bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetic field dependence of magnetic entropy change in nanocrystalline and polycrystalline manganites La1−xMxMnO3 (M=Ca,Sr)
Authors: Pękała Marek
Published: December 2010

Experimental results of magnetocaloric effect for several polycrystalline and nanocrystalline manganites La1−xM0.xMnO3 (M=Ca and Sr) are analyzed. Influence of magnetic field is accounted for by the exponent N. The relatively deep N(T) minimum located close to the Curie temperature is found in the polycrystalline manganites. Temperature dependence of N(T) exponent is comparable with those of the soft magnetic and rare earth containing alloys. The slightly higher sensitivity of magnetocaloric effect in nanocrystalline manganites to magnetic fields is revealed by the N exponent.
Choosing optimum method for the efficient design of a relativistic magnetron with diffraction output
Authors: Li Wei , Liu Yong-gui
Published: December 2010

The relativistic magnetron with diffraction output (MDO) is promising to be the most compact narrow band high power microwave source. In this paper, based on the theory of S-parameters, a method named “choosing optimum” is proposed for the efficient design of the MDO in any wave band. By means of S-parameters, the π-TE31 mode conversion efficiencies of an S band MDO are calculated and then verified by three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. In order to illustrate the advantage of the choosing optimum method, the S-parameters of another L-band MDO are computed in a wide range of structure parameters and two results are chosen with detail information. Compared with the conventional method, the choosing optimum method is not only a shortcut, but also a convenient and easy way for choosing the high efficient MDOs in any wave band to meet the needs of different applications.
Characterization of energy trapping in a bulk acoustic wave resonator
Authors: Kokkonen Kimmo , Meltaus Johanna , Pensala Tuomas , Kaivola Matti
Published: December 2010

Acoustic wave fields both within the active electrode area of a solidly mounted 1.8 GHz bulk acoustic wave resonator, and around it in the surrounding region, are measured using a heterodyne laser interferometer. Plate-wave dispersion diagrams for both regions are extracted from the measurement data. The experimental dispersion data reveal the cutoff frequencies of the acoustic vibration modes in the region surrounding the resonator, and, therefore, the energy trapping range of the resonator can readily be determined. The measured dispersion properties of the surrounding region, together with the abruptly diminishing amplitude of the dispersion curves in the resonator, signal the onset of acoustic leakage from the resonator. This information is important for verifying and further developing the simulation tools used for the design of the resonators. Experimental wave field images, dispersion diagrams for both regions, and the threshold for energy leakage are discussed.
Loss mechanisms in hydrazine-processed Cu2ZnSn(Se,S)4 solar cells
Authors: Gunawan Oki , Todorov Teodor K. , Mitzi David B.
Published: December 2010

We present a device characterization study for hydrazine-processed kesterite Cu2ZnSn(Se,S)4 (CZTSSe) solar cells with a focus on pinpointing the main loss mechanisms limiting device efficiency. Temperature-dependent study and time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy on these cells, in comparison to analogous studies on a reference Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S)2 (CIGS) cell, reveal strong recombination loss at the CZTSSe/CdS interface, very low minority-carrier lifetimes, and high series resistance that diverges at low temperature. These findings help identify the key areas for improvement of these CZTSSe cells in the quest for a high-performance indium- and tellurium-free solar cell.
Diameter-modulated nanowires as candidates for high thermoelectric energy conversion efficiency
Authors: Zianni Xanthippi
Published: December 2010

High optimal thermoelectric efficiencies are theoretically demonstrated in ballistic nanowires with diameter modulation. The physics underlying the good thermoelectric performance of diameter-modulated nanowires is the strong energy dependence of their transmission coefficients. It is shown that the thermoelectric efficiency is directly related to the geometry of the diameter modulation. It becomes evident that geometry optimization can lead to efficient thermoelectric devices based on modulated nanowires.
Work function shifts, Schottky barrier height, and ionization potential determination of thin MgO films on Ag(001)
Authors: Jaouen T. , Jézéquel G. , Delhaye G. , Lépine B. , Turban P. , Schieffer P.
Published: December 2010

The electronic band structure and the work function of MgO thin films epitaxially grown on Ag(001) have been investigated using x-ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy for various oxide thicknesses. The deposition of thin MgO films on Ag(001) induces a strong diminution in the metal work function. The p-type Schottky barrier height is constant at 3.85±0.10 eV above two MgO monolayers and the experimental value of the ionization potential is 7.15±0.15 eV. Our results are well consistent with the description of the Schottky barrier height in terms of the Schottky–Mott model corrected by an MgO-induced polarization effect.
Spatial and temporal patterns in abundance and distribution of zooplankton in the Tanzanian waters of Lake Victoria
Authors: Ngupula G. W. , Waya R. K. , Ezekiel C. N.
Published: December 2010

