bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Traumafokussierte Gruppentherapie für sexuell traumatisierte Frauen
Authors: Osen Bernhard , Zöllner Tanja
Published: March 2007

Zusammenfassung. In neueren Studien werden Traumahäufigkeiten von 13-15 % für Vergewaltigung und 7-19 % Kindesmissbrauch bei Frauen angegeben. Zu den Folgen dieser Traumatisierungen gehören neben der Entwicklung einer Posttraumatischen Belastungsstörung tiefgreifende Störungen in den Bereichen Sicherheit, Vertrauen, Macht/Einfluss, Selbstachtung und Intimität. Bei einem Großteil der Betroffenen entwickeln sich zusätzliche psychische Störungen wie Depressionen, Angststörungen oder schädlicher Substanzgebrauch. Es wird geschätzt, dass 30 - 40 % der Patienten einer Psychosomatischen Klinik eine sexuelle Traumatisierung in der Vorgeschichte erlebt haben. Für diese Patienten sind bislang jedoch nur wenige störungsspezifische Gruppenangebote entwickelt worden. In der vorliegenden Arbeit soll ein in der Klinik Roseneck entwickeltes spezielles Gruppentherapiekonzept für traumatisierte Patientinnen vorgestellt werden, das sich bei der Arbeit mit diesen Patientinnen bewährt hat. Nach einer Übersicht über epidemiologische Daten zu sexuellen Traumatisierungen und deren Folgen werden die wesentlichen theoretischen Konzepte der wichtigsten Therapieelemente der Gruppentherapie dargestellt. Im Anschluss werden die einzelnen Gruppensitzungen ausführlich beschrieben. Die Auswertung der Patientenrückmeldungen sowie ein Fallbericht geben einen Eindruck über die praktischen Erfahrungen sowie die Relevanz einer speziellen Traumagruppe.
Simulations of field‐aligned currents: Application of theory of thin filament motion to Io's plasma wake
Authors: Chen C. X.
Published: March 2007

Io's plasma wake was treated as a tail of magnetic flux tubes perturbed by Io successively. The evolution of an Io‐perturbed flux tube was studied numerically via magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) approach of a thin filament. Our simulations suggest that the mechanism for producing wake aurora could not be explained by either Alfvén wave or electric circuit alone, rather, the underlying physics possesses the characteristics typical for both Alfvén wave and corotational lag models. An upstream‐coming flux tube must be in contact with Io for approximately 500 s, until a tilt angle of about 4° has been developed, before it is released downstream. A magnetic field depression forms downstream as a result of the continual departure of the flux tubes from Io, which in turn has significant influence on the motion of a flux tube. A perturbed flux tube would undergo a subcorotational motion in Io's plasma wake. This motion is inevitably modulated by Alfvén wave bouncing back and forth between the equatorial plane and the boundary of Io plasma torus. The scale of the subcorotation region is in the order of 1 Jovian radius (RJ). The distribution of the simulated field‐aligned currents downstream is consistent with the observed wake aurora brightness profile; in particular, the periodic structure in the current distribution is in agreement with recent infrared and FUV observations showing the presence of secondary spots in the auroral emissions.
An improved C‐band scatterometer ocean geophysical model function: CMOD5
Authors: Hersbach H. , Stoffelen A. , de Haan S.
Published: March 2007

In this paper CMOD5, a new C‐band geophysical model function (GMF), is derived on the basis of measurements from the scatterometer on board of the European Remote Sensing Satellite ERS‐2. First‐guess winds from the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts were used as a reference for the period from August to December 1998, adding up to more than 22,000,000 collocations. CMOD5 corrects some deficiencies of the currently widely used CMOD4 GMF. Linear and higher‐order wind speed corrections as computed with a triple collocation method are implemented. Recent measurements of extreme backscatter and wind obtained by aircraft and in situ data are fitted. Also, a more accurate fit of the two‐dimensional cone surface in three‐dimensional measurement space is established, especially in the regime of strong winds. These improvements result not only in better wind retrievals at high wind speed, but also in a more uniform performance across the ERS scatterometer swath. Moreover, the wind ambiguity problem has been reduced owing to the improved fit of the cone surface, resulting in about 75% skill of the first rank solution for winds above 10 m/s. These improvements aid the general usefulness of retrieved C‐band scatterometer winds for climate and weather applications, and the ambiguity removal in dynamical and extreme weather conditions in particular.
Heparanase: a target for drug discovery in cancer and inflammation
Authors: McKenzie E A
Published: March 2007

