bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Existence of a giant hypersonic elastic mirror in porous silicon superlattices
Authors: Moctezuma-Enriquez D. , Rodriguez-Viveros Y. J. , Manzanares-Martinez M. B. , Castro-Garay P. , Urrutia-Banuelos E. , Manzanares-Martinez J.
Published: October 2011

In this work, we theoretically predict the possibility to obtain a giant hypersonic elastic mirror in porous silicon superlattices by using a phononic heterostructure. The heterostructure is composed of a tandem of multiple phononic crystal lattices with periods in the range 37–167 nm, which recently have been experimentally reported [L. C. Parsons and G. T. Andrews, Appl. Phys. Lett. 95, 241909 (2009)]. Considering the scalability of the eigenvalues of the elastic wave equation, the lattices are chosen such that each stop band can be superposed to obtain a larger overall stop band. Theoretical evidence of a giant hypersonic phononic mirror for longitudinal and transverse vibrations is found in the gigahertz range.
Vibrational energy transfer and anisotropy decay in liquid water: Is the Förster model valid?
Authors: Yang Mino , Li Fu , Skinner J. L.
Published: October 2011

Ultrafast pump-probe anisotropy experiments have been performed on liquid H2O and D2O. In both cases, the anisotropy decay is extremely fast (on the order of 100 or 200 fs) and is presumed due to resonant vibrational energy transfer. The experiments have been interpreted in terms of the Förster theory, wherein the rate constant for intermolecular hopping transport is proportional to the inverse sixth power of the distance between the vibrational chromophores. In particular, the anisotropy decay is assumed to be simply related to the survival probability as calculated with the Förster theory. While the theory fits the data well, and is a reasonable model for these systems, there are several assumptions in the theory that might be suspect for water. Using our mixed quantum/classical model for vibrational spectroscopy and dynamics in liquid water, which agrees well with anisotropy decay experiments on the pure liquids as well as H2O/D2O mixtures, we critically analyze both the survival probability and anisotropy decay, in order to assess the applicability of the Förster theory.
Structural properties of Bi2Te3 and Bi2Se3 topological insulators grown by molecular beam epitaxy on GaAs(001) substrates
Authors: Liu X. , Smith D. J. , Fan J. , Zhang Y.-H. , Cao H. , Chen Y. P. , Leiner J. , Kirby B. J. , Dobrowolska M. , Furdyna J. K.
Published: October 2011

Thin films of Bi2Te3 and Bi2Se3 have been grown on deoxidized GaAs(001) substrates using molecular beam epitaxy. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy established the highly parallel nature of the Te(Se)-Bi-Te(Se)-Bi-Te(Se) quintuple layers deposited on the slightly wavy GaAs substrate surface and the different crystal symmetries of the two materials. Raman mapping confirmed the presence of the strong characteristic peaks reported previously for these materials in bulk form. The overall quality of these films reveals the potential of combining topological insulators with ferromagnetic semiconductors for future applications.
Effect of interfacial oxide layer on the switching uniformity of Ge2Sb2Te5-based resistive change memory devices
Authors: Woo Jiyong , Jung Seungjae , Siddik Manzar , Cha Euijun , Md. Sadaf Sharif , Hwang Hyunsang
Published: October 2011

We report the effect of the interfacial oxide layer on switching uniformity in Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST)-based resistive switching memory devices. An interfacial oxide layer acting as an internal resistor was fabricated by the simple thermal oxidation process at low temperature and confirmed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. TiN/oxidized GST/GST/Pt devices showed extremely uniform resistance states owing to intentionally controlled current flow induced by the interfacial oxide layer, despite the filaments being randomly formed. Furthermore, the devices showed good memory performance, e.g., a large on/off resistance ratio (over four orders of magnitude) and reliable data retention (up to 104 s at 85 °C).
Study of organic photovoltaics by localized concentrated sunlight: Towards optimization of charge collection in large-area solar cells
Authors: Manor Assaf , Katz Eugene A. , Andriessen Ronn , Galagan Yulia
Published: October 2011

Large-area organic solar cells are known to suffer from a major efficiency decrease which originates from the combination of a voltage drop across the front electrode and the voltage-dependent photocurrent. In this letter, we demonstrate this efficiency loss on large area, indium tin oxide free cells with a hexagonal current collecting front grid, by measurements of light intensity dependence of the cell performance. The results show a major difference in the cell performance measured under localized and uniform illuminations. Subsequently, we demonstrate ways in which the current collecting efficiency could be raised.
A cost analysis of febrile neutropenia management in Australia: ambulatory v. in-hospital treatment
Authors: Lingaratnam Senthil , Worth Leon J. , Slavin Monica A. , Bennett Craig A. , Kirsa Suzanne W. , Seymour John F. , Dalton Andrew , Koczwara Bogda , Prince H. Miles , O'Reilly Mary , Mileshkin Linda , Szer Jeff , Thursky Karin A.
Published: October 2011

Background.
Adult febrile neutropenic oncology patients, at low risk of developing medical complications, may be effectively and safely managed in an ambulatory setting, provided they are appropriately selected and adequate supportive facilities and clinical services are available to monitor these patients and respond to any clinical deterioration.

