bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil pH influences embryonic survival in Pseudophryne bibronii (Anura: Myobatrachidae)
Authors: CHAMBERS JOANNE , WILSON JOHN CLARK , WILLIAMSON IAN
Published: January 2006

Abstract:  There has been limited research examining the role that terrestrial habitat characteristics play in influencing persistence of amphibian populations. In this study we investigated the influence of a terrestrial habitat attribute on the distribution of the terrestrial egg‐laying toadlet, Pseudophryne bibronii. Eggs of this species are deposited in depressions, or under leaf litter, and develop to a stage where they can hatch to free swimming tadpoles when water covers breeding sites or embryos are washed into water. Because rainfall can be intermittent, eggs may sit for extended periods in terrestrial nests before sufficient rainfall initiates hatching. Appropriate egg‐laying sites must be chosen by both males and females to ensure embryos survive these periods. A study of 20 sites found that soil pH at sites where P. bibronii were recorded as present was significantly lower than pH at sites where P. bibronii were recorded as absent. To determine whether soil pH influenced the hatching success in P. bibronii, experiments were conducted in which batches of eggs were translocated to local areas with different soil pH. Survival rate of eggs was significantly influenced by relatively small changes in pH, with hatching success higher at lower pH. In a laboratory trial survival of eggs raised on sterilized soil was not affected by soil pH. Fungal infection of eggs was observed in the field and laboratory suggesting that hatching success might be affected via a complex interaction between soil pH, fungi and other soil biota. Choice trials using P. bibronii metamorphs indicated that individuals were capable of distinguishing between small differences in pH. Therefore, distribution of P. bibronii may be influenced by either differential mortality of embryos, or habitat choice by post metamorphic individuals, and further experiments are required to determine the relative importance of these factors.
Effects of sward structure on herbivore foraging behaviour in a South African savanna: An investigation of the forage maturation hypothesis
Authors: DRESCHER MICHAEL , HEITKÖNIG IGNAS M. A. , VAN DEN BRINK PAUL J. , PRINS HERBERT H. T.
Published: January 2006

Abstract:  The grass layer of savannas is characterized by strong temporal and spatial heterogeneity in the quantity and quality of forage. Besides this, there is strong variation in other aspects of sward structure, here defined as sward chemistry, morphology, architecture and species composition. The forage maturation hypothesis (FMH) is based on the temporal dynamics of forage quantity and quality of grasslands. Recently this hypothesis has been used to explain the foraging behaviour of large herbivores as an optimal solution for balancing forage ingestion and forage digestion, leading to a maximization of daily rates of forage intake in patches of intermediate forage quantity. However, so far studies using this hypothesis have been constrained to mono‐specific forage resources or have ignored inter‐patch variation in sward structure. We studied the foraging behaviour of cattle in a South African savanna. We explicitly addressed forage quantity and quality, and the structure of seven sward types in order to investigate (i) their effects on foraging behaviour; and (ii) the assumptions and predictions of the FMH for foraging behaviour in grasslands with pronounced variation in sward structure. The results indicated that the assumptions of the FMH were met and that forage quantity affected forage intake the most, with sward structure having little or no effect. The predicted maximum rate of daily forage intake agreed with the results of previous studies. However, the forage quantity at which this maximum intake rate was found, was larger than expected based on the results of some studies. It is likely that this discrepancy resulted from the use of artificial leaf‐only grass swards in these studies. The results suggest that the FMH can be used to explain the foraging behaviour of herbivores over a wide range of sward structures.
Effects of the introduced ectoparasitePhilornis downsion haemoglobin level and nestling survival in Darwin's Small Ground Finch (Geospiza fuliginosa)
Authors: DUDANIEC RACHAEL Y. , KLEINDORFER SONIA , FESSL BIRGIT
Published: January 2006

Abstract: The physiological impacts and fitness costs of parasitism by an introduced ectoparasitic fly,Philornis downsi(Muscidae), were studied in nestlings of Darwin's Small Ground Finch,Geospiza fuliginosa(Geospizinae), on the Galápagos Archipelago. Whole blood haemoglobin (Hb) concentration was used to measure host response to ectoparasitism due to its high repeatability and validity, as well as for its key role in aerobic activities that affect fitness, such as flight capacity and nestling begging intensity. Increased numbers of ectoparasitic larvae ofP. downsiwere strongly correlated with lower Hb levels in nestlings in the absence of blood parasites. Furthermore, immature red blood cell counts were negatively correlated with Hb level and positively correlated withP. downsiintensity. Nestlings with high levels of parasitism suffered higher mortality, which varied with clutch size. Our results provide evidence that endemic Galápagos bird populations are physiologically compromised byP. downsiand experience substantial fitness costs due to ectoparasitism.
Testing the quick meal hypothesis: The effect of pulp on hoarding and seed predation of Hymenaea courbaril by red‐rumped agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina)
Authors: GUIMARÃES PAULO R. , KUBOTA UMBERTO , GOMES BRUNO ZACARIAS , FONSECA RAFAEL LUÍS , BOTTCHER CLÁUDIA , GALETTI MAURO
Published: January 2006

