bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population‐based Swedish studies of outcomes after in vitro fertilisation
Authors: NYGREN KARL‐GÖSTA , FINNSTRÖM ORVAR , KÄLLÉN BENGT , OLAUSSON PETRA OTTERBLAD
Published: July 2007

Background. Various outcomes have been described during pregnancy and among infants born to women after in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatments. This mini‐review summarises recent population‐based Swedish studies about the short‐ and long‐term effects of IVF on the infant and child, and also comments on disturbances of pregnancies and deliveries occurring after IVF. Methods. Data on women who had IVF treatments and gave birth in Sweden during the period 1982–2001 were collected from all clinics performing IVF. By linkage with the Swedish Medical Birth Register, the Swedish Register of Congenital Malformations, the Swedish Hospital Discharge Register, the Swedish Cancer Register, and the Swedish Cause of Death Register, data on short‐ and long‐term complications were retrieved. Results. From 1982 to 2001, a total of 13,261 women gave birth to 16,280 infants after IVF treatment. During the final years of the study, nearly half of the pregnancies occurred after intracytoplasmic sperm injection intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Characteristics of women who delivered after IVF were analysed. Various anomalies in pregnancy and delivery outcome were found, but few long‐term effects. Conclusions. Most deviations, except for multiple pregnancies, could be explained by parents characteristics, notably their subfertility status. Little difference was found between pregnancies after standard IVF and pregnancies after ICSI.
The effects of α‐methyldopa on myometrial noradrenaline release and myometrial contractility in rat
Authors: CSONKA DÉNES , ZUPKÓ ISTVÁN , MINORICS RENÁTA , MÁRKI ÁRPÁD , CSÍK GÁBOR , FALKAY GEORGE
Published: July 2007

Background. α‐Methyldopa is a classic antihypertensive agent, used routinely in the treatment of pregnancy‐induced hypertension. However, only a few data are available about its direct uterotropic effect. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to investigate the direct effects of α‐methyldopa on the myometrial adrenergic functions in rat. Methods. The effects of α‐methyldopa on the sympathetic transmission in the non‐pregnant, early pregnant and late‐pregnant myometrium were investigated by a superfusion technique. Myometrial samples from control and α‐methyldopa‐treated (200 mg/kg i.p. for 7 days) non‐pregnant, 7‐day and 21‐day pregnant rats were saturated with [3H]noradrenaline, and the liberation evoked by electric field stimulation was determined. The contractility responses to α‐ and β‐adrenergic stimulation were additionally characterised by generating concentration–response curves of myometrial rings to noradrenaline and terbutaline in the same arrangement. The changes in the density and affinity of the adrenergic receptors (α2 and β2) were investigated by a radioligand binding technique. Results. The treatment with α‐methyldopa substantially decreased both the [3H]noradrenaline uptake and release in both the non‐pregnant and early pregnant uterus, while treatment‐dependent changes were observed at term only in the uptake capacity. The contractility response to exogenous α‐sympathomimetics was higher in the group treated in early pregnancy, and a decreased terbutaline‐induced relaxation was observed in the non‐pregnant state and at term. The treatment resulted in increased affinity for α2 receptors in early pregnancy, while Kd for β2 was increased at term. Conclusions. Our experimental data suggest that besides its antihypertensive effect, α‐methyldopa may influence the adrenergic transmission of the pregnant uterus. Our results indicate that the agent decreases the efficacy of β2‐adrenergic agonists at term pregnancy and increases the response to α‐sympathomimetics in early pregnancy.
Reproductive history and carotid intima‐media thickness
Authors: KHARAZMI ELHAM , MOILANEN LEENA , FALLAH MAHDI , KAAJA RISTO , KATTAINEN ANNA , KÄHÖNEN MIKA , JULA ANTTI , KESANIEMI ANTERO , LUOTO RIITTA
Published: July 2007

Background. Intima‐media thickness (IMT) of the carotid arteries is a valid measure of preclinical atherosclerosis which may predict cardiovascular outcomes. Metabolic and hormonal changes associated with the reproductive history of women may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods. In a population‐based cross‐sectional study comprising 746 Finnish women, aged 45–74 years, associations of reproductive history (assessed by questionnaire) and measures of subclinical atherosclerosis (by ultrasonographic detection) were studied. Statistical methods included linear and logistic regression models. Results. Mean carotid IMT was positively associated with parity, but after adjustment for age its statistical significance disappeared. Women with a history of stillbirth tended to have higher IMT than other women. History of hysterectomy was an independent determinant of carotid plaque in models with age, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and cholesterol, body mass index (BMI), education and smoking (odds ratio (OR): 0.32; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.11–0.96). But when oophorectomy (yes/no) was included in the model, this association lost its statistical significance (adjusted OR: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.11–1.22). A history of stillbirth was associated with an increased age‐adjusted risk of plaque (OR=3.43; 95% CI: 1.07–11.05), but in the fully adjusted model it lost its statistical significance (OR=3.61; 95% CI: 0.86–15.23). Conclusion. Stillbirth was associated with increased risk of atherosclerotic plaque. Atherosclerosis is a lifelong process to which stillbirth is related. However, due to the cross‐sectional design of this study, the causality of this association remains unclear.
Systematic Review of Case Management
Authors: Smith Lucinda , Newton Richard
Published: July 2007

