bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solar cells utilizing small molecular weight organic semiconductors
Authors: Rand Barry P. , Genoe Jan , Heremans Paul , Poortmans Jef
Published: October 2007

In this review, we focus on the field of organic photovoltaic cells based on small molecular weight materials. In particular, we discuss the physical processes that lead to photocurrent generation in organic solar cells, as well as the various architectures employed to optimize device performance. These include the donor–acceptor heterojunction for efficient exciton dissociation, the exciton blocking layer, the mixed or bulk heterojunction, and the stacked or tandem cell. We show how the choice of materials with known energy levels and absorption spectra affect device performance, particularly the open‐circuit voltage and short‐circuit current density. We also discuss the typical materials and growth techniques used to fabricate devices, as well as the issue of device stability, all of which are critical for the commercialization of low‐cost and high‐performance organic solar cells. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of management actions, human behavior, and process reliability in chemical plants. II. Near‐miss management system selection
Authors: Meel Anjana , Seider Warren D. , Oktem Ulku
Published: October 2007

To understand the behavior patterns of managers, engineers, and operators, in Part II, a game‐theoretic decision model is developed for a specific plant to balance the advantages and disadvantages of having a Near‐miss Management System (NMMS) with different sophistication levels. Assuming that management and engineering preferences differ from those of the process operators, the tradeoffs between them are balanced. As anticipated, it is shown that the choices of the management and engineering team, and the operators, for the selection of a NMMS, are sensitive to the contributing factors. This article introduces a theoretical approach, illustrated using hypothetical data, which should be effective in industrial operations. Attempts to obtain data for validation of the framework were unsuccessful because of confidentiality and liability issues associated with industrial data. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2008
Novel post‐process for the passivation of a CMOS biosensor
Authors: Schindler M. , Kim S. K. , Hwang C. S. , Schindler C. , Offenhäusser A. , Ingebrandt S.
Published: October 2007

Sensors, which are designed and fabricated in complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology, have become increasingly important in the field of bioelectronics. The standardized industry processes enable a fast, cheap, and reliable fabrication of biosensor devices with integrated addressing and processing units. However, the interfacing of such chips with a liquid environment has been a challenge in recent years. Especially for interfacing living cells with CMOS biosensors different elaborate post‐processes have been proposed. In this article we describe a novel and single step passivation of a CMOS biosensor using a bio‐compatible high‐permittivity thin film, which can be directly applied to the top aluminium layer of a CMOS process. The aluminium oxide and hafnium oxide multi‐layer thin films were prepared using atomic layer deposition at low process temperatures. Electrical I –V and capacitance measurements as well as electrochemical leakage current measurements were performed on films grown on aluminium bottom electrodes. The films showed a very low leakage current and were stable up to 6 V at a thickness of just 50 nm. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Scan registration for autonomous mining vehicles using 3D‐NDT
Authors: Magnusson Martin , Lilienthal Achim , Duckett Tom
Published: October 2007

Scan registration is an essential subtask when building maps based on range finder data from mobile robots. The problem is to deduce how the robot has moved between consecutive scans, based on the shape of overlapping portions of the scans. This paper presents a new algorithm for registration of 3D data. The algorithm is a generalization and improvement of the normal distributions transform (NDT) for 2D data developed by Biber and Strasser, which allows for accurate registration using a memory‐efficient representation of the scan surface. A detailed quantitative and qualitative comparison of the new algorithm with the 3D version of the popular ICP (iterative closest point) algorithm is presented. Results with actual mine data, some of which were collected with a new prototype 3D laser scanner, show that the presented algorithm is faster and slightly more reliable than the standard ICP algorithm for 3D registration, while using a more memory‐efficient scan surface representation. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Autonomous system for navigation and surveying in underground mines
Authors: Bakambu Joseph Nsasi , Polotski Vladimir
Published: October 2007

This paper describes an autonomous platform for navigation and surveying within networks of tunnels, as those typically found in underground mines and caves. In this context, we propose a system allowing two modes of operation: surveying and autonomous navigation mode. In the surveying mode, a remotely located supervisor instructs the platform to move through successive sections of the network, gathering range data that is then concatenated into two‐ and three‐dimensional survey maps of the environment. In navigation mode, the supervisor specifies high‐level missions using the previously acquired survey maps. A motion planner then translates each mission into a set of consecutive navigation actions separated by natural landmarks. Mission execution consists of autonomously detecting landmarks, self‐localizing, and performing the planned navigation actions. Advanced and innovative features, mostly related to surveying capabilities, navigation mode switcher, and the integrated aspect of our system, distinguish it from navigation systems used in productive mining vehicles described in the literature. The proposed system starts sharing some functionality with robotics systems devoted to exploration of abandoned mines. The full functionality of the navigation/surveying system has been proven through a series of on‐site experiments in underground mines. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improving Web site understanding with keyword‐based clustering
Authors: Ricca Filippo , Pianta Emanuele , Tonella Paolo , Girardi Christian
Published: October 2007

