bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The First Cytogenetic Map of the Tuatara, Sphenodon punctatus
Authors: O’Meally D. , Miller H. , Patel H.R. , Marshall Graves J.A. , Ezaz T.
Published: April 2010

Tuatara, Sphenodon punctatus, is the last survivor of the distinctive reptilian order Rhynchocephalia and is a species of extraordinary zoological interest, yet only recently have genomic analyses been undertaken. The karyotype consists of 28 macrochromosomes and 8 microchromosomes. A Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC) library constructed for this species has allowed the first characterization of the tuatara genome. Sequence analysis of 11 fully sequenced BAC clones (∼0.03% coverage) increased the estimate of genome wide GC composition to 47.8%, the highest reported for any vertebrate. Our physical mapping data demonstrate discrete accumulation of repetitive elements in large blocks on some chromosomes, particularly the microchromosomes. We suggest that the large size of the genome (5.0 pg/haploid) is due to the accumulation of repetitive sequences. The microchromosomes of tuatara are rich in repetitive sequences, and the observation of one animal that lacked a microchromosome pair suggests that at least this microchromosome is unnecessary for survival. We used BACs bearing orthologues of known genes to construct a low-coverage cytogenetic map containing 21 markers. We identified a region on chromosome 4 of tuatara that shares homology with 7 Mb of chicken chromosome 2, and therefore the orthologous region of the snake Z chromosome. We identified a region on tuatara chromosome 3 that is orthologous to the chicken Z, and a region on chromosome 9 orthologous to the mammalian X. Since the tuatara determines sex by temperature and has no sex chromosomes, this implies that different tuatara autosome regions are homologous with the sex chromosomes of mammals, birds and snakes. We have identified anchor BAC clones that can be used to reliably mark chromosomes 3–7, 10 and 13, some of which are difficult to distinguish based on morphology alone. Fluorescence in situ hybridization mapping of 18S rDNA confirms the presence of a single NOR located on the long arm of chromosome 7, as previously identified by silver staining. Further work to construct a dense physical map will lead to a better understanding of the dynamics of genome evolution and organization in this isolated species.
The Angiotensinogen AGT p.M235T Gene Polymorphism May Be Responsible for the Development of Severe Anaphylactic Reactions to Insect Venom Allergens
Authors: Niedoszytko Marek , Ratajska Magdalena , Chełmińska Marta , Makowiecki Michał , Malek Ewelina , Siemińska Alicja , Limon Janusz , Jassem Ewa
Published: April 2010

Background: Insect venom allergy (IVA) is present in 1–3% of the population. A group of patients with high specific IgE do not react to stings. In contrast, a proportion of patients with IVA have low specific IgE levels. These findings indicate that factors other than specific IgE may also be involved in IVA. Dysfunction of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been described as a potential factor in IVA. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of angiotensin AGT p.M235T and angiotensin-converting enzyme ACE I/D, I/I, D/D gene polymorphisms in patients with IVA and to relate the presence of these gene variants to the course of IVA and the safety of treatment. Methods: A total of 107 patients with IVA and 113 controls were studied. AGT p.M235T and ACE (ID, I/I, D/D) gene polymorphisms were examined, and angiotensin I levels were measured by immunoassay. Results: The frequency of the AGT MM M235T variant was significantly higher in IVA patients (29.9%) than in controls (17%, p = 0.02). The presence of the MM M235T genotype increased the risk of grade IV reactions (odds ratio = 2.5 and 95% confidence interval 1.04–6.08). There were no differences in the prevalence of the ACE I/D polymorphism and angiotensin I levels between control groups and patients with different grades of anaphylactic reactions or patients with side effects of venom immunotherapy. Conclusion: The AGT M235T MM variant may be responsible for severe anaphylactic reactions to insect venom allergens in some patients.
Prevalence of Anemia and Its Impact on Mortality and Hospitalization Rate in Predialysis Patients
Authors: Voormolen N. , Grootendorst D.C. , Urlings T.A.J. , Boeschoten E.W. , Sijpkens Y.W. , Huisman R.M. , Krediet R.T. , Dekker F.W.
Published: April 2010

Background/Aim: Anemia is associated with increased mortality and morbidity in both early and very late stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of this study was to assess whether anemia is a risk factor for mortality or hospitalization in CKD stage 4–5 predialysis patients not yet on dialysis. Methods: Incident predialysis patients were included between 1999 and 2001 and followed until January 2008 or death. Anemia was defined as mean hemoglobin (Hb) ≤11 g/dl in the 3 months before the start of predialysis. Associations were assessed by Cox regression, linear and logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 472 patients were included (median follow-up time 12 months, 11% died, 79% started dialysis). Mean Hb was 11.2 g/dl (minimum 7.6, maximum 16.9). Forty-eight percent of patients had anemia at the start of predialysis care. The adjusted mortality risk (hazard ratio, 95% confidence interval) for anemic compared to nonanemic patients was 1.92 (1.04, 3.52). Anemia tended to be related to all-cause but not to non-dialysis-related hospitalization risk. Conclusion: At the start of predialysis care, 48% of patients had anemia. Anemia as defined in guideline targets is not associated with an increase in hospitalizations not related to renal replacement therapy, but is likely an important risk factor for mortality in predialysis patients.
Improving the Clinical Value of Estimating Glomerular Filtration Rate by Reporting All Values: A Contrarian Viewpoint
Authors: Toffaletti John G.
Published: April 2010

