bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure of coexisting liquid phases of supercooled water: Analogy with ice polymorphs
Authors: Jedlovszky Pál , Pártay Lívia B. , Bartók Albert P. , Garberoglio Giovanni , Vallauri Renzo
Published: July 2007

The structural changes occurring in supercooled liquid water upon moving from one coexisting liquid phase to the other have been investigated by computer simulation using a polarizable interaction potential model. The obtained results favorably compare with recent neutron scattering data of high and low density water. In order to assess the physical origin of the observed structural changes, computer simulation of several ice polymorphs has also been carried out. Our results show that there is a strict analogy between the structure of various disordered (supercooled) and ordered (ice) phases of water, suggesting that the occurrence of several different phases of supercooled water is rooted in the same physical origin that is responsible for ice polymorphism.
Low driving voltage and high stability organic light-emitting diodes with rhenium oxide-doped hole transporting layer
Authors: Leem Dong-Seok , Park Hyung-Dol , Kang Jae-Wook , Lee Jae-Hyun , Kim Ji Whan , Kim Jang-Joo
Published: July 2007

The authors report a promising metal oxide-doped hole transporting layer (HTL) of rhenium oxide (ReO3)-doped N,N′-diphenyl-N,N′-bis (1,1′-biphenyl)-4,4′-diamine (NPB). The tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum-based organic light-emitting diodes with ReO3-doped NPB HTL exhibit driving voltage of 5.2–5.4V and power efficiency of 2.2–2.3lm∕W at 20mA∕cm2, which is significantly improved compared to those (7.1V and 2.0lm∕W, respectively) obtained from the devices with undoped NPB. Furthermore, the device with ReO3-doped NPB layer reveals the prolonged lifetime than that with undoped NPB. Details of ReO3 doping effects are described based on the UV-Vis absorption spectra and characteristics of hole-only devices.
Controlling the polarization correlation of photon pairs from a charge-tunable quantum dot
Authors: Young R. J. , Dewhurst S. J. , Stevenson R. M. , Shields A. J. , Atkinson P. , Cooper K. , Ritchie D. A.
Published: July 2007

Correlation between the rectilinear polarizations of the photons emitted from the biexciton decay in a single quantum dot is investigated in a device which allows the charge state of the dot to be controlled. Optimizing emission from the neutral exciton states maximizes the operating efficiency of the biexciton decay. This is important for single dot applications such as a triggered source of entangled photons. As the bias on the device is reduced correlation between the two photons is found to fall dramatically as emission from the negatively charged exciton becomes significant. Lifetime measurements demonstrate that electronic spin-scattering is the likely cause.
Electrical transport properties of (CoxAl1−x)2O3−v oxide magnetic semiconductor and corresponding Co–Al2O3 granular films
Authors: Tian Y. F. , Zhang Y. P. , Yan Shi-shen , Liu G. L. , Chen Y. X. , Mei L. M. , Ji G. , Zhang Z.
Published: July 2007

( Co x Al 1 − x ) 2 O 3 − v oxide magnetic semiconductor films were synthesized by introducing an impurity band in the insulating Al2O3 band gap, and the corresponding granular films were obtained by annealing. For both kinds of films, their electrical transport properties are well described by spin dependent variable range hopping mechanism instead of the usually expected intergrain tunnelling. The magnetoresistance was also discussed.
The mechanism of rate-limiting motions in enzyme function
Authors: Watt Eric D. , Shimada Hiroko , Kovrigin Evgenii L. , Loria J. Patrick
Published: July 2007

The ability to use conformational flexibility is a hallmark of enzyme function. Here we show that protein motions and catalytic activity in a RNase are coupled and display identical solvent isotope effects. Solution NMR relaxation experiments identify a cluster of residues, some distant from the active site, that are integral to this motion. These studies implicate a single residue, histidine-48, as the key modulator in coupling protein motion with enzyme function. Mutation of H48 to alanine results in loss of protein motion in the isotope-sensitive region of the enzyme. In addition,
k
cat
decreases for this mutant and the kinetic solvent isotope effect on
k
cat
, which was 2.0 in WT, is near unity in H48A. Despite being located 18 Å from the enzyme active site, H48 is essential in coordinating the motions involved in the rate-limiting enzymatic step. These studies have identified, of ≈160 potential exchangeable protons, a single site that is integral in the rate-limiting step in RNase A enzyme function.
EU Trade Policy & the Future of Africa's Trade Relationship with the EU
Authors: Goodison Paul
Published: July 2007

