bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neighbouring monocultures enhance the effect of intercropping on the turnip root fly (Delia floralis)
Authors: Björkman Maria , Hambäck Peter A. , Rämert Birgitta 
Published: June 2007

AbstractKnowledge of insect behaviour is essential for accurately interpreting studies of diversification and to develop diversified agroecosystems that have a reliable pest‐suppressive effect. In this study, we investigated the egg‐laying behaviour of the turnip root fly, Delia floralis (Fall.) (Diptera: Anthomyiidae), in an intercrop‐monoculture system. We examined both the main effect of intercropping and the effect on oviposition in the border zone between a cabbage monoculture [Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata (Brassicaceae)] and a cabbage‐red clover intercropping system [Trifolium pratense L. (Fabaceae)]. To investigate the border‐effect, oviposition was measured along a transect from the border between the treatments to the centre of experimental plots. Intercropping reduced the total egg‐laying of D. floralis with 42% in 2003 and 55% in 2004. In 2004, it was also found that the spatial distribution of eggs within the experimental plots was affected by distance from the adjoining treatment. The difference in egg‐laying between monoculture and intercropping was most pronounced close to the border, where egg‐laying was 68% lower on intercropped plants. This difference in egg numbers decreased gradually up to a distance of 3.5 m from the border, where intercropped plants had 43% fewer eggs than the corresponding monocultured plants. The reason behind this oviposition pattern is most likely that flies in intercropped plots have a higher probability of entering the monoculture if they are close to the border than if they are in the centre of a plot. When entering the monoculture, flies can pursue their egg‐laying behaviour without being disrupted by the clover. As the final decision to land is visually stimulated, flies could also be attracted to fly from the intercropped plots into the monoculture, where host plants are more visually apparent. Visual cues could also hinder flies in a monoculture from entering an intercropped plot. Other possible patterns of insect attack due to differences in insect behaviour are discussed, as well as the practical application of the results of this study.
Variable responses of tuber moth to the leaf trichomes of wild potatoes
Authors: Horgan Finbarr G. , Quiring Dan T. , Lagnaoui Aziz , Pelletier Yvan 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis study examines the response of tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), during the initial stages of attack, to variability in trichome density and composition on foliage of Solanum berthaultii (Hawkes) and Solanum tarijense (Hawkes) (Solanaceae). Solanum berthaultii bears two types of glandular trichome (type A and type B) that together reduced oviposition by the moth. Females were often completely deterred from ovipositing on foliage with >300 trichomes per cm2. In contrast, neonate establishment on S. berthaultii was generally positively related to trichome densities, indicating that trichomes may be a poor defense against P. operculella when the moth oviposits in soil and neonate larvae select the host plant. Solanum tarijense has only one type of glandular trichome (type A) and eglandular hairs. Most eggs were deposited on the adaxial leaf surfaces that had lower trichome densities. Although the density of type A trichomes was negatively related to oviposition, high densities of hairs on the abaxial and adaxial leaf surfaces appeared to stimulate oviposition, leading to stronger positive relations between hair densities and oviposition. Larvae generally established on the abaxial surface where hair densities were greatest. Relationships between the abaxial densities of leaf hairs and neonate establishment on S. tarijense were positive. The results indicate that the responses by P. operculella to the types and density of trichomes are complex. Whereas type A and type B trichomes may act synergistically to reduce oviposition by the moth, leaf hairs do not defend against oviposition and neither leaf hairs nor type A and B trichomes reduce neonate establishment by this herbivore species.
