bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Diagonalization of a Bilinear Hamiltonian by a Bogoliubov Transformation
Authors: Araki Huzihiro
Published: January 2008

Under the condition that a certain hermitian operator has a self-adjoint extension a necessary and sufficient condition that a bilinear Fermion Hamiltonian can be diagonalized by a Bogoliubov transformation is obtained. Under the same assumption, any bilinear Fermion Hamiltonian can be diagonalized in a slightly extended sense by an extended Bogoliubov transformation. The meaning of this diagonalization from the view point of the Clifford C* algebra is discussed. It is shown that a parallel treatment is possible for a bilinear Boson Hamiltonian (with complications concerning unbounded operators and an indefinite metric) if a spectral theory of pseudo hermitian operator on a Hilbert space of an indefinite metric hold in parallel with that of definite metric Hilbert space.
A remark on Piron's paper
Authors: Amemiya Ichiro , Araki Huzihiro
Published: January 2008

The following statement (Piron's Theorem 22) is proved: The lattice
Z
/(
V
) of all subspaces of a prehilbert space 
V
is orthomodular if and only if 
V
is complete (i. e. a Hilbert space).
Carriers of continuous measures in a Hilbertian norm
Authors: Umemura Yasuo
Published: January 2008

From the standpoint of the theory of measures on the dual space of a nuclear space, we discuss the carrier of Wiener measure, regarding it as a measure on (

\mathcal D'

) (= Schwartz's space of distributions). This may be contrasted with the usual treatment which regards it as a measure on the space of paths.

It is shown that for

α > \frac 1 2

, integral operator

I_α

is nuclear on

L^2((0,1)) (≡H_0)

. Using this fact, we see that Wiener measure lies on the space

I_β(H_0) (β<\frac 1 2)

which consists of Holder continuous functions of the 

β

-th order in the sense of 

L^2

. This result is true for any measure whose characteristic functional is continuous on

L^2((0,1))

.
On semi-linear parabolic partial differential equations
Authors: Asano Kiyoshi
Published: January 2008

We give an operator theoretical treatment of initial value problems for semi-linear parabolic partial differential equations: existence of solutions, uniqueness and regularity. We make use of the theory of fractional powers of operators, the theory of semigroups of operators and L2-estimates for elliptic boundary value problems.
On Continuation of Regular Solutions of Linear Partial Differential Equations
Authors: Kaneko Akira
Published: January 2008

Here we briefly introduce the speaker's recent works on continuation of regular solutions of linear partial differential equations with real analytic coefficients. The method of argument is deeply concerned with the non-characteristic boundary value problem for hyperfunction solutions. First we intuitively compare this new method with the old one which owes much to Grusin [2] and was employed in the case of constant coefficients. Then we give results on hyperfunction boundary value problem as our main tool. Finally we give the main results and prospects on continuation of real analytic solutions.
Local Cohomology of Analytic Spaces
Authors: Mebkhout Zoghman
Published: January 2008

The purpose of this paper is to show that the local cohomology of a complex analytic space embedded in a complex manifold is a holonomic system of linear differential equations of infinite order and its holomorphic solution sheaves are a resolution of the constant sheaf

\boldsymbol C

in this space which provides the Poincaré lemma. The proof relies on the theories of the

b

-function and holonomic systems due to M. Kashiwara ([2] and [3]) and A. Grothendieck's theorem on the De Rham cohomology of an algebraic variety ([1]). I am very much indebted to M. Kashiwara from whose papers I learned so much.
Residue Calculus and Applications
Authors: Elkadi Mohamed , Yger Alain
Published: January 2008

We present a new algorithm in order to compute the multidimensional residue of a polynomial map based on a perturbation argument and the Generalized Transformation Law. Then we use it for studying some fundamental problems in Computer Aided Geometric Design.
Representations of a $ℤ/3ℤ$-Quantum Group
Authors: Yamane Hiroyuki
Published: January 2008

In this paper, we give a classiﬁcation of the ﬁnite dimensional irreducible representations of a nonstandard quantum group

U

, which may be viewed as a

ℤ/3ℤ

-graded version of a quantum superalgebra.
A Flatness Property for Filtered $\mathcal D$-modules
Authors: Castro-Jiménez Francisco J. , Granger Michel
Published: January 2008

Let

\mathcal M

be a coherent module over the ring

\mathcal D_X

of linear differential operators on an analytic manifold

X

and let

Z_1 , . . . , Z_k

be

k

germs of transverse hypersurfaces at a point

x \in X

. The Malgrange–Kashiwara

\mathrm{V}

-ﬁltrations along these hypersurfaces, associated with a given presentation of the germ of

\mathcal M

at

x

, give rise to a multiﬁltration

U_•(\mathcal M)

of

\mathcal M_x

as in Sabbah’s paper [9] and to an analytic standard fan in a way similar to [3]. We prove here that this standard fan is adapted to the multiﬁltration, in the sense of C. Sabbah. This result completes the proof of the existence of an adapted fan in [9], for which the use of [8] is not possible.
On the Displacement Rigidity of Levi Flat Hypersurfaces—The Case of Boundaries of Disc Bundles Over Compact Riemann Surfaces
Authors: Diederich Klas , Ohsawa Takeo
Published: January 2008

