bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acceptability and psychometric properties of the Structured Clinical interview for Anorexic‐Bulimic Spectrum (SCI‐ABS)
Authors: Mauri M. , Borri C. , Baldassari S. , Benvenuti A. , Cassano G.B. , Rucci P. , Shear M.K. , Grochocinski V.J. , Frank E. , Maser J.D.
Published: March 2006

In this study we evaluated the psychometric properties of the Structured Clinical Interview for the Anorexic‐Bulimic Spectrum (SCI‐ABS), including internal consistency, concurrent validity, discriminant validity and test–retest reliability. We also determine acceptability and feasibility of administration of the interview. The SCI‐ABS was designed to assess typical and atypical symptoms, behaviours and temperament traits pertaining to eating disorders. The interview included 134 items grouped into nine domains, four of which were divided into subdomains.

Data were collected from 372 subjects: 55 psychiatric patients with any eating disorder according to DSM‐IV criteria, 118 university students, 141 subjects working out in a gym, and 65 obstetrical patients. Concurrent validity of the instrument was assessed against the Eating Attitude Test (EAT) and the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI). Thirty‐five subjects were also recruited to study the test–retest reliability and 25 women with any eating disorder were administered both the self‐report and the interview formats of the SCI‐ABS. Internal consistency of domains and subdomains was good. Mean domain and subdomain scores were significantly higher in patients with eating disorders, supporting the discriminant validity of the instrument. Correlation with EAT and EDI indicated good concurrent validity. Test–retest reliability was excellent and the agreement between the interview and self‐report formats was satisfactory. Copyright © 2000 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Why do primary care doctors diagnose depression when diagnostic criteria are not met?
Authors: Höfler Michael , Wittchen Hans‐Ulrich
Published: March 2006

This study examines predictors of false positive depression diagnoses by primary care doctors in a sample of primary care attendees, taking the patients' diagnostic status from a self‐report measure (Depression Screening Questionnaire, DSQ) as a yardstick against which to measure doctors' correct and false positive recognition rates.

In a nationwide study, primary care patients aged 15–99 in 633 doctors' offices completed a self‐report packet that included the DSQ, a questionnaire that assesses depression symptoms on a three‐point scale to provide diagnoses of depression according to the criteria of DSM‐IV and ICD‐10. Doctors completed an evaluation form for each patient seen, reporting the patient's depression status, clinical severity, and treatment choices. Predictor analyses are based on 16,909 patient‐doctor records. Covariates examined included depression symptoms, the total DSQ score, number and persistence of depression items endorsed, patient's prior treatment, history of depression, age and gender.

According to the DSQ, 11.3% of patients received a diagnosis of ICD‐10 depression, 58.9% of which were correctly identified by the doctor as definite threshold, and 26.2% as definite subthreshold cases. However, an additional 11.7% of patients not meeting the minimum DSQ threshold were rated by their doctors as definitely having depression (the false positive rate). Specific DSQ depression items endorsed, a higher DSQ total score, more two‐week depression symptoms endorsed, female gender, higher age, and patient's prior treatment were all associated with an elevated rate of false positive diagnoses. The probability of false positive diagnoses was shown to be affected more by doctors ignoring the ‘duration of symptoms’ criterion than by doctors not following the ‘number of symptoms’ criterion for an ICD or DSM diagnosis of depression. A model selection procedure revealed that it is sufficient to regress the ‘false positive diagnoses’ on the DSQ‐total score, symptoms of depressed mood, loss of interest, and suicidal ideation; higher age; and patient's prior treatment. Further, the total DSQ score was less important in prediction if there was a prior treatment. The predictive value of this model was quite good, with area under the ROC‐curve = 0.86.

When primary care doctors use depression screening instruments they are oversensitive to the diagnosis of depression. This is due to not strictly obeying the two weeks duration required by the diagnostic criteria of ICD‐10 and DSM‐IV. False positive rates are further increased in particular by the doctor's knowledge of a patient's prior treatment history as well as the presence of a few specific depression symptoms. Copyright © 2000 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Randomization in psychiatric intervention research in the general practice setting
Authors: Feltz‐Cornelis CM Van Der , Adèr HJ
Published: March 2006

Most studies of psychiatric interventions in general practice settings conform only in part to the requirements of randomization, placebo control and blinding as formulated by the Cochrane Collaboration. It is possible, nonetheless, to develop experimental research designs that are sufficiently near to this standard. These must deal with certain methodological issues specific to psychiatric research. This article discusses scientific standards of psychiatric research with special consideration of interventions in general practice settings. These issues are accompanied by concrete examples and suggestions on how to confront the problems. In psychiatric intervention research, equivalence studies with single‐blind outcome assessment, a tested and ethically justified method, are generally used in place of placebo‐controlled studies. The article also examines randomization procedures in greater depth. Randomization can be applied across trial subjects or across doctors' practices. Practical consequences of randomizing across subjects, and specific implementations of it such as crossover and pre‐post designs in general practice settings, are clarified. Overall, a research design using randomization across doctors' practices is judged preferable to one that randomizes across trial subjects. One potential problem is that the control group may become too small, especially when considerable effects are expected from the intervention being studied. One might consider making the control condition smaller in the first place, or, if indicated on ethical grounds, performing an intermediate analysis and then breaking off the study as soon as a statistically significant effect has been demonstrated. Multilevel statistical techniques offer new opportunities for analysis within such designs. Copyright © 2000 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Inter‐rater reliability of the Abnormal Involuntary Movements Scale (AIMS) in a multi‐centre trial: results from Department of Veterans Affairs Cooperative Study #394
Authors: Edson Robert , Lavori Philip , Bloch Daniel , Tracy Kathlene , Adler Lenard A. , Rotrosen John
Published: March 2006