Web applications are becoming more and more complex and difficult to maintain. To satisfy the customer's demands, they need to be updated often and quickly. In the maintenance phase, Web site understanding is a central activity. In this phase, programmers spend a lot of time and effort in the comprehension of the internal Web site structure. Such activity is often required because the available documentation is not aligned with the implementation, if not missing at all. Reverse engineering techniques have the potential to support Web site understanding, by providing views that show the organization of a site and its navigational structure. However, representing each Web page as a node in a diagram recovered from the source code of the Web site often leads to huge and unreadable graphs. Moreover, since the level of connectivity is typically high, the edges in such graphs make the overall result even less usable. In this paper, we propose an approach to Web site understanding based on clustering of client‐side HTML pages with similar content. This approach works well with content‐oriented sites rather than application‐oriented ones and uses a crawler to download the Web pages of the target Web site. The presence of common keywords is exploited to decide when it is appropriate to group pages together. An experimental work, including 17 Web sites, validates our approach and shows that the clusters produced automatically are close to those that a human would produce for a given Web site. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Methamphetamine‐induced sensitization includes a functional upregulation of ventral pallidal 5‐HT2A/2Creceptors
Authors: Napier T. Celeste , Istre Erik D.
Published: October 2007

Methamphetamine (METH) causes the release of serotonin (5‐HT), but little is known about how repeated exposure to METH modifies serotonergic receptor function, especially in the ventral pallidum (VP), a brain region highly innervated by serotonin inputs. The current study was designed to ascertain if ventral pallidal neurons are functionally upregulated 3 days after a behaviorally sensitizing treatment regimen of METH, and whether these effects could be revealed by activating the 5‐HT2A/2Creceptors. Rats treated with METH (2.5 kg/mg/day) for 5 days, responded with enhanced stereotypic behaviors. Electrophysiological evaluations of the VP conducted in anesthetized rats 3 days following this sensitizing treatment regimen of METH revealed that spiking rate increases induced by intravenous METH were augmented above that seen in rats with a history of saline treatments. The efficacy of the 5‐HT2A/2Cagonist, 1‐(2,5‐dimethoxy‐4‐iodophenyl)‐2‐aminopropane (DOI) to augment ventral pallidal cell firing also was enhanced in METH‐sensitized rats. These data reveal that METH‐induced behavioral sensitization renders the VP more responsive to METH and is associated with a functional upregulation of 5‐HT2receptors. Synapse 62:14–21, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Is adolescence a sensitive period for depression? Behavioral and neuroanatomical findings from a social stress model
Authors: Leussis Melanie P. , Andersen Susan L.
Published: October 2007

Objectives: Sex differences in depressive symptoms emerge during adolescence, with females more at risk than males. However, adverse life events during development have greater impact on males. An animal model that incorporates behavioral and anatomical changes following adolescent stress is needed. Experimental Design: Sprague‐Dawley rats were exposed to social stress (SS; isolation housing during P30–35) or remained group‐housed (GRP) and tested in the forced swim test (FST), the triadic learned helplessness model (LH), and the elevated plus maze. Western immunoblots of myelin basic protein (MBP) and synaptophysin (SVP) and spinophillin indexed synaptic and dendritic plasticity, respectively. Principal Observations: At P36, SS increased climbing behavior in both sexes, and decreased the latency to immobility in females following a 15 min inescapable swim in the FST. Depressive‐like behaviors were differentially elevated in both sexes 24 h later. GRP females exhibited higher levels of depression‐related behaviors than GRP males in both FST and LH paradigms. SS significantly increased depressive behaviors in the FST in males, and impaired their ability to escape shock previously conditioned to be controllable. SS decreased open arm time in females only. The greatest reductions in synaptic plasticity proteins were observed in the prefrontal cortex: spinophillin (19.1%), SVP (7.9%), and MBP (48.7%, males only). Smaller reductions in spinophillin were observed in the hippocampus and amygdala. Conclusions: Adolescent separation produces both behavioral and neural changes associated with stress‐related depression and anxiety. Additional work is needed to improve our understanding of stress as it relates to depression during this vulnerable period of development. Synapse 62:22–30, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sustainability: a new high‐rise vernacular?
Authors: Wood Antony
Published: October 2007

This paper outlines the viability of the tall building as a sustainable element in our future urban centres and examines several tall building case studies that have embraced environmental approaches to a lesser or greater degree. In doing this, it suggests a number of design approaches which, collectively and broadly, could be interpreted as a new vernacular for the skyscraper based on sustainability. This vernacular is particularly relevant to developing cities, whose import of Western models is contributing to a degradation of local culture and an homogenization of urban centres globally. The paper concludes with a fledgling set of design principles to encourage this new sustainable vernacular in high rise design. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
About the active and reactive power measurements in unsymmetrical voltage dip ride‐through testing
Authors: Niiranen Jouko
Published: October 2007

The electrical utilities have specified in their recent requirements that wind turbines have to be capable to ride through severe symmetrical and unsymmetrical voltage dips without disconnection. Moreover, the generators are required to produce active and reactive power in order to improve the stability of the grid. For symmetric three‐phase dips, the measurement of reactive and active power, and current is quite straightforward, and several methods can be used. On the contrary, with unsymmetrical dips, very different results are obtained using alternative methods. A recommendation to use active and reactive power calculation method based on the positive sequence of the fundamental component is given. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Safety of Repair for Severe Duodenal Injuries
Authors: Velmahos George C. , Constantinou Constantinos , Kasotakis George
Published: October 2007

Background

There is ongoing debate about the management of severe duodenal injuries (SDIs), and earlier studies have recommended pyloric exclusion. The objective of this study was to compare primary repair with pyloric exclusion to examine if primary repair can be safely used in SDIs.

