bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The pCLEAN Dual Binary Vector System forAgrobacterium-Mediated Plant Transformation
Authors: Thole Vera , Worland Barbara , Snape John W. , Vain Philippe
Published: October 2007

The development of novel transformation vectors is essential to the improvement of plant transformation technologies. Here, we report the construction and testing of a new multifunctional dual binary vector system, pCLEAN, for Agrobacterium-mediated plant transformation. The pCLEAN vectors are based on the widely used pGreen/pSoup system and the pCLEAN-G/pCLEAN-S plasmids are fully compatible with the existing pGreen/pSoup vectors. A single Agrobacterium can harbor (1) pCLEAN-G and pSoup, (2) pGreen and pCLEAN-S, or (3) pCLEAN-G and pCLEAN-S vector combination. pCLEAN vectors have been designed to enable the delivery of multiple transgenes from distinct T-DNAs and/or vector backbone sequences while minimizing the insertion of superfluous DNA sequences into the plant nuclear genome as well as facilitating the production of marker-free plants. pCLEAN vectors contain a minimal T-DNA (102 nucleotides) consisting of direct border repeats surrounding a 52-nucleotide-long multiple cloning site, an optimized left-border sequence, a double left-border sequence, restriction sites outside the borders, and two independent T-DNAs. In addition, selectable and/or reporter genes have been inserted into the vector backbone sequence to allow either the counter-screening of backbone transfer or its exploitation for the production of marker-free plants. The efficiency of the different pCLEAN vectors has been assessed using transient and stable transformation assays in Nicotiana benthamiana and/or Oryza sativa.
Indulgences at Norwich cathedral priory in the later middle ages: popular piety in the balance sheet
Authors: Swanson R. N.
Published: October 2007

Indulgences were a vital element in late medieval English religion, but evidence of their attractiveness is limited. Material from the sacrists' rolls of Norwich cathedral priory offers information to cast light on their local appeal, changing over time yet open to manipulation and exploitation. Records of offerings at shrines and images within the cathedral also provide comparative figures to set the scale of indulgence receipts in perspective.
The magistrate, the community and the maintenance of an orderly society in eighteenth-century England
Authors: Morgan Gwenda , Rushton Peter
Published: October 2007

The lone magistrate was the central figure of early modern English law enforcement, yet few records of his activities survive. This study of one of the rare notebooks kept by a local J.P. in north-east England in the eighteenth century suggests that his primary purpose was to negotiate peace between disputants rather than to secure prosecution and conviction of those accused of crimes. Prosecutions in court were few. Reconciliation was mixed with enforcement in areas such as employment relations, poor relief and the maintenance of illegitimate children, but here, as in the many cases of physical assault, outcomes were frequently ‘agreed’.
To be a member of the leading gentry: the Suffolk voluntary subscriptions of 1782
Authors: Aoki Yasushi
Published: October 2007

This article examines the Suffolk voluntary subscription campaign conducted to raise funds for the building of naval ships in 1782. By carefully analysing the list of subscribers, as well as by looking into the initial process of the campaign, it demonstrates the importance of the county's leading gentry group. Special attention is paid to Sir Charles Davers of Rushbrooke, one of the principal proposers of the patriotic project, who contributed the comparatively large sum of £300.
Whiggery, science and administration: Grenville and Lord Henry Petty in the Ministry of All the Talents, 1806–7
Authors: Bord Joe
Published: October 2007

The Ministry of All the Talents (1806–7) has been dismissed because it failed in most of its declared objectives. In a series of secondary matters, however – vaccination, medical reform, the improvement of the curriculum at Maynooth and the New Plan of Finance (1807) – a distinctive style of administrative liberalism was being practised. Here termed ‘scientific’, ‘technical’ and ‘empirical’ because of its concern with the management of knowledge or rational inquiry by public authority, this liberal style formed part of the background of politics, and connected Pittite management with mid century Liberal government. Despite their differences, two Whig statesmen, Lord Henry Petty (1780–1863) and Lord Grenville (1759–1834) cultivated this style in an atmosphere of caution and austerity. As chancellor of the exchequer and prime minister respectively, in 1806–7, Petty and Grenville brought the ‘pessimistic meliorism’ of their wider beliefs to the problems cited, articulating a kind of liberalism that was distinct from the Foxite canon.
Planning health care in developing countries
Authors: Nambiar B. , Lewycka S. , Mwansambo C. , Costello A.
Published: October 2007

The major challenge for health care planners lies in integrating health promotion and disease prevention on the one hand and treatment of acute illness and chronic care on the other. This has to be done at all levels of the health system with the aim of delivering quality services equitably and efficiently to the whole population. This is a particular problem as many governments spend less than US $10 per person per year on health. Acute sector healthcare, including anaesthesia, is often deficient under these circumstances.
Anaesthesia and safe motherhood
Authors: Clyburn P. , Morris S. , Hall J.
Published: October 2007

