of that goal (an input budget). We model this situation as a two‐stage game where players may compete either by setting input and letting their output follow from the environment (“leading input”), or by setting output and letting the input levels required to support the output targets follow (“leading output”). We show that when each player's output is increasing (decreasing) in his rival's input, leading input (output) dominates leading output (input).
Optimal state‐contingent regulation under limited liability
Authors: Gary‐Bobo Robert , Spiegel Yossi
Published: January 2010

We consider an optimal regulation model in which the regulated firm's production cost is subject to random, publicly observable shocks. The distribution of these shocks is correlated with the firm's cost type, which is private information. The regulator designs an incentive‐compatible regulatory scheme, which adjusts itself automatically ex post given the realization of the cost shock. We derive the optimal scheme, assuming that there is an upper bound on the financial losses that the firm can sustain in any given state. We first consider a two‐type, two‐state case, and then extend the results to the case of a continuum of firm types and an arbitrary finite number of states. We show that the first‐best allocation can be implemented if the state of nature conveys enough information about the firm's type and/or the maximal loss that the firm can sustain is sufficiently large. Otherwise, the solution is characterized by classical second‐best features.
Neurotoxicity by microglia: Mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategy
Authors: Takeuchi Hideyuki
Published: January 2010

Microgliosis (accumulation of activated microglia) around degenerative neurons is a common pathological feature of various neurological disorders. Glutamate released by activated microglia induces excito‐neurotoxicity and most likely contributes to neurodegeneration in numerous neurological diseases including ischemia, inflammation, epilepsy and neurodegenerative diseases. Although both blockade of glutamate receptors and inhibition of microglial activation are the therapeutic candidates for activated microglia‐mediated neurodegenerative diseases, clinical trials have been failed because of adverse effects. In the present review, the neurotoxic factors from activated microglia are examined, and how these factors disturb neuronal functions is discussed. The efforts to suppress neurotoxic mechanisms by microglia are also introduced. (Clin. Exp. Neuroimmunol. doi: 10.1111/j.1759‐1961.2009.00001.x, January 2010)
Patterning of porous SiOCH using an organic mask: Comparison with a metallic masking strategy
Authors: Darnon M. , Chevolleau T. , David T. , Ducote J. , Posseme N. , Bouyssou R. , Bailly F. , Perret D. , Joubert O.
Published: January 2010

The etching of sub-100-nm porous dielectric trenches has been investigated using an organic mask. The etching process that is performed in an oxide etcher is composed of three steps: a thin dielectric antireflective coating (DARC) layer (silicon containing layer) is etched in the first step, the organic mask [carbon-based layer (CL)] is opened in the second step, and the dielectric layer is etched in the last step. The DARC layer is open in a fluorocarbon-based plasma (CF4∕Ar∕CH2F2) and the main critical dimension issue is the critical dimension control of the trench, which can be adjusted by controlling the amount of polymer generated by the etching chemistry (% of CH2F2). The CL is etched using NH3 based plasmas, leading to straight trench profiles. For dielectric patterning, the etch process results from a delicate trade-off between passivation layer thickness and mask faceting. This is driven by the polymerizing rate of the plasma (% of CH2F2) which controls the trench width. Using an optimized etching process (CF4∕Ar∕2%CH2F2), p-SiOCH trenches can be patterned with straight etch profiles down to 75nm trench width. In this article, the authors have also compared the organic mask and TiN metal hard mask strategies in terms of patterning performances (profile control, porous SiOCH modification, and reactor wall cleaning processes).
Characterization and analysis of silicon on insulator fabricated by separation by implanted oxygen layer transfer
Authors: Wei Xing , Wu Aimin , Wang Xiang , Li Xianyuan , Ye Fei , Chen Jie , Chen Meng , Zhang Bo , Li Chenglu , Zhang Miao , Wang Xi
Published: January 2010

In this article, silicon on insulator (SOI) was fabricated by separation by implanted oxygen (SIMOX) layer transfer process. The thickness uniformity of the top Si (superficial Si of the SOI) evaluated by spectroscopic ellipsometry remains constant through the etch-stop thinning process. A defect-free top Si was observed by transmission electron microscopy, as well as its atomic-scale sharp interface that was adjacent to the buried oxide (BOX) layer. The top Si/BOX interface properties, including upper BOX surface roughness and interface state density, were investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and pseudo-metal-oxide-semiconductor method, respectively. In addition, the surface morphology of the square pit and square hole defect of the top Si were observed. Using AFM, it is found that the morphology depends on the top Si/BOX interface morphology of the donor wafer and can be improved by optimizing the annealing process. The square hole defect caused by anisotropic etching is discussed in detail, and it is proven to originate from the defects in the SIMOX BOX.
Meeting the Governance Challenges of Next-Generation Biorepository Research
Authors: Fullerton Stephanie M. , Anderson Nicholas R. , Guzauskas Greg , Freeman Dena , Fryer-Edwards Kelly
Published: January 2010

