bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Now or never: what will it take to save the Sumatran rhinoceros Dicerorhinus sumatrensis from extinction?
Authors: Ahmad Zafir Abdul Wahab , Payne Junaidi , Mohamed Azlan , Lau Ching Fong , Sharma Dionysius Shankar Kumar , Alfred Raymond , Williams Amirtharaj Christy , Nathan Senthival , Ramono Widodo S. , Clements Gopalasamy Reuben
Published: May 2011

In 1994 Alan Rabinowitz decried what he regarded as lackadaisical attempts by governments, NGOs and international funding agencies to conserve the Sumatran rhinoceros Dicerorhinus sumatrensis. Sixteen years on it is timely to evaluate whether his warnings were heeded. We review the current conservation status of D. sumatrensis throughout its range and the latest threats and challenges complicating efforts to conserve this species. Recent data from governments, NGOs and researchers indicate that the global population could be as low as 216, a decline from c. 320 estimated in 1995. Based on lessons learnt and expert opinions we call on decision makers to focus on two core strategies for conservation of D. sumatrensis: (1) the translocation of wild individuals from existing small, isolated or threatened forest patches into semi-in situ captive breeding programmes, and (2) a concomitant enhancement of protection and monitoring capacities in priority areas that have established these breeding facilities or have recorded relatively high population estimates and track encounter rates. At least USD 1.2 million is required to implement these strategies annually in four priority areas: Bukit Barisan Selatan and Way Kambas National Parks on Sumatra, and Danum Valley Conservation Area and Tabin Wildlife Reserve on Sabah. Given that conservation funds are rarely secure and D. sumatrensis is still in decline we call on potential donors to help secure and augment existing capacities of organizations in these four priority areas before committing resources to elucidate the status of the species in other areas such as Gunung Leuser and Taman Negara National Parks.
Habitat selection by, and carrying capacity for, the Critically Endangered black-faced lion tamarinLeontopithecus caissara(Primates: Callitrichidae)
Authors: Nascimento Alexandre T. Amaral , Schmidlin Lucia A.J.
Published: May 2011

The Critically Endangered black-faced lion tamarinLeontopithecus caissarahas a restricted distribution consisting of small mainland and island populations each with distinct habitats in coastal south-eastern Brazil. The conservation action plan for the species recommends translocation to increase population size and promote genetic exchange among threatened isolated populations, measures that require an understanding of habitat and resource requirements. We investigated habitat selection by the black-faced lion tamarin, comparing habitats and examining frequency of use by two insular groups and two mainland groups. Using this understanding of habitat preferences we were able to refine current estimates of the carrying capacity (K) for this species. Habitats preferred by mainland groups were swamps and inundated areas and secondary forest. Submontane forest was avoided, as were hydromorphic lowland forest and urbanized areas. Island groups used mainly tall lowland forest and arborealrestinga(forest on sandy soil). The finding thatL. caissaraavoids montane forest sheds light on its restricted distribution to low elevation coastal plains. An estimate ofKindicated c. 700 individuals, which could be increased to c. 1,500 with appropriate conservation management measures. Findings agree with the supposition that lion tamarins are typical of mature Atlantic forest, with little altitudinal variation but flexible in their use of successional stages. Future conservation management measures should account for differences in habitat use, selection and differences between island and mainland habitats.
Topographic habitat features preferred by the Endangered giant panda Ailuropoda melanoleuca: implications for reserve design and management
Authors: Gong Ming-Hao , Song Yan-Ling
Published: May 2011

The effect of landscape on populations is of great importance, especially given the number of species inhabiting patchy landscapes. Developments in geographical information systems are facilitating a greater application of spatial analyses to threatened species, such as the Endangered giant panda Ailuropoda melanoleuca, for which habitat patchiness and quality are key limiting factors. Of all factors that influence the suitability of habitat for the giant panda, topography is not subject to change. Here, we report a spatial and statistical analysis of the high quality topographic habitat preferred by the giant panda across its stronghold in the Qinling Mountains, China. High quality topographic habitat, as indicated by a combination of elevation, slope and aspect, covers 92,788 ha, accounting for 15% of the current range of the species. The distribution of the giant panda closely follows patterns of topography and areas with patches of high quality topographic habitat are strongly associated with areas supporting greater numbers of giant pandas. However, comparisons between our model and the existing reserve system reveals a number of inadequacies. Some of the reserves contain little high quality topographic habitat and many patches of high quality topographic habitat are unprotected. Given the importance of topography and the decisive role it plays in shaping habitat, landscapes containing high quality topographic features must be a critical consideration in the design of reserves for the giant panda. The existing system of nature reserves is heavily weighted towards judicial and administrative boundaries, to the detriment of other factors such as topography.
Areas of endemism of Cactaceae and the effectiveness of the protected area network in the Chihuahuan Desert
Authors: Hernández Héctor M. , Gómez-Hinostrosa Carlos
Published: May 2011

