bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consultation of mental health professionals by French adolescents with probable psychiatric problems
Authors: Gasquet I. , Ledoux S. , Chavance M. , Choquet M.
Published: November 2007

A national sample of school‐attending adolescents aged 12–20 years (n= 8435) filled out an anonymous self‐administered questionnaire. We considered a group of 868 adolescents with probable psychiatric problems (PPP) in order to identify personal, psychological and environmental factors as well as help‐seeking behaviour associated with consultation of mental health professionals (MHP). Among the adolescents with PPP, 13.7% consulted MHP at least once during the year. Logistic regression analysis showed that consultation with MHP was more frequent for adolescents with multiple problems (OR = 2.3), functional physical disorders (OR=1.9) family problems (OR = 2), separated parents (OR = 4.4) or multiple contacts with other doctors (GP, school doctor and other specialists, OR = 2.2, 3.6 and 2.6, respectively), and among those who confided in teachers or youth group advisors (OR = 2.2). Those who confided in peers consulted MHP less often (OR = 0.5). However, consultation with MHP was not associated with other sociodemographic or educational characteristics, with type of problem (internalized or externalized), or with confiding in one's parents.
A long‐term follow‐up study of adolescent psychiatric in‐patients. Part IV. Predictors of a non‐negative outcome
Authors: Kjelsberg E.
Published: November 2007

Fifteen years after first hospitalization 932 patients were followed up by record linkage to national registers of criminality, disability and causes of death. On the basis of hospital records, all patients were rediagnosed according to DSM‐IV and scored on factors postulated to have predictive power with regard to a non‐negative outcome, defined as having avoided entry into the above‐mentioned registers at follow‐up. Logistic regression showed that in males psychiatric diagnosis (odds ratio (OR) = 2.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.3–4.3), no psychoactive substance use (OR = 3.2, CI = 1.2–8.0), no disciplinary problems in school (OR = 4.1, CI = 2.4–6.9) and an IQ of ≥90 (OR=1.9, CI = 1.03–3.4) were strong and independent predictors of a non‐negative outcome. In females, psychiatric diagnosis (OR= 2.2, CI = 1.3–3.6), no psychoactive substance use (OR = 2.4, CI = 1.5–3.8), DSM‐IV GAF≥40 at admission (OR= 2.9, CI = 1.8–4.6) and an IQ of ≥90 (OR= 1.7, CI= 1.01–2.8) were strong and independent predictors of a non‐negative outcome. Only 5.1% of male patients with psychoactive substance use disorder and disciplinary problems in school had a nonnegative outcome, while as many as 76.6% of female patients without psychoactive substance use and a DSM‐IV GAF of ≥40 at hospitalization had a non‐negative outcome at 15 years follow‐up.
Therapeutic alliance in cognitive therapy for schizophrenic and other long‐term mentally ill patients: development and relationship to outcome in an in‐patient treatment programme
Authors: Svensson B. , Hansson L.
Published: November 2007

A total of 26 schizophrenic and other long‐term mentally ill patients receiving cognitive therapy sessions twice a week in the context of a comprehensive in‐patient treatment programme were assessed every 5 weeks with regard to therapeutic alliance. The therapists rated the alliance according to the Psychotherapy Status Report and the patients rated it according to the Patient Collaboration Scale. The results showed either good or fair and stable therapeutic alliance for the majority of the patients throughout the treatment period. Few correlations were found between patient characteristics and initial alliance. The therapists' ratings showed a positive relationship between initial alliance and a favourable outcome of treatment at discharge.
Self‐reported life satisfaction and treatment factors in patients with schizophrenia, major depression and anxiety disorder
Authors: Koivumaa‐Honkanen H.T. , Honkanen R. , Antikainen R. , Hintikka J. , Viinamäki H.
Published: November 2007

Our aim was to study the associations between life satisfaction and treatment factors and how depression affects these associations among patients with schizophrenia (n=403), major depression (n= 349) and anxiety disorder (n= 139) from a defined area. Treatment satisfaction and compliance were high, but life satisfaction was low regardless of diagnostic group. Patients with schizophrenia recorded better life satisfaction than patients with the other disorders. There were few independent associations between life satisfaction and treatment factors. Fortunately, factors amenable to treatment intervention, such as depression, problem‐solving ability and social support. were independently related to life satisfaction in every diagnostic group. Depression decreased these associations significantly only in patients with schizophrenia. Life satisfaction and treatment satisfaction should be included as separate variables in treatment outcome studies.
Assessment of ego state in anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa
Authors: Nakao M. , Kumano H. , Nomura S. , Kuboki T. , Murata K.
Published: November 2007

To clarify the effects of ego states on anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN), the questionnaire of the Tokyo University Egogram (TEG) with critical parent, nurturing parent, adult, free child and adapted child scales was administered to 32 female AN patients aged 14 to 32 years (mean age 20 years) and 49 female BN patients aged 14 to 33 years (mean age 23 years). The scores on the critical parent and adapted child scales for AN were significantly lower than those for BN. A multiple logistic regression analysis including all of the TEG scales, age, duration of illness and education showed that the adapted child scale significantly discriminated between AN and BN. The adaptive ego state is suggested for differentiating between the two disorders.
The prevalence and socio‐demographic correlates of mental distress in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Kebede D. , Alem A. , Rashid E.
Published: November 2007

