bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The first Swedish H1N2 swine influenza virus isolate represents an uncommon reassortant
Authors: Bálint Ádám , Metreveli Giorgi , Widén Frederik , Zohari Siamak , Berg Mikael , Isaksson Mats , Renström Lena HM , Wallgren Per , Belák Sándor , Segall Thomas , Kiss István 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
The European swine influenza viruses (SIVs) show considerable diversity comprising different types of H1N1, H3N2, and H1N2 strains. The intensifying full genome sequencing efforts reveal further reassortants within these subtypes. Here we report the identification of an uncommon reassortant variant of H1N2 subtype influenza virus isolated from a pig in a multisite herd where H1N2 swine influenza was diagnosed for the first time in Sweden during the winter of 2008-2009. The majority of the European H1N2 swine influenza viruses described so far possess haemagglutinin (HA) of the human-like H1N2 SIV viruses and the neuraminidase (NA) of either the European H1N2 or H3N2 SIV-like viruses. The Swedish isolate has an avian-like SIV HA and a H3N2 SIV-like NA, which is phylogenetically more closely related to H3N2 SIV NAs from isolates collected in the early '80s than to the NA of H3N2 origin of the H1N2 viruses isolated during the last decade, as depicted by some German strains, indicative of independent acquisition of the NA genes for these two types of reassortants. The internal genes proved to be entirely of avian-like SIV H1N1 origin. The prevalence of this SIV variant in pig populations needs to be determined, as well as the suitability of the routinely used laboratory reagents to analyze this strain.
The description of this H1N2 SIV adds further information to influenza epidemiology and supports the necessity of surveillance for influenza viruses in pigs.
Neuroprotective effects of blockers for T-type calcium channels
Authors: Wildburger Norelle C , Lin-Ye Avary , Baird Michelle A , Lei Debin , Bao Jianxin 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
Cognitive and functional decline with age is correlated with deregulation of intracellular calcium, which can lead to neuronal death in the brain. Previous studies have found protective effects of various calcium channel blockers in pathological conditions. However, little has been done to explore possible protective effects of blockers for T-type calcium channels, which forms a family of FDA approved anti-epileptic drugs. In this study, we found that neurons showed an increase in viability after treatment with either L-type or T-type calcium channel antagonists. The family of low-voltage activated, or T-type calcium channels, comprise of three members (Cav3.1, Cav3.2, and Cav3.3) based on their respective main pore-forming alpha subunits: α1G, α1H, and α1I. Among these three subunits, α1H is highly expressed in hippocampus and certain cortical regions. However, T-type calcium channel blockers can protect neurons derived from α1H-/- mice, suggesting that neuroprotection demonstrated by these drugs is not through the α1H subunit. In addition, blockers for T-type calcium channels were not able to confer any protection to neurons in long-term cultures, while blockers of L-type calcium channels could protect neurons. These data indicate a new function of blockers for T-type calcium channels, and also suggest different mechanisms to regulate neuronal survival by calcium signaling pathways. Thus, our findings have important implications in the development of new treatment for age-related neurodegenerative disorders.
Self-harm in adolescents
Authors: Wood Alison 
Published: October 2009

SummarySelf-harm in adolescents is common and is increasing. It can present to professionals as a symptom of major mental health disturbance or it can form part of a cultural ‘norm’. This article reviews current knowledge about self-harm in 12- to 18-year-olds. Definitions of self-harming behaviour, epidemiological and aetiological factors, risk assessment and management of self-harming in various settings are discussed in terms of pragmatic clinical approaches and evidence-based practice.
The role of the medical director in mental health
Authors: Deuchar Neil , Atkinson Elizabeth 
Published: October 2009

SummaryThis article sets out the history of medical directorship, outlines the authors' view of the current contribution that medical directors can and should be making to the mental health arena and looks forward to the possibilities of this evolving role. The focus of the article is mainly on English policy and healthcare structures, recognising that these vary in the other jurisdictions of the UK. However, certain principles should be of wider interest and application.
Ups and downs of intestinal function with prolonged fasting during aestivation in the burrowing frog, Cyclorana alboguttata
Authors: Cramp Rebecca L. , Kayes Sara M. , Meyer Edward A. , Franklin Craig E. 
Published: October 2009

