bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lack of Interleukin-6/Glycoprotein 130/Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription-3 Signaling in Hepatocytes Predisposes to Liver Steatosis and Injury in Mice
Authors: Kroy Daniela C. , Beraza Naiara , Tschaharganeh Darjus F. , Sander Leif E. , Erschfeld Stephanie , Giebeler Arne , Liedtke Christian , Wasmuth Hermann E. , Trautwein Christian , Streetz Konrad L.
Published: November 2009

A deregulated cytokine balance is involved in triggering the sequence from steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, ultimately leading to liver fibrosis and cancer. To better define the role of proinflammatory interleukin-6 (IL-6)-type cytokines in hepatocytes we investigated the role of IL-6 and its shared receptor, glycoprotein 130 (gp130), in a mouse model of steatohepatitis. IL-6−/− mice were fed a choline-deficient, ethionine-supplemented (CDE) diet. Conditional gp130 knockout and knockin mice were used to achieve hepatocyte-specific deletion of gp130 (gp130Δhepa), gp130-dependent rat sarcoma (Ras)-(gp130ΔhepaRas), and signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT)-(gp130ΔhepaSTAT) activation. CDE-treated IL-6−/− mice showed a significant hepatic steatosis at 2 weeks after feeding. The mice rapidly developed elevated fasting blood glucose, insulin serum levels, and transaminases. To better define IL-6-dependent intracellular pathways, specifically in hepatocytes, we next treated gp130Δhepa mice with a CDE diet. These animals also developed a marked steatosis with hyperglycemia and displayed elevated insulin serum levels. Additionally, gp130Δhepa animals showed an imbalanced inflammatory response with increased hepatic tumor necrosis factor-alpha and decreased adiponectin messenger RNA levels. Dissecting the hepatocyte-specific gp130-dependent pathways revealed a similar disease phenotype in gp130ΔhepaSTAT mice, whereas gp130ΔhepaRas animals were protected. In CDE-treated mice lack of gp130-STAT3 signaling was associated with immune-cell-infiltration, jun kinase-activation, a blunted acute-phase-response, and elevated transaminases. Furthermore, gp130Δhepa and gp130ΔhepaSTAT mice showed beginning signs of liver fibrosis compared to gp130ΔhepaRas mice and controls.

Conclusion:

During CDE treatment mice lacking IL-6 and gp130-STAT signaling in hepatocytes are prone to hepatic metabolic changes and inflammation. This ultimately leads to progressive steatohepatitis with signs of liver remodeling. Thus, the presented model allows one to further dissect the role of IL-6/gp130-type signaling in hepatocytes during fatty liver degeneration to define new therapeutic targets in metabolic liver diseases. (Hepatology 2010.)
Fermentation and oxygen transfer characteristics in recombinant human growth hormone production by Pichia pastoris in sorbitol batch and methanol fed‐batch operation
Authors: Çalık Pınar , İnankur Bahar , Soyaslan Elif Ş. , Şahin Merve , Taşpınar Hatice , Açık Eda , Bayraktar Eda
Published: November 2009

BACKGROUND: The influence of methanol feed rate on recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) production by Pichia pastoris hGH‐Mut+ in medium containing sorbitol was investigated at three different specific growth rates (µ), namely, 0.02 (MS‐0.02), 0.03 (MS‐0.03), and 0.04 (MS‐0.04).

RESULTS: Increasing methanol feed rate above MS‐0.03 did not affect sorbitol consumption, showing that µ = 0.03 h−1 is a threshold limiting value, above which sorbitol utilization became independent of methanol feed rate. Moreover, when sorbitol was consumed, no further cell growth was observed. Increase in methanol feed rate triggered cell synthesis and the highest cell concentration was obtained at MS‐0.04 as 48 g L−1 (t = 18 h); whereas, the highest rhGH production, 270 mg L−1, was obtained at MS‐0.03 as a consequence of lower extracellular protease production and higher AOX activity (41 U g−1 CDW). Oxygen uptake rate increased with increasing µ, having the maximum value, 76.6 mmol m−3 s−1, at MS‐0.04. KLa had a tendency to increase with µ, having a maximum value of 0.15 s−1 at MS‐0.04 (t = 15 h).

CONCLUSION: By considering rhGH concentration and oxygen transfer characteristics, the bioprocess can be improved by a two‐stage feeding strategy, operating at MS‐0.04 at the beginning of fermentation, and thereafter shifting to MS‐0.03. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Article Commentary: The ‘Baltic Way’ forward
Authors: Dombrovskis Valdis
Published: November 2009

In the 20 years since the ‘Baltic Way’, a common identity has resurfaced among the Baltic states, which are bound by strong geo-strategic interests and political ties to the European Union, NATO and the forum of cooperation of the Baltic and Nordic countries (NB-8). One of the EU's current challenges is to address the problems of uneven infrastructure and economic development in the Baltic region, along with the environmental hazards threatening the Baltic Sea. The author argues that the EU's Baltic Sea Strategy will be highly useful for restoring and maintaining the ecological balance of the Baltic Sea and for promoting balanced economic development in the region. Latvia is committed to the development of an integrated energy market and seeks to foster growth and competitiveness through the elimination of economic and social disparities in the Baltic region. Full support from all Baltic states, the European Union and international institutions and programmes is essential for reaching these goals.
Article Commentary: The transformation of Poland since 1989
Authors: Buzek Jerzy
Published: November 2009

