bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water temperature and stratification depth independently shift cardinal events during plankton spring succession
Authors: BERGER STELLA A. , DIEHL SEBASTIAN , STIBOR HERWIG , TROMMER GABRIELE , RUHENSTROTH MIRIAM
Published: November 2009

In deep temperate lakes, the beginning of the growing season is triggered by thermal stratification, which alleviates light limitation of planktonic producers in the surface layer and prevents heat loss to deeper strata. The sequence of subsequent phenological events (phytoplankton spring bloom, grazer peak, clearwater phase) results in part from coupled phytoplankton–grazer interactions. Disentangling the separate, direct effects of correlated climatic drivers (stratification‐dependent underwater light climate vs. water temperature) from their indirect effects mediated through trophic feedbacks is impossible using observational field data, which challenges our understanding of global warming effects on seasonal plankton dynamics. We therefore manipulated water temperature and stratification depth independently in experimental field mesocosms containing ambient microplankton and inocula of the resident grazer Daphnia hyalina. Higher light availability in shallower surface layers accelerated primary production, warming accelerated consumption and growth of Daphnia, and both factors speeded up successional dynamics driven by trophic feedbacks. Specifically, phytoplankton peaked and decreased earlier and Daphnia populations increased and peaked earlier at both shallower stratification and higher temperature. The timing of ciliate dynamics was unrelated to both factors. Volumetric peak densities of phytoplankton, ciliates and Daphnia in the surface layer were also unaffected by temperature but declined with stratification depth in parallel with light availability. The latter relationship vanished, however, when population sizes were integrated over the entire water column. Overall our results suggest that, integrated over the entire water column of a deep lake, surface warming and shallower stratification independently speed up spring successional events, whereas the magnitudes of phytoplankton and zooplankton spring peaks are less sensitive to these factors. Therefore, accelerated dynamics under warming need not lead to a trophic mismatch (given similar grazer inocula at the time of stratification). We emphasize that entire water column dynamics must be studied to estimate global warming effects on lake ecosystems.
TEM characterization of MBE grown CdTe/ZnTe axial nanowires
Authors: DŁUZEWSKI P. , JANIK E. , KRET S. , ZALESZCZYK W. , TANG D. , KARCZEWSKI G. , WOJTOWICZ T.
Published: November 2009

CdTe/ZnTe axial nanowires were successfully fabricated by molecular beam epitaxy with the use of Au nano‐catalysts and vapour–liquid–solid growth mechanism. Nanowires had zinc‐blende structure with numerous stacking faults in the bottom ZnTe part and near perfect crystalline structure in the top CdTe part. Energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDXS) and lattice fringe spacing analysis revealed nonabrupt nature of hetero−interface, whose width was estimated to be 50–70 nm for the nanowires having a diameter in the range from 40 to 50 nm.
Microstructural changes during creep of CMSX‐4 single crystal Ni base superalloy at 750°C
Authors: DUBIEL B. T. , CZYRSKA‐FILEMONOWICZ A.
Published: November 2009

TEM studies of creep tested CMSX‐4 nickel‐base single crystal superalloy were performed to analyse a microstructure evolution during creep at temperature 750°C, and uniaxial tensile stress of 675 MPa. Microstructural analyses were focused mainly on examination of dislocation configurations during primary and secondary creep stages of high temperature deformation. At such low temperature and high stress creep deformation proceed by cutting of γ′ particles by dislocations. It was found that primary creep is initiated by movement of dislocations with Burgers vector a/2 <110> in the γ phase. The second type of dislocations active at primary creep stage are extended dislocation ribbons with overall a<112> Burgers vector, separated by superlattice stacking faults, cutting both the γ and γ′ phases. The movement of the dislocation ribbons is inhibited at secondary creep stage by dislocation networks formed at γ−γ′ interfaces.
Diet affects female mating behaviour in a seed‐feeding beetle
Authors: FOX CHARLES W. , MOYA‐LARAÑO JORDI
Published: November 2009

In species where males provide nuptial gifts, females can improve their nutritional status and thus increase their fecundity by mating when in need of resources. However, mating can be costly, so females should only mate to acquire resources when the need for resources is large, such as when females are nutritionally‐deprived. Two populations of the seed‐feeding beetle Callosobruchus maculatus, a species that produces relatively large nuptial gifts, are used to test whether female nutritional status affects mating behaviour. Female access to water, sugar and yeast are manipulated and the fitness consequences of these manipulations are examined together with the effects of diet on the propensity of nonvirgin females to mate. Access to water has a small but significant effect on mass loss over time, lifespan and fecundity of females, relative to unfed controls. Access to sugar (dissolved in water) improves female fecundity and lifespan above that of hydrated females but access to yeast has no positive effects on female survival or reproduction. Diet has a large effect on both receptivity of nonvirgin females to a male and how quickly they accept that male. Unfed females are both more likely to mate, and accept a mate more quickly, than females provided access to water, which are more likely to mate and accept a mate more quickly than females provided with sugar. This rank order of behaviours matches the order predicted if females increase their mating rate when nutritionally deprived (i.e. it matches the effect of diet on female fitness). The results obtained also suggest that mate choice may be condition‐dependent: females from one population (Burkina Faso) show a preference for large males when well‐fed but not when unfed, although this result is not found in a second population (South India). It is concluded that nutritionally‐deprived females are more receptive to mates than are well‐fed females, consistent with the hypothesis that females ‘forage’ for nuptial gifts, or at least more willingly accept sperm in exchange for nuptial gifts, when they are nutritionally deprived.
Sexually dimorphic gall structures correspond to differential phytohormone contents in male and female wasp larvae
Authors: DORCHIN NETTA , HOFFMANN JOHN H. , STIRK WENDY A. , NOVÁK ONDŘEJ , STRNAD MIROSLAV , VAN STADEN JOHANNES
Published: November 2009

