bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Semi‐parametric accelerated failure time regression analysis with application to interval‐censored HIV/AIDS data
Authors: Xue Hongqi , Lam K. F. , Cowling Benjamin J. , de Wolf Frank
Published: December 2005

This paper demonstrates a way to investigate a potentially non‐linear relationship between an interval‐censored response variable and a continuously distributed explanatory variable. A potentially non‐linear effect of a continuous explanatory variable on the response is incorporated into an accelerated failure time model, forming a partial linear model. A sieve maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) is suggested to simultaneously estimate all the parameters. The sieve MLE is shown to be asymptotically efficient and normally distributed. Simulation studies show that the proposed estimators for the scale and regression parameters are robust and efficient, and the estimator for the non‐linear function is able to capture the shape of a variety of smooth non‐linear functions. The model is applied to observational HIV data, where the response variable is the time to suppression of HIV viral load after initiation of antiretroviral therapy, and baseline viral load is investigated as a potentially non‐linear effect. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Minding your distance: how management consulting firms use service marks to position competitively
Authors: Semadeni Matthew
Published: December 2005

This research examines the dyadic dynamics of positioning (i.e., determining where to locate relative to rivals) of services by consulting firms. Positioning near to or far from competitors offers both advantages and disadvantages in terms of competition, legitimacy, uncertainty, and spillovers, with recent research suggesting that firms seek balance between these various forces. Using a sample of service mark filings by consulting firms, I examine the effects of similarity, age, size, and prospective services on service positioning. Results indicate that positioning is both dyadic and multidimensional in nature, with firms maximizing the advantages of positioning either near or far, while minimizing the disadvantages. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regen‐Wind‐induzierte Schwingungen – Ein Berechnungsmodell auf der Grundlage der neuesten Erkenntnisse
Authors: Schwarzkopf Dieter , Sedlacek Gerhard
Published: December 2005

Regen‐Wind‐induzierte Schwingungen von zylindrischen Bauteilen wie z. B. Brückenseilen oder Hängern entstehen, wenn diese gleichzeitig Regen und Wind ausgesetzt sind. Dieses Phänomen ist bei Brückenbauern bekannt und gefürchtet – letzteres insbesondere aufgrund spektakulärer Ereignisse wie zum Beispiel der Sperrung der Erasmusbrücke in Rotterdam kurz nach ihrer Eröffnung oder den Schäden an der Elbebrücke Dömitz.

Neben der Existenz von Regen und Wind spielen auch Parameter wie Regenmenge, Windgeschwindigkeit, Windrichtung etc. eine entscheidende Rolle. Einmal angeregte Regen‐Wind‐induzierte Schwingungen klingen direkt wieder ab, sobald sich die Regenintensität oder die Windgeschwindigkeit stark ändern oder die Windrichtung wechselt. Bei diesem Schwingungsphänomen handelt es sich um selbsterregte Schwingungen, bei denen das Zusammenwirken der bewegten Seile oder Hänger, der daran ablaufenden Wasserrinnsale und des Windes entscheidenden Einfluß hat. Diese Art von Schwingungen ist nicht neu, jedoch der Erregermechanismus ist bislang noch wenig erforscht, und es gibt noch kein Berechnungsverfahren, welches es erlaubt, die auftretenden Amplituden zu bestimmen.
Baupraktische Sicherheitsnachweise gegen winderregte Schwingungen von Brücken und Türmen
Authors: Herzog Max
Published: December 2005

Die Entwicklung und der gegenwärtige Stand baupraktischer Sicherheitsnachweise gegen winderregte Schwingungen von Hänge‐ und Schrägseilbrücken sowie von Türmen werden im folgenden Beitrag erläutert und anhand von drei Zahlenbeispielen aus der Praxis mit dem in situ‐Verhalten verglichen.
Eine Finite‐Elemente‐Lösung auf der Basis eines erweiterten eindimensionalen Querschnittselementes für die freie Torsion dünnwandiger prismatischer Stäbe
Authors: Eilering Siegfried
Published: December 2005

Es wird eine Finite‐Elemente‐Lösung auf der Basis eines erweiterten Querschnittselementes zur Berechnung der Wölbfunktion und der von ihr abhängigen Torsionskennwerte und Torsionsschubspannungen für dünnwandige prismatische Stäbe unter freier Torsion vorgestellt. Das formulierte finite Zwei‐Knoten‐Element mit sechs Elementfreiheitsgraden ist durch Einbeziehung der Verdrehung um die Elementachse in der Lage, den linearen Term der Veränderlichkeit der Verwölbung quer zur Elementachse zu erfassen. Aufgrund dessen werden im Gegensatz zum einfachen Zwei‐Knoten‐Element mit nur zwei Elementfreiheitsgraden, das nur die über die Wanddicke konstanten Schubspannungen aus den Kreisschubflüssen der geschlossenen Profilteile liefert, auch die diese überlagernden, über die Wanddicke linear veränderlichen Schubspannungen des aufgeschnittenen Profils erfaßt.
First‐trimester maternal serum level of pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A is an independent predictor of fetal maxillary bone length
Authors: Leung T. Y. , Chan L. W. , Leung T. N. , Fung T. Y. , Sahota D. S. , Lau T. K.
Published: December 2005