We used distribution data of 121 cactus species endemic to the Chihuahuan Desert to test the effectiveness of the region’s protected area network. The analysis of species distribution using a 30′ latitude × 30′ longitude grid facilitated the identification and categorization of areas of endemism. We found a low degree of coincidence between protected areas and the areas of cactus endemism, and only 63.6% of the 121 species occur in protected areas. A complementarity analysis showed that 10 of the protected areas contain the 77 species that occur in protected areas. The four top priority areas protect 65 (84.4%) of these 77 species The 44 unprotected species are mainly micro-endemic and taxonomically distinctive taxa widely scattered in the region. The complementarity analysis applied to these species showed that all of them can be contained in a minimum of 24 grid squares, representing 32.9% of the total area occupied. Their strong spatial dispersion, along with their narrow endemism, is a major conservation challenge. We conclude that the current protected area network is insufficient to protect the rich assemblage of cacti endemic to the Chihuahuan Desert. Conservation efforts in this region should be enhanced by increasing the effectiveness of the already existing protected areas and by the creation of additional protected areas, specifically micro-reserves, to provide refuge for the unprotected species.
The processes that threaten Indonesian plants
Authors: Budiharta Sugeng , Widyatmoko Didik , Irawati  , Wiriadinata Harry , Rugayah  , Partomihardjo Tukirin , Ismail  , Uji Tahan , Keim Ary Prihardhyanto , Wilson Kerrie A.
Published: May 2011

The processes that threaten 240 Indonesian threatened plants were identified and categorized based on a comprehensive review of the published literature and elicitation of information from experts. Intrinsic biological factors and habitat loss are the major causes of plant endangerment in Indonesia (affecting 83 and 82% of species respectively), followed by overexploitation (64%) and natural factors (6%). The dominant threats vary between major plant groups, with habitat loss being particularly important for palms and trees, and biological factors important for orchids. For all studied plant species three sets of inter-related threatening processes (threat syndromes) were identified that differed among the major plant groups. By identifying and evaluating the processes that threaten plants in Indonesia we provide knowledge to guide their future conservation.
Distribution, status and conservation of a Critically Endangered, extremely narrow endemic: Lamyropsis microcephala (Asteraceae) in Sardinia
Authors: Fenu Giuseppe , Mattana Efisio , Bacchetta Gianluigi
Published: May 2011

The aims of this work were to verify the distribution and population size of Lamyropsis microcephala (Asteraceae), characterize its habitat, assess its conservation status and initiate conservation measures for this Critically Endangered species. Distribution was determined by field surveys and mapping. To estimate population size and density 81 permanent monitoring plots were randomly established. Ex situ conservation measures were activated by harvesting and appropriate storage of seed. We confirmed the presence of L. microcephala at two previously known sites and found it in two previously unknown localities. The areas in which the species occur vary from 200 to 240,000 m2, at altitudes of 1,450–1,820 m, on slopes of 15–45° with aspects from north to west. The estimated number of ramets per population varied from c. 2,000 to c. 2,000,000, with a mean density of 8.29 ± SD 14.3 to 10.33 ± SD 10.05 ramets m-2. Our findings confirmed the Critically Endangered status of this species, although with different criteria. This study is an example of an integrated approach for the conservation of an extremely narrow endemic plant species and may be useful for other little-known threatened species for which urgent conservation measures are needed.
Conservation assessment of Aquilegia paui (Ranunculaceae): a case study of an extremely narrow endemic
Authors: Martinell M. Carmen , López-Pujol Jordi , Blanché Cèsar , Molero Julián , Sàez Llorenç
Published: May 2011

The extremely rare Aquilegia paui (Ranunculaceae) was described in 1920 but was not found again until 1999, when it was discovered in the Parc Natural dels Ports in Tarragona Province, Spain. This species had been confused with the widespread A. vulgaris and consequently its taxonomic and conservation status had been misinterpreted. Based on the limited range of A. paui and the level of disturbance of its habitat we recommend that it is categorized as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. We summarize the conservation actions available for such extremely narrow endemic plant species and make appropriate recommendations for the conservation of A. paui.
Amphilochius of Iconium and Lycaonian Asceticism
Authors: Thonemann Peter
Published: May 2011

Non-orthodox Christian asceticism in Late Antiquity is known to us largely through the distorting lens of orthodox heresiology. This paper aims to reassess the character of the ascetic communities of rural Lycaonia in the fourth centurya.d. in the light of the surviving funerary and ecclesiastical epigraphy, including three inscriptions published here for the first time. We are fortunate to be able to read these texts in the light of a neglected work of orthodox polemic, Amphilochius’Against False Asceticism, the work of an embattled orthodox bishop at Iconium in the late 370sa.d. This treatise formed part of a successful campaign to stigmatize the Lycaonian ascetics as heretics, a position which was enshrined in Theodosius’ anti-heretical legislation ofa.d. 381–3.
Galen and Libraries in thePeri Alupias
Authors: Nicholls Matthew C.
Published: May 2011

This article examines the implications of Galen's newly-rediscoveredPeri Alupias (On Consolation from Grief)for our understanding of the function and contents of public libraries in late second-centurya.d. Rome. As a leading intellectual figure at Rome, Galen's detailed testimony substantially increases what we know of imperial public libraries in the city. In particular, the article considers Galen's description of his use of the Palatine libraries and a nearby storage warehouse, his testimony on the contents, organization, and cataloguing of the books he found there, and his use of provincial public libraries for the dissemination of his own works.
Evolution of neuroendocrine mechanisms linking attachment and life history: The social neuroendocrinology of middle childhood
Authors: Flinn Mark V. , Muehlenbein Michael P. , Ponzi Davide
Published: May 2011

