bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Threats to a small population: a census and conservation recommendations for wild buffalo Bubalus arnee in Nepal
Authors: Heinen Joel T. , Kandel Ramchandra
Published: September 2006

We censused wild buffalo Bubalus arnee in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal, in March 2004 using methods employed in earlier surveys, and estimated a population of 159 animals. Since the last census in 2000 the management situation has deteriorated. Guard posts have been evacuated due to the Maoist insurgency. The entire Army Battalion usually posted in the Reserve was at Headquarters at the time of this study and therefore there were no patrols over most of the Reserve, and much human encroachment. Mortality from flooding and road deaths, and possibly poaching for meat, were evident, and males suffered more mortality overall than females. Despite these threats the population had increased since 2000, albeit at a lower rate than previously. Active management, including interventions within the Reserve and a translocation of some individuals to Chitwan National Park, are recommended.
Investigating the potential for chilli Capsicum spp. to reduce human-wildlife conflict in Zimbabwe
Authors: Parker Guy E. , Osborn Ferrel V.
Published: September 2006

Human-wildlife conflict has negative implications for wildlife conservation, and current crop protection methods are not sufficient to address the problem. Alternative livelihood strategies may provide the ultimate solution to this conflict but they are not always feasible in the short-term. We test the viability of using chilli Capsicum spp. as an unpalatable cash crop to reduce human-wildlife conflict. Our trials indicate that chilli is less vulnerable to wildlife than other crops and is also economically viable.
Assessing farm-based measures for mitigating human-elephant conflict in Transmara District, Kenya
Authors: Sitati Noah W. , Walpole Matthew J.
Published: September 2006

Crop raiding by elephants is widespread across Africa and Asia. Although many traditional and novel methods are used to defend farms there have been few rigorous tests of their efficacy. We provide a comparative quantitative assessment of a range of farm-based mitigation methods implemented during a 4-year project in Transmara District, Kenya. Five experimental trials were established to measure changes in crop raiding after the application of mitigation methods on treatment farms compared with control farms. A combination of early warning to detect elephants before they entered farms, coupled with a front line communal guarding strategy, proved most successful. Non-electrified barriers were expensive and generally ineffective. However, chilli Capsicum spp. grease applied to rope barriers encircling farms completely deterred elephants. Although encouraging, these results require more widespread testing and demonstration to ensure their effectiveness at broader scales.
Critically Endangered Arabian leopards Panthera pardus nimr in Israel: estimating population parameters using molecular scatology
Authors: Perez Inbar , Geffen Eli , Mokady Ofer
Published: September 2006

The Critically Endangered Arabian leopard Panthera pardus nimr faces severe reduction in population size and is on the brink of extinction. This situation is, to a large extent, a result of human activity. The small populations of this subspecies are restricted to a few areas in the Arabian Peninsula, Israel and Jordan. Information required for conservation of this subspecies, including reliable population estimates and the range of individuals, is currently unavailable. To estimate population size and assign gender to individuals in the population in Israel we used molecular markers in leopard DNA extracted from scats collected in intensive surveys throughout the Judean Desert and the Negev Highlands. This non-invasive mode of sampling, combined with the availability of high-resolution markers (microsatellites) and sex-specific DNA-sequences, was successful in identifying both individuals and gender. The results indicated the existence of a male and two females in the Judean Desert, and four males and one female in the Negev Highlands. Although the non-invasive procedure we used may underestimate the leopard's true population size, continuous monitoring of population size and sex composition of this small population using scatology is a key component for the management of this species. These data, especially if used in conjunction with similar data from other countries within the subspecies' range, will assist in the establishment of conservation plans for the Arabian leopard.
The St Lucia whiptail lizard Cnemidophorus vanzoi: a conservation dilemma?
Authors: Young Richard P. , Fa John E. , Ogrodowczyk Agnieszka , Morton Matthew , Lesmond Stephen , Funk Stephan M.
Published: September 2006

Uncertainties in species definitions can have important consequences for biodiversity conservation because taxonomic rank is used as a criterion to assess the conservation priorities of threatened organisms. The Vulnerable St Lucia whiptail lizard Cnemidophorus vanzoi, considered a single species, is the sole representative of its genus in the Caribbean region, found on Maria Major and Maria Minor islands off the coast of St Lucia. However, a recent study revealed significant morphological and phylogenetic differences between the two populations and recommended they should be managed as two separate entities. We surveyed the two populations and estimated them to comprise 1,985 and 29 individuals on Maria Major and Minor, respectively. The Maria Minor population is currently at a critically low level and consequently highly susceptible to demographic and genetic stochasticity and catastrophic events, in particular the colonization of invasive mammalian predators. If our goal is to conserve biodiversity and evolutionary potential we face a dilemma in formulating the optimum strategy for the management of these two threatened populations on the species boundary. We discuss some potential management options but also raise this issue for discussion in the conservation biology community.
Illegal trade and conservation requirements of freshwater turtles in Nanmao, Hainan Province, China
Authors: Shiping Gong , Jichao Wang , Haitao Shi , Riheng Song , Rumei Xu
Published: September 2006

