bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observation of green lasing at 537 nm from Er-ions by coupled photon–atom modes in a random cavity
Authors: Pham Van Hoi , Chi Do Thuy , Bui Huy , Nguyen The Anh , Nguyen Thuy Van
Published: March 2011

We present new results of a laser phenomenon that gives rise to a narrow green emission mode in a random photonic-crystal cavity based on an Er-doped glass–air gap–polymer with a 976 nm diode laser pump. Lasing occurs at 537 nm, which does not respond to the resonant radiative transition 2
H
11/2→4
I
15/2; 4
S
3/2→4
I
15/2 in Erbium ions. This effect can be seen as photon–atom coupling in the context of the interaction between a single atom and/or a few atoms and resonant optical media, such as cavities or photonic crystals. Experimental results show that the random lasing mode directly originates from the coupled photon–atom mode inside the random cavity. The measured Q-factor is of 2100–2800 for a random cavity with an air gap of 600–1700 nm between Er-doped glass fiber and a coated polymer layer.
Electric contact resistance for monitoring nanoindentation-induced delamination
Authors: Nguyen Huu Hung , Wei Pal Jen , Lin Jen Fin
Published: March 2011

This study applied an in situ electric contact resistance technique to monitor delamination induced by indentation loads. A suddenly increasing indentation depth, together with a simultaneous drop in monitoring contact current, suggests that delamination occurred. During unloading processes, the rapid decrease in both contact depth and current imply that the delaminated film was suspended as long as the indentation load became sufficiently small. When delamination occurred during oscillating processes, the contact current was found to drop from an initial value to a steady value, which is related to a loss of interfacial contact.
Synthesis and optical properties of copper nanoparticles prepared by a chemical reduction method
Authors: Dang Thi My Dung , Le Thi Tuyet Thu , Fribourg-Blanc Eric , Dang Mau Chien
Published: March 2011

Copper nanoparticles, due to their interesting properties, low cost preparation and many potential applications in catalysis, cooling fluid or conductive inks, have attracted a lot of interest in recent years. In this study, copper nanoparticles were synthesized through the chemical reduction of copper sulfate with sodium borohydride in water without inert gas protection. In our synthesis route, ascorbic acid (natural vitamin C) was employed as a protective agent to prevent the nascent Cu nanoparticles from oxidation during the synthesis process and in storage. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was added and worked both as a size controller and as a capping agent. Cu nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy to investigate the coordination between Cu nanoparticles and PEG. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV–vis spectrometry contributed to the analysis of size and optical properties of the nanoparticles, respectively. The average crystal sizes of the particles at room temperature were less than 10 nm. It was observed that the surface plasmon resonance phenomenon can be controlled during synthesis by varying the reaction time, pH, and relative ratio of copper sulfate to the surfactant. The surface plasmon resonance peak shifts from 561 to 572 nm, while the apparent color changes from red to black, which is partly related to the change in particle size. Upon oxidation, the color of the solution changes from red to violet and ultimately a blue solution appears.
The influence of fabrication conditions on structure and magnetic properties of Nd–Fe–Co–Nb–B nanocomposites
Authors: Nguyen Hai Yen , Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen , Pham Thi Thanh , Do Tran Huu , Nguyen Huy Dan
Published: March 2011

In this paper, we present the results of an investigation of the influence of fabrication conditions on the structure and magnetic properties of Nd
10.5−x

Fe
83.5−y

Co

x

Nb

y

B
6 (x=0–6; y=1.5–3) nanocomposites prepared by melt-spinning combined with annealing. By changing the quenching rate (by varying the tangential velocity of the copper wheel from 10 m 
s
−1 to 40 m 
s
−1), one can select a suitable velocity to obtain an alloy that has good, hard magnetic behavior without annealing. However, the hard magnetic behavior of the alloy is better and more stable when the alloy is quenched at a high rate to create an amorphous state and subsequently annealed in the range of 650–800 °C for 10 min. The results also show that the Co concentration has an important effect on the structure and magnetic properties of the alloys.
Relaxing Heteroscedasticity Assumptions in Area‐Yield Crop Insurance Rating
Authors: Harri Ardian , Coble Keith H. , Ker Alan P. , Goodwin Barry J.
Published: March 2011

This article focuses on the effect of differing heteroscedasticity assumptions on derived premium rates of area‐yield crop insurance. Tests of the proportional and absolute heteroscedasticity assumptions are conducted using both in‐sample and out‐of‐sample measures. Our results suggest that arbitrarily imposing a specific form of heteroscedasticity or homoscedasticity in insurance rate calculations limits actuarial soundness. Our results have practical implications for the federal crop insurance programs, as we reject the traditional rating assumptions for many cotton regions and lower‐yielding/higher‐risk corn and soybean counties but not in the heart of the Cornbelt.
Transcript Profiles in Sugar Beet Genotypes Uncover Timing and Strength of Defense Reactions to Cercospora beticola Infection
Authors: Weltmeier Fridtjof , Mäser Anja , Menze Andreas , Hennig Steffen , Schad Martina , Breuer Frank , Schulz Britta , Holtschulte Bernd , Nehls Reinhard , Stahl Dietmar J.
Published: March 2011

