bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A methodology for design and appraisal of surgical robotic systems
Authors: O'Toole Michael D. , Bouazza-Marouf Kaddour , Kerr David , Gooroochurn Mahendra , Vloeberghs Michael
Published: December 2009

Surgical robotics is a growing discipline, continuously expanding with an influx of new ideas and research. However, it is important that the development of new devices take account of past mistakes and successes. A structured approach is necessary, as with proliferation of such research, there is a danger that these lessons will be obscured, resulting in the repetition of mistakes and wasted effort and energy. There are several research paths for surgical robotics, each with different risks and opportunities and different methodologies to reach a profitable outcome. The main emphasis of this paper is on a methodology for ‘applied research’ in surgical robotics. The methodology sets out a hierarchy of criteria consisting of three tiers, with the most important being the bottom tier and the least being the top tier. It is argued that a robotic system must adhere to these criteria in order to achieve acceptability. Recent commercial systems are reviewed against these criteria, and are found to conform up to at least the bottom and intermediate tiers, the most important first two tiers, and thus gain some acceptability. However, the lack of conformity to the criteria in the top tier, and the inability to conclusively prove increased clinical benefit, is shown to be hampering their potential in gaining wide establishment.
Optical Tweezers: A Practical Guide
Authors: Kuo Scot C.
Published: December 2009

Optical tweezers, or the single-beam optical gradient force
trap, is becoming a major tool in biology for noninvasive
micromanipulation on an optical microscope. The principles and
practical aspects that influence construction are presented
in an introductory primer. Quantitative theories are also reviewed
but have yet to supplant user calibration. Various biological
applications are summarized, including recent quantitative force
and displacement measurements. Finally, tantalizing developments
for new, nonimaging microscopy techniques based on optical tweezers
are included.
Cardiovocal syndrome secondary to an aortic pseudo­aneurysm
Authors: Yuan  , Jing
Published: December 2009

Left recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy characterized by hoarseness due to a cardiovascular disorder, which is termed as cardiovocal syndrome or Ortner’s syndrome, is an unusual condition. The syndrome might be associated with diverse cardiovascular diseases. However, it is rarely caused by an aortic pseudoaneurysm. The prominent clinical features of such patients are a history of trauma and the injury to or compression of the aortic isthmus involving the laryngeal nerve. Surgical or interventional treatment is necessary, and recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy is usually expected to recover after the surgical intervention of the aortic pseudoaneurysm.
Digital ischemic necrosis in a patient with systemic sclerosis: the role of laser Doppler perfusion imaging
Authors: Rosato  , Roumpedaki  , Pisarri  , Salsano
Published: December 2009

The impairment of microcirculation is a cardinal feature of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Raynaud’s phenomenon and SSc can cause painful digital ulcers on the fingers or toes, with resulting complications such as serious infections, gangrene or possible amputation. This case report shows the possible role laser Doppler perfusion imaging (LDPI) could play in diagnosis and follow-up of digital arterial obstructions in SSc patients. LDPI is a non-invasive microvascular imaging technique able to provide maps of the cutaneous blood flow (CBF). We describe here the case of a woman affected by SSc who suddenly presented with pallor and pain; afterwards an area of necrosis became clearly visible at the distal phalanx of the third right finger. The LDPI of the dorsal surface of that finger showed a reduction of CBF. Selective arteriography was performed in order to assess the degree and location of the obstruction before proceeding with adventitiectomy. Following this procedure LDPI showed a normal CBF in the distal phalanx and complete healing of the necrotic area. Consequently, we can state that LDPI alone provides an indirect functional estimation of possible digital artery obstruction. Further, we can assert that the overall effect of the adventitiectomy resulted in an increase of the CBF.
An error-controlled fast multipole method
Authors: Dachsel Holger
Published: December 2009

We present a two-stage error estimation scheme for the fast multipole method (FMM). This scheme can be applied to any particle system. It incorporates homogeneous as well as inhomogeneous distributions. The FMM error as a consequence of the finite representation of the multipole expansions and the operator error is correlated with an absolute or relative user-requested energy threshold. Such a reliable error control is the basis for making reliable simulations in computational physics. Our FMM program on the basis of the two-stage error estimation scheme is available on request.
Somatoform Dissociation Discriminates Among Diagnostic Categories Over and Above General Psychopathology
Authors: Nijenhuis Ellert R.S. , van Dyck Richard , Spinhoven Philip , van der Hart Onno , Chatrou Marlene , Vanderlinden Johan , Moene Franny
Published: December 2009

Objective: The primary aim of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that somatoform dissociation would differentiate among specific diagnostic categories after controlling for general psychopathology.

Method: The Somatoform Dissocation Questionnaire (SDQ-20), the Dissociative Experiences Scale, and the Symptom Checklist-90-R were completed by patients with DSM-IV diagnoses of dissociative disorders (n = 44), somatoform disorders (n = 47), eating disorders (n = 50), bipolar mood disorder (n = 23), and a group of consecutive psychiatric outpatients with other psychiatric disorders (n = 45), mainly including anxiety disorders, depression, and adjustment disorder.

