bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The molecular genetics and evolution of colour and polarization vision in stomatopod crustaceans
Authors: Cronin T. W. , Porter M. L. , Bok M. J. , Wolf J. B. , Robinson P. R.
Published: September 2010

Stomatopod crustaceans have the most complex assemblage of visual receptor classes known; retinas of many species are thought to express up to 16 different visual pigments. Physiological studies indicate that stomatopods contain up to six distinct middle‐wavelength‐sensitive (MWS) photoreceptor classes, suggesting that no more than six different MWS opsin gene copies exist per species. However, we previously reported the unexpected expression of 6–15 different MWS genes in retinas of each of five stomatopod species (Visual Neurosci 26: 255–266, 2009). Here, we present a review of the results reported in this publication, plus new results that shed light on the origins of the diverse colour and polarization visual capabilities of stomatopod crustaceans. Usingin situhybridization of opsins in photoreceptor cells, we obtained new results that support the hypothesis of an ancient functional division separating spatial and polarizational vision from colour vision in the stomatopods. Since evolutionary trace analysis indicates that stomatopod MWS opsins have diverged both with respect to spectral tuning and to cytoplasmic interactions, we have now further analyzed these data in an attempt to uncover the origins, diversity and potential specializations among clades for specific visual functions. The presence of many clusters of highly similar transcripts suggests exuberant opsin gene duplication has occurred in the stomatopods, together with more conservative, ancient gene duplication events within the stem crustacean lineage. Phylogenetic analysis of opsin relatedness suggests that opsins specialized for colour vision have diverged from those devoted to polarization vision, and possibly motion and spatial vision.
Methodology for constructing a colour‐difference acceptability scale
Authors: Laborie Baptiste , Viénot Françoise , Langlois Sabine
Published: September 2010

Observers were invited to report their degree of satisfaction on a 6‐point semantic scale with respect to the conformity of a test colour with a white reference colour, simultaneously presented on a PDP display. Eight test patches were chosen along each of the +a*, −a*, +b*, −b* axes of the CIELAB chromaticity plane, at Y = 80 ± 2 cd.m−2. Experimental conditions reliably represented the automotive environment (patch size, angular distance between patches) and observers could move their head and eyes freely. We have compared several methods of category scaling, the Torgerson‐DMT method (Torgerson, W. S. (1958). Theory and methods of scaling. Wiley, New York, USA); two versions of the regression method i.e. Bonnet’s (Bonnet, C. (1986). Manuel pratique de psychophysique. Armand Colin, Paris, France) and logistic regression; and the medians method. We describe in detail a case where all methods yield substantial but slightly different results. The solution proposed by the regression method which works with incomplete matrices and yields results directly on a colorimetric scale is probably the most useful in this industrial context. Finally we summarize the implementation of the logistic regression method over four hues and for one experimental condition.
Identification of red–green colour deficiency: sensitivity of the Ishihara and American Optical Company (Hard, Rand and Rittler) pseudo‐isochromatic plates to identify slight anomalous trichromatism
Authors: Birch Jennifer
Published: September 2010

Screening sensitivity, based on a specific number of errors, of the Ishihara plates and of the American Optical Company (Hardy, Rand and Rittler) plates (HRR plates) was determined by reviewing data obtained for 486 male anomalous trichromats identified and classified with the Nagel anomaloscope. Data were obtained for the 16 screening plates, with Transformation and Vanishing numeral designs, of the 38 plate Ishihara test, and for the four red–green screening plates (with six Vanishing designs) of the HRR test. Sensitivity of the Ishihara plates was found to be 97.7% on 4 errors and 98.4% on 3 errors. Only anomalous trichromats with slight deficiency, according to the anomaloscope matching range, made 8 errors or fewer. One screening error, a single missed figure, is normally allowed as a pass on the HRR test and 3 errors is often recommended as the fail criterion to eliminate false positive results. Twenty‐three subjects made no error on the HRR screening plates and 12 subjects made a single error (35 anomalous trichromats). Screening sensitivity was therefore 92.8% using 2 errors as the fail criterion. Screening sensitivity was reduced to 87% when 3 errors was the fail criterion, and some deuteranomalous trichromats with moderate deficiency, according to the anomaloscope matching range, were not identified. Individuals who make a maximum of 2 errors on the HRR test, or on the Richmond HRR 4th Edition, should be re‐examined with the Ishihara plates to determine their colour vision status. The present review confirms that the Ishihara test is a very sensitive screening test and identifies people with slight anomalous trichromatism. The HRR test is unsatisfactory for screening and should not be chosen solely for this purpose.
Original Study: Comparison of three intraosseous access techniques in cats
Authors: Bukoski Alex , Winter Matthew , Bandt Carsten , Wilson Mary , Shih Andre
Published: September 2010

Objective –To compare the placement feasibility and amount of bone trauma induced by 3 intraosseous (IO) access techniques in cats: an automatic impact penetration device (A), an automatic rotary insertion device (B), and a manual IO needle (C).

Design –Prospective ex vivo study.

Setting –University.

Animals –Eighteen adult mixed breed feline cadavers.

