bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth of Double-Chained Cationic Surfactant Films on Mica
Authors: Blom Annabelle , Warr Gregory G. , Wanless Erica J.
Published: July 2006

The evolution of adsorbed dialkyl chained quaternary ammonium surfactant films with different alkyl chain lengths has been observed in situ using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Both di-C12DAB and di-C14DAB form a cohesive bilayer immediately, which is observed to strengthen with equilibration time. The slow equilibrium of di-C16DAB allows examination of the film at less than saturated coverage and reveals growth of the bilayer through the nucleation and coalescence of patches. The difference in height between higher and lower regions is insufficient for bilayer and monolayer regions and the postulated structure is that of regions of bilayer with different packing densities. The effect of temperature on film morphologies near the gel transition is also examined.
Interaction Forces of a Supported DOPC Bilayer in the Presence of the General Anaesthetic Halothane — An Atomic Force Microscopy Study
Authors: Shamrakov Leanne G. , Leonenko Zoya V. , Finot Eric , Cramb David T.
Published: July 2006

In this study atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to study the effect of halothane on a supported dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC) bilayer under conditions of high anaesthetic loading. In a previous study we demonstrated that bilayer restructuring occurs as a result of halothane incorporation. Force measurements using AFM indicate an initial decrease in adhesive forces and compressibility between the bilayer and AFM tip, followed by an increase in adhesion properties as a function of incubation time. This effect is attributed to the location and dynamic redistribution of halothane within the bilayer.
STM Investigation of Alkylated Thiotriphenylene Monolayers at the Solid–Liquid Interface: Structure and Dynamics
Authors: Palma Matteo , Pace Giuseppina , Roussel Olivier , Geerts Yves , Samorí Paolo
Published: July 2006

We describe a STM investigation of the structure and dynamics of alkylated thiotriphenylene monolayers at the solid–liquid interface. This discotic system was found to pack into two coexisting structural motifs on the basal plane of graphite. The interpretation of the intra-molecular contrast in the STM images showed a large contribution of electronic levels localized on the sulfur atoms bridging the conjugated core with the aliphatic side-chains. The temporal evolution of domain boundaries in a polycrystalline monolayer, explored by recording series of subsequent STM images, revealed an Ostwald ripening phenomenon, namely coarsening in two-dimensional molecular polycrystals.
Sustainable grazing systems: economic and financial implications of adopting different grazing systems in north-eastern Victoria
Authors: Trapnell L. N. , Ridley A. M. , Christy B. P. , White R. E.
Published: July 2006

Data from experimental sites at Maindample and Ruffy, on which different grazing systems were implemented, was extrapolated to a 100-ha paddock on a commercial property to determine their economic and financial implications. Included into the analyses were risk assessments to allow for sowing failures due to adverse seasonal conditions and price variability of meat and wool during the life of the pasture. Where graziers carried out pasture improvement, the results indicated that changing from control (low-input pasture stocked at a low intensity) to high-input (high stocking rates and fertiliser addition) rather than medium-input pasture was the more profitable option. In changing to high-input pasture at Maindample, a cattle activity using nominal discount rates of 10%/year required success rates in pasture establishment of ≥80% for profitability. For cattle at Ruffy, using the same discount rate, the change was profitable for success rates in pasture establishment of ≥70%, but lamb and wool activities were only profitable for success rates in pasture establishment of ≥90%. Over both sites, cattle at Ruffy was the only activity in which the change was profitable for nominal discount rates of 15%/year, but success rates for pasture establishment also had to be ≥90%. Financial analyses performed on these increases in profitability confirmed that they were feasible because the payback periods for deficits incurred during the development and management of the improved pasture were less than the 13-year life of the investments. However, using a contractor to improve the pastures was not feasible because the deficits could not be repaid within the period of the investment. These results support the current low adoption of perennial pastures and have significant implications for catchment management bodies in Victoria and New South Wales where heavy reliance is placed on perennial pastures to improve catchment outcomes.
Soil and tissue tests to predict the sulfur requirements of canola in south-western Australia
Authors: Brennan R. F. , Bolland M. D. A.
Published: July 2006

