bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Restless legs syndrome
Authors: Ekbom K. , Ulfberg J. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract.Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common neurological sensory‐motor disorder that is characterized by intense restlessness and unpleasant creeping sensations deep inside the lower legs. Symptoms appear when the legs are at rest and are worst in the evening and at night. They force patients to keep moving their legs, and often to get out of bed and wander about. Periodic limb movements (PLMS) are also common during sleep amongst those suffering from RLS, and sleep efficiency is severely reduced. There are idiopathic as well as symptomatic forms of RLS, the latter being associated with e.g. pregnancy, iron deficiency and chronic renal failure. A family history of RLS is very common and pedigrees in these cases suggest an autosomal‐dominant transmission with high penetrance. Genetic investigations have been performed in order to identify genes associated with RLS. Several loci have been found (on chromosomes 12q, 14q, 9p, 2q, 20p and 16p). Pathophysiology of RLS remains incompletely understood. However, advanced brain imaging studies and positive results of dopaminergic treatment suggest that RLS may be generated by dopamine dysfunction locally within the central nervous system. At present, there is a wide range of treatment options including levodopa, dopamine agonists, opioids, benzodiazepines, antiepileptic drugs and iron supplements.
Abnormalities in pH handling by peripheral muscle and potential regulation by the autonomic nervous system in chronic fatigue syndrome
Authors: Jones D. E. J. , Hollingsworth K. G. , Taylor R. , Blamire A. M. , Newton J. L. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract.  Jones DEJ, Hollingsworth KG, Taylor R, Blamire AM, Newton JL (From the Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle Magnetic Resonance Centre, and Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, UK). Abnormalities in pH handling by peripheral muscle and potential regulation by the autonomic nervous system in chronic fatigue syndrome. J Intern Med 2010; 267: 394–401.Objectives.  To examine muscle acid handling following exercise in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME) and the relationship with autonomic dysfunction.Design.  Observational study.Setting.  Regional fatigue service.Subjects & interventions.  Chronic fatigue syndrome (n = 16) and age and sex matched normal controls (n = 8) underwent phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to evaluate pH handling during exercise. Subjects performed plantar flexion at fixed 35% load maximum voluntary contraction. Heart rate variability was performed during 10 min supine rest using digital photophlethysmography as a measure of autonomic function.Results.  Compared to normal controls, the CFS/ME group had significant suppression of proton efflux both immediately postexercise (CFS: 1.1 ± 0.5 mmol L−1 min−1 vs. normal: 3.6 ± 1.5 mmol L−1 min−1, P < 0.001) and maximally (CFS: 2.7 ± 3.4 mmol L−1 min−1 vs. control: 3.8 ± 1.6 mmol L−1 min−1, P < 0.05). Furthermore, the time taken to reach maximum proton efflux was significantly prolonged in patients (CFS: 25.6 ± 36.1 s vs. normal: 3.8 ± 5.2 s, P < 0.05). In controls the rate of maximum proton efflux showed a strong inverse correlation with nadir muscle pH following exercise (r2 = 0.6; P < 0.01). In CFS patients, in contrast, this significant normal relationship was lost (r2 = 0.003; P = ns). In normal individuals, the maximum proton efflux following exercise were closely correlated with total heart rate variability (r2 = 0.7; P = 0.007) this relationship was lost in CFS/ME patients (r2 < 0.001; P = ns).Conclusion.  Patients with CFS/ME have abnormalities in recovery of intramuscular pH following standardised exercise degree of which is related to autonomic dysfunction. This study identifies a novel biological abnormality in patients with CFS/ME which is potentially open to modification.
A genetic background with low mutational robustness is associated with increased adaptability to a novel host in an RNA virus
Authors: CUEVAS J. M. , MOYA A. , SANJUÁN R. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAlthough mutational robustness is central to many evolutionary processes, its relationship to evolvability remains poorly understood and has been very rarely tested experimentally. Here, we measure the evolvability of Vesicular stomatitis virus in two genetic backgrounds with different levels of mutational robustness. We passaged the viruses into a novel cell type to model a host‐jump episode, quantified changes in infectivity and fitness in the new host, evaluated the cost of adaptation in the original host and analyzed the genetic basis of this adaptation. Lineages evolved from the less robust genetic background demonstrated increased adaptability, paid similar costs of adaptation to the new host and fixed approximately the same number of mutations as their more robust counterparts. Theory predicts that robustness can promote evolvability only in systems where large sets of genotypes are connected by effectively neutral mutations. We argue that this condition might not be fulfilled generally in RNA viruses.
Phylogeny and evolution of sexually selected tail ornamentation in widowbirds and bishops (Euplectesspp.)
Authors: PRAGER M. , ANDERSSON S. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractDespite similar ecology, mating systems and female preferences for supernormal tails, the 17 species of African widowbirds and bishops (Euplectesspp.) show astonishing variation in male tail ornamentation. Whereas bishops retain their brown nonbreeding tails in nuptial plumage, widowbirds grow black nuptial tails, varying in length from a few centimetres inE. axillaristo the extreme half metre train ofE. progne. Here, we phylogenetically reconstruct the evolution of the discrete trait, nuptial tail and the continuous trait, tail length, using a molecular phylogeny of 33Euplectessubspecies. Unlike many recent findings of labile evolution of plumage ornaments, our results suggest that the nuptial tail ofEuplectesis a derived and phylogenetically conserved ornamental trait that, once gained, shows directional evolution in its expression. Directionality is demonstrated in the trivial sense of a short‐tailed ancestor, and by contingency and randomization tests suggesting that branches with increasing tail length are overrepresented. This supports an early origin and strong retention of directional female mate choice in widowbirds and bishops, as previously indicated by empirical and experimental results, and provides a less labile, yet rapid scenario of sexually selected diversification.
Nestlings’ carotenoid feather ornament affects parental allocation strategy and reduces maternal survival
Authors: GRIGGIO M. , MOROSINOTTO C. , PILASTRO A. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIn some birds, feather ornaments are expressed in nestlings well before sexual maturation, possibly in response to parental favouritism towards high‐quality offspring. In species with synchronous hatching, in which nestling ornaments may vary more among than within broods, parents may use this information to adjust their parental allocation to the current brood accordingly. We tested this hypothesis in the rock sparrow, in which a sexually selected yellow feather ornament is also expressed in nestlings. We experimentally enlarged nestlings’ breast patch in a group of broods and sham‐manipulated another group of control broods. Nestlings with enlarged ornament were fed more frequently and defended more actively from a dummy predator than their control counterparts. Mothers from the enlarged group were more likely to lay a second clutch and showed a reduced survival to the next breeding season. These results provide one of the first evidences of differential parental allocation among different broods based directly on nestlings’ ornamentation, and the first, to our knowledge, to show a reduction in maternal survival.
Laboratory validation of rubidium marking of herbivorous insects and their predators
Authors: Kobelt Amanda J , Yen Alan L , Kitching Matthew 
Published: August 2009

