bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE GUT‐ASSOCIATED LYMPHOID SYSTEM OF TWO SPECIES OF AUSTRALIAN MARSUPIAL MICE, ANTECHINUS SWAINSONII AND ANTECHINUS STUARTII. DISTRIBUTION, FREQUENCY AND STRUCTURE OF PEYER'S PATCHES AND LYMPHOID FOLLICLES IN THE SMALL AND LARGE INTESTINE
Authors: Poskitt David C , Duffey Kerry , Barnett Jennifer , Kimpton Wayne G , Muller H Konrad
Published: August 2007

The distribution and number of Peyer's patches (5) in two species of marsupial mice, Antechinus swainsonii and Antechinus stuartii was found to be the same even though the length of the intestine in the latter species was half that of the former. Both species luck a caecum and appendix.

The position of the Peyer's patches is unusual in that the first three Peyer's patches are on the right side of the small intestine whereas the penultimate and ultimate Peyer's patches are large, contain many lymphoid follicles and are in an anti‐mesenteric position in the small intestine and sometimes in the large intestine (ultimate Peyer's patch).

The number of Peyer's patches in eutherian mice of similar size, and intestinal length is greater (13) although the number of Peyer's patch lymphoid follicles per centimetre intestine is less (1·8) than in A. swainsonii (4) and A. stuartii (4·4). Marsupial mice have most of their lymphoid follicles confined to a few large Peyer's patches, whereas eutherian mice have fewer lymphoid follicles per unit intestinal length, more Peyer's patches (with fewer lymphoid follicles) evenly distributed along the intestine and more single lymphoid follicles interspersed between them.
Reductive dechlorination of chloroethenes by Dehalococcoides-containing cultures enriched from a polychlorinated-dioxin-contaminated microcosm
Authors: Futamata Hiroyuki , Yoshida Naoko , Kurogi Takashi , Kaiya Shinichi , Hiraishi Akira
Published: August 2007

The reductive dechlorinating abilities for chloroethenes of seven enrichment cultures from polychlorinated-dioxin-dechlorinating microcosm were investigated using culture-independent and -dependent methods. These cultures were constructed and maintained with 1,2,3-trichlorobenzene (1,2,3-TCB) or fthalide as an electron acceptor and hydrogen as an electron donor. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis of the amplified fragments targeting the 16S rRNA gene showed one or two major bands, whose nucleotide sequences were then analyzed and were found to suggest that Dehalococcoides was one of the dominant bacteria in all enrichment cultures. The nucleotide sequence data revealed that the identity of the major band was 100% identical to the 16S rRNA gene sequence of the Pinellas subgroup of the Dehalococcoides clusters, that is, strains CBDB1 and FL2. Genetic diagnosis targeting the pceA, tceA, bvcA, vcrA and reductive dehalogenase homologous (rdh) gene was performed to investigate the potential for reductive chloroethene dechlorination of cultures. The required length of PCR-amplified fragments was not observed, suggesting that these cultures are not capable of reductively dechlorinating chloroethenes. However, a culture-dependent test indicated that two cultures, TUT1903 and TUT1952, reductively dechlorinated tetrachloroethene (PCE) to trichloroethene (TCE), although not completely. While, TUT2260 and TUT2264 completely converted PCE to TCE and dichloroethenes, but not further. These results suggest that these TUT cultures might include a novel type of bacteria belonging to the Dehalococcoides group and that currently available information on both the 16S rRNA gene and rdh gene sequences is insufficient to definitively evaluate the potential abilities for reductive dechlorination.
Viral photosynthetic reaction center genes and transcripts in the marine environment
Authors: Sharon Itai , Tzahor Shani , Williamson Shannon , Shmoish Michael , Man-Aharonovich Dikla , Rusch Douglas B , Yooseph Shibu , Zeidner Gil , Golden Susan S , Mackey Shannon R , Adir Noam , Weingart Uri , Horn David , Venter J Craig , Mandel-Gutfreund Yael , Béjà Oded
Published: August 2007

Cyanobacteria of the genera Synechococcus and Prochlorococcus are important contributors to photosynthetic productivity in the open ocean. The discovery of genes (psbA, psbD) that encode key photosystem II proteins (D1, D2) in the genomes of phages that infect these cyanobacteria suggests new paradigms for the regulation, function and evolution of photosynthesis in the vast pelagic ecosystem. Reports on the prevalence and expression of phage photosynthesis genes, and evolutionary data showing a potential recombination of phage and host genes, suggest a model in which phage photosynthesis genes help support photosynthetic activity in their hosts during the infection process. Here, using metagenomic data in natural ocean samples, we show that about 60% of the psbA genes in surface water along the global ocean sampling transect are of phage origin, and that the phage genes are undergoing an independent selection for distinct D1 proteins. Furthermore, we show that different viral psbA genes are expressed in the environment.
Dissecting focal adhesions in cells differentially expressing calreticulin: a microscopy study
Authors: Papp Sylvia , Fadel Marc P. , Opas Michal
Published: August 2007

Background information. Our previous studies have shown that calreticulin, a Ca2+‐binding chaperone located in the endoplasmic reticulum, affects cell—substratum adhesions via the induction of vinculin and N‐cadherin. Cells overexpressing calreticulin contain more vinculin than low expressers and make abundant contacts with the substratum. However, cells that express low levels of calreticulin exhibit a weak adhesive phenotype and make few, if any, focal adhesions. To date, the identity of the types of focal adhesions made by calreticulin overexpressing and low expressing cells has not been dissected.

