bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alterations in Brain Serotonin Synthesis in Male Alcoholics Measured Using Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: Nishikawa Masami , Diksic Mirko , Sakai Yojiro , Kumano Hiroaki , Charney Dara , Palacios‐Boix Jorge , Negrete Juan , Gill Kathryn
Published: October 2008

Background:  A consistent association between low endogenous 5HT function and high alcohol preference has been observed, and a number of serotonergic manipulations (uptake blockers, agonists) alter alcohol consumption in animals and humans. Studies have also shown an inverse relationship between alcohol use and cerebrospinal fluid levels of serotonin metabolites, suggesting that chronic alcohol consumption produces alterations in serotonin synthesis or release.

Methods:  The objective of the study was to characterize regional brain serotonin synthesis in nondepressed chronic alcoholics at treatment entry in comparison to normal nonalcoholic controls using PET and the tracer α‐[11C]‐methyl‐l‐tryptophan.

Results:  Comparisons of the alcoholics and controls by SPM found that there were significant differences in the rate of serotonin synthesis between groups. Serotonin synthesis was significantly lower among alcoholics in Brodmann Area (BA) 9, 10, and 32. However, serotonin synthesis among the alcoholics group was significantly higher than controls at BA19 in the occipital lobe and around the transverse temporal convolution in the left superior temporal gyrus (BA41). In addition, there were correlations between regional serotonin synthesis and a quantity‐frequency measure of alcohol consumption. Regions showing a significant negative correlation with QF included the bilateral rectus gyri (BA11) in the orbitofrontal area, the bilateral medial frontal area (BA6), and the right amygdala.

Conclusions:  Current alcoholism is associated with serotonergic abnormalities in brain regions that are known to be involved in planning, judgment, self‐control, and emotional regulation.
The Hispanic Americans Baseline Alcohol Survey: Alcoholic Beverage Preference Across Hispanic National Groups
Authors: Caetano Raul , Vaeth Patrice A. C. , Ramisetty‐Mikler Suhasini , Rodriguez Lori A.
Published: October 2008

Background: U.S. Hispanics come from many countries in Latin America, which can lead to different beverage preferences in the United States. This paper examines choice for drinking wine, beer, and liquor across 4 Hispanic national groups: Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cuban Americans, and South/Central Americans.

Methods: A sample of 5,224 individuals 18 years of age and older was selected using multistage cluster procedures from the household population in 5 metropolitan areas of the United States: Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Houston, and Los Angeles. The survey weighted response rate was 76%. Face‐to‐face interviews lasting 1 hour on average were conducted in the respondents’ homes either in English or Spanish.

Results: Among men, beer drinkers consume the highest mean number of drinks per week in all national groups. Among women, this is true only of Puerto Ricans and Mexican Americans. Among men who drink beer, beer drinking constitutes 52 to 72% of total alcohol consumption. Among women who drink beer, beer consumption is associated with 32 to 64% of total consumption. Beer is the beverage most associated with binge drinking among Puerto Rican and Mexican American women, while among Cuban Americans and South/Central Americans this is seen for wine. Regression analyses showed no significant differences by national group in the likelihood of drinking 2 or fewer drinks (vs. no drinks) of wine, beer, or liquor. Puerto Ricans were more likely (OR = 1.47; 95% CI = 1.00–2.14) than Cuban Americans to drink 3 or more drinks (compared with no drinks) of beer. There was no association between the likelihood of binge drinking and Hispanic national group.

Conclusions: Beverage preference across Hispanic national groups is similar. Beer is the preferred beverage. Alcohol control policies such as taxation and control of sales availability should apply equally to beer, liquor, and wine. Prevention interventions directed at different Hispanic national groups in the United States can be relatively uniform in their focus on the dangers associated with drinking different types of alcoholic beverages.
Assessment of Emergency Physician Workforce Needs in the United States, 2005
Authors: Camargo Jr Carlos A. , Ginde Adit A. , Singer Ayellet H. , Espinola Janice A. , Sullivan Ashley F , Pearson John F. , Singer Adam J.
Published: October 2008

Objectives:  The objective was to estimate emergency physician (EP) workforce needs, taking into account the diversity of U.S. emergency departments (EDs) and various projections of EP supply and demand.

Methods:  The 2005 National ED Inventory‐USA (http://www.emnet‐usa.org/) provided annual visit volumes for 4,828 U.S. EDs. The authors calculated annual supply based on existing emergency medicine (EM) board‐certified EPs, adding newly board‐certified EPs, and subtracting board‐certified EPs who died or retired. Demand was estimated at each ED by dividing the number of visits by the average EP volume (based on 2.8 patients/hour, 40 hours/week, and 34% nonclinical time). The models assumed that at least 1 EP should be present 24/7 in each ED, which would require at least 5.35 full‐time equivalents (FTEs) per ED. Based on annual EP attrition estimates, results for best‐case, worst‐case, and intermediate scenarios were calculated.

Results:  In 2005, there were approximately 22,000 EM board‐certified EPs, but 40,030 EPs would be needed to staff all 4,828 EDs (55% of demand met). A total of 2,492 (52%) EDs had a visit volume that required the minimum number (5.35) FTEs, of which 47% were rural. In the unrealistic (no attrition), best‐case scenario, it would take until 2019 to staff all EDs with board‐certified EPs. In the worst‐case scenario (12% attrition), supply would never meet demand. Our intermediate scenario (2.5% attrition) suggested that board‐certified EPs would satisfy workforce needs in 2038.

