bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of passive humidification on respiratory heat loss in tracheotomized patients
Authors: Rozsasi Ajnacska , Leiacker Richard , Fischer Yvonne , Keck Tilman
Published: February 2006

Background.

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in total respiratory heat loss during use of a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) in tracheotomized patients.

Methods.

Tracheal humidity and temperature were measured before the application and during use of the HME (plastic foam impregnated with CaCl2), and total respiratory heat loss was calculated.

Results.

No significant difference was found between the convective heat exchange before and after use of the HME for a 10‐minute period. When the HME was placed on the tracheal opening, the evaporative heat exchange and the total respiratory heat loss decreased significantly.

Conclusions.

The results indicate that passive airway humidification is effective in tracheotomized patients even after a 10‐minute period. However, the positive effect on the energy balance of the tracheal mucosa after prolonged use of the HME remains to be proven. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2006
Preservation of quality of life after intensity‐modulated radiotherapy for early‐stage nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Results of a prospective longitudinal study
Authors: McMillan Anne S. , Pow Edmond H. N. , Kwong Dora L. W. , Wong May C. M. , Sham Jonathan S. T. , Leung Lucullus H. T. , Leung W. Keung
Published: February 2006

Background.

Xerostomia is a ubiquitous complication after conventional radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) that seriously impairs patient quality of life (QOL). The effect on QOL of parotid‐sparing intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for early‐stage NPC was assessed prospectively.

Methods.

Thirty‐two patients with T1–2,N0–1,M0 NPC received IMRT. Saliva flow was measured, and the Medical Outcomes Short Form 36 (SF‐36), European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) core, and EORTC head and neck module (QLQ‐H&N35) questionnaires were completed at baseline and 2, 6, and 12 months after IMRT.

Results.

Saliva flow recovered to at least 25% of baseline in most cases after 1 year. Physical function, fatigue, and vitality were problems at 2 months and then resolved (p ≤ .002). Global health scales showed continuous improvement in QOL after treatment (p ≤ .004). Xerostomia and sticky saliva were problems 2 months after treatment; thereafter, continuous improvement occurred (p ≤ .001). Xerostomia scores correlated with general aspects of QOL (p ≤ .044).

Conclusion.

IMRT for early‐stage disease preserved key aspects of QOL, and a reduction in xerostomia symptoms enhanced broader aspects of QOL. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2006
Phase I/II study of S‐1 combined with carboplatin in recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck cancer as outpatient chemotherapy
Authors: Watanabe Akihito , Taniguchi Masanobu , Yamashita Tetsuro , Ueda Michihiro , Abe Tatsuya , Kusumi Takaya , Hosokawa Masao , Sasaki Shigeyuki
Published: February 2006

Background.

The aims of this study were to determine the recommended dose (RD) in combination chemotherapy of S‐1 and carboplatin in recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck cancer (phase I) and to examine response rate and toxicities at RD (phase II).

Methods.

S‐1 was given orally at a fixed dose of 40, 50, or 60 mg twice daily based on the patient's body surface area for 21 days followed by a 14‐day rest. In phase I, carboplatin was given intravenously to a cohort of three patients on day 8 at a dose of 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, or 4.0 area under the curve (AUC) values, depending on the dose‐limiting toxicities (DLTs).

Results.

In phase I, the RD was estimated as 2.5 AUC. In phase II, thrombocytopenia and leukopenia were most commonly found as hematologic DLTs, which were manageable without hospitalization. The response rate was 40.9%.

Conclusions.

This regimen is considered to be active against recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck cancer in an outpatient setting. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2006
Expression of cancer testis antigens in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Figueiredo David L. A. , Mamede Rui C. M. , Proto‐Siqueira Rodrigo , Neder Luciano , Silva Wilson A. , Zago Marco A.
Published: February 2006

Background.

There is considerable interest in the expression of cancer testis (CT) antigens in human cancers, because they may serve as the basis for diagnostic tests or an immunologic approach to therapy, or as prognostic markers.

Methods.

On this basis, we evaluated by semiquantitative reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) the expression of genes that code for tumor antigens (melanoma antigen‐1 [MAGE‐1], MAGE‐4, MAGE‐10, MAGE‐12, B melanoma antigen, CTL‐recognized antigen melanoma antigen (CT antigen 2) [LAGE], New York esophageal squamous cell carcinoma antigen (CT antigen 1) [NYESO‐1], and preferentially expressed antigen of melanoma [PRAME]) in surgical samples of the tumors, margins, and lymph nodes (when present) from patients with a diagnosis of head and neck carcinoma. The study was conducted on 33 patients (31 men and two women), aged 31 to 94 years (mean, 56 years), with squamous cell carcinomas located in the mouth (15 cases), larynx (14 cases), and pharynx (four cases).

Results.

The findings were compared with the clinical course and laboratory data. Expression of at least one antigen was observed in 66.6% of cases, with different rates of expression according to tumor staging (100% of T4, 57% of T3, 50% of T1 and T2) and smoking habit. There was a significantly higher expression of multiple genes (two or more) in tumors in advanced stages.

