bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lifetime Prevalence and Projected Lifetime Risk of DSM-IV Disorders in Te Rau Hinengaro: The New Zealand Mental Health Survey
Authors: Oakley Browne Mark A. , Elisabeth Wells J. , Scott Kate M. , Mcgee Magnus A. ,   For The New Zealand Mental Health Survey Research Team
Published: December 2009

Objective: To estimate the lifetime prevalence and projected lifetime risk at age 75 years of DSM-IV disorders in New Zealand.

Method: A nationwide face-to-face household survey carried out in 2003–2004. A fully structured diagnostic interview, the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI 3.0), was used. There were 12 992 completed interviews from participants aged 16 years and over. The overall response rate was 73.3%. In this paper, the outcomes reported are lifetime prevalence and projected lifetime risk at age 75 years.

Results: The lifetime prevalence of any disorder was 39.5%. The lifetime prevalences for disorder groups were: anxiety disorders, 24.9%; mood disorders, 20.2%; substance use disorders, 12.3%; and eating disorders, 1.7%. The prevalences for all disorders were higher in the younger age groups. Females had higher prevalences of anxiety, mood and eating disorders compared with males; males had higher prevalences of substance use disorders. The estimated projected lifetime risk of any disorder at age 75 years was 46.6% with the median age of onset being 18 years. Adjustment for age, sex, education and household income did not remove all differences between Māori and the composite other ethnic group in the risk of disorder (hazard ratio = 1.1–1.4). After adjustment, hazard ratios for Pacific people ranged from 0.8 to 2.5.

Conclusions: These results confirm those of other studies: mental disorders are relatively common and tend to have early onset. Females are more likely to experience anxiety, mood and eating disorders than males, who experience more substance use disorders. Adjustment for socioeconomic factors and demography does not explain all ethnic differences, although remaining differences are small relative to cohort and even sex differences.
How have the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Antidepressants Affected Suicide Mortality?
Authors: Hall Wayne D. , Lucke Jayne
Published: December 2009

Objective: We review evidence on two claims that have been made about the effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants; that they have: (i) decreased suicide rates in the population; and (ii) increased suicide rates in some individuals early in treatment.

Method: We critically review evidence in the English-speaking peer-reviewed medical literature on: (i) meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of SSRIs; (ii) observational studies of suicide risk in patients prescribed SSRIs and other antidepressants; and (iii) ecological studies of correlations between population use of SSRI use and population suicide rates.

Results: The largest and most recent meta-analyses of RCTs of SSRIs have found suggestive evidence that SSRIs increase suicidal ideation early in treatment compared with placebo. Observational studies have found an increased risk of self-harm within 9 days of an antidepressant drug being prescribed but the risk has been similar for the older tricyclic antidepressants and the SSRIs. Ecological studies in developed countries have found either that suicide rates have declined as SSRI use has increased, or have found no relationship between suicide rates and increased SSRI use.

Conclusions: Meta-analyses of RCTs suggest that SSRIs increase suicide ideation compared with placebo but the observational studies suggest that SSRIs do not increase suicide risk more than older antidepressants. If SSRIs increase suicide risk in some patients, the number of additional deaths is very small because ecological studies have generally found that suicide mortality has declined (or at least not increased) as SSRI use has increased.
Exciting Career Opportunity Beckons! Early Intervention and Vocational Rehabilitation in First-Episode Psychosis: Employing Cautious Optimism
Authors: Killackey Eoin J. , Jackson Henry J. , Gleeson John , Hickie Ian B. , Mcgorry Patrick D.
Published: December 2009

Objective: While there are now effective interventions for the symptoms of psychosis and schizopshrenia, treatment for the functional domains of these illnesses has received less attention. A key area affected by psychotic illness is vocational functioning. This area is currently of interest to clinicians, policy-makers, politicians and patients. This paper reviews several forms of vocational intervention practised over the years and highlights the issues around adopting an early intervention approach towards vocational rehabilitation. The paper has four aims: first, to consider some of the consequences of unemployment for those with psychotic illnesses; second, to review methods that have been used to address unemployment among the mentally ill; third, to highlight the importance of vocational development at a developmentally appropriate life stage; and finally, to consider the application of evidence-based vocational rehabilitation to those with first-episode psychosis.

Method: An initial broad literature search was conducted using PsychInfo and Medline databases. Further narrower searches were conducted electronically where indicated. Finally, some articles were sourced through manual searches of relevant journals.

Results: People with psychotic illness have a high rate of unemployment at the outset of their illness which tends to worsen over time. This is complicated by systemic factors such as the structure of the welfare system. Approaches for assisting people with mental illness return to work have evolved over the history of psychiatry. There now exists an evidencebased method of intervention. To date this has not been trialled in a systematic way with people in the early stages of psychotic illness.

Conclusions: There is cause for cautious optimism in the vocational recovery of people with psychotic illnesses. Limited evidence exists that the individual placement and support approach developed with chronic populations is very effective in early episode patients. There are a number of challenges to implementing vocational intervention in first-episode psychosis. Overcoming these obstacles will require the cooperation of clinicians, those with illness, policy-makers and politicians. However, the potential economic, health and personal gains, as well as current and future research should provide sufficient motivation to overcome these barriers.
Antipsychotic Medication Dispensing and Associated Odds Ratios of Death In Elderly Veterans and War Widows, 2001
Authors: Hollis Jean , Touyz Stephen , Grayson David , Forrester Loelle
Published: December 2009

Objectives: To explore the odds ratios (ORs) of death associated with antipsychotic (AP) medications dispensed to elderly subjects.

