bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The general situation regarding ash dieback in Germany and investigations concerning the invasion and distribution strategies of Chalara fraxinea in woody tissue1
Authors: Schumacher J.
Published: March 2011

Ash dieback is currently one of the most important tree diseases in Germany. A countrywide distribution is already assumed. Trees of all ages on various site types are affected in forests and the landscape, as well as in nurseries and urban plantings. Initially economic losses were most severe in Northern Germany, but damage has increased in all regions. In several parts of Germany, surveys have been started during the past few years. In North‐East Germany, where the disease was first observed, conditions on various sites were compared to identify the characteristics which influence the disease occurrence and severity. In addition, laboratory investigations were carried out with a large number of coeval ash saplings to study the infection rate, invasion and spread strategy of the causal agent inside plant tissues, as well as the role of soil‐borne Oomycetes as possible primary or accompanying organisms in the disease process. The experiments presented here show that the fungus is able to spread very effectively in wood as a parasite and does not originate from the root system. The results confirm the dominant role of Chalara fraxinea and rule out the importance of pathogenic Oomycetes.
Regulated non‐quarantine pests: fact or fiction?
Authors: Bram de Hoop M.
Published: March 2011

A new category of officially regulated pests has been introduced during the past decade. The aim of this new categorization is to protect plant health and, in particular, farmers’ and growers’ crops against the introduction of pests via propagation material. The phytosanitary term ‘regulated non‐quarantine pests’ (RNQPs) is relatively new. It was introduced in 1997 as part of the new revised text of the International Plant Protection Convention. These RNQPs differ from the common category of quarantine pests in that they can be widespread within the territory of concern. Unlike quarantine pests, a level of tolerance could be applied for RNQPs infesting certain plants for planting. Some certification systems for the production of propagation material may specify certain tolerance levels, however, these systems are usually not regulated by national plant protection organizations and the tolerance levels are usually not based on scientific evidence. To date, only a few countries have applied the concept of RNQPs: notably Uruguay and Brazil. To apply the concept and, in particular, to determine specific tolerance levels presents many challenges. The concept may be embraced in the coming years by the European Community as part of the revision of the EU Council Directive 2000/29/EC.
Validation of ELISA for the detection of potato virus antigen in sap of potato plant leaves
Authors: Zahn Volker , Dahle Jörg , Pastrik Karl‐Heinz
Published: March 2011

The accreditation of a laboratory requires the description of methods used in standard operating procedures and their validation. In the present work, an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in a double‐antibody method for the detection of potato virus antigens in sap was subject to validation. Commercial virus‐specific antibodies were used for the coating and the virus was detected with commercial enzyme‐labelled antibodies. Sap samples derived from plants naturally infected with potato virus M (PVM), potato virus Y (PVY), potato virus S (PVS) or potato leafroll virus (PLRV) were examined in order to evaluate repeatability, analytical sensitivity and analytical specificity of the ELISA method in an experimental series (EPPO Standard PM 7/84). No tendency to carry‐over in a multi‐channel pipette system was observed in consecutive readings of microtitre plates.
Can diabetes management be safely transferred to practice nurses in a primary care setting? A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Houweling Sebastiaan T , Kleefstra Nanne , van Hateren Kornelis JJ , Groenier Klaas H , Meyboom‐de Jong Betty , Bilo Henk JG
Published: March 2011

Aims and objectives.  To determine whether the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in a primary care setting can be safely transferred to practice nurses.

Background.  Because of the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and the burden of caring for individual patients, the demand type 2 diabetes mellitus patients place on primary health care resources has become overwhelming.

Design.  Randomised controlled trial.

Methods.  The patients in the intervention group were cared for by practice nurses who treated glucose levels, blood pressure and lipid profile according to a specified protocol. The control group received conventional care from a general practitioner. The primary outcome measure was the mean decrease seen in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels at the end of the follow‐up period (14 months).

Results.  A total of 230 patients was randomised with 206 completing the study. The between‐group differences with respect to reduction in HbA1c, blood pressure and lipid profile were not significant. Blood pressure decreased significantly in both groups; 7·4/3·2 mm Hg in the intervention group and 5·6/1·0 mm Hg in the control group. In both groups, more patients met the target values goals for lipid profile compared to baseline. In the intervention group, there was some deterioration in the health‐related quality of life and an increase in diabetes‐related symptoms. Patients being treated by a practice nurse were more satisfied with their treatment than those being treated by a general practitioner.

Conclusion.  Practice nurses achieved results, which were comparable to those achieved by a general practitioner with respect to clinical parameters with better patient satisfaction.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This study shows that diabetes management in primary care can be safely transferred to practice nurses.
Use of a Web‐based clinical decision support system to improve abdominal aortic aneurysm screening in a primary care practice
Authors: Chaudhry Rajeev , Tulledge‐Scheitel Sidna M. , Parks Doug A. , Angstman Kurt B. , Decker Lindsay K. , Stroebel Robert J.
Published: March 2011

Rationale, aims and objectives  The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends a one‐time screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with ultrasonography for men aged 65 to 75 years who have ever smoked. However, despite a mortality rate of up to 80% for ruptured AAAs, providers order the screening for a minority of patients. We sought to determine the effect of a Web‐based point‐of‐care clinical decision support system on AAA screening rates in a primary care practice.