Conclusions:  Supply of EM residency‐trained, board‐certified EPs is not likely to meet demand in the near future. Alternative EP staffing arrangements merit further consideration.
International Survey of Emergency Physicians’ Awareness and Use of the Canadian Cervical‐Spine Rule and the Canadian Computed Tomography Head Rule
Authors: Eagles Debra , Stiell Ian G. , Clement Catherine M. , Brehaut Jamie , Taljaard Monica , Kelly Anne‐Maree , Mason Suzanne , Kellermann Arthur , Perry Jeffrey J
Published: October 2008

Objectives:  The derivation and validation studies for the Canadian Cervical‐Spine (C‐Spine) Rule (CCR) and the Canadian Computed Tomography (CT) Head Rule (CCHR) have been published in major medical journals. The objectives were to determine: 1) physician awareness and use of these rules in Australasia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States and 2) physician characteristics associated with awareness and use.

Methods:  A self‐administered e‐mail and postal survey was sent to members of four national emergency physician (EP) associations using a modified Dillman technique. Results were analyzed using repeated‐measures logistic regression models.

Results:  The response rate was 54.8% (1,150/2,100). Reported awareness of the CCR ranged from 97% (Canada) to 65% (United States); for the CCHR it ranged from 86% (Canada) to 31% (United States). Reported use of the CCR ranged from 73% (Canada) to 30% (United States); for the CCHR, it was 57% (Canada) to 12% (United States). Predictors of awareness were country, type of rule, full‐time employment, younger age, and teaching hospital (p < 0.05). Significant differences in use of the CCR by country were observed, but not for the CCHR. Teaching hospitals were more likely to use the CCR than nonteaching hospitals, but less likely to use the CCHR.

Conclusions:  This large international study found notable differences among countries with regard to knowledge and use of the CCR and CCHR. Awareness and use of both rules were highest in Canada and lowest in the United States. While younger physicians, those employed full‐time, and those working in teaching hospitals were more likely to be aware of a decision rule, age and employment status were not significant predictors of use. A better understanding of factors related to awareness and use of emergency medicine (EM) decision rules will enhance our understanding of knowledge translation and facilitate strategies to enhance dissemination and implementation of future rules.
Oral versus Intravenous Opioid Dosing for the Initial Treatment of Acute Musculoskeletal Pain in the Emergency Department
Authors: Miner James R. , Moore Johanna , Gray Richard O. , Skinner Lisa , Biros Michelle H.
Published: October 2008

Objectives:  The objective was to compare the time to medication administration, the side effects, and the analgesic effect at sequential time points after medication administration of an oral treatment strategy using oxycodone solution with an intravenous (IV) treatment strategy using morphine sulfate for the initial treatment of musculoskeletal pain in emergency department (ED) patients.

Methods:  This was a prospective randomized clinical trial of patients >6 years old who were going to receive IV morphine sulfate for the treatment of musculoskeletal pain but did not yet have an IV. Consenting patients were randomized to have the treating physician order either 0.1 mg/kg morphine sulfate IV or 0.125 mg/kg oxycodone orally in a 5 mg/5 mL suspension as their initial treatment for pain. The time from the placement of the order to the administration of the medication was recorded. Pain was measured using a 100‐mm visual analog scale (VAS) and recorded at 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 minutes after drug administration.

Results:  A total of 405 eligible patients were identified during the study period; 328 (81.0%) patients consented to be in the study. A total of 158 patients were randomized to the IV morphine sulfate treatment group, and 162 were randomized to the oral oxycodone treatment group. Of the patients who were randomized to IV therapy, 34 were withdrawn from the study prior to drug administration; leaving 125 patients in the IV group for analysis. Of the patients who randomized to oral therapy, 22 were withdrawn from the study prior to drug administration, leaving 140 patients for analysis. No serious adverse events were detected. There was a 12‐minute difference between the median time of the order and the administration of oral oxycodone (8.5 minutes) and IV morphine (20.5 minutes). The mean percent change in VAS score was larger for patients in the IV therapy group than those in the oral therapy group at 10 and 20 minutes. At 30 and 40 minutes, the authors could no longer detect a difference. The satisfaction scale score was higher after treatment for the morphine group (median = 4; interquartile range [IQR] = 4 to 5) than for the oxycodone group (median = 4; IQR = 2 to 5; p = 0.008).

Conclusions:  The oral loading strategy was associated with delayed onset of analgesia and decreased patient satisfaction, but a shorter time to administration. The oral loading strategy using an oxycodone solution provided similar pain relief to the IV strategy using morphine 30 minutes after administration of the drug. Oral 0.125 mg/kg oxycodone represents a feasible alternative to 0.1 mg/kg IV morphine in the treatment of severe acute musculoskeletal pain when difficult or delayed IV placement greater than 30 minutes presents a barrier to treatment.
Interrater Agreement between Nurses for the Pediatric Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale in a Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Gravel Jocelyn , Gouin Serge , Manzano Sergio , Arsenault Michael , Amre Devendra
Published: October 2008

Objectives:  The objective was to measure the interrater agreement between nurses assigning triage levels to children visiting a pediatric emergency departments (EDs) assisted by a computerized version of the Pediatric Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (PedCTAS).