An extended period of childhood and juvenility is a distinctive aspect of human life history. This stage appears to be important for learning cultural, social, and ecological skills that help prepare the child for the adult socio-competitive environment. The unusual pattern of adrenarche in humans (and chimpanzees) may facilitate adaptive modification of the neurobiological mechanisms that underpin reproductive strategies. Longitudinal monitoring of DHEA/S in naturalistic context could provide important new insights into these aspects of child development.
Administration of cyclosporin A to recipients improves the potential of mouse somatic cell nuclear-transferred oocytes to develop to fetuses
Authors: Tsuji Yuta , Kato Yoko , Tsunoda Yukio
Published: May 2011

Somatic cell nuclear-transferred (SCNT) oocytes have a high potential for development in vitro, but a large proportion of embryos that are transferred to recipients is aborted before parturition. The precise mechanism for the high abortion rate is unknown, but abnormal placenta formation is frequently observed in SCNT-cloned pregnancies. The present study examined the effects of treating the recipients with cyclosporin A (CsA), an immunoprotectant, on the proportion of fetuses resulting from SCNT-cloned pregnancies. Cloned embryos developed from enucleated oocytes and receiving cumulus cells from F1 (C57BL/6 × DBA, H-2b/d) females were transferred to outbred ICR (in which the H-2 complex was not fixed) recipient females. Each recipient received an intraperitoneal injection of CsA or vehicle. Compared with vehicle, administration of CsA to recipients on day 4.5 of pregnancy significantly increased the proportion of fetuses observed on day 10.5. The proportion of fetuses at day 18.5 of pregnancy in recipients receiving CsA treatment was slightly higher than that in controls. This study is the first to report that CsA administration increases the proportion of fetuses resulting from SCNT-cloned pregnancies.
Involvement of cAMP and calmodulin in endocytic yolk uptake duringXenopus laevisoogenesis
Authors: Luque Melchor Emilio , Serrano María de los Angeles , Mónaco María Eugenia , Villecco Evelina Inés , Sánchez Sara Serafina
Published: May 2011

The aim of the present study was to show the participation and physiological role of calmodulin (CaM) and cAMP during vitellogenin endocytic uptake in the amphibianXenopus laevis. The results showed a differential distribution of CaM in the ovary follicles during oogenesis. The CaM intracellular localization was not affected by gap junction's downregulation and CaM inhibition did not completely abolished the endocytic activity of oocytes. We showed that cAMP was able to completely rescue the endocytic competence in follicles in which gap junctional communication had been disrupted by octanol. Moreover cAMP was capable of restoring oocyte endocytic capability in the presence of octanol and stelazine, a CaM inhibitor. We propose that, in Vtg uptake regulation, cAMP is upstream of CaM during the endocytic signalling pathway.
Rhabdomyoma of the interventricular septum presenting as a Brugada phenocopy
Authors: Nguyen Timothy , Smythe John , Baranchuk Adrian
Published: May 2011

Brugada syndrome is a channelopathy characterised electrocardiographically by distinctive coved ST-segment elevation in the right precordial leads and is associated with a predisposition for sudden death secondary to ventricular arrhythmias in otherwise healthy patients. Previously known as Brugada-like patterns, Brugada phenocopies include agents and conditions that mimic true Brugada syndrome, presenting with an acquired Brugada Type-1 ECG pattern. We describe the first reported case of a 17-month-old female with an asymptomatic rhabdomyoma of the interventricular septum that presented as a Brugada phenocopy.
Left cervical aortic arch associated with multiple vascular anomalies
Authors: Balthazar Jacob José Luiz
Published: May 2011

Cervical aortic arch is a rare anomaly occasionally associated with other cardiovascular abnormalities. We present a case of tortuous left cervical aortic arch associated with hypoplastic transverse arch, coarctation of the aorta, and right brachiocephalic arteries arising below the coarctation and stenotic origin of the left subclavian artery. These multiple anatomic anomalies, which are associated in our case, have not been described in a single patient previously.
Metacognitive Monitoring in Moderate and Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Chiou Kathy S. , Carlson Richard A. , Arnett Peter A. , Cosentino Stephanie A. , Hillary Frank G.
Published: May 2011

The ability to engage in self-reflective processes is a capacity that may be disrupted after neurological compromise; research to date has demonstrated that patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) show reduced awareness of their deficits and functional ability compared to caretaker or clinician reports. Assessment of awareness of deficit, however, has been limited by the use of subjective measures (without comparison to actual performance) that are susceptible to report bias. This study used concurrent measurements from cognitive testing and confidence judgments about performance to investigate in-the-moment metacognitive experiences after moderate and severe traumatic brain injury. Deficits in metacognitive accuracy were found in adults with TBI for some but not all indices, suggesting that metacognition may not be a unitary construct. Findings also revealed that not all indices of executive functioning reliably predict metacognitive ability. (JINS, 2011,17, 720–731)
Improvement of meal composition by vegetable variety
Authors: Bucher Tamara , van der Horst Klazine , Siegrist Michael
Published: May 2011

Objective

Our physical environment influences our daily food choices unconsciously. Strategic changes in the food environment might therefore be potential measures to influence consumers’ food selection towards better nutrition, without affecting the consumers’ freedom of choice. The present study aimed to examine whether increased vegetable variety enhances healthy food choices and improves meal composition.