Method: Subjects were veterans and war widows 65 years and older dispensed an AP drug in 2001 in NSW or ACT. For all subjects, dispensing records for AP medication, benzodiazepines, lithium, carbamazepine, sodium valproate and antidepressant medication were extracted and combined with age, gender and date of death. A study date was allocated, either the date of death or a random date from 1.5.01 to 31.12.01. Subjects dispensed an AP in 2001, but not dispensed an AP or other psychotropic medication in the 120 days prior to their study date, formed a reference group. Psychotropic dispensing in the 120 days prior to the study date was analysed using nested logistic regression models to produce ORs of death associated with various AP drugs. The ORs for risperidone, olanzapine and pericyazine were compared. Haloperidol ORs were established for those dispensed the drug 0–30 days prior to study date or 31–120 days prior to the study date.

Results: The ORs associated with haloperidol, olanzapine, risperidone, pericyazine, thioridazine and chlorpromazine were significant when compared with the reference group. Odds ratios for all three haloperidol periods were significant when compared with olanzapine, risperidone and pericyazine 120 day ORs. Although there was a trend favouring olanzapine when compared with risperidone, the difference in the ORs failed to reach significance (p = 0.066).

Conclusions: Haloperidol is associated with significantly higher mortality rates than other AP medication but it is not clear whether this represents drug toxicity or the medical conditions for which it was dispensed. There was no evidence that the conventional AP pericyazine was associated with a higher mortality rate than olanzapine or risperidone.
Stages of Recovery Instrument: Development of a Measure of Recovery from Serious Mental Illness
Authors: Andresen Retta , Caputi Peter , Oades Lindsay
Published: December 2009

Objective: In order to realize the vision of recovery-orientated mental health services, there is a need for a model and a method of measuring recovery as the concept is described by mental health consumers. A preliminary five-stage model based on consumer accounts was developed in an earlier study by the authors. This next stage of the research program describes the development and initial testing of a stage measure which, when validated, can be used in testing that model.

Method: Existing measures of recovery were reviewed to assess their concordance with the model, and a new measure, the Stages of Recovery Instrument (STORI) was subsequently developed. A postal survey was conducted of 94 volunteers from the NISAD Schizophrenia Research Register. Participants completed the STORI and measures of mental health, psychological wellbeing, hope, resilience and recovery.

Results: The STORI correlated with all of the psychological health variables, and the five stage subscales were found to be internally consistent. An ordinal relationship between the stage subscales was demonstrated by the intercorrelations of the subscale scores and the pattern of correlations between the subscales and the other measures. However, a cluster analysis of items revealed an overlap in measurement of adjacent stages, with only three clear clusters emerging.

Conclusions: The results provide preliminary empirical validation of the STORI as a measure of the consumer definition of recovery. However, refinement of the measure is needed to improve its capacity to discriminate between the stages of the model. The model could then be comprehensively tested using longitudinal methods and the inclusion of objective measures.
Impact and Management of Dual Relationships in Metropolitan, Regional and Rural Mental Health Practice
Authors: Endacott Ruth , Wood Anita , Judd Fiona , Hulbert Carol , Thomas Ben , Grigg Margaret
Published: December 2009

Objective: To explore the extent and impact of professional boundary crossings in metropolitan, regional and rural mental health practice in Victoria and identify strategies mental health clinicians use to manage dual relationships.

Method: Nine geographically located focus groups consisting of mental health clinicians: four focus groups in rural settings; three in a regional city and two in a metropolitan mental health service. A total of 52 participants were interviewed.

Results: Data revealed that professional boundaries were frequently breached in regional and rural settings and on occasions these breaches had a significantly negative impact. Factors influencing the impact were: longevity of the clinician's relationship with the community, expectations of the community, exposure to community ‘gossip’ and size of the community. Participants reported greater stress when the boundary crossing affected their partner and/or children. Clinicians used a range of proactive and reactive strategies, such as private telephone number, avoidance of social community activities, when faced with a potential boundary crossing. The feasibility of reactive strategies depended on the service configuration: availability of an alternative case manager, requirement for either patient or clinician to travel. The greater challenges faced by rural and regional clinicians were validated by metropolitan participants with rural experience and rural participants with metropolitan experience.

Conclusions: No single strategy is used or appropriate for managing dual relationships in rural settings. Employers and professional bodies should provide clearer guidance for clinicians both in the management of dual relationships and the distinction between boundary crossings and boundary violation. Clinicians are clearly seeking to represent and protect the patients' interests; consideration should be given by consumer groups to steps that can be taken by patients to reciprocate.
The NUCOG: Validity and Reliability of a Brief Cognitive Screening Tool in Neuropsychiatric Patients
Authors: Walterfang Mark , Siu Ronald , Velakoulis Dennis
Published: December 2009

Objectives: To examine the validity and reliability of a brief cognitive screen instrument, the Neuropsychiatry Unit Cognitive Assessment Tool (NUCOG), in patients with dementia, major psychiatric disorders and neurological disorders, and to compare its performance with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).

