bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A system for monitoring and improving animal visibility and its implications for zoological parks
Authors: Kuhar C. W. , Miller L. J. , Lehnhardt J. , Christman J. , Mellen J. D. , Bettinger T. L.
Published: April 2009

With the growing trend in zoos to build complex, naturalistic exhibits comes the potential for exhibits to be so densely vegetated or complex that animals are not easily seen by zoo visitors. This can negatively impact the visitor's visiting experience and the zoo's ability to communicate conservation and education messages. Over the past 9 years, Disney's Animal Kingdom® has developed a process for monitoring and improving the visibility of animals on display to the public. This animal visibility process utilizes a data collection system whereby systematic observations are collected each week. The percentage of observations where at least one animal was visible is recorded for each species and compared to an 80% visibility criterion. Species that do not reach this criterion for 4 consecutive weeks are discussed at animal management meetings. If the problems associated with animal visibility cannot be easily solved, the animal‐care teams partner with the research team to conduct a second process, called the Visibility Issues Process. This process provides additional information for the animal‐care team to utilize in developing a plan to improve visibility. Although the processes described here are specific to the infrastructure at Disney's Animal Kingdom®, the basic concepts of (1) a formalized visibility data collection process, (2) a visibility criterion to which managers of species are held accountable, and (3) a process for planning to improve animal visibility without negatively impacting animal welfare are fundamental concepts that can be developed at individual institutions and incorporated into that zoo's existing infrastructure. Zoo Biol 29:68–79, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Refinement algebra for probabilistic programs
Authors: Meinicke Larissa , Solin Kim
Published: April 2009

We identify a refinement algebra for reasoning about probabilistic program transformations in a total-correctness setting. The algebra is equipped with operators that determine whether a program is enabled or terminates respectively. As well as developing the basic theory of the algebra we demonstrate how it may be used to explain key differences and similarities between standard (i.e. non-probabilistic) and probabilistic programs and verify important transformation theorems for probabilistic action systems.
Long‐Term Quality of Life After Hepatic Resection: Health Is not Simply the Absence of Disease
Authors: Banz Vanessa M. , Inderbitzin Daniel , Fankhauser Regula , Studer Peter , Candinas Daniel
Published: April 2009

Background

Due to advances in operative methods and perioperative care, mortality and morbidity following major hepatic resection have decreased substantially, making long‐term quality of life (QoL) an increasingly prominent issue. We evaluated whether postoperative diagnosis was associated with long‐term QoL and health in patients requiring hepatic surgery for benign or malignant disease.

Methods

QoL was evaluated using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core‐30 and the liver‐specific QLQ‐LMC21 module.

Results

Between 2002 and 2006, 249 patients underwent hepatic surgery for malignant (76%) and benign (24%) conditions. One hundred thirty‐five patients were available for QoL analysis after a mean of 26.5 months. There was no statistical difference in global QoL scores between patients with malignant and benign diseases (p = 0.367). Neither the extent of the resection (≥2 segments vs. <2 segments; p = 0.975; OR = 0.988; 95% CI = 0.461–2.119) nor patient age had a significant influence on overall QoL (p = 0.092).

Conclusions

These results indicate that long‐term QoL for patients who underwent liver resection for malignant disease is quite good and that a poor clinical prognosis does not seem to correlate with a poor QoL.
Building Xperience: A Multilevel Alcohol and Drug Prevention Intervention
Authors: Diamond Sarah , Schensul Jean J. , Snyder Leslie B. , Bermudez Alessandro , D'Alessandro Nicole , Morgan Damion Sincere
Published: April 2009

“Xperience” is an innovative alcohol and drug prevention program that has adopted a multilevel, community‐based strategy to promote drug‐and‐alcohol free social activities, venues and norms among urban youth ages 14–20. The intervention aims to strengthen protective factors and reduce risk factors for alcohol and other substance use among high school age youth by addressing multiple factors at the individual, peer, community and city level. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the process of building the different levels of this intervention during the 3‐year formative phase. We will explain: (1) Why we chose to adopt a multilevel and participatory strategy, (2) Formative research leading to the intervention model, (3) The theoretical framework underlying the methodology, (4) Pilot intervention development (Years One and Two), (5) Current program methods and outcome goals, and lastly, (6) Some of the lessons learned, goals achieved, and plans for the future. This descriptive account of building a multilevel intervention aims to serve as a useful guide for others wishing to develop similar approaches, and for theorizing about some of the common challenges involved in this process.
Sensory integration intervention: Historical concepts, treatment strategies and clinical experiences in three patients with succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH) deficiency
Authors: Kratz S. V.
Published: April 2009

This paper is a review of clinical experiences providing developmental therapy services for three boys diagnosed with paediatric neurotransmitter disease. The clinical presentation of paediatric neurotransmitter diseases might parallel other diagnostic characteristics seen in a typical paediatric therapy clinic (i.e. hypotonia, motor and cognitive delays, coordination, expressive speech, and ocular motor difficulties.) From the clinical perspective of the author, sensory integrative function is but one aspect of a thorough evaluation and treatment plan for all patients. The manifestations of sensory integration dysfunction (SID), also known as sensory processing dysfunction (SPD), can occur alone or be concurrent with a variety of known medical, behavioural and neurological diagnoses. These manifestations of SPD can include, but are not limited to: hypotonia, hyperactivity, irritability, distractibility, attention difficulties, learning difficulties, clumsiness and incoordination, instability, poor motor skills, social‐emotional difficulties, and behavioural problems. This paper summarizes the theory and practice applications of sensory integration. The author discusses clinical experiences providing occupational therapy services utilizing sensory integration methods and strategies with clients who were eventually diagnosed with SSADH deficiency.
The Validity, Reliability, Responsiveness, and Bias of the Manchester-Modified Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Score in Hand Injuries
Authors: Khan Wasim S. , Dillon Bernice , Agarwal Manish , Fehily Max , Ravenscroft Matthew
Published: April 2009