The sulfur (S) requirements of canola (Brassica napus L.) grown in rotation with spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) in south-western Australia are not known. This study, involving 59 experiments, was conducted from 1993 to 2003 to determine soil and tissue test values for canola grain production below which S deficiency is likely. Extraction of S from soil using 0.25 mol KCl/L at 40°C (KCl-40 procedure) for the top 10 cm of soil is the standard soil test for S in the region. We measured KCl-40 values for soil samples collected at soil depths of 0–10, 10–20 and 20–30 cm and related the values to canola grain yield responses to applied fertiliser S measured at the end of the growing season. Total S measured in dried shoots at about 90 days after sowing (DAS) was related to shoot yields at 90 DAS and grain yields. In addition, the concentration of oil in canola grain was measured to see if applications of S affected oil concentrations.
Soil test S was higher in the subsoil than in the top 10 cm of soil at about half the sites comprising sandy duplex soils with larger capacities to sorb sulfate in the subsoil. Significant grain yield responses to applied S occurred for soil test values <7 mg/kg to 30 cm. At many sites when soil test S was <7 mg/kg in the top 10 cm of soil, shoots showed grain yield responses to applied S, but canola roots eventually accessed sufficient S in the subsoil for grain production, so that no grain yield responses to applied fertiliser S occurred. Therefore, tissue test values for dried shoots at 90 DAS poorly predicted S deficiency for grain production. Responses of shoots and grain to applied S occurred for S concentrations in shoots <4 g/kg. We conclude that shallow soil tests and early tissue testing may both overestimate the magnitude of an S deficiency for grain production of canola grown in sandy WA soils. Deeper soil tests need to be seriously considered. Applications of fertiliser S mostly had no consistent effect on concentrations of oil in canola grain.
Persistence and leaching of sulfonylurea herbicides over a 4-year period in the highly alkaline soils of south-eastern Australia
Authors: Hollaway K. L. , Kookana R. S. , Noy D. M. , Smith J. G. , Wilhelm N.
Published: July 2006

The sulfonylurea herbicides are commonly used in the cereal belt of south-eastern Australia and there is concern that their persistence in alkaline soils is long enough to damage subsequent rotational crops such as legumes and oilseeds. In this study, we investigated leaching and persistence of 3 commonly used herbicides (chlorsulfuron, triasulfuron and metsulfuron-methyl) in alkaline soils of south-eastern Australia (pH range 7.4–8.6) for at least 4 years after treatment. In general, chlorsulfuron was predicted to persist for 3–5 years [time to degrade to 1% (DT99) of 33–63 months after treatment depending on the field site], triasulfuron for 1–3 years (DT99 of 13–37 months after treatment), and metsulfuron-methyl for less than 1 year (although data were insufficient for degradation estimates) after its application. However, this varied between sites and years of application. Although, the majority of residues remained in the top 20 cm of the soil profile throughout the study, leaching of a small fraction of the residue to deeper layers of the profiles (up to 1 m) was observed. Despite their slow rate of degradation, the herbicides did eventually dissipate, even in soils with very high pH (8.5). In most cases, the current product labels provide an adequate safety period to protect sensitive rotational crops from potential damage due to excessive persistence. However, in particular years at 3 of the 5 field sites, metsulfuron-methyl and triasulfuron persisted beyond the recommended recropping period (9 months for metsulfuron-methyl and 22 months for triasulfuron in soils up to pH 7.5 or 24 months in soils pH 7.6 and above). An accurate measurement of soil pH and its variability within the paddock is essential to minimise any subsequent crop damage by these herbicides.
Nitrogen fertiliser alleviates the disorder straighthead in Australian rice
Authors: Dunn B. W. , Batten G. D. , Dunn T. S. , Subasinghe R. , Williams R. L.
Published: July 2006

Straighthead is a ‘physiological’ disorder of rice, the symptoms being floret sterility, deformed florets and panicles and reduced grain yield. Straighthead in rice is difficult to investigate because of its unpredictable occurrence under field conditions. An experiment was conducted in south-eastern Australia in 1996 to investigate the effect of rate and timing of N fertilisation on growth and yield of rice. The presence of straighthead at this location gave a unique opportunity to study the influence of crop N status. This paper reports the influence of N application on straighthead symptoms during this experiment. A significant reduction of straighthead occurred with higher rates of N application. Application of 250 kg N/ha pre-flood, improved plant growth and vigour with subsequent increased uptake and accumulation of S, P, K, Mg, Cu, Mn and Zn in the plant at panicle initiation. The reduction of straighthead at high nitrogen rates may be due to improved uptake of several essential nutrients, and Cu may be a critical nutrient. This study and earlier observations have shown the application of optimal levels of pre-flood nitrogen to achieve grain yields greater than 10 t/ha may reduce straighthead severity in the Australian rice-growing environment. The results in this paper are not presented as recommendations to growers but a contribution to the currently limited literature on straighthead in Australia.
A universal vaccine for serogroup B meningococcus
Authors: Giuliani Marzia M. , Adu-Bobie Jeannette , Comanducci Maurizio , Aricò Beatrice , Savino Silvana , Santini Laura , Brunelli Brunella , Bambini Stefania , Biolchi Alessia , Capecchi Barbara , Cartocci Elena , Ciucchi Laura , Di Marcello Federica , Ferlicca Francesca , Galli Barbara , Luzzi Enrico , Masignani Vega , Serruto Davide , Veggi Daniele , Contorni Mario , Morandi Maurizio , Bartalesi Alessandro , Cinotti Vanda , Mannucci Donatella , Titta Francesca , Ovidi Elisa , Welsch Jo Anne , Granoff Dan , Rappuoli Rino , Pizza Mariagrazia
Published: July 2006