Cercospora leaf spot disease, caused by the fungus Cercospora beticola, is the most destructive foliar disease of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) worldwide. Despite the great agronomical importance of this disease, little is known about its underlying molecular processes. Technical resources are scarce for analyzing this important crop species. We developed a sugar beet microarray with 44,000 oligonucleotides that represent 17,277 cDNAs. During the four stages of C. beticola–B. vulgaris interactions, we profiled the transcriptional responses of three genotypes: susceptible, polygenic partial resistance, and monogenic resistant. Similar genes were induced in all three genotypes during infection but with striking differences in timing. The monogenic resistant genotype displayed strong defense responses at 1 day postinoculation (dpi). The other genotypes displayed defense responses in a later phase (15 dpi) of the infection cycle. The partially resistant genotype displayed a strong defense response in the late phase of the infection cycle. Furthermore, the partially resistant genotype expressed pathogen-related transcripts that the susceptible genotype lacked. These results indicate that resistance was achieved by the ability to mount an early defense response, and partial resistance was determined by additional defense and signaling transcripts that allowed effective defense in the late phase of the infection cycle.
Detection and Quantification of Peronospora tabacina Using a Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay
Authors: Blanco-Meneses Monica , Ristaino Jean Beagle
Published: March 2011

Peronospora tabacina is an obligate plant pathogen that causes blue mold of tobacco. The disease is difficult to diagnose before the appearance of symptoms and can be easily spread in nonsymptomatic tobacco seedlings. We developed a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for P. tabacina that uses 5′ fluorogenic exonuclease (TaqMan) chemistry to detect and quantify pathogen DNA from diseased tissue. The primers and probe were designed using 5.8S ribosomal DNA sequences from 12 fungal and oomycete tobacco pathogens and 24 Peronospora spp. The PtabBM TaqMan assay was optimized and performed with a final concentration of 450 nM primers and 125 nM probe. The real-time TaqMan assay was assessed for sensitivity and the lower detection limit was 1 fg of DNA. The assay was specific for P. tabacina. None of the DNA from other tobacco pathogens, nonpathogens, or the host were amplified. The PtabBM TaqMan assay was useful for detection of P. tabacina in field samples, artificially inoculated leaves, roots, and systemically infected tobacco seedlings. The assay was used to quantify host resistance and it was possible to detect the pathogen 4 days postinoculation in both medium-resistant and susceptible tobacco cultivars. The real-time PCR assay for P. tabacina will be a valuable tool for the detection of the pathogen and of use to regulatory agencies interested in preventing the spread of blue mold.
First Report of Grapevine Trunk Disease Caused by Botryosphaeria obtusa in China
Authors: Yan J.-Y. , Peng Y.-L. , Xie Y. , Li X.-H. , Yao S.-W. , Tang M.-L. , Wang Z.-Y.
Published: March 2011

In September 2010, grapevine (Vitis vinifera) trunk diseases were observed in several vineyards of Yantai District in Shandong Provinces and Changli County of Hebei Provinces of China. Characteristic symptoms of Botryosphaeria canker were apparent, including dark brown discoloration on the trunk (visible in cross-section), cob base shriveling, drying of fruit clusters, and berry falling (2). To identify the causal pathogen, culturing of fungi was attempted from 387 small pieces of tissue from the canker margins of 43 diseased plants. Samples were surface disinfected by placing them in 75% ethanol for 1 min and rinsing with sterilized water three times before culturing on potato dextrose agar (PDA) at 28°C for 7 to 10 days. Fungi isolated were single spored to obtain pure cultures. On the basis of colony characteristics on PDA, 18 isolates from the 387 tissue pieces were eventually identified as Botryosphaeria obtusa (1), Most of the other fungi isolated were B. dothidea. B. obtusa colonies were grayish white, becoming dark brown with age, and pycnidia were formed after incubation for approximately 7 days. Conidia measured 8 to 11 × 17 to 26 μm (n= 50). Two isolates were used for rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence analysis with primers ITS1 and ITS4 (3). PCR products were separated by electrophoresis and bands were purified for legation with PMD-18T (Takara Company, Dalian, China) vector for sequencing. BLAST searches of two ITS sequences had 99 to 100% identity to B. obtusa. EF1-α and β-tubulin sequence analysis gave similar results. Koch's postulates were completed in the greenhouse on grape shoots inoculated with two isolates of B. obtusa originally isolated from diseased plants in the field. Inoculations were made on green shoots of V. vinifera cv. Dunkelfelder T. Six shoots were inoculated per isolate by wounding with a 4-mm cork borer (2 mm deep) and placing a colonized agar plug from a 5-day-old culture on the wound and wrapping it with Parafilm. Controls were mock inoculated with an agar plug from sterile PDA. Inoculated shoots were incubated in the dark under moist conditions in the laboratory for 8 to 10 days at 25°C. Inoculated shoots had necrotic cankers after 8 to 10 days and B. obtusa was recovered from each canker margin. The results indicated that some grapevines in China with symptoms of Botryosphaeria canker were infected by B. obtusa. To our knowledge, this is the first report of this pathogen causing trunk disease on grapevine in China.