Advances in biorepository research will require innovative new approaches to oversight and governance.
Round-Trip Ticket for Circulating Tumor Cells
Authors: Morozov Alexei
Published: January 2010

In addition to forming distant metastases, circulating tumor cells may return to established tumors to help fuel their growth.
Activity of a New Cephalosporin, CXA-101 (FR264205), against β-Lactam-Resistant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Mutants Selected
In Vitro
and after Antipseudomonal Treatment of Intensive Care Unit Patients
Authors: Moya Bartolome , Zamorano Laura , Juan Carlos , Pérez José L. , Ge Yigong , Oliver Antonio
Published: January 2010

CXA-101, previously designated FR264205, is a new antipseudomonal cephalosporin. We evaluated the activity of CXA-101 against a highly challenging collection of β-lactam-resistant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
mutants selected
in vitro
and after antipseudomonal treatment of intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The
in vitro
mutants investigated included strains with multiple combinations of mutations leading to several degrees of AmpC overexpression (
ampD
,
ampDh2
,
ampDh3
, and
dacB
[PBP4]) and porin loss (
oprD
). CXA-101 remained active against even the AmpD-PBP4 double mutant (MIC = 2 μg/ml), which shows extremely high levels of AmpC expression. Indeed, this mutant showed high-level resistance to all tested β-lactams, except carbapenems, including piperacillin-tazobactam (PTZ), aztreonam (ATM), ceftazidime (CAZ), and cefepime (FEP), a cephalosporin considered to be relatively stable against hydrolysis by AmpC. Moreover, CXA-101 was the only β-lactam tested (including the carbapenems imipenem [IMP] and meropenem [MER]) that remained fully active against the OprD-AmpD and OprD-PBP4 double mutants (MIC = 0.5 μg/ml). Additionally, we tested a collection of 50 sequential isolates that were susceptible or resistant to penicillicins, cephalosporins, carbapenems, or fluoroquinolones that emerged during treatment of ICU patients. All of the mutants resistant to CAZ, FEP, PTZ, IMP, MER, or ciprofloxacin showed relatively low CXA-101 MICs (range, 0.12 to 4 μg/ml; mean, 1 to 2 μg/ml). CXA-101 MICs of pan-β-lactam-resistant strains ranged from 1 to 4 μg/ml (mean, 2.5 μg/ml). As described for the
in vitro
mutants, CXA-101 retained activity against the natural AmpD-PBP4 double mutants, even when these exhibited additional overexpression of the MexAB-OprM efflux pump. Therefore, clinical trials are needed to evaluate the usefulness of CXA-101 for the treatment of
P. aeruginosa
nosocomial infections, particularly those caused by multidrug-resistant isolates that emerge during antipseudomonal treatments.
Nitazoxanide Inhibits Biofilm Production and Hemagglutination by Enteroaggregative
Escherichia coli
Strains by Blocking Assembly of AafA Fimbriae
Authors: Shamir Eliah R. , Warthan Michelle , Brown Sareena P. , Nataro James P. , Guerrant Richard L. , Hoffman Paul S.
Published: January 2010

