bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Acupuncture with Advice and Exercises on the Symptomatic Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Hip – a Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Haslam Roisin
Published: April 2009

Acupuncture is becoming a common technique within the physiotherapy profession as a treatment modality for pain relief; however, few randomised controlled trials have been undertaken to assess the effectiveness of acupuncture, particularly in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip. Therefore, a randomised trial to compare the effectiveness of acupuncture with advice and exercises on the symptomatic treatment of OA of the hip was carried out. Thirty-two patients awaiting a total hip arthroplasty were randomly allocated to either the experimental group, (A), to have six sessions of acupuncture each lasting up to 25 minutes, or the control group, (B), to be given advice and exercises for their hip over a six week period. Group A consisted of three men and 13 women, and group B consisted of four men and eight women. The average age in group A was 66 years and in group B it was 68 years. Patients were assessed for pain and functional ability, using a modified version of the WOMAC questionnaire, pre-treatment, immediately post-treatment and at eight weeks post-treatment.

The pre-treatment WOMAC scores in the two groups were similar (p=0.85). There was a significant improvement in group A (decrease in WOMAC score) immediately post-treatment (p=0.002) and this was maintained at the eight-week follow-up (p=0.03). There were no significant changes in group B. When the changes in WOMAC scores were compared between groups, a significantly greater improvement was found between pre-treatment and immediately post-treatment in group A, compared with group B (p=0.02). The changes between pre-treatment and the eight-week follow-up also showed a significant improvement in group A compared with group B (p=0.03).

In conclusion, this trial supports the hypothesis that acupuncture is more effective than advice and exercises in the symptomatic treatment of OA of the hip.
A Case Series of Temporomandibular Disorders Treated with Acupuncture, Occlusal Splint and Point Injection Therapy
Authors: Wong Yiu-kai , Cheng Jason
Published: April 2009

A treatment regime combining acupuncture, occlusal splint and point injection therapy for temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is presented. There were 89 consecutive patients treated by the regime in this case series but four patients dropped out after two to three visits. Data and treatment results of the remaining 85 patients who had treatment completed were analysed. It was found that 73 (85%) of patients with TMD had symptoms relieved within six visits under this regime. Complications were rare and minor. Acupuncture treatment, in combination with splint therapy and point injection therapy, appears to be effective for managing TMD. However, further research, using randomised controlled trials should be conducted to ascertain its effectiveness over other treatment modalities.
Bmas Policy Statements in Some Controversial Areas of Acupuncture Practice
Authors: Cummings Mike , Reid Frankie
Published: April 2009

The safe and competent practice of acupuncture requires the practitioner to conform to a number of basic principles. These include minimising the risk of transmission of infection, maintaining sufficient knowledge of anatomy to guide safe needling, and seeking an orthodox medical diagnosis before embarking on treatment. Beyond these basic principles, there are certain circumstances in practice that generate regular debate amongst practitioners. This article details advice on a limited selection of such circumstances. This advice has been drawn from a set of policy statements originally drafted to facilitate clarity and consistency within the teaching of Western medical acupuncture provided by the BMAS. It is not comprehensive, but covers the areas where there were the greatest differences in approach among the teaching staff. The original policy statements were also incorporated into the BMAS Code of Practice.

By using the guidance in this article, in addition to applying sound clinical judgement and a knowledge of relevant anatomy, we hope that practitioners will minimise both the theoretical risks and the reported serious adverse events related to acupuncture, yet be able to practise unencumbered by illogical restrictions.
The Importance of Postural Habits in Perpetuating Myofascial Trigger Point Pain
Authors: Edwards Janet
Published: April 2009

Various structural abnormalities that contribute to the perpetuation of myofascial trigger point activity and the pain arising from it, have previously been well documented. In addition, however, there are a number of postural habits that are important to recognise as they may also contribute, as shown in the five cases discussed.

These postural habits, which are likely to be carried out both frequently and unconsciously, are adopted during the course of sitting, standing or sleeping. They are entirely independent of any structural abnormalities that may be present. Correcting them is a necessary contribution to treatment, as failure to do so is liable to lead to persistence of the pain.
The Effects of Auricular Acupuncture on Smoking Cessation May Not Depend on the Point Chosen – An Exploratory Meta-Analysis
Authors: White Adrian , Moody Russell
Published: April 2009

Introduction

Auricular acupuncture is given as a treatment for drug dependence. Points are usually chosen on the assumption that the body is represented somatotopically in the ear, although there is no anatomical basis for this. In clinical trials, sham treatment is often given at points that are supposedly ‘incorrect’ for the condition, in the belief that they are inactive. The aim of this study was to explore whether there is any difference in the effectiveness of auricular acupuncture at ‘correct’ and ‘incorrect’ points.

Methods

Controlled trials of semi-permanent auricular acupuncture or acupressure for smoking cessation were systematically located, and the results combined in exploratory meta-analyses which took into account the study quality.

Results

Thirteen studies were included. Combining ten studies showed auricular acupuncture at ‘correct’ points to be more effective than control interventions, odds ratio 2.24 (95% CI 1.61, 3.10), a result which is confirmed in the four high validity studies. Other analyses showed inconsistent results between all studies and higher quality studies. Comparisons of three higher quality studies suggest that ‘correct’ and ‘incorrect’ point acupuncture is no different (odds ratio 1.22, CI 0.72, 2.07); and two studies showed that ‘incorrect’ point acupuncture may be more effective than other interventions (odds ratio 1.96, CI 1.00, 3.86).

