bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wide variation of prostate‐specific antigen doubling time of untreated, clinically localized, low‐to‐intermediate grade, prostate carcinoma
Authors: Choo Richard , Klotz Laurence , Deboer Gerrit , Danjoux Cyril , Morton Gerard C.
Published: August 2004

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prostate specific antigen (PSA) doubling time of untreated, clinically localized, low‐to‐intermediate grade prostate carcinoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective single‐arm cohort study has been in progress since November 1995 to assess the feasibility of a watchful‐observation protocol with selective delayed intervention for clinically localized, low‐to‐intermediate grade prostate adenocarcinoma. The PSA doubling time was estimated from a linear regression of ln(PSA) against time, assuming a simple exponential growth model.

RESULTS

As of March 2003, 231 patients had at least 6 months of follow‐up (median 45) and at least three PSA measurements (median 8, range 3–21). The distribution of the doubling time was: <2 years, 26 patients; 2–5 years, 65; 5–10 years, 42; 10–20 years, 26; 20–50 years, 16; >50 years, 56. The median doubling time was 7.0 years; 42% of men had a doubling time of >10 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The doubling time of untreated clinically localized, low‐to‐intermediate grade prostate cancer varies widely.
Prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms in men aged 45–79 years: a population‐based study of 40 000 Swedish men
Authors: Andersson Swen‐Olof , Rashidkhani Bahram , Karlberg Lars , Wolk Alicja , Johansson Jan‐Erik
Published: August 2004

There is a strong epidemiological background to this section. In the first article, a Swedish group assess the prevalence of LUTS in a population‐based study of 40 000 Swedish men aged 45–79 years. The second is a community‐based study from India into the natural history of LUTS. Both papers contain some surprising results which are of interest to urologists, add to the general debate and to our knowledge of the symptoms associated with prostatic disease.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the age‐specific prevalence and severity of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) among Swedish men, the intercorrelations between different symptoms, and to assess quality of life and health‐seeking behaviour among men with LUTS.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

In 1997, an International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire, together with other questions about lifestyle, was mailed to all men aged 45‐79 years living in two counties in Sweden; the analyses included 39 928 men.

RESULTS

Overall, 18.5% and 4.8% of the men were moderately and severely symptomatic; the prevalence of at least one symptom was 83%. LUTS were strongly age‐dependent, with 1.8% of severe symptoms among men aged 45–49 years and increasing to 9.7% among those 75–79 years old. Frequent urination was the most common symptom among men aged <70 years and nocturia among those aged >70 years. Symptoms like hesitancy, poor flow and intermittency were highly correlated with each other (Spearman coefficients 0.56–0.60). There was a high correlation between the IPSS and a poor score for quality of life resulting from the bothersomeness of LUTS (r = 0.70). Among symptomatic subjects, 36% reported a poor quality of life (fairly bad, very bad or terrible). Only 29% of symptomatic subjects (IPSS >7) reported that they had been diagnosed previously for their urinary problems, and only 11% received medication for that.

CONCLUSION

Although the prevalence of LUTS in Sweden is high, the percentage of men whose quality of life is substantially affected is much lower.
Ileal orthotopic neobladder (modified Hautmann) via a shorter detubularized ileal segment: experience and results
Authors: Sevi̇n Güven , Soyupek Sedat , Armağan Abdullah , Hoşcan Mustafa B. , Oksay Taylan
Published: August 2004

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical, urodynamic, functional, radiological and metabolic results of the ileal (modified Hautmann) orthotopic neobladder over 10 years of experience.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 1992 and March 2002, 124 men (mean age 62.4 years, range 44–76) with advanced bladder cancer had a radical cystoprostatectomy and urinary diversion via an ileal orthotopic neobladder (modified Hautmann). Only 40 cm of small bowel (detubularized ileum) was used to construct the reservoir, as a modification of the method described by Hautmann. All patients were followed periodically and their data recorded.

RESULTS

While no patients died during surgery six died (mortality rate was 5%) in the first 30 days afterward (two of them from causes unrelated to the urinary diversion surgery). The early reoperation rate was 14%; there were early complications not requiring surgery in 40 (34%) and later reoperation rate was required in 20.6%. The mean (range) maximum neobladder capacity was 550  (310–720) mL, the maximum intravesical pressure at maximum capacity 26.4 (11–48) cmH2O, and the minimum and maximum flow rates 25.2 (16–64) and 17.5 (11–30) mL/s, respectively. Day‐ and night‐time continence rates were 92% and 90% after 4 years. While there was no electrolyte imbalance, there was mild to moderate metabolic acidosis in 58% of patients. There was no urethral tumour recurrence in any patient.

