bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure of Cofacial Cyclic Dimer with Schiff Base Ligands
Authors: Yamashita Satoshi , Nihei Masayuki , Oshio Hiroki
Published: August 2003

Reactions of CuCl2·2H2O with tetradentate bis-Schiff base ligands yielded dinuclear copper(II) complexes of [CuII2(sah)2] (1) and [CuII2(sao)2] (2) (H2sah = 1,7-bis(salicylideneamino)heptane and H2sao = 1,8-bis(salicylideneamino)octane). X-ray crystallographic analyses revealed that 1 and 2 have a cofacial cyclic structure with an intramolecular cavity.
[{{Zn(en)2}2As6V15O42(H2O)}2{Zn(en)2}]·2Hen·3H2O. The First Dimeric Arsenic-Vanadium Cluster Linked by Zn(en)2 Complex Bridge
Authors: Zheng Shou-Tian , Zhang Jie , Yang Guo-Yu
Published: August 2003

The hydrothermal reaction of VOSO4, As2O3, ZnCl2, en (ethylenediamine), HCl, and H2O produces [{{Zn(en)2}2As6V15O42(H2O)}2{Zn(en)2}]·2Hen·3H2O, which is the first dimeric As-V-O cluster linked by transition metal complex bridge. The structure of this compound was characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, EPR, TGA, and IR spectrum.
Antioxidant Polymer Particles. Enzymatic Immobilization of Catechin on Polymer Particles
Authors: Ihara Noriko , Tachibana Yoichi , Chung Joo Eun , Kurisawa Motoichi , Uyama Hiroshi , Kobayashi Shiro
Published: August 2003

Catechin-immobilizing polymer particles have been developed by laccase-catalyzed oxidation of catechin in the presence of amine-containing porous polymer particles. The resulting particles showed good scavenging activity toward stable free DPPH radical and ABTS radical cation.
Composite Nano-structured Materials Consisting of CdS Clusters and Heteropolyanions PW12O403−
Authors: Fu Degang , Zhang Yu
Published: August 2003

Composite nanocrystal materials CdS/PW12O403− with an ordered structure formed by CdS clusters surrounded with dispersed PW12O403− anions were synthesized. The material has of a long period about 6.6 nm in agreement with the size sum of individual CdS cluster and PW12O403− anion.
Ordered Nanowire Arrays of Metal Sulfides Templated by Mesoporous Silica SBA-15 via a Simple Impregnation Reaction
Authors: Liu Xiaoying , Tian Bozhi , Yu Chengzhong , Tu Bo , Liu Zheng , Terasaki Osamu , Zhao Dongyuan
Published: August 2003

Well-patterned crystalline nanowire arrays of binary compound metal sulfides, CdS, ZnS, and In2S3, were synthesized for the first time employing a simple impregnation reaction procedure from two separate precursors (metal and sulfur precursors) using mesoporous SBA-15 as a hard template.
Protonation-induced Conformational Changes of 2-(N,N-Dimethylamino)ethanethiol. Importance of Strong N–H+···S and N–H+···S− Hydrogen Bonding
Authors: Ohno Keiichi , Matsumoto Shingo , Aida Misako , Matsuura Hiroatsu
Published: August 2003

2-(N,N-Dimethylamino)ethanethiol exists in aqueous solution as a cation, zwitterion, or anion in different pH regions. Me2NH+EtSH and Me2NH+EtS− assume the gauche conformation around the NC–CS bond, as stabilized by strong intramolecular 1,4-N–H+···S and 1,4-N–H+···S− hydrogen bondings, respectively, while Me2NEtS− assumes the trans conformation around the same bond.
Body height estimation based on tibia length in different stature groups
Authors: Duyar Izzet , Pelin Can
Published: August 2003

Long bone length is one of the best‐known indicators of human stature. Although the long bone length/height ratio differs in tall and short individuals, no detailed study has investigated whether specific formulae should be used to calculate height in different stature groups. This study proposes a new height estimation method. Body height and tibia length were measured in 121 male subjects aged 18.0–34.3 years. Three subgroups were established according to body height (short, medium, or tall), using the 15th and 85th percentiles as cutoff levels. The general formula and a group‐specific regression formula were used to estimate height in each subgroup. A control group with the same properties as the study group was analyzed in the same manner. Particularly with “short” and “tall” subjects, the difference between true height and the height predicted by the group‐specific formulae was smaller than the difference observed when the general formula was used. These discrepancies were statistically significant. When estimating height based on tibia length, the individual's general stature category should be taken into consideration, and group‐specific formulae should be used for short and tall subjects. Am J Phys Anthropol 121:000–000, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Piecemeal degranulation as a general secretory mechanism?
Authors: Crivellato Enrico , Nico Beatrice , Mallardi Franco , Beltrami Carlo Alberto , Ribatti Domenico
Published: August 2003