The study was conducted in Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, between January and March of 1994, to estimate the prevalence of mental distress using the Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ). The study population of 10 203 was selected from the entire city by a cluster sampling method proportionate to size. Five percent of the study population reported at least 2 of the 4 SRQ items for probable psychosis. By use of the 20‐item SRQ for assessing mental distress, and using a cutoff level of at least 6 out of 20 items, 11.7% of the study population was categorized as having mental distress. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that women had a statistically significant 62% increased risk of having mental distress than men. There was a statistically significant trend of increasing risk with increasing age. There was also a significant trend of reduced risk with increasing educational attainment and family size. Employment was also inversely associated with risk: adjusted Odds Ratio and 95% confidence interval, OR (95%)CI)=0.81(0.69, 0.95). Family history of mental illnesses was positively associated with risk: OR (95%CI)=3.98(3.18, 4.98). Marital status, ethnicity and religion were not significantly associated with risk of mental distress.
Major mental disorders in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. II. Affective disorders
Authors: Kebede D. , Alem A.
Published: November 2007

This report examines the prevalence and socio‐demographic correlates of affective disorders based on a survey conducted in Addis Ababa between September and December of 1994. An Amharic version of the CIDI was used to collect data from a random community sample of 1420 individuals aged 15 and above. The lifetime prevalence for specific affective disorders was as follows: bipolar disorders 0.3%, depressive episodes 2.7%), recurrent depressive episodes 0.2% and persistent mood disorders 1.6%. The weighted lifetime prevalence of affective disorders was 5.0%) (women 7.7% and men 3.2%). One‐month prevalence was 3.Wo (women 5.9% and men 2.3%). After adjusting for several potential confounders, the risk of affective disorders was only 29% higher in women compared to men. This difference in risk was not statistically significant. Age was also not associated with risk of affective disorders. On the other hand, education was associated with the risk of disorder, the risk decreasing with increasing educational attainment. This inverse trend was statistically significant (Pfor trend=0.02). The risk was also 37%1 lower in the employed than the unemployed: Odds Ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.63 (0.39, 1.01). There were no statistically significant associations between affective disorders and marital status or ethnicity.
The prevalence and socio‐demographic correlates of mental distress in Butajira, Ethiopia
Authors: Alem A. , Kebede D. , Woldesemiat G. , Jacobsson L. , Kullgren G.
Published: November 2007

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted on 10468 rural and semi‐urban adults in an Ethiopian district using the Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ) to detect the prevalence of mental distress and its association with socio‐demographic risk factors. Fifty‐eight per cent of the study population were women, 74% were Muslim, 79% were illiterate. Those experiencing 11 or more symptoms out of the 20 SRQ items were considered as having mental distress. Accordingly, the prevalence of mental distress was 17%, which is comparable with the previous hospital‐based studies in Ethiopia and elsewhere. However, it was higher than the previous community‐based studies in Ethiopia. Mental distress was more prevalent among women. Part of the explanation was that women in the study population were older and that they were more often widowed or divorced, which were factors associated with mental distress. Illiteracy, which was more common among women and older individuals, was also independently associated with mental distress.
The epidemiology of problem drinking in Butajira, Ethiopia
Authors: Alem A. , Kebede D. , Kullgren G.
Published: November 2007

In order to determine the prevalence and socio‐demographic correlates of problem drinking, a total of 10468 persons aged 15 and above, most residing in a rural district, were interviewed using the CAGE questionnaire as an important element of a general mental health survey. Twenty‐three per cent of the respondents admitted that they currently drank alcohol. The prevalence of alcohol drinking was 15% for women and 36% for men. Among those who drank, 16% met the criterion for problem drinking as defined by two or more positive responses to the CAGE. The overall prevalence for problem drinking was found to be 3.7%. Stratified analysis for sex showed that Christian religion, male sex, being ethnically non‐Gurage, and smoking were strongly associated with problem drinking in both sexes. Marital status, mental distress and income were found to be associated factors with problem drinking only in men.
Duration of untreated psychosis and 12‐month outcome in first‐episode psychosis: the impact of treatment approach
Authors: Carbone S. , Harrigan S. , McGorry P. D. , Curry C. , Elkins K.
Published: November 2007

Carbone S, Harrigan S, McGorry PD, Curry C, Elkins K. Duration of untreated psychosis and 12‐month outcome in first‐episode psychosis: the impact of treatment approach.

Acta Psychiatr Scand 1999: 100: 96–104. © Munksgaard 1999.

Objective: Early intervention research is examining whether reducing the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) leads to improved outcome from first‐episode psychosis. Another key influence may be the quality of treatment after initiation of care. This study examined the effect of phase‐specific treatment on 12‐month outcome for different categories of DUP.

Method: A total of 250 first‐episode psychosis cases were followed up 12 months after stabilization. The sample consisted of two historically sequential cohorts treated in the same region within different service models, one of which was more intensive and phase‐specific. Outcome was compared according to four predefined categories of DUP.

