bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Muscle and joint elastic properties during elbow flexion in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Cornu Christophe , Goubel Francis , Fardeau Michel
Published: August 2004

Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), series elastic stiffness and total joint stiffness during elbow flexion were investigated in healthy boys and in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in order to assess changes in mechanical properties induced by the disease.

Two methods were used to perform stiffness measurements: (i) the application of sinusoidal perturbations to the joint during flexion efforts, allowing the calculation of total joint stiffness; (ii) the use of quick‐release movements of the elbow, which had previously been maintained in isometric contraction, allowing the calculation of series elastic stiffness. In each case, stiffness was linearly related to torque, leading to the calculation of a normalized stiffness index as the slope of this stiffness‐torque relationship.

As expected, mean MVC was found to be much higher for healthy boys (20.02 ± 5.20 N m) than for DMD patients (3.09 ± 2.44 N m). Furthermore, the results showed that it was possible to characterize healthy and DMD children by virtue of the mechanical properties measured. Mean series elastic stiffness index was higher for DMD children (142.55 ± 136.58 rad−1) than for healthy subjects (4.39 ± 2.53 rad−1). The same holds for mean total joint stiffness index: 43.68 ± 67.58 rad−1for DMD children and 2.26 ± 0.70 rad−1for healthy subjects. In addition, increases in stiffness were more marked in DMD patients exhibiting high levels of muscle weakness.

These changes are interpreted in terms of the adaptation of the properties of the muscles and joint involved, i.e. muscle fibres, tendons, peri‐ and intra‐articular structures.
Interlimb co‐ordination in human infant stepping
Authors: Pang Marco Y. C. , Yang Jaynie F.
Published: August 2004

We held infants (aged 4–12 months) over a treadmill to study how they co‐ordinated the two limbs during stepping. We disturbed one limb during the stance or swing phase and recorded the responses (muscle activity and movement) from both lower limbs. Manual disturbances were applied during the stance phase by sliding the foot backward, forcing the limb into the swing phase. Disturbances were also applied in the swing phase by manually extending the hip, interfering with the forward motion of the limb. Additional disturbances were applied to see if both limbs could perform the stance and swing phase synchronously.

When the limb was forced to initiate the swing phase on one side, the contralateral limb either prolonged its contact with the ground or quickly established ground contact. When the forward motion of the limb was interrupted in the swing phase, the swing phase was prolonged on the disturbed side and the stance phase prolonged on the contralateral side. In most cases, one leg maintained ground contact. Moreover, it was easy to elicit bilateral, simultaneous stance phase, whereas it was difficult to elicit simultaneous swing phase. In cases where swing phase in the two limbs was initiated close in time, rhythmic alternate stepping was immediately restored in the following step.

We conclude that human infants can generate co‐ordinated motor responses bilaterally in response to unilateral perturbations, well before the onset of independent walking.
Sensory experiences in humans and single‐unit activity in cats evoked by polymodal stimulation of the cornea
Authors: Acosta M. Carmen , Belmonte Carlos , Gallar Juana
Published: August 2004

The cornea of human subjects and of anaesthetised cats was stimulated with a jet of air of controlled flow, temperature and CO2 concentration delivered by a gas aesthesiometer.

In humans, the intensity and magnitude of various components of the sensory experience (intensity of the sensation, degree of irritation, magnitude of burning and stinging pain, magnitude of the cold and warm components of the sensation) were measured using separate visual analog scales. In anaesthetised cats, the impulse response to the same stimuli was recorded from single mechanosensory, polymodal and cold‐sensitive corneal fibres in the ciliary nerves.

Intensity‐response curves for mechanical stimulation showed that all parameters of the sensation experienced by humans increased with the intensity of the stimulus. Mechanical stimuli recruited mainly phasic mechanosensory and polymodal afferents in the cat.

Acidic stimulation with gas mixtures of increasing CO2 concentration evoked irritation, burning and to a lesser extent stinging pain of a magnitude roughly proportional to the intensity of the stimulus in humans. CO2 primarily recruited polymodal afferents and weakly excited cold‐sensitive fibres in the cat's cornea.

Heat stimuli evoked in humans a sensation profile similar to CO2 but accompanied by a warmth component. In the cat's cornea, heat excited only polymodal fibres and silenced cold‐sensitive corneal units.

Cold stimuli applied to the human cornea elicited a sensation of cooling that became irritant at the lowest temperatures. Corneal cold‐sensitive fibres of the cat were activated in a manner proportional to the temperature drop, while polymodal nociceptor fibres were recruited only by the lowest temperatures. Topical menthol (0.2 mm) applied to humans evoked and later eliminated cold sensations produced by cold stimuli while the irritation sensation caused by low temperature stimuli still persisted.

Human subjects were able to identify masked mechanical, thermal and chemical stimuli applied to the cornea.

Irritation and cold sensations can therefore be evoked separately from the cornea by selective activation of mechanosensory, polymodal and cold corneal sensory afferents. Stimulation with different forms of energy usually leads to combined activation and/or inhibition of the different populations of sensory afferent fibres, evoking blended sensations that include irritation and thermal components in a variable degree.
Medullary respiratory neurones and control of laryngeal motoneurones during fictive eupnoea and cough in the cat
Authors: Baekey David M. , Morris Kendall F. , Gestreau Christian , Li Zhongzeng , Lindsey Bruce G. , Shannon Roger
Published: August 2004

This study addressed the hypothesis that ventrolateral medullary respiratory neurones participate in the control of laryngeal motoneurones during both eupnoea and coughing.