Conclusions.

We conclude that the tumor‐specific antigen genes are expressed in variable frequencies and intensities in the primary lesions of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas and in their metastases, with expression of the PRAME gene being always present in the metastastatic lymph nodes. In primary lesions, gene expression correlated with smoking habit and with advanced tumors with a higher malignant potential, with the frequent expression of two or more of these genes. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2006
Heuristic molecular lipophilicity potential (HMLP): Lipophilicity and hydrophilicity of amino acid side chains
Authors: Du Qi‐Shi , Li Da‐Peng , He Wen‐Zhang , Chou Kuo‐Chen
Published: February 2006

Heuristic molecular lipophilicity potential (HMLP) is applied in the study of lipophilicity and hydrphilcity of 20 natural amino acids side chains. The HMLP parameters, surface area Si, lipophilic indices Li, and hydrophilic indices Hi of amino acid side chains are derived from lipophilicity potential L(r). The parameters are correlated with the experimental data of phase‐transferring free energies of vapor‐to‐water, vapor‐to‐cyclohexane, vapor‐to‐octanol, cyclohexane‐to‐water, octanol‐to‐water, and cyclohexane‐to‐octanol through a linear free energy equation ΔG°tr,i = b0 + b1Si+ + b2Si− + b3Li + b4Hi. For all above six phase‐transfer free energies, the HMLP parameters of 20 amino acid side chains give good calculation results using linear free energy equation. HMLP is an ab initio quantum chemical approach and a structure‐based technique. Except for atomic van der Waals radii, there are no other empirical parameters used. The HMLP has clear physical and chemical meaning and provides useful lipophilic and hydrophilic parameters for the studies of proteins and peptides. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 27: 685–692, 2006
[11C]Methanol production by a fast and mild aqueous‐phase reduction of [11C]formic acid with samarium diiodide
Authors: Roeda Dirk , Dollé Frédéric
Published: February 2006

The reduction of [11C]carbon dioxide to [11C]methanol with lithium aluminium hydride (LiAlH4) and subsequent conversion into [11C]methyl iodide is a standard way of producing the latter precursor for radiolabelling. However, it suffers from appreciable losses by incomplete reduction giving [11C]formate. We show that samarium diiodide (SmI2) can be used to improve the yield of [11C]methanol by its ability to efficiently reduce [11C]formate to [11C]methanol. This can be done either by making [11C]formate intentionally and treating it with SmI2 or by treating the LiAlH4‐reduced [11C]CO2 with SmI2. In the latter approach, sodium thiosulphate has a similar effect as SmI2. Hydriodic acid was also shown to exert some reducing action on [11C]formate too. [11C]Carbonate is reduced to a small extent by SmI2 under the mild conditions employed. In contrast to the very easy [11C]formate reduction, SmI2 had little effect on [11C]acetate and practically no [11C]ethanol could be produced. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Darwinism—a new paradigm for organizational behavior?
Authors: Nicholson Nigel , White Rod
Published: February 2006

The Special Issue reflects a growing interest in Darwinian ideas and their increasing application to work and organizational issues, analyzes factors that have impeded its adoption as a paradigm and considers the prospects for future growth. After a brief introduction to key concepts in the new Darwinism, some histories, and controversies are traced. Causes for the particularly slow uptake of the paradigm in Organizational Behavior (OB) are discussed, as well as some of the common misconceptions and incorrect attributions that have been leveled at evolutionary theory. The paper then overviews the scope and contents of the Special Issue (SI) papers, and concludes by considering future prospects for the field. The authors argue that the paradigm has compelling significance and wide applicability to the full range of OB topics and interests. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Resource context contestability and emergent social structure: an empirical investigation of an evolutionary theory
Authors: Pierce Barbara Decker , White Roderick E.
Published: February 2006

Using evolutionary theory as its underlying perspective this research explores the relationship between evolved social behaviors; specifically emergent social structures, and the ecology of the social group; specifically the contestability of the resource context. Contexts where resources are clustered, predictable, and visible, and where consumption is delayed are highly contestable. When resources are dispersed, unpredictable, and concealed and consumption is immediate the context is less contestable. In our ancestral environment this variation in resource context posed differing adaptive problems for the formation and maintenance of social groups. Different social structures evolved to solve these different problems. The relationship between contestability of the resource context and emergent social structure was tested in an experiment employing 114 subjects over 21 trials. Individuals operating in a low contestable resource context perceived a more egalitarian, hedonic‐like social structure; those functioning in a high contestable context reported experiencing a more hierarchical, agonic‐like social structure. These findings support the theory that our response to social situations is determined by an endogenous component, our evolved human nature, in combination with an exogenous component, the character of the ecology within which the group forms and functions. While the endogenous component is a product of the evolutionary process and largely beyond the influence of management, the ecological component, the perception of the resource context can be affected by managerial action. Implications for researchers and managers, and areas for continued investigation are explored. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monitoring, reputation, and ‘greenbeard’ reciprocity in a Shuar work team
Authors: Price Michael E.
Published: February 2006