Results: Only patients with a mid‐range DUP of 1–6 months who were treated within the phase‐specific model experienced significantly better outcomes than patients treated within the previous model.

Conclusion: These data suggest that there may be a limited window of opportunity in which to influence outcome. However, the complexity of this relationship is emphasized.
Depression, negative symptoms, social stagnation and social decline in the early course of schizophrenia
Authors: Häfner H. , Löffler W. , Maurer K. , Hambrecht M. , Heiden W. an der
Published: November 2007

Häfner H, Löffler W, Maurer K, Hambrecht M, an der Heiden W. Depression, negative symptoms, social stagnation and social decline in the early course of schizophrenia.

Acta Psychiatr Scand 1999: 100: 105–118. © Munksgaard 1999.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate when social consequences in schizophrenia emerge, and what conditions give rise to the social disadvantage evident in people suffering from schizophrenia.

Method: Early course in schizophrenia was studied in a population‐based sample of 232 first illness‐episode cases retrospectively from onset to first admission, and in a representative subsample of 115 patients prospec‐tively at six cross‐sections over a period of 5 years. Data on non‐specific and negative symptomatology and social development was compared with data from an age‐ and sex‐matched control group drawn from the normal population.

Results: In total, 73% of the patients showed a prodromal phase of several years. First signs were depressive and negative symptoms. In 57% of cases social disability emerged 2 to 4 years before first admission. Social consequences depended on the level of social development at onset. An early onset involved social stagnation, and a late onset was associated with social decline. Men's poorer social outcome was determined by their lower level of social development at onset and socially adverse illness behaviour. The 5‐year symptom‐related course showed no gender difference. At 81′% the lifetime prevalence of depressive mood until first admission was several times higher in schizophrenics than in healthy controls. Early depression predicted a lower subsequent score for affective flattening. Suicide indicators were predicted by lack of self‐confidence and feelings of guilt early in the illness.

Conclusion: Taking into account a prodromal phase of several years on average before first hospital admission, early detection, case identification and intervention are urgently needed. The intervention must be targeted at syndromes such as early depression, negative symptoms and certain forms of cognitive and social impairment.
Neurological abnormalities in schizophrenic patients: a prospective follow‐up study 5 years after first admission
Authors: Madsen A. L. , Vorstrup S. , Rubin P. , Larsen J. K. , Hemmingsen R.
Published: November 2007

Madsen AL, Vorstrup S, Rubin P, Larsen JK, Hemmingsen R. Neurological abnormalities in schizophrenic patients: a prospective follow‐up study 5 years after first admission. Acta Psychiatr Scand 1999: 100: 119–125. © Munksgaard 1999.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the temporal stability of neurological abnormalities in first‐episode schizophrenic patients, and to clarify the relationships between such abnormalities and psychopathology.

Method: A total of 18 schizophrenic patients, 11 non‐schizophrenic patients and 10 healthy volunteers were examined neurologically at first admission and 5 years later.

Results: A significant increase in the number of neurological abnormalities was seen in schizophrenic patients with genetic predisposition and in patients with a non‐remitting course of disease. Birth complications had an impact on the occurrence of neurological abnormalities at first admission.

Conclusion: The association between a deteriorating course of disease and neurological impairment supports the theory that any possible impairment of the brain in schizophrenia is aggravated during the first 5 years of disease.
Does the place of treatment influence the quality of life of schizophrenics?
Authors: Rössler W. , Salize H. J. , Cucchiaro G. , Reinhard I. , Kernig C.
Published: November 2007

Rossler W, Salize HJ, Cucchiaro G, Reinhard 1, Kernig C. Does the place of treatment influence the quality of life of schizophrenics? Acta Psychiatr Scand 1999: 100: 142–148. © Munksgaard 1999.

Objective: Chronically mentally ill patients in community mental health care report a better quality of life (QOL) than those in long‐term hospital care, which suggests that the treatment setting per se influences their QOL.

Method: In a region where both treatment settings are of a comparable high standard, we assessed the QOL of 96 schizophrenic patients from these two treatment settings, and the factors which most influenced their QOL.

Results: Community‐care patients reported a better QOL than long‐term hospital‐care patients. However, when other factors influencing QOL were included in a regression analysis, the place of treatment was no longer significant, but rather the social support, the severity of the illness, educational level and certain illness concepts.

Conclusion: It is probably not the place per se which influences the QOL, but apart from personal, sociodemographic and illness‐related factors, the amount of social support that is provided in different settings.
First‐case postpartum psychoses in Eastern Turkey: a clinical case and follow‐up study
Authors: Kirpinar I. , CosLkun I. , Çayköylü A. , Özer SL. Anaç. H.
Published: November 2007

Kirpinar I, CosLkun I, Çayköylü A, Anaq SL, Özer H. First‐case postpartum psychoses in Eastern Turkey: a clinical case and follow‐up study. Acta Psychiatr Scand 1999: 100: 199–204. © Munksgaard 1999.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinico‐demographic features and long‐term course of postpartum psychosis (PPP).

Method: A total of 64 in‐patients with psychotic postpartum disorder, who were admitted for the first time to a psychiatry clinic, were re‐examined retrospectively and then compared with 64 control patients. Follow‐up investigation was carried out either by interviewing the patients personally or with the help of general practitioners (GPs). All patients were rediagnosed according to DSM‐TV.