Objective

To derive a nomogram of fetal maxillary bone length (MAX) for a Chinese population and to study whether first‐trimester maternal serum levels of pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A) is an independent predictor of fetal MAX.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study over 10 months examining Chinese women with a singleton pregnancy who attended the first‐trimester screening program for Down syndrome. The subjects had the fetal crown–rump length (CRL), nuchal translucency, MAX, maternal serum PAPP‐A and free beta‐human chorionic gonadotropin (fβ‐hCG) levels measured. A nomogram of MAX was derived using normal pregnancies with reliable dates. The correlations between MAX, CRL, PAPP‐A and fβ‐hCG levels were studied, after correction for gestational dependency using Z‐score transformation for the ultrasound markers (Z‐MAX and Z‐CRL), and logarithmic transformation of multiple of gestation‐specific medians for the biochemical markers (log10PAPP‐A multiples of the median (MoM) and log10fβ‐hCG MoM), using the Pearson test and multiple regression analysis.

Results

During the study period, 607 Chinese women met the inclusion criteria. The mean gestational age at the first‐trimester screening was 12 + 4 weeks (SD, 4 days). Curve estimation analysis showed that a linear relationship fit best between MAX and CRL (MAX (mm) = −0.01 + 0.101 * CRL (mm); r = 0.826; P < 0.0001), and between MAX and gestational age (MAX (mm) = −8.465 + 0.170 * gestational age (day); r = 0.754; SD = 0.71; P < 0.0001). There were significant positive correlations between Z‐MAX and Z‐CRL (r = 0.627; P = < 0.0001), Z‐MAX and log10PAPP‐A MoM (r = 0.239; P = < 0.0001). Multiple regression analysis showed that both Z‐CRL (P = < 0.0001) and log10 PAPP‐A MoM (P = 0.048) were independent predictors for Z‐MAX.

Conclusion

Both CRL and maternal levels of PAPP‐A are independent predictors of the fetal MAX measured during the first trimester. The positive correlation between PAPP‐A levels and fetal MAX is consistent with the known biological function of PAPP‐A on bone growth. This association must be adjusted for when both PAPP‐A and MAX are combined for screening of Down syndrome. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Repercussions of castration and vasectomy on the ductal system of the rat ventral prostate
Authors: Pereira S. , Martinez M. , Martinez F.E. , Júnior W. Mello
Published: December 2005

Diseases, such as cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia, are related to disruption of the mechanism regulating the balance between cell proliferation and apoptosis in prostatic cells. Since castration and vasectomy might alter that balance, this study evaluates the cell proliferation, apoptosis and height of the secretory epithelium of the ventral‐prostate ductal system post‐castration and vasectomy. Immunohistochemical (PCNA and Ki67), cytochemical (Fuelgen reaction) and morphometric investigation have been carried out. Cell proliferation indices decreased significantly in both regions of the ventral‐prostate ductal system after castration compared to the sham‐operated group. The apoptotic index increased significantly after 48 h, declining 7 days post‐castration. The cell proliferation indices did not differ after 48 h significantly; however, they increased 7 days post‐vasectomy in both regions. The apoptotic index did not differ significantly in either time post‐vasectomy. Castration caused an imbalance in favor of apoptosis, whereas vasectomy caused an imbalance in favor of cell proliferation.
Automated Solubility Determination Using a Customized Robotic System and a Turbidity Probe
Authors: Dinter Christian , Schuetz Armin , Blume Thorsten , Weinmann Hilmar , Harre Michael , Neh Harribert
Published: December 2005

In chemical development, broad knowledge of solubilities of all reactants, reagents, and products is important because these data are needed for cleaning operations of multipurpose equipment in pilot and production plants. A fully automated workflow on a high-throughput robotic system for determination of solid material solubility in different aqueous and organic solvents is described. Automated solid dispensing, weighing, and solvent addition are performed followed by direct measurement of turbidity with an integrated three-wavelength turbidity probe. Finally, a report is generated containing all solubility information of the solid in a clearly arranged manner. (JALA 2005;10:408–11)
Automated Integrated Forced Degradation and Drug-Excipient Compatibility Studies
Authors: Carlson Eric , Chandler William , Galdo Isabel , Kudla Thomas , Ta Cuong
Published: December 2005

An integrated high-throughput tool for forced degradation studies during pharmaceutical development is described. A series of experiments are conducted with the Symyx Technologies (Santa Clara, CA) Automated Forced Degradation System. The hardware and software of the workflow are described. Degradation libraries of stressed samples of liquid formulations of drug A were created, analyzed for room temperature solubility, and then replicates of each library were heated and sampled over time at 55, 70, and 85 °C to monitor for parent product degradation. Library arrays of first-order kinetic plots were generated, and predictions of room temperature stability were made. Several viable solution formulations were identified. (JALA 2005;10:374–80)
The Extended Core Module Robot: A Flexible, Modular Platform for High-Throughput Development Workflows
Authors: Chandler William , Carlson Eric , Busacca Bob , Rust William , Hajduk Damian , Han Hyeok , Brown Jeff
Published: December 2005

