bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plateau Potentials in Developing Antennal-Lobe Neurons of the Moth,Manduca sexta
Authors: Mercer A. R. , Kloppenburg P. , Hildebrand J. G.
Published: November 2004

Using whole cell recordings from antennal-lobe (AL) neurons in vitro and in situ, in semi-intact brain preparations, we examined membrane properties that contribute to electrical activity exhibited by developing neurons in primary olfactory centers of the brain of the sphinx moth, Manduca sexta. This activity is characterized by prolonged periods of membrane depolarization that resemble plateau potentials. The presence of plateau potential–generating mechanisms was confirmed using a series of tests established earlier. Brief depolarizing current pulses could be used to trigger a plateau state. Once triggered, plateau potentials could be terminated by brief pulses of hyperpolarizing current. Both triggering and terminating of firing states were threshold phenomena, and both conditions resulted in all-or-none responses. Rebound excitation from prolonged hyperpolarizing pulses could also be used to generate plateau potentials in some cells. These neurons were found to express a hyperpolarization-activated inward current. Neither the generation nor the maintenance of plateau potentials was affected by removal of Na+ions from the extracellular medium or by blockade of Na+currents with TTX. However, blocking of Ca2+currents with Cd2+(5 × 10−4M) inhibited the generation of plateau potentials, indicating that, in Manduca AL neurons, plateau potentials depend on Ca2+. Examining Ca2+currents in isolation revealed that activation of these currents occurs in the absence of experimentally applied depolarizing stimuli. Our results suggest that this activity underlies the generation of plateau potentials and characteristic bursts of electrical activity in developing AL neurons of M. sexta.
A discrete wavelet analysis of freak waves in the ocean
Authors: Lin En-Bing , Liu Paul C.
Published: November 2004

A freak wave is a wave of very considerable height, ahead of which
there is a deep trough. A case study examines some basic
properties developed by performing wavelet analysis on a freak
wave. We demonstrate several applications of wavelets and
discrete and continuous wavelet transforms on the study of a
freak wave. A modeling setting for freak waves will also be
mentioned.
Prioritization method for frontier DMUs: a distance‐based approach
Authors: Amirteimoori Alireza , Jahanshahloo Gholamreza , Kordrostami Sohrab
Published: November 2004

In nonparametric methods, if the number of observations is
relatively small as compared to the sum of number of inputs and
outputs, many
units are evaluated as efficient. Several methods
for prioritizing these efficient units are reported in literature.
Andersen et al. and Mehrabian et al.
proposed two methods for ranking efficient
units, but both methods break down in some cases. This paper
describes a new DEA ranking approach that
uses L2‐norm.
THE ANCIENT AND MEDIEVAL SOURCES FOR THE EMPEROR JULIAN'S ATTEMPT TO REBUILD THE JERUSALEM TEMPLE
Authors: Levenson David
Published: November 2004

This article attempts to provide a complete inventory and brief sourcecritical analysis of the more than fifty sources from the fourth through the fourteenth century, representing a wide variety of literary genres and cultural contexts, that report the Emperor Julian's attempt to rebuild the Jerusalem Temple. By identifying the immediate sources of most of the accounts and discussing the complex relationships among others, the analysis is able to clarify specific historical and historiographical issues, as well, to establish afirmer basis for further research on the event itself, the sources, methods and Tendenzen of the individual works in which it is found, and the literary and ideological factors influencing the history of a tradition which has played an important role in Jewish-Christian relations.
Feeding relationships between sympatric Afrotropical tree frogs (genus Hyperolius): The effects of predator body size and season
Authors: Luiselli  , Bikikoro  , Odegbune  , Wariboko  , Rugiero  , Akani  , Politano
Published: November 2004

The feeding relationships of four sympatric, ecologically nearly unknown, tree frogs of southern Nigeria (Hyperolius sylvaticus, H. guttulatus, H. fusciventris burtoni, and H. concolor) were studied during both the dry and the rainy seasons. Stomach contents were obtained by stomach flushing. The largest species were H. guttulatus and H. concolor, whereas the other two species were of smaller average size. A statistically significant sexual size dimorphism was observed in H. guttulatus, H. concolor, and H. sylvaticus (in all species the females were larger), but not in H. fusciventris. In all four species, the frequency of animals with empty stomachs was significantly lower during the rainy season than during the dry season. The four frog species were mainly arthropodeating: Araneidae and Blattoidea were preyed upon mainly by the two largest species, Acarina and Lepidoptera were taken mainly by the two smaller species, and Diptera and Formicoidea were eaten frequently by all species. The diet composition was similar between seasons in three of the four species, and H. guttulatus was the only species showing considerable diet variation between seasons. We concluded that 1) the intensity of interspecific competition should be particularly high between the two larger species on the one hand, and between the two smaller species on the other hand; and 2) the intensity of the interspecific competition should be relatively constant throughout the year.
Osteology and myology of the cephalic region and pectoral girdle of Batrochoglanis raninus, with a discussion on the synapomorphies and phylogenetic relationships of the Pseudopimelodinae and Pimelodidae (Teleostei: Siluriformes)
Authors: Diogo Rui , Chardon Michel , Vandewalle Pierre
Published: November 2004