Data were obtained from 28 mid‐collicular decerebrated, artificially ventilated cats. Cough‐like motor patterns (fictive cough) in phrenic, lumbar and recurrent laryngeal nerves were elicited by mechanical stimulation of the intrathoracic trachea. Microelectrode arrays were used to monitor simultaneously several neurones in the ventral respiratory group, including the Bötzinger and pre‐Bötzinger complexes. Spike trains were evaluated for responses during fictive cough and evidence of functional connectivity with spike‐triggered averages of efferent recurrent laryngeal nerve activity.

Primary features were observed in averages triggered by 94 of 332 (28 %) neurones. An offset biphasic wave with a positive time lag was present in the unrectified average for 10 inspiratory and 13 expiratory neurones. These trigger neurones were respectively identified as inspiratory laryngeal motoneurones with augmenting, decrementing, plateau and ‘other’ discharge patterns, and expiratory laryngeal motoneurones with decrementing firing patterns.

Rectified averages triggered by inspiratory neurones included 37 offset peaks, 11 central peaks and one offset trough. Averages triggered by expiratory neurones had 12 offset peaks, six central peaks and four offset troughs. Relationships inferred from these features included premotor actions of inspiratory neurones with augmenting, decrementing, plateau and ‘other’ patterns on inspiratory laryngeal motoneurones, and premotor actions of decrementing and ‘other’ expiratory neurones on expiratory laryngeal motoneurones. Corresponding changes in neuronal firing patterns during fictive cough supported these inferences.

The data confirm and extend previous results on the control of laryngeal motoneurones during eupnoea and support the hypothesis that the same premotor neurones help to shape motoneurone firing patterns during both eupnoea and coughing.
A mechanism for increased contractile strength of human pennate muscle in response to strength training: changes in muscle architecture
Authors: Aagaard Per , Andersen Jesper L. , Dyhre‐Poulsen Poul , Leffers Anne‐Mette , Wagner Aase , Magnusson S. Peter , Halkjær‐Kristensen Jens , Simonsen Erik B.
Published: August 2004

In human pennate muscle, changes in anatomical cross‐sectional area (CSA) or volume caused by training or inactivity may not necessarily reflect the change in physiological CSA, and thereby in maximal contractile force, since a simultaneous change in muscle fibre pennation angle could also occur.

Eleven male subjects undertook 14 weeks of heavy‐resistance strength training of the lower limb muscles. Before and after training anatomical CSA and volume of the human quadriceps femoris muscle were assessed by use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), muscle fibre pennation angle (θp) was measured in the vastus lateralis (VL) by use of ultrasonography, and muscle fibre CSA (CSAfibre) was obtained by needle biopsy sampling in VL.

Anatomical muscle CSA and volume increased with training from 77.5 ± 3.0 to 85.0 ± 2.7 cm2 and 1676 ± 63 to 1841 ± 57 cm3, respectively (±s.e.m.). Furthermore, VL pennation angle increased from 8.0 ± 0.4 to 10.7 ± 0.6 deg and CSAfibre increased from 3754 ± 271 to 4238 ± 202 μm2. Isometric quadriceps strength increased from 282.6 ± 11.7 to 327.0 ± 12.4 N m.

A positive relationship was observed between θp and quadriceps volume prior to training (r = 0.622). Multifactor regression analysis revealed a stronger relationship when θp and CSAfibre were combined (R= 0.728). Post‐training increases in CSAfibre were related to the increase in quadriceps volume (r = 0.749).

Myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform distribution (type I and II) remained unaltered with training.

VL muscle fibre pennation angle was observed to increase in response to resistance training. This allowed single muscle fibre CSA and maximal contractile strength to increase more (+16 %) than anatomical muscle CSA and volume (+10 %).

Collectively, the present data suggest that the morphology, architecture and contractile capacity of human pennate muscle are interrelated, in vivo. This interaction seems to include the specific adaptation responses evoked by intensive resistance training.
Role of phosphate and calcium stores in muscle fatigue
Authors: Allen D. G. , Westerblad H.
Published: August 2004

Intensive activity of muscles causes a decline in performance, known as fatigue, that is thought to be caused by the effects of metabolic changes on either the contractile machinery or the activation processes. The concentration of inorganic phosphate (Pi) in the myoplasm ([Pi]myo) increases substantially during fatigue and affects both the myofibrillar proteins and the activation processes. It is known that a failure of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release contributes to fatigue and in this review we consider how raised [Pi]myo contributes to this process. Initial evidence came from the observation that increasing [Pi]myo causes reduced SR Ca2+ release in both skinned and intact fibres. In fatigued muscles the store of releasable Ca2+ in the SR declines mirroring the decline in SR Ca2+ release. In muscle fibres with inoperative creatine kinase the rise of [Pi]myo is absent during fatigue and the failure of SR Ca2+ release is delayed. These results can all be explained if inorganic phosphate can move from the myoplasm into the SR during fatigue and cause precipitation of CaPi within the SR. The relevance of this mechanism in different types of fatigue in humans is considered.
Glucose, exercise and insulin: emerging concepts
Authors: Richter Erik A. , Derave Wim , Wojtaszewski Jørgen F. P.
Published: August 2004