China has one of the world's most diverse freshwater turtle faunas but is also a major consumer of freshwater turtles. In the 1980s over-collecting, illegal trade and habitat destruction increased dramatically, pushing almost all Chinese turtles towards extinction. Despite the critical status of Chinese turtles little has been done to quantify and evaluate the impact of illegal activities on wild populations. We used a combination of market surveys and questionnaires to examine the illegal trade and conservation status of native freshwater turtles in Nanmao, Hainan Province, from February to August 2003. We found a total of 245 collected freshwater turtles comprising eight species. These data indicate that Nanmao has a rich freshwater turtle fauna that is being affected heavily by illegal poaching. No effective measures have been taken to protect the few remaining wild turtle populations. The main factors that lead to illegal trade include the cultural belief that turtles are a viable food/medicine product, lack of conservation awareness, poaching of turtles as a supplement to income, and poor law enforcement. Possible conservation strategies are discussed.
How many bird extinctions have we prevented?
Authors: Butchart Stuart H.M. , Stattersfield Alison J. , Collar Nigel J.
Published: September 2006

Considerable resources and efforts have been directed at biodiversity conservation in recent years, but measures of the success of conservation programmes have been limited. Based on information on population sizes, trends, threatening processes and the nature and intensity of conservation actions implemented during 1994–2004, we assessed that 16 bird species would have probably become extinct during this period if conservation programmes for them had not been undertaken. The mean minimum population size of these 16 species increased from 34 to 147 breeding individuals during 1994–2004. In 1994, 63% of them had declining populations but by 2004, 81% were increasing. Most of these species (63%) are found on islands. The principal threats that led to their decline were habitat loss and degradation (88%), invasive species (50%) and exploitation (38%), a pattern similar to that for other threatened species, but with exploitation and invasive species being relatively more important. The principal actions carried out were habitat protection and management (75% of species), control of invasive species (50%), and captive breeding and release (33%). The 16 species represent only 8.9% of those currently classified as Critically Endangered, and 1.3% of those threatened with extinction. Many of these additional species slipped closer to extinction during 1994–2004, including 164 that deteriorated in status sufficiently to be uplisted to higher categories of extinction risk on the IUCN Red List (IUCN, 2006). Efforts need to be considerably scaled up to prevent many more extinctions in the coming decades. The knowledge and tools to achieve this are available, but we need to mobilize the resources and political will to apply them.
Hope for the survival of the Critically Endangered white-naped mangabey Cercocebus atys lunulatus: a new primate species for Burkina Faso
Authors: Galat Gérard , Galat-Luong Anh
Published: September 2006

From 2003 to 2005 we carried out surveys in Burkina Faso to investigate the status of primate taxa. In the south-west near the border with Côte d'Ivoire we discovered sooty mangabey Cercocebus atys, a primate species that had not been previously reported in the country. This population is the subspecies C. a. lunulatus, the white-naped mangabey, one of the 25 most threatened primate taxa. As the subspecies occurs in a gallery forest that is next to a wildlife safari hunting area, we recommend that hunting is prohibited near these forests. The recent creation of the Warigué protected area, linking the Comoé-Léraba Reserved Forest and Partial Wildlife Reserve in Burkina Faso where we observed the subspecies, with the Comoé National Park in Côte d'Ivoire, could make an important contribution to the survival of this, the northernmost population, of the subspecies.
Past and current evidence of persecution of the Endangered crowned eagle Harpyhaliaetus coronatus in Argentina
Authors: Sarasola José Hernán , Maceda Juan José
Published: September 2006

The crowned eagle Harpyhaliaetus coronatus is a large Neotropical eagle categorized as Endangered throughout its range. However, the threats to this species are poorly understood. We present data on the causes of death of crowned eagles in semi-arid forests of La Pampa province, central Argentina. Data was obtained from field surveys and from interviews with 62 local landowners during 1999–2004. Over this period five eagles were shot, one killed by a car, one was found dead in a cattle water trough, and one was found in captivity. From the interviews information was obtained about a further 10 cases of eagles being shot, disturbed or trapped. Five (13%) of 38 interviewed landowners who positively identified the species admitted having killed or disturbed eagles in the past but only two (5%) mentioned predation of eagles upon livestock as a problem. Persecution seems to be a significant threat to this species in central Argentina and future research and conservation action should be focused not only on gaining a better knowledge of the biology of the species but also on conservation and educational programmes involving local people.
Further evaluation of the synthetic peptide vaccine S3Pvac againstTaenia soliumcysticercosis in pigs in an endemic town of Mexico
Authors: SCIUTTO E. , MORALES J. , MARTÍNEZ J. J. , TOLEDO A. , VILLALOBOS M. N. , CRUZ-REVILLA C. , MENESES G. , HERNÁNDEZ M. , DÍAZ A. , RODARTE L. F. , ACERO G. , GEVORKIAN G. , MANOUTCHARIAN K. , PANIAGUA J. , FRAGOSO G. , FLEURY A. , LARRALDE R. , DE ALUJA A. S. , LARRALDE C.
Published: September 2006

