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Mais
Kinds of Mais Terms modified by Mais Selected AbstractsFrequency domain equalisation in CDMA detectionEUROPEAN TRANSACTIONS ON TELECOMMUNICATIONS, Issue 2 2008Ihan Martoyo The present paper introduces frequency domain equalisation (FDE) as an efficient means for single-user detection (SUD) in universal mobile telecommunication systems (UMTS) handhelds. Such an SUD is, at least partially, able to remove multiple access interference (MAI) like a multi-user detector (MUD), however with several important advantages the operation principle of an FDE-SUD is simple and easy to understand, the FDE-SUD shows low numerical complexity and therefore, it is not power hungry like an MUD. The problem of applying FDE without zero-padding or cyclic-prefix insertion is solved by using the overlap-cut method. In this paper we also prove that the performance of the FDE-SUD is practically identical to that of linear MUD for a fully loaded UMTS cell. Furthermore, armed with the idea of FDE for code division multiple access (CDMA), we can construct a common receiver structure for CDMA, time division multiple access (TDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) and multi-carrier CDMA (MC-CDMA) systems. This is an extremely useful idea in enabling a software-defined radio (SDR) which can operate seamlessly in several environments such as UMTS, the IEEE 802.11a and WiMaX. FDE based receivers could be one important building-block for the next generation mobile communications. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Fuzzy-based multiuser detector for impulsive CDMA channelEUROPEAN TRANSACTIONS ON TELECOMMUNICATIONS, Issue 7 2007Adel M. Hmidat A new fuzzy multiuser detector for non-Gaussian synchronous direct sequence code division multiple access (DS-CDMA) is proposed for jointly mitigating the effects of impulsive noise and multiple access interference (MAI). The proposed scheme combines a linear decorrelator and antenna array with a nonlinear preprocessor based on fuzzy logic and rank ordering. The fuzzy rule is incorporated to combat impulsive noise by eliminating outliers from the received signal. The performance of the proposed scheme is assessed by Monte Carlo simulations and the obtained results demonstrate that the proposed fuzzy detector outperforms other reported schemes in terms of bit error rate (BER) and channel capacity. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Iterative channel estimation and data detection in frequency-selective fading MIMO channels,EUROPEAN TRANSACTIONS ON TELECOMMUNICATIONS, Issue 5 2004Maja Lon Signals transmitted through multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless channels suffer from multiple-access interference (MAI), multipath propagation and additive noise. Iterative multiuser receiver algorithms mitigate these signal impairments, while offering a good tradeoff between performance and complexity. The receiver presented in this paper performs channel estimation, multiuser detection and decoding in an iterative manner. The estimation of the frequency selective, block-fading channel is initiated with the pilot symbols. In subsequent iterations, soft decisions of all the data symbols are used in an appropriate way to improve the channel estimates. This approach leads to significant improvement of the overall receiver performance, compared to other schemes. The bit-error-rate (BER) performance of the receiver is evaluated by simulations for different parameter setups. Copyright © 2004 AEI. [source] Performance analysis of adaptive receivers for DS/CDMA communication systemsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, Issue 12 2008Fang-Biau Ueng Abstract Both intersymbol interference (ISI) and multiple-access interference (MAI) are the important issues in code division multiple access (CDMA) multiuser communication systems. The step size of the traditional least-mean-square (LMS) adaptive receivers must be substantially adjusted to overcome the effect due to different channel responses or different numbers of active users. The normalized-LMS (NLMS) algorithm can automatically manipulate the adjustment to avoid the problem just discussed. This paper proposes the symbol-based interference rejection filter with NLMS algorithm and derives both finite impulse response (FIR)- and infinite impulse response (IIR)-type algorithms. We also derive the optimal step sizes and minimum mean-square errors (MSEs) for both the FIR and IIR symbol-based receivers. The complexity of our proposed FIR receiver is lower than that of the conventional chip-based receivers. In addition, it is shown that the bit error rate performance of our proposed symbol-based receivers is superior to conventional one in the simulations. Simulations also show the correctness of our theoretical analysis of minimum MSE. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] A low complexity partially adaptive CDMA receiver for downlink mobile satellite communicationsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS AND NETWORKING, Issue 1 2003Gau-Joe Lin Abstract A novel CDMA receiver with enhanced interference suppression is proposed for pilot symbols assisted mobile satellite systems in the presence of frequency offset. The design of the receiver involves the following procedure. First, adaptive correlators are constructed at different fingers, based on the scheme of generalized sidelobe canceller (GSC), to collect the multipath signals and suppress multi-access interference (MAI). In particular, a partially adaptive (PA) realization of the GSC correlators is proposed based on the Krylov subspace technique, leading to an efficient algorithm without the need of complicated matrix computations. Second, pilot symbols assisted frequency offset estimation, channel estimation and RAKE combining give the estimate of signal symbols. Finally, further performance enhancement is achieved by an iterative scheme in which the signal is reconstructed and subtracted from the GSC correlators input, leading to faster convergence of the receiver. The proposed low complexity PA receiver is suitable or the downlink of mobile satellite CDMA systems, and shown to outperform the conventional fully adaptive MMSE receiver by using a small number of pilot symbols. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] A multi-intervention approach on drug therapy can lead to a more appropriate drug use in the elderly.JOURNAL OF EVALUATION IN CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 4 2009LIMM-Landskrona Integrated Medicines Management Abstract Rationale, aims and objectives, To evaluate if an integrated medicines management can lead to a more appropriate drug use in elderly inpatients. Method, The study was an intervention study at a department of internal medicine in southern Sweden. During the intervention period pharmacists took part in the daily work at the wards. Systematic interventions aiming to identify, solve and prevent drug-related problems (DRPs) were performed during the patient's hospital stay by multidisciplinary teams consisting of physicians, nurses and pharmacists. DRPs identified by the pharmacist were put forward to the care team and discussed. Medication Appropriateness Index (MAI) was used to evaluate the appropriateness in the patients' drug treatment at admission, discharge and 2 weeks after discharge. In total 43 patients were included, 28 patients in the intervention group and 25 patients in the group which was used as control. Results, For the intervention group there was a significant decrease in the number of inappropriate drugs compared with the control group (P = 0.049). Indication, duration and expenses were the MAI-dimensions with most inappropriate ratings, and the drugs with most inappropriate ratings were anxiolytics, hypnotics and sedatives. Conclusion, This kind of systematic approach on drug therapy can result in a more appropriate drug use in the elderly. [source] Subjective food intake ability in relation to the Mixing Ability Index in Korean adultsJOURNAL OF ORAL REHABILITATION, Issue 4 2010S.H. JEONG Summary, This study examined the association between the subjective food intake ability (FIA) using a questionnaire with 30 types of foods and the objective Mixing Ability Index (MAI) using a two-coloured wax cube. A total of 147 subjects (32 males, 115 females, mean age: 54·9 ± 20·7) were enrolled in this study. The FIA for 30 food types and the key food intake ability (KFIA) for five key food types were obtained using a self-assessed questionnaire to evaluate the subjective chewing ability. The objective chewing ability was evaluated by asking the subjects to chew a wax cube for 10 strokes. The MAI was calculated by image analysis of the chewed wax cube. The Pearson's correlation between the subjective FIA and objective MAI was analysed according to age and number of post-canine teeth lost. The FIA for the 30 foods and five key food types showed a moderate correlation with the MAI (r = 0·51, 0·55, respectively, P < 0·01). The KFIA of the denture wearing group (r = 0·44, P < 0·01) and over 60-year-old group (r = 0·49, P < 0·01) showed a significantly higher correlation with the MAI than the other groups. In conclusion, there was a moderate correlation between the subjective FIA and objective MAI in Korean adults. [source] Comparisons between a mixing ability test and masticatory performance tests using a brittle or an elastic test foodJOURNAL OF ORAL REHABILITATION, Issue 3 2009T. SUGIURA Summary, A variety of chewing tests and test items have been utilized to evaluate masticatory function. The purpose of this study was to compare a mixing ability test with masticatory performance tests using peanuts or gummy jelly as test foods. Thirty-two completely dentate subjects (Dentate group, mean age: 25·1 years) and 40 removable partial denture wearers (RPD group, mean age: 65·5 years) participated in this study. The subjects were asked to chew a two-coloured paraffin wax cube as a test item for 10 strokes. Mixing Ability Index (MAI) was determined from the colour mixture and shape of the chewed cube. Subjects were asked to chew 3 g portions of peanuts and a piece of gummy jelly for 20 strokes, respectively. Median particle size of chewed peanuts was determined using a multiple-sieving method. Concentration of dissolved glucose from the surface of the chewed gummy jelly was measured using a blood glucose meter. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to test the relationships between the MAI, median particle size and the concentration of dissolved glucose. Mixing Ability Index was significantly related to median particle size (Dentate group: r = ,0·56, P < 0·001, RPD group: r = ,0·70, P < 0·001), but not significantly related to glucose concentration (Dentate group: r = 0·12, RPD group: r = 0·21, P > 0·05). It seems that ability of mixing the bolus is more strongly related to the ability of comminuting brittle food than elastic food. [source] Comparison of food mixing ability among mandibulectomy patientsJOURNAL OF ORAL REHABILITATION, Issue 6 2008C. KADOTA Summary, Many papers have been published on surgical mandibulectomy and reconstruction. However, only a few reports refer to masticatory function after prosthodontic treatment in mandibulectomy patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the masticatory function of mandibulectomy patients. Twenty-three subjects (10 males and 13 females, with an average age of 63 years) participated in this study: 11 subjects who had undergone unilateral marginal mandibulectomy, six subjects with unilateral segmental mandibulectomy with reconstruction and six subjects with hemimandibulectomy without reconstruction. Mixing Ability Index (MAI) was used to measure masticatory function on the non-defect side and on the defect side with a prosthesis installed. Comparisons were carried out among the marginal, segmental and hemimandibular groups and between the non-defect side and the defect side. Consequently, our study indicates these results. On the non-defect side, a significant difference was found between the marginal and the segmental groups, and between the marginal and the hemimandibular groups. In the marginal and the segmental groups, a significant difference was found between the non-defect and the defect sides. In conclusion, our study suggests that MAI is an adequate tool to study the masticatory function in mandibulectomy patients, the masticatory function of the mandibulectomy patients is more impaired than that of the ordinary removable partial denture patients, and that surgical intervention affects the masticatory function on not only the defect side but also the non-defect side in mandibulectomy patients. [source] Cytomorphological variations, proliferation and angiogenesis in the prognosis of cutaneous melanomaCLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2003N. Jonjic Summary Depth of invasion and stage of the disease are well known prognostic indicators in cutaneous melanoma (CM). However, the role of other parameters, such as the variations in cytomorphology of melanocyte tumours, mitotic activity and angiogenesis is still open to question. The aim of this study was to analyse proliferation by mitotic activity index (MAI) and immunostaining of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and the intensity of neovascularization (microvessel density; MVD) in CM clinical stage I in relation to epithelioid, spindle and nevoid cell type, histological type (superficial spreading melanoma and nodular melanoma), Clark's level and Breslow thickness. Finally, the role of all parameters in the prognosis of CM was evaluated. Statistical analysis demonstrated that cytological characteristics of CM correlate only with Clark's level, while histological types correlate with MAI, PCNA and MVD. MAI and PCNA also showed correlation between groups according to Clark's level and Breslow thickness. Finally, tumour cell PCNA was found to correlate with MVD. Survival of patients with CM correlated significantly with MAI. These results suggest that cytological variation, histological type, PCNA and MVD alone are not independent prognostic parameters, whereas MAI is a potentially important prognostic marker in CM. [source] Informationen über den Stand der europäischen Harmonisierung im Brandschutz , Stand Mai 2005 ,DIBT MITTEILUNGEN (FORMERLY-MITTEILUNGEN DEUT INST FUER BAUTECHNIK), Issue 5 2005Irene Herzog BD Dipl.