bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wind speed climatology and trends for Australia, 1975–2006: Capturing the stilling phenomenon and comparison with near‐surface reanalysis output
Authors: McVicar Tim R. , Van Niel Thomas G. , Li Ling Tao , Roderick Michael L. , Rayner David P. , Ricciardulli Lucrezia , Donohue Randall J.
Published: October 2008

Near‐surface wind speeds (u) measured by terrestrial anemometers show declines (a ‘stilling’) at a range of mid‐latitude sites, but two gridded u datasets (a NCEP/NCAR reanalysis output and a surface‐pressure‐based u model) have not reproduced the stilling observed at Australian stations. We developed Australia‐wide 0.01° resolution daily u grids by interpolating measurements from an expanded anemometer network for 1975–2006. These new grids represented the magnitude and spatial‐variability of observed u trends, whereas grids from reanalysis systems (NCEP/NCAR, NCEP/DOE and ERA40) essentially did not, even when minimising the sea‐breeze impact. For these new grids, the Australian‐averaged u trend for 1975–2006 was −0.009 m s−1 a−1 (agreeing with earlier site‐based studies) with stilling over 88% of the land‐surface. This new dataset can be used in numerous environmental applications, including benchmarking general circulation models to improve the representation of key parameters that govern u estimation. The methodology implemented here can be applied globally.
Sensible heat measurements indicating depth and magnitude of subsurface soil water evaporation
Authors: Heitman J. L. , Xiao X. , Horton R. , Sauer T. J.
Published: October 2008

Most measurement approaches for determining evaporation assume that the latent heat flux originates from the soil surface. Here, a new method is described for determining in situ soil water evaporation dynamics from fine‐scale measurements of soil temperature and thermal properties with heat pulse sensors. A sensible heat balance is computed using soil heat flux density at two depths and change in sensible heat storage in between; the sensible heat balance residual is attributed to latent heat from evaporation of soil water. Comparisons between near‐surface soil heat flux density and Bowen ratio energy balance measurements suggest that evaporation originates below the soil surface several days after rainfall. The sensible heat balance accounts for this evaporation dynamic in millimeter‐scale depth increments within the soil. Comparisons of sensible heat balance daily evaporation estimates to Bowen ratio and mass balance estimates indicate strong agreement (r2 = 0.96, root‐mean‐square error = 0.20 mm). Potential applications of this technique include location of the depth and magnitude of subsurface evaporation fluxes and estimation of stage 2–3 daily evaporation without requirements for large fetch. These applications represent new contributions to vadose zone hydrology.
A comparison of homologous recombination rates in bacteria and archaea
Authors: Vos Michiel , Didelot Xavier
Published: October 2008

It is a standard practice to test for the signature of homologous recombination in studies examining the genetic diversity of bacterial populations. Although it has emerged that homologous recombination rates can vary widely between species, comparing the results from different studies is made difficult by the diversity of estimation methods used. Here, Multi Locus Sequence Typing (MLST) datasets from a wide variety of bacteria and archaea are analyzed using the ClonalFrame method. This enables a direct comparison between species and allows for a first exploration of the question whether phylogeny or ecology is the primary determinant of homologous recombination rate.
The Auger spectroscopy of pyrimidine and halogen-substituted pyrimidines
Authors: Storchi L. , Tarantelli F. , Veronesi S. , Bolognesi P. , Fainelli E. , Avaldi L.
Published: October 2008

The C 1s and N 1s Auger spectra of pyrimidine, 2-chloropyrimidine, and 5-bromopyrimidine have been measured in an electron impact experiment at 1000 eV. In the case of the halogen-substituted pyrimidines, also the Cl 2p and Br 3d Auger spectra have been recorded. We have thoroughly analyzed and interpreted all the Auger spectra recorded here with the aid of accurate Green’s function calculations with a large basis set. The spectra are extremely complex with thousands of states contributing and almost no single-state feature even near the double ionization threshold. Besides reproducing and explaining with great detail nearly all the main spectral features observed, the calculations have successfully unraveled the interplay among the different C 1s core hole chemical shifts in each molecule and how this affects some fingerprinting details in the composite C 1s Auger spectra.
A unified theory of dipolophoresis for nanoparticles
Authors: Miloh Touvia
Published: October 2008

General mobility relations are derived for the translation and rotation of submicrometer-size freely suspended conducting (ideally polarizable) particles of arbitrary shape under dc or ac spatially nonuniform electric forcing. Both linear electrophoretic effects for an initially charged colloid and nonlinear induced-charge electrophoresis of an uncharged particle are considered within the same framework. A concise derivation of the total loads (electrostatic and hydrodynamic) exerted on a single colloid are obtained by integrating the Maxwell, shear and normal (relating to the unsteady Stokes equation) stresses over the particle. These newly derived expressions for the force and torque exerted on a nanoparticle, which is subject to any electric field, are given for an arbitrary Debye thickness and thus open the road to studying nonlinear phoretic motions on the nanoscale.
Formation and decomposition of AlH3 in the aluminum-hydrogen system
Authors: Saitoh H. , Machida A. , Katayama Y. , Aoki K.
Published: October 2008