Conclusion

Auricular acupuncture appears to be effective for smoking cessation, but the effect may not depend on point location. This calls into question the somatotopic model underlying auricular acupuncture and suggests a need to re-evaluate sham controlled studies which have used ‘incorrect’ points. Further experiments are necessary to confirm or refute these observational conclusions.
Guidelines for Providing Acupuncture Treatment for Cancer Patients – a Peer-Reviewed Sample Policy Document
Authors: Filshie Jacqueline , Hester Joan
Published: April 2009

Clinical guidelines are statements that have been systematically developed and which aim to assist clinicians in making decisions about treatment for specific conditions, and promote best practice. They are linked to evidence and are meant to facilitate good medical practice. We are not aware of any guidelines for the safe practice of acupuncture in a conventional healthcare setting, yet they are necessary as acupuncture may be performed in a variety of settings and by a variety of healthcare professionals: doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, midwives, and non medically trained practitioners. These guidelines were developed for use in cancer patients, mainly for pain but also for some non-pain indications such as hot flushes. They are presented here as a template for other acupuncturists who are requested to provide policies for acupuncture treatment for cancer patients.

This article includes a general review of the evidence on mechanisms, effectiveness and safety of acupuncture that is intended to be used in conjunction with the guidelines; and the guidelines themselves. An appendix includes instructions for self acupuncture. The guidelines contain sections on roles and responsibilities, criteria for acupuncture practice, indications for acupuncture, contraindications and cautions, acupuncture treatment, and review and audit. These guidelines set basic, minimum standards of care, and need reassessment and ongoing validation as further data and evidence accumulate.
The Safety of Acupuncture – Evidence from the Uk
Authors: White Adrian
Published: April 2009

Background

Patients are attracted to acupuncture partly by its reputation for having low risks. The safety of acupuncture should be established by positive evidence.

Methods

Two prospective surveys were conducted among different groups of professionals in the UK, including doctors, physiotherapists and practitioners primarily trained in acupuncture. Participants monitored adverse events over a defined period of time, and reported minor and significant events on purpose designed forms.

Results

A total of 652 acupuncturists reported 6733 adverse reactions including tiredness in 66 229 patients, an adverse event rate of 10.2%. The most common events were tiredness (3%) bleeding or bruising (3%), aggravation of symptoms (2%) and pain at the needling site (1%). There were no serious adverse events. A total of 86 (0.1%) of the treatments was associated with an event that the practitioner judged to be significant though without persistent consequences for the patient's health.

Conclusion

The risks associated with acupuncture can be classified as negligible, and acupuncture is a very safe treatment in the hands of competent practitioners.
Acupuncture Needling versus Lidocaine Injection of Trigger Points in Myofascial Pain Syndrome in Elderly Patients – a Randomised Trial
Authors: Ga Hyuk , Choi Ji-Ho , Park Chang-Hae , Yoon Hyun-Jung
Published: April 2009

Aim

To compare the efficacy of acupuncture needling and 0.5% lidocaine injection of trigger points in myofascial pain syndrome of elderly patients.

Methods

Thirty nine participants with myofascial pain syndrome of one or both upper trapezius muscles were randomised to treatment with either acupuncture needling (n=18) or 0.5% lidocaine injection (n=21) at all the trigger points on days 0, 7 and 14, in a single-blinded study. Pain scores, range of neck movement, pressure pain intensity and depression were measured up to four weeks from the first treatment.

Results

Local twitch responses were elicited at least once in 94.9% of all subjects. Both groups improved, but there was no significant difference in reduction of pain in the two groups at any time point up to one month. Overall, the range of cervical movement improved in both groups, apart from extension in the acupuncture needling group. Changes in depression showed only trends.

Conclusion

There was no significant difference between acupuncture needling and 0.5% lidocaine injection of trigger points for treating myofascial pain syndrome in elderly patients.
Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome and Acupuncture – a Case Report
Authors: Rosted Palle
Published: April 2009

A 47 year old man had suffered from chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) for eight years, and received conventional treatment from a university clinic without effect during the entire period. The patient presented for acupuncture treatment, complaining of constant pain in the perineal region, varying in severity from 5 to 9 on a 0 to 10 pain scale. After three treatments with acupuncture, the pain was reduced to 3.5; after a further three treatments the pain was reduced to 2.5; and after 10 months, the pain was reduced to either 2 or 3 and has remained stable for two years since then. The acupuncture points used were BL28, BL29 and KI3, all located within the S2–S4 segments. It seems likely that the reported beneficial effect may be due to the acupuncture treatment and further cases should be studied.
Manual Acupuncture as An Adjunctive Treatment of Nausea in Patients with Cancer in Palliative Care – a Prospective, Observational Pilot Study
Authors: Nystrom Elisabeth , Ridderstrom Gunilla , Leffler Ann-Sofie
Published: April 2009

Background

Good clinical evidence has been reported for the effect of PC6 acupuncture in preventing or attenuating postoperative and pregnancy related nausea. Our primary aim was to examine whether PC6 acupuncture during a period of chemotherapy could complement pharmacological treatment of nausea in cancer patients in the palliative stage of their disease.