The serious limitations of the estimating glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) appear related not to a shortcoming of the equation, but to the futility of trying to force agreement between two inherently different parameters: a blood marker of kidney function with a very stable concentration (creatinine) and a renal filtration parameter that fluctuates continually (glomerular filtration rate, GFR). Although GFR is regarded as the ultimate determinant of kidney function, it may be less ideal as an early clinical marker to detect declining kidney function. Another shortcoming of GFR is that it has significant overlap between health and kidney disease states categorized according to stage I, II, etc. Serum creatinine has a real and measurable increase as kidney function declines, but this is often masked when creatinine is plotted on a scale of 1.0 mg/dl (88 µmol/l), which is well above the detection limit of modern creatinine methods of about 0.05 mg/dl. A new equation to estimate GFR, the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) creatinine equation, modestly improves accuracy from 80.6% of the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease eGFRs being within 30% of the measured GFR, to 84.1% of the CKD-EPI eGFRs being within 30% of the measured GFR. Creatinine methods have recently been standardized to an isotope dilution mass stectrometry reference method. While this will lessen the systematic bias between methods, it will have no effect on either the imprecision of a particular creatinine method or on the inherent random differences between serum creatinine (or eGFR) and actual GFR. Finally, the eGFR is not recommended for reporting until it is well below a reference range for those with no kidney disease. However, if the eGFR were properly regarded as an age-, gender-, and race-adjusted serum creatinine, it could be reported at all values and become a more clinically useful parameter.
Decreases in Parathyroid Gland Volume after Cinacalcet Treatment in Hemodialysis Patients with Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Ichii Mitsuru , Ishimura Eiji , Okuno Senji , Chou Hidenori , Kato Yoko , Tsuboniwa Naoki , Nagasue Kyoko , Maekawa Kiyoshi , Yamakawa Tomoyuki , Inaba Masaaki , Nishizawa Yoshiki
Published: April 2010

Background/Aim: Cinacalcet, an allosteric modulator of the calcium-sensing receptor, effectively reduces serum parathyroid hormone (PTH). It was examined whether a regression of parathyroid glands in hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism was induced by cinacalcet treatment. Methods: Ultrasonography of the parathyroid glands was performed to examine the changes in the parathyroid gland volumes after cinacalcet treatment in 58 patients. Results: After cinacalcet treatment, serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, and intact PTH significantly decreased (p < 0.0001). The total volumes of the parathyroid glands were significantly decreased 6 months after cinacalcet treatment (942 ± 747 vs. 708 ± 550 mm3, p < 0.0005). There was a significant positive correlation between the parathyroid gland volumes at the start of cinacalcet treatment and the volume reduction in parathyroid glands (r = 0.716, p < 0.0001). Of the 58 patients, the total parathyroid gland volume was decreased in 42 patients and increased in 16 although the doses of cinacalcet, phosphate binders or vitamin D were not significantly different. In both groups, the intact PTH serum levels were significantly decreased after cinacalcet treatment. Conclusion: Cinacalcet treatment in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism significantly reduced the total parathyroid gland volume in a short 6-month period. This study suggests that cinacalcet treatment may postpone parathyroidectomy and/or reduce cases.
Frequency of Renal Disease in Japan: An Analysis of 2,404 Renal Biopsies at a Single Center
Authors: Moriyama Takahito , Suzuki Keiko , Sugiura Hidekazu , Itabashi Mitsuyo , Tsukada Misao , Takei Takashi , Koike Minako , Uchida Keiko , Horita Shigeru , Taneda Sekiko , Honda Kazuho , Nitta Kosaku
Published: April 2010

Background: Evaluating the frequency of renal disease according to sex, age, time period and ethnicity is of considerable importance. Methods: Disease frequency was evaluated in a total of 2,404 cases that had undergone a renal biopsy at Tokyo Women’s Medical University between 1979 and 2008. Results: The overall frequencies of primary glomerulonephritis (GN) and secondary GN were 77.8 and 14.4%, respectively. Primary GN and nephrosclerosis occurred more frequently among men, while secondary GN was more frequent among women. Primary GN decreased and secondary GN increased with advancing age. Immunoglobulin A nephropathy was the most common form of primary GN during each time period and also gradually increased over time (44.4–57.4%). The most common form of secondary GN was lupus nephritis (59.0%); this disease was commonly observed in women (79.3%) but not as frequently among men (27.9%). Our data regarding the frequencies of each form of primary GN were almost the same as data from other regions of Japan and East Asia but were quite different from data originating in West Asia and South America. Conclusions: Our epidemiological results may be useful for analyzing the morbidity of renal disease.
Is Heroin-Assisted Treatment Effective for Patients with No Previous Maintenance Treatment? Results from a German Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Haasen C. , Verthein U. , Eiroa-Orosa F.J. , Schäfer I. , Reimer J.
Published: April 2010

