bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uncertainty in predicted runoff due to patterns of spatially variable infiltration
Authors: Michaelides Katerina , Wilson Matthew D.
Published: February 2007

This paper reports on recent work on modeling the effect of spatial patterns in infiltration rate on the uncertainty in predicted runoff from two hypothetical catchments with distinct topographic characteristics. Specifically, in the first catchment the hillslopes are directly coupled to the channel, while in the second, the hillslopes are decoupled from the channel by floodplains. Spatial patterns of infiltration were generated as model inputs using the geostatistical method of stochastic simulation. Multiple infiltration scenarios were produced with spatial autocorrelation based on a spherical variogram model with a variable range and nugget and were used as inputs to the model COUP2D. Monte Carlo simulations were run for each condition. Results show that the uncertainty in modeled runoff due to spatially varying infiltration patterns varies with the magnitude of the runoff event through time and with different topography. Generally, increasing the range of spatial correlation of infiltration rates leads to increased connectivity in runoff pathways and an increased uncertainty in modeled runoff. Conversely, increasing the proportion of nonspatially correlated variation in infiltration decreased the uncertainty in modeled runoff to variable infiltration.
In situ laser microprocessing of single self-assembled quantum dots and optical microcavities
Authors: Rastelli A. , Ulhaq A. , Kiravittaya S. , Wang L. , Zrenner A. , Schmidt O. G.
Published: February 2007

The authors employ a focused laser beam both as a probe and as a local heat source to tune in situ, over a broad range and with resolution-limited accuracy, the quantized energy states of single optical microcavities and self-assembled quantum dots (QDs). The approach is demonstrated by bringing an optical mode of a microdisk into resonance with the emission of a single QD and by tuning spatially separated QDs in mutual resonance. This processing method may be used, e.g., to fabricate arrays of perfectly resonant QDs.
Characterization and properties of Sb-doped BaTiO3 powders
Authors: Tangjuank Singhadej , Tunkasiri Tawee
Published: February 2007

Improved single-phase nanocrystalline BaTiO3 powders may be prepared at 700°C by the sol-gel acetate process to which 1–3wt% Sb is added as dopant. Following calcination at 1200°C, the resulting average particle size as determined by scanning electron microscopy analysis is in the range of 50–150nm. The dielectric results show that fired samples containing 1wt% Sb have the highest relative permittivity, with εr≈4500 and TC=52°C, whereas undoped samples have εr≈3300 and TC=120°C.
Influences of resonant wavelengths on performances of microcavity organic light-emitting devices
Authors: Lin Chun-Liang , Chang Han-Chieh , Tien Kun-Cheng , Wu Chung-Chih
Published: February 2007

In this letter, we investigate theoretically and experimentally the influences of resonant wavelengths on performances of microcavity organic light-emitting devices. Results show that by setting the normal-direction resonant wavelength around the peak wavelength of the intrinsic emission, one obtains the highest luminance enhancement along the normal direction and hardly detectable color shift with viewing angles, yet accompanied by highly directed emission. On the other hand, the highest enhancement (∼1.4 times) in external quantum efficiencies and the most uniform brightness distribution are obtained by setting the normal-direction resonant wavelength of 20–40nm longer than the peak wavelength of the intrinsic emission, yet with noticeable color shift over viewing angles. Due to the trade-offs between different emission characteristics in choosing the resonant wavelength, the exact design of microcavity devices would depend on actual applications.
Examination of the spatial and temporal field distributions of single-cycle terahertz pulses at a beam focus
Authors: Bitzer Andreas , Walther Markus , Kern Andreas , Gorenflo Stefan , Helm Hanspeter
Published: February 2007

Measurements of spatially resolved beam profiles of single-cycle terahertz pulses are presented. In the approach here the terahertz beam is scanned over the stationary electro-optic detector using a gimbal-mounted mirror. A detailed study of the temporal- and frequency-dependent field in the region of the terahertz focus reveals field patterns which are dominated by diffraction and absorption. The observed field distribution is reproduced in model calculations. The exceptionally high signal to noise ratio and the high frequency and spatial resolution of the experiment here facilitate the observation of minute field distortions caused by the anomalous dispersion of absorbers in the beam path from the spatially resolved field pattern.
Structure and cathodoluminescence of hierarchical Zn3P2∕ZnS nanotube/nanowire heterostructures
Authors: Shen Guozhen , Ye Changhui , Golberg Dmitri , Hu Junqing , Bando Yoshio
Published: February 2007

The authors reported on the structural analysis of hierarchical Zn3P2∕ZnS nanotube/nanowire heterostructures, which were synthesized by a one-step thermochemical process. The structural analyses by several techniques show that the stem and the branches in the heterostructures have the epitaxial relations as [010]Zn3P2‖[12¯10]ZnS and (101)Zn3P2‖(0002)ZnS. Cathodoluminescence of the heterostructures was also investigated, which shows strong green emissions centered at approximately 510 and 600nm.
Electrode architecture in tuning room temperature sensing kinetics of nanomicrointegrated hydrogen sensor
Authors: Deshpande Sameer , Seal Sudipta , Zhang Peng , Cho Hyoung J. , Posey Nathan
Published: February 2007