Method: The NUCOG was undertaken with the MMSE on a total of 347 individuals, with 82 subjects in the control group and 265 in the patient group. The patient group consisted of patients with dementia (n = 65), non-dementing neurological disorders (n = 44) and psychiatric illness (n = 156). The patient group was further broken into subgroups of dementing and psychiatric disorders for further analysis. A subgroup of patients (n = 22) underwent detailed neuropsychological testing.

Results: The NUCOG and MMSE scores, which correlated strongly, were highest in the control group, and lowest in the dementia group, with psychiatric and neurological patients scoring similarly. Internal consistency and reliability were high. Scores were significantly affected by age and years of education. The NUCOG differentiated the four broad groups and the dementia subgroups more strongly than the MMSE. The NUCOG subscale scores correlated strongly with most neuropsychological subtests undertaken. At a cut-off score of 80/100, sensitivity of the NUCOG for detection of dementia was 0.84 and specificity 0.86.

Conclusions: The NUCOG is a valid and reliable cognitive tool that is sensitive and specific for the detection of dementia. The NUCOG was able to differentiate dementia and psychiatric subgroups which were not able to be discriminated on MMSE scores. The NUCOG appears to be a well-tolerated, reliable and highly useful clinical tool that offers benefits over and above the MMSE.
Predictors of Depression 12 Months after Cardiac Hospitalization: The Identifying Depression as a Comorbid Condition Study
Authors: Schrader Geoff , Cheok Frida , Hordacre Ann-Louise , Marker Julie
Published: December 2009

Objective: To determine characteristics which predict depression at 12 months after cardiac hospitalization, and track the natural history of depression.

Method: Depressive symptoms were monitored at baseline, 3 and 12 months in a cohort of 785 patients, using the self-report Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Multinomial regression analyses of baseline clinical and demographic variables identified characteristics associated with depression at 12 months.

Results: Three baseline variables predicted moderate to severe depression at 12 months: depression during index admission, past history of emotional health problems and current smoking. For those who were depressed during cardiac hospitalization, 51% remained depressed at both 3 and 12 months. Persistence was more evident in patients who had moderate to severe depressive symptoms when hospitalized. Mild depression was as likely to persist as to remit.

Conclusions: Three clinically accessible characteristics at the time of cardiac hospitalization can assist in predicting depression at 12 months and may aid treatment decisions. Depressive symptoms persist in a substantial proportion of cardiac patients up to 12 months after hospitalization.
Blumeria graminis Interactions with Barley Conditioned by Different Single R Genes Demonstrate a Temporal and Spatial Relationship Between Stomatal Dysfunction and Cell Death
Authors: Prats Elena , Gay Alan P. , Roberts Peter C. , Thomas Barry J. , Sanderson Ruth , Paveley Neil , Lyngkjær Michael F. , Carver Tim L. W. , Mur Luis A. J.
Published: December 2009

Hypersensitive response (HR) against Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei infection in barley (Hordeum vulgare) was associated with stomata “lock-up” leading to increased leaf water conductance (gl). Unique spatio-temporal patterns of HR formation occurred in barley with Mla1, Mla3, or MlLa R genes challenged with B. graminis f. sp. hordei. With Mla1, a rapid HR, limited to epidermal cells, arrested fungal growth before colonies initiated secondary attacks. With Mla3, mesophyll HR preceded that in epidermal cells whose initial survival supported secondary infections. With MlLa, mesophyll survived and not all attacked epidermal cells died immediately, allowing colony growth and secondary infection until arrested. Isolines with Mla1, Mla3, or MlLa genes inoculated with B. graminis f. sp. hordei ranging from 1 to 100 conidia mm2 showed abnormally high gl during dark periods whose timing and extent correlated with those of each HR. Each isoline showed increased dark gl with the nonpathogen B. graminis f. sp. avenae which caused a single epidermal cell HR. Guard cell autofluorescence was seen only after drying of epidermal strips and closure of stomata suggesting that locked open stomata were viable. The data link stomatal lock-up to HR associated cell death and has implications for strategies for selecting disease resistant genotypes.
Purification and Biochemical Characterization of Polygalacturonase Produced by Penicillium expansum During Postharvest Decay of ‘Anjou’ Pear
Authors: Jurick Wayne M. , Vico Ivana , Gaskins Verneta L. , Garrett Wesley M. , Whitaker Bruce D. , Janisiewicz Wojciech J. , Conway William S.
Published: December 2009

