bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluations of Global Wave Prediction at the Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center*
Authors: Rogers W. Erick , Wittmann Paul A. , Wang David W. C. , Clancy R. Michael , Hsu Y. Larry
Published: October 2005

It is a major challenge to determine whether bias in operational global wave predictions is predominately due to the wave model itself (internal error) or due to errors in wind forcing (an external error). Another challenge is to characterize bias attributable to errors in wave model physics (e.g., input, dissipation, and nonlinear transfer). In this study, hindcasts and an evaluation methodology are constructed to address these challenges. The bias of the wave predictions is evaluated with consideration of the bias of four different wind forcing fields [two of which are supplemented with the NASA Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT) measurements]. It is found that the accuracy of the Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center’s operational global wind forcing has improved to the point where it is unlikely to be the primary source of error in the center’s global wave model (WAVEWATCH-III). The hindcast comparisons are specifically designed to minimize systematic errors from numerics and resolution. From these hindcasts, insight into the physics-related bias in the global wave model is possible: comparison to in situ wave data suggests an overall positive bias at northeast Pacific locations and an overall negative bias at northwest Atlantic locations. Comparison of frequency bands indicates a tendency by the model physics to overpredict energy at higher frequencies and underpredict energy at lower frequencies.
Alternatives to the Chi-Square Test for Evaluating Rank Histograms from Ensemble Forecasts
Authors: Elmore Kimberly L.
Published: October 2005

Rank histograms are a commonly used tool for evaluating an ensemble forecasting system’s performance. Because the sample size is finite, the rank histogram is subject to statistical fluctuations, so a goodness-of-fit (GOF) test is employed to determine if the rank histogram is uniform to within some statistical certainty. Most often, the χ2 test is used to test whether the rank histogram is indistinguishable from a discrete uniform distribution. However, the χ2 test is insensitive to order and so suffers from troubling deficiencies that may render it unsuitable for rank histogram evaluation. As shown by examples in this paper, more powerful tests, suitable for small sample sizes, and very sensitive to the particular deficiencies that appear in rank histograms are available from the order-dependent Cramér–von Mises family of statistics, in particular, the Watson and Anderson–Darling statistics.
Broadcasting in the 1990s: competition, choice and inequality?
Authors: Antcliff Valerie
Published: October 2005

Restructuring of the UK television industry has resulted in a shift from secure, long-term employment to casualized, project-based working, with the period prior to restructuring typically described as one of structured careers and stable employement. The article draws on documentary evidence to suggest that, for women, it was a period of widespread discrimination and gendered occupational segregation. While legislation and equal opportunity initiatives from the mid-1970s onwards made some progress in remedying the situation, fragmentation and informal working practices were welcomed by many women as an opportunity to gain control over the organization of their working lives. Yet project-based employment has allowed individual producers discretion in the organization of work, and placed the industry at odds with theories of equal opportunities that emphasize the need for centralized policies and administration. The article concludes by drawing on a series of interviews to suggest that many issues addressed by earlier equal opportunity initiatives have re-emerged in the context of short-term contracting.
Popular journalism and professional ideology: tabloid reporters and editors speak out
Authors: Deuze Mark
Published: October 2005

Scholars and professionals alike have repeatedly signaled a blurring of the public-private distinction in contemporary journalism. This possible ‘homogenization’ of popular and ‘hard’ journalisms can be seen as particularly impacting upon the occupational ideology of (all) journalists. In this article, this (suggested) impact is interrogated by looking specifically at those journalists directly involved: editors and reporters working for national news-stand tabloids (in the Netherlands). A range of expert interviews with journalists working for the leading tabloids in the Netherlands were conducted, in order to further study and understand the articulations of infotainment, tabloidization and popular journalism with the norms, values and ideals of journalists in the field. Tabloid journalists adhere to the same discourse, and use the same vocabulary of journalism’s professional ideology - objectivity, ethics, autonomy - as their mainstream ‘hard’ news colleagues when talking about their work and processing news. An analysis of moral, commercial, ironic and ideological interpretative repertoires shows how the journalists in the ‘popular’ field give meaning to what they do.
The Effects of Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment for Forensic Inpatients
Authors: Timmerman Irma G. H. , Emmelkamp Paul M. G.
Published: October 2005

The effects of an intramural cognitive-behavioral treatment for forensic inpatients with personality disorders in a high-security hospital were examined. Treatment was aimed at modifying maladaptive coping and social skills, at enhancing social awareness, at reducing egoistic and oppositional behaviors, and at reducing psychological complaints. The patients, who all had committed serious crimes (violence, arson, sexual offences), participated voluntarily in the study. A total of 39 patients started the study, but during the course of the study, several patients dropped out because of several reasons. Patients as a group showed significant improvements over time on psychopathological symptoms, personality traits, and coping. A significant decrease of oppositional behaviors was reported by the staff. Though the patients improved well at the group level, only a minority of patients showed reliable change over time at the individual level. The meaning of the results in relation to treatment are discussed.
Chronic alcohol consumption in mice increases the proportion of peripheral memory T cells by homeostatic proliferation
Authors: Zhang Hui , Meadows Gary G
Published: October 2005

