bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Loss of Reflex Tearing: An Expected Consequence of Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma
Authors: Hillel Alexander T. , Metzinger Rebecca C. , Nemechek Andrew J. , Nuss Daniel W.
Published: October 2005

OBJECTIVE:

To report the loss of reflex tearing after surgical treatment of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA).

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING:

A retrospective case series of 8 patients with surgical extirpation of JNA from 1995 to 2003 in a major teaching hospital setting was studied for symptomatic xerophthalmia.

RESULTS:

One patient was lost to follow‐up. Four of the remaining 7 patients reported a dry ipsilateral eye after surgical treatment of JNA.

CONCLUSION:

The location of the pterygopalatine ganglion and its associated fibers in the pterygopalatine fossa is directly adjacent to the location of origin of JNA. Lacrimal innervation passes through the pterygopalatine ganglion. Given the extensive nature of advanced JNA and mandate for complete surgical excision, lacrimal dysfunction should be considered an expected consequence of surgery.

SIGNIFICANCE:

The loss of reflex tearing has not been reported as a consequence of JNA or its surgical treatment. EBM Rating: C.
Radiation Dose to the Eyes and Parotids during CT of the Sinuses
Authors: Bassim Marc K. , Ebert Charles S. , Sit Roger C. , Senior Brent A.
Published: October 2005

OBJECTIVE:

To measure the radiation dose to the lens and parotid during high‐resolution computed tomography scan of the sinuses.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING:

Nine cadaver heads were scanned in the axial plane by means of a fine‐cut (0.75 mm) protocol. Images were then reconstructed in the coronal and sagittal planes for use with the image guidance software. Thermoluminescent dosimeters were taped over the eyes and parotids and used to measure the radiation dose absorbed by these organs.

RESULTS:

Doses obtained were 29.5 mGy for the lens and around 30 mGy for the parotid.

CONCLUSION:

The measured doses are lower than the reported acute thresholds of 500‐2000 mGy for lens opacities and well below the threshold of 2500 mGy for damage to the parotid.

SIGNIFICANCE:

These results demonstrate minimal risk from radiation through the use of high‐resolution computed tomography and support the use of such a protocol for diagnosis and preoperative planning.
Surgical Anatomy of the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Revisited
Authors: Shindo Maisie L. , Wu James C. , Park Eunice E.
Published: October 2005

OBJECTIVES:

Previous anatomic studies of the recurrent laryngeal nerves (RLNs) have described the variability in the course of the RLN. The anatomy of the nerve appears more constant along its distal segment near the cricothyroid joint, which is our surgical approach to the initial identification of the nerve. Understanding the topographical anatomy of the nerve in this region facilitates quick and safe nerve identification. The surgical topographical anatomy of the nerve in this region has not been studied in detail, which is the focus of this study.

METHODS:

A total of 278 RLNs in 190 patients were dissected during thyroidectomy and/or parathyroidectomy. The course of the nerve was recorded, paying particular attention to the directional course along its distal portion. The angle in which it coursed in relationship to a line paralleling the tracheoesophageal groove was determined.

RESULTS:

All 278 nerves were identified. Seventy‐eight percent of the right‐sided nerves coursed between 15 and 45 degrees, and 77% of the left‐sided nerves coursed between 0 and 30 degrees. It appears that the nerve is more likely to travel at a more obtuse angle with right‐sided RLNs and in patients with a low‐lying cricoid. There was no permanent postoperative RLN palsy, and the incidence of temporary palsy was 1%.

CONCLUSIONS:

Approaching the nerve along its distal portion is safe and effective. The surgical topographical anatomy in this region is described in detail. Some of the potential advantages of identifying the nerve more distally include less chance of disrupting the blood supply to the inferior parathyroid gland, dissection along a shorter portion of the nerve, and less variability of the nerve.
Experimental and Clinical Experience of Albumin Coating of Tympanostomy Tubes
Authors: Kinnari Teemu J. , Jero Jussi
Published: October 2005

OBJECTIVE:

Otorrhea and tube occlusion are typical problems with tympanostomy tubes (TT). The purpose of this study was to test glue protein, fibronectin adhesion on albumin‐coated and un‐coated TT surfaces and to show the effect of this method on TT sequelae in vivo.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGS:

Fibronectin binding on TT surface was tested in two in vitro experiments. Thereafter 170 patients were randomized in a prospective clinical trial to test the effect of the method in vivo. The extruded TTs that could be collected from ears of some study patients were imaged with scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

RESULTS:

Marked binding inhibition of fibronectin on albumin‐coated TTs was found. Fewer tube sequelae were found in ears with albumin‐coated TTs. SEM revealed thick crusts on un‐coated tube surface.

CONCLUSION:

Albumin coating of TTs can reduce unwanted adhesion on the tube surface in vitro and tube occlusions in vivo.

SIGNIFICANCE:

TT sequelae can be reduced by surface coating with albumin.
The Effects of Short‐Term Immunotherapy Using Molecular Standardized Grass and Rye Allergens Compared with Symptomatic Drug Treatment on Rhinoconjunctivitis Symptoms, Skin Sensitivity, and Specific Nasal Reactivity
Authors: Klimek L. , Mewes T. , Wolf H. , Hansen I. , Schnitker J. , Mann W. J.
Published: October 2005

BACKGROUND:

The efficacy and safety of short‐term immunotherapy with molecular standardized allergens (STI) has been demonstrated by double‐blind placebo‐controlled clinical trials. The aim of this study was to compare STI with symptomatic drug treatment.