Interventions –Cadavers provided 72 total IO insertion locations divided equally between the right and left humerus and tibia. The 3 IO techniques were randomly allocated to these locations. Time to successful insertion, ease of insertion, and success rate were recorded. Each insertion site was analyzed for the number of bone fragments and defect diameter by computed tomography.

Measurements and Main Results –Device B had lower time of insertion (P=0.01) compared with devices A and C. Device B had better ease of insertion scores (P<0.01) compared with devices A and C. No differences were detected between insertion sites (tibia versus humerus). No differences in the number of bone fragments, defect diameter, or success rate were detected among devices (P=0.06, 0.31, and 0.14, respectively).

Conclusions –All 3 IO access methods evaluated yield acceptable results. Device B is significantly faster and easier to place in cat cadavers when compared with other methods.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Computerized visuo‐spatial memory test as a supplementary screening test for dementia
Authors: MAKI Yohko , YOSHIDA Hiroshi , YAMAGUCHI Haruyasu
Published: September 2010

Background:  To prepare for a super‐aging society, effective dementia screening tests are required. The most salient deficit appearing from the early stages of dementia/Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a deterioration in memory. The Hasegawa Dementia Scale‐revised (HDS‐R) and the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) are widely used in Japan to screen for dementia. Both place an emphasis on memory function, but neither examines visuo‐spatial memory (VSM) function, even though VSM deficits are a sensitive marker for the detection of conversion to dementia. Furthermore, brief tests of VSM that are appropriate for screening have not been standardized. Thus, in the present study, we devised a brief, computer‐aided short‐term VSM test.

Methods:  Sixty‐six aged people were evaluated. Using the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), it was found that 29 could be considered normal controls (NC; CDR 0), 10 had mild cognitive impairment (MCI; CDR 0.5), 15 had mild dementia (CDR 1), and 12 had moderate to severe dementia (CDR 2–3). The VSM test estimated how many locations each subject could memorize. Several numbered circles were shown on a monitor and subjects were required to memorize the location of these circles sequentially. After the numbers on the circles on the screen had disappeared, the subjects were required to indicate the circles in ascending order. A touch panel screen was used for this test to make it easier. The HDS‐R was applied to subjects with MCI and dementia.

Results:  The mean (±SD) VSM score in subjects with MCI (5.70 ± 0.96) was significantly lower than that in NC subjects (6.69 ± 0.82), but significantly higher than that in subjects classified as CDR 1 (4.67 ± 0.87). There was no significant difference in VSM scores between subjects classified as CDR 1 and CDR 2–3 (3.80 ± 0.80). There was a moderate significant correlation between VSM and HDS‐R scores.

Conclusion:  In the present study, the VSM test detected differences in VSM function among NC subjects and subjects with MCI and mild dementia. The software program for the VSM test is distributed for free so that it can be widely used.
The Importance of Glucocorticoids in AlcoholDependence and Neurotoxicity
Authors: Rose A. K. , Shaw S. G. , Prendergast M. A. , Little H. J.
Published: September 2010

Alterations in hypothalamo‐pituitary adrenal (HPA) function have been described in alcoholics and in rodents after chronic alcohol consumption but the role of glucocorticoids in alcohol consumption, and the mechanisms involved, has received little attention until recently. Both alcohol consumption and withdrawal from chronic alcohol intake raise circulating glucocorticoid levels, and prolonged high concentrations of glucocorticoids are known to have detrimental effects on neuronal function and cognition. This minireview covers the ways in which glucocorticoids may be involved in drinking behavior, from social drinking to dependence, and the negative consequences of alcohol consumption seen during withdrawal which may have a detrimental effect on treatment outcome. Research shows prolonged increases in brain glucocorticoid concentrations and decreased brain glucocorticoid receptor availability (consistent with increased levels of endogenous ligand) after withdrawal from chronic alcohol treatment. Evidence suggests that increased glucocorticoid levels in the brain after chronic alcohol treatment are associated with the cognitive deficits seen during abstinence which impact on treatment efficacy and quality of life. Studies on organotypic cultures also demonstrate the importance of glucocorticoids in the neuropathological consequences of alcohol dependence.
Paradigms, Conventions and the Entrepreneur:
Authors: Pressman Steven , Choi Young Back
Published: September 2010

Abstract Criticism of the book by Choi is expressed by Professor Pressman and responded to by the author. Three problems are noted. These deal with ambiguities in the concept of paradigms and conventions, the relationship between them, and how individual feelings of envy and the notion of social conventions fail to provide a good justification for fully supporting entrepreneurship.
Eastern European Public Opinion on Economic Issues:
Authors: Hayo Bernd
Published: September 2010

Abstract Survey data on Eastern Europe is investigated with respect to two major questions: How do people view the creation of a market economy and how do they assess the speed of economic transformation and privatization. These questions are analyzed by looking at the development over 1990 to 1992 and by performing regressions with a number of demographic variables as regressors. Some findings are that the opposition to the creation of a market economy is increasing over time, that in Hungary and Poland people are quite satisfied with the speed of transformation as compared to Czechs and Slovaks, that the Polish are divided over the speed of privatization, and that the relationship between the speed of transformation and privatization is not considered to be very tight by the respondents.
Exploring the Entrepreneurial Behavior of Family Firms: Does the Stewardship Perspective Explain Differences?
Authors: Eddleston Kimberly A. , Kellermanns Franz W. , Zellweger Thomas M.
Published: September 2010