-Ing.Article first published online: 5 OCT 200 First page of article [source] Incidence of Phytophthora species in oak forests in Austria and their possible involvement in oak declineFOREST PATHOLOGY, Issue 3 2003Y. Balci Summary A survey on the occurrence of Phytophthora species in oak ecosystems in Austria was conducted from April to May 1999 and in June 2000. The investigations were carried out at 35 study sites distributed throughout the zone of oak forests in eastern Austria. Four oak species, including Quercus robur, Q. petraea, Q. cerris and Q. pubescens were considered in the survey. Rhizosphere soil samples were taken from sample trees, which consisted of healthy and declining trees as indicated by their crown transparency. Young oak leaflets were used as baits to recover Phytophthora species. The assemblage of Phytophthora spp. detected in Austrian oak forests consisted of five species, including Phytophthora quercina, P. citricola, P. gonapodyides, P. europaea and P. syringae. P. quercina and P. citricola were isolated from 11 and seven sites, respectively, and were thus the most common and most widely distributed species. The three other species were recovered only sporadically. P. citricola could be separated into two morphologically and genetically well-characterized types (A and B). Phytophthora species, in particular the common P. quercina and P. citricola occurred on sites showing a wide variety of soil types, soil textures and moisture classes. There was mild evidence for connection between deteriorating crown status and the presence of Phytophthora spp. Furthermore, significant differences in contents of magnesium, as well as calcium, aluminium, nitrogen and carbon at different soil depths (0,10, 10,20 and 20,40 cm) were detected between Phytophthora -infested and Phytophthora -free sites. The results of the present study provide circumstantial evidence that Phytophthora species are involved in oak decline at certain sites in Austria. Résumé Une prospection des espèces de Phytophthora dans les écosystèmes de chênaie a été réalisée en Autriche en avril-mai 1999 et en juin 2000. Les recherches ont été conduites dans 35 sites répartis dans l'ensemble des chênaies de l'est de l'Autriche. Quatre espèces de chênes ont été prises en considération: Quercus robur, Q. petraea, Q. cerris et Q. pubescens. Des échantillons de sol rhizosphérique ont été prélevés au pied d'arbres sains ou dépérissants, jugés d'après la transparence de leur houppier. De jeunes feuilles de chênes ont été utilisées comme piège. Les Phytophthora spp. détectés dans les chênaies autrichiennes appartenaient à cinq espèces : P. quercina, P. citricola, P. gonapodyides, P. europaea et P. syringae. Phytophthora quercina et P. citricola ont été isolés dans 11 et 7 sites respectivement; ils étaient les plus fréquents et les plus largement répandus. Les trois autres espèces n'ont été trouvées que sporadiquement. Chez P. citricola, deux types (A et B) ont pu être distingués, morphologiquement et génétiquement différents. Les espèces de Phytophthora, en particulier P. quercina et P. citricola,étaient présents dans des sites très variés pour les types de sol, leur texture et l'humidité. Phythophthora spp. tendaient àêtre plus fréquemment présents en lien avec la détérioration des houppiers. Par ailleurs, des différences significatives ont été trouvées entre les sites avec ou sans Phytophthora, pour les teneurs en magnésium ainsi qu'en calcium, aluminium, azote et carbone à différentes profondeurs du sol (0,10, 10,20 et 20,40 cm). Les résultats montrent que des espèces de Phytophthora sont impliquées dans le dépérissement des chênes dans certains sites en Autriche. Zusammenfassung Im Rahmen einer breit angelegten Erhebung wurde im April und Mai 1999 sowie im Juni 2000 das Auftreten von Phytophthora -Arten in Eichenwaldökosystemen in Österreich untersucht. Die Erhebungen wurden an 35 Standorten durchgeführt, die über das gesamte natürliche Eichenwaldvorkommen in Ostösterreich verteilt waren. In die Untersuchung wurden die vier Eichenarten Quercus robur, Q. petraea, Q. cerris und Q. pubescens einbezogen. Von jeder , anhand ihres Kronenzustands als gesund bzw. krank eingestuften , Eiche wurden Bodenproben entnommen und aus diesen mittels ,Eichenblatt'-Ködermethode die Phytophthora -Arten isoliert. Das Spektrum der in Österreich isolierten Phytophthora -Arten umfasste die 5 Arten Phytophthora quercina, P. citricola, P. gonapodyides, P. europaea und P. syringae. P. quercina und P. citricola wurden von 11 bzw. 7 der untersuchten Standorte isoliert und waren somit die häufigsten und am weitesten verbreiteten Arten. Die drei anderen Phytophthora -Arten traten hingegen nur sporadisch auf. Innerhalb von P. citricola konnten anhand morphologischer und genetischer Merkmale 2 Typen (Typ A und Typ B) unterschieden werden. Phytophthora -Arten, insbesondere die häufig nachgewiesenen Arten P. quercina und P. citricola wurden an Standorten mit den unterschiedlichsten Bodentypen, -textur und -feuchteklassen nachgewissen. Es wurde ein schwach signifikanter Zusammenhang zwischen dem sich verschlechternden Kronenzustand und dem Vorhandensein von Phytophthora nachgewissen. Darüber hinaus unterschieden sich Phytophthora -infizierte und Phytophthora -freie Standorte in verschiedenen Bodentiefen (0,10, 10,20 und 20,40 cm) signifikant in ihren Magnesium, Kalzium, Aluminium, Stickstoff und Kohlenstoff-Gehalten. Die Ergebnisse der vorliegenden Studie lassen den Schluss zu, dass Phytophthora -Arten an einigen Untersuchungsstandorten in Österreich am Eichensterben beteiligt sind. [source] Seasonal resin canal formation and necroses expansion in resinous stem canker-affected Chamaecyparis obtusaFOREST PATHOLOGY, Issue 4-5 2002T. YAMADA Summary The season of disease development on the basis of two major internal symptoms, resin canal formation and necrotic lesion expansion in phloem, were anatomically determined in Chamaecyparis obtusa (Hinoki cypress) affected