The purpose of the present paper was to review the current state of evidence for types of case management, focusing on the last 10 years since publication of the Cochrane Systematic Reviews of case management and assertive community treatment. A literature review of electronic databases from 1995 to the present to identify recent research on psychiatric case management, both original studies and reviews, was carried out. Original articles were organized on basis of year of study, experimental group and outcome variables to determine patterns. Sixty relevant papers were located. Thirty-nine are reports of experimental trials of types of case management and 21 are reviews or discussion papers. The focus of research is on assertive community treatment or intensive case management, with only five papers on other forms of less intense case management. Numerous outcomes have been examined, of those examined often enough to draw meaningful conclusions only one, engagement with services, has been consistently positive. All other outcomes have produced mixed results. The strength of findings in favour of case management has weakened over time. A heterogeneous group of experimental designs limits comparisons. Numerous issues with methodology and definitions of types of case management have beset research in this field. Assertive types of case management (including assertive community treatment and intensive case management) are more effective than standard case management in reducing total number of days spent in hospital, improving engagement, compliance, independent living and patient satisfaction. More important than the type of service configuration is to understand the clinical criteria of the services provided and their effectiveness.
Benefits of Cognitive–Behavioural Therapy for Children and Youth with Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder: Re-Examination of the Evidence
Authors: O'Kearney Richard
Published: July 2007

The aim of the present paper was to critically examine evidence about the benefits of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) from controlled and single group studies, including its benefits relative to medication are critically reviewed. Selected studies were categorized by study type and by risk of bias classification. Standardized mean differences (Hedges’ g or Cohen d) and, where appropriate, weighted mean difference (WMD) were calculated. All five comparison and 14 one-group studies showed a significant benefit for CBT within a wide range (ES = .78 to 4.38). Low risk of bias studies produced the lower adjusted effect sizes. The best available estimate of CBT efficacy relative to no treatment is about 1 standardized mean difference, equivalent to a treatment effect of 8 points on the Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale. This represents a reduction in the risk of continuing to have OCD post-treatment of about 37% (95% CI 14% to 54%). Evidence from 3 studies indicates that the efficacy of CBT and medication do not differ significantly. CBT combined with medication is significantly more efficacious than non-active controls or medication alone but not relative to CBT alone. CBT should be regarded as a first line equivalent to anti-OCD medication with the potential to lead to better outcomes when combined with medication than medication alone can provide. Additional studies are needed to further clarify CBT's benefits and to investigate how it can be made more available as a treatment option for children and youth who suffer from OCD.
Are Violence Risk Assessment Tools Clinically Useful?
Authors: Carroll Andrew
Published: July 2007

Despite increasing concerns regarding the prevalence of violent behaviour in mainstream mental health settings, the impressive body of forensic research on violence risk assessment has thus far had only limited impact on front-line general mental health practice. The common objection raised by clinicians that risk assessment tools lack utility for clinical practice may contribute to this. The present paper argues that this objection, although understandable, is misplaced. Usage of appropriate, validated risk assessment tools can augment standard clinical approaches in a number of ways. Some of their advantages derive simply from having a well-structured approach, others from consideration of specific kinds of risk factors: ‘static’ and ‘dynamic’. The inappropriate use of tools without a firm evidence base, however, is unlikely to enhance clinical practice significantly.
Traumatic Entrapment, Appeasement and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Evolutionary Perspectives of Hostage Reactions, Domestic Abuse and the Stockholm Syndrome
Authors: Cantor Chris , Price John
Published: July 2007

Evolutionary theory and cross-species comparisons are explored to shed new insights into behavioural responses to traumatic entrapment, examining their relationships to the Stockholm syndrome (a specific response to traumatic entrapment) and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A selective literature review is undertaken examining responses to traumatic entrapment (including hostage, domestic abuse and similar situations) and the Stockholm syndrome, before examining mammalian, reptilian and other defensive responses to relevant threats. Chimpanzees, the closest relatives of humans, are closely examined from this perspective and commonalities in behavioural responses are highlighted. The neurobiological basis of defensive behaviours underlying PTSD is explored with reference to the triune brain model. Victims of protracted traumatic entrapment under certain circumstances may display the Stockholm syndrome, which involves paradoxically positive relationships with their oppressors that may persist beyond release. Similar responses are observed in many mammalian species, especially primates. Ethological concepts including dominance hierarchies, reverted escape, de-escalation and conditional reconciliation appear relevant and are illustrated. These phenomena are commonly encountered in victims of severe abuse and understanding these concepts may assist clinical management. Appeasement is the mammalian defence most relevant to the survival challenge presented by traumatic entrapment and appears to be the foundation of complex PTSD. Evolutionary perspectives have considerable potential to bridge and integrate neurobiology and the social sciences with respect to traumatic stress responses.
Prodromal Symptoms to Relapse in Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Sierra Pilar , Livianos Lorenzo , Arques Sergio , Castelló Javier , Rojo Luis
Published: July 2007