Methods

The medical records of 193 consecutive patients who were admitted between August 1992 and January 2004 with duodenal injuries were reviewed. After excluding early deaths (n = 50), low‐grade duodenal injuries (n = 81), and pancreatoduodenectomies for catastrophic trauma (n = 12), a total of 50 patients with SDIs (grade III, IV, or V) were analyzed. Primary repair (PR—simple duodenorrhaphy or resection and primary anastomosis) was performed in 34 (68%) and pyloric exclusion (PE) in 16 (32%). Characteristics and outcomes of these two groups were compared.

Results

PE and PR patients were similar for age, injury severity score, abdominal abbreviated injury score, physiologic status on admission, time to operation, and most abdominal organs injured. PE patients had more pancreatic injuries (63% vs. 24%, p < 0.01), a higher frequency of injuries to the first and second part of the duodenum (79% vs. 42%, p = 0.02), and a nonsignificant trend toward more grade IV and V injuries (37% vs. 18%, p = 0.11). There was no difference in morbidity (including complications specific to the duodenal repair), mortality, and intensive care unit and hospital length of stay between the two groups.

Conclusions

Pyloric exclusion is not necessary for all patients with SDIs, as previously suggested. Selected SDI patients can be safely managed by simple primary repair.
Persistent Disease in Patients with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma and Lymph Node Metastases After Surgery and Iodine‐131 Ablation
Authors: Verburg Frederik A. , de Keizer Bart , Lam Marnix G. E. H. , de Klerk J. M. H. , Lips Cornelis J. M. , Borel‐rinkes Inne H. M. , van Isselt Johannes W.
Published: October 2007

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of treatment of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and lymph node metastases at the time of diagnosis and its influence on the course of the disease.

Methods

It is a retrospective review of all 51 patients with PTC and histologically proven lymph node metastases treated with I‐131 ablation in our center between January 1990 and January 2003. Patients were considered disease‐free if during follow‐up thyroglobulin levels were undetectable and scintigraphy with 370 MBq 131I was negative during thyroid‐stimulating hormone stimulation. Staging of patients was in accordance with the 5th edition of the TNM system.

Results

After a median follow‐up of 84 months, 33 (65%) patients were never free of detectable disease; and 3 of these patients had died of the PTC. In total, 22 patients still showed persistent activity in the neck outside the thyroid bed, which was suspect to be cervical lymph node metastasis on postablation scintigraphy; it was not related to the initial clinical presentation (lymph node metastasis or a thyroid nodule without suspicion of metastatic disease) or to the extent of surgery. Altogether, 34 patients required additional treatment. Patients presenting with clinically overt lymph node metastasis showed a significantly (p = 0.022) lower rate of becoming disease‐free than those in whom microscopic lymph node involvement was unexpectedly found upon pathologic examination. There was no significant association of the eventual outcome with the extent of surgical treatment, TNM staging, or age.

Conclusions

Patients with lymph node metastasis are considerably less likely to become disease‐free. If the initial treatment does not result in a disease‐free status, chances are low that additional treatment will succeed in achieving it.
Long‐Term Outcome of 254 Complex Incisional Hernia Repairs Using the Modified Rives‐Stoppa Technique
Authors: Iqbal Corey W. , Pham Tuan H. , Joseph Anthony , Mai Jane , Thompson Geoffrey B. , Sarr Michael G.
Published: October 2007

Background

Repair of complex incisional hernias poses a major challenge.

Aim

The aim of this study was to review the outcomes of the modified Rives‐Stoppa repair of complex incisional hernias using a synthetic prosthesis.

Methods

We reviewed patients undergoing a modified Rives‐Stoppa repair of complex incisional hernias from 1990 to 2003. Patients were followed through clinic visits and mailed questionnaires. Follow‐up data were complete in all patients (mean 70 months, range 24–177 months), and 87% of patients completed a mailed questionnaire. Primary outcome included mortality, morbidity, and hernia recurrence. Secondary outcome measures were duration of hospital stay, long‐term abdominal wall pain, and self‐reported patient satisfaction.

Results

Altogether, 254 patients underwent a modified Rives‐Stoppa repair. Among them, 60% had a significant co‐morbidity, and 30% had one or more previously failed hernia repairs. Mortality was zero, and overall morbidity was 13% (wound infection 4%, prosthetic infection 3%, seroma/hematoma 4%). The overall hernia recurrence rate was 5%, including explantation of mesh because of infection. Wound/prosthetic infection was predictive for hernia recurrence (31% vs. 4%, p = 0.003). Among the respondents, 89% reported overall satisfaction with their repair.