Physical exercise induces a rapid increase in the rate of glucose uptake in the contracting skeletal muscles. The enhanced membrane glucose transport capacity is caused by a recruitment of glucose transporters (GLUT4) to the sarcolemma and t‐tubules. This review summarises the recent progress in the understanding of signals that trigger GLUT4 translocation in contracting muscle. The possible involvement of calcium, protein kinase C (PKC), nitric oxide (NO), glycogen and AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) are discussed. Furthermore, the possible mechanisms behind the well‐described improvement of insulin action on glucose uptake and glycogen synthase activity in the post‐exercise period is discussed. It is concluded that both during and following muscle contractions, glycogen emerges as an important modulator of signalling events in glucose metabolism.
Local Ca2+ transients and distribution of BK channels and ryanodine receptors in smooth muscle cells of guinea‐pig vas deferens and urinary bladder
Authors: Ohi Yoshiaki , Yamamura Hisao , Nagano Norihiro , Ohya Susumu , Muraki Katsuhiko , Watanabe Minoru , Imaizumi Yuji
Published: August 2004

The relationship between Ca2+ sparks spontaneously occurring at rest and local Ca2+ transients elicited by depolarization was analysed using two‐dimensional confocal Ca2+ images of single smooth muscle cells isolated from guinea‐pig vas deferens and urinary bladder. The current activation by these Ca2+ events was also recorded simultaneously under whole‐cell voltage clamp.

Spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs) and Ca2+ sparks were simultaneously detected at ‐40 mV in approximately 50 % of myocytes of either type. Ca2+ sparks and corresponding STOCs occurred repetitively in several discrete sites in the subplasmalemmal area. Large conductance Ca2+‐dependent K+ (BK) channel density in the plasmalemma near the Ca2+ spark sites generating STOCs was calculated to be 21 channels μm−2.

When myocytes were depolarized from ‐60 to 0 mV, several local Ca2+ transients were elicited within 20 ms in exactly the same peripheral sites where sparks occurred at rest. The local Ca2+ transients often lasted over 300 ms and spread into other areas. The appearance of local Ca2+ transients occurred synchronously with the activation of Ca2+‐dependent K+ current (IK,Ca).

Immunofluorescence staining of the BK channel α‐subunit (BKα) revealed a spot‐like pattern on the plasmalemma, in contrast to the uniform staining of voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channel α1C subunits along the plasmalemma. Ryanodine receptor (RyR) immunostaining also suggested punctate localization predominantly in the periphery. Double staining of BKα and RyRs revealed spot‐like co‐localization on/beneath the plasmalemma.

Using pipettes of relatively low resistance, inside‐out patches that included both clustered BK channels at a density of over 20 channels μm−2 and functional Ca2+ storage sites were obtained at a low probability of ≈5 %. The averaged BK channel density was 3‐4 channels μm−2 in both types of myocyte.

These results support the idea that a limited number of discrete sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) fragments in the subplasmalemmal area play key roles in the control of BK channel activity in two ways: (i) by generating Ca2+ sparks at rest to activate STOCs and (ii) by generating Ca2+ transients presumably triggered by sparks during an action potential to activate a large IK,Ca and also induce a contraction. BK channels and RyRs may co‐localize densely at the junctional areas of plasmalemma and SR fragments, where Ca2+ sparks occur to elicit STOCs.
Assessment of MEDLINE search strategies for randomized controlled trials in prosthodontics
Authors: Dumbrigue Herman B. , Esquivel Josephine F. , Jones Jack S.
Published: August 2004

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and precision of MEDLINE search strategies for detecting randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in prosthodontics.

Materials and Methods A list of RCTs was obtained by hand‐searching the International Journal of Prosthodontics, Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, and Journal of Prosthodontics published between 1988 and 1997. RCTs identified served as the “gold standard” with which different MEDLINE search strategies were compared. Subject headings, keywords, MEDLINE checktags, publication types, and combinations thereof were used, and their results were compared with the “gold standard.”

Results Sensitivity ranged from 9% to 67%, specificity was at least 96% for all searches, and precision ranged from 22% to 59%. The most productive searches were by publication type clinical trial and publication type randomized controlled trial. Combining search terms did not improve sensitivity for detecting RCTs published in prosthodontic journals (p > .10).

