bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of the order of fill‐in on the convergence rate for ILU preconditioned iterative solvers
Authors: Wille S.Ø. , Staff Ø. , Loula A.F.D. , Carey G.F.
Published: March 2004

The indefinite nature of the mixed finite element formulation of the Navier‐Stokes equations is treated by segregation of the variables. The segregation algorithm assembles the coefficients which correspond to the velocity variables in the upper part of the equation matrix and the coefficients which corresponds to the pressure variables in the lower part of the equation matrix. During the incomplete; elimination of the velocity matrix, fill‐in will occur in the pressure matrix, hence, divisions with zero are avoided. The fill‐in rule applied here is related to the location of the node in the finite element mesh, rather than the magnitude of the fill‐in or the magnitude of the coefficient at the location of the fill‐in. Different orders of fill‐in are explored for ILU preconditioning of the mixed finite element formulation of the Navier‐Stokes equations in two dimensions.
Nutrition knowledge, attitudes and practices: a comparison between medical practitioners and medical students in Bahrain
Authors: Al‐Madani Khawla M. , Landman Jacqueline , Musaiger Abdulrahman O.
Published: March 2004

The objective of this study was to evaluate nutrition knowledge, attitudes and practices in Bahrain. A cross‐sectional survey was carried out in 1998. Highly statistically significant differences (p < 0.0001) were observed between practitioners and students in relation to knowledge concerning recommended daily allowance. The results suggest that more attention should be given to nutrition in medical curricula for undergraduates and postgraduates.
Building performance through in‐process measurement
Authors: Hua Tan Kim , Platts Ken , Noble James
Published: March 2004

Performance measurement is increasingly important in every aspect of life today. Unfortunately, the main emphasis appears to be on historical measures, justifying or reporting actions after the event, rather than process measures, monitoring activities as they occur. Thus, existing performance measurement frameworks have shortcomings that may prevent them from being an effective control and predict mechanism for business operations. To address these shortcomings, this paper proposes the use of Burbidge's connectance concept and the Incremental Calculus approach for building an “indicative” scorecard for performance measurement. An example of this approach is given, and plans for further research are discussed.
Shape control of near‐field probes using dynamic meniscus etching
Authors: Haber L. H. , Schaller R. D. , Johnson J. C. , Saykally R. J.
Published: March 2004

Dynamic etching methods for fabricating fibre optic tips are explored and modelled. By vertically translating the fibre during etching by an HF solution under an organic protective layer, a variety of tip shapes were created. The probe taper lengths, cone angles and geometrical probe shapes were measured in order to evaluate the dynamic meniscus etching process. Fibre motion, etching rate, meniscus distortion and etching time were all found to be important variables that can be used to control the final probe shape.
Trophic structure in a large assemblage of phyllostomid bats in Panama
Authors: Giannini Norberto P. , Kalko Elisabeth K. V.
Published: March 2004

Bats of the family Phyllostomidae are fundamental components of Neotropical mammalian diversity and display the greatest dietary diversity seen in any mammalian family. We studied trophic structure in a species‐rich local assemblage of phyllostomids for which dietary data were collected during 10 years on Barro Colorado Island, Panama. Correspondence analysis of >3800 dietary records from 30 syntopic species showed a structure supporting traditional divisions of animalivorous and phytophagous phyllostomids. Putatively omnivorous species actually grouped among the latter. Phytophagous phyllostomids separated intoPiper‐specialists,Ficus‐specialists, and eclectic plant eaters which in turn were the main consumers of flower products. Discrete dietary groups were compatible with several clades of the two current phylogenetic hypotheses of phyllostomids. We show that the trophic structure of the local contemporary assemblage is largely conservative with respect to traceable ancestral habits, strongly suggesting that overall trophic structure was likely determined historically.
Slugs, willow seedlings and nutrient fertilization: intrinsic vigor inversely affects palatability
Authors: R. Albrectsen Benedicte , Gardfjell Hans , M. Orians Colin , Murray Brittany , S. Fritz Robert
Published: March 2004

This study evaluates how preference by a generalist slug herbivore Arion subfuscus changes inversely with seedling size across three levels of fertilization for three full‐sib families of willow seedlings. We analyzed seedlings for condensed tannin and protein concentration, and related these data to changes in palatability. In preference tests over time, leaf discs from more fertilized seedlings experienced an extended window of vulnerability compared to discs from less fertilized seedlings, which were also more tannin‐rich. In a whole seedling selection study, slugs readily attacked smaller seedlings (<5 cm) but rarely attacked taller seedlings (>10 cm). However, a general difference in risk of damage close to 50% existed when comparing shorter and taller individuals within each family and level of fertilizer. The decrease in palatability with height of the seedlings was positively correlated with an increase in condensed tannin concentration. We found no effect of seedling size on protein concentration. Akaiki index criterion model comparisons suggested that only main effects were important for explaining seedling choice by slugs as well as the ratio between proteins and condensed tannins. Seedling size, had the largest effect, followed by fertilizer level and family. Surprisingly, seedling size and fertilizer treatment had opposite effects on palatability to slugs. Size decreased probability of damage, whereas fertilization extended the window of susceptibility. Because the seedlings were even‐aged, differences in size are interpreted as differences in growth rate or vigor. The positive phenotypic correlation found between size and tannin production in the less preferred willow seedlings confirms that several plant defense traits may be selected for simultaneously, because fast growth may allow an early development of plant defenses. We discuss these results in the light of plant‐defense theories that predict a negative correlation between the allocation to growth and the production of secondary defense compounds.
Seeds redistribution in sand dunes: a basis for coexistence of two rodent species
Authors: Ben‐Natan G. , Abramsky Z. , Kotler B. P. , Brown J. S.
Published: March 2004

