bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anxiety disorders and bipolar disorder: a review
Authors: McIntyre Roger S , Soczynska Joanna K , Bottas Alexandra , Bordbar Kamran , Konarski Jakub Z , Kennedy Sidney H
Published: November 2006

Context:  Epidemiological, clinical and familial studies indicate that anxiety disorders (ADs) are highly comorbid in persons with bipolar disorder (BPD). The phenomenological overlap between ADs and BPD is reported more frequently in individuals with female predominant bipolar presentations (e.g., bipolar II disorder). Anxiety comorbidity in the BPD population poses a serious hazard. For example, it is associated with an intensification of symptoms, non‐recovery, substance use comorbidity and harmful dysfunction (e.g., suicidality).

Objective:  The evidentiary base informing treatment decisions for the anxious bipolar patient is woefully inadequate. Several expert consensus and evidence‐based treatment guidelines for BPD suggest various treatment avenues, although these have been insufficiently studied. The encompassing aim of this paper is to synthesize extant studies reporting on the co‐occurrence of AD and BPD. Taken together, a compelling basis emerges for prioritizing the identification and management of anxiety symptomatology in the BPD population.
Panic comorbidity with bipolar disorder: what is the manic–panic connection?
Authors: MacKinnon Dean F , Zamoiski Rachel
Published: November 2006

Context:  Bipolar/panic comorbidity has been observed in clinical, community and familial samples. As both are episodic disorders of affect regulation, the common pathophysiological mechanism is likely to involve deficits in amygdala‐mediated, plasticity‐dependent emotional conditioning.

Evidence:  Neuronal genesis and synaptic remodeling occur in the amygdala; bipolar and panic disorders have both been associated with abnormality in the amygdala and related structures, as well as in molecules that modulate plasticity, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF). These biological elements are involved in behavioral conditioning to threat and reward.

Model:  Panic attacks resemble the normal acute fear response, but are abnormally dissociated from any relevant threat. Abnormal reward‐seeking behavior is central to both manic and depressive syndromes. Appetites can be elevated or depressed; satisfaction of a drive may fail to condition future behavior. These dissociations may be the result of deficits in plasticity‐dependent processes of conditioning within different amygdala subregions.

Conclusions:  This speculative model may be a useful framework with which to connect molecular, cellular, anatomic and behavioral processes in panic and bipolar disorders. The primary clinical implication is that behavioral treatment may be critical to restore function in some bipolar patients who respond only partially to medications.
Pharmacological treatment of psychiatric comorbidity in bipolar disorder: a review of controlled trials
Authors: Singh Jaskaran B , Zarate Carlos A
Published: November 2006

Objective:  Little is known about the treatment of psychiatric comorbidities in bipolar disorder. The aim of this review was to summarize the literature on controlled pharmacological trials that have been conducted in psychiatric conditions that commonly co‐occur in bipolar disorder.

Methods:  A Medline search (1980–October 2005) using the terms bipolar disorder and randomized controlled trials, comorbidity, anxiety disorders, alcohol abuse or dependence, substance abuse or dependence, eating disorder, impulse control disorders, attention‐deficit disorder, lithium, anticonvulsants, atypical antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants, stimulants was used.

Results:  The literature establishes a strong association between bipolar disorder and substance abuse/dependence, anxiety disorders, impulse control disorders, eating disorders and attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder. Comorbidity often complicates the diagnosis and the treatment of bipolar disorder and worsens its course of illness and prognosis. Few controlled pharmacological studies have examined the treatment of comorbid conditions in patients with bipolar disorder.

Conclusions:  Treatment of psychiatric comorbidities in bipolar disorder is not based on controlled data but is largely empirically based. Controlled trials in patients with bipolar disorder and comorbidity are urgently needed.
Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) guidelines for the management of patients with bipolar disorder: update 2007
Authors: Yatham Lakshmi N , Kennedy Sidney H , O'Donovan Claire , Parikh Sagar V , MacQueen Glenda , McIntyre Roger S , Sharma Verinder , Beaulieu Serge ,   for CANMAT guidelines group
Published: November 2006

In 2005, the Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) published guidelines for the management of bipolar disorder. This update reviews new evidence since the previous publication and incorporates recommendations based on the most current evidence for treatment of various phases of bipolar disorder. It is designed to be used in conjunction with the 2005 CANMAT Guidelines. The recommendations for the management of acute mania remain mostly unchanged. Lithium, valproate and several atypical antipsychotics continue to be recommended as first‐line treatments for acute mania. For the management of bipolar depression, new data support quetiapine monotherapy as a first‐line option. Lithium and lamotrigine monotherapy, olanzapine plus selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), and lithium or divalproex plus SSRI/bupropion continue to remain the other first‐line options. First‐line options in the maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder continue to be lithium, lamotrigine, valproate and olanzapine. There is recent evidence to support the combination of olanzapine and fluoxetine as a second‐line maintenance therapy for bipolar depression. New data also support quetiapine monotherapy as a second‐line option for the management of acute bipolar II depression. The importance of comorbid psychiatric and medical conditions cannot be understated, and this update provides an expanded look at the prevalence, impact and management of comorbid conditions in patients with bipolar disorder.
Viability effects and not meoitic drive cause dramatic departures from Mendelian inheritance for malic enzyme in hybrids of Tigriopus californicus populations
Authors: WILLETT C. S. , BERKOWITZ J. N.
Published: November 2006

