bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The riverine ecosystem synthesis: biocomplexity in river networks across space and time
Authors: Thorp James H. , Thoms Martin C. , Delong Michael D.
Published: February 2006

We propose an integrated, heuristic model of lotic biocomplexity across spatiotemporal scales from headwaters to large rivers. This riverine ecosystem synthesis (RES) provides a framework for understanding both broad, often discontinuous patterns along longitudinal and lateral dimensions of river networks and local ecological patterns across various temporal and smaller spatial scales. Rather than posing a completely new model, we arrange a conceptual marriage of eco‐geomorphology (ecological aspects of fluvial geomorphology) with a terrestrial landscape model describing hierarchical patch dynamics. We modify five components of this terrestrial model for lotic ecosystems: (1) nested, discontinuous hierarchies of patch mosaics; (2) ecosystem dynamics as a composite of intra‐ and inter‐patch dynamics; (3) linked patterns and processes; (4) dominance of non‐equilibrial and stochastic processes; and (5) formation of a quasi‐equilibrial, metastable state. Our conceptual model blends our perspectives on biocomplexity with aspects of aquatic models proposed from 1980–2004.

Contrasting with a common view of rivers as continuous, longitudinal gradients in physical conditions, the RES portrays rivers as downstream arrays of large hydrogeomorphic patches (e.g. constricted, braided and floodplain channel areas) formed by catchment geomorphology and climate. The longitudinal distribution of these patches, which are identifiable using standard geomorphic techniques, varies amongst rivers and is difficult to forecast above ecoregional scales. Some types of hydrogeomorphic patches may reoccur along this downstream passage. Unique ecological ‘functional process zones’ are formed by individual types of hydrogeomorphic patches because of physiochemical habitat differences which affect ecosystem structure and function.

The RES currently includes 14 tenets predicting how patterns of individual species distributions, community regulation, lotic ecosystem processes, and floodplain interactions will vary over spatiotemporal scales, especially as they relate to the functional process zones formed by hydrogeomorphic differences in the river network. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationships between flow variability and macroinvertebrate assemblage composition: data from four Australian dryland rivers
Authors: Sheldon Fran , Thoms Martin C.
Published: February 2006

Australian dryland rivers have distinctive ecologies, intimately linked to their variable flows. The contrasting states of flood and drought mean that dryland rivers fluctuate between being highly connected (during floods: low fragmentation) to being highly disconnected (during droughts: high fragmentation) with the degree of connection between waterbodies on a spatial scale and the time since last connection on a temporal scale strongly influencing community composition. Flow regulation reduces the frequency and duration of flooding, thereby decreasing flow variability and imposing stable low flow conditions and high connectivity between waterbodies. Using macroinvertebrate assemblage data from four Australian dryland rivers (River Murray, Darling River, Cooper Creek and Diamantina River), we calculated various indices of flow variability from 30‐year hydrographs and assessed how well long‐term flow variability, and therefore variable levels of habitat connection, could explain broad patterns of macroinvertebrate assemblage composition. Where hydrological connection between sites was strong (River Murray pool sites) there was extreme similarity between assemblages at each site. Also, for sites where hydrological disconnection was extreme there was similarity between assemblages. There were strong associations between the complex measures of flow variability and the assemblage composition of the four rivers, suggesting that flow variability, and therefore, variable levels of habitat connectivity, may be strong determinants of broad‐scale assemblage composition in dryland rivers. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Managing river flows for hydraulic diversity: an example of an upland regulated gravel‐bed river
Authors: Dyer Fiona J. , Thoms Martin C.
Published: February 2006

The establishment of ecologically responsive environmental flow regimes is a challenge for river managers. Biological communities in river environments are partly constrained by hydraulic characteristics such as water depth, flow velocity and turbulence, so a key step in understanding the links between discharge and biotic response is to relate discharge and hydraulic character. This paper explores the nature of the relationship observed between discharge and hydraulic character in the Cotter River, Australia. Surface flow types or hydraulic patches, expressing a variety of hydraulic characteristics, were mapped in six reaches in this upland gravel‐bed river, during 18 different flow releases ranging from 8 to 260 ML per day. The distributions of these hydraulic patches were variable, both spatially and over time. The patches represent hydraulic habitats (of varying depth, flow velocity and turbulence) the diversity of which may contribute to in‐stream biodiversity. The study identified a range of flow releases that produce the greatest in‐stream diversity of hydraulic habitats, which, if included in managed release strategies, potentially benefits in‐stream biodiversity. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The real river management challenge: integrating scientists, stakeholders and service agencies
Authors: Rogers Kevin H.
Published: February 2006