Methods  We conducted a retrospective review of medical records of male patients aged 65 to 75 years who were seen at any of our practice sites in 2007 and 2008, before and after implementation of the clinical decision support system.

Results  Overall screening rates were 31.36% in 2007 and 44.09% in 2008 (P‐value: <0.001). Of patients who had not had AAA screening prior to the visit, 3.22% completed the screening after the visit in 2007, compared with 18.24% in 2008 when the clinical support system was implemented, 5.36 times improvement (P‐value: <0.001).

Conclusions  A Web‐based clinical decision support for primary care physicians significantly improved delivery of AAA screening of eligible patients. Carefully developed clinical decision support systems can optimize care delivery, ensuring that important preventive services are delivered to eligible patients.
Association Between HLA‐E *0101 Homozygosity and Recurrent Miscarriage in Egyptian Women
Authors: Mosaad Y. M. , Abdel‐Dayem Y. , El‐Deek B. S. , El‐Sherbini S. M.
Published: March 2011

The objective was to investigate the frequency of human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐E alleles in Egyptian women with and without recurrent miscarriage (RM) to evaluate their role on the maintenance of pregnancy. A case–control study was adopted. HLA‐E gene polymorphism typing was carried out by restriction fragment length polymorphism for 108 women with RM and 120 fertile female controls. The frequency of HLA‐E *0101 allele was higher in patients with RM and HLA‐E*0103 allele was higher in fertile controls, and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.003, Pc = 0.006). HLA‐E*0101/0101 genotype was the most frequent genotype in patients (45.4%), followed by HLA‐E*0101/0103 (44.4%) and finally HLA‐E*0103/0103 genotype (10.2%). The difference in the frequency of HLA‐E*0101/0101 homozygous genotype in patients with RM compared with that in the fertile controls was statistically significant (OR =2.02, 95% CI = 1.13–3.62, P = 0.011, Pc = 0.033). We found an increased frequency of homozygosity for HLA‐E*0101 in Egyptian women with RM. HLA‐E*0101 homozygosity may thus be a risk factor for RM.
Truncation of the mRNA Cap‐Binding Protein eIF4E is Specific for the Non‐Invasive Implantation in Pigs
Authors: Wollenhaupt K , Reinke K , Brüssow K‐P , Spitschak M , Kanitz W , Tomek W
Published: March 2011

Contents

The mechanism of implantation is species specific (pig: epitheliochorial, bovine: synepitheliochorial, mouse: hemochorial). Recently, we have shown that proteolytical cleavage of the prototypical 25 kDa mRNA cap‐binding protein eIF4E (eukaryotic initiation factor 4E) produces a stable variant with a molecular mass of approximately 23 kDa in porcine endometrium at the time of implantation. Here, we investigate if an eIF4E truncation also takes place in the endometrium of species with other implantation forms. Thus, eIF4E and its repressor protein 4E‐BP1 were investigated in porcine, murine and bovine endometrium during the time of implantation. Our results show that eIF4E truncation is specific for the porcine implantation. In bovine and mouse uterine tissue, no cleavage of eIF4E was observed. Whereas no difference of bovine 4E‐BP1 was found, in murine samples, increased phosphorylation during implantation was observed. However, porcine samples exhibit an opposite behaviour, the abundance and mainly the phosphorylation of 4E‐BP1 decrease. We propose that the translation initiation in the endometrium is differently regulated by the two eIF4E forms with regard to different 4E‐BP1 abundance and phosphorylation as well as different eIF4E/4E‐BP1 binding dynamic depending on the type of implantation.
N‐Acetylcysteine modulates acute lung injury induced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in rats
Authors: Xu Jin‐Fu , Qu Jie‐Ming , Li Hui‐Ping
Published: March 2011

1. In critically ill patients, Pseudomonas aeruginosa‐induced pneumonia and the lung injury associated with infection are major causes of mortality. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective properties of N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) in rats infected with P. aeruginosa and the role of nitric oxide synthases (NOS) protein in this process.

2. Pneumonia was induced in rats by infecting them with P. aeruginosa intratracheally. One group of rats was treated with NAC (150 mg/kg per day, i.p., for 7 days). An untreated group served as the control. Samples were collected both before (0 h) and after infection (24 h). Bacterial loads in lung tissue, the lung wet : dry (W/D) ratio and pulmonary vascular permeability were assessed. Total cell and polymorphonuclear leucocyte cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were determined. The expression of inducible (i) NOS and endothelial (e) NOS protein was analysed and correlated with indices of lung injury using Pearson’s correlation analysis.

3. Bacterial load, lung injury indices and NOS expression increased after infection. Pretreatment with NAC mitigated lung injury although it did not significantly change bacterial loads. Furthermore, NAC treatment increased eNOS protein expression, but decreased iNOS expression, in lung tissues after infection. The expression of iNOS protein was positively correlated with indices of lung injury, whereas there was a negative correlation between eNOS expression and lung injury indices.

