bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of obesity and erect/supine posture on lateral cephalometry: relationship to sleep-disordered breathing
Authors: Brander PE , Mortimore IL , Douglas NJ
Published: August 2002

Craniofacial and upper airway anatomy, obesity and posture may all play a role in compromising upper airway patency in patients with the sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between obesity, facial structure and severity of sleep-disordered breathing using lateral cephalometric measurements and to assess the effect of body posture on cephalometric measurements of upper airway calibre variables in obese and non-obese subjects. Lateral cephalometry was carried out in erect and supine postures in 73 awake male subjects randomly selected from patients referred for polysomnography who had a wide range of apnoea/hypopnoea frequencies (1-131 events x h sleep(-1)). Subjects were divided into non-obese (body mass index (BMI) < 30 kg x m(-2); n=42) and obese (BMI > or = 30 kg x m(-2); n=31) groups. Significant but weak correlations were found between apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI) and measurements reflecting upper airway dimensions: uvular protrusion-posterior pharyngeal wall (r=-0.26, p<0.05) and hyoid-posterior pharyngeal wall (r=0.26, p<0.05). Multiple regression using both upper airway dimensions improved the correlation to AHI (r=0.34, p=0.01). Obese subjects had greater hyoid-posterior pharyngeal wall distances than non-obese subjects, both erect (42+/-5 versus 39+/-4 mm, respectively (mean+/-SD) p<0.01) and supine (43+/-5 versus 40+/-4 mm, p<0.05). Skeletal craniofacial structure was similar in obese and non-obese subjects. In conclusion, measurements reflecting upper airway size were correlated with the severity of sleep-disordered breathing. Differences in upper airway size measurements between obese and non-obese subjects were independent of bony craniofacial structure.
Cephalometric abnormalities in non-obese and obese patients with obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Sakakibara H , Tong M , Matsushita K , Hirata M , Konishi Y , Suetsugu S
Published: August 2002

The aim of this work was to comprehensively evaluate the cephalometric features in Japanese patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and to elucidate the relationship between cephalometric variables and severity of apnoea. Forty-eight cephalometric variables were measured in 37 healthy males and 114 male OSA patients, who were classed into 54 non-obese (body mass index (BMI) <27 kg x m(-2), apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI)=25.3+/-16.1 events x h(-1)) and 60 obese (BMI > or = 27 kg x m(-2), AHI=45.6+/-28.0 events h(-1)) groups. Diagnostic polysomnography was carried out in all of the OSA patients and in 19 of the normal controls. The non-obese OSA patients showed several cephalometric defects compared with their BMI-matched normal controls: 1) decreased facial A-P distance at cranial base, maxilla and mandible levels and decreased bony pharynx width; 2) enlarged tongue and inferior shift of the tongue volume; 3) enlarged soft palate; 4) inferiorly positioned hyoid bone; and 5) decreased upper airway width at four different levels. More extensive and severe soft tissue abnormalities with a few defects in craniofacial bony structures were found in the obese OSA group. For the non-obese OSA group, the stepwise regression model on AHI was significant with two bony structure variables as determinants: anterior cranial base length (S-N) and mandibular length (Me-Go). Although the regression model retained only linear distance between anterior vertebra and hyoid bone (H-VL) as an explainable determinant for AHI in the obese OSA group, H-VL was significantly correlated with soft tissue measurements such as overall tongue area (Ton), inferior tongue area (Ton2) and pharyngeal airway length (PNS-V). In conclusion, Japanese obstructive sleep apnoea patients have a series of cephalometric abnormalities similar to those described in Caucasian patients, and that the aetiology of obstructive sleep apnoea in obese patients may be different from that in non-obese patients. In obese patients, upper airway soft tissue enlargement may play a more important role in the development of obstructive sleep apnoea, whereas in non-obese patients, bony structure discrepancies may be the dominant contributing factors for obstructive sleep apnoea.
Craniofacial modifications in children with habitual snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea: a case-control study
Authors: Zucconi M , Caprioglio A , Calori G , Ferini-Strambi L , Oldani A , Castronovo C , Smirne S
Published: August 2002

Habitual snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea in children, which are frequently associated with adenotonsillar hypertrophy, may begin early in life and in relation with orocraniofacial features. The aim of this study was to detect the presence of early bone craniofacial modifications in young children with a long history of habitual snoring. Twenty-six habitually snoring children (mean age 4.6 yrs) were studied by nocturnal portable recording or diurnal polysomnography, cephalometry and orthodontic evaluation. A comparison of cephalometric findings was made between the studied group and 26 age-matched children (mean age 5.1 yrs) with no history of snoring or respiratory problems during sleep. The cephalometric analyses showed a significant increase in craniomandibular intermaxillar, lower and upper goniac angles with a retroposition and posterior rotation of the mandible (high angle face) and a reduction in the rhinopharynx space caused by higher thickness of adenoids in habitually snoring children compared with controls. Cross-bites and labial incompetence as well as daytime symptoms and familiarity for habitual snoring were found in most of the studied group of snorers compared with controls. The results indicate that upper airway obstruction during sleep is associated with mild but significant cephalometric and craniofacial modifications in children complaining of habitual snoring. Whether this skeletal conformation is genetically determined or influenced by the early onset of habitual snoring remains to be assessed.
Depression of peripheral chemosensitivity by a dopaminergic mechanism in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome
Authors: Osanai S , Akiba Y , Fujiuchi S , Nakano H , Matsumoto H , Ohsaki Y , Kikuchi K
Published: August 2002