Taenia soliumcysticercosis is a parasitic disease frequently affecting human health and the pig industry in many developing countries. A synthetic peptide vaccine (designated S3Pvac) against porcine cysticercosis has been developed previously as an aid to interrupt transmission and has been shown to be effective. The results of the present study support the effectiveness of the vaccine under endemic field conditions. However, given the time-frame of the vaccination trial, no changes in the local levels of transmission were detectable before and after vaccination using sentinel pigs. Thus, this investigation shows the limited usefulness of single vaccination as the sole means of interruptingTaenia soliumtransmission in an endemic region.
Extending Choice in English Health Care: The Implications of the Economic Evidence
Authors: PROPPER CAROL , WILSON DEBORAH , BURGESS SIMON
Published: September 2006

Extending choice in health care is currently popular among English, and other, politicians. Those promoting choice make an appeal to a simple economic argument. Competitive pressure helps make private firms more efficient and consumer choice acts as a major driver for efficiency. Giving service users the ability to choose applies competitive pressure to health care providers and, analogously with private markets, they will raise their game to attract business. The article subjects this assumption to the scrutiny provided by a review of the theoretical and empirical economic evidence on choice in health care. The review considers several interlocking aspects of the current English choice policy: competition between hospitals, the responsiveness of patients to greater choice, the provision of information, and the use of fixed prices. The article concludes that there is neither strong theoretical nor empirical support for competition, but that there are cases where competition has improved outcomes. The article ends with a discussion of the implications of this literature for policies to promote competition in the English NHS.
Exploring Attitudes Towards the Welfare State: Students' Views in Eight Democracies
Authors: SABBAGH CLARA , VANHUYSSE PIETER
Published: September 2006

We explore the dimensionality of attitudes towards the welfare state among university students in eight countries representing four worlds of welfare: liberal, radical, conservative and social democratic. We use new data from cross-nationally comparable 25-item questionnaires to derive a two-level bi-factorial hierarchical model that specifies six different attitude facets. These facets are clustered into two distinct sets of attitudes: the ‘market-based frame’, which entails (a) individualism, (b) work ethic and (c) internal attribution of inequality and the ‘welfare-statist frame’, which entails (d) egalitarian redistribution, (e) broad scope of welfare and (f) external attribution of social inequality. In line with our expectations, respondents across different regime types structured their welfare state attitudes according to the six a priori defined types of attitudes and two sets of opposing attitudes. The study also found that the six facets are differently affected by regime type, which further corroborates our argument that the construct of welfare attitudes is complex and inherently multidimensional.
New Labour's Policy Style: A Mix of Policy Approaches
Authors: LARSEN TRINE P. , TAYLOR-GOOBY PETER , KANANEN JOHANNES
Published: September 2006

This article reviews the policy process behind recent welfare reforms and considers the policy styles used in a broad range of social policy areas on the basis of interviews with leading policy actors. It argues that a mix of policy-making methods is currently being used, ranging from the classic top-down approach, through the use of external commissions to a more bottom-up approach, where policy is to a large degree designed by external groups. The type of policy and the power relations between key actors and the government determine the approach. Indeed, this shows a different perception of British policy-making, as the inclusive approach contrasts sharply with the traditional directive Westminster model.
Non-residential Fatherhood and Child Involvement: Evidence from the Millennium Cohort Study
Authors: KIERNAN KATHLEEN
Published: September 2006

Fifteen per cent of British babies are now born to parents who are neither cohabiting nor married. Little is known about non-residential fatherhood that commences with the birth of a child. Here, we use the Millennium Cohort Study to examine a number of aspects of this form of fatherhood. Firstly, we consider the extent to which these fathers were involved with or acknowledged their child at the time of the birth. Secondly, we identify characteristics that differentiate parents who continue to live apart from those who move in together. Thirdly, for the fathers who moved in with the mother and their child, we enquire whether they differ in the extent of their engagement in family life compared with fathers who have been living with the mother since birth. Finally, for fathers who were living apart from their child when the child was nine months old, we assess the extent to which they were in contact, contributed to their maintenance and were involved in their child's life at this time.
Wearing Out the Work Ethic: Population Ageing, Fertility and Work–Life Balance
Authors: DEY IAN
Published: September 2006

In response to population ageing, the UK intends to increase female labour supply. To this end, the Chancellor has announced a ten-year strategy designed to allow parents to combine work with family responsibilities more easily. The policies proposed centre on extending parental leave and childcare provision, while promoting greater flexibility in employment. While these policies may improve labour supply in the short term, this article looks at their implications for fertility, which if negative may reduce the labour supply in the longer term. Recent demographic studies suggest that measures which allow women more readily to combine childbearing with paid employment may also stabilise or improve fertility rates, so mitigating the trend to population ageing. However, the evidence is not conclusive, for relationships between female employment and fertility are complex and context dependent. The article suggests several factors that might therefore merit further consideration. These include gender inequities in the domestic division of labour, long working hours and a re-evaluation of unpaid work in the home. Enthusiasm for the work ethic may have to be balanced by a more explicit acknowledgement of a care ethic.
Identity, Life History and Commitment to Welfare
Authors: HOGGETT PAUL , BEEDELL PHOEBE , JIMENEZ LUIS , MAYO MARJ , MILLER CHRIS
Published: September 2006