Conclusions These findings support the need for more detailed reporting of trial methodologies to facilitate accurate indexing of prosthodontic articles in MEDLINE.
Mandibular implant overdenture treatment: Consensus and controversy
Authors: Burns David R.
Published: August 2004

A literature review of implant overdenture treatment for the edentulous mandible is presented. The report focuses on the knowledge base for this treatment modality, in an effort to distinguish between areas that are well characterized and enjoy a higher level of consensus among practitioners as compared with those that are more controversial and not clearly understood.
Improved laboratory results for fixed restorations using sequential tooth preparation
Authors: Eggleston David W.
Published: August 2004

Laboratory reference guides provided by the dentist help ensure optimum results in fixed prosthodontics. A technique is described in which a master cast is made before preparation of the last tooth to be treated. Through this technique, the laboratory prescription includes the dimensions of the new restorations in relation to those of the unprepared tooth replica on the master cast. Thus, the technician is afforded not only a precise guide to restoration contour and size, but also a helpful pretreatment record of the patient's vertical dimension.
Comparison of cutting rates among single‐patient‐use and multiple‐patient‐use diamond burs
Authors: Pilcher Elizabeth S. , Tietge James D. , Draughn Robert A.
Published: August 2004

Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare the volumetric cutting rates of 6 cylindrical‐shaped single‐patient‐use and 2 cylindrical‐shaped multiple‐patient‐use diamond burs using a machinable ceramic material. The degree of wear among burs from each type was also compared using scanning electron microscopy.

Materials and Methods Six types of single‐patient‐use diamond burs and 2 types of multiple‐patient‐use diamond burs with similar cylindrical shape and dimensions were selected. Five burs of each type were evaluated using a high‐speed handpiece mounted on a custom testing device. Using a 6‐mm cutting length of each bur, 20 cuts, each 12.2‐mm long, were made at exactly one half the diameter of the bur. Mean volumetric cutting rate through the ceramic substrate for Cuts 1 through 20 was calculated for each bur type in cubic millimeters prepared per second. A repeated measures analysis of variance (α= 0.05) and post hoc one‐way analysis of variance with Scheffé's test was used to compare cutting rates among bur types for Cuts 2, 10, and 20. The topography of one bur from each group was evaluated with scanning electron microscopy after Cut 2 and again after Cut 20.

Results For Cut 2, the mean cutting rates ranged from 3.3 to 5.3 mm3/s. The mean cutting rates for all bur types decreased approximately 20% by Cut 20. Bur type and length of use significantly influenced cutting rate (p < .002). However, only one type of single‐patient‐use diamond bur had a significantly lower mean cutting rate after Cuts 2, 10, and 20, compared with other single‐ and multiple‐patient‐use diamond burs. Scanning electron microscopy showed all burs exhibited wear of diamond particles, as well as loss of diamond particles and binder.

Conclusions Five of six single‐patient‐use diamond burs had mean volumetric cutting rates through a ceramic that were similar to 2 multiple‐patient‐use diamonds for as many as 20 cuts. The gradual reduction in cutting rate during the 20 cuts for all bur types was a result of bur wear.
Effect of different high‐palladium metal‐ceramic alloys on the color of opaque porcelain
Authors: Stavridakis Minos M. , Papazoglou Efstratios , Seghi Robert R. , Johnston William M. , Brantley William A.
Published: August 2004

Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of different high‐palladium alloys on the resulting color of opaque porcelain. Three Pd‐Cu‐Ga alloys, Spartan Plus (S; Williams Dental Co/Division of Ivoclar North America, Amhest, NY), Liberty (B; J.F. Jelenko & Co, Armonk, NY), and Freedom Plus (F; J.F. Jelenko & Co); 4 Pd‐Ga alloys, Legacy (L; J.F. Jelenko & Co), IS 85 (I; Williams Dental Co), Protocol (P; Williams Dental Co), and Legacy XT (X; J.F. Jelenko & Co); and a Pd‐Ag alloy, Super Star (T; J.F. Jelenko & Co), were examined. The Au‐Pd alloy Olympia (O; J.F. Jelenko & Co) served as the control.

Materials and Methods Three cast 16‐mm discs, 1‐mm thick, were prepared from each of the alloys. After metallurgically polishing and air‐abrading, the specimens were oxidized following the manufacturer's recommendations. Shade B1 opaque porcelain (Vita‐Omega; Vident, Baldwin Park, CA) was applied at a final thickness of 0.1 mm using a mold. After 2 opaque porcelain firing cycles, the surfaces were air‐abraded. The colors of the specimens were measured using a colorimeter and expressed in Commission International de l'Eclairage (CIE) L*a*b* coordinates. Color differences (ΔE) were determined between the control and each experimental group. Analysis of Variance and Tukey‐Kramer tests were performed on the ΔE data.

Results The 3 Pd‐Cu‐Ga alloys showed significantly greater (p < .01) ΔE values (S = 2.8 ± 1.1, B = 3.0 ± 0.6, and F = 2.1 ± 0.2) than the remaining 5 experimental groups (L = 0.7 ± 0.5, I = 0.7 ± 0.4, P = 0.7 ± 0.2, X = 0.7 ± 0.4, and T = 0.7 ± 0.5). The directions of the significant color changes were relatively equally distributed along the L*, a*, and b* axes, and all ΔL*, Δa*, and Δb* values were negative (lower value, more green and blue relative to control O).

