bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analytical method for determining at equilibrium the envelope and emittance of initially mismatched beams
Authors: NUNES R. P. , RIZZATO F. B.
Published: June 2009

This work presents a fully analytic way of determining relevant equilibrium quantities of a high-intensity charged particle beam submitted to magnetic focusing while inside a linear channel. Through the current approach, some intermediate steps of our original hybrid model which had to be solved numerically can now be eliminated, leading to the obtainment of a fully analytic expression. This expression relates the initial beam parameters with those at equilibrium, allowing beam macroscopic quantities such as envelope and emittance to be naturally and analytically determined. For validation, full self-consistent N-particle beam numerical simulations have been carried out and the results compared with the predictions supplied by the full analytical model. The agreement is shown to be good with the simulations and also with the original hybrid numerical-analytical version of the model.
Breeding biology of the barnacle Amphibalanus amphitrite (Crustacea: Cirripedia): influence of environmental factors in a tropical coast
Authors: Satheesh S. , Wesley S. Godwin
Published: June 2009

Barnacles are the common fouling organisms encountered in coastal waters around the world. In the present study, breeding biology of the intertidal barnacle Amphibalanus amphitrite (=Balanus amphitrite) was studied for a period of two years (July 2003 to June 2005) in the Kudankulam coastal waters. Results showed that A. amphitrite breeds throughout the year in the study area. A high percentage of individuals with free nauplii in the mantle cavity was observed during March 2004 (47.6%) and May 2004 (41.7%). Barnacles with fertilized eggs in the ovary were high during November 2004 (56%), March 2005 (46.7%) and April 2005 (42.8%). Overall, a peak breeding activity was observed during the March–May period. The breeding activity showed a significant positive correlation with surface water temperature and phytoplankton abundance.
Embryonic development of Pachycheles chubutensis (Decapoda: Anomura)
Authors: González-Pisani Ximena , Rubilar Tamara , Dupré Enrique
Published: June 2009

The different stages of embryonic development of the porcellanid crab Pachycheles chubutensis are described, along with the chronology of each stage at 16±1°C. Five different developmental stages (I–V) were recognized including: (i) early cells and 100% of the vitellum; (ii) formation of the embryonic primordium at the animal pole of the egg; (iii) presence of dark pigmentation on the posterior part of the ocular globe; (iv) appearance of chromatophores on mouth parts and in the abdominal zone; and (v) eye pigmentation in circular–oval form, filling the entire surface. The embryonic development lasts from spawning to hatching approximately 21 days, with the second stage being the longest.
Revision of the genusPionosyllis(Polychaeta: Syllidae: Eusyllinae), with a cladistic analysis, and the description of five new genera and two new species
Authors: San Martín Guillermo , López Eduardo , Aguado María Teresa
Published: June 2009

PionosyllisMalmgren, 1867 is revised based on a cladistic analysis of the 41 species considered herein as valid, two newly described species in this paper (Basidiosyllis victoriaeandOpisthodonta russelli), 11 species from other genera actually belonging, or related to,Pionosyllis, and 13 syllid species from different subfamilies. The phylogenetic analysis is based on 55 characters; a strict consensus of 1200 equally parsimonious trees (length = 314 steps) was obtained. The clades containing species usually included withinPionosyllisare newly named within the frame of a new Linnean classification of the group (except for one, belonging to another subfamily). The diagnosis ofPionosyllisis emended, and five new genera are proposed:Synmerosyllis,Basidiosyllis,Westheidesyllis,PerkinsyllisandBrevicirrosyllis.ParaehlersiaSan Martín, 2003, proved to be closely related toPionosyllis. Seven species are transferred toOpisthodontaLangerhans, 1879, here emended, and three transferred toNudisyllisKnox & Cameron, 1970 (according to San Martín & Hutchings, 2006).Opisthodonta uraga(Imajima, 1966) comb. nov. andPerkinsyllis longisetosacomb. nov. are redescribed.Pionosyllis compactaMalmgren, 1867,P. styliferaEhlers, 1913,P. giganteaMoore, 1908,P. enigmatica(Wesenberg-Lund, 1950), andNudisyllis magnidens(Day, 1953) comb. nov., are redescribed.Pionosyllis marquesensisMonro, 1939 andP. proceraHartman, 1965 likely belong to the Syllinae, thus they are not treated in the taxonomic account.
Animal models for the study of the developmental origins of health and disease
Authors: McMullen Sarah , Mostyn Alison
Published: June 2009

Human epidemiological studies have indicated that the risk of developing non-communicable diseases in later life may be related to exposures during the developmental period. Developmental life is a vulnerable period of the lifespan during which adverse environmental factors have the potential to disturb the processes of cell proliferation and differentiation or to alter patterns of epigenetic remodelling. Animal models have been instrumental in demonstrating the biological plausibility of the associations observed in human populations, providing proof of principle to the theory of the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD). A variety of large- and small-animal models have made important contributions to the field, providing strong evidence of a causal relationship between early-life exposures and metabolic risk factors in later life. Studies of animal models are continuing to contribute to improving the understanding of the mechanisms of the developmental origins of disease. All models have their advantages and disadvantages, and the model that is most appropriate for any particular study is hypotheses dependent. The present review aims to briefly summarise the contributions that animal models have made to the DOHaD field, before reviewing the strengths and weaknesses of these animal models. It is proposed that the integration of evidence from a variety of different models is required for the advancement of understanding within the field.
Treatment of urinary schistosomiasis: methodological issues and research needs identified through a Cochrane systematic review
Authors: DANSO-APPIAH A. , GARNER P. , OLLIARO P. L. , UTZINGER J.
Published: June 2009