Using detailed extracts from two life histories, this article examines the nature of the personal identifications that often underpin the commitment of welfare workers to their jobs. We explore the paradox that it is those identifications such as class and gender, mediated through individual biography, that fix the ‘self as object’ and that also provide us with the resources for self-transformation. In this respect, the article not only throws light upon the psychical and emotional roots of commitment to the other, but also upon some of the impasses ‘identity theory’ currently finds itself in.
Adaptive path-constrained control of a robotic manipulator in a task space
Authors: Galicki Mirosław
Published: September 2006

This study addresses the problem of adaptive controlling of both a nonredundant and a redundant robotic manipulator with state-dependent constraints. The task of the robot is to follow a prescribed geometric path given in the task space, by the end-effector. The aforementioned robot task has been solved on the basis of the Lyapunov stability theory, which is used to derive the control scheme. A new adaptive Jacobian controller is proposed in the paper for the path following of the robot, with both uncertain kinematics and dynamics. The numerical simulation results carried out for a planar redundant three-DOF (three degrees of freedom) manipulator whose end-effector follows a prescribed geometric path given in a two-dimensional (2D) task space, illustrate the trajectory performance of the proposed control scheme.
Simultaneous landmark classification, localization and map building for an advanced sonar ring
Authors: Fazli Saeid , Kleeman Lindsay
Published: September 2006

An autonomous mobile robot operating in an unknown indoor environment often needs to map the environment while localizing within the map. Feature-based world models including line and point features are widely used by researchers. This paper presents a novel delayed-classi-fication algorithm to categorize these features using a recently developed high-performance sonar ring within a simultaneous localization and map-building (SLAM) process. The sonar ring sensor accurately measures range and bearing to multiple targets at near real-time repetition rates of 11.5 Hz to 6 m range, and uses 24 simultaneously fired transmitters, 48 receivers and multiple echoes per receiver. The proposed algorithm is based on hypothesis generation and verification using the advanced sonar ring data and an extended Kalman filter (EKF) approach. It is capable of initiating new geometric features and classifying them within a short distance of travel of about 10 cm. For each new sonar reading not matching an existing feature, we initiate a pair of probational line and point features resulting from accurate range and bearing measurements. Later measurements are used to confirm or remove the probational features using EKF validation gates. The odometry error model of the filter allows for variations in effective wheel separation required by pneumatic robot tyres. The implementation of the novel classification and SLAM algorithm is discussed in this paper and experimental results using real sonar data are presented.
A direct numerical solution to forward kinematics of general Stewart–Gough platforms
Authors: Wang Yunfeng
Published: September 2006

This paper presents a simple numerical method for forward kinematics of general Stewart–Gough platforms, which can generate a unique solution directly. This method utilizes the trivial nature of the inverse kinematics of parallel manipulators, and derives a straightforward linear relationship between the small change in joint variables (leg lengths) and the resulting small motion of the platform. The solution to the forward kinematics is then achieved through a series of small changes in joint variables. Numerical examples validate and confirm the efficiency of the method.
A scabies outbreak in a further education college in Gloucestershire
Authors: EJIDOKUN O. O. , ARUNA O. S. , O'NEILL B.
Published: September 2006

Scabies outbreaks in England have been reported in hospitals, long-stay wards, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) units and residential homes for the elderly. This paper describes the control of an outbreak in a further education college for persons with learning disabilities. In March 2004, four confirmed cases of scabies were reported among a subset of 108 students and 41 staff members. Staff had considerable physical contact with the students who were housed in five groups of homes, individual homes and support centres. Mass prophylaxis was offered to all staff and students, through 39 general practice surgeries. Challenges overcome were: ensuring complete case ascertainment, accessing of up-to-date information about students and staff, achieving a coordinated approach to treatment, securing informed consent and media management. No further outbreaks have been reported. The college has revised its information request form for new students.
Upper gastrointestinal disease in the elderly patient
Authors: Johnston RD , Singhal S , Bowling TE
Published: September 2006

Old people are a growing minority. They comprise approximately 12% of the UK population, but consume an increasing proportion of health care resources. Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are the third most common reason why patients over 65 years seek primary care advice, and 40% of these consultations relate to the upper GI tract.
Policy Implications of Ageing Sexualities
Authors: Heaphy Brian , Yip Andrew K. T.
Published: September 2006

This article aims to open up debate on the policy implications of ageing sexualities. The article begins by discussing the heteronormative perspective that frames current discourse on older people's needs and citizenship. It then presents data from an empirical study to highlight the concerns that older lesbians and gay men have about housing, health and social service provision, work and job security, and relationship recognition. The article illustrates how the heterosexual assumption that informs policy making can limit the development of effective strategies for supporting older lesbians and gay men; and raises broader questions about policy making, social inclusion and citizenship.
‘We Want to be More European’: The 2003 Licensing Act and Britain's Night-Time Economy
Authors: Tierney John
Published: September 2006

As a result of the new licensing regime introduced in England and Wales in November 2005, the nature of the town/city centre night-time economy and its future development has become a particularly pressing policy issue for local authorities. Among local authorities and local Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships, continental-style ‘diversity’ – in the sense of a broader mix of participants and forms of entertainment – has emerged as an ideal to be strived for. This article examines the problems faced by those attempting to create diversity and with it the ‘continentalisation’ of the night-time economy in this country.
Introduction Themed Section: What do Older Workers Want?
Authors: Loretto Wendy , Vickerstaff Sarah , White Phil
Published: September 2006

