bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Non‐canonical Transferred DNA Insertion at the BRI1 Locus in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Zhao Zhong , Zhu Yan , Erhardt Mathieu , Ruan Ying , Shen Wen‐Hui
Published: March 2009

Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation is widely used in transgenic plant engineering and has been proven to be a powerful tool for insertional mutagenesis of the plant genome. The transferred DNA (T‐DNA) from Agrobacterium is integrated into the plant genome through illegitimate recombination between the T‐DNA and the plant DNA. Contrasting to the canonical insertion, here we report on a locus showing a complex mutation associated with T‐DNA insertion at the BRI1 gene in Arabidopsis thaliana. We obtained a mutant line, named salade for its phenotype of dwarf stature and proliferating rosette. Molecular characterization of this mutant revealed that in addition to T‐DNA a non‐T‐DNA‐localized transposon from bacteria was inserted in the Arabidopsis genome and that a region of more than 11.5 kb of the Arabidopsis genome was deleted at the insertion site. The deleted region contains the brassinosteroid receptor gene BRI1 and the transcription factor gene WRKY13. Our finding reveals non‐canonical T‐DNA insertion, implicating horizontal gene transfer and cautioning the use of T‐DNA as mutagen in transgenic research.
Histological and Ultrastructural Observation Reveals Significant Cellular Differences between Agrobacterium Transformed Embryogenic and Non‐embryogenic Calli of Cotton
Authors: Shang Hai‐Hong , Liu Chuan‐Liang , Zhang Chao‐Jun , Li Feng‐Lian , Hong Wei‐Dong , Li Fu‐Guang
Published: March 2009

Over the past few decades genetic engineering has been applied to improve cotton breeding. Agrobacterium medicated transformation is nowadays widely used as an efficient approach to introduce exogenous genes into cotton for genetically modified organisms. However, it still needs to be improved for better transformation efficiency and higher embryogenic callus induction ratios. To research further the difference of mechanisms for morphogenesis between embryogenic callus and non‐embryogenic callus, we carried out a systematical study on the histological and cellular ultrastructure of Agrobacterium transformed calli. Results showed that the embryogenic callus developed nodule‐like structures, which were formed by small, tightly packed, hemispherical cells. The surface of some embryogenic callus was covered with a fibrilar‐like structure named extracellular matrix. The cells of embryogenic calli had similar morphological characteristics. Organelles of embryogenic callus cells were located near the nucleus, and chloroplasts degraded to proplastid‐like structures with some starch grains. In contrast, the non‐embryogenic calli were covered by oval or sphere cells or small clusters of cells. It was observed that cells had vacuolation of cytoplasm and plastids with a well organized endomembrane system. This study aims to understand the mechanisms of embryogenic callus morphogenesis and to improve the efficiency of cotton transformation in future.
Effect of conjugated linoleic acids, vitamin E and their combination on the clinical outcome of Iranian adults with active rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: ARYAEIAN Naheed , SHAHRAM Farhad , DJALALI Mahmoud , ESHRAGIAN Mohammad Reza , DJAZAYERI Abolghassem , SARRAFNEJAD Abdolfattah , SALIMZADEH Ahmad , NADERI Nasim , MARYAM Chamari
Published: March 2009

Background:  Despite beneficial effects of conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) in animal studies, there is little information on their effects on human inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Aim:  To investigate the effects of CLAs as an adjuvant therapy on the clinical manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults with an active disease.

Methods:  In a randomized, double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial, 87 patients with active RA were divided into four groups receiving one of the following daily supplements for 3 months: group C: CLAs 2.5 g equivalent to 2 g mixture of cis 9‐trans 11 and trans 10‐cis12 CLAs at a rate of 50/50; group E: vitamin E: 400 mg; group CE: CLAs and vitamin E at above doses; group P: placebo. Serum α‐tocopherol was determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Clinical data was determined by physician examination and filling the questionnaire by interview. Complete blood count (CBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C‐Reactive protein (CRP) and rheumatoid factor (RF) were measured in each patient. DAS28 (diseases activity score) was also determined.

Results:  A 3‐month supplementation resulted significant reduction in DAS28, pain and morning stiffness in the groups C and CE compared with group P (P < 0.05). Compared with the baseline, ESR levels decreased significantly in the groups C (P ≤ 0.05), E (P ≤ 0.05) and CE (P ≤ 0.001). Group CE had significantly lower ESR levels than group P (P ≤ 0.05). CRP dropped non‐significantly in all four groups (P > 0.1). The reduction of white blood cell count was significant in group CE compared with other groups (P < 0.05). Decrease in platelet count was non‐significant in groups CE, C, and E. Changes in RF, body mass index, red blood cell count and hemoglobin were not significant in four groups, while RF decreased non‐significantly in groups CE and E. In comparison with the baseline, α‐tocopherol increased significantly in groups C (P ≤ 0.05), E (P ≤ 0.01) and CE (P ≤ 0.001) and in groups E and CE compared with group P.