Spatial and temporal heterogeneity is a major factor structuring communities and contributing to coexistence of the species they contain. In this study we examine a critical aspect of environmental heterogeneity that is assumed to promote coexistence in two gerbil species of the Western Negev Desert. Previous studies assumed that temporal partitioning, in activity time, is the result of daily redistribution of seeds that the dominant species is the first to utilize while the sub‐ordinate and efficient species is being pushed to use the later and poorer part of the night. We tested the assumption that daily afternoon winds generating spatial and temporal heterogeneity in seed availability by the redistribution of sand and seeds. This was done by comparing plots experiencing normal wind condition with manipulated plots where wind action was diminished by a shade‐cloth fence. Our results show that considerable amount of sand and seeds are redistributing regularly on a time scale of a single day. Our results also show that gerbil foraging behavior is strongly related to the pattern of the redistribution dynamics of the seeds. When we prevented redistribution of seeds, gerbil foraging activity was reduced considerably. However, both seed redistribution and gerbil activity did not change much on control plots. Furthermore, the two gerbil species responded differently to the reduction in seed redistribution. The largerGerbillus pyramidumwas shown to be more sensitive to the reduction than the smallerG. a. allenbyi. Daily variability in the availability of seed resources is probably the niche axis which, together with the trade‐off in foraging efficiency of the species, forms the mechanism for the coexistence of the two gerbil species in the semi‐stabilized sands.
Cross‐talk between CD8+ and CD4+ T cells in experimental cutaneous leishmaniasis: CD8+ T cells are required for optimal IFN‐γ production by CD4+ T cells
Authors: Herath Shanthi , Kropf Pascale , Müller Ingrid
Published: March 2004

Although the importance of CD8+ T cells for vaccination and immunity to reinfection with Leishmania parasites is well established, their role in primary infections is disputed. In the present study we further characterized the role of CD8+ T cells in primary L. major infections. We used two groups of L. major infected BALB/c mice: both groups were immunomanipulated to heal and in one group CD8+ T cells were depleted throughout the course of infection. Our results show that the reversal of healing caused by the absence of CD8+ T cells did not alter the proliferation of CD4+ T cells, however, the frequency of CD4+ T cells expressing IFN‐γ as well as the levels of this cytokine were clearly reduced. These lower levels of IFN‐γ correlated with a higher parasite load. Our results show that transient depletion of CD4+ T cells allows the establishment of an equilibrium between CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and allows CD8+ T cell activation and effector functions to develop. In addition, our results suggest that cross‐talk between CD4+ and CD8+ T cells is crucial for the host defence against L. major.
Stochastic Volatility Corrections for Interest Rate Derivatives
Authors: Cotton Peter , Fouque Jean‐Pierre , Papanicolaou George , Sircar Ronnie
Published: March 2004

We study simple models of short rates such as the Vasicek or CIR models, and compute corrections that come from the presence of fast mean‐reverting stochastic volatility. We show how these small corrections can affect the shape of the term structure of interest rates giving a simple and efficient calibration tool. This is used to price other derivatives such as bond options. The analysis extends the asymptotic method developed for equity derivatives in Fouque, Papanicolaou, and Sircar (2000b). The assumptions and effectiveness of the theory are tested on yield curve data.
A note on completeness in large financial markets
Authors: De Donno Marzia
Published: March 2004

We study completeness in large financial markets, namely markets containing countably many assets. We investigate the relationship between asymptotic completeness in the global market and completeness in the finite submarkets, under a no‐arbitrage assumption. We also suggest a way to approximate a replicating strategy in the large market by finite‐dimensional portfolios. Furthermore, we find necessary and sufficient conditions for completeness to hold in a factor model.
Inter‐digestive and post‐prandial antro‐pyloro‐duodenal motor activity in humans: effect of 5‐hydroxytryptamine 1 receptor agonism
Authors: Calvert E. L. , Whorwell P. J. , Houghton L. A.
Published: March 2004

Background : Little is known about the effect of 5‐hydroxytryptamine 1 (5‐HT1) receptor agonism on the co‐ordinated motor activity of the gastric antrum, pylorus and duodenum under fasting and fed conditions.

Aim : To evaluate the effect of sumatriptan, a 5‐HT1 agonist, on fasting and fed antro‐pyloro‐duodenal motility.