The cephalic and pectoral girdle structures of the pseudopimelodin Batrochoglanis raninus are described and compared to those of a representative of another pseudopimelodin genera, namely Microglanis cottoides, as well as to several other pimelodid and non-pimelodid catfishes, as the foundation for a discussion on the synapomorphies and phylogenetic relationships of the Pseudopimelodinae. Our observations and comparisons pointed out two new, additional features that could represent potential Pseudopimelodinae synapomorphies: 1) mesethmoid markedly bifurcated anteriorly; 2) spoon-shaped autopalatine with a somewhat roundish, markedly enlarged dorsoventrally, posterior tip. In addition, our observations and comparisons indicate that the subfamilies Pseudopimelodinae, Pimelodinae and Heptapterinae do constitute a monophyletic assemblage, and, thus, contradict the commonly accepted idea that the family Pimelodidae is a polyphyletic group.
Social Support, Negative Life Events and Emotional Problems Among Norwegian Adolescents
Authors: Murberg Terje A. , Bru Edvin
Published: November 2004

Relationships between negative life events, perceived social support and emotional problems were assessed in a national representative sample of 1053 adolescents in eighth grade. Thirty-one percent of the adolescents reported that they had experienced at least one negative life event during the last year. Serious illness or injury among close relatives or friends was reported as the most prevalent negative life event. Negative life events were significantly associated with emotional problems among both female and male adolescents. Moreover, support from parents, friends and teachers was directly, negatively associated with emotional problems in both sexes. Finally, results indicate that support from parents moderate the relationship between negative life events and emotional problems among adolescent girls.
Measuring Social Identity in the Professional Context of Provision for Pupils with Special Needs
Authors: Lewis Ann , Crisp Richard J.
Published: November 2004

The educational inclusion of pupils with special or additional educational needs is being promoted internationally. One would expect that professionals for whom the group identity as ‘special professional’ is both important and perceived as being under threat, would only be supportive of inclusion if it could be orchestrated in a way which fosters that identity. This article provides a review of the research literature concerning social group identification and perceived threat with particular reference to derogation of the out-group, perception of group structure and in-group affirming behaviour. This article provides the context for findings from a scale about social identity (devised for this research) concerning an email group oriented to professionals working with children with special needs ( n= 105). The survey identified three social identity factors (perceived typicality, public reference to the group and identification with prototypical group members). High (compared with low) email group message senders were less likely to see themselves as typical of workers in the field but more likely to identify with SEN as a group. The work has conceptual interest in that it supports recent theorizing in social identity in an area for which there is a need for a greater variety of studies having good ecological validity. The work also has considerable relevance as an example of the possible application of psychological theories to the special needs context of fostering effective change concerning inclusion and integration.
Training and Practicing Standards for Educational Psychologists in the Republic of Ireland
Authors: Parkinson Suzanne
Published: November 2004

This article reviews the requirements to practice for educational psychologists in the main employer base in the Republic of Ireland. The discrepancies between recruitment standards by the main employer of educational psychologists in Ireland and the training standards for the profession as laid down by the governing body for psychology are debated. The implications for the profession are considered. The need for a shared vision, a consensus of opinion in relation to the identity, role and function of educational psychologists and the need for a proactive response to address training skills shortages are explored.
Organizational Theory Applied to School Reform
Authors: Bonner Mike , Koch Tom , Langmeyer Daniel
Published: November 2004

Organizational change in education, as manifested by school reform, is indeed complex. In this article, we describe our experience with organizational change and analyse it using organizational change theories common in education. An evaluation of the reform initiative yielded unexpected problems related to sustainability. As a result, this article revisits the assumptions from the organizational change literature that guided our change strategy. This reflection led to the discovery of key theoretical ideas that, although less familiar, may have more practical utility for those engaged in organizational change within schools.
Teachers’ Knowledge and Training Needs Regarding Youth Gambling
Authors: Ladouceur Robert , Ferland Francine , C‘T… Marie-Annick , Vitaro Frank
Published: November 2004

Researchers and clinicians develop prevention programs for problem gambling. These programs, which mainly target youths, are usually applied within the school environment by teachers. It would be useful to verify beforehand whether teachers understand this problem and to evaluate their interest in applying these rograms. We surveyed 517 teachers in order to assess their knowledge and attitudes with regards to gambling habits among youths. The results show that teachers have a good understanding of youth gambling problems. However, they are not ready to spend time on the prevention of gambling, even though they show interest in learning more. Recommendations to increase teachers awareness toward youth gambling are discussed as well as their general attitude and knowledge toward gambling.
Q Methodology Study of a Person in Individual Therapy
Authors: Goldstein David M. , Goldstein Sara E.
Published: November 2004

This article describes a case study where the Q Methodology approach was applied to explore the self-image of a person in short-term therapy. The person gained increased self-understanding and resolved an internal conflict related to a self-image issue that was underlying the presenting problem. Furthermore, theQMethodology approach, combined with PerceptualControl Theory (PCT), suggested some ideas about the nature of the self-concept that can be explored in future research.
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy With Two Maltreated Siblings in Foster Care
Authors: Fricker-Elhai Adrienne E. , Ruggiero Kenneth J. , Smith Daniel W.
Published: November 2004