Zooplankton composition and abundance, and its spatial and temporal distribution patterns were investigated from September 2005 to October 2007 at 51 sampling stations at various depths in the near shore, intermediate, and offshore waters of Lake Victoria. Relative to near shore (54.86 ± 32.33 ind. l−1) and far offshore (38.63 ± 11.14 ind. l−1), the intermediate waters (109.56 ± 64.70 ind. l−1) had highest abundance of zooplankton. A total of 43 zooplankton species were encountered: of those 26 species were rotifers, with Brachionus angularis, Brachionus calyciflorus, and Asplanchna sp. as the most abundant species. There were 9 species of cladocerans, with Diaphanosoma excisum and Bosmina longirostris as the most abundant species. There were 7 cyclopoid species with Thermocyclops emini, Tropocyclops tenellus, and Thermocyclops neglectus as the most abundant species. Only one calanoid species, Thermodiaptomus galeboides was encountered. Cyclopoid copepods were the most abundant (76.5%) followed by calanoids (11.3%), rotifers (8%) and cladocerans (4.3%). The present findings contrast with earlier studies from the 1930s and 50s, but agree with many thereafter. There is change of zooplankton composition and abundance with a trend towards small sized species instead of the large. Increased eutrophications, pollution, and predation pressure from an increasing abundance of dagaa, juvenile perches, and reappearing haplochromines, among others, are responsible for the observed spatial and temporal variability in distribution and abundance patterns, and generally, change.
Is Western consumption of Nile perch from Lake Victoria sustainable?
Authors: van der Knaap Martin , Ligtvoet Willem
Published: December 2010

The exploitation of Nile perch resources of Lake Victoria has strongly increased during recent years. This is apparent from decreasing catch rates and ever increasing numbers of fishermen, fishing craft and gears. Despite this, it remains economic to continue the exploitation and exportation of Nile perch products. Exports to the EU, however, seemed to have reached their maximum in 2003, which could have been due to competition from cheaper fish products from certain Asian countries, as well as to market diversification by the East African exporting firms.

Fish prices paid to fishermen increased over time as a result of the success of the Nile perch fishery. However, the increased influx of money into the fishing communities did not necessarily lead to a reduction in poverty. This could be due to the lack of saving and investment possibilities. In the absence of sufficient schooling, youths automatically enter the fishery sector and as a result of relatively low investment costs and high earnings the fishing effort will continue to increase until the open-access based management regime is replaced by a licensing system. The role that Beach Management Units can play in managing the human and fisheries resources will have to be strengthened.

It is concluded that the economic gains based on the new fishery, in itself proved to be insufficient to provide a structural sustainable development, due to the restricted social and institutional capacity which hampers the riparian population's ability to adapt to the new social and fishery challenges.
Heavy metal and microbial pollution of the River Ganga: A case study of water quality at Varanasi
Authors: Rai P. K. , Mishra A. , Tripathi B. D.
Published: December 2010

The work presented here analyzed water samples from three sewage treatment plants which regularly discharge into the River Ganga. Biological oxygen demand and dissolved oxygen values were well above the permissible limit at all sites, and were recorded as being at maximum at Dinapur sewage treatment plant. Heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb, Cr) in disposed effluents were above permissible limits at all three sites. Likewise, the most probable number index of E. coli in water samples and coliform counts were recorded as being higher in irrigated water samples and vegetables, indicating a serious health hazard posed by intense microbial and faecal pollution. It was recommended that an integrated approach of phytoremediation with aquatic macrophytes and ozonization of wastewater be adopted to curb the heavy metals and microbial pollution based on these recent research investigations.
Ecology, changes in fisheries, and energy estimates in the middle stretch of the River Ganges
Authors: Vass K. K. , Tyagi R. K. , Singh H. P. , Pathak V.
Published: December 2010

The River Ganges is the most important of all Indian rivers. It is being harnessed for several onsite and offsite benefits for various sections of society. Through varied man-induced interventions, over the years, the river system has recorded changes in its ecological functions, especially at some stations of the middle stretch viz., Kanpur, Varanasi and Allahabad. An attempt has been made in the present paper to understand changes with regard to key parameters of water quality, fish species composition and catches in this stretch, covering the highly populated major states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. For this purpose, data available over the years and some new data were utilized. These data reveal that siltation over the years has lowered water volumes and depths at various sections in the middle stretch with over 90% of the sediment comprising sand. The water quality in terms of pH remained higher (7.0 to 8.8) at some stations while dissolved oxygen remained lower (4.5 to 5.8 ppm) in comparison to upper and lower river stretches, suggesting progressive eutrophication. Other parameters, especially nutrients, also showed variations, coupled with variability in plankton density and primary productivity in this stretch reflecting changes in ecological functions. These changes coupled with various engineering interventions has resulted in drastic changes in water flows in the main river channel, the cumulative impact is evident in the drop in fish catches from 932 kg km−1 in the 1960s to 382 kg km−1 in the recent past, and the shift in species dominance from Indian major carps to less economic varieties. This has affected the livelihoods of fishers. The general lack of concern and awareness among the river authorities on requirements of river fishery management has been observed to be main reasons for these changes. Possible policy and governance interventions required to restore the river for sustainable fishery have also been suggested in this paper.
Cross-Cultural Validity in Malingering Assessment: The Dot Counting Test in a Rural Indian Sample
Authors: Weiss Rebecca , Rosenfeld Barry
Published: December 2010

