bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetic resonance imaging of anterior cruciate ligament tears: evaluation of standard orthogonal and tailored paracoronal images
Authors: Duc S. R. , Zanetti M. , Kramer J. , Käch K. P. , Zollikofer C. L. , Wentz K. U.
Published: November 2005

Purpose: To evaluate the three standard orthogonal imaging planes and a paracoronal imaging plane for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears.

Material and Methods: Ninety patients (91 knees; 29 F and 61 M) aged between 15 and 84 years (mean 36.9±16.4 years) underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee prior to arthroscopy. At surgery, 32 knees had an intact ACL, 4 a partial tear, and 55 a complete ACL tear. In all patients, axial, sagittal, coronal, and paracoronal T2-weighted turbo-SE images were acquired. The ACL was classified as intact, partially, or completely torn. Partial and complete tears were combined for statistical evaluation.

Results: Partial ACL tears (four cases) were not correctly diagnosed at MRI except in one knee by one observer on coronal images. Sensitivity in detecting ACL tears was 95%/63% (reader1/reader2) in the axial, 93%/95% in the sagittal, 93%/86% in the coronal, and 100%/93% in the paracoronal plane. Specificity was 75%/81% in the axial, 72%/81% in the sagittal, 78%/94% in the coronal, and 78%/88% in the paracoronal plane.

Conclusion: ACL tears can be diagnosed accurately with each of the standard orthogonal planes. Based on reader confidence and interobserver agreement paracoronal images may be useful in equivocal cases.
Computed tomography of the urinary tract: optimalization of low-dose stone protocol in a clinical setting
Authors: Larsen A. S. F. , Pedersen R. , Sandbaek G.
Published: November 2005

Purpose: To establish whether information would be lost if slice reconstruction thickness was increased from 3 to 5 mm, and whether this altered how difficult it was to interpret the examinations.

Material and Methods: Twenty-three consecutive patients referred with suspected or known urinary stones were included. All examinations were performed without intravenous contrast media. The original series, with effective mAs 50, were reconstructed with slice thickness 3 and 5 mm, respectively. All demographic and examination data were removed and the series reviewed in PACS by two independent radiologists. Objective findings, i.e. number and size of stones, signs of obstruction, and evaluation of interpretation difficulty, were registered.

Results: Identical findings were registered in 18 of the series of 3 mm ( n = 23) and 19 of the series of 5 mm ( n = 23). In two series reconstructed with 3 mm slice thickness and in one series with 5 mm slice thickness, the observers disagreed on the presence of urinary stones. Main reasons for interpretation difficulties were given as “lack of intra-abdominal fat” and “many phleboliths in the pelvic region”, but never “disturbing noise”.

Conclusion: To determine the presence and size of urinary stones at low-dose computed tomography, 5 mm reconstruction algorithm seems equal to 3 mm. Patient-related factors influence the interpretation more than image quality.
Posterior cranial fossa crowdedness is related to age and sex: an magnetic resonance volumetric study
Authors: Lirng J.-F. , Fuh J.-L. , Chen Y.-Y. , Wang S.-J.
Published: November 2005

Purpose: To measure 3-dimensional (3D) posterior cranial fossa (PCF) crowdedness and to evaluate the effect of age, sex, and body height on PCF.

Material and Methods: Fifty-two healthy volunteers (24 M and 28 F; mean age 55.4±17.2 years; range 24–82 years) were recruited. Using a semi-automated magnetic resonance technique, we calculated a PCF crowdedness index (CI) as the ratio of hindbrain (HB) volume to PCF volume ×100% and correlated this index with age, sex, body height, and other crowdedness parameters.

Results: The mean PCF CI was 93.7±2.7%. Women had a more crowded PCF than men (95.0±1.7% versus 92.1±2.7%; P<0.001). PCF CI declined with age for both men ( r = −0.61; P = 0.002) and women ( r = −0.68; P<0.001). The association with age – but not HB volume – was maintained after we controlled for sex and body height. On multiple regression, both age and sex accounted for 57.5% of the PCF CI variance.

Conclusion: Our study shows that PCF CI is associated with age and sex, and can therefore be used as a surrogate to assess hindbrain atrophy in a cross-sectional sample. Moreover, sex- and age-specific normal ranges may be needed to evaluate the PCF CI in clinical practice.
Polyorchidism: sonographic and magnetic resonance image findings
Authors: Oner A. Y. , Sahin C. , Pocan S. , Kizilkaya E.
Published: November 2005

Polyorchidism is a rare congenital anomaly frequently associated with maldescent testis, hernia, and torsion. Reports in the literature show an increased risk of testicular malignancy in the presence of polyorchidism. This entity has characteristic sonographic features and the diagnosis is often made on the basis of sonography. Magnetic resonance imaging might also be used for the diagnosis, but is more helpful in cases associated with cryptorchism or neoplasia. A conservative approach is the treatment of choice in uncomplicated cases.
Computed tomographic colonography: comparison of two workstations
Authors: Sörstedt E. , Persson A. , Norén B. , Björnlert U. , Malcherek P. , Axelsson M. , Johansson J. , Smedby Ö.
Published: November 2005

Purpose: To compare two commercially available computed tomography (CT) colonography systems with respect to interobserver variability, the influence of level of expertise, and the gradual reduction of reviewing time for each system.