The remodelling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) has been shown to be highly upregulated in cancer and inflammation and is critically linked to the processes of invasion and metastasis. One of the key enzymes involved in specifically degrading the heparan sulphate (HS) component of the ECM is the endo‐β‐glucuronidase enzyme heparanase. Processing of HS by heparanase releases both a host of bioactive growth factors anchored within the mesh of the ECM as well as defined fragments of HS capable of promoting cellular proliferation. The finding that heparanase is elevated in a wide variety of tumor types and is subsequently linked to the development of pathological processes has led to an explosion of therapeutic strategies to inhibit its enzyme activity. So far only one compound, the sulphated oligosaccharide PI88, which both inhibits heparanase activity and has effects on growth factor binding has reached clinical trials where it has shown to have promising efficacy. The scene has clearly been set however for a new generation of compounds, either specific to the enzyme or with dual roles, to emerge from the lab and enter the clinic. The aim of this review is to describe the current drug discovery status of small molecule, sugar and neutralising antibody inhibitors of heparanase enzyme activity. Potential strategies will also be discussed on the selection of suitable biomarker strategies for specific monitoring of in vivo heparanase inhibition which will be crucial for both animal model and clinical trial testing.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 151, 1–14. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707182
Physiological activities of carbon monoxide‐releasing molecules: Ça ira
Authors: Chatterjee P K
Published: March 2007

In this issue of British Journal of Pharmacology, Megías and colleagues demonstrate how preincubation of human colonic Caco‐2 cells with CORM‐2, a carbon monoxide releasing molecule (CO‐RM), reduces the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐8 caused by proinflammatory cytokines. A role for IL‐6 in the regulation of metalloproteinase (MMP)‐7 expression by CORM‐2 is described. However, it is the demonstration that CORM‐2 inhibits MMP‐7 or matrilysin expression, which is most intriguing as this small MMP has been implicated in carcinogenesis. Thus, CO‐RMs appear to now possess chemoprotective properties and, in this particular case, may influence inflammation‐induced colon carcinogenesis via modulation of nuclear factors participating in the transcription of genes implicated in the development of intestinal inflammation and cancer. This report opens yet another door for research involving these exciting molecules and it is now clear that further discoveries of the beneficial properties of CO‐RMs will go on.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 150, 961–962. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707185
Temperature Dependences of Limiting Activity Coefficients, Henry’s Law Constants, and Derivative Infinite Dilution Properties of Lower (C1–C5) 1-Alkanols in Water. Critical Compilation, Correlation, and Recommended Data
Authors: Dohnal Vladimír , Fenclová Dana , Vrbka Pavel
Published: March 2007

A comprehensive review is presented of experimental data on the limiting activity coefficients γ1∞, infinite dilution partial molar excess enthalpies H¯1E,∞ and heat capacities C¯p,1E,∞ of lower 1-alkanols (C1–C5) in water. For each alkanol, the compiled data are critically evaluated and correlated with a suitable model equation providing adequate simultaneous description of the equilibrium measurements and the calorimetric information. As a result, recommended thermodynamically consistent temperature dependences of γ1∞, H¯1E,∞, and C¯p,1E,∞ of superior accuracy are established in the range from the melting point to the normal boiling point of water. In addition, by employing literature data on the respective residual properties of the pure 1-alkanols, analogous recommendations are also derived for the temperature dependences of the Henry’s law constants, hydration enthalpies, and hydration heat capacities. Evolution of the various infinite dilution thermodynamic properties of aqueous 1-alkanols with temperature and homologous series is briefly discussed.
Physical Properties of Ionic Liquids: Database and Evaluation
Authors: Zhang Suojiang , Sun Ning , He Xuezhong , Lu Xingmei , Zhang Xiangping
Published: March 2007

A comprehensive database on physical properties of ionic liquids (ILs), which was collected from 109 kinds of literature sources in the period from 1984 through 2004, has been presented. There are 1680 pieces of data on the physical properties for 588 available ILs, from which 276 kinds of cations and 55 kinds of anions were extracted. In terms of the collected database, the structure-property relationship was evaluated. The correlation of melting points of two most common systems, disubstituted imidazolium tetrafluoroborate and disubstituted imidazolium hexafluorophosphate, was carried out using a quantitative structure-property relationship method.
Wavelengths, Energy Level Classifications, and Energy Levels for the Spectrum of Neutral Mercury
Authors: Saloman E. B.
Published: March 2007

A comprehensive critically evaluated compilation of the most accurate wavelength measurements for classified lines of neutral mercury (HgI) for both the single isotope Hg198 and for mercury in its natural isotopic abundance has been prepared. Data from 12 sources spanning the region from 1849to40050Å are included for Hg198. Data from 39 sources spanning the region from 745to64918Å are included for the natural isotope mixture. Based on these line lists we have derived optimized values for the energy levels of neutral mercury for both Hg198 and the natural isotopic mixture. Tabular data for 105 classified lines and 60 energy levels are provided for Hg198 and 658 lines and 275 energy levels are provided for the natural isotopic mixture.
A Reference Multiparameter Thermal Conductivity Equation for Carbon Dioxide with an Optimized Functional Form
Authors: Scalabrin G. , Marchi P. , Finezzo F. , Span R.
Published: March 2007