The article describes the internal influences in Poland that allowed the country to emerge from Soviet influence with relative ease and prosperity. The author examines the strong public culture that led to the weakening of the grasp of the Communist Party on the nation, and the decisive political and economic reforms taken by Solidarity that allowed Poland in the 1990s to emerge quickly from the perils of misdevelopment that were due to Soviet influence. The author describes the useful role played by major political goals, such as the Copenhagen criteria, in helping to further develop the stature of the country into the beginning of this decade. The author asserts that the decisive transformations that took place in Poland over the last two decades provide principles to strategize economic recovery in present day.
A study of owner observed behavioural and lifestyle changes in cats with musculoskeletal disease before and after analgesic therapy
Authors: Bennett David , Morton Carolyn
Published: November 2009

This study describes the use of a simple questionnaire-based tool to identify behavioural/lifestyle changes that are associated with chronic pain in the cat. These changes were grouped into four behavioural domains (mobility, activity, grooming and temperament). Twenty-three cats with chronic musculoskeletal pain as determined by clinical examination were included. The owners of these cats were asked to complete a questionnaire before and 28 days after the start of analgesic treatment (meloxicam). This included a global assessment of changes in behaviour and assessment of the degree of behavioural change observed within each of the defined domains. The attending veterinary surgeon was independently asked to provide a global score before and after treatment. Both owners and veterinary surgeons reported significant changes in behaviour/lifestyle after analgesic therapy. There was no difference between the owners and veterinary surgeons global assessments at baseline but there was at day 28 (P=0.02). The owners' scores decreased from a median of 5 at baseline to 3 at 28 days (P=0.0004) while the median veterinary surgeon scores decreased from 5 to 2 at 28 days (P<0.0001). There was a statistically significant reduction in the owners' scores for each of the four domains with the greatest reduction occurring in the activity category (P=0.0001). This study shows that owner assessment of changes in their cat's behaviour/lifestyle is an important method of identifying chronic pain in their pets.
A comparative study evaluating the esophageal transit time of eight healthy cats when pilled with the FlavoRx pill glide versus pill delivery treats
Authors: Bennett Alexander D. , MacPhail Catriona M. , Gibbons Debra S. , Lappin Michael R.
Published: November 2009

Retention of tablets or capsules in the feline esophagus can be associated with esophagitis and esophageal stricture formation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the esophageal passage of tablets and capsules when administered with either a one-step pill gun with flavored liquid (FlavoRx pill glide) or a pill delivery treat (Pill Pockets). Four different medication administrations were evaluated on different days in eight normal cats: tablets with FlavoRx pill glide (T-FG), tablets with pill delivery treats (T-PP), capsules with FlavoRx pill glide (C-FG) and capsules with pill delivery treats (C-PP). The estimated average transit time was 36 s for T-FG, 60 s for T-PP, 16 s for C-FG, and 24 s for C-PP. The results of this study suggest that either pill delivery method is acceptable for successful passage of tablets or capsules into the stomach of cats using a single replicate.
False Fire: The Wartburg Book-Burning of 1817
Authors: Press Steven Michael
Published: November 2009

A twenty-first-century visitor must find it difficult to imagine that the Thuringian city of Eisenach, lately known for its shopping, once held a place in the collective memory of Germans. On October 18, 1817, 450 students descended upon Eisenach for the Wartburg Festival, a two-day commemoration of the tricentenary of Martin Luther's Ninety-Five Theses and the fourth anniversary of the Battle of Leipzig. Drawing on the symbolic power of nearby Wartburg Castle, best known as Luther's hideout in 1521, the festival witnessed a number of songs and speeches calling peacefully for the introduction of reforms by German governments. But that was only part of the story. In a sideshow to the official proceedings, a handful of students also claimed to throw “reactionary” literature into a bonfire, thus interesting police across Europe.
Anticipating the Future in the Present: “New Women” and Other Beings of the Future in Weimar Germany
Authors: Graf Rüdiger
Published: November 2009

Why another article about the “new woman” in Weimar Germany, which for at least twenty-five years has been a favorite topic of historical scholarship in various disciplines? Earlier studies in history, art history, and German and Gender Studies unmasked the “new woman” as a media construction unrelated to the life-world of women after World War I, and newer studies emphasize the liberating tendencies, especially for younger women in Weimar Germany. Broadening these perspectives, I will argue that the concept of the “new woman” and its specific temporal structure can be seen further as a paradigm case for Weimar political and intellectual debates in general. “New women” were conceptualized as anticipations of the future and thus need to be situated and understood in front of the broader horizon of expectation, in the words of Reinhart Koselleck, of Weimar Germany. Because the realm of politics is constituted by expectations of the future, of what will happen and of what may be done, an analysis of the “new woman” and concurring anticipations of the future can, in turn, elucidate the structure and dynamics of political discourse in Weimar Germany.
Preliminary findings on the Virtual Environment for Radiotherapy Training (VERT) system: simulator sickness and presence
Authors: Flinton David M. , White Nick
Published: November 2009

Background:Virtual environments in medical education are becoming increasingly popular as a learning tool. However, there is a large amount of evidence linking these systems to adverse effects that mimic motion sickness. It is also proposed that the efficacy of such systems is affected by how well they engage the user, which is often referred to as presence.