Meningitis and sepsis caused by serogroup B meningococcus are two severe diseases that still cause significant mortality. To date there is no universal vaccine that prevents these diseases. In this work, five antigens discovered by reverse vaccinology were expressed in a form suitable for large-scale manufacturing and formulated with adjuvants suitable for human use. The vaccine adjuvanted by aluminum hydroxide induced bactericidal antibodies in mice against 78% of a panel of 85 meningococcal strains representative of the global population diversity. The strain coverage could be increased to 90% and above by the addition of CpG oligonucleotides or by using MF59 as adjuvant. The vaccine has the potential to conquer one of the most devastating diseases of childhood.
Urban Resurgence and the Consumer City
Authors: Glaeser Edward L. , Gottlieb Joshua D.
Published: July 2006

Cities make it easier for humans to interact, and one of the main advantages of dense, urban areas is that they facilitate social interactions. This paper provides evidence for the US suggesting that the resurgence of big cities in the 1990s is due, in part, to the increased demand for these interactions and due to the reduction in big city crime, which had made it difficult for urban residents to enjoy these social amenities. However, while density is correlated with consumer amenities, we show that it is not correlated with social capital and that there is no evidence that sprawl has hurt civic engagement.
Cities and Workplace Communication: Some Quantitative French Evidence
Authors: Charlot Sylvie , Duranton Gilles
Published: July 2006

This paper uses a unique labour force survey to document workplace communication patterns in urban, suburban and rural areas. A number of interesting stylised facts are distilled relating to workplace communication: its intensity, within-firm communication, communication external to the firm and the media being used with a special focus on information technologies. The paper also investigates the complementarities across different media of communication and the evolution over time of workplace communication patterns. It is found that cities foster communication external to the firm and the use of telecommunications. By contrast, the hypothesis of a greater prevalence of face-to-face communication in cities does not receive much empirical validation. Also, complementarities across media do not lend much support to popular predictions about the forthcoming demise of cities following the replacement of face-to-face meetings by telecommunications.
Proper Pricing for Transport Infrastructure and the Case of Urban Road Congestion
Authors: Glaister Stephen , Graham Daniel J.
Published: July 2006

For transport systems the issues of pricing, service quality, funding and investment in urban areas are inextricably interdependent. The paper first argues that no policy can be set for any of these aspects of transport in isolation from any other. Transport planners and urban policy-makers can choose to tolerate congestion, or build new capacity or introduce road user charging. These issues are explored and analysed in the context of London-Europe's most obviously resurgent city and the one with the most recent experience of road pricing in the form of the Congestion Charge. However, despite the evidence that in the centre, where it applies, the Congestion Charge has had broadly the effects economic theory would predict, there is still a growing problem for the rest of London and the UK caused largely by the combined effects of rising real incomes and the improving fuel efficiency of cars which reduces the impact of fuel taxes. This suggests a growing pressure for a national system of road pricing. To date 'prices', in the form of fuel duty (over £0.50 out of each £0.80 for a litre of fuel) have been set on the basis of historical precedent or political expediency. The paper sets out a regionally based model to analyse the implications of setting alternative levels of congestion charging and environmental taxes covering the whole of England. This includes modelling the implications for other transport modes and the net changes accruing to drivers and the Exchequer. Having presented the implications of some alternative policies, the paper discusses a number of the issues of political economy that would have to be resolved. While there seems to be little alternative to user charging in some form sooner or later, the sooner it can be introduced the more good it can do. However, the difficulties are real, less tractable than some people appear to believe and they have to be identified and dealt with. Perhaps the most significant unresolved problem is not the technical feasibility of such a system of national road pricing, but finding an appropriate, accountable and acceptable method for overseeing and administering the funds such a system would generate.
Snakes, spiders, guns, and syringes: How specific are evolutionary constraints on the detection of threatening stimuli?
Authors: Blanchette Isabelle
Published: July 2006

In three experiments, the efficiency in detecting fear-relevant and fear-irrelevant visual stimuli are compared. A visual search paradigm is used where participants are presented with matrices of different sizes (4 objects/9 objects) and must determine whether all objects are taken from the same category or whether there is a discrepant one. Results from all experiments were consistent with the threat-superiority effect. Participants were quicker when the target was threatening than when it was not. Other indicators confirmed that the detection of threatening targets involves more efficient processes (reduced slopes, absence of position effects). A crucial aspect of these experiments was the comparison of evolutionary-relevant (snakes, spiders, etc.) and modern (guns, syringes, etc.) threats. The threat-superiority effect was repeatedly found for both types of target. Stronger effects were sometimes observed for modern than for evolutionary-relevant threats. The implications for evolutionary explanations of the effect of fear on visual attention are discussed.
Hazardous amphetamine use: the need to consider dosage
Authors: Chesher G. B.
Published: July 2006

