bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scaling of the marsupial middle ear and its functional significance
Authors: Nummela S. , Sánchez‐Villagra M. R.
Published: May 2006

The marsupial middle ear performs an anatomical impedance matching for acoustic energy travelling in air to reach the cochlea. The size of the middle ear sets constraints for the frequencies transmitted. For generalized placental mammals, it has been shown that the limit for high‐frequency hearing can be predicted on the basis of middle ear ossicle mass, provided that the ears fulfil requirements of isometry. We studied the interspecific size variation of the middle ear in 23 marsupial species, with the following measurable parameters: skull mass, condylobasal length, ossicular masses for malleus, incus and stapes, tympanic membrane area, oval window area, and lever arm lengths for malleus and incus. Our results show that the middle ear size grows with negative allometry in relation to body size and that the internal proportions of the marsupial middle ear are largely isometric. This resembles the situation in placental mammals and allows us to use their isometric middle ear model to predict the high‐frequency hearing limit for marsupials. We found that the isometry model predicts the high‐frequency hearing limit for different marsupials well, indicating that marsupials can be used as auditory models for general therian mammalian hearing. At very high frequencies, other factors, such as the inner ear, seem to constrain mammalian hearing.
Costs of reproduction in a tropical invariant‐clutch producing lizard (Carlia rubrigularis)
Authors: Goodman B. A.
Published: May 2006

Reproduction involves costs and benefits, whereby increased expenditure into current reproduction can reduce future reproductive success. Costs of reproduction, often assessed using the reduction in locomotor speed, have become well established in temperate‐zone lizard species. However, substantial differences in biotic conditions and life‐history traits between temperate‐ and tropical‐zone lizards suggest that such costs may be different or of less importance for tropical species. This study examined the effects of reproduction on locomotor speed in the tropical invariant‐clutch producing lizard Carlia rubrigularis. Counter to predictions and despite a low relative clutch mass (RCM), gravid and post‐oviposition females experienced a reduction in locomotor speed with a physiological basis that was unrelated to the level of reproductive investment. In addition, gravid and postoviposition females exhibited locomotor speeds that were inversely related to the timing of oviposition and approached the speed of non‐reproductive females after 3 weeks of oviposition. These results suggest that in addition to RCM, selection may act to reduce the period of recovery in species with extended reproductive seasons and which make numerous bouts of reproduction, such as C. rubrigularis.
Egg mass and incubation period allometry in birds and reptiles: effects of phylogeny
Authors: Deeming D. C. , Birchard G. F. , Crafer R. , Eady P. E.
Published: May 2006

Here we test the hypothesis that the relationship between egg mass at oviposition (IEM) and incubation period (Ip) is a function of the taxonomic relatedness of bird and reptile species. Allometric relationships between IEM andIpwere examined for 1525 bird species and 201 reptilian species. Treating species as independent data revealed the allometric exponent linkingIpto IEM to be 0.234 for birds and 0.138 for reptiles. However, ANCOVA revealed that within both birds and reptiles the elevation and slope of the regression lines were dependent on the taxonomic order studied, indicating that the exponents were confounded by the phylogenetic relatedness of species. Thus, allometric exponents were recalculated based on the method of comparative analysis using independent contrasts. This technique revealed that the allometric exponent in both birds and reptiles was confounded by phylogeny. In birds the allometric relationship betweenIpand IEM was almost halved to 0.122, whereas in reptiles the exponent increased to 0.185. Importantly, the results demonstrate that some results of allometric analyses can be artefacts of the method of analysis of the dataset. That for bird eggsIpis not determined in large part by egg mass allows new questions to be posed regarding the ecological and physiological factors affecting the length of incubation, and hence rates of embryonic growth, for different taxa and habitats.
Public Action, Agrarian Change and the Standard of Living of Agricultural Workers: A Study of a Village in Kerala
Authors: RAMAKUMAR R.
Published: May 2006

This article describes and analyses the ways in which public action in the State of Kerala in India helped to transform the standard of living of hired workers in agriculture. Specifically, the article analyses the extent of land and asset ownership, access to credit, access to social security schemes and food distribution systems and the conditions of housing and sanitation of households participating in agricultural wage work. The article is based as a case study of Morazha desam in the Malabar region of Kerala, which had one of the most oppressive agrarian systems in India before 1956–57. In 1955, another economist had studied Morazha desam; this study was conducted before one of the most important interventions through public action – land reform – took place in Malabar. The 1955 study had characterized the conditions of life of agricultural workers as ‘wretched in the extreme’. The present article documents the significant transformation in the quality of life that took place in Morazha after 1955, through a weakening of the factors that led to ‘wretched’ conditions of life in the earlier period. The destruction of traditional agrarian power by the state through land reform was the most critical step in this process.
Beyond Stratification: The Emerging Class Structure in Rural Russia
Authors: WEGREN STEPHEN K. , PATSIORKOVSKI VALERI V. , O’BRIEN DAVID J.
Published: May 2006