Across the industrialised nations, the labour market participation of older workers (i.e. those aged 50 and over) continues to attract considerable attention, as the numbers in employment decline and those who are inactive or retired increase (for a 21-country review see OECD, 2006). Against a background of concern over the economic and social implications of low employment rates among the over-50s, much public policy has come to focus on extending the average working life by encouraging people to work for longer and to delay retirement (see, for example, House of Lords, 2003; and on European policy, von Nordeim, 2004).
How Different is the Older Labour Market? Attitudes to Work and Retirement among Older People in Britain
Authors: McNair Stephen
Published: September 2006

Governments are seeking strategies to extend working life, but with limited evidence on the attitudes to work, and motivation of workers over 50. This paper reports the findings of two national surveys which aimed to increase understanding of the attitudes to work of older people in the UK. They found that older people generally view work very positively, but that the forces which divide the labour market as a whole have an increasingly polarising effect as people grow older. The paper suggests that successful implementation of ‘extending working life’ policies will depend on a better understanding of the quality of work, of the diversity of older workers, and of the role of training.
Work, More Work and Retirement: Older Workers' Perspectives
Authors: Loretto Wendy , White Phil
Published: September 2006

This article reports the findings from a qualitative study in Scotland, UK, which explored, in some depth, older employees' preferences and expectations regarding work and retirement. Many expected to continue working, but various barriers frustrated those expectations, especially over-rigidity in employers' approaches. The research highlighted the diversity of factors that played a part, including gender, size of employing organisation, and health. The potentially minimal impact of the forthcoming Employment Equality (Age) Regulations is explored, and a holistic approach to the employment of workers – whether younger or older – is urged.
Some Useful Sources
Authors: Vickerstaff Sarah
Published: September 2006

In addition to the references offered at the end of each of the contributions to this themed section, it is useful to direct readers to a range of relevant websites, both governmental and independent, which cover issues related to older workers. The following sites have been selected as sources of information on policy and advice services by and for older workers.
Psychische Anpassung und schulische Leistungen beim Wechsel von der Grundschule zur weiterführenden Schule
Authors: Ball Juliane , Lohaus Arnold , Miebach Christiane
Published: September 2006

Zusammenfassung. Der Schulwechsel von der Grundschule in die weiterführende Schule wird in der Literatur häufig als ein kritisches Lebensereignis beschrieben, da er mit einer Vielzahl von Neuanpassungen verbunden ist. In der vorliegenden Studie wird davon ausgegangen, dass sich in Abhängigkeit von den Schulnoten Unterschiede in der psychischen Anpassung (Youth Self Report) beim Übergang in die weiterführende Schule zeigen. Es wurden 370 Kinder am Ende der Grundschulzeit sowie zu Beginn und zum Ende des ersten Schuljahres in der weiterführenden Schule befragt. Hinsichtlich der Veränderung der Schulnoten vom Ende der vierten Klasse bis zum Ende der fünften Klassen wurden drei Gruppen gebildet (mit einer sehr negativen, einer moderat negativen und einer neutralen bis positiven Notenentwicklung). Insgesamt zeigen sich über den Schulwechsel hinweg eine Verschlechterung in den Schulnoten sowie eine Verbesserung der internalisierenden und externalisierenden Symptomatik. Dabei finden sich Unterschiede zwischen den Schülern mit unterschiedlicher Notenentwicklung in Abhängigkeit von dem besuchten Schultyp: Insbesondere für Gymnasiasten mit einer sehr negativen und ebenso mit einer neutralen bis positiven Notenentwicklung ließen sich am Ende der fünften Klasse mehr Probleme hinsichtlich der psychischen Anpassung nachweisen, wobei sich dieser Effekt in einer Zunahme der externalisierenden Symptomatik zeigte.
Prognose des Studienabbruchs
Authors: Brandstätter Hermann , Grillich Ludwig , Farthofer Alois
Published: September 2006

Zusammenfassung. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war die Klärung der Bedingungen des Studienabbruchs mit Hilfe von Cox-Regressionsanalysen, Strukturgleichungsmodellen und Mehrebenen-Analysen. Die Daten stammen von Studierenden der Universität Linz, die in ihrem letzten Schuljahr an Studienberatungstests und drei bis siebzehn Semester später an einer Befragung zu ihren Studienerfahrungen teilgenommen haben. In Ergänzung dazu konnten Zeitreihen von Prüfungsergebnissen analysiert werden. Niedrige Schul- und Testleistungen, inkongruente Interessen und niedrige Werte in Selbstkontrolle und Belastbarkeit hatten erwartungsgemäß während des Studiums weniger effiziente Arbeitshaltungen, unzulängliche Prüfungsleistungen (schlechten Notendurchschnitt und geringe Anzahl von Prüfungen pro Semester), Unzufriedenheit mit dem Verlauf des Studiums und schließlich (sehr oft) Studienabbruch zur Folge. Als ein Weg zur Reduzierung des Drop-out-Risikos wird neben Verbesserungen in der Studienorganisation ein weiterer Ausbau der Studienwahlberatung empfohlen.
The HEX experiment: Determination of the neutral wind field from 120 to 185 km altitude near a stable premidnight auroral arc by triangulating the drift of rocket‐deployed chemical trails
Authors: Wescott E. M. , Stenbaek‐Nielsen H. , Conde M. , Larsen Miguel , Lummerzheim Dirk
Published: September 2006

