bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stability of morphine sulphate and diamorphine hydrochloride in Intrasite gelTM
Authors: Zeppetella Giovambattista , Joel Simon P , Ribeiro Maria DC
Published: March 2005

Several studies have reported that opioids applied topically to painful ulcers produce an analgesic effect. It is unknown whether these opioids (usually mixed with hydrogels) are stable and, if so, for how long. We investigated the stability of morphine sulphate and diamorphine hydrochloride, each mixed with intrasite gel at a concentration of 1.25 mg/mL. Samples were prepared in the laboratory and then stored in plastic containers in the dark, at room temperature, in conditions of normal day/night at room temperature, and at 48C. Aliquots were collected from each container over a 28-day period and analysed using HPLC. No known degradation products were measured in the morphine–intrasite gel mixture stored for up to 28 days, irrespective of the temperature and whether or not samples were exposed to light, suggesting that morphine remains stable. Diamorphine, breaks down to morphine and no other degradation products are measurable.
Interpersonal processes in palliative care: an attachment perspective on the patient-clinician relationship
Authors: Tan Adrienne , Zimmermann Camilla , Rodin Gary
Published: March 2005

The progression of advanced disease often brings enormous adaptational challenges related to a loss of the capacity to be self-sufficient and to a heightened need for support from others. The increasing need to rely on others at the end of life may reactivate relational problems and may trigger threatening feelings of vulnerability and dependency. Clinicians may find it difficult to identify and respond appropriately to the specific relational needs of individuals receiving end-of-life care. Attachment theory is a developmentally-based approach to understanding the formation and maintenance of relationships relevant to felt security. Although attachment theory has been widely applied to parent-child relationships and to relationships of individuals with chronic medical conditions to their medical caregivers, it has not previously been applied to the understanding of clinician-patient relationships in the palliative care setting. This paper provides an overview of this theory and demonstrates its application and relevance to palliative care.
Effects of spiritual care training for palliative care professionals
Authors: Wasner Maria , Longaker Christine , Fegg Martin Johannes , Borasio Gian Domenico
Published: March 2005

Little is known about the effects of spiritual care training for professionals in palliative medicine. We therefore investigated prospectively the effects of such training over a six-month period. All 63 participants of the three and a half-day training were asked to fill out three questionnaires: before and after the training, as well as six months later. The questionnaires included demographic data, numeric rating scales about general attitudes towards the work in palliative care, the Self-Transcendence Scale (STS), the spiritual subscale of the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT-Sp) and the Idler Index of Religiosity (IIR). Forty-eight participants (76%) completed all three questionnaires (91% women, median age 49 years; 51% nurses, 16% hospice volunteers, 14% physicians).

Significant and sustained improvements were found in self-perceived compassion for the dying (after the training: P =0.002; 6 months later: P=0.025), compassion for oneself (PB 0.001; P =0.013), attitude towards one's family (P =0.001; P =0.031), satisfaction with work (PB 0.001; P =0.039), reduction in work-related stress (PB 0.001; P =0.033), and attitude towards colleagues (P =0.039; P =0.040), as well as in the FACIT-Sp (PB 0.001; P =0.040). Our results suggest that the spiritual care training had a positive influence on the spiritual well-being and the attitudes of the participating palliative care professionals which was preserved over a six-month period.
Breaking bad news: experiences, views and difficulties of pre-registration house officers
Authors: Schildmann Jan , Cushing Annie , Doyal Len , Vollmann Jochen
Published: March 2005

Objectives: To obtain information regarding the involvement of pre-registration house officers (PRHOs) in the discussions on bad news, and the competency and difficulties they perceive in clinical practice. Design: Structured telephone interviews. Participants: 104 PRHOs. Main outcome measures: Information about frequency and quality of involvement of PRHOs in discussions on bad news with patients and relatives, perceived competency and difficulties related to this task as well as ethical views concerning the disclosure of bad news. Results: 82 PRHOs (78.9%) had initiated the breaking of bad news to a patient at least once, whilst patients themselves had initiated discussions of bad news by asking the doctors questions (92.3%). Almost all (96.2%), indicated that they had broken bad news to relatives of a patient. The majority of the junior doctors participating in our study felt fairly or very confident (90.4%) to break bad news. ‘Often’ quoted difficulties for over a fifth of the sample included ‘Thinking I was not the appropriate person to discuss the bad news', ‘Having all the relevant information available’, ‘Dealing with emotions of patient/ relative’, ‘Lack of privacy’ and ‘Patients/relatives do not speak English’. Although 99 PRHOs (95.2%) believed that patients should be informed about a serious life threatening illness, 30.8% of the participants stated that doctors need to judge whether or not to tell a patient bad news. Factors most frequently selected by the PRHOs from a given list of possible factors contributing to a gap between theory and practice included problems with the organization of clinics (73.1%), insufficient postgraduate training (63.5%) and lack of staff (54.8%). Conclusions: The results indicate that PRHOs are frequently involved in the breaking of bad news. Whilst no claims can be made for their actual performance in practice, their perceptions of competency would indicate that the extensive and compulsory undergraduate teaching they had received on this subject has served to prepare them for this difficult task. Organizational and structural aspects need to be taken into account as factors assisting or undermining doctors in their efforts to put into practice ethically sound and skilled communication when disclosing bad news.
Distribution of bisphenol A in the neuroendocrine organs of female rats
Authors: Kim CS , Sapienza PP , Ross IA , Johnson W , Luu HMD , Hutter JC
Published: March 2005

