bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of nitric oxide synthases and endogenous NO metabolism in bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Davis Christiana W. , Gonzales Linda W. , Ballard Roberta A. , Ballard Philip L. , Guo Changjiang , Gow Andrew J.
Published: May 2008

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a multifactorial disease of preterm neonates of complex etiology, is a significant problem within very low birth weight infants. Nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated in both the pathogenesis and as a potential therapeutic of this disease. At this time, there is little direct evidence of the changes in NO production and metabolism that occur within BPD in humans. Animal models have implied that reduced nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression and NO production in the early stages of the disease may be critical factors. However, inflammation and hence iNOS expression, is also thought to play a role. In the present study we have utilized pathological samples to determine changes in the expression of NOS and NO metabolites within late stage BPD. It is our contention that within these samples iNOS expression is increased and associated with increased NO metabolite production. Mild immunostaining of all three nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzymes (neuronal, inducible and endothelial) is observed in control lung with tight localization to the endothelium and epithelial airway. This tight localization was lost in samples from subjects with BPD. There was also a marked increase in iNOS expression throughout the lung tissue with strong coexistence with an epithelial cell marker cytokeratin. NO reaction products are altered with BPD as evidenced by increased S‐nitrosothiol (SNO) and strong nitrotyrosine (NO2Y) imunoreactivity. This study demonstrates a strong correlation between products of NO reactivity and NOS localization in BPD. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:703–709. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) polymorphisms and prostate cancer in the CPS‐II Nutrition Cohort
Authors: Stevens Victoria L. , Rodriguez Carmen , Talbot Jeffrey T. , Pavluck Alexandre L. , Thun Michael J. , Calle Eugenia E.
Published: May 2008

BACKGROUND

The HDL‐associated enzyme paraoxonase 1 acts to decrease oxidative stress, which is thought to contribute to cancer development. PON1, which encodes paraoxonase 1, has two common, nonsynonymous SNPs that alter the activity of this enzyme and may influence cancer risk.

METHODS

We investigated the association the nonsynonymous SNPs, Q192R and L55M, with prostate cancer risk in a nested case–control analysis of 1,268 cases and 1,268 matched controls from the American Cancer Society CPS‐II Nutrition Cohort.

RESULTS

For both the Q192R and L55MSNPs, the presence of the variant allele was associated with an increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer that approached statistical significance. The genotype combination that included one variant allele from both SNPs (QR/LM) was associated with an increased risk of more than twofold (OR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.31, 3.64).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the Q129R and the L55M SNP may be associated with increased risk of aggressive prostate, perhaps through attenuation of paraoxonase l activity. Prostate 68:1336–1340, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Treatment of acute grade III acromioclavicular dislocation: a lack of evidence
Authors: Ceccarelli E. , Bondì R. , Alviti F. , Garofalo R. , Miulli F. , Padua R.
Published: May 2008

Background

Although nonoperative treatment is considered the standard of care for the treatment of grade I and II acromioclavicular joint injuries, the treatment of grade III injuries is controversial. There are as many methods of nonoperative treatment as there are for operative stabilization. That is why we conducted a literature research to find out the best evidence regarding the treatment of acute grade III acromioclavicular dislocation.

Method

The research was limited to RCTs, systematic review and meta-analysis in the most representative databases. Even if research identifies more than 600 articles, only five were included in the study because there were RCTs, and systematic reviews, but no meta-analysis articles were found. Moreover, no meta-analysis was performed because of differences of data published in the three RCTs (different type of surgical treatments and different outcome measures).

Results

From the literature evaluation, clinical results seem to be comparable between the operative and the conservative treatments, but complications are more evident in the surgery group. Since there is not a preponderance of positive papers showing the benefits of a surgical technique over conservative therapy, the nonoperative treatment is still considered a valid procedure in the grade III acromioclavicular separation.

Conclusion

More prospective randomized studies using validated outcome measures are needed to identify the suitable operation techniques for the acute injuries.
Normal biochemical analysis of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system in a child with POLG mutations: A cautionary note
Authors: de Vries M. C. , Rodenburg R. J. , Morava E. , Lammens M. , den van Heuvel L. P. W. , Korenke G. Christoph , Smeitink J. A. M.
Published: May 2008

We report a 5‐year‐old child carrying polymerase gamma (POLG1) mutations, but strikingly normal oxidative phosphorylation analysis in muscle, fibroblasts and liver. Mutations in POLG1 have so far been described in children with severe combined oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) deficiencies and with the classical Alpers–Huttenlocher syndrome. The patient presented with a delayed psychomotor development and ataxia during the first two years of life. From the third year of life he developed epilepsy and regression in development, together with symptoms of visual impairment and sensorineuronal deafness. Cerebrospinal fluid showed elevated lactic acid and protein concentrations. An elder brother had died due to combined OXPHOS deficiencies. Despite the clinical similarity with the elder brother, except for liver involvement, the OXPHOS system analysis in a frozen muscle biopsy was normal. For this reason a fresh muscle biopsy was performed, which has the advantage of the possibility of measuring the substrate oxidation rates and ATP production, part of the mitochondrial energy‐generating system (MEGS). During the same session, biopsies of liver and fibroblasts were taken. These three tissues showed normal measurements of the MEGS capacity. Based on the phenotype of Alpers–Huttenlocher syndrome in the elder brother, we decided to screen the POLG1 gene. Mutation analysis showed compound heterozygosity with two known mutations, A467T and G848S. The normal MEGS capacity in this patient expands the already existing complexity and heterogeneity of the childhood POLG1 patients and, on the basis of the high frequency of POLG1 mutations in childhood, warrants a liberal strategy with respect to mutation analysis.
Mineral nutrient economy in competing species of Sphagnum mosses
Authors: Hájek Tomáš , Adamec Lubomír
Published: May 2008

