bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bright EUV lines emitted by highly ionized tungsten ions as diagnostic indicators of the tungsten transport in ITER core plasmas (Te> 7 keV)
Authors: Feldman U. , Seely J.F. , Landi E. , Ralchenko Yu.
Published: February 2008

In this paper we investigate the possible use of spectral lines from highly ionized tungsten (W) ions to measure transport and other physical properties of ITER plasmas. Firstly, we calculate the fractional abundances of W ions for plasmas having electron temperatures in the 7–40 keV range and an electron density of 1014 cm−3. Secondly, we calculate the wavelengths and emissivities versus temperature of the brightest spectral lines expected to be emitted by the W ions at extreme ultraviolet (EUV) wavelengths longer than 45 Å. To complement the grazing incidence spectroscopy technique traditionally used to study such spectra, we propose the use of segmented multilayer-coated telescopes for imaging the ITER plasmas in selected EUV lines, similar to the space-based instruments routinely used to study temperatures, emission measures and motions of 0.1–2 keV solar coronal plasmas.
Dirichlet
L
-series with real and complex characters and their application to solving double sums
Authors: Zucker I.J , McPhedran R.C
Published: February 2008

A description of the properties of
L
-series with complex characters is given. By using these, together with the more familiar
L
-series with real characters, it is shown how certain two-dimensional lattice sums, which previously could not be put into closed form, may now be expressed in this way.
Husimi–Wigner representation of chaotic eigenstates
Authors: Toscano Fabricio , Kenfack Anatole , Carvalho Andre R.R , Rost Jan M , Ozorio de Almeida Alfredo M
Published: February 2008

Just as a coherent state may be considered as a quantum point, its restriction to a factor space of the full Hilbert space can be interpreted as a quantum plane. The overlap of such a factor coherent state with a full pure state is akin to a quantum section. It defines a reduced pure state in the cofactor Hilbert space. Physically, this factorization corresponds to the description of interacting components of a quantum system with many degrees of freedom and the sections could be generated by conceivable partial measurements.

The collection of all the Wigner functions corresponding to a full set of parallel quantum sections defines the Husimi–Wigner representation. It occupies an intermediate ground between the drastic suppression of non-classical features, characteristic of Husimi functions, and the daunting complexity of higher dimensional Wigner functions. After analysing these features for simpler states, we exploit this new representation as a probe of numerically computed eigenstates of a chaotic Hamiltonian. Though less regular, the individual two-dimensional Wigner functions resemble those of semiclassically quantized states.
Empirical mode decomposition using rational splines: an application to rainfall time series
Authors: Pegram G.G.S , Peel M.C , McMahon T.A
Published: February 2008

Empirical mode decomposition (EMD), a relatively new form of time-series decomposition, has the feature of not assuming that a time series is linear or stationary, as is implicitly done in Fourier analysis. In natural time series such as records of rainfall, streamflow, temperature, etc., where most variables exhibit nonlinear and non-stationary behaviour, this feature is particularly useful, allowing more meaningful quantification of the proportion of variance in a time series due to fluctuations at different time scales, than previous spectral analysis techniques. However, in its original form, the EMD algorithm relies on cubic spline interpolation of the extrema, which often inflate the variance of the resultant components (intrinsic mode functions) and residual. In this paper, a suggested improvement to the EMD algorithm, using rational splines and flexible treatment of the end conditions, is outlined and the consequent effect on three exemplary annual rainfall time series is assessed as a proof of concept. It is recognized that many more examples are needed for the fine tuning of the ideas before it can be widely recommended and this work is currently underway.
Future battlegrounds for conservation under global change
Authors: Lee Tien Ming , Jetz Walter
Published: February 2008

Global biodiversity is under significant threat from the combined effects of human-induced climate and land-use change. Covering 12% of the Earth's terrestrial surface, protected areas are crucial for conserving biodiversity and supporting ecological processes beneficial to human well-being, but their selection and design are usually uninformed about future global change. Here, we quantify the exposure of the global reserve network to projected climate and land-use change according to the
Millennium Ecosystem Assessment
and set these threats in relation to the conservation value and capacity of biogeographic and geopolitical regions. We find that geographical patterns of past human impact on the land cover only poorly predict those of forecasted change, thus revealing the inadequacy of existing global conservation prioritization templates. Projected conservation risk, measured as regional levels of land-cover change in relation to area protected, is the greatest at high latitudes (due to climate change) and tropics/subtropics (due to land-use change). Only some high-latitude nations prone to high conservation risk are also of high conservation value, but their high relative wealth may facilitate additional conservation efforts. In contrast, most low-latitude nations tend to be of high conservation value, but they often have limited capacity for conservation which may exacerbate the global biodiversity extinction crisis. While our approach will clearly benefit from improved land-cover projections and a thorough understanding of how species range will shift under climate change, our results provide a first global quantitative demonstration of the urgent need to consider future environmental change in reserve-based conservation planning. They further highlight the pressing need for new reserves in target regions and support a much extended ‘north–south’ transfer of conservation resources that maximizes biodiversity conservation while mitigating global climate change.
Recombinant activated factor VII for haemophilia patients with inhibitors undergoing orthopaedic surgery: a review of the literature
Authors: OBERGFELL A. , AUVINEN M.‐K. , MATHEW P.
Published: February 2008