Background/Aims: Until now, the medical prescription of diamorphine (heroin) has been suggested as suitable for patients who have failed previous maintenance treatments. The aim of this paper is to assess the effects of diamorphine on opioid-dependent patients with no previous maintenance treatment experience (NPME). Methods: The German heroin trial compared diamorphine versus methadone maintenance treatment and included 107 patients with NPME. This paper is a sub-analysis of these patients. Results: When comparing this subsample with the rest of the participants in the study, large baseline differences were found, showing a more severe drug use profile in patients with NPME. However, no differences were found in terms of treatment outcome and treatment retention. In the subsample with NPME, outcome measures on the reduction of illicit drug use were significantly better under diamorphine compared to methadone treatment, while there was no difference in health outcomes. Conclusion: Controlled studies are now necessary to examine whether diamorphine treatment could be considered as one of several options in treating severely opioid-dependent patients, regardless of previous maintenance treatment experience.
Long-Term Follow-Up of Orally Administered Diacetylmorphine Substitution Treatment
Authors: Frick Ulrich , Rehm Jürgen , Zullino Daniele , Fernando Manrique , Wiesbeck Gerhard , Ammann Jeannine , Uchtenhagen Ambros
Published: April 2010

Background: To assess the long-term course of the feasibility and safety of orally administered heroin [diacetylmorphine (DAM)] tablets in substitution treatment of severely addicted opioid users. Design: Open-label, prospective cohort study with 2 non-randomly assigned treatment arms: DAM tablets only (n = 128) or DAM tablets combined with injected DAM and/or other opioids (n = 237). The average duration of the observation period was 62 months. Study endpoints were the time to discharge from treatment and the number of serious adverse events. Results: Both patient groups had a higher than 70% retention rate after the first 48 months of treatment, with similar long-term retention rates (after 8 years both groups had retention over 50%). The physician-verified rate of serious adverse events was 0.01 events per application year among the exclusively oral substitution group (intention-to-treat analysis) during the last year of observation, and 0.005 events per application year in the other group. Conclusions: Because of their feasibility and safety over years, DAM tablets may be a valuable long-term therapeutic alternative.
Link between Pericardial Effusion and Attenuation of QRS Voltage in Patients with Hypothyroidism
Authors: Yamanaka Shigeo , Kumon Yoshitaka , Matsumura Yoshihisa , Kamioka Mikio , Takeuchi Hiroaki , Sugiura Tetsuro
Published: April 2010

Objectives: To determine the clinical correlates of peri- cardial effusion (PE) and a low-voltage electrocardiogram (ECG) in patients with primary hypothyroidism. Methods: ECG, echocardiography and blood tests, including thyroid function tests, were performed in 64 consecutive patients with primary hypothyroidism. Results: Twenty-four patients (38%) had PE and 16 patients (25%) had low voltage. To determine the important variables present in patients with hypothyroidism that may be related to PE, 3 variables (free T4, pulmonary artery systolic pressure and serum albumin) were used in the multivariate analysis. From the analysis, free T4 (odds ratio = 0.032) and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (odds ratio = 1.085) emerged as significant variables related to PE, whereas when 4 variables (free T4, serum albumin, pulmonary artery systolic pressure and PE) were used to determine the important variables related to low voltage, free T4 (odds ratio = 0.029) and serum albumin (odds ratio = 0.255) were the significant variables, but PE had no significant relation with low voltage (p = 0.424). Conclusions: In addition to its association with more severe thyroid hormone deficiency, the presence of PE was also associated with an increase in pulmonary artery pressure, whereas attenuation of QRS voltage was associated with lower colloid osmotic pressure in patients with hypothyroidism.
Vitamin D, Surface Electromyography and Physical Function in Uraemic Patients
Authors: Heaf J.G. , Molsted S. , Harrison A.P. , Eiken P. , Prescott L. , Eidemak I.
Published: April 2010