Sexually dimorphic galls are rare among gall‐inducing insects and the reason for their occurrence is unknown. The pteromalid waspTrichilogaster acaciaelongifoliae, which induces galls onAcacia longifolia, is one such species. In the present study, the anatomical and physiological attributes of male and female galls ofT.acaciaelongifoliaeare examined and compared. Histological preparations are used to characterize anatomical differences between male and female gall chambers. Bioassays, high‐performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry and an enzyme immunoassay are used to measure concentrations of auxin and cytokinin in normal buds, galled tissues, and larvae of both sexes. Female chambers are found to be 3.3‐fold larger, and are associated with 1.5‐fold more storage tissue and 3.5‐fold more vascular tissues than male chambers. Tissues from female chambers induce stronger cytokinin‐like bioactivity than tissues from male chambers. Female larvae have considerably higher concentrations of cytokinin free bases, ribosides, glucosides and monophosphates than male larvae; higher auxin‐like bioactivity than in normal or galled plant tissues; and almost twice the concentration of auxin than male larvae. Both male and female larvae contain much higher auxin concentrations than either galled or normal plant tissues. These findings suggest that differing levels of phytohormones are involved in the development of sexual dimorphism of gall structures in this species.
Outcome of liver transplantation using donors older than 60 year of age
Authors: Serrano Maria Trinidad , Garcia‐Gil Agustín , Arenas Juan , Ber Yolanda , Cortes Luis , Valiente Carolina , Araiz Juan J.
Published: November 2009

Serrano MT, Garcia‐Gil A, Arenas J, Ber Y, Cortes L, Valiente C, Araiz JJ. Outcome of liver transplantation using donors older than 60 year of age. Clin Transplant 2010: 24: 543–549. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  The impact of donor age on liver transplantation has been analyzed in several studies with contradictory results. Our aim was to evaluate graft survival and complications in the first year after liver transplantations with livers from older donors.

Methods:  Prospective analysis of 149 consecutive primary liver transplantations performed between 2000 and 2005. Transplantations were divided into two groups according to donor age: group A, <60 yr old (n = 102); and group B, ≥60 yr old (n = 47).

Results:  Chronic and acute rejection, vascular complications, and infections were not statistically different between the groups. Anastomotic biliary strictures were similar in the two groups, but non‐anastomotic biliary strictures (NABS) were clearly more frequent in the older donor group (17% vs. 4.9%; OR 3.9; p = 0.025). NABS with no arterial complication was diagnosed in 10.6% of cases in group B vs. 1% in group A (OR = 12; p = 0.012). Graft survival in the first year was 86.67% in the younger group of donors and 71.43% in the older group (p < 0.05), but patient survival was not different.

Conclusions:  The use of grafts from donors ≥60 yr decreased graft survival after liver transplantation and was related to a higher frequency of non‐anastomotic biliary strictures.
Evaluation of tacrolimus abbreviated area‐under‐the‐curve monitoring in renal transplant patients who are potientially at risk for adverse events
Authors: Hon Yuen Yi , Chamberlain Christine E. , Kleiner David E. , Ring Michael S. , Hale Douglas A. , Kirk Allan D. , Mannon Roslyn B.
Published: November 2009

Hon YY, Chamberlain CE, Kleiner DE, Ring MS, Hale DA, Kirk AD, Mannon RB. Evaluation of tacrolimus abbreviated area‐under‐the‐curve monitoring in renal transplant patients who are potientially at risk for adverse events. Clin Transplant 2010: 24: 557–563. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  In a cohort of 32 renal transplant patients who are potentially at risk for adverse events, we compared tacrolimus (TAC) abbreviated AUC values calculated by a method developed in Asians (AUCw) with those derived for Caucasians (AUCa). The relationships between TAC trough (C0), abbreviated AUC, and biopsy results were also assessed. Forty‐eight AUCs and 15 associated biopsies were evaluated. For AUCs obtained only from Caucasian patients, median AUCw value was lower than that of AUCa (104 vs. 115 ng × h/mL, n = 29, p < 0.0001). AUCs obtained from the two methods for all patients correlated with C0 (rs > 0.72, n = 48, p < 0.0001). Median AUCw (72.9 vs. 174 ng × h/mL, p = 0.043) and AUCa (81.0 vs. 203 ng × h/mL, p = 0.043) were lower in patients experiencing biopsy‐proven acute rejection (AR) than those with normal histology. C0 tended to be lower in biopsies showing AR >6 months post‐transplant (5.80 vs. 11.0 ng/mL, p = 0.110). Thus, lower abbreviated AUCs were obtained for Caucasians using a method developed in Asians. C0 correlated well with abbreviated AUCs. Lower C0 and AUC appeared to be associated with biopsy‐proven AR > 6 months post‐transplant. Further prospective evaluation of TAC AUC and C0 monitoring in a larger cohort of patients is warranted.
Continuous peritransplant assessment of consciousness using bispectral index monitoring for patients with fulminant hepatic failure undergoing urgent liver transplantation
Authors: Hwang Shin , Lee Sung‐Gyu , Park Jeong‐Ik , Song Gi‐Won , Ryu Jae‐Ho , Jung Dong‐Hwan , Hwang Gyu‐Sam , Jeong Sung‐Moon , Song Jun‐Gol , Hong Suk‐Kyung , Lim Young‐Suk , Kim Kang‐Mo
Published: November 2009

