bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ants: A food source sought by Slovenian brown bears (Ursus arctos)?
Authors: Große C , Kaczensky P , Knauer F
Published: February 2004

In the heavily managed boreal forest of Scandinavia, ants, especially large colonies of red forest ants (Formica spp.), are abundant and brown bears (Ursus arctos) intensively feed on them. In contrast, the beech (Fagus sylvatica) forests of Slovenia provide only suboptimal habitat for ants and large ant colonies are virtually absent. To quantify how much ant use by brown bears is a matter of availability or preference, we quantified ant availability, species composition, and ant use. The estimated biomass of ants available to brown bears was very low in Slovenia compared with those in Sweden, averaging 135 vs. 9600 g/ha, respectively. Nevertheless, the frequency of occurrence of ants in Slovenian brown bear scats was high, averaging 85% and accounting for 25% of the ingested dry mass during the summer, which was nearly as much as their frequency of occurrence in Swedish brown bear scats during the summer. Although brown bears in Slovenia had year-round access to artificial feeding sites and the availability of ants is only about 1% of the biomass found in Sweden, they consumed about 50% of the quantity of ants compared with the brown bears in Sweden. Our results show that ants are an important and sought-after food source for brown bears in Slovenia, and the occurrence of ants should be considered in habitat-suitability models.
Phylogeny of the East Asian cyprinids inferred from sequences of the mitochondrial DNA control region
Authors: Liu Huanzhang , Chen Yiyu
Published: February 2004

With 210 genera and 2010 species, Cyprinidae is the largest freshwater fish family in the world. Several papers, based on morphological and molecular data, have been published and have led to some solid conclusions, such as the close relationships between North American phoxinins and European leuciscins. However, the relationships among major subgroups of this family are still not well resolved, especially for those East Asian groups. In the present paper, the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region, 896–956 base pairs, of 17 representative species of East Asian cyprinids was sequenced and compared with those of 21 other cyprinids to study their phylogenetic relationships. After alignment, there were 1051 sites. The comparison between pairwise substitutions and HKY distances showed that the mtDNA control region was suitable for phylogenetic study. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that there are two principal lineages in Cyprinidae: Cyprinine and Leuciscine. In Cyprinine, the relationships could be a basal Labeoinae, an intermediate Cyprininae, and a diversified Barbinae (including Schizothroaxinae). In Leuciscine, Rasborinae is at the basal position; Gobioninae and Leuciscinae are sister groups; the East Asian cultrin–xenocyprinin taxa form a large mono phyl etic group with some small affiliated groups; and the positions of Acheilognathinae and Tincinae are still uncertain.
Structure, distribution, and innervation of sensilla on the ovipositor of the spruce budworm,Choristoneura fumiferana, and evidence of a gustatory function for type II sensilla
Authors: Banga N , Albert P J , Kapoor N N , McNeil J N
Published: February 2004

Four types of trichoid sensilla were described on the ovipositor of the spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Types I and III sensilla were short and long multiporous hairs, respectively. Type IV sensilla were long and aporous. Each was innervated by a single dendrite. Type II sensilla were multiporous and also had a single terminal pore. They were innervated by four dendrites. Electrophysiological responses were obtained from these type II sensilla to a range of chemical stimuli.
Dewclaws in wolves as evidence of admixed ancestry with dogs
Authors: Ciucci Paolo , Lucchini Vittorio , Boitani Luigi , Randi Ettore
Published: February 2004

Vestigial first toes (dewclaws) on the hind legs are common in large dog (Canis lupus familiaris) breeds but are absent in wild canids, including wolves (Canis lupus). Based on observational criteria, dewclaws in wolves have been generally regarded as a clue of hybridization with dogs, although this was not substantiated by molecular evidence. By means of population assignment and genetic admixture analysis, we investigated individual genotypes of three dewclawed wolves from Tuscany (central Italy, 1993–2001). Based on 18 microsatellite markers, dewclawed wolves were not uniquely assigned to the Italian wolf population but appeared to be second or later generation backcrosses of wolf–dog hybrids. Alleles uniquely shared with dogs, and mitochondrial DNA and Y haplotypes identical to those of Italian wolves, further supported their admixed ancestry. Although patterns of dewclaw inheritance in wolf–dog hybrids and backcrosses have not been ascertained, we conclude that dewclaws in wolves, when present, are a clue of admixed ancestry, probably originating in areas where large dog breeds are involved in cross-matings. Other "atypical" morphological traits (e.g., white nails, atypical color patterns or body proportions, dental anomalies) as well might be reliable clues of admixed ancestry, and they deserve careful monitoring and molecular investigation.
Growth-related life-history traits of an invasive gammarid species: evaluation with a Laird–Gompertz model
Authors: Piscart Christophe , Devin Simon , Beisel Jean-Nicolas , Moreteau Jean-Claude
Published: February 2004