The genetic basis of post‐zygotic reproductive isolation is beginning to be untangled in closely related species, but less is known about the genetics of reproductive isolation between divergent populations. Here, two genes encoding malic enzyme (ME) are isolated from the copepod Tigriopus californicus and their influence upon lowered viability in F2 hybrids of genetically divergent populations is determined. Each ME gene has diverged extensively between T. californicus populations and one gene shows evidence for a recent selective sweep. Segregation patterns of genotypes for both ME genes in adult F2 hybrids reveal dramatic departures from Mendelian inheritance, deviations that are not seen in F2 nauplii implying that selection is acting during development based upon the genotype at these ME genes. These results imply that selection against deleterious gene combinations and not aberrant segregation (i.e. meiotic drive) is likely to lead to dramatic departures from Mendelian inheritance observed in these crosses.
Antibodies to a novel antigen in acute hepatitis C virus infections
Authors: Tobler L. H. , Stramer S. L. , Chien D. Y. , Lin S. , Arcangel P. , Phelps B. H. , Cooper S. L. , Busch M. P.
Published: November 2006

Background  Conformational viral proteins potentially play an important role in the immunobiology of acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and may enable earlier antibody detection.

Materials and Methods  HCV RNA was detected using nucleic acid testing. Early antibody production was evaluated using three enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) containing antigenic proteins not present in licensed EIAs. Respectively, these contained:

multiple‐epitope fusion antigen (MEFA) 7·1‐NS3/4a,

F and Core, and

E1/E2 proteins.

NS3/4a is a conformational antigen retaining protease and helicase enzymatic activities. MEFA 7·1 contains the linear epitopes used in licenced EIAs, including the latest EIA‐3·0, in combination with genotype 1–3 specific epitopes. Forty‐two RNA positive, EIA‐3·0 negative samples, including two persistently serosilent cases, were used to evaluate these research EIAs. As controls, 54 EIA‐3·0 negative/RNA negative and three HCV RNA+/antibody positive specimens were included.

Results  Only the MEFA 7·1‐NS3/4a EIA was positive in seven (17%) of the 42 HCV RNA + specimens, in all three EIA‐3·0 positive controls but in none of 54 EIA‐3·0 negative/HCV RNA negative controls. Notably, six of the seven (86%) specimens had evidence of active hepatitis (ALT > 210 IU/l). The two serosilent cases were research EIA negative.

Conclusion  A novel EIA with conformational and linear epitopes detected HCV antibodies in 17% of viraemic specimens missed by the standard reference EIA‐3·0. Our research EIA appears to detect HCV antibodies closer to the initiation of acute hepatitis. Given that the average RNA‐positive, antibody‐negative window period is ∼56·4 days, this 17% yield would translate into a ∼10‐day earlier detection of antibodies.
Massive blood transfusion and outcome in 1062 polytrauma patients: a prospective study based on the Trauma Registry of the German Trauma Society
Authors: Huber‐Wagner S. , Qvick M. , Mussack T. , Euler E. , Kay M. V. , Mutschler W. , Kanz K.‐G. ,   Working Group on Polytrauma of the German Trauma Society (DGU)*
Published: November 2006

Background and Objectives  About 15% of polytrauma patients receive massive blood transfusion (MBT) defined as ≥ 10 units of packed red blood cells (PRBC). In general, the prognosis of trauma patients receiving MBT is considered to be poor. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of MBT on the outcome of polytrauma patients.

Materials and Methods  Records of 10 997 patients in the Trauma Registry of the German Trauma Society were analysed. Transfusion data were available from 8182 severe trauma patients with a mean injury severity score of 24·5 and, of these 8182 patients, 1062 received  10 units of PRBC. First, a logistic regression model for the predictors of mortality was performed. Second, incidences of organ failure and sepsis as well as survival rates were analysed.

Results  The highest risk for mortality was age over 55 years (odds ratios [OR] 4·7; confidence intervals [CI 95%], 3·5–6·5) followed by Glasgow Coma Scale  8 (OR 4·6; 3·4–6·1), MBT  20 units of PRBC (OR 3·3; 2·1–5·4), thromboplastin time < 50% (OR 3·2; 2·2–4·4) and injury severity score  24 (OR 2·9; 2·1–4·1). Transfusion of 10–19 PRBC was identified as the variable with the lowest risk for mortality (OR 1·5; 1·0–2·3). Risk of organ failure, sepsis and death correlated with increasing transfusion amount. For the MBT patients, the survival rate was 56·9% (CI 95%, 53·9–59·9%) compared to 85·2% (84·4–86·0%) of non‐MBT patients (P < 0·001). In the MBT group with > 30 PRBC (mean 40·6 PRBC) 39·6% survived (31·7–47·5%).

