bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of long‐range EEG coherence by synchronous bifocal transcranial magnetic stimulation
Authors: Plewnia Christian , Rilk Albrecht J. , Soekadar Surjo R. , Arfeller Carola , Huber Heiko S. , Sauseng Paul , Hummel Friedhelm , Gerloff Christian 
Published: March 2008

AbstractInterregional coupling of distant brain regions can be measured by electroencephalographic (EEG) coherence reflecting the spatial–temporal correlation between two oscillatory signals. It has been suggested that this coherence in activity is a signature of functional integration of multimodal neuronal networks. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a well‐established technique for non‐invasive cortical stimulation. Its modulating effects outlast the train of stimulation and affect behavior. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that cortico‐cortical coherence between distant brain areas can be selectively enhanced by synchronous bifocal rTMS. Cortico‐cortical coherence was assessed in 16 healthy human subjects before and after three trains of synchronous high‐frequency (10 Hz) rTMS to the left primary motor cortex and the visual cortex at the occipital pole simultaneously. Stimulation of the left M1 alone served as the control condition. Coherence and spectral power were measured between these areas on the stimulated and the homologue contralateral side. Synchronous bifocal rTMS induced an increase of interregional coupling in the alpha and lower beta band on the stimulated side without effects on spectral power. These data indicate that synchronous bifocal rTMS is a feasible technique for selective modulation of interregional EEG coherence. Furthermore, they raise the hypothesis that interventional enhancement of long‐range coherence may effectively modulate interregional integration with behavioral consequences.
Robotic and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: a matched‐pair comparison from a high‐volume centre
Authors: Aron Monish , Koenig Phillipe , Kaouk Jihad H. , Nguyen Mike M. , Desai Mihir M. , Gill Inderbir S. 
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate the relative merits of robotically assisted partial nephrectomy (RPN), using a matched‐pair analysis, with laparoscopic PN (LPN).PATIENTS AND METHODSBetween July 2006 and August 2007, 12 patients had RPN for tumour; the outcomes were compared retrospectively with 12 matched patients who had LPN. Patients were matched for age, gender, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, tumour side, size and location, and the specific technique used (early vs conventional unclamping). Operative measures evaluated included operative time, estimated blood loss, warm ischaemia time (WIT), and number of ports used. Outcomes measured included serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate before and after surgery, length of hospital stay, transfusion rate, operative and 30‐day complication rate, and surgical margin status.RESULTSOverall there were no differences in perioperative variables (WIT, estimated blood loss, surgery time, length of stay) between the groups. Fewer ports were used during LPN. Renal functional outcomes, transfusion rate and complication rates were comparable. Two RPN cases required conversion to standard LPN. A subset analysis of six patients in each group who had early unclamping showed a 7‐min shorter WIT with LPN (14 vs 21 min, P = 0.05), despite larger tumours being treated with LPN (3 vs 2.4 cm, P < 0.01) in this subset.CONCLUSIONSRPN is a developing procedure, and is technically feasible and safe, albeit with a longer warm WIT than LPN. Further experience is necessary to determine the relative merits of RPN.
Grid origin affects scaling of species across spatial scales
Authors: Witte Jan‐Philip M. , He Fangliang , Groen Cees L.G. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTAim  Distribution maps of species based on a grid are useful for investigating relationships between scale and the number or area of occupied grid cells. A species is scaled up simply by merging occupied grid cells on the observation grid to successively coarser cells. Scale–occupancy relationships (SORs) obtained in this way can be used to extrapolate species down, in other words to compute occupancies at finer scales than the observation scale. In this paper we demonstrate that the SOR is not unique but depends on where one positions the origin of the grid map.Innovation  The effect of grid origin on SORs was explored with the aid of the Dutch national data base FLORBASE, which contains the observation records of all 1410 wild vascular plants in the Netherlands on a 1‐km square basis. For each species, we generated 2500 unique SORs by scaling up from 1 km, in steps of 1 km, to squares of 50 km. We computed the sensitivity of the SOR to the grid origin for each species, and subsequently analysed the factors that determined this sensitivity. The effect of grid origin on downscaling was demonstrated by means of a simple power function that we used to extrapolate down from both a 2‐km and a 5‐km grid, to the original 1‐km grid.It appeared that the position of grid origin could have a substantial effect on SORs. The sensitivity of SORs to the position of the grid origin depended on three characteristics of a species’ spatial distribution: rarity, degree of spatial clustering and the position of the distribution relative to the border of the investigated area. Rare species with a clustered distribution near the border were particularly highly sensitive. The dependence of SOR on grid origin caused unpredictable and non‐random errors in downscaled occupancies.Main conclusions  In future, the whole bandwidth of scaled occupancies should be considered when testing and interpreting mathematical relationships between scale and occupancy. Moreover, downscaled occupancies should be interpreted cautiously.
