bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Congressional Briefing on Climate Change Impacts and Adaption
Authors: Landau Elizabeth
Published: February 2010

During an 8 January 2010 congressional briefing on climate change cosponsored by AGU, speakers discussed the impacts of climate change in the United States and the ability of society to cope with these impacts. More than 200 congressional and federal agency staff attended the briefing, which featured Michael MacCracken, chief scientist for climate change programs at the Climate Institute; Kristie Ebi, executive director of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Working Group 2 Technical Support Unit; Katharine Jacobs, professor at the University of Arizona's Soil, Water and Environmental Science Department; and Susanne Moser, director and principal researcher at Susanne Moser Research and Consulting.
What determines Th2 differentiation, in vitro and in vivo?
Authors: Paul William E
Published: February 2010

We have known since 1991 how to induce naive CD4 T cells to differentiate in vitro into Th2 cells and, over the ensuing years, a comprehensive picture of the molecules involved in this important process has emerged. GATA3 and STAT5 are both essential for in vitro differentiation, stimulating naive cells through a process involving induction, which is T‐cell receptor (TCR) dependent but interleukin (IL)‐4 independent, and commitment, which is IL‐4 dependent. Th2 differentiation in vivo appears more complex. GATA3 and probably STAT5 are required in vivo but, at least for certain helminth infections, the IL‐4/IL‐4Ra/STAT6 pathway is dispensable. The role of thymic stromal lymphopoietin and of low TCR signal strength and the participation of basophils in establishing a Th2‐baising in vivo environment have achieved considerable attention. Here I discuss the major players in Th2 differentiation particularly as they may exert their effects in vivo.
Intracellular transactivation of HIV can account for the decelerating decay of virus load during drug therapy
Authors: Althaus Christian L , De Boer Rob J
Published: February 2010

Basic virus dynamics models have been essential in understanding quantitative issues of HIV replication. However, several parts of the viral life cycle remain elusive. One of the most critical steps is the start of viral transcription, which is governed by the regulatory protein trans‐activator of transcription (Tat) that induces a positive feedback loop. It has been shown that this feedback loop can alternate between two states leading to a transient activation of viral transcription. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we integrate the transactivation circuit into a new virus dynamics model having an age‐dependent transactivation rate and reversion into latency. The cycling of infected cells between an activated and latent state results in the typical decelerating decay of virus load following therapy. Further, we hypothesize that the activation of latently infected cells is governed by the basal transcription rate of the integrated provirus rather than the intra‐ or extracellular environment. Finally, our systems approach to modeling virus dynamics offers a promising framework to infer the extracellular dynamics of cell populations from their intracellular reaction networks.
The effect of the dc bias voltage on the x-ray bremsstrahlung and beam intensities of medium and highly charged ions of argon
Authors: Rodrigues G. , Lakshmy P. S. , Baskaran R. , Kanjilal D. , Roy A.
Published: February 2010

X-ray bremsstrahlung measurements from the 18 GHz High Temperature Superconducting Electron Cyclotron Resonance Ion Source, Pantechnik-Delhi Ion Source were measured as a function of negative dc bias voltage, keeping all other source operating parameters fixed and the extraction voltage in the off condition. The optimization of medium and highly charged ions of argon with similar source operating parameters is described. It is observed that the high temperature component of the electron is altered significantly with the help of bias voltage, and the electron population has to be maximized for obtaining higher current.
Exchange bias interactions in polycrystalline/amorphous bilayers
Authors: Dean Julian , Kovacs Andras , Kohn Amit , Goncharov A. , Bashir M. A. , Hrkac G. , Allwood D. A. , Schrefl Thomas
Published: February 2010

For technologically relevant systems of polycrystalline antiferromagnetic layer coupled to an amorphous ferromagnetic layer, quantitative models and micromagnetic simulations are challenging due to inherent structural differences. We present a numerical study, performed using a surface integral technique with finite element micromagnetic simulations, that can incorporate structural and magnetic parameters such as grain crystallography, mixed spin-interface coupling and granular stability, arising from grain volume and anisotropy. We show that this model is in good agreement with experimental results for exchange bias and coercive fields as well as the training effect.
Communications: Elementary oxygen electrode reactions in the aprotic Li-air battery
Authors: Hummelshøj J. S. , Blomqvist J. , Datta S. , Vegge T. , Rossmeisl J. , Thygesen K. S. , Luntz A. C. , Jacobsen K. W. , Nørskov J. K.
Published: February 2010

We discuss the electrochemical reactions at the oxygen electrode of an aprotic Li-air battery. Using density functional theory to estimate the free energy of intermediates during the discharge and charge of the battery, we introduce a reaction free energy diagram and identify possible origins of the overpotential for both processes. We also address the question of electron conductivity through the Li2O2 electrode and show that in the presence of Li vacancies Li2O2 becomes a conductor.
Magnetoresistance in magnetic tunnel junctions grown on flexible organic substrates
Authors: Barraud C. , Deranlot C. , Seneor P. , Mattana R. , Dlubak B. , Fusil S. , Bouzehouane K. , Deneuve D. , Petroff F. , Fert A.
Published: February 2010