Results. The results of the present study show that calreticulin affects fibronectin matrix assembly in L fibroblast cell lines that differentially express the protein, and that these cells also differ profoundly in focal adhesion formation. Although the calreticulin overexpressing cells generate numerous interference‐reflection‐microscopy‐dark, vinculin‐ and paxillin‐containing classical focal contacts, as well as some fibrillar adhesions, the cells expressing low levels of calreticulin generate only a few weak focal adhesions. The fibronectin receptor was found to be clustered in calreticulin overexpressing cells, but diffusely distributed over the cell surface in low expressing cells. Plating L fibroblasts on fibronectin‐coated substrata induced extensive spreading in all cell lines tested. However, although calreticulin overexpressing cells were induced to form classical vinculin‐rich focal contacts, the low calreticulin expressing cells overcame their weak adhesive phenotype by induction of many tensin‐rich fibrillar adhesions, thus compensating for the low level of vinculin in these cells.

Conclusions. We propose that calreticulin affects fibronectin production and, thereby, assembly, and it indirectly influences the formation and/or stability of focal contacts and fibrillar adhesions, both of which are instrumental in matrix assembly and remodelling.
Synaptic signalling in cerebellar plasticity
Authors: Evans Gareth J.O.
Published: August 2007

A major goal of learning and memory research is to correlate the function of molecules with the behaviour of organisms. The beautiful laminar structure of the cerebellar cortex lends itself to the study of synaptic plasticity, because its clearly defined patterns of neurons and their synapses form circuits that have been implicated in simple motor behaviour paradigms. The best understood in terms of molecular mechanism is the parallel fibre—Purkinje cell synapse, where presynaptic long‐term potentiation and postsynaptic long‐term depression and potentiation finely tune cerebellar output. Our understanding of these forms of plasticity has mostly come from the electrophysiological and behavioural analysis of knockout mutant mice, but more recently the knock‐in of synaptic molecules with mutated phosphorylation sites and binding domains has provided more detailed insights into the signalling events. The present review details the major forms of plasticity in the cerebellar cortex, with particular attention to the membrane trafficking and intracellular signalling responsible. This overview of the current literature suggests it will not be long before the involvement of the cerebellum in certain motor behaviours is fully explained in molecular terms.
Zinc-Mediated Reductive Cyclodimerization of α,β-Unsaturated Aryl Ketones Under Aqueous Conditions
Authors: Kumar Anil , Kumar Satish , Kapoor Kamal K.
Published: August 2007

Zinc-mediated reductive cyclodimerization of α,β-unsaturated aryl ketones produces 3,4-trans-diarylcyclopentanols 2 regio- and stereoselectively in good yields in a 1:4 (v/v) mixture of saturated aqueous NH4Cl and tetrahydrofuran at room temperature.
A Study of the Heck Reaction in Non-Polar Hydrocarbon Solvents and in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Lee Jin-Kyun , Williamson Rachel M. , Holmes Andrew B. , Bush Edward J. , McConvey Ian F.
Published: August 2007

The effects of electronic and steric properties of phosphorus ligands on Heck reactions in supercritical CO2 and non-polar hydrocarbon solvents were studied. In Heck reactions between iodobenzene and butyl acrylate, higher yields were obtained with less electron-rich phosphine ligands. This trend was also observed with the electron-poor triphenyl phosphite. A range of sterically demanding phosphites were then investigated. Biphenyl-containing phosphites 8 and 13 were found to be highly effective. In the Heck reaction between the less-reactive bromobenzene and butyl acrylate, the bulky, electron-rich tri-tert-butylphosphine ligand produced the best yield. These results emphasize the importance of both electronic and steric properties of phosphorus ligands in the Heck reaction in non-polar solvents.
Soil erosion and agricultural sustainability
Authors: Montgomery David R.
Published: August 2007

Data drawn from a global compilation of studies quantitatively confirm the long-articulated contention that erosion rates from conventionally plowed agricultural fields average 1–2 orders of magnitude greater than rates of soil production, erosion under native vegetation, and long-term geological erosion. The general equivalence of the latter indicates that, considered globally, hillslope soil production and erosion evolve to balance geologic and climate forcing, whereas conventional plow-based agriculture increases erosion rates enough to prove unsustainable. In contrast to how net soil erosion rates in conventionally plowed fields (≈1 mm/yr) can erode through a typical hillslope soil profile over time scales comparable to the longevity of major civilizations, no-till agriculture produces erosion rates much closer to soil production rates and therefore could provide a foundation for sustainable agriculture.
Chemotaxis of sperm cells
Authors: Friedrich Benjamin M. , Jülicher Frank
Published: August 2007