Methods.
A cost analysis was modelled using decision tree analysis, published cost and effectiveness parameters for ambulatory care strategies and data from the State of Victoria’s hospital morbidity dataset. Two-way sensitivity analyses and Monte Carlo simulation were performed to evaluate the uncertainty of costs and outcomes associated with ambulatory care.

Results.
The modelled cost analysis showed that cost savings for two ambulatory care strategies were ~30% compared to standard hospital care. The weighted average cost saving per episode of ‘low-risk’ febrile neutropenia using Strategy 1 (outpatient follow-up only) was 35% (range: 7–55%) and that for Strategy 2 (early discharge and outpatient follow-up) was 30% (range: 7–39%). Strategy 2 was more cost-effective than Strategy 1 and was deemed the more clinically favoured approach.

Conclusion.
This study outlines a cost structure for a safe and comprehensive ambulatory care program comprised of an early discharge pathway with outpatient follow-up, and promotes this as a cost effective approach to managing ‘low-risk’ febrile neutropenic patients.

What is known about the topic?
Febrile neutropenia is a common complication of chemotherapy for patients with cancer. There is high level evidence supporting the use of ambulatory care strategies to manage patients with febrile neutropenia who are deemed to be at low risk of developing medical complications.

What does this paper add?
This paper highlights a cost structure for an adequately equipped and cost-effective ambulatory care strategy suitable for Australian hospitals to manage patients with low-risk febrile neutropenia.

What are the implications for practitioners?
The strategy advocated in this paper affords eligible patients the choice of early discharge from hospital. It advocates for improved resource utilisation and expansion of outpatient services in order to minimise opportunity costs faced by cancer treatment facilities.
Fire effects on gross inorganic N transformation in riparian soils in coniferous forests of central Idaho, USA: wildfires v. prescribed fires
Authors: Koyama Akihiro , Stephan Kirsten , Kavanagh Kathleen L.
Published: October 2011

We investigated differences between wildfires and prescribed fires in their effects on nitrogen (N) dynamics in mineral soils collected from riparian coniferous forests of central Idaho, USA. Specifically, we investigated how the two types of fires affected inorganic N concentrations, microbial biomass N and gross transformation rates of inorganic N in mineral soils relative to their corresponding unburnt controls. There was no significant difference in soil NH4+ concentrations between burnt and control soils in either type of fires. However, wildfires significantly reduced gross ammonification and microbial NH4+ uptake rates relative to their controls (P = 0.05 and 0.08). No such effect was found in soils burnt by the prescribed fires relative to their controls. Burnt soils had significantly higher NO3– concentrations than control soils when all the data were pooled (P = 0.08). The elevated NO3– concentrations in the soils burnt by either type of fire were not caused by increased gross nitrification, but likely by significantly reduced microbial NO3– uptake (P ≤ 0.02). We concluded that controlled prescribed fires conducted in early spring had less of an effect on soil N dynamics than wildfires in the region.
Psb27, a transiently associated protein, binds to the chlorophyll binding protein CP43 in photosystem II assembly intermediates
Authors: Liu Haijun , Huang Richard Y.-C. , Chen Jiawei , Gross Michael L. , Pakrasi Himadri B.
Published: October 2011

Photosystem II (PSII), a large multisubunit pigment–protein complex localized in the thylakoid membrane of cyanobacteria and chloroplasts, mediates light-driven evolution of oxygen from water. Recently, a high-resolution X-ray structure of the mature PSII complex has become available. Two PSII polypeptides, D1 and CP43, provide many of the ligands to an inorganic Mn
4
Ca center that is essential for water oxidation. Because of its unusual redox chemistry, PSII often undergoes degradation followed by stepwise assembly. Psb27, a small luminal polypeptide, functions as an important accessory factor in this elaborate assembly pathway. However, the structural location of Psb27 within PSII assembly intermediates has remained elusive. Here we report that Psb27 binds to CP43 in such assembly intermediates. We treated purified genetically tagged PSII assembly intermediate complexes from the cyanobacterium
Synechocystis
6803 with chemical cross-linkers to examine intermolecular interactions between Psb27 and various PSII proteins. First, the water-soluble 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDC) was used to cross-link proteins with complementary charged groups in close association to one another. In the His27△
ctpA
PSII preparation, a 58-kDa cross-linked species containing Psb27 and CP43 was identified. This species was not formed in the HT3△
ctpA
△
psb27
PSII complex in which Psb27 was absent. Second, the homobifunctional thiol-cleavable cross-linker 3,3′-dithiobis(sulfosuccinimidylpropionate) (DTSSP) was used to reversibly cross-link Psb27 to CP43 in His27△
ctpA
PSII preparations, which allowed the use of liquid chromatography/tandem MS to map the cross-linking sites as Psb27K
63
↔CP43D
321
(trypsin) and CP43K
215
↔Psb27D
58
AGGLK
63
↔CP43D
321
(chymotrypsin), respectively. Our data suggest that Psb27 acts as an important regulatory protein during PSII assembly through specific interactions with the luminal domain of CP43.
Glottal variation in /t/ in non-native English speech
Authors: Drummond Rob
Published: October 2011

