bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Gene‐environment Interactions on Mental Development in African American, Dominican, and Caucasian Mothers and Newborns
Authors: Wang Shuang , Chanock Stephen , Tang Deliang , Li Zhigang , Edwards Susan , Jedrychowski Wieslaw , Perera Frederica P.
Published: October 2009

The health impact of environmental toxins has gained increasing recognition over the years. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) are known to affect nervous system development in children, but no studies have investigated how polymorphisms in PAH metabolic genes affect child cognitive development following PAH exposure during pregnancy. In two parallel prospective cohort studies of non‐smoking African American and Dominican mothers and children in New York City and of Caucasian mothers and children in Krakow, Poland, we explored the effect of gene‐PAH interaction on child mental development index (MDI). Genes known to play important roles in the metabolic activation or detoxification of PAHs were selected. Genetic variations in these genes could influence susceptibility to adverse effects of PAHs in polluted air. We explored the effects of interactions between prenatal PAH exposure and 21 polymorphisms or haplotypes in these genes on MDI at 12, 24, and 36 months among 547 newborns and 806 mothers from three different ethnic groups. Significant interaction effects between haplotypes and PAHs were observed in mothers and their newborns in all three ethnic groups after Bonferroni correction. The strongest and most consistent effect observed was between PAH and haplotype ACCGGC of the CYP1B1 gene.
Comparative predictive validity of the Harris Infant Neuromotor Test and the Alberta Infant Motor Scale
Authors: HARRIS SUSAN R , BACKMAN CATHERINE L , MAYSON TANJA A
Published: October 2009

Aim  We compared abilities of the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) and the Harris Infant Neuromotor Test (HINT), during the infant’s first year, in predicting scores on the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID) at age 2 and 3 years.

Method  This prospective study involved 144 infants (71 females, 73 males), assessed with the HINT and AIMS at 4 to 6.5 and 10 to 12.5 months and with the BSID at 2 and 3 years. Inclusion criteria for typical infants (n=58) were the following: 38 to 42 weeks’ gestation, birthweight at least 2500g, and no congenital anomaly, postnatal health concern, nor major prenatal or perinatal maternal risk factor. For at‐risk infants (n=86), inclusion criteria were any of the following: less than 38 weeks’ gestation, birthweight less than 2500g, maternal age older than 35 years or younger than 19 years at infant birth, maternal psychiatric/mental health concerns, prenatal drug/alcohol exposure, multiple births, or use of reproductive technology.

Results  For the overall sample, the early (4–6.5mo) HINT had higher predictive correlations than the AIMS for 2‐year BSID‐II motor outcomes (r=−0.36 vs 0.26), and 3‐year BSID‐III gross motor outcomes (r=−0.45 vs 0.31), as did the 10‐ to 12.5‐month HINT (r=−0.55 vs 0.47). Correlations were identical for 10‐ to 12.5‐month HINT and AIMS scores and 3‐year BSID‐III gross motor (r=−0.58 and 0.58) and fine motor (r=−0.35 and 0.35) subscales. When the sample was divided into typical and at‐risk groups, predictive correlations were consistently stronger for the at‐risk infants. Categorical predictive analyses were reasonably similar across both tests.

Interpretation  Results suggest that the HINT has comparable predictive validity to the AIMS and should be considered for use in clinical and research settings.
Photoperiodic regulation of retinoic acid signaling in the hypothalamus
Authors: Shearer Kirsty D. , Goodman Timothy H. , Ross Alexander W. , Reilly Laura , Morgan Peter J. , McCaffery Peter J.
Published: October 2009

J. Neurochem. (2010) 112, 246–257.

Both retinoic acid (RA) and thyroid hormone (TH) regulate transcription via specific nuclear receptors. TH regulates hypothalamic homeostasis and active T3 is generated by deiodinase enzymes in tanycytes surrounding the third ventricle. However, RA has not been previously considered in such a role. Data presented here highlights novel parallels between the TH and RA synthetic pathways in the hypothalamus implying that RA also acts to regulate hypothalamic gene expression and function. Key elements of the RA cellular signaling pathway were shown to be regulated in the rodent hypothalamus. Retinoid synthetic enzymes and the retinol transport protein Stra6 were located in the cells lining the third ventricle allowing synthesis of RA from retinol present in the CNS to act via RA receptors and retinoid X receptors in the hypothalamus. Photoperiod manipulation was shown to alter the expression of synthetic enzymes and receptors with lengthening of photoperiod leading to enhanced RA signaling. In vitro RA can regulate the hypothalamic neuroendocrine peptide adrenocorticotrophic hormone. This work presents the new concept of controlled RA synthesis by hypothalamic tanycytes giving rise to possible involvement of this system in endocrine, and possibly vitamin A, homeostasis.
Sex‐biased aggression and male‐only care at sea in Brünnich’s GuillemotsUria lomviaand RazorbillsAlca torda
Authors: PAREDES ROSANA , INSLEY STEPHEN J.
Published: October 2009