Drawing from stewardship theory, we investigated corporate entrepreneurship in family firms. We argued that stewardship culture determinants––comprehensive strategic decision making, participative governance, long–term orientation, and human capital––differentiate the most entrepreneurial family firms. Based on a study of 179 family firms, we showed that comprehensive strategic decision making and long–term orientation contribute to corporate entrepreneurship. Additionally, family–to–firm unity enhanced the positive effects participative governance and long–term orientation have on corporate entrepreneurship. While we found that family–to–firm unity can compensate for low human capital, unexpectedly, we also found that family–to–firm unity can dampen the positive relationship between human capital and corporate entrepreneurship.
The Relationship Between Knowledge Transfer, Top Management Team Composition, and Performance: The Case of Science–Based Entrepreneurial Firms
Authors: Knockaert Mirjam , Ucbasaran Deniz , Wright Mike , Clarysse Bart
Published: September 2010

The increased pressure put on public research institutes to commercialize their research results has given rise to an increased academic interest in technology transfer. We assess under which conditions tacit knowledge transfer contributes to the performance of academic spin–offs. Using an inductive case study approach, our evidence suggests that tacit knowledge is most effectively transferred when a substantial part of the original research team joins the new venture as founders. Commercial expertise and mindset are also required in the team on the condition that the cognitive distance between the scientific researchers and the person responsible for commercialization is not too large.
La crise mondiale et au‐delà: modèles de croissance durable pour les pays en développement
Authors: GHOSH Jayati
Published: September 2010

Malgré des signes récents de reprise de la production, relancer simplement le modèle de croissance qui s'est effondré en 2008–09 aggravera, au niveau national et mondial, les déséquilibres à l'origine de la crise – au détriment de l'économie réelle, du développement équitable et de la reprise de l'emploi. Il est aussi évident que le modèle environnemental n'est pas durable. Aussi, l'auteur préconise un vaste programme politique, notamment réformer le système financier international, développer des stratégies réorientées sur la demande intérieure stimulée par les salaires et une agriculture viable, promouvoir la fiscalité relative aux technologies plus écologiques et aux choix de consommation, et engager des politiques sociales de redistribution qui réduiront les inégalités et agiront comme des stabilisateurs macroéconomiques lors des récessions.
Perspectiva jurídica de la crisis económica de 2008
Authors: SUPIOT Alain
Published: September 2010

La implosión que sufrieron los mercados financieros en 2008 fue síntoma de la crisis subyacente que padecen el derecho y las instituciones debido a la utopía neoliberal de un «mercado total», omnipresente. Se trata de la despolitización «científica» de la economía y la conversión plena en mercancías del trabajo, la tierra, el dinero y el derecho, pues la competencia llega hasta la elección del ordenamiento jurídico más complaciente («law shopping»). Los mercados financieros fueron los primeros en desplomarse —al ser los que más se desreglamentaron—, y los contribuyentes están pagando ahora la factura. Hasta los mercados de recursos naturales y de «recursos humanos» están amenazados. El autor aboga por un retorno al espíritu de la Declaración de Filadelfia de 1944 y porel restablecimiento del imperio de la ley a fin de acabar con la subordinación de la humanidad a la eficiencia económica.
Las respuestas incompletas a la crisis, su factura socioeconómica y sus consecuencias programáticas
Authors: TORRES Raymond
Published: September 2010

La actuación incompletafrente a la crisis ha acarreado secuelas. Desde el principio se hizo hincapié en los estímulos a la economía, en reducir las pérdidas de empleos y en el sostén a los estratos más débiles. Asíse logró impedir otra Gran Depresión, a costa de ahondar los déficits públicos, pero se cometió el error de salvar los bancos a la derivasin reformar el sistema financiero disfuncional que había desencadenado la crisis. Ahora, la reacción de los mercados financieros a la elevación del endeudamiento público ha hecho volver al mundo al rumbo tradicional de una economía política de libre mercado, saneamiento de la hacienda pública, adelgazamiento del Estado y retroceso de la protección social. Ahora acechan dos peligros: la agravación de la desigualdady la inestabilidad económica.
Experimental ocular acute hypertension‐induced chromatinic alterations in astrocytic cells in rat optic nerve
Authors: Pescosolido N. , Scarsella G. , Risuleo G. , Cristofanilli M. , Cardini C. , de Feo G. , Melchionda E.
Published: September 2010

The effects of ocular acute hypertension experimentally induced on the astrocyte cells of rat have been studied. Evaluation was made of the damage to the chromatin of those cells by means of cytochemical (haematoxylin‐eosin) analysis and of the state of fragmentation of the DNA by means of the TUNEL technique as well as the protective effect of the peroxide scavenger, troxol, on those events.
Pseudoexfoliatio capsulae and endothelin‐1 plasma levels
Authors: Possati G. L. , Rossi A. , Moretti M. , Torregiani A.
Published: September 2010

M. Cellini

The authors found an increase of endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) plasma levels in patients with pseudoexfoliatio syndrome (PXS):

2.730±0.224 pg/ml vs 1.420±0.30S pg/ml.

