bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Malignant triton tumor of the acoustic nerve
Authors: Han Dae Hee , Kim Dong Gyu , Chi Je G. , Park Sung Hye , Jung Hee-Won , Kim Young Gyu
Published: May 2009

✓ The authors present the clinical, radiological, pathological features, and autopsy findings of a patient with malignant triton tumor of the acoustic nerve, which probably arose from a pre-existing acoustic schwannoma. The term “malignant triton tumor” is applied to malignant schwannomas with rhabdomyoblastic differentiation. A cerebellopontine angle tumor with spinal drop metastasis occurred in this patient 10 months after near-total removal of the original tumor.
Pathophysiology and treatment of focal cerebral ischemia
Authors: Siesjö Bo K.
Published: May 2009

✓ This article examines the pathophysiology of lesions caused by focal cerebral ischemia. Ischemia due to middle cerebral artery occlusion encompasses a densely ischemic focus and a less densely ischemic penumbral zone. Cells in the focus are usually doomed unless reperfusion is quickly instituted. In contrast, although the penumbra contains cells “at risk.” these may remain viable for at least 4 to 8 hours. Cells in the penumbra may be salvaged by reperfusion or by drugs that prevent an extension of the infarction into the penumbral zone. Factors responsible for such an extension probably include acidosis, edema, K+/Ca++transients, and inhibition of protein synthesis.

Central to any discussion of the pathophysiology of ischemic lesions is energy depletion. This is because failure to maintain cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels leads to degradation of macromolecules of key importance to membrane and cytoskeletal integrity, to loss of ion homeostasis, involving cellular accumulation of Ca++, Na+, and Cl−, with osmotically obligated water, and to production of metabolic acids with a resulting decrease in intra- and extracellular pH.

In all probability, loss of cellular calcium homeostasis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of ischemic cell damage. The resulting rise in the free cytosolic intracellular calcium concentration (Ca++) depends on both the loss of calcium pump function (due to ATP depletion), and the rise in membrane permeability to calcium. In ischemia, calcium influx occurs via multiple pathways. Some of the most important routes depend on activation of receptors by glutamate and associated excitatory amino acids released from depolarized presynaptic endings. However, ischemia also interferes with the intracellular sequestration and binding of calcium, thereby contributing to the rise in intracellular Ca++.

A second key event in the ischemic tissue is activation of anaerobic glucolysis. The main reason for this activation is inhibition of mitochondrial metabolism by lack of oxygen; however, other factors probably contribute. For example, there is a complex interplay between loss of cellular calcium homeostasis and acidosis. On the one hand, a rise in intracellular Ca++is apt to cause mitochondrial accumulation of calcium. This must interfere with ATP production and enhance anaerobic glucolysis. On the other hand, acidosis must interfere with calcium binding, thereby contributing to the rise in intracellular Ca++.
Association of epidermal growth factor receptor gene amplification with loss of chromosome 10 in human glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: von Deimling Andreas , Louis David N. , von Ammon Klaus , Petersen Iver , Hoell Tomas , Chung Richard Y. , Martuza Robert L. , Schoenfeld David A. , Yaşargil M. Gazi , Wiestler Otmar D. , Seizinger Bernd R.
Published: May 2009

✓ Although the loss of tumor suppressor genes and the activation of oncogenes have been established as two of the fundamental mechanisms of tumorigenesis in human cancer, little is known about the possible interactions between these two mechanisms. Loss of genetic material on chromosome 10 and amplification of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene are the most frequently reported genetic abnormalities in glioblastoma multiforme. In order to examine a possible correlation between these two genetic aberrations, the authors studied 106 gliomas (58 glioblastomas, 14 anaplastic astrocytomas, five astrocytomas, nine pilocytic astrocytomas, seven mixed gliomas, six oligodendrogliomas, two ependymomas, one subependymoma, one subependymal giant-cell astrocytoma, and three gangliogliomas) with Southern blot analysis for loss of heterozygosity on both arms of chromosome 10 and for amplification of the EGFR gene. Both the loss of genetic material on chromosome 10 and EGFR gene amplification were restricted to the glioblastomas. Of the 58 glioblastoma patients, 72% showed loss of chromosome 10 and 38% showed EGFR gene amplification. The remaining 28% had neither loss of chromosome 10 nor EGFR gene amplification. Without exception, the glioblastomas that exhibited EGFR gene amplification had also lost genetic material on chromosome 10 (p < 0.001). This invariable association suggests a relationship between the two genetic events. Moreover, the presence of 15 cases of glioblastoma with loss of chromosome 10 but without EGFR gene amplification may further imply that the loss of a tumor suppressor gene (or genes) on chromosome 10 precedes EGFR gene amplification in glioblastoma tumorigenesis.
Suction control attachment for ultrasonic aspirators
Authors: Egemen Nihat
Published: May 2009

✓ A hand control to regulate suction has been developed and refined for use with ultrasonic aspirators. The instrument and its use are described.
An artificial blood vessel with an endothelial-cell monolayer
Authors: Kobayashi Hidenori , Kabuto Masanori , Ide Hisashi , Hosotani Kazuo , Kubota Toshihiko
Published: May 2009

