bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparison of two measures of quality of life: their sensitivity and validity for patients with advanced cancer
Authors: Higginson Irene J , McCarthy Mark
Published: November 2007

We compared two measures that have been used by professionals to assess the quality of life and care of patients wtih advanced cancer. The Support Team Assessment Schedule (STAS) is an instrument for palliative cancer support teams to record and evaluate their care; the Hebrew Rehabilitation Centre for the Aged Quality of Life (HRCA-QL) index was used in the National Hospice Study (USA) to assess patients with advanced cancer. STAS has 17 items, each scaled 0 (best) to 4 (worst), and HRCA-QL has five items scaled 0 (worst) to 2 (best). The STAS and the HRCA-QL were assessed contemporaneously by the members of one support team on 128 consecutive patients referred over 17 months. Seventy-four patients spent more than four weeks in care. Ratings for four out of five HRCA-QL items deteriorated significantly in the four to six weeks before death. HRCA-QL index items correlated with similar STAS items. Correlations were highest at referral, especially in patients seen more than four weeks before death (e.g. symptom control (STAS) with health (HRCA-QL) Spearman's p = -0.64) and the HRCA-QL total was correlated with STAS subtotal of six items (p = -0.45). There were few correlations at death. The findings support the validity of both measures for the aspects compared, but indicated that STAS was more sensitive to changes in patients in the last six weeks of life.
Management of spinal infusions in palliative care
Authors: Hicks F. , Simpson KH , Tosh GC
Published: November 2007

Spinal analgesia can provide excellent pain relief for a small group of patients in whom conventional modalities have failed. The role of spinal analgesia in the palliative care setting is discussed and illustrated by the experience at St Gemma's Hospice over a two-year period. Special emphasis is placed on the difficulties that may need to be overcome when using this form of analgesia. The management of spinal infusions can produce some unique problems to the hospice or home care team, but the benefits often far outweigh the difficulties.
Medical and nursing problems of children with neurodegenerative disease
Authors: Helen Anne Hunt , Burne Roger
Published: November 2007

Little is written on the management of problems encountered by children with neurodegenerative disease. Whilst the conditions are individually rare, as a group of diseases they pose a considerable burden on the child, the family and the community. This study describes the 127 children with neurodegenerative disease who were admitted to Helen House, a hospice for children, from the time of opening in November 1982 until the end of 1993. The great majority of the conditions were genetic in origin and nearly one-third of the families had had two or more children with the same disease. Seventy-four (58%) of the children have died, with nearly half dying at home. The course of the disease was in many cases chronic and these children presented with multiple medical and nursing problems. Examination of the problems recorded in 1993 revealed that nearly all the children had no speech, or speech was impaired. Most were either totally immobile or had considerably reduced mobility. Seventy per cent of the children had feeding problems and one-quarter were fed through a nasogastric tube or gastrostomy. Thirty-five per cent of the children suffered pain on occasions, with muscle spasm being the main identifiable source of pain. Practical suggestions are made for the management of these children.
The death of a twin
Authors: Bryan Elizabeth M
Published: November 2007

Death or disability is much more common in multiple births than single children, especially in the perinatal period. Parents face particular problems in that their loss may be underestimated; their grieving may be impeded by the confusion between the live and the dead baby, and the constant reminder in the survivor may be painful. The surviving twin often suffers profoundly from the loss and may need lifelong support. The value of the twinship should always be respected.
Rehydration in palliative and terminal care: if not- why not?
Authors: Dunphy Kilian , Finlay Ilora , Rathbone Gillian , Gilbert James , Hicks Fiona
Published: November 2007

Patients who are in the last few days of life are often too frail to take oral fluids and nutrition. This may be due entirely to the natural history of their disease, although the use of sedative drugs for symptom relief may contribute to a reduced level of consciousness and thus a reduced oral intake. Rehydration with intravenous (i.v.) fluids is the usual response in acute care settings, whereas the hospice movement has often argued against this approach. The issues are complex and involve not only physical, psychological and social concerns, but also ethical dilemmas. A review of the literature gives conflicting reports of the physical discomfort that may be attributed to dehydration in dying patients. There are many confounding variables, including the concomitant use of antisecretory drugs, mouth breathing and oral infection. It remains unproven whether i.v. fluids offer symptomatic relief in this situation. Hospice doctors are concerned that the use of i.v. fluids gives confusing messages to relatives about the role of medical intervention at this stage in a patient's illness. A drip may cause a physical barrier between a patient and their loved one at this important time. The use of other methods of fluid replacement are discussed. In the absence of definitive research in this area, the balance of the burdens and benefits of such treatment remains subjective. The prime goal of any treatment in terminal care should be the comfort of the patient. Decisions should be made on an individual basis, involving both patients and their carers wherever possible. Prolonging life in such circumstances is of secondary concern and i.v. fluids given in this context may be futile. The ethical dilemmas of withholding and withdrawing medical treatment in addition to those of conducting research in this area are discussed.
Laser therapy in the palliation of dysphagia in oesophageal malignancy
Authors: Lewis-Jones CM , Sturgess R. , Ellershaw JE
Published: November 2007

Dysphagia is a distressing symptom commonly found in patients with oesophageal malignancy. Endoscopic laser therapy, in isolation or in conjunction with other treatments, can offer effective palliation.