Conclusion

The Rives‐Stoppa repair of complex incisional hernias using synthetic prosthetic materials is safe with a low recurrence rate (5%) and high patient satisfaction. Postoperative wound infection is a risk factor for hernia recurrence.
Surgery for Digestive Malignancies in Patients with Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Aoyanagi Nobuyoshi , Iizuka Ichiro , Watanabe Minoru
Published: October 2007

Background

The psychiatric population has been reported to be accompanied with a higher morbidity and mortality in several situations. However, little is known about the effect of co‐morbid psychiatric disorders on surgical risk during major digestive surgery for malignancies. Our purpose in the present study, therefore, was to evaluate the impact of co‐morbid psychiatric disorders on the outcome of surgery for digestive malignancies.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 568 consecutive patients who underwent hepatectomies, gastrectomies, or colorectal resections between June 1998 and May 2006. Of these, 86 patients had psychiatric disorders (disorder group: DG) and the remaining 482 patients did not (non‐disorder group: NG). Postoperative parameters including morbidity, mortality, length of postoperative hospital stay in the surgical ward, and the incidence of psychiatric disorder‐associated problems were assessed.

Results

Overall, there was 1 patient who died within 30 days in hospital in the DG and 2 patient deaths in the NG. Thirty complications developed in 24 patients of the DG, whereas 138 complications developed in 129 patients of the NG. There was no significant difference in the morbidity or mortality rate between the two groups. The length of the postoperative hospital stay was also similar between the two groups, and the incidence of psychiatric disorder‐associated postoperative problems was about ten times higher in the DG than in the NG.

Conclusions

Patients with psychiatric disorders are not accompanied with excess surgical risk during major surgery for digestive malignancies as compared to patients without psychiatric disorders.
Endovascular Therapy for Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia
Authors: Piffaretti Gabriele , Tozzi Matteo , Lomazzi Chiara , Rivolta Nicola , Riva Francesca , Caronno Roberto , Laganà Domenico , Carrafiello Gianpaolo , Castelli Patrizio
Published: October 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to report on the effectiveness and durability of endovascular therapy for obstructive disease of the superior mesenteric artery and celiac trunk.

Patients and methods

Our retrospective study population included nine patients (five women, four men; mean age 64 years, range 34–83 years) with 15 lesions. The indication for endovascular therapy was chronic mesenteric ischemia. The technical and clinical success rates and the incidence of complications were determined. Follow‐up parameters included maintained patency and sustained clinical benefit.

Results

Ten vessels were treated. The primary technical and clinical success rates were both 100% with no perioperative mortality. Major complications occurred in two patients (pseudoaneurysms). During a mean follow‐up of 31 ± 18 months (range 3–60 months), thrombosis occurred in two patients at 1 and 3 months after the procedures, respectively. Thrombosis was successfully treated by catheter‐directed intraarterial thrombolysis followed by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) (n = 1) or stenting (n = 1). At 2 and 5 years, the primary patency rate was 78%, whereas survival was estimated to be 85% and 68% at 2 and 5 years, respectively. At this follow‐up, all patients had obtained relief of symptoms.

Conclusions

Our experience suggests that endovascular treatment for chronic mesenteric arterial obstructive disease is feasible, with a low incidence of complications and acceptable midterm results.
Biological invasion as a natural experiment of the evolutionary processes: introduction of the special feature
Authors: Yoshida Takehito , Goka Koichi , Ishihama Fumiko , Ishihara Michihiro , Kudo Shin‐ichi
Published: October 2007

Although biological invasion has a devastating impact on biodiversity, it also provides a valuable opportunity for natural experiments on evolutionary responses. Alien populations are often subject to strong natural selection when they are exposed to new abiotic and biotic conditions. Native populations can also undergo strong selection when interacting with introduced enemies and competitors. This special feature aims to highlight how evolutionary studies take advantage of biological invasion and, at the same time, emphasizes how studying evolutionary processes deepens our understanding of biological invasions. We hope this special feature stimulates more invasion studies taking evolutionary processes into account. Those studies should provide fundamental information essential for formulating effective measures in conserving native biodiversity, as well as valuable empirical tests for evolutionary theories.
Adding pyrrolysine to the Escherichia coli genetic code
Authors: Namy Olivier , Zhou Yu , Gundllapalli Sarath , Polycarpo Carla R. , Denise Alain , Rousset Jean-Pierre , Söll Dieter , Ambrogelly Alexandre
Published: October 2007

Pyrrolysyl‐tRNA synthetase and its cognate suppressor tRNAPyl mediate pyrrolysine (Pyl) insertion at in frame UAG codons. The presence of an RNA hairpin structure named Pyl insertion structure (PYLIS) downstream of the suppression site has been shown to stimulate the insertion of Pyl in archaea. We study here the impact of the presence of PYLIS on the level of Pyl and the Pyl analog N‐ε‐cyclopentyloxycarbonyl‐l‐lysine (Cyc) incorporation using a quantitative lacZ–luc tandem reporter system in an Escherichia coli context. We show that PYLIS has no effect on the level of neither Pyl nor Cyc incorporation. Exogenously supplying our reporter system with d‐ornithine significantly increases suppression efficiency, indicating that d‐ornithine is a direct precursor to Pyl.
Evidence that the C‐terminal PB2‐binding region of the influenza A virus PB1 protein is a discrete α‐helical domain
Authors: Poole Emma L. , Medcalf Liz , Elton Debra , Digard Paul
Published: October 2007

