bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical imaging of tissue
in vivo
with video-rate coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy
Authors: Evans Conor L. , Potma Eric O. , Puoris'haag Mehron , Côté Daniel , Lin Charles P. , Xie X. Sunney
Published: November 2005

Imaging living organisms with molecular selectivity typically requires the introduction of specific labels. Many applications in biology and medicine, however, would significantly benefit from a noninvasive imaging technique that circumvents such exogenous probes.
In vivo
microscopy based on vibrational spectroscopic contrast offers a unique approach for visualizing tissue architecture with molecular specificity. We have developed a sensitive technique for vibrational imaging of tissues by combining coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) with video-rate microscopy. Backscattering of the intense forward-propagating CARS radiation in tissue gives rise to a strong epi-CARS signal that makes
in vivo
imaging possible. This substantially large signal allows for real-time monitoring of dynamic processes, such as the diffusion of chemical compounds, in tissues. By tuning into the CH
2
stretching vibrational band, we demonstrate CARS imaging and spectroscopy of lipid-rich tissue structures in the skin of a live mouse, including sebaceous glands, corneocytes, and adipocytes, with unprecedented contrast at subcellular resolution.
Infection patterns in barley and wheat spikes inoculated with wild-type and trichodiene synthase gene disrupted
Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Jansen Carin , von Wettstein Diter , Schäfer Wilhelm , Kogel Karl-Heinz , Felk Angelika , Maier Frank J.
Published: November 2005

Fusarium
head blight epidemics of wheat and barley cause heavy economic losses to farmers due to yield decreases and production of mycotoxin that renders the grain useless for flour and malt products. No highly resistant cultivars are available at present. Hyphae of germinating fungal spores use different paths of infection: After germination at the extruded tip of an ovary, the hyphae travel along the epicarp in the space between the lemma and palea. Infection of the developing kernel proceeds through the epicarp, successively destroying the layers of the fruit coat and finally the starch and protein accumulating endosperm. Hyphae reaching the rachis proceed to apically located developing kernels. Using a constitutively green fluorescence protein-expressing
Fusarium
wild-type strain, and its knockout mutant, preventing trichothecene synthesis, we demonstrate that trichothecenes are not a virulence factor during infection through the fruit coat. In the absence of trichothecenes, the fungus is blocked by the development of heavy cell wall thickenings in the rachis node of Nandu wheat, a defense inhibited by the mycotoxin. In barley hyphae of both wild-type and the trichothecene knockout mutant, are inhibited at the rachis node and rachilla, limiting infection of adjacent florets through the phloem and along the surface of the rachis. Effective resistance to
Fusarium
head blight requires expression of genes that combat these different pathways of infection.
Energy requirements of infants
Authors: Butte Nancy F
Published: November 2005

Objective

To estimate the energy requirements of infants from total energy expenditure and energy deposition during growth.

Design

Energy requirements during infancy were estimated from total energy expenditure measured by the doubly labelled water method and energy deposition based on measured protein and fat gains.

Setting

Database on the total energy expenditure and energy deposition of infants was compiled from available studies conducted in China, Chile, Gambia, Mexico, Netherlands, UK, and USA.

Subjects

Healthy, term infants.

Results

Total energy requirements (kJ day−1) increased with age and were higher in boys than girls due to differences in weight. Energy requirements decreased from 473 kJ kg−1per day for boys and 447 kJ kg−1per day for girls at 1 month of age to 337 kJ kg−1per day for boys and 341 kJ kg−1per day for girls at 6 months of age, and thereafter tended to plateau. Energy deposition as a percentage of total energy requirements decreased from 40% at 1 month to 3% at 12 months of age. These estimates are 10–32% lower than the 1985 FAO/WHO/UNU recommendations which were based on observed energy intakes of infants.

Conclusions

Recommendations for the energy intake of infants should be revised based on new estimates of total energy expenditure and energy deposition.
Consequences of food energy excess and positive energy balance
Authors: Uauy Ricardo , Díaz Erik
Published: November 2005

This paper discusses possible consequences of energy excess throughout the life cycle. Firstly we consider the effects of foods on hunger, satiety and satiation. Also, the changes in food availability and consumption in relation to changes in social and economic determinants of energy excess. The relationship between physical activity and energy intake (EI) is also considered. Secondly we explore the definition of energy excess and the metabolic effects of macronutrients (mainly in relation to fuel partitioning oxidation/storage) on energy balance. The cellular and molecular regulation determined by specific genes involved in lipogenesis, fuel partitioning and/or in energy dissipation are explored. Thirdly, we examine the main consequences induced by energy excess and positive energy balance, starting with the alterations in glucose utilisation (insulin resistance) leading to type 2 diabetes and the linkage of energy excess with other non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Biological, social and psychological consequences during perinatal, childhood and adolescence periods are specifically analysed. Fourthly, the transition from energy deficit to excess, under the optic of a developing country is analysed with country examples drawn from Latin America. The possible role of supplementary food programmes in determining positive energy balance is discussed especially in relation to pre-school and school feeding programmes. Fifthly, we deal with the economic costs of energy excess and obesity related diseases. Finally, some areas where further research is needed are described; biological and genetic determinants of individual and population energy requirements, foods and food preparations as actually consumed, consumer education and research needs on social determinants of energy imbalances.
Estimating energy requirements: regression based prediction equations or multiples of resting metabolic rate
Authors: Goran Michael I
Published: November 2005