Purpose:This primary purpose of this study was to look at the side effects experienced and presence in the Virtual Environment for Radiotherapy Training (VERT) system which has recently been introduced.

Method:A pre-VERT questionnaire was given to 84 subjects to ascertain general health of the subjects. The simulator sickness questionnaire was utilised to determine the side effects experienced, whereas the igroup presence questionnaire was used to measure presence. Both questionnaires were given immediately after use of the VERT system.

Results:The majority of symptoms were minor; the two most commonly reported symptoms relating to ocular issues. No relationship was seen between simulator sickness and presence although subjects with a higher susceptibility to travel sickness had reported higher levels of disorientation and nausea. There was also a decrease in involvement with the system in subjects with a higher susceptibility to travel sickness.
Relationship between refractivity turbulence intensity from MST radar observations and synoptic‐scale vorticity
Authors: Nastrom G. D. , Eaton F. D.
Published: November 2009

The relationship between the refractivity turbulence structure constant (Cn2) and the synoptic‐scale relative vorticity (ζ) is investigated using observations made with the VHF radar at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, over the years 2001–2004. During November–April the frequency distributions of the correlation coefficients for Cn2 and ζ, Cn2 and wind speed, the turbulent kinetic energy (σt2) and ζ, and Cn2 and σt2, show a close relationship between Cn2 and ζ. Large increases of Cn2 occur at about 9–14 km during times of cyclone passages, as expected since Cn2 depends strongly on static stability (in dry air), the static stability increases above the tropopause, and the height of the tropopause falls during cyclone passages. The analysis was repeated using distance from the tropopause as the vertical coordinate in order to remove this simple dependence on static stability, and it is found the strong relationship between Cn2 and ζ persists in the tropopause‐relative coordinates. When the values of Cn2 are averaged into bins based on ζ, the changes in ζ explain over 90% of the variance of mean Cn2. A regression model for Cn2 by altitude as a function of ζ is developed. The correlation patterns found at Vandenberg AFB are corroborated with the large sets of 50 MHz radar data from White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, and the Middle and Upper Atmosphere radar near Shigaraki, Japan. Although the three sites are located at similar latitudes, they are in very different topographic and climatic regions, suggesting the results found here are fairly general for midlatitude conditions.
Seismologists and Statisticians Establish New Research Targets: Sixth International Workshop on Statistical Seismology (StatSei 6); Lake Tahoe, California, 12–16 April 2009
Authors: Schorlemmer Danijel , Jackson David D.
Published: November 2009

Statistical seismology has become a vital international research field, exploring earthquake probabilities, models of earthquake occurrence, ground motion, and hypothesis testing. It draws on mathematics, physics, and geology and informs public policy and risk management.

About 80 participants attended the Sixth International Workshop on Statistical Seismology (StatSei 6) in California. The Southern California Earthquake Center hosted this meeting with support from the U.S. National Science Foundation, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the Collaboratory for the Study of Earthquake Predictability (CSEP). As in previous StatSei workshops, participants reported significant progress in understanding earthquake spatial, temporal, and size distributions and earthquake triggering, and in the forecasting power of physical and statistical models. Many of these models involve fractal behavior with power law distributions both of earthquake sizes and of distances and times between events.
New “Informatics” Index Term Category
Authors: Sears Jon
Published: November 2009

A new category has been added to the AGU index terms to allow indexing of items related to areas such as data management and analysis, large‐scale computational experimentation and modeling, and hardware and software infrastructure. Topics included in the “1900 Informatics” category, compiled by representatives of AGU's Earth and Space Science Informatics (ESSI) focus group, include metadata, ontologies, virtual globes, semantic technology, and virtualization.
Arctic Report Card
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: November 2009

The 2009 annual update of the Arctic Report Card, issued on 22 October, indicates that “warming of the Arctic continues to be widespread, and in some cases dramatic. Linkages between air, land, sea, and biology are evident.” The report, a collaborative effort of 71 national and international scientists initiated in 2006 by the Climate Program Office of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), highlights several concerns, including a change in large‐scale wind patterns affected by the loss of summer sea ice; the replacement of multiyear sea ice by first‐year sea ice; warmer and fresher water in the upper ocean linked to new ice‐free areas; and the effects of the loss of sea ice on Arctic plant, animal, and fish species.

“Climate change is happening faster in the Arctic than any other place on Earth—and with wide‐ranging consequences,” said NOAA administrator Jane Lubchenco. “This year's Arctic Report Card underscores the urgency of reducing greenhouse gas pollution and adapting to climate changes already under way.”
Arctic Conference Brings Together All Natural Science Disciplines: UK Arctic Science Conference; Southampton, United Kingdom, 13–15 July 2009
Authors: Bacon Sheldon , Leakey Ray
Published: November 2009

The profile of Arctic science in a warming world is growing ever higher, given ongoing and likely future changes to all aspects of Arctic climate. In addition, progress in any field of Arctic science usually requires an understanding of several directly related fields. To foster interdisciplinary connections, the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton (NOCS) funded and hosted a 3‐day multidisciplinary meeting to bring together U.K. Arctic scientists of all natural science disciplines.