This paper explores the linguistic and social factors behind the acquisition of glottal variation in English /t/ by native Polish speakers living in Manchester, UK. It investigates the speech of 40 Polish adults of varying levels of English language proficiency, who have been in Manchester for varying lengths of time, in order to establish what might be encouraging or prohibiting the acquisition of this widespread linguistic feature. Using quantitative sociolinguistic methods, factors such as level of English, length of residence, age, gender, motivation and attitude are considered in accounting for the variation in acquisition. Findings suggest that in addition to level of English and length of residence effects there is a fairly robust gender difference, with women tending to use glottal variants more frequently than men. This gender difference is explored in more detail with reference to a gender as practice type approach.
Delayed grammatical acquisition in first language development
Authors: Meisel Jürgen M. , Elsig Martin , Bonnesen Matthias
Published: October 2011

Recent research comparing simultaneous and successive acquisition of bilingualism suggests that successive acquisition is affected by age-related changes possibly as early as age (of onset of acquisition) 3–4. Since children are typically exposed to colloquial varieties, the primary linguistic data can lack properties of formal varieties during early years. If, however, the acquisition of a given property is delayed until age 5 or later, the acquired knowledge may rather resemble that of L2 learners.

This happens in the acquisition of French interrogatives where certain inversion constructions do not occur in Colloquial French. Native speakers acquire them after the age of 5, and they behave like L2 learners in using or judging them. A grammaticality judgment test reveals a broad range of variability in their ratings of constructions which are ungrammatical in Standard French. Their grammar is afflicted by the kind of persistent optionality familiar from L2 acquisition.
Iranian Youth in Times of Economic Crisis
Authors: Salehi-Isfahani Djavad
Published: October 2011

Young people play an important role in shaping Iran's politics but have only a marginal role in its economy. Youth (ages 15–29) are more than one-third of the country's population and are better educated than the generation they are replacing, while accounting for more than two-thirds of the unemployed. Demographics have thrown the marriage market out of balance, with a “shortage of men” of about 25 percent, while economic pressures have reduced the ability of youth to get married and form families. The higher education system has expanded to absorb ever greater numbers of youth but because education quality is low this has not helped in reducing unemployment. The demographic pressures have amplified since 2008 when the economy entered a period of stagnation. The economic crisis has hit Iran's youth particularly hard, especially those from lower economic backgrounds because the country's rigid formal labor market preserves jobs for older workers. The record number of youth entering the labor market has to wait longer for a regular job or has to take up part-time and informal jobs. In either case, their difficulties in marriage and family formation are intensified.
Shah Isma‘il’s Poetry in the Silsilat al-Nasab-i Safawiyya
Authors: Gallagher Amelia
Published: October 2011

This article examines the four poems attributed to Shah Isma‘il Safavi that are included in the seventeenth-century genealogy of the Safavid dynasty, the Silsilat al-Nasab-i Safawiyya. The article includes translations and commentary on the four poems, offering insight into the religiosity and concerns both of Shah Isma‘il and the Silsilat's author, Husayn ibn Shaykh Abdal-i Zahidi.
Validation of a short physical activity recall questionnaire completed by Spanish adolescents
Authors: Zaragoza Casterad Javier , Generelo Eduardo , Aznar Susana , Abarca‐Sos Alberto , Julián Jose A. , Mota Jorge
Published: October 2011

Self‐report recall questionnaires are commonly used to measure physical activity in children and adolescents. However, they have been shown to have low to moderate validity, mainly due to inaccuracies in recall activity. The purpose of the present study was to determine the reliability and validity of an adapted version of the Assessment of Physical Activity Levels Questionnaire (APALQ) among a sample of Spanish adolescents. Test–retest reliability of the APALQ was assessed using a sample of 150 adolescents (72 males, 78 females), aged 13.6±1.1 years, who answered the APALQ twice within 7 days. Criterion validity was assessed using a sample of 77 adolescents (50 males, 27 females), aged 13.6±1.1 years, by comparing the APALQ against the Computer Science and Application (CSA) monitor. All participants were volunteers recruited from local schools in the Aragon region of Spain. Test–retest reliability for all items was high with intra‐class coefficients of 0.77 for boys and 0.74 for girls. The APALQ demonstrated modest criterion validity with Pearson correlation coefficients (r) ranging from 0.53 between Physical Activity Index (PAI) and CSA minutes of moderate and vigorous physical activity, and 0.47 between PAI and CSA steps per day. When the data were analysed by gender, girls had higher correlations than boys (P < 0.01). The Spanish APALQ seems to be a valid and reliable short self‐report physical activity questionnaire.
Dynamics of the game in soccer: Detection of T‐patterns
Authors: Camerino Oleguer Foguet , Chaverri Javier , Anguera M. Teresa , Jonsson Gudberg K.
Published: October 2011

