bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Description of the Earth system model of intermediate complexity LOVECLIM version 1.2
Authors: Goosse H. , Brovkin V. , Fichefet T. , Haarsma R. , Huybrechts P. , Jongma J. , Mouchet A. , Selten F. , Barriat P.-Y. , Campin J.-M. , Deleersnijder E. , Driesschaert E. , Goelzer H. , Janssens I. , Loutre M.-F. , Morales Maqueda M. A. , Opsteegh T. , Mathieu P.-P. , Munhoven G. , Pettersson E. J. , Renssen H. , Roche D. M. , Schaeffer M. , Tartinville B. , Timmermann A. , Weber S. L.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. The main characteristics of the new version 1.2 of the three-dimensional Earth system model of intermediate complexity LOVECLIM are briefly described. LOVECLIM 1.2 includes representations of the atmosphere, the ocean and sea ice, the land surface (including vegetation), the ice sheets, the icebergs and the carbon cycle. The atmospheric component is ECBilt2, a T21, 3-level quasi-geostrophic model. The ocean component is CLIO3, which consists of an ocean general circulation model coupled to a comprehensive thermodynamic-dynamic sea-ice model. Its horizontal resolution is of 3° by 3°, and there are 20 levels in the ocean. ECBilt-CLIO is coupled to VECODE, a vegetation model that simulates the dynamics of two main terrestrial plant functional types, trees and grasses, as well as desert. VECODE also simulates the evolution of the carbon cycle over land while the ocean carbon cycle is represented by LOCH, a comprehensive model that takes into account both the solubility and biological pumps. The ice sheet component AGISM is made up of a three-dimensional thermomechanical model of the ice sheet flow, a visco-elastic bedrock model and a model of the mass balance at the ice-atmosphere and ice-ocean interfaces. For both the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets, calculations are made on a 10 km by 10 km resolution grid with 31 sigma levels. LOVECLIM1.2 reproduces well the major characteristics of the observed climate both for present-day conditions and for key past periods such as the last millennium, the mid-Holocene and the Last Glacial Maximum. However, despite some improvements compared to earlier versions, some biases are still present in the model. The most serious ones are mainly located at low latitudes with an overestimation of the temperature there, a too symmetric distribution of precipitation between the two hemispheres, and an overestimation of precipitation and vegetation cover in the subtropics. In addition, the atmospheric circulation is too weak. The model also tends to underestimate the surface temperature changes (mainly at low latitudes) and to overestimate the ocean heat uptake observed over the last decades.
Modeling framework for exploring emission impacts of alternative future scenarios
Authors: Loughlin D. H. , Benjey W. G. , Nolte C. G.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. This article presents an approach for creating anthropogenic emission scenarios that can be used to simulate future regional air quality. The approach focuses on energy production and use since these are principal sources of air pollution. We use the MARKAL model to characterize alternative realizations of the US energy system through 2050. Emission growth factors are calculated for major energy system categories using MARKAL, while growth factors from non-energy sectors are based on economic and population projections. The SMOKE model uses these factors to grow a base-year 2002 inventory to future years through 2050. The approach is demonstrated for two emission scenarios: Scenario 1 extends current air regulations through 2050, while Scenario 2 applies a hypothetical policy that limits carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the energy system. Although both scenarios show significant reductions in air pollutant emissions through time, these reductions are more pronounced in Scenario 2, where the CO2 policy results in the adoption of technologies with lower emissions of both CO2 and traditional air pollutants. The methodology is expected to play an important role in investigations of linkages among emission drivers, climate and air quality by the U.S. EPA and others.
Communication architecture of an early warning system
Authors: Angermann M. , Guenther M. , Wendlandt K.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. This article discusses aspects of communication architecture for early warning systems (EWS) in general and gives details of the specific communication architecture of an early warning system against tsunamis. While its sensors are the "eyes and ears" of a warning system and enable the system to sense physical effects, its communication links and terminals are its "nerves and mouth" which transport measurements and estimates within the system and eventually warnings towards the affected population. Designing the communication architecture of an EWS against tsunamis is particularly challenging. Its sensors are typically very heterogeneous and spread several thousand kilometers apart. They are often located in remote areas and belong to different organizations. Similarly, the geographic spread of the potentially affected population is wide. Moreover, a failure to deliver a warning has fatal consequences. Yet, the communication infrastructure is likely to be affected by the disaster itself. Based on an analysis of the criticality, vulnerability and availability of communication means, we describe the design and implementation of a communication system that employs both terrestrial and satellite communication links. We believe that many of the issues we encountered during our work in the GITEWS project (German Indonesian Tsunami Early Warning System, Rudloff et al., 2009) on the design and implementation communication architecture are also relevant for other types of warning systems. With this article, we intend to share our insights and lessons learned.
Spatially extensive estimates of annual accumulation in the dry snow zone of the Greenland Ice Sheet determined from radar altimetry
Authors: de la Peña S. , Nienow P. , Shepherd A. , Helm V. , Mair D. , Hanna E. , Huybrechts P. , Guo Q. , Cullen R. , Wingham D.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. We present estimates of accumulation rate along a 200 km transect ranging in elevation from 2750 to 3150 m in the dry snow zone on the western slope of the Greenland Ice Sheet. An airborne radar altimeter is used to estimate the thickness of annual internal layers and, in conjunction with ground based snow/firn density profiles, annual accumulation rates between 1998 and 2003 are derived. A clear gradient in the thickness of each layer observed by the radar altimeter and in the associated estimates of annual accumulation is seen along the transect, with a 33.6% ± 16% mean decrease in accumulation from west to east. The observed inter-annual variability is high, with the annual mean accumulation rate estimated at 0.359 m.w.e. yr−1 (s.d. ± 0.049 m.w.e. yr−1). Mean accumulation rates modelled using meteorological models overestimate our results by 16% on average, but by 32% and 42% in the years 2001 and 2002. The methodology presented here demonstrates the potential to obtain accurate and spatially extensive accumulation rates from radar altimeters in regions of ice sheets where field observations are sparse, and accumulation rates greater than several tens of cm.
TEM Orientation Imaging in Characterization of Texture Changes in FCC Metals
Authors: Paul Henryk
Published: November 2010