References: (1) A. Taylor et al. Australas. Plant Pathol. 34:187, 2005. (2) J. R. Úrbez-Torres et al. Plant Dis. 92:519, 2008. (3) T. J. White et al. Page 315 in: PCR Protocols: A Guide to Methods and Applications. Academic Press, San Diego, 1990.
First Report of Fusarium Wilt of Chicory (Cichorium intybus) Caused by Fusarium oxysporum in Italy
Authors: Garibaldi A. , Gilardi G. , Poli A. , Gullino M. L.
Published: March 2011

In the summer of 2009, a wilt of chicory was observed on 25 to 30% of 30-day-old Cichorium intybus L. cv. Clio plants grown outdoors on a commercial farm in Piedmont (northern Italy). Affected plants were chlorotic and stunted with poorly developed root systems compared with healthy plants. Black streaks were observed in the stem and proximal part of the leaf vascular system in wilted plants. Fusarium oxysporum Schltdl. was isolated from symptomatic vascular tissue on a Fusarium-selective medium (1) from 80% of samples. Grown on potato dextrose agar (PDA) for 4 days at 23°C, the colonies, initially white and later pale pink, produced hyaline microconidia that were oval-elliptical and cylindrical in shape measuring 5.6 to 14.9 (average 10.2) × 2.1 to 4.5 (3.0) μm, borne on short monophialides measuring 8.2 to 16.1 (average 13.2) × 2.1 to 4.2 (3.3) μm. Macroconidia were slightly curved, three-septate, with a slightly hooked apical cell and a foot-shaped basal cell measuring 24.9 to 41.6 (average 32.2) × 3.2 to 5.2 (4.3) μm. Chlamydospores were both terminally and intercalary, solitary but also in short chains (2 to 4 elements) measuring 21.1 to 41.0 (average 27.2) μm (2). The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA region was amplified using the primers ITS1/ITS4 and sequenced. BLASTn analysis of the 527-bp amplicon (GenBank Accession No. HQ644423) obtained had 98% sequence identity with F. oxysporum (GenBank Accession No. FJ605247). The translation elongation factor-1α (EF-1α) gene was amplified using primers EF-1/EF-2 and sequenced (GenBank Accession No. GU564259). The 663-bp fragment had 99% sequence identity with F. oxysporum (GenBank Accession Nos. EU313540, EU313539, and DQ837696). Pathogenicity tests were conducted on 15-day-old chicory plants from two cultivars (Clio and Katia). Thirty-five plants per cultivar were inoculated by dipping their roots in a 1 × 106 CFU/ml suspension of isolate FusCic45B recovered from wilted chicory. Inoculated and noninoculated plants were transplanted into five pots filled with 10 liters of steamed mix (peat/perlite/sand, 60:20:20 vol/vol) and were maintained in a glasshouse at 25 to 27°C. Wilt symptoms and vascular discoloration of the roots, crown, and veins developed 15 days after inoculation on all inoculated plants. Plants of cv. Clio were more susceptible. F. oxysporum was always reisolated from infected plants using the Fusarium-selective medium. All noninoculated plants remained healthy. The pathogenicity test was conducted twice. To our knowledge, this is the first report of wilt caused by F. oxysporum on chicory, C. intybus, in Italy as well as worldwide.

References: (1) H. Komada. Rev. Plant Prot. Res. 8:114, 1975. (2) E. Nelson et al. Fusarium Species: An Illustrated Manual for Identification. The Pennsylvania State University Press, University Park, 1983.
Regular Exercise Reverses Sensory Hypersensitivity in a Rat Neuropathic Pain Model
Authors: Stagg Nicola J. , Mata Heriberto P. , Ibrahim Mohab M. , Henriksen Erik J. , Porreca Frank , Vanderah Todd W. , Philip Malan T.
Published: March 2011

Background

Exercise is often prescribed as a therapy for chronic pain. Short-term exercise briefly increases the production of endogenous analgesics, leading to transient antinociception. In limited studies, exercise produced sustained increases in endogenous opioids, sustained analgesia, or diminished measures of chronic pain. This study tests the hypothesis that regular aerobic exercise leads to sustained reversal of neuropathic pain by activating endogenous opioid-mediated pain modulatory systems.

Methods

After baseline measurements, the L5 and L6 spinal nerves of male Sprague-Dawley rats were tightly ligated. Animals were randomized to sedentary or 5-week treadmill exercise-trained groups. Thermal and tactile sensitivities were assessed 23 h after exercise, using paw withdrawal thresholds to von Frey filaments and withdrawal latencies to noxious heat. Opioid receptor antagonists were administered by subcutaneous, intrathecal, or intracerebroventricular injection. Opioid peptides were quantified using immunohistochemistry with densitometry.

Results

Exercise training ameliorated thermal and tactile hypersensitivity in spinal nerve-ligated animals within 3 weeks. Sensory hypersensitivity returned 5 days after discontinuation of exercise training. The effects of exercise were reversed by using systemically or intracerebroventricularly administered opioid receptor antagonists and prevented by continuous infusion of naltrexone. Exercise increased β-endorphin and met-enkephalin content in the rostral ventromedial medulla and the mid-brain periaqueductal gray area.