This study examined the mechanism underlying the increase of peripheral memory phenotype T cells that occurs during chronic alcohol consumption in mice. Female C57BL/6 mice were given 20% (w/v) alcohol in the drinking water for 2 weeks to 6 months. Chronic alcohol consumption significantly induced peripheral T cell lymphopenia; up-regulated expression of CD44 on T cells and increased the percentage of CD4+CD44int/hi and CD8+CD44int/hi Ly6C+ T cells; up-regulated the expression of CD43 on CD8+ T cells; increased the percentage of interferon-γ-producing T cells; decreased the percentage of CD8+CD28+ T cells; and down-regulated the expression of CD28 on CD4+ T cells. Expression of CD25 and CD69 on peripheral CD8+ T cells was not affected and inconsistently expressed on CD4+ T cells. Neither cell type showed altered expression of CD137 or CD153. Alcohol withdrawal did not abrogate the increase in CD8+Ly6C+ cells induced by alcohol consumption. In vivo bromodeoxyuridine incorporation experiments demonstrated that chronic alcohol consumption decreases naïve T cells that are presumed to have emigrated from the thymus and increases proliferation of memory T cells, but accelerates peripheral T cell turnover. Together these results indicate that chronic alcohol consumption results in T cell lymphopenia, which in turn induces T cell homeostatic proliferation that increases the proportion of peripheral memory T cells relative to naïve T cells.
Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDC) are the major DC subset innately producing cytokines in human lymph nodes
Authors: Cox Karina , North Margaret , Burke Michael , Singhal Hemant , Renton Sophie , Aqel Nayef , Islam Sabita , Knight Stella C
Published: October 2005

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDC) constitute a distinct subset of DC found in human peripheral lymph nodes (LN), but little is known about their function. Cell suspensions were prepared from tumor draining LN (n=20) and control LN (n=11) of women undergoing surgical resection for primary breast cancer and elective surgery for benign conditions, respectively. Using four-color flow cytometry, human leukocyte antigen-DR+ DC subsets were identified phenotypically. The proportions and numbers of cells innately producing interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, IL-12, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were also measured from intracellular accumulation of cytokine after blocking with monensin. All flow cytometry data were collected without compensation and were compensated off-line using the Winlist algorithm (Verity software). This package also provided the subtraction program to calculate percentage positive cells and intensity of staining. PDC (CD11c–, CD123+) expressed more cytokines than did myeloid DC (CD11c+) or CD1a+ putative “migratory” DC (P<0.001). LN PDC from patients with a good prognosis (px; n=11) demonstrated a relative increase in IL-12 and IFN-γ expression (median IL-10:IL-12 ratio=0.78 and median IL-4:IFN-γ ratio=0.7), and PDC from LN draining poor px cancer (n=9) showed a relative increase in IL-10 and IL-4 expression (median IL-10:IL-12 ratio=1.31 and median IL-4:IFN-γ ratio=2.6). The difference in IL-4:IFN-γ expression between good and poor px cancer groups was significant (P<0.05). Thus, PDC innately producing cytokines were identified in cell suspensions from human LN, and the character of PDC cytokine secretion may differ between two breast cancer prognostic groups. We speculate that a shift towards PDC IL-10 and IL-4 expression could promote tumor tolerance in LN draining poor px breast cancer.
Association between stalking victimisation and psychiatric morbidity in a random community sample
Authors: Purcell Rosemary , Pathé Michele , Mullen Paul E.
Published: October 2005

Background

No studies have assessed psychopathology among victims of stalking who have not sought specialist help.

Aims

To examine the associations between stalking victimisation and psychiatric morbidity in a representative community sample.

Method

A random community sample (n = 1844) completed surveys examining the experience of harassment and current mental health. The 28-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ–28) and the Impact of Event Scale were used to assess symptomatology in those reporting brief harassment (n = 196) or protracted stalking (n = 236) and a matched control group reporting no harassment (n = 432)

Results

Rates of caseness on the GHQ–28 were higher among stalking victims (36.4%) than among controls (19.3%) and victims of brief harassment (21.9%). Psychiatric morbidity did not differ according to the recency of victimisation, with 34.1% of victims meeting caseness criteria 1 year after stalking had ended.

Conclusions

In a significant minority of victims, stalking victimisation is associated with psychiatric morbidity that may persist long after it has ceased. Recognition of the immediate and long-term impacts of stalking is necessary to assist victims and help alleviate distress and long-term disability.
Structural Aspects of 1,2-Dioxetanes Active toward Intramolecular Charge-Transfer-Induced Chemiluminescent Decomposition
Authors: Matsumoto Masakatsu , Watanabe Nobuko
Published: October 2005

Simple 1,2-dioxetanes decompose thermally to produce mainly triplet-excited carbonyl fragments, whereas 1,2-dioxetanes bearing an aromatic electron donor display intramolecular charge-transfer-induced decomposition with accompanying effective emission of light. This type of 1,2-dioxetanes has been extensively studied with a view to understanding the mechanisms of bioluminescence and chemiluminescence and applying them to modern biochemical and biomedical analyses. In this account, recent developments of dioxetane-based chemiluminescent substrates are described from the viewpoint of relationships between the structure of dioxetanes and the properties of chemiluminescence, namely, chemiluminescent efficiency, singlet-chemiexcitation efficiency, color, and the rate of chemiluminescent decomposition.
Conducting and Magnetic Properties of 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium (EMI) Salts Containing Paramagnetic Irons: Liquids [EMI][MIIICl4] (M = Fe and Fe0.5Ga0.5) and Solid [EMI]2[FeIICl4]
Authors: Yoshida Yukihiro , Otsuka Akihiro , Saito Gunzi , Natsume Seiichi , Nishibori Eiji , Takata Masaki , Sakata Makoto , Takahashi Masahide , Yoko Toshinobu
Published: October 2005