We report on the fabrication and spin dependent tunneling studies of magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) grown on flexible organic substrates. We observe comparable tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) effects in standard Co/Al2O3/Co MTJs grown on either buffered polyester based organic substrates or silicon wafers. Moreover we show that after twisting and bending the MTJs on flexible substrates the TMR magnitude is maintained which indicates that spin dependent tunneling properties are preserved. This demonstrates that MTJs based spintronics devices are compatible with embodied flexible organic electronics.
Multi-gigahertz operation of photon counting InGaAs avalanche photodiodes
Authors: Yuan Z. L. , Sharpe A. W. , Dynes J. F. , Dixon A. R. , Shields A. J.
Published: February 2010

We report a 2 GHz operation of InGaAs avalanche photodiodes for efficient single photon detection at telecom wavelengths. Employing a self-differencing circuit that incorporates tuneability in both frequency and arm balancing, extremely weak avalanches can now be sensed so as to suppress afterpulsing. The afterpulse probability is characterized as 4.84% and 1.42% for a photon detection efficiency of 23.5% and 11.8%, respectively. The device will further increase the secure bit rate for fiber wavelength quantum key distribution.
Self-assembly of amphiphilic peanut-shaped nanoparticles
Authors: Whitelam Stephen , Bon Stefan A. F.
Published: February 2010

We use computer simulation to investigate the self-assembly of Janus-like amphiphilic peanut-shaped nanoparticles, finding phases of clusters, bilayers, and micelles in accord with ideas of packing familiar from the study of molecular surfactants. However, packing arguments do not explain the hierarchical self-assembly dynamics that we observe, nor the coexistence of bilayers and faceted polyhedra. This coexistence suggests that experimental realizations of our model can achieve multipotent assembly of either of two competing ordered structures.
Choosing between Service Fees and Budget Funding to Pay for Local Services: Empirical Evidence from Spain
Authors: Bel Germà , Miralles Antonio
Published: February 2010

In this paper we investigate how local governments finance public services, and their choice between budget funding and flat service fees. On the basis of a simple model of electoral competition we predict that the tax policy will be extreme (either progressive or conservative) only if both the voting majority's economic interests and the valence point to the same ideological side. If ideological and economic interests diverge, then the equilibrium policy will be a moderate one. From our empirical analysis we find that progressive mayors in progressive constituencies use budget funding to a greater degree, whereas conservative mayors in conservative constituencies prefer flat service fees. When the political affiliation of the mayor and the ideological bias of the constituency diverge, more moderate policies are chosen. We find also that service-specific deficits are lower in cities with private production of solid waste service. Thus policy makers may have used privatization as a means to reduce the political cost of increasing service-specific taxes.
High molecular diversity of extraterrestrial organic matter in Murchison meteorite revealed 40 years after its fall
Authors: Schmitt-Kopplin Philippe , Gabelica Zelimir , Gougeon Régis D. , Fekete Agnes , Kanawati Basem , Harir Mourad , Gebefuegi Istvan , Eckel Gerhard , Hertkorn Norbert
Published: February 2010

Numerous descriptions of organic molecules present in the Murchison meteorite have improved our understanding of the early interstellar chemistry that operated at or just before the birth of our solar system. However, all molecular analyses were so far targeted toward selected classes of compounds with a particular emphasis on biologically active components in the context of prebiotic chemistry. Here we demonstrate that a nontargeted ultrahigh-resolution molecular analysis of the solvent-accessible organic fraction of Murchison extracted under mild conditions allows one to extend its indigenous chemical diversity to tens of thousands of different molecular compositions and likely millions of diverse structures. This molecular complexity, which provides hints on heteroatoms chronological assembly, suggests that the extraterrestrial chemodiversity is high compared to terrestrial relevant biological- and biogeochemical-driven chemical space.
History writing and nation building in post-independence Tajikistan
Authors: Blakkisrud Helge , Nozimova Shahnoza
Published: February 2010

Since the end of the Tajik civil war in 1997, the Tajik authorities have being seeking to instill a new national consciousness. Here the educational system plays a crucial role, not least the way history is taught. Through a state-approved history curriculum, the authorities offer a common understanding of the past that is intended to strengthen the (imagined) community of the present. In this article, we examine the set of history textbooks currently used in Tajik schools and compare them with Soviet textbooks, exploring continuities and changes in the understanding of the Tajik nation. We distinguish between changes in the perception of the national “self” and the new “other,” the Uzbeks, and introduce two intermediary categories: the Soviet/Russian heritage as an “external self” and Islam as an “internal other.” The main battle for the further delimitation of the Tajik “self” is likely to take place within the discursive gray zone between the two latter categories, where the authorities will have to find a balance between a continued secular state ideology and the heavy presence of Islam, as well as between a Soviet past and a Tajik present.
Transnational spaces in national places: early activists in Polish–West German relations
Authors: Frieberg Annika
Published: February 2010

