bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of spinal cord stimulation for neuropathic pain: assessment by abstinence
Authors: Monhemius Russell , Simpson Brian A 
Published: October 2003

AbstractAssessment of the efficacy of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) against neuropathic pain remains problematic. Some patients may underestimate this, as revealed by their reaction to stimulator malfunction. This study investigated whether abstinence from SCS would provide an indication of its effectiveness. Patients were invited to complete two brief questionnaires each day for 50 days including two periods of 14 days without stimulation. Pain level, sleep quality, activity level and drug intake were recorded. Of 75 patients thought to be using their stimulators, 12 did not respond to the invitation, eight had unresolved technical problems and one no longer needed SCS. Of the 54 remaining, 10 did not wish to be without SCS and 15 declined without giving a reason. Thus 29 agreed to take part but three then dropped out through illness and questionnaires were not received from 10. Ten returned completed questionnaires but failed to follow the protocol; five of these were unable to leave their stimulators off. Only six took part correctly. Twenty of the 29 had received a preliminary explanatory home visit and for nine this was done by telephone. The former produced a considerably higher yield. All six who completed the study correctly had statistically significantly lower pain scores during stimulation. Four had improved sleep but only one reduced his medication and none of the six increased their activity levels. Correlation with previous clinical assessments is discussed. It is concluded that the abstinence principle might provide a useful tool but its power is very methodology‐dependent.
Multi‐modal induction and assessment of allodynia and hyperalgesia in the human oesophagus
Authors: Drewes Asbjørn Mohr , Schipper Klaus‐Peter , Dimcevski Georg , Petersen Poul , Andersen Ole Kæseler , Gregersen Hans , Arendt‐Nielsen Lars 
Published: October 2003

AbstractBackground and aims. Experimental pain models based on single stimuli have to some degree limited visceral pain studies in humans. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of multi‐modal visceral pain stimuli of the oesophagus in healthy subjects before and after induction of visceral hyperalgesia. We used a multi‐modal psychophysical assessment regime and a neurophysiological method (nociceptive reflex) for the characterisation of the experimentally induced hyperalgesia.Methods. A probe for multi‐modal (cold, warm, electrical, and mechanical) visceral stimulation was positioned in the lower part of the oesophagus in eleven healthy subjects. Mechanical stimuli were applied as distensions with a bag, which also had electrodes mounted for electrical stimulation. Thermal stimulation with temperatures from 0 to 60 °C was applied with re‐circulating water in the bag. To assess the interaction between visceral and somatic pathways, the nociceptive withdrawal reflex to electrical stimuli at the ankle was measured with and without simultaneous mechanical oesophageal distension to painful levels. Finally, the oesophageal sensitisation was induced by perfusion with hydrochloric acid. Multimodal responses (pain threshold, stimulus response function, size of nociceptive reflex, and referred pain areas) were assessed before and after the induced hyperalgesia.Results. The multi‐modal psychophysical responses and reflex sizes were assessed twice before sensitisation, and the parameters were reproducible. Sensitisation of the oesophagus resulted in hyperalgesia to electrical and mechanical stimuli (29 and 35% decrease in pain threshold) and allodynia to cold and warmth stimuli (11% increase in sensory rating). After sensitisation, the referred pain area to mechanical stimuli increased more than 300% with a change in the localisation of the referred pain to all stimuli, and the amplitude of nociceptive reflex increased 100%, all indicating the presence of central hyperexcitability.Conclusions. Visceral hyperalgesia/allodynia can be induced experimentally and assessed quantitatively by the newly introduced multi‐modal psychophysical assessment approach. The significant changes of the experimentally evoked referred pain patterns and of the nociceptive reflex evoked from a distant somatic structure indicate that even short‐lasting visceral hyperalgesia can generate generalised sensitisation.
The natural course of chronic benign pain in childhood and adolescence: a two‐year population‐based follow‐up study
Authors: Perquin Christel W , Hunfeld Joke A.M , Hazebroek‐Kampschreur Alice A.J.M , van Suijlekom‐Smit Lisette W.A , Passchier Jan , Koes Bart W , van der Wouden Johannes C 
Published: October 2003