The challenges of obstetric care in the developing world are enormous. Many fit young mothers die or suffer disabling birth injuries from preventable complications of pregnancy that are easily treated with basic facilities. Maternal mortality rates in excess of 1% have been recorded in a number of countries. Access to Caesarean section is a particular problem, with rates lower than 1% being commonplace. The provision of appropriate anaesthesia services is of international concern.
Paediatric anaesthesia in developing countries
Authors: Hodges S. C. , Walker I. A. , Bösenberg A. T.
Published: October 2007

Each year millions of children undergo surgery in the developing world with inadequate facilities, equipment and drugs. In many hospitals, anaesthesia is largely dependent on the availability of ketamine. Application of well‐established clinical techniques, particularly for postoperative pain control, would relieve unnecessary suffering in children. Improvements in peri‐operative care are required by investment in health systems and training.
Pain management in developing countries
Authors: Size M. , Soyannwo O. A. , Justins D. M.
Published: October 2007

Access to pain relief is an integral part of peri‐operative care jointly managed by clinicians and nursing staff. Simple regimens, relying on inexpensive drugs, are often not followed due to inadequate healthcare systems. This article describes some of the common challenges, and suggests practical approaches to overcoming them.
Regional anaesthesia in developing countries
Authors: Schnittger T.
Published: October 2007

In modern anaesthesia practice, regional techniques are preferred to general anaesthesia for many types of surgery, particularly in obstetric care. Improved outcomes have been recorded in UK practice, but the techniques remain underutilised in many parts of the world. With encouragement, training and a regular supply of appropriate needles and local anaesthetic agents, the advantages of regional techniques in the developing world could be realised.
Anaesthesia equipment for resource‐poor environments
Authors: McCormick B. A. , Eltringham R. J.
Published: October 2007

The design of anaesthesia equipment for use in hospitals in the developing world must take into account the local conditions, particularly whether reliable supplies of compressed oxygen and electricity are available. Designs should ensure that maintenance is feasible locally. International standards should encourage the design of suitable equipment to ensure safe anaesthesia for patients worldwide.
Primary Trauma Care
Authors: Wilkinson D. , McDougall R.
Published: October 2007

The Primary Trauma Care programme is a course designed to train anaesthetists, surgeons and others in the systematic review and management of severe trauma victims at the District Hospital. Over the last 10 years, many individuals have been involved in training, empowering and supporting doctors and nurses in a number of countries. Local programmes and training courses are increasingly co‐ordinated by regional offices in South America, India, China, Indonesia, the South Pacific and Africa. The Primary Trauma Care Foundation continues to support these regional offices in their need for qualified instructors, fund‐raising, and for updating educational material. With anaesthetic support, the Primary Trauma Care Foundation will continue to empower anaesthetists worldwide as they work with their surgical colleagues to treat severely injured patients in areas where, previously, due to inadequate resources and training, comprehensive treatment was not available.
The World Health Organization and Anaesthesia
Authors: Cherian M. N. , Merry A. F. , Wilson I. H.
Published: October 2007

The World Health Organization has been involved in a wide range of global healthcare initiatives for many years. Recently an initiative ‘Safe Surgery Saves Lives’ has been launched to improve the safety of surgery throughout the world. Safe anaesthesia is a key component to achieving this aim.
The World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists: supporting education in the developing world
Authors: Enright A. , Wilson I. H. , Moyers J. R.
Published: October 2007

The World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists (WFSA) was formed in 1955 and is currently composed of 120 national societies. The aims of WFSA are to improve the standards of anaesthesia worldwide, with a particular emphasis in developing countries. This article details the structure of the WFSA, the various activities carried out by the different committees, and our achievements in education and training.
Equipment donation to developing countries
Authors: Gatrad A. R. , Gatrad S. , Gatrad A.
Published: October 2007

Equipment donations to colleagues working in developing countries may be a very effective form of aid, provided that the items supplied follow international guidelines and are practical for the receiving unit. A number of predictable difficulties may arise during the process and this article demonstrates what can be achieved by a few enthusiastic volunteers.
Training the trainers
Authors: Dobson M.
Published: October 2007

Our understanding of how adults learn has undergone many advances in the last few years. This information needs to be used to build more effective training in anaesthesia throughout the world, especially in those countries where the need to train large numbers is critical to the development of effective medical services. Training a new generation of teachers is a key part of this.
Educational resources: website and book review
Authors: Stevenson C.
Published: October 2007

Good quality educational material for anaesthesia providers in the developing world is limited in both quantity and availability. Traditionally, textbooks have been the main source of information but these are frequently expensive, easily damaged and rapidly become outdated. Many first world texts concentrate on the use of expensive drugs for an increasingly complex range of patients and procedures, making them less suitable for practitioners in resource‐poor locations. Improved access to broadband internet connections will increasingly be a major portal for the delivery of up to date educational material.
Mothers of Africa – an anaesthesia charity
Authors: Morris S. , Clyburn P. , Harries S. , Rees L. , Sewell J. , Hall J.
Published: October 2007