The procedure is outlined together with discussion of the advantages and complications of this technique.
Case report: confusion responding to dexamethasone in a patient with cancer of the prostate
Authors: Wilcock Andrew , Twycross Robert
Published: November 2007

A case report is presented of confusion (delirium) in a 78-year-old man with cancer of the prostate, but no cerebral secondaries, which cleared rapidly after the administration of dexamethasone.
A population-based study of the coverage of cancer patients by hospice services
Authors: Hunt Roger , McCaul Kieran
Published: November 2007

The aims were to determine the proportion of terminal cancer patients in South Australia who had involvement with a programme of hospice care, to identify the predictors of hospice involvement, and to consider the influence of hospice services, along with other variables, on the place of death. A file of patients of the State's hospice services who died in 1990 was compiled and linked to the population-based Central Cancer Register.

We found that 1561 (56%) of the 2800 cancer patients who died in 1990 had care from a hospice service. Patients were less likely to be involved with a hospice service if they were 80 years or older, lived in a rural region, or had a haematological malignancy, and more likely to have hospice care it they had a survival time of more than six months, or were born in the UK or Europe. Patients of hospice services were more likely than other patients to die at home or in an inpatient hospice, and less likely to die in a nursing home or private hospital. A range of other factors were also found to be associated with place of death.

We conclude that there has been a rapid acceptance of hospice care in South Australia, with a majority of the target population of cancer patients covered by services. Epidemiological research methods are useful for identifying gaps in the provision of care, and for determining the impact of various factors on where people die. This research is, therefore, important for the formulation and evaluation of policy for the delivery of terminal care.
Acupuncture for the relief of cancer-related breathlessness
Authors: Filshie Jacqueline , Penn Katherine , Ashley Sue , Davis Carol L
Published: November 2007

The palliation of cancer-related breathlessness is challenging and complex. An open pilot study was conducted, exploring the safety and efficacy of acupuncture in 20 patients who were breathless at rest and whose breathlessness was directly related to primary or secondary malignancy. Sternal and LI4 acupuncture points were used. Outcome measures included pulse, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and patient-rated visual analogue scales of breathlessness, pain, anxiety and relaxation. At each time point the mean values of the variables were calculated and compared to their pre treatment levels (Student's t-test). Seventy per cent (14/20) of patients reported marked symptomatic benefit from treatment; there were significant changes in VAS scores of breathlessness, relaxation and anxiety at least up to 6 hours post acupuncture which were measured to be maximal at 90 minutes ( p < 0.005, p < 0.001, respectively). There was a significant reduction in respiratory rate, which was sustained for 90 minutes post acupuncture ( p < 0.02). The therapeutic value of acupuncture in the management of breathlessness requires further evaluation.
Perceptions of a 'good' death: a comparative study of the views of hospice staff and patients
Authors: Payne SA , Langley-Evans A. , Hillier R.
Published: November 2007

The literature suggests that health professionals working in palliative care have developed an idealised concept of dying which has been labelled the 'good' death. This paper reports the results of a preliminary qualitative study which compared the concepts of a 'good' death used by patients and staff in a palliative care unit. Semistructured interviews designed to elicit perceptions of 'good' and 'bad' deaths were conducted with 18 patients and 20 health professionals. The transcribed interviews were content analysed. There were major differences between the views of patients and staff. The patients' descriptions of a 'good' death were diverse and included: dying in one's sleep, dying quietly, with dignity, being pain free and dying suddenly. In comparison, staff characterised a 'good' death in terms of adequate symptom control, family involvement, peacefulness and lack of distress, while a 'bad' death was described as involving uncontrolled symptoms, lack of acceptance and being young. The findings suggest that patients and staff differ in their conceptualisations of a 'good' death.
Dextromoramide pharmacokinetics following sublingual administration
Authors: Jones TE , Morris RG , Saccoia NC , Thorne D.
Published: November 2007