The experience of river scientists leads them to propose ecosystem variability as a central theme in management. The real challenge however lies in developing collective understanding, and integration, within and between scientists, citizens and management agencies. The prevailing view of scientists as experts who solve environmental problems is fallacious. A broad societal response, supported by humble public service agencies and scientists in the service of society, is more likely to succeed. This paper proposes a framework for structuring the science/management/society partnerships, and is based on experiences from managing rivers flowing through the Kruger National Park, South Africa. Scientists need to place between‐discipline communication, constructive synthesis of their collective understanding and diffusion of this understanding into civil society, much higher on their collective agenda. Entering problem solving situations as co‐learners, rather than experts, facilitates partnership building. Managers need to focus on: (1) preparing society to engage the knowledge, the problem and the solutions needed to achieve some collectively defined set of future conditions; (2) actively engage scientists in the development of technology for altering patterns of resource use and (3) undertake actions needed to achieve the desired future distribution of the costs and benefits of resource use in society. Managers have a very limited tool box with which to work, and modern society has largely transferred the risk of failure to them. Society therefore needs to accept more responsibility in these partnerships of co‐operative decision‐making. It should engage in them with a ‘public good’ ethic, a vision for a shared future, and an acceptance that resource and technological limits ultimately determine the distribution of costs and benefits of ecosystem services. Successful partnerships are based on adaptive management processes driven by consensus decision‐making to ensure better distribution of knowledge, risks, humility and rewards in common property resource management. To achieve this we need to learn new ways to manage, while managing new ways to learn. Three models, social learning, learning communities and learning organizations, provide focus for learning. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stapler Hepatectomy is a Safe Dissection Technique: Analysis of 300 Patients
Authors: Schemmer Peter , Friess Helmut , Hinz Ulf , Mehrabi Arianeb , Kraus Thomas W. , Z’graggen Kaspar , Schmidt Jan , Uhl Waldemar , Büchler Markus W.
Published: February 2006

Background

In many surgical procedures, stapling devices have been introduced for safety and to reduce the overall operative time. Their use for transection of hepatic parenchyma is not well established. Thus, the feasibility of stapler hepatectomy and a risk analysis of surgical morbidity based on intraoperative data have been prospectively assessed on a routine clinical basis.

Materials and Methods

From October 1, 2001, to January 31, 2005, a total of 416 patients underwent liver resection in our department. During this period endo GIA vascular staplers were used for parenchymal transection in 300 cases of primary (22%) and metastatic (57%) liver cancer, benign diseases (adenoma, focal nodular hyperplasia [FNH], cysts) (14%), gallbladder carcinoma (2%), and other tumors (5%). There were 193 (64%) major resections (i.e., removal of three segments or more) and 107 minor hepatic resections. Additional extrahepatic resections were performed in 44 (15%) patients.

Results

Median values for operative time and intraoperative hemorrhage were 210 minutes and 700 ml, respectively. Further, transfusion of RBC and FFP was needed in 17% and 11% of patients, respectively. A postoperative ICU stay for >2 days was required in 18% of patients. The median postoperative hospital stay was 10 days (IQR 8–14 days). The most frequent surgical complications were bile leak (8%), wound infection (3%), and pneumothorax (2%). In 7% of cases after stapler hepatectomy a relaparotomy was necessary. Treated medical complications were pleural effusion (7%), renal insufficiency (5%), and cardiac insufficiency (3%). Risk assessment revealed that both operative time and indication for resection had significant impact on surgical morbidity. Mortality (4%) and morbidity (33%) were comparable to other high‐volume centers performing conventional liver resection techniques.

Conclusion

In conclusion, stapler hepatectomy can be used in a routine clinical setting with a low incidence of surgical complications.
Bilateral Adrenalectomy for Ectopic Cushing’s Syndrome—Discussions on Technique and Indication
Authors: Hellman Per , Linder Fredrik , Hennings Joakim , Hessman Ola , Eriksson Barbro , Örlefors Håkan , Åkerström Göran
Published: February 2006

Background

Tumors producing adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) or corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) often remain undiagnosed until severe Cushing’s syndrome appears, and it may be difficult to distinguish from Cushing’s syndrome due to pituitary tumors. Many patients suffer from disease spread, with metastases in the liver or other locations, and the main symptoms may be mineral disturbances, diabetes mellitus, or psychological symptoms from the severe hypercortisolism. Bilateral adrenalectomy may alleviate this situation, but is sometimes a troublesome procedure in these severely ill patients.

Methods

We have retrospectively investigated 8 patients with ectopic Cushing’s syndrome who have undergone bilateral adrenalectomy at the University Hospital in Uppsala. In addition, another 5 patients who underwent bilateral adrenalectomy for other reasons (recurrent pituitary Mb Cushing or bilateral hyperplasia) were scrutinized for technical considerations. Indications, timing of surgery, and operative procedures were studied to identify signs that may support our approach to management in the future.

Results

Curative surgery was not possible in any of the cases with ectopic Cushing’s syndrome. Of the 13 operated patients, handport‐assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy was successfully performed bilaterally in 5 patients and unilaterally in combination with contralateral open surgery in 1 patient; conventional open surgery was performed on 7 patients, 3 of which were conversions from intitial handport‐assisted procedures. Non‐fatal complications occurred in 4 out of 10 patients.