Summary. Arthropathy is prevalent in patients with haemophilia and inhibitors and is a major source of pain and disability, significantly reducing quality of life. Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa; NovoSeven®) is one of the treatments available for acute life‐threatening bleeding episodes in haemophilia patients with inhibitors. It has also been used successfully in a range of orthopaedic surgical procedures in these patients. This is a review of published data on elective orthopaedic procedures in haemophilia patients with inhibitors under cover of rFVIIa from January 2002 to November 2006. Articles were retrieved from MEDLINE using specified search parameters. Twelve articles covering a total of 80 orthopaedic procedures were identified. In the vast majority of cases, rFVIIa provided safe and effective haemostatic cover during orthopaedic surgery with no bleeding complications. There was variation in the administered dose, although the majority of patients were treated with 90 μg kg−1bolus followed by either continuous infusion or bolus infusion. Of those cases reporting bleeding complications, most were considered to be related to an inadequate amount of rFVIIa. The cumulative experience presented here suggests that rFVIIa is safe and effective for providing adequate haemostatic cover for haemophilia patients with inhibitors undergoing orthopaedic surgery. The optimal dosing regimen and mode of administration has yet to be identified. Further controlled trials are needed to confirm these experiences.
A prospective surveillance study of factor VIII inhibitor development in the Canadian haemophilia A population following the switch to a recombinant factor VIII product formulated with sucrose
Authors: RUBINGER M. , LILLICRAP D. , RIVARD G. E. , TEITEL J. , CARCAO M. , HENSMAN C. , WALKER I. ,   THE ASSOCIATION OF HEMOPHILIA CLINIC DIRECTORS OF CANADA (AHCDC)
Published: February 2008

Summary.  The introduction of new factor concentrates has, at times, resulted in an increase in inhibitor development; hence large systematic surveys of inhibitor development are necessary whenever new products are introduced. This study presents the results of a surveillance study conducted by the Inhibitor Subcommittee of the Association of Hemophilia Clinic Directors of Canada that evaluated inhibitor development in patients with haemophilia A following the switch to a second generation recombinant FVIII product (rFVIII‐FS; Kogenate® Bayer). Four hundred and sixty haemophilia A paediatric and adults patients from 17 Canadian Comprehensive Hemophilia Care Centers were enrolled in the study. Of these, 274 patients had evaluable data. Blood samples collected at baseline (prior to the switch to rFVIII‐FS), and at 12 and 24 months following conversion were tested for inhibitors by the Nijmegen‐modified Bethesda assay. Four subjects had positive inhibitor titres at baseline, with values ranging from 3.3 to 160 BU. Of the 274 patients who had baseline samples collected, 225 had postswitch samples collected at 12 months and 189 subjects had samples collected at 24 months. Only patients with positive baseline inhibitor titres (n = 4) had positive inhibitor titres at either the 12‐ or 24‐month postswitch time points; therefore no de novo inhibitors developed over the 2‐year evaluation period in this patient population. The results of this surveillance study suggest that the altered formulation of this recombinant FVIII concentrate was not associated with an increased incidence of inhibitor formation.
Predicting species distributions across the Amazonian and Andean regions using remote sensing data
Authors: Buermann Wolfgang , Saatchi Sassan , Smith Thomas B. , Zutta Brian R. , Chaves Jaime A. , Milá Borja , Graham Catherine H.
Published: February 2008

Aim  We explore the utility of newly available optical and microwave remote sensing data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and QuikSCAT (QSCAT) instruments for species distribution modelling at regional to continental scales. Using eight Neotropical species from three taxonomic groups, we assess the extent to which remote sensing data can improve predictions of their geographic distributions. For two bird species, we investigate the specific contributions of different types of remote sensing variables to the predictions and model accuracy at the regional scale, where the benefits of the MODIS and QSCAT satellite data are expected to be most significant.

Location  South America, with a focus on the tropical and subtropical Andes and the Amazon Basin.

Methods  Potential geographic distributions of eight species, namely two birds, two mammals and four trees, were modelled with the maxent algorithm at 1‐km resolution over the South American continent using climatic and remote sensing data separately and combined. For each species and model scenario, we assess model performance by testing the agreement between observed and simulated distributions across all thresholds and, in the case of the two focal bird species, at selected thresholds.

Results  Quantitative performance tests showed that models built with remote sensing and climatic layers in isolation performed well in predicting species distributions, suggesting that each of these data sets contains useful information. However, predictions created with a combination of remote sensing and climatic layers generally resulted in the best model performance across the three taxonomic groups. In Ecuador, the inclusion of remote sensing data was critical in resolving the known geographically isolated populations of the two focal bird species along the steep Amazonian–Andean elevational gradients. Within remote sensing subsets, microwave‐based data were more important than optical data in the predictions of the two bird species.