The meeting comprised seven sessions for spoken presentations on physical oceanography; atmosphere and methane; terrestrial glaciology; terrestrial biogeochemistry and ecology, and geosciences; sea ice; marine biogeochemistry and ecology; and climate and paleorecords. A poster session included an additional category on data and information. The conference report and a description of the meeting scope are available at http://www.ukarcticscience.org/.
Measuring soil moisture and ocean salinity
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: November 2009

The European Space Agency (ESA) lofted two satellites into orbit atop a single launch vehicle on 2 November: the Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) mission and the second demonstration satellite under ESA's Project for Onboard Autonomy (Proba‐2). SMOS, the first satellite designed to map sea surface salinity and monitor soil moisture on a global scale, features the Microwave Imaging Radiometer Using Aperture Synthesis (MIRAS), an interferometer that connects 69 receivers to measure the temperature of the reflection of Earth's surface in the microwave frequency range.
New Journal Editors Appointed
Authors: Major Barbara
Published: November 2009

At GRL, new editors Noah Diffenbaugh (Stanford University, Stanford, Calif.), Paolo D'Odorico (University of Virginia, Charlottesville), Ruth Harris (U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Menlo Park, Calif.), Wolfgang Knorr (University of Bristol, Bristol, UK), Geoffrey Tyndall (National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, Colo.), and Michael Wysession (Washington University, St. Louis, Mo.) have joined Editor‐in‐Chief Eric Calais and other editors Margaret Chen, Fabio Florindo, Anne Müller, Nikolai Ostgaard, Eric Rignot, and Meric Srokosz.
Prokaryotic expression, purification and characterization of a novel pro‐apoptosis protein hPNAS‐4
Authors: Deng Hongxin , Jiang Qingyuan , Liang Shufang , Yan Fei , Hou Shengyan , Qian Zhiyong , Li Jiong , Wen Yanjun , Yang Jinliang , Wei Yuquan
Published: November 2009

Recently, hPNAS‐4 [human PNAS‐4; also known as C1orf121 (Genbank® accession number NP‐057160)] was reported to be a novel pro‐apoptotic protein in mammalian cells. However, at present there is little information about hPNAS‐4 and its molecular mechanisms. In our present studies, the hPNAS‐4 gene was first cloned into the pGEX‐6p‐1 vector with a GST (glutathione transferase) tag to express in soluble form in Escherichia coli induced with 0.5 mM IPTG (isopropyl β‐D‐thiogalactoside) at 25°C, and the recombinant hPNAS‐4 was purified to near homogeneity with 96% purity by affinity chromatography and anion‐exchange chromatography. The purified hPNAS‐4 protein was further identified by liquid chromatography–ESI (electrospray ionization)‐MS analysis and used to raise polyclonal antibodies that could specifically recognize the hPNAS‐4 protein. In addition, hPNAS‐4 is localized to the cytoplasm and the perinuclear compartment. Furthermore, the overexpression of hPNAS‐4 in human A549 lung cancer cells resulted in decrease of cell viability via apoptosis. This study represented an important step to investigate the characterization for the new pro‐apoptosis protein hPNAS‐4, which should aid the discovery of new drug targets for the development of effective therapeutic approaches to cancer in the future.
Energy relaxation probed by weak antilocalization measurements in GaN heterostructures
Authors: Cheng H. , Biyikli N. , Xie J. , Kurdak Ç. , Morkoç H.
Published: November 2009

Energy relaxation and electron-phonon (e-p) interaction are investigated in wurtzite Al0.15Ga0.85N/AlN/GaN and Al0.83In0.17N/AlN/GaN heterostructures with polarization induced two-dimensional electron gases in the Bloch–Grüneisen regime. Weak antilocalization (WAL) and Shubnikov–de Haas measurements were performed on gated Hall bar structures at temperatures down to 0.3 K. We used WAL as a thermometer to measure the electron temperature Te as a function of the dc bias current. We found that the power dissipated per electron, Pe, was proportional to Te4 due to piezoelectric acoustic phonon emission by hot electrons. We calculated Pe as a function of Te without any adjustable parameters for both the static and the dynamic screening cases of piezoelectric e-p coupling. In the temperature range of this experiment, the static screening case was expected to be applicable; however, our data was in better agreement with the dynamic screening case.
Ground states of the massless Dereziński–Gérard model
Authors: Ohkubo Atsushi
Published: November 2009

We consider the massless Dereziński–Gérard model introduced by Dereziński and Gérard in 1999. We give a sufficient condition for the existence of a ground state of the massless Dereziński–Gérard model without the assumption that the Hamiltonian of particles has compact resolvent.
Surface plasmon resonance-based gas sensor with chalcogenide glass and bimetallic alloy nanoparticle layer
Authors: Sharma Anuj K , Jha Rajan
Published: November 2009

