bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studies on the effects of Bradyrhizobium inoculation on yield and yield attributes of mungbean
Authors: Bhuiyan MAH , Mian MH , Islam MS
Published: November 2008

Field studies with and without Bradyrhizobium was carried out with five mungbean varieties to observe the yield and yield attributes of mungbean. Five mungbean varieties viz. BARI Mung-2, BARI Mung-4, BARI Mung-5, BINA mung-2 and Barisal local, and the rhizobial inoculum (Bradyrhizobium strain BAUR-604) were used. The seeds and stover were dried and weighed adjusting at 14% moisture content and yields were converted to t/ha. The yield attributing data were recorded from 10 randomly selected plants. BARI Mung-2 produced the highest seed yield (1.03 t/ha in 2001 and 0.78 t/ha in 2002) and stover yield (2.24 t/ha in 2001 and 2.01 t/ha in 2002). Higher number of pods/plant was also recorded in BARI Mung-2, while BARI Mung-5 produced the highest 1000-seed weight. Application of Bradyrhizobium inoculant produced significant effect on seed and stover yields in both trials conducted in two consecutive years. Seed inoculation significantly increased seed (0.98 t/ha in 2001, 27% increase over control and 0.75 t/ha in 2002, 29% increase over control) and stover (2.31 t/ha in 2001 and 2.04 t/ha in 2002) yields of mungbean. Bradyrhizobium inoculation also significantly increased pods/plant, seeds/pod and 1000-seed weight. Inoculated BARI Mung-2 produced the highest seed and stover yields as well as yield attributes, such as pods/plant and seeds/pod. Key Words: Bradyrhizobium, inoculation, yield, yield attributes, mungbean. doi:10.3329/bjar.v33i3.1604 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 33(3) : 449-457, September 2008
Agro-morphological and quality characterization of Badshah bhog group from aromatic rice germplasm of Chhattisgarh
Authors: Bisne Rita , Sarawgi AK
Published: November 2008

India sub continent is a home for aromatic rice diversity. Land races and wild species possess immense potential of most valuable genes which can he effectively utilized in the present day breeding programmes to evolve miracle varieties in rice that possess not high yield potential and quality but also resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses. The present studies were carried out to characterize thirty two aromatic rice accessions of Badshah bhog group from IGKV, Raipur, Chhattisgarh germplasm. These germplasm accessions were evaluated for twenty-two morphological, six agronomical and eight quality characters. The specific genotypes B: 1340, B: 2039, B: 2495, B: 2816, B: 16930 B: 2354, B:1639, B:2094 were identified for quality and agronomical characteristics. These may be used in hybridization programme to achieve desired segregants for good grain quality with higher yield. Key Words: Morphological characters. quality characters, characterization in aromatic rice. doi:10.3329/bjar.v33i3.1607 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 33(3) : 479-492, September 2008
Endogenous hormonal content during grain development in hexaploid and tetraploid wheat
Authors: Gutam Sridhar , Nath Virendra , Srivastava GC
Published: November 2008

A pot experiment was conducted in the rabi (post rainy) seasons of 2001 and 2002 to study the genotypic differences in grain growth rate and endogenous hormonal content in the developing grains of hexaploid and tetraploid wheat. The endogenous hormonal contents of grains in both the ploidy levels had changed in sequence. At 5 days after anthesis (DAA), gibberellic acid (GA3); at 15 DAA (rapid growth phase), indole-acetic acid (IAA); at 25 DAA (dough stage), abscisic acid (ABA) were maximum. At 35 DAA, all the endogenous hormonal level decreased and among the hormones, ABA was highest followed by IAA and GA3. Hexaploids recorded higher concentrations of endogenous hormones (13.38% IAA, 17.89% GA3, and 14.7% ABA) on fresh weight basis and resulted in higher seed weight (56.99 mg/grain) and grain growth rate (0.009 g/g/day) compared to tetraploids (49.08 mg/grain; 0.008 g/g/day) on dry weight basis by better mobilization of photosynthates during grain filling. Key Words: Grain growth rate, hormones, indole-acetic acid, gibberellic acid, abscisic acid. doi:10.3329/bjar.v33i3.1608 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 33(3) : 493-502, September 2008
Integrated Optic Surface Plasmon Resonance Measurements in a Borosilicate Glass Substrate
Authors: Parisi Antonino , Cino Alfonso C. , Busacca Alessandro  C. , Cherchi Matteo , Riva-Sanseverino Stefano
Published: November 2008