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an empirically supported treatment for young children with disruptive behavior that emphasizes parent training in behavior management. Although researchers have demonstrated the usefulness of PCITinmultiple settings and with various subgroups of children, few have documented the application of this intervention with maltreated children or with children who live in foster care environments. Two foster children with severe maltreatment histories were identified as appropriate candidates for PCIT. Both children presented with various forms of problembehavior, including tantrumming, noncompliance with parental commands, aggressive behavior toward peers, and sexualized behavior. Also, prior to initiating PCIT, both foster parents adhered to several inappropriate and ineffective parenting methods. We highlight several barriers to successful treatment that are not uncommonwith maltreated children and foster families; several such barriers surfaced with this case, including some that we were unable to circumvent.
The “Memory Recovery Technique”
Authors: Serran G. A. , Marshall W. L.
Published: November 2004

This case study describes the use of a treatment technique to deal with situations where sexual offenders claim no recall of their offenses. In this case, the offender claimed his memory loss resulted from an alcoholic blackout. During treatment, he was asked to use the “Memory Recovery Technique” where he recreated the context of the day of the offense in detail and attempted to remember further offense-specific details. Treatment issues and implications are highlighted.
Laser Processed Metal–Ceramic Coatings on Aisi Type 316l Stainless Steel
Authors: Jagdheesh R. , Sastikumar D. , Kamachi Mudali U. , Nath A.K.
Published: November 2004

Laser surface alloying (LSA) of AISI 316L stainless steel with various compositions of Ni and SiC for different laser parameters was investigated. The hardness of the LSA layer was found to be a strong function of silicon content. The maximum hardness achieved was 733 HV. Columnar dendrites, equaxial dendrites and cellular structure were observed in the resolidified microstructure. XRD and EPMA studies were used to find different phases and elemental concentration, respectively.
Pressure Controlled Surface Roughness of SiC Plasma Etching
Authors: Kim B. , Lee B.-T.
Published: November 2004

The effects of pressure on the surface roughness of silicon carbide (SiC) film were investigated with variations in other process parameters, including radio frequency source power, bias power, O2 fraction and gap. The SiC films were etched in a C2F6 inductively coupled plasma. The surface roughness, measured by atomic force microscopy, was examined in three particular situations: generated at minimum parameter level (case 1), at high source power (case 2); and at high bias power (case 3). For all variations in the process parameters except the O2 variation, smoother surfaces were observed at lower pressures in all cases. Both surface roughness and dc bias due to the pressure variation were highly correlated in case 1. In case 3, they were inversely related. It is noticeable that in cases 1 and 2 the surface roughness was little affected by the pressure, particularly at high bias power. This feature can be used not only for tight control of surface roughness, but for optimising other etch outputs.
Climate change in arid environments: revisiting the past to understand the future
Authors: Lioubimtseva Elena
Published: November 2004

Arid regions are expected to undergo significant changes under a scenario of climate warming, but there is considerable variability and uncertainty in these estimates between different scenarios. The complexities of precipitation changes, vegetation-climate feedbacks and direct physiological effects of CO2 on vegetation present particular challenges for climate change modelling of arid regions. Great uncertainties exist in the prediction of arid ecosystem responses to elevated CO2 and global warming.

Palaeodata provide important information about the past frequency, intensity and subregional patterns of change in the world’s deserts that cannot always be captured by the climatic models. However, it is important to bear in mind that the global mechanisms of Quaternary climatic variability were different from present-day trends, and any direct analogies between the past and present should be treated with great caution. Although palaeodata provide valuable information about possible past changes in the vegetation-climate system, it is unlikely that the history of the world’s deserts is a key for their future.
Development and evaluation of the essential oil from Magnolia fargesii for enhancing the transdermal absorption of theophylline and cianidanol
Authors: Fang Jia-You , Tsai Tung-Hu , Hung Chi-Feng , Wong Wen-Wen
Published: November 2004

To improve the skin permeation of theophylline and cianidanol ((+)-catechin), the essential oil of Magnolia fargesii was evaluated using in-vitro and in-vivo permeation techniques. Oxygenated monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes are the major components of M. fargesii essential oil. The in-vitro permeation of theophylline and cianidanol was significantly enhanced after treatment with M. fargesii essential oil. The essential oil increased the in-vivo skin deposition of cianidanol but not theophylline. On the other hand, in-vivo microdialysis showed a higher subcutaneous theophylline amount after essential oil treatment. In-vitro cell viability and prostaglandin E2 release by skin keratinocytes indicated that there was low or negligible cytotoxicity by M. fargesii essential oil. The in-vivo skin tolerance study determined by transepidermal water loss and colorimetry confirmed that no irritation of the skin was detected when using M. fargesii essential oil.
Thermogenic effect of YM348, a novel 5-HT2C-receptor agonist, in rats
Authors: Hayashi Aska , Suzuki Masanori , Sasamata Masao , Miyata Keiji
Published: November 2004