Abstract:  Red‐rumped agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina) are important seed dispersers/predators of Neotropical large‐seeded plants. Several species of seeds cached by agoutis have an edible reward, in contrast to temperate rodent‐dispersed diaspores. The quick meal hypothesis states that the presence of a reward such as edible pulp will enhance the efficiency of rodents as seed disperses by satiating the animal and, consequently, reducing seed predation and enhancing hoarding. In this study, this hypothesis was tested using as the reference system the pulp and seeds of Hymenaea courbaril. Seeds with and without pulp were offered to agoutis and the behaviour of each individual was recorded. Since the probability of predation and hoarding were complementary, we used the probability of predation. The proportion of agoutis that preyed on at least one seed was similar for seeds with (42.8% of individuals) and without (40.0% of individuals) pulp. In agoutis that preyed upon at least one seed, the probability that they killed a seed did not differ between seeds with (0.17 ± 0.03) and without (0.20 ± 0.08) pulp. Hence, these results do not support the ‘quick meal hypothesis’.
Intraspecific changes in plant morphology, associated with grazing, and effects on litter quality, carbon and nutrient dynamics during decomposition
Authors: SEMMARTIN MARÍA , GHERSA CLAUDIO M.
Published: January 2006

Abstract: Continuous biomass removal by grazing usually changes the resource allocation pattern of plants. These changes often increase resistance to tissue removal and produce individuals with different morphometric traits, such as root to shoot or blade to sheath ratios. Shifts in morphometric traits, in turn, may alter nutrient cycling through changes in the average quality of litter that decomposes in soil. Previous work has shown thatPaspalum dilatatum, a native grass from the Pampas grasslands, which inhabits a vast area and supports a wide range of grazing conditions, increases its blade to sheath ratio under continuous grazing with respect to ungrazed conditions. Here, we explored the consequences of these changes apparently associated with grazing regime on litter quality and nutrient dynamics during litter breakdown in soil. We separately analysed litter quality of blades and sheaths ofP. dilatatumand determined under controlled conditions their decomposition and nutrient release kinetics over a maximum period of 1 year. We also studied the mineral nitrogen contents in soil amended with each litter type. Blade quality was significantly higher than sheath quality, nitrogen concentrations of blades and sheaths were approximately 1% and 0.6%, respectively, and lignin to nitrogen ratios were approximately 5 and 11 for blades and sheaths, respectively. Phosphorus concentration, however, was similar in both litter types. Blades decomposed 10% faster than sheaths, released 20% more nitrogen and released 15% more phosphorus than sheaths during the last half of the incubation period. During the first 3 months, the soil nitrogen content of litter‐amended incubations indicated immobilization with respect to non‐amended control; however, later blade incubations mineralized nitrogen, whereas sheath incubations continued immobilizing it. Results revealed that grazing potentially accelerates nutrient cycling during decomposition by increasing the blade to sheath ratio ofP. dilatatumindividuals, and suggest that this may be an important mechanism underlying grazing impact on nutrient cycling.
Combined histology and molecular biology for diagnosis of early stage gastric MALT lymphoma
Authors: YI Zhi Hui , OUYANG Qin , LI Gan Di , CHEN Dai Yun
Published: January 2006

OBJECTIVE:  To establish a sequential diagnostic procedure of gastric mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma and provide evidence for selected optimal cases to be treated in the early stage.

METHODS:  Thirty‐one cases of gastric lymphoid hyperplasia (GLH) were selected and multiple investigations including histology, protein level, DNA and chromosome levels, combined with clinical follow‐up were performed. Histological grade was according to Isaacson's criteria of GLH; CD20, UCHL‐1 (CD45RO), anti‐kappa (κ), anti‐lambda (λ) and Ki‐67 were used for immunohistochemical staining; semi‐nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect IgH gene rearrangement and reverse‐transcription PCR (RT‐PCR) was used to detect API2‐MALT1 fusion of the chromosome translocation t(11;18)(q21;q21). Twenty‐nine cases underwent eradication therapy for Helicobacter pylori. Changes in histological grade, endoscopic appearance, expression of Ki‐67 and IgH gene rearrangement were compared after eradication treatment.

RESULTS:  Of the 31 cases of GLH with predominant chronic gastritis and gastric ulcer most were histological grade 2 and 3. Only one case had λ light chain restriction and 10 cases had monoclonal IgH gene rearrangement. Expression of Ki‐67 and monoclonal IgH gene rearrangement were significantly increased with increased lymphoid hyperplasia (P < 0.05). Two cases had API2‐MALT1 fusion. Helicobacter pylori was eradicated in 25 cases and another course of treatment had to be given in 4 cases. All cases were followed up for 1.5–37 months. Of the 27 successful eradication cases, 18 showed complete regression both histologically and endoscopically, 4 had partial regression and 7 were unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS:  A sequential diagnostic procedure based on histology, expression of Ki‐67 combined with clonality of IgH rearrangement and API2‐MALT1 fusion helps to diagnosis of early stage gastric MALT lymphoma and choose the best treatment strategy.
Gastric distention enhances FOS and calcitonin gene‐related peptide expression in the spinal cord and brain of rats
Authors: ZHANG Fei Fei , MO Jian Zhong , CHEN Xiao Yu , PENG Yan Shen , CHEN Sheng Liang , XIAO Shu Dong
Published: January 2006

OBJECTIVE:  The purpose of this study was to determine the pathway and mode of transmission of visceral stimuli by investigating the distribution of the FOS and calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) proteins in the central nervous system.