by resinous stem canker. Newly formed resin canals were mostly observed at first from July to August in samples of the canker-affected C. obtusa phloem. This result indicates the occurrence of stimuli causing resin canal formation and the beginning of the formation from May to July of the same year. This and the beginning of resin exudation observed in May or June indicated that resin, exuded at least before August, originated from resin canals formed in the previous year(s). The expansion of phloem necrotic lesions began in June and continued until October, and was conspicuous in the August samples. Stimuli causing necrotic lesion development were also suggested to occur from May to August of the same year. It is hypothesized that excess resin production induces lesion development and that expansion of necrotic lesion induces both resin exudation from previously formed resin canals and new resin canal formation. The causal agent of the disease could be activated in the late spring or summer season. Résumé Formation saisonnière de canaux résinifères et extension des nécroses chez Chamaecyparis obtusa atteint par le chancre résineux du tronc Chez Chamaecyparis obtusa affecté par le chancre résineux du tronc, la saison de développement de la maladie a été déterminée anatomiquement en se basant sur deux symptômes internes majeurs: la formation de canaux résinifères et l'extension des nécroses au niveau du phloème. Des canaux résinifères récemment formés ont surtout été observés à partir de juillet et en août dans le phloème de C. obtusa atteint par la maladie. Ce résultat montre l'existence de stimuli de la formation de canaux résinifères, ceux-ci commençant à se former en mai jusqu'en juillet. Jointe au fait que l'exsudation de résine a lieu en mai ou juin, cette observation montre que la résine (au moins celle exsudée avant août) provient des canaux formés au cours de la ou des années précédentes. L'extension de la nécrose du phloème débutait en juin, était forte en août et se poursuivait jusqu'en octobre. Il est suggéré que les stimuli du développement de la nécrose ont lieu entre mai et août de la même année. Il est supposé, d'une part que la production excessive de résine induit le développement des lésions, et d'autre part que l'extension des nécroses induit l'exsudation de résine à partir des canaux antérieurement formés ainsi que la formation de nouveaux canaux. L'agent causal de la maladie pourrait être activéà la fin du printemps ou en été. Zusammenfassung Saisonale Harzkanalbildung und Entwicklung der Nekrosen bei Chamaecyparis obtusa mit ,HarzigemStammkrebs' Bei Chamaecyparis obtusa mit Befall durch den ,Harzigen Stammkrebs' wurde die Phänologie der Krankheitsentwicklung anhand der Harzkanalbildung und der Ausbreitung der Nekrosen im Phloem anatomisch erfasst. Im krebsbefallenen Phloem wurden neu gebildete Harzkanäle zuerst im Juli und August beobachtet. Dies weist darauf hin, dass die Stimulation für die Harzkanalbildung und die Entwicklung der Harzkanäle in der Zeit von Mai bis Juli des laufenden Jahres erfolgt. Diese Beobachtung und der Beginn des Harzflusses, welcher im Mai und Juni auftritt, deuten darauf hin, dass der Harzfluss vor dem August aus Harzkanälen stammt, die bereits im Vorjahr oder noch früher angelegt worden waren. Die Expansion der Phloem-Nekrosen begann im Juni und hielt bis Oktober an, im August war sie besonders stark ausgeprägt. Der Reiz für die Ausdehnung der Nekrosen dürfte somit von Mai bis August des laufenden Jahres vorhanden sein. Es wird die Hypothese aufgestellt, dass die stark gesteigerte Harzproduktion die Nekrosenentwicklung fördert und dass die Expansion der Nekrosen sowohl den Harzfluss aus den früher gebildeten Harzkanälen anregt als auch die Bildung neuer Harzkanäle induziert. Der ursächliche Faktor für diese Krankheit dürfte im späten Frühjahr oder im Sommer aktiv sein. [source] Zur Geschichte der Geowissenschaften im Museum für Naturkunde zu Berlin.FOSSIL RECORD-MITTEILUNGEN AUS DEM MUSEUM FUER NATURKUNDE, Issue 1 2004Teil 6: Geschichte des Geologisch-Paläontologischen Instituts und Museums der Universität Berlin 1910--200 Abstract Die Entwicklung des Geologisch-Paläontologischen Instituts und Museums der Universität Berlin von einer Institution, die Geologie zusammen mit Paläontologie als eine Einheit vertrat, über eine Institution, die eine geotektonische Ausrichtung hatte, zu einer auf Paläontologie konzentrierten Institution wird nachvollzogen. Die beiden Institutsdirektoren am Anfang des 20sten Jahrhunderts waren Vertreter der allumfassenden Geologie des 19ten Jahrhunderts, während die beiden folgenden Direktoren eine Geologie ohne Paläontologie vertraten. Das führte zu einer Trennung der beiden Richtungen, und nach der III. Hochschulreform der DDR 1968 verblieb allein die sammlungsbezogene Paläontologie am Museum. Nach der Wiedervereinigung wurde ein Institut für Paläontologie mit biologischer Ausrichtung mit zwei Professuren, einer für Paläozoologie und einer für Paläobotanik, eingerichtet. The development of the Geologisch-Paläontologisches Institut und Museum of the Museum für Naturkunde at the Humboldt University (formerly Friedrich-Wilhelm-Universität) in Berlin from a geology-paleontology institution to a pure paleontology institution is described. The first two directors of the department in the beginning of the 20th century, Prof, von Branca and Prof. Pompeckj, represented a 19th century concept of a geology, which included paleontology, even vertebrate paleontology as the crown jewel of geology. They fought sometimes vigorously against a separation of paleontology from geology. The next two directors. Prof. Stille and Prof, von Bubnoff, were the leading geologists in Germany; to be a student of Stille was a special trade mark in geology of Germany. They represented a geology centered on tectonics. The separation of paleontology as separate section was prepared. The destructions of the Second World War, the following restaurations and the division of Germany into two States influenced strongly their directorships. The education of geologists at the Museum für Naturkunde ended with the III. University Reform of the German Democratic Republik in 1968. Paleontology was represented by the international renown vertebrate paleontologist, Prof. Dr. W. Gross, up to 1961. Since 1969, paleobotany was strengthened by the inclusion of the paleobotany unit of the Akademie der Wissenschaften into the museum. After reunification of Germany n 1990, the department was rebuild as a Institut für Palaontologie with close connection to biology, a unique situation in Germany. Two professorships, one for paleozoology, Prof. Schultze. and one for paleobotany, Prof. Mai, were established. The number of curators increased to ten from one under the first director of the 20th century. [source] Low prevalence of insulin resistance among HIV-infected children receiving nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-based highly active antiretroviral therapy in ThailandHIV MEDICINE, Issue 2 2009B Lee Background Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is reported to cause insulin resistance among adults, but effects on children are less clear. We attempted to describe the prevalence of insulin resistance among HIV-infected children receiving HAART. Methods Insulin resistance was assessed at 96 weeks of treatment with nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-based HAART (nevirapine or efavirenz with stavudine and lamivudine) among children in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Insulin resistance was defined as homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) ,3.16, fasting c-peptide ,4.40 ng/mL or fasting insulin ,25.0 ,U/mL. Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) was defined as glucose ,110 mg/dL. Measurements were analysed for associations with age, lipodystrophy, treatment regimen and clinical data. Results The prevalence of insulin resistance was 6.5%; no child had IFG. Those with insulin resistance were older with higher body mass index. Children ,10 years had higher HOMA-IR, c-peptide and insulin, but no difference was seen in the frequency of insulin resistance. No associations between insulin resistance and lipodystrophy or treatment regimen were detected. Conclusions Insulin resistance is uncommon among children receiving NNRTI-based HAART and is unrelated to lipodystrophy. [source] Morphometric and genetic variation of small dwarf honeybees Apis andreniformis Smith, 1858 in ThailandINSECT SCIENCE, Issue 6 2007ATSALEK RATTANAWANNEE Abstract The small dwarf honey bee, Apis andreniformis, is a rare and patchily distributed Apis spp. and is one of the native Thai honey bees, yet little is known about its biodiversity. Thirty (27 Thai and 3 Malaysian) and 37 (32 Thai and 5 Malaysian) colonies of A. andreniformis were sampled for morphometric and genetic analysis, respectively. For morphometric analysis, 20 informative characters were used to determine the variation. After plotting the factor scores, A. andreniformis from across Thailand were found to belong to one group, a notion further supported by a cluster analysis generated dendrogram. However, clinal patterns in groups of bee morphometric characters were revealed by linear regression analysis. The body size of bees increases from South to North but decreases from West to East, although this may reflect altitude rather than longitude. Genetic variation was determined by sequence analysis of a 520 bp fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit b (cytb). DNA polymorphism among bees from the mainland of Thailand is lower than that from Phuket Island and Chiang Mai. Although two main different groups of bees were obtained from phylogenetic trees constructed by neighbor-joining and unweighted pair-group method using arithmetic averages programs, no clear geographic signal was present. Thus, while the minor group (B) contained all of the samples from the only island sampled (Phuket in the south), but not the southern mainland colonies, it also contained samples from the far northern inland region of Chiang Mai, other samples of which were firmly rooted in the major group (A). [source] An investigation of solar erythemal ultraviolet radiation in the tropics: a case study at four stations in ThailandINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLIMATOLOGY, Issue 12 2010Serm Janjai Abstract Our study examines a 5-year data set of erythemal ultraviolet radiation (EUV) collected at four locations in Thailand: Chiang Mai (18.78°N, 98.98°E), Ubon Ratchathani (15.25°N, 104.87°E), Nakhon Pathom (13.82°N, 100.04°E) and Songkhla (7.20°N, 100.60°E). Seasonal changes are strongly influenced by the wet and dry season in this tropical environment, with maximum daily and noontime irradiances being reached in April or May, prior to the onset of the wet season. Transmission by aerosols, estimated by comparison of cloudless measured irradiance with a cloudless sky model, ranges from 51% at Chiang Mai to 83% at Songkhla during the dry season. By contrast, higher transmissions characterise the wet season when values around 90% are reached. Cloud cover further depletes the EUV irradiance and wet season transmissions range from 68% at Chiang Mai to 79% at Songkhla. Three of the four stations record increases in EUV irradiance over the study period. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society [source] Supply-side perspectives on ecotourism in Northern ThailandINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TOURISM RESEARCH, Issue 5 2010Nick Kontogeorgopoulos Abstract This study provides a supply-side perspective on ecotourism by exploring the ways in which travel agents and tour operators in Chiang Mai, Thailand conceptualise, prioritise and furnish ecotourism. Although travel agents and tour operators serve as crucial intermediaries between tourists and destinations, the ecotourism literature has largely ignored the ways in which retailers and suppliers of tourism experience approach and define ecotourism. Using quantitative data gathered from 300 travel agents and tour operators, this paper illustrates that the conceptualisation of ecotourism among agents and operators in Chiang Mai is expansive, flexible and, in some ways, internally contradictory. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Molecular characterization of VP4, VP6, VP7, NSP4, and NSP5/6 genes identifies an unusual G3P[10] human rotavirus strainJOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 1 2009Pattara Khamrin Abstract An unusual strain of human rotavirus G3P[10] (CMH079/05) was detected in a stool sample of a 2-year-old child admitted to the hospital with severe diarrhea in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Analysis of the VP7 gene sequence revealed highest identities with unusual human rotavirus G3 strain CMH222 at 98.7% on the nucleotide and 99.6% on the amino acid levels. Phylogenetic analysis of the VP7 sequence confirmed that the CMH079/05 strain formed a cluster with G3 rotavirus reference strains and showed the closest lineage with the CMH222 strain. Analysis of partial VP4 gene of CMH079/05 revealed highest degree of sequence identities with P[10] rotavirus prototype strain 69M at nucleotide and amino acid levels of 92.9% and 94.6%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of the VP4 sequence revealed that CMH079/05 and 69M clustered closely together in a monophyletic branch separated from other rotavirus genotypes. To our knowledge, this is a novel G,P combination of G3 and P[10] genotypes. In addition, analyses of VP6, NSP4, and NSP5/6 genes revealed these uncommon genetic characteristics: (i) the VP6 gene differed from the four other known subgroups; (ii) the NSP4 gene was identified as NSP4 genetic group C, an uncommon group in humans; and (iii) the NSP5/6 gene was most closely related with T152, a G12P[9] rotavirus previously isolated in Thailand. The finding of uncommon G3P[10] rotavirus in this pediatric patient provided additional evidence of the genetic diversity of human group A rotaviruses in Chiang Mai, Thailand. J. Med. Virol. 