bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simpson diversity and the Shannon–Wiener index as special cases of a generalized entropy
Authors: Keylock C. J.
Published: February 2005

Many indices for measuring species diversity have been proposed. In this article, a link is noted between a common family of diversity indices and non‐additive statistical mechanics. This makes the Shannon index and the Simpson diversity (or Gini coefficient) special cases of a more general index. The general index includes a parameter q that can be interpreted from a statistical mechanics perspective for systems with an underlying (multi)fractal structure. A q‐generalised version of the Zipf–Mandelbrot distribution sometimes used to characterise rank–abundance relationships may be obtained by maximising this entropy.
Using surrogate data in population viability analysis: the case of the critically endangered cranberry fritillary butterfly
Authors: Schtickzelle Nicolas , WallisDeVries Michiel F. , Baguette Michel
Published: February 2005

Population viability analyses (PVA) are central tools for the management of threatened populations. However, the parameterisation of effective PVA models is very demanding in high quality data, which are often impossible to collect on endangered populations. Here we propose the use of a generalisation strategy to bypass this limitation: management measures for an endangered metapopulation of the cranberry fritillary butterfly in the Netherlands are evaluated with RAMAS/GIS by using parameters estimated from a healthier metapopulation in Belgium. The Belgian metapopulation seems viable, with stable abundance and number of local populations, despite their erratic dynamics, whereas the Dutch metapopulation shows a continuous decline in the course of time, with many vacant habitat patches. Simulations of various scenarios indicated that (1) large scale restoration of habitat patches would be necessary to ensure long‐term survival of the species in the Netherlands as not enough suitable habitats are currently remaining; and that (2) global warming is expected to put a major threat on both metapopulations by reducing the growth rate of this glacial relict species, and/or increasing environmental stochasticity (amplified climatic variations).
Applications of ecological stoichiometry for sustainable acquisition of ecosystem services
Authors: Ptacnik Robert , Jenerette G. Darrel , Verschoor Antonie M. , Huberty Andrea F. , Solimini Angelo G. , Brookes Justin D.
Published: February 2005

Human activities have differentially altered biogeochemical cycling at local, regional and global scales. We propose that a stoichiometric approach, examining the fluxes of multiple elements and the ratio between them, may be a useful tool for better understanding human effects on ecosystem processes and services. The different scale of impacts of the elements carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus and the different nature of their biogeochemical cycles, imply a large variation of their stoichiometric ratios in space and time and thus divergent impacts on biota.

In this paper, we examine the effects of anthropogenic perturbations on nutrient ratios in ecosystems in two examples and one case study. Altered stoichiometry in agricultural systems (example 1) can affect not only crop yield and quality but also the interactions between plants and their pollinators, pests and pathogens. Human activities have also altered stoichiometry in coastal ecosystems (example 2). Increased N loading has especially lead to increased N:P and reduced Si:N ratios, with detrimental effects on ecosystem services derived from coastal pelagic food webs, such as fish yield and water quality. The terrestrial–aquatic linkage in stoichiometric alterations is illustrated with a case study, the Mississippi River watershed, where anthropogenic activities have caused stoichiometric changes that have propagated through the watershed into the northern Gulf of Mexico.

Coupled with altered stoichiometric nutrient inputs are the inherent differences in variation and sensitivity of different ecosystems to anthropogenic disturbance. Furthermore, the connections among the components of a watershed may result in downstream cascades of disrupted functioning. Applying a multiple element perspective to understanding and addressing societal needs is a new direction for both ecological stoichiometry and sustainability.
Recent advances in ecological stoichiometry: insights for population and community ecology
Authors: Moe S. Jannicke , Stelzer Robert S. , Forman M. Rebecca , Harpole W. Stanley , Daufresne Tanguy , Yoshida Takehito
Published: February 2005

Conventional theories of population and community dynamics are based on a single currency such as number of individuals, biomass, carbon or energy. However, organisms are constructed of multiple elements and often require them (in particular carbon, phosphorus and nitrogen) in different ratios than provided by their resources; this mismatch may constrain the net transfer of energy and elements through trophic levels. Ecological stoichiometry, the study of the balance of elements in ecological processes, offers a framework for exploring ecological effects of such constraints. We review recent theoretical and empirical studies that have considered how stoichiometry may affect population and community dynamics. These studies show that stoichiometric constraints can affect several properties of populations (e.g. stability, oscillations, consumer extinction) and communities (e.g. coexistence of competitors, competitive interactions between different guilds). We highlight gaps in general knowledge and focus on areas of population and community ecology where incorporation of stoichiometric constraints may be particularly fruitful, such as studies of demographic bottlenecks, spatial processes, and multi‐species interactions. Finally, we suggest promising directions for new research by recommending potential study systems (terrestrial insects, detritivory‐based webs, soil communities) to improve our understanding of populations and communities. Our conclusion is that a better integration of stoichiometric principles and other theoretical approaches in ecology may allow for a richer understanding of both population and community structure and dynamics.
Screening for contact allergy to artificial nails
Authors: Constandt L. , Hecke E. V. , Naeyaert J.‐M. , Goossens A.
Published: February 2005