An anaesthetic charity ‘Mothers of Africa’ has been established as a link between the academic departments of anaesthesia in Togo and Benin and the University Hospital of Wales. Visits by UK consultant anaesthetists have identified a number of clinical areas where collaborative working in both classroom and theatre has the potential to improve outcomes in maternal mortality and morbidity.
Lessons from working overseas
Authors: Henderson K.
Published: October 2007

To spend time in a developing country may not appear an obvious choice in a UK‐based anaesthetic career. However, dealing with challenging situations and meeting people who spend their working lives in this environment can be an unforgettable experience. Reliance on personal clinical skills and basic techniques teaches us an enormous amount about the ability within us as physicians. There are benefits to us as individuals, the country involved, the people, and also the NHS in the long term. This article gathers personal experiences that are representative of commonly expressed opinions.
Outcome analysis of 4 years’ follow‐up of patients referred for colposcopy with one smear showing mild dyskaryosis
Authors: Ahmed A. S. , Goumalatsos G. , Akbar N. , Lawton F. G. , Savvas M.
Published: October 2007

Objective:  To assess the 4‐year outcome of patients after one smear showing mild dyskaryosis with respect to smear regression rate, prevalence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and the effect of age.

Methods:  Retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with initial mildly dyskaryotic smear during the year 2000 with a follow‐up period of 48 months. These women had not had any previous abnormal smears.

Settings:  Cytopathology Department and Colposcopy Unit, King’s College Hospital, London, UK.

Results:  We identified 524 patients of whom 375 patients with complete follow‐up data are included. The age range was 19–67 years with a median of 29 years. There were 207 patients aged 35 years or less (55%). At 6 months, 258 smears were performed and 47.8% of them were negative (95% CI: 41.6–54.0%). The total number of negative follow‐up smears in the first year was 198 out of a total of 397 smears performed (50%). This proportion has significantly increased between 1 and 4 years’ follow‐up to 67.5% (RR: 1.24; 95% CI: 1.14–1.35). Over the 4‐year period, 791 smears were performed and 477 were negative (60.3%; 95% CI: 56.9–63.7%). Of the 477 negative smears there were only 61 smears (12.8%; 95% CI: 10–16%), in 54 patients (14%; 95% CI: 11–18%) that reverted back to low‐grade cytological abnormality. In only one case the repeat smear showed high‐grade abnormality after initial negative follow‐up; however, on biopsy, histology showed CIN I. Out of the 375 patients, 70 required treatment with excisional biopsy (19%; 95% CI: 15.0–22.9%). Histology confirmed high‐grade CIN in only 41 cases giving a prevalence of 11% (95% CI: 8.1–14.5%). There were no cases of microinvasive or invasive cancer detected. Age (≤35 years versus >35 years) did not significantly affect either cytological or histological outcome.

Conclusion:  Sixty per cent of follow‐up smears after initial mild dyskaryosis subsequently became negative; of them 87.2% remained negative over the 4 year follow‐up. Treatment was only required in 19% of patients, with 11% prevalence of high‐grade CIN. Age did not affect the outcome. These results are reassuring and indicate that colposcopic referral may not be necessary after only one mildly dyskaryotic smear.
Immunolocalization of androgen and oestrogen receptors in the ventral lobe of rat (Rattus norvegicus) prostate after long‐term treatment with ethanol and nicotine
Authors: Fávaro W. J. , Cagnon V. H. A.
Published: October 2007

Nicotine and alcohol adversely affect prostate gland function. In this work, immunohistochemistry was used to investigate the immunoreactivity and distribution of androgen and α, β‐oestrogen receptors following chronic treatment with alcohol, nicotine or a combination of both substances, as well as to relate these results to the development of possible prostatic pathologies. Forty male rats were divided into four groups: the Control group received tap water; the Alcoholic group received diluted 10%Gay Lussac ethanol; the Nicotine group received a 0.125 mg/100 g body weight dose of nicotine injected subcutaneously on a daily basis (Sigma Chemical Company, St. Louis, MO, USA); the Nicotine‐Alcohol group received simultaneous alcohol and nicotine treatment. After 90 days of treatment, samples of the ventral lobe of the prostate were collected and processed for immunohistochemistry, light microscopy and the quantification of serum hormonal concentrations. The results showed significantly decreased serum testosterone levels and increased serum oestrogen levels in the animals from the nicotine‐alcohol, the alcoholic and the nicotine groups, as well as their hormonal receptor levels. Then, it was concluded that ethanol and nicotine compromised the prostatic hormonal balance, which is a crucial factor to maintain the morphological and physiological features of this organ.
Impact level of dihydrotestosterone on the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐leydig cell axis in men
Authors: Cailleux‐Bounacer Anne , Rohmer Vincent , Lahlou Najiba , Lefebvre Hervé , Roger Marc , Kuhn Jean Marc
Published: October 2007