The US Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) conducted Cooperative Study #394 at nine sites to determine whether vitamin E was a safe and effective treatment for tardive dyskinesia (TD). The study used the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) to measure TD. To monitor inter‐rater reliability (IRR) on the AIMS, personnel at each site did initial AIMS assessments, on seven occasions, on a set of five unique subjects from videotapes. On four of these occasions raters re‐assessed sets of five subjects from seven to 13 months after their initial ratings. We analysed the initial ratings of 34 videotaped subjects and the second ratings of 19.

To measure IRR, we used the intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) for each initial or second rating of the sets of interviews. The ICCs ranged from 0.50 to 0.86, and the ICC for the initial ratings over all 34 subjects was good (0.75; 95% confidence interval 0.64 to 0.83).

To determine whether there was significant ‘rater drift’ during the study, we performed linear mixed effects regression on the data with fixed effects for rating (initial or second), rater type, and site and a random effect for rating. The results indicated that scores varied little between ratings (about 0.05 points). Copyright © 2000 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
The Galicia study of mental health of the Elderly I: general description of methodology
Authors: Mateos R. , GonzÁLEZ F. , Páramo M. , García M.C. , Carollo M.C. , Rodríguez‐López A.
Published: March 2006

Reports of epidemiological surveys do not always adequately provide a careful description of the methodology used and the sociocultural context involved. The objective of this paper is to describe the methodology used in a survey whose aim was to study the prevalence of the wide range of psychiatric disorders that were present in a population aged 60 and above who were living at home. The Galicia Community Study of Mental Health of the Elderly was designed in two phases. In the first, a random sample of 3,580 people over 60 years of age, representative of each of the nine public health authority areas, was interviewed at home. The 60‐item version of Goldberg's General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) was the screening instrument. In the second phase, all the traced subjects with high GHQ scores (N = 532) and a representative sample (N = 149) of people below the cut‐off point, were interviewed at home using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS‐III). This paper analyses the sociodemographic context of Galicia (a natural region in south‐western Europe with a population of 2.7 million inhabitants), the sampling method, the sociodemographic makeup of the sample, the fieldwork, and the method for obtaining the estimate of prevalence. Copyright © 2000 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
The Galicia study of mental health of the Elderly II: the use of the Galician DIS
Authors: Mateos R. , Droux A. , Páramo M. , Gonzalez F. , Carrera I. , Mazaira J. , Guntin L. , Gonzalez P. , García M.C. , Rodriguez‐López A.
Published: March 2006

Reports of epidemiological surveys do not always provide adequate careful descriptions of the methodology used and the sociocultural context involved. Galicia, a natural region in south‐west Europe, possesses certain characteristics that differ from those in other communities within the Spanish state. Galician is a Romance language, which is, in fact, closer to Portuguese than it is to Spanish. The population (2.7 million inhabitants) is widely dispersed, with two‐thirds of them living in the countryside. More than 18% are older than 65, and the educational level of this elderly population is low. A total of 681 persons over 60 years of age were interviewed in their homes using the DIS‐III as the main diagnostic instrument during the second phase of the Galicia Study of Mental Health of the Elderly. This paper analyses some methodological implications of this epidemiological study, focusing on the translation of the DIS into Galician and its performance and acceptability in this community. The possible cultural bias that can affect the rates of prevalence in some specific disorders, the limitations of lifetime prevalence and the advantages of using six‐month prevalence rates is discussed. Besides some interesting anecdotes, which are described in the article, the main result is the very high acceptance of DIS‐III in this elderly population. Copyright © 2000 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Studying the incidence of depression: an ‘interval’ effect
Authors: Murphy Jane M. , Monson Richard R. , Laird Nan M. , Sobol Arthur M. , Leighton Alexander H.
Published: March 2006

A review of studies about the incidence of depression suggested that the length of the ‘interval’ of follow up may influence the findings. Exploration of these issues is carried out using data from the Stirling County Study, an investigation of psychiatric epidemiology in a general population.

The study's customary method of diagnosis, DePression and AnXiety (DPAX), and the Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS) were used in an incidence investigation whose ‘interval’ was less than three years. Average annual incidence rates of depression for both DPAX and DIS were about 15 per 1000. Where longer intervals were used in the Stirling Study, rates were close to four per 1000. Projected lifetime risk based on the lower rates was more congruent with reported lifetime prevalence than that based on the higher rates.