Hwang S, Lee SG, Park JI, Song GW, Ryu JH, Jung DH, Hwang GS, Jeong SM, Song JG, Hong SK, Lim YS, Kim KM. Continuous peritransplant assessment of consciousness using bispectral index monitoring for patients with fulminant hepatic failure undergoing urgent liver transplantation. Clin Transplant 2010: 24: 91–97. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract: Background:  Rapid deterioration of consciousness is a critical situation for patients with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). Bispectral (BIS) index was derived from electroencephalography parameters, primarily to monitor the depth of unconsciousness.

Aim:  To assess the usability of peritransplant BIS monitoring in patients with FHF.

Methods:  A prospective study using peritransplant BIS monitoring was performed in 26 patients with FHF undergoing urgent liver transplantation (LT).

Results:  Pre‐transplant Child‐Pugh score was 12.2 ± 1.0; model for end‐stage liver disease score was 32.4 ± 4.4; Glasgow coma score (GCS) was 9.9 ± 1.3; and BIS index was 44.0 ± 6.7. Pre‐transplant sedation significantly decreased BIS index. After LT, all patients having endotracheal intubation recovered consciousness within one to three d and showed progressive increase in BIS index, which appeared slightly earlier and was more evident than the increase in derived GCS score. There was a significant correlation between BIS index and derived GCS scores (r2 = 0.648). Timing of eye opening to voice was matched with BIS index of 66.3 ± 10.4 and occurred 12.7 ± 8.3 h after passing BIS index of 50.

Conclusion:  These results suggest that BIS monitoring is a non‐invasive, simple, easy‐to‐interpret method, which is useful in assessing peritransplant state of consciousness. BIS monitoring may therefore be a useful tool during peritransplant intensive care for patients with FHF showing hepatic encephalopathy.
Prevalence and determinants of physical activity and fluid intake in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Gordon Elisa J. , Prohaska Thomas R. , Gallant Mary P. , Sehgal Ashwini R. , Strogatz David , Conti David , Siminoff Laura A.
Published: November 2009

Gordon EJ, Prohaska TR, Gallant MP, Sehgal AR, Strogatz D, Conti D, Siminoff LA. Prevalence and determinants of physical activity and fluid intake in kidney transplant recipients. Clin Transplant 2010: 24: E69–E81. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Background and significance:  Self‐care for kidney transplantation is recommended to maintain kidney function. Little is known about levels of self‐care practices and demographic, psychosocial, and health‐related correlates.

Aim:  To investigate patients’ self‐reported exercise and fluid intake, demographic and psychosocial factors associated with these self‐care practices, and health‐related quality of life.

Methods:  Eighty‐eight of 158 kidney recipients from two academic medical centers completed a semi‐structured interview and surveys 2 months post‐transplant.

Results:  Most patients were sedentary (76%) with a quarter exercising either regularly (11%) or not at current recommendations (13%). One‐third (35%) reported drinking the recommended 3 L of fluid daily. Multivariate analyses indicated that private insurance, high self‐efficacy, and better physical functioning were significantly associated with engaging in physical activity (p < 0.05); while male gender, private insurance, high self‐efficacy, and not attributing oneself responsible for transplant success were significant predictors of adherence to fluid intake (p < 0.05). Despite the significance of these predictors, models for physical activity and fluid intake explained 10–15% of the overall variance in these behaviors. Multivariate analyses indicated that younger age, high value of exercise, and higher social functioning significantly (p < 0.05) predicted high self‐efficacy for physical activity, while being married significantly (p < 0.05) predicted high self‐efficacy for fluid intake.

Conclusion:  Identifying patients at risk of inadequate self‐care practice is essential for educating patients about the importance of self‐care.
Phytoplankton in a transitional ecosystem of the Northern Adriatic Sea and its putative role as an indicator for water quality assessment
Authors: Facca Chiara , Sfriso Adriano
Published: November 2009