Conclusion:  CLA supplementation resulted in significant improvement in clinical manifestation among RA patients and may be useful in their treatments.
What is your diagnosis? Perifemoral mass in a cow
Authors: Bisby Tricia M. , Pratt Suzanne M. , Kent Fenton R. , Nickie Baird A. , Thompson Craig A. , Lin Tsang L.
Published: March 2009

Abstract: A 15‐year‐old female Simmental cross‐breed cow was presented to the Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital for evaluation of a perifemoral soft tissue mass. Impression smears made from an excisional biopsy contained a population of pleomorphic mesenchymal cells with abundant, periodic acid–Schiff‐positive (PAS), intracytoplasmic granular material, and rare elongated multinucleated cells consistent with strap‐like cells. A second population of small round cells suggestive of lymphocytes or progenitor cells was also noted. A cytologic diagnosis of sarcoma was made, with rhabdomyosarcoma considered most likely based on the large amount of PAS‐positive material (presumed to be glycogen) and the rare strap‐like cells. Histopathologic sections contained an unencapsulated, densely cellular neoplasm composed of haphazardly arranged highly pleomorphic mesenchymal cells and a few small round cells. The mesenchymal cells were positive for vimentin, non‐specific muscle actin, and myoglobin, and negative for phosphotungstic acid‐hematoxylin, smooth muscle actin, and desmin. Glycogen granules were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. A diagnosis of pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma was made. While cytologic findings may suggest rhabdomyosarcoma, cytologic features can be highly variable, and a definitive diagnosis usually requires cytochemical and immunohistochemical staining.
The Realization of Low Stress and Nonangular Distortion by Double-Sided Double Arc Welding
Authors: Zhang Hua-Jun , Zhang Guang-Jun , Cai Chun-Bo , Gao Hong-Ming , Wu Lin
Published: March 2009

Control welding residual stress and distortion is extremely important in manufacturing industry. Double-sided double arc welding (DSDAW), which can control residual stress and angular distortion, is developed. Because arc distance between fore and rear torches is the key effective factor of angular distortions in DSDAW, its effects are not clear on the stress and angular distortions. In this study, numerical simulation is used to predict the transient temperature and welding distortion and stress with different arc distances. Meanwhile, the transient temperature and angular distortion are measured. The calculated results are in good agreement with the experimental results. The effects of arc distance on the angular distortion and stress are investigated. Lower stress and nonangular distortion is obtained at arc distances of 0 mm and 50 mm.
Estimation of Pig Fecal Contamination in a River Catchment by Real-Time PCR Using Two Pig-Specific
Bacteroidales
16S rRNA Genetic Markers
Authors: Mieszkin Sophie , Furet Jean-Pierre , Corthier Gérard , Gourmelon Michèle
Published: March 2009

The microbiological quality of coastal or river water can be affected by fecal contamination from human or animal sources. To discriminate pig fecal pollution from other pollution, a library-independent microbial source tracking method targeting
Bacteroidales
host-specific 16S rRNA gene markers by real-time PCR was designed. Two pig-specific
Bacteroidales
markers (Pig-1-Bac and Pig-2-Bac) were designed using 16S rRNA gene
Bacteroidales
clone libraries from pig feces and slurry. For these two pig markers, 98 to 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity were obtained when tested by TaqMan real-time PCR. A decrease in the concentrations of Pig-1-Bac and Pig-2-Bac markers was observed throughout the slurry treatment chain. The two newly designed pig-specific
Bacteroidales
markers, plus the human-specific (HF183) and ruminant-specific (BacR)
Bacteroidales
markers, were then applied to river water samples (
n
= 24) representing 14 different sites from the French Daoulas River catchment (Brittany, France). Pig-1-Bac and Pig-2-Bac were quantified in 25% and 62.5%, respectively, of samples collected around pig farms, with concentrations ranging from 3.6 to 4.1 log
10
copies per 100 ml of water. They were detected in water samples collected downstream from pig farms but never detected near cattle farms. HF183 was quantified in 90% of water samples collected downstream near Daoulas town, with concentrations ranging between 3.6 and 4.4 log
10
copies per 100 ml of water, and BacR in all water samples collected around cattle farms, with concentrations ranging between 4.6 and 6.0 log
10
copies per 100 ml of water. The results of this study highlight that pig fecal contamination was not as frequent as human or bovine fecal contamination and that fecal pollution generally came from multiple origins. The two pig-specific
Bacteroidales
markers can be applied to environmental water samples to detect pig fecal pollution.
Interaction of
Candida albicans
with an Intestinal Pathogen,
Salmonella enterica
Serovar Typhimurium
Authors: Tampakakis Emmanouil , Peleg Anton Y. , Mylonakis Eleftherios
Published: March 2009