In several groups in the order Charadriformes, biparental care is followed by a period of male‐only care. Several hypotheses attempting to explain extended male parental care in shorebirds do not fit the Alcini. In a previous study of Brünnich’s GuillemotsUria lomviaand RazorbillsAlca torda, we did not find support for female‐biased parental effort at the breeding site that would lead to males being in better condition to care for chicks at sea. However, in both species, males spent more off‐duty time at the breeding site than females, suggesting greater involvement in the defence of egg or chick, breeding site and mate. We predicted that there would be a male bias in size and aggressive behaviour associated with parental roles. To test this, body size and aggression of attending male and female Brünnich’s Guillemots and Razorbills were measured during incubation and brooding on the Gannet Islands, Labrador. Parental aggression was measured using natural observations of all agonistic interactions and, in Razorbills only,in situresponses to presentations of a predator model. In both species, males were significantly larger than females in culmen and gape length. Guillemot males initiated agonistic interactions more frequently than females during incubation. In contrast, female Guillemots were subjected to aggression more frequently than males and as a result were involved in more fights. In addition, the few chicks that were seen to die were being attended by single females. During the brooding period, Razorbill males responded aggressively to intruders more frequently than females, made more aggressive responses than females, and responded aggressively more frequently and more intensely than females to a predator model. In both species there was a similar male bias in morphology and behaviour that is consistent with male parents being more capable of protecting their chick, a probable advantage to chick survival during the uniparental care phase of some Charadriformes.
Nest‐site selection by Great Bustards Otis tarda suggests a trade‐off between concealment and visibility
Authors: MAGAÑA MARINA , ALONSO JUAN C. , MARTÍN CARLOS A. , BAUTISTA LUIS M. , MARTÍN BEATRIZ
Published: October 2009

Great Bustards Otis tarda have expanded their habitat range from historical occupancy of natural steppes to arable farmland, where the species initially benefited from favourable feeding conditions. More recently, the species has suffered severe declines due partly to agricultural intensification. Nest losses and juvenile mortality are amongst the factors most seriously affecting survival probabilities of many populations of this endangered species, suggesting that management of nesting habitats would bring conservation benefits. We studied nest‐site selection in a Great Bustard population of central Spain by radiotracking 42 females for periods of between 1 and 4 years. Females selected nest‐sites in fallows or cereal fields, in areas of low patch‐type diversity, far from human infrastructure, and with good horizontal visibility. These results suggest that females look for shelter, but also need to have good visibility while incubating, and they support the hypothesis that nest selection is a trade‐off between concealment and visibility. We interpret both preferences as adaptations to reduce predation pressure, one of the main causes of nest failure in this species. Nests were placed on slopes significantly orientated to the southeast, which suggests that females also seek sites protected from the cold north‐westerly winds that are prevalent in the study area. To reduce nest destruction, harvesting should be delayed as long as possible and habitat conservation measures should not be restricted to lek sites but also include nesting areas, which are frequently located far from leks.
Relationship between arterial baroreflex sensitivity and exercise capacity in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Yuasa Fumio , Sumimoto Tsutomu , Yokoe Hiroshi , Yoshida Susumu , Murakawa Kousuke , Sugiura Tetsuro , Iwasaka Toshiji
Published: October 2009

To investigate the relationship between arterial baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and exercise capacity, we examined arterial BRS and its relation to exercise capacity during upright bicycle exercise in 40 uncomplicated patients with acute myocardial infarction. Arterial BRS was measured 3 weeks (20 ± 5 days) after acute myocardial infarction and assessed by calculating the regression line relating phenylephrine‐induced increases in systolic blood pressure to the attendant changes in the R–R interval. All patients underwent graded symptom‐limited bicycle exercise with direct measurements of hemodynamic and metabolic measurements. In all patients, the average arterial BRS was 5·6 ± 2·6 ms mmHg−1. There were no significant correlations between arterial BRS and hemodynamic measurements at rest. However, arterial BRS was negatively related to systemic vascular resistance at peak exercise (r = −0·60, P = 0·0001) and percent change increase in systemic vascular resistance from rest to peak exercise (r = −0·45, P = 0·003), whereas arterial BRS was positively related to cardiac output (r = −0·48, P = 0·002) and stroke volume at peak exercise (r = 0·42, P = 0·007), and percent change increase in cardiac output (r = −0·55, P = 0·0002) and stroke volume from rest to peak exercise (r = 0·41, P = 0·008). Furthermore, arterial BRS had modest but significant correlations with peak oxygen consumption (r = −0·48, P = 0·002) and exercise duration (r = 0·35, P = 0·029), indicating that patients with better arterial BRS have better exercise capacity in patients with acute myocardial infarction. These results suggest that arterial BRS was linked to central and peripheral hemodynamic responses to exercise and hence, contributed to exercise capacity after acute myocardial infraction.
The Metrics of Subjective Wellbeing: Cardinality, Neutrality and Additivity*
Authors: KRISTOFFERSEN INGEBJØRG
Published: October 2009

The use of subjective wellbeing (SWB) data in economic analysis has increased dramatically in recent years and has now become mainstream, despite some lingering concerns about the quality of these data. Although the psychology literature to a certain extent has succeeded in addressing the issues of interpersonal, intertemporal and international comparison of SWB data, the issues of cardinality, neutrality and additivity continue to be contentious among economists. This article surveys the existing literature relevant to these issues in an effort to provide clarity and thus assist SWB data users to develop more robust research designs.
Insight into the character of palaeo‐ice‐flow in upland regions of mountain valleys during the last major advance (Vashon Stade) of the Cordilleran Ice Sheet, southwest British Columbia, Canada
Authors: LIAN OLAV B. , HICOCK STEPHEN R.
Published: October 2009

Lian, O. B. & Hicock, S. R. 2009: Insight into the character of palaeo‐ice‐flow in upland regions of mountain valleys during the last major advance (Vashon Stade) of the Cordilleran Ice Sheet, southwest British Columbia, Canada. Boreas, 10.1111/j.1502‐3885.2009.00123.x. ISSN 0300‐9483.