✓ An artificial blood vessel with an endothelial-cell monolayer was used as an arterial substitute in rats. Endothelial cells were isolated from the aorta of a Wistar rat by the digestion method. The cell identification was established by the cobblestone appearance of a confluent cell monolayer, by an expression of factor VIII-related antigen, and by the presence of Weibel-Palade bodies. The luminal surface of the thin-walled polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft (4 mm in diameter and 10 mm in length) was coated with an endothelial-cell monolayer for 7 days in vitro. An interpositional graft was placed using the endothelial cell-coated PTFE prosthesis on the right common carotid artery in seven rats. A total of 10 rats received an interpositional graft with the noncoated PTFE prosthesis as a control. The patency rate at 1 month after implantation was significantly higher in the coated group than in the control group. The vascular prosthesis with an endothelial-cell monolayer is a promising technique to inhibit the development of thrombosis.
Isolation and preliminary characterization of ACNUresistant sublines of rat brain tumors in vivo
Authors: Yoshida T. Ken , Shimizu Keiji , Koulousakis Athanasios , Sturm Volker , Beuls Emile
Published: May 2009

✓ Two variant cells lines resistant to the nitrosourea derivative ACNU ((1-4-amino-2-methyl-5-pyrimidinyl)methyl-3-(2-chloroethyl)-3-nitrosourea hydrochloride), namely C6/ACNU and 9L/ACNU, were selected in vivo from rat brain tumors. Stable resistance to ACNU proved to be a characteristic of these cell lines, whether they were grown in vivo or in vitro. These cell lines exhibited a different pattern of cross-resistance to a wide range of chemotherapeutic agents with dissimilar chemical structures and mechanisms of action as compared with that of other ACNU-resistant cell lines established in vitro. Distinct cross-resistance was observed in both the C6/ACNU and 9L/ACNU cell lines to chloroethyl-nitrosoureas such as BCNU (carmustine), CCNU (lomustine), and methyl CCNU and, additionally, to vincristine, vinblastine, Adriamycin (doxorubicin), and arabinosylcytosine, but not to bleomycin, methotrexate, c/s-platinum, and 5-fluorouracil. This might point to a multifactorial mechanism of drug resistance in ACNU-resistant cell lines derived from rat C6 and 9L brain tumor cells.
Direct embolectomy of the basilar artery bifurcation
Authors: Morgan Michael K. , Biggs Michael T.
Published: May 2009

✓ The case is presented of a 27-year-old man who developed a basilar artery bifurcation embolus encompassing Hilal microcoil as a complication following therapeutic embolization. An immediate direct surgical approach to the basilar artery bifurcation enabled the microcoil and associated thrombus to be removed and flow to be restored in the basilar artery and its distal branches. Postoperatively, the patient made a good recovery and on discharge was neurologically normal with the exception of a right third nerve palsy. This case suggests that in selected patients a direct surgical approach to the top of the basilar artery may be possible for treatment of emboli.
Facial pain due to vascular lesions of the brain stem relieved by dorsal root entry zone lesions in the nucleus caudalis
Authors: Sampson John H. , Nashold Blaine S.
Published: May 2009

✓ One patient with a pontine infarct due to a fusiform basilar artery aneurysm and one with an arteriovenous malformation within the tectum of the mesencephalon developed intractable facial pain. This pain was relieved in both patients by radiofrequency lesions in the dorsal root entry zone of the trigeminal nucleus caudalis.
Long-term evaluation of decompressive surgery for degenerative lumbar stenosis
Authors: Caputy Anthony J. , Luessenhop Alfred J.
Published: May 2009

✓ One-hundred patients who had undergone decompressive surgery for lumbar stenosis between 1980 and 1985 were evaluated as to their long-term outcome. Four patients with postfusion stenosis were included. A 5-year follow-up period was achieved in 88 patients. The mean age was 67 years, and 80% were over 60 years of age. There was a high incidence of coexisting medical diseases, but the principal disability was lumbar stenosis with neurological involvement. Results were categorized as either a surgical success or a failure. depending upon the achievement of preset goals within the context of lifestyle and needs. There were no perioperative complications.

Initially there was a high incidence of success, but recurrence of neurological involvement and persistence of low-back pain led to an increasing number of failures. By 5 years this number had reached 27% of the available population pool, suggesting that the failure rate could reach 50% within the projected life expectancies of most patients. Of the 26 failures, 16 were secondary to renewed neurological involvement, which occurred at new levels of stenosis in eight and recurrence of stenosis at operative levels in eight. Reoperation was successful in 12 of these 16 patients, but two required a third operation.

The incidence of spondylolisthesis at 5 years was higher in the surgical failures (12 of 26 patients) than in the surgical successes (16 of 64). Spondylolisthetic stenosis tended to recur within a few years following decompression. To forestall recurrences, it is suggested that stabilization be carried out at levels of spondylolisthetic stenosis and the initial decompression include adjacent levels of threatening symptomatic stenosis. However, the heterogenicity of this patient population, with varying patterns and levels of symptomatic stenosis, precludes application of rigid surgical protocols.
Cell-mediated immunity in severely head-injured patients: the role of suppressor lymphocytes and serum factors
Authors: Quattrocchi Keith B. , Miller Claramae H. , Wagner Franklin C. , DeNardo Sally J. , DeNardo Gerald L. , Ovodov Konstantin , Frank Edmund H.
Published: May 2009

✓ Severe head injury results in suppression of cellular immunity associated with defectivein vitrofunctioning of effector lymphocytes, such as helper T cells and cytotoxic T cells. It is not known whether this suppression in effector lymphocyte function is due to intrinsic lymphocyte dysfunction, to suppressor peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC's) such as suppressor lymphocytes or suppressor monocytes, or to serum factors capable of inhibiting effector lymphocyte function. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a subpopulation of PBMC's and/or serum factors) are responsible for this observed suppression in cell-mediated immunity.

