bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A three-dimensional polymeric optical circuit fabrication using a femtosecond laser-assisted self-written waveguide technique
Authors: Cai Bin , Komatsu Kyoji , Sugihara Okihiro , Kagami Manabu , Tsuchimori Masaaki , Matsui Takayuki , Kaino Toshikuni
Published: June 2008

We demonstrated a femtosecond pulse laser-assisted self-written waveguide technique that can fabricate three-dimensional (3D) optical waveguides in a photopolymerizing resin. A 488nm Ar+ laser and an 800nm pulse laser were used in this technique. Using the femtosecond laser scanning technique, two optical fibers were connected three dimensionally by a waveguide. The alignment-free aspect of the light-induced self-written waveguide-fabrication technique and the possibilities of 3D waveguide creation inherent in the femtosecond laser polymerization technique were combined to yield a highly versatile technique for the fabrication of 3D waveguides.
Hysteretic magnetophotoluminescence in Mn ion implanted silicon rich oxide thin films
Authors: Pan W. , Kotula P. G. , Carroll M. S. , Monson T. , Wang Y. Q.
Published: June 2008

We present our recent results of magnetophotoluminescence (PL) in Mn ion implanted silicon rich oxide thin films. A hysteretic behavior was observed when the PL peak intensity is plotted against the applied magnetic field. It disappeared when the measurement temperature was higher than 60K. In a controlled thin film sample without Mn-ion implantation no hysteresis was observed down to the lowest temperature of 1.3K. We propose that the origin of this hysteretic behavior is probably due to a ferromagnetic order in the Mn ion implanted thin films.
Microwave dielectric permittivity and photoluminescence of Eu2O3 doped laser heated pedestal growth Ta2O5 fibers
Authors: Rubinger C. P. L. , Costa L. C. , Macatrão M. , Peres M. , Monteiro T. , Costa F. M. , Franco N. , Alves E. , Saggioro B. Z. , Andreeta M. R. B. , Hernandes A. C.
Published: June 2008

We report the microwave dielectric properties and photoluminescence of undoped and europium oxide doped Ta2O5 fibers, grown by laser heated pedestal growth technique. The effects of Eu2O3 doping (1–3mol%) on the structural, optical, and dielectric properties were investigated. At a frequency of 5GHz, the undoped material exhibits a dielectric permittivity of 21 and for Eu2O3 doped Ta2O5 samples it increases, reaching up to 36 for the highest doping concentration. Nevertheless, the dielectric losses maintain a very low value. For this wide band gap oxide, Eu3+ optical activation was achieved and the emission is observed up to room temperature. Thus, the transparency and high permittivity make this material promising for electronic devices and microwave applications.
Kinematics of M-Type Giant Semi-Regular Variables from the Hipparcos Catalogue
Authors: Yeşilyaprak C. , Aslan Z.
Published: June 2008

The kinematics of M-type (O-rich) giant semi-regular (SR) variable stars were examined. They were grouped with respect to their relative parallax errors (επ/π) in order to study the stars having relatively better parallax, and with the period limit (70 d). The spatial and velocity distributions were examined and the results were compared with the results of irregular (L) and Mira-type variables. It was found that M-type giant SR variables are distributed similarly to thin-disc stars and form a kinematically homogeneous group. When the kinematic properties of M-type giant SR variables were compared with those of L- and Mira-type variables, it was estimated that M-type giant SR variables behave as old-disc objects and their kinematic ages vary approximately between 2 and 9 Gyr.
Estimation of Galactic Model Parameters in High Latitudes with SDSS
Authors: Bilir S. , Cabrera-Lavers A. , Karaali S. , Ak S. , Yaz E. , López-Corredoira M.
Published: June 2008

We estimated the Galactic model parameters for a set of 36 high-latitude fields included in the currently available Data Release 5 (DR 5) of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), to explore their possible variation with the Galactic longitude. The thick disc scaleheight moves from ∼550 pc at 120 < l < 150° to ∼720 pc at 250 < l < 290°, while the thin disc scaleheight is as large as ∼195 pc in the anticenter direction and ∼15% lower at |l| < 30°. Finally, the axis ratio (c/a) of the halo changes from a mean value of ∼0.55 in the two first quadrants of the Galaxy to ∼0.70 at 190 < l < 300°. For the halo, the reason for the dependence of the model parameters on the Galactic longitude arises from the well known asymmetric structure of this component. However, the variation of the model parameters of the thin and thick discs with Galactic longitude originates from the gravitational effect of the Galactic long bar. Moreover, the excess of stars in quadrant I (quadrant III) over quadrant IV (quadrant II) is in agreement with this scenario.
A purple acidophilic di-ferric DNA ligase from
Ferroplasma
Authors: Ferrer Manuel , Golyshina Olga V. , Beloqui Ana , Böttger Lars H. , Andreu José M. , Polaina Julio , De Lacey Antonio L. , Trautwein Alfred X. , Timmis Kenneth N. , Golyshin Peter N.
Published: June 2008

We describe here an extraordinary purple-colored DNA ligase, LigFa, from the acidophilic ferrous iron-oxidizing archaeon
Ferroplasma acidiphilum
, a di-ferric enzyme with an extremely low pH activity optimum. Unlike any other DNA ligase studied to date, LigFa contains two Fe
3+
-tyrosinate centers and lacks any requirement for either Mg
2+
or K
+
for activity. DNA ligases from closest phylogenetic and ecophysiological relatives have normal pH optima (6.0–7.5), lack iron, and require Mg
2+
/K
+
for activity. Ferric iron retention is pH-dependent, with release resulting in partial protein unfolding and loss of activity. Reduction of the Fe
3+
to Fe
2+
results in an 80% decrease in DNA substrate binding and an increase in the pH activity optimum to 5.0. DNA binding induces significant conformational change around the iron site(s), suggesting that the ferric irons of LigFa act both as structure organizing and stabilizing elements and as Lewis acids facilitating DNA binding at low pH.
Categorical perception of a natural, multivariate signal: Mating call recognition in túngara frogs
Authors: Baugh A. T. , Akre K. L. , Ryan M. J.
Published: June 2008

