Strong Shoulder Research Articles

Reduced neck-shoulder muscle strength and aerobic power together with increased pericranial tenderness are associated with tension-type headache in girls: A case-control study

Tension-type headaches (TTH) are common among children worldwide and mean a potential risk of disability and medication overuse headache. The associated mechanisms, however, remain unsolved. Our study investigated muscle strength in the neck-shoulder region, aerobic power and pericranial tenderness in girls with TTH compared with healthy controls. A blinded case-control study comprising 41 girls with TTH and 41 age-matched healthy controls. Standardised testing of isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and force steadiness of neck flexion and extension, as well as MVC and rate-of-force development of dominant shoulder, was conducted. VO2 max was recorded by a submaximal ergometer test and pericranial tenderness by standardised manual palpation. Logistic regression analyses were applied. Girls with TTH demonstrated significantly higher pericranial tenderness than controls, in correlation with headache frequency (r = 0.66, p < 0.001). Results indicated that the odds ratio of girls having headache are 7.6 (95% CI 1.4-40.9) for weak to strong shoulder muscles; weak to average neck-shoulder strength OR 3.1 (95% CI 1.2-8.1); neck flexion strength OR 1.3 (95% CI 1.0-1.6) and 5.2 (95% CI: 1.4-19.6) for each unit of decrease in VO2 max. Reduced neck-shoulder strength and aerobic power together with increased pericranial tenderness are associated with TTH in girls. Future interventions should be directed towards health promoting patient educational programmes on enhanced physical exercising. Much more exact and detailed research in young girls and boys are needed.

Deltoid muscle shape analysis with magnetic resonance imaging in patients with chronic rotator cuff tears

BackgroundIt seems appropriate to assume, that for a full and strong global shoulder function a normally innervated and active deltoid muscle is indispensable. We set out to analyse the size and shape of the deltoid muscle on MR-arthrographies, and analyse its influence on shoulder function and its adaption (i.e. atrophy) for reduced shoulder function.MethodsThe fatty infiltration (Goutallier stages), atrophy (tangent sign) and selective myotendinous retraction of the rotator cuff, as well as the thickness and the area of seven anatomically defined segments of the deltoid muscle were measured on MR-arthrographies and correlated with shoulder function (i.e. active abduction). Included were 116 patients, suffering of a rotator cuff tear with shoulder mobility ranging from pseudoparalysis to free mobility. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to determine the distribution of the data before either Spearman or Pearson correlation and a multiple regression was applied to reveal the correlations.ResultsOur developed method for measuring deltoid area and thickness showed to be reproducible with excellent interobserver correlations (r = 0.814–0.982).The analysis of influencing factors on active abduction revealed a weak influence of the amount of SSP tendon (r = −0.25; p < 0.01) and muscle retraction (r = −0.27; p < 0.01) as well as the stage of fatty muscle infiltration (GFDI: r = −0.36; p < 0.01). Unexpectedly however, we were unable to detect a relation of the deltoid muscle shape with the degree of active glenohumeral abduction. Furthermore, long-standing rotator cuff tears did not appear to influence the deltoid shape, i.e. did not lead to muscle atrophy.ConclusionsOur data support that in chronic rotator cuff tears, there seems to be no disadvantage to exhausting conservative treatment and to delay implantation of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, as the shape of deltoid muscle seems only to be influenced by natural aging, but to be independent of reduced shoulder motion.

Neurotisation du nerf du chef long du muscle triceps sur le nerf axillaire, dans les paralysies isolées du deltoïde