With Color Doppler Imaging (CDI) they found in PXS patients a decrease of peak systolic velocity values in the posterior ciliary arteries that were 12.725 ± 2.536 cm/sec vs 15.450 ± 3.173 cm/sec (p<0.049) while the resistance values were increased 0.640 ± 0.051 vs 0.548 ± 0.058 (p<0.001).

The increase of ET‐1 plasma levels may assess the vasospasm and uveal tissue hypoxia.
Deficit‐undamaged visual field area monitoring in glaucomatous patients with advanced perimetric damage: its usefulness
Authors: Corallo G. , Monaco M. , Guglielminetti E. , Cicinelli S. , Calabria G.
Published: September 2010

This report contains the observations of the authors on the behaviour with time of the visual field areas (VF) which appear undamaged by deficit within the perimetric findings where at the same time there is advanced glaucomatous damage. A retrospective study has been made on the records of a Humphrey perimeter 640 VFA relating to glaucomatous patients with these perimetric characteristics in whom at least 12 examinations (programme “Central 30‐2 threshold test”) had been made and who, for a good part of the period of observation at least, had recorded a topographic stability of the deficits. There were found 12 series of examinations responding to the required necessities. The analysis of the findings used a method that separated from the global mean deviation (MD) that part concerning the pathological area and that referring to the “healthy” area of the visual field (VF).

In 7 of the 8 cases where, at a certain point in the follow‐up, there became evident a trend towards worsening, there was also a significant increase in the MD of the undamaged, which occurred before the deterioration of the “healthy” area became evident by the appearance of “probability symbols” in the “total deviation” map. In the 4 cases where there was stability with time, the MD values relating to the undamaged area of the VF were quite constant with time.
Ocular haemodynamics and nitric oxide in normal pressure glaucoma
Authors: Galassi F. , Sodi A. , Ucci F. , Renieri G. , Pieri B. , Masini E.
Published: September 2010

The authors studied the ocular haemodynamics by means of the Color Doppler Imaging (CDI) technique and the levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), the intracellular mediator of NO action in plasma and the aqueous humour in a Normal Pressure Glaucoma group and in a normal group. They found significant alterations of both the velocities, systolic and diastolic, in the Ophthalmic Artery and lower cGMP levels in NPGs than in the controls. These data suggest that a disorder of NO regulation processes might be involved in blood supply to the optic nerve and in aqueous humour outflow.
Corneal thickness in glaucoma: an important parameter?
Authors: Brusini P. , Miani F. , Tosoni C.
Published: September 2010

Central corneal thickness was measured by pachometry in 49 patients with primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG), 41 with ocular hypertension (OHT), 14 with normal tension glaucoma (NTG) and 48 normal subjects. The mean corneal thickness of the OHT patients was significantly greater than that of the normal control group. The NTG patients, on the other hand, had a cornea on average thinner than the normals. These differences may cause misclassification of normals with a thick cornea as ocular hypertensive eyes or, contrarywise, cause those normals whose IOP is underestimated because of a thin cornea to be classed as NTG patients.
Caffeine ingestion and antigen‐stimulated human lymphocyte activation after prolonged cycling
Authors: Fletcher D. K. , Bishop N. C.
Published: September 2010

This study investigated the effect of caffeine ingestion on antigen‐stimulated T‐ (CD4+and CD8+) and natural killer (NK)‐ (CD3−CD56+) cell activation after prolonged, strenuous cycling. In a randomized cross‐over design, nine male endurance cyclists (age: 22 ± 3 years, V̇O2peak: 62 ± 4 mL/kg/min, mean ± SD) cycled for 90 min at 70% V̇O2peak60 min after ingesting 6 mg/kg body mass of caffeine (CAF) or placebo (PLA). Venous blood samples were obtained before supplementation, pre‐exercise, immediately post‐exercise and 1 h post‐exercise. Whole blood was stimulated with Pediacel (five in one) vaccine. At 1 h post‐exercise the number of antigen‐stimulated CD4+cells expressing CD69 decreased on CAF compared with PLA [15 (17) × 106vs 23 (22) × 106 cells/L,P<0.05]. In addition, the geometric mean fluorescence intensity (GMFI) of CD69 expression on antigen‐stimulated CD8+cells decreased on CAF compared with PLA 1 h post‐exercise [78 (10)% vs 102 (24)%,P<0.05]. At the same time‐point GMFI of CD69 expression on antigen‐stimulated CD3−CD56+cells was increased on CAF compared with PLA [103 (9)% vs 87 (8)%,P<0.05]. These findings suggest that caffeine reduces antigen‐stimulated CD69 expression on T cells while at the same time increases NK‐cell activation 1 h after intensive cycling.
Diagnostic procedures for venous problems
Authors: Kendler Michael , Zajitschek Jörg , Simon Jan C. , Wetzig Tino
Published: September 2010