Bog vegetation, which is dominated by Sphagnum mosses, depends exclusively on aerial deposition of mineral nutrients. We studied how the main mineral nutrients are distributed between intracellular and extracellular exchangeable fractions and along the vertical physiological gradient of shoot age in seven Sphagnum species occupying contrasting bog microhabitats. While the Sphagnum exchangeable cation content decreased generally in the order Ca2+ ≥ K+, Na+, Mg2+ > Al3+ > NH4+, intracellular element content decreased in the order N > K > Na, Mg, P, Ca, Al. Calcium occurred mainly in the exchangeable form while Mg, Na and particularly K, Al and N occurred inside cells. Hummock species with a higher cation exchange capacity (CEC) accumulated more exchangeable Ca2+, while the hollow species with a lower CEC accumulated more exchangeable Na+, particularly in dead shoot segments. Intracellular N and P, but not metallic elements, were consistently lower in dead shoot segments, indicating the possibility of N and P reutilization from senescing segments. The greatest variation in tissue nutrient content and distribution was between species from contrasting microhabitats. The greatest variation within microhabitats was between the dissimilar species S. angustifolium and S. magellanicum. The latter species had the intracellular N content about 40% lower than other species, including even this species when grown alone. This indicates unequal competition for N, which can lead to outcompeting of S. magellanicum from mixed patches. We assume that efficient cation exchange enables Sphagnum vegetation to retain immediately the cationic nutrients from rainwater. This may represent an important mechanism of temporal extension of mineral nutrient availability to subsequent slow intracellular nutrient uptake.
Snapping Wrist due to an Anomalous Extensor Indicis Proprius: A Case Report
Authors: Baker James , Gonzalez Mark H.
Published: May 2008

Variation in the extensor muscles of the hand is common. These anatomic deviations are rarely symptomatic. We report a unique case of an anomalous extensor indicis proprius causing a painful snapping wrist. Intraoperative examination revealed a disproportionately large muscle belly under the extensor retinaculum causing subluxation of the ring and small extensor tendons creating a painful snapping phenomenon. Following excision, the subluxation and pain resolved.
The Combined Use of a Pedicled Superficial Inferior Epigastric Artery Flap and a Groin Flap for Reconstruction of a Dorsal and Volar Hand Blast Injury
Authors: Choi Joon Y. , Chung Kevin C.
Published: May 2008

A hand blast injury case causing a large through-and-through composite tissue loss is presented. This injury resulted in a dorsal and a palmar hand defect with segmental bone loss. Soft tissue coverage of both dorsal and palmar wounds was achieved by two separate pedicle flaps with pedicles closely arising from the femoral artery: a superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap and a groin flap. Simultaneously, a large iliac corticocancellous bone graft was harvested from the same incision to be used for the wrist fusion procedure. This approach uses two separate pedicled flaps with robust independent blood supply to cover simultaneously a dorsal and a volar hand wound. A large through-and-through hand defect can be reconstructed readily with this approach, and it is associated with much less perioperative morbidity compared to free composite tissue transfer options. The dissection of both the groin flap and the SIEA flap is straightforward and can be easily performed by a single surgeon. The combined use of these two flaps allows stable coverage of sizable dorsal and palmar wounds of the hand.
The ubiquitin ligase gene (WWP1) is responsible for the chicken muscular dystrophy
Authors: Matsumoto Hirokazu , Maruse Hideaki , Inaba Yumi , Yoshizawa Kanako , Sasazaki Shinji , Fujiwara Akira , Nishibori Masahide , Nakamura Akinori , Takeda Shin'ichi , Ichihara Nobutsune , Kikuchi Tateki , Mukai Fumio , Mannen Hideyuki
Published: May 2008

Chicken muscular dystrophy with abnormal muscle (AM) has been studied for more than 50 years, but the gene responsible for it remains unclear. Our previous studies narrowed down the AM candidate region to approximately 1 Mbp of chicken chromosome 2q containing seven genes. In this study, we performed sequence comparison and gene expression analysis to elucidate the responsible gene. One missense mutation was detected in AM candidate genes, while no remarkable alteration of expression patterns was observed. The mutation was identified in WWP1, detected only in dystrophic chickens within several tetrapods. These results suggested WWP1 is responsible for chicken muscular dystrophy.
Quantitative inheritance of leaf morphological traits in upland cotton
Authors: HAO J. J. , YU S. X. , DONG Z. D. , FAN S. L. , MA Q. X. , SONG M. Z. , YU J. W.
Published: May 2008