Candida albicans
is an opportunistic human fungal pathogen that normally resides in the gastrointestinal tract and on the skin as a commensal but can cause life-threatening invasive disease.
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium is a gram-negative bacterial pathogen that causes a significant amount of gastrointestinal infection in humans. Both of these organisms are also pathogenic to the nematode
Caenorhabditis elegans
, causing a persistent gut infection leading to worm death. In the present study, we used a previously developed
C. elegans
polymicrobial infection model to assess the interactions between
S.
Typhimurium and
C. albicans
. We observed that when
C. elegans
is infected with
C. albicans
and serovar Typhimurium,
C. albicans
filamentation is inhibited. The inhibition of
C. albicans
filamentation by
S.
Typhimurium in
C. elegans
appeared to be mediated by a secretary molecule, since filter-sterilized bacterial supernatant was able to inhibit
C. albicans
filamentation. In vitro coculture assays under planktonic conditions showed that
S.
Typhimurium reduces the viability of
C. albicans
, with greater effects seen at 37°C than at 30°C. Interestingly,
S.
Typhimurium reduces the viability of both yeast and filamentous forms of
C. albicans
, but the killing appeared more rapid for the filamentous cells. The antagonistic interaction was also observed in a
C. albicans
biofilm environment. This study describes the interaction between two diverse human pathogens that reside within the gastrointestinal tract and shows that the prokaryote,
S.
Typhimurium, reduces the viability of the eukaryote,
C. albicans
. Identifying the molecular mechanisms of this interaction may provide important insights into microbial pathogenesis.
Group BStreptococcusPullulanase Crystal Structures in the Context of a Novel Strategy for Vaccine Development
Authors: Gourlay Louise J. , Santi Isabella , Pezzicoli Alfredo , Grandi Guido , Soriani Marco , Bolognesi Martino
Published: March 2009

The group B streptococcus type I pullulanase (SAP) is a class 13 glycoside hydrolase that is anchored to the bacterial cell surface via a conserved C-terminal anchoring motif and involved in α-glucan degradation. Recent in vitro functional studies have shown that SAP is immunogenic in humans and that anti-SAP sera derived from immunized animals impair both group A and group B streptococcus pullulanase activities, suggesting that in vivo immunization with this antigen could prevent streptococcal colonization. To further investigate the putative role of SAP in bacterial pathogenesis, we carried out functional studies and found that recombinant SAP binds to human cervical epithelial cells. Furthermore, with a view of using SAP as a vaccine candidate, we present high-resolution crystal structure analyses of an N-terminally truncated form of SAP lacking the carbohydrate binding module but containing the catalytic domain and displaying glycosidase hydrolase activity, both in its apo form and in complex with maltotetraose, at resolutions of 2.1 and 2.4 Å, respectively.
Diversity of Prophages in Dominant
Staphylococcus aureus
Clonal Lineages
Authors: Goerke Christiane , Pantucek Roman , Holtfreter Silva , Schulte Berit , Zink Manuel , Grumann Dorothee , Bröker Barbara M. , Doskar Jiri , Wolz Christiane
Published: March 2009

Temperate bacteriophages play an important role in the pathogenicity of
Staphylococcus aureus
, for instance, by mediating the horizontal gene transfer of virulence factors. Here we established a classification scheme for staphylococcal prophages of the major
Siphoviridae
family based on integrase gene polymorphism. Seventy-one published genome sequences of staphylococcal phages were clustered into distinct integrase groups which were related to the chromosomal integration site and to the encoded virulence gene content. Analysis of three marker modules (lysogeny, tail, and lysis) for phage functional units revealed that these phages exhibit different degrees of genome mosaicism. The prevalence of prophages in a representative
S. aureus
strain collection consisting of 386 isolates of diverse origin was determined. By linking the phage content to dominant
S. aureus
clonal complexes we could show that the distribution of bacteriophages varied remarkably between lineages, indicating restriction-based barriers. A comparison of colonizing and invasive
S. aureus
strain populations revealed that
hlb
-converting phages were significantly more frequent in colonizing strains.
Detection of circulating fetal nucleic acids: a review of methods and applications
Authors: Hung E C W , Chiu R W K , Lo Y M D
Published: March 2009

The discovery of cell-free circulating fetal nucleic acids in maternal plasma has opened up new possibilities in non-invasive prenatal diagnosis. The rapid advancement of this field in the past decade is catalysed by the discovery of new classes of fetal nucleic acid markers and technological developments in nucleic acid detection and amplification. In this review, some of the more significant recent developments in this field will be discussed, including the detection of single molecule, chromosomal aneuploidies, single nucleotide variations and placental microRNAs in maternal plasma.
Correlation between molecular and histopathological diagnoses of B cell lymphomas in bone marrow biopsy and aspirates
Authors: Ilgenfritz R B , Kayasut K , Le Tourneau A , Calendini O A , Ouafi L , Marzac C , Diebold J , Devez F , Ducruit V , Bouchet P E , Audouin J , Molina T J
Published: March 2009

Aims:

PCR has been shown previously to be the most sensitive technique to detect a clonal population in marrow aspirates (MAs), and the clinical standard for evaluation of bone marrow lymphoma involvement today is bone marrow trephine biopsy (BMTB). The goal of this study was to compare morphological evaluation of B cell neoplasm in BMTB (histology and immunohistochemistry) and PCR analysis in MA, with both specimens obtained at the same time, in patients with a known molecular marker of the disease.

Methods:

This was a retrospective evaluation of 98 consecutive BMTB specimens from 60 patients with a known B-cell neoplasm and a previous PCR marker of the disease (BCL2and/orIGH).