Categorical perception is common in humans, but it is not known whether animals perceive continuous variation in their own multidimensional social signals categorically. There are two components to categorical perception: labeling and discrimination. In the first, continuously variable stimuli on each side of a category boundary are labeled. In the second, there is strong discrimination between stimuli from opposite sides of the boundary, whereas stimuli on the same side of the boundary are not discriminated. Here, we show that female túngara frogs respond categorically to complex mating calls that vary simultaneously along multiple dimensions and are within the natural range of signal variation. In response to a transect of synthetic stimuli that varied continuously and systematically in seven dimensions, female túngara frogs label mating calls as either conspecific or not conspecific. For pairs of stimuli that differed by the same magnitude, females discriminate those in different categories but not those in the same category. In addition, latency to respond was significantly shorter when stimuli were in the same versus different categories. Because responses to mating calls are critical in generating species recognition and sexual selection, this finding has implications for both animal perception and the influences of mate choice on the tempo and mode of evolution.
An activity-regulated microRNA controls dendritic plasticity by down-regulating p250GAP
Authors: Wayman Gary A. , Davare Monika , Ando Hideaki , Fortin Dale , Varlamova Olga , Cheng Hai-Ying M. , Marks Daniel , Obrietan Karl , Soderling Thomas R. , Goodman Richard H. , Impey Soren
Published: June 2008

Activity-regulated gene expression is believed to play a key role in the development and refinement of neuronal circuitry. Nevertheless, the transcriptional networks that regulate synapse growth and plasticity remain largely uncharacterized. Here, we show that microRNA 132 (miR132) is an activity-dependent rapid response gene regulated by the cAMP response element-binding (CREB) protein pathway. Introduction of miR132 into hippocampal neurons enhanced dendrite morphogenesis whereas inhibition of miR132 by 2′
O
-methyl RNA antagonists blocked these effects. Furthermore, neuronal activity inhibited translation of p250GAP, a miR132 target, and siRNA-mediated knockdown of p250GAP mimicked miR132-induced dendrite growth. Experiments using dominant-interfering mutants suggested that Rac signaling is downstream of miR132 and p250GAP. We propose that the miR132–p250GAP pathway plays a key role in activity-dependent structural and functional plasticity.
The Nalp3 inflammasome is essential for the development of silicosis
Authors: Cassel Suzanne L. , Eisenbarth Stephanie C. , Iyer Shankar S. , Sadler Jeffrey J. , Colegio Oscar R. , Tephly Linda A. , Carter A. Brent , Rothman Paul B. , Flavell Richard A. , Sutterwala Fayyaz S.
Published: June 2008

Inhalation of crystalline silica and asbestos is known to cause the progressive pulmonary fibrotic disorders silicosis and asbestosis, respectively. Although alveolar macrophages are believed to initiate these inflammatory responses, the mechanism by which this occurs has been unclear. Here we show that the inflammatory response and subsequent development of pulmonary fibrosis after inhalation of silica is dependent on the Nalp3 inflammasome. Stimulation of macrophages with silica results in the activation of caspase-1 in a Nalp3-dependent manner. Macrophages deficient in components of the Nalp3 inflammasome were incapable of secreting the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 in response to silica. Similarly, asbestos was capable of activating caspase-1 in a Nalp3-dependent manner. Activation of the Nalp3 inflammasome by silica required both an efflux of intracellular potassium and the generation of reactive oxygen species. This study demonstrates a key role for the Nalp3 inflammasome in the pathogenesis of pneumoconiosis.
Fermi pockets and quantum oscillations of the Hall coefficient in high-temperature superconductors
Authors: Chakravarty Sudip , Kee Hae-Young
Published: June 2008

Recent quantum oscillation measurements in high-temperature superconductors in high magnetic fields and low temperatures have ushered in a new era. These experiments explore the normal state from which superconductivity arises and provide evidence of a reconstructed Fermi surface consisting of electron and hole pockets in a regime in which such a possibility was previously considered to be remote. More specifically, the Hall coefficient has been found to oscillate according to the Onsager quantization condition, involving only fundamental constants and the areas of the pockets, but with a sign that is negative. Here, we explain the observations with the theory that the alleged normal state exhibits a hidden order, the
d
-density wave, which breaks symmetries signifying time reversal, translation by a lattice spacing, and a rotation by an angle π/2, while the product of any two symmetry operations is preserved. The success of our analysis underscores the importance of spontaneous breaking of symmetries, Fermi surface reconstruction, and conventional quasiparticles. We primarily focus on the version of the order that is commensurate with the underlying crystalline lattice, but we also touch on the consequences if the order were to incommensurate. It is shown that whereas commensurate order results in two independent oscillation frequencies as a function of the inverse of the applied magnetic field, incommensurate order leads to three independent frequencies. The oscillation amplitudes, however, are determined by the mobilities of the charge carriers comprising the Fermi pockets.
Massive Ca-induced Membrane Fusion and Phospholipid Changes Triggered by Reverse Na/Ca Exchange in BHK Fibroblasts
Authors: Yaradanakul Alp , Wang Tzu-Ming , Lariccia Vincenzo , Lin Mei-Jung , Shen Chengcheng , Liu Xinran , Hilgemann Donald W.
Published: June 2008