SUMMARY
Although green striped burrowing frogs (Cyclorana alboguttata)experience large reductions in the mass and absorptive surface area of the small intestine (SI) during aestivation, little is known about how this may affect the functional capacity of the SI. We examined changes in the function(l-proline uptake rate and capacity) and metabolism of the SI(in vitro oxygen consumption, Na+/K+-ATPase activity and abundance) of C. alboguttata following 6 months of aestivation. l-Proline uptake rate was significantly higher in aestivating frogs, but overall uptake capacity was lower than in active frogs. Total SI oxygen consumption rate (VO2) was also lower in aestivating frogs, despite no difference in mass-specific V̇O2. The proportion of intestinal V̇O2 associated with Na+/K+-ATPase activity and protein synthesis was equivalent between active and aestivating frogs, suggesting these processes were unaffected by aestivation. Indeed, the activity of Na+/K+-ATPase transporters in the SI of aestivating frogs was not different from that of active animals. Aestivating frogs maintained Na+/K+-ATPase activity, despite experiencing a reduction in the density of Na+/K+-ATPase transporters, by increasing the molecular activity of the remaining pumps to 2–3 times that of active frogs. These results show that functionality of the SI is maintained at the cellular level, potentially facilitating the reclamation of nutrients from the intestinal lumen while in aestivation. Despite this, the functional capacity of the SI in aestivating C. alboguttata is significantly reduced due to a reduction in tissue mass,helping frogs to conserve energy while in aestivation.
Vocal and anatomical evidence for two-voiced sound production in the greater sage-grouseCentrocercus urophasianus
Authors: Krakauer Alan H. , Tyrrell Maura , Lehmann Kenna , Losin Neil , Goller Franz , Patricelli Gail L. 
Published: October 2009

SUMMARYGreater sage-grouse, Centrocercus urophasianus, have been a model system in studies of sexual selection and lek evolution. Mate choice in this species depends on acoustic displays during courtship, yet we know little about how males produce these sounds. Here we present evidence for previously undescribed two-voiced sound production in the sage-grouse. We detected this`double whistle' (DW) using multi-channel audio recordings combined with video recordings of male behavior. Of 28 males examined, all males produced at least one DW during observation; variation in DW production did not correlate with observed male mating success. We examined recordings from six additional populations throughout the species' range and found evidence of DW in all six populations, suggesting that the DW is widespread. To examine the possible mechanism of DW production, we dissected two male and female sage-grouse; the syrinx in both sexes differed noticeably from that of the domestic fowl, and notably had two sound sources where the bronchi join the syrinx. Additionally,we found males possess a region of pliable rings at the base of the trachea,as well as a prominent syringeal muscle that is much reduced or absent in females. Experiments with a live phonating bird will be necessary to determine how the syrinx functions to produce the whistle, and whether the DW might be the result of biphonation of a single sound source. We conclude that undiscovered morphological and behavioral complexity may exist even within well-studied species, and that integrative research approaches may aid in the understanding of this type of complexity.
Development of lower limb stiffness and its contribution to maximum vertical jumping power during adolescence
Authors: Korff Thomas , Horne Sara L. , Cullen Sarah J. , Blazevich Anthony J. 
Published: October 2009