CONCLUSION

Detubularization of ileum to form a neobladder gives a more favourable low‐pressure and high‐capacity reservoir. Therefore, a shorter ileal segment can be used for orthotopic urinary diversion, to avoid various metabolic dysfunctions when using detubularized bowel, but the surgery is not as free of complications as the original technique.
Ballooning of the foreskin and physiological phimosis: is there any objective evidence of obstructed voiding?
Authors: Babu Ramesh , Harrison Sara K. , Hutton Kim A.R.
Published: August 2004

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether physiological phimosis with or without ballooning of the prepuce is associated with noninvasive urodynamic or radiological evidence of bladder outlet obstruction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From August 2001 to October 2002 all boys with a foreskin problem and referred to one paediatric surgeon were assessed in special clinics. Those with physiological phimosis were recruited for the study and had upper tract and bladder ultrasonography (US), followed by uroflowmetry and US‐determined postvoid residual urine volumes (PVR). Data were compared between boys with and with no ballooning of the prepuce. The project was approved by the local research ethics committee and informed consent was obtained from all study participants.

RESULTS

In all, 54 patients were referred for circumcision; 32 boys with physiological phimosis completed the uroflow and US investigations. Ballooning of the foreskin was present in 18 boys (mean age 6.8 years, range 3–12); 14 had physiological phimosis with no ballooning (mean age 6.5 years, range 4–11). Upper tract US and bladder wall thickness were normal in all boys. The mean maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) was not significantly different in boys with ballooning and those without (mean 15.3 mL/s, sd 4.4, range 9–24, vs 15.4, sd 2.9, range 10.7–20, P = 0.96). In addition, all Qmax values were within the normal range when correlated with voided volume and compared with age‐related nomograms. Most boys had flow rate patterns showing a normal bell‐shaped curve; a few (9%) had subtle changes in the flow‐rate profile, with either a plateau‐type curve or slow initial increase in flow and prolonged time to achieve Qmax. The two groups had comparable mean PVRs (3.5 mL, sd 5.1, range 0–18 with ballooning vs 6.1, sd 10.7, range 0–38 without, P = 0.37). Only one patient had a marginally abnormal PVR.

CONCLUSIONS

Physiological phimosis with or without ballooning of the prepuce is not associated with noninvasive objective measures of obstructed voiding. Minor abnormalities in the flow‐rate pattern in this patient group deserve further study.
Caffeic acid phenethyl ester‐induced PC‐3 cell apoptosis is caspase‐dependent and mediated through the loss of inhibitors of apoptosis proteins
Authors: McEleny Kevin , Coffey Ronan , Morrissey Colm , Fitzpatrick John M. , Watson R. William G.
Published: August 2004

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of a novel agent, caffeic acid phethyl ester (CAPE) on nuclear factor (NF)‐κB activation and apoptosis in the androgen‐independent PC3 prostate cancer cell line.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PC‐3 cells were assessed for NF‐κB activation induced by paclitaxel and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), using a p65 enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, with or without CAPE treatment. The corresponding apoptosis was assessed with propidium iodide DNA staining using flow cytometry. The pan‐caspase inhibitor Z‐VAD‐FMK was used to investigate the mechanism of apoptosis. Alterations in the expression of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAP), cIAP‐1, cIAP‐2 and XIAP, were detected using western blot analysis.

RESULTS

CAPE prevented paclitaxel and TNFα‐mediated NF‐κB activation. Its ability to induce apoptosis in a dose‐dependent manner was associated with the loss of cIAP‐1, cIAP‐2 and XIAP expression. Pretreatment with Z‐VAD‐FMK prevented CAPE‐induced apoptosis and the loss of the IAPs.

CONCLUSIONS

CAPE is an effective inhibitor of NF‐κB activation in PC‐3 cells, but the mechanism of apoptosis, and the corresponding loss of IAP expression, is caspase‐dependent.
The protective effect of aminoguanidine on erectile function in diabetic rats is not related to the timing of treatment
Authors: Usta Mustafa F. , Bivalacqua Trinity J. , Koksal I. Turker , Toptas Behiye , Surmen Sibel , Hellstrom Wayne J.G.
Published: August 2004

OBJECTIVE

To assess the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic rat cavernosal tissue, and to determine whether the protective effect of aminoguanidine (AG) on erectile function is related to the timing of treatment, as the accumulation of AGEs in the penis may be important in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus‐induced erectile dysfunction, and prolonged treatment with AG (a selective AGE inhibitor), prevents erectile dysfunction in this situation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Harlan Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into groups 1–4, i.e. age‐matched controls; STZ diabetic rats (60 mg/kg intraperitoneal) given free access to water; STZ diabetic rats treated with AG (1 g/L per day in the drinking water) immediately after inducing diabetes; and STZ‐diabetic rats treated with AG 1 month after inducing diabetes, respectively. Two months after inducing diabetes the intracavernosal pressure was measured after cavernosal nerve stimulation, and cavernosal AGE (5‐hydroxy methyl furfural, 5‐HMF) levels assessed.

RESULTS

Cavernosal tissue 5‐HMF levels from groups 2 and 4 were significantly higher than in group 1 (control). The expression of 5‐HMF in group 3 was similar to that in group 1. Diabetic rats had significantly lower erectile function than controls, while groups 3 and 4 (treated with AG) had normal erectile function, as measured by cavernosal nerve stimulation.

