bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Presales radiographic surveys in yearlings 2. Significance of lesions in the carpus, tarsus and stifle
Authors: Pilsworth Rob , Head Marcus
Published: October 2010

Part 1 of this article, published in the May issue of In Practice (volume 32, pp 174–183), discussed the interpretation of images submitted for yearlings undergoing radiographic screening at thoroughbred horse sales, and described the changes commonly encountered in the fetlock of horses and their possible impact on future trainability and racing performance. This article discusses the significance of lesions present in the carpus, tarsus and stifle, sites in which radiographic changes can be among the most important in terms of prognostic impact on future racing performance.
Getting involved in a joint venture
Authors: Moore Andy
Published: October 2010

A joint venture is a legal entity formed between two or more parties to undertake an economic activity together. There is a multitude of joint venture arrangements currently in existence within the UK veterinary profession, with the corporate structures being just one option. In this article, Andy Moore outlines what constitutes a joint venture and considers how the different categories of joint venture might operate in veterinary practice.
Social networking — making it work for your practice
Authors: Beesley Susan
Published: October 2010

Over the past few years, a raft of new social media websites have sprung up — Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to name but a few. As these sites continue to grow in popularity and become ever more prominent, Susan Beesley suggests ways of harnessing their power to make them work for your practice.
Postoperative complications
Authors: Mullan Siobhan
Published: October 2010

The dilemma in the January issue concerned a client presenting a cat that had been neutered two weeks previously at another practice and subsequently treated for a postoperative infection (In Practice, January 2010, volume 32, pages 38–39). The cat was found to be dehydrated and lethargic, with pus oozing from a swollen flank wound. The second practice successfully treated the animal, for which it charged £400. Several months on, the client had paid only £100, having tried to claim monetary assistance from the original vet. Clare Main commented that the welfare of the cat had been compromised as a result of the postsurgical complications, and it was normally the responsibility of the original practice to take steps to treat these. Ideally, the original practice should have had a protocol for dealing with complications. A possible way forward for the second vet taking this case on was to put together a full care plan during the first consultation, even if this only covered stabilisation during the first 24 hours. The full costs of this should have been discussed with the client and, from then on, costs reviewed on a daily basis. If the owner considered that the first practice was at fault, then the second practice possibly had a moral duty to act as a mediator and contact it informally to discuss the outstanding bill.
What's it worth? Assessing the value of an employment package
Authors: Beaney Mark
Published: October 2010

An individual's employment package frequently includes much more than a basic salary, and many employers provide a range of perks to try to attract and incentivise the best people. It can be confusing trying to work out how much ‘take‐home’ pay will be, particularly if there are also a number of benefits. Here, Mark Beaney explains the tax implications of the various packages around.
To refer or not?
Authors: Stevenson Michael
Published: October 2010

THIS series gives readers the opportunity to consider and contribute to discussion of some of the ethical dilemmas that can arise in veterinary practice. Each month, a case scenario is presented, followed by discussion of some of the issues involved. In addition, a possible way forward is suggested; however, there is rarely a cut‐anddried answer in such cases, and readers may wish to suggest an alternative approach. This month's dilemma, ‘To refer or not?’, is presented and discussed by Michael Stevenson. Readers with comments to contribute are invited to send them as soon as possible, so that they can be considered for publication in the next issue. Discussion of the dilemma ‘Disbudding illegally?’, which was published in the February issue of In Practice, appears on page 123.

The series is being coordinated by Siobhan Mullan, of the University of Bristol. It is hoped it will provide a framework that will help practices find solutions when facing similar dilemmas.
Everyday ethics
Authors: Anzuino Kathy
Published: October 2010

THIS?series gives readers the opportunity to consider and contribute to discussion of some of the ethical dilemmas that can arise in veterinary practice. Each month, a case scenario is presented, followed by discussion of some of the issues involved. In addition, a possible way forward is suggested; however, there is rarely a cut‐anddried answer in such cases, and readers may wish to suggest an alternative approach. This month's dilemma, ‘Disbudding illegally?’, was submitted by a reader and is presented and discussed by Clare Main. Readers with comments to contribute are invited to send them as soon as possible, so that they can be considered for publication in the next issue. Discussion of the dilemma ‘Postoperative responsibility’, which was published in the January issue of In Practice, appears on page 79.

The series is being coordinated by Siobhan Mullan, of the University of Bristol. It is hoped it will provide a framework that will help practices find solutions when facing similar dilemmas.
Can't pay, won't pay?
Authors: Barker Chris
Published: October 2010

THIS series gives readers the opportunity to consider and contribute to discussion of some of the ethical dilemmas that can arise in veterinary practice. Each month, a case scenario is presented, followed by discussion of some of the issues involved. In addition, a possible way forward is suggested; however, there is rarely a cut‐anddried answer in such cases, and readers may wish to suggest an alternative approach. This month's dilemma, ‘Can't pay, won't pay?’, is presented and discussed by Chris Barker. Readers with comments to contribute are invited to send them as soon as possible, so that they can be considered for publication in the next issue. Discussion of the dilemma ‘TB testing protocol’, which was published in the July/August issue of In Practice, appears on pages 414 to 415.