Enteroaggregative
Escherichia coli
(EAEC) strains have emerged as common causes of persistent diarrhea and malnutrition among children and HIV-infected persons. During infection, EAEC typically adheres to the intestinal mucosa via fimbrial adhesins, which results in a characteristic aggregative pattern. In the study described here we investigated whether the broad-spectrum antiparasitic and antidiarrheal drug nitazoxanide (NTZ) might be active against EAEC
in vitro
. While
E. coli
strains were resistant to NTZ in rich Luria-Bertani medium (MIC > 64 μg/ml), the drug was slightly inhibitory in a minimal medium supplemented with glucose (MinA-G medium; MIC, ∼32 μg/ml). NTZ also inhibited biofilm production by strain EAEC 042 in both Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium and MinA-G medium with a 50% inhibitory concentration of ∼12 μg/ml. Immunofluorescence and immunoblot analyses with antibody against the major fimbrial subunit AafA of aggregative adherence fimbriae vaariant II (AAF/II) established that the numbers of AAF/II filaments on bacteria grown in the presence of NTZ were dramatically reduced. Comparative quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and reporter gene fusions (
aafA
::
phoA
) indicated that
aafA
expression was unaffected by NTZ, while
aggR
transcript levels and
aggR
::
lacZ
expression were increased ∼10- and 2.5-fold, respectively, compared with that for the untreated controls. More generally, NTZ inhibited hemagglutination (HA) of red blood cells by the non-biofilm-producing strain JM221 expressing either AAF/I or type I fimbriae. Our findings suggest that the inhibitory action of NTZ on biofilm formation and HA is likely due to inhibition of fimbrial assembly. Antimicrobial agents that inhibit the assembly or function of fimbrial filaments should be good candidates for the prevention of infection.
Genetically Engineered Lipopeptide Antibiotics Related to A54145 and Daptomycin with Improved Properties
Authors: Nguyen Kien T. , He Xiaowei , Alexander Dylan C. , Li Chen , Gu Jian-Qiao , Mascio Carmela , Van Praagh Andrew , Mortin Larry , Chu Min , Silverman Jared A. , Brian Paul , Baltz Richard H.
Published: January 2010

Daptomycin is a cyclic lipopeptide antibiotic approved for the treatment of skin and skin structure infections caused by Gram-positive pathogens and for that of bacteremia and right-sided endocarditis caused by
Staphylococcus aureus
. Daptomycin failed to meet noninferiority criteria for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia, likely due to sequestration in pulmonary surfactant. Many analogues of daptomycin have been generated by combinatorial biosynthesis, but only two displayed improved activity in the presence of bovine surfactant, and neither was as active as daptomycin
in vitro
. In the present study, we generated hybrid molecules of the structurally related lipopeptide A54145 in
Streptomyces fradiae
and tested them for antibacterial activity in the presence of bovine surfactant. Hybrid A54145 nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) biosynthetic genes were constructed by genetic engineering and were expressed in combination with a deletion of the
lptI
methyltransferase gene, which is involved in the formation of the 3-methyl-glutamic acid (3mGlu) residue at position 12. Some of the compounds were very active against
S. aureus
and other Gram-positive pathogens; one compound was also highly active in the presence of bovine surfactant, had low acute toxicity, and showed some efficacy against
Streptococcus pneumoniae
in a mouse model of pulmonary infection.
Identification of Novel Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1-Inhibitory Peptides Based on the Antimicrobial Peptide Database
Authors: Wang Guangshun , Watson Karen M. , Peterkofsky Alan , Buckheit Robert W.
Published: January 2010

To identify novel anti-HIV-1 peptides based on the antimicrobial peptide database (APD;
http://aps.unmc.edu/AP/main.php
), we have screened 30 candidates and found 11 peptides with 50% effective concentrations (EC
50
) of <10 μM and therapeutic indices (TI) of up to 17. Furthermore, among the eight peptides (with identical amino acid compositions but different sequences) generated by shuffling the sequence of an aurein 1.2 analog, two had a TI twice that of the original sequence. Because antiviral peptides in the database have an arginine/lysine (R/K) ratio of >1, increases in the Arg contents of amphibian maximin H5 and dermaseptin S9 peptides and the database-derived GLK-19 peptide improved the TIs. These examples demonstrate that the APD is a rich resource and a useful tool for developing novel HIV-1-inhibitory peptides.
Evaluation of Fab and F(ab′)
2
Fragments and Isotype Variants of a Recombinant Human Monoclonal Antibody against Shiga Toxin 2
Authors: Akiyoshi Donna E. , Sheoran Abhineet S. , Rich Curtis M. , Richard L. , Chapman-Bonofiglio Susan , Tzipori Saul
Published: January 2010