A polygalacturonase (PG) was extracted and purified from decayed tissue of ‘Anjou’ pear fruit inoculated with Penicillium expansum. Ammonium sulfate precipitation, gel filtration, and cation exchange chromatography were used to purify the enzyme. Both chromatographic methods revealed a single peak corresponding to PG activity. PG enzyme activity from healthy and wounded pear tissue was undetectable, which supports the claim that the purified PG is of fungal origin. The purified enzyme had a molecular mass of 41 kDa and a pI of 7.8. Activity of the PG was not associated with a glycosylated protein. The enzyme was active over a broad pH range from 3 to 6, with optimal activity at 4.5 in sodium citrate and sodium acetate buffers. The optimal temperature for activity was 37°C but the enzyme was also active at 0, 5, 10, 20, and 50°C. Thin-layer chromatographic analysis of PG hydrolysis products showed that the enzyme exhibits endo- and exo-activity. The purified enzyme macerated tissue in vitro causing ≈30% reduction in mass of pear plugs compared with ≈17% reduction for apple. Additionally, it produced 1.5-fold more soluble polyuronides on pear than apple tissue. This work shows for the first time the production of a PG by P. expansum during postharvest decay of pear fruit is different from the previously described PG produced in decayed apple fruit by the same pathogen.
Soybean Sudden Death Syndrome Species Diversity Within North and South America Revealed by Multilocus Genotyping
Authors: O'Donnell Kerry , Sink Stacy , Scandiani María Mercedes , Luque Alicia , Colletto Analía , Biasoli Marisa , Lenzi Lisandro , Salas Graciela , González Victoria , Ploper Leonardo Daniel , Formento Norma , Pioli Rosanna N. , Aoki Takayuki , Yang X. B. , Sarver Brice A. J.
Published: December 2009

Sudden death syndrome (SDS) of soybean has become a serious constraint to the production of this crop in North and South America. Phenotypic and multilocus molecular phylogenetic analyses, as well as pathogenicity experiments, have demonstrated that four morphologically and phylogenetically distinct fusaria can induce soybean SDS. Published molecular diagnostic assays for the detection and identification of these pathogens have reported these pathogens as F. solani, F. solani f. sp. glycines, or F. solani f. sp. phaseoli, primarily because the species limits of these four pathogens were only recently resolved. In light of the recent discovery that soybean SDS and Phaseolus and mung bean root rot (BRR) are caused by four and two distinct species, respectively, multilocus DNA sequence analyses were conducted to assess whether any of the published molecular diagnostic assays were species-specific. Comparative DNA sequence analyses of the soybean SDS and BRR pathogens revealed that highly conserved regions of three loci were used in the design of these assays, and therefore none were species-specific based on our current understanding of species limits within the SDS–BRR clade. Prompted by this finding, we developed a high-throughput multilocus genotyping (MLGT) assay which accurately differentiated the soybean SDS and two closely related Phaseolus and mung BRR pathogens based on nucleotide polymorphism within the nuclear ribosomal intergenic spacer region rDNA and two anonymous intergenic regions designated locus 51 and 96. The single-well diagnostic assay, employing flow cytometry and a novel fluorescent microsphere array, was validated by independent multilocus molecular phylogenetic analysis of a 65 isolate design panel. The MLGT assay was used to reproducibly type a total of 262 soybean SDS and 9 BRR pathogens. The validated MLGT array provides a unique molecular diagnostic for the accurate identification and molecular surveillance of these economically important plant pathogens.
Mapping Net Form Net Blotch and Septoria Speckled Leaf Blotch Resistance Loci in Barley
Authors: St. Pierre S. , Gustus C. , Steffenson B. , Dill-Macky R. , Smith K. P.
Published: December 2009

Septoria speckled leaf blotch (SSLB), caused by Septoria passerinii Sacc., and net form net blotch (NB), caused by Pyrenophora teres f. teres Drechsler, are fungal diseases that decrease the yields of barley in the Upper Midwest. An effective way to manage these diseases is to plant resistant cultivars. To characterize the genetics of resistance to both pathogens, two advanced barley breeding lines, one resistant to NB (M120) and another resistant to SSLB (Sep2-72), were crossed, creating a population of 115 recombinant inbred lines. The two parents and the population were evaluated in three greenhouse seedling assays for each pathogen and for simple-sequence repeat and diversity arrays technology markers. Composite interval mapping revealed two major quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with NB on chromosome 6H, located in bins 2 and 6. The QTL located in bin 6 explained 19 to 48% of the phenotypic variation and the QTL located in bin 2 explained 25 to 44% of the phenotypic variation. A new locus for resistance to SSLB, Rsp4, was identified on chromosome 6H, located in bins 3 to 4. Mapping these genes in elite breeding germplasm will accelerate the development and utilization of marker-assisted selection to enhance resistance to these diseases.
Development, Comparison, and Validation of Real-Time and Conventional PCR Tools for the Detection of the Fungal Pathogens Causing Brown Spot and Red Band Needle Blights of Pine
Authors: Ioos Renaud , Fabre Bénédicte , Saurat Carole , Fourrier Céline , Frey Pascal , Marçais Benoît
Published: December 2009