Non-existence theorems for Levi ﬂat hypersurfaces have found great interest in the literature. The question next to this that has to be asked is, when existing Levi ﬂat hypersurfaces are at least rigid under deformations. Here, the case of boundaries of disc bundles over certain compact Riemann surfaces is considered.
On the Fefferman–Phong Inequality and a Wiener-type Algebra of Pseudodifferential Operators
Authors: Lerner Nicolas , Morimoto Yoshinori
Published: January 2008

We provide an extension of the Fefferman–Phong inequality to nonnegative symbols whose fourth derivative belongs to a Wiener-type algebra of pseudodifferential operators introduced by J. Sjöstrand. As a byproduct, we obtain that the number of derivatives needed to get the classical Fefferman–Phong inequality in

d

dimensions is bounded above by

2d + 4 + \epsilon

. Our method relies on some reﬁnements of the Wick calculus, which is closely linked to Gabor wavelets. Also we use a decomposition of

C^{3,1}

nonnegative functions as a sum of squares of

C^{1,1}

functions with sharp estimates. In particular, we prove that a

C^{3,1}

nonnegative function

a

can be written as a ﬁnite sum

\sum b^2_j

, where each

b_j

is

C^{1,1}

, but also where each function

b^2_j

is

C^{3,1}

. A key point in our proof is to give some bounds on

(_bj' b_j'')'

and on

(b_j' b_j'')''

.
Errata : Spherical Functions of the Principal Series Representation of $Sp(2, ℝ)$ as Hypergeometric Functions of $C_2$ type (Publ. RIMS, Kyoto Univ. 32 (1996), 689–727)
Authors: Iida Masatoshi
Published: January 2008

There are some mistakes in the paper cited in the title. By correcting these mistakes, we ﬁnd that parameters of the spherical function are rational with respect to parameters of the (generalized principal series) representation. As an additional remark, we see that the shift operator is the Dunkl operator of

A_1

-type.
Proper Stacks
Authors: Prelli Luca
Published: January 2008

We generalize the notion of proper stack introduced by Kashiwara and Schapira to the case of a general site, and we prove that a proper stack is a stack.
Coupling of Two Partial Differential Equations and its Application
Authors: Tahara Hidetoshi
Published: January 2008

The paper considers the following two partial differential equations

(\text{A}) \quad \frac{∂u}{∂t} = F\Big(t, x, u, \frac{∂u}{∂x}\Big)
\quad \text{and} \quad
(\text{B})\quad \frac{∂w}{∂t} = G\Big(t, x, w,\frac{∂w}{∂x} \Big)

in the complex domain, and gives an answer to the following question:
when can we say that the two equations
(A)
and
(B)
are equivalent? or when can we transform
(A)
into
(B) (
or
(B)
into
(A))
?
The discussion is done by considering the coupling of two equations (A) and (B), and by solving their coupling equation. The most important fact is that the coupling equation has inﬁnitely many variables and so the meaning of the solution is not so trivial. The result is applied to the problem of analytic continuation of the solution.
An Interpolation Theorem on Cycle Spaces for Functions Arising as Integrals of $\bar ∂$ Closed Forms
Authors: Ohsawa Takeo
Published: January 2008

It is shown that an interpolation theorem with

L^1

-growth condition holds on the cycle spaces of

q

-complete manifolds with respect to those holomorphic functions ¯ arising as integrals of

\bar ∂

-closed

(q−1, q−1)

-forms. The proof is based on the

L^2

-method of Andreotti and Vesentini.
Carleman Estimates for the Lamé System with Stress Boundary Condition
Authors: Emanouilov (Imanuvilov) Oleg Yu. , Yamamoto Masahiro
Published: January 2008

In this paper, for functions without compact supports, we established Carleman estimates for the two-dimensional non-stationary Lamé system with the stress boundary condition.
Klyachko’s Theorem in Semi-ﬁnite von Neumann Algebras
Authors: Harada Tetsuo
Published: January 2008

Let

\mathfrak A

be a von Neumann algebra and

\bar{\mathfrak A}

be the set of all

τ

-measurable operators. For positive elements

A

and

B

in

\bar{\mathfrak A}

we prove that

\int_K µ_s (A + B) ds ≤ \int_I µ_s (A) ds + \int_J µ_s (B) ds,

where

µ(\cdot)

denotes the generalized

s

-number and

I, J

, and

K

are on an analogue of the Klyachko list.
On Decay-nondecay and Scattering for Schrödinger Equations with Time Dependent Complex Potentials
Authors: Mochizuki Kiyoshi , Motai Takahiro
Published: January 2008

We consider the Schrödinger equations with time dependent complex potentials. Under suitable space-time decaying conditions on the potential we treat _L_2 decay-nondecay of solutions and also develop a scattering theory.
Aboriginal Reconciliation: A Role for Psychiatrists?
Authors: McKendrick Jane H.
Published: January 2008

Australian Aboriginal people are marginalised, severely disadvantaged and subject to discrimination. The Report of the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from their Families has focused international attention on their plight. However, the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation and the High Court Mabo decision provide avenues for change. This paper asks: is there a role for psychiatrists in the reconciliation process?
Peer Review Groups: Problems and Solutions
Authors: Beatson Josephine , Knothe Barbara
Published: January 2008

Objective: To elucidate and delineate principles for dealing with problems encountered in peer review groups.