Although the invasive gammarid Dikerogammarus villosus (Crustacea, Amphipoda) is a recent successful invader of Western Europe's lakes and rivers and a threat to North American aquatic ecosystems, its biology is scarcely known. Different growth models for each sex were established for the first time for a natural population of a freshwater gammarid. The Laird–Gompertz growth curve was used because it best fit our data, and it was associated with an environmental forcing function to adjust the growth rate according to seasonal variations in environmental conditions. The growth curve was applied to a length decomposition obtained using the Bhattacharya method, realised on data obtained from a 1-year population dynamics study. The models allowed an assessment of biological traits such as life-span, the age of sexual maturity, the potential number of generations per year, and the growth rate as a function of environmental conditions. Differences in growth rate between males and females were consistent with biological processes such as allocation of energy for reproduction. Dikerogammarus villosus had higher rates of growth and earlier sexual maturity than all other taxa studied, which may explain its invasive tendencies and its ability to colonize numerous new ecosystems, thus becoming a cosmopolitan freshwater species.
Developmental differences are correlated with relative brain size in birds: a comparative analysis
Authors: Iwaniuk Andrew N , Nelson John E
Published: February 2004

The possible relationships between relative brain size and developmental mode and between relative brain size and five measures of the length of the development period were tested across over 1400 species of birds. Using both conventional statistics and phylogenetically based comparative methods, significant differences in relative brain size were detected among modes of development. Across all species, there were significant relationships between relative brain size and each of the following developmental traits: incubation period, age of fledging, duration of postfledging parental care, and total period of parental care. In contrast, the age of first flight was not significantly correlated with relative brain size. The relationships between these five developmental traits and relative brain size varied among developmental modes and orders such that significant relationships were present within some modes and orders but not in others. Thus, developmental differences play a significant role in the evolution of brain-size differences, but the role depends upon the taxonomic level being investigated. This is likely due to the differential lengths of periods of neural and behavioural development in young birds. Our conclusions support the contention of previous studies that developmental differences have played a key role in avian brain evolution.
Living in Atlantic forest fragments: life habits, behaviour, and colony structure of the cockroachMonastria biguttata(Dictyoptera, Blaberidae, Blaberinae) in Espirito Santo, Brazil
Authors: Pellens R , Grandcolas P
Published: February 2004

The life habits, behaviour, and colony structure of the cockroach Monastria biguttata were studied during 2 years in remnants of the Brazilian Atlantic forest. Monastria biguttata was abundant, conspicuous, and ubiquitous in the semideciduous forest in the north of Espirito Santo, Brazil. It was found in forest fragments of various sizes and disturbance levels, but never in the surrounding plantations. Adults and nymphs were found in colonies of 2.8–11.6 cockroaches, grasping the bark of the underside of dead trunks that were clumped on the ground, in the forest understory. The cockroaches were very sedentary, moved extremely slowly, and immediately froze when disturbed. Based on their brooding behaviour and aggregated distribution on trunks, they appeared to be gregarious with only a slow spread during nymphal development. Brood birth took place during the rainy period, and nymphs developed into adults in a minimum of 2 years. Brood size and egg number in oothecae were not very high (23.0 ± 1.5 and 31.1 ± 1.7 (mean ± SE), respectively). All these traits were analysed to understand the survival of species in forest fragments.
Does predation risk cause snowshoe hares to modify their diets?
Authors: Hodges K E , Sinclair A R.E
Published: February 2004

Snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) undergo a 10-year population cycle with several years of low densities. Several authors have suggested that snowshoe hares modify their foraging behaviour to reduce predation risk during the low phase, resulting in protein-poor diets and poor body condition. We test that idea by using a factorial manipulation of food supplementation and predator reduction and by examining the species composition, browse size, and nutritional quality of snowshoe hare diets during 3 years of low snowshoe hare abundance in southwestern Yukon. Our results negate the hypothesis that snowshoe hares change their diets in response to mammalian predators during the cyclic low phase. Snowshoe hares on the different treatments had diets that differed in species composition and twig sizes, but protected hares did not have higher protein diets than unprotected hares. Snowshoe hares with access to supplemental food ate more fibrous and lower protein natural browse than unfed hares, showing that they did not choose diets primarily for protein content. Instead, snowshoe hares converted a wide range of forage availabilities into similar intakes of protein and fibre, despite variation in predator presence. Our results suggest that snowshoe hares select their diets to balance the protein and fibre contents. Although sublethal effects of predators may influence cyclic dynamics, our results show that such a feedback does not occur via a nutritional mechanism, counter to previous suggestions.
Pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) migratory energetics: response to migratory difficulty and comparisons with sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka)
Authors: Crossin G T , Hinch S G , Farrell A P , Whelly M P , Healey M C
Published: February 2004

Pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) are generally considered weak upriver migrants relative to sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka), though this assertion is largely anecdotal. To assess energy-use patterns during migration, we collected pink salmon from two major Fraser River stocks (Weaver and Seton in British Columbia, Canada) in 1999 at three times and locations: (1) at the start of freshwater migration, (2) at the end of migration before spawning, and (3) immediately after spawning. We calculated the energy content of somatic and reproductive tissues, recorded several body measurements, and conducted both intraspecific (between pink stocks) and interspecific analyses with co-migrating Fraser River sockeye salmon collected during the same season. We found that between pink salmon stocks, there were no significant energetic or morphological differences either at river entry or upon arrival at spawning areas regardless of the level of migratory difficulty encountered. When compared with sockeye salmon, however, we found that pink salmon began upriver migration with significantly smaller somatic energy reserves but made up for this deficiency by minimizing absolute transport and activity costs, presumably by seeking out migratory paths of least resistance. This energetic efficiency comes at a cost to reproductive output: relative to sockeye salmon, pink salmon diverted less absolute energy to egg production, producing smaller ovaries and fewer eggs. We speculate that fundamental differences in behaviour shape the migratory energetic tactics employed by pink salmon.
Body size, sexual size dimorphism, and Rensch's rule in adult hydropsychid caddisflies (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae)
Authors: Jannot Jason E , Kerans Billie L
Published: February 2004

Body size influences most biological processes from metabolic rates to the outcome of interspecific interactions. Within a species, sexual size dimorphism (SSD) reflects either differential selection on body size of males and females or phylogenetic inertia. Among taxa, SSD should decrease as body size increases when females are the larger sex — a pattern known as Rensch's rule. We examined body size, SSD, and Rensch's rule among 29 species of adult hydropsychid caddisflies (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae) and 12 closely related caddisfly species. Females were almost always larger than males in all species examined. Body size variation among genera was greater than variance among species. In contrast, the greatest variance in SSD was among species within a genus. Contrary to Rensch's rule, the degree of SSD did not change as body size increased among genera. Observed body size patterns suggest that hydropsychid caddisfly species within a genus may be subjected to similar selective pressures during the larval stage, but this issue remains to be investigated. In addition, our data suggest that hydropsychids may violate Rensch's rule, a pattern not often reported. Our data provide a basis for proposing and testing hypotheses about the ecology and evolution of hydropsychid caddisflies.
A method to improve confidence in paternity assignment in an open mating system
Authors: Kasumovic M M , Ratcliffe L M , Boag P T
Published: February 2004

Molecular techniques have allowed researchers studying mating systems to determine the identity of extra-pair sires, providing more accurate measures of individual realized reproductive success. Yet, an existing problem in such studies is the inability to assign paternity to individuals that have not been captured. This frequently arises when only a proportion of the population is sampled or when visitors from outside the study area have access to the breeding population. It is therefore difficult to assign paternity in situations where not all candidate sires are sampled because some assignments may be incorrect, especially when using a likelihood-based approach. This study outlines a method that combines two different programs, GERUD 1.0 and CERVUS 2.0, to increase confidence in paternity assignment. The benefit of using these programs in conjunction is that GERUD 1.0 can reconstruct genotypes of males that are not sampled in families where the female was sampled, and CERVUS 2.0 can use this information to better assign paternity because more information is provided. We show how applying this method to Least Flycatchers (Empidonax minimus), a sub-oscine bird with an open mating system, substantially increases confidence in paternity assignments.
A limiting factor in the abundance of predatory phoretic mites (Acari: Macrochelidae): the seasonal abundance of their phorionts (dung beetles) in southern France
Authors: Glida Habiba , Bertrand Michel , Peyrusse Valérie
Published: February 2004

The effects of host (dung beetles; Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) activity on seasonal abundance of phoretic mites (predatory macrochelids) were investigated in experimental dung pads under Mediterranean climatic conditions. Macrocheles robustulus and Macrocheles merdarius were collected only in spring and autumn. The most abundant macrochelids (Macrocheles glaber group; >90%) were rare in the hottest days and during winter. Mite abundance and dung beetle activity were correlated. The distribution (aggregate or not) of macrochelids in both pads and beetle traps was interpreted as a consequence of the availability of carriers that were found greatly affected by unfavourable meteorological conditions (temperature and rainfall). By their abundance and because they are opportunistic in the choice of host, the M. glaber group species can be considered the most efficient in coprophilous fly control.
Mitochondrial DNA variation among Eastern North Pacific gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) on winter breeding grounds in Baja California
Authors: Goerlitz David S , Urbán Jorge , Rojas-Bracho Lorenzo , Belson Michael , Schaeff Catherine M
Published: February 2004

In this study, we used genetic data to investigate the role of female-directed philopatry in winter habitat use patterns among female eastern North Pacific gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) in calving years. Analysis of 306 base pairs of the mitochondrial DNA control region for 83 animals sampled from two geographically discrete winter breeding and calving lagoons revealed 28 haplotypes (nucleotide diversity (π) = 0.02, haplotype diversity (h) = 0.95). Significant differences in haplotype (FST) and nucleotide (ΦST) frequencies were detected between Laguna San Ignacio cows (n = 42) and a random sample of non-lagoon females (n = 25; FST= 0.064, p < 0.01; ΦST= 0.041, p = 0.043) and between cows and single females (n = 11; FST= 0.027, p = 0.044; ΦST= 0.088, p = 0.034) in Laguna San Ignacio. Significant differences in haplotype, but not nucleotide, frequencies were also detected between cows in Laguna Ojo de Liebre (Scammon's Lagoon) and non-lagoon females (n = 10; FST= 0.074, p < 0.01) and between single females (n = 11) or adult males (n = 13) in Laguna San Ignacio and their non-lagoon counterparts (nfemales= 25, FST= 0.07, p < 0.01; nmales= 28, FST= 0.08, p < 0.01). These data suggest that all animals exhibit some level of site fidelity to their natal lagoons as adults, and that the eastern North Pacific gray whale population may be substructured on the population's wintering grounds.
Wariness of coyotes to camera traps relative to social status and territory boundaries
Authors: Séquin Eveline S , Jaeger Michael M , Brussard Peter F , Barrett Reginald H
Published: February 2004