A detailed glacial geological study was done on Vashon till, formed during the last (Fraser) glaciation, in upland areas of two relatively short and narrow mountain valleys which open onto the Fraser Lowland in southwest British Columbia. The orientation and association of glaciotectonic structures in till and bedrock, a‐axis fabrics of stones in till and abrasion features, indicate that Vashon till formed initially by lodgement and that brittle deformation processes dominated at least during the latter stages of glaciation. The presence of local glacigenic bedrock quarrying suggests that ice flow experienced localized enhanced compressive flow along valley sides. These observations indicate that ice flow was relatively slow and they contrast with a previous study of bedrock geomorphology undertaken in some larger south Coast Mountains valleys and a model of ice‐flow velocity in the Puget Lowland that suggest rapid ice flow. This indicates that either ice‐flow conditions in the larger valleys were different from those in the valleys studied here, or that the observations from our study reflect subglacial conditions following the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), but immediately prior to deglaciation when ice had thinned and slowed. If the latter scenario is correct, and if processes inferred from this study were also common along the upland parts of other southwest Coast Mountains valleys after the LGM, then the rate at which ice was supplied to lowland piedmont glaciers would have been reduced, and this may have accelerated decay of the southwest margin of the last Cordilleran Ice Sheet.
Stratigraphy, sedimentology, age and palaeoenvironment of marine varved clay in the Middle Swedish end‐moraine zone
Authors: JOHNSON MARK D. , STÅHL YLVA
Published: October 2009

Johnson, M. D. & Ståhl, Y. 2009: Stratigraphy, sedimentology, age and palaeoenvironment of marine varved clay in the Middle Swedish end‐moraine zone. Boreas, 10.1111/j.1502‐3885.2009.00124.x. ISSN 0300‐9483

Deglaciation of the Middle Swedish end‐moraine zone and age of the sediment in and between the moraines have been discussed for about a hundred years. The goal of this project was to determine the stratigraphy and age of the sediment in and between the moraines. Inter‐moraine flats are underlain by clay, 10–25 m thick, overlying thin sand and gravel or till on bedrock. The clay is overlain by a few metres of sand and gravel. Much of the clay beneath the flats consists of rhythmites that grade from grey to red and are 2–74 cm thick. Our interpretation of these rhythmites as being varves is supported by grain size and mineralogical and elemental variations. Foraminifera and ostracods show that the clay was deposited in an arctic marine environment, while radiocarbon dating of the microfossils indicates that the clay was deposited 12 150 cal. 14C years ago, during the Younger Dryas chronozone (YD). Most of the optical stimulated luminescence dates on the clay are much older, containing quartz sand that was insufficiently bleached. The stratigraphy indicates that the moraines are composed of YD clay pushed into ridge forms during ice‐front oscillations. It is not possible to determine how far north the Scandinavian Ice Sheet retreated prior to the YD advance. We neither support nor reject the suggestion that the ice margin retreated to the northern edge of Mt. Billingen during the Allerød, causing the Baltic Ice Lake to drain.
Hemorrhagic Stroke in a Child With Low Total Serum Cholesterol and a Pulsatile Left Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Schmitz Michael , McKamie Wesley , Johnson Charles , Horgan Edward , Imamura Michiaki , Jaquiss Robert
Published: October 2009

Low serum cholesterol has long been associated with hemorrhagic stroke even though the mechanism for this association has yet to be elucidated. The association of low serum cholesterol with hemorrhagic stroke has been described thus far only in adult studies. There have been no reports of this association in children. We present a case of a hemorrhagic stroke that occurred in a 6‐year‐old, severely malnourished child who had just received augmentation of cardiac output with a pulsatile left ventricular assist device.
The PediPump: A Versatile, Implantable Pediatric Ventricular Assist Device—Update IV
Authors: Duncan Brian W. , Fukamachi Kiyotaka , Noble Lawrence D. , Dudzinski David T. , Flick Christine R. , Fumoto Hideyuki , Shiose Akira , Arakawa Yoko , Takaseya Tohru , Casas Fernando , Smith William A.
Published: October 2009

Cleveland Clinic's PediPump (Cleveland, OH, USA) is a ventricular assist device designed for the support of pediatric patients. The PediPump is a mixed‐flow ventricular assist device with a magnetically suspended impeller measuring 10.5 mm in diameter by 64.5 mm in length. Progress and achievements for the PediPump program are considered according to the development project's three primary objectives: Basic engineering: along with size reductions, substantial design improvements have been incorporated in each design iteration including the motor, magnetic bearings, axial touch points, and heat transfer path; Anatomic modeling and device fitting studies: Techniques based on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging have been developed to create three‐dimensional anatomic‐modeling and device‐fitting tools to facilitate device implantation and to assist in preoperative planning. For in vivo testing, to date, six acute (6‐h duration) and nine chronic (30‐day target duration) implantations have been performed in sheep; the implantation of the PediPump appears to be relatively easy with excellent hemodynamic performance and minimal hemolysis during support. Cleveland Clinic's PediPump program supported by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute's Pediatric Circulatory Support Program has led to the development of a pediatric ventricular assist device that has satisfactory performance in preclinical evaluation and appears to be ready to support a program of clinical testing.
Cholinesterase Inhibitor Use in U.S. Nursing Homes: Results from the National Nursing Home Survey
Authors: Seitz Dallas P. , Gruneir Andrea , Conn David K. , Rochon Paula A.
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of cholinesterase inhibitor (ChEI) use in nursing home (NH) residents with dementia and examine correlates of ChEI use in this population.