SUMMARY
Maximum power production during multi-joint tasks increases as children grow older. Previous research suggests that in adults, maximum power production in jumping is related to lower limb stiffness. In a developmental context, the question arises as to whether the relationship between maximum power production and lower limb stiffness is age-dependent. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between lower limb stiffness and peak power production in adolescents (AD) and pre-adolescents (PA). With institutional approval, two groups of pre-adults (pre-adolescents: 11–13 years of age, N=43; adolescents: 16–18 years of age, N=30) performed 30 two-legged hops at their preferred frequency and three maximum counter-movement jumps. AD produced significantly greater peak power during the counter-movement jump than PA(t71=–5.28, P&lt;0.001) even when body mass was accounted for. Lower limb stiffness was significantly correlated with peak power production during the counter-movement jump in AD (R=0.62, P&lt;0.001) but not in PA (R=0.26, P=0.10). When normalised to body mass, the relationship between lower limb stiffness and peak power also differed between the two age groups (R=0.30, P=0.11 for AD and R=0.02, P=0.88 for PA). In addition, we found that during hopping, both PA and AD behaved like a simple spring-mass system. Our findings highlight the importance of lower limb stiffness in the context of muscular power production during multi-joint tasks. They let us speculate that during adolescence, children acquire the ability to take greater advantage of elastic energy storage in the musculotendinous system when performing maximum counter-movement jumps.
Hormonal control of luminescence from lantern shark (Etmopterus spinax) photophores
Authors: Claes Julien M. , Mallefet Jérôme 
Published: October 2009

SUMMARYThe velvet belly lantern shark (Etmopterus spinax) emits a blue luminescence from thousands of tiny photophores. In this work, we performed a pharmacological study to determine the physiological control of luminescence from these luminous organs. Isolated photophore-filled skin patches produced light under melatonin (MT) and prolactin (PRL) stimulation in a dose-dependent manner but did not react to classical neurotransmitters. Theα-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) had an inhibitory effect on hormonal-induced luminescence. Because luzindole and 4P-PDOT inhibited MT-induced luminescence, the action of this hormone is likely to be mediated through binding to the MT2 receptor subtype, which probably decreases the intracellular concentration of cyclic AMP (cAMP) because forskolin (a cAMP donor) strongly inhibits the light response to MT. However, PRL seems to achieve its effects via janus kinase 2 (JAK2) after binding to its receptor because a specific JAK2 inhibitor inhibits PRL-induced luminescence. The two stimulating hormones showed different kinetics as well as a seasonal variation of light intensity, which was higher in summer (April) than in winter (December and February). All of these results strongly suggest that,contrary to self-luminescent bony fishes, which harbour a nervous control mechanism of their photophore luminescence, the light emission is under hormonal control in the cartilaginous E. spinax. This clearly highlights the diversity of fish luminescence and confirms its multiple independent apparitions during the course of evolution.
Quantitative analysis of the effect of prey properties on feeding kinematics in two species of lizards
Authors: Metzger Keith A. 
Published: October 2009

SUMMARYStudies of the functional morphology of feeding have typically not included an analysis of the potential for the kinematics of the gape cycle to vary based on the material properties of the prey item being consumed. Variation in prey properties is expected not only to reveal variation in feeding function,but allows testing of the functional role of the phases of the gape cycle. The jaw kinematics of two species of lizards are analyzed when feeding trials are conducted using quantitative control of prey mass, hardness and mobility. For both species, there were statistically significant prey effects on feeding kinematics for all the prey properties evaluated (i.e. prey mass, hardness and mobility). Of these three prey properties, prey mass had a more significant effect on feeding kinematics than prey hardness or mobility. Revealing the impact of varying prey properties on feeding kinematics helps to establish the baseline level of functional variability in the feeding system. Additionally,these data confirm the previously hypothesized functional role of the slow open (SO) phase of the gape cycle as allowing for physical conformation of the tongue to the surface of the food bolus in preparation for further intraoral transport.
Cost-Effective Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Slater M , Booth MI , Dehn TCB 
Published: October 2009