5C12 HuMAb is a human monoclonal antibody against the A subunit of Shiga toxin 2 (Stx2). We have previously shown that 5C12 HuMAb effectively neutralizes the cytotoxic effects of this toxin by redirecting its transport within the cell and also by neutralizing the toxin's ability to inhibit protein synthesis. The 5C12 HuMAb and its recombinant IgG1 version protect mice at a dose of 0.6 μg against a lethal challenge of Stx2. The contribution of the Fc region to this observed neutralization activity of the 5C12 antibody against Stx2 was investigated in this study. Using recombinant DNA technology, 5C12 isotype variants (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4) and antibody fragments [Fab, F(ab′)
2
] were expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells and evaluated
in vitro
and
in vivo
. All four 5C12 isotype variants showed protection
in vitro
, with the IgG3 and IgG4 variants showing the highest protection
in vivo
. The Fab and F(ab′)
2
fragments also showed protection
in vitro
but no protection in the mouse toxicity model. Similar results were obtained for a second HuMAb (5H8) against the B subunit of Stx2. The data suggest the importance of the Fc region for neutralization activity, but it is not clear if this is related to the stability of the full-length antibody or if the Fc region is required for effective elimination of the toxin from the body.
Meiotic analysis of induced mutations in Ophiostoma ulmi
Authors: Bernier L. , Hubbes M.
Published: January 2010

Laboratory strains of Ophiostoma ulmi carrying nuclear mutations induced by exposure to N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine were crossed, and the segregation of genetic markers was analyzed in random ascospore progeny. Investigation of 13 auxotrophic mutations and 1 benomyl-resistant mutation provided evidence for at least three linkage groups in O. ulmi. Five loci, identified by mutant alleles ade1-1, BENIR-1, cyi1-1, lys3-1, and nic1-1, were assigned to linkage group I, whereas markers ade2-1 and lys2-2 were mapped on linkage group II. An additional locus, Met1, was assigned to a third linkage group since mutant alleles at this locus segregated independently from markers on group I or II. The Ben1R locus, controlling resistance to benomyl, segregated independently from the mating type locus and thus appeared to differ from the Tol locus described by other workers. Key words: Ophiostoma ulmi, Dutch elm disease, mutations, linkage analysis.
Early symptom development in lodgepole pine seedlings infected with Endocronartium harknessii
Authors: Allen Eric A. , Blenis P. V. , Hiratsuka Y.
Published: January 2010

Six-week-old Pinus contorta seedlings were inoculated with spores of the western gall rust fungus Endocronartium harknessii. Of 660 seedlings inoculated, 174 showed early symptoms and were sampled for histological observation in the 7 weeks following inoculation. Pigmentation of epidermal cells was the first externally visible response to infection, generally occurring 14–28 days after inoculation. Developing symptoms were extremely variable, ranging from little or no visible response to severe necrosis. The appearance of external symptoms was largely due to changes occurring in underlying infected cortical cells such as the production of phenolic compounds, necrophylactic periderm, or necrotic tissue. Intercellular lignin deposition was observed in infected tissue and was thought to be associated with necrophylactic periderm formation. Suppression of normal exophylactic periderm development was evident in virtually all infected tissue zones. Infection of the vascular cambium occurred as early as 21 days after inoculation and resulted in the subsequent formation of distorted xylem tracheids typical of gall tissue.
In vitro formation of haustoria of the cowpea rust fungus Uromyces vignae in the absence of a living plant cell. II. Electron microscopy
Authors: Heath Michèle C.
Published: January 2010

The ultrastructure of infection hyphae, haustorial mother cells, and haustoria of Uromyces vignae formed on collodion membranes is described after conventional preparation and after treatment with periodic acid – thiocarbonhydrazide – silver proteinate or periodic acid – chromic acid – phosphotungstic acid treatments. Infection hyphae and haustorial mother cells developed normally in vitro but lacked an outer wall layer present in older infections in the host plant. Haustorium formation in vitro was accompanied by the development of elaborations of the plasmalemma along the infection hypha side of the haustorial mother cell septum, but their contents did not show identical staining responses to the haustorial neck wall as reported for other rust fungus species. Haustorial necks, and to a lesser extent haustorial bodies, were coated with a fibrillar material, the staining characteristics of which were similar to material normally considered part of the extrahaustorial matrix in infected plants. The restriction of this material to the haustorium suggests that it may play an important role in the interaction between the haustorium and the plant cell.
Effects of sand burial on seed germination, seedling emergence, survival, and growth of Agropyron psammophilum
Authors: Zhang Jianhua , Maun M. A.
Published: January 2010

