bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Begging in Common Redstart Nestlings: Scramble Competition or Signalling of Need?
Authors: Porkert Jiří , Špinka Marek 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBegging behaviour by the young affects parental food distribution among nestlings of altricial birds. We present an analysis of two types of begging behaviour (assuming the front nest positions and gaping) based on videotaped natural nestling feeding in European common redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus). We test whether these types of begging support the predictions of two mathematical models: scramble competition with competitive asymmetries between nestlings [Anim. Behav.27 (1979) 1210] or honest signalling model [Nature352 (1991) 328]. None of the measured variables of nestling or parental behaviour were affected by body weight differences between siblings. In contrast, both gaping and nest positioning were affected by individual differences in nestling hunger. In agreement with the honest signalling model, hungrier nestlings gaped with higher probability and started to gape sooner after the arrival of the parent than did their less hungry nestmates. Those nestlings with the shortest latency to gape also received food more often. Nest positioning was related to nestling hunger in a way unforeseen by the existing models. The intervals between nestling position changes were several times longer than the intervals between parental feeding visits, and parents preferred to feed nestlings in front positions, so nestlings in front positions were always less hungry than nestlings in back. Hence the pattern of movements influenced the feeding decision in favour of the more satiated nestlings and acted against the effect of gaping. Nestling movement seemed to be caused by the less hungry nestlings moving actively from front to rear positions. Low mortality of individual nestlings within broods that survived to fledging and small within‐brood variation in fledging weights indicated low competition among nestmates. We suggest that there are two behavioural mechanisms that contribute to the equalization of fledging weights in common redstart nestlings: the signalling of need through gaping and the regular turnover of nestlings at front positions.
Changes in Plasma Concentrations of LH, FSH, Estradiol 17‐β and Progesterone During Oestrus in Mithun (Bos frontalis)
Authors: Dhali A , Mishra DP , Mech A , Karunakaran M , Choudhury H , Khate K , Rajkhowa C 
Published: February 2006

ContentsThe objective of the present study was to establish the changes in plasma concentrations of LH, FSH, estradiol 17‐β (E2) and progesterone (P4), as well as to understand their temporal relationships during oestrus in mithun (Bos frontalis). The experiment was conducted on 11 mithuns during third or fourth postpartum oestrous cycle. Since oestrus onset the jugular vein blood samples were collected every 2 h for 72 and 96 h, respectively from the animals without and with standing heat. The LH, FSH, E2 and P4 concentrations were estimated in plasma. The P4 concentration was fluctuated throughout the oestrus period and the average P4 concentration was found significantly (p < 0.05) lower on the day of oestrus onset. The multiple rises in LH and FSH concentrations above the basal level in spike like fashion were observed throughout the oestrus period irrespective of the occurrence of standing heat. A significant (p < 0.01) gradual increase in the average daily E2 concentration was observed till day 2 following oestrus onset irrespective of the occurrence of standing heat. A significant (p < 0.05) simultaneous increase in LH, FSH and E2 concentrations and a transient increase in P4 concentration at approximately the time of standing heat onset were observed. During investigation a definite temporal coupling between LH and FSH rises was absent throughout the oestrus period. The results suggest that (1) the multiple short‐duration low‐amplitude LH and FSH surges during oestrus may be crucial for the final maturation of ovulatory follicle and subsequent ovulation in mithun; (2) a differential mechanism for controlling LH and FSH secretions probably exists in mithun.
Radiologist workloads in teaching hospital departments: Measuring the workload
Authors: Pitman AG , Jones DN 
Published: February 2006

SummaryThis article proposes a practical method for measuring staff radiologist workloads (clinical productivity) in teaching hospital departments of radiology in Australia. It reviews the Australian background to this, including the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) Education Board accreditation guidelines and the development of the RANZCR practice costing model. It reviews overseas methods of radiologist workload measurement and trends in radiologist workloads both in Australia and overseas. It proposes a practical and simple workload measuring method based on relative value units derived from the RANZCR model. Using a previous national workload survey in teaching hospitals, it proposes initial workload benchmarks when using this method. Strengths and weaknesses of this method and alternatives are reviewed, and a number of proposals for Australian teaching radiology departments are put forward to advance the issue of radiologist workloads in a disciplined manner.
Race and sex: Predictors of the severity of hyperparathyroidism in peritoneal dialysis patients
Authors: FAN STANLEY L‐S , CHAN ANTHONY , RAFTERY MARTIN J , YAQOOB MAGDI M 
Published: March 2006

