bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studying aggression in school children: The use of a wireless microphone and micro‐video camera
Authors: Tapper Katy , Boulton Michael J.
Published: October 2002

This paper describes a wireless microphone and micro‐video camera used successfully by the present authors to study direct, indirect, and relational forms of aggression in schools. Two major advantages of this equipment are identified; first, it avoids some of the potential biases and difficulties associated with the other methods and, second, it allows researchers to record and analyze a large number of significant variables that may otherwise be difficult to assess. The importance of this kind of data is discussed in relation to the development of effective interventions aimed at reducing aggression in schools. Aggr. Behav. 28:356–365, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Poly(ethylene terephthalate) recycling and recovery of pure terephthalic acid by alkaline hydrolysis
Authors: Karayannidis G. P. , Chatziavgoustis A. P. , Achilias D. S.
Published: October 2002

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) taken from postconsumer soft‐drink bottles was subjected to alkaline hydrolysis after cutting it into small pieces (flakes). The reaction took place in an autoclave at 120–200°C with aqueous NaOH solutions and at 110–120°C with a nonaqueous solution of KOH in methyl Cellosolve. The disodium or dipotassium terephthalate received was treated with sulfuric acid and terephthalic acid (TPA) of high purity was separated. The 1H NMR spectrum of the TPA revealed an about 2% admixture of isophthalic acid together with the pure 98% TPA. The purity of the TPA obtained was tested by determining its acidity and by polymerizing it with ethylene glycol by using tetrabutyl titanate as catalyst. A simple theoretical model was developed to describe the hydrolysis rate. The activation energy calculated was 99 kJ/mol. This method is very useful in recycling of PET bottles and other containers because nowadays TPA is replacing dimethyl terephthalate (the traditional monomer) as the main monomer in the industrial production of PET. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 21: 250–259, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.10029
Surface analysis of coating based on novel water‐diluted fluorinated polymer/silica hybrids
Authors: Yu Zhigang , Zhang Zhaobin , Yuan Qiaolong , Ying Shengkang
Published: October 2002

A novel water‐diluted hybrid coating, consisting of fluorinated poly(urethane‐acrylate) (PUA) and colloidal silica, was prepared by introducing a small amount of fluorinated methacrylate units into the PUA chains. The surface composition and surface morphology of the hybrid film were studied extensively. Attenuated total reflectance spectra of infrared analyses showed an enrichment of fluorine‐containing polymer and silica particles on the surface. Using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy with Ar+ etching, it was confirmed that a higher concentration than the calculated value of fluorine element was found on the surface of the fluorinated hybrid film, and the amount of silica increased from the very surface to the near surface. The fluorinated alkyl side chains of the fluorinated polymethacrylate were found to orient toward the surface. It is inferred that the silica particles prevent the migration of fluorine‐containing chains for some kind of effect. A comparison of surface topography between the fluorinated PUA film and the fluorinated PUA/SiO2 hybrid film was carried out using atomic force microscopy. Finally, the surface property of the hybrid coating was also determined by contact angle measurement. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 21: 268–274, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.10030
PAI‐1 gene 4G/5G genotype: A risk factor for thrombosis in vessels of internal organs
Authors: Balta Gunay , Altay Cigdem , Gurgey Aytemiz
Published: October 2002

Although the common 4G/5G polymorphism in the promoter of the PAI‐1 gene was suggested to be a risk factor for some of the thrombotic disorders, its significance in the development of thrombosis is still controversial. This study presents the data on a total of 357 patients with different types of thrombosis and 281 unrelated healthy controls. It was found that the 4G/4G genotype is associated with a higher risk of thrombosis (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1–2.5). Patients were divided into five distinct groups according to the site of thrombosis. Both 4G/4G and 4G/5G genotypes were associated with a higher risk of thrombosis development in a group of 69 patients with internal organ thrombosis (OR, 6.35; 95% CI, 2.5–16.1 and OR, 4.85; 95% CI, 2.0–12.1, respectively). Interestingly, this association was even stronger in a subgroup of 33 patients with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and 4G/4G and 4G/5G genotypes conferred more than 10‐ and 6‐fold increases in the risk of developing PVT (95% CI: 2.3–47.1 and 1.4–28.8), respectively. No statistically significant association was found between 4G/4G genotype and the groups of deep vein thrombosis (126 patients), cerebral thrombosis (80 patients), retinal thrombosis (72 patients), and purpura fulminans (16 patients). Factor V Leiden or prothrombin G20210A mutations did not emerge as additional risk factors for thrombosis in any of the groups studied. To conclude, this study suggests that there may be an association between 4G/4G and 4G/5G genotypes and the thrombosis in vessels of internal organs especially in the portal veins. Am. J. Hematol. 71:89–93, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular analysis of β‐thalassemia in South Vietnam
Authors: Svasti M.L. Saovaros , Hieu Tran Minh , Munkongdee Thongperm , Winichagoon Pranee , Van Be Tran , Van Binh Tran , Fucharoen Suthat
Published: October 2002