CONCLUSIONS

The effect of AG on AGE levels seems to be time‐dependent; that the 1‐month treatment with AG improved erectile function with no change in AGEs suggests that AG has protective effects on the penile vasculature through alternative pathways.
The role of a lipido‐sterolic extract of Serenoa repens in the management of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Gerber Glenn S. , Fitzpatrick John M.
Published: August 2004

OBJECTIVE

To examine the clinical profile of medication derived from a lipido‐sterolic extract of Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) for managing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

METHODS

We reviewed clinical trials involving extracts of S. repens, focusing on the benefit/risk ratio in patients with BPH.

RESULTS

S. repens extract significantly reduces the symptoms of BPH, increases urinary flow, improves the quality of life and is well tolerated.

CONCLUSION

Analysis of the overall clinical database indicates that extract of S. repens may be considered a viable first‐line therapy for treating LUTS.
The role of nitric oxide in bladder urothelial injury after bladder outlet obstruction
Authors: Chertin Boris , Rolle Udo , Solari Valeria , Cascio Salvatore , Puri Prem
Published: August 2004

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of nitric oxide (NO) in the pathogenesis of injury to the bladder mucosa after bladder outlet obstruction (BOO).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The response of bladder mucosa to BOO consists of thickening with fibrous connective tissue; NO is a multipurpose messenger important in blood vessel relaxation, neuronal communication and inflammatory activities of macrophages, and is synthesized by NO synthase (NOS), with three distinct isoforms; inducible (iNOS), endothelial (eNOS) and neuronal (nNOS). Fifteen male guinea pigs had a silk ligature placed around the bladder neck to induce BOO; controls included five sham‐operated animals. The animals were killed at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 weeks after BOO. NADPH‐diaphorase staining was used as a nonspecific method to determine NOS isoform distribution. Single‐ and double‐label immunofluorescence histochemistry for iNOS, eNOS, nNOS and macrophage colony stimulating factor (M‐CSF) were used, with laser scanning confocal microscopy to assess the results. The relative amount of iNOS mRNA was evaluated using reverse‐transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), and a standard method to determine the degree of apoptosis.

RESULTS

Bladder mucosa had a markedly increased intensity of NADPH‐diaphorase staining 2 weeks after BOO. iNOS immunoreactivity was markedly greater in the bladder mucosa 2 weeks after BOO than in controls. The immunolocalization of iNOS and M‐CSF was identical in bladder mucosa after BOO. RT‐PCR showed stronger iNOS mRNA expression in the obstructed bladder mucosa 2 weeks after BOO than in controls. eNOS and nNOS expression was detected only 8 weeks after BOO, with markedly more immunoreactivity 12 weeks after initiating BOO. Increased eNOS and nNOS immunoreactivity strongly correlated with the induction of apoptosis in the bladder mucosa.

CONCLUSION

There was overexpression of iNOS by activated macrophages in the early stages of BOO. This overexpression did not induce apoptosis in the iNOS‐expressing cells of bladder mucosa in the early stages. After long‐term BOO bladder mucosa showed strong eNOS and nNOS immunoreactivity, correlating with apoptosis. Thus we suggest that eNOS and nNOS, by triggering cell death, may be important in eliminating hyperplastic urothelial cells, reflecting the plasticity of the bladder response to obstructive stimuli.
Potential effects of climate change on plant species in the Faroe Islands
Authors: Fosaa Anna Maria , Sykes Martin T. , Lawesson Jonas E. , Gaard Magnus
Published: August 2004

Aim  To identify the effect of climate change on selected plant species representative of the main vegetation types in the Faroe Islands. Due to a possible weakening of the North Atlantic Current, it is difficult to predict whether the climate in the Faroe Islands will be warmer or colder as a result of global warming. Therefore, two scenarios are proposed. The first scenario assumes an increase in summer and winter temperature of 2 °C, and the second a decrease in summer and winter temperature of 2 °C.

Location  Temperate, low alpine and alpine areas in the northern and central part of the Faroe Islands.

Methods  The responses of 12 different plant species in the Faroe Islands were tested against measured soil temperature, expressed as Tmin, Tmax, snow cover and growing degree days (GDD), using generalised linear modelling (GLM).

Results  The tolerance to changes in winter soil temperature (0.3–0.8 °C) was found to be lower than the tolerance to changing summer soil temperature (0.7–1.0 °C), and in both cases lower than the predicted climate changes.

Conclusions  The species most affected by a warming scenario are those that are found with a limited distribution restricted to the uppermost parts of the mountains, especially Salix herbacea, Racomitrium fasciculare, and Bistorta vivipara. For other species, the effect will mainly be a general upward migration. The most vulnerable species are those with a low tolerance, especially Calluna vulgaris, and also Empetrum nigrum, and Nardus stricta.

 If the climate in the Faroe Islands should become colder, the most vulnerable species are those at low altitudes. A significantly lower temperature would be expected to produce a serious reduction in the extent of Vaccinium myrtillus and Galium saxatilis. Species like Empetrum nigrum, Nardus stricta, and Calluna vulgaris may also be vulnerable. In any case, these species can be expected to migrate downwards.
Biological correlates of description date in carnivores and primates
Authors: Collen Ben , Purvis Andy , Gittleman John L.
Published: August 2004

Aim To examine which aspects of primates and carnivore biology can be used to predict attributes of species yet to be discovered.

