bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in Paternal Responsiveness of Prairie Voles (Microtus ochrogaster) in Response to Olfactory Cues and Continuous Physical Contact with a Female
Authors: Jean‐Baptiste Natacha , Terleph Thomas A. , Bamshad Maryam
Published: November 2008

In mammals, paternal care is rarely displayed, and we know little about the mechanisms regulating this behavior. Prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) are ideal mammals for the study of paternal behavior because they are a monogamous, bi‐parental species that is easily raised in the laboratory. Paternal responsiveness occurs at moderate levels in sexually‐naive voles and is heightened following a short cohabitation period of 72 h with a female. To determine how increased levels of paternal care are maintained after the initial cohabitation period, we tested the paternal behavior of males that were housed in isolation, were in physical contact with a female, or were exposed to various olfactory cues. The results indicate that the absence of odor cues from a female did not diminish the male’s motivation to care for infants following the initial cohabitation period. In contrast, odor cues from a male appeared to negatively influence the male’s paternal tendencies. The data also show that males that had continuous physical contact with a female spent more time responding paternally and more time hovering over the young compared to males that were housed alone. Together, these results suggest that although paternal behavior is maximized in response to continuous physical contact with females, olfactory cues may not be necessary for the maintenance of heightened paternal behavior.
Resistance to Xanthomonas spp. in Tomato: Diallel Analysis and Gene Effects Estimative in a Breeding Programme Carried out in Brazil
Authors: Souza Marcelo Francisco Mendes de , Rodrigues Rosana , Amaral Júnior Antonio Teixeira do , Sudré Cláudia Pombo
Published: November 2008

Tomato bacterial spot, caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria [Applied Environment Microbiology71 (2005) 3581], occurs worldwide, wherever tomato is cultivated. The control in the field is hampered by the low efficiency of protective chemicals due to predominantly resistant strains to streptomycin sulphate and copper‐based products [Journal of Phytopathology147 (1999) 397]. Genetic resistance is a more promising alternative for the establishment of cultivations that are more profitable and, above all, less harmful to the ecosystem. In this study, six tomato genotypes and their hybrid diallel combinations, without the reciprocals, were investigated for their reaction to bacterial spot caused by three Xanthomonas races [Annual Review of Phytopathology36 (1998) 41]. Resistance was rated on a grade scale, and by the area under disease progress curve. The diallel analysis was performed according to Griffing [Australian Journal of Biological Sciences9 (1956) 463], Method 2, Model B. The accession UENF 157 was found to be resistant to all pathogen races and UENF 158 to T2. Resistance to T1 was observed in hybrid UENF 155 × UENF 157 and moderate resistance to T2 in UENF 155 × ’Santa Adelia’, UENF 155 × UENF 222 and UENF 157 × UENF 222. In the reaction to T1, additive gene effects were predominant and dominance effects in the resistance to T3. Recessive genes contributed to reduce the manifestation of lesions of the three races as indicated by the two resistance components evaluated.
SUBENDOCARDIAL VIABILITY INDEX IS RELATED TO THE DIASTOLIC/SYSTOLIC TIME RATIO AND LEFT VENTRICULAR FILLING PRESSURE, NOT TO AORTIC PRESSURE: AN INVASIVE STUDY IN RESTING HUMANS
Authors: Chemla Denis , Nitenberg Alain , Teboul Jean‐Louis , Richard Christian , Monnet Xavier , Le Clesiau Hervé , Valensi Paul , Brahimi Mabrouk
Published: November 2008

The myocardial perfusion relative to left ventricular (LV) workload may be estimated by the subendocardial viability index (SVI). The SVI is a pressure–time integral ratio: the numerator is the area between aortic and LV pressures during diastolic time (DT) and the denominator is the area under the LV pressure curve during systolic time (ST). New non‐invasive tonometric devices allow estimation of SVI but neglect LV end‐diastolic pressure (LVEDP) in the calculation. The aim of the present study was to determine the haemodynamic correlates of SVI and to test the effects of neglecting LVEDP on SVI estimation.

High‐fidelity pressures were recorded at rest at the aortic root and LV level in 38 subjects (33 men/five women; mean (±SD) age 47 ± 14 years; nine controls and 29 patients with various cardiac diseases). The SVI (1.16 ± 0.28) was positively correlated with the DT/ST ratio (1.71 ± 0.35; r2 = 0.81) and was negatively correlated with LVEDP (15 ± 7 mmHg; multiple r2 = 0.94). The SVI was not related to aortic pressure (mean, pulse, mean systolic, mean diastolic). In 17 patients with LVEDP > 14 mmHg, the SVI calculated assuming zero LVEDP was 33 ± 15% higher (range 16–70%) than the actual SVI.