AbstractA simple and effective marking technique is an invaluable tool for tracking the movement of invertebrates in the field. In order to do this, the technique must be validated in a controlled setting. In the first study, two soft bodied herbivores with different feeding strategies and two of their insect predators, also with different feeding strategies, were marked with rubidium (Rb), an elemental marker previously shown to be effective in marking herbivorous invertebrates. The naturally occurring concentration of Rb was determined for both the herbivores and their predators. Rb concentrations were determined in (1) the herbivore species over several days of feeding on rubidium chloride (RbCl) marked plants; (2) in the predatory species immediately after consuming prey marked at different rates with Rb; and (3) in the predatory species for several days after consuming a single meal of Rb marked prey. The concentration of Rb within the marked herbivores was found to be significantly higher than the naturally occurring concentration after eating RbCl marked plants for to up 8 days. A significantly higher concentration of Rb was found in both predators when fed prey that had been on the RbCl sprayed plants for 2 or 8 days compared with naturally occurring concentrations. There was also a significant difference between the Rb concentrations in the controls and each of days 5, 10 and 15 since feeding in both predators. A second smaller study was carried out to examine the effect of feeding Rb marked prey to spiders. The concentration of Rb in the spiders fed marked prey was significantly higher than that of the controls. This suggests that Rb is an effective way of marking both herbivores and their insect and arachnid predators enabling them to be tracked in the field and to determine their movements across habitats.
Organizational commitment, work environment conditions, and life satisfaction among Iranian nurses
Authors: Vanaki Zohreh , Vagharseyyedin Seyyed Abolfazl 
Published: August 2009

AbstractEmployee commitment to the organization is a crucial issue in today's health‐care market. In Iran, few studies have sought to evaluate the factors that contribute to forms of commitment. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between nurses' organizational commitment, work environment conditions, and life satisfaction. A cross‐sectional design was utilized. Questionnaires were distributed to all the staff nurses who had permanent employment (with at least 2 years of experience in nursing) in the five hospitals affiliated to Birjand Medical Sciences University. Two hundred and fifty participants returned completed questionnaires. Most were female and married. The correlation of the total scores of nurses' affective organizational commitment and work environment conditions indicated a significant and positive relationship. Also, a statistically significant relationship was found between affective organizational commitment and life satisfaction. The implementation of a comprehensive program to improve the work conditions and life satisfaction of nurses could enhance their organizational commitment.
Gasless single‐port access endoscopic surgery in urology: Minimum incision endoscopic surgery, MIES
Authors: Kihara Kazunori , Kawakami Satoru , Fujii Yasuhisa , Masuda Hitoshi , Koga Fumitaka 
Published: August 2009