The series is being coordinated by Siobhan Mullan, of the University of Bristol. It is hoped it will provide a framework that will help practices find solutions when facing similar dilemmas.
Vertical Migrations and Transport of Larval Fish in a Partially Mixed Estuary
Authors: Fortier L. , Leggett W. C.
Published: October 2010

The effect of diel or semidiurnal vertical migrations on the horizontal dispersal of fish larvae in a partially mixed estuary, and the external stimuli triggering these migrations, were investigated. The vertical distribution of ichthyoplankton and microzooplankton was estimated at 1-h intervals for 129 h, at a fixed station of the St. Lawrence upper estuary. With increasing length, capelin (Mallotus villosus) larvae congregated closer to the surface. This resulted in a length-dependent acceleration of the seaward drift of this species. Larger capelin developed a weak but significant pattern of diel vertical migrations limited to the surface (0–20 m) layer. The average vertical position of early postlarval Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus harengus) was close to the depth of null longitudinal velocity. Vertical migrations about this average level followed a semidiurnal cycle which brought the postlarvae toward the surface during flood. This synchronization minimized seaward tidal drift linked to incursions within the surface layer. The large-scale cyclonic circulation prevailing at depth appears responsible for the maintenance of early postlarval herring in the upper estuary. Both the average depth and the semidiurnal migrations of this species were closely related to the vertical distribution of prey.
Relative Importance of Substrate Particle Size and Detritus to Stream Benthic Macroinvertebrate Microdistribution
Authors: Culp Joseph M. , Walde Sandra J. , Davies Ronald W.
Published: October 2010

Manipulative field experiments were conducted in Carnation Creek, British Columbia, to determine whether particle-size composition of the stony substrate influenced macroinvertebrate microdistribution if substrate detritus was standardized. A standardized quantity of alder (Alnus rubra) detritus was added to five substrate mixtures ranging from homogeneous gravel to a heterogeneous gravel, pebble, and cobble mixture, and the substrates imbedded in a riffle to allow macroinvertebrate colonization. Densities and biomasses of most macroinvertebrate taxa (16 of 19) were not significantly different among the wide range of substrate types containing the standardized alder detritus, even though surface area, intra-substrate current velocity, and interstitial space varied significantly between treatments. However, in the treatment that did not have the standardized detritus, the biomasses and densities of nine taxa, and the totals of all taxa combined, were significantly lower than in an identical substrate mixture that contained the detritus. We concluded that the differential colonization of substrates demonstrated for many macroinvertebrate taxa in previous studies was more likely related to differences in organic sedimentation. Although detritus is a major determinant of detritivore microdistribution, substrate composition may be an important factor to other trophic groups such as filter-feeders.
Effects of Low pH on Eyed Embryos and Alevins of Pacific Salmon
Authors: Rombough Peter J.
Published: October 2010

Ten-day bioassays were conducted to assess the sensitivity of eyed embryos, newly hatched alevins, and buttoned-up alevins of coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch), chinook (O. tshawytscha), sockeye (O. nerka), pink (O. gorbuscha), and chum (O. keta) salmon to low pH. Acid sensitivity varied significantly both with stage of development and with species. The various stages and species were ranked in order of decreasing sensitivity to low pH on the basis of significant differences (P < 0.05) in 10-d LC50 values. Stage sensitivities (10-d LC50 pH range) were ranked buttoned-up alevins (4.4–5.2) > newly hatched alevins (4.4–4.9) > eyed embryos (3.6–4.0) for all species except coho. Coho were more sensitive as newly hatched alevins than near button-up. Species sensitivities were ranked (chum, pink) > sockeye > chinook > coho for eyed embryos, coho > (chinook, sockeye) > (pink, chum) for newly hatched alevins, and (chum, pink, sockeye) > chinook > coho for buttoned-up alevins. Ten-day LC10s for eyed embryos ranged from pH 3.82 for chinook to pH 4.18 for chum. LC10s for the most sensitive alevin stage of each species ranged from pH 5.01 for coho to pH 5.74 for chum. Incipient lethal levels could not be estimated for any stage or species because no toxicity curves approached a pH threshold during the test period. Aberrant behavior was noted in buttoned-up alevins of pink and chum exposed to pH 6.0–6.1 but not in other species at levels above those causing acute mortality.
Estimation of Fish Production Rates and Associated Variances
Authors: Newman Raymond M. , Martin Frank B.
Published: October 2010

Variance estimators for fish production rates are explicitly derived for two production models: the instantaneous growth rate and increment summation methods. Statistics for standing stock, mean interval standing stock, instantaneous growth rate, and production:mean standing stock [Formula: see text] ratio are presented. The use of a jackknife estimator is proposed for estimating the variance of instantaneous growth rate. Comparison of the results from both production models provides a method of cross-validating results. The use of these statistics is illustrated in example calculations with trout population data. Brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) annual production in 1969 was significantly higher than combined annual production of brook trout, brown trout (Salmo trutta), and rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) in 1977. Variance estimates are affected by population and mean weight estimates. Validity of the production estimates is based on the validity of model assumptions.
Selection by Young Rainbow Trout (Salmo gairdneri) in Simulated Stream Environments For Live and Dead Prey of Different Sizes
Authors: Irvine J. R. , Northcote T. G.
Published: October 2010