SUMMARY:Background:  Uraemic hyperparathyroidism remains a common clinical problem. Conversely, oversuppression of parathyroid hormone (PTH), particularly in diabetic patients on peritoneal dialysis, has been implicated in low bone turnover disease. Race may also be an important factor determining susceptibility to hyperparathyroidism and the different forms of renal osteodystrophy. These compounding factors that might influence the severity of hyperparathyroidism have been studied in US dialysis and predialysis populations. Dialysis‐dependant Africans and Afro‐Caribbeans (AC) are known to have higher circulating PTH concentrations than comparable Caucasians (C) but Indo‐Asians (IA) living in temperate climates have not been studied.Methods:  We performed a cross‐sectional study of all patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis at St Bartholomew's and The Royal London Hospital on 1 May 2000. The highest historical recorded PTH was recorded with concurrent biochemical and demographic details. Regression models were used for the analysis of covariance and separate manova was performed incorporating the factors that were shown on univariate analysis to be significant.Results:  The current study confirmed that in 50 AC patients on peritoneal dialysis, the mean (± SEM) peak PTH concentration (93.9 ± 9.3 pmol/L) was higher than in 148 C (56.7 ± 4.3 pmol/L) and 67 IA (60.2 ± 5.7 pmol/L), P < 0.0001 and P < 0.002, respectively. This is despite there being no significant difference in serum calcium concentrations and AC having a lower serum phosphate concentration at the time of peak hyperparathyroidism. There was no significant difference in mean peak PTH concentration between C and IA. Females were also found to have higher peak PTH concentrations, but the presence of diabetes did not influence the peak PTH concentration in this study.Conclusion:  Although we have demonstrated that patients of African (but not Asian) descent undergoing peritoneal dialysis have more severe hyperparathyroidism than Caucasians, other studies suggest that Afro‐Americans develop low bone turnover at higher PTH. This would suggest that PTH values should be interpreted with care and that bone biopsies to determine histology remain important. It may emerge that there are different optimal PTH concentrations according to race.
Screening tests for renal artery stenosis: A case‐series from an Australian tertiary referral centre
Authors: PAVEN GOKULAN , WAUGH RICHARD , NICHOLSON JANE , GILLIN ADRIAN , HENNESSY ANNEMARIE 
Published: March 2006

SUMMARY:Background:  Renal artery stenosis is a common, correctable cause of hypertension and renal impairment, with multiple screening tests available to aid diagnosis. Data assessing the accuracy of screening tests are mostly derived from tight ‘experimental’ protocols and the application of these tests to large‐scale clinical practice is not clear. Our aim was to investigate physician preferences and diagnostic accuracy of screening tests for renal artery stenosis when applied to clinical practice in a large, Australian tertiary referral centre.Methods:  We investigated all renal angiograms performed at our institution between September 2002 and September 2004, as referred by renal physicians. We accessed hospital and physician records of all patients to document demographics, clinical history, screening investigations, source of screening and angiogram results. The series involved 75 consecutive patients who had 79 screening investigations (four patients had two screening tests).Results:  The case series showed that 19 (24%) patients did not have any screening investigations prior to angiography. Duplex ultrasonography was the most utilised screening test, being used in 20 (33%) of the remaining 60 screening tests. Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) was used in 19 (32%), magnetic resonance imaging in 13 (22%) and renal scintigraphy was used in four (7%) screening procedures. Magnetic resonance angiography was the most accurate screening test with a positive predictive value of 92%, followed by duplex ultrasonography with 88% and CTA was relatively inaccurate, with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 58% (P = 0.036). Clinical suspicion alone was inaccurate with a PPV of 40%, except in previously treated renal artery stenosis (PPV 89%).Conclusion:  Duplex ultrasonography was the most utilised screening investigation amongst the physicians of our referral base. Magnetic resonance angiography and duplex ultrasonography had good positive predictive values, while CTA may not be as reliable as previously reported when applied to a large, non‐selective clinical practice.
Vesicle transport and the cytoskeleton in the unicellular red alga Glaucosphaera vacuolata
Authors: Wilson Sarah M. , Pickett‐Heaps Jeremy D. , West John A. 
Published: February 2006