Conclusions

Regular moderate aerobic exercise reversed signs of neuropathic pain and increased endogenous opioid content in brainstem regions important in pain modulation. Exercise effects were reversed by opioid receptor antagonists. These results suggest that exercise-induced reversal of neuropathic pain results from an up-regulation of endogenous opioids.
Reduced-order models for closed-loop wake control
Authors: Tadmor Gilead , Lehmann Oliver , Noack Bernd R. , Cordier Laurent , Delville Joël , Bonnet Jean-Paul , Morzyński Marek
Published: March 2011

We review a strategy for low- and least-order Galerkin models suitable for the design of closed-loop stabilization of wakes. These low-order models are based on a fixed set of dominant coherent structures and tend to be incurably fragile owing to two challenges. Firstly, they miss the important stabilizing effects of interactions with the base flow and stochastic fluctuations. Secondly, their range of validity is restricted by ignoring mode deformations during natural and actuated transients. We address the first challenge by including shift mode(s) and nonlinear turbulence models. The resulting robust least-order model lives on an inertial manifold, which links slow variations in the base flow and coherent and stochastic fluctuation amplitudes. The second challenge, the deformation of coherent structures, is addressed by parameter-dependent modes, allowing smooth transitions between operating conditions. Now, the Galerkin model lives on a refined manifold incorporating mode deformations. Control design is a simple corollary of the distilled model structure. We illustrate the modelling path for actuated wake flows.
Altered trichothecene biosynthesis in TRI6‐silenced transformants of Fusarium culmorum influences the severity of crown and foot rot on durum wheat seedlings
Authors: SCHERM BARBARA , ORRÙ MARCELLA , BALMAS VIRGILIO , SPANU FRANCESCA , AZARA EMANUELA , DELOGU GIOVANNA , HAMMOND THOMAS M. , KELLER NANCY P. , MIGHELI QUIRICO
Published: March 2011

An RNA silencing construct was used to alter mycotoxin production in the plant pathogenic fungus Fusarium culmorum, the incitant of crown and foot rot on wheat. The transformation of a wild‐type strain and its nitrate reductase‐deficient mutant with inverted repeat transgenes (IRTs) containing sequences corresponding to the trichothecene regulatory gene TRI6 was achieved using hygromycin B resistance as a selectable marker. Southern analysis revealed a variety of integration patterns of the TRI6 IRT. One transformant underwent homologous recombination with deletion of the endogenous TRI6 gene, whereas, in another transformant, the TRI6 IRT was not integrated into the genome. The TRI6 IRT did not alter the physiological characteristics, such as spore production, pigmentation or growth rate, on solid media. In most transformants, a high TRI6 amplification signal was detected by quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, corresponding to a TRI6‐hybridizing smear of degraded fragments by Northern analysis, whereas TRI5 expression decreased compared with the respective nontransformed strain. Four transformants showed increased TRI5 expression, which was correlated with a dramatic (up to 28‐fold) augmentation of deoxynivalenol production. Pathogenicity assays on durum wheat seedlings confirmed that impairment of deoxynivalenol production in the TRI6 IRT transformants correlated with a loss of virulence, with decreased disease indices ranging from 40% to 80% in nine silenced strains, whereas the overproducing transformants displayed higher virulence compared with the wild‐type.
Structural characterisation of β‐cyclodextrin crosslinked by adipic acid
Authors: Kwak Hae‐Soo , Lee Jung Eun , Chang Yoon Hyuk
Published: March 2011

This study was conducted to investigate the structural characterisation of β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) crosslinked by adipic acid. β‐CD was treated with different concentrations (0%, 5%, 10% and 15%, w/v) of adipic acid. Different instruments, such as scanning electron microsope (SEM), Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy and 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra were used to find out chemical structure in the crosslinked β‐CD. SEM analysis suggested that crosslinking β‐CD with 15% adipic acid changed the original morphology and considerably increased the particle size of the raw material. FT‐IR spectroscopy data showed that an intensive absorption band at 1706 cm−1 was present in the β‐CD samples treated with 10% and 15% adipic acid, indicating a crosslinking between hydroxyl groups of β‐CD and carboxyl groups of adipic acid. NMR spectra revealed that the ester linkages between hydroxyl groups of β‐CD and carboxyl groups of adipic acid were formed after crosslinking of β‐CD with adipic acid.
Costs of constitutive and herbivore‐induced chemical defences in pine trees emerge only under low nutrient availability
Authors: Sampedro Luis , Moreira Xoaquín , Zas Rafael
Published: March 2011

1. Production of antiherbivore chemical defences is generally assumed to be costly in terms of fitness, although some studies have failed to detect such costs. A convincing explanation is that the expression of fitness costs depends on environmental conditions such as nutrient availability.

2. We performed a greenhouse experiment with 33 half‐sib families in order to study the phenotypic plasticity of constitutive and methyl jasmonate‐induced chemical defences to soil phosphorus (P) availability, the existence of genetic trade‐offs (costs) between growth and the production of those defences and the extent to which P availability may modulate the expression of those costs.

3. We measured some proxies of vegetative fitness (primary growth, secondary growth and total biomass), plant reserves (soluble sugars and starch) and the concentration of quantitative chemical defences (diterpene content in the stem, total polyphenolics and condensed tannins in the needles).

4. Phosphorus availability had a considerable effect, both on the allocation of resources to constitutive and induced defences and on the expression of vegetative costs associated with those chemical defences. Constitutive investment in chemical defences was greater under P‐limited conditions for all studied traits. Inducibility of foliar phenolic compounds was greater under P‐limited conditions, and it was strongly constrained under high P availability. Availability of P did not affect the inducibility of stem diterpenes.