Venous diseases are a common worldwide problem. Numerous methods for the evaluation of the venous system are available. The major objectives include the diagnosis and medically relevant classification of varicose vein disease, as well as the identification and assessment of hemodynamic disturbances. In addition, it is necessary to characterize and classify disturbances of the deep venous system and to differentiate between primary and secondary varicose veins. The physician should also exclude or detect and classify concomitant peripheral arterial occlusive disease, and an accompanying disorder of lymphatic drainage. The diagnostic evaluation of venous disorders, depending on the severity of the disease, includes as standard the use of Doppler sonography. Light reflection rheography (LRR), photoplethysmography (PPG), venous occlusion plethysmography and phlebodynamometry (PD) complete the hemodynamic evaluation. The standard imaging technique now routinely used is duplex color scanning. More complex imaging studies include ascending and descending phlebography computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. In selected cases invasive investigations or serological tests may complement the diagnostic work‐up.
Selenium supply and glutathione peroxidase activity in breastfed Polish infants
Authors: Trafikowska U. , Zachara BA , Wiacek M. , Sobkowiak E. , Czerwionka‐Szaflarska M.
Published: September 2010

Selenium (Se) concentration in human milk in Poland is below 10 ng ml−1 and the Se intake by breastfed infants is about 6 μg day−1. Supplementation of lactating mothers with selenium‐enriched yeast increases rapidly and significantly the Se concentration and glutathione peroxidase activity in maternal blood components. Se concentration in milk is also significantly elevated. After 1 month the mean Se intakes by breastfed infants were greater than the recommended dietary allowance of 10 μg day−1 for infants from birth to 6 months of age.
Acid steatocrit during infancy
Authors: van den Neucker A. , Forget P. , Veneberg JA , Schutten BJ , van Kreel B.
Published: September 2010

The faecal acid steatocrit is an improved steatocrit method for the evaluation of faecal fat. The present study was set up in order to establish reference values during the first year of life. Faecal acid steatocrit values were determined in 58 healthy full term and in 16 healthy prematurely born infants. Very high acid steatocrit results (above 60%) were found in all premature and many formula‐fed term infants during the first 6 months of age, thereafter with values below 10%. In 40‐ to 120‐day‐old infants acid steatocrit results of human milk‐fed infants were significantly lower than those of formula‐fed infants (p < 0.01). We conclude that high acid steatocrit results after the age of 6 months are indicative of fat malabsorption, while before this age high values can be due to “physiological steatorrhoea”. The acid steatocrit should be useful for the evaluation of milk fat absorption in infants.
Evidence for fluid volume depletion in hyponatraemic patients with bacterial meningitis
Authors: Bianchetti MG , Thyssen HR , Laux‐End R. , Schaad UB
Published: September 2010

Since the mechanisms underlying hyponatraemia in meningitis are poorly understood, we retrospectively reviewed the records of 187 paediatric patients with bacterial meningitis treated at the Department of Pediatrics, University of Bern, Switzerland, between 1982 and 1994. The degree of dehydration calculated from naked weight on admission and at 5 days was consistently (by 2.8 × 10−2) and significantly more pronounced in 30 hyponatraemic (plasma sodium 130 mmoll−1 or less) than in 157 normonatraemic patients (plasma sodium 131 mmoll−1 or more). Furthermore, a tendency towards reduced sodium excretion was noted in hyponatraemic patients. The results suggest that in bacterial meningitis hyponatraemia is mostly induced by clinically latent fluid volume depletion.
Altered maternal psychological profile as health risk factor in poor urban infants
Authors: Araya M. , Espinoza J. , Zegers B. , Cruchet S. , Brunser O. , Humphreys D. , Fernandez CL
Published: September 2010

To test the hypothesis that the increased health risk of children selected by a previously calculated and validated predictive model is associated with some maternal psychological characteristics, the universe of 107 mothers of children selected by this model was evaluated by means of Goldberg's General Health Questionnaire (GHQ‐30), Raven (Ra) and Rorschach (Ro) tests; 37.4% were cases according to GHQ‐30, 80.9% were < 50th percentile in Ra and 85% exhibited deviant responses in Ro tests. Children whose mother's IQ was < 50th percentile suffered more episodes of total morbidity (Tm) and of diarrhoea (p = 0.0364). Children whose mothers were normal in Ro had less Tm (p = 0.0364) and fewer respiratory symptoms (p = 0.0300) and tended to have less diarrhoea (p = 0.0690). In poor urban families in Santiago psychological maternal characteristics are associated with an increased health risk for the infants. Supportive programmes should consider both biological characteristics of the infants and maternal psychological needs.
Detection of congenital cytomegalovirus infection in Chinese newborn infants using polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Tsai C‐H , Tsai F‐J , Shih Y‐T , Wu S‐F , Liu S‐C , Tseng Y‐H
Published: September 2010