Main conclusions  Our results suggest that the newly available remote sensing data (MODIS and QSCAT) have considerable utility in modelling the contemporary geographical distributions of species at both regional and continental scales and in predicting range shifts as a result of large‐scale land‐use change.
Panbiogeographical analysis of distribution patterns in hagfishes (Craniata: Myxinidae)
Authors: Cavalcanti Mauro José , Gallo Valéria
Published: February 2008

Aim   To analyse the worldwide distribution patterns of hagfishes using panbiogeographical track analysis, and to attempt to correlate these patterns with the tectonic history of the ocean basins.

Location   Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

Method   The distributions of 47 out of 70 species of hagfish (in the genera Eptatretus, Myxine, Nemamyxine, Neomyxine, and Paramyxine) were studied by the panbiogeographical method of track analysis. The analysis was performed using distributional data obtained from the collections included in the Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS, http://www.iobis.org) and FishBase (http://www.fishbase.org), with additional records from the literature. Individual tracks were obtained for each species by plotting localities and connecting them by minimum‐spanning trees. Generalized tracks were determined from the spatial overlap between individual tracks.

Results   Six generalized tracks were found: in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, South‐eastern Atlantic, Western Pacific, North‐eastern Pacific and South‐eastern Pacific.

Main conclusions   The distribution patterns of myxinids are marked by a high degree of endemism and vicariance, and are correlated with the tectonic features involved in many of the events that led to the development of oceanic basins. The main massing of the group is around the Pacific Basin. In the Atlantic Ocean, the distribution of Myxine glutinosa seems to correspond to a classic trans‐oceanic track and vicariance resulting from the opening of the Atlantic Ocean during the Cretaceous. In the Pacific Ocean, the distribution of the Eptatretus and Paramyxine species is clearly associated with the margins of the Pacific tectonic plate. The generalized tracks of hagfishes are shared by several other groups of marine organisms, including many from shallow tropical waters, implying a common history for this marine biota. Overall, vicariance is a major feature of hagfish distribution, suggesting vicariant differentiation of widespread ancestors as a result of sea‐floor spreading between continents in connection with ocean formation.
Survival of tree seedlings on different species of decaying wood maintains tree distribution in Michigan hemlock–hardwood forests
Authors: Marx Laura , Walters Michael B.
Published: February 2008

Seedlings of some tree species are strongly associated with decaying wood in the germination or establishment period. Despite recognition of this pattern in forests around the world, few studies have compared the ability of different species of decaying wood to support seedlings.

We measured the abundance, survival, and age distribution of seedlings of Tsuga canadensis (eastern hemlock), Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch), and Acer saccharum (sugar maple) among forest floor substrates at field sites in Upper Michigan, USA. Seedlings were censused on decaying wood of the same three species and on soil to determine whether species of decaying wood and soil differ in their ability to support seedlings. We hypothesized that Tsuga and Betula seedling abundance and survival are higher on Tsuga wood than on Acer wood or soil.

Independent of seed fall, light and size of wood piece, Tsuga wood generally supported the highest densities of first‐year and established (> 1 year‐old) seedlings of Betula and Tsuga. Averaged over three sites, established seedlings per metre square on Tsuga wood, Betula wood, Acer wood and soil were 0.42, 0.21, 0.08 and 0.01, respectively, for Tsuga, 0.60, 0.15, 0.10 and 0.01, respectively, for Betula and 0.09, 0.03, 0.04 and 0.98, respectively for Acer. Long‐term seedling survival was also greatest on Tsuga wood which supported seedlings as old as 13 years, while on Acer wood seedlings > 3 years‐old were rare. Despite a strong general pattern in seedling densities, there were large site differences perhaps related to water availability.

Synthesis. We conclude that the strong association of Tsuga and Betula seedlings with Tsuga decaying wood and not with Acer wood or soil, combined with the distribution of Tsuga wood, helps explain (i) the close Tsuga–Betula association, (ii) the maintenance of distinct, temporally stable Tsuga‐ and Acer‐dominated patches; and (iii) the decline of Tsuga in selectively logged forests as mature trees are harvested and decaying Tsuga wood is scarce. Differences between Tsuga and Acer wood may reflect general differences in the suitability of conifer vs. angiosperm wood for seedling establishment.
Patterns of nucleotide variation and reproductive isolation between aMimulusallotetraploid and its progenitor species
Authors: SWEIGART A. L. , MARTIN N. H. , WILLIS J. H.
Published: February 2008

Here we report our characterization of a widespread, highly selfingMimulusallotetraploid formed by interspecific hybridization betweenM. nasutusandM. guttatus. Nucleotide variation at two nuclear loci (mCYCAandmAP3) within and among tetraploid populations resolves two haplotype clusters for each locus: one shares near identity with sequences fromM. nasutusand the other group shares substantial variation withM. guttatus. With respect to the two loci studied, each allotetraploid individual is a ‘fixed heterozygote’ carrying sequences from both clusters. Moreover,mCYCAvariation is consistent with at least two evolutionary origins for theMimulusallotetraploid. We show that the allotetraploid is strongly reproductively isolated fromM. nasutusandM. guttatus; interploidy crosses produce almost no viable seeds. By extension, we infer strong triploid block and argue thatMimulusallotetraploid formation might proceed in one step via the union of unreduced gametes in anM. nasutus–M. guttatusF1hybrid. We also discuss the potential roles of mating system and flowering asynchrony in allotetraploid establishment.
Identifying footprints of directional and balancing selection in marine and freshwater three‐spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) populations
Authors: MÄKINEN H. S. , CANO J. M. , MERILÄ J.
Published: February 2008