Material and Methods: Two residents and two radiologists using Siemens CTAPP Colography software and Viatronix V3D-Colon software reviewed supine and prone CT acquisitions from 24 patients in a primary 3D endoluminal view. The observers graded each case with respect to technical quality and diagnostic value, assessed the presence of pathology, and indicated the time spent on the viewing.

Results: Significant differences were found in technical quality ( P<0.001) and diagnostic value ( P<0.001) depending on which system was used, with higher scores for the Viatronix software. The agreement between specialists tended to be higher than that between residents (κ = 0.63 (0.30–0.95) vs. κ = 0.51 (0.21–0.81)), and the residents gave significantly ( P<0.001) higher scores of technical quality. However, the level of expertise had no significant impact on the assessments. We noted extensive variability in pathological lesions found by the different observers. The number of findings did not differ between workstations, but the viewers tended to report larger polyp sizes with the Viatronix software. The time needed for viewing decreased significantly from the first to the last examination viewed by each observer.

Conclusion: Both the evaluated systems present trustworthy images of the human colon, but in a primary 3D setting the Viatronix software is favored owing to the user-friendly interface, higher experienced technical quality, and better diagnostic value.
Ultrasound guidance in intracranial tumor resection: correlation with postoperative magnetic resonance findings
Authors: Erdoğan N. , Tucer B. , Mavili E. , Menkü A. , Kurtsoy A.
Published: November 2005

Purpose: To determine the inter-method agreement between intraoperative ultrasonography and postoperative contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detecting tumor residue.

Material and Methods: After resection was completed, the cavity borders of 32 tumors were examined with a 7 MHz intraoperative probe. Any echogenic region>5 mm in thickness extending from the surgical cavity into the brain substance was taken as the sonographic criterion for residual tumor. A continuous echogenic rim<5 mm was considered normal. Results were correlated with gadolinium-enhanced MRI obtained within 48 h after surgery.

Results: The kappa value for inter-method agreement was 0.72. There were four cases in whom MRI showed residue despite a negative sonography: extensive edema or Surgicel along the cavity borders (three cases with glioblastoma multiforme) and the cystic component in the vicinity of cerebrospinal fluid (a case with pituitary macroadenoma) may be the reason for the residue going undetected. In a case with glioblastoma multiforme, residual enhancement was<5 mm in thickness.

Conclusion: Intraoperative ultrasound is an effective tool for maximizing the extent of intracranial tumor resection. Surgical use has to be minimized if intraoperative ultrasound is to be used as an adjunct to surgery. Tumors with preoperatively detected cystic components in the proximity of CSF-containing spaces have to be carefully evaluated with intraoperative ultrasound if residual cystic components are to be detected. A low-thickness echogenic rim should not be considered a reliable sign of the absence of residue.
Ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy of non-palpable breast lesions: a prospective analysis in 204 cases
Authors: Vega BolÍvar A. , Alonso-Bartolomé P. , Ortega GarcÍa E. , Garijo Ayensa F.
Published: November 2005

Purpose: To assess the diagnostic value of ultrasound (US)-guided 14 G core needle breast biopsy in non-palpable suspicious breast lesions.

Material and Methods: From August 1997 to April 2001, 198 patients with 204 suspicious non-palpable breast lesions underwent US-guided large core needle biopsy. Biopsies were performed with a free-hand technique using US equipment with a 7.5 MHz linear-array transducer; a minimum of three cores were obtained from each lesion. Pathological findings in US-guided core biopsy were correlated to findings in subsequent surgery or long-term (more than 2 years) imaging follow-up.

Results: Among the 204 non-palpable breast lesions for which histopathological findings were obtained by US-guided core biopsy, 118 were malignant (114 carcinoma, 2 metastasis, 1 lymphoma, and 1 malignant phyllodes tumor) and 86 were benign (4 carcinoma and 82 benign lesions confirmed at surgery or after at least 2 years of follow-up). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for diagnosis of malignancy in our series were 97%, 100%, 100%, and 95%, respectively. Diagnostic yield with 1, 2, 3, and 4 specimens per lesion was 73.5%, 88%, 94%, and 97.5%, respectively.