The Manchester-Modified Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (M2 DASH) was developed by the authors as a modification to the original DASH questionnaire. In this study, we assessed the validity, reliability, responsiveness, and bias of the M2 DASH questionnaire for hand injuries using completed M2 DASH, Patient Evaluation Measure, and Michigan Hand Outcome questionnaires from 40 patients. The M2 DASH scores showed significant positive correlations with the Patient Evaluation Measure and Michigan Hand Outcome scores suggesting validity. There was also no evidence of a statistical difference in the M2 DASH scores when the condition had stabilized suggesting good test–retest reproducibility and reliability. The effect size and the standardized response mean for the M2 DASH score were greater than those for the Patient Evaluation Measure and Michigan Hand Outcome scores establishing that the M2 DASH is highly responsive. There was no gender, hand dominance, or dominant side injured bias for the M2 DASH score. There was, however, a relatively weak association between age and the M2 DASH score at presentation. We conclude that the M2 DASH questionnaire is a robust region-specific outcome measure. It is a valid and responsive questionnaire with test–retest reliability proven for hand injuries in this study. Gender, handedness, and side injured did not cause bias in the responses.
Palmar Type of Median Artery as a Source of Superficial Palmar Arch: A Cadaveric Study with its Clinical Significance
Authors: Nayak Soubhagya R. , Krishnamurthy Ashwin , Kumar SJ Madhan , Prabhu Latha V. , Potu Bhagath Kumar , D'Costa Sujatha , Ranade Anu Vinod
Published: April 2009

The superficial palmar arch (SPA) and its contributing arteries are highly variable. The palmar type of median artery (PMA) can be involved in the formation of the SPA by replacing the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery (RA) or the ulnar artery (UA). The present study was undertaken to investigate the presence of the PMA and its contribution in the formation of SPA in 42 cadavers (84 upper limbs) of Indian origin. When there was a PMA, its outer diameter was measured in the carpal tunnel. The PMA was found in 13 upper limbs (15.4%), and of these ten incidences (11.9%), the PMA took part in the formation of SPA, and in three instances (3.5%), the PMA did not make up part of the SPA. Out of the ten cases in which the PMA contributed to the formation of SPA, in six cases (7.1%), the PMA anastomosed with the UA; in three cases (3.5%), the PMA anastomosed with both the UA and the RA, and in one incidence (1.1%), the PMA joined the arteria radialis indicis (deep branch of the RA) to complete the SPA. The outer diameters of the median arteries varied between 0.8 and 2.6 mm with the mean value of 1.7 mm. The present study concludes that the median–ulnar type of SPA was the most common type of SPA when the PMA was encountered as a source of superficial arterial arcade of the hand, followed by the radial–median–ulnar type. The vascular patterns found in this study are important to hand surgeons. The present study of PMA origin, course, and its contribution to the SPA will add to the existing knowledge of the vascular anatomy of forearm and hand.
Pure N‐Alkylaminopropionic Acid and N‐Alkylaminodipropionic Acid Sodium Salts: Synthesis, Characterization, and Physicochemical Properties
Authors: Bettayeb Brahim , Descôteaux Caroline , Benoit François , Chapados Camille , Bérubé Gervais
Published: April 2009

Fourteen pure β‐aminopropionic acid amphoteric surfactants were synthesized from methyl acrylate using primary amines. The synthesis was done in two steps. First, Michael addition of a primary amine to methyl acrylate gave two separable addition products. Second, because the resulting esters gave, by the classical saponification procedure, undesired retro‐Michael products, they were treated with sodium trimethylsilanolate to give the corresponding pure anhydrous acid salt under mild non‐aqueous reaction conditions. Two types of amphoteric surfactants were obtained: the monocarboxylate and the dicarboxylate series. The pure surfactants were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The surfactant critical micelle concentrations were evaluated. From these the Gibbs free energy of micellizations [∆G(–CH2–)mic] were calculated. These are related to the methylene units that contribute an average of −1.0 (±0.3) kJ mol−1 for both the monocarboxylate and the dicarboxylate series.
Inhibition of Fatty Acid Synthase by Orlistat Accelerates Gastric Tumor Cell Apoptosis in Culture and Increases Survival Rates in Gastric Tumor Bearing Mice In Vivo
Authors: Dowling Shawn , Cox James , Cenedella Richard J.
Published: April 2009