Cell-mediated immune activity was determined measuringin vitrolymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cytotoxicity following incubation of PBMC's from 15 head-injured patients with those from 15 heterologous normal subjects. The PBMC's were separated into lymphocyte-enriched and monocyte-enriched subpopulations by plastic adherence techniques, and the effect of each population on LAK cytotoxicity was determined. Additionally, the effect on cytotoxicity of serum from the head-injured patients was determined in a dose-response fashion.

There was significant depression in LAK cytotoxicity when: 1) PBMC's from normal subjects were incubated with PBMC's from head-injured patients (p < 0.001); 2) lymphocytes (PBMC's depleted of monocytes) from head-injured patients were incubated with PBMC's from normal subjects (p < 0.001); and 3) PBMC's from normal subjects were incubated with serum from head-injured patients (p < 0.001). No suppression in cellular immunity was noted when lymphocytes from normal subjects were incubated with monocytes from head-injured patients.

The results indicate that lymphocytes rather than monocytes actively inhibit cellular immunity following severe head injury. The detection of immmunosuppressive serum factors suggests a mechanism by which lymphocytes might be modulated by severe head injury.
Experimental repair of the oculomotor nerve: the anatomical paradigms of functional regeneration
Authors: Pallini Roberto , Fernandez Eduardo , Lauretti Liverana , Draicchio Francesco , Pettorossi Vito E. , Gangitano Carlo , Del Fà Aurora , Olivieri-Sangiacomo Corrado , Sbriccoli Alessandro
Published: May 2009

✓ In adult guinea pigs, the oculomotor nerve was sectioned proximally (at the tentorial edge) or more distally (at the orbital fissure) and immediately repaired by reapproximation. During a 24-week postoperative period, extrinsic eye motility was assessed by analyzing the vestibulo-ocular reflexes. The regenerated oculomotor nerve was studied morphometrically on semi-thin histological sections at 16 and 24 weeks postinjury. The selectivity of muscle reinnervation was investigated by injection of both single (horseradish peroxidase) and double (fluorescent dyes) retrograde axonal tracers into the eye muscles. Following proximal repair of the oculomotor nerve, the degree of recovery of extraocular motility varied among different animals and remained stable over long-term observations. In animals with poor recovery, aberrant eye movements were always found, and the somatotopic map of the reinnervated eye muscles was greatly altered. Distortions of the central representation were also seen in those animals in which a good level of functional recovery was seen. However, in animals with good recovery, a topographic bias was re-established by about 65% of the original neuronal population, as opposed to 26% in the animals with poor recovery. Neurons located contralateral to the axotomized nucleus sprouted intra-axially and projected their axons to denervated eye muscles. The number and diameter of the regenerated axons, the number and soma diameter of the axotomized neurons, and the ratio of distal axonal branches to proximal supporting neurons were all related to the degree of functional recovery.

Following repair of the oculomotor nerve at the orbital fissure, extraocular motility had recovered in all of the animals at 16 weeks without aberrant phenomena. Functional regeneration of the distally transected oculomotor nerve is thought to be the result of selective muscle reinnervation.
Sustained release of papaverine for the treatment of cerebral vasospasm: in vitro evaluation of release kinetics and biological activity
Authors: Heffez Dan S. , Leong Kam W.
Published: May 2009

✓ Cerebral vasospasm remains an unpredictable and inadequately treated complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. To date, pharmacological treatment has been plagued in part by an inability to attain sufficiently high concentrations of vasodilator drug in the cerebrospinal fluid without precipitating systemic side effects such as hypotension. To circumvent this limitation of current pharmacological therapy, the authors have developed a sustained-release preparation of papaverine that can be implanted intracranially at the time of surgery for aneurysm clipping. In vitro evaluation of drug-release kinetics has demonstrated that reliable, sustained release of effective amounts of papaverine is possible. An in vitro bioassay using isolated preparations of canine basilar artery has confirmed the biological activity of this preparation. These in vitro studies are described.
A simple method for distal catheter lengthening of ventriculoperitoneal shunts
Authors: Goldenberg Todd M. , Pritz Michael B.
Published: May 2009

✓ A simple technique to lengthen the distal catheter of ventriculoperitoneal shunts is described. This method, which utilizes a guidewire, has been successful in elective shunt revisions in eight children.
Syrinx shunt to posterior fossa cisterns (syringocisternostomy) for bypassing obstructions of upper cervical theca
Authors: Milhorat Thomas H. , Johnson Walter D. , Miller John I.
Published: May 2009