Method

We conducted a prospective observational pilot study to measure changes in nausea, and also explored the relationship between nausea, pain and constipation. Twelve patients suffering from nausea and four nausea free patients participated in the study. The nausea free patients were included because they had been troubled by nausea in a previous course of chemotherapy, despite medication with antiemetic drugs, and were about to start a new course of treatment. The patients rated their intensity of nausea, pain and constipation on a numerical rating scale before each of 10 treatment sessions with PC6 acupuncture over the course of three weeks, and at two follow ups during the following week.

Results

Fifteen patients completed the study. Compared to before treatment, the patients scored a significantly reduced intensity of nausea before the last treatment session (P<0.01) and at the first follow up (P<0.05). Three out of four nausea free patients were still nausea free before the last treatment session with acupuncture. No relationship could be found between nausea, pain and constipation before, during or after the treatment period had finished.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that acupuncture treatment in cancer patients can be associated with a significantly reduced intensity of nausea during a period of chemotherapy in their final phase of life.
Effects of Manual Acupuncture with Sparrow Pecking on Muscle Blood Flow of Normal and Denervated Hindlimb in Rats
Authors: Shinbara Hisashi , Okubo Masamichi , Sumiya Eiji , Fukuda Fumihiko , Yano Tadashi , Kitade Toshikatsu
Published: April 2009

Introduction

In clinical practice, it has been thought that acupuncture might serve to wash out pain-generating metabolic end-products by improving blood circulation in muscles. We investigated the effects of manual acupuncture (MA) on muscle blood flow (MBF) of normal and denervated hindlimbs in rats.

Method

Sprague-Dawley rats (n=100) anaesthetised with urethane (1.2g/kg ip) were used. Manual acupuncture with sparrow pecking (SP) at different doses (1, 10 or 30 pecks) was given to the right ventral hindlimb muscles (tibial anterior and extensor digitorum longus muscles) or the right dorsal hindlimb muscles (gastrocnemius, plantaris and soleus muscles). MBF with or without MA was measured using the radiolabelled microsphere technique. The blood pressure was recorded through the right common carotid artery until MBF measurement started. Denervation of hindlimb was conducted by cutting the sciatic and femoral nerves.

Results

In normal rats, significantly increased MBF after MA were observed only in muscles which were penetrated by an acupuncture needle. The size of the increase depended on the number of times of pecking and seemed to be sustained at least until 60 minutes after MA. However, the increase was observed after both acute and chronic denervation. On the other hand, the mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) did not change significantly before, during or after MA.

Conclusion

These results suggest that MA could increase muscle blood flow locally in a dose-dependent manner and that this increase may be caused by local vasodilators, as well as the axon reflex. A further study is needed to elucidate the mechanism.
Acupuncture for Preconditioning of Expectancy And/Or Pavlovian Extinction
Authors: Lundeberg Thomas , Lund Iréne
Published: April 2009

Both specific and non-specific factors, as well as the therapist, may play a role in acupuncture therapy. Recent results suggest that verum acupuncture has specific physiological effects and that patients’ expectations and belief regarding a potentially beneficial treatment modulate activity in the reward and ‘self-appraisal’ systems in the brain. We suggest that acupuncture treatment may partly be regarded and used as an intervention that preconditions expectancy, which results in both ‘conditional reflexes’ and conditioning of expected ‘reward’ and ‘self-appraisal’. If so, acupuncture should preferably be applied before the start of the ‘specific’ treatment (drug or behavioural intervention which is given with the intention of achieving a specific outcome) to enhance the specific and non-specific effects. This hypothesis is further supported by the suggestions that acupuncture may be viewed as a ‘neural’ stimulus that triggers Pavlovian ‘extinction’. If this is the case, acupuncture should preferably be applied repeatedly (ie in a learning process) before the start of the ‘specific’ treatment to initiate the extinction of previous unpleasant associations like pain or anxiety.

Our clinical data suggest that acupuncture may precondition expectancy and conditional reflexes as well as induce Pavlovian ‘extinction’. Based on the above we suggest that acupuncture should be tried (as an adjunct) before any ‘specific’ therapy.
The Emperors Sham – Wrong Assumption that Sham Needling is Sham
Authors: Lundeberg Thomas , Lund Iréne , Näslund Jan , Thomas Moolamanil
Published: April 2009

During the last five years a large number of randomised controlled clinical trials (RCTs) have been published on the efficacy of acupuncture in different conditions. In most of these studies verum is compared with sham acupuncture. In general both verum and sham have been found to be effective, and often with little reported difference in outcome. This has repeatedly led to the conclusion that acupuncture is no more effective than placebo treatment. However, this conclusion is based on the assumption that sham acupuncture is inert. Since sham acupuncture evidently is merely another form of acupuncture from the physiological perspective, the assumption that sham is sham is incorrect and conclusions based on this assumption are therefore invalid. Clinical guidelines based on such conclusions may therefore exclude suffering patients from valuable treatments.
Acupuncture for Locomotor Disabilities in a South American Red-Footed Tortoise (Geochelone Carbonaria) – a Case Report
Authors: Scognamillo-Szabó Márcia Valéria Rizzo , Santos André Luiz Quagliatto , Olegário Maria Marlene Martins , Andrade Mariana Batista
Published: April 2009