Background: Muscle function is impaired in uraemic patients and several causes have been proposed. Deficiency of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), which affects muscle function in non-uraemic patients, may very well also be associated with the myopathy found in these patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between 25-OHD and muscle function as well as physical function in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 21 adult patients with CKD stage 3–5 and 21 patients treated with PD were included. Standard biochemistry parameters were measured including 25-OHD, 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25-OHD) and parathyroid hormone analysis. Muscle function was determined by 30-second surface electromyography (sEMG) recordings of a right thigh muscle (vastus lateralis) and a second left finger muscle (second dorsal interosseous) under voluntary contractions. Physical function was determined using a 30-second Chair Stand Test and the Short Form 36 quality of life questionnaire. Clinical characteristics were collected from the patient records. Results: Moderate vitamin 25-OHD deficiency (<40 nmol/l) was measured in 52% of patients with CKD and in 71% of the patients on PD. Severe deficiency (<15 nmol/l) was measured in 14% of patients on PD. There were no significant differences between the CKD and PD patients in terms of sEMG results. 25-OHD was not correlated to any results from the tests of sEMG or physical function. However, a higher sEMG frequency and signal root mean square (RMS) were positively associated with a higher Chair Stand Test score. Time to maximum sEMG frequency was negatively correlated to the Chair Stand Test score (p < 0.05), and positively correlated to the level of comorbidity (p < 0.05). sEMG signal peak-peak amplitude, frequency and RMS were positively correlated to the quality of life scales Physical Function, Role Physical, General Health, Vitality, Social Function, Mental Health, and Physical Component Scale (p < 0.001). Conclusions: 25-OHD deficiency was prevalent in uraemic patients in the present study. Muscle function as determined using sEMG and the Chair Stand Test was not associated with 25-OHD. The results may be biased by the limited variation in 25-OHD and masked by effects of several other variables in this very sick population.
The Putative Role of Human Peritoneal Adipocytes in the Fight against Bacteria: Synthesis of the Antimicrobial Active Peptide DEFA1–3
Authors: Paslakis Georgios , Keuneke Christian , Groene Hermann-Josef , Schroppel Bernd , Schmid Holger , Schloendorff Detlef
Published: April 2010

Background: Spontaneous peritonitis is a rather rare event, even in peritoneal dialysis (PD). As defensins are natural antimicrobial peptides, we hypothesized that adipocytes as the major constituents of the omentum could play an important role in protecting against infection by generating defensin (DEFA1–3). Methods: We isolated adipocytes from the omentum majus and conducted qualitative and quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemical analyses. Results: For the first time described, we were able to detect DEFA1–3 mRNA in highly purified isolated omental adipocytes. The expression of DEFA1–3 in adipocytes was confirmed on the protein level by immunohistochemistry. Conclusion: Our report of DEFA1–3 expression by human omental adipocytes adds to the role of adipocytes in the primary defense against bacterial infection. This may include PD, where the presence of the catheter as a foreign body and the nonphysiological dialysis solution may require constant defense measures to prevent peritonitis, a hypothesis that will require further testing.
Six-Year Stability of Affective Temperaments as Measured by TEMPS-A
Authors: Kawamura Yoshiya , Akiyama Tsuyoshi , Shimada Takafumi , Minato Takanobu , Umekage Tadashi , Noda Yoshihiro , Ukawa Ko , Hashidume Chikara , Sakai Yoshie , Otowa Takeshi , Sasaki Tsukasa , Akiskal Hagop S.
Published: April 2010

Background: A number of psychopathological and neurobiological studies on affective temperament have been conducted based on the assumption that temperament is a stable trait. However, few studies have actually assessed the long-term stability of affective temperament. The objective of this study is to evaluate the 6-year stability of affective temperaments as measured by the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego – Autoquestionnaire version (TEMPS-A) in a non-clinical adult population. Sampling and Methods: Study participants consisted of 178 Japanese white-collar workers (103 males and 75 females; mean age = 38.5 years, SD = 7.8) who completed the Japanese version of TEMPS-A twice over a 6-year interval, and who did not have either past or current DSM-IV affective, anxiety or psychotic disorders, as diagnosed with the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview. The long-term stability of affective temperaments as measured by TEMPS-A was assessed by analyzing Pearson correlation coefficients for temperament scores over a 6-year period. Results: Temperament scores were moderately to highly correlated over the 6-year period (depressive temperament, r = 0.59; cyclothymic temperament, r = 0.68; hyperthymic temperament, r = 0.82; irritable temperament, r = 0.66; anxious temperament, r = 0.74; p < 0.01 for all values). Pearson coefficients were in the range of 0.61–0.83 for males and 0.51–0.79 for females, while they were 0.56–0.85 for younger and 0.63–0.77 for older participants. All correlations were significant at p < 0.01, irrespective of temperament type, gender and age. Conclusions: Affective temperaments as measured by TEMPS-A exhibited good long-term stability and were robust, irrespective of temperament type, gender and age. Affective temperaments as measured by TEMPS-A may be considered to be stable traits, providing a sound basis for psychopathological and neurobiological studies. Limitations of this study include the fact that our sample was not drawn from the general community, it was entirely composed of Japanese participants and the size was not large.
Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome Type 1 in Russian Patients: Clinical Variants and Autoimmune Regulator Mutations
Authors: Orlova Elizaveta M. , Bukina Anna M. , Kuznetsova Elvira S. , Kareva Maria A. , Zakharova Ekaterina U. , Peterkova Valentina A. , Dedov Ivan I.
Published: April 2010