A collective action (CA), i.e., a group of individuals jointly producing a resource to be shared equally among themselves, is a common interaction in organizational contexts. Ancestral humans who were predisposed to cooperate in CAs would have risked being disadvantaged compared to free riders, but could have overcome this disadvantage through ‘greenbeard’ reciprocity, that is, by assessing the extent to which co‐interactants were also predisposed towards cooperation, and then cooperating to the extent that they expected co‐interactants to reciprocate. Assessment of others' cooperativeness could have been based on the direct monitoring of, and on reputational information about, others' cooperativeness. This theory predicts that (1) CA participants should monitor accurately, and (2) perceived higher‐cooperators should have better reputations. These predictions were supported in a study of real‐life CAs carried out by a group of Shuar hunter‐horticulturalists: (1) members accurately distinguished ‘intentional’ non‐cooperators (who could have cooperated but chose not to) from ‘accidental’ non‐cooperators (who were unable to cooperate), and their perceptions of co‐member cooperativeness accurately reflected more objective measures of this cooperativeness; and (2) perceived intentional cooperators had better reputations than perceived intentional non‐cooperators. These results have direct applications in organizational contexts, for example, for increasing cooperativeness in self‐directed work teams. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
OCB as a handicap: an evolutionary psychological perspective
Authors: Salamon Sabrina Deutsch , Deutsch Yuval
Published: February 2006

In this article, we seek to contribute to research on organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) by adopting a psychological evolutionary perspective that offers a novel way of interpreting such behaviors. Specifically, drawing on the handicap principle in evolutionary biology, we propose that by demonstrating the ability to bear the burden associated with costly OCBs, organizational members can credibly signal their otherwise unobservable capabilities to others. We develop a model that explores antecedents and outcomes of engaging in costly OCBs and offer avenues for future research within this framework. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Darwinism, behavioral genetics, and organizational behavior: a review and agenda for future research
Authors: Ilies Remus , Arvey Richard D. , Bouchard Thomas J.
Published: February 2006

In this article, a case is made for the importance of evolutionary processes and behavioral genetics for organizational behavior. First, we present scientific arguments connecting evolutionary biology and psychology, Darwinian theories, behavioral genetics, and individual differences. Second, we provide a review of behavioral genetics research on constructs relevant to organizational behavior, such as cognitive ability, personality, work attitudes, and leadership. Third, we discuss mechanisms explaining genetic influences on organizational outcomes such as attitudes and leadership. Finally, current issues in behavioral genetics research in general and their implications for organizational behavior are discussed. We also discuss issues specific to conducting research on genetic effects influencing constructs from the organizational realm, and offer suggestions for future research. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Facial attractiveness, sexual selection, and personnel selection: when evolved preferences matter
Authors: Luxen Marc F. , Van De Vijver Fons J. R.
Published: February 2006

Using an evolutionary perspective, we looked at sex differences in the influence of facial attractiveness of applicants in hiring decisions, and determined whether expected contact intensity with applicants and experience in personnel selection moderated this influence. We found effects of evolved preferences regarding mate selection and intrasexual competition when the expected contact intensity was high. People showed a preference for attractive opposite‐sex applicants (mate selection). Furthermore, women preferred female applicants with low attractiveness over female applicants with high attractiveness (intrasexual competition). We found no salient differences between HRM professionals and students. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Living donor liver transplantation as a second-line therapeutic strategy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Takada Yasutsugu , Ueda Mikiko , Ito Takashi , Sakamoto Seisuke , Haga Hironori , Maetani Yoji , Ogawa Kohei , Kasahara Mureo , Oike Fumitaka , Egawa Hiroto , Tanaka Koichi
Published: February 2006

Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has evolved to represent an important surgical strategy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, due to disadvantages, including donor risks and higher rates of perioperative complications, LDLT has been considered as a second-line treatment in Japan. The present study retrospectively evaluated clinical outcomes for 93 patients with HCC who underwent LDLT at our institute, including 44 patients who exceeded Milan criteria (MC). A total of 73 patients (78%) displayed a history of previous treatment for HCC using various nontransplant methods. Median follow-up was 24 months (range, 1–76 months). At 4 years after LDLT, overall patient survival rate was 64%, with similar rates for within-MC and over-MC groups (68% vs. 59%, respectively;

P

= 0.6548). However, cumulative recurrence rate was significantly higher in the over-MC group than in the within-MC group (35% vs. 15%,

P

= 0.0190). Regarding history of conventional treatment for HCC before LDLT, patients who had received only 1–2 previous treatments showed significantly lower recurrence rates than patients with ≥3 treatments (9% vs. 37%,

P

= 0.0411). In conclusion, LDLT may constitute an optional treatment with a chance of cure for patients with otherwise uncontrolled disease. However, repeated nontransplant treatments for recurrent HCC prior to LDLT may increase the risk of recurrence and impair the survival advantages conferred by LDLT. Liver Transpl 12:912–919, 2006. © 2006 AASLD.
Partial trisomy 20p resulting from recombination of a maternal pericentric inversion: case report of a prenatal diagnosis by chorionic villus sampling
Authors: Molina‐Gomes D. , Nebout V. , Daikha‐Dahmane F. , Vialard F. , Ville Y. , Selva J.
Published: February 2006