We have investigated the effect of S-2-(7-ethyl-1H-furo[2,3-g]indazol-1-yl)-1-methylethylamine (YM348), a novel 5-HT2C-receptor agonist, on body temperature and energy expenditure in Wistar rats. m-Chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP) and S-2-(6-chloro-5-fluoroindol-1-yl)-1-methylethylamine (RO 60–0175) were used as reference 5-HT2C-receptor agonists. Administration of YM348, mCPP and RO 60–0175 dose-dependently and significantly increased body temperature in rats. YM348- or RO 60–0175-induced hyperthermia was significantly attenuated by the non-selective 5-HT2-receptor antagonist methysergide and the selective 5-HT2C-receptor antagonist SB242084, but not by the selective 5-HT2A-receptor antagonist MDL100907. mCPP-induced hyperthermia was significantly attenuated by methysergide, SB242084 and MDL100907. In addition to the increase in body temperature, YM348, mCPP and RO 60–0175 produced dose-related and significant increases in energy expenditure. YM348-, mCPP- and RO 60–0175-induced increases in energy expenditure were significantly attenuated by methysergide and SB242084 but not by MDL100907. These results suggested that 5-HT2C-receptor stimulation increased body temperature and energy expenditure and that the 5-HT2C receptor was the target receptor in the thermogenic effect of YM348 in Wistar rats.
Development of a topical niosomal preparation of acetazolamide: preparation and evaluation
Authors: Aggarwal Deepika , Garg Alka , Kaur Indu P
Published: November 2004

Orally administered acetazolamide has a limited use in glaucoma due to the systemic side effects associated with its use. No topical formulation of acetazolamide is available, mainly because of it having a limited aqueous solubility and poor corneal permeation. To enhance the bioavailability of acetazolamide by the topical route and to improve the corneal permeability of the drug, niosomes of acetazolamide were prepared (employing span 60 and cholesterol) by different methods. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of the selected formulation was carried out to study the morphology. Niosomes were also prepared in the presence of dicetyl phosphate and stearylamine to obtain negatively and positively charged vesicles, respectively. It was found that the reverse-phase evaporation method (REV) gave the maximum drug entrapment efficiency (43.75%) as compared with ether injection (39.62%) and film hydration (31.43%) techniques. Drug entrapment efficiency varied with the charge and the percent entrapment efficiency for the REV method was 43.75, 51.23 and 36.26% for neutral, positively charged and negatively charged niosomes, respectively. Corneal permeability studies, however, showed that the percent permeation and the apparent permeability coefficient for the charged niosomes were less than for the neutral ones. A bioadhesive niosomal formulation of acetazolamide was also prepared and compared with the positively charged formulation, considering that both of them would have a prolonged stay in the cul-de-sac because of their expected interactions with mucin. The formulations were also compared based on their intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering capacity. The positively charged niosomes (REV2), although showing good corneal permeability and pharmacodynamics, were however found to be inappropriate in terms of the corneal cell toxicity. The bioadhesive coated formulation (REV1bio) compared well with REV2 and also showed a much lesser toxicity. Further, the IOP-lowering effect of the developed formulations was compared with that of a marketed formulation of dorzolamide 2%, a topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. The developed niosomal formulations of acetazolamide showed a comparable physiological effect (33% reduction of IOP in REV***1bio and 37% reduction in dorzolamide) with a duration of up to 6 h (the duration being 3 h for dorzolamide). Results of the study indicate that it is possible to develop a safe (as indicated by corneal toxicity studies) and physiologically active topical niosomal formulation of acetazolamide relative in efficiency to the newer local carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, dorzolamide. The developed formulations can form a cost effective treatment plan, which is especially important in the treatment of glaucoma, a chronic ailment affecting middle-aged to old patients.
Lack of association between oxidized LDL-cholesterol concentrations and haptoglobin phenotypes in healthy subjects
Authors: Lee Yong-Wha , Min Won-Ki , Chun Sail , Lee Woochang , Park Hyosoon , Lee You Kyoung , Lee Do Hoon , Son Ji Eun
Published: November 2004

Background: The haptoglobin (Hp) 2-2 phenotype has been known to have less antioxidative activity than Hp 1-1 and Hp 2-1. However, few have reported the relationship between oxidative stress and Hp phenotypes by using oxidized LDL. The relationship between Hp phenotypes and oxidative stress was therefore investigated in healthy adults.

Methods: The serum Hp concentrations, albumin, uric acid, iron, L-ascorbic acid, total antioxidant status and oxidized LDL concentrations were measured and analysed in 200 healthy Korean men and women with Hp 2-1 and Hp 2-2 phenotypes.

Results: The serum concentrations of Hp were significantly higher in the Hp 2-1 compared with the Hp 2-2 phenotype. However, serum concentrations of total antioxidant status and oxidized LDL did not show any statistical differences in either sex. The L-ascorbic acid concentrations in serum showed lower values in the Hp 2-2 compared with the Hp 2-1 phenotype, for both sexes ( P < 0.05).