As parallel experimentation workflows become more complex, additional functionality and capability is required from laboratory robotics. These robotic platforms are no longer being used exclusively for liquid handling or for dedicated workflows but are being tasked to support a variety of analytical probes, heated tips, vial grippers, and a variety of other functions. To respond to this need, Symyx Technologies (Santa Clara, CA) has introduced the Extended Core Module (XCM) robotic system. The XCM features a robust robotic platform designed with a unique architecture that enables the straightforward addition of functionality through self-contained elements. These elements only require power, pneumatic connections (if required) and communication connections, which are provided by standard interfaces within the XCM deck. The XCM operates using Symyx Technologies, Inc. Renaissance® Software. Several workflows have been built using the Symyx XCM configurable architecture, encompassing both chemical and pharmaceutical workflows, and are described herein.
Reversal of scopolamine‐induced deficits with a single dose of donepezil, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor
Authors: Snyder Peter J. , Bednar Martin M. , Cromer Jennifer R. , Maruff Paul
Published: December 2005

Background

To develop a more rapid screening paradigm for novel cognitive enhancers, the authors sought to determine the utility of a well‐known pharmacologic model of induced dementia (scopolamine challenge), paired with a sensitive neuropsychological test, for assessing the ability of a single oral dose of a current treatment for Alzheimer's disease (donepezil) to improve cognitive performance in healthy elderly subjects.

Methods

Thirty‐two (4 groups of 8) healthy elderly volunteers were put randomly into a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, modified crossover design study. In Part 1, 16 subjects received donepezil (5 mg) or placebo separately in a crossover fashion. In Part 2, the remaining 2 groups of 8 subjects received scopolamine (0.3 mg subcutaneously) with each group then were assigned randomly to receive donepezil (5 mg) or placebo (in a crossover fashion) 3 hours postbaseline. A novel measure of visuospatial working memory and executive controls, the Groton Maze Learning Test (GMLT), was administered to each subject at baseline and at 2.5, 4, 5.5, 7, and 9 hours after dosing of donepezil.

Results

With scopolamine, subjects showed slower psychomotor speed, reduced accuracy and learning efficiency, and longer time required to navigate a hidden maze. Concurrent administration of donepezil significantly reversed these deficits and resulted in a faster recovery time. In addition, single doses of donepezil alone led to improved psychomotor speed, accuracy, and learning efficiency.

Conclusions

Robust effects of single‐dose donepezil on cognition can be readily observed, with the use of a complex hidden maze learning task, both with and without a scopolamine‐induced deficit model in healthy elderly adults.
Influence of logjam-formed hard points on the formation of valley-bottom landforms in an old-growth forest valley, Queets River, Washington, USA
Authors: Montgomery David R. , Abbe Tim B.
Published: December 2005

Field surveys and radiocarbon dating of buried logjams in the floodplain of an old-growth forest river demonstrate the formation of erosion-resistant “hard points” on the floodplain of the Queets River, Washington. These hard points provide refugia for development of old-growth forest patches in frequently disturbed riparian environments dominated by immature forest. Our surveys show that local bed aggradation associated with logjams not only influences channel patterns and profiles but leads to development of a patchwork of elevated landforms that can coalesce to form portions of the valley bottom with substantial (i.e., 1 to > 4 m) relief above the bankfull elevation. In addition, logjam-formed hard points promote channel avulsion, anastomosing morphology, and growth of mature patches of floodplain forest that, in turn, provide large logs needed to form more logjam-formed hard points. Hence, our findings substantiate the potential for a feedback mechanism through which hard points sustain complex channel morphology and a patchwork floodplain composed of variable-elevation surfaces. Conversely, such a feedback further implies that major changes in riparian forest characteristics associated with land use can lead to dramatic simplification in channel and floodplain morphology.
Validity and reproducibility of a new diagnostic motor performance test in children with suspected myopathy
Authors: van den Beld Willeke A , Van der Sanden Gitty A C , Sengers Rob CA , Verbeek André L M , Gabreëls Fons JM
Published: December 2005

To spare more children from painful muscle biopsy, a new non‐invasive diagnostic motor performance test is undergoing development. Fifteen functional items were used to measure muscle strength and muscle endurance in 68 patients (47 males, 21 females; mean age 7y 8mo, SD 2y 2mo; range 4 to 11y), who had been referred to our specialist centre in the past 3 years on suspicion of myopathy. All the patients had undergone muscle biopsy. To correct the patients' outcomes for age, sex, and body size, regression prediction equations were obtained from a stratified random sample of 64 normally developing primary‐school children aged 4 to 11 years (32 males, 32 females; mean age 8y 1mo, SD 2y 4mo). Feasibility was evaluated on the basis of five criteria. Validity was assessed using logistic regression analysis, receiver operating characteristic analysis, and sensitivity and specificity at a specifically chosen cut‐off point. Reproducibility was evaluated by test‐retest reliability in a stratified random sample of 40 patients who returned for re‐measurements using the intraclass correlation coefficient. Seven items satisfied all five feasibility criteria, had high diagnostic power, and high test‐retest reliability. The motor performance test can improve diagnostic procedure in children suspected of having myopathy.
Renal vascular disease in neurofibromatosis type 2: association or coincidence?
Authors: Cordeiro Nuno JV , Gardner Kate R , Huson Susan M , Stewart Helen , Elston John S , Howard Emma L , Tullus Kjell O , Pike Michael G
Published: December 2005

Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) remains a challenging diagnosis in childhood where there may be no neurological involvement. A 12‐month‐old male in whom NF2 was suspected because of characteristic ophthalmological and cutaneous lesions is reported. Cranial MRI showed no tumours. A pathogenic mutation was identified on NF2 gene analysis. The child developed hypertension due to renal vascular disease. Although renal vascular disease is a recognized complication of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), it has not been reported in NF2.
Clinical assessment of spasticity in children with cerebral palsy: a critical review of available instruments
Authors: Scholtes Vanessa A B , Becher Jules G , Beelen Anita , Lankhorst Gustaaf J
Published: December 2005

This study reviews the instruments used for the clinical assessment of spasticity in children with cerebral palsy, and evaluates their compliance with the concept of spasticity, defined as a velocity‐dependent increase in muscle tone to passive stretch. Searches were performed in Medline, Embase, and Cinahl, including the keywords ‘spasticity’, ‘child’, and‘cerebral palsy’, to identify articles in which a clinical method to measure spasticity was reported. Thirteen clinical spasticity assessment instruments were identified and evaluated using predetermined criteria. This review consists of reports on the standardization applied for assessment at different velocities, testing posture, and quantification of spasticity. Results show that most instruments do not comply with the concept of spasticity; standardization of assessment method is often lacking, and scoring systems of most instruments are ambiguous. Only the Tardieu Scale complies with the concept of spasticity, but this instrument has a comprehensive and time–consuming clinical scoring system.
THE IMPACT OF DEMAND FACTORS, QUALITY OF CARE AND ACCESS TO FACILITIES ON CONTRACEPTIVE USE IN TANZANIA
Authors: ARENDS-KUENNING MARY , KESSY FLORA L.
Published: December 2005

The low contraceptive prevalence rate and the existence of unmet demand for family planning services present a challenge for parties involved in family planning research in Tanzania. The observed situation has been explained by the demand-side variables such as socioeconomic characteristics and cultural values that maintain the demand for large families. A small, but growing body of research is examining the effect of supply-side factors such as quality of care of family planning services on the demand for contraceptives. This paper analyses the demand and supply factors determining contraceptive use in Tanzania using the Tanzania Service Availability Survey (1996) and the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (1996) data sets. The results show that access to family planning services and quality of care of services are important determinants of contraceptive use in Tanzania even after controlling for demand-side factors.
Pilonidal sinus of the neck
Authors: Meher Ravi , Sethi Ashwani , Sareen Deepika , Bansal Ramanuj
Published: December 2005

A pilonidal sinus is most commonly seen in the sacrococcygeal region. Here we describe a rare case of pilonidal sinus of the neck following trauma due to shaving. Excision of the sinus with primary repair resulted in complete healing of the lesion with no recurrence. The possible pathogenesis of this acquired condition is also discussed.
The combined olfactory test in a Chinese population
Authors: Lam Henry Chuen Kwong , Sung John Ka Keung , Abdullah Victor James , Hasselt Charles Andrew van
Published: December 2005

Objective: To establish an olfactory test in the Hong Kong Chinese population. Study design: Prospective analysis of the results of a combined olfactory test (COT) for patients with olfactory dysfunction and for normal subjects attending a secondary and tertiary ear, nose and throat centre.

Method: Our COT was based on and modified from the Connecticut Chemosensory Research Centre test. It consisted of an odour identification test involving nine substances and a threshold test using a series of threefold dilutions of 1-butanol. From September 1998 to June 2002, 188 Hong Kong Chinese patients with olfactory dysfunction and subjects with normal olfaction were prospectively recruited. The subjects were categorized into normal, hyposmic and anosmic groups. The olfactory function of the main group of subjects (n = 153) was assessed with the COT by a blinded observer and also quantified with a visual analogue scale; the results were analysed to validate the discriminative ability of the COT. Another subgroup of subjects (n = 35) was tested with the COT twice with a two-week interval to evaluate test–retest reliability.

Results: There were 42 normal, 68 hyposmic and 43 anosmic subjects within the main group (total n = 153). The identification scores, threshold scores and combined olfactory scores were statistically significantly different between the anosmic, hyposmic and normal groups of subjects (p < 0.001). The combined olfactory score correlated with the visual analogue score and the correlation coefficient was 0.56 (p < 0.01). The mean time spent on each COT was 8.6 minutes (standard deviation = 3.4 minutes). The test–retest reliability of the COT was satisfactory, with a one-way model intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.87 (n = 35).

Conclusion: The satisfactory discriminative ability and test–retest reliability of the COT have been demonstrated in this study. The COT is a feasible method for assessing sense of smell in the Hong Kong Chinese population.
Methylene blue toxicity following infusion to localize parathyroid adenoma
Authors: Majithia A , Stearns M P
Published: December 2005

The parathyroid glands are small, inconspicuous, and variable in number, colour and position. Their identification is vital for excision of hyper-functioning glands and for preservation of normally functioning ones in patients undergoing thyroidectomy.

Intravenous infusion of methylene blue at a dose of 7.5 mg/kg is commonly used to aid visualization of the parathyroid glands intra-operatively. Methylene blue is generally considered benign, and there are only two cases published in the literature reporting toxicity following intravenous infusion – such toxicity is a diagnosis of exclusion.

We report a case of methylene blue toxicity resulting in expressive aphasia, confusion and disinhibition following infusion for parathyroid adenoma localization. The patient made a complete recovery over 48 hours. Methaemoglobinaemia was excluded as a cause. We suggest that the mechanism of toxicity was a direct effect of methylene blue, although an adverse interaction with serotonin re-uptake inhibitors could not be excluded.