81:176,182, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Contribution of dissolved organic nitrogen to N leaching from four German agricultural soilsJOURNAL OF PLANT NUTRITION AND SOIL SCIENCE, Issue 6 2002Jan Siemens Abstract Dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) substantially contributes to N leaching from forest ecosystems. However, little is known about the role of DON for N leaching from agricultural soils. Therefore, the aim of our study was to quantify the contribution of DON to total N leaching from four agricultural soils. Concentrations and fluxes of DON and mineral N were monitored at two cropped sites (Plaggic Anthrosols) and two fallow plots (Plaggic Anthrosol and Gleyic Podzol) from November 1999 till May 2001 by means of glass suction plates. The experimental sites were located near the city of Münster, NW Germany. Median DON concentrations in 90 cm depth were 2.3 mg l,1 and 2.0 mg l,1 at the cropped sites and 1.6 mg l,1 and 1.3 mg l,1 at the fallow sites. There was only a slight (Anthrosols) or no (Gleyic Podzol) decrease in median DON concentrations with increasing depth. Total N seepage was between 19 kg N ha,1 yr,1 and 46 kg N ha,1 yr,1 at the fallow sites and 16,159 kg N ha,1 yr,1 at the cropped sites. For the fallow plots, DON seepage contributed 10,21,% to the total N flux (4,5 kg DON ha,1 yr,1), at the cropped sites DON seepage was 6,21,% of the total N flux (6,10 kg DON ha,1 yr,1). Thus, even in highly fertilized agricultural soils, DON is a considerable N carrier in seepage that should be considered in detailed soil N budgets. Beitrag von gelöstem organisch gebundenen Stickstoff zur N-Auswaschung aus vier deutschen landwirtschaftlich genutzten Böden Während viele Studien die Bedeutung der Auswaschung von gelöstem organisch gebundenen Stickstoff (DON) für N-Verluste aus Waldökosystemem zeigen, existieren nur wenige Daten zur DON-Auswaschung aus landwirtschaftlich genutzten Böden. Das Ziel unserer Studie war es deshalb, den Beitrag von DON zur Auswaschung von N aus vier landwirtschaftlichen Böden zu quantifizieren. Von November 1999 bis Mai 2001 erfassten wir die Konzentrationen und Flüsse von DON und mineralischem Stickstoff auf zwei bewirtschafteten Flächen (Plaggenesche) und zwei Bracheflächen (Plaggenesch und Gley-Podsol) mit Hilfe von Glassaugplatten. Die Untersuchungsflächen befanden sich nahe Münster/Westfalen. Der Median der DON-Konzentrationen in 90 cm Bodentiefe betrug auf den bewirtschafteten Flächen 2.3 mg l,1 und 2.0 mg l,1, auf den Brachen 1.6 mg l,1 und 1.3 mg l,1. Wir stellten nur eine geringe Abnahme (Plaggenesche) oder keine Abnahme (Gley-Podsol) des Medians der DON-Konzentration mit der Tiefe fest. Die Gesamt-N-Auswaschung lag zwischen 19 kg N ha,1 a,1 und 46 kg N ha,1 a,1 für die Bracheflächen und zwischen 16 kg N ha,1 a,1 und 156 kg N ha,1 a,1 für die bewirtschafteten Flächen. Im Falle der Bracheflächen machte DON 10,21,% (4,5 kg DON ha,1 a,1) der Gesamt-N-Auswaschung aus. Dieser Anteil betrug 6,21,% (6,10 kg DON ha,1 a,1) für die bewirtschafteten Flächen. Auch in intensiv gedüngten landwirtschaftlichen Böden ist die Auswaschung von DON also ein wichtiger Austragspfad für N und sollte deshalb in detaillierten N-Bilanzen berücksichtigt werden. [source] Another country is the past: Western cowboys, Lanna nostalgia, and bluegrass aesthetics as performed by professional musicians in Northern ThailandAMERICAN ETHNOLOGIST, Issue 2 2010JANE M. FERGUSON ABSTRACT Within the popular music scene of Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand, a handful of restaurants feature live bluegrass bands, with musicians often dressed in U.S. western-style cowboy attire. By intermingling English-language songs with Lanna (Northern Thai) popular songs performed in the style of Appalachian bluegrass music, they use their illusion of the cowboy myth to point to notions of an authentic Lanna past. However, in their borrowing of this international code, they affirm established (Central) Thai boundaries of ethnonational gatekeeping. [Lanna, Thailand, cowboys, music, nostalgia, bluegrass, identity] [source] Proteomics viewed on stress response of thermophilic bacterium Bacillus stearothermophilus,TLS33PROTEINS: STRUCTURE, FUNCTION AND BIOINFORMATICS, Issue 14 2005Supachai Topanurak Abstract Thermophilic bacterium Bacillus stearothermophilus,TLS33, isolated from a hot spring in Chiang Mai, Thailand, usually produces many enzymes that are very useful for industrial applications. However, the functional properties and mechanisms of this bacterium under stress conditions are rarely reported and still need more understanding on how the bacterium can survive in stress environments. In this study, we examined the oxidative stress induced proteins of this bacterium by proteomic approach combining two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. When the bacterium encountered oxidative stress, peroxiredoxin, as an antioxidant enzyme, is one of the interesting stressed proteins which appeared to be systematically increased with different pI. There are four isoforms of peroxiredoxin, denoted as Prx,I, Prx,II, Prx,III and Prx,IV, which are observed at the same molecular weight of 27,kDa but differ in pI values of 5.0, 4.87, 4.81 and 4.79, respectively. The H2O2 concentration directly increased Prx,II, Prx,III and Prx,IV intensities, but decreased Prx,I intensity. These shifting of peroxiredoxin isoforms may occur by a post-translational modification. Otherwise, the longer time of oxidative stress had not affected the expression level of peroxiredoxin isoforms. Therefore, this finding of peroxiredoxin intends to know the bacterial adaptation under oxidative stress. Otherwise, this protein plays an important role in many physiological processes and able to use in the industrial applications. [source] Annual sex hormonal profiles, gonad development and age determination of the Mekong giant catfish (Pangasianodon gigas, Chevey)AQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 15 2003A Manosroi Abstract Annual sex hormonal profiles, gonad development and age determination of 18 (13,14 kg body weight) and three (145,226 kg body weight) Mekong giant catfish (MGC) (Pangasianodon gigas, Chevey) reared in earthen ponds in Chiang Mai and from the Mekong River in Chiang Rai, Thailand, respectively, were