With the ever-increasing cultural diversity in the United States, the need for malingering assessment instruments that are valid in diverse cultures and languages has become increasingly apparent. Although language-based tests are obviously problematic when applied to non-English speaking individuals, even nonverbal tests may have subtle (or blatant) biases that render normative data from U.S. samples inaccurate. This study focused on the applicability of a nonverbal malingering test, the Dot Counting Test, in a non-Western population undergoing forensic evaluation for a civil lawsuit. The DCT was administered to 105 Punjabi Sikh litigants, and the distribution of scores and associations with clinical and demographic variables was analyzed. Results demonstrated that a large proportion of seemingly honest respondents (based on clinician ratings) were misclassified as likely malingering based on the DCT. The implications for malingering assessment are discussed.
Psychopathy as a Risk Factor for Violent Recidivism: Investigating the Psychopathy Checklist Screening Version (PCL:SV) and the Comprehensive Assessment of Psychopathic Personality (CAPP) in a Forensic Psychiatric Setting
Authors: Pedersen Liselotte , Kunz Camilla , Rasmussen Kirsten , Elsass Peter
Published: December 2010

A robust relationship has been established between psychopathy and violence, and psychopathy is considered essential in the process of violence risk assessment. This study presents data on a patient sample from a forensic psychiatric unit in Denmark. All patients were assessed for psychopathy using the Psychopathy Checklist Screening Version (PCL:SV) and the Comprehensive Assessment of Psychopathic Personality (CAPP). After a follow-up period of 5.7 years, recidivism outcomes were obtained from the Danish National Crime Register. Both psychopathy measures were related to a more severe and versatile criminal career as well as to violent recidivism. Overall, the predictive accuracy of violent recidivism of the two measures was good, and no significant difference was found in terms of predictability. The newly developed CAPP could be a promising clinical risk management tool in terms of its comprehensiveness. Its validity needs to be further explored, but at least its ability to predict violence similar to the PCL:SV is supported by the present study.
The Role of Client Strengths in Assessments of Violence Risk Using the Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability (START)
Authors: Wilson CatherineM. , Desmarais SarahL. , Nicholls ToniaL. , Brink Johann
Published: December 2010

Despite significant advances in the field of violence risk assessment, we are limited in our understanding regarding the utility of existing measures for predicting violence risk over brief time frames (i.e., weeks to months) as well as by our focus on factors that increase risk to the neglect of those which may reduce risk or protect against future violence. To address these knowledge gaps, this study evaluated the use of a structured professional guide, the Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability (START; Webster, Martin, Brink, Nicholls, & Middleton, 2004), in assessing short-term violence risk (i.e., up to one year) and, specifically, the role of client strengths in this process. Research assistants completed file-based START assessments for four 3-month intervals for 30 male forensic psychiatric inpatients. Information pertaining to aggressive incidents was obtained from files. Overall, results supported the usefulness of the START in assessing short-term violence risk. Assessments evidenced validity in predicting future violence, particularly over the short-term (i.e., up to 9 months). Although ratings of client strengths did not contribute uniquely to the prediction of violence risk, results support their clinical utility in risk management.
A Follow-up Interview of Patients Eight Years after Discharge from a Maximum Security Forensic Psychiatry Unit in Norway
Authors: Bjørkly Stål , Sandli ChristineS. , Moger TronA. , Stang Jan
Published: December 2010

Research on the fate of patients after discharge from maximum security psychiatric care is scarce. Nonetheless, results indicate that readmission and reconviction rates are unacceptably high. Our research aimed to address three main issues: (1) to report findings from an eight-year follow-up of 125 patients discharged from a maximum security forensic unit (MSU) and to compare the results with studies from other countries; (2) to explore the feasibility and usefulness of face-to-face interviews ( N= 38) as compared to using the traditional register-based follow-up method; and (3) to explore differences in psychosocial functioning from discharge to follow-up as a correlate of outcome. Findings replicated results from other research concerning rates of readmission, reconviction, and the strong association between substance abuse and the likelihood of being readmitted to the MSU. Despite methodological limitations, the face-to-face interview appeared to enhance access to significant clinical and psychosocial information. When compared with official records, patients’ self-report was reliable for violent crime, not reliable concerning petty crime, and significantly more accurate for crimes pertaining to illegal drugs. Being readmitted to the MSU predicted decreased GAF-score values (OR =−12.89), and living with family predicted increased GAF-score values (OR = 19.20) in the multivariate linear regression analysis.
Nonthermal-plasma-mediated animal cell death
Authors: Kim Wanil , Woo Kyung-Chul , Kim Gyoo-Cheon , Kim Kyong-Tai
Published: December 2010

Animal cell death comprising necrosis and apoptosis occurred in a well-regulated manner upon specific stimuli. The physiological meanings and detailed molecular mechanisms of cell death have been continuously investigated over several decades. Necrotic cell death has typical morphological changes, such as cell swelling and cell lysis followed by DNA degradation, whereas apoptosis shows blebbing formation and regular DNA fragmentation. Cell death is usually adopted to terminate cancer cells in vivo. The current strategies against tumour are based on the induction of cell death by adopting various methods, including radiotherapy and chemotherapeutics. Among these, radiotherapy is the most frequently used treatment method, but it still has obvious limitations. Recent studies have suggested that the use of nonthermal air plasma can be a prominent method for inducing cancer cell death. Plasma-irradiated cells showed the loss of genomic integrity, mitochondrial dysfunction, plasma membrane damage, etc. Tumour elimination with plasma irradiation is an emerging concept in cancer therapy and can be accelerated by targeting certain tumour-specific proteins with gold nanoparticles. Here, some recent developments are described so that the mechanisms related to plasma-mediated cell death and its perspectives in cancer treatment can be understood.
Surface recombination of oxygen atoms in O2 plasma at increased pressure: II. Vibrational temperature and surface production of ozone
Authors: Lopaev D V , Malykhin E M , Zyryanov S M
Published: December 2010