In keeping with the UK National Poisons Information Service recommendations, we have altered our practice and now use methylene blue at a dose not exceeding 4 mg/kg. This has not affected our success rate for identification of parathyroid glands. We report this case to highlight the rare occurrence of methylene blue toxicity when used at a dose of 7.5 mg/kg.
Notes on the holotype of Sticta damaecornis β weigelii Ach. (=Sticta weigelii)
Authors: Galloway David J.
Published: December 2005

Sticta wiegelii (Ach.) Vain., a cyanobacterial lichen characterized by mainly marginal isidia, occurs in montane rainforest in both tropical and cool-temperate forest biomes, being known from East Africa (Stizenberger 1895; Swinscow & Krog 1988; Krog 2000), Réunion and Madagascar (Nylander 1868; Hue 1890, 1901a), India (Joshi & Awasthi 1982); Japan (Yoshimura 1974; Kurokawa 2003; Takahashi et al. 2004), Central America and the West Indies (Nylander 1865; Hue 1890, 1901a; Imshaug 1956, 1957; Harris 1984; McDonald et al. 2003), Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil (Martius 1833; Vainio 1890; Hue 1901a; Malme 1934; McDonald et al. 2003), Argentina, Chile (Galloway 1994a), Java (Nylander 1868; Stizenberger 1895; Hue 1901b; Zahlbruckner & Mattick 1956); New Guinea (Szatala 1956; Streimann 1986), north-eastern Australia (Galloway 1998, 2001; McDonald et al. 2003), and several Pacific island groups including Hawaii, Fiji, the Galapagos, Tahiti, New Caledonia and the Kermadecs (for references see Elix & McCarthy 1998: 269; McDonald et al. 2003).
ON TWISTED FORMS AND RELATIVE ALGEBRAIC K-THEORY
Authors: AGBOOLA A. , BURNS D.
Published: December 2005

This paper introduces a new approach to the study of certain aspects of Galois module theory by combining ideas arising from the study of the Galois structure of torsors of finite group schemes with techniques coming from relative algebraic $K$-theory.
THE LOEWY SERIES OF THE STEINBERG-PIM OF FINITE GENERAL LINEAR GROUPS
Authors: ACKERMANN BERND
Published: December 2005

In this paper we calculate the Loewy series of the projective indecomposable module of the unipotent block contained in the Gelfand–Graev module of the finite general linear group in the case of non-describing characteristic and Abelian defect group.
SPECTRAL THEORY OF HIGHER ORDER DIFFERENTIAL OPERATORS
Authors: BEHNCKE HORST
Published: December 2005

The absolutely continuous spectrum of a very general class of differential operators of order $2n$ is determined, for operators whose coefficients satisfy conditions that combine smoothness and decay properties. The main methods are asymptotic integration and the analysis of the associated $M$-matrix. The form of the solutions precludes the absence of a singular continuous spectrum.
The correlation between striatal dopamine D2/D3 receptor availability and verbal intelligence quotient in healthy volunteers
Authors: GUO JIN FU , KUANG YANG YEN , TSING CHIU NAN , LIEH YEH TZUNG , SEE CHEN PO , LEE I. HUI , LIN CHU CHING
Published: December 2005

Background. Although a correlation between the central dopaminergic system and intelligence may exist, the results from imaging studies remain inconclusive. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between striatal dopamine D2/D3 receptor availability and verbal intelligence quotient (VIQ) using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).

Method. Striatal D2/D3 receptor availability of 64 healthy subjects was determined with the [123I]iodobenzamide ([123I]IBZM) ligand. Intelligence quotients (IQs) of the subjects were measured by the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – Revised (WAIS-R).

Results. In addition to age, left striatal D2/D3 receptor availability correlated positively with VIQ. In females, left striatal D2/D3 receptor availability was the only variable that correlated significantly with the similarities subtest of VIQ.

Conclusions. There is a relationship between left striatal D2/D3 receptor availability and verbal intelligence, which varies, predominantly in males.
Impaired implicit sequence learning in depression: a probe for frontostriatal dysfunction?
Authors: NAISMITH SHARON L. , HICKIE IAN B. , WARD PHILIP B. , SCOTT ELIZABETH , LITTLE CRAIG
Published: December 2005

Background. Implicit learning through motor sequencing tasks is sensitive to basal ganglia dysfunction. Consequently, it is ideally suited for testing elements of the frontostriatal model of major depression and performance can be related to key clinical, neuropsychological, vascular and biochemical data.

Method. Twenty-one subjects with moderate to severe unipolar depression and 21 age-, sex- and education-matched controls were recruited. Clinical, vascular and biochemical data were recorded. Subjects were administered a battery of neuropsychological tests that assessed speed of processing, working memory, learning, memory, language, perceptual organization and executive functioning. Additionally, subjects were administered a motor sequencing implicit learning task. Implicit learning is assumed when reaction times improve during the sequenced condition as compared to the pseudo-random baseline condition.

Results. The rate of implicit learning in persons with depression was only half that of control subjects (3·6% v. 7·3%). Lower rates of implicit learning in patients were associated with poorer performance on neuropsychological tests of visuomotor speed and mental flexibility, longer duration of depressive episode and severity of acute stress. In a small number of subjects, poorer performance was also related to past suicide attempt.