The DT/ST ratio was the main determinant of the myocardial perfusion relative to cardiac workload and accounted for 81% of SVI variability, whereas aortic pressure did not contribute. Although LVEDP accounted for only 13% of SVI variability, it should be taken into account in the non‐invasive calculation of SVI in patients with known or suspected increases in LV filling pressure.
Immunohistochemical staining with newly developed metallothionein fragment antibodies against NH2‐terminal, middle‐regional and COOH‐terminal peptides in rabbits
Authors: Nakazato Kyoumi , Nakajima Katsuyuki , Kusakabe Takahiko , Suzuki Keiji , Nagamine Takeaki
Published: November 2008

Metallothionein (MT) has been reported to play important physiological roles in the human body, but the distribution and significance of MT is not fully understood. In order to analyze MT expression, three kinds of polyclonal MT fragment antibodies were developed against NH2‐terminal, middle regional and COOH‐terminal peptide followed by human MT‐IA amino acid sequence in rabbits. The characteristics of these antibodies were studied using competitive immunoassay and immunohistochemical staining. The NH2‐terminal antibody (anti‐MT‐N) had the strongest and clearest immunoreactivity to human and mouse tissues, while COOH‐terminal antibody (anti‐MT‐C) showed species difference because of the 4 amino acid difference in the MT fragment peptide between human and mouse. No reactivity was detected using middle regional residue antibody (anti‐MT‐M) both on competitive immunoassay and on immunostaining. These results suggest that anti‐MT‐N is the most applicable antibody to use for immunohistochemistry in human, mouse and other specimens.
Carcinoma showing thymus‐like differentiation (CASTLE) with neuroendocrine differentiation
Authors: Yamazaki Manabu , Fujii Satoshi , Daiko Hiroyuki , Hayashi Ryuichi , Ochiai Atsushi
Published: November 2008

Carcinoma showing thymus‐like differentiation (CASTLE) is a rare malignant neoplasm that histologically resembles thymic carcinoma and arises in the thyroid gland or adjacent soft tissue of the neck. Herein is reported the case of a 62‐year‐old male patient with CASTLE exhibiting neuroendocrine differentiation, who was treated with total pharyngolaryngo‐esophagectomy and total thyroidectomy. Gross examination of the surgical specimen showed a grayish‐white, solid, lobulated tumor, mainly located between the trachea and esophagus, and involving the lower part of the left thyroid lobe. Histologically, the tumor consisted of epithelial cell nests separated by thick fibrous septa. The tumor cells were polygonal in shape, and contained pale cytoplasm and a vesicular nucleus with prominent nucleoli. There were few mitotic figures. Rosette‐like arrangements that suggested neuroendocrine differentiation were observed in part of the tumor. The tumor cells were positive for CD5 and neuroendocrine markers including synaptophysin and chromogranin A.
Gallbladder adenocarcinoma arising in Rokitansky–Aschoff sinus
Authors: Terada Tadashi
Published: November 2008

Carcinoma arising from Rokitansky–Aschoff sinus (RAS) is extremely rare; only eight cases have been reported in the literature. Herein is reported a case of minute adenocarcinoma arising in RAS. A 77‐year‐old Japanese man with gallbladder stones underwent cholecystectomy. A tiny submucosal tumor (1 cm × 1 cm) was incidentally recognized. Histologically, the submucosal tumor was located in the subserosa and, to a lesser extent, in the fibromuscular layer. It was adenocarcinoma. RAS were recognized within the tumor, and there was a gradual transition between RAS and the adenocarcinoma. Mucin histochemistry indicated neutral and acidic mucins in the cytoplasm and lumens of the adenocarcinoma cells. Immunohistochemistry showed that the adenocarcinoma cells were positive for cytokeratin, epithelial membrane antigen, carbohydrate antigen 19‐9, K‐i67 (labeling = 80%), MUC1, MUC5AC and MUC6. In contrast, the adenocarcinoma cells were negative for CEA, c‐erbB2, p53 protein, MUC2 and CD10. In summary, minute subserosal adenocarcinoma, which arose in RAS, was found incidentally; therefore careful examination of resected gallbladders is necessary.
Pulmonary hydatid disease diagnosed by bronchoscopy: A report of three cases
Authors: YILMAZ Adnan , TUNCER Leyla Yagci , DAMADOGLU Ebru , SULU Ebru , TAKIR Huriye Berk , SELVI Ummuhan Bayram
Published: November 2008

Pulmonary hydatid disease is an important clinical problem where echinococcal infection is endemic. Bronchoscopy is unnecessary in patients with pulmonary hydatid disease who present with a typical clinical picture and radiological appearance. However, it may be performed when a tumour is suspected or when the radiological picture is atypical. This case report presents three patients with pulmonary hydatid disease diagnosed by bronchoscopy. All patients were male, aged between 24 and 30 years, presented with pulmonary symptoms and had an abnormal CXR. Bronchoscopy showed whitish membraneous material in all three patients and biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of hydatid disease. Cystectomy was performed in two patients and right pneumonectomy was performed in the third because of pulmonary artery involvement. Bronchoscopy may be valuable in the diagnosis of pulmonary hydatid cyst disease in patients with atypical clinical and radiological presentations.
When and how to treat pulmonary non‐tuberculous mycobacterial diseases
Authors: THOMSON Rachel M. , YEW Wing‐Wai
Published: November 2008

Non‐tuberculous mycobacteria are ubiquitous environmental organisms that have been recognized as a cause of pulmonary infection for over 50 years. Traditionally patients have had underlying risk factors for development of disease; however, the proportion of apparently immunocompetent patients involved appears to be rising. Not all patients culture‐positive for mycobacteria will have progressive disease, making the diagnosis difficult, though criteria to aid in this process are available. The two main forms of disease are cavitary disease (usually involving the upper lobes) and fibronodular bronchiectasis (predominantly middle and lingular lobes). For patients with disease, combination antibiotic therapy for 12–24 months is generally required for successful treatment, and this may be accompanied by drug intolerances and side‐effects. Published success rates range from 30% to 82%. As the progression of disease is variable, for some patients, attention to pulmonary hygiene and underlying diseases without immediate antimycobacterial therapy may be more appropriate. Surgery can be a useful adjunct, though is associated with risks. Randomized controlled trials in well‐described patients would provide stronger evidence‐based data to guide therapy of non‐tuberculous mycobacteria lung diseases, and thus are much needed.
Falls among community‐dwelling elderly people of Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Kojima Satoru , Furuna Taketo , Ikeda Nozomu , Nakamura Mariko , Sawada Yuji
Published: November 2008