The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique is a well-known optical method that can be used to measure the refractive index of organic nano-layers adsorbed on a thin metal film. Although there are many configurations for measuring biomolecular interactions, SPR-based techniques play a central role in many current biosensing experiments, since they are the most suited for sensitive and quantitative kinetic measurements. Here we give some results from the analysis and numerical elaboration of SPR data from integrated optics experiments in a particular borosilicate glass, chosen for its composition offering the rather low refractive index of 1.4701 at 633 nm wavelength. These data regard the flow over the sensing region (metal window) of different solutions with refractive indexes in the range of interest (1.3÷1.5) for the detection of contaminants in aqueous solutions. After a discussion of the principles of SPR, of the metal window design optimization by means of optical interaction numerical modeling, and of waveguide fabrication techniques, we give a description of system setup and experimental results. Optimum gold film window thickness and width in this guided-wave configuration has been for the first time derived and implemented on an integrated optic prototype device. Its characterization is given by means of the real time waveguide output intensity measurements, which correspond to the interaction between the sensing gold thin film window and the flowing analyte. The SPR curve was subsequently inferred. Finally, a modified version of the device is reported, with channel waveguides arranged in a Y-junction optical circuit, so that laser source stability requirements are lowered by a factor of 85 dB, making possible the use of low cost sources in practical applications.
INSPECTION PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT FOR FATIGUE CRACK GROWTH MODEL WITH TWO RANDOM PARAMETERS/APŽIŪRŲ PROGRAMOS KŪRIMAS NUOVARGIO PLYŠIO AUGIMO MODELIUI SU DVIEM ATSITIKTINIAIS PARAMETRAIS
Authors: Paramonov Yuri , Kuznetsov Andrey
Published: November 2008

To keep the fatigue failure probability of an aircraft fleet at or below a certain level, an inspection program is appointed to discover fatigue cracks before they decrease the residual strength of some structurally significant item of the airframe lower than the level allowed by regulations. In this article, the p‐set function for random vector, which, in fact, is a generalization of p‐bound for random variable, and minimax approach to the problem of inspection number choice are used. It is supposed that the exponential approximation of a fatigue curve with two random parameters can be used in the interval when the fatigue curve becomes detectable and then grows to critical size. For estimation of distribution parameters, results of an approval test are used. A numerical example is given. Santrauka Šiame tyrime nagrinėtas apžiūrų, skirtų surasti nuovargio įtrūkimus jėginiuose elementuose iki liekamojo stiprumo sumažėjimo žemiau leistinos ribos, programos planavimas. Čia apžiūrų skaičiui nustatyti buvo naudojamas mini-maksimalus statistinis sprendinys ir atsitiktinio vektoriaus p-aibės sąvoka, kuri yra atsitiktinio vektoriaus p-ribos apibendrinta sąvoka. Taikyta prielaida, kad nuovargio įtrūkimo didėjimo kreivę galima aproksimuoti eksponentiškai laiko intervale nuo to momento, kai plyšys tampa matomas ir iki kritinio dydžio. Parametrų pasiskirstymo įvertinimui naudoti bandymo rezultatai. Daroma prielaida, kad jei bandymo rezultatai yra nepatenkinami, tuomet turi būti ruošiamas naujas, labai pagerintas bandomojo gaminio projektas. Pateikti ir skaitiniai pavyzdžiai.
RESEARCH ON MAGNETIC DECLINATION IN LITHUANIAN TERRITORY
Authors: Obuchovski Romuald , Petroškevičius Petras , Būga Arūnas
Published: November 2008

Magnetic declination is the angle between the planes of the astronomic and magnetic meridians. Magnetic declination is used in navigation, geophysics, geodesy, cartography, geology, and other fields. Magnetic declination is often computed from the World Magnetic Model (WMM). It is therefore important to be aware of the accuracy of the computed declination and to investigate its changes. For this purpose, magnetic declination was measured and the methodology of its measurement analyzed. Research was performed at six established points in 1999, 2001 and 2004. Magnetic declination was measured at Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipeda airports in 2006. Santrauka Magnetinės deklinacijos reikšmė navigacijoje dažniausiai apskaičiuojama naudojant pasaulinį magnetinį modelį WMM (World Magnetic Model). Lietuvoje be pakartotinų geomagnetinio lauko matavimų amžių variacijų punktuose magnetinės deklinacijos reikšmė išmatuota ir keturiuose Lietuvos oro uostuose. Straipsnyje įvertintas pasaulinio geomagnetinio lauko modelio WMM tikslumas Lietuvos teritorijoje. Tirta ir įvertinta geomagnetinio lauko parametrų kaita. Išanalizuotas aplinkinių observatorijų tinkamumas Lietuvoje atliktų matavimų rezultatų redukavimui. Remiantis gautais tyrimų rezultatais, galima pasirinkti tinkamiausią laiką krypties astronominiam azimutui, o kartu ir astronominio dienovidinio krypčiai nustatyti, atsižvelgiant į žinomas parametrų paklaidas, punkto platumą ir metų laiką.
The common inhalation anesthetic isoflurane induces caspase activation and increases amyloid β‐protein level in vivo
Authors: Xie Zhongcong , Culley Deborah J. , Dong Yuanlin , Zhang Guohua , Zhang Bin , Moir Robert D. , Frosch Matthew P. , Crosby Gregory , Tanzi Rudolph E.
Published: November 2008

Objective

An estimated 200 million patients worldwide have surgery each year. Anesthesia and surgery have been reported to facilitate emergence of Alzheimer's disease. The commonly used inhalation anesthetic isoflurane has previously been reported to induce apoptosis, and to increase levels and aggregation of Alzheimer's disease–associated amyloid β‐protein (Aβ) in cultured cells. However, the in vivo relevance has not been addressed.