We develop a theoretical description of sperm chemotaxis. Sperm cells of many species are guided to the egg by chemoattractants, a process called chemotaxis. Motor proteins in the flagellum of the sperm generate a regular beat of the flagellum, which propels the sperm in a fluid. In the absence of a chemoattractant, sperm swim in circles in two dimensions and along helical paths in three dimensions. Chemoattractants stimulate a signaling system in the flagellum, which regulates the motors to control sperm swimming. Our theoretical description of sperm chemotaxis in two and three dimensions is based on a generic signaling module that regulates the curvature and torsion of the swimming path. In the presence of a chemoattractant, swimming paths are drifting circles in two dimensions and deformed helices in three dimensions. The swimming paths can be described by a dynamical system that exhibits different dynamic regimes, which correspond to different chemotactic behaviours. We conclude that sampling a concentration field of chemoattractant along circular and helical swimming paths is a robust strategy for chemotaxis that works reliably for a vast range of parameters.
Gtdap-1
promotes autophagy and is required for planarian remodeling during regeneration and starvation
Authors: González-Estévez Cristina , Felix Daniel A. , Aboobaker Aziz A. , Saló Emili
Published: August 2007

Remodeling is an integral component of tissue homeostasis and regeneration. In planarians, these processes occur constantly in a simple tractable model organism as part of the animal's normal life history. Here, we have studied the gene
Gtdap-1
, the planarian ortholog of human death-associated protein-1 or
DAP-1
. DAP-1, together with DAP-kinase, has been identified as a positive mediator of programmed cell death induced by γ-IFN in HeLa cells. Although the function of DAP-kinase is well characterized, the role of DAP-1 has not been studied in detail. Our findings suggest that
Gtdap-1
is involved in autophagy in planarians, and that autophagy plays an essential role in the remodeling of the organism that occurs during regeneration and starvation, providing the necessary energy and building blocks to the neoblasts for cell proliferation and differentiation. The gene functions at the interface between survival and cell death during stress-inducing processes like regeneration and starvation in sexual and asexual races of planarians. Our findings provide insights into the complex interconnections among cell proliferation, homeostasis, and cell death in planarians and perspectives for the understanding of neoblast stem cell dynamics.
Species richness, hotspots, and the scale dependence of range maps in ecology and conservation
Authors: Hurlbert Allen H. , Jetz Walter
Published: August 2007

Most studies examining continental-to-global patterns of species richness rely on the overlaying of extent-of-occurrence range maps. Because a species does not occur at all locations within its geographic range, range-map-derived data represent actual distributional patterns only at some relatively coarse and undefined resolution. With the increasing availability of high-resolution climate and land-cover data, broad-scale studies are increasingly likely to estimate richness at high resolutions. Because of the scale dependence of most ecological phenomena, a significant mismatch between the presumed and actual scale of ecological data may arise. This may affect conclusions regarding basic drivers of diversity and may lead to errors in the identification of diversity hotspots. Here, we examine avian range maps of 834 bird species in conjunction with geographically extensive survey data sets on two continents to determine the spatial resolutions at which range-map data actually characterize species occurrences and patterns of species richness. At resolutions less than 2° (≈200 km), range maps overestimate the area of occupancy of individual species and mischaracterize spatial patterns of species richness, resulting in up to two-thirds of biodiversity hotspots being misidentified. The scale dependence of range-map accuracy poses clear limitations on broad-scale ecological analyses and conservation assessments. We suggest that range-map data contain less information than is generally assumed and provide guidance about the appropriate scale of their use.
TRPA1 mediates formalin-induced pain
Authors: McNamara Colleen R. , Mandel-Brehm Josh , Bautista Diana M. , Siemens Jan , Deranian Kari L. , Zhao Michael , Hayward Neil J. , Chong Jayhong A. , Julius David , Moran Magdalene M. , Fanger Christopher M.
Published: August 2007

The formalin model is widely used for evaluating the effects of analgesic compounds in laboratory animals. Injection of formalin into the hind paw induces a biphasic pain response; the first phase is thought to result from direct activation of primary afferent sensory neurons, whereas the second phase has been proposed to reflect the combined effects of afferent input and central sensitization in the dorsal horn. Here we show that formalin excites sensory neurons by directly activating TRPA1, a cation channel that plays an important role in inflammatory pain. Formalin induced robust calcium influx in cells expressing cloned or native TRPA1 channels, and these responses were attenuated by a previously undescribed TRPA1-selective antagonist. Moreover, sensory neurons from TRPA1-deficient mice lacked formalin sensitivity. At the behavioral level, pharmacologic blockade or genetic ablation of TRPA1 produced marked attenuation of the characteristic flinching, licking, and lifting responses resulting from intraplantar injection of formalin. Our results show that TRPA1 is the principal site of formalin's pain-producing action
in vivo
, and that activation of this excitatory channel underlies the physiological and behavioral responses associated with this model of pain hypersensitivity.
Reconstitution of a human ATR-mediated checkpoint response to damaged DNA
Authors: Choi Jun-Hyuk , Lindsey-Boltz Laura A. , Sancar Aziz
Published: August 2007