Baby hamster kidney (BHK) fibroblasts increase their cell capacitance by 25–100% within 5 s upon activating maximal Ca influx via constitutively expressed cardiac Na/Ca exchangers (NCX1). Free Ca, measured with fluo-5N, transiently exceeds 0.2 mM with total Ca influx amounting to ∼5 mmol/liter cell volume. Capacitance responses are half-maximal when NCX1 promotes a free cytoplasmic Ca of 0.12 mM (Hill coefficient ≈ 2). Capacitance can return to baseline in 1–3 min, and responses can be repeated several times. The membrane tracer, FM 4-64, is taken up during recovery and can be released at a subsequent Ca influx episode. Given recent interest in signaling lipids in membrane fusion, we used green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusions with phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) and diacylglycerol (DAG) binding domains to analyze phospholipid changes in relation to these responses. PI(4,5)P2 is rapidly cleaved upon activating Ca influx and recovers within 2 min. However, PI(4,5)P2 depletion by activation of overexpressed hM1 muscarinic receptors causes only little membrane fusion, and subsequent fusion in response to Ca influx remains massive. Two results suggest that DAG may be generated from sources other than PI(4,5)P in these protocols. First, acylglycerols are generated in response to elevated Ca, even when PI(4,5)P2 is metabolically depleted. Second, DAG-binding C1A-GFP domains, which are brought to the cell surface by exogenous ligands, translocate rapidly back to the cytoplasm in response to Ca influx. Nevertheless, inhibitors of PLCs and cPLA2, PI(4,5)P2-binding peptides, and PLD modification by butanol do not block membrane fusion. The cationic agents, FM 4-64 and heptalysine, bind profusely to the extracellular cell surface during membrane fusion. While this binding might reflect phosphatidylserine (PS) “scrambling” between monolayers, it is unaffected by a PS-binding protein, lactadherin, and by polylysine from the cytoplasmic side. Furthermore, the PS indicator, annexin-V, binds only slowly after fusion. Therefore, we suggest that the luminal surfaces of membrane vesicles that fuse to the plasmalemma may be rather anionic. In summary, our results provide no support for any regulatory or modulatory role of phospholipids in Ca-induced membrane fusion in fibroblasts.
Ca-dependent Nonsecretory Vesicle Fusion in a Secretory Cell
Authors: Wang Tzu-Ming , Hilgemann Donald W.
Published: June 2008

We have compared Ca-dependent exocytosis in excised giant membrane patches and in whole-cell patch clamp with emphasis on the rat secretory cell line, RBL. Stable patches of 2–4 pF are easily excised from RBL cells after partially disrupting actin cytoskeleton with latrunculin A. Membrane fusion is triggered by switching the patch to a cytoplasmic solution containing 100–200 μM free Ca. Capacitance and amperometric recording show that large secretory granules (SGs) containing serotonin are mostly lost from patches. Small vesicles that are retained (non-SGs) do not release serotonin or other substances detected by amperometry, although their fusion is reduced by tetanus toxin light chain. Non-SG fusion is unaffected by N-ethylmaleimide, phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bis-phosphate (PI(4,5)P2) ligands, such as neomycin, a PI-transfer protein that can remove PI from membranes, the PI(3)-kinase inhibitor LY294002 and PI(4,5)P2, PI(3)P, and PI(4)P antibodies. In patch recordings, but not whole-cell recordings, fusion can be strongly reduced by ATP removal and by the nonspecific PI-kinase inhibitors wortmannin and adenosine. In whole-cell recording, non-SG fusion is strongly reduced by osmotically induced cell swelling, and subsequent recovery after shrinkage is then inhibited by wortmannin. Thus, membrane stretch that occurs during patch formation may be a major cause of differences between excised patch and whole-cell fusion responses. Regarding Ca sensors for non-SG fusion, fusion remains robust in synaptotagmin (Syt) VII−/− mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), as well as in PLCδ1, PLC δ1/δ4, and PLCγ1−/− MEFs. Thus, Syt VII and several PLCs are not required. Furthermore, the Ca dependence of non-SG fusion reflects a lower Ca affinity (KD ∼71 μM) than expected for these C2 domain–containing proteins. In summary, we find that non-SG membrane fusion behaves and is regulated substantially differently from SG fusion, and we have identified an ATP-dependent process that restores non-SG fusion capability after it is perturbed by membrane stretch or cell dilation.
Amino Acid Substitutions in the Pore Helix of GluR6 Control Inhibition by Membrane Fatty Acids
Authors: Wilding Timothy J. , Fulling Elisabeth , Zhou Yun , Huettner James E.
Published: June 2008

RNA editing at the Q/R site in the GluR5 and GluR6 subunits of neuronal kainate receptors regulates channel inhibition by lipid-derived modulators including the cis-unsaturated fatty acids arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. Kainate receptor channels in which all of the subunits are in the edited (R) form exhibit strong inhibition by these compounds, whereas wild-type receptors that include a glutamine (Q) at the Q/R site in one or more subunits are resistant to inhibition. In the present study, we have performed an arginine scan of residues in the pore loop of the GluR6(Q) subunit. Amino acids within the range from −19 to +7 of the Q/R site of GluR6(Q) were individually mutated to arginine and the mutant cDNAs were expressed as homomeric channels in HEK 293 cells. All but one of the single arginine substitution mutants yielded functional channels. Only weak inhibition, typical of wild-type GluR6(Q) channels, was observed for substitutions +1 to +6 downstream of the Q/R site. However, arginine substitution at several locations upstream of the Q/R site resulted in homomeric channels exhibiting strong inhibition by fatty acids, which is characteristic of homomeric GluR6(R) channels. Based on homology with the pore loop of potassium channels, locations at which R substitution induces susceptibility to fatty acid inhibition face away from the cytoplasm toward the M1 and M3 helices and surrounding lipids.
Computation of EBW heating in the TJ-II stellarator
Authors: Castejón F. , Cappa Á. , Tereshchenko M. , Fernández Á.
Published: June 2008