Using survey data from Russian villages, this article examines the development of a rural class structure in postcommunist Russia. It is argued that as a result of market reforms, social and economic relations have evolved beyond stratification, and that, rather, a rural class structure is emerging. Five measures of an emerging class structure are posited: income stratification, land holdings, capital stock, class consciousness, and shared attitudes and values. Focusing on upper and lower income strata, significant differences are documented for each measure. The economic and political implications of the findings are discussed.
Continuity of care for acutely unwell older adults from nursing homes
Authors: Crilly Julia , Chaboyer Wendy , Wallis Marianne
Published: May 2006

Abstract  Background:  Continuity of care (COC) for acutely unwell older adults, particularly those who are nursing home residents, who present to hospital, is complicated by the presence of co‐morbid conditions, long waiting times, both for the ambulance and in the department, and poor after‐hours general practitioner access.

Aim:  To present a critical review of the literature on COC for older adults from nursing homes who present to hospital and who are acutely unwell. The review will answer the following questions: (i) What is the contemporary meaning of the construct continuity of care? (ii) What is the relevance of continuity of care to the population of older adults who reside in nursing homes and present to hospital? and (iii) What models exist for promoting continuity of care to older adults who present to hospital?

Method:  Guided by the conceptual analysis process a database search of CINAHL and MEDLINE was carried out utilizing the search terms ‘continuity of care’, ‘older adults’, ‘nursing homes’, ‘emergency department’ and ‘acute illness’. A hand‐search of additional references was also conducted. Retrieved articles were critically reviewed if they focused on older adult patients, the acute care/community settings and COC.

Findings:  The contemporary meaning of the COC is that it incorporates care of an individual patient over time by bridging discrete elements in the care pathway. Four distinct models of COC were identified. These were Primary Health Care; General Practice and Primary Medical Care; Consumers; and Health Policy and Systems. All are based on the proviso that the individual is sufficiently independent to be able to coordinate their own care and to take overall responsibility.

Conclusions:  The connection between COC and acutely unwell older adults who present to hospital is a prolific area for further research. In particular, the effectiveness of programmes aimed at enhancing the advanced nursing practice role and the COC process for older adults, needs investigation.
Patient perspective on quality of geriatric care and rehabilitation – development and psychometric testing of a questionnaire
Authors: Wressle Ewa , Eriksson Lennart , Fahlander Amie , Rasmusson Ing‐Marie , Tedemalm Ulla , Tängmark Karin
Published: May 2006

The aim was to develop and test a questionnaire for use in telephone interviews concerning patient evaluation of geriatric care and rehabilitation. Instrument development was performed comprising qualitative interviews, construction of items, content validation, pilot study and data collection for evaluation of care and rehabilitation, clinical utility, reliability and construct validity. Qualitative interviews were performed with 12 elderly participants. The qualitative interviews formed the basis for the construction of 45 items. An expert panel performed a content validation of the questionnaire resulting in a revised version. A pilot study comprised 29 participants recently discharged from geriatric wards and the main data collection comprised 221 participants. Inclusion criteria were being able to perform a telephone interview and willingness to participate. Clinical utility was examined through questions to the interviewers, answered in writing. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.79. According to a factor analysis and the evaluation of clinical utility, the underlying dimensions of the final revised questionnaire concern ‘Respect and safety’, ‘Information and participation’ and ‘Rehabilitation interventions’, scored in 18 items. In addition, one global item concerns satisfaction with care, resulting in 19 items in total. The revised questionnaire was named PaPeR, Patient Perspective on care and Rehabilitation. The questionnaire is considered valid, reliable and judged to have good clinical utility. The time consumption for the telephone interview is about 10–20 minutes. The questionnaire is useful in defining areas for potential quality improvement in geriatric wards.
Working conditions and cultural competence when interacting with children and parents of foreign origin – Primary Child Health Nurses’ opinions
Authors: Berlin Anita , Johansson Sven‐Erik , Törnkvist Lena
Published: May 2006

Background:  Interaction with children and parents of foreign origin is an important part of Primary Child Health Care (PCHC) services. Cultural competence among Primary Child Health Nurses’ (PCHNurses’) must therefore be regarded as essential. Cultural competence has been described as a process with different steps through which an individual must proceed.

Aim:  The present study investigates PCHNurses’ opinions regarding their working conditions and cultural competence. The focus will be placed on their interaction with children and parents of foreign origin.

Methods:  A total of 270 PCHNurses working in the PCHC services in Stockholm County responded to a questionnaire (response rate 70%). The association between experiences of difficulties and nine explanatory variables were analysed with logistic regression.

Results:  Many of the PCHNurses reported inadequate working conditions and dissatisfaction with the quality of their healthcare work and said that they lacked written guidelines, support and help. A majority (84%) experienced difficulties in their interactions with children and parents of foreign origin, although to different degrees. The odds of experiencing difficulties were increased when nurses were responsible for a high proportion of children of foreign origin, when nurses had long professional experience and when they worked more than 50% on child‐health‐services assignments. Many nurses had no formal training in cultural competence and the majority felt that their formal and clinical cultural competence was insufficient.