Despite the announcement of a ‘new trade strategy’, EU agricultural trade policy has exhibited considerable consistency over several decades, always conditional on the CAP regime and the course of its reform. A 25-year, heavily subsidised transition, will shortly see European farmers (thanks to income support of up to 50% of their total income), able to enter the world market without export subsidies. Meanwhile the EC expects ‘partner’ countries in Africa (and the Caribbean and the Pacific) with still underdeveloped infrastructures, and provided with relatively trivial subsidies, to complete a similar process in a decade or so. The economic partnership agreement (EPA) negotiations are based on a shift from the Lomé Convention's non-reciprocity commitment to a basic regime of free trade between the EU and EPA regions, involving liberalisation of trade in goods, trade-related areas and services. Whereas Europe has already effectively integrated, few African regions have yet got very far in regional integration, but the EC is forcing the pace in negotiations so that there is a risk that integration will be with the EU rather than within a country's own region, and on the EU's terms. A ‘development dimension’ adds an element of window-dressing (or sugaring of the pill). This article considers the development programmes that the EU is promising in order to address infrastructural constraints in the partner countries, and the costs of adjustment to free trade, in particular the loss of state revenues generated from tariffs. The article concludes with an attempt to foresee the likely outcomes and implications of the negotiations, including the undermining of government revenues and the consequent increase in reliance on the private sector for many services, accelerated deindustrialisation, and the inhibiting of first-stage processing of agricultural commodities, the undermining of regional integration, the economic ‘recolonisation’ of Africa and the harming of efforts to promote national exploitation of economic resources.
Evaluation of Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction for the Detection of Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureuson Environmental Surfaces
Authors: Otter Jonathan A. , Havill Nancy L. , Boyce John M.
Published: July 2007

We compared real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with in vitro culture for detecting methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureusin samples from environmental surfaces. The sensitivity of RT-PCR, compared with culture, was 92.5%, and the specificity was 51.4%. Because of poor specificity, the RT-PCR kit tested is not suitable for the detection of MRSA on hospital surfaces.
Anxiolytic Effect of Aromatherapy Massage in Patients with Breast Cancer
Authors: Imanishi Jiro , Kuriyama Hiroko , Shigemori Ichiro , Watanabe Satoko , Aihara Yuka , Kita Masakazu , Sawai Kiyoshi , Nakajima Hiroo , Yoshida Noriko , Kunisawa Masahiro , Kawase Masanori , Fukui Kenji
Published: July 2007

We examined how aromatherapy massage influenced psychologic and immunologic parameters in 12 breast cancer patients in an open semi‐comparative trial. We compared the results 1 month before aromatherapy massage as a waiting control period with those during aromatherapy massage treatment and 1 month after the completion of aromatherapy sessions. The patients received a 30 min aromatherapy massage twice a week for 4 weeks (eight times in total). The results showed that anxiety was reduced in one 30 min aromatherapy massage in State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) test and also reduced in eight sequential aromatherapy massage sessions in the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) test. Our results further suggested that aromatherapy massage ameliorated the immunologic state. Further investigations are required to confirm the anxiolytic effect of aromatherapy in breast cancer patients.
Growth, reproductive cycle, and movement of berried European lobsters (Homarus gammarus) in a local stock off southwestern Norway
Authors: Agnalt Ann-Lisbeth , Kristiansen Tore S. , Jørstad Knut E.
Published: July 2007

Agnatt, A-L., Kristiansen T. S., and Jorstad K. E. 2007. Growth, reproductive cycle, and movement of berried kuropean lobsters (Homarus gammarus) in a local stock off southwestern Norway. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 288–297. The Norwegian fishery for the European lobster (Homarus gammarus) collapsed between 1960 and 1980, to <10% of its pre-1960 level, and since then the spawning stock seems to be too low to generate good recruitment. In 1998, a project to evaluate the feasibility and effect of protecting berried female lobsters as a management restriction was initiated. The study area selected was previously an important fishing ground in Kvitsøy off southwestern Norway, and 125 000 hatchery-reared juveniles were released between 1990 and 1994. From spring 1998 to spring 2000, a total of 942 wild and 480 cultured berried females was purchased from fishers, individually tagged with a streamer-tag, and released. The proportion of berried females in the landings varied annually from 19 to 58% for wild females, and from 22 to 44% for cultured females. By spring 2000, 23% of the tagged females had been recaptured at least once, and 3% twice or more. Average moult increment was 7 mm carapace length (CL), independent of pre-moult size in both wild and cultured females. Reproduction (spawning) and growth (moulting) alternated in a 2 y cycle for >90% of the females. A small number moulted and spawned a few weeks after hatching. More than 95% of the recaptures were taken within a radius of 1 km of the release area. Egg production varied considerably between seasons. Reproductive potential (RP) of landed berried females underestimated egg production compared with what was actually produced (AE). For the entire period, RP was estimated to be about 15.0 million eggs, and AE to be 17.2 million eggs. Cultured females contributed 27% of AE. To reduce the fishing mortality in a heavily fished and depleted population is vital. A ban on landing berried females would be a valuable first step in attempting to increase the spawning biomass.
Identification of Girella punctata and G. leonina by PCR-RFLP analysis
Authors: Itoi Shiro , Saito Takashi , Shimojo Mai , Washio Sayaka , Sugita Haruo
Published: July 2007