Conclusions: The concentration of L-ascorbic acid, the first line antioxidant, was lower in the Hp 2-2 than in the Hp 2-1 phenotype; this did not significantly affect the total antioxidant status, and there was no significant difference in oxidized LDL for either group in healthy adults.
External quality assessment of urinary steroid profile analysis
Authors: Phillips IJ , Conway EM , Hodkinson RA , Honour JW
Published: November 2004

Background: Clinical samples were distributed on 10 occasions to six UK laboratories that perform urinary steroid profile analysis. Urine samples were from normal adult men and women, normal children and neonates. Samples from patients with Cushing's syndrome, virilization, adrenarche, obesity and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (21 and 17-hydroxylase defects) were also used for evaluation.

Methods: Samples were analysed by capillary column gas chromatography (all laboratories) after hydrolysis of conjugates and derivative formation (five laboratories) or by variation of 17-oxogenic steroid methodology (one laboratory).

Results: For each distribution of samples, the performance of the participants was compared for quantitative analysis, and user comments were summarized. Quantitative results showed variation without necessarily biasing the result. Comments varied considerably in length. The interpretations did not always lead to a clear diagnosis or advise about appropriate further tests.

Conclusions: This pilot urine steroid profiling scheme has clearly identified the requirement for external quality assessment. It is now hoped to offer this scheme worldwide in collaboration with the European Research Network for the Evaluation and Improvement of Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment of Inherited Disorders of Metabolism (ERNDIM).
Evaluation of N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide analysis on the ElecsysTM 1010 and 2010 analysers
Authors: Barnes SC , Collinson PO , Galasko G , Lahiri A , Senior R
Published: November 2004

Background: N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NTpBNP) is a potential marker of cardiac failure.

Methods: The Roche ElecsysTM 1010 and 2010 assays for NTpBNP were evaluated for precision, sample stability, and correlation between sample types and with other natriuretic peptides. Samples from 290 individuals aged 45-89 years with no cardiovascular risk factors, renal failure, electrocardiogram changes, evidence of structural abnormalities, or wall motion abnormalities on echocardiography and with an ejection fraction >50% were used to provide reference NTpBNP ranges.

Results: The intra-assay imprecision was <10% across the analytical range and >3% at all concentrations analysed <30 ng/L. Inter-assay imprecision was 5.3-6.7% on the Elecsys 1010 and 4.4-5.0% on the Elecsys 2010, in the range 380-13000 ng/L. There was no statistically significant change in NTpBNP following storage in whole-blood samples at room temperature for 24 h before centrifugation; serum samples at room temperature for 7 days, at 4°C for up to 11 days on clot-activation gel or 22 days separated from the gel. NTpBNP concentrations were stable throughout five freeze-thaw cycles. There was a close correlation between NTpBNP concentrations in matched serum, EDTA plasma and lithium-heparin plasma samples. NTpBNP and BNP were more closely associated than were N-terminal proatrial natriuretic peptide and NTpBNP. This association was stronger at lower concentrations. NTpBNP concentrations increased with age, with values higher in women than men.

Conclusions: NTpBNP is a stable molecule that can be measured easily and precisely using the Roche Elecsys 1010 or 2010 immunoassay analysers.
Botulinum toxin: helpful adjunct to early resolution of laryngeal granulomas
Authors: Pham Joanne , Yin Sheng , Morgan M. , Stucker F. , Nathan Cherie-Ann
Published: November 2004

Treating laryngopharyngeal reflux is the most accepted treatment for laryngeal granulomas. However, response to this treatment is prolonged and in some cases persistent. The authors hypothesize that this is due to the continuous trauma to the mucoperichondrium fromadduction of the vocal folds thus preventing regeneration of healthy mucosa.

A prospective study was performed on six patients with laryngeal granulomas failing prolonged laryngopharyngeal reflux treatment, speech therapy, and surgical excisions. Botulinum toxin Awas injected into the affected thyroarytenoid to reduce adduction trauma. Video-stroboscopy wasused to assess response.

A 50 per cent reduction in the size of the granulomas was noted within two weeks with a complete and permanent response within two to eight weeks in five out of six patients. One patient had an obstructing pyogenic granuloma that required excision and recurred after excision but responded to a repeated injection.

The addition of a single injection of botulinum toxin A to the standard treatment expeditiously eliminated persistent and recurrent laryngeal granulomas.
Disposition of Quetiapine in Biological Specimens from Postmortem Cases
Authors: Wise S , Jenkins AJ
Published: November 2004

Quetiapine is a new atypical antipsychotic that was approved in 1997 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of schizophrenia. It possesses a high affinity for 5-HT2 receptors and a low affinity for D1 and D2 dopamine receptors. Because quetiapine has only been released recently to the U.S. market, little information exists regarding therapeutic, toxic, and lethal concentrations. This study reports the detection of quetiapine in 13 postmortem cases. Following a basic liquid-liquid extraction, quetiapine was identified and quantitated by capillary gas chromatography with nitrogen phosphorus detection. Confirmation was accomplished by full scan electron impact gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Heart blood quetiapine concentrations ranged from 0.07 to 18.37 mg/L (N = 12, mean ± SD = 3.42 ± 5.67, median 0.62) and femoral blood concentrations ranged from 0.06 to 19.25 mg/L (N = 10, mean ± SD= 3.89 ± 6.12, median 0.81). The average heart blood/femoral blood ratio was 1.31 (range 0.55 to 2.57, N = 10). Urine, bile, and gastric contents were assayed in all cases in which they were submitted. In three cases, the cause of death was determined to be quetiapine toxicity. In these cases heart blood concentrations ranged from 0.72 to 18.37 mg/L (N = 3). These data may provide a basis for establishing levels associated with quetiapine toxicity as well as therapeutic concentrations in postmortem specimens.
Postmortem Production of Ethanol in Different Tissues Under Controlled Experimental Conditions
Authors: Petković SM , Simić MA , Vujić DN
Published: November 2004