METHODS:  Twenty‐four Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into three groups: study group (n = 12), sham control group (n = 6), and normal control group (n = 6). A balloon was implanted into the stomach of the rats in the study and sham control groups. After 48 h, the rats in the study group had the stomach distended (80 mmHg) for 2 h, after which they were killed and the antrum, thoracic spinal cord and brain were isolated or dissected. The expression of Fos and CGRP in these tissues was detected immunohistochemically.

RESULTS:  FOS expression in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, dorsal nucleus of the vagal nerve, nucleus of the solitary tract in the study rats was significantly higher than in the sham and normal controls. However, no difference was found between the three groups in FOS expression in the myenteric plexus. Similarly, gastric distention enhanced CGRP expression significantly in the spinal cord and medulla oblongata and correlated closely with FOS expression in these two areas.

CONCLUSIONS:  Gastric distention can activate the limbic system, and CGRP plays an important role in the input of visceral stimuli.
Preventive strategy for Candida gut translocation during ischemia–reperfusion injury supervening on protein–calorie malnutrition
Authors: MAROTTA F , BARRETO R , KAWAKITA S , MINELLI E , PAVASUTHIPAISIT K , LORENZETTI A , NISHIWAKI M , GELOSA F , FESCE E , OKURA R
Published: January 2006

OBJECTIVE:  The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that protein–calorie malnutrition aggravates the gut translocation of Candida albicans triggered by mesenteric ischemia–reperfusion (IR) injury in an experimental model while testing a natural product containing the antifungal anethole/polygodial mixture (Kolorex®).

METHODS:  MFI strain white mice (n = 90) were randomly allocated to a 4‐week dietary regimen: (1) standard pellet diet containing 25% casein; (2) low‐protein (2.5%) casein diet; (3) as group 2 plus oral supplementation with 20 µL of a 5% solution of Kolorex® during the last 4 days. Twenty rats from each of these groups (termed 1a, 2a and 3a) were orally inoculated with Candida suspension 6 h prior to mesenteric IR injury. Animals of each group but without Candida inoculation (termed 1b, 2b and 3b) served as control. A colon permeability study was carried out as well. Rats were killed prior to the IR injury and 3 h afterwards. Control rats were killed at the same time.

RESULTS:  Over 60% of the mesenteric lymph nodes and 30% of kidney samples were positive for C. albicans in the low‐protein‐fed rats after IR injury. Kolorex® significantly decreased that rate of positivity and also significantly reduced the concentration of C. albicans per gram of each positive tissue sample examined. Protein–calorie malnourished animals showed a statistically significant increase in colon permeability and this phenomenon further increased after IR injury. The groups of rats treated with Kolorex® compound showed a partial, although significant, improvement of this parameter.

CONCLUSIONS:  These results suggest that Kolorex® might exert a competitive effect against with C. albicans colonization. The present study represents the first experimental in vivo investigation of the anethole/polygodial‐containing compound under the specific conditions of calorie–protein malnutrition and the results have potential clinical interest.
Structural change of carbon‐fibres at high temperatures under load
Authors: RENNHOFER H. , LOIDL D. , BRANDSTETTER J. , KROMP K. , WEISS R. , PETERLIK H.
Published: January 2006

Creep tests were performed with carbon fibre‐bundles (Toho Tenax, HTA 5131) in a temperature range from 1500 to 1800 °C. The fibre‐bundles were electrically heated in vacuum (pressure 10−4 mbar) and tensile load was applied in a hydraulic testing machine. The creep parameters were obtained from varying temperature and loading conditions.

Accompanying structural investigations were performed with X‐rays (SAXS and WAXD). An increasing orientation of the graphene planes along the fibre (and thus the loading axis) could be observed with increasing temperature and load. No structural change and no creep, however, was observed for carbon fibres stabilized by an appropriate heat treatment.
Specific aspects on crack advance during J‐test method for structural materials at cryogenic temperatures
Authors: WEISS K. , NYILAS A.
Published: January 2006

Cryogenic elastic plastic, J‐integral investigations on metallic materials often show negative crack extension values with respect to resistance curve J‐R. According to the present ASTM standard, the use of unloading compliance technique relies on the estimation procedure of the crack lengths during the unloading sequences of the test. The current standard, however, does not give any specific procedure for treating such negative data. To date, the applied procedure uses the shifting of the negative crack extension values either to the onset of the blunting line or to the offset of the resistance curve. The present paper represents a solution of the negative crack length problem on the basis of a mechanical evaluation procedure of the unloading slopes. The achieved progress using this evaluation technique is demonstrated on different materials such as cryogenic high toughness stainless steels, low carbon ferritic steel and aluminum alloys from the series of 7000 and 5000. In addition, this work deals with the crack tunnelling phenomenon, observed for high toughness materials, and shows the reduction of this crack extension appearance by using electro discharge machining (EDM) side groove technique. The differences between EDM processed side grooves and standard V‐notch machining have been investigated within these test series.
Uniaxial ratchetting in steels with different cyclic softening/hardening behaviours
Authors: KANG G. Z. , LI Y. , GAO Q. , KAN Q. H. , ZHANG J.
Published: January 2006