METHODS:

Forty‐eight patients with rhinoconjunctivitis to grass and/or rye pollen were treated either with STI (ALK7, n = 24) plus anti‐allergic drugs or anti‐allergic drugs, alone (n = 24) in a prospective, randomized study. Symptoms and use of drugs were reported in patient diaries and titrated nasal provocation and skin prick tests were performed at baseline, before, and after season.

RESULTS:

Median overall symptom (P = 0.022, U test) and medication scores (P = 0.003) were significantly lower in the STI group, as was the result for a simultaneous analysis of conjunctival, nasal, and bronchial symptom scores and medication (P = 0.005). Sensitivity in the nasal provocation test decreased in the STI group but not in the drug‐treated group. These differences became significant directly after STI (P = 0.027) as well as after the grass pollen season (P < 0.001). Skin sensitivity did not change in the STI group but increased in the drug‐treated group after season, with a significant difference between the two groups for the erythema (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

STI reduces grass pollen‐induced rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms and drug use, and specific nasal reactivity and skin sensitivity, more efficiently than a standard symptomatic treatment.
Long‐Term Results of Palatal Implants for Primary Snoring
Authors: Maurer Joachim T. , Hein Gerhard , Verse Thomas , Hörmann Karl , Stuck Boris A.
Published: October 2005

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the safety and efficacy of the Pillar Palatal Implant System over a 1‐year follow‐up period.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING:

In this prospective study, 40 healthy adult patients with primary snoring due to palatal flutter were treated after clinical, polysomnographic, and endoscopic examination. Under local anesthesia 3 implants were placed into the soft palate. Postoperative morbidity and functional parameters were assessed. Snoring and daytime sleepiness were assessed before and 90, 180, and 360 days after surgery. Objective data were obtained by polysomnography and SNAP‐recording before and 90 days after treatment.

RESULTS:

All implants were placed without complications. A total of 13 implants partially extruded uneventfully in 10 patients. Functional parameters remained unchanged. After 1 year, snoring was reduced from 7.1 ± 1.9 to 4.8 ± 2.5 (Visual‐Analogue‐Scale, P < 0.05) and daytime sleepiness from 6.1 ± 3.2 to 4.9 ± 3.1 (Epworth‐Sleepiness‐Scale, P < 0.05). SNAP data and polysomnography parameters showed clinically irrelevant changes.

CONCLUSION:

Our data demonstrate a significant decrease in snoring and daytime sleepiness over a period of one year.
High-Resolution Pollen record from Core KW31, Gulf of Guinea, Documents the History of the Lowland Forests of West Equatorial Africa since 40,000 yr ago
Authors: Lezine Anne-Marie , Cazet Jean-Pierre
Published: October 2005

Pollen data from core KW31 recovered off the mouth of the Niger River (3°31′1N–05°34ʺ1E; 1181 m water depth) provide an exceptional record of vegetation changes in the West African lowlands between 40,000 and 3500 cal yr B.P. The highly diverse microflora testify for the permanency of rain and secondary forests in the Niger river catchment, at least as gallery formations along rivers, during the last glacial period when dry conditions occurred in relation to enhanced trade-wind circulation. The direct consequence of the post-glacial warming and the correlative increase in monsoon fluxes over West Africa was the increase in forest diversity and the expansion of rain and secondary forests on the nearby continent. Comparison between KW31 pollen record and continental pollen data from 5°S to 25°N allows the evaluation of migration rates of tropical forest populations throughout North West Africa at the beginning of the Holocene and the vegetation response to the shift toward aridity recorded widely at the end of the African Humid Period around 4000 cal yr B.P.
Otolaryngic Manifestations in Children Presenting with Apparent Life‐Threatening Events
Authors: Mcmurray J. Scott , Holinger Lauren D.
Published: October 2005

Apparent life‐threatening event (ALTE) is a term used to characterize an event of unknown cause after an infant is found limp, cyanotic, bradycardic, and/or requiring resuscitation. Like sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), ALTE is a general term used until a precise diagnosis can be established. The relationship between ALTE and SIDS has not been clearly defined, although 7 to 15 percent of children with ALTE die of SIDS. If children with ALTE are at greater risk for SIDS, morbidity and mortality may be prevented if the underlying pathology can be identified and corrected or closely monitored. The otolaryngologist is being consulted more frequently to evaluate children who have been through an ALTE to help elucidate any underlying pathology that may have caused the near‐death experience. This retrospective chart review reports the evaluation of 30 infants with ALTE requiring consultation by the Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology at the Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago during a 3‐year period. We reviewed the literature and here compare our findings with current animal models. Of the 30 children evaluated, 53% had gastroesophageal reflux, 40% had laryngeal abnormalities, 13% had tracheal abnormalities, and 10% had pharyngeal abnormalities. Thirteen percent of the children had nonotolaryngic anomalies identified during evaluation. Surgical intervention was required in 10 patients and medical treatment was used in 18. When evaluating a child with ALTE, a complete history and physical examination, evaluation for gastroesophageal reflux, assessment for upper airway obstruction by radiographs and endoscopy, and a multidisciplinary approach are recommended. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1997;116:575–9.)
Changes in Otoacoustic Emissions and Auditory Brain Stem Response after C/s‐Platinum Exposure in Gerbils
Authors: Sie Kathleen C. Y. , Norton Susan J.
Published: October 2005