In a cyclical and recurring illness such as bipolar disorder, prodrome detection is of vital importance. This paper describes manic and depressive prodromal symptoms to relapse, methods used in their detection, problems inherent in their assessment, and patients’ coping strategies. A review of the literature on the issue was performed using MEDLINE and EMBASE databases (1965–May 2006). ‘Bipolar disorder’, ‘prodromes’, ‘early symptoms’, ‘coping’, ‘manic’ and ‘depression’ were entered as key words. A hand search was conducted simultaneously and the references of the articles found were used to locate additional articles. The most common depressive prodromes are mood changes, psychomotor symptoms and increased anxiety; the most frequent manic prodromes are sleep disturbances, psychotic symptoms and mood changes. The manic prodromes also last longer. Certain psychological interventions, both at the individual and psychoeducational group level, have proven effective, especially in preventing manic episodes. Bipolar patients are highly capable of detecting prodromal symptoms to relapse, although they do find the depressive ones harder to identify. Learning detection, coping strategies and idiosyncratic prodromes are elements that should be incorporated into daily clinical practice with bipolar patients.
Tobacco Smoking within Psychiatric Inpatient Settings: Biopsychosocial Perspective
Authors: Olivier David , Lubman Dan I. , Fraser Richard
Published: July 2007

Tobacco smoking remains a neglected issue within general psychiatry despite high rates of associated morbidity and mortality. While there has been a coordinated community campaign to reduce tobacco smoking within the general population, mental health facilities have been reluctant to adopt such regulatory controls, and rarely target smoking prevention or treatment. This paper summarizes and discusses evidence relating to the clinical impact of tobacco smoking within inpatient psychiatric settings. A selective review of psychiatric and psychological research on smoking within inpatient settings was conducted, with a particular focus on the influence of smoking on the physical and mental health, pharmacotherapy, and social interactions of patients during their inpatient stay. Patients frequently alter their smoking habits during inpatient treatment, which can affect both their presentation and pharmacotherapeutic management. Smoking also appears to play a central role in social interactions on the ward, with staff frequently using cigarettes to reinforce certain behaviours. Despite current guidelines, mental health professionals rarely address nicotine use among their patients. Nevertheless, programmes that assist patients to quit during an inpatient stay have been shown to be both efficacious and cost-effective. Strategies that address staff concerns and assist in the implementation of effective smoking bans on psychiatric units are also available. Cessation should be a key component of inpatient treatment planning because this setting provides a safe and timely opportunity to help patients quit. A flowchart of interventions that could be incorporated within standard inpatient settings is proposed.
Dissociation Predicts Symptom-Related Treatment Outcome in Short-Term Inpatient Psychotherapy
Authors: Spitzer Carsten , Barnow Sven , Freyberger Harald J. , Joergen Grabe Hans
Published: July 2007

Objective: Previous research has indicated that dissociation might be a negative predictor of treatment outcome in cognitive behavioural therapy for patients with obsessive-compulsive and anxiety disorders. Using a naturalistic design it was hypothesized that higher levels of dissociation predict poorer outcome in inpatients with affective, anxiety and somatoform disorders participating in a brief psychodynamic psychotherapy.

Method: A total of 133 patients completed the Symptom Check List (SCL-90), the German short version of the Dissociative Experiences Scale and the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems at the beginning and the end of treatment. The Global Severity Index (GSI) of the SCL-90 was chosen as outcome criterion.

Results: A total of 62.4% of study participants were classified as treatment responders, that is, they showed a statistically significant change of their GSI scores. Controlling for general psychopathology, the non-responders had significantly higher baseline dissociation scores than the responders. In a logistic regression analysis with non-response as a dependent variable, a comorbid personality disorder, low baseline psychopathology and high dissociation levels emerged as relevant predictors, but interpersonal problems and other comorbid disorders did not.