The cyclic deformation of three structural steels, SS316L stainless steel, 40Cr3MoV bainitic steel and 25CDV4.11 steel, were studied experimentally by uniaxial cyclic straining or stressing tests at room temperature. The cyclic softening/hardening behaviours of the steels were discussed first by cyclic straining tests; and then the effects of cyclic softening/hardening behaviours on the uniaxial ratchetting of the materials were investigated by asymmetrical cyclic stressing tests. It is concluded from the experimental results that the ratchetting greatly depends on the cyclic softening/hardening behaviours of the materials, as well as the loading history. Different ratchetting and failure behaviours are observed for the prescribed steels. It is also stated that the proposed unified visco‐plastic constitutive model can provide a fairly reasonable simulation of the uniaxial ratchetting of SS316L stainless steel and 25CDV4.11 steel; but cannot simulate the ratchetting of 40Cr3MoV bainitic steel since the dependence of cyclic softening behaviours on the applied inelastic strain amplitude cannot be reasonably described in the discussed constitutive model. Some significant conclusions are obtained, which are useful to construct constitutive model to describe the ratchetting of the materials with different cyclic softening/hardening behaviours.
Fatigue strength improvement of a hard chromium plated AISI 4140 steel using a plasma nitriding pre‐treatment
Authors: GÖLGELİ B. , GENEL K.
Published: January 2006

The effect of a plasma nitriding (PN) pre‐treatment on the fatigue performance of hard chromium (HC) plated AISI 4140 steel has been investigated by conducting a series of rotary bending fatigue tests at a frequency of 95 Hz. hourglass shaped test specimens of 4‐mm diameter had been plasma nitrided at 510°C for 4, 8 and 12 h. It was found that HC‐plated specimens with a coating layer of 23 ± 2 μm thickness showed approximately 33% reduction in fatigue strength when compared to quenched and tempered (Q&T) specimens. An application of the PN pre‐treatment before the plating process was effective in improving the fatigue performance of HC‐coated steel. An improvement of 71% in the fatigue strength of pre‐treated specimens was recorded as compared with the specimens, which were HC plated only. The results also indicated that prolonged nitriding time did not cause better improvement in the fatigue performance.
Fatigue crack growth analysis of welded aluminium RHS T‐joints with manipulated residual stress level
Authors: MANN T. , TVEITEN B. W. , HÄRKEGÅRD G.
Published: January 2006

The fatigue life of a welded aluminium T‐joint made from beams with rectangular hollow section (RHS) has been predicted using a crack propagation analysis and compared with experimental results from joints with different residual stress levels. To include the effect of the residual stresses, the stress ratio was calculated at the weld toe and, via Walker's equation, introduced into the analysis. How to obtain the Walker exponent has been discussed in detail. The introduction of a stress ratio at the weld toe provides good agreement between the experimentally and analytically found S–N curves. The effect of the residual stress was successfully included in the analysis.
Thermal striping fatigue damage in multiple edge‐cracked geometries
Authors: JONES I. S.
Published: January 2006

Thermal fatigue striping damage may be caused when incompletely mixed hot and cold fluid streams pass over the surface of a component or structure containing a defect. Stress intensity factor (SIF) fluctuations are developed in response to the surface temperature fluctuations. An existing methodology for the analysis of striping damage in geometries containing a single edge‐crack geometry is extended to such an analysis of multiple edge cracks. SIFs are calculated as functions of crack depth, when an edge‐cracked plate and semi‐infinite solid, each containing multiple cracks, are subjected to thermal striping. The effect of various restraint conditions and striping frequencies on the SIF values for a stainless steel plate is examined. The degree of conservatism is shown when an assessment of thermal fatigue striping damage is based on a single, rather than multiple, crack analysis. Accurate curve fits are developed resulting in practical weight functions for an edge‐cracked plate and semi‐infinite solid.
Elastic–plastic fatigue crack growth in 18G2A steel under proportional bending with torsion loading
Authors: ROZUMEK D. , MACHA E.
Published: January 2006

The paper presents the results of fatigue crack growth on low‐alloy 18G2A steel under proportional bending with torsion loading. Specimens with square sections and a stress concentration in the form of external one‐sided sharp notch were used. The tests were performed under the stress ratios R=−1, −0.5 and 0. The test results were described by the ΔJ‐integral range and compared with the ΔK stress intensity factor range. It has been found that there is a good agreement between the test results and the model of crack growth rate, which includes the ΔJ‐integral range.
Specimen geometry effect on creep crack growth in 316L(N)
Authors: LAIARINANDRASANA L. , KABIRI R.
Published: January 2006

The ASTM E1457‐98 standard describes the procedure to determine the master curve da/dt versus C* parameter, for creeping solids. However, the methodology is only to be applied to compact tension (CT) specimens. The European collaborative program CRETE aims at extending the application of the ASTM E1457‐98 standard to other types of laboratory specimens. In this paper, an existing database of creep crack growth on 316L(N) stainless steel is utilized, concerning three types of specimens: circumferentially cracked round bars (CCRBs) and double edge notched tensile (DENT) specimens for tensile mechanical loading whereas the classical CT specimen combines tensile and bending loading modes.