A new thermal conductivity equation λ=λ(T,ρ) in a multiparameter format was developed for carbon dioxide through the application of an optimization technique of the functional form. The proposed equation is valid for temperatures from the triple point (Tt=216.592K; Pt=0.51795MPa) to 1000K and pressures up to 200MPa. The calculation of density, which is an independent variable of the equation, from the experimental (T,P) conditions is performed with a high accuracy equation of state for the fluid. The thermal conductivity equation shows an average absolute deviation of 1.19% on the selected 1407 primary data points. Its performances are slightly better than those of the corresponding conventional model by Vesovic et al. [J. Phys. Chem. Ref. Data 19, 763 (1990)] available from the literature; moreover the new equation is simpler to use in particular for the near-critical region. Tables of generated values of carbon dioxide thermal conductivity are provided for check of the code implementations and for quick evaluations.
Dispersion relation of Al∕Si surface plasmon in hexagonally ordered aluminum hole arrays
Authors: Chang Yi-Tsung , Chuang Tzu-Hung , Tsai Ming-Wei , Chen Lung-Chien , Lee Si-Chen
Published: March 2007

This investigation examines the extraordinary light transmission through periodic hexagonally ordered aluminum hole arrays on silicon substrates. The holes are circular and the arrays with various hole diameters were fabricated. The transmission spectra through the hole arrays were measured as a function of the incident angle of the light beam. It is observed that the transmission peak splits into two when the diameter of the hole is close to half of the lattice constant. At larger incident angles, the six degenerate (1,0) Al∕Si surface plasmon modes split into four or three modes depending on the symmetry axis, and even higher order modes can be identified for small hole diameters.
Continuum treatment of electronic polarization effect
Authors: Tan Yu-Hong , Luo Ray
Published: March 2007

A continuum treatment of electronic polarization has been explored for in molecular mechanics simulations in implicit solvents. The dielectric constant for molecule interior is the only parameter in the continuum polarizable model. A value of 4 is found to yield optimal agreement with high-level ab initio quantum mechanical calculations for the tested molecular systems. Interestingly, its performance is not sensitive to the definition of molecular volume, in which the continuum electronic polarization is defined. In this model, quantum mechanical electrostatic field in different dielectric environments from vacuum, low-dielectric organic solvent, and water can be used simultaneously in atomic charge fitting to achieve consistent treatment of electrostatic interactions. The tests show that a single set of atomic charges can be used consistently in different dielectric environments and different molecular conformations, and the atomic charges transfer well from training monomers to tested dimers. The preliminary study gives us the hope of developing a continuum polarizable force field for more consistent simulations of proteins and nucleic acids in implicit solvents.
Effects of solvation on one- and two-photon spectra of coumarin derivatives: A time-dependent density functional theory study
Authors: Nguyen Kiet A. , Day Paul N. , Pachter Ruth
Published: March 2007

We report one- and two-photon absorption excitation energies and cross sections for a series of 7-aminocoumarins using time-dependent density functional theory with various basis sets and functionals, including exchange-correlation functionals using the Coulomb-attenuating method, to evaluate their performance in the gas phase and in solvents. Except for the results of one functional, the computed one-photon excitation energies and transition dipole moments are in good agreement with experiment. The range of errors obtained from various functionals is discussed in detail. The relationship of donor and acceptor groups with the one- and two-photon resonances and intensities is also discussed.
Constriction-limited detection efficiency of superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors
Authors: Kerman Andrew J. , Dauler Eric A. , Yang Joel K. W. , Rosfjord Kristine M. , Anant Vikas , Berggren Karl K. , Gol’tsman Gregory N. , Voronov Boris M.
Published: March 2007

We investigate the source of the large variations in the observed detection efficiencies of superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors between many nominally identical devices. Through both electrical and optical measurements, we infer that these variations arise from “constrictions:” highly localized regions of the nanowires where the effective cross-sectional area for superconducting current is reduced. These constrictions limit the bias-current density to well below its critical value over the remainder of the wire, and thus prevent the detection efficiency from reaching the high values that occur in these devices when they are biased near the critical current density.
Integrated thin film photodetectors with vertically coupled microring resonators for chip scale spectral analysis
Authors: Cho Sang-Yeon , Jokerst Nan Marie
Published: March 2007

An integrated spectral analysis system using a thin film InGaAs metal-semiconductor-metal photodetector integrated with a vertically coupled polymer microring resonator was demonstrated for chip scale implementation. The integrated spectral analysis system has an excellent selectivity in measured spectral response as well as low dark current (3.2nA). The measured full width half maximum of the spectral photoresponse at 5V was 0.5nm.
Strongly reduced exciton transfer between parallel quantum wires
Authors: Karlsson K. F. , Weman H. , Leifer K. , Rudra A. , Kapon E. , Lyo S. K.
Published: March 2007

Exciton transfer between two parallel GaAs V-groove quantum wires or two planar quantum wells separated by AlGaAs barriers ranging from 5.5nmto20nm thickness is studied by photoluminescence and photoluminescence excitation spectroscopy. It is found that the transfer is strongly reduced between the widely spaced quantum wires as compared with quantum wells. This observation is supported by model calculations, which yield strong dimensionality dependence of the photon-exchange transfer.
Three-dimensional mapping of dark matter reveals the expected filamentary scaffold
Authors: Schwarzschild Bertram
Published: March 2007

Model simulations of the large-scale distribution of galaxies have long suggested that galaxies form on a filamentary network of dark matter. Now gravitational lensing has yielded a look at that network.
Diffraction and modeling solve the structure of ytterbium-cadmium quasicrystals
Authors: Wilson Mark
Published: March 2007