Results:

Considering theIGHPCR cases alone, a B cell clone was detected in 85% and 39% of the morphology (M) positive and negative groups, respectively. Five M(+),IGH(−) cases were found, including two cases of follicular lymphoma (FL), one case of diffuse large B cell lymphoma, and two cases of mantle cell lymphoma. The FLs had about 20% and 50% of BMTB involvement each. All other cases had minimal lymphoma localisation. The two FLs were alsoBCL2-MBR(+). Use ofBCL2-MBRdetected all M(+) cases and 66% of M(−) cases whenever it was an initial marker of disease.

Conclusions:

IGHPCR alone is not good enough for BMTB assessment, especially in FL. On the other hand, the PCR study forBCL2is more sensitive than morphology, without any false negative results in this series, suggesting thatBCL2-MBRPCR on MA can be used as an alternative and more sensitive examination for disease evaluation, providing that there is careful analysis of data, adequate knowledge of PCR pitfalls and absence of other haematological disorders.
Quantum Decay Cannot Be Completely Reversed: The 5% Rule
Authors: Alicki Robert
Published: March 2009

Using an exactly solvable model of the Wigner-Weisskopf atom, it is shown that an unstable quantum state cannot be recovered completely by the procedure involving detection of the decay products followed by the creation of time-reversed decay products state, as proposed in [1]. The universal lower bound on the recovery error is approximately equal to 5% of the error per cycle — the dimensionless parameter characterizing decay process in the Markovian approximation. This result has consequences for the efficiency of quantum error correction procedures which are based on syndrome measurements and corrective operations.
Higher TRIP-1 level explains diminished collagen contraction ability of fetal versus adult fibroblasts
Authors: Navarro Angels , Rezaiekhaligh Mo , Keightley J. Andrew , Mabry Sherry M. , Perez Ricardo E. , Ekekezie Ikechukwu I.
Published: March 2009

Acute lung injury involving extremely immature lungs often heals without excessive fibrosis unlike later in gestation and in adults. Several factors may be involved, but fibroblast contraction of collagen has been linked to the level of wound fibrosis. To assess whether human lung fibroblasts of fetal versus adult origin differ in ability to contract collagen and define the molecular underpinnings, we performed three-dimensional collagen contraction assay, analyzed their differential mRNA profile, specifically for transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway and extracellular matrix components, studied the cell response to TGF-β in culture, and used two-dimensional gel electrophoresis followed by mass spectrometry to identify differences in their overall proteomes. Human lung fetal fibroblasts contracted the collagen matrix less than the adults. Smooth muscle actin expression did not differ. TGF-β stimulation resulted in greater Smad3 phosphorylation in fetal compared with adults. mRNA and proteomic profiling reveal a number of TGF-β pathways, ECM components, and cytoskeletal regulatory molecules are differentially expressed between the cell types. Of note is TGF-β receptor interacting protein 1 (TRIP-1), which we show inhibits fibroblast collagen contraction and is higher in fetal than adult fibroblasts. We conclude that human lung fetal fibroblasts are less able to contract collagen than adult lung fibroblasts. The diminished ability is not due to impediment of Smad3 activation but rather, at least in part, due to their higher level of TRIP-1 expression. TRIP-1 is a novel modulator of fibroblast collagen contraction.
Cellular Therapy for Repair of Cardiac Damage after Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Cook Matthew M. , Kollar Katarina , Brooke Gary P. , Atkinson Kerry
Published: March 2009

Cardiovascular diseases, particularly acute myocardial infarction, are the leading causes of death worldwide. Important advances have been made in the secondary treatment for cardiovascular diseases such as heart transplantation and medical and surgical therapies. Although these therapies alleviate symptoms, and may even improve survival, none can reverse the disease process and directly repair the lasting damage. Thus, the cure of cardiovascular diseases remains a major unmet medical need. Recently, cellular therapy has been proposed as a candidate treatment for this. Many stem and progenitor cell populations have each been suggested as a potential basis for such therapy. This review assesses some of the more notable exogenous adult cell candidates and provides insights into the mechanisms by which they may mediate improvement in cardiac function following acute myocardial infarction. Research into the cellular therapy field is of great importance for the further planning of clinical trials for cardiac cellular myoplasty.
Toward a Poetics of the Biblical Mind: Language, Culture, and Cognition
Authors: Jindo Job
Published: March 2009

This article shows how cognitive investigation of biblical metaphors enables us to fathom the basic categories through which biblical writers conceived of God, humans, and the world. This investigation is part of a work-in-progress that employs recent studies in cognitive linguistics to explore the Weltanschauung of ancient Israel as reflected in the use of language in biblical literature. The article first explains the cognitive linguistic account of metaphor; it next illustrates how this discipline can be applied to the study of the complex relationships between language, culture, and cognition; and it then exemplifies how this cognitive approach can enhance our understanding of such relationships in biblical literature.
The Ordinary Conception of Race in the United States and Its Relation to Racial Attitudes: A New Approach
Authors: Glasgow Joshua , Shulman Julie , Covarrubias Enrique
Published: March 2009