Background: Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 (APS-1) (OMIM 240300) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder associated with three major manifestations: chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, hypoparathyroidism, and adrenal insufficiency. There are, however, multiple minor components of APS-1 that induce significant phenotype variability. Subsequently, the diagnosis of APS-1 during early stages is often challenging. Aim: We aimed to provide clinical and mutational data for a large number of APS-1 patients in the Russian population. Methods: We analyzed clinical variations and component prevalence in APS-1 patients. DNA screening for autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene mutations was performed in established APS-1 patients and in patients with the single components of chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, hypoparathyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, or alopecia. Results: We identified 46 patients from 42 families with APS-1. Eighteen different components were present in the patients, including very rare conditions – bone dysplasia and retinitis pigmentosa. We identified 10 different mutations, 3 of which were novel (M1T, E298K, c1053_1060del). The common Finnish mutation, R257X, was the most frequent in our population, present in 64/92 (70%) of the alleles. Conclusion: We found that the R257X AIRE mutation is common in Russian APS-1 patients. The majority of children with hypoparathyroidism and chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis were carriers of the AIRE mutations.
Cost-Effectiveness of Posaconazole Compared with Standard Azole Therapy for Prevention of Invasive Fungal Infections in Patients at High Risk in Switzerland
Authors: Greiner Roger-Axel , Meier Yvonne , Papadopoulos George , O’Sullivan Amy K. , Imhof Alexander
Published: April 2010

Objective: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of posaconazole versus standard azoles in the prevention of invasive fungal infection (IFI) in high-risk patients, using a pharmacoeconomic model that was adapted to a Swiss setting. Methods: Decision tree models based on the results of two registration trials and subsequent Markov models over patient lifetimes were developed for patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) with neutropenia and for hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Results: By reducing IFIs in AML/MDS patients with posaconazole prophylaxis, the contained IFI-related treatment costs more than compensated for the incremental cost of posaconazole, resulting in savings of CHF 1,118 per patient. Lifetime posaconazole prophylaxis resulted in a benefit of 0.16 life years saved per patient compared with fluconazole/itraconazole. In patients with GVHD, posaconazole prophylaxis prevented 0.04 IFIs, resulting in incremental costs of CHF 7,040 per patient. Lifetime posaconazole prophylaxis resulted in a benefit of 0.15 life years saved per patient, with an incremental cost-effectiveness rate of CHF 48,324 per life year saved. Conclusions: Given the conditions of the Swiss setting, posaconazole can be considered a cost-effective early treatment strategy that increases survival in patients at risk for IFI and may have a substantial benefit for the economic burden of IFI.
Voice Function and Voice-Related Quality of Life in the Elderly
Authors: Schneider Sophie , Plank Christoph , Eysholdt Ulrich , Schützenberger Anne , Rosanowski Frank
Published: April 2010

Background: Many studies have referred to the effects of age on voice and the consequences of these changes. However, only little is known about the adverse effects of voice changes on quality of life in the elderly. Objective: This study focuses on self-perception of voice in seniors as assessed by the Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL) questionnaire, on voice quality as measured by the Dysphonia Severity Index (DSI) and on the correlation between these parameters. Methods: V-RQOL and DSI were measured as previously described in 107 non-treatment-seeking test persons without voice complaints (76 women and 31 men; mean age 78.7 ± 6.8 years, range 66–94 years). Results: The mean V-RQOL value was 94.4 ± 9.8%. The mean value of the DSI in all participants was 1.2 ± 2.4. There was no significant correlation between the V-RQOL and DSI, either in women (p = 0.11), men (p = 0.58) or the whole study group (p = 0.26). Conclusion: Both the V-RQOL questionnaire and the DSI may be applied to seniors. As self-perception of voice and voice function do not correlate, both parameters have to be measured for voice assessment.
Effects of Novelty on Event-Related Potentials: Aging and Stimulus Replacement
Authors: Pató Lívia , Czigler István
Published: April 2010

Background: Irrelevant unexpected stimuli elicit various types of inhibitory processes modulated by ongoing activity. An index of the inhibitory processes, namely the N2b and P3a event-related potentials (ERP), shows marked age-related differences. Objective: In this experiment, we attempted to separate the effects of inhibitory and working memory processes in older and younger participants on cognitive processes, and we investigated the effect of irrelevant events at different stages of task-related cognitive processes. Methods: In a successive letter-matching task, either the first or the second member of letter pairs were infrequently replaced by a novel stimulus in 2 age groups while ERPs were recorded. Results: Novel stimuli had different effects on ERP in the 2 age groups. In the group of young participants, novel stimuli replacing the first member of the letter pair elicited a long-lasting anterior negative ERP component. In the older group, such stimuli elicited the N2b-P3a complex. In the case of novelties replacing the second member of the pair, the N2b-P3a complex emerged in both groups. Task-relevant letters in both groups elicited the P3b (late positive component). P3b had more a diffuse scalp distribution in the older group. Conclusion: In the different stages of the letter-matching task, ERPs elicited by novel stimuli differed only qualitatively in the older group, whereas in the younger group we obtained differences in the characteristics of the ERPs. The long-lasting anterior negativity in the younger group is considered a correlate of inhibitory activity towards the subsequent events initiated by the central executive system. This process is compromised in the older age group.
The Economy of Undocumented Migration: Taxation and Access to Welfare
Authors: Tjernberg Mats
Published: April 2010