This complex icosahedral quasicrystal forms from remarkably few types of geometrical clusters.
Nonlinear dynamics of heart rhythm disorders
Authors: Karma Alain , Gilmour Robert F.
Published: March 2007

Applying the techniques of nonlinear dynamics to cardiac arrhythmias sheds light on their genesis and suggests new strategies for preventing them.
An Optimization-Based Study on the Redeployment of a Secondary School Network
Authors: Teixeira João , Antunes António , Peeters Dominique
Published: March 2007

In this paper we report the results of a study on secondary school planning made within the framework of Coimbra's Educational Charter. Coimbra is a medium-sized municipality of 320 km2 and 150000 inhabitants located in the center-littoral region of Portugal. The planning problem addressed in the study consisted of defining the location, type, and size of the schools that should integrate Coimbra's secondary school network in 2015, given, first, the excess of aggregate school capacity that currently characterizes the municipality, and, second, the change in school typology that needs to be implemented as a consequence of a recent reorganization of the Portuguese educational system. This problem was analyzed with a discrete facility-location model and considers decisions both of closing existing schools and of opening new schools. The model is a variant of the well-known p-median model, which aims at maximizing the accessibility of students to schools, with constraints on maximum and minimum capacity occupation that make model solutions lose the single assignment and closest assignment properties. As these are desirable properties in a public-facility planning context, they are enforced with explicit constraints. The results obtained through the model are discussed from the standpoint of the trade-off between school accessibility improvements and school network changes.
Capital Adequacy in Insurance and Reinsurance
Authors: Harrington Scott E.
Published: March 2007

This chapter considers capital adequacy and capital regulation of insurers and reinsurers. A basic theme is that capital standards should be less stringent for financial sectors characterized by greater market discipline and less systemic risk. Because market discipline is greater and systemic risk is lower for insurance than in banking, capital requirements should be less stringent for insurers than for banks. Similarly, because market discipline is generally greater in reinsurance (wholesale) markets than in direct insurance (retail) markets, capital requirements and related regulation plausibly need not be as stringent for reinsurers as for direct insurers. Current capital requirements and related solvency regulation for US and EU insurers and reinsurers are largely consistent with significant market discipline in the insurance and reinsurance sectors. Any federal regulation of US insurers/reinsurers, harmonized regulation of EU reinsurers, consolidated oversight of financial conglomerates, and increased centralization of regulatory authority to supervise insurance and other financial activities should be designed with full recognition of the limited systemic risk and strong market discipline in insurance/reinsurance and avoid undermining that discipline.
Using a Mandatory Subordinated Debt Issuance Requirement to Set Regulatory Capital Requirements for Bank Credit Risks
Authors: Kupiec Paul
Published: March 2007

Important shortcomings limit the appeal of the direct use of bank internal models to set regulatory capital requirements for bank credit risks. Common approaches for calculating credit value for risk-based capital requirements produce biased estimates that do not control bank funding cost subsidies and the moral hazard externalities that mandate the need for bank capital regulation. If, alternatively, banks were required to issue subordinated debt that has both a minimum market value and maximum acceptable probability of default at issuance, banks would, thereby, be implicitly required to set their equity capital in a manner that limits both the probability of bank default and the expected loss on insured deposits. This mandatory subordinated debt issuance policy alone can control the externalities created by a government safety net without the need for a formal regulatory capital requirement for bank credit risk. This chapter demonstrates that the proposed subordinated debt requirement implicitly imposes a credit risk capital requirement that can be estimated using bank internal models. As such, the proposed subordinated debt policy can be viewed is an indirect way of imposing internal model based regulatory capital requirements for bank credit risks.
No Pain, No Gain? Effecting Market Discipline via “Reverse Convertible Debentures”
Authors: Flannery Mark J.
Published: March 2007

The deadweight costs of financial distress limit many firms' incentive to include a lot of (tax-advantaged) debt in their capital structures. It is therefore puzzling that firms do not make advance arrangements to recapitalize themselves if large losses occur. Financial distress may be particularly important for large banking firms, which national supervisors are reluctant to let fail. The supervisors' inclination to support large financial firms when they become troubled mitigates the ex ante incentives of market investors to discipline these firms. This chapter proposes a new financial instrument that forestalls financial distress without distorting bank shareholders' risk-taking incentives. Reverse convertible debentures (RCD) would automatically convert to common equity if a bank's market capital ratio falls below some stated value. RCD provide a transparent mechanism for unlevering a firm if the need arises. Unlike conventional convertible bonds, RCD convert at the stock's current market price, which forces shareholders to bear the full cost of their risk-taking decisions. Surprisingly, RCD investors are exposed to very limited credit risk under plausible conditions.
Sizing Operational Risk and the Effect of Insurance: Implications for the Basel II Capital Accord
Authors: Kuritzkes Andrew P. , Scott Hal S.
Published: March 2007

