bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The status of the harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) in Ireland
Authors: Cronin Michelle A
Published: November 2013

The status of Ireland’s harbour seal population and its relationship with that of Britain and Western Europe are poorly understood. Prior to 2003, limited research efforts and poor co-ordination of survey methods fell short at providing an accurate assessment of overall distribution and population size on a regional or national scale. However, in August 2003, the Republic of Ireland’s harbour seal population was assessed by means of a geographically extensive survey conducted during the annual moult, providing an up-to-date minimum population estimate and a reliable baseline for future surveys. Trends on a national scale could not be assessed due to absence of a reliable historic population estimate; however there is some evidence of local decreases and increases in harbour seal numbers in Northern Ireland and southwest Ireland respectively. Research effort to date on aspects of the ecology of the harbour seal in the Republic of Ireland is reviewed and current research and management priorities highlighted.
Catch history and status of the harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) in Greenland
Authors: Rosving-Asvid Aqqalu
Published: November 2013

The number of harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) in West Greenland declined rapidly after the 1950s and the seals have now abandoned their traditional haulout locations along the Greenland west coast. However, in recent years, a previously undetected group of about 60-100 harbour seals has been observed approximately 80 km upstream in a large river, and some traditional hauloutlocations are still in use near the south-eastern tip of Greenland. A small number of harbour seals is caught annually far from any of these locations, indicating that other groups might live unnoticed. Catch statistics provide the best evidence of the presence and locations of these remnant harbour seals. Therefore efforts were made to validate the recent catch statistics and to describe the catch history for the past 60 years. The catch statistics were also used to estimate plausibleranges of past and present numbers of harbour seals based on the assumption that hunting has caused the observed decline. The total number of harbour seals in Greenland according to these estimates was about 3,000 in 1950 and fewer than 1,000 in 2007. The number of harbour seals caught in the southernmost part of Greenland has, unlike in the rest of Greenland, increased significantly in some of the recent years. This change seems to be related to changes in the amount of drift ice. Drift ice reduces the frequency of contact between hunters and harbour seals in South Greenland and above normal quantities of drift ice from the mid 1960s to the mid 1980s probably allowed these seals to increase in numbers. Record low inflow of drift ice in some of the recent years, however, has resulted in record high catches, which likely have reduced the seals again. The remaining harbour seals in Greenland are few and without protection these sealsare potentially in danger of extinction.
Epizootics in harbour seals (Phoca vitulina): clinical aspects
Authors: Siebert Ursula , Gulland Frances , Harder Timm , Jauniaux Thierry , Seibel Henrike , Wohlsein Peter , Baumgärtner Wolfgang
Published: November 2013

Epizootic diseases causing considerable mortality in harbour seal populations have mainly been reported from the waters of the United States and Europe. Such die-offs were largely attributable to viral infections. Several hundred individuals died from respiratory infections caused by Influenza A viruses at the coast of New England, USA, in 1979, 1980 and 1982. More than 53,000 harbour seals were killed in European waters by Phocine Distemper Virus (PDV), a morbillivirus,in two outbreaks in 1988 and 2002. For several other epizootics of smaller scale in the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific coast of the USA and, most recently, in Danish and Swedish waters in 2007 the causes remain unclear, although characteristic respiratory symptoms and interstitial pneumonia suspicious of viral etiology were detected as well as occasionally bacterial infections caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Mass mortalities caused by biotoxins, direct human interactions or changes in oceanographic conditions have so far not been described for harbour seals. However, high organochlorine loads detected in European harbour seal populations and suspected to impede immune functions, were considered an aggravating factor in the 1988 morbillivirus epizootic. Establishing supranational stranding networks is a key prerequisite for the detection of future unusual die-offs in marine mammals. Detailed post-mortem investigations of all organ systems are essential for targeted etiological studies towards the causes of mass mortalities in seals.
The diet of harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) at the southern limit of its European distribution (Normandy, France)
Authors: Spitz Jérôme , Mariotti Laetitia , Ridoux Vincent , Caillot Emmanuel , Elder Jean François
Published: November 2013

Changes in habitat availability or resources are likely to have the biggest impact on survival or abundance of individuals found at the extremity of the population’s range. In the case of such marginal populations, the first step in designing appropriate conservation plans is the identification of potential risks to the viability of the population, or subpopulation. For example, the interaction between coastal seals and fisheries is often considered as a major conservation issue, due to the potential co-exploitation of the same resources by both fishermen and seals. The diet of harbour seals was investigated by scat analysis at the southern extremity of their European range, in Baie des Veys (Normandy, France). A total of 121 scats, analysed following standard methodologies, revealed a diet largely dominated by mullets, Mugilidae (49% by mass), plaice Pleuronectes platess (29% by mass) and garfish, Belone belone (19% by mass). The diet of harbour seals at the edge of their European distribution differs from all previous studies conducted elsewhere, in terms of species composition, but shows a similar balance between fat and lean fish. Overall dietcomposition suggests a low potential for interaction with fisheries as commercial fishery target species are almost absent.
Distance estimation experiment for aerial minke whale surveys
Authors: Witting Lars , Pike Daniel G
Published: November 2013