We report a case of prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 20p resulting from a maternal pericentric inversion. The diagnosis was confirmed on both chorionic villi and amniotic cells. This case underlines the fact that prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of this structural anomaly is difficult. The only early sonographic feature was increased nuchal translucency. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On artifacts and meaning in person‐centred analyses: comment on McCrae, Terracciano, Costa and Ozer (2005)
Authors: Asendorpf Jens B.
Published: February 2006

McCrae et al.'s (2006) analyses of the California Adult Q‐Set (CAQ) are flawed in two respects. First, they misunderstand the meaning of Q‐factors by claiming that high Q‐correlations between the first Q‐factor and item endorsements or the social desirability of items are an artifact. Second, their attempt to overcome this ‘artifact’ by conducting a Q‐factor analysis of interindividually standardised items induces, ironically, a real artifact because this approach ignores meaningful interindividual differences in the intraindividual means and standard deviations of the standardised Q‐sort profiles. Instead of closing doors on person‐centred analyses of personality data, more of these doors should be passed through. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From types to typological thinking: a reply to Asendorpf
Authors: McCrae Robert R. , Terracciano Antonio , Costa Paul T. , Ozer Daniel J.
Published: February 2006

We continue to disagree with Asendorpf (2006) on the best way to analyse Q‐sort data and on our priorities for personality research. We believe on statistical grounds that the large first factor found in inverse factor analyses of raw CAQ items tells us much about response norms, but little or nothing about individual differences. These emerge more clearly in analyses of standardised items, which show the familiar dimensions of the Five‐Factor Model. Based on our research on types and the mixed results reported by other researchers, we do not believe that replicable empirical types are likely to be found, and suggest that a more profitable line of research would focus on the heuristics of types and the configural interpretation of traits. Published in 2006 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterisation of rough reflecting substrates incorporated into thin‐film silicon solar cells
Authors: Daudrix V. Terrazzoni , Guillet J. , Freitas F. , Shah A. , Ballif C. , Winkler P. , Ferreloc M. , Benagli S. , Niquille X. , Fischer D. , Morf R.
Published: February 2006

Four different categories of rough reflecting substrates as well as a single periodic grating are incorporated and tested within n‐i‐p type amorphous silicon (a‐Si:H) solar cells. Each category is characterised by its own texture shape; dimensions were varied within the categories. Compared to flat reflecting substrates, gains in short‐circuit current density (Jsc) up to 20% have been obtained on rough reflecting plastic substrates. As long as (1) the characteristic dimensions of the textures are lower than the involved light wavelengths, (2) the textures do not present any defects i.e. as long as they do not have large craters or bumps spread over the surface, the root mean square roughness (δRMS) as well as the ratio of average feature height to average period can be used to evaluate the gain in Jsc; if each category of randomly textured substrates is considered separately, the haze factor can be used to estimate δRMS and thereby the gains in Jsc. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Indirect absorption edge of TlGaSe2 crystals
Authors: Grivickas Vytautas , Bikbajevas Vitalijus , Grivickas Paulius
Published: February 2006

Absorption spectra of high‐quality layered TlGaSe2 single crystals were measured in a wide temperature range. Results obtained at low temperatures show that the direct excitonic absorption initiating at EGdir = 2.127 eV is perturbed by several series of step‐like features inherent for the indirect type transitions. Spectral modelling of these features revealed that: (i) the ground state of indirect exciton, n = 1, has a large Rydberg energy of about 100 meV, and (ii) the enhanced absorption to excited indirect excitonic states, n = 2, 3, exceeds the classical prediction for scaling factors K1ind/n3. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Walls for Gieseker semistability and the Mumford-Thaddeus principle for moduli spaces of sheaves over higher dimensional bases
Authors: Schmitt Alexander H.W.
Published: February 2006

Let X be a projective manifold over

\Bbb C

. Fix two ample line bundles H0 and H1 on X. It is the aim of this note to study the variation of the moduli spaces of Gieseker semistable sheaves for polarizations lying in the cone spanned by H0 and H1. We attempt a new definition of walls which naturally describes the behaviour of Gieseker semistability. By means of an example, we establish the possibility of non-rational walls which is a substantially new phenomenon compared to the surface case. Using the approach by Ellingsrud and Göttsche via parabolic sheaves, we were able to show that the moduli spaces undergo a sequence of GIT flips while passing a rational wall. We hope that our results will be helpful in the study of the birational geometry of moduli spaces over higher dimensional bases.
Representational Reasoning and Verification
Authors: Doherty Gavin J. , Campos José C. , Harrison Michael D.
Published: February 2006