The pressure-temperature diagram of hydrogen-aluminum system was determined for a pressure range of 0–10GPa and a temperature range of 27–800°C by in situ x-ray diffraction measurements. Pristine aluminum was hydrogenated to trihydride at 8.9GPa and 600°C. The cyclic formation and decomposition of the hydride resulted in lowering of the hydrogenation conditions down to 4.9GPa and 330°C. Transparent single crystals were recovered at ambient conditions.
Addiction and Substance Abuse in Anesthesiology
Authors: Bryson Ethan O. , Silverstein Jeffrey H. , Warner David S. , Warner Mark A.
Published: October 2008

Despite substantial advances in our understanding of addiction and the technology and therapeutic approaches used to fight this disease, addiction still remains a major issue in the anesthesia workplace, and outcomes have not appreciably changed. Although alcoholism and other forms of impairment, such as addiction to other substances and mental illness, impact anesthesiologists at rates similar to those in other professions, as recently as 2005, the drug of choice for anesthesiologists entering treatment was still an opioid. There exists a considerable association between chemical dependence and other psychopathology, and successful treatment for addiction is less likely when comorbid psychopathology is not treated. Individuals under evaluation or treatment for substance abuse should have an evaluation with subsequent management of comorbid psychiatric conditions. Participation in self-help groups is still considered a vital component in the therapy of the impaired physician, along with regular monitoring if the anesthesiologist wishes to attempt reentry into clinical practice.
Xenon and Sevoflurane Protect against Brain Injury in a Neonatal Asphyxia Model
Authors: Luo Yan , Ma Daqing , Ieong Edmund , Sanders Robert D. , Yu Buwei , Hossain Mahmuda , Maze Mervyn
Published: October 2008

Background

Perinatal hypoxia-ischemia causes significant morbidity and mortality. Xenon and sevoflurane may be used as inhalational analgesics for labor. Therefore, the authors investigated the potential application of these agents independently and in combination to attenuate perinatal injury.

Methods

Oxygen-glucose deprivation injury was induced in pure neuronal or neuronal-glial cocultures 24 h after preconditioning with xenon and/or sevoflurane. Cell death was assessed by lactate dehydrogenase release or staining with annexin V-propidium iodide. The mediating role of phosphoinositide-3-kinase signaling in putative protection was assessed using wortmannin, its cognate antagonist. In separate in vivo experiments, perinatal asphyxia was induced 4 hours after preconditioning with analgesic doses alone and in combination; infarct size was assessed 7 days later, and neuromotor function was evaluated at 30 days in separate cohorts. The role of phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein in the preconditioning was assessed by immunoblotting.

Results

Both anesthetics preconditioned against oxygen-glucose deprivation in vitro alone and in combination. The combination increased cellular viability via phosphoinositide-3- kinase signaling. In in vivo studies, xenon (75%) and sevoflurane (1.5%) alone as well as in combination (20% xenon and 0.75% sevoflurane) reduced infarct size in a model of neonatal asphyxia. Preconditioning with xenon and the combination of xenon and sevoflurane resulted in long-term functional neuroprotection associated with enhanced phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein signaling.

Conclusions

Preconditioning with xenon and sevoflurane provided long-lasting neuroprotection in a perinatal hypoxic-ischemic model and may represent a viable method to preempt neuronal injury after an unpredictable asphyxial event in the perinatal period.
Poor Agreement between Respiratory Variations in Pulse Oximetry Photoplethysmographic Waveform Amplitude and Pulse Pressure in Intensive Care Unit Patients
Authors: Landsverk Svein Aslak , Hoiseth Lars O. , Kvandal Per , Hisdal Jonny , Skare Oivind , Kirkeboen Knut A.
Published: October 2008

Background

To identify fluid responsiveness, a correlation between respiratory variations in pulse pressure (DeltaPP) and respiratory variations in pulse oximetry photoplethysmographic waveform amplitude (DeltaPOP) in mechanically ventilated patients has been demonstrated. To evaluate the agreement between the two methods, knowledge about the repeatability of the methods is imperative. However, no such data exist. Based on knowledge of slow oscillation in skin blood flow, the authors hypothesized that the variability of DeltaPOP would be larger than that of DeltaPP when calculations were performed continuously over a long recording period.

Methods

Respiration, continuous invasive blood pressure, pulse oximetry, and skin microcirculation were recorded in 14 mechanically ventilated intensive care unit patients. No intravenous fluid challenges were given, and no other interventions were performed during the measurements. Seventy consecutive comparisons between DeltaPP and DeltaPOP were calculated for each of the 14 patients.

Results

For all patients, DeltaPOP was 13.7 +/- 5.8% and DeltaPP was 5.8 +/- 2.6% (P < 0.001). There was a larger intraindividual (8.94 vs. 1.29; P < 0.001) and interindividual (26.01 vs. 5.57; P < 0.001) variance of DeltaPOP than of DeltaPP. In six patients, there was no significant correlation between DeltaPP and DeltaPOP. A Bland-Altman plot showed poor agreement between the two methods.