27 patients (26 women and 1 man), all in contact with artificial nails, were tested for acrylic compounds, known to be present in nail cosmetics. The patch test results obtained in these patients demonstrated that 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate and ethyl cyanoacrylate were the only 2 allergens needed to diagnose contact allergy to acrylic‐containing nail cosmetics, except for 1 patient who reacted only to her nail preparation used and in which we were unable to identify the allergen. This concerns clearly a limited number of patients. The purpose was, however, to detect the most valuable allergen(s) to be used in a dermatologist's practice, in which not all possible allergens can be tested, in order to diagnose such cases.
Methyldibromo glutaronitrile contact allergy: effect of single versus repeated daily exposure
Authors: Jensen C. D. , J ohansen J. D. , Menné T. , Andersen K. E.
Published: February 2005

Some types of cosmetic products such as hand soaps and creams are commonly used several times a day, especially in occupational use situations. Little has experimentally been shown of how the daily frequency of the application of an allergen in a product influences the allergic response. This study investigates the allergic responses elicited in presensitized individuals when exposed to a specific amount of allergen applied either in 1 application per day or distributed over 4 applications per day. As model allergen, the cosmetic preservative methyldibromo glutaronitrile (MDBGN) is used. 19 contact allergic individuals and 12 controls participated in a double‐blind, randomized use test. To areas on the forearms were applied 2 drops either once daily of a solution containing 0.04% MDBGN or 4 times a day of a solution containing 0.01% MDBGN. 14 of 19 patients developed dermatitis following the application of approximately equal amounts of MDBGN on both arms. Controls were negative. In this experiment, applications of 0.04% MDBGN once daily or 0.01% MDBGN 4 times daily had, in a use test, approximately equal capabilities of provoking allergic contact dermatitis. This adds new knowledge to the risk assessment and regulation of cosmetic allergens. However, these results may be highly allergen dependent, and further studies are needed before more general conclusions can be made.
Rosacea and contact allergy to cosmetics and topical medicaments – retrospective analysis of multicentre surveillance data 1995–2002
Authors: Jappe U. , Schnuch A. , Uter W.
Published: February 2005

The role of contact allergy in rosacea has rarely been investigated. In this retrospective study, 361 out of 76 697 patients tested and documented by the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology between 1995 and 2002 had rosacea. Patch tests included standard series and constituents of cosmetics and topical medicaments. 118/361 had additionally been patch tested with their own cosmetics/medicaments. Positive reactions occurred to nickel (II) sulfate in 9.3%, fragrance mix in 8.8%, thimerosal in 6.9%, Myroxylon pereirae resin in 5.9%, potassium dichromate in 4.6% and propolis in 2.8%. Whereas rosacea patients had a significantly higher risk of contact allergy to propolis compared to the remaining patients, in an age‐ and sex‐adjusted analysis, contact allergy to nickel was significantly less frequent in this group. For Lyral®, the risk was elevated, albeit not significantly. Only 2/329 patients were positive to neomycin sulfate and 1/100 to gentamicin sulfate, among the panel of (topical) antibiotics tested. Among 118 patients tested with their own products, 3 were tested to metronidazole, 1 reacting positively. Irritant or doubtful patch test reactions were provoked by various substances (vehicles, oxidants and preservatives of various creams), which might also be clinically important, considering the heightened sensitivity of rosaceous skin.
Skin symptoms in the seafood‐processing industry in north Norway
Authors: Aasmoe L. , Bang B. , Andorsen G. S. , Evans R. , Gram I. T. , Løchen M. L.
Published: February 2005

A survey of occupational skin problems, based on a questionnaire, was carried out among 883 workers in different types of seafood‐processing industries in northern Norway. The prevalence of dry skin, itching, rash/eczema, chapped skin and chronic sores was significantly higher among production workers (55.6%) in the white fish‐, shrimp‐ and salmon‐processing industries, compared to administrative workers in the same industries (27.5%). Among production workers, there was a significantly higher prevalence of skin symptoms among females (60.2%) compared to males (50.1%). A strong sex division of work tasks rather than sex itself may explain this. There was no sex difference among administrative workers. Several risk factors for skin symptoms to occur are indicated. The workers are exposed to raw materials and a mixture of water and juice from the fish or shrimp, salt, detergents and disinfectants. Gloves may also cause skin problems. Major risk factors believed to cause skin symptoms were contact with raw materials, fish juice, water and gloves. The results also indicate that skin symptoms are of moderate severity and seldom interfere with working capacity.
Experimental nickel elicitation thresholds – a review focusing on occluded nickel exposure
Authors: Fischer Louise Arup , Menné Torkil , Johansen Jeanne Duus
Published: February 2005