Results: The majority of PPP patients were young, married, primiparae, had a low educational level and were living in rural areas. The mean onset time of PPP after delivery was 3.62 weeks. More than 75% of the patients with PPP had further psychotic episodes during the follow‐up period of 11 years; 42% of the puerperal cases were diagnosed as schizophrenia at the follow‐up investigation, and 59.3′% of the patients had confuso‐oneiroid syndrome.

Conclusion: These findings, unlike those of the Western studies, demonstrate that PPP is not uniform in different populations.
Short stature and poor psychological performance: risk factors for attempted suicide among Swedish male conscripts
Authors: Jiang G.‐X. , Rasmussen F. , Wasserman D.
Published: November 2007

Objective

To investigate potential risk factors of attempted suicide among young male conscripts without previous attempts.

Methods

A nation‐wide cohort of young men in Sweden was followed to observe the occurrence of attempted suicide after military‐enlistment examination. Information from the examination was linked with data from national hospital in‐patient and other registries.

Results

150 395 Swedish young men born during 1973–75 were followed for up to 2 years. One hundred and fifty‐five people made suicide attempts during the follow‐up period. Body height, suitability for being an officer and performance in a logic test at the examination were included in a final multivariate Cox regression model, and found to be significantly inversely associated with the risk of attempted suicide.

Conclusion

The results suggest for the first time that short stature and poor psychological performance at conscription examination may be helpful to identify groups with increased risk of attempted suicide during 1–1.5 years after enlistment.
Bulimia and bulimic behaviour in middle adolescence: more common than thought?
Authors: Kaltiala‐Heino R. , Rissanen A. , Rimpela M. , Rantanen P.
Published: November 2007

Kaltiala‐Heino R, Rissanen A, Rimpelä M, Rantanen P. Bulimia and bulimic behaviour in middle adolescence: more common than thought? Acta Psychiatr Scand 1999: 100: 33–39. © Munksgaard 1999.

Objective: Studies on the prevalence of bulimia and bulimic behaviour have focused on female populations from their late teens. This study assesses the prevalence of bulimia and bulimic behaviour in 14– to 16‐year‐old adolescents. Biological, sociodemographic and social correlates of these disorders are sought.

Method A self‐report questionnaire was administered to pupils of the 8th and 9th grades of secondary school in four regions of Finland. In total, 4453 girls and 4334 boys aged 14 to 16 years participated. Results: Bulimia was detected in 1.8% of girls and 0.3% of boys. Bulimic eating behaviour was reported by 14.4% of subjects. Sociodemographic variables were not associated with increased risk. Bulimia was associated with being bullied by peers and higher than average weight in both sexes.

Conclusion: Bulimia and bulimic eating behaviour appear to be more common than was previously thought in middle adolescence, and also among boys. Bulimia deserves more attention in younger age groups than main risk groups so far considered.
Is phase‐specific, community‐oriented treatment of early psychosis‐ an economically viable method of improving outcome?
Authors: Mihalopoulos C. , McGorry P. D. , Carter R. C.
Published: November 2007

Mihalopoulos C, McGorry PD, Carter RC. Is phase‐specific, community‐oriented treatment of early psychosis an economically viable method of improving outcome?

Acta Psychiatr Scand 1999: 100: 47–55. © Munksgaard 1999.

Objective: The Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre (EPPIC) provides a comprehensive ‘real‐world’ model of early intervention to young people experiencing an emerging psychotic disorder. A prospective study has already provided evidence of improved clinical outcome at 12 months after entry. The present study examined whether the service was also cost‐effective.

Method: A cost‐effectiveness analysis compared EPPIC with its immediate precursor service, from the perspective of the government funding agency. Only direct costs were included.

Results: EPPIC proved to be more cost‐effective. The weighted average cost per patient for the first 12 months was cheaper (by äD 7110 per patient), while treatment outcomes were superior. The savings were due to the marked reduction in in‐patient costs outweighing substantial increases in the costs of community care.

Conclusion: These results, while encouraging in terms of the further development of integrated, phase‐specific intervention programmes for early psychosis, are not conclusive, and further research is required.
Regional cerebral blood flow and depersonalization after tetrahydrocannabinol adrninistration
Authors: Mathew R. J. , Wilson W. H. , Chiu N.Y. , Turkington T. G. , Degrado T. R. , Coleman R. E.
Published: November 2007

Mathew RJ, Wilson WH, Chiu NY, Turkington TG, Degrado TR, Coleman RE. Regional cerebral blood flow and depersonalization after tetrahydrocannabinol administration.

Acta Psychiatr Scand 1999: 100: 67–75. © Munksgaard 1999.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between depersonalization induced by tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and regional brain activation.

Method Cerebral blood flow (CBF) was measured by means of positron emission tomography (PET) in 59 normal right‐handed volunteers before and following intravenous infusions of THC.

Results: After THC, CBF showed a global increase which was more marked in the right hemisphere, frontal lobes and anterior cingulate.