5. All defensive traits showed significant genetic variation, with different levels of genetic control in constitutive and induced modes, and genetic variation in their inducibility. We found significant negative genetic correlations (i.e. trade‐offs) between growth and defensive investment, but costs of chemical defences emerged only in P‐limited conditions. Vegetative costs of constitutive defences were detected for stem diterpenes but not for needle phenolics, while costs of induced defences were found for leaf phenolics but not for stem diterpenes.

6. Synthesis. Our results indicate that P availability controls the production of chemical defences in this pine species, influencing the resource allocation to constitutive defences, the inducibility of those defences and the emergence of related vegetative costs. Phosphorus availability thus appears as a major driver in the evolution of pine resistance to insects and a potential factor in maintaining genetic variation in defences.
Circulating microRNAs in hepatitis B virus–infected patients
Authors: Ji F. , Yang B. , Peng X. , Ding H. , You H. , Tien P.
Published: March 2011

Summary.  MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are stably present in human serum. The relationship between circulating miRNAs and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infected liver disease has not been previously reported. Applied Biosystems array‐based miRNA expression profiling was performed on pooled sera obtained from identified groups of chronic asymptomatic carriers (ASC), patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and HBV‐associated acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF), as well as healthy controls (HC). Nine miRNAs were verified in more clinical samples by RT‐PCR. The correlation between miRNAs expression and the relationship between miRNA levels and clinical characteristics was analysed. Results showed that circulating miRNAs were detected in all disease and control samples, and their numbers increased with symptom severity, from 37 in HC, 77 in ASC, 101 in CHB, to 135 in ACLF. The expression levels of most miRNAs were also up‐regulated in HBV‐infected patients when compared to HC. Expression of the liver‐specific miR‐122 was significantly up‐regulated in HBV‐infected patients. Concomitant regulation of miRNAs not in clusters was disrupted by HBV infection. However, such disruption was not observed for miRNAs in paralogous clusters. Furthermore, the level of miRNAs in the CHB serum was up‐regulated most in hepatitis B e antigen–positive patients. The expression levels of miR‐122 and miR‐194 correlated negatively with the age of patients with CHB or ACLF. Functional analysis showed that miR‐122 could inhibit HBV replication in Huh7 and HepG2 cells. In all, our study revealed that a number of miRNAs were differentially expressed during HBV infection and underscored the potential importance of miR‐122 in the infection process.
Human host determinants influencing the outcome of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense infections
Authors: BUCHETON B. , MacLEOD A. , JAMONNEAU V.
Published: March 2011

Since first identified, human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) or sleeping sickness has been described as invariably fatal. Increasing data however argue that infection by Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, the causative agent of HAT, results in a wide range of outcomes in its human host and importantly that a number of subjects in endemic areas are apparently able to control infection to low levels, undetectable by the classical parasitological tests used in the field. Thus, trypanotolerance seems to occur in humans as has already been described in cattle or in the rodent experimental models of infection. This review focuses on the description of the diversity of outcomes resulting from T. b. gambiense in humans and on the host factors involved. The consequences/impacts on HAT epidemiology resulting from this diversity are also discussed with regard to implementing sustainable HAT control strategies.
The genetics of speciation: genes of small effect underlie sexual isolation in the Hawaiian cricket Laupala
Authors: ELLISON C. K. , WILEY C. , SHAW K. L.
Published: March 2011

Sexual behaviours often evolve rapidly and are critical for sexual isolation. We suggest that coordinated sexual signals and preferences generate stabilizing selection, favouring the accumulation of many small‐effect mutations in sexual communication traits. Rapid radiation of a sexual behaviour used in signalling, song pulse rate, has been observed in the Hawaiian cricket genus Laupala. Using marker‐assisted introgression, we isolated five known quantitative trait loci (QTL) influencing species‐level differences in pulse rate from one species, L. paranigra, into a closely related species, L. kohalensis. All five QTL were found to have a significant effect on song and appear to be largely additive in backcross introgression lines. Furthermore, all effect sizes were small in magnitude. Our data provide support for the hypothesis that stabilizing selection on sexual signals in Laupala creates genetic conditions favourable to incremental divergence during speciation, through the evolution of alleles of minor rather than major phenotypic effects.
Identification of wild apple germplasm (Malus spp.) accessions with resistance to the postharvest decay pathogens Penicillium expansum and Colletotrichum acutatum
Authors: Jurick Wayne M. , Janisiewicz Wojciech J. , Saftner Robert A. , Vico Ivana , Gaskins Verneta L. , Park Eunhee , Forsline Philip L. , Fazio Gennaro , Conway William S.
Published: March 2011

With 3 figures and 4 tables

Penicillium expansum and Colletotrichum acutatum cause blue mould and bitter rot of apples during storage which results in significant economic losses. Resistance to these pathogens in commercial apple cultivars has not been documented in the literature. An apple germplasm collection, from the centre of origin in Kazakhstan, is maintained in Geneva, New York. This collection represents a more diverse apple gene pool than commercial cultivars and was evaluated for resistance to the pathogens that cause blue mould and bitter rot. Resistance reactions were skewed towards susceptibility for both fungi and comprised the majority of accessions examined. However, resistance to P. expansum was confirmed in select accessions over multiple years. Maturation patterns and quality indices for soluble solids and acidity, which may also affect susceptibility, were highly variable and represent the genetic diversity of the germplasm collection. Resistance in four accessions to C. acutatum and two accessions resistant to both P. expansum and C. acutatum are reported here for the first time. Data from this study will serve as a foundation for conventional apple breeding programmes and molecular genetics investigations to provide resistance against blue mould and bitter rot in commercial apple varieties.
Heart Rate and Heart Rate Variability in the Pregnant Mare and its Foetus
Authors: Nagel C , Aurich J , Aurich C
Published: March 2011