Nickel (Ni) is the most frequent cause of contact allergy among the female population. This makes it interesting to examine thresholds for elicitation under different conditions. Even though Ni exposure may be open, occluded, penetrating or oral, most dose–response studies in the literature concern single occluded application. The aims of this study were to assess thresholds of response by making a statistical analysis of available dose–response studies with single occluded exposure and comparing the results to thresholds from other modes of exposure. 8 occluded Ni dose–response studies were selected based on statistical considerations. The statistical analysis showed that 5% of a sensitized population react to 0.44 µg Ni/cm2 and 10% react to 1.04 µg Ni/cm2. In another study with a single open application, 7.8% of sensitized persons responded to a dose ×6 higher than the dose to which 10% reacted in occluded exposure. When combining the exposure to Ni with an irritant, divagating results were found, although the literature shows evidence of an augmented response when combining exposure to an allergen and an irritant. The thresholds of penetrating exposure were found to be lower than the thresholds of single occluded exposure. Comparisons of different kind of exposures across studies are difficult, because of differences in the studies, although a comparison could be made by a study that compares the different exposures within the same individuals at the same time.
Syrian Women's Preferences for Birth Attendant and Birth Place
Authors: Bashour Hyam , Abdulsalam Asmaa
Published: February 2005

Abstract:  Background: Women's preferences for type of maternity caregiver and birth place have gained importance and have been documented in studies reported from the developed world. The purpose of our study was to identify Syrian women's preferences for birth attendant and place of delivery. Methods: Interviews with 500 women living in Damascus and its suburbs were conducted using a pretested structured questionnaire. Women were asked about their preferences for the birth attendant and place of delivery, and an open‐ended question asked them to give an explanation for their preferences. We analyzed preferences and their determinants, and also agreement between actual and preferred place of delivery and birth attendant. Results: Only a small minority of women (5–10%) had no preference. Most (65.8%) preferred to give birth at the hospital, and 60.4 percent preferred to be attended by doctors compared with midwives (21.2%). More than 85 percent of women preferred the obstetrician to be a female. The actual place of delivery and type of birth attendant did not match the preferred place of delivery and type of birth attendant. Women's reasons for preferences were a perception of safety and competence, and communication style of caregiver. Conclusions: Most women preferred to be delivered by female doctors at a hospital in this population sample in Syria. The findings suggest that proper understanding of women's preferences is needed, and steps should be taken to enable women to make good choices. Policies about maternity education and services should take into account women's preferences.
Impact of Postpartum Depression on the Mother‐Infant Couple
Authors: Wang Shing‐Yaw , Chen Chung‐Hey , Chin Chi‐Chun , Lee Shu‐Li
Published: February 2005

Abstract:  Background: Few studies have explored the influence of postpartum depression on later life among mothers in Taiwan. The present follow‐up study aims to explore the effects of postpartum depression on the psychosocial health of mothers and on the overall development of their infants. Methods: Follow‐up evaluations were carried out on 29 postnatally depressed and 31 nondepressed mothers and their infants at 1 year after childbirth. Dependent variables were measured by means of five structured questionnaires. Results: Postnatally depressed mothers reported significantly higher perceived stress, but lower social support and self‐esteem than nondepressed mothers at 1 year after childbirth. The participants’ postpartum depression had no significant effect on their infants’ eight developmental areas, nor did depression influence their plans about the number of children to have in the future. Conclusions: Postpartum depression may have a negative influence on the psychosocial health of women, but it does not appear to influence the overall development of their infants and their family planning.
Canadian Maternity Experiences Survey Pilot Study
Authors: Dzakpasu Susie , Chalmers Beverley ,   for the Maternity Experiences Study Group of the Canadian Perinatal Surveillance System, Health Canada
Published: February 2005

Abstract:  Background: The Maternity Experiences Survey is a project of the Canadian Perinatal Surveillance System. Its primary objective is to provide insight into Canadian women's maternity experiences. A pilot study was conducted in 2002/2003 to determine to what extent women's reports could be used to assess Canadian perinatal health policies and practices, and to test the procedures proposed for a national maternity experiences survey. Methods: A nonrepresentative sample of 291 mothers was drawn from Canadian birth registration records. Mothers whose children had died or were no longer in their care were excluded. Participants were interviewed 9 to 11 months postpartum about prenatal, labor, and birth and postpartum experiences. Results: The response rate was 86 percent. Respondents were generally comfortable answering all questions and identified areas of potential strength and weakness in the Canadian maternity care system. They had difficulty recalling information on some prenatal tests, and labor and birth procedures. The use of birth registrations to draw the pilot sample worked well. However, some regions may not be able to provide timely access to birth registrations for the purposes of a national survey. Conclusions: The high response rate and women's ability to provide information on a wide range of topics demonstrates that a national maternity survey would be an effective method of providing important maternal health information. The data collected would allow Health Canada to carry out more effective national perinatal health surveillance with a view to influencing perinatal health policy and practice.
Effectiveness of a Counseling Intervention after a Traumatic Childbirth: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Gamble Jenny , Creedy Debra , Moyle Wendy , Webster Joan , McAllister Margaret , Dickson Paul
Published: February 2005