Traditional approaches to the quantification of team sports have proved to be limited in their ability to identify complex structural regularities that, despite being unobservable, nonetheless underlie the development of the sporting contest between opposing teams. This paper describes a method for detecting the dynamics of play in professional soccer through the analysis of temporal patterns (T‐patterns). The observation instrument used was SOF‐5, which is especially designed for studying the dynamics of the game in soccer. The recording consisted of within‐session monitoring using the MATCH VISION STUDIO 3.0 software, while the THEME software was used to detect and analyse T‐patterns. These T‐patterns revealed regularities in the playing style of the observed team, FC Barcelona. The structures detected included a ball possession pattern, whereby the ball was first kept in the central zone before being played forward, through several moves, into the zones closest to the opposing team's goal in order to disrupt the latter's equilibrium. The results obtained show that it is possible to identify stable temporal structures that provide information about concurrent interaction contexts with respect to lateral position and zone. As such, the proposed methodology appears to be useful in detecting complex structures within the game of soccer, structures which may help coaches to design attacking and defensive strategies.
Low oxygen levels induce the expression of the embryonic morphogen Nodal
Authors: Quail Daniela F. , Taylor Meghan J. , Walsh Logan A. , Dieters-Castator Dylan , Das Padmalaya , Jewer Michael , Zhang Guihua , Postovit Lynne-Marie
Published: October 2011

Low oxygen (O2) levels characterize the microenvironment of both stem cells and rapidly growing tumors. Moreover, hypoxia is associated with the maintenance of stem cell–like phenotypes and increased invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis in cancer patients. Metastatic cancers, such as breast cancer and melanoma, aberrantly express the embryonic morphogen Nodal, and the presence of this protein is correlated with metastatic disease. In this paper, we demonstrate that hypoxia induces Nodal expression in melanoma and breast cancer cells concomitant with increased cellular invasion and angiogenic phenotypes. Of note, Nodal expression remains up-regulated up to 48 h following reoxygenation. The oxygen-mediated regulation of Nodal expression occurs via a combinatorial mechanism. Within the first 24 h of exposure to low O2, there is an increase in protein stability. This increase in stability is accompanied by an induction of transcription, mediated by the HIF-1α–dependent activation of Notch-responsive elements in the node-specific enhancer of the Nodal gene locus. Finally, Nodal expression is maintained upon reoxygenation by a canonical SMAD-dependent feed-forward mechanism. This work provides insight into the O2-mediated regulation of Nodal, a key stem cell–associated factor, and reveals that Nodal may be a target for the treatment and prevention of hypoxia-induced tumor progression.
Association of Rho-associated protein kinase 1 with E-cadherin complexes is mediated by p120-catenin
Authors: Smith Andrew L. , Dohn Michael R. , Brown Meredith V. , Reynolds Albert B.
Published: October 2011

The dynamic functional linkage of cadherins with the underlying actin cytoskeleton is tightly regulated to achieve proper cell–cell adhesion. p120-catenin (p120) regulates both cadherin stability and actin dynamics, but the relationship between these two functions remains unclear. Using a novel proteomic approach called reversible cross-link immunoprecipitation, or ReCLIP, we previously identified a physical interaction between p120 and Rho-associated protein kinase 1 (ROCK1), a major effector of RhoA. In this paper, we show that a discrete fraction of cellular ROCK1 coimmunoprecipitates with p120 and precisely colocalizes to adherens junctions (AJs). Manipulation of AJs using a calcium-switch assay and cadherin-blocking antibodies indicates direct recruitment of ROCK1 to newly forming junctions. Importantly, we find that p120 links ROCK1 to the cadherin complex, as ROCK1 coimmunoprecipitates with wild-type but not p120-uncoupled E-cadherin. Moreover, depletion of ROCK1 using short-hairpin RNA results in dramatic mislocalization of the cadherin complex and junctional actin. These data are consistent with a model in which p120 dynamically regulates Rho-GTPase activity at the cadherin complex through transient interaction with several of its up- and downstream effectors, including ROCK1.
Interaction between -Synuclein and Other Proteins in Neurodegenerative Disorders
Authors: Jellinger Kurt A.
Published: October 2011

Protein aggregation is a common characteristic of many neurodegenerative disorders, and the interaction between pathological/toxic proteins to cause neurodegeneration is a hot topic of current neuroscience research. Despite clinical, genetic, and experimental differences, evidence increasingly indicates considerable overlap between synucleinopathies and tauopathies or other protein-misfolding diseases. Inclusions, characteristics of these disorders, also occurring in other neurodegenerative diseases, suggest interactions of pathological proteins engaging common downstream pathways. Novel findings that have shifted our understanding in the role of pathologic proteins in the pathogenesis of Parkinson and Alzheimer diseases have confirmed correlations/overlaps between these and other neurodegenerative disorders. The synergistic effects of α-synuclein, hyperphosphorylated tau, amyloid-β, and other pathologic proteins, and the underlying molecular pathogenic mechanisms, including induction and spread of protein aggregates, are critically reviewed, suggesting a dualism or triad of neurodegeneration in protein-misfolding disorders, although the etiology of most of these processes is still mysterious.
Comparing the Heterogeneity of Copper-Binding Characteristics for Two Different-Sized Soil Humic Acid Fractions Using Fluorescence Quenching Combined with 2D-COS
Authors: Hur Jin , Lee Bo-Mi
Published: October 2011