Ototoxicity associated with cis‐platinum administration commonly presents as hearing loss and tinnitus. The hearing loss is usually an irreversible, high‐frequency sensorineural loss. Histologic studies in humans and animals suggest that the outer hair cells (OHCs) are most susceptible to cis‐platinum. Evoked otoacoustic emissions (EOAE), as a measure of outer hair cell function, are potentially useful in following ototoxic insults involving OHCs. Distortion‐product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) test frequency‐specific regions of the cochlea and therefore may be particularly well suited for monitoring ototoxic injuries. We measured distortion product otoacoustic emissions, at f2 = 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 kHz, in gerbils after a single large dose of cis‐platinum. Animals treated with saline served as controls. The findings were compared to auditory brain stem evoked response (ABR) thresholds, using tone pips of the same frequencies. The DPOAE and ABR thresholds were measured before treatment and again 2, 5, and 14 days after drug administration. The changes in DPOAE were compared with the changes in ABR. No treatment effect was noted in the 2‐day group. Animals treated with c/s‐platinum demonstrated significant elevation of DPOAE and ABR thresholds compared with control animals at 5 and 14 days. There was no significant difference between the threshold changes in the 5‐and 14‐day groups.
Impact of Surgical Treatment on Paranasal Fungal Infections in Bone Marrow Transplant Patients
Authors: Kennedy Cynthia A. , Adams George L. , Neglia Joseph R , Giebink G. Scott
Published: October 2005

Invasive fungal sinusitis can develop in immunosuppressed patients. A more complex problem is immunosuppressed patients who have undergone bone marrow transplantation. For a prolonged period, they are both neutropenic and thrombocytopenic. Survival in these patients is poor, and the role for extensive surgical intervention for sinus disease has to be weighed against the risk and the potential that this is a systemic disease. Between January 1983 and June 1993, 29 bone marrow transplant recipients with documented invasive fungal infections of the sinuses and paranasal tissues required surgical intervention. This represents 1.7% of the total 1692 bone marrow transplants performed. There were 22 allogeneic, 6 autologous, and 3 unrelated donor transplants, with two patients receiving two separate grafts. Underlying diseases included 24 hematologic malignancies and 5 other disorders, including 1 aplastic anemia and 1 solid tumor. The mortality rate from the initial fungal infection was 62%. Twenty‐seven percent resolved the initial infections but subsequently died of other causes. All patients received medical management, such as amphotericin, rifampin, and colony‐stimulating factors, in addition to surgical intervention. Surgical management ranged from minimally invasive procedures to extensive resections including medial maxillectomies. Sixty‐one percent of the patients who died of the initial infection had undergone extensive surgical procedures versus 55% of those who resolved the infection. Recovery of neutrophil counts was required to clear the infection but did not necessarily predict a good outcome because 50% of those who died of the infection had experienced neutrophil recovery. White blood cell counts at the time of surgery were not significantly different between the two groups. Prognosis was poor when cranial and orbital involvement and/or bony erosion occurred.
Extended Temporal Bone Resection for Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Moffat David A. , Grey Philip , Ballagh Robert H. , Hardy David G.
Published: October 2005

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the surgical results of a series of patients from this unit who underwent extended temporal bone resection for recurrent squamous cell carcinoma as a salvage procedure.

DESIGN

The surgical records of 15 patients were analyzed in detail. Each patient had salvage surgery in the form of an extended temporal bone resection with supraomohyoid block dissection, dural grafting, and free microvascular forearm or scalp rotation flap repair for recurrent squamous cell carcinoma in a radical mastoid cavity.

RESULTS

Radical surgery yielded a 47% 5‐year survival. Twenty‐nine percent of the survivors had temporal lobe involvement that necessitated a partial excision of the temporal lobe of the brain. Histologic evidence of local lymph node involvement in the supraomohyoid neck dissection was present in 13% of cases. Those who died did so in the first postoperative year. All those with poorly differentiated tumors died. The survivors had well or moderately differentiated tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiotherapy alone or partial temporal bone resection, most commonly a radical mastoidectomy with or without preoperative or postoperative radiotherapy is used by the majority of otolaryngologists in treating squamous cell carcinoma of the temporal bone. The 5‐year survival rate after this treatment remains depressingly low and the prognosis gloomy, particularly for advanced tumors. The findings in this series of extended temporal bone resections as salvage surgery in recurrent disease is encouraging, and radical surgery combined with radiotherapy from the outset may give much better 5‐year survival figures in the future than the conventional partial temporal bone resection and radiotherapy. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1997;116:617–23.)
Risk of Lung Cancer Among Patients with Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Deleyiannis Frederic W‐B. , Thomas David B.
Published: October 2005