In the present study, respiratory drives to chemical stimuli and peripheral chemosensitivity were evaluated in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSAS). The effects of oral administration of domperidone, a selective dopamine D2-receptor antagonist, were also examined, to study the respiratory effects of endogenous dopamine on peripheral chemoreceptors. Sixteen patients with OSAS and nine normal control subjects were studied. Respiratory responses to hypercapnia and hypoxia were measured using the rebreathing method and isocapnic progressive hypoxia method, respectively. The hypoxic withdrawal test, which measures the decrease in ventilation caused by two breaths of 100% O2 under mild hypercapnic hypoxic conditions (end-tidal oxygen and carbon dioxide tensions approximately 8.0 kPa and 5.3-6.7 kPa, respectively), was used to evaluate peripheral chemosensitivity. In the patients with OSAS, ventilatory responses to hypercapnia and hypoxia were significantly decreased compared with those of control subjects. Hypoxic withdrawal tests showed that peripheral chemosensitivity was significantly lower in patients with OSAS than in normal subjects. Hypercapnic ventilatory response and peripheral chemosensitivity were enhanced by administration of domperidone in the patients with OSAS, although no changes in either of these were observed in the control subjects. The hypoxic ventilatory response and peripheral chemosensitivity in the patients with OSAS were each significantly correlated with severity of hypoxia during sleep. These findings suggest that peripheral chemosensitivity in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome may be decreased as a result of abnormality in dopaminergic mechanisms and that the reduced chemosensitivity observed in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome may affect the severity of hypoxia during sleep.
Surgical treatment of hydatid cyst of the lung: review of 30 cases
Authors: Yalcinkaya I , Er M , Ozbay B , Ugras S
Published: August 2002

Hydatid cyst disease is still a problem in Turkey, especially in the east Anatolian region, as well as in many other places in the world. A retrospective review was made of the surgical treatment of 30 patients with pulmonary hydatid cysts during the last 3 yrs. Nineteen patients were male and 11 female with an average age of 23.5 yrs (range 4-44 yrs). Cystotomy and capitonnage were performed in 28 of the 30 cases (93.4%). The transdiaphragmatic route or simultaneous laparotomy was preferred when the liver was involved. Albendazole was used in four patients with multiple hydatid cyst due to probable recurrence in the postoperative period. Cough and chest pain were the prominent symptoms in the majority of cases. A single lobe was affected in 22 patients. Unilateral multiple foci were present in four patients and bilateral multiple foci in four. Six patients had concomitant liver cysts. Morbidity was low and no mortality was seen. No recurrences were seen on control chest radiographs during the last 2-yr follow-up. In the treatment of hydatid cyst of the lung, conservative surgical methods such as cystotomy and capitonnage still remain the treatment of choice. Medical treatment could be used for prophylactic purposes and in some instances, but the percutaneous aspiration method should not be performed.
Respiratory muscle involvement in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Gosselink R , Kovacs L , Decramer M
Published: August 2002

Respiratory complications are common in the terminal stages of multiple sclerosis and contribute to mortality in these patients. When respiratory motor pathways are involved, respiratory muscle weakness frequently occurs. Although it is well established that weakness of the respiratory muscles produces a restrictive ventilatory defect, the degree of muscle weakness and pulmonary function are poorly related. Respiratory muscle weakness was observed in patients with normal or near normal pulmonary function. Expiratory muscle weakness is more prominent than inspiratory muscle weakness and may impair performance of coughing. Subsequently, in addition to bulbar dysfunction, respiratory muscle weakness may contribute to ineffective coughing, pneumonia, and sometimes even acute ventilatory failure may ensue. Respiratory muscle weakness may also occur early in the course of the disease. Recent studies suggest that the respiratory muscles can be trained for both strength and endurance in multiple sclerosis patients. Whether respiratory muscle training delays the development of respiratory dysfunction and subsequently improves exercise capacity and cough efficacy, prevents pulmonary complications or prolongs survival in the long-term remains to be determined.
Rupture of aortic aneurysm with right-sided haemothorax
Authors: Baharloo F , Verhelst R , Collard P , Pieters T
Published: August 2002

A 62-yr-old male with a history of high blood pressure was admitted for persistent dyspnoea and a right-sided pleural effusion, complicated by a recent episode of shock. There was no history of trauma and the patient denied any thoracic pain. A chest tube was inserted which released nonclotting bloody fluid. A thoracic computed tomographic scan of the chest revealed an aneurysm of the inferior third of the descending thoracic aorta. The patient underwent a successful prosthetic graft replacement. We emphasize that rupture of aortic aneurysms should be considered in the evaluation of spontaneous haemothorax even if it is right-sided and not associated with pain.
In vivo protection by amifostine and DRDE-07 against sulphur mustard toxicity
Authors: Kumar P , Vijayaraghavan R , Kulkarni A S , Pathak U , Raza S K , Jaiswal D K
Published: August 2002