The distribution of 14C-bisphenol A (BPA) in plasma and neuroendocrine organs was determined in Fischer 344 female rats following three oral doses (0.1, 10 or 100 mg/kg). Plasma and tissue maximum concentrations (Cmax) were reached within 15-30 min of dosing. Plasma areas-under-the-curve (AUC) ranged from 0.06 to 53.9 mg-h/mL. The AUCs of the pituitary gland and uterus/gonads were 16-21% higher than that of plasma. The AUCs of hypothalamus and the rest of the brain were 43.7% and 77% of the plasma AUCs, respectively. In the brain tissue, the exposure increased linearly with the oral dose, as the dose was increased from 0.1 to 10 and 100 mg/kg; the exposure in the brain relative to the plasma increased by factors of 1, 1.19 and 1.24. This indicates that the brain barrier systems do not limit the access of the lipophilic BPA to the brain. The increases of the uterus/gonads relative to the plasma were 1, 1.07 and 1.04. Tissue partitioning was also examined in vitro by the uptake of 14C-BPA. The BPA tissue/blood partition coefficients were as follows: heart, 7.5; liver, 6.1; kidney, 6.4; fat, 3.6; muscle, 2.6; breast, 3.6; ovaries, 9.1; uterus, 5.9; stomach, 5.1; and small intestine, 6.7. The tissue/cerebrospinal fluid partition coefficients were as follows: pituitary gland, 12.8; brain stem, 6.1; cerebellum, 6.4; hippocampus, 7.1; hypothalamus, 6.1; frontal cortex, 4.9; and caudate nucleus, 6.8.
Markers of cadmium exposure in workers in a cadmium pigment factory after changes in the exposure conditions
Authors: Kawasaki Takashi , Kono Koichi , Dote Tomotaro , Usuda Kan , Shimizu Hiroyasu , Dote Emi
Published: March 2005

The objective of this study was to assess changes in concentrations of cadmium in the blood (Cd-B), cadmium in the urine (Cd-U), b2-microglobulin in the serum (b2-mG-S) and b2-microglobulin in the urine (b2-mG-U) of workers at a cadmium (Cd) pigment factory in Japan in which exposure conditions improved. We evaluated reversibility of these markers in continuously employed workers in relation to changes in exposure levels resulting from improvements in the workplace and the reduced production of Cd. Our study involved both environmental and biological monitoring. Data were collected for four years. We measured the Cd concentration in the air of each work area, using the time-weighted average (TWA). Cd-B and Cd-U were measured in workers as direct indices of Cd exposure. b2-mG-S and b2-mG-U were measured as markers of renal tubular function. Exposure levels were high in all work areas, according to the criteria set by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). Workers’ Cd-B and Cd-U concentrations reflected high levels of exposure. Correlation was found between these direct indices and b2-mG-S concentrations. Since the second year, ambient Cd concentrations decreased and reacted markers have been improved. Our results suggest that Cd-B, Cd-U, b2-mG-S and b2-mG-U are appropriate markers for monitoring both the level of Cd exposure and the tubular function of workers. Reversibility of urinary low molecular weight protein was observed in the workers over the four years.
Hormesis effect of trace metals on cultured normal and immortal human mammary cells
Authors: Schmidt Craig M , Cheng Chun N , Marino Angelo , Konsoula Roula , A Barile Frank
Published: March 2005

An in vitro study was conducted to determine the effects of variable concentrations of trace metals on human cultured mammary cells. Monolayers of human mortal (MCF-12A) and immortal (MDAMB231) mammary epithelial cells were incubated in the absence or presence of increasing concentrations of arsenic (As), mercury (Hg) and copper (Cu) for 24-h, 72-h, 4-d, and 7-d. The MTT assay was used to assess viability for all time periods and cell proliferation was monitored for 4-d and 7-d studies. Monolayers were also labeled with rhodamine-110 (R-6501), Sytox green®, and Celltiter blueTM fluorescent dyes as indicators for intracellular esterase activity, nucleic acid staining, and cell reduction/viability, respectively. Total incubation time with chemical plus dyes was 24 h. For 24-h and 72-h studies, cells were seeded in 96-well plates, after which confluent monolayers were exposed to increasing concentrations of chemicals. For 4-d and 7-d studies, cells were seeded in 12-well plates at 1/3 confluent density (day 0) and exposed to increasing concentrations of metals on day 1. All cells were counted on days 4 and 7. In addition, test medium was removed from select groups of cultures on day 4, replaced with fresh medium in the absence of chemical (recovery studies), and assays were performed on day 7 as above. The data suggest that there is a consistent protective and/or stimulating effect of metals at the lowest concentrations in MCF-12A cells that is not observed in immortal MDA-MB231 cells. In fact, cell viability of MCF-12A cells is stimulated by otherwise equivalent inhibitory concentrations of As, Cu, and Hg on MDA-MB231 cells at 24-h. Whereas As and Hg suppress proliferation and viability in both cell lines after 4-d and 7-d of exposure, Cu enhances cell proliferation and viability of MCF-12A cells. MDA-MB231, however, recover better after 4-days of toxic insult. In addition, nutritional manipulation of media between the cell lines, or pretreatment with penicillamine, did not alter the hormesis effect displayed by MCF- 12A. Growth of these cells however was not maintained in the alternative medium. The study demonstrates that a hormesis effect from trace metals is detectable in cultured mammary cells; fluorescent indicators, however, are not as sensitive as cell proliferation or MTT in recognizing the subtle responses. Also, sensitivity of mammary cells to lower concentrations of Cu, a biologically important trace metal, may play an important role in controlling cellular processes and proliferation. The ability to detect this in vitro phenomenon implies that similar processes, occurring in vivo, may be responsible for the development, induction, or enhancement of human cancers.
The application of local and regional transfer functions to the reconstruction of Holocene sea levels, north Norfolk, England
Authors: Horton Benjamin P. , Edwards Robin J.
Published: March 2005