In Vietnam, the carrier rate for β‐thalassemia varies from 1.5% to 25% depending on the ethnic groups of the population. The molecular basis of β‐thalassemia in South Vietnam was studied in 50 unrelated β‐thalassemia patients. Of these, 31 had β‐thalassemia/Hb E, 18 were homozygous for β‐thalassemia, and 1 carried the β‐thalassemia trait. The majority of the patients were Kinh, four were Chinese, and two were Kinh–Chinese. All had severe anemia and received blood transfusions regularly, every 1–3 months. Hepatosplenomegaly was found in all patients, and splenectomy had been done in six patients. Normal α‐globin genotype (αα/αα) was found in all subjects. Reverse dot‐blot hybridization using oligonucleotide probes specific for Southeast Asian mutations can detect β‐thalassemia in 60 chromosomes in addition to 31 chromosomes with βE mutation. Excluding the βE gene, six previously reported Thai and Chinese β‐thalassemia mutations were found, including codons 41/42 (−TCTT) 35.3%, codon 17 (A→T) 25.0%, −28 (A→G) 7.3%, codons 71/72 (+A) 7.3%, IVS‐II nt 654 (C→T) 7.3%, and IVS‐I nt 1 (G→T) 6.0%. The Vietnamese frameshift mutation at codon 95 (+A) was detected by ARMS in seven chromosomes (10.3%). DNA polymorphism of the β‐globin gene cluster carrying the codon 95 mutation was − + − − − − − + for Gγ/XmnI, ϵ/HincII, Gγ/HindIII, Aγ/HindIII, ψβ/HincII, 3′ ψβ/HincII, β/AvaII, and 3′β/BamHI, respectively. The remaining mutation detected by the gap PCR was a large deletion known as the Chinese Gγ(Aγδβ)0‐thalassemia. The two most common mutations were the frameshift at codons 41/42 (−TCTT) and the nonsense mutation in codon 17 (A→T). Thus β‐thalassemia mutations in South Vietnam is similar to the previous report from the North, although at different frequencies. This result will help to establish a center for prenatal diagnosis and for prevention and control of thalassemia in Vietnam. Am. J. Hematol. 71:85–88, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Occupations and breast cancer risk among Chinese women in urban Shanghai
Authors: Gardner Kathleen M. , Ou Shu Xiao , Jin Fan , Dai Qi , Ruan Zhixian , Thompson Shirley J. , Hussey James R. , Gao Yu Tang , Zheng Wei
Published: October 2002

Background

Although, an elevated risk of breast cancer has been suggested for a number of occupations, many earlier studies were limited by selection biases, the incomplete assessment of job histories, and the inability to control for confounding.

Methods

We examined the relationship between occupational history and breast cancer risk using data from a population‐based case‐control study of 1,458 cases and 1,556 age‐matched controls (90% response rate) conducted in Shanghai, China. Unconditional logistic regression models were used to derive odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of breast cancer risk associated with occupations and duration of employment adjusting for non‐occupational risk factors.

Results

The following occupations were found to be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer: laboratory technicians (OR 9.94, 95% CI 1.20–82.37), telephone and telegraph operators (OR 4.63, 95% CI 1.85–11.59), leather and fur processors (OR 3.25, 95% CI 1.11–9.53), and glass‐manufacturing workers (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.14–3.82). A dose–response pattern for years of employment was observed for leather and fur processors (P = 0.02) and glass‐manufacturing workers (P = 0.01). Stratified analyses also revealed dose–response relationships between the risk of breast cancer and years of employment as inspector and product analysts among pre‐menopausal women (P = 0.02), and as farmers among post‐menopausal women (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

This study found that several occupations are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer among women. Studies examining various occupational exposures in these high‐risk occupations are warranted to identify carcinogens that may play a role in the increased breast cancer risk. Am. J. Ind. Med. 42: 296–308, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bladder cancer among chemical workers exposed to nitrogen products and other substances
Authors: Marsh Gary M. , Gula Mary Jean , Youk Ada O. , Cassidy Laura D.
Published: October 2002

Objective

To investigate further bladder cancer mortality excess based on four deaths observed among the internal comparison population of a previous historical cohort study of workers from a chemical plant in Lima, Ohio. The internal population mainly comprised workers from the Nitrogen Products (NP) Division.

Methods

The original Lima cohort was expanded to include all workers (n = 1,841) employed between 1955 and 1996. A subcohort of workers employed mainly in the NP Division (NP Subcohort) was identified and used as the primary study population and as the source of cases and controls for a matched case‐control study of bladder cancer. All death records were reviewed for any mention of bladder cancer; all available personnel, medical, and insurance files were reviewed to identify any current or former employees with an existing diagnosis of bladder cancer. A qualitative exposure assessment of all cases and controls was performed to evaluate an exploratory hypothesis that the bladder cancer excess may be associated with work histories involving both NP and urea, specifically, nitric acid and urea.