Results: The SDQ-20 significantly differentiated among diagnostic groups in the hypothesised order of increasing somatoform dissociation, both before and after statistically controlling for general psychopathology. Somatoform dissociation was extreme in dissociative identity disorder, high in dissociative disorder, not otherwise specified, and increased in somatoform disorders, as well as in a subgroup of patients with eating disorders. In contrast with somatoform dissociation, psychological dissociation did not discriminate between bipolar mood disorder and somato form disorders.

Conclusions: Somatoform dissociation is a unique construct that discriminates among diagnostic categories. It is highly characteristic of dissociative disorder patients, a core feature in many patients with somatoform disorders, and an important symptom cluster in a subgroup of patients with eating disorders., dissociation
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Emotional Problems in Children Following Motor Vehicle Accidents: An Extended Case Series
Authors: McDermott Brett M. , Cvitanovich Anita
Published: December 2009

Objective: The prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and general psychopathology in children following motor vehicle accidents (MVA) was investigated.

Method: Twenty-six subjects aged 8–13 years presenting to an emergency department following an MVA were assessed 3 months after the accident using a standard clinical psychiatric assessment, a structured research interview and self- and parent-report questionnaires.

Results: A higher prevalence of psychopathology was seen in the sample compared with community controls. Self-report of PTSD symptoms revealed 22% subjects in the moderate or severe PTSD range and 35% of mild severity. There was significant concordance between self-report PTSD scores and a clinical diagnosis of PTSD. Perception of threat and the internalising subscale on the Child Behaviour Checklist were significantly correlated with PTSD scores.

Conclusions: PTSD and other symptoms of emotional distress are common following MVAs. The clinical and public health implications are discussed, and areas for further research highlighted.
Correlates of Firesetting in a Community Sample of Young Adolescents
Authors: Martin Graham , Bergen Helen A. , Richardson Angela S. , Roeger Leigh , Allison Stephen
Published: December 2009

Objective: To investigate relationships between firesetting, antisocial behaviour, individual, family and parenting factors in a large community sample of adolescents.

Method: A cross-sectional study of students (n = 2596) aged 13 years on average, from 27 schools in South Australia with a questionnaire on firesetting, antisocial behaviour (adapted 21-item Self Report Delinquency Scale), risk-taking, drug use, suicidality, physical and sexual abuse, depressive symptomatology, hopelessness, anxiety, locus of control, self-esteem, family functioning (McMaster Family Assessment Device) and parenting style (Influential Relationships Questionnaire). Data analysis included χ2, ANOVA and logistic regression.

Results: Large significant differences are found between firesetters and non-firesetters on all measures. Among adolescents with serious levels of antisocial behaviour (7++ acts included in diagnostic guidelines for DSM-IV conduct disorder), firesetters differ from nonfiresetters in reporting more extreme antisocial behaviour (10++ acts), extreme drug use, suicidal behaviour, and perceived failure at school. Gender differences are apparent. A study limitation is the single item assessment of firesetting.

Conclusions: Self-report firesetting is strongly associated with extreme antisocial behaviour in young community adolescents, in support of existing evidence from incarcerated delinquent and psychiatric populations. Early detection of community firesetters demands further assessment and intervention. Clinicians should consider its coexistence with serious drug use and high risk-taking (especially in girls), and suicidality, sexual and physical abuse (in boys).
Early Risk Factors for Adolescent Antisocial Behaviour: An Australian Longitudinal Study
Authors: Bor William , McGee Tara Renae , Fagan Abigail A.
Published: December 2009

Objective: This investigation utilizes data from an Australian longitudinal study to identify early risk factors for adolescent antisocial behaviour.

Method: Analyses are based on data from the Mater University Study of Pregnancy, an ongoing longitudinal investigation of women's and children's health and development involving over 8000 participants. Five types of risk factors (child characteristics, perinatal factors, maternal/familial characteristics, maternal pre- and post-natal substance use and parenting practices) were included in analyses and were based on maternal reports, child assessments and medical records. Adolescent antisocial behaviour was measured when children were 14 years old, using the delinquency subscale of the Child Behaviour Checklist.

Results: Based on a series of logistic regression models, significant risk factors for adolescent antisocial behaviour included children's prior problem behaviour (i.e. aggression and attention/restlessness problems at age 5 years) and marital instability, which doubled or tripled the odds of antisocial behaviour. Perinatal factors, maternal substance use, and parenting practices were relatively poor predictors of antisocial behaviour.

Conclusions: Few studies have assessed early predictors of antisocial behaviour in Australia and the current results can be used to inform prevention programs that target risk factors likely to lead to problem outcomes for Australian youth.
New Zealand's Psychiatrist Workforce: Profile, Recruitment and Retention
Authors: Lau Trevor , Kumar Shailesh , Lau Trevor , Kumar Shailesh , Robinson Elizabeth
Published: December 2009

Objective: New Zealand is suspected of sharing other countries' difficulties of having inadequate numbers of practising psychiatrists and attracting psychiatrists to work outside its main urban centres, but there is no contemporary data on the socio-demographic and professional practice profile of its psychiatrists. This paper highlights some interesting trends about New Zealand's psychiatric workforce.

Method: A postal questionnaire was sent to all actively practising vocationally registered psychiatrists with a New Zealand mailing address requesting information about basic demographic data, professional training experiences, current professional status, practise intentions, why they chose to work where they do and what factors might influence them to leave for another region of New Zealand or overseas.