A diffusion model is proposed for elucidating the effect of interelectrode distance modulation on conductance change of a nanomicrointegrated hydrogen sensor at room temperature. Both theoretical and experimental results showed a faster response upon exposure to hydrogen when sensor electrode gap was smaller. Also, a linear increase in the sensor sensitivity from 500 to 80 000 was observed on increasing the electrode spacing from 2to20μm. The improvement in sensitivity is attributed to the higher reactive sites available for the gaseous species to react on the sensor surface.
Identification of surface optical phonon in wurtzite InN epitaxial thin films by coherent phonon spectroscopy
Authors: Chang Y.-M. , Chu H. W. , Shen C.-H. , Gwo S.
Published: February 2007

Coherent phonon spectroscopy of wurtzite InN epitaxial thin films was carried out with time-resolved second-harmonic generation technique. In addition to the bulk A1(LO) phonon and A1(LO)–plasmon coupling modes, a phonon mode at 543cm−1 was identified and characterized. It is found that this phonon mode is localized in the topmost few atomic layers and sensitive to surface modification. This vibration mode is described as the opposite motion between the In and N atoms along the c axis. This phonon mode is assigned to the surface optical phonon of InN.
Injection charge assisted polarization reversal in ferroelectric thin films
Authors: Kim Yunseok , Bühlmann Simon , Hong Seungbum , Kim Seung-Hyun , No Kwangsoo
Published: February 2007

The authors have investigated the polarization reversal on ferroelectric thin films caused by a grounded tip on 50-nm-thick Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 films. Backswitching occurred when the grounded tip recontacted a “freshly” switched area. It is believed that the upper part of the film switches back due to the field between the grounded tip and previously injected charges. During dynamic operation, partial backswitching was observed during pulsed writing using pulse widths of 1ms. The results show that polarization reversal is an issue, which has to be addressed in the writing scheme of future probe-based storage devices.
Perceived Slant: A Dissociation between Perception and Action
Authors: Witt Jessica K , Proffitt Dennis R
Published: February 2007

Perceived slant is grossly overestimated, such that 5° hills look to be about 20°. However, overestimation is found only in visual and verbal measures of apparent slant; action measures are accurate. This dissociation is consistent with several lines of research that suggest that there exist two perceptual processes, one for visually guided actions and another for explicit awareness. However, studies in other contexts have shown that analogous effects can be the result of differences in the task demands associated with the responses themselves as opposed to the processes underlying the responses. Two experiments are reported in which these alternatives were tested. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that two perceptual processes underlie the dissociation between explicit awareness and visuomotor assessments of perceived slant.
The Role of Voluntary and Involuntary Attention in Selecting Perceptual Dominance during Binocular Rivalry
Authors: Hancock Sarah , Andrews Timothy J
Published: February 2007

When incompatible images are presented to corresponding regions of each eye, perception alternates between the two monocular views (binocular rivalry). In this study, we have investigated how involuntary (exogenous) and voluntary (endogenous) attention can influence the perceptual dominance of one rival image or the other during contour rivalry. Subjects viewed two orthogonal grating stimuli that were presented to both eyes. Involuntary attention was directed to one of the grating stimuli with a brief change in orientation. After a short period, the cued grating was removed from the image in one eye and the uncued grating was removed from the image in the other eye, generating binocular rivalry. Subjects usually reported dominance of the cued grating during the rivalry period. We found that the influence of the cue declined with the interval between its onset and the onset of binocular rivalry in a manner consistent with the effect of involuntary attention. Finally, we demonstrated that voluntary attention to a grating stimulus could also influence the ongoing changes in perceptual dominance that accompany longer periods of binocular rivalry. Voluntary attention did not increase the mean dominance period of the attended grating, but rather decreased the mean dominance period of the non-attended grating. This pattern is analogous to increasing the perceived contrast of the attended grating. These results suggest that the competition during binocular rivalry might be an example of a more general attentional mechanism within the visual system.
The Hollow-Face Illusion: Object-Specific Knowledge, General Assumptions or Properties of the Stimulus?
Authors: Hill Harold , Johnston Alan
Published: February 2007

The hollow-face illusion, in which a mask appears as a convex face, is a powerful example of binocular depth inversion occurring with a real object under a wide range of viewing conditions. Explanations of the illusion are reviewed and six experiments reported. In experiment 1 the detrimental effect of figural inversion, evidence for the importance of familiarity, was found for other oriented objects. The inversion effect held for masks lit from the side (experiment 2). The illusion was stronger for a mask rotated by 908 lit from its forehead than from its chin, suggesting that familiar patterns of shading enhance the illusion (experiment 2). There were no effects of light source visibility or any left/right asymmetry (experiment 3). In experiments 4 – 6 we used a ‘virtual’ hollow face, with illusion strength quantified by the proportion of noise texture needed to eliminate the illusion. Adding characteristic surface colour enhanced the illusion, consistent with the familiar face pigmentation outweighing additional bottom - up cues (experiment 4). There was no difference between perspective and orthographic projection. Photographic negation reduced, but did not eliminate, the illusion, suggesting shading is important but not essential (experiment 5). Absolute depth was not critical, although a shallower mask was given less extreme convexity ratings (experiment 6). We argue that the illusion arises owing to a convexity preference when the raw data have ambiguous interpretations. However, using a familiar object with typical orientation, shading, and pigmentation greatly enhances the effect.
Eye Centring in Portraits: A Theoretical and Empirical Evaluation
Authors: McManus I Christopher , Thomas Peter
Published: February 2007