Irrespective of method, 90% or more of the incident cases gave an onset that predated the initial interview, suggesting poor reliability. This was often due to the fact that information given in the first interview met some but not all of the criteria for diagnosis. Being in the ‘borderline’ category at the beginning of the study significantly increased incidence.

Thus, evidence from the Stirling County Study replicated findings that suggest an ‘interval effect’ and pointed to the need in incidence studies for distinguishing between the onset of the prodrome and the onset of diagnosable depression. Copyright © 2000 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
A pilot survey of geriatric psychiatrists' views on the use of electroconvulsive therapy in fractures
Authors: Dighe‐Deo Deepa , Shah Ajit
Published: March 2006

Psychiatrists are cautious in administering electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to patients with fractures and bony disease for fear of complications. Drawing on the collective experience of geriatric psychiatrists may allow a better understanding of the use of ECT in fractures. The views of all consultant geriatric psychiatrists in west London on the use of ECT in patients with fractures were acquired by a questionnaire survey based on two fictitious case vignettes. Most geriatric psychiatrists would use ECT in the two cases. Moreover, they would almost always seek specialist advice from orthopaedic surgeons and anaesthetists before and during the course of ECT. These findings were consistent with the existing anecdotal literature of case‐reports. As individual geriatric psychiatrists and general psychiatrists are likely to see only a few patients with fractures requiring ECT, randomized and controlled studies of efficacy and side effects are not possible. A questionnaire survey of a larger multi‐centre sample of geriatric psychiatrists and general psychiatrists can build on this pilot study by using a modified questionnaire to provide more detailed and clinically relevant information. Copyright © 2000 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
On the application of the CES‐D with the elderly: dimensional structure and artifacts resulting from oppositely worded items
Authors: Matschinger Herbert , Schork Astrid , Riedel‐Heller Steffi G. , Angermeyer Matthias C.
Published: March 2006

In order to avoid ‘acquiescence’ (a tendency to give a positive response to a question or agree with it regardless of its content) it is a common strategy to use ‘oppositely worded’ questions in rating scales – questions where one part asserts and the other denies the content of the dimension. We investigated the structure and applicability of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D) by studying a sample of 986 individuals over 75 years of age within the Leipzig Longitudinal Study in the Aged. Results show that care should be taken when the CES‐D is employed, particularly with an elderly population and the sumscore should not be used as a statistic for depression. The results may serve as an indication that oppositely worded items do not necessarily solve the problem of ‘acquiescence’ but rather may distort both the dimensional structure and the reliability of the scale. Copyright © 2000 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Multivariate linear regression analysis of childhood psychopathology using multiple informant data
Authors: Goldwasser Meredith A. , Fitzmaurice Garrett M.
Published: March 2006

It is common in psychiatric epidemiologic studies of childhood psychopathology to have multiple informant reports of mental health outcomes. The key challenge in analysing multiple informant data concerns how they should best be represented in statistical models. Here we propose multivariate linear regression as the preferred method when the multiple informant outcome data are continuous. This approach permits the informant‐specific information about mental health outcomes to be included in a single regression analysis, at the same time adjusting for the correlation between informant responses. The advantages of using a multivariate model include the ability to: (1) test for informant differences in outcome and assess if the effect of a risk factor on the outcome varies by informant; (2) estimate separate effects for each informant where necessary, or common effects where appropriate; (3) estimate the correlation between informant reports; (4) appropriately handle missing data by including data from all subjects with at least one informant report. An example from the Connecticut Child Study is presented to illustrate the application of this approach, examining risk factors for ‘internalizing’ behaviour using parent and teacher informants. Copyright © 2001 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Reliability of a telephone‐administered cognitive test battery (TACT) between telephone and face‐to‐face administration
Authors: Thompson Neil R. , Prince Martin J. , Macdonald Alison , Sham Pak C.
Published: March 2006

We have previously described the development and initial validation of a telephone administered cognitive test battery (TACT). This report investigates the retest reliability of the TACT battery between telephone administration and face‐to‐face administration and measures the concurrent validity of the test components against a standard test of cognitive ability, the WAIS‐RUK. Data were collected on 27 participants aged 62–63 years. There was a two‐ to 10‐month interval between time 1 (telephone) and time 2 (face‐to‐face) administration. Intra‐class correlation coefficients for telephone versus face‐to‐face administration of the TACT were satisfactory for all component measures except for ‘object rotation’ and WAIS similarities. There was no evidence of systematic cheating on the telephone‐administered test. Tests of concurrent validity showed stronger correlations for the TACT battery components with verbal tests rather than performance tests, as measured by the WAIS‐RUK. A few administration difficulties are noted and recommendations for change are outlined. The TACT is a convenient assessment tool with potential for measuring cognitive change in epidemiological studies. Copyright © 2001 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
The Danish Prostatic Symptom Score (DAN‐PSS‐1) questionnaire is reliable in stroke patients
Authors: Tibaek Sigrid , Jensen Rigmor , Klarskov Peter , Iversen Helle K. , Gard Gunvor
Published: March 2006

Aims

To investigate the test–retest reliability of Danish Prostatic Symptom Score (DAN‐PSS‐1) questionnaire in a sample of stroke patients.