On 25 March 2003, Horizontal E‐Region Experiment (HEX) released trimethyl aluminum trails from two rockets launched northward from Poker Flat Research Range near Fairbanks to map the vertical wind field near a stable premidnight auroral arc system. They deployed three trails of trimethyl aluminum chemical “puffs,” whose subsequent motion traced the prevailing wind field. This motion was determined using triangulation from four ground observation sites. Position and speed accuracies were estimated to be ∼1 km and a few meters per second, respectively. The first rocket followed a novel flat trajectory; it released a nearly horizontal trail of length 200 km, at an average altitude of ∼145 km. The second rocket was launched 19 min later and released two trails between 125 and 175 km altitude along a conventional steep trajectory. All puffs between 130 and 175 km altitude drifted geomagnetic westward, almost exactly parallel to the aurora. From prior observations and modeling, we had expected to observe convective upwelling near the arcs. We did not; vertical winds were essentially downward throughout the horizontal trail, with speeds between 0 and 20 m s−1. Although an abatement of downward flow was observed ∼40 km equatorward of the arcs, these data alone do not establish a causal relationship between the abatement and the arcs. Vertical speeds of ≤20 m s−1 are relatively modest. However, because the observed wind field would entrain air parcels in flow parallel to the arc system, even vertical speeds around 15 m s−1 could displace individual air parcels by several scale heights if they occurred all along the arcs.
Co‐administration of pentoxifylline and thiopental causes death by acute pulmonary oedema in rats
Authors: Pereda J , Gómez‐Cambronero L , Alberola A , Fabregat G , Cerdá M , Escobar J , Sabater L , García‐de‐la‐Asuneión J , Viña J , Sastre J
Published: September 2006

Background and purpose:

Pentoxifylline exhibits rheological properties that improve microvascular flow and it is widely used in vascular perfusion disorders. It also exhibits marked anti‐inflammatory properties by inhibiting tumour necrosis factorαproduction. Thiopental is one of the most widely used drugs for rapid induction of anaesthesia. During experimental studies on the treatment of acute pancreatitis, we observed that when pentoxifylline was administered after anaesthesia with thiopental, most of the rats exhibited dyspnea, signs of pulmonary oedema and died. The aim of the work described here was to investigate the cause of the unexpected toxic effect of the combined treatment with thiopental and pentoxifylline.

Experimental approach:

Pulmonary vascular permeability and arterial blood gases were measured, and a histological analysis was performed. The possible role of haemodynamic changes in the formation of pulmonary oedema was also assessed.

Key results:

Co‐administration of pentoxifylline and thiopental increased pulmonary vascular permeability and markedly decreased arterial pO2,with one third of rats suffering from hypoxemia. This combined treatment caused death by acute pulmonary oedema in 27% of normal rats and aggravated the respiratory insufficiency associated with acute pancreatitis in which the mortality rate increased to 60%. This pulmonary oedema was not mediated by cardiac failure or by pulmonary hypertension.

Conclusions and Implications:

Co‐administration of pharmacological doses of pentoxifylline and thiopental caused pulmonary oedema and death in rats. Consequently, pentoxifylline should not be administered when anaesthesia is induced with thiopental to avoid any possible risk of acute pulmonary oedema and death in humans.

British Journal of Pharmacology(2006)149, 450–455. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706871
An M2‐like muscarinic receptor enhances a delayed rectifier K+current in rat sympathetic neurones
Authors: Cruzblanca H
Published: September 2006

Background and purpose:

Resting superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neurones are phasic cells that switch to a tonic mode of firing upon muscarinic receptor stimulation. This effect is partially due to the muscarinic inhibition of the M‐current. Because delayed rectifier K+channels are essential to sustain tonic firing in central neurones, we asked whether the delayed rectifier current IKVin SCG neurones was modulated by the muscarinic receptors expressed in these cells.

Experimental approach:

Whole‐cell patch‐clamp records of M‐current and IKVwere done in cultured or acutely dissociated rat SCG neurones. To characterize the receptor that regulates IKV, cells were bathed with muscarinic agonists and antagonists, relatively specific for receptor subtypes.

Key results:

The muscarinic agonist oxotremorine‐M (Oxo‐M) enhanced IKVby ∼46% relative to its basal value. This effect remained unaltered when M‐current was suppressed by linopirdine or Ba2+. Enhancement of IKVwas insensitive to the M1‐antagonist pirenzepine, whereas it was inhibited (∼60%) by the M2/4‐antagonist himbacine. Further, the relatively specific M2‐agonist bethanechol was as potent as Oxo‐M in enhancing IKV. The modulation of IKVwas insensitive to pertussis toxin (PTX), but was severely attenuated when internal ATP was replaced by its non‐hydrolysable analogue AMP‐PNP.