Conclusion  Massive blood transfusion is one main prognostic factor for mortality in trauma. Although MBT is generally considered to be critical, every second trauma patient with MBT survived. A cut‐off value for the number of PRBC could not be determined. Extended transfusion management even with high amounts of PRBC seems to be justified.
Impact of nonmyeloablative conditioning regimens on the occurrence of pure red cell aplasia after ABO‐incompatible allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Malfuson J.‐V. , Amor R. B. , Bonin P. , Rodet M. , Boccaccio C. , Pautas C. , Kuentz M. , Cordonnier C. , Noizat‐Pirenne F. , Maury S.
Published: November 2006

Background and Objectives  In the setting of major ABO‐incompatible allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) is linked to the persistence of host residual plasma cells secreting antidonor isohaemagglutinins (HA) after transplantation. There are conflicting results regarding the impact of the intensity of conditioning regimen on the occurrence of PRCA after major ABO‐mismatched HSCT.

Material and Methods  To address this question, we compared two cases occurring after nonmyeloablative (NMA) and myeloablative (MA) HSCT and reviewed previous cases reported in the NMA setting.

Results and Conclusions  We observed a delayed disappearance of antidonor HAs in the NMA setting, associated to a more prolonged period of red blood cells transfusion dependence than in the MA setting. In our case as in several others, the disappearance of antidonor HAs and resolution of PRCA were observed after reinforcement of the graft‐versus‐host effect (i.e. immunosuppression removal or donor leukocytes infusion).
Microvascularization of the Canine Hepatic Ducts
Authors: Jackowiak H. , Godynicki S.
Published: November 2006

The angioarchitecture of the proximal and distal segments of the hepatic duct in the dog was investigated by means of vascular corrosion casts under a scanning electron microscope. The results of observations indicated a change of the pattern of vascularization of the hepatic duct along with the increasing distance of the hepatic duct from the liver and increasing diameter of the duct. In the proximal hepatic duct, the main blood vessels run along the duct as a pair of supplying arteriole and voluminous collecting venule, while in the distal segments of the hepatic duct on the opposite margin of the duct two vascular triads were observed, composed of two venules and one medial arteriole. On the surface of both segments of the hepatic duct, there are well‐anastomosed outer venous plexuses. In the distal segments of the hepatic duct, the outer venous plexus accompanies a fine outer arterial rete. Observations of the intramural network indicate the presence of single terminal arterioles running to mucosa and supplying a subepithelial capillary network. Differences were observed in the blood drainage from the mucosa, as in the proximal segment of the hepatic duct single post‐capillary venules are found, while in the distal segment in the mucosa a well‐developed mucosal venous plexus is formed. In the well‐developed venous system of the hepatic duct no valves were observed.
Development of Sequence‐characterized DNA Markers Linked to Temperature Insensitivity for Fruit Production in Longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) Cultivars
Authors: Cutler R. W. , Sitthiphrom S. , Marha J. , Anuntalabhochai S.
Published: November 2006

In this paper, we characterize a temperature dependence in longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) cultivars using the high annealing temperature random‐amplified polymorphic DNA (HAT‐RAPD) methodology. This form of genomic analysis allows a random sampling of the complete genome to provide information about phenotypic traits of interest. Using a set of 18 unique decamer primers, polymorphic bands ranging from 100 to 2500 bp were examined for 14 longan varieties from which banding patterns of interest were selected for conversion to the more reproducible and robust sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers. In particular, one SCAR marker produced an electrophoresis banding pattern which could distinguish between longan varieties requiring a sustained interval at low temperatures for fruit production vs. those that do not. This band was composed of a nucleotide region 275 bases in length (DQ539047) in which the initial 90 nucleotides were >85 % identical to the 12‐oxophytodienoic acid (OPDA) reductase gene. OPDA is an immediate precursor to jasmonic acid which has been described as the ‘master switch’ for lipid‐derived environmental signalling to factors such as flowering and osmotic stress. The possible involvement of the jamonic acid signalling pathway could explain the recent success of potassium chlorate to induce off‐season flowering and fruit formation.
Effects of 15N Split‐application on Soil and Fertiliser N Uptake of Barley, Oilseed Rape and Wheat in Different Cropping Systems
Authors: Sieling K. , Beims S.
Published: November 2006