An EMI-based room-temperature (RT) ionic liquid containing d5 trivalent iron(III) ions [EMI][FeIIICl4] was fully investigated, where EMI is 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium. The viscosity of the salt is 14 cP at 30 °C, and its ionic conductivity is as high as 1.8 × 10−2 S cm−1 at 20 °C. The high conductivity and fluidity can be attributed to the reduced interionic Coulomb attractions owing to the nephelauxetic effect. Magnetic susceptibility shows the Curie–Weiss behavior arising from S = 5/2 high-spin electronic state on iron(III) ions in both liquid and solid states, leading to the conductive–paramagnetic bifunctional RT ionic liquid. The solidified salt passes through an antiferromagnetic transition at 4.2 K. Diamagnetic [EMI][GaIIICl4] and paramagnetic [EMI][FeIIICl4]0.5[GaIIICl4]0.5 are also RT ionic liquids and show similar conductivities (1.8–2.0 × 10−2 S cm−1 at 20 °C) and viscosities (12–13 cP at 30 °C). These results indicate that the influence of paramagnetic iron(III) ions upon the ionic conductivity and viscosity is negligible in the present system. A 2:1 EMI salt containing d6 divalent iron(II) ions [EMI]2[FeIICl4] melts at 86 °C. Its crystal structure determined by a synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction measurement is analogous to those of the reported [EMI]2[CoIICl4] and [EMI]2[NiIICl4] with expanded lattice.
Theoretical Study on Acylacetanilide Azomethine Dyes: A Relationship between Electronic Absorption Properties and Molecular Structures
Authors: Ichijima Seiji , Kobayashi Hidetoshi
Published: October 2005

The relationship between visual absorption properties and molecular structures was investigated for a series of yellow azomethine dyes derived from 4-diethylamino-2-methylaniline and 2-acyl-2′-chloroacetanilides, in which the acyl groups are 1-indolinylcarbonyl (IA), 1-methylcyclopropylcarbonyl (CA), acetyl, benzoyl, and pivaloyl (PA). DFT calculations predicted major conformational isomers attributed to deviations from the planarity of the p-aminophenyl–azomethine fragment. Observed wavelengths were well reproduced by TD-DFT calculations at global minimum geometries, whereas the intensities correlate with the Boltzmann-weighted oscillator strengths. The observed intensities varied by 1.5 times from minimum to maximum without significant shifts in the peak wavelengths, demonstrating the largest absorption of IA and the distinct increase of absorption by changing the acyl group from open- (PA) to closed-ring (CA). The different acyl groups nearly perpendicular to the azomethine fragment in global minima alter frontier orbital energies, while leaving HOMO–LUMO energy gaps almost unchanged. The acyl groups, which are twisted largely in local minima, exert mesomeric effects to lower the LUMO energies. The planarity of the p-aminophenyl–azomethine fragment affects HOMO–LUMO overlapping, but hardly changes HOMO and LUMO energies. These electronic and steric effects rationalize the absorption intensities and peak wavelengths observed for the dyes and also the sharp-cut curves of spectra in the long-wavelength sides for IA and CA.
Insights into the Biological Redox Chemistry of 2′-Deoxyadenosine 5′-Monophosphate by Electrochemical Techniques
Authors: Goyal Rajendra N , Dhawan Aikta
Published: October 2005

The electrochemical oxidation of 2′-deoxyadenosine 5′-monophosphate at a pyrolytic graphite electrode (PGE) was studied in the pH range 2.65–10.03 and was found to proceed in a single well-defined oxidation peak, Ia, over the entire pH range. The cyclic voltammetric behavior indicated the pH dependence of the oxidation pathway. The kinetic studies of the UV-absorbing intermediate generated during electrooxidation were followed spectrophotometrically, and decay occurred in a pseudo first-order reaction having k values in the range (0.595–0.986) × 10−3 s−1 over the entire pH range studied. Coulometric studies indicated that the process of the oxidative pathway involved n values as 5.0 ± 0.5 in the acidic range (pH 3.37) and 4.0 ± 0.5 at physiological pH 7.22. The products of electrooxidation were characterized by GC-MS and on the basis of electrochemical, spectrochemical, and product analysis; a plausible redox mechanism is suggested.
Comparative Study on the Distributions of Precious Metals (Ru, Rh, Pd, Ir, Pt, and Au) in Industrial Waste Incineration Ashes as Determined by Tellurium Coprecipitation and ICP-MS
Authors: Fujimori Eiji , Minamoto Kazuaki , Haraguchi Hiroki
Published: October 2005

The multielement determination of precious metals (Ru, Rh, Pd, Ir, Pt, and Au) in industrial waste incineration ashes was examined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) with external calibration. Precious metals in the incineration ash samples were preconcentrated by Te coprecipitation after sample decomposition by acid digestion. By using the present Te coprecipitation method, precious metals could be recovered almost quantitatively, while the elements causing polyatomic interferences in the determination of precious metals by ICP-MS were more than 96% removed. The analytical detection limits of precious metals were 0.05, 0.004, 0.03, 0.02, 0.05, and 0.05 ng g−1 for Ru, Rh, Pd, Ir, Pt, and Au, respectively, when 0.3 g of ash sample was used for analysis. It was found that the concentration levels of precious metals in coal fly ash and city waste incineration ash certified reference materials were at the ng g−1 levels, which were at the same levels as those in the continental crust. On the other hand, the concentrations of precious metals in industrial waste incineration ashes were in the range from ng g−1 to μg g−1, which were a few to several-hundreds of times higher than those in coal fly ash and city waste incineration ash reference materials.
Fractional Distributions of Trace Metals in Surface Water of Lake Biwa as Studied by Ultrafiltration and ICP-MS
Authors: Zhu Yanbei , Hattori Ryota , Rahmi Dwinna , Okuda Satoshi , Itoh Akihide , Fujimori Eiji , Umemura Tomonari , Haraguchi Hiroki
Published: October 2005