A cohort of 5180 patients with head and neck cancer, who were part of the tumor registry of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results area of western Washington State, was followed up for as many as 15 years to determine the risk of lung cancer. A sample of 522 patients from this cohort was interviewed to determine smoking history. Lung cancer developed in 356 (6.9%) of the 5180 patients. The overall annual incidence of lung cancer remained relatively constant between approximately 1.0% and 2.0% during the 15 years of follow‐up. Men had an increased risk of lung cancer compared with women (relative risk (RR) = 1.56; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.18 to 2.03). Compared with patients with oral cavity cancer (RR = 1.00), the relative risk of lung cancer developing by the site of the index tumor was 0.63 (95% CI = 0.40 to 0.98) for lip, 1.12 (95% CI = 0.81 to 1.56) for intrinsic larynx, 1.73 (95% CI = 1.21 to 2.47) for oropharynx, 1.84 (95% CI = 1.16 to 2.92) for hypopharynx, and 2.28 (95% CI = 1.60 to 3.24) for extrinsic larynx. Among the 522 patients who were interviewed, men smoked more than women (p < 0.0001), and patients with laryngeal or pharyngeal cancer smoked more than patients with cancer of the lip or the oral cavity (p > 0.05). Among patients with head and neck cancer, the risk of lung cancer is highest for men and for patients with cancer of the pharynx or extrinsic larynx. These findings may be explained by differences in smoking consumption.
Combined Surgery and Radiation Therapy for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Hypopharynx
Authors: Kraus Dennis H. , Zelefsky Michael J. , Brock Heidi A. J. , Huo Jerry , Harrison Louis B. , Shah Jatin P
Published: October 2005

Squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx remains a highly lethal disease. This article documents our experience with 132 patients undergoing surgical management of squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx, of whom 80% received postoperative radiation therapy. Local‐regional control was obtained in 61% of the patients. Five‐year overall and disease‐free survival rates were 30% and 41%, respectively. Prognosis was better in patients with limited disease: local disease permitting larynx‐sparing surgery, N0/N1 clinical neck, and stage I/II/III disease. Cancer of the hypopharynx remains an aggressive entity associated with poor prognosis. Novel strategies stressing improved local‐regional control with prevention of distant metastasis are warranted.
Predictors of Residency Performance: A Follow‐up Study
Authors: Calhoun Karen H. , Hokanson James A. , Bailey Byron J.
Published: October 2005

In a 1990 study we investigated resident applicant characteristics associated with successful matching into otolaryngology.1Of the 175 applicants studied, 87 matched, for a 49.7% success rate. Successful matching was much more likely for applicants with a history of excellent academic achievement in medical school. Of the 88 applicants who did not match during the year that was originally studied, 30 matched to otolaryngology in subsequent years. Of the 58 who never matched in otolaryngology, there is no evidence of board certification for 30. Of the other 28, 12 are board certified in anesthesia; 3 in radiology; 2 each in family medicine, internal medicine, general surgery, psychiatry, and physical medicine, and rehabilitation; and 1 each in pathology, emergency medicine, and dermatology. Of the total of 117 who matched in otolaryngology, 109 began residency training, and 107 finished otolaryngology training. Program directors answered questionnaires about 100 of 107 of these residents, detailing aspects of residency performance. The only correlation found between a highly satisfactory residency performance and characteristics that could be evaluated at the time of interviewing for residency positions was with excellent academic performance in medical school.
Endoscopic Approach to Traumatic Visual Loss
Authors: Kountakis Stilianos E. , Maillard Alberto A. J. , Urso Richard , Stiernberg Charles M.
Published: October 2005

OBJECTIVE

To review our experience with the use of endoscopic optic nerve decompression in traumatic blindness.

METHOD

We did a retrospective analysis of patients with traumatic blindness that underwent endoscopic decompression of the optic canal to determine postoperative visual acuity and correlate if to preoperative visual loss and intraoperative findings. The setting was a Level I university trauma center. We identified 8 patients treated with both surgery and steroids over a 10‐month period beginning in 1993 (Seven males, one female).

RESULTS

Four of six patients with total blindness (no light perception) had improvements in visual acuity. In three patients, visual acuity returned to preinjury levels. One patients with total blindness was operated on 6 weeks after injury and had a visual acuity of 20/800 at 1‐year follow‐up. Two patients with hand motion preoperatively had improvement in visual acuity. In one patient, vision returned to normal (20/20), and in the other it improved to 20/200). Five patients were operated on after megadose steroid treatment for at least 48 hours failed; four of five noted dramatic improvements in visual acuity.

CONCLUSION

The endoscopic approach may be used to successfully decompress the optic nerve in traumatic blindness.
Prospective, Longitudinal Quality‐of‐Life Study of Patients With Head and Neck Cancer: A Feasibility Study Including the EORTC QLQ‐C30
Authors: Hammerlid Eva , Bjordal Kristin , Ahlner‐Elmqvist Marianne , Jannert Magnus , Kaasa Stein , Sullivan Marianne , Westin Thomas
Published: October 2005