The study was aimed at investigating the prophylactic efficacy of orally administered amifostine and a newly synthesized compound, S-2(2-amino-ethylamino)ethyl phenyl sulphide (DRDE-07), against dermally applied sulphur mustard (SM) in mice and rats. The LD50 values of amifostine and DRDE-07 were determined following oral and intraperitoneal routes and the LD50 of SM diluted in PEG-300 was determined following dermal route. Amifostine or DRDE-07 (equivalent to their 0.05 LD50, 0.10 LD50 and 0.20 LD50) dissolved in water was fed to mice and rats and, after 30 min, various doses of SM were applied to the hair-clipped area of the skin and were observed for 14 days for mortality. The protection index (PI) was calculated as a ratio of LD50 with treatment to LD50 without treatment. The estimated percutaneous LD50 of SM was found to be 8.1 and 2.4 mg///kg for female mice and male rats, respectively. A dose-related protection was observed with all the three doses of both compounds. Thirty minutes prior, the administration of amifostine in female mice offered a PI of 3.0 at the lowest pretreatment dose (52.5 mg// kg) followed by PI of 6.7 and 9.5 at 105 and 210 mg// /kg pretreatment doses, respectively. DRDE-07 offered better protection against SM in female mice, i.e., a PI of 4.8 at pretreatment dose of 62.5 mg// /kg, a PI of 12.0 at the dose of 124.7 mg///kg and a PI of 27.0 at the dose of 249.4 mg/kg. In male rats, DRDE-07 gave a PI of about 3.0 at all the three pretreatment doses (80, 160 and 320 mg///kg), whilst amifostine offered a PI of 3.1 at the highest pretreatment dose (452 mg///kg). The present study showed that oral administration of both amifostine and DRDE-07 was effective as a prophylactic agent for protecting against SM toxicity, and that DRDE-07 offered better protection.
Drug and chemical poisoning admissions at a teaching hospital in Malaysia
Authors: Ab Rahman A F
Published: August 2002

A retrospective review of medical records was carried out to determine the pattern of drug and chemical poisoning cases admitted to a teaching hospital in Malaysia. Medical records of patients admitted during the period January 1987 to December 1995 were reviewed. They accounted for 0.2% of total admissions during the period. While all ages were represented, there was predominance of children, which showed little change throughout the nine-year period. Of all cases of poisoning, 77.8% were unintentional, 12.6% intentional and 9.6% were undetermined. Kerosene, pesticides and medicinal substances remained the common agents associated with poisoning. A significant number of patients sought treatment elsewhere before being admitted to the hospital. Of those who came directly to the hospital, many were presented late in the course of their poisoning. Only seven patients died and none were children. This study supports the need for greater emphasis on prevention of poisoning in children and among farmers in the state.
Review of ‘Implications of hormesis for industrial hygiene’
Authors: Brosseau L M
Published: August 2002

Hormesis is an appealing concept when considered from the evolutionary viewpoint. It may provide a new approach to deriving the `no observed adverse effect level’ for occupational exposures to chemicals. An over-reliance on mathematical modeling without a clear understanding of exposures and health outcomes stymies current scientific decision-making. Care must be taken, however, as not all endpoints will exhibit a hormetic response.
Comments on ‘Implications of hormesis for industrial hygiene’
Authors: Brown Sl
Published: August 2002

Although demonstrated evidence for hormesis of an agent could be important in setting occupational exposure limits (OELs) for industrial hygiene, several practical problems may limit the utility of toxicologic testing for hormesis. This commentary responds to the lead article of this section, in which Jayjock and Lewis propose using the results of tests for hormesis to guide the establishment of OELs. The principal difficulties may include: a different mechanism or even a different effect leading to the conclusion of hormesis; distinction between a threshold for a health effect and a crossover point in the dose response relationship; estimation of threshold or crossover point from limited test data and estimation of slope at this point; sensitivity of tests for hormesis; and cost of testing. Nevertheless, the proposals of Jayjock and Lewis have considerable merit, and exploratory testing could be useful.
Hormesis: the new approach in risk assessment?
Authors: Christiani D C , Zhou W
Published: August 2002

Hormesis is a dose–response phenomenon characterized by either a U-shaped or an inverted U-shaped dose response depending on the different end points measured. In a paper in this issue of the journal, Drs Jayjock and Lewis advocate for the application of hormesis in the field of industrial hygiene, and suggest the use of hormesis as a default assumption in the risk assessment process. However, there are many difficulties for the utilization of hormesis in the field of industrial hygiene. Indeed, it is impossible to test the hormesis hypothesis in many commonly employed experimental model systems for end points of public health concern, and the mechanism of low-dose stimulation of hormesis is not clear. Even if hormesis were proven biologically, its assessment is limited due to difficulties of study design, biological markers selection, statistical power considerations, model and end point selection, and risk model approaches.
Moving from Codes of Ethics to Ethical Relationships for Midwifery Practice
Authors: Thompson Faye E
Published: August 2002