The theoretical properties of electron Bernstein wave (EBW) plasma heating in the TJ-II stellarator are presented in this work. Previous studies carried out in this device have demonstrated that the O–X–B mode conversion at the fundamental electron cyclotron harmonic is the best scenario for plasma heating. This scheme presents high absorbed power for central densities above 1.2 × 1019 m−3 and has no upper density limit. In this paper, the ray tracing code TRUBA has been used in its non-relativistic modality to optimize the power injection position and to design a launching system that provides the optimum theoretical results. The main characteristics of the system, whose final design is based on the former calculations, are described. To explore the importance of relativistic effects and to compare them with the non-relativistic calculations, the weakly relativistic dispersion relation, valid for
and thus suitable for EBW at low cyclotron harmonics, has been obtained and included in TRUBA. Although they are of little importance for the optimization calculations, the relativistic effects are shown to be not negligible both in the ray trajectories and in the power absorption estimations for temperatures above 1 keV.
The Early Cambrian tommotiidMicrina, a sessile bivalved stem group brachiopod
Authors: Holmer Lars E , Skovsted Christian B , Brock Glenn A , Valentine James L , Paterson John R
Published: June 2008

The tannuolinidMicrinabelongs to the tommotiids—a common and widely distributed, but poorly understood, group of Early Cambrian fossil metazoans with multiple external organophosphatic sclerites. Recent findings of sessile articulated tommotiid scleritomes indicate that previous reconstructions of tommotiids as slug-like bilaterians with a dorsal cover of sclerites require detailed re-evaluation. Comparative ultrastructural work has already indicated that the tommotiids might be a sister group to the Brachiopoda, withMicrinarepresenting the most derived and brachiopod-like bimembrate tommotiid. Here we further develop and strengthen this controversial phylogenetic model with a new reconstruction ofMicrina, where the two types of sclerites—mitral and sellate—belong to a near bilaterally symmetrical bivalved sessile organism. This new scleritome configuration was tested by recreating an articulated bivalvedMicrinafrom isolated mitral and sellate sclerites; both sclerites have muscles that would have enabled movement of the sclerites. The mitral and sellate sclerites ofMicrinaare considered to be homologous with the ventral and dorsal valves, respectively, of organophosphatic linguliform brachiopods, indicating that a simple type of filter-feeding within an enclosed bivalved shell had started to evolve in derived tannuolinids. The new reconstruction also indicates that the phylogenetic range of ‘bivalved’, sessile lophophorates is larger than previously suspected.
Tuberculosis reinfection rate as a proportion of total infection rate correlates with the logarithm of the incidence rate: a mathematical model
Authors: Uys Pieter W , van Helden Paul D , Hargrove John W
Published: June 2008

In a significant number of instances, an episode of tuberculosis can be attributed to a reinfection event. Because reinfection is more likely in high incidence regions than in regions of low incidence, more tuberculosis (TB) cases due to reinfection could be expected in high-incidence regions than in low-incidence regions. Empirical data from regions with various incidence rates appear to confirm the conjecture that, in fact, the incidence rate due to reinfection only, as a proportion of all cases, correlates with the logarithm of the incidence rate, rather than with the incidence rate itself. A theoretical model that supports this conjecture is presented. A Markov model was used to obtain a relationship between incidence and reinfection rates. It was assumed in this model that the rate of reinfection is a multiple,
ρ
(the reinfection factor), of the rate of first-time infection,
λ
. The results obtained show a relationship between the proportion of cases due to reinfection and the rate of incidence that is approximately logarithmic for a range of values of the incidence rate typical of those observed in communities across the globe. A value of
ρ
is determined such that the relationship between the proportion of cases due to reinfection and the logarithm of the incidence rate closely correlates with empirical data. From a purely theoretical investigation, it is shown that a simple relationship can be expected between the logarithm of the incidence rates and the proportions of cases due to reinfection after a prior episode of TB. This relationship is sustained by a rate of reinfection that is higher than the rate of first-time infection and this latter consideration underscores the great importance of monitoring recovered TB cases for repeat disease episodes, especially in regions where TB incidence is high. Awareness of this may assist in attempts to control the epidemic.
First investigation of the collagen
D
-band ultrastructure in fossilized vertebrate integument
Authors: Lingham-Soliar Theagarten , Wesley-Smith James
Published: June 2008