Guidelines recommend praziquantel (PZQ) for the treatment and control of schistosomiasis, with no real alternative. Metrifonate was still widely used against Schistosoma haematobium in the 1990s, and then withdrawn. Experimental studies and clinical trials suggest that artemisinin compounds are active against S. haematobium. In a Cochrane systematic review assessing the efficacy and safety of drugs for treating urinary schistosomiasis, 24 randomized controlled trials (n=6315 individuals) met our inclusion criteria. These trials compared a variety of single agent and combination regimens with PZQ, metrifonate or artemisinin derivatives. The review confirmed that both the standard recommended doses of PZQ (single 40 mg/kg oral dose) and metrifonate (3×7·5–10 mg/kg oral doses administered fortnightly) are efficacious and safe in treating urinary schistosomiasis, but there is no study comparing these two regimens head-to-head. There is currently not enough evidence to evaluate artemisinin compounds. Most of the studies included in the Cochrane systematic review were insufficiently powered, lacked standardization in assessing and reporting outcomes, and had a number of methodological limitations. In this paper we discuss the implications of these findings with respect to public health and research methodology and propose priority research needs.
Painful physical symptoms and treatment outcome in major depressive disorder: a STAR*D (Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression) report
Authors: Leuchter A. F. , Husain M. M. , Cook I. A. , Trivedi M. H. , Wisniewski S. R. , Gilmer W. S. , Luther J. F. , Fava M. , Rush A. J.
Published: June 2009

Background

Painful physical symptoms (PPS) are both common and reduce the likelihood of remission in major depressive disorder (MDD), based upon results of clinical trials in selected populations. Whether PPS significantly contribute to poorer treatment outcome overall in primary or specialty psychiatric care settings remains unclear.

Method

Out-patients (n=2876) with MDD were treated in the first step of the Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) trial with citalopram up to 60 mg/day for up to 14 weeks. Presence of painful symptoms, as well as severity of depression, physical illness, and demographic and treatment factors were examined. Time to and overall rates of remission were analysed in relation to the presence of PPS.

Results

Of the participants, 80% complained of PPS. These patients, both in primary and specialty psychiatric settings, had significantly lower remission rates and took longer to remit. Increasing severity of PPS was associated with greater physical illness burden, lower socio-economic status, absence of private insurance and being female, African-American or Hispanic. After adjustment for these factors, patients with PPS no longer had significantly poorer treatment outcomes.

Conclusions

Presence and severity of PPS is an indicator of MDD that may have poorer treatment outcome with an initial selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. These poorer treatment outcomes are multifactorial, however, and are not explained by the presence and severity of pain per se.
The effects of psychotherapy for adult depression are overestimated: a meta-analysis of study quality and effect size
Authors: Cuijpers P. , van Straten A. , Bohlmeijer E. , Hollon S. D. , Andersson G.
Published: June 2009

Background

No meta-analytical study has examined whether the quality of the studies examining psychotherapy for adult depression is associated with the effect sizes found. This study assesses this association.

Method

We used a database of 115 randomized controlled trials in which 178 psychotherapies for adult depression were compared to a control condition. Eight quality criteria were assessed by two independent coders: participants met diagnostic criteria for a depressive disorder, a treatment manual was used, the therapists were trained, treatment integrity was checked, intention-to-treat analyses were used, N⩾50, randomization was conducted by an independent party, and assessors of outcome were blinded.

Results

Only 11 studies (16 comparisons) met the eight quality criteria. The standardized mean effect size found for the high-quality studies (d=0.22) was significantly smaller than in the other studies (d=0.74, p<0.001), even after restricting the sample to the subset of other studies that used the kind of care-as-usual or non-specific controls that tended to be used in the high-quality studies. Heterogeneity was zero in the group of high-quality studies. The numbers needed to be treated in the high-quality studies was 8, while it was 2 in the lower-quality studies.

Conclusions

We found strong evidence that the effects of psychotherapy for adult depression have been overestimated in meta-analytical studies. Although the effects of psychotherapy are significant, they are much smaller than was assumed until now, even after controlling for the type of control condition used.
The orthographic consistency effect in the recognition of French spoken words: An early developmental shift from sublexical to lexical orthographic activation
Authors: PATTAMADILOK CHOTIGA , MORAIS JOSÉ , DE VYLDER OLIVIA , VENTURA PAULO , KOLINSKY RÉGINE
Published: June 2009

The generality of the orthographic consistency effect in speech recognition tasks previously reported for Portuguese beginning readers was assessed in French-speaking children, as the French orthographic code presents a higher degree of inconsistency than the Portuguese one. Although the findings obtained with the French second graders replicated the generalized consistency effect (both for words and pseudowords, in both lexical decision and shadowing) displayed by the Portuguese second to fourth graders, the data obtained with the French third and fourth graders resembled the adult pattern, with the orthographic effect restricted to lexical decision. This suggests that, in the course of literacy acquisition, the overall orthographic inconsistency of the language's orthographic code influences the rate at which orthographic representations will impact on spoken word recognition.
Common variance in amplitude envelope perception tasks and their impact on phoneme duration perception and reading and spelling in Finnish children with reading disabilities
Authors: HÄMÄLÄINEN J. A. , LEPPÄNEN P. H. T. , EKLUND K. , THOMSON J. , RICHARDSON U. , GUTTORM T. K. , WITTON C. , POIKKEUS A.-M. , GOSWAMI U. , LYYTINEN H.
Published: June 2009