Results

We identified 96 new deaths among the expanded Lima cohort and obtained cause of death for 90. One additional bladder cancer death and one living case were identified and these were members of the original Lima cohort. The bladder cancer standardized mortality ratio (SMR) for the NP Subcohort (SMR = 3.31, 95%CI = 0.90–8.47) fell between the SMRs observed for all workers in the original and expanded Lima cohort (SMR = 3.93, 95%CI = 1.07–10.06 and 3.10, 95%CI = 1.01–7.24, respectively), but was markedly less than the SMR observed for corresponding subcohort of AN‐unexposed workers in the original Lima cohort (SMR = 7.01, 95%CI = 1.91–17.96). Sparse data and a high prevalence of exposure among controls precluded an informative statistical analysis of the possible association between work histories involving both nitric acid and urea and bladder cancer risk.

Conclusions

This study confirms that bladder cancer mortality is elevated among persons who worked mainly in the NP Division of the Lima plant, but at a lower, less statistically significant level than indicated by the original cohort study. No occupational risk factors considered to be causally related to the bladder cancer excess could be identified by this intensive investigation; other possible reasons for the excess are suggested by the descriptive data. Am. J. Ind. Med. 42:286–295, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A reliability study of potential risk factors for acute traumatic occupational hand injuries
Authors: Lombardi David A. , Sorock Gary S. , Lesch Mary F. , Hauser Russ , Eisen Ellen A. , Herrick Robert F. , Mittleman Murray A.
Published: October 2002

Background

A reliability study of transient workplace exposures was conducted within a case‐crossover study of acute traumatic occupational hand injuries. Exposures examined included features of work equipment (unusual performance of equipment or materials, glove use), work practices (performing an uncommon work task, using an unusual work method), and worker‐related factors (being rushed, distracted, ill, or working overtime).

Methods

Interviewers administered a follow‐up questionnaire about exposure up to 4 days after the initial interview. The reliability of the usual frequency of exposure in the past month, exposure reported at the time of the injury, and the degree to which subjects had confidence in the accuracy of their memory for exposure was assessed.

Results

The test‐retest reliability for the estimated number of hours of exposure during the past month was high for six of the eight potential risk factors (intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) ranging from 0.84–0.99). ICC for the frequency per month and minutes per exposure, used to calculate the estimated number of hours per month, ranged from 0.12–0.99 and 0.49–0.99, respectively. Agreement of reported exposure at the time of the injury, evaluated using the kappa statistic, ranged from substantial agreement to perfect agreement (0.65–1.0). However, for some factors, there was little or no reported exposure. Most subjects (74–100%) reported being “very confident” or “certain” in their memory for each exposure.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the frequency and duration of unusual transient workplace exposures can be reliably recalled by subjects interviewed by telephone within 4 days of an injury. Am. J. Ind. Med. 42:336–343, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Facial features in Alagille syndrome: Specific or cholestasis facies?
Authors: Kamath Binita M. , Loomes Kathleen M. , Oakey Rebecca J. , Emerick Karan E.M. , Conversano Tracy , Spinner Nancy B. , Piccoli David A. , Krantz Ian D.
Published: October 2002

Alagille syndrome is a complex multisystem disorder characterized by bile duct paucity, cholestasis, cardiac defects, vertebral anomalies, ophthalmologic changes, and facial dysmorphism. Although the facial features are highly conserved in affected individuals both within and between families, the possibility has been raised that cholestasis is the causative factor for the facies. In this study, the diagnostic specificity of the facies in Alagille syndrome has been evaluated by asking clinical dysmorphologists to examine a photographic panel of 18 pediatric and adult individuals with Alagille syndrome and other forms of congenital intrahepatic cholestasis. The examiners had no knowledge of the actual diagnoses. The group was able to distinguish correctly between Alagille and non‐Alagille individuals with a frequency of 79%. Professional grade of the respondent did not affect the accuracy of correct identification. The adult facial features were the most difficult to evaluate successfully. The sensitivity of facies identification to diagnose Alagille syndrome was 76%, the specificity 82%, the positive predictive value 81%, and the negative predictive value 77%. These results suggest that the facies seen in Alagille syndrome is specific to this condition and its recognition is a valuable tool in diagnosis. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Recombinant 4 syndrome due to an unbalanced pericentric inversion of chromosome 4
Authors: Battaglia A. , Brothman A.R. , Carey J.C.
Published: October 2002

An informative patient with a MCA/MR syndrome consisting of developmental delay, prenatal onset growth delay, microcephaly, distinctive face, iris coloboma, and a congenital heart defect was found, on chromosome analysis, to have the following complement: 46,XY,rec(4) dup(4p) inv(4)(p14q35.1) mat. He has a partial 4p trisomy/distal 4q deletion due to an unbalanced pericentric inversion inherited from his mother. Dup (4p) trisomy was originally described by Wilson et al. [1970: Am J Hum Genet 22:679–690] in a similar case with the same chromosome 4 inversion. To date, at least 85 cases of dup (4p) syndrome have been published, mostly due to unbalanced translocations. Recent articles suggest that the phenotype is hard to recognize clinically due to the lack of specificity of findings. In contrast, 4p trisomy due to an unbalanced pericentric inversion of chromosome 4(p14q35), i.e., the recombinant 4 syndrome observed in our patient, appears to be a discrete entity with relatively consistent features. In total there are four other kindreds described in the literature with this inversion, and the phenotype seems recognizable. Thus, we suggest that recombinant 4 syndrome is a discrete entity among 4p trisomy patients. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of ADH1B polymorphism on alcohol use and its subjective effects in a Jewish population
Authors: Carr Lucinda G. , Foroud Tatiana , Stewart Trent , Castelluccio Peter , Edenberg Howard J. , Li Ting‐Kai
Published: October 2002