The ultrastructure of dermal fibres of a 200 Myr thunniform ichthyosaur,
Ichthyosaurus
, specifically the 67 nm axial repeat
D
-banding of the fibrils, which characterizes collagen, is presented for the first time by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The fragment of material investigated is part of previously described fossilized skin comprising an architecture of layers of oppositely oriented fibre bundles. The wider implication, as indicated by the extraordinary quality of preservation, is the robustness of the collagen molecule at the ultrastructural level, which presumably contributed to its survival during the initial processes of decomposition prior to mineralization. Investigation of the elemental composition of the sample by SEM–energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy indicates that calcite and phosphate played important roles in the rapid mineralization and fine replication of the collagen fibres and fibrils. The exceedingly small sample used in the investigation and high level of information achieved indicate the potential for minimal damage to prized museum specimens; for example, ultrastructural investigations by SEM may be used to help resolve highly contentious questions, for example, ‘protofeathers’ in the Chinese dinosaurs.
An integrated resource for genome-wide identification and analysis of human tissue-specific differentially methylated regions (tDMRs)
Authors: Rakyan Vardhman K. , Down Thomas A. , Thorne Natalie P. , Flicek Paul , Kulesha Eugene , Gräf Stefan , Tomazou Eleni M. , Bäckdahl Liselotte , Johnson Nathan , Herberth Marlis , Howe Kevin L. , Jackson David K. , Miretti Marcos M. , Fiegler Heike , Marioni John C. , Birney Ewan , Hubbard Tim J.P. , Carter Nigel P. , Tavaré Simon , Beck Stephan
Published: June 2008

We report a novel resource (methylation profiles of DNA, or mPod) for human genome-wide tissue-specific DNA methylation profiles. mPod consists of three fully integrated parts, genome-wide DNA methylation reference profiles of 13 normal somatic tissues, placenta, sperm, and an immortalized cell line, a visualization tool that has been integrated with the Ensembl genome browser and a new algorithm for the analysis of immunoprecipitation-based DNA methylation profiles. We demonstrate the utility of our resource by identifying the first comprehensive genome-wide set of tissue-specific differentially methylated regions (tDMRs) that may play a role in cellular identity and the regulation of tissue-specific genome function. We also discuss the implications of our findings with respect to the regulatory potential of regions with varied CpG density, gene expression, transcription factor motifs, gene ontology, and correlation with other epigenetic marks such as histone modifications.
Spermidine Exodus and Oxidation in the Apoplast Induced by Abiotic Stress Is Responsible for H2O2 Signatures That Direct Tolerance Responses in Tobacco
Authors: Moschou Panagiotis N. , Paschalidis Konstantinos A. , Delis Ioannis D. , Andriopoulou Athina H. , Lagiotis George D. , Yakoumakis Dimitrios I. , Roubelakis-Angelakis Kalliopi A.
Published: June 2008

Polyamines (PAs) exert a protective effect against stress challenges, but their molecular role in this remains speculative. In order to detect the signaling role of apoplastic PA-derived hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) under abiotic stress, we developed a series of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum cv Xanthi) transgenic plants overexpressing or downregulating apoplastic polyamine oxidase (PAO; S-pao and A-pao plants, respectively) or downregulating S-adenosyl-l-methionine decarboxylase (samdc plants). Upon salt stress, plants secreted spermidine (Spd) into the apoplast, where it was oxidized by the apoplastic PAO, generating H2O2. A-pao plants accumulated less H2O2 and exhibited less programmed cell death (PCD) than did wild-type plants, in contrast with S-pao and samdc downregulating plants. Induction of either stress-responsive genes or PCD was dependent on the level of Spd-derived apoplastic H2O2. Thus, in wild-type and A-pao plants, stress-responsive genes were efficiently induced, although in the latter at a lower rate, while S-pao plants, with higher H2O2 levels, failed to accumulate stress-responsive mRNAs, inducing PCD instead. Furthermore, decreasing intracellular PAs, while keeping normal apoplastic Spd oxidation, as in samdc downregulating transgenic plants, caused enhanced salinity-induced PCD. These results reveal that salinity induces the exodus of Spd into the apoplast, where it is catabolized by PAO, producing H2O2. The accumulated H2O2 results in the induction of either tolerance responses or PCD, depending also on the levels of intracellular PAs.
Taxonomic study of the genus Leptopulvinaria Kanda (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Coccidae), with a description of a new species
Authors: TANAKA Hirotaka , AMANO Hiroshi
Published: June 2008

The genus Leptopulvinaria Kanda is revised and placed in the tribe Pulvinariini as understood by Hodgson. The species L. kawaii sp. nov., which has been misidentified as Pulvinaria camelicola or P. floccifera by several researchers, is recognized as a second species of the genus, in addition to the type species L. elaeocarpi Kanda. Adult females of L. elaeocarpi and L. kawaii are redescribed and a key to the species is presented.
Taxonomic study of the genus Dichrogaster Doumerc (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Cryptinae) in Japan
Authors: YOSHIDA Takuma , KONISHI Kazuhiko
Published: June 2008

Japanese species of the genus Dichrogaster are revised. Four species are recognized. Two species, D. imperialis n. sp. and D. parva n. sp., are described. Dichrogaster liostylus (Thomson) and D. kichijoi (Uchida) are redescribed. A key to the Japanese species is provided.
Differences in endemic insect assemblages among vegetation types on a small island of the oceanic Ogasawara Islands
Authors: SUGIURA Shinji , TSURU Tomoyuki , YAMAURA Yuichi , HASEGAWA Motohiro , MAKIHARA Hiroshi , MAKINO Shun'ichi
Published: June 2008