A comparative study between aerial cue–counting and digital photography surveys for minke whales conducted in Faxaﬂói Bay in September 2003 is used to check the perpendicular distances estimated by the cue-counting observers. The study involved 2 aircraft with the photo plane at 1,700 feet flying above the cue–counting plane at 750 feet. The observer–based distance estimates were calculated from head angles estimated by angle-boards and declination angles estimated by declinometers. These distances were checked against image–based estimates of the perpendicular distance to the same whale. The 2 independent distance estimates were obtained for 21 sightings of minke whale, and there was a good agreement between the 2 types of estimates. The relative absolute deviations between the 2 estimates were on average 23% (se: 6%), with the errors in the observer–based distance estimates resembling that of a log-normal distribution. The linear regression of the observer–based estimates (obs) on the image–based estimates (img) was Obs=1.1Img (R2=0.85) with an intercept ﬁxed at zero. There was no evidence of a distance estimation bias that could generate a positive bias in the absolute abundance estimated by cue–counting.
The enigmatic whale: the North Atlantic humpback
Authors: Smith Tim D , Pike Daniel G
Published: November 2013

We know more about the North Atlantic humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) than we do for virtually any other cetacean, yet attempts to use this information to describe the status of the populations in this ocean basin have not proven satisfactory. The North Atlantic humpback has been the subject of extensive research over the past few decades, resulting in a substantial amount of knowledge about what has proven to be a species with a very complex life history and population structure. While several population models have been developed to integrate the available information, the data overall are not well described by any of the models. This has left considerable uncertainty about population status, and has raised questions about the interpretation of some of the data. We describe 7 specific areas where puzzling or ambiguous observations have been made; these require closer attention if population status is to be determined. These areas raise several fundamental questions, including: How many breeding populations are there? How much do the populations mix on the feeding grounds? How has the distribution of animals on both feeding and breeding grounds changed? We identify additional research needed to address the 7 areas and these questions in particular, so that population status might be determined.
Line transects, environmental data and GIS: Cetacean distribution, habitat and prey selection along the Barents Sea shelf edge
Authors: Skern-Mauritzen Mette , Skaug Hans Julius , Øien Nils
Published: November 2013

Cetacean observations obtained during sighting surveys for abundance estimation can also be used to investigate cetacean habitat and prey selection, the principal processes underlying cetacean distributions. In this paper, we investigate habitat and prey selection of minke (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), fin (B. physalus) and sperm (Physeter macrocephalus) whales and Lagenorhynchus (Atlantic white-sided L. acutus and white-beaked L. albirostris) dolphins observed along predetermined cruise tracks along the Barents Sea shelf edge in 2000, 2001 and 2002. The observations were combined with simultaneously collected data on habitat (depth, sea surface temperature, and temperature gradients) and prey (plankton, 0-group fish, capelin and herring) distributions in a GeographicInformation System (GIS) to investigate habitat and prey selection. Minke whales were associated with cold waters and herring, and capelin in years with low herring abundance. Fin whales were mainly associated with northern cold and deep waters, as well as capelin, 0-group fish and plankton. Lagenorhynchus dolphins were associated with capelin. Finally, sperm whales were associated with deep waters and 0-group fish. Sperm whales were probably indirectly attracted to 0-group fish through preying on predatory fish such as Sebastes spp. and the squid Gonatus spp. The cetacean species responded differently to annual variation in habitat and prey distributions. Minke and fin whale distributions and abundances remained similar between years within the study area, suggestingthat these species are generalists responding to environmental changes by switching between prey species. Conversely, Lagenorhynchus dolphins shifted northwards, likely due to tracking the shifting capelin distributions. The results are discussed in light of how such cetacean habitat and cetacean prey relationships can be valuable for the proper assessment of population sizes and trends, both through guiding the design of sighting surveys and assessing whether changes in abundances within fixed surveyed areas are due to distribution shifts or changes in population sizes.
Status of grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) in Norway
Authors: Nilssen Kjell Tormod , Haug Tore
Published: November 2013

During the period September-December in 2001-2003, ship based surveys of grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) pups, including tagging, counting and staging of pups, were conducted along the Norwegian coast. All known and other potential breeding areas were surveyed from Rogaland county in the south to Finnmark county in the north. Most of the breeding sites were surveyed only once, but some sites were surveyed 2-4 times. The investigations resulted in a total minimum estimate of 1,159 grey seal pups born in Norwegian waters. Nordland county was the most important breeding area where about 50% of the pups were born. Total population estimates were derived from the recorded number of pups born using a range of multipliers (4.0-4.7), based on observed annual growth rates of approximately 7-12% in other grey seal populations. This gave a total estimate of about 5,800-6,600 grey seals including pups in Norwegian waters. However, the total pup production was probably underestimated due to only one pup count in most of the breeding sites. Observed mean pup mortality was 1.1% during the breeding season along the Norwegian coast.
The status of grey seals in Britain
Authors: Duck C D , Thompson D
Published: November 2013