In this article we review the ultrastructural findings, functional aspects, and biological significance of piecemeal degranulation (PMD), a unique secretory pathway that has been described in basophils, mast cells, and eosinophils. Recent ultrastructural data suggestive of PMD in enteroendocrine cells of the gastrointestinal tract and chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla are also presented and discussed. Further research on PMD in secretory cells of the endocrine and exocrine glands, as well as in neurons, is recommended, since the current data indicate that PMD has a broader spectrum of expression than was hitherto reported. The identification of the PMD phenotype in different cell types (e.g., basophils, mast cells, eosinophils, enteroendocrine cells, and adrenal chromaffin cells) suggests that PMD is a unique degranulation model for paracrine and endocrine secretion. Further investigation will clarify whether PMD can be considered as a general mechanism for the slow release of bioactive stored materials by granulated secretory cells. Anat Rec Part A 274A:778–784, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Material properties of the human cranial vault and zygoma
Authors: Peterson Jill , Dechow Paul C.
Published: August 2003

The material properties of cortical bone from the diaphyses of long bones (e.g., the femur and tibia) vary by direction, such that bone is stiffer and stronger along its long axis. This configuration improves the abilities of these structures to resist axial compressive loads coupled with bending. As in long bones, cortical bone from the cranial vault is subject to mechanical loads from various orofacial functions and the contraction of attached muscles. However, experimental studies suggest that the resulting bone strains are at least an order of magnitude smaller than those found in the midshafts of the femur or tibia. The characteristics of the three‐dimensional elastic properties of cortical bone are largely unexplored in regions of low bone strain, including the cranial vault, in which little is known regarding cortical structure and function. In the present study we examined variations in the cortical microstructure and material properties of the bone of the human cranial vault, including the parietal, frontal, temporal, and occipital bones. A facial bone, the zygoma, was also included to contrast the properties of the cranial vault with another craniofacial intramembranous bone that experiences larger strains. Cortical specimens from the outer cortical plate of the cranial vault were removed from 15 frozen human crania. We measured cortical thicknesses and densities, and determined the primary direction of stiffness within the bone specimens prior to ultrasonic testing to determine their elastic properties. There were statistically significant differences in elastic properties between bones and, in some cases, sites within bones, which for most variables were clustered by bone or region. In striking contrast to this pattern, elastic moduli in the direction of primary stiffness were larger in cortical regions underlying muscle attachments than in regions without muscle attachments. Few sites in the cranial vault or zygoma showed a consistent orientation of the material axes among individuals, although specimens from many regions had directional differences similar to those in cortical bone from the mandible, femur, or tibia. Anat Rec Part A 274A:785–797, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distribution of Flk‐1 and Flt‐1 receptors in neonatal and adult rat brains
Authors: Yang Shan‐Zheng , Zhang Ling‐Mei , Huang Ya‐Ling , Sun Feng‐Yan
Published: August 2003

Double‐fluorescence staining was combined with confocal laser scanning microscopy to localize fetal liver kinase‐1 (Flk‐1) and fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (Flt‐1) in the neonatal rat brain. The results showed that Flk‐1 and Flt‐1 immunostaining was observed in the cells with neuron‐specific enolase, a neuronal marker, and with factor VIII (F VIII), an endothelium marker, but not in cells with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), a glial marker, of brain sections from rats on postnatal day 7 (P7). This indicates that both vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors were distributed in the neurons and the vascular endothelium. A regional analysis showed that Flt‐1 was distributed most densely in the hippocampus, followed by the retrosplenial agranular cortex and the striatum, and Flk‐1 was evenly distributed throughout the brain. In a comparison of the density of immunopositive staining neurons, Flt‐1 was much higher than Flk‐1 in most of the brain regions. A time‐course analysis showed that both Flt‐1 and Flk‐1 were highly expressed in the cerebral vessel of rats on P1, P7, and P14, and then declined in adults, consistent with the development of angiogenesis in neonates. In the neurons, Flt‐1 was highest in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of P1–P14 rats, and then gradually decreased, whereas Flk‐1 abruptly increased and reached its highest level in adults. The results suggest that Flt‐1 and Flk‐1 are expressed in the neurons with their individual time‐dependent manners and regional distribution in the brain. However, the significance of the neuronal distribution of Flt‐1 and Flk‐1 remains to be determined. Anat Rec Part A 274A:851–856, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stereoselective pharmacokinetics of clausenamide enantiomers and their major metabolites after single intravenous and oral administration to rats
Authors: Zhu Chuan Jiang , Zhang Jun Tian
Published: August 2003

The pharmacokinetics of clausenamide (CLA) enantiomers and their metabolites were investigated in Wistar rat. After intravenous and oral administration at a dose of 80 and 160 mg/kg each enantiomer, plasma concentrations of (−)‐ or (+)‐CLA and its major metabolites were simultaneously determined by reverse‐phase HPLC with UV detection. Notably, stereoselective differences in pharmacokinetics were found. The mean plasma levels of (+)‐CLA were higher at almost all time points than those of (−)‐CLA. (+)‐CLA also exhibited greater tmax, Cmax, t1/2β, AUC0–12h, and AUC0→∞ and smaller CL (or CL/F) and Vd (or Vd/F), than its antipode. The (+)/(−) isomer ratios for t1/2β, tmax, AUC0–12 h, and AUC0→∞, which ranged from 1.26 to 2.08. The ratio for CL (or CL/F) was about 0.5, and there were significant differences in these values between CLA enantiomers (P < 0.05), implying that the absorption, distribution, and elimination of (−)‐CLA were more rapid than those of (+)‐CLA. Similar findings for (−)‐7‐OH‐CLA, the major metabolite of (−)‐CLA, and (+)‐4‐OH‐CLA, the major metabolite of (+)‐CLA, can be also seen in rat plasma. The contributing factors for the differences in stereoselective pharmacokinetics of CLA enantiomers appeared to be involved in their different plasma protein binding, first‐pass metabolism and interaction with CYP enzymes, especially with their metabolizing enzyme CYP 3A isoforms. Chirality 15:668–673, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enantioselective synthesis of (S)‐2‐amino‐4‐phenylbutanoic acid by the hydantoinase method
Authors: Lo Hsueh‐Hsia , Kao Chao‐Hung , Lee Dong‐Sheng , Yang Teng‐Kuei , Hsu Wen‐Hwei
Published: August 2003