Genetic manipulation of leaf architecture may be a useful breeding objective in cotton (Gossypiumspp.). The present study reports quantitative genetic analysis of leaf traits from two intraspecific crosses of inbred lines in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.) viz. Kang3×Chaoji463 and Han109×Ji98. Six leaf morphological traits (leaf area (LA), leaf perimeter (LP), main lobe length (LL) and width (LW), petiole length (PL), and main LL/LW ratio) were recorded from multiple generations (P1, F1, P2, BC1, BC2, and F2) in the two crosses. Generation mean analyses were conducted to explain the inheritance of each leaf morphological trait. The six-parameter model showed a better fit to an additive-dominance model for LA, main LW, PL, and main LL/LW ratio in the two crosses, suggesting the relative importance of epistatic effects controlling leaf morphology. A simple additive-dominance model accounted for the genetic variation of the main LL in the Kang3×Chaoji463 cross. Different models were selected as appropriate to explain LP in the two crosses. The differences between broad- and narrow-sense heritability values for the same trait were not constant in the two crosses. The estimated minimum number of genes controlling each leaf morphological trait ranged from 0 to 2 for both the crosses. Moreover, the sums of the minimum number of genes controlling leaf morphology were 6 and 2 in the Kang3×Chaoji463 and Han109×Ji98 populations, respectively. Most data suggested that there existed a substantial opportunity to breed cottons that transgress the present range of leaf phenotypes found.
Experimental studies of the viscous boundary layer properties in turbulent Rayleigh–Bénard convection
Authors: SUN CHAO , CHEUNG YIN-HAR , XIA KE-QING
Published: May 2008

We report high-resolution measurements of the properties of the velocity boundary layer in turbulent thermal convection using the particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique and measurements of the temperature profiles and the thermal boundary layer. Both velocity and temperature measurements were made near the lower conducting plate of a rectangular convection cell using water as the convecting fluid, with the Rayleigh numberRavarying from 109to 1010and the Prandtl numberPrfixed at 4.3. From the measured profiles of the horizontal velocity we obtain the viscous boundary layer thickness δυ. It is found that δυfollows the classical Blasius-like laminar boundary layer in the present range ofRa, and it scales with the Reynolds numberReas δυ/H= 0.64Re−0.50±0.03(whereHis the cell height). While the measured viscous shear stress and Reynolds shear stress show that the boundary layer is laminar forRa< 2.0 × 1010, two independent extrapolations, one based on velocity measurements and the other on velocity and temperature measurements, both indicate that the boundary layer will become turbulent atRa~ 1013. Just above the thermal boundary layer but within the mixing zone, the measured temperature r.m.s. profiles σT(z) are found to follow either a power law or a logarithmic behaviour. The power-law fitting may be slightly favoured and its exponent is found to depend onRaand varies from −0.6 to −0.77, which is much larger than the classical value of −1/3. In the same region, the measured profiles of the r.m.s. vertical velocity σw(z) exhibit a much smaller scaling range and are also consistent with either a power-law or a logarithmic behaviour. The Reynolds number dependence of several wall quantities is also measured directly. These are the wall shear stress τw~Re1.55, the viscous sublayer δw~Re−0.91, the friction velocityuτ~Re0.80, and the skin-friction coefficientcf~Re−0.34. All of these scaling properties are very close to those predicted for a classical Blasius-type laminar boundary layer, except that ofcf. Similar to classical shear flows, a viscous sublayer is also found to exist in the present system despite the presence of a nested thermal boundary layer. However, velocity profiles normalized by wall units exhibit no obvious logarithmic region, which is likely to be a result of the very limited distance between the edge of the viscous sublayer and the position of the maximum velocity. Compared to traditional shear flows, the peak position of the wall-unit-normalized r.m.s. profiles is found to be closer to the plate (atz+=z/δw≃ 5). Our overall conclusion is that a Blasius-type laminar boundary condition is a good approximation for the velocity boundary layer in turbulent thermal convection for the present range of Rayleigh number and Prandtl number.
Nonlinear mode selection in a model of trailing line vortices
Authors: ABID MALEK
Published: May 2008

Nonlinear mode selection, from initial random Gaussian field perturbations, in a model of trailing line vortices (swirling jets), in the breakdown regime, is addressed by direct numerical simulations with a Reynolds number equal to 1000. A new concept of mode activity in the nonlinear evolution is introduced. The selected modes, according to their activities, are reported and related to strain eigenvectors (with maximum eigenvalues) of the basic flow corresponding to the trailing line vortex under consideration. The selected modes are also related to results from the linear eigenmode (exponential growth) instability theory using the concept of dispersion relation envelope. It is found that the global mode hypothesis of the linear eigenmode theory is violated near the flow axis when the swirl number increases. However, far from the flow axis the linear eigenmode theory is in good agreement with the nonlinear evolution in the breakdown regime. The discrepancy between the nonlinear evolution and the linear eigenmode theory is related to the transient growth of optimal perturbations resulting from the non-normality of the linearized Navier–Stokes equations about shear flows. A clear distinction between an eigenmode, an optimal perturbation (non-modal) and a direct numerical simulation (DNS) mode is made. It is shown that the algebraic (transient) growth contributions from the inviscid continuous spectrum could trigger nonlinearities near the flow axis. The DNS mode selected in the nonlinear regime coincides with the long-wave eigenmode benefiting from the algebraic growth in the linear regime. This eigenmode is different from the short-wave eigenmode with the absolute maximum exponential growth. Although it is promoted by transients, in the linear regime, the long-wave component is selected nonlinearly.
Erosion of a granular bed driven by laminar fluid flow
Authors: LOBKOVSKY ALEXANDER E. , ORPE ASHISH V. , MOLLOY RYAN , KUDROLLI ARSHAD , ROTHMAN DANIEL H.
Published: May 2008