Location Global.

Methods Multiple regressions of phylogenetically independent contrasts and non‐phylogenetic species date of description, on multiple biological predictor variables, formed from previous hypotheses tested in the literature.

Results Orders differ, but both carnivore and primate species with a large geographical range tend to have been discovered earlier. When geographical range is controlled for, body mass is also significantly correlated with description date in carnivores, but remains a poor predictor in primates. No multiple‐predictor model is apparent in the primates, but diurnal species are on average more likely to be described first. Carnivores not endemic to the tropics are more likely to be discovered earlier, reflecting a northern bias in description patterns.

Main conclusions Geographical range is by far the most important predictor variable. The study may have ramifications for conservation hotspot selection: species possessing a small geographical range are least likely to have been described, yet are most heavily weighted in some hotspot selection algorithms.
Balancing Human‐and‐Robot Integration in Building Tasks
Authors: Kahane B. , Rosenfeld Y.
Published: August 2004

Abstract:  In the last two decades, a wide range of robotic systems for interior construction tasks was being examined (mainly by research and development institutions around the world). A main parameter that differentiates between these systems is their level of autonomy. Reducing the level of autonomy of a given robotic system necessitates increasing auxiliary human work. The efficiency of the system as a whole (i.e., robot/s + operator/s + worker/s) must be examined in order to determine the proper balance between robots and human beings. This article presents the development of a methodology for evaluating a robotized construction task by examining and comparing various ways to share the work between robots and human operators and workers. The methodology is demonstrated by implementing it on two interior finishing tasks—block laying and wall painting. Testing these tasks included full‐scale experiments. The detailed analyses of these two applications show the breakeven points of profitable robotic systems, depending on the combination of their own cost, the hourly cost of construction workers, and the expected hourly cost of construction‐robot operators in a given labor market. The results lead to a better understanding of possible human‐and‐robot integration. In particular, this article provides researchers and developers of construction robotics with a systematic approach for evaluation and validation of various ideas prior to investing resources in actual prototypes.
From a Product Model to Visualization: Simulation of Indoor Flows with Lattice‐Boltzmann Methods
Authors: Kühner Siegfried , Crouse Bernd , Rank Ernst , Tölke Jonas , Krafczyk Manfred
Published: August 2004

Abstract:  After a short discussion of different types of models being involved in the process of numerical simulation in civil engineering, we focus on the analysis of indoor air flow through complex geometries. All models are derived from a product data model based on Industry Foundation Classes. Concepts of the Lattice‐Boltzmann method are described, being used as the numerical kernel of our simulation system. We take advantage of spacetrees as a central data structure for all geometry related objects. Finally, we describe some advanced postprocessing and visualization techniques allowing to efficiently analyze huge amounts of simulation data.
Genetic Algorithm‐Simulation Methodology for Pavement Maintenance Scheduling
Authors: Cheu Ruey Long , Wang Ying , Fwa Tien Fang
Published: August 2004

Abstract:  Pavement maintenance activities often involve lane closures, leading to traffic congestion and causing increases in road users' travel times. Scheduling of such activities should minimize the increases in travel times to all the travelers at network level. This article presents a hybrid methodology for scheduling of pavement maintenance activities involving lane closure in a network consisting of freeways and arterials, using genetic algorithm (GA) as an optimization technique, coupled with a traffic‐simulation model to estimate the total travel time of road users in the road network. The application of this scheduling method is demonstrated through a hypothetical problem consisting of assigning three maintenance teams to handle 10 job requests in a network in 1 day. After 10 generations of genetic evolution with a population size of four, the hybrid GA‐simulation model recommended a schedule that reduced the network total travel time by 5.1%, compared to the initial solution.
Efficiency of independence working analysis of correlated survival data with general cluster size
Authors: Manatunga Amita K. , Oakes David
Published: August 2004

We consider estimation of the regression coefficients in the multivariate positive stable frailty model with Weibull marginals introduced by Hougaard (1986). For general cluster sizes and various covariate patterns, we study the efficiency, relative to full maximum likelihood, of estimation from the independence working model and from the fixed effects model.
Scoring bank loans that may go wrong: a case study
Authors: Cramer J. S.
Published: August 2004

A bank employs logistic regression with state‐dependent sample selection to identify loans that may go wrong. The data consist of some 20 000 loans for which a number of conventional accounting ratios of the debtor firm are known; after two years just over 600 have gone wrong. Inspection shows that the state‐dependent sampling technique does not work because the data do not satisfy the standard logit model. Several variants on this model are considered, and it is found that a bounded logit with a ceiling of (far) less than 1 fits the data better. When it comes to their performance in an independent data‐set, however, the differences between the various methods of analysis are negligible.
Elements of a Theory of Design Limits to Optimal Policy
Authors: Brock William A. , Durlauf Steven N.
Published: August 2004