In intensive farming systems, farmers split up and apply the N fertilization to winter cereals and oilseed rape (OSR) at several dates to meet the need of the crop more precisely. Our objective was to determine how prior fertilizer N application as slurry and/or mineral N affects contributions of fertilizer‐ and soil‐derived N to N uptake of barley (1997), oilseed rape (OSR; 1998) and wheat (1999). In addition, residual fertilizer N effects were observed in the subsequent crop. Since autumn 1991, slurry (none, slurry in autumn, in spring, in autumn plus in spring) and mineral N fertilizer (0, 12 and 24 g N m−2) were applied annually. Each year, the treatments were located on the same plots. In 1997–1999, the splitting rates of the mineral N fertilization were labelled with 15N. Non‐fertilizer N uptake was estimated from the total N uptake and the fertilizer 15N uptake. All three crops utilized the splitting rates differently depending on the time of application. Uptake of N derived from the first N rate applied at the beginning of spring growth was poorer than that from the second splitting rate applied at stem elongation (cereals) or third splitting rate applied at ear emergence or bud formation (all three crops). In contrast, N applied later in the growing season was taken up more quickly, resulting in higher fertilizer N‐use efficiency. Mineral N fertilization of 24 g N m−2 increased significantly non‐fertilizer N uptake of barley and OSR at most of the sampling dates during the growing season. In cereals, slurry changed the contribution of non‐fertilizer N to the grain N content only if applied in spring, while OSR utilized more autumn slurry N. In OSR and wheat, only small residual effects occurred. The results indicate that 7 years of varying N fertilization did not change the contribution of soil N to crop N uptake.
Invasion speed is affected by geographical variation in the strength of Allee effects
Authors: Tobin Patrick C. , Whitmire Stefanie L. , Johnson Derek M. , Bjørnstad Ottar N. , Liebhold Andrew M.
Published: November 2006

Allee effects can play a critical role in slowing or preventing the establishment of low density founder populations of non‐indigenous species. Similarly, the spread of established invaders into new habitats can be influenced by the degree to which small founder populations ahead of the invasion front are suppressed through Allee effects. We develop an approach to use empirical data on the gypsy moth, a non‐indigenous invader in North America, to quantify the Allee threshold across geographical regions, and we report that the strength of the Allee effect is subject to spatial and temporal variability. Moreover, we present what is to our knowledge the first empirical evidence that geographical regions with higher Allee thresholds are associated with slower speeds of invasion.
Should conservation strategies consider spatial generality? Farmland birds show regional not national patterns of habitat association
Authors: Whittingham Mark J. , Krebs John R. , Swetnam Ruth D. , Vickery Juliet A. , Wilson Jeremy D. , Freckleton Robert P.
Published: November 2006

A key assumption underlying any management practice implemented to aid wildlife conservation is that it will have similar effects on target species across the range it is applied. However, this basic assumption is rarely tested. We show that predictors [nearly all associated with agri‐environment scheme (AES) options known to affect European birds] had similar effects for 11 bird species on sites with differing farming practice (pastoral vs. mixed farming) or which differed in the density at which the species was found. However, predictors from sites in one geographical region tended to have different effects in other areas suggesting that AES options targeted at a regional scale are more likely to yield beneficial results for farmland birds than options applied uniformly in national schemes. Our study has broad implications for designing conservation strategies at an appropriate scale, which we discuss.
Scale dependence of the correlation between human population presence and vertebrate and plant species richness
Authors: Pautasso Marco
Published: November 2006

Human presence is generally negatively related to species richness locally, but the relationship is positive at coarse scales. An increase in the strength of the latter correlation with increasing study resolution has been documented within studies, but it is not known whether such a scale dependence is present across different studies. We test this with data on the spatial co‐occurrence of human beings and the species richness of plants and vertebrates from a continuum of scales. The correlation coefficient between human presence and species richness is positively related to study grain and extent. The correlation turns from positive to negative below a study grain of c. 1 km and below a study extent of c. 10 000 km2. The broad‐scale positive correlation between human presence and species richness suggests that people have preferentially settled and generally flourished in areas of high biodiversity and/or have contributed to it with species introductions and habitat diversification. The scale dependency of the correlation between people and biodiversity's presence emphasizes the importance of the preservation of green areas in densely populated regions.
Oligofructose‐enriched inulin stimulates calcium absorption and bone mineralisation
Authors: Franck A.
Published: November 2006

Summary  Among the components likely to be used in functional foods, prebiotics show interesting properties, and some are already recognised and used as food ingredients. A prebiotic has been defined as ’a non‐digestible food ingredient that beneficially affects the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of one or a limited number of bacteria in the colon, and thus improves host health’. Inulin and oligofructose are the best‐studied prebiotics so far. They are selectively fermented by the microflora in the human colon leading to a bacterial composition that is dominated by bifidobacteria, a perceived health‐promoting genus. In this paper, the effects of these prebiotics, especially oligofructose‐enriched inulin, on calcium absorption and bone metabolism are reviewed.
Problems of Indigenous Community Councils in North Australia
Authors: Adepoyibi Chris
Published: November 2006

Since 1978 community councils have been able to directly qualify for Northern Territory government funding. Community councils have therefore become instruments for community governance as well as being responsible for delivering municipal services to Northern Territory Indigenous communities. The effectiveness of these councils are influenced by the community/cultural environment and the strategic environment. A community council plays an important role in negotiations between these two environments. The article observes that there is a strong separation of responsibilities in communities between those relating to municipal services and those relating to community/cultural issues and suggests a realignment of supervisory authority and de‐concentration of responsibilities within community councils.
Volunteer Immunity and the Public Sector
Authors: McGregor‐Lowndes Myles , Edwards Scott
Published: November 2006