Methods

A prospective study design was used in which the stroke patients were invited to complete a postal self‐administrated DAN‐PSS‐1 questionnaire twice. The questionnaire consists of 12 questions related to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The participants were asked to state the frequency and severity of their symptoms (symptom score) and its impact on their daily life (bother score). Seventy‐one stroke patients were included and 59 (83%) answered the questionnaire twice. The reliability test was done in two aspects: (a) detecting the frequency of each symptom and its bother factor, the scores were reduced to a two‐category scale (=0, >0) and simple kappa statistics was used; (b) detecting the severity of each symptom and its bother factor, the total scale (0–3) and weighted kappa statistics was used.

Results

The proportion of agreement for the frequency symptom scores ranged from 76% to 97% and the simple kappa coefficient ranged from poor (κ = 0.00) to excellent (κ = 0.91). The proportion of agreement for the corresponding bother scores ranged from 76% to 95% and the simple kappa coefficient ranged from good (κ = 0.61) to excellent (κ = 0.84). The weighted kappa coefficient for the severity symptom scores ranged from moderate (κw = 0.43) to good (κw = 0.75) and the corresponding bother scores ranged from moderate (κw = 0.48) to good (κw = 0.68).

Conclusions

The DAN‐PSS‐1 questionnaire had acceptable test–retest reliability and may be suitable for measuring the frequency and severity of LUTS and its bother factor in stroke patients. Neurourol. Urodynam. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tuberculosis of the endothoracic fascia
Authors: Broglia Beatriz , Bisero Elsa , Sclavo Liliana , Andreozzi Patricia
Published: March 2006

A 13‐year‐old boy presented with a history of respiratory infection that had progressed for 3 months. A chest X‐ray showed pathological findings that suggested endothoracic fascia compromise (Skarby sign). The thorax computerized axial tomography scan revealed multiple opacities in the fascia. A biopsy was performed, and a pathological lymph node with caseous material was obtained. Thirty days later, Mycobacterium tuberculosis var. hominis was obtained from the culture. The diagnosis of tuberculosis of the endothoracic fascia was confirmed. Treatment included 9 months with isoniacide and rifampin, and 2 months with pirazynamide and streptomycin, with excellent response. Vitamin B6 was added. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2006; 41:441–444. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proteins of the same fold and unrelated sequences have similar amino acid composition
Authors: Ofran Yanay , Margalit Hanah
Published: March 2006

It is well established that there is a relationship between the amino acid composition of a protein and its structural class (i.e., α, β, α + β, or α/β). Several studies have even shown the power of amino acid composition in predicting the secondary structure class of a protein. Herein, we show that significant similarity in amino acid composition exists not only between proteins of the same class, but even between proteins of the same fold. To test conjectural explanations for this phenomenon, we analyzed a set of structurally similar proteins that are dissimilar in sequence. Based on this analysis, we suggest that specific residues that are involved in intramolecular interactions may account for this surprising relationship between composition and structure. Proteins 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Using evolutionary and structural information to predict DNA‐binding sites on DNA‐binding proteins
Authors: Kuznetsov Igor B. , Gou Zhenkun , Li Run , Hwang Seungwoo
Published: March 2006

Proteins that interact with DNA are involved in a number of fundamental biological activities such as DNA replication, transcription, and repair. A reliable identification of DNA‐binding sites in DNA‐binding proteins is important for functional annotation, site‐directed mutagenesis, and modeling protein–DNA interactions. We apply Support Vector Machine (SVM), a supervised pattern recognition method, to predict DNA‐binding sites in DNA‐binding proteins using the following features: amino acid sequence, profile of evolutionary conservation of sequence positions, and low‐resolution structural information. We use a rigorous statistical approach to study the performance of predictors that utilize different combinations of features and how this performance is affected by structural and sequence properties of proteins. Our results indicate that an SVM predictor based on a properly scaled profile of evolutionary conservation in the form of a position specific scoring matrix (PSSM) significantly outperforms a PSSM‐based neural network predictor. The highest accuracy is achieved by SVM predictor that combines the profile of evolutionary conservation with low‐resolution structural information. Our results also show that knowledge‐based predictors of DNA‐binding sites perform significantly better on proteins from mainly‐α structural class and that the performance of these predictors is significantly correlated with certain structural and sequence properties of proteins. These observations suggest that it may be possible to assign a reliability index to the overall accuracy of the prediction of DNA‐binding sites in any given protein using its sequence and structural properties. A web‐server implementation of the predictors is freely available online at http://lcg.rit.albany.edu/dp‐bind/. Proteins 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
PARSEC – the pseudopotential algorithm for real‐space electronic structure calculations: recent advances and novel applications to nano‐structures
Authors: Kronik Leeor , Makmal Adi , Tiago Murilo L. , Alemany M. M. G. , Jain Manish , Huang Xiangyang , Saad Yousef , Chelikowsky James R.
Published: March 2006