4. N‐Acetylcysteine modulated P. aeruginosa‐induced lung injury in rats. The results suggest that this effect maybe due to regulation of iNOS and eNOS protein expression by NAC.
Management of phototherapy for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia: Is a new radiometer applicable for all wavelengths and light source types?
Authors: Kuboi Toru , Kusaka Takashi , Yasuda Saneyuki , Okubo Kensuke , Isobe Kenichi , Itoh Susumu
Published: March 2011

Background:  To evaluate the clinical effects of phototherapy for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, it is necessary to measure the rate of cyclobilirubin production, which represents the main photochemical pathway of bilirubin metabolism. Since the Atom Phototherapy Analyzer can be used to calculate the theoretical relative light energy of irradiance as a means of assessing the cyclobilirubin production rate for each wavelength spectrum, the clinical effect of phototherapy can be evaluated regardless of the light source type. Using the Atom Phototherapy Analyzer, the correlation between the irradiance of various light sources with different peak wavelengths and the rate of cyclobilirubin production was investigated in vitro. We also investigated the utility of green LED in vitro.

Methods:  A bilirubin‐albumin complex solution was prepared, poured into tubes, and irradiated using various light sources. All light sources used were bed‐type phototherapy devices; that is, green and blue LED and green and blue fluorescence tubes. The concentrations of photoisomers were measured after irradiation and compared with the irradiance of the light sources.

Results:  The irradiance measured by the Atom Phototherapy Analyzer decreased in the following order: blue fluorescence tube > green LED > blue LED > green fluorescence tube. The cyclobilirubin production rates and irradiance values of the light sources were significantly positively correlated (R2= 0.93, P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  Our data indicate that the Atom Phototherapy Analyzer can be used to objectively evaluate the effects of phototherapy using various light sources. Further, the effects of green LED were similar to those of other light sources in vitro.
Total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) in pediatric cardiac anesthesia
Authors: Wong Grace L. S. , Morton Neil S.
Published: March 2011

Although inhalational anesthesia with moderate‐ to high‐dose opioid analgesia has been the mainstay of pediatric cardiac anesthesia, the availability of new short‐acting drugs, new concepts in pharmacokinetic modeling and computer technology, and advances in surgery and perfusion have made total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) an attractive option. In this article, we review some of the TIVA techniques used in pediatric cardiac anesthesia.
Lessons from CCAMLR on the implementation of the ecosystem approach to managing fisheries
Authors: Constable Andrew J.
Published: March 2011

The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) is widely recognized as a leading international organization in developing best practice in the ecosystem approach to managing fisheries. CCAMLR provides a useful case study for examining the impediments to implementing ecosystem‐based fisheries management (EBFM) because it has EBFM principles embedded within its convention rather than having to make a transition from single‐species management to an ecosystem approach. CCAMLR is demonstrating that (i) EBFM does not need to equate to complexity in management and (ii) methods can be developed to decide on spatial management strategies for fisheries so that predators of target species are not disproportionately affected as a result of spatial and/or temporal dependencies of predators on their prey. Science has an important role in implementing EBFM, not only in measuring and assessing the status of target species and their predators but also in designing cost‐effective management strategies and in resolving disputes. Importantly, attention needs to be given to developing the capability and tools to overcome differences amongst scientists in providing advice to managers. The CCAMLR experience suggests that, without adequate safeguards, voluntary participation by fishing States in CCAMLR and its consensus environment do not provide strong foundations for achieving, in the long term, the ecosystem‐based principles for managing fisheries when there is any degree of scientific uncertainty. Some solutions to these issues are discussed. Overall, broader‐than‐CCAMLR solutions amongst the international community as well as the continued commitment of CCAMLR Members will be required to resolve these issues.
Experience with quantitative ecosystem assessment tools in the northeast Pacific
Authors: Hollowed Anne B , Aydin Kerim Y , Essington Timothy E , Ianelli James N , Megrey Bernard A , Punt André E , Smith Anthony D M
Published: March 2011

We consider the question of which quantitative modelling tools can be used to support an ecosystem approach to management (EAM), with a focus on evaluating the implication of decisions on the biological system being managed. Managers of federal fisheries in the eastern Bering Sea, USA, have adopted an EAM. The tools used to support EAM in the eastern Bering Sea serve as a guide to what types of models could be used elsewhere. A review of the role of natural science in the implementation of EAM shows that scientific advice enters into decision‐making at a variety of steps. Single‐species stock assessment and projection models are the most commonly used tools employed to inform managers. Comprehensive assessments (e.g. management strategy evaluation) are emerging as a new and potentially valuable analysis technique for use in assessing trade‐offs of different strategic alternatives. In the case of management in the eastern Bering Sea, end‐to‐end models and coupled biophysical models have been used primarily to advance scientific understanding, but have not been applied in a management context. This review highlights that implementation of an EAM in a management environment such as eastern Bering Sea requires substantial commitments to the collection and analysis of data and support for a group of analysts with interdisciplinary training in population dynamics, oceanography and ecology. This review supports the growing recognition that a diverse suite of modelling tools is needed to address tactical and strategic management issues germane to the adoption of the ecosystem approach to fisheries management.
The Two Faces of Voluntary Disclosure: Quality Improvement and Organizational Learning from Self‐reported Problems
Authors: Desai Vinit M.
Published: March 2011