Aspects of crystal subdivision and nucleation of recrystallization in fcc‐lattice metals are studied by TEM‐based orientation mapping. This method is suitable to study fine‐grained materials because of the good spatial resolution and a direct comparison of the orientation distribution with the dislocation structure is possible. Orientation measurements of subcells in the deformed state shows that and the unstable behavior leads strain inhomogeneities and therefore to specific texture components. The first‐formed nuclei develop within the as‐deformed dislocation structures; successive stages of recrystallization are observed in annealed samples.
Lattice dynamics of ZnAl2O4 and ZnGa2O4 under high pressure
Authors: López‐Moreno S. , Rodríguez‐Hernández P. , Muñoz A. , Romero A.H. , Manjón F.J. , Errandonea D. , Rusu E. , Ursaki V.V.
Published: November 2010

In this work we present a first‐principles density functional study of the vibrational properties of ZnAl2O4 and ZnGa2O4 as function of hydrostatic pressure. Based on our previous structural characterization of these two compounds under pressure, herewith, we report the pressure dependence on both systems of the vibrational modes for the cubic spinel structure, for the CaFe2O4‐type structure (Pnma) in ZnAl2O4 and for marokite (Pbcm) ZnGa2O4. Additionally we report a second order phase transition in ZnGa2O4 from the marokite towards the CaTi2O4‐type structure (Cmcm), for which we also calculate the pressure dependence of the vibrational modes at the Γ point. Our calculations are complemented with Raman scattering measurements up to 12 GPa that show a good overall agreement between our calculated and measured mode frequencies.
Hairy cell leukaemia: biological and clinical overview from immunogenetic insights
Authors: Forconi Francesco
Published: November 2010

Hairy cell Leukaemia (HCL) is a rare neoplasm of peripheral B cells which represents a paradox in oncology. Despite its largely unknown origin and behaviour, HCL is one of the few example of dramatic success in the treatment of a malignancy. The recent steps forward to understanding the biology of HCL from immunogenetic and genomic studies have recently provided new insight into diagnosis and prognosis. Several data from immunoglobulin gene (IG) analysis have provided hints regarding the cell of origin and the ongoing selective interactions of the tumour BCR with environmental stimuli. It has also recently emerged that an unmutated status of the HCL IG can be associated with failure to respond to cladribine, genetic abnormalities indicative of poor outcome and aggressive disease. These observations suggest a central role of the tumour B‐cell receptor in defining the outcome of HCL and that that IG gene analysis may have biological and prognostic relevance. Hopefully, IG analysis will help tailor treatment strategies for the most aggressive cases. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of [15N3]melamine and [13C3]cyanuric acid
Authors: Luo Yong , Zhang Liya , Yang Weicheng , Liu Weixia , Lu Weijing , Li Meihua
Published: November 2010

This report presents an efficient syntheses of two labelled internal standards [15N3]melamine and [13C3]cyanuric acid with the common substrates [15N]NH4Cl and [13C]urea, respectively. Both standards with excellent isotopic and chemical purities were prepared in good yields and could be used as internal standards without further purification. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermodynamics of Phosphorus and Sulphur Removal during Basic Oxygen Steelmaking
Authors: Basu S. , Seetharaman S. , Lahiri A. K.
Published: November 2010

Removal of impurity elements from hot metal is essential in basic oxygen steelmaking. Oxidation of phosphorus from hot metal has been studied by several authors since the early days of steelmaking. Influence of different parameters on the distribution of phosphorus, seen during the recent work of the authors, differs somewhat from that reported earlier. On the other hand, removal of sulphur during steelmaking has drawn much less attention. This may be due to the magnitude of desulphurisation in oxygen steelmaking being relatively low and desulphurisation during hot metal pre‐treatment or in the ladle furnace offering better commercial viability. Further, it is normally accepted that sulphur is removed to steelmaking slag in the form of sulphide only. However, recent investigations have indicated that a significant amount of sulphur removed during basic oxygen steelmaking can exist in the form of sulphate in the slag under oxidising conditions. The distribution of sulphur during steelmaking becomes more important in the event of carry‐over of sulphur‐rich blast‐furnace slag, which increases sulphur load in the BOF. The chemical nature of sulphur in this slag undergoes a gradual transition from sulphide to sulphate as the oxidative refining progresses.
Oxygen Penetration in the Protection Shroud in Steel Casting
Authors: Ragnarsson L. , Song W. , Ma Y. , Sichen D.
Published: November 2010