Underyearling rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) in experimental stream tanks presented with live and dead prey preferred live prey. Trout fry generally were size selective predators and previous feeding experience did not affect the size of prey consumed. When a wide range of prey sizes was offered, larger trout fry fed upon bigger prey than did smaller fry. Cyclops were underrepresented in trout fry stomachs relative to Daphnia of similar size.
Influence of Predatory Fish Density on Trapability of Crayfish in Ontario Lakes
Authors: Collins Nicholas C. , Harvey Harold H. , Tierney Ann Jane , Dunham David W.
Published: October 2010

In 19 central Ontario lakes the catches of crayfish in baited minnow traps usually were well predicted by numbers of crayfish counted in timed underwater searches. Exceptions were lakes with relatively high predator densities, where trap catches were far less than expected from search counts. In a stepwise linear regression, an index of the density of rock bass (Ambloplites rupestris) in the lakes was significantly negatively correlated with trapability. Smallmouth and largemouth bass (Micropterus dolomieui and M. salmoides), despite their reputation for consuming crayfish, were not significantly correlated with variations in trapability across lakes, but they reduced trapability and altered crayfish behavior in one lake. Yellow perch (Perca flavescens) density was positively correlated with trapability. The predatory basses appear to reduce trapability of crayfish more than they affect crayfish density; high crayfish populations were found in some lakes with dense bass populations. Predator-mediated changes in trapability seem consistent across the crayfish species Orconectes propinquus, O. virilis, and Cambarus robustus. In aquaria without predators, O. propinquus from a lake with high bass density were more nocturnal, more shelter-bound, and less active than those from a lake without bass. Behavior of females differed more between these two lakes than that of males, which are less vulnerable to predation than females. These behavior differences persisted for at least 3 wk in the laboratory, indicating that interspecific comparisons of behavior could be misleading unless the populations studied had similar histories of predation risk. The observed interlake variation in trapability suggests that catches in passive traps may be poor indices of crayfish density.
Empirical Predictors of Annual Surface Water Temperature Cycles in North American Lakes
Authors: Shuter B. J. , Schlesinger D. A. , Zimmerman A. P.
Published: October 2010

Annual surface water temperature cycles of temperate zone lakes can be adequately described by a symmetrical sine wave of distinct amplitude and duration. The relationships between these sine wave components and climatic and morphometric variables were analyzed for 87 lakes spread over most of North America, and for 25 lakes located in south-central Ontario, Canada. Multiple regression equations are reported which permit estimation of the maximum annual surface water temperature (amplitude: AP) and the number of ice-free days (duration: DR) for a specific lake from data on long-term mean annual air temperature (TEMP), mean depth [Formula: see text], and fetch (FT). These estimates can be used to calculate mean surface water temperature for just the ice-free period or for an entire year.
Molecular genetic characterization ofDrosophilaATM conserved functional domains
Authors: Pedersen M. , Tiong S. , Campbell S. D.
Published: October 2010

ATM-related kinases promote repair of DNA double-strand breaks and maintenance of chromosome telomeres, functions that are essential for chromosome structural integrity in all eukaryotic organisms. In humans, loss of ATM function is associated with ataxia telangiectasia, a neurodegenerative disease characterized by extreme sensitivity to DNA damage. Drosophila melanogaster has recently emerged as a useful animal model for analyzing the molecular functions of specific domains of this large, multifunctional kinase. The gene encoding Drosophila ATM kinase (dATM) was originally designated tefu because of the telomere fusion defects observed in atm mutants. In this report, molecular characterization of eight atm (tefu) alleles identified nonsense mutations predicted to truncate conserved C-terminal domains of the dATM protein, as well as two interesting missense mutations. One of these missense mutations localized within a putative HEAT repeat in the poorly characterized N-terminal domain of dATM (atm4), whereas another associated with a temperature-sensitive allele (atm8) changed the last amino acid of the conserved FATC domain. Leveraging this molecular information with the powerful genetic tools available in Drosophila should facilitate future analysis of conserved ATM-mediated molecular mechanisms that are important for telomere maintenance, DNA repair, and neurodegeneration.
Genomic relationships among diploid and polyploid species of the genus Eryngium L. using genomic in situ hybridization
Authors: Perthuy Gisèle Yvonne , Martínez Susana , Greizerstein Eduardo José , Poggio Lidia
Published: October 2010

Eryngium L. (Umbelliferae) is a large genus including more than 250 species worldwide. The large morphological variability in this genus makes it difficult to delimit the species or to establish phylogenetic relationships. The occurrence of different ploidy levels within the genus might indicate a hybrid origin of the polyploid species. In the present study, the chromosome number and karyotype of E. regnellii are reported for the first time and the ploidy level of a population of E. paniculatum is confirmed. We compare the genomes of the diploids E. horridum and E. eburneum , the tetraploids E. megapotamicum and E. regnellii , and the hexaploids E. pandanifolium (as a representative of the whole pandanifolium complex) and E. paniculatum using genomic in situ hybridization (GISH). Although it was not possible to identify the parental species of the polyploid taxa analyzed, the GISH technique allowed us to postulate some hypotheses about their origin. Eryngium horridum and E. eburneum do not seem to be the direct progenitors of the polyploids analyzed. On the other hand, it seems that other diploid species unrelated to E. horridum and E. eburneum are involved in their origin. Our results are consistent with morphological and phylogenetic studies, indicating a close relationship between the species of the series Latifolia.
EST sequencing and gene expression profiling of cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaeaL.)
Authors: Bi Yu-Ping , Liu Wei , Xia Han , Su Lei , Zhao Chuan-Zhi , Wan Shu-Bo , Wang Xing-Jun
Published: October 2010