AimNerve transfer of the nerve branch to long head of triceps onto the axillary nerve has joined the therapeutic armamentarium for isolated deltoid paralysis cases. We report our experience in the case of a non-excisable neuroma of the axillary nerve at its origin from the posterior cord. MethodsEight patients of average age 28 (15–38) were included in a retrospective study with one operating surgeon. Clinical assessment included analytical testing of the deltoid muscle, pain score (VAS) and a functional assessment. Minimum follow-up was 24months. ResultsPreoperative delay was 10.8months. In seven cases, recovery was M4 for the posterior deltoid, M3 for the middle deltoid and M2 for the anterior deltoid. The elbow was stable, strong and painless (VAS=2). Cocontraction was found. No morbidity was found at the donor site. The last case was a failure. DiscussionIn absence of spontaneous recovery, the surgical treatment of deltoid palsy restores a stable strong shoulder and prevents overloading of the rotator cuff. This nerve transfer initially used in brachial plexus surgery gives results comparable to those using grafts, which is the standard treatment of reference avoiding approach of the plexus. The inconvenience is the persistence of cocontractions and a fatigue phenomenon. ConclusionThe nerve transfer of the nerve to the long head of triceps to the axillary nerve is the technique of choice for re-innervation of the deltoid.

Comparison of Factors Associated With Run-Off-Road and Non-Run-Off-Road Crashes in Kansas

This study examines the trends, characteristics, as well as contributory causes associated with run-off-road (ROR) and non-run-off-road (NROR) crashes. Likelihood ratios of these causes for ROR crashes with respect to NROR crashes are assessed using the Bayesian Statistical Approach. Nighttime, weekends, adverse weather, rural area, gravel and curved roads, higher speed limits, wet and icy road surface, and utility vehicles are found to be the common characteristics of ROR crashes. Fell asleep, ill or medical condition, driving under the influence, too fast for conditions, tires and wheels, strong winds, freezing rain, shoulders, ruts, holes, and bumps are found to have the greatest likelihood ratios and as such have a greater role in contributing to ROR crashes than NROR crashes.

Synthesis and enhanced blue emission of Eu2+-doped GaN/SiO2 nanocomposites by addition of SiO2 nanoparticles

The enhanced blue emission of Eu2+-doped GaN/SiO2 nanocomposites prepared through the nitridation process in an Ar environment containing 5% H2 and NH3 gas at 1000°C was investigated as a function of the amount of SiO2 nanoparticles added. The X-ray diffraction patterns indicate that the Eu2+-doped GaN/SiO2 nanocomposites consisted of a powder mixture of Eu2+-doped GaN and amorphous SiO2 particles. The back-scattering electron image and mapping data indicate that the SiO2 nanoparticles enclose the Eu2+-doped GaN nanoparticles to form aggregates. The red shifted peaks for the Ga–N bonds observed in the Fourier transform infrared spectra were attributed to the formation of GaOxNy and GaN intermediates. Strong emission and shoulder peaks of the Eu2+-doped GaN/SiO2 nanocomposites were observed at around 470nm and 450nm upon the addition of SiO2, respectively. The Eu2+-doped GaN/SiO2 nanocomposites showed the highest blue emission intensity at 0.15mol% of SiO2 nanoparticles.

Zastosowanie manualnych technik fizjoterapeutycznych w rehabilitacji dysfonii pourazowej

As a result of laryngeal injures an abnormal phonation is frequently observed. It is the consequence of structural and functional changes of the laryngeal tissues directly and indirectly responsible for the voice emission. Physiotherapy enables the normalization of the tension and function of the anatomical structures changed after trauma. Presentation of the results of the physiotherapy and voice rehabilitation treatment established for patient with voice disorders, occurred after cranio-cerebral trauma. The 47 year old man two years after cranio-cerebral trauma was presented, which voice was hoarse, produced with a strong neck and shoulder girdle muscle tension. Phonation time was significantly shortened. During the manual examination the abnormal of mobility, range of movement and soft tissue tension in neck, head and upper trunk area has been observed. The systematic rehabilitation program was started 2 years after injury and it was continued for four months. The individual program contains physiotherapy, osteopathic and speech therapy treatment. The phoniatric examination was performed before and after rehabilitation After four months of treatment and after self-therapy exercises the significant changes were observed. Patient's voice became no more strain, but stronger and socially effective. The application of an individual therapy which contained osteopathic manual muscle-fascial techniques allows a subjective and objective improvement of voice in a examined patient. This procedure is an effective complement to logopedic and phoniatric therapy for patients after trauma of the larynx.