Class I alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs) are the principal enzymes responsible for ethanol metabolism in humans. Genetic polymorphism at the ADH1B locus (old nomenclature ADH2) results in isozymes with quite different catalytic properties. The frequency of the ADH1B*2 allele varies among ethnic groups. ADH1B*2 is most often observed in Asian populations, and has been shown to be protective against alcoholism. The Jewish population has a higher frequency of the ADH1B*2 allele and lower rates of alcohol‐related problems as compared to other Caucasian populations. Thus, it would be of interest to determine whether the ADH1B*2 allele is associated with alcohol consumption and its subjective effects in this group. Four groups of Jewish subjects (male and female college‐age samples, and male and female general samples) were recruited from the same region of the United States. All subjects completed a questionnaire to delineate alcohol consumption and its subjective consequences. Genotype at the ADH1B locus was determined for each participant. ADH1B*2 allele frequencies were similar for the Jewish college‐age and general population samples. Men in both the college‐age and general population in the ADH1B*2 group reported more unpleasant reactions following alcohol consumption than men in the ADH1B*1 group. Men in the general population in the ADH1B*2 group drank alcohol less frequently than men who were homozygous ADH1B*1; there was a similar trend among the women. The ADH1B polymorphism is associated with unpleasant reactions after alcohol consumption, and frequency of alcohol consumption in these Jewish samples. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular basis of vertebrate limb patterning
Authors: Tickle Cheryll
Published: October 2002

Mechanisms of limb development are common to all higher vertebrates. The current understanding of how vertebrate limbs develop comes mainly from studies on chick embryos, which are classical models for experimental manipulation, and mouse embryos, which can be genetically manipulated. Work on chick and mouse embryos is often complementary and has direct implications for human limb development. Analysis has moved to the molecular level, which allows direct links to genetics. Even though genes involved in limb development have been discovered by basic scientists through different routes to that taken by clinical geneticists, many of the same genes have been identified. Thus, the fields of embryology and clinical medicine increasingly converge. The next challenge will be to go back to animal models to begin to dissect how particular gene mutations lead to specific limb phenotypes. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The mutational spectrum of brachydactyly type C
Authors: Everman David B. , Bartels Cynthia F. , Yang Yue , Yanamandra Niranjan , Goodman Frances R. , Mendoza‐Londono J. Roberto , Savarirayan Ravi , White Susan M. , Graham John M. , Gale Robert Peter , Svarch Eva , Newman William G. , Kleckers Albert R. , Francomano Clair A. , Govindaiah Vinukonda , Singh Lalji , Morrison Stuart , Thomas J. Terrig , Warman Matthew L.
Published: October 2002

Growth/differentiation factor‐5 (GDF5), also known as cartilage‐derived morphogenetic protein‐1 (CDMP‐1), is a secreted signaling molecule that participates in skeletal morphogenesis. Heterozygous mutations in GDF5, which maps to human chromosome 20, occur in individuals with autosomal dominant brachydactyly type C (BDC). Here we show that BDC is locus homogeneous by reporting a GDF5 frameshift mutation segregating with the phenotype in a family whose trait was initially thought to map to human chromosome 12. We also describe heterozygous mutations in nine additional probands/families with BDC and show nonpenetrance in a mutation carrier. Finally, we show that mutant GDF5 polypeptides containing missense mutations in their active domains do not efficiently form disulfide‐linked dimers when expressed in vitro. These data support the hypothesis that BDC results from functional haploinsufficiency for GDF5. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Survey of Savanna Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) in Southeastern Sénégal
Authors: Pruetz J.D. , Marchant L.F. , Arno J. , McGrew W.C.
Published: October 2002

A survey of the western subspecies of chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus) was conducted from 1 February to 9 April 2000 in Sénégal, West Africa, by the Miami Assirik Pan Project (MAPP). In addition to the Assirik area of the Parc National du Niokolo Koba (PNNK), areas south and east of the park were surveyed. Nests made by chimpanzees were used to estimate chimpanzee distribution and densities. Within the PNNK, chimpanzees were estimated to occur at an average of 0.13 individuals/km2. Chimpanzee nests were recorded in nine of 10 locales surveyed outside of the PNNK, as well as within the park. Data on 994 nests made by chimpanzees were recorded outside the PNNK, while 736 nests were recorded inside the park. Nest density in areas surveyed outside the PNNK, such as Bandafassi, Tomboronkoto, and Segou, was comparable to that of Assirik in habitats where nests were concentrated (i.e., evergreen gallery forest). The purpose of MAPP was to initiate long‐term research of chimpanzees in southeastern Sénégal, as a follow‐up to the Stirling African Primate Project (SAPP) of the 1970s. We sought to replicate the standards set by the SAPP project, except when technological innovations allowed improvement in data collection procedures (e.g., the global positioning system (GPS)). Am. J. Primatol. 58:35–43, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Asymmetrical spondylolysis
Authors: Merbs Charles F.
Published: October 2002