Dothistroma pini, D. septosporum, and Lecanosticta acicola are fungal pathogens that cause severe foliage diseases in conifers. All three pathogens are listed as quarantine organisms in numerous countries throughout the world and, thus, are subject to specific monitoring. Detection and identification of these pathogens still often relies on cumbersome and unsatisfactory methods that are based upon the morphological characterization of fungal fruiting bodies and conidia. In this study, we present the development of several new molecular tools that enable a rapid and specific in planta detection of each of these pathogens. Several DNA extraction procedures starting from infected needles were compared and four commercial DNA extraction kits provided DNA of satisfactory quality for amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In addition, we developed several sets of conventional PCR primers, dual-labeled probes (DLPs), and duplex-scorpion probes (DSPs), all of which targeted each pathogen. Their ability to detect the pathogens in a series of naturally infected needle samples was compared. The quadruplex DLP real-time assay proved to be more sensitive than the DSP assay and conventional PCR but the two real-time probe formats yielded identical results in the naturally infected samples. Both real-time assays proved to be significantly superior to the technique of humid chamber incubation, which often failed to produce spores for the accurate identification of the pathogens.
Larval diapause of Monochamus urussovi and photoperiodic effects on larval development in tree bolts
Authors: Togashi K. , Kasuga H. , Yamashita H. , Iguchi K.
Published: December 2009

To determine the larval diapause and the effect of photoperiod on development in Monochamus urussovi (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), larvae were reared on Abies sachalinensis and Picea jezoensis logs and bolts. Larvae stopped developing in the final instar at 25°C and 16L : 8D (16 h light and 8 h dark) whereas an exposure to 5°C in the dark (134 days) following acclimation at 12°C under natural daylength led to adult emergence. When larvae were reared under 8L : 16D or 16L : 8D at 25°C with an intervening period of chilling at 5°C in the dark (112 days), a photoperiod of 8L : 16D induced a shorter time required for adult emergence after being returned to 25°C, and smaller adult body size than 16L : 8D.
B cell differentiation in the bursa of Fabricius and spleen of embryos and chicks immediately after hatching
Authors: NARABARA Kiyoaki , ABE Asaki ,   GERILECHAOGETU, HANIEH Hamza , KONDO Yasuhiro
Published: December 2009

Flow cytometric analysis and immunohistochemical observation were used to qualitatively and quantitatively clarify the nature of B cell differentiation in the bursa of Fabricius of chick embryos and to determine the timing of antibody class switching in chicken spleens based on positivity of IgM and IgG on and in the cells. In the bursa, the sIgM‐positive cell population formed from the 12th to 15th day of embryogenesis. The proportion of sIgM‐high expressing (sIgMhigh) cells was lower among bursacytes than splenocytes of hatched chicks, suggesting that the sIgMhigh bursacytes are to be released to peripheral sites. The proportion of sIgMhigh cells was higher at 0 days old than at any other examined stage of development. Colonization of the spleen by B cells occurred between the 18th day of embryogenesis and 0 days old. Antibody class switching was thought to start in the spleen between 1 and 2 weeks of age, because IgG‐positive cells were present in the spleen of 2‐week‐old chicks, but not 0‐day‐old or 1‐week‐old chicks.
RESONANT LIGHT SCATTERING AND HIGHER HARMONIC GENERATION BY PERIODIC SUBWAVELENGTH ARRAYS
Authors: SHABANOV SERGEI V.
Published: December 2009

Scattering of light on periodic subwavelength arrays is studied in the framework of the resonant scattering theory. With various examples of periodic structures it is demonstrated that: (i) an enhanced reflectance or transmittance is associated with the existence of trapped modes (quasi-stationary modes of light confined in the vicinity of the scattering structure); (ii) scattering structures may have trapped modes due to peculiarities their geometry (geometrical modes) and the dispersive properties of their material (material modes); a practical criterion based on the scaling symmetry of Maxwell's equations is proposed to distinguish them; (iii) the trapped mode field can be significantly amplified, as compared to the incident wave amplitude, in some regions of the structure; (iv) the amplification increases with increasing the lifetime of the trapped mode; (v) this effect can be used to enhance nonlinear optical effects (a resonant higher harmonic generation is studied in detail as an example). The theory of coupled resonances is developed and used to prove that there exist bound states of light in the radiation continuum (resonances with the vanishing width) in periodic arrays. The bound states are neither modes in metal cavities nor modes in photonic crystal defects. Structures supporting the bound states of light can be used to enhance and control nonlinear optical effects in subwavelength periodic arrays.
THE COSMOLOGICAL SPACETIME
Authors: MELIA FULVIO , ABDELQADER MAJD
Published: December 2009

We present here the transformations required to recast the Robertson–Walker metric and Friedmann–Robertson–Walker equations in terms of observer-dependent coordinates for several commonly assumed cosmologies. The overriding motivation is the derivation of explicit expressions for the radius Rh of our cosmic horizon in terms of measurable quantities for each of the cases we consider. We show that the cosmological time dt diverges for any finite interval ds associated with a process at R → Rh, which therefore represents a physical limit to our observations. This is a key component required for a complete interpretation of the data, particularly as they pertain to the nature of dark energy. With these results, we affirm the conclusion drawn in our earlier work that the identification of dark energy as a cosmological constant does not appear to be consistent with the data.
How Bacterial Carbohydrates Influence the Adaptive Immune System
Authors: Avci Fikri Y. , Kasper Dennis L.
Published: December 2009