Foraminiferal assemblages from Thornham and Brancaster marshes (Norfolk, UK) illustrate statistically significant relationship with elevation with respect to the tidal frame. We develop local (data from Thornham and Brancaster marshes) and regional (data from Thornham and Brancaster marshes combined with those from 11 other sites around the UK) predictive foraminifera-based transfer functions to reconstruct former sea levels from a Holocene sediment sequence from Holkham, north Norfolk, UK. The two transfer functions produce similar patterns of tidal elevation change during the Holocene. The vertical error ranges of the local transfer function are smaller than those of the regional transfer function, although the difference (0.09 m) is not significant when compared to other factors affecting the reconstructed elevation. The value of the reconstructed elevations also differ between the two transfer functions (by up to 0.43 m), and this is primarily due to the lack of modern analogues in the local transfer function. We conclude that the reconstructions derived from the regional transfer function are more reliable than those of the local transfer function, since the latter achieves its slight increase in precision at the expense of a significant decrease in predictive power. The regional transfer function is used to construct a relative sea-level curve from fossil assemblages within a sediment core from north Norfolk, UK. These results are consistent with existing sea-level data and geophysical model predictions, and illustrate the utility of the foraminifera-based transfer function approach.
An improved method for quantifying sedimentary charcoal via a volume proxy
Authors: Weng Chengyu
Published: March 2005

In charcoal analysis, number and area of charcoal particles are the most commonly measured parameters. However, neither measurement is precise as charcoal fragments can be broken into smaller pieces during preservation and laboratory processing, and then both number and apparent area will increase. Volume is a more reliable parameter than area to represent charcoal amount but is difficult to measure. However, a simple approximation provides a stable and reliable proxy estimate of charcoal volume. By applying the formula CIA3/2 (where C is a constant, Ai is area of a charcoal particle, and I means sum), measures of area are shown to be convertible to volume. The constant may be estimated empirically if enough experimental data are available. Even if C is not precisely quantifiable, the application of XA312 as a stable parameter provides a good first approximation to measurements of convert area to estimates of volume. Empirical experiments demonstrate that volume estimates reduce the error induced by fragmentation or loss of tiny pieces during processing or measuring.
Holocene vegetation change, Aboriginal wetland use and the impact of European settlement on the Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia
Authors: Bickford Sophia , Gell Peter
Published: March 2005

A fossil pollen and charcoal record from a cyperaceous swamp on the Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia, was investigated to provide a history of pre and post-European settlement vegetation change. It was found that the swamp initiated sometime before 8220 calibrated years BP. High rates of peat development and the expansion of swamp species between 7000 BP and 4500 cal. BP indicated wet conditions at that time. The swamp became drier in the late Holocene and some peat may have been lost through deflation. Macroscopic charcoal and Typha pollen suggested that Aborigines deliberately burned the upland wetlands during the mid to late Holocene. Prior to European settlement climate changes generated community shifts in the terrestrial vegetation. The record revealed a transition from an early Holocene Eucalyptus woodland to an Allocasuarina wet-heath in the humid mid-Holocene, a community type with no modern analogue in the region. In the drier late Holocene, a Eucalyptus-dominated woodland returned. The impacts of European settlement were clearly seen in changes in sedimentation rates and in both terrestrial and wetland flora. Allocasuarina verticillata declined early in the European period and fire tolerant species were promoted, before the almost complete removal of native vegetation through broad scale land clearance and its replacement with nonnative pasture species. Compositional changes to the swamp flora were marked through the European phase with Acacia expanding early in settlement and later being replaced by Leptospermum, in response to changed fire and regional hydrological regimes. The impact of European land use is discussed in relation to Holocene climate-driven vegetation changes and aspects of Aboriginal land use.
Adhesion molecules, mycophenolate mofetil and systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Lewis MJ , D'Cruz D
Published: March 2005