A theoretical model for a gas sensor based on chalcogenide prism and surface plasmon resonance is proposed. The metal layer consists of Ag–Au alloy nanoparticles. The chalcogenide prism is made of sulfide glass Ge20Ga5Sb10S65, commonly known as 2S2G. The angular interrogation method is used to analyze the sensor’s performance in terms of its intrinsic sensitivity that takes into account both the angular shift as well as the angular width of plasmon resonance curve. The effect of operating wavelength along with the size and composition ratio of alloy nanoparticle is studied on sensor's performance. The sensor’s performance improves with an increase in nanoparticle size and silver fraction. Large operating wavelength is found to be useful for accurate gas sensing. Therefore, proposed sensor can be very useful for gaseous sensing in infrared due to large operating window of chalcogenide materials.
Extended x-ray absorption fine structure study of arsenic in HgCdTe: p-type doping linked to nonsubstitutional As incorporation in an unknown AsHg8 structure
Authors: Biquard X. , Alliot I. , Ballet P.
Published: November 2009

An extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) investigation has been carried out on arsenic-doped Hg70Cd30Te samples. The incorporation of atomic arsenic has been achieved using a nonconventional radio-frequency plasma source in a molecular beam epitaxy reactor. Two samples from the same epitaxial wafer have been studied. One underwent a 400°C activation annealing under Hg pressure, leading to n to p-type conversion. In the commonly admitted scenario, this conversion is associated with the annealing-induced migration of As from a Hg site to a Te site. This study shows that this is not the case. Before annealing, As is found to be involved in noncrystalline structures: 50% inside an As2Te3 chalcogenide glass and 50% inside a new AsHg8 compact structure. After annealing, the As2Te3 chalcogenide glass disappears, 31% of As occupies Hg sites and 69% incorporates inside this new AsHg8 compact structure that occupies Te sites. The EXAFS results are in excellent agreement with 77K Hall-effect measurements. The new AsHg8 structure is found to have an acceptor behavior. Overall, this study provides an entirely new vision of extrinsic p-type doping of HgCdTe as well as the first experimental evidence of As site transfer induced by annealing.
In situ x-ray diffraction investigation on early stages of oxidation at 900 °C of γ-TiAl dipped in a phosphoric acid solution
Authors: Brou S. Y. , Renault P. O. , Huvier C. , Grosseau-Poussard J. L. , Bonnet G.
Published: November 2009

The short term oxidation behavior of γ-TiAl treated in low-concentration phosphoric acid solution has been investigated at 900 °C in air. A pyrophosphate film isomorphous to TiP2O7 is formed during the initial thermal treatment step and is responsible for a subsequent large reduction in the oxidation rate. During the initial course of oxidation at 900 °C, the pyrophosphate film transforms into a TiO2 solid solution containing phosphorus. This transformation impedes the usual oxides external growing mechanisms and leads to an internal development of the oxide scale with an associated reduced oxidation rate.
Atomic and electronic structure of the YBa2Cu3O7/SrTiO3 interface from first principles
Authors: Wang Zhongchang , Tsukimoto Susumu , Saito Mitsuhiro , Ikuhara Yuichi
Published: November 2009

The atomic structure, adhesion energy, and bonding nature of the YBa2Cu3O7(001)/SrTiO3(001) interface are systematically investigated from first principles. A total of 48 candidate interface geometries, which involve two SrTiO3 terminations, six YBa2Cu3O7 terminations, and four highly symmetric stacking sequences, were considered. Although the SrTiO3 substrate has a negligible effect on the atomic structure of optimal TiO2-terminated interface, its electronic influence is significant: the electronic states of interfacial O of YBa2Cu3O7 resemble those of O in bulk SrTiO3 rather than bulk YBa2Cu3O7. Consequently, the interfacial O of YBa2Cu3O7 can be reasonably regarded as a natural extension of substrate layer across the interface. However, the effect of substrate on the optimal SrO-terminated interface is twofold characterized atomically by straightening the originally zigzag interfacial YBa2Cu3O7 layer and electronically by altering noticeably the density of states projected on this layer. In addition, the substrate is found to affect the interface chemistry via tuning effectively the first monolayer of the YBa2Cu3O7 film.The preferred geometries (i.e., having the largest adhesion energy) are those that maintain the substrate perovskite stacking across the interface. By applying several methods of analysis, we thoroughly characterized electronic structure and determined that interfacial bonding is mainly ionic, yet maintains a small degree of covalency.
Boundary Lax pairs from non-ultra-local Poisson algebras
Authors: Avan Jean , Doikou Anastasia
Published: November 2009

We consider non-ultra-local linear Poisson algebras on a continuous line. Suitable combinations of representations of these algebras yield representations of novel generalized linear Poisson algebras or “boundary” extensions. They are parametrized by a boundary scalar matrix and depend, in addition, on the choice of an antiautomorphism. The new algebras are the classical-linear counterparts of the known quadratic quantum boundary algebras. For any choice of parameters, the non-ultra-local contribution of the original Poisson algebra disappears. We also systematically construct the associated classical Lax pair. The classical boundary principal chiral model is examined as a physical example.
Statistical mechanical theory for nonequilibrium systems. X. Nonequilibrium phase transitions
Authors: Attard Phil
Published: November 2009

A general theory for the stability and coexistence of nonequilibrium phases is formulated. An integral formulation of the second entropy is given, the functional maximization of which yields nonlinear hydrodynamics. Rayleigh–Bénard convection is analyzed, and analytic approximations are obtained for the second entropy for conduction and for convection. Despite the simplicity of the model, coexistence is predicted for a Rayleigh number within 5% of the known value.
Mapping out the distribution of electronic states in the mobility gap of amorphous zinc tin oxide
Authors: Erslev Peter T. , Sundholm Eric S. , Presley Rick E. , Hong David , Wager John F. , Cohen J. David
Published: November 2009