The primary objective of this study was to develop a better understanding of coyote (Canis latrans) wariness particularly as it related to social status. We determined that territory status (controlling alpha, resident beta, or nonterritorial transient) affected vulnerability to photo-capture by infrared-triggered camera systems. All coyotes were wary of cameras, leading to relatively low numbers of photo-captures, most of which occurred at night. Alphas were significantly underrepresented in photographs and were never photo-captured inside their own territories. Betas were photographed inside and outside their territories, whereas transients were most often photographed on edges of territories. Both alphas and betas were photographed more often on territorial edges when outside their territories. We next addressed the question of how alphas were better able to avoid photo-capture. Alphas tracked human activity within their territories and presumably learned the locations of cameras as they were being set up. They did this either by approaching our location directly or by moving to a vantage point from where they could observe us. Betas and transients either withdrew or did not respond to human activity. Trials in which a dog was present were more likely to elicit an approach response from alphas. Avoidance of camera stations and the tracking of human activity implied wariness toward objects or locations resulting from their learned association with human presence rather than neophobia toward the objects themselves.
KINKS AND DOMAIN WALLS IN MODELS FOR REAL SCALAR FIELDS
Authors: BAZEIA D. , INÁCIO A. S. , LOSANO L.
Published: February 2004

We investigate several models described by real scalar fields, searching for topological defects, and investigating their linear stability. We also find bosonic zero modes and examine the thermal corrections at the one-loop level. The classical investigations are of direct interest to high energy physics and to applications in condensed matter, in particular to spatially extended systems where fronts and interfaces separating different phase states may appear. The thermal investigations show that the finite temperature corrections that appear in a specific model induce a second-order phase transition in the system, although the thermal effects do not suffice to fully restore the symmetry at high temperature.
LECTURES ON MULTILOOP CALCULATIONS
Authors: GROZIN ANDREY
Published: February 2004

I discuss methods of calculation of propagator diagrams (massless, those of Heavy Quark Effective Theory, and massive on-shell diagrams) up to three loops. Integration-by-parts recurrence relations are used to reduce them to linear combinations of basis integrals. Nontrivial basis integrals have to be calculated by some other method, e.g. using Gegenbauer polynomial technique. Many of them are expressed via hypergeometric functions; in the massless and HQET cases, their indices tend to integers at ε→0. I discuss the algorithm of their expansion in ε, in terms of multiple ζ values.
LEADING EFFECTS IN HADROPRODUCTIONS OF ΛcAND D FROM CONSTITUENT QUARK–DIQUARK CASCADE PICTURE
Authors: TASHIRO TSUTOMU , NAKARIKI SHIN-ICHI , NODA HUJIO , KINOSHITA KISEI , LAN SHUXIN
Published: February 2004

We discuss the hadroproductions of Λc, [Formula: see text], D and [Formula: see text] in the framework of the constituent quark–diquark cascade model taking into account the valence quark annihilation. The spectra of Λcand [Formula: see text] in pA, Σ-A and π-A collisions are well explained by the model using the values of parameters used in hadroproductions of D and [Formula: see text]. It is shown that the role of valence diquark in the incident baryon is important for [Formula: see text] productions as well as for Λcproduction.
RESHEPH AND YHWH SEBĀ'ÔT
Authors: Choi John
Published: February 2004

The nature of the phrase yhwh ⊡ebā'ôt is considered in light of similar phrases involving the proper name Resheph, occurring in various Near Eastern and Phoenician inscriptions. An examination of the various uses of ršp modified by a genitive, and hence a proper name which is doubly determined, indicates that a proper name in construct is not problematic. Further, the uses indicate that some genitive relationships between a proper name and common noun function to highlight the essence or specific attribute of a deity. This is supported by several iconographic representations of Resheph. This same function, then, of highlighting a particular trait of a deity, may be at work in the phrase yhwh ⊡ebā'ôt.
HOWLING LIKE DOGS: METAPHORICAL LANGUAGE IN PSALM LIX
Authors: Doyle Brian
Published: February 2004

The present contribution examines the use of animal terminology—wild dogs—in Ps. lix and endeavours to interpret this terminology within the framework of a working definition of metaphor as a stylistic feature of BHP and its function therein. As a result, it would appear that the author's metaphorisation of his enemy (either personal or national) as a pack of wild dogs foaming at the mouth and terrorising the city at night allows him to introduce elements of imprecation. Indeed, animal terminology, focusing particularly on mouth, teeth etc. is common among the so-called psalms of imprecation. At a second level, it is possible to detect traces of a further metaphorisation in which the author invites the divinity to behave as wild dogs would in destroying his enemy.
DIE ENTSTEHUNG DER BÜCHEREINTEILUNG DES PSALTERS
Authors: Levin Christoph
Published: February 2004