Abstract:  Adverse childbirth experiences can evoke fear and overwhelming anxiety for some women and precipitate posttraumatic stress disorder. The objective of this study was to assess a midwife‐led brief counseling intervention for postpartum women at risk of developing psychological trauma symptoms. Method: Of 348 women screened for trauma symptoms, 103 met inclusion criteria and were randomized into an intervention (n = 50) or a control (n = 53) group. The intervention group received face‐to‐face counseling within 72 hours of birth and again via telephone at 4 to 6 weeks postpartum. Main outcome measures were posttraumatic stress symptoms, depression, self‐blame, and confidence about a future pregnancy. Results: At 3‐month follow‐up, intervention group women reported decreased trauma symptoms, low relative risk of depression, low relative risk of stress, and low feelings of self‐blame. Confidence about a future pregnancy was higher for these women than for control group women. Three intervention group women compared with 9 control group women met the diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder at 3 months postpartum, but this result was not statistically significant. Discussion: A high prevalence of postpartum depression and trauma symptoms occurred after childbirth. Although most women improved over time, the intervention markedly affected participants’ trajectory toward recovery compared with women who did not receive counseling. Conclusions: A brief, midwife‐led counseling intervention for women who report a distressing birth experience was effective in reducing symptoms of trauma, depression, stress, and feelings of self‐blame. The intervention is within the scope of midwifery practice, caused no harm to participants, was perceived as helpful, and enhanced women's confidence about a future pregnancy.
Influence of Fixed and Time‐Dependent Factors on Duration of Normal First Stage Labor
Authors: Gross Mechthild M. , Drobnic̆ Sonja , Keirse Marc J.N.C.
Published: February 2005

Abstract:  Background: No accurate method, clinical or otherwise, currently exists to determine the onset of labor precisely. The objective of this study was to investigate what influences the duration of first stage labor in women with spontaneous labor and childbirth in a nonclinical setting. Methods: From a population‐based cohort of 1,448 planned home and birth center births, we selected 932 births for absence of pathology, absence of intervention, and completeness of data. Duration of first stage labor was analyzed with regression analysis for duration data or time‐to‐event analysis, using a specialized Transition Data Analysis software. The effects of fixed (age, parity, education, antenatal classes, infant birthweight, first cervical assessment) and time‐varying factors (start of midwifery care, spontaneous rupture of membranes) in labor were estimated with piecewise‐constant exponential hazard models. Results: Of the characteristics immutable at the onset of labor, only parity had a strong effect on the duration of first stage labor. Cervical dilatation at first assessment and time‐varying factors, such as the timing of spontaneous rupture of membranes and midwifery care, each had a strong influence on labor duration; however, the sequence in which they occurred exerted an even stronger influence. First stage labors were much shorter if the membranes ruptured before rather than after the start of care. Conclusion: With the exception of parity, events occurring during labor and their timing have a greater influence on the duration of first stage spontaneous labor than elements which are immutable at the onset of labor. Trials of interventions to influence the duration of labor need to consider not only whether the intervention was applied or not, but also when it was applied, if cause‐effect relationships are to become properly understood.
Lack of Prognostic Value of Normalized Integrated Backscatter Analysis of Myocardium in Patients with Thalassemia Major: A Long‐Term Follow‐Up Study
Authors: Jambrik Zoltán , Derchi Giorgio , Picano Eugenio , Ait‐Ali Lamia , Forni Gianluca , Bellotti Paolo
Published: February 2005

Background: Patients with β‐thalassemia major often present with severe anemia and must undergo continuous transfusion therapy, consequently developing iron overload leading to hemochromatosis. Because of these the iron deposits and/or secondary structural changes, patients develop an increase in myocardial integrated backscatter (IB). Aim: To investigate the prognostic value of analyzing acoustic quantitative properties of the myocardium in patients with β‐thalassemia major. Patients and methods: Between 1989 and 1990, 38 patients (mean age: 18 years, range: 7–26, 21 males) with β‐thalassemia major and without clinical signs of cardiac failure were enrolled prospectively. All patients were on chelation therapy (desferroxiamine). To obtain quantitative operator‐independent measurement of the IB signal of the left ventricular septum and posterior wall, the ultrasonic radiofrequency signal integrated values were normalized to the pericardial interface and expressed in percentage (IB%). Results: Follow‐up was 122 ± 36 months, during which 15 events (7 cardiac deaths and 8 heart failures) occurred. The event‐free survival was comparable in patients with normal and abnormal IB%. Septal IB% was 33 ± 14 in the 15 patients with events, and 33 ± 12 in the 25 patients without events (P = ns). The %IB had no prognostic value in this population. A prognostic value was found in multivariate analysis for patient refusal/noncompliance of chelation therapy (P = 0.02, OR: 4.37, 95% CI: 1.72–16.9) and also body mass index (P = 0.04, OR: 1.2, 95% CI: 1.0–1.4). Conclusion: Analysis of end‐diastolic IB% of myocardium in patients with β‐thalassemia and iron overload was not predictive of adverse cardiac events during long‐term follow‐up in this study.
Ischemic Mitral Valve Repair: Predictive Significance of Restrictive Left Ventricular Diastolic Filling
Authors: Ereminiene Egle , Vaskelyte Jolanta , Benetis Rimantas , Stoskute Neris
Published: February 2005

Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of left ventricular (LV) diastolic filling impairment on postoperative results in patients with low LV ejection fraction (EF) undergoing combined coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and mitral valve (MV) repair. Methods and Results: Study population consisted of 53 patients with ischemic MV incompetence and LV systolic dysfunction (mean EF–26.1 ± 6%), who underwent CABG with MV repair. Patients were divided into three groups according to the LV diastolic filling pattern. Study protocol included evaluation of perioperative mortality (30 days inhospital mortality), NYHA functional class, and two‐dimensional Doppler echocardiographic examination preoperatively, 10–14 days, and 12 months after surgery. The highest perioperative mortality rate (33.3%), unimproved functional status (in 78.5% of the patients, NYHA functional class remained unchanged late after surgery), and hemodynamic deterioration (LV dilatation, progression of mitral regurgitation (MR) was observed in the restriction group). Though early after surgery, MR reduction was significant in this group, at even one year after surgery 85.7% of patients presented with >grade 1 of MR (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that restrictive LV diastolic filling is an important independent preoperative marker (P = 0.035) of progression of MR late after MV repair. Conclusion: In patients with severe LV dysfunction undergoing combined CABG and MV repair, restrictive LV diastolic filling pattern is an important preoperative marker of high perioperative mortality rate, further negative remodeling of LV, and progression of mitral regurgitation late after MV repair.
Ejection Fraction Velocity Ratio as an Indicator of Aortic Stenosis Severity
Authors: AL‐Ghamdi A.M. , Melendez L.J. , Massel D.
Published: February 2005

Background: Despite the widespread use of the continuity equation in the estimation of aortic valve area (AVA) in patients with aortic stenosis, it is subject to errors, time consuming, and can be technically demanding. As such, simpler methods of assessing aortic stenosis severity have been pursued. Methods: The ejection fraction velocity ratio [EFVR = ejection fraction (%) / maximal aortic velocity (m/sec)] was compared to AVA determined with the continuity equation in 857 patients with aortic stenosis and varying degrees of LV systolic dysfunction. Severe aortic stenosis was defined as an AVA < 1.0 cm2. Results: There was good to excellent correlation between our index and aortic valve area (P < 0.001 for each ejection fraction subgroup). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the EFVR functioned well with areas under the curve between 0.893 and 0.938. Conclusion: The EFVR is a simple noninvasive method for screening patients for an AVA of 1.0 cm2. It could be used as a screening test or in lieu of the continuity equation particularly when there is problematic measurement of either the LVOT diameter or velocity.
Ultrasound Tissue Characterization by Integrated Backscatter for Analyzing Fluorouracil Induced Myocardial Damage
Authors: Ceyhan Ceyhun , Meydan Nezih , Barutca Sabri , Tekten Tarkan , Onbasili Alper O. , Ozturk Banu , Unal Selim
Published: February 2005

Background: 5‐Fluorouracil (5‐FU) cardiotoxicity is a well‐known clinical phenomenon whose pathophysiology remains controversial. Cyclic variation of integrated backscatter (CVIBS) assesses acoustic properties of myocardium that may reflect both contractility and structural changes. The aim of this study was to evaluate CVIBS alterations in cancer patients under high‐dose leucovorin and infusional 5‐FU (HDLV5FU) chemotherapy. Method: We prospectively evaluated 37 cancer patients under HDLV5FU treatment. Transthoracic echocardiography and CVIBS were performed at the 0th, 48th hours, and on day 15 of the first cycle. The parasternal long‐axis view was preferred to obtain the image of integrated backscatter and mainly two regions of interest—interventricular septum (IVS) and posterior wall (PW)—were used. Results: Clinical cardiotoxicity was observed in two patients. No significant differences were detected in pre‐ and posttreatment conventional echocardiography evaluations. However, both the IVS (9.3 ± 1.0 to 8.1 ± 1.2 dB, P < 0.001) and PW (9.1 ± 0.7 to 7.8 ± 0.9 dB, P < 0.001) CVIBS values significantly decreased in all patients. All values were returned to pretreatment levels (9.2 ± 0.9 dB in the CVIBS‐IVS and 8.9 ± 0.6 dB in CVIBS‐PW, respectively) on day 15 after the treatments. Conclusion: This study suggests that HDLV5FU may cause acute transient alterations in CVIBS values in the absence of clinical symptoms and signs of cardiotoxicity. The clinical value of CVIBS should be further studied in patients receiving 5‐FU‐based therapy.
Feasibility of Measuring Coronary Flow Velocity and Reserve in the Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery by Transthoracic Doppler Echocardiography in a Relatively Obese American Population
Authors: Takeuchi Masaaki , Lodato Joseph A. , Furlong Kathy T. , Lang Roberto M. , Yoshikawa Junichi
Published: February 2005