Amorphous zinc tin oxide (ZTO) is a wide-band-gap (transparent) semiconductor which exhibits high electron mobilities irrespective of its disordered nature. Transient photocapacitance (TPC), drive level capacitance profiling (DLCP), and modulated photocurrent spectroscopy (MPC) were used to determine the electronic state distribution within the mobility gap of ZTO. Conduction band-tail and valence band-tail Urbach energies near 10 and 110 meV were obtained by MPC and TPC, respectively. DLCP indicated free carrier densities in the mid-1015 cm−3 range plus a 0.2eV wide band of defects 0.4eV from the conduction band. The MPC spectra for ZTO also disclosed a defect band near the conduction band-tail.
Magnetic anisotropy tuned by interfacial engineering
Authors: Lei N. , Wei D. H. , Tian C. S. , Xiao S. H. , Hou D. Z. , Zhou L. H. , Jin X. F.
Published: November 2009

With continuous variable composition, an artificial pseudomorphic template of 1 ML Cu1−xAux was achieved by epitaxial growth on Cu(001), in which the magnetic anisotropy and the spin reorientation transition of Ni films were investigated in situ. The result clearly indicates that the strain induced protruding nanostructures at the interface dominates in tuning the magnetic anisotropy, while the interface chemistry plays a minor role.
Effects of a Gd capping layer on electrical characteristics of metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistors with a TaC gate electrode and a HfSiON gate dielectric
Authors: Park Hong Bae , Park Chang Seo , Kang Chang Yong , Song Seung-Chul , Lee Byoung Hun , Jang Tae-Young , Kim Tea Wan , Jeong Jae Kyeong , Choi Rino
Published: November 2009

Effects of Gd capping of HfSiON gate dielectric on the characteristics of n metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor (nMOSFET) with TaC gate electrode were investigated. MOSFETs with an in situ deposited Gd/TaC bilayer demonstrated a reduced equivalent oxide thickness, 0.9 nm, and low VTH, 0.25 V, compared with MOSFETs without Gd capping layer. Backside secondary ion mass spectroscopy revealed that Gd atoms were diffused into the high-k gate dielectric and interfacial layer between high-k dielectric and Si substrate. The dipole moment at the high-k/SiO2 interface due to Hf–O and RE–O bonds is used to explain the VTH change.
Spin-polarized tunneling in fully epitaxial magnetic tunnel diodes with a narrow-gap In1−xMnxAs electrode
Authors: Saito H. , Yuasa S. , Ando K.
Published: November 2009

We investigated spin-dependent tunneling properties in fully epitaxial Fe/ZnSe/In1−xMnxAs with a metal/insulator/semiconductor structure. A tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) ratio up to 14% was observed, which is the first TMR reported in tunnel junctions with a narrow-gap magnetic semiconductor electrode. This magnetic tunnel diode should be a major breakthrough in developing a Kisaki-type spin bipolar transistor.
Faecal testosterone concentrations and the acoustic behaviour of two captive male Australian fur seals
Authors: Tripovich Joy S. , Rogers Tracey L. , Dutton Geoff
Published: November 2009

Seasonal changes in reproductive and acoustic behaviour are potentially affected by hormonal fluctuations; however, as it is difficult to routinely sample marine mammals, these associations are mostly inferred. Australian fur seals are vocal marine mammals that have a highly synchronous breeding season. The present study collected information on the testosterone concentration in faeces, vocalisations and behaviour of two captive male Australian fur seals to determine whether there are any associations between these variables. Positive associations were evident between the non-interactive agonistic behaviours (Head sway, Lay down and Head up) and an increase in calling rate of the bark calls in males. Barks were highest during August through to October, corresponding to the breeding period, while faecal testosterone levels peaked in September, coinciding with the high frequency in the calling rates of barks. Guttural threat calls were rarely heard throughout the year, but peaked in August. This call was not frequently heard but was associated with specific behaviours that were produced during more intense fighting interactions. This study presents preliminary information on the vocalisations, behaviour and hormone profiles for two captive Australian fur seals. Future studies with increased sample sizes from both wild and captive animals would clarify the intricate association between these factors.
Fungi consumed by translocated Gilbert's potoroos (Potorous gilbertii) at two sites with contrasting vegetation, south coastal Western Australia
Authors: Bougher N. L. , Friend J. A.
Published: November 2009