Conclusions:  Deficiencies were found regarding the PCHNurses’ working conditions and cultural competence when interacting with children and parents of foreign origin. Improvements are needed to facilitate the nurses’ healthcare work and to enable high quality health care on equal terms for all children and parents visiting the PCHC services.
Stress, health complaints and self‐confidence: a comparison between young adult women in Sweden and USA
Authors: Hildingh Cathrine , Luepker Russell V. , Baigi Amir , Lidell Evy
Published: May 2006

Transition to adulthood is a period in life when women encounter conflicts, ambiguities and rapidly expanding roles that may be stressful and difficult to manage. The aim of this study was to compare stress in daily life, health complaints and self‐confidence in 26‐year old women in two different cultures. A health survey study was performed among Swedish women (n = 386) and American women (n = 201) living in urban areas at the West coast of Sweden and in Minnesota. Both Swedish and American women reported stress in their everyday life, with higher figures for the Americans. Overall health was rated lower by the Swedish women and they reported more health complaints such as headache, general tiredness, irritability, depression and sleeping disorders. There was a difference between groups in self‐confidence with higher figures for excellent self‐confidence among American women. However, low self‐confidence was reported by more American than Swedish women. A good work situation predicted self‐confidence in Swedish women and financial confidence in American women. Physical fitness was associated with self‐confidence in both groups. Young women in both cultures experienced high level of stress but health related complaints were more common among Swedish women. High stress and health complaints must be taken seriously and interventions to support young women in the midst of transition to adulthood should contain stress reduction as well as empowerment performed in a more effective way than today in different health care settings and at place of work.
Health‐related quality of life in Icelandic school children
Authors: Svavarsdottir Erla Kolbrun , Orlygsdottir Brynja
Published: May 2006

This study evaluated generic health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) among 10 to 12‐year‐old Icelandic school age children who were either with or without chronic health condition. The children and their parents answered self‐report questionnaires. For the 480 children who participated, girls were found to perceive their HRQOL significantly higher than the boys, children who visited the school nurse over a one‐week period and children who indicated they were bullied by other children, perceived their HRQOL to be significantly lower than children who did not visit the school nurse over this time period or children who did not indicate they were bullied by other children in school. From the stepwise regression analysis, perception of health, school connectedness, health promotion, bullying victimization, visits to the school nurse and age, significantly predicted 43.8% of the variance of the girls’ perception of their HRQOL. However, perception of health, school connectedness, and chronic health condition/illnesses, bullying victimization and after school activities predicted 48.1% of the boys’ perception of their HRQOL. Children with chronic health condition or illnesses, reported their HRQOL to be significantly lower than children without chronic health condition. Assessing HRQOL among 10 to 12‐year‐old children might be helpful to take preventive action early on in children's life and development.
Health in everyday life among spouses of haemodialysis patients: a content analysis
Authors: Ziegert Kristina , Fridlund Bengt , Lidell Evy
Published: May 2006

Despite the fact that haemodialysis requires that spouses support and assist their partner during the treatment period, little attention has been focused on their health. The aim of this study was to explore experiences of health in everyday life among spouses of haemodialysis patients. The study had an explorative and descriptive design based on content analysis. Thirteen participants were interviewed in their home without the presence of the patient. The results show that arduousness was experienced when that spouses’ everyday life was taken up by caring for the patient at the expense of his/her own health. Spouses exhibited stamina and neglected their own health when focusing on the patient and minimising their own condition. Independence in everyday life revealed that spouses who cared about themselves and looked after their own health experienced relaxation and happiness, which protected their health. Clinical interventions should include an assessment of the spouses’ health and everyday life in order to plan the care to ensure that it is directed towards increasing their independence. Instruments need to be developed that assess when and how spouses experience the greatest sense of well‐being, if they have scope for relaxation and recovery, and what type of support they require in their everyday life.
Self‐assessed quality of sleep, occupational health, working environment, illness experience and job satisfaction of female nurses working different combination of shifts
Authors: Sveinsdóttir Herdis
Published: May 2006

Aim:  The aim of this study was to describe and compare the self‐assessed quality of sleep, occupational health, working environment, illness experience and job satisfaction among female nurses working different combinations of shifts.

Background:  Evidence from several studies indicates that there is an association between the disruption of the circadian cycle caused by shift work and adverse health effects.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional design was used with a sample of 348 nurses drawn from the registry of the Icelandic Nurses’ Association, representing 17% of the workforce of Icelandic nurses. A self‐administered questionnaire, measuring occupational health, quality of sleep, the illness experience, job satisfaction and working environment was used. Data were analysed according to type of shift (days only, rotating days/evenings, rotating days/evenings/nights) by use of analysis of variance and chi‐square.

Results:  No difference was found between participants based on type of shift with regard to the illness experience, job satisfaction and quality of sleep. Nurses working rotating day/evening/night shifts reported a longer working day, more stressful environmental risk factors, more strenuous work and that they were less able to control their work‐pace. In general, the nurses reported low severity of symptoms; however, nurses working rotating days/evenings shifts experienced more severe gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal symptoms when compared with others. This was explained by the short rest period provided for between evening and morning shifts.