Biosynthesis of (S)‐(+)‐2‐amino‐4‐phenylbutanoic acid (1) was performed by nonenantioselective hydantoinase and L‐N‐carbamoylase using racemic 5‐[2‐phenylethyl]‐imidazolidine‐2,4‐dione (rac‐2) as a substrate. The compounds involved in this biocatalysis process could be simultaneously resolved by high‐performance liquid chromatography using Chirobiotic T column with a mobile phase of EtOH/H2O = 10/90 at pH 4.2–4.5. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the successful production of 1 by the combination of recombinant hydantoinase and L‐N‐carbamoylase. Chirality 15:699–702, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Type II estrogen binding site agonist:
Authors: Pretlow Lester , Williams Roy , Elliott Mark
Published: August 2003

A high‐affinity ligand for the type II estrogen binding site (EBS) was identified. Methyl para‐hydroxyphenyllactate (MeHPLA) was observed to suppress the cellular proliferation of estrogen‐sensitive MCF‐7 breast cancer cells in vitro and to suppress the growth of rat uteri in vivo. The high affinity of MeHPLA for the type II EBS suggests that this interaction is responsible for the observed suppression of cell growth. In this study, the enantiomers of MeHPLA were synthesized and separated by three methods and evaluated for biological activity. When the methods were compared, it was found that the method using an optically pure amine to form the diastereomers of the enantiomers gave the superior yield. Binding studies for the enantiomers to the type II EBS showed that the S‐MeHPLA had a higher affinity for the binding site. However, higher binding affinity did not translate into superior cell growth suppression. Both enantiomers suppressed cell growth equally. Chirality 15:674–679, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Measurement‐based admission control scheme with priority and service classes for application in wireless IP networks
Authors: Jamalipour Abbas , Kim Jade
Published: August 2003

Wireless IP networks will provide voice and data services using IP protocols over the wireless channel. But current IP is unsuitable to provide delay or loss bounds and insufficient to support diverse quality of service, both required by real‐time applications. In order to support real‐time applications in wireless IP networks, in this paper a measurement‐based admission control (MBAC) with priority criteria and service classes is considered. First we have shown the suitability of MBAC in wireless IP networks by comparing its performance with a parameter‐based scheme. Next, we have investigated the performance of strictly policy‐based MBAC and policy plus traffic characteristic‐based MBAC schemes in terms of (1) increasing the user mobility, (2) changing traffic parameters and (3) the presence of greedy users. The efficiency and fairness of each scheme are measured in terms of lower class new and handoff traffic performance. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reach‐scale sediment transfers: an evaluation of two morphological budgeting approaches
Authors: Fuller Ian C. , Large Andrew R. G. , Charlton Martin E. , Heritage George L. , Milan David J.
Published: August 2003

This paper compares two approaches used to derive measures of annual sediment transfers within a 1 km long piedmont reach of the gravel‐bed River Coquet in Northumberland, northern England. The techniques utilize: (i) channel planform and cross‐section surveys based on a theodolite/electronic distance measurement (EDM) survey of 21 monumented channel cross‐sections and channel and gravel bar margins; and (ii) theodolite‐EDM survey generating a series of x,y,z coordinates, from which digital elevation models (DEMs) of the reach were constructed. Calculating the difference between DEM surfaces provided a measure of volumetric change between surveys carried out during the spring of 1999 and 2000. The use of kriging in DEM generation and differencing permits computation of estimate variances and conﬁdence intervals for sediment transfer. Error analysis, validating the DEMs using surveyed cross‐sections, indicated a mean error between surveyed and DEM‐generated cross‐sections of around twice the value of the D50 of the surface sediment in the reach. Comparison of sediment volumes derived from the two approaches suggests that, compared with the DEM method, monumented cross‐sections underestimate the magnitude of volumetric changes that occur within the reach. The cross‐section approach relies on a simplistic integration of the volumes, whereas DEM differencing provides an estimate at a resolution under the control of the analyst. Furthermore, the cross‐section approach does not permit a reliable estimate of the uncertainty of the volumes calculated. In addition, the DEM methodology based on the morphological unit scale provides an explicit identiﬁcation of spatial patterns of erosion and deposition, a feature that cross‐section‐based approaches may fail to include. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Floodplain evolution in a small, tectonically active basin of northern California
Authors: Constantine José A. , Pasternack Gregory B. , Johnson Michael L.
Published: August 2003