G. B. Chesher
Server intervention: what chance in Australia?
Authors: LANG ERNIE
Published: July 2006

There is some evidence from studies in the USA and Canada that server intervention programs are effective in reducing alcohol consumption on licensed premises which, it is claimed, will lead to a reduction in the incidence of drink driving and other alcohol‐related problems. Unfortunately, due to the relative newness of server intervention programs, there is little or no evidence to support such claims. Given this fact, and given that there is an emerging interest in server intervention programs in Australia, it is pertinent to address the question of whether or not server intervention programs are likely to ever be a viable prevention strategy here. It is argued that until steps are taken to overcome a number of impediments—such as the existing licensing laws, some elements of the alcohol industry resistant to change, a lack of community awareness, and a lack of interest by researchers—then such programs are unlikely to eventuate here. The various impediments are discussed and it is suggested that to overcome them will require a coordinated approach involving policy makers, police, the alcohol industry, educators and researchers. Based on experience elsewhere it is argued that server intervention programs should be aimed at the level of the local community. It is concluded that server intervention programs have the potential to become a major prevention initiative in Australia, but only if the various impediments can be overcome, and if present and future legislative provisions are enforced.
Least bad solutions to the ‘drugs problem’
Authors: MUGFORD STEPHEN
Published: July 2006

This paper examines the current difficulties being faced in Australia by policy‐makers attempting to regulate the non‐medical use of illegal drugs, and it is suggested that the difficulties centre upon two aspects. First, existing prohibitions are unsuccessful, with use levels rising and, in some arenas (e.g. cocaine use in the USA), quite out of control. On the other hand, a move towards decriminalization or legalization is difficult because past propaganda has been so vehement that a change now apparently risks sending the wrong messages to young people. This dilemma means that there is no solution, including inertia, which is risk‐free, nor is there one free of difficulties. It is thus relevant to think in terms of ‘least bad’ rather than ‘best’ when formulating a system to face these problems. The exploration of what this least bad solution might be begins with the examination of the prominent myths (such as ‘the drug‐free society’, ‘the evil pusher’, ‘the user as victim’ and ‘the young person as cultural dope’) that hinder our reasoning. Secondly, by suggesting that, in a climate of increasing crime related to drugs, inability of prohibitions to control that use and escalating health risks attendant on use (including the AIDS problem), the central policy thrust must be harm reduction and damage minimization rather than illusory goals such as widespread abstinence. The paper concludes with a discussion of some relevant evidence on alternative options.
Abstinence and acceptance? The problematic relationship between the German abstinence paradigm, low‐threshold oriented drug work, and methadone
Authors: GERLACH RALF , SCHNEIDER WOLFGANG
Published: July 2006

It is hardly surprising that, compared to international standards, the Federal Republic of Germany holds an exceptional position in the area of drug policy. For decades, the majority of so‐called ‘drug experts’ in Germany have deliberately ignored the findings of international research and, often despite their better knowledge, pursued a policy of misinformation which has remained unaffected by international research findings and standards of practice. This policy is essentially characterised by a rigid adherence to the abstinence paradigm.
Illicit drug use by young people in Sydney: results of a street intercept survey
Authors: SPOONER CATHERINE J. , FLAHERTY BRUCE J. , HOMEL PETER J.
Published: July 2006

To complement existing institution‐based drug use surveys, a street intercept survey of 581 young illicit drug users was conducted in Sydney, Australia. Patterns of use, reasons for use and awareness of the health risks associated with use were investigated. The most commonly used illicit drug type, after marijuana, was amphetamines. The least popular illicit drug was heroin. Most of the sample used occasionally, exhibiting a controlled pattern of use with a low prevalence of problems associated with use. Heroin users, in contrast, were often frequent users and reported a higher prevalence of associated problems. The majority of the sample reported excessive drinking patterns, indicating that the current policy of emphasis on alcohol misuse rather than illicit drug use amongst youth is appropriate.
Public perceptions of responsibility and liability in the licensed drinking environment
Authors: Lang Ernie , Stockwell Tim , Rydon Phil , Lockwood Anne
Published: July 2006