Physical modelling of argon shroud used in ingot casting was carried out using a 2D 1:1 scaled model in order to determine the oxygen distribution around the steel stream. The oxygen concentrations were measured by an oxygen sensor. Complementary PIV measurements were also carried out for a gas inlet configuration using dual (horizontal and vertical) gas inlet. The main findings were: (1) The oxygen concentrations were considerably high in the ordinary operation conditions. The oxygen contents were the highest in the case of vertical gas injection (higher than 11% in all cases). (2) A minimized distance between the ladle and the collar on the top of the vertical runner would reduce the oxygen entrainment by convection and diffusion, in the case of horizontal gas injection and a dual gas inlet configuration. (3) A modest flow rate of argon gas should be used. Further increase of the gas flow would not improve the protection. (4) A dual gas inlet configuration would be more effective than a single inlet, especially in the case of larger distances between the ladle and the runner.
Proximate Composition and Fatty Acid Profile of Pongamia pinnata, a Potential Biodiesel Crop
Authors: Bala Manju , Nag T. N. , Kumar Sandeep , Vyas Manmohan , Kumar Arun , Bhogal N. S.
Published: November 2010

The chemical characteristics of Pongamia pinnata seeds, focussing on proximate composition and the fatty acid profile of its oil, are presented. The proximate composition of P. pinnata seeds was: 3.8% ash, 9.7% sugar, 7.07% protein, 24% oil, 10.7% free amino acids, and 0.24% free fatty acids. The oil was extracted from seeds by use of different solvents and the highest yield (29%) was obtained by use of n‐hexane. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids accounted for 63.3 and 22.9%, respectively, of the seed oil. Oleic acid was the major fatty acid but a substantial amount of erucic acid was also detected; this was not reported in previous studies. The level of erucic acid and the presence of toxic flavonoids, for example karanjin, pongapin, and pongaglabrin, render the oil inedible according to WHO recommendations. However, low levels of saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids with desirable cetane number and iodine value suggest potential for application as a biodiesel fuel.
Evidence for Using Chlorhexidine Gluconate Preoperative Cleansing to Reduce the Risk of Surgical Site Infection
Authors: Edmiston Charles E. , Okoli Obi , Graham Mary Beth , Sinski Sharon , Seabrook Gary R.
Published: October 2010

Surgical site infections are associated with significant patient morbidity and mortality and are the third most frequently reported health care‐associated infection. A suggested risk reduction strategy has been the preadmission shower or skin cleansing with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG). Although older clinical trials question the clinical efficacy of cleansing with CHG, recent evidence‐based scientific and clinical studies support two types of CHG application (ie, a 2% CHG‐coated cloth or 4% CHG soap) using a standardized, timed process before hospital admission as an effective strategy for reducing the risk of postoperative surgical site infection.
The Effects of Information Technology on Perioperative Nursing
Authors: Sweeney Paula
Published: October 2010

Numerous advances in technology during the past decade require that nurses not only be knowledgeable in nursing science but that they also become educated in information technology (IT). Perioperative IT has the potential to improve the quality of health care, reduce costs, decrease medication administration errors, reduce time spent on paperwork, increase management efficacy, and allow affordable access to health care. Nursing knowledge is needed for designing, implementing, and updating software, including an electronic health record (EHR). With the support of EHR data, nurses will be able to develop best practices for patient care and support research for evidence‐based practice. When a standardized terminology, such as the Perioperative Nursing Data Set, is incorporated into an EHR, consistent documentation can be shared among systems. With advances in technology, perioperative nursing roles are expanding in relation to IT requirements and nurses are pursuing additional education. In addition to traditional methods, e‐learning is an effective way to provide ongoing technological education.
Going Live: Implementing a Telesurgery Program
Authors: McCarthy Patricia M.
Published: October 2010

Telesurgery is the real‐time transmission of surgery to an audience in a location separate from the OR suite. Staff members at Faulkner Hospital, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, established an annual telesurgery event as a method of teaching health care providers about specific orthopedic and gynecology procedures. In October 2009, staff members at Faulkner Hospital successfully completed five separate live transmissions during a four‐day period. Extensive planning, attention to detail, and cooperation among team members and hospital service line members are essential to conducting a safe and successful telesurgery event.
Reducing the Risk of Unplanned Perioperative Hypothermia
Authors: Lynch Susan , Dixon Jacqueline , Leary Donna
Published: October 2010

Maintaining normothermia is important for patient safety, positive surgical outcomes, and increased patient satisfaction. Causes of unplanned hypothermia in the OR include cold room temperatures, the effects of anesthesia, cold IV and irrigation fluids, skin and wound exposure, and patient risk factors. Nurses at Riddle Memorial Hospital in Media, Pennsylvania, performed a quality improvement project to evaluate the effectiveness of using warm blankets, warm irrigation fluids, or forced‐air warming on perioperative patients to maintain their core temperature during the perioperative experience. Results of the project showed that 75% of patients who received forced‐air warming perioperatively had temperatures that reached or were maintained at 36° C (96.8° F) or higher within 15 minutes after leaving the OR.
Prevention of Transmissible Infections in the Perioperative Setting
Authors: Cicconi Linda , Claypool Margie , Stevens William
Published: October 2010