The distributions of 33 trace metals in the total dissolved fraction (TDF), small molecular weight fraction (SMWF; <10000 Da), and large molecular weight fraction (LMWF; >10000 Da) of surface water from two sampling stations (No. 1 and No. 2) in Lake Biwa (Japan) were investigated. In the experiment, the concentrations of trace metals in TDF and SMWF were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) using a laboratory-made chelating resin-packed minicolumn for the preconcentration of trace metals. The concentrations of trace metals in LMWF were calculated by subtracting those in SMWF from those in TDF. The comparison between the distributions of trace metals in each fraction collected from the sampling stations No. 1 and No. 2 was made, and the enrichment factors of trace metals in LMWF were estimated. As a result, it was found that soluble biogenic large molecule–metal complexes and hydrogenic particulates were predominantly distributed in LMWF of surface water from Lake Biwa. Furthermore, positive anomalies of Ce and Gd were observed in the shale-normalized rare earth element (REE) distribution patterns.
Silylation and Tetrahydropyranylation of Alcohols Catalyzed by Al(HSO4)3
Authors: Shirini Farhad , Zolfigol Mohammad Ali , Abedini Masoumeh
Published: October 2005

Trimethylsilylation and tetrahydropyranylation of alcohols are efficiently catalyzed by Al(HSO4)3. All reactions were performed under mild and completely heterogeneous conditions in good-to-high yields.
UV-Irradiated Formation of Diradicals of Diphenylbutadiyne and Some of Its p,p′-Disubstituted Derivatives
Authors: Beristain Miriam F , Fomine Sergei , Muñoz Eduardo , Salcedo Roberto , Ogawa Takeshi
Published: October 2005

It was found for the first time that aromatic diacetylenes give strong ESR signals of stable carbon radical species in solution or in the solid state upon irradiation of UV light. The numbers of radicals reached to the order of 1020 radicals per mole of diacetylene, and the solution became red colored due to the formation of oligomers by their recombination. The radical species were stable almost indefinitely under an inert atmosphere. The unusual stability of these radicals is attributed to a resonance effect of aromatic rings linked to the butadiyne. Very slow quenching in the dark seems to be due to the recombination between them. Theoretical calculations indicated that monomeric diradicals on 1- and 4-carbons with the sp configuration, are formed, which combine to form dimeric or higher species detected by ESR spectroscopy.
Introduction of Amino Groups into the Dibenzo-TTF π-System: Enhanced Electron-Donating Ability and Intermolecular Hydrogen Bonding
Authors: Morita Yasushi , Miyazaki Eigo , Fukui Kozo , Maki Suguru , Nakasuji Kazuhiro
Published: October 2005

A new dibenzo-TTF (DBTTF) derivative directly connected with amino groups has been designed and synthesized as a stable molecule in air with enhanced electron-donating ability compared with that of DBTTF. A crystal structure analysis of its TCNQ complex has shown that intermolecular hydrogen bondings are formed between the two amino groups and CH3CN molecules contained as a crystal solvent. Despite the alternated stacking structure, the TCNQ complex exhibited relatively high electrical conductivity (σrt = 0.12 S cm−1) and low activation energy (Ea = 106 meV).
Synthesis of New Pentathiepin and Dithiatriselenepin Fused to Ferrocene via Dithiametallacycles
Authors: Muraoka Hiroki , Ogawa Satoshi , Nagahora Noriyoshi , Kawai Yasushi , Sato Ryu
Published: October 2005

2,2-Dimethylferroceno[1,2-d][1,3,2]dithiastannole, a synthetic equivalent of unstable 1,2-ferrocenedithiol, was synthesized from N,N-dimethylsulfanoylferrocene by lithiation at the vicinal position, sulfurization, reduction, and protection with dichlorodimethylstannane. The dithiastannole, which has inherent low stability in organic solvents at ambient temperature, converted into diferroceno[1,2-c:1″,2″-g][1,2,5,6]tetrathiocin via 2,2-dimethyldiferroceno[1,2-d;1,2-h][1,3,6,7,2]tetrathiastannonin. The molecular structure of the tetrathiocin was determined by NMR, IR, mass spectra, elemental analysis, and X-ray crystallographic analysis. 2,2-Bis(η5-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)ferroceno[1,2-d][1,3,2]dithiatitanole was synthesized from the tetrathiocin by the reduction and protection with bis(η5-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)titanium dichloride in moderate yield. In contrast to the dithiastannole, the dithiatitanole was thermally stable up to 300 °C in the solid-state. Transformations into ferroceno[1,2-f][1,2,3,4,5]pentathiepin and -[1,5,2,3,4]dithiatriselenepin were successfully carried out, namely by the reactions of the dithiatitanole with some electrophiles containing sulfur or selenium atom(s). The molecular structure of the ferrocenopentathiepin was determined by NMR, IR, mass spectra, elemental analysis, and X-ray crystallographic analysis. The structure of the ferrocenodithiatriselenepin was determined by 1H and 13C NMR, IR, mass spectra, and elemental analysis, and supported by the 77Se NMR spectrum and theoretical calculations.
Tetramethylated Resorcin[4]arene-Based Molecular Capsules Incorporating a Tetraethylammonium Ion through Cation–π Interactions
Authors: Aoki Katsuyuki , Nagae Toshiki , Yamaguchi Sumio , Fujisawa Ikuhide
Published: October 2005