Itoi, S., Saito, T., Shimojo, M., Washio, S., and Sugita, H. 2007. Identification of Girella punctata and G. leonina by PCR-RFLP analysis. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 328–331. Two Girella species, Girella punctata and G. leonina, are sympatric sister species with an extensive overlap in their respective distributions on shallow rocky reefs from Hong Kong to the south of the Japanese Islands. Juveniles of the two species cannot be discriminated easily on the basis of external characters. In this study, after morphological identification of the species, sequencing analysis was carried out for the partial 16S ribosomal RNA gene and for the D-loop region in mitochondrial DNA. A total of 109 specimens was examined. Restriction site mapping of the sequences suggested that the electrophoretic patterns of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of the gene products would produce a species-specific banding pattern. Subsequently, the PCR-RFLP analysis showed that the method was as effective for separating the two morphologically similar species of the genus Girella as the sequencing analysis.
Collapse of the fishery for Iceland scallop (Chlamys islandica) in Breidafjordur, West Iceland
Authors: Jonasson Jónas P. , Thorarinsdottir Gudrun , Eiriksson Hrafnkell , Solmundsson Jon , Marteinsdottir Gudrun
Published: July 2007

Jonasson, J. P., Thorarinsdottir, G., Eiriksson, H., Solmundsson, J., and Marteinsdottir, G. 2007. Collapse of the fishery for Iceland scallop (Chlamys islandica) in Breidafjordur, West Iceland. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 298–308. The stock index of the Iceland scallop (Chlamys islandica) in Breidafjordur on the west coast of Iceland has declined drastically in recent years. Total fishing mortality was very high throughout the study period from 1993 to 2003, a period characterized by a steady increase in summer sea surface temperature, in 2003 reaching the highest estimated level of the previous century. Between 1998 and 2005, estimates of chlorophyll a (food availability) fluctuated with periods of low chlorophyll followed by a reduction in muscle weight and high natural mortality. High levels of natural mortality were observed in the main fishing area in the southern part of Breidafjordur. There the stock index had been declining since 1994. Recruitment to the fishable stock was highly variable during the study period, with low recruitment towards the end of the 1990s. Subsequently the fishery has been on relatively few year classes, and the stock has been fragile because of several years of poor recruitment and high natural mortality. Consequently, the stock appeared unable to withstand the fishing pressure and declined to historically low levels, leading to a halt to fishing in 2004.
Can traditional harvesting methods for cockles be accommodated in a Special Area of Conservation?
Authors: McLaughlin Emma , Portig Alex , Johnson Mark P.
Published: July 2007

McLaughlin, E., Portig, A., and Johnson, M. P. 2007. Can traditional harvesting methods for cockles be accommodated in a Special Area of Conservation? – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 309–317. The European Natura 2000 project attempts to balance conservation and exploitation by permitting activities that do not affect the conservation status of designated sites. Given the scale of Natura 2000, guidelines are needed to facilitate the drafting of simple site management plans. This need is particularly acute for traditional harvesting methods for which there is usually strong local opposition to the imposition of controls. These issues were examined in Strangford Lough, a special area of conservation where cockles have traditionally been harvested by hand-raking. Raking was found not to affect the ability of cockles to rebury. There were significant reductions in Zostera biomass when raking was carried out within eelgrass beds (a 90% reduction in biomass available to winter migrant birds from summer raking). Traditional harvesting methods could therefore be accepted in Strangford as long as Zostera beds are avoided. A relatively low intensity of harvesting activity in Strangford Lough probably reflects low cockle densities (average 91.8 m−2), with the most economically valuable individuals at some distance from points of access to the shore. An economically feasible management plan could sanction traditional harvesting and result in the implementation of more resource-intensive management only if increases in cockle stocks and market prices stimulate large increases in harvesting activity.
Sexual maturity of the edible crab (Cancer pagurus) in the Skagerrak and the Kattegat, based on reproductive and morphometric characters
Authors: Ungfors Anette
Published: July 2007

Ungfors, A. 2007. Sexual maturity of the edible crab (Cancer pagurus) in the Skagerrak and the Kattegat, based on reproductive and morphometric characters. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 318–327. The size at the onset of sexual maturity of female and male edible crab (Cancer pagurus) from the Skagerrak and the Kattegat and the fecundity of females were estimated. Physiological maturity of females, i.e. ovary development, was at a larger size than behavioural maturity (indications of successful copulation). The carapace width (CW) at which 50% of females were mature (CW50), based on development of the gonads, was 132 mm, sperm presence gave a CW50 of 107 mm, and the presence of sperm plugs a CW50 of 118 mm. Changes in relative abdominal width were found at approximately 100 and 130 mm, and CW50 was 104 mm. A smaller fraction (25%) of the females is functionally mature at sizes <140 mm. However, male physiological and functional maturity was more synchronized: CW50s based on advanced sperm production and allometric changes in the chelae were within 5 mm (117–122 mm). Size-specific fecundity increases with CW (0.5–2.5 million eggs). Recommendations for a minimum landing size (MLS) of 140 mm and a change of escape gap size to 90 mm are given. Legislation of a MLS of 140 mm CW for females and males will reduce future potential landings more in the Skagerrak than in the Kattegat.
Acoustic characterization of seafloor habitats on the western continental shelf of India
Authors: Chakraborty Bishwajit , Mahale Vasudev , Navelkar Gajanan , Rao B. Ramalingeswara , Prabhudesai R. G. , Ingole Baban , Janakiraman G.
Published: July 2007