This chapter addresses the issue of whether and to what extent banks should be required by regulation to hold capital against operational risks. It argues that the types of operational risk for which Basel II requires capital, internal or external event risks, are and should be dealt with by other means — better controls, loss provisions, or insurance. Basel's definition of “operational risk” excludes the major category of non-financial risk for which banks do hold capital — namely, business risk. It is estimated that business risk accounts for slightly more than half of a bank's total non-financial risk, which, in turn, averages about 25 to 30% of economic capital. Analysing legal risk, as a type of operational risk, the chapter shows the difficulties in defining or predicting such risk, and that the amount of such risk will vary depending on the legal jurisdictions to which a bank is subject. It also argues that the Basel II limit of 20% on capital mitigation achievable through insurance is arbitrary and creates a perverse incentive for banks to be underinsured. It generally concludes that banks should not be required by regulation to hold capital for operational risks; the issue would be better dealt with through supervision and market discipline.
Feedback control in active sensing: rat exploratory whisking is modulated by environmental contact
Authors: Mitchinson Ben , Martin Chris J , Grant Robyn A , Prescott Tony J
Published: March 2007

Rats sweep their facial whiskers back and forth to generate tactile sensory information through contact with environmental structure. The neural processes operating on the signals arising from these whisker contacts are widely studied as a model of sensing in general, even though detailed knowledge of the natural circumstances under which such signals are generated is lacking. We used digital video tracking and wireless recording of mystacial electromyogram signals to assess the effects of whisker–object contact on whisking in freely moving animals exploring simple environments. Our results show that contact leads to reduced protraction (forward whisker motion) on the side of the animal ipsilateral to an obstruction and increased protraction on the contralateral side. Reduced ipsilateral protraction occurs rapidly and in the same whisk cycle as the initial contact. We conclude that whisker movements are actively controlled so as to increase the likelihood of environmental contacts while constraining such interactions to involve a gentle touch. That whisking pattern generation is under strong feedback control has important implications for understanding the nature of the signals reaching upstream neural processes.
Some recent advances in basic neuroscience research in China
Authors: Poo Mu-ming , Guo Aike
Published: March 2007

Neuroscience as a distinct discipline or research programme has been a rather recent event in most Chinese universities and in the Chinese Academy of Sciences. However, the last few years have witnessed increased funding and an improved research environment for neuroscience, both of which facilitated an influx of Chinese neuroscientists trained abroad. In this review, we have highlighted some recent research advances made by neuroscientists in China. Based on our own expertise, this review is focused mainly on findings that have contributed to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying brain development, neural plasticity and cognitive processes, and neural degeneration.
A new infusion syringe label system designed to reduce task complexity during drug preparation
Authors: Merry A. F. , Webster C. S. , Connell H.
Published: March 2007

A new safety‐orientated drug infusion label was studied and was compared with conventional methods by prospectively collecting incident reports from November 1998 to November 2003. Anaesthetists were asked to return an incident form for every anaesthetic (87% response rate), the vast majority indicating that no error had occurred. One error was reported with the use of the new label. However, this was due to an incorrect patient weight being recorded in the notes, and the dose was correct for the information available. Therefore, this data point was not included in the analysis. Seven errors were reported in the calculation of dosage using conventional infusion labels during 18 491 anaesthetics compared with no calculation errors in 10 655 anaesthetics with the new label (p = 0.045, Chi‐squared test). Despite the difficulties of demonstrating significant benefit from safety initiatives in medicine, these data suggest that targeted system redesign can be effective inreducing error.
Concerns regarding a call for pluralism of information theory and hypothesis testing
Authors: LUKACS PAUL M. , THOMPSON WILLIAM L. , KENDALL WILLIAM L. , GOULD WILLIAM R. , DOHERTY PAUL F. , BURNHAM KENNETH P. , ANDERSON DAVID R.
Published: March 2007

Stephens et al. (2005) argue for ‘pluralism’ in statistical analysis, combining null hypothesis testing and information‐theoretic (I‐T) methods. We show that I‐T methods are more informative even in single variable problems and we provide an ecological example.

I‐T methods allow inferences to be made from multiple models simultaneously. We believe multimodel inference is the future of data analysis, which cannot be achieved with null hypothesis‐testing approaches.

We argue for a stronger emphasis on critical thinking in science in general and less reliance on exploratory data analysis and data dredging. Deriving alternative hypotheses is central to science; deriving a single interesting science hypothesis and then comparing it to a default null hypothesis (e.g. ‘no difference’) is not an efficient strategy for gaining knowledge. We think this single‐hypothesis strategy has been relied upon too often in the past.

We clarify misconceptions presented by Stephens et al. (2005).

We think inference should be made about models, directly linked to scientific hypotheses, and their parameters conditioned on data, Prob(Hj | data). I‐T methods provide a basis for this inference. Null hypothesis testing merely provides a probability statement about the data conditioned on a null model, Prob(data | H0).