The objective of this study was to examine examples of spondylolysis in which the pattern of separation was clearly asymmetrical, in order to learn more about the process of bone separation that produces this condition. Although the primary focus was on unilateral complete separation, examples of asymmetry represented by incomplete separation and by complete bilateral separation where the separation sites are in different locations on the two sides were included. Two collections were used, one consisting of Canadian Inuit skeletons curated at the Canadian Museum of Civilization, and the other of 48 individual examples of asymmetrical spondylolysis from sites in a variety of localities curated by several different institutions. The first collection was studied primarily to observe early manifestations of spondylolysis, particularly incomplete separation, while various patterns of asymmetrical complete separation were the focus of the second. The results indicate that asymmetry is part of the earliest osteological picture of spondylolysis, with right‐sidedness predominating, a condition perhaps related in some way to handedness. The right‐side predominance appears to decrease with age. The ratio of unilateral to bilateral separation ranges from 3–33% in different studies, and a significant number of the unilateral separations have spina bifida occurring in the same vertebra. Overall, the specimens examined here, considered along with clinical cases, nicely illustrate a progression of spondylolysis. A unilateral separation may heal, it may progress to bilateral separation, or it may remain as a permanent condition, producing a pattern of degenerative changes that can include spondylolisthesis. A unilateral healing of bilateral complete separation is likely a rare phenomenon, at least after the separations have reached a certain level of maturity. Am J Phys Anthropol 119:156–174, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New tool use by wild Sumatran orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus abelii)
Authors: Fox Elizabeth A. , Bin'Muhammad Ibrahim
Published: October 2002

Two forms of tool use by wild Sumatran orangutans are reported from the Agusan Monitoring Station, a new research site in Indonesia. One form, a branch “hook” used in locomotion, has not been reported previously in wild orangutans. The second form, a leaf “pad” used to protect the hands and feet from thorns while feeding, shares similarities in form and function with a tool type used by orangutans at Ketambe, a nearby research site. Both instances of tool use occurred in areas of disturbance, and appear to be spontaneous inventions under novel conditions, although habitual use of the tool in other ecological contexts is plausible. A summary of the distribution of tool use types in wild orangutans is presented. Am J Phys Anthropol 119:186–188, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mandibular condyle traits in Neanderthals and other Homo: A comparative, correlative, and ontogenetic study
Authors: Jabbour Rebecca S. , Richards Gary D. , Anderson John Y.
Published: October 2002

The relationship between the mandibular condyle and the crest of the mandibular notch (CMN) has historically entered into discussions of Neanderthal characteristics and was recently suggested to be autapomorphic in Neanderthals. The Neanderthal CMN has been described as intersecting the condyle in the middle, while the modern human CMN runs to the condyle's lateral end. A large lateral condylar tubercle (LCT) has also been observed in Neanderthals and thought to be related to medial (or less lateral) CMN position. In addition, the presence of a less lateral CMN early in ontogeny, as seen in the Amud 7 infant, has been argued to demonstrate great evolutionary divergence in Neanderthals. Using a scoring system for each trait, this study first examines the expression of CMN position and LCT size in 102 adult modern humans and in samples of Neanderthals and other fossil Homo. Then, CMN position is scored in 208 subadult modern humans to elucidate the ontogeny of this trait. Results show that CMN position is not autapomorphic in Neanderthals, but Neanderthals have significantly more CMNs in the least‐lateral score category than does the modern human sample. Large LCTs are found to be strongly predictive of less lateral CMN position, although less lateral CMN position may exist in the absence of a large LCT. The complex ontogenetic pattern of CMN expression observed indicates that features of subadult and adult condylar morphology cannot be constructively compared without first considering subadult morphology on its own functional and developmental terms. Am J Phys Anthropol 119:144–155, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope values of bone and teeth reflect weaning age at the Medieval Wharram Percy site, Yorkshire, UK
Authors: Richards M.P. , Mays S. , Fuller B.T.
Published: October 2002

We report on the measurements of carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes of both bone and teeth from a single site and population (Medieval Wharram Percy), undertaken to explore variations due to weaning in a past population. There have been a number of recent studies of weaning using δ15N values of ribs, and we indicate a number of assumptions that must be met before the results of such studies can be correctly interpreted. We found that rib collagen δ15N values decrease to adult levels after age 2 years, indicating that weaning occurred at or before this age. Rib collagen δ13C values are also more enriched than adult δ13C values before age 2 years, and we argue that this is due to the so‐called “carnivore” effect in δ13C. We measured teeth and rib δ15N values from the same individuals and found that for individuals up to age 11 years, tooth dentine δ15N is higher than adult rib δ15N values, indicating that the dentine was formed during breast‐feeding and that there was almost no turnover of dentine since. We observed some decrease in δ13C and δ15N rib values, compared to adult rib and teeth values, for the few years after weaning that may relate to a theoretically predicted physiological nitrogen imbalance during this period of rapid growth, but this is more likely due to a childhood diet (up to age 9) which was isotopically different from later diet, possibly consisting of a greater proportion of plant foods. Am J Phys Anthropol 119:205–210, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On the genetic uniqueness of the Ami aborigines of Formosa
Authors: Sewerin Barbara , Cuza Francisco J. , Szmulewicz Martin N. , Rowold Diane J. , Bertrand‐Garcia Ralph L. , Herrera Rene J.
Published: October 2002