Results: Of the 277 doctors on the vocational register for psychiatry, 159 responded, giving a response rate of 59.8%. Most psychiatrists were male (n = 102; 64.2%), European (n = 144; 90.6%), aged between 41 and 60 (69.2%), born overseas (n = 90; 56%), had English as their primary language (n = 142; 89.3%) and were in a long-term relationship with dependent children (n = 99; 62.3%). Nearly all (n = 149; 95%) did their psychiatry training in a metropolitan area and most (n = 108; 67.9%) held the Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatry (FRANZCP). Most worked in a metropolitan area (n = 136; 85.5%) and either wholly or partly in the public sector (n = 145; 93%). Nearly one-quarter expected to retire over the next decade. Professional factors were rated more important as a reason for staying by metropolitan psychiatrists compared with their non-metropolitan counterparts (p < 0.001). Psychiatrists who did not have an FRANZCP (57% vs. 27%, p = 0.05), those who had spent more than 50% of their professional life in New Zealand (86% vs. 74%, p = 0.02) or those who had obtained their primary medical degree outside New Zealand were more likely to be in nonmetropolitan areas (81% vs. 49%, p = 0.04). Metropolitan psychiatrists rated personal and social reasons more highly than non-metropolitan psychiatrists did for factors which might induce them to leave for another area, whereas professional development was ranked lower.

Conclusions: This is the first contemporary study of New Zealand's psychiatric workforce and it highlights some interesting trends and has significant implications for those concerned with the recruitment and retention of psychiatrists. Further investigation is suggested, as a more complete picture of New Zealand's specialist psychiatric workforce would be gained by including psychiatrists who are not vocationally registered.
The Prevalence of ‘Cognitive Impairment no Dementia’ in Community-Dwelling Elderly: A Pilot Study
Authors: Low L-F. , Brodaty H. , Low L-F. , Brodaty H. , Edwards R. , Kochan N. , Draper B. , Trollor J. , Sachdev P.
Published: December 2009

Objective: To determine the prevalence of ‘cognitive impairment no dementia’ (CIND) and ‘amnestic mild cognitive impairment’ (aMCI) in a population sample of 70–79-year-olds and the risk factors for CIND.

Method: Cross sectional population survey. Setting: Sutherland Shire, Sydney, Australia. Subjects: 150 community-dwelling 70–79-year-olds were screened by telephone, 42 of whom were assessed at home. Measures: Demographics, subjective ratings of physical and emotional health and memory, cardiovascular risk factors, medications, the Mini-Mental State Examination, Boston Naming Test, Trail Making Tests A and B, Block Design, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), Visual Reproduction, Logical Memory, letter and category fluency, the National Adult Reading Test (NART), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and the ‘state’ section of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S).

Results: From the 400 subjects contacted initially, 150 consented to be interviewed and 131 eligible subjects were recruited. Of a 1-in-3 random sample of 42 subjects assessed at home, 14 (33.3%) subjects met criteria for CIND, 1 (2.4%) had possible dementia and the 27 remaining (64.3%) were cognitively normal. Four (9.5%) met criteria for aMCI. Subjects with CIND were older, had lower ranking occupations and were less likely to be currently working than those classified as cognitively normal. Ten subjects with CIND did not meet criteria for aMCI because they lacked subjective memory impairment (n = 3) or had cognitive deficits other than memory (n = 7). All subjects with aMCI met criteria for CIND.

Conclusions: One-third of individuals in this population sample met criteria for CIND. CIND is a broader definition than aMCI. Further research is needed to determine the longitudinal course and clinical utility of these definitions of cognitive impairment.
Non-Suicidal Deaths Following Hospital-Treated Self-Poisoning
Authors: Carter Greg , Reith David M. , Whyte Ian M. , Mcpherson Michelle
Published: December 2009

Objective: To quantify the non-suicidal mortality subsequent to hospital treated selfpoisoning, and to identify risk factors for non-suicidal death.

Method: A prospective longitudinal cohort design was used, with data-linkage between the Hunter Area Toxicology Service database and the National Death Index. All patients with deliberate self-poisoning for a 10-year period (1991–2000) were studied and the first episode in the period was used as the index episode. The outcomes were: accidental, ‘natural’ and non-suicidal death, with follow-up for the study duration.

Results: There were 4044 patients studied, and 170 (4.2%) of these had non-suicidal death; 64 were accidental and 106 were ‘natural’ cause deaths. The standardized mortality ratio (95% CI) for non-suicidal death for males, females and combined were 4.98 (4.08–6.07), 3.78 (3.0–4.75) and 4.20 (3.62–4.88), respectively. The increased mortality was apparent for both males and females, and was more marked in the younger age groups. For non-suicidal death the adjusted hazard ratio (95% CI) for increased risk were: increasing age 1.07 (1.06–1.08), male gender 1.77 (1.24–2.52), psychiatric diagnosis of substance related disorder 1.49 (1.03–2.16), prescription of a respiratory drug 2.69 (1.31–5.55), and prescription of an antidiabetic drug 1.95 (0.93–4.07), while psychiatric diagnosis of adjustment disorder 0.64 (0.38–1.053) was associated with decreased risk.