This study reports the results of a survey conducted in Perth (Western Australia) to assess public perceptions of the concepts of server responsibility and server liability. Eleven hundred and sixty persons aged 16 and over were asked if they thought licensees and barstaff should be held partly responsible when someone becomes intoxicated on licensed premises, or licensees and barstaff should be partly liable for injuries caused by an intoxicated person after leaving licensed premises. Results indicate that, on average, few people agreed to either proposition, despite an overwhelming majority believing that continuing to serve an intoxicated person increases the risk of an accident. However, when analysed by category of respondent, non‐drinkers and persons aged over 30 were significantly more likely to agree with licensees and barstaff being partly responsible for someone becoming intoxicated, and for them to be partly liable in the case of an accident involving an intoxicated customer. The results of this survey indicate the need for education programmes to convince the public that excessive alcohol consumption and the resulting harm is not merely the responsibility of the individuals concerned, but is also the responsibility of those groups and individuals involved in the promotion, marketing and sale of alcohol. We suggest that such education campaigns might best be targeted at those groups where least support was found, young drinkers (18‐24 years) and the servers of alcohol.
Alcohol consumption and driving intentions amongst hotel patrons
Authors: McLean Stuart , Wood Les J. , Davidson Jodie , Montgomery Iain , Jones Michael E
Published: July 2006

To examine the extent to which hotel patrons drink in excess of current health recommendations, and to identify risk factors for excessive drinking, hotel patrons were invited to participate in a survey of social drinking, which included a free breath test. Patrons were approached at 15 min. intervals, and 1000 subjects were studied. Amongst this group of hotel patrons interviewed, 1 in 2 had consumed alcohol in excess of the daily limit recommended by the National Health & Medical Research Council. One in 10 intending drivers had a BAC over the legal limit. Excessive drinking and drink driving appear to be prevalent amongst hotel patrons, and hotels should be targets for interventions designed to reduce these problems. For example, the National Guidelines for the Responsible Serving of Alcohol should be more widely practised.
Pharmacological options for management of opioid dependence
Authors: Christie Macdonald J. , Harvey Anna I.
Published: July 2006

Methadone is currently the only opioid available for the pharmacotherapy of opioid dependence. Cross‐tolerance between methadone and other opioids constitutes the pharmacological basis for substitution and attenuating the effects of illicit opioid use. However, these principles limit the utility of methadone. Potential alternative opioids include long‐acting partial agonists such as buprenorphine and pure antagonists such as naltrexone. Buprenorphine is an alternative to methadone with intermediate intrinsic efficacy. It has a large margin of safety, yet displays some agonist actions similar to methadone. It has greater potential than methadone to safely and effectively block the actions of illicit opioids. Naltrexone is a safe, convenient opioid‐antagonist for use following detoxification from opioid agonists. Its main use is to block the actions of other opioids, thereby attenuating or eliminating illicit use during treatment. However, it is poorly accepted by many clients, limiting its application to a sub‐group who are highly motivated to detoxify. The distinct pharmacological properties of these opioids can overcome some of the drawbacks of methadone, but other limitations may emerge. Non‐opioid adjuncts such as α2‐adrenoceptor agonists can also have a role during detoxification. These drugs might be of use for specific groups of opioid users, providing therapists with the flexibility to tailor pharmacotherapy to the individual needs of clients.
In‐patient setting and long duration for the treatment of alcohol dependence? Out‐patient care is as good
Authors: MATTICK RICHARD P. , JARVIS TRACEY
Published: July 2006

A combined narrative/meta‐analytic review of the results of a number of well‐conducted randomized controlled clinical trials indicates that there is no evidence that usual treatment delivered in an in‐patient or residential setting is superior to treatment delivered on an out‐patient or non‐residential basis for the treatment of alcohol dependence. Nor is there any evidence to support the view that in‐patient/residential treatment is superior to day patient intervention, or that longer in‐patient treatment is superior to shorter in‐patient treatment. The studies suggest that in‐patient/residential care should not be considered as a standard setting for intervention for alcohol dependence. However, the results of these trials do not contradict the view that in‐patient/residential care remains suitable for specific sub‐populations of alcohol dependent individuals, such as those requiring closely supervised detoxification, respite care, or who (because of the extreme severity of dependence on alcohol) may require an intense form of supervised intervention. Research should be conducted to establish whether treatment on an in‐patient basis does yield an advantage for this last group. [Mattick RP, Jarvis T. In‐patient setting and long duration for the treatment of alcohol dependence? Out‐patient care is as good. Drug Alcohol Rev 1994;13:127–135.]
A summary of recommendations for the management of alcohol problems: the quality assurance in the treatment of drug dependence project
Authors: MATTICK RICHARD P. , JARVIS TRACEY
Published: July 2006

This report presents outlines for approaches to intervening with excessive drinkers and problem/dependent drinkers. These recommendations are based on a meta‐analysis of the treatment‐outcome literature, a survey of treatment practices used in Australia and the views of a panel of experts. Recommendations for assessment, detoxification and intervention for excessive, problem and dependent drinkers are made. A number of interventions that are deemed unsuitable for use in this area, or that hold promise but require more evidence before they can be advocated for use are set out. [Mattick RP, Jarvis T. A summary of recommendations for the management of alcohol problems: The quality assurance in the treatment of drug dependence project. Drug Alcohol Rev 1994;13:167–177.]
Drug and alcohol education in New South Wales: what do nurses want to learn?
Authors: NOVAK HELENA , PETCH IRENE
Published: July 2006