Background:  Although the circumstances surrounding falls among community‐dwelling elderly people have been described by numerous studies, there are few that have reported falls in the northern regions of Japan, such as Hokkaido, that experience a severe winter with heavy snow. As a preliminary study, we surveyed the circumstances of falls among community‐dwelling elderly people in Hokkaido with a self‐administered questionnaire.

Methods:  Residents living in private homes throughout Hokkaido were randomly contacted by telephone and those aged over 65 years were recruited for this study. In all, 1000 subjects participated in the survey. A questionnaire was used to obtain the histories of falls, including the number of falls, the season and place of occurrence, and the cause of the falls in the year prior to the survey.

Results:  Of the 1000 subjects, 849 (436 men and 413 women; mean age, 73.0 years) completed the questionnaire. Among the 849 subjects, 277 (32.6%) fell at least once during the year of the survey. Of these 277 subjects, 155 subjects (56.0%) experienced two or more falls in the year. Approximately 60% of the falls occurred during the winter. The most common location where falls occurred was on roads or sidewalks, and slipping was the most prevalent cause.

Conclusion:  Our findings revealed several aspects regarding the circumstances surrounding falls among community‐dwelling elderly people in Hokkaido.
Co‐administration of l‐cystine and l‐theanine enhances efficacy of influenza vaccination in elderly persons: Nutritional status‐dependent immunogenicity
Authors: Miyagawa Koichi , Hayashi Yoshimitsu , Kurihara Shigekazu , Maeda Akiko
Published: November 2008

Aim:  The immune response to influenza vaccine is attenuated in elderly persons, though they are at greatest risk for morbidity and mortality by influenza virus infection. Experimental studies demonstrate that co‐administration of l‐cystine and l‐theanine enhanced antigen‐specific production of immunoglobulin in aged mice infected with influenza virus. We thus investigated the effect of l‐cystine and l‐theanine on antibody induction by influenza vaccines in elderly persons.

Methods:  Residents in a nursing home were randomly allocated to l‐cystine and l‐theanine (n = 32) or placebo (n = 33). The test substances were administered p.o. for 14 days before immunization. Serum influenza virus antibody titers were measured before and 4 weeks after vaccination.

Results:  Vaccination significantly elevated hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titers for all the three strains of influenza viruses (A/New Caledonia [H1N1], A/New York [H3N2] and B/Shanghai) in both groups. HI titers after vaccination were not significantly different between the two groups for either strain. Also, the seroconversion rate was not significantly different between the two groups in the aggregate. A stratified analysis showed that the rate of seroconversion was significantly greater in the l‐cystine and l‐theanine group compared with the placebo group for influenza virus A (H1N1) among subjects with low serum total protein (63% vs 10%, P < 0.05) or low hemoglobin (71% vs 9%, P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  Co‐administration of l‐cystine and l‐theanine before vaccination may enhance the immune response to influenza vaccine in elderly subjects with low serum total protein or hemoglobin.
Water‐ versus land‐based exercise effects on physical fitness in older women
Authors: Bocalini Danilo S , Serra Andrey J , Murad Neif , Levy Rozeli F
Published: November 2008

Aim:  The effectiveness of a water‐based exercise (WE) program and a walking on land (WL) program was evaluated in older women (aged 62–65 years).

Methods:  Fifty healthy sedentary women were randomly assigned to sedentary (S), WE and WL groups. The two groups were exercised for 12 weeks at 70% of the age‐predicted maximum heart rate (HR). The subjects were evaluated before and after the training period, and measurements of bodyweight, HR at rest, maximum aerobic power (VO2max mL/kg per min) and neuromuscular performance (upper and lower body strength; agility; upper and lower body flexibility) were included.

Results:  After training, bodyweight was unchanged in both programs. The WE decreased the HR at rest by 10%. Both WE and WL enhanced VO2max by 42% and 32%, respectively. However, for the WE group the VO2max values were significantly higher compared with the WL group (P < 0.05). All neuromuscular parameters improved after exercise, but only the WE group showed a significant improvement on the upper body strength and lower body flexibility. Besides, the upper and lower body strength and upper and lower body flexibility were significantly higher in the WE group compared with the WL group (P < 0.05), respectively.

Conclusions:  Current results indicate that the WE and WL programs improved the cardiorespiratory and neuromuscular fitness of older women. Furthermore, when the effectiveness of the training programs were compared, it was verified that the WE program was more powerful in inducing changes in physical fitness versus the WL program.
Changes in children's fatigue during the course of treatment for paediatric cancer
Authors: Perdikaris P. , Merkouris A. , Patiraki E. , Papadatou D. , Vasilatou‐Kosmidis H. , Matziou V.
Published: November 2008

Background:  Fatigue is described as one of the most distressing symptoms of cancer therapy; yet it has received limited clinical attention. Children are suffering from a symptom that is under‐diagnosed during their treatment.