Motivated by examples of erosive incision of channels in sand, we investigate the motion of individual grains in a granular bed driven by a laminar fluid to give us new insights into the relationship between hydrodynamic stress and surface granular flow. A closed cell of rectangular cross-section is partially filled with glass beads and a constant fluid fluxQflows through the cell. The refractive indices of the fluid and the glass beads are matched and the cell is illuminated with a laser sheet, allowing us to image individual beads. The bed erodes to a rest heighthrwhich depends onQ. The Shields threshold criterion assumes that the non-dimensional ratio θ of the viscous stress on the bed to the hydrostatic pressure difference across a grain is sufficient to predict the granular flux. Furthermore, the Shields criterion states that the granular flux is non-zero only for θ > θc. We find that the Shields criterion describes the observed relationshiphr∝Q1/2when the bed height is offset by approximately half a grain diameter. Introducing this offset in the estimation of θ yields a collapse of the measured Einstein numberq* to a power-law function of θ − θcwith exponent 1.75 ± 0.25. The dynamics of the bed height relaxation are described well by the power-law relationship between the granular flux and the bed stress.
Numerical simulation of the fluid dynamic effects of laser energy deposition in air
Authors: GHOSH SHANKAR , MAHESH KRISHNAN
Published: May 2008

Numerical simulations of laser energy deposition in air are conducted. Local thermodynamic equilibrium conditions are assumed to apply. Variation of the thermodynamic and transport properties with temperature and pressure are accounted for. The flow field is classified into three phases: shock formation; shock propagation; and subsequent collapse of the plasma core. Each phase is studied in detail. Vorticity generation in the flow is described for short and long times. At short times, vorticity is found to be generated by baroclinic means. At longer times, a reverse flow is found to be generated along the plasma axis resulting in the rolling up of the flow field near the plasma core and enhancement of the vorticity field. Scaling analysis is performed for different amounts of laser energy deposited and different Reynolds numbers of the flow. Simulations are conducted using three different models for air based on different levels of physical complexity. The impact of these models on the evolution of the flow field is discussed.
Mathematical modelling of non-axisymmetric capillary tube drawing
Authors: GRIFFITHS I. M. , HOWELL P. D.
Published: May 2008

This paper concerns the manufacture of non-axisymmetric capillary tubing via the Vello process, in which molten glass is fed through a die and drawn off vertically. The shape of the cross-section evolves under surface tension as it flows downstream. The aim is to achieve a given desired final shape, typically square or rectangular, and our goal is to determine the required die shape.

We use the result that, provided the tube is slowly varying in the axial direction, each cross-section evolves like a two-dimensional Stokes flow when expressed in suitably scaled Lagrangian coordinates. This allows us to use a previously derived model for the surface-tension-driven evolution of a thin two-dimensional viscous tube. We thus obtain, and solve analytically, equations governing the axial velocity, thickness and circumference of the tube, as well as its shape. The model is extended to include non-isothermal effects.
A physical mechanism of the energy cascade in homogeneous isotropic turbulence
Authors: GOTO SUSUMU
Published: May 2008

In order to investigate the physical mechanism of the energy cascade in homogeneous isotropic turbulence, the internal energy and its transfer rate are defined as a function of scale, space and time. Direct numerical simulation of turbulence at a moderate Reynolds number verifies that the energy cascade can be caused by the successive creation of smaller-scale tubular vortices in the larger-scale straining regions existing between pairs of larger-scale tubular vortices. Movies are available with the online version of the paper.
Transient inertial hydrodynamic interaction between two identical spheres settling at small Reynolds number
Authors: FELDERHOF B. U.
Published: May 2008

The flow pattern generated by a sphere accelerated from rest by a small constant applied forceshows scaling behaviour at long times, as can be shown from the solution of the linearized Navier–Stokes equations. In the scaling regime the kinetic energy of the flow grows with thesquare root of time. For two distant settling spheres starting from rest the kinetic energy ofthe flow depends on the distance vector between centres; owing to interference of the flowpatterns. It is argued that this leads to relative motion of the two spheres. Thecorresponding interaction energy is calculated explicitly in the scaling regime.
On the inviscid stability of bi-layer axisymmetric coatings
Authors: BLYTHE P. A. , SIMPKINS P. G.
Published: May 2008