The capsular polysaccharides (CPSs) of most pathogenic bacteria are T cell–independent antigens whose conjugation to carrier proteins evokes a carbohydrate-specific response eliciting T cell help. However, certain bacterial CPSs, known as zwitterionic polysaccharides (ZPSs), activate the adaptive immune system through processing by antigen-presenting cells and presentation by the major histocompatibility complex class II pathway to CD4+T cells. This discovery was the first mechanistic insight into how carbohydrates—a class of biological molecules previously thought to be T cell independent—can in fact activate T cells. Through their ability to activate CD4+T cells, ZPSs direct the cellular and physical maturation of the developing immune system. In this review, we explore the still-enigmatic relations between CPSs and the adaptive immune machinery at the cellular and molecular levels, and we discuss how new insights into the biological impact of ZPSs expand our concepts of the role of carbohydrates in microbial interactions with the adaptive immune system.
An Integrated View of Humoral Innate Immunity: Pentraxins as a Paradigm
Authors: Bottazzi Barbara , Doni Andrea , Garlanda Cecilia , Mantovani Alberto
Published: December 2009

The innate immune system consists of a cellular and a humoral arm. Pentraxins (e.g., the short pentraxin C reactive protein and the long pentraxin PTX3) are key components of the humoral arm of innate immunity which also includes complement components, collectins, and ficolins. In response to microorganisms and tissue damage, neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells are major sources of fluid-phase pattern-recognition molecules (PRMs) belonging to different molecular classes. Humoral PRMs in turn interact with and regulate cellular effectors. Effector mechanisms of the humoral innate immune system include activation and regulation of the complement cascade; agglutination and neutralization; facilitation of recognition via cellular receptors (opsonization); and regulation of inflammation. Thus, the humoral arm of innate immunity is an integrated system consisting of different molecules and sharing functional outputs with antibodies.
Repetitive Thinking as a Psychological Cognitive Style in Midlife Is Associated with Lower Risk for Dementia Three Decades Later
Authors: Ravona-Springer Ramit , Beeri Michal Schnaider , Goldbourt Uri
Published: December 2009

Aims: To examine the association of a reported tendency toward repetitive thinking (RT) in midlife when confronting difficulties in family and work settings with dementia many years later. Methods: A tendency toward RT was assessed in approximately 9,000 male participants in the Israeli Ischemic Heart Disease study in 1965. The subjects were categorized according to their tendency toward RT in familial and work settings as: 1 = always forget; 2 = tend to forget; 3 = tend to think repetitively, and 4 = usually think repetitively. Dementia was assessed over 3 decades later in 1,889 participants among 2,604 survivors of the original cohort. Results: The prevalence rates of dementia were 24, 19, 15 and 14% in the 4 groups of tendency toward RT in stressful work situations with superiors (p for trend < 0.0002), respectively. The prevalence rates of dementia were 21, 18, 14 and 14% in the 4 groups of tendency toward RT in familial situations (p for trend < 0.004), respectively. These associations held after multivariate analysis. Conclusions: The tendency toward RT when confronting distress is associated with a lower risk for dementia. Future studies should assess possible mechanisms and potentials for intervention and modification.
Amygdala and Socio-Sexual Behavior in Male Zebra Finches
Authors: Ikebuchi Maki , Hasegawa Toshikazu , Bischof Hans-Joachim
Published: December 2009

Neuroanatomical studies including pathway tracing and cytochemical characterizations have suggested that the avian nucleus taeniae of the amygdala (TnA) might be homologous to a part of the mammalian medial amygdala. Recent behavioral observations in TnA-lesioned birds also reported deficits in the control of motivational aspects of behavior, advancing the concept of homology of the structure in the two classes of animals. To further examine the functional role of TnA, we used a highly social, monogamous song bird species, the zebra finch, for our experiments. Male birds received a focal lesion of TnA, and several aspects of socio-sexual behavior of these animals were compared with control bird behavior. We found that zebra finch males with TnA lesions were never chosen as sexual partners by a female in a triadic situation with another male because they showed less sexually motivated behavior. Because such sexually motivated behavior was shown in dyadic situations with a lesioned male and a female, however, and females in this situation also showed pair bonding behavior towards the lesioned males, TnA might be involved in other behaviors, not just sexual behavior towards females. Instead, it might play a role in the control of a variety of social encounters including male-female and male-male interactions. This research clearly indicates that TnA, by its involvement in the control of socio-sexual behavior, is functionally comparable with the mammalian medial amygdala.
How Can We Not ‘Lose It’ if We Still Don’t Understand How to ‘Use It’? Unanswered Questions about the Influence of Activity Participation on Cognitive Performance in Older Age – A Mini-Review
Authors: Bielak Allison A.M.
Published: December 2009

The ‘use it or lose it’ hypothesis of cognitive aging predicts that engagement in intellectual, social, and physical activities offers protective benefits from age-related cognitive decline and lowers dementia risk. Although this hypothesis has not yet been supported conclusively, there is some empirical evidence in favor of the proposal. However, a number of questions surrounding the relationship between activity participation and cognitive ability in older adulthood are not yet well answered. This mini-review identifies seven key methodological and theoretical issues that are critical to our understanding and eventual possible promotion of activity participation as a way to maintain cognitive well-being. These include the mechanisms involved, the optimal ways of assessing activity engagement, which cognitive domains receive the most benefit from activity engagement, the temporal nature and the directionality of the relationship, the influence of demographic variables such as age, gender, or education, and whether one activity domain offers the most benefit to cognition. The current knowledge on each of these issues is critically evaluated, including describing what we already know about the issue, and identifying potential difficulties and opportunities that may exist in finding an answer. More studies need to take on the challenge of specifically targeting these issues, as each is essential to moving the field forward.
Effects of Adrenalectomy on Neuronal Substrate Fuel Transporter and Energy Transducer Gene Expression in Hypothalamic and Hindbrain Metabolic Monitoring Sites
Authors: Cherian Ajeesh Koshy , Briski Karen P.
Published: December 2009