Formal approaches to the design of interactive systems rely on reasoning about properties of the system at a very high level of abstraction. Specifications to support such an approach typically provide little scope for reasoning about presentations and the
representation
of information in the presentation. In contrast, psychological theories such as distributed cognition place a strong emphasis on the role of representations, and their perception by the user, in the cognitive process. However, the post-hoc techniques for the observation and analysis of existing systems which have developed out of the theory do not help us in addressing such issues at the design stage. Mn this paper we show how a formalisation can be used to investigate the representational aspects of an interface. Our goal is to provide a framework to help identify and resolve potential problems with the representation of information, and to support understanding of representational issues in design. We present a model for linking properties at the abstract and perceptual levels, and illustrate its use in a case study of a ight deck instrument. There is a widespread consensus that proper tool support is a prerequisite for the adoption of formal techniques, but the use of such tools can have a profound effect on the process itself. In order to explore this issue, we apply a higher-order logic theorem prover to the analysis.
Parasitoid‐mediated effects: apparent competition and the persistence of host–parasitoid assemblages
Authors: Bonsall M. B. , Hassell Michael P.
Published: February 2006

Indirect effects such as apparent competition (in which two hosts that do not compete for resources interact via a shared natural enemy) are increasingly being shown to be prevalent in the structure and function of ecological assemblages. Here, we review the empirical and theoretical evidence for these enemy‐mediated effects in host–parasitoid assemblages. We first address questions about the design of experiments to test for apparent competition. Second, we consider factors likely to affect the coexistence of host species that share a parasitoid and are involved in apparent competition. We show that parasitoid aggregation, and the switching effect that this can generate when hosts occur in separate patches, not only promotes persistence but is also strongly stabilizing. The broader consequences of these effects are discussed.
Population fluctuation and persistence of one‐host–two‐parasitoid systems depending on resource distribution: from parasitizing behavior to population dynamics
Authors: Shimada Masakazu
Published: February 2006

Population dynamics and variability were examined in one‐host–two‐parasitoid experimental systems with different resource distributions: resource‐clumped and resource‐sparse conditions. The system consists of a seed beetle host, Callosobruchus chinensis, and two parasitoid wasps, Anisopteromalus calandrae (Pteromalidae) and Heterospilus prosopidis (Braconidae). In the resource‐clumped condition, suitable hosts for parasitism (the late fourth‐instar larvae and pupae) were clumped in 1 large resource patch, but they were scattered evenly among 16 small patches in the resource‐sparse condition. Population censuses were conducted at 10‐day intervals in long‐term cultures, renewing 10 g of azuki beans (Vigna angularis). In both resource conditions, the first period was a single‐species system of C. chinensis only, and A. calandrae was added in the second period. The one‐host–one‐parasitoid system with C. chinensis and A. calandrae showed stable population dynamics with small fluctuations. After addition of H. prosopidis in the third period, two of three replicates persisted to day 800 in each resource condition, although one replicate in each went to extinction at an immediate outbreak of the H. prosopidis population after the introduction. Population variabilities of C. chinensis and H. prosopidis were significantly higher and the mean population size of A. calandrae was significantly smaller in the resource‐sparse condition than that in the resource‐clumped one. A short‐term experiment on parasitism efficiencies revealed that H. prosopidis parasitized significantly more at a low host density in the resource‐sparse condition than in the resource‐clumped one. Mutual interference of H. prosopidis was weak enough at low parasitoid densities but became abruptly stronger with high densities. Providing fresh hosts in a mixture of already parasitized ones, host‐searching behaviors of a parasitoid were recorded by video for 3 h and were compared between the two wasp species. H. prosopidis could parasitize fresh hosts more efficiently than A. calandrae through frequent long‐distance walks (walking to distant beans at one bout or outside a clump of beans with hosts and back soon on a distant bean of the clump) after reencounters with parasitized hosts. Considering all the experimental results, populations were judged to be more fragile and more likely to go to extinction in the resource‐sparse condition than in the resource‐clumped one. A higher attacking efficiency of H. prosopidis destabilized population dynamics more in the resource‐sparse condition.
Population field studies on the aphidophagous ladybird beetle Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae): resource tracking and population characteristics
Authors: Osawa N.
Published: February 2006

To clarify functional and numerical responses to temporal and spatial variations of resources (resource tracking), and the population characteristics of the ladybird beetle Harmonia axyridis, I analyzed the results of a 3‐year field observation at 24 sites (seven plant species) on eight species of aphids. The seasonal changes in the number of beetles estimated by the Jolly–Seber method were significantly correlated with those of aphids in the total area. The estimated values of population parameters suggested frequent immigration and emigration of the H. axyridis population, although reproductive rates between spring and summer were rather stable all 3 years (1.87–3.49). The staying time and the daily number of adults and eggs at each site were influenced not only by a single factor but also by interactions among time and quantity and quality of the prey. The adult movement showed two patterns, which corresponded with the movement within and between the subpopulations when an assemblage of H. axyridis occurring on the plants of the same species or genus was regarded as a subpopulation. Adult movement intensely occurred within a subpopulation, although the beetles moving between subpopulations had a significantly greater chance to reach the habitat with a high aphid density. The habitats of H. axyridis could be categorized into a suitable habitat for survival and reproduction and a temporal refuge. The results obtained here suggest that H. axyridis, with high ability of prey searching and reproduction, maintains a stable population in heterogeneous and temporal habitats by its resource tracking mechanisms.
Evolution of postmating isolation: comparison of three models based on possible genetic mechanisms
Authors: Hayashi T. I. , Kawata M.
Published: February 2006