This article investigates a legacy of transnational activism in Polish-West German relations during the 1950s and 1960s, connected to the borderlands/expellee background of several of the early activists who initiated the relations. At a time when the Polish and West German states maintained no official diplomatic relations with each other, the importance of non-state initiatives and dialogue breaking with the antagonistic nationalism of the two world wars grew disproportionately. These individuals’ expellee background, bilingualism, cross-border networks and loosened national identities contributed to their effectiveness in Polish–German relations. Taking exception to the popular conceptions of expellees as necessarily identical with the negative or anti-Polish opinions commonly associated with the expellee organizations, the article also focuses specifically on how certain expellees and former borderlands inhabitants attempted to renegotiate their postwar roles, political stances and even identities by associating themselves with Polish–German relations. They challenged the dualistic and polarizing nature of media discussions about German expellees in politics. In addition, the article and these individuals pose a challenge to international relations/conflict resolution research to look to cross-border communities as key elements in postwar/post-genocide dialogues.
Dynamic T cell migration program provides resident memory within intestinal epithelium
Authors: Masopust David , Choo Daniel , Vezys Vaiva , Wherry E. John , Duraiswamy Jaikumar , Akondy Rama , Wang Jun , Casey Kerry A. , Barber Daniel L. , Kawamura Kim S. , Fraser Kathryn A. , Webby Richard J. , Brinkmann Volker , Butcher Eugene C. , Newell Kenneth A. , Ahmed Rafi
Published: February 2010

Migration to intestinal mucosa putatively depends on local activation because gastrointestinal lymphoid tissue induces expression of intestinal homing molecules, whereas skin-draining lymph nodes do not. This paradigm is difficult to reconcile with reports of intestinal T cell responses after alternative routes of immunization. We reconcile this discrepancy by demonstrating that activation within spleen results in intermediate induction of homing potential to the intestinal mucosa. We further demonstrate that memory T cells within small intestine epithelium do not routinely recirculate with memory T cells in other tissues, and we provide evidence that homing is similarly dynamic in humans after subcutaneous live yellow fever vaccine immunization. These data explain why systemic immunization routes induce local cell-mediated immunity within the intestine and indicate that this tissue must be seeded with memory T cell precursors shortly after activation.
Pythium Root Dysfunction of Creeping Bentgrass
Authors: Kerns James P. , Tredway Lane P.
Published: February 2010

Pythium root dysfunction (PRD), a disease of relatively young stands of creeping bentgrass turf, is commonly misdiagnosed as take-all patch. Symptoms of PRD typically appear during the summer months when creeping bentgrass is subjected to heat and drought stress, but patches may develop in the spring, fall, and winter during periods of warm and dry weather. This guide provides detailed information on PRD taxonomy, symptoms, range and distribution, isolation and storage, and more.

Accepted for publication 29 October 2009. Published 25 January 2010.
Adaptation of a Phytophthora ramorum Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay Based on a Mitochondrial Gene Region for Use on the Cepheid SmartCycler
Authors: Sechler K. E. , Carras M. M. , Shishkoff N. , Tooley P. W.
Published: February 2010

Detection of Phytophthora ramorum in US commercial nurseries has led to a number of quarantine regulations. Methods such as real-time PCR (RT-PCR) provide rapid and reliable detection that can supplement attempts to culture P. ramorum from symptomatic tissue. We adapted and optimized a previously described mitochondrial gene-based RT-PCR assay for use with a Cepheid SmartCycler v.1 and ready-to-use lyophilized PCR beads. The detection limit was 10 fg of P. ramorum genomic DNA. No cross-reactivity was observed on the SmartCycler for seven additional Phytophthora species tested, which included species known to cross-react in other assays as well as recently described species Phytophthora foliorum and P. kernoviae. The SmartCycler assay described here was used to detect P. ramorum in a set of 2008 California field samples with a high degree of accuracy.

Accepted for publication 13 October 2009. Published 13 February 2010.
Revisiting quantum notions of stress
Authors: Maranganti R. , Sharma P.
Published: February 2010

An important aspect of multi-scale modelling of materials is to link continuum concepts, such as fields, to the underlying discrete microscopic behaviour in a seamless manner. With the growing importance of atomistic calculations to understand material behaviour, reconciling continuum and discrete concepts is necessary to interpret molecular and quantum-mechanical simulations. In this work, we provide a quantum-mechanical framework to a distinctly continuum quantity: mechanical stress. While the concept of the
global
macroscopic stress tensor in quantum mechanics has been well established, there still exist open issues when it comes to a spatially varying local quantum stress tensor. We attempt to shed some light on this topic by establishing a general quantum-mechanical operator-based approach to continuity equations and from those, introduce a local quantum-mechanical stress tensor. Further, we elucidate the analogies that exist between the (classical) molecular-dynamics-based stress definition and the quantum stress. Our derivations appear to suggest that the local quantum-mechanical stress may not be an observable in quantum mechanics and therefore traces the non-uniqueness of the atomistic stress tensor to the gauge arbitrariness of the quantum-mechanical state function. Lastly, the virial stress theorem (of empirical molecular dynamics) is re-derived in a transparent manner that elucidates the analogy between quantum-mechanical global stresses.
A midline switch of receptor processing regulates commissural axon guidance in vertebrates
Authors: Nawabi Homaira , Briançon-Marjollet Anne , Clark Christopher , Sanyas Isabelle , Takamatsu Hyota , Okuno Tatsusada , Kumanogoh Atsushi , Bozon Muriel , Takeshima Kaori , Yoshida Yutaka , Moret Frédéric , Abouzid Karima , Castellani Valérie
Published: February 2010