Conclusions: Patients who present with self-poisoning have increased mortality from accidental and ‘natural’ causes. Long-term treatment goals for these patients need to address non-suicide mortality in addition to suicide mortality.
Grief Experiences of Parents Whose Children Suffer from Mental Illness
Authors: Godress Julia , Ozgul Salih , Owen Cathy , Foley-Evans Leanne
Published: December 2009

Objective: To examine the grief experience of parents of adult children with a mental illness and its relationship to parental health and well-being and parent child attachment and affective relationship.

Methods: Participants were recruited from a variety of organizations throughout Australia that provide support services for sufferers of mental illness and/or for their families. Seventyone participants (62 mothers and nine fathers) all of whom had a child diagnosed with mental illness volunteered to take part in the study. All completed measures of grief, health status and parent-child relationship.

Results: Parents reported experiencing grief in relation to their child's illness as evidenced by intrusive thoughts and feelings and avoidance of behaviour as well as difficulties adapting to and distress associated with reminders of the illness. Parental grief appears to reduce over time, but only in some aspects of grief and after an extended period. Increased parental grief was related to lowered psychological well-being and health status and associated with an anxious/ambivalent and a negative affective parent-child relationship.

Conclusion: The study provides important insights into the grief experiences of parents following their child's diagnosis with mental illness. The significant relationship between parental grief and parental psychological well-being and health status as well as to parentchild relationship has important implications for health professionals. Foremost amongst these are the need to validate the distress and grief of parents and to better understand how to provide interventions that promote grief work and family bonds while reducing emotional distress and life disruption.
A Brief Measure of High Nicotine Dependence for Busy Clinicians and Large Epidemiological Surveys
Authors: Diaz Francisco J. , Jané Mireia , Saltó Esteve , Pardell Hélios , Salleras Lluís , Pinet Cristina , De Leon Jose
Published: December 2009

Objective: It is important to perform a routine screening of nicotine dependence in psychiatric patients. The Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) is a widely used six-item questionnaire. The Heavy Smoking Index (HSI) is a briefer measure including only two FTND items (time to first cigarette of day and number of daily cigarettes). In a prior study comparing HSI with FTND, a high HSI (score ≥ 4) was a good and briefer alternative for detecting high nicotine dependence. The goals of this study were: (i) to compare the effectiveness of the HSI with the effectiveness of Items 1 and 4 alone for the screening of high nicotine dependence; (ii) to investigate the optimality of 4 as a cut-off score for the HSI so that the HSI can be used as a binary indicator of high nicotine dependence; and (iii) to compare the sensitivity and specificity of four indexes of high nicotine dependence, namely ‘High HSI’, ‘Very Early Smoking’, ‘Heavy Smoking’ and ‘High in Either Item’.

Method: The FTND was administered to 819 current daily smokers from a general population survey. As in a prior study, an FTND score ≥ 6 was considered the reference or ‘gold standard’ test for detecting high nicotine dependence. Receiver-operating characteristic analyses were performed.

Results: This new study using more sophisticated statistical methodology verified that a cut-off of 4 for the HSI is appropriate and that the ‘high’ HSI has good sensitivity and specificity even across different population subclassifications.

Conclusions: With four questions (smoking, daily smoking, time to first cigarette of day and number of daily cigarettes) and minimal calculations, it may be possible to screen whether a smoker has high nicotine dependence. If other studies in other populations and settings verify this finding, this brief measure might be an ideal screening instrument for busy clinicians, epidemiologists developing questionnaires for health surveys and psychiatric researchers. Key words: nicotine dependence, receiver-operating characteristic analyses, sensitivity, specificity, tobacco smoking.
Factors Associated with Pathological Dissociation in the General Population
Authors: Maaranen Päivi , Tanskanen Antti , Honkalampi Kirsi , Haatainen Kaisa , Hintikka Jukka , Viinamäki Heimo
Published: December 2009

Objective: This study assessed the prevalence of pathological dissociation in the general population, and the relationship between pathological dissociation and sociodemographic and several psychiatric variables.

Method: The stratified population sample consisted of 2001 subjects. The study questionnaires included the Dissociative Experiences Scale, the Dissociative Experiences Scale-Taxon, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory, and sociodemographic background.

Results: The prevalence of pathological dissociation (DES-T ≥ 20) was 3.4% in the general population and did not differ significantly between genders. Men scored higher than women in the amnesia subscale, and women in the absorption and imaginative involvement subscale. The relationship between pathological dissociation, alexithymia, depression and suicidality was strong. The likelihood of pathological dissociation was nearly nine-fold higher among depressive subjects, more than seven-fold higher among alexithymic subjects, and more than four-fold higher among suicidal subjects than among the others. Frequent alcohol consumption also associated significantly with pathological dissociation.

Conclusions: A significant relationship between pathological dissociation, depression, alexithymia, and suicidality was found in the general population. The importance of these factors should be examined in a prospective study design to determine causality.
Prevalence of Psychoses on Reception to Male Prisons in New South Wales
Authors: Nielssen Olav , Misrachi Shavtay
Published: December 2009

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of psychotic illnesses among men received to prisons in New South Wales. The study also sought to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of the psychosis screener in the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI-Auto).

Method: The study was part of a larger study on psychiatric disorder in men received to New South Wales prisons. Using a structured questionnaire, the CIDI-Auto (modified), which included screening questions for psychotic illness, the prisoners who gave positive responses to the screening questions for psychosis as well as any subjects considered by the experienced clinicians performing the CIDI-Auto interviews to show features of a psychotic illness, were referred to the researchers for a clinical assessment. The clinical assessment included a review of all available information.