Natural selection is expected to leave an imprint on the neutral polymorphisms at the adjacent genomic regions of a selected gene. While directional selection tends to reduce within‐population genetic diversity and increase among‐population differentiation, the reverse is expected under balancing selection. To identify targets of natural selection in the three‐spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) genome, 103 microsatellite and two indel markers including expressed sequence tags (EST) and quantitative trait loci (QTL)‐associated loci, were genotyped in four freshwater and three marine populations. The results indicated that a high proportion of loci (14.7%) might be affected by balancing selection and a lower proportion (2.8%) by directional selection. The strongest signatures of directional selection were detected in a microsatellite locus and two indel markers located in the intronic regions of the Eda‐gene coding for the number of lateral plates. Yet, other microsatellite loci previously found to be informative in QTL‐mapping studies revealed no signatures of selection. Two novel microsatellite loci (Stn12andStn90) located in chromosomes I and VIII, respectively, showed signals of directional selection and might be linked to genomic regions containing gene(s) important for adaptive divergence. Although the coverage of the total genomic content was relatively low, the predominance of balancing selection signals is in agreement with the contention that balancing, rather than directional selection is the predominant mode of selection in the wild.
Identification of the novel allele HLA‐A*9237 in peripheral blood of a bone marrow donor
Authors: Kelsch R. , Binder T. M. C. , Sibrowski W.
Published: February 2008

The new HLA‐A*9237 differs from HLA‐A*020601 by one nonsynonymous nucleotide exchange at codon 127 (AAA to AAC).
PTPRC (CD45) variation and disease association studied using single nucleotide polymorphism tagging
Authors: Hennig B. J. , Fry A. E. , Hirai K. , Tahara H. , Tamori A. , Moller M. , Hopkin J. , Hill A. V. , Bodmer W. , Beverley P. , Tchilian E.
Published: February 2008

CD45 is a haemopoietic tyrosine phosphatase, crucial for lymphocyte signalling. Two polymorphisms (C77G and A138G), which alter CD45 isoform expression, are associated with autoimmune and infectious diseases. Using HapMap data, we show that there is substantial linkage disequilibrium across the CD45 gene (PTPRC), with similar patterns in different populations. Employing a set of single nucleotide polymorphisms, correlated with a substantial proportion of variation across this gene, we tested for association with type 1 diabetes, Graves’ disease in a Japanese population, hepatitis C in UK population and tuberculin response in a Chinese population. A limited number of common haplotypes was found. Most 138G alleles are present on only one haplotype, which is associated with Graves’ disease, supporting previous data that A138G is a functionally important CD45 polymorphism.
Genetic variation in Polish strains of Gremmeniella abietina
Authors: Kraj W. , Kowalski T.
Published: February 2008

Thirty‐nine strains of Gremmeniella abietina were isolated between 1980 and 2005 from diseased or symptomless Pinus sylvestris and Pinus nigra, or sporadically Pinus jeffreyi and Pinus armandii from four regions of Poland with varying climatic conditions. Thirty‐five of the strains were genetically similar to the G. abietina A type found in Scandinavia, whereas four were similar to the B type. On the basis of random amplified microsatellite markers, very high intrapopulation and interpopulation genetic variation was detected among the strains. The average value of the Jaccard genetic similarity coefficients among strains was 0.56 for A type and 0.47 for B type, and the monomorphic loci partition was small, at 14% of all analysed loci for the A type. The degree of genetic variation of the fungal strains within each of the four regions was similar, showing no significant differences. The Jaccard coefficient for the strains isolated from P. sylvestris and P. nigra differed significantly, at 0.57 and 0.54 respectively. The genetic distance among A type strains from the investigated regions, expressed using Nei’s coefficient, was not correlated with geographic distance; however, it was highly dependent on elevation (correlation coefficient r = 0.92).
Alternaria cichoriiin Brazil onCichoriumspp. Seeds and Cultivated and Weedy Hosts
Authors: Barreto R. W. , Santin A. M. , Vieira B. S.
Published: February 2008