Conclusions:  In general Icelandic nurses are satisfied with their work and their shift assignment does not seem to pathologically disrupt their circadian cycle. Nevertheless, nursing directors are advised to look more closely at the organization of nurses’ work during night shifts, as well as the rest period for nurses changing from evening to day shifts.
Doctor and patient perceptions of the level of doctor explanation and quality of patient–doctor communication
Authors: Hagihara Akihito , Tarumi Kimio
Published: May 2006

Background:  Several measures, such as the frequency, duration and ratio of quantitative communication behaviours, have been used to evaluate patient–doctor communication; however, these measures have several major problems. Therefore, we examined whether doctors’ and patients’ perceptions of the level of doctors’ explanations provide a better measure for evaluating the quality of patient–doctor communication.

Methods:  The subjects were 630 doctor–patient pairs in Japan. One‐way anova and multiple logistic regression analysis were used for the data analysis.

Results:  Of 190 doctors and 950 patients selected randomly, 126 doctors and 630 patients returned questionnaires (response rates, both 66.3%). We found the following. (i) With respect to the sufficiency of the doctor explanation, the ‘patient‐better’ situation (i.e. when patients’ evaluations were better than doctors’ evaluations) had a more positive influence on patients’ outcome measures than did other situations. (ii) The ‘doctor better’ situation (i.e. when doctors’ evaluations were better than patients’ evaluations) had the most negative influence on patient outcome measures compared with the other situations. (iii) The length of clinical experience, patient gender and guidance concerning a change in lifestyle were predictors of the doctor‐better condition in the two types of doctor explanations.

Conclusions:  A measure that classifies patient–doctor pairs into doctor‐better and the other situations might be effective for evaluating the quality of patient–doctor communication. As this is a new approach to evaluating patient–doctor communication, more studies are necessary to verify these findings.
Sequencing primers and SNPs for rapidly evolving reproductive loci in endangered ibex and their kin (Bovidae, Capra spp.)
Authors: JORDAN STEVE , MIQUEL CHRISTIAN , TABERLET PIERRE , LUIKART GORDON
Published: May 2006

Rapidly evolving genes (e.g. candidate selected loci) are of increasing interest to molecular ecologists and conservation geneticists. Here, we report primers for five regions from three independent nuclear reproductive genes that reliably generate polymorphic sequences across the widespread wild goats of the Capra ibex species group and likely many other species of bovids. From three to nine single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in each gene region among C. ibex subspecies. Average numbers of SNPs per 1000 bp across all five gene regions was 15.0, with a high of 25.3 in the ZP3 exons 3 and 4 sequence and a low of 6.1 in the TNP1 sequence.
Polymorphic microsatellite markers for the Eucalyptus fungal pathogen Colletogloeopsis zuluensis
Authors: CORTINAS M. N. , BARNES I. , WINGFIELD B. D. , WINGFIELD M. J.
Published: May 2006

Nine polymorphic microsatellite markers for the phytopathogenic fungus Colletogloeopsis zuluensis, the causal agent of an important stem canker disease of Eucalyptus, were isolated and characterized. Two methods, random amplified microsatellite sequences (RAMS) and fast isolation by AFLP of sequences containing repeats with modifications (M‐FIASCO), were used to isolate the microsatellites. Primers for 28 prospective microsatellite regions were designed and nine of these were polymorphic for C. zuluensis. Allelic diversity ranged from 0.12 to 0.80 with a total of 37 alleles. These markers will be used in future to determine the population genetic structure of C. zuluensis isolates and to monitor their global movement.
Development of SSR markers located in the G1 linkage group of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) using a bacterial artificial chromosome library
Authors: VILANOVA S. , SORIANO J. M. , LALLI D. A. , ROMERO C. , ABBOTT A. G. , LLÁCER G. , BADENES M. L.
Published: May 2006

Sixteen simple sequence repeats (SSRs) of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) were isolated from a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library. Twelve restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) probes mapped on LG1 of the Prunus general map were hybridized to the BAC library in order to select clones belonging to G1 linkage group of apricot. Selected BACs were digested, subcloned and hybridized with probes containing repeat motifs (GA)10 and (TA)10. Sequencing of the positive subclones revealed 18 unique SSR sequences of which 16 allowed the design of primers flanking the SSR. From the 16 primer pairs, 10 amplified polymorphic markers with an average of observed and expected heterozygosities of 0.44 and 0.68, respectively. The procedure described here proves to be a useful technique for obtaining markers in target areas of a genome.
Development and characterization of microsatellite markers for a monoecious Ficus species, Ficus insipida, and cross‐species amplification among different sections of Ficus
Authors: VIGNES H. , HOSSAERT‐MCKEY M. , BEAUNE D. , FEVRE D. , ANSTETT M.‐C. , BORGES R. M. , KJELLBERG F. , CHEVALLIER M. H.
Published: May 2006