Results: Of the prisoners, 5.1% were thought to have definite psychotic illness and 1.9% to have possible psychotic illness. The psychosis screener was found to be neither sensitive nor specific.

Conclusions: The rate of psychotic illness among people remanded to New South Wales prisons is between 10 and 14 times the rate found in a similar study in the wider community. The poor performance of the psychosis screener suggests that screening for psychotic illness on reception to prisons should be performed by clinically trained staff.
Imputing Cross-Sectional Missing Data: Comparison of Common Techniques
Authors: Hawthorne Graeme , Hawthorne Graeme , Elliott Peter
Published: December 2009

Objective: Increasing awareness of how missing data affects the analysis of clinical and public health interventions has led to increasing numbers of missing data procedures. There is little advice regarding which procedures should be selected under different circumstances. This paper compares six popular procedures: listwise deletion, item mean substitution, person mean substitution at two levels, regression imputation and hot deck imputation.

Method: Using a complete dataset, each was examined under a variety of sample sizes and differing levels ofmissing data. The criteria were the true t-values for the entire sample.

Results: The results suggest important differences. Ifmissing data are from a scale where about half the items are present, hot deck imputation or person mean substitution are best. Because person mean substitution is computationally simpler, similar in its efficiency, advocated by other researchers and more likely to be an option on statistical software packages, it is the method of choice. If the missing data are from a scale where more than half the items are missing, or with single-item measures, then hot deck imputation is recommended. The findings also showed that listwise deletion and item mean substitution performed poorly.

Conclusions: Person mean and hot deck imputation are preferred. Since listwise deletion and item mean substitution performed poorly, yet are the most widely reported methods, the findings have broad implications.
Involvement of the Plant Polymer Suberin and the Disaccharide Cellobiose in Triggering Thaxtomin A Biosynthesis, a Phytotoxin Produced by the Pathogenic Agent Streptomyces scabies
Authors: Lerat Sylvain , Simao-Beaunoir Anne-Marie , Wu Run , Beaudoin Nathalie , Beaulieu Carole
Published: December 2009

Streptomyces scabies is a gram-positive soil bacterium recognized as the main causal agent of common scab. Pathogenicity in Streptomyces spp. depends on their capacity to synthesize phytotoxins called thaxtomins. Genes involved in biosynthesis of these secondary metabolites are known to be induced by cellobiose, a plant disaccharide. However, growth of S. scabies in a minimal medium containing cellobiose as a carbon source is very poor and only generates traces of thaxtomins. The effect of suberin, a lipid plant polymer, on thaxtomin A biosynthesis and the expression of genes involved in its biosynthetic pathway was analyzed. S. scabies was grown in a starch-containing minimal medium supplemented with cellobiose (0.5%), suberin (0.1%), or both. The presence of both cellobiose and suberin doubled bacterial growth and triggered thaxtomin A production, which correlated with the upregulation (up to 342-fold) of genes involved in thaxtomins synthesis. The addition of either suberin or cellobiose alone did not affect these parameters. Suberin appeared to stimulate the onset of secondary metabolism, which is a prerequisite to the production of molecules such as thaxtomin A, while cellobiose induced the biosynthesis of this secondary metabolite.
STATIC ISOTROPIC SPACE–TIMES WITH RADIALLY IMPERFECT FLUIDS
Authors: KONOPKA TOMASZ
Published: December 2009

When one is solving the equations of general relativity in a symmetric sector, it is natural to consider the same symmetry for the geometry and stress–energy. This implies that for static and isotropic space–times, the most general natural stress–energy tensor is a sum of a perfect fluid and a radially imperfect fluid component. In the special situations where the perfect fluid component vanishes or is a space–time constant, the solutions to Einstein's equations can be thought of as modified Schwarzschild and Schwarzschild–de Sitter spaces. Exact solutions of this type are derived and it is shown that whereas deviations from the unmodified solutions can be made small, among the manifestations of the imperfect fluid component is a shift in angular momentum scaling for orbiting test bodies at large radius. Based on this effect, the question of whether the imperfect fluid component can feasibly describe dark matter phenomenology is addressed.
Aquatic Environment and Differentiation of Vibrissae: Comparison of Sinus Hair Systems of Ringed Seal, Otter and Pole Cat
Authors: Hyvärinen H. , Palviainen A. , Strandberg U. , Holopainen I.J.
Published: December 2009

This study investigated the structure and innervation of the vibrissal systems of the pole cat (Mustela putorius), European otter (Lutra lutra) and ringed seal (Phoca hispida) in order to find adaptations to aquatic environment. The number of myelinated nerve fibers of deep vibrissal nerve (DVN) of the entire vibrissal system was considerably greater in the ringed seal (10×, aquatic mammal) and in the otter (4×, semi-aquatic mustelid) compared to the pole cat which is a terrestrial mustelid. Similarly, the number of neural end organs in the vibrissae of ringed seals was about ten times more numerous than in pole cats. The number of the vibrissae in the heads of otters was almost two times more than in pole cats, and all vibrissa groups had similar structures and innervation. The asymmetrically developed carpal vibrissae of otters were, however, more poorly innervated than the vibrissae of the head and had only smooth musculature. In the ringed seal the orientation of lanceolate end organs differed in different vibrissae, indicating the specialization of these vibrissae for different kinds of sensory functions. Ringed seal vibrissae contain structures which obviously are developed as adaptations to an aquatic environment. These include the modified mitochondria of Merkel cells, with Merkel cell-neurite complexes very often associated ciliated cells, liquid filled vesicles or intercellular spaces below the basal cell layer of the outer root sheath at the ring sinus level, a long upper cavernous sinus and a flattened beaded structure of the vibrissa hairs. As the vibrissae of aquatic mammals have analogous functions to the lateral line organ of fishes, we suggest using the term ‘vibrissal sense’ for the vibrissa system of aquatic mammals.
Numerical Investigation of Spectral Evolution of Wind Waves. Part II: Dissipation Term and Evolution Tests
Authors: Babanin Alexander V. , Tsagareli Kakha N. , Young I. R. , Walker David J.
Published: December 2009