Bacterial inactivation kinetics of a photo-disinfection system using novel titania-impregnated kaolinite photocatalyst

We recently developed a novel titania-impregnated kaolinite (TiO 2–K) catalyst and an annular slurry photoreactor (ASP). The present study was to determine the optimal operational factors: TiO 2–K loading, pH, aeration rate, bacterial population and irradiation time, and their impact on disinfection activity and kinetics of a sewage-isolated Escherichia coli sp. (ATCC 11775). The inactivation kinetics were evaluated with experimental data and three Hom series empirical models, namely; the Hom model, modified-Hom model and Hom–Power model. The bacterial inactivation rate in the ASP–TiO 2–K system was pH-independent up to pH 7.0. At optimum conditions, 120 min irradiation time was required to achieve 5 bacterial log-reduction units for an average bacterial inoculum size of 8.0 × 10 6 CFU mL −1. A sigmoid-shape bacterial inactivation profile with strong shoulder and prolonged tailing characteristics was proven. The inactivation kinetic studies revealed that the modified Hom model appeared to be the best empirical model that could represent the disinfection kinetics, with three different inactivation characteristic regions in the ASP–TiO 2–K system.

Commentary

“Suffering is instructive.” “What are you doing at the moment?” “I'm in pain.” Alphonse Daudet, In the Land of Pain, 2002 In a broad, human sense, expressions of thoughts and feelings and remembrances of experiences may be most effectively communicated in ways not limited to the written word. Visual arts, such as Michelangelo's Pietá or Munch's Scream, may directly portray emotions with a depth and immediacy that the printed word may only approximate and may express a way of knowing that is different than that found in conventional narrative.1 As medical educators and clinicians, we must develop innovative methods that expose trainees and peer-patients to the variety of ways in which patients experience and perceive illness. Further, we must reinforce to those in practice the relevance of acknowledging the patients' own perceived meaning of illness. Photography can open a window into patients' lives—work, leisure, and those critical moments of experiencing illness. In the context of communities and health, a specific photographic approach known as Photovoice has been used to document women's experiences in health and illness.2 Photovoice is a participatory action research method through which individuals use photography to capture visual images of their lives and their communities as evidence to explore, share, empower, and teach each other in initiating community and societal change.3 In the accompanying Photovoice piece, Heather Davis, a 28-year-old photographer, viewed and documented her life with sickle cell disease through a camera's lens. Davis writes, Just like most people, I spend my time between work, time with family and friends, as well as capturing life's precious moments through photography. Although my life consists of daily routines and regimes, it is sometimes disrupted due to the major symptom of sickle cell disease—extreme pain. For me, this is the worst part of living with this dreadful disease: knowing that pain will eventually come. The unpredictability causes an underlying fear that I will spend the night on the bathroom floor with severe stomach pain, or worse, that I will have to be rushed to the emergency room. My first course of action is to try coping with the pain in the privacy and comfort of my own home. At home I won't encounter the judgmental looks I will receive when my father carries me through the door of the ER. At home I don't have to deal with the assumptions that are made about me as soon as they realize I have sickle cell—that I am faking or simply seeking drugs. At home I won't be constantly poked, prodded, scanned with countless unknown and unfamiliar hands touching me to take my vitals and perform other procedures. Most of all, I won't have to see the pity in people's eyes when they see the pain written across my face. At home I am surrounded by those who know the kinds of pain that I experience. My family and closest friends have taught me to keep faith, knowing that this disease demands that I have a strong shoulder to lean on. Despite the many challenges I have been forced to face, I will continue to hold fast to my faith no matter what the disease brings. One of my favorite quotes is, “Life is not the way it's supposed to be. It's the way it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference.” Through her words, but perhaps even more so through her photography, Davis has the power to understand, validate, and name her experiences—for herself and others. The images she captures give her the power to teach. In much the same way that narratives do,4 these photographs invite interaction and reaction, perspective taking, and reflection. They open a window to the experience of illness, to relationships—both professional and personal—and to issues of human dignity, courage, compassion, and social justice, which frame her experiences of pain. Engaging these photographs as educational resources may stimulate dialogue, which, if approached honestly and openly, may lay the groundwork for a transformative vision of medicine. These photographs have provided hope and perspective on the future to other patients with chronic illness. In addition, we have found that using reality photography as stories helps our students recognize the lived experiences of patients outside the health care system and enhances the students' ability to connect with the material. Davis' visual images tell a unique story of her daily realities as a person with sickle cell disease. This story, like so many others, can be a valuable learning tool to promote dialogue, understanding, and knowledge of how patients experience their illness outside the health care system. Using photography as a way to illuminate the patient's experience can stimulate health care providers to consider the influence illness has on the everyday lives of their patients.

