Self-triggered Asynchronous Optical Sampling Terahertz Spectroscopy using a Bidirectional Mode-locked Fiber Laser.

We report a self-triggered asynchronous optical sampling terahertz spectroscopy system based on a single bidirectional mode-locked fiber laser and plasmonics-enhanced photoconductive nanoantennas. The fiber laser generates two optical mutually coherent pulse trains with a stable repetition rate difference, enabling time-domain terahertz spectroscopy without using any mechanical delay line, stabilization electronics, or external trigger. The resolved terahertz spectra over a 0.1-2 THz frequency range and a 30-second measurement time show more than a 70-dB dynamic range, revealing water absorption lines matching the HITRAN database, through a light-weight and compact spectroscopy setup.

Identification of Beet necrotic yellow vein virus in Lakes District: A Major Beet Growing Area in Turkey.

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV) causal agent of rhizomania, in sugar beet cultivation areas in the Lakes District of Turkey, in 2006-2007. During surveys BNYVV suspected leaf, root, and soil samples were collected. Total of 203 soil samples were collected from different locations in the region. Sugar beet cultivar Kasandra plants were grown in these soil samples using bait plant techniques. In order to detect the structures of the vector protozoa Polymyxa betae Keskin in the root tissue of the bait plants, roots were stained with lactofuchsin and examined for the fungal cystosori under a light microscope. Presence of BNYVV was investigated using Double antibody sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA). ELISA test results showed that 85 samples were infected with BNYVV (41.87%). ELISA-positive samples for BNYVV were used in the mechanical inoculation studies. Test plants produced typical BNYVV symptoms. Fifty ELISA negative samples when tested by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), BNYVV could be detected in 50% of these samples. The present study provides evidence for occurrence of BNYVV in a major beet growing area in Turkey based on biological, serological and molecular detection of the virus. RT-PCR method was found more suitable and sensitive than DAS-ELISA for the detection of BNYVV.

Induction of phenolic compounds and pathogenesis-related proteins by mycorrhizal fungal inoculations against Phytophthora capsici Leonian in pepper.

In this study, the effects ofmycorrhizal fungal inoculations of Glomus mosseae, G. etunicatum, G. fasciculatus and Gigaspora margarita species on phenolic compounds and pathogenesis related proteins were investigated in pepper - Phytophthora capsici plant pathosystem. Root colonization by mycorrhizal fungi increased after 15, 25 and 45 days after inoculation depending on the root developmental stage. G. mossea and G. fasciculatus reached the highest root colonization level. In addition, arbuscule formation, spores inside or outside the root cells were observed after 25 and 45 days, respectively. The disease development of pepper plants was decreased depending on the mycorrhizal fungi colonization compared to the pathogen inoculated plants. Total phenolic compounds increased in all treatments as compared to non mycorrized non pathogen treated control, but was highest when plants were inoculated with both, the mycorrhizal fungi and the pathogen. Overall, 12 different phenolic compounds were identified using thin layer chromatography according to Rf. In general, there was an increased in the activity of beta-1.3-glucanases and chitinases after 3, 6 and 9 days as compared to control in stem extracts ofmycorrhizal fungi and or P. capsici treatments. The enzyme activities were higher 6 days after inoculation, but decreased 3 days later in all treatments. In conclusion, increasing activity of phenolic compounds and enzymes were observed depending on simultaneous inoculations with mycorrhizal fungi and pathogen, that could be involved in disease resistance.

Levetiracetam in Meige's syndrome.

The spontaneous occurrence of blepharospasm and dystonic movements in face muscles, particularly those of the perioral and mandibular regions, has been named as Meige's disease which was first described by Henry Meige in 1910. We report the case of a woman with Meige's syndrome whose symptoms improved with the use of levetiracetam.