Methods:  This was a prospective cohort study evaluating children triaged from Level 2 (emergent) to Level 5 (nonurgent). A convenience sample of patients triaged during 38 shifts from April to September 2007 in a tertiary care pediatric ED was evaluated. All patients were initially triaged by regular triage nurses using a computerized version of the PedCTAS. Research nurses performed a second evaluation blinded to the first evaluation using the same triage tool. These research nurses were regular ED nurses performing extra hours for research purposes exclusively. The primary outcome measure was the interrater agreement between the two nurses as measured by the linear weighted kappa score. Secondary outcomes included the proportion of patient for which nurses did not apply the triage level suggested by Staturg (override) and agreement for these overrides.

Results:  A total of 499 patients were recruited. The overall interrater agreement was moderate (linear weighted kappa score of 0.55 [95% confidence interval {CI} = 0.48 to 0.61] and quadratic weighted kappa score of 0.61 [95% CI = 0.42 to 0.80]). There was a discrepancy of more than one level in only 10 patients (2% of the study population). Overrides occurred in 23.2 and 21.8% for regular and research triage nurses, respectively. These overrides were equally distributed between increase and decrease in triage level.

Conclusions:  Nurses using Staturg, which is a computerized version of the PedCTAS, demonstrated moderate interrater agreement for assignment of triage level to children presenting to a pediatric ED.
Dialect use in large assemblies: a study in European starling Sturnus vulgaris roosts
Authors: Hausberger Martine , Bigot Emmanuel , Clergeau Philippe
Published: October 2008

Dialects may signal social or population identity and increase tolerance within communities. We hypothesized that in European starling Sturnus vulgaris communal roosts, birds coming from the same breeding area, i.e. dialectal zone, might tend to stay together within the roost. Recordings were performed in the colonies, revealed in earlier studies, multiple dialects and small sectors where birds shared the same variants at the different levels. We also performed recordings in different locations within night roosts. The dialects recorded in the roosts were the same as those recorded at nest sites during the day and they were not distributed randomly within roosts: birds from the same geographical diurnal origin would gather and stay together, either because they arrived together or were attracted to their dialect. Although our results have to be confirmed by the study of identifiable individuals, we propose original lines of thought on roost structuring and on the role of song dialects.
Common cuckooCuculus canorusparasitism, antiparasite defence and gene flow in closely located populations of great reed warblersAcrocephalus arundinaceus
Authors: Moskát Csaba , Hansson Bengt , Barabás Lilla , Bártol István , Karcza Zsolt
Published: October 2008

In Hungary an unusually high rate of parasitism on the great reed warblerAcrocephalus arundinaceusby the common cuckooCuculus canorushas been maintained for at least the last one hundred years. We evaluated parasitism rate, antiparasite defence and genetic differentiation among Hungarian great reed warblers at three sites located 40–130 km from each other, where hosts suffered from a high (41–68%), moderate (11%), and almost no (<1%) parasitism. We were especially interested in whether the level of antiparasite defence was related to the local parasitism rate, and, if not, to understand why. There was no difference among the three sites in the responses to experimental parasitism by non‐mimetic model cuckoo eggs (rejection rate 71–82%), which can be explained by strong gene flow between populations: there was low level of philopatry and no genetic differentiation in the region. Reproductive success of the host in the heavily parasitised site was about 54% of that in the unparasitised site, indicating that long‐term persistence of host populations in highly exploited areas depends on continuous immigration.
Is the structural and psittacofulvin‐based coloration of wild burrowing parrots Cyanoliseus patagonus condition dependent?
Authors: Masello Juan F. , Lubjuhn Thomas , Quillfeldt Petra
Published: October 2008

The bright colours of parrots are caused by psittacofulvin pigments, which appear unique to this Order, and by structural colours. We measured red (psittacofulvin), green (mixed) and blue (structural) colours of wild burrowing parrots Cyanoliseus patagonus of northeastern Patagonia, Argentina, and measured nestlings regularly to obtain data on breeding success and nestling growth. As adult feathers are moulted outside the breeding season, adult body condition could not be measured directly during feather growth, and climatic conditions were used as an indirect parameter. The colony of burrowing parrots is surrounded by Monte steppe habitat, the breeding success has been shown to depend strongly on the climatic patterns. The area experienced a drought with very poor breeding success as well as a year of above‐average precipitation during the study period, serving as a natural experiment. We thus analysed the variability of colouration within the population among and within breeding seasons. We observed strong inter‐annual differences in nestling and adult colouration. Nestlings grew blue feathers with lower achromatic brightness during better conditions, and when controlling for year effects, nestlings with higher mass and from more successful families also had blue feathers with lower achromatic brightness. Adult blue feathers showed the same trend, with lower achromatic brightness in the moult following breeding seasons of better conditions. In contrast, during better conditions, adults grew red feathers with higher achromatic brightness and the colour hue was also affected, and the hue of the red region of nestlings varied with the hatching order. The colour of all three regions of nestlings varied between nests, and the colour of the red region of adult males positively correlated with breeding success (clutch size, brood size). In summary, the present data suggest that environmental conditions contribute to variability in both structural and the psittacofulvin‐based colours of wild burrowing parrots.
α‐Synuclein and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Promote Clathrin‐Mediated Endocytosis and Synaptic Vesicle Recycling
Authors: Ben Gedalya Tziona , Loeb Virginie , Israeli Eitan , Altschuler Yoram , Selkoe Dennis J. , Sharon Ronit
Published: October 2008