Tetramethylated resorcin[4]arene self-assembles to form molecular capsules incorporating a tetraethylammonium ion within the cavity through cation–π interactions. Two “head-to-head” arranged substructures are staggered with each other so as to participate in methyl–hydroxy van der Waals interactions between pairing substructures. The tetraethylammonium ion is oriented in a vertical or horizontal fashion.
Fullerodendron-assisted Dispersion of Single-walled Carbon Nanotubes via Noncovalent Functionalization
Authors: Takaguchi Yutaka , Tamura Mitsuhiro , Sako Yuuki , Yanagimoto Yasushi , Tsuboi Sadao , Uchida Tetsuya , Shimamura Kaoru , Kimura Shin-ichi , Wakahara Takatsugu , Maeda Yutaka , Akasaka Takeshi
Published: October 2005

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) were well dispersed in both water and organic solvent by the use of fullerodendron as a dispersant. A C60 moiety at the focal point of dendron plays a crucial role in the dispersing process, because dendron having an anthracene unit at the focal point can not disperse SWNTs in THF. The dispersions of SWNTs were characterized by UV–vis–NIR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, HRTEM, and AFM.
Location of Vanadium(IV) in VAPO-5 as Studied by Hyperfine Sublevel Correlation Spectroscopy
Authors: Nagarajan Vijayasarathi , Rings Daniel , Moschkowitz Lutz , Hartmann Martin , Pöppl Andreas
Published: October 2005

Vanadium(IV) framework substitution in aluminophosphate molecular sieves has been explored by electron spin resonance (ESR) and hyperfine sublevel correlation (HYSCORE) spectroscopy. In both as-synthesized and hydrated materials V(IV) exists as VO2+ species that coordinates to two framework oxygen atoms and presumably three water molecules in a distorted octahedral geometry.
Iontophoresis as a means of delivering antibiotics into allograft bone
Authors: Day R. E. , Megson S. , Wood D.
Published: October 2005

Allograft bone is widely used in orthopaedic surgery, but peri-operative infection of the graft remains a common and disastrous complication. The efficacy of systemic prophylactic antibiotics is unproven, and since the graft is avascular it is likely that levels of antibiotic in the graft are low.

Using an electrical potential to accelerate diffusion of antibiotics into allograft bone, high levels were achieved in specimens of both sheep and human allograft. In human bone these ranged from 187.1 mg/kg in endosteal (sd 15.7) to 124.6 (sd 46.2) in periosteal bone for gentamicin and 31.9 (sd 8.9) in endosteal and 2.9 (sd 1.1) in periosteal bone for flucloxacillin. The antibiotics remained active against bacteria in vitro after iontophoresis and continued to elute from the allograft for up to two weeks.

Structural allograft can be supplemented directly with antibiotics using iontophoresis. The technique is simple and inexpensive and offers a potential means of reducing the rate of peri-operative infection in allograft surgery. Iontophoresis into allograft bone may also be applicable to other therapeutic compounds.
Tissue restoration after resorption of polyglycolide and poly-laevo-lactic acid screws
Authors: Böstman O. M. , Laitinen O. M. , Tynninen O. , Salminen S. T. , Pihlajamäki H. K.
Published: October 2005

Despite worldwide clinical use of bio-absorbable devices for internal fixation in orthopaedic surgery, the degradation behaviour and tissue replacement of these implants are not fully understood.

In a long-term experimental study, we have determined the patterns of tissue restoration 36 and 54 months after implantation of polyglycolic acid and poly-laevo-lactic acid screws in the distal femur of the rabbit.

After 36 months in the polyglycolic acid group the specimens showed no remaining polymer and loose connective tissue occupied 80% of the screw track. Tissue restoration remained poor at 54 months, the amounts of trabecular bone and haematopoietic elements being significantly lower than those in the intact control group. The amount of trabecular bone within the screw track at 54 months in the polyglycolic acid group was less than in the empty drill holes (p = 0.04). In the poly-laevo-lactic acid group, polymeric material was present in abundance after 54 months, occupying 60% of the cross-section of the core area of the screw track.

When using absorbable internal fixation implants we should recognise that the degradation of the devices will probably not be accompanied by the restoration of normal trabecular bone.
The Weil osteotomy
Authors: Hofstaetter S. G. , Hofstaetter J. G. , Petroutsas J. A. , Gruber F. , Ritschl P. , Trnka H.-J.
Published: October 2005

We prospectively evaluated the one- and seven-year results of the Weil osteotomy for the treatment of metatarsalgia with subluxed or dislocated metatarsophalangeal joints in 25 feet of 24 patients. Good to excellent results were achieved in 21 feet (84%) after one year and in 22 (88%) after seven years. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score significantly improved from 48 (sd 15) points before surgery to 75 (sd 24) at one year, and 83 (sd 18) at seven years. The procedure significantly reduced pain, diminished isolated plantar callus formation and increased the patient’s capacity for walking. Redislocation of the metatarsophalangeal joint was seen in two feet (8%) after one year and in three (12%) after seven years. Although floating toes and restricted movement of the metatarsophalangeal joint may occur, the Weil osteotomy is safe and effective.
A profile of Perthes’ disease in Greater Glasgow
Authors: Sharma S. , Sibinski M. , Sherlock D. A.
Published: October 2005

