bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modulation in interannual sea ice patterns in the Southern Ocean in association with large‐scale atmospheric mode shift
Authors: Udagawa Yusuke , Tachibana Yoshihiro , Yamazaki Koji
Published: November 2009

We verified that the synchronous propagations of the spatial patterns of sea ice concentration (SIC) of wave number 2 around the Antarctic occurred only for the period 1984 to 1994. An empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis of satellite data for 1979–2003 objectively demonstrates that the spatial pattern of SIC propagated eastward only in 1984–1994; in other years, it did not. Our results show that interannual variations in SIC patterns are associated with differences in the dominant large‐scale atmospheric patterns. In nonpropagating years, variance of the tropospheric Antarctic oscillation (AAO) predominated. However, in propagating years, the AAO variance was subdominant to that of the Pacific South American (PSA) teleconnection pattern having a 4 year period. Such periodic PSA enables the SIC anomalies to propagate eastward with a periodically reinforced dipole pattern. The shift of large‐scale atmospheric variability is one possible cause of the modulation in the SIC pattern. The switch of the atmospheric EOF leading mode from the PSA pattern to the AAO in the mid‐1990s corresponded to the modulation in the SIC pattern and supports the presence of the atmospheric climate shifts.
Direct integration of active Ge1−x(Si4Sn)x semiconductors on Si(100)
Authors: Xie Junqi , Tolle J. , D’Costa V. R. , Chizmeshya A. V. G. , Menéndez J. , Kouvetakis J.
Published: November 2009

Doped and intrinsic Ge1−x−ySixSny alloys are synthesized directly on Si(100) using simple deposition chemistries and their optical and electrical properties are determined. Tuning the Si/Sn ratio at ∼4 yields strain-free films with Ge-like cell dimensions, while variation of the ratio around this value produces compressively strained, tetragonal structures with an in-plane lattice constant “pinned” to a value close to that of pure Ge (5.658 Å). First-principles calculations show that mixing entropy thermodynamically stabilizes SiGeSn in contrast to GeSn analogs with the same Sn content. GeSn and SiGeSn are predicted to become metastable for 2% and 12% Sn, respectively, in good agreement with experiment.
Electro-optic measurement of terahertz pulse energy distribution
Authors: Sun J. H. , Gallacher J. G. , Brussaard G. J. H. , Lemos N. , Issac R. , Huang Z. X. , Dias J. M. , Jaroszynski D. A.
Published: November 2009

An accurate and direct measurement of the energy distribution of a low repetition rate terahertz electromagnetic pulse is challenging because of the lack of sensitive detectors in this spectral range. In this paper, we show how the total energy and energy density distribution of a terahertz electromagnetic pulse can be determined by directly measuring the absolute electric field amplitude and beam energy density distribution using electro-optic detection. This method has potential use as a routine method of measuring the energy density of terahertz pulses that could be applied to evaluating future high power terahertz sources, terahertz imaging, and spatially and temporarily resolved pump-probe experiments.
Electronic structure of acceptor defects in (Zn,Mn)O and (Zn,Mn)(O,N)
Authors: Mounkachi O. , Benyoussef A. , El Kenz A. , Saidi E. H. , Hlil E. K.
Published: November 2009

Using first-principles density functional calculations, we study the electronic structure and magnetic properties of Mn-doped ZnO, wurtzite crystal structure, with various defects. This allows to understand and to explain the half-metallicity and the ferromagnetism stability, observed in Mn-doped ZnO with acceptor defects like Zn vacancies. The calculations were performed using the Korringa–Kohn–Rostoker method combined with the coherent potential approximation. Hydrogenation effectsin (Zn,Mn)O and (Zn,Mn)(O,N) is also investigated with and without defects. This work presents detailed information about total, atom, and vacancy projected density of states functions, and magnetic moment for different atoms and defects in Mn-doped ZnO and N-codoped (Zn,Mn)O. The Curie temperature TC is evaluated by using the mean field approximation. We show also that higher values of TC are attained for high concentration of vacancy defects sites in (Zn,Mn)O and for small concentration of vacancy defects sites in (Zn,Mn)(O,N). Mechanism of exchange interaction between magnetic ions in Mn-doped ZnO and N-codoped(Zn,Mn)O with and without defects is also investigated. Finally, we propose a model which describes the origin of strong ferromagnetism stability observed in p-type ZnO.
Experimental and theoretical investigations on the epitaxial growth of 4,4′ stilbenedicarboxylic acid molecules on Au(111)
Authors: Zhang Yan Feng , Yang Yong , Kawazoe Yoshiyuki , Komeda Tadahiro
Published: November 2009

We report on scanning tunneling microscope observations of the epitaxial growth of 4,4′ stilbenedicarboxylic acid (SDA) molecules on Au(111), with the coverage ranges from submonolayer to one monolayer. The surface assembly evolves from one-dimensional molecular chains to striped islands and finally monolayer films. For two-dimensional assembly, the head-to-tail hydrogen bonding is found to dominate the molecule-molecule interactions. Each linking region of the SDA molecular chains consists of two hydrogen bonds. This is confirmed by our first-principles calculations where the hydrogen bond length, hydrogen bond energy, and SDA-Au interaction energy are deduced theoretically. Moreover, the configurations with interchain hydrogen bonds are energetically unstable. The roles of the herringbone reconstruction of Au(111) and the compression effect of a complete film on the formation of molecular ribbons are discussed.
The Landau free energy of a melt of graft copolymers
Authors: Aliev M. A. , Kuchanov S. I.
Published: November 2009