AbstractStudy objective. To assess the course of chronic benign pain in childhood and adolescence longitudinally.Setting. Cohort of children with chronic pain recruited from the open population.Patients. A cohort of 987 children and adolescents aged 0–18 years with chronic pain (continuous or recurrent pain > 3 months), who were identified in a previous population‐based prevalence study, were approached for a two‐year follow‐up study. Subjects were asked to keep a 3‐week diary on their pain and to fill out questionnaires about background factors, pain and pain‐related consequences. This assessment was repeated annually for two years.Results. At baseline, 254 subjects reported chronic benign pain; of these, 124 (48%) and 77 (30%) subjects still experienced chronic benign pain at one‐year and two‐year follow‐up, respectively. Except for the estimated pain intensity, which decreased marginally, pain remained stable over the follow‐up period. Minor changes occurred in the consequences of pain; the main changes were a decrease of the impact of pain on the child's behavior, social functioning and use of health care. Subjects with persistent pain (9.4%) differed from those with non‐persistent pain in frequency, history and location of the pain, emotional problems and their mother's health.Conclusions. Chronic benign pain in childhood and adolescence is common, and seems to persist in a considerable proportion (30–45%), although pain generally does not deteriorate over time.
M. du Bois-Reymond goes to Paris
Authors: FINKELSTEIN GABRIEL 
Published: October 2003

This article examines the science of electrophysiology developed by Emil du Bois-Reymond in Berlin in the 1840s. In it I recount his major findings, the most significant being his proof of the electrical nature of nerve signals. Du Bois-Reymond also went on to detect this same ‘negative variation’, or action current, in live human subjects. In 1850 he travelled to Paris to defend this startling claim. The essay concludes with a discussion of why his demonstration failed to convince his hosts at the French Academy of Sciences.La science ne consiste pas en faits, mais dans les conséquences que l'on en tire.Claude Bernard, Introduction à l'étude de la médicine expérimentaleGood talkers are only found in Paris.François Villon, Des Femmes de Paris
JÜRGEN HELM and ANNETTE WINKELMANN (eds.), Religious Confessions and the Sciences in the Sixteenth Century. Studies in European Judaism, 1. Leiden: Brill, 2001. Pp. xiv+161. ISBN 90-04-12045-9. $58.00, €49.00 (hardback).
Authors: KUSUKAWA SACHIKO 
Published: October 2003