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has been reproducibly shown to inhibit lymphocyte adhesion and penetration of endothelial cell surfaces. The mechanism is not yet elucidated. In vitro studies on the effects of MMF on cell adhesion molecules (CAM) using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) have shown conflicting results. Different studies have independently shown that MMF increased, decreased or had no effect on intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1). Several studies suggest MMF may reduce the endothelial expression of E-selectin. Recent studies have been unable to replicate initial work, which suggested that MMF impaired glycosylation of lymphocyte CAM. The same studies concluded that MMF had no effect on the surface expression of lymphocyte CAM, but altered the binding ability of these molecules. ICAM-1/LFA-1 (lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1), VCAM-1/VLA-4 (very late antigen-4) and P-selectin/PSGL-1 (P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1) ligand pairs are most likely to be involved. Few in vivo and no conclusive human studies have been carried out. The literature relevant to cell adhesion molecules in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is reviewed in detail.
Macpherson Country: genealogical identities, spatial histories and the Scottish diasporic clanscape
Authors: Basu Paul
Published: March 2005

This paper explores the intertwining of personal or autobiographical narratives with broader cultural and historical narratives associated with particular regions, nations and diasporas. More particularly, it is concerned with the intertwining of surnames, place names and ‘place-stories’, and with notions of clanship, clanlore and clanlands, as resources used in the negotiation of self-identity among members of the transnational Scottish heritage community. Using the spatial histories and mnemonic practices of the Clan Macpherson as examples, it demonstrates how the ‘romantic ideology’ of Highland clanship serves to re-root members of an ‘unsettled’ settler society in what is perceived as their ancestral homeland. This (re-)establishment of kinship ties to a particular territory is effected through various enunciative acts: for instance, becoming acquainted with the clan’s origin myths, slogans, stories and symbols; visiting the clanlands and those collective ‘sites of memory’ associated with events in clan history; participating in clan marches and ceremonials; and tracing the family tree. Whilst this ‘sedentary poetics’ of Highland clanship entails a re-essentialization of identity that has become morally untenable in the contemporary West, it is argued that, in the context of Scottish diasporic roots-tourism, the assertion of a close bond between blood and soil is more benign. For those who, by virtue of a particular surname, or through the labours of their genealogical research, have identified themselves as members of a Scottish Highland diaspora, the ideal of Highland clanship provides a powerful ‘answering image’ to that represented by the indigenous peoples and cultures of the countries in which their migrant ancestors settled. Sensing their own (vicarious) complicity in the violences of colonization and thus questioning the legitimacy of their right to belong in lands historically appropriated from indigenous populations, the clan provides its diasporic members with the possibility of recovering their own indigenous identity.
Phase II Trial of Neoadjuvant Vincristine, Ifosfamide, and Doxorubicin With Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Support in Children and Adolescents With Advanced-Stage Nonrhabdomyosarcomatous Soft Tissue Sarcomas: A Pediatric Oncology Group Study
Authors: Pappo Alberto S. , Devidas Meenakshi , Jenkins Jessee , Rao Bhaskar , Marcus Robert , Thomas Patrick , Gebhardt Mark , Pratt Charles , Grier Holcombe E.
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To describe the response rate and survival of children and adolescents with unresected or metastatic nonrhabdomyosarcomatous soft tissue sarcomas (NRSTS) treated with vincristine, ifosfamide, and doxorubicin.

Patients and Methods

Between September 1996 and June 2000, 39 eligible patients received vincristine (1.5 mg/m2 weekly for 13 doses), ifosfamide (3 g/m2 daily for 3 days every 3 weeks for seven cycles), doxorubicin (30 mg/m2 daily for 2 days for six cycles), and mesna (750 mg/m2 for four doses after ifosfamide). Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was administered daily (5 μg/kg) after each cycle of chemotherapy. Radiotherapy was administered from weeks 7 through 12.

Results

The median patient age at diagnosis was 11.7 years; the most common primary tumor site was lower extremity (36%); and synovial sarcoma was the predominant histology. More than three fourths of all tumors were 5 cm or greater at their largest diameters. The overall objective combined partial and complete response rate was 41% (95% CI, 25.7% to 56.7%). The estimated 3-year overall survival and progression-free survival rates (± standard deviation) for eligible patients were 59% ± 8.2% and 43.6% ± 7%, respectively. Patients with clinical group III disease had significantly better 3-year and progression-free survival rates compared with patients who presented with metastatic disease.

Conclusion

The vincristine, ifosfamide, and doxorubicin regimen was moderately active against pediatric NRSTS. Patients with synovial sarcoma had higher response rates than other patients, and patients with unresected disease had improved outcomes. Patients with metastatic disease continue to fare poorly, and newer approaches are indicated for these patients.
Enoxaparin for the Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism Associated With Central Vein Catheter: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Study in Cancer Patients
Authors: Verso Melina , Agnelli Giancarlo , Bertoglio Sergio , Di Somma Franco C. , Paoletti Francesco , Ageno Walter , Bazzan Mario , Parise Pasquale , Quintavalla Roberto , Naglieri Emanuele , Santoro Armando , Imberti Davide , Sorarù Mariella , Mosca Stefano
Published: March 2005

Purpose

The extent of venous thromboembolism (VTE) associated with central vein catheters (CVC) in cancer patients remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the low molecular weight heparin, enoxaparin, in the prevention of VTE.