IL‐1α, IL‐1ra and IL‐8 are differentially induced by Candida in experimental oral candidiasis
Authors: Jayatilake JAMS , Samaranayake LP , Lu Q , Jin LJ 
Published: June 2007

Objective:  To investigate the expression of interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α), IL‐1ra and IL‐8 by the oral epithelium challenged by various Candida species.Materials and methods:  In vitro candidiasis was induced by C. albicans wild type SC5314, its EFG1, CPH1 and secretory aspartyl proteinase (SAP) mutants and, ATCC isolates of C. albicans, C. tropicalis and C. dubliniensis using a reconstituted human oral epithelium (RHOE) model. IL‐1α, IL‐1ra and IL‐8 levels in culture media were quantified by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay at 12, 24 and 48 h. Fungal invasion and IL‐1ra expression in RHOE were detected by periodic acid‐Schiff staining and immunohistochemistry.Results:  Overall, the invasive Candida induced relatively higher levels of IL‐1α, IL‐1ra and IL‐8 in the culture media than the noninvasive isolates. IL‐1α and IL‐1ra levels induced by Candida with hyphal invasion were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those induced by the isolates without hyphal invasion at 12, 24 and 48 h. Candida albicans SC5314 induced IL‐1ra expression in RHOE at 12 and 24 h but not at 48 h consistent with its hyphal invasion; while the noninvasive mutants and non‐albicans Candida induced IL‐1ra expression at 48 h.Conclusions:  The cytokine expression profiles in experimental oral candidiasis may be associated with the invasive potential of Candida.
St Thomas's sermonPuer Iesus: a neglected source for his understanding of teaching and learning
Authors: Boland Vivian 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThere are a number of places in his works where Thomas Aquinas writes about teaching and learning. Following a summary account of his understanding of education, this paper presents and discusses a neglected source on these matters. The sermonPuer Iesus, probably preached in January 1271, contains thoughts on pedagogy that are, in the words of its Leonine editor, ‘original and of great interest’. The sermon offers a broad sketch of human development in which the adolescence of Christ, the ‘most excellent of teachers’, is appealed to as an inspiration and an example. It raises Christological and pedagogical questions and it is the latter that are considered here. Encouraging his student congregation to listen generously, enquire diligently, respond prudently and meditate attentively, Aquinas outlines for them a practical method of learning that is at once critical and contemplative.
The Price of Peace: A Discussion
Authors: Wicker Brian 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIt is a pity that The Price of Peace, resulting from a prolonged transatlantic dialogue between theologians and academics, should begin with a flawed section on modern ‘just war’ thinking which fails to recognise the difference between: 1. war between states, in which, international law having failed, the objective is to render the enemy powerless so that the victor can dictate what happens next; and 2. global criminality, as in the terrorism of gangs like al-Qaeda, which requires to be dealt with by a global police force designed precisely to restore the rule of law for the sake of the common good of all humanity. Pace authors like George Weigel, thinking about the justice of armed force cannot remain what it was: it needs to develop, as the papacy has long taught, to take full account of the fact that crime is today replacing war as the prevailing international evil.
Recent Progress on Rice Genetics in China
Authors: Jiang Hua , Guo Long‐Biao , Qian Qian 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThrough thousands of years of evolution and cultivation, tremendously rich genetic diversity has been accumulated in rice (Oryza sativa L.), developing a large germplasm pool from which people can select varieties with morphologies of interest and other important agronomic traits. With the development of modern genetics, scientists have paid more attention to the genetic value of these elite varieties and germplasms, and such rich rice resources provide a good foundation for genetic research in China. Approximately 100 000 accessions of radiation‐, chemical‐ or insertion‐induced mutagenesis have been generated since the 1980s, and great progress has been made on rice molecular genetics. So far at least 16 variant/mutant genes including MOC1, BC1, SKC1, and Rf genes have been isolated and characterized in China. These achievements greatly promote the research on functional genomics, understanding the mechanism of plant development and molecular design breeding of rice in China. Here we review the progress of three aspects of rice genetics in China: moving forward at the molecular level, genetic research on elite varieties and germplasms, and new gene screening and genetic analysis using mutants. The prospects of rice genetics are also discussed.