Armed against falls: the contribution of arm movements to balance recovery after tripping

Arm movements after perturbations like tripping over an obstacle have been suggested to be aspecific startle responses, serve a protective function or contribute to balance recovery. This study aimed at determining if and how arm movements play a functional role in balance recovery after a perturbation. We tripped young subjects using an obstacle that suddenly appeared from the floor at exactly mid-swing. We measured arm muscle EMG, quantified body rotations after tripping, and established the effects of arm movements by calculating how the body would have rotated without arms. Strong asymmetric shoulder muscle responses were observed within 100 ms after trip initiation. Significantly faster and larger responses were found in the contralateral arm abductors on the non-tripped (right) side. Mean amplitudes were larger in the ipsilateral retroflexors and contralateral anteflexors. The resulting asymmetric arm movements had a small effect on body rotation in the sagittal and frontal planes, but substantially affected the body orientation in the transverse plane. With the enlargement of the ongoing arm swing, the arms contributed to balance recovery by postponing the transfer of arm angular momentum to the trunk. This resulted in an axial rotation of the lower segments of the body towards the non-tripped side, which increases the length of the recovery step in the sagittal plane, and therefore facilitates braking the impending fall.

Anthropometric Profile of Female and Male Players Engaged in Different Sports Disciplines

Objective: To assess anthropometric profile of players. Methodology: A total of 13 female & 46 male trained players engaged in different sports disciplines were selected. Anthropometric indices were measured using standard procedures and compared with their respective standards. Results: Irrespective of sex & sport disciplines, all players were found to be shorter than their respective standard heights. Less than 50 % groups of male players were found meeting the desirable body weight standards. Positive correlations were derived between height & weight for majority of sport groups of female & male players. Body weight was found to be directly proportional to shoulder width with positive correlation. Body mass index revealed stronger correlation with weight than height.Conclusion: Even though players were not meeting the standard norms of height & weight, they were successfully competing either at state or University level which could be attributed to mental strength, motivation & physical adaptations of players. Name of the department where the work was done: Post Graduate Department of Home-Science, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Jyotiba Phule Campus, Amravati Road440010, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India. INTRODUCTION There is a wealth of scientific & empirical evidence to support the claim that there are body size differences among athletes in different sports & games & among events within the same sport. The age, height & body size of national & international players are of interest from several points of view. Chronological age of top class athletes indicates the time at which peak performance might be expected. It is lower in case of swimming & higher in case of track & field & still higher in case of team game’s athletes. Peak performance age in different sports disciplines is associated with the time to start sport training in a particular sport & time needed to develop the necessary physique & level of performance. With regards to height & weight, certain body dimensions are necessary for success in selected sports. In some games, lighter body weight & comparatively smaller body size is required whereas in others, heavier weight & huge body size is needed to achieve optimum performance. Athletics, game or contest, played individually or in team, involves physical strength, skill & endurance. It needs long & stronger legs / calf & thighs to run & cover the distance in minimum time period. Badminton, a game for two or four players, using light weight rackets along with a shuttlecock back & forth over a net, trying to keep it from hitting the ground, requires light but strong bodies. Basketball players need long upper & lower extremities make them suitable to catch the ball with jumps, provide them with a wider reach during the passes & make it easier for them while throwing the ball into the basket. Volleyball requires tall players to play the game by hitting an inflated ball back & forth over a high net. It needs strong shoulders & wrists to withhold the pressure of the ball. A well developed physique with maximum force is needed for weightlifters (Parizkova, 1991; Maffulli, 1992; Lusting & Sttrauss, 2003). Anthropometry comprises techniques that readily contribute to a more in-depth understanding of body composition & nutritional status, allowing the quantification of observations & the observation of changes with time. Championship performances no longer occur at random or as a result of chance alone. International sports performance in various sports & games are influenced by many factors such as level of physical, physiological & psychological abilities. Body measurements help talk about nutritional status & highlight the changes due to sports activities. (Debnath, 1994).