This discussion examines the emergence of professional codes of ethics, influences that shape contemporary midwifery ethics, and the adequacy of codes to actualize values embedded in the midwifery ethics discourse. It considers the traditions of professional practice, the impact of institutionalization on health care, the application of a code of practice as a recent addition to those traditions, and the strengths and weaknesses of codes of ethics as models for ethical responses. That is, it sets out to articulate and deconstruct existing frames of ethical response. The ethics of strangers (normative theory and abstract principles) are rejected as inadequate, and the ethics of intimates (feminist-relational ethics) are proposed as a more adequate guide for well-woman centred midwifery practice.
A technology-driven architecture for developing highly configurable CAx software
Authors: Sharma R , Gao J X , Bowland W
Published: August 2002

Developing software for computer aided ‘x’ (CAx), where ‘x’ stands for design, manufacturing, engineering, etc., is a programming- and research-intensive process. Over the years, advances in software technology and tools have made the process of development easier, but expectations of the user have also risen accordingly. Software like computer aided process planning (CAPP) and computer aided assembly planning (CAAP) systems require extensive configuration and development by the user. This problem of user configuration and user development of the system poses a challenge to the software developers and researchers. This paper presents a case study of system development, which uses the state-of-the-art software technologies to overcome some of the problems.
The development of an on-line milling cutter tooth breakage detection system
Authors: Prickett P W , Johns C
Published: August 2002

This paper reports the development of an on-line milling cutter tooth breakage detection system. The method is based upon the utilization of existing machine tool controller signals as a means of monitoring the milling cutting process. An approach to the design and development of a low-cost but robust tooth breakage detection system is described. The developed system is tested under a number of carefully controlled cutting conditions. The successful identification of tooth breakage is confirmed in each case. Further tests are then considered in order to demonstrate the robustness of the approach used under what could be termed as ‘normal’ machining operations, such as break-in and break-out machining and shoulder milling. The deployed method is seen to operate effectively under these conditions. The final stage of this work considers the further development of this approach into a fully operational system. It is proposed that effective low-cost tooth breakage systems can be developed and made available to machine tool manufacturers for inclusion within their machine tool controllers.
A high-precision tool model for helical pinion cutters
Authors: Chen C-K , Lai H-Y , Wu C-T , Li T-J
Published: August 2002

The paper presents a new design method for producing accurate helical pinion cutters based on analysis of the tool and the grinding geometry. Both the design and manufacturing models are carefully derived and presented. By employing the plane envelope theory, the reference contour of the grinding wheel is determined and then modified by using the theory of mid-point and mid-line. The model provides accurate solutions for both the sectional contour of the grinding wheel and the maximum qualified length of the gear teeth that are needed for grinding high-precision helical pinion cutters. The proposed method is simple and straightforward and can be used to produce high-precision helical pinion cutters systematically. Two numerical examples are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The modelling results indicate that the proposed method is practical, accurate and reliable for improving the accuracy and quality of various cutting tools.
A fast new numerical tool for designing prestressed dies for backward extrusion: Part 1: Die behaviour
Authors: Bonnavand F , Bramley A N , Mynors D J
Published: August 2002

Prestressed die inserts are often used in the forging of axisymmetric parts. Their use enhances overall tool economy and can enhance the quality of the finished forging. The design of tooling that incorporates prestressed die inserts is, however, complex. The complexity arises from the interrelated phenomena that occur within the dies during the forging process. As a result, it is not possible to obtain an analytical expression for critical parameters such as die stresses and deflections. This paper shows the limitations of currently used design methods, and identifies, for the backward extrusion process, which physical phenomena should be taken into account when designing prestressed tooling.
A study on the development of the arc stability index using multiple regression analysis in the short-circuit transfer region of gas metal arc welding
Authors: Kang M J , Rhee S
Published: August 2002

The purpose of this study was to develop a statistical model (index) for quantitative estimation of arc stability. In the welding experiments, spatter was captured during welding and the amount was considered. At the same time, several factors were extracted from the measured waveforms. For quantitative estimation of arc stability, linear and non-linear regression models, composed of factors selected from the extracted factors, were proposed using multiple regression analysis. Through assessment of each proposed model concerning the amount of generated spatter, the best estimation model (index) accurately representing arc stability was developed.
Reducing pressure transients in hydraulic circuits of die casting machines to improve the quality of the produced components
Authors: Manas S , Trmal G J , Ackerman M
Published: August 2002

Pressure pulses and transients are common problems in hydraulic circuits. They create specific problems with component accuracy in hydraulic circuits of die casting machines. In these machines, the molten metal is injected into dies and a subsequent pressure boost fills all cavity details, improving the component quality. Pressure pulses during this stage result in elastic deformations within the die and cause inaccuracies of components. The pressure pulses are caused by inertia forces of decelerating hydraulic motors. There is therefore a trend to reduce these forces by reducing the masses (including masses of hydraulic fluid) involved. Detailed mathematical modelling of the circuits in the time domain allows assessment of the magnitude of pulses even in the design stage and therefore the assessment of this aspect of the design.
Distributed engineering of manufacturing machines
Authors: Harrison R , West A A , Weston R H , Monfared R P
Published: August 2002

The specification and deployment of enterprise modelling and component-based system concepts to facilitate the distributed engineering of automotive manufacturing machines is reported in this paper. The main areas of research reported in the article cover

(a) the design and prototype development of new forms of component-based engine assembly and transfer machines

(b) life cycle engineering approaches that improve the change capability of component-based automotive machines and

(c) the design and implementation of an engineering environment that enables distributed engineering teams to achieve (a) and (b).