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification was used to detect cytomegalovirus (CMV) in 1000 urine specimens from Chinese newborns for defining the incidence of congenital CMV infection in the Chinese population. The major immediate‐early and the late antigen genes of CMV were amplified and detected by gel electrophoresis. There were 18 congenitally infected infants found when tests were performed with one or both primer pairs. Comparing with tissue culture, PCR of both primer sets provided a sensitivity of 94%, a specificity of 100% and a predictive value of positive result of 100%.
Intussusception associated with Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection
Authors: Koo JW , Cho CR , Cha SJ , Chung CY
Published: September 2010

Intussusception associated with Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection was developed in three boys; two of them had a history of drinking untreated water. All intussusceptions were localized at the ileocolic region, and all patients completely recovered with GastrografinR enema and supportive treatment without complication and operation.
Forming the first planetary systems: debris around Galactic thick disc stars
Authors: Sheehan C. K. W. , Greaves J. S. , Bryden G. , Rieke G. H. , Su K. Y. L. , Wyatt M. C. , Beichman C. A.
Published: September 2010

The thick disc contains stars formed within the first Gyr of Galactic history, and little is known about their planetary systems. The Spitzer MIPS instrument was used to search 11 of the closest of these old low-metal stars for circumstellar debris, as a signpost that bodies at least as large as planetesimals were formed. A total of 22 thick disc stars has now been observed, after including archival data, but dust is not found in any of the systems. The data rule out a high incidence of debris among star systems from early in the Galaxy's formation. However, some stars of this very old population do host giant planets, at possibly more than the general incidence among low-metal Sun-like stars. As the Solar system contains gas giants but little cometary dust, the thick disc could host analogue systems that formed many Gyr before the Sun.
SKULL VIBRATION DURING CHEWING OF CRISPY FOOD
Authors: VAN DER BILT ANDRIES , DE LIZ POCZTARUK RAFAEL , ABBINK JAN HENDRIK
Published: September 2010

When we chew crispy food, the jaw decelerates and accelerates as a result of resistance and breakage of food particles, and a characteristic sound of the breakage of the food particles is produced. Our aim was to investigate how physical responses, in the form of vibrations, change during chewing. This will give an impression of how food characteristics change during the chewing process. Force resistance and sound emission of three crispy foods (biscuits) and one noncrispy food (cake) were determined with a texture analyzer. We measured skull vibration, while the subjects chewed and swallowed the foods. Clear skull vibrations were observed while the subjects started to chew the biscuits. The skull vibrations gradually decreased upon further chewing down to the level of skull vibrations produced by chewing on noncrispy cake. Then, the biscuits were chewed long enough to form a well‐moistened food bolus that was ready for swallowing.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The crispy nature of food products is an important sensory characteristic on which consumers base their appreciation. Rheological measurements have often turned out not to be completely satisfactory in explaining the relationship between food structure and texture perception. This could be explained by the notion that this approach disregards the oral processing and physiology of the mouth. The measurement of skull vibration, produced by the breakage of crispy food during chewing, provides information on how food characteristics gradually change during chewing. This information may help to understand the relationship between food structure and texture perception.
Collection of Unsaturated‐Zone Water Samples for Tracer Analysis: Evaluation of an Inverting Membrane Technique
Authors: Turin H.J. , Jones C.L. , Groffman A.R. , Dunn S. Dalvit , Lowry W.E. , Soll W.E.
Published: September 2010

As part of the site characterization efforts at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, a series of unsaturated zone tracer tests has been performed at nearby Busted Butte. The phase 2 tracer test was conducted within an instrumented 10 m by 10 m by 7 m in situ block of vitric tuff. A complex tracer solution containing both reactive and nonreactive tracers was pumped into the block during a period of 27 months. Throughout the test, thousands of unsaturated zone pore water samples were collected on sorptive pads attached to inverting membranes and then analyzed for tracer concentration. Partway through the experiment, three new boreholes were drilled into the block, and two intercepted the tracer plume. The rock core was removed for pore water extraction and analysis, and the boreholes were then instrumented with inverting membranes and sorptive pads. The initial set of pore water‐soaked pads was removed from the boreholes a week after they were emplaced, and the pore water was extracted and analyzed. This paper compares the tracer concentration data from the rock cores and the pads to evaluate the effectiveness of the inverting membrane collection technique for a variety of tracers. While the sorptive pads sample only dissolved tracers, rock cores contain both dissolved and sorbed tracer. For nonreactive tracers, such as halides (bromide and iodide) and fluorinated benzoic acids (FBAs), this distinction is immaterial, and the rock and pad data agree quantitatively for the halide tracers, and qualitatively for the FBAs. For reactive tracers, such as lithium, the dissolved tracer concentrations can be estimated from rock analyses by dividing by the tracer's retardation factor; when this correction is applied, the rock and pad lithium data are also in reasonable agreement.
Ground Water Chlorinated Ethenes in Tree Trunks: Case Studies, Influence of Recharge, and Potential Degradation Mechanism
Authors: Vroblesky Don A. , Clinton Barton D. , Vose James M. , Casey Clifton C. , Harvey Gregory J. , Bradley Paul M.
Published: September 2010