Tyler (1998 Nature392 877) proposed that ‘painters centre one eye in portraits’, and that this is a hidden aesthetic principle used implicitly by artists and by viewers of portraits. We assess that hypothesis in three related studies: a Monte-Carlo analysis of eye placement in synthetic faces randomly placed within a frame; a survey of eye position in 786 painted portraits from Western art of the past six centuries; and an experimental study in which fifty subjects were asked which of two versions of 60 pairs of portraits they preferred, in only one of which the eye was precisely centred. Taken together, the three studies showed no evidence to support Tyler's hypothesis, and in particular there was no evidence for subjects having an aesthetic preference for a centred eye in portraits. We conclude that one eye tends to be relatively close to the vertical midline because of geometric constraints on the placing of a relatively large object, the head, within a pictorial frame.
Eye-Centering in Portraits: Reply to McManus and Thomas
Authors: Tyler Christopher W
Published: February 2007

McManus and Thomas air some important issues in relation to the hypothesis of eye-centering in portraits, but many of them were already addressed in the original publication of Tyler (1998 Nature392 877). The statistical simulation offered by these authors does not have appropriate assumptions to match the properties of the observed distributions in historical portraiture. Further analysis of the two-dimensional form of the distribution strongly supports the hypothesis, as does an independent experiment of student's placements of drawn heads when blind to the hypothesis.
Changes in distribution and abundance of juvenile fishes in intertidal soft sediment areas dominated by the burrowing crab Chasmagnathus granulatus
Authors: Martinetto Paulina , Ribeiro Pablo , Iribarne Oscar
Published: February 2007

Intertidal estuarine areas located between southern Brazil and the northern Argentinean Patagonia are characterised by extended beds of the burrowing crab Chasmagnathus granulatus. Their activity leads to profound changes in the structure, quality and dynamics of sediments, which affect the entire benthic community and create a patchy distribution of resources for other species. In this study, the differences in habitat use by juvenile fishes above soft sediments inhabited by C. granulatus were evaluated. Adjacent areas with (‘crab beds’) and without crab burrows in intertidal mudflats of the Mar Chiquita Coastal Lagoon (37°32'S, 57°19'W) were sampled seasonally from 2000 to 2002. There were more fish species in crab-bed areas. Abundances of benthivorous and planktivorous fishes were also higher in crab beds during flood tide; however, during ebb tide, planktivorous fishes were more abundant outside crab-bed areas, whereas benthivores did not vary between areas. The present study demonstrated that species composition and abundance of juvenile fishes can be affected by the presence of bioturbator species such as C. granulatus.
Bioavailability of dissolved organic carbon and fulvic acid from an Australian floodplain river and billabong
Authors: McDonald Suzanne , Pringle Jennifer M. , Prenzler Paul D. , Bishop Andrea G. , Robards Kevin
Published: February 2007

Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is a vital resource for heterotrophic bacteria in aquatic ecosystems. The bioavailability of fulvic acid, which comprises the majority of aquatic DOC, is not well understood. The present study examined the bioavailability of bulk DOC and fulvic acid from two contrasting but inter-related water bodies: the Murrumbidgee River and adjacent Berry Jerry Lagoon. Bacteria utilised fulvic acids; however, bulk DOC was more bioavailable. Bacteria were able to utilise Murrumbidgee River DOC and fulvic acid more readily than Berry Jerry Lagoon DOC and fulvic acid, suggesting that the quality of carbon may be an important factor to consider when evaluating lateral exchange of nutrients between the main channel and floodplain. Chemical characteristics of fulvic acids appeared to explain some of the variation in fulvic acid bioavailability. The higher the molecular weight and complexity of the fulvic acid, the longer it took for bacteria to utilise the substrate (lag phase), but the larger the number of bacteria that grew on the substrate. The present study calls attention to the need for further multidisciplinary studies to address the quality of carbon in riverine-floodplain ecosystems.
Mercury in king mackerel, Scomberomorus cavalla, and Spanish mackerel, S. maculatus, from waters of the south-eastern USA: regional and historical trends
Authors: Adams Douglas H. , McMichael Robert H.
Published: February 2007