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional study using the 2004 National Nursing Home Survey (NNHS).

SETTING: A representative, stratified, random sample of U.S. NHs.

PARTICIPANTS: All NNHS participants aged 65 and older with a chart diagnosis of dementia.

MEASUREMENTS: Bivariate analyses to compare characteristics of NH residents with dementia according to ChEIs status and multivariable logistic regression to identify independent correlates of ChEI use.

RESULTS: Almost half (49.1%) of NNHS participants had dementia, and 30.0% of those with dementia were receiving ChEIs. Donepezil accounted for 71% of all ChEI prescriptions. Multivariable logistic regression showed that ChEI use was independently associated with younger age (odds ratio (OR)=0.42, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.28–0.64, aged ≥95 vs 65–74), less activity of daily living impairment (OR=0.49, 95% CI=0.42–0.58, severe vs mild impairment), greater use of antipsychotics (OR=1.33, 95% CI=1.16–1.54) and antidepressants (OR=1.38, 95% CI=1.20–1.59), and residence in NHs with more beds (OR=1.52, 95% CI=1.07–2.16, ≥200 beds vs <50 beds).

CONCLUSION: Approximately 30% of NH residents with dementia in U.S. NHs are treated with ChEIs. Functional impairment and medical comorbidity are common in ChEIs users, although users tend to be younger and less impaired than NH residents with dementia who are not receiving ChEIs. Further study is required to determine the optimum use of ChEI in NH populations.
Hearing Acuity as a Predictor of Walking Difficulties in Older Women
Authors: Viljanen Anne , Kaprio Jaakko , Pyykkö Ilmari , Sorri Martti , Koskenvuo Markku , Rantanen Taina
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVES:To examine whether hearing acuity correlates with walking ability and whether impaired hearing at baseline predicts new self‐reported walking difficulties after 3 years.

DESIGN:Prospective follow‐up.

SETTING:Research laboratory and community.

PARTICIPANTS:Four hundred thirty‐four women aged 63 to 76.

MEASUREMENTS:Hearing was measured using clinical audiometry. A person was defined as having a hearing impairment if a pure‐tone average of thresholds at 0.5 to 4 kHz in the better ear was 21 dB or greater. Maximal walking speed was measured over 10 m (m/s), walking endurance as the distance (m), covered in 6 minutes and difficulties in walking 2 km according to self‐report.

RESULTS:At baseline, women with hearing impairment (n=179) had slower maximal walking speed (1.7 ± 0.3 m/s vs 1.8 ± 0.3 m/s,P=.007), lower walking endurance (520 ± 75 m vs 536 ± 75 m,P=.08), and more selfreported major difficulties in walking 2 km (12.8% vs 5.5%,P=.02) than those without hearing impairment. During follow‐up, major walking difficulties developed for 33 participants. Women with hearing impairment at baseline had a twice the age‐adjusted risk for new walking difficulties as those without hearing impairment (odds ratio=2.04, 95% confidence interval=0.96–4.33).

CONCLUSION:Hearing acuity correlated with mobility, which may be explained by the association between impaired hearing and poor balance and greater risk for falls, both of which underlie decline in mobility. Prevention of hearing loss is not only important for the ability to communicate, but may also have more wide‐ranging influences on functional ability.
Alcohol, Tobacco, and Nonmedical Drug Use in Older U.S. Adults: Data from the 2001/02 National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions
Authors: Moore Alison A. , Karno Mitchell P. , Grella Christine E. , Lin James C. , Warda Umme , Liao Diana H. , Hu Peifeng
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVES: To examine the prevalence and sociodemographic and health‐related correlates of substance use, including alcohol, tobacco, and nonmedical drug use, in adults aged 65 and older.

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional, retrospective survey of a population‐based sample, the 2001/02 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions.

SETTING: United States.

PARTICIPANTS: Eight thousand two hundred five U.S. adults aged 65 and older.

MEASUREMENTS: Prevalence of lifetime and previous‐12‐month alcohol, tobacco, and nonmedical drug use and associations between substance use and sociodemographic and health‐related factors.

RESULTS: Almost 80% of older adults had used any of the three substances over their lifetimes, and more than 50% reported such use over the previous 12 months. Alcohol was the most commonly used substance over the lifetime (74%) and in the previous 12 months (45%), followed by tobacco (52% lifetime; 14% previous 12 months); far fewer reported nonmedical use of drugs (5% lifetime; 1% previous 12 months). In general, being younger, male, and divorced or separated were factors consistently associated with use of any of the three substances.

CONCLUSION: Most older adults had used substances over their lifetimes and in the previous 12 months. Alcohol is the substance of choice for this age group, followed by tobacco; few report nonmedical drug use.
Life‐Space Assessment in Urogynecology and Gynecological Oncology Surgery Patients: A Measure of Perioperative Mobility and Function
Authors: Stewart Chere M. L. , Wheeler Thomas L. , Markland Alayne D. , Straughn J. Michael , Richter Holly E.
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of gynecological surgery on mobility and functional status in women aged 60 and older using Life‐Space Assessment (LSA).

DESIGN: Observational prospective cohort study.