This paper presents a framework for understanding the limits that exist in optimal policy design in dynamic contexts. We consider the design of policies in the context of dynamic linear models. Fundamental design limits exist for policy rules in such environments in the sense that any policy rule embodies tradeoffs between the magnitudes of different frequency‐specific components of the variance. Hence policies that are effective in eliminating low frequency variance components of a state variable can only do so at the cost of exacerbating high frequency variance components, and vice versa. Examples of the implications of such tradeoffs are considered.
Strategic Delegation in Monetary Unions
Authors: Chari V. V. , Jones Larry E. , Marimon Ramon
Published: August 2004

In monetary unions, monetary policy is typically made by delegates of the member countries. This procedure raises the possibility of strategic delegation—that countries may choose the types of delegates to influence outcomes in their favor. We show that without commitment in monetary policy, strategic delegation arises if and only if three conditions are met: shocks affecting individual countries are not perfectly correlated, risk‐sharing across countries is imperfect, and the Phillips curve is nonlinear. Moreover, inflation rates are inefficiently high. We argue that ways of solving the commitment problem, including the emphasis on price stability in the agreements constituting the European Union, are especially valuable when strategic delegation is a problem.
Optimal Dynamic Taxation with Indivisible Labour
Authors: Basu Parantap , Marsiliani Laura , Renström Thomas I.
Published: August 2004

How should a government arrange taxes on labour and capital over time? To provide an answer, we develop the field of optimal dynamic taxation further by (i) incorporating indivisible labour and (ii) analysing the short‐run dynamics of the capital and labour taxes under the second‐best programme. We derive two classes of preferences for which the optimal capital tax reaches zero in a finite time. If leisure is normal, the labour tax is gradually increased for a period and then kept constant, and, if leisure is neutral, labour is not taxed at all. Finally, we analyse the dynamics of labour supply under the optimal tax programme.
Endogenous Markups and Fiscal Policy
Authors: Costa Luís F.
Published: August 2004

This paper analyses a simple imperfectly competitive general equilibrium model where the entry mechanism generates an endogenous markup. In this second‐best world fiscal policy is more effective than in Walrasian or in fixed‐markup monopolistic competition models, as it produces efficiency gains through entry.
Internal and External R&D: A Sample Selection Approach*
Authors: Piga Claudio A. , Vivarelli Marco
Published: August 2004

This study underlines that the decision to enter into an external R&D relationship is related to an antecedent decision to carry out R&D. This calls for an empirical approach that permits the joint analysis of the determinants of the two decisions, correcting for sample selectivity. Based on a sample of Italian manufacturing firms, the results confirm the need to adopt this approach. Another contribution made by this study is the managerial implications that can be derived from its empirical model, which provide a better understanding of the factors associated with a firm's decision to engage in R&D both independently and with external partners.
Do Inward Investors Achieve their Job Targets?*
Authors: Jones Jonathan , Wren Colin
Published: August 2004

The paper utilizes data for north‐east England over the period 1985–98 to examine if foreign‐owned start‐up plants achieve their job targets. Different models are estimated, each shedding light on the relationship between the jobs promised by plants in their initial investment and their actual employment attained. On average, it is found that the plants achieve their job targets, but larger plants fall someway short. It is argued that these plants may deliberately overstate the number of jobs, and that the employment‐creation claims of inward investors and economic development agencies should be treated with skepticism.
Hebeloma cylindrosporum– a model species to study ectomycorrhizal symbiosis from gene to ecosystem
Authors: Marmeisse R. , Guidot A. , Gay G. , Lambilliotte R. , Sentenac H. , Combier J.‐P. , Melayah D. , Fraissinet‐Tachet L. , Debaud J.C.
Published: August 2004

The basidiomycete Hebeloma cylindrosporum has been extensively studied with respect to mycorrhiza differentiation and metabolism and also to population dynamics. Its life cycle can be reproduced in vitro and it can be genetically transformed. Combined biochemical, cytological, genetical and molecular approaches led to the characterisation of mutant strains affected in mycorrhiza formation. These studies demonstrated the role of fungal auxin as a signal molecule in mycorrhiza formation and should allow the characterisation of essential fungal genes necessary to achieve a compatible symbiotic interaction. Random sequencing of cDNAs has identified numerous key functional genes which allowed dissection of essential nitrogen assimilation pathways. H. cylindrosporum also proved to be a remarkable model species to uncover the dynamics of natural populations of ectomycorrhizal fungi and the way in which they respond and adapt to anthropogenic disturbance of the forest ecosystem. Although studies on mycorrhiza differentiation and functioning and those on the population dynamics of H. cylindrosporum have been carried out independently, they are likely to converge in a renewed molecular ecophysiology which will envisage how ectomycorrhizal symbiosis functions under varying field conditions.