Our goal was to investigate auditory and speech perception abilities of children with and without reading disability (RD) and associations between auditory, speech perception, reading, and spelling skills. Participants were 9-year-old, Finnish-speaking children with RD (N = 30) and typically reading children (N = 30). Results showed significant group differences between the groups in phoneme duration discrimination but not in perception of amplitude modulation and rise time. Correlations among rise time discrimination, phoneme duration, and spelling accuracy were found for children with RD. Those children with poor rise time discrimination were also poor in phoneme duration discrimination and in spelling. Results suggest that auditory processing abilities could, at least in some children, affect speech perception skills, which in turn would lead to phonological processing deficits and dyslexia.
Seeing yourself as others see you: developing personal attributes in the group rehearsal
Authors: Pulman Mark
Published: June 2009

An important part of the process that enables us to improve ourselves as musicians in group music making involves developing an awareness of our personal attributes as they are displayed in the rehearsal. In order to help students become more aware of themselves and of their band members’ personal attributes as they rehearse, a peer assessment system was established. The project was piloted and developed at Barnsley College and University of Huddersfield (Barnsley Campus) with first year undergraduates on the BA Popular Music course across 2000–2008. Individuals agreed to allow their bands to identify particular personal attributes for each member that, they felt, could be improved and used as peer assessment criteria. In-depth interviews were conducted with 16 students over a 4-year period and the following areas emerged as a focus of these: self-knowledge, feedback, confidence, honesty. The study has implications for devising peer assessment systems that are responsive to individual learners and their unique needs. It also suggests the desirability of providing peer assessment activities that might foster trust among participants and, if so, supports the provision of exceptional feedback. Now in its ninth year, this system has been refined into a model.
Recovering disembodied spirits: teaching movement to musicians
Authors: Woodard Kathryn
Published: June 2009

Understanding physical movement is an integral part of learning to make music. This article presents the action research that the author has pursued while teaching movement to musicians. The narrative provides a theoretical underpinning for the teaching practices discussed. It provides examples of musicians’ movement with analyses of the anatomical structures involved, and it discusses the influences of bodily perception on observing and learning movement (e.g. the body map). The implications of the study are to provide a somatic foundation for music education and thereby to enhance the understanding of music as embodied experience.
Learner agency: To understand and to be understood
Authors: Blair Deborah V.
Published: June 2009

What began as an exploration of student learning while listening to music evolved into a study of learner agency in a music classroom. Whilst students used and developed strategies that enabled their own success while listening to, performing and creating music, it became evident that they were proactively seeking musical understanding and growth in their own musicianship. Their intense desire to share their musical ideas and to be valued for their role in the music learning community within the classroom illustrated the learners’ agency for affirmation and valuing of self and others. These qualities are closely connected to the zone ofproximal development(Vygotsky, 1978) andperezhivanie(Mahn & John-Steiner, 2000, 2002; Mahn, 2003). As educators may seek to enable students to grow in conceptual understanding (competence) and self-efficacy (confidence), a reflexive relationship occurs as students, too, seek to grow in musicianship (competence) and to be valued for who they are (confidence).
WEAK CONVERGENCE OF NONLINEAR TRANSFORMATIONS OF INTEGRATED PROCESSES: THE MULTIVARIATE CASE
Authors: Christopeit Norbert
Published: June 2009

We consider weak convergence of sample averages of nonlinearly transformed stochastic triangular arrays satisfying a functional invariance principle. A fundamental paradigm for such processes is constituted by integrated processes. The results obtained are extensions of recent work in the literature to the multivariate and non-Gaussian case. As admissible nonlinear transformation, a new class of functionals (so-called locally p-integrable functions) is introduced that adapts the concept of locally integrable functions in Pötscher (2004, Econometric Theory 20, 1–22) to the multidimensional setting.
EFFICIENT SEMIPARAMETRIC SEEMINGLY UNRELATED QUANTILE REGRESSION ESTIMATION
Authors: Jun Sung Jae , Pinkse Joris
Published: June 2009

We propose an efficient semiparametric estimator for the coefficients of a multivariate linear regression model—with a conditional quantile restriction for each equation—in which the conditional distributions of errors given regressors are unknown. The procedure can be used to estimate multiple conditional quantiles of the same regression relationship. The proposed estimator is asymptotically as efficient as if the true optimal instruments were known. Simulation results suggest that the estimation procedure works well in practice and dominates an equation-by-equation efficiency correction if the errors are dependent conditional on the regressors.
Therapeutic insemination by donor I: A review of its efficacy
Authors: Critser John K , Linden Jeanne V
Published: June 2009

Of all the assisted reproductive technologies in current use, artificial insemination has by far the longest history. While the earliest verifiable reports using this technique date to the eighteenth century for nonhuman artificial insemination and to the nineteenth century for human artificial insemination, systematic use of this approach to assist reproduction did not occur until the early part of this century. During the early 1900s, in Russia, Ivanov developed methods for semen collection from and insemination of horses. These techniques were later modified to apply to other agriculturally important species so that by the 1930s, millions of horses, cattle and sheep were being bred using artificial insemination. The adaptation of widespread use of artificial insemination (primarily in cattle) in agriculture extended to Britain in the early 1940s and to the USA in the 1950s. Corresponding implementation of artificial insemination in human reproductive medicine closely followed these innovations in the animal husbandry field.
Occupational hazards to male fecundity
Authors: Bonde Jens Peter , Giwercman Aleksander
Published: June 2009