Heterogeneous distributions of copper-binding characteristics were compared for two ultrafiltered size fractions of a soil HA using fluorescence quenching combined with two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS). The apparent shapes of the original synchronous fluorescence spectra and the extent of the fluorescence quenching upon the addition of copper were similar for the two fractions. The stability constants calculated at their highest peaks were not significantly different. However, the 2D-COS results revealed that the fluorescence quenching behaviors were strongly affected by the associated wavelengths and the fraction's size. The spectral change preferentially occurred in the wavelength order of 467 nm → 451 nm → 357 nm for the 1–10 K fraction and of 376 nm → 464 nm for the >100 K fraction. The extent of the binding affinities exactly followed the sequential orders interpreted from the 2D-COS, and they exhibited the distinctive ranges of the logarithmic values from 5.86 to 4.91 and from 6.48 to 5.95 for the 1–10 K and the >100 K fractions, respectively. Our studies demonstrated that fluorescence quenching combined with 2D-COS could be successfully utilized to give insight into the chemical heterogeneity associated with metal-binding sites within the relatively homogeneous HA size fractions.
Conserved haplotype blocks within the sheep MHC and low SNP heterozygosity in the Class IIa subregion
Authors: Lee C. Y. , Qin J. , Munyard K. A. , Siva Subramaniam N. , Wetherall J. D. , Stear M. J. , Groth D. M.
Published: October 2011

This report describes single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the sheep major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II and class III regions and provides insights into the internal structure of this important genomic complex. MHC haplotypes were deduced from sheep family trios based on genotypes from 20 novel SNPs representative of the class II region and 10 previously described SNPs spanning the class III region. All 30 SNPs exhibited Hardy‐Weinberg proportions in the sheep population studied. Recombination within an extended sire haplotype was observed within the class II region for 4 of 20 sheep chromosomes, thereby supporting the presence of separated IIa and IIb subregions similar to those present in cattle. SNP heterozygosity varied across the class II and III regions. One segment of the class IIa subregion manifested very low heterozygosity for several SNPs spanning approximately 120 Kbp. This feature corresponds to a subregion within the human MHC class II region previously described as a ‘SNP desert’ because of its paucity of SNPs. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) was reduced at the junction separating the putative class IIb and IIa subregions and also between the class IIa and the class III subregions. The latter observation is consistent with either an unmapped physical separation at this location or more likely a boundary characterized by more frequent recombination between two conserved subregions, each manifesting high within‐block LD. These results identify internal blocks of loci in the sheep MHC, within which recombination is relatively rare.
Fetal haemoglobin levels and haematological characteristics of compound heterozygotes for haemoglobin S and deletional hereditary persistence of fetal haemoglobin
Authors: Ngo Duyen A. , Aygun Banu , Akinsheye Idowu , Hankins Jane S. , Bhan Ishir , Luo Hong Y. , Steinberg Martin H. , Chui David H. K.
Published: October 2011

Compound heterozygotes for sickle haemoglobin (HbS) and hereditary persistence of fetal haemoglobin (HPFH) have high fetal haemoglobin (HbF) levels but few, if any, sickle cell disease‐related complications. We studied 30 cases of HbS‐HPFH (types 1 and 2), confirmed by molecular analysis, and report the haematological features and change in HbF levels over time. These results were compared to those of patients with sickle cell anaemia or HbS‐β0 thalassaemia, including a subgroup of patients carrying the XmnI polymorphism, known to be associated with elevated HbF. Among the HbS‐HPFH patients, HbF level was 50–90% during infancy and declined steeply within the first few years of life, stabilizing between ages 3 and 5 years, at approximately 30%. Mean HbF of individuals age 5 or older was 31 ± 3%, average haemoglobin concentration was 130 ± 10 g/l and average mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was 75 ± 4 fl. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses significantly associated HbF with age, haemoglobin concentration, and MCV (P < 0·001). There was a strong inverse association between HbF and age (r = −0·9, P < 0·001). Despite having a much higher HbF level, patients with HbS‐HPFH have a similar age‐related pattern of HbF decline and associations as patients with sickle cell anaemia or HbS‐β0 thalassaemia.
Variation in wind and piscivorous predator fields affecting the survival of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, in the Gulf of Maine
Authors: FRIEDLAND K. D. , MANNING J. P. , LINK J. S. , GILBERT J. R. , GILBERT A. T. , O’CONNELL A. F.
Published: October 2011

Abstract  Observations relevant to the North American stock complex of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., suggest that marine mortality is influenced by variation in predation pressure affecting post‐smolts during the first months at sea. This hypothesis was tested for Gulf of Maine (GOM) stocks by examining wind pseudostress and the distribution of piscivorous predator fields potentially affecting post‐smolts. Marine survival has declined over recent decades with a change in the direction of spring winds, which is likely extending the migration of post‐smolts by favouring routes using the western GOM. In addition to changes in spring wind patterns, higher spring sea surface temperatures have been associated with shifting distributions of a range of fish species. The abundance of several pelagic piscivores, which based on their feeding habits may predate on salmon post‐smolts, has increased in the areas that serve as migration corridors for post‐smolts. In particular, populations of silver hake, Merluccius bilinearis (Mitchell), red hake, Urophycis chuss (Walbaum), and spiny dogfish, Squalus acanthias L., increased in size in the portion of the GOM used by post‐smolts. Climate variation and shifting predator distributions in the GOM are consistent with the predator hypothesis of recruitment control suggested for the stock complex.
High nitrogen deposition alters the decomposition of bog plant litter and reduces carbon accumulation
Authors: Bragazza Luca , Buttler Alexandre , Habermacher Jonathan , Brancaleoni Lisa , Gerdol Renato , Fritze Hannu , Hanajík Peter , Laiho Raija , Johnson David
Published: October 2011