Methods

We therefore set out to determine effects of isoflurane on caspase activation and levels of β‐site amyloid precursor protein–cleaving enzyme (BACE) and Aβ in naive mice, using Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Here we show for the first time that a clinically relevant isoflurane anesthesia (1.4% isoflurane for 2 hours) leads to caspase activation and modest increases in levels of BACE 6 hours after anesthesia in mouse brain. Isoflurane anesthesia induces caspase activation, and increases levels of BACE and Aβ up to 24 hours after anesthesia. Isoflurane may increase BACE levels by reducing BACE degradation. Moreover, the Aβ aggregation inhibitor, clioquinol, was able to attenuate isoflurane‐induced caspase‐3 activation in vivo.

Interpretation

Given that transient insults to brain may lead to long‐term brain damage, these findings suggest that isoflurane may promote Alzheimer's disease neuropathogenesis and, as such, have implications for use of isoflurane in humans, pending human study confirmation. Ann Neurol 2008
Erasure mechanisms of polarization holographic gratings in spirooxazine‐doped polymer films
Authors: Fu Shencheng , Hu Weilin , Xie Minggui , Liu Yichun , Duanmu Qingduo
Published: November 2008

Dynamic holographic recording under linear polarized writing beams at 632.8 nm was performed on two different new spirooxazine doped PMMA matrices assisted by UV light. Thermal rate constants of the two holographic storage medium were determined. It was found that diffraction efficiency and erasure dynamics of the holographic gratings in the two polymer films were dependent on the thermal stability and aggregation of spirooxazine molecules in PMMA matrices. During erasure of the holographic gratings, only in the polymer film with a lower thermal rate constant, a nearly instantaneous increase of diffraction efficiency was observed, resulting from the formation of a transient orientation grating. A theoretical description of the transient orientation grating, competing with isomerization gratings, agrees well with experimental results. The interaction between the chromophores and matrices was also discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Modeling gel effect in branched polymer systems: Free‐radical solution homopolymerization of vinyl acetate
Authors: Verros George D. , Achilias Dimitris S.
Published: November 2008

In this work a comprehensive mathematical framework is developed for modeling gel effect in branched polymer systems with application in the solution polymerization of vinyl acetate. This model is based on sound principles such as the free‐volume theory for polymer chains diffusion. The model predictions for monomer conversion and number‐ and weight‐average molecular weights were found to be in good agreement with published data in the literature. Moreover, the joint molecular‐weight distribution–long chain branching distribution is calculated by direct numerical integration of a large system of nonlinear ordinary integral‐differential equations describing the mass conservation of macromolecular species in a batch reactor. This allows studying the effect of process conditions such as initiator and solvent concentration on the product quality. It is believed that this work might contribute to a more rational design of polymerization reactors. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
How reward, computer self‐efficacy, and perceived power security affect knowledge management systems success: An empirical investigation in high‐tech companies
Authors: Lai Jung‐Yu
Published: November 2008

In a highly competitive environment, high‐tech firms utilize capital‐intensive facilities, technology‐intensive products, and computer applications for gaining competitive advantages. It makes employees acquire more knowledge to perform more complex tasks. This has resulted in an increasing demand for organizations to implement knowledge management systems (KMS) for employees to steer organizational learning in the new era of knowledge‐based economy. However, prior empirical examinations on factors influencing KMS success are not sufficient, particularly in the high‐tech context. This study formulates and empirically tests a theoretical model to explain these factors and how they affect KMS success. Results from a sample of 141 employees selected from four high‐tech semiconductor manufacturing firms provide us a more comprehensive understanding about how benefits, self‐produced, and costs factors (i.e., reward, computer self‐efficacy, and perceived power security) affect KMS success. It can be seen that reward and perceived power security have both direct and indirect effects on user satisfaction and intention to use KMS through perceived usefulness and ease of use. Moreover, computer self‐efficacy influences user satisfaction and intention to use KMS through perceived usefulness and ease of use. Besides providing directions for development and testing of knowledge management theories, these findings will be valuable to practitioners.
Kosmos, Koralle und Kultur‐Milieu. Zur Bedeutung der populären Wissenschaftsvermittlung im späten Kaiserreich und in der Weimarer Republik
Authors: Schirrmacher Arne
Published: November 2008

Kosmos, Koralle and Cultural Milieu. On the Role of Popular Science Communication in the late Kaiserreich and Weimar Germany. This paper discusses the role of popular science communication for the ‘cultural milieu’ or more generally the ‘environment’ of scientists and science in Germany between c. 1900 and 1933 in the sense of Paul Forman. On the rich basis of diverse journals aiming at a differentiated public the discourse on atomic physics is sketched. Since the thesis of a general hostility towards atomic physics in particular and science in general cannot be accredited the question arises how widespread and in which sense a crisis of science was discussed in the Weimar years.
Knowledge‐guided laboratory evolution of protein thermolability
Authors: Reetz Manfred T. , Soni Pankaj , Fernández Layla
Published: November 2008