Studies were conducted to determine the effects of sand burial on seed germination, seedling emergence, survival, and growth of Agropyron psammophilum. In the field, seedlings of A. psammophilum emerged from burial depths ranging from 0 to 7 cm. The mean depth of seedling emergence was 2.96 ± 1.06 (mean ± SD) cm, with more than 80% individuals emerging from 0 to 4 cm depths of sand burial. In a greenhouse, seeds of A. psammophilum were artificially buried by sand to depths of 0, 2, 4, 8, 10, and 12 cm. Higher emergence percentages were obtained at 2 and 4 cm burial depths and no seedling emerged from depths greater than 8 cm. The percent germination of buried seeds, percent emergence, and emergence rte of seedlings showed negative correlation with burial depth. Burial of young seedlings up to a depth of 6 cm stimulated their growth in height, leaf and tiller production, and overall dry weight. When the burial depth exceeded 6 cm, some seedlings died and if seedlings were buried to 100% of their height (11 cm for 1-week-old and 22 cm for 2-week-old seedlings), all seedlings died.
Resistance of maize germ plasm to European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis, as related to geographical origin
Authors: Reid L. , Arnason J. T. , Nozzolillo C. , Hamilton R.
Published: January 2010

Maize germ plasm of defined geographical origins was assessed for resistance to the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis. There were two major germ plasm groups: a latitudinal series of 37 lines and a set of the indigenous races of Mexico of differing altitudinal adaptations. The parameters of resistance were the following: seedling 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-(2H)-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one (DIMBOA) content; extent of leaf feeding by larvae, both in the laboratory and in the field; extent of stalk tunneling by larvae in the field; and extent of infection by stalk rot, Gibberella zeae, and corn smut, Ustilago maydis. In the latitudinal inbreds, latitude of origin was inversely correlated with DIMBOA content, and with resistance to borer tunneling and stalk rot infection. For the indigenous races of Mexico, altitude of origin was inversely correlated with DIMBOA content and resistance to both leaf-feeding and stalk-tunneling larvae.
Diatom response to liming of a temperate, brown water lake
Authors: Ohl Lloyd E. , Gont Rodney A. , Dibble Eric D.
Published: January 2010

In a 1951 experiment, the two basins of acidic, dark water Peter-Paul Lake, Michigan, U.S.A., were separated by an earthen dam. Peter Lake was limed and Paul Lake was not. Since approximately 1920, reconstructed fossil diatom communities of the two basins were similar immediately before 1951 and different after 1951. Communities of both basins were altered in 1951, indicating concurrent nonliming factors were active. Since 1951 the Peter Lake diatom community has gone through a series of species successions apparently influenced by liming. Most recently, the Peter Lake community had nearly the same community structure as just prior to the manipulation, whereas the Paul Lake community stabilized soon after 1951 and retained its altered structure. The two communities were different before the 1951 experiment, and the use of Paul Lake as a reference was questioned. Postmanipulation diatom inferred pH was significantly higher in Peter Lake only when compared to premanipulation values in the same basin.
Leaf structure of Cananga odorata (Annonaceae) in relation to the collection of photosynthate and phloem loading: morphology and anatomy
Authors: Fisher David G.
Published: January 2010

Four distinct anatomical types of minor veins occur in Cananga odorata leaves. In order of decreasing size, they are (i) type I, with tracheary elements, fibers, vascular parenchyma cells, companion cells, and mostly nacreous-walled sieve-tube members; (ii) type II, with the same cell types except that the sieve-tube members have walls that usually lack nacreous thickenings; (iii) type III, with only vascular parenchyma cells and tracheids; and (iv) type IV (vein endings), with tracheary elements only. The proportions of the total minor vein length occupied by each are type I, 15.1%; type II, 27.2%; type III, 24.4%; and type IV, 33.3%. Thus about 60% of the minor vein network lacks sieve tubes. The average interveinal distance for all minor veins is 121 μm, but the average for veins containing sieve-tubes is 329 μm. Other salient features include vascular parenchyma cells up to 130 μm long, bundle-sheath cells whose lateral protuberances into the mesophyll increase extensively with decreasing vein size, and five layers of horizontally oriented spongy parenchyma cells. These features may facilitate transport of assimilate to the relatively small proportion of the minor vein network that contains sieve tubes.
Régulations hydriques comparées de populations de Rumex acetosella le long d'un gradient successionnel postcultural
Authors: Escarré Josep , Houssard Claudie , Vartanian Nicole
Published: January 2010