INTRODUCTION There is wide variation in costs, both theatre and ward, for the same operation performed in different hospitals. The aim of this study was to compare the true costs for a large number of consecutive laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) cases using re-usable equipment with those from an adjacent trust in which the policy was to use disposable LC equipment. PATIENTS AND METHODS Data were collected prospectively between January 2001 and December 2007 inclusive for all consecutive patients undergoing LC by two upper gastrointestinal (UGI) consultants at the Royal Berkshire Hospital. Data were collected for all the instruments used, in particular any additional disposable instruments used at surgeons' preference. Sterilisation costs were calculated for all re-usable instruments. Costs were also obtained from an adjacent NHS trust which adopted a policy of using disposable ports and clip applicators. Disposable equipment such as drapes, insufflation tubing, and camera sheath were not considered as additional costs, since they are common to both trusts and not available in a re-usable form. RESULTS Over 7 years, a total of 1803 LCs were performed consecutively by two UGI consultants at the Royal Berkshire Hospital. The grand total for 1803 LC cases for the re-usable group, including initial purchasing, was £89,844.41 (an average of £49.83 per LC case). The grand total for the disposable group, including sterilisation costs, was £574,706.25 (an average of £318.75 per LC case). Thus the saving for the trust using re-usable trocars, ports and clip applicators was £268.92 per case, £69,265.98 per annum and £484,861.84 over 7 years. CONCLUSIONS This study has demonstrated that considerable savings occur with a policy of minimal use of disposable equipment for LC. Using a disposable set, the instrument costs per procedure is 6.4 times greater than the cost of using re-usable LC sets. It behoves surgeons to be cost-effective and to reduce unnecessary expenditure and wastage. There is no evidence to support use of once-only laparoscopic instruments on grounds of patient safety, ease of use or transmission of infection. If the savings identified in this study of two surgeons' work (savings of £484,861.84 in a 7-year period) was extended not only across the hospital but across the NHS, large savings could be made for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Even greater savings would accrue if the results were extrapolated to cover all laparoscopic surgery of whatever discipline.
The National Stroke Strategy – Is it Achievable?
Authors: Reid TD , Finney LJ , Hedges AR 
Published: October 2009

INTRODUCTION Timing of intervention in symptomatic carotid disease is critical. The UK Department of Health's National Stroke Strategy published in December 2007 recommends urgent carotid intervention within 48 h, in appropriate patients, who have suffered a transient ischaemic attack (TIA), amaurosis fugax or minor stroke. Despite the running of a rapid-access clinic for patients with symptoms of TIA, the time from symptom to surgery is rarely less than 2 weeks. To date, there has been little published research on the UK public response to the symptoms of TIA, and no study at all of the response of primary care to such patients. The aim of this study was to ascertain both these responses to see whether a 48-h target is achievable. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 402 men attending our aortic aneurysm screening sessions were asked to complete a questionnaire requesting their most likely response to an episode of amaurosis fugax or TIA. All 45 GP practices in the hospital catchment area were asked how they would respond to patients requesting to be seen with the symptoms used in the questionnaire. RESULTS Nearly one in six patients would ignore the symptom unless it recurred, approximately half would request a GP appointment and a third would see an optician if they had amaurosis fugax. The mean waiting time to see a GP was 2 days for a routine appointment and within 24 h for an emergency appointment. CONCLUSIONS It is clear that a significant number of people would ignore the first symptom of carotid ischaemia; for those with amaurosis fugax, nearly a third would initially seek help from their optician. Those given a routine GP appointment would have to wait a minimum of 2 days. If the Department of Health is serious about reducing the incidence of stroke and introducing a target of 48 h from symptom to treatment, then there needs to be a wide-spread public and healthcare education programme, in particular alerting opticians and GP receptionists that these symptoms constitute a medical emergency.
Early Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Service Provision is Feasible and Safe in the Current UK National Health Service
Authors: Agrawal S , Battula N , Barraclough L , Durkin D , Cheruvu CVN 
Published: October 2009