Energy requirements have traditionally been determined based on multiples of resting metabolic rate (RMR), known as Physical Activity Levels (PAL). With more data from doubly labelled water studies alternative approaches for estimating energy requirements have been suggested. Statistical analysis reveals that body weight explains more of the variance in total energy expenditure (TEE) than does RMR. The explanation for this phenomenon is that body weight contributes to the variance of both RMR and the other major determinant of TEE, i.e. physical activity related energy expenditure. Thus, in effect, the regression-based approach provides a more physiological appropriate model for TEE. Its major departure from tradition, difference from current adult proposals, and time taken for acceptance are the disadvantages of the regression-based approach.
Effect of infection on energy requirements of infants and children
Authors: Garza Cutberto
Published: November 2005

This is a brief review of the effects of infection and other forms of stress on the energy needs of infants and young children. The results of studies estimating energy expenditure in infants and young children during illness and convalescence were evaluated. Expectations that energy expenditure is influenced by the severity of illness, nutritional status, the nature of the illness, the presence and intensity of ‘catch-up growth,’ and the stage of convalescence are generally supported by the literature. The qualitative or quantitative nature of responses, however, are not uniform for diverse illnesses in children in diverse planes of nutritional adequacy.
Validation of three predictive equations for basal metabolic rate in adults
Authors: Ramirez-Zea Manuel
Published: November 2005

Objective

To cross-validate three predictive set of equations for basal metabolic rate (BMR) developed by Schofield (Schofield database), Henry (Oxford database) and Cole (Oxford database) using mean values for age, weight, height and BMR of published studies.

Design

Literature review of studies published from 1985 to March 2002.

Setting

All studies selected used appropriate methods and followed conditions that met the criteria established for basal metabolism, were performed in healthy adults, and were not part of the Schofield or Oxford database.

Subjects

A total of 261 groups of men and women from 175 studies were selected and categorised in three age groups (18.5–29.9, 30.0–59.9, ≥60 years old) and three body mass index (BMI) groups (normal weight, overweight and obese).

Results

Linear regression and concordance correlation analysis showed that the three sets of equations had the same association and agreement with measured BMR, across gender, age, and BMI groups. The agreement of all equations was moderate for men and poor for women. The lowest mean squared prediction errors (MSPRs) were given by Henry equations in men and Cole equations in women. Henry and Cole equations gave lower values than Schofield equations, except for men over 60 years of age. Henry equations were the most accurate in men. None of the three equations performed consistently better in women.

Conclusion

These results support the use of Henry equations in men with a wide range of age and BMI. None of the proposed predictive equations seem to be appropriate to estimate BMR in women.
Effect of informed consent for intravascular contrast material on the level of anxiety: how much information should be given?
Authors: Yucel A. , Gecici O. , Emul M. , Oyar O. , Gulsoy U. K. , Dayanir Y. O. , Acar M. , Degirmenci B. , Haktanir A.
Published: November 2005

Purpose: To compare the effect of two different informed consent forms on patients' anxiety level prior to intravenous contrast material (IVCM) injection.

Material and Methods: Two different informed consent forms were randomly given to 265 consecutive patients referred for either intravenous pyelography or computed tomography requiring IVCM injections. Form 1 had brief information, including only the common risks and risk factors associated with IVCM, while Form 2 had more comprehensive information. Before being presented with the two different informed consent forms, 191 of the 265 patients filled out two other forms evaluating: 1: How they felt in that particular situation/moment (STAI-T); and 2: How they felt independently of the situation or condition at that moment (STAI-S). After the patients were informed, the STAI-T (measuring how they felt in that particular situation) was filled out once more to see if the anxiety level had changed.

Results: The anxiety level for 88 patients receiving Form 1 decreased after they were given the informed consent ( P = 0.033). However, among the 103 patients receiving Form 2, the anxiety level showed a significant increase ( P = 0.001) compared to the values obtained before Form 2 was given.