Natural vegetation is often replaced by invasive alien plants on isolated oceanic islands. To determine how invasive alien plants affect insect diversity, we compared flying insects captured using Malaise traps among different vegetation types on a small island (Nishijima; 0.49 km2) in the oceanic Ogasawara (Bonin) Islands in the north‐western Pacific. The numbers of individuals and species, and the species composition of pollinators (bees), predators (wasps) and wood borers (cerambycid, mordellid and elaterid beetles) were compared among three vegetation types: Casuarina equisetifolia (an invasive alien tree) forest, natural forest and natural grassland (forest edge), during two seasons (June and October–November 2005). In traps, 80.0, 66.7, 87.5, 85.7 and 100.0% of bee, wasp, cerambycid, mordellid and elaterid beetle species, respectively, were endemic to the Ogasawara Islands. Grassland had the highest wasp and bee species richness, whereas natural forest had the highest species richness of wood‐boring beetles. The C. equisetifolia forest had the poorest species richness for most insect groups (except mordellid beetles). More individuals of most insect groups (except bees) were captured in June than in October–November. More individual bees and wasps were captured in grassland than in forests, whereas more individual mordellid and elaterid beetles were captured in forests than in grassland. The number of cerambycid individuals did not differ among vegetation types. Redundancy analysis suggested that most insect species preferred natural forest or grassland to alien forest. Therefore, further invasion of natural grassland and forest by the alien tree C. equisetifolia may negatively affect the endemic insect fauna of Nishijima.
Two new species ofRhagophthalmusMotschulsky (Coleoptera: Rhagophthalmidae) from Yunnan, south‐western China, with notes on known species
Authors: LI Xueyan , OHBA Nobuyoshi , LIANG Xingcai
Published: June 2008

Rhagophthalmus fugongensisLi & Liang andRhagophthalmus lufengensisLi & Ohba are introduced as new to science. The first record ofR. tonkineusin China is provided. The male genitalia ofR. gibbosulusandR. giganteusare described and illustrated. The female and larva ofR. giganteusand the female ofR. semisulcatusare illustrated. The distribution ofRhagophthalmusis discussed and a rectification of the relative arrangement of different parts of the male genitalia is provided (the base‐piece is on the ventral side of the male genitalia, and the parameres on the dorsal side).
Number and size of clutch in Ptomascopus morio (Coleoptera: Silphidae: Nicrophorinae), with comparisons to Nicrophorus
Authors: NAGANO Masahiro , SUZUKI Seizi
Published: June 2008

Ptomascopus morio displays simpler parental care than Nicrophorus species. The effects of carcass size and clutch number on clutch size in P. morio were examined. Clutch size was related to carcass size. There was a negative correlation between number of clutch and clutch size for most sizes of carcass. Longevity of females was shorter when the carcass size was larger, such that total lifetime fecundity did not differ among carcasses of different sizes. The clutch size of P. morio was larger than that of Nicrophorus quadripunctatus. The clutch size of P. morio declined rapidly with repeated clutch production, but that of N. quadripunctatus was rather constant. This indicates that N. quadripunctatus maintains a more constant clutch size than P. morio over several reproductive attempts, although the former displays more complex parental care.
Synonymy of Etiennea Matile‐Ferrero with Hemilecanium Newstead (Hemiptera: Coccidae), based on morphology of adult females, adult males and first‐instar nymphs, and description of a new potential pest species from the Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan
Authors: KONDO Takumasa , HARDY Nate B.
Published: June 2008

The genus Etiennea Matile‐Ferrero is synonymized with Hemilecanium Newstead (Hemiptera: Coccidae). We base this decision on a morphological comparative study of adult females, adult males and first‐instar nymphs (crawlers), including a phylogenetic analysis. We recovered a sister group relationship between the type species of the two genera, Etiennea villiersi Matile‐Ferrero and Hemilecanium theobromae Newstead; that is, each was more closely related to the other than either was to other species in their respective genera. All species hitherto included in Etiennea are transferred to Hemilecanium: H. bursera (Hodgson & Kondo) comb. nov., H. cacao (Hodgson) comb. nov., H. candelabra (Hodgson) comb. nov., H. capensis (Hodgson) comb. nov., H. carpenteri (Newstead) comb. nov., H. cephalomeatus (Hodgson) comb. nov., H. combreti (Hodgson) comb. nov., H. ferina (De Lotto) comb. nov., H. ferox (Newstead) comb. nov., H. gouligouli (Hodgson) comb. nov., H. halli (Hodgson) comb. nov., H. kellyi (Brain) comb. nov., H. madagascariensis (Hodgson) comb. nov., H. montrichardiae (Newstead) comb. nov., H. multituberculum (Hodgson) comb. nov., H. petasus (Hodgson) comb. nov., H. sinetuberculum (Hodgson) comb. nov., H. tafoensis (Hodgson) comb. nov., H. ulcusculum (Hodgson) comb. nov., and H. villiersi (Matile‐Ferrero) comb. nov. Keys to the adult females of all 26 species and known adult males and first‐instar nymphs are provided. The adult males and first‐instar nymphs of H. theobromae Newstead and E. villiersi Matile‐Ferrero are for the first time fully described and illustrated. One new potential pest species of Hemilecanium, H. uesatoi Kondo & Hardy sp. nov., which was collected on three islands of the Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan, is described and illustrated based on the adult female, adult male and first‐instar nymph. We discuss evidence that H. uesatoi is a new introduction to the Ryukyu Archipelago. The first‐instar nymphs of Hemilecanium can be divided into two distinct morphological groups, the petasus group and the theobromae group.
Three new species of the subgenus Parapenthecia from the Oriental Region (Diptera: Drosophilidae: Apenthecia)
Authors: CAO Hua‐Zhi , TODA Masanori J. , CHEN Hong‐Wei
Published: June 2008