Chakraborty, B., Mahale, V., Navelkar, G., Rao, B. R., Prabhudesai, R. G., Ingole, B., and Janakirinam, G. 2007. Acoustic characterization of seafloor habitats on the western continental shelf of India. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 551–558. This is a study of the interaction effects of the dual-frequency (210 and 33 kHz) backscatter signal with seafloor sediment and benthic biota along a transect in water 27–83 m deep offshore of the Goa region of India's central west coast. Estimation of the power-law exponent using seafloor topographic data provided equivalent values even when using dual high-frequency systems for different grain-size sediments. Backscatter signals corrected from system-related gain, etc., reveal better correlations with sedimentary and benthic parameters than the estimated coherence parameters (using echo peaks). Statistically, correlations are significant for the 210 kHz backscatter signal with sand and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) sediment content. Also, correlations are higher for macrobenthic biomass (wet weight) and population density with a 210 kHz backscatter strength, emphasizing the dominant seawater–seafloor interface scattering process. For 33 kHz backscatter strength, the absence of such correlations indicates a different scattering process, i.e. dominant sediment volume scattering attributable to the comparatively lower signal attenuation. Additionally, to validate the results, the backscatter signals from other locations in the vicinity of this transect were considered.
Evaluating the science behind the management advice for North Sea cod
Authors: Reeves Stuart A. , Pastoors Martin A.
Published: July 2007

Reeves, S. A. and Pastoors, M. A. 2007. Evaluating the science behind the management advice for North Sea cod. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 671–678. Since 1974, annual assessments have constituted the core of the scientific advice underpinning management of the North Sea cod stock. Here, we base our evaluation of the assessments' performance on the quality of the advice and on the wider issue of how science is used to produce management advice. At the same time, we consider catch-at-age analyses and catch forecasts in the context of the amount of person-time and expertise available at the relevant working group meetings. The results indicate that, generally, the catch forecasts have been positively biased and that the bias has been driven by three main factors: (i) substantial overestimates of terminal stock size since the late 1990s, (ii) overestimates of incoming recruitment, and (iii) overestimates of growth. Information for other North Sea stocks (haddock, plaice, and sole) suggests that bias is a problem generally, not one unique to cod. Our results include a discussion of ways to use science more effectively in supplying management advice.
Viewpoint: the interface between scientific advice and fisheries managementa
Authors: Hoydal Kjartan
Published: July 2007

Hoydal, K. 2007. Viewpoint: the interface between scientific advice and fisheries management. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 846–850.

Basic elements in responsible, robust, and sustainable fishery management frameworks are well understood and easily listed. Common sense and international law underline the prominent role of science in management. Most managers request peer-reviewed advice based on an objective assessment of the impact of fisheries on marine ecosystems, to create a basis for sustainable and profitable fisheries. Management systems in the North Atlantic rely extensively on advice on total allowable catches (TACs) to control fishing mortality in stocks under regulation. This leads to an unhelpful focus on inherently uncertain catch forecasts. With the wisdom of hindsight, TACs have rarely led to the predicted reduction in fishing mortality. And because of the focus on TACs, other elements in the management framework, notably overcapacity and other economic and social constraints, do not receive the necessary attention. A comparison of the way fishing advice is acquired with the same process in the hydrocarbon extraction industry draws attention to the multi-user problem in marine fisheries management.
Influences of discourse on decision-making in EU fisheries management: the case of North Sea cod (Gadus morhua)
Authors: Delaney Alyne E. , McLay H. Anne , van Densen Wim L. T.
Published: July 2007

Delaney, A. E., McLay, H. A., and van Densen, W. L. T. 2007. Influences of discourse on decision-making in EU fisheries management: the case of North Sea cod (Gadus morhua). – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 804–810. Does public debate have an influence on decision-making in European fisheries management? Our premise is that for fisheries management to be viewed as legitimate, stakeholders should be included in the process. Because the first step towards stakeholder participation is letting their voices be heard, we analysed the public debate surrounding the management of North Sea cod, focusing on two aspects: the mixed fisheries problem of total allowable catch management and the causes of cod decline. Using standard social-science methodologies including discourse analysis, participant observation, and qualitative interviews, we suggest that the public debate has not had a direct effect on year-to-year management decisions. Still, it can be argued that the debate has influenced the attitude of those involved in the management system and, therefore, has had an impact on the changes in the management and advisory system that are taking place, although these take place at different levels and speeds than expected.
Quantitative assessment of the area of shallow habitat for fish on the Swedish west coast
Authors: Stål Johan , Pihl Leif
Published: July 2007