SETTING: Academic outpatient urogynecology and gynecological oncology clinics.

PARTICIPANTS: Women presenting for urogynecology (n=51) and gynecological oncology (n=51) surgery.

MEASUREMENTS: LSA scores 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery. Information on participant demographics, preoperative diagnoses, surgical approach, and medical comorbidities was collected. Analyses used repeated measures.

RESULTS: Mean age was 71 ± 7. Urogynecology participants started and maintained a higher LSA (P=.03) than oncology participants at all study intervals. Six weeks after surgery, urogynecology and oncology participants' mean decline was 13 points (95% confidence interval (CI)=4–21; P=.004) and 23 points (95% CI=13–33; P<.001), respectively. At 6 months, the urogynecology and oncology participants' scores increased by a mean of 9 points (95% CI=1–17; P=.03) and 13 points (95% CI=5–20; P=.001), respectively. No significant difference was found 1 year from baseline within each group or between groups in LSA scores. Income, depression, body mass index, and having an operative complication predicted a larger decline in life‐space over time in both groups.

CONCLUSION: Gynecological surgical interventions in older women limit physical and functional ability at 6 weeks after surgery. The urogynecology and gynecological oncology cohorts returned to baseline levels by 6 months, which was sustained to 1 year.
Studies on the blood of an MiV homozygote
Authors: Vengelen‐Tyler V. , Anstee D.J. , Issitt P.D. , Pavone B.G. , Ferguson S.J. , Mawby W.J. , Tanner M.J. , Blajchman M.A. , Lorque P.
Published: October 2009

An individual, whose parents are third cousins, has been shown to be homozygous for the rare Mi.V. condition. The proposita's red blood cells type as M−, N+(weak), S−, s+(strong), U+, Mi(a−), Vw−, Hil+; Wr(a− b−). The cells react, albeit less strongly than most other samples, with anti‐Ena. However, from studies on the red blood cells of the proposita and on those of another person of the En(a+), Wr(a−b−) phenotype, it is apparent that the term “anti‐Ena” actually describes a number of antibodies of differing specificities. Inhibition studies with sialoglycoprotein (SGP) isolates, and tests on protease‐modified red blood cells illustrate some of the differences in specificity.

Biochemical analyses of the SGPs of the red blood cells of the MiV homozygote and those of her parents confirm that the Mi.V condition is associated with the absence of normal MN SGP (α) and normal Ss SGP (δ), the appearance of a hybrid SGP molecule comprised of a portion of the MN SGP at its NH2 terminal end, and a portion of the Ss SGP at its C terminal end.
What Were We Thinking?
Authors: Cliff Andrew D. , Ord J. Keith
Published: October 2009

This article outlines the context in geography and statistics in the mid 1960s, at the height of geography's so‐called “quantitative revolution,” that led us into a long‐term collaboration about spatial statistics, which has continued in surges and lulls for some 40 years. We focus upon problems in spatial autocorrelation, including the measurement of autocorrelation, distribution theory, and variable geographical lattices. This narrative may not describe how it was, but it does describe how we remember the events of the time.
Spatial Autocorrelation and the Quantitative Revolution
Authors: Haining Robert P.
Published: October 2009

This article reflects on the principal statistical methodological issues that quantitative geographers addressed in the 1950s and 1960s. The source of many of these methodological problems lies in the assumptions of classical statistics that data are independent and identically distributed. The correlation inherent in spatial data recorded at nearby locations and the irregular nature of spatial frameworks are contrary to these assumptions and impact upon the use of both descriptive and inferential statistics. Most of the wider developments in statistics at that time still fell short of meeting the needs of statistical geographers. What emerged were statistical tests for pattern, nonmodel based but capable of being adapted to an irregular areal framework and certain other factors considered important in any particular spatial analysis. This article notes that, while spatial autocorrelation was presented as a “problem” for geographers, it is also important to realize that its presence can represent an opportunity.
Spatial Autoregression
Authors: Fingleton Bernard
Published: October 2009

The paper by Cliff and Ord (1969) caused us to think more about the W matrix and the concept of spatial autoregression. This article reviews some applications of W, reinforcing the point that autoregression in time series is similar to, but not the same as, autoregression in spatial series.
Spatial Autocorrelation in Ecological Studies: A Legacy of Solutions and Myths
Authors: Fortin Marie‐Josée , Dale Mark R.T.
Published: October 2009

A major aim of including the spatial component in ecological studies is to characterize the nature and intensity of spatial relationships between organisms and their environment. The growing awareness by ecologists of the importance of including spatial structure in ecological studies (for hypothesis development, experimental design, statistical analyses, and spatial modeling) is beneficial because it promotes more effective research. Unfortunately, as more researchers perform spatial analysis, some misconceptions about the virtues of spatial statistics have been carried through the process and years. Some of these statistical concepts and challenges were already presented by Cliff and Ord in 1969. Here, we classify the most common misconceptions about spatial autocorrelation into three categories of challenges: (1) those that have no solutions, (2) those where solutions exist but are not well known, and (3) those where solutions have been proposed but are incorrect. We conclude in stressing where new research is needed to address these challenges.
Impacts and Wider Impacts on Statistics
Authors: Patil Ganapati P.
Published: October 2009

The article discusses impacts and wider impacts on statistics of the seminal 1969 Cliff‐Ord article on the problem of spatial autocorrelation published in London Papers in Regional Science.
Network Autocorrelation
Authors: Peeters Dominique , Thomas Isabelle
Published: October 2009