Synthesis and applications. I‐T methods provide a more informative approach to inference. I‐T methods provide a direct measure of evidence for or against hypotheses and a means to consider simultaneously multiple hypotheses as a basis for rigorous inference. Progress in our science can be accelerated if modern methods can be used intelligently; this includes various I‐T and Bayesian methods.
The effects on terrestrial invertebrates of reducing pesticide inputs in arable crop edges: a meta‐analysis
Authors: FRAMPTON GEOFF K. , DORNE JEAN LOU C. M.
Published: March 2007

There is an increasing awareness of the need to evaluate critically the effectiveness of environmental conservation measures, and to ensure that agri‐environment policies are based on the best available scientific evidence.

A systematic review and meta‐analysis investigated the impact of pesticide restriction in arable crop edges on naturally occurring terrestrial invertebrates. Twenty‐three relevant experimental studies yielded 1094 pesticide contrasts. A standardized effect size (Hedges’g) could be calculated for 685 of these.

Empirical data were available for 12 broad types of pesticide manipulation in crop edges. The majority of the data concerned the exclusion or selective use of herbicides. No reliable information was available on the ecological consequences for naturally occurring arthropods of excluding fungicides or insecticides separately from crop edges.

Studies have focused on Carabidae, Heteroptera, Staphylinidae, Lepidoptera and grouped chick‐food insects. Abundance of Heteroptera was up to 12·9 times higher where pesticide use was restricted. For other invertebrates, restricted use of pesticides generally either increased abundance or had no impact. Only two species exhibited a significant decrease in abundance.

Restricting pesticide use in crop edges in most cases did not significantly affect Carabidae. This might be an artefact of the sampling method, which predominantly involved pitfall trapping.

Generalization of the findings is hindered by ambiguous reporting in the primary studies. In most (20 out of 23) studies, the possibility of confounding between pesticide and fertilizer inputs could not be discounted.

Synthesis and applications. Meta‐analysis confirms that restriction of pesticide inputs in crop edges benefits arthropod populations at the edges of arable fields. However, an assumption in risk assessment that such benefits extend to invertebrate populations in adjacent sprayed areas is not supported. Moreover, the generality of the effects within crop edges is limited mainly to herbicides. This review highlights a lack of information on the ecological consequences of excluding insecticides and fungicides from crop edges, and identifies a need to improve the clarity of reporting in agro‐ecology studies.
Distinguishing between the nests of sympatric chimpanzees and gorillas
Authors: SANZ CRICKETTE , MORGAN DAVID , STRINDBERG SAMANTHA , ONONONGA JEAN ROBERT
Published: March 2007

Our current inability to estimate precisely the population sizes of chimpanzees and gorillas across much of the Congo Basin has been detrimental to the development of conservation strategies for the preservation of these endangered apes. Systematic counts of nests are currently the most commonly used method to estimate ape abundance, but distinguishing between the nests of sympatric chimpanzees and gorillas has proven to be an enduring obstacle to estimating species‐specific abundance. In general, the builder of more than 75% of nests recorded during surveys is undetermined. We hypothesized that sleeping habits and nest building patterns would allow us to differentiate between the nests of these apes.

We constructed a predictive model using stepwise discriminant function analysis to determine characteristics that accurately distinguished between chimpanzee and gorilla nests. We analysed 13 variables associated with 3425 ape nests from three independent surveys conducted in the Goualougo Triangle of the Nouabalé‐Ndoki National Park, Republic of Congo.

The model correctly classified more than 90% of nests in our validation subsample. Nest height, nest type, forest type and understorey closure were identified as important variables for distinguishing between chimpanzee and gorilla nests at this site. Attributing nests to either species increased the precision of resulting density estimates, which enhanced the statistical power to detect trends in population fluctuation.

Although specific variables may differ between study sites, we have demonstrated that predictive models to distinguish between the nests of sympatric chimpanzee and gorillas provide a promising approach to improving the quality of ape survey data.

Synthesis and applications. Our study introduces an innovative solution to the dilemma of discriminating between the nests of sympatric chimpanzees and gorillas, which increases the specificity and precision of resulting ape abundance estimates. There is an urgent need to improve methods to evaluate and monitor remaining ape populations across western and central Africa that are experiencing the imminent threats of emergent diseases, poaching and expanding human development. Increasing the quality of density estimates from field survey data will aid in the development of local conservation initiatives, national strategies and international policies on behalf of remaining ape populations.
Predicting potential drop‐out and future commitment for first‐time donors based on first 1·5‐year donation patterns: the case in Hong Kong Chinese donors
Authors: Yu P. L. H. , Chung K. H. , Lin C. K. , Chan J. S. K. , Lee C. K.
Published: March 2007

Background and Objectives  Adequate blood supply is crucial to the health‐care system. To maintain a stable donor pool, donation‐promotion strategies should not only be targeted in recruitment but also focus on retaining donors to give blood regularly. A study using statistical modelling is conducted to understand the first 4‐year donation patterns for drop‐out and committed first‐time blood donors and to build model for the donor‐type identification based on their first 1·5‐year donation patterns.

Subjects and Methods  First‐time whole blood (n= 20 631) adult donors recruited in year 2000 and 2001 in Hong Kong were observed for more than 4 years. Cluster analysis was first applied to group donor type by their similarities in donation behaviour under the surveillance period. A decision tree model based on a shorter surveillance period (1·5 years) is then built to predict the donor type.