Design

A randomised experiment.

Setting

Participants were instructed to serve themselves a lunch from a buffet of food replicas. Individuals were randomly assigned to one of three food combinations: condition A – cooked carrots, pasta and chicken; condition B – cooked green garden beans, pasta and chicken; condition AB – carrot sticks, green garden beans, pasta and chicken. Two one-vegetable conditions were compared with one two-vegetable condition. Data from Zurich, Switzerland, were analysed using one-way ANOVA.

Subjects

Ninety-eight students (fifty-three men; mean age 22·8 (sd 2·2) years, minimum = 19 years, maximum = 29 years).

Results

Participants who could choose from two vegetables derived significantly more energy (141 kJ) from vegetables compared with participants in the one-vegetable condition (104 and 84 kJ, respectively). Furthermore, in the two-vegetable condition, the relative energy of the meal derived from vegetables (10·9 %) increased significantly compared with the one-vegetable condition (8 % and 6·1 %, respectively). The total energy content of the meal (mean 1472 (sd 468) kJ) was not affected by the experimental manipulation.

Conclusions

Having a choice of vegetables increases a person's tendency to choose vegetables and leads to the selection of a more balanced meal. Serving an assortment of vegetables as side dishes might be a simple and effective strategy to improve food selection.
Relationship of homestead food production with night blindness among children below 5 years of age in Bangladesh
Authors: Campbell Ashley A , Akhter Nasima , Sun Kai , de Pee Saskia , Kraemer Klaus , Moench-Pfanner Regina , Rah Jee H , Badham Jane , Bloem Martin W , Semba Richard D
Published: May 2011

Objective

To examine the relationship between homestead food production and night blindness among pre-school children in rural Bangladesh in the presence of a national vitamin A supplementation programme.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

A population-based sample of six rural divisions of Bangladesh assessed in the Bangladesh Nutrition Surveillance Project 2001–2005.

Subjects

A total of 158 898 children aged 12–59 months.

Results

The prevalence rates of night blindness in children among those who did and did not receive vitamin A capsules in the last 6 months were 0·07 % and 0·13 %, respectively. Given the known effect of vitamin A supplementation on night blindness, the analysis was stratified by children's receipt of vitamin A capsules in the last 6 months. Among children who did not receive vitamin A capsules in the last 6 months, the lack of a home garden was associated with increased odds of night blindness (OR = 3·16, 95 % CI 1·76, 5·68; P = 0·0001). Among children who received vitamin A capsules in the last 6 months, the lack of a home garden was not associated with night blindness (OR = 1·28, 95 % CI 0·71, 2·31; P = 0·4).

Conclusions

Homestead food production confers a protective effect against night blindness among pre-school children who missed vitamin A supplementation in rural Bangladesh.
Morphology of Foliar Trichomes of the Chinese Cork OakQuercus variabilisby Electron Microscopy and Three-Dimensional Surface Profiling
Authors: Kim Ki Woo , Cho Do-Hyun , Kim Pan-Gi
Published: May 2011

Morphology of foliar trichomes was analyzed inQuercus variabilisby electron microscopy and three-dimensional surface profiling. Leaves from suppressed or dominant sprouts of the oak species were collected after a forest fire to unravel the effects of the disturbance factor on sprouting of the oak species. Scanning electron microscopy revealed two types of trichomes depending on the leaf surface. The trichomes on the adaxial surface were branched and constricted, and possessed a single row of thin-walled cells with a collapsed morphology (glandular branched uniseriate trichomes). Meanwhile, the trichomes on the abaxial surface were star-shaped, unfused with each other, and had 6 to 10 rays (nonglandular simple stellate trichomes). An apparent proliferation of trichomes was evident on the adaxial surface of the dominant sprouts. Uniseriate trichomes could be discernable as an elevation from the surface by white light scanning interferometry. By transmission electron microscopy, thin and convoluted cell wall, degenerated cytoplasm, and a single row of cells were characteristic of the trichomes on the adaxial surface. The thick cell walls of the mature trichomes on the abaxial surface represented the nonglandular nature. This is the first report on the morphological and ultrastructural characterization of foliar trichomes of the oak species.
Determination of fetal chromosome aberrations from fetal DNA in maternal blood: has the challenge finally been met?
Authors: Hahn Sinuhe , Lapaire Olav , Tercanli Sevgi , Kolla Varaprasad , Hösli Irene
Published: May 2011