The division of the Book of Psalms into five books in line with the Torah was first created by the doxology of Ps cvi 48 which repeats Ps xli 14 verbatim and combines it with a quotation of Dtn xxvii 16ff. (cf. Neh viii 1-6). The three other doxologies which divide the Book of Psalms relate to the former separate collections: Ps xli 14 concludes the first Davidic Psalter Pss iii-xli, Ps lxxii 18-19 rounds off the 'elohistic' Davidic Psalter Pss li-lxxii, and Ps lxxxix 53 concludes the 'messianic' Psalter Pss ii-lxxxix.
PROPOS AUTOUR DE LA MORT D'UN ENFANT 2 SAMUEL XI, 2-XII, 24
Authors: Nutkowicz Hélène
Published: February 2004

À la mort de son premier fils avec Bethsabée, le roi David ne respecte pas les rites funèbres. Ce fait exceptionnel dans le comportement du souverain ne laisse pas de surprendre, puisque ce dernier n'a jamais manqué de les observer, même pour ses pires ennemis. Cette réflexion cherche une explication possible au travers d'une perspective à la fois sémantique et anthropologique. Cette dernière approche est éclairée par l'attitude et la personnalité du souverain. Dès 2 Samuel xii, 13, le texte indique que Dieu a décidé de substituer l'enfant, fruit du péché, à son père, auteur du péché. Le verbe choisi par Nathan est explicite, et la forme verbale du hiphil révèle que Dieu « a fait passer », he'ebîr, le péché, et l'a transféré sur l'enfant. Celui-ci remplit toutes les conditions pour jouer le rôle de victime expiatoire. Le sacrifice, exutoire à la colère divine, illumine le projet divin puisque sa violence mais aussi son efficacité permettront, en échange, de fonder la dynastie davidique.
JEREMIA XXXV 8b-9—EINE INDIREKTE REDE?
Authors: Migsch Herbert
Published: February 2004

Es empfiehlt sich nicht, Jer. xxxv 8b-9 als indirekte Rede zu deuten; denn die Umstandsangabe, in die der Relativsatz eingebettet ist, lässt sich wegen einer unvereinbaren Kohärenzstörung literarkritisch entfernen, und die Ergänzung eines erklärenden Satzes ist dann nicht mehr möglich. Da sich auch die Interpretation, dass zwischen den V. 8a und 8b-9 eine konsekutive Verhältnisbeziehung besteht, nicht vertreten lässt, muss man sich die Interpretation zu eigen machen, nach der die V. 8a und 8b-9 in einer modalen Verhältnisbeziehung einander zugeordnet sind.
JANUS PARALLELISM IN HAB. III 4
Authors: Tsumura David Toshio
Published: February 2004

Hab. iii 4 is a "Janus parallelism", where qarnayim in 4b corresponds to nōgah ("brightness") in 4a with the meaning "rays" and to 'uzzōh ("his power") in 4c with the meaning "horns".
The intertwining of body, self and world: A phenomenological study of living with recently-diagnosed multiple sclerosis
Authors: Finlay Linda
Published: February 2004

This paper describes the lifeworld of one individual, Ann, in an attempt to elucidate the existential impact of early stage multiple sclerosis. Drawing on Ann's own reflections captured in a relatively unstructured interview, I construct a narrative around her first year of living with the diagnosis. Then, existential-phenomenological analysis reveals how Ann's life - lived in and through a particular body and lifeworld context - is disrupted. The unity between her body and self can no longer be taken for granted. The existential possibilities inherent in her lived body are diminished and have to be renegotiated. Her sense of identity, project, relations with others and present/future plans are threatened. Ann's illness is encountered in the context of her life activities and relationships. This is the intertwining of body, self and world. To live with multiple sclerosis is to experience a global sense of disorder - a disorder which incorporates a changed relation with one's body, a transformation in the surrounding world, a threat to the self, and a change in one's relation to others.
The Lifeworld as Phenomenon and as Research Heuristic, Exemplified by a Study of the Lifeworld of a Person Suffering Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Ashworth Ann , Ashworth Peter
Published: February 2004

The carer of the person with dementia is enjoined to maintain respect, and to reinforce this a bill of rights has been established (Bell and Troxel, 1994). Of course, talk of rights does not guarantee respectful behaviour. In this paper it is argued that the discovery that the sufferer continues to be a person, with a unique lifeworld, can assist the carer to conform willingly to the demand that they act respectfully.The current research project makes central the idiographic description of the individual case.
The Lifeworld of the University Student: Habitus and Social Class
Authors: Bufton Serena
Published: February 2004