Conclusions and Implications:

These results suggest that an M2‐like muscarinic receptor couples to a PTX‐insensitive G‐protein and to an ATP‐dependent pathway to enhance IKV. Modulation of IKVmust be taken into consideration in order to understand more precisely how muscarinic receptors acting on different ion channels regulate sympathetic excitability.

British Journal of Pharmacology(2006)149, 441–449. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706874
Effects of the somatostatin receptor subtype 4 selective agonist J‐2156 on sensory neuropeptide release and inflammatory reactions in rodents
Authors: Helyes Z , Pintér E , Németh J , Sándor K , Elekes K , Szabó Á , Pozsgai G , Keszthelyi D , Kereskai L , Engström M , Wurster S , Szolcsányi J
Published: September 2006

Background and purpose:

Substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) released from capsaicin‐sensitive sensory nerves induce local neurogenic inflammation; somatostatin exerts systemic anti‐inflammatory actions presumably via sst4/sst1 receptors. This study investigates the effects of a high affinity, sst4‐selective, synthetic agonist, J‐2156, on sensory neuropeptide release in vitro and inflammatory processes in vivo.

Experimental approach:

Electrically‐induced SP, CGRP and somatostatin release from isolated rat tracheae was measured with radioimmunoassay. Mustard oil‐induced neurogenic inflammation in rat hindpaw skin was determined by Evans blue leakage and in the mouse ear with micrometry. Dextran‐, carrageenan‐ or bradykinin‐induced non‐neurogenic inflammation was examined with plethysmometry or Evans blue, respectively. Adjuvant‐induced chronic arthritis was assessed by plethysmometry and histological scoring. Granulocyte accumulation was determined with myeloperoxidase assay and IL‐1β with ELISA.

Key results:

J‐2156 (10–2000 nM) diminished electrically‐evoked neuropeptide release in a concentration‐dependent manner. EC50 for the inhibition of substance P, CGRP and somatostatin release were 11.6 nM, 14.3 nM and 110.7 nM, respectively. J‐2156 (1–100 μg kg−1 i.p.) significantly, but not dose‐dependently, inhibited neurogenic and non‐neurogenic acute inflammatory processes and adjuvant‐induced chronic oedema and arthritic changes. Endotoxin‐evoked myeloperoxidase activity and IL‐1β production in the lung, but not IL‐1β‐ or zymosan‐induced leukocyte accumulation in the skin were significantly diminished by J‐2156.

Conclusions and implications:

J‐2156 acting on sst4 receptors inhibits neuropeptide release, vascular components of acute inflammatory processes, endotoxin‐induced granulocyte accumulation and IL‐1β synthesis in the lung and synovial and inflammatory cells in chronic arthritis. Therefore it might be a promising lead for the development of novel anti‐inflammatory drugs.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 149, 405–415. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706876
Inhibitory effect of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase inhibitors on cytokine release from human macrophages
Authors: Smith S J , Fenwick P S , Nicholson A G , Kirschenbaum F , Finney‐Hayward T K , Higgins L S , Giembycz M A , Barnes P J , Donnelly L E
Published: September 2006

Background and purpose:

Macrophages release cytokines that may contribute to pulmonary inflammation in conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Thus, inhibition of macrophage cytokine production may have therapeutic benefit. p38 MAPK may regulate cytokine production, therefore, the effect of two p38 MAPK inhibitors, SB239063 and SD‐282, on the release of TNF‐α, GM‐CSF and IL‐8 from human macrophages was investigated.

Experimental approach:

Cytokine release was measured by ELISA. Immunoblots and mRNA expression studies were performed to confirm p38 MAPK isoform expression and activity. Macrophages were isolated from lung tissue of current smokers, ex‐smokers and emphysema patients and exposed to lipopolysaccharide. These cells then released cytokines in a concentration‐dependent manner.

Key results:

SB239063 only inhibited TNF‐α release (EC500.3±0.1 μM). Disease status had no effect on the efficacy of SB239063. SD‐282 inhibited both TNF‐α and GM‐CSF release from macrophages (EC506.1±1.4 nM and 1.8±0.6 μMrespectively) but had no effect on IL‐8 release. In contrast, both inhibitors suppressed cytokine production in monocytes.

Conclusions and Implications:

The differential effects of p38 MAPK inhibitors between macrophages and monocytes could not be explained by differences in p38 MAPK isoform expression or activity. However, the stability of TNF‐α mRNA was significantly increased in macrophages compared to monocytes. These data suggest a differential involvement for p38 MAPK in macrophage cytokine production compared with monocytes. These effects are not due to lack of p38 activation or p38α expression in macrophages but may reflect differential effects on the stability of cytokine mRNA.

British Journal of Pharmacology(2006)149, 393–404. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706885
In vitroandin vivopharmacology of synthetic olivetol‐ or resorcinol‐derived cannabinoid receptor ligands
Authors: Cascio M G , Bisogno T , Palazzo E , Thomas A , van der Stelt M , Brizzi A , de Novellis V , Marabese I , Ross R , van de Doelen T , Brizzi V , Pertwee R , Maione S , Di Marzo V
Published: September 2006

Background and purpose:

We have previously reported the development of CB‐25 and CB‐52, two ligands of CB1and CB2cannabinoid receptors. We assessed here their functional activity.