We describe the formalism, as well as numerical and implementation issues behind PARSEC – the pseudopotential algorithm for real‐space electronic structure calculations. Its current capabilities are illustrated via application of PARSEC to numerous problems in nanoscience. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Haul truck alignment monitoring and operator warning system
Authors: Nebot Eduardo , Guivant Jose , Worrall Stewart
Published: March 2006

This paper presents a haul truck alignment monitoring system that provides early warning signals to the operator when the truck is about to lose control. It is considered that a truck is in this condition when it crosses the center of the road or veers to the side of the road at speed in an uncontrolled manner. The system provides different levels of warnings to the driver and other haul trucks in visual contact. The system is based on a laser range and bearing sensor that measure the relative distance to standard polyvinyl chloride poles located at the side of the road. Using this approach, a high level of accuracy and reliability can be achieved with low cost since the installation and maintenance of the infrastructure does not require special expertise or expensive machinery. The system also logs raw sensor data and warning events generated by the truck. This information is downloaded using wireless interfaces to a base station for postprocessing purposes. This is essential to monitor the operation of the system and determine potential degradation of its components. Experimental results are shown demonstrating the robustness of the system. These results were obtained from actual data extracted from a database built with more that 12 months of continued operation of the system in two different mines.
Channel dynamics and geomorphic variability as controls on gravel bar vegetation; River Tummel, Scotland
Authors: Gilvear David , Willby Nigel
Published: March 2006

This paper presents the results of an investigation into environmental controls on vegetation dynamics on gravel bars. Such environments are a hotspot of threatened plant biodiversity and the dynamics of their vegetation reflect a range of processes that should be indicative of the integrity of the wider floodplain ecosystem. The study was undertaken on a 2 ha mid‐channel gravel bar complex that evolved over two decades, in response to several high magnitude flood events (including two with a return period in excess of 25 years), on a ‘wandering’ reach of the River Tummel, Scotland. Over 180 plant species, including a number of national or regional scarcities, had colonized. The fluvial chronology of the site was documented via sequential sets of aerial photography that revealed a number of discrete surfaces created by individual floods. Environmental heterogeneity, both within and between fluvial units, was investigated by field sampling of vegetation and abiotic variables at 66 locations. The fluvial surfaces were assigned to five habitat classes that ranged in age from two to approximately 20 years, from fine gravel to cobbles, and maintained an elevation range of up to 2.5 metres above low flow river levels. Multivariate analysis highlighted the relative importance of elevation, grain size, moisture content and infiltration and trapping of fines in controlling plant species composition. After standardizing sampling effort the habitat mosaic was found to support on average 1.36 times more species than an equivalent sample of any one habitat. In terms of biodiversity and river management, our results emphasize the importance of sustaining fluvial processes that preserve the habitat mosaic in order to conserve the characteristic biota of gravel bar complexes and river channel islands. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improvements in depth‐profiling of thick samples by laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy using linear correlation
Authors: Mateo M. P. , Nicolas G. , Piñon V. , Yañez A.
Published: March 2006

In this work, the capability of linear correlation for depth profiling by laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is studied for the first time. A software was specially developed for the calculus of the linear correlation coefficients and its representation in the format of depth profiles. Thick layered samples (layers with thickness of tens to hundreds of micrometers) of different nature, archaeological ceramics and polymer coatings on steel, were characterized by LIBS using the conventional approach based on intensity profiles, and the correlation method. The results revealed that, without using any normalization, the comparison of LIB spectra through the linear correlation coefficient gave an improvement of the depth profile quality and the interface localization by minimizing the influence of fluctuations and decay of the signals in the global intensity of spectra, caused by sources other than concentration variations. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Infrared absorption enhancement of fluorinated poly‐acrylate thin films on Co‐alloy substrate
Authors: Zhang L. , Oh C. F.
Published: March 2006

Fluorinated poly‐acrylate films coated on continuous Co‐based metal substrate show significant IR absorption enhancement. The degree of enhancement depends greatly on the type of chemical bonds in the polymer molecules and the corresponding vibrations of chemical dipoles. Strong polar groups like CO, CF and CO show the strongest absorption enhancement that also coincides with significant blueshift of the corresponding IR bands. In this paper, the possible mechanism for IR absorption enhancement and band shift are discussed on the basis of the electric field intensification on metal surface, charge transfer and dipole reorientation of the polymer molecules adsorbed on the metal surface. Chemisorption of the polymer molecules on Co‐alloy is established through the interaction between the oxygen atoms in carboxylic group and the substrate cobalt atoms reacting through electron overlap and spin‐coupling of oxygen π‐orbital and cobalt d‐orbital. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prediction of labor and delivery by transperineal ultrasound in pregnancies with prelabor rupture of membranes at term
Authors: Eggebø T. M. , Gjessing L. K. , Heien C. , Smedvig E. , Økland I. , Romundstad P. , Salvesen K. Å.
Published: March 2006

Objective

To evaluate whether engagement of the fetal head or cervical length in women with premature rupture of membranes (PROM) at term, are associated with time from PROM to delivery or need for operative delivery.