Three new species of the subgenus Parapenthecia of the genus Apenthecia are reported from the Oriental Region: A. (P.) heterochaeta Chen and Toda, sp. nov. from Indonesia, and A. (P.) hispida Chen and Toda, sp. nov. and A. (P.) litongi Cao and Chen, sp. nov. from south China. Interestingly, the last species lacks a very peculiar character, the swollen or scale‐like orbital setae, which are commonly seen in all other species of the genus Apenthecia. A key to all species of the subgenus Parapenthecia is provided.
Chromogenic in situ hybridization detection of chromosome 7 and 17 abnormalities in renal cell carcinomas and comparison to flow cytometric DNA ploidy patterns
Authors: An Jungsuk , Choi Jungwoo , Shin Bong Kyung , Kim Aeree , Kim Han Kyeom , Kim Insun
Published: June 2008

Background and aim: The chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) is a new method in which chromosome aberration is determined by using a chromogenic reaction. We report the aberrations of chromosome 7 and 17 in three major subtypes of renal cell carcinomas (RCC), and compared these chromosomal changes with the flow cytometric DNA ploidy patterns. Methods: Aberrations of chromosomes 7 and 17 in 21 clear cell (c), 6 papillary (p) and 15 chromophobe (ch) RCCs were studied and compared with flow cytometric DNA ploidy. Results: Two of 14 chRCCs (14.3%) were monosomic for chromosome 7, but none of the cRCCs or pRCCs were monosomic. Twelve (85.7%) chRCCs showed monosomy for chromosome 17, but none of the pRCCs were monosomic. Three pRCCs (50%), 5 of 14 (35.7%) chRCCs and 2 (9.5%) cRCCs were polysomic for chromosome 7, whereas only one pRCC was polysomic. DNA aneuploidy was found in 2 pRCCs (33.3%), 2 cRCCs (9.5%), and 6 chRCCs (46.2%). Hypodiploidy was seen in one chRCC, and triploidy was seen in all types of RCCs. DNA aneuploidy was more frequent in cases with both chromosome 7 and 17 abnormalities (80%) than in cases with abnormality of one (38.5%) or neither (4.5%). Conclusion: The CISH method is useful in detecting chromosomal change in RCC, and the identification of chromosome 17 monosomy is helpful in diagnosis of chRCC.
Expression profiling of the differentiation related protein N‐myc downstream regulated gene 2 in normal human tissues
Authors: Li Shengjin , Huang Song Mei , Lim Jong‐seok , Kim Jin‐Man
Published: June 2008

Background and aim: N‐myc downstream‐regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) is a member of human NDRG super family which is known to be related to cell differentiation. NDRG2 might be associated with cell growth, but its exact function is still unknown. We investigate expression of NDRG2 at the protein level in human normal tissues. Methods: Immunohistochemical staining for NDRG2 protein was performed in normal human paraffin tissues, using LSAB methods. Results: We observed NDRG2 protein expression in a comprehensive human tissue panel that included the cryptic epithelium of the small intestine, colon, pancreas, salivary ducts and glands, testis, prostate, ovary, uterus, breast, kidney, pulmonary bronchioles, heart and skeletal muscle. NDRG2 was strongly expressed in the adrenal cortical cells. NDRG2 was also expressed in differentiated dendritic cells, including interdigitating cells of the lymph nodes, dendritic cells in the spleen, epidermal Langerhan's cells and dermic dendritic cells in the skin and brain astrocytes. Conclusions: Multiple localizations of NDRG2 protein suggest pleiotropic functions through interaction with other proteins.
Thymic marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue
Authors: Park Jong‐Pil , Kim Jin‐Man , Koh Young‐Hye , Kwon Kun‐Young , Pyo Ju‐Yeon , Kim Hyunki , Yang Woo‐Ick
Published: June 2008

Background and aim: Extranodal marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma of mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) arising from the thymus is a rare disease; 43 cases have been described in the English literature. We describe the clinicopatholgic characteristics and molecular findings of six Korean cases of MALT lymphomas arising from the thymus. Methods: We assessed characteristic clinicopathologic findings and performed fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using a MALT1 break‐apart probe and immunohistochemical staining for immunoglobulin subtypes and bcl‐10 protein. Results: These cases demonstrated a female predominance, autoimmune context, frequent cysts and prominent lymphoepithelial lesion formation, consistent plasma cell differentiation with predominantly IgA expression, and a lack of MALT1 rearrangement. However, systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis were as prevalent as Sjögren syndrome in these Korean thymic MALT lymphoma patients, contrary to reports from other countries which described Sjögren syndrome as a predominant underlying disease. Conclusions: The reported Korean cases of thymic MALT lymphoma might have different autoimmune context although our series reconfirms other distinctive clinicopathologic and molecular characteristics of thymic MALT lymphomas.
Expression of Notch 1 and 3 is related to inhibition of lymph node metastasis and progression in non‐small cell lung carcinomas
Authors: Lee Sun Mi , Jung Chan Kwon , Ko Yoon Ho , Choi Jong Young , Lee Kyo Young , Kang Chang Suk
Published: June 2008

Background and aims: Notch signaling pathways are well known for their major role in stem cell differentiation. However, varied results have been reported in relation to their oncogenic role, depending on tumor type. We studied the expression of Notch receptors and other cell cycle proteins in human non‐small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC) and analyzed their relationship to tumor progression. Methods: We examined the tissue microarrays of 158 cases of NSCLC for Notch1 and 3, and cell cycle regulatory proteins p53, p16INK4a, pRb and CDK2 by immunohistochemistry. Results: Notch1 and 3 receptors were noted in 81.6% and 79.7% of cases, respectively. Notch1 expression was negatively correlated with lymph node metastasis (P = 0.043) and Notch3 was negatively correlated with more advanced pathologic T stage (P = 0.024). However, expressions of Notch receptors didn't show any significant prognostic value for NSCLC. Of the cell cycle proteins, CDK2 and pRb were negatively correlated with Notch1 (P = 0.013) and Notch3 (P = 0.018). Conclusions: Notch receptors play an inhibitory role in metastasis to lymph node and in the activity of cell cycle proteins, which may lead to suppression of NSCLC.
Extrapleural malignant solitary fibrous tumor
Authors: Kim Lucia , Paik Ae Lan , Chu Young Chae , Park In Suh , Choi Suk Jin , Han Jee Young , Kim Joon Mee
Published: June 2008