Ozone production in an oxygen glow discharge in a quartz tube was studied in the pressure range of 10–50 Torr. The O3 density distribution along the tube diameter was measured by UV absorption spectroscopy, and ozone vibrational temperature T
V was found comparing the calculated ab initio absorption spectra with the experimental ones. It has been shown that the O3 production mainly occurs on a tube surface whereas ozone is lost in the tube centre where in contrast the electron and oxygen atom densities are maximal. Two models were used to analyse the obtained results. The first one is a kinetic 1D model for the processes occurring near the tube walls with the participation of the main particles: O(3P), O2, O2(1Δg) and O3 molecules in different vibrational states. The agreement of O3 and O(3P) density profiles and T
V calculated in the model with observed ones was reached by varying the single model parameter—ozone production probability
on the quartz tube surface on the assumption that O3 production occurs mainly in the surface recombination of physisorbed O(3P) and O2. The phenomenological model of the surface processes with the participation of oxygen atoms and molecules including singlet oxygen molecules was also considered to analyse
data obtained in the kinetic model. A good agreement between the experimental data and the data of both models—the kinetic 1D model and the phenomenological surface model—was obtained in the full range of the studied conditions that allowed consideration of the ozone surface production mechanism in more detail. The important role of singlet oxygen in ozone surface production was shown. The O3 surface production rate directly depends on the density of physisorbed oxygen atoms and molecules and can be high with increasing pressure and energy inputted into plasma while simultaneously keeping the surface temperature low enough. Using the special discharge cell design, such an approach opens up the possibility to develop compact ozonizers having high ozone yield at the low energy cost of O → O3 conversion.
Numerical modelling of negative discharges in air with experimental validation
Authors: Tran T N , Golosnoy I O , Lewin P L , Georghiou G E
Published: December 2010

Axisymmetric finite element models have been developed for the simulation of negative discharges in air without and with the presence of dielectrics. The models are based on the hydrodynamic drift-diffusion approximation. A set of continuity equations accounting for the movement, generation and loss of charge carriers (electrons, positive and negative ions) is coupled with Poisson's equation to take into account the effect of space and surface charges on the electric field. The model of a negative corona discharge (without dielectric barriers) in a needle-plane geometry is analysed first. The results obtained show good agreement with experimental observations for various Trichel pulse characteristics. With dielectric barriers introduced into the discharge system, the surface discharge exhibits some similarities and differences to the corona case. The model studies the dynamics of volume charge generation, electric field variations and charge accumulation over the dielectric surface. The predicted surface charge density is consistent with experimental results obtained from the Pockels experiment in terms of distribution form and magnitude.
Validation of the thermal transport model used for ITER startup scenario predictions with DIII-D experimental data
Authors: Casper T.A. , Meyer W.H. , Jackson G.L. , Luce T.C. , Hyatt A.W. , Humphreys D.A. , Turco F.
Published: December 2010

Control simulations of ITER startup using 2D free-boundary equilibrium and 1D transport codes rely on accurate predictions of the electron and ion temperature profiles that determine the electrical conductivity and pressure profiles during the current rise. We present results of validation studies that apply the transport model used by the ITER team to DIII-D discharge evolution and compare predictions with data from similarity experiments. Results presented here detail difficulties and sensitivities associated with the modelling of time-dependent current profile evolution required to asses performance of the poloidal-field coil system and controllers on ITER.
Intrinsic toroidal and poloidal flow generation in the background of ion temperature gradient turbulence
Authors: Singh Rameswar , Ganesh Rajaraman , Singh Raghvendra , Kaw Predhiman , Sen Abhijit
Published: December 2010

The generation of intrinsic toroidal and poloidal flows in the background of ion temperature gradient (ITG) driven microturbulence has been studied. It is shown that the dynamics of mean toroidal and poloidal flows is coupled. The radial fluxes of toroidal and poloidal momentum have been derived. It is shown that the polarization drift driven toroidal momentum flux is independent of mean
flow shear and hence complements the
shear driven ⟨k
∥⟩ symmetry breaking mechanism (Gurcan et al 2007 Phys. Plasmas
14 042306) of intrinsic rotation. The radial flux of poloidal momentum due to polarization drift is found to vanish at the steady state. Comparison of residual toroidal and poloidal momentum fluxes, in the absence of seed flows, shows that toroidal flow dominates over poloidal flow.
New classes of quasi-helically symmetric stellarators
Authors: Ku L.P. , Boozer A.H.
Published: December 2010