New graphical algorithm is proposed to find vertex functions which are the coefficients of expansion of the Landau free energy of polydisperse multigraft copolymers whose macromolecules comprise an arbitrary number of types of side chains. This algorithm imposes no restriction on length distributions of side chains in copolymer macromolecules as well as on distribution of distances between two successive grafting points along the backbone. By way of example, with this algorithm the expressions for the second, third, and fourth order contributions into the free energy have been derived. The obtained results can be used for construction of the phase diagrams of polydisperse multigraft copolymers.
Ultrafast imaging of photoelectron packets generated from graphite surface
Authors: Raman Ramani K. , Tao Zhensheng , Han Tzong-Ru , Ruan Chong-Yu
Published: November 2009

We present an electron projection imaging method to study the ultrafast evolution of photoelectron density distribution and transient fields near the surface. The dynamical profile of the photoelectrons from graphite reveals an origin of a thermionic emission, followed by an adiabatic process leading to electron acceleration and cooling before a freely expanding cloud is established. The hot electron emission is found to couple with a surface charge dipole layer formation, with a sheet density several orders of magnitude higher than that of the vacuum emitted cloud.
Camouflaged Symmetry
Authors: Landwehr Klaus
Published: November 2009

The notions of symmetry group and camouflage are explained, and a technique is introduced to visually camouflage symmetry groups in natural textures. Two experiments were carried out to test discriminability of symmetry groups p1, p2, pm, and pg in 4-oddity and 5AFC designs with different or same texture per set of stimulus pictures, respectively. In 4-oddity, detection of p1 was enhanced by pm distractors and impaired by those of pg. In 5AFC, p2 proved discriminable against p1; pg did not. Findings are interpreted as qualifying broad claims about symmetry as an organisational principle for vision. Further investigations of visual discrimination of symmetry operations and groups are suggested.
Detecting seasonal change of broad-leaved woody canopy leaf area density profile using 3D portable LIDAR imaging
Authors: Hosoi Fumiki , Omasa Kenji
Published: November 2009

Seasonal change of vertical leaf area density (LAD) profiles of woody canopy broad-leaved trees (Zelkova serrata [Thunberg] Makino) was estimated using 3D portable scanning light detection and ranging (LIDAR) imaging. First, 3D point cloud data for the canopy were collected using a portable LIDAR in spring, summer, autumn and winter. For data collection, the canopy was evenly scanned by the LIDAR from three positions 10 m above the ground. Next, the vertical LAD profile in each season was computed from the LIDAR data using the voxel-based canopy profiling (VCP) method. For the computation, non-photosynthetic tissues were eliminated using the LIDAR data obtained during winter. Influence of leaf inclination angle (LIA) on LAD estimation was corrected by LIA data measured by a high-resolution portable scanning LIDAR. The resultant profiles showed that LAD values tended to increase at the upper canopy from spring to summer and decrease at the middle and lower canopy from summer to autumn. Moreover, LIDAR-derived LIA distributions were compared among different seasons. LIA showed an even distribution in spring but changed to a planophile distribution in summer. In autumn, the angles in the <30° class decreased and those between the 30 and 40°classes increased.
First Report of Capsicum chlorosis virus Infecting Amaryllis and Blood Lily in Taiwan
Authors: Chen C. C. , Huang C. H. , Cheng Y. H. , Chen T. C. , Yeh S. D. , Chang C. A.
Published: November 2009

Capsicum chlorosis virus (CaCV), a thrips-transmitted, tentative species in the genus Tospovirus, family Bunyaviridae, was first identified in solanaceous crops, but also infects several ornamental crops such as orchid (4), gloxinia (3), and calla lily (1). From 2005 to 2007, virus-like yellow ringspots were observed on the leaves of amaryllis (Hippeastrum hybridum Hort.) and blood lily (Haemanthus multiflorus Martyn.) plants cultured in screenhouses and a private garden, respectively. Three of several hundred amaryllis plants in screenhouses from two places were observed as showing yellow ringspot symptoms and one of six blood lily plants was observed as showing similar yellow ringspot symptoms. Sap extracts from symptomatic leaves were inoculated to Chenopodium quinoa Willd. and the resulting local lesions were passaged three successive times to C. quinoa for virus isolation. Using the tospovirus genus-specific primers gL3637 and gL4435c designed from the conserved region in the L RNA (2), DNA fragments of the expected size of 800 bp were amplified by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR from field samples and local lesions from C. quinoa. Extracts from the diseased plants and local lesions of C. quinoa reacted strongly with antiserum against the nucleocapsid (N) protein of CaCV in ELISA and western blotting. To confirm the identity of this virus, we amplified the N gene from three amaryllis and one blood lily source using primer pair WN2328 and WN3534 designed from the S RNA of Watermelon silver mottle virus (1), and these products were cloned and sequenced. The sequence from each virus isolate was determined from three independent clones. The nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of N genes for the blood lily isolate (GenBank Accession No. EF101344) and three amaryllis isolates (GenBank Accession Nos. EF101343, EF137177, and FJ185170) had identities greater than 97% with that of a CaCV isolate infecting Capsicum spp. found in Australia (GenBank Accession No. AY036057). Phylogenetic analysis using maximum parsimony showed that these sequences clustered with CaCV. These results show that the virus identified from amaryllis and blood lily that were expressing yellow ringspot symptoms are isolates of CaCV. To our knowledge, this is the first report of CaCV naturally infecting amaryllis and blood lily and it could become an important threat to ornamental production in Taiwan.