Stål, J., and Pihl, L. 2007. Quantitative assessment of the area of shallow habitat for fish on the Swedish west coast. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 446–452. Much effort has been focused recently on juvenile and adult fish habitat use in shallow coastal areas. However, to understand fully the importance of such habitats for fish production it is necessary also to quantify the area of existing habitat types. We inventory and quantify the area of major habitat types in a 1000 km2 area of the Swedish west coast, on a scale appropriate for coastal-zone management. An echosounder and GPS-transmitter mounted on a small boat were used to estimate the distribution of habitat along transects in seven regions of differing coastal morphology. The signal from the echosounder separated major habitat types, and recordings were verified by video documentation and visually. The information was used with GIS-software to estimate the quantitative extent of bottom habitats at depth ranges of 0–3, 3–6, and 6–10 m. Of the major habitat types, soft substrata dominated all except one region, and increased in size with depth in all regions. There were rocky substrata in all regions, but as steep rock walls in the north and more gently sloping substrata with pebbles and boulders in the south. Approximately half the rocky habitat was in the shallowest depth range. Seagrass meadows on soft substrata were mainly in the shallow protected archipelago of the central coast.
Policy and knowledge in fisheries management: a policy briefa
Authors: Schwach Vera , Bailly Denis , Christensen Anne-Sofie , Delaney Alyne E. , Degnbol Poul , van Densen Wim L. T. , Holm Petter , McLay H. Anne , Nielsen Kåre Nolde , Pastoors Martin A. , Reeves Stuart A. , Wilson Douglas C.
Published: July 2007

Schwach, V., Bailly, D., Christensen, A-S., Delaney, A. E., Degnbol, P., van Densen, W. L. T., Holm, P., McLay, H. A., Nielsen, K. N., Pastoors, M. A., Reeves, S. A., and Wilson, D. C. 2007. Policy and knowledge in fisheries management: a policy brief. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 798–803. The EU project Policy and Knowledge in Fisheries Management investigated the use of biological knowledge in various parts of the fisheries system, using North Sea cod as a case study. The project examined the way scientific advice was generated from technical and institutional perspectives, as well as the way claims about science appeared in both policy-setting and in public debate through the press. The results suggested that many people involved in the system want a new way to reflect about science in management. People from all major stakeholder groups are calling for a more interactive system of producing a common knowledge base. Such a system could bring uncertainty from its current marginal role as the leftovers of certainty to the heart of the science process. It would require stakeholders to help address uncertainty and to negotiate a more realistic placement of burden of proof.
Management strategies for reducing variation in annual yield: when can they work?
Authors: Skagen Dankert W.
Published: July 2007

Skagen, D. W. 2007. Management strategies for reducing variation in annual yield: when can they work? – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 698–701. Management with permanently fixed quota, an extreme form of a catch-stabilizing strategy, poses the risk of severely depleting a stock. Simulation studies of artificial populations are conducted to show that the maximum fixed total allowable catch (TAC) consistent with a low risk of depletion is related to biological properties of the stock and to the fishing mortality (F) at the time the regime is introduced. If the stock can be assumed to be fully exploited, a safe fixed TAC can be derived as a percentage of the mean catch obtained previously under a constant-F regime. This percentage will be in the order of 50–100%, and is largely independent of the previous F-value. The lower end of the range is associated with large variations in recruitment and short lifespans, but is insensitive to the growth rate of a species. The relationship between previous catch and a safe fixed TAC can be used as a guideline in setting a precautionary TAC in data-poor situations.
The Australian government's harvest strategy policy
Authors: Rayns Nick
Published: July 2007

Rayns, N. 2007. The Australian government's harvest strategy policy. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 596–598. In December 2005, the Australian government announced its Implementation Policy for the sustainable use of its fishery resources, specifically aimed at addressing overfishing, recovering overfished stocks, and managing the impacts of fishing on the marine environment. The policy articulates the level of risk the government is willing to accept in utilizing its resources. A key part is setting default target and limit reference points for stock biomass (Btarg and Blim). The policy is currently being expanded to ensure that control rules should always return stocks to Btarg, and that target fishing will cease if Blim is reached. The expanded policy is also intended to link fisheries management and conservation law to define their respective application to fisheries better. Guidelines explain how the policy should be applied, and permit the preparation of fishery-specific harvest strategies that are scheduled to be in place by 1 January 2007.
Tips and tricks in designing management procedures
Authors: Rademeyer Rebecca A. , Plagányi Éva E. , Butterworth Doug S.
Published: July 2007

Rademeyer, R. A., Plagányi, É. E., and Butterworth, D. S. 2007. Tips and tricks in designing management procedures. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 618–625. Management procedures (MPs) are becoming widely used in fisheries management, but guidelines to assist in their construction, evaluation, and implementation are few. We provide simple guidelines by drawing on experience from developing and applying MPs in southern Africa and internationally. Suggestions are provided on how to choose between candidate MPs and on key trade-offs in selecting between data-based (empirical) and model-based formulations. Assistance is also provided in dealing with different sources of uncertainty, such as deciding which operating models should be included in a reference set used for primary simulation testing and tuning (in contrast to robustness or sensitivity tests), and on how weights for the associated alternative hypotheses are most practically assigned. Finally, some guidelines are given for presenting the results effectively, which is one of the key challenges of a successful implementation process.
Clinical Review of Muscle-Specific Tyrosine Kinase-Antibody Positive Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: Wolfe Gil I , Trivedi Jaya R , Oh Shin J
Published: July 2007