It has been reported that there is an association between Perthes’ disease and poverty. We examined the demographic data of a group of 240 children (263 hips) who presented with Perthes’ disease in Greater Glasgow, where the mean deprivation scores are substantially greater than in the rest of Scotland, to see if this association applied and whether other clues to the aetiology of Perthes’ disease could be found. There were 197 boys and 43 girls; 39 (16.25%) had a family history of Perthes’ disease. Bone age in this series was heavily skewed towards the lower percentiles. The mean number of siblings was 1.9, with 31 (12.9%) being an only child. Maternal age at the birth of the first child showed no preponderance of older mothers. Maternal smoking during and after pregnancy was noted in 132 (55%), which compared with the 52% reported in the population of Greater Glasgow in general. Of the children in our series, 60 (25%) were in social class IV and V. However, this applies to more than half of the population of Greater Glasgow. There was no significant evidence of a preponderance of Perthes’ disease in the most deprived groups. The aetiology of Perthes’ disease is likely to be multifactorial and may include a genetic or deprivation influence resulting in delayed bone age.
Clinical features and microbiology in 204 cases of septic arthritis in Malawian children
Authors: Lavy C. B. D. , Thyoka M. , Pitani A. D.
Published: October 2005

We examined 204 children (137 boys and 67 girls) aged 12 years and under with septic arthritis. Their mean age was 31.1 months (1 to 144; SD 41.6). The most common joints affected were the knees and shoulders. Joints in the upper limb were affected more often in younger children and in the lower limb in those who were older. The mean age for an infection was 12 months in the shoulder and 73 months in the hip. The most common organisms cultured were species of Salmonella.
Haemarthroses after total knee arthroplasty caused by an isolated platelet factor 3 availability defect
Authors: Malhotra R. , Bhan S. , Kiran E. Krishna
Published: October 2005

We present seven patients with recurrent haemarthroses after total knee arthroplasty, caused by an inherent platelet function defect. These patients developed painful knee swelling, persistent bleeding and/or wound breakdown, a platelet factor 3 availability defect being identified in all cases. Surgical exploration, with joint debridement, lavage and synovectomy, was performed in four patients who did not improve with conservative therapy. Histopathological examination of synovium revealed a focal synovial reaction with histiocytic infiltration, and occasional foreign-body giant cells. One patient required an early revision because of aseptic loosening of their tibial component. The condition was treated by single-donor platelet transfusions with good results. The diagnosis, management, and relevance of this disorder are discussed.
Black Public Intellectuals: From du Bois to the Present
Authors: Collins Patricia Hill
Published: October 2005

Black public intellectuals have unprecedented access to the media, but many no longer have daily contact with African-American communities. A few (mostly men) have become academic and media superstars, which helps sustain the illusion that American society is “color blind.”
On How to Dissolve Racial Taboos
Authors: Vera Hernán , Gordon Andrew
Published: October 2005

Guess Who (2005). Directed by Kevin R. Sullivan, starring Bernie Mac, Ashton Kutcher, Zoe Saldana, and Judith Scott. Screenplay by William Rose, David Ronn, Jay Scherick, and Peter Tolan.
Post-surgical use of radioiodine (131I) in patients with papillary and follicular thyroid cancer and the issue of remnant ablation: a consensus report
Authors: Pacini Furio , Schlumberger Martin , Harmer Clive , Berg Gertrud G , Cohen Ohad , Duntas Leonidas , Jamar François , Jarzab Barbara , Limbert Eduard , Lind Peter , Reiners Cristoph , Franco Franco Sanchez , Smit Johannes , Wiersinga Wilmar
Published: October 2005

Objective: To determine, based on published literature and expert clinical experience, current indications for the post-surgical administration of a large radioiodine activity in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer.

Design and methods: A literature review was performed and was then analyzed and discussed by a panel of experts from 13 European countries.

Results: There is general agreement that patients with unifocal microcarcinomas = 1 cm in diameter and no node or distant metastases have a <2% recurrence rate after surgery alone, and that post-surgical radioiodine confers recurrence and cause-specific survival benefits in patients, strongly suspected of having persistent disease or known to have tumor in the neck or distant sites. In other patients, there is limited evidence that after complete thyroidectomy and adequate lymph node dissection performed by an expert surgeon, post-surgical radioiodine provides clear benefit. When there is any uncertainty about the completeness of surgery, evidence suggests that radioiodine can reduce recurrences and possibly mortality.

Conclusion: This survey confirms that post-surgical radioiodine should be used selectively. The modality is definitely indicated in patients with distant metastases, incomplete tumor resection, or complete tumor resection but high risk of recurrence and mortality. Probable indications include patients with tumors >1 cm and with suboptimal surgery (less than total thyroidectomy or no lymph node dissection), with age <16 years, or with unfavorable histology.
Genetic influence of an ACTH receptor promoter polymorphism on adrenal androgen secretion
Authors: Reisch Nicole , Slawik Marc , Zwermann Oliver , Beuschlein Felix , Reincke Martin
Published: October 2005

Objective: Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is the primary secretagogue stimulating secretion of adrenal androgens (AA). Yet, genetic and environmental factors are assumed to play a determining role in the regulation of their biosynthesis and thus might explain the high variability of AA levels. Here we investigate the influence of an ACTH receptor promoter polymorphism affecting ACTH receptor gene transcription on ACTH-dependent dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) secretion.