References: (1) C. C. Chen et al. Plant Dis. 91:1201, 2007. (2) F. H. Chu et al. Phytopathology 91:361, 2001. (3) H. T. Hsu et al. J. Gen. Plant Pathol. 66:167, 2000. (4) Y. X. Zheng et al. Eur. J. Plant Pathol. 120:199, 2008.
First Report of Erysiphe palczewskii Powdery Mildew of Siberian Pea Tree (Caragana arborescens) in Wisconsin and Quebec
Authors: Stanosz G. , Smith D. , Bernier L.
Published: November 2009

Shoots affected by powdery mildew were collected from Siberian pea trees in July 2009 on the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus and on the campus of Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec. This exotic shrub or small tree is infrequently planted in Wisconsin and three shrubs in a group that were affected are the only examples known on the UW–Madison campus. In Quebec City, Siberian pea tree is more commonly used as an ornamental, often in hedges (as is the case of the affected plants on the Université Laval campus). In both locations, <10% of foliage was visibly affected, but incidence was greater on shoots closer to the ground than on higher shoots. White-to-grayish mycelium was present on leaves and young stems and sometimes completely covered both upper and lower leaf surfaces. Dark brown-to-black chasmothecia were numerous on leaf blades, petioles, and young stems, but were most abundant on lower surfaces of leaves. Morphology of chasmothecia, including appendages with distinctive terminal dichotomous branching, (1) was consistent with descriptions and illustrations of the fungus Erysiphe palczewskii Jacz. (synonym Microsphaera palczewskii) (1–4) thought to be native to Asia, but also known as an invader of Europe where it occurs on the same host. For a sample from Université Laval, mean diameter of chasmothecia was 113 μm, mean appendage length was 185 μm, and barrel-shaped conidia that lacked fibrosin bodies averaged 30 × 14 μm. Asci contained oval, yellow ascospores with mean dimensions of 20 × 12 μm. DNA was extracted from chasmothecia, and nuclear rDNA sequences (633 nucleotides) of the Wisconsin (GenBank Accession No. GQ497277) and Quebec (GenBank Accession No. GQ497276) specimens differed by only one nucleotide. The sequences that were obtained most closely matched GenBank sequences for Oidium spp. (98%) and Erysiphe spp. (97%). Further observations indicated that the same pathogen affected Siberian pea trees planted as ornamentals at several locations separated by ≥15 km in the metropolitan Quebec area. This report extends the eastern known limit of E. palczewskii in the United States, previously known from collections in Alaska (2), Washington (4), Idaho (4), North Dakota (3), and Minnesota (3). To our knowledge, this is the first report of this disease in Canada, and it indicates that the distribution of E. palczewskii is transcontinental. Specimens from Madison, WI and Quebec, QC have been deposited in the U.S. National Fungus Collections (BPI 879152) and the Rene Pomerleau Herbarium of the Canadian Forest Service Laurentian Forestry Centre (QFB-22601).

References: (1) U. Braun. Beih. Nova Hedwigia 89:1, 1987. (2) D. A. Glawe and G. A. Laursen. Online publication. doi:10:1094/PHP-2005-1017-01-BR. Plant Health Progress, 2005. (3) D. A. Glawe et al. Online publication. doi:10.1094/PHP-2006-0117-01-BR. Plant Health Progress, 2006. (4) C. Nischwitz and G. Newcombe. Plant Dis. 87:451, 2003.
Night-migratory garden warblers can orient with their magnetic compass using the left, the right or both eyes
Authors: Hein Christine Maira , Zapka Manuela , Heyers Dominik , Kutzschbauch Sandra , Schneider Nils-Lasse , Mouritsen Henrik
Published: November 2009

Several studies have suggested that the magnetic compass of birds is located only in the right eye. However, here we show that night-migrating garden warblers (Sylvia borin) are able to perform magnetic compass orientation with both eyes open, with only the left eye open and with only the right eye open. We did not observe any clear lateralization of magnetic compass orientation behaviour in this migratory songbird, and, therefore, it seems that the suggested all-or-none lateralization of magnetic compass orientation towards the right eye only cannot be generalized to all birds, and that the answer to the question of whether magnetic compass orientation in birds is lateralized is probably not as simple as suggested previously.
A single wind-mediated mechanism explains high-altitude ‘non-goal oriented’ headings and layering of nocturnally migrating insects
Authors: Reynolds Andy M. , Reynolds Don R. , Smith Alan D. , Chapman Jason W.
Published: November 2009

Studies made with both entomological and meteorological radars over the last 40 years have frequently reported the occurrence of insect layers, and that the individuals forming these layers often show a considerable degree of uniformity in their headings—behaviour known as ‘common orientation’. The environmental cues used by nocturnal migrants to select and maintain common headings, while flying in low illumination levels at great heights above the ground, and the adaptive benefits of this behaviour have long remained a mystery. Here we show how a wind-mediated mechanism accounts for the common orientation patterns of ‘medium-sized’ nocturnal insects. Our theory posits a mechanism by which migrants are able to align themselves with the direction of the flow using a turbulence cue, thus adding their air speed to the wind speed and significantly increasing their migration distance. Our mechanism also predicts that insects flying in the Northern Hemisphere will typically be offset to the right of the mean wind line when the atmosphere is stably stratified, with the Ekman spiral in full effect. We report on the first evidence for such offsets, and show that they have significant implications for the accurate prediction of the flight trajectories of migrating nocturnal insects.
Kin structure, ecology and the evolution of social organization in shrimp: a comparative analysis
Authors: Duffy J. Emmett , Macdonald Kenneth S.
Published: November 2009