A modified procedure based on the ASTM E1457‐98 standard has been applied to the database, resulting in a unique master curve of da/dt versus C*. The geometry effect is then investigated by introducing the Q* parameter by analogy to the Q parameter in the elastic–plastic J‐Q approach.
A modified time‐dependent failure assessment diagram for cracks in mismatched welds at high temperatures
Authors: XUAN FU‐ZHEN , TU SHAN‐TUNG , WANG ZHENGDONG
Published: January 2006

In this work, the case of cracks located in a weld with mismatched creep properties from that of the surrounding base material is addressed. A weighted‐average method for both over‐ and undermatched creep performance of the weld and base materials is presented, and an equivalent isochronous stress–strain curve (EISSC) is then defined. Accordingly, a time‐dependent failure assessment curve is constructed using the method of R6 Option 2. This curve now depends not only on the mechanical properties of both weld and base materials but also on the weld geometry and crack size. The application of such an approach to an internal, circumferentially defected welded cylinder under axial tension has been studied. Results indicate that the dependence of the modified time‐dependent failure assessment curves (TDFACs) on the geometry, crack size and service time is not significant and nearly collapses into one curve. The general failure assessment curve from isochronous data of austenitic steel, proposed by Ainsworth, is non‐conservative for some cases and thus may not be applicable for Cr‐Mo steel.
Neurophysiological monitoring under anesthesia to position a child with extreme lumbar spine flexion for MRI and CT scan
Authors: GUNDLAPALLI SAI , ANAND RAHUL S. , SCHWARTZ DANIEL M. , WIERZBOWSKI LAWRENCE R. , COHEN DAVID E. , COOK‐SATHER SCOTT D.
Published: January 2006

A novel application of neurophysiological monitoring enabled us safely to anesthetize and position a child with severe lumbosacral spine flexion for diagnostic MRI and CT scan. We conducted a propofol‐based anesthetic to optimize somatosensory (SSEP) and transcranial electric motor (tceMEP) evoked potential amplitudes, thereby facilitating dynamic neurological monitoring while fully extending the patient supine. In cases outside the operating room involving extraordinary changes in patient position, anesthesia providers may consider utilizing neurophysiological monitoring.
Increased blood loss during posterior spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis in an adolescent with Fontan physiology1
Authors: RAFIQUE MUHAMMAD B. , STUTH ECKEHARD A.E. , TASSONE J. CHANNING
Published: January 2006

A 15‐year‐old patient with Fontan physiology experienced major blood loss during posterior spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis. Contributing factors for the increased blood loss and potentially useful measures to limit blood loss in patients with Fontan physiology are discussed.
The postoperative cardiovascular arrest of a 5‐year‐old male: an initial presentation of Duchenne's muscular dystrophy1
Authors: GIRSHIN MICHAEL , MUKHERJEE JANA , CLOWNEY ROSS , SINGER LEWIS P. , WASNICK JOHN
Published: January 2006

Anesthesia may be administered to patients with Duchenne's muscular dystrophy, but cases are reported in which apparently healthy children suffer hyperkalemic cardiac arrest. We present the case of a 5‐year‐old boy whose muscular dystrophy was discovered following a fatal, perioperative cardiac arrest in the postanesthesia care unit.
Psychological predictors of postoperative sleep in children undergoing outpatient surgery
Authors: CALDWELL‐ANDREWS ALISON A. , KAIN ZEEV N.
Published: January 2006

Background : The purpose of this study was to examine psychological predictors of postoperative sleep in children undergoing outpatient surgery.

Methods : We used hierarchical multivariate regression to examine the impact of demographic and personality variables such as parental worry/anxiety [NEO‐personality inventory, revised (NEO‐PI‐R) Neuroticism], parental coping style (Miller Behavioral Style Scale), children's aggressive behavior [child behavior checklist (CBCL) externalizing], and children's temperament (emotionality, activity, sociability, and impulsivity) on postoperative sleep in 52 consecutive, healthy, children undergoing outpatient surgery. Sleep was assessed using actigraphy, a valid, reliable and objective measure of sleep quality. All perioperative protocols were strictly controlled and standardized.

Results : We found that 22% of the children experienced difficulty with postoperative sleep as defined by actigraphy. A hierarchical multiple regression model that was constructed to identify predictors of postoperative sleep efficiency in children accounted for 82% of the variance (R = 0.906, F = 19.42, P = 0.0001). Significant predictors in this model included preoperative sleep patterns (60%), postoperative pain (8.2%), parental anxiety/worry (NEO‐PI‐R Neuroticism scale; 9%), and children's aggressive behavior (CBCL externalizing; 5%).

Conclusions : We conclude that psychological factors such as parental anxiety/worry and children's aggressive behavior are predictive of children's postoperative sleep above and beyond the influence of preoperative sleep patterns and postoperative pain.
daime, a novel image analysis program for microbial ecology and biofilm research
Authors: Daims Holger , Lücker Sebastian , Wagner Michael
Published: January 2006