The DNA damage checkpoint response delays cell cycle progression upon DNA damage and prevents genomic instability. Genetic analysis has identified sensor, mediator, signal transducer, and effector components of this global signal transduction pathway. Here we describe an
in vitro
system with purified human checkpoint proteins that recapitulates key elements of the DNA damage checkpoint. We show that the damage sensor ATR in the presence of topoisomerase II binding protein 1 (TopBP1) mediator/adaptor protein phosphorylates the Chk1 signal-transducing kinase in a reaction that is strongly dependent on the presence of DNA containing bulky base lesions. The dependence on damaged DNA requires DNA binding by TopBP1, and, indeed, TopBP1 shows preferential binding to damaged DNA. This
in vitro
system provides a useful platform for mechanistic studies of the human DNA damage checkpoint response.
Fractionation of Verbal Memory Impairment in Schizophrenia and Schizophreniform Psychosis
Authors: Wood Stephen J. , Tarnawski Aleks U. , Proffitt Tina M. , Brewer Warrick J. , Savage Greg R. , Anderson Vicki , McGorry Patrick D. , Wood Stephen J. , Tarnawski Aleks U. , Proffitt Tina M. , Brewer Warrick J. , Savage Greg R. , Anderson Vicki , McGorry Patrick D. , Velakoulis Dennis , Pantelis Christos
Published: August 2007

Objectives: The characterization, aetiology, and course of verbal memory deficits in schizophrenia remain ill defined. The impact of antipsychotic medications is also unclear. The purpose of the present paper was to investigate verbal memory performance in established schizophrenia (SZ) and first-episode schizophreniform psychosis (FE).

Method: Performances of 32 SZ and 33 FE patients were compared to those of 47 healthy volunteers on measures of verbal working memory, verbal associative learning and story recall.

Results: Story recall deficits, but not deficits in working memory or paired associate learning, were demonstrated by both patient groups. Patients treated with typical neuroleptics had more impairment in associative learning with arbitrary word pairings than those treated with atypicals, regardless of patient group.

Conclusions: The results are consistent with the notion that some neuropsychological impairment is present at the time of psychosis onset and that this impairment is non-progressive. However, deficits may be specific to subclasses of memory function.
Acculturative Stressor and Meaning of Life as Predictors of Negative Affect in Acculturation: A Cross-Cultural Comparative Study between Chinese International Students in Australia and Hong Kong
Authors: Pan Jia-Yan , Fu Keung Wong Daniel , Joubert Lynette , Chan Cecilia Lai Wan
Published: August 2007

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to compare the predictive effects of acculturative stressor and meaning of life on negative affect in the process of acculturation between Chinese international students in Australia and Hong Kong.

Method: Four hundred mainland Chinese students studying at six universities in Hong Kong and 227 Chinese international students studying at the University of Melbourne in Australia completed a questionnaire that included measures of acculturative stressor, meaning of life, negative affect and demographic information.

Results: The Australian sample was found to have a higher level of acculturative stressor and negative affect than the Hong Kong sample. Acculturative stressor had a positive impact on negative affect in both samples, but the impact of different domains of acculturative stressor on negative affect varied between the two groups. Finally, meaning of life partially mediated the relationship between acculturative stressor and negative affect in the Hong Kong sample, but no such effect was found in the Australia sample.

Conclusions: Acculturative stressor is a critical risk factor for negative affect in acculturation for Chinese international students in Australia and Hong Kong. Meaning of life acted as a protective factor that mitigated negative affect for mainland Chinese students in Hong Kong, but not for the Chinese international students in Australia. The theoretical and practical implications for resilience-based and meaning-oriented intervention for Chinese international students are discussed.
Risk of Death Associated with Antipsychotic Drug Dispensing in Residential aged Care Facilities
Authors: Hollis Jean , Forrester Loelle , Brodaty Henry , Touyz Stephen , Cumming Robert , Grayson David
Published: August 2007

Objective: To establish the instantaneous relative risk (RR) associated with the dispensing of individual antipsychotic drugs, carbamazepine and valproate for those ≥65 years who resided in an aged care facility.

Method: The risk of death for incident users of antipsychotic drugs, carbamazepine and valproate in 2003 or 2004 who resided in an aged care facility was established using mortality rates and Cox proportional hazards models over two time periods. The regression models were adjusted for age, gender, medical and psychotropic drug dispensing, and a measure of overall medical comorbidity. Olanzapine users formed the referent group.

Results: Haloperidol and chlorpromazine use were associated with the highest death rates. The instantaneous RR for those dispensed haloperidol was 1.67 (95% confidence intervals (CI) = 1.50–1.84, p < 0.001) and for chlorpromazine it was 1.75 (95%CI = 1.31–2.34, p < 0.001). The RR of death for haloperidol and chlorpromazine was higher in the regression model restricted to 60 days follow up (haloperidol RR = 2.17, 95%CI = 1.86–2.53, p < 0.001, chlorpromazine RR = 2.72, 95%CI = 1.84–4.01).

Conclusions: The increased risk associated with haloperidol and chlorpromazine dispensing should be interpreted cautiously because confounding by medical illness cannot be excluded despite adjusting the model for multiple variables. This study supports the findings from other data linkage studies that atypical antipsychotic medications are not associated with increased risk of death compared with conventional antipsychotic drugs.
Is there a Role for Psychiatry in Late Termination of Pregnancy?
Authors: Morris Kirsty , Orr Fran
Published: August 2007