The extent of absorption and other pharmacokinetic parameters of dextromoramide following sublingual administration were assessed in five patients receiving chronic opioid analgesia. The use of the standard 5 mg tablet formulation was associated with negligible absorption in two patients, a prolonged time to peak concentration in the other three and substantial variability in clearance. The study concluded that the standard tablet formulation cannot be recommended for sublingual use where reliable, rapid onset analgesia is required.
How do members of an interprofessional clinical team adjust to hospice care?
Authors: Fisher M.
Published: November 2007

A study was carried out involving interviewing and facilitating a workshop for members of an interprofessional hospice team: nurses, doctors, a physiotherapist, a chaplain and a counsellor. Its aim was to explore how the members adjusted to working with people who are dying and people who are bereaved and whether a developmental model of adjustment from American hospital social work practice could be applied to British interprofessional hospice care. It was found that all participants experienced adjustment to hospice care as a continuous rather than a developmental process with an end point.
Videofluoroscopic evaluation of dysphagia in motor neurone disease with modified barium swallow
Authors: Wright Rer , Jordan C.
Published: November 2007

The role of videofluoroscopy with the modified barium swallow in the assessment and management of motor neurone disease (MND) is discussed. Nine patients (age range 40-82) with dysphagia secondary to MND were assessed over a four-year period. The examinations were carried out by a multiprofessional team of radiologist, speech and language therapist and dietitian assessing the preoral, oral and pharyngeal phases of swallowing. Preoral feeding abnormalities were present in four out of nine patients, oral phase abnormalities in eight out of nine patients, while 33% of patients demonstrated abnormality in all three phases. Where aspiration occurred (four out of nine cases), no cough reflex was noted. On the basis of these examinations management changes were introduced in all patients. Nonoral feeding was continued or introduced in three patients. Videofluoroscopic examination with the modified barium swallow may be helpful in planning suitable feeding regimes for dysphagia in MND.
A comparison of hospice and hospital care for people who die: views of the surviving spouse
Authors: Seale Clive , Kelly Moira
Published: November 2007

To compare the quality of inpatient care for dying people in St Christopher's Hospice, London and nearby hospitals in 1994 and make comparisons with earlier studies of the same setting, interviews were undertaken with spouses of people who had died from cancer in these settings, matched by age and sex.

The subjects comprised 66 people who had died in 1994, 33 of whom had died in the hospice, 33 in local hospitals. The mean age was 70.2, 61 % were male.

The hospice group were more likely to know that they were dying and less likely to be admitted as emergencies. Treatment for pain, breathlessness and nausea from both sources provided relief in almost all cases. Most information about the illness was given by hospital doctors before hospice care occurred. Where it occurred, communication by hospice staff was judged better than that by hospital doctors. Staff in hospitals were more likely to be judged 'very busy'. Hospice respondents were less likely to want improvements, and more likely to judge the institution as being 'like a family'. Earlier studies had shown a trend for symptom control to have improved in hospitals but for difference in the psychosocial climate to favour the hospice. By 1994, this latter difference was still obtained.

We stress the role of hospital staff and general practitioners in helping patients accept a terminal prognosis, so that better-planned care can proceed. The busy public atmosphere of some hospital wards may not be conducive to the good care of dying people.
The incidence of suicide in palliative care patients
Authors: Grzybowska Pola , Finlay Ilora
Published: November 2007

Anecdotal reports from hospices show a low incidence of suicide, yet depression is increased in cancer patients, and the likelihood of suicide is increased in depressed patients. Suicide would be expected to be more common in terminally ill patients.

A postal survey was undertaken of 43 palliative care units. They were asked to report the number of suicides, parasuicides and the total number of referrals for the five-year period from 1990 to 1994.

Thirty-four units replied (79%). Complete data were available from 24 (56%) units. Total referrals were 72 633 in the five-year period. Nine units (38%) had one or more suicides, with a total of 21 suicides reported. Sixteen units (67%) had one or more attempted suicides (total 37).

There are implications in the study both for direct patient care, but also data collection, staff support and training.
Postgraduate training in palliative medicine: the experience of the Sydney Institute of Palliative Medicine
Authors: Turner Kristen S , Norelle Lickiss J.
Published: November 2007

The experience of the Sydney Institute of Palliative Medicine (Australia) in providing training positions in palliative medicine for around 70 doctors is outlined. The history, development and the key characteristics of the training programme, as well as the nature and range of trainees and their outcome are discussed. Strengths and weaknesses of such a programme are appraised and strategic directions for the future enunciated.
Catchment planning and the nitrate issue: a U K perspective
Authors: Burt T.P. , Haycock N.E.
Published: November 2007