Sediment cores were collected along ﬂoodplains in the Navarro River basin of coastal northern California to examine the controls on ﬂoodplain evolution in a tectonically active setting. Sedimentary strata were subsampled for organic content, bulk density, and grain size measurements. Organic samples were analysed for 14C age, which yielded net‐averaged sedimentation rates for all cores. Overbank deposition rates decreased at all study sites through time and declined in the downstream direction. The ability of intermediary‐order streams to store sediment in ﬂoodplains decreased the ability of highest‐order streams to record sediment‐pulse events. The effects of anthropogenic disturbance, primarily logging, on long‐term overbank deposition rates were minimal. Climatic variability, by affecting sediment loading in the channel network, is the principal control on ﬂoodplain evolution through the Holocene. A hypothetical model is proposed to explain overbank deposition rates in the Navarro basin, which may be extrapolated to the northern‐coastal California region during the late Pleistocene and Holocene. The complexities observed in sediment storage and routing in this study imply that caution should be made when extrapolating sediment‐yield measurements obtained at river mouths or coastal shelves to geomorphic events within small, tectonically active basins. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cortisol as an indicator of dopaminergic effects on nicotine craving
Authors: Reuter M. , Hennig J.
Published: August 2003

There is evidence that glucocorticoids mediate the activity of mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons which play an important role in drug‐seeking behaviour and that the absence or presence of glucocorticoids determines the intensity of drug self‐administration. Moreover, some experiments indicate that corticoids are increased after substance induced dopaminergic stimulation. These findings could imply (a) that differences in basal glucocorticoid levels are associated with differences in craving or (b) that dopamine (DA) induced corticoid release is an indicator of the sensitivity of the dopaminergic system.

Therefore, in a sample of 36 male smokers whose DA system was challenged by a DA agonist (lisuride = LIS) and a DA antagonist (fluphenazine = FLU) in a balanced placebo controlled double‐blind crossover design, it was investigated if (a) basal cortisol differences and (b) drug induced cortisol responses are related to the amount of nicotine craving after 3.5 h of deprivation from smoking.

There were no differences in craving between subjects with high and low basal cortisol levels irrespective of the pharmacological treatment. However, the size of the cortisol change after the DA challenge and deprivation emerged as a good predictor for the amount of craving in that drug condition in which the cortisol response was most pronounced.

Findings were interpreted as evidence for the role of cortisol as an indicator of DA sensitivity. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differential period of onset of action of fluvoxamine, paroxetine and milnacipran for depression
Authors: Morishita Shigeru , Arita Seizaburo
Published: August 2003

Introduction

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and dual serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are the most commonly prescribed class of antidepressants, yet it is not known whether one is superior to another.

Aims

The purpose of this clinical practice was to compare the periods of onset of action of fluvoxamine, paroxetine and milnacipran.

Methods

A retrospective cohort analysis was carried out among out‐patients with depression treated in the Department of Psychiatry, Kawasaki Medical School Hospital, Kurashiki, Japan, in 2000 and 2001. A total of 206 patients receiving fluvoxamine, paroxetine and milnacipran were identified.

Results

The cumulative percentage of responders receiving milnacipran reached over 80% after 4 weeks, but it did reach this level for fluvoxamine or paroxetine until after 6 weeks.

Conclusions

The differential period of onset of action should help guide clinicians in determining a suitable duration of antidepressants for depression. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of three antipsychotics in the emergency psychiatric setting
Authors: Raja Michele , Azzoni Antonella
Published: August 2003

In the present naturalistic study, the effectiveness and safety of quetiapine, risperidone and olanzapine were compared in the treatment of non selected acutely psychotic patients. It was observed that the rate of antipsychotic switch because of a lack of efficacy or side effects was higher in the quetiapine treated cases in comparison with the risperidone or olanzapine treated cases. The proportion of cases concomitantly treated with typical neuroleptics was significantly higher in the quetiapine group compared with the other two groups. In the outcome of non crossover cases, there were more improvements in the risperidone and olanzapine groups than in the quetiapine group. The results of this study suggest that quetiapine is not as efficacious as risperidone or olanzapine in the emergency psychiatric setting. Due to the methodological limitations of the study, these results must be considered preliminary and need confirmation. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficacy of diazepam as an anti‐anxiety agent: meta‐analysis of double‐blind, randomized controlled trials carried out in Japan
Authors: Inada Toshiya , Nozaki Shoko , Inagaki Ataru , Furukawa Toshiaki A.
Published: August 2003

Diazepam is one of the most widely used, broad‐spectrum anti‐anxiety agents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of diazepam, and to establish whether it is more effective than a placebo in improving the various neurotic anxiety states seen in patients with neurosis or psychosomatic disease. Of the recently established comprehensive register of psychotropic drug trials carried out in Japan, a total of 17 double‐blind, randomized controlled trials were identified on the treatment of neurosis using anti‐anxiety compounds, in which both diazepam and placebos were used. Meta‐analysis of these 17 studies demonstrated that diazepam is significantly more effective than a placebo (relative risk 1.35, 95% confidence interval 1.21–1.51, number needed to treat 9). The maximal effective dose of diazepam seems to be 12 or 18 mg/day with a treatment duration of 2 or more weeks. There was no significant difference between the effects of placebo and a diazepam dose of 6 mg/day. Caution should be exercised in assessing these results, however, since this is the first meta‐analysis showing the significant effectiveness of diazepam in the treatment of neurosis or psychosomatic disease. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes in urinary monoamine excretion in hyperkinetic children
Authors: Uzbekov Marat G. , Misionzhnik Eduard Y.
Published: August 2003