Risk of infection from bloodborne pathogens makes it imperative for surgical team members to detect surgical glove punctures before skin contact with pathogens occurs. The use of a second, colored pair of gloves worn by scrubbed team members during surgical procedures provides an early indicator of an outer glove puncture while the primary glove or underglove remains intact. This practice reduces the risk of occupational exposures for health care workers and the risk of surgical site infections for patients. We conducted a quality improvement project during which we randomly observed staff members for compliance with double gloving in the OR at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, during a 12‐month period, and we conducted a review of sharps injuries for a 45‐month period after intensive education about sharps injuries and use of a hands‐free neutral zone technique. We found that when staff members were compliant with double‐gloving techniques, there was a decrease in skin contact breaches, and the use of a hands‐free neutral zone technique decreased the rate of sharps injuries.
Clinical Issues—November 2010
Authors: Petersen Carol , Blanchard Joan
Published: October 2010

This Month

Responsibility for obtaining the surgical informed consent

Key words: surgical consent, consent for surgery, informed consent.

Requirement for a history and physical examination before minor surgery

Key words: patient history, physical examination, H&P, minor surgical procedures.

Marking instruments with color‐coded tape

Key words: instrument tape, color‐coded tape, sterilization.

Wearing perfume in the perioperative setting

Key words: perfume, fragrance‐free health care environments, sensory hyperreactivity.
Identification of a cofilin‐like actin‐binding site on translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP)
Authors: Tsarova Katsiaryna , Yarmola Elena G. , Bubb Michael R.
Published: October 2010

Translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) expression is suppressed during cancer cell reversion to a non‐malignant phenotype. We identified a primary sequence of TCTP with homology to ADF/cofilin. We confirm that a synthetic peptide corresponding to this sequence binds specifically to actin and is displaced from actin by cofilin. TCTP peptide has higher affinity for G‐actin than F‐actin and does not block actin‐filament depolymerization by cofilin. These results suggest that TCTP may channel active cofilin to F‐actin, enhancing the cofilin‐activity cycle in invasive tumor cells. Loss of TCTP may result in sequestration of active cofilin by a monomeric pool of actin.
Intraerythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum biosynthesize menaquinone
Authors: Tonhosolo Renata , Gabriel Heloisa B. , Matsumura Miriam Y. , Cabral Fernanda J. , Yamamoto Márcio M. , D'Alexandri Fábio L. , Sussmann Rodrigo A.C. , Belmonte Rodrigo , Peres Valnice J. , Crick Dean C. , Wunderlich Gerhard , Kimura Emília A. , Katzin Alejandro M.
Published: October 2010

Herein, we show that intraerythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum have an active pathway for biosynthesis of menaquinone. Kinetic assays confirmed that plasmodial menaquinone acts at least in the electron transport. Similarly to Escherichia coli, we observed increased levels of menaquinone in parasites kept under anaerobic conditions. Additionally, the mycobacterial inhibitor of menaquinone synthesis Ro 48‐8071 also suppressed menaquinone biosynthesis and growth of parasites, although off‐targets may play a role in this growth‐inhibitory effect. Due to its absence in humans, the menaquinone biosynthesis can be considered an important drug target for malaria.
The Breast Cancer Hormone Receptor Retesting Controversy in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada: Lessons for the Health System
Authors: Gregory Deborah M. , Parfrey Patrick S.
Published: November 2010

The treatment of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with hormonal treatment is determined by the presence of estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor status in breast cancer. In Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), 425 of 1,088 (39.1%) patients who had original “negative” receptor tests conducted between 1997 and 2005, had positive results upon retesting in a specialized laboratory. This commentary addresses (1) the diagnostic utility of estrogen and progesterone testing for breast cancer in general, (2) specific testing problems that occurred in NL, (3) scientific problems associated with retesting, and (4) the impact on public trust and the resulting legal and political responses that occurred as a result of the adverse events associated with false-negative hormone receptor tests. Finally, the lessons learned will be discussed including known high false-negative rates associated with the tests and the bias associated with retesting, the need for quality assurance and national standards, public education, and appropriate communication with patients and the public.
Real Numbers Tell Real Stories in Health Services Management
Authors: Heenan Michael , Wood Brady , Taylor D. Wayne
Published: November 2010

In the words of one hospital manager, “hospital data is currently indigestible and alien to the average user.” Drawing upon the experience of an academic hospital that, contrary to established practice, published real numbers alongside rates and ratios during a Clostridium difficile outbreak, the authors examined the pitfalls of publishing only abstract performance measures and the advantages of releasing real numbers to the public. This article identifies lessons for hospital board governance, media relations, employee communications, and citizen and patient engagement that are applicable across the healthcare industry in many countries. If healthcare is to be a caring industry, then care should be taken in the public reporting of data and information.
Achieving Full Compliance with Standards for Assertive Community Treatment Programs in Ontario: Does Sponsoring Agency Type Matter?
Authors: Randall Glen E. , Wakefield Patricia A.
Published: November 2010