Contents

Abortion and preterm birth of foals are major reasons for reproductive losses in the horse. Risk pregnancies require close supervision so that adequate treatment can be initiated in time. The aim of this study was to determine normal values in heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) of the pregnant mare compared to her foetus and to detect physiological changes during ongoing gestation. In mares, the RR interval decreased from 1480 ± 29 ms on day 270 of pregnancy to 1190 ± 58 ms on day 330 of pregnancy (p < 0.05). In contrast, foetal RR interval increased during the same time period from 611 ± 23 ms on day 270 of gestation to 756 ± 25 ms on day 330 of gestation (p < 0.05). Concomitantly, maternal HR increased and foetal HR decreased. No further changes in RR interval occurred during the last 10 days before foaling, neither in the mare nor the foetus. In the last hours preceding parturition, maternal RR interval was lower than at all times earlier in pregnancy (average of 1037 ± 13 ms) but did not change during this time. Maternal HRV did not change during gestation. Marked changes in HRV occurred only during the last minutes of foaling. Then, all HRV variables increased significantly (standard deviation of beat‐to‐beat interval: p = 0.01, root mean square of successive beat‐to‐beat differences: p < 0.01). The cardiovascular system of pregnant mares adapted to the demands of ongoing pregnancy with an increase in HR. We have no evidence that in healthy mares, pregnancy is a major stressor.
Keskidee Aroha: Translation on the Colonial Stage
Authors: SHILLIAM ROBBIE
Published: March 2011

In 1979 a Black theatre group from London toured the north island of Aotearoa New Zealand, visiting community centres and marae (traditional Māori meeting places).1 The troupe was named after a small Guyanese bird renowned for its resilience – the Keskidee – and consisted of Black British, African‐Caribbean, African‐American and African performers including a group of Rasta musicians, the Ras Messengers. The New Zealand organizers of the tour called their collective Keskidee Aroha, aroha being the Māori word for compassion and empathy. This article explores the colonial stage upon which Keskidee played and assesses the type of inter‐cultural translations that are prompted when (post‐)colonized subjects speak to each‐other rather than address the colonizer.
Small Towns in Turkey: Footnotes in Somebody Else's History
Authors: ZEYBEK SEZAI OZAN
Published: March 2011

This article follows the trajectories by which modernity and development in Turkey have been constituted as an antagonism between villages and cities. Both inspired, albeit in opposing ways, modernising/ developmental ideals, and constituted the true locus of nationalist discourses. Meanwhile, small towns with shrinking populations, low‐level capital accumulation and limited jobs have been left invisible. They have been depicted as irrelevant places of the same essence, which had nothing to add to the story. As such, the article is an analysis of how the Republican history is constructed as a narrative of an antagonism between the West and the East, backwardness and progress, modern and non‐modern. What follows is an exploration of how provincial places and people, which are lumped together on either side of these binaries, are left out, silenced or marginalized.
Scrutiny in English Local Government and the Role of Councillors
Authors: COULSON ANDREW
Published: March 2011

Overview and Scrutiny Committees were introduced in England and Wales in the Local Government Act 2000 that ended the role the full council and its committees as the locus of decision‐making for most local authorities. Overview and scrutiny committees composed of councillors not on small decision‐making executives were tasked with holding these to account. The performance of scrutiny committees is variable. Generally they work best where they concentrate on reviews of policy and practice, with recommendations following from well‐researched reports. The paper reviews the difficulties which arise when scrutiny committees endeavour to hold powerful executives to account, and suggests that to strengthen this new legislation is required, in particular to institutionalise scrutiny committees as agencies of the full council, the representative body for the area, comparable to the way in which the select committees at Westminster are the agencies of the Parliament.
The Expenses Scandal and the Politics of Electoral Reform
Authors: RENWICK ALAN , LAMB MICHAEL , NUMAN BERNA
Published: March 2011

The scandal over MPs' expenses that erupted in 2009 was followed by a surge in discussion of electoral reform. A range of reforms to Westminster's existing electoral system are now high on the political agenda. This article examines the extent and the nature of the scandal's impact on the electoral reform debate and draws out comparative implications for the sorts of conditions that can force politicians to accept electoral reforms that they do not want. It finds that the expenses scandal significantly changed debate about some electoral reform topics, but not about others. It proposes three factors likely to increase the impact of scandal in sparking reform: that the scandal is seen as harming ordinary people in their daily lives; that reforms can readily be understood as likely to mitigate the sources of scandal; and that those reforms do not seriously harm politicians' own perceived interests.
POLICY ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC SECTOR STRATEGY: THE CASE OF LONDON HEALTH REFORM
Authors: OBORN EIVOR , BARRETT MICHAEL , EXWORTHY MARK
Published: March 2011

