bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Challenges faced by modern foreign language teacher trainees in using handheld pocket PCs (Personal Digital Assistants) to support their teaching and learning
Authors: Wishart Jocelyn 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis study addresses the challenges faced by Modern Foreign Language teacher trainees when asked to investigate the potential of a Personal Digital Assistant to support them both in their learning and in their teaching during their training year. Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) such as the Windows Pocket PCs used in this study have previously been found supportive by trainees in other professions with a large information content. Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) was chosen as the subject for this investigation as a particularly wide range of potential opportunities specific to MFL was foreseen. These opportunities ranged from supporting student teachers' learning by enabling access to email and other internet resources wherever they were based to enabling ‘on the spot’ audio or video recordingto support their teaching. For this investigation, seven student teachers from an MFL initial teacher training programme were loaned PDAs for the duration of their course. This paper reports on interviews conducted at the end of the training year with six of the student teachers in order to elicit their views on the PDAs they were loaned. They were all experienced information technology users and willing to explore the devices but there had always seemed to be a preferred alternative technology available either at home or in the classroom. Their reports shed much light on the current climate in schools and subject culture pressures as interpreted by student teachers in MFL departments but told us only a little about the functionality of a PDA and how it can support mobile assisted language learning. The socio-cultural context within the MFL departments where the trainees were placed meant that they did not feel comfortable about exploring the PDA functionality. They were not yet confident in their pedagogical identities and mostly felt they could not disrupt the established practice with the novel technology. However, when the devices were used, applications that appeared most effective in supporting learning to teach MFL with PDAs were those that enabled the capture of on-the-spot events and reflections. This could be either through the inbuilt recording functions, especially video, or by making notes using either the on-screen keyboard or by handwriting recognition.
Identity, sense of community and connectedness in a community of mobile language learners
Authors: Petersen Sobah Abbas , Divitini Monica , Chabert George 
Published: August 2008

AbstractMobility can affect a learner's participation in different communities that support language learning. In this paper we report on our experience with supporting a course in which language students are encouraged to travel to a country where the target language is spoken. On the one hand, students who travel abroad get in contact with local communities,which can promote their learning of the language and the culture. On the other hand, they risk losing contact with their classmates and the support that they provide. In this context we introduced a mobile community blog with the aim of extending the learning arena and promoting the sharing of knowledge among the students, independently of their location. This paper discusses the design considerations for the blog and describes its use to support students' sense of community. An evaluation and analysis of the usage of the blog is presented. These results suggest that the learners lack an identity within the community of language learners and there was no sense of community among the members. Reflecting on these results, we suggest that while a blog might be an appropriate tool for promoting knowledge sharing, it lacks functionalities to promote connectedness among learners and foster their identity as a community.
Some considerations for adoption of Nikolaeva's formula system into seed dormancy classification
Authors: Baskin Jerry M. , Baskin Carol C. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe five versions of the M.G. Nikolaeva seed dormancy terminology and formulae system are correlated to each other and to the dormancy terminology proposed by Baskin and Baskin [Seed Science Research14, 1–16 (2004)]. The proposal is made that the dormancy formula scheme of Nikolaeva [Botanicheskii Zhurnal86, 1–14 (2001)] be adopted as part of an international seed dormancy classification system, and her logic for derivation of the new formulae for physiological and morphophysiological dormancy is discussed via examples. We conclude that there are several advantages of adopting formulae into a seed dormancy classification system. However, Nikolaeva's scheme, especially the part for morphophysiological dormancy, probably needs a small amount of further refinement.
Protein and gene expression patterns of endo-β-mannanase following germination of rice
Authors: Ren Yanfang , Bewley J. Derek , Wang Xiaofeng 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe rice (Oryza sativa L.) cv. Taichung 65, a japonica subspecies, was used to characterize the isoform, protein and gene expression patterns of endo-β-mannanase during and after seed germination. Activity assays and isoform analyses of whole grains or seed parts (scutellum, aleurone layer and starchy endosperm) revealed that seeds began to express endo-β-mannanase activity at 48 h from the start of imbibition at 25°C, after the completion of germination of most seeds. Three isoforms of endo-β-mannanase (pI 8.86, pI 8.92 and pI 8.98) were detected in the aleurone layer and starchy endosperm, but only two (pI 8.86 and pI 8.92) were present in the scutellum. The endo-β-mannanase in the starchy endosperm was mainly from the aleurone layer. Western blot analysis, using a tomato anti-endo-β-mannanase antibody, indicated that an endo-β-mannanase protein was present in an inactive form in dry grains. The amount of this protein decreased in the scutellum, but increased in the aleurone layer during and after germination. Thus, the increase in endo-β-mannanase activity in rice grains may be due to the activation of extant proteins and/or the de novo synthesis of the enzyme. Northern blot analysis showed that four putative rice endo-β-mannanase genes (OsMAN1, OsMAN2, OsMAN6 and OsMANP) were expressed in germinating and germinated rice grains. However, OsMANP was not expressed in the scutellum. The amount of OsMAN6 mRNA decreased after the completion of germination and paralleled the decline in endo-β-mannanase protein. In the aleurone layer, the increase of OsMAN2, OsMAN6 and OsMANP mRNA was prior to the increase of endo-β-mannanase protein.
Lysogenic virus–host interactions predominate at deep-sea diffuse-flow hydrothermal vents
Authors: Williamson Shannon J , Cary S Craig , Williamson Kurt E , Helton Rebekah R , Bench Shellie R , Winget Danielle , Wommack K Eric 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
The consequences of viral infection within microbial communities are dependent on the nature of the viral life cycle. Among the possible outcomes is the substantial influence of temperate viruses on the phenotypes of lysogenic prokaryotes through various forms of genetic exchange. To date, no marine microbial ecosystem has consistently shown a predisposition for containing significant numbers of inducible temperate viruses. Here, we show that deep-sea diffuse-flow hydrothermal vent waters display a consistently high incidence of lysogenic hosts and harbor substantial populations of temperate viruses. Genetic fingerprinting and initial metagenomic analyses indicate that temperate viruses in vent waters appear to be a less diverse subset of the larger virioplankton community and that these viral populations contain an extraordinarily high frequency of novel genes. Thus, it appears likely that temperate viruses are key players in the ecology of prokaryotes within the extreme geothermal ecosystems of the deep sea.
Association of Codon 16 and Codon 27 β2‐Adrenergic Receptor Gene Polymorphisms with Obesity: A Meta‐analysis
Authors: Jalba Mihai S. , Rhoads George G. , Demissie Kitaw 
Published: August 2008