Mackerels and other piscivorous marine fishes can contain significant levels of mercury. To monitor and better understand mercury levels in mackerel populations, total mercury concentrations were analysed in dorsal muscle tissue from 279 king mackerel, Scomberomorus cavalla, and from 580 Spanish mackerel, S. maculatus, collected from offshore and coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico in the south-eastern USA. Mercury levels in king mackerel ranged from 0.19 to 3.6 ppm (mean = 0.94 ppm; median = 0.65 ppm) on the Atlantic coast and from 0.18 to 4.0 ppm (mean = 1.51 ppm; median = 1.3 ppm) on the gulf coast. Total mercury levels for Spanish mackerel ranged from 0.04 to 1.3 ppm (mean = 0.32 ppm; median = 0.27 ppm) on the Atlantic coast and from 0.09 to 3.2 ppm (mean = 0.53 ppm; median = 0.44 ppm) on the gulf coast. Data from the present study suggest that Gulf of Mexico king and Spanish mackerel contain significantly higher levels of mercury than those from the Atlantic coast. Total mercury levels and fish length were positively related in both species and in both regions. A positive relationship between total mercury levels and king mackerel age was also detected. No differences in mercury levels were observed between males and females within either species. Comparisons of pre- and post-1996 mercury levels indicated a short-term historical decline in total mercury levels of Spanish mackerel from gulf-coast waters between 1990 and 2002. Further, mercury levels of these species were higher than those recorded in the 1970s.
Clinical relevance of hepsin and hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor type 2 expression in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Betsunoh Hironori , Mukai Shoichiro , Akiyama Yutaka , Fukushima Tsuyoshi , Minamiguchi Naoki , Hasui Yoshihiro , Osada Yukio , Kataoka Hiroaki
Published: February 2007

Cell surface proteolysis is important for the generation of bioactive proteins mediating tumor progression. Recent studies suggest that the membrane‐anchored cell surface proteinases matriptase and hepsin have significant roles in tumors. We analyzed the expression and clinical relevance of matriptase and hepsin, and their inhibitors hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor type 1 (HAI‐1) and type 2 (HAI‐2) in 66 cases of conventional renal cell carcinomas (RCC). The mRNA level was evaluated in paired samples from tumor and non‐tumorous renal tissues by real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. As matriptase and hepsin potently activate the proform of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), the expression of HGF and its receptor, c‐Met, was also analyzed. Although upregulation of matriptase was observed occasionally in RCC, the expression level was not associated with prognostic parameters. Hepsin was downregulated in RCC, particularly in early stage disease, but upregulated in advanced stages. There was a trend of higher hepsin expression in RCC with distant metastasis, and Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed that high hepsin expression was associated with reduced overall survival (P < 0.01, log‐rank test). Moreover, multivariate analysis indicated that hepsin was an independent prognostic factor. Overexpression of HGF or c‐Met also showed reduced overall survival. We also observed a tendency of low HAI‐2 expression with reduced overall survival and a statistical association between high hepsin and low HAI‐2 level. No associations were observed between matriptase and HAI‐1 and HAI‐2. Our findings suggest that the balance between hepsin and its inhibitor, HAI‐2, may have prognostic value in RCC. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 491–498)
Construction of bovine whole‐genome radiation hybrid and linkage maps using high‐throughput genotyping
Authors: McKay S. D. , Schnabel R. D. , Murdoch B. M. , Aerts J. , Gill C. A. , Gao C. , Li C. , Matukumalli L. K. , Stothard P. , Wang Z. , Van Tassell C. P. , Williams J. L. , Taylor J. F. , Moore S. S.
Published: February 2007

High‐density whole‐genome maps are essential for ordering genes or markers and aid in the assembly of genome sequence. To increase the density of markers on the bovine radiation hybrid map, and hence contribute to the assembly of the bovine genome sequence, an Illumina® BeadStation was used to simultaneously type large numbers of markers on the Roslin‐Cambridge 3000 rad bovine–hamster whole‐genome radiation hybrid panel (WGRH3000). In five multiplex reactions, 6738 sequence tagged site (STS) markers were successfully typed on the WGRH3000 panel DNA. These STSs harboured SNPs that were developed as a result of the bovine genome sequencing initiative. Typically, the most time consuming and expensive part of creating high‐density radiation hybrid (RH) maps is genotyping the markers on the RH panel with conventional approaches. Using the method described in this article, we have developed a high‐density whole‐genome RH map with 4690 loci and a linkage map with 2701 loci, with direct comparison to the bovine whole‐genome sequence assembly (Btau_2.0) in a fraction of the time it would have taken with conventional typing and genotyping methods.
SHORT COMMUNICATION: Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in the Eurasian dog breed – inheritance and exclusion of two candidate genes
Authors: Proschowsky H. F. , Fredholm M.
Published: February 2007

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is considered an inherited disease in several dog breeds. Affected dogs show polyphagia, weight loss and voluminous faeces of light colour due to the lack of pancreatic enzymes. In the study described herein, we performed a segregation analysis using the singles method for three families of the Eurasian dog breed. Our data were consistent with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. In addition, we performed a linkage analysis in these families using four microsatellite markers on CFA3 and two microsatellites on CFA23. Based on our results, we excluded the canine orthologs of the human cholecystokinin (CCK) and the cholecystokinin A receptor (CCKAR) genes as candidates for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the Mormon cricket (Anabrus simplex: Tettigoniidae: Orthoptera) and an analysis of control region variability
Authors: Fenn J. D. , Cameron S. L. , Whiting M. F.
Published: February 2007