Antibodies to muscle-specific receptor tyrosine kinase (MuSK-Ab) are detected in approximately 40% of generalized acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChR-Ab)-negative myasthenia gravis (MG). Based on a growing number of clinical series, a MuSK-Ab-positive phenotype is emerging. Although these clinical patterns are not wholly distinct from either AChR-Ab-positive or seronegative (both AChR-Ab- and MuSK-Ab-negative) MG, they are still helpful in identifying these patients. Patients with MuSK-Ab-positive MG are predominantly female with more prominent cranial and bulbar involvement and more frequent crises than other populations of people with MG. Disease onset tends to be earlier, generally by the third or fourth decade. The yield of repetitive nerve stimulation with conventional limb muscles is lower in these patients, but at least three-fourths demonstrate decrements in facial-innervated muscles. Similarly, single-fiber electromyography of distal limb muscles tends to have a lower yield of abnormality in patients who are MuSK-Ab-positive than either AChR-Ab-positive or seronegative MG, whereas jitter is increased in nearly all patients who are MuSK-Ab-positive when proximal limb or cranial musculature is studied. Patients who are MuSK-Ab-positive are more likely to display poor tolerance of or a lack of improvement with anticholinesterase agents. Most are managed successfully with immunomodulatory therapies, although a higher proportion of patients with MuSK MG have a refractory course when compared to other generalized populations.
Energetic costs of parasitism in the Cape ground squirrelXerus inauris
Authors: Scantlebury M , Waterman J.M , Hillegass M , Speakman J.R , Bennett N.C
Published: July 2007

Parasites have been suggested to influence many aspects of host behaviour. Some of these effects may be mediated via their impact on host energy budgets. This impact may include effects on both energy intake and absorption as well as components of expenditure, including resting metabolic rate (RMR) and activity (e.g. grooming). Despite their potential importance, the energy costs of parasitism have seldom been directly quantified in a field setting. Here we pharmacologically treated female Cape ground squirrels (Xerus inauris) with anti-parasite drugs and measured the change in body composition, the daily energy expenditure (DEE) using doubly labelled water, the RMR by respirometry and the proportions of time spent looking for food, feeding, moving and grooming. Post-treatment animals gained an average 19 g of fat or approximately 25 kJ d−1. DEE averaged 382 kJ d−1prior to and 375 kJ d−1post treatment (p>0.05). RMR averaged 174 kJ d−1prior to and 217 kJ d−1post treatment (p<0.009). Post-treatment animals spent less time looking for food and grooming, but more time on feeding. A primary impact of infection by parasites could be suppression of feeding behaviour and, hence, total available energy resources. The significant elevation of RMR after treatment was unexpected. One explanation might be that parasites produce metabolic by-products that suppress RMR. Overall, these findings suggest that impacts of parasites on host energy budgets are complex and are not easily explained by simple effects such as stimulation of a costly immune response. There is currently no broadly generalizable framework available for predicting the energetic consequences of parasitic infection.
Plasma acylated ghrelin levels are higher in patients with chronic atrophic gastritis
Authors: Campana Davide , Nori Francesca , Pagotto Uberto , De Iasio Rosaria , Morselli‐Labate Antonio Maria , Pasquali Renato , Corinaldesi Roberto , Tomassetti Paola
Published: July 2007

Objectives  Ghrelin is mainly produced by the endocrine cells of the gastric oxyntic mucosa. For this reason we decided to investigate the modification of the circulating levels not only of total but also of acylated ghrelin in a series of patients with chronic atrophic gastritis.

Design  Twenty‐five patients with chronic atrophic gastritis and 25 healthy subjects were studied. In all 50 subjects gastrin and total and acylated ghrelin levels were evaluated. All patients underwent endoscopy with multiple biopsies, and the possibility of Helicobacter pylori infection was investigated.

Results  Significantly higher acylated ghrelin levels (82·8 ± 61·3 vs. 35·1 ± 17·1 pmol/l), acylated/total ghrelin ratio (0·422 ± 0·202 vs. 0·152 ± 0·085) and gastrin levels (1071 ± 816 vs. 66 ± 22 ng/l) were observed in the 25 patients with chronic atrophy than in the healthy subjects. Otherwise, no significant relationships were found when total ghrelin was correlated with the presence of atrophy, or with gastrin levels. In the healthy subjects, but not in the patients, acylated and total ghrelin levels were significantly higher in female than in male patients.

Conclusions  The increase in acylated ghrelin levels and in the acylated/total ghrelin ratio in patients with atrophy of the body and fundus can be explained by hypothesizing an increase in the acylating process in the presence of gastric atrophy. It suggests that there may be a compensatory increase in plasma active ghrelin concentration in response to gastric atrophy, a condition which causes a loss of ghrelin‐producing cells and an increase in gastric pH.
The Magic Flute cast: geological correlations with Mozart
Authors: Whittaker A.
Published: July 2007

The year 1991 marks the 200th anniversary of the death of Mozart. His last opera, The Magic Flute, was begun, completed and first performed in the year of his death, 1791. The creation of the opera was closely associated with prominent geologists of the time although the work itself is an alchemical drama, deriving more from Hermetic ‘science’ and magic than from the emerging ‘legitimate’ science of the day.
TRACE FOSSILS‐BIOLOGY AND TAPHONOMY
Authors: Brornley Richard G.
Published: July 2007