Alternaria cichoriiwas recorded for the first time in Brazil causing leaf spots on endive (Cichorium endivia) in 2003 based on material collected at Catalão, state of Goiás, in 2001. In 2005,A. cichoriiwas found causing severe leaf‐spotting in an escarole (C. endivia) plantation in Viçosa, state of Minas Gerais and shortly afterwards also in Viçosa, but at a different location, in the weed hosts common sowthistle (Sonchus oleraceus) and spiny sowthistle (Sonchus asper). A description ofA. cichoriibased on specimens collected in Viçosa is provided herein. The natural occurrence ofA. cichoriion weed hosts in Viçosa indicates that it has already become naturalized in Brazil surviving on non‐cultivated composites, complicating disease management. Pathogenicity tests, complementary to those already published, were performed to better elucidate the range of potential alternative hosts in the Asteraceae of this fungus. This involved inoculation of one isolate ofA. cichoriiobtained from cichory and one obtained from common sowthistle on selected species and cultivars of 10 tribes in the Asteraceae, but concentrated in the Lactuceae. All species included in the test were shown to be susceptible to at least one of the isolates. A high incidence of leaf spot or blight resulted from inoculation of most individuals. All plants of six test species were killed after inoculation with one of the isolates ofA. cichorii.Several of the test species have not been previously recorded as hosts forA. cichorii.Surprisingly, the known host‐range for this fungus is restricted to only few members of the Asteraceae (Acroptilon repens, C. endivia,C. intybus, Carthamus tinctoriusandLactuca sativa). Our results indicate thatA. cichoriihas a wide host range within the Asteraceae and that other cultivated or non‐cultivated members of this family may serve as inoculum reservoirs for this fungus in the absence of cichory, endive or escarole. An attempt to verify if contaminated seeds might be the original source for such geographically distant occurrences ofA. cichoriiin Brazil was made. Analysis of 24 samples of cichory and endive seeds obtained from dealers in five different Brazilian states showed that 25% of these samples carriedA. cichoriiwith an incidence varying from 0.6% to 13.75%.Such a result highlights the vulnerable situation in Brazil for avoiding introduction of exotic seed‐carried vegetable pathogens. It is known that a very significant proportion of vegetable seeds marketed in Brazil are imported and seed inspection for pathogens is not performed regularly for such material imported for commerce. It is probable that contaminated cichory, endive and escarole seeds served as a vehicle for introduction of this fungus in Brazil and that the fungus has then become naturalized in many vegetable growing areas and is now surviving on other Asteraceae in the absence of cultivated hosts.
Perennial grassland dynamics on fertile plains: Is coexistence mediated by disturbance?
Authors: LEWIS TOM , CLARKE PETER J. , REID NICK , WHALLEY RALPH D. B.
Published: February 2008

Abstract  The response of grasslands to disturbance varies with the nature of the disturbance and the productivity of the landscape. In highly productive grasslands, competitive exclusion often results in decreased species richness and grazing may allow more species to coexist. Once widespread, grasslands dominated by Dichanthium sericeum (Queensland bluegrass) and Astrebla spp. (Mitchell grass) occur on fertile plains but have been reduced in extent by cultivation. We tested the effects of exclusion of livestock grazing on these grasslands by comparing the floristic composition of sites in a nature reserve with an adjacent stock reserve. In addition, sites that had been cultivated within the nature reserve were compared with those where grazing but no cultivation had occurred. To partition the effects of temporal variation from spatial variation we sampled sites in three different years (1998, 2002 and 2004). Some 194 taxa were recorded at the nature reserve and surrounding stock routes. Sampling time, the occurrence of past cultivation and livestock grazing all influenced species composition. Species richness varied greatly between sampling periods relating to highly variable rainfall and water availability on heavy clay soils. Native species richness was significantly lower at previously cultivated sites (13–22 years after cultivation), but was not significantly influenced by grazing exclusion. After 8 years it appears that reintroducing disturbance in the form of livestock grazing is not necessary to maintain plant species richness in the reserve. The highly variable climate (e.g. droughts) probably plays an important role in the coexistence of species by negating competitive exclusion and allowing interstitial species to persist.
Role of movement, interremnant dispersal and edge effects in determining sensitivity to habitat fragmentation in two forest‐dependent rodents
Authors: BENTLEY JOSS M.
Published: February 2008