Every jurisdiction in Australia has now enacted legislation to protect volunteers of community organisations and all levels of government from incurring personal civil liability. In most jurisdictions these laws transfer liabilities incurred by volunteers to the public sector organisation that organises the work they undertake. This article provides a brief background to the reforms before undertaking an examination of the impact of the legislation upon public sector organisations and their volunteers.
The Australian Federal Police Drug Harm Index: A New Methodology for Quantifying Success in Combating Drug Use
Authors: McFadden Michael
Published: November 2006

The AFP Drug Harm Index was developed to provide a single measure that encapsulates the potential value to the Australian community of AFP drug seizures. The index represents the dollar value of harm that would have ensued had the seized drugs reached the community. In the five years from 1998–99 to 2002–2003, the AFP and its partners saved the Australian community approximately $3.1 billion in harm through its disruption of illicit drug importations. Because the Harm Index is based on the benefits associated with an estimated reduction in consumption, it can be generalised to measuring the benefits of other drug interventions.
Social Value and the Management of Community Infrastructure*
Authors: McShane Ian
Published: November 2006

The management of community infrastructure by local governments has emerged as a significant policy issue in Australia as evidence mounts of a funding shortfall to maintain ageing physical assets. In 2003 the Victorian government introduced a new infrastructure management policy to focus local government decision‐making on service potential and financial sustainability rather than political interests or community preference. However, the policy relies on a model of local government as a service provider that is inattentive to new interests in community building and governance and takes limited account of the wider social value of community facilities. This article backgrounds debates over infrastructure, particularly at local level, and critically analyses the new policy direction set by the Victorian government.
Assumptions within Policy: A Case Study of Information Communications and Technology Policy
Authors: Bound Helen
Published: November 2006

The deeply embedded nature of dominant assumptions creates an accepted language and way of thinking about ICT, leaving little space for alternative perspectives and ideologies. Policy directions link information technology, the information economy, innovation, competition and global markets. Innovation and information and communications technology constructs a particular application of innovation and directs funding accordingly. Given that policy is about how we categorise, about naming and naming shapes action, the question is what lenses do policy makers use to make choices in their synthesis of social, political and economic life?

Using the Australian Information Communications and Technology (ICT) policy as a case study, this article will argue that policy reflects the economic, social and political ideologies of the decision makers. Despite opportunities for input into policy multiple perspectives are limited. Specifically the article looks at claims around consultation, the assumption that the information economy will benefit all Australians, the development of framework conditions for the information economy and the role of government.
Choking and Excelling Under Pressure
Authors: Markman Arthur B. , Maddox W. Todd , Worthy Darrell A.
Published: November 2006

Decrements in performance on cognitive tasks resulting from pressure to perform (i.e., choking) are thought to be caused by interference with the ability to use explicit strategies (the distraction theory). This view suggests that pressure should improve performance on tasks for which explicit strategies hamper performance. This hypothesis was tested by giving subjects one of two nearly identical learning tasks, a task that required learning a rule or one that required using a holistic information-integration strategy. Explicit rule use would hurt performance in the latter task. As predicted by the distraction theory, pressure decreased performance on the rule-based task but enhanced performance on the information-integration task.
Color Blindness and Interracial Interaction
Authors: Norton Michael I. , Sommers Samuel R. , Apfelbaum Evan P. , Pura Natassia , Ariely Dan
Published: November 2006

Two experiments explored the ramifications of endorsing color blindness as a strategy for appearing unprejudiced. In Study 1, Whites proved adept at categorizing faces on the basis of race, but understated their ability to do so. In Study 2, Whites playing the Political Correctness Game—a matching task that requires describing other individuals—were less likely to use race as a descriptor when paired with a Black partner than when paired with a White partner, a strategy that impaired communication and performance. In addition, avoidance of race was associated with Whites making less eye contact with and appearing less friendly toward Black partners.
Accentuate the Negative
Authors: Ward Andrew , Brenner Lyle
Published: November 2006

Three studies investigated the capacity of negative acknowledgment, the admission of an unfavorable quality, to elicit relatively positive responses. In Study 1, an acknowledgment that a written paragraph was confusing led individuals to rate the paragraph as clearer than they did when no acknowledgment was offered. In Study 2, a foreign speaker was rated as possessing a clearer voice when he acknowledged his strong accent than when he did not. In Study 3, a hypothetical college applicant's acknowledgment of receiving less than stellar high school grades resulted in a more positive evaluation of those grades. The interpersonal risks and benefits of negative acknowledgment as an impression-management strategy are discussed.
Attentional Cues in Real Scenes, Saccadic Targeting, and Bayesian Priors
Authors: Eckstein Miguel P. , Drescher Barbara A. , Shimozaki Steven S.
Published: November 2006