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) the physiologically most potent androgen cannot be aromatised into oestrogen. DHT is used as a treatment for idiopathic gynaecomastia. In order to investigate the different sites of action of DHT on the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐testicular axis, two groups of adult men were studied. Group I included 10 gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH)‐deficient men who were evaluated before and during a pulsatile infusion of GnRH alone for 2 weeks and then in association with DHT given transdermally at doses used in the treatment of gynaecomastia for further two weeks. Luteinizing hormone (LH) pulsatility was assessed at the end of each step of the study. Plasma LH levels were measured every 15 min. Plasma testosterone (T), DHT, oestradiol (E2), free alpha‐subunit (FAS) of glycoproteic hormones and LH bioactivity were measured on pooled plasma samples. Group II included 12 healthy men in whom plasma T, DHT and E2 were measured before and then 24, 48 and 72 h after the injection of 5000 IU hCG alone or in combination with either DHT or the pure anti‐androgen nilutamide. Two weeks separated each of the 3 hCG testing. In group I, except for bioactive/immunoreactive (B/I) LH ratio which was unchanged, GnRH treatment induced significant rises (p < 0.01) in all plasma hormone levels, LH pulse amplitude and frequency. During treatment with GnRH+DHT, plasma DHT levels increased up to 16.8 ± 2.5 nm, while plasma hormone levels, B/I LH ratio, LH pulse amplitude and frequency were similar to those obtained with GnRH alone. In group II, the peak of hCG‐induced T rise was not modified by either DHT or nilutamide. In contrast, DHT reduced by 50% (p < 0.01) the E2 peak in response to hCG. These data show that DHT exerts no direct action on the pituitary to retroregulate LH secretion and to modify either B/I LH ratio or FAS secretion. Its reducing effect on LH secretion is likely mediated at the hypothalamic level. DHT does not appear to have a physiological influence on Leydig cells steroidogenesis. Administered at therapeutic doses, DHT directly reduces testicular aromatase activity that combined with its antigonadotropic effect leads to the gain in the symptomatic treatment of gynaecomastia.
Quality of life, postnatal depression and baby gender
Authors: De Tychey Claude , Briançon Serge , Lighezzolo Joëlle , Spitz Elisabeth , Kabuth Bernard , De Luigi Valerie , Messembourg Catherine , Girvan Françoise , Rosati Aurore , Thockler Audrey , Vincent Stephanie
Published: October 2007

Aims and objective.  To study the impact of postnatal depression on the quality of life of young French mothers and to evaluate if the gender of their child influences this.

Background.  Postnatal depression (PND) constitutes a major public health problem considering its high prevalence and consequences upon quality of life and parental skills.

Design.  This research is a cross‐sectional study during the postnatal period.

Methods.  This study was carried out during a two‐month period. Data were collected by interview and questionnaires. The authors compared the prevalence rate of PND and life quality in a cohort of 181 women and measured the short‐term impact of the child's birth.

Results.  Postnatal depression strongly negatively influences all dimensions of life quality explored through the SF36, e.g. physical functioning (PF), physical Role (RP), bodily pain (BP), mental health (MH), emotional role (RE), social functioning (SF), vitality (VT), general health (GH), standardized physical component (PCS) and standardized mental component (MCS). The baby's gender (having a boy) also significantly reduces quality of life, irrespective of depressive state. There is a relationship between baby gender and PND.

Conclusion.  This research is the first to show that the birth of a boy reduces several dimensions of the mothers’ quality of life.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The importance of the impairment of quality of life in case of PND, as well as its effects on mother‐child interaction, could justify prevention programs and early psychotherapeutic care. Further research needs to explore the effectiveness of programmes targeting the construction of parenting skills as a preventative measure against PND, especially for parents of boys.
A comparison of emotional/behavioural problems between Taiwanese children with cancer and healthy controls
Authors: Liang Hwey‐Fang , Chiang Yi‐Chien , Chien Li‐Yin , Yeh Chao‐Hsing
Published: October 2007

Aims.  The purpose of this study was to compare children, diagnosed with cancer, who were attending school, with their healthy peers on emotional and behavioural problems.

Background.  Children who suffer from cancer experience severe side effects from their treatment protocols and from the uncertainty associated with their disease. We were seeking to find out if these children subsequently experienced more emotional and behavioural problems than their healthy peers.

Methods.  Parents and teachers of paediatric oncology patients and their healthy schoolmates were recruited. The ratio was one patient to two schoolmates. The Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) was used to collect data from the parents and teachers of 23 paediatric cancer patients and 46 healthy controls. Children were matched on enrollment in the same grade and socioeconomic status of their families. Paired‐t tests were used to compare the differences between the emotional/behavioural scores of both groups of children.

Results.  The findings of the study indicated that children with cancer had statistically higher scores on the following items of the CBCL: withdrawn/depressed, somatic complaints, social problems, thought problems, hyperactivity/impulsivity, rule‐breaking behaviours and aggressive behaviours.

Conclusions.  School children with cancer in Taiwan did have more emotional/behavioural problems than their peers. Findings from this study suggest that Taiwanese paediatric oncology patients who are able to return to school and their families may need more psychosocial care.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Healthcare professionals may need to extend their professional services to school settings to decrease long‐term emotional and behavioural problems in children with cancer.
Perspectives of patients with type 2 diabetes following a critical cardiac event – an interpretative approach
Authors: (Jo) Wu Chiung‐Jung , Chang Anne M , McDowell Jan
Published: October 2007

Aim.  This study aimed to gain in‐depth understanding of the actual hospital and home experience of patients with diabetes and a critical cardiac event to assist in developing a pertinent diabetes self‐management programme.