Pluriannual data on the phytoplankton spatial and seasonal distribution in the lagoon of Venice (North‐western Adriatic Sea, Italy) were presented and analysed to suggest a possible tool for the transitional ecosystem water quality assessment. In order to meet the European Water Framework Directive 2000/60, data of phytoplankton distribution were processed together with environmental parameters to verify whether such a community may give indications of the water quality. Some evidence in this direction appeared to be provided by diatom biomass and cell abundance. The starting hypothesis was that the occurrence of opportunistic species (small cells with a high growth rate) is related to the worst environmental conditions, and the conservative species (large cells with a slow growth rate) to the best water quality areas. The method was validated in other Italian transitional systems (Sacca di Goro, Lesina Lagoon, Orbetello Lagoon, Marano‐Grado Lagoon, Mar Piccolo of Taranto). The overall results seem to give quite a good description of the environmental status, but they also highlighted the limits of the phytoplankton community as an indicator and, hence, the necessity to conduct regular sampling throughout the year.
Layers of nocturnal insect migrants at high‐altitude: the influence of atmospheric conditions on their formation
Authors: Wood Curtis R. , Clark Suzanne J. , Barlow Janet F. , Chapman Jason W.
Published: November 2009

Radar studies of nocturnal insect migration have often found that the migrants tend to form well‐defined horizontal layers at a particular altitude.

In previous short‐term studies, nocturnal layers were usually observed to occur at the same altitude as certain meteorological features, most notably at the altitudes of temperature inversion tops or nocturnal wind jets.

Statistical analyses are presented of 4 years of data that compared the presence, sharpness and duration of nocturnal layer profiles, observed using continuously‐operating entomological radar, with meteorological variables at typical layer altitudes over the U.K.

Analysis of these large datasets demonstrated that temperature was the foremost meteorological factor that was persistently associated with the presence and formation of longer‐lasting and sharper layers of migrating insects over southern U.K.
Distribution of early‐arriving saproxylic beetles on standing dead Scots pine trees
Authors: Foit Jiří
Published: November 2009

The community composition of early‐arriving saproxylic beetles on 80 standing and recently deceased Scots pine trees (Pinus sylvestris L.) was examined.

In total, 34 species of saproxylic beetles were found, comprising at least four well‐defined groups of species identified by correspondence analysis.

Bark thickness, trunk/branch diameter and height above ground significantly affected community composition, with bark thickness being the most important factor.

Overall, 13.7% of the variance in species composition was explained by section of the tree that was sampled, a variable that encompasses the three aforementioned parameters.
Neoliberal Urbanity and the Right to the City: A View from Beirut's Periphery
Authors: Fawaz Mona
Published: November 2009

Drawing on Lefebvre's theorization of space in order to examine the compatibility of neoliberalism and the right to the city, this study investigates how the formation of informal settlements since the 1950s had provided low‐income dwellers in Beirut (Lebanon) a means to conceive of and engage in city making (neighbourhood production, management, and organization) at a time when state regulations and/or market constraints would have excluded them from the city. It also examines how the prevailing neoliberal ideology of the 1990s, as translated through Lebanon's sectarian‐clientelist regime, is curtailing these possibilities. Evidence for the article was drawn from interviews with dwellers, developers and public officials, as well as from archival searches and aerial photographs.
Participatory Governance in Urban Management and the Shifting Geometry of Power in Mumbai
Authors: Zérah Marie‐Hélène
Published: November 2009

This article questions the participatory dimension of urban governance in Mumbai. Based on surveys of a number of participatory projects for urban services, it compares the differentiated impacts of participation in middle‐class colonies with those in slums. Results demonstrate that changing citizen–government relationships have led to the empowerment of the middle and upper middle class who harness the potential of new ‘invited space’ to expand their claims on the city and political space. In contrast, the poor end up on the losing side as NGOs function more as contracted agents of the State than as representatives of the poor. Direct community participation empowers influential community members, small private entrepreneurs and middlemen, and contributes to labour informalization. Ultimately, these processes consolidate a form of ‘governing beyond the State’ that promotes a managerial vision of participation and leads to double standards of citizenship.
Progressive Patronage? Municipalities, NGOs, CBOs and the Limits to Slum Dwellers’ Empowerment
Authors: De Wit Joop , Berner Erhard
Published: November 2009

Efforts aimed at urban poverty reduction and service delivery improvement depend critically on slum dwellers’ collective agency. Adding to a long history of community participation approaches, there is a now growing incidence of so‐called ‘partnerships’ between municipal agencies, non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) and slum organizations. Such approaches require a fair representation of a majority of the poor by local community‐based organizations (CBOs), the potential and interest of both poor men and women to organize pro‐actively in collective action, and a CBO leadership that works for the common good. This article puts some key assumptions underlying grassroots‐based strategies under scrutiny. That relations amongst the urban poor are unequal and that they are divided in terms of income, gender and ethnicity has been well documented, but there has been less attention for the fact that the poor, facing conditions of scarcity and competition, rely on vertical relations of patronage and brokerage which may hinder or prevent horizontal mobilization. Rather than being vehicles of empowerment and change, CBOs and their leadership often block progress, controlling or capturing benefits aimed at the poor and misusing them for private (political) interests. Presenting evidence from community‐based projects in the slums of three large Indian cities, the article argues that municipal agencies, donors and NGOs cannot easily escape the logic of patronage and often themselves become part of a system of vertical dependency relations.
Personality – a resource or risk for successful development
Authors: PULKKINEN LEA
Published: November 2009