The pathogenetic mechanisms of hyperkinetic syndrome are not clear and need further investigation. The aim of the study was to find certain features of monoamine metabolism that are characteristic of children with hyperkinetic syndrome (HKS) with special regard to different degrees of severity (i.e. mild HKS and severe HKS ). The levels of L‐dopa, dopamine, noradrenaline, adrenaline, homovanillic, vanillylmandelic and 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acids were measured in daily urine of children (7–11 years old) with mild and severe HKS using fluorimetric and chromatographic methods. Severe HKS was characterized by a significant increase of L‐dopa (by 186%), dopamine (by 201%) and adrenaline (by 160%) excretion but an unchanged excretion of noradrenaline compared with those with mild HKS. The study revealed principle differences in monoamine metabolism between the mild and severe forms of HKS which may be of importance in deciding different pharmacotherapeutic approaches to use in patients with HKS of differing severity. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nizatidine treatment and its relationship with leptin levels in patients with olanzapine‐induced weight gain
Authors: Atmaca Murad , Kuloglu Murat , Tezcan Ertan , Ustundag Bilal
Published: August 2003

It has been reported that nizatidine may reduce the weight gain in schizophrenic patients receiving olanzapine treatment. Previous studies have demonstrated a relation between olanzapine‐induced weight gain and serum leptin levels. Therefore, in the present study, it was planned to investigate the efficacy of nizatidine on the treatment of olanzapine‐induced weight gain, and if available, whether leptin levels were associated with reductions in weight gain. Of the patients with schizophrenia on olanzapine treatment, 59 who gave informed consent entered a 3 month open‐label screening period. Of them, 35 patients (59%) showed weight gain in excess of 2.5 kg. These patients were randomly divided into two groups; olanzapine plus nizatidine (group I) and olanzapine plus placebo (group II) for an 8‐week double‐blind phase. The patients were evaluated at the baseline and at week 8 with respect to the positive and negative syndrome scale, body mass index, weight and serum leptin levels. In the open‐label period, olanzapine led to a considerable marked increase in weight and in serum leptin levels. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups with respect to weight at the beginning of the 8‐week double‐blind treatment period. Throughout the 8 week double‐blind period, in group I, the weight decreased by 4.5 ± 2.2 kg ( p < 0.05). In contrast, weight increased in group II by a mean of 2.3 ± 0.9 kg ( p > 0.05). The leptin levels decreased by 4.4 ± 2.3 ng/ml in group I ( p < 0.01), and increased by 1.8 ± 0.6 ng/ml in group II ( p > 0.05). These changes were accompanied by changes in the leptin levels in both groups I and II. It is concluded that leptin seems to be strongly associated with olanzapine‐induced weight gain and that nizatidine treatment may reduce the weight gain and the correlated leptin levels in patients with schizophrenia on olanzapine treatment. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Infants' perception of directional alignment of texture elements on a spherical surface
Authors: Kavšek Michael J.
Published: August 2003

By appropriately compressing texture elements on a circular surface, one can evoke the impression of being confronted with the depiction of a spherical object in the picture plane. According to Todd and Akerstrom (1987), the 3D perception of such an object can be eliminated if the optical elements are not sufficiently elongated or if they are not aligned with one another. In the current investigation, 4‐month‐old infants were tested for their ability to react to a disruption of the directional alignment variable. They were habituated to either a spherical surface or a surface the spatial layout of which was destroyed by reorienting the texture elements, and were afterwards tested with a further ellipsoid object and with a further flat surface. Data analysis revealed that the female infants, but not the male participants, preferred the novel posthabituation display, that is, the test stimulus which included a change in the orientational alignment of texture elements. These findings are discussed within the context of development of sensitivity to pictorial depth cues. It is possible that infants as young as 4 months of age respond to manipulations of the directional alignment factor per se, while older infants are capable of using this factor as a cue for 3D object shape. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Poverty, stress, and support: patterns of parenting behaviour among lower income black and lower income white mothers
Authors: Middlemiss Wendy
Published: August 2003

The relation between parenting behaviour and poverty has been established, with impoverished parents' related experiences of stress and support typically implicated in the development of negative parenting behaviour. Additionally, differences in parenting behaviour have been identified for families with different ethnic backgrounds. However, whether ethnicity continues to effect similar differences in families' parenting behaviour in the face of the challenges associated with poverty or whether poverty leads to greater similarities or differences in parenting behaviour across ethnicity is not clear.