Conclusion

A large variability of DeltaPOP and a poor agreement between DeltaPP and DeltaPOP limits DeltaPOP as a tool for evaluation of fluid responsiveness in intensive care unit patients. This is in contrast to DeltaPP, which shows a small variability.
Comparison between Bispectral Index and Patient State Index as Measures of the Electroencephalographic Effects of Sevoflurane
Authors: Soehle Martin , Ellerkmann Richard K. , Grube Matthias , Kuech Matthias , Wirz Stefan , Hoeft Andreas , Bruhn Joergen
Published: October 2008

Background

The Bispectral Index (BIS) and the Patient State Index (PSI) quantify depth of anesthesia by analyzing the electroencephalogram. The authors examined the response of BIS and PSI to sevoflurane anesthesia.

Methods

In 22 patients, sevoflurane anesthesia was induced by inhalation with a tight-fitting facemask and was maintained via a laryngeal mask. Sevoflurane concentrations were increased until burst suppression occurred and subsequently decreased until BIS recovered to values above 60. This procedure was repeated twice until patients underwent intubation for subsequent surgery. End-tidal sevoflurane concentrations, BIS, and PSI were recorded simultaneously. The performance of PSI and BIS to predict the estimated sevoflurane effect site concentration, as derived from simultaneous pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modeling, was compared by determination coefficients (rho(2)) and prediction probabilities (P(K)).

Results

A significant (P < 0.001) correlation between BIS and PSI was found (r(2) = 0.75), and a close sigmoid relation between sevoflurane effect site concentration and both BIS (rho(2) = 0.84 +/- 0.09) and PSI (rho(2) = 0.85 +/- 0.15) was observed. The maximum sevoflurane electroencephalographic effect resulted in PSI values (1.3 +/- 4.3) that were significantly (P = 0.019) lower than BIS values (7.9 +/- 12.1), and the effect site efflux constant k(e0) was significantly smaller (P = 0.001) for PSI (0.13 +/- 0.08 min(-1)) than for BIS (0.24 +/- 0.15 min(-1)). The probability of BIS (P(K) = 0.80 +/- 0.11) to predict sevoflurane effect site concentration did not differ (P = 0.76) from that of PSI (P(K) = 0.79 +/- 0.09).

Conclusions

The BIS reacted faster to changes in sevoflurane concentrations, whereas the PSI made better use of the predefined index range. However, despite major differences in their algorithms and minor differences in their dose-response relations, both PSI and BIS predicted depth of sevoflurane anesthesia equally well.
Drag force acting on a neuromast in the fish lateral line trunk canal. I. Numerical modelling of external–internal flow coupling
Authors: Barbier Charlotte , Humphrey Joseph A.C.
Published: October 2008

Fishes use a complex, multi-branched, mechanoreceptive organ called the lateral line to detect the motion of water in their immediate surroundings. This study is concerned with a subset of that organ referred to as the lateral line trunk canal (LLTC). The LLTC consists of a long tube no more than a few millimetres in diameter embedded immediately under the skin of the fish on each side of its body. In most fishes, pore-like openings are regularly distributed along the LLTC, and a minute sensor enveloped in a gelatinous cupula, referred to as a neuromast, is located between each pair of pores. Drag forces resulting from fluid motions induced inside the LLTC by pressure fluctuations in the external flow stimulate the neuromasts. This study, Part I of a two-part sequence, investigates the motion-sensing characteristics of the LLTC and how it may be used by fishes to detect wakes. To this end, an idealized geometrical/dynamical situation is examined that retains the essential problem physics. A two-level numerical model is developed that couples the vortical flow outside the LLTC to the flow stimulating the neuromasts within it. First, using a Navier–Stokes solver, we calculate the unsteady flow past an elongated rectangular prism and a fish downstream of it, with both objects moving at the same speed. By construction, the prism generates a clean, periodic vortex street in its wake. Then, also using the Navier–Stokes solver, the pressure field associated with this external flow is used to calculate the unsteady flow inside the LLTC of the fish, which creates the drag forces acting on the neuromast cupula. Although idealized, this external–internal coupled flow model allows an investigation of the filtering properties and performance characteristics of the LLTC for a range of frequencies of biological interest. The results obtained here and in Part II show that the LLTC acts as a low-pass filter, preferentially damping high-frequency pressure gradient oscillations, and hence high-frequency accelerations, associated with the external flow.
Decomposing health: tolerance and resistance to parasites in animals
Authors: Råberg Lars , Graham Andrea L , Read Andrew F
Published: October 2008

Plant biologists have long recognized that host defence against parasites and pathogens can be divided into two conceptually different components: the ability to limit parasite burden (resistance) and the ability to limit the harm caused by a given burden (tolerance). Together these two components determine how well a host is protected against the effects of parasitism. This distinction is useful because it recognizes that hosts that are best at controlling parasite burdens are not necessarily the healthiest. Moreover, resistance and tolerance can be expected to have different effects on the epidemiology of infectious diseases and host–parasite coevolution. However, studies of defence in animals have to date focused on resistance, whereas the possibility of tolerance and its implications have been largely overlooked. The aim of our review is to (i) describe the statistical framework for analysis of tolerance developed in plant science and how this can be applied to animals, (ii) review evidence of genetic and environmental variation for tolerance in animals, and studies indicating which mechanisms could contribute to this variation, and (iii) outline avenues for future research on this topic.
Rice dwarf virus is engulfed into and released via vesicular compartments in cultured insect vector cells
Authors: Wei Taiyun , Hibino Hiroyuki , Omura Toshihiro
Published: October 2008