The development of health policy is recognized as complex; however, there has been little development of the role of agency in this process. Kingdon developed the concept of policy entrepreneur (PE) within his ‘windows’ model. He argued inter‐related ‘policy streams' must coincide for important issues to become addressed. The conjoining of these streams may be aided by a policy entrepreneur. We contribute by clarifying the role of the policy entrepreneur and highlighting the translational processes of key actors in creating and aligning policy windows. We analyse the work in London of Professor Sir Ara Darzi as a policy entrepreneur. An important aspect of Darzi's approach was to align a number of important institutional networks to conjoin related problems. Our findings highlight how a policy entrepreneur not only opens policy windows but also yokes together a network to make policy agendas happen. Our contribution reveals the role of clinical leadership in health reform.
Unfolding the Social: Quasi-Actants, Virtual Theory, and the New Empiricism of Bruno Latour
Authors: Krarup Troels Magelund , Blok Anders
Published: March 2011

An important philosopher and anthropologist of science, Bruno Latour has recently outlined an ambitious programme for a new sociological empiricism, in continuation of his actor-network-theory (ANT). Interrogating issues of description, explanation and theoretical interpretation in this ‘sociology of associations’, we argue that certain internal tensions are manifest. While Latour's philosophy of social science demands an absolute abandonment of theory in all its forms, proposing instead to simply ‘go on describing’, he is in practice employing versions of common sense explanation and pragmatic-constructivist theory to make ends meet. The core of this tension, we claim, can be located in Latour's meta-theoretical commitments, in effect obscuring important ways in which human subjects employ things, effects and symbols beyond their simple, ‘empirical’ existence. To illustrate these claims, we deploy the example of how morality works in social life, and coin the term quasi-actant, in allusion to the Latourian actant, to better understand such processes. Our overall criticism of ANT is immanent, aiming at the re-introduction of what we dub ‘virtual theory’ into Latourian empiricism, thus further strengthening what remains one of the most promising contemporary attempts to reinvigorate the sociological enterprise.
Researching the Gender Division of Unpaid Domestic Work: Practices, Relationships, Negotiations, and Meanings
Authors: Warren Tracey
Published: March 2011

The paper focuses on the potential of quantitative research methods for sociologists who research the gender division of unpaid domestic work. To begin, it reflects on the emergence of the sociological interest in unpaid domestic work and identifies an early core concern with making invisible work visible. It is argued that quantitative research methods provide us with the most valuable opportunities for ‘recognising’ unpaid domestic work since they facilitate larger scale representative projects. However the data in most of the large scale surveys are scant, and fail to reflect developments in the conceptualisation of unpaid domestic work. Four areas of concern to contemporary sociology are identified: domestic work practices, relationships, negotiations and meanings. Given the complex questions that these four sub-topics raise, the paper proposes a range of sub-areas as a focus for ongoing sociological research into unpaid domestic work. It is concluded that, despite the methodological challenges presented, detailed indicators of the multiple dimensions of unpaid domestic work need to be agreed so that valid information can be collected in large scale surveys as routinely as it is on paid work.
‘It Just Feels English Rather than Multicultural’: Local Interpretations of Englishness and Non-Englishness
Authors: Mann Robin
Published: March 2011

Who, or what, is English? Drawing on qualitative interviews with white majority interviewees in three locations in England, this article explores local interpretations of English and Englishness. The article investigates the way members view their local environment as being ‘English’, and examines the criteria underpinning such interpretations. While various meanings are identified, it is found that Englishness is more often accomplished through talking about people and ethnicity rather than through the use of geography. That is, members defined the Englishness of place by referring explicitly to people. Rather than moving away from social categorical accounting, the category English was interpreted through the mobilisation of ‘non-English’ others. In this rhetorical context, an English place is antithetical to a multiethnic place. Instead the term English is used to refer to white majority people. Although Englishness was defined in opposition to multiculture, this was not necessarily done in such a way as to exclude non-English ‘others’. Above all, it reflects ambiguity amongst the white ethnic majority about how they can, and should, be named.
P2X4 receptors interact with both P2X2 and P2X7 receptors in the form of homotrimers
Authors: Antonio LS , Stewart AP , Xu XJ , Varanda WA , Murrell‐Lagnado RD , Edwardson JM
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The P2X receptor family consists of seven subunit types – P2X1–P2X7. All but P2X6 are able to assemble as homotrimers. In addition, various subunit permutations have been reported to form heterotrimers. Evidence for heterotrimer formation includes co‐localization, co‐immunoprecipitation and the generation of receptors with novel functional properties; however, direct structural evidence for heteromer formation, such as chemical cross‐linking and single‐molecule imaging, is available in only a few cases. Here we examined the nature of the interaction between two pairs of subunits – P2X2 and P2X4, and P2X4 and P2X7.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We used several experimental approaches, including in situ proximity ligation, co‐immunoprecipitation, co‐isolation on affinity beads, chemical cross‐linking and atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging.