Commissural axon guidance requires complex modulations of growth cone sensitivity to midline-derived cues, but underlying mechanisms in vertebrates remain largely unknown. By using combinations of ex vivo and in vivo approaches, we uncovered a molecular pathway controlling the gain of response to a midline repellent, Semaphorin3B (Sema3B). First, we provide evidence that Semaphorin3B/Plexin-A1 signaling participates in the guidance of commissural projections at the vertebrate ventral midline. Second, we show that, at the precrossing stage, commissural neurons synthesize the Neuropilin-2 and Plexin-A1 Semaphorin3B receptor subunits, but Plexin-A1 expression is prevented by a calpain1-mediated processing, resulting in silencing commissural responsiveness. Third, we report that, during floor plate (FP) in-growth, calpain1 activity is suppressed by local signals, allowing Plexin-A1 accumulation in the growth cone and sensitization to Sema3B. Finally, we show that the FP cue NrCAM mediates the switch of Plexin-A1 processing underlying growth cone sensitization to Sema3B. This reveals pathway-dependent modulation of guidance receptor processing as a novel mechanism for regulating guidance decisions at intermediate targets.
The mammalian clock component PERIOD2 coordinates circadian output by interaction with nuclear receptors
Authors: Schmutz Isabelle , Ripperger Jürgen A. , Baeriswyl-Aebischer Stéphanie , Albrecht Urs
Published: February 2010

Mammalian circadian clocks provide a temporal framework to synchronize biological functions. To obtain robust rhythms with a periodicity of about a day, these clocks use molecular oscillators consisting of two interlocked feedback loops. The core loop generates rhythms by transcriptional repression via the Period (PER) and Cryptochrome (CRY) proteins, whereas the stabilizing loop establishes roughly antiphasic rhythms via nuclear receptors. Nuclear receptors also govern many pathways that affect metabolism and physiology. Here we show that the core loop component PER2 can coordinate circadian output with the circadian oscillator. PER2 interacts with nuclear receptors including PPARα and REV-ERBα and serves as a coregulator of nuclear receptor-mediated transcription. Consequently, PER2 is rhythmically bound at the promoters of nuclear receptor target genes in vivo. In this way, the circadian oscillator can modulate the expression of nuclear receptor target genes like Bmal1, Hnf1α, and Glucose-6-phosphatase. The concept that PER2 may propagate clock information to metabolic pathways via nuclear receptors adds an important facet to the clock-dependent regulation of biological networks.
Metabolome and Photochemical Analysis of Rice Plants Overexpressing Arabidopsis NAD Kinase Gene
Authors: Takahara Kentaro , Kasajima Ichiro , Takahashi Hideyuki , Hashida Shin-nosuke , Itami Taketo , Onodera Haruko , Toki Seiichi , Yanagisawa Shuichi , Kawai-Yamada Maki , Uchimiya Hirofumi
Published: February 2010

The chloroplastic NAD kinase (NADK2) is reported to stimulate carbon and nitrogen assimilation in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), which is vulnerable to high light. Since rice (Oryza sativa) is a monocotyledonous plant that can adapt to high light, we studied the effects of NADK2 expression in rice by developing transgenic rice plants that constitutively expressed the Arabidopsis chloroplastic NADK gene (NK2 lines). NK2 lines showed enhanced activity of NADK and accumulation of the NADP(H) pool, while intermediates of NAD derivatives were unchanged. Comprehensive analysis of the primary metabolites in leaves using capillary electrophoresis mass spectrometry revealed elevated levels of amino acids and several sugar phosphates including ribose-1,5-bisphosphate, but no significant change in the levels of the other metabolites. Studies of chlorophyll fluorescence and gas change analyses demonstrated greater electron transport and CO2 assimilation rates in NK2 lines, compared to those in the control. Analysis of oxidative stress response indicated enhanced tolerance to oxidative stress in these transformants. The results suggest that NADP content plays a critical role in determining the photosynthetic electron transport rate in rice and that its enhancement leads to stimulation of photosynthesis metabolism and tolerance of oxidative damages.
Y‐box binding protein‐1 is a novel molecular target for tumor vessels
Authors: Takahashi Mayu , Shimajiri Shohei , Izumi Hiroto , Hirano Gen , Kashiwagi Eiji , Yasuniwa Yoshihiro , Wu Ying , Han Bin , Akiyama Masaki , Nishizawa Shigeru , Sasaguri Yasuyuki , Kohno Kimitoshi
Published: February 2010

Y‐box binding protein‐1 (YB‐1) is a member of the cold shock protein family and functions in transcription and translation. Many reports indicate that YB‐1 is highly expressed in tumor cells and is a marker for tumor aggressiveness and clinical prognosis. Here, we show clear evidence that YB‐1 is expressed in the angiogenic endothelial cells of various tumors, such as glioblastoma, esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, colon cancer, and lung cancer, as well as in tumor cells. YB‐1 was highly expressed in glomeruloid microvascular endothelial cells of brain tumors and microvessels in the desmoplastic region around multiple solid tumors. On the other hand, no or low YB‐1 expression was observed in normal angiogenic endothelial cells from fetal kidney, newborn lung, and placenta. The endothelial cells in inflammatory regions of granulomas were also weakly labeled. Knockdown of YB‐1 expression by small‐interfering RNA induced G1 cell cycle arrest and inhibited the growth of human umbilical vein endothelial cells stimulated by growth factors. Taken together, YB‐1 plays an important role in the growth of not only tumor cells but also tumor‐associated endothelial cells, suggesting that YB‐1 is a promising target for cancer therapy. (Cancer Sci 2010)
Clinical trial: renzapride treatment of women with irritable bowel syndrome and constipation – a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, study
Authors: LEMBO A. J. , CREMONINI F. , MEYERS N. , HICKLING R.
Published: February 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 979–990

Background  Renzapride, a 5‐hydroxytryptamine type‐4 (5‐HT4) receptor agonist and 5‐HT3 receptor antagonist, has been proposed as a new treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS‐C).

