bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relative permeability characteristics necessary for simulating DNAPL infiltration, redistribution, and immobilization in saturated porous media
Authors: Gerhard J. I. , Kueper B. H.
Published: August 2003

This study presents a relative permeability‐saturation (kr‐S) constitutive model that incorporates the critical phenomena necessary for simulating the rates of nonwetting fluid infiltration, redistribution, and immobilization in a saturated porous medium. To develop a model validation data set, the migration of a dense, nonaqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) pool within a one‐dimensional, 1 m tall, saturated sandpack was monitored under alternating drainage and imbibition conditions. A light transmission/image analysis system, able to distinguish between connected‐phase and residual nonwetting phase (NWP) in the apparatus, measured the elevation of the top of the connected‐phase DNAPL pool as a function of time. Light transmission calibration curves, correlating fluid saturation to transmitted color at the macroscopic scale, were found to exhibit a functional dependence on saturation history that must be taken into account. Applying the calibration curves to captured images of the experiment provided a continuous sequence of fluid saturation profiles. Numerical simulations of the bench‐scale experiment, using model parameters measured independently at the macroscopic scale, predict within measurement uncertainty the observed timescales of DNAPL migration and immobilization. Additional simulations reveal that model validation for imbibition processes depends on properly accounting for NWP kr‐S hysteresis, including imbibition function curvature and the abrupt extinction of NWP relative permeability.
Degradation and removal of naphthalenesulphonic acids by means of adsorption and ozonation catalyzed by activated carbon in water
Authors: Rivera‐Utrilla J. , Sánchez‐Polo M.
Published: September 2003

Studies were conducted on the efficiency of systems based on the use of ozone, activated carbon, and ozone/activated carbon in the treatment of waters containing 1‐naphthalenesulphonic acid, 1,5‐naphthalenedisulphonic acid, and 1,3,6‐naphthalenetrisulphonic acid. In the removal of these acids by adsorption on activated carbon the elevated heights of the mass transfer zone columns and the low values of the breakthrough volumes indicated that a system exclusively based on the use of activated carbon is not appropriate for the removal of these pollutants. In the ozonation of these acids the reactivity of naphthalenesulphonic acid with ozone is low. In addition, the initial concentration of total organic carbon (TOC) was not reduced during naphthalenesulphonic acids ozonation. These results indicate that a system exclusively based on the use of ozone is not adequate to decontaminate water where these acids are present. These ozonation processes were also studied in the presence of activated carbon. The presence of activated carbon enhanced the elimination rate, probably by enhancing ozone decomposition in aqueous phase in highly oxidative species. These catalytic properties seem to be favored by both the basicity of the carbon surface and the higher macropore volume. The catalytic properties of activated carbon were reduced by ozonation. New acid groups such as anhydride, lactones, and carboxylic acid were generated on the activated carbon surface during ozone treatment. This effect reduced the reactivity of the activated carbon to ozone and therefore the capacity to enhance ozone decomposition in aqueous phase. The presence of activated carbon during naphthalenesulphonic acid ozonation produced a reduction in the TOC concentration and in the genotoxicity of the degradation products. All these results indicate that this novel combined system is very promising for the treatment of water polluted with organic matter.
Use of a genetic algorithm to improve predictions of alternate bar dynamics
Authors: Knaapen M. A. F. , Hulscher S. J. M. H.
Published: September 2003

Alternate bars may form in sandy beds of straight rivers and channels. These bars are characterized by the alternation of crests, all moving downstream at a speed of several meters per day. The aim of this paper is to predict the dynamics of alternate bars. To that end, we tested predictions of measured alternate bars in flume experiments, as derived from an amplitude evolution model. Weakly nonlinear stability analysis underlies this amplitude evolution model, so that it applies to situations in which the width‐to‐depth ratio is close to the critical ratio, above which alternate bars occur. The experiments have a width‐to‐depth ratio far above the critical value, well outside the range of formal validity of the model. While wavelengths and heights of the alternate bars are still well predicted, we found that the migration rate is not: the amplitude evolution model produces an underestimation of close to a factor of two. Therefore we took a slightly different approach. We tested the predictive capability for this amplitude evolution model by using a genetic algorithm to tune the model to bathymetric data. After tuning, the model is indeed able to predict the migration rate of the bars over periods that exceed the tuning period by far. Limits to the prediction time, i.e., failure of this method, could not be derived for the data sets used in this work.
Structure and development of a microcontinent: Elan Bank in the southern Indian Ocean
Authors: Borissova Irina , Coffin Millard F. , Charvis Philippe , Operto Stéphane
Published: September 2003