Contents

Summary
481

I.
Introduction
482

II.
Taxonomy, distribution, autecology, and host range of H. cylindrosporum
482

III.
The Hebeloma cylindrosporum toolbox
483

IV.
Mycorrhiza differentiation
486

V.
Nutritional interactions
488

VI.
Genetic diversity and dynamics of H. cylindrosporum populations in P. pinaster forest ecosystems
491

VII.
Future directions
494

Acknowledgements
494

References
494
The impact of adult attachment on partner and self‐attributions and relationship quality
Authors: Sümer Nebi , Cozzarelli Catherine
Published: August 2004

This study tested the relationships between mental the models of attachment, the attributions romantic couples make for their own and their partners' behaviors, and relationship quality. Participants (n = 352) who were currently involved in a romantic relationship completed multiple measures of attachment, attributions, and relationship quality. Results revealed that secure people reported less maladaptive attributions than insecure people. In addition, structural model analyses indicated that attachment model of the self (but not the model of others) had both a direct and an indirect effect, mediated by attributions made for negative partner behavior, on relationship satisfaction. Attributions made for self‐ and partner behaviors overlapped to a great extent, implying an attributional style underlying this unique response pattern. These findings suggest that a positive model of self is a valuable personal resource that enhances adaptive attributions, and hence, leads to high levels of relationship quality.
Joint Custody: Parental Problems and Satisfactions
Authors: ROTHBERG BARBARA
Published: August 2004

Joint custody, the total care of children by each parent part of the time, enables both parents to be “custodial” parents after divorce. Increasingly it has become a solution to custody problems, allowing both parents major involvement in their childrens' lives as well as freedom for themselves. This research addresses joint custody from the parents' perspective, exploring the salient issues. The problems and satisfactions are discussed, and the sex differences are highlighted.
Therapeutic Approaches to Families of Young Israeli Soldiers
Authors: MESTER ROBERTO , HAZAN YORAM , SELLA AVNER , KLEIN HILLEL
Published: August 2004

This paper presents a set of family interventions performed in a civilian psychiatric unit with patients who were young Israeli soldiers. The work was done with a psychoanalytic orientation coupled with special attention to the general cultural characteristics of the surrounding society as well as to the particular ones of the families themselves. An experience of group therapy with the soldiers' parents will also be described in detail.
Assaultive Adolescents: Family Decision‐Making Parameters
Authors: HARBIN HENRY T. , MADDEN DENIS J.
Published: August 2004

This article presents the results of a pilot study that investigated the family decision‐making styles of families with a violent adolescent (17) and families with a normal adolescent (12). The results, utilizing an unrevealed differences family interactional test, showed that families with an assaultive teenager when contrasted with normal families had: (a) less agreement when making choices as a group; (b) less agreement between mother and violent son when making choices about activities; (c) sons who had less influence in the families' choice of activities; and, (d) mothers who “dictated” the families' decisions more often. The meanings of these findings and others are discussed by the authors as they relate to the problem of assaultive youths.
Sensory Extenders Versus Meters and Predictors: Clarifying Strategies for the Use of Objective Tests in Family Therapy
Authors: REISS DAVID
Published: August 2004

Cromwell and Peterson's goal of introducing quantitative testing into family assessment and therapy is laudable; the system they propose — the Multisystem‐Multi‐method (MS‐MM) approach is not. MS‐MM is confusing, deceptive, and misleading for clinicians who want to use tests to sharpen their diagnostic assessments and predictions. What is needed is specific theory linking various family processes and individual behaviors, as well as equally specific information about the reliability and validity of the tests. Likewise, the MS‐MM approach is completely inadequate for clinicians seeking to use tests to enlarge their clinical imaginations. What is needed is a more down‐to‐earth examination of the influence of testing on the family therapy system.
Communication Styles and Marital Satisfaction in Israeli and American Couples
Authors: Winkler Iris , Doherty William J.
Published: August 2004

This study examined the conflict‐related communication styles of American and Israeli couples and how these communication styles related to marital satisfaction in the two groups. An Israeli sample was recruited from Israeli couples currently living in New York City; the American sample was selected from the friendship circles of the Israeli couples. In spite of the close social ties of the two groups, we predicted that the conflict‐related communication styles of the Israelis would be less calm and rational than those of the Americans and that such rational modes of communication would be positively associated with marital satisfaction for the Americans but not for the Israelis. The principle instruments were Straus' Conflict Tactics Scale, Ryder's Imagined Situation Inventory, and Spanier's Dyadic Adjustment Scale. Results largely confirmed the hypotheses. Israeli couples were more apt to be verbally aggressive (but less physically violent) and less apt to behave calmly during marital conflict, but these communication styles did not relate to marital satisfaction as strongly for the Israelis as for the Americans. These findings are discussed as a demonstration of the importance of considering cultural context when treating families.
Ibsen's Truth, Family Secrets, and Family Therapy
Authors: GROLNICK LAWRENCE
Published: August 2004

In certain Ibsen plays a character (would‐be family therapist) enters during a crisis revolving around family secrets. Taking two such plays as models, this paper examines family processes and clinical issues surrounding secrets and myths. In Ghosts, Ibsen demonstrates the tragic foreclosure visited upon the Alvings' lives by a generation of secrecy. For contrast, in The Wild Duck the would‐be reformer Gregers brings out the truth, to expose and correct consequences of his father's past machinations. The biographical roots of Ibsen's obsession with truth and illusion are explored. Lastly, the notion that Ibsen and early family therapist were reformers is viewed in historical perspective.
Choices Among Marital Observation Coding Systems
Authors: FILSINGER ERIK E.
Published: August 2004