Patients and Methods

In a multicenter, double-blind study, consecutive cancer patients scheduled for CVC insertion were randomly assigned to receive either subcutaneous enoxaparin 40 mg once a day or placebo. Treatment was started 2 hours before CVC insertion and continued for 6 weeks. The primary end points of the study were deep vein thrombosis (DVT), confirmed by venography of the CVC limb performed 6 weeks after randomization, or clinically overt pulmonary embolism, confirmed by objective testing during the study drug administration. Patients were assessed for bleeding complications.

Results

Three hundred eighty-five patients were randomized, of which 321 (83.4%) underwent venography. A venography was adequate for adjudication in 155 patients in each treatment group. A DVT was observed in 22 patients (14.1%) treated with enoxaparin and in 28 patients (18.0%) treated with placebo, corresponding to a relative risk of 0.78 (95% CI, 0.47 to 1.31). No major bleeding occurred. Five patients (2.6%) in the enoxaparin group and two patients (1.0%) in the placebo group died during the treatment period.

Conclusion

In this study, no difference in the rate of CVC-related VTE was detected between patients receiving enoxaparin and patients receiving placebo. The dose of enoxaparin used in this study proved to be safe. Clinical trials evaluating higher enoxaparin doses could optimize the efficacy of this agent for this indication.
Materialism and the Family Structure–Stress Relation
Authors: Roberts James A. , Tanner John F. , Manolis Chris
Published: March 2005

In this study, we examined the role that materialism plays in the family structure–stress relation in a sample of adolescents. Materialism is a complex construct that appears to both mediate and moderate the family structure–stress relation as well as have both positive and negative effects. The happiness dimension of materialism in particular appears to both mediate and moderate the family structure–stress relation. Adolescents who associate happiness with material possessions report higher levels of family stress due to family disruption (parental divorce) compared with those who are less likely to associate happiness with material possessions. This finding runs contrary to recent marketing research. Additionally, we found the success dimension of materialism to have a direct and salubrious impact on family stress levels.
Selection of K in K-means clustering
Authors: Pham D T , Dimov S S , Nguyen C D
Published: March 2005

The K-means algorithm is a popular data-clustering algorithm. However, one of its drawbacks is the requirement for the number of clusters, K, to be specified before the algorithm is applied. This paper first reviews existing methods for selecting the number of clusters for the algorithm. Factors that affect this selection are then discussed and a new measure to assist the selection is proposed. The paper concludes with an analysis of the results of using the proposed measure to determine the number of clusters for the K-means algorithm for different data sets.
A model for weld strength in ultrasonically consolidated components
Authors: Kong C Y , Soar R C , Dickens P M
Published: March 2005

Ultrasonic consolidation (UC) is a solid freeform fabrication technique developed for the manufacture of metal parts. The mechanisms by which bonds are formed, during the UC process, are based on a combination of the surface effect and the volume effect. Based on the outcomes of peel tests and microstructural analysis, this paper will consider the influence of these two phenomena on the weld strength of specimens. A model is presented to describe how calculations for weld strength may be derived on the basis of the theory of surface and volume effects. Through the application of the model, it was possible to demonstrate that the weld strength may be 7 per cent greater than the tensile strength of the base metal. The identification of the phenomena and the development of a model for weld strength have led to the modification and production of an enhanced test procedure which is described in this paper.
NeuFlex metacarpophalangeal prostheses tested in vitro
Authors: Joyce T J , Unsworth A
Published: March 2005

This paper describes the testing of three single-piece silicone NeuFlex metacarpophalan-geal prostheses in a finger function simulator and describes the resulting modes of prosthesis failure. In all cases, failure was due to imminent fracture of the prosthesis across the pivot of the central hinge section. This result is in contrast with previous in-vitro and in-vivo experience with single-piece silicone Swanson and Sutter metacarpophalangeal prostheses, which both tend to fracture at the junction of the distal stem and the hinge. In comparison with earlier in-vitro simulator tests of the Sutter metacarpophalangeal prosthesis, the NeuFlex prostheses showed a greater longevity before fracture. To date, no other reports of fracture of the NeuFlex metacarpophalangeal prosthesis have been reported, either in vitro or in vivo.
Turbomachinery design for the Graz cycle: An optimized power plant concept for CO2 retention
Authors: Heitmeir F , Jericha H
Published: March 2005

Introduction of closed-cycle gas turbines with their capability of retaining combustion-generated CO2 can offer a valuable contribution to the Kyoto goal and to future power generation. Research and development work at Graz University of Technology since the 1990s has led to the so-called Graz cycle, a high-efficiency zero-emission power cycle. In this work the design for a prototype plant based on commercially available technology as well as cutting-edge turbomachinery is presented. The proposed turbomachinery components as well as the combuster are discussed in detail to show the feasibility of a Graz cycle power plant. Finally a first cost estimation is given to show the economics of a Graz cycle power plant.
Lubrication regime transitions at the piston ring-cylinder liner interface
Authors: Bolander N. W. , Steenwyk B. D. , Sadeghi F , Gerber G. R.
Published: March 2005