Numerical simulations of the wind-wave spectrum evolution are conducted by means of new observation-based wind-input and wave dissipation functions obtained in the Lake George field experiment. This experiment allowed simultaneous measurements of the source functions in a broad range of conditions, including extreme wind-wave circumstances. Results of the experiment revealed new physical mechanisms in the processes of spectral input/dissipation of wave energy, which are presently not accounted for in wave forecast models. These features had been parameterized as source terms in a form suitable for spectral wave models; in the present study, they were tested, calibrated, and validated on the basis of such a model.

Physical constraints were imposed on the source functions in terms of the known experimental dependences for the total wind-wave momentum flux and for the ratio between the total input and total dissipation. Enforcing the constraints in the course of wave-spectrum evolution allowed calibration of the free experimental parameters of the new input (Part I of the study) and dissipation functions; the latter is the topic of the present paper. The approach allows separate calibration of the source functions before they are employed in the evolution tests. The evolution simulations were conducted by means of the one-dimensional research WAVETIME model with an exact solution for the nonlinear term. The resulting time-limited evolution of integral, spectral, and directional wave properties, based on implementation of the new physically justified source/sink terms and constraints, is then analyzed. Good agreement of the simulated evolution with known experimental dependences is demonstrated.
A New Front Contact Counter Electrode with Multiwall Carbon Nanotube Array for Dye-sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Li Xin , Lin Hong , Zhang Yongchang
Published: December 2009

A new kind of front contact counter electrode with multi-wall carbon nanotube array on a nonconductive substrate and a thin metal layer was designed for dye-sensitized solar cells. Under standard AM 1.5 irradiation (100 mW cm−2), a device with such counter electrode yielded an overall conversion efficiency of 2.53%.
Rastreabilidade de subprodutos de origem animal em dietas com levedura e trigo para frangos
Authors: Gottmann Rosana , Pezzato Antonio Celso , Ducatti Carlos , Denadai Juliana Célia , Móri Cleusa , Mituo Mariela Akie Okino , Sartori José Roberto
Published: December 2009

O objetivo deste trabalho foi rastrear a inclussão de farinhas de origem animal em rações para frango de corte com ou sem levedura de cana-de-açúcar e farelo de trigo, por meio da análise do músculo peitoral das aves pelas técnicas dos isótopos estáveis de carbono e nitrogênio. Foram utilizados 210 pintos machos (Cobb), com um dia de idade, distribuídos aleatoriamente em sete tratamentos de 30 aves cada, tendo sido um tratamento controle (dieta vegetal) e seis com inclusão de farinha de carne e ossos bovina ou farinha de vísceras de aves na dieta, com ou sem levedura de cana-de-açúcar e farelo de trigo. Aos 42 dias de idade, foram abatidas quatro aves, por tratamento, escolhidas ao acaso, cujo músculo peitoral foi retirado para análise da razão isotópica. Os resultados obtidos foram submetidos à análise multivariada. Os tratamentos experimentais diferiram do tratamento controle, e foi identificada a inclusão de farinha de origem animal, pelas técnicas dos isótopos estáveis, mesmo com inclusão de levedura ou farelo de trigo na dieta.
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Gene Expression in Interstitial Pneumonitis in Brazilian Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1-Infected Children: Is EBV Associated or Not?
Authors: Toro Adyléia A.D.C. , Altemani Albina M.A. , da Silva Marcos T.N. , Morcillo André M. , Vilela Maria Marluce S.
Published: December 2009

To gain further knowledge on the subject we evaluated Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) gene expression and TCD4+, TCD8+, and B lymphocyte counts in lung tissue samples from 20 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children with chronic lung disease. Twenty HIV-1 infected children with chronic pulmonary disease underwent open lung biopsy to define the diagnosis. Histological section of this material was submitted to nonisotopic in situ hybridization (ISH) using EBV-encoded RNA (EBER) 1/2 probes and TCD4+, TCD8+, and CD20+ B-cell counts by immunohistochemistry. The histology of 16 out of the 20 children (median age 53.5 months) proved to be examples of pulmonary lymphoid hyperplasia/lymphoid interstitial pneumonitis (PLH/LIP) complex, 13 of which were EBER positive, but no significant association was found (Fisher exact test P = 0.439). Four patients had non-LIP diseases (3, nonspecific interstitial pneumonia; 1, diffuse advanced alveolar damage), two being EBER negative. Nineteen children showed a predominant T-CD8+ cell response (CD4+/CD8+ <1) in lung tissue. The mean TCD4+ and the TCD4/TCD8 ratio in lung tissue were significantly higher in the sections with PLH/LIP complex, but without significant difference between EBER positive and EBER negative samples. EBV gene expression was detected in the majority of the lung samples but without significant association with PLH/LIP complex or with TCD4+, TCD8+, B cells and the TCD4+/TCD8+ ratio. Regarding the pattern of lung disease in HIV-1 infected children, associated or not to EBV, the findings are of importance concerning the possible role of EBV in the pathogenesis of PLH/LIP.
Molecular characterization of rotaviruses in mid-western Turkey, 2006–2007
Authors: Altindis Mustafa , Bányai Krisztián , Kalayci Raike , Gulamber Cihangir , Koken Resit , Apan Teoman , Koçoğlu Esra , Bukulmez Aysegul , Yoldas Yasin , Aykurt Pınar
Published: December 2009