New classes of quasi-helically symmetric stellarators with aspect ratios ⩽10 have been found which are stable to the perturbation of magnetohydrodynamic modes at plasma pressures of practical interest. These configurations have large rotational transform and good quality of flux surfaces. Characteristics of some selected examples are discussed in detail. The feasibility of using modular coils for these stellarators has been investigated. It is shown that practical designs for modular coils can be achieved.
Genetic Diversity of Watermelon mosaic virus in Slovakia and Iran Shows Distinct Pattern
Authors: Glasa Miroslav , Bananej Kaveh , Predajňa Lukáš , Vahdat Aisan
Published: December 2010

Although Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) is one of the main cucurbit pathogens and has a worldwide distribution, reliable data on its molecular variability is still limited to some geographical regions. The genetic diversity of 36 WMV isolates from Slovakia and Iran were studied by sequence analysis targeting two opposite genomic regions (P1 and NIb-CP). Phylogenetic analysis using partial sequences of the P1 gene showed that Slovak WMV isolates had greater diversity, representing two groups (group 1 and group 2), whereas all Iranian isolates belonged to a single group (group 2), with relatively low divergeance. Interestingly, in the NIb-CP region, all analyzed Slovak and Iranian isolates clustered within the group 1, thereby illustrating the phylogenetic discrepancies between the two analyzed genomic regions. Based on these data, one-half of analyzed Slovak isolates and all Iranian WMV isolates showed a switch in affiliation based on considered genomic region, clearly indicating their recombinant nature. This work provides further evidence of the significant contribution of recombination to the evolutionary history of WMV and outlines the necessity to target more than a single genome fragment for accurate typing of WMV isolates.
First Report of Sugarcane mosaic virus on Maize in the Centre Region of France
Authors: Marie-Jeanne V. , Hariri D. , Doucet R. , Signoret P. A.
Published: December 2010

In 2007, sweet corn plants (Zea mays cv. Challenger) with symptoms of mosaic resembling those caused by Maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV) were observed in production fields in the Centre Region of France. In 10 sweet corn fields surveyed, yield production was decreased by 10 to 20%. Potyvirus-like particles were observed by electron microscopy. Twenty samples from affected plants (cv. Challenger) showing severe mosaic symptoms were tested by ELISA with rabbit polyclonal antibodies to MDMV (Montpellier SupAgro, France) and SCMV (Sugarcane mosaic virus) (Bioreba, Reinach, Switzerland). For all leaves tested, slight and strong positive reactions were observed for MDMV and SCMV, respectively, indicating that the plants were infected by SCMV. Filtered phosphate buffer extracts of infected leaves of field plants (cv. Challenger) were used to mechanically inoculate leaves of different corn plants at the three-leaf stage. Sweet corn cultivars (Atugan, Challenger, Golda, Max, and Rana) and seed corn cultivars (DK315, DK3152, DKC3420, Marcello, and PR38H20) were tested. Two weeks after inoculation, mosaic symptoms were observed on leaves. The sweet corn cultivars (with the exception of cv. Max) were considerably more sensitive to the virus. Using two lots of 1,000 seeds each (cv. Challenger), a rate of seed transmission was estimated to be 0.5 to 0.6%. Total RNA was extracted from infected leaves of cv. Challenger 3 weeks after mechanical inoculation. To confirm the potyvirus species involved, a short conserved fragment of the coat protein gene was reverse transcribed, PCR amplified and sequenced (3). The sequence was deposited in GenBank (Accession No. HM014060). Multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis clearly grouped this isolate called SCMV-MFc (Maize France centre) in the ‘Maize’ cluster of SCMV, which consists exclusively of isolates from maize. Nucleotide sequence comparison showed that SCMV-MXVrP, a Mexican isolate (2), and SCMV-P3, a Polish isolate (4), have the two closest sequences (285 identical nucleotides of 286). SCMV-MFc is more distantly related with the described SCMV German isolates (1). This is in contrast to SCMV isolates from the traditional Saccharum officinarum cultivars that can be clustered by geographical origin (1). This result could be a consequence of the possible seed transmission of the maize isolates of SCMV. In the future, it will be interesting to check the occurrence of SCMV-MFc in maize fields to assess its economical importance.

References: (1) O. Alegria et al. Arch. Virol. 148:357, 2003. (2) F. Espejel et al. Arch. Virol. 151:409, 2006. (3) V. Marie-Jeanne et al. J. Phytopathol. 148:141, 2000. (4) K. Trzmiel. Plant Dis. 93:1078, 2009.
Bacterial Soft Rot of Oncidium Orchids Caused by a Dickeya sp. (Pectobacterium chrysanthemi) in Florida
Authors: Cating R. A. , Palmateer A. J.
Published: December 2010