Background: Transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TTDE) assessment of coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) has been validated in Asian and European centers. This methodology has not gained acceptability in the United States due to the bias that coronary flow velocity (CFV) by TTDE might be difficult in an obese population with relatively poor acoustic windows. Methods: Baseline CFV in the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) by TTDE was obtained in 67 nonselected American patients. A subset of 38/67 received adenosine infusion for measuring CFVR of the LAD. Purpose: The aim of this study was twofold: (1) to determine the feasibility of measuring CFV and CFVR in the LAD by TTDE in a relatively obese American population, and (2) to compare CFV and CFVR values in this population with those previously obtained in a group of Japanese patients. Results: The mean body mass index (BMI) of the American population (28 ± 6 kg/m2, range: 18–46 kg/m2) was significantly higher than that of the Japanese group (23 ± 4 kg/m2, range: 15–37 kg/m2). Twenty‐five American patients were classified as obese (BMI >30kg/m2). Baseline CFV was obtained in 60/67 patients (feasibility: 90%) with a 10% need for intravenous contrast agent to enhance the delineation of the CFV envelope. The success rate in recording CFVR in American patients (92%) was nearly identical to that of a Japanese group (99%). The time‐averaged peak diastolic coronary flow velocity increased from 15.6 ± 5.5 cm/sec at baseline to 47.1 ± 17.9 cm/sec during adenosine infusion, and CFVR was calculated to be 3.22 ± 1.15 (range: 0.94–5.69). Intraobserver and interobserver variability for the CFV recording was 4.7 and 6.2%, respectively. Conclusions: These results suggest that the noninvasive measurement of CFV and CFVR of the LAD is feasible even in a relatively obese American population. Furthermore, the success rates for recording CFV and CFVR are similar to those measured in a Japanese population. This methodology has the potential to provide useful physiological information on the coronary circulation in American patients.
Saphenous Vein Graft Aneurysm Masquerading as a Right Atrial Mass
Authors: Yatskar Leonid , Rosenzweig Barry P. , Attubato Michael , Axel Leon , Tunick Paul A. , Kronzon Itzhak
Published: February 2005

We report a case of a large saphenous vein graft (SVG) aneurysm masquerading as a right atrial mass on transesophageal echocardiogram. Cardiac magnetic resonance angiography reliably made a diagnosis of SVG aneurysm extrinsically compressing right atrium. This case illustrates the importance of using combined imaging modalities for the diagnosis and management of cardiac masses.
Live Three‐Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiographic Demonstration of Septal Perforator Coronary Artery–Left Ventricle Fistulas Following Myectomy
Authors: Patel Vinod , Nanda Navin C. , Vengala Srinivas , Mehmood Farhat , Frans Ebenezer , Bodiwala Kunal , Upendram Shailendra
Published: February 2005

We present an adult patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy status post septal myectomy in whom live three‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (3D TTE) demonstrated two septal perforator coronary arteries opening directly into the left‐ventricular outflow tract. Only one of these fistulas could be demonstrated by two‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (2D TTE). Our case demonstrates the potential usefulness of 3D TTE as a supplement to 2D TTE in the assessment of septal coronary artery–left ventricle fistulas.
Transmitting and Decoding Facial Expressions
Authors: Smith Marie L. , Cottrell Garrison W. , Gosselin FrédéAric , Schyns Philippe G.
Published: February 2005

This article examines the human face as a transmitter of expression signals and the brain as a decoder of these expression signals. If the face has evolved to optimize transmission of such signals, the basic facial expressions should have minimal overlap in their information. If the brain has evolved to optimize categorization of expressions, it should be efficient with the information available from the transmitter for the task. In this article, we characterize the information underlying the recognition of the six basic facial expression signals and evaluate how efficiently each expression is decoded by the underlying brain structures.
Memory for Fact, Fiction, and Misinformation
Authors: Lewandowsky Stephan , Stritzke Werner G.K. , Oberauer Klaus , Morales Michael
Published: February 2005

Media coverage of the 2003 Iraq War frequently contained corrections and retractions of earlier information. For example, claims that Iraqi forces executed coalition prisoners of war after they surrendered were retracted the day after the claims were made. Similarly, tentative initial reports about the discovery of weapons of mass destruction were all later disconfirmed. We investigated the effects of these retractions and disconfirmations on people's memory for and beliefs about war-related events in two coalition countries (Australia and the United States) and one country that opposed the war (Germany). Participants were queried about (a) true events, (b) events initially presented as fact but subsequently retracted, and (c) fictional events. Participants in the United States did not show sensitivity to the correction of misinformation, whereas participants in Australia and Germany discounted corrected misinformation. Our results are consistent with previous findings in that the differences between samples reflect greater suspicion about the motives underlying the war among people in Australia and Germany than among people in the United States.
Beyond Heritability
Authors: Parasuraman Raja , Greenwood Pamela M. , Kumar Reshma , Fossella John
Published: February 2005