The aim of the present review was to explore the role of the psychiatrist in late terminations of pregnancy. A literature review was conducted using MEDLINE and psycINFO databases, focussing on articles that explored (i) existing decision-making processes in late terminations; (ii) psychological sequelae of both early and late termination of pregnancy; (iii) the role of psychiatry in both early and late termination of pregnancy; and (iv) the involvement of psychiatry in complex medical decisions. The decision to perform a late termination of pregnancy is complex. Contributing to its complexity is an array of political, legal, societal, and ethical factors. The literature regarding psychological sequelae is frequently confusing and weakened by methodological problems. Methods of assisting in this decision-making process include the involvement of committees and psychiatrists. There are precedents for the involvement of psychiatrists in such a setting. Historically, psychiatrists played a role in screening women who requested an early termination. Psychiatrists are often involved in ethically challenging and complex clinical decisions in the general hospital setting. The involvement of psychiatry in this complex decision-making process has potential advantages and disadvantages. It is timely for psychiatrists to consider their position on their discipline's involvement.
Heterogeneous dynamics, marginal stability and soft modes in hard sphere glasses
Authors: Brito Carolina , Wyart Matthieu
Published: August 2007

In a recent publication we established an analogy between the free energy of a
hard sphere system and the energy of an elastic network. This result enables
one to study the free energy landscape of hard spheres, which was previously
accessible only via density functional theory. In our formalism normal modes can
easily be defined and computed. In this work we use these tools to analyze the
activated transitions between meta-basins, both in the ageing regime deep in the
glass phase and near the glass transition. We observe numerically that structural
relaxation occurs mostly along a very small number of nearly unstable extended
modes. This number decays for denser packing and is significantly lowered as the
system undergoes the glass transition. This observation supports the assertion that
structural relaxation and marginal modes share common properties. In particular,
theoretical results show that these modes extend at least on some length scale
l
*∼(ϕc−ϕ)−1/2
where ϕc
corresponds to the maximum packing fraction, i.e. the jamming transition. This prediction
is consistent with very recent numerical observations of dynamical length scales in sheared
systems near the jamming threshold, where a similar exponent is found, and with the
commonly observed growth of the rearranging regions with compression near the glass
transition.
Abl Tyrosine Kinase Promotes Dorsal Ruffles but Restrains Lamellipodia Extension during Cell Spreading on Fibronectin
Authors: Jin Hua , Wang Jean Y.J.
Published: August 2007

The nonreceptor Abl tyrosine kinase stimulates F-actin microspikes and membrane ruffles in response to adhesion and growth factor signals. We show here that induced dimerization of Abl-FKBP, but not the kinase-defective AblKD-FKBP, inhibits cell spreading on fibronectin. Conversely, knockdown of cellular Abl by shRNA stimulates cell spreading. The Abl kinase inhibitor, imatinib, also stimulates cell spreading and its effect is overridden by the imatinib-resistant AblT315I. Expression of Abl but not AbkKD in Abl/Arg-deficient cells again inhibits spreading. Furthermore, Abl inhibits spreading of cells that express the activated Rac, RacV12, correlating with RacV12 localization to dorsal membrane protrusions. Ectopic expression of CrkII, a Rac activator that is inactivated by Abl-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation, antagonizes Abl-mediated dorsal membrane localization of RacV12. Ectopic expression of a dynamin-2 mutant, previously shown to induce Rac-GTP localization to the dorsal membrane, abolishes the stimulatory effect of imatinib on cell spreading. These results suggest that Abl tyrosine kinase, through CrkII phosphorylation and in collaboration with dynamin-2 can regulate the partitioning of Rac-GTP to favor dorsal ruffles during cell spreading. The Abl-dependent dorsal membrane localization of activated Rac explains its positive role in ruffling and negative role in cell spreading and migration.
Exocyst Requirement for Endocytic Traffic Directed Toward the Apical and Basolateral Poles of Polarized MDCK Cells
Authors: Oztan Asli , Silvis Mark , Weisz Ora A. , Bradbury Neil A. , Hsu Shu-Chan , Goldenring James R. , Yeaman Charles , Apodaca Gerard
Published: August 2007

The octameric exocyst complex is associated with the junctional complex and recycling endosomes and is proposed to selectively tether cargo vesicles directed toward the basolateral surface of polarized Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. We observed that the exocyst subunits Sec6, Sec8, and Exo70 were localized to early endosomes, transferrin-positive common recycling endosomes, and Rab11a-positive apical recycling endosomes of polarized MDCK cells. Consistent with its localization to multiple populations of endosomes, addition of function-blocking Sec8 antibodies to streptolysin-O–permeabilized cells revealed exocyst requirements for several endocytic pathways including basolateral recycling, apical recycling, and basolateral-to-apical transcytosis. The latter was selectively dependent on interactions between the small GTPase Rab11a and Sec15A and was inhibited by expression of the C-terminus of Sec15A or down-regulation of Sec15A expression using shRNA. These results indicate that the exocyst complex may be a multipurpose regulator of endocytic traffic directed toward both poles of polarized epithelial cells and that transcytotic traffic is likely to require Rab11a-dependent recruitment and modulation of exocyst function, likely through interactions with Sec15A.
Recent Bit Decisions and Composite Acts Straddling the Date a Treaty Comes into Force
Authors: Gallus Nick
Published: August 2007