Research suggests the promise of voluntary self‐reporting, given that organizational quality can be difficult to monitor. However, I explore opposing theoretical arguments regarding its impact. On one hand, self‐reported problems may motivate intensive investigation, resulting in subsequent improvement. However, self‐reports may instead represent relatively superficial impression management efforts, and their value to organizational performance may be more dubious. Associated hypotheses are tested on a longitudinal panel of nursing homes. Findings suggest that self‐reports generally detract from performance except when they are reinforced by other, complementary forms of experience. Contributions to organizational learning theory, institutional theory and regulatory policy are discussed.
FAVOURING FRIENDS
Authors: Brañas‐Garza Pablo , Durán Miguel A. , Espinosa María Paz
Published: March 2011

This paper focuses on the friendship effect on donations in a dictator game. Our results indicate that the taste for altruism is substantially increased when friends play the role of recipients. Controlling for reciprocity there is still a significant friendship effect on donations.
DISPLAYING UNCERTAIN INFORMATION ABOUT PROBABILITY: EXPERIMENTAL EVIDENCE
Authors: Morone Andrea , Ozdemir Ozlem
Published: March 2011

Different from previous experiments that used three representations of uncertain information for probabilities: best estimate, interval and sets of probabilities, we use visual display to represent different levels of uncertainty through varying amount of probabilistic information provided to subjects. Results confirm that the individuals’ willingness to pay is higher when a larger amount of information is available. Further, individuals are found uncertainty averse for high probability of gain and uncertainty seekers for low probability of gain. Similarities in results across different representations of uncertainty indicate that the representation tested here is a viable method for communicating uncertainty to decision makers.
TARIFF POLICY AND WELFARE IN AN INTERNATIONAL DUOPOLY WITH CONSUMER‐FRIENDLY INITIATIVE
Authors: Wang Leonard F. S. , Wang Ya‐Chin , Zhao Lihong
Published: March 2011

The purpose of this paper is to explore how strategic tariff policy and welfare are affected by the consumer‐friendly initiative of foreign exporting firms. We define a firm that is consumer‐friendly or non‐profit‐based if it considers both its own profit and consumer surplus. This paper extends Brander and Spencer by taking the consideration of consumer‐friendly firms into an international duopoly, and within such context examining the tariff policy and welfare. The consumer‐friendly initiative that leads to trade liberalization is a ‘Win‐Win‐Win’ solution in the sense that it is not only beneficial for foreign exporting firms, but also for the government and consumers of the importing country.
A New Look at Halley’s Life Table
Authors: Bellhouse David R.
Published: March 2011

Edmond Halley published his Breslau life table in 1693, which was arguably the first in the world based on population data. By putting Halley’s work into the scientific context of his day and through simple plots and calculations, new insights into Halley’s work are made. In particular, Halley tended to round his numbers and to massage his data for easier presentation and calculation. Rather than highlighting outliers as would be done in a modern analysis, Halley instead smoothed them out. Halley’s method of life table construction for early ages is examined. His lifetime distribution at higher ages, which is missing in his paper, is reconstructed and a reason is suggested for why Halley neglected to include these ages in his table.
Large Datasets, Factor‐augmented and Factor‐only Vector Autoregressive Models, and the Economic Consequences of Mrs Thatcher
Authors: KIM HYEYOEN , TAYLOR MARK P.
Published: March 2011

We investigate methods of capturing the salient characteristics of very large datasets in an investigation of UK and US macroeconomic policy, using factor‐augmented VAR (FAVAR) models. We also estimate structural factor‐only VAR (FOVAR) models and examine the impact of aggregate demand and aggregate supply. In a further empirical application, we find that while there is some evidence of increased macroeconomic flexibility in the USA as well as the UK since the late 1980s, the speed of macroeconomic adjustment is more marked in the UK economy post‐1987, possibly reflecting the UK labour market reforms of the Thatcher government in the 1980s.
Study of sunless tanning formulas using molted snake skin as an alternative membrane model
Authors: Balogh T. S. , Pedriali C. A. , Gama R. M. , de Oliveira Pinto C. A. S. , Bedin V. , Villa R. T. , Kaneko T. M. , Consiglieri V. O. , Velasco M. V. R. , Baby A. R.
Published: March 2011