A strict division between the formal economy and the informal economy cannot be made and every economic actor has in certain situations a propensity to engage in informal economic activities. The formal, as well as informal economy may lead to economic growth which is essential for a broad welfare policy, under which social benefits are categorized. A person’s economic contribution to a state should entail some possibility of getting economic and social benefits from it. The article shows that a person, who is liable to tax in a state, by staying in its territory, should not be excluded from the social welfare system. There is often a lack of congruence between tax liability and right to residence-based social benefits. A typical example is that of undocumented migrants. Welfare policy is to a large extent governed by a mix of rules linked to taxation, social contributions and social benefits. It could be expected that the policy be well devised, leading to well-coordinated systems. European states having a social policy with roots in a Beveridge model (such as Sweden), should be obliged to integrate undocumented migrants in their social benefit system. Regardless of any declared income they should be part of basic social benefits scheme by virtue of territoriality alone.
Discourse or Merely Noise? Regarding the Disagreement on Undocumented Migrants
Authors: Selberg Niklas , Gunneflo Markus
Published: April 2010

Drawing on Jacques Rancière’s theorising of the political, this article analyses the disagreement on undocumented migrants in recent legislation in Sweden and within the European Union as well as in Swedish labour union practice. Both the consensus understanding of the issue of undocumented migrants and the materialisation of dissensus through the political activities of undocumented migrants are studied. The aims of the article are: firstly, to show that undocumented migrants in Sweden engage in a political struggle that is not recognised as such, to analyse the structure or conditions of possibility of this non-recognition, and finally, to analyse the ways in which these conditions might be undone through the political activities of undocumented migrants. The theoretical claim is that the issue of undocumented migrants involves intimately core aspects of both politics and law and that the struggle of undocumented migrants is a process in which our understanding of political and legal subjectivity is called into question. In conclusion we reflect on the question of political change against the background of the theoretical and empirical findings of the analysis.
The Employment Contract Revisited. Undocumented Migrant Workers and the Intersection between International Standards, Immigration Policy and Employment Law
Authors: Inghammar Andreas
Published: April 2010

This article considers recent legal developments on undocumented migrant workers, finds the acceptance of international legal standards unsatisfactory and argues that the private law rights derived from the “semi-legal” employment contract between the employer and the undocumented migrant worker generates a solid base for significant legal claims. It further monitors the promotion of the position of the undocumented migrant workers under recent EU law and calls for a refocusing on the employment contract in the reading of a relevant EC Directive, with a particular emphasis on the issue of access to justice for the migrant workers. The increased number of undocumented migrants who leave their countries of origin for reasons outside the scope of the asylum procedure, as well as the circumstances under which this migration is undertaken and the working conditions of these individuals in the host countries, have brought about legal activities from governments and institutions such as the EU. The aim has in general been to establish sanctions against employers of undocumented migrant workers, but a shift towards a compensatory, employee protective, attitude has recently emerged, both in EU legislation and in a broader perspective in US case law. The article concludes that such a development must be massively supported in relation to access to justice in order to fulfill the ambition. The poor legal position of the undocumented migrant workers is significantly connected to issues of legal representation, trade union participation and the threat of repatriation.
Humanitarian Bottom League? Sweden and the Right to Health for Undocumented Migrants
Authors: Alexander Shannon
Published: April 2010

ICESCR article 12 generously grants “everyone” the right to the highest attainable standard of mental and physical health. Ironically, “everyone” is reduced to “most” when held up to scrutiny, but certainly includes migrants. Migrants are entitled to the full realization of the right to health regardless of their legal or immigration status. This realization is threatened as States restrict health care, via legal and financial means, in order to punish undocumented migrants and deter migration. One such State is Sweden where the recent “Law Concerning Health Care for Asylum Seekers and Others” caused one progressive Parliamentarian to lament that its restrictive policies regarding health care and undocumented migrants would put Sweden in the “humanitarian bottom league”. Indeed, Swedish legislation, practice and policy are generally inconsistent with its international human rights obligations towards undocumented migrants, asylum seekers and refugees and their right to health. Undocumented migrants are entitled to unsubsidized health care only in immediate and emergency situations. Care is difficult to access and prohibitively expensive in many cases. Asylum seekers and failed asylum seekers who are not in hiding are only entitled to subsidized maternity care, care that cannot wait or emergency care. Moreover, a lack of cultural competence amongst caretakers may have a detrimental impact on the quality of care given to these migrants. Consequently, Swedish practice and policy are often at odds with its international human rights law obligations. This threatens to relegate a State that has always been considered a member of the “humanitarian major league” to a one that wallows in the “humanitarian bottom league”.
Why Human Rights Fail to Protect Undocumented Migrants
Authors: Noll Gregor
Published: April 2010