Conclusion: Regression analyses showed positive correlations between the right frontal and anterior cingulate and depersonalization.
Early parental preoccupations and behaviors and their possible relationship to the symptoms of obsessive‐compulsive disorder
Authors: Leckman J. F. , Mayes L. C. , Feldman R. , Evans D. W. , King R. A. , Cohen D. J.
Published: November 2007

This study focuses on early parental preoccupations and behaviors (EPPB) surrounding the birth of a new family member. An interview instrument was developed to assess EPPB at eight months prepartum and two weeks and three months postpartum. Measures with adequate psychometric and conceptual properties were used to assess the overall level of parental preoccupations and associated actions as well as three content domains: caregiving (CARE), relationship building (RELATIONSHIP), and anxious intrusive thoughts associated with harm avoidant behaviors (AITHAB). The hypothesis that preoccupations and behaviors would peak for both parents close to the birth of the child was confirmed. Measures of EPPB were distinguished from symptoms of depression and generalized anxiety. Consistent with our a priori hypothesis the content and character of the AITHAB was found to resemble the symptoms of obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD). The study findings suggest the potential adaptive significance of EPPB and the possible evolutionary origins of OCD.
Simple method for determination of oxalic acid in forages using high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Mijanur , Niimi Mitsuhiro , Kawamura Osamu
Published: November 2007

We established a simple method for determination of oxalate in forage grasses using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with an anion analysis column (Shodex 1C SI‐90 4E) and sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3) as eluent. Oxalate was determined after extraction with water or 1 mol HCl (soluble form or total, respectively). Insoluble oxalate was estimated as the difference between total oxalates and soluble form. Recovery of oxalate after HPLC was above 97%. Oxalates in forages could be successfully determined by this method. The method was simple, fast and inexpensive.
Estimation of plant biomass and plant water mass through dimensional measurements of plant volume in the Dund‐Govi Province, Mongolia
Authors: Hirata Masahiro , Oishi Kazato , Muramatu Kanako , Xiong Yuu , Kaihotu Ichirow , Nishiwaki Aya , Ishida Jyoken , Hirooka Hiroyuki , Hanada Masaaki , Toukura Yuji , Hongo Akio
Published: November 2007

Three types of functions (linear, quadratic and logarithmic) and independent variables (height, crown area/coverage and volume) were examined to develop the best regression equation for the estimation of plant biomass (shrub and tall herbaceous plant: g dry matter [DM][plant]−1; dwarf shrub and short herbaceous plant: g DM [0.25 m2]−1) and plant water mass (shrub and tall herbaceous plant: g H2O [plant]−1; dwarf shrub and short herbaceous plant: g H2O [0.25 m2]−1) by dimensional measurements in the arid area of Dund‐Govi Province, Mongolia. Five dominant shrubs including one dwarf shrub, one tall grass and nine short herbaceous plants were investigated in this study. According to coefficients of determination (r2), simple and easy calculation, and avoidance of large error occurrence in the estimation, it was indicated that the linear regression equation with the dimensional volume was best applicable to estimate the plant biomass and the plant water mass of the dominant shrubs and herbaceous plants. Residual error values (absolute values of errors between the estimation and the measurement) and residual error ratios (ratios of residual errors) were calculated to validate the accuracy of the estimated values obtained from linear regression equations of each plant. Although the residual error values increased with the increase in total plant biomass (g DM m−2) and total plant water mass (g H2O m−2) per unit area, the residual error ratios tended to decrease with the increase in those total amounts. 82.6% of the estimated total plant biomass and 67.4% of the estimated total plant water mass fell within ±40% of the residual error ratios, respectively. Hence, it was indicated that the total plant biomass and the total plant water mass per unit area could possibly be estimated by the use of each linear regression equation.
Effect of herbage mass on the selection and use by cattle of fine‐scale locations in a progressively grazed tropical grass pasture
Authors: Hirata Masahiko , Ogura Shin‐ichiro , Hasegawa Hitomi , Maćešić Dubravko
Published: November 2007

This study quantified herbage mass and feeding behavior by animals at a fine spatial scale, in a 1.1‐ha bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flügge) pasture progressively (4 or 5 days) grazed by a herd of 32–33 beef cows and 8–13 calves in three seasons (spring, summer and autumn). Herbage mass was nondestructively estimated every day, using an electronic capacitance probe, at 91 fixed locations (50 cm × 50 cm; approximating a feeding station scale) along a permanent line transect. At the same time, selection and use of the individual locations by cows were measured every day, in terms of the number of visits, number of bites and residence time. Vegetation of the pasture created a trade‐off between availability (herbage mass) and quality (nitrogen concentration, dry matter digestibility) in summer and autumn but not in spring. There were always considerable location‐to‐location variations in the feeding behavior of animals; that is, some locations were not visited and bitten at all or were visited infrequently (once or twice daily) and grazed only for a short time (<10 s daily) receiving relatively few bites (<10 bites daily), whereas some locations were frequently visited (5–10 times daily) and utilized for a long period (>30 s daily) receiving many bites (>30 bites daily). Although regression analysis showed a tendency for animals to select and use locations with higher herbage mass in spring and those with lower or intermediate herbage mass in autumn as a result of the seasonally different availability–quality relationships, neither herbage mass nor herbage quality was an absolute factor determining the choice and use of locations by animals. The results show that the choice and use of fine‐scale locations by animals foraging in actual grasslands are not fully explained by major forage factors such as mass, nitrogen and digestibility.
Hydrogeological characteristics of a groundwater‐dependent ecosystem (La Lantejuela, Spain)
Authors: Rodríguez‐Rodríguez Miguel , Moral Francisco , Benavente Jose
Published: November 2007