Phenomenological psychology has typically avoided the "importation" of such concepts as social class from sociology.Within the epoche, such terminology is bracketed on the grounds that it brings with it excess theoretical baggage and threatens the return to experience in itself. Yet, in uncovering the lifeworld of university students who—in what in Britain is still predominantly a preserve of the privileged—come from relatively economically disadvantaged homes, "class" or some cognate concept is found to be necessary to capture the range of modes of alienation and disjunction experienced. Following Casey's discussion of the way in which Bourdieu's notion of habitus relates to Merleau-Ponty's description of the interpenetration of the natural and the cultural in the lived body, social class is shown to bring together students' accounts of their multi-faceted sense that "University is not for the likes of us"—encompassing issues of identity, sociality, and spatio-temporal dislocation.
The student lifeworld and the meanings of plagiarism
Authors: Ashworth Peter , Freewood Madeleine , MacDonald Ranald
Published: February 2004

As plagiarism is a notion specific to a particular culture and epoch, and is also understood in a variety of ways by individuals, particular attention must be paid to the putting of the phenomenological question, What is plagiarism in its appearing? Resolution of this issue leads us to locate students' perceptions and opinions within the lifeworld, and to seek an initially idiographic set of descriptions. Of twelve interview analyses, three are presented. (a) A student who took an especially anxious line, his morality having to do with the fear of being shamed were he to be accused of plagiarism in his work. (b) A student who saw academic development as the movement from dependence on respected authors such that the novice's work is near plagiaristic, to autonomy and self-assured originality. (c) A student whose degree involved painting and art history—disciplines with very distinct understandings of plagiarism. To combat plagiarism, then, one must not assume that students have a prior grasp of the unequivocal meaning of the notion, but must accept that a process of acculturation is required.
Balancing Teaching and Research Experiences in Doctoral Training Programs: Lessons for the Future Educator
Authors: Wolyniak Michael J.
Published: February 2004

While a variety of alternative careers has emerged for Ph.D. life scientists in industry, business, law, and education in the past two decades, the structure of doctoral training programs in many cases does not provide the flexibility necessary to pursue career experiences not directly related to a research emphasis. Here I describe my efforts to supplement my traditional doctoral research training with independent teaching experiences that have allowed me to prepare myself for a career that combines both into a combined educational program. I describe the issues I have come across in finding and taking part in these endeavors, how these issues have affected my work in pursuing my Ph.D., and how my experiences translate into my hopes for a future education-based career in molecular and cell biology.
Evolving Strategies for the Incorporation of Bioinformatics Within the Undergraduate Cell Biology Curriculum
Authors: Honts Jerry E.
Published: February 2004

Recent advances in genomics and structural biology have resulted in an unprecedented increase in biological data available from Internet-accessible databases. In order to help students effectively use this vast repository of information, undergraduate biology students at Drake University were introduced to bioinformatics software and databases in three courses, beginning with an introductory course in cell biology. The exercises and projects that were used to help students develop literacy in bioinformatics are described. In a recently offered course in bioinformatics, students developed their own simple sequence analysis tool using the Perl programming language. These experiences are described from the point of view of the instructor as well as the students. A preliminary assessment has been made of the degree to which students had developed a working knowledge of bioinformatics concepts and methods. Finally, some conclusions have been drawn from these courses that may be helpful to instructors wishing to introduce bioinformatics within the undergraduate biology curriculum.
Genotype–environment interaction in schizophrenia-spectrum disorder
Authors: Tienari Pekka , Wynne Lyman C. , Sorri Anneli , Lahti Ilpo , Läksy Kristian , Moring Juha , Naarala Mikko , Nieminen Pentti , Wahlberg Karl-Erik
Published: February 2004

Background

Earlier adoption studies have convincingly confirmed the importance of a genetic contribution to schizophrenia. The designs, however, did not incorporate observations of the rearing-family environment.

Aims

To test the hypothesis that genetic factors moderate susceptibility to environmentally mediated risks associated with rearing-family functioning.

Method

A Finnish national sample of adopted-away offspring of mothers with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders was compared blindly with adoptees without this genetic risk. Adoptive rearing was assessed using family rating scales based upon extended family observations at initial assessment. Adoptees were independently re-diagnosed after a median interval of 12 years, with register follow-up after 21 years.

Results

In adoptees at high genetic risk of schizophrenia, but not in those at low genetic risk, adoptive-family ratings were a significant predictor of schizophrenia-spectrum disorders in adoptees at long-term follow-up.

Conclusions

Adoptees at high genetic risk are significantly more sensitive to adverse v. ‘healthy’ rearing patterns in adoptive families than are adoptees at low genetic risk.
Efficacy of cognitive–behavioural therapy by general practitioners for unexplained fatigue among employees
Authors: Huibers Marcus J. H. , Beurskens Anna J. H. M. , Van Schayck Constant P. , Bazelmans Ellen , Metsemakers Job F. M. , Knottnerus J André , Bleijenberg Gijs
Published: February 2004

Background

Fatigue is a common complaint that may lead to long-term sick leave and work disability.

Aims

To assess the efficacy of cognitive–behavioural therapy by general practitioners for unexplained, persistent fatigue among employees.

Method

A randomised controlled trial, using a pre-randomisation design in primary care, investigated 151 employees on sick leave with fatigue. Participants in the experimental group were offered five to seven 30 min sessions of cognitive–behavioural therapy by a general practitioner; those in the control group were offered no treatment. Main outcome measures (fatigue severity self-reported absenteeism, registered absenteeism and clinical recovery) were assessed at 4 months, 8 months and 12 months.