The imposition of strict water quality standards by the EC had prompted renewed interest in catchment planning in the UK. This article examines nitrogen cycling in rural catchments, placing particular emphasis on the delivery of nitrate to the stream system. Nitrate levels in UK freshwaters are reviewed. Over the last two decades increases in nitrate concentration have been noted for many rivers, both large and small; in many cases, this increase can be related to the intensification of agricultural practices. Evidence is presented which shows that nitrate concentrations in many lowland rivers are close to, and in some cases exceed, EC limits for nitrate in drinking water. In southeast England, only the chalk aquifer provides low-nitrate water at present, though evidence suggests that the unsaturated zone of the aquifer is already heavily polluted by nitrate. The possibility of controlling nitrate loss by managing land use is discussed, including the implications of recent EC legislation; the UK's pilot Nitrate Sensitive Area scheme is briefly reviewed. The paper ends with a description of the authors' own research on riparian buffer zones.
Nonmarine ostracods as Quaternary palaeoenvironmental indicators
Authors: Holmes Jonathan A.
Published: November 2007

Ostracods are small, bivalved crustaceans with calcitic shells that are often well preserved in Quaternary sediment sequences. Although ostracods are found in most types of water body, work on Quaternary faunas has focused on marine environments. This paper, however, reviews the significant contribution that ostracods have also made to the study of nonmarine environments, particularly lakes. Although much of the early work on ostracods was taxonomic, recent studies have dramatically improved our understanding of ostracod ecology. Aquatic chemistry, in particular, has been shown to be an important control on the occurrence of nonmarine species. However, data are still lacking from many parts of the world and for many species. A knowledge of such controls is vital if ostracods are to be used as palaeoenvironmental indicators. An exciting development over the past decade has been the use of ostracod shell chemistry as a palaeoenvironmental tool. The stable isotope composition of the shell has been used in a number of studies to provide important information on palaeohydrology and palaeoproductiv ity of lakes. Furthermore, the trace-element geochemistry of ostracod shells has been used most successfully as a palaeosalinity and palaeotemperature indicator. Although nonmarine ostracods have yet to be used routinely as Quaternary palaeoenvironmental indicators, it is clear that they will play an increasingly important role with the collection of more ecological data and the development of new techniques.
Atmospheric classifications and synoptic climatology
Authors: El-Kadi A.K.A. , Smithson P.A.
Published: November 2007

Methods of classifying the atmospheric circulation into pressure patterns or types are reviewed. These classifications are divided into three main categories according to the system of classification used by climatologists. The advantages and limitations of each classification approach are discussed. The Kirchhofer classification scheme shows more advantages than the others, whilst the subjective schemes showed considerable limitations and difficulties in their formulation and in the evaluation of their climatic patterns. The multistage classification could have considerable utility and application in the future.
Hydrology of temperate wetlands
Authors: Reed Denise J.
Published: November 2007

The importance of wetlands as habitats for a variety of fauna and as areas with specialized vegetation, as well as their economic importance in many areas, is now widely recognized. Hydrology is important to the function of wetland systems and fundamental to the definition and delimitation of wetland areas. The ability of various vegetation species to withstand various degrees of flooding or flooded soils is a main characteristic of all wetlands, and recent studies have indicated that such adaptations result in a zonation of species within wetlands. However, competition between species may be more important in determining zonation in tidal marshes. The impact of human alterations to natural hydrology on wetland function can be severe and pristine wetlands remain in only a few areas.
A review of aeolian transport processes in cold environments
Authors: McKenna Neuman Cheryl
Published: November 2007

Aeolian environments in Canada experience seasonally cold temperatures. The portion of the annual wind transport occurring between late autumn and early spring usually is perceived as trivial because low temperature transport is difficult to measure reliably, particularly in remote northern areas, and because warm climate based semi-empirical wind erosion models are intractable for temperatures below 0°C. Very little is known about the processes contributing to the phenomenal aeolian transport associated with the Pleistocene Epoch, but supply limiting factors were likely as important then as they are in contemporary high latitude environments, although the wind and solar radiation regimes of this glacial period are not exactly replicated. Field and simulation work on the boundary layer and surface controls, which include wind shear velocity, air density, sediment texture, pore water, snow, ice, and vegetation, suggests a complex system of interactions. Frozen and wet surfaces, traditionally viewed as stable, become very active under certain circumstances.
Developments in photogrammetry; the geomorphological potential
Authors: Lane S.N. , Richards K.S. , Chandler J.H.
Published: November 2007