The analysis of cell-free fetal nucleic acids in maternal blood for prenatal diagnosis has been transformed by several recent profound technology developments. The most noteworthy of these are ‘digital PCR’ and ‘next-generation sequencing’ (NGS), which might finally deliver the long-sought goal of noninvasive detection of fetal aneuploidy. Recent data, however, indicate that NGS might even be able to offer a much more detailed appraisal of the fetal genome, including paternal and maternal inheritance of point mutations for mendelian disorders such as β-thalassaemia. Although these developments are very exciting, in their current form they are still too complex and costly, and will need to be simplified considerably for their optimal translation to the clinic. In this regard, targeted NGS does appear to be a step in the right direction, although this should be seen in the context of ongoing progress with the isolation of fetal cells and with proteomic screening markers.
Phenomenology of the subtypes of delirium: Phenomenological differences between hyperactive and hypoactive delirium
Authors: Boettger Soenke , Breitbart William
Published: May 2011

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in phenomenology between hypoactive and hyperactive subtypes of delirium, and specifically to determine the comparative prevalence of perceptual disturbances (e.g., hallucinations) and delusions in these two subtypes of delirium.

Method:

We conducted an analysis of Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale (MDAS) items in a set of 100 delirium cases evaluated and treated at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) utilizing an MSKCC Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved Clinical Delirium Database. Individual MDAS items, reflecting the phenomenology of delirium, were compared in delirious patients classified as to motoric subtype (hypoactive versus hyperactive based on MDAS item no. 9, psychomotor activity). Particular attention was paid to differences between subtypes as to the prevalence of perceptual disturbances (MDAS item no. 7) and delusions (MDAS item no. 8).

Results:

Significant differences were found between hyperactive and hypoactive subtypes of delirium for the presence and severity of perceptual disturbances and delusions; with perceptual disturbances (e.g., hallucinations) and delusions being significantly more prevalent in hyperactive than in hypoactive delirium. The prevalence of perceptual disturbances was 50.9% and the prevalence of delusions was 43.4% in patients with hypoactive delirium. In patients with hyperactive delirium, the prevalence of perceptual disturbances was 70.2% and the prevalence of delusions was 78.7%. The prevalence of perceptual disturbances and delusions in both subtypes of delirium was significantly correlated with the presence of moderate-to-severe disturbance of consciousness/arousal (MDAS item no. 1) and attention impairment (MDAS item no. 5), but was not correlated with the presence of moderate-to-severe cognitive impairment (MDAS item nos. 2–4).

Significance of results:

Contrary to earlier studies, which indicated extremely low prevalence rates of perceptual disturbances (e.g., hallucinations) and delusion in hypoactive delirium, our study demonstrates that the prevalence of perceptual disturbances and delusions in hypoactive delirium is much higher than previously reported (50.9% and 43.4%, respectively), and deserving of clinical attention and intervention.
Parent self-efficacy for managing pain in seriously ill children and adolescents nearing end of life
Authors: Byrne Mary W. , Evan Elana , Goshin Lorie S. , Erlich Matthew D. , Kim Jackie H.J. , Saroyan John M. , Zeltzer Lonnie K.
Published: May 2011

Objective:

Using data from a multi-site study of parent–child symptom reporting concordance, this secondary analysis explored the role of parent self-efficacy related to pain management for seriously ill school-age children and adolescents.

Method:

In the initial study, 50 children and adolescents who were expected to survive 3 years or less were recruited along with their parent/primary caregiver. Parent self-report data were used in this secondary analysis to describe parent self-efficacy for managing their child's pain, caregiver strain, mood states, and perception of the child's pain; to explore relationships among these variables; and to determine predictors of greater self-efficacy.

Results:

Parents expressed a wide range of self-efficacy levels (Chronic Pain Self-Efficacy Scale; possible range 10–100, mean 76.2,SD14.7) and higher levels on average than reported previously by family caregivers of adult patients. Caregiver Strain Index scores were markedly high (possible range 0–13, mean 8.1,SD3.8) and inversely correlated with self-efficacy (r = −0.44,p = 0.001). On the Profile of Mood States parents reported more negative moods (t = 4.0,p < 0.001) and less vigor (t = −5.0,p < 0.001) than adults in a normative sample, yet vigor rather than mood disturbance predicted self-efficacy. With the exception of child age, self-efficacy was not associated with demographics (child gender, ethnicity, household income, parent age, education, family size) or with the diagnostic groups (primarily cardiac and oncologic) comprising the sample. Younger child age, less caregiver strain, more parent vigor, and parent perception that child is without pain predicted more than half of the variance in parent self-efficacy (R2 = 0.51).

Significance of results:

Findings advance knowledge of parent self-efficacy in managing the pain of a child with life-threatening illness. Results can be used to design supportive interventions enhancing parents’ caregiving roles during their child's last stages of life.
Inter-rater reliability of the Bereavement Risk Assessment Tool
Authors: Rose Caelin , Wainwright Wendy , Downing Michael , Lesperance Mary
Published: May 2011

Objective:

The Bereavement Risk Assessment Tool (BRAT) was designed to consistently communicate information affecting bereavement outcomes; to predict the risk for difficult or complicated bereavement based on information obtained before the death; to consider resiliency as well as risk; and to assist in the efficacy and consistency of bereavement service allocation. Following initial development of the BRAT's 40 items and its clinical use, this study set out to test the BRAT for inter-rater reliability along with some basic validity measures.