Peanut ( Arachis hypogaea L.) is one of the most important oil crops in the world. However, biotechnological based improvement of peanut is far behind many other crops. It is critical and urgent to establish the biotechnological platform for peanut germplasm innovation. In this study, a peanut seed cDNA library was constructed to establish the biotechnological platform for peanut germplasm innovation. About 17 000 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were sequenced and used for further investigation. Among which, 12.5% were annotated as metabolic related and 4.6% encoded transcription or post-transcription factors. ESTs encoding storage protein and enzymes related to protein degradation accounted for 28.8% and formed the largest group of the annotated ESTs. ESTs that encoded stress responsive proteins and pathogen-related proteins accounted for 5.6%. ESTs that encoded unknown proteins or showed no hit in the GenBank nr database accounted for 20.1% and 13.9%, respectively. A total number of 5066 EST sequences were selected to make a cDNA microarray. Expression analysis revealed that these sequences showed diverse expression patterns in peanut seeds, leaves, stems, roots, flowers, and gynophores. We also analyzed the gene expression pattern during seed development. Genes that were upregulated (≥twofold) at 15, 25, 35, and 45 days after pegging (DAP) were found and compared with 70 DAP. The potential value of these genes and their promoters in the peanut gene engineering study is discussed.
Vitamin D status and recommendations to improve vitamin D status in Canadian youth
Authors: Mark Sean
Published: October 2010

Little is known regarding the vitamin D status of Canadian youth. Our objectives were (i) to describe the vitamin D status of Quebec youth using a representative sample; (ii) to examine the relative contributions of diet, physical activity, and fat mass to the variance in plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D(25(OH)D), the best biomarker of vitamin D status; and (iii) to examine the influence of household income and food insecurity on the intakes of dietary vitamin D, calcium, and dairy foods. To describe vitamin D status, we used data from the Quebec Child and Adolescent Health and Social Survey (QCAHS), which is a cross-sectional survey representative of Quebec youth aged 9, 13, and 16 years. For the second objective, 159 youth, aged 8 to 11 years, whose parents (at least one) were obese or had the metabolic syndrome, were used for cross-sectional analysis in the Quebec Adipose and Lifestyle InvesTigation in Youth (QUALITY). Fat mass was measured using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and physical activity was assessed by an accelerometer. Finally, we analyzed data from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), which collected data from 9 to 18 year olds (N = 8960), and was representative of Canadian youth. From this survey a single 24-h dietary recall, measured height and weight, sociodemographic, and food insecurity information were available. In both the QUALITY and QCAHS study, >90% of youth had suboptimal vitamin D levels (plasma 25(OH)D < 75 nmol·L–1) at the end of winter and beginning of spring. In the QCAHS study, older youth had a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D < 27.5 nmol·L–1) (>10%) than younger youth, and girls from low-income households had lower plasma 25(OH)D concentrations. In the QUALITY study, milk consumption and physical activity had modest associations with plasma 25(OH)D, corresponding to 2.9 nmol·L–1 and 2.1 nmol·L–1 higher plasma 25(OH)D per standard deviation increase in these exposures, respectively. In the CCHS study, we found evidence that milk intake was being displaced by sweetened beverages among low-income boys and food insecure girls. We conclude that population-wide measures to increase dietary vitamin D intake should be examined in Canadian youth.
Evolution of sarcopenia research
Authors: Janssen Ian
Published: October 2010

The term “saropenia” was coined by Irwin Rosenberg in 1989 to refer to age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass. The purpose of this current opinion is to provide an evolutionary overview of sarcopenia research since 1989. This includes the creation of an operational definition of sarcopenia; consideration of the impacts of sarcopenia on physical function, chronic disease, and mortality risk; the distinction between the process of sarcopenia and the process of age-related loss of muscle strength, a phenomenon that has recently been termed dynapenia; a comparison of the independent effects of sarcopenia and dynapenia on physical function, chronic disease, and mortality risk; and consideration of the combined influence of sarcopenia and dynapenia with obesity (i.e., sarcopenic-obesity and dynapenic-obesity) on physical function, chronic disease, and mortality risk.
Foundation problems in Champlain clays during droughts. I: Rainfall deficits in Montréal (1930–1988)
Authors: Silvestri V. , Soulié M. , Lafleur J. , Sarkis G. , Bekkouche N.
Published: October 2010

During the exceptionally dry summer of 1983, extensive settlement problems developed in lightweight buildings founded in the clay deposits of the Montréal area. In this paper a modified budget method that keeps a running balance of precipitation (P) and potential evapotranspiration (PET) is applied to the region of study to obtain the soil moisture depletion or rainfall deficit (RD) throughout the period 1930–1988. It is shown that extensive foundation problems have developed whenever the rainfall deficit has exceeded 170 mm of water. Key words: settlement problems, clay deposits, evapotranspiration methods, precipitation, rainfall deficit, dry weather.
Analysis of the in situ constant-head permeability test in clays
Authors: Tavenas F. , Diene M. , Leroueil S.
Published: October 2010