Many hold that ordinary race-thinking in the USA is committed to the 'one-drop rule', that race is ordinarily represented in terms of essences, and that race is ordinarily represented as a biological (phenotype- and/or ancestry-based, non-social) kind. This study investigated the extent to which ordinary race-thinking subscribes to these commitments. It also investigated the relationship between different conceptions of race and racial attitudes. Participants included 449 USA adults who completed an Internet survey. Unlike previous research, conceptions of race were assessed using concrete vignettes. Results indicate widespread rejection of the one-drop rule, as well as the use of a complex combination of ancestral, phenotypic, and social (and, therefore, non-essentialist) criteria for racial classification. No relationship was found between racial attitudes and essentialism, the one-drop rule, or social race-thinking; however, ancestry-based and phenotype-based classification criteria were associated with racial attitudes. These results suggest a complicated relationship between conceptions of race and racial attitudes.
Influence of a pipe tool on borehole modes
Authors: Sinha Bikash K. , Şimşek Ergün , Asvadurov Sergey
Published: March 2009

A sonic measurements-while-drilling tool consists of acoustic transmitters and receivers mounted on a drill collar that has the form of a thick steel pipe. This mandrel is designed to meet the strength requirements of tough logging conditions encountered in deviated and horizontal drilling. A primary goal of sonic measurement is to estimate formation compressional and shear slownesses that are not affected by the presence of a drill collar. Understanding the basic physics of monopole, flexural, and quadrupole modes in a cylindrically layered structure consisting of a concentric steel pipe in a water-filled borehole can help in estimating formation compressional and shear slownesses from at least one branch, either of the monopole, dipole, or quadrupole family of modes. Results show that coupling between the pipe and formation modes is strongly dependent on formation properties relative to the borehole-fluid compressional slowness. Thepresence of a steel pipe tool in a borehole causes a significant increase in the Stoneley dispersion at low frequencies. However, the Stoneley slownesses at high frequencies remain essentially the same as those in the open hole without a mandrel. The leaky compressional dispersion in slow formations produced by a monopole source also is perturbed at frequencies where the open-hole leaky compressional and Stoneley-wave dispersions are close to each other. Although there is a strong interference between the pipe and formation flexural modes in fast formations, such interference in slow formations occurs at very low frequencies, and the formation flexural dispersion is less affected by the presence of a drill collar at higher frequencies. Interestingly, the presence of a drill collar in a borehole causes rather small changes in the lowest-order quadrupole dispersion from the case of an open hole without a mandrel. Consequently, quadrupole logging is a preferred choice for estimating the formation shear slowness.
Sex-specific developmental plasticity in response to yolk corticosterone in an oviparous lizard
Authors: Uller Tobias , Hollander Johan , Astheimer Lee , Olsson Mats
Published: March 2009

Corticosterone exposure during prenatal development as a result of maternal upregulation of circulating hormone levels has been shown to have effects on offspring development in mammals. Corticosterone has also been documented in egg yolk in oviparous vertebrates, but the extent to which this influences phenotypic development is less studied. We show that maternal corticosterone is transferred to egg yolk in an oviparous lizard (the mallee dragon, Ctenophorus fordi Storr), with significant variation among clutches in hormone levels. Experimental elevation of yolk corticosterone did not affect hatching success, incubation period or offspring sex ratio. However,corticosterone did have a sex-specific effect on skeletal growth during embryonic development. Male embryos exposed to relatively high levels of corticosterone were smaller on average than control males at hatching whereas females from hormone-treated eggs were larger on average than control females. The data thus suggest that males are not just more sensitive to the detrimental effects of corticosterone but rather that the sexes may have opposite responses to corticosterone during development. Positive selection on body size at hatching for both sexes in this species further suggests that increased corticosterone in egg yolk may have sex-specific fitness consequences, with potential implications for sex allocation and the evolution of hormone-mediated maternal effects.
Variability of blowfly head optomotor responses
Authors: Rosner R. , Egelhaaf M. , Grewe J. , Warzecha A. K.
Published: March 2009

Behavioural responses of an animal are variable even when the animal experiences the same sensory input several times. This variability can arise from stochastic processes inherent to the nervous system. Also, the internal state of an animal may influence a particular behavioural response. In the present study, we analyse the variability of visually induced head pitch responses of tethered blowflies by high-speed cinematography. We found these optomotor responses to be highly variable in amplitude. Most of the variability can be attributed to two different internal states of the flies with high and low optomotor gain, respectively. Even within a given activity state, there is some variability of head optomotor responses. The amount of this variability differs for the two optomotor gain states. Moreover, these two activity states can be distinguished on a fine timescale and without visual stimulation, on the basis of the occurrence of peculiar head jitter movements. Head jitter goes along with high gain optomotor responses and haltere oscillations. Halteres are evolutionary transformed hindwings that oscillate when blowflies walk or fly. Their main function is to serve as equilibrium organs by detecting Coriolis forces and to mediate gaze stabilisation. However, their basic oscillating activity was also suggested to provide a gain-modulating signal. Our experiments demonstrate that halteres are not necessary for high gain head pitch to occur. Nevertheless, we find the halteres to be responsible for one component of head jitter movements. This component may be the inevitable consequence of their function as equilibrium and gaze-stabilising organs.
Mechanics of generating friction during locomotion on rough and smooth arboreal trackways
Authors: Lammers Andrew R.
Published: March 2009