✓ Syrinx shunts to the spinal subarachnoid space are likely to fail if the cerebrospinal fluid pathways rostral to the syrinx are blocked. To bypass obstructions at or below the level of the foramen magnum, a technique was developed for shunting the syrinx to the posterior fossa cisterns, termed “syringocisternostomy.” Syrinxes were shunted to the cisterna magna in two patients with spinal arachnoiditis and to the cerebellopontine angle cistern in four patients with Chiari I malformations. There was symptomatic improvement and collapse of the syrinx in each case, with no complications or recurrences over a follow-up interval of 14 to 27 months (average 20.3 months). The surgical technique and results of treatment are described.
Cerebral hemicorticectomy for epilepsy
Authors: Winston Ken R. , Welch Keasley , Adler John R. , Erba Giuseppe
Published: May 2009

✓ Hemicorticectomy resulted in total or near-total control of seizures in 10 of 11 children with chronic epilepsy. During a median follow-up period of 5.5 years, there have been no deaths or delayed complications. The surgical outcome after hemicorticectomy compares favorably with that of more extensive surgical procedures, yet is associated with significantly less risk. The technique for hemicorticectomy is described and illustrated.
Development of neurosurgery at the University of Michigan
Authors: Hoff Julian T. , Chandler William F. , McGillicuddy John E.
Published: May 2009

✓ The University of Michigan Medical School was founded in 1847, 30 years after the university itself. The first hospital in Ann Arbor was a 20-bed unit converted from a private house, that admitted only charity patients. The second University Hospital was built in 1925. The Section of Neurosurgery was founded by Dr. Max Peet, who was followed by Drs. Kahn and Schneider as section heads.
In Vitro Antifungal Activity of the Diterpenoid 7α-Hydroxy-8(17)-labden-15-oic Acid and Its Derivatives against Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Mendoza Leonora , Espinoza Pamela , Urzua Alejandro , Vivanco Marcela , Cotoras Milena
Published: May 2009

We investigated the inhibitory effect of the natural diterpenoids, 7α-hydroxy-8(17)-labden-15-oic acid (salvic acid, 1), 7α-acetanoyloxy-8(17)-labden-15-oic acid (acetylsalvic acid, 2) and the hemisynthetic diterpenoids 7α-acyloxy-8(17)-labden-15-oic acids derivatives, 7α-propanoyloxy-8(17)-labden-15-oic acid (propanoylsalvic acid, 3), 7α-butanoyloxy-8(17)-labden-15-oic acid (butanoylsalvic acid, 4) and 7α-isopentanoyloxy-8(17)-labden-15-oic acid (isopentanoylsalvic acid, 5), against Botrytis cinerea. Diterpenoid fungitoxicity was assessed using the radial growth test method. All diterpenoids, with the exception of isopentenoylsalvic acid, inhibited the mycelial growth of B. cinerea in solid media. Shortest side-chain diterpenoids were more effective than the derivatives with longer chains in the inhibition of B. cinerea mycelial growth. The results suggest that hydrophobicity and structural features would be important factors in the antifungal effect of these diterpenoids. Studies on a possible action mechanism of natural diterpenoids, salvic acid and acetylsalvic acid, showed that these diterpenoids exerted their effect by a different mechanism. Salvic acid did not alter cytoplasmic membrane or cause respiratory chain inhibition. Instead, acetylsalvic acid affected the cytoplasmic membrane producing leakage of 260-nm absorbing compounds.
Screening for Prostate Cancer: Controversy? What Controversy?
Authors: Ablin Richard J. , Haythorn M. R.
Published: May 2009

The purpose of screening is to identify preclinical and asymptomatic cases of a disease in a population at risk—as opposed to making a diagnosis based on a patient’s presentation with symptoms and disease. [...]
ENTERPRISE KNOWLEDGE MODELLING: DOMAINS AND ASPECTS
Authors: Gudas Saulius
Published: May 2009

The paper presents the Knowledge‐based Enterprise framework aimed for the analysis of knowledge management and development of an Enterprise knowledge base. The approaches concerning the modelling of enterprise domains and aspects are presented and used for the development of the concept of Enterprise Knowledge Component. The Enterprise knowledge component (B, T, K) is defined as a composition of 3 obligatory parts: knowledge management methods (K), the knowledge about IT (T) services and tools, and business management knowledge (B). The formal modelling structure – the Enterprise Knowledge Space (B, T, K) is constructed for the refinement of the hierarchy of enterprise knowledge items. The Knowledge‐based Enterprise framework is represented as modified Value Chain Model including the knowledge management layer and IT component. The major knowledge subsets of the enterprise knowledge base are identified. Santrauka Pateiktas apibendrintas žiniomis grįstos veiklos modelis, skirtas žinių valdymui analizuoti ir kurti organizacijos (veiklos) žinių bazę. Aptarti veiklos domenų ir aspektų modeliavimo būdai, remiantis šia analize suformuluotas veiklos žinių komponento konceptas. Veiklos žinių komponentas (B, T, K) yra apibrėžtas kaip būtina trijų dalių visuma: žinių valdymo metodai (K), žinios apie IT paslaugas ir priemones (T) bei veiklos valdymo žinios (B). Sudaryta formali modeliavimo konstrukcija – organizacijos (veiklos) žinių erdvė (B, T, K), kuri atskleidžia veiklos žinių elementus. Apibendrintas žiniomis grįstos veiklos modelis pavaizduotas remiantis modifikuotos vertės grandinės modeliu, papildytu žinių valdymo sluoksniu ir IT komponentu. Identifikuoti pagrindiniai veiklos žinių bazės žinių poaibiai.
Seabird metapopulations: searching for alternative breeding habitats
Authors: Schippers Peter , Snep Robbert P. H. , Schotman Alex G. M. , Jochem René , Stienen Eric W. M. , Slim Pieter A.
Published: May 2009