Bogs are globally important sinks of atmospheric carbon (C) due to the accumulation of partially decomposed litter that forms peat. Because bogs receive their nutrients from the atmosphere, the world‐wide increase of nitrogen (N) deposition is expected to affect litter decomposition and, ultimately, the rate of C accumulation. However, the mechanism of such biogeochemical alteration remains unclear and quantification of the effect of N addition on litter accumulation has yet to be done. Here, we show that 7 years of N addition to a bog decreased the C : N ratio, increased the bacterial biomass and stimulated the activity of hydrolytic and oxidative enzymes in surface peat. Furthermore, N addition modified nutrient limitation of microbes during litter decomposition so that phosphorus became a primary limiting nutrient. Alteration of N release from decomposing litter affected bog water chemistry and the competitive balance between peat‐forming mosses and vascular plants. We estimate that deposition of about 4 g N m−2 yr−1 will cause a mean annual reduction of fresh litter C accumulation of about 40 g m−2 primarily as a consequence of decreased litter production from peat‐forming mosses. Our findings show that N deposition interacts with both above and below ground components of biodiversity to threaten the ability of bogs to act as N‐sinks, which may offset the positive effects of N on C accumulation seen in other ecosystems.
Association between social support and depression in the general population: the HUNT study, a cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Grav Siv , Hellzèn Ove , Romild Ulla , Stordal Eystein
Published: October 2011

Aim.  The aim was to investigate the associations between perceived social support and depression in a general population in relation to gender and age.

Background.  Social support is seen as one of the social determinants for overall health in the general population. Studies have found higher probability of experiencing depression among people who have a lack of social support; evidence from the general population has been more limited. Subjective perception that support would be available if needed may reduce and prevent depression and unnecessary suffering.

Design.  A cross‐sectional survey with self‐reported health was used.

Method.  A total of 40,659 men and women aged 20–89 years living in Nord‐Trøndelag County of Norway with valid ratings of depression subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale in the The Nord‐Trøndelag Health Study 3 were used. Logistic regression was used to quantify associations between two types of perceived support (emotional and tangible) and depression. Gender, age and interaction effects were controlled for in the final model.

Results.  The main finding was that self‐rated perceived support was significantly associated with Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale‐defined depression, even after controlling for age and gender; emotional support (OR = 3·14) and tangible support (OR = 2·93). The effects of emotional and tangible support differ between genders. Interaction effects were found for age groups and both emotional and tangible support.

Conclusion.  Self‐rated perceived functional social support is associated with Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale‐defined depression. In the group of older people who have a lack of social support, women seem to need more emotional support and men tangible support.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Health care providers should consider the close association between social support and depression in their continuing care, particularly in the older people.
Community mental health nurses' perspectives of recovery‐oriented practice
Authors: GALE J. , MARSHALL‐LUCETTE S.
Published: October 2011

Accessible summary

Recovery‐oriented practice, an approach aligned towards the service user perspective, has dominated the mental health care arena.

Numerous studies have explored service users' accounts of the purpose, meaning and importance of ‘recovery’.

Twenty‐three community mental health nurses completed a selfefficacy questionnaire and 28 course documents were analysed.

The findings suggest a gap in the nurses' perceived ability and confidence in recovery‐oriented practice with what is taught academically.

Recovery‐oriented practice, an approach aligned towards the service user perspective, has dominated the mental health care arena. Numerous studies have explored service users' accounts of the purpose, meaning and importance of ‘recovery’; however, far less is known about healthcare staff confidence in its application to care delivery. A self‐efficacy questionnaire and content analysis of nursing course documents were used to investigate a cohort of community mental health nurses' recovery‐oriented practice and to determine the extent to which the current continuing professional development curriculum met their educational needs in this regard. Twenty‐three community mental health nurses completed a self‐efficacy questionnaire and 28 course documents were analysed. The findings revealed high levels of nurses' confidence in their understanding and ability to apply the recovery model and low levels of confidence were found in areas of social inclusion. The content analysis found only one course document that used the whole term ‘recovery model’. The findings suggest a gap in the nurses' perceived ability and confidence in recovery‐oriented practice with what is taught academically. Hence, nursing education needs to be more explicitly focused on the recovery model and its application to care delivery.
Patient dignity in psychiatric nursing practice
Authors: LINDWALL L. , BOUSSAID L. , KULZER S. , WIGERBLAD Å.
Published: October 2011

Accessible summary

Dignity is a concept that relates to health and mental health care. Dignity is also related to human rights.

In psychiatric nursing practice, caregivers want to promote good and safe care, and take their ethical responsibility to safeguard the patient's dignity in caring situations. Dignity may emerge when the will and courage to be there for someone else is allowed to permeate the caring acts.

There are situations where a patient's dignity is offended in psychiatric nursing practice.

Where value conflict exists, these may lead to conflict in the human being and result in guilt and shame for the caregivers.