The aim of this study was to follow the postmortem ethanol production phenomenon under controlled experimental conditions (temperature, time interval) in different tissues. Specimens of blood, liver, skeletal muscle and kidney were taken from 30 corpses and no chemical preservatives were used in the specimens collected. Ethanol concentrations were detected by gas chromatography. All specimens stored at -20°C and 4°C did not show any change in ethanol concentration in an eight-day time interval. At 20°C and 30°C, all tissues, except blood, showed statistically significant ethanol production over the time interval tested. However, blood sample kept at 30°C, showed statistically significant increase in ethanol production on the 2nd and 4th day comparing to the controls. Thus, we can state that postmortem ethanol production occurs in different tissues, and is increased at higher temperatures and, in general, it is in accordance with the course of time.
Testing the Reliability of Frontal Sinuses in Positive Identification
Authors: Christensen AM
Published: November 2004

The use of frontal sinus radiographs in positive identification has become an increasingly applied and accepted technique among forensic anthropologists, radiologists, and pathologists. From an evidentiary standpoint, however, it is important to know whether frontal sinus radiographs are a reliable method for confirming or rejecting an identification, and standardized methods should be applied when making comparisons. The purpose of the following study is to develop an objective, standardized comparison method, and investigate the reliability of that method. Elliptic Fourier analysis (EFA) was used to assess the variation in 808 outlines of frontal sinuses by calculating likelihood ratios and posterior probabilities from EFA coefficients. Results show that using EFA coefficient comparison to estimate the probability of a correct identification is a reliable technique, and EFA comparison of frontal sinus outlines is recommended when it may be necessary to provide quantitative substantiation for a forensic identification based on these structures.
The Rapid Analysis of Heroin Drug Seizures Using Micellar Electrokinetic Chromatography with Short-End Injection
Authors: Anastos N , Lewis SW , Barnett NW , Pearson JR , Kirkbride KP
Published: November 2004

A simple and rapid method for the analysis of heroin seizures by micellar electrokinetic chromatography with short-end injection is described. Separations were performed using an uncoated fused silica capillary, 50 cm × 50 µm I.D. × 360 µm O.D. with an effective separation length of 8 cm. The system was run at 25°C with an applied negative voltage of -5 kilovolts. Injection of each sample was for 2s at -50 mbar. UV detection was employed with the wavelength set at 210 nm. The background electrolyte consisted of 85:15 (water:acetonitrile, v/v) containing final concentrations of 25 mM SDS and 15 mM sodium borate, pH 9.5. Samples and standards were prepared in 0.1% v/v acetic acid and diluted in the run buffer containing 1 mg/ml of N,N-dimethyl-5-methoxytryptamine as an internal standard. Under these conditions a text mixture containing caffeine, paracetamol, morphine, codeine, heroin, and acetylcodeine was resolved within 1.5 min. The method was used to determine the concentration of heroin in heroin seizure samples, and the results were in good agreement with those obtained by a validated gas chromatographic method.
One Hundred Seventy Two Deaths Involving the Use of Oxycodone in Palm Beach County
Authors: Wolf BC , Lavezzi WA , Sullivan LM , Flannagan LM
Published: November 2004

Oxycodone is a potent semi-synthetic narcotic prescribed for the management of pain. Previous investigators have reported that the abuse of oxycodone is most frequently seen in conjunction with the abuse of other drugs, although fatalities have been reported with oxycodone alone. We undertook a retrospective review of cases investigated by the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner's Office in which postmortem toxicologic studies indicated the presence of oxycodone. A total of 172 consecutive cases were studied, including 18 in which death was attributed to oxycodone toxicity, 117 to combined drug toxicity, 23 to trauma, 9 to natural causes and 5 to another drug or drugs. The postmortem blood concentrations of oxycodone overlapped among the groups. The mean blood oxycodone concentration among the cases of oxycodone toxicity was 0.69 mg/L, combined drug toxicity 0.72 mg/L and trauma 0.62 mg/L. Concentrations were lower in cases of deaths attributed to natural causes and to another drug or drugs (mean each 0.087 mg/L). Benzodiazepines, detected in 96 cases, were the most common co-intoxicants in the cases of combined drug toxicity, followed by cocaine, which was found in 41. The most frequently encountered benzodiazepine was alprazolam. This study confirms that deaths in which oxycodone is a factor are most commonly cases of combined drug toxicity. The high incidence of alprazolam as a co-intoxicant has not been previously recognized.
Characterization of New MiniSTR Loci to Aid Analysis of Degraded DNA
Authors: Coble MD , Butler JM
Published: November 2004