The literature contains numerous reports of the effect of acupuncture on domestic or experimental animals, but only a few involving wild animals. This paper reports on acupuncture treatment for locomotor disabilities in a South American red-footed tortoise ( Geochelone carbonaria, SPIX, 1824), an endangered land tortoise found in Brazil's Cerrado region. The animal was captured and kept in an aquatic pen, subsequently developing respiratory symptoms and locomotor disabilities. The respiratory symptoms resolved in response to antibiotic treatment. However, despite the use of nutritional supplements, the motor symptoms remained unchanged. After 16 months, the tortoise was given six acupuncture sessions. No other changes were made to its environment or management. The location of the acupuncture points was transposed from canine charts. After acupuncture, the animal's motor functions, which had remained unchanged during the preceding 16 months, were restored, enabling it to eat and walk unaided. The improvement persisted during 18 months follow up. The transposition of acupuncture points from canine charts is a viable alternative for chelonians.
Moxibustion: Respiratory Complications
Authors: Urneh Beatrice
Published: April 2009

Inhalation of fumes from smouldering moxa stick during moxibustion has been found to provoke tightness in the chest, dyspnoea and increased production of phlegm in persons prone to asthmatic, and bronchitic attacks.

Ingestion of the antihistamine, Tavegyl Sandoz (clemastine), prior to exposure to moxa slick fumes attenuates the severity of these chest complications.

Free airflow, away from patients and attendants should be ensured during moxibustion. Wherever possible, an alternative heat source such as a lighter, should be used for acubustion. The use of a suitable antihistamine for prophylaxis is recommended whenever moxibustion must be applied to individuals or by acupuncturists with allergic tendencies.
Ingestion of Small-Bodied Zooplankton by Zebra Mussels (Dreissena polymorpha): Can Cannibalism on Larvae Influence Population Dynamics?
Authors: Maclsaac Hugh J. , Sprules W. Gary , Leach J. H.
Published: April 2009

The zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha established populations in western Lake Erie in 1986 and achieved densities exceeding 3.4 × 105 individuals∙m−2 during 1990. We assessed apparently incidental predation on Lake Erie and Erindale Pond zooplankton by adult mussels. Dreissena larvae and small rotifers (Polyarthra spp., Keratella spp., Trichocerca) sustained moderate to high predatory mortality whereas larger taxa (Bosmina, Scapholeberis) were invulnerable to predation. Larval Dreissena almost always sustain > 99% mortality in European lakes. While mortality has been ascribed primarily to lack of suitable settling substrate and unfavourable environmental conditions, it may be confounded by larval predation by adults. We demonstrate using STELLA™-modelling that with a larval mortality rate of 99%, settled mussel densities observed in western Lake Erie during 1990 would not be achieved until at least 1994. A model that combines a lower rate (70%) of abiotic mortality with larval predation by adult mussels correctly predicts 1990 mussel densities. This model of Dreissena population growth is also consistent with larval settlement patterns in Lakes Erie and St. Clair and some European systems.
Variations in Diet, Daily Ration, and Feeding Periodicity of Pacific Hake (Merluccius productus) and Spiny Dogfish (Squalus acanthias) off the Lower West Coast of Vancouver Island
Authors: Tanasichuk R. W. , Ware D. M. , Shaw W. , McFarlane G. A.
Published: April 2009

We examined aspects of summer feeding in Pacific hake (Merluccius productus) and spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias). Euphausiids (Thysanoessa spinifera, Euphausia pacifica) and Pacific herring (Ciupea harengus pallasi) accounted for almost all of the hake diet over all August sampling periods (1983, 1985–89) and the 1988 summer feeding period (June-October). Summer ration estimates were higher for hake feeding on the continental shelf than for fish feeding along the shelf-break. Daily ration declined over summer because the euphausiid ration dropped, even though the herring ration increased. Euphausiids, herring, and hake were the major dogfish prey items. The dogfish ration in August was 1.6 times that of hake. Both predators fed sporadically between dawn and dusk. They evacuated prey linearly over time and digested euphausiids most rapidly. Euphausiids were the most important prey. The size of herring taken varied over time in both predators. Hake took all age-classes of herring whereas dogfish tended not to feed on young-of-the-year (YOY) herring. Herring and predator size relationships were sometimes insignificant, reflecting variation in YOY herring availability. Herring became progressively more important prey as predator size increased.
Mathematical Analysis of Temporal and Spatial Trends in the Benthic Macroinvertebrate Communities of a Small Stream
Authors: Matthews G. B. , Matthews R. A. , Hachmöller B.
Published: April 2009

Macroinvertebrates were collected at four sites in Padden Creek, a small second-order stream in Whatcom County, Washington, USA. Two upstream sites were characterized by high densities of sensitive taxa, predominantly mayflies, stoneflies, and caddisflies, and two downstream sites showed high densities of tolerant taxa, especially true flies, annelids, Baetis mayflies, and gastropods. Despite the small sample size, some statistical techniques proved useful. The first two components of correspondence analysis were used to confirm the existence of both seasonal and spatial trends in the benthic macroinvertebrate populations of the stream. Neither component alone, however, ordinated the samples with respect to these trends. Combinations of the first two components were required. A standard clustering technique, k-means clustering with squared Euclidean distance, further confirmed the seasonal trend. Nonmetric clustering, not widely used in the analysis of ecological data, was necessary to confirm the spatial trend. Nonmetric clustering was also able to identify a small number of "significant" taxa, i.e. taxa that reliably served as indicators of spatial position on the stream.
Accumulation of Persistent Pollutants in Normal and Dwarfed Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus sp. complex)
Authors: Hammar Johan , Larsson Per , Klavins Maris
Published: April 2009