In the attempt to reconstruct the prehistory of Pacific and Indian Ocean populations, Taiwan's aborigines appear to be of particular interest. Linguistic and archeological evidence indicates that the dispersal of Austronesian speakers throughout the islands of Oceania and Southeast Asia may have originated from Taiwan about 5,000 years ago. The Ami are Taiwan's largest aboriginal group. Here, we report on six polymorphic point mutation loci in Ami individuals and compare allelic frequencies to worldwide populations. In order to examine the genetic characteristics and relationships of the Ami aborigines, we used the allelic frequency data to generate expected heterozygosities, power of discrimination values, maximum likelihood phylogenetic trees, principal component maps, and centroid gene flow plots. These analyses argue for the genetic isolation and uniqueness of the Ami people. Data supportive of limited gene flow and/or small population size, as well as genetic similarities to Native Americans, were observed. Am J Phys Anthropol 119:240–248, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Does Homo neanderthalensis play a role in modern human ancestry? The mandibular evidence
Authors: Rak Yoel , Ginzburg Avishag , Geffen Eli
Published: October 2002

Data obtained from quantifying the upper part of the mandibular ramus (the coronoid process, the condylar process, and the notch between them) lead us to conclude that Neandertals (both European and Middle Eastern) differ more from Homo sapiens (early specimens such as Tabun II, Skhul, and Qafzeh, as well as contemporary populations from as far apart as Alaska and Australia) than the latter differs from Homo erectus. The specialized Neandertal mandibular ramus morphology emerges as yet another element constituting the derived complex of morphologies of the mandible and face that are unique to Neandertals. These morphologies provide further support for the contention that Neandertals do not play a role in modern human biological ancestry, either through “regional continuity” or through any other form of anagenetic progression. Am J Phys Anthropol 119:199–204, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Brief communication: Diachronic investigation of linear enamel hypoplasia in prehistoric skeletal samples from Trentino, Italy
Authors: Cucina Andrea
Published: October 2002

Linear enamel hypoplasia was scored on Neolithic, Copper Age, and Early Bronze Age samples from the Trentino region, Italy, in order to compare the extent of growth disruption in different biocultural subsistence systems (foragers with little agriculture, to agriculturists and agropastoralists). The Early Bronze Age sample shows a higher frequency of enamel defects and an earlier chronological onset than the early Neolithic sample. The higher frequency of defects in the Bronze Age sample could be linked to less diversified nutrition and, because of increased sedentism, a higher risk of disease. Am J Phys Anthropol 119:283–287, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Birth weight and environmental heat load: A between‐population analysis
Authors: Wells Jonathan C.K. , Cole Tim J.
Published: October 2002

Low birth weight, a major cause of infant morbidity and mortality, is caused by different factors in Western and developing‐country populations. In addition to differing in terms of ethnicity, maternal size, maternal nutritional status, and disease load, developing‐country and Western populations are also characterized by different environmental heat loads. Thermodynamic theory predicts that heat stress is mitigated by reduced size of both mother and offspring, and therefore generates the hypothesis that reduced birth weight may be an adaptation to environmental heat load. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that environmental heat load is associated with between‐population variability in birth weight. Data on birth weight and thermal environment were obtained from the literature for 140 populations. Further data on several physical, social, and biological confounders were also collated. After adjusting for confounding factors, of which only maternal height and per capita gross domestic product were statistically significant, heat stress showed a significant inverse relationship with birth weight in 108 populations, accounting for an additional 9.6% of the between‐population variance. Though based on data collected from more than one source, these results are consistent with the hypothesis that heat stress is inversely associated with birth weight, as previously reported for within‐population studies. Further studies are needed to establish to what extent heat stress is a determinant of low birth weight in developing countries. Am J Phys Anthropol 119:276–282, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gliomatosis cerebri: Molecular pathology and clinical course
Authors: Herrlinger Ulrich , Felsberg Jörg , Küker Wilhelm , Bornemann Antje , Plasswilm Ludwig , Knobbe Christiane B. , Strik Herwig , Wick Wolfgang , Meyermann Richard , Dichgans Johannes , Bamberg Michael , Reifenberger Guido , Weller Michael
Published: October 2002