The animal‐mediated pollination and seed‐dispersal mutualisms of Ficus species give them key roles in tropical ecosystems, but may make them vulnerable to habitat fragmentation. The development of highly polymorphic markers is needed to analyse their genetic diversity and investigate the effects of fragmentation on gene flow. Of thirteen microsatellite loci isolated from Ficus insipida, a monoecious species in French Guiana, eleven were polymorphic (two to six alleles each). High levels of variation were found among loci; expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.151 to 0.715. All markers revealed a broad cross‐species affinity when tested in 23 other Ficus species.
Characterization of 16 microsatellite loci for a common coral reef fish, the fierce shrimpgoby Ctenogobiops feroculus
Authors: THOMPSON ANDREW R. , THACKER CHRISTINE E. , SHAW EMILY Y. , ROJE DAWN M.
Published: May 2006

We developed 16 pairs of primers for microsatellite loci of the fierce shrimpgoby, Ctenogobiops feroculus. Analysis of 35–40 gobies per locus from five islands in French Polynesia indicated that allele frequency varied from two to 30 per locus, while observed heterozygosity ranged between 0.05 and 0.98. These microsatellites should provide insight into patterns of dispersal and connectivity among populations of this common coral reef fish.
Temperature affects longevity and age‐related locomotor and cognitive decay in the short‐lived fish Nothobranchius furzeri
Authors: Valenzano Dario R. , Terzibasi Eva , Cattaneo Antonino , Domenici Luciano , Cellerino Alessandro
Published: May 2006

Temperature variations are known to modulate aging and life‐history traits in poikilotherms as different as worms, flies and fish. In invertebrates, temperature affects lifespan by modulating the slope of age‐dependent acceleration in death rate, which is thought to reflect the rate of age‐related damage accumulation. Here, we studied the effects of temperature on aging kinetics, aging‐related behavioural deficits, and age‐associated histological markers of senescence in the short‐lived fish Nothobranchius furzeri. This species shows a maximum captive lifespan of only 3 months, which is tied with acceleration in growth and expression of aging biomarkers. These biological peculiarities make it a very convenient animal model for testing the effects of experimental manipulations on life‐history traits in vertebrates. Here, we show that (i) lowering temperature from 25 °C to 22 °C increases both median and maximum lifespan; (ii) life extension is due to reduction in the slope of the age‐dependent acceleration in death rate; (iii) lowering temperature from 25 °C to 22 °C retards the onset of age‐related locomotor and learning deficits; and (iv) lowering temperature from 25 °C to 22 °C reduces the accumulation of the age‐related marker lipofuscin. We conclude that lowering water temperature is a simple experimental manipulation which retards the rate of age‐related damage accumulation in this short‐lived species.
Reactive oxygen species, dietary restriction and neurotrophic factors in age‐related loss of myenteric neurons
Authors: Thrasivoulou C. , Soubeyre V. , Ridha H. , Giuliani D. , Giaroni C. , Michael G. J. , Saffrey M. J. , Cowen T.
Published: May 2006

We have studied the mechanisms underlying nonpathological age‐related neuronal cell death. Fifty per cent of neurons in the rat enteric nervous system are lost between 12 and 18 months of age in ad libitum (AL) fed rats. Caloric restriction (CR) protects almost entirely against this neuron loss. Using the ROS‐sensitive dyes, dihydrorhodamine (DHR) and 2‐[6‐(4′‐hydroxy)phenoxy‐3H‐xanthen‐3‐on‐9‐yl]benzoic acid (HPF) in vitro, we show that the onset of cell death is linked with elevated intraneuronal levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Treatment with the neurotrophic factors NT3 and GDNF enhances neuronal antioxidant defence in CR rats at 12–15 months and 24 months but not in adult or aged AL‐fed animals. To examine the link between elevated ROS and neuronal cell death, we assessed apoptotic cell death following in vitro treatment with the redox‐cycling drug, menadione. Menadione fails to increase apoptosis in 6‐month neurons. However, in 12–15mAL fed rats, when age‐related cell death begins, menadione induces a 7‐ to 15‐fold increase in the proportion of apoptotic neurons. CR protects age‐matched neurons against ROS‐induced apoptosis. Treatment with neurotrophic factors, in particular GDNF, rescues neurons from menadione‐induced cell death, but only in 12–15mCR animals. We hypothesize that CR enhances antioxidant defence through neurotrophic factor signalling, thereby reducing age‐related increases in neuronal ROS levels and in ROS‐induced cell death.
RothCUK – a dynamic modelling system for estimating changes in soil C from mineral soils at 1‐km resolution in the UK
Authors: Falloon P. , Smith P. , Bradley R. I. , Milne R. , Tomlinson R. , Viner D. , Livermore M. , Brown T.
Published: May 2006