A cued, visuospatial attention task and a working memory task were administered to 89 healthy adults genotyped for a T-to-C polymorphism in CHRNA4, a nicotinic receptor subunit gene. Increasing gene dose of the C allele of the CHRNA4 gene (i.e., no C alleles, one C allele, two C alleles) was associated with increased reaction time (RT) benefits of valid attentional cuing and reduced RT costs of invalid cues, but was not associated with working memory performance. In a second experiment, 103 healthy persons were genotyped for a G-to-A polymorphism of the dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH) gene. Increasing gene dose of the G allele of the DBH gene was associated with increased working memory accuracy at a high memory load. However, there was no consistent association between the DBH gene and visuospatial attention. Thus, a double dissociation was observed, with visuospatial attention associated with CHRNA4 but not the DBH gene and, conversely, working memory associated with the DBH gene but not CHRNA4. The results show that normal allelic variations in single neurotransmitter genes modulate individual differences in processing components of cognitive functions in healthy individuals.
Preexisting Knowledge Versus On-Line Learning
Authors: Newcombe Nora S. , Sluzenski Julia , Huttenlocher Janellen
Published: February 2005

Contemporary knowledge of infant cognition relies heavily on violation-of-expectation experiments. However, there are two ways to conceptualize what occurs in such studies. Babies may react to anomalous test events because of preexisting world knowledge. Alternatively, they may react because they have learned about events during the familiarization period. One way to distinguish these possibilities is to contrast familiarization with everyday versus anomalous events. In the studies we report here, we used this method to probe the nature of 5-month-olds' expectations about the locations of objects hidden in sand and later revealed. In Experiment 1, infants who initially saw everyday events did react to anomalous ones, as found previously, whereas infants who initially saw anomalous events did not react to everyday events. In Experiment 2, two alternative explanations of this pattern were ruled out. We conclude that by the age of 5 months, infants have expectations regarding the location of objects in continuous space.
The Look of Love
Authors: Mason Malia F. , Tatkow Elizabeth P. , Macrae C. Neil
Published: February 2005

Gaze direction is a vital communicative channel through which people transmit information to each other. By signaling the locus of social attention, gaze cues convey information about the relative importance of objects, including other people, in the environment. For the most part, this information is communicated via patterns of gaze direction, with gaze shifts signaling changes in the objects of attention. Noting the relevance of gaze cues in social cognition, we speculated that gaze shifts may modulate people's evaluations of others. We investigated this possibility by asking participants to judge the likability (Experiment 1) and physical attractiveness (Experiment 2) of targets displaying gaze shifts indicative of attentional engagement or disengagement with the participants. As expected, person evaluation was moderated by the direction of gaze shifts, but only when the judgment under consideration was relevant to participants. We consider how and when gaze shifts may modulate person perception and its associated behavioral products.
Infrequent and intense defoliation benefits dry‐matter accumulation and persistence of clipped Arrhenatherum elatius
Authors: D'Angelo G. H. , Postulka E. B. , Ferrari L.
Published: February 2005

The objective was to determine how the frequency and intensity of defoliation of tall oat grass [Arrhenatherum elatius (L.) Presl.], affected (i) annual dry‐matter (DM) accumulation, (ii) seasonal distribution of the accumulated forage, and (iii) morphological traits related to persistence and vigour. Data were collected twice a year throughout three growing years, beginning the second year after establishment. Two frequencies (A: each time modal height of plants reached 20 cm; B: each time modal height of plants reached 40 cm) and two defoliation intensities (I: 5 cm; II: 10 cm stubble) were arranged in a completely randomized block design with a fully factorial combination and four replicates. Measurements were made of annual DM accumulation, seasonal distribution of accumulated DM and morphological traits related to persistence and vigour, i.e. number of tillers m−2, number of tussocks m−2, crown diameter, and crown area of tussocks. The infrequent defoliation (B) increased annual DM accumulation besides maintaining levels of persistence and vigour. The most productive treatment (BI) had a significantly higher annual DM accumulation than treatments AI and AII. Frequent and severe defoliations (treatment AI) led to plant depletion, which reduced crown diameter, number of tillers m−2 and crown area at the end of the third year compared with infrequent but severe defoliation (treatment BI). Annual DM accumulation was intermediate for less intense defoliations (AII), which produced forage during winter, but resulted in less vigorous plants by the end of the experiment. Crown area was a good indicator of tiller number, particularly under frequent defoliation.
Measurement of above‐ground plant biomass, forage availability and grazing impact by combining satellite image processing and field survey in a dry area of north‐eastern Syria
Authors: Hirata M. , Koga N. , Shinjo H. , Fujita H. , Gintzburger G. , Ishida J. , Miyazaki A.
Published: February 2005