Two sets of plants of Rumex acetosella L. of known sex (males and females in the same proportions), belonging to populations from two fields that were abandoned 2 and 15 years ago, were grown on soil regularly watered to field capacity or to half of field capacity. Four harvests of six plants for each sex, population and treatment were performed to follow the changes in biomass allocation to aerial and subterranean organs as related to plant water potential. In well-watered plants, the old population had a higher rate of water use than the young one because of rapid leaf surface area development and a higher root/shoot biomass ratio, which should make it more competitive in situations of strong interspecific competition, such as the late stages of succession. When plants were subjected to water stress (half of field capacity), clear-cut differences appeared between males and females at the vegetative stage. Female plants showed a good regulation of water balance and reached higher biomass values than male plants. However, flowering and fruiting induced a decrease in the root/shoot biomass ratio and in the transpiration rate of female plants, which would tend to exclude them with time. These results may explain the fact the the oldest Rumex acetosella communities consist predominantly of males.
The in vitro effects of benomyl on disease tolerance, ectomycorrhiza formation, and growth of white pine (Pinus strobus) seedlings
Authors: Bastide Paul Y. de la , Kendrick Bryce
Published: January 2010

The influence of benomyl (methyl 1-(butylcarbamoyl)-2-benzimidazolecarbamate) on disease tolerance, growth, and mycorrhization of aseptically grown white pine (Pinus strobus) seedlings was assayed using the growth pouch technique. Six-day-old seedlings were inoculated concurrently with plugs of a pathogenic fungus Mycelium radicis atrovirens and the ectomycorrhizal fungus Laccaria bicolor. Treatment with benomyl (100 ppm) reduced the pathogenic effects of M. radicis atrovirens, enhanced mycorrhization, and improved both shoot and overall seedling growth. The fungicidal activity of benomyl and improved mycorrhization by L. bicolor may both have influenced the pathogenicity of M. radicis atrovirens. A reduction in fungal competition within the seedling rhizosphere may improve the access of L. bicolor to potential colonization sites.
MODELING THE INTERACTIONS OF STOCK PRICE AND EXCHANGE RATE IN MALAYSIA
Authors: ISMAIL MOHD TAHIR , BIN ISA ZAIDI
Published: January 2010

After the East Asian crisis in 1997, the issue of whether stock prices and exchange rates are related or not have received much attention. This is due to realization that during the crisis the countries affected saw turmoil in both their currencies and stock markets. This paper studies the non-linear interactions between stock price and exchange rate in Malaysia using a two regimes multivariate Markov switching vector autoregression (MS-VAR) model with regime shifts in both the mean and the variance. In the study, the Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (KLCI) and the exchange rates of Malaysia ringgit against four other countries namely the Singapore dollar, the Japanese yen, the British pound sterling and the Australian dollar between 1990 and 2005 are used. The empirical results show that all the series are not cointegrated but the MS-VAR model with two regimes manage to detect common regime shifts behavior in all the series. The estimated MS-VAR model reveals that as the stock price index falls the exchange rates depreciate and when the stock price index gains the exchange rates appreciate. In addition, the MS-VAR model fitted the data better than the linear vector autoregressive model (VAR).
Exploring the Mediation Between KM Infrastructure Capabilities and Organisational Performance: The Penetration of Learning by KM Practices
Authors: Shih Meng-Lin , Chuang Shu-Hui , Liao Chechen
Published: January 2010

Previous studies have examined the relationship between knowledge management (KM) infrastructure capabilities and organisational performance. However, most studies neglect the mediating effect of organisational learning by KM practices (OLKMP) in the relationship between KM infrastructure capabilities and organisational performance. This study uses the survey method to discuss the relationships governing KM infrastructure capabilities, OLKMP and organisational performance. Results of the analysis confirm the impact of technology, structure and culture on OLKMP. The overall results show that OLKMP is an efficient way to enhance organisational creativity. Thus, we also explore the performance implications of OLKMP to prove that it is an important factor in creating superior organisational effectiveness.
Empirical Study of Knowledge Fusion Process within Chinese High-Tech Industry Clusters Based on Information Fusion Method
Authors: Wang Congying , Hu Bei , Li Peng
Published: January 2010