Grey seal pup production in Scotland was estimated through annual aerial surveys of the main grey seal breeding colonies. Between 3 and 7 counts of pups were obtained for each colony at intervals through the course of the breeding season. Pup production for individual colonies was estimated from the series of counts using a maximum likelihood model. At 3 colonies, 2 in England, annual pup production was estimated using ground counts. Between the early 1960s and the early 1990s, grey seal pup production progressively increased. At colonies in the Inner and Outer Hebrides, production appeared to stabilize during the 1990s and has remained so. Pup production at colonies in Orkney and in the North Sea has continued to increase but in recent years the rate of increase has declined. This may imply that the UK grey seal population is reaching some limit to its size. The observed changes in pup production imply that some density dependent factors are affecting the British grey seal population. Changes in either juvenile survival and/or female fecundity are the most likely options. Without knowing which of these, or what combination of these factors, is operating, estimating total population size is complicated.
Abundance of Northwest Atlantic grey seals in Canadian waters
Authors: Hammill M O , Gosselin J F , Stenson G B
Published: November 2013

Northwest Atlantic grey seals form a single stock, but for management purposes are often considered as 2 groups. The largest group whelps on Sable Island, 290 km east of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The second group referred to as ‘non-Sable Island’ or ‘Gulf’ animals whelps primarily on the pack ice in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence, with other smaller groups pupping on small islands in the southern Gulf and along the eastern shore of Nova Scotia. Estimates of pup production in this latter group have been determined using mark-recapture and aerial survey techniques. The most recent visual aerial surveys flown during January-February 1996, 1997 and 2000 in the southern Gulf of St Lawrence and along the Eastern Shore resulted in pup production estimates of 11,100 (SE = 1,300), 7,300 (SE = 800) and 6,100 (SE = 900) in 1996, 1997 and 2000 respectively after correcting for births and including counts of pups on small islands. Incorporating information on pup production, reproduction rates and removals into a population model indicates that the Gulf component increased from 15,500 (95% CI = 14,600-16,300) animals in 1970 to 62,700 (95% CI = 49,800-67,800) animals by 1996 and then declined to 22,300 (95% CI = 17,200-28,300) animals in 2000. On Sable Island the population has increased from 4,800 (95% CI = 4,700-4,900) animals in 1970 to 212,500 (95% CI = 159,600-276,200) in 2000. The total Northwest Atlantic grey seal population is estimated to number around 234,800 animals in 2000.
Seasonal and interannual variability in grey seal diets on Sable Island, eastern Scotian Shelf
Authors: Bowen W D , Harrison G
Published: November 2013

We studied seasonal and interannual variability in the diet of grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) using faecal samples collected from Sable Island, Nova Scotia between 1991 and 1998. More than 28,000 prey from at least 28 taxa were identified from 1,245 faecal samples collect mainly in spring, fall and winter. Sand lance (Ammodytes dubius) dominated the diet in all seasons and years, but the importance of this and other species varied over time. There was also evidence of seasonal and interannual variation in the size of prey consumed both within and among species. We compared diet composition with estimates of prey numbers and biomass from annual researchtrawl surveys conducted in March and July. Species-specific numerical corrections were applied to otolith counts to account for the complete digestion of otoliths, and fish catchability correction factors applied to trawl survey catches to account for trawl selectivity. Based on an odds ratio index of prey selectivity, grey seals positively selected sand lance in both seasons. Other species were either relatively avoided or eaten roughly in proportion to their estimated abundance.
Feeding by grey seals in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and around Newfoundland
Authors: Hammill M O , Stenson G B , Proust F , Carter P , McKinnon D
Published: November 2013

Diet composition of grey seals in the Gulf of St. Lawrence (Gulf) and around the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, was examined using identification of otoliths recovered from digestive tracts. Prey were recovered from 632 animals. Twenty-nine different prey taxa were identified. Grey seals sampled in the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence fed mainly on capelin, mackerel, wolffish and lumpfish during the spring, but consumed more cod, sandlance and winter flounder during late summer. Overall, the southern Gulf diet was more diverse, with sandlance, Atlantic cod, cunner, white hake and Atlantic herring dominating the diet. Capelin and winter flounder were the dominant prey in grey seals sampled from the east coast of Newfoundland, while Atlantic cod, flatfish and capelin were the most important prey from the south coast. Animals consumed prey with an average length of 20.4 cm (Range 4.2-99.2 cm). Capelin were the shortest prey (Mean = 13.9 cm, SE = 0.08, N = 1126), while wolffish were the longest with the largest fish having an estimated length of 99.2 cm (Mean = 59.4, SE = 2.8, N = 63). In the early 1990s most cod fisheries in Atlantic Canada were closed because of the collapse of the stocks. Since then they have shown limited sign of recovery. Diet samples from the west coast of Newfoundland indicate a decline in the contribution of cod to the diet from the pre-collapse to the postcollapse period, while samples from the southern Gulf indicate little change in the contribution of cod.
Growth and reproduction in the Icelandic grey seal
Authors: Hauksson Erlingur
Published: November 2013