In this article, I depart from the factual difficulties of undocumented migrants to access a state’s protection mechanisms for avowedly universal human rights. I relate this aporia to two competing conceptions of territorial jurisdictions. Drawing on the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Migrant Workers Convention, I separate the sphere of the political community (the polis) and that of the house-hold (the oikos) in developing a political theory of undocumented migration. It rests two central tenets: one is a tributary transaction between sending state and host state, in the course of which the undocumented migrant worker is offered without conditions attaching, yet with the hope of remittances flowing in return. This offering relates to the oikos, which makes available a limited degree of protection under labour law. The second is a contractual form of submission by the undocumented migrant worker, which is structurally analogous to the master-slave relationship developed in Hobbes’ defense of war slavery. This is related to the polis, which denies all meaningful political activity to the undocumented migrant (as reflected in the denied right to found labour unions). Finally, drawing on Werner Hamacher’s work, I analyse how human rights are intrinsically related to a position of privacy, which escalates into a form of isolation under the structures producing undocumented migrants.
Tracking and Mean Structure of Easterly Waves over the Intra-Americas Sea
Authors: Serra Yolande L. , Kiladis George N. , Hodges Kevin I.
Published: April 2010

Easterly waves (EWs) are prominent features of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), found in both the Atlantic and Pacific during the Northern Hemisphere summer and fall, where they commonly serve as precursors to hurricanes over both basins. A large proportion of Atlantic EWs are known to form over Africa, but the origin of EWs over the Caribbean and east Pacific in particular has not been established in detail. In this study reanalyses are used to examine the coherence of the large-scale wave signatures and to obtain track statistics and energy conversion terms for EWs across this region. Regression analysis demonstrates that some EW kinematic structures readily propagate between the Atlantic and east Pacific, with the highest correlations observed across Costa Rica and Panama. Track statistics are consistent with this analysis and suggest that some individual waves are maintained as they pass from the Atlantic into the east Pacific, whereas others are generated locally in the Caribbean and east Pacific. Vortex anomalies associated with the waves are observed on the leeward side of the Sierra Madre, propagating northwestward along the coast, consistent with previous modeling studies of the interactions between zonal flow and EWs with model topography similar to the Sierra Madre. An energetics analysis additionally indicates that the Caribbean low-level jet and its extension into the east Pacific—known as the Papagayo jet—are a source of energy for EWs in the region. Two case studies support these statistics, as well as demonstrate the modulation of EW track and storm development location by the MJO.
Separating the Dynamical Effects of Climate Change and Ozone Depletion. Part I: Southern Hemisphere Stratosphere
Authors: McLandress Charles , Jonsson Andreas I. , Plummer David A. , Reader M. Catherine , Scinocca John F. , Shepherd Theodore G.
Published: April 2010

A version of the Canadian Middle Atmosphere Model that is coupled to an ocean is used to investigate the separate effects of climate change and ozone depletion on the dynamics of the Southern Hemisphere (SH) stratosphere. This is achieved by performing three sets of simulations extending from 1960 to 2099: 1) greenhouse gases (GHGs) fixed at 1960 levels and ozone depleting substances (ODSs) varying in time, 2) ODSs fixed at 1960 levels and GHGs varying in time, and 3) both GHGs and ODSs varying in time. The response of various dynamical quantities to the GHG and ODS forcings is shown to be additive; that is, trends computed from the sum of the first two simulations are equal to trends from the third. Additivity is shown to hold for the zonal mean zonal wind and temperature, the mass flux into and out of the stratosphere, and the latitudinally averaged wave drag in SH spring and summer, as well as for final warming dates. Ozone depletion and recovery causes seasonal changes in lower-stratosphere mass flux, with reduced polar downwelling in the past followed by increased downwelling in the future in SH spring, and the reverse in SH summer. These seasonal changes are attributed to changes in wave drag caused by ozone-induced changes in the zonal mean zonal winds. Climate change, on the other hand, causes a steady decrease in wave drag during SH spring, which delays the breakdown of the vortex, resulting in increased wave drag in summer.
Role of Parameterized Eddies in the Energy Budget of the Global Thermohaline Circulation: Cabbeling versus Restratification
Authors: Urakawa L. Shogo , Hasumi Hiroyasu
Published: April 2010

The gravitational potential energy (GPE) budget of the global thermohaline circulation is investigated with a non-eddy-resolving model under a realistic configuration. The model incorporates parameterizations for mesoscale eddies and an equation of state that takes pressure dependency of density into account. Both vertical mixing and energy conversion from kinetic energy equally supply the GPE to the ocean, and its total amount is about 680 GW. Earlier studies point out that most of the GPE supplied by vertical mixing and energy conversion from kinetic energy is consumed by the cabbeling effect associated with the diabatic diffusion process. However, this study reveals that over 60% of the supplied GPE is adiabatically converted to eddy kinetic energy by the layer thickness diffusion and undergoes viscous dissipation, which is not resolved in the low-resolution model used here. Although the cabbeling effect on the GPE budget reduces in the presence of parameterizations of mesoscale eddies, its contribution is not necessarily negligible.
A New Parameterization for Entrainment in Overflows
Authors: Cenedese Claudia , Adduce Claudia
Published: April 2010