Children's working understanding of the knowledge gained from seeing and feeling
Authors: Robinson E.J. , Haigh S.N. , Pendle J.E.C. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIn three experiments (N = 48 3‐ to 4‐year olds; 100 3‐ to 5‐year olds; 54 4‐year‐olds), children who could see or feel a target toy, recognized when they had sufficient information to answer ‘Which one is it?’ and when they needed additional access. They were weaker at taking the informative modality of access when the choice was between seeing more of a partially visible toy and feeling it; at doing so when the target was completely hidden; and at reporting seeing or feeling as their source of knowledge of the target's identity having experienced both. Working understanding of the knowledge gained from seeing and feeling (identifying the target efficiently) was not necessarily in advance of explicit understanding (reporting the informative source).
WHETHER SPIES TOO CAN BE SAVED
Authors: Cole Darrell 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTSpies, like soldiers, do a job and employ tactics that need justifying. I offer an argument for how Christian ethics may handle the moral problems of spying and do so by looking at the morally troubling tactics used by spies through the eyes of those who played an important role in shaping Christian theology and philosophy and have become normative in Christian moral thinking on the use of force. I argue that spying may be justifiable when we conceive the profession as a kind of use of force that is governed by the just war criteria. Spying is a particular kind of use of force that takes its moral character from those who authorize it, with what justification, to what ends, and with what methods. Particular attention is given to the tactics of disregarding the rules of war, the telling and living of lies, running covert operations, and assassinating military and political leaders.
CONTEMPORARY MUFTIS BETWEEN BIOETHICS AND SOCIAL REALITY
Authors: Rispler‐Chaim Vardit 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTSelecting the sex of a fetus has been a desire of parents in many different cultures. Modern Muslim religious scholars have identified advantages and disadvantages of this practice, permitting it in certain cases while forbidding it in others. In general, they do not appear to desire that selection of sex become a common practice, yet they are willing to allow it for personal reasons. This case‐by‐case approach exemplifies a key aspect of Muslim ethical discourse. After an overview of justifications for fetal sex selection in different cultures, I turn to a discussion of authoritative Islamic sources. I then analyze the reasoning of several modern authorities who deal with the issue. In the absence of a clear religious text on the subject, scholars seem inclined to legitimize sex selection, and in so doing they appear strongly influenced by social attitudes.
AN ISLAMIC APPRAISAL OF MINDING THE GAP
Authors: Khan Faiz 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTThe neglect of psycho‐spiritual needs of patients as they traverse the modern healthcare system has been a featured theme in medical literature over the past decade. This literature, which often highlights in‐patient palliative care, as well as acute and critical care settings, influences practice guidelines and protocols of doctors and nurses. In this essay, I review some of the pertinent issues raised in the literature and examine the validity of placing an ethical perspective on this issue. I also compare Islamic theocentric perspectives with secular, non‐theistic perspectives on restoring psycho‐spiritual care for patients. I then develop a framework for pastoral intervention based on aspects of the Islamic tradition and elaborate this framework by addressing clinical contexts and cases. The essay is an exposition based upon a review of the modern medical literature, an analysis of some of the traditional Islamic written sources, and the observations of the investigator, a practicing physician and an American Muslim.