In this study, we simulated the process of the evolution of postmating isolation using three models in which postmating isolation is caused by (1) genetic divergence through collaborative coevolution, (2) genetic divergence through antagonistic coevolution resulting from sexual conflict, and (3) genetic divergence through combinational incompatibility. The collaborative coevolution model and the combinational incompatibility model showed a similar decreasing pattern of hybrid compatibility over generations depending on population size and mutation rates. The antagonistic coevolution model showed that reproductive isolation can evolve rapidly depending on the intensity of selection. In the combinational incompatibility model, the increasing number of loci that interact and result in incompatibility would have both promoting and inhibiting effects on the formation of hybrid incompatibility in the earlier stage of isolation. Mutation rates for genes causing incompatibility significantly affect the number of generations required for postmating isolation, which indicates that models assuming high mutation rates (e.g., μ = 10−4) might predict much faster evolution for reproductive isolation than those observed in real populations.
Emergency Minilaparotomy Cholecystectomy for Acute Cholecystitis: Prospective Randomized Trial—Implications for the Laparoscopic Era
Authors: Assalia A. , Kopelman D. , Hashmonai M.
Published: February 2006

This prospective controlled trial evaluates the efficacy of minicholecystectomy (MC) in cases of acute
cholecystitis compared to that of conventional cholecystectomy (CC) and
discusses its implications in the laparoscopic era. Sixty consecutive
patients with acute cholecystitis were prospectively randomized into
two groups: MC group (30 cases) and CC group (30 cases). The two groups
were well matched with regard to age, sex, weight/height index, previous upper abdominal surgery, and APACHE II scores. The mean length
of incision was 5.5 cm (range 4.5–9.0 cm) in the MC group compared to
13.5 cm (range 12–16 cm) in the CC group. No significant differences
were found between MC and CC with regard to operative time (69.1
± 17.0 and 68.1 ± 15.4 minutes, respectively; p= 0.82), operative difficulty on a 1 to 10 scale (5.2 ± 1.5 versus 4.6 ± 1.6, respectively; p= 0.177), and
complication rate (11% and 17%, respectively; p=
0.19). Significantly lower analgesia requirements were noted in the MC
group: 27.5 ± 14.6 mg of morphine sulfate compared to 44.5
± 13.2 mg in the CC group (p < 0.001). In addition, the duration of hospital stay was significantly shorter for MC patients
(3.1 ± 1.0 days) than in CC patients (4.7 ± 1.2 days)
(p < 0.001). Twenty‐two patients (73.3%) in the MC
group were reported to return to normal daily activities 2 weeks after
the operation, compared to only 12 (40%) in the CC group
(p= 0.0028). MC is safe and applicable as an
emergency procedure for acute cholecystitis. It is superior to CC in
terms of convalescence and cosmesis. The results of MC in the setting
of acute cholecystitis compare favorably with the published results of
laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Comparison of Prognostic Significance of Nodal Staging between Old (4th Edition) and New (5th Edition) UICC TNM Classification for Gastric Carcinoma
Authors: Yoo Chang Hak , Noh Sung Hoon , Kim Yong Il , Min Jin Sik
Published: February 2006

The description of nodal staging for gastric cancer was changed in the new fifth edition of the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) TNM classification from the anatomic sites of metastatic lymph nodes to the number of metastatic lymph nodes, as pN1 is metastasis in 1 to 6 lymph nodes, pN2 is in 7 to 15 lymph nodes, and pN3 is in 16 or more lymph nodes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of the new staging system based on the number of metastatic lymph nodes compared to the old staging system by anatomic site. From 1987 to 1994 a total of 2108 patients who underwent potentially curative resections with D2 or D3 lymph node dissection and with 15 or more lymph nodes retrieved were studied retrospectively. Lymph node metastases were found in 1018 patients (48.3%). A mean of 37.9 lymph nodes were retrieved per patient, and a mean of 7.2 lymph nodes were invaded by tumor cells. We found that the new nodal staging based on the number of metastatic lymph nodes closely correlated with the depth of cancer invasion and with the old nodal staging based on the anatomic site of the metastatic nodes, with statistical significance. The 5‐year survival rates after gastrectomy decreased significantly by increasing the extent of the pN classification in both nodal staging methods. In a subgroup analysis of survivals between the old and new nodal staging, the new classification showed more homogeneous survival at the same stage than the old one. With a multivariate analysis of prognostic factors, including the old and new nodal staging, the depth of invasion and the new nodal stage were the most significant prognostic factors, followed by the old nodal stage. Our data suggested that the new nodal staging based on the number of metastatic lymph nodes is not only a reliable and objective method for nodal classification, but it is also a significant prognostic determinant for gastric cancer that can be used in practice.
Artificial Nutrition in Cancer Patients: Which Route, What Composition?
Authors: Bozzetti Federico , Gavazzi Cecilia , Mariani Luigi , Crippa Flavio
Published: February 2006