Current emphasis in geomorphology recognizes the need for the accurate representation of topographic form, reflected in the growth of digital terrain and elevation modelling. A key requirement of such strategies is the efficient acquisition of information in an appropriate form and at an appropriate resolution to the landform under consideration. The traditional use of photographs in geomorphology has been for interpretation, but developments in photogrammetry may allow the full advantages of the photograph as a means of acquiring and storing quantitative information to be used. The photograph can provide information on all areas visible on a photograph; the information is acquired retrodictively; the photograph preserves the spatial relationship of morphological units; the collection of photographs requires minimal landform contact; the photograph records extra explanatory information; and photographs can be obtained at an appropriate temporal resolution to the landform under investigation. However, optical and mechanical limitations imposed by traditional photogrammetric approaches have prevented its rigorous and widespread application to geomorphology. Developments within photogrammetry, notably the analytical approach, now open up wider geomorphological possibilities. The analytical approach overcomes these limitations through the use of an interactive mathematical model at the stage of photographic analysis. The obtained information is in a form directly suited to the construction of digital terrain or elevation models. This technique can be used both for landform monitoring and for the analysis of archival photographs to reconstruct historical landform change.
Floristic plant geography: the classification of floristic areas and floristic elements
Authors: McLaughlin Steven P.
Published: November 2007

Floristic plant geography is concerned with narrow timescales, narrow to broad spatial scales and entire floras. A major objective is the identification and classification of floristic areas and floristic elements. The spatial scale of plant geography can be divided into three segments: microregional, mesoregional and macroregional. Microregional areas are those included within the boundaries of a single traditionally defined floristic province; mesoregional areas include entire floristic provinces or span the boundaries of two adjacent floristic provinces; and macroregional areas include several floristic provinces. At the microregional scale, species distributions appear as a continuum. The pattern of floristic areas and floristic elements is an emergent one found at macroregional scales. Methods for developing floristic classifications include qualitative modifica tions of previous classifications, visually inspecting and sorting range maps of taxa, and the use of complex numerical techniques requiring computer analyses. These numerical analyses require a database consisting of thorough, accurate lists of all (or selected) species present within various OGUs - subdivisions of or samples (local floras) from the region of interest. A matrix of association among OGUs - similarity, dissimilarity or distance - can be analysed by one or more techniques for clustering and ordination. Historical biogeographies, including vicariance biogeography and panbiogeography, are based on the assumption that most species are relatively old. It is likely, however, that major extinctions and speciation events have reshaped the world's flora every 20 000 to 100 000 years in response to cyclic variation in the earth's orbit. Floristic plant geography, with its detailed evaluation of modem patterns and whole floras, has thus much to contribute to a general understanding of biogeographic processes.
Beaches and dunes of human-altered coasts
Authors: Nordstrom Karl F.
Published: November 2007

Landforms are created, reshaped or eliminated to suit human needs. These alterations affect the mechanisms of change, freedom of movement, locations of sources and sinks for sediment, internal structure, outward appearance and spatial and temporal scales of landform evolution. The processes by which landscapes are transformed by human agency follows a progression of alterations that may be subtle or overt, planned or unplanned, but most of them are predictable. Models of change for human-altered coasts may be formulated by viewing them as open or closed systems. Alternative methodologies for examining evolution of these coasts include: 1) comparing and contrasting a developed area with an undeveloped area that is assumed to have the same process controls; 2) assuming that the kind of shoreline change that occurred in the recent past will continue unabated by local actions; or 3) basing predictions on probabilities of future human action. Evidence suggests that human alterations are an integral component of landscape evolution. Future challenges for scientists include: 1) formulating conceptual and predictive models of landform dynamics that evaluate humans as an endogenic process and include assumption about human actions; and 2) providing scientific criteria for maintaining landforms in developed areas in ways that safeguard or promote an optimal diversity of landforms, species and ecosystems. Controlled disturbance may be required to create landforms compatible with natural landforms in appearance and function if not in genesis.
The geomorphology of Australia's fluvial systems: retrospect, perspect and prospect
Authors: Tooth Stephen , Nanson Gerald C.
Published: November 2007

This article provides a review of the study and geomorphology of Australia's fluvial systems by offering comment on the development, concerns and future of the subject. Trends in the history of fluvial landform studies in Australia are traced from the observations and comments of the early explorers and visiting scientists through to the emergence and growth of fluvial geomorphology as a study discipline. Subsequent development of the idea of a distinctive geomorphology of Australian fluvial systems that often contrast with Anglo-American observations is outlined and illustrated with particular reference to fluvial studies in south-east Australia. Key features of the Australian setting include low long-term denudation rates, the absence of extensive Quaternary glaciation and the predominance of low gradient fluvial systems over much of the continent. Some of the most important themes in contemporary Australian fluvial research are discussed and include long-term landscape evolution, thresholds and riverine response to secular trends in climate, Quaternary environmental change, arid-environment systems, bedrock channels and applied approaches to study. Consideration is also given to present deficiencies in research and to future priorities. Particular attention is focused on the need firstly to collect additional process data, secondly to shift the bias in research away from south-east Australia, and thirdly to develop links between fluvial process and alluvial stratigraphy/chronology. It is concluded that, given the variety of hydrogeomorphological environments in Australia and the diversity of approaches to study, ongoing research will provide further indications of the unusual nature of many of the continent's fluvial systems.
Biotechnology and environmental quality
Authors: Mannion A.M.
Published: November 2007