Eusocial societies present a Darwinian paradox, yet they have evolved independently in insects, mole-rats and symbiotic shrimp. Historically, eusociality has been thought to arise as a response to ecological challenges, mediated by kin selection, but the role of kin selection has recently been questioned. Here we use phylogenetically independent contrasts to test the association of eusociality with ecological performance and genetic structure (via life history) among 20 species of sponge-dwelling shrimp (Synalpheus) in Belize. Consistent with hypotheses that cooperative groups enjoy an advantage in challenging habitats, we show that eusocial species are more abundant, occupy more sponges and have broader host ranges than non-social sister species, and that these patterns are robust to correction for the generally smaller body sizes of eusocial species. In contrast, body size explains less or no variation after accounting for sociality. Despite strong ecological pressures on most sponge-dwellers, however, eusociality arose only in species with non-dispersing larvae, which form family groups subject to kin selection. Thus, superior ability to hold valuable resources may favour eusociality in shrimp but close genetic relatedness is nevertheless key to its origin, as in other eusocial animals.
Who infects whom? Social networks and tuberculosis transmission in wild meerkats
Authors: Drewe Julian A.
Published: November 2009

Transmission of infectious diseases is strongly influenced by who contacts whom. Despite the global distribution of tuberculosis (TB) in free-living wild mammal populations, little is known of the mechanisms of social transmission of
Mycobacterium bovis
between individuals. Here, I use a network approach to examine for correlations between five distinct types of intra- and intergroup social interaction and changes in TB status of 110 wild meerkats (
Suricata suricatta
) in five social groups over two years. Contrary to predictions, the most socially interactive animals were not at highest risk of acquiring infection, indicating that in addition to contact frequency, the type and direction of interactions must be considered when quantifying disease risk. Within social groups, meerkats that groomed others most were more likely to become infected than individuals who received high levels of grooming. Conversely, receiving, but not initiating, aggression was associated with
M. bovis
infection. Incidence of intergroup roving by male meerkats was correlated with the rovers themselves subsequently testing TB-positive, suggesting a possible route for transmission of infection between social groups. Exposure time was less important than these social interactions in influencing TB risk. This study represents a novel application of social network analysis using empirical data to elucidate the role of specific interactions in the transmission of an infectious disease in a free-living wild animal population.
Differential effects of moving versus stationary territorial intruders on territory defence in a songbird
Authors: Amrhein Valentin , Lerch Sabine
Published: November 2009

1. In territorial contests, not only acoustic or other signals, but also the movements of a territorial intruder are likely to influence the response of a resident.

2. We tested this movement hypothesis by simulating moving vs. stationary intruders into the territories of winter wrens Troglodytes troglodytes, using the same non‐interactive song playbacks in both treatments.

3. Male winter wrens showed a different long‐term singing reaction in response to a moving than to a stationary intruder.

4. One day after experiencing an intruder that was switching between three locations, residents started to sing earlier before sunrise, and they sang more and longer songs at dawn than before the intrusion.

5. Residents receiving the same playback from one location only reacted by starting to sing later relative to sunrise, and by singing fewer and shorter songs than before the intrusion.

6. We could not discriminate between the treatments when examining the short‐term singing reactions during and immediately after the playbacks. However, our results clearly demonstrate an effect of the spatial behaviour of territorial intruders on the long‐term territory defence of residents at dawn, about 24 h after an intrusion.

7. We argue that spatial behaviour of territorial intruders should be an integral part of the study of animal territory defence behaviour. Investigating long‐term changes in territory defence at dawn is a sensitive tool for discriminating between different types of intruders.
Evidence for a critical role of ceruloplasmin oxidase activity in iron metabolism of Wilson disease gene knockout mice
Authors: Merle Uta , Tuma Sabine , Herrmann Thomas , Muntean Valer , Volkmann Martin , Gehrke Sven G. , Stremmel Wolfgang
Published: November 2009

Background and Aim:  Wilson disease is a genetic disorder associated with copper overload due to mutations within the ATP7B gene. Although copper and iron metabolism are closely linked, the influence of mutations of the ATP7B gene on iron homeostasis is unknown. Therefore, the present study was carried out to elucidate iron metabolism in Atp7b(−/−) mice, an animal model of Wilson disease.

Methods:  Hepatic iron content, serum iron parameters and blood hemoglobin levels of Atp7b(−/−) mice and wild type mice were studied. Hepatic and duodenal expression of iron metabolism‐related genes was measured quantitatively by real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and post‐translational expression of Dmt1 was analyzed by immunoblot.