Aim:  The aim of this study is: (a) to assess the change in fatigue scores during cancer treatment according to children's perspectives, and (b) to describe the possible causes of fatigue from children's points of view.

Sample and methods:  The present study is part of an ongoing prospective study. The research group consisted of 40 (n = 40) children aged 7–12 years with cancer who are being followed up in the oncology clinic of a Greek children's hospital. After parental consent was obtained, data were collected using the Child Fatigue Scale and a sociodemographic data form.

Results:  The children with cancer reported a statistically significant increase in fatigue scores during their treatment (F = 6.846, P = 0.003). Gender was the only demographic factor associated with a significant increase in the fatigue scores (F = 4.857, P = 0.034).

Conclusions:  Cancer treatment was found significantly to increase children's fatigue levels. Medical procedures and the hospital environment seemed to be major causative factors of the fatigue experienced by children with cancer during their treatment.
Improving the transfer to secondary school: how every child's voice can matter
Authors: ASHTON REBECCA
Published: November 2008

Children in their final year of primary school (Year 6) were asked about their experiences of transition to high school so far. This multi‐method study included questionnaires, discussion, drawing and writing. The children raised a range of issues including mixed feelings; friends; bullying; getting lost; race; being the only child from their primary school; teachers; growing up; and school choice. Learning issues were rarely raised, suggesting that the social aspects of the move are most important for children at the end of Year 6. Most students wanted as much experience of their new school as possible, before they start attending there as a pupil. A key finding from this study is that children can be a very valuable resource in improving transition. Given accessible opportunities, which need not take up large amounts of time or resources, all children can inform the transition process and contribute to ongoing improvement.
Anaphora by Phase
Authors: Carlos Quicoli A.
Published: November 2008

Abstract. This article provides evidence based on the phenomenon of reconstruction asymmetry in English, and anaphoric clitics in Romance to show that binding conditions—more specifically condition A—apply cyclically on the basis of information contained at the level of the syntactic phase. Given that cyclicity is a property of derivations, the facts analyzed here constitute evidence in favor of an essentially “derivational” approach to binding relations based on the central concept of syntactic phase. Evidence is also presented against LF analyses, which assume a “representational” approach to binding, and against an alternative derivational approach, which assumes that binding principles apply at arbitrary points in the syntactic derivation.
Binding, Phases, and Locality
Authors: Lee‐Schoenfeld Vera
Published: November 2008

Abstract.  The central issue addressed here is syntactic locality, and the main proposal is that movement and anaphoric relations are governed by a unified concept of locality. The specific phenomena to be investigated are (i) infinitive constructions, in particular, Accusativus cum Infinitivo (AcI) complements, (ii) the German Possessor Dative Construction (PDC), with a dative nominal playing the role of both possessor and affectee, and (iii) binding, the conditions under which reflexive and nonreflexive pronouns may occur. The focus is mainly on binding and how to account for instances of noncomplementarity, but also on the PDC, which can be analyzed as possessor raising. Ultimately, it will become clear that the unifying principle of locality must be the phase, and that phasehood determines the transparency/opacity of phrases (CP, vP, DP, and PP) for both movement and anaphoric relations.
Factors associated with viral rebound among highly treatment‐experienced HIV‐positive patients who have achieved viral suppression
Authors: Smith CJ , Phillips AN , Dauer B , Johnson MA , Lampe FC , Youle MS , Tyrer M , Staszewski S
Published: November 2008

Objective

More and more highly treatment‐experienced patients are achieving viral suppression. However, the durability of suppression remains unclear.

Methods

Patients from Royal Free Hospital (London, UK) and JW Goethe University Hospital (Frankfurt, Germany) who had failed ≥1 antiretroviral (ARV) regimen in all three main drug classes and ≥3 previous ARV regimens and subsequently achieved viral load <50 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL were included. They were followed until stopping pre‐combination antiretroviral therapy, end of follow‐up or viral rebound (two viral loads >400 copies/mL).

Results

Two hundred and forty‐seven patients contributed 723 person‐years and 114 viral rebounds [rate=15.8 per 100 person‐years; 95% confidence interval (CI) 12.9–18.7]. More recent calendar years of viral suppression [relative risk (RR)=0.90 per year later; 95% CI 0.81–1.00; P=0.05] and greater number of ARVs in the regimen not previously failed (RR=0.78 per 1 ARV more; 95% CI 0.65–0.95; P=0.01) were associated with lower viral rebound rates. At 0–1, 1–2, 2–3 and >3 years after achieving suppression, the rebound rates were 30.9, 9.2, 4.3 and 3.5 per 100 person‐years, respectively. Compared to 0–1 years, the adjusted RRs (95% CIs) after 1–2, 2–3 and >3 years were 0.33 (0.18–0.58), 0.21 (0.09–0.48) and 0.14 (0.06–0.33), respectively (P<0.0001).

Conclusions

Although rebound rates are high, especially in the first year after viral suppression, this risk reduces substantially if highly treatment‐experienced patients can maintain viral suppression.
Predictors of severe hepatic steatosis using abdominal ultrasound in HIV‐infected patients
Authors: Ryan P , Blanco F , García‐Gascó P , García‐Merchán JA , Vispo E , Barreiro P , Labarga P , González‐Lahoz J , Soriano V
Published: November 2008

Objective

Multiple factors may lead to hepatic steatosis (HS) in HIV‐positive patients. HS may result in severe liver damage on its own and/or by accelerating the progression of chronic viral hepatitis B or C.