1990, Special Topics in Palaeontology 3,280 pp., E17.95 (pbk), E40.00 (hbk). Unwin Hyman, London. ISBN 004445/6867 (pbk)/3035 (hbk).
AVALONIAN AND CADOMIAN GEOLOGY OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC
Authors: Strachan R.A. , Taylor G.K.
Published: July 2007

1990, £57.00, 252 pp. Blackie, Chapman and Hall. ISBN 0216 926 866
Stress evaluation in offshore regions of Norway
Authors: Spann Holger , Brudy Martin , Fuchs Karl
Published: July 2007

A review has been undertaken of all available information on crustal stresses in Norwegian continental shelf and North Sea. The data have principally come from the results of borehole breakouts, supplemented by focal mechanisms. A simple model of a soft linear inclusion was developed to explain the rapid changes in stress orientation in the Central Graben area. This example indicates that the stress field is affected locally by the geological or structural environment.
THE CONTINENTAL MANTLE
Authors: Menzies Martin
Published: July 2007

Oxford Monographs on Geology and Geophysics 1990, 184 pp., £45.00 (hbk) ISBN 019–854496–0 Oxford University Press, Oxford
GLOBAL PALAEOCLIMATE OF THE LATE CENOZOIC
Authors: Zubakov V.A. , Borenkova I.I.
Published: July 2007

1990, £89.55 (hbk) ISBN 0444–873 090. Elsevier, Amsterdam.
ATLAS OF METAMORPHIC ROCKS AND THEIR TEXTURES
Authors: Yardley B.W.D. , Mackenzie W.S. , Guilford C.
Published: July 2007

1990, 120 pp, £15.95 (pbk) ISBN 0–582–30166–1 Longman, London.
HIGH TEMPERATURE WETAMORPHIS AND ZRUSTAL ANATEXIS
Authors: Ashworth  , Brown
Published: July 2007

L990, £55.00 (hbk) ISBN 00 44457219.
Enhancement of hazelnut extract for IgE testing by recombinant allergen spiking
Authors: Andersson K. , Ballmer‐Weber B. K. , Cistero‐Bahima A. , Östling J. , Lauer I. , Vieths S. , Lidholm J.
Published: July 2007

Background:  Hazelnuts are a common cause of food allergic reactions. Most hazelnut allergic individuals in central and northern Europe are sensitized to Cor a 1, a member of the PR‐10 protein family, while the lipid transfer protein Cor a 8 acts as a major allergen in the south of Europe. Other allergens, including profilin and seed storage proteins, may be important in subgroups of patients. Reliable detection of specific IgE in the clinical diagnosis of food allergy requires allergen reagents with a sufficient representation of all relevant allergen components. Some reported observations suggest that natural hazelnut extract may not be fully adequate in this respect.

Methods:  The capacity of immobilized natural hazelnut extract to bind Cor a 1‐, Cor a 2‐ and Cor a 8‐specific IgE and IgG antibodies was investigated by serum adsorption and extract dilution experiments and by the use of allergen specific rabbit antisera. All measurements were performed with the ImmunoCAP assay platform.

Results:  The experimental results revealed an incomplete capacity of immobilized hazelnut extract to capture IgE antibodies directed to the major allergen Cor a 1. Spiking of hazelnut extract with recombinant Cor a 1.04 prior to solid phase coupling gave rise to significantly enhanced IgE antibody binding from Cor a 1 reactive sera. The spiking did not negatively affect the measurement of IgE to extract components other than Cor a 1.

Conclusion:  A hazelnut allergen reagent with enhanced IgE detection capacity can be generated by supplementing the natural food extract with recombinant Cor a 1.04.
Detecting depression in the aged: Is there concordance between screening tools and the perceptions of nursing home staff and residents? A pilot study in a rural aged care facility
Authors: Johnston Luke , Reid Alexander , Wilson Jessica , Levesque Janelle , Driver Brian
Published: July 2007

Objective:  Recognition of depression in the elderly is exacerbated in rural and remote regions by a lack of mental health specialists. In nursing homes, screening tools have been advocated to circumvent the variable reliability of both nursing staff and residents in recognising depression. Debate concerning the utility of screening tools abounds. Previous research has neglected concordance between screening tools, nursing staff and residents in recognising depression. The present study aimed to determine if there was a significant difference in the proportion of depressed residents identified by recognition sources, and assessed the level of chance corrected agreement between sources.

Participants:  One hundred and two residents of aged care facilities in Wagga Wagga, Australia, mean age of 85.19 ± 7.09 years.

Setting:  Residents were interviewed within their residential aged care facility.

Design:  Cross‐sectional, between‐subjects design.

Main outcome measures:  Residents, nursing staff, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS‐12R) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale.

Results:  Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and nursing staff professional opinion were not significantly different; however, both measures were significantly different to the resident measures (GDS‐12R and resident opinion). Kappa statistic analysis of outcome measures revealed, at best, no more than a moderate level of chance corrected agreement between said sources.