We describe the development and application of an integrated data and modelling system for estimating soil carbon (C) fluxes from mineral soils caused by changes in climate, land use and land management at 1‐km resolution in the UK (RothCUK). The system was developed with the aim of improving methods for United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Kyoto Protocol accounting and integrates national scale data sets of soil properties, land use and climate with the Rothamsted carbon model (RothC). A preliminary estimate of soil C fluxes because of land use change (LUC) over the period 1990–2000 is presented as an example application of the system. RothCUK shows LUC to be a net source of CO2 from 1990 to 2000 although the RothC estimate was smaller (6488 kt C) than the estimate from the single exponential model (SEM) method currently used to calculate C fluxes due to LUC for the UK National Greenhouse Gas Inventory (mean: 9412 kt C). Based on previous studies, an uncertainty range in our estimates of ±50–100% seems plausible. In agreement with the SEM, RothCUK suggests that the largest single contributor to soil C fluxes from LUC was conversion of grassland to arable land. Differences between the results may be attributed to differences in the two models and the assumptions and underlying data used in making the calculations. The RothCUK system provides a powerful method for estimating changes in soil C stocks, enabling areas and management systems with particularly large changes in soil C stocks to be located at fine resolution.
Some effects of tramlines on surface runoff, sediment and phosphorus mobilization on an erosion‐prone soil
Authors: Withers P. J. A. , Hodgkinson R. A. , Bates A. , Withers C. M.
Published: May 2006

Although introduced into UK farming to help ensure more even application of agrochemicals, tramlines (marked wheelways through crops) are a potential cause of surface runoff and transfer of diffuse pollutants, including sediment and phosphorus (P), into watercourses. To help quantify these potential effects, the impact of tramlines on sediment and P movement in surface runoff was assessed on an erosion‐prone sloping (5°) fine sandy soil over two successive winters. Three replicate and hydrologically isolated runoff plots measuring 15 m long and 2 m wide, and either with, or without, a tramline, were established on field demonstration areas which had received different soil (traditionally ploughed vs. reduced cultivated) and crop (early vs. late drilling) management practices. Reduced cultivation (minimum tillage) consisted of heavy discing (5–8 cm depth) instead of ploughing (20–25 cm depth). Over monitoring periods ranging up to 5 months, plots with tramlines running up and down the slope generated, on average, 46% more runoff (+1–2 mm) compared with plots without tramlines on ploughed soils. This extra runoff resulted in up to fivefold greater sediment loss (+0.4 t ha−1) and up to fourfold greater total P loss (+0.3 kg ha−1) from the plots. However, the presence of tramlines had no significant impact on runoff, or sediment and P transfers, where the soil received reduced cultivation. Plots with tramlines that were partially crop covered, or which ran across the slope rather than up and down the slope, produced the same amount of runoff, sediment and P transfer as plots without tramlines. Greatest entrainment of sediment and P in runoff occurred where tramlines coarsely indented the soil, or caused erosion rills to form. Establishing tramlines in dry soils reduced the degree of soil indentation and the risk of channelled runoff causing sediment and P entrainment. The data suggest that tramlines can be managed more sensitively on erosion vulnerable soils to help minimize the risk of sediment and P pollution of our surface waters, and various options are discussed.
Evaluation of a CAMHS in Primary Care Service for General Practice
Authors: Wiener Andrew , Rodwell Helen
Published: May 2006

Background:  Many CAMH Services have Tier 2 provision in primary care, but there has been little published evaluation. In a service aimed at general practice, this study examined: 1) the clinical activities of the primary mental health workers; 2) the effect of the service on referrals to specialist CAMHS; and 3) the utilisation and perceived usefulness of the service.

Method:  clinical activity data collection, evaluation of referral patterns, and a postal questionnaire.

Results:  Informal (unstructured) consultation‐liaison was used more than formal consultation. Referrals to specialist CAMHS increased from practices using the service. The service was perceived as helpful and accessible.

Conclusions:  The service supported primary care staff in their work with child and adolescent mental health issues. Referrals to Tier 3 may increase as a result of the service.
Is Sure Start an Effective Preventive Intervention?
Authors: Rutter Michael
Published: May 2006

Background:  Sure Start was established with the aim of eliminating child poverty and social exclusion.

Method:  The findings from the reports of the National Evaluation of Sure Start Team, published in November 2005, are reviewed and critiqued.

Results:  The family and child functioning after 3 years of Sure Start, as compared with Sure Start‐to‐be areas, showed very few significant differences, with some indication of adverse effects in the most disadvantaged families.

Conclusions:  These findings are discussed in relation to their service, research and policy implications–with the conclusion that the research evaluation was well conducted, but the findings are inconclusive. There are lessons on how to improve Sure Start and what should have been done differently.
Survey of Atypical Antipsychotic Medication Use by Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists
Authors: Sivaprasad Leela , Hassan Tariq , Handy Sumi
Published: May 2006

Background:  Atypical antipsychotics could be replacing traditional antipsychotics in the treatment of childhood disorders.

Method:  A postal survey was conducted of Child Psychiatrists in a region of the United Kingdom to evaluate their use of atypical antipsychotics for psychotic and non‐psychotic conditions.