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) programs provide community-based services for individuals with severe mental illness. In Ontario, these programs are funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and administered through sponsoring agencies (hospitals, mental health facilities, and “other” community-based organizations). This article reports on the results of a survey of ACT programs and investigates the relationship between sponsoring agency type and ACT program operations. Findings and implications for policy makers and administrators are discussed.
Encrusting cystitis in a cat secondary to Corynebacterium urealyticum infection
Authors: Briscoe Katherine A. , Barrs Vanessa R. , Lindsay Scott , Hoffmann Karon L. , Cockwill Kenneth R. , Muscatello Gary , Beatty Julia A.
Published: November 2010

An 18-year-old male neutered domestic shorthair cat was presented for investigation of haematuria and lethargy. The cat had sustained a traumatic T3–L3 lesion 5 years prior resulting in upper motor neuron incontinence. On further investigation the cat was found to be hyperkalaemic, hypothermic and dehydrated. Ultrasonography of the bladder revealed a markedly hypoechoic, thickened bladder wall with an irregular, hyperechoic mucosal layer. The patient responded to symptomatic and supportive care and was discharged. Despite initial improvement, the patient returned 10 days after discharge with recurrence of haematuria and lethargy. Ultrasound-guided aspiration and culture of the material on the mucosal surface of the bladder confirmed diagnosis of UTI caused by Corynebacterium urealyticum. On post-mortem examination, gross and histopathological features were consistent with encrusting cystitis. This is the first case report of encrusting cystitis in a cat. C urealyticum, an uncommon urinary tract pathogen in small animals, should be considered in patients with predisposing conditions.
NT-proBNP measurement fails to reliably identify subclinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in Maine Coon cats
Authors: Singh Manreet K. , Cocchiaro Michael F. , Kittleson Mark D.
Published: October 2010

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the value of measuring plasma NT-proBNP concentration as a screening tool in cats with varying severity of subclinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Plasma NT-proBNP concentration was measured in 35 cats that had previously been classified as normal, equivocal, moderate HCM or severe HCM via echocardiography. No cat had ever been in congestive heart failure. Cats with severe HCM had a significantly higher NT-proBNP concentration compared to the other groups (P<0.0003), however, the sensitivity of NT-proBNP for diagnosing cats with severe disease was only 44% (cutoff≤100 pmol/l) to 55% (cutoff≤40 pmol/l). There was no significant difference in NT-proBNP concentration between normal, equivocal and moderate categories (sensitivity for detecting moderate HCM was 0%). Based on the results of this study, NT-proBNP concentration is not considered adequate as a screening test for detecting mild to moderate HCM in Maine Coon cats and it appears that it may miss many cats with severe HCM.
Der Eltern-Ordner ,,Gesund groß werden‘‘ - modellhafte Evaluation der Funktion und Wirksamkeit von Elternmaterialien
Authors: Pawils Silke , Schwinn Anke , Busche Wiebke , Koch Uwe , Knesebeck Monika von dem , Fillinger Sabine
Published: October 2010

Einleitung

Die BZgA hat das Konzept des Eltern-Ordners im Auftrag des BMG in Abstimmung mit den pädiatrischen Fachgesellschaften, dem Berufsverband der Kinder- und Jugendärzte und dem Zentralinstitut für die kassenärztliche Versorgung entwickelt und dem Bundesausschuss der Ärzte und Krankenkassen vorgestellt. Die Inhalte wurden mit fachlicher Unterstützung einer Expertengruppe der Pädiatrie und Entwicklungspsychologie erarbeitet. Ziele des Eltern-Ordners und Prüfungsinhalt der Evaluation sind es, allen Eltern den Zugang zu relevantem Gesundheitswissen zu eröffnen, die Elternkompetenz zu stärken, das Arzt-Eltern-Gespräch im Rahmen der U-Untersuchungen besser vorzubereiten. An einer Nettostichprobe von N = 1.634 Familien wurden die Effekte des Eltern-Ordners in einer randomisierten Studie mit Kontrollgruppendesign in den Bundesländern Rheinland-Pfalz und Sachsen untersucht.
Cross-over evaluation of electrically induced pain and hyperalgesia
Authors: Dusch M. , Namer B. , Strupf M. , Schley M. , Rukwied R. , Hägglöf B. , Schmelz M. , Koppert W.
Published: October 2010

Background

Anewexperimental protocol of electrically induced pain and hyperalgesia was established to examine orally administered drugs. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study this experimental protocol was used to assess the effects of paracetamol.

Methods

Twenty-four subjects were enrolled in this study. The magnitude of pain, axon reflex flare, and areas of pin-prick hyperalgesia and touch-evoked allodynia were assessed in two consecutive sessions; prior to, and 2 h after drug administration. This protocol was repeated after 1 week. Subjects were randomized to receive either paracetamol (2 g) or a placebo.

Results

In comparison to the placebo arm there were no significant effects of paracetamol on pain, hyperalgesia, allodynia, or axon reflex flare. Pain and flare responses were highly reproducible on the same day (r = 0.77 and r = 0.79, respectively), and after 1 week (r = 0.6 and r = 0.71, respectively). The correlation between areas of hyperalgesia and allodynia was, however, significantly improved when the protocol was repeated on the same day (r = 0.8 and r = 0.75), as opposed to after a week (r = 0.54 and r = 0.53).