α‐Synuclein (αS) is an abundant neuronal cytoplasmic protein implicated in Parkinson’s disease (PD), but its physiological function remains unknown. Consistent with its having structural motifs shared with class A1 apolipoproteins, αS can reversibly associate with membranes and help regulate membrane fatty acid composition. We previously observed that variations in αS expression level in dopaminergic cultured cells or brains are associated with changes in polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels and altered membrane fluidity. We now report that αS acts with PUFAs to enhance the internalization of the membrane‐binding dye, FM 1‐43. Specifically, αS expression coupled with exposure to physiological levels of certain PUFAs enhanced clathrin‐mediated endocytosis in neuronal and non‐neuronal cultured cells. Moreover, αS expression and PUFA‐enhanced basal and ‐evoked synaptic vesicle (SV) endocytosis in primary hippocampal cultures of wild type (wt) and genetically depleted αS mouse brains. We suggest that αS and PUFAs normally function in endocytic mechanisms and are specifically involved in SV recycling upon neuronal stimulation.
Patient-Reported Pain with Initial Intracavernosal Injection
Authors: Albaugh Jeffrey , Ferrans Carol Estwing
Published: October 2008

Introduction

Despite the efficacy of intracavernosal injections, one of the greatest impediments to injection therapy is the negative reaction of men to the thought of a needle inserted into the penis.

Aim

To determine the severity of pain associated with the initial intracavernosal self-injections for erectile dysfunction (both pain associated with the needle insertion and the medications).

Methods

This is a descriptive study of self-reported pain associated with intracavernosal self-injections in 65 men with erectile dysfunction. Pain was assessed immediately after needle insertion and again approximately 10–20 minutes postinjection, utilizing a verbal 0–10 pain scale.

Main Outcome Measures

A verbal 0–10 pain rating scale was used to assess pain both for injection pain and medication pain.

Results

For needle insertion, the mean pain rating was 0.80 (standard deviation [SD] = 0.81), with 40% reporting no pain at all. Of the 39 patients who reported pain, the mean pain rating was 1.33 (SD = 0.61). For the medication itself, the mean pain rating was 0.92 (SD = 1.5), with more than half (64.6%) reporting no pain. For those experiencing pain from the medication (N = 23), the mean pain rating was 2.6 (SD = 1.27, range 0.5–5.0). Significantly more patients with radical prostatectomy experienced pain from the medication than other men (51.9% vs. 23.7%, P = 0.02).

Conclusion

The majority of patients experienced little or no pain from either the needle insertion or the medication. Even for men who experienced pain, the severity was relatively low. This study provides information to help diminish fears about injection pain for patients considering penile injections. In addition, this study suggests that medication pain is more common in men postradical prostatectomy, so that it may be advisable to start with lower dosages of prostaglandin alone or in combination with other vasoactive medications for these patients.
Invasive Exotic Plants in the Tropical Pacific Islands: Patterns of Diversity
Authors: Denslow Julie S. , Space James C. , Thomas Philip A.
Published: October 2008

Oceanic islands are good model systems with which to explore factors affecting exotic species diversity. Islands vary in size, topography, substrate type, degree of isolation, native species diversity, history, human population characteristics, and economic development. Moreover, islands are highly vulnerable to exotic species establishment. We used AICc analyses of data on 1132 vascular plant species for 15 countries and 114 islands from the Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER) project to examine biological, geographical, and socioeconomic correlates of exotic species richness. PIER provides data on the distribution of naturalized non‐native plant species thought to pose environmental or economic risk. We hypothesized that the numbers of PIER‐listed species would be positively correlated with island size, habitat diversity, and proximity to major source pools for propagules. Further, we expected numbers of PIER‐listed exotic species to be similar among islands in the same country and to be greater where human populations were larger and where economic activity was high. Most species (908) were found on ≤ 10 islands. Species number was significantly correlated with island and country areas and with native plant species richness. The strongest model revealed by AICc analyses of island data included log (area) and maximum elevation as well as country membership, substrate type, and presence of an airport with paved runway (an index of economic activity). By country, AICc analyses revealed two equivalent models, both of which included log (area) and per capita gross domestic product as well as a measure of population size (either log (population size) or (population density)). Our analyses provide strong evidence of the roles of biogeographic, environmental, and socioeconomic impacts on the distribution and spread of exotic species.
Contrasting Predictors of Fern versus Angiosperm Decomposition in a Common Garden
Authors: Amatangelo Kathryn L. , Vitousek Peter M.
Published: October 2008