In rare but nevertheless important cases it is of practical interest to decrease the thermostability of an enzyme, that is, to increase thermolability in a controlled manner. In the present model study, this unconventional goal has been reached by applying directed evolution to the lipase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAL). By utilizing the B‐factor iterative test (B‐FIT), previously developed to increase the thermostability of enzymes, it was possible to reduce the $T_{50}^{15} $ value from 71.6°C in the case of wild type (WT‐PAL) to 35.6°C (best mutant) without affecting the catalytic profile in terms of substrate acceptance or enantioselectivity at room temperature. Accordingly, saturation mutagenesis was performed at sites in PAL, which on the basis of its X‐ray structure, have the lowest B‐factors indicative of high rigidity. Focused mutations were introduced which can be expected to decrease rigidity, the ensuing increased flexibility leading to higher thermolability without changing the actual catalytic profile. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;102: 1712–1717. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prokineticin receptor 2 expression identifies migrating neuroblasts and their subventricular zone transient‐amplifying progenitors in adult mice
Authors: Puverel Sandrine , Nakatani Hiroko , Parras Carlos , Soussi‐Yanicostas Nadia
Published: November 2008

The adult subventricular zone (SVZ) contains progenitors cells, which continually give rise to new neurons that migrate along the rostral migratory stream (RMS) to the olfactory bulbs (OB). Prokineticin receptor 2 (ProKR2) is a G‐protein‐coupled receptor that plays an essential role in this migration process. However, the identity of the prokr2‐expressing cells has not yet been clearly established. Here, we have characterized in detail the identity of the prokr2‐expressing cells in the SVZ/RMS/OB pathway in adult mice. In the SVZ, accumulation of prokr2 transcripts was detected in almost all migrating neuroblasts or type A cells as well as in a large population of their precursors, the rapidly dividing type C cells. Moreover, we observed that, in dissociated SVZ cells from Mash1::GFP postnatal mice, ProKR2 protein is also present in type C and type A cells. We found that, along the RMS and in the OB, prokr2 expression was restricted to migrating type A cells and was absent in astrocytes. Finally, we observed a highly marked decrease of prokr2 expression in Mash1−/− mutant mice, suggesting that this transcription factor directly or indirectly regulates prokr2 expression. Although the expression of ProKR2 in migrating type A cells is in good agreement with the essential role played by this receptor during this migration process, its expression in a large population of their progenitors suggests an additional function for ProKR2, providing novel insights into the role of ProKR2/ProK2 signalling in adult neurogenesis. J. Comp. Neurol. 512:232–242, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Projection of reconstructed single purkinje cell axons in relation to the cortical and nuclear aldolase C compartments of the rat cerebellum
Authors: Sugihara Izumi , Fujita Hirofumi , Na Jie , Quy Pham Nguyen , Li Bing‐Yang , Ikeda Daisuke
Published: November 2008

Although the overall topography of the cerebellar corticonuclear projection formed by Purkinje cell (PC) axons has been described, only a few studies have dealt with the organization of this projection at the level of individual PC axons. Thus, we reconstructed 65 single PC axons that were labeled with biotinylated dextran amine in the rat. We then analyzed the relationship between the projections of these PCs and the compartmentalization of the cerebellar cortex and nuclei based on the topography of olivocerebellar projection and aldolase C expression in PCs. After giving rise to short local recurrent collaterals near the soma, a PC axon formed a terminal arbor in a specific small area in the cerebellar nuclei (CN). The terminal arbors of vermal PCs were spread more widely than those of hemispheric PCs and sometimes extended to extracerebellar targets. PCs located in any of the aldolase C‐positive (Groups I and II) and ‐negative (Groups III and IV) stripes consistently projected to the caudoventral and rostrodorsal parts of the CN, respectively, precisely in accordance with the compartmentalization of the cortex and nuclei. Mediolateral segregation and rostrocaudal convergence were seen between projections of separate PCs in a single aldolase C compartment. The results revealed a tight link between the projection patterns of individual PC axons, the topography of the olivocerebellar pathway, and the aldolase C expression pattern. Their overall correspondence seems to reflect a basic aspect of cerebellar organization, although some area‐dependent variation in the relationship of these three entities was also present. J. Comp. Neurol. 512:282–304, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multimodal architectonic subdivision of the rostral part (area F5) of the macaque ventral premotor cortex
Authors: Belmalih Abdelouahed , Borra Elena , Contini Massimo , Gerbella Marzio , Rozzi Stefano , Luppino Giuseppe
Published: November 2008

We used a cyto‐, myelo‐, and chemoarchitectonic (distribution of SMI‐32 and calbindin immunoreactivity) approach to assess whether the rostral histochemical area F5 of the ventral premotor cortex (PMv) comprises architectonically distinct areas, possibly corresponding to functionally different fields. Three areas were identified, occupying different parts of F5. One area, designated as “convexity” F5 (F5c), extends on the postarcuate convexity cortex adjacent to the inferior arcuate sulcus and is characterized, cytoarchitectonically, by a poorly laminated appearance, resulting from an overall cell population rather homogeneous in size and density. The other two areas, designated as “posterior” and “anterior” F5 (F5p and F5a, respectively), lie within the postarcuate bank at different anteroposterior levels. Major cytoarchitectonic features of F5p are a layer III relatively homogeneous in cell size and density, a cell‐dense layer Va, and the presence of relatively large pyramids in layer Vb. Major cytoarchitectonic features of F5a are the presence of relatively large pyramids in lowest layer III and a prominent, homogenous layer V. Furthermore, our results showed that F5c and F5p border caudally with a caudal PMv area corresponding to histochemical area F4, providing additional evidence for a general subdivision of the macaque PMv into a caudal and a rostral part, corresponding to F4 and to the F5 complex, respectively. The present data, together with other functional and connectional data, suggest that the three rostral PMv areas F5p, F5a, and F5c correspond to distinct cortical entities, possibly involved in different aspects of motor control and cognitive motor functions. J. Comp. Neurol. 512:183–217, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Single‐cell‐based image analysis of high‐throughput cell array screens for quantification of viral infection
Authors: Matula Petr , Kumar Anil , Wörz Ilka , Erfle Holger , Bartenschlager Ralf , Eils Roland , Rohr Karl
Published: November 2008