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a ubiquitous mesenchymal neoplasm of probable fibroblastic type. Approximately 30% of SFTs arise in extrathoracic locations. The majority of SFT are benign, the malignant form accounting for 12–22%. We report a case of malignant solitary fibrous tumor in the back of a 27‐year‐old male patient. Grossly, the mass was well circumscribed, unencapsulated, soft to rubbery, oval shaped and measured 11.0 cm at its greatest diameter. The cut surface showed multinodular whitish‐gray to tan solid appearance. Microscopically, the tumor revealed a wide spectrum of histologic features with alternating hypercellular and hypocellular areas, patternless architecture, haphazard arrangement of oval to spindle cells, branching vessels with perivascular hyalinization, frequent keloid‐like collagen deposits and stromal hyalinization. Multifocal hypercellular areas revealed moderate to marked cytologic atypia and frequent mitotic figures with atypical mitoses.
Calcifying tissue of florid cemento‐osseous dysplasia easily involving chronic diffuse sclerosing osteomyelitis
Authors: Park In Woo , Choi Hang Moon , Park Young Wook , Kim Soung Min , Kim Ji Hyuck , Huh Jin Young , Park Yang Soon , Lee Young Joon , Lee Sang Shin , Lee Suk Keun
Published: June 2008

Florid cemento‐osseous dysplasia (FCOD) is a benign, non‐neoplastic lesion characterized by multiple sclerosing masses only within jawbones. It is frequently confused with chronic diffuse sclerosing osteomyelitis (CDSO) in the literature. Two cases of FCOD are examined to determine the characteristics of their calcifying tissues. The first case was non‐infected, while the second case was severely infected, displaying the typical features of CDSO in clinico‐radiologic findings. The infected FCOD case showed large bacterial colonies in the main lesion with rare inflammatory reaction. The globular cementum‐like materials of FCOD looked like woven bone and showed increased positive reaction to Alcian blue stain, of which peripheral margin was strongly positive for the antibody of ameloblastin, and weakly positive for the antibodies of bone morphogenetic protein‐2 and ‐4. In the immunostains of matrix metalloprotein‐3, ‐9, ‐10, and transforming growth factor‐alpha, macrophage infiltration in the FCOD lesion were rarely observed. These data suggest that the cementum‐like materials of FCOD contain various matrix proteins, and that the cementum‐like materials are relevant to the overgrowth of the bacterial colonies by the inhibition of regional inflammatory reactions.
Development of Cutting Tool With Built-In Thin Film Thermocouples for Measuring High Temperature Fields in Metal Cutting Processes
Authors: Shinozuka Jun , Basti Ali , Obikawa Toshiyuki
Published: June 2008

In order to measure temperature fields on tool face during cutting, a cutting tool with built-in thin film thermocouples (TFTs) has been devised. The TFTs composed of a nickel and nichrome thin films were fabricated on the rake face near the cutting edge of a sintered alumina tool insert using a physical vapor deposition and photolithography technique. An empirical formula that shows Seebeck coefficient of a TFT depends on electrical resistance of the TFT circuit was established. Three different types of tools in number and size of TFTs were developed and temperature fields on the rake face in cutting of a plain carbon steel S45C were measured. The results of the cutting thermometry experiment reveal that the devised tool with built-in three TFTs can measure temperature fields on the tool face and can sense slight change in cutting situation.
Parallel Turning Process Parameter Optimization Based on a Novel Heuristic Approach
Authors: Tang Lie , Landers Robert G. , Balakrishnan S. N.
Published: June 2008

Process parameter optimization has been widely investigated in single-tool machining operations. However, for multitool machining operation optimization, the research reported in literature is scarce. In this paper, a novel heuristic algorithm based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) is proposed to optimize, in terms of minimum machining time, the process parameters for two-tool parallel turning operations with n features. Both single-pass and multipass operations are considered. The simulation results show that the performance of the proposed algorithm, in terms of total machining time and required computational time, is superior to an exhaustive search algorithm.
Geometry Control of the Deposited Layer in a Nonplanar Laser Cladding Process Using a Variable Structure Controller
Authors: Fathi Alireza , Khajepour Amir , Durali Mohammad , Toyserkani Ehsan
Published: June 2008

This paper presents a closed-loop laser cladding process used in nonplanar deposition of desired metallic materials. In the proposed system, the deposited layer geometry is continuously controlled via a sliding mode controller (SMC). The controller, which uses the scanning speed as the control input, is designed based on a parametric Hammerstein model. The model is a parametric dynamic model with several unknown parameters, which are identified experimentally using the recursive least squares method. The designed SMC is robust to all model parameters’ uncertainties and disturbances. The results showed that the tracking accuracy improves and the chattering effect reduces if an integrator on the scanning speed is added to the controller. It was observed that this addition decreases the response speed. The performance of the proposed controllers was verified through the fabrication of several parts made of SS303-L. This verification indicates that the developed closed-loop laser cladding process can reduce stair-step effects as well as production time in rapid prototyping of functional parts created with the adaptive slicing technique.