Aim  To assess the efficacy and safety of renzapride in women with IBS‐C.

Methods  Women with IBS‐C were randomized to renzapride 4 mg daily, 2 mg b.d. or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure was global relief of IBS symptoms. A subset of patients were enrolled in a 12‐month, open‐label study of renzapride 4 mg daily.

Results  A total of 1798 patients were included in the efficacy analysis and 971 patients entered the long‐term study. The mean (S.E.M.) number of months with relief of overall IBS symptoms was 0.55 (0.04), 0.60 (0.04) and 0.44 (0.04) in the renzapride 4 mg daily, 2 mg b.d. and placebo groups (P = 0.027 and P = 0.004 respectively). Small yet statistically significant differences in favour of renzapride were observed on stool consistency and frequency, and bloating/abdominal distension scores. Renzapride was generally well tolerated; however, three episodes of ischaemic colitis were reported in the long‐term study.

Conclusion  Given the limited increase in efficacy over placebo and the incidence of ischaemic colitis observed, our data suggest that the benefit/risk ratio of renzapride is not sufficient to warrant further study in IBS‐C.
Development of a synthetic plant volatile‐based attracticide for female noctuid moths. III. Insecticides for adult Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Del Socorro Alice P , Gregg Peter C , Hawes Anthony J
Published: February 2010

We investigated the efficacy of insecticides combined with a plant volatile‐based attractant for Helicoverpa armigera moths, under laboratory and field conditions. In the laboratory, 16 insecticides were assessed by the level of mortality and time to incapacitate and kill moths. The proboscis extension reflex technique was used for dosing moths. The pyrethroids, bifenthrin (only when synergised by the addition of piperonyl butoxide (PBO) but not without it) and cyfluthrin (with or without PBO), endosulfan, the carbamates methomyl and thiodicarb, and spinosad killed all moths tested at rates equivalent to, or less than, those which would be applied in cover sprays targeting larvae. The shortest time to moth incapacitation and death was observed with methomyl and thiodicarb. Spinosad produced very high mortality but moths took much longer to die. The two pyrethroids gave relatively slow kills, as did endosulfan. In a field trial, four insecticides were combined with the attractant and dead moths were collected daily from 1 to 4 days after application of the attracticide on 50 m rows of cotton. Significantly more dead moths (H. armigera, H. punctigera and other noctuids) were found near the rows treated with attracticide containing methomyl compared with spinosad, fipronil and deltamethrin. For determining the impact of attracticides by recovering dead moths, quick acting insecticides are required to prevent moths flying away from the treated area to locations where they cannot be found. Methomyl and thiodicarb are suitable for this, but other insecticides especially spinosad could be used where quick action is not needed. Large numbers of moths were killed in the field trial, suggesting that attracticides for female Helicoverpa spp. moths could have significant impacts on local populations of these pests.
Two new species of Acizzia Crawford (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) from the Solanaceae with a potential new economic pest of eggplant, Solanum melongena
Authors: Kent Deborah , Taylor Gary
Published: February 2010

Two new species of Acizzia Heslop‐Harrison (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) from the plant family Solanaceae in eastern Australia are described. Acizzia solanicola sp. n. can damage eggplant, Solanum melongena (Solanaceae), in commercial crops and gardens in eastern Australia. It is a new, potentially serious commercial pest species, of which the nymphs induce malformation of leaves, produce copious amounts of viscous waste and cause leaf wilting, premature leaf senescence and crop loss. These psyllids have a unique and characteristic method of disposing of honeydew and this is illustrated for the first time. Acizzia alternata sp. n. is recorded from the weed, wild tobacco bush, Solanum mauritianum, but appears to cause little damage. These comprise the first record of a pest psyllid on eggplant and the first record of Acizzia from the Solanaceae. The parasitoid, Psyllaephagus sp. (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), is recorded parasitising nymphs of A. solanicola sp. n., and is here proposed as a potential biological control agent against it.
An experimental analysis of receiver economics: cost, reliability and uncertainty interact to determine a signal's value
Authors: McLinn Colleen M. , Stephens David W.
Published: February 2010