INTRODUCTION Despite increasing evidence of the benefits and safety of early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in acute gallstone disease, it is not widely practised in England. The Royal College of Surgeons of England support the separation of emergency and elective surgical care. The aim of this prospective study was to examine the impact of the implementation of ‘Surgeon of the Week (SoW)’ model on the number of early LCs performed and the efficiency of the emergency theatre activity in our hospital. This study also looked into its implications on specialist registrar training for early LC, and the financial impact to the hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS Between January 2007 and May 2008, demographic data, admission and discharge dates, complications, conversions to an open operation and deaths were collected for all patients who underwent early laparoscopic cholecystectomies. For ease of comparison, patients were divided into Group A representing before introduction of SoW (1 January 2007 to 30 August 2007) and Group B representing after introduction of SoW (1 October 2007 to 31 May 2008). The total numbers of operations performed in the emergency theatre list in the two groups were also calculated. RESULTS A total of 1361 emergency operations were performed on the emergency theatre list in Group A, of which 951 were general surgical procedures. In Group B, the numbers of emergency procedures were 1537, of which 1138 were general surgical operations. There was a significant increase in the number of general surgical operations after introduction of SoW (P = 0.013). Before introduction of the SoW rota, 45 early LCs were performed. This increased to 118 after SoW which was significant (P < 0.001). In Group A, the number of early LCs performed by surgical trainees was 10 (22%). In Group B, the number of LCs performed by surgical trainees was 35 (30%; not significant). CONCLUSIONS This study has demonstrated an increase in the efficiency of the emergency theatre with an increase in the number of early LCs on their index admission without extra morbidity following implementation of the SOW model in our hospital. We recommend the introduction of a suitable emergency surgical consultant on-call model separating emergency and elective surgical care depending on local circumstances. This can lead to significant cost savings and reduce re-admissions with gallstone-related complications.
Children's eyewitness identification performance: Effects of a Not Sure response option and accuracy motivation
Authors: Brewer Neil , Keast Amber , Sauer James D. 
Published: October 2009

Purpose. Children who witness crimes are sometimes asked to view a photospread lineup to see if they can identify the culprit. Here, we examined the effectiveness of two manipulations designed to assist in overcoming the tendency of child eyewitnesses to choose from lineups, a tendency that manifests in false identifications from target‐absent lineups.Methods. Children aged around 12 years (N = 432) were randomly assigned to control, Not Sure, or accuracy motivation conditions in order to examine both target‐absent and ‐present identification test performance across multiple sets of stimulus materials.Results. The Not Sure option did not affect false alarms or hit rates, but the combination of accuracy motivating conditions and the Not Sure option reduced guessing, with overall rates of false identifications falling by 12.2%. The latter effect was much stronger under some stimulus conditions but not detectable under others, indicating that the manipulations could improve but not impair performance. While there were beneficial effects at the group level, the manipulation did not produce a general change in individual children's decision strategies.Conclusions. Eyewitness identification test manipulations that reliably reduce false alarms, without lowering hits, by child witnesses have not yet been identified. Here, we showed how a simple‐to‐implement accuracy motivation manipulation reduces false alarms under some conditions, while also highlighting the importance of evaluating the efficacy of interventions across varied encoding and test conditions. However, developing a procedure that can produce a generalized improvement in decision making at the individual level remains a major challenge for eyewitness researchers.
Phenology and seasonal physiological performance of polar seaweeds
Authors: Wiencke Christian , Gómez Iván , Dunton Ken 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
The phenology of polar seaweeds is strongly tuned to the strong seasonal changes in underwater radiation. Daylength triggers the onset of reproduction and growth during winter in season anticipators, particularly in endemic species. More widely distributed species are often season responders growing predominantly in summer in direct response to light, temperature and nutrient conditions. The physiology of polar seaweeds is strongly linked to the life strategy of the individual species. For season anticipators, photosynthetic rates are often highest in late winter-spring when sunlight penetrates deep into the clear waters. Since Antarctic species are seldom nutrient-limited, even during summer, they mostly incorporate photosynthetically fixed carbon directly into biomass. In contrast, Arctic kelps, such as Laminaria solidungula utilise the carbon fixed during summer for synthesis of storage compounds, which are used to fuel growth during the dark winter period when nutrients are sufficient for new tissue formation. This growth pattern reflects a strategy for species optimally adapted to the seasonal changes of nutrient concentrations, which in the Arctic are low (or nearly undetectable) in summer, and high in winter. This review concludes with a discussion of possible implications of global climate changes on the phenology and productivity of polar seaweed communities.