Method: A workshop format was utilised in which a number of interested psychiatrists were invited to rote-play specific problems which occurred in established peer review groups, and reported in recent research studies. Process notes or videotapes were used to record proceedings. Principles were delineated for the management of five specific problems via role-play and discussion.

Results: Principles have been delineated for the management of the following problems reported by peer review groups: dominating group member; member with disturbing behaviour; member providing inadequate treatment; member transgressing treatment boundaries; and group members strongly disagreeing about the management of a case.

Conclusion: Problems encountered within peer review groups were adequately replicated during role-played enactments. The workshop format offered a means of engaging with these, allowing exploration and subsequent resolution of problems which had not proved resolvable in the real group peer review situation.
The Relationship between Low Family Income and Psychological Disturbance in Young Children: An Australian Longitudinal Study
Authors: Bor William , Najman Jake M. , Andersen Margaret J. , O'callaghan Michael , Williams Gail M. , Behrens Brett C.
Published: January 2008

Objective: This study examines the relationship between low family income (LFI) experienced at different points in time, chronic low income status and its impact on child behaviour measured at 5 years of age.

Method: Longitudinal data from the Mater University Study of Pregnancy were used to measure LFI in families at three points in time (the antenatal period, 6 months post birth and at 5 years cf age). Outcome variables were three independent groups of behaviour problems labelled as externalising, social, attentional and thought (SAT) problems, and internalising problems. These groups were developed from the Child Behaviour Checklist. An analysis based on logistic regression modelling was carried out examining the relationship between LFI and a range of intermediate variables known to be associated with child behaviour problems.

Results: The more often families experienced low income, the higher the rate of child behaviour problems at age 5. Low family income was still independently associated with SAT behaviour problems after controlling for smoking in the first trimester, parenting styles, maternal depression and marital dysharmony at age 5. The association between LFI and internalising and externalising behaviour problems was largely mediated by maternal depression.

Conclusion: Low family income is a significant factor in the aetiology of a variety of child behaviour problems. The mechanisms involved in the link between LFI and hildhood internalising and externalising behaviours involve the exposure of the children to maternal depression. However, the relationship between LFI and SAT behaviour problems remains to be elucidated.
The Molecular Genetics of Schizophrenia: An Update
Authors: Mowry Bryan J. , Nancarrow Derek J. , Levinson Douglas F.
Published: January 2008

Objective: This paper aims to summarise the latest molecular genetic findings in schizophrenia, while providing background information on a number of relevant methodological issues.

Method: Accumulative genetic data indicate that schizophrenia is a genetically complex disease with an unclear mode of transmission. The development and rapid progression of molecular genetics have provided a wide variety of methods to search for genes predisposing to human disease. The genetic basis for a number of the simpler diseases has been identified and characterised using these methods. More recently, progress has been made in identifying genes predisposing to the genetically more complex diseases such as diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Results: The latest findings on chromosomes 3, 6, 8, 13, 18 and 22 and on the chromosome are reviewed.

Conclusions: There is now suggestive support for three susceptibility loci (6p24–22, 8p22–21 and 22q12-q13.1) for schizophrenia, and it is likely that other regions will emerge from studies now in progress. Finding and then characterising genes within these loci will require long-term commitment and systematic efforts in clinical, laboratory and analytical fields.
An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Consultation-Iiaison Psychiatry Service in General Practice
Authors: Can Vaughan J. , Lewin Terry J. , Reid Alexander L.A. , Walton Jane M. , Faehrmann Catherine
Published: January 2008

Objective: This study evaluated the 6-month outcome of patients referred by their general practitioner (GP) to a consultation-liaison (C-L) psychiatry service provided to eight group general practices.

Method: Over a 12-month period, there were 307 referrals to the C-L psychiatry service of whom 86 consented to take part in an outcome study. Two different control groups were examined comprising patients seen by the same GPs but not referred to the C-L service, who were matched with the C-L referrals on the basis of either demographic characteristics (n = 86) or initial symptomatology (n = 59). Clinical interviews were conducted at recruitment to the outcome study using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI), while postal questionnaires were used at both the initial and 6-month assessments.