The identification of eukaryotic genes involved in virus entry and replication is important for understanding viral infection. Our goal is to develop a siRNA‐based screening system using cell arrays and high‐throughput (HT) fluorescence microscopy. A central issue is efficient, robust, and automated single‐cell‐based analysis of massive image datasets. We have developed an image analysis approach that comprises (i) a novel, gradient‐based thresholding scheme for cell nuclei segmentation which does not require subsequent postprocessing steps for separation of clustered nuclei, (ii) quantification of the virus signal in the neighborhood of cell nuclei, (iii) localization of regions with transfected cells by combining model‐based circle fitting and grid fitting, (iv) cell classification as infected or noninfected, and (v) image quality control (e.g., identification of out‐of‐focus images). We compared the results of our nucleus segmentation approach with a previously developed scheme of adaptive thresholding with subsequent separation of nuclear clusters. Our approach, which does not require a postprocessing step for the separation of nuclear clusters, correctly segmented 97.1% of the nuclei, whereas the previous scheme achieved 95.8%. Using our algorithm for the detection of out‐of‐focus images, we obtained a high discrimination power of 99.4%. Our overall approach has been applied to more than 55,000 images of cells infected by either hepatitis C or dengue virus. Reduced infection rates were correctly detected in positive siRNA controls, as well as for siRNAs targeting, for example, cellular genes involved in viral infection. Our image analysis approach allows for the automatic and accurate determination of changes in viral infection based on high‐throughput single‐cell‐based siRNA cell array imaging experiments. © 2008 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Additional molecular support for the new chordate phylogeny
Authors: Delsuc Frédéric , Tsagkogeorga Georgia , Lartillot Nicolas , Philippe Hervé
Published: November 2008

Recent phylogenomic analyses have suggested tunicates instead of cephalochordates as the closest living relatives of vertebrates. In direct contradiction with the long accepted view of Euchordates, this new phylogenetic hypothesis for chordate evolution has been the object of some skepticism. We assembled an expanded phylogenomic dataset focused on deuterostomes. Maximum‐likelihood using standard models and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses using the CAT site‐heterogeneous mixture model of amino‐acid replacement both provided unequivocal support for the sister‐group relationship between tunicates and vertebrates (Olfactores). Chordates were recovered as monophyletic with cephalochordates as the most basal lineage. These results were robust to both gene sampling and missing data. New analyses of ribosomal rRNA also recovered Olfactores when compositional bias was alleviated. Despitethe inclusion of 25 taxa representing all major lineages, the monophyly of deuterostomes remained poorly supported. The implications of these phylogenetic results for interpreting chordate evolution are discussed in light of recent advances from evolutionary developmental biology and genomics. genesis 46:592–604, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Man is but a worm: Chordate origins
Authors: Brown Federico D. , Prendergast Andrew , Swalla Billie J.
Published: November 2008

The origin of chordates remains one of the major puzzles of zoology, even after more than a century of intense scientific inquiry, following Darwin's “Origin of Species”. The chordates exhibit a unique body plan that evolved from a deuterostome ancestor some time before the Cambrian. Molecular data gathered from phylogenetics and developmental gene expression has changed our perception of the relationships within and between deuterostome phyla. Recent developmental gene expression data has shown that the chordates use similar gene families and networks to specify their anterior‐posterior, dorsal‐ventral and left‐right body axes. The anterior‐posterior axis is similarly established among deuterostomes and is determined by a related family of transcription factors, the Hox gene clusters and Wnt signaling pathways. In contrast, the dorsal‐ventral axis is inverted in chordates, compared with other nonchordate invertebrates, while still determined by expression of BMP signaling pathway members and their antagonists. Finally, left‐right asymmetries in diverse deuterostomes are determined by nodal signaling. These new data allow revised, testable hypotheses about our earliest ancestors. We present a new hypothesis for the origin of the chordates whereby the expansion of BMP during dorsal‐ventral patterning allowed the evolution of noneural ectoderm and pharyngeal gill slits on the ventral side. We conclude that “Man is but a worm…,” that our chordate ancestors were worm‐like deposit and/or filter feeders with pharyngeal slits, and an anterior tripartite unsegmented neurosensory region. genesis 46:605–613, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
B and CD4+ T‐cell expression of TLR2 is critical for optimal induction of a T‐cell‐dependent humoral immune response to intact Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Vasilevsky Sam , Chattopadhyay Gouri , Colino Jesus , Yeh Tze‐Jou , Chen Quanyi , Sen Goutam , Snapper Clifford M.
Published: November 2008