Professional nurses have an ethical responsibility to protect and preserve the patients' dignity. The aim of this study was to describe how nurses experienced incidents relating to patients' dignity in a psychiatric nursing practice. A hermeneutic approach was used and data were collected using the critical incident technique. Data included 77 written critical incidents, which were interpreted by using a hermeneutic text interpretation. The findings show preserved dignity – caregivers have the courage to be present, and offended dignity – caregivers create powerlessness taken away by the patient. These findings show that patients' dignity in a psychiatric nursing practice can be preserved when caregivers act on their ethical responsibility. When patients' dignity is offended, the caregiver has become an inner value conflict, something they have been a part of against their own will.
Structure of the Cochliobolus sativus population variability
Authors: Leisova‐Svobodova L. , Minarikova V. , Kucera L. , Pereyra S. A.
Published: October 2011

The genetic diversity of several local populations of the fungal pathogen Cochliobolus sativus, collected over 3 years from different regions of the Czech Republic, was examined using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP). A high level of variability was found even among isolates from one lesion. Measures of multilocus linkage disequilibrium suggested that recombination has a minor impact on the genetic structure of populations. Cochliobolus sativus forms genetically divergent populations (FST = 0·33), indicating a low level of geneflow between populations. This was supported by a significant correlation between genetic diversity and geographical distances up to 80–100 km. The most likely explanation for the genetic variability is that the fungus forms conidia with highly variable chromosomal rearrangements. The differentiation observed among local populations implies that genetic drift, including a founder effect, combined with restricted migration generates the structure of C. sativus populations.
Outcome of living kidney donors left with multiple renal arteries
Authors: Rizzari Michael D. , Suszynski Thomas M. , Gillingham Kristen J. , Matas Arthur J. , Ibrahim Hassan N.
Published: October 2011

Rizzari MD, Suszynski TM, Gillingham KJ, Matas AJ, Ibrahim HN. Outcome of living kidney donors left with multiple renal arteries.  Clin Transplant 2012: 26: E7–E11.  © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Individuals with kidneys having ≥2 arteries appear to have an increased incidence of hypertension. Whether kidney donors in whom the remaining kidney has ≥2 arteries are at increased risk of hypertension is unknown. Therefore, we studied 3685 kidney donors to determine whether donors left with a kidney having ≥2 arteries were at increased risk of hypertension, impaired renal function, or death. Cohorts were assigned based on our practice pattern and the anatomy of the donated kidney. Of the 3685 donors, 1211 were estimated to have a remaining kidney with ≥2 arteries. Mean follow‐up time for the single‐artery group was 14.1 (±11.0) yr and 15.3 (±11.2) yr for the ≥2 artery group. Six‐month hospital readmission rate was 1.4% and 1.2%, hypertension was noted in 22.4% and 21.8% and proteinuria in 9.7% and 9.6%, and estimated glomerular filtration rate at last follow‐up was 62 (±28) and 62 (±16) for single vs. ≥2 renal artery groups, respectively. Our data suggest no adverse clinical sequelae nor any decrease in long‐term survival for donors left with a kidney having ≥2 renal arteries.
Jack of all trades masters novel host plants: positive genetic correlations in specialist and generalist insect herbivores expanding their diets to novel hosts
Authors: GARCÍA‐ROBLEDO C. , HORVITZ C. C.
Published: October 2011

One explanation for the widespread host specialization of insect herbivores is the ‘Jack of all trades‐master of none’ principle, which states that genotypes with high performance on one host will perform poorly on other hosts. This principle predicts that cross‐host correlation in performance of genotypes will be negative. In this study, we experimentally explored cross‐host correlations and performance among families in four species (two generalist and two specialist) of leaf beetles (Cephaloleiaspp.) that are currently expanding their diets from native to exotic plants. All four species displayed similar responses in body size, developmental rates and mortality rates to experimentally controlled diets. When raised on novel hosts, body size of larvae, pupae and adults were reduced. Development times were longer, and larval mortality was higher on novel hosts. Genotype × host–plant interactions were not detected for most traits. All significant cross‐host correlations were positive. These results indicate very different ecological and evolutionary dynamics than those predicted by the ‘Jack of all trades‐master of none’ principle.
Effect of Downed Woody Debris on Small Mammal Anti‐Predator Behavior
Authors: Hinkelman Travis M. , Orrock John L. , Loeb Susan C.
Published: October 2011

Anti‐predator behavior can affect prey growth, reproduction, survival, and generate emergent effects in food webs. Small mammals often lower the cost of predation by altering their behavior in response to shrubs, but the importance of other microhabitat features, such as downed woody debris, for anti‐predator behavior is unknown. We used giving‐up densities to quantify the degree to which downed woody debris alters perceived predation risk by small mammals in southeastern pine forests. We placed 14 foraging trays next to large downed woody debris, shrubs, and in open areas for 12 consecutive nights. Moon illumination, a common indicator of predation risk, led to a similar reduction in small mammal foraging in all three microhabitats (open, downed woody debris, and shrub). Small mammals perceived open microhabitats as riskier than shrub microhabitats, with downed woody debris habitats perceived as being of intermediate risk between shrub and open microhabitats. Despite the presumed benefits of the protective cover of downed woody debris, small mammals may perceive downed woody debris as a relatively risky foraging site in southeastern pine forests where the high diversity and abundance of rodent‐eating snakes may provide a primary predatory threat.
Characterizing Submergence Survival Strategy in Rice Via Chlorophyll Fluorescence
Authors: Sone C. , Ito O. , Sakagami J.‐I.
Published: October 2011