AbstractMinimum incision endoscopic surgery (MIES) is a gasless, single‐port access, cost‐effective, and minimally invasive surgery that has been in development since the late 1990s. Use of MIES has steadily increased in Japan and Asia and has been introduced into Europe and the USA. In 2006, MIES was certified by the Japanese government as an advanced surgery and since 2008 it has been covered by the Japanese universal health insurance system as a new surgical technique. Briefly, MIES involves an initial minimum incision (a single port) that permits extraction of the target specimen. A wide working space through the port is then made by separating the anatomical plane extraperitoneally. This is maintained with special retractors instead of gas insufflation. All instruments including an endoscope are inserted through the port and the operation is completed. The size of the port can be tailored to the situation if necessary, which contributes to preclusion of patient selection. The procedure uses only two disposable devices that are inexpensive, resulting in low equipment costs. Surgeons have the benefits of magnified vision through endoscopy as well as stereovision and panoramic vision of naked eyes through the port, which reduces the technical demands of the procedure. Techniques for two basic MIES procedures allow MIES to be performed for most urological organs and in extraordinary cases by their modifications. Thus, the MIES system permits minimally invasive surgery without use of CO2 gas, which is ideal from medical, environmental and economic perspectives, is cost‐effective and minimizes patient selection.
α1‐Adrenoceptor pharmacome: α1L‐Adrenoceptor and α1A‐adrenoceptor in the lower urinary tract
Authors: Nishimune Atsushi , Suzuki Fumiko , Yoshiki Hatsumi , Morishima Shigeru , Muramatsu Ikunobu 
Published: August 2009

Abstractα1‐Adrenoceptors are involved in physiological functions such as urinary excretion and ejaculation in the lower urinary tract (LUT). Several α1antagonists are clinically used for the treatment of urinary obstruction in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. At present, three classical α1‐adrenoceptor subtypes (α1A, α1B, and α1D) have been identified, among which the α1Aand α1D‐adrenoceptor subtypes have been regarded as the main targets of α1antagonist therapy for LUT symptoms. Prazosin has been used as a prototypic, classical antagonist, to characterize α1‐adrenoceptors pharmacologically, (i.e. all classical α1‐adrenoceptor subtypes show high‐affinity for the drug). However, we found that α1‐adrenoceptors in the LUT show atypical low‐affinity for prazosin. Therefore, the concept α1L‐receptor, which indicates α1‐adrenoceptor(s) showing low‐affinity for prazosin has been introduced. A recent study demonstrated that the α1L‐adrenoceptor is a specific phenotype present in the many intact tissues including human LUT, and that it originates from the ADRA1A gene. Therefore, the α1L‐adrenoceptor in the LUT is now re‐defined as α1A(L)‐adrenoceptor. The physiological and pharmacological difference between classical α1A(H),and α1A(L)which is the native receptor expressed in the LUT is of special interest as it provides fundamental bases for urological α1A‐adrenoceptor blocking pharmacotherapy. Here, we briefly review the α1‐adrenoceptors in the LUT with special reference to phenotype‐based (pharmacome) analysis.
Overview of total intravenous anesthesia in children
Authors: MANI VAITHIANADAN , MORTON NEIL S. 
Published: August 2009

SummaryTotal intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) can be defined as a technique, in which general anesthesia is induced and maintained using purely i.v. agents. TIVA has become more popular and possible in recent times because of the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic properties of propofol and the availability of short‐acting synthetic opioids. Also, new concepts in PK modeling and advances in computer technology have allowed the development of sophisticated delivery systems, which make control of anesthesia given by the i.v. route as straightforward and user friendly as conventional, inhalational techniques. Monitoring of depth of anesthesia is being validated for these techniques, and in the future, measurements of expired propofol may be possible to guide administration. TIVA is being used increasingly in children.
Masticatory muscle architecture in the Laotian rock rat Laonastes aenigmamus (Mammalia, Rodentia): new insights into the evolution of hystricognathy
Authors: Hautier Lionel , Saksiri Soonchan 
Published: August 2009

AbstractWe present the first descriptive comparison of the skull, mandible and jaw muscles of the recently recovered Laotian rock rat Laonastes aenigmamus. The gross anatomy of five specimens captured in Laos and internal architecture of the jaw musculature were studied using dissections. The following muscles are described: temporal, masseter, pterygoids, digastric, mylohyoid, geniohyoid and transverse mandibular. The description of the masticatory apparatus of L. aenigmamus offers a rare opportunity to assess the order of establishment of the morphological characters during the evolution of Ctenohystrica. Striking convergences have occurred during the evolution of Diatomyidae and L. aenigmamus presents a unique combination of myological features that corresponds to a mixture of sciurognathous and hystricognathous characters. If L. aenigmamus is a sciurognathous rodent, we have to assume that it independently acquired a pars reflexa of the superficial masseter. We show for the first time that the development of this pars reflexa has occurred several times during the evolution of Ctenohystrica and can no longer be considered a synapomorphic feature of ‘Hystricognathi’. These results bring new insights into the evolution of hystricognathy and have profound implications for the interpretation of the fossil record of early hystricognath rodents.
Marine poeciloscleridan sponges of the San Juan Archipelago, Washington*
Authors: Bakus G. J. 
Published: August 2009