Dense overflows entrain surrounding waters at specific locations, for example, sills and constrictions, but also along the descent over the continental slope. The amount of entrainment dictates the final properties of these overflows, and thus is of fundamental importance to the understanding of the formation of deep water masses. Even when resolving the overflows, coarse resolution global circulation and climate models cannot resolve the entrainment processes that are often parameterized. A new empirical parameterization is suggested, obtained using an oceanic and laboratory dataset, which includes two novel aspects. First, the parameterization depends on both the Froude number (Fr) and Reynolds number of the flow. Second, it takes into account subcritical (Fr < 1) entrainment. A weak, but nonzero, entrainment can change the final density and, consequently, the depth and location of important water masses in the open ocean. This is especially true when the dense current follows a long path over the slope in a subcritical regime, as observed in the southern Greenland Deep Western Boundary Current. A streamtube model employing this new parameterization gives results that are more consistent with previous laboratory and oceanographic observations than when a classical parameterization is used. Finally, the new parameterization predictions compare favorably to recent oceanographic measurements of entrainment and turbulent diapycnal mixing rates, using scaling arguments to relate the entrainment ratio to diapycnal diffusivities.
Some Statistics for Assessing Person-Fit Based on Continuous-Response Models
Authors: Ferrando Pere Joan
Published: April 2010

This article proposes several statistics for assessing individual fit based on two unidimensional models for continuous responses: linear factor analysis and Samejima’s continuous response model. Both models are approached using a common framework based on underlying response variables and are formulated at the individual level as fixed regression models. From this formulation, different global statistics, and statistics at the individual-item-score level are developed, extended, or adapted. These statistics are intended to be used mainly as detection tools, and for obtaining clues about the possible causes of the detected misfit. The behavior of the global statistics is assessed by means of simulation studies. The use of all the proposed statistics as well as their interpretation and limitations is illustrated with an empirical example in the personality domain.
On the methodology of drug trials in migraine with aura
Authors: Hauge Anne Werner , Hougaard Anders , Olesen Jes
Published: April 2010

Introduction: Specific problems occur in clinical treatment trials for migraine with aura that differ from those encountered in treatment trials for migraine without aura.

Discussion: Based on our experience with four such trials, we point to a number of possible solutions and outline areas for future inquiry. We make recommendations about subject selection; the choice, definition and assessment of outcome measures; optimal treatments in relation to aura and headache; and we provide samples of study report forms used to record occurrence of aura and headache in this population.
Biomechanical Comparisons of Knee Stability After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Between 2 Clinically Available Transtibial Procedures
Authors: Kondo Eiji , Merican Azhar M. , Yasuda Kazunori , Amis Andrew A.
Published: April 2010

Background: Several trials have compared the clinical results between anatomic double-bundle and single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction procedures. However, it remains controversial whether the anatomic double-bundle procedure is superior to the single-bundle procedure.

Hypothesis: The anatomic double-bundle procedure will be better than the single-bundle procedure at resisting anterior laxity, internal rotation laxity, and pivot-shift instability.

Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.

Methods: Eight cadaveric knees were tested in a 6 degrees of freedom rig using the following loading conditions: 90-N anterior tibialforce, 5-N·m internal and external tibial torques, and a simulated pivot-shift test. Tibiofemoral kinematics during the flexion-extension cycle were recorded with an optical tracking system for (1) intact, (2) anterior cruciate ligament–deficient knee, (3) anatomic double-bundle reconstruction, and (4) single-bundle reconstruction placed at 11 o’clock in the intercondylar notch.

Results: There were significant reductions of anterior laxity of 3.5 mm at 20° of flexion, internal rotational laxity of 2.5° at 20° of flexion, and anterior translations (2 mm) and internal rotations (5°) in the simulated pivot-shift test in the double-bundle reconstruction com-pared with the single-bundle reconstruction. There were no significant differences between the 2 procedures for external rotation laxity.

Conclusion: The postoperative anterior translation and internal rotation stability after anatomic double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction were significantly better than after single-bundle reconstruction, in both static tests and the pivot shift.

Clinical Relevance: Unlike previous laboratory studies, this work used clinical arthroscopic methods for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, and found that the anatomic reconstruction was superior to a single graft placed at 11 o’clock.
Canine Sniffs and Policing the Drug War
Authors: Frantzen Durant
Published: April 2010

The war on drugs has resulted in numerous policing reforms, partly a function of policy established through the court system. In Illinois v. Caballes (2005), the Supreme Court held that a canine sniff of a vehicle’s exterior is not a ‘‘search,’’ but acknowledged that a prolonged detention could result in a Fourth Amendment violation. This study examines the universe of federal appellate court decisions involving canine sniffs postdating the Caballes decision—a period spanning more than 4 years. Results show that court decisions have largely focused on motorist stops, while only a minority of cases has involved canine sniffs of residences. Additionally, courts have usually held that a canine sniff occurring during a prolonged vehicle stop is not an unreasonable seizure. However, in limited contexts police questioning and the extent of the roadside detention can result in a Fourth Amendment violation. Although one’s home is generally afforded the highest level of constitutional protection, appellate courts have ruled that canine sniffs of residences are less intrusive than technologically assisted searches. On the whole, findings reveal an overall suppression rate of 10%. Policy implications surrounding the use of canines in vehicle stops and residential searches are addressed.