We surveyed 432 accredited nurses in New South Wales to identify topics they perceived as a priority for inclusion in drug and alcohol education programmes. The results were analysed according to educational preparation, field of nursing speciality and area/region of employment of subjects. The selection of topics was influenced by field of nursing and location (urban versus country) of employment. These results suggest that more than just a single, core course is necessary to meet the needs of nurses. Additional courses, whose content is augmented by topics which are specifically relevant to various nursing fields, need to be provided to keep inservice and continuing drug and alcohol education clinically relevant. [Novak, H., Petch, I. Drug and alcohol education in New South Wales: what do nurses want to learn? Drug Alcohol Rev 1994;13:185–193.]
In‐patient treatment for the alcohol‐dependent person: a public health perspective
Authors: ALI ROBERT L. , CORMACK SIMONE M.
Published: July 2006

In accordance with public health principles, this paper is concerned with examining the individual, economic and political outcomes of in‐patient treatment for alcohol dependence. It is argued that in‐patient treatment for alcohol dependence per se is not justifiable at any of these levels, although in‐patient treatment is justifiable for the treatment of the serious biomedical sequelae of dependence. For the alcohol‐dependent person, the drinking, social, financial, psychological, work‐related and health outcomes of out‐patient treatment are as good as those for in‐patient treatment; economically, out‐patient programmes are more cost‐effective than in‐patient programmes; politically, moving the focus of treatment away from in‐patient services is more likely to contribute to a cultural milieu which recognizes problems associated with alcohol dependence early and in their many different forms, rather than only by their long‐term health consequences. [Ali RL., Cormack SM. In‐patient treatment for the alcohol‐dependent person: a public health perspective. Drug Alcohol Rev 1994;13:201–208.]
Is in‐patient treatment justified for alcohol dependence?
Authors: JURD STEPHEN
Published: July 2006

Three lines of argument support the use of in‐patient treatment for alcohol dependence. The first of these is that of natural justice. People ailing from their dependence on alcohol have a right to as full a range of treatment options as other people have for oter disorders. Alcohol dependence is a disorder with a substantial morbidity and mortality. We should not forget that. Secondly, a variety of in‐patient treatments have been shown to have a place in the treatment armamentarium. Some in‐patient treatment is better than others, and treatment matching produces better results. Thirdly, the cost of in‐patient treatment for alcohol dependence has repeatedly been shown to produce a worthwhile economic benefit. [Jurd, S. Is in‐patient treatment justified for alcohol dependence? Drug Alcohol Rev 1994;13:195–199.]
Promotion of responsible drinking in hotels
Authors: MCLEAN STUART , WOOD LES , MONTGOMERY IAIN , DAVIDSON JODIE , JONES MICHAEL
Published: July 2006

This study reports on an intervention programme to promote responsible drinking in hotels. The licensees of eight hotels agreed to participate in a trial of measures designed to assist patrons to avoid drink‐driving, and seven other hotels were used as controls. The interventions acceptable to licensees comprised commercial‐quality promotional material with the theme “0.05 Know Your Limits”, and a breath analysis machine and poster on its use. Patrons leaving the hotels on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights were interviewed and breath‐tested. Although the intervention material had been seen by one‐third of patrons in the intervention hotels, there was no significant difference between them and control hotel patrons in either median BAC or the proportion who were going to drive with BAC over the legal limit. There was poor compliance by hotels with the intervention procedures, indicating that a major impediment to the implementation and evaluation of programmes to promote responsible drinking is a lack of motivation by many licensees, despite support by some licensees and the Australian Hotels Association. [McLean, S, Wood L, Montgomery I, Davidson J, Jones M. Promotion of responsible drinking in hotels. Drug Alcohol Rev 1994;13:247–255.]
Alcohol dependence in the 1990 US National Alcohol Survey: operationalizing and comparing two nosological systems
Authors: CAETANO RAUL , ROOM ROBIN
Published: July 2006

The criteria for alcohol dependence in both the ICD‐10 and DSM‐III‐R nosologies were measured in a national general population survey, using 24 stem items and follow‐ups. For current (12‐month) dependence (at the criterion of 3 + components), the rate was 3.2% according to DSM‐III‐R criteria, and 5.4% according to ICD‐10. The Kappa coefficient of agreement between the two systems for classification of individuals as currently dependent was 0.62, and for lifetime diagnosis the Kappa coefficient was 0.68. Prevalence for the individual components of each diagnosis and for the underlying items are given, and the contribution of each component to the overall dependence score is examined. Implications of the results for future epidemiological work with the two classifications are discussed. [Caetano R, Room R. Alcohol dependence in the 1990 US National Alcohol Survey: operationalizing and comparing two nosological systems. Drug Alcohol Rev 1994;13:257–267.]
Route of administration and adverse effects of amphetamine use among young adults in Sydney, Australia
Authors: HALL WAYNE , HANDO JULIE
Published: July 2006