Oncidium orchids have been subjected to extensive cultivation in the pot-plant and cut flower industries because of their attractive and numerous flowers. In August 2008, approximately 50 Oncidium ‘Gower Ramsey’ orchids were discovered at a commercial orchid nursery in South Florida with brown, macerated leaves typical of soft rot disease reported in other orchids. Ten plants were selected, and sections were removed from the edge of symptomatic tissue and bacteria were isolated according to the method described by Schaad et al. (3). All isolates were gram negative, anaerobic, degraded pectate, grew at 37°C, produced blue-to-brown pigment on nutrient agar-glycerol-manganese chloride (NGM) medium (1), were sensitive to erythromycin, oxidase negative, and positive for phosphatase and indole production. Further analyses were performed on four of the isolates. MIDI analysis (Sherlock version TSBA 4.10; Microbial Identification, Newark, DE) identified the isolates as Erwinia chrysanthemi (SIM 0.880 to 0.929). Polymerase chain reactions were performed with the 16S primers 27f and 1495r (4) and 1,423 bp of the 16S rDNA gene showed 98 to 99% sequence identity to Pectobacterium chrysanthemi (GenBank Accession No. FM946179). Sequences were deposited in GenBank (Nos. HQ287572–HQ287575). Pathogenicity tests were performed by injecting 10 Oncidium ‘Gower Ramsey’ orchids with 100 μl of a bacterial suspension at 1 × 108 CFU/ml. Ten plants were inoculated with 100 μl of sterile water as controls. Plants were placed in a greenhouse at 26.0°C to 30.0°C and 50 to 83% relative humidity. Soft rot symptoms were observed on all inoculated plants within 24 h while control plants appeared normal. A Dickeya sp. was reisolated and identified according to the method described above. Oncidium orchids are known to be highly susceptible to P. carotovora (= E. carotovora) and soft rot caused by P. carotovora is known to occur frequently on Oncidium orchids (2). Although, an Erwinia sp. has been reported to cause soft rot symptoms on Oncidium aureum, to our knowledge, this is the first report of a Dickeya sp. (= P. chrysanthemi) causing soft rot symptoms on Oncidium orchids grown in large-scale commercial production in the United States.

References: (1) Y. A. Lee and C. P. Yu. J. Microbiol. Methods 64:200, 2006. (2) C. H. Liau et al. Transgenic Res. 12:329, 2003. (3) N. W. Schaad et al. Erwinia soft rot group. Page 56 in: Laboratory Guide for Identification of Plant Pathogenic Bacteria. 3rd ed. N. W. Schaad et al., eds. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN, 2001. (4) W. G. Weisburg et al. J. Bacteriol. 173:697, 1991.
First Report of Goss's Bacterial Wilt and Leaf Blight (Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. nebraskensis) of Corn in Texas
Authors: Korus K. A. , Timmerman A. D. , French-Monar R. D. , Jackson T. A.
Published: December 2010

In September 2009, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic received leaf samples of hybrid corn (Zea mays L.) displaying long, necrotic lesions with wavy margins. The lesions had discontinuous water-soaked spots that are indicative of Goss's bacterial wilt and leaf blight. The symptomatic leaves were submitted from Dallam County, located in the Texas Panhandle (northwest Texas). According to the USDA Farm Service Agency and the National Agricultural Statistics Service, in 2009 Dallam County had 54,025 ha planted to corn. This is approximately 19% of the total corn planted in the 26 counties in the Texas Panhandle and 6% of the total corn planted in the state of Texas. Extracts from the infected leaf tissue tested positive for Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. nebraskensis with a commercially available ELISA test (Neogen Inc., Scotland, UK). Isolation from the infected tissue onto CNS selective media (1) resulted in round, dark orange, mucoid colonies that tested gram positive with the Gram-stain test. BLAST nucleotide sequence alignments of the amplified 500-bp 16S rRNA region of the suspect culture's genome (2) revealed a 96% similarity for C. michiganensis subsp. nebraskensis (NCBI BLAST Accession No. U09381.1). To fulfill Koch's postulates, three sweet corn plants (Golden Cross Bantam) at growth stage V3 to V4 were inoculated in the greenhouse with a suspension of approximately 1 × 109 CFU/ml from suspect cultures grown on CNS for 5 days. Wounds approximately 6.5 cm long were created with sterile scissors on the fifth leaf from the bottom running parallel to the veins on either side of the midrib at the leaf apex. The leaf apex was dipped into 150 ml of the inoculum suspension for 5 s. Approximately 6 days after inoculation, discontinuous, water-soaked spots consistent with the symptoms on the original symptomatic leaves appeared on all the inoculated leaves near the site of infection. Colonies consistent with C. michiganensis subsp. nebraskensis (dark orange, mucoid) were reisolated onto CNS, completing Koch's postulates. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Goss's bacterial wilt and leaf blight on corn in Texas and because it is a residue-borne pathogen, the probability of it becoming a resident disease is relatively high.

References: (1) D. C. Gross and A. K. Vidaver. Phytopathology 69:82, 1979. (2) X. Li and S. H. De Boer. 1995. Phytopathology 85:837, 1995.
Climate change affects populations of northern birds in boreal protected areas
Authors: Virkkala Raimo , Rajasärkkä Ari
Published: December 2010

Human land-use effects on species populations are minimized in protected areas and population changes can thus be more directly linked with changes in climate. In this study, bird population changes in 96 protected areas in Finland were compared using quantitative bird census data, between two time slices, 1981–1999 and 2000–2009, with the mean time span being 14 years. Bird species were categorized by distribution pattern and migratory strategy. Our results showed that northern bird species had declined by 21 per cent and southern species increased by 29 per cent in boreal protected areas during the study period, alongside a clear rise (0.7–0.8°C) in mean temperatures. Distribution pattern was the main factor, with migratory strategy interacting in explaining population changes in boreal birds. Migration strategy interacted with distribution pattern so that, among northern birds, densities of both migratory and resident species declined, whereas among southern birds they both increased. The observed decline of northern species and increase in southern species are in line with the predictions of range shifts of these species groups under a warming climate, and suggest that the population dynamics of birds are already changing in natural boreal habitats in association with changing climate.
Correction for Frank William Ernest Gibson. 22 July 1923 — 11 July 2008
Authors: Pittard A. J. , Cox G. B.
Published: December 2010