It has been reported that adrenalectomy (ADX) and the potent type II glucocorticoid receptor agonist, dexamethasone, exert opposing effects on glucose utilization in specific brain regions, including the hypothalamus. The present study investigated the hypothesis that ADX alters neuronal substrate fuel transporter mRNA levels in characterized hypothalamic and hindbrain metabolic monitoring structures, and adjustments in these gene profiles are correlated with modified transcription of genes encoding the glucose sensor, glucokinase (GCK), and the energy-dependent, inwardly-rectifying potassium channel, KATP. The lateral hypothalamic area (LHA), ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMN), and dorsal vagal complex (DVC) were microdissected from ADX and sham-operated male rats 2 h after neutral protamine Hagedorn insulin or vehicle injection, and evaluated by quantitative real-time RT-PCR for neuronal glucose (GLUT3, GLUT4), monocarboxylate (MCT2) transporter, GCK, and sulfonylurea receptor-1 (SUR1) mRNA content. ADX modified basal fuel transporter and energy transducer gene expression in a site-specific manner since this manipulation decreased MCT2 and GLUT3 transcription in the DVC only; increased or decreased GCK mRNA in the LHA and VMN, respectively; and decreased SUR1 gene profiles in the DVC and LHA. Adrenal removal did not alter baseline GLUT4 mRNA in any structure examined. ADX also prevented the following transcriptional responses to insulin-induced hypoglycemia: downregulated DVC MCT2, downregulated DVC and upregulated LHA and VMN GLUT3, upregulated LHA GLUT4, upregulated LHA GCK, and upregulated VMN SUR1. These results show that the adrenals regulate basal GLUT3 gene profiles in the DVC alone; during hypoglycemia, these glands suppress (DVC) or increase GLUT3 (LHA and VMH) mRNA, and selectively elevate GLUT4 transcripts in the LHA. The data demonstrate divergent adrenal control of DVC neuronal monocarboxylate transporter gene expression under basal (stimulatory) versus hypoglycemic (inhibitory) conditions. The current work also reveals contrasting adrenal regulation of baseline GCK mRNA in the LHA (inhibitory) and VMN (stimulatory), as well as adrenal-dependent hypoglycemic enhancement of LHA GCK and VMN SUR1 gene profiles. Additional research is required to characterize the impact of adrenal-sensitive substrate transporter and metabolic transducer function on fuel uptake and metabolic regulatory signaling in these brain sites.
A small-molecule inhibitor of integrin α2β1 introduces a new strategy for antithrombotic therapy
Authors: Käpylä Jarmo , Ojala Marika , Nieminen Jonna , Lipsanen Anu , Lappalainen Heli , Eckes Beate , Johnson Mark , Lassila Riitta , Marjamäki Anne , Nissinen Liisa , Pentikäinen Olli , Jouppila Annukka , Heino Jyrki
Published: December 2009

Interaction of blood platelets with vascular collagen is an initiating event in haemostasis and thrombus formation. Based on molecular modelling of human integrin α2I domain and cell-based screening assays we have developed sulfonamide derivatives, a mechanistically novel class of molecules. These molecules show antiplatelet efficacy by selectively inhibiting α2β1 integrin-mediated collagen binding. One sulfonamide derivative, named BTT-3016, showed inhibitory capacity in several assessments of human platelet interaction with collagen. It inhibited about 90% of the aggregation of gel-filtered magnesium-supplemented platelets and 70% of aggregation in PPACK-anticoagulated platelet-rich plasma when stimulated with collagen but not with ADP. The antiplatelet activity of BTT-3016 was dependent on α2β1 integrin, since in collagen binding test BTT-3016 had no effect on the platelets derived from α2 integrin null mice. When tested in an in vivo model in mice, BTT-3016 clearly reduced thrombus formation on the vessel wall after vascular injury. Furthermore, BTT-3016 prolonged tail-bleeding time in a manner comparable to aspirin. We show that new α2β1 inhibitors exert collagen-specific antiplatelet activity and regulate thrombus growth in vivo without compromising primary haemostasis more than aspirin. We suggest that the α2β1 inhibiting strategy could be further developed for the prevention and treatment of arterial thrombosis.
Wavenumber Spectrum in the Gulf Stream from Shipboard ADCP Observations and Comparison with Altimetry Measurements
Authors: Wang Dong-Ping , Flagg Charles N. , Donohue Kathleen , Rossby H. Thomas
Published: December 2009