Results: Data reported include DSM-Ill-R clinical audit and ClDl diagnoses, changes in current syrnptomatology (SCL-904) and changes in global ratings of physical health, emotional health, social relationships and ability to perform everyday duties. Consultation-liaison referrals without symptom-matched controls (n = 27), being patients with higher levels of symptoms initially, were more likely to be referred to other psychiatric services for treatment. They also showed more marked improvement over time on the selected outcome measures. However, there were no significant differences in the patterns of change overtime between symptom-matched C-L referrals and their non-referred controls.

Conclusions: The findings from the 6-month outcome study raise doubts about the overall benefit of the current C-L service relative to usual GP care. Improving the quality of psychiatric care in general practice is likely to require a range of interrelated strategies, including C-L psychiatry services, GP education and well-functioning links with public mental health services.
Adverse Psychological Impact of Operative Obstetric Interventions: A Prospective Longitudinal Study
Authors: Fisher Jane , Astbury Jill , Smith Anthony
Published: January 2008

Objective: This paper reports the findings of a prospective longitudinal study of 272 nulliparous pregnant women, which investigated as one of its objectives the psychological sequelae of obstetric procedures.

Method: Participants completed structured interviews and standardised, published psychometric questionnaires, including the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Profile of Mood States late in pregnancy and again early in the postpartum period. Results: Little evidence was found to support the notion that the total number of obstetric interventions was linked to a deterioration in postpartum mood. Significant adverse psychological effects were associated with the mode of delivery. Those women who had spontaneous vaginal deliveries were most likely to experience a marked improvement in mood and an elevation in self-esteem across the late pregnancy to early postpartum interval. In contrast, women who had Caesarean deliveries were significantly more likely to experience a deterioration in mood and a diminution in self-esteem. The group who experienced instrumental intervention in vaginal deliveries fell midway between the other two groups, reporting neither an improvement nor a deterioration in mood and self-esteem.

Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that operative intervention in first childbirth carries significant psychological risks rendering those who experience these procedures vulnerable to a grief reaction or to posttraumatic distress and depression.
Using Action Research to Facilitate Organisational Change in Mental Health Service Delivery
Authors: Tobin Margaret , Dakos Tash , Urbane Amanda
Published: January 2008

Objective: To report how well a particular mental health service was responding to National and State mental health policies by emphasising community-based clinical care for patients.

Method: The method involved analysis and action in response to information obtained from a consecutive sample of 100 people admitted to a psychiatric hospital ward from a geographical catchment area.

Results: It was found that community mental health staff were working without adequate support and were not able to effectively implement early intervention and relapse prevention strategies. Concern about these findings led to organisational change using action research methodology and some of these changes are discussed.

Conclusions: Such methodology was a useful tool to identlfy and achieve organisational change in psychiatric services.
The Case-Conferencing Project: A First Step towards Shared Care between General Practitioners and a Mental Health Service
Authors: Davies John W. , Ward Warren K. , Groom Grace L. , Wild Amanda J. , Wild Stephen
Published: January 2008

Objectives: The objectives of this study were: (i) to improve general practitioners' knowledge of the mental disorders they commonly treat, and to increase their confidence in managing people with these disorders; and (ii) to increase general practitioners' familiarity with the Logan-Beaudesert Mental Health Service.

Method: Eleven general practitioners met with psychiatrists from the Logan-Beaudesert Mental Health Service in six 2-hour sessions held at monthly intervals. Each session comprised a teaching component, a consumer interview and a case-conference. Outcomes were measured using an objective test of general practitioners' knowledge, a subjective test of their confidence in dealing with mental health problems, and satisfaction surveys for participating consumers, general practitioners and psychiatrists.

Results: On the objective test, the scores of 10 out of the 11 general practitioners improved (p < 0.05). On the subjective test, the ranked scores improved in nine out of the 11 cases (p < 0.05). Consumers, general practitioners and psychiatrists expressed their satisfaction with the format and content of the course.

Conclusions: Having improved the knowledge of a group of general practitioners who are familiar with the functioning of the Logan-Beaudeserl Mental Health Service, the stage is now set to proceed to the next step: the shared-care project.
Intensive Nutritional Counselling in Bulimia Nervosa: A Role for Supplementation with Fluoxetine?
Authors: Beumont Pierre J.V. , Russell Janice D. , Touyz Stephen W. , Buckley Cathy , Lowinger Kitty , Talbot Peter , Johnson Gordon F.S.
Published: January 2008

Objective: The aims of the paper are to determine whether nutritional counselling is associated with an improvement in bulimic symptomatology, whether this improvement is maintained during post-treatment follow-up, and whether the addition of fluoxetine 3 × 20 mg/day confers additional benefit.

Method: Psychological, pharmacological and combined psychopharmacological treatments of bulimia nervosa were reviewed briefly. Sixty-seven patients referred to specialist eating disorder services who fulfilled strict diagnostic criteria were treated with intensive nutritional counselling and randomly assigned to either fluoxetine 3×20 mg/day or placebo. After a 1-week ‘wash-out’, active treatment was given over 8 weeks, followed by post-treatment interviews at 12 and 20 weeks.