The concepts, approach and environment have been developed and are being formally assessed with reference to current practice within an ongoing engineering programme. A consortium of leading automotive companies is collaborating on the research project with the aim of producing a new range of engine products that will be used in various makes of vehicle around the globe.
Stress-Strain Relationship for Steel under Uniaxial Cyclic Loadings
Authors: Calado Luís , Brito António
Published: August 2002

The mechanical properties of steel in the inelastic range can generally be described by mathematical relationships. Many such constitutive relationships have been validated by static or uniaxial cyclic loading tests. Very few models have been substantiated by test results under complex loading conditions. For that reason, the implementation of such models in general purpose structural analysis programs for steel structures under seismic actions, is in some cases complex and in others impossible. This paper is concerned with a uniaxial non-linear model for structural steel under complex loading condition and with damage accumulation. The Giuffré, Menegoto and Pinto model was taken as a basis for the development of this model. The accuracy of the proposed numerical model was drawn with uniaxial cyclic experiments. Some numerical simulations are presented in order to illustrate the capabilities of the model for use as a stress-strain relationship for steel under uniaxial complex loading conditions up to the complete failure of the material.
Bending Analysis of Stiffened Laminated Plates
Authors: Harik Issam E. , Guo Meiwen , Ren Wei-Xin
Published: August 2002

Stiffeners are commonly attached to composite laminates to achieve higher stiffness/weight and strength/weight ratios. A layer-wise finite element formulation is developed for the bending analysis of stiffened laminated plates. The laminated plate is discretized into layers in the thickness direction and then the degenerated shell elements are employed to model each layer. The stiffener is modeled using a general 3-D beam element. Interlayer continuity relations are established for all the layers in the thickness direction. The primary advantage of the proposed finite element model lies in its application to both thin and thick laminated plates. Extensive numerical examples are presented for non-stiffened isotropic plates, non-stiffened laminates, stiffened isotropic and laminated plates. Parametric studies are conducted with different aspect ratios, plate width to thickness ratios, ply orientations, and number of layers. The results agree well with the ones reported in the literature.
Inelastic Buckling Strength of Unsymmetrical Tapered Plates
Authors: Attaalla Sayed A.
Published: August 2002

A comprehensive nonlinear investigation is conducted on tapered plates having unsymmetrical geometry and subjected to five different in-plane compressive loads with the objective of reaching at simple design guidelines. The analyses considered both material and geometrical nonlinear behavior as well as post buckling of thin plates. Simply supported and clamped boundary conditions are considered herein to represent the upper and the lower bounds of most practical situations of tapered web plates in steel girders. The study covers plates with different tapering ratios as compared with the rectangular plate. All plates are assumed having initial imperfection. The study indicates that buckling strength of a tapered plate is significantly different from that of a rectangular plate for all slenderness ratios. The strength of a tapered plate with tapering ratio of 0.50 is found to be more than 50 percent less than that of a rectangular plate in most studied cases of loading. Moreover, the study shows that reversing the direction of the in-plane linearly varying compressive stress dramatically affects the buckling strength of the tapered plate.
Seismic Retrofit of Steel Deck-Truss Bridges: Experimental Investigation
Authors: Pekcan Gokhan , Mander John B. , Chen Stuart S.
Published: August 2002

Alternative seismic retrofit strategies for steel deck-truss bridges are investigated in this study. Various modified tension-only bracing configurations, which consist of tendon elements with or without supplemental systems are introduced within the end-sway frames. The effectiveness of the retrofit configurations is demonstrated experimentally and analytically on a one-third scale model of an existing steel end-sway frame tested on the shaking table at the State University of New York at Buffalo. It is concluded that proposed alternatives can efficiently improve the lateral strength and stiffness characteristics. Moreover, the load path within the end-sway frame is modified to bypass the existing nonductile steel bearings. A stable energy dissipation mechanism is provided by means of re-centering elastomeric spring dampers along with fuse elements, thus reducing the overall seismic demand on the structural systems.
Synthesis, Spectroscopy and Electrochemistry of Lanthanide Bis-(ethylsulfanyl)tetraazaporphyrins
Authors: RICCIARDI GIAMPAOLO , BELVISO SANDRA , LELJ FRANCESCO , RISTORI SANDRA
Published: September 2002