The relationship between route of administration and the adverse effects of amphetamine use (dependence symptoms, treatment‐seeking, adverse psychological symptoms and violence) were examined among 231 Australian amphetamine users, half of whom usually injected amphetamine. Although 87% of users were recruited from non‐treatment sources, a third had experienced symptoms of dependence on amphetamine, and a third had experienced an amphetamine‐related health problem for which one in four had sought medical attention. There was also a high prevalence of psychological symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations and violence which were related to frequency of amphetamine use, and use by injection. Amphetamine users need to be better informed about the potential adverse effects of amphetamine use, and about ways in which they can reduce their risks of experiencing these harms by avoiding injecting use, and the regular use of high doses of amphetamines. [Hall W, Hando J. Route of administration and adverse effects of amphetamine use among young adults in Sydney, Australia, Drug Alcohol Rev 1994;13:277–284.]
Geographical differences in risk‐taking among Sydney methadone maintenance patients: a comparison of inner city and outer south western methadone maintenance patients
Authors: DARKE SHANE , HALL WAYNE , SWIFT WENDY
Published: July 2006

The study compared the demographic profiles, treatment factors, current drug use, injecting behaviour and psychological functioning of inner city (ICS) and south‐west Sydney (SWS) methadone patients. A total of 104 patients from two clinics in the inner city, and 118 patients from two clinics in the outer south‐western suburbs of Sydney were interviewed using a structured interview. SWS patients were more likely to be married or de facto, to have a regular sexual partner who was an injecting drug user, and to have children in their care. While they were no more likely to have recently injected, SWS patients were twice as likely to have recently shared a needle. While SWS patients were more likely to have had sex in the month preceding interview, ICS patients were more likely to have had more than one partner in that period. Patients from the south‐western clinics were twice as likely to receive a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder, and had poorer social functioning. The clinical implications of these differences are discussed. [Darke S, Hall W, Swift W. Geographical differences in risk‐taking among Sydney methadone maintenance patients: a comparison of inner city and outer south western methadone maintenance patients. Drug Alcohol Rev 1994;13:301–305.]
The effects of alcohol abuse on children and the partner's capacity to initiate change
Authors: BARBER JAMES G. , CRISP BETH R.
Published: July 2006

This paper identifies the social, psychological and cognitive effects of parental alcohol abuse on children across the lifecycle. While the evidence regarding cognitive effects is mixed, there is ample evidence of negative effects on a range of developmental outcomes. Recent advances in unilateral partner interventions open up one avenue for ameliorating this damage even when the drinker is resistant to change. [Barber JG, Crisp BR. The effects of alcohol abuse on children and the partner's capacity to initiate change. Drug Alcohol Rev 1994;13:409–416]
Excessive drinking and significant others
Authors: HOLMILA MARJA
Published: July 2006

This paper sets out to examine the experience of being a significant other by first discussing the existing notions and research traditions of the phenomenon. In the light of survey data it is shown that drinking problems are not only met within the circle of the nuclear family, or between the spouses. This approach presents an alternative perspective to that, which focuses on the relationship between the drinking male and the “co‐dependent” female. There are also feelings of responsibility and concern between alcoholics and their close male relatives, colleagues and friends. Comparison between the male and female experience of being a significant other is taken as a goal for further research. [Holmila M. Excessive drinking and significant others. Drug Alcohol Rev 1994;13:431–436]
Co‐dependency: a critical review
Authors: HANDS MELANIE , DEAR GREG
Published: July 2006

The term “co‐dependency” has become somewhat established within the vernacular of the addiction field and is being used increasingly within the popular psychology and self‐help literature. A review of this literature reveals that there is general agreement as to the core characteristics of co‐dependency but virtually no agreement as to a workable definition. Remarkably little research has been published to examine any of the assumptions within the model, so that most of the ideas presented in the literature rest on clinical observation and/or personal experience. The concept has been widely criticized from a number of theoretical perspectives. Of particular note are the feminist objections to the model. In addition, a number of the central concepts within the co‐dependency model are at odds with some of the research into family coping. Further research is urgently needed in this area. Despite many conceptual problems the development of this model has had an undoubted positive influence on family treatment and support benefiting many people within the self‐help arena. [Hands MA, Dear G. Co‐dependency: a critical review. Drug Alcohol Rev 1994;13:437–445]
Manipulating inattentional blindness within and across sensory modalities
Authors: Sinnett Scott , Costa Albert , Soto-Faraco Salvador
Published: July 2006