SACRED LAW RECONSIDERED
Authors: Sing Manfred 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTPeople everywhere search for answers by using the resources of their traditions. They wish to do so in a legitimate way, and so they consult official institutions, specialists, and skilled individuals for their opinions; regardless of religious or cultural contexts, the common aim of these experts is to produce security, unity, and trust. Therefore, the norm‐finding processes in Islamic and Western contexts share fundamental similarities: the problem of finding a final ground for judgment, the strategies of constructing coherence and of organizing consensus, and the difficulties of obtaining legitimacy. What makes one debate “Islamic” and the other one “Western” is the different semantic materials, the different authorities, the different languages, and the different juridical frameworks. In my comparison of Muslim and Western discourses and practices, I conclude that Muslim and non‐Muslim scholars tend to overemphasize the uniqueness of Muslim legal and practical responses to bioethical challenges, because they restrict their purview to legal opinions, ignoring larger dynamics of legitimization.
Identification and characterization of a Drosophila ortholog of WRN exonuclease that is required to maintain genome integrity
Authors: Saunders Robert D. C. , Boubriak Ivan , Clancy David J. , Cox Lynne S. 
Published: March 2008

SummaryThe premature human aging Werner syndrome (WS) is caused by mutation of the RecQ‐family WRN helicase, which is unique in possessing also 3′–5′ exonuclease activity. WS patients show significant genomic instability with elevated cancer incidence. WRN is implicated in restraining illegitimate recombination, especially during DNA replication. Here we identify a Drosophila ortholog of the WRN exonuclease encoded by the CG7670 locus. The predicted DmWRNexo protein shows conservation of structural motifs and key catalytic residues with human WRN exonuclease, but entirely lacks a helicase domain. Insertion of a piggyBac element into the 5′ UTR of CG7670 severely reduces gene expression. DmWRNexo mutant flies homozygous for this insertional allele of CG7670 are thus severely hypomorphic; although adults show no gross morphological abnormalities, females are sterile. Like human WS cells, we show that the DmWRNexo mutant flies are hypersensitive to the topoisomerase I inhibitor camptothecin. Furthermore, these mutant flies show highly elevated rates of mitotic DNA recombination resulting from excessive reciprocal exchange. This study identifies a novel WRN ortholog in flies and demonstrates an important role for WRN exonuclease in maintaining genome stability.
A survey of pregnant women's attitude towards breech delivery and external cephalic version
Authors: Leung Tak Yeung , Lau Tze Kin , Lo Keith Wing Kit , Rogers Michael S. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYA structured interview survey was carried out in 150 women who came for their first antenatal visit in a university hospital in Hong Kong between June and July 1998. Their opinions and perceptions of fetal and maternal safeties on different modes of delivery for both cephalic and breech presentation, and external cephalic version (ECV) were surveyed. Their decisions on the management of term breech‐presenting pregnancy were examined. Most women (92%) preferred vaginal delivery to Caesarean delivery (CS) in case of cephalic presentation, mainly because it was a natural way of parturition. They perceived that vaginal delivery was safer than CS for both mothers and babies, but the reverse was true for breech presentation. About 82% chose ECV as the first choice of managing breech presentation, mainly because a successful version allowed a natural way of delivery. Only 2% of women considered ECV ineffective, and 13.3% and 18.7% considered it not safe for mothers and fetuses respectively. Therefore, ECV should be an available option in all obstetric units. Adequate counselling and explanation would improve the acceptance of ECV.