Today, many seabird species nest in port areas, which are also necessary for human economic activity. In this paper, we evaluate, using a metapopulation model, the possibilities for creating alternative breeding sites for the Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) in the Rhine–Meuse–Scheldt estuary. We explore 22 scenarios that differ with respect to (1) loss of breeding habitat in port areas, (2) location and size of newly created habitat, and (3) coexistence of old and new habitat. Results indicate that loss of port area habitats results in a serious 41% decline in the breeding population. When the loss in ports is compensated for within the ports, the decline was negligible. Fourteen scenarios result in an increase of the Common Tern metapopulation. In these, extra breeding habitat is created outside the ports in fish‐rich waters, resulting in a potential metapopulation increase of 25%. However, the period of overlap between lost and newly created habitat strongly affects the results. A gap between the removal of old and the creation of new breeding areas might cause a drop in the metapopulation level of 30%. The population recovery from this drop might take more than 100 years due to slow recolonization. Our results suggest that conservation of seabird species should be evaluated on a metapopulation scale and that the creation of new habitat may help to compensate for habitat loss in other areas. Furthermore, the results indicate that overlap between the existence of old and newly created breeding habitats is crucial for the success of compensation efforts. However, new locations should be carefully selected, because not only is the suitability of the breeding grounds important, but ample fish availability nearby is also key.
Lipoma of Guyon’s canal causing ulnar neuropathy
Authors: Rohilla Seema , Yadav Rohtas K. , Dhaulakhandi Dhara B.
Published: May 2009

Lipoma is a benign soft tissue tumor which rarely causes neuropathy. In closed compartments such as Guyon’s canal, even small volume loss can lead to compression of nerve. Hence in such areas, even innocuous tumors such as lipomas can cause neuropathy and warrant surgery. We present one such case of ulnar neuropathy caused by lipoma of Guyon’s canal.
Effects of landscape and demographic history on genetic variation in Picea glehnii at the regional scale
Authors: Goto Susumu , Tsuda Yoshiaki , Koike Yukihiro , Lian Chunlan , Ide Yuji
Published: May 2009

To evaluate the effects of landscape and demographic history on genetic variation in Picea glehnii at a regional scale we have investigated the genetic diversity and genetic differentiation of P. glehnii populations in the Furano region, central Hokkaido, Japan, using seven simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. We found significant correlations between elevation and genetic diversity parameters. The value of A[46] increased and the value of FIS decreased with increasing elevation, while FIS values were not significantly different from 0 in any of the populations. Significant recent bottlenecks were detected for isolated populations at low‐elevation sites and for relatively large populations at moderate‐ and high‐elevation sites. Evolutionary events pre‐dating the Holocene should be taken into consideration, as elevational gradients should be with respect to locally adapted traits such as flowering phenology, However, the palynological data from the Holocene in this region suggest that the distribution pattern of genetic diversity of P. glehnii detected here may have been influenced by past demographic history related to the elevation shifts in this species’ distribution associated with climate change during this period. Population differentiation was low, with FST and G′ST values of 0.022 and 0.065, respectively. However, genetic boundaries were detected around one swamp population (C13). Therefore, significant isolation by distance (IBD) was not detected when all populations were considered, but there was significant IBD when the C13 population was excluded. Information on genetic diversity and genetic differentiation at the regional scale may be useful for selecting seed sources for afforestation programs for P. glehnii.
Relationships between bird‐dispersed plants and avian fruit consumers with different feeding strategies in Japan
Authors: Yoshikawa Tetsuro , Isagi Yuji , Kikuzawa Kihachiro
Published: May 2009

We examined the interactions between bird‐dispersed plants and fruit‐consuming birds with various feeding strategies, by reviewing the plant species consumed by 14 bird species in Japan with four feeding types: gulpers (five species), grinders (four species), crushers (four species), and peckers (one species). Our literature review provided information on the plant species consumed by the birds in Japan and the morphological traits of the fruits: fruit volume, seed mass and number, pulp type (fleshy, dry, or arillate), and plant height (tall, medium, or small). Using these data, we examined the diversity of plant species consumed by each bird and the fruit morphological traits that affected fruit selection. The five gulpers consumed fruits from the largest number of plants, followed by the four grinders, the four crushers, and the one pecker. The gulpers and grinders consumed a wider variety of fruits than were consumed by the crushers and the pecker. Logistic regression analysis revealed that some crushers and the pecker preferred plants with dry or arillate pulp around the seeds. Our results suggest that a frugivorous bird's feeding strategies, and particularly its fruit‐handling behaviors and the fruit parts it ingests, influence the diversity of plants it consumes. The crushers and the pecker, which feed exclusively on seeds, require more effort and time to consume this type of food, and this might cause a strong preference for specific fruit traits and thus, consumption of a lower diversity of plant species.
Pediatric femur neck fractures: A retrospective analysis of 39 hips
Authors: İnan Ulukan , Köse Nusret , Õmeroğlu Hakan
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the radiological and clinical results of pediatric femur neck fractures.