Discussion

The electrical pain model is a well established method for the assessment of intravenously applied analgesics. In order to assess effects of orally applied drugs the model had to be modified: for the assessment of hyperalgesia and allodynia a protocol repeating the model within 1 day proved to have advantages over repetition after 1 week.
The attenuation of pain behaviour and serum interleukin-6 concentration by nimesulide in a rat model of neuropathic pain
Authors: Zanjani Taraneh Moini , Sabetkasaei Masoumeh , Karimian Behnaz , Labibi Farzaneh , Farokhi Babak , Mossafa Nariman
Published: October 2010

Background

Evidence for a role of immune system in hyperalgesic pain states is increasing. Recent work in neuroimmunology suggests that the immune system does more than simply perform its well known functions of recognizing and removing invading pathogens and tumors. Interest in neuroinflammation and neuroimmune activation has grown rapidly in recent years with the recognition of the role of central nervous system inflammatiom and immune responses in the aetiology of pain states. Among various theories, the role of inflammatory responses of the injured nerve has recently received attention. Cytokines are heterogenous group of polypeptides that activate the immune system and mediate inflammatory responses, acting on a variety of tissue, including the peripheral and central nervous system. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) a pro-inflammatory cytokine, is potentially important in pain aetiology, have pronociceptive actions. Neuropathic pain may be due to a primary insult to the peripheral or central nervous system. Substances released during inflammation from immune cells play an important role in the development and maintenance of chronic pain. Nimesulide, a highly selective cox-2 inhibitor, effectively reduces hyperalgesia due to peripherally administration of inflammatory agents like formalin. The safety of nimesulide was reported for some conditions in which other NSAIDs are contraindicated. Here we have determined the effect of nimesulide on pain behaviour and serum IL-6 level in chronic constriction injury (CCI) model of neuropathic pain.

Methods

Experiments were carried out on male Wistar rats, (weight 150–200 g, n = 8). Rats were divided into 3 different groups: 1-CCI + saline 0.9% 2Sham + saline 0.9% (control) 3CCI + drug. Nimesulide (1.25, 2.5, 5 mg/kg, i.p.) was injected 1h before surgery and continued daily to day 14 post-ligation. 42 °C water for thermal hyperalgesia, von Frey filaments for mechanical allodynia, acetone test for cool allodynia and 10 °C water for cold hyperalgesia were respectively used as pain behavioural tests. Behavioural tests were recorded before surgery and on postoperative days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14 and the serum concentration of IL-6 was determined at the day 14.

Results

The results of this study showed a decrease in hyperalgesia and allodynia following nimesulide administration.

Conclusions

It appears that nimesulide was able to reduce pain behaviour due to nerve inflammation and a parallel decrease in the serum IL-6 concentration was observed.

Implications

The immune system is an important mediator in the cascade of events that ultimately results in hyperalgesia. Cytokines contribute to the patheogenesis of neuropathic pain, therefore drugs that inhibit cytokine release from immune cells may reduce inflammatory pain states.
Difficult diagnosis of facial pain: A case report and mini-review
Authors: Jääskeläinen Satu K. , Forssell Heli , Tenovuo Olli , Parkkola Riitta
Published: October 2010

This case report elucidates pitfalls of clinical and radiologic investigations of neuropathic pain due to trigeminal pathology, and utility of neurophysiologic examination when diagnosing facial pain. Our patient was a 63-year-old woman who developed acute, severe facial pain, first located behind the left eye. Neuralgic exacerbations, paresthesia within lower face on the left and restricted mouth opening occurred during the course of the disease with gradual progression. Brain MRI and CT scans were interpreted as normal at 4 and 10 months after symptom onset. At 9 months, detailed neurophysiologic examination showed severe chronic mandibular neuropathy at the left oval foramen with more prominent disturbance of the thick myelinated nerve fibers than the small fibers suggesting compressive etiology. Guided by the neurophysiologic findings, 11 months after the onset of the symptoms, a new brain MRI with contrast enhancement revealed metastatic adenocarcinoma of the left temporal bone along the mandibular nerve, exactly matching the site indicated by the neurophysiologic examination. Neurophysiologic tests offer cost-effective, sensitive tools for screening and accurate level diagnostics of neuropathy and neuropathic pain, which can be utilized also in the diagnosis of facial pain. In addition, whenever there are progressing neurologic deficits or neurophysiologic signs indicating expansive lesion, despite initially normal findings in the brain imaging studies, repeated MRI examinations are warranted, preferably focusing to the ‘neurophysiologic region of interest’ to avoid radiologic sampling errors. As no isolated technique achieves 100% diagnostic accuracy, only rational combinations of different methods will result in correct diagnosis of facial pain without unnecessary delays. Treatment of neuropathic pain is often delayed because of difficulties in reaching the correct diagnosis. During the work-up, many differential diagnostic alternatives have to be considered, also in patients with chronic orofacial pain. Table 1 shows the most important differential diagnoses of orofacial pain.
Early maladaptive schemas in Finnish adult chronic male and female pain patients
Authors: Saariaho Tom H.J. , Saariaho Anita S.I. , Karila Irma A. , Joukamaa Matti I.
Published: October 2010

Background and aims of the study

The connection between chronic pain and traumatic experiences in childhood has been established in several studies. The association of emotional maltreatment with chronic pain has been studied, but to a lesser degree. Schema therapy [24] is an extension of cognitive therapy and presents the early maladaptive schema (EMS) concept. EMSs reflect early, mainly emotional maltreatment. The aim of the present study was to examine the existence of EMSs, the association between EMSs and pain variables and EMS driven patterns.