The influenza A virus RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase is a heterotrimer composed of PB1, PB2 and PA subunits and essential for viral replication. However, little detailed structural information is available for this important enzyme. We show by circular dichroism spectroscopy that polypeptides from the C‐terminus of PB1 that are capable of binding efficiently to PB2 fold into stable α‐helical structures. Structure prediction analysis of this region of PB1 indicates that it likely consists of a three‐helical bundle. Deletion of any of the helices abrogated transcriptional function. Thus, PB1 contains a C‐terminal α‐helical PB2‐binding domain that is essential for nucleotide polymerization activity.
RETRACTED: The relationship between brokers’ influence, strength of ties and NPD project outcomes in innovation‐driven horizontal networks
Authors: Oke Adegoke , Idiagbon‐Oke Moronke , Walumbwa Fred
Published: October 2007

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy).

This article has been retracted at the request of the co‐Editor‐in‐Chief. The retraction has been agreed due to data reporting irregularities, following an investigation conducted by the Journal.

We apologize that this was not detected during the submission and review process.
Spectacular Expectations: Women, Law and Film
Authors: MACPHERSON HEIDI SLETTEDAHL
Published: October 2007

This article explores the contradiction between the ingrained belief that justice should be “blind” and the filmic tradition of positioning woman as spectacle. Recognizing that a law film does not offer a direct translation of material reality, it explores how these representations of the law work with and against popular understandings of femininity – and feminism. The article offers a reading of selected screen adaptations of real legal entanglements to show how a focus on appearance marks a woman's trial (and subsequent filming of it), before focusing on the case of Barbara Graham, immortalized in the award-winning film I Want to Live!
The Law of the Father, the Law of the Land: Power, Gender and Race in The Shield
Authors: CHOPRA-GANT MIKE
Published: October 2007

This article examines the construction of gender and race in the television series The Shield (FX 2002–). The article argues that while The Shield seems to offer an ostensibly progressive vision of a multi-cultural society in which race and gender represent no barrier to the possession of legitimate authority, the series premises the possibility of such access to power on the continuing possession of “real” power by a paternalistic white, male figure, thus presenting a regressive conservative vision of gender and race relations in contemporary US society.
DECREASE IN SEX DIFFERENCE IN PREMATURE MORTALITY DURING SYSTEM TRANSFORMATION IN POLAND
Authors: KOŁODZIEJ HALINA , ŁOPUSZAŃSKA MONIKA , JANKOWSKA EWA A.
Published: October 2007

In recent years, sex differences in mortality have followed diverse patterns of change in developed countries. As there is no analogous evidence from Poland, the aim of this study was to describe the pattern of change in excess male mortality among Polish inhabitants aged 35–64 during 1995–2002, when the major socioeconomic transformation occurred, and compare it with sex differences in mortality observed in the late 1980s. During the study period, excess male mortality decreased significantly, independently of age and educational level. The reduction in mortality was observed in both sexes, but its magnitude was greater in men. These changes resulted mainly from a reduction in mortality rates due to cardiovascular disease and lung cancer in males and a concomitant increase in mortality rates due to lung cancer and suicides in females. Although, in general, excess male mortality decreased, social gradients related to this phenomenon increased. Subjects (in particularly men) who had graduated from university benefited the most, their magnitude of reduction in mortality rates being the greatest. Changes in social environment during the transformation period in Poland are suggested as major determinants of these changes, but further studies are needed.
TESTING HIERARCHICAL LEVELS OF POPULATION SUB-STRUCTURING: THE AZORES ISLANDS (PORTUGAL) AS A CASE STUDY
Authors: SANTOS CRISTINA , ABADE AUGUSTO , LIMA MANUELA
Published: October 2007

The Azores archipelago (Portugal) is formed by nine islands whose relative positions define them as three geographical groups: Eastern (S. Miguel and Sta. Maria), Central (Terceira, Faial, Pico, Graciosa and S. Jorge) and Western (Flores and Corvo). Using the father’s surname of 187,398 individuals living on the nine Azorean Islands, a population analysis based on inter-island relationship and hierarchical organization was conducted. The relation between islands was investigated using summary statistics, analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) as well as graphical methods. When the values of heteronymy were contrasted with values of gene diversity based on haplogroup frequencies of the Y chromosome, it was possible to verify that Graciosa and Sta. Maria appeared to have the least diverse populations, and that Flores, despite its smaller population size and geographical isolation, has considerably higher levels of diversity. As for inter-island relationships, the difficulty of directly interpreting summary statistics values was evidenced. The AMOVA revealed that only 0·77% of the variation in surnames can be attributed to among-island variation, a value that, although small, can be considered significant. Application of Malécot’s model revealed that geographic distance has an important impact in the genetic structure of the archipelago. Monmonier’s maximum-difference algorithm demonstrated that the most isolated island of the archipelago appears to be Graciosa, followed by the islands of the Western group and by Sta. Maria. After integrating values of summary statistics with results from AMOVA and graphical methods, a more accurate genetic profile of the Azores, highly supported by genetic data, has emerged.
Patterns of small fish distributions in seagrass beds in a temperate Australian estuary
Authors: Jelbart Jane E. , Ross Pauline M. , Connolly Rod M.
Published: October 2007