Jürgen Helm and Annette Winkelmann (eds.), Religious Confessions and the Sciences in the Sixteenth Century. By Sachiko Kusukawa 363Richard Yeo, Encyclopaedic Visions: Scientific Discoveries and Enlightenment Culture. By Adrian Johns 365Louise E. Robbins, Elephant Slaves and Pampered Parrots: Exotic Animals in Eighteenth-Century Paris. By E. C. Spary 367Patricia Fara, Newton: The Making of Genius. By Rebekah Higgitt 368R. Angus Buchanan, Brunel: The Life and Times of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. By Ralph Harrington 370Roger Luckhurst and Josephine McDonagh (eds.), Transactions and Encounters: Science and Culture in the Nineteenth Century. By Elizabeth Green Musselman 371Nick Hopwood, Embryos in Wax: Models from the Ziegler Studio. With a Reprint of Embryological Wax Models by Friedrich Ziegler. By Samuel J. M. M. Alberti 372Nicole Hulin, Les Femmes et l'enseignement scientifique. By Cristina Chimisso 373Graham Richards, Putting Psychology in its Place: A Critical Historical Overview. By Roger Smith 374G. C. Bunn, A. D. Lovie and G. D. Richards (eds.), Psychology in Britain: Historical Essays and Personal Reflections. By Thomas Dixon 375Nikolai Krementsov, The Cure: A Story of Cancer and Politics from the Annals of the Cold War. By Carsten Timmermann 377Richard Polenberg (ed.), In the Matter of J. Robert Oppenheimer: The Security Clearance Hearing. By Charles Thorpe 378G. I. Brown, Invisible Rays: The History of Radioactivity. By Arne Hessenbruch 379E. Roy Weintraub, How Economics Became a Mathematical Science. By I. Grattan-Guinness 380Philip Mirowski and Esther-Mirjam Sent (eds.), Science Bought and Sold: Essays in the Economics of Science. By Theodore M. Porter 381Stephen P. Turner, Brains/Practices/Relativism: Social Theory after Cognitive Science. By Cornelius Borck 383
Functional morphology of spermatophores and female genitalia in bothriurid scorpions: genital courtship, coercion and other possible mechanisms
Authors: Peretti Alfredo V. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractScorpions use sclerotized spermatophores for sperm transfer. The family Bothriuridae has one of the most complex scorpion spermatophores, with a distinct capsule and lamella. This study evaluates the viability of hypotheses relating to the evolution of animal genitalia that attempt to explain the functional morphology observed in spermatophores and female genitalia of some members of this scorpion family. These hypotheses are: female choice (internal courtship), conflict of interests (morphologically forced insemination) and lock‐and‐key (interspecific mechanical incompatibility). Observations of the mating sequences of 13 bothriurid and one buthid scorpion were recorded. The histology of female atrium was analysed. The data suggest that: (1) a genital copulatory courtship (sexual stimulation through male genitalia) could be a widespread mechanism among the capsules of the studied spermatophores; the wall of the female genital atrium in Brachistosternus as well as of other genera is usually rubbed by spines, tubercles or capsular lobes of spermatophores; the female genital atrium is relatively soft, elastic and uniform among different species; (2) morphological coercion might be admissible only when capsular lobes are very well developed, as females will have difficulty in disengaging by themselves from the large lobes if they attempt to interrupt sperm transfer; this mainly occurs in Bothriurus bonariensis; (3) observations of matings among closely related species indicate that the lock‐and‐key hypothesis is unable to explain spermatophore morphology in the studied species; however a certain degree of mechanical incompatibility occurs during interspecific mating between two sister species (B. bonariensis and B. chacoensis) owing to differences in capsular lobes and post‐insemination behaviour; (4) these hypotheses might not be directly applied to simple spermatophores of the Buthidae Zabius fuscus. The results indicate that even though one genital mechanism can be more frequent than others, they can also exist together, not only in different genera but also in a single species (e.g. simultaneous occurrence of genital sexual stimulation and genital coercion in B. bonariensis). Indirectly these data suggest that the hypotheses most frequently quoted to explain genital morphology are not mutually exclusive.
A mark–recapture study of the caecilian amphibian Gegeneophis ramaswamii (Amphibia: Gymnophiona: Caeciliidae) in southern India
Authors: Measey G. John , Gower David J. , Oommen Oommen V. , Wilkinson Mark 
Published: October 2003