Orlistat, an anti‐obesity drug, is a potent inhibitor of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and tumor cell viability. It can also induce apoptotic cancer cell death. We examined the effects of Orlistat on cultured NUGC‐3 gastric cancer cells. We identified that inhibition of FAS via Orlistat exposure results in rapid cellular damage preceded by a direct but short‐lived autophagic response. The Orlistat induced damage can be reversed through the addition of lipid containing media in a process that normally leads to cell death. By limiting exogenous lipid availability and inhibiting FAS using Orlistat, we demonstrated both a greater sensitivity and amplified cancer cell death by activation of apoptosis. We have identified “windows of opportunity” at which time apoptosis can be aborted and cells can be reversed from the death pathway. However, when challenged beyond the window of recovery, cell death becomes all but certain as the ability to be rescued decreases considerably. In vivo examination of Orlistat's ability to inhibit gastrointestinal cancer was examined using heterozygous male C57BL/6J APC‐Min mice, which spontaneously develop a fatal gastrointestinal cancer. Mice were fed either a high fat (11%) or low fat (1.2%) diet containing no Orlistat or 0.5 mg Orlistat/g of chow. Orlistat treated mice fed the high fat, but not low fat diet, survived 7–10% longer than the untreated controls.
1H NMR and Multivariate Calibration for the Prediction of Biodiesel Concentration in Diesel Blends
Authors: Monteiro Marcos R. , Ambrozin Alessandra R. P. , Lião Luciano M. , Boffo Elisangela F. , Pereira‐Filho Edenir R. , Ferreira Antonio Gilberto
Published: April 2009

In this work, the use of1H‐NMR spectroscopy and a statistical approach to the analysis of biodiesel concentrations in blends with conventional diesel is described. For this, we performed1H‐NMR analyses using distinct mixtures of biodiesel from soybean and castor oil in mineral diesel, in concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 30%, and then we applied partial least squares regression (PLS) and principal components regression (PCR) to such data. So, six models were designed and they were evaluated through statistical parameters and through the analysis of four samples prepared in the laboratory. Briefly, a PLS model, obtained through the selection of aromatic, aliphatic and methoxy spectral regions, was quite suitable for the prediction of biodiesel concentrations greater than 2.0%. Deviations of real and predicted values were found to B2 commercial blends, indicating that this model can only be applied to blends exceeding a 2.0% level of biodiesel in petroleum diesel. In conclusion, the1H‐NMR‐PLS method is fairly useful for the quality control of biodiesel–diesel blends, whose commercialisation has increased in the last few years.
Depletion of TDP‐43 affects Drosophila motoneurons terminal synapsis and locomotive behavior
Authors: Feiguin Fabian , Godena Vinay K. , Romano Giulia , D'Ambrogio Andrea , Klima Raffaella , Baralle Francisco E.
Published: April 2009

Pathological modifications in the highly conserved and ubiquitously expressed heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein TDP‐43 were recently associated to neurodegenerative diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a late‐onset disorder that affects predominantly motoneurons [Neumann, M. et al. (2006) Ubiquitinated TDP‐43 in frontotemporal lobar degeneration and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Science 314, 130–133, Sreedharan, J. et al. (2008) TDP‐43 mutations in familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Science 319, 1668–1672, Kabashi, E. et al. (2008) TARDBP mutations in individuals with sporadic and familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Nat. Genet. 40, 572–574]. However, the function of TDP‐43 in vivo is unknown and a possible direct role in neurodegeneration remains speculative. Here, we report that flies lacking Drosophila TDP‐43 appeared externally normal but presented deficient locomotive behaviors, reduced life span and anatomical defects at the neuromuscular junctions. These phenotypes were rescued by expression of the human protein in a restricted group of neurons including motoneurons. Our results demonstrate the role of this protein in vivo and suggest an alternative explanation to ALS pathogenesis that may be more due to the lack of TDP 43 function than to the toxicity of the aggregates.
From transcriptome analysis to immunogenomics: Current status and future direction
Authors: Ohara Osamu
Published: April 2009

In 1994, we pioneered a complementary DNA (cDNA) sequencing project that aimed to predict the primary structures of unknown human proteins. Although our cDNA project was focused on the sequencing of large cDNAs, the following cDNA sequencing projects conducted by other groups have more extensively characterized mammalian transcriptome. In parallel, many groups have made a tremendous amount of effort to develop various resources for functional human genomics. In this context, to demonstrate the power of functional genomic approaches in practice, we have applied them for a comprehensive understanding of the immune system, which we term ‘immunogenomics’. This mini‐review first describes the historical background of our cDNA project and then provides perspectives on the present and future of immunogenomics based on our experiences.
Hydrolysis of the phosphoanhydride linkage of cyclic ADP‐ribose by the Mn2+‐dependent ADP‐ribose/CDP‐alcohol pyrophosphatase
Authors: Canales José , Fernández Ascensión , Rodrigues Joaquim Rui , Ferreira Rui , Ribeiro João Meireles , Cabezas Alicia , Costas María Jesús , Cameselle José Carlos
Published: April 2009

Cyclic ADP‐ribose (cADPR) metabolism in mammals is catalyzed by NAD glycohydrolases (NADases) that, besides forming ADP‐ribose, form and hydrolyze the N
1‐glycosidic linkage of cADPR. Thus far, no cADPR phosphohydrolase was known. We tested rat ADP‐ribose/CDP‐alcohol pyrophosphatase (ADPRibase‐Mn) and found that cADPR is an ADPRibase‐Mn ligand and substrate. ADPRibase‐Mn activity on cADPR was 65‐fold less efficient than on ADP‐ribose, the best substrate. This is similar to the ADP‐ribose/cADPR formation ratio by NADases. The product of cADPR phosphohydrolysis by ADPRibase‐Mn was N
1‐(5‐phosphoribosyl)‐AMP, suggesting a novel route for cADPR turnover.
Pleiotropic functional effects of the first epilepsy‐associated mutation in the human CHRNA2 gene
Authors: Hoda Jean-Charles , Wanischeck Mario , Bertrand Daniel , Steinlein Ortrud K.
Published: April 2009

Autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (ADNFLE) can be caused by mutations in the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunit genes CHRNA4 and CHRNB2. Recently, a point mutation (α2‐I279N) associated with sleep‐related epilepsy has been described in a third nAChR gene, CHRNA2. We demonstrate here that α2‐I279N can be co‐expressed with the major structural subunit CHRNB2. α2‐I279N causes a marked gain‐of‐function effect and displays a distinct biopharmacological profile, including markedly reduced inhibition by carbamazepine and increased nicotine sensitivity.
A crtA‐related gene from Flavobacterium P99‐3 encodes a novel carotenoid 2‐hydroxylase involved in myxol biosynthesis
Authors: Rählert Nina , Fraser Paul D. , Sandmann Gerhard
Published: April 2009

A genomic DNA fragment with carotenogenic genes involved in myxol biosynthesis (3′,4′‐didehydro‐1′,2′‐dihydro‐β,ψ‐carotene‐3,1′,2′‐triol) was cloned from Flavobacterium P99‐3. It contains a gene highly homologous to crtA from purple bacteria encoding there an acyclic carotenoid 2‐ketolase. Since no ketolation step is involved in myxol biosynthesis, the function of crtA‐OH from Flavobacterium was assigned by complementation in Escherichia coli engineered to synthesize demethylspheroidene and 1′‐hydroxy‐demethylspheroidene. Upon co‐expression of crtA‐OH, the formation of 2‐hydroxy derivatives of both carotenoids assigns CrtA‐OH as a novel carotenoid hydroxylase. The gene was used to re‐construct myxol biosynthesis in E. coli successfully. Additionally, 1′,2′‐dihydroxytorulene and 1,2,1′‐trihydroxy‐3,4,3′,4′‐tetradehydrolycopene were obtained. Their generation demonstrates that a new class of 2‐hydroxy carotenoids can now be pursued by genetic engineering in E. coli.
Die Bayerische Landesarbeitsgemeinschaft Impfen (LAGI) – ein unabhängiges Expertennetz für die Verbesserung des Impfschutzes
Authors: Ludwig M.-S. , Fischer R. , Hahntow I. , Wildner M. , Zapf A. , Liebl B.
Published: April 2009

Einleitung

Impfen ist eine gesamtgesellschaftliche Aufgabe, die ein Zusammenspiel aller in der Impfprävention Verantwortlichen erfordert. Auf der Grundlage des Bayerischen Impfkonzepts wurde daher im Jahr 2006 ein Arbeitsgremium zur Vernetzung der in Bayern im Bereich Impfen tätigen Akteure und Institutionen gebildet: die Bayerische Landesarbeitsgemeinschaft Impfen (LAGI).
Impfen und soziale Ungleichheit
Authors: Poethko-Müller Christina , Lampert Thomas
Published: April 2009

Einleitung

Die gesundheitliche Entwicklung von Kindern- und Jugendlichen verläuft je nach sozialer Lage der Familien unterschiedlich (RKI, 2005; Lampert, 2007). In diesem Zusammenhang stellt sich die Frage, ob bestehende Präventions- oder Versorgungsangebote von Familien mit unterschiedlichem sozialem Status verschieden genutzt werden. Als präventive Maßnahme zur Vermeidung von Krankheiten kommt Schutzimpfungen aufgrund ihrer Effektivität und der günstigen Risiko-Nutzen-Abwägung ein hoher Stellenwert zu. Untersuchungen zu sozialen Unterschieden in der Inanspruchnahme könnten wichtige Informationen für die Planung von Impfaufklärungs- und Impfkampagnen liefern.
Impfpräventable Infektionskrankheiten und Impfraten
Authors: Beier Dietmar
Published: April 2009

Einleitung

Die Inzidenz impfpräventabler Infektionskrankheiten hat nach Einführung der gegen die entsprechenden Krankheiten gerichteten Schutzimpfungen regelmäßig abgenommen. Voraussetzung hierfür war das Erreichen ausreichend hoher Durchimmunisierungsraten (Impfraten, Impfquoten) in der Bevölkerung. Vergleiche der Inzidenzen (Neuerkrankungen pro 100.000 Personen in der Bevölkerung und Jahr) vor und nach Einführung einer bestimmten Impfung belegen dies eindrucksvoll.
Nahmanides and Rashi on the One Flesh of Conjugal Union: Lovemaking vs. Duty
Authors: Diamond James A.
Published: April 2009