Biogr. Mems Fell. R. Soc.
56
, 85–103 (2010; Published online 28 April 2010) (
http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsbm.2009.0020
)

We regret that on page 89, paragraph 5, line 4, we erroneously referred to the Hopkins Marine Station as the Johns Hopkins Marine Station. The namesake is in fact Timothy Hopkins but this is not used in the title of the station.
Correction for Geoffrey Dearnaley. 22 June 1930 — 5 May 2009
Authors: Stoneham Marshall , Buckley-Golder Ian
Published: December 2010

Biogr. Mems Fell. R. Soc.
56
, 41–61 (2010; Published online 30 September 2010) (
http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsbm.2010.0001
)

We regret that on page 60, in the acknowledgements, we erroneously referred to Ms Carol Ann Campbell as Ms Carol Ann Cameron.
Bioadhesion of various proteins on random, diblock and triblock copolymer surfaces and the effect of pH conditions
Authors: Palacio Manuel L. B. , Schricker Scott R. , Bhushan Bharat
Published: December 2010

The adhesive interactions of block copolymers composed of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and poly(methyl methacrylate)/poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) with the proteins fibronectin, bovine serum albumin and collagen were studied by atomic force microscopy. Adhesion experiments were performed both at physiological pH and at a slightly more acidic condition (pH 6.2) to model polymer–protein interactions under inflammatory or infectious conditions. The PMMA/PAA block copolymers were found to be more sensitive to the buffer environment than PMMA/PHEMA owing to electrostatic interactions between the ionized acrylate groups and the proteins. It was found that random, diblock and triblock copolymers exhibit distinct adhesion profiles although their chemical compositions are identical. This implies that biomaterial nanomorphology can be used to control protein–polymer interactions and potentially cell adhesion.
On the inverse spectral problem for Euclidean triangles
Authors: Antunes Pedro R. S. , Freitas Pedro
Published: December 2010

We consider the inverse spectral problem for the Laplace operator on triangles with Dirichlet boundary conditions, providing numerical evidence to the effect that the eigenvalue triplet (
λ
1
,
λ
2
,
λ
3
) is sufficient to determine a triangle uniquely. On the other hand, we show that other combinations such as (
λ
1
,
λ
2
,
λ
4
) will not be enough, and that there will exist at least two triangles with the same values on these triplets.
Cross- and auto-correlation in early vision
Authors: Barlow Horace , Berry David L.
Published: December 2010

Neurons that respond selectively to the orientation of visual stimuli were discovered in V1 more than 50 years ago, but it is still not fully understood how or why this is brought about. We report experiments planned to show whether human observers use cross-correlation or auto-correlation to detect oriented streaks in arrays of randomly positioned dots, expecting that this would help us to understand what David Marr called the ‘computational goal’ of V1. The streaks were generated by two different methods: either by sinusoidal spatial modulation of the local mean dot density, or by introducing coherent pairs of dots to create moiré patterns, as Leon Glass did. A wide range of dot numbers was used in the randomly positioned arrays, because dot density affects cross- and auto-correlation differently, enabling us to infer which method was used. This difference stems from the fact that the cross-correlation task is limited by random fluctuations in the local mean density of individual dots in the noisy array, whereas the auto-correlation task is limited by fluctuations in the numbers of randomly occurring spurious pairs having the same separation and orientation as the deliberately introduced coherent pairs. After developing a new method using graded dot luminances, we were able to extend the range of dot densities that could be used by a large factor, and convincing results were obtained indicating that the streaks generated by amplitude modulation were discriminated by cross-correlation, while those generated as moiré patterns were discriminated by auto-correlation. Though our current results only apply to orientation selectivity, it is important to know that early vision can do more than simple filtering, for evaluating auto-correlations opens the way to more interesting possibilities, such as the detection of symmetries and suspicious coincidences.
Visual information gleaned by observing grasping movement in allocentric and egocentric perspectives
Authors: Campanella Francesco , Sandini Giulio , Morrone Maria Concetta
Published: December 2010

One of the major functions of vision is to allow for an efficient and active interaction with the environment. In this study, we investigate the capacity of human observers to extract visual information from observation of their own actions, and those of others, from different viewpoints. Subjects discriminated the size of objects by observing a point-light movie of a hand reaching for an invisible object. We recorded real reach-and-grasp actions in three-dimensional space towards objects of different shape and size, to produce two-dimensional ‘point-light display’ movies, which were used to measure size discrimination for reach-and-grasp motion sequences, release-and-withdraw sequences and still frames, all in egocentric and allocentric perspectives. Visual size discrimination from action was significantly better in egocentric than in allocentric view, but only for reach-and-grasp motion sequences: release-and-withdraw sequences or still frames derived no advantage from egocentric viewing. The results suggest that the system may have access to an internal model of action that contributes to calibrate visual sense of size for an accurate grasp.
Mating system, feeding type andex situconservation effort determine life expectancy in captive ruminants
Authors: Müller Dennis W. H. , Lackey Laurie Bingaman , Streich W. Jürgen , Fickel Jörns , Hatt Jean-Michel , Clauss Marcus
Published: December 2010