Microcontinents appear to commonly form on young continental margins close to hot spots, but difficulties in understanding their geology and evolution have inhibited assessment of their global distribution and significance. Thick volcanic accumulations in areas affected by hot spot magmatism only complicate the issue. Elan Bank, a large western salient of the Kerguelen Plateau, is a microcontinent that originally lay between India and Antarctica in Gondwana. Recent regional plate tectonic reconstructions suggest that during Gondwana breakup, Elan Bank and India initially separated from Antarctica, and Elan Bank became isolated in the Southern Ocean via a ridge jump to the north between Elan Bank and India. In Albian time (∼108 Ma), voluminous magmatism attributed to the Kerguelen hot spot overprinted and radically altered the original microcontinent and its surroundings. Recent ODP investigations, deep seismic reflection data, and a wide‐angle seismic line on Elan Bank allow us to gain the first insight into the feature's integrated crustal structure and geological evolution and the adjacent continent‐ocean transition zone. Our analysis shows that Elan Bank's crust is at least 16 km thick. The upper igneous crust consists of a 2–3 km thick layer with seismic velocities ranging from 4.4 to 5.9 km/s that can be interpreted as the result of accumulation of lava flows originating from the Kerguelen hot spot. Seismic velocities at the base of the crust are as low as 6.6 km/s, which is consistent with a fragment of thinned continental crust ∼14 km thick. A high velocity body, located at depths of 5 to 10 km, could be interpreted as plutonic rocks emplaced during the major regional magmatic episode. On the basis of deep seismic reflection data, we interpret extensional structures beneath the volcanic flows. In Albian time, when the area was affected by the Kerguelen hot spot, volcaniclastic material and lava flows accumulated in faulted grabens and basins both on the bank and within the continent‐ocean transition zone to the south, creating the appearance of flat, unstructured basement. The seismic structure and inferred composition of Elan Bank revealed by this study contribute to our understanding of microcontinent formation as well as provide a template for identifying microcontinents in accreted terranes and mountain belts.
Impact on regional winter climate by CO2 increases vs. by maritime‐air advection
Authors: Otterman J. , Atlas R. , Russell G. L. , Saaroni H.
Published: August 2003

Fractional Outgoing Radiation, FOR (dimensionless), defined as the ratio of Outgoing Longwave Radiation, OLR (W/m2), to upward Surface Longwave Emission, SLE (W/m2), is a basic parameter for analyzing regional greenhouse effect. Here, FOR values are derived from a General Circulation Model by extracting OLR and SLE over areas in east‐central Europe (at about 60°N) one hour after injecting appropriate CO2 concentration (adjustments to the atmospheric profile are thus excluded) to the Feb. 1 midnight simulation. The reduction in FOR is 0.00051 when atmospheric CO2 increases by 14 ppm, which is the currently expected per‐decade increase. Fluctuations in the North‐Atlantic surface winds produce fluctuations in FOR over central Europe: monthly‐mean FOR in strong‐wind February 1990 was 0.679, but 0.758 in weak‐wind, lower cloud‐fraction February 1996. Strong maritime‐air advection in 1990 resulted thus in FOR reduced by 0.079, effect by two orders‐of‐magnitude stronger than the decrease effected by the per‐decade increase in CO2.
Can changes in ENSO activity help to explain increasing stratospheric water vapor?
Authors: Scaife Adam A. , Butchart Neal , Jackson David R. , Swinbank Richard
Published: September 2003