Abstract  Habitat fragmentation and disturbance affect patterns of habitat use, animal movement and spatial behaviour and might have significant effects upon population dynamics and trends, and ultimately population persistence. Previous studies have suggested that the ability to disperse between remnants and a positive or neutral response to edges should be associated with species capable of persisting in remnant habitat. Using both radiotracking and trapping data, movement patterns, dispersal and response to habitat edges of Rattus fuscipes were examined within forests, corridors, remnants and pastures in south‐east Queensland, Australia. Rattus fuscipes has previously been shown to be robust to the effects of habitat fragmentation; however, contrary to expectations, R. fuscipes was found to be sensitive to edges, and no evidence of interremnant dispersal was detected, despite interremnant distances that were substantially smaller than the distances R. fuscipes was found to move in continuous habitat. Using only trapping data, the same factors were examined in relation to Melomys cervinipes, a species sensitive to fragmentation. Melomys cervinipes was found to utilize edge habitat, but no evidence of interremnant dispersal was detected, although the capacity to detect such movement was limited by low abundance in remnants where M. cervinipes was extant, and the species absence from many remnants. Movement patterns, interremnant dispersal capacity, and sensitivity to edges did not prove to be good predictors of these species responses to habitat fragmentation. Alternative explanations, such as population fluctuation and the capacity for rapid population growth in remnants for these two species, and the influence habitat quality has on these parameters should be investigated.
Painting the landscape of emotionality: Colouring in the emotional gaps between the theory and practice of mental health nursing
Authors: Warne Tony , McAndrew Sue
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT:  As mental health nurses acquire and utilize knowledge for practice, both emotion and learning become interrelated, interactive, and interdependent aspects of personal functioning and professional practice. Emotion and learning in combination are powerful sources of meaning and direction. This paper explores how, in addressing these important aspects of ‘becoming’ and ‘being’ a mental health nurse with students, the medium of painting was used to facilitate the exploration of their self in relation to others encountered in recent clinical practice. Broad principles of psychoanalytic theory are used in analysing the experiences depicted in the student paintings, and their explanatory accounts, in order to explore the emotionality of mental health nursing and the complexities of addressing this within current educational processes. What is revealed is that in the uncertainties of everyday clinical and educational practice, working and learning in the place between knowing and not knowing can give rise to unconscious defence mechanisms being used to achieve emotional homeostasis. This paper argues that while working and learning in this hinterland can sometimes be experienced as being threatening and anxiety provoking, it is also a place for personal and professional development and growth. The tutor's role in facilitating such opportunities for growth is seen as being crucial. However, this will require tutors to actively engage in critical reflection in and on their educational practice in order to better understand and use their authentic self in more effectively supporting the student.
Multidisciplinary community mental health team staff's experience of a ‘skills level’ training course in cognitive analytic therapy
Authors: Thompson Andrew R. , Donnison Jenny , Warnock‐Parkes Emma , Turpin Graham , Turner James , Kerr Ian B.
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT:  This study sought to explore community mental health teams' (CMHTs) experiences of receiving an innovative introductory level training in cognitive analytic therapy (CAT). CMHTs are important providers of care for people with mental health problems. Although CMHTs have many strengths, they have been widely criticized for failing to have a shared model underlying practice. Inter‐professional training which develops shared therapeutic models from which to plan care delivery is, therefore, essential. We have been developing such a training based on the psychotherapeutic principles of CAT. Twelve community mental health staff (six mental health social workers and six community psychiatric nurses) were interviewed by an independent interviewer following the completion of the training programme. The interviews were analysed using a qualitative thematic analysis. The analysis revealed that the programme increased the participants' self‐assessed therapeutic confidence and skill and fostered the development of a shared model within the team, although the training was also perceived as adding to workload. The results of this study suggest that whole‐team CAT training may facilitate cohesion and also suggest that having some shared common language is important in enabling and supporting work with ‘difficult’ and ‘complex’ clients, for example, those with personality disorders. Further development of such training accompanied by rigorous evaluation should be undertaken.
Experience‐dependent changes in spatiotemporal properties of cutaneous inputs remodel somatosensory cortical maps following skin flap rotation
Authors: Rosselet Céline , Zennou‐Azogui Yoh'i , Escoffier Guy , Kirmaci Fatma , Xerri Christian
Published: February 2008

Contiguous skin surfaces that tend to be synchronously stimulated are represented in neighbouring sectors of primary somatosensory maps. Moreover, neuronal receptive fields (RFs) are reshaped through ongoing competitive/cooperative interactions that segregate/desegregate inputs converging onto cortical neuronal targets. The present study was designed to evaluate the influence of spatio‐temporal constraints on somatotopic map organization. A vascularized and innervated pedicle flap of the ventrum skin bearing nipples was rotated by 180°. Electrophysiological maps of ventrum skin were elaborated in the same rats at 24 h after surgery and 2 weeks after parturition. Neurones with split RFs resulting from the surgical separation of formerly adjoining skin surfaces were more numerous in non‐nursing than nursing rats. RFs that included newly adjacent skin surfaces on both sides of the scar line emerged in nursing rats, suggesting that the spatial contiguity of formerly separated skin surfaces induced a fusion of their cortical representations through nursing‐induced stimulation. In addition, nursing‐dependent inputs were found to reincorporate the rotated skin flap representation in an updated topographical organization of the cortical map. A skin territory including recipient and translocated skin areas was costimulated for 7 h, using a brushing device. Neural responses evoked by a piezoelectric‐induced skin indentation before and after skin brushing confirmed the emergence of RFs crossing the scar line and contraction of non‐brushed components of split RFs. Our findings provide further evidence that the spatiotemporal structure of sensory inputs changing rapidly or evolving in a natural context is critical for experience‐dependent reorganization of cortical map topography.
Target‐cell‐specific bidirectional synaptic plasticity at hippocampal output synapses
Authors: Fidzinski Pawel , Shor Oded , Behr Joachim
Published: February 2008

It is commonly accepted that the hippocampus is critically involved in the explicit memory formation of mammals. The subiculum is the principal target of CA1 pyramidal cells and thus serves as the major relay station for the outgoing hippocampal information. Pyramidal cells in the subiculum can be classified according to their firing properties into burst‐spiking and regular‐spiking cells. In the present study we demonstrate that burst‐spiking and regular‐spiking cells show fundamentally different forms of low frequency‐induced synaptic plasticity in rats. In burst‐spiking cells, low‐frequency stimulation (at 0.5–5 Hz) induces frequency‐dependent long‐term depression (LTD) with a maximum at 1 Hz. This LTD is dependent on the activation of NMDAR and masks an mGluR‐dependent long‐term potentiation (LTP). In contrast, in regular‐spiking cells low‐frequency stimulation induces an mGluR‐dependent LTP that masks an NMDAR‐dependent LTD. Both processes depend on postsynaptic Ca2+‐signaling as BAPTA prevents the induction of synaptic plasticity in both cell types. Thus, mGluR‐dependent LTP and NMDAR‐dependent LTD occur simultaneously at CA1‐subiculum synapses and the predominant direction of synaptic plasticity relies on the cell type investigated. Our data indicate a novel mechanism for the sliding‐threshold model of synaptic plasticity, in which induction of LTP and LTD seems to be driven by the relative activation state of NMDAR and mGluR. Our observation that the direction of synaptic plasticity correlates with the discharge properties of the postsynaptic cell reveals a novel and intriguing mechanism of target specificity that may serve in tuning the significance of neuronal information by trafficking hippocampal output onto either subicular burst‐spiking or regular‐spiking cells.
Long‐term increase in GAD67 mRNA expression in the central amygdala of rats sensitized by drugs and stress
Authors: Carta Anna R. , Moreno Carmen Casal , Cadoni Cristina , Tronci Elisabetta , Di Chiara Gaetano
Published: February 2008