Vector insect cells infected with Rice dwarf virus had vesicular compartments containing viral particles located adjacent to the viroplasm when examined by transmission electron and confocal microscopy. Such compartments were often at the periphery of infected cells. Inhibitors of vesicular transport, brefeldin A and monensin, and an inhibitor of myosin motor activity, butanedione monoxime, abolished the formation of such vesicles and prevented the release of viral particles from infected cells without significant effects on virus multiplication. Furthermore, the actin-depolymerizing drug, cytochalasin D, inhibited the formation of actin filaments without significantly interfering with formation of vesicular compartments and the release of viruses from treated cells. These results together revealed intracellular vesicular compartments as a mode for viral transport in and release from insect vector cells infected with a plant-infecting reovirus.
The essential and non-essential genes of Bovine herpesvirus 1
Authors: Robinson Karl E. , Meers Joanne , Gravel Jennifer L. , McCarthy Fiona M. , Mahony Timothy J.
Published: October 2008

Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) is an economically important pathogen of cattle associated with respiratory and reproductive disease. To further develop BoHV-1 as a vaccine vector, a study was conducted to identify the essential and non-essential genes required for in vitro viability. Random-insertion mutagenesis utilizing a Tn5 transposition system and targeted gene deletion were employed to construct gene disruption and gene deletion libraries, respectively, of an infectious clone of BoHV-1. Transposon insertion position and confirmation of gene deletion were determined by direct sequencing. The essential or non-essential requirement of either transposed or deleted open reading frames (ORFs) was assessed by transfection of respective BoHV-1 DNA into host cells. Of the 73 recognized ORFs encoded by the BoHV-1 genome, 33 were determined to be essential and 36 to be non-essential for virus viability in cell culture; determining the requirement of the two dual copy ORFs was inconclusive. The majority of ORFs were shown to conform to the in vitro requirements of BoHV-1 homologues encoded by human herpesvirus 1 (HHV-1). However, ORFs encoding glycoprotein K (UL53), regulatory, membrane, tegument and capsid proteins (UL54, UL49.5, UL49, UL35, UL20, UL16 and UL7) were shown to differ in requirement when compared to HHV-1-encoded homologues.
Experimental study of European bat lyssavirus type-2 infection in Daubenton's bats (Myotis daubentonii)
Authors: Johnson Nicholas , Vos Ad , Neubert Larissa , Freuling Conrad , Mansfield Karen L. , Kaipf Ingrid , Denzinger Annette , Hicks Dan , Núñez Alex , Franka Richard , Rupprecht Charles E. , Müller Thomas , Fooks Anthony R.
Published: October 2008

European bat lyssavirus type 2 (EBLV-2) can be transmitted from Daubenton's bats to humans and cause rabies. EBLV-2 has been repeatedly isolated from Daubenton's bats in the UK but appears to be present at a low level within the native bat population. This has prompted us to investigate the disease in its natural host under experimental conditions, to assess its virulence, dissemination and likely means of transmission between insectivorous bats. With the exception of direct intracranial inoculation, only one of seven Daubenton's bats inoculated by subdermal inoculation became infected with EBLV-2. Both intramuscular and intranasal inoculation failed to infect the bats. No animal inoculated with EBLV-2 seroconverted during the study period. During infection, virus excretion in saliva (both viral RNA and live virus) was confirmed up to 3 days before the development of rabies. Disease was manifested as a gradual loss of weight prior to the development of paralysis and then death. The highest levels of virus were measured in the brain, with much lower levels of viral genomic RNA detected in the tongue, salivary glands, kidney, lung and heart. These observations are similar to those made in naturally infected Daubenton's bats and this is the first documented report of isolation of EBLV-2 in bat saliva. We conclude that EBLV-2 is most likely transmitted in saliva by a shallow bite.
An avian live attenuated master backbone for potential use in epidemic and pandemic influenza vaccines
Authors: Hickman Danielle , Hossain Md Jaber , Song Haichen , Araya Yonas , Solórzano Alicia , Perez Daniel R.
Published: October 2008

The unprecedented emergence in Asia of multiple avian influenza virus (AIV) subtypes with a broad host range poses a major challenge in the design of vaccination strategies that are both effective and available in a timely manner. The present study focused on the protective effects of a genetically modified AIV as a source for the preparation of vaccines for epidemic and pandemic influenza. It has previously been demonstrated that a live attenuated AIV based on the internal backbone of influenza A/Guinea fowl/Hong Kong/WF10/99 (H9N2), called WF10att, is effective at protecting poultry species against low- and high-pathogenicity influenza strains. More importantly, this live attenuated virus provided effective protection when administered in ovo. In order to characterize the WF10att backbone further for use in epidemic and pandemic influenza vaccines, this study evaluated its protective effects in mice. Intranasal inoculation of modified attenuated viruses in mice provided adequate protective immunity against homologous lethal challenges with both the wild-type influenza A/WSN/33 (H1N1) and A/Vietnam/1203/04 (H5N1) viruses. Adequate heterotypic immunity was also observed in mice vaccinated with modified attenuated viruses carrying H7N2 surface proteins. The results presented in this report suggest that the internal genes of a genetically modified AIV confer similar protection in a mouse model and thus could be used as a master donor strain for the generation of live attenuated vaccines for epidemic and pandemic influenza.
Effects of inducing or inhibiting apoptosis on Sindbis virus replication in mosquito cells
Authors: Wang Hua , Blair Carol D. , Olson Ken E. , Clem Rollie J.
Published: October 2008