Two extreme growth fractions of introgressed sympatric populations of the Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) species complex from Lake Blåsjön, northern Sweden, were sampled for individual concentrations of persistent pollutants originating from atmospheric deposition. Slow growing char (dwarfs) had significantly higher levels of SPCB (sum of PCB congeners found) and p,p-DDE (dominating DDT-compound) than fast growing char (normals). Besides demonstrating a highly divergent growth pattern the introgressed populations also inhabit a great range of depths, and the seasonal food consumption rates may differ between extreme growth fractions, although the same major invertebrates (introduced Mysis relicta and Pallasea quadrispinosa) are consumed over the year. However, of the life history parameters differing in late spring, individual growth rate was the most important factor explaining the variation in the levels of the pollutants studied. The results support the hypothesis of a biomass "dilution" of pollutants in fish, illustrated by lower levels in fast growing char and higher levels in the slow-growing dwarfs. Individuals with alternative growth strategies in sympatric conspecific communities thus provide unique opportunities to study growth rate as a variable influencing levels of persistent pollutants in fish.
Match/Mismatch between the Abundance of Marine Fish Eggs and Invertebrate Predators: An Analysis of Calliopius laeviusculus (Amphipoda: Gammaridae) Population Growth Relative to the Seasonal Spawning Cycle of Capelin (Mallotus villosus)
Authors: DeBlois E. M. , Leggett W. C.
Published: April 2009

The amphipod Calliopius laeviusculus actively preys on the intertidal eggs of capelin (Mallotus villosus). From samples collected in 1988, we found that the patterns of changes in C. laeviusculus biomass closely matched changes in capelin egg biomass throughout the capelin egg development period. Calliopius laeviusculus and capelin egg biomass exhibited pronounced and overlapping peaks in mid June. Endogenous reproductive patterns influenced by exogenous seasonal stimuli in both C. laeviusculus and capelin could facilitate yearly biomass coupling between these two species. Calliopius laeviusculus exhibited a semiannual life cycle, overwintering adults releasing young in April, May and July. Cohorts released in April and May reached sexual maturity within the summer, reproduced and produced a second maximum in amphipod biomass at the beginning of August. This second abundance peak appeared to be a numerical response to predation on capelin eggs by the adult C. laeviusculus present in mid-summer. Given this response and the reported quiescence of C. laeviusculus during the winter, we speculate that amphipod biomass in spring may be strongly linked to feeding conditions in the previous year. The implications of this coupling for capelin egg survival are considered.
Relative Importance of Microbes versus Macroinvertebrate Shredders in the Process of Leaf Decay in Lakes of Differing pH
Authors: Tuchman Nancy C.
Published: April 2009

Four nonhumic lakes in northern Michigan, ranging in pH from 4.0 to 8.0, were selected to assess the effects of pH on leaf decay rates, leaf-associated macroinvertebrate assemblages, and the relative importance of microbes and shredders to the leaf decay process. Except for pH (and covariates of pH) these lakes were similar in physical and chemical parameters which directly affect metabolism. Preweighed leaves were placed in all four lakes for 8 wk; half of the leaves were confined in mesh bags to exclude shredders, while the others were not confined. Decay rates of confined leaves were not different among lakes, yet were lower than non-confined leaves in the alkaline lakes, suggesting shredders were important vectors of leaf decay in the alkaline lakes, but not in the acid lakes. Shredders comprised 65.9% of all invertebrates in Douglas Lake (pH = 8.0) and decreased in abundance (to 1.1%) with decreasing pH. Crustaceans and molluscs were few or absent in the acid lakes probably because of low pH and Ca2+levels. Although microbial biomass on leaves appeared to be highest in acid lakes, estimates of microbial activity were significantly lower in the acid lakes, suggesting microbial metabolic inhibition at low pH.
The distribution and habitat preferences of the Chaoboridae (Culicomorpha: Diptera) of the Holarctic Region
Authors: Borkent Art
Published: April 2009

Distribution and habitat preferences of species of Chaoboridae in the Holarctic Region are described. Coexistence of larvae of different Chaoborus species in various water bodies reflects differences in geographical distribution, habitat preference, and phyletic relationships. Extant sister species with similar habitat preferences are allopatric whereas those with differences may be sympatric. This suggests that the development of ecological divergence must historically precede coexistence of the immatures of species. Species which coexist often differ markedly morphologically and are not immediately related phylogenetically.Corethrella and Chaoborus (Sayomyia) species that occur in the Holarctic Region and Chaoborus pallidus may have southern, tropical phyletic affinities. Distributions of some North American chaoborids suggest the presence of ecological barriers in northwestern U.S.A. that prevent southern extensions of the ranges of boreal species.
Use of space in relation to areas of food concentration by nymphs of Lestes disjunctus (Lestidae, Odonata) in captivity
Authors: Baker Robert L.
Published: April 2009