The state of art of artificial nutrition in depleted cancer patients is reviewed in brief. Because cancer cachexia cannot be equated to simple nutrient deficiency but is due instead to complex metabolic abnormalities, the nutritional effects of total parenteral (TPN) and enteral (EN) nutrition are more limited than in starving subjects. TPN and EN usually prevent further deterioration of the nutritional status, although they are not able to fully reverse a state of depletion. There is evidence that quantitative and qualitative modulation of certain nutrients may obtain better results because of a favorable impact on host metabolism. Research in this field is fully warranted. Moreover, the effects of some substrates on tumor metabolism and tumor growth require further investigation to define a nutritional regimen able to maintain the host metabolism with minimum stimulation of tumor growth.
Use of Gastrostomy and Combined Gastrojejunostomy Tubes for Enteral Feeding
Authors: Faries Mark B. , Rombeau John L.
Published: February 2006

Recent economic changes in health care delivery have led to more frequent feeding by tube enterostomy. Over the last two decades percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) has been established as the standard method for long‐term enteral access for nutrition, though operative gastrostomy remains indicated in a few conditions. Additionally, the combined gastrojejunostomy tube is indicated in selected patients in need of concomitant access to the jejunum and gastric decompression. This report reviews data regarding the safety and efficacy of the PEG tube and the indications for operative gastrostomy. Complications of feeding tubes and strategies to avoid or remedy them are also discussed. More recent techniques, including laparoscopic gastrostomy and jejunal access via the stomach, are reviewed as are some ethical concerns regarding the appropriateness of feeding enterostomies in certain patients.
Experimental Study of the Effect of Different Meshes on Bacterial Translocation
Authors: Baykal Atac , Bagcı Mustafa , Aran Omer , Hascelik Gülsen , Korkmaz Attila , Sayek Iskender
Published: February 2006

Implantation of intraabdominal biomaterials promotes bacterial translocation (BT). In this study we planned to determine the effect of different types of mesh on the induction of BT. Swiss albino mice were divided into four groups: control, polypropylene (PP), polyglactin 910 (PG), and dura mater (DM). At hour 0, an abdominal wall defect was created in all animals. In the control group the defect was closed primarily. PP, PG, and DM meshes were used to repair the defects such that the intestines were in contact with the mesh in the remaining three groups. BT was evaluated 4, 24, and 48 hours later. At 4 hours total BT increased in the PP group compared with that in the control (p= 0.0321) and DM (p= 0.0098) groups. At 24 hours the PG group had increased BT compared with the controls (p= 0.0392) and the DM group (p= 0.0274), whereas the PP group had increased BT compared with the DM group only (p= 0.0477). At 48 hours both PG and PP groups had increased BT compared with controls (p= 0.0431 and p= 0.0001, respectively); the PP group had also increased BT compared to the DM group (p= 0.001) and the PG group (p= 0.017). In the control, DM, and PP groups there was no intragroup statistical difference. In the PG group there was a significant increase in BT at 24 hours compared to that at 4 hours (p= 0.0274). Prosthetic meshes led to increased BT compared to that with the DM mesh. This effect might be attributed to the different organic and physical properties of the meshes.
Stoma Care Nurses: Good Value for Money?
Authors: Becker Andreas , Schulten‐Oberbörsch Gabriele , Beck Udo , Vestweber Karl‐Heinz
Published: February 2006

Decreasing financial resources in health services often lead to wholesale budget reducing in hospitals. Enterostomal therapists are more and more concerned by this situation. Data on the cost‐effectiveness of stoma therapy have not existed, a gap filled by the present study. From January to December 1996 data from 94 patients about therapy‐related costs, outcome, and evaluation of stoma therapy from the patient's point of view were ascertained prospectively. For an average (SD) of 14.6 (7.1) patient contacts for stoma planning, advice, care, and so on the average duration was 12.9 (9.1) minutes per contact. At an average exchange rate of 1.50 German marks (DM) per US dollar in 1996 the enterostomal therapist's part of the total staff costs was US$15,212 (2.7%), the cost of stoma products was US$7750 (4.5% of the total costs of medical supplies). About 89.3% of the patients classified the enterostomal therapist necessary and indispensable; 70.3% of the patients said they could cope with their stoma very well to well at the time of questioning. In contrast, 69.2% of those questioned declared that without the care by the enterostomal therapist in hospital they would be able to cope with their stoma only poorly to very poorly. We conclude that from the patient's point of view the costs of our stoma therapy are justifiably low. Therefore we see no reason for a discussion about rationalization measures regarding our stoma therapy staff.
Improving the Approach to Organ Donation: A Review
Authors: Jenkins Donald H. , Reilly Patrick M. , Schwab C. William
Published: February 2006