Results  Three donation patterns – one‐time, drop‐out, and committed donor behaviour – were identified in cluster analysis. Three variables – donation frequencies in the first‐year and in the half‐year period after first year, and the number of donation centre visits in the following half year after first year, were able to predict drop‐out donors with potential to become committed and committed donors with relatively lower donation frequency.

Conclusions  The present statistical modelling is able to identify those donors with potential to become committed donors and those committed donors who can donate more frequently. This information is useful for development of targeted donor retention strategies.
Oxygenating the microcirculation: the perspective from blood transfusion and blood storage
Authors: Raat N. J. H. , Ince C.
Published: March 2007

Tissue oxygen delivery depends on red blood cell (RBC) content and RBC flow regulation in the microcirculation. The important role of the RBC in tissue oxygenation is clear from anaemia and the use of RBC transfusion which has saved many lives. Whether RBC transfusion actually restores tissue oxygenation is difficult to determine due to the lack of appropriate clinical monitoring techniques. Some patients with restored haemoglobin levels and stable haemodynamics still develop tissue hypoxia, emphasizing that, in addition to global parameters, local microcirculatory control mechanisms are also important in the restoration of tissue oxygenation. Both clinical and animal experimental studies have indicated that storage of RBC diminishes their ability to oxygenate the tissue. Several intrinsic RBC parameters that change during storage and might influence tissue oxygenation will be mentioned. The release of vasodilators from RBC that will alter blood flow during hypoxia, mediated by haemoglobin in the RBC that functions as an oxygen sensor, could be impaired during storage. A better understanding of hypoxia‐induced vasodilator release from RBC might become a potential target for drug development and improve tissue oxygenation after transfusion.
Physiological and Biochemical Responses of Cowpea Genotypes to Water Stress Under Glasshouse and Field Conditions
Authors: Hamidou F. , Zombre G. , Braconnier S.
Published: March 2007

Five cowpea genotypes, Gorom local (Go), KVX61‐1 (KV), Mouride (Mo), Bambey 21 (B21) and TN88‐63 (TN), differing in their susceptibility to water stress, were studied under glasshouse and field conditions, to determine their physiological, biochemical and agronomic responses to water deficit at flowering stage. Effect of water deficit on leaf water potential (ψl), canopy temperature, gaseous exchange, leaf proline content, total protein and starch contents, maximal quantum yield (ϕp0) and yield components was examined. Water deficit significantly increased the canopy temperature and the proline content of the five genotypes while ψl, gaseous exchanges, ϕp0 and starch content decreased significantly. Yield components, with the exception of seed number per pod, of the five genotypes, were also significantly affected. Under glasshouse and field conditions, the results showed that stomatal closure is the common strategy used by the five genotypes to avoid dehydration. Go, Mo and TN tolerated water stress better than B21 and KV. Furthermore, Go and Mo recovered more rapidly after rewatering than B21 and KV. These latter genotypes are revealed to be sensitive with low recovery capacity. The results suggest that the maintenance of net photosynthesis and solute accumulation seem to be traits conferring water stress tolerance in Go, Mo and TN. These traits and recovery capacity could be valuable selection criteria for higher yields under water deficit conditions.
Determinants of preferred intertidal feeding habitat for Eastern Curlew: A study at two spatial scales
Authors: FINN PAUL G. , CATTERALL CARLA P. , DRISCOLL PETER V.
Published: March 2007

Abstract  Broadscale habitat use by Eastern Curlews (Numenius madagascariensis) in their non‐breeding range in eastern Australia was assessed using low tide surveys on feeding grounds, where 60 skilled volunteers made repeated counts of the birds on intertidal flats, across 41% (9500 ha) of the intertidal habitat within Moreton Bay, Australia. We analysed 32 defined sections of intertidal flat, of roughly equal area (mostly 200–400 ha), which varied greatly in their curlew density (2–47 birds per 100 ha) and also in substrate and other environmental features. Sites with the least resistant substrates had densities three times those with the most resistant substrates. Of 10 environmental characteristics measured for each site, substrate resistance was the best predictor of curlew density (r2 = 0.45). Characteristics that were poor predictors included distance to the nearest roost, level of human disturbance and distance to urban settlement. For a finer‐scale assessment, microhabitat use and feeding behaviour were recorded during low tide within 12 intertidal flats, which varied in size (23–97 ha), substrate, topography and other features. Across all flats, curlews strongly preferred to feed relatively close (0–50 m) to the low‐water line. They fed on a variety of substrates (including sand, sandy‐mud, mud and seagrass) in broadly similar proportions to their occurrence in the habitat. There was a statistically significant preference for sand, although its magnitude was not strong. These results indicate that curlews select habitat most strongly at a between‐flat rather than within‐flat scale.
Rapid expansion of the cane toad (Bufo marinus) invasion front in tropical Australia
Authors: PHILLIPS BENJAMIN L. , BROWN GREGORY P. , GREENLEES MATTHEW , WEBB JONATHAN K. , SHINE RICHARD
Published: March 2007