A number of studies have demonstrated that successful analysis of degraded DNA specimens from mass disasters or forensic evidence improves with smaller sized polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products. We have scanned the literature for new STR loci, unlinked from the CODIS markers, which can generate amplicons less than 125 bp in size and would therefore be helpful in testing degraded DNA samples. New PCR primers were designed and tested for the STR loci D1S1677, D2S441, D4S2364, D10S1248, D14S1434, and D22S1045, arranged into two miniSTR triplexes. All loci show a moderate degree of polymorphism among 474 U.S. population samples tested and were reliable and sensitive to at least 100 pg of DNA template under controlled laboratory conditions and pristine DNA samples. The utility of these new loci were confirmed in comparing the success of the miniSTR assays for typing degraded bone samples while partial profiles were observed with the majority of the samples using a commercial STR kit.
The Polymorphisms of Four Y-Chromosome Short Tandem Repeat Loci in Chinese and Japanese Populations
Authors: Tie J , Suzuki Y , Iwakami E , Oshida S , Sensabaugh G
Published: November 2004

A total of 155 unrelated healthy Chinese males living in Shenyang (Liaoning province) and 186 unrelated Japanese healthy males living in Tokyo.
A Fatal Chronic Ketamine Poisoning
Authors: Tao LY , Chen XP , Qin ZH
Published: November 2004

A few papers in the literature reported incident deaths by acute ketamine poisoning. In this paper, we report an unusual homicide caused by chronic ketamine poisoning. The victim was a 34-year old married woman with no previous medical history (except as reported herein) who died in her own home. The court investigation revealed that she was chronically poisoned by her husband over a period of about one year in an act of homicide. Determination of ketamine concentrations in autopsy specimens was carried out with gas-chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results showed that ketamine concentration was 21 µg/mL in gastric contents, 3.8 µg/mL in blood and 1.2 µg/mL in urine. The most striking forensic findings were cardiac muscle fibrosis and hyaline degeneration of small arteries in victim's heart, the pathological features of ketamine poisoning previous reported only in animal studies.
Population Data for the Twelve Y-chromosome Short Tandem Repeat Loci from the Sample of Multinational Population in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Marjanovic D , Bakal N , Pojskic N , Kapur L , Drobnic K , Primorac D , Bajrovic K , Hadziselimovic R
Published: November 2004

We have analyzed the distribution of allele frequencies at 12 Y-chromosomal short tandem repeats loci (DYS19, DYS385a, DYS385b, DYS389I, DYS389II, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, DYS393, DYS437, DYS438 and DYS439) in the representative sample of Bosnian and Herzegovinians. A total of 100 unrelated male individuals (Caucasians) from different regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina have been sampled for the analysis. Samples were collected with a respect to the approximate proportional participation of three main ethnic groups in Bosnia and Herzegovina [Bosniacs-Muslim (35), Serbs (31), Croats (34)].
Review of: Fingerprints and Other Ridge Skin Impressions
Authors: Grieve DL
Published: November 2004

Good texts on fingerprint methods are rare, and this volume, a collaboration between pairs of noted Swiss and Australian researchers, promised to be a welcomed addition. The book attempts to provide a survey of fingerprint detection methods combined with a discussion of examination philosophy, but the result is two books in one without the benefit of a much needed transition to make the two diverse aspects of latent print examination truly cohesive.
Quantitative structure-activity relationships for chemical reductions of organic contaminants
Authors: Tratnyek Paul G. , Weber Eric J. , Schwarzenbach René P.
Published: November 2004

Sufficient kinetic data on abiotic reduction reactions involving organic contaminants are now available that quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) for these reactions can be developed. Over 50 QSARs have been reported, most in just the past few years, and they are summarized as a group here. The majority of these QSARs concern dechlorination reactions, and most of the rest concern nitro reduction reactions. Most QSARs for reduction reactions have been developed mainly as diagnostic tools for determining reduction mechanisms and pathways. So far, only a few of these QSARs are sufficiently precise in formulation, yet general in scope, that they might be useful for predicting contaminant fate. Achieving the goal of developing predictive models for the kinetics of contaminant reduction in the environment will require a delicate balance between process-level rigor and practical levels of approximation.
Mixture toxicity and its modeling by quantitative structure-activity relationships
Authors: Altenburger Rolf , Nendza Monika , Schüürmann Gerrit
Published: November 2004

Environmental contaminants are frequently encountered as mixtures, and the behavior of chemicals in a mixture may not correspond to that predicted from data on the pure compounds. This paper reviews current quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) methodology for the analysis of mixture toxicity. Interactions of components in a mixture can cause complex and substantial changes in the apparent properties of its constituents, resulting in synergistic or antagonistic effects as opposed to the ideal reference case of additive behavior: concentration addition (CA) and independent action (IA) are two prominent reference models for the evaluation of joint activity, and both have mechanistic support from pharmacology. After discussing graphical tools for analyzing binary mixtures and joint effect indices suitable also for multicomponent mixtures, water solubility and hydrophobicity of mixtures are analyzed with respect to the property contributions of the individual components. With the former, small but significant deviations from ideal behavior are observed even for simple organics, whereas in the case of low concentrations, mixture hydrophobicity was found to agree approximately with the fractional contributions of the components. A variety of studies suggest that mixtures of compounds exerting only one (narcotic or specific) mode of action can be modeled satisfactorily by assuming CA, whereas the interaction of differently acting compounds tends to yield a less than CA joint activity. The QSARs have been used to predict concentrations of components in mixtures from joint effects and defined mixture ratios and have been developed to predict narcotic-type mixture toxicity from molecular descriptors that are calculated as composite properties according to the fractional concentrations of the mixture components. In the case of ionogenic compounds, initial results suggest that CA may serve as a firstorder approximation for the joint effect of un-ionized and ionized compound portions.
Gonadal differentiation in frogs exposed to estrogenic and antiestrogenic compounds
Authors: Mackenzie Constanze A. , Berrill Michael , Metcalfe Chris , Pauli Bruce D.
Published: November 2004