Conclusion: These results indicate that informed consent, including brief information about the risk factors and potential adverse reactions of IVCM, reduces anxiety level, while detailed information before the procedure increases the anxiety level.
A retrospective evaluation of patient acceptance of computed tomography colonography (“virtual colonoscopy”) in comparison with conventional colonoscopy in an average risk screening population
Authors: Juchems M. S. , Ehmann J. , Brambs H.-J. , Aschoff A. J.
Published: November 2005

Purpose: To evaluate patient acceptance of computed tomography (CT) colonography compared with conventional colonoscopy by means of a self-assessed questionnaire.

Material and Methods: Four-hundred-and-one patients with valid address information from our patient collective were preselected. Patient acceptance was evaluated retrospectively using a self-assessed questionnaire. The patients underwent CT colonography in our institution using 4× or 16× multi-detector row (MDR) CT. Two-hundred-and-forty-six patients returned a completed questionnaire, 157 of these indicating that they had undergone both virtual and conventional colonoscopy.

Results: One-hundred-and-twenty (76.4%) of the 157 patients would undergo another CT colonography if necessary, while only 14 patients would not. One-hundred-and-sixteen (73.9%) patients favored the actual examination procedure of CT colonography ( P<0.0001), while only 6.4% preferred the conventional method. Preparation prior to CT colonography was experienced as more convenient than preparation prior to conventional colonoscopy (52.2% versus 14%).

Conclusion: CT colonography was preferred in terms of both preparation and the actual procedure itself.
Transient splenial lesion of corpus callosum associated with antiepileptic drug: conventional and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance images
Authors: Hakyemez B. , Erdogan C. , Yildirim N. , Gokalp G. , Parlak M.
Published: November 2005

Transient focal lesions of splenium of corpus callosum can be seen as a component of many central nervous system diseases, including antiepileptic drug toxicity. The conventional magnetic resonance (MR) findings of the disease are characteristic and include ovoid lesions with high signal intensity at T2-weighted MRI. Limited information exists about the diffusion-weighted MRI characteristics of these lesions vanishing completely after a period of time. We examined the conventional, FLAIR, and diffusion-weighted MR images of a patient complaining of depressive mood and anxiety disorder after 1 year receiving antiepileptic medication.
Improving Continuity of Care in a Public Addiction Treatment System with Clinical Case Management
Authors: McLellan A. Thomas , Weinstein Rosalyn L. , Shen Quansheng , Kendig Connie , Levine Marvin
Published: November 2005

Philadelphia attempted to expand the access to and continuity of addiction treatment by focusing on the 15% of patients who received multiple, detoxification‐only (MDO) treatments each year. Clinical Case Managers at five detoxification centers encouraged MDO patients to continue care following detoxification in methadone, residential, or outpatient rehabilitation, and sustain improvements, and they recommended opening detoxification access for additional patients as well. System administrative information was available for one year prior and three years during the intervention. Counts of unduplicated patients within each year and measures of the length and type of treatment episodes determined the intervention effects. Records from a sub‐sample of 100 MDO patients were examined to assess specific changes in system utilization. Over three years, 890 MDO patients were case managed and had received assessment, referral, and transport to health care and sober living. The sub‐sample of case‐managed MDO patients showed a 55% reduction in detoxification‐only admissions, a 70% increase in use of rehabilitation, and a twenty‐day increase in the average length of stay per episode. Though there are noted limitations in the evaluation design, the findings are consistent with the view that individual case management of MDO patients may improve the clinical appropriateness and administrative efficiency of public addiction treatment.
The Relationship between Future Orientation and Street Substance Use among Texas Alternative School Students
Authors: Peters Ronald J. , Tortolero Susan R. , Johnson Regina Jones , Addy Robert C. , Markham Christine M. , Escobar‐Chaves S. Liliana , Lewis Holly , Yacoubian George S.
Published: November 2005

Self‐reported substance use data were collected from 963 alternative school students in grades 7–12 who were surveyed through the Safer Choices 2 study in Houston, Texas. Data were collected between October 2000 and March 2001. Logistic regression analyses indicated that lower levels of future orientation was significantly associated (OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.81–0.97) with thirty‐day substance use after controlling for age and gender. In addition, lower levels of future orientation was found to have a significant association with students’ lifetime substance use (OR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.87–.99) after controlling for age, race, and gender. While the relationships tested in this study are exploratory, they provide evidence for an important connection between future orientation and substance use among adolescents attending alternative schools.
An investigation into the possibility of an innovative treatment for weight‐related hyperphagia: Towards a more effective combination of physiological and psychological treatment for clinically obese patients who binge‐eat, category DSM IV EDNOS (Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified)
Authors: Helyar Rosemary
Published: November 2005