Many factors influence environmental quality and contribute to environmental change, not least of which are science and technology. Biotechnology, involving the harnessing of living organisms or components of organisms, is a case in point. Although it has been in use for many thousands of years in a limited context, e.g., fermenting and brewing, the developments in biotechnology which have occurred in the last 20 years are beginning to have a substantial impact on the environment. At present this impact concerns the manipulation of nontransgenic organisms but in the near future it will increasingly be related to the impact of transgenic organisms produced via genetic engineering. This article examines these impacts, both real and potential, which are emanating from such diverse activities as agriculture, resource recovery, pollution abatement and the production of renewable energy resources. The environmental impact of nearly all these applications involves their influences on the fundamental processes of energy flows and bio- geochemical cycles. In principle, the applications of biotechnology appear to present ways of improving environmental quality (Mannion, 1993a). Many of the applications in agriculture, for example, should lead to a reduction in fossil-fuel inputs with consequent benefits for the global environment. However, there are justifiable concerns about the release of transgenic organisms and their potential to interbreed with wild relatives. The outcome could give rise to ecological disasters, as so many introductions of species into nonindigenous environments have caused in the past. Alternatively, such organisms may produce compounds that are toxic to plants, animals and humans. Regulations, including internationally recognized standards, are thus required to monitor the use of transgenic organisms. There are also, potentially, many cultural disadvantages of biotechnology as transnational companies in the developed world monopolize seed businesses and control patents. This reflects the power relations of biotechnology. It also reflects the fact that the basic science may not itself be inherently disadvantageous environmentally but that the threat lies in the way it is organized and implemented.
Self-organization and landscape evolution
Authors: Phillips Jonathan D.
Published: November 2007

Self-organization is common in earth surface systems, and related principles have been proposed as general principles applicable to geomorphic systems. Non-self-organizing behaviour is also observed in geomorphic systems, however. If a reasonable box-and-arrow diagram and associated qualitative interaction matrix can be devised for a geomorphic system, one can determine whether or not (or under what conditions) the system is self-organizing. Both self- organizing (at-a-station hydraulic geometry) and non-self-organizing (soil landscape evolution) geomorphic systems are illustrated. The development of topographic relief demonstrates the principle that landscape evolution may be characterized by both modes at different times or under different circumstances. Increasing relief, involving a mean divergence of elevations, may be self- organizing. Topographic development by decreasing relief, where elevations generally converge, is always non-self-organizing. Self-organization in geomorphology may be similar to steady-state equilibrium, in that its explanatory value lies not in general applicability, but in distinguishing between fundamentally different modes of landscape development.
The impact of atmospheric aerosols on global climate: a review
Authors: Thompson Russell D.
Published: November 2007

Climate change has received considerable media attention in recent years, particularly in terms of the enhanced greenhouse effect and predicted global warming. This paper examines the alternative impact of atmospheric acrosols on global climate in terms of the so-called dust-veil effect, which is associated with global cooling. This volcanic signal is assessed through the application of dust-rating and explosivity indices, and their limitations are emphasized since both schemes ignore the more important sulphur-gas emissions. The paper discusses the causes and evidence of the volcanic signal and emphasizes its moderation by El Nino events. It concludes with a brief analysis of the contributions made by particulate matter released into the lower troposphere from human activities.
Information presentation for new sensors: a focus on selected sensors of the Earth Observing System (EOS)
Authors: Hyman Andrew H.
Published: November 2007

A review of information sources for obtaining up-to-date, reliable and accessible material on new sensors for earth observation by nonscience team personnel is presented. The Earth Observing System (EOS) is used as a case study, focusing on the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) with some consideration of the High Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (HIRIS). The information sources evaluated are books, conference proceedings, technical reports, promotional literature, journal articles and electronic information. The evalu ation suggests that each information source has its own strengths and weaknesses. Each of the media can provide useful and reliable information to those new to EOS. It is suggested that electronic information, journal articles and NASA promotional literature are the key media to gain a reliable appreciation of EOS and MODIS science objectives and technical information and further to research an individual interest.
Including the spatial dimension: using geographical information systems in hydrology
Authors: McDonnell R.A.
Published: November 2007