Field survey and satellite image processing methods were used to estimate the total available forage over an area of 95 034 ha in north‐eastern Syria, and to assess grazing impact on the area. The above‐ground plant biomass was measured by a quadrat method at three sites in each of eight vegetation classes. Available forage was measured by excluding woody parts of shrubs from the whole aerial plant parts. The total above‐ground plant biomass and available forage were estimated by extrapolating the measured point data to the whole target area using classified vegetation data by satellite image processing. Grazing impact was assessed by calculating the differences between the total available forage at the end of growing season and the end of dry season. The values for the estimated total available forage (s.e. of mean) in the area were 55 628 000 (12 920 000) kg DM and 30 007 000 (2 437 000) kg DM at the end of growing season and dry season respectively. Although the area of the cereal fields covered only 0·315 of the area, about 0·69 and 0·82 of the available forage existed in the harvested cereal fields at the ends of growing season and dry season respectively. The integration of cereal fields and rangeland is a normal land use system for livestock management in the area. The higher cover of herbaceous vegetation types showed higher grazing impacts which reduced the total available forage at the end of the growing season by 0·817 (0·199) at the end of the dry season. Although these dense herbaceous vegetation types could possibly produce more available forage, they would incur more intensive grazing impact. On the contrary, lighter grazing impact would occur with a higher cover of shrub vegetation types. The importance of maintaining plant cover over the rangeland area to protect the land against soil erosion is stressed.
Potential of imaging spectroscopy as tool for pasture management
Authors: Schut A. G. T. , Lokhorst C. , Hendriks M. M. W. B. , Kornet J. G. , Kasper G.
Published: February 2005

The use of imaging spectroscopy to predict the herbage mass of dry matter (DM), DM content of herbage and crude fibre, ash, total sugars and mineral (N, P, K, S, Ca, Mg, Mn, Zn and Fe) concentrations was evaluated. The experimental system used measured reflectance between 404 and 1650 nm at high spatial (0·28–1·45 mm2) and spectral resolution. Data from two experiments with Lolium perenne L. mini‐swards were used where the degree of sward damage or N‐fertilizer application varied. Regression models were calibrated and validated and the potential reduction in prediction error with multiple observations was estimated. The mean prediction errors for DM mass, DM content and N, total sugars, ash and crude fibre concentrations were 235–268 kg ha−1, 9·6–16·8 g kg−1, 2·4–3·4 g kg DM−1, 16·2–27·7 g kg DM−1, 5·8–6·5 g kg DM−1 and 8·4–10·4 g kg DM−1 respectively. The predictions for concentrations of P, K, S and Mg allowed identification of deficiency levels, in contrast to the concentrations of Na, Zn, Mn and Ca which could not be predicted with adequate precision. Prediction errors of DM mass may be maximally reduced to 95–142 kg ha−1 with 25 replicate measurements per field. It is concluded that imaging spectroscopy can provide an accurate means for assessment of DM mass of standing grass herbage. Predictions of macronutrient content and feeding value were satisfactory. The methodology requires further evaluation under field conditions.
The effects of treading by dairy cows during wet soil conditions on white clover productivity, growth and morphology in a white clover–perennial ryegrass pasture
Authors: Menneer J. C. , Ledgard S. F. , McLay C. D. A. , Silvester W. B.
Published: February 2005

Single pugging events, which involve remoulding of the soil around the hooves of livestock during treading, of moderate or severe pugging intensity were imposed in plots in a long‐term white clover‐ryegrass pasture during spring, by using dairy cows at varying stocking rates (4·5 cows 100 m−2 for 1·5 or 2·5 h respectively). Changes in the growth and morphology of white clover were investigated over the following 12 months. Defoliation at approximately 3‐week intervals was carried out by mowing. Annual herbage production was reduced following moderate and severe pugging proportionately by 0·16 and 0·34 compared with the non‐pugged control treatment. The corresponding decreases in white clover production were 0·09 and 0·52 respectively. Annual perennial ryegrass production was reduced by 0·37 under severe pugging. Pugging had an immediate adverse effect on growth of white clover which persisted for up to 156 d, and coincided with a large decrease in the proportion of white clover in herbage over the same period (e.g. 0·40 vs. 0·12, in control and severely pugged treatments, respectively, on day 112). In comparison, recovery in ryegrass growth was apparent after 50 d in severely pugged treatments, indicating that white clover is more vulnerable to severe pugging than perennial ryegrass. Analysis of individual white clover plants extracted from turves (300 mm × 300 mm) showed that direct hoof damage, fragmentation and burial of stolons were the major factors which reduced white clover production, rather than the changes in soil physical properties measured. Morphological characteristics associated with plant size (e.g. stolon length, growing points, and leaf numbers) all decreased under pugging. The situation had reversed by late summer, with larger plants dominating pugged plots, and coincided with the recovery of the proportion of white clover in herbage. Strategic pasture management practices, such as restricted grazing and the use of stand‐off pads when soils are overly wet, are suggested as means of minimizing treading damage to pasture and reducing negative impacts on the growth and productivity of white clover.