This paper describes Phase One of a five‐phase doctoral research inquiry into hyperphagia (eating beyond requirement) as experienced in Binge Eating Disorder (BED). It is a response to the need for a treatment plan which combines the opportunity to explore psychological reasons for overeating, as well as to understand physiological reasons for uncontrollable cravings. Three participants, recruited through local gyms, received twelve sessions of integrative counselling combining cognitive behavioural therapy and physiological information with a person‐centred approach and psychodynamic theory to help participants discover for themselves the emotional causes of their overeating. The results informed Phase Two in which a small group addressed the same issues. The outcome of both phases will be used to design a treatment programme (Phase Three) for a larger group as a pilot study (Phase Four), all phases being part of an action research project which will be evaluated in Phase Five. The study is aimed at promoting a better understanding on the part of health professionals and counsellors of the need for sufferers of BED to address emotional causes of overeating and providing such treatment in primary care. Participants in Phase One self‐reported a steady decrease in Body Mass Index (BMI) during an interval of one year and achieved an awareness of the way in which their complex relationship with food was underpinned by emotionally painful and avoidant relationships with others.
An exploration of obese adults’ experience of attempting to lose weight and to maintain a reduced weight
Authors: Bidgood Jacqueline , Buckroyd Julia
Published: November 2005

The aim of this study was to explore obese adults’ accounts of their experiences and feelings during their attempts to lose weight and to maintain a reduced weight. Qualitative research methods were used, based on interviews with individuals and groups. Eighteen obese men and women were recruited from the general public, with BMIs ranging from 30 to 50. All participants had attempted weight loss treatment, but without lasting success. Participants were unanimous in saying they needed help. Results suggest that counselling could play a greater role in the treatment of obesity.
Making sense of being fat: A hermeneutic analysis of adults’ explanations for obesity
Authors: Grant Patricia Goodspeed , Boersma Helena
Published: November 2005

This hermeneutic‐phenomenological study of individuals enrolled in a hospital weight management clinic is an account and analysis of the experiences of being overweight, dieting and weight cycling through in‐depth life history interviews. Participants explored their earliest recollections involving family attitudes towards food, multiple experiences with dieting and weight cycling and how they explained their weight problems to themselves. Analysis revealed that mealtimes became the arena within which control battles were waged between parent and child; food became associated with control and eating subsequently became a way to gain control over other aspects of life. Eating also became a way to numb the pain associated with child abuse, to substitute for human needs for relationship and belonging and emotional cycles of eating were identified. Insights emergeing from the interview process suggest the value of considering a psychodynamic approach to understanding emotional eating.
A feminist psychotherapeutic approach to working with women who eat compulsively1
Authors: Heenan Colleen
Published: November 2005

Feminist psychoanalytic theorists argue that eating problems demonstrate ways in which conscious and unconscious gendered feelings about women are split off and projected on to their bodies. As such, they are complex ways in which women attempt to negotiate and express their identities within their paradoxical social position in contemporary western society. They are not just consumers but also objects of consumption. This paper explores material from a feminist psychodynamic therapy group for women with a variety of eating problems, focusing on how interweaving both discursive and unconscious approaches to understanding the gendered function of weight can facilitate change. Feminist psychodynamic therapists work with the concept that the body is an interface between conscious and unconscious mind within both an internal and a social world. This framework enables the client to understand the connections between socially constructed frameworks of femininity, emotions and bodily sensations, rather than to act on them through some form of bodily abuse. This approach is based on my adaptation of Susie Orbach's (1978) ‘Fat is a Feminist Issue’ therapeutic model for working with compulsive eaters. While arguing that a feminist psychoanalytic framework is crucial in this type of work, I suggest that it is essential to combine this with cognitive and behavioural therapeutic interventions in order to provide a pedagogic structure in which food, eating and body size come to be seen as meaningful.
Filtration and digestion responses of an elementally homeostatic consumer to changes in food quality: a predictive model
Authors: Darchambeau François
Published: November 2005

In the study of the stoichiometric relationship between autotrophs and herbivores, attention has been largely focused on effects of the encountered mismatch between needs and supplies of an element on herbivore growth and ecosystem processes. Herbivore adaptation to poor food quality has rarely been investigated. This study presents a predictive model of feeding, assimilation, digestion and excretion of Daphnia facing a dietary deficiency in phosphorus. Biochemical compounds in the food were divided into phosphorous and non‐phosphorus compounds. It was assumed that Daphnia is able to differently assimilate both types of compounds by regulation of target specific digestive enzymes. Feeding rate was regulated by optimal gut residence time of food particles, and assimilation efficiency by gut residence time and optimal secretion of both classes of gut enzymes. The model predicted the optimal strategy for a consumer facing an elementally imbalanced diet: (1) increase the ingestion rate, and (2) increase the secretion rate of both classes of gut enzymes. It resulted in decreased C and nutrient assimilation efficiencies, increased C feeding costs, and reduced growth rate. Sensitivity analysis showed that these predictions were qualitatively not influenced by parameter values. An alternative model was tested that includes an additive term allowing the direct excretion of C assimilated in excess. Results showed that this strategy is not optimal for the consumer growth rate. In conclusion, the model supports the hypothesis that carbon ingested in excess may generate energy that can be used to obtain more nutrients by increased feeding rate.
The potential for predation induced somatic embryogenesis in storage cotyledons
Authors: Harrington Mark G. , Gadek Paul A. , Edwards Will
Published: November 2005

