A modelling study by Bas-Jan Zandt and colleagues at the University of Twente has examined the "Wave of Death" reported in this paper. Both the papers are discussed by Chris Lee on the Ars Technica blog (Modeling neuron death with real and simulated decapitations http://arstechnica.com/sc...).

There was also some coverage in the Dutch press: http://www.scientias.nl/w... http://www.telegraaf.nl/b... http://www.blikopnieuws.n...

Zandt et al. conclude that "our simulations and the data presented from experimental physiology show that the “Wave of Death” reflects the sudden change in membrane potential due to anoxic depolarization, that is a direct result of the Hodgkin-Huxley dynamics and ion concentrations. Although the wave is indeed a typical signature of the final membrane voltage changes of neurons suffering from severe oxygen and glucose deprivation, it is not a biomarker for irreversibility".

Zandt B-J, ten Haken B, van Dijk JG, van Putten MJAM (2011) Neural Dynamics during Anoxia and the “Wave of Death”. PLoS ONE 6(7): e22127. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0022127 http://www.plosone.org/ar...