Vaccines against rotaviruses are now available in numerous countries, including Turkey. As the vaccines may show various efficiencies against different type specificities and routine vaccination in infants might result in selection and immune escape of wild-type rotavirus strains, strain surveillance has been initiated before and during the vaccine introduction. We aimed to provide corresponding information on local strain prevalence in Anatolia, mid-western Turkey during the introduction of rotavirus vaccines. Stool samples positive for group A rotavirus by commercial enzyme immunoassay were subjected to reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction based genotyping of the outer capsid antigens, VP7 and VP4, determining G and P type specificities respectively. Among 36 fully and 5 partially typeable strains we detected genotype G1, G2, and G9 VP7 specificities and genotype P[4], P[6] and P[8] VP4 specificities in 5 individual and 4 mixed combinations. The most common strain was G2P[4] (n=17), followed by G9P[8] (n=9). Other strains were G1P[8] (n=2), G2P[8] (n=2), G1+2P[8] (n=2), G9P[4] (n=1), G2+9P[8] (n=1), G4+9P[6] (n=1), and G2P[4+8] (n=1). Partially typed strains included 2 G1P[NT] and 3 G2P[NT] strains. Our data may help determine a baseline of the rotavirus genotype prevalence in Turkey and see if changes in the incidence of individual strains will be observed after routine use of vaccine.
Quantitative approach in environmental interpretations of deep-marine sediments (Dukla Unit, Western Carpathian Flysch Zone)
Authors: Prekopová Marta , Janočko Juraj
Published: December 2009

Quantitative approach in environmental interpretations of deep-marine sediments (Dukla Unit, Western Carpathian Flysch Zone)

In structurally complicated terranes with outcrops limited in number and extent, additional methods for interpreting depositional environments are required. Statistical analysis of bed thicknesses, in addition to conventional sedimentological analysis, is a quantitative way to refine environmental interpretations, interpretations that can be useful in predicting reservoir architecture. We analysed Paleogene deep-water sediments belonging to the Cisna, Sub-Menilite, and Menilite Formations of the Dukla Unit, Outer Carpathian Flysch Zone and, using two independent quantitative methods, tried to define their depositional environments. As a first approach we used Carlson & Grotzinger's model (2001), which suggests power law distribution of turbidite bed thicknesses. The second one is the lognormal mixture model of Talling (2001). Based on a quantitative approach, we suggest deposition of the lowermost Cisna Formation in the channel-levee environment. The overlying sediments of the Sub-Menilite Formation were deposited in a more distal, probably outer lobe environment. The uppermost Menilite Formation is interpreted as deposits from an outer lobe/basin plain environment.
Environmental changes in the declining Middle Miocene Badenian evaporite basin of the Ukrainian Carpathian Foredeep (Kudryntsi section)
Authors: Peryt Danuta , Peryt Tadeusz
Published: December 2009

Environmental changes in the declining Middle Miocene Badenian evaporite basin of the Ukrainian Carpathian Foredeep (Kudryntsi section)

The Kudryntsi section in West Ukraine documents a major environmental change from hypersaline to marine conditions during the Middle Miocene. There are very few (or no) specimens of foraminifers in samples of the siliciclastic series (4 m thick, with limestone intercalations) which occurs above the gypsum (and below the transgressive deposits) in the southern part of quarry. The limestone intercalations are first sparitic and microsparitic, and then become pelletal. The pelletal depositional textures are interpreted as originated in restricted environments in contrast to mixed-fossil lithoclastic packstones/grainstones overlying the siliciclastic series. The diversity of fauna increases up section. Foraminifers, bivalves, ostracods and gastropods appear first and then, additionally, brachiopods, bryozoans, crinoids, and echinoids occur. Foraminiferal assemblages are dominated by elphidiids forming 70 to 90 % of the population. The most common species are Elphidium crispum (Linné) and E. macellum (Fichtel & Moll). The limestones show a wide range of δ13C values (from -1.6 ‰ to - 18.2 ‰) and δ18O values (from -0.2 ‰ to -9.4 ‰) indicating that the cementation and some recrystallization took place in meteoric-water-dominated fluid but the restriction-controlled trend can be recognized. The siliciclastic series was deposited in an evaporitic lagoon influenced by large inflows of continental waters carrying the siliciclastic and other detrital material from the older Badenian rocks as well as from their substrate. The Kudryntsi section documents a stepwise decrease in water salinity — from ca. 150-300 ‰ during the Badenian gypsum precipitation, through ca. 80-150 ‰ during deposition of the siliciclastic series to ca. 35 ‰ during sedimentation of the basal transgressive deposits. The basal deposits originated in shallow subtidal (0-20 m) environments of normal marine salinity (30-35 ‰) and temperate to warm waters (8-18 °C) as indicated by requirements of the E. crispum association in recent seas.
The Application Of Attributes Derived From High Resolution Seismic Data In Horizontal Drilling. A Case Study From Shuaiba Formation, Minagish Field, West Kuwait
Authors: Kumar Sanjay , Al-Anezi Khalaf K. , Gezeeri Taher Mohd Nabil
Published: December 2009