Organ transplantation continues to be hindered by a limited supply of organs. A significant percentage of potential organ donors are lost to either medical failure or inability to obtain consent for donation. In a surgical intensive care unit (ICU) we have refocused our efforts toward aggressive resuscitation, directed by control of coagulopathy, invasive monitoring, and dedicated ICU management while implementing a rapid brain death determination protocol. Over a 6‐year period the length of stay until the legal determination of brain death is made has been significantly shortened (12.0 vs. 3.4 hours; p < 0.05), as have associated charges despite this more aggressive approach. As a result, we have eliminated medical failures prior to donation (13% vs. 0%) and increased consent rates (44% vs. 71%; p < 0.05). These efforts have significantly improved the number of organs harvested per eligible donor (1.8 vs. 3.4; p < 0.05). In addition, the number of organs per actual donor has increased and is now markedly greater than the U.S. national average (4.7 vs. 3.7). We believe the approach presented, if widely applied, could potentially improve the current organ supply shortage.
Classification of Lymph Node Metastases from Carcinoma of the Stomach: Comparison of the Old (1987) and New (1997) TNM Systems
Authors: de Manzoni Giovanni , Verlato Giuseppe , Guglielmi Alfredo , Laterza Ernesto , Tomezzoli Anna , Pelosi Giuseppe , Di Leo Alberto , Cordiano Claudio
Published: February 2006

The pN classification of gastric cancer is currently based on the distance of metastatic nodes from the primary tumor (TNM—1987). The UICC (Union Internationale Contre le Cancer) has recently proposed a new classification system based on the number of the involved nodes (TNM—1997). The present prospective study is aimed at verifying whether the two classifications (1) assign approximately a similar rank to individual patients and (2) give comparable prognostic information. The Cox regression model was used to evaluate the prognostic significance of either the distance or the number of positive nodes, controlling for sex, age, site, histology and depth of tumor invasion, in a group of 175 patients who underwent curative surgery for gastric cancer from March 1988 to October 1997. Among the patients classified as N1 and N2 according to TNM—1987, 81.8% (36/44) and 35.8% (19/53), respectively, were coded as N1 and N2 by the new classification. The survival probabilities of N1 and N2 categories were similar in both classifications. The N2 category of TNM—1987 comprised also 10 cases with >15 positive nodes (N3 category of TNM—1997), who presented a large excess mortality (RR = 35.14 with respect to N0). When the site and number of positive nodes are combined in a new variable, both appear to be important from a prognostic point of view. Both anatomic location and number of nodes with metastasis are important predictors of survival in gastric cancer patients. Caution should be used when replacing the old classification with the new one, as they group patients in a different way.
Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration
Authors: Shuchleib Samuel , Chousleb Alberto , Mondragon Alejandro , Torices Eduardo , Licona Antonio , Cervantes Jorge
Published: February 2006

Since the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the management of common bile duct (CBD) stones has undergone significant change. Preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with sphincterotomy is now routinely done in cases where the diagnosis of choledocholithiasis is suspected preoperatively, with clearance of the bile ducts before laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Intraoperative discovery of CBD stones by cholangiography represents a challenge to the surgeon, who must make a decision about when to perform laparoscopic CBD exploration, convert to open surgery, or send the patient for ERCP during the postoperative period. Because ERCP has a definite failure rate, laparoscopic CBD exploration can be a treatment option. Among 2500 laparoscopic cholecystectomies done by our group from January 1991 to June 1997, 50 patients (2%) underwent laparoscopic CBD exploration, 13 by the transcystic technique and 37 by choledocotomy, with a conversion rate of 8% and a hospital stay of 4.3 days. One patient died from complicated pancreatitis following ERCP and unsuccessful extraction of a CBD stone. We obtained our goal of a CBD free of stones in 92% of the cases. We conclude that laparoscopic CBD exploration is an effective method for treating choledocolithiasis that allows management of this pathology in one stage, although it requires advanced laparoscopic skills and adequate equipment.
Isospectral simply-connected homogeneous spaces and the spectral rigidity of group actions
Authors: Sutton C. J.
Published: February 2006

We generalize Sunada's method to produce new examples of closed, locally non-isometric manifolds which are isospectral. In particular, we produce pairs of isospectral, simply-connected, locally non-isometric normal homogeneous spaces. These pairs also allow us to see that in general group actions with discrete spectra are not determined up to measurable conjugacy by their spectra. In particular, we show this for lattice actions.
Epidemiology of Atherosclerotic Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease in Hong Kong
Authors: Cheng Stephen W.K. , Ting Albert C.W. , Lau Hung , Wong John
Published: February 2006

p < 0.001), age (p < 0.001), nonsmoking (p < 0.001), diabetes (p < 0.005), a low hemoglobin/hematocrit (p < 0.001), a high white blood cell count (p < 0.001), and high levels of fibrinogen (p < 0.01) and cholesterol (p < 0.05). An increasing incidence of PAD was noted in Hong Kong. Most of the patients present late with advanced ischemia. It is possible that this disease pattern represents only a fraction of the true incidence of PAD in the territory.