Conclusions

We conclude that bilateral handport‐assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy is safe, and that all surgical techniques in these severely ill patients may be troublesome and technically demanding. Early surgical intervention may reduce the technical disadvantages. Moreover, bilateral adrenalectomy can substantially reduce the symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome, although effects on mortality are not obvious.
Knowledge and Attitudes Toward a Free Education and Ashkenazi Jewish Carrier Testing Program
Authors: Hegwer G. , Fairley C. , Charrow J. , Ormond K. E.
Published: February 2006

Carrier testing is offered on the basis of Ashkenazi Jewish background in both the prenatal and preconception settings, with the goal of decreasing the prevalence of affected individuals and allowing informed decision‐making during childbearing. The purpose of this study was to (1) document the demographic characteristics of individuals who attended a free education and screening program, (2) learn how the education program changed attendees' knowledge and attitudes by learning more about these disorders, and (3) determine how participants perceived their carrier status risk. One hundred seventy‐four individuals completed questionnaires at the beginning and end of an educational program about the Ashkenazi Jewish genetic disorders. There was a statistically significant difference in the participant's level of knowledge from the pre‐ to post education (p < .001). Females reported a significantly higher level of concern about the disorders (p = .004) and their carrier status (p = .006) before the education, as well as about their carrier status post education (p = .05). Finally, having one or more parent affiliated with Orthodox Judaism was related to higher knowledge before the education program (p = .05). In conclusion, this study demonstrated that an educational carrier screening program increased knowledge about the disorders and also produced mild anxiety regarding personal and reproductive risks.
Mimicking catalase and catecholase enzymes by copper(II)-containing complexes
Authors: Szilágyi István , Horváth László. , Labádi Imre , Hernadi Klara , Pálinkó István , Kiss Tamás
Published: February 2006

An imidazolate-bridged copper(II)-zinc(II) complex (Cu(II)-diethylenetriamino-μ-imidazolato-Zn(II)-tris(2-aminoethyl)amine perchlorate (denoted as “Cu,Zn complex”) and a simple copper(II) complex (Cu(II)-tris(2-aminoethyl) amine chloride (“Cu-tren”) were prepared and immobilised on silica gel (by hydrogen or covalent bonds) and montmorillonite (by ion exchange). The immobilised substances were characterised by FT-IR spectroscopy and their thermal characteristics were also studied. The obtained materials were tested in two probe reactions: catalytic oxidation of 3,5-di-tert-butyl catechol (DTBC) (catecholase activity) and the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (catalase activity). It was found that the catecholase activity of the Cu,Zn complex increased considerably upon immobilization on silica gel via hydrogen bonds and intercalation by ion exchange among the layers of montmorillonite. The imidazolate-bridged copper(II)-zinc(II) complex and its immobilised versions were inactive in hydrogen peroxide decomposition. The Cu(II)-tris(2-aminoethyl)amine chloride complex displayed good catalase activity; however, immobilisation could not improve it.
Blow-up of regular submanifolds in Heisenberg groups and applications
Authors: Magnani Valentino
Published: February 2006

We obtain a blow-up theorem for regular submanifolds in the Heisenberg group, where intrinsic dilations are used. Main consequence of this result is an explicit formula for the density of (p+1)-dimensional spherical Hausdorff measure restricted to a p-dimensional submanifold with respect to the Riemannian surface measure. We explicitly compute this formula in some simple examples and we present a lower semicontinuity result for the spherical Hausdorff measure with respect to the weak convergence of currents. Another application is the proof of an intrinsic coarea formula for vector-valued mappings on the Heisenberg group.
On some new spectral estimates for Schrödinger-like operators
Authors: Levin Daniel
Published: February 2006

We prove the analog of the Cwikel-Lieb-Rozenblum estimate for a wide class of second-order elliptic operators by two different tools: Lieb-Thirring inequalities for Schrödinger operators with matrix-valued potentials and Sobolev inequalities for warped product spaces.
Kinetic characterization of ATP diphosphohydrolase and 5′‐nucleotidase activities in cells cultured from submandibular salivary glands of rats
Authors: Henz Sandra Liana , Ribeiro Cristiane Guimarães , Rosa Aline , Chiarelli Rafael Augusto , Casali Emerson André , Sarkis João José Freitas
Published: February 2006

The participation of ecto‐ATP diphosphohydrolase (CD39; ecto‐NTPDase) and ecto‐5′‐nucleotidase (CD73) activities in the nucleotide hydrolysis by salivary gland cells from rats was evaluated. We investigated the biochemical characteristics of these ectoenzymes in cells cultured from submandibular salivary glands of rats. TheVmaxfor the hydrolysis of ATP, ADP and AMP were 2275 ± 153 (mean ± SEM,n= 4), 941 ± 96 (mean ± SEM,n= 5) and 175 ± 5 (mean ± SEM,n= 5) nmol Pi liberated per min per mg of protein, respectively. TheKmvalues for ATP, ADP and AMP were 224 ± 8 μM (mean ± SEM,n= 4), 163 ± 15 μM (mean ± SEM,n= 5) and 117 ± 5 μM (mean ± SEM,n= 5), respectively. The competition plot showed that ATP and ADP were hydrolyzed at the same active site on the enzyme. It may be postulated that the physiological role for this ecto‐enzyme cascade is to terminate the action of the co‐transmitter ATP, generating adenosine.
Induction of transforming growth factor‐beta 1 on dentine pulp cells in different culture patterns
Authors: Nie Xin , Tian Weidong , Zhang Yongjie , Chen Xizhe , Dong Rui , Jiang Ming , Chen Famin , Jin Yan
Published: February 2006