Methods

The sensitivity/specificity of liver ultrasound (US) to recognize severe HS is above 85%. A cross‐sectional case–control study of all HIV out‐patients who underwent liver US since 2004 was conducted at our institution.

Results

Eight hundred and thirty (36.1%) out of 2300 HIV‐positive patients on regular follow‐up underwent liver US during the study period. Severe HS was diagnosed in 108 (13%) patients. A total of 117 matched HIV controls lacking HS were selected randomly. In patients with severe HS, we found significantly higher values of body mass index (BMI), plasma viral load, serum glucose, alkaline phosphatase, triglycerides and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, as well as significantly higher prevalence of diabetes, elevated alcohol consumption, lipohypertrophy and advanced liver fibrosis. Furthermore, a trend towards longer exposure to nucleoside analogues was noticed. In the multivariate analysis, only elevated alcohol consumption [odds ratio (OR) 7, P=0.013], lipohypertrophy (OR 5.3, P=0.008), plasma viral load (OR 2.1, P=0.02), BMI (OR 1.2, P=0.013) and serum glucose (OR 1.03, P=0.027) were significantly associated with severe HS.

Conclusions

Severe HS in HIV‐positive patients is associated with predisposing factors that are similar to those of HIV‐negative individuals. However, its characteristic association with elevated plasma viral load might suggest a direct involvement of HIV in liver fat deposition. Therefore, the benefit of controlling HIV replication with antiretroviral therapy should be balanced against its effect of occasionally inducing metabolic abnormalities and lipodystrophy.
Low prevalence of insulin resistance among HIV‐infected children receiving nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor‐based highly active antiretroviral therapy in Thailand
Authors: Lee B , Aurpibul L , Sirisanthana V , Mangklabruks A , Sirisanthana T , Puthanakit T
Published: November 2008

Background

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is reported to cause insulin resistance among adults, but effects on children are less clear. We attempted to describe the prevalence of insulin resistance among HIV‐infected children receiving HAART.

Methods

Insulin resistance was assessed at 96 weeks of treatment with nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)‐based HAART (nevirapine or efavirenz with stavudine and lamivudine) among children in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Insulin resistance was defined as homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) ≥3.16, fasting c‐peptide ≥4.40 ng/mL or fasting insulin ≥25.0 μU/mL. Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) was defined as glucose ≥110 mg/dL. Measurements were analysed for associations with age, lipodystrophy, treatment regimen and clinical data.

Results

The prevalence of insulin resistance was 6.5%; no child had IFG. Those with insulin resistance were older with higher body mass index. Children ≥10 years had higher HOMA‐IR, c‐peptide and insulin, but no difference was seen in the frequency of insulin resistance. No associations between insulin resistance and lipodystrophy or treatment regimen were detected.

Conclusions

Insulin resistance is uncommon among children receiving NNRTI‐based HAART and is unrelated to lipodystrophy.
Emergency Psychiatric Services for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities: Caregivers’ Perspectives
Authors: Weiss Jonathan A. , Lunsky Yona , Gracey Carolyn , Canrinus Maaike , Morris Susan
Published: November 2008

Background  Strains on the mental health system and inaccessible services for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) often force caregivers to bring individuals with ID to the emergency department (ED) when in psychiatric crisis. The purpose of this study was to understand the experience of caregivers and adults with ID and mental health issues, according to caregivers’ perspectives.

Method  Focus groups were conducted with one group of unpaid caregivers (i.e. family members) and two groups of paid caregivers (i.e. staff from community agencies) from Ontario, Canada.

Results  Caregivers identified a number of issues centering on a lack of services, on respect, on knowledge and on expertise. Diagnostic overshadowing and overmedication were also prevalent concerns.

Conclusions  Input from caregivers points to deficiencies in the system that lead them to use the ED when other options have been exhausted. A number of recommendations can be implemented to improve the emergency psychiatric care of adults with ID in the ED.
A Command Gap? A Practitioner's Analysis of the Value of Comparisons Between the UK's Military and Emergency Services' Command and Control Models in the Context of UK Resilience Operations
Authors: Arbuthnot Kevin
Published: November 2008

The ‘Gold, Silver and Bronze model of incident command incidents equates to hierarchical levels of command and managerial control termed ‘Strategic, Tactical and Operational’, respectively. However, the military, NATO wide, are more used to a system that defines Strategic, Operational and Tactical. Author contends that the systems are fundamentally different in scope and function, and a fuller and more complete understanding of the nature and purpose of each system is needed before they can be effectively reconciled with each other to the extent that they might become operationally useful in the field of civil emergency incident response, and the potential for an operational failure can be eradicated. A model is offered that seeks to address these issues.
Competent Yet Out in the Cold: Shifting Criteria for Hiring Reflect Backlash Toward Agentic Women
Authors: Phelan Julie E. , Moss-Racusin Corinne A. , Rudman Laurie A.
Published: November 2008

We present evidence that shifting hiring criteria reflects backlash toward agentic (“masterful”) women ( Rudman, 1998 ). Participants ( N = 428) evaluated male or female agentic or communal managerial applicants on dimensions of competence, social skills, and hireability. Consistent with past research, agentic women were perceived as highly competent but deficient in social skills, compared with agentic men. New to the present research, social skills predicted hiring decisions more than competence for agentic women; for all other applicants, competence received more weight than social skills. Thus, evaluators shifted the job criteria away from agentic women's strong suit (competence) and toward their perceived deficit (social skills) to justify hiring discrimination. The implications of these findings for women's professional success are discussed.
Assessment of the influence of age on the rate of heart rate decline after maximal exercise in non‐athletic adult males
Authors: Dimkpa U. , Ibhazehiebo K.
Published: November 2008