This paper investigates the effect of three important variables on signal use, theoretically and experimentally. We present a simple model and a corresponding experiment that investigates the combined effects of uncertainty about action, signal reliability and signal cost. Our experiment uses techniques drawn from the psychology laboratory to test the behavior of captive blue jays Cyanocitta cristata solving a simple feeding problem. In the experiment, individual jays must choose which of two keys to peck; one key leads to food, but the other does not. In addition, the jays can choose to see a signal that provides information about which key provides a food reward. We find that these three variables interact to determine signal use crudely as our model predicts. Specifically, we find maximal signal use when uncertainty is high, signals are reliable and signal cost is low, but the effects of these variables on signal use do not combine additively. A change in any single variable can abolish signal use. While our results agree qualitatively with our simple model, we also find – in agreement with previous studies – that subjects show a bias against signal use. Specifically, they tend to ignore signals and rely on prior information about the correct action in ‘intermediate’ conditions. These results are important for two reasons. First, they replicate earlier results from our laboratory using a different preparation. Second, they highlight the central interaction between uncertainty and reliability that determines the value of signals for receivers. This is significant because game theoretical models of signaling emphasize the problem of ‘reliability,’ but they pay little attention to the fundamental interaction between reliability and uncertainty.
Changes in physical activity behavior and the development of body mass index during the last 30 years in Norway
Authors: Anderssen S. A. , Engeland A. , Søgaard A. J. , Nystad W. , Graff‐Iversen S. , Holme I.
Published: February 2010

Body mass index (BMI; kg/m2) has increased markedly in the last decades. We hypothesized that highly physically active persons both at work and at leisure would be resistant to weight gain. The hypothesis was tested by analyzing Norwegian cross‐sectional data collected in the period 1972–2002. Participants were 214 449 men and 206 136 women (aged 20–70 years). During the last 30 years in men and the last 15 years in women, a systematic larger BMI increase per year was observed in the sedentary [regression coefficients (SE) in men 0.060 (0.004) kg/m2 and women 0.137 (0.012) kg/m2] compared with highly physically active groups [regression coefficients (SE) in men 0.036 (0.00 4) kg/m2, and in women −0.001 (0.039) kg/m2]. Analyses were robust to adjustments for age, smoking and education. There was a larger absolute net increase in the prevalence of obesity among the sedentary compared with persons performing light, moderate or heavy physical activity (PA) at leisure. PA level in women both at work and in leisure was not associated with weight gain during the last decades. This association was less evident among men. Men and women who were lightly, moderately or highly active at leisure were less likely to be obese compared with those who were sedentary.
Sources of variation in habitual physical activity of children and adolescents: the European youth heart study
Authors: Kristensen P. L. , Korsholm L. , Møller N. C. , Wedderkopp N. , Andersen L. B. , Froberg K.
Published: February 2010

The present study examined the influence of gender, maturity state, seasonality, type of measurement day and socioeconomic status (SES) on habitual physical activity in 8–10‐year‐old children and 14–16‐year‐old adolescents (n=1318). Physical activity was assessed objectively by accelerometry. The results showed a significant effect of the type of measurement day on physical activity with a general pattern of lower activity levels in weekends compared with weekdays. Furthermore, higher physical activity levels were observed during the months of spring/summer compared with the months of autumn/winter for the 8–10‐year‐olds, whereas no significant effect of months was observed for the 14–16‐year‐olds, possibly due to exam preparations and lack of physical activity registration during the months of summer for this cohort. SES was unrelated to physical activity in the 8–10‐year‐olds, whereas an inverse association was observed in the 14–16‐year‐olds. However, a post hoc analysis provided strong evidence that this latter result was biased by the accelerometers inability to pick up bicycling activities. Finally, boys were more physically active compared with girls, and maturity state was unrelated to physical activity. The results could prove useful for working out strategies to prevent inactivity and for adjusting for temporal sources of variation in physical activity in future studies.
Environmental characteristics relevant to young people's use of sports facilities: a review
Authors: Limstrand T.
Published: February 2010

Several countries spend large sums of public money building sports facilities. Still, our knowledge about the effect of these means is limited. The objectives in this review are (1) to identify relevant knowledge of how sports facilities influence young people's physical activity, (2) to clarify the status of examined and non‐examined factors and (3) to propose a conceptual model to guide future judgments. Relevant studies were located from searches in computerized databases and the bibliography of reviews. Ecological system theory uses the theoretical framework. The findings encompass 239 independent samples located in 43 studies, primarily from the field of public health. Based on these and the framework, we have developed a modified, conceptual model. The model stresses the interaction between the demographic, personal and interpersonal characteristics of the user, the consideration of access and facility characteristics and the level where this takes place. The most consistent data were found at the mesolevel and were correlated to access and user characteristics. Knowledge gaps were found at the microlevel and with regard to facility characteristics. We also know too little with respect to subgroups' different behavior in various physical settings. Finally, there is a need to confirm/disconfirm less consistent findings.
Exercise on prescription: a randomized study on the effect of counseling vs counseling and supervised exercise
Authors: Sørensen J. B. , Kragstrup J. , Skovgaard T. , Puggaard L.
Published: February 2010

The aim of this study was to compare short‐ (0–4 months) and long‐term (0–10 months) effects of high‐intensive Exercise on Prescription (EoP) intervention (counseling and supervised exercise) implemented in primary healthcare in a number of Danish counties with a low‐intensive intervention (counseling) using maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) as the primary outcome. The study was conducted as a randomized trial in 2005–2006 with a high and a low‐intensive group. All the patients referred to the EoP scheme by their GP in the counties of Vejle and Ribe, Denmark, were eligible for the trial. The high‐intensive EoP group received 4 months of group‐based supervised training and attended five motivational counseling sessions. The low‐intensive group only attended four motivational counseling sessions. Three hundred and twenty‐seven patients entered the EoP scheme, and 52 (16%) volunteered for the randomized trial. No short‐ or long‐term differences were found between the high and the low‐intensive groups for VO2max (short‐term 95% CI −1.1; 4.4 mL O2/(kg min), long‐term 95% CI −1.6 to 2.1). The present study did not demonstrate any significant clinical outcome for the high‐intensive EoP intervention as opposed to the low‐intensive intervention.
Microwave Dielectric Properties of SrO–2CeO2–nTiO2(n=4 and 5) Ceramics
Authors: Satheesh Ramachandran , Ratheesh Ravendran
Published: February 2010