Methods : In study 1, antro‐pyloro‐duodenal motility was recorded for two phase IIIs of the migrating motor complex and then, following either a subcutaneous injection of sumatriptan 6 mg or saline control, for at least one additional phase III in 11 healthy volunteers (21–36 years). In study 2, the post‐prandial motility was recorded for 3 h after either a subcutaneous injection of sumatriptan 6 mg or saline control in 10 healthy volunteers (18–36 years).

Results : Sumatriptan prolonged the migrating motor complex cycle (P = 0.009) by increasing the duration of phase II (P = 0.02) but not phases I and III. Post‐prandially, sumatriptan reduced the activity index (P = 0.017) by reducing the frequency of co‐ordinated motor activity involving the antrum and/or the duodenum (P < 0.05).

Conclusion : 5‐HT1 receptor agonism increases the periodicity of the migrating motor complex and reduces the occurrence of post‐prandial co‐ordinated motor activity involving the gastric antrum, pylorus and duodenum.
COX‐2‐selective inhibitors and the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in high‐risk patients with previous gastrointestinal diseases: a population‐based case–control study
Authors: Nørgård B. , Pedersen L. , Johnsen S. P. , Tarone R. E. , McLaughlin J. K. , Friis S. , Sørensen H. T.
Published: March 2004

Background : Clinical trials have suggested that cyclo‐oxygenase‐2‐selective inhibitors are associated with a lower risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding than are non‐selective, non‐aspirin, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. This has not yet been confirmed in studies of patients with an increased susceptibility to upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Aim : To examine the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in high‐risk patients who filled prescriptions for cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 inhibitors or other non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs.

Methods : A population‐based case–control study was performed in the Danish county of North Jutland from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2002. From the County Hospital Discharge Registry and the Civil Registration System, we identified incident cases with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (n = 780) and randomly selected controls (n = 2906), respectively. All cases and controls had previous gastrointestinal diseases. Data on drug exposure were obtained from the countywide Prescription Database.

Results : Thirty‐five cases (4.5%) filled prescriptionss for cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 inhibitors within 30 days of the date of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, compared with 79 controls (2.7%). Adjusted odds ratios for upper gastrointestinal bleeding according to prescription for celecoxib, rofecoxib and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs were 1.3 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.7–2.8], 2.1 (95% CI, 1.2–3.5) and 3.3 (95% CI, 2.4–4.4), respectively.

Conclusions : In patients with increased susceptibility to gastrointestinal adverse events, a lower risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding was observed in users of cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 inhibitors compared with users of other non‐aspirin, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs.
Aetiology of anorexia nervosa in Hong Kong: a social work qualitative inquiry
Authors: Chan Zenobia C. Y. , Ma Joyce L. C.
Published: March 2004

This paper reports the results of a qualitative inquiry into the aetiology of anorexia nervosa in Hong Kong. These results are part of our main research project about family treatment and families with a daughter suffering from anorexia nervosa. This present qualitative study adopts a multiple case study approach (n = 8) and employs a multiple‐source data collection method, involving pre‐ and post‐family treatment interviews, clinical observations of the participants during the treatment sessions and home visits, as well as detailed field notes. The findings indicate that there are biological, psychological, socio‐cultural and familial interpretations of the aetiology of anorexia nervosa. This study challenges the dominant discourse on anorexia nervosa in Hong Kong, which states that the root of the disease lies in a desire for slenderness and beauty, and suggests instead that the aetiology of anorexia nervosa can be discovered only if approached from the systems level. Implications for social work practice are highlighted.
Synthesis and physico‐chemical properties of peptides in soil humic substances
Authors: Fan T.W.‐M. , Lane A.N. , Chekmenev E. , Wittebort R.J. , Higashi R.M.
Published: March 2004

Abstract:  Soil humic substances (HS) are heterologous, polydispersive, and multi‐functional organometallic macromolecules ubiquitous in soils and sediments. They are key players in the maintenance of the belowground ecosystems and in the bioavailability of both organic and inorganic contaminants. It is widely assumed that the peptidic substructures of HS are readily degraded and therefore do not contribute significantly to interactions with contaminants such as toxic metals. To investigate the turnover of humified peptides, laboratory soil aging experiments were conducted with 13C‐glucose or 15N‐nitrate for 8.5 months. Evidence for random‐coil peptidic structures in the labeled HS was obtained from 2‐D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), pyrolysis gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (pyro‐GC‐MS), and circular dichroism data. Interaction of metals with the peptidic carbonyls of labeled HS was rationalized from the solid‐state NMR data. Detailed 13C and 15N labeling patterns of amino acid residues in the acid hydrolysates of HS acquired from NMR and GC‐MS revealed two pools of peptides, i.e. one extant (unlabeled) and the other, newly humified with little isotopic scrambling (fully labeled). The persistence of pre‐existing peptidic structures indicates their resistance to degradation while the presence of fully labeled peptidic amino acids suggests wholesale incorporation of newly synthesized peptides into HS. These findings are contrary to the general notion that humified peptides are readily degraded.
Prognostic value of admission plasma glucose and HbA1c in acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Hadjadj S. , Coisne D. , Mauco G. , Ragot S. , Duengler F. , Sosner P. , Torremocha F. , Herpin D. , Marechaud R.
Published: March 2004

Objective  Stress hyperglycaemia increases the risk of mortality after acute myocardial infarction in diabetic and in non‐diabetic patients. We aimed to determine the contribution of admission plasma glucose and HbA1c on post‐acute myocardial infarction prognosis.