Results

At baseline, 44% of the patients already met research criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome. There was no significant difference between the experimental group and the control group on primary or secondary outcomes at any point.

Conclusions

Cognitive–behavioural therapy by general practitioners for unexplained, persistent fatigue did not prove to be an effective intervention. Since these doctors were unable to deliver this therapy effectively under ideal circumstances, it is unlikely that doctors in routine practice would be more successful in doing so.
Testimony method to ameliorate post-traumatic stress symptoms
Authors: Igreja Victor , Kleijn Wim C. , Schreuder Bas J. N. , Van Dijk Janie A. , Verschuur Margot
Published: February 2004

Background

The effectiveness of the testimony method has not been established in rural communities with survivors of prolonged civil war.

Aims

To examine the effectiveness and feasibility of a testimony method to ameliorate post-traumatic stress symptoms.

Method

Participants (n=206) belonged to former war zones in Mozambique. They were divided into a case (n= 137) and a non-case group (n=69). The case group was randomly divided into an intervention (n=66) and a control group (n=71). Symptoms were measured during baseline assessment, post-intervention and at an 11-month follow-up.

Results

Post-intervention measurements demonstrated significant symptom reduction in both the intervention and the control group. No significant differences were found between the intervention and the control group. Follow-up measurements showed sustained lower levels of symptoms in both groups, and some indications of a positive intervention effect in women.

Conclusions

A remarkable drop in symptoms could not be linked directly to the intervention. Feasibility of the intervention was good, but controlling the intervention in a small rural community appeared to be a difficult task to accomplish.
Management of psychiatric in-patient violence: patient ethnicity and use of medication, restraint and seclusion
Authors: Gudjonsson Gisli H. , Rabe-Hesketh Sophia , Szmukler George
Published: February 2004

Background

Significant ethnic differences have been found previously on a forensic unit in the management of psychiatric patients after a violent incident.

Aims

To study the management of violent incidents on all general wards in a large psychiatric hospital in South London. The main question is whether there are differences in the management of Black patients involved in violent incidents compared with White patients and, if so, what are the factors leading to it?

Method

All recorded violent incidents (1515 in total) on 14 general wards over three years (1994, 1996, 1998) were analysed using mixed logistic regression to estimate the odds ratio that the corresponding management decision (emergency medication, physical restraint, seclusion) was taken for Black patients compared with White patients after controlling for covariates and unobserved heterogeneity between subjects.

Results

Black patients were more likely than White patients to be given emergency medication and to be secluded after a violent incident, but not to be physically restrained. However, differences disappeared when the odds ratios were adjusted for other variables.

Conclusions

Racial ‘stereotyping’ was unlikely to have played a major direct role in determining nurses' responses.
The Modena Consultation–Liaison Psychiatry Service, Italy
Authors: Rigatelli M. , Ferrari S.
Published: February 2004

The Reform Law 180, approved in Italy in 1978, had – and still has – great national and international significance for its dramatic consequences on both clinical and health organisational aspects of psychiatry: the law, in short, had the great effect of bringing psychiatry back to medicine, to the community and to the general hospital. This was the starting point of other relevant events, one of which was the establishment of the specialty of consultation-liaison psychiatry in Italy (Cazzulloet al, 1984). Since then, consultation-liaison psychiatry has gradually developed worldwide and in Italy as a super-specialised branch of psychiatry, able to put into practice – to operationalise – the great psychosomatic tradition in its three interrelated strands of clinical, teaching and research activities. The report that follows is strongly influenced by this historical background.
What do consultants think about the development of specialist mental health teams?
Authors: Harrison Judy , Traill Barry
Published: February 2004

Aims and Method

The UK Government is promoting three types of specialist team in psychiatry: assertive outreach, crisis resolution and early intervention in psychosis. Policy guidance suggests that psychiatrists be recruited to work exclusively within these teams, but little is known about the views of psychiatrists regarding their development. A postal survey was undertaken to seek the views of consultant psychiatrists in the North West.

Results

Seventy per cent of psychiatrists responded to the questionnaire. Equal numbers agreed and disagreed with the development of specialist roles. Few services had been able to recruit to extra consultant sessions within the new teams and only a third of consultants believed the resources so far available to be reasonable. Overall views of the new teams were positive (mean scores 6.36, 6.51 and 6.03 on a 1–10 visual analogue scale for assertive outreach, crisis resolution and early onset psychosis teams). Consultants are particularly likely to believe that the new teams will increase patient satisfaction and provide a welcome change in role for some psychiatrists. A total of 64% of consultants believe that crisis resolution services could reduce hospital admissions, compared with 41% for assertive outreach and 31% for early onset psychosis teams. The concern most often voiced was that new services are being developed at the expense of existing teams.