The in situ measurement of soil permeability has become an important part of geotechnical engineering. New equipment has made the execution of in situ constant-head tests simple and reliable. However, the theories used for the interpretation of constant-head tests in low-permeability soils still present some shortcomings. A finite element analysis of the constant-head test in clays is carried out to evaluate the various expressions of shape factor published in the literature and to provide a basis for extrapolating transient state observations to steady state conditions from which the permeability may be computed. The resulting method of interpreting in situ permeability tests is applied to series of field results obtained from a Champlain clay deposit. Key words: clay, permeability, constant-head test, in situ test, shape factor, finite element analysis.
Thirty years of secondary consolidation in sensitive marine clay
Authors: Crawford C. B. , Bozozuk M.
Published: October 2010

This case record shows that when a surface load is applied to a sensitive, normally consolidated clay, the effective stresses increase rapidly to the measured preconsolidated stresses, and remain at that level while consolidation continues for several decades. Only after more than 30 years was there an indication that the in situ effective stresses were beginning to increase to their final value. These observations have important implications with respect to the design of foundations in such areas. Key words: consolidation, foundations, secondary consolidation, sensitive clay settlements, marine clay.
Ferrous iron oxidation in moderately thermophilic acidophileSulfobacillus sibiricusN1T
Authors: Dinarieva Tatiana Y. , Zhuravleva Anna E. , Pavlenko Oksana A. , Tsaplina Iraida A. , Netrusov Alexander I.
Published: October 2010

The iron-oxidizing system of a moderately thermophilic, extremely acidophilic, gram-positive mixotroph, Sulfobacillus sibiricus N1T, was studied by spectroscopic, high-performance liquid chromatography and inhibitory analyses. Hemes B, A, and O were detected in membranes of S. sibiricus N1T. It is proposed that the electron transport chain from Fe2+to O2is terminated by 2 physiological oxidases: aa3-type cytochrome, which dominates in the early-exponential phase of growth, and bo3-type cytochrome, whose role in iron oxidation becomes more prominent upon growth of the culture. Both oxidases were sensitive to cyanide and azide. Cytochrome aa3was more sensitive to cyanide and azide, with Kivalues of 4.1 and 2.5 µmol·L–1, respectively, compared with Kivalues for cytochrome bo3, which were 9.5 µmol·L–1for cyanide and 7.0 µmol·L–1for azide. This is the first evidence for the participation of a bo3-type oxidase in ferrous iron oxidation. The respiratory chain of the mixotroph contains, in addition to the 2 terminal oxidases, a membrane-bound cytochrome b573.
Detection of WWE2-relatedLentisphaeraeby 16S rRNA gene sequencing and fluorescence in situ hybridization in landfill leachate
Authors: Limam Rim Driss , Bouchez Théodore , Chouari Rakia , Li Tianlun , Barkallah Insaf , Landoulsi Ahmed , Sghir Abdelghani
Published: October 2010

We collected samples of anaerobic landfill leachate from municipal solid waste landfill (Vert-le-Grand, France) and constructed 16S rRNA clone libraries using primers targeting Planctomycetes and relatives (Pla46F and 1390R). Analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequences resulted in the abundant representation of WWE2-related Lentisphaerae, members of the phylum Lentisphaerae, in the clone library (98% of the retrieved sequences). Although the sequences that are phylogenetically affiliated with the cultured isolate Victivallis vadensis were identified (WWE2 subgroup II), the majority of the sequences were affiliated with an uncultured Lentisphaerae lineage (WWE2 subgroup I). We designed oligonucleotides probes targeting the specific 16S rRNA gene regions of those 2 subgroups. Fluorescence in situ hybridization confirmed the abundance of the uncultivated WWE2 subgroup I in our leachate samples.
Influence of carbon source on growth and mycotoxin production by isolates of Pyrenophora tritici-repentis from wheat
Authors: Bouras Noureddine , Strelkov Stephen E.
Published: October 2010

The fungus Pyrenophora tritici-repentis can infect wheat kernels, causing red smudge, and has been shown to produce the anthraquinone mycotoxins emodin, catenarin, and islandicin. The growth of 8 fungal isolates from diverse regions was evaluated on various culture media and was found to be generally slowest on the semisynthetic Fries medium. The choice of carbon source had a significant effect on mycotoxin production, as assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The highest emodin concentration (194.18 ± 16.26 µg/g medium) was observed for isolate Alg 3-24 on Fries medium supplemented with fructose, while the highest catenarin concentration (302.54 ±13.92 µg/g medium) was observed for TS93-71B on Fries medium supplemented with starch. Islandicin was not produced by any isolate under the conditions tested. Evaluation of the dynamics of mycotoxin production by isolate 331-2 on V8-potato dextrose agar medium revealed a rapid accumulation of emodin and catenarin during the first week of incubation, followed by a large decline by 14 days. Differences in the growth of and mycotoxin production by isolates of P. tritici-repentis likely resulted from the differential composition of the media and (or) intraspecies variability. Accordingly, the optimization of growth medium should be considered when evaluating the potential of specific isolates for mycotoxin production.
Influence of small doses of various drug vehicles on acetaminophen-induced liver injury
Authors: Kelava Tomislav , Ćavar Ivan , Čulo Filip
Published: October 2010