Patients and measures

The study consisted of 271 first visit pain patients. Their socio-demographic data, pain variables and pain disability were assessed. The presence of EMSs was measured using the Young Schema Questionnaire Short Form Extended. One hundred and three successive participants were also interviewed according to the cognitive case conceptualization.

Results

More than half (58.3%) of the chronic pain patients scored EMSs as meaningful. The patients with meaningful EMSs had significantly higher pain intensity, duration of pain and pain disability. The two most frequently occurring EMSs in male pain patients were Unrelenting Standards/Hypercriticalness (US) (36.2%) and Self-Sacrifice (SS) (23.6%) and in female pain patients SS (40.3%) and US (27.1%). The speech contents of five of the highest scoring US and SS male and female patients (n = 20) were analyzed. The analyses showed schema driven behavior which exacerbated the pain situation. US and SS schemas had a stronger motivational effect on their behavior than the pain itself. Regression analyses showed that Self-Sacrifice schema in women and Emotional Deprivation schema in the total sample predicted pain disability as did pain intensity and the number of pain locations.

Conclusions

This study suggested that a remarkable amount of chronic pain patients may suffer from early maladaptive schemas which have an effect on their current pain situation and may reflect underlying early emotional maltreatment.
Patients referred from a multidisciplinary pain clinic to the social worker, their general health, pain condition, treatment and outcome
Authors: Aho Heli , Kauppila Timo , Haanpää Maija
Published: October 2010

Background and aims

As far as we know, the range of issues particular to social work, when working with clients at a pain clinic has not been previously researched.

Methods

A retrospective study of referrals at the multidisciplinary Pain Clinic of Helsinki University Central Hospital was conducted based on medical records, focusing on pain conditions, treatments and patient flow. Variables used were age, gender, pain conditions, treatment interventions, pain duration and intensity, disruption in everyday life due to pain, psychiatric co-morbidities, referrals, outside care providers, post-treatment care and health habits. Referrals were made mainly by other HUCH units or municipal health centers.

Results

The median age of patients (n = 55) was 44 years. The majority of patients were referred to the pain clinic by municipal health centers. Almost similar number of patients was referred by other HUCH clinics. The largest disease group was musculoskeletal diseases, afflicting 25 patients. Almost the same number of patients (22) suffered from neurological and sensory nervous system diseases. Three patients suffered from persistent somatoform pain disorder and five patients did not fall into any of these categories. Pharmacotherapy was the most prevalent treatment method at the pain clinic, and it was prescribed to all patients. The post-treatment care of the patients was mainly provided by primary health care services. Duration of pain was more than 3 years in more than 60% of the patients. There was a considerable lack of information about pain intensity in the patient files. For the majority of patients, pain caused difficulty in movement, housework, recreation, and sleeping. Patients referred to the pain clinic's social worker had not benefited greatly from previous interventions. More than half of the patients had received psychiatric consultation either at the pain clinic or in some other setting. Most often the patients had been diagnosed to suffer from depression by a psychiatrist. Over a third of the patients had reported suicidal intents to the hospital staff.

Conclusions

The pain situation of patients was severe, in terms of intensity and disability. Treatment was primarily based on drug therapy, and patients generally continued treatment in outpatient services. Depression and substance abuse were common; a third had experienced suicidal intent.

By searching for symptoms, the social worker pays attention to signs of depression at the clinic. Co-operation with social workers in outpatient services is also critical for social after-care. This requires that the social worker of a pain center has an excellent and practical knowledge of the social welfare and service systems.
Use of CART analysis to differentiate pollen of red pine (Pinus resinosa) and jack pine (P. banksiana) in New England
Authors: Barton Andrew M. , Nurse Andrea M. , Michaud Katelyn , Hardy Sarah W.
Published: October 2010

The identification of fossil pollen at the generic rather than species level is hampering progress in understanding the biogeography and dynamics of paleo-vegetation. We used CART analysis to facilitate the differentiation of fossil pollen of Pinus banksiana and Pinusresinosa, which are morphologically similar and nearly always combined in paleoecological studies. The CART model, using four of the ten morphological traits measured, exhibited a high level of correct identification for pollen of each of the species and shows promise as a tool for increasing the detail of paleoecological records and inferences.
Planktonic ciliate communities in a semi-enclosed bay of Yellow Sea, northern China: annual cycle
Authors: Jiang Yong , Xu Henglong , Al-Rasheid Khaled A.S. , Warren Alan , Hu Xiaozhong , Song Weibo
Published: November 2010