By means of a simple water balance model, together with hydrogeochemical and morphological interpretation, the hydrogeological characteristics of a series of playa lakes forming an endorheic complex within the Guadalquivir river basin in Southern Spain (La Lantejuela) have been evaluated. The lakes are demonstrated to be groundwater‐dependent ecosystems. The main source of groundwater input to the lakes is from an unconfined detritic aquifer, the playa lakes being the natural discharge points from the aquifer within the endorheic complex. High rates of evaporation from the lakes induce a centripetal groundwater flow pattern. This water body has been disturbed by a combination of extensive drainage works and intensive groundwater abstraction. There is a need for a sustainable water management strategy for the whole catchment area. It is hoped this will be an issue addressed within the Guadalquivir river basin management plan in accordance with the requirements of the European Water Framework Directive (WFD).
Variation in blubber fatty acid composition among marine mammals in the Canadian Arctic
Authors: Thiemann Gregory W. , Iverson Sara J. , Stirling Ian
Published: November 2007

Abstract

The composition of predator adipose stores can provide important insights into foraging patterns and the ecological relationships among species. We determined the fatty acid (FA) composition of 843 blubber samples from 80 bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus), 33 harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), 239 harp seals (Pagophilus groenlandicus), 32 hooded seals (Cystophora cristata), 281 ringed seals (Phoca hispida), 53 walruses (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus), 105 beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas), and 20 narwhals (Monodon monoceros) across the Canadian Arctic to examine patterns of variability among and within species. FA signatures accurately distinguished phocid seals, walruses, and whales. Belugas and narwhals had the most similar FA signatures of any two species, suggesting substantial overlap in their diets, especially in the narwhal‐wintering area off eastern Baffin Island. Among phocid seals, harp and hooded seals had the most similar FA signatures. Bearded seals were most similar to walruses, which was consistent with the benthic feeding habits of both species. Within species, geographic differences in FA signatures were found over both large (>4,000 km) and small (<100 km) spatial scales. Overall, within‐species differences were smaller than among‐species differences. In general, FA signature patterns were consistent with previous studies of the ecology and diets of arctic marine mammals.
Seascapes of fear: evaluating sublethal predator effects experienced and generated by marine mammals
Authors: Wirsing Aaron J. , Heithaus Michael R. , Frid Alejandro , Dill Lawrence M.
Published: November 2007

Abstract

The notion that predators can affect their prey without killing them is widely supported in the ecological literature yet rarely applied by marine mammal studies. We present three case studies in which patterns of time allocation by individual marine mammal foragers were used to index the sublethal effects of predators on bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.), harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), and dugongs (Dugong dugon). In each case, foraging individuals optimized energy gain and safety from predators by spending less time in more profitable but dangerous patches or decreasing their use of risky feeding tactics that would increase net energy gain. By implication, marine mammals are subject to the non consumptive effects of their predators (i.e., to intimidation), and fear can mediate their impacts on their resources. We suggest, therefore, that future studies quantify patterns of time allocation to measure sublethal effects of predators on marine mammals, as well as the capacity of marine mammals to have sublethal effects on their own prey. We argue that such an approach is important because non consumptive effects may be of greater magnitude than lethal effects of predators, and information on sublethal effects of predators can inform conservation plans and studies of community structure.
Inhibitory circuits and the nature of their interactions in the human motor cortex – a pharmacological TMS study
Authors: Müller‐Dahlhaus J. Florian M. , Liu Yali , Ziemann Ulf
Published: November 2007

Inhibitory circuits are crucial in modulating corticospinal output in the primary motor cortex (M1). Relatively little is known about how these inhibitory circuits interact. Here we measured three forms of inhibition in M1 by paired‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation: short‐interval intracortical inhibition (SICI), long‐interval intracortical inhibition (LICI) and short‐interval interhemispheric inhibition (SIHI). We specifically tested their interactions under pharmacological challenge with a single oral dose of diazepam, a positive allosteric modulator of the γ‐aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAAR), or baclofen, a specific agonist at the GABA type B receptor (GABABR). Motor evoked potentials were recorded bilaterally from the first dorsal interosseous muscle in eight right‐handed healthy volunteers. Diazepam enhanced SICI, and baclofen produced a trend towards enhanced LICI, corroborating the view that SICI reflects inhibition mediated by the GABAAR, and LICI very likely reflects inhibition mediated by the GABABR. The pharmacology of SIHI was inconclusive and warrants further investigation. Findings strongly suggest that SICI, LICI and SIHI recruit three distinct inhibitory circuits in the human M1. The interactions between SIHI and SICI, LICI and SIHI, and LICI and SICI were all negative, that is SIHI suppressed SICI, and LICI suppressed both SIHI and SICI. Diazepam partially restored SICI in the presence of LICI, while all other interactions remained unaffected by diazepam or baclofen. It will be argued that the negative interactions between SIHI and SICI, LICI and SIHI, and LICI and SICI are most likely due to presynaptic GABABR‐mediated autoinhibition.
Effect of nitrogen doping on bonding state of ZnO thin films
Authors: Hirai Makoto , Kumar Ashok
Published: November 2007