Exposure of amphibians to endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) may alter differentiationof gonads, especially when exposures begin during early life stages. Gonadal differentiation was observed in leopard frogs (Rana pipiens) and wood frogs (Rana sylvatica) exposed as tadpoles to estrogenic (estradiol, ethinylestradiol, nonylphenol) and antiestrogenic compounds (an aromatase inhibitor, flavone, and an antiestrogen, ICI 182780). Exposure to all compounds at μg/L concentrations altered gonadal differentiation in some animals by inducing either complete feminization or an intersex condition, and altered testicular tubule morphology, increased germ cell maturation (vitellogenesis), and oocyte atresia. Comparisons between the two species indicate that R. pipiens are more susceptible to sex reversal and development of intersex gonads. However, R. sylvatica also showed alterations to testicular morphology, germ cell maturation, and ooctye atresia. These laboratory results indicate that amphibians could be susceptible to altered gonadal differentiation and development when exposed to estrogenic and antiestrogenic compounds in aquatic environments, such as those impacted by agricultural, industrial, and municipal runoff.
Uptake, depuration, and toxicity of dissolved and sediment-bound fluoranthene in the polychaete, Capitella sp. I
Authors: Selck Henriette , Palmqvist Annemette , Forbes Valery E.
Published: November 2004

Deposit-feeders may be important in facilitating the removal of organic contaminants from bulk sediment. The relationship between uptake route (water vs sediment), depuration and toxicity was investigated in the deposit-feeding polychaete Capitella species I. Individual worms were exposed either to dissolved (i.e., <0.45 μm) fluoranthene (FLU) (water-only treatment [WO]), or both to dissolved and sediment-bound FLU (porewater and sediment [PWS] treatment). The porewater concentration of dissolved FLU in PWS was set approximately equal to the dissolved concentration in WO (0, 50 μg FLU l−1). Fluoranthene marginally affected growth in WO worms (6 d exposure) but not in PWS worms (5 d exposure). The final body-burdens in PWS and WO worms were 141.2 and 99.5 μg total FLU equivalents (g dry wt worm)−1, respectively. Sediment-bound FLU was calculated to contribute at least 30% and up to as much as 91% of the total amount taken up by PWS worms. Water-only treatment worms retained all of the FLU during the subsequent depuration (4 d), whereas PWS worms decreased both the weight-specific (t1/2 = 0.95 d) and the total-body burden (t1/2 = 7.8 d), suggesting both active excretion and dilution of FLU body burden as a result of growth. Thus, our results indicate that the sediment-associated pool is an important route of uptake in Capitella sp. I, and that such deposit feeders may be important for remobilization of sediment-associated contaminants, such as fluoranthene.
Effects of Vision® herbicide on mortality, avoidance response, and growth of amphibian larvae in two forest wetlands
Authors: Wojtaszek Barbara F. , Staznik Bozena , Chartrand Derek T. , Stephenson Gerald R. , Thompson Dean G.
Published: November 2004

The effects of Vision® (glyphosate, 356 mg acid equivalents (a.e.)/L) on mortality, avoidance response, and growth of larval amphibians (Rana clamitans and Rana pipiens) were investigated using in situ enclosures deployed in two forest wetlands of northern Ontario, Canada. In addition to untreated controls, Vision was applied to yield initial concentrations ranging from 0.29 to 14.3 mg a.e./L (0.94–46.1 mg/L of Vision). Resultant 96-h median lethal concentration (LC50) values ranged from 2.70 to 11.5 mg a.e./L (8.71-37.1 mg/L of Vision) depending on the species or site involved. Substantial mortality and incidences of abnormal avoidance response occurred only at concentrations exceeding the expected environmental concentrations (EEC) (1.43 mg a.e./L, or 4.61 mg/L of Vision) as calculated by Canadian regulatory authorities. The concentration dependence of larval growth rate and maximum size varied depending on site and species. Mean growth rates and maximum sizes exposed to 1.43 mg a.e./L (EEC) treatments were the same or greater than controls. Experimental site and biotic/abiotic factors therein, such as pH and suspended sediments, substantially affected the expression of Vision herbicide toxicity in the amphibian larvae tested. Overall, results suggest that the silvicultural use of Vision herbicide in accordance with the product label and standard Canadian environmental regulations should have negligible adverse effects on sensitive larval life stages of native amphibians.