An experimental apparatus and an analytical model have been developed to investigate and determine the lubrication condition and frictional losses at the interface between a piston ring and cylinder liner. In order to obtain a solution for the lubrication condition between the piston ring and cylinder liner, the system of Reynolds and film thickness equations subject to boundary conditions were simultaneously solved. The effects of boundary and mixed lubrication conditions were implemented using the Greenwood-Tripp stochastic approach. The Elrod cavitation algorithm was used to investigate the effects of fluid rupture and reformation at the top and bottom dead centres. The experimental results indicate that the piston ring and liner experience all the different lubrication regimes (i.e. boundary, mixed, and hydro-dynamic lubrication) during a stroke. A comparison between experimental and analytical results indicated that they are in good agreement and the analytical model developed for this study can capture the different lubrication regimes that the piston ring and liner experience.
Transitions in microabrasion mechanisms for WC-Co (HVOF) coated steel
Authors: Stack M. M. , Mathew M. T.
Published: March 2005

In this work, the microabrasion of an HVOF (high-velocity oxy fuel) tungsten carbide (WC)-Co-based composite coating was investigated and compared with the performance of the substrate material, 316 stainless steel. The effects of sliding distance and applied load were investigated for both materials. Optical, scanning electron, and atomic force microscopy were used to characterize the surfaces following microabrasion. The results showed that the microabrasion rate peaked at intermediate loads for the materials. The critical load at which the peak was observed varied with sliding distance. There was a change in the performance of the coated versus the uncoated material, with the coating out-performing the substrate material at shorter sliding distances but with the reverse pattern occurring at longer sliding distances. The results were interpreted in terms of changes of microabrasion mechanisms as a function of increasing load and sliding distance. Microabrasion mechanisms were discussed based on the transition between wear volume as a function of load and sliding distance.
The application of cluster analysis in the intercomparison of loop structures in RNA
Authors: HUANG HUNG-CHUNG , NAGASWAMY UMA , FOX GEORGE E.
Published: March 2005

We have developed a computational approach for the comparison and classification of RNA loop structures. Hairpin or interior loops identified in atomic resolution RNA structures were intercompared by conformational matching. The root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) values between all pairs of RNA fragments of interest, even if from different molecules, are calculated. Subsequently, cluster analysis is performed on the resulting matrix of RMSD distances using the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA). The cluster analysis objectively reveals groups of folds that resemble one another. To demonstrate the utility of the approach, a comprehensive analysis of all the terminal hairpin tetraloops that have been observed in 15 RNA structures that have been determined by X-ray crystallography was undertaken. The method found major clusters corresponding to the well-known GNRA and UNCG types. In addition, two tetraloops with the unusual primary sequence UMAC (M is A or C) were successfully assigned to the GNRA cluster. Larger loop structures were also examined and the clustering results confirmed the occurrence of variations of the GNRA and UNCG tetraloops in these loops and provided a systematic means for locating them. Nineteen examples of larger loops that closely resemble either the GNRA or UNCG tetraloop were found in the large ribosomal RNAs. When the clustering approach was extended to include all structures in the SCOR database, novel relationships were detected including one between the ANYA motif and a less common folding of the GAAA tetraloop sequence.
Rrp15p, a novel component of pre-ribosomal particles required for 60S ribosome subunit maturation
Authors: DE MARCHIS MARIA LAURA , GIORGI ALESSANDRA , SCHININÀ MARIA EUGENIA , BOZZONI IRENE , FATICA ALESSANDRO
Published: March 2005

In eukaryotes ribosome biogenesis required that rRNAs primary transcripts are assembled in pre-ribosomal particles and processed. Protein factors and pre-ribosomal complexes involved in this complex pathway are not completely depicted. The essential ORF YPR143W encodes in yeast for an uncharacterized protein product, named here Rrp15p. Cellular function of Rrp15p has not so far defined even if nucleolar location was referred. With the aim to define the possible role of this orphan gene, we performed TAP-tagging of Rrp15p and investigated its molecular association with known pre-ribosomal complexes. Comparative sucrose gradient sedimentation analyses of yeast lysates expressing the TAP-tagged Rrp15p, strongly indicated that this protein is a component of the pre-60S particles. Northern hybridization, primer extension and functional proteomics on TAP-affinity isolated complexes proved that Rrp15p predominately associated with pre-rRNAs and proteins previously characterized as components of early pre-60S ribosomal particles. Finally, depletion of Rrp15p inhibited the accumulation of 27S and 7S pre-rRNAs and 5.8S and 25S mature rRNA. These results provide the first indication that Rrp15p is a novel factor involved in the early maturation steps of the 60S subunits. Moreover, the identification of the protein kinase CK2 in the Rrp15p-containing pre-ribosomal particles here reported, sustains the link between ribosome synthesis and cell cycle progression.
An early step in wobble uridine tRNA modification requires the Elongator complex
Authors: HUANG BO , JOHANSSON MARCUS J.O. , BYSTRÖM ANDERS S.
Published: March 2005