Methods

This study included 39 children (mean age 11.1, range 4 to 16 years) who had a femur neck fracture and had at least one year of complete follow-up. The most common etiological factor was traffic accident and the most common associated skeletal injury was pelvis fracture.

Results

According to Delbet's classification system, there were no type I (transepiphyseal) fractures and 21 type II (transcervical), 14 type III (cervicotrochanteric), and four type IV (intertrochanteric) fractures. The mean follow-up was 3.4 (1–9.5) years. A satisfactory outcome according to Ratliff's radiological and clinical criteria was obtained in 28 (72%) hips. Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head was seen in 11 (28%) hips and the rate of satisfactory outcome was significantly higher in hips without AVN than in hips with AVN ( P < 0.001). Transcervical fractures had the worst outcome ( P = 0.014) and the highest rate of AVN ( P = 0.077) when compared with cervicotrochanteric and intertrochanteric fractures. No significant correlation was found between both the outcome and development of AVN and age, gender, laterality, amount of fracture displacement, treatment time, and the type of reduction (open/closed) ( P > 0.05).

Conclusions

It has been concluded that the development of AVN primarily influences the outcome in pediatric femur neck fractures and that fracture type is essentially correlated with the development of AVN and outcome.
Failed vascularized proximal fibular epiphyseal transfer for hip reconstruction following infection in children
Authors: Debarge Romain , Chotel Franck , Gazarian Aram , Viola Jérémy , Berard Jérôme
Published: May 2009

Purpose

Treatment of the sequellae of hip infection with epiphyseal destruction in children has had limited success to date. The aim of this study was to report mid-term results after hip epiphyseal reconstruction using a proximal vascularized fibular graft in three children presenting with massive epiphyseal destruction of the proximal femur following infection.

Methods

Three children suffered from hip articular destruction type IVB according to the Choi classification after neonatal septic arthritis. The mean age at reconstruction was 4.3 years (range 3–6 years). The Hunka et al. criteria were used to evaluate the functional results, and the clinical evaluation was based on the Musculo-Skeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score. Growth and fusion of the graft and hip morphology were evaluated on simple X-rays and by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A ratio between cephalic diameter and inter-acetabular gap was defined on the MRI scan as the “acetabular filling index”.

Results

No intraoperative complication was reported. With a mean follow-up of 4.8 years (3–6 years), the MSTS score was 22.7/30 (range 20–26), while the average lower limb length discrepancy was 3 cm. Patient 1 required a secondary derotation osteotomy of the femur because of abnormal external rotation and a bad result due to the unexplained occurrence of a painful and stiff hip joint. A secondary distal transfer of the greater trochanter was performed in patient 2, and good results based on Hunka et al.'s criteria were achieved. The X-rays of patients 1 and 2 showed signs of bone growth and a major remodeling process; the MRI filling indices were 83 and 67%, respectively. Patient 3 developed an early slipped capital (fibular) epiphysis 1 month postoperatively, which was treated by percutaneous pinning; this early complication led to a bad result with full resorption of the graft.

Conclusions

In contrast to its success in upper limb reconstruction, in this series of three patients with hip articular destruction, articular reconstruction using a vascularized proximal fibula graft was disappointing and led to unsatisfactory results in terms of hip reconstruction. Such a procedure is complex and highly demanding, necessitating extremely intensive post-operative care. An early slipped capital epiphysis can lead to full graft resorption. Consequently, despite important adaptation and remodeling of the graft, the authors do not recommend this procedure at this location.
Understanding the Financial Crisis: Roots and Developments in the Financial Sector
Authors: Walter Norbert
Published: May 2009

The current financial downturn has had numerous effects worldwide. There is great demand in 2009 for tighter regulation in order to overcome this crisis and prevent future ones. The author warns, however, that this must not result in the dismantling of financial market integration and the stifling of financial innovation. Though it seems hard to believe these days, the market-based financial system has made a big contribution to global growth. While some of the structures created have not been sustainable, reverting to fragmented, nation-based, and overregulated banking markets is not the answer. Walter stresses the need for greater resilience in terms of more sophisticated market participants, stronger market infrastructure and supra-national structures for the regulation and supervision of the global financial system.
The restructuring of financial supervision in the EU
Authors: Beetsma Roel , Eijffinger Sylvester
Published: May 2009

The integration of financial markets is a fast growing phenomenon worldwide, but especially in the EU. Along with the positive aspects such as simplifying financial transactions, there are also negative implications attached to it. As was the case with the current economic and financial crisis, a problem which arose locally managed to spread to a global level at an impressive speed. After examining the US and European financial supervision models, the authors conclude that a direct supervisor of cross-border acquisitions would be a good, although somewhat unrealistic, solution. This paper puts forward arguments in favour of separating all financial supervision of individual financial institutions from that of the stability of the financial system as a whole, which would be known as European Financial Services Authority (EFSA) in the case of the EU.
Government and The Labour Market: A Transatlantic Comparison
Authors: Rogerson Richard
Published: May 2009