Recent studies have documented that TGF‐β1 takes part in dental pulp tissue repair. Moreover, dental pulp cells have the potential to differentiate into odontoblast‐like cells and produce reparative dentine in this process. However, the molecular mechanisms and potential interactions between TGF‐β1 and dental pulp cells are not clear due to the complexity of the pulp/dentine microenvironment. In this study, we investigated the induction of TGF‐β1 on the dental pulp cells in cell culture, tissue culture and three‐dimensional culture patterns. These results demonstrated that TGF‐β1 significantly increased the proliferation of cells and activity of ALPase. Dental pulp cells cultured in the presence of TGF‐β1 formed mineralization nodules. In the organ culture, dental pulp cells treated with TGF‐β1 differentiated into odontoblast‐like cells and formed a pulp‐dentinal complex; and TGF‐β1 significantly induced synthesis of dentine relative proteins DSPP, DMP‐1. The dental pulp cells share some characteristics of the odontoblast, such as a parallel arrangement with columnar form and a unilateral cell process. Together, these data indicate that TGF‐β1 can make dental pulp cells differentiated into odontoblast‐like cells and form the pulp‐dentinal complex. Moreover, these results suggest that TGF‐β1 is an important regulatory factor in odontoblast differentiation during tooth development and pulp repair.
Plasma concentrations of the novel peptide apelin are decreased in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Chong Kwok Shiong , Gardner Roy S. , Morton James J. , Ashley Euan A. , McDonagh Theresa A.
Published: February 2006

Background:

Apelin, the novel endogenous ligand for the G‐protein‐coupled receptor APJ, has shown positive inotropic, vasodilatory and diuretic properties in animal studies. Differential expression and synthesis of apelin and APJ receptors have been observed in normal and failing human hearts, suggesting a possible role in cardiovascular homeostasis. Changes in plasma apelin concentrations in relation to heart failure have been described in small studies with conflicting results. Our aim was to evaluate plasma apelin concentrations in a large cohort of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) across a broad spectrum of disease severity.

Method and results:

Plasma apelin concentrations were measured in 202 patients with CHF secondary to left ventricular systolic dysfunction and 22 age‐matched controls. Plasma apelin concentrations were significantly lower in patients with CHF, irrespective of NYHA class, ejection fraction or aetiology when compared to age‐matched controls (0.85 [0.53–2.04] versus 3.76 [0.85–5.13] ng/ml, p<0.001). Apelin concentrations were correlated with peak VO2 and right ventricular ejection fraction, but not with age, sex, body mass index, renal function or NT‐proBNP concentrations.

Conclusions:

Plasma apelin concentrations are decreased in patients with CHF. The Apelin‐APJ signaling pathway may be a potentially important mediator in the pathophysiological processes of heart failure and may therefore have potential therapeutic implications.
A prospective evaluation of adherence to medication in first episode schizophrenia
Authors: Kamali M. , Kelly B.D. , Clarke M. , Browne S. , Gervin M. , Kinsella A. , Lane A. , Larkin C. , O'Callaghan E.
Published: February 2006

The aim of this study was to identify the features of first episode schizophrenia that predict adherence antipsychotic medication at six-month follow-up. We used validated instruments to assess clinical and socio-demographic variables in all patients with first episode schizophrenia from a defined geographical area admitted to a Dublin psychiatric hospital over a four-year period (N = 100). At six-month follow-up (N = 60) we assessed adherence to medication using the Compliance Interview. One third of patients with schizophrenia were non-adherent with medication within six months of their first episode of illness. High levels of positive symptoms at baseline, lack of insight at baseline, alcohol misuse at baseline and previous drug misuse predict non-adherence. These results indicate that an identifiable subgroup of patients with first episode schizophrenia is at high risk of early non-adherence to medication. While high positive symptom scores pre-date and predict non-adherence in most patients, reduced insight is the best predictor of non-adherence in patients who do not misuse alcohol or other drugs.
Food ingestion in juvenile cod estimated by inert lanthanide markers – effects of food particle size
Authors: Garatun-Tjeldstø Oddvard , Otterå Håkon , Julshamn Kåre , Austreng Erland
Published: February 2006

Development of formulated starter diets and improvement of diets for juvenile marine fish species are major challenges in aquaculture. The ingestion rate may be regarded as a parameter for evaluating whether a diet particle is available, recognized, of adequate size, palatable, and preferred by small fish. In this study, we evaluated the effect of food particle size (150–3425 μm) on ingestion rate in juvenile cod (36–826 mg wet weight). Lanthanide oxides were used as markers. Several mixtures of lanthanide marker-labelled diets were produced by combination of the mono-labelled size classes. Each combination was fed for one, four, or seven days to groups of juvenile cod in separate tanks. After termination by anaesthetic, the fish were collected, individually weighed, and frozen until analysis. The amount of lanthanides in the homogenized fish was measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). There were no significant differences in ingestion of any of the markers when given in a mixture of mono-labelled particles. Thus, the markers Y2O3, La2O3, Nd2O3, Dy2O3, and Yb2O3 may be used as inert tools for evaluating diet ingestion. The total intake of dry diet was about 13 mg g−1 body weight. The particle size that caused the highest food intake was less than 1.2 mm in all experiments.
Parental effects on early life history traits of haddock Melanogrammus aeglefinus
Authors: Nikolaus Probst W. , Kraus Gerd , Rideout Rick M. , Trippel Edward A.
Published: February 2006