SUMMARYVesicles are continually transported from the perinuclear region to the cell's exterior in the unicellular red alga Glaucosphaera vacuolata Korshikov. This phenomenon is recorded here with time‐lapse videomicroscopy. The mechanism governing this intracellular motility is unknown but the cytoskeleton is believed to be involved. Microtubules and actin filaments are located in Glaucosphaera using fluorescently conjugated antibodies and FITC‐phallicidin, respectively. Microtubules radiate in all planes from the perinuclear region to the periphery whereas actin filaments form rings around migrating vesicles. This pattern of location might indicate that both microtubules and actin filaments are involved in vesicle transport. However, this conclusion is not confirmed directly because the thick mucilaginous wall material seemed to prevent the entry of cytoskeletal inhibitors. A video clip of vesicle movement is available at http://www.cytographics.com/.
Taxonomic notes on Hawaiian Polysiphonia, with transfer to Neosiphonia (Rhodomelaceae, Rhodophyta)
Authors: Kim Myung‐Sook , Abbott Isabella A. 
Published: February 2006

SUMMARYAfter detailed observations of type material and other collections, five Hawaiian species of Polysiphonia Greville, nom. cons. are recognized to be species of Neosiphonia M. S. Kim et I. K. Lee; namely, Neosiphonia apiculata (Hollenberg) Masuda et Kogame, Neosiphonia beaudettei (Hollenberg) M. S. Kim et Abbott, comb. nov., Neosiphonia hawaiiensis (Hollenberg) M. S. Kim et Abbott, comb. nov., Neosiphonia profunda (Hollenberg) M. S. Kim et Abbott, comb. nov., and Neosiphonia rubrorhiza (Hollenberg) M. S. Kim et Abbott, comb. nov. These five species are ecorticate, having lateral branch initials and trichoblasts produced on successive segments, rhizoids separated from pericentral cells by a cross wall, three‐celled carpogonial branches (not seen in N. beaudettei and N. rubrorhiza), spermatangial branches arising on a primary branch of the trichoblasts, and tetrasporangia in a spiral series. Although certain characters were not available for some species, all other characters occur in a combination that is unique for members of Neosiphonia.
Immune cells contribute to systemic cross‐talk between the embryo and mother during early pregnancy in cooperation with the endocrine system
Authors: FUJIWARA HIROSHI 
Published: March 2006

In early pregnancy, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) stimulates the corpus luteum to produce progesterone that in turn maintains human embryo implantation in the uterus. This inevitable communication through blood circulation can be called ‘systemic cross‐talk between the embryo and mother’. Despite considerable evidence suggesting that the human corpus luteum cannot be maintained by HCG alone, no other responsible soluble factors have been proposed. We found that peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) derived from pregnant women promoted progesterone production by human luteal cells and propose that both hormones and immune cells participate in this systemic cross‐talk. This systemic cross‐talk by immune cells is believed to operate in embryo implantation. Splenocytes derived from pregnant mice promoted endometrial differentiation and embryo implantation in vivo. Human PBMC derived from women early in pregnancy promoted invasion of murine embryos in vitro. In addition, recombinant HCG increased the effects of human PBMC on murine embryo invasion. Human chorionic gonadotropin also increased chemokine production by human PBMC through a lectin–glycan interaction, which is a primitive pathway in the immune system. Furthermore, chemokines were shown to induce human trophoblast invasion. These findings suggest that the immune system positively contributes to systemic cross‐talk between the embryo and mother in cooperation with the endocrine system. (Reprod Med Biol 2006; 5: 19–29)
Reproductive outcome after laparoscopic myomectomy for intramural myomas in infertile women with or without associated infertility factors
Authors: MORITA MINETO , ASAKAWA YASUYUKI 
Published: March 2006