Personality as a resource or risk for development was discussed in the light of the results of the ongoing Finnish Jyväskylä Longitudinal Study of Personality and Social Development (FJYLS) which the author has conducted since 1968 when the participants (N = 369, b. 1959) were 8 years of age. A general hypothesis presented within a two‐dimensional framework of self‐control and activity was that the child’s high self‐control of emotions and behavior would be associated with adaptive behavior in adulthood. The results have provided evidence in support for and limitations to the hypothesis. High self‐control was a resource and low self‐control was a risk for development, but there were gender differences that came out consistently in variable‐oriented and person‐oriented analyses. A resource factor for male adult social functioning was, compared to females, a broader construct of self‐control in childhood covering both more passive (compliant) and active (constructive) behavior; only active well‐controlled (constructive) behavior was a resource for female functioning. A risk factor for female functioning was low self‐control combined with passivity (internalizing behavior), whereas low self‐control combined with activity (externalizing behavior) was a risk factor for male functioning. Childhood self‐control was not directly associated with adult psychological functioning such as well‐being but indirectly through social functioning such as career development. Low self‐control in childhood was an antecedent of criminal behavior but only for those male offenders who committed offences in adulthood, not for those who had limited their offending to adolescence.
Drug effects: Agonistic and antagonistic processes
Authors: FLATEN MAGNE ARVE
Published: November 2009

The research presented here has shown that tolerance to drugs can be accelerated by conditioning processes. Placebo effects may be considered the opposite of tolerance, and we have shown that placebo effects may be objectively recorded by physiological measures (electromyography, skin conductance responses, and event‐related potentials), as well as by behavioral and subjective methods. The placebo response, or more precisely, the expectation of drug effects, can add to the effect of the drug. Drug antagonistic expectations can also reverse the effect of the drug. There is some evidence that placebo effects are strongest when expectations are reinforced by administration of an active drug. Expectations have graded effects and may affect symptoms to a smaller or larger degree. Although drug effects can be considered stimuli, the investigation of the role of classical conditioning in drug use and drug effects involves special issues that must be carefully considered.
Common mechanisms in apparent motion perception and visual pattern matching
Authors: LARSEN AXEL , BUNDESEN CLAUS
Published: November 2009

There are close functional similarities between apparent motion perception and visual pattern matching. In particular, striking functional similarities have been demonstrated between perception of rigid objects in apparent motion and purely mental transformations of visual size and orientation used in comparisons of objects with respect to shape but regardless of size and orientation. In both cases, psychophysical data suggest that differences in visual size are resolved as differences in depth, such that transformation of size is done by translation in depth. Furthermore, the process of perceived or imagined translation appears to be stepwise additive such that a translation over a long distance consists of a sequence of smaller translations, the durations of these steps being additive. Both perceived and imagined rotation also appear to be stepwise additive, and combined transformations of size and orientation appear to be done by alternation of small steps of pure translation and small steps of pure rotation. The functional similarities suggest that common mechanisms underlie perception of apparent motion and purely mental transformations. In line with this suggestion, functional brain imaging has isolated neural structures in motion area MT used in mental transformation of size.
Socio‐emotional development: From infancy to young adulthood
Authors: BOHLIN GUNILLA , HAGEKULL BERIT
Published: November 2009

Results from the Uppsala Longitudinal Study (ULS), which started in 1985, are reported in two sections. The first section gives a summary of longitudinal data from infancy to middle childhood (age 9 years; n = 96) concerning predictions of social functioning aspects from the theoretical perspectives of temperament, attachment, and health psychology (social factors). The second section presents the first results emanating from a follow‐up when participants were 21 years old (n = 85). The developmental roots of social anxiety symptoms were studied from the same perspectives as above, although with a special focus on the predictive power of the temperament trait of shyness/inhibition. Results for middle childhood outcomes showed that temperament characteristics were relevant for most outcomes, whereas the contribution of attachment was most convincingly shown in relation to social competence and personality. Social factors were found to have moderating functions, but direct effects were also shown, the most interesting perhaps being positive effects of non‐parental day care. Results from the 21‐year data confirmed the expected predictive relation from shyness/inhibition to symptoms of social anxiety and further showed this relation to be specific; the relation to symptoms of depression did not survive control for social anxiety, although the opposite was true. The broad analysis of predictor associations with social anxiety, showing the relevance of other temperament factors as well as interactive effects, again attested to the need for multi‐faceted models to analyze developmental trajectories.
The development of a Cognitive Activation Theory of Stress: From limbic structures to behavioral medicine
Authors: URSIN HOLGER
Published: November 2009

This paper attempts to argue for a consistent trend in a research spanning more than fifty years, starting in the exciting neuroscience environment in the Anatomical Institute at the University of Oslo, and presently to be found as an active behavioral medicine unit in Bergen. The most comprehensive theoretical result is a systematic and formalized theory of stress, referred to as the Cognitive Activation Theory of Stress, CATS for short (Ursin & Eriksen, 2004). There are many roots, many related issues, and many scientists involved. There is no way to produce a complete story. However, one aspect is beyond discussion, the story started in the Neurophysiology laboratory in Oslo.
Which Governance Mechanisms Promote Efficiency in Reaching Poor Clients? Evidence from Rated Microfinance Institutions
Authors: Hartarska Valentina , Mersland Roy
Published: November 2009