Conclusion: US-guided core needle biopsy is a sensitive percutaneous biopsy method for diagnosing non-palpable breast lesions. To achieve a high diagnostic yield, a minimum number of three cores per lesion is advisable.
Substance Use among School‐Based Youths in Northern Mexico
Authors: Floyd Leah J. , Latimer William W. , Vasquez Marco , O'Brien Megan
Published: November 2005

A small base of research suggests that adolescent substance use is a growing public health concern in Mexico. Employing confidential methods, the International Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health was administered to assess substance use among 1,238 students in northern Mexico. A large proportion of students indicated lifetime use of tobacco and alcohol. Gender differences in tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana were also evident. The current findings are congruent with the sparse extant data on youths’ substance use in Mexico and highlight the need for early prevention interventions.
Eating disorders from parent to child: Mothers’ perceptions of transgenerational effect
Authors: Barnett Sarah , Buckroyd Julia , Windle Karen
Published: November 2005

Primary prevention focuses on the reduction of risk factors. Children of mothers with an eating disorder are a proven “at risk” group, because children internalise their experiences. Prevention in the field of eating disorders has as yet only addressed children of seven or eight upwards and only in school‐based programs which did not incorporate mothers. This project targeted mothers with an eating disorder who had children under the age of thirteen. The hypothesis is that if these mothers can be encouraged to change damaging behaviour that their children are likely to model, we can attempt to break the cycle of dysfunction. This is a qualitative and quantitive research project, carried out with standardised measures and semi‐structured interviews before and after a nineteen week therapy group, with six and twelve month follow ups. The group consisted of eight mothers. This paper describes the group and provides a case study of one participant. The initial analysis suggests that the support of a therapeutic group allowed this mother enough space for reflection. She became aware of her dysfunctional behaviour and was able to begin to understand the underlying reasons behind it. This led to an improvement in her own Eating Disorder (ED) and she was subsequently able to make change in her responses to her children's needs.
Developing a model of the treatment for eating disorder: Using neuroscience research to examine the how rather than the what of change
Authors: Treasure Janet , Tchanturia Kate , Schmidt Ulrike
Published: November 2005

Treatments for eating disorders, in particular for people with anorexia nervosa, have often been adaptations of therapies designed for other conditions. Indeed, there is a move advocating the use of a transdiagnostic treatment approach in which general module based treatments are mixed together as needed rather than using a specific anorexia nervosa targeted strategy. The outcome of treatment is relatively poor, especially for those who for some reason do not have the benefit of an expert form of early intervention for anorexia nervosa. Technological advances in the neurosciences and genetics have radically altered how eating disorders and in particular anorexia nervosa have been conceptualised. In this paper we describe evidence that suggests that key aspects of the social information processing network both the cognitive and affective elements may be anomalous in people with anorexia nervosa. This has implications for models of treatment which can be tailored more directly to these causal and or maintaining factors. We describe the Maudsley method of working with adults with anorexia nervosa which has integrated these elements. This treatment approach includes working with the individual to develop a more flexible and holistic cognitive style with greater emotional intelligence. This is supplemented with work with the families to interrupt interactions that either accommodate to or aggravate the symptoms. Thus we are now in the position to understand and work to change how people with anorexia nervosa think and behave rather than focusing on what people think and say they do. Our prediction is that treatments that focus more directly on aetiology such as the intrapersonal and interpersonal maintaining factors will improve outcome.
Inter‐population variation in demographic parameters: a neglected subject?
Authors: Frederiksen M. , Harris M. P. , Wanless S.
Published: November 2005

Demographic parameters and population growth rates vary among populations of the same species. Such variation can be extensive, as shown by a comparison of nine published studies of black‐legged kittiwakesRissa tridactyla. We argue that rather than being a nuisance, inter‐population variation can improve our understanding of population dynamics. Analysis of data from several geographically dispersed studies can aid detection of causal relationships between demographic parameters and environmental factors and thus improve our understanding of impacts of e.g. climate change, and help elucidate mechanisms of population regulation. Extensive inter‐population variation also adds another perspective to studies of life history evolution and should be taken into account in across‐species comparisons.
Does macrophyte fractal complexity drive invertebrate diversity, biomass and body size distributions?
Authors: McAbendroth L. , Ramsay P. M. , Foggo A. , Rundle S. D. , Bilton D. T.
Published: November 2005

Habitat structure is one of the fundamental factors determining the distribution of organisms at all spatial scales, and vegetation is of primary importance in shaping the structural environment for invertebrates in many systems. In the majority of biotopes, invertebrates live within vegetation stands of mixed species composition, making estimates of structural complexity difficult to obtain. Here we use fractal indices to describe the structural complexity of mixed stands of aquatic macrophytes, and these are employed to examine the effects of habitat complexity on the composition of free‐living invertebrate assemblages that utilise the habitat in three dimensions. Macrophytes and associated invertebrates were sampled from shallow ponds in southwest England, and rapid digital image analysis was used to quantify the fractal complexity of all plant species recorded, allowing the complexity of vegetation stands to be reconstructed based on their species composition. Fractal indices were found to be significantly related to both invertebrate biomass–body size scaling and overall invertebrate biomass; more complex stands of macrophytes contained a greater number of small animals. Habitat complexity was unrelated to invertebrate taxon richness and macrophyte surface area and species richness were not correlated with any of the invertebrate community parameters. The biomass–body size scaling relationship of lentic macroinvertebrates matched those predicted by models incorporating both allometric scaling of resource use and the fractal dimension of a habitat, suggesting that both habitat fractal complexity and allometry may control density–body size scaling in lentic macroinvertebrate communities.
Optimal offspring size in a small mammal: an exception to the tradeoff invariant life‐history rule
Authors: Kasparian Kristine , Geißler Edda , Trillmich Fritz
Published: November 2005