Despite modern advances in the treatment of head and neck cancer, the survival rate fails to improve. Considering the different treatment modalities involved, quality of life has been thought of as an additional end point criterion for use in clinical trials. A Nordic protocol to measure the quality of life of head and neck cancer patients before, during, and after treatment was established. Before the study, a pilot study was done with this protocol. The main purpose of this pilot study was to find out whether this cancer population would answer quality‐pf‐life questionnaires repeatedly (six times) over a 1‐year period and whether the chosen questionnaires—a core questionnaire (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ‐C30)), a tumor‐specific questionnaire, and a psychological distress measure (Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HAD))—were sensitive for changes to functions and symptoms during the study year. The results presented in this article all refer to the pilot study. Forty‐eight consecutive patients agreed to participate in the study. The most common tumor locations were the oral cavity (17) and the larynx (12). Almost all patients received combined treatment: 45 of 48 radiation therapy, 18 of 48 chemotherapy, and 17 of 48 surgery. After the primary treatment, 40 patients had complete tumor remission. Four of the 48 patients did not answer any questionnaires and were therefore excluded from the study. Of the remaining 44 patients, 3 died during the study year, and another 6 withdrew for various reasons. Thirty‐five (85%) of the 41 patients alive at the 1‐year follow‐up answered all six questionnaires and thus completed the study. Mailed questionnaires were used throughout the study. All questionnaires were well accepted and found to be sensitive to changes during the study year. The greatest variability was found for symptoms and functions related specifically to head and neck cancer. The symptoms were swallowing difficulties, hoarse voice, sore mouth, dry mouth, and problems with taste. They all showed the same pattern, with an increase of symptoms during and just after finishing the treatment. The HAD scale revealed a high level of psychological distress, with 21% probable cases of psychiatric morbidity at diagnosis. In conclusion, it was shown that the study design and questionnaires were feasible for the forthcoming prospective quality‐of‐life assessment of Swedish and Norwegian head and neck cancer patients.
Mandibular force profiles of extant carnivorans and implications for the feeding behaviour of extinct predators
Authors: Therrien François
Published: October 2005

A biomechanical approach is used to model the mandibles of extant carnivoran predators (felids, canids, and hyaenids) as beams to gain insight into feeding behaviours. Because bite force applied at any given point along the mandible should be proportional to external dimensions at an analogous location (interdental gaps) on the mandible, patterns of variation in these dimensions will reflect the adaptation of the jaw to specific loads. The mandibular force profiles of extant carnivorans closely reflect particular feeding behaviours. Solitary hunters relying on a powerful canine bite to subdue their prey have a strong mandibular symphysis, while pack hunters delivering shallow bites have a relatively weaker one. Symphyseal shape also gives insight into the feeding behaviour of a predator: (1) a deeper‐than‐long symphysis indicates that stresses induced by the canine bite (or while cracking bones with the anterior dentition) are more important than those induced by struggling prey; (2) an equidimensional symphysis indicates that the symphyseal region is optimally designed to resist torsional stresses induced during prey capture and/or bone cracking; (3) a longer‐than‐deep symphysis indicates that stresses related to prey capture are predominant over those induced by the canine bite or while cracking bone. Mandibular force profiles of juvenile carnivorans also reflect documented ontogenetic changes in feeding behaviour. Because variation in mandibular cross‐sectional properties are interpretable in terms of documented behaviours among extant predators, mandibular force profiles are developed to gain insight into the feeding behaviour of two extinct predators, Panthera atrox and Canis dirus. Results indicate that the feeding behaviour of P. atrox differed slightly from that of modern lions, as the powerful paws restrained prey more efficiently, while C. dirus hunted in a similar fashion to the gray wolf, although it may not have been an efficient bone cracker. Both extinct predators are inferred to have had a more powerful bite than their extant relatives.
Prey preferences of the lion (Panthera leo)
Authors: Hayward Matt W. , Kerley Graham I. H.
Published: October 2005

LionsPanthera leoare generally thought to prey on medium to large ungulates. Knowledge of which species are actually preferred and which are avoided is lacking, however, as is an understanding of why such preference or avoidance may arise. An analysis of 32 studies over 48 different spatial locations or temporal periods throughout the distribution of the lion shows that it preferentially preys upon species within a weight range of 190–550 kg. The most preferred weight of lion prey is 350 kg. The mean mass of significantly preferred prey species is 290 kg and of all preferred species is 201 kg. Gemsbok, buffalo, wildebeest, giraffe and zebra are significantly preferred. Species outside the preferred weight range are generally avoided. Species within the preferred weight range that are not significantly preferred (such as roan, sable and eland) generally have features that reduce predation either morphologically (e.g. sable horns), ecologically (e.g. roan and sable occurring at low density), or behaviourally (e.g. the large herd size and increased vigilance of eland). Warthog are below the preferred weight range yet are taken in accordance with their availability and this is probably due to their sympatry with lion, their relatively slow evasion speed and their lower level of vigilance. Plots of prey preference against prey body mass follows a bell curve with a right skew that, we argue, is caused by collective hunting by lions of larger‐bodied prey. Our methods can be used on all large predators and are likely to be useful in assessing competition in sympatric communities of predators, cooperative hunting and predicting predator diets. This will allow us to move beyond descriptive dietary studies to improve our predictive understanding of the mechanisms underlying predator–prey interactions.
Wie beeinflussen unterschiedliche Befragungssettings die Prävalenz von Symptomen?
Authors: Prüß Ulrike , von Widdern Susanne , von Ferber Christian , von Ferber Liselotte , Lehmkuhl Gerd
Published: October 2005