Sindbis virus (SINV) is a mosquito-borne virus in the genus Alphavirus, family Togaviridae. Like most alphaviruses, SINVs exhibit lytic infection (apoptosis) in many mammalian cell types, but are generally thought to cause persistent infection with only moderate cytopathic effects in mosquito cells. However, there have been several reports of apoptotic-like cell death in mosquitoes infected with alphaviruses or flaviviruses. Given that apoptosis has been shown to be an antiviral response in other systems, we have constructed recombinant SINVs that express either pro-apoptotic or anti-apoptotic genes in order to test the effects of inducing or inhibiting apoptosis on SINV replication in mosquito cells. Recombinant SINVs expressing the pro-apoptotic genes reaper (rpr) from Drosophila or michelob_x (mx) from Aedes aegypti caused extensive apoptosis in cells from the mosquito cell line C6/36, thus changing the normal persistent infection observed with SINV to a lytic infection. Although the infected cells underwent apoptosis, high levels of virus replication were still observed during the initial infection. However, virus production subsequently decreased compared with persistently infected cells, which continued to produce high levels of virus over the next several days. Infection of C6/36 cells with SINV expressing the baculovirus caspase inhibitor P35 inhibited actinomycin D-induced caspase activity and protected infected cells from actinomycin D-induced apoptosis, but had no observable effect on virus replication. This study is the first to test directly whether inducing or inhibiting apoptosis affects arbovirus replication in mosquito cells.
Aberrant expression and demethylation of γ‐synuclein in colorectal cancer, correlated with progression of the disease
Authors: Ye Qing , Zheng Min‐Hua , Cai Qu , Feng Bo , Chen Xue‐Hua , Yu Bei‐Qin , Gao Ya‐Bo , Ji Jun , Lu Ai‐Guo , Li Jian‐Wen , Wang Ming‐Liang , Liu Bing‐Ya
Published: October 2008

Recent evidence suggests that γ‐synuclein is abnormally expressed in a high percentage of tumor tissues of diversified cancer types, but rarely expressed in tumor‐matched non‐neoplastic adjacent tissues (NNAT). The molecular mechanism of CpG island demethylation may underlie aberrant γ‐synuclein expression. To fully understand the roles of aberrant γ‐synuclein expression and demethylation in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC), we examined the expression and methylation status of γ‐synuclein in 67 CRC samples, 30 NNAT samples, and five CRC cell lines as well. By using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), western blot, and immunohistochemistry analyses, γ‐synuclein expression was detected in both HT‐29 and HCT116 cells, and was much higher in CRC samples than in NNAT samples (P < 0.05). The demethylating agent, 5‐aza‐2¢‐deoxycytidine, can induce re‐expression of γ‐synuclein in COLO205, LoVo, and SW480 cells. Unmethylated γ‐synuclein alleles were detected in HT‐29, HCT116, and LoVo cells by nested methylation‐specific PCR, and the demethylated status of γ‐synuclein was much higher in CRC samples than in NNAT samples by real‐time quantitative methylation‐specific PCR (P < 0.05). The results of genomic bisulfite DNA sequencing further confirmed that the aberrant γ‐synuclein expression in CRC was primarily attributed to the demethylation of CpG island. The protein expression and demethylation status of γ‐synuclein in 67 CRC samples correlated with clinical stage, lymph node involvement, and distant metastasis. These findings suggest an involvement of aberrant γ‐synuclein expression and demethylation in progression of CRC, especially in advanced stages. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 1924–1932)
On the analysis of non‐linear allometries
Authors: KNELL ROBERT J.
Published: October 2008

Abstract 1. Non‐linear allometries are those where a log–log scatterplot of trait size against body size deviates from simple linearity. These are found in many insects, including the horns of beetles, the forceps of earwigs, and the heads of certain castes of ant.

2. Non‐linear allometries are often associated with polyphenism that is itself related to behaviour: for example, the alternative mating tactics displayed by many species of beetle are widely associated with dimorphisms in horn size.

3. This paper critically reviews the current techniques used to analyse these datasets.

4. Recommendations include the use of scatterplots and assessment of the goodness of fit of simple linear models as an initial screen for non‐linear allometry. The use of recently developed algorithms for ‘segmented' regression to analyse continuous allometric relationships, and a pragmatic approach to the analysis of discontinuous relationships that recognises that there is no simple way to distinguish between morphs in some cases, and that all of the proposed methods for doing so have some drawbacks.

5. Worked examples of the analysis of two sets of data from animals that have been the subject of controversy regarding the nature of their allometric relationships are given: further worked examples are provided as online Supporting Information.
SYNCHROTRON‐BASED ANGIOGRAPHY FOR INVESTIGATION OF THE REGULATION OF VASOMOTOR FUNCTION IN THE MICROCIRCULATION IN VIVO
Authors: Shirai Mikiyasu , Schwenke Daryl O , Eppel Gabriela A , Evans Roger G , Edgley Amanda J , Tsuchimochi Hirotsugu , Umetani Keiji , Pearson James T
Published: October 2008

Real‐time imaging of the vascular networks of any organ system in vivo is possible with synchrotron radiation (SR) angiography. In this review, we discuss the advantages of SR angiography over clinical X‐ray imaging and other non‐ionizing imaging modalities. Current limitations are also described.