Combinations of microscopy and molecular techniques to detect, identify and characterize microorganisms in environmental and medical samples are widely used in microbial ecology and biofilm research. The scope of these methods, which include fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with rRNA‐targeted probes, is extended by digital image analysis routines that extract from micrographs important quantitative data. Here we introduce daime (digital image analysis in microbial ecology), a new computer program integrating 2‐D and 3‐D image analysis and visualization functionality, which has previously not been available in a single open‐source software package. For example, daime automatically finds 2‐D and 3‐D objects in images and confocal image stacks, and offers special functions for quantifying microbial populations and evaluating new FISH probes. A novel feature is the quantification of spatial localization patterns of microorganisms in complex samples like biofilms. In combination with ‘3D‐FISH’, which preserves the 3‐D structure of samples, this stereological technique was applied in a proof of principle experiment on activated sludge and provided quantitative evidence that functionally linked ammonia and nitrite oxidizers cluster together in their habitat. This image analysis method complements recent molecular techniques for analysing structure–function relationships in microbial communities and will help to characterize symbiotic interactions among microorganisms.
Nitrosospiraspp. can produce nitrous oxide via a nitrifier denitrification pathway
Authors: Shaw Liz J. , Nicol Graeme W. , Smith Zena , Fear Jon , Prosser James I. , Baggs Elizabeth M.
Published: January 2006

Nitrous oxide (N2O) emission from soils is a major contributor to the atmospheric loading of this potent greenhouse gas. It is thought that autotrophic ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) are a significant source of soil‐derived N2O and a denitrification pathway (i.e. reduction of NO2–to NO and N2O), so‐called nitrifier denitrification, has been demonstrated as a N2O production mechanism inNitrosomonas europaea.It is thought thatNitrosospiraspp. are the dominant AOB in soil, but little information is available on their ability to produce N2O or on the existence of a nitrifier denitrification pathway in this lineage. This study aims to characterize N2O production and nitrifier denitrification in seven strains of AOB representative of clusters 0, 2 and 3 in the culturedNitrosospiralineage.Nitrosomonas europaeaATCC 19718 and ATCC 25978 were analysed for comparison. The aerobically incubated test strains produced significant (P < 0.001) amounts of N2O and total N2O production rates ranged from 2.0 amol cell−1 h−1, inNitrosospira tenuisstrain NV12, to 58.0 amol cell−1 h−1, inN. europaeaATCC 19718.Nitrosomonas europaeaATCC 19718 was atypical in that it produced four times more N2O than the next highest producing strain. All AOB tested were able to carry out nitrifier denitrification under aerobic conditions, as determined by production of15N‐N2O from applied15N‐NO2–. Up to 13.5% of the N2O produced was derived from the exogenously applied15N‐NO2–. The results suggest that nitrifier denitrification could be a universal trait in the betaproteobacterial AOB and its potential ecological significance is discussed.
Microbial community structure in polluted Baltic Sea sediments
Authors: Edlund Anna , Soule Terence , Sjöling Sara , Jansson Janet K.
Published: January 2006

Nearly half the seabed of the Baltic Proper is incapable of supporting life of higher organisms as a consequence of oxygen depletion resulting from eutrophication. However, these areas are actually teeming with microbial life. Here we used terminal‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RFLP) to investigate the dominant archaeal and bacterial groups, with respect to community structure, in surface layers of bottom sediments of the Baltic Sea along a coastal pollution gradient. Both archaeal and bacterial communities formed distinct clusters along the pollution gradient and the community compositions were different at the polluted sites compared with the relatively clean reference sites. The structures of the bacterial communities were most strongly correlated to water depth, followed by organic carbon, oxygen, salinity and silicate levels. In contrast, the structures of the archaeal communities were most strongly correlated to oxygen, salinity, organic carbon, silicate and nitrate levels. Some members of the microbial communities were identified using a combination of traditional and molecular approaches. Isolates obtained on different culture media were identified by partial sequencing of their 16S rRNA genes and some novel species were found. In addition, we developed a computer program, aplaus, to elucidate the putative identities of the most dominant community members by T‐RFLP.
Impact of mountain chains, sea straits and peripheral populations on genetic and taxonomic structure of a freshwater turtle, Mauremys leprosa (Reptilia, Testudines, Geoemydidae)
Authors: Fritz Uwe , Barata Mafalda , Busack Stephen D. , Fritzsch Guido , Castilho Rita
Published: January 2006

Mauremys leprosa, distributed in Iberia and North‐west Africa, contains two major clades of mtDNA haplotypes. Clade A occurs in Portugal, Spain and Morocco north of the Atlas Mountains. Clade B occurs south of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and north of the Atlas Mountains in eastern Algeria and Tunisia. However, we recorded a single individual containing a clade B haplotype in Morocco from north of the Atlas Mountains. This could indicate gene flow between both clades. The phylogenetically most distinct clade A haplotypes are confined to Morocco, suggesting both clades originated in North Africa. Extensive diversity within clade A in south‐western Iberia argues for a glacial refuge located there. Other regions of the Iberian Peninsula, displaying distinctly lower haplotype diversities, were recolonized from within south‐western Iberia. Most populations in Portugal, Spain and northern Morocco contain the most common clade A haplotype, indicating dispersal from the south‐western Iberian refuge, gene flow across the Strait of Gibraltar, and reinvasion of Morocco by terrapins originating in south‐western Iberia. This hypothesis is consistent with demographic analyses, suggesting rapid clade A population increase while clade B is represented by stationary, fragmented populations. We recommend the eight, morphologically weakly diagnosable, subspecies of M. leprosa be reduced to two, reflecting major mtDNA clades: Mauremys l. leprosa (Iberian Peninsula and northern Morocco) and M. l. saharica (southern Morocco, eastern Algeria and Tunisia). Peripheral populations could play an important role in evolution of M. leprosa because we found endemic haplotypes in populations along the northern and southern range borders. Previous investigations in another western Palearctic freshwater turtle (Emys orbicularis) discovered similar differentiation of peripheral populations, and phylogeographies of Emys orbicularis and Mauremys rivulata underline the barrier status of mountain chains, in contrast to sea straits, suggesting common patterns for western Palearctic freshwater turtles.
Phylogenetic systematics of the Gondwanan nephilid spider lineage Clitaetrinae (Araneae, Nephilidae)
Authors: Kuntner Matjaž
Published: January 2006