Research methods and knowledge in the field of male reproductive toxicology have gradually improved since reports in the late 1970s on severe impairment of spermatogenesis in workers with occupational exposure to certain chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides (the nematocide 1,2-dibromochloropropan and the insecticide and fungicide chlordecone, but still we have only vague answers to basic questions about the overall significance of the environmental and occupational impact of these compounds on male reproductive capability.
The use of oral contraceptives in women over age 35 years
Authors: Casper Robert F , Senoz Selim , Ben-Chetrit Avraham
Published: June 2009

Oral contraceptives remain the most widely used form of contraception in North America and Europe today. In spite of the concerns of many women relating to the potential risks of these preparations, recent data have demonstrated that currently available oral contraceptives are safe, with no increased risk of cardiovascular disease or cancer in nonsmoking women. The present review will focus on the impact of oral contraceptive use in the older woman, including a discussion of the noncontraceptive health benefits of oral contraceptives.
FSH in therapy: physiological basis, new preparations and clinical use
Authors: Simoni Manuela , Nieschlag Eberhard
Published: June 2009

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is a glycoprotein hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that, together with luteinizing hormone (LH), controls development, maturation and function of the gonad. Like the related hormones, LH, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), FSH consists of two polypeptide chains, α and β, bearing carbohydrate moietiesN-linked to asparagine (Asn) residues. The α subunit is common to all members of the glycoprotein hormone family, whereas the β subunit, although structurally very similar, differs in each hormone and confers specificity of action.
Postsurgical adhesion formation and prevention – recent developments with regard to the consecutive stages in adhesion formation
Authors: Bakkum Erica A , Trimbos J Baptist , Trimbos-Kemper Trudy CM
Published: June 2009

The formation of adhesions is a significant clinical problem. Complications like bowel obstruction and chronic pelvic pain are known to be related to adhesion formation. Besides these complications, adhesions do play an additional role in the gynaecological patient. Interference with the functioning of the fallopian tubes and ovaries disturbs ovum pickup and sperm transport and may compromise the fertility of patients.
Apoptosis in human reproductive tissues: emerging concepts
Authors: Izawa Masao , Yeh John
Published: June 2009

In summary, apoptosis is an important concept in understanding many facets of human reproduction. Recent advances in the understanding of molecular mechanisms of apoptosis will allow us to understand this physiologically important process. How can the modulation of this process be applied to human reproduction? Studies to further understand the abnormalities of apoptosis, either too much or too little, may lead to a better understanding of the clinical problems in human reproduction.

We summarize future directions towards further understanding the roles of apoptotic processes in human reproduction in Table 3. The diseases listed in Table 3 are problems which could be approached from the apoptosis point of view. With further study using this concept as the lens, new diagnostic tools or therapies may be developed for these problems.
The Nrf2–ARE cytoprotective pathway in astrocytes
Authors: Vargas Marcelo R. , Johnson Jeffrey A.
Published: June 2009

The expression of phase-II detoxification and antioxidant enzymes is governed by a cis-acting regulatory element named the antioxidant response element (ARE). ARE-containing genes are regulated by the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a member of the Cap'n'Collar basic-leucine-zipper family of transcription factors. ARE-regulated genes are preferentially activated in astrocytes, which consequently have more efficient detoxification and antioxidant defences than neurons. Astrocytes closely interact with neurons to provide structural, metabolic and trophic support, as well as actively participating in the modulation of neuronal excitability and neurotransmission. Therefore, functional alterations in astrocytes can shape the interaction with surrounding cells, such as neurons and microglia. Activation of Nrf2 in astrocytes protects neurons from a wide array of insults in different in vitro and in vivo paradigms, confirming the role of astrocytes in determining the vulnerability of neurons to noxious stimuli. Here, we review the current data supporting Nrf2 activation in astrocytes as a viable therapeutic approach, not only in acute neuronal damage, but also in chronic neurodegeneration related to oxidative stress.
Reaching Empowerment in Genetic Information Regulation in Israel and Germany
Authors: Ireni-Saban Liza
Published: June 2009

This paper explores the challenges for policy makers with respect to the appropriate balance needed between relevant interests, such as private sector organisations, and individuals and communities who share their genetic information. The paper focuses on empowerment as a key strategic concept to which policy instruments purport to advance. The paper offers three frames of references that foster empowerment on personal and community levels, including privacy protection, avoidance of discrimination, and research profits and benefits sharing. Drawing on these themes of empowerment, this article critically compares policy instruments relating to genetic information in Germany and Israel.
Neo-Liberal Individualism or Self-Directed Support: Are We All Speaking the Same Language on Modernising Adult Social Care?
Authors: Roulstone Alan , Morgan Hannah
Published: June 2009