Beds of the seagrass Zostera capricorni are an integral part of the estuarine landscape along the east coast of Australia, forming an important habitat for juvenile fish. Seagrass beds can vary in their size, shape and patchiness of seagrass cover as well as their distance from the estuary mouth. We tested for a correlation between these features and small fish assemblages in seagrass. Fifteen beds were selected from three size-categories (small, 980 to 2300 m2; medium, 3375 to 4090 m2; and large, 5335 to 6630 m2). We found that the size of beds, the patchiness of seagrass cover and location within the estuary (distance from estuary mouth) were all related to differences in fish assemblages. There were greater densities of fish species in small (10.3 ±0.79 species .net-1) compared to medium (7.6 ±0.6) and large (8.2 ±0.5) beds. This occurred regardless of bed placement within the estuary, its patchiness or time of sampling (day and night). The fish assemblages within seagrass beds also changed as bed distance to estuary mouth increased. Six species had greater densities in beds closer to the estuary mouth, while only two species were in greater densities far from the mouth. Fish assemblages were different between beds with patchy and continuous cover, although total densities of all fish species combined were similar. There were greater densities of four species in continuous beds compared to two species that were greater in patchy beds. Overall, an important finding was that even small patchy seagrass beds contain greater densities of small fish species than larger beds with continuous seagrass cover.
Lampropidae (Crustacea: Cumacea) from the deep north-east Atlantic and the North Sea, with two new species of Hemilamprops and Mesolamprops
Authors: Shalla Salma H. , Bishop John D.D.
Published: October 2007

Material collected during surveys of the Atlantic Frontier Margin (north-east Atlantic) in 1996, 1998, 2000 and 2002 includes ten species of the cumacean family Lampropidae belonging to three genera. A new species of the genus Hemilamprops, H. pterini, is described. Hemilamprops cristatus is partially re-illustrated from specimens sent to A.M. Norman by G.O. Sars. A key to the North Atlantic species of Hemilamprops is provided. A new species of the genus Mesolamprops, M. hartleyi, is described from the Atlantic Frontier Margin and the North Sea. The first record of Mesolamprops denticulatus from the Atlantic is reported. A key to the species of Mesolamprops is provided. Two species of the genus Platysympus were also found. A list of other lampropid species found in the Atlantic Frontier Margin is given.
Benthic hydroids (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa) from Svalbard waters—biodiversity and distribution
Authors: Ronowicz Marta
Published: October 2007

The aim of the present study was to update the existing knowledge of benthic hydroids from Svalbard waters. The material for the study was collected at several locations in the Svalbard region. The list of hydropolyps from the investigated area includes about 100 species. A total of 42 taxa was noted in the present study, 18 of which were reported for the first time in this area. One species is likely new to science. The analyses address the zoogeographical status of the species and the diversity of microhabitats. Arctic-boreal species were the main component of the hydroid assemblage, and eight types of substrata were colonized by the hydroids. Their highest biodiversity occurred on algae and bryozoans. Biological studies and faunal records used to monitor the Arctic region are of increasing importance in light of climate change and its influence on benthic community structure.
Food capture kinematics in the deep-water chain catshark Scyliorhinus retifer
Authors: Ajemian Matthew J. , Sanford Christopher P.
Published: October 2007

The chain catshark (Scyliorhinus retifer) is a member of one of the most well studied groups of elasmobranchs (Order: Carcharhiniformes), yet its feeding strategy is unknown due to the inaccessible deep water environment in which it lives (greater than 200 m). To investigate the feeding biology of captive S. retifer, high-speed videography was used to document the kinematic events during capture of two differently sized fish pieces, ‘large’ (scaled to the mouth width), and ‘small’ (scaled to one-half the mouth width). Despite a significant delay in the timing of select kinematic variables for large food captures, a multivariate analysis of the feeding behaviour indicated that overall, food capture kinematics and strike behaviour in S. retifer were not statistically different between large and small items (MANOVA, Wilks' Lambda P =0.598, df=4,24). Food capture in S. retifer was suction-dominant, with items being drawn into the mouth about twice the distance that the predator moved. While suction-dominant food capture appears to be an advantage to benthic predators, it contrasts sharply with the phylogenetic position of S. retifer among several ram-feeding carcharinoid sharks including Cephaloscyllium ventriosum, a member of the same family (Scyliorhinidae). Thus, feeding mode in carcharinoid sharks seems to reflect their ecology and does not appear to have been phylogenetically constrained.
Cheap and accessible method to aid individual photo-identification of grey seals, Halichoerus grypus
Authors: Beaumont Ellen S. , Goold John C.
Published: October 2007