Gametes from five male and three female haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) were crossed to produce 15 half-sibling families that were used to evaluate potential parental contributions to early life history variability. Larval morphology at 0 and 5 days post-hatch (dph) and time to starvation in the absence of food were examined. Maternal influences on larval standard length and yolk area were significant at 0 and 5 dph. Paternal effects on larval standard length were significant at 0 and 5 dph, whereas paternal effects on yolk area were only significant at 5 dph. Larval eye diameter was influenced by maternity at day 0 post-hatch and by both maternity and paternity at 5 dph. Myotome height of larvae was subject to maternal and paternal influences at 0 and 5 dph. Growth rate was significantly influenced by both paternity and maternity. Yolk utilization efficiency was significantly influenced by parental interaction, while the time taken for larvae to die in the absence of food was affected only by maternity. Results of this study not only confirm the importance of female contributions to larval development but also indicate a paternal influence on the development and the early life history success of marine fish.
Diffuse Mucosal Inflammation in Nasal Polyps and Adjacent Middle Turbinate
Authors: Hao Jing , Pang Yoke‐Teen , Wang De‐Yun
Published: February 2006

BACKGROUND

Nasal polyp (NP) is the most common mass lesion in the nose with unclear etiology and pathogenesis.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association of allergy and type of cellular inflammation in Asian patients with NPs.

METHODS

Immunohistochemical staining with a panel of antibodies for CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, B cells, Langerhans' cells, eosinophils, neutrophils, and mast cells were performed in pairs of NP tissue and middle turbinate (MT) biopsies from the same side of 48 patients and MT of controls. Serum total IgE and specific IgE to a panel of common local allergens were tested by the UniCAP (Pharmacia & Upjohn AB, Uppsala, Sweden) system.

RESULTS

Atopy was found in 29.7% of NP patients. Strong correlations of cell scores were evidenced between the paired samples from nasal polyp patients. The cell patterns in nasal polyp mainly showed a combined cell infiltration with significantly higher CD8+ T cell, eosinophil and neutrophil scores, and an inverse median ratio of CD4+/CD8+ T cells as compared with the MT from controls.

CONCLUSION

The similar immunohistochemical pattern of mucosal inflammation in NPs and the paired MT mucosa suggests a diffuse mucosal involvement. This indicates the necessity of antiinflammatory treatment of changes in the adjacent nasal mucosa in addition to the surgical removal of NPs. Besides the well‐recognized eosinophilic inflammation in Caucasian studies, predominant infiltration of T cells, especially CD8+ T cells, could be a key component underlying the pathogeneses of NPs.

EBM rating: C‐4
Histologic Changes in the Anterior Mallear Ligament and the Head of the Malleus in Otosclerosis
Authors: Oktay Mehmet F. , Cureoglu Sebahattin , Schachern Patricia A. , Gulbahce Evin , Paparella Michael M. , Hayasi Hideo
Published: February 2006

OBJECTIVE

To determine ossicular and anterior mallear ligament (AML) changes in otosclerosis.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Hyalinization of AML was graded as follows: none, patchy, or diffuse in 95 temporal bones (TBs) with otosclerosis: 52 with stapedial fixation (SF); 43 without fixation (NSF); and 52 age‐matched controls. Fixation of the head of the malleus was noted.

RESULTS

Hyalinization with SF was 17 none, 23 patchy, and 12 diffuse; with NSF it was 16 none, 20 patchy, and 7 diffuse; and in controls, 23 none, 24 patchy, and 5 diffuse. There was no significant difference in hyalinization among groups and no correlation between degree of hyalinization and age. The malleus head was fixed in 4 TBs with SF.

CONCLUSION

Based on our findings, we do not believe that there is a relationship between hyalinization of the AML and otosclerosis; however, otosclerosis with SF seems to be a predisposing factor for fixation of the head of the malleus.
The Effects of Melatonin on Tinnitus and Sleep
Authors: Megwalu Uchechukwu C. , Finnell Joshua E. , Piccirillo Jay F.
Published: February 2006

GOAL

To determine if melatonin improves tinnitus and if this improvement is related to improvement in sleep.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Prospective open‐label study of 24 patients with tinnitus. The patients took 3 mg of melatonin per day for 4 weeks, followed by 4 weeks of observation. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were administered.

RESULTS

The mean THI score decreased significantly between weeks 0 and 4, and between weeks 0 and 8. The mean PSQI significantly decreased between weeks 0 and 4 (P < 0.0001), and between weeks 0 and 8 (P = 0.0003). The change in PSQI was significantly associated with the change in THI between weeks 0 and 4. The change in PSQI was not significantly associated with the change in THI between weeks 0 and 8. The change in the PSQI in the first 4 weeks was associated with the initial PSQI. There was no association between the initial THI and the change in the THI in the first 4 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Melatonin use is associated with improvement of tinnitus and sleep. There was an association between the amount of improvement in sleep and tinnitus. The impact of melatonin on sleep was greatest among patients with the worst sleep quality, but its impact on tinnitus was not associated with the severity of the tinnitus.

SIGNIFICANCE

Melatonin may be a safe treatment for patients with idiopathic tinnitus, especially those with sleep disturbance due to tinnitus.

EBM rating: C‐4
Combined Endoscopic Medial and External Lateral Orbital Decompression for Progressive Thyroid Eye Disease
Authors: Silver Robert D. , Harrison Andrew R. , Goding George S.
Published: February 2006

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of endoscopic medial and lateral orbital wall surgery to 3‐wall decompression in patients with thyroid eye disease.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

A retrospective study of patients with thyroid eye disease with severe proptosis, exposure keratitis, or compressive optic neuropathy was conducted.