The success of an international claim impugning a series of State acts, or a ‘composite act’, straddling the date a treaty comes into force can depend on the weight the tribunal gives to the elements of the composite act occurring before that date. Recent bilateral investment treaty decisions highlight ambiguities on this critical issue. One tribunal practically ignored State acts occurring before the treaty came into force in finding that there had been no breach of the treaty, whereas another tribunal considered those previous acts in reaching the opposite conclusion. This paper identifies steps to ensure future tribunals give consistent weight to the elements of a composite act occurring before a treaty comes into force.
Historical Indigenous Peoples' Land Claims: A Comparative and International Approach to the Common Law Doctrine on Indigenous Title
Authors: Gilbert Jérémie
Published: August 2007

Within common law systems a body of jurisprudence has developed according to which indigenous peoples' land rights have been recognized based upon historical patterns of use and occupancy and corresponding traditional land tenure. Looking at the emerging common law doctrine on aboriginal or native title, this article examines how legal institutions are building a theory on historical land claims through the recognition of indigenous laws deriving from prior occupation. The article analyses how the common law doctrine builds a bridge between past events and contemporary land claims. The aim of this article is to examine to what extent the common law doctrine proposes a potential model for the development of a legal theory on the issue of indigenous peoples' historical land claims. In doing so the article analyses how the common law doctrine compares with international law when dealing with historical arguments by focusing on issues of intertemporal law and extinguishment.
The Revocation of wills in South African Private International Law
Authors: Neels Jan L
Published: August 2007

This article deals with the revocation of wills in South African private international law with reference to other Commonwealth jurisdictions and the provisions of the Hague Convention on the Conflict of Laws Relating to the Form of Testamentary Dispositions (1961). Specific reference is made to section 3bis(1) (d) of the South African Wills Act 7 of 1953 (which is partially based on Article 2 of the Convention) and to revocation of wills by marriage and divorce.
Appealing to Whom? Australia's ‘Appellate Jurisdiction’ Over Nauru
Authors: Dale Gregory
Published: August 2007

A peculiar and unique agreement exists between Australia and Nauru, which has ensured that, since 1976, appeals may be brought from the Supreme Court of Nauru, an independent Republic, to the High Court of Australia by virtue of a bilateral treaty1 and statutes of the respective Parliaments.2 In 1998 and 1999 two High Court judgments left a question mark hanging over the constitutional validity of this appellate scheme.3 Furthermore, in 2001, the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) expressed the view that Australia should terminate the agreement as the arrangement was of no perceived ‘utility’ to Australia.4 For 29 years only two rather trivial cases were appealed from the Supreme Court to Australia's High Court.5 In 2005 a much more significant case, Ruhani, 6 was appealed from Nauru to Australia. The case was not only significant in that it concerned the validity of the so-called ‘Pacific Solution’, which involved Australia holding asylum-seekers offshore in Nauru for the processing of their refugee claims, but it also raised doubts about the desirability of the offshore municipal model of foreign appeals. This article examines the latter of those issues, intending to demonstrate that the model of foreign appeal adopted in the Nauru Treaty is a compromised version of appeal in comparison with the other two more common models.
II. Cases before the Court
Authors: Barker J Craig
Published: August 2007

1. Gabčíkovo-Nagymaros Project (Hungary/Slovakia)

On 2 July 1993, in pursuance of a Special Agreement of 7 April 1993, Hungary and Slovakia requested the Court to determine certain issues arising out of the implementation and termination of a 1977 Agreement on the construction and operation of the Gabčíkovo-Nagymaros barrage system. In its judgment of 25 September 199790 the Court found both States to be in breach of their obligations and called on them to negotiate a settlement in good faith.91 On 3 September 1998 Slovakia filed a request for an additional judgment, arguing that Hungary was unwilling to implement the judgment92 and it was subsequently agreed that Hungary would file a written statement of its position regarding this request by 7 December 1998.93

2. Ahmadou Sadio Diallo (Republic of Guinea v Democratic Republic of the Congo) Guinea instituted proceedings against the Democratic Republic of Congo on 28 December 1998 alleging grave breaches of international law perpetrated upon a national of Guinea. By an order of 25 November 199994 the following time limits were set for the submission of written pleadings: Republic of Guinea, memorial, 11 September 2000; Democratic Republic of the Congo, counter-memorial, 11 September 2001. By an order of 8 September 200095 these were extended to: Republic of Guinea, memorial, 23 March 2001; Democratic Republic of the Congo, counter-memorial, 4 October 2002. On 3 October 2002 the Democratic Republic of the Congo filed preliminary objections to the admissibility of the Application and in an order of 7 November 200296 the Court fixed 7 July 2003 as the time limit for submission of written observations by the Republic of Guinea. On 18 July 2006, the Court set 27 November 2006 as the date for the opening of public hearings on preliminary objections in relation to the case.97 The public hearings concluded on 1 December 2006 at which time the Court commenced its deliberations.98 The Court gave its decision in the case on 24 May 2007.99
Physicochemical and Pharmaceutical Properties of Carboxymethyl Rice Starches Modified from Native Starches with Different Amylose Content
Authors: Kittipongpatana Ornanong S. , Chaitep Waree , Kittipongpatana Nisit , Laenger Reinhard , Sriroth Klanarong
Published: August 2007