Gliomatosis cerebri is a rare, diffusely growing neuroepithelial tumor characterized by extensive brain infiltration involving more than two cerebral lobes. Among 13 patients with gliomatosis cerebri (median age, 46 years), biopsies showed features of diffuse astrocytoma (n = 4), oligoastrocytoma (n = 1), anaplastic astrocytoma (n = 5), anaplastic oligoastrocytoma (n = 1), or glioblastoma (n = 2). Molecular genetic investigation showed TP53 mutations in three of seven tumors and both PTEN mutation and epidermal growth factor receptor overexpression in one tumor. Amplification of CDK4 or MDM2 or homozygous deletion of CDKN2A was not detected. Three of 10 patients receiving radiotherapy showed a partial response (one patient) or had stable disease (two patients) lasting for more than 1 year. Four of six patients treated with procarbazine, carmustine, vincristine chemotherapy demonstrated partial remission (one patient), minor response (two patients), or stable disease (one patient). Median survival time from diagnosis was 14 months (range, 4–91+ months). Infratentorial involvement was associated with shorter survival. We conclude that (1) the molecular genetic alterations in gliomatosis cerebri resemble those in diffuse astrocytomas; (2) the prognosis of gliomatosis cerebri is variable but for at least 50% of patients as poor as for glioblastoma; and (3) some patients respond to radiotherapy and/or procarbazine, carmustine, vincristine chemotherapy.
Treatment of multiple sclerosis with the pregnancy hormone estriol
Authors: Sicotte Nancy L. , Liva Stephanie M. , Klutch Rochelle , Pfeiffer Paul , Bouvier Seth , Odesa Sylvia , Wu T. C. Jackson , Voskuhl Rhonda R.
Published: October 2002

Multiple sclerosis patients who become pregnant experience a significant decrease in relapses that may be mediated by a shift in immune responses from T helper 1 to T helper 2. Animal models of multiple sclerosis have shown that the pregnancy hormone, estriol, can ameliorate disease and can cause an immune shift. We treated nonpregnant female multiple sclerosis patients with the pregnancy hormone estriol in an attempt to recapitulate the beneficial effect of pregnancy. As compared with pretreatment baseline, relapsing remitting patients treated with oral estriol (8mg/day) demonstrated significant decreases in delayed type hypersensitivity responses to tetanus, interferon‐γ levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and gadolinium enhancing lesion numbers and volumes on monthly cerebral magnetic resonance images. When estriol treatment was stopped, enhancing lesions increased to pretreatment levels. When estriol treatment was reinstituted, enhancing lesions again were significantly decreased. Based on these results, a larger, placebo‐controlled trial of estriol is warranted in women with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. This novel treatment strategy of using pregnancy doses of estriol in multiple sclerosis has relevance to other autoimmune diseases that also improve during pregnancy.
Evidence that accumulation of ceramides and cholesterol esters mediates oxidative stress–induced death of motor neurons in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Cutler Roy G. , Pedersen Ward A. , Camandola Simonetta , Rothstein Jeffrey D. , Mattson Mark P.
Published: October 2002

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by degeneration of motor neurons in the spinal cord resulting in progressive paralysis and death. The pathogenic mechanism of ALS is unknown but may involve increased oxidative stress, overactivation of glutamate receptors, and apoptosis. We report abnormalities in sphingolipid and cholesterol metabolism in the spinal cords of ALS patients and in a transgenic mouse model (Cu/ZnSOD mutant mice), which manifest increased levels of sphingomyelin, ceramides, and cholesterol esters; in the Cu/ZnSOD mutant mice, these abnormalities precede the clinical phenotype. In ALS patients and Cu/Zn‐SOD mutant mice, increased oxidative stress occurs in association with the lipid alterations, and exposure of cultured motor neurons to oxidative stress increases the accumulation of sphingomyelin, ceramides, and cholesterol esters. Pharmacological inhibition of sphingolipid synthesis prevents accumulation of ceramides, sphingomyelin, and cholesterol esters and protects motor neurons against death induced by oxidative and excitotoxic insults. These findings suggest a pivotal role for altered sphingolipid metabolism in the pathogenesis of ALS.
Quinacrine does not prolong survival in a murine Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease model
Authors: Collins Steven J. , Lewis Victoria , Brazier Marcus , Hill Andrew F. , Fletcher Ashley , Masters Colin L.
Published: October 2002

Paramount among issues relating to the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (also known as prion diseases) is the absence of any effective therapy. This need has been heightened by the substantial European and emerging global problem of bovine spongiform encephalopathy and consequent variant Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease. Stimulated by the recent reports of a potent antiprion effect in cell culture–based clearance assays, we studied the utility of quinacrine in a well‐characterized in vivo model of mouse‐adapted transmissible spongiform encephalopathy. Our results failed to show any evidence that quinacrine is effective when using the simple but objective measure of survival prolongation.
Cree leukoencephalopathy and CACH/VWM disease are allelic at the EIF2B5 locus
Authors: Fogli Anne , Wong Kondi , Eymard‐Pierre Eleonore , Wenger Jack , Bouffard John‐Paul , Goldin Ehud , Black Deborah N. , Boespflug‐Tanguy Odile , Schiffmann Raphael
Published: October 2002