Background.  Type 2 diabetes can lead to cardiac complications requiring critical nursing care. Patients with diabetes and a history of cardiac disease are at greater risk of a further cardiac event. Greater self‐efficacy or confidence in regulating diabetes and reducing the risk of a further cardiac event can be achieved through self‐management programmes. However, the start of such a programme within the critical care environment presents challenges to critical care staff. It is important to understand patients’ experiences and needs to improve quality of care.

Design.  An interpretive approach comprising open‐ended interviews was used to collect data from patients with type 2 diabetes experiencing a cardiac event who had a coronary care unit admission in 2002–2003.

Findings.  The findings revealed that patients with diabetes who had a critical cardiac event experienced considerable feelings of hopelessness and fatigue. Patients also had concerns in the areas of self‐confidence and confidence in health professionals. Patients indicated that greater self‐confidence and confidence in health professionals would help their ability to manage their daily lives.

Conclusion.  This paper provides in‐depth understanding of the perspectives of patients with type 2 diabetes who have also been hospitalized for a critical cardiac event. This study concluded that further research is needed to fully explore whether enhancing self‐confidence for these patients will lead to improved diabetes management, reduced negative feelings and more positive health outcomes.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The themes identified in this study provide direction and strategies for nursing staff to improve patients’ confidence levels and reduce their feelings of hopelessness and fatigue.
A study on the effect of the duration of subcutaneous heparin injection on bruising and pain
Authors: Zaybak Ayten , Khorshid Leyla
Published: October 2007

Aim.  This study was carried out to determine the effect of injection duration on bruising and pain following the administration of the subcutaneous injection of heparin.

Background.  Although different methods to prevent bruising and pain following the subcutaneous injection of heparin have been widely studied and described, the effect of injection duration on the occurrence of bruising and pain is little documented.

Design.  This study was designed as within‐subject, quasi‐experimental research.

Method.  The sample for the study consisted of 50 patients to whom subcutaneous heparin was administered. Heparin was injected over 10 seconds on the right abdominal site and 30 seconds on the left abdominal site. Injections areas were assessed for the presence of bruising at 48 and 72 hours after each injection. Dimensions of the bruising on the heparin applied areas were measured using transparent millimetric measuring paper. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to measure pain intensity and a stop‐watch was used to time the pain period. Data were analysed using chi‐square test, Mann–Whitney U, Wilcoxon signed ranks tests and correlation.

Results.  The percentage of bruising occurrence was 64% with the injection of 10 seconds duration and 42% in the 30‐second injection. It was determined that the size of the bruising was smaller in the 30‐second injection. Pain intensity and pain period were statistically significantly lower for the 30‐second injection than for the 10‐second injection.

Conclusions.  It was determined that injection duration had an effect on bruising and pain following the subcutaneous administration of heparin. This study should be repeated on a larger sample.

Relevance to clinical practice.  When administering subcutaneous heparin injections, it is important to extend the duration of the injection.
Maternal birthweight and outcome of twin pregnancy
Authors: Morley Ruth , Moore Vivienne M. , Dwyer Terence , Owens Julie A. , Umstad Mark P. , Carlin John B.
Published: October 2007

There is evidence from singletons that maternal birthweight is positively related to offspring gestational length and birthweight, and some evidence of an inverse relationship with preterm birth. Among twins very preterm birth is the major cause of neonatal mortality and of immediate and later morbidity, including neurodevelopmental impairment. We hypothesised that the relationship between maternal birthweight and gestational length would be more evident in twin than in singleton pregnancies, as there is more variation in gestation in the former.

Among 131 singleton mothers carrying twins, there was weak evidence of a positive relationship between maternal birthweight and twin gestational length (+0.6 weeks [95% CI −0.05, +1.3] per kg increase in maternal birthweight, but stronger evidence among 56 of these who went into labour spontaneously (+1.9 weeks [+0.7, +3.1], P = 0.003 for interaction). In the latter group we estimated that the odds of very preterm birth (at <32 weeks) were reduced by 50% [95% CI 10%, 82%] per 250 g increase in maternal birthweight. In the whole cohort, and in this subgroup, maternal birthweight was strongly positively related to both twin offspring total birthweight and total placental weight. Our data, consistent with intergenerational programming of early development, suggest the possibility of a stronger and more clinically relevant association among twins than among singletons. Nevertheless, our sample size was modest and this finding needs to be confirmed in a larger cohort.
Construction and characterisation of a longitudinal clinical blood pressure database for epidemiological studies of hypertension in pregnancy
Authors: Thompson Mary Lou , Miller Raymond S. , Williams Michelle A.
Published: October 2007