Carboxymethyl rice starches (CMRS) were prepared from nine strains of native rice starches with amylose contents of 14.7–29.1%. The reaction was conducted at 50°C for 120 min using monochloroacetic acid as a reagent under alkaline conditions and 1‐propanol as a solvent. After determining the degree of substitution (DS), the physicochemical properties including water solubility, pH, and viscosity of 1% (w/v) solution, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analyses of the granules, as well as some pharmaceutical properties of CMRS powders and pastes were investigated. The DS range was 0.25–0.40. All CMRS dissolved in unheated water and formed viscous gel. A good positive correlation was observed between amylose content and DS (r = 0.9278) but not viscosity. SEM and XRD concurrently revealed significant physical alteration of CMRS granules compared with those of native starches, which reflected the changes in the properties of CMRS. At 3% (w/w), CMRS can function as tablet binder in the wet granulation of both water‐soluble and water‐insoluble diluents. The tablets compressed from these granules showed good hardness with fewer capping problems compared with those prepared using the pregelatinized native rice starch as a binder. In addition, most CMRS pastes formed clear films with varying film characteristics, depending upon the amylose content of the native starches. This type of modified rice starch can potentially be employed as a tablet binder and film‐former for pharmaceutical dosage formulations.
Phenolic Compounds Accumulate Specifically in Maternally‐Derived Tissues of Developing Maize Kernels
Authors: LeClere Sherry , Schmelz Eric A. , Chourey Prem S.
Published: August 2007

Phenolic compounds function in natural resistance of plants to insects, pathogens, and abiotic stresses. We investigated the flavonoid and phenolic acid content in developing maize kernels from 8 to 28 days after pollination and found a complex and developmentally dynamic mixture of compounds. LC‐MS analysis showed no detectable levels of the flavonoid maysin in any of the kernel tissue tested. Accumulation of the three most abundant analytes was developmentally and spatially regulated and independent of the regulatory transcription factor pericarp color 1 (P1). Major analytes have UV characteristics similar to hydroxycinnamic acids. LC‐MS indicates molecular weights of 410, 440, and 862 mass units, representing coumaroylferuloylputrescine (CFP), diferuloylputrescine (DFP), and a novel compound, respectively. There are large differences in the abundance of these compounds between genetic backgrounds, and accumulation increases with age. We dissected and analyzed various tissue types and demonstrated that the majority of these compounds are present in pedicels, with lesser amounts in pericarp and placento‐chalazal regions. These data indicate that complex phenolic acids and amides rather than flavonoids are the major phenolic constituents in developing kernels, and accumulation of these compounds is developmentally and spatially regulated, with the greatest abundance in maternal tissues surrounding the kernel.
Screening of Wheat for Flour Swelling Volume by Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Crosbie G. B. , Osborne B. G. , Wesley I. J. , Adriansz T. D.
Published: August 2007

Selection for starch quality is an important consideration in the breeding of wheat for Asian noodles, particularly Japanese udon, and the flour swelling volume (FSV) test was developed for this purpose. Near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) analysis has also been a key tool in recent years in wheat quality selection. The development and validation of NIRS calibrations for the prediction of FSV on whole grain involved 22 cultivars and breeding lines grown at four locations in two seasons. Eight calibrations were developed, each based on samples from seven trials, with the eighth trial used for validation. Over the eight calibrations, r2 between predicted and actual values was 0.56–0.86 (mean 0.74) and the standard error of prediction (SEP) was 0.77–1.65 (mean 1.14) mL/g of dry meal. Separate calibrations were also developed for hard (n = 461), soft (n = 150), and soft+hard grain (n = 616), with standard errors of cross‐validation (SECV) of 1.03, 1.39, and 1.21 mL/g of dry meal, respectively. Corresponding r2 between predicted and actual values were 0.76, 0.78, and 0.76, respectively. Thus, NIRS offers good potential for the screening of early‐generation lines to identify those with high or low FSV.
Effect of Grain Morphology on Degree of Milling and Iron Loss in Rice
Authors: Prom‐u‐thai C. , Sanchai C. , Rerkasem B. , Jamjod S. , Fukai S. , Godwin I. D. , Huang L.
Published: August 2007

Grain morphological characteristics were thought to play a significant role in genotypic variation in Fe concentration in white rice. Comparing 17 rice cultivars representing six major grain morphological categories, the present study systematically investigated the relationship between grain morphology, the degree of milling (DOM), and the loss of Fe during the polishing process. The relative importance of key morphological parameters in this relationship was also investigated. The grain morphological characteristics of different rice cultivars significantly affected the degree of Fe loss during polishing to produce white rice. This variation in Fe loss from polishing among the six categories of rice cultivars is mainly due to their difference in DOM (r = 0.73**) and this loss in Fe was the primary factor determining the level of Fe concentration in the white rice. Among the morphological parameters investigated, grain length and length‐to‐width ratios played the most significant role in determining the DOM, which suggests that these two grain attributes may serve as the initial screening parameters when selecting cultivars for high Fe white rice production. Degree of Fe loss was lowest in short‐bold grain shape category compared with the other grain shapes.
Extraction and Characterization of Starch from Alkaline Cooked Corn Masa
Authors: Ratnayake Wajira S. , Wassinger Andrew B. , Jackson David S.
Published: August 2007