A method was developed to assist in the photo-identification of individual grey seals (Halichoerus grypus). Fixed reference points of the eye and ear were used to define a rectangular area of pelage on the seal's head, termed the identifier patch (IP). Extracted IPs were converted to binary masks, and the percentage of black pixelation within each mask was evaluated. Multiple images of the same head profile gave masks with similar patterns and percentage of black pixelation (mean standard deviation 3.3% (±1.6%)). The low level of ‘within seal’ variability enabled ‘between seal’ images to be separated on the basis of percentage of black pixelation. Subsequent matching was achieved by eye using the mask pattern to complete the identification process. Successful matching of seal images, collected two years and nine months apart, at a North Wales field site was accomplished using this method. Pattern-matching trials using 88 untrained volunteers showed the extracted black and white mask to be a superior visual cue for separating individual seals compared to straightforward inspection of photographs. All volunteers identified a greater number of correct matches using the mask-matching method. This method shows promise in providing a cheap and accessible system to order and search image databases.
The sea pens Virgularia mirabilis, Pennatula phosphorea and Funiculina quadrangularis: distribution and conservation issues in Scottish waters
Authors: Greathead Clare F. , Donnan David W. , Mair James M. , Saunders Graham R.
Published: October 2007

The distributions of the pennatulid anthozoans (sea pens) Virgularia mirabilis, Pennatula phosphorea and Funiculina quadrangularis in Scottish waters have previously only been extensively documented in sea lochs, by the Marine Nature Conservation Review (MNCR) surveys. Funiculina quadrangularis in particular was thought to be restricted to the deep basins of sea lochs and is classified as a nationally uncommon species. Sea pens are characterizing species in seven biotopes found in Scottish waters and are protected under the ‘Mud in Deep Water Habitat Action Plan’ of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP) and are also recorded in several Special Areas of Conservation. The present study has extended the existing information available on sea pens in Scottish waters. The distribution and abundance of the three sea pen species were mapped using GIS (Geographical Information System) by utilizing data from Nephrops norvegicus stock assessment video surveys carried out by Fisheries Research Services (FRS) Marine Laboratory. Distribution was shown to be aggregated for all species. Funiculina quadrangularis was present in areas outside the sea lochs, such as the South Minch and the outer mouths of most sea lochs. This study demonstrates that analysis of video footage derived from Nephrops stock assessment surveys can significantly extend our knowledge of sea pen distribution and population density. Future management of Nephrops stocks can be expected to consider impacts of fishing on non-commercial species such as sea pens as a part of the ‘ecosystem approach’ to management.
Dolphin sympatric ecology in a tropical fjord: habitat partitioning by bathymetry and topography as a strategy to coexist
Authors: Oviedo Lenin
Published: October 2007

Sympatric species need to avoid pervasive competition to counter its suppressor effects. Dietary divergence and habitat partitioning are strategies for coexistence. Golfo Dulce is a tropical fjord located in the southern Pacific waters of Costa Rica. This embayment is characterized by the mixture of neritic and oceanic-like features. Sympatric populations of spotted and bottlenose dolphins share this particular marine ecosystem. To analyse the means of coexistence among both dolphin populations, an approach using the marginality and specialization indices of ecological niche factor analysis was used to establish separation between realized niches of both species. Habitat partitioning is sustained by difference in habitat use; bathymetry and topography separated both species' ecological niches. Dietary divergence could not be concluded because of lack of accurate dietary information. Nevertheless, it is likely to be separated by consumption of demersal prey by Tursiops truncatus, and pelagic prey by Stenella attenuata, accordingly with the differences in habitat use. Golfo Dulce could be perceived as an area of conservation importance: a geographical unit considered to contain special conservation values for both dolphin species.
Experimental trap fishery for the crabs Platyxanthus patagonicus and Ovalipes trimaculatus in the San Matías Gulf, Patagonia, Argentina
Authors: Narvarte Maite , González Raúl , Osovnikar Paul , Camarero Miguel , Curtolo Luis , Reinaldo Matías Ocampo
Published: October 2007

Crab species had not been exploited until recently in the San Matías Gulf. An experimental trap fishery plan was developed to provide information on the feasibility of their potential extraction. Sampling was carried out using an artisanal shellfish boat in the San Matías Gulf. Nine baited traps, three of each type (cubical, tubular-conical and tubular-pyramidal) were intercalated along a master line. The total number of crabs of each species caught was compared among lines (N=27), types of trap and soaking times (6, 24 and 48 h). A total of 137 traps of 243 traps employed caught crabs. More crabs were caught in the cubical traps than in the other types. Comparisons of numbers of crabs among lines allowed identification of areas having different relative abundances, with an average of 3.56 crabs per trap. The catch of Ovalipes trimaculatus was significantly greater in lines on the 10-m isobath. Two lines, on the 50-m isobath, showed the best results for Platyxanthus patagonicus. The total number of crabs per trap obtained during a soaking time of 6 h was significantly less than the number caught with longer soaking times. Only individuals exceeding 50 mm in carapace width were caught. The size-frequency distributions differed significantly between sexes for the two species, with males larger than females. In O. trimaculatus, males made up 29% of the catch and the remainder was constituted of non-ovigerous females; mean carapace width was 92.93 mm for females and 105.93 mm for males. Forty per cent of P. patagonicus were males (mean carapace width: 99.33 mm). Females bearing eggs amounted to 45% of the total females. Females' mean carapace width was 90.58 mm. Based on the results obtained, preliminary suggestions for management of a potential fishery for these species are made within a precautionary approach.
An insight into the status of the striped dolphins, Stenella coeruleoalba, of the southern Tyrrhenian Sea
Authors: Fortuna Caterina Maria , Canese Simonepietro , Giusti Michela , Revelli Eletta , Consoli Pierpaolo , Florio Giuseppina , Greco Silvestro , Romeo Teresa , Andaloro Franco , Fossi Maria Cristina , Lauriano Giancarlo
Published: October 2007