This paper documents the large differences in hours of work between the US and many European countries and how these differences have changed over time. It then discusses different explanations for these differences and presents evidence to suggest that it is differences in the scale of government activity, financed by taxes that distort the incentive to work, that are the prime factor behind the differences.
Bringing economic growth back to the European Union
Authors: Katainen Jyrki
Published: May 2009

Festering for a long time now, the financial collapse being witnessed has proven more problematic than any crisis in the past. The global financial meltdown has affected and continues to affect the livelihood of almost everyone in an increasingly interconnected world. Institutions have collapsed, stock markets have plummeted and governments in even the wealthiest nations have been forced to bail out their financial systems. The author compares Finland's economic crisis of the 1990s with that which is sending countries into disarray on a worldwide level today and establishes the reasons and possible solutions for this recession. He notes how fiscal and monetary policy measures alone cannot build a bridge over this severe recession. Moreover, he concludes by stressing that this crisis must be addressed alongside and not to the exclusion of other problems, underlining the importance of strengthening supervisory frameworks at a global and, more precisely, at EU level.
What would Keynes have said about the challenges of the 21st century?
Authors: Pecchi Lorenzo , Piga Gustavo
Published: May 2009

Using the detailed picture painted by the economist Keynes, Lorenzo Pecchi and Gustavo Piga illustrate the differences between what was imagined years ago and what is the reality of the financial world today. They note that although his forecast on growth was remarkable, Keynes failed to depict important developments in modern-day work and leisure. Furthermore, they note that in today's society, higher wages have led to higher consumption yet happiness levels remain unchanged. While this may sound like too harsh a reality, Pecchi and Piga stress the need to understand and learn from past mistakes.
The Foundations of a Market Economy: Contract, Consent, Coercion
Authors: Foka-Kavalieraki Yulie , Hatzis Aristides N.
Published: May 2009

This article shows how contracts are the institutional foundation of a market economy. Contracts create wealth, allocate risk and are based on consent. There is no perfect competition and the markets are characterised by a number of failures; therefore, contracts are not perfect. However, the existence of these failures does not undermine the importance of contract and consent. A common critique of the market economy is that most transactions are based on some form of coercion. The authors try to address this misconception by showing that a contract is the result of coercion not in cases where a choice is hard for a party but when it offers a choice the party does not want to accept.
Being less of a man or less of a woman: Perceptions of chronic pain patients’ gender identities
Authors: Bernardes Sónia F. , Lima Maria Luísa
Published: May 2009

Living with chronic pain may be a threatening experience to one's own gender identity. Findings suggest that the presence of chronic pain does not allow individuals to achieve the most valued standards of being male or female in our societies. Such contention, however, has not yet been empirically supported. Therefore, our goal was to explore laypeople's and nurses’ perceptions of the man/woman with chronic low‐back pain (CLBP) as compared to the typical man/woman, respectively. Three hundred and sixteen laypeople (52.8% women) and 161 nurses (54% women) participated in this study. Half of the participants were presented with a written vignette depicting a man/woman with CLBP, followed by a list of 33 traits of the masculine and feminine stereotypes. Participants evaluated the extent to which each trait fit their image of the man/woman with CLBP. The other half of the participants described the image people in general had of the typical man/woman using the same list of traits. This study consisted on a quasi‐experimental design, 2 (character's sex) × 2 (type of character) × 2 (participant's sex) × 2 (health‐care training). Results have generally supported our hypotheses. Both laypeople and nurses perceived: (1) the man with CLBP as having less masculinity and more femininity‐related traits than the typical man; (2) the woman with CLBP as having less femininity and more masculinity‐related traits than the typical woman; and (3) the man and woman with CLBP as more similar to each other than the typical man/woman. Issues on gender identity conflicts in CP patients are discussed.
Effect of Polyprenyl Immunostimulant on the survival times of three cats with the dry form of feline infectious peritonitis
Authors: Legendre Alfred M. , Bartges Joseph W.
Published: May 2009

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is considered a fatal disease. Three cats with dry form FIP were treated with Polyprenyl Immunostimulant. Two of the three cats are still on treatment and are alive and well 2 years after diagnosis. The third cat survived 14 months but was treated for only 4.5 months. Further studies are necessary to assess the potential of the Polyprenyl Immunostimulant.
Rock lobster movement patterns and population structure within a Tasmanian Marine Protected Area inform fishery and conservation management
Authors: Barrett Neville , Buxton Colin , Gardner Caleb
Published: May 2009

As reference sites to better understand characteristics such as movement patterns, depletion of natural resources and ecosystem interactions, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are crucial in fishery and conservation management. The southern rock lobster (Jasus edwardsii) is an important reef predator in temperate Australasia and subject to heavy exploitation. In a Tasmanian MPA, 90% of individuals were recaptured less than 200 m from the point of release over weekly to annual time scales, regardless of size or sex. This lack of movement resulted in a substantial build-up of biomass and of large mature individuals in the MPA relative to adjacent fished locations. Although there was little spillover of individuals to the fishery, a 4-fold increase in female fecundity potentially enhanced larval export. Comparison of fished and unfished biomass of legal-sized animals suggested that exploitation had reduced biomass in the adjacent fishery to <10% of natural values. Overall, the demographic and movement patterns illustrate the extent of depletion of stocks in the absence of historical baseline data and the potential need for spatial management resulting from limited movement. Our data indicate that within MPAs, this predator can potentially recover in abundance to natural levels despite adjacent fishing pressure.
Does wood type influence the colonisation of this habitat by macroinvertebrates in large lowland rivers?
Authors: Lyon Jarod P. , Nicol Simon J. , Lieschke Jason A. , Ramsey David S. L.
Published: May 2009