Conclusions. Impaired implicit learning in persons with depression is consistent with frontostriatal dysfunction. Performance is related to some clinical characteristics and to neuropsychological functioning on tests of visuomotor speed and mental flexibility.
Trading off Income and Health?: AIDS and the Disability Grant in South Africa
Authors: NATTRASS NICOLI
Published: December 2005

Despite high levels of unemployment, South Africa's welfare system is premised on full employment: only those who are too young, too old or too sick to work qualify for social assistance. A government committee recently recommended the introduction of a universal Basic Income Grant (BIG) to address this hole in the welfare net. Now that highly active antiretroviral thereapy (HAART) is being rolled out through the public health sector for people sick with AIDS, the case for a BIG is even more compelling. People sick with AIDS qualify for a disability grant. The HAART rollout offers them the chance of restored health – but it comes at the cost of losing the disability grant because they will be deemed well enough to work. Given South Africa's high unemployment rates, many will not be able to find work, and hence will face a trade-off between health (taking HAART) and income (keeping the disability grant). This could undermine adherence to HAART and/or reduce the effectiveness of the treatment by compromising the nutritional status of patients, thereby facilitating the growth of drug-resistant HIV. Introducing a BIG could help resolve this unintended tension between health and welfare policy.
Social Policy Digest Online
Authors: Bennett Fran , Jones Ken
Published: December 2005

The Social Policy Digest went online in the summer of 2003. This means that the Digest, which used to be printed as part of the Journal of Social Policy, is now only available via the web.
A syringe exchange programme in prison as prevention strategy against HIV infection and hepatitis B and C in Berlin, Germany
Authors: STARK K. , HERRMANN U. , EHRHARDT S. , BIENZLE U.
Published: December 2005

In two prisons in Berlin, Germany, provision of sterile injection equipment for injecting drug users (IDUs) started in 1998. To assess the programme's impact, the frequency of injecting drug use and syringe sharing, and the incidence of HIV, HBV, and HCV infection were determined in a follow-up study. Of all IDUs (n=174), 75% continued to inject. After the project start the level of syringe sharing declined from 71% during a 4-month period of previous imprisonment to 11% during the first 4 months of follow-up, and to virtually zero thereafter. Baseline seroprevalences for HIV, HBV, and HCV were 18, 53, and 82%. HIV and HCV seroprevalence at baseline was significantly associated with drug injection in prison prior to the project start. No HIV and HBV seroconversions, but four HCV seroconversions occurred. The provision of syringes for IDUs in appropriate prison settings may contribute to a substantial reduction of syringe sharing. However, the prevention of HCV infection requires additional strategies.
Automated extraction of Tree-Adjoining Grammars from treebanks
Authors: CHEN JOHN , BANGALORE SRINIVAS , VIJAY-SHANKER K.
Published: December 2005

There has been a contemporary surge of interest in the application of stochastic models of parsing. The use of tree-adjoining grammar (TAG) in this domain has been relatively limited due in part to the unavailability, until recently, of large-scale corpora hand-annotated with TAG structures. Our goals are to develop inexpensive means of generating such corpora and to demonstrate their applicability to stochastic modeling. We present a method for automatically extracting a linguistically plausible TAG from the Penn Treebank. Furthermore, we also introduce labor-inexpensive methods for inducing higher-level organization of TAGs. Empirically, we perform an evaluation of various automatically extracted TAGs and also demonstrate how our induced higher-level organization of TAGs can be used for smoothing stochastic TAG models.
Deciphering continental breakup in eastern Australia using low‐temperature thermochronometers
Authors: Persano Cristina , Stuart Finlay M. , Bishop Paul , Dempster Tim J.
Published: December 2005

First‐order topographical features at high‐elevation passive margins have the potential to store information about the early stages of continental rifting, which are usually lost in the sediment record. In this study we present a new combination of apatite fission track and (U‐Th)/He analyses from two coast‐perpendicular traverses to decipher the time of formation and evolution of the escarpment at the southeastern Australian margin. A combination of inverse and forward modeling of the apatite fission track (AFT) and He data indicates that the coast experienced a rapid denudational event starting at 110 ± 10 Ma, at least 15 Myr before seafloor spreading (85 Ma), in agreement with the hypothesis that rifting at magma‐poor margins evolves slowly. Thus the enhanced denudation is not related to the synbreakup base level drop, but it may have been related to a thermally driven transient surface uplift. Considerations on isostatic flexure and rigidity of the lithosphere indicate that unless significant synrift brittle movements are assumed to have occurred along margin‐parallel faults that are no more visible, the coast must have experienced a higher geothermal gradient than normal. The evolution of the rest of the coastal plain may have taken up to ∼90 Myr, in agreement with numerical models of passive margins evolution. The (U‐Th)/He ages across the coastal plain are consistent with an in‐place‐excavation scenario of a high rift shoulder, and they rule out the possibility of a constant retreat of the escarpment. AFT + He data from the plateau indicate that the highlands remained stable throughout continental breakup, experiencing rates of erosion of 5–10 m/Myr since, at least, 200 Ma.
Temporal coupling between surface and deep ocean biogeochemical processes in contrasting subtropical and subantarctic water masses, southwest Pacific Ocean
Authors: Nodder Scott D. , Boyd Philip W. , Chiswell Stephen M. , Pinkerton Matthew H. , Bradford‐Grieve Janet M. , Greig Malcolm J. N.
Published: December 2005