Zoo animal husbandry aims at constantly improving husbandry, reproductive success and ultimately animal welfare. Nevertheless, analyses to determine factors influencing husbandry of different species are rare. The relative life expectancy (rLE; life expectancy (LE) as proportion of longevity) describes husbandry success of captive populations. Correlating rLE with biological characteristics of different species, reasons for variation in rLE can be detected. We analysed data of 166 901 animals representing 78 ruminant species kept in 850 facilities. The rLE of females correlated with the percentage of grass in a species' natural diet, suggesting that needs of species adapted to grass can be more easily accommodated than the needs of those adapted to browse. Males of monogamous species demonstrate higher rLE than polygamous males, which matches observed differences of sexual bias in LE in free-living populations and thus supports the ecological theory that the mating system influences LE. The third interesting finding was that rLE was higher in species managed by international studbooks when compared with species not managed in this way. Our method facilitates the identification of biological characteristics of species that are relevant for their husbandry success, and they also support ecological theory. Translating these findings into feeding recommendations, our approach can help to improve animal husbandry.
Eye-gaze and arrow cues influence elementary sound perception
Authors: Borjon Jeremy I. , Shepherd Stephen V. , Todorov Alexander , Ghazanfar Asif A.
Published: December 2010

We report a novel effect in which the visual perception of eye-gaze and arrow cues change the way we perceive sound. In our experiments, subjects first saw an arrow or gazing face, and then heard a brief sound originating from one of six locations. Perceived sound origins were shifted in the direction indicated by the arrows or eye-gaze. This perceptual shift was equivalent for both arrows and gazing faces and was unaffected by facial expression, consistent with a generic, supramodal attentional influence by exogenous cues.
Identification of cis- and trans-regulatory variation modulating microRNA expression levels in human fibroblasts
Authors: Borel Christelle , Deutsch Samuel , Letourneau Audrey , Migliavacca Eugenia , Montgomery Stephen B. , Dimas Antigone S. , Vejnar Charles E. , Attar Homa , Gagnebin Maryline , Gehrig Corinne , Falconnet Emilie , Dupré Yann , Dermitzakis Emmanouil T. , Antonarakis Stylianos E.
Published: December 2010

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are regulatory noncoding RNAs that affect the production of a significant fraction of human mRNAs via post-transcriptional regulation. Interindividual variation of the miRNA expression levels is likely to influence the expression of miRNA target genes and may therefore contribute to phenotypic differences in humans, including susceptibility to common disorders. The extent to which miRNA levels are genetically controlled is largely unknown. In this report, we assayed the expression levels of miRNAs in primary fibroblasts from 180 European newborns of the GenCord project and performed association analysis to identify eQTLs (expression quantitative traits loci). We detected robust expression for 121 miRNAs out of 365 interrogated. We have identified significant cis- (10%) and trans- (11%) eQTLs. Furthermore, we detected one genomic locus (rs1522653) that influences the expression levels of five miRNAs, thus unraveling a novel mechanism for coregulation of miRNA expression.
Establishment of a cell line from a Japanese patient useful for generating an in vivo model of malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Sato Ayuko , Torii Ikuko , Tao Li‐Hua , Song Misa , Kondo Nobuyuki , Yoshikawa Yoshie , Hashimoto‐Tamaoki Tomoko , Hasegawa Seiki , Nakano Takashi , Tsujimura Tohru
Published: December 2010

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a refractory tumor with increasing incidence. In the present study, we established six mesothelioma cell lines possessing two allele deletions of the p16INK4A gene and one allele deletion of the neurofibromatosis type 2 gene, MM16, MM21, MM26, MM35, MM46 and MM56, from pleural effusion fluids or surgically resected tumors of Japanese patients. MM21, MM26 and MM46 cells failed to develop tumors in BALB/c‐nude mice following subcutaneous inoculation. MM16 and MM35 cells slowly generated tumors at the site of subcutaneous inoculation in BALB/c‐nude mice, but lost the expression of mesothelioma‐related markers such as calretinin, D2‐40 and Wilms’ tumor 1 in the subcutaneous tumors. On the other hand, MM56 cells rapidly generated tumors with the expression of calretinin and D2‐40 in BALB/c‐nude mice following subcutaneous inoculation. In addition, orthotopic implantation of MM56 cells into BALB/c‐nude mice developed diffusely growing thoracic tumors by 3 weeks after implantation. Pleural effusions were observed in these mice 4 weeks after implantation. Thoracic tumors invaded aggressively into the chest wall 5 weeks after implantation and often metastasized into the lung, rib, peritoneum and pericardial cavity. On the pleural surface, MM56 cells were growing as single or multiple cell layers with the reactive mesothelium of recipient mice. These results indicate that MM56 cells can behave in a manner characteristic of human malignant pleural mesothelioma in the thoracic cavity of BALB/c‐nude mice. The in vivo model using MM56 cells may be useful for studying the biological behavior of malignant pleural mesothelioma and developing its diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 648–655)