Reaction of the oespz2− ligand (oespz = 2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octakis (ethylsulfanyl)-5,10,15,20-porphyrazinato) with trivalent lanthanide ions, such as Nd 3+, Eu 3+, Dy 3+, Yb 3+ and Lu 3+, leads to the direct synthesis of the corresponding sandwich complexes, in the radical, ligand-oxidized green form, whereas the reaction with La 3+ affords the sandwich complex in the protonated, blue form. It is found that the ligand-oxidized complexes show rather weak electronic absorptions in the range 850–1150 nm and are, compared to lanthanide diporphyrins and diphthalocyanines, very stable both to oxidation and to reduction.
Photodynamic Therapy:In VitroPhotosensitizing Efficacy of Bis(tri-n-hexylsiloxy)silicon Phthalocyanine against Achromic M6 Melanocytes. ESR Study of Active Oxygen Intermediates
Authors: DECRÉAU RICHARD , VIOLA ANGÈLE , RICHARD MARIE JEANNE , JEUNETAN ANDRÉ , JULLIARD MICHEL
Published: September 2002

The in vitro photodynamic effect of bis(tri-n-hexylsiloxy)silicon phthalocyanine has been evaluated against the melanotic M6 cell line. The results showed that at 10-5M dose, LD50is obtained for a 150 J cm-2light dose and LD90for 540 J cm-2. Electron spin resonance spectroscopy was used with spin traps to study the type I and type II photochemical pathways involved and to detect active oxygen intermediates such as singlet oxygen, oxygen superoxide and hydroxyl radical. The two mechanisms occurred simultaneously and no change was observed when the phthalocyanine was entrapped in liposomes.
Field Effect Mobility of F16PcCu Films in Various Gas Atmospheres
Authors: TADA HIROKAZU , TOUDA HIROSHI , TAKADA MASAKI , MATSUSHIGE KAZUMI
Published: September 2002

The electron mobility of hexadecafluorophthalocyaninato-copper ( F 16 PcCu ) films was evaluated based on field effect measurements in vacuum and in various gas atmospheres. An Arrhenius plot of the mobility showed that the carrier transport followed a thermally activated hopping mechanism with an activation energy of 0.28 eV. The mobility evaluated for freshly prepared films in ultrahigh vacuum was 2.0 × 10−3 cm 2 V −1 s −1 at room temperature. The electrical conductivity and carrier density were 4.4 × 10−5 S cm −1 and 1.4 × 1017 cm −3 respectively. The high carrier density indicated the existence of impurities acting as electron donors in the films. The field effect carrier mobility increased to 5.7 × 10−3 cm 2 V −1 s −1 in NH 3 atmosphere (100%, 1 atm) and decreased by 75% in the presence of O 2 gas (100%, 1 atm). A quick recovery of mobility was observed when the gas molecules were evacuated, indicating a low capability of gas adsorption.
Evaluating environmental liability through risk premiums charged on loans to agribusiness borrowers
Authors: Billiot Mary Jo , Daughtrey Zoel W.
Published: September 2002

Environmental activities of a company may result in payments for hazardous waste site costs. Based upon current financial accounting standards, prospective payments for these costs are not always reported as liabilities on financial statements. Agribusiness lenders require complete information on the environmental status of agribusiness borrowers in order to assess the potential effects of environmental liability. In addition, agribusiness lenders have been held responsible by the judicial system for the environmental problems of their borrowers. Publicly available, financial and environmental data was used to develop models to quantify the effects of environmental status regardless of whether environmental liabilities are included in the financial statements. The results indicate that environmental status is dependent upon source of environmental hazard and company size, adjusted for industry affiliation. Affiliation with particular 4‐digit SIC codes reduces the probability of the borrower being considered a significant environmental liability risk. [EconLit Citations: Q13, K32, G20]. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Group‐specific component (GC) in curiaú and pacoval, two african‐derived brazilian populations
Authors: De Oliveira Silviene Fabiana , Dos Santos Eliane Barbosa , De Souza Mendonça Patrícia Jeanne , Da Cruz Rocha Daniela Cristiane , Dos Santos Sidney Emanuel Batista
Published: September 2002

The group‐specific component (GC) system is of interest in anthropological genetic studies because the distribution of its subtypes distinguishes among major ethnic groups. The GC system was analyzed in Curiaú and Pacoval, two remnant Quilombo populations (African‐derived populations) from the Brazilian Amazon. There was no significant statistical difference in allelic frequencies between the two populations or between them and three other African‐derived Brazilian populations (Mimbó, Sítio Velho, and Gaucinha in Northeastern Brazil). These populations share similarities among themselves and with African populations (high frequencies of GC*1F and lower frequencies of GC*1S), which may reflect the influence of a high level of African contribution to their formation, but there is a clear difference between them and Europeans and South American Indians. It is suggested that the GC system is a useful marker for studying relationships between single populations and major ethnic groups, but does not discriminate between populations which share the same parental stock. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 13:718–720, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Population differences in the pattern of familial aggregation for sex hormone‐binding globulin and its response to exercise training: The HERITAGE family study
Authors: An Ping , Rice Treva , Gagnon Jacques , Borecki Ingrid B. , Rankinen Tuomo , Gu Chi , Leon Arthur S. , Skinner James S. , Wilmore Jack H. , Bouchard Claude , Rao D.C.
Published: September 2002