This study investigated the influence of age on heart rate (HR) decline after exercise in non‐athletic adult males. One hundred and fourteen adult males (66 young, 25 ± 6·26 years; 48 old, 53 ± 8·54 years) participated in the study. Subjects performed maximum‐effort ergometer exercise in incremental stages. HR was measured at rest and continuously monitored during and after exercise. Maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) was measured during the exercise using respiratory gas analyser. Body mass index (BMI) was computed from weight and height measurements, while rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was obtained immediately after the exercise. Results indicated age differences in the rate of HR decline with the young presenting significantly higher %HR decline (P<0·001) than old adults at both levels of recovery. When linearly correlated with age, the rate of HR decline in 1 and 3 min indicated variances of (52%,56%) in young adults, and (54%,49%) in the old adults. After controlling for VO2max, resting HR, BMI and RPE, the influence of age on rate of HR decline in the two phases of recovery disappeared in young. In the older adult group, it reduced greatly in the 1‐min recovery (r2 = 25%; P = 0·001) and disappeared in the 3‐min recovery. Pattern of HR recovery did not differ between the two age groups while age threshold was observed in HR recovery in 1 min. In summary, the influence that age appeared to have on the rate of HR decline could not hold when factors affecting HR recovery were taken into account.
CHINESE POVERTY: ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF ALTERNATIVE ASSUMPTIONS
Authors: Minoiu Camelia , Reddy Sanjay G.
Published: November 2008

This paper investigates how estimates of the extent and trend of consumption poverty in China between 1990 and 2004 vary as a result of alternative plausible assumptions concerning the poverty line and estimated levels of consumption. Our methodology focuses on the following sources of variation: purchasing power exchange rates (used to convert an international poverty line), alternative levels and distributions of private incomes, alternative estimates of the propensity to consume of different income groups, and alternative spatial and temporal price indices. We report national, urban and rural poverty estimates corresponding to distinct assumptions. It is widely believed that substantial poverty reduction took place in China in the 1990s, and we find this conclusion to be largely robust to the choice of assumptions, although estimates of the extent of Chinese poverty, and therefore of world poverty, in any year are greatly influenced by this choice.
Effects of logging on carbon dynamics of a jack pine forest in Saskatchewan, Canada
Authors: Howard Erica A. , Gower Stith T. , Foley Jonathan A. , Kucharik Christopher J.
Published: November 2008

We calculated carbon budgets for a chronosequence of harvested jack pine (Pinus banksianaLamb.) stands (0‐, 5‐, 10‐, and∼29‐year‐old) and a∼79‐year‐old stand that originated after wildfire. We measured total ecosystem C content (TEC), above‐, and belowground net primary productivity (NPP) for each stand. All values are reported in order for the 0‐, 5‐, 10‐, 29‐, and 79‐year‐old stands, respectively, for May 1999 through April 2000. Total annual NPP (NPPT) for the stands (Mg C ha−1 yr−1±1 SD) was 0.9±0.3, 1.3±0.1, 2.7±0.6, 3.5±0.3, and 1.7±0.4. We correlated periodic soil surface CO2fluxes (RS) with soil temperature to model annualRSfor the stands (Mg C ha−1 yr−1±1 SD) as 4.4±0.1, 2.4±0.0, 3.3±0.1, 5.7±0.3, and 3.2±0.2. We estimated net ecosystem productivity (NEP) as NPPTminusRH(whereRHwas calculated using a Monte Carlo approach as coarse woody debris respiration plus 30–70% of total annualRS). Excluding C losses during wood processing, NEP (Mg C ha−1 yr−1±1 SD) for the stands was estimated to be −1.9±0.7, −0.4±0.6, 0.4±0.9, 0.4±1.0, and −0.2±0.7 (negative values indicate net sources to the atmosphere.) We also calculated NEP values from the changes in TEC among stands. Only the 0‐year‐old stand showed significantly different NEP between the two methods, suggesting a possible mismatch for the chronosequence. The spatial and methodological uncertainties allow us to say little for certain except that the stand becomes a source of C to the atmosphere following logging.
Respiratory carbon use and carbon storage in mid‐rotation loblolly pine (Pinus taedaL.) plantations: the effect of site resources on the stand carbon balance
Authors: Maier Chris A. , Albaugh Timothy J. , Lee Allen H. , Dougherty Phillip M.
Published: November 2008

We used estimates of autotrophic respiration (RA), net primary productivity (NPP) and soil CO2evolution (Sff), to develop component carbon budgets for 12‐year‐old loblolly pine plantations during the fifth year of a fertilization and irrigation experiment. Annual carbon use inRAwas 7.5, 9.0, 15.0, and 15.1 Mg C ha−1in control (C), irrigated (I), fertilized (F) and irrigated and fertilized (IF) treatments, respectively. Foliage, fine root and perennial woody tissue (stem, branch, coarse and taproot) respiration accounted for, respectively, 37%, 24%, and 39% ofRAin C and I treatments and 38%, 12% and 50% ofRAin F and IF treatments. Annual gross primary production (GPP=NPP+RA) ranged from 13.1 to 26.6 Mg C ha−1. The I, F, and IF treatments resulted in a 21, 94, and 103% increase in GPP, respectively, compared to the C treatment. Despite large treatment differences in NPP,RA, and carbon allocation, carbon use efficiency (CUE=NPP/GPP) averaged 0.42 and was unaffected by manipulating site resources.