We evaluated differences in the rates and correlates of decomposition among 32 fern and angiosperm litter types collected in Hawai'i. Leptosporangiate ferns were separated into groups based on phylogeny: ‘polypod’ ferns, a monophyletic clade of ferns that diversified in the Cretaceous, and all other (‘non‐polypod’) ferns that diversified earlier. We measured initial litter chemistry (nutrients and carbon chemistry), and mass loss and nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and calcium (Ca) of litter tissue during a 1‐yr incubation in a common garden. Nutrient concentrations and carbon (C) chemistry differed significantly among litter types, and litter turnover (k‐values) ranged from 0.29 to 8.31. Decomposition rates were more closely correlated with nutrient concentration than is typically observed. Lignin:N was the best predictor of decomposition across all litter types combined; however, among plant groups different predictors of decomposition were important. Nitrogen and P concentrations best predicted fern decomposition, whereas C chemistry, particularly lignin concentration, was more important for angiosperm (monocot and dicot) decomposition. Among native plants, non‐polypod ferns decomposed significantly more slowly than both polypod ferns and angiosperms. Contrary to our hypothesis, fern litter did not decompose more slowly than angiosperm litter overall. Nutrient dynamics in litter were affected by initial litter concentration more than phylogeny; low‐nutrient litter immobilized more nutrients than high‐nutrient litter. Systematic differences in rates of decomposition, and the importance of nutrients in predicting fern decomposition, imply that changes in species composition within ferns and between ferns and angiosperms could influence the functioning of ecosystems where ferns are important forest components.
Beyond Reserves: A Research Agenda for Conserving Biodiversity in Human‐modified Tropical Landscapes
Authors: Chazdon Robin L. , Harvey Celia A. , Komar Oliver , Griffith Daniel M. , Ferguson Bruce G. , Martínez‐Ramos Miguel , Morales Helda , Nigh Ronald , Soto‐Pinto Lorena , Van Breugel Michiel , Philpott Stacy M.
Published: October 2008

To truly understand the current status of tropical diversity and to forecast future trends, we need to increase emphasis on the study of biodiversity in rural landscapes that are actively managed or modified by people. We present an integrated landscape approach to promote research in human‐modified landscapes that includes the effects of landscape structure and dynamics on conservation of biodiversity, provision of ecosystem services, and sustainability of rural livelihoods. We propose research priorities encompassing three major areas: biodiversity, human–environment interactions, and restoration ecology. We highlight key areas where we lack knowledge and where additional understanding is most urgent for promoting conservation and sustaining rural livelihoods. Finally, we recommend participatory and multidisciplinary approaches in research and management. Lasting conservation efforts demand new alliances among conservation biologists, agroecologists, agronomists, farmers, indigenous peoples, rural social movements, foresters, social scientists, and land managers to collaborate in research, co‐design conservation programs and policies, and manage human‐modified landscapes in ways that enhance biodiversity conservation and promote sustainable livelihoods.
Regional Fragmentation of Rain Forest in West Africa and Its Effect on Local Dung Beetle Assemblage Structure
Authors: Davis Adrian L. V. , Philips T. Keith
Published: October 2008

Data from Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, for local dung beetle assemblages of rain forest, plantations, and savanna, suggest that a subset of the savanna fauna has expanded its range across the Eastern Guinean Forest ecoregion, presumably in response to its conversion from continuous rain forest into an archipelago of forest fragments within a disturbance matrix of less shady plantation and farmland vegetation that more resembles moist savanna.
Invasive Ants Disrupt Gecko Pollination and Seed Dispersal of the Endangered Plant Roussea simplex in Mauritius
Authors: Hansen Dennis M. , Müller Christine B.
Published: October 2008

In Mauritius, the endemic blue‐tailed day‐gecko Phelsuma cepediana is currently the sole pollinator and seed disperser of the critically endangered endemic plant Roussea simplex (Rousseaceae). The flowers and fruits are often visited by the invasive ant Technomyrmex albipes, which forages on the nectar and fruit pulp, and tends honeydew‐producing mealybugs on the fruits. Here, we experimentally explore how the presence of this alien ant species influences geckos foraging at flowers and fruits of R. simplex by removing and excluding ants from flowers and fruits. Gecko visitation rates to ant‐free control flowers and fruits, and flowers and fruits where ants had been removed and excluded, were higher than those to ant‐infested flowers and fruits. The resulting seed set of ant‐infested flowers was greatly reduced, compared to ant‐free control flowers. Similarly, for fruits with ants, very few seeds were likely to be ingested and dispersed by the geckos. Thus, T. albipes monopolizes flowers and fruits of R. simplex, and prevents access of pollinating and seed‐dispersing P. cepediana geckos by aggressive interference competition. For a critically endangered plant like R. simplex, this double‐disruption of two vital mutualistic interactions is of urgent conservation concern.
TRPV1 receptors on unmyelinated C‐fibres mediate colitis‐induced sensitization of pelvic afferent nerve fibres in rats
Authors: De Schepper H. U. , De Winter B. Y. , Van Nassauw L. , Timmermans J.‐P. , Herman A. G. , Pelckmans P. A. , De Man J. G.
Published: October 2008