In order to consider the future development of high-tech industry clusters, this paper applies an evolution perspective to look into the knowledge integration process from both local and global knowledge linkages of entrepreneurs within the industry cluster. This paper has established a model to explore the entrepreneur's knowledge spillover and diffusion process which promotes the high-technology industry cluster's technology upgrading. Analysis is based on data from questionnaires and interviews with 182 entrepreneurs in the Dongwan software high-tech industry cluster of Guangdong, China. Using the information fusion method the study analyses the distinction of high-tech industry clusters between developing countries and developed countries based on the survey, and found that the knowledge integration process has tremendous influence on industry cluster development, and the co-existence of both high levels of local and global knowledge linkages can greatly affect entrepreneur development and the possibility for the cluster to undertake transformation.
The microRNA miR-696 regulates PGC-1α in mouse skeletal muscle in response to physical activity
Authors: Aoi Wataru , Naito Yuji , Mizushima Katsura , Takanami Yoshikazu , Kawai Yukari , Ichikawa Hiroshi , Yoshikawa Toshikazu
Published: January 2010

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs involved in posttranscriptional gene regulation that have been shown to be involved in growth, development, function, and stress responses of various organs. The purpose of this study was to identify the miRNA response to physical activity, which was related to functions such as nutrient metabolism, although the miRNAs involved are currently unknown. C57BL/6 mice were divided into exercise and control groups. The exercise group performed running exercise, with a gradual increase of the load over 4 wk. On the other hand, to examine the effect of muscle inactivity, the unilateral hindlimbs of other mice were fixed in a cast for 5 days. Microarray analysis for miRNA in gastrocnemius revealed that miR-696 was markedly affected by both exercise and immobilization, showing opposite responses to these two interventions. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), which was increased by exercise and decreased by immobilization in the protein level, was predicted as a target regulated by miR-696. In cultured myocytes, intracellular miR-696 variation led to negative regulation of PGC-1α protein along with the expression of mRNAs for downstream genes. In addition, we found decreases in the biogenesis of mitochondria and fatty acid oxidation in miR-696-overexpressing myocytes compared with normal control myocytes. These observations demonstrate that miR-696 is a physical activity-dependent miRNA involved in the translational regulation of PGC-1α and skeletal muscle metabolism in mice.
Bayesian and “Anti-Bayesian” Biases in Sensory Integration for Action and Perception in the Size–Weight Illusion
Authors: Brayanov Jordan B. , Smith Maurice A.
Published: January 2010

Which is heavier: a pound of lead or a pound of feathers? This classic trick question belies a simple but surprising truth: when lifted, the pound of lead feels heavier—a phenomenon known as the size–weight illusion. To estimate the weight of an object, our CNS combines two imperfect sources of information: a prior expectation, based on the object's appearance, and direct sensory information from lifting it. Bayes' theorem (or Bayes' law) defines the statistically optimal way to combine multiple information sources for maximally accurate estimation. Here we asked whether the mechanisms for combining these information sources produce statistically optimal weight estimates for both perceptions and actions. We first studied the ability of subjects to hold one hand steady when the other removed an object from it, under conditions in which sensory information about the object's weight sometimes conflicted with prior expectations based on its size. Since the ability to steady the supporting hand depends on the generation of a motor command that accounts for lift timing and object weight, hand motion can be used to gauge biases in weight estimation by the motor system. We found that these motor system weight estimates reflected the integration of prior expectations with real-time proprioceptive information in a Bayesian, statistically optimal fashion that discounted unexpected sensory information. This produces a motor size–weight illusion that consistently biases weight estimates toward prior expectations. In contrast, when subjects compared the weights of two objects, their perceptions defied Bayes' law, exaggerating the value of unexpected sensory information. This produces a perceptual size–weight illusion that biases weight perceptions away from prior expectations. We term this effect “anti-Bayesian” because the bias is opposite that seen in Bayesian integration. Our findings suggest that two fundamentally different strategies for the integration of prior expectations with sensory information coexist in the nervous system for weight estimation.
Investigation on Stone Machining Performance Using Force and Specific Energy
Authors: Turchetta S. , Polini W. , Buyuksagis I. S.
Published: January 2010

Cutting force and energy are often used as parameters for monitoring the stone cutting process. Empirical models are required to guide the selection of the cutting conditions. This paper shows a simple empirical model to predict the variation of the cutting energy. It puts into relationship the cutting force and the cutting energy with the idealized chip thickness. It has been tested on six different kinds of stone. The models can be used to guide the selection of cutting conditions. The chip generation and removal process has been quantified with the intention of assisting both the toolmaker and the stonemason in optimizing the tool composition and cutting process parameters, respectively.
Molecular Characterization of the Ghrelin and Ghrelin Receptor Genes and Effects on Fat Deposition in Chicken and Duck
Authors: Nie Q. , Fang M. , Xie L. , Peng X. , Xu H. , Luo C. , Zhang D. , Zhang X.
Published: January 2010