Growth and reproduction in grey seals (Halichoerus grypus Fabricius, 1791) from Iceland were examined. The oldest Icelandic grey seals obtained were a 36 year old female and a 23 year old male. The longest animals were a 255 cm 13 year old male, and a 230 cm 20 year old female. The heaviest grey seal was an 11 year old male weighing 310 kg. The heaviest female was a 20 year old female that weighed 240 kg. Females reached an asymptotic standard length and weight of 200 (95% CI 196 - 204) cm and 164 (95% CI 157 - 171) kg. Males attained an asymptotic standard length of 243 (95% CI 232 - 254) cm and mass of 279 (95% CI 254 - 306) kg. Investigations of the ovaries and testes indicate that, by the time that females were seven years old, over 90% were pregnant. The average age of sexual maturity of females was 4.0 years (95% CI 3.59 - 4.41) and the average age of first pupping was 5.3 (95% CI 4.95 - 5.72). Average age of sexual maturity for males was 4.9 (95% CI 4.43 - 5.40). Seven out of 8 grey seal males had fully developed testes at the age of 7. All males, 8 years of age and older were mature. Adult (5+ years) females and males are fattest in the summer right before breeding in the autumn, but leanest in the winter after breeding and mating, and in the spring after moulting.
Grey seal induced catch losses in the herring gillnet fisheries in the northern Baltic
Authors: Königson Sara , Fjälling Arne , Lunneryd Sven-Gunnar
Published: November 2013

The interaction between grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) and the Baltic gillnet fishery for herring (Clupea harengus) during the period 2000-2005 was investigated, by comparing and contrasting 3 sources of information: data from the European Union (EU) official logbook system, data from a voluntary logbook system and data from field studies. While the EU official logbooks suggest that seal disturbance occurred in 30% of all herring gillnet fishing events, data from the voluntary logbook gavea figure of 60%. There was a pronounced seasonal variation in the frequency of seal-disturbed fishing efforts, with least interference in the early summer, and greatest at the end of the year. This variation is likely dependent on the life cycle of the seals and their main prey, the herring. Analysis of the EU logbook information also showed that catches were significantly higher on fishing days when there was no seal interference recorded, compared to days when there was such interference. Field experiments demonstrated that herring catches were reduced by 240 kg per fleet of net and fishing occasion when seals were present, which is much more than the observed seals in the area could possibly have consumed, and a very small number of fish remains were found in the nets after seals had been present. These observations suggest that the mere presence of seals does affect catch levels negatively. Nets baited with marked fish were used to estimate hidden losses, i.e. fish removed from the nets, leaving no trace. Seals were assumed to have visited the experimental nets in 14 of the 19 trials. In 11 of these, more than 95% of the marked fish went missing. The 3 different data sources altogether show that the herring gillnet fishery in the northern Baltic is severely disturbed by interaction with grey seals.
North‐South asymmetry in the modeled phytoplankton community response to climate change over the 21st century
Authors: Marinov Irina , Doney Scott C. , Lima Ivan D. , Lindsay K. , Moore J. K. , Mahowald N.
Published: November 2013

Here we analyze the impact of projected climate change on plankton ecology in all major ocean biomes over the 21st century, using a multidecade (1880–2090) experiment conducted with the Community Climate System Model (CCSM‐3.1) coupled ocean‐atmosphere‐land‐sea ice model. The climate response differs fundamentally in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres for diatom and small phytoplankton biomass and consequently for total biomass, primary, and export production. Increasing vertical stratification in the Northern Hemisphere oceans decreases the nutrient supply to the ocean surface. Resulting decreases in diatom and small phytoplankton biomass together with a relative shift from diatoms to small phytoplankton in the Northern Hemisphere result in decreases in the total primary and export production and export ratio, and a shift to a more oligotrophic, more efficiently recycled, lower biomass euphotic layer. By contrast, temperature and stratification increases are smaller in the Southern compared to the Northern Hemisphere. Additionally, a southward shift and increase in strength of the Southern Ocean westerlies act against increasing temperature and freshwater fluxes to destratify the water‐column. The wind‐driven, poleward shift in the Southern Ocean subpolar‐subtropical boundary results in a poleward shift and increase in the frontal diatom bloom. This boundary shift, localized increases in iron supply, and the direct impact of warming temperatures on phytoplankton growth result in diatom increases in the Southern Hemisphere. An increase in diatoms and decrease in small phytoplankton partly compensate such that while total production and the efficiency of organic matter export to the deep ocean increase, total Southern Hemisphere biomass does not change substantially. The impact of ecological shifts on the global carbon cycle is complex and varies across ecological biomes, with Northern and Southern Hemisphere effects on the biological production and export partially compensating. The net result of climate change is a small Northern Hemisphere‐driven decrease in total primary production and efficiency of organic matter export to the deep ocean.
Post‐Soviet cropland abandonment and carbon sequestration in European Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus
Authors: Schierhorn Florian , Müller Daniel , Beringer Tim , Prishchepov Alexander V. , Kuemmerle Tobias , Balmann Alfons
Published: November 2013