Results:  97% of respondents reported prescribing atypical antipsychotics and at least 65% did so for non‐psychotic indications although several concerns were raised. Differences in prescribing and monitoring practices between Community and Specialist services were noted.

Conclusions:  Atypical antipsychotics appear to play a significant role in current child psychiatry practice. Further discussions and research needs to occur about their use and guidelines produced.
The Value of Peripatetic Economists: A Sesqui‐Difference Evaluation of Bob Gregory
Authors: HAMERMESH DANIEL S.
Published: May 2006

Does a country benefit from temporarily importing human capital? Do foreign academic visitors generate additional scholarly research on local issues? I use a survey in which visitors to ANU's Economics Program described their research before and after their visit and designated an otherwise similar non‐visitor as a control. Matching to controls may thus be along observable and unobservable characteristics. These visits have a highly significant impact on the visitor's subsequent research, redirecting it toward Australia. Valuing this extra research based on scholarly citations received and the effects of citations on salaries shows substantial monetary gains.
A Clinical Trial of Trimethobenzamide/Diphenhydramine Versus Sumatriptan for Acute Migraines
Authors: Friedman Benjamin W. , Hochberg Michael , Esses David , Bijur Polly E. , Corbo Jill , Paternoster Joseph , Solorzano Clemencia , Toosi Babak , Lipton Richard B. , Gallagher E. John
Published: May 2006

Background.—Although various classes of medication are used to treat acute migraine in the emergency department (ED), no treatment offers complete pain relief without side effects or recurrence of headache. Consequently, even though several antiemetic medications as well as SQ sumatriptan have demonstrated efficacy and tolerability for the ED treatment of migraine, there remains a need for more effective parenteral therapies. Open‐label studies suggest that the combination of trimethobenzamide and diphenhydramine (TMB/DPH) may provide effective relief in a high proportion of migraineurs.

Objective.—To test the hypothesis that ED patients with acute migraine, given intramuscular TMB/DPH, would have a larger reduction in their pain scores than patients given SQ sumatriptan.

Methods.—This was an ED‐based, randomized, double‐blind, “double‐dummy” clinical trial comparing 2 parenteral treatments for acute migraine headaches. Subjects received a combination of TMB 200 mg and DPH 25 mg as a single intramuscular injection or 6 mg of SQ sumatriptan. Pain scores, disability scores, associated symptoms, and adverse effects were assessed for 2 hours in the ED and by telephone 24 hours after medication administration. The primary outcome was the between‐group difference in reduction of pain intensity as measured by a validated numerical rating scale 2 hours after medication administration. This study was designed to detect superiority of TMB/DPH; therefore, a 1‐tailed t‐test was used. An interim analysis was planned to terminate the trial if predetermined endpoints in the primary outcome variable were reached.

Results.—The trial was stopped by the data monitoring committee after 40 subjects were enrolled because a substantial benefit in the primary outcome was found favoring sumatriptan. Baseline pain scores were comparable between the 2 groups. By 2 hours, sumatriptan subjects had improved by a mean of 6.1 and the TMB/DPH subjects had improved by a mean of 4.4 (95% CI for difference of 1.7: −0.1 to 3.4). By 24 hours after medication administration, sumatriptan subjects had a mean improvement from baseline of 4.9 as compared to 5.3 for TMB (95% CI for difference of −0.4: −2.4 to 1.6). The need for rescue medication was comparable between the groups. No serious or frequent adverse effects were noted in either group.

Conclusions.—SQ sumatriptan is probably superior to TMB/DPH for treating the pain of acute migraine at 2 hours. However, TMB/DPH was well‐tolerated, efficacious, and relieved pain comparably to sumatriptan at 24 hours. TMB/DPH might have a role in select populations in which sumatriptan is contraindicated or likely to be ineffective.
The Prevalence and Impact of Migraine Headache in Bipolar Disorder: Results From the Canadian Community Health Survey
Authors: McIntyre Roger S. , Konarski Jakub Z. , Wilkins Kathryn , Bouffard Beverley , Soczynska Joanna K. , Kennedy Sidney H.
Published: May 2006

Objective.—To report on the prevalence of comorbid migraine in bipolar disorder and the implications for bipolar age of onset, psychiatric comorbidity, illness course, functional outcome, and medical service utilization.

Background.—Migraine comorbidity is differentially reported in bipolar versus unipolar depressed clinical samples. The bipolar disorder‐migraine association and its consequences have been infrequently reported in epidemiological studies.

Methods.—Data for this analysis were derived from respondents (n = 36 984) to the Canadian Community Health Survey – Mental Health and Well‐Being (CCHS). Respondents reporting a lifetime WHO‐CIDI‐defined manic episode and physician‐diagnosed migraine (lifetime) were compared to respondents without migraine on sociodemography, course of illness, and medical service utilization indices.