Performance finding a target improves when artificial cues direct covert attention to the target's probable location or locations, but how do predictive cues help observers search for objects in real scenes? Controlling for target detectability and retinal eccentricity, we recorded observers' first saccades during search for objects that appeared in expected and unexpected locations within real scenes. As has been found with synthetic images and cues, accuracy of first saccades was significantly higher when the target appeared at an expected location rather than an unexpected location. Observers' saccades with target-absent images make it possible to distinguish two mechanisms that might mediate this effect: limited attentional resources versus differential weighting of information (Bayesian priors). Endpoints of first saccades in target-absent images were significantly closer to the expected than the unexpected locations, a result consistent with the differential-weighting model and inconsistent with limited resources being the sole mechanism underlying the effect.
Humans Rapidly Estimate Expected Gain in Movement Planning
Authors: Trommershäuser Julia , Landy Michael S. , Maloney Laurence T.
Published: November 2006

We studied human movement planning in tasks in which subjects selected one of two goals that differed in expected gain. Each goal configuration consisted of a target circle and a partially overlapping penalty circle. Rapid hits into the target region led to a monetary bonus; accidental hits into the penalty region incurred a penalty. The outcomes assigned to target and penalty regions and the spatial arrangement of those regions were varied. Subjects preferred configurations with higher expected gain whether selection involved a rapid pointing movement or a choice by key press. Movements executed to select one of two goal configurations exhibited the same movement dynamics as pointing movements directed at a single configuration, and were executed with the same high efficiency. Our results suggest that humans choose near-optimal strategies when planning their movement, and can base their selection of strategy on a rapid judgment about the expected gain associated with possible movement goals.
Are Juvenile Offenders Extreme Future Discounters?
Authors: Wilson Margo , Daly Martin
Published: November 2006

It has been the prevailing view that young offenders are more present oriented than their peers, but this view has little empirical basis other than the actions that have defined these youth as offenders. In the present study, we used a decision task with actual monetary consequences to assess the tendency of young offenders and a control group of high school students to discount the future. The young offenders were not significantly different from the students in discounting the future, even though the young offenders scored significantly higher on a sensation-seeking personality scale, were less likely to have lived with their fathers, and had changed schools more often. Young offenders and control participants were also similar in the extent to which they manifested a clear vision of the future by anticipating which future milestones would occur sooner, in a task pairing milestones with each other and with year markers.
Attenuating the Link Between Threatened Egotism and Aggression
Authors: Konrath Sara , Bushman Brad J. , Campbell W. Keith
Published: November 2006

Research has found that narcissists behave aggressively when they receive a blow to their ego. The current studies examined whether narcissistic aggression could be reduced by inducing a unit relation between the target of aggression and the aggressor. Experimental participants were told that they shared either a birthday (Study 1) or a fingerprint type (Study 2) with a partner. Control participants were not given any information indicating similarity to their partner. Before aggression was measured, the partners criticized essays written by the participants. Aggression was measured by allowing participants to give their partner loud blasts of noise through a pair of headphones. In the control groups, narcissists were especially aggressive toward their partner. However, narcissistic aggression was completely attenuated, even under ego threat, when participants believed they shared a key similarity with their partner.
REACH: A Step Change in the Management of Chemicals
Authors: Hansen Bjorn G. , Blainey Mark
Published: November 2006

The EU has regulated chemicals since the late 1960s using both general and sectoral legislation, and exposure‐based, hazard‐based and risk‐based decisions. A new proposal from the European Commission – on the Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals (REACH) – will build on the experiences of the existing legislation and introduce some new concepts in the management of chemicals. This article is aimed at assessing the current chemical control mechanisms in the EU and those put forward in REACH to demonstrate how REACH is a new paradigm in chemicals management. REACH will carry forward today's experience and approach to the management of chemicals in the EU and introduces some novel aspects, such as utilizing market‐based mechanisms and putting into operation the ‘substitution principle’.
Science, PIC and POPs: Negotiating the Membership of Chemical Review Committees under the Stockholm and Rotterdam Conventions
Authors: Kohler Pia M.
Published: November 2006

Multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) often have close relationships with scientific and technical advisors, and as international policy makers negotiate the post‐Rio generation of MEAs, there has been an increased emphasis on establishing science advisory bodies (SABs) as part of the institutional design of MEAs. This article will examine the negotiations of the design, membership and roles of the science advisory bodies to two of the most recent additions to the MEA landscape: the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade; and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. A particular emphasis will be placed on concerns over membership, examining how policy makers have sought to achieve representative membership by ensuring that the limited number of experts on a SAB reflect the national, economic and geographic diversity of stakeholders (capturing interests of those benefiting and suffering from the problem or its solution), while also maintaining an institutional and disciplinary diversity suitable to the nature of the problem (including those directly or traditionally implicated in the study or management of the problem, whilst still allowing input from other experts more tangentially related, who are likely to identify inter‐problem linkages).
Facilitating and Controlling Civil Society in International Environmental Law
Authors: Gillespie Alexander
Published: November 2006