Methods

A transperineal ultrasound examination was performed in 152 women with a single live fetus in cephalic presentation after PROM (at > 37 gestational weeks). The shortest distance from the outer bony limit of the fetal skull to the skin surface of the perineum was measured in a transverse view, and the cervical length was measured in a sagittal view. The time from PROM to delivery was tested in a Cox regression analysis with ultrasound measurements, parity, maternal age, body mass index and birth weight as possible predictive factors.

Results

The head‐perineal distance was associated with the time from PROM to delivery (log rank test, P < 0.001). Thirty‐six hours after PROM, 32% (95% CI, 15–49) of women with a short head–perineal distance (< 45 mm) and 43% (95% CI, 24–62) of women with a long distance (≥ 45 mm) were still in labor. Women with a short head–perineal distance had fewer Cesarean sections, less use of epidural analgesia and a shorter time in active labor, and their babies had a higher pH in the umbilical artery. The measured cervical length was not associated independently with time to delivery.

Conclusion

Transperineal ultrasound measurements of fetal head engagement may help clinicians to predict the course of labor in women with PROM. Copyright © 2006 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ductus venosus shunting in the fetal venous circulation: regulatory mechanisms, diagnostic methods and medical importance
Authors: Tchirikov M. , Schröder H. J. , Hecher K.
Published: March 2006

The fetal liver is located at the crossroads of the umbilical venous circulation. Anatomically, the ductus venosus (DV) and the intrahepatic branches of the portal vein are arranged in parallel. The actual DV shunting rate, i.e. the percentage of umbilical blood flow entering the DV measured by Doppler velocimetry, seems to be lower than that estimated using radioactively‐labeled microspheres. In human fetuses the DV shunting rate is about 20–30%. Increases in the DV shunting rate are a general adaptational mechanism to fetal distress. Hypoxia results in a significant increase in the DV shunting rate, most probably in order to ensure an adequate supply of oxygen and glucose to vitally important organs such as the brain and heart. The mechanism of blood flow redistribution between the fetal liver and the DV is still a matter of debate. The isthmic portion of the DV contains less smooth muscle tissue than the intrahepatic branches of the portal vein, which in vitro react more forcefully in response to catecholamines than the DV.

In growth‐restricted human fetuses DV shunting is increased and the umbilical blood supply to the fetal liver is reduced. The long‐term reduction of the hepatic blood supply may be involved in fetal growth restriction. The occlusion of the DV leads to a significant increase in cell proliferation in fetal skeletal muscle, heart, kidneys and liver, and possibly to an increase in insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐I and ‐II mRNA expression in the fetal liver. These findings hint at the possible role of the perfusion of the fetal liver in the control of the growth process.

The quantification of DV shunting by Doppler velocimetry may improve the early recognition of fetal compromise in prenatal medicine. In this Review we summarize the published data on the anatomical structure and histology of the DV, the mechanisms of regulation of DV shunting, its role in fetal survival and growth and the possible use of the measurement of DV shunting in clinical practice. Copyright © 2006 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Total Colectomy Improves Altered Distribution of Regulatory T Cells in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Furihata Makoto , Sawada Tokihiko , Okada Toshie , Ishizuka Mitsuru , Horie Toru , Takagi Kazutoshi , Nagata Hitoshi , Kubota Keiichi
Published: March 2006

Background

It is now generally believed that regulatory T cells (Tregs) play an important role in peripheral tolerance, and a defect in Tregs is considered one of the most important factors in the induction of various kinds of autoimmune disease including ulcerative colitis (UC). Here, we examined the change in frequency of Tregs phenotype in five patients with UC whose condition had not been controllable by conventional conservative therapy and who were scheduled for total colectomy.

Aims

The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of Tregs in the pathogenesis of UC in a clinical setting.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were obtained from five patients with UC, and the change in frequency of Tregs was analyzed by flow cytometry before total colectomy and on postoperative days 1, 7, and 20. Tregs were defined as CD4+ CD25+ CD45RA+ T cells, and data (%) were expressed as frequency of Tregs/CD4+ T cells. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy blood donors (n = 5) and from patients undergoing other types of major surgery (n = 5) were used as controls.

Results

Comparison with normal subjects showed that generation of Tregs was suppressed in UC patients before they underwent total colectomy (0.95 versus 5.06; P = 0.009). The frequency of Tregs increased shortly after total colectomy. The frequency at postoperative days 1, 7, and 20 was 3.81%, 8.13%, and 3.76%, respectively. There were significant differences in the change in frequency in the period before surgery and postoperative day 1, between postoperative days 1 and 7, and between days 7 and 20.