Field‐effect transistors based on PPV derivatives as a semiconducting layer

AbstractA series of modified thiophene groups containing PPV‐based semiconducting materials, poly[(2,5‐bis(octyloxy)‐1,4‐phenylenevinylene)‐alt‐(2,2′bithienylenevinylene)] (PPBT), poly[(2,5‐bis(octyloxy)‐1,4‐phenylenevinylene)‐alt‐(5,5‐thiostilylenevinylene)] (PPTVT), have been synthesized through a Horner coupling reaction. From the FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopy, the configuration of the vinylene groups in the polymers was all trans (E) geometry. The weight‐average molecular weights (Mw) of PPBT and PPTVT were found to be 11,700 and 11,800, with polydispersity indices of 2.51 and 2.53, respectively. PPBT and PPTVT thin films exhibit UV–visible absorption maxima at 538 and 558 nm, respectively, and the strong absorption shoulder peaks at 578 and 602 nm, respectively. Solution processed field‐effect transistors (FET) fabricated using all the polymers showed p‐type OTFT characteristics. The field‐effect mobility of the PPTVT was obtained up to 2.3 × 10−3 cm2 V−1 s−1, an on/off ratio of 1.0 × 105 with ambient air stability. Studies of the atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of the polymer thin films revealed that all the polymers were amorphous structure. The greater planarity and rigidity of PPTVT compared to PPBT results in elongation of conjugation length and better π–π stacking of polymer chains in amorphous region, which leads to improved FET performance. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 111–120, 2009

Le complexe articulaire de l’épaule du nageur de haut niveau

Objective To analyze the shoulder joint complex in high level swimmers. We formulated the assumption that high level swimming weakens this complex, resulting in laxity of the anterior–inferior capsuloligamentous structures with atraumatic anterior instability, impingement with rotator cuff tendonitis and muscle imbalance of the rotator cuff muscles. Method Two 20-subject groups took part in this study (a group of high level swimmers and a group of sedentary people). The swimmers were all national-level front crawl specialists. The evaluations included clinical examination and isokinetic testing of the shoulder. Results Isokinetic testing (at 60 °/s) revealed that the swimmers have an external rotation/internal rotation ratio that is unbalanced (right shoulder: 0.52) and significantly lower than that seen in sedentary subjects (right shoulder: 0.75). Even though swimming is a symmetrical sport, our data confirm that intensive front crawl swimming involves asymmetry, with a stronger shoulder (right shoulder: 61.2 ± 10.2 N m; left shoulder: 52.8 ± 9.8 N m). The results of the clinical examination showed that 55% of the swimmers presented scapular protraction and that 35% were positive for mechanical impingement. These clinical elements were not observed in the control group. Laxity of the anterior–inferior capsuloligamentous structures was also noted in 67% of the swimmers. Conclusion high level swimming ineluctably weakens the shoulder joint complex.

On Strong Shoulders Words of Wisdom from a Trailblazer

(2007). On Strong Shoulders Words of Wisdom from a Trailblazer. Math Horizons: Vol. 15, No. 1, pp. 26-27.

Electronic absorption spectra of phosphate minerals with olivine-type structures: I. Members of the triphylite-lithiophilite series, M1[6]LiM2[6](Fex2+Mn1-x2+)[PO4