This article explores recent developments in the modernisation of adult social care through the lens of changes to English day services. Drawing on wider policy debates, it argues that Disabled Peoples' Movement and governmental ideas on self-directed support, although superficially similar, are growing increasingly apart. It is argued that in the absence of adequate funding and exposure to organisations of disabled people, day service recipients risk moving from a position of enforced collectivism to an enforced individualism characteristic of neo-liberal constructions of economic life.
Non-Profit Distribution: The Scottish Approach to Private Finance in Public Services
Authors: Hellowell Mark , Pollock Allyson M
Published: June 2009

This article provides an analysis of the Scottish Government's approach to the use of private finance in public services. It examines the budgetary drivers behind the policy in Scotland and assesses its cost-efficiency. In doing so, it considers first the standard private finance initiative (PFI) model, and then turns to the ‘non-profit distributing’ (NPD) model – a variant of PFI developed in Scotland and one that is, at the time of writing, unique to the country. It concludes that, while NPD provides the Government with an important political benefit, in being seen to safeguard the ‘public interest’ while working within UK-wide budgetary constraints, the decision to continue with private finance carries a high economic cost.
Welcoming Migrants? Migrant Labour in Rural Scotland
Authors: de Lima Philomena , Wright Sharon
Published: June 2009

For a decade, Scotland has had a declining natural population, dispersed throughout a diverse geography, including remote highlands and islands, which presents a policy making context that is very different from other parts of the UK. Rural Scotland accounts for 95% of Scotland's landmass and only 18% of the population (Scottish Government 2008). In particular, the familiar challenges, presented by the combination of population ageing with below-replacement level fertility rates, have, until 2007, been reinforced by the extent of out-migration amongst people of working age. Evidence suggests that following EU enlargement in 2004, rural areas have experienced an influx of labour migrants from Central and Eastern European countries on an unprecedented scale. Whilst such large-scale migration into rural communities has provided a major challenge for public service provision and ‘social integration’, it has also addressed local labour market shortages and created opportunities for regeneration. This article explores critical questions about the role and impact of migrant labour in rural communities in Scotland and the role of agencies in addressing the needs of all rural residents.
Phenotypic and molecular diversity among landraces of snapmelon ( Cucumis melo var. momordica) adapted to the hot and humid tropics of eastern India
Authors: Dhillon N. P. S. , Singh Jugpreet , Fergany Mohamed , Monforte Antonio J. , Sureja A. K.
Published: June 2009

We present here the first comprehensive genetic characterization of snapmelon landraces from the humid tropics of eastern India. The genetic diversity among 42 snapmelon landraces collected from four agro-ecological regions of eastern India (eight agro-ecological subregions) was assessed by measuring variation at 16 simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker loci, at various traits including plant habit and fruit type, yield (two associated traits), disease resistance and biochemical composition (total soluble solids, ascorbic acid, carotenoids and titrable acidity). Differences between accessions were observed in a number of plant and fruit traits. Snapmelon germplasm with high acidity, elevated carotenoid content and resistance to cucumber mosaic virus were identified in the collection. The SSR analysis indicated that there is a high level of genetic variability within snapmelon germplasm. Comparison of the genetic variability between snapmelons of eastern India and melons from north, south and central regions of India and reference accessions of melon from Spain, France, Japan, Korea, Maldives, Iraq, Zambia, Israel using SSRs showed that Indian snapmelon germplasm is not closely related to melon accessions from other parts of the world and that there are regional differences between Indian melon accessions. Eastern India snapmelon has unique traits, so it is important that more germplasm from this region is sampled and preserved.
Some problems in studying the ages of stars
Authors: Soderblom David R.
Published: June 2009

I list some questions and problems that have motivated this symposium, particularly with regard to single stars and low-mass stars.
Eclipsing binary stars as tests of stellar evolutionary models and stellar ages
Authors: Stassun Keivan G. , Hebb Leslie , López-Morales Mercedes , Prša Andrej
Published: June 2009

Eclipsing binary stars provide highly accurate measurements of the fundamental physical properties of stars. They therefore serve as stringent tests of the predictions of evolutionary models upon which most stellar age determinations are based. Models generally perform very well in predicting coeval ages for eclipsing binaries with main-sequence components more massive than ≈1.2 M⊙; relative ages are good to ~5% or better in this mass regime. Low-mass main-sequence stars (M < 0.8 M⊙) reveal large discrepancies in the model predicted ages, primarily due to magnetic activity in the observed stars that appears to inhibit convection and likely causes the radii to be 10–20% larger than predicted. In mass-radius diagrams these stars thus appear 50–90% older or younger than they really are. Aside from these activity-related effects, low-mass pre–main-sequence stars at ages ~1 Myr can also show non-coevality of ~30% due to star formation effects, however these effects are largely erased after ~10 Myr.
A new method to estimate the ages of globular clusters: the case of NGC 3201
Authors: Calamida A. , Bono G. , Stetson P. B. , Dall'Ora M. , Monelli M. , Corsi C. E. , Moroni P. G. Prada , Degl'Innocenti S. , Dotter A. , Brasseur C. , Amico P. , Marchetti E. , Buonanno R. , Di Cecco A. , D'Odorico S. , Ferraro I. , Iannicola G. , Nonino M. , Romaniello M. , Sanna N. , Vandenberg D. A. , Zoccali M. , Walker A.
Published: June 2009