Rice plants cope with flash floods using either an ‘escape strategy’ involving rapid shoot elongation or a ‘quiescence strategy’ involving survival underwater with minimal activity. To clarify the differences in the response of leaf photosynthesis properties to conditions during and after submergence, two rice cultivars were compared: a non‐shoot‐elongating cultivar IR 67520‐B‐14‐1‐3‐2‐2 (IR67520) and a shoot‐elongating cultivar IR72442‐6B‐3‐2‐1‐1 (IR72442). Twenty‐three‐day‐old seedlings were submerged in 80‐cm‐deep water for 14 days. During submergence, the chlorophyll contents of the upper fully expanded leaf (5th leaf) and newly developed leaf later (6th leaf) and the maximal quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) of the fifth leaf decreased earlier in IR72442 than in IR67520. In the submerged sixth leaf, Fv/Fm was higher in IR72442 than in IR67520 at early measurement. Although Fv/Fm of the sixth leaf in submerged IR67520 increased substantially from 2 days post‐submergence, IR72442 decreased because of leaf chlorosis. Therefore, a non‐shoot‐elongating cultivar coped with submergence by inhibiting photodamage and maintaining high chlorophyll content in the leaves. The shoot‐elongating cultivar was able to maintain the photosynthetic capacity of the newly developed leaf during submergence by prompt reduction of chlorophyll and chlorophyll fluorescence in the leaf that developed before submergence.
Quantitative genetic parameters for selection of biomass yield in hybrid rye
Authors: Miedaner Thomas , Koch Silvia , Seggl Andreas , Schmiedchen Brigitta , Wilde Peer
Published: October 2011

With 2 figure and 6 tables

Winter rye is an attractive crop as substrate for biogas production. We aimed to estimate quantitative genetic parameters for biomass yield in elite hybrid materials. About 380 testcross progeny incorporating intrapool crosses and interpool hybrids were analysed in six experiments across each of three to four locations. Mean values of biomass yield on a 100% dry matter basis ranged between 152 and 160 dt/ha, and the best entries had 175 dt/ha across locations. Genotypic variances for biomass yield were significant (P < 0.01) in all experiments being higher for interpool hybrids. Genotype × location interaction variances were significant and, in most instances, of similar size than genotypic variances. Estimates of entry‐mean heritability were moderate. Correlations among traits were highly varying with experiments. Consistently, significant genotypic correlations with biomass yield were found for plant height (0.4–0.9) and early growth (0.2–0.8). In conclusion, broad genetic variation for biomass yield already existing in elite hybrid materials should stimulate selection for this newly adopted trait.
Neuropathology in classical and variant ataxia‐telangiectasia
Authors: Verhagen Mijke M.M. , Martin Jean‐Jacques , van Deuren Marcel , Ceuterick‐de Groote Chantal , Weemaes Corry M.R. , Kremer Berry H.P.H. , Taylor Malcolm A.R. , Willemsen Michèl A.A.P. , Lammens Martin
Published: October 2011

Ataxia‐telangiectasia (A‐T) is classically characterized by progressive neurodegeneration, oculocutaneous telangiectasia, immunodeficiency and elevated α‐fetoprotein levels. Some patients, classified as variant A‐T, exhibit a milder clinical course. In the latter patients extrapyramidal symptoms, instead of cerebellar ataxia, tend to be the dominating feature and other classical disease hallmarks, like telangiectasia, appear later or even may be absent. Some patients with variant disease have clinically pronounced anterior horn cell degeneration. Neuropathological studies of genetically proven A‐T patients are lacking. The aims of our study were to describe the neuropathology of three A‐T patients; in two of them the diagnosis was genetically confirmed. The neuropathological findings were compared with those of all known published autopsy findings in A‐T patients up to now. Two classical A‐T patients aged 19 and 22 and a 33‐year‐old patient with variant disease were autopsied. In line with previous reports, our patients had severe cerebellar atrophy, less pronounced degeneration of the dentate nucleus and inferior olive, degeneration of the posterior columns and neurogenic muscular atrophy. In addition, all three had anterior horn cell degeneration, which was most prominent at the lumbar level. Compared to the literature, the degenerative changes in the brain stem of the variant A‐T patient were somewhat less than anticipated for his age. Degenerative changes in the cerebellum and spinal cord were comparable with those in the literature. Progeric changes were lacking. In conclusion, compared to classical A‐T, the variant A‐T patient showed essentially the same, only slightly milder neuropathological abnormalities, except for anterior horn degeneration.
Pseudodysplastic regenerative mucosa associated with congenital ileal atresia
Authors: Fujimoto Masakazu , Sakashita Hiromi , Hattori Kengo , Miyauchi Yuya , Sonoda Mari , Sato Masahito , Yuba Yoshiaki
Published: October 2011

A male neonate was clinically diagnosed with congenital intestinal atresia. Surgical operation was performed and the ileum including the atretic portion was resected. Grossly, there was a plaque‐like elevation of mucosa at the proximal side of the ileal atresia. Microscopic examination of this lesion revealed proliferation of severely atypical glands. Although dysplasia was a serious diagnostic concern, we concluded that ischemia due to the intestinal atresia induced this benign pseudodysplastic regenerative mucosa, judging from the pattern of coexisting inflammation and the literature review.