Results:  Atp7b(−/−) mice displayed copper accumulation (P < 0.001), slightly elevated hepatic iron content (P = NS), and a low serum ceruloplasmin oxidase activity (1.5 ± 1.9 U/L vs 18.9 ± 4.0 U/L, P < 0.001) when compared with wild type mice. Serum iron, serum transferrin saturation, and blood hemoglobin levels were significantly lower in Atp7b(−/−) mice compared with controls (121.2 ± 35.3 µg/dL vs 201.8 ± 34.9 µg/dL (P < 0.001); 44.0 ± 12.7% vs 68.0 ± 8.2% (P < 0.001); and 12.7 ± 0.2 g/dl vs 15.3 ± 0.1 g/dl (P < 0.001), respectively). Hepatic mRNA expression of hepcidin, TfR‐1, TfR‐2, hemojuvelin, and Dmt1 + IRE did not differ significantly between Atp7b(−/−) and wild type mice. In the duodenum of Atp7b(−/−) mice Dmt1 + IRE and hephaestin did not show any differences in their mRNA levels compared with wild type mice, while Dcytb mRNA expression was 1.7‐fold increased compared with wild type mice (P = 0.01).

Conclusion:  Atp7b(−/−) mice demonstrated decreased serum iron parameters and hemoglobin levels most likely related to a low serum ceruloplasmin oxidase activity and not due to total body iron deficiency.
Seasonal variation in the acute presentation of urinary calculi over 8 years in Auckland, New Zealand
Authors: Lo Sum Sum , Johnston Richard , Al Sameraaii Ahmed , Metcalf Patricia A. , Rice Michael L. , Masters Jonathan G.
Published: November 2009

Study Type – Symptom prevalence (retrospective cohort) Level of Evidence 2b

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence of acute presentation of urinary calculi (UC) in Auckland, New Zealand, during the period 1999–2007, and whether there was any significant seasonal variation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The details of all UC within the population presenting acutely to public hospitals in Auckland between 1999 and 2007 were collected using clinical coding searches International Classification of Disease 10th revision (Australian Modification) N132 and N20. Climatic variables for the Auckland region were obtained from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, New Zealand. The mean atmospheric temperature, hours of sunshine and humidity data were calculated monthly for this period.

RESULTS

During the study there were 7668 acute presentations of UC in the Auckland region. A Poisson regression model showed that the number of presentations was significantly related to temperature (P < 0.001) and hours of sunshine (P = 0.004) but not humidity (P = 0.14). For each degree increase in temperature the number of presentations increased by 2.8% (95% confidence interval 1.3–4.3%). For each 1‐h increase in sunshine, the number of presentations increased by 0.2% (0.06–0.33)%.

CONCLUSION

The acute presentation of UC in Auckland, New Zealand, varies significantly with temperature and hours of sunshine. Humidity was not a significant factor.
Development of a Brief Waiting Room Observation for Behaviours Typical of Reactive Attachment Disorder
Authors: McLaughlin Alexis , Espie Carolyn , Minnis Helen
Published: November 2009

Objective:  To develop a brief standardised observational schedule for Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) in school‐age children to aid clinician recognition of these behaviours.

Design:  A new structured observational schedule for symptoms of RAD was developed using unstructured observation of children in a clinic waiting room setting. The measure’s ability to discriminate between a sample of children with RAD and a normative sample was established by comparing scores in these two groups.

Method:  Children aged 5–8 years (n = 77 [38 RAD cases and 39 controls]) were observed with their primary caregiver in a standardised waiting room setting. A structured observational tool was developed that tested the reliability, sensitivity and specificity of each item.

Results:  The schedule has good internal consistency (0.75). The individual items on the observational schedule were predominantly highly discriminatory between cases and comparisons, showing both reasonable sensitivity and excellent specificity. Certain questions were dropped due to poor discrimination and/or poor inter‐rater reliability.

Conclusion:  The 10‐item observational schedule for RAD in school‐age children provides a promising tool for assessment, although further research will be required to evaluate its ability to discriminate between RAD and other disorders.
Persistent fatigue in young athletes: measuring the clinical course and identifying variables affecting clinical recovery
Authors: Locke S. , Osborne M. , O'Rourke P.
Published: November 2009

The objective of this paper is to measure the clinical course (months) in young athletes with persistent fatigue and to identify any covariates affecting the duration of recovery. This was a prospective longitudinal study of 68 athletes; 87% were elite (42 males, 26 females), aged 20.5±3.74 years (SD), who presented with the symptom of persistent fatigue. The collective duration to full clinical recovery was estimated using Kaplan–Meier product–limit curves, and covariates associated with prolonging recovery were identified from Cox proportional hazard models. The median recovery was 5 months (range 1–60 months). The range of presenting symptom duration was 0.5–36 months. The covariates identified were an increased duration of presenting symptoms [hazard ratio (HR), 1.06; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.02–1.12; P=0.005] and the response of serum cortisol concentration to a standard exercise challenge (HR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.09–3.38; P=0.03). Delay in recovery was not associated with categories of fatigue that included medical, training‐related diagnoses, or other causes. In conclusion, the fatigued athlete represents a significant clinical problem with a median recovery of 5 months, whose collective clinical course to recovery can be estimated by Kaplan–Meier curves and appears to be a continuum.
Dietary supplements and medications in elite sport – polypharmacy or real need?
Authors: Suzic Lazic J. , Dikic N. , Radivojevic N. , Mazic S. , Radovanovic D. , Mitrovic N. , Lazic M. , Zivanic S. , Suzic S.
Published: November 2009