Trichloroethene (TCE) was detected in cores of trees growing above TCE‐contaminated ground at three sites: the Carswell Golf Course in Texas, Air Force Plant PJKS in Colorado, and Naval Weapons Station Charleston in South Carolina. This was true even when the depth to water was 7.9 m or when the contaminated aquifer was confined beneath ∼3 m of clay. Additional ground water contaminants detected in the tree cores were cis–1,2‐dichloroethene at two sites and tetrachloroethene at one site. Thus, tree coring can be a rapid and effective means of locating shallow subsurface chlorinated ethenes and possibly identifying zones of active TCE dechlorination. Tree cores collected over time were useful in identifying the onset of ground water contamination. Several factors affecting chlorinated ethene concentrations in tree cores were identified in this investigation. The factors include ground water chlorinated ethene concentrations and depth to ground water contamination. In addition, differing TCE concentrations around the trunk of some trees appear to be related to the roots deriving water from differing areas. Opportunistic uptake of infiltrating rainfall can dilute prerain TCE concentrations in the trunk. TCE concentrations in core headspace may differ among some tree species. In some trees, infestation of bacteria in decaying heartwood may provide a TCE dechlorination mechanism within the trunk.
Bone density, calcium intake and vitamin D status in South Asian women living in Auckland, New Zealand
Authors: VON HURST Pamela R. , KRUGER Marlena C. , STONEHOUSE Welma , COAD Jane
Published: September 2010

Aim:  To investigate the bone health and associated risk factors of a group of South Asian women living in New Zealand. Studies on the Indian subcontinent suggest a high incidence of low bone mineral density in women with poor vitamin D status and low dietary calcium intake.

Methods:  Subjects were women of South Asian origin (n = 91) living in Auckland, New Zealand. Subjects were stratified by menopausal status. They completed a 4‐day food diary, and provided a fasting blood sample. Bone mineral density was measured in the lumbar spine and proximal femur using dual X‐ray densitometry.

Results:  Mean age of premenopausal (n = 71) and postmenopausal (n = 20) women was 39.8 ± 7.8 and 55.3 ± 5.4 years, respectively. Osteoporosis (T‐score ≤−2.5) was present in 32% of postmenopausal and 3% of premenopausal subjects, but only in the lumbar spine. Adequate 25(OH)D levels (>50 nmol/L) were found in only 22% of premenopausal, and 26% of postmenopausal women. A body mass index in the overweight or obese category was found in 61% of premenopausal and 75% of postmenopausal women.

Conclusion:  The high incidence of osteoporosis in the postmenopausal group could be associated with the early age of oophorectomy or menopause together with low vitamin D status.
A novel approach to treating eating disorders in a day‐hospital treatment program
Authors: ASHLEY Mellisa , CRINO Natalie
Published: September 2010

Aim:  The aim of the present study was to evaluate the short‐term effectiveness of an adult day‐hospital program that uses a novel approach to delivering nutritional interventions.

Methods:  Fifty‐six adult eating disorder patients of the Sydney West Area Eating Disorders Day Treatment Program participated in the study. Participants completed standardised self‐reported questionnaires designed to measure eating disorder symptoms, at the commencement of treatment and after 12 weeks.

Results:  Participation in day‐hospital treatment was associated with increases in weight, reductions in number of binge‐eating and purging episodes, and frequency of exercise sessions. Participants also experienced improvements in their eating attitudes, drive for thinness, bulimia, depression and anxiety symptoms.

Conclusion:  These findings add to the growing body of literature supporting the use of day‐hospital programs in the treatment of eating disorders. A number of strategies are suggested for the effective delivery of nutritional interventions in day‐hospital programs, such as methods that assist with integrating new information, having an experiential focus and the use of collaborative education processes.
The Aboriginal Birth Cohort Study: When is a cohort study not a cohort design?
Authors: MACKERRAS Dorothy E.M. , SINGH Gurmeet R. , SAYERS Susan
Published: September 2010

Aims:  The paper describes how a variety of different epidemiological study designs can be applied to data arising from a single prospective study.

Methods:  An overview of the data collection phases of the Aboriginal Birth Cohort Study is given. We illustrate how different research questions that require different analytical designs can be asked of the data collected in the present study.

Results:  With reference to five generic questions in health research, we showed how sixteen specific questions could be addressed in the Aboriginal Birth Cohort Study. These referred to a range of analytical designs.

Conclusion:  Readers need to take care not to confuse the overall design of a study with the design of a specific analysis. When conducting systematic literature reviews, studies should be classified according to the analytical design used in the specific report included in the review and not according to the design of the overall project.
Exploring the Relationship between Video Game Ratings Implementation and Changes in Game Content as Represented by Game Magazines
Authors: MILLER MONICA K.
Published: September 2010

Video game regulation is intended to lessen the potentially negative effects of games by limiting children's access to age‐inappropriate games. Self‐regulations, such as the current rating system, could also encourage manufacturers to reduce sexual and violent content in an attempt to avoid ratings that would limit their potential buyers. The purpose of this article was to determine if the implementation of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) was associated with changes in game content. A content analysis of video game magazine articles released before and after the establishment of the ESRB ratings determined that violent content and some sexual content increased nonsignificantly until 2004, when these elements became significantly more extreme. Other sexual content increased in early years but was stable after the adoption of the ratings system. Because manufacturers did not dramatically alter game content after the 1994 rating system came into effect, they may also be unlikely to change the content if the ratings system is modified in the future.