Traveling on arboreal substrates is common among most small mammals living anywhere vegetation grows. Because arboreal supports vary considerably in surface texture, animals must be able to adjust their locomotor biomechanics to remain stable on such supports. I examined how gray short-tailed opossums(Monodelphis domestica), which are generalized marsupials living on or near the ground, adjust to travel on rough and smooth 2 cm-diameter arboreal trackways. Limb contact position was determined viahigh-speed videography, and substrate reaction force was measured by an instrumented section of each branch trackway. Normal and shear forces were calculated from substrate reaction force and limb contact position around the branch trackways. Normal force is greater in forelimbs, probably because of the forelimb's greater weight support role. Shear force was identical between limb pairs, most likely because of interactions between vertical force, limb placement, mediolateral force, and torque. The opossums adjusted to the smooth trackway mainly by reducing speed, changing footfall patterns and increasing normal force. I predict that arboreal specialists will show less change in performance between rough and smooth arboreal trackways because of their greater ability to grasp or maintain contact with arboreal substrates.
Synthesis and Properties of Triphenylamine- and 9-Phenylcarbazole-cored Star-shaped Terfluorenes: Understanding the Effect of Molecular Dimensionality
Authors: Lai Wen-Yong , Zhu Xing-Rong , He Qi-Yuan , Huang Wei
Published: March 2009

Two star-shaped terfluorenes with either triphenylamine or 9-phenylcarbazole core structure with different dimensionality were synthesized. The optical, thermal, electrochemical, and electroluminescent properties were investigated in comparison with those of the low-dimensional linear counterparts. Strong correlation between the molecular dimensionality and associated optoelectronic properties was demonstrated.
A High-contrast Dichroic Crystal: A New Metal-containing Tecton with Hybrid Coordination- and Hydrogen-bonding Interactions
Authors: Houjou Hirohiko , Kokubun Misako , Yoshikawa Isao , Araki Koji
Published: March 2009

A newly discovered crystalline material showed high-contrast dichroism. The arrangement of the chromophore in the crystal fairly accounts for the angular dependence of the light absorption. This material demonstrates a new application of metal-containing supramolecular architectures to wave optics.
Smallpox and Cowpox under the Southern Cross: The Smallpox Epidemic of 1789 and the Advent of Vaccination in Colonial Australia
Authors: Bennett Michael J.
Published: March 2009

In histories of smallpox and vaccination, little attention has been paid to their progress in the southern latitudes. In this paper, I focus on the appearance of smallpox around Sydney Cove in 1789 and the introduction of cowpox (vaccine) to New South Wales in 1804. I demonstrate the connections, historical and virological, between the two events and examine the role of variolation in the spread of smallpox and in anticipating vaccination. I argue that imported "variolous matter," perhaps obtained in Cape Town, may have been the source of infection in the catastrophic epidemic among the Aborigines in 1789. I likewise examine the means by which vaccine was brought to Australia in relation to comparable initiatives around the Indian Ocean. I assess the significance of the early history of vaccination in Australia in relation to subsequent developments and as a remarkable demonstration of the global reach of the new prophylactic.
The World's First Immunization Campaign: The Spanish Smallpox Vaccine Expedition, 1803–1813
Authors: Mark Catherine , Rigau-Pérez José G.
Published: March 2009

Smallpox produced the death of up to thirty percent of those infected, so Jenner's preventive method spread quickly. The Spanish government designed and supported a ten-year effort to carry smallpox vaccine to its American and Asian territories in a chain of arm-to-arm vaccination of children. An expedition directed by Doctor Francisco Xavier de Balmis sailed from Corunna in November 1803, stopping in the Canary Islands, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela. Balmis led a subexpedition to Cuba, Mexico, and the Philippines; his assistants returned to Mexico in 1807, while Balmis took vaccine to China and returned to Spain (and again to Mexico, 1810–13). Vice-director José Salvany and his staff took vaccine to present-day Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Chilean Patagonia. The Spanish Royal Philanthropic Vaccine Expedition shows the first attempts to solve questions still important for the introduction of new immunizations—professionalization in public health, technology transfer, protection of research subjects, and evaluation of vaccine efficacy, safety, and cost.
Prevalence of Developmental Coordination Disorder Using the DSM-IV at 7 Years of Age: A UK Population–Based Study
Authors: Lingam Raghu , Hunt Linda , Golding Jean , Jongmans Marian , Emond Alan
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE. To calculate the prevalence of developmental coordination disorder at 7 years of age by using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition criteria in a large UK birth cohort.