Repeated administration of addictive drugs and prolonged exposure to stressful stimuli induce sensitization to their behavioural stimulant properties. In this study, male Sprague–Dawley rats were repeatedly exposed to morphine [twice a day for 3 days at increasing doses, 10, 20, 40 mg/kg subcutaneously (s.c)], amphetamine (1 mg/kg s.c., once a day for 10 days), nicotine (0.4 mg/kg s.c., once a day for 5 days) and stress (food restriction for 7 days). After an interval of 3–30 days, depending on the pretreatment, rats were challenged with vehicle, with the same drug received as pretreatment (5 mg/kg of morphine, 0.5 mg/kg of amphetamine or 0.4 mg/kg of nicotine, respectively) or, in the case of food‐restricted rats, with 0.5 mg/kg of amphetamine. Thereafter, changes in the expression of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD)67 mRNA were estimated by in situ hybridization in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA), basolateral amygdala (BLA), dorsolateral striatum (dLStr), nucleus accumbens shell (AcS) and core (AcC). All sensitizing pretreatments increased GAD67 mRNA in the CeA. Drug challenge did not further affect GAD67 mRNA in the CeA of saline, drug and stress pre‐exposed rats. As to the other areas, no differences were observed in drug pre‐exposed compared with saline pre‐exposed and fed ad libitum rats, except for amphetamine. Amphetamine pre‐exposure decreased GAD67 mRNA levels in the dLStr and the AcC and AcS, and this effect was reversed by amphetamine challenge. The results show that different drugs and stress models of behavioural sensitization have in common an increase of GA67 in the CeA but not in the BLA, and suggest the changes of GAD67 in the CeA are a substrate of the sensitized response to drug challenge.
Use of a ventricular assist device as a bridge to transplantation in a patient with single ventricle physiology and total cavopulmonary anastomosis
Authors: RUSSO PIERANTONIO , WHEELER ADAM , RUSSO JOANNE , TOBIAS JOSEPH D.
Published: February 2008

Mechanical circulatory support can be used to manage acute and chronic cardiac failure in both adult and pediatric patients. Traditionally, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been the most common form of mechanical circulatory support in children. However, more recently, in cases of pure ventricular dysfunction, ventricular assist devices (VADs) have offered specific advantages over ECMO, including better ventricular recovery, reduced anticoagulation requirements, decreased use of blood products and decreased cost. We present the use of a VAD in an adolescent with single‐ventricle physiology, who could not be weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) after undergoing a revision of a modified Fontan operation. Gas exchange was provided by the patient’s lungs while the centrifugal VAD was used successfully to support the circulation as a bridge, first to a totally implantable pulsatile VAD and subsequently to heart transplantation.
Two unusual complications associated with cardiopulmonary bypass for pediatric cardiac surgery detected by transesophageal echocardiography after decannulation
Authors: NITTA KAZUHITO , KAWAHITO SHINJI , KITAHATA HIROSHI , NOZAKI JUNPEI , KATAYAMA TOSHIKO , OSHITA SHUZO
Published: February 2008

We describe two rare cases of complications associated with cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass during pediatric cardiac surgery detected by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). The first patient (a 20‐month‐old boy, 11 kg) was scheduled for complete repair of an atrial septal defect and partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection. After decannulation of the superior vena cava, a mosaic jet was observed by means of TEE. The second patient (an 11‐month‐old boy, 6.4 kg), with a double outlet right ventricle, was scheduled for a hemi‐Fontan procedure. After decannulation of the ascending aorta, high blood flow velocity of 4 m·s−1 was detected by TEE. Intraoperative TEE was useful for early detection of complications associated with cardiopulmonary bypass cannulation during pediatric cardiac surgery.
Prolonged apnea with intramuscular ketamine: a case report
Authors: JONNAVITHULA NIRMALA , KULKARNI DILIP K. , RAMACHANDRAN GOPINATH
Published: February 2008

We report a rare case of prolonged apnea following administration of ketamine. A healthy 11‐month‐old female child was administered intramuscular ketamine as a sole anesthetic agent for a short surgical procedure. Child developed respiratory depression and prolonged apnea requiring intubation and ventilation. She recovered completely after 90 min. This case report illustrates the potential hazard of ketamine, emphasizes the importance of being able to provide emergency airway management and monitored anesthesia care.
Laryngospasm: review of different prevention and treatment modalities
Authors: ALALAMI ACHIR A. , AYOUB CHAKIB M. , BARAKA ANIS S.
Published: February 2008