Objective: To search for an association between the Glu27Gln (rs1042714; B27) and the Arg16Gly (rs1042713; B16) polymorphisms of the β2‐adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) gene and obesity.Methods: Meta‐analysis of published studies, included if subjects were genotyped at either codon 27 (“B27”) or codon 16 (“B16”) of the ADRB2 gene and both obese and nonobese subjects were selected, based on a reported cutoff BMI limit. Initial selection included 14,444 subjects genotyped at B27 (rs1042714) and 6,825 genotyped at B16 (rs1042713). After testing each control group for Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium, the final selection included 10,404 subjects and 4,328 subjects, respectively. Studies were published before 18 August 2006.Results: The frequency of Glu27 allele carriers, either homozygous or heterozygous, ranged from 6.71% in Aymara American Indians to 78.29% in a Dutch population. The frequency of Arg16 allele carriers varied from 51.4 to 64.6% in Europeans and from 71.1 to 85.6% in East Asians. The summary odds ratio (OR) from overall analyses showed no association between either rs1042714 or rs1042713 and obesity. In race groups with low Glu27 allele frequency (Asians, Pacific Islanders, and American Indians), ORs revealed a significant obesity risk associated with rs1042714. These results were not found in East Asians for rs1042713.Discussion: The presence of the Glu27 allele in the ADRB2 gene appears to be a significant risk factor for obesity in Asians, Pacific Islanders, and American Indians, but not in Europeans. Obesity does not appear to be associated with the Arg16 allele.
Proteomic identification of the silkworm (Bombyx mori L) prothoracic glands during the fifth instar stage
Authors: Wu Xiao-feng , Li Xing-hua , Yue Wan-fu , Roy Bhaskar , Li Guang-li , Liu Jian-mei , Zhong Bo-xiong , Gao Qi-kang , David Wan Chi Cheong , Miao Yun-gen 
Published: August 2008

Although the ecdysteroid of the silkworm had been studied for decades, the proteome of the prothoracic gland, the primary source of ecdysteroid hormones, has not been studied previously. In the present paper, we utilized a proteomic approach to investigate the fifth instar prothoracic gland during the growth and development of the silkworm, Bombyx mori L. The two-dimensional electrophoresis results showed that the majority of proteins were acidic proteins, especially concentrated in the area of 25–65 kDa, with pI values of between 4 and 7, and the difference was not distinct. When compared with Qiufeng (Japanese strain), the interspecific distinction was larger than the intraspecific distinction, and 19 particular spots, excized from the third, fifth and ninth days of p50 (Chinese strain) and Qiufeng were subjected to MALDI-TOF–MS (matrix-assisted laser-desorption ionization–time-of-flight MS) analysis. We sorted them into seven catagories: energetics and/or metabolism, storage proteins, protection, lipid metabolism, signal transduction, cell function and unknown function proteins. Of these proteins, arginine methyltransferase is discussed as playing an important role in regulating the activation of ecdysteroidogenesis via transcription or translation.
Freshwater fishes and aquatic habitats in Peru: Current knowledge and conservation
Authors: Ortega Hernán , Hidalgo Max 
Published: August 2008