Results: Both groups of patients improved significantly during treatment. In some respects, the fluoxetine group did slightly better as demonstrated by the items ‘restraint’, ‘weight concern’ and ‘shape concern’ (p<0.05 vs p<0.0001) on the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE). Fluoxetine patients decreased their energy intake and lost a modest amount of weight. They went on to regain weight during the follow-up period, returning to levels higher than they were initially. These patients also appeared more likely to have a recurrence of symptoms, as shown by the fall in percentage of binge-free patients and by changes in the EDE.

Conclusion: Nutritional counselling is an effective means of treating bulimia nervosa, with improvement maintained up to 3 months follow-up. The addition of fluoxetine may confer some benefit during active treatment, but its discontinuation may contribute to a higher rate of recurrence of symptoms post treatment. Of course, this study cannot be extrapolated to the efficacy of fluoxetine when used as the only form of treatment in patients for whom intensive nutritional counselling or other structured psychological programs are not available.
A Prospective Study of Psychological Distress Related to Refugee Camp Experience
Authors: McKelvey Robert S. , Webb John A.
Published: January 2008

Objective: Previous reports have suggested a direct relationship between refugee camp experience and levels of psychological distress among refugees. Specifically, it has been postulated that refugee camps with harsh conditions and low levels of social support foster high levels of psychological distress. The present study was designed to assess the relationship between camp conditions and social support within a refugee camp and refugees' levels of psychological distress. Unlike previous reports, which were based on retrospective data, the present study evaluated psychological distress among a group of Vietnamese refugees both prior to departure from Vietnam and during their refugee camp experience.

Method: A group of 101 Vietnamese Amerasians was assessed at a transit centre in Vietnam and subsequently at a refugee camp in the Philippines. Assessment instruments were the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 and a Camp Comparison Questionnaire.

Results: There were significant decreases in symptom levels of anxiety and depression between the transit centre in Vietnam and the refugee camp in the Philippines. However, these changes were not related to changes in refugee camp conditions or social support within the camp.

Conclusions: Contrary to previous reports, levels of psychological distress among this group of Vietnamese refugees were not related to either refugee camp conditions or levels of social support within the camp.
Patterns of Symptomatology and Patterns of Torture and Trauma Experiences in Resettled Refugees
Authors: Cunningham Margaret , Cunningham John D.
Published: January 2008

Objectives: The purpose of this study was: (i) to examine the incidence of psychological and medical symptomatology, torture and related trauma in a sample of 191 refugee clients of the Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS) in New South Wales (NSW), Australia; and (ii) to identify patterns of current symptoms, patterns of torture and trauma experiences and the relationships between symptoms and experiences.

Method: Analysis of STARTTS client records permitted the coding of the presence/absence of 41 medical and psychological symptoms and of 33 torture and trauma experiences. Principal components analyses were used to identify patterns of current symptoms and patterns of torture and trauma experiences. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify relationships between current symptoms and traumatic events in the country of origin or en route to Australia.

Results: Six factors were extracted for both the symptoms and trauma experiences; the first symptom factor was labelled ‘core posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)’. Regression analysis showed that threats and humiliation, and being forced to watch others being tortured best predicted scores on this factor.

Conclusions: Although core PTSD is the dominant factor in symptomatology, comorbidity is high, with another three symptom factors emerging as meaningful. However, client reports of threats and humiliation or forced viewing of others being tortured should alert clinicians to the likely development of core PTSD, if it has not already occurred. Other implications of these findings for treatment and service development are discussed.
HIV Risk Behaviour and HIV Testing of Psychiatric Patients in Melbourne
Authors: Thompson Sandra C. , Checkley Gill E. , Hocking Jane S. , Crofts Nick , Mijch Anne M. , Judd Fiona K.
Published: January 2008

Objectives: Patients with chronic mental illnesses constitute an important risk group for HIV infection overseas. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of risk behaviours associated with HIV transmission and factors associated with HIV testing in psychiatric patients in Melbourne.

Methods: Inpatients and outpatients completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire which covered demographics, psychiatric diagnosis, risk behaviour, and HIV education and testing.

Results: Of 145 participants, 60% were male and 55.2% had schizophrenia. Injecting drug use (IDU) was reported by 15.9%, a figure approximately 10 times that found in other population surveys. Most patients reported sex in the last decade and over 20% had multiple sexual partners in the last year. Of males, 12.6% reported sex with another male (9.2% anal sex); 19.0% of females reported sex with a bisexual male. Nearly half of the males reported sex with a prostitute, 2.5 times that in a population sample. Only 15.9% reported ever having someone talk to them specifically about HIV and its transmission, although one-third had been tested for HIV. In multivariate analysis, male-male sex, paying for sex, and IDU were associated with HIV testing, but those whose primary language was not English were less likely to be tested. Those who had received HIV education were more likely to have used a condom last time they had sex (OR 4.52, 95%C11.49–14.0).