The Anabrus simplex is a swarming plague orthopteran found in western North America. The genome is 15 766 bp in length and genome organization follows the ancestral insect gene arrangement. atp6 lacked any readily identifiable stop codon. Examination of mRNA secondary structure for this gene suggested a stem/loop‐mediated mRNA post‐transcriptional processing to liberate a mature atp6 mRNA with a complete stop codon produced by polyadenylation. Comparison of similar protein with protein gene boundaries in other insect species reveal a general mechanism for mRNA excision and provide further supporting evidence for post‐transcriptional mRNA processing in mitochondrial genomes. The A + T‐rich region, or control region, was sequenced for 55 A. simplex individuals from 12 different populations. Variance studies between these individuals show that the A + T‐rich region contains significant phylogenetic signal to be used in population studies.
piggyBac‐based insertional mutagenesis in Tribolium castaneum using donor/helper hybrids
Authors: Lorenzen M. D. , Kimzey T. , Shippy T. D. , Brown S. J. , Denell R. E. , Beeman R. W.
Published: February 2007

We describe an efficient method for generating new piggyBac insertions in the germline of F1 hybrid Tribolium castaneum derived from crosses between transgenic helper and donor strains. Helper strains carried single Minos elements encoding piggyBac transposase. The donor strain carried a single piggyBac element inserted into an actin gene, expanding the eye‐specific, 3xP3‐EGFP (enhanced green fluorescent protein) reporter expression domain to include muscle. Remobilization of the donor element is accompanied by loss of muscle fluorescence but retention of eye fluorescence. In a pilot screen, the piggyBac donor was remobilized in 84% of the hybrid crosses, generating hundreds of new lethal, enhancer‐trap, semisterile and other insertions. The jumpstarter system described herein makes genome‐wide, saturation insertional mutagenesis a realistic goal in this coleopteran species.
Behaviour problems associated with lack of speech in people with learning disabilities
Authors: Bott C. , Farmer R. , Rohde J.
Published: February 2007

It has been observed in a population of people with learning disabilities that people with good understanding but no spech have significantly more behaviour problems than those with good speech. This observation was confirmed by testing a data set of 3662 people. The purpose of the study was to stress the importance of teaching communication techniques as early as possible in order to pre‐empt behaviour problems.
The cost‐effectiveness of community care for adults with learning disabilities leaving long‐stay hospital in Northern Ireland
Authors: Beecham J. , Knapp M. , McGilloway S. , Donnelly M. , Kavanagh S. , Fenyo A. , Mays N.
Published: February 2007

Among the many questions concerning the replacement of long‐stay hospital services with community‐based care are those of cost and cost‐effectiveness, is community care more expensive than hospital care? Are levels of expenditure associated with clients’ needs and changes in their well‐being? By following a cohort of people discharged from seven long‐stay hospitals in Northern Ireland, this wide‐ranging evaluation was able to address such cost‐related questions. Although nearly three‐quarters of the sample were living in private sector residential or nursing homes, a six‐fold variation in the total costs of support was found. However, at the mean, community care was less expensive than hospital care. For only ten people in our sample of 192 clients did the costs of community care exceed the average cost of long‐stay inpatient care. Multivariate analysis revealed that the costs of community care ‘packages’ were linked to some client needs, but higher spending was not unequivocally associated with better client outcomes. Care in the community is reasonably cost‐effective in Northern Ireland when compared with long‐term hospital care. However, there is a case for increasing
Dementia in older people with intellectual disability: symptoms of physical and mental illness, and levels of adaptive behaviour
Authors: Moss S. , Patel P.
Published: February 2007

Detailed data on health and functional ability of 101 people with intellectual disability over 50 years of age are presented. Using a combination of informant interviewing, observation and measurement of cognitive change over a 3‐year period, 12 of these individuals were identified as suffering from dementia. Their data are compared to those of the non‐dementia sufferers. The people suffering from dementia had a greater number of chronic physical health problems and chronic disability resulting from physical health problems. Their capacity for self‐directed activity was lower. The subjects had a reduced capacity to enjoy things, and were more irritable and more prone to violence. However, the outlook is somewhat different from a strategic perspective. The population of people with intellectual disability shows considerable epidemio logical changes across the lifespan because of the effects of differential survival. The interaction of these factors tends to mask the impact of dementia‐related skill loss in this population.
Communication, social‐emotional development and parenting stress in Cornelia‐de‐Lange syndrome
Authors: Sarimski K.
Published: February 2007

Cornelia‐de‐Lange syndrome is a dysmorphogenic disorder characterized by multiple congenital abnormalities, and in most cases, severe cognitive limitations. Parents of 27 children with Cornelia‐de‐Lange syndrome completed psychological questionnaires concerning communicative and social‐emotional behaviours, and reported on their parenting stress. Only four children vs'ere able to use speech, but most of the older children expressed needs through non‐verbal means. Feeding problems, over‐activity, irritability and stereotyped behaviours were characteristic for the majority of the group. Self‐injurious behaviours occur in more than 40%. Parenting stress is very high, especially in parents of older children.
A comparison of obstetric and neonatal complications between children with autistic disorder and their siblings
Authors: Deb S. , Prasad K.B.G. , Seth H. , Eagles J.M.
Published: February 2007