Widespread cropland abandonment occurred after the collapse of socialism across the former Soviet Union, but the rates and spatial patterns of abandoned lands are not well known. As a result, the potential of this region to contribute to global food production and estimates of the carbon sink developing on currently idle lands are highly uncertain. We developed a spatial allocation model that distributes yearly and subnational sown area statistics to the most agriculturally suitable plots. This approach resulted in new, high‐resolution (1 km2) annual time series of cropland and abandoned lands in European Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus from 1990 to 2009. A quantitative validation of the cropland map confirms the reliability of this data set, especially for the most important agricultural areas of the study region. Overall, we found a total of 87 Mha of cropland and 31 Mha of abandoned cropland in European Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus combined, suggesting that abandonment has been severely underestimated in the past. The abandonment rates were highest in European Russia. Feeding our new map data set into the dynamic vegetation model LPJmL revealed that cropland abandonment resulted in a net carbon sink of 470 TgC for 1990 to 2009. Carbon sequestration was generally slow in the early years after abandonment, but carbon uptake increased significantly after approximately 10 years. Recultivation of older abandoned lands would be associated with high carbon emissions and lead to substantial amounts of carbon not being sequestered in vegetation formations currently developing on idle croplands. Our spatially and temporally explicit cropland abandonment data improve the estimation of trade‐offs involved in reclaiming abandoned croplands and thus in increasing agricultural production in this globally important agricultural region.
Spectral constraints on the formation mechanism of recurring slope lineae
Authors: Ojha Lujendra , Wray James J. , Murchie Scott L. , McEwen Alfred S. , Wolff Michael J. , Karunatillake Suniti
Published: November 2013

Recurring slope lineae (RSL) exhibit multiple lines of evidence for a wet origin. In the southern midlatitudes, they form on steep, equator‐facing slopes that are warm during southern summer. The formation temperature, seasonality, and other geomorphic characteristics are suggestive of water‐related formation, perhaps dense brines. We examined Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars images of all confirmed RSL sites from the southern midlatitudes and the equatorial region to understand the composition of RSL and/or RSL‐associated deposits. We did not detect any spectral signature attributable to water; however, a distinct and consistent spectral signature is observed at most sites, indicating enhanced abundances or distinct grain sizes of both ferric and ferrous minerals in RSL‐related materials compared to adjacent non‐RSL slopes. Like the RSL themselves, the strength of these signatures varies as a function of season. The observed spectral changes may indicate removal of a fine‐grained surface component during RSL flow, precipitation of ferric oxides, and/or wetting of the substrate.
Relationship between auroral substorm and ion upflow in the nightside polar ionosphere
Authors: Ogawa Y. , Sawatsubashi M. , Buchert S. C. , Hosokawa K. , Taguchi S. , Nozawa S. , Oyama S. , Tsuda T. T. , Fujii R.
Published: November 2013

We investigated ionospheric ion upflow during an auroral substorm using simultaneous European Incoherent Scatter radar and IMAGE satellite data. Approximately 6 min after an initial brightening identified with data from the IMAGE wideband imaging camera instrument, ion upflow was seen and the electron temperature became enhanced, too. The ion upflow, with a velocity of about 150 m/s, and the electron temperature enhancement lasted for about 25 min. During the poleward expansion phase, surges of large upward ion velocity and flux, and high ion and electron temperatures occurred over Longyearbyen. The upward ion flux reached 2 × 1014 m−2s−1. Naturally enhanced ion‐acoustic lines (NEIALs) were seen near the poleward edge of the expanded auroral oval both near the end of expansion phase 17 min after onset and also later in the recovery phase. The NEIALs seemed to be accompanied by another type of enhanced echoes, obliquely to the local geomagnetic field. Data from the Low Energy Neutral Atom instrument on the IMAGE satellite show that energetic neutral oxygen reaches the IMAGE satellite about 40 min after the initial brightening, and oxygen continues to get detected during the recovery phase. We propose that ion upflow at the poleward edge of the auroral oval during the expansion phase is related to ion/neutral outflow with energy below 18–27 eV, whereas during the recovery phase of a substorm upward ions are accelerated up to about 60 eV and flow out in the entire polar region.
Fenestranes in Synthesis: Unique and Highly Inspiring Scaffolds
Authors: Boudhar Aicha , Charpenay Mélanie , Blond Gaëlle , Suffert Jean
Published: November 2013

The scaffold of fenestranes is quite unique, as it contains four condensed cycles and a distorted tetracoordinated central carbon atom with bond angles greater than the regular 109°28“. In this Minireview, a detailed overview on the developments regarding this compound class, including their synthesis, is given for the time period since 2006. In the past years, natural products that belong to the class of heterofenestranes have been isolated and their syntheses will also be discussed.
Safety signals and human anxiety: A fear‐potentiated startle study
Authors: Grillon Christian , Falls Williams A. , Ameli Rezvan , Davis Michael
Published: November 2013