Conclusions: Dissociation has a negative impact on treatment outcome. It is suggested that dissociative subjects dissociate as a response to negative emotions arising in psychotherapy leading to a less favourable outcome. Additionally, dissociative patients may have an insecure attachment pattern negatively affecting the therapeutic relationship. Thus, dissociation may directly and indirectly influence the treatment process and outcome.
Australian Guidelines for the Treatment of Adults with Acute Stress Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Forbes David , Creamer Mark , Phelps Andrea , Bryant Richard , McFarlane Alexander , Devilly Grant J , Matthews Lynda , Raphael Beverley , Doran Chris , Merlin Tracy , Newton Skye
Published: July 2007

Over the past 2–3 years, clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and acute stress disorder (ASD) have been developed in the USA and UK. There remained a need, however, for the development of Australian CPGs for the treatment of ASD and PTSD tailored to the national health-care context. Therefore, the Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health in collaboration with national trauma experts, has recently developed Australian CPGs for adults with ASD and PTSD, which have been endorsed by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). In consultation with a multidisciplinary reference panel (MDP), research questions were determined and a systematic review of the evidence was then conducted to answer these questions (consistent with NHMRC procedures). On the basis of the evidence reviewed and in consultation with the MDP, a series of practice recommendations were developed. The practice recommendations that have been developed address a broad range of clinical questions. Key recommendations indicate the use of trauma-focused psychological therapy (cognitive behavioural therapy or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in addition to in vivo exposure) as the most effective treatment for ASD and PTSD. Where medication is required for the treatment of PTSD in adults, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor antidepressants should be the first choice. Medication should not be used in preference to trauma-focused psychological therapy. In the immediate aftermath of trauma, practitioners should adopt a position of watchful waiting and provide psychological first aid. Structured interventions such as psychological debriefing, with a focus on recounting the traumatic event and ventilation of feelings, should not be offered on a routine basis.
Beliefs of Young People and Their Parents about the Effectiveness of Interventions for Mental Disorders
Authors: Jorm Anthony F. , Wright Annemarie
Published: July 2007

Objective: Mental disorders often have their first onset during youth, so that young people need to have knowledge to support appropriate decision-making. The aim of the study was to find out which interventions they see as potentially helpful for a range of mental disorders.

Method: In 2006, interviews were carried out with 3746 Australians aged 12–25 years and 2005 of their parents. Participants were presented with a case vignette describing either psychosis, depression, depression with alcohol misuse, or social phobia. Questions were asked about the likely helpfulness of a broad range of possible interventions.

Results: There was broad agreement from young people and their parents about what interventions are likely to be helpful and these views applied across the range of disorders presented. These interventions could be described as general and informal sources of help, rather than as specialist mental health services. The most negative views were about psychiatric medications and admission to hospital.

Conclusions: The findings suggest a need to improve knowledge of appropriate treatment options and to give more attention to the evaluation of interventions that are widely accepted by young people but underresearched. The findings also suggest ways in which interventions can be labelled to make them more acceptable to this age group.
Sacrificial girls: a case study of the impact of streaming and setting on gender reform
Authors: Charlton Emma , Mills Martin , Martino Wayne , Beckett Lori
Published: July 2007

This article reports on research funded by the Australian Research Council to investigate school responses to gender equity. It addresses the efforts of a disadvantaged school to tackle what they perceived to be gender inequalities, but in the process of constructing a top‐set and bottom‐set/stream class they are developing new forms of old inequalities and new forms of inequalities. This research indicates that despite popular assertions that girls' education has become the priority of schools and education systems, girls are being further disadvantaged through attempts to implement market strategies coupled with gender reform agendas grounded in liberal notions of equity and relying on unsophisticated notions of affirmative action. In addition, this study highlights the extent to which a media‐driven debate about boys' education has influenced the constitution of boys as the ‘new disadvantaged’ with the capacity to determine the nature of gender reform agendas and programmes in schools.
The impact of a unified curriculum and qualifications system: the Higher Still reform of post‐16 education in Scotland
Authors: Raffe David , Howieson Cathy , Tinklin Teresa
Published: July 2007

There is a cross‐national trend towards unified curriculum and qualifications frameworks in upper secondary education, but such reforms face epistemological, political and institutional barriers and ‘unification’ remains a contested issue in many countries, including England. This article examines the experience of the Scottish Higher Still reform, one of the most systematic examples of this trend. It presents data from an Economic and Social Research Council‐funded study which included case studies of schools and colleges, surveys of all secondary schools and colleges in Scotland, analyses of Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) data and interviews with key informants. Higher Still's climbing frame model of provision provided better learning opportunities for different types and levels of students, but its impact on attainment and parity of esteem were more limited. The article concludes that institutional barriers formed the biggest obstacles in the implementation phase, reflected in the contrasting ‘institutional logics’ of schools and colleges.
Standards or communities of practice? Competing models of workplace learning and development
Authors: Yandell John , Turvey Anne
Published: July 2007

Drawing on interview data derived from two case studies of teachers in their first year in the profession, this article examines the difficulties that confront new teachers as they move from a Postgraduate Certificate in Education course into their first teaching post. It questions the value of those discursive practices, promulgated by the Teacher Training Agency through Qualifying to teach, that construct teaching as a set of discrete competences or standards, and argues that Lave and Wenger's (1991) concepts of legitimate peripheral participation and communities of practice are useful tools with which to analyse the sociocultural complexity of the new teachers' experiences.
Raising achievement with adolescents in secondary education—the school counsellor's perspective
Authors: Ryan Julie Anne
Published: July 2007