Method:

Case studies were designed based on actual patients and families from a hospice palliative care program. Bereavement professionals were recruited via the internet. Thirty-six participants assessed BRAT items in 10 cases and then estimated one of 5 levels of risk for each case. These were compared with an expert group's assignment of risk.

Results:

Inter-rater reliability for the 5-level risk scores yielded a Fleiss’ kappa of 0.37 and an intra-class correlation (ICC) of 0.68 (95% CI 0.5-0.9). By collapsing scores into low and high risk groups, a kappa of 0.63 and an ICC of 0.66 (95% CI 0.5-0.9) was obtained. Participant-estimated risk scores yielded a kappa of 0.24. Although opinion varied on the tool's length, participants indicated it was well organized and easy to use with potential in assessment and allocation of bereavement services. Limitations of the study include a small sample size and the use of case studies. Limitations of the tool include the subjectivity of some items and ambiguousness of unchecked items.

Significance of results:

The collapsed BRAT risk levels show moderately good inter-rater reliability over clinical judgement alone. This study provides introductory evidence of a tool that can be used both prior to and following a death and, in conjunction with professional judgment, can assess the likelihood of bereavement complications.
Developing the social distress scale for head and neck cancer outpatients in Japan
Authors: Deno Minako , Tashiro Mie , Miyashita Mitsunori , Asakage Takahiro , Takahashi Koji , Saito Kenich , Busujima Yasunobu , Mori Yoshiyuki , Saito Hiroto , Ichikawa Yuji
Published: May 2011

Objective:

This study assessed the factor structure, internal consistency, and concurrent and discriminant validity of a scale used to measure social distress in Japanese head and neck cancer outpatients with facial disfigurement.

Method:

The sample included 225 Japanese outpatients with head and neck cancer, including 129 patients with facial disfigurement. Participants' level of social distress was assessed through our scale, the European Organization for Research and Treatment Cancer questionnaire (EORTC) QLQ-H&N35 and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS).

Results:

Factor analyses confirmed the structure of two subscales of the social distress scale. Social distress was significantly correlated with the social contact subscale of the EORTC QLQ-H&N35 and the HADS.

Significance of results:

Results demonstrated preliminary reliability and validity of the social distress scale. This scale may extend social adjustment research by revealing its determinants and effects for head and neck cancer with facial disfigurement in Japan.
In the midnight hour: Cancer and nightmares. A review of theories and interventions in psycho-oncology
Authors: Wellisch David K. , Cohen Marie
Published: May 2011

Objectives:

The purposes of this study were: (1) to explore cancer patients' complaints of poor sleep, which often involve a combination of somatic symptoms and nightmares; and (2) to understand these sleep disturbances in the light of modern dream theories and intervention modalities.

Method:

 The literature search originated with several major articles (Revonsuo, 2000; Krakow & Zadra, 2006; Hobson, 2009) which then opened up the search through their references.  We also used the database PubMed, and employed the following key words:  cancer, nightmares/dreams, sleep disturbances, and dream theory. The literature search covered the interval between 1900 (Freud, 1900) and 2009. Our criteria for selecting studies included the most recent major review articles on the neuroscience of sleep and dreams; articles reviewing sleep disturbances in cancer patients and relevant treatments; and articles reviewing interventions for traumatic dreams.  Approximately 30 articles were deemed worthy of inclusion.

Results:

Thirty article/books/chapters met the criteria for relevance related to key theories and clinical interventions related to nightmares and traumatic dreams of cancer patients. Key concepts involve threat simulation theory and imagery rehearsal therapy in regard to theoretical and interventional paradigms significantly generalizable to cancer patients. The dream material included in this article presents patients' attempts to deal with complex threats such as intense dependency/ loss of self-sufficiency, disfigurement, and death. This is especially true with regard to the doctor–patient relationship at all stages of the illness and disease. Imagery rehearsal can facilitate empowerment in light of highly threatening and conflictual cancer-related dreams in which the patient feels helpless and victimized.

Significance of results:

This review offers a new lens on current dream theories and understanding of sleep disturbance in cancer patients as well as their familes and medical caregivers. Modern theories lead to opportunities for intervention that can both relieve symptoms and improve communication between medical caregivers and patients and families.
Being a parent and coping with cancer: Intervention development
Authors: Hasson-Ohayon Ilanit , Braun Michal
Published: May 2011

Objective:

Diagnosis of a parent's cancer has a profound influence on the parent, the children and the child–parent relationship, and puts all family members at risk for psychological distress. This article describes the development and the first attempts at implementation of an intervention aimed at helping people cope with difficulties arising from being both parents and cancer patients.

Methods:

Based on themes discussed in focus groups with parents coping with cancer and with professionals in the field, a four-module psychological intervention was developed. The modules are: Telling and Sharing, Children’ Responses, Routine and Changes, and Learning and Awareness as a Parent. The techniques used are mainly psycho-educational and cognitive–behavioral.