The usefulness of dual‐energy and temporal subtraction approaches to K‐edge iodine imaging are compared.

High‐resolution images of the microcirculation in small animals are now being collected routinely by multiple research groups through public access research programmes at synchrotrons worldwide. Such images are permitting unrivalled insights into vasomotor regulation deep within intact organ systems, such as the brain, kidney, lung and heart. For example, recent observations indicate changes in vascular control mechanisms in pulmonary hypertension that are specific to certain branching segments of the pulmonary circulation.

New possibilities for non‐iodinated contrast agents in SR angiography are briefly described.

High‐resolution angiography in vivo using SR will now allow us to identify vessels with localized or non‐uniform vasoconstriction in states such as diabetes or to characterize the extent of endothelial dysfunction in the circulation following hypertension or ischaemic–reperfusion injury. In the near future, this research is expected to reveal the contribution of resistance vessel dysfunction to diverse pathophysiological states, such as stroke, hypertension and ischaemic heart disease.
International Accompaniment and Witnessing State Violence in the Philippines
Authors: Pratt Geraldine ,   Philippines–Canada Task Force on Human Rights
Published: October 2008

Abstract:  This paper is an examination of a fact‐finding mission by Canadian grassroots organizations to the Philippines in November 2006, focused on investigating the large number of extra‐judicial killings that have occurred since 2001. The mission accompanied KARAPATAN, a Philippines‐based human rights organization, with hopes that their international status would allow KARAPATAN access to militarized regions otherwise inaccessible to them, and that the international attention brought by Canadians would protect them from military violence. The paper tackles the ethics, politics and potentials of such international human rights solidarity, and both explores and unsettles conventional concerns about the power dynamics of international solidarity by considering the complexity of the positionings of the Canadian observers. These positionings both reproduce and disrupt static stable geographies of the global North/South. In Central Luzon, for instance, the politics and ethics of their status as outsiders was a persistent issue. In Southern Tagalog, however, the Canadian observers could not quite keep their distance, found that they were not as firmly located in their Canadian identities as they might have supposed, and not only observed but experienced the theatrics of state violence.
Effect of intravenous immunoglobulin on cerebellar ataxia and neuropathic pain associated with celiac disease
Authors: Souayah N. , Chin R. L. , Brannagan T. H. , Latov N. , Green P. H. R. , Kokoszka A. , Sander H. W.
Published: October 2008

Background:  Cerebellar syndrome and small fiber neuropathy may complicate celiac disease (CD) and may be resistant to a strict gluten‐free diet.

Methods:  Case series.

Results:  We report three patients with biopsy‐proven CD who developed cerebellar ataxia and neuropathic pain despite strict adherence to a gluten‐free diet. A small fiber neuropathy was suggested by skin biopsy findings in two patients. All patients’ symptoms, including small fiber neuropathy symptoms, responded to treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Discontinuation of IVIG in two patients resulted in worsened ataxia that reversed after resumption of IVIG.

Conclusion:  Intravenous immunoglobulin may be effective in treating cerebellar ataxia and small fiber neuropathy associated with CD, suggesting an immune pathogenesis. Further prospective, controlled studies are necessary to determine the long‐term response to IVIG or other immunomodulation therapy.
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy: hearing loss and other atypical features of patients with large 4q35 deletions
Authors: Trevisan C. P. , Pastorello E. , Tomelleri G. , Vercelli L. , Bruno C. , Scapolan S. , Siciliano G. , Comacchio F.
Published: October 2008

Background and purpose:  Patients affected by facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) with unusual large 4q35 deletions tend to present atypical features in early childhood. We explored the clinical presentation of patients with a very short 4q35 fragment (10–13 kb) focusing on hearing loss, a still debated FSHD extramuscular manifestation.

Patients and methods:  We evaluated six cases with EcoRI 4q35 fragment size ranging from 10 to 13 kb. Assessment of hearing function was carried out by otoscopy, audiometry and auditory‐evoked brainstem responses (ABR). Patient data were compared with those of 28 similar subjects reported in the literature.

Results:  Sensorineural hearing loss was found in four patients, who presented infantile‐onset dystrophic phenotype. Hearing loss was associated with mental retardation in three of them and with epilepsy in two. Auditory ability of the other two cases was mildly impaired. If findings related to 28 similar cases reported to date are also considered, auditory impairment appears evident in 68% of these subjects.