Conclusions: This study provides evidence that those with serious mental illness in Victoria have higher rates of participation in risk behaviour for HIV infection than those in the general community. Attention to HIV education and prevention in this group has been inappropriately scant; strategies to encourage safer behaviour are urgently needed.
Smooth Pursuit Eye Movements in Schizophrenia in New Zealand
Authors: Allen John S.
Published: January 2008

Objective: The objective of this study was to answer the following questions: what is the frequency of smooth pursuit dysfunction in schizophrenia in New Zealand; is it comparable to that observed in other populations; is it specific to schizophrenia; and is it represented in major ethnic groups present in New Zealand? Method: Patients with schizophrenia (n = 26) were recruited at five clinical facilities in the Auckland region. Diagnoses were taken from clinical records. Patients'smooth pursuit eye movements while following sinusoidal and triangular wave targets were recorded and their performance compared to a control population (n = 34). Eye movements were scored using the ln(s/n), pursuit gain, and saccadic frequency measures.

Results: Patients with schizophrenia scored significantly worse than controls using the ln(s/n) measure and had significantly higher saccadic frequencies for both targets. Percentile equivalents allow the estimation that about 50% of patients with schizophrenia have smooth pursuit dysfunction (SPD). There was no difference between groups for pursuit gain score, although low gain pursuit was significantly correlated with higher medication in the schizophrenia patient group. There were no differences associated with age, sex or ethnicity. The SPD marker was found in European- and Polynesian-derived New Zealanders.

Conclusions: The results of the present study are consistent with results of previous studies performed elsewhere. Differences are at least partly ascribable to variations in methods. Smooth pursuit dysfunction is a robust marker for schizophrenia. Its application would be particularly useful in the New Zealand context as part of a first admission study looking at the effects of ethnicity on schizophrenia prognosis and on the stability of psychiatric diagnoses.
The Bowerbird Symptom': A Case of Severe Hoarding of Possessions
Authors: Fitzgerald Paul B.
Published: January 2008

Objective: To describe a severe case of hoarding of possessions in a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Clinical picture: A 22-year-old male presented with a history from early childhood of persistent collecting of valueless objects and the inability to give up possessions. He had significant insight but ambivalent feelings about changing his behaviour, despite the degree of disruption it produced in his environment.

Treatment and outcome: Attempts to engage the patient in treatment were unsuccessful because of the patient's ambivalence towards change.

Conclusions: The symptom of hoarding behaviour may be a severe and disruptive expression of psychiatric distress, and in obsessive-compulsive disorder it is likely to indicate a poor prognosis due to the difficulties of engaging the patient in treatment.
Double Talk: Changing and Conflicting Constructions of Indigenous Mental Health
Authors: Hunter Ernest
Published: January 2008

Objective: The method by which psychiatric professionals and the profession itself have addressed the mental health needs of Indigenous Australians is explored.

Method: A sociohistorical frame is utilised to explore the changing nature of psychiatric engagement in this field since the Second World War.

Results: A series of distinct phases are definable, each of which demonstrates particular characteristics that relate to the social and political circumstances of indigenous Australia and changing investment on the part of mental health professionals. Significant difficulties have emerged at various stages and there exist quite different interpretations and uses of language relating to indigenous mental health.

Conclusions: Current relations between mental health professionals and members of indigenous communities in Australia are informed by a history of which we should be aware. It has had and continues to have consequences that include significant differences in the ways in which mental health needs are conceived and articulated. These, in turn, are consequential in terms of policy and practice.
Mental Health Status of Iranian Migrants in Sydney
Authors: Khavarpour Freidoon , Rissel Chris
Published: January 2008

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the levels and predictors of psychological distress within the Iranian community in Sydney, Australia.

Method: Participants (n = 161) were identified using snowball sampling, and a questionnaire incorporating the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-20) and other migration-related factors was mailed to their preferred address.

Results: A relatively high proportion of respondents (37%) had GHQ-20 scores above the recommended threshold (4+). Students were significantly more likely to report psychological distress compared with respondents who worked full-time. A feeling that migration had contributed to their distress was also found to be significantly associated with above-threshold GHQ-20 scores.

Conclusions: Iranian migrants in Sydney may need mental health programs to address migration-related distress.
Beliefs about the Helpfulness of Interventions for Mental Disorders: A Comparison of General Practitioners, Psychiatrists and Clinical Psychologists
Authors: Jorm Anthony F. , Korten Ailsa E. , Jacomb Patricia A. , Rodgers Bryan , Pollitt Penelope
Published: January 2008

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess health professionals' beliefs about the helpfulness of a broad range of possible interventions for mental disorders.

Method: The study involved a postal survey of 872 general practitioners (GPs), 1128 psychiatrists and 454 clinical psychologists. These health practitioners were presented with a vignette describing either a person with schizophrenia or one with depression. The vignettes were taken from an earlier survey of the general public. Respondents were asked to rate the likely helpfulness of various types of professional and non-professional help and of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.