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease often suffer from gastrointestinal motility and sensitivity disorders. The aim of the current study was to investigate the role of transient receptor potential of the vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) receptors in the pathophysiology of colitis‐induced pelvic afferent nerve sensitization. Trinitrobenzene sulphate (TNBS) colitis (7.5 mg, 30% ethanol) was induced in Wistar rats 72 h prior to the experiment. Single‐fibre recordings were made from pelvic nerve afferents in the decentralized S1 dorsal root. Fibres responding to colorectal distension (CRD) were identified in controls and rats with TNBS colitis. The effect of the TRPV1 antagonist N‐(4‐tertiarybutylphenyl)‐4‐(3‐chlorophyridin‐2‐yl)tetrahydropyrazine‐1(2H)carboxamide (BCTC; 0.25–5 mg kg−1) or its vehicle (hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin) was tested on the afferent response to repetitive distensions (60 mmHg). Immunocytochemical staining of TRPV1 and NF200, a marker for A‐fibre neurons, was performed in the dorsal root ganglia L6–S1. TNBS colitis significantly increased the response to colorectal distension of pelvic afferent C‐fibres. BCTC did not significantly affect the C‐fibre response in controls, but normalized the sensitized response in rats with colitis. TNBS colitis increased the spontaneous activity of C‐fibres, an effect which was insensitive to administration of BCTC. TNBS colitis had no effect on Aδ‐fibres, nor was their activity modulated by BCTC. TNBS colitis caused an immunocytochemical up‐regulation of TRPV1 receptors in the cell bodies of pelvic afferent NF200 negative neurons. TRPV1 signalling mediates the colitis‐induced sensitization of pelvic afferent C‐fibres to CRD, while Aδ‐fibres are neither sensitized by colitis nor affected by TRPV1 inhibition.
Structural Evidence for Common Ancestry of the Nuclear Pore Complex and Vesicle Coats
Authors: Brohawn Stephen G. , Leksa Nina C. , Spear Eric D. , Rajashankar Kanagalaghatta R. , Schwartz Thomas U.
Published: October 2008

Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) facilitate nucleocytoplasmic transport. These massive assemblies comprise an eightfold symmetric scaffold of architectural proteins and central-channel phenylalanine-glycine-repeat proteins forming the transport barrier. We determined the nucleoporin 85 (Nup85)⚫Seh1 structure, a module in the heptameric Nup84 complex, at 3.5 angstroms resolution. Structural, biochemical, and genetic analyses position the Nup84 complex in two peripheral NPC rings. We establish a conserved tripartite element, the ancestral coatomer element ACE1, that reoccurs in several nucleoporins and vesicle coat proteins, providing structural evidence of coevolution from a common ancestor. We identified interactions that define the organization of the Nup84 complex on the basis of comparison with vesicle coats and confirmed the sites by mutagenesis. We propose that the NPC scaffold, like vesicle coats, is composed of polygons with vertices and edges forming a membrane-proximal lattice that provides docking sites for additional nucleoporins.
Effect of fetal brainsparing on the early neonatal cerebral circulation.
Authors: Scherjon S A , Oosting H , Kok J H , Zondervan H A
Published: October 2008

The effect of antenatal brainsparing on subsequent neonatal cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) was studied in very preterm infants. CBFV was determined, using a pulsed Doppler technique, both in the fetal and neonatal period. Neonatally, blood pressure and transcutaneous carbon dioxide tension (TcPCO2) was monitored simultaneously; daily cranial ultrasound examinations were performed. In infants with evidence of brainsparing a higher mean value of CBFV and a different pattern of changes of CBFV during the first week of life was demonstrated compared with infants with normal fetal cerebral haemodynamics. No differences were found in blood pressure and TcPCO2. The incidence of intracranial haemorrhages and of ischaemic echo-dense lesions was also the same for both groups. In a multivariate statistical model gestational age, antepartum brainsparing, and TcPCO2 all contributed significantly in explanation of variation in CBFV. It is speculated that a different setting of cerebral autoregulation related to differences in gestational age or to brainsparing might explain the difference in changes found in neonatal CBFV.
Effect of nursing position on incidence, type, and duration of clinically significant apnoea in preterm infants.
Authors: Kurlak L O , Ruggins N R , Stephenson T J
Published: October 2008

AIM--To investigate whether nursing position has any effect on the frequency, type, and duration of apnoeas in preterm infants. METHOD--Thirty five preterm infants were entered into a crossover study and underwent polygraphic monitoring in each of two positions, prone and supine, the initial position being randomly allocated. Four parameters were recorded: nasal airflow, respiratory effort, electrocardiogram (ECG), and oxygen saturation. Each infant was studied in the two positions on the same day and each infant was studied only once. The studies were carried out on the neonatal intensive care unit. RESULTS--The infants were found to have significantly more central and mixed apnoeas in the supine than in the prone position. In addition, the severity of mixed apnoeas in terms of the duration of accompanying bradycardias and desaturations was greater in the supine than in the prone position (median difference 5.1 seconds in both instances). When considering the type of apnoea in relation to the duration, it was found that of those less than 20 seconds in duration there was a greater proportion that were central (25%) compared with the proportion of central (5%) apnoeas that were longer than 20 seconds. Of all the apnoeas that were less than 20 seconds in length, 16% were obstructive and 59% were mixed, whereas of the apnoeas greater than 20 seconds, 13% were obstructive and 82% were mixed. CONCLUSIONS--It appears that in addition to improving measures of lung function, the adoption of the prone nursing position for preterm infants may reduce associated problems of apnoea of prematurity.
Prediction of chronic neonatal lung disease in very low birthweight neonates using clinical and radiological variables.
Authors: Ryan S W , Wild N J , Arthur R J , Shaw B N
Published: October 2008