Using seven tropical rainforest species of north Queensland, Australia, we simulated partial predation and compared the development of intact embryos and embryos from which various proportions had been removed, including in some cases the original root–shoot axis. Embryos of all species contained storage reserve cotyledons and germinate in a hypogeal manner. Species mean embryo masses ranged from 0.4–48.1 g. Partial embryo predation treatments were: ½ embryo treatment; embryos separated into component cotyledons, and ¼ embryo treatment; cotyledons separated as above and subsequently cut in half. Germination was scored as production of roots and shoots, or roots or shoots only. Embryos from all species produced seedlings in all treatments, even after the removal of up to 75 percent of the cotyledonary reserve. Moreover, the proportion germinating were not different between intact embryos and i) separated cotyledons, ii) cotyledon halves that maintained or were adjacent to the embryonic axis (except for the largest seeded species), and iii) cotyledon halves that did not include the root–shoot axis (four species). Thus, production of roots and shoots, or roots or shoots only was largely independent of the presence of the embryonic root–shoot axis – implying that somatic cells in storage cotyledons are capable of differentiating into the full range of cell types typical of shoots and roots in the absence of the root–shoot axis. The generality of this response across all seven species suggests somatic embryogenesis in storage cotyledons may be a more widespread phenomenon in tropical floras than currently considered.
Interaction between disturbance and primary productivity in determining stream invertebrate diversity
Authors: Death Russel G. , Zimmermann Erna M.
Published: November 2005

Invertebrate diversity patterns were examined in 10 streams that differed in substrate disturbance rates, in Taranaki, New Zealand, between April 1999 and January 2000. Two sites on each stream were sampled, one under native forest canopy where light was postulated to limit periphyton growth and a similar site 225–3800 m downstream in open grassland. Periphyton biomass was considerably higher at open stable sites than at closed or unstable sites. Associated with the higher algal biomass, species number and total abundance of animals were higher at open canopy sites. Species number exhibited a negative linear relationship with disturbance but only at open sites. In contrast, rarefied species richness exhibited a negative linear relationship with disturbance at both open and closed sites. This was a result of communities at the more disturbed sites being numerically dominated by only a few taxa compared to the more evenly distributed communities at stable sites. The observed patterns provide little support for contemporary diversity disturbance models but suggest diversity of invertebrates in streams is a function of time since the last disturbance, mediated through recovery of the food base in autotrophic streams.
Parasites, predators and the duration of developmental periods
Authors: Pape Møller Anders
Published: November 2005

Nest predation has been suggested to be the most important environmental factor determining the evolution of incubation and nestling periods in birds. This paradigm is based on a number of comparative analyses that have shown correlations between rates of nest predation and the relative duration of the nestling period. A second important natural selection pressure on reproduction is caused by parasitism. Here, I investigated the independent effects of daily nest predation rates and daily nest mortality rates due to parasites to assess the relative importance of these two environmental factors as determinants of the relative duration of incubation and nestling periods in birds, using the 43 species for which information on parasite‐induced nestling mortality was available. The relative duration of the incubation period was negatively related to daily mortality rate due to parasitism, while nest predation had no significant effect. The relative duration of the nestling period was not significantly related to daily rate of mortality due to parasitism or nest predation. Daily nest predation rate was significantly negatively correlated with daily mortality rate due to parasitism in the subsample of species, for which some mortality due to parasitism was recorded. These findings are mainly based on hole nesters and colonially breeding species, because estimates of parasite‐induced mortality generally is unavailable from open nesting and solitarily breeding species, precluding any generalizations to these species. However, the conclusions did not change after statistically controlling for nest site and sociality. These results suggest that developmental rates may be more influenced by the effects of parasites rather than nest predators, and that parasites constitute a neglected selective force affecting developmental rates.
Delayed numerical response of goshawks to population fluctuations of forest grouse
Authors: Tornberg Risto , Korpimäki Erkki , Jungell Sven , Reif Vitali
Published: November 2005