Nitrogen (N) is the most promising p-type dopant for zinc oxide (ZnO) with wurtzite structure. The substitution of N atoms for partial replacement of O atoms in wurtzite structure is predicted to cause the slight change in bonding state. We have synthesized ZnO and N-doped ZnO thin films by utilizing a pulsed laser deposition method. Compared with the ultraviolet-visible spectrum of the ZnO thin film, since the absorption edge of the N-doped ZnO thin film denoted a clear redshift, the band gap shrank for the incorporation of N atoms. The band-gap shrinkage of the N-doped ZnO thin film was considered to be due to the existence of Zn–N bond having smaller ionicity than Zn–O bond. Additionally, from the results of Fourier transform infrared measurements, the absorption peaks of the ZnO and N-doped ZnO thin films emerged at 415 and 408±2cm−1, respectively, and were attributed to transverse optical phonon of E1 mode. The reduction in phonon frequency of approximately 7cm−1 can be induced by the complex factors consisting of not only the decrease in reduced mass and interionic distance but also the increase in covalency.
Study of dye molecule orientation and configuration in dye molecule doped polythiophene films
Authors: Kato H. , Takemura S. , Watanabe Y. , Nara T. , Hayashi T. , Sugiyama T. , Hiramatsu T. , Nanba N. , Nishikawa O. , Taniguchi M.
Published: November 2007

Dye molecules doped polythiophene (PT) films prepared by electrochemical doping were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) reflection absorption spectroscopy (RAS) and transmission in order to investigate whether the presence of an electric field could control the ordering of the dye molecule assembly in the polymer. The present work focuses on organic dye molecules, which contain three benzene rings in plane with a high symmetry such as crystal violet (CV) and brilliant green (BG) as a dopant. In the case of CV doped PT by applying triangle-shaped negative voltage, the orderings of CV molecules were found by FTIR measurements. Since the ring stretching mode due to the componential benzene ring around 1585 cm−1 was observed only in the FTIR transmission spectra while not observed in the spectrum of FTIR RAS spectra, this result shows that CV molecules are doped in the polymer so that the ring plane of CV is inclined to be parallel to the polymer film plane. In the case of CV doped PT samples by field-free casting method, the ring stretching modes were observed in both spectra of FTIR RAS and transmission, indicating that the dopant molecules were randomly oriented.
Comment on "A G Protein–Coupled Receptor Is a Plasma Membrane Receptor for the Plant Hormone Abscisic Acid"
Authors: Johnston Christopher A. , Temple Brenda R. , Chen Jin-Gui , Gao Yajun , Moriyama Etsuko N. , Jones Alan M. , Siderovski David P. , Willard Francis S.
Published: November 2007

Liu
et al
. (Reports, 23 March 2007, p. 1712) reported that the
Arabidopsis thaliana
gene
GCR2
encodes a seven-transmembrane, G protein–coupled receptor for abscisic acid. We argue that GCR2 is not likely to be a transmembrane protein nor a G protein–coupled receptor. Instead, GCR2 is most likely a plant homolog of bacterial lanthionine synthetases.
Response to Comment on "A G Protein–Coupled Receptor Is a Plasma Membrane Receptor for the Plant Hormone Abscisic Acid"
Authors: Liu Xigang , Yue Yanling , Li Wei , Ma Ligeng
Published: November 2007

Our study provided experimental evidence that GCR2 is a membrane-associated abscisic acid receptor that interacts with the G protein α subunit GPA1 in
Arabidopsis
. Although we cannot rule out GCR2 as a lanthionine synthetase homolog, our data indicate that it may define a new type of nonclassical G protein–coupled receptor.
The Simplest Double Slit: Interference and Entanglement in Double Photoionization of H
2
Authors: Akoury D. , Kreidi K. , Jahnke T. , Weber Th. , Staudte A. , Schöffler M. , Neumann N. , Titze J. , Schmidt L. Ph. H. , Czasch A. , Jagutzki O. , Fraga R. A. Costa , Grisenti R. E. , Muiño R. Díez , Cherepkov N. A. , Semenov S. K. , Ranitovic P. , Cocke C. L. , Osipov T. , Adaniya H. , Thompson J. C. , Prior M. H. , Belkacem A. , Landers A. L. , Schmidt-Böcking H. , Dörner R.
Published: November 2007

The wave nature of particles is rarely observed, in part because of their very short de Broglie wavelengths in most situations. However, even with wavelengths close to the size of their surroundings, the particles couple to their environment (for example, by gravity, Coulomb interaction, or thermal radiation). These couplings shift the wave phases, often in an uncontrolled way, and the resulting decoherence, or loss of phase integrity, is thought to be a main cause of the transition from quantum to classical behavior. How much interaction is needed to induce this transition? Here we show that a photoelectron and two protons form a minimum particle/slit system and that a single additional electron constitutes a minimum environment. Interference fringes observed in the angular distribution of a single electron are lost through its Coulomb interaction with a second electron, though the correlated momenta of the entangled electron pair continue to exhibit quantum interference.
Observation of the One-Dimensional Diffusion of Nanometer-Sized Dislocation Loops
Authors: Arakawa K. , Ono K. , Isshiki M. , Mimura K. , Uchikoshi M. , Mori H.
Published: November 2007