Understanding how parenting behaviour is affected by the challenges of poverty is essential for identifying appropriate supportive programmes to enhance the development of children in these families. To better understand the parenting behaviours of lower income African American and European American mothers, this study identified levels of stress, family‐ and community‐based support, and qualitative and quantitative measures of parenting for 30 African American and 30 European American mothers with children between 3 and 5 years of age. Both groups of mothers reported high levels of stress and low levels of support in their role as parents. Few differences in either mothers' ratings of how they parented or their descriptions of their parenting behaviours were identified suggesting similar parenting styles between these two groups of low‐income parents. All mothers used less authoritarian parenting than expected based on poverty levels. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sonographic detection of elastofibroma dorsi
Authors: Dalal Anjali , Miller Theodore T. , Kenan Samuel
Published: August 2003

We describe the case of a 78‐year‐old man with a large elastofibroma deep to his scapula that was inconspicuous on MRI examination with his arm at his side in neutral position. The mass was not detected sonographically until the patient abducted his arm, allowing the elastofibroma to emerge from under the scapula. The diagnosis of elastofibroma was suggested by the typical sonographic appearance of a hypoechoic mass with interspersed linear echogenicity, resembling muscle. The mass was excised, and the diagnosis was confirmed on histopathologic examination. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 31:375–378, 2003
Appraising surgeons learning sonography: Measuring measurement variability
Authors: Gallagher Paul V. , Elliott Simon T. , Charnley Richard
Published: August 2003

Purpose

Sonography is increasingly used by various clinicians in several task‐specific situations. We present a method of assessing 1 aspect of a nonspecialist's ability in performing sonography, measurement variability.

Methods

An experienced radiologist and a surgeon who had received 4 weeks of sonography training each made triplicate measurements of gallbladder dimensions in 19 adult patients undergoing abdominal sonography. The observers examined the subjects in immediate succession using the same ultrasound equipment and were blinded to each other's measurements until the end of the study. Intraobserver measurement variability rates were calculated for gallbladder length, height, and width by using analysis of variance techniques and were expressed as a within‐subject standard deviation and a repeatability coefficient.

Results

In terms of intraobserver measurements, the estimated within‐subject standard deviations were comparable for the radiologist and the surgeon (length, 0.22 versus 0.17 cm; height, 0.14 versus 0.14 cm; and width, 0.12 versus 0.14 cm, respectively), as were the repeatability coefficients. The interobserver variability showed good agreement as well; the estimated within‐subject standard deviations (and 95% limits of agreement) obtained were length, 0.47 cm (−1.08 to 1.48 cm); height, 0.34 cm (−1.08 to 0.49 cm); and width, 0.28 cm (−0.80 to 0.81 cm).

Conclusions

The ability to measure organ dimensions accurately is an essential sonographic skill that can be readily appraised. The findings from this comparison study illustrate that this 1 small aspect of sonography can be learned by various clinicians and that their ability in this task can be appraised. In a clinical setting, the small degree of variability in measurements made by the experienced radiologist and the sonography‐trainee surgeon is likely to be satisfactory. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 31:364–368, 2003
Partial preoperative reduction of inguinal hernia through compression with an ultrasound transducer
Authors: Koseoglu Kutsi , Ozsunar Yelda , Taskin Fusun , Unsal Alparslan
Published: August 2003

Sonography and CT are effective tools in early diagnosis of asymptomatic inguinal hernia. Sonography can be used not only for the diagnosis of hernia but also for its treatment. Real‐time sonographically guided hernia reduction may avoid tissue damage that can arise from misguided compression. We report a unique case in which an incarcerated omental hernia in a 50‐year‐old woman was diagnosed and subsequently reduced via compression with an ultrasound transducer. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 31:379–382, 2003
Sonographic findings of hepatic lesions in human fascioliasis
Authors: Cosme Angel , Ojeda Evelia , Poch Montserrat , Bujanda Luis , Castiella Agustín , Fernández Javier
Published: August 2003

Purpose

The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the sonographic features of hepatic lesions in patients with fascioliasis to help determine the utility of sonography in diagnosing this disorder in patients from areas in which Fasciola hepatica infestation is endemic.

Methods

Seven patients with acute‐phase (hepatic) fascioliasis had been identified among a previously reported series of 37 patients with fascioliasis who had been evaluated sonographically at Donostia Hospital in San Sebastián (Guipúzcoa), Spain. The 4 men and 3 women ranged in age from 29 to 69 years (mean, 49 years). A history of ingestion of watercress had been confirmed in 6 of the patients.

Results

Sonographically, the hepatic lesions appeared as focal areas of increased echogenicity in the right lobe (2 cases), multiple nodular or irregular lesions of variable echogenicity, ranging from 5 to 25 mm in diameter, in both lobes (4 cases), and a single 6‐cm complex mass in the right hepatic lobe (1 case). Therapy with dehydroemetine, praziquantel, or bithionol resulted in complete remission, although 2 patients required an additional treatment cycle. One patient also underwent surgery.

Conclusions

Sonography can be useful in the detection and follow‐up of hepatic lesions in human fascioliasis and can facilitate the diagnosis of this condition, particularly in areas where it is endemic. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 31:358–363, 2003
Experimental and modeling study of the oxidation of benzene
Authors: Costa I. Da , Fournet R. , Billaud F. , Battin‐Leclerc F.
Published: August 2003

This paper describes an experimental and modeling study of the oxidation of benzene. The low‐temperature oxidation was studied in a continuous flow stirred tank reactor with carbon‐containing products analyzed by gas chromatography. The following experimental conditions were used: 923 K, 1 atm, fuel equivalence ratios from 1.9 to 3.6, concentrations of benzene from 4 to 4.5%, and residence times ranging from 1 to 10 s corresponding to benzene conversion yields from 6 to 45%. The ignition delays of benzene–oxygen–argon mixtures with fuel equivalence ratios from 1 to 3 were measured behind shock waves. Reflected shock waves permitted to obtain temperatures from 1230 to 1970 K and pressures from 6.5 to 9.5 atm.