Even though Cliff and Ord (1969) do not question “network autocorrelation,” their paper contains an interesting ambiguity that is here discussed. Hence, this article aims at discussing the problem of spatial autocorrelation in (perhaps preferably on) a network as well as at giving an overview of the existing relevant literature. A typology of network autocorrelations is suggested and it is hoped that this discussion initiates debates and points to new research challenges.
Impact of Cliff and Ord (1969, 1981) on Spatial Epidemiology
Authors: Richardson Sylvia , Guihenneuc‐Jouyaux Chantal
Published: October 2009

The influence in spatial epidemiology of the seminar work on autocorrelation by Cliff and Ord is discussed. Quantifying the evidence of spatial clustering was an important step in the development of modern statistical methods for analyzing spatial variations of diseases. Autocorrelation is nowadays mostly accounted for at a latent level within a hierarchical framework to small area disease mapping. The importance of accounting for autocorrelation in geographical correlation studies is also reviewed.
Two‐Dimensional Longitudinal Strain and Strain Rate Imaging for Assessing the Right Ventricular Function in Patients with Mitral Stenosis
Authors: Ozdemir Aydan Ongun , Kaya Cansın Tulunay , Ozdol Cagdas , Candemir Basar , Turhan Sibel , Dıncer Irem , Erol Cetin
Published: October 2009

Background: Longitudinal two‐dimensional strain (L2DS) deformation is a novel technique that evaluates global and regional right ventricular (RV) function. The aim of the study was to investigate the systolic function of RV by using this method in patients with pure mitral stenosis (MS). Methods: Conventional echocardiography and L2DS analysis were performed in 45 MS patients and 21 healthy controls. For strain analysis apical four‐chamber views were obtained and by using a software system, peak systolic strain and strain rates were calculated off‐line in each segment. Results: The mean global longitudinal strain (GLS) of the whole RV (−20 ± 7 vs. −24 ± 6%, P= 0.02) and mean GLS of the septum (−19 ± 7 vs. −23 ± 5%, P = 0.03) were significantly reduced in the MS patients. Compared with the control group no significant change was determined in the mean GLS of the RV free wall (RVFW). While the mean global longitudinal strain rates (GLSR) of the entire RV and RVFW were similar between the groups, a significant difference in the mean GLSR of the septum (−1.2 ± 0.4 vs. −1.5 ± 0.3 s−1, P= 0.005) was determined in the patients with MS. A regional analysis demonstrated that MS patients had significantly reduced strain and strain rates in the basal and mid‐segments of the septum, whereas only lower strain values in the basal RVFW. Conclusions: RV systolic function evaluated by L2DS analysis in patients with MS has shown decreased global and segmental systolic functions. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY 2010;27:525‐533)
The decline of Magan and the rise of Dilmun: Umm an‐Nar ceramics from the burial mounds of Bahrain,c.2250–2000 BC
Authors: Laursen Steffen Terp
Published: October 2009

This article outlines some general aspects of the Magan and Dilmun trade and goes on to examine the Umm an‐Nar pottery discovered in the tombs of the Early Dilmun burial mounds of Bahrain. These ceramics are of particular interest because they indirectly testify to Dilmun’s contact with Magan in the late third millennium. In this article, thirty vessels of seven morphological types are singled out. By comparison with the material published from the Oman peninsula the Bahrain collection is tentatively dated toc.2250–2000 BC. The location of the Umm an‐Nar pottery within the distribution of burial mounds reveals that its import was strongly associated with the scattered mounds of Early Type. It is demonstrated that the frequency of Umm an‐Nar pottery declined just as the ten compact cemeteries emergedc.2050 BC. The observed patterns are seen as a response to the decline of Magan and the rise of Dilmun.
The earliest cylinder seal in the Arabian Peninsula
Authors: Pittman Holly , Potts D.T.
Published: October 2009

A cylinder seal of Late Uruk (late fourth millennium BC) type from Abu Dhabi is presented and analysed. Comparisons with excavated finds from elsewhere in the Near East are discussed. An inventory of cylinder seals from sites in the UAE and the Sultanate of Oman shows that cylinder seal use, while not unknown in the region, was never very great. The ways in which the seal may have arrived at its eventual place of discovery are described and the significance of the seal is assessed.
Progressive nodular histiocytosis: a case report with literature review, and discussion of differential diagnosis and classification
Authors: Glavin F. L. , Chhatwall H. , Karimi K.
Published: October 2009

Histiocytoses are a heterogeneous group of disorders which are difficult to categorize because of overlapping clinical and microscopic features, and incompletely understood mechanisms of cellular origin and triggers of proliferation. Progressive nodular histiocytosis (PNH) is a rare non‐Langerhans cell histiocytic (NLH) disorder. We present the case of a 34‐year‐old woman with PNH, who has involvement of the back, head and neck, face, and uniquely, extensive involvement of the posterior pharynx and larynx, which has shown progressive worsening and deformity over a 7‐year course. Clinically it is best classified as PNH, although it microscopically closely resembles juvenile and adult xanthogranulomatosis. This study reinforces the concept that the NLH is a closely related group of disorders, possibly representing a spectrum of a single underlying process.
MULTISCALE IMAGE PROCESSING AND ANTISCATTER GRIDS IN DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY
Authors: LO WINNIE Y. , HORNOF WILLIAM J. , ZWINGENBERGER ALLISON L. , ROBERTSON IAN D.
Published: October 2009