Conclusions

Elimination of targeted antigens residing in the colorectal mucosa by total colectomy improved the suppressed distribution of Tregs in UC patients. The present study provides the first direct clinical evidence that Tregs play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of UC.
Dynamics of seedling populations and tree species coexistence in a forest: a simulation study
Authors: Takenaka Akio
Published: March 2006

Theoretically, temporal variation of reproduction promotes species coexistence of sessile and polycarpic organisms when the reproduction is synchronized within species but independent among species. Monopoly of vacant sites and high relative population growth rate of minor species in the absence of propagules of other species is the essence of this mechanism. The mechanism is expected to work in forests, but persistent populations of seedlings may affect the promotion of coexistence. Using a tree‐based simulation model of forest dynamics, it was demonstrated that the number of coexisting tree species was sensitively affected by the seedling establishment rate. The coexistence was not enhanced by temporal variation of reproduction when seedling establishment rate was low. This is because the reproducing minor species fail to monopolize vacant sites and allow the establishment of seedlings of other species in later years. High mortality of established seedlings under shade also suppressed coexistence. This is likely to be the result of a reduced storage effect of the population of seedlings. A forest structure and dynamics pattern that appears when tree species coexistence is promoted by fluctuating reproduction was searched for, and the number of coexisting species was varied by manipulating the seedling establishment rate. No distinct difference other than the species number itself was found between species‐rich and species‐poor forests. For example, the seedling population size varied, reflecting the temporal variation of reproduction, irrespective of the seedling establishment rate. Further strategy development is needed to validate the proposed mechanisms of species coexistence.
Involvement of intracellular and extracellular Ca2+ in tetramethylpyrazine‐induced colonic anion secretion
Authors: Zhu Jin‐Xia , Zhang Gui‐Hong , Yang Ning , Wong Hau‐Yan Connie , Chung Yiu‐Wa , Chan Hsiao‐Chang
Published: March 2006

In the present study we investigated the role of Ca2+ in tetramethylpyrazine (TMP)‐induced anion secretion in the human colonic epithelial cell line, Caco‐2, using the short‐circuit current (ISC) technique in conjunction with intracellular Ca2+ measurements. The results showed that TMP‐induced ISC response was significantly reduced by 58.8% and 38.3% after inhibiting Ca2+ ATPase of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) with thapsigargin and mobilizing ER stored Ca2+ release with ATP, respectively. Conversely, thapsigargin‐ and ATP‐evoked ISC responses were also significantly reduced by pretreatment with TMP by 43.2% and 38.5%, respectively. Conversely, removal of extracellular Ca2+, apical but not basolateral, or the presence of the Ca2+ chelator (EGTA) significantly increased TMP‐induced ISC by 47.1% and 37.8%, respectively. Similar to TMP, thapsigargin‐induced current increase was also enhanced by chelating extracellular Ca2+ or in Ca2+ free solution; however, removal of extracellular Ca2+ did not significantly affect 3‐isobutyl‐1‐methylxanthine (IBMX)‐ and forskolin‐induced transepithelial current. Measurement of the intracellular concentration of free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) with fura‐2/AM showed that TMP could induce an increase in [Ca2+]i but pretreatment with TMP significantly reduced thapsigargin‐evoked, but not ATP‐induced, [Ca2+]i increase. These results suggest that the effect of TMP on colonic anion secretion is partly mediated by TMP‐increased [Ca2+]i by acting on a target similar to thapsigargin. The observed inhibitory effect of extracellular Ca2+ on Ca2+‐dependent anion secretion represents a novel mechanism by which Ca2+‐dependent regulation of epithelial electrolyte transport may be fine‐tuned by extracellular Ca2+ in the apical domain.
Strain estimation from flattened parallel folds: application of the Wellman method and Mohr circle
Authors: SHAH JYOTI , SRIVASTAVA DEEPAK C.
Published: March 2006

Parallel folds exhibit a characteristic orthogonal relationship between the tangent and the corresponding isogon drawn at any point on folded surface. Modification of parallel fold to flattened parallel fold by superimposition of homogeneous strain introduces an angular shear along the tangents at different points. The angular shears in different directions, obtained by measuring angles between the tangents and the corresponding isogons, can be used for estimation of flattening strain by a variety of geometrical and numerical methods. We show that several simple geometrical techniques, such as the Wellman method and the Mohr circle method, can rapidly decipher the strain from flattened parallel folds. These methods, in contrast to most of the existing methods of strain estimation, are independent of the assumption that one of the principal strain directions parallels the axial trace on the profile plane of fold.
Proteus syndrome with huge tonsillar mass causing dysphagia: a rare case
Authors: Sahni J K , Kumar S , Wadhwa V , Kathuria G
Published: March 2006

Proteus syndrome is a rare and highly variable hamartomatous syndrome that can affect multiple organ systems. It is characterized by hyperplasia of connective tissue, vascular malformations, epidermal naevi and hyperostosis. Most of the cases present to plastic and orthopaedic surgeons. Otolaryngologic presentations are minimal. We report such a rare case, which presented with a huge unilateral tonsillar mass causing dysphagia.
Mondini-like malformation mimicking otosclerosis and superior semicircular canal dehiscence
Authors: Karlberg M , Annertz M , Magnusson M
Published: March 2006