The seminal thirteenth century Geronese kabbalist, Talmudist, and exegete Moses Nahmanides (Moses b. Naḥman, 1194–c.1270) perceived the physical world as a mirror for the internal workings of the divine world. For him the Bible “relates about the lower matters and alludes to the upper,”1 rendering its apparently mundane legal, historical, and ethical dimensions a record of the inner variegated life of God. At the very inception of the world, each and every day of creation transcends its strict temporality, referring “at the inner core of the matter” () to the “sefirot which emanate from above.”2 The world's genesis unfolds along the parallel planes of the material world and the complex intradeical mechanics, the sefirot—a staple of kabbalistic thought and terminology—that are constituent of God himself. However, Nahmanides' exegetical project does not invite the escapist flight from reality that mysticism so often requires. On the contrary, his thoroughgoing kabbalistic ontology divulges a keen appreciation for and preoccupation with empirical reality and temporal history rather than threatening to overwhelm the mundane. His biblical exegesis has been characterized as exceptional within its genre for being “entirely free of the frequent kabbalistic tendency to devalue peshat [the plain sense of the text].”3 As David Novak has argued, Nahmanides, despite his kabbalistic theology, “also finds in the Torah a commitment to the reality of nature and history, even if that level of truth is transcended by the Kabbalah. Kabbalah, the highest truth, does not displace all other truths but puts them in perspective.”4 The argument that ensues in this article will demonstrate, firstly, that a prominent example of this feature of Nahmanidean exegesis pertains to the domain of interhuman relations. Here I will focus particularly on those “truths” his exegesis discloses about the spousal relationship. Secondly, Nahmanides' view of the spousal relationship is offered as paradigmatic of his kabbalistic theology, which not only does not displace its concrete social, psychological, anthropological, and juristic realia, but actually complements them. Thirdly, the case will be made that Nahmanides' narrative exegesis, with its overarching quest for the plain sense of the text, is not intended simply to sate his readers' intellectual and literary curiosity but also practically shapes his normative positions. In this particular context I will explore how his exegetical construct of a primordial composite human being, its gendered bifurcation, the definitive ideal of spousal union, the subsequent relational tensions between man and woman, and their conflict and resolution into a gendered hierarchy, all dramatized by the Garden of Eden narrative, inform his normative framework for the conduct of conjugal duties.
Pheno-morphological and agronomic diversity among Scorpiurus muricatus (Fabaceae) natural populations collected in Sicily
Authors: DI GIORGIO G. , GRAZIANO D. , RUISI P. , AMATO G. , GIAMBALVO D.
Published: April 2009

Prickly scorpion's tail (Scorpiurus muricatus L.) is a self-reseeding annual legume widely distributed in natural pastures of the Mediterranean area and appreciated by farmers for its productivity, forage quality and palatability. Twenty-eight natural populations were collected throughout Sicily in 2005; two field experiments were carried out in 2005/06 in a hilly area of the Sicilian inland to assess the genetic variation based on pheno-morphological and agronomic characters. The pheno-morphological traits observed were analysed using a principal component analysis (PCA). The first four components of PCA (eigenvalues >1) explained 0·84 of the total variation. Similarities obtained by PCA were investigated by means of cluster analysis, which clearly identified five clusters.

The pheno-morphological and agronomic traits were mainly affected by latitude of the collection site (0·69 of the correlations were significant), spring rainfall (0·63) and rain days per year (0·63). Altitude was not significantly correlated with any of the traits.

A strong positive correlation was found between the days to the first flower and spring rainfall at the collection site. Populations originating from subhumid or dry-subhumid Mediterranean climate zones showed greater leaf dimensions when compared with those originating from semi-arid zones. Seed weight decreased with increasing number of rain days per year and spring rainfall. Populations from drier environments showed, on the whole, a more prostrate growth habit. Dry matter yield at spring cut exhibited a significant correlation with latitude (positive) and longitude (negative). Seed production was highly correlated with spring rainfall, number of rain days per year and latitude of collection site. The presence of a large diversity among populations appears to be valuable when searching for suitable S. muricatus material to exploit in pastures and crop–livestock farming systems of Mediterranean areas.
Bleeding around a tracheostomy wound: what to consider and what to do?
Authors: Bradley P J
Published: April 2009

All patients with bleeding in and around a tracheostomy must be investigated to exclude a serious cause. The overall incidence is approximately 5 per cent of tracheostomies performed in Adult Intensive Care Units (AICU). When bleeding commences more than 72 hours post-operatively, the possibility of a trachea innominate artery fistula needs to be excluded by endoscopic examination of the trachea in an operating theatre environment, with the facility to proceed to exploration of the neck and possibly to sternotomy to enable ligation of the innominate artery. With appropriate recognition, diagnosis, resuscitation and surgical intervention, the associated high death rate of trachea innominate artery fistula can be reduced.
Relative growth and size at sexual maturity inHalicarcinus cookii(Brachyura: Hymenosomatidae): why are some crabs precocious moulters?
Authors: McLay Colin L. , Van den Brink Anneke M.
Published: April 2009

The small intertidal New Zealand crab,Halicarcinus cookiiundergoes a terminal pubertal moult, but this moult takes place over a wide range of pre-moult sizes. Relative growth of the abdomen width in immature females is positively allometric, but negatively allometric in mature females. Male abdomen growth is negatively allometric. Growth of the cheliped propodus in males is positively allometric, but in females it is negatively allometric or isometric. Overlap in the size-range of mature and pre-pubertal immature femaleH. cookiiis 72% and in other hymenosomatids it can be as high as 87%. This overlap is probably the result of crabs having a variable number of pre-pubertal instars, but seasonal change in water temperature, with crabs moulting to a smaller final size during colder months and to a larger size during the warmer months is also possible. The net reproductive rate (Ro) of early and delayed moulters is compared and forH. cookiiRo e/ Ro d = 1.0 so the size overlap is stable. Most hymenosomatids have determinate growth, butHymenosoma orbiculareandElamenopsis lineatacontinue to moult after maturity and have retained the ancestral link between moulting and mating.
Genetic diversity ofChelonibia caretta, commensal barnacles of the endangered hawksbill sea turtleEretmochelys imbricatafrom the Caribbean (Puerto Rico)
Authors: Torres-Pratts Hernán , Schärer Michelle T. , Schizas Nikolaos V.
Published: April 2009