Aims:   To evaluate reproductive outcome after laparoscopic myomectomy for intramural myomas in infertile women with or without associated infertility factors.Methods:   A retrospective study was carried out in 30 infertile women with intramural myomas measuring ≥50 mm in diameter and treated using laparoscopy.Results:   The overall rate of spontaneous intrauterine pregnancy was 50.0% (15 patients). Of 13 patients with infertility factors associated with the uterine myomas, three (23.1%) became pregnant, whereas 12 of 17 patients (70.6%) with no other associated infertility factor became pregnant. No uterine ruptures were observed. All pregnancies were spontaneous and 13 occurred within 1 year of the operation. In the 10 patients who gave birth by Cesarean section, no adhesions were found on the myomectomy scar.Conclusions:   On the basis of these results, laparoscopic surgery for myomas appears to offer comparable results to laparotomy. In infertile patients with intramural myoma, pregnancy rates are affected by the presence of other infertility factors associated with the uterine myomas. (Reprod Med Biol 2006; 5: 31–35)
Laparoscopy for the treatment of unexplained infertility
Authors: KANDA YOSHIAKI , IKEDA MARIO , ISHIKAWA MASAHIKO , SAKAKIBARA HIDEYA , HIRAHARA FUMIKI 
Published: March 2006

Aim:  To determine the best treatment for unexplained infertility.Methods:  A retrospective study was used to examine Japanese women with unexplained infertility that had undergone laparoscopy. The main outcome measure of the study was the rate of pregnancy after laparoscopy.Results:  One hundred and thirty‐eight women diagnosed with unexplained infertility received laparoscopy and as a result 55 women had their diagnosis of unexplained infertility confirmed. There were no statistically significant differences between the women who became pregnant after laparoscopy in terms of duration of infertility, duration of treatment or age. The pregnancy rate of women with unexplained infertility was 56.4%, with 90% of these pregnancies achieved within the first 6 months. There were 64 women with minor endometriosis considered to be suffering from unexplained infertility before laparoscopy. The characteristics of the patients in the unexplained infertility group and in the minor endometriosis group were similar, but patients with minor endometriosis were found to have a lower pregnancy rate compared to those with unexplained infertility (35.9%vs 56.4%; P = 0.02).Conclusions:  The effective period after laparoscopy appears to be 6 months. Assisted reproductive technology should be considered after that time. Pregnancy rates were low in women with minor endometriosis compared with unexplained infertility. It is important to clarify the cause of infertility using laparoscopy. (Reprod Med Biol 2006; 5: 59–64)
Comprehensive geriatric assessment for community‐dwelling elderly in Asia compared with those in Japan: VII. Khon Khen in Thailand
Authors: Ishine Masayuki , Sakagami Teiji , Sakamoto Ryouta , Wada Taizo , Khampitak Kovit , Fushida Mutsuko , Kawakita Toshiko , Okumiya Kiyohito , Kita Toru , Matsubayashi Kozo 
Published: February 2006