Dislocations are ubiquitous linear defects and are responsible for many of the properties of crystalline materials. Studies on the glide process of dislocations in bulk materials have mostly focused on the response of dislocations with macroscopic lengths to external loading or unloading. Using in situ transmission electron microscopy, we show that nanometer-sized loops with a Burgers vector of ½〈111〉 in α-Fe can undergo one-dimensional diffusion even in the absence of stresses that are effective in driving the loops. The loop size dependence of the loop diffusivity obtained is explained by the stochastic thermal fluctuation in the numbers of double kinks.
Facultative Mate Choice Drives Adaptive Hybridization
Authors: Pfennig Karin S.
Published: November 2007

Mating with another species (hybridization) is often maladaptive. Consequently, females typically avoid heterospecifics as mates. Contrary to these expectations, female spadefoot toads were more likely to choose heterospecific males when exposed to environmental conditions that favor hybridization. Indeed, those females with phenotypic characteristics for which hybridization is most favorable were most likely to switch from choosing conspecifics to heterospecifics. Moreover, environmentally dependent mate choice has evolved only in populations and species that risk engaging in, and can potentially benefit from, hybridization. Thus, when the benefits of mate choice vary, females may radically alter their mate selection in response to their own phenotype and their environment, even to the point of choosing males of other species.
Accelerated Uplift and Magmatic Intrusion of the Yellowstone Caldera, 2004 to 2006
Authors: Chang Wu-Lung , Smith Robert B. , Wicks Charles , Farrell Jamie M. , Puskas Christine M.
Published: November 2007

The Yellowstone caldera began a rapid episode of ground uplift in mid-2004, revealed by Global Positioning System and interferometric synthetic aperture radar measurements, at rates up to 7 centimeters per year, which is over three times faster than previously observed inflation rates. Source modeling of the deformation data suggests an expanding volcanic sill of ∼1200 square kilometers at a 10-kilometer depth beneath the caldera, coincident with the top of a seismically imaged crustal magma chamber. The modeled rate of source volume increase is 0.1 cubic kilometer per year, similar to the amount of magma intrusion required to supply the observed high heat flow of the caldera. This evidence suggests magma recharge as the main mechanism for the accelerated uplift, although pressurization of magmatic fluids cannot be ruled out.
Rheb Activates mTOR by Antagonizing Its Endogenous Inhibitor, FKBP38
Authors: Bai Xiaochun , Ma Dongzhu , Liu Anling , Shen Xiaoyun , Wang Qiming J. , Liu Yongjian , Jiang Yu
Published: November 2007

The mammalian target of rapamycin, mTOR, is a central regulator of cell growth. Its activity is regulated by Rheb, a Ras-like small guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase), in response to growth factor stimulation and nutrient availability. We show that Rheb regulates mTOR through FKBP38, a member of the FK506-binding protein (FKBP) family that is structurally related to FKBP12. FKBP38 binds to mTOR and inhibits its activity in a manner similar to that of the FKBP12-rapamycin complex. Rheb interacts directly with FKBP38 and prevents its association with mTOR in a guanosine 5′-triphosphate (GTP)–dependent manner. Our findings suggest that FKBP38 is an endogenous inhibitor of mTOR, whose inhibitory activity is antagonized by Rheb in response to growth factor stimulation and nutrient availability.
Asymmetric Mating Interactions Drive Widespread Invasion and Displacement in a Whitefly
Authors: Liu Shu-Sheng , De Barro P. J. , Xu Jing , Luan Jun-Bo , Zang Lian-Sheng , Ruan Yong-Ming , Wan Fang-Hao
Published: November 2007

The role of behavioral mechanisms in animal invasions is poorly understood. We show that asymmetric mating interactions between closely related but previously allopatric genetic groups of the whitefly
Bemisia tabaci
, a haplodiploid species, have been a driving force contributing to widespread invasion and displacement by alien populations. We conducted long-term field surveys, caged population experiments, and detailed behavioral observations in Zhejiang, China, and Queensland, Australia, to investigate the invasion process and its underlying behavioral mechanisms. During invasion and displacement, we found increased frequency of copulation leading to increased production of female progeny among the invader, as well as reduced copulation and female production in the indigenous genetic groups. Such asymmetric mating interactions may be critical to determining the capacity of a haplodiploid invader and the consequences for its closely related indigenous organisms.
Simple Maths for a Perplexing World
Authors: Rankin Daniel J.
Published: November 2007

Mathematical Models of Social Evolution
. A Guide for the Perplexed.
By Richard McElreath and Robert Boyd
. University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 2007. 428 pp. $62.50, £39.50. ISBN 9780226558264. Paper, $25, £16. ISBN 9780226558271.

Weaving together mathematics and evolutionary theory, the authors offer a primer on behavioral modeling.