The effect of a safety signal on the magnitude of anticipatory anxiety was investigated using the fear‐potentiated startle reflex paradigm in humans. The amplitude of the acoustic startle reflex was measured during the anticipation of unpleasant electric chocks (“threat”) and during “safe” conditions. Threat and safe conditions were signaled by three different colored lights. Two lights signaled safe conditions (safe 1, safe 2) and the other light signaled the threat condition (threat). In phase I, the lights alternated, each presentation consisting of one colored light. In phase II, the lights were presented alone or in the two combinations of safe 1 (or safe 2) + threat and safe 1 + safe 2. In both phases, the contingency between the lights and the shock was explained to the subjects. It was emphasized that no shock could be administered when the safe 1 and threat light were simultaneously presented in phase II. Subjects' belief and understanding of the instructions were verified. In Phase I, startle was increased in the threat‐alone compared to the safe‐alone condition, reflecting increased anticipatory anxiety in the threat‐alone condition. In phase II, startle in the safe + threat condition was smaller than in the threat‐alone condition, but was larger than in the safe + threat. These results were interpreted as suggesting that the threat signal was still able to elicit anticipatory anxiety despite the fact that it was no longer associated with a threat. Anxiety 1:13–21 (1994). © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Serum cytokine and soluble interleukin‐2 receptors in patients with panic disorder
Authors: Rapaport Mark Hyman , Stein Murray B.
Published: November 2013

There has been very little research investigating the interface between panic disorder and the immune system. This preliminary study explores the relationship between panic disorder and serum levels of cytokines, which have potent immune and central nervous system activity, and soluble interleukin‐2 receptors, a well‐known marker of T‐cell activation. Fifteen women with panic disorder and 19 healthy female subjects had serum levels of interleukin‐1, interleukin‐2, and soluble interleukin‐2 receptors (SIL‐2Rs) measured by enzyme‐linked immunoassay. Women with panic disorder had slightly increased serum levels of interleukin‐2 but did not differ from age‐comparable and gender‐matched controls in serum interleukin‐1 α, or interleukin‐1 β. And although the mean SIL‐2R levels were not different for the two groups, the SIL‐2R levels were present across a wider range of values in the women with panic disorder. Our data suggest that more extensive investigation of circulating levels of interleukin‐2 and the soluble interleukin‐2 receptor in patients with panic disorder may be warranted. Anxiety 1:22–25 (1994). © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Resting cardiovascular measures in patients with panic disorder and social phobia and health control subjects: Relationship to habitual exercise frequency
Authors: Asmundson Gordon J. G. , Stein Murray B.
Published: November 2013

Weekly aerobic exercise frequency was evaluated and compared to resting cardiovascular measures in 22 patients with panic disorder, 11 patients with social phobia and 24 healthy control subjects. There were no diagnostic differences in resting cardiovascular activity or levels of habitual aerobic exercise. However, it was evident that, regardless of diagnostic status, individuals who participated in regular aerobic exercise (20 minutes duration at a minimum frequency of 2×/week) had lower heart rate and higher vagal tone than those who did not exercise aerobically. Implications for previous and future reports of resting cardiovascular measures in anxiety disorder patients are discussed. Anxiety 1:26–30 (1994). © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Social anxiety and perception of early parenting among American, Chinese American, and social phobic samples
Authors: Leung Anna W. , Heimberg Richard G. , Holt Craig S. , Bruch Monroe A.
Published: November 2013

Emotionally distant and controlling child‐rearing attitudes have been reported to characterize the parents of American or western European social phobics in previous research. However, the notion that these parental attitudes may be associated with social anxiety only in some cultures has not been investigated. The present study examined social anxiety among American social phobics and American and Chinese/Chinese American volunteer samples and how it may relate to their parents' child‐rearing attitudes. Multivariate analyses of variance revealed overall group differences. Both volunteer samples reported lower levels of anxiety than social phobics. Parents of Chinese/Chinese Americans and social phobics were reported to be similar in their (1) isolation of children from social activities; (2) over‐empbasis of othersY opinions; and (3) use of shame tactics for discipline (more so than American volunteers' parents). However, parents of nonsocial phobics were more likely to attend family social activities than social phobics' parents. Overall, the association between a reported parenting style emphasizing others' opinions and shame tactics and social anxiety in their adult children was more evident in both American samples than among Chinese/Chinese Americans. Anxiety 1:80–89 (1994). © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pilot study of a CCKB antagonist in patients with panic disorder: Preliminary findings
Authors: Sramek J. J. , Kramer M. S. , Reines S. A. , Cutler N. R.
Published: November 2013