Objective:  To compare the findings of comprehensive geriatric assessment between community‐dwelling elderly aged 60 years and older living in Thailand and Japan.Design:  A cross‐sectional, interview‐ and examination‐based study.Setting:  The community‐dwelling elderly living in rural Thang Kwang villages, in the city Khon Kaen, Khon Kaen province, Thailand and in the town Sonobe, Kyoto, Japan.Methods:  The subjects consisted of 198 and 209 community‐dwelling elderly aged 60 years or older in two developmentally different areas in Khon Kaen province in Thailand and 411 community‐dwelling elderly aged 65 years or older in Japan, respectively, which were examined using a common comprehensive geriatric assessment tool. Interviews pertaining to activities of daily living (ADL), medical and social history, quality of life (QOL) and the 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale as well as anthropometrical and blood chemical examinations were included in the assessment. Using anova and the χ2 test, the findings of the three groups were compared.Results:  In comparison with Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) our findings among communities dwelling in the rural Thang Kwang villages, the city Khon Kaen, Thailand and in the highly‐developed city Kyoto, Japan, were that ADL (except social role), QOL (except family relationship), mean systolic blood pressure, serum total and high‐density cholesterol levels, hemoglobin concentrations and prevalence of hypertension were lower in the elderly in rural Thang Kwang villages than those in Khon Kaen city or in Kyoto. In contrast, a prevalence of anemia defined by World Health Organization criteria was higher in the elderly in rural Thang Kwang villages or Khon Kaen city than in Kyoto. It is noteworthy that a prevalence of suspected impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes mellitus in Thailand was extraordinarily higher than in Japan, compared to nearby South‐Asian countries.Conclusion:  It is supposed that economical and social development might bring a better CGA and a better nutritional state to Thailand. However, we should pay more attention to over‐nutrition, modified lifestyle and appropriate controls for global risk factors in the community‐dwelling elderly in this economically developmental country in Asia.
The impacts of climate change on the risk of natural disasters
Authors: Van Aalst Maarten K. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractHuman emissions of greenhouse gases are already changing our climate. This paper provides an overview of the relation between climate change and weather extremes, and examines three specific cases where recent acute events have stimulated debate on the potential role of climate change: the European heatwave of 2003; the risk of inland flooding, such as recently in Central Europe and Great Britain; and the harsh Atlantic hurricane seasons of 2004 and 2005. Furthermore, it briefly assesses the relation between climate change and El Niño, and the potential of abrupt climate change. Several trends in weather extremes are sufficiently clear to inform risk reduction efforts. In many instances, however, the potential increases in extreme events due to climate change come on top of alarming rises in vulnerability. Hence, the additional risks due to climate change should not be analysed or treated in isolation, but instead integrated into broader efforts to reduce the risk of natural disasters.
Reducing hazard vulnerability: towards a common approach between disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation
Authors: Thomalla Frank , Downing Tom , Spanger‐Siegfried Erika , Han Guoyi , Rockström Johan 
Published: March 2006

AbstractOver the past few decades, four distinct and largely independent research and policy communities—disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, environmental management and poverty reduction—have been actively engaged in reducing socio‐economic vulnerability to natural hazards. However, despite the significant efforts of these communities, the vulnerability of many individuals and communities to natural hazards continues to increase considerably. In particular, it is hydro‐meteorological hazards that affect an increasing number of people and cause increasingly large economic losses. Arising from the realisation that these four communities have been largely working in isolation and enjoyed only limited success in reducing vulnerability, there is an emerging perceived need to strengthen significantly collaboration and to facilitate learning and information exchange between them. This article examines key communalities and differences between the climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction communities, and proposes three exercises that would help to structure a multi‐community dialogue and learning process.
Global sea‐level rise is recognised, but flooding from anthropogenic land subsidence is ignored around northern Manila Bay, Philippines
Authors: Rodolfo Kelvin S. , Siringan Fernando P. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractLand subsidence resulting from excessive extraction of groundwater is particularly acute in East Asian countries. Some Philippine government sectors have begun to recognise that the sea‐level rise of one to three millimetres per year due to global warming is a cause of worsening floods around Manila Bay, but are oblivious to, or ignore, the principal reason: excessive groundwater extraction is lowering the land surface by several centimetres to more than a decimetre per year. Such ignorance allows the government to treat flooding as a lesser problem that can be mitigated through large infrastructural projects that are both ineffective and vulnerable to corruption. Money would be better spent on preventing the subsidence by reducing groundwater pumping and moderating population growth and land use, but these approaches are politically and psychologically unacceptable. Even if groundwater use is greatly reduced and enlightened land‐use practices are initiated, natural deltaic subsidence and global sea‐level rise will continue to aggravate flooding, although at substantially lower rates.