Laboratory experiments provided no evidence that solitary nymphs of Lestes disjunctus remain near areas of food concentration; also, there was no evidence that the presence of other nymphs affected the use of feeding areas. These results are in contrast to previous results for nymphs of Coenagrion resolutum and support the hypothesis that life histories are affected by spacing behaviour of nymphs.
La diapause larvaire de Tetrix undulata (Sowerby, 1806) (Orthoptera, Tetrigoidea)
Authors: Poras Michel
Published: April 2009

The diapause of Tetrix undulata larvae is under the control of both temperature and photoperiod. Short days (1200–1200 and 0800–1600 hours) and intermediate temperatures (25–20 °C) trigger a high diapause response. Under conditions of long days (1600–0800 hours) and higher temperatures (30 °C) all larvae develop without diapause. There are intermediate situations between these two extremes. Females undergo a deeper diapause than males. Under laboratory conditions, one larva can undergo two successive diapauses, the first being light and ending spontaneously, the second being deeper. During sensitive stages, larvae react to variations of the photophase. Reducing the phbtophase induces diapause at different stages according to the time when the treatment is applied. These observations explain the results obtained in the field.[Translated by the journal]
The renal handling of calcium and renal Ca2+(Mg2+)-activated adenosinetriphosphatase activity in freshwater- and seawater-acclimated North American eels (Anguilla rostrata LeSueur)
Authors: Fenwick James C.
Published: April 2009

In fresh water a small fraction of the calcium filtered across the glomerular apparatus is recovered whereas in seawater the clearance rate of calcium greatly exceeds that of inulin. This indicates a lower translocation of calcium by the renal tubules in fresh water when compared with that in seawater. This increased translocation of calcium in the seawater-acclimated eels was associated with an increase in the activity of renal Ca2+(Mg2+)-ATPase and a decrease in the apparent affinity of the enzyme for calcium. The enzyme was equally stimulated by calcium and magnesium and this may be associated with the fact that in seawater the eel faces a similar problem with regard to each of these ions.
Capillaria hepatica (Nematoda) in insular populations of the deer mouse Peromyscus maniculatus: cannibalism or competition for carcasses?
Authors: Herman T. B.
Published: April 2009

Prevalence of Capillaria hepatica infections in populations of the deer mouse Peromyscus maniculatus was consistently lower on coastal Vancouver Island than on 23 small (5–1685 ha) forested islands in adjacent Barkley Sound. Among Barkley Sound islands prevalence and severity of infections were inversely proportional to island size, with prevalence of 100% on five of the six smallest islands. Infection rates in young mice were lowest in July–August and highest in November–January, but no differences were observed between sexes in any age group in any season. Predators played no apparent direct role in the distribution of the parasite, but scavengers appeared to be very important by acting as competitors with mice for mouse carcasses. The high prevalence on islands likely reflected the decreased abundance of scavengers and may indicate increased intraspecific necrophagy by mice due to increased availability of mouse carcasses. Therefore, although wounding indices and C. hepatica prevalences from each island were in general positively correlated, the worm was of limited use as an indicator of intraspecific predation in these populations.
The effect of aggregation on breeding in the barnacle Balanus glandula Darwin
Authors: Wu R. S. S.
Published: April 2009

The hypothesis that aggregation increases the chance of cross fertilization in barnacles is generally accepted, although it has never been tested empirically. The present study investigates the percentage of cross fertilization in experimental barnacle (Balanus glandula) populations with different degrees of aggregation. The results showed that the incidence of cross fertilization is not increased by decreasing the distance between mature adults within reach of the penis of any neighbour.
Ecology of the ringed seal, Phoca hispida, in its fast ice breeding habitat
Authors: Smith Thomas G. , Hammill Michael O.
Published: April 2009

Studies of the behavioral ecology of seals hauled out on the sea ice at Popham Bay (64°17′ N, 65°30′ W) southeastern Baffin Island were conducted from 8 May to 6 June 1978 and 1 May to 20 June 1979. Similar densities and seasonal changes in numbers of hauled out seals were seen in both years. Seal numbers were positively correlated with date and negatively correlated with wind speed. While lying on the ice seals were vigilant and aggressive towards other seals, and females suckled their pups. Individuals were recognized by their different pelage marks. Both males and females showed site tenacity. One male, seen in 1978, was resighted in the study area in 1979. Our observations indicate that ringed seals are territorial and similar to the polygynous Weddell seal of the antarctic in their social organization. Population regulation appears to be affected by availability of suitable fast ice in which to maintain feeding and breeding habitat, with some adjustment of annual recruitment possibly in response to depleted food resources.
Méthode de détermination de l'âge, longévité et croissance annuelle de Bithynia tentaculata L. (Gastropoda: Prosobranchia) dans le Saint-Laurent (Québec)
Authors: Vincent B. , Vaillancourt G.
Published: April 2009

In the St. Lawrence River, shells of Bithynia tentaculata bear annual growth lines that form at the end of each winter. These lines allow accurate determination of age since they can be easily counted and are present in all types of habitat. Longevity was determined by this method: B. tentaculata lives about 32 to 39 months and can sometimes reach 48 to 51 months of age. Annual growth is more important during the 2nd than during the 1st year (4.0 mm and 300 mm, respectively) and it is reduced during the 3rd year (0.7 mm).[Journal translation]
Amphibiophilus versterae n.sp. and A. natalensis (Walton, 1935) (Nematoda: Trichostrongyloidea) from Rana spp. (Anura) of southern Africa
Authors: Baker M. R.
Published: April 2009