Design: We recently reported a polymorphism within the transcription initiation site of the ACTH receptor gene promoter that alters the consensus sequence from CTC to CCC at −2 bp. This results in lower promoter activity in vitro and is associated with impaired cortisol response to ACTH stimulation in vivo. We now studied 14 normal, lean volunteers aged 20–35 years (eight CTC/CTC and six CCC/CCC carriers) in a 6-h ACTH stimulation test.

Methods: After overnight dexamethasone suppression, ACTH1-24 was administered continuously in each subject with hourly increasing doses (120–3840 ng/m2 body surface area/h) within a 6-h period. On a separate day, baseline DHEA samples were collected.

Results: In the 6-h ACTH stimulation test, CTC/CTC carriers showed a significantly higher DHEA response than CCC/CCC carriers (area under the curve: 19 367 ± 2919 vs 11 098 ± 1241 nmol/l per min; P < 0.04, Mann–Whitney U-test). In contrast, baseline DHEA concentrations did not differ between groups.

Conclusion: These data demonstrate that genetic variations within the ACTH receptor promoter result in decreased DHEA secretion. Thus, we might have identified one of the genetic factors responsible for variation in ACTH-dependent DHEA secretion.
Administration of recombinant human GHRH-1,44-amide for 3 months reduces abdominal visceral fat mass and increases physical performance measures in postmenopausal women
Authors: Veldhuis Johannes D , Patrie James M , Frick Kirsten , Weltman Judith Y , Weltman Arthur L
Published: October 2005

Objective: A recent study indicated that twice-daily s.c. administration of a high dose of recombinant human GHRH-1,44-amide (GHRH) for 90 days can alter body composition in healthy older men. No data establish whether this is also true in postmenopausal women. The present study tests the hypothesis that the same GHRH regimen applied in women will: (i) elevate both IGF-I and GH concentrations; and (ii) reduce abdominal visceral fat mass, augment total body water and enhance functional performance.

Design: Ten postmenopausal volunteers underwent baseline study and then received 1 mg GHRH twice daily s.c. for 3 months.

Methods: Statistical comparisons were made with preintervention baseline data.

Results: GHRH administration stimulated: (i) a mean 98 ± 14% elevation of overnight GH concentrations after administration of the peptide for 1 and 3 months (P < 0.005); (ii) a sustained 71 ± 3.5% rise in IGF-I concentrations over the interval from 2 weeks to 3 months (P < 0.0012); (iii) a 16 ± 7% reduction in abdominal visceral fat mass (P = 0.029) and a 14 ± 5% increase in tri-tiated water space (P < 0.025); (iv) an abbreviation of the times required to walk 30 m (P = 0.015) and ascend two flights of stairs (P = 0.003). Most (70%) subjects experienced local skin reactivity. There were no systemic adverse events.

Conclusions: A 3-month regimen of GHRH supplementation in postmenopausal women can stimulate GH and IGF-I production, reduce abdominal visceral fat and improve selected measures of physical performance, while inducing significant local skin reactivity.
High prevalence of suspicious cytology in thyroid nodules associated with positive thyroid autoantibodies
Authors: Boi F , Lai M L , Marziani B , Minerba L , Faa G , Mariotti S
Published: October 2005

Objective: We assessed the association between thyroid autoimmunity and thyroid cancer in a retrospective series of unselected thyroid nodules submitted to fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) to avoid the selection bias of surgical series.

Subjects and methods: Ultrasound (US)-guided FNACs were obtained from 590 unselected consecutive patients with single thyroid nodules and positive (ATA + , n = 197) or negative (ATA − , n = 393) serum anti-thyroid antibody (ATA). Cytological results were classified in three classes of increased risk of malignancy: low risk or benign (class II); indeterminate risk (class III); and suspect or malignant (class IV).

Results: A higher prevalence of class III (28.9% vs 21.4%, P < 0.05) and class IV (18.8% vs 9.2%, P < 0.001) and lower prevalence of class II (52.3% vs 69.5%, P < 0.001) were found in ATA + vs ATA − nodules respectively. By multivariate logistic regression analysis ATA + conferred a significant risk (odds ratio (OR): 2.29 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.39–3.76)) for class IV cytology independently from age and sex. In 106 patients where thyroidectomy was carried out, thyroid cancer was found in 54/61 (88.5%) patients with class IV nodules (with similar positive predictive value for cancer in ATA + (96.4%) and ATA– (81.8%) nodules), in 6/31 (19.3%) of class III nodules (all ATA − ) and in none of 14 class II nodules. Non-specific cytological atypias from hyperplastic nodules in lymphocytic thyroiditis probably accounted for the different prevalence of cancer in class III ATA + and ATA − nodules. Histologically proven thyroid cancer (mostly papillary) was then observed in a higher proportion (27/197 = 13.7%) of ATA + , when compared with ATA − nodules (33/393 = 8.4%, P = 0.044), but the significance of this finding is limited by the low number of class II nodules operated on.