We devised a new method to estimate globular cluster absolute ages by adopting the knee of the bending of the lower main-sequence (MS) in the Near-Infrared (NIR)J,J-Kscolor-magnitude diagram. The color difference between this feature and the Turn-Off point is strongly correlated to the cluster age. This method is marginally affected by distance and reddening uncertainties, and by the possible occurrence of differential reddening. Furthermore, the knee location does not depend on the cluster age and it is a robust theoretical prediction. We adopted accurateJ,Ks-band photometry collected with both MAD/VLT and SOFI/NTT for the Galactic globular cluster NGC 3201 to identify the location of the knee atJ~19.90 ±0.03 andJ-Ks~0.76±0.02 mag. The comparison with different sets of cluster isochrones, transformed adopting different Color–Temperature–Relations (CTRs), shows that the models are slightly redder than the observations forJ> 19 mag. This difference could be due to the presence of a calibration drift or to a problem of the CTRs in this magnitude range.
The ages of Galactic globular clusters in the context of self-enrichment
Authors: Decressin T. , Baumgardt H. , Kroupa P. , Meynet G. , Charbonnel C.
Published: June 2009

A significant fraction of stars in globular clusters (about 70%-85%) exhibit peculiar chemical patterns, with strong abundance variations in light elements along with constant abundances in heavy elements. These abundance anomalies can be created in the H-burning core of a first generation of fast-rotating massive stars, and the corresponding elements are conveyed to the stellar surface thanks to rotational induced mixing. If the rotation of the stars is fast enough, this material is ejected at low velocity through a mechanical wind at the equator. It then pollutes the interstellar medium (ISM) from which a second generation of chemically anomalous stars can be formed. The proportion of anomalous stars to normal stars observed today depends on at least two quantities: (1) the number of polluter stars; (2) the dynamical history of the cluster, which may lose different proportions of first- and second-generation stars during its lifetime. Here we estimate these proportions, based on dynamical models for globular clusters. When internal dynamical evolution and dissolution due to tidal forces are accounted for, starting from an initial fraction of anomalous stars of 10% produces a present-day fraction of about 25%, still too small with respect to the observed 70-85%. In the case of gas expulsion by supernovae, a much higher fraction is expected to be produced. In this paper we also address the question of the evolution of the second-generation stars that are He-rich, and deduce consequences for the age determination of globular clusters.
White dwarfs as astrophysical probes
Authors: Kalirai Jasonjot S.
Published: June 2009

Much of our knowledge regarding the ages of stars derives from our understanding of the Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram. The diagram is typically dominated by hydrogen burning main-sequence stars, which historically, have been used to establish our most fundamental knowledge of stellar ages and evolution. In this brief article, I highlight how deep ground and space based imaging can uncover the stellar remnants of these hydrogen burning stars, white dwarfs. We have followed up our initial discovery of several large white dwarf populations in nearby star clusters with multiobject spectrographs. The spectroscopy allows us to characterize the properties of the remnant stars (e.g., mass, temperature, and age), which are in turn used to shed new light on fundamental astrophysical problems. Specifically, we estimate the ages of the Milky Way disk and halo, provide the inputs needed to calculate the chemical evolution of galaxies, and re-iterate the important role of HB stars in producing the UV-upturn seen in elliptical galaxies.
The Sun as a fundamental calibrator of stellar evolution
Authors: Christensen-Dalsgaard Jørgen
Published: June 2009

The Sun is unique amongst stars in having a precisely determined age which does not depend on the modelling of stellar evolution. Furthermore, other global properties of the Sun are known to much higher accuracy than for any other star. Also, helioseismology has provided detailed determination of the solar internal structure and rotation. As a result, the Sun plays a central role in the development and test of stellar modelling. Here I discuss solar modelling and its application to tests of asteroseismic techniques for stellar age determination.
Ambulante Pharmakotherapie der Depression – aktuelle Übersicht
Authors: Holsboer-Trachsler Edith
Published: June 2009

Die Behandlung der Depression umfasst die drei Phasen: Akutbehandlung, Erhaltungstherapie und Rezidivprophylaxe. Wichtige Orientierungshilfen für die differentielle Indikation des Antidepressivums sind das neurochemische Wirk- und Nebenwirkungsprofil, das depressive Syndrom, diagnostische Subtypen und der Schweregrad. Die Diagnostik der psychiatrischen Komorbidität und die Abklärung von somatischen Begleiterkrankungen und Medikation gehören zur Diagnostik vor Therapiebeginn und beeinflussen die Antidepressivumwahl. Die Mehrzahl der Patienten benötigt eine Langzeittherapie in derselben Dosierung, welche in der Akut- und Erhaltungstherapie zur Remission führte.
Psychopharmaka im Alter
Authors: Wollmer Axel , Müller-Spahn Franz
Published: June 2009

Pharmakokinetische und pharmakodynamische Veränderungen im Zusammenhang mit dem Alterungsprozess und altersassoziierten Erkrankungen müssen bei der Auswahl und Dosierung von Psychopharmaka bei der Behandlung älterer Menschen berücksichtigt werden. Eingeschränkte Eliminationsfunktionen von Niere und Leber sowie eine zumeist erhöhte Sensibilität gegenüber pharmakologischen Effekten erfordern bei vielen Psychopharmaka eine niedrige Einstiegsdosis und eine langsame Aufdosierung. Auch die Zieldosis liegt häufig unter der üblicherweise in der Behandlung jüngerer Erwachsener eingesetzten Dosis. Wegen häufig bestehender Polypharmazie müssen Arzneimittelinteraktionen besonders beachtet werden. Besonderheiten in der Behandlung älterer Patienten mit Antidepressiva, Neuroleptika, Anxiolytika, Mood-stabilizers und Hypnotika werden beschrieben.
Die Belastungen pflegender Eltern von Kindern und Jugendlichen mit schweren Behinderungen in Südtirol
Authors: Ausserhofer Dietmar , Mantovan Franco , Pirhofer Robert , Huber Markus , Them Christa
Published: June 2009