The aim of this study was to describe qualitatively and quantitatively dietary supplements (DS) and medication use in elite athletes. Athletes (n=912; age 23.9±6 years; 72% male) reported medications and DSs taken within 3 days before doping control. We analyzed data collected from 2006 to 2008, indentified and classified substances. Total of 74.6% athletes reported use of at least one substance, 61.2% took DS (3.17 per user) and 40.6% took medications. Among users, 21.2% reported the use of six and more different products, and one took 17 different products at the same time. Majority of medication users took non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAID) (24.7%), and 22.2% used more than one NSAID. We found no gender differences in DS use (P=0.83). Individual sport athletes used more DS (P<0.01). Our study showed widespread use of DS and drugs by elite athletes. Consumption of DS with no evident performance or health benefits, demonstrated the need for specific educational programs focused on DS use. Amount, quantity and combination of the reported products raised concern about the risk of potential side effects.
Youth‐, Family‐, and Professional‐Rated Utility of a Narrative Discharge Letter Written to Older Adolescent Psychiatric Inpatients
Authors: Bobier Candace , Dowell Joanne , Craig Brian
Published: November 2009

PROBLEM:  Little has been written on the value of composing narrative letters to adolescent psychiatric inpatients as rated by those who receive them.

METHODS:  Survey of youth, family members, and professionals given copies of a narrative discharge letter written as an alternative to a copy of an initial discharge letter written to the referrer.

FINDINGS:  Narrative letters conceptualized and validated youth experience, progress, and future directions in a language easily understood by the youth and family members, enabling reflection and empowerment.

CONCLUSION:  Narrative letter writing is a valuable therapeutic tool to facilitate reflective, empowering partnerships among professionals, youth, and family members.
Influence of sputtering a ZnMgO window layer on the interface and bulk properties of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells
Authors: Li Jian V. , Li Xiaonan , Yan Yanfa , Jiang Chun-Sheng , Metzger Wyatt K. , Repins Ingrid L. , Contreras Miguel A. , Levi Dean H.
Published: November 2009

The authors studied the influence of sputtering a ZnMgO window layer for Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells on bulk and interface electrical properties. Admittance spectroscopy reveals deep levels at the ZnMgO∕CdS interface whose activation energy (∼0.4eV) increases with reverse bias, indicating an unpinned quasi-Fermi level at the interface. The Cu(In,Ga)Se2 carrier concentration determined by capacitance-voltage measurements decreases to 3×1014cm−3, compared to 1×1016cm−3 in a device with a ZnO window. Scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy verifies the increased depletion region width and indicates that the junction location is unaltered by ZnMgO. Secondary-ion mass spectroscopy shows the presence of Mg near the top and bottom surfaces of the Cu(In,Ga)Se2 film. They hypothesize that the decrease in carrier concentration is due to compensation doping of the Cu-poor Cu(In,Ga)Se2 by Mg. Optimizing sputtering conditions to reduce surface damage and Mg migration eliminates the interface states and restores the carrier concentration, resulting in device performance comparable to those with a ZnO window.
Immunomodulatory Effects of
Yersinia pestis
Lipopolysaccharides on Human Macrophages
Authors: Matsuura Motohiro , Takahashi Hideyuki , Watanabe Haruo , Saito Shinji , Kawahara Kazuyoshi
Published: November 2009

In the current study, we investigated the activity of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) purified from
Yersinia pestis
grown at either 27°C or 37°C (termed LPS-27 and LPS-37, respectively). LPS-27 containing hexa-acylated lipid A, similar to the LPS present in usual gram-negative bacteria, stimulated an inflammatory response in human U937 cells through Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). LPS-37, which did not contain hexa-acylated lipid A, exhibited strong antagonistic activity to the TLR4-mediated inflammatory response. The phagocytic activity in the cells was not affected by LPS-37. To estimate the activity of LPS in its bacterial binding form, formalin-killed bacteria (FKB) were prepared from
Y. pestis
cells grown at 27°C or 37°C (termed FKB-27 and FKB-37, respectively). FKB-27 strongly stimulated the inflammatory response. This activity was suppressed in the presence of an anti-TLR4 antibody but not an anti-TLR2 antibody. In addition, this activity was almost completely suppressed by LPS-37, indicating that the activity of FKB-27 is predominantly derived from the LPS-27 bacterial binding form. In contrast, FKB-37 showed no antagonistic activity. The results arising from the current study indicate that
Y. pestis
causes infection in humans without stimulating the TLR4-based defense system
via
bacterial binding of LPS-37, even when bacterial free LPS-37 is not released to suppress the defense system. This is in contrast to the findings for bacteria that possess agonistic LPS types, which are easily recognized by the defense system
via
the bacterial binding forms.
Longitudinal Survey of
Plasmodium falciparum
Infection in Vietnam: Characteristics of Antimalarial Resistance and Their Associated Factors
Authors: Isozumi Rie , Uemura Haruki , Dao Le Duc , Van Hanh Truong , Giang Nguyen Duc , Vien Ha Viet , Phuc Bui Quang , Van Tuan Nguyen , Nakazawa Shusuke
Published: November 2009