Offspring size and number were examined in a captive population of wild guinea pigs (Cavia aperea), and findings were compared with models of optimal offspring size for small litters. Median and modal litter size was two, regardless of maternal size or parity. Females producing their second litter tended to have litters that were larger than average. In contrast, young females that were still growing never had litters that were larger than average. Mean offspring size decreased and variation in offspring size tended to decrease with increasing litter size. Optimal offspring size models, in which offspring survival depended on the amount of resources invested, as well as litter size, predict such a trend. Little support was found for Charnov and Downhower's (1995) tradeoff invariant life‐history rule that the range in offspring sizes between litters is inversely proportional to the size of the litter. Cavia aperea may be an exception to this rule because pup mass at birth did not reflect total reproductive investment, because conversion of resources into litter mass may not be linearly related to litter size and because resources were not equally partitioned among offspring within large litters. Experimental data are needed to determine the relevance of these results among mammals in general.
Can seeds predict their future? Germination strategies of density‐regulated desert annuals
Authors: Tielbörger Katja , Valleriani Angelo
Published: November 2005

Annual plants in unpredictable environments maintain dormant seeds to avoid extinction. Here, we present results for four desert annual species suggesting that germination rates are variable even in the absence of abiotic cues. Namely, seeds produced in a copious year had lower germination rates than seeds produced in drought years. Inspired by our data, we have extended previous bet‐hedging models by including a structured seed bank. With density‐dependence, the ESS (environmental stable strategy) involved a negative relationship between seed yield and subsequent germination probability. We suggest that heterogeneous germination rates are selected for by competition among seedlings after years with high seed production. In summary, our findings are suggestive of an intriguingly simple and effective mechanism that may allow annual plants to partly predict their future success.
Population dynamics of a polychaete during three El Niño events: disentangling biotic and abiotic factors
Authors: Peña Tania S. , Johst Karin , Grimm Volker , Arntz Wolf , Tarazona Juan
Published: November 2005

The macrobenthic community in shallow soft‐bottom areas in the Bay of Ancón, Peru, is characterised by low biodiversity due to low oxygen concentrations. During El Niño events, higher temperature and higher concentrations of dissolved oxygen induce a temporary increase in biodiversity. However, the structure and dynamics of the emerging communities vary strongly among events. The reasons for this variation are poorly understood, in particular the relative influence of abiotic vs biotic factors. To disentangle the roles of abiotic and biotic factors, population models based on detailed monitoring data of three El Niño events were developed focused on the population dynamics of one species in the community, the polychaete Sigambra bassi, which showed different responses in different El Niño events. Calculated and observed population dynamics are compared using root mean square deviation (RMSD). The results show that S. bassi abundance can be determined by abiotic environmental conditions. Besides, three biotic factors improved model performance in different El Niño events: negative density dependence in larval settlement, lower carrying capacity in the presence of other species and positive density dependence in adult survival. The results demonstrate how population models can be used to decode information hidden in long‐term monitoring data of abiotic and biotic community parameters about factors driving population dynamics.
Predicting immigration of two species in contrasting landscapes: effects of scale, patch size and isolation
Authors: Matter Stephen F. , Roslin Tomas , Roland Jens
Published: November 2005

Migration is a key process for spatially structured populations. We examined how a variety of patch based metrics commonly used to predict the number of immigrants to a habitat patch performed based on data from three different years, in two distinct insect systems. The first system was an herbivorous beetle inhabiting patches of its host plant within a ‘typical’ patch network. In this system there were numerous patches located relatively close to one another, given the beetle's dispersal ability. The second system consisted of a butterfly inhabiting a series of 17 subalpine meadows. Here, the patches were arranged in a linear fashion and were more distant from each other. Overall, we found that the best models incorporating aspects of patch size and/or isolation explained a large (30–40%) amount of deviance in immigration, but there were considerable differences between the systems. For the first system, we found that metrics including the size of the target patch explained the highest proportion of deviance in immigrant numbers, while metrics based only on interpatch distances explained very little deviance. The situation was reversed for the second system. Metrics including the size of the target patch explained little deviance, while metrics based on the distance between patches explained the bulk of deviance in the number of immigrants. The results of our study show that the effects of patch size and isolation on the number of immigrants are highly important, but dependent on spatial scale, the organism studied, and how it responds to the spatial arrangement of patches. Correspondingly, there will be no single generalized metric to predict immigration for all cases. Given the dependency of the results on the system studied, we recommend that future studies provide explicit data on habitat areas and dispersal distance relative to interpatch distance to allow for meaningful comparison among organisms and systems.
Climate‐dependent allocation of resources to secondary sexual traits in red deer
Authors: Mysterud Atle , Meisingset Erling , Langvatn Rolf , Yoccoz Nige G. , Stenseth Nils Chr.
Published: November 2005