Abstract Cane toads (Bufo marinus) are large toxic anurans that have spread through much of tropical Australia since their introduction in 1935. Our surveys of the location of the toad invasion front in 2001 to 2005, and radiotracking of toads at the front near Darwin in 2005, reveal much faster westwards expansion than was recorded in earlier stages of toad invasion through Queensland. Since reaching the wet‐dry tropics of the Northern Territory, the toads have progressed an average of approximately 55 km year−1(mean rate of advance 264 m night−1along a frequently monitored 55‐km road transect during the wet season of 2004–2005). Radiotracking suggests that this displacement is due to rapid locomotion by free‐ranging toads rather than human‐assisted dispersal; individual toads frequently moved >200 m in a single night. One radiotracked toad moved >21 800 m in a 30‐day period; the fastest rate of movement yet recorded for any anuran. Daily displacements of radiotracked toads varied with time and local weather conditions, and were highest early in the wet season on warm, wet and windy nights. The accelerated rate of expansion of the front may reflect either, or both: (i) evolved changes in toads or (ii) that toads have now entered an environment more favourable to spread. This accelerated rate of expansion means that toads will reach the Western Australian border and their maximal range in northern Australia sooner than previously predicted.
Variation in wood density, wood water content, stem growth and mortality among twenty‐seven tree species in a tropical rainforest on Borneo Island
Authors: OSUNKOYA OLUSEGUN O. , SHENG TEO K. , MAHMUD NOR‐AZIAH , DAMIT NORHAZLYNA
Published: March 2007

Abstract Interspecific variation among wood density (WD), wood water content (WWC), tree mortality and diameter at breast height (d.b.h.) increment was examined for 27 tree species (from 13 families), based on a 9‐year interval data obtained from a permanent 1‐ha forest plot setup for long‐term studies of tree dynamics in Kuala Belong rainforest, Brunei, on Borneo Island. The species were also categorized into three adult stature groups of understorey (maximum height ≤15–20 m tall,n = 14), midcanopy (maximum height, 20–30 m tall,n = 8) and canopy/emergent (>maximum height, >30 m tall,n = 5) tree species. All measured traits varied appreciably among species. Tree WD varied between 0.3 and 0.8 g cm−3, and exhibited the least coefficient of variation (14.7%). D.b.h. increment was low, averaging 1.05 (95% confidence limits: 0.57–2.13) mm year−1and was attributed to predominance of understorey species in the sampled plot. Overall, annual mortality was also low, averaging 2.73% per year. The three adult stature groups differed significantly in d.b.h. increment and WWC but not in tree mortality and WD. Across species and especially more so when phylogenetic effect is minimized, WD was negatively related to tree mortality and d.b.h. increment, while a positive trend was observed between d.b.h. increment and tree mortality. A negative trend was also detected between maximum plant height and WWC, which was interpreted as a consequence of increased evaporative demand and use of xylem stored water by taller trees in order to compensate for hydraulic limitations to water transport induced by frictional resistance. No doubt, the traits chosen may vary spatially, but the consistent interspecific patterns observed in this study among coexisting species of differing adult stature reflect ‘vertical’ niche differentiation and may help to explain population regulation in a multispecies ecosystem like tropical rainforest.
A Mixture Model for Multivariate Extremes
Authors: Boldi M.-O. , Davison A. C.
Published: March 2007

The spectral density function plays a key role in fitting the tail of multivariate extre-mal data and so in estimating probabilities of rare events. This function satisfies moment con-straints but unlike the univariate extreme value distributions has no simple parametric form. Parameterized subfamilies of spectral densities have been suggested for use in applications, and non-parametric estimation procedures have been proposed, but semiparametric models for multivariate extremes have hitherto received little attention. We show that mixtures of Dirichlet distributions satisfying the moment constraints are weakly dense in the class of all non-parametric spectral densities, and discuss frequentist and Bayesian inference in this class based on the EM algorithm and reversible jump Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation. We illustrate the ideas using simulated and real data.
An Optimal Experimental Design Criterion for Discriminating Between Non-Normal Models
Authors: López-Fidalgo J. , Tommasi C. , Trandafir P. C.
Published: March 2007

Typically T-optimality is used to obtain optimal designs to discriminate between homoscedastic models with normally distributed observations. Some extensions of this criterion have been made for the heteroscedastic case and binary response models in the literature. In this paper, a new criterion based on the Kullback–Leibler distance is proposed to discriminate between rival models with non-normally distributed observations. The criterion is coherent with the approaches mentioned above. An equivalence theorem is provided for this criterion and an algorithm to compute optimal designs is developed. The criterion is applied to discriminate between the popular Michaelis–Menten model and a typical extension of it under the log-normal and the gamma distributions.
Ambiguous professionalism: managing efficiency and service quality in an Israeli call centre
Authors: Raz Aviad E. , Blank Elad
Published: March 2007

This case study examines the management of frontline employees in an Israeli call centre by focusing on the organisational rhetoric of ‘professionalism’ and the implementation of integrative human resource practices (debriefing, covert call monitoring, information and technology software, and a monthly bonus). This culture is critically explored as a ceremonial facade that covers the conventional quantity/quality tension.