Structural and Expressional Variations of the Mitochondrial Genome Conferring the Wild Abortive Type of Cytoplasmic Male Sterility in Rice
Authors: Liu Zhen‐Lan , Xu Hong , Guo Jing‐Xin , Liu Yao‐Guang 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe so‐called “wild abortive” (WA) type of cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) derived from a wild rice species Oryza rufipogon has been extensively used for hybrid rice breeding. However, extensive analysis of the structure of the related mitochondrial genome has not been reported, and the CMS‐associated gene(s) remain unknown. In this study, we exploited a mitochondrial genome‐wide strategy to examine the structural and expressional variations in the mitochondrial genome conferring the CMS. The entire mitochondrial genomes of a CMS‐WA line and two normal fertile rice lines were amplified by Long‐polymerase chain reaction into tilling fragments of up to 15.2 kb. Restriction and DNA blotting analyses of these fragments revealed that structural variations occurred in several regions in the WA mitochondrial genome, as compared to those of the fertile lines. All of the amplified fragments covering the entire mitochondrial genome were used as RNA blot probes to examine the mitochondrial expression profile among the CMS‐WA and fertile lines. As a result, only two mRNAs were found to be differentially expressed between the CMS‐WA and the fertile lines, which were detected by a probe containing the nad5 and orf153 genes and the other having the ribosomal protein gene rpl5, respectively. These mRNAs are proposed to be the candidates for further identification and functional studies of the CMS gene.
Proteomic Analysis of Rice Plasma Membrane‐associated Proteins in Response to Chitooligosaccharide Elicitors
Authors: Chen Fang , Li Qun , He Zuhua 
Published: June 2007

AbstractChitooligomers or chitooligosaccharides (COS) are elicitors that bind to the plasma membrane (PM) and elicit various defense responses. However, the PM‐bound proteins involved in elicitor‐mediated plant defense responses still remain widely unknown. In order to get more information about PM proteins involved in rice defense responses, we conducted PM proteomic analysis of the rice suspension cells elicited by COS. A total of 14 up‐ or downregulated protein spots were observed on 2‐D gels of PM fractions at 12 h and 24 h after COS incubation. Of them, eight protein spots were successfully identified by MS (mass spectrography) and predicted to be associated to the PM and function in plant defense, including a putative PKN/PRK1 protein kinase, a putative pyruvate kinase isozyme G, a putative zinc finger protein, a putative MAR‐binding protein MFP1, and a putative calcium‐dependent protein kinase. Interestingly, a COS‐induced pM5‐like protein was identified for the first time in plants, which is a transmembrane nodal modulator in transforming growth factor‐β (TGFβ) signaling in vertebrates. We also identified two members of a rice polyprotein family, which were up‐regulated by COS. Our study would provide a starting point for functionality of PM proteins in the rice basal defense.
Rice Mitogen‐activated Protein Kinase Gene Family and Its Role in Biotic and Abiotic Stress Response
Authors: Rohila Jai S. , Yang Yinong 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade is an important signaling module that transduces extracellular stimuli into intracellular responses in eukaryotic organisms. An increasing body of evidence has shown that the MAPK‐mediated cellular signaling is crucial to plant growth and development, as well as biotic and abiotic stress responses. To date, a total of 17 MAPK genes have been identified from the rice genome. Expression profiling, biochemical characterization and/or functional analysis were carried out with many members of the rice MAPK gene family, especially those associated with biotic and abiotic stress responses. In this review, the phylogenetic relationship and classification of rice MAPK genes are discussed to facilitate a simple nomenclature and standard annotation of the rice MAPK gene family. Functional data relating to biotic and abiotic stress responses are reviewed for each MAPK group and show that despite overlapping in functionality, there is a certain level of functional specificity among different rice MAP kinases. The future challenges are to functionally characterize each MAPK, to identify their downstream substrates and upstream kinases, and to genetically manipulate the MAPK signaling pathway in rice crops for the improvement of agronomically important traits.