Conclusions This work suggests that a 0.1‐mm‐thick layer of opaque porcelain in the Pd‐Cu‐Ga alloys studied, did not reliably reproduce the color of porcelain.
The auricular impression: An alternate technique
Authors: Mathews Mark F. , Sutton Alan J. , Smith Rick M.
Published: August 2004

Several conditions necessitate surgical or prosthetic ear reconstruction. If an auricular prosthesis is planned, accurate impressions of both the affected and unaffected ears are essential. This article describes a technique that uses a wax‐customized, rigid impression tray and irreversible hydrocolloid to minimize distortion during the procedure.
Some Irreverent Thoughts on Paradox
Authors: DELL PAUL F.
Published: August 2004

There is currently great interest in the use of paradox in psychotherapy. Unfortunately, there is also considerable confusion and misunderstanding of paradox, owing, in part, to the lack of a comprehensive theory that explains the role of paradox in human problems. This paper does not address itself to such theory but explores some cultural and epistemological components of therapists' misperceptions and misattributions of “paradox.”
Living in with Normal Families
Authors: HANSEN CONNIE
Published: August 2004

Connie Hansen participated in my project, “Methodology for Studying Family Interaction,” in the mid 1960s. One of the purposes of that project was to compare several groups of families, including “normals.” Connie suggested that it might provide a rich source of data if she were to “live in” with a few of the “normal” families and observe them day to day on their own territory. (A year or so before, Dr. Jules Henry had given a talk to the MRI staff about living‐in with “schizogenic” families, and I believe that Connie had discussed her idea with him.)

Connie was an experienced family therapist — she was one of Virginia Satir's first students — and a most perceptive observer. She lived with three “normal” families for a week each during 1966–67; she was excited by the wealth of material and exhausted by the experience. She tried to develop a group of central themes from her data and gave me a preliminary draft of a paper in 1969. It clearly contained a number of important observations about the complexities and subtleties of family systems and some beginning attempts at conceptualization. She struggled for years to clarify and elaborate on her material. Several times she sent me portions and fragments of new drafts, each with additional insights, but she was never satisfied with her efforts.

It seems a fitting tribute to Connie — she died early in 1979 — to attempt to put together her various drafts. We wanted to publish this very important material in a readable form and yet still preserve the immediateness, enthusiasm, and vividness of her observations. I hope, that if she were to read it, she would not be overly critical of this final draft.

JULES RISKIN, M.D.

It is a special privilege for me to participate in this posthumous publication of Connie Hansen's unique contribution to the further knowledge of family interaction. She died before the material could be published.

I feel particular gratitude to the young woman who entered my first training program in 1961 at the Mental Research Institute. This was a time when such training seemed “far out” and was regarded as “probably only a fad.” She was willing to face the risks inherent to her professional standing by choosing to do this training.

It was this same courage together with her imagination and curiosity and her willingness to document her experience without judging it that resulted in the article now being published.

Farewell, Connie, and thank you for your presence in my life.

VIRGINIA M.SATIR
In Pursuit of Sisterhood: Adult as a Resource for Combined Individual and Family Therapy
Authors: KAHN MICHAEL D. , BANK STEPHEN
Published: August 2004

Therapists traditionally view brothers and sisters as rivalrous and self‐seeking. Under carefully arranged conditions, however, siblings can learn to cooperate with each other to resolve important conflicts in family relationships.

This case documents a dramatic change in the relationship between a 29‐year‐old woman and her father, the outcome of a three‐step therapeutic intervention in which sibling dynamics were selectively used by the psychotherapist. As part of her individual therapy, the therapist first aroused the woman's discontent with her status as the neglected “baby of the family.” Next, a series of meetings were held with the woman and her three sisters that permitted resolution of their previous anger and misunderstandings, thus helping them to become a more cohesive group of sisters. The third step brought the sisters, now as allies both of the identified patient and of the therapist, into a constructive confrontation with the parents. This resulted in lasting personal change for the identified patient and improved relationships throughout the entire family.
Family Therapy With Irish‐Americans
Authors: MC GOLDRICK MONICA , PEARCE JOHN K.
Published: August 2004

This paper presents a paradigm for understanding the cultural values and family patterns of Irish‐American families and offers suggestions for clinical intervention. Families' correspondence to the model described will depend upon their level of acculturation, socioeconomic status, and other contextual factors. The paradigm suggests a number of issues that may create difficulties for the therapist and for the family in therapy. In general, behavioral techniques, Bowen systems therapy, and strategic interventions may be more useful than techniques emphasizing expression of emotions in therapy or direct attempts to alter communication or family behavior in therapy sessions, as used in structural therapy.
Engaging “Resistant” Families in Treatment
Authors: Duncan Stanton M. , Todd Thomas C.
Published: August 2004

Many families, when presented with the option of family therapy, are less than eager to participate. This paper comprises the second and third parts of a series on engaging “resistant” families.1 Part II presents 21 principles and a number of techniques and strategies that have been developed for successfuly recruiting such families. These techniques should be applicable for engaging resistant families with all types of presenting problems.

Part III provides an analysis of the important variables involved, along with data on cost efficiency and administrative costs. It was found that when therapists had administrative control of their cases, serving in dual roles as both therapists and drug counselors, the recruitment effort was (a) more effective (i.e., complete families, including both parents or parent surrogates, were recruited in 77 per cent of the cases), and (b) twice as cost efficient. Two‐thirds of the non‐engaged families were not recruited because the index patient would not allow family members to be contacted. Black families were more difficult to recruit than whites. Data on cost efficiency and on the actual administrative costs of recruiting families are also provided.