It is argued that researchers and therapists could benefit from a detailed comparison of marital observation coding systems. The five chosen for comparison are Weiss' Marital Interaction Coding System, Gottman's Couples Interaction Scoring System, Filsinger's Dyadic Interaction Scoring Code, Olson and Ryder's Marital and Family Interaction Coding System, and Raush's Coding Scheme for Interpersonal Conflict. The strengths and weaknesses of each are noted, along with recommendations for their use in clinical situations.
Comments on Research in Family Therapy
Authors: SOUCAR EMIL
Published: August 2004

This comment is submitted with the intent of stimulating some exchange between researchers. Although I chose the Woodward et al. study as a vehicle for my statement, I might easily have chosen examples outside the family therapy area.
Dealing with the Abdication Dynamic in the Post Divorce Family: A Context for Adolescent Crisis
Authors: ABELSOHN DAVID
Published: August 2004

Separation and divorce can exacerbate or precipitate abdication of parental functions. This is often associated with disengagement and acting‐out by the adolescent offspring. This paper describes a therapy oriented to the management of four specific processes: (a) the restoration of parental nurturing functions, which tend to collapse under the personal and interpersonal tensions of divorce, with the result that the adolescent is without sustenance or seeks it elsewhere; (b) the recovery of parental guiding and controlling functions; (c) the correction of distortions that accompany the separation process and restoration of a relatively more accurate view of family reality; and (d) the repair of parental unity. Excerpts from a case study are used to illustrate the orchestration of this therapy.
Spouse‐Aided Versus Individual Therapy in Persisting Psychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Comparison
Authors: JULIAN HAFNER R. , BADENOCH ANDREW , FISHER JILL , SWIFT HELEN
Published: August 2004

Fifty‐three married patients with a wide range of severe, persisting psychiatric disorders were randomly allocated to a form of couples therapy (spouse‐aided therapy) or to individual therapy. Both were outpatient, goal‐oriented therapies, with an overall mean duration of 9.5 hours. Before, during, immediately after, and three months after therapy, patients and spouses completed ratings of target and personal problems, sexual activity and attitudes, psychological symptoms, and marital satisfaction. Ratings were also conducted by independent assessors. Spouse‐aided therapy proved superior to individual therapy at a statistically significant level on most outcome measures, with clinically worthwhile improvements in symptoms, problems, and marital satisfaction in both partners. Individual therapy was followed by improvement in some symptoms, but marital dissatisfaction increased and both partners were more depressed at three months follow‐up than before treatment.
Mourning Is a Family Affair
Authors: GELCER ESTHER
Published: August 2004

Mourning is a process of social disengagement. In our modern society, however, the influence of social and religious institutions on the process of mourning has significantly diminished and been partially replaced by mental health clinics. Given the latter's penchant for the intrapsychic view, the perspective on mourning has become reduced to the individual. These trends are clearly reflected in a review of current literature and research on mourning. This paper proposes an interactional, systemic view of mourning through the analysis of two different families. Findings indicate that despite contextual differences between these two families, some basic commonalities render generalizations possible: (a) The selection of the identified patient is not coincidental to the stage of the family life cycle and to the role of the deceased member in the system. (b) Although death affects each individual differently, depending upon his or her relationship with the deceased, it continues to influence all family relations with equal powers. (c) Nonresolution of mourning permits a ghost to become an integral member of the family system. Examination of the treatment process demonstrates that a systemic approach is effective, even when individuals are interviewed alone.
Wet Cocker Spaniel Therapy: An Essay on Technique in Family Therapy
Authors: PITTMAN FRANK S.
Published: August 2004

Wet Cocker Spaniel Therapy is a metaphor for the therapist's use of spontaneous techniques arising from the specific therapeutic situation rather than planned techniques from the therapist's training or allegiances. The paper proposes a problem‐oriented, rather than technique‐oriented, approach to family therapy. Most therapy can be performed in a calm, polite, rational, straightforward manner without any tricks or therapeutic razzle‐dazzle. From time to time, the therapist may have to startle or jerk the family past a snag point and into change. Ideally, the therapist's techniques should arise from the content of the hour and the symbolism of the family and should be applied sparingly. I hope this paper will make therapists feel more comfortable being sane, polite, and practical, and unashamed when not being brilliant.
Dialectical Metatheory in Family Therapy
Authors: BOPP MICHAEL J. , WEEKS GERALD R.
Published: August 2004

This paper addresses the controversy in family therapy over basic philosophical issues in terms of a historical opposition between demonstrative and dialectical metatheories. It argues that advances in family therapy are indicative of the growing prominence of dialectical forms of understanding in the social sciences. Several family therapy concepts are explored as representative of the dialectical categories of motion, form, relationship, and transformation.
Family Therapy as a Rite of Passage: Play's the Thing
Authors: KOBAK R. ROGERS , WATERS DAVID B.
Published: August 2004