METHODS. Cases of developmental coordination disorder were defined by using data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, a UK birth cohort. The motor coordination of >7000 children was assessed by using tests that measured manual dexterity, ball skills, and balance. The 5th percentile of the derived Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children coordination impairment score was used to define severe motor coordination difficulties. Data from national handwriting tests and an activities-of-daily-living scale quantified the impact of poor coordination on daily life. Children with known neurologic conditions or an IQ of <70 were excluded.

RESULTS. Complete data were available from 6990 children aged 7 to 8 years who attended the coordination session and completed the writing test or activities-of-daily-living scale. One hundred twenty-three children met criteria for developmental coordination disorder, resulting in a prevalence of 18 of 1000 children at a mean age of 7.5 years (SD: 2.9 months). An additional 223 children were considered as having “probable developmental coordination disorder” by using broader cut-offs for coordination testing and activities of daily living. There was an increased risk of developmental coordination disorder in families from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, in children with a birth weight of <2500 g, and those born before 37 weeks' gestation.

CONCLUSIONS. This is the first study to use strict criteria to define the prevalence of developmental coordination disorder in a representative cohort of UK children. A prevalence of 1.8% is lower than studies that have not taken into account the impact of poor motor coordination on daily living but indicates that poor coordination is an important, and often hidden, cause of disability in childhood.
Vertical intra-industry trade, technology and income distribution: A panel data analysis of EU trade with Central-East European countries
Authors: Gabrisch H.
Published: March 2009

This paper tests a neo-Heckscher-Ohlin versus a neo-Ricardian framework for explaining vertical intra-industry trade. The study applies panel techniques with instrument variables to analyse trade between ‘old’ EU and 10 Central-East European countries in their post-transition period. Results show country-pair fixed effects to be of high relevance for explaining vertical intra-industry trade. Technology differences are positively, while differences in factor endowment, measured in GDP per capita, are negatively correlated with vertical intra-industry trade, and confirm the relevance of the neo-Ricardian approach. In addition, changing bilateral differences in personal income distribution during the transition of Central-East European countries towards a market economy contribute to changes in vertical intra-industry trade.
A new method for mechanical testing of thin films: Application to aluminum
Authors: Kruml T. , Stranyanek M. , Ctvrtlik R. , Bohac P. , Vystavel T. , Panek P.
Published: March 2009

A new method for measuring plastic properties of thin films deposited on a substrate is presented. Micrometric cylindrical specimens with the axis perpendicular to the film surface were prepared by milling out the surrounding material using the focused ion beam technique. Such specimens were deformed by means of a nanoindenter outfitted with a flat diamond tip. An equivalent to the macroscopic compressive curve was obtained. Elastic modulus and hardness of the film were then measured using a Berkovich tip. The precise knowledge of the gage length and the independent measurement of elastic properties enable the accurate determination of the stress–strain curve. As compared with the results published in the literature on the specimens with the same dimensions, the studied material deforms less heterogeneously, probably as a consequence of the symmetric crystallographic orientation of the specimens.
Formation of carbon capsules from an amorphous carbon film by Ga and Ni/Co catalysts in a transmission electron microscope
Authors: Wang Cheng-Yu , Chen Yen-Chih , Chu Wen-Huei , Liu Chuan-Pu , Boothroyd C.B.
Published: March 2009

Direct conversion of an amorphous carbon (C) film to capsules by gallium (Ga), and nickel and cobalt (NiCo) alloy particles upon heating is investigated in situ by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Capsules are catalyzed in an NH3 atmosphere when the temperature is raised to 1050 °C. High resolution TEM reveals that graphene flakes initially nucleate at the surface of the catalysts, then segregate and transform into faceted multi-shell capsules upon continued heating. The solubility of carbon in the NiCo alloy particles can be differentiated from the solubility of carbon in Ga particles by the thickness of the walls. The C/Ga binary phase in nanoparticles is discussed regarding the formation of thin-walled carbon capsules.
Monodisperse SiC/vinyl ester nanocomposites: Dispersant formulation, synthesis, and characterization
Authors: Yong Virginia , Thomas Hahn H.
Published: March 2009

A novel dispersant “mono-2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl succinate” was formulated for dispersing 30-nm SiC nanoparticles in vinyl ester resin. The eight carbon rule was used as the guideline to achieve a particle–particle separation of 20 to 60 nm for colloid stability. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was performed to characterize the SiC particle surfaces. Only a negligible amount of oxidized layer was observed; which illustrates that the SiC surface is basic. Thus, the Lewis base-Lewis acid reactions make the functional group –COOH an effective adsorbate to the SiC nanoparticle surface. The organofunctional group “methacrylates,” which exhibits the best wet strength with polyester copolymerizes with styrene monomers in the vinyl ester during cure. Hence, this novel dispersant also acts as an efficient coupling agent that reacts with both SiC and vinyl ester. The monolayer coverage dosage of 62 fractional wt% of the dispersant was used to attain the minimum filled resin viscosity. The multicomponent compositional imaging using atomic force microscopy confirmed the monodisperse SiC nanoparticles in vinyl ester. The 3 vol% SiC reinforced vinyl ester achieved a 75% increase in modulus, 42% increase in strength, and 75% increase in toughness as compared with the neat resin without nanofiller reinforcement.
Productivity of Ephemeral Headwater Riparian Forests Impacted by Sedimentation in the Southeastern United States Coastal Plain
Authors: Jolley Rachel L. , Lockaby B. Graeme , Cavalcanti Guadalupe G.
Published: March 2009