Synopsis

Sunless tanning formulas have become increasingly popular in recent years for their ability to give people convincing tans without the dangers of skin cancer. Most sunless tanners currently on the market contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a keto sugar with three carbons. The temporary pigment provided by these formulasis designed to resemble a UV‐induced tan. This study evaluated the effectiveness of carbomer gels and cold process self emulsifying bases on skin pigmentation, using different concentrations of a chemical system composed of DHA and N‐acetyl tyrosine, which are found in moulted snake skins and their effectiveness was tested by Mexameter® MX 18. Eight different sunless tanning formulas were developed, four of which were gels and four of which were emulsions (base, base plus 4.0%, 5.0% and 6.0% (w/w) of a system of DHA and N‐acetyl tyrosine). Tests to determine the extent of artificial tanning were done by applying 30 mg cm−2 of each formula onto standard sizes of moulted snake skin (2.0 cm × 3.0 cm). A Mexameter® MX 18 was used to evaluate the extent of coloration in the moulted snake skin at T0 (before the application) and after 24, 48, 72, 168, 192 and 216 h. The moulted snake skins can be used as an alternative membrane model for in vitro sunless tanning efficacy tests due to their similarity to the human stratum corneum. The DHA concentration was found to influence the initiation of the pigmentation in both sunless tanning systems (emulsion and gel) as well as the time required to increases by a given amount on the tanning index. In the emulsion system, the DHA concentration also influenced the final value on the tanning index. The type of system (emulsion or gel) has no influence on the final value in the tanning index after 216 h for samples with the same DHA concentration.
Saying what you mean, meaning what you say: language, interaction and interpretation
Authors: Astor James
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  As analysts, we strive to say what we mean, which involves understanding the other person's communication, finding the appropriate form of words to articulate what we have understood, and expressing them in the tone of voice which can be heard. Meaning what we say refers to the authenticity of our response, that what we say is sincere. My theme touches on different ways of saying what we mean and how this can affect the meaning of what we say. Some of the issues are aesthetic, some grammatical. How some sentence structures lead to closing off communication while others open it.
An interview with Murray Jackson
Authors: Wiener Jan
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  Murray Jackson was among the early trainees at the Society of Analytical Psychology (SAP) drawn to Jungian ideas during the 1950s when the training was still relatively informal. He was born in Australia where he became a doctor and came to London to study psychiatry with a particular interest in psychosis. He was influenced by Michael Fordham with whom he had an analysis and his four papers, published in the Journal of Analytical Psychology in the early 1960s, contributed significantly to the growing interest in clinical technique, particularly transference, that developed in the Society at that time. Later, he retrained at the British Institute of Psychoanalysis in the Kleinian tradition and was the first consultant at the Maudsley Hospital to run a 10‐bed unit for severely mentally ill patients applying psychoanalytic principles. In April 2010, Jan Wiener interviewed Murray Jackson in France, where he now lives in retirement, about his interest and subsequent disappointment in Jungian ideas as well as his involvement with the Society of Analytical Psychology at a particular point in its history. After a brief introduction, the interview is reproduced in full.
Scleritome construction, biofacies, biostratigraphy and systematics of the tommotiid Eccentrotheca helenia sp. nov. from the Early Cambrian of South Australia
Authors: SKOVSTED CHRISTIAN B. , BROCK GLENN A. , TOPPER TIMOTHY P. , PATERSON JOHN R. , HOLMER LARS E.
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  Large collections of Eccentrotheca helenia sp. nov. from the lower Cambrian Wilkawillina and Ajax limestones in the Arrowie Basin, South Australia, contain abundant low, cap‐shaped and high, laterally compressed isolated sclerites in addition to partially articulated tubular specimens. The scleritome of Eccentrotheca helenia sp. nov. is fully described for the first time and shown to be formed by ontogenetic fusion of sclerites into successively stacked sclerite rings, forming a larger, tubular structure. The apical termination of the tube is highly variable, but is primarily constructed by low, cap‐shaped sclerites and characterised by a central aperture of variable inclination. The adapical portion of the tube is predominantly constructed by high, laterally compressed sclerites, but individual sclerite rings can contain both cap‐shaped and laterally compressed sclerites along with sclerites of intermediate morphology. The apical aperture presumably housed organic structures for attachment to a hard substrate, but the scleritome also occasionally preserves small lateral perforations between fused sclerites, which may have served to stabilise the scleritome by providing additional points of anchorage. In the Arrowie Basin, E. helenia is found in association with archaeocyath‐microbial‐spongiomorph‐dominated bioherms and most likely inhabited pendant or cryptic habitats within these bioherms. Eccentrotheca‐like sclerites form an integral part of the scleritomes of many tommotiids which may confuse taxonomic analysis. Sclerites previously assigned to ‘E.’guano, consistently occur together with sclerites of Kulparina rostrata in stratigraphic intervals consistently older than strata hosting E. helenia. Rare fused specimens indicate that the sclerites of K. rostrata and ‘E.’guano belong to the same scleritome.
A new species of watering pot shell (Bivalvia: Anomalodesmata: Clavagelloidea) from the Miocene of the Murray Basin, South Australia
Authors: YATES ADAM M.
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  A new species of penicillid watering pot shell, Kendrickiana coquinacola sp. nov., is described from the middle Miocene (Balcombian) Bryant Creek Formation of the Murray Basin, South Australia. The new species differs from the extant K. veitchi in its smaller size, much shorter posterior tube, fewer tubules in the anterior watering pot structure, absence of the pedal slit, discontinuous dorsolateral bands of pitted muscle scars on the internal surface of the anterior bulb and habit of cementing itself to the shells in its surrounding environment. The fossil record of Kendrickiana is reviewed. The record from the Dry Creek Sands is discounted, while a record for the extant K. veitchi from the earliest Pleistocene of York Peninsula is added. K. coquinacola indicates the highly derived anatomy of the genus evolved over a 10‐Ma period from the late Oligocene through the early Miocene.
Postcranial morphology, functional adaptations and palaeobiology of Callistoe vincei, a predaceous metatherian from the Eocene of Salta, north‐western Argentina
Authors: ARGOT CHRISTINE , BABOT JUDITH
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  Callistoe vincei Babot et al., 2002 is a Paleogene borhyaenoid known from exceptionally complete postcranial elements, which provides rare information about the anatomy and evolutionary history of metatherian predators during the South American Cenozoic. The axial skeleton of Callistoe is characterized by the peculiar transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae emphasizing lateral instead of sagittal traction. There is no clavicle and eighteen thoracolumbar vertebrae, of which only five are lumbars. The shoulder and elbow joints suggest movements restricted to parasagittal flexion/extension that are consistent with primarily terrestrial locomotion, as is also emphasized in Borhyaena tuberata and Lycopsis longirostrus. On the manus, the pollex is not reduced and the ungual phalanges indicate very long claws, similar to those observed in some extant digging taxa. This feature is unique to C. vincei among borhyaenoids. The knee joint is characterized by the presence of ossified patellae but shallow femoral trochleae. This joint suggests that the leg was nearly parasagittal, a position also inferred for Borhyaena. The astragalus shape is consistent with parasagittal flexion/extension, as in all Miocene–Pliocene borhyaenoids. The hind foot is characterized by reduced claws in comparison with the manus as well as the slenderness of the first and fifth digits, another peculiarity of C. vincei. The habitat of Callistoe was a temperate humid forest and according to the known fossil record, Callistoe was the largest mammalian predator of its time, sharing the predator ecological niche with crocodiles.
Cytogenetic studies in peripheral blood of bovines afflicted by papillomatosis
Authors: Melo T. C. , Diniz N. , Campos S. R. C. , Ferraz O. P. , Lindsey C. J. , Rieger T. T. , Beçak W. , Stocco R. C.
Published: March 2011