Delayed density‐dependent mortality induced by delayed numerical response of predators can drive prey populations to fluctuate in high‐amplitude cycles. We studied numerical response of goshawksAccipiter gentilisto varying densities of their main prey (forest grouse) in western Finland during 1979–1996. Occupancy rate of goshawk territories tracked grouse numbers with a two year lag. Occupancy rate of goshawk territories and pooled number of adult and young goshawks correlated negatively with a 1–2 year lag to the chick production of grouse. Goshawk to grouse ratio was negatively related to grouse density. This suggests that goshawk predation on grouse is inversely dependent on grouse density. We conclude that in northern Europe with few alternative preys, goshawk predation might contribute to the generation of multiannual cycles of forest grouse. This should be tested experimentally.
Trickle‐down effects of aboveground trophic cascades on the soil food web
Authors: Wardle David A. , Williamson Wendy M. , Yeates Gregor W. , Bonner Karen I.
Published: November 2005

Trophic cascades are increasingly being regarded as important features of aboveground and belowground food webs, but the effects of aboveground cascades on soil food webs, and vice versa, remains essentially unexplored. We conducted an experiment consisting of model synthesised communities containing grassland plant and invertebrate species, in which treatments included soil only, soil+plants, soil+plants+aphids, and soil+plants+aphids+predators; predator treatments consisted of the lacewing Micromus tasmaniae and ladybird beetle Coccinella undecimpunctata added either singly or in combination. Addition of Micromus largely reversed the negative effects of aphids on plant biomass, while both of the predator species caused large changes in the relative abundances of dominant plant species. Predators of aphids also affected several components of the belowground subsystem. Micromus had positive indirect effects on the primary consumer of the soil decomposer food web (microflora), probably through promoting greater input of basal resources to the decomposer subsystem. Predator treatments also influenced densities of the tertiary consumers of the soil food web (top predatory nematodes), most likely through inducing changes in plant community composition and therefore the quality of resource input to the soil. The secondary consumers of the soil food web (microbe‐feeding nematodes) were, however, unresponsive. The fact that some trophic levels of the soil food web but not others responded to aboveground manipulations is explicable in terms of top‐down and bottom‐up forces differentially regulating different belowground trophic levels. Addition of aphids also influenced microbial community structure, promoted soil bacteria at the expense of fungi, and enhanced the diversity of herbivorous nematodes; in all cases these effects were at least partially reversed by addition of Micromus. These results in tandem point to upper level consumers in aboveground food webs as a potential driver of the belowground subsystem, and provide evidence that predator‐induced trophic cascades aboveground can have effects that trickle through soil food webs.
Influence of harvest, climate and wolf predation on Yellowstone elk, 1961‐2004
Authors: Vucetich John A. , Smith Douglas W. , Stahler Daniel R.
Published: November 2005

In the period following wolf (Canis lupus) reintroduction to Yellowstone National Park (1995–2004), the northern Yellowstone elk (Cervus elaphus) herd declined from ∼17 000 to ∼8000 elk (8.1% yr−1). The extent to which wolf predation contributed to this decline is not obvious because the influence of other factors (human harvest and lower than average annual rainfall) on elk dynamics has not been quantified. To assess the contribution of wolf predation to this elk decline, we built and assessed models based on elk‐related data prior to wolf reintroduction (1961 to 1995). We then used the best of these models to predict how elk dynamics might have been realized after wolf reintroduction (1995 to 2004) had wolves never been reintroduced. The best performing model predicted 64% of the variance in growth rate and included elk abundance, harvest rate, annual snowfall, and annual precipitation as predictor variables. The best performing models also suggest that harvest may be super‐additive. That is, for every one percent increase in harvest rate, elk population growth rate declines by more than one percent. Harvest rate also accounted for ∼47% of the observed variation in elk growth rate. According to the best‐performing model, which accounts for harvest rate and climate, the elk population would have been expected to decline by 7.9% per year, on average, between 1995 and 2004. Within the limits of uncertainty, which are not trivial, climate and harvest rate are justified explanations for most of the observed elk decline. To the extent that this is true, we suggest that between 1995 and 2004 wolf predation was primarily compensatory.
Corporate Governance in China—Is Economic Growth Potential Hindered by Guanxi?
Authors: BRAENDLE UDO C. , GASSER TANJA , NOLL JUERGEN
Published: November 2005

Despite the opening of the market and partial privatization of state‐owned companies in China, the state still represents the controlling shareholder in larger companies. By analyzing the weaknesses of Chinese corporate governance we illustrate the framework for harmful corruption. China is characterized by a weak legal system and strong influences of traditions such as guanxi. In this article we analyze the influence of guanxi on the Chinese corporate governance system. We find that guanxi is in general a double‐edged sword, but business‐to‐government guanxi in particular can harm the weak Chinese corporate governance system and hamper its further economic development and growth.
Working with a couple when one partner has difficulties controlling their anger
Authors: Watts Sarah
Published: November 2005