Duplication and Divergence of Floral MADS‐Box Genes in Grasses: Evidence for the Generation and Modification of Novel Regulators
Authors: Xu Guixia , Kong Hongzhi 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe process of flowering is controlled by a hierarchy of floral genes that act as flowering time genes, inflorescence/floral meristem identity genes, and/or floral organ‐identity genes. The most important and well‐characterized floral genes are those that belong to the MADS‐box family of transcription factors. Compelling evidence suggests that floral MADS‐box genes have experienced a few large‐scale duplication events. In particular, the pre‐core eudicot duplication events have been considered to correlate with the emergence and diversification of core eudicots. Duplication of floral MADS‐box genes has also been documented in monocots, particularly in grasses, although a systematic study is lacking. In the present study, by conducting extensive phylogenetic analyses, we identified pre‐Poaceae gene duplication events in each of theAP1, PI, AG, AGL11, AGL2/3/4, andAGL9gene lineages. Comparative genomic studies further indicated that some of these duplications actually resulted from the genome doubling event that occurred 66‐70 million years ago (MYA). In addition, we found that after gene duplication, exonization (of intron sequences) and pseudoexonization (of exon sequences) have contributed to the divergence of duplicate genes in sequence structure and, possibly, gene function.
The WRKY Gene Family in Rice (Oryza sativa)
Authors: Ross Christian A. , Liu Yue , Shen Qingxi J. 
Published: June 2007

Abstract WRKY genes encode transcription factors that are involved in the regulation of various biological processes. These zinc‐finger proteins, especially those members mediating stress responses, are uniquely expanded in plants. To facilitate the study of the evolutionary history and functions of this supergene family, we performed an exhaustive search for WRKY genes using HMMER and a Hidden Markov Model that was specifically trained for rice. This work resulted in a comprehensive list of WRKY gene models in Oryza sativa L. ssp. indica and L. ssp. japonica. Mapping of these genes to individual chromosomes facilitated elimination of the redundant, leading to the identification of 98 WRKY genes in japonica and 102 in indica rice. These genes were further categorized according to the number and structure of their zinc‐finger domains. Based on a phylogenetic tree of the conserved WRKY domains and the graphic display of WRKY loci on corresponding indica and japonica chromosomes, we identified possible WRKY gene duplications within, and losses between the two closely related rice subspecies. Also reviewed are the roles of WRKY genes in disease resistance and responses to salicylic acid and jasmonic acid, seed development and germination mediated by gibberellins, other developmental processes including senescence, and responses to abiotic stresses and abscisic acid in rice and other plants. The signaling pathways mediating WRKY gene expression are also discussed.
BWMK1 Responds to Multiple Environmental Stresses and Plant Hormones
Authors: Hong Wai‐Foong , He Chaozu , Wang Lijun , Wang Dong‐Jiang , Joseph Leina M. , Jantasuriyarat Chatchawan , Dai Liangying , Wang Guo‐Liang 
Published: June 2007

AbstractMany plant mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) play an important role in regulating responses to both abiotic and biotic stresses. The first reported rice MAPK gene BWMK1 is induced by both rice blast (Magnaporthe grisea) infection and mechanical wounding. For further analysis of its response to other environmental cues and plant hormones, such as jasmonic acid (JA), salicylic acid (SA), and benzothiadiazole (BTH), the promoter of BWMK1 was fused with the coding region of the β‐glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene. Two promoter‐GUS constructs with a 1.0– and 2.5–kb promoter fragment, respectively, were generated and transformed into the japonica rice cultivars TP309 and Zhonghua 11. Expression of GUS was induced in the transgenic lines by cold, drought, dark, and JA. However, light, SA, and BTH treatments suppressed GUS expression. These results demonstrate that BWMK1 is responsive to multiple abiotic stresses and plant hormones and may play a role in cross‐talk between different signaling pathways.
Gibberellin Signal Transduction in Rice
Authors: Fan Liu‐Min , Feng Xiaoyan , Wang Yu , Deng Xing Wang 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIn the past decade, significant knowledge has accumulated regarding gibberellin (GA) signal transduction in rice as a result of studies using multiple approaches, particularly molecular genetics. The present review highlights the recent developments in the identification of GA signaling pathway components, the discovery of GA‐induced destruction of GA signaling repressor (DELLA protein), and the possible mechanism underlying the regulation of GA‐responsive gene expression in rice.