Results: Two-thirds or more of each profession agreed that the person with schizophrenia would be helped by GPs, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, antipsychotic agents and admission to a psychiatric ward. Similarly, two-thirds agreed that the person with depression would be helped by GPs, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, antidepressants, counselling and cognitive-behavioural therapy. However, there were also areas of disagreement. Psychiatrists were less likely than GPs and clinical psychologists to rate psychological and lifestyle interventions as helpful, while clinical psychologists were less likely to rate specifically medical interventions as helpful. Younger members of the professional groups and female members (who also tended to be younger) tended to rate a wider range of interventions for each disorder as likely to be helpful.

Conclusions: Despite areas of broad agreement about treatment, health practitioners were more likely to endorse the interventions associated with their own profession. However, younger members of each profession tended take a broader view. If these age differences represent a cohort effect, health professionals may in the future show greater acceptance of the helpfulness of interventions offered outside their profession. These conclusions are limited by the methodology of the survey, which involved a questionnaire designed for the public rather than professionals.
Hunting Guns in Homes and Suicides in 15–24–Year-Old Males in Eastern Finland
Authors: Hintikka Jukka , Lehtonen Johannes , Viinamäki Heimo
Published: January 2008

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between firearm ownership, the presence of guns in homes, the use of psychiatric services and suicides in 15–24–year-old males in Eastern Finland.

Method: Police and medico legal records of all suicides (n = 68) performed by 15–24–year-old males in the Kuopio province, Eastern Finland, in 1988–1995 were studied. Information was sought about firearm ownership, legality and purposes of use. Information was also sought about recent contacts with psychiatric services. Firearm suicides were compared with suicides by other methods.

Results: The annual suicide rate for 15–24–year-old males was 51/100 000. Sixty-two percent of suicides were committed by shooting. In 74% of these, licensed hunting guns were used. The proportion of suicides committed by legal hunting guns stored in the homes of victims was 60% of all firearm suicides. Sixty-two percent of firearm suicides were committed in homes of victims or in someone else's residence where guns were present. Only 2% of those who shot themselves were seen in psychiatric consultation during the 3 months prior to death.

Conclusions: The presence of hunting guns in homes means easy access to a most lethal suicide method and is associated with a high suicide rate for 15–24–year-old males in Eastern Finland.
Folie à Deux in a Forensic Setting
Authors: Kraya Niazi A.F. , Patrick Colin
Published: January 2008

Objective: This paper is written with the aim of presenting a series of cases of folie à deux, an unusual disorder, occurring in a forensic setting where all the victims suffered a fatal or near-fatal outcome. Similarities in the psychopathology in these cases are drawn and comments are made about their outcome in court. The paper is also written to draw attention to the potential risks involved in this type of case and to accent patterns in psychopathology and in legal outcomes.

Clinical picture: Five folie à dew cases are described. All are well known to one of the authors (NK), who has treated them at some stage of their illness, provided medico legal reports for the trial of cases 3, 4 and 5, and provided expert witness testimony in the trial of case 3. All case notes and other relevant documents were studied in detail and a brief summary is provided for each case.

Outcome: The cases appear to conform with the description of folie a deux given in the literature and consist of husband and wife (three cases), mother and daughter (one case) and twin brothers (one case). None of these cases had had any past psychiatric or criminal history, yet all the victims suffered a fatal or near fatal outcome. Additionally, all had shared religious delusions in one form or another.

Conclusions: Folie a deux cases with shared religious delusions can be a very high risk and could be potentially fatal in a family setting. The authors also highlight the difficulties inherent in a forensic system restricted to McNaughton rules, particularly when a person is on trial having committed, or being alleged to have committed, a serious offence, and who is found to be suffering from a psychotic illness.
A Reassessment of the Link between Mental Disorder and Violent Behaviour, and its Implications for Clinical Practice
Authors: Mullen Paul E.
Published: January 2008

Objective and Method: This review examines the central studies which, over the last decade, have investigated the association between mental illness and rates of violent behaviours. The clinical and public policy implications of such research is then examined.

Results:Recent research appears to have established a modest association between having a mental illness and an increased propensity to violence.

Conclusions:The increased risk of violence is mediated, in part at least, by the active symptoms of illness. The most effective response to the risks of dangerous behaviour in the mentally ill is not to return to policies of greater control and containment but to improve the care, support and treatment delivered to patients in the community. Those at high risk need to be targeted for priority follow-up and intensive support. We need, as a profession, to become as aware of the risks in our patients of violence towards others as we currently are of the risks of suicidal behaviour. We also need to develop responses which effectively manage such patients, to their benefit and ultimately to the benefit of potential victims.
Molecular Biological Investigations into the Role of the NMDA Receptor in the Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia
Authors: Catts Stanley V. , Ward Phillip B. , Lloyd Andrew , Huang Xu Feng , Dixon Gavin , Chahl Loris , Harper Clive , Wakefield Denis
Published: January 2008

Objective:There is increasing acceptance that schizophrenia is associated with a generalised disorder in cortical neurodevelopment. The aim of this paper is to review the evidence that this disorder may be accounted for by abnormalities in mechanisms mediated by the main family of excitatory neuroreceptors in cortical brain systems, the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamatergic receptors.