Developments in geographical information systems (GIS) technology have coincided with moves within hydrology to a more explicit accounting of space through distributed rather than lumped or topological representations. GIS support these spatial data models and provide integrating, measuring and analytical capabilities which have been used in many hydrological applications ranging from inventory and assessment studies through to process modelling. The many examples in the article illustrate how the technology has supported moves away from averaged value representations for catchments towards a greater inclusion of spatial variations in hydrological studies. While the potential of these systems is gradually being realized, there are still various issues, both technical and methodological, which at present limit their use. As new data sources become available, GIS data structures become more flexible and open, and, as the understanding of scale variations in processes improves, the possibilities for using the technology in hydrological research will expand.
Scale issues in soil moisture modelling: problems and prospects
Authors: Mahmood Rezaul
Published: November 2007

Soil moisture storage is an important component of the hydrological cycle and plays a key role in land-surface-atmosphere interaction. The soil-moisture storage equation in this study considers precipitation as an input and soil moisture as a residual term for runoff and evapotranspiration. A number of models have been developed to estimate soil moisture storage and the components of the soil-moisture storage equation. A detailed discussion of the impli cation of the scale of application of these models reports that it is not possible to extrapolate processes and their estimates from the small to the large scale. It is also noted that physically based models for small-scale applications are sufficiently detailed to reproduce land-surface- atmosphere interactions. On the other hand, models for large-scale applications oversimplify the processes. Recently developed physically based models for large-scale applications can only be applied to limited uses because of data restrictions and the problems associated with land surface characterization. It is reported that remote sensing can play an important role in over coming the problems related to the unavailability of data and the land surface characterization of large-scale applications of these physically based models when estimating soil moisture storage.
Tropical deforestation and climate change
Authors: O'Brien Karen L.
Published: November 2007

This article reviews the physical links between tropical rain forests and the atmos phere, and considers the results of studies which address the climatic impacts of deforestation. Tropical deforestation is widely believed to influence local, regional and possibly global cli mates. Although the relationship between deforestation and climate change is complex, there is a growing consensus that deforestation leads to warmer, drier climates. The consensus is based on experimental studies at the microscale and modelling studies at the global scale, sup plemented by a small number of observational studies at the local and regional scale. However, none of the local and regional studies examine both deforestation and climate change in a rigorous manner, or consider the results in the context of synoptic-scale phenomena. Conse quently, there is considerable uncertainty associated with the local and regional impacts of deforestation on the climate.
Climatic variability and change over southern Africa: a reflection on underlying processes
Authors: Mason S.J. , Jury M.R.
Published: November 2007

Quasi-periodicities in annual rainfall totals over southern Africa have been identified; in particular, an approximately 18-year cycle may be related to interdecadal variability in sea-surface temperatures in the eastern equatorial Pacific and central Indian Oceans. A 10-year cycle along the south coast is related to variability in standing wave 3. Atmospheric anomalies associated with wet and dry years can be related to changes in the frequency, intensity and persistence of important rainfall-producing weather systems and highlight the significance of the strength of the continental heat low and the preferred locations and amplitudes of the westerly troughs. El Niño Southern Oscillation events and sea-surface temperature anomalies in the Indian and South Atlantic Oceans can influence both the tropical and the temperate atmospheric circulation and moisture fluxes over the subcontinent and thus are significant influences on rainfall variability. Evidence for long-term climatic change is not as definitive as in the Sahel, although there are indications of desiccation in some areas since the late-1970s. Increases in temperatures are of approximately the same magnitude as the hemispheric trends and may be attributable to the enhanced greenhouse effect.
Applications of biogeochemical modelling in southern Africa
Authors: Scholes R.J. , Scholes M.C.
Published: November 2007

Biogeochemical modelling is largely concerned with the cycling of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur in the biosphere. It offers a robust approach to modelling many aspects of ecosystem function at the regional scale, since it is not highly dependent on a detailed know ledge of species or organism-level processes. In southern Africa biogeochemical modelling has been used to provide new insight into the geographical distribution and underlying mechanisms of palatable (sweetveld) and unpalatable (sourveld) grasslands and high-herbivory and low- herbivory savannas. It has also been applied to the problem of estimating the emissions of trace gases and smoke particles from vegetation fires in the region, and suggests that the emissions are much lower than previously believed. Work in progress relates to the modelling of tropospheric ozone precursors produced by the soil and plants. Biogeochemical modelling has the potential to be an integrating tool, drawing together data collected at widely different scales in a way that allows hypotheses about the working of the biosphere to be rigorously tested.
Wellington, J.H. 1955: Southern Africa: a geographical study. Part 1. Physical geography. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
Authors: Barnard W.S.
Published: November 2007

The classic monograph is usually seen as a methodological and conceptual break with the past, a work which introduces a new discourse and is ahead of its time. Yet the excellence of a classic can also lie in the fact that it is typical of its time and represents the best that was possible with the available knowledge and insights. Such a work was Wellington's Southern Africa, Part 1.
Modelling and monitoring land-cover change processes in tropical regions
Authors: Lambin Eric F.
Published: November 2007