Ecosystem respiration (RE), the sum ofSff, and above groundRA, ranged from 12.8 to 20.2 Mg C ha−1 yr−1.Sffcontributed the largest proportion ofRE, but the relative importance ofSffdecreased from 0.63 in C treatments to 0.47 in IF treatments because of increased abovegroundRA. Aboveground woody tissueRAwas 15% ofREin C and I treatments compared to 25% ofREin F and IF treatments. Net ecosystem productivity (NEP=GPP‐RE) was roughly 0 in the C and I treatments and 6.4 Mg C ha−1 yr−1in F and IF treatments, indicating that non‐fertilized treatments were neither a source nor a sink for atmospheric carbon while fertilized treatments were carbon sinks. In these young stands, NEP is tightly linked to NPP; increased ecosystem carbon storage results mainly from an increase in foliage and perennial woody biomass.
Earlier nesting by loggerhead sea turtles following sea surface warming
Authors: Weishampel John F. , Bagley Dean A. , Ehrhart Llewellyn M.
Published: November 2008

The onset of spring, noted by the timing of wildlife migratory and breeding behaviors, has been occurring earlier over the past few decades. Here, we examine 15 years of loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta, nesting patterns along a 40.5 km beach on Florida's Atlantic coast. This small section of beach is considered to be the most important nesting area for this threatened species in the western hemisphere. From 1989 to 2003, the annual number of nests fluctuated between 13 000 and 25 000 without a conspicuous trend; however, based on a regression analysis, the median nesting date became earlier by roughly 10 days. The Julian day of median nesting was significantly correlated with near‐shore, May sea surface temperatures that warmed an average of 0.8°C over this period. This marine example from warm temperate/subtropical waters represents another response of nature to recent climate trends.
Assessment of the National Eco‐Industrial Park Standard for Promoting Industrial Symbiosis in China
Authors: Geng Yong , Zhang Pan , Côté Raymond P. , Fujita Tsuyoshi
Published: November 2008

Eco‐industrial park (EIP) projects have become more prevalent in China. In order to evaluate the performance of such innovative projects, the State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA) has set up a new national standard for EIPs, the first of its kind globally. This article examines the applicability and feasibility of the indicator system established in the standard. It first presents the details of this new standard. Then benefits and challenges in the standard's application are analyzed. The analysis shows that the new indicators are eco‐efficiency‐oriented and do not address the essence of the EIP. In the future, there will be a need to revise this set of indicators by considering the principles of eco‐industrial development and local realities in order to ensure that the indicators are indeed used to promote sustainable development of industrial parks.
In Search of Distress Risk
Authors: CAMPBELL JOHN Y. , HILSCHER JENS , SZILAGYI JAN
Published: November 2008

This paper explores the determinants of corporate failure and the pricing of financially distressed stocks whose failure probability, estimated from a dynamic logit model using accounting and market variables, is high. Since 1981, financially distressed stocks have delivered anomalously low returns. They have lower returns but much higher standard deviations, market betas, and loadings on value and small‐cap risk factors than stocks with low failure risk. These patterns are more pronounced for stocks with possible informational or arbitrage‐related frictions. They are inconsistent with the conjecture that the value and size effects are compensation for the risk of financial distress.
Alleviation of Pulmonary Hypertension by Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy is Associated with Improvement in Central Sleep Apnea
Authors: YIU KAI‐HANG , LEE KATHY LAI‐FUN , LAU CHU‐PAK , SIU CHUNG‐WAH , MIU KIN‐MAN , LAM BING , LAM JAMIE , IP MARY SAU MAN , TSE HUNG‐FAT
Published: November 2008

Background: Recent studies have demonstrated that cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) reduces sleep apnea in heart failure (HF); however, the mechanism of benefit remains unclear.

Methods: Overnight polysomnography (PSG) was performed in consecutive HF patients who were scheduled for CRT implant. Patients with sleep apnea defined by an apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) of >10/hour were recruited and underwent echocardiogram examination at baseline and 3 months after CRT.

Results: Among 37 HF patients screened, 20 patients (54%) had sleep apnea and 15 of them consented for the study. After 3 months of CRT, there was a significant improvement in New York Heart Association functional class (3.1 ± 0.1 vs 2.1 ± 0.1, P < 0.01), quality‐of‐life (QoL) score (62.9 ± 3.3 vs 56.1 ± 4.5, P = 0.02), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF, 28.8 ± 2.5% vs 38.1 ± 2.3%, P < 0.01), and reduction in pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP, 41.0 ± 2.7 vs 28.6 ± 2.2 mmHg; P < 0.01) compared with baseline. Repeated PSG after CRT demonstrated a reduction in the duration of arterial oxygen desaturation ≤95% (251.2 ± 36.7 vs 141.0 ± 37.1 minutes), AHI (27.5 ± 4.7 vs 18.1 ± 3.0, P = 0.05), and number of central sleep apnea (CSA) (7.8 ± 2.6 vs 3.0 ± 1.3/hour, P = 0.03), but not number of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA, 8.6 ± 3.3 vs 7.2 ± 2.3/hour, P = 0.65) compared to baseline. Percentage change in PASP was significantly correlated with percentage changes in LVEF (r=−0.57, P = 0.04), AHI (r = 0.5, P = 0.05), and number of CSA episodes (r = 0.55, P = 0.02).