Zusammenfassung: Fragestellung: Befragungen zur Erfassung von selbsteingeschätzten Verhaltensauffälligkeiten, emotionalen Auffälligkeiten sowie körperlichen Beschwerden von Kindern und Jugendlichen mit dem Youth Self-Report (YSR) werden sowohl in Familienhaushalten als auch in Schulen durchgeführt. Ziel der Studie war die Untersuchung der Effekte beider Settings auf die Prävalenz von Symptomen. Methode: Die Daten aus zwei Schulbefragungen wurden untereinander und mit einer Haushaltsbefragung verglichen (13-18-jährige Jugendliche). Für einen internationalen Vergleich wurden Untersuchungen aus Schweden und Griechenland einbezogen. Es wurden statistische Signifikanzen für die Mittelwertunterschiede sowie Effektstärken berechnet. Ergebnisse: Die Schulbefragungen führten systematisch zu einem deutlich höheren Niveau der Prävalenzen von Symptomen als Haushaltsbefragungen. Dieser Effekt war für fast alle Dimensionen des YSR nachweisbar. Das Ergebnis stützt die Annahme, dass das Befragungsdesign, insbesondere die Befragungssituation «Klassenzimmerbefragung in Schulen» bei schriftlichen Befragungen mit dem YSR einen erheblichen und bisher unterschätzten Einfluss auf das Ergebnis hat, in diesem Fall auf die selbsteingeschätzten Befindens- und Verhaltensauffälligkeiten. Schlussfolgerungen: Der Einfluss des Befragungssettings auf die Untersuchungsergebnisse von schriftlichen Umfragen ist von größerer Bedeutung als bisher angenommen wurde. Die spezifischen Einflüsse verschiedener Settings auf die Ergebnisse von Befragungen mittels YSR sollten weiter untersucht werden. In zukünftigen Studien müssen die Effekte durch das Befragungsdesign in Planung, Interpretation und Folgerungen berücksichtigt werden.
Auffälligkeiten und Verhaltensstörungen im Vorschulalter
Authors: Denner Silvia , Schmeck Klaus
Published: October 2005

Zusammenfassung: Fragestellung: Es besteht bisher ein Mangel an geeigneten Screeninginstrumenten, die von Erzieherinnen angewandt werden können, um Verhaltensauffälligkeiten im Vorschulalter zu erfassen. Mit der C-TRF/11/2-5 (Caregiver-Teacher Report Form for the ages 11/2-5) wurde ein solches Instrument von Achenbach entwickelt. In dem von der Fachhochschule Dortmund und der Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie/Psychotherapie der Universität Ulm in Zusammenarbeit mit dem Jugendamt Dortmund realisierten Projekt wurde die C-TRF eingesetzt, um Art und Häufigkeit psychischer Auffälligkeiten bei Dortmunder Kindergartenkindern festzustellen. Methode: In 46 städtischen Kindergärten der Stadt Dortmund wurden alle Kinder einer Gruppe von ihren Erzieherinnen eingeschätzt. Als Erhebungsinstrument dient die deutsche Fassung des C-TRF/11/2-5. Die Stichprobe umfasst 1050 Kinder im Alter von 3;0 bis 6;11 Jahren. Ergebnisse: Die internen Konsistenzen des C-TRF/11/2-5 zeigen eine gute bis befriedigende Reliabilität des Messinstruments. Die Häufigkeit von Verhaltens- und Befindensproblemen der untersuchten Vorschulkinder stimmt weitgehend mit der von amerikanischen Vorschulkindern überein. Es zeigt sich eine Abnahme der Problemhäufigkeiten mit zunehmendem Alter, die für Mädchen stärker ausgeprägt ist als für Jungen, da deren externalisierende Verhaltensauffälligkeiten vom 3. bis zum 6. Lebensjahr kaum abnehmen. Die Häufigkeit von emotionalen Problemen unterscheidet sich im Vorschulalter nicht zwischen Jungen und Mädchen. Diskussion: Der C-TRF/11/2-5 zeigt sich als reliables und gut einsetzbares Instrument zur Erfassung psychischer Auffälligkeiten von Vorschulkindern. Die Prävalenz von Verhaltens- und Befindensproblemen deutscher Kindergartenkinder aus einer großstädtischen Population entspricht weitgehend derjenigen von amerikanischen Vorschulkindern.
Global surface temperature signals in pine ring‐width chronologies from southern monsoon Asia
Authors: Buckley B. M. , Cook B. I. , Bhattacharyya A. , Dukpa D. , Chaudhary V.
Published: October 2005

We analyze Pinus ring width chronologies from three locations across monsoon Asia (Bhutan, India, and Thailand) where climate is dominated by the southwest monsoon in the boreal summer. We compare these records to global surface temperatures for the past 150 years, shifting the correlations through three seasonal averages: two seasons preceding the monsoon (Dec–Feb and Mar–May), and the monsoon season itself (Jun–Sep). Clear patterns emerge for each of the chronologies that highlight links to areas of known influence on the Asian monsoon: the Indian Ocean, the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean, and the high‐latitude Asian landmass. The Thai and Indian chronologies are from the same species (P. merkusii), and show a strong correlation with tropical Indian and Pacific Ocean bands. The Bhutan chronology (P. Wallichiana) is most strongly linked to climate over the north Pacific and Asian landmass. All of these correlations are strongest in seasons preceding the summer monsoon.
Mediterranean Sea level trends: Atmospheric pressure and wind contribution
Authors: Tsimplis M. N. , Álvarez‐Fanjul E. , Gomis D. , Fenoglio‐Marc L. , Pérez B.
Published: October 2005

The 9 longest tide‐gauge records in the Mediterranean Sea are compared with the output of a barotropic model forced by atmospheric pressure and wind. Between 1958 and 2001 the tide‐gauges indicate sea level trends of −0.4 to 0.7 mm/yr. During the same period the model shows sea level reduction of −0.4 to −0.7 mm/yr linked with the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). After the removal of the meteorological influence from the sea level records the resulting trends are ∼0.3 ± 0.4 mm/yr at the western Mediterranean and ∼1.3 ± 0.4 mm/yr at the eastern Mediterranean. The eastern basin is strongly affected by rapid sea level rise in the period 1993–2001 with rates of 5–10 mm/yr which are probably related to the Eastern Mediterranean Transient (EMT).
Spatial variation of shear‐wave splitting across an active fault and its implication for stress accumulation mechanism of inland earthquakes: The Atotsugawa fault case
Authors: Mizuno Takashi , Ito Hisao , Kuwahara Yasuto , Imanishi Kazutoshi , Takeda Tetsuya
Published: October 2005