investigated. The hormonal profiles were determined from blood samples of the fish by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay during May to August in 2000. The highest testosterone levels of 0.06 ng mL,1 in both sexes and the highest oestradiol of 47.8 and 14.23 pg mL,1 in females and males, respectively, were observed in May. The gonadosomatic index was found to be 0.07 for males and 0.38 for females from ponds in comparison with 2.27 for males and 8.29 for females from the Mekong River. Higher development stages of spermatocytes and oocytes of the cultured fish in May than in February and November were demonstrated. No mature germ cells were obtained from either the males or females, indicating no sexual maturity. The average age of fish was determined from the annual rings of the cross-section of the pectoral fins by a stereomicroscope. The average age of fish in earthen pond determined from the annual ring was 8 years, which agreed with the actual culture records, while those from the Mekong River were 21 years. This information will be beneficial for the breeding programmes and conservation of the MGC. [source] Titelbild: Bautechnik 9/2010BAUTECHNIK, Issue 9 2010Article first published online: 3 SEP 2010 Der Anfang Mai 1994 in Betrieb genommene und rund 50 km lange Kanaltunnel bildet die Eisenbahnverbindung unter dem ärmelkanal zwischen Coquelles bei Calais in Frankreich und Folkestone in England. Bis 2012 sollen vier mit Wassernebeltechnik ausgerüstete Sicherheitszonen in den beiden eingleisigen Eisenbahntunneln ein gerichtet werden, um Zugbrände wie den folgenschweren Brand eines LKW-Pendelzuges im November 1996 rasch und wirkungsvoll bekämpfen zu können und so die Sicherheit im Kanaltunnel weiter zu verbessern (s. S. 586). [source] Titelbild: Bautechnik 8/2010BAUTECHNIK, Issue 8 2010Article first published online: 5 AUG 2010 Die im Mai 2010 eröffnete, benutzerfreundliche "Tiefgarage Schloss" liegt direkt unter dem Vorplatz des kurfürstlichen Schlosses Koblenz und bietet auf einer Ebene von ca. 11000 m2 mit 446 hellen, attraktiven Stellplätzen Parkservice auf hohem Niveau. Ihre Lage im Hochwasserschwankungsbereich stellt besondere technische Anforderungen an das Oberflächenschutzsystem. Das Weproof Beschichtungssystem 3 ermöglicht eine naht- und fugenlose Wasserabdichtung und beseitigt gleichzeitig nicht gänzlich auszuschließende, nachträglich auftretende Schwindrisse (s. S. A4,A5). [source] Nachrichten: Beton- und Stahlbetonbau 6/2010BETON- UND STAHLBETONBAU, Issue 6 2010Article first published online: 2 JUN 2010 Eröffnung der "Topografie des Terrors" am 7. Mai , Sichtbeton-Team aus Planern und Ausführenden sichert hohe Qualität Wünsche und Visionen für die Stadt der Zukunft , Die Hamburg-Ausstellung auf der Expo 2010 Shanghai 150 Parlamentarier zu Gast bei Ingenieurbüros und Planungsgesellschaften in ganz Deutschland , VBI-Aktion gibt Einblicke in die Leistungsfähigkeit aber auch Probleme der Planer Deutschland kann auf die Marke Diplomingenieur nicht verzichten Mehr Kompetenz in der Baustoffindustrie: Zusammenschluss von Verbänden [source] Titelbild: Beton- und Stahlbetonbau 7/2007BETON- UND STAHLBETONBAU, Issue 7 2007Article first published online: 26 JUN 200 Am 13. Mai 2007 erfolgte am Burj Dubai die Betonage des 125. Geschosses (Level 126). Während die drei Putzmeister Hochleistungs-Betonpumpen unterhalb des Erdgeschosses (Level 0) aufgestellt waren (,0, 075 m), wurde eine Oberkantenhöhe des Gebäudes von 452, 025 m ermittelt. Damit erreichte das mit der Betonförderung beauftrage Team von Unimix einen neuen Rekord in der Betonhochförderung durch senkrecht stehende Steigleitungen. Die bisherige Bestmarke in "high-rise concrete pumping" von 448 m aus dem Jahr 2003 am Taipeh 101 Tower ist damit überboten. (Foto: Putzmeister AG) [source] Sap properties and alk(en)ylresorcinol concentrations in Australian-grown mangoesANNALS OF APPLIED BIOLOGY, Issue 3 2009M.K. Hassan Abstract Physical and chemical properties of sap and sap concentrations of constitutive alk(en)ylresorcinols were determined in several varieties of mango grown in different locations in Queensland, Australia, over two consecutive cropping seasons. Sap weight from individual fruit, sap pH, percentage of non-aqueous sap and concentrations of constitutive alk(en)ylresorcinols (5- n -heptadecenylresorcinol and 5- n -pentadecylresorcinol) in sap varied significantly among the varieties. ,Calypso', ,Keitt', ,Kensington Pride' and ,Celebration' had the greatest proportion of non-aqueous sap, whereas ,Nam Doc Mai' had the least. The highest concentrations of 5- n -heptadecenylresorcinol were found in the sap of ,Kensington Pride', and the lowest in ,Honey Gold' and ,Nam Doc Mai'. Highest concentrations of 5- n -pentadecylresorcinol were found in sap of ,Calypso' and ,Celebration', and the lowest levels were in ,Honey Gold' and ,Nam Doc Mai'. There was a direct relationship between the percentage of non-aqueous sap and the concentrations of alk(en)ylresorcinols (r2 = 0.77 for 5- n -heptadecenylresorcinol, and r2 = 0.87 for 5- n -pentadecylresorcinol). The alk(en)ylresorcinols were distributed mainly in the upper non-aqueous phase of ,Kensington Pride' sap. Growing location also had significant effects on the composition of mango sap but the effects appeared to be related to differences in maturity. Sap removal is necessary to prevent sapburn, but considerable quantities of alk(en)ylresorcinols that assist in protecting the harvested fruit from anthracnose disease are also removed. [source] Bilan de 9 ans de suivis des déprédations de Hamsters communs (Cricetus cricetus) sur les cultures alsaciennesEPPO BULLETIN, Issue 2 2007I. Losinger En France, le hamster commun (Cricetus cricetus) n'est présent que dans la plaine du Rhin. Classé nuisible jusqu'en 1993 en raison des dommages qu'il causait aux cultures, il est aujourd'hui menacé de disparition dans l'ouest de l'Europe. Il fait l'objet d'un programme de conservation à la demande du Ministère de l'Environnement depuis 1998. En raison des déprédations que quelques individus peuvent causer au printemps dans les cultures spécialisées, C. cricetus entre en conflit avec les exploitants agricoles. Pour éviter des destructions illicites, une procédure de constats de dommages a été mise en place dès 1998. Elle aboutit à la capture des animaux en cause ou à une compensation financière correspondant au manque à gagner à la récolte. En 9 ans, 48 exploitants alsaciens ont fait appel à cette procédure. 