Im Rahmen des Magisterstudiums «Pflegewissenschaft» an der Privaten Universität für Gesundheitswissenschaften, Medizinische Informatik und Technik (UMIT) wurde von den Autoren eine quantitative (schriftliche Befragung) und qualitative (halbstrukturierte Interviews) Untersuchung bei pflegenden Eltern von Kindern und Jugendlichen mit schweren Behinderungen in Südtirol durchgeführt. Das Ziel der Arbeit bestand darin, Ausmaß und Ursachen der Belastungen pflegender Eltern zu erheben. Das Ausmaß wurde mittels Familien-Belastungsfragebogen ( FaBel-Fragebogen) erhoben. Zur Untersuchung des Phänomens der Belastungen pflegender Eltern wurden halbstrukturierte Interviews durchgeführt. Durch die Triangulation der aktuellen wissenschaftlichen Literatur mit den quantitativen und qualitativen Daten sollte die Komplexität der Thematik vollständig erfasst werden.Dieser Beitrag berichtet zum qualitativen Studienteil und stellt dessen Ergebnisse dar. Wie das Kategoriensystem dieser Untersuchung zeigt, sind Familien mit schwer behinderten Kindern und Jugendlichen vielfältigen Belastungen in sozialen (alltägliches Leben und öffentliche Institutionen), körperlichen, seelischen (Beeinträchtigung der Gesundheit) sowie finanziellen und emotionalen (Zukunftsperspektiven) Bereichen ausgesetzt. Entlastung erfahren die Eltern von der eigenen Familie (Partner und Kinder) und öffentlichen Einrichtungen (Schule, Kindergarten, Betreuungseinrichtungen). Pflegeinterventionen wie beispielsweise Schulungen, Trainings- und Empowerment-Programme müssen von professionellen Pflegepersonen (Family Health Nurse) an die speziellen Bedürfnisse der pflegenden Eltern angepasst werden. Staat, Land und soziale Einrichtungen sind hier gefordert, entsprechende Unterstützungsmöglichkeiten und Angebote zu realisieren bzw. zu optimieren.
Aufgabengebiete klinisch tätiger Pflegeexperten in Deutschland und deren Verortung in der internationalen Advanced Nursing Practice
Authors: Mendel Simon , Feuchtinger Johanna
Published: June 2009

Obwohl Pflegeexperten im Sinne von Change Agents im Zuge der Akademisierung in Deutschland zunehmend Verbreitung finden, gibt es hierzulande kaum klinisch arbeitende Pflegeexperten im Sinne der international beschriebenen Advanced Nursing Practice. Das Universitätsklinikum Freiburg (UKF) blickt beim Einsatz von derzeit zehn klinisch tätigen Pflegeexperten bereits auf eine zehnjährige Erfahrung mit dem Konzept der Pflegeexperten und seiner Umsetzung zurück. Vor diesem Hintergrund soll die aktuelle Umsetzung des Konzeptes dargestellt und eine Verortung in der international beschriebenen Advanced Nursing Practice (ANP) vorgenommen werden. Dazu wurden die Pflegeexperten (Vollerhebung; n = 10) mittels einer dreistufigen Delphi-Befragung zur Ermittlung von Expertenmeinungen befragt; ergänzend wurden Vollerhebungen bei den Pflegedienstleitungen (n = 7) sowie den Stations- und Funktionsleitungen (n = 49) zu relevanten Teilaspekten vorgenommen. Folgende wesentliche Tätigkeitsgebiete der Pflegeexperten konnten identifiziert werden: direkte Patientenbetreuung; Beratung, Unterstützung und Kontrolle der Pflegenden; Erhalt und Weiterentwicklung der fachlichen Kompetenz der Pflegenden; Beratung des Managements; Qualitäts- und Organisationsentwicklung; Theorie-Praxis-Transfer; Pflegeforschung, Erhalt der eigenen fachlichen Expertise sowie Öffentlichkeitsarbeit. Darüber hinaus wurden die Ausbildung zum Gesundheits- und (Kinder-)Krankenpfleger mit mehrjähriger Berufserfahrung, ein Studium in Pflegewissenschaft oder Pflegepädagogik und Spezialistenkenntnisse im jeweiligen Fachgebiet als Qualifikationsanforderungen für die Arbeit der klinisch tätigen Pflegeexperten identifiziert. Die Evaluation der Aufgabengebiete hat gezeigt, dass für das Pflegeexpertenkonzept am UKF Ansätze zu einer Verortung in der internationalen ANP nachgewiesen werden konnten, die Parallelen zum angloamerikanischen Clinical Nurse Specialist aufweisen.
Dialogische Phänomenologie im Rahmen der Pflegewissenschaft – Eine kritische Auseinandersetzung mit einer wenig bekannten Forschungsmethode
Authors: Käppeli Silvia , Musholt Markus , Müller Wilma , Rettke Horst
Published: June 2009