In the Minagish field, the Shuaiba formation has very low porosity and permeability, However, the presence of shrinkage cracks, joints and fractures make it ideal disposal zones. Karsts feature south east of the Minagish structure, containing an abundance of fractures and dissolution channels, have been identified for disposal. Karsts are formed by the passage of meteoric water through the carbonate rock and dissolved the rock as it passed. In the areas with significant dissolution, the formation has collapsed due to weight of overburden, creating areas of massive fracture and faulting. The karsts area have been successfully targeted with 2 horizontal wells drilled within last three years, with disposal capacity of 30000 to 40000 bw/day per well. Seismic attributes are one of the most routine technologies applied in geosciences interpretation and analysis of 3D seismic data, contain incredibly rich information in terms of amplitudes, frequency, geometry and texture. Since seismic attributes are sensitive to spatial variations in subsurface, these can acts as guide for horizontal wells specially in complex and unpredictable area. The Coherency Cube quantifies the measurement of local waveform similarity. Since it provides spatial change in the seismic waveform hence it can be related to sub surface features like Geometry of the subsurface reflectors, Faults, Pinchouts, Unconformities, changes in lithology, Changes in pore fluid density, Changes in elastic properties as well as depositional environments. In present case study seismic attributes specially coherency along with other data was applied to identify the shale dominated area and limestone formation near collapsed feature. The horizontal well targeted fractured limestone near the edge of collapsed feature. The drilling data was correlated with seismic attributes to identify the shale dominated area and Shuiaba limestone near the collapsed feature. It was observed that Shuiaba limestone was severely eroded inside the collapsed feature and filled with overlying base Burgan shales and silts. With this information well was side tracked toward the limestone formation and completed with its objectives. By correlating the seismic attributes with real time drilling data, more accurate information about the spatial variation in the vicinity of well is available. In case of drilling complications these information are very useful to find out best possible trajectory for side track as done in this Shuaiba disposal well. Hence seismic attributes can be applied not only for identifying the location but also for providing support during horizontal drilling. Above technique can also be applied in planning the different legs of multilateral well.
Lateral episiotomy protects primiparous but not multiparous women from obstetric anal sphincter rupture
Authors: RÄISÄNEN SARI HELENA , VEHVILÄINEN‐JULKUNEN KATRI , GISSLER MIKA , HEINONEN SEPPO
Published: December 2009

Objective. To identify the risk factors for obstetric anal sphincter rupture (OASR). Design and setting. Retrospective population‐based register study. Population. A total of 514,741 women with singleton pregnancy and vaginal delivery between 1997 and 2007 in Finland. Methods. Primiparous (n = 2,315) and multiparous women (n = 534) with OASR were compared with primiparous and multiparous women without OASR by using stepwise logistic regression analysis. Main outcome measure. The OASR risk. Results. Episiotomy decreased the likelihood of OASR for the primiparous [odds ratio (OR) 0.83, 95% CI (confidence interval) 0.75–0.92], but not the multiparous women (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.67–2.44). The strongest risk factors for OASR among the primiparous women were forceps delivery (OR 10.20, 95% CI 3.60–28.90), birth weight over 4,000 g (OR 4.66, 95% CI 3.86–5.63), vacuum assisted delivery (OR 3.88, 95% CI 3.25–4.63), occiput posterior presentation (OR 3.17, 95% CI 1.64–6.15), and prolonged active second stage of birth (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.65–2.58). Episiotomy was associated with decreased risks for OASR in vacuum assisted deliveries (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.57–0.85). Risk factors for OASR among the multiparous women included forceps delivery (OR 10.13, 95% CI 2.46–41.81), prolonged active second stage of the birth (OR 7.18, 95% CI 4.32–11.91), birth weight over 4,000 g (OR 5.84, 95% CI 3.40–10.02), and vacuum assisted delivery (OR 4.17, 95% CI 3.17–5.48). Conclusions. The results support the restrictive use of episiotomy, since 909 episiotomies appear to be needed to prevent one OASR among primiparous women. Equivalent estimate in vacuum assisted deliveries among primiparous women was 66, favoring routine use of episiotomy in such cases.
Otters in Nepal: Urgent Need for Action!
Authors: Kafle Gandhiv
Published: December 2009

No abstract.DOI: 10.3126/jowe.v1i1.1564 Journal of Wetlands Ecology Vol.1(1/2) 2008, p.1
Dunga Swamp and its Conservation in Kenya
Authors: Obura Evarastus
Published: December 2009

DOI: 10.3126/jowe.v1i1.1565 Journal of Wetlands Ecology Vol.1(1/2) 2008, p.12