Patients and methods  Admission plasma glucose and HbA1c were simultaneously measured in all patients consecutively hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction. Patient survival was measured on 5 and 28 days after admission. Patients were defined as having ‘previously diagnosed diabetes’ (personal history of diabetes defined using ADA 1997 criteria), ‘no diabetes’, those without previously diagnosed diabetes and HbA1c below 6.5%, or ‘possible diabetes’, i.e. those without previously diagnosed diabetes and HbA1c above 6.5%.

Results  Of the 146 patients included, four had died by day 5 and 14 by day 28. Admission plasma glucose was higher in patients who had died by day 28 (11.7 ± 5.8 vs. 8.0 ± 3.3 mmol/l, P = 0.002), whereas HbA1c was not (6.4 ± 1.9 vs. 6.1 ± 0.8%, NS). Admission plasma glucose was significantly higher in those who had died by day 28 after adjustment on HbA1c. A multivariate analysis, including sex, age and heart failure prior to acute myocardial infarction, showed that admission plasma glucose concentration was an independent predictor of survival after acute myocardial infarction. Twenty‐seven of the patients had previously diagnosed diabetes and 119 had no history of diabetes. Eleven were found to have possible diabetes. Admission plasma glucose was significantly higher in previously diagnosed diabetes (11.1 ± 5.6) than in the other groups: 7.7 ± 2.9 in non‐diabetes, 8.2 ± 2.1 in possible diabetes (P < 0.0001). The relationship between HbA1c‐adjusted admission plasma glucose and mortality after acute myocardial infarction was also found in the non‐diabetes group.

Conclusions  Admission plasma glucose, even after adjustment on HbA1c, is a prognostic factor associated with mortality after acute myocardial infarction. Acute rather than the chronic pre‐existing glycometabolic state accounts for the prognosis after acute myocardial infarction.
Evaluating the performance of the Framingham risk equations in a population with diabetes
Authors: McEwan P. , Williams J. E. , Griffiths J. D. , Bagust A. , Peters J. R. , Hopkinson P. , Currie C. J.
Published: March 2004

Aims  The Framingham risk equations are widely used to estimate risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability of these equations in predicting CHD risk in people with diabetes and the reliability of using imputed mean HDL‐cholesterol values.

Methods  Data describing the baseline characteristics of recognized CHD risk factors for 938 people aged 30–74 years were extracted from the Cardiff Diabetes Database. Data describing CHD events were available for up to 4 years following the baseline year (1996). Several mathematical techniques were used to assess the reliability of predictions provided by the Framingham equations in this population.

Results  Thirty‐four percent of males and 25% of females who experienced CHD events had a predicted 10‐year CHD risk ≥ 30%. Seventy‐five percent of males and 58% of females had a predicted 10‐year CHD risk ≥ 20%. Using imputed HDL‐cholesterol values, 26% of males and 6% of females who later developed CHD events had a 10‐year CHD risk ≥ 30%. Using imputed HDL‐cholesterol values, the CHD risk predicted by the Framingham equations consistently underestimated the actual risk of CHD events. However, refitting the Framingham risk equations to the Cardiff data resulted in only marginal improvements in discriminatory capabilities.

Conclusions  The Framingham risk equations can be unreliable when applied to the diabetic population, tending to underestimate an individual's probability of progressing to CHD; the equations perform marginally better in women than in men. The use of imputed mean HDL‐cholesterol values improved the reliability of the estimates of risk.
The spouse subsystem in the family context: couple interaction categories
Authors: Akister Jane , Meekings Emma , Stevenson‐Hinde Joan
Published: March 2004

Within a semi‐structured family interview (the McMaster Stuctured Interview of Family Functioning), several questions focus on intimate areas of the marital relationship. How couples answer these questions provides a window into their style of communication around potentially stressful issues. Viewing their videotaped interactions while noting their gaze patterns, dialogue, tension, and attitude, produced the following categories: Adaptive, Stable, Co‐operative, Disengaged/anxious, Parallel, or Failing. Inter‐observer relability was high, and the categories were related in meaningful ways to a self‐report questionnaire, the McMaster Family Assessment Device, completed independently by each parent.
An everyday story of systems practice
Authors: Spellman David , Scott Charles
Published: March 2004

This article uses a case study to illustrate how a wider systems perspective can be helpful in considering the questions and dilemmas that arise in everyday practice when a practitioner is invited to intervene in a prescribed or limited way with an individual. The case is presented sequentially, with more detailed reflection at various junctures to allow readers to consider for themselves what the options for action are at any given point.
A family‐based approach to adult mental disorders
Authors: Falloon Ian R. H. , Krekorian Haroutyan , Shanahan William J. , Laporta Marc , McLees Sheila
Published: March 2004