Cree leukoencephalopathy is a rapidly fatal infantile autosomal recessive leukodystrophy of unknown cause observed in the native North American Cree and Chippewayan indigenous population. We found in the brain of affected individuals the typical foamy cells with the oligodendroglial phenotype described in central hypomyelination syndrome/vanishing white matter, a syndrome related to mutations in the genes encoding the five subunits of the eucaryotic translation initiation factor eIF2B. In three patients of two Cree families, we found a homozygous missense mutation resulting in a histidine substitution at arginine 195 of ε‐eIF2B.
Mathematical and computational modeling of heat transfer and deformation in film blowing process
Authors: Khonakdar Hossein Ali , Morshedian J. , Nodehi A. O.
Published: October 2002

The blown‐film extrusion process was investigated both experimentally and theoretically. In experimental study, nonisothermal experiments were conducted using low‐density polyethylene. Rheological parameters were studied, considering the polymer melt as a power law fluid in nonisothermal conditions. Axial tension, bubble diameter, and film thickness at a variety of film extrusion conditions, that is, different flow rate, pressure difference across the film, and take‐up speeds were measured. In theoretical study, an analysis was employed to simulate the blown‐film extrusion process by setting up the force‐ and energy‐balance equations on the film bubble moving upward. Four nonlinear complex differential equations were integrated numerically, using an iterative backward shooting method and the fifth‐order Runge‐kutta technique. The program written, based on a mathematical model, predicts the bubble shape, temperature profile, and film thickness as a function of the distance along the machine axis. Furthermore, the model evaluates the elongational viscosity of LDPE in biaxial tension in terms of distance from die axis and take‐up speed. In this simulation, the total stress components in machine and the transverse directions were computed from the die exit up to the freeze line, the knowledge of which is necessary for evaluation of the elastic memory build up in heat‐shrinkable films. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 2115–2123, 2002
Study of poly(methyl methacrylate) film doped with inclusion complex of p‐tert‐butylcalix[8]arene
Authors: Li Xinhong , Chen Yuanyin , Fang Pengfei
Published: October 2002

Seven kinds of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films doped with [60]fullerene or its inclusion complex of p‐tert‐butylcalix[8]arene were prepared and characterized by FTIR, UV‐vis, TG, and DSC. It was found that the thermal stability of PMMA is much improved by doping with the inclusion complex in comparison with [60]fullerene itself, that is, the inclusion complex retards the thermal depolymerization of PMMA very effectively. The influence of incorporating active carbon powder or calix[8]arene on the thermal stability of PMMA was also investigated. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 1549–1552, 2002
New heterogeneous catalysis for the synthesis of poly(ether polyol)s
Authors: Garcia J. L. , Jang E. J. , Alper H.
Published: October 2002

Novel double‐metal cyanide (DMC) complex catalysts were prepared with various precursors of cobalt or nickel and zinc with potassium cyanide. In the presence of an alcohol initiator, but in the absence of an organic‐binding ligand, the catalysts were highly active for the polymerization of alkyl‐ or alkenyl‐substituted epoxides to produce poly(ether polyol)s. The polymer obtained from propylene oxide showed a more isotactic structure than did the polymer made from nonselective conventional catalysts. The influence of different reaction variables were examined, including the ratio of the initiator to the substrate, the presence of a protonic agent, the temperature, as well as the concentration of the catalyst and the solvent. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 1553–1557, 2002
Investigation of electrical and optical properties of polyvinyl acetate doped with some polymers
Authors: Soliman L. I. , Sayed W. M. , Hendia T. A. , Amaly M. H.
Published: October 2002

Polyglycerol (PG) and polytriethanolamine(PTEA) have been prepared. The electrical resistivity (ρ) and the optical absorption of polyvinylacetate (PVAc) doped with polyglycerol (PG), polyaniline (PA), and polytriethanolamine (PTEA) have been studied. It was found that the conduction was mainly ionic in the temperature range from 20 to 120°C. The resistivity decreased with the increase of the dopant cocentration. The optical absorption spectra were determined in the wavelength range 400–2500 nm. The analysis of the absorption spectra showed that the intensity of the bands is remarkably affected by the dopant concentration. The optical energy gap of pure PVAc and the samples containing different dopants were estimated. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 1558–1563, 2002
Closed‐loop recycling of postused garden chairs based on PP using the restabilization technique. I. Evaluation of processing parameters
Authors: Kartalis C. N. , Papaspyrides C. D. , Pfaendner R.
Published: October 2002

A remelting–restabilization technique was applied to evaluate the closed‐loop recycling of postused, white pigmented, garden chairs made from CaCO3‐filled polypropylene (PP). Analysis of the randomly collected postused chairs showed only an insufficient quantity of residual active stabilizers. Different stabilization systems in selected concentrations were employed to investigate the optimum restabilization recipe for eliminating degradation effects during reprocessing. For monitoring the processing stability of the restabilized and nonrestabilized material a multiple extrusion procedure at two different reprocessing temperatures was performed. Furthermore, a repigmentation step was applied to investigate the role of the additional pigment on the processing stability of the recycled product. Finally, mechanical tests were carried out, for studying further the effect of restabilization on the mechanical performance of the recycled material. The results lead to the conclusion that restabilization for quality improvement of postused filled PP chair material during reprocessing is permitting its reuse in the original application. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 2472–2485, 2002