This study revises the taxonomy, biology, phylogeny, and biogeography of the basal‐most nephilid spider lineage, the Clitaetrinae, with the least known nephilid genus Clitaetra. The five previously known species are redescribed: Clitaetra clathrata Simon from western Africa, C. simoni Benoit from central Africa, C. episinoides Simon from the Comoro Islands and Mayotte, C. perroti Simon from Madagascar, and C. thisbe Simon from Sri Lanka with first descriptions of the males of C. clathrata and C. perroti. Additionally, C. irenae sp. nov. is described in both sexes from southern Africa. Clitaetra biology, so far largely unknown, is presented here based on observations of C. irenae in South Africa, and clitaetrine anatomy is summarized to assess phylogenetic homologies. A species‐level phylogenetic analysis of 32 taxa scored for 197 morphological and behavioural characters results in eight most parsimonious cladograms and places Clitaetra as sister to the clade (Herennia+ (Nephilengys+Nephila)). Thus, the orb‐weaving spider family Nephilidae Simon contains the (sub)tropical genera Nephila, Nephilengys, Herennia, and Clitaetra, but not Deliochus or Phonognatha. Contra recent cladistic treatments, the nephilines are not tetragnathids, but the sister group to the newly proposed clade, Nephilidae, is ambiguous. The three species clades (subgenera) within Clitaetra show a seemingly old Gondwanan biogeographic pattern: Afroetra subgen. nov., with the three mainland African species, is sister to Clitaetra with the two Indian Ocean island species. Indoetra subgen. nov. contains the unstudied species from Sri Lanka, C. thisbe. Future understanding of the morphology and biology of C. thisbe is important for the polarization of many nephilid features. Vicariance would estimate the clitaetrine subgeneric clades and basal nephilid lineages to be at least 160 Myr old and of Gondwanan origin.
Teachers’ Reactions to Children's Aggression
Authors: Nesdale Drew , Pickering Kaye
Published: January 2006

Drawing on social schema theory (Fiske & Taylor, 1991) and social identity theory (Tajfel & Turner, 1979), this study examined the impact on teachers’ reactions to children's aggression of three variables, two of which were related to the aggressors and one was related to the teachers. Experienced female elementary school teachers (N =90) each read a scenario that described an aggressive episode committed by a group of boys against a boy from another class. The aggressors were either good or bad children, who were either popular or unpopular with their classroom peers. In addition, the scenario manipulated the teachers’ identification with, or commitment to, the class to be either high or low. Analysis of the teachers’ ratings of causal responsibility, liking, and recommended punishment revealed a consistent negative response from the teachers towards the aggressors versus the victim. However, the teachers’ responses were also interactively influenced by the aggressors’ goodness and popularity, as well as the teachers’ class identification. The results are discussed in relation to other findings on teachers’ responses to school aggression and bullying, as well as how their responses might best be explained.
Cognitive Dissonance Theory and the Induced‐Compliance Paradigm: Concerns for Teaching Religious Studies
Authors: Burns Charlene P. E.
Published: January 2006

Abstract.  Cognitive Dissonance Theory and the Induced‐Compliance Paradigm pose some interesting questions for those teaching religious studies in publicly funded colleges and universities. Given that religious beliefs can be challenged by the historical‐critical study of scriptures, for example, and that the cognitive dissonance generated when this occurs can result in unconscious alteration of beliefs and attitudes, it is vital to make explicit the potential for manipulation of student beliefs. The author asks what, if any, responsibilities are implied for the instructor.
Strategic Planning to Enhance Teaching and Learning with Technology
Authors: Delamarter Steve
Published: January 2006

Abstract.  Seminaries across North America are continuing to expand their use of technology for theological education. This article explores eight issues surrounding the strategic planning process when it comes to technology. These have to do with the obstacles to fresh thinking, the current best practices in strategic planning processes, detailed discussions of the impact of various models of technology for theological education on faculty, Information Technology personnel, and students as well as the issues surrounding delivery system models and the issue of sustainability.
The Divine Pedagogy as a Model for Online Education
Authors: Gresham John
Published: January 2006

Abstract.  In addition to the pragmatic concerns that often drive the use of technology in theological education, there is a need to develop theological justification and direction for online education. Several Roman Catholic Church documents propose the “divine pedagogy,” the manner in which God teaches the human race, as a model for catechesis or religious education. This can provide a rich resource for developing a theological pedagogy for online education. This is especially relevant to the justification for online education, because critics sometimes refer to the incarnational character of the divine pedagogy to argue against the disembodied nature of virtual education. This article addresses such criticisms and more constructively, relates several aspects of the divine pedagogy such as adaptation, community, and participation to teaching and learning in the online environment. (This paper was presented at Theology and Pedagogy in Cyberspace II conference in Evanston, Ill. on April 17, 2004.)
Scientology and Catholicism Do Mix: A Note on Teaching New Religions in a Catholic Classroom
Authors: Schmalz Mathew N.
Published: January 2006