The biological effects of drug vehicles are often overlooked, often leading to artifacts in acetaminophen-induced liver injury assessment. Therefore, we decided to investigate the effect of dimethylsulfoxide, dimethylformamide, propylene glycol, ethanol, and Tween 20 on acetaminophen-induced liver injury. C57BL/6 male mice received a particular drug vehicle (0.6 or 0.2 mL/kg, i.p.) 30 min before acetaminophen administration (300 mg/kg, i.p.). Control mice received vehicle alone. Liver injury was assessed by measuring the concentration of alanine aminotransferase in plasma and observing histopathological changes. The level of reduced glutathione (GSH) was assessed by measuring total nonprotein hepatic sulfhydrils. Dimethylsulfoxide and dimethylformamide (at both doses) almost completely abolished acetaminophen toxicity. The higher dose of propylene glycol (0.6 mL/kg) was markedly protective, but the lower dose (0.2 mL/kg) was only slightly protective. These solvents also reduced acetaminophen-induced GSH depletion. Dimethylformamide was protective when given 2 h before or 1 h after acetaminophen administration, but was ineffective if given 2.5 h after acetaminophen. Ethanol at the higher dose (0.6 mL/kg) was partially protective, whereas ethanol at the lower dose (0.2 mL/kg) as well as Tween 20 at any dose had no influence. None of the vehicles (0.6 mL/kg) was hepatotoxic per se, and none of them was protective in a model of liver injury caused by d-galactosamine and lipopolysaccharide.
Paeonol attenuates airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in a murine model of ovalbumin-induced asthma
Authors: Du Qiang , Feng Gan-Zhu , Shen Li , Cui Jin , Cai Jian-Kang
Published: October 2010

Paeonol, the main active component isolated from Moutan Cortex, possesses extensive pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and immunoregulatory effects. In the present study, we examined the effects of paeonol on airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in a mouse model of allergic asthma. BALB/c mice sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin were administered paeonol intragastrically at a dose of 100 mg/kg daily. Paeonol significantly suppressed ovalbumin-induced airway hyperresponsiveness to acetylcholine chloride. Paeonol administration significantly inhibited the total inflammatory cell and eosinophil count in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Treatment with paeonol significantly enhanced IFN-γ levels and decreased interleukin-4 and interleukin-13 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and total immunoglobulin E levels in serum. Histological examination of lung tissue demonstrated that paeonol significantly attenuated allergen-induced lung eosinophilic inflammation and mucus-producing goblet cells in the airway. These data suggest that paeonol exhibits anti-inflammatory activity in allergic mice and may possess new therapeutic potential for the treatment of allergic bronchial asthma.
The activity of the thiazide-sensitive Na+–Cl–cotransporter is regulated by protein phosphatase PP4
Authors: Glover Mark , Mercier Zuber Annie , Figg Nikki , O’Shaughnessy Kevin M.
Published: October 2010

Cation transport in the distal mammalian nephron relies on the SLC12 family of membrane cotransporters that include the thiazide-sensitive Na+–Cl–cotransporter (NCC). NCC is regulated through a scaffold of interacting proteins, including the WNK kinases, WNK 1 and WNK 4, which are mutated in the hypertensive Gordon’s syndrome. Dynamic regulation of NCC function by kinases must involve dephosphorylation by phosphatases, as illustrated by the role of PP1 and PP2B in the regulation of KCC members of the SLC12 family. There are 2 phosphorylation-controlled regulatory pathways for NCC: type 1, mediated by WNK4 and affecting trafficking to the surface membrane, and type 2, affecting intrinsic transporter kinetics by phosphorylation of conserved N-terminal S/T amino acids. Using the Xenopus oocyte expression system, we show that PP4 inhibits NCC activity — but not trafficking to the surface membrane — by a mechanism that requires phosphatase activity and a conserved N-terminal amino acid of NCC, threonine 58. This action is distinct from WNK4 regulation of membrane trafficking. In the mouse kidney, PP4 is selectively expressed in the distal nephron, including cells of the distal convoluted tubule cells, suggesting that PP4 may have a physiological role in regulating NCC and hence NaCl reabsorption in vivo.
Effects of flooding and riparian buffers on survival of muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) across a flashiness gradient
Authors: Ahlers A. A. , Schooley R. L. , Heske E. J. , Mitchell M. A.
Published: October 2010

Increased agricultural production within the Grand Prairie region, USA, has resulted in drainage of most natural wetlands within the landscape. Muskrats ( Ondatra zibethicus (L., 1766)) in this region have shifted much of their distribution to riparian habitats that have unstable flow regimes and flood inundation times that could be related to position within watersheds. We investigated predation risk of radio-marked riparian muskrats during flooding events in relation to landscape position. We used known-fate models and an information–theoretic approach to examine effects of age, season, hydrology, and riparian width on weekly survival rates. During flooding events, muskrats positioned farther from headwaters were displaced for longer, as well as exposed to predation from terrestrial predators for longer, than those positioned closer to headwaters. However, this increased exposure during floods did not translate into lower survival because most mortalities were due to predation by American mink ( Neovison vison (Schreber, 1777)) along stream edges during nonflooding periods. Weekly survival of muskrats was lower in winter (mean = 0.9377, SE = 0.1793) than in nonwinter (mean = 0.9770, SE = 0.0116) and was positively related to riparian width. Larger riparian buffers can increase muskrat survival in small streams and agricultural ditches within highly altered, human-dominated agroecosystems. Our study provides a rare example of linking riparian buffers to fitness for a stream-associated organism.
NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE AND THE BCS THEORY
Authors: Slichter Charles P.
Published: October 2010