Plasmodium falciparum
is the main cause of human malaria and is one of the important pathogens causing high rates of morbidity and mortality. The total number of malaria patients in Vietnam has gradually decreased over the last decade. However, the spread of pathogens with drug resistance remains a significant problem. Defining the trend in genotypes related to drug resistance is essential for the control of malaria in Vietnam. We undertook a longitudinal survey of
Plasmodium falciparum
malaria in 2001, 2002, and 2005 to 2007. The
pfcrt
,
pfmdr1
,
pfdhfr
, and
pfdhps
genes were analyzed by sequencing; and correlations by study year, age, gender, and genotype were identified statistically. The ratio of the chloroquine resistance genotype
pfcrt
76T was found to have decreased rapidly after 2002. High numbers of mutations in the
pfdhfr
and
pfdhps
genes were observed only in 2001 and 2002, while the emergence of parasites with a new K540Y mutation in the
P. falciparum
dihydropteroate synthetase (PfDHPS) was observed in 2002. For males and those in younger age brackets, a correlation between vulnerability to
P. falciparum
infection and strains with
pfcrt
76K or strains with decreased numbers of mutations in
pfdhfr
and
pfdhps
was demonstrated. The parasites with
pfcrt
76T exhibited a greater number of mutations in
pfdhfr
and
pfdhps
.
Comparison of a Rapid Antigen Test with Nucleic Acid Testing during Cocirculation of Pandemic Influenza A/H1N1 2009 and Seasonal Influenza A/H3N2
Authors: Kok Jen , Blyth Christopher C. , Foo Hong , Patterson Jason , Taylor Janette , McPhie Kenneth , Ratnamohan V. Mala , Iredell Jonathan R. , Dwyer Dominic E.
Published: November 2009

The rapid diagnosis of influenza is critical in optimizing clinical management. Rapid antigen tests have decreased sensitivity in detecting pandemic influenza A/H1N1 2009 virus compared to seasonal influenza A subtypes (53.4% versus 74.2%,
P
< 0.001). Nucleic acid tests should be used to detect pandemic influenza virus when rapid antigen tests are negative.
Nasal Colonization of and Clonal Transmission of Methicillin-Susceptible
Staphylococcus aureus
among Chinese Military Volunteers
Authors: Qu Fen , Cui Enbo , Guo Tongsheng , Li Haijing , Chen Suming , Liu Liming , Han Wang , Bao Chunmei , Mao Yuanli , Tang Yi-Wei
Published: November 2009

Military facilities provide unique opportunities for studying
Staphylococcus aureus
nasal colonization and transmission patterns. In this cross-sectional observational study, we assessed the prevalence of
S. aureus
nasal colonization among Chinese military volunteers in two camps in the Beijing area. Antimicrobial resistance patterns, risk factors for colonization, and transmission patterns using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis were also evaluated. From May to July 2007, 1,044 nasal swabs were collected from military volunteers from suburban (560) and urban (484) camps. A total of 209
S. aureus
isolates were recovered, of which all were methicillin susceptible. Independent factors associated with methicillin-susceptible
S. aureus
(MSSA) nasal colonization included younger age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.51, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.03 to 2.21,
P
= 0.0347), higher education (OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.10 to 1.73,
P
= 0.0056), shorter length of service (OR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.28 to 2.36,
P
= 0.0004), nonsmoking (OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.14 to 2.28,
P
= 0.0069), and inactive participation in social events (OR = 2.40, 95% CI = 1.25 to 5.49,
P
= 0.0082). Among 209 MSSA isolates, 126 (60.3%) were determined to be epidemic and a total of 12 genotypes were identified, of which four (90 isolates [71.4%]) represented the majority of strains. Length of service and camp location were statistically related to the four major MSSA genotype clonal transmissions. Our data indicated that MSSA, not methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
(MRSA), nasal colonization and clonal transmission occur in healthy military volunteers in Beijing. Younger, female, nonsmoking volunteers with higher education, little or no participation in social events, and less time in service are at higher risk for nasal MSSA carriage.
L'effet d'acides gras saturés et insaturés sur la croissance et la fructification de quelques espèces du genre Ceratocystis
Authors: Dalpé Y. , Montant Ch.
Published: November 2009

The mycelial growth of Ceratocystis ips, C. capillifera, C. piceae, and C. ulmi is inhibited by capric acid, and the fungitoxic effect of saturated acids decreases with the length of even numbered carbon chains (C 12:00, C20:0). Palmitic acid does not interfere with glucose for mycelial growth. A competition for the utilization of carbon sources seems to occur when both glucose and linoleic or linolenic acid are present in the medium. In all cases, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids are good carbon sources and trigger the differentiation of several fruit bodies.
Aspects of the cultural behaviour of Frankia and possible ecological implications
Authors: Shipton Warren A. , Burggraaf Arjo J. P.
Published: November 2009

Frankia isolates primarily from Casuarina, Hippophaë, and Myrica were examined for their response to changes in temperature, pH, and water potential and for utilization of various substrates. Isolates differed in their responses. The general trends were that optimum growth was around 30 °C, the upper limits close to 40 °C, and the lower limits near 15 °C. Growth was generally favoured by pH values lying between 6 and 8 with the Casuarina isolate showing a narrower range. The general pattern of behaviour towards water potential was that growth declined below about −2 to −6 bar (1 bar = 100 kPa). Meagre growth was shown at −23 bar for isolates, except the one from Myrica which ceased to grow at potentials lower than about −18 bar. Isolates differed in ability to utilize monosaccharides and polysaccharides and tricarboxylic acids, but all utilized some volatile fatty acids. They also differed in ability to grow in the presence of inorganic and organic nitrogen sources, amino acids, and urea. Vitamins stimulated growth of some Frankia isolates; stimulation was generally small but was shown for biotin, calcium pantothenate, and riboflavin. Some evidence was gained for growth of selected isolates under near-chemoautotrophic conditions. Some ecological implications are discussed.
The role of lipids in the growth of Frankia isolates
Authors: Quispel A. , Burggraaf A. J. P. , Borsje H. , Tak T.
Published: November 2009