AbstractThe potentially important ecology of subterranean predators of soil ecosystem engineers is poorly understood. This is especially true of caecilian amphibians (Gymnophiona) for which there are virtually no quantitative data. Results of the first field trials of permanent marking in caecilians are presented. A preliminary assessment is made of the efficacy of mark–recapture studies for estimating population size of Gegeneophis ramaswamii Taylor in 100 m2 of low intensity agriculture in Kerala, India. Over three sampling occasions spanning 58 days of the monsoon season, 114 individuals were captured, 104 marked and released, and 21 recaptured. Models estimate an open population of 60 individuals (95% confidence interval of 45.2 to 151.3), and a closed population of 236 (95% confidence interval of 174 to 351). A census interpretation of the raw capture data gives densities of about 0.31 to 0.48 m−2. Results suggest large movement in and out of the sampled area during the study. Despite caveats associated with these data, progress is made in identifying potential limitations and improvements in the methods used. This study highlights the paucity of knowledge of caecilian ecology, and the need for long‐term studies to elucidate further ecological information and to monitor populations.
A review of the rodent fauna of Seram, Moluccas, with the description of a new subspecies of mosaic‐tailed rat, Melomys rufescens paveli
Authors: Helgen Kristofer M. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractWith five previously described native species, all of them endemic, and at least four introduced species, the murid rodent fauna of Seram is more diverse than that catalogued from any other Moluccan island. Here, the rodent fauna of Seram is briefly reviewed, and a newly recorded rodent from the island is described as Melomys rufescens paveli, a new subspecies of a species otherwise known from New Guinea and the Bismarck Archipelago. Other non‐volant mammals from Seram and the nearby islands of Ambon and Buru are briefly discussed.
Maternal and newborn life‐history traits during periods of contrasting population trends: implications for explaining the decline of harbour seals (Phoca vitulina), on Sable Island
Authors: Don Bowen W. , Ellis Sara L. , Iverson Sara J. , Boness Daryl J. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractAnnual censuses of the number of harbour seal Phoca vitulina pups born on Sable Island Canada showed an increasing trend during the 1980s, but a rapid decline through the 1990s from 625 pups in 1989 to only 32 by 1997. Weekly surveys of the North Beach of the island during the 1991–98 breeding seasons showed that the number of adults and juveniles also declined during the 1990s. Despite the dramatic demographic changes, maternal postpartum mass, pup birth mass, relative birth mass, lactation duration, pup weaning mass and relative weaning mass showed no significant trends during 1987–96. However, two traits did change. The age structure of parturient females increased significantly, indicating reduced recruitment to the breeding population. Mean birth date increased by 7 days during the early 1990s, suggesting nutritional stress of females and later implantation dates. This nutritional stress may in turn have been caused by increased competition from the rapidly increasing grey seal population on Sable Island. Although minimum estimates of shark‐inflicted mortality can account for much of the decline, evidence suggests that food shortage arising from interspecific competition may have also played a role in causing the decline of the population through effects on fecundity and juvenile survival.
Home range and habitat use by cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) in the Kruger National Park
Authors: Broomhall L. S. , Mills M. G. L. , du Toit J. T. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractCheetah Acinonyx jubatus home‐range size and habitat use were analysed using radio‐tracking data collected in the southern district of the Kruger National Park (KNP) between 1987 and 1990. Meaningful estimates of home‐range size, using the 95% minimum convex polygon method, were 126 km2 for a three‐male cheetah coalition, 195 km2 for a solitary male, and 150 km2 and 171 km2 for two female cheetahs. Although cheetahs used all habitats according to their availability, they did show a preference for open savanna habitat because their core or total home ranges centred on these habitats. Female cheetahs used denser woodland habitat more frequently than males, as they seemed to be influenced by the distribution of their main prey, impala Aepyceros melampus, which also preferred denser woodland habitat.
An updated description of the New Guinea singing dog (Canis hallstromi, Troughton 1957)
Authors: Koler‐Matznick Janice , Brisbin I. Lehr , Feinstein Mark , Bulmer Susan 
Published: October 2003

AbstractIn 1957, Troughton described the wild dog of New Guinea, naming it Canis hallstromi. Here the description given by Troughton is expanded by the addition of morphological, molecular and behavioural information collected from both captive and wild New Guinea singing dogs subsequent to the original description. The data support Troughton's identification of this canid as a unique taxon, although further studies are needed to clarify the exact level of taxonomic differentiation of this rare and possibly highly endangered canid.
A new tibial gland in male spittlebugs with descriptions of two new species of Augustohahnia Schmidt (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) from New Guinea
Authors: Liang Ai‐Ping 
Published: October 2003