Observational studies indicate that stratospheric water vapor has been increasing by 1% per year on average over the past few decades. The only well established mechanism for this increase is the increasing concentration of atmospheric methane and its oxidation in the stratosphere. However, this effect accounts for no more than half of the observed trend in water vapor. Here we use a middle atmosphere general circulation model (GCM) and the observed record of past El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) activity to test whether observed increases in water vapor can be explained by changes in ENSO activity. In our model, El Nino conditions typically result in about a 10% increase in the concentration of water vapor entering the stratosphere. The observed record also shows an increase of almost one extra year of El Nino conditions per decade over the past half century. The model and observational results taken together therefore imply a positive trend in water vapor of around 0.1% per year and ENSO effects appear to explain no more than about one tenth of the long term trend. We also find variability in the water vapor entry values related to the Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation (QBO) in our model. As ENSO and the QBO are variable in nature, this helps to explain some of the intermittency in the observed trend of increasing water vapor, particularly during periods such as the first part of the 1990s when ENSO was relatively active and water vapor increased rapidly despite a reduction in the rate of methane increase.
Future climate change and upwelling in the California Current
Authors: Snyder Mark A. , Sloan Lisa C. , Diffenbaugh Noah S. , Bell Jason L.
Published: August 2003

Observations show that wind‐driven upwelling along the California coast has increased over the past 30 years. Some have postulated that the increase in wind‐driven upwelling is due largely to increased greenhouse gas forcing, but such an association has been speculative. Since global and regional simulations of future wind‐driven upwelling do not exist for the California coast, we used a regional climate model (RCM) to estimate changes in wind‐driven upwelling under increased CO2 concentrations. Here we show in both equilibrium and transient climate experiments that there is an intensified upwelling season, with some changes in seasonality of upwelling. This intensification may lead to enhanced productivity along the coast of California and possibly ameliorate increases in sea surface temperature due to greenhouse gas forcing.
Global surface temperatures over the past two millennia
Authors: Mann Michael E. , Jones Philip D.
Published: August 2003

We present reconstructions of Northern and Southern Hemisphere mean surface temperature over the past two millennia based on high‐resolution ‘proxy’ temperature data which retain millennial‐scale variability. These reconstructions indicate that late 20th century warmth is unprecedented for at least roughly the past two millennia for the Northern Hemisphere. Conclusions for the Southern Hemisphere and global mean temperature are limited by the sparseness of available proxy data in the Southern Hemisphere at present.
Influence of the Indian Ocean Dipole on the Australian winter rainfall
Authors: Ashok Karumuri , Guan Zhaoyong , Yamagata Toshio
Published: August 2003

Using an atmospheric general circulation model and observed datasets of sea surface temperature and rainfall, we studied the influence of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) on the Australian winter rainfall. The IOD has significant negative partial correlations with rainfall over the western and southern regions of Australia. These negative partial correlations extend south‐eastward from Indonesia all the way to south east Australia. Our atmospheric general circulation model sensitivity experiments indicate that cold sea surface temperature anomalies prevailing west of the Indonesian archipelago during the positive IOD events introduce an anomalous anticyclonic circulation at lower levels over the eastern tropical and subtropical Indian Ocean, and over much of the Australian continent. It is also apparent that the response of the atmosphere to the IOD in this region is baroclinic, causing anomalous subsidence and anomalous reduction in the rainfall over the affected regions of Australia.
Summer upwelling in the South China Sea and its role in regional climate variations
Authors: Xie Shang‐Ping , Xie Qiang , Wang Dongxiao , Liu W. Timothy
Published: August 2003

Seasonal and interannual variations of summer upwelling off the South Vietnam coast and the offshore spread of cold water are investigated using a suite of new satellite measurements. In summer, as the southwesterly winds impinge on Annam Cordillera (a north‐south running mountain range on the east coast of Indochina) a strong wind jet occurs at its southern tip offshore east of Saigon, resulting in strong wind curls that are important for ocean upwelling off the coast. In July and August an anticyclonic ocean eddy develops to the southeast, advecting the cold coastal water offshore into the open South China Sea (SCS). The center of this cold filament is located consistently north of the wind speed maximum, indicating that open‐ocean upwelling helps to cool the ocean surface. Corroborating evidence for the cold filament is found in ocean color observations that reveal a collocated tongue of high chlorophyll concentration. The development of this cold filament disrupts the summer warming of the SCS and causes a pronounced semi‐annual cycle in SST. Moreover, the cold filament is an important player in interannual variability in the summer SCS. In 1998, the cold filament and mid‐summer cooling never took place, giving rise to a strong basin‐wide surface warming. Interannual SST variance has a local maximum over the climatological cold filament, and is much greater than the variance over the adjacent Indian and western Pacific Oceans. A cold filament index is constructed, which displays significant lagged correlation with SST in the eastern equatorial Pacific and Indian Oceans, indicative of a teleconnection from El Nino.
Reactive gaseous mercury formation in the North Pacific Ocean's marine boundary layer: A potential role of halogen chemistry
Authors: Laurier Fabien J. G. , Mason Robert P. , Whalin Lindsay , Kato Shungo
Published: September 2003