Results.—An estimated 2.4% of the sample met criteria for bipolar disorder. Persons with bipolar disorder had a relatively higher prevalence of migraine versus the general population (24.8% vs. 10.3%;P< .05). The sex‐specific prevalence of comorbid migraine in bipolar disorder was 14.9% for males and 34.7% for females. Bipolar males with comorbid migraine were more likely to live in a low income household (P< .05); receive welfare and social assistance (P< .05); report an earlier age of onset of bipolar disorder (P< .05); and have a higher lifetime prevalence of comorbid anxiety disorders (P< .05). Bipolar males with comorbid migraine were also more likely to utilize primary (P< .05) and mental health care services (P< .05) . Bipolar females with comorbid migraine had more comorbid medical disorders (P< .05) and were more likely to require help with personal or instrumental activities of daily living when compared to bipolar females without migraine.

Conclusion.—Bipolar disorder with comorbid migraine is prevalent and associated with greater dysfunction and medical service utilization, notable in males. Opportunistic screening and surveillance for bipolar and comorbid migraine is warranted.
Tremor in Patients With Migraine
Authors: Duval Christian , Norton Loretta
Published: May 2006

Background.—It has been suggested that patients with migraine are at a higher risk of developing essential tremor (ET). In addition, it was shown that patients with migraine are at higher risk of subclinical vascular infarcts in the cerebellum, a structure believed to be implicated in ET.

Objective.—Determine whether patients with migraine who do not show clinically detectable ET have subtle alteration in their physiological tremor characteristics that may serve as a predictor for the eventual appearance of ET.

Methods.—The physiological tremor of 30 patients with migraine (25 women, mean age: 41 ± 8 years) was examined using a laser displacement sensor. Tremor was recorded in 5 conditions: hand‐rest, hand‐postural, finger‐rest, finger‐postural, and finger‐loading (70 g). We also recorded tremor in healthy controls who never experienced migraine. Amplitude, median power frequency, power dispersion (width of a frequency band containing 68% of the power), and power distribution within 3 predetermined frequency bands of interest (3.5 to 7.5, 7.5 to 12.5, and 16 to 30 Hz) were assessed in each condition.

Results.—All tremor characteristics described above were very similar between the migraine group and controls. These results were supported by the lack of correlation between tremor characteristics and the number of years of experiencing migraine (ranging from 3 to 41 years; mean: 20 ± 10). Patients with aura (N = 21) had tremor characteristics similar to that of patients without aura (N = 9) and controls.

Conclusion.—These results suggest that, if a link exists between migraine and ET, the latter might be the result of an “acute event” (eg, stroke) rather than a progressive alteration of tremorogenic mechanisms.
Calcitonin Gene‐Related Peptide (CGRP) and Migraine
Authors: Durham Paul L.
Published: May 2006

The neuropeptide calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) has long been postulated to play an integral role in the pathophysiology of migraine. While clinical findings are consistent with such a role, the specific pathogenic mechanisms of CGRP in migraine have remained speculative until recently. Through advances in molecular neuroscience, the pathogenic mechanisms of CGRP in migraine have begun to be elucidated. This paper discusses the hypothesized role of CGRP in migraine and reviews recent findings on the molecular mechanisms of this neuropeptide in migraine pathophysiology. Studies in cultured trigeminal neurons demonstrate that CGRP is released from trigeminal ganglia cells, that CGRP transcription is increased under conditions mimicking neurogenic inflammation, that migraine pharmacotherapies can both reduce CGRP release and inhibit CGRP transcription, and that tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), an endogenous inflammatory mediator implicated in migraine, can stimulate CGRP transcription. Together, the results suggest that, in migraine, activation of trigeminal nerves release CGRP and other peptides that cause the release of proinflammatory mediators. These mediators further increase CGRP synthesis and release over hours to days in correspondence with the 4‐ to 72‐hour duration of a typical migraine episode. The increased CGRP synthesis and release might be mediated by activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathways, which, in turn, can be modulated by endogenous inflammatory substances such as TNF‐α and affected by drugs such as sumatriptan.
Cerebrospinal Profiling of Proteins, Lipids, Small Molecules, and Elements: Application to the Study of Migraine Pathophysiology
Authors: Harrington Michael G.
Published: May 2006

Background and objectives.—The fundamental reason that the migraine phenotype is experienced by sufferers and not by the more fortunate populace is not known. We believe a common biochemical pathway is involved, and are attempting to reveal this by using an objective and broad survey of molecular composition, rather than the conventional hypothesis‐driven approaches that are narrowly focused and subjective.

Methods.—This article discusses the application of CSF bioanalysis in a clinical sample and summarizes preliminary findings, which are described more fully in papers currently in press.

Results.—In migraineurs during a migraine attack, compared with a migraine‐free period, changes have been documented in the concentrations of specific proteins, lipids, small molecules, and elements in the CSF. The degree to which these changes are specific to migraine remains to be determined.

Conclusions.—As the CSF profiles for proteins, lipids, small molecules, and elements become better delineated in both healthy individuals and in disease states such as migraine, measurement of changes in CSF composition will provide the potential for improving diagnosis, correlating molecular events with symptoms, developing new therapeutic strategies, and enhancing the ability to monitor the results of therapy.