Familial influences were investigated for baseline sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG) and its response (post‐training minus baseline) to a 20‐week endurance exercise training program. One hundred, eighty‐four participants from 85 Black families in the HERITAGE Family Study (HERITAGE) were analyzed using a familial correlation model. Baseline SHBG values and the training response were adjusted for the effects of age, baseline BMI, testosterone, estradiol, and fasting insulin levels (plus baseline SHBG values for the training response) within four sex‐by‐generation groups prior to genetic analysis. Baseline SHBG levels were influenced by appreciable familial effects (maximum heritability h2 = 54%) with neither spouse resemblance nor sex and generation differences in the correlations. This estimate is only slightly, but not significantly, smaller than the heritability of 64% reported previously in 428 participants from 99 White families in HERITAGE. In contrast to the modest familial effects for the training response in White participants in HERITAGE (h2 = 25%), there were no evidence of familial resemblance in Blacks in the current study. Furthermore, there was heterogeneity for both baseline SHBG and the training response between Blacks and Whites in the pattern of familial aggregation. In conclusion, baseline SHBG levels are influenced by significant familial effects in both Blacks and Whites, independent of the effects of age, sex, and baseline values of BMI, testosterone, estradiol, and fasting insulin levels. Whereas modest familial effects were detected for the training response in Whites, the lack of similar effects in Blacks may be due to the smaller sample size. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 13:832–837, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease in a young Dutch valine homozygote: Atypical molecular phenotype
Authors: Head Mark W. , Tissingh Gerrit , Uitdehaag Bernard M. J. , Barkhof Frederik , Bunn Tristan J. R. , Ironside James W. , Kamphorst Wouter , Scheltens Philip
Published: September 2002

A case of sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (sCJD) is described in a young Dutch protein prion gene (PRNP) codon 129 valine homozygote. Certain clinical and molecular features of this case overlap those of variant CJD. The case highlights possible difficulties in the differential diagnosis of vCJD and the more rare sCJD subtypes based on molecular features alone.
Osteoblastic differentiation of periosteum‐derived cells is promoted by the physical contact with the bone matrix in vivo
Authors: Shimizu Toshikatsu , Sasano Yasuyuki , Nakajo Satoru , Kagayama Manabu , Shimauchi Hidetoshi
Published: September 2002

The periosteum contains osteoprogenitors that differentiate to osteoblasts in bone growth or repair. Our previous studies suggested the hypothesis that the physical contact of the periosteum with the bone matrix is requisite for the differentiation of osteoblasts. To test the hypothesis, the present study was designed to investigate how the contact between the periosteum and the bone matrix influences the osteoblastic differentiation of periosteal cells with establishing a new experimental model in vivo. Differentiation of osteoblasts was assessed by gene expression of type I collagen, osteocalcin and bone sialoprotein using in situ hybridization. A barrier was designed to prevent periosteal cells from contacting the bone matrix using the membrane filter. The membrane filter was inserted surgically between the surface of rat parietal bone and the periosteum after being punched out with pin holes. Periosteal cells were allowed to contact with the bone surface only through the pin holes. The pin hole was filled with cells derived from the periosteum 1 week after inserting the filter. Differentiation of osteoblasts in week 2 and noticeable bone formation in week 3 were identified on the bone surface only under the pin hole but not under the filter. The present study demonstrated that the physical contact with the bone matrix promotes osteoblastic differentiation of periosteum‐derived cells in vivo. Anat Rec 264:72–81, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Purification and characterization of hemolymph juvenile hormone esterase from the cricket, Gryllus assimilis
Authors: Zera Anthony J. , Sanger Travis , Hanes Jeremiah , Harshman Lawrence
Published: September 2002

Juvenile hormone esterase (JHE) from the serum of the cricket, Gryllus assimilis, was purified to homogeneity in a four‐step procedure involving polyethylene glycol precipitation, hydrophobic interaction FPLC, and ion exchange FPLC. This procedure could be completed in 4 days and resulted in a greater than 900‐fold purification with greater than 30% recovery. The purified enzyme exhibited a single band on a silver‐stained SDS PAGE gel and had an apparent subunit molecular mass of 52 kDa. The native subunit molecular mass, determined by gel permeation FPLC, was 98 kDa, indicating that JHE from Gryllus assimilis is a dimer of two identical or similar subunits. The turnover number of the purified enzyme (1.41 s–1), KM(JH‐III) (84 ± 12 nM) of nearly‐purified enzyme, and kcat/KM (1.67 × 107 s–1 M–1) were similar to values reported for other well‐established lepidopteran and dipteran JHEs. JHE from Gryllus assimilis was strongly inhibited by the JHE transition‐state analogue OTFP (octylthio‐1,1,1‐trifluoro‐2‐propanone; I50 = 10–7 M) and by DFP (diisopropyl fluorophosphate; I50 = 10–7 M). The shapes of the inhibition profiles suggest the existence of multiple binding sites for these inhibitors or multiple JHEs that differ in inhibition. Isoelectric focusing separated the purified protein into 4 isoforms with pIs ranging from 4.7–4.9. N‐terminal amino acid sequences (11–20 amino acids) of the isoforms differed from each other in 1–4 positions, suggesting that the isoforms are products of the same or similar genes. Homogeneously purified JHE hydrolyzed α‐napthyl esters, did not exhibit any detectable acetylcholinesterase, acid phosphatase, or aminopeptidase activity, and exhibited only very weak alkaline phosphatase activity. JHE exhibited a low (11 μM) KM for long‐chain α‐naphthyl esters, indicating that JHE may have physiological roles other than the hydrolysis of JH‐III. Purification of JHE represents a key step in our attempts to identify the molecular causes of genetically‐based variation in JHE activity in G. assimilis. This represents the first homogeneous purification of JHE from a hemimetabolous insect. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 49:41–55, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Erratum: TMOF‐like factor controls the biosynthesis of serine proteases in the larval gut of Heliothis virescens
Authors: Nauen Ralf , Sorge Dorian , Sterner Andreas , Borovsky Dov
Published: September 2002