Fitness in highly polygynous male ungulates is related both to body size, weight and antler size. Males must therefore allocate resources both to growth of the body and growth of the antlers, which may lead to tradeoffs whenever resource levels are in limited supply. Several studies have reported how (absolute) growth of antlers and horns are related to environmental conditions, but few have looked for the relative allocation patterns (i.e. relative to body size and weight). We analyzed how the influence of variation in climate (the North Atlantic oscillations, NAO) and population density affected the allocation of resources to antlers, based on data from 2720 red deer stags two years or older harvested during 1965–2002 along the west coast of Norway. Number of antler tines increased up to six years of age, remained stable until 12 years of age, and then decreased significantly (>12 years, n=45). The NAO was positively related to number of antler tines in prime aged males (6–12 years, n=629), also after controlling for both body size and weight. Our study thus suggests that deer have a higher allocation of resources to antlers relative to body weight during favorable environmental conditions.
Media reports of links between MMR and autism: a discourse analysis
Authors: O'Dell Lindsay , Brownlow Charlotte
Published: November 2005

This paper details an analysis of BBC reporting of the proposed links between MMR and autism. The study aimed to identify main issues arising from the media reports into the link between MMR and the development of autism, and how these contribute to common understandings about people with autism. The study employed a form of discourse analysis to discuss how the media debates represent people with autism and perceived risks from the MMR vaccination. Sources were collected from the BBC website, and comprised of both Internet pages and reports from radio programmes broadcast by the BBC. The analysis focuses on reports around the time of the British Prime Minister's (and his family's) decision to not disclose whether their youngest son was given the disputed triple vaccine. A key issue arising from the analysis is the ways in which science is used to argue for both the safeness of the vaccine and also the dangerousness of it. Within the media debate of the safeness/dangerousness of the vaccine priority is accorded to the experiences of families who feel directly affected by the dangerousness of the vaccine. Thus whilst scientific explanation retains its powerful position in validating and legitimating the ‘truth’ in this instance experiential knowledge takes priority. The reports draw on parental fear of ‘damage’ to their children, where ‘damage’ is constituted as the onset of autism following vaccination. Implicit within the debate is the notion that an autistic child/adult is less acceptable than a (supposedly) ‘normal’ child. The issues emerging from the analysis are in sharp contrast to our previous research with adults with autism. While the development of an autistic identity is often seen as a problem for parents and ‘experts’ researching autism, such identities can be highly valued by those so labelled.
Clinical evolution of luminal and perianal Crohn's disease after inducing remission with infliximab: how long should patients be treated?
Authors: DOMÈNECH E. , HINOJOSA J. , NOS P. , GARCIA‐PLANELLA E. , CABRÉ E. , BERNAL I. , GASSULL M. A.
Published: November 2005

Background:  Few data are available regarding the evolution of Crohn's disease after discontinuing a successful course of infliximab.

Aim:  To evaluate clinical outcome of Crohn's disease after induction of remission with three infliximab infusions (luminal disease) and after maintenance of remission with 1‐year course of infliximab every 8 weeks (luminal and perianal).

Methods:  Twenty‐three patients with active luminal Crohn's disease who responded to three infusions of infliximab (0, 2, and 6 weeks), and 23 patients with sustained response to infliximab every 8 weeks during 1 year, were included. Patients were followed‐up until relapse or for at least 6 months after infliximab discontinuation. Clinical outcomes and factors associated to relapse were evaluated.

Results:  In luminal Crohn's disease, a three‐infusion infliximab regimen achieved a sustained response in most patients, especially if a complete response occurred at the time of the third infusion. In patients treated for 1‐year, infliximab discontinuation was also successful, with a cumulative probability of being free of relapse of 69% at 12 months. In perianal disease, early relapse was the rule after stopping infliximab treatment, with only 34% of patient maintaining remission at 1 year.

Conclusions:  Short regimens of infliximab might be evaluated in patients with luminal Crohn's disease. However, infliximab discontinuation is not recommended in perianal Crohn's disease, because of a high rate of early relapse.
Least‐squares wave‐path migration
Authors: Liu Yike , Sun Hongchuan , Chang Xu
Published: November 2005

We present a new least‐squares migration method called least‐squares wave‐path migration. The proposed method combines an iterative conjugate‐gradient solver with a stationary‐phase wave‐path migration operator. Numerical tests demonstrate that (i) least‐squares wave‐path migration is computationally more efficient than and almost as accurate as Kirchhoff least‐squares migration, and (ii) many of the artefacts seen in wave‐path migration images are suppressed after several conjugate‐gradient iterations. Previous results have shown that 3D wave‐path migration is up to 100 times faster than a standard 3D Kirchhoff migration, but sometimes at the cost of reduced quality. With the proposed least‐squares wave‐path migration method, the image quality in wave‐path migration can be improved at an acceptable increase in computational cost.
Mapping the geometry of an aquifer system with a high‐resolution reflection seismic profile
Authors: Francese Roberto , Giudici Mauro , Schmitt Douglas R. , Zaja Annalisa
Published: November 2005

A high‐resolution P‐wave seismic reflection survey was conducted in the area of Lambro Park within the city of Milan (northern Italy). Several high permeability channel sequences were identified and the stratigraphy of the infill was accurately mapped. The seismic signature imaged a previously undefined unit and also established the lateral correlation of some depositional units within the three major aquifer groups along the survey line.