Gilbert’s potoroo (Potorous gilbertii) was previously widespread in south-west Australia but is now restricted to one location – a granitic area of shrubby heath at Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve on the south coast of Western Australia. To alleviate the threat of extinction a program is under way to establish potoroos in other locations. At Two Peoples Bay Gilbert’s potoroos feed almost exclusively on truffle fungi. However, it was not known whether potoroos translocated to any new areas would be able to rapidly access and consume fungi after translocation, or whether truffles could be a sustainable food supporting breeding populations of potoroos in translocation sites. Furthermore, it was not known whether translocation of potoroos would be successful only in areas with vegetation similar to their refuge at Two Peoples Bay. The current study addressed these questions by analysing the diet of potoroos translocated into two contrasting areas – one on Bald Island with similar topography and vegetation to that of Two Peoples Bay, and the other a 14-ha enclosure on the mainland dominated by Eucalyptus–Allocasuarina woodland. The diet of potoroos was characterised by microscopic examination of scats from individuals trapped after their translocation to these areas. At Bald Island a diverse range of fungi was consumed immediately after translocation. Four potoroos released onto the island only 4–8 days previously consumed 23 species of fungi. Consumption was sustained over time. Three potoroos released onto Bald Island 1–2 years previously and one island-born individual consumed 27 species of fungi during a two-day sampling period. Nine of the 27 fungi species were the same as those that had been consumed by the potoroos within days after their release onto the island. This indicates that production of fungi and their consumption by potoroos on the island was sustained at least 1–2 years after translocation. Potoroos bred on Bald Island during this period. During the same period, two potoroos that were moved from captivity to the mainland site (Ryedene) were consuming six species of truffles within 29 days after release, and 14 species within three months. Such data indicate that a wider selection of vegetation types and areas than just those similar to where potoroos occur at Two Peoples Bay may be able to sustain potoroos and should be investigated for future translocations.
Heritability of feed intake in grazing Merino ewes and the genetic relationships with production traits
Authors: Fogarty N. M. , Safari E. , Mortimer S. I. , Greeff J. C. , Hatcher S.
Published: November 2009

The feed intake of 1279 mature non-pregnant and non-lactating Merino ewes grazing pasture was estimated by faecal marker dilution methods using rumen controlled-release devices containing chromium sesquioxide capsules. The ewes were from two genetic resource flocks (QPLU$ flock at Trangie in NSW and a Western Australia flock at Katanning) that are representative of the major bloodlines and strains in the Australian Merino population. Pedigree information over several generations was used to genetically link other animals from the resource flocks that had additional production data to allow estimation of genetic correlations between feed intake and production traits with greater accuracy. Data were available for over 16 000 records for growth, wool and reproduction traits from the ewes and their relatives, together with carcass and meat quality traits from over 4000 rams that were slaughtered at ~18 months of age. Feed intake of the ewes was significantly affected by the reproductive status of the ewes at their previous lambing and feed intake, expressed as relative digestible dry matter intake (rDDMI), had an estimated heritability of 0.32 ± 0.08. The genetic correlations between rDDMI and growth traits were positive and larger than their standard error for birth (0.24 ± 0.12) and hogget (0.20 ± 0.09) weight, although inclusion of ewe liveweight as a covariate in the model reduced the correlations to close to zero. Generally, the genetic correlations between rDDMI and the wool, reproduction, carcass and meat quality traits were close to zero and smaller than their standard errors, with little effect of including ewe liveweight as a covariate. The results suggest that feed requirements of ewes could be reduced by selection, although ewe weight and growth would also decline unless accounted for in the model. Practical and cost effective methods of measurement of intake under grazing conditions need to be developed.
Long axis heat distribution in a tunnel-ventilated broiler house equipped with an evaporative pad cooling system
Authors: Dağtekin M. , Karaca C. , Yildiz Y.
Published: November 2009

Chicken meat and egg production in the Çukurova region of Southern Turkey shows enormous potential for growth. However, high temperatures in summer pose serious difficulties for these types of production. Evaporative pad cooling systems have been used to minimise rises in temperature and are commonly used in poultry houses in this region.
The change of air temperature from the entry point to the system through the pads, to the exit point of the broiler house was investigated in this study. Experiments were carried out in a tunnel-ventilated broiler house in the Çukurova region. The broiler house has the capacity to house 15 000 chicks with a floor area of 70 by 12 m. In this experiment, the broiler house incorporated 15-cm-thick cellulose-based pads.
Results obtained in August–September 2007 revealed a cooling efficiency of 69.35%, a 5.19°C decrease from the outside air temperature after passing through the pads, and a 1.52°C increase in air temperature at the exit point, which was located at the end of the broiler house.
Pests and pathogens.
Authors: Dixon G. R.
Published: November 2009

This chapter describes the different forms of crop loss caused by pests and pathogens in Brassica crops, including land capital value and direct yield loss. It identifies the major pests (insects, nematodes, molluscs and vertebrates) and pathogens (fungi, bacteria, viruses and mycoplasma-like organisms) and highlights the importance of crop monitoring and forecasting for their control.
Genetics and breeding.
Authors: Lindhout P.
Published: November 2009

This chapter summarizes the achievements of tomato breeders over the last century and the developments in research. It covers genetic variation within the genus Lycopersicon, diversity among and within wild species of Lycopersicon, collection and preservation of genetic resources, cytogenetics, molecular linkage maps, applications of molecular markers, map-based cloning, history of tomato breeding (breeding for resistance to biotic stress and abiotic factors, for specific production systems, or for quality), seed production, biotechnology, and transgenic or genetically modified organisms.
Irrigation and fertilization.
Authors: Peet M.
Published: November 2009

This chapter provides irrigation and fertilization guidelines for tomato crop production, and highlights the water and fertilization requirements of the plant at different stages of development, interactions between nutrients, response to deficiencies and excesses of N, P, K, Ca and Mg, and interactions between watering and fertilization regimes as they relate to various physiological disorders (blossom-end rot, goldspot, oedema, fruit cracking and russeting).
Postharvest biology and handling.
Authors: Saltveit M. E.
Published: November 2009