Clinical Implications

Consultants perceive benefits associated with the new teams but are concerned about their impact on the rest of the organisation. If resource and recruitment issues can be addressed, consultants could prove to be supportive of these new models of service.
Does crime literature contribute to the stigmatisation of those with mental health problems?
Authors: Antoniou Janey
Published: February 2004

The Royal College of Psychiatrists is in the last year of its ‘Changing Minds' campaign to reduce the stigma of having schizophrenia, substance use problems, dementia, eating disorders, anxiety and depression. As a mental health service user with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, I have been involved in the campaign since its outset and have become used to blaming the media, especially the tabloid press, for a large part of the stigma that people with mental health problems encounter. However, recently while in hospital I re-read an Agatha Christie book and began to wonder whether crime novels, with their usual starting point of a murder, could actually contribute as much to such stigmatisation. As Agatha Christie was probably the most prolific crime writer in the English language, this article examines some of her novels with a view to discovering the extent to which she played a part in the perception of the ‘mad’ killer.
A case of clarithromycin psychosis
Authors: Elahi Fawad , Bhamjee Moosajee
Published: February 2004

A 19-year-old woman developed an immediate psychotic reaction following intravenous administration of clarithromycin. She responded to atypical antipsychotic drugs but needed psychiatric hospitalisation. She recovered after a year and is now symptom-free without any medication. This is a rare side-effect, but needs to be recognised.
Activity and Safety of the Antiestrogen EM-800, the Orally Active Precursor of Acolbifene, in Tamoxifen-Resistant Breast Cancer
Authors: Labrie Fernand , Champagne Pierre , Labrie Claude , Roy Jean , Laverdière Jacques , Provencher Louise , Potvin Martin , Drolet Yvan , Pollak Michael , Panasci Lawrence , L'Espérance Bernard , Dufresne Jean , Latreille Jean , Robert Jean , Samson Benoît , Jolivet Jacques , Yelle Louise , Cusan Lionel , Diamond Pierre , Candas Bernard
Published: February 2004

Purpose

To determine the efficacy and safety of EM-800 (SCH-57050), the precursor of acolbifene, a new, highly potent, orally active, pure antiestrogen in the mammary gland and endometrium, for the treatment of tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer.

Patients and Methods

Forty-three post menopausal/ovariectomized women with breast cancer who had received tamoxifen, either for metastatic disease or as adjuvant to surgery for ≥ 1 year, and had relapsed were treated in a prospective, multicenter, phase II study with EM-800 (20 mg/d [n = 21] or 40 mg/d [n = 22] orally).

Results

Thirty-seven patients had estrogen receptor (ER)-positive tumors (>10 fmol/mg; mean, 146 fmol/mg cytosolic protein), three patients had ER-negative/progesterone receptor-positive tumors, and three patients had undetermined ER status. The objective response rate to EM-800 was 12%, with one complete response and four partial responses. Ten patients (23%) had stable disease for ≥ 3 months, and 7 patients (16%) had stable disease for ≥ 6 months. With a median follow-up of 29 months, median duration of response was 8 months (range, 7 to 71+ months). Treatment with EM-800 was well tolerated. No significant adverse events related to the study drug were observed clinically or biochemically.

Conclusion

EM-800 produced responses in a significant proportion of patients with tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer, thus showing that this highly potent, selective estrogen receptor modulator, which lacks estrogenic activity in the mammary gland and endometrium, has incomplete cross-resistance with tamoxifen, thus suggesting additional benefits in the treatment of breast cancer.
Enalapril to Prevent Cardiac Function Decline in Long-Term Survivors of Pediatric Cancer Exposed to Anthracyclines
Authors: Silber Jeffrey H. , Cnaan Avital , Clark Bernard J. , Paridon Stephen M. , Chin Alvin J. , Rychik Jack , Hogarty Alexa N. , Cohen Mitchell I. , Barber Gerald , Rutkowski Monika , Kimball Thomas R. , Delaat Cynthia , Steinherz Laurel J. , Zhao Huaqing
Published: February 2004

Purpose

To determine whether an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, enalapril, prevents cardiac function deterioration (defined using maximal cardiac index [MCI] on exercise testing or increase in left ventricular end-systolic wall stress [LVESWS]) in long-term survivors of pediatric cancer.

Patients and Methods

This was a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial comparing enalapril to placebo in 135 long-term survivors of pediatric cancer who had at least one cardiac abnormality identified at any time after anthracycline exposure.

Results

There was no difference in the rate of change in MCI per year between enalapril and placebo groups (0.30 v 0.18 L/min/m2; P = .55). However, during the first year of treatment, the rate of change in LVESWS was greater in the enalapril group than in the placebo group (−8.59 v 1.85 g/cm2; P = .033) and this difference was maintained over the study period, resulting in a 9% reduction in estimated LVESWS by year 5 in the enalapril group. Six of seven patients removed from random assignment to treatment because of cardiac deterioration were initially treated with placebo (P = .11), and one has died as a result of heart failure. Side effects from enalapril included dizziness or hypotension (22% v 3% in the placebo group; P = .0003) and fatigue (10% v 0%; P = .013).

Conclusion

Enalapril treatment did not influence exercise performance, but did reduce LVESWS in the first year; this reduction was maintained over the study period. Any theoretical benefits of LVESWS reduction in this anthracycline-exposed population must be weighed against potential side effects from ACE inhibitors when making treatment decisions.