Elongator has been reported to be a histone acetyltransferase complex involved in elongation of RNA polymerase II transcription. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, mutations in any of the six Elongator protein subunit (ELP1–ELP6) genes or the three killer toxin insensitivity (KTI11–KTI13) genes cause similar pleiotropic phenotypes. By analyzing modified nucleosides in individual tRNA species, we show that the ELP1–ELP6 and KTI11–KTI13 genes are all required for an early step in synthesis of 5-methoxycarbonylmethyl (mcm5) and 5-carbamoylmethyl (ncm5) groups present on uridines at the wobble position in tRNA. Transfer RNA immunoprecipitation experiments showed that the Elp1 and Elp3 proteins specifically coprecipitate a tRNA susceptible to formation of an mcm5 side chain, indicating a direct role of Elongator in tRNA modification. The presence of mcm5U, ncm5U, or derivatives thereof at the wobble position is required for accurate and efficient translation, suggesting that the phenotypes of elp1–elp6 and kti11–kti13 mutants could be caused by a translational defect. Accordingly, a deletion of any ELP1–ELP6 or KTI11–KTI13 gene prevents an ochre suppressor tRNA that normally contains mcm5U from reading ochre stop codons.
The Status of the Race Concept in Physical Anthropology
Authors: Cartmill Matt
Published: March 2005

There are hereditary differences among human beings. Some of these differences have geographical correlates. Some genetic variants that produce physical or behavioral deficits occur significantly more often in some areas, or in some ethnic groups, than in others. However, none of these facts provides any intellectual support for the race concept, for racial classifications, or for social hierarchies based on ethnic‐group membership.

The geographical element of the race concept is important in theory but is widely ignored in practice since it does not conform well to the facts of current human phenotype distribution. Much of the literature on supposed racial differences involves such geographically meaningless exercises as studying differences among "races" by subdividing a sample of North Americans. If races are defined as geographically delimited conspecific populations characterized by distinctive regional phenotypes, then human races do not exist now and have not existed for centuries,
Evenki Shamanistic Practices in Soviet Present and Ethnographic Present Perfect
Authors: Ssorin‐Chaikov Nikolai
Published: March 2005

In this article, I explore cultural effects of Soviet religious policies in aboriginal Siberia by looking at the transformation of ritual identities and practices in a group of Evenki hunters and herders between the 1920s and the 1990s. I focus on meanings of buhadyl ("spirits") which Evenki associate with old things and dead people. I read meanings and ritual frameworks of dealing with the buhadyl as sites for re‐imagining Evenki identities and categories of belonging in the context of Soviet society and Soviet ethnographic gaze. In this article, I use results of my own field research in Central Siberia, as well as newly available Soviet archival materials.
Muslim Europe or Euro‐Islam: Politics, Culture, and Citizenship in the Age of Globalization
Authors: Thomas Nadeen M.
Published: March 2005

Muslim Europe or Euro‐Islam: Politics, Culture, and Citizenship in the Age of Globalization. AlSayyad, Nezar and Manuel Castells. eds. Lexington Books: London, 2002. 204 pp. ISBN. 7391 0338 5.
A World of Fine Difference: The Social Architecture of a Modern Irish Village
Authors: Whitaker Robin
Published: March 2005

. World of Fine Difference: The Social Architecture of. Modern Irish Village. Adrian Peace University College Dublin Press/Dufour Editions: Dublin. 2001. 158pp. ISBN ‐1 ‐900621 ‐60‐6 (paper),. ‐900621 ‐59‐2 (cloth).
The Boom‐Bust‐Recovery Cycle: Dynamics of Change in Community Satisfaction and Social Integration in Delta, Utah*
Authors: Brown Ralph B. , Dorins Shawn F. , Krannich Richard S.
Published: March 2005

Abstract  To better understand the long‐term effects of rapid boom growth, we reexamine four subjective indicators of community satisfaction and social integration in Delta, Utah, that were originally analyzed by Brown, Geertsen, and Krannich in 1989. With 24 years of longitudinal data, we find that within approximately a decade of the boom period three of the four indicators returned to or exceeded pre‐boom levels. We argue that we need to modify our theories and vocabulary regarding boomtowns to account for a “boom‐bust‐recovery cycle” that better takes into consideration the dynamic nature of communities and their residents and how they subjectively adjust to shifts in objective conditions.
The effects of post ‐identification feedback and age on retrospective eyewitness memory
Authors: Neuschatz Jeffrey S. , Preston Elizabeth L. , Burkett Amanda D. , Toglia Michael P. , Lampinen James M. , Neuschatz Joseph S. , Fairless Andrew H. , Lawson Deah S. , Powers Ráchael A. , Goodsell Charles A.
Published: March 2005

Two studies examined the effects of post‐identification feedback, age, and retention interval on participants' memories and beliefs about memories for a videotaped event, as captured by a store surveillance camera. After viewing the video, they were then asked to identify the suspect from a target‐absent photo line‐up. After making their identification, some participants were given information suggesting that their identification was correct, while others were given no information about the accuracy of their identification. In both experiments participants who received confirming feedback indicated they were more confident in their identification, paid more attention to the video, and that they were more willing to testify in court than those who received no feedback. The confidence inflation effects of post‐identification feedback did not vary with retention interval or age. These results are consistent with a position focusing on accessibility, which suggests that witnesses have little or no retrievable recollection of how sure they were at the time of their identification. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of Some 1‐[(N, N‐Disubstituted thiocar bamoylthio)acetyl]‐3‐(2‐thienyl)‐5‐aryl‐2‐pyrazoline Derivatives and Investigation of Their Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities
Authors: Turan‐Zitouni Gulhan , Özdemir Ahmet , Güven Kiymet
Published: March 2005