There are good theoretical reasons for earlier intervention in neonates likely to develop chronic neonatal lung disease (CNLD). Very low birthweight (VLBW) neonates who receive artificial ventilation are at high risk of CNLD. A test was therefore developed to predict CNLD based on clinical and radiological information readily available at 7 days of age in VLBW neonates. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify those factors significantly and independently associated with CNLD. For each neonate it was possible to insert the value of the independent factors into the equation, providing a probability value between 0 and 1. By selecting different cut off values between 0 and 1, and knowing which neonates had developed CNLD, it was possible to assess the use of varying probability values as a predictive test for CNLD. The variation in these two parameters was graphically represented by a receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve. The area under the ROC curve was used to represent the discriminatory capacity of the test over its full range of values. The maximum area under an ROC curve is unity. The area under the ROC curve was similar in a model with and without radiographic information (0.926 and 0.913 respectively) and was 0.937 in neonates from another hospital.
Effects of red cell transfusion on cardiac output and blood flow velocities in cerebral and gastrointestinal arteries in premature infants.
Authors: Nelle M , Höcker C , Zilow E P , Linderkamp O
Published: October 2008

Anaemia may increase the risk of tissue hypoxia in preterm infants. The effect of transfusion on circulation was studied in 33 preterm infants with a mean (SD) gestational age of 29 (5) weeks (range 26-34), birth weight 1153 (390) g (range 520-1840), and postnatal age of 48 (21) days (range 19-100). Packed cell volume, blood viscosity (capillary viscometer), cardiac output, and cerebral blood flow velocities in the internal carotid artery, anterior cerebral artery, and coeliac trunk (Doppler ultrasound) were determined before and after transfusion of 10 ml/kg of packed red blood cells. Transfusion increased packed cell volume from a mean (SD) 0.27 (0.45) to 0.37 (0.48). Mean arterial blood pressure did not change while heart rate decreased significantly from 161 (14) l/min to 149 (12). Cardiac output decreased from 367 (93) ml/kg/min to 311 (74) due to decrease in stroke volume from 2.28 (0.57) ml/kg to 2.14 (0.46) and in heart rate. There was a significant increase in systemic red cell transport (cardiac output times packed cell volume) by 17%, systemic flow resistance (blood pressure to cardiac output ratio) by 23%, and blood viscosity by 33%. Vascular hindrance (flow resistance to blood viscosity ratio) did not change significantly, thereby suggesting that neither vasoconstriction nor vasodilation occurred with transfusion. After transfusion blood flow velocities decreased significantly in the anterior cerebral artery by 23%, in the internal carotid artery by 8%, and in the coeliac trunk by 12%. Red cell transport estimated as products of blood flow velocities times packed cell volume increased significantly by 25% in the internal carotid artery and by 21% in the coeliac trunk. These results indicate that red cell transfusion improved systemic oxygen transport as well as oxygen transport in the internal carotid artery and coeliac trunk.
Neonatal screening for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency: sex distribution.
Authors: Kaplan M , Hammerman C , Kvit R , Rudensky B , Abramov A
Published: October 2008

Eight hundred and six newborn infants at high risk for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency were screened; 30.2% of the boys and 10.4% of the girls had severe G-6-PD deficiency. Surprisingly, 14% of the enzyme deficient girls had a father from a low risk ethnic group. Girls of high risk mothers should be screened for G-6-PD deficiency regardless of paternal origin.
Contemporaneous faulting and clastic intrusions in the Quirke Lake Group, Elliot Lake, Ontario
Authors: Eisbacher G. H.
Published: October 2008

Contemporaneous faults and clastic intrusions near Elliot Lake are common within the Espanola Formation of the Quirke Lake Group. Contemporaneous faults formed in response to differential vertical displacements which controlled regional paleocurrents and basin slope. The normal faults within the sedimentary succession probably channeled the intrusive material of the clastic dikes. Four types of clastic dikes occur in the Espanola Formation: internally sorted conglomerate dikes; internally unsorted conglomerate dikes; thin sand- and siltstone dikes; and discordant sandstone masses with scattered quartz pebbles. Emplacement of the conglomerate masses into the Espanola Formation may represent a sub-permafrost phenomenon, provided the glacial origin for the boulder conglomerates within the Huronian succession is accepted.
The Mid-Atlantic Ridge near 45° 00′ north. VIII. Carbonate lithification on oceanic ridges and seamounts
Authors: Bartlett Grant A. , Greggs Robert G.
Published: October 2008

Deep sea carbonate lithification and the interbedding of carbonate and ferromanganese are common processes on oceanic ridges and seamounts. Temperature and salinity changes caused by climatic fluctuations or heat emanations and manganese substitution for calcium in the calcite lattice along these ridges are believed to be responsible for these inorganic processes. Lithification and solution of the carbonate take place at the sediment–water interface and can occur in ocean depths of at least 3 000 m.
The significance of uranium in quartzite in the Beaverlodge area, Saskatchewan
Authors: Tremblay L. P.
Published: October 2008