Conclusion:  It is tentatively argued that the different sources might correspond to qualitatively different ‘depression’ constructs, and that health professionals who are concerned with depression in the elderly be aware of the disparity between, and subsequently consider, a variety of recognition sources.
Safety and efficacy of the M2A patency capsule for diagnosis of critical intestinal patency: Results of a prospective clinical trial
Authors: Banerjee Rupa , Bhargav Prem , Reddy Praveen , Gupta Rajesh , Lakhtakia Sandeep , Tandan Manu , Rao Venkat G , Reddy Nageshwar D
Published: July 2007

Background and Aim:  The presence of a critical intestinal stricture is a contraindication for conventional capsule endoscopy for the risk of impaction. Prior assessment of intestinal patency can substantially minimize this risk. The aim of the present study was to assess the safety and efficacy of the M2A patency capsule (PC) for verification of intestinal strictures.

Methods:  The M2A PC consists of a biodegradable body surrounding a small radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag. This capsule was administered to patients with known or suspected intestinal strictures. Patency was verified if the capsule was excreted intact. The capsule disintegrated into small fragments and only the RFID tag was excreted if retained at the stricture beyond a stipulated time. The patency scanner was used to detect the RFID tag externally. The M2A video capsule (VC) was administered to patients who excreted the intact capsule.

Results:  Twenty‐six patients with known or suspected intestinal strictures were administered the M2A PC. This included 16 (61%) patients with tuberculosis, eight (31%) with Crohn's disease, and one each of postoperative and malignant strictures. Eight capsules were excreted intact within 72 h and two at 109 and 110 h. Fifteen capsules disintegrated in the GI tract and one capsule was removed during surgery. No PC‐related complications were noted. Six of the eight patients who tested positive for patency were tested with the regular M2A VC with normal excretion.

Conclusion:  The M2A PC is a reliable indicator of functional patency in suspected or even known cases of intestinal stricture. It could be used prior to conventional capsule endoscopy to predict and minimize the risk of impaction.
Variation in rates of postterm birth in Europe: reality or artefact?
Authors: Zeitlin J , Blondel B , Alexander S , Bréart G ,   PERISTAT Group
Published: July 2007

Objective  To compare rates of postterm birth in Europe.

Design  Analysis of data from vital statistics, birth registers, and national birth samples collected for the PERISTAT project.

Setting  Thirteen European countries.

Population  All live births or representative samples of births for the year 2000 or most recent year available.

Methods  Comparison of national and regional rates of postterm birth. Other indicators (birthweight, deliveries with a non‐spontaneous onset and mortality) were used to assess the validity of postterm rates.

Main outcome measures  The proportion of births at 42 completed weeks of gestation or later.

Results  Postterm rates varied greatly, from 0.4% (Austria, Belgium) to over 7% (Denmark, Sweden) of births. Higher postterm rates were associated with a greater proportion of babies with birthweight 4500 g or more. Fetal and early neonatal mortality rates were higher among postterm births than among births at 40 weeks. Countries with higher proportions of births with a nonspontaneous onset of labour had lower postterm birth rates. The shapes of the gestational‐age distributions at term varied. In some countries, there was a sharp cutoff in deliveries at 40 weeks, while elsewhere this occurred at 41 weeks.

Conclusions  These results suggest that practices for managing pregnancies continuing beyond term differ in Europe and raise questions about the health and other impacts in countries with markedly high or low postterm rates. Some variability in these rates may also be due to methods for determining gestational age, which has broader implications for international comparisons of gestational age, including rates of postterm and preterm births and small‐for‐gestational‐age newborns.
Patients’ preferences in the evaluation of postmenopausal bleeding
Authors: Timmermans A , Opmeer BC , Veersema S , Mol BWJ
Published: July 2007

Objective  To assess patients’ preferences for diagnostic management of postmenopausal bleeding (PMB).

Design  A structured interview.

Setting  A teaching hospital with office hysteroscopy facilities.

Population  Thirty‐nine women with PMB and with a completed work‐up including an office hysteroscopy.

Methods  A structured interview was taken from 39 women who had had an office hysteroscopy in the diagnostic work‐up for PMB. Women were informed about the probability of endometrial carcinoma versus benign disease and about advantages and disadvantages of different diagnostic strategies, i.e. expectant management after ultrasound or complete diagnostic work‐up, including invasive procedures.

Main outcome measures  Women were informed about the probability of endometrial carcinoma versus benign disease and about advantages and disadvantages of different diagnostic strategies, i.e., expectant management after ultrasound or complete diagnostic work‐up including invasive procedures. Women were asked to make a trade‐off between different options.

Results  Most women wanted to be 100% certain that carcinoma could be ruled out. Only 5% of the women were willing to accept more than 5% risk of false reassurance. If the risk of recurrent bleeding due to benign disease exceeded 25%, the majority of women would prefer immediate diagnosis and treatment of benign lesions.

Conclusion  Women with PMB are prepared to undergo hysteroscopy to rule out any risk on cancer. This finding implicates that the measurement of endometrial thickness with transvaginal ultrasound as a first‐line test in the assessment of PMB should be reconsidered.