Blood pressure measurement plays a central role in the screening and management of hypertension during pregnancy. Although descriptions of changes in blood pressure patterns of normotensive and hypertensive pregnancies are plentiful, relatively little is known about how modifiable environmental and lifestyle characteristics, including maternal diet and physical activity, influence blood pressure levels in pregnancy. In this paper we provide a detailed description of the first 2000 subjects enrolled in the Omega Prospective Cohort Study. Our intention is to characterise the cohort and to establish a rigorous data framework that will form the basis for future analyses of the association between blood pressure patterns in pregnancy and modifiable risk factors. We describe the construction of a representative longitudinal blood pressure analysis database drawn from routinely collected measurements. In doing this, we explore possible over‐ and under‐representation of patients and evaluate ways of modifying the database to address areas of possible bias. In addition, we consider questions of data quality which are specific to blood pressure measurements. In an accompanying paper, we use this database to explore the influence of maternal pre‐pregnancy adiposity on blood pressure levels across gestation.
Cord blood lipid profile and associated factors: baseline data of a birth cohort study
Authors: Kelishadi Roya , Badiee Zohreh , Adeli Khosrow
Published: October 2007

The cord blood lipid profile may be associated with lifelong changes in the metabolic functions of the individual. The aim of the present study was for the first time in Iran to assess the cord blood lipid profile of neonates, as well as some of its environmental influencing factors. The subjects were 442 (218 boys and 224 girls) normal vaginal delivery newborns. Overall, 14.4% of neonates were preterm and the rest were full‐term. In total, 9.2% (n = 35) of the full‐term newborns were small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA), of which 16 had a ponderal index (PI) below the 10th percentile (SGA I) and 19 had a PI above the 10th percentile (SGA II), 5.5% (n = 21) were large‐for‐gestational‐age (LGA), and the remainder were appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age (AGA).Before becoming pregnant, 6.9% of mothers were underweight, 49.3% had normal body mass index (BMI), 39.4% were overweight and 4.4% were obese.

Total and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) in girls were significantly higher than in boys (80.3 ± 33.3 and 31.1 ± 9.9 vs. 73.3 ± 23.1 and 28.8 ± 8.7 mg/dL, respectively,P < 0.05). The mean apolipoprotein A (apoA) of neonates with underweight mothers was significantly lower, and the mean apoB level of those with overweight mothers was significantly higher than other neonates. The mean low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), HDL‐C and apoA of the LGA newborns were significantly lower, and their apoB was significantly higher compared with AGA and SGA neonates. The SGA I neonates had significantly lower total cholesterol, LDL‐C, HDL‐C and apoA, as well as higher triglycerides, lipoprotein a and apoB than the SGA II group. The mean cord blood triglycerides of full‐term neonates was significantly higher than preterm neonates (69.4 ± 11.9 vs. 61.4 ± 12.7 mg/dL, respectively,P = 0.04). A preconception maternal BMI of ≥25 kg/m2correlated significantly with the cord triglycerides (OR = 1.3, [95% CI 1.07, 1.5]) and with apoB (OR = 1.4, [95% CI 1.1, 1.5]). The BMI <18 of mothers before pregnancy correlated with low HDL‐C (OR = 1.3, [95% CI 1.04, 1.7]). Birthweight correlated with high cord triglyceride level (SGA: OR = 1.4, [95% CI 1.1, 1.7]; LGA: OR = 1.6, [95% CI 1.3, 1.7] compared with AGA). These associations remained significant even after adjusting for the preconception BMI of mothers. Our findings reflect the possible interaction of environmental factors and fetal growth and thein uterolipid metabolism. Long‐term longitudinal studies in different ethnicities would help to elucidate the relationship.
Trimester‐specific blood pressure levels in relation to maternal pre‐pregnancy body mass index
Authors: Miller Raymond S. , Thompson Mary Lou , Williams Michelle A.
Published: October 2007

We evaluated the influence of maternal pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI), based on reported pre‐pregnancy weight and height, on blood pressure (BP) levels during pregnancy by using information from a prospective cohort of 1733 women recruited before 20 weeks' gestation. Maternal antenatal BP values were abstracted from medical records, and we evaluated the mean BP differences according to BMI group in regression models, using generalised estimating equations to account for repeated BP records within each pregnancy.

In each trimester, mean systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) values were positively associated with maternal pre‐gestational BMI. This association persisted after adjustment for maternal age, parity, smoking, education, marital status and physical activity. Overweight women (25–29 kg/m2) had first‐, second‐ and third‐trimester mean SBPs that were 8.1, 7.7 and 8.2 mmHg, respectively, higher than values observed in lean women (<20 kg/m2). Mean DBP values were 4.5, 5.4 and 5.6 mmHg higher for each successive trimester in overweight vs. lean women. Obese (>30 kg/m2) women consistently had the highest mean SBP and DBP values. Trimester‐specific mean SBP values were 10.7–12.0 mmHg higher among obese women vs. lean women. Corresponding trimester‐specific mean DBP values were 6.9–7.4 mmHg higher in obese vs. lean women. Similar patterns were observed when trimester‐specific average mean arterial pressures were evaluated. Elevated pregnancy BPs associated with maternal pre‐gestational BMI are consistent with a large body of literature that documents increased pre‐eclampsia risk among overweight and obese women.
Post‐Conflict Anxiety in Japanese Macaques (Macaca fuscata): Aggressor’s and Victim’s Perspectives
Authors: Schino Gabriele , Rosati Luca , Geminiani Simona , Aureli Filippo
Published: October 2007