Conclusions: The presence of ATA + confers an increased risk of suspicious or malignant cytology in unselected thyroid nodules. Since ATA + is not responsible for increased false- positive class IV FNAC, our study provides indirect evidence supporting a significant association between thyroid carcinoma and thyroid autoimmunity, although further studies with a different design are needed for a definitive histological proof.
Mechanical Blood Pumps for Cardiac Assistance
Authors: Akdis M. , Reul H.
Published: October 2005

Cardiac assist devices are classified into the traditional engineering categories of displacement and rotary pumps. Clinical use and indications of the various pump categories are outlined and a detailed description of currently available systems is given. The first part deals with extracorporeal as well as implantable ventricular assist devices (VAD) of the displacement type and is followed by a section on current developments in the field of total artificial hearts (TAH). The second part covers the rotary pump category from cardiopulmonary bypass applications to implantable systems, including specific design aspects of radial, diagonal, and axial pumps.
Bionics Solution to Learn the Arm Reaching with Collision Avoidance
Authors: Gorce P. , Bendahan P.
Published: October 2005

This article presents a learning model that simulates the control of an anthropomorphic arm kinematics motion. The objective is to reach and grasp a static prototypic object placed behind different kinds of obstacle in size and position. The network, composed of two generic neural network modules, learns to combine multi‐modal arm‐related information (trajectory parameters) as well as obstacle‐related information (obstacle size and location). Our simulation was based on the notion of Via Point, which postulates that the motion planning that is divided into specific successive position of the arm. In order to determine these special points, an experimental protocol has been built and pertinent parameters have been integrated to the model. According to these studies, we propose an original method that takes into account the previous learning modules to determine the entire trajectory of the wrist in order to reach the same object placed behind two successive obstacles. The aim of this approach is to understand better the impact of experience in a task realisation and show that learning can be performed from previous initiation. Some results (applied to obstacle avoidance task) show the efficiency of the proposed method.
Biomechanical Modelling of the Upper Limb for Robotics‐Based Orthotic Tremor Suppression
Authors: Rocon E. , Ruiz A. F. , Pons J. L.
Published: October 2005

Orthotic management has been proposed as an interesting alternative to current tremor management methods. It is expected that an improvement on manipulative function can be obtained by reducing the tremorous motion associated with some neurological disorders. For this to be possible, a sound modelling of the tremor and the biomechanical characteristics of the upper limb is required. This paper proposes a model for both the tremor motion and the biomechanical parameters of the upper limb. Based on these models and on a prototype of a robotics‐based active orthosis two tremor reduction strategies are proposed.
Control of Oscillating Foil for Propulsion of Biorobotic Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV)
Authors: Singh S. N. , Mani S.
Published: October 2005

The paper treats the question of control of a laterally and rotationally oscillating hydrofoil for the propulsion of biologically inspired robotic (biorobotic) autonomous underwater vehicles (BAUVs). Sinusoidal oscillations of foils produce maneuvering and propulsive forces. The design is based on the internal model principle. Two springs are used to transmit forces from the actuators to the foil. Oscillating fins produce periodic forces, which can be used for fish‐like propulsion and control of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). The equations of motion of the foil include hydrodynamic lift and moment based on linear, unsteady, aerodynamic theory. A control law is derived for the lateral and rotational sinusoidal oscillation of the foil. In the closed‐loop system, the lateral displacement and the rotational angle of the foil asymptotically follow sinusoidal trajectories of distinct frequencies and amplitudes independently. Simulation results are presented to show the trajectory tracking performance of the foil for different freestream velocities and sinusoidal command trajectories.
Shape Restoration by Active Self‐Assembly
Authors: Arbuckle D. , Requicha A. A. G.
Published: October 2005

Shape restoration is defined as the problem of constructing a desired, or goal, solid shape Sg by growing an initial solid Si, which is a subset of the goal but is otherwise unknown. This definition attempts to capture abstractly a situation that often arises in the physical world when a solid object loses its desired shape due to wear and tear, corrosion or other phenomena. For example, if the top of the femur becomes distorted, the hip joint no longer functions properly and may have to be replaced surgically. Growing it in place back to its original shape would be an attractive alternative to replacement. This paper presents a solution to the shape restoration problem by using autonomous assembly agents (robots) that self‐assemble to fill the volume between Sg and Si. If the robots have very small dimension (micro or nano), the desired shape is approximated with high accuracy. The assembly agents initially execute a random walk. When two robots meet, they may exchange a small number of messages. The robot behavior is controlled by a finite state machine with a small number of states. Communication contact models chemical communication, which is likely to be the medium of choice for robots at the nanoscale, while small state and small messages are limitations that also are expected of nanorobots. Simulations presented here show that swarms of such robots organize themselves to achieve shape restoration by using distributed algorithms. This is one more example of an interesting geometric problem that can be solved by the Active Self‐Assembly paradigm introduced in previous papers by the authors.
An Optimal Design of Driving Mechanism in a 1 Degree of Freedom (d.o.f.) Anthropomorphic Finger
Authors: Ceccarelli M. , Rodríguez N. E. N. , Carbone G. , Lopez-Cajùn C.
Published: October 2005

Mechanisms can be used in finger design to obtain suitable actuation systems and to give stiff robust behavior in grasping tasks. The design of driving mechanisms for fingers has been attached at LARM in Cassino with the aim to obtain one degree of freedom actuation for an anthropomorphic finger. The dimensional design of a finger‐driving mechanism has been formulated as a multi‐objective optimization problem by using evaluation criteria for fundamental characteristics regarding with finger motion, grasping equilibrium and force transmission. The feasibility of the herein proposed optimum design procedure for a finger‐driving mechanism has been tested by numerical examples that have been also used to enhance a prototype previously built at LARM in Cassino.