Although there is a considerable literature about the nature of family problems and techniques of therapeutic change, little is known about how change in the family therapy setting can be maintained over time. The current paper suggests that important insights into the nature of family therapy can be gleaned by comparison with “naturally occurring” rites of passage. Anthropological analysis of these rites suggests several concepts that may guide the family therapist. These include: (a) the idea of a “therapeutic frame” that marks off the therapy setting; (b) the role of symbolic process and flexibility; (c) the concepts of liminal play and flow as explanations of therapeutic technique and potential; and (d) the relationship between the family in treatment and a wider community. Rites of passage can serve as an important source of comparison and insight into the nature of change in the family therapy setting.
Fusion, Compression, Diversion, and the Workings of Paradox: A Theory of Therapeutic/Systemic Change
Authors: STANTON M. DUNCAN
Published: August 2004

This paper describes a geodynamic balance theory of family process. It attempts to synthesize temporal/spatial patterning, movement, interpersonal structure, and the family developmental process. The family system is portrayed in terms of the pattern of interpersonal orbits among its members and the interface between these and “external” systems such as friendship networks, neighborhoods, and therapists. It is proposed that therapeutic/systemic change can be induced through either of two interventional mechanisms: diversion (e.g., behavioral techniques, restructuring, differentiating) or compression (e.g., paradoxical technique, returning home, grief work). Such processes share a number of similarities with analogues from the physical sciences. These formulations may assist clinicians in determining the most appropriate operations and directions for treatment.
The Concept of Collusion: A Combined Systemic‐Psychodynamic Approach to Marital Therapy
Authors: WILLI JÜRG
Published: August 2004

The author presents some new theoretical aspects and therapeutic implications of the concept of Couples in Collusion, (22), first published in 1975. According to this concept, the emotional attraction in the selection of a mate is based on a fascinating, mutual, and alarming theme, shared by both partners in order to be mastered together. The partners unavowedly start colluding to compensate for former frustrations and to repress fears of intimacy. After some time of living together and in defense of repressed feelings, they may enter into an escalation of the dysfunctional interactional pattern. Experience shows that severely neurotic personalities don't necessarily start colluding, provided that their partners don't gratify regressive needs or reinforce their defenses but help to cope with the frustrations of these unfulfilled regressive wishes. Therapies based on the concept of collusion aim at the improvement of intradyadic and extradyadic boundaries and the depolarization of extreme progressive‐regressive behavior. These goals can be reached by both systemic and psychodynamic techniques. The concept of collusion may serve as a guide for this therapeutic process.
A Framework and Themes for Social Network Intervention
Authors: Erickson Gerald D.
Published: August 2004

This paper is concerned with the development and application of social network concepts in clinical practice. A framework of network levels and sets for ordering data and observations is proposed; the phenomenon of truncated networks is considered and two emphases in network intervention (gathering and connecting forms) are proposed to conceptualize network characteristics and practice that follows from such characteristics. A number of current examples of network practice are placed within the framework, and several advantages of utilizing a network perspective as a complement to existing models of family therapy are noted.
Family Theory and the Scientific Method
Authors: SCHWARTZMAN JOHN
Published: August 2004

The evolution of family interactional research reveals a transformation from the theoretical concerns of a novel cybernetic paradigm to methodological problems of a prior mechanistic one. This change can be understood, within a cybernetic perspective, as an example of the characteristic functioning of adaptive systems attempting to maintain themselves unchanged under changed circumstances. A turn to a focus on method results in theoretical self‐correction and the implicit retention of a mechanistic paradigm. This eliminates those most novel aspects of family interactional research that suggested the beginning of a cybernetic paradigm. A mechanistic methodology for family interaction research can be understood as an analogue to ritual in social systems. A primary attribute of ritual, sanctity, self‐reflexively defines certain basic premises as unquestionable. By this, it regulates the beliefs of those who act it out, and eliminates the most radical novelty that confronts these beliefs. The evolution of family interactional research and its changing relationship to its methodology is an example of this process, the introduction and rejection of novelty by self‐regulating systems. In this case, a challenge to the basic premises of a mechanistic paradigm is subverted, using its method as the arbitrator of validity in family interactional research.
The Bogeyman Cometh: A Strategic Approach for Difficult Adolescents
Authors: O'CONNOR JOHN J. , HOORWITZ AARON NOAH
Published: August 2004

Unpredictable and threatening events can sometimes alter one's view of reality. The altered perception may in turn result in altered forms of behavior and interaction with others. Deliberate efforts to facilitate this altered perception is sometimes attempted by invoking mythical forces such as the Bogeyman, Death, Satan, a shaman, or a sorcerer. Anthropological observations of shamanic magic suggest a number of components that appear to be responsible for these reality‐altering experiences. These can be employed to create such experiences in the treatment of difficult adolescents for whom usual solutions have been ineffective. The experience results in systemic changes that render the adolescent accessible to more usual forms of treatment and more functional interactions with adults. The crafting of this kind of experience is illustrated in a case example. Parallels with other clinical practices as well as ethical considerations are discussed.