Recent research studies have provided strong support for a collaborative approach between families and mental health services in the clinical management of major mental disorders. A comprehensive approach to adult mental health care that employs cognitive‐behavioural family therapy as the basis for clinical assessment and treatment is described. This model emphasizes home‐based intervention, collaboration with primary care, targeted specific interventions, achievement of the personal goals of index patients and their family members, long‐term rehabilitation, and assessment of benefits and costs.
A cure through anger*
Authors: Prata Giuliana , Raffin Cinzia
Published: March 2004

On the basis of the history and the therapy of an identified patient, the authors put forward a hypothesis of the ‘phobic game’, in which they stress the relational mechanisms maintained by the latter. The intervention, centred on a new linguistic definition of the phobic experience, suggests the possibility of a therapeutic way out.
Gender and illness: implications for family therapy
Authors: Altschuler Jenny
Published: March 2004

This paper outlines the importance of considering gender when working with professionals and families dealing with a life‐threatening or chronic illness. Clinical vignettes are used to demonstrate the importance of addressing gender to avoid attributing pathology to behaviour that could otherwise be viewed as normal. The particular contribution of the family therapist is highlighted, including suggestions about how systemic interventions can be introduced to enhance the capacity of those involved to deal with the transitions demanded by such illnesses.
Working with older adults and their families – a review
Authors: Richardson Carolyn A. , Gilleard Christopher J. , Lieberman Stuart , Peeler Ruth
Published: March 2004

This paper discusses family work with older adults by exploring some of the related literature published since Herr and Weakland's work in 1979, and compares psychoeducational and systems‐based approaches to work with later life families. Issues of bias and omissions in the existing literature, and the definition of family therapy with this client group are raised. Areas for future research are indicated.
A Feminised Style of Politics? Women MPs in the House of Commons
Authors: Childs Sarah
Published: March 2004

One hundred and one Labour women MPs were returned to the House of Commons at the 1997 general election. Constituting 24 per cent of the Parliamentary Labour Party, they were, according to critical mass theory, a ‘tilted group’ and in a position to effect change. Drawing on 23 in-depth interviews with Labour women MPs first elected in 1997, this article establishes that many of them believe that women politicians practise politics in a feminised way. This claim is, however, premised upon gender rather than sex differences and party identity is also identified as an important determinant. The women MPs' perception that women's style is less legitimate than men's is explored through a discussion of the newly elected Labour women MPs' loyalty in parliamentary votes.
Emotion and Emotion Regulation: From Another Perspective
Authors: Langlois Judith H.
Published: March 2004

An overview of the content of the From Another Perspective collection on emotion and emotion regulation is provided. The lead article identifies fundamental issues of definition and the commentaries represent varying theoretical and methodological perspectives on emotion and emotion regulation. Together, the articles discuss the promises and pitfalls of emotion research and its potential for understanding child development.
Executive Processes in Appearance–Reality Tasks: The Role of Inhibition of Attention and Symbolic Representation
Authors: Bialystok Ellen , Senman Lili
Published: March 2004

Two studies addressed the role of representation ability and control of attention on solutions to an appearance–reality task based on two types of objects, real and representational. In Study 1, 67 preschool children (3‐, 4‐, and 5‐year‐olds) solved appearance–reality problems and executive processing tasks. There was an interaction between object type (real vs. representational) and question type (appearance vs. reality) on problem difficulty. In addition, representational ability predicted performance on appearance questions and inhibitory control predicted performance on reality questions. In Study 2, 95 children (4‐ and 5‐year‐olds) who were monolingual or bilingual solved similar problems. On appearance questions, groups performed equivalently but on reality questions, bilinguals performed better (once language proficiency had been controlled). The difference is attributed to the advanced inhibitory control that comes with bilingualism.
The Retention Effects of an Adult's Emotional Displays on Infant Behavior
Authors: Hertenstein Matthew J. , Campos Joseph J.
Published: March 2004

The goal of this investigation was to study the regulatory retention effects of an adult's emotional displays on infant behavior. In Study 1, 11‐ and 14‐month‐old infants were tested in a social‐referencing‐like paradigm in which a 1‐hr delay was imposed between the exposure trials and the test trial. In Study 2, 11‐month‐olds were tested in the same paradigm, but the delay between the exposure trials and the test trial was only 3 min. Study 1 revealed that 14‐month‐olds, but not 11‐month‐olds, demonstrated behavior regulatory effects toward the target object linked to the adult's emotional displays. Study 2 indicated that 11‐month‐olds were affected by the emotional displays if the delay between exposure and test trials was brief enough.
Medical acupuncture in Germany: patterns of consumerism among physicians and patients
Authors: Frank Robert , Stollberg Gunnar
Published: March 2004