This qualitative study used data from semi‐structured interviews with eight school counsellors working with adolescents in secondary education and asked them how they perceived counselling interventions as helping to raise achievement. The present context in secondary education is perceived as results led. This adheres to government policy as manifested in the National Curriculum and the examination system. However at a grass roots level there is a growing acceptance of having counsellors working in schools to support the emotional and psychological needs of children and adolescents. The counsellors identified three areas in which they felt their clients' achievement was raised through a counselling intervention: developmentally, socially and less directly, academically. Further study is called for to explore what effect applying a complementary integration and understanding of counselling and educational philosophy might have on raising achievement with adolescents in secondary education.
Revolution, evolution or a Trojan horse? Piloting assessment for learning in some Scottish primary schools
Authors: Kirton Alison , Hallam Susan , Peffers Jack , Robertson Pamela , Stobart Gordon
Published: July 2007

This article analyses some of the findings of an evaluation of Project One of the ‘Assessment is for Learning’ Development Programme in 16 Scottish primary schools and two junior high schools in which teachers developed formative assessment strategies aimed at improving teaching and learning. Drawing on data from pupils, teachers and parents, the use of such strategies is examined. The study provides some evidence that the use of formative assessment led to pupils taking more responsibility for their learning, contributing to improved motivation, confidence and classroom achievement, especially for lower attainers. Employing such strategies also developed teachers' conceptual understanding of formative assessment, moving some from a teacher‐centred pedagogy to one which placed pupils and their learning needs at the heart of teaching. The article concludes by discussing the implications of the project for teachers' professional development and the constraints faced by teachers in sustaining and embedding such practices.
Book Review
Authors: Tikkakoski Tapani
Published: July 2007

Maxillofacial Imaging. Edited by T. A. Larheim and P.-L. Westesson. Berlin, Heidelberg, New York: Springer-Verlag, 2006. ISBN 978-3-540-25423-2. 456 pages. 1450 illustrations. Price hardcover: EUR 213.95.
Book Review
Authors: Dormagen Johann Baptist
Published: July 2007

Interpreting Trauma Radiographs. Edited by J. McConnell, R. Eyres and J. Nightingale. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing, 2005. ISBN 9781405115346. 286 pages. Price paperback: EUR 58.90.
Book Review
Authors: Szkudlarek Jacek
Published: July 2007

Ultrasound of the Urogenital System. Edited by G. M. Baxter and P. S. Sidhu. Stuttgart: Thieme Medical Publishers, 2006. ISBN 1588902374. 276 pages, 450 illustrations. Price hardcover: EUR 109.95.
Book Review
Authors: Abildgaard Andreas
Published: July 2007

Pocket Atlas of Sectional Anatomy. Volume II: Thorax, Heart, Abdomen and Pelvis. 3rd edition. Edited by T. B. Moeller & E. Reif. Stuttgart, New York: Georg Thieme Verlag, 2007. ISBN 978-3-13-125603-4. 247 pages, 443 illustrations. Price paperback: EUR 34.95

Pocket Atlas of Sectional Anatomy. Volume III: Spine, Extremities, Joints. 3rd edition. Edited by T. B. Moeller & E. Reif. Stuttgart, New York: Georg Thieme Verlag, 2007. ISBN 978-3-13-143171-4. 334 pages, 485 illustrations. Price paperback: EUR 34.95
Book Review
Authors: Schellhorn Till
Published: July 2007

Multidetector Computed Tomography in Cerebrovascular Disease: CT Perfusion Imaging. Edited by K. Miles, J. D. Eastwood & M. König. Abingdon, UK: Informa Healthcare Ltd., 2007. ISBN: 9781842143155; ISBN-10: 1842143158. 192 pages. Price hardcover: $129.95
Targeting Tumour Vasculature as a Cancer Treatment
Authors: Honstvet Christopher A. , Jones Pamela F.
Published: July 2007

Modelling blood flow and capillary growth in tumours has been the focus of several research groups with the aim of generating theoretical models that can be used to predict biological behaviour within these systems. Since dysfunctional angiogenesis is seen in a wide range of pathological conditions ranging from cardiovascular, to arthritis, to diabetes, it is easy to see how these models may have a far‐reaching influence on future therapeutic strategies.

One major area of anti‐cancer treatment is the targeting of the tumour blood vessels. Paradoxically, different approaches taken in angiogenic therapy have different aims. Prevention of new vessel growth, or disruption of existing vessels, are both aimed at preventing sufficient oxygen and nutrients to reach the tumour. However, since drug delivery to tumours is often very poor, due to the disorganised architecture of the tumour vessels, one suggested strategy is to improve circulation within a tumour through “normalisation” of the vasculature which results in more effective anti‐tumour drug delivery.