The complexity of the acoustic framework and the reduced depth of the source location limited effective elastic‐wave generation. The geological setting also caused propagation of strong coherent noise patterns. Further interference, observed in the recorded data, was due to the traffic noise from the nearby highway. The attenuation of the undesired events required the design of specific filters and their multistep implementation.

The results of forward modelling based on borehole information and of noise tests were crucial factors in the design of the processing parameters and in the stratigraphic interpretation of the final stacked section.
Thermal management for premature births
Authors: Bredemeyer Sandie , Reid Shelley , Wallace Michele
Published: November 2005

Aim.  This paper reports an audit of the effect on admission temperatures of using occlusive polyethylene wrap applied immediately after the birth of extremely premature infants.

Background.  Use of occlusive polyethylene wrap during the early postnatal management of the premature infant reduces evaporative and convective heat loss.

Method.  Retrospective preintervention audit was carried out, followed by the introduction of occlusive polyethylene wrap for thermal management during resuscitation and early stabilization. Prospective postintervention audit was then performed. The preintervention (control) group infants were immediately dried with prewarmed towels and resuscitated under radiant heat. Infants in the intervention group were managed under radiant heat, were not dried but were immediately enclosed in an occlusive polyethylene wrap.

Results.  The demographic characteristics of the two groups were comparable. Use of occlusive polyethylene wrap resulted in higher admission temperatures for infants less than 27 weeks gestation (z = 108·50, P < 0·01). There was no statistically significant improvement in admission temperatures for 27–29 week infants. The rate of hypothermia on admission (<35·6°C per axilla) was lower in the intervention group (χ2 = 5·12, d.f. = 1, P = 0·02), but more infants recorded temperatures exceeding 37·2°C during the first 12 hours (χ2 = 23·45, d.f. = 1, P < 0·01). There were no other adverse effects noted.

Conclusion.  Use of occlusive polyethylene wrap improved admission temperatures for infants less than 27 weeks gestation. This intervention is easy to implement and does not interfere with resuscitation. However, removal of the wrap should be considered following admission to a closed care system in the neonatal intensive care unit because, in the intervention group, hyperthermia in the first 12 hours was a potential side effect.
Determinants of parental behaviour when children undergo day‐care surgery
Authors: Tourigny Jocelyne , Chapados Claire , Pineault Raynald
Published: November 2005

Aims.  This paper reports an investigation of the nature and strength of parental beliefs about their participation in their children's day‐care surgery as well as demonstrated parental behaviours during the immediate postrecovery period.

Background.  Parents want to participate in their children's hospital care but their behaviour does not reflect their intention. Parents’ beliefs about their role in the hospital may be a factor influencing the way they help their children at the course of a day‐care surgery.

Research methods.  A descriptive correlative design was used. French and English speaking parents of 3–12‐year old children were asked to complete a self‐administered questionnaire which comprised 42 items measuring the intensity of attitudes, norms and sense of control and their influence in predicting their intention to participate in hospital care. Parents’ behaviours during the first hour following the child's return from the recovery room were video‐recorded.

Results.  A total of 220 parents participated in the study. Parental beliefs about participation in care were quite strong in terms of subjective norms, sense of control and attitude, predicting 64% of their intention to participate. Parents demonstrated mostly attitude type behaviours, while the level of demonstrated helping behaviours was somewhat low.

Conclusions.  Parents can be valuable partners in ambulatory care settings. Clinicians and health care managers should aim at establishing a true partnership with parents, in order to improve the quality of care given to children and their family in hospital and at home.
Culture and ageing: reflections on the arts and nursing
Authors: Wainwright Steven P. , Williams Clare
Published: November 2005

Aim.  In this paper, we focus on ageing as an area in which nursing, society and the humanities can be profitably conjoined. We illustrate our argument with three case studies of ageing: in painting, opera and ballet.

Background.  There has been a recent spectacular increase in papers devoted to the relatively new field of the medical humanities. We argue for a similar renaissance in thinking about the connections between the arts and nursing.

Discussion.  First, we consider the paintings of J.M.W. Turner (1775–1851) as examples of loss, ageing and death. Second, we draw upon Leoš Janáček's opera ‘The Makropulos Case’ (1926) as a focus for debate about human mortality. Third, we review some ethnographic research on the balletic body as an example of cultures of youthful ageing.