This paper is concerned with the stability of fibre coatings at large Reynolds numbers. Both single- and double-layer coatings are considered; no restriction is placed on the coating thicknesses. Calculations for the maximum growth rate, together with the corresponding length scale of the instability, are presented. Rescaling with respect to the maximum growth rate generates universal dispersion relations over the unstable wavenumber range. For double-layer composite coatings, modifications are required when the density ratio becomes large.
Safe and simple method for secondary tracheoesophageal puncture using curved forceps
Authors: Trivedi N P , Kekatpure V , Kuriakose M A , Iyer S
Published: May 2008

Introduction:

Secondary tracheoesophageal puncture is sometimes difficult and has a higher complication rate. In the irradiated neck, where neck extension is difficult, the traditional tracheoesophageal puncture method of insertion with a rigid endoscope is not possible. We describe a simple, safe and effective alternative method of tracheoesophageal puncture using curved forceps (Kocher's curved intestinal clamp forceps or Mixter forceps).

Surgical technique:

The procedure is performed under local or general anaesthesia with equal ease. Maximum neck extension is achieved. The curved intestinal forceps are passed through the mouth into the oesophageal lumen. The instrument tip can easily be seen or felt at the posterior wall of the tracheostoma. A small incision is made in the mucosa to allow the forceps tip to emerge, and a guide wire is passed through this incision out of the mouth. The prosthesis can be guided over the guide wire, in retrograde fashion, to fit the puncture hole.

Results:

Secondary tracheoesophageal puncture was performed in five cases with severe neck fibrosis. In all cases, valve insertion was easily achieved after secondary tracheoesophageal puncture, without any peri-operative complications.

Conclusion:

This is a safe, simple and effective method for secondary tracheoesophageal puncture. It can be performed easily in any setting and is not associated with any complications.
Paranasal sinus barotrauma in sports self-contained underwater breathing apparatus divers
Authors: Uzun C
Published: May 2008

Objective:

To evaluate potential pre-dive parameters in relation to paranasal sinus barotrauma in sports self-contained underwater breathing apparatus divers.

Study design:

The pre-dive and follow-up records of 46 healthy sports self-contained underwater breathing apparatus divers were analysed.

Methods:

In the routine pre-dive examination of diving candidates with no symptoms of rhino-sinus disease, rhinoscopy, sinus radiography and nasal endoscopy indicated no signs of rhinitis and/or sinusitis. Any signs of paranasal sinus barotrauma were noted, and several parameters were evaluated in relation to occurrence of barotrauma.

Results:

Of the studied parameters, a history of sinusitis and of middle-ear barotrauma was significantly more frequent in divers in the barotrauma group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

In divers undergoing a routine pre-dive examination, paranasal sinus barotrauma was not related to sex, alcohol consumption, smoking, decongestant use, mild nasal septal deviation, or inability to perform the Valsalva or Toynbee manoeuvres. However, divers with a history of sinusitis or middle-ear barotrauma may be more prone to paranasal sinus barotrauma. A more detailed pre-dive examination may be useful for such individuals.
Profuse epistaxis following sphenoid surgery: a ruptured carotid artery pseudoaneurysm and its management
Authors: Biswas D , Daudia A , Jones N S , McConachie N S
Published: May 2008

Objective:

We report a rare case of iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm of the internal carotid artery secondary to endoscopic sphenoid surgery.

Method:

The management of this unusual complication and a review of the literature are presented.

Results:

A 65-year-old woman presented with intractable epistaxis four days following endoscopic sphenoid sinus surgery. Initial, conservative measures were unsuccessful in controlling bleeding. The clinical picture of delayed, severe epistaxis after a sphenoid sinus exploration raised the possibility of injury to the internal carotid artery and subsequent formation of a false aneurysm. The patient's pseudoaneurysm was managed, without visualising it, by packing the sphenoid sinus (achieved by palpating 1 cm above the shoulder of the posterior choana) in order to gain control of the haemorrhage, followed by endovascular occlusion.

Conclusion:

An awareness of this rare complication is essential in order to manage this life-threatening condition efficiently.
Imaging case study: enlarged superior vestibular nerve canal with sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Redleaf M I , Pinto J M , Klemens J J
Published: May 2008

Objective:

We report a new temporal bone anomaly – an enlarged superior vestibular nerve canal – associated with sensorineural hearing loss.

Case report:

A 10-month-old male infant presented with sensorineural hearing loss together with bilaterally enlarged superior vestibular nerve canals. Compared with published temporal bone computed tomography measurements, our patient's canals were normal in length but approximately double the normal width. In addition, careful review of the imaging did not clearly identify a bony wedge between the superior and inferior vestibular nerve canals.