This paper evaluates the effectiveness of several governance mechanisms on microfinance institutions' (MFI) performance. We first define performance as efficiency in reaching many poor clients. Following the literature on efficiency in banks, we estimate a stochastic cost frontier and measure output by the number of clients. Therefore, we capture the cost minimisation goal and the goal of serving many poor clients, both of which are pursued by MFIs. We next explore the impact of measurable governance mechanisms on the individual efficiency coefficients. The results show that efficiency increases with a board size of up to nine members and decreases after that. MFIs in which the CEO chairs the board and those with a larger proportion of insiders are less efficient. The evidence also suggests that donors' presence on the board is not beneficial. We do not find consistent evidence for the effect of competition, and we find weak evidence that MFIs in countries with mature regulatory environments reach fewer clients, while MFIs regulated by an independent banking authority are more efficient.
Assessing Heterogeneity of Treatment Effects: Are Authors Misinterpreting Their Results?
Authors: Fernandez y Garcia Erik , Nguyen Hien , Duan Naihua , Gabler Nicole B. , Kravitz Richard L.
Published: November 2009

Objective. To determine whether investigations of heterogeneity of treatment effects (HTE) in randomized‐controlled trials (RCTs) are prespecified and whether authors' interpretations of their analyses are consistent with the objective evidence.

Data Sources/Study Setting. Trials published in Annals of Internal Medicine, British Medical Journal, Journal of the American Medical Association, Lancet, and New England Journal of Medicine in 1994, 1999, and 2004.

Study Design. We reviewed 87 RCTs that reported formal tests for statistical interaction or heterogeneity (HTE analyses), derived from a probability sample of 541 articles.

Data Collection/Extraction. We recorded reasons for performing HTE analysis; an objective classification of evidence for HTE (termed “clinicostatistical divergence” [CSD]); and authors' interpretations of findings. Authors' interpretations, compared with CSD, were coded as understated, overstated, or adequately stated.

Principle Findings. Fifty‐three RCTs (61 percent) claimed prespecified covariates for HTE analyses. Trials showed strong (6), moderate (11), weak (25), or negligible (16) evidence for CSD (29 could not be classified due to inadequate information). Authors stated that evidence for HTE was sufficient to support differential treatment in subgroups (10); warranted more research (31); was absent (21); or provided no interpretation (25). HTE was overstated in 22 trials, adequately stated in 57 trials, and understated in 8 trials.

Conclusions. Inconsistencies in performance and reporting may limit the potential of HTE analysis as a tool for identifying HTE and individualizing care in diverse populations. Recommendations for future studies on the reporting and interpretation of HTE analyses are provided.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a new reformulated microemulsion and the long‐chain triglyceride emulsion of propofol in beagle dogs
Authors: Lee S‐H , Ghim J‐L , Song M‐H , Choi H‐G , Choi B‐M , Lee H‐M , Lee E‐K , Roh Y‐J , Noh G‐J
Published: November 2009

Background and purpose:  Microemulsion propofol was developed to eliminate lipid solvent‐related adverse events of long‐chain triglyceride emulsion (LCT) propofol. We compared dose proportionality, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of both formulations.

Experimental approach:  The study was a randomized, two‐period and crossover design with 7‐day wash‐out period. Microemulsion and LCT propofol were administered by zero‐order infusion (0.75, 1.00 and 1.25 mg·kg−1·min−1) for 20 min in 30 beagle dogs (male/female = 5/5 for each rate). Arterial samples were collected at preset intervals. The electroencephalographic approximate entropy (ApEn) was used as a measure of propofol effect. Dose proportionality, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic bioequivalence were evaluated by non‐compartmental analyses. Population analysis was performed using nonlinear mixed effects modelling.

Key results:  Both formulations showed dose proportionality at the applied dose range. The ratios of geometric means of AUClast and AUCinf between both formulations were acceptable for bioequivalence, whereas that of Cmax was not. The pharmacodynamic bioequivalence was indicated by the arithmetic means of AAC (areas above the ApEn time curves) and E0 (baseline ApEn)–Emax (maximally decreased ApEn) between both formulations. The pharmacokinetics of both formulations were best described by three compartment models. Body weight was a significant covariate for V1 of both formulations and sex for k21 of microemulsion propofol. The blood‐brain equilibration rate constants (ke0, min−1) were 0.476 and 0.696 for microemulsion and LCT propofol respectively.

Conclusions and implications:  Microemulsion propofol was pharmacodynamically bioequivalent to LCT propofol although pharmacokinetic bioequivalence was incomplete, and demonstrated linear pharmacokinetics at the applied dose ranges.
Diatoms from the Middle and Late Weichselian and the Early Flandrian period on Andøya, north Norway
Authors: FOGED NIELS
Published: November 2009

BOREAS Foged, N. 1978 03 01: Diatoms from the Middle and Late Weichselian and the Early Flandrian period on Andøya, north Norway. Boreas, Vol. 7, pp. 41–47. Oslo. ISSN 0300–9483.

From cores from a depth of 9.9 m up to 5.1 m below the present surface of a mire situated approx. 36 m above sea level on Andøya, north Norway, 47 samples were analysed for diatoms. Some 240 taxa were recorded, chiefly in Late Weichselian and Early Flandrian material. They were subdivided according to their halobion and pH relation. On the whole, the pH reaction of the environment was neutral, but it changed from faintly acid to faintly alkaline during the sedimentation of the Late Weichselian material.
Marine transgression in Younger Dryas in Norway
Authors: ANUNDSEN KARL
Published: November 2009

BOREAS Anundsen, K. 1978 03 01: Marine transgression in Younger Dryas in Norway. Boreas, Vol. 7, pp. 49–60. Oslo. ISSN 0300–9483.