In our recently published paper, we the authors have found that in Table 3 there was a mistake in the statistical analysis of injected and control animals; they are not statistically different. Because of this faulty analysis, we initially did not find it necessary to include the 72 hour results that are highly statistically different.

The amended Table 3 and the original article’s title page appear below.
Carbohydrate‐derived alkylcobalt carbonyl: {[(1,2:5,6‐Di‐O,O‐isopropylidene‐α‐D‐glucofuranos‐3‐yl)oxycarbonyl]methyl}cobalt tricarbonyl triphenylphosphine
Authors: Zucchi Claudia , Tiddia Stefania , Boese Roland , Tschoerner C. Matthias , Bencze Lajos , Pályi Gyula
Published: September 2002

A carbohydrate‐derivative alkylcobalt carbonyl, {[(1,2:5,6‐di‐O,O‐isopropylidene‐α‐D‐glucofuranos‐3‐yl)oxycarbonyl]methyl}cobalt tricarbonyl triphenylphosphine (3) was prepared and characterized by IR, NMR, and CD spectra, as well as by X‐ray diffraction. The supramolecular chemistry in the crystalline P212121 (chiral) phase and in solution was analyzed and compared. The bulky carbohydrate‐based ligand stabilized one chiral conformation, which, however, is less ordered than for analogous compounds with more flexible and less bulky chiral groups. Intermolecular, H‐bond interactions are more important in the P212121 phase of complex 3 than at other analogous compounds. Chirality 13:458–464, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Measurement of atmospheric formaldehyde with a diffusion scrubber and light‐emitting diode–liquid‐core waveguide based fluorometry
Authors: Li Jianzhong , Dasgupta Purnendu K. , Genfa Zhang , Hutterli Manuel A.
Published: September 2002

A new automated instrument for the near–real‐time measurement of atmospheric formaldehyde is described. The chemistry involves the cyclization reaction of formaldehyde with 1,3‐cyclohexanedione (CHD) in the presence of ammonium ions to form a fluorescent dihydropyridine derivative. A GaN‐based light‐emitting diode (LED) emitting in the near UV was used as the excitation source in a miniature flowthrough fluorescence detector based on a transversely illuminated liquid‐core waveguide. The instrument is configured to operate in a periodic autozero mode where the exhaust from the sampling pump is chemically treated to provide zero gas for automated periodic checks of the baseline. The liquid‐phase portion of the system provides a S/N = 3 limit of detection (LOD) of 10‐nM aqueous formaldehyde. A thermostated Nafion®‐membrane–based diffusion scrubber is used to collect atmospheric formaldehyde into pure water with an absorption efficiency of ∼70%, which results in an LOD of 30 pptv HCHO. (In cases where the H2O2 to HCHO ratio is very high, as in background polar atmospheres, the LOD will deteriorate markedly.) Design, performance details, and illustrative results from a 1999 field campaign (Atlanta Supersite Study) are presented. Interference from H2O2 is discussed in detail. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Field Analyt Chem Technol 5: 2–12, 2001
Stream water chemistry in a steep headwater basin with high relief
Authors: Tsujimura Maki , Onda Yuichi , Ito Jun
Published: September 2002

Soil water, spring water and stream water were monitored to investigate the behaviour of dissolved loads in relation to subsurface flow processes in a steep, high‐relief mountainous headwater basin in central Japan. Concentrations of Cl−, NO3−, Na+, K+, Mg2+ and SiO2 of hillslope soil water are almost the same as those of spring water and stream water, whereas concentrations of Ca2+, SO42− and HCO3− in spring water and stream water are considerably higher than those in hillslope soil water. Clear negative correlations are observed between Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, SO42−, HCO3− and SiO2 concentrations and discharge rate for spring and stream waters. These results suggest that stream water chemistry in this basin is influenced by subsurface water flowing through bedrock. Dilute, short residence subsurface flow through bedrock contributes to the stream during high flow periods, and concentrated, long residence subsurface flow contributes to the stream during low flow periods. The SiO2 data in spring and stream waters indicate that the residence time of subsurface water flowing through the bedrock is relatively short in this basin compared with that observed in previous studies of other basins. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.