Surface to deep‐ocean coupling was investigated in subtropical (STW) and subantarctic (SAW) waters off eastern New Zealand. Moorings, comprising a near‐surface fluorometer, temperature loggers, current meters, and sediment trap at 1500 m depth, were deployed at 41° and 46°40′S along 178°30′E between October 2000 and October 2001. Locally validated, remotely sensed data provided areal estimates of surface chlorophyll that were representative of 1997–2004 annual cycles. In STW, early spring chlorophyll peaks were coupled with deposition of labile (molar C:N∼7–8), bio‐siliceous organic matter. Low winter chlorophyll concentrations were associated with high particulate organic carbon (POC) fluxes of moderately refractory material (C:N∼9–10). This indicates that winter flux was affected by heterotrophic recycling processes (zooplankton exuviae, fecal pellets) and/or slowly sinking particles from the preceding autumn. Deep‐ocean POC fluxes off New Zealand were similar to global estimates and Tasman Sea (0.8 cf. 1.0 g C m−2 yr−1). Elevated biogenic silica and lithogenic fluxes probably reflect processes within a warm‐core eddy near an eroding landmass, rather than STW in general. In SAW, POC and biogenic silica flux peaks occurred in spring with moderate surface chlorophyll concentrations. Decoupling between high chlorophyll and low flux in summer may reflect near‐surface organic matter recycling by the microbial‐dominated ecosystem. In spring, moderate chlorophyll levels in SAW, high POC and silica flux, and high C:N ratios (9–13) indicate some coupling with upper water column processes. SAW, east of New Zealand, was characterized by low POC (0.2 g C m−2 yr−1), high biogenic silica, and low carbonate fluxes, unlike other subantarctic sites, which are dominated by carbonate deposition with fivefold higher POC flux.
Is pore water oxygen content decoupled from productivity on the California Margin? Trace element results from Ocean Drilling Program Hole 1017E, San Lucia slope, California
Authors: Hendy I. L. , Pedersen T. F.
Published: December 2005

Trace element evidence from the California Margin (Ocean Drilling Program Hole 1017E) shows significant changes in sediment redox chemistry at intermediate water depths over the last 60 kyr. The influence of export production on intermediate water oxygen content can be distinguished from lateral ventilation through comparisons among proxies representing export production flux (percent Corg) and sediment‐surface (I/Br) and pore water (Mo, Ag, Cd, Re, and U) oxygenation proxies. Sulfate reduction within the uppermost sediment column occurred during late Quaternary interstadials and the Holocene, indicating reduced intermediate water ventilation. However, sulfate reduction was most intense during major interstadials when productivity was enhanced. Decoupling between export production and pore water oxygen content is demonstrated during deglaciation when the sediment pore water oxygen content increases without a corresponding reduction in export productivity. Thus both export production and intermediate water ventilation play a role in oxygen minimum zone processes on the California Margin.
Biogeochemical impact of tropical instability waves in the equatorial Pacific
Authors: Gorgues T. , Menkes C. , Aumont O. , Vialard J. , Dandonneau Y. , Bopp L.
Published: December 2005

Tropical Instability Waves (TIW) have been suggested to fertilize the equatorial Pacific in iron leading to enhanced ecosystem productivity. Using a coupled dynamical–biogeochemical model, we show that contrary to this suggestion, TIWs induce a decrease of iron concentration by 10% at the equator and by about 3% over the Wyrtki box [90°W–180, 5°N–5°S]. Chlorophyll decreases by 10% at the equator and 1% over the Wyrtki box. This leads to a decrease of new production up to 10% at the equator (4% over the Wyrtki box). TIW‐induced horizontal advection exports iron‐rich equatorial water to the north, but also brings iron‐depleted water to the equator leading to a net decrease in iron. Additional iron decrease is caused by TIW‐induced iron vertical diffusion. These two mechanisms are partly counter balanced by a decrease of iron biological uptake, driven by lower phytoplankton concentrations, and to a lesser extent by TIW‐induced iron vertical advection.
Thermal infrared and visual observations of a water ice lag in the Mars southern summer
Authors: Titus T. N.
Published: December 2005

We present thermal infrared and visual evidence for the existence of water ice lags in the early southern summer. The observed H2O‐ice lags lay in and near a chasma and appears to survive between 6–8 sols past the sublimation of the CO2. Possible sources of the H2O that compose the lag are (1) atmospheric H2O that is incorporated into the seasonal cap during condensation, (2) cold trapping of atmospheric water vapor onto the surface of the cap in the spring, or (3) a combination of the 2 processes where water is released from the sublimating cap only to be transported back over the cap edge and cold trapped. We refer to this later process as the “Houben” effect which may enrich the amount of water contained in the seasonal cap at 85°S by as much as a factor of 15. This phenomenon, which has already been identified for the northern retreating cap, may present an important water transport mechanism in the Southern Hemisphere.
Understanding the origins of interannual thermocline variations in the tropical Indian Ocean
Authors: Yu Weidong , Xiang Baoqiang , Liu Lin , Liu Na
Published: December 2005