SrO–2CeO2–nTiO2ceramics withn=4 and 5 have been prepared through conventional solid‐state ceramic route. Structural and microstructural characterizations of the sintered ceramics were carried out using X‐ray diffraction, laser Raman, and scanning electron microscopic studies. Microwave dielectric properties have been measured using postresonator and resonant cavity techniques. SrO–2CeO2–4TiO2and SrO–2CeO2–5TiO2ceramics showed dielectric constants of 71.3 and 71.7, respectively, around 4 GHz together with a relatively high unloaded quality factor.
Effect of A‐Site Ionic Radius on the Structure and Microwave Dielectric Characteristics of Sr1+xSm1−xAl1−xTixO4Ceramics
Authors: Mao Min Min , Fan Xie Cheng , Chen Xiang Ming
Published: February 2010

SrSmAlO4microwave dielectric ceramics were modified by Sr/Ti cosubstitution for Sm/Al. The effects of radius difference of A‐site ions on the microwave dielectric characteristics were investigated together with the structure. Sr1+xSm1−xAl1−xTixO4(x=0, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15) ceramics were prepared by a solid‐state reaction approach. X‐ray diffraction studies revealed a single‐phase K2NiF4‐type solid solution with corresponding peaks shifting to lower 2θ asxincreased. Minor inhomogeneous grain morphology forx=0.05 and a trace amount of second phases forx=0.10, 0.15 were detected by backscattered‐electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis. With increasing Sr/Ti cosubstitution, the dielectric constant ɛrincreased from 18.4 to 20.4, and the temperature coefficient of resonant frequency τfwas adjusted from −1.8 to 7.4 ppm/°C almost linearly. However, theQ×fvalue decreased from 74,500 GHz atx=0–53,000 GHz atx=0.15. The internal stresses caused by the decreased tolerance factor and the large ionic radii difference between Sr2+and Sm3+should be the predominant reasons for such a decrease in theQ×fvalue. The high‐resolution transmission electron microscopic results revealed an increase in the lattice distortion with increasing Sr/Ti cosubstitution, and subsequently supported the above conclusion upon the increased internal stresses.
Thermoplastic 0–3 Ceramic–Polymer Composites With Adjustable Magnetic and Dielectric Characteristics for Radio Frequency Applications
Authors: Juuti Jari , Teirikangas Merja , Sonoda Kensaku , Jantunen Heli
Published: February 2010

Magnetic and electrical properties of thermoplastic ceramic‐polymer 0–3 composites with Z‐type hexaferrite, and MnZn ferrite inclusions were investigated. The complex permeability and permittivity were measured up to 1 GHz where maximum values of ɛ′r=30.47 and μ′r=4.32 and ɛ′r=10.95 and μ′r=1.80 were obtained for MnZn‐ER182 and Co2Z‐ER182 composites with ∼44.7 vol% and 43.0 vol% filler loadings, respectively. MnZn and Co2Z composites exhibit miniaturization factors as low as 0.09 and 0.23, together with reduced magnetic losses and frequency dispersion. The results indicate that the composites offer novel possibilities for wider feasible frequency bandwidth and adjustable impedance matching and magnetic and dielectric properties.
Race, socioeconomic status, and health: Complexities, ongoing challenges, and research opportunities
Authors: Williams David R. , Mohammed Selina A. , Leavell Jacinta , Collins Chiquita
Published: February 2010

This paper provides an overview of racial variations in health and shows that differences in socioeconomic status (SES) across racial groups are a major contributor to racial disparities in health. However, race reflects multiple dimensions of social inequality and individual and household indicators of SES capture relevant but limited aspects of this phenomenon. Research is needed that will comprehensively characterize the critical pathogenic features of social environments and identify how they combine with each other to affect health over the life course. Migration history and status are also important predictors of health and research is needed that will enhance understanding of the complex ways in which race, SES, and immigrant status combine to affect health. Fully capturing the role of race in health also requires rigorous examination of the conditions under which medical care and genetic factors can contribute to racial and SES differences in health. The paper identifies research priorities in all of these areas.
Money, schooling, and health: Mechanisms and causal evidence
Authors: Kawachi Ichiro , Adler Nancy E. , Dow William H.
Published: February 2010

An association between higher educational attainment and better health status has been repeatedly reported in the literature. Similarly, thousands of studies have found a relationship between higher income and better health. However, whether these repeated observations amount to causality remains a challenge, not least because of the practical limitations of randomizing people to receive different amounts of money or schooling. In this essay, we review the potential causal mechanisms linking schooling and income to health, and discuss the twin challenges to causal inference in observational studies, in other words, reverse causation and omitted variable bias. We provide a survey of the empirical attempts to identify the causal effects of schooling and income on health, including natural experiments. There is evidence to suggest that schooling is causally related to improvements in health outcomes. Evidence also suggests that raising the incomes of the poor leads to improvement in their health outcomes. Much remains unknown beyond these crude findings, however; for example, what type of education matters for health, or whether there is a difference between the health impacts of temporary income shocks versus changes in long‐term income.
Patient and Physician Determinants of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Use in the Heart Failure Population
Authors: Chae Sanders H. , Koelling Todd M.
Published: February 2010