A detailed mechanism has been proposed and allows us to reproduce satisfactorily our experimental results, as well as some data of the literature obtained in other conditions, such as in a plug flow reactor or in a laminar premixed flame. The main reaction paths have been determined for the four series of measurements by sensitivity and flux analyses. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 35: 503–524, 2003
Spectrophotometric variable‐concentration kinetic experiments applied to inorganic reactions
Authors: Alibrandi Giuseppe , D'Aliberti Santi , Tresoldi Giuseppe
Published: August 2003

The dependence of the observed rate constant of inorganic substitution reactions on the concentration of nucleophilic reagents was obtained by single variable‐parameter kinetic runs. The experiments were carried out spectrophotometrically, varying the concentration of the nucleophile inside the reaction vessel. Software and apparatus were developed for an easy and rapid performance. The method gives accurate results and a saving in time by a factor of up to 100 compared to conventional methods. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 35: 497–502, 2003
Scheduling economic lot sizes in deteriorating production systems
Authors: Giri B.C. , Moon I. , Yun W.Y.
Published: August 2003

The paper considers the economic lot scheduling problem (ELSP) where production facility is assumed to deteriorate, owing to aging, with an increasing failure rate. The time to shift from an “in‐control” state to an “out‐of‐control” state is assumed to be normally distributed. The system is scheduled to be inspected at the end of each production lot. If the process is found to be in an “out‐of‐control” state, then corrective maintenance is performed to restore it to an “in‐control” state before the start of the next production run. Otherwise, preventive maintenance is carried out to enhance system reliability. The ELSP is formulated under the capacity constraint taking into account the quality related cost due to possible production of non‐conforming items, process inspection, and maintenance costs. In order to find a feasible production schedule, both the common cycle and time‐varying lot sizes approaches are utilized. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 50: 650–661, 2003
Discrete‐time analysis of MAP/PH/1 multiclass general preemptive priority queue
Authors: Alfa Attahiru Sule , Liu Bin , He Qi‐Ming
Published: August 2003

We use the matrix‐geometric method to study the MAP/PH/1 general preemptive priority queue with a multiple class of jobs. A procedure for obtaining the block matrices representing the transition matrix P is presented. We show that the special upper triangular structure of the matrix R obtained by Miller [Computation of steady‐state probabilities for M/M/1 priority queues, Oper Res 29(5) (1981), 945–958] can be extended to an upper triangular block structure. Moreover, the subblock matrices of matrix R also have such a structure. With this special structure, we develop a procedure to compute the matrix R. After obtaining the stationary distribution of the system, we study two primary performance indices, namely, the distributions of the number of jobs of each type in the system and their waiting times. Although most of our analysis is carried out for the case of K = 3, the developed approach is general enough to study the other cases (K ≥ 4). © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 50: 662–682, 2003.
Finite element analysis of advanced multilayer capacitors
Authors: Vu‐Quoc L. , Srinivas V. , Zhai Y.
Published: August 2003

We establish a systematic methodology to design and analyse electromagnetic components such as advanced multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) using the finite element (FE) method. We employ a coupled formulation to compute the interaction between the electric and magnetic fields. Unlike a linear distribution of current assumed in the circuit model, an accurate electrostatic solution to model the entire advanced MLCCs (4 × 4 × 27 = 432 cells) is presented. The FE solution is used to compute the lumped parameters for a range of frequencies. These lumped parameters are then used to compute the parasitic elements of the MLCCs. We introduce two algorithms to efficiently analyse the behaviour of a capacitor with changing frequency. The lower frequency (much below the self‐resonant frequency of the capacitor) algorithm separates the effect of the electric and magnetic fields and reduces the computational effort required to solve the FE problem, whereas, the high‐frequency algorithm couples the effect between the electric and the magnetic fields. We use these algorithms in conjunction with a new multiple scale technique to effectively determine the small values of R, L and C in MLCCs. The formulation, the implementation, and the numerical results demonstrate the efficacy of the present FE formulation and establish a systematic methodology to design and analyse advanced electromagnetic components. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parallel computing of high‐speed compressible flows using a node‐based finite‐element method
Authors: Fujisawa T. , Inaba M. , Yagawa G.
Published: August 2003