The lithostratigraphy and biostratigraphy of sediment cores from two basins in southwestern Norway have been studied and radiocarbon dated. The diatom and the Hystrix content indicates a marine Younger Dryas transgression that reached its maximum level at the transition Younger Dryas/Preboreal Chronozone. No Allerød transgression to the same altitude can be demonstrated, and the suggested Allerød transgression at Bømlo (Faegri 1944) is most likely of Younger Dryas age, too.
Nunataks of the last ice sheet in northwest Scotland
Authors: McCARROLL DANNY , BALLANTYNE COLIN K. , NESJE ATLE , DAHL SVEIN‐OLAF
Published: November 2009

High‐level weathering limits separating ice‐scoured topography from an upper zone of frost‐weathered detritus were identified on 17 mountains in NW Scotland at altitudes of <600 m to< 900 m, and a further 6 peaks were found to support evidence of ice scouring to summit level. Weathering limits are most clearly defined on Torridon Sandstone, which is resistant to frost shattering, but can also be mapped on Cambrian Quartzite, Lewisian Gneiss and Moine Schist. Contrasts in degree of rock surface weathering above and below the weathering limits were evaluated using measurements of joint depth and rock surface hardness, and through X‐ray diffraction analyses of clay mineral assemblages. The results indicate significantly more advanced rock and soil weathering above the weathering limits. Widespread persistence of gibbsite above the weathering limits suggests that they represent the upper limit of Late Devensian glacial erosion, and the regularity of the decline in weathering limit altitude along former flowlines eliminates the possibility that it represents a former thermal boundary between protective cold‐based and erosive warm‐based ice. The weathering limits are therefore interpreted as periglacial trimlines defining the maximum surface altitude of the last ice sheet around former nunataks. Calculated basal shear stresses of 50–78 kPa are consistent with this interpretation. The altitude of the trimlines implies that the former ice shed lay at 900–930 m in the Fannich Mountains and descended gently northwards, and that the ice surface descended NW from the ice shed to >500 m over the extreme NW tip of Scotland and to 700–730 m at the head of Little Loch Broom.
Late Weichselian shore displacement in Halland, southwestern Sweden: relative sea‐level changes and their glacio‐isostatic implications
Authors: BERGLUND MIKAEL
Published: November 2009

An analysis of Late Weichselian sediments from basins in southern and central Halland, southwestern Sweden was carried out. Together with evaluation of previously reported data from the area (isolated basins, highest shore levels, glaciofluvial delta levels, periglacial features, and early Holocene shore levels), this has provided the basis for constructing shore displacement curves for the area, covering the approximate time interval 14 000–9000 BP. There is a general fall in relative sea level (RSL) during this period. The average regression rate until the late Younger Dryas (c. 10 300 BP) is 15–20 mm/yr. During the Younger Dryas the regression is possibly interrupted by minor transgressive phases. The RSL fall is rapid between c. 10 300 and 9500 BP. A halted glacio‐isostatic rebound during the Younger Dryas, as the result of glacier growth, is suggested as a cause of the observed pattern of RSL change. Previously reported transgressive events during the early late‐glacial phase are discussed with regard to global eustatic rise, glacio‐isostatic loading and glaciolacustrine damming events.
REVIEWS: Hemostatic resuscitation for massive bleeding: the paradigm of plasma and platelets—a review of the current literature
Authors: Johansson Pär I. , Stensballe Jakob
Published: November 2009

BACKGROUND: Continued hemorrhage remains a major contributor of mortality in massively transfused patients and controversy regarding the optimal management exists. Recent studies indicate a possible survival benefit in patients receiving a higher ratio of plasma and platelets (PLTs) to red blood cells (RBCs) than what is recommended in current transfusion guidelines.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: English databases were searched for reports of patients receiving massive transfusion that tested the effects of administration of plasma and/or PLTs in relation to RBCs on survival from January 1990 to March 2009.

RESULTS: Fourteen retrospective studies involving 4594 patients were identified. Six tested the effect on survival in relation to fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP)‐to‐RBC ratio, and five investigated FFP‐ and PLT‐to‐RBC ratios. Two studies evaluated implementation of massive transfusion protocols with preemptive FFP and PLT administration; one study based transfusion therapy on the result of the thrombelastograph (TEG) analysis versus historic controls. All studies reviewed demonstrate a survival benefit for patients who receive more FFP and PLT as part of the hemostatic resuscitation. When TEG was used to guide transfusion therapy an increase in FFP and PLT was also seen when compared to historic controls and this was associated with improved survival.