Conclusion:

Enlarged superior vestibular nerve canal malformation may be a marker for sensorineural hearing loss. Increased vigilance amongst otologists may establish the prevalence of this anomaly and its possible effects on hearing.
Current intakes of EPA and DHA in European populations and the potential of animal-derived foods to increase them
Authors: Ian Givens D. , Gibbs Rachael A.
Published: May 2008

The beneficial effects of long-chain (C chain ≥20)n-3 PUFA are well documented and, overall, increased intake reduces risk of CVD. Recent evidence also points to a role in reducing age-related decline in cognitive function. The two key fatty acids are EPA (20:5) and DHA (22:6), with current UK recommendation for adults being 450 mg EPA+DHA/d. Whilst some EPA and DHA can be synthesisedin vivofrom α-linolenic acid, recent data indicate this source to be very limited, suggesting that EPA and DHA should be classified as dietary essentials. In many parts of Europe the daily intake of EPA+DHA by adults and especially young adults (18–24 years) is <100 mg/d, since many never eat oily fish. Poultry meat contributes small but worthwhile amounts of EPA+DHA. Studies to enrich the EPA+DHA content of animal-derived foods mainly use fish oil in the diet of the animal. Recent work has shown that such enrichment has the potential to provide to the UK adult diet a daily intake of EPA+DHA of about 230 mg, with poultry meat providing the largest amount (74 mg). There are, however, concerns that the continued and possibly increased use of fish oils in animals' diets is not sustainable and alternative approaches are being examined, including the genetic modification of certain plants to allow them to synthesise EPA and DHA from shorter-chain precursors.
Frederick Schwatka and the search for the Franklin expedition records, 1878–1880
Authors: Savitt Ronald
Published: May 2008

Frederick Gustavus Schwatka was one of America's most important Arctic explorers. While honoured in his time, he is only a footnote in the search for Sir John Franklin. He commanded, in 1878–1880, an expedition of the American Geographical Society of New York which had the aim of retrieving records from King William Island. Although none were found, he did discover a number of expedition relics and remains. His extensive sledge journey during this expedition was one of the longest recorded by a European-North American expedition, over 5232 km (3,251 statute miles). Moreover it was conducted under some of the coldest conditions ever endured in polar exploration. Schwatka's party included three Europeans, William H. Gilder, a journalist fromThe New York Herald, Henry Klutschak, a naturalist, and Frank E. Melms, an experienced seaman, and ‘Eskimo Joe’ Ebierbing, an Inuit who had served on previous expeditions in search of Franklin. ‘Schwatka's search’, as it was known, concluded efforts to discover the fate of the Franklin expedition in the nineteenth century. It laid the groundwork for the important expeditions in the twentieth century that revealed new information concerning the fate of Franklin's men. Schwatka's expedition was without death or deprivation. Much of his success was based on a clearly defined plan and on adopting Inuit practices including living off the land, lessons he learned from his experiences with American Indians as part of his military assignments. Born in Illinois, he was educated at West Point, the United States Military Academy, acquitted himself well in the Indian Wars and then went on to qualify for the bar and secured a medical degree during his military service. He died an early and unfortunate death at the age of 43. The research reported in this article provides an understanding of the factors that shaped Schwatka and the skills that he used in this expedition.
Radar imaging of winter seismic survey activity in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska
Authors: Jones Benjamin M. , Rykhus Russell , Lu Zhong , Arp Christopher D. , Selkowitz David J.
Published: May 2008

During the spring of 2006, Radarsat-1 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery was acquired on a continual basis for the Teshekpuk Lake Special Area (TLSA), in the northeast portion of the National Petroleum Reserve, Alaska (NPR-A) in order to monitor lake ice melting processes. During data processing, it was discovered that the Radarsat-1 imagery detected features associated with winter seismic survey activity. Focused analysis of the image time series revealed various aspects of the exploration process such as the grid profile associated with the seismic line surveys as well as trails and campsites associated with the mobile survey crews. Due to the high temporal resolution of the dataset it was possible to track the progress of activities over a one month period. Spaceborne SAR imagery can provide information on the location of winter seismic activity and could be used as a monitoring tool for land and resource managers as increased petroleum-based activity occurs in the TLSA and NPR-A.
Where have all the barque rigged sealers gone?
Authors: Kjær Kjell-G.
Published: May 2008

By 1890, sealing from southern Norwegian ports had been in decline for some years. The owners of the fleet of strongly built barque rigged ice-sheeted sealers were facing a serious problem. This was simply that their ships did not make money. This paper describes the options that the owners had at a time when the fleets of the world were about to change from sail to steam. There were alternative possibilities for employment of such strongly built ice going wooden ships. These included involvement in Arctic transport, American whaling, and Newfoundland sealing, and on Arctic tourist and polar expeditions. The paper analyses these possibilities and compares the development of the Norwegian fleet with the situation in the Scottish sealing fleet that had faced the same problem some 30 years earlier.
Antarctic tourists: ambassadors or consumers?
Authors: Powell Robert B. , Kellert Stephen R. , Ham Sam H.
Published: May 2008

Two complementary studies were conducted to investigate both the immediate and longer-term influence of Antarctic cruise tourism experiences on participants’ knowledge of Antarctica, attitudes toward management issues facing the Antarctic region, and environmental behaviours and future intentions. In addition, the study investigated tourists’ attitudes toward visitor guidelines. The results suggest that Antarctica nature-based tourism operators have the potential to provide experiences that educate the public to the importance of Antarctica.
Inverse dynamics of the 6-dof out-parallel manipulator by means of the principle of virtual work
Authors: Zhao Yongjie , Gao Feng
Published: May 2008