Sixty‐one children had a diagnosis of autistic disorder according to the DSM3‐R criteria in a population based study of mentally retarded children between the ages of 5 and 19 years in the Aberdeen city area of Scotland. Obstetric case records were traced for 36 out of these 61 autistic children. The obstetric case records of siblings of 30 of these autistic children were also traced. Modified versions of Prechtl's obstetric optimality scale along with that of Pamas were used to score pre‐, peri‐and neonatal obsteric complications in the autistic group and their normal sibling controls. A Spearman's correlation coefficient test between the scores of the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and the Obstetric and Neonatal Complication (ONC) scores of all autistic children did not reveal any significant correlation. However, among the 20 severe autistic children, Spearman's test showed significant correlation between the scores of CARS and some ONC scores. Overall, no statistically significant difference between the autistic children and their siblings in the scores of obstetric optimality was detected by using the Wilcoxon test.
Nordic contributions to disability policies
Authors: Kebbon L.
Published: February 2007

The most spectacular contribution from the nordic countries to intellectual disability policy is probably the idea of normalization, but it is not the simplistic notion that can be inferred from international debate. Its major significance may have been to act as an inspiring catchword for the important trend away from institutions Into integrated living. However, it is more fully understood when seen in the concrete context where It has successively developed, and been critically analysed and tested in operation. Scandinavian sociologists and psychologists—as well as politicians—were also among the first to use the concept of quality of life for analysis of social policy, including intellectual disability. The primary medium for implementation has been legislation, where the dominant difficulty is to find a balance between security and freedom, protection and self‐determination. Through this process, the role of social engineering in the welfare state, based on humanistic ideas of solidarity, can be followed into today's emphasis on individual influence and participation.
Defining and applying the concept of quality of life
Authors: Felce D.
Published: February 2007

Quality of life has been increasingly used as a scientific concept in literature embracing a wide range of target groups and populations as a whole. Conceptualizations vary, but there is much common ground concerning the domain content embraced by the term. Commentators are also clear that account needs to be taken of both objective life conditions and subjective personal appraisals. and the fact that what is important to each person varies. A synthesis of these perspectives provides a model of quality of life which integrates objective and subjective indicators and individual values across a broad range of life domains. Life domain issues may be categorized within six areas: physical, material, social, productive emotional and civic well‐being. Whatever its precise specification, the model is put forward as a framework for organizing measurement relevant to the quality of life concept rather than as a blueprint for deriving the ultimate single instrument. There is still a need for methodological flexibility. The pre‐eminent aim is to relate the fine grain of the experience of individuals with disability to that of the wider world.
The remediation of executive functions in children with cognitive disorders: the Vygotsky‐Luria neuropsychological approach
Authors: Akhutina T. V.
Published: February 2007

The demands of methods of effective remediation arising from the Vygotsky‐Luria approach to the structure and development of higher mental functions are discussed. These demands suggest the structuring of a therapeutic interaction in accordance with the rules of the internalization process, taking into account a weak component of the child's functional systems and the emotional involvement of a child in that Interaction. In order to provide a theoretical framework for developing methods of executive function remediation, the approaches of Vygotsky and Luria, as well as modern views on the structure and development of executive functions, are discussed. The Method of Numerical Sequence is presented as an example of the application of the general principles discussed above. The Method of Numerical Sequence provides a background for following the development of successive processing, programming and planning, and can be considered as a complement to the development of the metacognitive aspects of self–regulation. This method was verified experimentally in groups of 5–8‐year‐old children with intellectual disability.
The Use of the Vibration Signal and Worker Piping to Influence Queen Behavior during Swarming in Honey Bees, Apis mellifera
Authors: Pierce Andrew L. , Lewis Lee A. , Schneider Stanley S.
Published: February 2007

We investigated worker regulation of queen activity during reproductive swarming by examining the rates at which workers performed vibration signals and piping on queens during the different stages of the swarming process. Worker–queen interactions were first examined inside observation hives during the 2–3 wk that preceded the issue of the swarm (pre‐swarming period) and then inside the swarm clusters during the period that preceded liftoff and relocation to a new nest site (post‐swarming period). Queen court size did not differ between the pre‐ and post‐swarming periods, but workers fed the queens less inside the swarm clusters. Workers performed vibration signals on the queens at increasing rates throughout the pre‐swarming period inside the natal nest, but rarely or never vibrated the queen inside the swarm. Piping was performed on the queens during both the pre‐ and post‐swarming periods and always reached a peak immediately before queen flight. During the final 2–4 h before swarm liftoff, queens were increasingly contacted by waggle dancers for nest sites, some of which piped the queen. The vibration signal may operate in a modulatory manner to gradually prepare the queen for flight from the natal nest, and the cumulative effects of the signal during the pre‐swarming period may make further vibrations on the queen unnecessary when inside the swarm cluster. In contrast, worker piping may function in a more immediate manner to trigger queen takeoff during both the pre‐ and post‐swarming periods. Workers that vibrate and pipe the queen tend to be older, foraging‐age bees. The regulation of queen activity during colony reproduction may therefore be controlled largely by workers that normally have little contact with queens, but help to formulate colony reproductive and movement decisions.
Male Reproductive Success in a Social Group of Urban Feral Cats (Felis catus L.)
Authors: Natoli E. , Schmid M. , Say L. , Pontier D.
Published: February 2007