The patterns of mitochondrial genetic diversity were studied inChelonibia caretta, commensal barnacles of the endangered hawksbill sea turtleEretmochelys imbricatafrom Mona Island of Puerto Rico. Two mitochondrial genes were sequenced: the large subunit of ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) and the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI). Haplotypic diversity (h) for 16S (N = 34) and COI (N = 26) varied from 0.763 to 0.468, respectively. The nucleotide diversity (π) of 16S/COI (0.00284/0.0013) ofC. carettawas low compared to all other published sequences from population studies of barnacles attached to fixed substrate. However, the estimated levels of π fromC. carettawere comparable to those reported fromC. testudinaria, an epibiont barnacle on loggerhead turtles. Analysis of molecular variance and parsimony network analysis of the sampled turtle epibionts from Mona Island indicated that they are genetically homogeneous, irrespective of the host or its gender. Albeit that the sampling size is small, our results are consistent with the general prediction that higher rates of dispersal reduce population divergence and estimates of nucleotide diversity. Conservation concerns are raised about the status ofChelonibia carettawhose host (the hawksbill sea turtle) has been included in the Endangered Species List.
Habitat use byDasyatis americanain a south-western Atlantic oceanic island
Authors: Aguiar Aline A. , Valentin Jean L. , Rosa Ricardo S.
Published: April 2009

The present work aims to determine and analyse the distribution of individuals of different size-classes of the southern stingray,Dasyatis americana, in distinct habitats at Fernando de Noronha Archipelago. The stingrays were visually sampled, quantified and described according to a standard protocol through intensive search method during direct observations. The relationships among individuals of various disc length (DL) classes and their habitat features were described by the correspondence analysis. A total of 356 individuals were sampled. Individuals between 15 and 35 cm DL were observed mostly at the beaches while the greater DLs were strongly related to reef environments. This distribution reflects a tendency of the younger stingrays to occupy the shallow beach areas, while larger individuals move to deeper waters with reef characteristics during the ontogeny.
Traditional coastal invertebrate fisheries in south-western Madagascar
Authors: Barnes David K.A. , Rawlinson Kate A.
Published: April 2009

The identification of key resource users and patterns of depletion alongside ecological data are presented for a small-scale traditional invertebrate fishery in south-western Madagascar. Men, women and children undertake the fishery in the Anakao region at different phases of the tide and for different purposes. Invertebrate harvest data from June to September 2000 estimated that more than 34 taxa were caught and were dominated by holothurians destined for export and molluscs for local consumption. Crustacea formed a small component of the fishery despite a high diversity and abundance of many potentially edible species. Although there was slight spatial variation in number of species caught and their relative importance to the fishery,Chicoreus ramosus, Fasciolaria trapeziumandOctopus vulgariswere generally most heavily targeted and were amongst the most abundant in the catch. There were several indications of over-exploitation of invertebrate stocks, including the absence of many large bodied species, low abundance of high yield species, greater catch effort needed for high yield taxa, and higher diversity of targeted species (including many low yield taxa) at sites of higher human habitation.
Stomach contents of cetaceans stranded in the Canary Islands 1996–2006
Authors: Fernández R. , Santos M.B. , Carrillo M. , Tejedor M. , Pierce G.J.
Published: April 2009

Stomach contents were analysed from 23 cetaceans, including individuals of 12 species from the families Delphinidae, Physeteridae, Kogiidae and Ziphiidae, stranded between 1996 and 2006 in the Canary Islands. Cephalopod mandibles(beaks)were found in 21 stomachs and fish remains(otoliths and jaw bones)appeared in 4 stomachs. Two stomachs contained only eye lenses. Cephalopods eaten by dolphins were mainly from the families Ommastrephidae, Sepiidae and Enoploteuthidae, whereas whales had mainly taken specimens of the oceanic squid families Histiotheutidae and Cranchiidae. Fish remains included a pelagic species(i.e. garfish,Belone belone)in dolphin stomachs and bathypelagic(i.e. black scabbard fish,Aphanopus carbo, lantern fish,Lampadena luminosa)and demersal species(Lophiussp.)in a pygmy sperm whale(Kogia breviceps)stomach. Most of the prey species identified are not of commercial interest but one of the sperm whales(Physeter macrocephalus)contained a fishing hook among the stomach contents. Five(22%)of the cetaceans examined had also plastic debris in their stomachs, with big plastic items being taken by deep diving teuthophagous whales.
First records of unusual marine fish distributions—can they predict climate changes?
Authors: Arvedlund Michael
Published: April 2009

Global climate change is impacting the ecology and biogeography of marine fish populations and will continue to do so in the future. Here, I review recent records of unusual marine fish distributions from different regions of the world, and discuss the relevance of such observations to climate changes. In conclusion, I suggest that first records of fish in unusual habitats may aid as an indicator of climate changes, provided each record is critically assessed and combined with recent records of fish population parameters, population dynamics, marine habitat assessments and abiotic data such as sea bottom, middle and surface temperatures.
Occurrence and distribution of cetaceans in São Tomé and Príncipe tropical archipelago and their relation to environmental variables
Authors: Picanço C. , Carvalho I. , Brito C.
Published: April 2009