In this paper, the inverse dynamics of the 6-dof out-parallel manipulator is formulated by means of the principle of virtual work and the concept of link Jacobian matrices. The dynamical equations of motion include the rotation inertia of motor–coupler–screw and the term caused by the external force and moment exerted at the moving platform. The approach described here leads to efficient algorithms since the constraint forces and moments of the robot system have been eliminated from the equations of motion and there is no differential equation for the whole procedure. Numerical simulation for the inverse dynamics of a 6-dof out-parallel manipulator is illustrated. The whole actuating torques and the torques caused by gravity, velocity, acceleration, moving platform, strut, carriage, and the rotation inertia of the lead screw, motor rotor and coupler have been computed.
A Pilot Study to Explore the Effect of Symptom Monitoring in Children and Adolescents with Posttraumatic Stress Reactions following Road Traffic Accidents
Authors: Hardy Emma , Stallard Paul
Published: May 2008

Each year a large number of children and adolescents develop significant posttraumatic symptoms after being involved in road traffic accidents (RTA). Consequently there is a need to develop effective interventions to prevent or minimize such reactions. The use of symptom monitoring with adults has found promising results. This pilot study explores the use of symptom monitoring with children and young people involved in RTAs. Twelve young people who met criteria on screening questionnaires for significant posttraumatic symptoms completed symptom monitoring diaries. Following completion of a diary once a day for 3 weeks, 3/12 children (25%) fell below criteria, suggesting significant posttraumatic symptoms. Feedback about self-monitoring was generally positive and suggests that symptom monitoring may be a helpful yet simple intervention for use with child trauma victims.
Consumption of fruit, vegetables, sweets and soft drinks are associated with psychological dimensions of eating behaviour in parents and their 12-year-old children
Authors: Elfhag Kristina , Tholin Sanna , Rasmussen Finn
Published: May 2008

Objective

We investigated associations between consumption of fruits, vegetables, sweets and soft drinks and the psychological dimensions of eating in parents and their children. The role of the parent’s characteristics for their children’s food intake was also explored.

Design

Food intake patterns were assessed by self-reported consumption of the respective foods. Eating behaviour was measured by the Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire and self-esteem by Harter self-perception scale. The participants were 1441 families (mother, father and their 12-year-old child), and additionally 354 mothers and thirty fathers.

Results

Among parents, reported intake of fruit and vegetables were associated with restrained eating, higher self-esteem, and higher education and age. Intake of sweets was related to more external and less restrained eating, and for mothers also emotional eating. Parent’s intake of soft drink was foremost related to a younger age, and also weakly associated with psychological characteristics. The food intake of parents was more important for the children’s food intake than any other characteristics. However, children’s intake of sweets showed clear-cut positive associations with external eating.

Conclusions

Psychological dimensions of eating behaviour are associated with patterns of food intake, in particular for consumption of sweets, and are most prominent in the parents. The children’s food intake mirrored their parents’ intake. Being sensitive to external food cues may increase unhealthy food consumption in our society, whereas more restrained eating may indicate proneness or intention to healthier food choices among parents. Emotional eating may imply a proneness to consume sweets for comfort, in particular among mothers.
Valuation of pension liabilities in incomplete markets
Authors: DE JONG FRANK
Published: May 2008

This paper discusses the valuation of wage-indexed pension liabilities. Valuation of these contingent claims by replication is typically not possible as the wage index cannot be hedged perfectly with financial market instruments. This paper discusses several methods to find a value in such incomplete markets and advocates utility-based valuation. This approach implies a simple adjustment on the discount factor.
Developing a renal supportive care team from the voices of patients, families, and palliative care staff
Authors: Berzoff Joan , Swantkowski Jennifer , Cohen Lewis M.
Published: May 2008

Objective:

Although half a million Americans suffer from end stage renal disease (ESRD), their quality of end-of-life care has been woefully inadequate. The Renal Supportive Care Team is a demonstration project that is designed to elicit and provide for the needs of dialysis patients and their families throughout the trajectory of their illnesses.

Method:

Six focus groups, including medical health professionals, dialysis patients, family members, and bereaved family members, discussed how to promote improved palliative care and encourage hospice referral for patients with ESRD.

Results:

Respondents agreed that there needed to be greater education of both patients and families regarding all aspects of the disease process, open communication, on-going support between patients, families, and the staff, continuity of care, pain control, and assistance with advance care planning.

Significance of results:

Palliative and supportive care issues in ESRD need greater attention.
An update on the use of antipsychotics in the treatment of delirium
Authors: Alici-Evcimen Yesne , Breitbart William
Published: May 2008

Objective:

Delirium is the most common neuropsychiatric complication of medical illness, a medical emergency that needs to be identified and treated vigorously. Delirium is too frequently underdiagnosed and untreated in the medical setting, which leads to increased morbidity and mortality, interference in the management of symptoms such as pain, an increased length of hospitalization, increased health care costs, and distress for patients and their caregivers (Inouye, 2006; Breitbart et al., 2002a, 2002b). In this article, we present an update of the use of antipsychotics in management of delirium based on the available literature and our own clinical experience.