This report details the assessment and intervention carried out with a couple, Paula* and Bob*, who both had a moderate learning disability. Paula was referred to the Psychology Service for some work focussing on difficulties in controlling her responses to anger. This report discusses the assessment and offers a formulation from a cognitive behavioural perspective, also drawing on ideas from psychodynamic and systemic theories. It was necessary to work within the system that supported Paula, which included some joint work with Paula and Bob and work with their carers. The assessment and intervention were not straightforward and flexibility was required throughout in order to gain an understanding of the situation and offer an appropriately focussed intervention. The outcome and reflections on the work are discussed.
Functional analysis of Botrytis cinerea pectin methylesterase genes by PCR‐based targeted mutagenesis: Bcpme1 and Bcpme2 are dispensable for virulence of strain B05.10
Authors: KARS ILONA , McCALMAN MELYSIA , WAGEMAKERS LIA , VAN KAN JAN A. L.
Published: November 2005

Botrytis cinerea is a necrotrophic pathogen that produces an array of enzymes capable of attacking the plant cell wall components. We have previously shown that growth of the fungus in planta is accompanied by the degradation of pectin and that endopolygalacturonase (Bcpg) genes are expressed during infection of different plant tissues. It was assumed that pectin demethylation by pectin methylesterases (PME) was essential for the subsequent depolymerization by BcPGs to occur efficiently. We report here on the functional analysis of two Bcpme genes in strain B05.10, using a gene‐replacement approach. The method used for the generation of constructs for gene replacement in B. cinerea circumvents the need for cloning and yielded a high proportion of homologous recombinants. Mutants lacking both Bcpme genes are not affected in their growth on highly methylated pectin, nor did they show any reduction in virulence. The results suggest that B. cinerea strain B05.10 can efficiently degrade pectin without prior demethylation.
Hydrogen glucose breath test to detect small intestinal bacterial overgrowth: a prevalence case–control study in irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: LUPASCU A. , GABRIELLI M. , LAURITANO E. C. , SCARPELLINI E. , SANTOLIQUIDO A. , CAMMAROTA G. , FLORE R. , TONDI P. , POLA P. , GASBARRINI G. , GASBARRINI A.
Published: November 2005

Background:  Studies assessing the prevalence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in irritable bowel syndrome gave contrasting results. Differences in criteria to define irritable bowel syndrome patients and methods to assess small intestinal bacterial overgrowth may explain different results. Moreover, no data exist on small intestinal bacterial overgrowth prevalence in a significant population of healthy non‐irritable bowel syndrome subjects.

Aim:  To assess the prevalence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth by glucose breath test in patients with irritable bowel syndrome symptoms with respect to a consistent control group.

Methods:  Consecutive patients with irritable bowel syndrome according to Rome II criteria were enrolled. The control population consisted of 102 sex‐ and age‐matched healthy subjects without irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. All subjects underwent glucose breath test. A peak of H2 values >10 p.p.m above the basal value after 50 g of glucose ingestion was considered suggestive of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

Results:  A total of 65 irritable bowel syndrome patients and 102 healthy controls were enrolled. Positivity to glucose breath test was found in 31% of irritable bowel syndrome patients with respect to 4% in the control group, the difference between groups resulting statistically significant (OR: 2.65; 95% CI: 3.5–33.7, P < 0.00001).

Conclusions:  The present case–control study showed an epidemiological association between irritable bowel syndrome and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Placebo‐controlled small intestinal bacterial overgrowth‐eradication studies are necessary to clarify the real impact of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth on irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.
Survival after massive bleeding into the airway in a patient at risk from ‘can’t intubate, can't ventilate'
Authors: Sulaiman L. , Charters P.
Published: November 2005

A patient survived massive bleeding into the airway due to blowout of the right internal jugular vein associated with a failed free‐flap graft for pharyngeal malignancy. A recently decannulated ‘covering tracheostomy’ could not be easily re‐established. Direct laryngoscopy and mask ventilation were inappropriate because the pharyngeal mucosal wound opened spontaneously and progressively and bleeding was dramatic. Positive pressure ventilation via a facemask risked widespread surgical emphysema and further wound disruption and because bleeding was from the internal jugular vein, there would also have been a risk of air embolism. The clinical situation evolved rapidly so time management and consideration of hierarchy of mortality risks was critical. It was eventually possible to re‐establish the previous tracheostomy site as a result of close co‐operation between the surgical and anaesthetic teams. In difficult intubation where the problems are anticipated, the notion of responsive contingency planning is suggested to be of more general relevance than the current standard of considering alternative fallback options. The limitations of conventional capnography in this situation are also noteworthy.
Improving Kirchhoff migration with repeated local plane‐wave imaging? A SAR‐inspired signal‐processing approach in prestack depth imaging
Authors: Lecomte Isabelle , Hamran Svein‐Erik , Gelius Leiv‐J.
Published: November 2005