KEY RESULTS Both pairs of subunits co‐localize upon co‐transfection, interact intimately within cells, and can be co‐immunoprecipitated and co‐isolated from cell extracts. Despite this, chemical cross‐linking failed to show evidence for heteromer formation. AFM imaging of isolated receptors showed that all three subunits had the propensity to form receptor dimers. This self‐association is likely to account for the observed close interaction between the subunit pairs, in the absence of true heteromer formation.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS We conclude that both pairs of receptors interact in the form of distinct homomers. We urge caution in the interpretation of biochemical evidence indicating heteromer formation in other cases.
Plasma and Tissue Levels of Neuropeptide Y in Experimental Septic Shock: Relation to Hemodynamics, Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Hemofiltration
Authors: Kuncová Jitka , Sýkora Roman , Chvojka Jiří , Švíglerová Jitka , Štengl Milan , Kroužecký Aleš , Nalos Lukáš , Matějovič Martin
Published: March 2011

Neuropeptide Y (NPY), a potent vasoconstrictor released from the sympathetic nerves, has been suggested to counterbalance sepsis‐induced vasodilation. Thus, the changes in plasma and tissue NPY concentrations in relation to hemodynamic variables and inflammatory markers in a porcine model of moderate septic shock were investigated. Susceptibility of NPY to be removed by continuous hemofiltration in two settings has been also studied. Thirty‐four domestic pigs were divided into five groups: (i) control group; (ii) control group with conventional hemofiltration; (iii) septic group; (iv) septic group with conventional hemofiltration; and (v) septic group with high‐volume hemofiltration. Sepsis induced by fecal peritonitis continued for 22 h. Hemofiltration was applied for the last 10 h. Hemodynamic and inflammatory parameters (heart rate, mean arterial pressure, cardiac output, systemic vascular resistance, plasma concentrations of tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐6, and NPY) were measured before and at 12 and 22 h of peritonitis. NPY tissue levels were determined in the left ventricle and mesenteric and coronary arteries. Sepsis induced long‐lasting increases in the systemic NPY levels without affecting its tissue concentrations. Continuous hemofiltration at any dose did not reduce sepsis‐induced elevations in NPY plasma concentrations, nor did it affect the peptide tissue levels. The increases in NPY systemic levels were significantly correlated with changes in the systemic vascular resistance. The results support the hypothesis of NPY implication in the regulation of the vascular resistance under septic conditions and indicate that NPY clearance rate during hemofiltration does not exceed the capacity of perivascular nerves to release it.
Labeling of Primary Human Hepatocytes With Micron‐Sized Iron Oxide Particles in Suspension Culture Suitable for Large‐Scale Preparation
Authors: Kammer Nora N. , Billecke Nils , Morgul Mehmet H. , Adonopoulou Michaela K. , Mogl Martina , Huang Mao D. , Florek Stefan , Schmitt Katharina R.L. , Raschzok Nathanael , Sauer Igor M.
Published: March 2011

Labeling of hepatocytes with micron‐sized iron oxide particles (MPIOs) enables cell detection using clinical magnetic resonance equipment. For clinical applications, large numbers of cells must be labeled in a simple and rapid manner and have to be applied in suspension. However, all existing protocols are based on adhesion culture labeling with subsequent resuspension, only suitable for small experimental settings. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of preparing MPIO‐labeled primary human hepatocytes in a temporary suspension culture. Human hepatocytes were isolated from 16 donors and labeled with MPIOs in suspension, using the Rotary Cell Culture System. Particle incorporation was investigated by light and electron microscopy. Cells were compared with adhesion culture‐labeled and subsequently enzymatically resuspended cells. During a period of 5 days, hepatocyte‐specific parameters of cell damage (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase) and metabolic activity (urea and albumin) were analyzed (n = 7). Suspension cultures showed a higher outcome in cell recovery compared with the conventional labeling method. When incubated with 180 particles/viable cell for 4 h, the mean particle uptake was 28.8 particles/cell at a labeling efficiency of 95.1%. Labeling in suspension had no adverse effects on cell integrity or metabolic activity. We conclude that labeling of human hepatocytes in suspension is feasible and simple and may serve future large‐scale processing of cells.
Effect of applied muscle tension on cerebral oxygenation in female blood donors
Authors: Kowalsky Jennifer M. , France Janis L. , Wissel Mary Ellen , France Christopher R.
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND: Applied muscle tension (AMT), which involves rhythmic tensing of the muscles of the core and lower extremities, has been associated with attenuation of presyncopal reactions among whole blood donors. This study was designed to examine whether the salutary effects of AMT may be mediated by increases in cerebral oxygenation during blood donation.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Seventy‐two female blood donors were recruited at mobile blood drives in the American Red Cross Blood Services–Central Ohio Region. Participants were randomly assigned to engage in either AMT or repeated gentle foot flexions (i.e., distraction control) during whole blood donation. Cerebral oxygenation was monitored throughout the donation using near infrared spectroscopy.

RESULTS: Participants who engaged in AMT were shown to have attenuated decreases in cerebral oxygenation across the three intervals of the blood draw relative to the distraction manipulation (F(1,70) = 8.144, p = 0.006). Whereas cerebral oxygenation decreased 1.42% (SD, 2.09%) for those in the distraction‐control group, oxygenation levels increased 0.13% (SD, 2.56%) in the AMT group.

CONCLUSION: AMT is associated with an attenuated decrease in cerebral oxygenation compared to a distraction‐control group. Further studies are necessary to establish if the salutary effect of AMT during blood donation may be in part due to an increase in oxygen available to the brain.