Electronic absorption spectra of the orthorhombic olivine-type phosphate minerals of the triphylite-lithiophilite series, M1[6]LiM2[6](Fex2+Mn1-x2+)[PO4], were obtained on members with XFe 0.195 (p, rs), 0.326 (sc, ps), 0.500 (p, rs), 0.564 (sc, ps), 0.708 (sc, ps), 0.750 (p, rs). Polarized spectra, ps, were measured on properly oriented single crystal slabs, sc, while powder remission spectra, rs, were scanned on unoriented fine grained powders, p. In all cases, microscope-spectrometric methods were used. All triphylite-lithiophilite spectra show the following features: (i) a nearly unpolarized absorption edge at around 30000 cm−1, which shifts slightly towards higher energies on increasing XFe, (ii) very weak and sharp bands at 24200 and 23800 cm−1 ( c > b > a ) typical of spin-forbidden dd -bands in Mn2+, and a series of very weak, differently polarized bands in the range 19000-15000 cm−1, (iii) an intense band system in the NIR typical of spin-allowed dd -transitions in octahedral Fe2+, consisting of two strongly polarized bands, I. at around 9100-9400 cm−1 ( c > > a > b ) and II. at around 7400-7200 cm−1 ( c > > a ≈ b ) attached as a strong shoulder to I. Energies and polarization behavior of band I. correspond closely to those of the strong Fe2+ -band in M2-octahedra of silicate olivines when the permutation of axes in Pmnb (ortho-phosphates) compared to Pbnm (orthosilicates) are taken into account. Band no. II. originates also from Fe2+ in M2, as no other transition metal ions are present eventually giving rise to absorptions in the NIR. Both bands, I. and II. are assigned to the 5 A 1(5 T 2g)→5 A 1(5 E g), →5 B 1(5 E g) transitions of Fe2+ in M2 under pseudosymmetry mm 2, which is usually adopted for M2 in silicate olivines. The energy difference, δe, between I. and II. represents the low-symmetry splitting of the excited state 5 E g of octahedral Fe2+ under m3m. Polarization-averaged energies of the above transition I. and of δe increase with iron contents XFe as \batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \[{\bar{{\nu}}}\_{I.} = 8906.5 {+} 669.7 {\cdot} X\_{Fe} (r = 0.949)\] \end{document} \batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \[{\bar{{\delta}}}\_{e} = 1749.2 {+} 525.7 {\cdot} X\_{Fe} (r = 0.923)\] \end{document} In contrast to silicate olivines, where energies of the spin-allowed bands of both Fe2+(M1) and Fe2+(M2) decrease with Fe-content, the energy of the barycenter \batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \(({\bar{{\nu}}}\_{I.}{+}{\bar{{\nu}}}\_{II.})/2\) \end{document} increases with XFe in the phosphates studied. This is evidently caused by the fact that Fe2+ substitutes the larger ion, Mn2+, in triphylite-lithiophilite, but the smaller one, Mg2+, in forsterite-fayalite. Adopting the energies of the 5 T 2g ground-state splitting, δg, in Fe2+ (M2) of silicate olivines also for the phosphates, then the crystal-field parameter, 10 Dq , of Fe2+(M2), is obtained as 10 Dq \batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \({\bar{{\nu}}}\_{I.} - {\bar{{\delta}}}\_{e}/2 - 2{\bar{{\delta}}}_{g}/3\) \end{document} with values increasing on XFe as \batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \[10\mathit{Dq}\_{Fe2{+}} = 7031.9 {+} 406.7{\cdot}X\_{Fe}(r = 0.948).\] \end{document} Using this 10 Dq f (XFe) relation, local mean octahedral (Fe2+-O) distances in the phosphate olivines are calculated as \batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \[{\bar{R}}\_{(Fe-O)}^{local} = 2.175{\mbox{--}}0.024{\cdot}X\_{Fe}(r = 0.972)\] \end{document} From this, we obtain the local relaxation parameter ϵ −0.40. The splitting δe ≈ 2000 cm−1 found here for Fe2+(M2) in phosphate olivines is much higher than δe ≈ 400 cm−1 published for silicate olivines, although the geometry of the M2-octahedra in these phosphate olivines and in (Mg, Fe)-silicate olivines are very similar, especially the (Fe-O) distances. This discrepancy needs further study.