Reactive gaseous mercury (RGHg), atmospheric elemental mercury (Hg0), and ozone (O3) along with other ancillary parameters have been measured simultaneously in the marine boundary layer (MBL) over the North Pacific Ocean during the 2002‐IOC cruise between Osaka, Japan, and Honolulu, Hawaii. Atmospheric Hg0 concentrations varied from 1.6 to 4.7 ng m−3 with an average of 2.5 ng m−3 and did show significant variations along the cruise track with a slight diel cycle in Hg0 concentrations. RGHg concentrations varied from 0.15 to 92.4 pg m−3 with an average of 9.5 pg m−3. The data strongly suggest photochemical in situ formation of RGHg with increasing concentrations in the tropical regions concomitant to a dramatic decrease in O3 (from over 50 to less than 5 ppbv). A distinct diurnal variation in RGHg concentrations with maxima at midday suggests a photochemically driven oxidation of marine boundary layer Hg0. In the tropical area, enhanced RGHg formation and daily variation in O3 could both be related to reactive halogen chemistry. Flux calculations also emphasize the role of the tropical marine boundary layer in mercury cycling over the North Pacific Ocean.
Small‐area thorium features on the lunar surface
Authors: Lawrence D. J. , Elphic R. C. , Feldman W. C. , Prettyman T. H. , Gasnault O. , Maurice S.
Published: September 2003

Using an improved understanding of the Lunar Prospector Gamma‐Ray Spectrometer (LP‐GRS) spatial footprint, we have derived a new map of global thorium abundances on the lunar surface. This map has a full‐width, half‐maximum spatial resolution of ∼(80 km)2 and is mapped on the lunar surface using 0.5° × 0.5° pixels. This map has allowed the identification and classification of 42 small‐area (<[80 km]2) thorium features across the lunar surface. Twenty of these features, all of which are located in the nearside Procellarum KREEP terrane, show a thorium‐iron anticorrelation that is indicative of mixing between mare basalts and thorium‐rich mafic impact‐melt breccias (MIB). However, there exists at least one example of a farside location (Dewar crater) that appears to have abundances similar to the thorium‐rich MIBs. This new map has also allowed the identification of mare basalts having high thorium abundances (>3 μg/g) in southwestern Mare Tranquillitatis, near the Apollo 11 landing site. With our better understanding of the LP‐GRS spatial footprint, we have been able to constrain the surface thorium abundance at the Compton/Belkovich thorium anomaly to 40–55 μg/g, which is higher than any other measured location on the lunar surface and higher than most samples. Finally, using 1 km/pixel FeO abundances from Clementine and LP‐GRS spatial footprint information, we have been able to obtain plausible thorium distributions around Kepler crater at a resolution of 1 km/pixel. The materials around Kepler crater appear to be a relatively simple mixing of thorium‐rich MIB compositions and high‐thorium mare basalts.
Simulation of gravel‐sand bed response to flushing flows using a two‐fraction entrainment approach: Model development and flume experiment
Authors: Wu Fu‐Chun , Chou Yi‐Ju
Published: August 2003

In this work we combine existing ideas on gravel and sand entrainment into a simulation model for flows that flush sand from the surface and subsurface of a gravel riverbed. A flume experiment is conducted to provide a test of the flushing model. The primary advance represented in this paper is incorporation of a two‐fraction entrainment approach into a routing model to account for the effect of sand content on the entrainment and transport of bed sediment, which is crucial for simulation of the flushing process associated with progressively decreasing sand proportions. A combination of the active layer concept and two‐layer treatment is adopted herein to outline the framework of sediment transport system, which allows incorporation of subsurface sand into the surface layer through the mechanisms of upward entrainment and bed degradation. Sediment routing computations are executed in two steps: in the first step, the change of bed level is computed with the continuity equation of sediment in the surface layer; in the second step, the changes of sediment storage in the surface and subsurface layers are calculated with the mass conservations of sediment. An important finding of this study is that the flume results could not be adequately simulated without an upward sand flux from the subsurface, which confirms the operation of a process that has only been hypothesized. The simulation results, including the evolutions of bed composition and elevation, are in good agreement with the observations, implying a potential application of the proposed model in determining flushing flows for environmental benefit.
Roles of HLA‐B, HLA‐C and HLA‐DPA1 incompatibilities in the outcome of unrelated stem‐cell transplantation
Authors: Schaffer M. , Aldener‐Cannavá A. , Remberger M. , Ringdén O. , Olerup O.
Published: September 2003