Peruvian freshwater fishes and their habitats were investigated by the Natural History Museum of San Marcos University (MHNSM) as part of a long-term project. Fishes were inventoried by sampling in main drainage basins, including coastal rivers, highland rivers, and Peru's Amazonian waters. To date, the MHNSM fish collection has approximately 300,000 specimens comprising 1000 valid species in 168 families and 8 orders. The greatest diversity lies within the Ostariophysi (80% of all species) with the dominant orders being Characiformes and Siluriformes. Characidae is the most diverse family with 22.5% of all species.Protected areas (i.e. Parks, Reserved Zones or National Reserves) have been sampled intensively providing a reasonable estimates of their fish diversity. However, our knowledge is still poor for less accessible areas. More fieldwork is needed in all of the large river basins before we can have a fuller understanding of total fish diversity. As an example of ongoing efforts, we discuss specific fish inventories in both Peruvian coastal rivers and highlands and in river systems shared with neighboring countries.In addition to Peruvian fish diversity; we discuss the state of aquatic resources and habitats in Peru's principal river basins, and current problems facing such aquatic systems (e.g. inland fisheries and extractive activities such as deforestation and gold mining). Near large cities, such as Iquitos and Pucallpa, fishing effort has increased considerably in the last decade, whereas catch per unit effort appears to have decreased considerably indicating that over-fishing has become locally problematic. An overview is presented of main conservation problems, including exotic species that confront aquatic ecosystems in Peru. Finally, an environmental education program is recommended to inform the general public about the value of freshwater fishes and aquatic ecosystems and the main problems such resources are facing.
First Report of Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus in Greenhouse Tomatoes in Kentucky
Authors: de Sá P. B. , Seebold K. W. , Vincelli P. 
Published: August 2008

Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), genus Begomovirus in the family Geminiviridae, was identified for the first time in the United States in Florida in 1997 and since then has been reported in other states on tomato in greenhouse and in field production environments. During 2005 symptoms typical of geminivirus infection were observed on tomato plants grown in a greenhouse production system in Jefferson Co., KY. A nucleic acid-based pathogen detection approach was used and TYLCV infection was confirmed in tomato plants collected from the greenhouse and in symptomless Acalypha ostryifolia growing outside the greenhouse. To our knowledge, A. ostryifolia has not been previously described as a host of this virus. This find raises concerns regarding the introduction of TYLCV to the state in infected transplants or in viruliferous whiteflies transported on infested plants, and its potential impact on economically important crops in the state. Accepted for publication 17 June 2008. Published 19 August 2008.
Rh-PIP2;1, a Rose Aquaporin Gene, Is Involved in Ethylene-Regulated Petal Expansion
Authors: Ma Nan , Xue Jingqi , Li Yunhui , Liu Xiaojing , Dai Fanwei , Jia Wensuo , Luo Yunbo , Gao Junping 
Published: August 2008

AbstractAquaporins are water channel proteins that facilitate the passage of water through biological membranes and play a crucial role in plant growth. We showed that ethylene treatment significantly reduced petal size, inhibited expansion of petal abaxial subepidermal cells, and decreased petal water content in rose (Rosa hybrida ‘Samantha’). Here, we report the isolation of a plasma membrane aquaporin (PIP) gene, Rh-PIP2;1, and characterized its potential role in ethylene-inhibited petal expansion. Rh-PIP2;1 is mainly localized on the plasma membrane and belongs to the class 2 subfamily of PIP proteins. We show that Rh-PIP2;1 is an active water channel. The transcripts of Rh-PIP2;1 are highly abundant in petal epidermal cells, especially in the abaxial subepidermal cells. The expression of Rh-PIP2;1 is highly correlated with petal expansion and tightly down-regulated by ethylene. Furthermore, we demonstrate that in Rh-PIP2;1-silenced flowers, petal expansion was greatly inhibited and anatomical features of the petals were similar to those of ethylene-treated flowers. We argue that Rh-PIP2;1 plays an important role in petal cell expansion and that ethylene inhibits petal expansion of roses at least partially by suppressing Rh-PIP2;1 expression.
Reconfiguration of the Achene and Receptacle Metabolic Networks during Strawberry Fruit Development
Authors: Fait Aaron , Hanhineva Kati , Beleggia Romina , Dai Nir , Rogachev Ilana , Nikiforova Victoria J. , Fernie Alisdair R. , Aharoni Asaph 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe anatomy of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) fruit, in which the achene is found on the outer part of the fruit, makes it an excellent species for studying the regulation of fruit development. It can provide a model for the cross talk between primary and secondary metabolism, whose role is of pivotal importance in the process. By combining gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry with the aim of addressing the metabolic regulation underlying fruit seed development, we simultaneously analyzed the composition of primary and secondary metabolites, separately, in achene and receptacle during fruit ripening of strawberry cultivar Herut. The results from these analyses suggest that changes in primary and secondary metabolism reflect organ and developmental specificities. For instance, the receptacle was characterized by increases in sugars and their direct derivatives, while the achene was characterized by a major decrease in the levels of carbon- and nitrogen-rich compounds, with the exception of storage-related metabolites (e.g. raffinose). Furthermore, the receptacle, and to a lesser extent the achene, exhibited dynamic fluctuations in the levels and nature of secondary metabolites across the ripening process. In the receptacle, proanthocyanidins and flavonol derivatives characterized mainly early developmental stages, while anthocyanins were abundant in the mature red stage; in the achene, ellagitannin and flavonoids were abundant during early and late development, respectively. Correlation-based network analysis suggested that metabolism is substantially coordinated during early development in either organ. Nonetheless, a higher degree of connectivity within and between metabolic pathways was measured in the achenes. The data are discussed within the context of current models both of the interaction of primary and secondary metabolism and of the metabolic interaction between the different plant organs.
Chloroplast Outer Envelope Protein CHUP1 Is Essential for Chloroplast Anchorage to the Plasma Membrane and Chloroplast Movement
Authors: Oikawa Kazusato , Yamasato Akihiro , Kong Sam-Geun , Kasahara Masahiro , Nakai Masato , Takahashi Fumio , Ogura Yasunobu , Kagawa Takatoshi , Wada Masamitsu 
Published: August 2008