Plasticity in the Composition of the Light Harvesting Antenna of Higher Plants Preserves Structural Integrity and Biological Function

Arabidopsis plants in which the major trimeric light harvesting complex (LHCIIb) is eliminated by antisense expression still exhibit the typical macrostructure of photosystem II in the granal membranes. Here the detailed analysis of the composition and the functional state of the light harvesting antennae of both photosystem I and II of these plants is presented. Two new populations of trimers were found, both functional in energy transfer to the PSII reaction center, a homotrimer of CP26 and a heterotrimer of CP26 and Lhcb3. These trimers possess characteristic features thought to be specific for the native LHCIIb trimers they are replacing: the long wavelength form of lutein and at least one extra chlorophyll b, but they were less stable. A new population of loosely bound LHCI was also found, contributing to an increased antenna size for photosystem I, which may in part compensate for the loss of the phosphorylated LHCIIb that can associate with this photosystem. Thus, the loss of LHCIIb has triggered concerted compensatory responses in the composition of antennae of both photosystems. These responses clearly show the importance of LHCIIb in the structure and assembly of the photosynthetic membrane and illustrate the extreme plasticity at the level of the composition of the light harvesting system.

Multiband optical photometry and bolometric light curve of the Type Ia supernova 2004S

We present BVRCIC broad-band CCD photometry of the Type Ia supernova SN 2004S, which appeared in the galaxy MCG–05-16-021, obtained during 2004 February 12 to March 22. We present multiband and bolometric light curves constructed using our data as well as other available data. The time of the B-band maximum and the peak magnitudes in different bands are obtained using fits of light-curve and colour templates. We clearly see a strong shoulder in the RC band and a second maximum in the IC band. SN 2004S closely resembles SN 1992al after maximum. From the peak bolometric luminosity, we estimate the ejected mass of 56 Ni to be 0.41 M⊙.

Photometric observations of the Type Ia SN 2002er in UGC 10743

Extensive light and colour curves for the Type Ia supernova SN 2002er are presented as part of the European Supernova Collaboration. We have collected UBVRI photometry from ten different telescopes covering the phases from 7 days before until 619 days after maximum light. Corrections for the different instrumental systems and the non-thermal spectrum of the supernova (S-corrections) have been applied. With the densely sampled light curves we can make detailed comparisons to other well-observed objects. SN 2002er most closely resembles SN 1996X after maximum, but clearly shows a different colour evolution before peak light and a stronger shoulder in V and R bands compared to other well-observed SNe Ia. In particular, the rise time appears to be longer than what is expected from rise-time vs.decline-rate relation. We use several methods to determine the reddening towards SN 2002er based on the colour evolution at near peak and at late phases. The uvoir (bolometric) light curve shows great similarity with SN 1996X, but also indications of a higher luminosity, longer rise time and a more pronounced shoulder 25 days past maximum. The interpretation of the light curves was done with two independent light curve codes. Both find that given the luminosity of SN 2002er the 56Ni mass exceeds 0.6 Msun with prefered values near 0.7 Msun. Uncertainties in the exact distance to SN 2002er are the most serious limitation of this measurement. The light curve modelling also indicates a high level of mixing of the nickel in the explosion of SN 2002er.

INFLUENCE OF HETEROGENEOUS LITHOSPHERIC STRUCTURE ON CONTINENTAL RIFTING: POSSIBLE IMPLICATIONS FOR THE LIGURE-PIEMONTESE OCEAN