There are currently no theoretical models of vessel regression or vascular disruption even though both are actively targeted by tumour therapies. This article will give an overview of the different mechanisms targeted by different anti‐angiogenic strategies and highlight areas that may benefit from the development of predictive theoretical models.
Interaction of energetic particles with large and small scale instabilities
Authors: Günter S. , Conway G. , daGraça S. , Fahrbach H.-U. , Forest C. , Garcia Muñoz M. , Hauff T. , Hobirk J. , Igochine V. , Jenko F. , Lackner K. , Lauber P. , McCarthy P. , Maraschek M. , Martin P. , Poli E. , Sassenberg K. , Strumberger E. , Tardini G. , Wolfrum E. , Zohm H. ,   ASDEX Upgrade Team
Published: July 2007

Beyond a certain heating power, measured and predicted distributions of neutral beam injection (NBI) driven currents deviate from each other even in the absence of MHD instabilities. The most reasonable explanation is a redistribution of fast NBI ions on a time scale smaller than the current redistribution time. The hypothesis of a redistribution of fast ions by background turbulence is discussed. Direct numerical simulation of fast test particles in a given field of electrostatic turbulence indicates that for reasonable parameters fast and thermal particle diffusion can indeed be similar. High quality plasma edge density profiles on ASDEX Upgrade and the recent extension of the reflectometry system allow for a direct comparison of observed TAE eigenfunctions with theoretical ones as obtained with the linear, gyrokinetic, global stability code LIGKA. These comparisons support the hypothesis of TAE-frequency crossing the continuum at the plasma edge in ASDEX Upgrade H-mode discharges. A new fast ion loss detector with 1 MHz time resolution allows frequency and phase resolved correlation between the observed losses and low frequency magnetic perturbations such as TAE modes and rotating magnetic islands. Whereas losses caused by TAE modes are known to be due to resonances in velocity space, by modelling the particle drift orbits we were able to explain losses caused by magnetic islands as due to island formation and stochasticity in the drift orbits.
Fluctuation theorems for stochastic dynamics
Authors: Harris R J , Schütz G M
Published: July 2007

Fluctuation theorems make use of time reversal to make predictions about entropy production in many-body systems far from thermal equilibrium. Here we review the wide variety of distinct, but interconnected, relations that have been derived and investigated theoretically and experimentally. Significantly, we demonstrate, in the context of Markovian stochastic dynamics, how these different fluctuation theorems arise from a simple fundamental time-reversal symmetry of a certain class of observables. Appealing to the notion of Gibbs entropy allows for a microscopic definition of entropy production in terms of these observables. We work with the master equation approach, which leads to a mathematically straightforward proof and provides direct insight into the probabilistic meaning of the quantities involved. Finally, we point to some experiments that elucidate the practical significance of fluctuation relations.
Consequences of bias in age estimation on assessment of the northern stock of European hake (Merluccius merluccius) and on management advice
Authors: Bertignac Michel , de Pontual Hélène
Published: July 2007

Bertignac, M., and de Pontual, H. 2007. Consequences of bias in age estimation on assessment of the northern stock of European hake (Merluccius merluccius) and on management advice. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 981–988. The results of a pilot tagging study on hake (Merluccius merluccius), conducted in the northern part of the Bay of Biscay in 2002, indicate that growth rates for this stock may be currently underestimated because of biased estimates of age. The impact that such a bias may have on the stock dynamics and the trends of the key population parameters, recruitment, spawning-stock biomass (SSB), and mortality are investigated. Assuming new growth parameters, a new age–length key is derived and used to produce and catch-at-age data and abundance indices, which are then used to assess the stock. Bias in estimating age affects the absolute levels of fishing mortality and stock biomass estimates, and also impacts the trend in SSB. However, trends in fishing mortality and recruitment are comparable, and the stock status with respect to precautionary reference points is broadly the same. As expected, the simulation also shows that the stock may be more reactive to changes in fishing levels, which affect medium-term forecasts. Long-term sustainable yields may also be impacted.
The effects of stock enhancement of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) in Iranian coastal waters of the Caspian Sea
Authors: Abdolmalaki Shahram , Psuty Iwona
Published: July 2007

Abdolmalaki, S., and Psuty, I. 2007. The effects of stock enhancement of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) in Iranian coastal waters of the Caspian Sea. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 973–980. Annual landings of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) in Iranian coastal waters of the Caspian Sea in the early years of its exploitation, the late 1920s and early 1930s, reached some 3000 t. However, after 1935, catches declined drastically through overfishing, declining sea level, and the destruction of spawning grounds in the Anzali Lagoon. In 1990, Iran initiated a programme of artificial culture to enhance the local stock. The aim of the programme was and still is to restore the formerly abundant population of this predatory fish and to increase the profitability of the beach-seine fisheries of fishers who had stopped deploying gillnets, which pose a threat to the valuable species of sturgeon in the Caspian. Analysis of the age composition of pikeperch catches indicates that the use of beach-seines does not prevent overfishing of young pikeperch released as fingerlings in the same calendar year in which the fishing season started. No undersized fish are discarded back into the sea, because there is market demand for even the smallest fish, and a lack of communication exists between the programme beneficiaries and the management and research units. Some 15 years after it was initiated, the effectiveness of stock enhancement at a level of 4–6million fry per year remains uncertain.
Interannual variability in Nordic seas primary production
Authors: Skogen Morten D. , Budgell W. Paul , Rey Francisco
Published: July 2007