Abstract  Since the (re) emergence of heterodox medicine across the Western world, there have been numerous interpretations of this phenomenon by the social sciences. Heterodox patients were said to be active consumers holding postmodern values, while heterodox physicians were described as heretics. Medical doctors taking up heterodox medicine were criticised for acting in their own financial interests. To examine these notions, we selected the most prominent heterodox mode of treatment in the German healthcare system: acupuncture. Twenty‐six semi‐structured interviews with medical acupuncturists and their patients were conducted. On the physicians’ side, we analyse their styles of practice. To what extent is acupuncture incorporated into biomedical models? Were there any doctors who completely converted to Chinese ideas about health and illness? The patients’ activities before and during treatment are addressed. What made them choose acupuncture? How thoroughly did‐ and do‐ they collect information on heterodox treatment? The patients’ perception of their relationship with their physicians and the decision‐making processes during the consultations are also examined. Finally, we argue that while some modes of heterodox medicine resemble parallel forms of general practice, acupuncture tends to become a medical speciality in which physicians tailor their practice to the individual patient's (perceived) demands. From the patients’ perspectives, a passive rather than active form of consumerism emerges, involving ideas on medical services that closely correspond to classical modernity.
“The Model of a Model Fellow Traveler”: Harry F. Ward, the American League for Peace and Democracy, and the“Russian Question”in American Politics, 1933–1956
Authors: Rossinow Doug
Published: March 2004

The American League for Peace and Democracy (ALPD) was the foremost group representing Americans who worked for peace in the 1930s on the basis of antifascism rather than pacifism. It also was the most important organization within the antifascist, pro‐Soviet Popular Front of the Great Depression. But its story largely is absent in histories of the American peace movement. Harry F. Ward, a prominent clergyman and activist in leftliberal circles for decades, was the ALPD's chair from 1934 until its dissolution in 1940 following the Nazi–Soviet nonaggression pact. The story of the ALPD, and of Ward's political downfall at the hands of anticommunist colleagues, offers a window into the complexity of progressive politics during this tumultuous era and shows how liberals, radicals, and pacifists formed an anticommunist alliance prior to U.S. entry into World War II.
From Miami to Quebec and Beyond: Opposition to the Free Trade Area of the Americas
Authors: Timothy Smith E.
Published: March 2004

This article examines the emergence of what popularly is called the antiglobalization movement. Rather than looking at the worldwide movement, the focus here is on the opposition to the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA), which first was proposed in 1994 and is to be implemented by 2005. While briefly examining the efforts to negotiate the FTAA, the main focus is on the gradual emergence of the anti‐FTAA forces, their main critique of the agreement and corporate globalization in general, and how the forces aligned against the FTAA fit into the larger antiglobalization movement. Finally, the article analyzes the concepts behind the movement for free trade and how it fits in with traditional concepts of imperialism.
Post‐herpetic neuralgia case study: optimizing pain control
Authors: Baron R.
Published: March 2004

Post‐herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a chronic pain syndrome associated with the reactivation of a primary infection with varicella zoster virus (chicken pox), which leads to a chronic infection of the dorsal root ganglia. Under various clinical circumstances, including immunosuppressive diseases or treatments and certain cancers, reactivation of the infection can occur in adults as shingles. Other factors such as psychological distress and stressful life events also appear to play a role in the onset of shingles and the development of PHN. The most common risk factor for shingles and its potential sequela, PHN, is advanced age. For a significant number of patients, the pain following healing of shingles can persist for months to years; this pain is classified as PHN if it persists longer than 3 months. PHN often leads to depression, disrupted sleep, decreased functioning and increased healthcare utilization. Prompt use of antiviral therapy appears to reduce the period of pain following an episode of shingles by about half and may possibly reduce the overall incidence of PHN. Damage to a variety of neurologic pathways as a result of herpes zoster reactivation suggests that intervention with multiple agents having divergent mechanisms of action is an appropriate treatment approach. Current treatment options aimed at relieving the symptoms of PHN include antidepressants, opioids, anticonvulsants and topical analgesics. It is important for the clinician to establish a baseline pain intensity and character as well as quality of life measures against which to judge the effectiveness of any treatment. This review article features a case study of a patient with PHN to illustrate current diagnostic and treatment approaches.
Excitability of the T‐tubular system in rat skeletal muscle: roles of K+ and Na+ gradients and Na+–K+ pump activity
Authors: Nielsen O. B. , Ørtenblad N. , Lamb G. D. , Stephenson D. G.
Published: March 2004

Strenuous exercise causes an increase in extracellular [K+] and intracellular Na+ ([Na+]i) of working muscles, which may reduce sarcolemma excitability. The excitability of the sarcolemma is, however, to some extent protected by a concomitant increase in the activity of muscle Na+–K+ pumps. The exercise‐induced build‐up of extracellular K+ is most likely larger in the T‐tubules than in the interstitium but the significance of the cation shifts and Na+–K+ pump for the excitability of the T‐tubular membrane and the voltage sensors is largely unknown. Using mechanically skinned fibres, we here study the role of the Na+–K+ pump in maintaining T‐tubular function in fibres with reduced chemical K+ gradient. The Na+–K+ pump activity was manipulated by changing [Na+]i. The responsiveness of the T‐tubules was evaluated from the excitation‐induced force production of the fibres. Compared to control twitch force in fibres with a close to normal intracellular [K+] ([K+]i), a reduction in [K+]i to below 60 mm significantly reduced twitch force. Between 10 and 50 mm Na+, the reduction in force depended on [Na+]i, the twitch force at 40 mm K+ being 22 ± 4 and 54 ± 9% (of control force) at a [Na+]i of 10 and 20 mm, respectively (n= 4). Double pulse stimulation of fibres at low [K+]i showed that although elevated [Na+]i increased the responsiveness to single action potentials, it reduced the capacity of the T‐tubules to respond to high frequency stimulation. It is concluded that a reduction in the chemical gradient for K+, as takes place during intensive exercise, may depress T‐tubular function, but that a concomitant exercise‐induced increase in [Na+]i protects T‐tubular function by stimulating the Na+–K+ pump.
Mechanisms underlying cannabinoid inhibition of presynaptic Ca2+ influx at parallel fibre synapses of the rat cerebellum
Authors: Daniel H. , Rancillac A. , Crepel F.
Published: March 2004