Continental rifting represents the thermo-mechanical process by which continents break. This process is characterised by an high variability in terms of duration, volcanicity, width and symmetry. Models formulated to explain such a structural variability consider differences in (e.g., Davison, 1997; Ziegler and Cloetingh, 2004): initial rheological or thermal structure of the lithosphere, rift kinematics (e.g., oblique vs. orthogonal) and mechanics (e.g., pure vs. simple shear), strain rate, melt volumes, presence of pre-existing weakness zones. Among these processes, the lithospheric structure inherited from previous deformation phases and the presence of weakness zones have been shown to play a major role in controlling continental extension (e.g., Dunbar and Sawyer, 1989; Ziegler and Cloetingh, 2004). As a consequence, rifting processes often affect continental lithospheres characterized by important lateral variations in rheology and these variations are able to influence parameters as the width and symmetry of the rift, the patterns of uplift and subsidence, the location and amount of volcanic products. Extension in the Ligure-Piemontese ocean has been shown to be superimposed onto a previous ercinic chain, thus configuring a lithospheric weakness zone. In this frame, lateral rheological heterogeneities is expected to have played a major role in controlling the structure of the passive margins of the Adria/Europe system. In this work, this influence is investigated through scaled analogue modelling. Small-scale experiments were performed in an artificial gravity field of 31g, by using the Large Capacity Centrifuge of the Tectonic Modelling Lab of the CNR-IGG, settled at the Earth-Science Department of Florence University. The models, with dimensions of 10cm x 16cm x 4cm, were built with suitable analogue materials (sand, silicone, oleic acid) able to reproduce the brittle/ductile stratification of the continental lithosphere and were properly scaled to be directly comparable to natural prototypes. The experimental series investigated the occurrence of three different continental lithospheres: 1) a weak orogenic lithosphere (WL; Thickness: 80-100km; Thermo-mechanic Age: 50 Ma; Effective Elastic Thickness: 20km); 2) a normal 4-layer lithosphere (NL; Th: 120km; TA: 250 Ma; EET: 40km); 3) a strong cratonic lithosphere (CL; Th: 140km; TA: 400 Ma; EET: 70km). Results show that in the simple case of WL, continental extension is taken up by regularly-spaced faulting in the upper brittle layer coupled to flow of the ductile lower crust and uppermost lithospheric mantle. No strain localisation configures with this initial rheological stratification; instead, the deformation style can be ascribed to a wide-rifting mode (e.g., Buck, 1991; Brun, 1999). The base of the lithosphere in these models was rather flat, suggesting that no major asthenospheric upraising took place during deformation. In case of lateral variation between WL and CL, deformation was mostly localised at the craton border and within the weak domain; no deformation developed within the strong lithosphere. The largest normal fault developed at the contact between WL and CL, whereas regularly-spaced faults and lower crustal flow (with development of core complex structures) characterised the weakest portion of the models. Extension was accommodated by downward flexure of the WL and elastic rebound with strong shoulder uplift of CL; limited asthenospheric upraising was mainly localised within the WL. In models with NL and CL separated by a central WL, extensional deformation was strongly localised by the weakness zone. This rheological configuration leaded indeed to a rapid necking of the lithosphere and asthenospheric upraising leading to continental break-up in the central part of model. The modelling results support an important role played by the initial lithospheric structure on rift structure and duration and suggest that lateral rheological variations may have an important influence in controlling the local pattern of uplift/subsidence and faulting in continental rift settings. These results may have also relevance for the opening of the Ligure-Pemontese ocean. Preliminarily, the structural conditions of continental extension between the European and Adriatic margin may be correlated to the experiment reproducing the strength contrast between weak and cratonic lithospheres. In particular, the downward flexure associated with low subsidence rates of the WL may well account for the development of the Calcare Massiccio fm. on the Adriatic margin, whereas the areas characterised by high subsidence at the WL-CL contact may be correlated with the coeval development of the Brianconnaise domain in the European margin.

Optical spectroscopy of 1.3 μm (GaIn)(NAs)∕GaAs lasers

The optical gain of MBE-grown and MOVPE-grown (GaIn)(NAs)/GaAs lasers and samples is investigated with different methods. A quantitative analysis of the experimental gain of commercial MBE-grown structures on the basis of a microscopic theory reveals that the gain is due to inhomogeneously broadened band–band transitions. In contrast, the authors' analysis of an MOVPE-grown sample indicates that the optical gain is influenced by the locally varying environment of the nitrogen in the active region resulting in a strong shoulder in the gain spectra. The results demonstrate that the optical properties of (GaIn)(NAs)/GaAs strongly depend on the growth and preparation processes of the device under study.

Stronger Shoulders for Swimmers

Strong shoulders are essential for competitive swimmers, who make as many as 1 million shoulder rotations per week while training. It's no surprise that shoulder pain is common, but four simple exercises can help you prevent much of the discomfort. Please check with your doctor before beginning these exercises if you are currently injured.