São Tomé and Príncipe is an archipelago located in the Gulf of Guinea. This archipelago seems to be an important area for cetaceans, probably due to large concentrations of prey, as well as the existence of several small bays and shallow water that constitute preferred rest areas. In comparison to other areas of the world, little is known about cetacean communities in this archipelago. Boat-based surveys to record sightings of cetaceans were conducted between 2002 and 2005, which represents the first approach to study the occurrence of whales and dolphins in this tropical region. Sightings of humpback whales(Megaptera novaeangliae), bottlenose dolphins(Tursiops truncatus), pantropical spotted dolphins(Stenella attenuata), killer whales(Orcinus orca), sperm whales(Physeter macrocephalus)and pilot whales(Globicephala melas)were recorded. Cetaceans were found throughout a range of sea surface temperature between 24 and 29°C and a wide range of depths. Significant differences were found regarding the occurrence of some species. Humpback whales showed a preference for shallower waters between 20 and 100 m. Bottlenose dolphins occurred most commonly along the continental shelf (20 to 100 m) and pantropical spotted dolphins occurred in deep slope waters (>1000 m).
Patterns of co-morbidity of eating disorders and substance use in Swedish females
Authors: Root T. L. , Pisetsky E. M. , Thornton L. , Lichtenstein P. , Pedersen N. L. , Bulik C. M.
Published: April 2009

Background

Little is known about the association of eating disorder subtypes across multiple categories of substance use in population-based samples. We examined the association between eating disorders and substance use in a large population-based sample.

Method

Female participants (n=13 297) were from the Swedish Twin Registry [Lichtensteinet al.,Twin Research and Human Genetics(2006)9, 875–882]. Substance use was examined in four defined groups – (1) anorexia nervosa (AN); (2) bulimia nervosa (BN); (3) AN and BN (ANBN); and (4) binge eating disorder (BED) as well as a referent group without eating disorder (no ED). Secondary analyses examined differences between restricting AN (RAN) and binge and/or purge AN (ANBP).

Results

In general, eating disorders were associated with greater substance use relative to the referent. The AN group had significantly increased odds for all illicit drugs. Significant differences emerged across the RAN and ANBP groups for alcohol abuse/dependence, diet pills, stimulants, and polysubstance use with greater use in the ANBP group. Across eating disorder groups, (1) the BN and ANBN groups were more likely to report alcohol abuse/dependence relative to the AN group, (2) the ANBN group was more likely to report diet pill use relative to the AN, BN and BED groups, and (3) the BN group was more likely to report diet pill use relative to the no ED, AN and BED groups.

Conclusions

Eating disorders are associated with a range of substance use behaviors. Improved understanding of how they mutually influence risk could enhance understanding of etiology and prevention.
Maladaptive mood repair responses distinguish young adults with early-onset depressive disorders and predict future depression outcomes
Authors: Kovacs M. , Rottenberg J. , George C.
Published: April 2009

Background

Clinical depression involves persistent dysphoria, implicating impaired affect regulation or mood repair failure. However, there is comparatively little information about the mood repair repertoires of individuals with histories of clinical depression, how their repertories differ from that of never-depressed people, and whether particular types of mood repair responses differentially contribute to depression risk.

Method

Adult probands who had childhood-onset depressive disorder (n=215) and controls with no history of major mental disorder (n=122) reported which specific (cognitive, behavioral, interpersonal and somatic-sensory) responses they typically deploy when experiencing sad affect, including responses known to appropriately attenuate dysphoria (‘adaptive’ responses) and those known to exacerbate dysphoria in the short or long run (‘maladaptive’ responses). Subjects were longitudinally followed and evaluated.

Results

Remitted probands and probands in depressive episodes both reported a greater number of maladaptive responses and fewer adaptive responses to their own sadness than did controls, although probands did not have an absolute deficiency of adaptive responses. Maladaptive (but not adaptive) mood repair responses predicted future increases in depression symptoms and an increased probability of a recurrent depressive episode among probands (even after controlling for several clinical predictors of course).Post-hocanalyses revealed that maladaptive non-cognitive and maladaptive cognitive mood repair response sets each predicted depression outcomes.

Conclusions

Individuals with past and present episodes of depressive disorder report an array of cognitive and non-cognitive responses to their own sadness that are likely to exacerbate that affect, and this pattern predicts a worse course of the disorder.
Diagnostic alterations for post-traumatic stress disorder: examining data from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication and National Survey of Adolescents
Authors: Elhai Jon D. , Ford Julian D. , Ruggiero Kenneth J. , Christopher Frueh B.
Published: April 2009

Background

Two alternative models of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) appear to represent the disorder's latent structure better than the traditional Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV) three-factor PTSD model. The present study examines the impact of using these structural models for the diagnosis of lifetime PTSD while retaining the DSM-IV PTSD's six-symptom diagnostic requirement.

Method

Data were gathered from large-scale, epidemiological datasets collected with adults (National Comorbidity Survey Replication) and adolescents (National Survey of Adolescents). Two alternative, empirically supported four-factor models of PTSD were compared with the DSM-IV three-factor PTSD diagnostic model.