Fourteen new 1‐[(N, N‐disubstituted thiocarbamoylthio)acetyl]‐3‐(2‐thienyl)‐5‐aryl‐2‐pyrazoline derivatives (7a–n) were synthesised by reacting 1‐(chloroacetyl)‐3‐(2‐thienyl)‐5‐aryl‐2‐pyrazolines (5a–g) and appropriate sodium salts of N, N‐disubstituted dithiocarbamoic acids (6a, b). The structures of the synthesised compounds were confirmed by elemental analyses, UV, IR, 1H‐NMR and FAB+‐MS spectral data. Their antibacterial activities against Proteus vulgaris (NRRL B‐123), Escherichia coli (NRRL B‐3704), Aeromonas hydrophila (Ankara University, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences), Salmonella typhimurium (NRRL B‐4420), Streptococcus feacalis (NRRL B‐14617), Micrococcus luteus (NRLL B‐4375) were investigated and in this investigation, a significant level of activity was illustrated. Antifungal activities of the compounds against Candida albicans and Candida globrata (isolates obtained from Osmangazi Uni. Fac. of Medicine) were found to be inactive. Compounds 7c–n were also evaluated for antituberculosis activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv using the BACTEC 460 radiometric system and BACTEC 12B medium. The preliminary results indicated that all of the tested compounds were inactive against the test organism.
Mean‐field view on rotating magnetoconvection and a geodynamo model
Authors: Schrinner M. , Rädler K.‐H. , Schmitt D. , Rheinhardt M. , Christensen U.
Published: March 2005

A comparison is made between direct numerical simulations of magnetohydrodynamic processes in a rotating spherical shell and their mean–field description. The mean fields are defined by azimuthal averaging. The coefficients that occur in the traditional representation of the mean electromotive force considering derivatives of the mean magnetic field up to the first order are calculated with the fluid velocity taken from the direct numerical simulations by two different methods. While the first one does not use specific approximations, the second one is based on the first–order smoothing approximation. There is satisfying agreement of the results of both methods for sufficiently slow fluid motions. For the investigated example of rotating magnetoconvection the mean magnetic field derived from the direct numerical simulation is well reproduced on the mean–field level. For the simple geodynamo model a discrepancy occurs, which is probably a consequence of the neglect of higher–order derivatives of the mean magnetic field in the mean electromotive force. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Differential rotation on the lower main sequence
Authors: Küker M. , Rüdiger G.
Published: March 2005

We compute the differential rotation of main sequence stars of the spectral types F, G, K, and M by solving the equation of motion and the equation of convective heat transport in a mean‐field formulation. For each spectral type the rotation rate is varied to study the dependence of the surface shear on this parameter. The resulting rotation patterns are all solar‐type. The horizontal shear turns out to depend strongly on the effective temperature and only weakly on the rotation rate. The meridional flow depends more strongly on the rotation rate and has different directions in the cases of very slow and very fast rotation, respectively. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
915 MHz microwaves and 50 Hz magnetic field affect chromatin conformation and 53BP1 foci in human lymphocytes from hypersensitive and healthy persons
Authors: Belyaev Igor Y. , Hillert Lena , Protopopova Marina , Tamm Christoffer , Malmgren Lars O.G. , Persson Bertil R.R. , Selivanova Galina , Harms‐Ringdahl Mats
Published: March 2005

We used exposure to microwaves from a global system for mobile communication (GSM) mobile phone (915 MHz, specific absorption rate (SAR) 37 mW/kg) and power frequency magnetic field (50 Hz, 15 μT peak value) to investigate the response of lymphocytes from healthy subjects and from persons reporting hypersensitivity to electromagnetic field (EMF). The hypersensitive and healthy donors were matched by gender and age and the data were analyzed blind to treatment condition. The changes in chromatin conformation were measured with the method of anomalous viscosity time dependencies (AVTD). 53BP1 protein, which has been shown to colocalize in foci with DNA double strand breaks (DSBs), was analyzed by immunostaining in situ. Exposure at room temperature to either 915 MHz or 50 Hz resulted in significant condensation of chromatin, shown as AVTD changes, which was similar to the effect of heat shock at 41 °C. No significant differences in responses between normal and hypersensitive subjects were detected. Neither 915 MHz nor 50 Hz exposure induced 53BP1 foci. On the contrary, a distinct decrease in background level of 53BP1 signaling was observed upon these exposures as well as after heat shock treatments. This decrease correlated with the AVTD data and may indicate decrease in accessibility of 53BP1 to antibodies because of stress‐induced chromatin condensation. Apoptosis was determined by morphological changes and by apoptotic fragmentation of DNA as analyzed by pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). No apoptosis was induced by exposure to 50 Hz and 915 MHz microwaves. In conclusion, 50 Hz magnetic field and 915 MHz microwaves under specified conditions of exposure induced comparable responses in lymphocytes from healthy and hypersensitive donors that were similar but not identical to stress response induced by heat shock. Bioelectromagnetics 26:173–184, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.