107 constats ont été dressés pour 270 terriers et 49 animaux ont été capturés et déplacés. Enfin, les dommages liés à la présence de 126 terriers ont été indemnisés pour une valeur totale d'environ 8100 EUR. Cet article met en évidence que les déprédations causées par C. cricetus s'effectuent principalement en mai, pendant une dizaine de jours, sur 3 cantons. Les campagnes d'information et la prise en compte des dommages ont contribuéà faire accepter l'espèce par la majeure partie des exploitants agricoles. Pour que cette tendance perdure, il est impératif de maintenir le système existant, mais aussi de restaurer l'habitat de l'espèce et de sensibiliser les exploitants à l'importance de ce petit rongeur alsacien. [source] Association of Sphaeropsis sapinea with insect-damaged red pine shoots and conesFOREST PATHOLOGY, Issue 1 2003E. Feci Summary The association of the shoot blight and canker pathogen Sphaeropsis sapinea with red pine (Pinus resinosa) shoots and cones damaged by insects (especially Dioryctria sp.) was investigated. Samples from a single plantation approximately 35 years old, in Sauk Co., Wisconsin and also from three plantations, between approximately 40 and 50 years old, located in an area of pine shoot moth activity in the preceding year in Adams Co., Wisconsin were visually examined. Samples were arbitrarily collected from trees felled in the first plantation in May. Pycnidia of S. sapinea and insect damage were observed on 56 of 91 (62%) of closed cones and 17 of 165 (7%) of previous year's shoots. In the absence of insect damage, pycnidia of the pathogen were identified only on eight of 91 (9%) closed cones and never on previous year's shoots. In each of the other three plantations, 10 trees were located at intervals along transects in mid-June; one branch from the lower half of the crown per tree was pruned off, and both current and previous year's shoots were examined. Insect damage and S. sapinea pycnidia were too rare on current year's shoots to draw any conclusions. Insect damage occurred on 20,40% of over 2000 previous year's shoots that were examined, but pycnidia of the pathogen were identified on only about 5%. Although infrequent, S. sapinea was identified in association with insect-damaged previous year's shoots from these three plantations three times more frequently than those without insect damage. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers from eight randomly selected isolates were consistent with the A group of S. sapinea, which can be aggressive on red pine. This ability to exploit insect-damaged shoots may facilitate long-term persistence of S. sapinea at low disease incidence and severity. The potential role of insect wounds as infection courts and insects as vectors of this important pathogen of pines deserves further study. Résumé L'étude a porté sur l'association entre le parasite de pousses et agent de chancre Sphaeropsis sapinea, et les pousses et cônes de Pinus resinosa endommagés par des insectes (surtout Dioryctria sp.). Des échantillons ont été examinés visuellement; ils provenaient d'une plantation d'environ 35 ans à Sauk Co., Wisconsin, et de trois plantations âgées d'environ 40 et 50 ans situées dans une zone où les insectes des pousses avaient été actifs l'année précédente à Adams Co., Wisconsin. Dans la première plantation, les échantillons ont été prélevés arbitrairement sur des arbres abattus en mai. Des pycnides de S. sapinea et des dégâts d'insectes ont été observés sur 56/91 (62%) des cônes fermés et sur 17/165 (7%) des pousses de l'année précédente. En l'absence de dégâts d'insectes, les pycnides n'ont été trouvées que sur 8/91 (9%) des cônes fermés, et jamais sur les pousses de l'année précédente. Dans chacune des trois autres plantations, 10 arbres ont été choisis à la mi-juin le long de transects ; sur chaque arbre une branche a été coupée dans la moitié inférieure de la couronne, et les pousses de l'année en cours et de l'année précédente ont été examinées. Sur les pousses de l'année, les dégâts d'insectes et les pycnides de S. sapineaétaient trop rares pour pouvoir en tirer des conclusions. Parmi plus de 2000 pousses de l'année précédente examinées, les dégâts d'insectes étaient présents sur 20,40% des pousses, mais les pycnides n'ont été trouvées que sur environ 5% d'entre elles. Bien que peu fréquent chez ces trois plantations, S. sapinea a été trouvé associé aux pousses de l'année précédente, 3 fois plus fréquemment chez celles endommagées par les insectes que chez les non endommagées. Pour huit isolats pris au hasard, les marqueurs RAPD ont indiqué leur appartenance au groupe A de S. sapinea qui peut être agressif sur P. resinosa. Cette aptitude de S. sapineaà utiliser les pousses endommagées par les insects peut faciliter sa persistance à long terme à des niveaux bas d'abondance et de dégâts. Le rôle potentiel des blessures d'insectes comme voies d'infection, et des insectes comme vecteurs du champignon parasite mérite d'être étudié. Zusammenfassung Es wurde die Assoziation zwischen Sphaeropsis sapinea (Erreger von Triebsterben und Rindennekrosen) und Schädigung an Trieben und Zapfen von Pinus resinosa untersucht, durch Insekten (vorwiegend Dioryctria sp.) untersucht. Proben von einer ca. 35 Jahre alten Plantage in Sauk Co., Wisconsin und von drei 40-50jährigen Plantagen mit Dioryctria -Befall im Vorjahr in Adams Co., Wisconsin wurden makroskopisch untersucht. Die Proben am ersten Standort wurden von Bäumen entnommen, die im Mai gefällt wurden (willkürliche Auswahl). Pyknidien und Schädigung durch Insekten wurden an 56/91 (62%) der geschlossenen Zapfen und an 17/165 (7%) der vorjährigen Triebe beobachtet. An Organen ohne Schädigung durch Insekten wurden die Pyknidien des Pathogens nur bei 8/91 (9%) der geschlossenen Zapfen und in keinem Fall an den vorjährigen Trieben nachgewiesen. In den anderen drei Plantagen wurden Mitte Juni je 10 Bäume entlang von Transekten untersucht; pro Baum wurde aus dem unteren Kronenbereich ein Ast abgeschnitten und sowohl die diesjährigen als auch die vorjährigen Triebe wurden untersucht. An den diesjährigen Triebabschnitten waren sowohl Schädigungen durch Insekten als auch Pyknidien von S. sapinea zu selten, um daraus Schlüsse zu ziehen. An den vorjährigen Triebabschnitten kamen Insektenschäden an 20,40% von über 2,000 untersuchten Objekten vor, aber Pyknidien des Pathogens wurden nur in 5% der Fälle nachgewiesen. Trotz des geringen Vorkommens wurde S. sapinea auf den vorjährigen und von Insekten beschädigten Trieben dreimal häufiger nachgewiesen als an Trieben ohne Beschädigung. Acht zufällig ausgewählte Isolate wurden anhand von RAPD Markern der Gruppe A von S. sapinea zugeordnet, die auf P. resinosa agressiv sein kann. Die Fähigkeit von S. sapinea, durch Insekten beschädigte Triebe zu nutzen, kann das Überdauern des Pilzes auf einem niedrigen Befallsniveau erleichtern. Die Bedeutung von Wunden, die durch Insekten verursacht werden, als Infektionspforten und die mögliche Rolle von Insekten als Vektoren dieses wichigen Pathogens sollte in weiteren Untersuchungen geklärt werden. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||