Recent studies report surprisingly low rates of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) placement for primary prevention against sudden cardiac death among patients with heart failure and left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Reasons for the low rates of utilization are not well understood. The authors examined ICD implantation rates at a university‐based tertiary care center and used multivariable analysis to identify independent factors associated with ICD utilization. The ICD implantation rate for 850 eligible patients was 70%. Forty‐seven (18%) patients refused implantation; women were twice as likely to refuse compared to men (8% vs 4%, P=.013). Race was not associated with utilization. On multivariable analysis, independent predictors of implantation included having a heart failure specialist (odds ratio [OR], 8.13; P<.001) or general cardiologist (OR, 2.23; P=.13) managing care, age range 70 to 79 (OR, 0.55; P<.001) or 80 and older (OR, 0.26; P<.001), female sex (OR, 0.49; P<.001), QRS interval (OR, 1.016; P<.001), diastolic blood pressure (OR, 0.979; P=.011), cerebrovascular disease (OR, 0.44; P=.007), and dementia (OR, 0.13; P=.002). Our registry of patients with cardiomyopathy and heart failure reveals that high rates of utilization are possible. Factors closely associated with ICD utilization include type of physician coordinating care, age, and comorbidities. Congest Heart Fail. 2010;16:141–146. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Prevalence of Peripheral Arterial Disease in Patients With Heart Failure by Race and Ethnicity
Authors: Hebert Kathy , Lopez Barbara , Michael Christina , Franco Emiliana , Dias Andre , Trahan Pat , Huang Shi , Tamariz Leonardo , Arcement Lee
Published: February 2010

More than 5 million people live with heart failure (HF) in the United States, and this number is expected to rise due to several factors including increased life expectancy brought about by medical therapy and the aging of the population. HF and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) share many risk factors. A review of the literature reveals several studies supporting a higher prevalence of HF in patients with PAD than in those without PAD. However, no study was found that estimates the prevalence of PAD in patients with HF. Moreover, the prevalence of PAD by US race/ethnic groups with HF has not been studied. The authors conducted a cross‐sectional multicenter study of patients enrolled in an HF disease management program in Louisiana (n=330) and Florida (n=464). All patients with an ejection fraction ≤40% and a measured ankle‐brachial index (ABI) were included in the study. PAD was defined as an ABI <0.9. The overall prevalence of PAD was 17.1%. The prevalence of PAD was 25.9% for white, 13.4% for Hispanic, and 13.7% for black patients. White patients had a higher prevalence of PAD than black or Hispanic patients (P<.001). Routine ABI measurements in these groups would enhance efforts to detect subclinical PAD. Congest Heart Fail. 2010;16:118–121. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Flight of the Space Shuttle Discovery (STS-119)
Authors: Stinner Arthur , Metz Don
Published: February 2010

This article is intended to model the ascent of the space shuttle for high school teachers and students. It provides a background for a sufficiently comprehensive description of the physics (kinematics and dynamics) of the March 16, 2009, Discovery launch. Our data are based on a comprehensive spreadsheet kindly sent to us by Bill Harwood, the “CBS News” space consultant. The spreadsheet provides detailed and authentic information about the prediction of the ascent of flight STS-119, the 36th flight of Discovery and the 125th shuttle flight to date. We have used the data for our calculations and the production of the graphs. A limited version of the ascent data is available on the “CBS News” STS-119 trajectory timeline.1
Microbial Hijacking of Complement–Toll-Like Receptor Crosstalk
Authors: Wang Min , Krauss Jennifer L. , Domon Hisanori , Hosur Kavita B. , Liang Shuang , Magotti Paola , Triantafilou Martha , Triantafilou Kathy , Lambris John D. , Hajishengallis George
Published: February 2010

Pathogen-instigated crosstalk between the complement C5a receptor and Toll-like receptor 2 disables innate immune function.
Branching with Ubiquitin
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: February 2010

The E3 ubiquitin ligase Nedd4 contributes to both dendritic and axonal branching.
The
pq
-gram distance between ordered labeled trees
Authors: Augsten Nikolaus , Böhlen Michael , Gamper Johann
Published: February 2010

When integrating data from autonomous sources, exact matches of data items that represent the same real-world object often fail due to a lack of common keys. Yet in many cases structural information is available and can be used to match such data. Typically the matching must be approximate since the representations in the sources differ.

We propose
pq
-grams to approximately match hierarchical data from autonomous sources and define the
pq
-gram distance between ordered labeled trees as an effective and efficient approximation of the fanout weighted tree edit distance. We prove that the
pq
-gram distance is a lower bound of the fanout weighted tree edit distance and give a normalization of the
pq
-gram distance for which the triangle inequality holds. Experiments on synthetic and real-world data (residential addresses and XML) confirm the scalability of our approach and show the effectiveness of
pq
-grams.