Scatter radiation is a source of noise and results in decreased signal‐to‐noise ratio and thus decreased image quality in digital radiography. We determined subjectively whether a digitally processed image made without a grid would be of similar quality to an image made with a grid but without image processing. Additionally the effects of exposure dose and of a using a grid with digital radiography on overall image quality were studied. Thoracic and abdominal radiographs of five dogs of various sizes were made. Four acquisition techniques were included (1) with a grid, standard exposure dose, digital image processing; (2) without a grid, standard exposure dose, digital image processing; (3) without a grid, half the exposure dose, digital image processing; and (4) with a grid, standard exposure dose, no digital image processing (to mimic a film‐screen radiograph). Full‐size radiographs as well as magnified images of specific anatomic regions were generated. Nine reviewers rated the overall image quality subjectively using a five‐point scale. All digitally processed radiographs had higher overall scores than nondigitally processed radiographs regardless of patient size, exposure dose, or use of a grid. The images made at half the exposure dose had a slightly lower quality than those made at full dose, but this was only statistically significant in magnified images. Using a grid with digital image processing led to a slight but statistically significant increase in overall quality when compared with digitally processed images made without a grid but whether this increase in quality is clinically significant is unknown.
COMPARISON OF FLAT‐PANEL DIGITAL TO CONVENTIONAL FILM‐SCREEN RADIOGRAPHY IN DETECTION OF EXPERIMENTALLY CREATED LESIONS OF THE EQUINE THIRD METACARPAL BONE
Authors: MOORMAN VALERIE J. , MARSHALL JOHN F. , DEVINE DUSTIN V. , PAYTON MARK , JANN HENRY W. , BAHR ROBERT
Published: October 2009

Radiographic diagnosis of equine bone disease using digital radiography is prevalent in veterinary practice. However, the diagnostic quality of digital vs. conventional radiography has not been compared systematically. We hypothesized that digital radiography would be superior to film‐screen radiography for detection of subtle lesions of the equine third metacarpal bone. Twenty‐four third metacarpal bones were collected from horses euthanized for reasons other than orthopedic disease. Bones were dissected free of soft tissue and computed tomography was performed to ensure that no osseous abnormalities were present. Subtle osseous lesions were produced in the dorsal cortex of the third metacarpal bones, and the bones were radiographed in a soft tissue phantom using indirect digital and conventional radiography at standard exposures. Digital radiographs were printed onto film. Three Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Radiology evaluated the radiographs for the presence or absence of a lesion. Receiver operator characteristic curves were constructed, and the area under these curves were compared to assess the ability of the digital and film‐screen radiographic systems to detect lesions. The area under the ROC curves for film‐screen and digital radiography were 0.87 and 0.90, respectively (P=0.59). We concluded that the digital radiographic system was comparable to the film‐screen system for detection of subtle lesions of the equine third metacarpal bone.
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY BRONCHIAL LUMEN TO PULMONARY ARTERY DIAMETER RATIO IN DOGS WITHOUT CLINICAL PULMONARY DISEASE
Authors: CANNON MATTHEW S. , WISNER ERIK R. , JOHNSON LYNELLE R. , KASS PHILIP H.
Published: October 2009

Bronchiectasis is diagnosed in humans using multiple computed tomography (CT) criteria, the most important being dilatation of the bronchi. The most widely used criterion for detection of bronchial dilatation is a bronchial lumen to pulmonary artery diameter (bronchoarterial [BA]) ratio >1.0. No studies have been performed to determine the BA ratio in normal dogs. Thoracic CT images of 24 dogs without clinical pulmonary disease were reviewed. The BA ratio of the lobar bronchi of the left cranial (cranial and caudal parts), right cranial, right middle, left caudal, and right caudal lung lobes was measured. The mean of the mean BA ratio for all dogs was 1.45±0.21 (99% confidence interval [CI]=1.34–1.56). The mean of the mean BA ratio as determined by lung lobe was 1.45±0.04 (99% CI=1.41–1.49). The range of individual BA ratios was 0.8–2.0. There was no significant difference in mean BA ratios as a function of lung lobe (P=0.60). The BA ratio in these clinically normal dogs was consistent and may be a useful tool in evaluating for bronchiectasis on CT images. BA ratios >2.0 were not identified in this population, suggesting a threshold to differentiate normal from abnormal bronchi.
CONTRAST‐ENHANCED COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY AS A PREOPERATIVE INDICATOR OF VASCULAR INVASION FROM ADRENAL MASSES IN DOGS
Authors: SCHULTZ RYAN M. , WISNER ERIK R. , JOHNSON ERIC G. , MACLEOD JENNIFER S.
Published: October 2009