An efficient parallel computing method for high‐speed compressible flows is presented. The numerical analysis of flows with shocks requires very fine computational grids and grid generation requires a great deal of time. In the proposed method, all computational procedures, from the mesh generation to the solution of a system of equations, can be performed seamlessly in parallel in terms of nodes. Local finite‐element mesh is generated robustly around each node, even for severe boundary shapes such as cracks. The algorithm and the data structure of finite‐element calculation are based on nodes, and parallel computing is realized by dividing a system of equations by the row of the global coefficient matrix. The inter‐processor communication is minimized by renumbering the nodal identification number using ParMETIS. The numerical scheme for high‐speed compressible flows is based on the two‐step Taylor–Galerkin method. The proposed method is implemented on distributed memory systems, such as an Alpha PC cluster, and a parallel supercomputer, Hitachi SR8000. The performance of the method is illustrated by the computation of supersonic flows over a forward facing step. The numerical examples show that crisp shocks are effectively computed on multiprocessors at high efficiency. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An examination of skulls from two British sites for possible evidence of scurvy
Authors: Melikian M. , Waldron T.
Published: August 2003

Skulls and mandibles from the Romano‐British site of Poundbury, Dorset and a medieval site at Abingdon in Oxfordshire were examined for porosity which has been considered to be indicative of the presence of scurvy. In addition, a number of skulls from various locations in Peru were examined. Virtually all the skulls had porosity at at least one site and in all cases the palate was most frequently affected. The rank order of affected sites showed some differences between the three samples but the most striking change was the frequency with which the cranial vault and maxilla were affected in the Peruvian skulls compared with the British. The differences were not statistically significant, however. None of the appearances was consistent with those of known cases of infantile scurvy and we doubt whether scurvy can be diagnosed on the basis of porosity in the skull and mandible unless it conforms to recognized clinical patterns. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Ciempozuelos Necropolis skull: a case of double trepanation?
Authors: Lettow‐Vorbeck C. Liesau von , Pastor Abascal I.
Published: August 2003

The focus of this study is the analysis of a trepanation performed on the skull of an adult male from the famous Bell Beaker necropolis of Ciempozuelos (Madrid) excavated at the end of the 19thcentury. The unusual characteristics of the pottery and other associated grave goods gave rise to the use of the name ‘Ciempozuelos’ to define the regional Bell Beaker style; this refers to similar finds from other sites on the Meseta of central Spain. Although trepanations from Chalcolithic contexts in the Iberian peninsula are not infrequent, they are unusual in Bell Beaker inhumations. Furthermore, this skull is exceptional not only for the type of trepanation performed, but also for the subsequent cranial deformation apparently resulting from the operation, as well as evidence of a second subsequent trepanation which indicates a very short post‐surgical survival period for the individual. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Great white shark teeth used as pendants and possible tools by early‐middle Holocene terrestrial mammal hunter‐gatherers in the Eastern Pampas (Southern South America)
Authors: Cione A. L. , Bonomo M.
Published: August 2003

Two great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) teeth recovered in a terrestrial mammal hunter‐gatherers context in the Pampas are described. Associated lithic (mainly quarzite) tools, and the predominant exploitation of the Lama guanicoe relate the ancient inhabitants of the site with those of the early‐middle Holocene sites of the Area Interserrana of the Provincia de Buenos Aires. According to the stratigraphic context and the terrestrial fauna, the age of the deposit seems to be constrained to the early‐middle Holocene. The root tips of the shark teeth are marked by an artificial transvers groove fitted to tie a thread. Tooth edge serrations are strongly eroded, suggesting they were used as tools. We favour the hypotheses that the fish could have stranded on the beach or a small estuary in the neighbourhood, or that the teeth were obtained from the body of a pinniped attacked by a shark and sobsequenty found by humans. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oriented thin films from soluble polythiophenes
Authors: Bolognesi Alberto , Botta Chiara , Mercogliano Clara , Marinelli Marco , Porzio W. , Angiolini Luigi , Salatelli Elisabetta
Published: August 2003

The degree of orientation of thin films of eight different polymeric structures, belonging to the class of soluble polyalkylthiophenes (PATs) has been studied. Thin films of the polymers, obtained by spin coating onto glass substrates, were oriented by means of the rubbing technique. The degree of orientation is related to the regioregularity of the system: highly regioregular polymers can be oriented, while regiorandom materials are not oriented. The degree of orientation can be improved by thermal annealing of the oriented films. As a result of annealing, which was performed at different temperatures according to the thermal behavior of the polymers, it was possible to increase the polarization ratio for poly(3‐decylthiophene) up to 12–13 as detected from the UV‐vis spectra in polarized light. Moreover in the investigated PATs, both the key role of molecular weight and its distribution for achieving a high orientation degree has been assessed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fracture strength of class II slot cavities restored with polymerizable restorative materials
Authors: Görücü Jale , Özgünaltay Gül
Published: August 2003

This study compared the fracture strength of Class II slot cavities restored with polymerizable restorative materials. Sixty, caries‐free, posterior teeth were divided into five groups of 12 teeth. The Class II slot cavities were prepared. The teeth were restored with two packable composites (Filtek P60, Surefil), a microhybrid composite (Filtek Z250)and two ormocer (Definite, Admira). The restorations were then subjected to fracture resistance tests.

The marginal ridges of the restorations were loaded at an angle of 13.5° to the long axis of the tooth in an Universal Testing Machine until failure. Analysis of mean forces indicated that, Filtek P60, Surefil and Filtek Z250 exhibited better performance than Definite and Admira.

The tested resin composites differed in their mechanical properties. This study suggested that fracture behavior were highly influenced by the filler system. Overall, Filtek P60, Surefil, Filtek Z250, demonstrated good fracture resistance. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.