The harvesting and handling, packaging and postharvest ripening of tomatoes are described. Temperature management (cooling after harvest, and temperature during storage, transport and marketing), and the use of controlled atmospheres during storage and modified-atmosphere packaging are discussed.
Taxonomic classification and brief history.
Authors: Luby J. J.
Published: November 2009

This chapter covers the origin and spread of the domesticated apples and discusses the taxonomy and evolution of apples in the family Rosaceae and species in the genus Malus.
Light relations.
Authors: Grappadelli L. C.
Published: November 2009

This chapter covers the main aspects of tree light relations, beginning with a definition of the main physical properties of light, followed by an examination of physiological aspects in trees related to light utilization such as photosynthesis and translocation. The basis of orchard productivity, light effects on plant physiological parameters, and controlling light levels in orchards by bagging, use of reflectants and shading are discussed.
Flower and fruit thinning and vegetative: fruiting balance.
Authors: Byers R. E.
Published: November 2009

The history of flower and fruit thinning, along with the commercially important physiological effects of thinning are discussed. Adjuvants and thinning chemicals and their physiological effects, as well as their applications are presented. The influence of photosynthetic reserves on the fruit set and chemical thinning of apples following ovule fertilization are also discussed. Notes are presented on chemicals that induce flower bud formation without thinning.
Integrated fruit production for apples - principles and guidelines.
Authors: Avilla J. , Riedl H.
Published: November 2009

The concept and principles of integrated fruit production, highlighting the integrated production for apples are discussed. Case studies on the integrated fruit production for apples in South Tyrol, Italy; Patagonia, Argentina; New Zealand; and Oregon, USA are presented.
Principles and practices of postharvest handling and stress.
Authors: Watkins C. B.
Published: November 2009

This chapter outlines the principles and practices involved in postharvest handling and stress of apples. The effects of fruit maturity and harvest time, harvesting and handling, storage, and physiological and pathological disorders in the crop at postharvest are discussed.
Core resources and attractors: the essence of destination appeal.
Authors: Ritchie J. R. B. , Crouch G. I.
Published: November 2009

This chapter examines the factors that motivate individuals to choose one particular destination over the myriad other possibilities. When all the complexities of destination choice are stripped away, it is essentially the core resources and attractors that underlie the basic desire to travel to a given destination. These also provide the foundation for an exciting and memorable destination experience. The core resources and attractors are of seven major types.
Qualifying and amplifying determinants: parameters that define destination potential.
Authors: Ritchie J. R. B. , Crouch G. I.
Published: November 2009

This chapter examines qualifying and amplifying determinants, which represent factors whose effect on the competitiveness of a tourist destination is to define its scale, limit or potential. Qualifying and amplifying determinants or conditioners are factors of competitiveness that either moderate, modify, mitigate and filter, or magnify, strengthen, enhance and augment the impact of all other determinants. A destination may, for example, be inherently competitive because it is innately attractive, is well managed and possesses strong supporting resources, but still be uncompetitive because the situation it finds itself in qualifies this potential in one or more significant ways. Conversely, a destination which is intrinsically weak may have its tourism potential boosted by some amplifying factor which enables the destination to attract a larger market share than its traditional touristic qualities would suggest vis-a-vis its competitors.
Origin, history, production and processing.
Authors: Huang XuMing Huang XuMing , Subhadrabandhu S. , Mitra S. K. , Ben-Arie R. , Stern R. A.
Published: November 2009

This chapter covers the history of cultivation of longan and litchi (Litchi chinensis); litchi production in China, Vietnam, Thailand, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Philippines, Indonesia, southern Africa, Australia, North America, Brazil, Mexico and Israel; longan production in China, Vietnam, Thailand, Australia and USA; drying and canning of longan and litchi fruits; products from litchi and longan (juice and nectar, and frozen fruits); and international trading of longan and litchi.
Propagation.
Authors: Mitra S. K. , Ray P. K.
Published: November 2009

This chapter describes the propagation of longan and litchi (Litchi chinensis) from seeds and through vegetative propagation methods (planting of stem cuttings, air layering, side grafting, whip and tongue grafting, splice grafting, approach grafting, and budding).
Fruit set, development and maturation: litchi.
Authors: Huang HuiBai Huang HuiBai
Published: November 2009

This chapter discusses the following aspects of fruit development and maturation in litchi (Litchi chinensis): embryology, histology and organogenesis; types of fruit; fruit growth stages; fruit abscission; role of growth regulators (auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, abscisic acid and ethylene) in fruit development; and changes in sugars, acids, nutrient uptake and colour during fruit maturation.
Decision analysis with multiple objectives.
Authors: Hardaker J. B. , Huirne R. B. M. , Anderson J. R. , Lien G.
Published: November 2009

This chapter sets out the components and methods that permit decision analysis with multiple objectives, in the context of agriculture. Sections discuss: the concepts of objectives and attributes; structuring of the decision problem; basic concepts in multi-attribute utility; assessing attribute utilities; methods for weighing attribute utilities; multi-attribute utility analysis under uncertainty; and other forms of multi-attribute utility analysis.