We analyzed shear‐wave splitting of small earthquakes around the Atotsugawa fault, central Japan, to infer a spatial variation in the direction of maximum horizontal compression (Shmax). While the angle, ϕ, between the Shmax direction and fault strike ranges approximately from 55° to 80° at the stations 2 to 8 km from the fault, it approaches 45° at the stations within 1 km from the fault. The present result indicates the local stress accumulation due to the localized flow or slip along the deep extension of the fault. The Finite Element Modeling of the stress field around the fault suggests that the present existing stress field can be explained by the superposition of the stress field associated with regional deformation and the stable slip along the deep extension of the fault.
Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment (ACE) measurements of elevated Southern Hemisphere upper tropospheric CO, C2H6, HCN, and C2H2 mixing ratios from biomass burning emissions and long‐range transport
Authors: Rinsland Curtis P. , Dufour Gaëlle , Boone Chris D. , Bernath Peter F. , Chiou Linda
Published: October 2005

Infrared Fourier transform spectra recorded at 0.02 cm−1 resolution by the Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment (ACE) show elevated levels of the relatively long‐lived biomass burning products CO, C2H6, HCN, and C2H2 in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere at 15°S–45°S latitude from 30 September to 3 November 2004. Mixing ratios up to 260 ppbv (10−9 per unit volume) for CO, 1470 pptv (10−12 per unit volume) for HCN, and 1.67 ppbv for C2H6 are observed in the upper troposphere and their variations are highly correlated reflecting their similar lifetimes and emission origin. Back trajectory calculations and maps of fire distributions for the time period indicate the elevated levels likely originated from regions of tropical fire emissions in South America or Africa with cases identified with elevated emissions reaching close to the lower stratosphere.
Which Behaviors Do Attitudes Predict? Meta-Analyzing the Effects of Social Pressure and Perceived Difficulty
Authors: Wallace David S. , Paulson René M. , Lord Charles G. , Bond Charles F.
Published: October 2005

A meta-analysis of 797 studies and 1,001 effect sizes tested a theoretical hypothesis that situational constraints, such as perceived social pressure and perceived difficulty, weaken the relationship between attitudes and behavior. This hypothesis was confirmed for attitudes toward performing behaviors and for attitudes toward issues and social groups. Meta-analytic estimates of attitude-behavior correlations served to quantify these moderating effects. The present results indicated that the mean attitude-behavior correlation was .41 when people experienced a mean level of social pressure to perform a behavior of mean difficulty. The mean correlation was .30 when people experienced social pressure 1 standard deviation above the mean to perform a behavior that was 1 standard deviation more difficult than the mean. The results suggest a need for increased attention to the “behavior” side of the attitude-behavior equation. Attitudes predict some behaviors better than others.
Psychological and Physiological Adaptations to Sperm Competition in Humans
Authors: Shackelford Todd K. , Pound Nicholas , Goetz Aaron T.
Published: October 2005

Postcopulatory competition between males, in the form of sperm competition, is a widespread phenomenon in many animal species. The extent to which sperm competition has been an important selective pressure during human evolution remains controversial, however. The authors review critically the evidence that human males and females have psychological, behavioral, and physiological adaptations that evolved in response to selection pressures associated with sperm competition. The authors consider, using evidence from contemporary societies, whether sperm competition is likely to have been a significant adaptive problem for ancestral humans and examine the evidence suggesting that human males have physiological and psychological mechanisms that allow for “prudent” sperm allocation in response to variations in the risk of sperm competition.
Changes in Young People's Sexual Behavior and Attitudes, 1943–1999: A Cross-Temporal Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wells Brooke E. , Twenge Jean M.
Published: October 2005

A cross-temporal meta-analysis of 530 studies ( N = 269,649) showed that young people's sexual attitudes and behavior changed substantially between 1943 and 1999, with the largest shifts occurring among girls and young women. Both young men and women became more sexually active over time, as measured by age at first intercourse (decreasing from 19 to 15 years among young women) and percentage sexually active (increasing from 13% to 47% among young women). Attitudes toward premarital intercourse became more lenient, with approval increasing from 12% to 73% among young women and from 40% to 79% among young men. Feelings of sexual guilt decreased. The correlation between attitudes and behaviors was stronger among young women. These data support theories positing that culture has a larger effect on women's sexuality.
Spectroscopic characterization of microscopic hydrogen-bonding disparities in supercritical water
Authors: Wernet Ph. , Testemale D. , Hazemann J.-L. , Argoud R. , Glatzel P. , Pettersson L. G. M. , Nilsson A. , Bergmann U.
Published: October 2005