The author describes the inspiration for the experiment by Hebel and Slichter to measure the nuclear spin–lattice relaxation time in superconductors, the design considerations for the experiment, the surprising experimental results, their theoretical treatment using the Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer theory, and how comparing the nuclear relaxation results with those for ultrasound absorption confirmed the central idea of the BCS theory, the BCS pair wave function.
BCS: THE SCIENTIFIC "LOVE OF MY LIFE"
Authors: Anderson Philip W.
Published: October 2010

After short comments on my early addenda to BCS — gauge invariance and the Anderson–Higgs mechanism, the dirty superconductor "theorem," and the spinor representation — I focus on the interaction mechanisms which cause electron–electron pairing. These bifurcate into two almost non-overlapping classes. In order to cause electrons to pair in spite of the strong, repulsive, instantaneous Coulomb vertex, the electrons can evade each others' propinquity on the same site at the same time either dynamically, by retaining Γ0 (s-wave) relative symmetry, but avoiding each other in time — called "dynamic screening" — or by assuming a non-symmetric relative wave function, avoiding each other in space. All simple metals and alloys, including all the (so far) technically useful superconductors, follow the former scheme. But starting with the first discovery of "heavy-electron" superconductors in 1979, and continuing with the "organics" and the magnetic transition metal compounds such as the cuprates and the iron pnictides, it appears that the second class may turn out to be numerically superior and theoretically more fascinating. The basic interaction in many of these cases appears to be the "kinetic exchange" or superexchange characteristic of magnetic insulators.
L2 ANALYSIS OF THE MULTI-CONFIGURATION TIME-DEPENDENT HARTREE–FOCK EQUATIONS
Authors: MAUSER NORBERT J. , TRABELSI SABER
Published: October 2010

The multi-configuration methods are widely used by quantum physicists/chemists for numerical approximation of the many electron Schrödinger equation. Recently, first mathematically rigorous results were obtained on the time-dependent models, e.g. short-in-time well-posedness in the Sobolev space H2 for bounded interactions20 with initial data in H2, in the energy space for Coulomb interactions with initial data in the same space,25,5 as well as global well-posedness under a sufficient condition on the energy of the initial data.4,5 The present contribution extends the analysis by setting an L2 theory for the MCTDHF for general interactions including the Coulomb case. This kind of results is also the theoretical foundation of ad hoc methods used in numerical calculation when modification ("regularization") of the density matrix destroys the conservation of energy property, but keeps the mass invariant.
ON A CURVE EXPANDING FLOW WITH A NON-LOCAL TERM
Authors: PAN SHENGLIANG , ZHANG HONG
Published: October 2010

This paper deals with a non-local curve evolution problem in the plane which will increase both the length of the evolving curve and the area it bounds and make the evolving curve more and more circular during the evolution process. And the limiting shape of the evolving curve will be a finite circle (i.e. a circle with finite radius) as the time t goes to infinity.
Effect of Surface Structure on Transformation of 4H-SiC by High-Temperature Annealing
Authors: Kawada Yasuyuki , Tawara Takeshi , Nakamura Shun-ichi , Gotoh Masahide , Tawara Tae , Iwamuro Noriyuki , Akimoto Katsuhiro
Published: October 2010

The transformation of SiC etching shapes by high-temperature annealing has been investigated. Without silicon atoms on the surface, transformation of the etching shapes hardly occurred even after annealing in pure Ar at 1700 °C, where transformation should occur without the loss of silicon atoms. When SiH4 was added to Ar, the surface tended to revert to SiC, and the transformation was enhanced with increasing SiH4 addition. Therefore, the presence of silicon atoms is necessary to transform the etching shapes on SiC surfaces.
Interdiffusion Analysis of Au/Ti and Au/Pt/Ti Electrode Structures Grown on Diamond (001) Surface by Rutherford Backscattering Spectroscopy
Authors: Hoshino Yasushi , Saito Yasunao , Nakata Jyoji
Published: October 2010

We have directly studied the elemental depth profiles of Au/Ti and Au/Pt/Ti multiple-layers, which are candidates as ohmic materials for a p-type diamond substrate, grown on diamond (001) surfaces at room temperature (RT) and 550 °C using Rutherford backscattering method. Significant interlayer diffusion between Au and Ti is observed for the samples without a sandwiched Pt layer, resulting in diffusion of some Ti atoms to the surface. On the other hand, the trilayer structure of Au/Pt/Ti forms a thermally stable electrode up to 1000 °C. It is also found that the interfacial TiC
x
layer grown at 550 °C is thicker than that deposited at RT followed by post-deposition annealing at 550 °C. The effective thickness of the Pt layer is estimated to be more than 20 nm to prevent Ti segregation to the surface.
High-Extinction Ratio and Low-Driving-Voltage Spatial Light Modulator by Use of Ultrahigh-Purity GaAs
Authors: Kayastha Madhu Sudan , Takahashi Makoto , Wakita Koichi
Published: October 2010

Highly efficient surface normal spatial light modulators (SLMs) using ultrahigh-purity GaAs layers (30 µm thick) grown on (100)-oriented n+-GaAs substrate by liquid phase epitaxy (LPE) method have been realized. Clear exciton absorption has been observed even at room temperature. The extinction ratio of 25 dB has been demonstrated with a low-driving voltage (32 V) at 895 nm, based on electroabsorption (EA) effect. Very large depletion length over 150 µm is confirmed by analyzing the extinction ratio and capacitance–voltage (C–V) measurements. The calculated value of impurity concentration is very low (≈1012 cm-3), which indicates that the concentration of donor and acceptor in the device are highly compensated.
Determination of Crystallographic Axes of Photonic Crystal Fiber by Transversal Scanning Method
Authors: Lim Sun Do , Lee Sun-Goo , Lee Kwanil , Lee Sang Bae
Published: October 2010