Results:

Preliminary experience showed this intervention to be more feasible as a one-day workshop than as a four-session intervention. Parents who participated in two workshops reported it to be helpful in empowering them as parents and in imparting learning tools for identifying their children's needs, as well as for communicating with their children.

Significance of results:

Intervention tailored specifically for parents coping with cancer can be relevant for their special needs. Research is needed to establish the effectiveness of this intervention.
An overlooked cause of seed degradation and its implications in the efficient exploitation of plant genetic resources
Authors: Fasoula Dionysia A.
Published: May 2011

The importance of plant genetic resources for the future of agricultural production and for achieving food security necessitates the study of the factors affecting their most efficient exploitation, particularly in breeding programmes. The established negative correlation between competitive and yielding ability is emerging as an important, yet overlooked cause of seed and variety degradation. Because of this negative correlation, the low yielding, strong competing plants within the variety or the germplasm under study acquire a survival advantage over the high yielding, weak competing plants when propagated under dense stands, leading to a gradual cultivar degeneration and identity loss. Moreover, this gradual degeneration prevents selecting for the positive and novel adaptive variation that is endlessly released by the genome in response to biotic (e.g. mutating pathogens) and abiotic stresses. The application of nonstop selection on individual plants grown in the absence of competition using a novel selection equation demonstrates an effective means to counteract the negative effects and accelerate progress through selection.
Protein disulphide isomerase family in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.): protein structure and expression analysis
Authors: Paolacci A. R. , Ciaffi M. , Dhanapal A. P. , Tanzarella O. A. , Porceddu E. , d'Aloisio E.
Published: May 2011

The deduced amino-acid sequences of 17 protein disulphide isomerase (PDI) and PDI-like cDNAs of wheat assigned to nine homoeologous groups were searched for conserved motives by comparison with characterized sequences in different protein databases. The wheat protein sequences encoded by genes of different homoelogous groups showed a high level of structural similarity with the corresponding protein sequences of other species clustering into the same phylogenetic group. The proteins of five groups (I–V) share two thioredoxin-like active domains and show structural similarities with the corresponding proteins of higher eukaryotes, whereas those of the remaining three groups (VI–VIII) contain a single thioredoxin-like active domain. The expression analysis of the nine non-homoeologous wheat genes, which was carried out by quantitative RT-PCR in developing caryopses and in seedlings subjected to temperature stresses, showed their constitutive although highly variable transcription rate. The comprehensive structural and transcriptional characterization of the PDI and PDI-like genes of wheat performed in this study represents a basis for future functional characterization of the PDI gene family in the hexaploid context of bread wheat.
Virtual reality in autism: state of the art
Authors: Bellani M. , Fornasari L. , Chittaro L. , Brambilla P.
Published: May 2011

Autism spectrum disorders are characterized by core deficits with regard to three domains, i.e. social interaction, communication and repetitive or stereotypic behaviour. It is crucial to develop intervention strategies helping individuals with autism, their caregivers and educators in daily life. For this purpose, virtual reality (VR), i.e. a simulation of the real world based on computer graphics, can be useful as it allows instructors and therapists to offer a safe, repeatable and diversifiable environment during learning. This mini review examines studies that have investigated the use of VR in autism.
Understanding Phoneme Segmentation Performance by Analyzing Abilities and Word Properties
Authors: Bouwmeester Samantha , van Rijen Elisabeth H. M. , Sijtsma Klaas
Published: May 2011

Several studies have demonstrated the relationship between phoneme segmentation ability and early reading performance, but so far it is unclear which abilities are involved, and which word properties contribute to the difficulty level of a segmentation task. Using a sample of 596 Dutch children, we investigated the abilities involved in segmenting the phonemes of 45 pseudowords that differed with respect to several properties. First, we found that a combination of short-term memory and speech perception explained variation in segmentation performance. Second, we found that a limited number of word property effects explained the difficulty level of pseudowords rather well. Finally, we constructed a high-reliability scale for measuring segmentation ability.
Psychometric Properties of the TEA Personality Test
Authors: Arribas-Águila David
Published: May 2011

The present study examined the psychometric properties of the TEA Personality Test (TPT) in a sample of 23,062 Spanish adults. The TPT is a self-report questionnaire to be answered using a four-point Likert scale to assess personality at work and it is the third most frequently used tool by work psychologists in Spain. The reliability and validity analyses indicated that the TPT has adequate psychometric properties for the Spanish sample analyzed. Ordinal α was used to calculate the internal consistency reliability of the scales. Results were higher than those of Cronbach’s α reported in the TPT’s technical manual (p < .001). Results from confirmatory factor analyses showed an acceptable goodness-of-fit for the theoretical three factors of the TPT’s work personality model reported in the technical manual. The findings support the reliability and construct validity of the TPT.
Effects of Target Audience on Emotion Regulation Strategies and Goals
Authors: Martini Tanya S.
Published: May 2011