Dominance rank, morphological characteristics and reproductive success of adult males were measured in a multi‐male multi‐female group of urban feral cats (Felis catus L.). Paternity of nine litters (34 kittens) of the domestic cat from six females was determined through microsatellites analyses at nine loci. The percentage of multiple paternities in this social group was as high as 78%. A positive correlation was found between male size/body weight and dominance. The males who sired the highest number of kittens were the dominant ones. Additionally, dominant males were more likely to be infected by the feline immunodeficiency virus, a virus transmitted by bites through aggressive interactions. Thus this study demonstrates that rank and body weight were both important in predicting the annual reproductive success. However, it shows that the reproductive benefit associated to rank may be balanced by cost due to at‐risk aggressive behaviour of dominant males.
Asymmetric mating in the brachypterous grasshopper Podisma sapporensis
Authors: Sugano Yoshikazu C. , Akimoto Shin‐ichi
Published: February 2007

Crossing of genetically differentiated populations often results in assortative mating within populations. However, asymmetric sexual isolation or negative assortative mating has occasionally been reported. Previous studies suggested that sexual selection or sexual conflicts would lead to asymmetric mating when local populations are crossed. In order to evaluate the extent of assortative or disassortative mating in population crosses, we conducted laboratory crosses using the flightless grasshopper Podisma sapporensis. Crossing was conducted for all pairwise combinations of three populations, 150–240 km from one another – Teine, Shimokawa, and Akan. We found evidence for asymmetric mating for all the pairs of the populations. In particular, when the Teine and Akan populations were crossed, mating in the Teine male–Akan female cross was significantly more frequent than mating in both within‐population crosses, whereas mating in the Teine female–Akan male cross was significantly less frequent than mating in both within‐population crosses. We examined whether these results can be explained by any of the three hypotheses: (1) Kaneshiro's hypothesis, (2) differentiation in attractiveness, or (3) coevolution between male vigor and female receptivity. All the results were consistent with male vigor differing between populations balanced by different female potential to reject males. The available evidence suggests that antagonistic coevolution between the sexes has led local populations to different equilibria and that crossing of populations at different equilibria has resulted in asymmetry in mating frequencies.
Individual Acoustic Variation in Fallow Deer (Dama dama) Common and Harsh Groans: A Source‐Filter Theory Perspective
Authors: Vannoni Elisabetta , McElligott Alan G.
Published: February 2007

Mammals are able to distinguish conspecifics based on vocal cues, and the acoustic structure of mammal vocalizations is directly affected by the anatomy and action of the vocal apparatus. However, most studies investigating individual patterns in acoustic signals do not consider a vocal production‐based perspective. In this study, we used the source‐filter model of vocal production as a basis for investigating the acoustic variability of fallow deer groans. Using this approach, we quantified the potential of each acoustic component to carry information about individual identity. We also investigated if cues to individual identity carry over among the two groan types we describe: common and harsh groans. Using discriminant function analysis, we found that variables related to the fundamental frequency contour and the minimum frequencies of the highest formants contributed most to the identification of a given common groan. Common groans were individually distinctive with 36.6% (53.6% with stepwise procedure) of groans assigned to the correct individual. This level of discrimination is approximately six times higher than that predicted by chance. In addition, univariate anovas showed significant inter‐individual variation in the minimum formant frequencies when common and harsh groans were combined, suggesting that some information about individuality is shared between groan types. Our results suggest that the sound source and the vocal tract resonances act together to determine groan individuality and that enough variation exists to potentially allow individual recognition based on groans.
The Effect of Dietary Calcium and Phosphorus Supplementation in Zeolite A Treated Dry Cows on Periparturient Calcium and Phosphorus Homeostasis
Authors: Thilsing T. , Larsen T. , Jørgensen R. J. , Houe H.
Published: February 2007