Skogen, M. D., Budgell, W. P., and Rey, F. 2007. Interannual variability in Nordic seas primary production. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 889–898. Phytoplankton represents the primary trophic level in marine pelagic ecosystems, through which most biological material produced by photosynthesis is further channelled through the foodweb via grazing by zooplankton. Therefore, the level and variability of primary production is believed to be an important factor for fish recruitment and growth. The Nordic seas are important feeding areas for large and important commercial fish stocks, but because of a scarcity of measurements, only few estimates of primary production exist. Additionally, primary production is highly variable because of the wide variations in light, temperature, and nutrient supply at a specific time and location. Here, primary production in the Nordic seas is studied using a coupled 3D physical, chemical, and biological ocean model, revealing large variations in primary production in space and time. The model gives a mean annual production of 73 gC m−2 y−1 and a 20% variation in phytoplankton biomass between the years of highest and lowest production. The interannual variability is linked to the North Atlantic Oscillation, sea ice, and the transport of water into the Nordic seas. The strong control of phytoplankton production by the physics suggests a possible mechanism for how climate can be an important driver for the availability of biological material in foodwebs.
The ecology of Sepia australis (Cephalopoda: Sepiidae) along the south coast of South Africa
Authors: Mqoqi Mandisile , Lipiński Marek R. , Salvanes Anne G. V.
Published: July 2007

Mqoqi, M., Lipiński, M. R., and Salvanes, A. G. V. 2007. The ecology of Sepia australis (Cephalopoda: Sepiidae) along the south coast of South Africa. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 945–955. The influence of abiotic factors (depth, region, temperature, salinity, and oxygen) on the abundance of the cuttlefish Sepia australis was investigated using data from bottom-trawl stations occupied in April/May (austral winter) 1988 and August/September (austral spring) 2001 off South Africa' south coast. April/May survey data for 1999, 2003, and 2004, and August/September data for 2003 and 2004 were used to assess regional or depth-related patterns in abundance. Temperature differences in the two years mainly analysed influenced distribution and abundance significantly. Abundance increased eastwards in 2001 presumably because of a high-temperature anomaly stretching westwards (i.e. limiting the species abundance to the west), whereas abundance increased westwards in the more typical winters of 1988, 1999, 2003, and 2004. Abundance increased with depth in spring 2001, 2003, and 2004. Smaller sizes of mature males may indicate that they mature earlier than females. The main prey of all size groups and maturity stages was crustaceans, and there were no size- or maturity-related changes in diet. It appears that S. australis is an opportunistic feeder dependent on whatever prey of appropriate size is abundant at any time. However, the data show an array of patterns, some likely to be the result of biological flexibility in response to a changing environment. Other patterns are part of more stable, well-balanced ecological characteristics of the species.
Food composition and feeding habits of little tunny (Euthynnus alletteratus) in continental shelf waters of Côte d'Ivoire (West Africa)
Authors: Bahou Laurent , Koné Tidiani , N'Douba Valentin , N'Guessan Kouassi J. , Kouamélan Essetchi P. , Gouli Gooré B.
Published: July 2007

Bahou, L., Koné, T., N'Douba, V., N'Guessan, K. J., Kouamélan, E. P., and Gouli, G. B. 2007. Food composition and feeding habits of little tunny (Euthynnus alletteratus) in continental shelf waters of Côte d'Ivoire (West Africa). – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 1044–1052. The stomach contents of 170 little tunny, Euthynnus alletteratus, sampled between June 2003 and December 2004 were examined. Fish size ranged from 27 to 81 cm fork length, and all fish were caught in gillnets deployed over the continental shelf off Côte d'Ivoire (West Africa). The type and quantity of prey ingested changed seasonally. Outside the major upwelling period the diet was more varied. Overall, fish were the dominant prey of all sizes of little tunny, far exceeding crustaceans, of which shrimps and prawns were commonest but were not found in the stomachs of juveniles (<42 cm FL) or larger adults (≥53 cm FL). Little tunny are carnivorous fish that feed opportunistically. A relationship was found between the size of the prey and the size of the predator.
Zooplankton abundance trends on Georges Bank, 1977–2004
Authors: Kane Joseph
Published: July 2007