Quantitative spectrographic analyses for Cr, V, Cu, Ni, and Co of 219 specimens of the country rocks from the Beaverlodge area, Saskatchewan, and chemical analyses for U of 68 of those rock specimens and for Th of 38 of them have shown that positive relationships exist between the above elements and uranium in quartzite, and that quartzite may be the principal source of uranium in the uranium deposits.
Hypsithermal range extension of white pine (Pinus strobus L.) in Quebec, Canada
Authors: Terasmae J. , Anderson T. W.
Published: October 2008

Fossil wood, cones, and leaves of white pine (Pinus strobus L.) were discovered at Val St. Gilles, Quebec, some 60 miles (~96.6 km) north of the present distribution limit of this species. The fossils were buried under several feet of peat, and were dated at 5030 ± 130 (GSC-585) radiocarbon years before present. In the pollen diagram from this peat exposure a white pine pollen maximum coincides with the stratigraphic unit in which the fossil pine wood was found. This discovery indicates that white pine was growing well north of its present distribution limit during the Holocene hypsithermal interval, when climatic conditions were more favorable in this region than at present.
Zonal structure of the Perth Road monzonite, Grenville Province, Ontario
Authors: Ermanovics I. F.
Published: October 2008

The Perth Road pluton is a lenticular, grossly conformable body emplaced in metasedimentary rocks of the Grenville series during a period in which the enclosing gneisses deformed by plastic flow. The body is zoned and from the center outward comprises gabbro, diorite, monzonite (the dominant rock-type), quartz monzonite, and granite. The change from one rock-type to the next is gradual and the progressive acidification toward all the contacts, without regard to the type of enclosing gneiss, is taken as an indication of cogenesis of the plutonic assemblage; modal mineral variations of quartz, alkali-feldspar, plagioclase, and color index demonstrate this mineral progression.The enclosing crystalline metasedimentary rocks have been metamorphosed to the hornblende granulite facies, and although recrystallization has kept pace with deformation some cataclasis pervades all rocks. The pluton occupies a flattened crestal position of a doubly plunging fold, and all folds show a combination of fold-styles depending on the relative competence of the various rock-types. Flow models demonstrate that the early magmatic precipitates collected in regions of maximum velocity of the magma during folding of the enclosing envelope of gneisses and that syntectonic differentiation in this manner obtains for the Perth Road and other plutons in the area.
Relationship of grain-size modes to nearshore sedimentary environments, Lake Superior, Ontario
Authors: Mothersill John S.
Published: October 2008

Longshore-troughs and bars were studied at Batchawana Bay and Pancake Bay, Lake Superior, Ontario. The longshore-trough areas would appear to have been formed by plunging waves that winnowed out the finer sand grains which were then moved lakeward by the undertow to build up the adjacent longshore-bar areas. This process would appear to be confirmed by a grain-size analyses of 242 samples taken from along the axes of the longshore-troughs and bars. The longshore-trough samples had either a unimodal or bimodal grain-size distribution whereas the longshore-bar samples always had a unimodal grain-size distribution. The longshore-trough samples showed a strong tendency towards negative skewness as would be expected from winnowed sediments and would also appear to have a modified grain-size modality of the parent sediment. The longshore-bar samples were finer grained, well sorted and unimodal, and showed a strong tendency towards positive skewness as would be expected if the sediments had been winnowed out of the longshore-trough areas and then re-deposited along the longshore-bars.
Interpretation of elastic – strain – recovery measurements near Elliot Lake, Ontario
Authors: Elsbacher G. H. , Bielenstein H. U.
Published: October 2008

In situ stresses obtained by measurements of elastic – strain – recovery in quartzose sedimentary rocks near Elliot Lake are interpreted in terms of two stress environments: one stress field induced by mining close to the mine openings and a remanent stress field preserved in the rocks from a time of tectonic deformation in the area.
Presentation and assessment of tides and water level records for geophysical investigations
Authors: Dohler G. C. , Ku L. F.
Published: October 2008

The methods and problems involved in collecting water level data are explained, and the processing and formats of the data are illustrated. The trend of the change in mean water level is plotted and the corresponding rate of change is estimated by the regression technique. The power spectra of the water level variations are plotted to illustrate these variations in terms of frequencies.
Recent uplift of Manitoulin Island, Ontario
Authors: Lewis C. F. M.
Published: October 2008

Differential postglacial uplifting in the Huron basin has long been recognized from the observed deformation of raised shorelines, particularly those associated with the Algonquin series of glacial lakes (12 000–10 500 years B.P.) and the postglacial Nipissing Great Lakes. From Nipissing time, about 5500 years B.P., to the present, lake levels apparently fell in the northern Huron – Georgian Bay region as the basin upwarped and the outlet was downcut.Recent emergence of Manitoulin Island in northern Lake Huron was inferred, independently of raised shoreline data, from sediment sequences in a series of 3 beach sites and 8 small lake basins at various altitudes up to 20 m above Lake Huron. Organic sediment (gyttja) in each lake overlies clastic inorganic sand or silt, with the contact horizon demarcating the isolation of each basin as its threshold emerged from the high-energy littoral environment of Lake Huron. Radiocarbon dates and elevations of the basal gyttja sediments and organic beach sediments suggest uplift at a constant rate of 2.2 mm/year over the past 5000 years. This rate refers to Little Current, Ontario, and is for movement relative to the outlet area of Huron basin at Sarnia, Ontario. The value agrees with basin tilting inferred from lake level gauge observations made during the last 100 years.