Activation of CB1 cannabinoid receptors in the cerebellum acutely depresses excitatory synaptic transmission at parallel fibre–Purkinje cell synapses by decreasing the probability of glutamate release. This depression involves the activation of presynaptic 4‐aminopyridine‐sensitive K+ channels by CB1 receptors, which in turn inhibits presynaptic Ca2+ influx controlling glutamate release at these synapses. Using rat cerebellar frontal slices and fluorometric measures of presynaptic Ca2+ influx evoked by stimulation of parallel fibres with the fluorescent dye fluo‐4FF, we tested whether the CB1 receptor‐mediated inhibition of this influx also involves a direct inhibition of presynaptic voltage‐gated calcium channels. Since various physiological effects of CB1 receptors appear to be mediated through the activation of PTX‐sensitive proteins, including inhibition of adenylate cyclases, activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK) and activation of G protein‐gated inwardly rectifying K+ channels, we also studied the potential involvement of these intracellular signal transduction pathways in the cannabinoid‐mediated depression of presynaptic Ca2+ influx. The present study demonstrates that the molecular mechanisms underlying the CB1 inhibitory effect involve the activation of the PTX‐sensitive Gi/Go subclass of G proteins, independently of any direct effect on presynaptic Ca2+ channels (N, P/Q and R (SNX‐482‐sensitive) types) or on adenylate cyclase or MAPK activity, but do require the activation of G protein‐gated inwardly rectifying (Ba2+‐ and tertiapin Q‐sensitive) K+ channels, in addition to 4‐aminopyridine‐sensitive K+ channels.
Combinatorial Laws for Physically Meaningful Design
Authors: Ramaswamy Vasu , Shapiro Vadim
Published: March 2004

A typical computer representation of a design includes geometric and physical information organized in a suitable combinatorial data structure. Queries and transformations of these design representations are used to formulate most algorithms in computational design, including analysis, optimization, evolution, generation, and synthesis. Formal properties, and in particular existence and validity of the computed solutions, must be assured and preserved by all such algorithms. Using tools from algebraic topology, we show that a small set of the usual combinatorial operators: boundary (∂), coboundary (δ), and dualization *–are sufficient to represent a variety of physical laws and invariants. Specific examples include geometric integrity, balance and equilibrium, and surface smoothing. Our findings point a way toward systematic development of data structures and algorithms for design in a common formal computational framework.
Maintaining Your Immune System--One Method for Enhanced Longevity
Authors: Wollscheid-Lengeling Evi , Müller Rolf-Joachim , Balling Rudi , Schughart Klaus
Published: March 2004

The immune system is an important evolutionary invention to battle invaders in young and old organisms. Successful aging in humans who achieve nonagenarian status and beyond depends on how the immune system changes over time. Whether certain immune parameters vary with increased age is influenced by the genotype and lifestyle of the individual.
Plaque Attack
Authors: Davenport R. John
Published: March 2004

A person can toss her wadded-up burger wrapper into either the gutter or a trash bin. New work establishes that ApoE, a protein connected to Alzheimer's disease (AD), makes a similar choice. Mouse studies have suggested that ApoE encourages formation of the β-amyloid plaques that gum up patients' brains. But scientists now suggest that ApoE helps clear β amyloid from the brain before it forms plaques. The results warn that targeting ApoE as an AD treatment will require balancing its positive and negative influences.
Frailty--The Search For Underlying Causes
Authors: Walston Jeremy
Published: March 2004

Research into the biological basis of frailty has been difficult to accomplish because of a lack of standardized definitions, disease and disability confounders, and complex multifactorial etiology. Multiple physiological systems are likely to be involved, including the skeletal muscle, endocrine, and immune/inflammation systems. Physiological characterization of frail older adults might provide etiologic clues. Translational research programs that connect mechanisms related to aging, such as oxidative damage and telomere shortening, to clinical aging-related syndromes will be necessary to further this critical area of geriatric research.
CB6F1 Mouse
Authors: Harper James M.
Published: March 2004

This document contains a summary of the biological characteristics of the CB6F1 mouse, which is a first-generation hybrid strain produced by crossing BALB/c females and C57BL/6 males.
Tugging at Heartstrings
Authors: Davenport R. John
Published: March 2004