The wavenumber spectra for velocity and temperature in the Gulf Stream region are calculated from a decade (1994–2004) of shipboard acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) measurements taken as part of the Oleander Project. The velocity and temperature spectra have comparable magnitude, in terms of the kinetic and potential energy, and both indicate a k−3 slope in the mesoscales. In contrast, the corresponding velocity spectrum determined from satellite altimetry sea surface heights yields a significantly higher energy level and a k−2 slope. The discrepancy between altimeter-derived and directly measured velocity spectra suggests that altimetric velocity probably is contaminated by noise in sea surface height measurement. Also, the k−3 slope, which appears to be in agreement with two-dimensional quasigeostrophic turbulence theory, does not support the contemporary surface quasigeostrophic theory. These results highlight large gaps in the current understanding of the nature of surface geostrophic turbulence.
10 Years of Hurricane Synoptic Surveillance (1997–2006)
Authors: Aberson Sim D.
Published: December 2009

In 1997, the National Hurricane Center and the Hurricane Research Division began operational synoptic surveillance missions with the Gulfstream IV-SP jet aircraft to improve the numerical guidance for hurricanes that threaten the continental United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Hawaii. During the first 10 yr, 176 such missions were conducted. Global Positioning System dropwindsondes were released from the aircraft at 150–200-km intervals along the flight track in the environment of each tropical cyclone to obtain wind, temperature, and humidity profiles from flight level (about 150 hPa) to the surface. The observations were processed and formatted aboard the aircraft and sent to the National Centers for Environmental Prediction and the Global Telecommunications System to be ingested into the Global Forecast System, which serves as initial and boundary conditions for regional numerical models that also forecast tropical cyclone track and intensity. The results of an observing system experiment using these data are presented.
Instability in Leapfrog and Forward–Backward Schemes
Authors: Sun Wen-Yih
Published: December 2009

This paper shows that in the linearized shallow-water equations, the numerical schemes can become weakly unstable for the 2Δx wave in the C grid when the Courant number is 1 in the forward–backward scheme and 0.5 in the leapfrog scheme because of the repeated eigenvalues in the matrices. The instability can be amplified and spread to other waves and smaller Courant number if the diffusion term is included. However, Shuman smoothing can control the instability.
Evaluation of Regional Aircraft Observations Using TAMDAR
Authors: Moninger William R. , Benjamin Stanley G. , Jamison Brian D. , Schlatter Thomas W. , Smith Tracy Lorraine , Szoke Edward J.
Published: December 2009

A multiyear evaluation of a regional aircraft observation system [Tropospheric Aircraft Meteorological Data Reports (TAMDAR)] is presented. TAMDAR observation errors are compared with errors in traditional reports from commercial aircraft [aircraft meteorological data reports (AMDAR)], and the impacts of TAMDAR observations on forecasts from the Rapid Update Cycle (RUC) over a 3-yr period are evaluated. Because of the high vertical resolution of TAMDAR observations near the surface, a novel verification system has been developed and employed that compares RUC forecasts against raobs every 10 hPa; this revealed TAMDAR-related positive impacts on RUC forecasts—particularly for relative humidity forecasts—that were not evident when only raob mandatory levels were considered. In addition, multiple retrospective experiments were performed over two 10-day periods, one in winter and one in summer; these allowed for the assessment of the impacts of various data assimilation strategies and varying data resolutions. TAMDAR’s impacts on 3-h RUC forecasts of temperature, relative humidity, and wind are found to be positive and, for temperature and relative humidity, substantial in the region, altitude, and time range over which TAMDAR-equipped aircraft operated during the studied period of analysis.
Designing and Delivering an English for Hospitality Syllabus
Authors: Su Shao-Wen
Published: December 2009

The paper illustrates an English for Specific Purposes design for English listening and speaking for students in hospitality fields, accompanied by an educational inquiry into its implementation in a bid to hold accountability to the course takers. The subject was 82 juniors and seniors at a national hospitality college in Southern Taiwan. Questionnaires, achievement tests and classroom observation were research instruments in the inquiry. The statistical evidences of the study have demonstrated the effectiveness of the ESP listening and speaking course. This ESP class, characterized by a synthesis of language-oriented, skills-oriented and learning-oriented approaches to ESP syllabus design is harvested with fruitful achievements: incremental gain in their ESP content knowledge and skills (the outcome of the language-oriented syllabus), strengthening the ability of searching for and organizing information for conducting English presentations (the outcome of the skills-oriented syllabus) and, above all, the achievement in cooperative team spirit build up (the outcome of the learning-oriented syllabus).

The study also provides valuable reference for subsequent design and implementation of related ESP courses in the future.
Student Perceptions of an EFL Undergraduate Research Writing Project
Authors: Yeh Chun-Chun
Published: December 2009

Undergraduate research paper has long been a tradition in US freshman composition programs, although whether the research paper should or can be taught in the English department continues to be debated. In many of the English departments in Taiwan, students are also required to compose a research paper for their composition class. However, there has been little research conducted on the writing process and on the student perceptions of this specific genre in an EFL learning context. This qualitative study, involving one American instructor and seven Taiwanese college students majoring in English, traced a research writing project, carried out as part of the writing curriculum, from start to finish. Three semi-structured interviews were conducted with each of the students in the beginning, middle and end of the research project. The findings indicate that the students saw information arrangement and display as the main purpose of the research paper. For various reasons, the students perceived the research project as beneficial, although during the implementation of the project they encountered difficulties such as time and resource constraints, problems with using sources in Chinese, difficulties with synthesizing information from multiple sources, among others.