Abstract In unrelated stem‐cell transplantation, the value of matching at the HLA‐A, ‐B and ‐DR loci between donor and recipient is well documented. The effect of HLA‐C, DPB1 and DPA1 mismatches on transplantation outcome is unclear. In this study, 104 donor recipient‐pairs, transplanted at Huddinge University Hospital between 1988 and 1999, were retrospectively HLA class I‐ and class II‐typed by PCR‐SSP. The samples were typed for HLA‐A, ‐B and ‐C and HLA‐DRB1, ‐DRB3, ‐DRB4, ‐DRB5, ‐DQA1, ‐DQB1, ‐DPB1 and ‐DPA1 with allele level resolution. Isolated HLA‐B allele level mismatches were associated with an increased incidence of acute graft versus host disease grades II–IV and grades III–IV. HLA‐C‐mismatched, but killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor (KIR) ligand motif‐matched stem‐cell grafts were significantly associated with improved survival rates and relapse‐free survival (RFS). In patients receiving HLA‐DPA1‐mismatched stem cell grafts, reduced survival and shorter RFS were seen. These patients also had an increased frequency of relapses (64%vs 26%). We conclude that genomic HLA class I‐ and class II‐typing may improve the outcome after unrelated stem‐cell transplantation. The awareness of HLA class I‐ and II‐mismatches in a recipient‐donor pair makes it possible to give appropriate pre‐ and post‐transplantation treatment.
Identification of a novel DRB1*04 allele: DRB1*0445
Authors: Bae S‐C. , Lee K. W.
Published: September 2003

Abstract The novel allele DRB1*0445 differs from DRB1*04051 by a single nucleotide substitution at codon 23 (CGG→CCG), resulting in an amino‐acid change from arginine to proline. The haplotype associated with the novel allele is A*2402‐B*5401‐Cw*0102‐DRB1*0445‐DRB4*01‐DQB1*0302.
Immunogenetics of killer‐cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors
Authors: Parham P.
Published: September 2003

Abstract The immunogenetics of cell‐surface antigens began with the study of red cells and then moved onto the white cells. HLA class I antigens were analyzed on leukocytes and HLA class II antigens on B cells. In the last decade the natural killer (NK) cell has become a target for immunogeneticists, in particular the family of genes encoding the killer‐cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIRs).
Obstetric sphincter tears and anal incontinence: an observational follow‐up study
Authors: Zetterström Jan , López Annika , Holmström Bo , Nilsson Bengt Y. , Tisell Åke , Anzén Bo , Mellgren Anders
Published: September 2003

Background.  Persistent defects after primary sphincter repair and occult sphincter tears are common after vaginal deliveries. Anal incontinence may be associated with these morphological defects.

Material and methods.  Forty‐six primiparous women were evaluated with ultrasonography, manometry and electrophysiology. Twenty‐four women had undergone primary repair of obstetric sphincter tears (sphincter group), 16 women had no clinical sphincter tear but developed anal incontinence postpartum (symptom group), and six were delivered by elective cesarean section (cesarean group).

Results.  In the sphincter group, 50% had anal incontinence at follow‐up. At ultrasonography, 70% had injuries anteriorly in the midanal canal. At manometry, 4% had decreased resting pressure and 50% decreased squeeze pressure. At electrophysiology, 19% had pathologic pudendal latency and 25% pathologic fiber density.

In the symptom group, 44% had injuries anteriorly in the midanal canal at ultrasonography. At manometry, all women had normal resting pressure and 19% had a decreased squeeze pressure. At electrophysiology, 46% had pathologic pudendal latency and 29% pathologic fiber density.

In the cesarean group, 33% had mild anal incontinence at follow‐up. Ultrasonography and manometry were normal in all women. At electrophysiology, 33% had pathologic pudendal latency and 17% pathologic fiber density.