Amphibiophilus versterae n.sp. and A. natalensis (Walton, 1935) are described. Amphibiophilus versterae can be distinguished from the three congeneric African species by its relatively short dorsal ray of the bursa. Amphibiophilus natalensis differs from A. acanthocirratus Skrjabin, 1916 in its relatively short rays 8 and from A. chabaudi Puylaert, 1967 in the morphology of the spicules, gubernaculum, and dorsal lobe of the bursa. The cephalic end and synlophe of fourth-stage larvae of A. natalensis is similar to that of Oswaldocruzia pipiens Walton, 1929 (Molineidae). Thus a relationship between the Amphibiophilidae and Molineidae is suggested. In Natal, A. natalensis and A. versterae occur as coparasites in Rana angolensis and R. fasciata. However, A. versterae occurs with a lower prevalence and intensity of infection.
Changes in serum androgens and estrogens during spawning in bluefish, Pomatomus saltator, and king mackerel, Scomberomorus cavalla
Authors: MacGregor III Robert , Dindo John J. , Finucane John H.
Published: April 2009

Androgens and estrogens were assayed by radioimmunoassay (RIA) technique in serum of bluefish, Pomatomus saltator, and king mackerel, Scomberomorus cavalla. Both species were collected in the northeast Gulf of Mexico from August through November 1979. When categorized by stage of ovarian development a significant correlation between gonadosomatic indices (GSI) and serum estrogens was observed among female S. cavalla but not among P. saltator. Among males and females of both species, a significant correlation between GSI and serum androgens occurred. Peak levels of androgens in male king mackerel (38.12 ± 11.21 ng/mL) were not significantly different from peak levels of females (33.14 ± 5.10 ng/mL). However, in female bluefish, androgens peaked at 3.68 ± 0.88 ng/mL, twofold greater than in males (1.66 ± 0.28 ng/mL). Following this peak, a significant reduction in androgens occurred in ripe female bluefish. No significant change in estrogens occurred in these females. Although the functional significance of changes in androgens in spawning female bluefish was not determined, serum androgen levels may be a useful tool in identifying and timing maturation and spawning in both male and female teleosts.
Avian Haemoproteidae. 16. The haemoproteids of the avian family Capitonidae (the barbets)
Authors: Bennett Gordon F. , Nandi Nepal C.
Published: April 2009

The haemoproteids of the avian family Capitonidae are reviewed. Haemoproteus thereicerycis de Mello, 1935 and H. xantholaemae Zargar, 1945 are redescribed; H. bilobata n.sp. and H. cornuata n.sp. are described. Haemoproteid records from the Capitonidae are summarized and their zoogeography discussed.
LOCAL WELL POSEDNESS OF CAUCHY PROBLEM FOR VISCOUS DIFFUSION EQUATIONS
Authors: LIU YACHENG , XU RUNZHANG
Published: April 2009

In this paper, we study the Cauchy problem of multi-dimensional viscous diffusion equations. By using an equivalent integral equations, we get the existence of local Wk,p solutions. And we prove the finite time blow up of solutions under appropriate conditions.
THE DIRICHLET PROBLEM FOR MAXIMAL PLURISUBHARMONIC FUNCTIONS ON ANALYTIC VARIETIES IN ℂn
Authors: WIKSTRÖM FRANK
Published: April 2009

Let Ω be a B-regular domain in ℂn and let V be a locally irreducible analytic variety in Ω. Given a continuous function [Formula: see text], we prove that there is a unique maximal plurisubharmonic function u on V with boundary values given by ϕ and furthermore that u is continuous on [Formula: see text].
A GENERAL SOLUTION IN THE NEWTONIAN LIMIT OF f(R)-GRAVITY
Authors: CAPOZZIELLO S. , STABILE A. , TROISI A.
Published: April 2009

We show that any analytic f(R)-gravity model, in the metric approach, presents a weak field limit where the standard Newtonian potential is corrected by a Yukawa-like term. This general result has never been pointed out but often derived for some particular theories. This means that only f(R) = R allows to recover the standard Newton potential while this is not the case for other relativistic theories of gravity. Some considerations on the physical consequences of such a general solution are addressed.
TWO-PHOTON ABSORPTION IN QUANTUM DOTS OFCdSxSe1-xUSING OPEN APERTURE Z-SCAN AND FEMTOSECOND LASER
Authors: KUMAR JITENDER , VERMA A. , PANDEY P. K. , BHATNAGAR P. K. , MATHUR P. C. , BHATNAGAR M. , LIU W. , TANG S. H.
Published: April 2009