The aim of this study was to investigate the short‐term consequences of aggression in socially living Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) focusing on the emotional response of both aggressors and victims of aggression. Both individuals involved showed an increase in the rate of scratching (a behavioural indicator of anxiety) in the minutes following the aggressive confrontation. Such increase was larger in victims than in aggressors. Multivariate analyses of the factors modulating post‐conflict scratching showed that for both the aggressor and the victim the main predictor of post‐conflict scratching was its opponent’s post‐conflict scratching. These results suggest both opponents shared the same perception of the consequences of aggression, and responded with similar emotional arousal.
Behavioural and Growth Responses of a Territorial Fish (Atlantic Salmon, Salmo salar, L.) to Multiple Predatory Cues
Authors: Blanchet Simon , Bernatchez Louis , Dodson Julian J.
Published: October 2007

Antipredatory behaviours are important fitness components. The probability of survival decreases if animals fail to respond to signs of danger, but in contrast, energetic costs increase if the response to the threat is exaggerated. We conducted a laboratory experiment designed to examine the behavioural and growth responses of a territorial fish (Atlantic salmon fry, Salmo salar, L.) to different predatory cues (no predatory cues, chemical cues alone, physical cues alone and combined chemical and physical cues). We evaluated the response of Atlantic salmon, focussing on behaviours linked to predator avoidance and to other fitness‐enhancing activities (territory defence and energy acquisition) both during the day and the night. The cost of such responses in terms of growth was assessed and we compared the relative contributions of behaviours in explaining individual growth rate, according to each predation treatment. We demonstrated that the magnitude and nature of behavioural modification varied according to the response variables we considered. An index of predator avoidance and the distance from the food source were affected in an additive fashion by predatory cues (interaction term, p = 0.469 and p = 0.888 for the index of predator avoidance and the distance from the food source respectively); the effect of physical cues was stronger than the effect of chemical cues and the effect of the combined cues was highest. An index of territoriality was affected in a threshold‐like fashion (interaction term, p = 0.040); chemical or physical cues alone had no effect but when both cues were combined, Atlantic salmon significantly reduced their territorial defence. An index of foraging activity was not significantly affected by predatory cues (alone or combined). We detected no effect on the growth rate of Atlantic salmon (p = 0.328). Finally, we found that the relative contribution of behaviours in explaining individual growth rate changed according to the treatments we considered. Overall, these results demonstrated that fish were able to accurately integrate multiple predatory cues and that this information was used to modulate their antipredatory response. Behaviours involved in the response were relatively independent of each other, allowing fish to adopt behavioural tactics that maximized the ratio of net energy gain to predator avoidance.
Sociality, Mate Choice, and Timing of Mating in American Bison (Bison bison): Effects of Large Males
Authors: Bowyer R. Terry , Bleich Vernon C. , Manteca Xavier , Whiting Jericho C. , Stewart Kelley M.
Published: October 2007

We studied group size, composition, and mating activities in American bison (Bison bison) during rut on the Delta Junction Bison Range in interior Alaska, USA, in 1996 and 1997. Our purpose was to determine the effects of large males (≥5 yr old) on mating and associated activities. Groups with large males were larger than those containing smaller males. Most groups of bison were mixed‐sex (90%), but large males occurred in only one‐half of all groups. Moreover, females in groups with large males were more likely to copulate than those in groups with smaller males, indicating a female preference for large males. Nevertheless, our results are consistent with large males seeking out adult females for mating rather than vice versa. Mating peaked in mid‐August during both the study years and was highly synchronous. Scent marking was coincident with mating, an outcome consistent with a hypothesis of such behavior triggering ovulation. Scent marking by large male bison occurred in both male–male and male–female contexts, but was associated most often with sexual activities. No differences in group size occurred with changes in weather or among vegetation types occupied by bison. Group size of bison, however, was larger with increasing distance from the forest edge, which likely was a response to predation risk in this predator‐rich environment.
Do Characteristics of Parental Child Homicide in Sweden Fit Evolutionary Predictions?
Authors: Nordlund Johanna , Temrin Hans
Published: October 2007

Evolutionary models have been used to explain parental child homicide. One idea is that children with low fitness value to their parents will be less loved and cared for and therefore more at risk in conflict situations. It is then important to investigate if conflicts with the children are the major pattern in cases of parental child homicide. The aim of this study is to survey the background circumstances of parental child homicide in Sweden and relate them to the evolutionary model suggested. We more specifically investigate if the homicides occur in conflict situations with the child, the frequency of several victims (including the partner or former partner) and if there are differences in characteristics of homicides between stepparents and genetic parents. Our results show that parental child homicide is a heterogeneous phenomenon, where relatively few cases were the result of a conflict with the child‐victims. Instead severe conflicts between parents were the most common circumstance in which children were killed. Many children were victims of an extended suicide, which often included several members of the family. Step‐parents were more likely to kill children aggressively in conflicts with them than genetic parents. The complexity of the phenomenon suggests that an evolutionary model based upon a mechanism related to conflicts with the child‐victim has limited explanatory value on parental child homicide in general.
Obesity, overweight and body‐weight perception in a High Atlas Moroccan population
Authors: Lahmam A. , Baali A. , Hilali M. K. , Cherkaoui M. , Chapuis‐Lucciani N. , Boetsch G.
Published: October 2007