Kane, J. 2007. Zooplankton abundance trends on Georges Bank, 1977–2004. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 909–919. Interannual trends in Georges Bank zooplankton abundance are described and related to variations in environmental variables for the period 1977–2004. Total zooplankton counts increased to above average levels in 1989 and stayed over or close to average through 2004. This analysis identified a group of taxa including Centropages typicus, Metridia lucens, and Temora longicornis that had similar interannual patterns of abundance. All these taxa increased sharply in the early 1990s and remained high through 2001. Some taxa declined sharply in 2002, others have continued elevated through 2004. Total zooplankton counts in the past two years were also boosted by a substantial increase in the abundance of the copepod Calanus finmarchicus. Evidence is presented that these changes may be related to variations in Scotian Shelf inflow, which freshened water on the Northeast US continental shelf, perhaps increasing both primary production and the influx of zooplankton into the region. There was a positive correlation between the biomass of pelagic predators and the abundance of several zooplankton taxa, suggesting that bottom-up processes and advective supply are the key factors that regulate the Georges Bank foodweb.
Distribution, encounter rates, and habitat characteristics of toothed cetaceans in the Bay of Biscay and adjacent waters from platform-of-opportunity data
Authors: Kiszka Jeremy , Macleod Kelly , Van Canneyt Olivier , Walker Dylan , Ridoux Vincent
Published: July 2007

Kiszka, J., Macleod, K., Van Canneyt, O., Walker, D. and Ridoux, V. 2007. Distribution, encounter rates, and habitat characteristics of toothed cetaceans in the Bay of Biscay and adjacent waters from platform-of-opportunity data. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 1033–1043. Data on the distribution and habitat utilization of oceanic marine mammals are difficult to collect and yet such information is beneficial for many conservation and management purposes. Data collected during ferry-based cetacean surveys in the English Channel and Bay of Biscay between 1998 and 2002 were analysed to investigate the distribution, encounter rate, and habitat characteristics of toothed cetaceans there. In all, 17 873 nautical miles were surveyed, and 1008 encounters of 13 identified species, including delphinids, ziphiids, harbour porpoise, and sperm whale, were recorded. The common dolphin was the commonest species, followed in decreasing occurrence by striped and bottlenose dolphins, pilot whale, harbour porpoise, Cuvier's beaked whale, and sperm whales. The distribution of harbour porpoises was restricted to the shallow waters of the western English Channel. Common and bottlenose dolphins were distributed mainly over the continental shelf, although there were some encounters along the shelf edge and in the open ocean. Striped dolphins and pilot whales were sighted in oceanic waters in the central and southern Bay of Biscay. Cuvier's beaked whales and sperm whales were recorded in the deep oceanic waters of the southern Bay of Biscay. Bathymetry clearly plays a significant role in the distribution and habitat partitioning of toothed cetaceans in the region.
Evaluating the parameters of a MSY control rule for the Bristol Bay, Alaska, stock of red king crabs
Authors: Siddeek M. S. M. , Zheng J.
Published: July 2007

Siddeek, M. S. M. and Zheng, J. 2007. Evaluating the parameters of a MSY control rule for the Bristol Bay, Alaska, stock of red king crabs. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 995–1005. A maximum sustainable yield (MSY) control rule, which defines the level of overfishing, and determines the control rule parameters based on an age-, sex-, and size-structured assessment for Bristol Bay red king crabs (Paralithodes camtschaticus) is developed. Fx% (F corresponding to x% spawning potential ratio) is used as a proxy for FMSY and a minimum spawning-stock biomass (to open the fishery) for incorporation into the MSY control rule. The performance of the selected MSY control rule and the associated target control rule is evaluated using stochastic simulations. F50% is a reasonable proxy for FMSY when effective spawning biomass is used as the stock biomass in the stock-recruitment relationship. This method with appropriate modifications might be used for determining biological reference points and developing control rules for any crustacean stock with discrete growth, complex reproductive dynamics, and single sex exploitation.
Diel variations in acoustic recordings of blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou)
Authors: Johnsen E. , Godø O. R.
Published: July 2007

Johnsen, E., and Godø, O. R. 2007. Diel variations in acoustic recordings of blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou). – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 1202–1209. Annual landings of blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou) in the northeast Atlantic have exceeded 2 million metric tonnes in recent years, and overexploitation is an increasing concern in terms of the sustainability of the fishery. The most important fisheries-independent dataset used for tuning the analytical stock assessment comes from the Norwegian surveys of blue whiting west off the British Isles. The survey is carried out in March/April during peak spawning, and improving its quality will have a direct positive effect on stock assessment. Here, we analyse diel effects on the abundance and vertical distribution as recorded by acoustics in 1995 and 1996 and from 1998 to 2002, and evaluate the potential effects on the survey estimates. On average, the acoustic density of blue whiting was ∼20% higher by day than by night. However, the diel bias varied considerably among years, and surprisingly, the acoustic density in shallow water (<350 m) was in general highest at night, when the blue whiting were distributed higher in the water column and more dispersed. The span in the vertical depth range increased considerably with bottom depth in water shallower than 550 m. In deeper water, where blue whiting had little or no bottom association, the day–night differences in vertical distribution were smaller and not affected by bottom depth. The inconsistency of the diel effect from year to year negatively affects the time-series used during annual stock assessments.