Conclusion.  A focus on the embodiment of vulnerability is a productive catalyst for research on the intimate connections between self and society, biology and culture, and reason and emotion. Such a research agenda would be the hallmark of a holistic approach to the arts and nursing.
The integrative review: updated methodology
Authors: Whittemore Robin , Knafl Kathleen
Published: November 2005

Aim.  The aim of this paper is to distinguish the integrative review method from other review methods and to propose methodological strategies specific to the integrative review method to enhance the rigour of the process.

Background.  Recent evidence‐based practice initiatives have increased the need for and the production of all types of reviews of the literature (integrative reviews, systematic reviews, meta‐analyses, and qualitative reviews). The integrative review method is the only approach that allows for the combination of diverse methodologies (for example, experimental and non‐experimental research), and has the potential to play a greater role in evidence‐based practice for nursing. With respect to the integrative review method, strategies to enhance data collection and extraction have been developed; however, methods of analysis, synthesis, and conclusion drawing remain poorly formulated.

Discussion.  A modified framework for research reviews is presented to address issues specific to the integrative review method. Issues related to specifying the review purpose, searching the literature, evaluating data from primary sources, analysing data, and presenting the results are discussed. Data analysis methods of qualitative research are proposed as strategies that enhance the rigour of combining diverse methodologies as well as empirical and theoretical sources in an integrative review.

Conclusion.  An updated integrative review method has the potential to allow for diverse primary research methods to become a greater part of evidence‐based practice initiatives.
The strength of trophic cascades across ecosystems: predictions from allometry and energetics
Authors: SHURIN JONATHAN B. , SEABLOOM ERIC W.
Published: November 2005

Top‐down control of trophic structure is often highly variable both within and among ecosystems. We explored the roles of relative body sizes of predators and prey, their metabolic types, the production‐to‐biomass ratio (P : B) of plants, and system productivity in determining the strength of the indirect effects of predators on plants.

We used a well‐studied food chain model with three trophic levels that is parameterized based on allometric relationships for rates of ingestion and metabolic efficiency. The model predicts that invertebrate and ectotherm predators and herbivores should propagate cascades to a greater degree than vertebrates and endotherms because of their higher metabolic efficiency.

Increasing the herbivore‐to‐plant body‐size ratio strengthened the effects of cascades, while predator body‐size was predicted to have no effect. Increasing system productivity or plant P : B magnified cascades. Because herbivore : plant body size ratios and plant P : B are both generally greater in aquatic than terrestrial systems (especially those with unicellular producers), the model predicts stronger cascades in water than on land. This prediction is supported by a recent cross‐system comparison of trophic cascade experiments.

We discuss features of natural systems that are not incorporated into the model and their implications for the intensity of trophic cascades across ecosystems.
The characterization of low‐angle boundaries by EBSD
Authors: BATE P. S. , KNUTSEN R. D. , BROUGH I. , HUMPHREYS F. J.
Published: November 2005

A method of accurately measuring misorientations by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), which is an extension of that proposed by Wilkinson and based on the comparison of diffraction patterns, is described. The method has been applied to linescans, and found to improve the angular resolution by a factor of more than 30. The consequent improvement in determining misorientation axes is also analysed. Small changes of orientation very close to some low‐angle boundaries were investigated and found to be artefacts of the analysis. Measurements of the area from which diffraction patterns are generated show this to be much larger than the effective spatial resolution of EBSD, and it is concluded that this may be a limiting factor in the use of EBSD for microstructural characterization.
Direct preparation of particles from liquid suspension for ESEM or SEM analysis
Authors: WIGHT S. A. , HOLBROOK R. D.
Published: November 2005

A simplified method for the preparation of particles from liquid suspensions has been developed. Particles are deposited directly on carbon planchets for rapid analysis by environmental scanning electron microscopy or by conventional scanning electron microscopy after an additional drying step. This is accomplished by filtering the liquid through thin carbon planchets. Three different grades of graphite were investigated for their suitability as the source material for these planchets. The high quality isomolded graphite is recommended for the filtration and direct observation of particles by electron microscopy. This technique is demonstrated for particles in hydraulic fluid and aquatic suspended particulate material from a natural water source.
Molecular phylogeny of Palaearctic genera of Gomphocerinae grasshoppers (Orthoptera, Acrididae)
Authors: Bugrov Alexander , Novikova Olga , Mayorov Vladimir , Adkison Linda , Blinov Alexander
Published: November 2005