Suele esperarse que, al restringir el acceso de los niños a juegos inapropiados, la regulación de videojuegos disminuya sus efectos potencialmente negativos. Autorregulaciones tales como el sistema de clasificación actual podrían también animar a los fabricantes a reducir el contenido sexual y violento con el objetivo de evitar las clasificaciones que podrían limitar sus compradores potenciales. El propósito de este artículo es el de determinar si la puesta en marcha del Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) estuvo asociada con cambios en el contenido de los juegos. Un análisis de contenido de artículos de revistas de videojuegos publicados antes y después del establecimiento de la clasificación del ESRB determinó que el contenido violento y un tipo de contenido sexual, no se incrementó significativamente desde 2004, cuando estos elementos comenzaban a volverse significativamente más extremos. El contenido sexual se incrementó en los años iniciales pero se estabilizó después de la adopción del sistema de clasificación. Dado que los fabricantes no cambiaron dramáticamente el contenido de los juegos después de que el sistema de clasificación de 1994 entrara en vigor, es muy improbable que cambien el contenido si el sistema de clasificación es modificado en el futuro.
Dynamic heterogeneity and life histories
Authors: Tuljapurkar Shripad , Steiner Ulrich K.
Published: September 2010

Biodemography is increasingly focused on the large and persistent differences between individuals within populations in fitness components (age at death, reproductive success) and fitness‐related components (health, biomarkers) in humans and other species. To study such variation we propose the use of dynamic models of observable phenotypes of individuals. Phenotypic change in turn determines variation among individuals in their fitness components over the life course. We refer to this dynamic accumulation of fitness differences as dynamic heterogeneity and illustrate it for an animal population in which longitudinal data are studied using multistate capture‐mark‐recapture models. Although our approach can be applied to any characteristic, for our empirical example we use reproduction as the phenotypic character to define stages. We indicate how our stage‐structured model describes the nature of the variation among individual characteristics that is generated by dynamic heterogeneity. We conclude by discussing our ongoing and planned work on animals and humans. We also discuss the connections between our work and recent work on human mortality, disability and health, and life course theory.
Learning, menopause, and the human adaptive complex
Authors: Kaplan Hillard , Gurven Michael , Winking Jeffrey , Hooper Paul L. , Stieglitz Jonathan
Published: September 2010

This paper presents a new two‐sex learning‐ and skills‐based theory for the evolution of human menopause. The theory proposes that the role of knowledge, skill acquisition, and transfers in determining economic productivity and resource distribution is the distinctive feature of the traditional human ecology that is responsible for the evolution of menopause. The theory also proposes that male reproductive cessation and post‐reproductive investment in descendants is a fundamental characteristic of humans living in traditional foraging and simple horticultural economies. We present evidence relevant to the theory. The data show that whereas reproductive decline is linked to increasing risks of mortality in chimpanzees, human reproductive senescence precedes somatic senescence. Moreover under traditional conditions, most human males undergo reproductive cessation at the same time as their wives. We then present evidence that after ceasing to reproduce, both men and women provide net economic transfers to children and grandchildren. Given this pattern of economic productivity, delays in menopause would produce net economic deficits within families.
Animal models of reproductive aging: what can they tell us?
Authors: Austad Steven N.
Published: September 2010

This commentary explores the relationship between what can be learned about reproductive senescence from studies in the laboratory compared with what can be learned from studies in the field. Laboratory studies allow researchers to isolate and analyze detailed cellular and molecular mechanisms of reproductive senescence, however drawing evolutionary inferences from captive studies can be misleading. The ideal study would combine field and laboratory observations and experiments. As with most other biological phenomena, understanding the nature of genetic and environmental interactions is central to understanding of reproductive aging.
Reproductive aging: theoretical perspectives, mechanisms, nonhuman models, and health correlates
Authors: Haaga John , O'Connor Kathleen , Weinstein Maxine , Wise Phyllis
Published: September 2010

Every 365.2421999 days—more or less—the earth rotates, revolves, wobbles, and precesses along an elliptical path around the sun. Those of us who survive the journey are a year older: we have aged one solar year. Some years we seem to age faster than other years; some people seem to age faster than other people; some systems seem to age faster than other systems. As we begin to mature, reach our middle years, and become elderly, reproductive changes are among the markers of aging that are most notable, particularly among women. What—if anything—can we learn about more general processes of aging from reproductive aging? Does our postreproductive survival contribute to our fitness, or is it just a chance event, a result of selection on other characteristics? Can our insights and research be translated into improved clinical practice? We explore reproductive aging with a wide‐angle multidisciplinary lens that we use to focus on four articulating areas: theoretical perspectives, mechanisms, nonhuman models, and health correlates. We propose directions for future work.a