Experimental approach:

The effect of the two compounds on forskolin‐induced cAMP formation in intact cells or GTP‐γ‐S binding to cell membranes, and their action on nociceptionin vivowas determined.

Key results:

CB‐25 enhanced forskolin‐induced cAMP formation in N18TG2 cells (EC50∼20 nM, max. stimulation=48%), behaving as an inverse CB1agonist, but it stimulated GTP‐γ‐S binding to mouse brain membranes, behaving as a partial CB1agonist (EC50=100 nM, max. stimulation=48%). At human CB1receptors, CB‐25 inhibited cAMP formation in hCB1‐CHO cells (EC50=1600 nM, max. inhibition=68% of CP‐55,940 effect). CB‐52 inhibited forskolin‐induced cAMP formation by N18TG2 cells (IC50=450 nM, max. inhibition=40%) and hCB1‐CHO cells (EC50=2600 nM, max. inhibition=62% of CP‐55,940 effect), and stimulated GTP‐γ‐S binding to mouse brain membranes (EC50=11 nM, max. stimulation∼16%). Both CB‐25 and CB‐52 showed no activity in all assays of CB2‐coupled functional activity and antagonized CP55940‐induced stimulation of GTP‐γ‐S binding to hCB2‐CHO cell membranes.In vivo, both compounds, administered i.p., produced dose‐dependent nociception in the plantar test carried out in healthy rats, and antagonised the anti‐nociceptive effect of i.p. WIN55,212‐2. In the formalin test in mice, however, the compounds counteracted both phases of formalin‐induced nociception.

Conclusions and implications:

CB‐25 and CB‐52 behavein vitromostly as CB1partial agonists and CB2neutral antagonists, whereas their activityin vivomight depend on the tonic activity of cannabinoid receptors.

British Journal of Pharmacology(2006)149, 431–440. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706888
Mediators of endoplasmic reticulum stress‐induced apoptosis
Authors: Szegezdi Eva , Logue Susan E , Gorman Adrienne M , Samali Afshin
Published: September 2006

The efficient functioning of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is essential for most cellular activities and survival. Conditions that interfere with ER function lead to the accumulation and aggregation of unfolded proteins. ER transmembrane receptors detect the onset of ER stress and initiate the unfolded protein response (UPR) to restore normal ER function. If the stress is prolonged, or the adaptive response fails, apoptotic cell death ensues. Many studies have focused on how this failure initiates apoptosis, as ER stress‐induced apoptosis is implicated in the pathophysiology of several neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we examine the role of the molecules that are activated during the UPR in order to identify the molecular switch from the adaptive phase to apoptosis. We discuss how the activation of these molecules leads to the commitment of death and the mechanisms that are responsible for the final demise of the cell.
Organellar proteomics: turning inventories into insights
Authors: Andersen Jens S , Mann Matthias
Published: September 2006

Subcellular organization is yielding to large‐scale analysis. Researchers are now applying robust mass‐spectrometry‐based proteomics methods to obtain an inventory of biochemically isolated organelles that contain hundreds of proteins. High‐resolution methods allow accurate protein identification, and novel algorithms can distinguish genuine from co‐purifying components. Organellar proteomes have been analysed by bioinformatic methods and integrated with other large‐scale data sets. The dynamics of organelles can also be studied by quantitative proteomics, which offers powerful methods that are complementary to fluorescence‐based microscopy. Here, we review the emerging trends in this rapidly expanding area and discuss the role of organellar proteomics in the context of functional genomics and systems biology.
The Origins of the Concept Mapping Tool and the Continuing Evolution of the Tool
Authors: Novak Joseph D , Cañas Alberto J
Published: September 2006

A research program at Cornell University that sought to study the ability of children to acquire science concepts and the effect of this learning on later schooling led to the need for a new tool to describe explicit changes in children's conceptual understanding. Concept mapping was invented in 1972 to meet this need, and subsequently numerous other uses have been found for this tool. Underlying the research program and the development of the concept mapping tool was an explicit cognitive psychology of learning and an explicit constructivist epistemology. In 1987, collaboration began between Novak and Cañas and others at the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, then part of the University of West Florida. Extending the use of concept mapping to other applications such as the integration of concept mapping with the World Wide Web (WWW) led to the development of software that enhanced the potential of concept mapping, evolving into the current version of CmapTools now used worldwide in schools, universities, corporations, and governmental and non-governmental agencies. Differences between concept maps and other knowledge representation tools are described. The integration of concept mapping software programs with the WWW and other new technologies permits a new kind of concept map-centred learning environment wherein learners build their own knowledge models, individually or collaboratively, and these can serve as a basis for life-long meaningful learning. Combined with other educational practices, use of CmapTools permits a New Model for Education. Preliminary studies are underway to assess the possibilities of this New Model.
Map of discrete system into continuous
Authors: Tarasov Vasily E.
Published: September 2006

Continuous limits of discrete systems with long-range interactions are considered. The map of discrete models into continuous medium models is defined. A wide class of long-range interactions that give the fractional equations in the continuous limit is discussed. The one-dimensional systems of coupled oscillators for this type of long-range interactions are considered. The discrete equations of motion are mapped into the continuum equation with the Riesz fractional derivative.