RESULTS

Mean reduction in proptosis was 4.37 mm in the 2‐wall approach and 4.59 mm in the 3‐wall group. Seventy‐five percent of patients in the 2‐wall group demonstrated improved visual acuity; 50% improved after 3‐wall decompression. Vertical palpebral fissure height decreased by an average of 2.50 mm in the 2‐wall group and by 2.03 mm in the 3‐wall group. New onset diplopia was 11.8% and 12.5%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Improvement in the degree of proptosis, visual acuity, and palpebral fissure height was seen in the majority of our patients and compared favorably to our results with 3‐wall orbital decompression.

EBM rating: C‐4
Comparison of Intradermal Dilutional Testing with the Multi‐Test II Applicator in Testing for Mold Allergy
Authors: Peltier Jacques , Ryan Matthew W.
Published: February 2006

OBJECTIVES

To compare and correlate wheal size using the Multi‐Test II applicator with the endpoint obtained by intradermal dilutional testing (IDT) for common mold allergens. To validate the safety and efficacy of modified quantitative testing (MQT) for determining immunotherapy starting doses.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Prospective study of 86 subjects with Multi‐Test II and IDT for 6 common mold antigens.

RESULTS

There was 84% concordance between IDT results and the results expected from the MQT method. When IDT and MQT results differed, the MQT algorithm predicted a safer end‐point for starting immunotherapy in all but 2 cases.

CONCLUSION

The correlation between Multi‐Test II and IDT is not strong enough to infer IDT endpoint from Multi‐Test II results for molds. MQT is nearly as effective as formal IDT in determining endpoint.

SIGNIFICANCE

MQT appears to be a safe method for determining starting doses for immunotherapy with fungal allergens.
Peak discharge of a Pleistocene lava-dam outburst flood in Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA
Authors: Fenton Cassandra R. , Webb Robert H. , Cerling Thure E.
Published: February 2006

The failure of a lava dam 165,000 yr ago produced the largest known flood on the Colorado River in Grand Canyon. The Hyaloclastite Dam was up to 366 m high, and geochemical evidence linked this structure to outburst-flood deposits that occurred for 32 km downstream. Using the Hyaloclastite outburst-flood deposits as paleostage indicators, we used dam-failure and unsteady flow modeling to estimate a peak discharge and flow hydrograph. Failure of the Hyaloclastite Dam released a maximum 11 × 109 m3 of water in 31 h. Peak discharges, estimated from uncertainty in channel geometry, dam height, and hydraulic characteristics, ranged from 2.3 to 5.3 × 105 m3 s−1 for the Hyaloclastite outburst flood. This discharge is an order of magnitude greater than the largest known discharge on the Colorado River (1.4 × 104 m3 s−1) and the largest peak discharge resulting from failure of a constructed dam in the USA (6.5 × 104 m3 s−1). Moreover, the Hyaloclastite outburst flood is the oldest documented Quaternary flood and one of the largest to have occurred in the continental USA. The peak discharge for this flood ranks in the top 30 floods (>105 m3 s−1) known worldwide and in the top ten largest floods in North America.
A multi-proxy lacustrine record of Holocene climate change on northeastern Baffin Island, Arctic Canada
Authors: Briner Jason P. , Michelutti Neal , Francis Donna R. , Miller Gifford H. , Axford Yarrow , Wooller Matthew J. , Wolfe Alexander P.
Published: February 2006

Reconstructions of past environmental changes are critical for understanding the natural variability of Earth's climate system and for providing a context for present and future global change. Radiocarbon-dated lake sediments from Lake CF3, northeastern Baffin Island, Arctic Canada, are used to reconstruct past environmental conditions over the last 11,200 years. Numerous proxies, including chironomid-inferred July air temperatures, diatom-inferred lakewater pH, and sediment organic matter, reveal a pronounced Holocene thermal maximum as much as 5°C warmer than historic summer temperatures from ∼10,000 to 8500 cal yr B.P. Following rapid cooling ∼8500 cal yr B.P., Lake CF3 proxies indicate cooling through the late Holocene. At many sites in northeastern Canada, the Holocene thermal maximum occurred later than at Lake CF3; this late onset of Holocene warmth is generally attributed to the impacts of the decaying Laurentide Ice Sheet on early Holocene temperatures in northeastern Canada. However, the lacustrine proxies in Lake CF3 apparently responded to insolation-driven warmth, despite the proximity of Lake CF3 to the Laurentide Ice Sheet and its meltwater. The magnitude and timing of the Holocene thermal maximum at Lake CF3 indicate that temperatures and environmental conditions at this site are highly sensitive to changes in radiative forcing.
Morphological and molecular characterization of a new microsporidian (Protozoa: Microsporidia) isolated fromSpodoptera litura(Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: JOHNY S. , KANGINAKUDRU S. , MURALIRANGAN M. C. , NAGARAJU J.
Published: February 2006