Methods:

We reviewed the current literature on the role of antipsychotics in the management of delirium using standard computer-based search methods (e.g., PubMed).

Results:

Antipsychotic medications, including the new atypical antipsychotics, have been demonstrated to effectively manage a wide spectrum of the symptoms of delirium and are an essential component in the multimodal approach to managing delirium.

Significance of results:

The standard approach to managing delirium includes identification and elimination of factors contributing to the delirium in addition to pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment interventions (Trzepacz et al., 1999). Newer atypical antipsychotics can play an important role in the management of the symptoms of delirium.
Approaches and constraints of using existing landrace and extant plant material to understand agricultural spread in prehistory
Authors: Jones Huw , Lister Diane L. , Bower Mim A. , Leigh Fiona J. , Smith Lydia M. , Jones Martin K.
Published: May 2008

The potential for the phylogeographical analysis of cereal landraces to determine the initial patterns of agricultural spread through Europe is discussed in relation to two of the first cereals to be domesticated, emmer wheat (Triticum turgidumsubsp.dicoccum) and barley (Hordeum vulgare). Extant landraces available from germplasm collections have a patchy distribution, largely being confined to regions of rugged upland topography, and the phylogeographical patterns observed may be due to ‘overstamping’ by more recent crop movements. Phylogeographical studies of non-viable historical landrace material held in herbarium and old seed collections and found in historical buildings have the potential to fill in the gaps in time and space. We explore the importance of precise geographical provenance and the limitations of this in extant and historical material. Additionally, we consider the effect of various chemicals and the preservation of DNA in the historical material.
Laboratory measurements of electrical conductivities of hydrous and dry Mount Vesuvius melts under pressure
Authors: Pommier A. , Gaillard F. , Pichavant M. , Scaillet B.
Published: May 2008

Quantitative interpretation of MT anomalies in volcanic regions requires laboratory measurements of electrical conductivities of natural magma compositions. The electrical conductivities of three lava compositions from Mount Vesuvius (Italy) have been measured using an impedance spectrometer. Experiments were conducted on both glasses and melts between 400 and 1300°C, at both ambient pressure in air and high pressures (up to 400 MPa). Both dry and hydrous (up to 5.6 wt % H2O) melt compositions were investigated. A change of the conduction mechanism corresponding to the glass transition was systematically observed. The conductivity data were fitted by sample‐specific Arrhenius laws on either side of Tg. The electrical conductivity increases with temperature and is higher in the order tephrite, phonotephrite to phonolite. For the three investigated compositions, increasing pressure decreases the conductivity, although the effect of pressure is relatively small. The three investigated compositions have similar activation volumes (ΔV = 16–24 cm3 mol−1). Increasing the water content of the melt increases the conductivity. Comparison of activation energies (Ea) from conductivity and sodium diffusion and use of the Nernst‐Einstein relation allow sodium to be identified as the main charge carrier in our melts and presumably also in the corresponding glasses. Our data and those of previous studies highlight the correlation between the Arrhenius parameters Ea and σ0. A semiempirical method allowing the determination of the electrical conductivity of natural magmatic liquids is proposed, in which the activation energy is modeled on the basis of the Anderson‐Stuart model, σ0 being obtained from the compensation law and ΔV being fitted from our experimental data. The model enables the electrical conductivity to be calculated for the entire range of melt compositions at Mount Vesuvius and also satisfactorily predicts the electrical response of other melt compositions. Electrical conductivity data for Mount Vesuvius melts and magmas are slightly lower than the electrical anomaly revealed by MT studies.
Validation of Aura Microwave Limb Sounder OH and HO2 measurements
Authors: Pickett H. M. , Drouin B. J. , Canty T. , Salawitch R. J. , Fuller R. A. , Perun V. S. , Livesey N. J. , Waters J. W. , Stachnik R. A. , Sander S. P. , Traub W. A. , Jucks K. W. , Minschwaner K.
Published: May 2008

The Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) instrument on the Aura satellite obtains global measurements of both OH and HO2 radicals. This paper describes the precision and systematic errors of the MLS version v2.2 of the retrieval software. Estimated systematic errors are less than 8% for OH over 32–0.003 hPa and HO2 over 6.8–0.21 hPa. Comparison of measurements from MLS OH and HO2 profiles and three balloon‐based instruments show good agreement among themselves and with a photochemical model using standard chemistry (i.e., recommended rate constants). Similarly, good agreement is seen between column OH found by integrating satellite profiles and ground‐based measurements of column OH. The agreement between measured and modeled OH and HO2 is improved following perturbations to the rate constants O + OH and OH + HO2 that are within the recommended uncertainties. Measurements of OH obtained a decade ago by the Middle Atmosphere High‐Resolution Spectrograph Investigation (MAHRSI) are smaller than MLS measurements by 20% at 70 km, are similar to MLS data near 50 km, and are 50% larger than MLS observations near 42 km. The MLS and MAHRSI measurements of OH overlap at the limit of their respective 2‐σ uncertainties. Most importantly, we find the shape of the OH profile measured by MLS is simulated well using standard chemistry.