L‐365,260 is a CCKB antagonist which has been shown to completely prevent CCK‐4‐induced symptoms of panic attack in single‐dose (50 mg) placebo‐controlled studies in patients with panic disorder. The present report is data from one site (n = 38) in a multicenter study (n = 88) designed to assess the preliminary efficacy and safely of L‐365,260 in patients meeting DSM‐III‐R criteria for panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia. In order to participate, male and female patients were between 18–55 years of age and in good physical health. Following a one‐week single‐blind placebo lead‐in, patients were randomized to 30 mg four times daily of L‐365,260 (n = 18; 7 M, 11 F) or placebo (n = 20; 9 M, 11 F) for six weeks. At end of study, none of the efficacy measures, including the frequency of panic attacks, the Physician's Global Improvement Scale, and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety, were significantly improved over baseline values. L‐365,260 was well‐tolerated the most common drug‐related adverse events were headache and lightheadedness. Further testing of L‐365,260 at higher dosages, or testing of other CCKB antagonists, is required to rule out the usefulness of this novel treatment approach. Anxiety 1:141–143 (1994/1995). © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pharmacotherapy of post‐traumatic stress disorder with a novel psychotropic
Authors: Katz Richard J. , Lott Michael H. , Arbus Philipe , Crocq Louis , Herlobsen Par , Lingjaerde Odd , Lopez Girard , Loughrey G. C. , Macfarlane D. J. , McIvor R. , Mehlum Lars , Nugent Dermot , Turner Stuart W. , Weisaeth Lars , Yule William
Published: November 2013

This was a multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, parallel trial conducted in outpatients in three countries. Following screening and placebo washout, patients received brofaromine (a combined MAO‐A inhibitor/5‐HT transport inhibitor) or placebo in a flexible dosing design. Based upon the CAPS, a standardized post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) interview, findings from a cohort involving both subchronic and chronic traumatic stress marginally favored brofaromine over placebo; however, not to a statistically significant degree. With a more conservation definition of the syndrome, employing a primary cohort of patients with PTSD of one year or greater duration, brofaromine significantly reduced PTSD symptoms in comparison with placebo. In all analyses a substantial proportion of patients in both drug and placebo groups remained symptomatic throughout. Findings were supported by an analysis of secondary measures. Brofaromine may be of benefit in the therapy of PTSD. Anxiety 1:169–174 (1994/1995). © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sertraline in social phobia
Authors: Munjack Dennis J. , Flowers Calvin , Eagan Terry V.
Published: November 2013

Eleven consecutive SCID‐diagnosed generalized social phobias without major depression, other prominent anxiety disorders, substance abuse, alcoholism or organic mental disorder, were treated, open label, with sertraline up to 200 mg daily for 12 weeks. There were seven completers. Of these, five showed substantial improvement, after being on sertraline 100 mg daily for two weeks (following no response to sertraline 50 mg daily for four weeks). There were few side effects among the completers. The four dropouts complained of side effects and loss of interest in continuing treatment. Final average dose for completers who responded was 170 mg daily. Anxiety 1:196–198 (1994/1995). © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Luminescent Palladium(II) Complexes with π‐Extended Cyclometalated [RC^N^NR′] and Pentafluorophenylacetylide Ligands: Spectroscopic, Photophysical, and Photochemical Properties
Authors: Chow Pui‐Keong , To Wai‐Pong , Low Kam‐Hung , Che Chi‐Ming
Published: November 2013

A series of cyclometalated PdII complexes that contain π‐extended RC^N^NR′ (RC^N^NR′=3‐(6′‐aryl‐2′‐pyridinyl)isoquinoline) and chloride/pentafluorophenylacetylide ligands have been synthesized and their photophysical and photochemical properties examined. The complexes with the chloride ligand are emissive only in the solid state and in glassy solutions at 77 K, whereas the ones with the pentafluorophenylacetylide ligand show phosphorescence in the solid state (λmax=584–632 nm) and in solution (λmax=533–602 nm) at room temperature. Some of the complexes with the pentafluorophenylacetylide ligand show emission with λmax at 585–602 nm upon an increase in the complex concentration in solutions. These PdII complexes can act as photosensitizers for the light‐induced aerobic oxidation of amines. In the presence of 0.1 mol % PdII complex, secondary amines can be oxidized to the corresponding imines with substrate conversions and product yields up to 100 and 99 %, respectively. In the presence of 0.15 mol % PdII complex, the oxidative cyanation of tertiary amines could be performed with product yields up to 91 %. The PdII complexes have also been used to sensitize photochemical hydrogen production with a three‐component system that comprises the PdII complex, [Co(dmgH)2(py)Cl] (dmgH=dimethylglyoxime; py=pyridine), and triethanolamine, and a maximum turnover of hydrogen production of 175 in 4 h was achieved. The excited‐state electron‐transfer properties of the PdII complexes have been examined.
Cellulose hydrolysis and binding with Trichoderma reesei Cel5A and Cel7A and their core domains in ionic liquid solutions
Authors: Wahlström Ronny , Rahikainen Jenni , Kruus Kristiina , Suurnäkki Anna
Published: November 2013