A local plane‐wave approach of generalized diffraction tomography in heterogeneous backgrounds, equivalent to Kirchhoff summation techniques when applied in seismic reflection, is re‐programmed to act as repeated synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging for seismic prestack depth migration. Spotlight‐mode SAR imaging quickly provides good images of the electromagnetic reflectivity of the ground via fast Fourier transform (FFT)‐based signal processing. By calculating only the Green's functions connecting the aircraft to the centre of the illuminated patch, scattering structures around that centre are also recovered. SAR technology requires us to examine seismic imaging from the local point of view, where the quantity and quality of the available information at each image point are what are important, regardless of the survey geometry. When adapted to seismics, a local image of arbitrary size and sampling is obtained by FFT of seismic energy maps in the scattering wavenumber domain around each node of a pre‐calculated grid of Green's functions. These local images can be used to generate a classic prestack depth‐migrated section by collecting only their centres. However, the local images also provide valuable information around the centre, as in SAR. They can therefore help to pre‐analyse prestack depth migration efficiently, and to perform velocity analysis at a very low cost. The FFT‐based signal‐processing approach allows local, efficient and automatic control of anti‐aliasing, noise and resolution, including optimized Jacobian weights. Repeated local imaging could also be used to speed up migration, with interpolation between local images associated with a coarse grid of Green's functions, as an alternative to interpolation of Green's functions. The local images may, however, show distortions due to the local plane‐wave approximation, and the velocity variations across their frame. Such effects, which are not necessarily a problem in SAR, should be controlled and corrected to further enhance seismic imaging. Applications to realistic models and to real data show that, despite the distortion effects, the local images can yield similar information to prestack depth migration, including common‐image‐point gathers for velocity analyses and AVO/AVA effects, at a much lower cost when a small target is considered.
Responses to advanced cancer: Chinese‐Australians
Authors: Chui Ying‐Yu , Donoghue Judith , Chenoweth Lynn
Published: November 2005

Aim.  This paper describes a study identifying the impact of key aspects of Chinese culture on the responses of mid‐aged Chinese‐Australians to their advanced cancer in order to make recommendations about their care within the health system.

Background.  Studies conducted in the 1960s and 1970s focused on understanding people's psychological responses to their experiences of terminal illness, but the issue of culture was not addressed. In recent years, a few studies have been conducted with Chinese‐Australians, but were limited to issues related to their information needs and the disclosure of a cancer diagnosis. There is a lack of understanding of the impact of Chinese culture on the experiences of these patients.

Method.  A grounded theory approach was used to generate a substantive theory to explain how mid‐aged Chinese‐Australians respond to advancing cancer. Eleven participants were recruited and data were collected from face‐to‐face interviews, telephone contacts, observation and researcher fieldnotes. Data generation occurred between 1997 and 1999.

Findings.  Four modes of response to advanced cancer were identified: acute crisis, combat, despondency and waiting for death. This paper deals particularly with the combat mode which incorporated five culturally specific strategies used by participants in their struggle against advanced cancer. These were traditional Chinese medicine, traditional Chinese beliefs on the use of food for health maintenance, qi gong (a form of exercise), feng shui (which involves paying attention to spatial organization) and the worship of ancestors and gods. Deeply entrenched within these responses is the influence of Chinese culture, rooted in the beliefs and practices of traditional Chinese medicine and the philosophy of harmony and balance of yin and yang and qi.

Conclusion.  Healthcare professionals need to be aware of the cultural practices and beliefs of the different ethnic groups for whom they care, and of the importance of accommodation to and negotiation about these cultural practices.
The value of integrating interpretive research approaches in the exposition of healthcare context
Authors: Henderson Amanda
Published: November 2005

Aim.  This paper discusses the use of a nested set of methodologies (dramaturgy, ethnomethodology and ethnography) to characterize and interpret the settings, practices and interactions inherent in the healthcare environment. The aim is to explain how a set of methodologies can help make sense of research data in the clinical setting.

Background.  Despite the recognition of the importance of the context of care there has been limited debate about the use and value of research methods and methodologies and how they can be best applied to the healthcare context.

Discussion  Using dramaturgy the physical and social scene can clearly be established, to enable insight into ‘how the scene is contrived’. The ethnomethodological approach assists in the examination of taken‐for‐granted assumptions inherent in the interactions between individuals in the ‘scene’, and the underlying ‘shared’ knowledge within interactions. ‘Shared knowledge’ identifies knowledge as a medium for communication. The use of ethnography ensures that social and cultural symbols, which are an integral component of how individuals collectively attribute meaning to places and events, become a significant part in the interpretation of interactions.

Conclusion.  The combination of these methods is advantageous in assisting qualitative researchers in the healthcare environment to ‘make sense’ of their complex field notes.