The purpose of this study was to determine if contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CT) accurately reflected vascular luminal invasion by adrenal masses in dogs. Medical records of 15 dogs with 17 adrenal masses that underwent preoperative CT imaging were reviewed. Presence or absence of vascular invasion was confirmed by surgery or necropsy/histology. Vascular invasion was identified correctly using contrast‐enhanced CT in 11/12 dogs. The sensitivity and specificity of contrast‐enhanced CT for vascular invasion compared with surgery or necropsy was 92% and 100%, respectively. The positive predictive value and negative predictive value of contrast‐enhanced CT was 100% and 90%, respectively. The accuracy was 95%. In one dog, invasion of the phrenicoabdominal vein was not identified on CT images. Six of eight masses with vascular invasion where a histologic diagnosis was obtained were malignant. Four of four pheochromocytomas invaded adjacent vasculature. Contrast‐enhanced CT provided accurate preoperative assessment of adrenal masses. Vascular invasion by adrenal masses in this study occurred by way of the lumen of the phrenicoabdominal vein with subsequent intraluminal extension into other veins, rather than by erosion through vessel walls.
REGIONAL BRAIN PERFUSION IN EPILEPTIC DOGS EVALUATED BY TECHNETIUM‐99m‐ETHYL CYSTEINATE DIMER SPECT
Authors: MARTLÉ VALENTINE , PEREMANS KATHELIJNE , AUDENAERT KURT , VERMEIRE SIMON , BHATTI SOFIE , GIELEN INGRID , POLIS INGEBORGH , VAN HAM LUC
Published: October 2009

We evaluated the feasibility of interictal single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to detect alterations in regional cerebral blood flow and neuronal activity in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. Twelve dogs with idiopathic epilepsy underwent interictal technetium‐99m‐ethyl cysteinate dimer SPECT of the brain. Different cortical regions of interest (ROIs), 1 ROI at the cerebellum and 1 ROI at the subcortical area were evaluated by semiquantitative analysis and compared with a control group (18 dogs). Significant hypoperfusion (P=0.02) was present in the subcortical area of epileptic dogs. This hypoperfusion was not associated with seizure frequency, age at onset of seizures, duration of epilepsy, or time since the last seizure. Interictal SPECT did not reveal cortical or cerebellar perfusion alterations. The subcortical area may play an important role in the pathophysiology of canine idiopathic epilepsy.
USE OF FORCE PLATE ANALYSIS TO EVALUATE THE EFFICACY OF EXTERNAL BEAM RADIATION TO ALLEVIATE OSTEOSARCOMA PAIN
Authors: WEINSTEIN JEFF I. , PAYNE SARAH , POULSON JEAN M. , AZUMA CHIEKO
Published: October 2009

A standard of therapy for osteosarcoma includes amputation with or without adjuvant chemotherapy. There is a subset of dogs with osteosarcoma that are unsuitable for amputation. We evaluated kinetic variables in dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma treated with a single 8 Gy dose of radiation. Eighteen pet dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma received one 8 Gy fraction of palliative radiation on day 0. Force plate measurements and clinical assessments were made on days 0, 7, 14, and 21. Peak vertical forces (Fz) were recorded for each limb and a symmetric index (SI) was calculated. There were no significant changes in kinetic parameters after one 8 Gy dose of radiation therapy. Nine of these 18 dogs exhibited increased limb function at day 21 based on force plate analysis. Significant factors affectingFzincluded gender and tumor location. There was a significant correlation betweenFzand response to therapy based on SI at day 21. SI seems to be useful to objectively assess response in this mixed population of dogs. One 8 Gy fraction of radiation therapy alone did not reduce lameness associated with appendicular osteosarcoma, but a subset of dogs did have improved limb function after a single dose.
3D CONFORMAL RADIATION THERAPY FOR PALLIATIVE TREATMENT OF CANINE NASAL TUMORS
Authors: BUCHHOLZ JULIA , HAGEN REGINE , LEO CHIARA , EBLING ALESSIA , ROOS MALGORZATA , KASER‐HOTZ BARBARA , BLEY CARLA ROHRER
Published: October 2009

We evaluated the response of 38 dogs treated with a coarsely fractionated, palliative radiation protocol based on CT‐based 3D treatment planning. Dogs with histologically confirmed malignant nasal tumors were studied. Treatment prescriptions consisted of 3–4 × 8 Gy, 4–5 × 6 Gy, or 10 × 3 Gy fractions. Selected patient and tumor factors were evaluated for an effect on outcome. Resolution of clinical signs was reported after irradiation in all dogs. Acute toxicities were mild and short lived. Thirty‐seven of 38 dogs died or were euthanized due to tumor‐related disease. Overall median progression‐free interval (PFI) was 10 months. Tumor stage affected response, with modified stage 1 patients having a median PFI 21.3 months vs. a median PFI of 8.5 months for modified stage 2 patients (P=0.0006). Modified stage was the only factor significantly related to outcome. Based on these findings, a palliative radiation prescription based on computerized treatment planning may be justified in some canine nasal tumor patients.
The Theology of Jean Daniélou: Epochs, Correspondences, and the Orders of the Real
Authors: Nichols Aidan
Published: October 2009

After a survey of the life and work of Jean Daniélou considered as the classic theologian of twentieth century ‘ressourcement’, his theological method is explored under three headings: ‘epochs’ indicates his reliance on the theology of history as developed by ‘biblical theology’; ‘correspondences’ his cosmic aesthetics, indebted to French Symbolism, and invoked theologically by way of typology; ‘orders’ his Pascalian emphasis on a distinction between levels of reality and the variety of epistemological approaches they require. The article concludes by applying Daniélou's method, so understood, to the heart of his theological doctrine, his account of God in Jesus Christ.
Am I divine?
Authors: Göcke Benedikt Paul
Published: October 2009

On the one hand, arguably, I am neither this nor that. Arguably, neither is God this or that – so, am I God? Otherwise it seems that I must be this and God must be that. On the other hand, the being of the universe is not something of which I could plausibly be construed as the ultimate cause. That is God's creative act. Because I do not create the universe, I am not God. So I am God and I am not God. Here's a solution: God is One but also Three, I am but one.