A microsporidium was isolated from larvae ofSpodoptera litura(Fabricius) collected from Tamil Nadu, India. This microsporidian species is monomorphic, disporous and develops in direct contact with the cytoplasm of the host cell. The nuclear configuration of merogonic and sporogonic stages was diplokaryotic. The merogonic proliferative stage was unusual that normal development with 1, 2 and 4 binucleated forms were common, while large multinucleate meronts containing 8 and 12 small compact horseshoe-like diplokaryotic nuclei were also observed. The fresh spores were typically ovocylindrical in shape, with a mean size of 3·91×1·91 μm and the polar filament length was ~90 μm. Infection was systemic with mature spores produced in the midgut, nervous tissue, muscles, labial glands, gonads, tracheae, epidermis, Malpighian tubules and, most extensively, fat body tissues. The new isolate was highly pathogenic toS. lituralarvae. Host specificity tests performed on 37 non-target hosts of 5 different insect orders revealed that the new isolate is pathogenic only to lepidopteran insects. We sequenced the 16S small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA) gene of the isolate and compared it with 72 non-redundant microsporidian sequences from the GenBank. Based on the light microscopic studies and phylogenetic analyses, the new isolate is assigned to the genusNosema. Significant differences in the SSU rRNA sequence were identified when compared with the type speciesNosema bombycisand other closely related species viz.,Nosema spodopterae. Structural differences were also observed in the 16S SSU rRNA between the new isolate and the two above-mentioned microsporidian pathogens. We conclude that the microsporidian isolate reported here is distinctly different from the other known species and is likely to be a new species.
The biblical historical structure of Calvin's Institutes
Authors: Edmondson Stephen
Published: February 2006

Recent work on Calvin's theology has focused on the integral relationship between his Institutes and his biblical commentaries. Particularly significant have been the claims that we can understand the development of the structure of the Institutes only in relationship to Calvin's work on his commentaries and that we can understand the content of the Institutes best through a recognition of the traces of the commentaries that are found therein. This article will extend this work, arguing that we best understand the final form of the 1559 Institutes through its relationship to Calvin's recently completed commentaries on the historical books of the Old Testament and the gospels. These commentaries, with their focus on the history of God's covenant with God's people, fulfilled in Christ's history, provide this covenant history as a framing device by which the first two books of the 1559 Institutes are shaped. This framing is evident in the new ordering of material in the text, in Calvin's provision of new chapters to fill out this narratively structured order, and in the traces of his scriptural work within the text. Once the structural role of the covenant history is recognised within Books I and II, then Calvin's exposition of Christ's redeeming work through his exegesis of Christ's gospel history II.xvi is seen as the culmination of the theological developments of the first half of the Institutes, completing Calvin's depiction of the broader covenant history as a thoroughly christological reality.
Jonathan Edwards: Advice to Weary Theologians
Authors: Ross Melanie
Published: February 2006

This essay puts the issue of spiritual fatigue – those times when emotional despondency prohibits our wholehearted participation in worship – in conversation with Jonathan Edwards's public and private writings. Following an outline of the parameters for the discussion, Part I examines Edwards's Treatise Concerning Religious Affections. Although this was a treatise intended to trouble individuals who were overly confident in their religious affections, I suggest that when read through an alternative lens, Edwards's work offers comfort to those who struggle with their inability to ‘be present’ in worship. Edwards reminds us that religious affections have as much to do with constancy and disciplined habit as with fervour and immediacy of feeling.

Part II takes a biographical turn, with particular interest in Edwards's Diary, Resolution, and Personal Narrative. Whereas Religious Affections stressed the necessity of self-discipline in religious practice, the twenty-year trajectory of Edwards's private writings reveals a subtle parallel emphasis: the need for patience and relinquishment in times of discouragement. Using insights from the public and private writings of Edwards, I conclude that times of spiritual fatigue call not only for constancy of practice but also for self-care and relaxation of heart.
Jacobin Revolutionary Theatre and the Early Circus: Astley's Dublin Amphitheatre in the 1790s
Authors: BURKE HELEN
Published: February 2006

This essay examines the politics of the disturbances and riots that rocked Philip Astley's Dublin Amphitheatre, the site of Ireland's first circus, during the 1790s. Astley received the first legal recognition for his circus from a colonial administration in Ireland because of the loyalism of his entertainments and, throughout the 1790s, his Dublin Amphitheatre worked to mobilize the Irish masses in the interest of the crown and the empire. But, as this essay shows, these loyalist entertainments were also repeatedly disrupted by the counter-theatre of the Jacobin-inspired group, the United Irishmen, who used this site to rally support not only for the Irish nationalist revolution but also for the broader democratic revolution then being staged all around the Atlantic rim.
The Mess Behind the Veil: Assimilating Ping Chong
Authors: FRIEZE JAMES
Published: February 2006

While there are Chinese-American dimensions to Ping Chong's theatre, the frequent application of the label ‘Asian-American’ to Chong reflects a problematic tendency to see certain artists as ‘ethnic’. ‘Postmodern’ and ‘multimedia’ are the two other labels that stick to, and have often distorted, his work. My overview of Ping Chong's oeuvre, and its critical reception, homes in on selected Chong pieces and on particular critical habits. While there are many continuities and discontinuities within a career spanning fifty pieces and three decades, I suggest that Chong oscillates, both visually and thematically, between surface and depth, like the Barthesian ‘outsider within’ who partly inhabits/partly mythologizes the culture(s) they encounter, and who is always changing. There is a need for greater recognition of the distinctiveness of Chong's authorial signature, the multiplicity of his influences, and the ways in which his work challenges the narratives and categories used to study performance.
Overview of the Issue
Authors: BROWN JEFFREY , HABERMAN STEVEN , MILEVSKY MOSHE , ORSZAG MIKE
Published: February 2006