Based on the data analysis of the 1000 hPa wind, SST and SSH anomalies, it is revealed that the atmospheric variations associated with Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD, or referred as Indian Ocean Zonal Dipole Mode, IOZDM) consist of a pair of anticyclones closely north and south of the equator with accompanying intense equatorial easterly anomalies, while the atmospheric variations related to El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) include a strong anticyclone in the southeastern tropical Indian Ocean (TIO) at higher latitudes with strong along‐shore wind anomalies near Java‐Sumatra coast. The different atmospheric forcing patterns lead to the fact that oceanic thermocline variations associated with IOD/IOZDM are more closely confined to the region north of 10°S, while ENSO‐induced thermocline variations are dominant south of 10°S.
Observation of an abrupt disruption of the long‐term warming trend at the Balearic Sea, western Mediterranean Sea, in summer 2005
Authors: López‐Jurado J.‐L. , González‐Pola C. , Vélez‐Belchí P.
Published: December 2005

The properties of the Western Mediterranean Deep Water in a wide area located at the western boundary of the Mediterranean Sea, including the Balearic Sea, have revealed intense changes when observed in summer 2005. Between February and June 2005, a temperature drop of 0.14°C reverted dramatically the progressive warming trend of 0.011°C yr−1 that had been observed since 1996, in the waters below 600 dbar north of the Balearic channels. A similar temperature drop has been observed east of the Minorca Island, below the Levantine Intermediate Water and down to 1500 dbar. In the deepest levels, a complex thermohaline structure, which implies different waters masses as sources, was tracked more than 400 km along the western boundary of the Mediterranean Sea, from Barcelona to the Algerian Basin. It is suggested that the changes may be linked to the severe 2004/2005 winter occurred at the northwestern Mediterranean Sea.
Regional sensitivity of Greenland precipitation to NAO variability
Authors: Mosley‐Thompson E. , Readinger C. R. , Craigmile P. , Thompson L. G. , Calder C. A.
Published: December 2005

The North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) is a primary mode of interannual climate variability for the North Atlantic Ocean Basin and influences the climate over much of Europe and parts of North America. Knowledge of past variability of this oscillatory system is essential for efforts to understand, model, and predict future climate variability, particularly under a warming Earth scenario. As Greenland precipitation is modulated by the NAO, ice core‐derived accumulation histories are incorporated into multi‐proxy reconstructions. New ice core records from Greenland demonstrate that the NAO's influence on accumulation is temporally and spatially variable. The results presented indicate that (1) NAO modulation of accumulation is strongest and most persistent along the west‐central side of Greenland, (2) records from central Greenland should be avoided and (3) the spatial character of the precipitation response to NAO variability has been influenced by the 20th century warming in the high Arctic.
Heliospheric modulation of cosmic rays: Monthly reconstruction for 1951–2004
Authors: Usoskin Ilya G. , Alanko‐Huotari Katja , Kovaltsov Gennady A. , Mursula Kalevi
Published: December 2005

The differential energy spectrum of galactic cosmic rays in the vicinity of the Earth can be parameterized by the so‐called force field model which has only one parameter, the modulation potential ϕ, for a given local interstellar spectrum. Here we present the series of monthly values of the modulation potential ϕ since February 1951, reconstructed using the data from the worldwide neutron monitor network and calibrated with precise balloon and space‐borne direct measurements of cosmic ray energy spectrum. This work provides a long series of a parameter allowing for a quantitative estimate of the average monthly differential energy spectrum of cosmic rays near the Earth. A comparison with other occasional direct measurements of cosmic ray spectra confirms the reliability of the present reconstruction. The results can be applied in studies of long‐term solar‐terrestrial relations and the global evolution of the heliosphere.
Dynamics of “internal” interannual variability of the Indian summer monsoon in a GCM
Authors: Goswami B. N. , Xavier Prince K.
Published: December 2005

The poor predictability of the Indian summer monsoon (ISM) appears to be due to the fact that a large fraction of interannual variability (IAV) is governed by unpredictable “internal” low frequency variations. Mechanisms responsible for the internal IAV of the monsoon have not been clearly identified. Here, an attempt has been made to gain insight regarding the origin of internal IAV of the seasonal (June–September, JJAS) mean rainfall from “internal” IAV of the ISM simulated by an atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM) driven by fixed annual cycle of sea surface temperature (SST). The underlying hypothesis that monsoon ISOs are responsible for internal IAV of the ISM is tested. The spatial and temporal characteristics of simulated summer intraseasonal oscillations (ISOs) are found to be in good agreement with those observed. A long integration with the AGCM forced with observed SST, shows that ISO activity over the Asian monsoon region is not modulated by the observed SST variations. The internal IAV of ISM, therefore, appears to be decoupled from external IAV. Hence, insight gained from this study may be useful in understanding the observed internal IAV of ISM. The spatial structure of the ISOs has a significant projection on the spatial structure of the seasonal mean and a common spatial mode governs both intraseasonal and interannual variability. Statistical average of ISO anomalies over the season (seasonal ISO bias) strengthens or weakens the seasonal mean. It is shown that interannual anomalies of seasonal mean are closely related to the seasonal mean of intraseasonal anomalies and explain about 50% of the IAV of the seasonal mean. The seasonal mean ISO bias arises partly due to the broad‐band nature of the ISO spectrum allowing the time series to be aperiodic over the season and partly due to a non‐linear process where the amplitude of ISO activity is proportional to the seasonal bias of ISO anomalies. The later relation is a manifestation of the binomial character of rainfall time series. The remaining 50% of the IAV may arise due to land‐surface processes, interaction between high frequency variability and ISOs, etc.