People often fail to consciously perceive visual events that are outside the focus of attention, a phenomenon referred to as inattentional blindness or IB (i.e., Mack & Rock, 1998). Here, we investigated IB for words within and across sensory modalities (visually and auditorily) in order to assess whether dividing attention across different senses has the same consequences as dividing attention within an individual sensory modality. Participants were asked to monitor a rapid stream of pictures or sounds presented concurrently with task-irrelevant words (spoken or written). A word recognition test was used to measure the processing for unattended words compared to word recognition levels after explicitly monitoring the word stream. We were able to produce high levels of IB for visually and auditorily presented words under unimodal conditions (Experiment 1) as well as under crossmodal conditions (Experiment 2). A further manipulation revealed, however, that IB is less prevalent when attention is divided across modalities than within the same modality (Experiment 3). These findings are explained in terms of the attentional load hypothesis and suggest that, contrary to some claims, attention resources are to a certain extent shared across sensory modalities.
Dissociative effects of viewpoint and semantic priming on action and semantic decisions: Evidence for dual routes to action from vision
Authors: Young Yoon Eun , Humphreys Glyn W.
Published: July 2006

This article reports evidence that two variables—object viewpoint and semantic priming—differentially affect action and semantic decisions to objects. Changing the viewing angle of an object, so that its graspable parts are oriented away from observers, disrupted action decisions but had little effect on semantic categorization. In contrast, semantic priming influenced semantic categorization and object naming, but not action decisions. Action priming, however, did not affect performance. These selective effects are consistent with the existence of separate semantic and direct (nonsemantic) routes to action from vision.
Scalar Properties in Animal Timing: Conformity and Violations
Authors: Lejeune Helga , Wearden J. H.
Published: July 2006

The article reviews data from animal subjects on a range of timing tasks (including fixed-interval and temporal differentiation schedules, stimulus timing, aversive conditioning, and Pavlovian methods) with respect to conformity to the two scalar properties of timing behaviour: mean accuracy and scalar (Weberian) variance. Systematic deviations were found in data from temporal differentiation schedules, timing of very short (<100 ms) or very long (>100 s) durations, effects of “task difficulty”, and some special cases where circadian and interval timing seemed to interact, or where some specific durations seemed to be timed more precisely than others. Theoretical reconciliation of some of these deviations with underlying scalar timing can be achieved, but a number of problematical cases remain unexplained.
Should Bayesians Bet Where Frequentists Fear to Tread?
Authors: Albert Max
Published: July 2006

Probability theory is important not least because of its relevance for decision making, which also means: its relevance for the single case. The frequency theory of probability on its own is irrelevant in the single case. However, Howson and Urbach argue that Bayesianism can solve the frequentist's problem: frequentist-probability information is relevant to Bayesians (although to nobody else). The present paper shows that Howson and Urbach's solution cannot work, and indeed that no Bayesian solution can work. There is no way to make frequentist probability relevant.
How Are the Sciences of Complex Systems Possible?
Authors: Strevens Michael
Published: July 2006

To understand the behavior of a complex system, one must understand the interactions among its parts. Doing so is difficult for nondecomposable systems, in which the interactions strongly influence the short term behavior of the parts. Science's principal tool for dealing with nondecomposable systems is a variety of probabilistic analysis that I call EPA. I show that EPA's power derives from an assumption that appears to be false of nondecomposable complex systems, in virtue of their very nondecomposability. Yet EPA is extremely successful. I aim to find an interpretation of EPA's assumption that is consistent with, indeed that explains, its success.
Tissue-specific expression and regulation of sexually dimorphic genes in mice
Authors: Yang Xia , Schadt Eric E. , Wang Susanna , Wang Hui , Arnold Arthur P. , Ingram-Drake Leslie , Drake Thomas A. , Lusis Aldons J.
Published: July 2006

We report a comprehensive analysis of gene expression differences between sexes in multiple somatic tissues of 334 mice derived from an intercross between inbred mouse strains C57BL/6J and C3H/HeJ. The analysis of a large number of individuals provided the power to detect relatively small differences in expression between sexes, and the use of an intercross allowed analysis of the genetic control of sexually dimorphic gene expression. Microarray analysis of 23,574 transcripts revealed that the extent of sexual dimorphism in gene expression was much greater than previously recognized. Thus, thousands of genes showed sexual dimorphism in liver, adipose, and muscle, and hundreds of genes were sexually dimorphic in brain. These genes exhibited highly tissue-specific patterns of expression and were enriched for distinct pathways represented in the Gene Ontology database. They also showed evidence of chromosomal enrichment, not only on the sex chromosomes, but also on several autosomes. Genetic analyses provided evidence of the global regulation of subsets of the sexually dimorphic genes, as the transcript levels of a large number of these genes were controlled by several expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) hotspots that exhibited tissue-specific control. Moreover, many tissue-specific transcription factor binding sites were found to be enriched in the sexually dimorphic genes.