We present a method for determining crystallographic symmetry axes in an air-hole structure of a photonic crystal fiber (PCF) with a hexagonal structure. This method is based on the measurement of intensity distribution of the light transversely scattered from the PCF. The symmetry axes can be determined from the distinctive intensity pattern that is repeated for an axial rotation of the PCF. Simulations and experimental studies reveal that the technique is reliable and quite sensitive to the angle between the crystallographic symmetry axis and the launched light.
Multi-Mode Laser-Pumped Injection-Seeded Terahertz-Wave Parametric Generator
Authors: Nakagomi Yoichi , Suizu Koji , Shibuya Takayuki , Kawase Kodo
Published: October 2010

We developed a Nd:YAG multi-mode laser-pumped injection-seeded terahertz-wave parametric generator (is-TPG), and compared its terahertz (THz)-wave output energy to that of a single-mode laser-pumped is-TPG system. The oscillation threshold of the multi-mode is-TPG was approximately 73% lower than that of the single-mode system, and the multi-mode system produced higher THz-wave energy than that of the single-mode system with the same pump energy. The required seed power for the multi-mode system was much lower than that for the single-mode system. The multi-mode laser was compact, inexpensive, and simpler to handle than a single-mode device. This resulted in a room-temperature THz-wave generation system that could produce sufficient power for THz spectroscopy.
Energy Band Control of GaAsSb-Based Backward Diodes to Improve Sensitivity of Millimeter-Wave Detection
Authors: Takahashi Tsuyoshi , Sato Masaru , Hirose Tatsuya , Hara Naoki
Published: October 2010

The effect of energy band control with varying carrier concentration in GaAsSb-based backward diodes was investigated and diode parameters were analyzed to enhance voltage sensitivity. The backward diodes consisted of a heterojunction of p-GaAs0.51Sb0.49/i-In0.52Al0.48As/n-In0.63Ga0.37As/n-In0.53Ga0.47As, and they were mostly lattice-matched to an InP substrate. The degree of energy band bending at the depletion layer in n-In0.63Ga0.37As was varied on the basis of the carrier concentration in the n-In0.53Ga0.47As band control layer. Voltage sensitivity depends on carrier concentration since the concentration affects the band bending structure at the junction. The parameter analysis indicated that junction capacitance decreased when the carrier concentration in the band control layer decreased. When the carrier concentration in the band control layer was as low as 5×1018 cm-3, with the diode mesa at a diameter of 2.0 µm, an unmatched voltage sensitivity of 1495 V/W was obtained.
Analytic Oxide Capacitance Model of Double- and Surrounding-Gate Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors in Linear Region by Considering Inversion-Layer Capacitance
Authors: Choi Byung-Kil , Jeong Min-Kyu , Kwon Hyuck-In , Lee Jong-Ho
Published: October 2010

Inversion charge (Q
i) and oxide capacitance (C
ox') of undoped (or lightly doped) or doped double-gate (DG) and surrounding-gate (SG) metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) with long channel were analytically modeled by considering inversion-layer capacitance (C
i) in linear region. The Q
i model of DG and SG MOSFETs was derived with a closed-form as a function of gate bias (V
GS), threshold voltage (V
th), and body structure factor (n) using one-dimensional (1D) Poisson's equation considering the mobile carrier. The n which reflects silicon body structure effect is 1 for DG MOSFETs and less than 1 for SG MOSFETs irrespective of channel doping (N
b). From the derived Q
i model considering the C
i effect, the C
ox' was modeled and applied to the I
D–V
GS model of undoped or doped DG and SG MOSFETs in linear region. The compact current model using our proposed C
ox' predicted more accurately the on-current behavior than that with the oxide capacitance (C
ox) in linear region.
Ultrasensitive Detection of Cymbidium Mosaic Potexvirus Using a Single-Wall Carbon Nanotube-Functionalized Quartz Crystal Microbalance
Authors: Chen Yu-Shiun , Hung Yao-Ching , Chiou Jin-Chern , Wang Hui-Liang , Huang Hung-Shu , Huang Li-Chia , Huang Guewha Steven
Published: October 2010

We have developed an ultrasensitive, convenient, real-time platform for detecting Cymbidium mosaic potexvirus (CymMV) based on single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT)-functionalized quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensors. Functionalization was achieved by coating the QCM electrode with SWNTs, followed by 1,1'-carbonyldiimidazole-activated Tween 20 (CDI–Tween 20) modification and conjugation of antibodies. Sensitivity was enhanced from 2.18 to 11.5 Hz ng-1 when 0.1 µg mL-1 CymMV was applied. The low limit of detection of SWNT-functionalized QCM sensors was improved from 2.08 to 0.502 ng. The SWNT-functionalized QCM sensor was successfully used to quantify the amount of CymMV contained in infected orchid leaves. Compared to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), SWNT-functionalized QCM sensors are fast, economical, and ultra-sensitive, with comparable sensitivities. The current study demonstrates the application of QCM sensors as a convenient platform to detect and quantify CymMV.