AbstractChloroplasts change their intracellular distribution in response to light intensity. Previously, we isolated the chloroplast unusual positioning1 (chup1) mutant of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). This mutant is defective in normal chloroplast relocation movement and shows aggregation of chloroplasts at the bottom of palisade mesophyll cells. The isolated gene encodes a protein with an actin-binding motif. Here, we used biochemical analyses to determine the subcellular localization of full-length CHUP1 on the chloroplast outer envelope. A CHUP1-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion, which was detected at the outermost part of mesophyll cell chloroplasts, complemented the chup1 phenotype, but GFP-CHUP1, which was localized mainly in the cytosol, did not. Overexpression of the N-terminal hydrophobic region (NtHR) of CHUP1 fused with GFP (NtHR-GFP) induced a chup1-like phenotype, indicating a dominant-negative effect on chloroplast relocation movement. A similar pattern was found in chloroplast OUTER ENVELOPE PROTEIN7 (OEP7)-GFP transformants, and a protein containing OEP7 in place of NtHR complemented the mutant phenotype. Physiological analyses of transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing truncated CHUP1 in a chup1 mutant background and cytoskeletal inhibitor experiments showed that the coiled-coil region of CHUP1 anchors chloroplasts firmly on the plasma membrane, consistent with the localization of coiled-coil GFP on the plasma membrane. Thus, CHUP1 localization on chloroplasts, with the N terminus inserted into the chloroplast outer envelope and the C terminus facing the cytosol, is essential for CHUP1 function, and the coiled-coil region of CHUP1 prevents chloroplast aggregation and participates in chloroplast relocation movement.
Characterization of an Autonomously Activated Plant ADP-Glucose Pyrophosphorylase
Authors: Boehlein Susan K. , Shaw Janine R. , Stewart Jon D. , Hannah L. Curtis 
Published: August 2008

AbstractADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) catalyzes the rate-limiting step in starch biosynthesis in plants and changes in its catalytic and/or allosteric properties can lead to increased starch production. Recently, a maize (Zea mays)/potato (Solanum tuberosum) small subunit mosaic, MP [Mos(1–198)], containing the first 198 amino acids of the small subunit of the maize endosperm enzyme and the last 277 amino acids from the potato tuber enzyme, was expressed with the maize endosperm large subunit and was reported to have favorable kinetic and allosteric properties. Here, we show that this mosaic, in the absence of activator, performs like a wild-type AGPase that is partially activated with 3-phosphoglyceric acid (3-PGA). In the presence of 3-PGA, enzyme properties of Mos(1–198)/SH2 are quite similar to those of the wild-type maize enzyme. In the absence of 3-PGA, however, the mosaic enzyme exhibits greater activity, higher affinity for the substrates, and partial inactivation by inorganic phosphate. The Mos(1–198)/SH2 enzyme is also more stable to heat inactivation. The different properties of this protein were mapped using various mosaics containing smaller portions of the potato small subunit. Enhanced heat stability of Mos(1–198) was shown to originate from five potato-derived amino acids between 322 and 377. These amino acids were shown previously to be important in small subunit/large subunit interactions. These five potato-derived amino acids plus other potato-derived amino acids distributed throughout the carboxyl-terminal portion of the protein are required for the enhanced catalytic and allosteric properties exhibited by Mos(1–198)/SH2.