Method:The neurobiological evidence is presented for an abnormality in cortical development related to synaptic pathology in schizophrenia. The unique functions of the NMDA receptor in information processing are described, especially its role in learning and memory, and in neural plasticity and brain development. It is argued that the cellular and molecular mechanisms which underlie learning and memory also govern normal brain development. Studies examining abnormalities in glutamatergic transmission in schizophrenia are reviewed.

Results:There is a substantial literature in support of the possibility that NMDA receptor abnormalities may be involved in the neurodevelopmental predisposition to schizophrenia, as well as in symptom production.

Conclusions:Research to determine the role of the NMDA receptor in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia is warranted and now feasible. To be successful, this research will require the application of molecular biology techniques to postmortem brain tissue studies, in addition to traditional histochemical approaches.
Women and Schizophrenia: A Review
Authors: Kulkarni Jayashri
Published: January 2008

Objective:This is a selective review article which aims to explore current areas of research involving women with schizophrenia and to identify areas requiring future research.

Method:Research studies conducted both nationally and internationally are reviewed with an emphasis on a gender-based approach.

Results:The review is divided into three sections. First there is an introduction including a brief consideration of the possible reasons for the noted lack of studies focussing on women with schizophrenia and a summary of the epidemiological evidence that has prompted interest in gender-based schizophrenia research. Second, there is a review of some studies that utilise gender as a paradigm to understand the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, and third, a discussion of the role of gender in management approaches is presented.

Conclusions:The main conclusion is that women have not been well represented in schizophrenia research. Female-specific management issues and a better understanding of the impact of schizophrenia on women require more gender-based research.
Season of Birth and Schizophrenia in Tasmania
Authors: Jones Ivor H. , Hay David A. , Kirkby Kenneth C. , Daniels Brett A. , Mowry Bryan J.
Published: January 2008

Objective:The purpose of the present study was to determine whether there was a significant seasonal variation in the birth dates of patients with schizophrenia born in Tasmania.

Method:The season of birth in Tasmanian-born patients with schizophrenia (n = 1412), born between 1919—1970, was compared with general population data.

Results:No significant variation in month or quarter of birth was detected for the subjects with schizophrenia. Neither was there any significant seasonal excess when data from different decades were analysed separately, nor for subsidiary analyses of gender or paranoid/non paranoid subtype.

Conclusion:These results are compared with those of six other published studies of Australasian-born subjects identified through registers in different States. While both positive and negative results are reported, no clear pattern emerges. The relevance of season of birth to the development of schizophrenia in Australia remains an open question.
Aggressive Behaviour in Schizophrenia: The Role of Psychopathology
Authors: Cheung Peter , Schweitzer Isaac , Crowley Kathleen , Tuckwell Virginia
Published: January 2008

Objective:The aim of this study was to determine the psychopathological correlates of aggressive behaviour in schizophrenia.

Method:Thirty-one aggressive patients in rehabilitation wards meeting DSM-III-R criteria for schizophrenia were compared with 31 matched non-aggressive patients in relation to their psychopathology using the Clinical Global Index (CGI), Positive and Negative Symptoms scale (PANSS) and the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale.

Results:The aggressive group had significantly higher CGI, positive symptom, negative symptom, general psychopathology and total PANSS scores than the non-aggressive group. The two groups could be distinguished by three sets of symptoms: symptoms with verbal or/and physical aggression as part of their definition; symptoms suggesting frontal lobe impairment; and excitement. The two groups did not differ in their level of depressive symptomatology.

Conclusions:The aggressive group were overall more ill than the non-aggressive group, and the former could be distinguished from the latter by certain aspects of their psychopathology.
Geographical Resource Allocation for Public Mental Health Services in Victoria
Authors: Meadows Graham
Published: January 2008

Objective:To provide background information on the approach of area based funding models for mental health services, to describe the considerations which have come to bear in the development process of the Victorian model, to explore the impacts of different models, and to suggest courses for further development.

Method:The history of this approach to funding in the UK and the USA is summarised, then an account is given of the development of the Victorian model. The position is put that the validation of such models is hampered by having only sparse relevant data. Suggestions are made for improving this situation.

Results:The Victorian model has come to include adjustments for socioeconomic disadvantage, the age, sex and marital status structure of the population, and a variable discounting for estimated substitutive activity of the private sector. Different methods of combining these adjustments into a working formula can be seen to have very different impacts.

Conclusions:The approach taken in development of this model can be expected to have major influence on funding within Victoria, but also more widely in Australia. The impacts of differing assumptions within these models are significant. Specifically targeted epidemiological research, and activity analysis of the private sector will be necessary to enhance the validity of models of this type.