Abstract. This note from the classroom explores teaching new or alternative religions within the context of a Roman Catholic Liberal Arts College. The essay will specifically focus on a section of a course entitled “Modern Religious Movements” in which students were asked to consider different methodological approaches to the teaching and study of Scientology and the Catholic cult of the Virgin Mary. This note from the classroom details how this rather unexpected comparison prompted students to reconsider the categorycultand argues that encouraging self‐reflexivity in a largely Catholic classroom can become a crucial means for engaging a broader discussion of new religions, cult discourse, and the academic study of religion itself.
Vanishing Boundaries: When Teaching About Religion Becomes Spiritual Guidance in the Classroom
Authors: Simmons John K.
Published: January 2006

Abstract.  This article revisits the pedagogical dilemma of maintaining neutrality in the religious studies/theology classroom. I argue that if the boundary between teaching about religion and actually teaching spirituality seems to be vanishing, it is because the boundary was inappropriately constructed in the first place. To the extent that the religious concepts, even when compressed into religious studies categories, inherently inspire personal transformation, how can a boundary exist between the ideas students encounter and the power of those ideas to transform? Spiritual guidance emerges naturally in the academic study of religion, and those of us who teach in the field might as well get used to it. In explaining my position, I draw on my experience as a teaching assistant in Professor Walter Capps's course, “Religion and the Impact of the Vietnam War.” I, then, develop a pragmatic teaching strategy, neutral enthusiasm, which preserves the important neutrality of classroom presentation in religious studies courses, yet recognizes the unavoidable evocative power present in the intellectual territory that is religion. Neutral enthusiasm allows the content to do the work.
From a Distance: Pastoral Care and Theological Education
Authors: Elias Jacob W.
Published: January 2006

Abstract.  This article is a presentation and discussion of a seminary course on the Corinthian Correspondence. The pedagogical model for this course was structured to parallel the pattern of Paul's pastoral care from a distance as he relates to the Corinthian congregation by personal visits, delegations from and to the congregation, letters from and to the congregation, and unofficial grapevine types of communication. The course was designed for dispersed students to interact with the Corinthian letters, with each other, and with myself as instructor in ways that 1) simulate a first‐century exchange between congregation and apostle and 2) facilitate careful interpretive work on the message of these letters, including their contemporary relevance.
CHRISTIAN ORTHODOXY AND RELIGIOUS PLURALISM
Authors: TILLEY TERRENCE W.
Published: January 2006

The paper argues that it can be demonstrated that the position of Jacques Dupuis, S.J., a pluralist, is compatible with that of the syllabus on religious pluralism produced by the Roman Catholic Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Dominius Iesus. This demonstration provides good reason to believe that at least one form of de jure pluralism, labeled “inclusivist pluralism”, is a theological theory compatible with orthodox Christian belief.
NOT EXPLANATION BUT SALVATION: SCIENTIFIC THEOLOGY, CHRISTOLOGY, AND SUFFERING
Authors: MOORE ANDREW
Published: January 2006

The view that Christian belief is explanatory is widespread in contemporary theology, apologetics, and philosophy of religion and it has received particular impetus from attempts to correlate science and Christianity. This article proposes an account of explanatory thinking in theology based on the principle that theological explanations should be disciplined by the internal logic of Scripture. Arthur Peacocke's biologically construed Christology and Alister McGrath's argument that suffering is an anomaly in the Christian explanatory scheme are shown to yield theological results which are inconsistent with this principle. This article's theological argument complements philosophical criticisms of the view that religious belief is explanatory.
GOD's PRISONERS: PENAL CONFINEMENT AND THE CREATION OF PURGATORY
Authors: SKOTNICKI ANDREW
Published: January 2006

This essay explores two events that occurred in the thirteenth century: the decree normalizing the prison as the fundamental disciplinary apparatus in the first universal system of law (canon law) and the formal recognition by the Catholic Church of the existence of Purgatory. It will be suggested that this simultaneity was far from coincidental. The penal colony known as Purgatory reflected in nearly exact detail the contours of the earthly prison. Implications for modern theology will then be discussed.
“BEYOND GLASS DOORS . . . THE SUN NO LONGER SHINING”: ENGLISH PLATONISM AND THE PROBLEM OF SELF‐LOVE IN THE LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL WORK OF IRIS MURDOCH1
Authors: INSOLE CHRISTOPHER J.
Published: January 2006

Certain oddities of Iris Murdoch's Platonism have a significance beyond that of being the personal and idiosyncratic opinion of one author, of interest only to Murdoch enthusiasts. First of all, they provide richly suggestive indications of what can happen to Platonism when it is brought into interaction with a mechanical and deterministic model of the physical universe. Secondly, Murdoch's work acts as a particularly perspicuous theological flash‐point, showing the intrinsic difficulties with combining demanding features of Platonism with a strong sense of human selfishness (self‐love) and imperfectibility. This is illuminated through a comparison with a strand of neo‐Lutheran theology.