We conclude that the engagement process requires a revision in therapeutic philosophy, since such families are often desperately in need of help but are unavailable unless therapists make a special effort to reach them.
Families and Adolescent Drug Abuse: Structural Analysis of Children's Roles
Authors: CLEVELAND MARTHA
Published: August 2004

This paper presents an analysis of sibling roles in families that have problems related to adolescent chemical abuse. It is based on material gathered during an exploratory research project directed toward structural evaluation of these families. The analysis identifies even sibling roles. The roles of Parental Child, Good Child, and Symptomatic Child are characterized as those with major structural impact. Four auxiliary roles of child Advocate, Analyst, Peacemaker, and Therapist are also described. Structural implications of sibling roles are discussed and suggestions for clinical intervention are presented.
J.L. Moreno: An Unrecognized Pioneer of Family Therapy
Authors: Compernolle Theo
Published: August 2004

J.L. Moreno's fundamental and pioneering contributions to the development of group therapy, encounter, transactional analysis, and especially psychodrama are well known. However, most family therapists seem unacquainted with the fact that from his earliest writings in 1923 J.L. Moreno developed an interactional view of psychotherapy that in 1973 already resulted in formulations of a true systems orientation and very concrete ideas about marital therapy, family therapy, and network therapy. He probably is the first (1937!) therapist that actually involved a husband's lover in conjoint marital therapy. His general theoretical formulations about the pathology of interpersonal relations as well as his practical suggestions for the therapy of the interpersonal relations seem to be insufficiently known to workers and researchers in the field of family therapy.
A Methodological Study of a Measure of Family Cohesion
Authors: BILBRO THOMAS L. , DREYER ALBERT S.
Published: August 2004

Olson, Bell, and Portner (11) have recently developed a measure of family adaptability and cohesion (The Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales). This study is a critical evaluation of the construction of the cohesion subscale of this instrument. Included is a partial replication of the original work of Olson et al. (11). Some problems with this subscale and its construction are pointed out, and a subset of the original items is presented and discussed. Some implications of these results for the conceptualization of the nature of family cohesion are also discussed.
Challenges and Promises of Training Women as Family Systems Therapists
Authors: CAUST BARBARA L. , LIBOW JUDITH A. , RASKIN PAMELA A.
Published: August 2004

The structural/strategic family therapy model has drawn increasing numbers of women practitioners attracted not only by its effectiveness but by the opportunity to function in an active, orchestrative, flexible role. Traditional sex‐role training, family and supervisor expectations, and patriarchal institutional structures pose particular challenges to the female family therapist and trainee. This paper explores several critical problem areas for women learning to function in this role, including the expression of authority, countertransference, sexual politics of supervision, and boundary issues. Particular content areas of focus for didactic training and common sex‐role difficulties in the supervision process are delineated. The discussion underscores the need for assessment and intervention skills not only in small family systems but in larger institutional structures as well in order to enhance the professional development and effectiveness of women in the family therapy field at all levels.
Family Therapy Training in Clinical Psychology Programs
Authors: COOPER AARON , RAMPAGE CHERYL , SOUCY GERALD
Published: August 2004

In a national questionnaire survey of graduate programs offering the Ph.D. or Psy.D. in clinical psychology, the status of family therapy training was examined. With a 79 per cent response rate (102 programs), the study found that 10 per cent of the nationwide faculty identified themselves as primarily family therapy oriented, 32 per cent of the programs had no family‐oriented faculty members, 18 per cent of all psychotherapy courses were family therapy courses, and 21 per cent of the schools had no family therapy course. The ratings of the importance of providing students with family therapy training were found to be unrelated to the number of family therapy courses available but positively correlated with the percentage of family therapy courses within the total curriculum.
Beyond Homeostasis: Toward a Concept of Coherence
Authors: DELL PAUL F.
Published: August 2004

The concept of homeostasis has served as a major building block, if not the cornerstone, of family theory and family therapy. Designed to account for the perceived stability of systems (and symptoms), homeostasis is an epistemologically flawed concept that has repetitively been used in the service of dualistic, animistic, and vitalistic interpretations of systems. Accordingly, homeostasis has led to quirky clinical formulations and a great deal of fuzzy theorizing. This paper contends that the notion of homeostasis is fundamentally inconsistent with systemic epistemology and should be replaced with the more compatible concept of coherence. Whereas homeostasis is a heuristic concept that is not part of a more encompassing theory, the concept of coherence is inseparable from the epistemology in which it is embedded.
Some Conceptual Distinctions Are More Useful Than Others
Authors: DE SHAZER STEVE
Published: August 2004

Useful distinctions in conceptual schemes lead to explanatory or descriptive metaphors that have a clear form. Muddles, on the other hand, are created when useful distinctions that could be drawn are not or when an unnecessary distinction is drawn. The field of family therapy, now involved in an explicit epistemological and paradigmatic shift, has various muddles of each kind. The purpose of this essay is to describe some of these muddles and to suggest that making a distinction between “the study of the family‐as‐a‐system” and “the study of family‐therapy‐as‐a‐system” leads to some useful and clear metaphors.
Paradox as Epistemological Jump
Authors: ROSENBAUM ROBERT L.
Published: August 2004