Ten types of bovine papillomavirus (BPV) have been described and there are reports of viral transmission via blood. The presence of viral DNA in lymphocytes was described to be associated with chromosome instability in these cells. This study presents an evaluation of chromosome instability in short‐term peripheral lymphocyte cultures from cows presenting skin papillomatosis, compared with asymptomatic infected animals and non‐infected healthy bovines. In a total of 2203 cells, 918 (42%) showed at least one chromosome aberration: 42.7 (±7.8) in animals with papillomatosis (BPV + W), 40.2 (±11) in asymptomatic animals (BPV − W) and 4 (±2) in control animals. Significant differences were found between the infected group (with or without symptoms) and the control group (P < 0.0001). The increased frequencies of chromosome aberrations suggest an interaction between the virus and host cell chromatin.
The Effects of Intermittent Electrical Stimulation on the Prevention of Deep Tissue Injury: Varying Loads and Stimulation Paradigms
Authors: Curtis Cara Anne , Chong Su Ling , Kornelsen Isaak , Uwiera Richard R.E. , Seres Peter , Mushahwar Vivian K.
Published: March 2011

A pressure ulcer is a medical complication that arises in persons with decreased mobility and/or sensation. Deep pressure ulcers starting at the bone–muscle interface are the most dangerous, as they can cause extensive damage before showing any signs at the skin surface. We previously proposed a novel intervention called intermittent electrical stimulation (IES) for the prevention of deep tissue injury (DTI). In this study, we tested the effects of four paradigms of IES and one conventional pressure relief paradigm in preventing the formation of deep pressure ulcers in rats. Loading equivalent to 18, 28, or 38% of the body weight (BW) of each rat was applied to the triceps surae muscle in one hind limb. Treatment groups received IES every 10 min for either (i) 5 or 10 s with moderate or maximal contraction, or (ii) complete pressure removal every 10 min for 10 s (conventional pressure relief). The results showed that conventional pressure relief, emulating a wheelchair push‐up every 10 min, was inadequate for the prevention of DTI. In contrast, all IES paradigms were equally effective in significantly reducing the extent of deep muscle damage caused by 28 or 38% BW pressure application. These findings suggest that, in conjunction with existing techniques, IES may be an effective intervention for the prophylactic prevention of DTI.
Functional Electrical Stimulation Therapy for Grasping in Traumatic Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Kapadia Naaz M. , Zivanovic Vera , Furlan Julio , Craven B. Cathy , McGillivray Colleen , Popovic Milos R.
Published: March 2011