TLR2−/− mice immunized with Streptococcus pneumoniae (Pn) elicit normal IgM, but defective CD4+ T‐cell‐dependent type 1 IgG isotype production, associated with a largely intact innate immune response. We studied the T‐cell‐dependent phosphorylcholine (PC)‐specific IgG3 versus the T‐cell‐independent IgM response to Pn to determine whether TLR2 signals directly via the adaptive immune system. Pn‐activated TLR2−/− BMDC have only a modest defect in cytokine secretion, undergo normal maturation, and when transferred into naïve WT mice elicit a normal IgM and IgG3 anti‐PC response, relative to WT BMDC. Pn synergizes with BCR and TCR signaling for DNA synthesis in purified WT B and CD4+T cells, respectively, but is defective in cells lacking TLR2. Pn primes TLR2−/− mice for a normal CD4+ T‐cell IFN‐γ recall response. Notably, TLR2−/− B cells transferred into RAG‐2−/− mice with WT CD4+T cells, or TLR2−/− CD4+T cells transferred into athymic nude mice, each elicit a defective IgG3, in contrast to normal IgM, anti‐PC response relative to WT cells. These data are the first to demonstrate a major role for B‐cell and CD4+ T‐cell expression of TLR2 for eliciting an anti‐bacterial humoral immune response.
Human IgA‐secreting cells induced by intestinal, but not systemic, immunization respond to CCL25 (TECK) and CCL28 (MEC)
Authors: Sundström Patrik , Lundin Samuel B. , Nilsson Lars‐Åke , Quiding‐Järbrink Marianne
Published: November 2008

Organ‐specific homing of lymphoid cells depends on the expression of tissue‐specific adhesion molecules and production of specific chemokines. CCL25 (TECK) and CCL28 (MEC) have been reported to direct circulating memory/effector B cells to mucosal tissues. Here, we examined if differential responsiveness to mucosal and systemic chemokines could explain the differential migration pattern of circulating human antibody‐secreting cells (ASC), induced by mucosal and systemic immunization. There was a robust migration of specific IgA‐ and IgM‐ASC induced by Salmonella vaccination toward the mucosal chemokines CCL25 and CCL28. In contrast, tetanus‐specific ASC migrated to the systemic chemokine CXCL12 (SDF‐1α) and showed no response to CCL25 or CCL28, not even tetanus‐specific IgA‐ASC. Cell sorting experiments demonstrated that Salmonella‐specific ASC co‐expressed CCR9 and CCR10. Our results show that induction site, rather than isotype commitment, determines the chemokine responsiveness and migration pattern of human effector B cells.
The evaluative face of a descriptive model: Communion and agency in Peabody's tetradic model of trait organization
Authors: Peeters Guido
Published: November 2008

An important strand of research on cognitive trait organization is connected with Peabody's (1967) tetradic model stressing two non‐evaluative dimensions: tight–loose and assertive–unassertive. The relationship of this model with the communion/agency model involving two evaluative dimensions is discussed and empirically investigated. It is shown that the models are orthogonally related suggesting four trait categories: agentic tight–loose, communal tight–loose, agentic assertive–unassertive and communal assertive–unassertive. Implications are discussed regarding the interpretation of stereotype contents, the validity of the tetradic and communion/agency models and the development of a functionalist approach of social perception and judgment. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expectations about the accuracy and stability of warmth versus competence traits: An intergroup analysis
Authors: Kenworthy Jared B. , Tausch Nicole
Published: November 2008

Participants rated the expected accuracy and stability of ascribed traits for ingroup or outgroup targets. Traits were derived from theoretical models distinguishing between the content dimensions of warmth and competence. Positive and negative warmth and competence traits were paired with either Black or White first names, and participants rated the expected trait accuracy and stability. Positive traits were rated as having more accuracy and stability than were negative traits. Warmth traits were rated as having more accuracy and stability than were competence traits. For negative warmth traits, trait accuracy was rated significantly lower for ingroup than for outgroup targets, but no ingroup–outgroup difference was found for positive warmth traits. For both negative warmth and negative competence traits, trait stability was rated lower for ingroup than for outgroup targets, but no ingroup–outgroup differences were found for positive warmth or competence traits. The present findings support the primacy of positive over negative traits and of warmth over competence traits in estimating the accuracy and stability of trait ratings, but also suggest that trait‐relevant expectations differ as a function of group membership. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Life's recurring challenges and the fundamental dimensions: An integration and its implications for cultural differences and similarities
Authors: Ybarra Oscar , Chan Emily , Park Hyekyung , Burnstein Eugene , Monin Benoît , Stanik Christine
Published: November 2008

We propose that two psychological dimensions, one relevant to relationships and group life (communion, C) and the other to skill acquisition, talent, and accomplishment (agency, A), aid people in interpreting their social worlds. Moreover, our analysis demonstrates the privileged nature of the C dimension and its relative stability compared to the A dimension across contexts and cultures. In Study 1 we use a standard compilation of culturally universal practices and show that the C dimension accounts for the majority of these universals, implying that the meaning of A traits varies more across cultures than that of C traits. In Studies 2 and 3, we provide evidence for this proposal using different judgment paradigms and cultural groups. The findings indicate that there is greater similarity and consensus in how people make sense of and judge information from the C than A dimension. We discuss the findings in terms of the recurring challenges people face over time as a result of living in groups. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
We're warmer (they're more competent): I‐sharing and African‐Americans' perceptions of the ingroup and outgroup
Authors: Pinel Elizabeth C. , Long Anson E. , Crimin Leslie A.
Published: November 2008