Non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) are typically viewed as one of the essential actors in sustainable development, at both the domestic and international levels. However, despite generally warm international support for NGOs, and pledges to support their inclusion, their involvement is governed by seven considerations, which actively enhance or retard their participation. These considerations relate to (1) whether participation of both international and domestically based NGOs is allowed; (2) NGO qualifications that are required; (3) the level of NGO participation fees; (4) the accreditation vetting process; (5) NGO access to subsidiary bodies; and (6) whether NGO oral contributions and (7) written contributions are permitted. This article seeks to elaborate on these seven considerations and analyse how they are utilized to facilitate and control civil society in international environmental processes.
Semiparametric Mixtures of Generalized Exponential Families
Authors: CHARNIGO RICHARD , PILLA RAMANI S.
Published: November 2006

Abstract.  A semiparametric mixture model is characterized by a non‐parametric mixing distribution 𝒬 (with respect to a parameter θ) and a structural parameter β common to all components. Much of the literature on mixture models has focused on fixing β and estimating 𝒬. However, this can lead to inconsistent estimation of both 𝒬 and the order of the model m. Creating a framework for consistent estimation remains an open problem and is the focus of this article. We formulate a class of generalized exponential family (GEF) models and establish sufficient conditions for the identifiability of finite mixtures formed from a GEF along with sufficient conditions for a nesting structure. Finite identifiability and nesting structure lead to the central result that semiparametric maximum likelihood estimation of 𝒬 and β fails. However, consistent estimation is possible if we restrict the class of mixing distributions and employ an information‐theoretic approach. This article provides a foundation for inference in semiparametric mixture models, in which GEFs and their structural properties play an instrumental role.
Education for the Community: Exploring the Culturally Relevant Practices of Black Male Teachers
Authors: Lynn Marvin
Published: November 2006

Black men have remained largely absent from the educational discourse on teachers and teaching. Even more important, their perspectives have not been fully considered in the debates over what constitutes culturally relevant classroom practice. In this article, portraits of the teaching lives of three Black men who worked as full-time teachers in urban schools in California are drawn. The portraits outline the teachers’ entree into teaching, their views on pedagogy, and their culturally and racially sensitive pedagogical practice.
rFVIIa– for acute rebleeding of a cerebral cavernous malformation
Authors: Engelhardt K. , Brenneis C. , Pfausler B. , Beer R. , Brössner G. , Helbok R. , Lackner P. , Schmutzhard E.
Published: November 2006

Recurrent bleeding episodes of cavernomas especially in the brainstem can cause progressive neurological deficits. Therefore brainstem cavernomas are still a therapeutic dilemma and a treatment challenge for the neuro critical care community. We report a 39‐year‐old woman with spontaneous ataxia diplopia and vomiting, who has been treated for multiple intracerebral cavernomas during the last 10 years. A cerebral computed tomography (cCT) revealed a re‐bleeding cavernoma in the left cerebral peduncle with consecutive obstructive hydrocephalus. As a result of the difficult anatomical location, no surgical approach was possible. As an off‐label treatment, recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) was administered to prevent possible further bleeding and especially further sequelae. The patient recovered well and no adverse events and especially no further bleeding of the cavernoma were observed. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the safe and successful use of rFVIIa to treat re‐bleeding episodes in cavernomas. Further clinical studies are needed to specify the future potential of rFVIIa.
Pimecrolimus cream 1% is effective in asteatotic eczema: results of a randomized, double‐blind, vehicle‐controlled study in 40 patients
Authors: Schulz P , Bunselmeyer B , Bräutigam M , Luger TA
Published: November 2006

Background and objective  Pimecrolimus cream 1% is an effective treatment for atopic eczema. The aim was to investigate its efficacy in asteatotic eczema, a skin disease similar to atopic eczema and its associated dry skin and itching.

Methods  Single‐centre, randomized, double‐blind, vehicle controlled study in 40 patients with asteatotic eczema. Efficacy was assessed by eczema area and severity index (EASI), investigators global assessment (IGA), patient's self‐assessment, and pruritus severity.

Results  After 4 weeks of treatment, EASI, the primary efficacy variable, was reduced by 62 ± 7% from baseline in patients on pimecrolimus, compared to 21 ± 14% in patients on vehicle (P = 0.013). With pimecrolimus there was also a better control of pruritus (P = 0.042) at week 4 whereas a better control of disease according to self‐assessment could only be observed at weeks 2 (P = 0.01) and week 3 (P = 0.08).

Conclusion  Pimecrolimus cream 1% is effective in patients with asteatotic eczema.
Late side‐effects with cosmetic relevance following soft X‐ray therapy of cutaneous neoplasias
Authors: Rupprecht R , Lippold A , Auras C , Bramkamp G , Breitkopf C , Elsmann H‐J , Habenicht EM , Jasnoch V , Müller‐Pannes H , Schulte K‐W , Suter L
Published: November 2006

Background  Cosmetic changes are to be expected after radiotherapy for skin tumours.