Die Dialogische Phänomenologie ist eine in der Pflegewissenschaft des deutschsprachigen Raums wenig bekannte interpretative Forschungsmethode. Sie basiert auf den Kernkonzepten der Phänomenologie Husserls. In diesem Artikel wird zuerst die Methode der Dialogischen Phänomenologie vorgestellt. Anschließend wird über eine einjährige Übungssequenz berichtet, während der zwei PflegewissenschaftlerInnen sowie ein Pflegeexperte und eine Pflegeexpertin anhand bestimmter Fragen das wissenschaftliche Potenzial dieser Forschungsmethode, ihre Praktikabilität sowie ihre allfällige Relevanz für eine reflexive Pflegepraxis exemplarisch überprüften. Sobald der ForscherInnengruppe klar war, wie die Methode praktiziert wird und was ihr potenzieller Nutzen für die Pflegepraxis sein könnte, beendete sie die Übung. Die kritische Auseinandersetzung mit der Forschungsmethode zeigte, dass sie großes epistemologisches Potenzial birgt. Hingegen war sie unter den gegebenen Voraussetzungen schwierig zu praktizieren.
Impact of horizontal resolution and the advantages of the nested domains approach in the prediction of tropical cyclone intensification and movement
Authors: Bhaskar Rao D. V. , Hari Prasad D. , Srinivas D.
Published: June 2009

The prediction of the intensification and movement of the Orissa Super Cyclone (OSC‐1999) was studied using the National Center for Atmospheric Research MM5 mesoscale atmospheric model. A case study of the OSC has been chosen as it is noted to be the most intense cyclone over the Bay of Bengal of this century. Experiments were made with a single domain (1D), with two‐way interactive nested two domains (2D), and with three domains (3D). The model was integrated for 5 days, and the model‐predicted intensity and track positions were compared with observations. Results indicate that the enhancement of resolution produces higher intensity and does not influence the track of the storm. The nested 2D and 3D experiments produce cyclone track closely agreeing with the observations, while the 1D experiments show the deviation of the track toward north and northeast after 48 h, thus with increasing errors. Differences in the simulations with single and nested domains indicate that simulated atmospheric circulation on the eastern parts of the domain contribute to the deviation of the track in the 1D experiment and the successful simulation with 2D and 3D experiments is due to the two‐way interactive approach of the nested domains.
Os‐isotope insights into major environmental changes of the Arctic Ocean during the Cenozoic
Authors: Poirier Andre , Hillaire‐Marcel Claude
Published: June 2009

Recent studies of Lomonosov Ridge sediments provided evidence for an Eocene lacustrine stage in the Arctic Basin and concluded at its merging into global oceanic circulation some 17.5 Ma ago, with a ∼26 Ma gap in‐between. Here, Re‐Os data are used to document these events. High Os‐concentrations in the lacustrine unit and overlying transitional layer point to low sedimentary O2‐conditions. Highly radiogenic Os‐isotope values mark this layer suggesting massive input of old continental material. Above, Os concentrations decrease to typical oxic‐sediment values, whereas 187Os/188Os‐ratios follow the trend observed in other oceans. However, Re‐Os isochrons from layers assigned to the upper and lower limit of the 26 Ma‐gap yield identical ages, suggesting a short transitional event marking the opening of Fram Strait and a ca. 38 Ma for the inception of marine conditions. If confirmed, this new chronology would modify views about the tectonic evolution of Lomonosov Ridge.
Marine ice in Larsen Ice Shelf
Authors: Holland Paul R. , Corr Hugh F. J. , Vaughan David G. , Jenkins Adrian , Skvarca Pedro
Published: June 2009

It is argued that Larsen Ice Shelf contains marine ice formed by oceanic freezing and other mechanisms. Missing basal returns in airborne radar soundings and observations of a smooth and healed surface coincide downstream of regions where an ocean model predicts freezing. Visible imagery suggests that marine ice currently stabilizes Larsen C Ice Shelf and implicates failure of marine flow bands in the 2002 Larsen B Ice Shelf collapse. Ocean modeling indicates that any regime change towards the incursion of warmer Modified Weddell Deep Water into the Larsen C cavity could curtail basal freezing and its stabilizing influence.
Newborn Hearing Screening Follow-Up: Factors Affecting Hearing Aid Fitting by 6 Months of Age
Authors: Spivak Lynn , Sokol Heidi , Auerbach Charles , Gershkovich Stella
Published: June 2009

Purpose

To determine the extent to which the goal of hearing aid fitting by 6 months of age is being achieved and to identify barriers to achieving that goal.

Method

Screening and follow-up records from 114,121 infants born at 6 hospitals were collected over a 6-year period. Infants diagnosed with permanent hearing loss requiring amplification were categorized as fit on time, fit late, or lost to follow-up. Seven factors were empirically identified as potential barriers to timely intervention.

Results

Ninety-one percent of referred infants returned for follow-up evaluation. Hearing aids were fit on 107 of the 192 infants requiring amplification. Thirty-nine percent were fit on time, and 61% were fit late or lost to follow-up. Unilateral hearing loss and late diagnosis were statistically significant (p< .0001) predictors for late fitting and loss to follow-up. Conductive hearing loss and coverage by Medicaid were also statistically significant (p< .0001) predictors for loss to follow-up.

Conclusion

High return rate for follow-up does not ensure hearing aid fitting by 6 months of age. Infants with unilateral hearing loss are at particular risk of being lost to follow-up.