The purpose of this single‐site randomized control trial was to assess the short‐term and long‐term efficacy of functional electrical stimulation (FES) therapy over conventional occupational therapy in improving voluntary hand function in incomplete C4‐C7 spinal cord injury individuals. All 22 participants recruited in this randomized control trial received treatment for both the left and right upper extremities. Every participant, irrespective of group allocation, received one dose (60 min per day, 5 days per week for the duration of 8 weeks) of conventional occupational therapy for hand function. Of the 22 participants, 12 individuals received an additional dose of conventional occupational therapy, while the remaining 10 participants received a dose of FES hand therapy. The primary outcome measure was Functional Independence Measure (FIM) self‐care subscore. The secondary outcome measures were Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) self‐care subscore and Toronto Rehabilitation Institute Hand Function Test (TRI‐HFT). The participants who received FES therapy showed significantly greater improvements in hand function at discharge, and were able to maintain their gains at long‐term follow‐up as assessed using FIM self‐care subscore, SCIM self‐care subscore, and TRI‐HFT. The FES therapy effectively increased independence and thereby improved quality of life of individuals with tetraplegia when compared with conventional occupational therapy.
Including Nonideal Behavior in Simulations of Functional Electrical Stimulation Applications
Authors: Lynch Cheryl L. , Graham Geoff M. , Popovic Milos R.
Published: March 2011

Simulations of functional electrical stimulation (FES) systems are usually based on the typical or ideal stimulated muscle response, which may result in an overly optimistic prediction of the FES system's performance in real‐world applications. We have developed a Simulink block that allows actual nonideal behavior of electrically stimulated muscles to be incorporated into existing FES simulations. This block is based on data collected from complete spinal cord injuries (SCI) subjects, and it modifies the nominal stimulated muscle response to reflect undesirable behavior seen in real‐world FES applications, including spasms, tremors, and fatigue. The severity of each type of undesirable behavior can be specified by the user. In this paper, we discuss the design of the block and also present an example of how the block can be used to more accurately assess the probable real‐world performance of FES systems prior to testing with SCI subjects.
Artificial Organs 2010: A Year in Review
Authors: Malchesky Paul S.
Published: March 2011

In this Editor's Review, articles published in 2010 are organized by category and briefly summarized. As the official journal of The International Federation for Artificial Organs, The International Faculty for Artificial Organs, and the International Society for Rotary Blood Pumps, Artificial Organs continues in the original mission of its founders “to foster communications in the field of artificial organs on an international level.”Artificial Organs continues to publish developments and clinical applications of artificial organ technologies in this broad and expanding field of organ Replacement, Recovery, and Regeneration from all over the world. We take this time also to express our gratitude to our authors for offering their work to this journal. We offer our very special thanks to our reviewers who give so generously of time and expertise to review, critique, and especially provide such meaningful suggestions to the author's work whether eventually accepted or rejected and especially to those whose native tongue is not English. Without these excellent and dedicated reviewers the quality expected from such a journal could not be possible. We also express our special thanks to our Publisher, Wiley‐Blackwell, for their expert attention and support in the production and marketing of Artificial Organs. In this Editor's Review, that historically has been widely received by our readership, we aim to provide a brief reflection of the currently available worldwide knowledge that is intended to advance and better human life while providing insight for continued application of technologies and methods of organ Replacement, Recovery, and Regeneration. We look forward to recording further advances in the coming years.
Cortical Thickness, Surface Area, and Volume of the Brain Reward System in Alcohol Dependence: Relationships to Relapse and Extended Abstinence
Authors: Durazzo Timothy C. , Tosun Duygu , Buckley Shannon , Gazdzinski Stefan , Mon Anderson , Fryer Susanna L. , Meyerhoff Dieter J.
Published: March 2011

Background:  At least 60% of those treated for an alcohol use disorder will relapse. Empirical study of the integrity of the brain reward system (BRS) is critical to understanding the mechanisms of relapse as this collection of circuits is implicated in the development and maintenance of all forms of addictive disorders. This study compared thickness, surface area, and volume in neocortical components of the BRS among nonsmoking light‐drinking controls (controls), individuals who remained abstinent and those who relapsed after treatment.

Methods:  Seventy‐five treatment‐seeking alcohol‐dependent individuals (abstinent for 7 ± 3 days) and 43 controls completed 1.5T proton magnetic resonance imaging studies. Parcellated morphological data were obtained for following bilateral components of the BRS: rostral and caudal anterior cingulate cortex, insula, medial and lateral orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), rostral and caudal middle and superior frontal gyri, amygdala and hippocampus as well as for 26 other bilateral neocortical regions. Alcohol‐dependent participants were followed over 12‐months after baseline study and were classified as abstainers (no alcohol consumption; n = 24) and relapsers (any alcohol consumption; n = 51) at follow‐up.

Results:  Relapsers and abstainers demonstrated lower cortical thickness in the vast majority of BRS regions as well as lower global thickness compared to controls. Relapsers had lower total BRS surface area than both controls and abstainers, but abstainers were not significantly different from controls on any surface area measure. Relapsers demonstrated lower volumes than controls in the majority of regions, while abstainers showed lower volumes than controls in the superior frontal gyrus, insula, amygdala, and hippocampus, bilaterally. Relapsers exhibited smaller volumes than abstainers in the right rostral middle and caudal middle frontal gyri and the lateral OFC, bilaterally. In relapsers, lower baseline volumes and surface areas in multiple regions were associated with a greater magnitude of post‐treatment alcohol consumption.