Laryngospasm is a common complication in pediatric anesthesia. In the majority of cases, laryngospasm is self‐limiting. However, sometimes laryngospasm persists and if not appropriately treated, it may result in serious complications that may be life‐threatening. The present review discusses laryngospasm with the emphasis on the different prevention and treatment modalities.
Oxygen in neonatal and infant anesthesia – current practice in the UK
Authors: SHORT JUDITH A. , VAN DER WALT JOHAN H.
Published: February 2008

Background: There is an increasing awareness of the role of oxygen free radicals in the pathogenesis of many conditions associated with prematurity, which has led to caution in the use of oxygen in neonatal resuscitation. We surveyed the practice of UK pediatric anesthetists with regard to oxygen use in neonatal and infant anesthesia.

Methods: A postal questionnaire survey of 460 UK‐based members of the Association of Pediatric Anesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland.

Results: Responses were received from 247 pediatric anesthetists (54%). Seventy‐five percent of anesthetists aim to avoid the use of 100% oxygen during routine infant anesthesia and 52% aim for an FiO2of < 0.4 in neonates. The factors most influencing choice of carrier gas are optimal oxygenation and the avoidance of pulmonary atelectasis. Sixteen percent stated that unavailability of medical air is a factor. Opinion was divided on concern about the effects of anesthetic agents on the developing brain. Moderate levels of concern were expressed about the potential toxic effects of oxygen on the eyes and lungs of premature newborns but this concern does not extend to term newborns. Only 20% of anesthetists had any recent knowledge of these issues.

Conclusions: This survey indicates that there is no consistency in attitudes and practices and demonstrates considerable variation in the use of oxygen during anesthesia in premature and newborn babies and infants. This may reflect the paucity of evidence in the anesthetic literature on the potential harmful effects of high concentrations of oxygen in vulnerable groups of infants.
Severe labetalol overdose in an 8‐month‐old infant
Authors: THORSTEINSSON ADALBJÖRN , JOHANNESDOTTIR ASTRIDUR , EIRÍKSSON HERBERT , HELGASON HRÓðMAR
Published: February 2008

We report a case of a large labetalol overdose in an eight‐month‐old infant that was being treated for hypertension following surgery for coarctation of the aorta. Labetalol, both alpha and beta adrenergic blocking agent was used for treating postoperative hypertension. By mistake, the patient was given an extremely high dose of labetalol intravenously (17.2 mg·kg−1). Remarkably, the medication error had a surprisingly limited clinical effect on the infant who survived the incident. We discuss the pharmacokinetic, pharmocodynamic and possible explanations for this fortunate turn of events.
Social psychology and social networks: Individuals and social systems
Authors: Robins Garry , Kashima Yoshi
Published: February 2008

Social psychology and social network research are both centrally concerned with human sociality. Despite some historically significant interactions between the two, these areas of investigation have not been usefully deployed together in recent research endeavours. The present paper attempts to bring out some points of both theoretical and methodological contentions, to characterize the gap between them, to traverse briefly the trajectories of their historical development, and to provide some concrete instances of these differences. Intellectual resources available to Asian social psychology are reviewed, which may help bridge the gap between the two areas of research. We conclude by calling for a greater integration of social psychology and social network perspectives in future research.
Uncharted territory: investigating individual business ethics in Cyprus
Authors: Krambia‐Kapardis Maria , Zopiatis Anastasios
Published: February 2008

The research purpose of the study is to investigate and identify correlates of ethical behaviour and attitudes of individuals currently working or pursuing a business‐related graduate degree in Cyprus. Analysis of the quantitative questionnaire revealed that the majority of the respondents had a concept of ‘ethical behaviour’, consider ethics important, and hold attitudes that are conducive to ethical behaviour in business. In addition, findings revealed significant differences in three correlates: age, gender and position. Finally, reflecting the findings, the authors suggest specific actions that aim to improve ethical decision making in the Cyprus business environment.
Practising Applied Ethics with philosophical integrity: the case of Business Ethics
Authors: Rossouw Deon
Published: February 2008

The unprecedented growth and demand for Applied Ethics (Business Ethics, Medical Ethics, Information Ethics, Engineering Ethics, etc.) since the last quarter of the previous century, has opened up a range of new opportunities for the discipline of Philosophy. While these new opportunities have been enthusiastically seized upon by some philosophers, others have frowned upon them or rejected them outright. In order to make sense of this demand for Applied Ethics training, I will first explore in general why this demand for Applied Ethics developed. I will then use the example of Business Ethics to demonstrate and discuss some of the suspicions contemplated by philosophers who regard Applied Ethics as a dangerous and deceitful temptation that potentially can corrupt Philosophy, and that philosophers should at best avoid or at least be very careful of. I will assess the legitimacy and seriousness of these concerns and objections with regard to Business Ethics and then outline an Aristotelian approach to Business Ethics that I believe can be practised with philosophical integrity.