Starch granules undergo structural and morphological changes during food processing unit operations as they interact with other food ingredients. This study was conducted to isolate and characterize starch granules from corn masa. A proteolytic enzyme, thermolysin, was effective in separating and isolating starch granules from endosperm proteins present in masa. The efficiency of starch extraction using thermolysin was 74% (w/w), and subsequent analyses showed that the isolated granules were free of contaminants. Starch samples were characterized using light microscopy, SEM, DSC, and XRD. Starch granules isolated from masa had undergone internal structural changes and some granules (≈40%) lost birefringence during nixtamalization. These internal changes occurred, in most cases, without visible alterations in general granular morphology. Nixtamalized granules underwent changes mostly consistent with a “heat‐moisture treatment” process.
Improved Efficiency for Quantitative and Qualitative Indexing for Citrus tristeza virus and Citrus psorosis virus
Authors: Rosa C. , Polek M. , Falk B. W. , Rowhani A.
Published: August 2007

Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays were developed for the detection of Citrus tristeza virus (CTV; genus Closterovirus) and Citrus psorosis virus (CPsV; genus Ophiovirus) in citrus trees. Real-time TaqMan RT-PCR was also developed for the detection of CTV. Three different sample preparation methods were compared. The total RNA extraction method by Qiagen was found to be more reliable than the other two methods consisting of crude plant sap extraction and total nucleic acid trapping on a silica bed. Of 287 samples tested for CTV, 210 samples tested positive by RT-PCR and 198 samples by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Furthermore, the results from monthly tests of a selected number of field-grown CTV-infected trees showed that RT-PCR detected the virus in 100% of the infected trees in winter and summer, whereas ELISA did not. The one-tube RT-PCR detection was developed for CPsV and was more sensitive than ELISA. Notably, three of 10 CPsV isolates were not detected by ELISA. As demonstrated here, our approach allows the efficacious detection of different viruses in citrus plants using a minimal amount of tissue during all seasons. The molecular methods described could be used in citrus certification programs and to test trees in nurseries and commercial orchards.
Characterization of Seedling Infection Types and Adult Plant Infection Responses of Monogenic Sr Gene Lines to Race TTKS of Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici
Authors: Jin Y. , Singh R. P. , Ward R. W. , Wanyera R. , Kinyua M. , Njau P. , Fetch T. , Pretorius Z. A. , Yahyaoui A.
Published: August 2007

Stem rust, caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici, historically was one of the most destructive diseases of wheat and barley. The disease has been under effective control worldwide through the widespread use of host resistance. A number of stem rust resistance genes in wheat have been characterized for their reactions to specific races of P. graminis f. sp. tritici. Adult plant responses to race TTKS (also known as Ug99) of monogenic lines for Sr genes, a direct measurement of the effectiveness for a given gene, have not been investigated to any extent. This report summarizes adult plant infection responses and seedling infection types for monogenic lines of designated Sr genes challenged with race TTKS. High infection types at the seedling stage and susceptible infection responses in adult plants were observed on monogenic lines carrying Sr5, 6, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 9d, 9g, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23, 30, 31, 34, 38, and Wld-1. Monogenic lines of resistance genes Sr13, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 32, 33, 35, 36, 37, 39, 40, 44, Tmp, and Tt-3 were effective against TTKS both at the seedling and adult plant stages. The low infection types to race TTKS observed for these resistance genes corresponded to the expected low infections of these genes to other incompatible races of P. graminis f. sp. tritici. The level of resistance conferred by these genes at the adult plant stage varied between highly resistant to moderately susceptible. The results from this study were inconclusive for determining the effectiveness of resistance genes Sr9e, 14, 21, and 29 against race TTKS. The understanding of the effectiveness of individual Sr genes against race TTKS will facilitate the utilization of these genes in breeding for stem rust resistance in wheat.
Seed Transmission of Fusarium verticillioides in Maize Plants Grown Under Three Different Temperature Regimes
Authors: Wilke A. L. , Bronson C. R. , Tomas A. , Munkvold G. P.
Published: August 2007

Fusarium verticillioides can be seed transmitted and cause systemic infection of maize; however, the frequency of these phenomena has varied widely among and within individual studies. In order to better understand this variability, we evaluated the effect of temperature on the first step in the systemic infection process, the transmission of F. verticillioides from seed to seedling. Seed of a commercial maize hybrid were inoculated with a strain of F. verticillioides that had been transformed with a gene for green fluorescent protein (GFP). The seed were planted in a greenhouse potting mix and incubated in growth chambers. Plants were incubated at one of three temperature regimes designed to simulate average and extreme temperatures occurring in Iowa during the weeks following planting. Root, mesocotyl, and stem tissues were sampled at growth stages V2 and V6, surface disinfested, and cultured on a semiselective medium. At V2, >90% of root and mesocotyl tissues was infected by the GFP-expressing strain at all three temperature regimes. Also at V2, infection was detected in 68 to 75% of stems. At V6, infection of root and mesocotyl tissues persisted and was detected in 97 to 100% of plants at all three temperature regimes. Plants also had symptomless systemic infection of belowground and aboveground internodes at V6. Infection of the three basal aboveground internodes was 24, 6, and 3% for the low-temperature regime; 35, 9, and 0% for the average-temperature regime; and 46, 24, and 9% for the high-temperature regime. Seed transmission and systemic infection occurred at all temperatures and did not differ significantly among treatments. These results indicate that, if maize seed is infected with F. verticillioides, seed transmission is common and symptomless systemic infection can be initiated under a broad range of temperature conditions.