Conclusions:  Results suggest relapsers demonstrated morphological abnormalities in regions involved in the “top down” regulation/modulation of internal drive states, emotions, reward processing, and behavior, which may impart increased risk for the relapse/remit cycle that afflicts many with an alcohol use disorder. Results also highlight the importance of examining both cortical thickness and surface area to better understand the nature of regional volume loss frequently observed in alcohol use disorders. Results from this report are consistent with previous research implicating plastic neurobiological changes in the BRS in the maintenance of addictive disorders.
An Industry in the Making: The Emergence of Institutional Elder Care in Urban China
Authors: Feng Zhanlian , Zhan Heying Jenny , Feng Xiaotian , Liu Chang , Sun Mingyue , Mor Vincent
Published: March 2011

Demographic shifts in China pose unprecedented challenges in the care of a rapidly growing older population. Sporadic reports suggest the recent emergence of institutional elder care in China, but little is currently known about this phenomenon. This study documents the growth, ownership, financing, staffing, and resident characteristics of elder care institutions using survey data collected in 2009 from Nanjing, China, supplemented with government registry data from seven additional major Chinese cities. Between one‐half and two‐thirds of facilities operating in these cities were founded in the last decade, primarily in the non‐government sector. In Nanjing, government ownership dominated homes built before 1990 (96%) but was increasingly rare in the 1990s (60%) and in the 2000s (23%), a pattern observed in the other seven cities as well. In Nanjing, the average home now draws more than 80% of its daily operating revenues from private‐pay or other non‐government sources, and this share increases sharply with the recency of facility establishment. The majority (85%) of non‐government‐owned homes are receiving ongoing per‐bed subsidies from the government. The lack of clinical staff characterizes the majority of study facilities; most care staff are rural migratory workers. There is considerable variability across facilities in the case‐mix of residents in terms of functional dependence and acuity levels. These findings portray the emergence and rapid growth of a nascent industry of institutional long‐term care in urban China and a fundamental shift in institutional ownership, financing, and clientele.
Geriatric Conditions, Medication Use, and Risk of Adverse Drug Events in a Predominantly Male, Older Veteran Population
Authors: Steinman Michael A. , Lund Brian C. , Miao Yinghui , Boscardin W. John , Kaboli Peter J.
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether geriatric conditions and functional impairment are independent risk factors for adverse drug events (ADEs).

DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.

SETTING: Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred seventy‐seven veterans aged 65 and older and taking five or more medications.

MEASUREMENTS: Geriatric conditions and functional status were assessed using participant interviews and structured assessments at study baseline. ADEs were elicited during participant interviews 3 and 12 months after study enrollment using validated methods.

RESULTS: The strong majority (97%) of participants were male, with a mean age of 74±5; 123 (33%) had one or more dependencies in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Over the 1‐year study period, 126 participants (33%) developed 167 ADEs. Upon multivariable analysis, risk of ADEs was not associated with any of the geriatric conditions that there was sufficient power to evaluate, including IADL function, cognitive impairment, depression, visual impairment, incontinence, constipation, and a summative measure of geriatric burden comprising the above and history of falls or gait instability. In exploratory analyses, the strongest factor associated with ADEs was the number of drugs added to a participant's medication regimen during the 1‐year study period (incidence rate ratio 1.11 per each added drug, 95% confidence interval=1.03–1.19).

CONCLUSION: Common geriatric conditions and IADL function were not associated with ADEs in a predominantly male, older veteran population. Although it is important to consider the unique circumstances of each participant, excessive caution in prescribing to older adults with these geriatric conditions may not be warranted.
Range size patterns in European freshwater trematodes
Authors: Thieltges David W. , Hof Christian , Borregaard Michael K. , Matthias Dehling D. , Brändle Martin , Brandl Roland , Poulin Robert
Published: March 2011

While patterns in geographic range sizes in free‐living species have received much attention, little is known on the corresponding patterns in parasites. For the first time, we report on patterns in geographic range sizes and dimensions of endoparasites, using published species lists of freshwater trematodes in 25 biogeographical regions of Europe. In general, the range sizes of trematodes showed a typical hollow curve frequency distribution, with most species having small ranges. Contrary to expectations, there were no differences in range sizes among trematodes using hosts with high (birds) and limited dispersal capacity (e.g. fish). This suggests that the well known importance of host dispersal capacity for parasite dispersal at small spatial scales is overridden by other factors on larger scales. Regression analyses and Rohde plots showed that the relationship between the latitudinal centre and trematode range size was hump‐shaped in all host groups except for reptiles, for which it was linear. Most of the variation fell within the expectations given by null models, suggesting that the patterns mainly result from the geographic properties of the European continent and the biogeographical regions. Finally, trematode ranges tended to stretch more in east‐west than in north‐south directions, indicating dispersal barrier effects for parasite faunas, probably resulting from the geographical idiosyncrasies of the European continent.