Seroprevalence and assessment of risk factors for hepatitis C virus infection in pregnancy
Authors: Sfameni Salvatore F. , Francis Barbara , Wein Peter 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYScreening for hepatitis B is routinely performed in most antenatal clinics. Whether the same should occur for hepatitis C needs to be assessed for each population by determining the prevalence of this infection within the community and whether any particular high‐risk group can be identified. A series of 2,000 consecutive patients attending for antenatal care at the Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, was tested for evidence of hepatitis C infection. The prevalence of hepatitis C infection in this group was 1.45% (95% confidence interval 0.97–2.1%). Significant independent risk factors were a history of intravenous drug use, blood transfusion and previous pregnancy ending prior to 20 weeks' gestation. Currently no treatment exists for hepatitis C and as there are no effective means of preventing transmission to the baby, routine screening cannot be justified in view of the low prevalence of this infection among antenatal patients. Selective screening of patients with relevant risk factors for hepatitis C should be carried out as the most efficient and cost‐effective strategy in pregnancy.
Ultrasonic fetal measurements: new Australian standards for the new millennium
Authors: Westerway Susan Campbell , Davison Alastair , Cowell Simon 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYIn over 30 years of ultrasound assessment of the fetus, Australian researchers have only produced growth curves for the biparietal diameter (BPD) and occipito‐frontal diameter (OFD) for general use. The overseas curves used for other fetal parameters are up to 25 years old and based on predominantly white middle class sample populations. In the last decade the ethnicity in Australia has changed significantly, putting into question the accuracy of the existing charts. This 3‐year study of 3800 pregnancies has resulted in the production of fetal measurement charts for the BPD, OFD, head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), crown rump length (CRL), femur and humerus lengths. Using over 11600 measurements collected from diverse ethnic, social and economic groups within the Australian population, rigorous statistical analysis was performed. The results showed that statistically significant differences occur between the curves currently in regular use and those for the OFD, HC, AC, CRL and humerus length obtained from our data.
Why is the placenta being ignored?
Authors: Badawi N. , Kurinczuk JJ , Keogh JM , Chambers HM , Stanley FJ 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYThe relationship between the frequency of published recommended indications for placental pathological examination and the frequency of requests for such examination in a population‐based study of term newborn encephalopathy was examined. Only 11.2% of placentas among 276 case infants and 0.7% of placentas among 564 term control infants were examined. Using the criteria set out in a consensus statement by the American College of Pathologists, all 276 cases fulfilled multiple maternal, fetal and placental indications for placental examination. Furthermore 43.3% of control infants fulfilled at least one criterion. Of the 25 case placentas that underwent pathological review, 16 were reported as having no diagnostic abnormality. Six cases (24%) showed clinically important findings: four had evidence of infection, one had multiple chorangiomata and one had thrombosis and rupture of the umbilical vein. Of the three remaining placentas, one showed funisitis, one showed minor lymphohistiocytic villitis and one was from monochorionic twins. To our knowledge there are no agreed Australian guidelines for when a placenta should be submitted for pathological examination. We suggest that until guidelines based on properly designed studies are developed it may be appropriate to store all placentas for at least 72 hours. If the infant develops neurological symptoms or requires unexpected admission to a neonatal intensive care unit then placental examination may reveal important aetiological diagnostic and prognostic information.
Cervical pregnancy treated with a single intravenous administration of methotrexate plus oral folinic acid
Authors: Margolis K. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYCervical pregnancy is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy and at present there is no consensus as to the most appropriate treatment.A patient with a 6‐week cervical pregnancy was successfully treated with a single intravenous administration of methotrexate and oral folinic acid without any adjuvant therapy. Her recovery was uncomplicated. She subsequently conceived and was delivered by Caesarean section of a live healthy male baby.The efficacy of the described regimen in the management of a cervical pregnancy requires further assessment.This modality of treatment does not appear to adversely affect fertility and future pregnancies.