Results

Results indicated that the diagnostic alterations resulted in substantially improved structural validity, downward adjustments of PTSD's lifetime prevalence (roughly 1 percentage point decreases in adults, 1–2.5 percentage point decreases in adolescents), and equivalent psychiatric co-morbidity and sociodemographic associations.

Conclusions

Implications for modifying PTSD diagnostic criteria in future editions of DSM are discussed.
Attitudes that determine willingness to seek psychiatric help for depression: a representative population survey applying the Theory of Planned Behaviour
Authors: Schomerus G. , Matschinger H. , Angermeyer M. C.
Published: April 2009

Background

Many people suffering from mental disorders do not seek appropriate help. We have examined attitudes that further or hinder help-seeking for depression with an established socio-psychological model, the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), comparing models for respondents with and without depressive symptoms.

Method

A qualitative preparatory study (n=29) elicited salient behavioural (BB), normative (NB) and control beliefs (CB) that were later included in the TPB questionnaire. Telephone interviews with a representative population sample in Germany (n=2303) started with a labelled vignette describing symptoms of a major depression, followed by items covering the components of the TPB. Intention to see a psychiatrist for the problem described was elicited at the beginning and at the end of the interview. We screened participants for current depressive symptoms using the mood subscale of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).

Results

In non-depressed respondents (n=2167), a TPB path model predicted 42% of the variance for the first and 51% for the second question on intention. In an analogous model for depressed respondents (n=136), these values increased to 50% and 61% respectively. Path coefficients in both models were similar. In both depressed and non-depressed persons, attitude towards the behaviour was more important than the subjective norm, whereas perceived behavioural control was of minor influence.

Conclusions

Willingness to seek psychiatric help for depression can largely be explained by a set of attitudes and beliefs as conceptualized by the TPB. Our findings suggest that changing attitudes in the general population are likely to effect help-seeking when people experience depressive symptoms.
Commentary: Making and Remaking the Habsburg Monarchy
Authors: Louthan Howard
Published: April 2009

Thereis something in a historianthat loves wreckage. I am confident that scientists will one day identify a gene on our chromosomes that predisposes us to destruction. As a young graduate student, I listened in rapt attention as Lawrence Stone mesmerized our seminar describing the one opportunity he had in wartime to “sack a house.” Most of us, however, sublimate these illicit desires, and the urge to destroy only becomes evident in our scholarship. Following Gibbon and Huizinga, we relish the study of decay and decline. Humor aside, R. J. W. Evans was well aware of this instinct as he beganThe Making of the Habsburg Monarchywith a simple but profound observation, “Many historians, in a dozen languages, have sought to explain why the Habsburg Monarchy declined and fell; none has ever seriously investigated the causes of its rise.”
The Austrian Historians' Commission
Authors: Kirk Tim
Published: April 2009

It is a truth universally acknowledged that nowhere is the past a greater burden on the present than in the historian's own area of interest. In Austria, in 2008, the past seemed to be more than usually present. From the outset, it was declared a year of multiple anniversaries; and the years 1848, 1918, 1968, and above all 1938 were recalled in conferences and books and in public discussion in the media. And yet some aspects of the past were curiously absent: Austrian democracy, we learned from an events listings handout distributed at Vienna airport, was established in 1918—only to be extinguished by the Nazis in 1938. In this context, Oliver Rathkolb's finding (presented at a conference on democracy held at the Vienna Museum in March), that forty percent of Austrians do not even know who Engelbert Dollfuss was, is hardly surprising. This is not to say that there is no engagement with the thornier questions of Austria's past—in the University's Institut für Zeitgeschichte, there is talk of little else—but that there is now, as delegates at the same conference agreed, something of a gulf between the general public's understanding of the past and that of academic historians and some sections of the press.
Labour, land, and capital markets in early modern Southeast Asia from the fifteenth to the nineteenth century
Authors: BOOMGAARD PETER
Published: April 2009

Factor markets of sorts did exist in the more highly developed areas of early modern Southeast Asia, and they became more efficient in the course of time (although not in a linear process). However, in other more remote areas land was hardly ever sold, labour could not be hired and money was rare. Neither was the institutional framework conducive to economic growth, mainly because the rule of law did not apply where the ruler was concerned. This state of affairs goes a long way to explain why levels of economic growth were lower in Southeast Asia than they were in Western Europe at the same time.
Outbreak of measles and rubella in refugee transit camps
Authors: KOUADIO I. K. , KOFFI A. K. , ATTOH-TOURE H. , KAMIGAKI T. , OSHITANI H.
Published: April 2009

In 2004, concurrent measles and rubella outbreaks occurred in four camps hosting 2767 Liberian refugees in Côte d'Ivoire. Sixty rash and fever cases were identified. From 19 January to 23 February 2004 (weeks 8–13), measles IgM testing showed that 61·1% were positive. The highest incidence rate (18·5%) of measles was observed in children aged <9 months. Ninety-three percent of children aged between 6 months and 15 years received a measles vaccine during week 13, but the rash and fever cases continued to occur. This prompted a systematic test for both measles and rubella IgM antibodies. Rubella IgM testing revealed 74·0% positive cases between 14 February and 25 April (weeks 11–21). The highest incidence rate (3·88%) of rubella was found in children aged between 5 and 15 years. Supplemental immunization with a measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine was conducted during week 20. This study illustrates the importance of testing for both measles and rubella in outbreaks of rash and fever in refugee settings.