Conclusions:  Hearing loss represents a characteristic feature of FSHD patients with a large 4q35 deletion. Moreover, when considering only cases with 10–11 kb, it appears to be associated with early‐onset dystrophic phenotype, with mental retardation (92%) and possibly with epilepsy (58%).
Memantine for Prophylaxis of Chronic Tension-Type Headache—A Double-Blind, Randomized, Crossover Clinical Trial
Authors: Lindelof K , Bendtsen L
Published: October 2008

Treatment for chronic tension-type headache (CTTH) is unsatisfactory. Our aim was to investigate the efficacy of the N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist memantine in the prophylactic treatment of CTTH. We included 40 patients in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. Memantine 20–40 mg/day or placebo was each given for 10 weeks separated by a 2-week wash-out period; 29 patients completed the study. The primary efficacy variable, area-under-the-headache curve (duration X intensity), did not differ between memantine (1352 ± 927) and placebo (1449 ± 976; P = 0.10). Headache intensity in both sexes was significantly lower on a 0–10 verbal rating scale with memantine (3.8) than with placebo (4.1; P = 0.03). In women, area-under-the-headache curve was significantly lower with memantine (1343 ± 919) than with placebo (1555 ± 1019; P = 0.01). The most common side-effects were dizziness and nausea. In conclusion, although no statistically significant effect was seen in the primary end-point, some beneficial effects of memantine were observed in women. Memantine was shown to reduce pain intensity in CTTH patients, albeit to a limited extent. Future NMDA antagonists with higher efficacy could be of major interest as regards the pathophysiology and future treatment of CTTH and other chronic pain disorders.
Nummular Headache: A Series with Symptomatic and Primary Cases
Authors: Álvaro LC , Garcí JM , Areitio E
Published: October 2008

Nummular headache (NH) is a primary headache adopting the form of local pain in a circumscribed area of < 7 cm in diameter in the tuber parietale, albeit it may also be located in other areas of the head. Although it is chronic, it is commonly associated with exacerbations and short periods of remission. Here we report four cases. Two of them could not be considered primary: in one the pain was related to an underlying, pointed and benign lesion disclosed only by magnetic resonance imaging (case 1); the second one had persistent NH days after trans-sphenoidal surgery for a pituitary adenoma, similar to a postcraniotomy headache (case 2). The two final patients suffered from typical forms of primary NH, one associated with migraine without aura, the other with chronic tension-type headache. The response to painrelated treatments and to preventive drugs was poor in the symptomatic as well as in the primary cases. The mechanisms are not clear, and peripheral (case 1) and also central pathways (case 2) could be involved. In the end, secondary forms of NH might coexist with classical primary NH. Particular attention should be paid to tiny skull lesions and to key events preceding the pain.
Lack of Effect of Norepinephrine on Cranial Haemodynamics and Headache in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Lindholt M , Petersen KA , Tvedskov JF , Iversen HK , Olesen J , Tfelt-Hansen P
Published: October 2008

Stress is a provoking factor for both tension-type headache and migraine attacks. In the present single-blind study, we investigated if stress induced by norepinephrine (NE) could elicit delayed headache in 10 healthy subjects and recorded the cranial arterial responses. NE at a dose of 0.025 μg kg−1 min−1 or placebo was infused for 90 min and the headache was followed for 14 h. Blood flow velocit in the middle cerebral artery (measured with transcranial Doppler) and diameters of the temporal artery and the radial artery (measured with ultrasound) were followed for 2 h. There were no changes in these arterial parameters after NE. In both treatment groups three subjects developed delayed headaches. Thus, stress by NE infusion did not result in delayed headache.
Using epidemiologic methods to test hypotheses regarding causal influences on child and adolescent mental disorders
Authors: Lahey Benjamin B. , D’Onofrio Brian M. , Waldman Irwin D.
Published: October 2008

Epidemiology uses strong sampling methods and study designs to test refutable hypotheses regarding the causes of important health, mental health, and social outcomes. Epidemiologic methods are increasingly being used to move developmental psychopathology from studies that catalogue correlates of child and adolescent mental health to designs that can test rival hypotheses regarding causal genetic and environmental influences. A two‐part strategy is proposed for the next phase of epidemiologic research. First, to facilitate the most informed tests of causal hypotheses, it is necessary to develop and test models of the structure of hypothesized genetic and environmental influences on mental health phenotypes. This will involve testing the related hypotheses that there are both (a) dimensions of psychopathology that are distinct in the sense of having at least some unique genetic and/or environmental influences, and (b) higher‐order domains of correlated dimensions that are all apparently influenced in part by the same genetic and/or environmental factors. The resulting causal taxonomy would organize tests of causal hypotheses regarding both factors that may broadly increase risk for multiple dimensions of psychopathology and factors that may specifically increase risk for each individual dimension. Second, it is necessary to make greater use of a number of powerful epidemiologic designs that allow rigorous tests of rival hypotheses regarding genetic and environmental causes.
Meanings of becoming and being burnout – phenomenological‐hermeneutic interpretation of female healthcare personnel’s narratives
Authors: Gustafsson Gabriella , Norberg Astrid , Strandberg Gunilla
Published: October 2008

The incidence of burnout has increased in many industrialized countries. Burnout is mainly studied among people still at work and with quantitative methods. The present study aimed to illuminate the meanings of becoming and being burnout as narrated by healthcare personnel on sick leave because of symptoms of burnout. Interviews with 20 female healthcare personnel were performed, tape‐recorded and transcribed verbatim and a phenomenological‐hermeneutic method was used to interpret the text. The result shows that the meanings of becoming and being burnout are to be torn between what one wants to be and what one manages. It is as one’s ideals have become more like demands and no matter the circumstances, one must be and show oneself as being capable and independent. It is also to be dissatisfied with oneself for not living up to one’s ideals as well as disappointed with other people for not giving the confirmation one strives for. Feelings of being a victim of circumstances emerge. Thus, becoming and being burnout is leading a futile struggle to live up to one’s ideal, failing to unite one’s ideal picture with one’s reality and experiencing an overwhelming feebleness. This is interpreted in the light of Buber’s philosophy as well as relevant empirical studies about burnout. One conclusion is that it seems important to reflect on as well as discuss between one another about our everyday reality; what are reasonable vs. unreasonable demands. Hopefully, such reflections will increase our tolerance of ourselves and others and our insightfulness of what is possible to achieve in work as well as in private life. This study is ethically approved.
Clients’ and workers’ perceptions on clients’ functional ability and need for help: home care in municipalities
Authors: Hammar Teija , Perälä Marja‐Leena , Rissanen Pekka
Published: October 2008