Ionic liquids (ILs) dissolve lignocellulosic biomass and have a high potential as pretreatment prior to total enzymatic hydrolysis. ILs are, however, known to inactivate cellulases. In this article, enzymatic hydrolysis of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and enzyme binding onto the cellulosic substrate were studied in the presence of cellulose‐dissolving ILs. Two different ILs, 1,3‐dimethylimidazolium dimethylphosphate ([DMIM]DMP) and 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate ([EMIM]AcO), and two monocomponent cellulases, Trichoderma reesei cellobiohydrolase Cel7A and endoglucanase Cel5A, were used in the study. The role and IL sensitivity of the carbohydrate‐binding module (CBM) were studied by performing hydrolysis and binding experiments with both the intact cellulases, and their respective core domains (CDs). Based on hydrolysis yields and substrate binding experiments for the intact enzymes and their CDs in the presence of ILs, the function of the CBM appeared to be very IL sensitive. Binding data suggested that the CBM was more important for the substrate binding of endoglucanase Cel5A than for the binding of cellobiohydrolase Cel7A. The CD of Cel7A was able to bind well to cellulose even without a CBM, whereas Cel5A CD had very low binding affinity. Hydrolysis also occurred with Cel5A CD even if this protein had very low binding affinity in all the studied matrices. Binding and hydrolysis were less affected by the studied ILs for Cel7A than for Cel5A. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic study of IL effects on cellulase substrate binding. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 726–733. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluating apatite formation and osteogenic activity of electrospun composites for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Patlolla Ajitha , Arinzeh Treena Livingston
Published: November 2013

Significant interest has been in examining calcium phosphate ceramics, specifically β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) (Ca3(PO4)2) and synthetic hydroxyapatite (HA) (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2), in composites and more recently, in fibrous composites formed using the electrospinning technique for bone tissue engineering applications. Calcium phosphate ceramics are sought because they can be bone bioactive, which means an apatite forms on their surface that facilitates bonding to bone tissue, and are osteoconductive. However, studies examining the bioactivity of electrospun composites containing calcium phosphates and their corresponding osteogenic activity have been limited. In this study, electrospun composites consisting of (20/80) HA/TCP nanoceramics and poly (ϵ‐caprolactone) (PCL) were fabricated. Solvent and solvent combinations were evaluated to form scaffolds with a maximum concentration and dispersion of ceramic and pore sizes large enough for cell infiltration and tissue growth. PCL was dissolved in either methylene chloride (Composite‐MC) or a combination of methylene chloride (80%) and dimethylformamide (20%; Composite‐MC + DMF). Composites were evaluated in vitro for degradation, apatite formation, and osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with an emphasis on temporal gene expression of osteogenic markers and the pluripotent gene Sox‐2. Apatite formation and the osteogenic differentiation was the greatest for Composite‐MC as determined by gene expression, protein production and biochemical markers, even without the presence of osteoinductive factors in the media, in comparison to Composite‐MC + DMF and unfilled PCL mats. Sox‐2 levels also reduced over time. The results of this study demonstrate that the solvent or solvent combination used in preparing the electrospun composite mats plays a critical role in determining their bioactivity which may, in turn, affect cell behavior. Biotechnol. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 1000–1017. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of LC‐MS/MS method for the determination of dapiprazole on dried blood spots and urine: application to pharmacokinetics
Authors: Ramesh Thippani , Nageswara Rao Pothuraju , Nageswara Rao Ramisetti
Published: November 2013

A rapid and highly sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometric (LC‐MS/MS) method for determination of dapiprazole on rat dried blood spots and urine was developed and validated. The chromatographic separation was achieved on a reverse‐phase C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm i.d., 5 µm), using 20 mm ammonium acetate (pH adjusted to 4.0 with acetic acid) and acetonitrile (80:20, v/v) as a mobile phase at 25 °C. LC‐MS detection was performed with selective ion monitoring using target ions at m/z 326 and m/z 306 for dapiprazole and mepiprazole used as internal standard, respectively. The calibration curve showed a good linearity in the concentration range of 1–3000 ng/mL. The effect of hematocrit on extraction of dapiprazole from DBS was evaluated. The mean recoveries of dapiprazole from DBS and urine were 93.88 and 90.29% respectively. The intra‐ and inter‐day precisions were <4.19% in DBS as well as urine. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.30 and 1.10 ng/mL in DBS and 0.45 and 1.50 ng/mL in urine samples, respectively. The method was validated as per US Food and Drug Administration guidelines and successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of dapiprazole in rats. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Percutaneous retrieval of a twisted guide catheter using a longer second radial sheath
Authors: Leibundgut Gregor , Löffelhardt Nikolaus , Neumann Franz‐Josef
Published: November 2013

Coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) over the radial approach are becoming more frequent and are recommended by the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions and European Society of Cardiology. The radial approach leads to less bleeding and improved survival in ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction. Pronounced guide catheter manipulation in cases with tortuous access routes and requirement of extra backup during complex PCI may structurally damage the guide shaft and facilitate twisting and bending. We present three cases where a twisted coronary catheter became stuck in the radial artery and describe a minimally invasive retrieval technique using a second introducer sheath of same French (F) size and greater length. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.