To reveal the annual patterns of planktonic ciliate communities, planktonic ciliate species composition, abundance and biomass, and responses to environmental conditions, were investigated during an annual cycle in Jiaozhou Bay, Qingdao, northern China. A total of 64 species belonging to five orders (Oligotrichida, Haptorida, Cyrtophorida, Hypotrichida and Tintinnida) were identified, 9 of which were dominant. Ciliate communities presented a clear seasonal pattern in terms of both abundance and biomass. A single peak of ciliate abundance and biomass occurred in late August, mainly due to the oligotrichids, tintinnids and haptorids. The 9 dominant species showed a distinct temporal distribution with seasonal successions of ciliate communities. Multivariate analyses revealed that ciliate abundance was significantly correlated with water temperature, dissolved oxygen and nutrients, especially nitrate nitrogen and soluble reactive phosphate (P < 0.05). These findings provided basic data on annual cycle of planktonic ciliate communities in a semi-enclosed bay of Yellow Sea, northern China.
ON SKEWNESS AND DISPERSION AMONG CONVOLUTIONS OF INDEPENDENT GAMMA RANDOM VARIABLES
Authors: Amiri Leila , Khaledi Baha-Eldin , Samaniego Francisco J.
Published: November 2010

Let {x(1)≤···≤x(n)} denote the increasing arrangement of the components of a vector x=(x1, …, xn). A vector x∈Rn majorizes another vector y (written $\bf{x} \mathop{\succeq}\limits^{m} \bf{y}$) if $\sum_{i=1}^{j} x_{(i)} \le \sum_{i=1}^{j}y_{(i)}$ for j = 1, …, n−1 and $\sum_{i=1}^{n}x_{(i)} = \sum_{i=1}^{n}y_{(i)}$. A vector x∈R+n majorizes reciprocally another vector y∈R+n (written $\bf{x} \mathop{\succeq}\limits^{rm} \bf{y}$) if $\sum_{i=1}^{j}(1/x_{(i)}) \ge \sum_{i=1}^{j}(1/y_{(i)})$ for j = 1, …, n. Let $X_{\lambda_{i},\alpha},\,i=1,\ldots,n$, be n independent random variables such that $X_{\lambda_{i},\alpha}$ is a gamma random variable with shape parameter α≥1 and scale parameter λi, i = 1, …, n. We show that if $\lambda \mathop{\succeq}\limits^{rm} \lambda^{\ast}$, then $\sum_{i=1}^{n} X_{\lambda_{i},\alpha}$ is greater than $\sum_{i=1}^{n} X_{\lambda^{\ast}_{i},\alpha}$ according to right spread order as well as mean residual life order. We also prove that if $(1/ \lambda_{1}, \ldots ,1/ \lambda_{n}) \mathop{\succeq}\limits^{m} \succeq (1/ \lambda_{1}^{\ast}, \ldots , 1/ \lambda_{n}^{\ast})$, then $\sum_{i=1}^{n} X_{\lambda_{i}, \alpha}$ is greater than $\sum_{i=1}^{n} X_{\lambda^{\ast}_{i},\alpha}$ according to new better than used in expectation order as well as Lorenze order. These results mainly generalize the recent results of Kochar and Xu [7] and Zhao and Balakrishnan [14] from convolutions of independent exponential random variables to convolutions of independent gamma random variables with common shape parameters greater than or equal to 1.
Devolution of environment and resources governance: trends and future
Authors: BERKES FIKRET
Published: November 2010

How can the governance of environment and resources be devolved in a way that incorporates effective user participation and feedback learning? Approaches that use the idea of adaptive management or learning-by-doing, combined with co-management, are particularly promising. Using an interdisciplinary literature covering many types of resources, and a conceptual model with three phases (communicative action, self-organization and collective action), the paper identifies some of the major processes leading to adaptive co-management. These include deliberation, visioning, building social capital, trust and institutions, capacity-building through networks and partnerships, and action-reflection-action loops for social learning. Such adaptive co-management is not simply a theoretical possibility but something that has been documented in a number of forestry, fisheries, wildlife, protected area, and wetland cases from both developed and developing countries. However, the experience with the decentralization reforms of the 1990s is largely negative for a number of reasons. Effective devolution takes time, requiring a shift in focus from a static concept of management to a dynamic concept of governance shaped by interactions, feedback learning and adaptation over time. Sharing of governance responsibilities and an ability to learn from experience are among the emerging trends in environmental management.
No Argument against the Continuity of Value: Reply to Dorsey
Authors: BROOME JOHN
Published: November 2010

Dorsey rejects Conclusion, so he believes he must reject one of the premises. He argues that the best option is to reject Premise 3. Rejecting Premise 3 entails a certain sort of discontinuity in value. So Dorsey believes he has an argument for discontinuity.
THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT – SOME REFLECTIONS
Authors: Moreno-Ocampo Luis
Published: November 2010

I took office seven years ago as the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. Over those years, I have seen remarkable developments, the creation of a global judicial institution from scratch, the development of our operations in all regions of the world, mainly in conflict areas, the setting up of key jurisprudence on modes of liability, complementarity, criminal procedure as well as on victims' participation before the Court. Today I would like to focus on how the work of this Court can contribute to the prevention of massive crimes. Crimes we thought, over and over, would never happen again, only to see them occur, again and again, before our eyes: genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. How can we maximize the preventive impact of our work? How can we ensure that the crimes committed in Georgia during the summer of 2008, in Guinea in the fall of 2009 are not repeated? How can we stop current crimes in Darfur? How can we prevent a new cycle of violence during the next elections in Kenya scheduled for 2012? How can we support Colombia's efforts to end half a century of violence?