Conclusions: The results demonstrated that CRT significantly reduces CSA in patients with HF. Importantly, we have noted a decrement of PASP correlated to drop in CSA which maybe one of the mechanisms explaining this observation. Future studies are required to confirm our finding and elucidate other possible mechanisms in this regard.
Circadian and Infradian Rhythms of Vasovagal Syncope in Young and Middle‐Aged Subjects
Authors: ZOGHI MEHDI , DUYGU HAMZA , GUNGOR HASAN , NALBANTGIL SANEM , OZERKAN FILIZ , AKILLI AZEM , AKIN MUSTAFA
Published: November 2008

Background: The most cardiovascular physiological and pathophysiological events show a circadian rhythm. It is thought that the autonomic nervous system and biologic factors play a key role in the pathogenesis of vasovagal syncope (VVS). In this study, we investigated the circadian and infradian variation of VVS.

Methods: A prospective consecutive series of 246 patients (142 women; mean age 36 ± 7 years) with recurrent syncope and with a positive head‐up tilt testing (HUT) were included in this study. The daily and weekly distributions of the syncopal episodes were investigated. The assessments of episodes were done according to the days of the week and three time periods of the day (6 a.m.–12 noon, 12 noon–6 p.m., 6 pm–12 midnight).

Results: According to the results of HUT, 76 patients (31%) had cardioinhibitory, 62 patients (25%) had vasodepressor, and 108 patients (44%) had mixed type of VVS. During the initial passive phase, 40% of patients (99/246) showed positive response. Time to syncope was 20 ± 2 minutes during HUT. The mean number of syncopal episodes was 4 ± 2/years. In all, 1,070 episodes were evaluated. The distribution of the episodes in 6‐hour intervals was significantly different from uniform occurrence (38%, 33%, and 29%, respectively) (P = 0.02). The frequency of episodes was higher in the morning (P = 0.045) and in the middle of the week (P = 0.046). A significant difference was found between week and weekend days in terms of the frequency of episodes (75.5% vs 24.5%, P = 0.01).

Conclusion: VVS may show a circadian and infradian rhythm.
Ablation of Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardias in Patients with Structural Heart Disease
Authors: BODE KERSTIN , HINDRICKS GERHARD , PIORKOWSKI CHRISTOPHER , SOMMER PHILIPP , JANOUŠEK JAN , DAGRES NIKOLAOS , ARYA ARASH
Published: November 2008

Background and Objectives:

Monomorphic ventricular premature beats (VPB) originating from the Purkinje network can induce polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (PMVT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) storm. We hereby report the results of targeted ablation to treat PMVT/VF storms initiated by monomorphic VPB in seven patients with structural heart disease and left ventricular (LV)‐dysfunction (n = 4 with
coronary artery disease (CAD), n = 2 with chronic and remote myocarditis, n = 1 after aortic valve replacement).

Methods and Results:

Pace‐mapping and activation mapping was used to identify optimal ablation targets. Earliest activation during mapping was found midseptal of LV in three patients, midinferoseptal of LV in two patients. One patient with myocarditis showed earliest activation at free wall of right ventricle, the other one basal midseptal of LV. Local ventricular electrograms at the successful ablation sites were preceded by short, high frequency, low amplitude potentials by 22–90 ms (median 35 ms). The same local potentials were seen in sinus rhythm. Cycle lengths of VT ranged between 200 and 360 ms (median 245 ms). A median of nine radiofrequency (RF)‐ablations (range 3–19) were necessary to abolish all local Purkinje potentials at the site of earliest activation. Two patients with CAD died due to refractory heart failure. The other five patients had no recurrence of PMVT and VF during follow up (median 10 months, range 1–27 months).

Conclusion:

The distal Purkinje network plays an important role in triggering PMVT/VF in patients with structural heart disease. Ablation of the triggering VPB originating from the Purkinje arborization is feasible; prevents recurrence in a long‐term follow up; and is potentially life saving in patients with severe LV‐dysfunction after myocardial infarction, in patients after aortic valve replacement, or in patients with myocarditis particularly when medical treatment, including antiarrhythmic drugs, failed to suppress electrical storms.
Correlative Anatomy and Electrophysiology for the Interventional Electrophysiologist:
Authors: ASIRVATHAM SAMUEL J.
Published: November 2008

The cavotricuspid isthmus (CVTI) is the well‐established location of atrial tissue critical for the maintenance of typical atrial flutter. The CVTI begins at the electrically inert tricuspid valve and includes the atrial myocardium up to the inferior vena cava (IVC).

In this article, we discuss relevant CVTI and right atrial anatomy of interest to the electrophysiologist. Critical questions that are considered include why ablation is sometimes difficult across the CVTI and how best to deal with anatomic variation including sub‐Eustachian pouches or large pectinate muscles encroaching onto the isthmus. Important electroanatomic features of the right atrium (RA) including sites for naturally occurring conduction block and the anatomy of the “lower loop” are reviewed.

Following this discussion on the impact of the underlying anatomy for right atrial flutter ablation, an approach to dealing with difficulty when mapping or ablating this common arrhythmia is presented.