In 2003, it was reported that superior semicircular canal dehiscence can mimic otosclerosis because of low-frequency bone conduction hearing gain and dissipation of air-conducted acoustic energy through the dehiscence. We report the case of a 17-year-old girl with left-sided combined hearing loss thought to be due to otosclerosis. Bone conduction thresholds were −10 dB at 250 and 500 Hz and she had a 40 dB air–bone gap at 250 Hz. When a tuning fork was placed at her ankle she heard it in her left ear. Acoustic reflexes and vestibular evoked myogenic potentials could be elicited bilaterally. Imaging of the temporal bones showed no otosclerosis, superior semicircular canal dehiscence or large vestibular aqueduct, but a left-sided, Mondini-like dysplasia of the cochlea with a modiolar deficiency could be seen. Mondini-like cochlear dysplasia should be added to the causes of inner-ear conductive hearing loss.
Prognosis of patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo treated with repositioning manoeuvres
Authors: Korres S , Balatsouras D G , Ferekidis E
Published: March 2006

Objective: To evaluate the prognostic factors in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) treated with canalith repositioning procedures (CRPs).

Material and methods: Retrospective study of consecutive BPPV cases diagnosed over three years. All patients underwent a complete otolaryngologic, audiologic and neurotologic evaluation. The appropriate CRP was performed, depending on the type of BPPV. Prognostic factors studied included age, sex, aetiology, duration of disease, abnormal electronystagmographic findings, canal involvement, improper performance of manoeuvres, response on first or repeat treatment, and presence of recurrences.

Results: One hundred and fifty-five patients were studied, 66 men and 89 women, with mean ages of 58.7 and 60.4 years, respectively. Age and the involvement of two canals or bilateral disease had an effect on initial treatment outcome and were correlated to increased recurrences but not to repeat treatment outcome. Secondary BPPV, abnormal electronystagmographic findings and improper performance of manoeuvres had a significant effect both on initial and repeat treatment, but not on recurrences. Sex and duration of symptoms had no effect.

Conclusion: Canalith repositioning procedures provide fast and long-lasting treatment of BPPV in most patients. However, in a small subgroup of patients, failures may be noticed that may be attributed to various prognostic factors.
Secondary syphilis presenting as tonsillitis in three patients
Authors: Hamlyn E , Marriott D , Gallagher R M
Published: March 2006

We describe three homosexual men presenting to the ear, nose and throat clinic with severe tonsillitis. All were subsequently diagnosed with secondary syphilis of the tonsil. Syphilis should be considered as a diagnosis in high risk patients presenting with tonsillar lesions, even in the absence of other classical features of the disease.
Hearing preservation surgery in vestibular schwannoma
Authors: Khrais Tarek , Sanna Mario
Published: March 2006

Objectives: To study the effect of pre-operative hearing level and tumour size on the hearing outcome of hearing preservation surgery for vestibular schwannoma.

Study design and setting: A review of literature conducted at Gruppo Otologico, a tertiary referral centre for neurotology and skull base surgery.

Results: A total of 1993 patients in 16 publications addressing the topic of hearing preservation surgery in vestibular schwannoma were analysed. The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery hearing classification system was the classification upon which we based our analysis.

Conclusion: Defining hearing preservation as class-A hearing, there was a strong inverse relationship between pre-operative hearing and post-operative hearing levels and between tumour size and post-operative hearing levels.
How has Economic Restructuring Affected China's Urban Workers?
Authors: Giles John , Park Albert , Cai Fang
Published: March 2006

Using data from the China Urban Labour Survey conducted in five large Chinese cities at year end 2001, we quantify the nature and magnitude of shocks to employment and worker benefits during the period of economic restructuring from 1996 to 2001, and evaluate the extent to which adversely affected urban workers had access to public and private assistance. Employment shocks were large and widespread, and were particularly hard on older workers and women. During the period of economic restructuring, unemployment reached double figures in all sample cities and labour force participation declined by 8.9 per cent. Urban residents faced modest levels of wage and pension arrears, and sharp declines in health benefits. Public assistance programmes for dislocated workers had limited coverage, with most job-leavers relying upon private assistance to support consumption, mainly from other household members.
Dissidence and Accommodation: The Publishing History of Yang Lian from Today to Today
Authors: Edmond Jacob
Published: March 2006

The career of the poet Yang Lian provides a case study of the tension between dissidence and accommodation in PRC literary publishing over the past quarter of a century. In the 1980s, Yang published unofficially and officially, attempting to maintain his dissident independence while also taking advantage of the accommodations available within official culture. In 1989, the accommodation that Yang had reached with official culture collapsed. Since 1989, Yang has been promoted outside China as a dissident. Inside China, Yang's work has been adapted to the demands of censorship. This study shows that accommodations with China's official publishing system have been important to the careers of writers like Yang throughout the 1980s and 1990s. It also suggests that dissidence has played an important role in the achievement of such accommodations. The findings of this case study are pertinent to the situation of many artists and writers in the PRC today.