Abstract.  Molecular phylogenetic methods were used to examine morphologically based hypotheses concerning the taxonomic structure and relationships of the grasshopper subfamily Gomphocerinae. Two mitochondrial gene (cytochrome b and cytochrome oxidase subunit I) sequences were determined for twenty‐five species representing eleven Palaearctic genera. The studied Gomphocerinae species constituted a monophyletic group; furthermore, the earlier division of Gomphocerinae into tribes was supported, with each tribe monophyletic. There was no support for various systems uniting Stenobothrini and Gomphocerini into one tribe. Two separate clusters were discerned in Gomphocerini and two tribes were distinguished – Gomphocerini (genera Aeropus, Stauroderus, Chorthippus) and Stenobothrini (genera Omocestus, Stenobothrus).
Spatial segregation of two common Gobius species (Teleostei: Gobiidae) in the northern Adriatic Sea
Authors: Herler Jürgen , Patzner Robert A.
Published: November 2005

The habitat characteristics and spatial segregation of the two common gobies Gobius fallax Sarato, 1889 and Gobius auratus Risso, 1810 were investigated by fish frequency and abundance estimates through visual counts in the northern Adriatic Sea. The latter species is represented by a recently described, unusual colour morph in the northern Adriatic Sea. Gobius fallax was observed at five of the nine locations examined and its abundance did not differ between two of three transect locations at Piran (Slovenia) and at the western coast of Cres (Kvarner region, Croatia). Gobius auratus was not found in the Gulf of Trieste but was present at several Kvarner locations, and co‐occurred with G. fallax at one location at Cres. Both inhabit rocky substrates but they show different preferences for substrate inclinations and bathymetric segregation. Gobius fallax was most frequent between 2 and 8 m depth and was most abundant on substrate inclining less than 30°. Its highest abundance over entire transects was 0.3 indiv.·m−2 but within certain transect sections this increased to 1.25 indiv.·m−2. Gobius auratus attained its highest abundance in depths below 8 m and at substrate inclinations between 30 and 90°. This species attained its highest values at the western coast of Cres, where it reached a maximum of 1.5 indiv.·m−2 over entire transects but even up to 3.0 indiv.·m−2 in certain transect sections. At Krk, the maximum abundance over entire transects was only 0.3 indiv.·m−2.
Usefulness of 1% terbinafine HCl (Lamisil®) cream for hyperkeratotic‐type tinea pedis and its transfer into the horny layer
Authors: Tanuma H. , Doi M. , Ohta Y. , Nishiyama S. , Katsuoka K. , Kaneko S. , Mukai H. , Abe M.
Published: November 2005

The usefulness of 1% terbinafine HCl (Lamisil®) cream for hyperkeratotic‐type tinea pedis and its transfer into the horny layer were evaluated. Of the 36 patients enrolled in the study, 35 were retained for analysis and one was excluded due to inappropriate drug application. Hyperkeratotic‐type tinea pedis was classified into three types: true hyperkeratotic‐type, partial hyperkeratotic‐type, and quasi‐hyperkeratotic type.
Oesophageal candidosis in intensive care patients  Ösophagus‐Candidose bei intensivmedizinisch betreuten Patienten
Authors: Bernhardt J. , Zimmermann K. , Schulz K. , Knoke M. , Bernhardt H.
Published: November 2005

Summary.  We conducted upper intestinoscopies in 124 intensive care patients, six of whom had oesophageal candidosis. Of these, two also had Candida plaque in the stomach. The patients at the intensive care unit (ICU) had a mean Apache‐II score of 26.7; whereas the score was 29.5 in patients with Candida oesophagitis. A significant increase of Candida antibodies was found in 59 of 124 patients (47.6%), including all patients with oesophageal candidosis. Presumably, mycotic infections of other sites were present. The severity by which mucous membranes were affected correlated well with microscopically evident invasiveness.
Strain specificity of yeasts isolated from different locations of women suffering from vaginal candidosis, and their partners  Vergleich der Stammspezifität von Hefepilzen verschiedener Lokalisation bei Frauen mit Vaginalcandidosen
Authors: Mendling W. , Pinto De Andrade M. , Gutschmidt J. , Gantenberg R. , Presber W. , Schönian Gabriele
Published: November 2005

Summary.  Sexual partners often harbour identical yeast strains in the vagina, in the orointestinal tract and in semen in cases of recurrent vulvovaginal candidoses. Specimen were collected from vagina, oral cavity and faeces of the patients, and from semen, oral cavity and faeces of their male partners. Mycological cultures were grown on Sabouraud glucose‐agar and, if positive, specified by Candida‐ID‐Agar (BioMérieux), by formation of chlamydospores on rice agar, and by biochemotyping with the System Walk‐away (Dade) or the API‐32C system (BioMérieux). A polymerase chain reaction fingerprinting technique with the T3B oligonucleotide as single primer was used for strain typing. Candida albicans was isolated from the vagina of 18 out of 21 patients, the vagina of one patient harboured a strain of Candida glabrata. The cultures obtained from vagina, oral cavity and faeces were genetically identical in 12 patients. From the partners of 15 patients C. albicans was cultured in at least one of the clinical samples. Identical strains were observed for eight of 15 couples, whereas four of these identical strains were cultured from semen. Further prospective investigations will prove whether a consequent treatment of both partners will eradicate identical yeast strains and will be able to improve the results of treatment in such women.