Characterization and Use of Male Sterility in Hybrid Rice Breeding
Authors: Li Shaoqing , Yang Daichang , Zhu Yingguo 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe hybrid rice (Oryza sativa L.) breeding that was initiated in China in the 1970s led to a great improvement in rice productivity. In general, it increases the grain yield by over 20% to the inbred rice varieties, and now hybrid rice has been widely introduced into Africa, Southern Asia and America. These hybrid varieties are generated through either three‐line hybrid and two‐line hybrid systems; the former is derived from cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) and the latter derived from genic male sterility (GMS). There are three major types of CMS (HL, BT and WA) and two types of GMS (photoperiod‐sensitive (PGMS) and temperature‐sensitive (TGMS)). The BT‐ and HL‐type CMS genes are characterized as orf79 and orfH79, which are chimeric toxic genes derived from mitochondrial rearrangement. Rf3 for CMS‐WA is located on chromosome 1, while Rf1, Rf4, Rf5 and Rf6 correspond to CMS‐BT, CMS‐WA and CMS‐HL, located on chromosome 10. The Rf1 gene for BT‐CMS has been cloned recently, and encodes a mitochondria‐targeted PPR protein. PGMS is thought to be controlled by two recessive loci on chromosomes 7 and 12, whereas nine recessive alleles have been identified for TGMS and mapped on different chromosomes. Attention is still urgently needed to resolve the molecular complexity of male sterility to assist rice breeding.
Magnetar oscillations pose challenges for strange stars
Authors: Watts Anna L. , Reddy Sanjay 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
Compact relativistic stars allow us to study the nature of matter under extreme conditions, probing regions of parameter space that are otherwise inaccessible. Nuclear theory in this regime is not well constrained: one key issue is whether neutron stars are in fact composed primarily of strange quark matter. Distinguishing the two possibilities, however, has been difficult. The recent detection of seismic vibrations in the aftermath of giant flares from two magnetars (highly magnetized compact stars) is a major breakthrough. The oscillations excited seem likely to involve the stellar crust, the properties of which differ dramatically for strange stars. We show that the resulting mode frequencies cannot be reconciled with the observations for reasonable magnetar parameters. Ruling out strange star models would place a strong constraint on models of dense quark matter.
Effects of ageing and gender on contractile properties in human skeletal muscle and single fibres
Authors: Yu F. , Hedström M. , Cristea A. , Dalén N. , Larsson L. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAim:  The objective of this study is to improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the ageing‐ and gender‐related muscle weakness.Methods:  Ageing‐ and gender‐related differences in regulation of muscle contraction have been studied in knee‐extensor muscles at the whole muscle and single muscle fibre levels in young and old sedentary men and women. In vivo knee‐extensor muscle function was measured at slow (30° s−1) and faster (180 ° s−1) speeds of movement. Maximum velocity of unloaded shortening (V0) and maximum force normalized to cross‐sectional area (CSA) [specific tension (ST)] were measured in single ‘skinned’ skeletal muscle fibre segments.Results:  Significant ageing‐ and gender‐related differences were observed in muscle torque. A 33–55% ageing‐related decline (P < 0.001) in maximum torque was observed irrespective of gender. At the single muscle fibre level, the ageing‐related decline in knee‐extensor muscle function was accompanied by a 20–28% decline in ST in muscle fibres expressing the type I MyHC isoform in both men and women, and a 29% decline in type IIa muscle fibre CSA, but the decreased fast‐twitch fibre size was restricted to the men. Furthermore, in both men and women, V0 decreased in muscle cells expressing the type I and IIa MyHC isoforms.Conclusion:  The present results provide evidence of specific ageing‐ and gender‐related differences in regulation of muscle contraction at the cellular level. It is suggested that these cellular changes have a significant impact on muscle function and the ageing‐related motor handicap.