Drift-nets are known to result in high incidental catches of some cetacean species. Despite a UN moratorium on their use in the high seas and a ban in the Mediterranean by all European Union countries, including Italy (EC Reg. 1239/98), some fisheries continue to operate illegally. In 2002 and 2003 three line-transect surveys were conducted in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea around the Aeolian archipelago. These transects were designed to assess the presence, distribution and population size of cetacean species likely to be affected by accidental captures in this area. Data were only sufficient to estimate abundance for the striped dolphin. The best estimate (and first such estimate for this area) was 4030 individuals (CV=0.30, 95% CI=2239–7253) for May 2003. A rough estimate of striped dolphin by-catch, based on floating carcases, was calculated as 36 by-caught animals over a period of 12 days (CV=0.58, 95% CI=11–113). These results, although approximate, are a cause for concern. Conservation and management implications of the results are discussed.
A review of the genus Richtersia (Nematoda: Selachinematidae): new species from Golfo San José and Golfo San Matías, Chubut (Argentina)
Authors: Pastor de Ward Catalina T. , Lo Russo Virginia
Published: October 2007

This article is a review of the genus Richtersia (Nematoda: Selachinematidae) with a key to species, genus diagnosis and lists of valid species. Two new Richtersia species from the Golfo San José and Golfo San Matías, Chubut province of Argentina are described: Richtersia bicornis sp. nov. is characterized by having two thorn structures after cuticular collar, and in total 32–40 longitudinal rows of spines arranged in eight groups in cervical region and precloacal spines similar in shape. Richtersia argentinae sp. nov. is characterized by the number of longitudinal rows of spines, amphid size and the precloacal spines configuration.
New species of Antarctothoa (Cheilostomatida: Hippothoidae) from the Falkland Isles, South Shetland Isles and the Magellan Strait
Authors: Wright Peter J. , Hayward Peter J. , Hughes Roger N.
Published: October 2007

Four new species of cheilostome Bryozoa from the hippothoid genus Antarctothoa (formerly subgenus Antarctothoa, Moyano 1987) are described. Antarctothoa bougainvillei (d'Orbigny) and Antarctothoa dictyota (Hayward) are re-described from material collected from Patagonia and South Georgia respectively.
Vision in the hyperiid amphipod Scina crassicornis
Authors: Cohen Jonathan H. , Frank Tamara M.
Published: October 2007

Light microscopy and extracellular electrophysiology were used to investigate eye structure and visual physiology of the hyperiid amphipod Scina crassicornis, a mesopelagic species that emits unusually short-wavelength luminescence (λmax=435–444 nm). The overall eye morphology is most similar to some previously described deep-dwelling amphipods, though not other hyperiids. Electroretinograms suggest that S. crassicornis possesses a relatively sensitive eye with slow temporal dynamics, and a monochromatic visual system (λmax=472 nm). Vision in S. crassicornis is well-suited for life in mesopelagic waters, and its short-wavelength luminescence does not play a role in intraspecific sexual signalling.
The invasion of the acorn barnacle Balanus glandula in the south-western Atlantic 40 years later
Authors: Schwindt Evangelina
Published: October 2007

The acorn barnacle Balanus glandula (Darwin 1854) is native to the Pacific coast of North America and was accidentally introduced in Argentina in the early 1970s. Here the invasion status of this species is reviewed in the south-western Atlantic focusing on geographical patterns of density, cover, biomass, size and recruitment, and also estimating its rate of spread. Field surveys along rocky shores and a literature review show that B. glandula invaded most of the rocky shores of Argentina at a high rate of spread. Density and cover of barnacles do not follow a latitudinal trend; instead both variables show a bimodal pattern with the highest values in two distant locations (Puerto Lobos and Bahía Bustamante). However, the size of the barnacles increases with latitude, and is positively related to biomass. Recruitment of this species varies between wave exposed and protected areas, and over time. At lower latitudes barnacles recruit in winter, while at higher latitudes they recruit in spring and summer. The differences observed in density and recruitment suggest that along the Argentinean coast, oceanographic processes have a stronger influence in the distribution and success of the barnacles than the gradient in wave exposure. Balanus glandula is a successful invader which has completely re-shaped the native intertidal landscape. Moreover, considering the wide temperature range that this barnacle tolerates in native and invaded regions, the entire coastline of South America could be colonized by this species in the future.