Riparian forests serve an essential function in improving water quality through the filtering of sediments and nutrients from surface runoff. However, little is known about the impact of sediment deposition on productivity of riparian forests. Sediment inputs may act as a subsidy to forest productivity by providing additional nutrients for plant uptake or may act as a stress by creating anoxic soil conditions. This study determined how sediment deposition affected riparian forests along ephemeral headwater streams at Ft. Benning, Georgia, USA. Above‐ and belowground productivity, leaf‐area index (LAI), and standing crop biomass for fine roots, shrubs, and trees were compared along a gradient of present sedimentation rates in 17 riparian forests. Annual litterfall production was determined from monthly collections using 0.25‐ m2traps; woody biomass was determined from annual diameter at breast height (DBH) measurements using species‐specific allometric equations; fine root productivity was determined using sequential coring; LAI was measured by expanding specific leaf area by annual litterfall production; and shrub biomass was determined using species‐specific biomass equations based on height and root collar diameter. Significant declines in litterfall, woody biomass production, fine root production, LAI, and shrub biomass were found with as little as 0.1 to 0.4 cm yr−2sedimentation. We conclude that the levels of sedimentation in this study do not subsidize growth in ephemeral headwater riparian forests but instead create a stress similar to that found under flooded conditions.
The effect of bio-based plasticizer on the permanence and water vapor transport properties of PVC plastigels
Authors: Okieimen F.E. , Egbuchunam T.O. , Balköse D.
Published: March 2009

Novel formulations of PVC plastisols based on blends of bio-based and synthetic plasticizers were prepared and characterized. A traditional phthalate plasticizer, dioctylphthalate, was replaced in the plastisols studied by the epoxidized rubber seed oil (4.5 % oxirane content). The plastisols formed were processed into plastigels and characterized in terms of permanence properties using leaching and migration tests and water vapour barrier properties. It was found that the permanence properties of PVC/DOP plastigels were maintained in the presence of up to 50 % ERSO, and that blending with DOP did not impair the water barrier properties of PVC plastigels.
The application of microwaves in essential oil hydrodistillation processes
Authors: Miletic Predrag , Grujic Radoslav , Marjanovic-Balaban Zeljka
Published: March 2009

The influence of microwaves pre-treatment of raw plant materials (wooded greenery and fruits of conifers-fir, spruce, pine, juniper and Douglas fir) on the kinetics of the essential oil hydrodistillation using the Unger-type apparatus was studied. These plant materials are important feedstocks in the Republic of Srpska, as they could be used for the industrial production of essential oils for pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries. The main goal was to find out how the microwave pre-treatment of the raw plant materials affected the duration of hydrodistillation and the final yield of the essential oil. The application of microwaves pre-treatment shortened the hydrodistillation process which could significantly affect the economy of the essential oil production.
1,25(OH)2D3 Induced Alterations in Plasma Calcium, Inorganic Phosphate, Ultimobranhial Gland and Parathyroid Gland of the Garden Lizard, Calotes Versicolor
Authors: Srivastava Bhawna , Mishra Diwakar , Srivastav Sunil , Suzuki Nobuo , Srivastav Ajai
Published: March 2009

1,25(OH)2D3Induced Alterations in Plasma Calcium, Inorganic Phosphate, Ultimobranhial Gland and Parathyroid Gland of the Garden Lizard,Calotes Versicolor

Garden lizardsCalotes versicolorwere procured and given daily intraperitoneal injections of 30 pmol of 1,25(OH)2D3/50 g body wt for 30 days. Lizards were sacrificed on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 10th, 15thand 30thday of the experiment. The plasma calcium levels ofC. versicolorremain unaffected after day 1 following 1,25(OH)2D3treatment. After day 3 the levels increase significantly which progresses up to day 10. Thereafter, the plasma calcium level tends to decrease on day 15 and the levels become normal at day 30. In 1,25(OH)2D3injected lizards the plasma inorganic phosphate levels remain unaltered up to day 3. After day 5, the value increases significantly. This increase progresses up to day 15. On day 30, the levels become almost normal. The ultimobranchial gland exhibits hyperactivity following 5 day 1,25(OH)2D3treatment which is expressed by an increase in the nuclear volume and weak staining response of the cytoplasm of ultimobranchial cells. After day 10, the nuclear volume is further increased and some of the cells are exhausted. Following 15 days 1,25(OH)2D3treatment the nuclear volume records an increase and many degenerating cells are discerned. After day 30, the nuclear volume is almost normal, most cells seem to be recovered and only a few degenerating cells are noticed. After day 10 and day 15 following 1,25(OH)2D3treatment, the parathyroid glands ofC. versicolorshow reduced chromaticity of nuclei and a progressive decrease in the nuclear volume of parathyroidal cells. On day 30, the nuclear volume tends to become normal and a few degenerating cells are observed.