Researchers currently know very little about how African‐Americans regard themselves and their salient outgroup (i.e., European‐Americans). The current study examines how experiences with individual ingroup and outgroup members affect these evaluations on two key dimensions in intergroup research: warmth and competence. In particular, the study asks what effect I‐sharing (i.e., sharing a subjective experience) with an African‐American or a European‐American has on African‐Americans' perceptions of the warmth and competence of their ingroup and outgroup. Results revealed an ingroup preference on the dimension of warmth when participants had I‐shared with a fellow African‐American but not when they had I‐shared with a European‐American. No such ingroup preference emerged on the dimension of competence. Instead, participants exhibited an outgroup preference on this dimension after I‐sharing with a European‐American. The discussion entertains possible explanations for these differential effects of I‐sharing on judgments of the ingroup and outgroup. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards an operationalization of the fundamental dimensions of agency and communion: Trait content ratings in five countries considering valence and frequency of word occurrence
Authors: Abele Andrea E. , Uchronski Mirjam , Suitner Caterina , Wojciszke Bogdan
Published: November 2008

Despite many convergences in theorizing and research on the two fundamental dimensions of social judgment the operationalizations differ considerably across studies and possible confounds (valence, frequency of word occurrence) are not always controlled. The present study was meant as a first step towards a more standardized operationalization by providing trait words which are clearly distinct in content (agency and communion) but comparable in valence and frequency of word occurrence in written language across different countries. We created a pool of 304 trait adjectives and reduced this pool in several pretests to a list of 69 trait words. These were clearly different in content and covered a large range of valence. In the main study N = 548 participants from five countries (Belgium, Germany, Italy, Poland and USA) rated the 69 trait words on agency, communion and valence. The results were quite consistent across countries. The trait adjectives' agency ratings and communion ratings were negatively correlated; valence was correlated with communal content, but not with agentic content; word frequency was barely related to the content ratings. Cluster analyses suggest four clusters of trait words. Based on these findings we propose sets of agentic and communal trait words which do not differ in valence and word frequency. These item‐sets can serve as a first step towards a standardized operationalization of the two fundamental content dimensions across languages. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural seismic response analysis based on multiscale approach of computing fault–structure system
Authors: Ichimura T. , Hori M.
Published: November 2008

Structural safety for earthquake waves emitted from a nearby fault is a major concern. For a large complex structure, it might be desired to estimate its seismic response by analyzing a fault–structure system: a full three‐dimensional model in which a source fault and a target structure are modeled so that fault processes, wave propagation and amplification processes, and resulting dynamic responses of the structure can be computed numerically. To analyze this fault–structure system, this paper proposes an efficient approach based on multiscale analysis, i.e. waves emitted from the source fault are computed in the entire system in the geological length‐scale; then they are refined in a small part of the system that includes the structure, and the seismic response of the structure is accurately computed in the engineering length‐scale. Using a long highway tunnel as an example, this paper examines the validity of the proposed approach. The usefulness and applicability of the proposed approach to estimate the structural seismic responses are discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigations into the benefits of base isolation for non‐symmetric rigid blocks
Authors: Contento A. , Di Egidio A.
Published: November 2008

In this paper the influence of base isolation on the behaviour of a work of art has been analysed. To make things more realistic, the work of art has been modelled with a non‐symmetrical rigid body, sitting on a base that is connected to a visco‐elastic device, which represents the passive control system. To prevent the breaking of the isolation device, security stops have been introduced to limit the displacement of the oscillating base to a maximum safety value. All analyses have been carried out comparing the behaviour of the non‐isolated and the isolated non‐symmetric rigid body subject to impulsive and seismic excitations. The analysis is particularly focused on the effects of the eccentricity of the rigid body and on the presence of the security stops. Generally, base isolation improves the behaviour of the system while the presence of an eccentricity makes the performance of the system worse with respect to the symmetric rigid body. Moreover the security stops, although they preserve the isolator devices, cause a worsening in the performance of the systems. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of a MYO18A‐PDGFRB fusion gene in an eosinophilia‐associated atypical myeloproliferative neoplasm with a t(5;17)(q33‐34;q11.2)
Authors: Walz Christoph , Haferlach Claudia , Hänel Annette , Metzgeroth Georgia , Erben Philipp , Gosenca Darko , Hochhaus Andreas , Cross Nicholas C. P. , Reiter Andreas
Published: November 2008

Chromosomal aberrations of 5q31‐33 associated with rearrangements of the platelet‐derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRB) gene are rare but recurrent in patients with eosinophilia‐associated atypical myeloproliferative neoplasms (Eos‐MPNs). We used a DNA‐based “long‐distance inverse PCR” (LDI‐PCR) to identify a new MYO18A‐PDGFRB fusion gene in an Eos‐MPN with associated t(5;17)(q33‐34;q11.2). MYO18A is the fourth partner gene after BCR, ETV6 and SPTBN1 that fuses to more than one tyrosine kinase gene. Treatment with imatinib (400 mg/day) led to rapid and sustained complete hematologic, cytogenetic and molecular remission. Patients with PDGFRB fusions genes are excellent candidates for treatment with imatinib; complete cytogenetic and even molecular remissions are common while primary or secondary resistance seems to be very rare. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An efficient method for distributing wind speeds over heterogeneous terrain
Authors: Winstral Adam , Marks Danny , Gurney Robert
Published: November 2008