The present work examines whether emotion regulation (ER) strategies and goals vary as a function of the interaction partner (i.e., the target audience). Participants (N = 237; Mage = 21 years) indicated the extent to which the target (mother, father, friend, acquaintance, boss) would influence (a) the likelihood of their using, and their feelings about using, five ER strategies (suppression, reappraisal, distraction, substitution, expression) and (b) their endorsement of self- and other-oriented ER goals. An interaction between target and ER strategy suggested that participants felt better about expression and reappraisal with all targets, but would be more likely to express negative emotion with emotionally close targets and control emotion with nonclose targets. Self-oriented ER goals were more likely to be endorsed with authority figures.
Reflection Versus Self-Reflection
Authors: Johnson Camille S. , Stapel Diederik A.
Published: May 2011

Positive self-views are known to benefit individuals. However, little attention has been paid to the means by which self-esteem is attained and the consequences associated with different paths to high self-esteem. The current studies suggest that positive self-esteem attained through self-reflection is associated with performance benefits, but that positive self-esteem attained by affiliation with successful others should not be associated with performance benefits. Two studies show that while both experiences similarly boost global self-esteem, only self-reflection has positive effects on performance.
The Effects of Priming-Induced Social Approach and Avoidance Goals on the Exploration of Goal-Relevant Stimuli
Authors: Krajewski Jarek , Sauerland Martin , Muessigmann Michael
Published: May 2011

This article presents an experiment testing the assumption that humans show clear avoidance reactions to possible nonbeneficial social contacts, even without conscious awareness. When the potential costs of interpersonal contacts are salient, people quickly respond to and extensively explore those situational configurations that are relevant to experimentally induced goals. A priming procedure was used to activate potential costs or benefits of interpersonal contacts or neutral aspects. To assess the unconscious activation of social approach or avoidance responses we chose three parameters reflecting participants’ eye movements on different pictures that contained (1) social and (2) nonsocial flight- and avoidance-relevant areas (areas of interest, AOI). Participants primed with the costs (benefits) of social contacts explored nonsocial (social) AOI on the presented pictures significantly longer than participants who were primed with the benefits (costs) of interpersonal contacts.
Perceptions of Gender Group Variability in Majority and Minority Contexts
Authors: Hewstone Miles , Crisp Richard J. , Turner Rhiannon N.
Published: May 2011

Two field studies demonstrated that majority and minority size moderate perceived group variability. In Study 1 we found an outgroup homogeneity (OH) effect for female nurses in the majority, but an ingroup homogeneity (IH) effect for a token minority of male nurses. In Study 2 we found similar effects in a different setting – an OH effect for policemen in the majority and an IH effect for policewomen in the minority. Although measures of visibility, status, and, especially, familiarity tended to show the same pattern as perceived variability, there was no evidence that they mediated perceived dispersion. Results are discussed in terms of group size, rather than gender, being moderators of perceived variability, and with reference to Kanter’s (1977a , 1977b ) theory of group proportions.
The Direct Sampling method to perform multiple‐point geostatistical simulations
Authors: Mariethoz Gregoire , Renard Philippe , Straubhaar Julien
Published: May 2011

Multiple‐point geostatistics is a general statistical framework to model spatial fields displaying a wide range of complex structures. In particular, it allows controlling connectivity patterns that have a critical importance for groundwater flow and transport problems. This approach involves considering data events (spatial arrangements of values) derived from a training image (TI). All data events found in the TI are usually stored in a database, which is used to retrieve conditional probabilities for the simulation. Instead, we propose to sample directly the training image for a given data event, making the database unnecessary. Our method is statistically equivalent to previous implementations, but in addition it allows extending the application of multiple‐point geostatistics to continuous variables and to multivariate problems. The method can be used for the simulation of geological heterogeneity, accounting or not for indirect observations such as geophysics. We show its applicability in the presence of complex features, nonlinear relationships between variables, and with various cases of nonstationarity. Computationally, it is fast, easy to parallelize, parsimonious in memory needs, and straightforward to implement.
Anomalous enhancement of ionospheric F2 layer critical frequency and total electron content over low latitudes before three recent major earthquakes in China
Authors: Sharma Kavita , Dabas R. S. , Sarkar S. K. , Das R. M. , Ravindran Sudha , Gwal A. K.
Published: May 2011

This paper reports unusual variations in the ionospheric total electron content (TEC) and the critical frequency of the F2 layer (foF2) a few days before the main shock of three major earthquakes (M > 6). Epicenters of these earthquakes are distributed in China. Ionospheric data, recorded by an Indian network of ionosonde and GPS receivers at Delhi (28.6°N, 77.2°E), Bhopal (23.29°N, 77.46°E), and Trivandrum (8.4°N, 76.6°E) are analyzed to find seismoionospheric signatures of three recent major earthquakes in China. The results clearly indicate large enhancements in foF2 and TEC on geomagnetic quiet days, observed mainly at a low‐latitude station in Delhi, which is nearest to the earthquake epicenters. The anomalous behavior of foF2 and TEC appeared 1–4 days before the main shock and especially during 1100–1700 LT. However, the ionospheric foF2 and TEC variability at the equatorial station Trivandrum and equatorial anomaly station Bhopal did not show any significant changes, thereby indicating the localized nature of such unusual ionospheric variations. The observed results suggest that the unusual enhancements of ionospheric foF2 and TEC over Delhi a few days before the main shock of each earthquake are most likely due to a seismoionospheric link.