Anatomy, systematics, and zoogeography of 23 species of marine poeciloscleridan Demospongiae (Porifera) from the San Juan Archipelago, Washington, were studied from August 1958 through August 1961. A historical review of published references to Porifera and poriferologists of the Pacific northwest is presented. Relationships between ocean currents, as vectors of larval dispersion, and the known zoogeography of Pacific coast extant marine Porifera are discussed. The known sponge fauna of Washington at 48° N. latitude involves considerable overlap of boreal and temperate species and a moderate degree of endemism. Information on the biological associates of sponges is summarized. The Porifera studied are as follows: Acarnus erithacus De Laubenfels; Anthoarcuata graceae Bakus gen. n., sp. n.;Biemna rhadia De Laubenfels; Esperiopsis originalis DeLaubenfels; Hymedesanisochela rayae Bakus gen. n., sp. n.;Hymendectyon lyoni Bakusgen. n., sp. n.;Iophon pattersoni (Bowerbank); Lissodendoryx firma (Lambe); Lissodendoryxaff. kyma De Laubenfels; Microciona microjoanna De Laubenfels; Mycale adhaerens(Lambe); Mycale hispida (Lambe); Mycale lingua (Bowerbank); Mycale psila (DeLaubenfels); Mycale richardsoni Bakus sp. n.;Myxilla incrustans (Esper); Ophlitaspongia pennata (Lambe); Plocamia karykina Dc Laubenfels; Plocamilla illgi Bakus sp. n.;Podotuberculum hoffmanni Bakus gen. n., sp. n.;Stelotrochota hartmani Bakus gen. n., sp. n.;Tedania gurjanovae Koltun; and Zygherpe hyaloderma De Laubenfels. An illustrated key to the local poeciloscleridan sponges is included.
Tooth replacement in the Slow worm (Anguis fragilis)
Authors: Cooper J. S. 
Published: August 2009

The dentition of the Slow worm (Anguis fragilis) has been carefully observed in a range of individuals from birth to advanced age. Although a considerable volume of carefully prepared dead material has been used, emphasis in the investigation is placed upon three living specimens kept in near‐natural conditions and examined by taking impressions of the teeth every week throughout a whole season.A general description of the gross anatomy of the dentition is given, and the changes that occur with increasing age. The tooth attachment and the process of replacement in the individual tooth is considered and found to conform to the Anguinomorphan type of replacement described by McDowell & Bogert (1954).The evidence obtained from both dead arid living material as to the pattern and order of tooth replacement is presented and found to be in agreement with the theoryof Edmund(1960).Further details of the replacement pattern, discernible only in the records from the living specimens, and the effects of season and age upon tooth replacement are described.Anguis is found to provide an excellenl illustration of the fundamentalprinciples in reptilian tooth replacement, being relatively uncomplicated in the featuresof its replacement pattern. The species also appears to be a promising subject for the further investigation1 oftooth replacement phenomena.
Migration and orientation of passerine night migrants in northeast England
Authors: Evans P. R. 
Published: August 2009

Evening departures of passerine migrants were watched by radar in northeast England on 193 nights in the months of August to November 1961 to 1963. It was found that migrants were not departing each night on the same heading, from which they were drifted passively by the wind, but rather were departing on similar tracks night after night. On ten nights they maintained their tracks even when the upper‐air wind changed during the night. This indicates that migrants can, at least sometimes, compensate completely for the effect of the wind and fly on a fixed track, but calculations show that there are certain wind conditions when this becomes impossible.Movements were grouped according to the months in which they took place and the tracks which they followed, and then related to variousweather factors. Migration was seen most frequently with light winds favourable to the birds'track, after a marked drop in temperature (in October/November, but not August/September), and withabsence of cloud. However, it was also recorded on 17 nights when the cloud cover was complete.The departures of small passerines from Britain in August and September follow tracks east of south, yet the same birds reach western Iberia later in their journey. It is suggested that the direction of departure from Britain has been evolved to take advantage of the prevailing (westerly) upper‐air winds. Certain warblers leave their breeding areas in Northumberland without laying down much migratory fat, yet the same species make long flights non‐stop (across the Mediterranean and Sahara) later in their migrations. These migrants change froman insect to a fruit diet in autumn, and can presumably IaKdown fat more quickly the further south they travel in Europe, as the soft fruit ripens earlier in southern areas.