High spatial variability of wind over mountain landscapes can create strong gradients in mass and in energy fluxes at the scale of tens of metres. Variable winds are often cited as the cause of high heterogeneity in snow distribution in non‐forested mountain locations. Distributed models capable of capturing the variability in these fluxes require a time series of distributed wind data at a comparably fine spatial scale. Application of atmospheric and surface wind flow models in these regions has been limited by our ability to represent this complex process in a computationally efficient manner. Simplified models based on terrain and vegetation parameters are not as explicit as more complex, fluid‐flow models, but are computationally efficient for real‐time operational use. We developed and applied a simplified wind model based on analysis of upwind terrain to predict wind speeds across diverse topographies at three mountainous research locations. Each site was instrumented with a network of wind sensors to capture the full range of wind variability present. Differences in upwind topography were significantly related (p < 0·0001) to wind‐speed differences between sites. Wind speeds at each sensor location were modelled from each of the other intra‐site locations as if data from only one sensor were available. The wind model explained 69% of the observed variance with a mean absolute prediction error of 0·8 m/s, 19% of the observed wind mean. These results were very encouraging given the inherent complexity and profound variability of processes determining wind patterns in these systems. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Zerumbone, a tropical ginger sesquiterpene, inhibits colon and lung carcinogenesis in mice
Authors: Kim Mihye , Miyamoto Shingo , Yasui Yumiko , Oyama Takeru , Murakami Akira , Tanaka Takuji
Published: November 2008

Zerumbone (ZER), present in subtropical ginger Zingiber zerumbet Smith, possesses anti‐growth and anti‐inflammatory properties in several human cancer cell lines. ZER also down‐regulates the cyclooxygenase‐2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression via modulation of nuclear factor (NF)‐κB activation in cell culture systems. These findings led us to investigate whether ZER is able to inhibit carcinogenesis in the colon and lung, using 2 different preclinical mouse models. In Exp. 1, a total of 85 male ICR mice were initiated using a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection with azoxymethane (AOM, 10 mg/kg bw) and promoted by 1.5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water for 7 days for rapid induction of colonic neoplasms. Animals were then fed the diet containing 100, 250 or 500 ppm ZER for 17 weeks. In Exp. 2, a total of 50 female A/J mice were given a single i.p. injection of 4‐(methylnitrosamino)‐1‐(3‐pyridyl)‐1‐butanone (10 μmol/mouse) to induce lung proliferative lesions. They were then fed the diet mixed with 100, 250 or 500 ppm ZER for 21 weeks. At the termination of the experiments (wk 20 of Exp. 1 and wk 22 of Exp. 2), all animals were subjected to complete necropsy examination to determine the pathological lesions in both tissues. Oral administration of ZER at 100, 250 and 500 ppm significantly inhibited the multiplicity of colonic adenocarcinomas. The treatment also suppressed colonic inflammation. In the lung carcinogenesis, ZER feeding at 250 and 500 ppm significantly inhibited the multiplicity of lung adenomas in a dose‐dependent manner. Feeding with ZER resulted in inhibition of proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and suppression of NFκB and heme oxygenase (HO)‐1 expression in tumors developed in both tissues. Our findings suggest that dietary administration of ZER effectively suppresses mouse colon and lung carcinogenesis through multiple modulatory mechanisms of growth, apoptosis, inflammation and expression of NFκB and HO‐1 that are involved in carcinogenesis in the colon and lung. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Seliciclib (CYC202, R‐roscovitine) enhances the antitumor effect of doxorubicin in vivo in a breast cancer xenograft model
Authors: Appleyard Maria Virginia C.L. , O'Neill Mary A. , Murray Karen E. , Paulin Fiona E.M. , Bray Susan E. , Kernohan Neil M. , Levison David A. , Lane David P. , Thompson Alastair M.
Published: November 2008

We sought to determine whether seliciclib (CYC202, R‐roscovitine) could increase the antitumor effects of doxorubicin, with no increase in toxicity, in an MCF7 breast cancer xenograft model. The efficacy of seliciclib combined with doxorubicin was compared with single agent doxorubicin or seliciclib administered to MCF7 cells and to nude mice bearing established MCF7 xenografts. Post‐treatment cells and tumors were examined by cell cycle analysis, immunohistochemistry and real‐time PCR. Seliciclib significantly enhanced the antitumor effect of doxorubicin without additional murine toxicity. MIB1 (ki67) immunohistochemistry demonstrated reduced proliferation with treatment. The levels of p21 and p27 increased after treatment with doxorubicin or seliciclib alone or in combination, compared to untreated controls. However, no changes in p53 protein (DO1, CM1), survivin or p53 phosphorylation (SER15) were observed in treated tumors compared with controls. In conclusion, the CDK inhibitor seliciclib (R‐roscovitine) enhances the antitumor effect of doxorubicin in MCF7 tumors without increased toxicity with a mechanism that involves cell cycle arrest rather than apoptosis. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.