The local hydrogen-bonding environment in supercritical water (380°C, 300bars, density 0.54g∕cm3) was studied by x-ray Raman scattering at the oxygen K edge. The spectra are compared to those of the gas phase, liquid surface, bulk liquid, and bulk ice, as well as to calculated spectra. The experimental model systems are used to assign spectral features and to quantify specific local hydrogen-bonding situations in supercritical water. The first coordination shell of the molecules is characterized in more detail with the aid of the calculations. Our analysis suggests that ∼65% of the molecules in supercritical water are hydrogen bonded in configurations that are distinctly different from those in liquid water and ice. In contrast to liquid water the bonded molecules in supercritical water have four intact hydrogen bonds and in contrast to ice large variations of bond angles and distances are observed. The remaining ∼35% of the molecules exhibit two free O–H bonds and are thus either not involved in hydrogen bonding at all or have one or two hydrogen bonds on the oxygen side. We determine an average O–O distance of 3.1±0.1Å in supercritical water for the H bonded molecules at the conditions studied here. This and the corresponding hydrogen bond lengths are shown to agree with neutron- and x-ray-diffraction data at similar conditions. Our results on the local hydrogen-bonding environment with mainly two disparate hydrogen-bonding configurations are consistent with an extended structural model of supercritical water as a heterogeneous system with small patches of bonded molecules in various tetrahedral configurations and surrounding nonbonded gas-phase-like molecules.
Quantum diffusion in liquid water from ring polymer molecular dynamics
Authors: Miller Thomas F. , Manolopoulos David E.
Published: October 2005

We have used the ring polymer molecular-dynamics method to study the translational and orientational motions in an extended simple point charge model of liquid water under ambient conditions. We find, in agreement with previous studies, that quantum-mechanical effects increase the self-diffusion coefficient D and decrease the relaxation times around the principal axes of the water molecule by a factor of around 1.5. These results are consistent with a simple Stokes-Einstein picture of the molecular motion and suggest that the main effect of the quantum fluctuations is to decrease the viscosity of the liquid by about a third. We then go on to consider the system-size scaling of the calculated self-diffusion coefficient and show that an appropriate extrapolation to the limit of infinite system size increases D by a further factor of around 1.3 over the value obtained from a simulation of a system containing 216 water molecules. These findings are discussed in light of the widespread use of classical molecular-dynamics simulations of this sort of size to model the dynamics of aqueous systems.
The kinetics of point defects in low-power pulsed laser annealing of ion-implanted CdTe∕CdMnTe double quantum well structures
Authors: Sands D. , Howari H.
Published: October 2005

Double quantum wells of CdTe in CdMnTe were implanted with argon ions to create vacancies and interstitials. This destroyed the photoluminescence (PL) emission from the top well and reduced the intensity from the bottom well. Pulsed radiation from an excimer laser emitting at 308nm, with a full width at half maximum pulse lengths of 26ns, was used to anneal the implantation damage and restore the luminescence. An optimum fluence close to 50mJcm−2 exists for laser annealing, with the best results being obtained if single pulses are employed. Prior irradiation at lower fluences prevents full recovery of the luminescence when the higher fluence pulse is applied, and irradiation at lower fluences on unimplanted material causes a reduction in the luminescence from the top well. These results are interpreted in terms of vacancy creation and annihilation during the laser pulse. Calculations of the total number of vacancies created suggest that annihilation of the Te vacancies is the limiting step in the recovery of the PL in implanted material. It is proposed that loss of material from the surface, amounting to less than a monolayer, leads to the effective diffusion of vacancies into the solid.
High-field and high-Tc piezoelectric ceramics based on Bi(Ga,Fe)O3-PbTiO3 crystalline solutions
Authors: Cheng Jinrong , Meng Zhongyan , Cross L. Eric
Published: October 2005

The gallium-modified bismuth ferrite-lead titanate compositions of 0.4Bi(Ga0.4Fe0.6)O3-0.6PbTiO3 (0.4BGF-0.6PT), has been investigated for the potential as a high-field and high-temperature piezoelectric ceramic. The crystalline solutions of 0.4BGF-0.6PT were fabricated by using the solid-state reaction method. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that 0.4BGF-0.6PT has a tetragonal perovskite structure. The Curie temperature Tc of 0.4BGF-0.6PT was determined to be 540 °C. Our 0.4BGF-0.6PT ceramic specimens could withstand the electric field of >250kV∕cm, reflecting the excellent dielectric breakdown strength. The remanent polarization (Pr) and induced strain (ε) achieved were 30μC∕cm2 and 0.2%, respectively, revealing the strong ferroelectricity of 0.4BGF-0.6PT. The specimen could be poled into the piezoelectric state under a poling field of 240kV∕cm, giving a weak-field piezoelectric constant d33 of 52pC∕N.
Filtration of micron-sized particles in granular media revealed by x-ray computed tomography
Authors: Al-Abduwani F. A. H. , Farajzadeh R. , van den Broek W. M. G. T. , Currie P. K. , Zitha P. L. J.
Published: October 2005

We investigate the deep-bed filtration of micron-sized hematite particles suspended in distilled water during flow in siliceous granular porous media, where particle retention is mostly due to surface (van der Waals and electrostatic) interactions. We show that x-ray computed tomography enables three-dimensional images of the filtration process to be generated. The one-dimensional filtrate concentration profiles obtained by averaging the images over sections perpendicular to the flow direction are rapidly decaying functions of the distance from the porous medium inlet and slide upward in the course of time, consistently with the filtration model presented by Herzig et al. [Ind. Eng. Chem. 62, 8 (1970)]. Finally, the filtration coefficient is found to decrease rapidly as a function of time: This indicates that the attractive interaction responsible for the retention of the hematite particles is strongly attenuated as the particles accumulate of the pore surfaces.