Tamarix as Habitat for Birds: Implications for Riparian Restoration in the Southwestern United States
Authors: Sogge Mark K. , Sferra Susan J. , Paxton Eben H. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract Exotic vegetation has become a major habitat component in many ecosystems around the world, sometimes dramatically changing the vegetation community structure and composition. In the southwestern United States, riparian ecosystems are undergoing major changes in part due to the establishment and spread of the exotic Tamarix (saltcedar, tamarisk). There are concerns about the suitability of Tamarix as habitat for birds. Although Tamarix habitats tend to support fewer species and individuals than native habitats, Arizona Breeding Bird Atlas data and Birds of North America accounts show that 49 species use Tamarix as breeding habitat. Importantly, the relative use of Tamarix and its quality as habitat vary substantially by geographic location and bird species. Few studies have examined how breeding in Tamarix actually affects bird survivorship and productivity; recent research on Southwestern Willow Flycatchers has found no negative effects from breeding in Tamarix habitats. Therefore, the ecological benefits and costs of Tamarix control are difficult to predict and are likely to be species specific and site specific. Given the likelihood that high‐quality native riparian vegetation will not develop at all Tamarix control sites, restoration projects that remove Tamarix but do not assure replacement by high‐quality native habitat have the potential to reduce the net riparian habitat value for some local or regional bird populations. Therefore, an assessment of potential negative impacts is important in deciding if exotic control should be conducted. In addition, measurable project objectives, appropriate control and restoration techniques, and robust monitoring are all critical to effective restoration planning and execution.
A challenging task for assessment of checking behaviors in obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: Rotge J. Y. , Clair A. H. , Jaafari N. , Hantouche E. G. , Pelissolo A. , Goillandeau M. , Pochon J. B. , Guehl D. , Bioulac B. , Burbaud P. , Tignol J. , Mallet L. , Aouizerate B. 
Published: March 2008

Objective:  The present study concerns the objective and quantitative measurement of checking activity, which represents the most frequently observed compulsions in obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). To address this issue, we developed an instrumental task producing repetitive checking in OCD subjects.Method:  Fifty OCD subjects and 50 normal volunteers (NV) were administered a delayed matching‐to‐sample task that offered the unrestricted opportunity to verify the choice made. Response accuracy, number of verifications, and response time for choice taken to reflect the degree of uncertainty and doubt were recorded over 50 consecutive trials.Results:  Despite similar levels of performance, patients with OCD demonstrated a greater number of verifications and a longer response time for choice before checking than NV. Such behavioral patterns were more pronounced in OCD subjects currently experiencing checking compulsions.Conclusion:  The present task might be of special relevance for the quantitative assessment of checking behaviors and for determining relationships with cognitive processes.
FOXP3 positive regulatory T‐cells in cutaneous and systemic CD30 positive T‐cell lymphoproliferations
Authors: Gjerdrum Lise Mette , Woetmann Anders , Odum Niels , Hother Christoffer , Henrik‐Nielsen Regitze , Gniadecki Robert , Ralfkiaer Elisabeth 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe CD30‐positive lymphoproliferations encompass a spectrum of disorders that share histological and phenotypic similarities but differ markedly in clinical behaviour. The basis for this diversity is not known, but it has been proposed that immune suppression by cytokines and/or regulatory T‐cells (Tregs) may be implicated. In this study, skin biopsies from lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) (n = 14), primary cutaneous anaplastic large cells lymphoma (C‐ALCL) (n = 13) and systemic anaplastic large cells lymphoma (S‐ALCL) with (n = 9) or without (n = 6) ALK expression were examined by immunohistology for FOXP3 expression in tumour cells and tumour infiltrating Tregs. Labelling of a majority of the neoplastic cells was seen in one case of C‐ALCL. Another three cases (one LyP and two C‐ALCL) displayed weak labelling of very occasional atypical T‐cells. In the remaining 38 cases the atypical lymphoid infiltrate was FOXP3 negative. By contrast, all biopsies contained tumour infiltrating FOXP3‐positive Tregs. Significant higher numbers were recorded in ALK negative S‐ALCL and LyP than in C‐ALCL and S‐ALCL positive for ALK. In conclusion, it is shown that FOXP3 expression in cutaneous and systemic CD30‐positive lymphoproliferations is generally confined to tumour infiltrating Tregs. These cells may have influence upon the clinical behaviour, possibly depending upon the net degree of Treg mediated immune suppression of tumour cells relative to tumour infiltrating, cytotoxic effector cells, thereby implicating the more favourable outcome of LyP compared to C‐ALCL.