AbstractA new secondary sex character, here named the ‘tibial gland’, found on the forelegs of the males of a new spittlebug species, Augustohahnia dilatitibia sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) from New Guinea, is reported for the first time. The males of Augustohahnia dilatitibia sp. nov. are very distinct and unusual in having remarkably swollen fore tibiae with flat, bare and smooth prolateral surfaces. Scanning electron microscope observations revealed that the prolateral surface of the swollen fore tibiae is covered with numerous, very fine pores, with a density of 0.0068–0.0076 pores/μm2. The distance between the pores varies between 4.04 and 10.77μm. Each pore unit is composed of a deep cavity in which one central sponge‐like, grooved disc is set. The opening of the cavity is c. 5.20–5.78 μm in diameter. The central, sponge‐like disc in the cavity has a sponge‐like apex with 55–65 longitudinal grooves and measures 4.34–4.55 μm in diameter. There are also one to three fine, nearly ellipsoidal pits (c. 0.35–0.48 μm wide and 0.62–0.85 μm long) on the marginal cuticle rim surrounding the central sponge‐like disc. These pores are presumed to be male pheromone‐producing glands. If so, this represents the first report of a possible male pheromone structure in cercopid spittlebugs. Two new species of the spittlebug genus Augustohahnia Schmidt (Hemiptera: Cercopoidea), A. dilatitibia sp. nov. and A. sanguinifrons sp. nov., both from New Guinea, are described and illustrated. A key to the four known species in Augustohahnia is provided.
Establishment of a new host–parasite association between the introduced invasive species Potamopyrgus antipodarum (Smith) (Gastropoda) and Sanguinicola sp. Plehn (Trematoda) in Europe
Authors: Gérard Claudia , Le Lannic Joseph 
Published: October 2003

AbstractThe trematode fauna of Potamopyrgus antipodarum, an introduced and invasive gastropod mollusc species native to New Zealand, was studied in Mont Saint Michel Bay (France). The study revealed, for the first time in Europe, the occurrence of larval digenean species, Sanguinicola sp., a blood fluke of fish never previously recorded in this prosobranch. Phase contrast and scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate the morphology of the parasite. Hypotheses on the origin of the P. antipodarum–Sanguinicola sp. association are discussed in relation to the history of invasion of the gastropod into brackish and fresh waters and the structure of local gastropod communities.
Sexual size dimorphism, morphological traits and jump performance in seven species of desert fleas (Siphonaptera)
Authors: Krasnov B. R. , Burdelov S. A. , Khokhlova I. S. , Burdelova N. V. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractJump performance was studied in seven flea species (Xenopsylla conformis mycerini, Xenopsylla ramesis, Xenopsylla dipodilli, Parapulex chephrenis, Synosternus cleopatrae pyramidis, Nosopsyllus iranus theodori and Stenoponia tripectinata medialis). Jump length was compared among individuals, between sexes and among species, and an examination made of whether: (1) there is a consistent difference in jump performance between male and female fleas; (2) sexual dimorphism in body size affects jump performance; (3) there is a size‐specific difference in jump performance among species; (4) there are morphological correlates of jumping ability among individuals, between sexes and among species. Males were smaller than females in all species and size dimorphism did not increase with increasing body size. In all species, except S. t. medialis, both absolute and size‐specific jumping abilities of the males were less than those of the females. Males and females of S. t. medialis demonstrated similar jumping ability despite their body size difference. The best jumpers were S. c. pyramidis, N. i. theodori and S. t. medialis, whereas X. dipodilli as well as female X. c. mycerini and X. ramesis demonstrated the poorest ability to jump. Female:male performance ratio differed among species, being the highest in X. c. mycerini and X. ramesis, and the lowest in S. t. medialis. The proportion of the overall dimorphism in jumping ability that was owing to size differences between males and females was low, ranging from 0.10 to 0.34. No correlation between jumping ability and pleural height or length of hind coxa, femur and tibia was found in any species, except in X. dipodilli. Interspecific comparisons using size‐corrected and phylogeny‐controlled values did not show any relationship between jumping ability and any morphological trait. Fleas occupying habitats with a soft sandy substrate were better jumpers than those living in habitats with a hard stony substrate.