In order to study the prevalence of obesity and overweight and to understand how the human body is perceived among Moroccan mountain populations, we carried out a survey that covered a sample of 436 Amazigh individuals aged 20 years and more from the High Moroccan Atlas. Through this survey, we noticed that obesity is still low among men (2.4%), whereas the prevalence of obesity among women is alarming and reaches 13.3%. The prevalence of overweight is also high, especially among women, with 32.8% vs. 21.8% among men. Obesity prevalence, especially overweight, is higher than that recorded in the national rural level. The high prevalence of overweight that can develop to obesity should be taken into account mainly when dealing with women that still value overweight. In fact, women in our sample underestimate their overweight more than men and wish to have a heavier body.
Reverse Engineering Nature
Authors: Jensen Henrik Wann
Published: October 2007

Why is the sky blue? Why is grass green? What determines the color of human skin? Questions such as these are increasingly important in the development of the next generation algorithms for appearancemodeling in computer graphics. By closely simulating the natural world around us we can develop algorithms that are useful in areas not traditionally connected with computer graphics. An example could be the ability to predict the color of human skin in the presence of certain diseases.

In this talk, I will describe some of our recentwork in simulating the appearance of materials such as human skin, milk, and ice. This includes new research for predicting the appearance of materials based on their molecular structure in order to answer the question: “what will it look like if I mix these molecules together”?
What can Computer Graphics expect from 3D Computer Vision?
Authors: Šára Radim
Published: October 2007

Computer Vision is a discipline whose ultimate goal is to interpret optical images of real scenes. It is well understood that such a problem is cursed by ambiguity of interpretation and uncertainty of evidence. Despite imperfectness of results due to the scenes never following our prior models exactly, Computer Vision has achieved a significant progress in the past two decades.

This talk will outline the quest of 3D Computer Vision by describing a processing pipeline that receives a heap of unorganized images from unknown cameras and produces a consistent 3D geometric model together with camera calibrations. We will see how new algorithms allow the standard conception of the pipeline as a series of independent processing steps gradually transform to a single complex, yet efficient vision task. We will identify some points where linking Computer Vision and Computer Graphics would bring significant progress.
Skeleton‐based Variational Mesh Deformations
Authors: Yoshizawa Shin , Belyaev Alexander , Seidel Hans‐Peter
Published: October 2007

In this paper, a new free‐form shape deformation approach is proposed. We combine a skeleton‐based mesh deformation technique with discrete differential coordinates in order to create natural‐looking global shape deformations. Given a triangle mesh, we first extract a skeletal mesh, a two‐sided Voronoibased approximation of the medial axis. Next the skeletal mesh is modified by free‐form deformations. Then a desired global shape deformation is obtained by reconstructing the shape corresponding to the deformed skeletal mesh. The reconstruction is based on using discrete differential coordinates. Our method preserves fine geometric details and original shape thickness because of using discrete differential coordinates and skeleton‐based deformations. We also develop a new mesh evolution technique which allow us to eliminate possible global and local self‐intersections of the deformed mesh while preserving fine geometric details. Finally, we present a multi‐resolution version of our approach in order to simplify and accelerate the deformation process. In addition, interesting links between the proposed free‐form shape deformation technique and classical and modern results in the differential geometry of sphere congruences are established and discussed.
Context‐Aware Skeletal Shape Deformation
Authors: Weber Ofir , Sorkine Olga , Lipman Yaron , Gotsman Craig
Published: October 2007

We describe a system for the animation of a skeleton‐controlled articulated object that preserves the fine geometric details of the object skin and conforms to the characteristic shapes of the object specified through a set of examples. The system provides the animator with an intuitive user interface and produces compelling results even when presented with a very small set of examples. In addition it is able to generalize well by extrapolating far beyond the examples.
Volume Preservation of Multiresolution Meshes
Authors: Sauvage Basile , Hahmann Stefanie , Bonneau Georges‐Pierre
Published: October 2007

Geometric constraints have proved to be efficient for enhancing the realism of shape animation. The present paper addresses the computation and the preservation of the volume enclosed by multiresolution meshes. A wavelet based representation allows the mesh to be handled at any level of resolution. The key contribution is the calculation of the volume as a trilinear form with respect to the multiresolution coefficients. Efficiency is reached thanks to the pre‐processing of a sparse 3D data structure involving the transposition of the filters while represented as a lifting scheme. A versatile and interactive method for preserving the volume during a deformation process is then proposed. It is based on a quadratic minimization subject to a linearization of the volume constraint. A closed form of the solution is derived.