A comparison is made of the lipid requirements of some Frankia strains. Root-extract lipids from alder were essential for the isolation of Frankia strains from all nodules of Alnus glutinosa, Hippophaë rhamnoides, and in one case of Myrica gale and, at least in the case of A. glutinosa, they cannot be replaced by lecithin, Tween 80, or propionate. Many strains no longer need these lipids during subsequent cultivation. Strains from the spore-negative nodules of A. glutinosa need the lipids even after prolonged cultivation on most media, though they can adapt to media with propionate but without root-extract lipids after several transfers. These adapted strains must be distinguished from occasional revertants which, moreover, have a reduced infectivity. The results of silica-gel column and thin-layer chromatographic analysis combined with alkaline hydrolysis indicate that the active factors in the root-extract lipids are special fatty acids either in free or in bound form.
An effective strain of Frankia from Casuarina sp.
Authors: Diem H. G. , Gauthier D. , Dommergues Y.
Published: November 2009

A strain of Frankia, designated Cj1-82, from root nodules of a hybrid of Casuarina junghuhniana and C. equisetifolia has been isolated in pure culture. When grown under standard culture conditions, Cj1-82 exhibited the following characteristics: cushionlike colonies with short, wide hyphae and, in addition to typical sporangia, intercalary elongated sporangialike structures (SLS) which could be disrupted into sporelike units. No vesicles were found. When inoculated into the rhizosphere of C. equisetifolia, Cj1-82 produced vesicles. Reinfection of seedlings of C. equisetifolia was achieved repeatedly with inocula prepared from a suspension of Cj1-82. Sequences of infection of root hairs were described. Fourteen days after inoculation, nodules were apparent on the roots. Nodules were shown to be effective in nitrogen fixation as assessed by the acetylene-reduction technique.
Axenic nodulation of in vitro propagated Alnus glutinosa plantlets by Frankia strains
Authors: Périnet Pierre , Lalonde Maurice
Published: November 2009

Two clones of Alnus glutinosa plantlets propagated in vitro were inoculated, under axenic conditions, with eight different isolates of Frankia originating from different provenances and representing both type-N and type-P strains. All the plants inoculated formed typical and effective actinorhizae. The nodulated root systems were tested for the presence of microbial contaminants on different culture media. Typical Frankia colonies, growing on the root pieces incubated in the culture media, were subcultured and reinoculated on alder seedlings grown in plastic growth pouches. The results demonstrated that Frankia can induce a typical and effective nodulation on axenic Alnus glutinosa host plants without the help of any "microbial helper".
Frankia diversity in an alder stand as estimated by sodium dodecyl sulfate – polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of whole-cell proteins
Authors: Benson David R. , Hanna Deborah
Published: November 2009

Procedures for estimating the diversity of Frankia isolates are described. Forty-three alder isolates were separated into six groups by comparing protein patterns obtained during sodium dodecyl sulfate – polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE) of whole-cell lysates. Thirty-five of the strains comprised group A and were indistinguishable from one another. Four strains were quite similar to a Comptonia peregrina isolate (CpI1) and were included in group C. Group D had two members and groups B, E, and F each had one member. The groupings were confirmed by hyphal morphology, colony appearance, and carbon source utilization patterns.
Nitrogenase activity in response to restricted shoot growth in Alnus incana
Authors: Huss-Danell Kerstin , Sellstedt Anita
Published: November 2009

In the Alnus–Frankia symbiosis the nitrogen-fixing root nodules are one of the sinks for carbon compounds newly formed in photosynthesis and exported from the leaves (source). The competition for assimilates between shoot tips and root nodules was studied by reducing shoot growth. Cloned plants of Alnus incana (L.) Moench were grown without combined nitrogen in a growth chamber. Shoot growth was inhibited by excision of all buds or by induced dormancy. The experiments showed an increased root biomass in the treated plants, indicating a changed source–sink balance. The treatments never caused an increased nitrogenase activity (C2H2-dependent C2H4 production); rather it was decreased. The nitrogenase activity was always correlated with leaf areas. It was also correlated with growth, which is shown by the similar nitrogen percentage in intact and treated plants.
Will similar forests develop on similar sites?
Authors: McCune Bruce , Allen T. F. H.
Published: November 2009

Abies grandis, Taxus brevifolia, Thuja plicata, or any combination of these may dominate old-growth mesic forests of the Bitterroot Canyons, western Montana. Similar sites need not develop similar, relatively stable forests. This is shown by (i) anomalous distributional patterns of tree species, (ii) broad overlap of tree species abundance in environmental space (shown by ordination and discriminant analysis of stands in environmental space), and (iii) weak or undetectable correspondence of species × stand and site factor × stand matrices (multiple regressions of compositional dissimilarity against environmental differences; also, canonical correlation and Mantel tests). Since a one-to-one mapping from site factors to species composition in old-growth vegetation is a fundamental tenet for applications of the climax concept, caution is warranted where the concept is to be applied within a narrow range of site factors or to insular communities.