Objectives This study aimed to answer the questions: How frequent are cosmetic changes after soft X‐ray therapy? Do treatment parameters, tumour thickness, localization and size of the irradiated field have a major influence? Were patients irritated by the visual appearance of the irradiated field?

Methods  In total, 2474 examinations of 1149 irradiated fields were performed.

Results  Hypopigmentation was found in 64.7% of examinations more than 90 days after therapy, teleangiectases in 43.1%, erythema in 24.8%, and hyperpigmentation in 16.8%. The frequency of hypopigmentation, teleangiectases and hyperpigmentation increased with time from X‐ray exposure; more than 4 years after therapy hypopigmentation was diagnosed in 91.8% and teleangiectases in 82.2% of examinations. Total dose, the time–dose–fractionation factor (TDF), field size and dose per fraction were significantly related to the frequency of cosmetic changes. Incidence rates of cosmetic changes differed by less than 15% if different treatment conditions were compared: thicker vs. thinner tumours, larger vs. smaller fields, higher vs. lower total doses, doses per fraction, and TDF. Frequencies of hypopigmentation, teleangiectases, erythema and hyperpigmentation differed by more than 15% between some localizations on the head. Women reported irritation by the visual appearance of the irradiated field in 12.6% of 1116 interviews, and men in 4.4% of 1284 interviews.

Conclusions  Cosmetic changes after soft X‐ray therapy are relatively frequent. Treatment parameters, tumour thickness and field size have only a minor influence. Few patients, but more women than men, were irritated by the visual appearance of the irradiated field.
Moderate inbreeding depression in a reintroduced population of North Island robins
Authors: Jamieson I. G. , Tracy L. N. , Fletcher D. , Armstrong D. P.
Published: November 2006

Reintroductions of threatened species are increasingly common in conservation. The translocation of a small subset of individuals from a genetically diverse source population could potentially lead to substantial inbreeding depression due to the high genetic load of the parent population. We analysed 12 years of data from the reintroduced population of North Island robins Petroica longipes on Tiritiri Matangi Island, New Zealand, to determine the frequency of inbreeding and magnitude of inbreeding depression. The initial breeding population consisted of 12 females and 21 males, which came from a large mainland population of robins. The frequency of mating between relatives (f>0; 39%, n=82 pairs) and close relatives (f=0.25; 6.1%) and the average level of inbreeding (f=0.027) were within the range reported for other small island populations of birds. The average level of inbreeding fluctuated from year to year depending on the frequency of close inbreeding (e.g. sib–sib pairs). We found evidence for inbreeding depression in juvenile survival, with survival probability estimated to decline from 31% among non‐inbred birds (f=0) to 11% in highly inbred juveniles (f=0.25). The estimated number of lethal equivalents based on this relationship (4.14) was moderate compared with values reported for other island populations of passerines. Given that significant loss of fitness was only evident in highly inbred individuals, and such individuals were relatively rare once the population expanded above 30 pairs, we conclude that inbreeding depression should have little influence on this robin population. Although the future fitness consequences of any loss of genetic variation due to inbreeding are uncertain, the immediate impact of inbreeding depression is likely to be low in any reintroduced population that expands relatively quickly after establishment.
Muscle architecture of biceps brachii, triceps brachii and supraspinatus in the horse
Authors: Watson J. C. , Wilson A. M.
Published: November 2006

Three muscles from the proximal equine forelimb were dissected in order to investigate their potential to contribute to proximal limb mechanics. Muscle mass, fibre length, tendon mass and tendon length were measured from biceps brachii, triceps brachii, supraspinatus and lacertus fibrosus (biceps lateral head mass 171–343.4 g and fibre length 0.5–0.8 cm; biceps medial head mass 283–500 g and fibre length 2.2–4 cm; biceps tendon mass 121.8–260 g and tendon length 35–44 cm; triceps long head mass 3200–6663 g and fibre length 19–26.3 cm; triceps lateral head mass 513.8–1240 g and fibre length 17.5–24 cm; triceps medial head mass 85.2–270.6 g and fibre length 9–16.8 cm; supraspinatus mass 793–1546 g and fibre length 4.7–12.4 cm; lacertus fibrosus mass 4.6–12.4 g and length 10–16 cm). Physiological cross‐sectional area (PCSA) and maximum isometric force were estimated for each muscle, and moment arm measurements were taken at the shoulder and elbow joints. Biceps has a greater isometric force‐generating capacity than supraspinatus. It also appears to have a larger shoulder moment arm, so could therefore have the potential to make a greater contribution to the shoulder moment than supraspinatus. Supraspinatus is likely to function primarily as a shoulder stabilizer rather than a shoulder extensor. Biceps also functions as an elbow flexor and data here indicate that it has a greater PCSA and isometric force‐generating capacity than its antagonist triceps brachii. Calculation of tendon forces showed that the biceps tendon can withstand much greater forces than lacertus fibrosus. This study will enable further investigation into the interaction between energy recycling in elastic tissues and the generation and absorption of mechanical work by adjacent muscle groups in the equine forelimb.