Ghrelin (GHRL) and its receptor (GHSR) are involved in various bioactivities. In this study, the complete cDNA and 5′ flanking region of the duck GHRL (dGHRL) gene and a 3717 bp fragment of the duck GHSR (dGHSR) gene were obtained. A total of 19, 8, 43, and 48 SNPs identified in 2751, 1358, 3671, and 3567 bp of the chicken GHRL (cGHRL), chicken GHSR (cGHSR), dGHRL, and dGHSR genes, respectively. Both cGHRL and dGHRL were expressed predominantly in the proventriculus, whereas the highest mRNA levels of cGHSR and dGHSR were detected in the breast muscle and pituitary. Association analysis showed that C‐2047G, A‐2355C, and A‐2220C of the cGHRL gene were significantly associated with abdominal fat weight (AFW; P = .01), crude protein content of leg muscle (CPCLM; P = .02), and CPCLM (P = .0009), respectively. C‐1459T of the cGHSR gene was also significantly associated with CPCLM (P = .0004). C‐729T of dGHRL and A3427T of dGHSR were both significantly associated with subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT; P = .04). It was indicated by this study that the GHRL and GHSR genes were related to fat deposition in both chicken and duck.
Regulation of Ceramide Synthase–Mediated Crypt Epithelium Apoptosis by DNA Damage Repair Enzymes
Authors: Rotolo Jimmy A. , Mesicek Judith , Maj Jerzy , Truman Jean-Philip , Haimovitz-Friedman Adriana , Kolesnick Richard , Fuks Zvi
Published: January 2010

Acute endothelial cell apoptosis and microvascular compromise couple gastrointestinal tract irradiation to reproductive death of intestinal crypt stem cell clonogens (SCCs) following high-dose radiation. Genetic or pharmacologic inhibition of endothelial apoptosis prevents intestinal damage, but as the radiation dose is escalated, SCCs become directly susceptible to an alternate cell death mechanism, mediated via ceramide synthase (CS)–stimulated de novo synthesis of the proapoptotic sphingolipid ceramide, and p53-independent apoptosis of crypt SCCs. We previously reported that ataxia-telangiectasia mutated deficiency resets the primary radiation lethal pathway, allowing CS-mediated apoptosis at the low-dose range of radiation. The mechanism for this event, termed target reordering, remains unknown. Here, we show that inactivation of DNA damage repair pathways signals CS-mediated apoptosis in crypt SCCs, presumably via persistent unrepaired DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Genetic loss of function of sensors and transducers of DNA DSB repair confers the CS-mediated lethal pathway in intestines of sv129/B6Mre11ATLD1/ATLD1 and C57BL/6Prkdc/SCID (severe combined immunodeficient) mice exposed to low-dose radiation. In contrast, CS-mediated SCC lethality was mitigated in irradiated gain-of-function Rad50s/s mice, and epistasis studies order Rad50 upstream of Mre11. These studies suggest unrepaired DNA DSBs as causative in target reordering in intestinal SCCs. As such, we provide an in vivo model of DNA damage repair that is standardized, can be exploited to understand allele-specific regulation in intact tissue, and is pharmacologically tractable. Cancer Res; 70(3); 957– 67
Tumor Cell Death and ATP Release Prime Dendritic Cells and Efficient Anticancer Immunity
Authors: Aymeric Laetitia , Apetoh Lionel , Ghiringhelli François , Tesniere Antoine , Martins Isabelle , Kroemer Guido , Smyth Mark J. , Zitvogel Laurence
Published: January 2010

By destroying tumor cells, conventional anticancer therapies may stimulate the host immune system to eliminate residual disease. Anthracyclines, oxaliplatin, and ionizing irradiation activate a type of tumor cell death that elicits efficient anticancer immune responses depending on interferon γ (IFNγ) and the IFNγ receptor. Thus, dying tumor cells emit danger signals that are perceived by dendritic cells (DC), which link innate and cognate immune responses. Recently, we observed that ATP was released by tumor cells succumbing to chemotherapy. ATP activates purinergic P2RX7 receptors on DC, thus activating the NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1 inflammasome and driving the secretion of interleukin-1β (IL-1β). IL-1β then is required for the adequate polarization of IFNγ-producing CD8+ T cells. These results imply a novel danger signal, ATP, and a novel receptor, P2RX7, in the chemotherapy-elicited anticancer immune response. Cancer Res; 70(3); 855–8