Recent articles on paradoxical interventions tend to view them as something given by a therapist to a patient, thus unintentionally adopting a unidirectional view of causality and an outmoded epistemology. It is postulated that change takes place in the context of a patient‐therapist relationship and that when that relationship becomes paradoxical it becomes more difficult for the patient to view himself as a reified “thing.” Paradox effects change, then, by altering the meaning of experience and modifying epistemological assumptions.
Team Family Therapy Training: Conceptual and Pragmatic Considerations
Authors: HEATH ANTHONY W.
Published: August 2004

This paper presents a family therapy training model that can be used to teach conceptual and executive skills to beginning therapists in community and academic settings. The model is based on the organization and philosophy of family therapy teams and the methods of live supervision. The goals, structure, and leadership of traditional family therapy teams are discussed and contrasted with the proposed team training model. Pragmatic details of the training program are described and advantages and disadvantages explored. Team leadership skills are categorized by context and future directions proposed.
A Structural Approach to the Single‐Parent Family
Authors: WELTNER JOHN S.
Published: August 2004

Although the single‐parent family is becoming a predominant family structure, there is a surprising scarcity of articles discussing its typical problems or detailing specific therapeutic approaches. This paper attempts, first, to list some core problems encountered by all single parents and, second, to present a sequence of therapeutic approaches geared toward dealing with these problems.

Structural theory, with its emphasis on subsystems, generational boundaries, and organizational patterns, provides a framework for viewing the built‐in vulnerabilities of the single‐parent family unit. Minuchin's (3) emphasis on generational boundaries and the problem of enmeshment underlies the theoretical and therapeutic approach presented here. I have drawn heavily on Haley's (2) idea that the therapist must be an authority, a problem‐solver, and a teacher. Finally, the emphasis on creating new organizational patterns is most thoroughly explored in Aponte's (1) discussions of “underorganized families” (many of whom are single‐parent families).
One‐ to Three‐Session Therapy With Children and Families
Authors: WELTNER JOHN S.
Published: August 2004

Individuals or families occasionally “leave therapy” after only one or several sessions, claiming to have gotten what they needed. Although such experiences are often considered treatment failures, there is growing evidence that such brief contacts can in fact produce changes as thorough and meaningful as those seen in long‐term treatment. The few studies exploring such brief encounters suggest the long‐range effectiveness of one‐session treatment across diagnostic categories. Examples of one‐ to three‐session treatment in the individual and family therapy literature are cited. Three of the author's cases are described, illustrating one style of intervention. Is such treatment merely palliative, or can it deal with “underlying” causal issues? How can significant change occur within the structure of one to three hours? These issues are discussed within the framework of psychoanalytic and family systems theories of symptom formation and symptom maintenance.
An Empirical Typology of Dyadic Formation
Authors: FILSINGER ERIK E. , McAVOY PHILIP , LEWIS ROBERT A.
Published: August 2004

The background of and justification for empirical typologies are outlined. Various family typologies are discussed. Data from a random sample of 291 couples are subjected to a cluster analysis on the dyadic interaction, dyadic preference, dyadic stability, and identification as a pair by others of the couple. Seven types of dyadic formation were found: Uncommitted; Structurally Isolated, Wife‐Supported; Self‐Selected Committed; Structurally Committed; Vital; Unformed; and Wife‐Removed. The types are shown to differ on value consensus and couple happiness, as well as on some background factors. The contribution of the work to theories of dyadic formation and family typologies is discussed.
Live Supervision as Context, Treatment, and Training
Authors: BERGER MICHAEL , DAMMANN CARRELL
Published: August 2004

This paper describes the live supervision context and elucidates its advantages for training and treatment, particularly in structural and strategic therapy. In addition, a predictable progression of trainee reactions to live supervision is presented, as is a sequence of supervisory methods designed to meet the changing needs of trainees.
Family Therapy Training: An Evaluation of a Workshop
Authors: Churven Peter , McKinnon Tom
Published: August 2004

This article describes the methodology and results of an evaluation of family therapy training workshops. Cognitive skills were measured by written answers about a case history and intervention skills by the rating of videotaped interviews. Improvement was found on both variables, but cognitive and intervention skill levels and development were not related. These results have implications for training and job selection procedures.
The “Second Wave” and the Second Generation: Characteristics of New Leaders in Family Therapy
Authors: THAXTON LYN , L'ABATE LUCIANO
Published: August 2004

A citation analysis method was used to determine family therapists who have become influential since the pioneering era of the 1950s and 1960s. Demographic information reveals a wide variety of education and experience, with clinical psychologists more prevalent than in the past.
Microhabitat use by Iberian nase Chondrostoma polylepis and Iberian chub Squalius carolitertii in three small streams, north‐west Portugal
Authors: Santos J. M. , Godinho F. N. , Ferreira M. T.
Published: August 2004