Previous studies have proved the possibility of preventing parturient hypocalcaemia by zeolite A supplementation during the dry period, and a recentin vitrostudy has indicated a marked calcium (Ca) as well as phosphorus (P) binding effect of zeolite A in rumen fluid solutions. Because of the connection between the Ca and P homeostatic systems, the preventive effect against parturient hypocalcaemia may arise from zeolite induced decreased availability of dietary Ca as well as P. In the present study, the expected Ca and P binding capacity was challenged by feeding high and low levels of dietary Ca and/or P to zeolite A treated dry cows. Twenty‐one pregnant dry cows were assigned to four experimental groups receiving a dry cow ration unsupplemented or supplemented with extra Ca and/or P. During the last 2 weeks of the dry period all cows additionally received 600 g of zeolite A per day. A high level of dietary P prepartum significantly decreased the plasma Ca concentration before as well as immediately after calving (day 0–3). Conversely, the plasma inorganic phosphate concentration was higher among these cows than among cows receiving no supplemental P. The prepartum dietary Ca level significantly affected the serum 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D concentration during zeolite supplementation, whereas the periparturient plasma Ca concentration was apparently not affected by the dietary Ca level. During zeolite A supplementation plasma parathyroid hormone was significantly higher among cows receiving additional P. The urinary deoxypyridinoline/creatinine ratio was not affected by the prepartal dietary Ca or P level. Serum aluminium (Al) was significantly higher during zeolite A supplementation than during the preceding period, indicating partial destruction of the zeolite in the intestinal tract with subsequent release and absorption of Al. It is suggested that the effect of prepartum zeolite supplementation on the periparturient Ca homeostasis depends on the level of Ca as well as P in the dry cow ration.
Use of a Parathyroid Hormone Peptide (PTH1−34)‐enriched Fibrin Hydrogel for the Treatment of a Subchondral Cystic Lesion in the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint of a Warmblood Filly
Authors: Fuerst A. , Derungs S. , Von Rechenberg B. , Auer J. A. , Schense J. , Watson J.
Published: February 2007

To describe the treatment of a subchondral bone cyst in the proximal phalanx with parathyroid hormone peptide‐enriched fibrin hydrogel in a warmblood filly. The cyst was localized with computer‐assisted orthopaedic surgery, then curetted and finally filled with parathyroid hormone fragment peptide 1–34 (PTH1−34) covalently attached to a fibrin hydrogel. The cyst healed quickly without any complications. This result supports the hypothesis that PTH1−34delivered locally in a fibrin hydrogel may improve the postoperative prognosis of surgical management of subchondral bone cysts in horses. Subchondral bone cysts are fairly common in horses. Especially in older horses, the prognosis is poor, even after surgical curettage. Therefore, different management protocols have been investigated in conjunction with surgical curettage to improve prognosis. Locally delivered PTH1−34seems to be a new method in the treatment of subchondral bone cysts.
Metabolic Changes in Cows with or without Retained Fetal Membranes in Transition Period
Authors: Seifi H. A. , Dalir‐Naghadeh B. , Farzaneh N. , Mohri M. , Gorji‐Dooz M.
Published: February 2007

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of retained fetal membranes (RFM) on serum minerals and energy‐ and protein‐related metabolites in dairy cows at a herd with a recent history of fatty liver syndrome. Forty‐seven multiparous Holstein cows were selected during transition period. Nine cows had RFM longer than 24 h after calving. Blood samples were obtained on prepartum days 21 and 7 and postpartum days 7 and 21. We used repeated measure procedure of anova to evaluate the effect of RFM on serum metabolites. Cows with RFM had significantly higher concentrations of β‐hydroxybutyrate, non‐esterified fatty acids and triglycerides after calving, but had lower concentrations of cholesterol during transition period. The concentrations of serum albumin and blood urea nitrogen were also significantly lower in RFM‐affected cows than non‐affected ones after parturition. Our results suggested that negative energy balance (NEB) postpartum was associated with RFM in dairy cattle. However, our findings did not reveal a cause and effect relationship with respect to the role of NEB as a possible risk factor for RFM.
The Influence of Folic Acid, Vitamins B2 and B6 Supplementation on Feed Intake, Body and Organs Weight, and Liver Fatty Acids Composition of Rats Subjected to 3 months Moderate Protein Deprivation
Authors: Debski B. , Bertrandt J. , Klos A. , Gralak M.
Published: February 2007

This study was conducted to determine the effect of a 3‐month dietary protein restriction – protein provided 9% of energy (20% in control group). In this dietary restriction folic acid, vitamins B2 and B6 were delivered in amount three times above the standard level. It was observed that animals fed a protein restricted (PR) diet weighed about 5% less than animals consuming adequate diet, but the difference was not statistically significant. Enrichment of PR diet with vitamin B or folic acid caused tendency to further suppression of weight gain, and in case of vitamin B6 these differences were statistically significant. However, such body weight (BW) suppression was not observed when all studied vitamins were used together. Significant reductions in relative liver weight (vitamin B2 addition), the heart (folic acid) and the lungs (vitamin B6) were observed. The PR diet, when all vitamins were added together, caused a decrease in weights of the lungs, heart and liver scaled to BW of rats, simultaneously with a significant increase in testis weight. Feed intake and feed conversion ratio were higher in animals given PR diet without a significant influence of vitamin supplementation (except vitamin B6 causing further increase in feed conversion ratio). Hepatic fatty acids composition of rats was not affected by protein restriction, as well as by single vitamin supplementation. However, dietary supplementation of all examined vitamins together caused a decrease in monounsaturated fatty acids followed by an increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids participation in total fatty acids pool. It seems that enrichment of PR diet with a mixture of folic acid, vitamins B2 and B6 resulted in a partial reverse of growth suppression and reduction in testis size in rats.