Submerged woody habitat provides the major structure around which ecological processes operate in many lowland rivers. Colonisation by macroinvertebrates was measured in a south-eastern Australian river over a 32-day period in an experiment testing the hypothesis that wood type influences the invertebrate assemblage structure. The wood types were green wood, dry wood, and dry but previously waterlogged wood. All wood used was river red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis). Macroinvertebrates colonised previously waterlogged wood more rapidly than green or dry wood. The assemblage structure varied significantly over the sampling period, with copepods and cladocerans numerically dominating the assemblage during the first few days after the introduction of the wood. The assemblage became more diverse through time and was numerically dominated by dipterans, ephemeropterans and trichopterans. The results indicate that there was little difference in the time taken for macroinvertebrate colonisation after wood introduction when using either green or dry wood. This has implications for large-scale restoration projects, where green wood is likely to be a more readily available option for reintroduction than dry wood.
A validated population-dynamics model for Scrobicularia plana (Mollusca, Bivalvia) in a south-western European estuary
Authors: Anastácio P. M. , Verdelhos T. , Marques J. C. , Pardal M. A.
Published: May 2009

During a recent intervention in the Mondego River estuary, Portugal, the existing connection between the north and the more eutrophic south arm was enlarged, a nutrient-enriched freshwater input was diverted to the north arm and the remaining seagrass patches were protected from human activity. System restoration did not involve disruption of the sediment and successfully reduced the eutrophic state of the estuary. This provided an excellent opportunity to test a population-dynamics model of a common European estuarine bivalve, Scrobicularia plana, (da Costa, 1778) before and after the intervention. The model simulated the number of individuals in three different sampling stations, before and after system restoration, and is regulated by water temperature, salinity and population density. Our analysis indicated that the occurrence of extreme values of the environmental variables has the strongest effect on the model response and possibly on the real system. The model was calibrated and validated with independent data sets and the model performance was highest under the conditions after the management. This corroborates the notion that system restoration was successful and indicates that the system became more predictable after management.
Can sand slugs in rivers deliver conservation benefits? The biodiversity value of tributary junction plug wetlands in the Glenelg River, Australia
Authors: Lind P. R. , Robson B. J. , Mitchell B. D. , Matthews T. G.
Published: May 2009

Restoration works are carried out to alleviate human impacts and improve habitats within ecosystems. However, human impacts may also create new (anthropogenic) habitat for species to exploit. A dilemma arises when proposed restoration works would remove anthropogenic habitat and the assemblages it supports. Sediment input into the Glenelg River has formed tributary junction plug wetlands at confluences. Sand slug removal is proposed as part of river rehabilitation, but would also drain plug wetlands. We sampled four plug wetland, four river run and three river pool sites to determine whether plug wetlands influence water quality and add to the biodiversity of macroinvertebrates in the Glenelg River. Water quality and macroinvertebrate diversity were similar in plug wetlands, river runs and river pools. Assemblages were distinct among all sites, regardless of type, so there was no characteristic ‘plug-wetland fauna’. Therefore, although removal of plug wetlands would not cause a dramatic loss of invertebrate biodiversity, it would destroy anthropogenic habitat that supports a similar range of species to natural habitats in a river subject to multiple degrading processes. Gains from rehabilitation should be weighed against the value of anthropogenic habitat and the extent of similar habitat lost elsewhere in the ecosystem.
The effect of repeated stressor episodes on algal communities in pasture streams
Authors: Riddle Cale J. , Matthaei Christoph D. , Townsend Colin R.
Published: May 2009

The effects in streams of anthropogenic stressors associated with agricultural intensification can be expected to vary with time, reflecting periodic movements of stock, fertilisation episodes and storm-related inputs. The present study focuses on the cumulative effects of augmented nutrients (N+P, three levels, for 1 month) coupled with episodes of increased bed sediment cover by comparing algal community responses to one, two or three stressor applications in nine sheep pasture streams in New Zealand. Algae were investigated for 1 month before and for 5 months during the manipulations. Algal taxonomic richness decreased with nutrient enrichment plus sediment addition, whereas the pollution-tolerant Achnanthidium increased, indicating reduced water quality. Sediment addition by itself had few negative effects on the algae, possibly because the sediment retention time during each 1-month experimental phase was reduced considerably (to 7–26 days) owing to floods. Algal communities (total algal cell density and densities of the common taxa Navicula spp. and filamentous green algae) reacted more strongly to multiple nutrient/sediment addition episodes than to rare or singular episodes. These results indicate a cumulative impact of anthropogenic stressors on a key component of the stream ecosystem. The effectiveness of management may be improved by focusing on the avoidance of repeated stressor events rather than the occurrence of rare episodes.