Our first issue of the fifth volume of the JPEF features 4 research articles, an issues & policy piece and a book review section. The lead article is by Georges de Menil (PSE, Paris and Stern School, NYU), Fabrice Murtin (CREST(INSEE) and PSE, Paris) and Eytan Sheshkinski (Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Princeton University). The paper on “Planning for the Optimal Mix of Paygo Tax and Funded Savings” looks at the classical question of what the right balance is between pay-as-you-go and funded pension provision. Using a stochastic two period overlapping generations model, the authors show how optimal pension provision depends on the variances and correlations of labour earnings, return on capital and the internal rate of return on the pay-as-you-go pension system.
Contribution of sea‐salt to aerosol optical depth over the Arabian Sea derived from MODIS observations
Authors: Satheesh S. K. , Srinivasan J. , Moorthy K. Krishna
Published: February 2006

Making use of aerosol optical depths (AOD) derived from MODIS (onboard TERRA satellite) and winds from NCEP, and the fact that sea‐salt optical depth over ocean is determined primarily by sea‐surface wind speed, we examine the contribution of sea‐salt to the composite aerosol optical depth (AOD) over Arabian Sea (AS), by developing empirical models for characterizing wind‐speed dependence of sea‐salt optical depth. We show that at high wind speeds, sea‐salt contributes 81% to the coarse mode and 42% to the composite AOD in the southern AS. In contrast to this, over the northern AS, share of sea‐salt to coarse mode and composite optical depth is only 35% and 16% respectively. Comparison of the sea‐salt optical depth and coarse mode optical depth (MODIS) showed excellent agreement. The sea‐salt optical depth over AS at moderate to high wind speed is comparable to the anthropogenic AOD reported for this region during winter.
Temporal variations of accumulation and temperature during the past two centuries from Belukha ice core, Siberian Altai
Authors: Henderson Keith , Laube Andreas , Gäggeler Heinz W. , Olivier Susanne , Papina Tatyana , Schwikowski Margit
Published: February 2006

The temporal variation of accumulation and temperature in the Siberian Altai were investigated using a 86 m long ice core from Belukha glacier (49°48′26″N, 86°34′43″E, 4062 m a.s.l.), covering the time period 1816 to 2001. As temperature‐sensitive parameters the melt percent profiles and the stable oxygen isotopes (δ18O) were evaluated, representing summer season and March to November temperatures, respectively. The accumulation record showed no long‐term trend and only minor deviations of limited duration from the accumulation average of 0.5 m water equivalent/y (weq./y) were observed. In contrast, the two temperature proxies indicate a strong warming trend in the order of 1.6 ± 0.4°C and 1.7 ± 1.1°C over the last century, inferred from melt percentages and the δ18O record, respectively, and 2.5 ± 1.7°C since the mid‐19th century, inferred from the δ18O record. This reflects an amplified regional climate response following the Little Ice Age (LIA) as compared to the Northern Hemisphere average, most probably caused by the strong continentality of the Siberian Altai region. The sudden onset of large melt features since 1988 indicates that the upper reaches of Belukha glacier are experiencing a change from the recrystallization to the cold‐infiltration zone that now allows for multiannual percolation of meltwater, implying that the conservation of accumulation and geochemical properties, including those providing temperature proxies, is currently endangered.
Physical properties of the Mars Exploration Rover landing sites as inferred from Mini‐TES–derived thermal inertia
Authors: Fergason Robin L. , Christensen Philip R. , Bell James F. , Golombek Matthew P. , Herkenhoff Kenneth E. , Kieffer Hugh H.
Published: February 2006

The Miniature Thermal Emission Spectrometer (Mini‐TES) on board the two Mars Exploration Rovers provides the first opportunity to observe thermal properties from the Martian surface, relate these properties to orbital data, and perform soil conductivity experiments under Martian conditions. The thermal inertias of soils, bedforms, and rock at each landing site were derived to quantify the physical properties of these features and understand geologic processes occurring at these localities. The thermal inertia for the Gusev plains rock target Bonneville Beacon (∼1200 J m−2 K−1 s−1/2) is consistent with a dense, basaltic rock, but the rocks at the Columbia Hills have a lower thermal inertia (∼620 J m−2 K−1 s−1/2), suggesting that they have a volcaniclasic origin. Bedforms on the floors of craters at both landing sites have thermal inertias of 200 J m−2 K−1 s−1/2, consistent with a particle diameter of ∼160 μm. This diameter is comparable to the most easily moved grain size in the current atmosphere on Mars, suggesting that these bedforms may have formed under current atmospheric conditions. Along the Meridiani plains, the thermal inertia is lower than that derived from TES and Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) orbital data. This discrepancy is not well understood. Mini‐TES–derived thermal inertias at Gusev along a ∼2.5 km traverse follow trends in thermal inertia measured from orbit with TES and THEMIS. However, along the traverse, there are variability and mixing of particle sizes that are not resolved in the orbital thermal inertia data due to meter‐scale processes that are not identifiable at larger scales.