Transformations in terrestrial ecosystems are increasingly regarded as an important element of global change. Quantitative data on where, when and why land-cover changes take place globally are still incomplete. This article reviews recent approaches to the monitoring and modelling of deforestation and dryland degradation in tropical regions. The review highlights the requirement to tailor the investigation method to the specific research question of interest. Different techniques to monitor land-cover changes at regional scales are analysed. The following modelling scenarios are discussed and illustrated by specific studies: projection of future land- cover changes with descriptive models, explanation of land-cover changes with empirical models, projection of future spatial patterns of changes with spatial statistical models, test of scenarios on future changes in land-cover with dynamic ecosystem models, and design of policy interventions with economic models. The article stresses the needs for a better integration of social science knowledge in land-cover change models and for a comprehensive theory of land-use changes.
Hormesis and precaution: the twain shall meet
Authors: Ricci P.F. , MacDonald T.R.
Published: November 2007

Regulatory focus on quantifying risk of disease or death from exposure to hazardous substances via monotonic dose—response models has downplayed or even rejected potential benefits to human health from exposures to low (sub-threshold) doses, and thus represented by either U-shaped or J-shaped models. On the other hand, most environmental health policy hypothesizes, without firm evidence, that cancer risk is proportional to exposure at low doses of current ambient exposures. An acceptable exposure is determined by either setting a somewhat arbitrary `acceptable' level of risk, such as one in a million excess individual lifetime cancer risk or, in the case of several types of animal toxicological test results, applying multiplicative safety factors to a specific concentration, generally derived from a benchmark dose or NOAEL. This seemingly precautionary approach is questionable in light of much experimental evidence indicating protective effects of exposure at low doses — U-shaped or J-shaped models. We demonstrate that incorporating the possibility of hormesis into regulatory decision-making is precautionary, while use of default results in policy conflicts with precaution. Human & Experimental Toxicology (2007) 26, 877— 889
Hormesis in precautionary regulatory culture: models preferences and the advancement of science
Authors: Hanekamp Jaap C. , Bast Aalt
Published: November 2007

The article focuses on flaws in the actual approaches of exposure to a chemical of recipient organisms. It demonstrates the excessive use of arguments based on adverse effects and underlines the necessity to take adaptive effects seriously. Regulators are invited to rethink their inclination to the `When in doubt, keep it out.' precautionary approach, with results in counter-productive and costly regulations. The authors are clear about the necessity to include hormesis, in the form of a toxicological insignificant exposure (TIE) level, related to the concentration, as a regulatory translation of adaptive effects. This inclusion might well be the `brake' for the looming `collision' with reality of the actual linear toxicological models. This analysis includes the advice to EPA, not to follow the `witch hunt of synthetic chemicals' as embodied in the EU REACH program. Human & Experimental Toxicology (2007) 26, 855 — 873
Distinguished effects of antiphospholipid antibodies and anti-oxidized LDL antibodies on oxidized LDL uptake by macrophages
Authors: Kobayashi K. , Tada K. , Itabe H. , Ueno T. , Liu P.-H. , Tsutsumi A. , Kuwana M. , Yasuda T. , Shoenfeld Y. , de Groot P.G. , Matsuura E.
Published: November 2007

Several interpretations have been made regarding the specificity of antiphospholipid antibodies and antibodies against oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), but these are still controversial. In the present study, we delineated specificity of these two types of antibodies and analyzed their regulatory effect on oxLDL and/or β 2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI) binding to macrophages. Scavenger receptor-mediated binding of oxLDL (or its β2GPI complexes) to macrophages was observed and the binding was partly prevented by β 2GPI. The IgG monoclonal anti-β2GPI antibody (WB-CAL-1), which was derived from NZW × BXSB F1 mouse (a model of antiphospholipid syndrome), significantly increased the oxLDL/β2GPI binding to macrophages. In contrast, IgM anti-oxLDL natural antibody, EO6 (derived from apoe -/- mouse), prevented the binding. Different antigenic specificity of these antibodies to oxLDL and its β2GPI complexes was also confirmed in TLC—ligand blot and ELISA. Thus, IgG anti-β2 GPI autoantibodies contribute to lipid metabolism (housekeeping of oxLDL by macrophages) whereas IgM natural anti-oxLDL antibodies may protect against atherogenesis. In addition, in vitro data suggest that relatively high dose of intravenous immunoglobulin preparations (mainly contain IgG anti-oxLDL antibodies) might also prevent atherogenesis by inhibiting the oxLDL binding to macrophages. Lupus (2007) 16, 929—938.