CONCLUSIONS: High FFP‐ and PLT‐to‐RBC ratios seem to improve survival in patients with massive bleeding. Randomized studies evaluating TEG‐guided transfusion therapy versus fixed ratios of plasma and PLTs to RBCs in massively bleeding patients is highly warranted.
TRANSFUSION PRACTICE: Toward extended phenotype matching: a new operational paradigm for the transfusion service
Authors: Klapper Ellen , Zhang Yi , Figueroa Priscilla , Ness Paul , Stubbs James , Abumuhor Ihab , Bailey Jeff , Epperson Laura , Tauscher Craig , Enriquez Ermelina , Hashmi Ghazala , Seul Michael
Published: November 2009

BACKGROUND: Conventional pretransfusion testing uses hemagglutination to ensure donor‐recipient compatibility for ABO/D status and recipient alloantibodies. While screening large numbers of donor units for multiple antigens by hemagglutination is impractical, novel methods of DNA analysis permit the rapid determination of an extended human erythrocyte antigen (xHEA) phenotype. A prospective observational study was conducted at four hospital transfusion services to test an alternative paradigm of identifying xHEA‐typed units for patients in three cohorts by utilizing DNA analysis and a novel inventory management model.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: xHEA typing of recipient samples and donor units of known ABO/D status was performed by HEA analysis (BeadChip, BioArray Solutions). xHEA‐typed units were assigned to pending transfusion requests using an inventory management system designed to simulate blood order processing. The fraction of requests fulfilled, or “fill fraction” (FF) was determined at four levels of matching stringency.

RESULTS: For alloimmunized patients, all but one participating site observed an FF of more than 95% when matching for ABO, D, and known alloantibodies and an FF of more than 90% when additionally matching for C, c, E, e, and K; the site handling the most challenging requests still observed FFs of 62 and 51%, respectively. FF was found to correlate positively with the ratio of available donor units to units requested and negatively with the degree of recipient alloimmunization.

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that substantial fill fractions can be achieved by selecting existing donor units for xHEA analysis and operating an inventory management system for efficient allocation of units to recipients.
Development and Validation of a Mass Casualty Conceptual Model
Authors: Culley Joan M. , Effken Judith A.
Published: November 2009

Purpose: To develop and validate a conceptual model that provides a framework for the development and evaluation of information systems for mass casualty events.

Design: The model was designed based on extant literature and existing theoretical models. A purposeful sample of 18 experts validated the model. Open‐ended questions, as well as a 7‐point Likert scale, were used to measure expert consensus on the importance of each construct and its relationship in the model and the usefulness of the model to future research.

Methods: Computer‐mediated applications were used to facilitate a modified Delphi technique through which a panel of experts provided validation for the conceptual model. Rounds of questions continued until consensus was reached, as measured by an interquartile range (no more than 1 scale point for each item); stability (change in the distribution of responses less than 15% between rounds); and percent agreement (70% or greater) for indicator questions.

Findings: Two rounds of the Delphi process were needed to satisfy the criteria for consensus or stability related to the constructs, relationships, and indicators in the model. The panel reached consensus or sufficient stability to retain all 10 constructs, 9 relationships, and 39 of 44 indicators. Experts viewed the model as useful (mean of 5.3 on a 7‐point scale).

Conclusions: Validation of the model provides the first step in understanding the context in which mass casualty events take place and identifying variables that impact outcomes of care.

Clinical Relevance: This study provides a foundation for understanding the complexity of mass casualty care, the roles that nurses play in mass casualty events, and factors that must be considered in designing and evaluating information‐communication systems to support effective triage under these conditions.
Cerebral Perfusion in Patients With Syndrome X: A Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography Study
Authors: Sun Shung‐Shung , Shiau Yu‐Chien , Tsai Shih‐Chuan , Ho Yung‐Jen , Wang Jhi‐Joung , Kao Chia‐Hung
Published: November 2009

Objective. To test the hypothesis that syndrome X is a systemic vascular disorder, the authors studied 40 patients with this diagnosis using technetium‐99m hexamethylpropylene amine oxime and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) brain images. Twenty‐three of 25 cases with definite myocardial perfusion defects diagnosed by thallium‐201 myocardial perfusion SPECT also had multiple hypoperfusion areas in the brain versus 2 of 15 patients without thallium myocardial defects. The parietal lobes were the most common hypoperfusion areas, and cerebellum was the least common. Syndrome X is a systemic vascular disorder with a high incidence of hypoperfusion lesions of the brain and is usually coincident with myocardial defects.
Morphology of the Frontal Operculum: A Volumetric Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study of the Pars Triangularis
Authors: Foundas Anne L. , Weisberg Alec , Browning Cassandra A. , Weinberger Daniel R.
Published: November 2009

Objective. Broca's area, which includes the pars triangularis (PTR), is a neuroanatomical region important in speech and language production. Linear measures of the PTR have been found to be asymmetric, with the direction of the asymmetry correlating with language dominance determined by Wada testing. It is unclear, however, whether these linear measurements correlate with volumetric measures, and it is also unknown whether white matter and/or gray matter contribute differentially to these asymmetries. To investigate these issues, volumetric magnetic resonance imaging methodologies were used to measure the PTR in a group of healthy right‐handed men (n= 12). There was a significant leftward asymmetry of the PTR using linear and volumetric measures. Linear measures of the left and right hemispheres were highly correlated with volumetric measures. Underlying gray and white matter both contributed to PTR asymmetry. Anatomical boundaries and four configurations (V, U, Y, and J) are discussed with reference to potential interhemispheric differences.