Two-photon optical nonlinear absorption has been studied in quantum dots of CdSxSe1-xgrown in borosilicate glass matrix by two-step annealing technique. Femtosecond laser and open aperture Z-scan technique has been used for measuring the third-order nonlinear two-photon absorption coefficient (β(3)). Only the third-order and not the fifth-order nonlinear effects are observed at low intensities (1.6–3.2 GW cm-2) of laser used in the present experiment. At such low intensities, the variation of β(3)is found to be almost intensity-independent. For a given annealing duration of the quantum dots, the value of β(3)is found to be higher for sulfur-rich samples as compared to that for selenium-rich samples. This is attributed to the presence of shallow traps formed due to sulfur vacancies in the sulfur-rich samples. Further, the value of β(3)increases with the increase in the size of quantum dots and the rate of increase of β(3)with the increase of average radius is found to be higher for sulfur-rich samples.
ON THE PIPAGE ROUNDING ALGORITHM FOR SUBMODULAR FUNCTION MAXIMIZATION — A VIEW FROM DISCRETE CONVEX ANALYSIS
Authors: SHIOURA AKIYOSHI
Published: April 2009

We consider the problem of maximizing a nondecreasing submodular set function under a matroid constraint. Recently, Calinescu et al. (2007) proposed an elegant framework for the approximation of this problem, which is based on the pipage rounding technique by Ageev and Sviridenko (2004), and showed that this framework indeed yields a (1 - 1/e)-approximation algorithm for the class of submodular functions which are represented as the sum of weighted rank functions of matroids. This paper sheds a new light on this result from the viewpoint of discrete convex analysis by extending it to the class of submodular functions which are the sum of M ♮-concave functions. M ♮-concave functions are a class of discrete concave functions introduced by Murota and Shioura (1999), and contain the class of the sum of weighted rank functions as a proper subclass. Our result provides a better understanding for why the pipage rounding algorithm works for the sum of weighted rank functions. Based on the new observation, we further extend the approximation algorithm to the maximization of a nondecreasing submodular function over an integral polymatroid. This extension has an application in multi-unit combinatorial auctions.
ANALYSIS ON THEORETICAL BOUNDS FOR APPROXIMATING DOMINATING SET PROBLEMS
Authors: GAO XIAOFENG , WANG YUEXUAN , LI XIANYUE , WU WEILI
Published: April 2009

Connected Dominating Set is widely used as virtual backbone in wireless networks to improve network performance and optimize routing protocols. Based on special characteristics of ad-hoc and sensor networks, we usually use unit disk graph to represent the corresponding geometrical structures, where each node has a unit transmission range and two nodes are said to be adjacent if the distance between them is less than 1. Since every Maximal Independent Set (MIS) is a dominating set and it is easy to construct, we can firstly find an MIS and then connect it into a Connected Dominating Set (CDS). Therefore, the ratio to compare the size of an MIS with a minimum CDS becomes a theoretical upper bound for approximation algorithms to compute CDS. In our paper, with the help of Voronoi diagram and Euler's formula, we improved this upper bound, so that improved the approximations based on this relation.
Average-case analysis of some plurality algorithms
Authors: Alonso Laurent , Reingold Edward M.
Published: April 2009

Given a set of
n
elements, each of which is colored one of
c
colors, we must determine an element of the plurality (most frequently occurring) color by pairwise equal/unequal color comparisons of elements. We focus on the expected number of color comparisons when the

c
n

colorings are equally probable. We analyze an obvious algorithm, showing that its expected performance is
c
2
+
c
− 2/2
c
n
−
O
(
c
2
), with variance Θ(
c
2
n
). We present and analyze an algorithm for the case
c
= 3 colors whose average complexity on the 3

n

equally probable inputs is 7083/5425
n
+
O
(√
n
) = 1.3056…
n
+
O
(√
n
), substantially better than the expected complexity 5/3
n
+
O
(1) = 1.6666…
n
+
O
(1) of the obvious algorithm. We describe a similar algorithm for
c
=4 colors whose average complexity on the 4

n

equally probable inputs is 761311/402850
n
+
O
(log
n
) = 1.8898…
n
+
O
(log
n
), substantially better than the expected complexity 9/4
n
+
O
(1) = 2.25
n
+
O
(1) of the obvious algorithm.
Q&AOur dame commander
Authors: Hofmann Leah
Published: April 2009

Wendy Hall discusses her plans to increase ACM's membership and to create task forces in China, India, and Europe.
Trail
Authors: Kulathumani Vinodkrishnan , Arora Anish , Sridharan Mukundan , Demirbas Murat
Published: April 2009

Distributed observation and control of mobile objects via static wireless sensors demands timely information in a
distance-sensitive
manner: Information about closer objects is required more often and more quickly than that of farther objects. In this article, we present a wireless sensor network protocol, Trail, that supports distance-sensitive tracking of mobile objects for in-network subscribers upon demand. Trail achieves a find time that is linear in the distance from a subscriber to an object, via a distributed data structure that is updated only locally when the object moves. Notably, Trail does not partition the network into a hierarchy of clusters and clusterheads, and as a result Trail has lower maintenance costs, is more locally fault tolerant, and it better utilizes the network in terms of load balancing and minimizing the size of the data structure needed for tracking. Moreover, Trail is reliable and energy efficient, despite the network dynamics that are typical of wireless sensor networks. Trail can be refined by tuning certain parameters, thereby yielding a family of protocols that are suited for different application settings such as rate of queries, rate of updates, and network size. We evaluate the performance of Trail by analysis, simulations in a 90 × 90 sensor network, and experiments on 105 Mica2 nodes in the context of a pursuer-evader control application.