The aim of the study was to compare clients’ and named home care (HC) workers’ perceptions of clients’ functional ability (FA) and need for help and to analyse which client‐ and municipality‐related factors are associated with perceptions of client’s FA. The total of 686 Finnish HC clients was interviewed in 2001. Further, the questionnaire was sent to 686 HC workers. FA was assessed by activities of daily living (ADL), which included both basic/physical (PADL) and instrumental (IADL) activities. The association between client’s FA and municipality‐related variables was analysed by using hierarchical logistic regression models. The findings indicated that clients’ and HC‐workers’ perceptions about what the clients were able to do were similar in the PADL functions, but perceptions differed when it comes to the IADL functions for mobility and in climbing stairs. A smaller proportion of clients compared with HC workers assessed themselves to be in need of help in all ADL functions. Use of home help and bathing services increased the probability of belonging to the ‘poor’ FA class while living alone and small size of municipality decreased the probability. The study indicates that although clients and workers assessed client’s FA fairly similarly, there were major differences in perceptions concerning clients’ needs for help in ADL functions. Clients’ and workers’ shared view of need for help forms a basis for high‐quality care. Therefore, the perception of both the clients and workers must be taken into account when planning care and services. There was also variation in clients’ FA between municipalities, although only the size of municipality had some association with the variation. The probability that clients with a lower FA are cared for in HC is higher if the clients live in large‐ rather than small‐sized municipalities. This may reflect a better mix of services and resources in large‐sized municipalities.
Patients’ perceptions as an indicator of quality of care, in Greek patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Pallis Athanasios G. , Kostagiolas Petros A. , Mouzas Ioannis A. , Niakas Dimitris
Published: October 2008

Aim and method:  The chronic nature of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and its frequent relapses result to a considerable utilization of healthcare resources. Current approaches for the assessment of quality of care are based on the perception of the healthcare provider, which may be different from that of the healthcare user. The purpose of this study was to assess IBD patients’ satisfaction, as an indicator of healthcare quality, with the use of a validated instrument (QUOTE‐IBD). Ninety‐five patients with IBD completed the GR‐QUOTE‐IBD questionnaire, for the assessment of patient’s perception, regarding the quality of the perceived care.

Results:  According to this evaluation suboptimal care was observed in the dimensions of accommodation, accessibility and information (mean values: 8.92, 8.94 and 8.95, respectively). In the subgroup analysis significant differences were observed in relation to patient’s age groups and educational level. Differences were also noted in relation to the disease duration (longer and shorter than 5 years).

Conclusions:  The assessment of the quality of health care, based on patients’ perception, revealed quality problems in the dimensions of accommodation, accessibility and information. According to subgroup analysis, disease type, educational status, age and disease duration play an important role in the formation of patients’ expectations from the healthcare system.
Sex Differences in Visual Attention to Sexually Explicit Videos: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Tsujimura Akira , Miyagawa Yasushi , Takada Shingo , Matsuoka Yasuhiro , Takao Tetsuya , Hirai Toshiaki , Matsushita Masateru , Nonomura Norio , Okuyama Akihiko
Published: October 2008

Introduction

Although men appear to be more interested in sexual stimuli than women, this difference is not completely understood. Eye-tracking technology has been used to investigate visual attention to still sexual images; however, it has not been applied to moving sexual images.

Aim

To investigate whether sex difference exists in visual attention to sexual videos.

Methods

Eleven male and 11 female healthy volunteers were studied by our new methodology.

Main Outcome Measures

The subjects viewed two sexual videos (one depicting sexual intercourse and one not) in which several regions were designated for eye-gaze analysis in each frame. Visual attention was measured across each designated region according to gaze duration. Sex differences, the region attracting the most attention, and visually favored sex were evaluated.

Results

In the nonintercourse clip, gaze time for the face and body of the actress was significantly shorter among women than among men. Gaze time for the face and body of the actor and nonhuman regions was significantly longer for women than men. The region attracting the most attention was the face of the actress for both men and women. Men viewed the opposite sex for a significantly longer period than did women, and women viewed their own sex for a significantly longer period than did men. However, gaze times for the clip showing intercourse were not significantly different between sexes.

Conclusions

A sex difference existed in visual attention to a sexual video without heterosexual intercourse; men viewed the opposite sex for longer periods than did women, and women viewed the same sex for longer periods than did men. There was no statistically significant sex difference in viewing patterns in a sexual video showing heterosexual intercourse, and we speculate that men and women may have similar visual attention patterns if the sexual stimuli are sufficiently explicit.