A runner needs resilient tendons to move joints and withstand impact. Similarly, a cell needs molecular rubber bands to remain supple. A protein whose defective forms trigger several human diseases, including a premature aging syndrome, normally helps cells respond to mechanical stress, according to new studies in mice. The work provides the strongest evidence yet for how alterations in the protein stir up trouble.
From Genes to Societies
Authors: Rueppell Olav , Amdam Gro V. , Page Jr. Robert E. , Carey James R.
Published: March 2004

Research on model organisms has substantially advanced our understanding of aging. However, these studies collectively lack any examination of the element of sociality, an important feature of human biology. Social insects present a number of unique possibilities for investigating social influences on aging and potentially detecting new mechanisms for extremely prolonged, healthy life spans that have evolved naturally. Social evolution has led to life spans in reproductive females that are much longer (up to over 100-fold) than those of males or of nonreproductive worker castes. These differences are particularly dramatic because they are due to environmental influences, as all individuals develop from the same genomes. Social insect colonies consist of semi-autonomous individuals, and the relationship between the colony and the individual creates many interesting predictions in the light of the common theories of aging. Furthermore, the variety of lifestyles of social insects creates the potential for crucial comparative analyses across distinct social systems.
Resistance Training
Authors: Leslie Mitch
Published: March 2004

Sweating and straining through a half-hour on the stair climber rouses the heart, but getting the liver to work harder might be crucial for preventing diabetes. A new study reveals that goading the liver to burn more fat rescues rats from insulin resistance, a defect in sugar processing that usually heralds the disease. The results could help researchers craft drugs to avert diabetes.
I Regret That I Have But One Life to Give for My Colony
Authors: Leslie Mitch
Published: March 2004

Bees do it, and so do wasps, termites, and naked mole rats. Now the list of organisms that sacrifice themselves to benefit their relatives has a new, unlikely entry--yeast. A new study shows that elderly yeast die to help healthier cells survive. The findings suggest that infirm cells exude molecules that nurture nearby yeast.
Inverse Agonists: Tools to Reveal Ligand-Specific Conformations of G Protein–Coupled Receptors
Authors: Prather Paul L.
Published: March 2004

G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) traverse the plasma membrane seven times and produce intracellular effects through interaction with G proteins. Three classes of ligands bind and regulate the activity of GPCRs: agonists, antagonists, and inverse agonists. To describe the activity of these ligands at GPCRs, a two-state receptor model has been proposed in which receptors exist in an equilibrium between inactive (R) and active (R*) states. Agonists preferentially bind and stabilize the active (R*) state. This results in an enrichment of the proportion of active receptors, producing an increase in receptor activity. In contrast, inverse agonists preferentially bind and stabilize receptors in the inactive (R) state. This results in an enrichment of the proportion of inactive receptors, producing a reduction in spontaneous receptor activity. Neutral antagonists have equal preferences for both R and R* states, lack any intrinsic activity, and are able to block actions produced by either agonists or inverse agonists. Exciting observations reported in two recent manuscripts by Gbahou
et al
. and Azzi
et al.
indicate that some inverse agonists act not only in opposition to agonists by suppressing constitutive receptor activity, but may also initiate unique signal transduction cascades as well. Specifically, it is proposed that these unique ligands are able to enrich several distinct active receptor conformations, each demonstrating a preference for regulation of a discrete intracellular effector. This suggests that inverse agonists are not merely "the opposite of agonists," but instead may serve as useful tools to investigate ligand-specific conformations of GPCRs.
Analysis of Genes That Encode DtxR-Like Transcriptional Regulators in Pathogenic and Saprophytic Corynebacterial Species
Authors: Oram Diana Marra , Avdalovic Ana , Holmes Randall K.
Published: March 2004

Metal-dependent transcriptional regulators of the diphtheria toxin repressor (DtxR) family have been identified in a wide variety of bacterial genera, where they control gene expression in response to one of two metal ions, Fe2+or Mn2+. DtxR ofCorynebacterium diphtheriaeis the best characterized of these important metal-dependent regulators. The genusCorynebacteriumincludes many phenotypically diverse species, and the prevalence of DtxR-like regulators within the genus is unknown. We assayed chromosomal DNA from 42 different corynebacterial isolates, representing 33 different species, for the presence of a highly conserved region of thedtxRgene that encodes the DNA-binding helix-turn-helix motif and metal-binding site 1 within domains 1 and 2 of DtxR. The chromosome of all of the isolates contained this conserved region ofdtxR, and DNA sequencing revealed a high level of nucleotide sequence conservation within this region in all of the corynebacterial species (ranging from 62 to 100% identity and averaging 70% identity with thedtxRprototype). The level of identity was even greater for the predicted protein sequences encoded by thedtxR-like genes, ranging from 81 to 100% identity and averaging 91% identity with DtxR. Using a DtxR-specific antiserum we confirmed the presence of a DtxR-like protein in extracts of most of the corynebacterial isolates and determined the precise amount of DtxR per cell inC. diphtheriae. The high level of identity at both DNA and protein levels suggests that all of the isolates tested encode a functional DtxR-like Fe2+-activated regulatory protein that can bind homologs of the DtxR operator and regulate gene expression in response to iron.