Abstract –  Microhabitat use of Iberian nase Chondrostoma polylepis (Steindachner 1865) and Iberian chub Squalius carolitertii (Doadrio 1988) was studied in three small streams of the Lima basin, north‐west Portugal. Measurements were made for 210 and 248 individuals, respectively, distributed in two size classes, based on fish ages, during winter, spring, summer and autumn 1998. Both species moved to shallow and slow‐flowing microhabitats in summer and autumn, but this mainly reflected seasonal variation in microhabitat availability. Larger individuals of both species used deeper and lower percentage cover areas than smaller conspecifics, however significant ontogenetic differences were only found for water velocity. Different patterns of nonrandom microhabitat use were displayed by both cyprinids. Larger I. nase were in deeper and more discovered waters than those available in the habitat, whereas I. chub was over‐represented in slow‐flowing areas. There was no evidence of interspecific competition for microhabitat, therefore it is unlikely that spatial resource was limited during the present study.
Effects of lipid extraction on stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses of fish tissues: potential consequences for food web studies
Authors: Sotiropoulos M. A. , Tonn W. M. , Wassenaar L. I.
Published: August 2004

Abstract –  We examined whether solvent‐based lipid extractions, commonly used for stable isotope analysis (SIA) of biota, alters δ15N or δ13C values of fish muscle tissue or whole juvenile fish. Lipid extraction from muscle tissue led to only small (<1‰) isotope shifts in δ13C and δ15N values. By contrast, ecologically significant shifts (+3.4‰ for δ13C and +2.8‰ for δ15N) were observed for whole juvenile fish. Sample variance was not affected by lipid extraction. For tissue‐specific SIA, two sample aliquots may be required: a lipid‐extracted aliquot for stable carbon isotope analysis when differing lipid content among tissues is a concern, and a nonextracted aliquot for δ15N determination. Whole organism SIA is not recommended because of the mix of tissues having different turnover times; for very small fish, we recommend that fish be eviscerated, decapitated, and skinned to minimise differences with samples of muscle tissue.
Alpine and Apennine barriers determining the differentiation of the rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus L.) in the Italian peninsula
Authors: Stefani F. , Galli P. , Crosa G. , Zaccara S. , Calamari D.
Published: August 2004

Abstract –  A phylogeographic study of rudd Scardinius erythrophthalmus L. (Pisces: cyprinidae) was addressed to determine the differentiation of Italian populations in relation to the presence of mountain barriers, which identify two biogeographic districts (Padano‐Venetian, Tuscano‐Latium). At this scope, 409 bp long sequences of mtDNa cytochrome b gene were obtained from Italian and central European samples. Italian rudds phylogeny showed low level of divergence which although resulted from the central European haplotypes. The genetic structure of haplotypes in the studied districts revealed a significant recent fragmentation event. The Padano‐Venetian populations showed patterns of past range expansion caused by the specie dispersion by river connections occurred during Pleistocene. This pattern provides evidence for (i) the role of Alps as a barrier for rudd dispersion; (ii) a significant genetic structure among the studied districts related to recent isolation events by the Apennine barrier; (iii) the role of Pleistocene sea level variations in determining phylogeography of the Padano‐Venetian populations.
Longitudinal segregation of Astyanax janeiroensis in Rio Ubatiba: a Neotropical stream of south‐east Brazil
Authors: Mazzoni R. , Schubart S. A. , Iglesias‐Rios R.
Published: August 2004

Abstract –  In this study, we explored patterns of size and abundance of Astyanax janeiroensis in Rio Ubatiba (Rio de Janeiro, south‐east Brazil) in relation to reproduction. A. janeiroensis broadcast their eggs in the water column throughout the year. Samples at seven sites conducted every second month from July 1994 to August 1995 revealed a predominance of larger adult specimens upstream and immature juveniles downstream. We hypothesize that upstream movements of adult individuals is a response to drifting of eggs and larvae.
Melatonin reduces dimethylnitrosamine‐induced liver fibrosis in rats
Authors: Tahan Veysel , Ozaras Resat , Canbakan Billur , Uzun Hafize , Aydin Seval , Yildirim Beytullah , Aytekin Huseyin , Ozbay Gulsen , Mert Ali , Senturk Hakan
Published: August 2004

Abstract:  Increased deposition of the extracellular matrix components, particularly collagen, is a central phenomenon in liver fibrosis. Stellate cells, the central mediators in the pathogenesis of fibrosis are activated by free radicals, and synthesize collagen. Melatonin is a potent physiological scavenger of hydroxyl radicals. Melatonin has also been shown to be involved in the inhibitory regulation of collagen content in tissues. At present, no effective treatment of liver fibrosis is available for clinical use. We aimed to test the effects of melatonin on dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)‐induced liver damage in rats. Wistar albino rats were injected with DMN intraperitoneally. Following a single dose of 40 mg/kg DMN, either saline (DMN) or 100 mg/kg daily melatonin was administered for 14 days. In other rats, physiologic saline or melatonin were injected for 14 days, following a single injection of saline as control. Hepatic fibrotic changes were evaluated biochemically by measuring tissue hydroxyproline levels and histopathogical examination. Malondialdehyde (MDA), an end product of lipid peroxidation, and glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were evaluated in blood and tissue homogenates. DMN caused hepatic fibrotic changes, whereas melatonin suppressed these changes in five of 14 rats (P < 0.05). DMN administration resulted in increased hydroxyproline and MDA levels, and decreased GSH and SOD levels, whereas melatonin reversed these effects. When melatonin was administered alone, no significant changes in biochemical parameters were noted. In conclusion, the present study suggests that melatonin functions as a potent fibrosuppressant and antioxidant, and may be a therapeutic choice.