Conclusion.  Anal sphincter injuries at childbirth are often inadequately diagnosed and primary repair frequently results in persisting defects in the anal sphincter. Anatomic injuries to the anal sphincter play an important role in the development of anal incontinence after delivery, but a significant proportion of symptomatic women also demonstrate neurologic impairment at electrophysiologic testing.
Measurement of both native and inactivated forms of α1 proteinase inhibitor in human inflammatory extracellular fluids
Authors: Petropoulou P. , Zhang Z. , Curtis M. A. , Johnson N. W. , Hughes F. J. , Winyard P. G.
Published: September 2003

Background: Inactivation of the elastase inhibitor, α1 proteinase inhibitor (α1PI), may be of pathogenic significance in inflammatory diseases like periodontal disease. Two key mechanisms of inactivation appear to be (a) the formation of an α1PI–elastase complex and (b) proteolytic cleavage by elastase or other enzymes such as metalloproteinases of host origin or enzymes of bacterial origin. Based on the different heat stabilities of the intact, complexed and proteolytically cleaved forms of α1PI, an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that allowed the simultaneous measurement of native and inactive forms of α1PI was developed.

Methods: The ELISA method described employs a commercially available antibody and represents a rapid, reproducible and sensitive method for studying α1PI inactivation in human inflammatory diseases. The assay was applied to normal human plasma and to human extracellular fluids obtained from patients with inflammatory diseases such as adult periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis. Samples from patients with osteoarthritis, a “non‐inflammatory” joint disease, were also studied.

Results: The findings expressed as the mean percentage (±SD) of the total α1PI that was inactivated were as follows: gingival crevicular fluid from adult periodontitis patients: 73.5±16.6% (n=12); normal human plasma: 8.4±4.9% (n=13); knee‐joint synovial fluid (SF) from rheumatoid arthritis patients: 12.5±4.5% (n=15); plasma from rheumatoid arthritis patients: 8.0±1.8% (n=15); knee‐joint SF from osteoarthritis patients: 8.6±8.2% (n=14); plasma from osteoarthritis patients: 5.7±4.8% (n=14). The results obtained by ELISA were in good agreement with those obtained by the semi‐quantitative method of SDS–PAGE and Western blotting.

Conclusions: We have shown that the differential heat stability of α1PI may be utilised as the basis for a rapid, sensitive and reproducible ELISA assay of α1PI inactivation. In gingival crevicular fluid from periodontal disease patients, α1PI is mainly inactivated and the extent of this inactivation is much higher than in inflammatory fluids from other chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. This assay could be useful in monitoring the progression of periodontal disease.
Periodontal attachment loss over 14 years in cleft lip, alveolus and palate (CLAP, CL, CP) subjects not enrolled in a supportive periodontal therapy program
Authors: Salvi Giovanni E. , Brägger Urs , Lang Niklaus P.
Published: September 2003

Objectives: (i) To assess the overall and (ii) cleft‐associated rate of periodontal disease (PD) progression in subjects with cleft lip, alveolus and palate (CLAP) and (iii) to compare these rates with those of subjects with cleft lip (CL) and cleft palate (CP).

Material and methods: Twenty‐six subjects not enrolled in a supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) program were examined in 1979, 1987 and 1993. PD progression was assessed as increase in pocket probing depth (PPD in mm) and probing attachment loss (PAL in mm).

Results: Extensive plaque accumulation and high frequencies of gingival units bleeding on probing were observed at all three examinations. A statistically significant increase in mean PPD of 0.57±0.21 mm (SD) in both groups as well as a statistically significant loss of PAL of 1.85±0.23 mm (SD) in the CLAP group and of 1.72±0.21 mm (SD) in the CL/CP group occurred over the observation period (p<0.05). In subjects with CLAP, statistically significant increases in PPD and loss of PAL were recorded over time at sites adjacent to the cleft as well as at control sites (p<0.05). Over 14 years, however, PPD increased 1.72±1.08 mm (SD) at cleft sites versus 0.72±1.14 mm (SD) at control sites (p<0.05), and PAL amounted to 3.19±1.35 mm (SD) at cleft sites versus 2.41±1.52 mm (SD) at control sites (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Both the CLAP and the CL/CP subjects are at high risk for PD progression if no SPT program is provided. This also suggests that alveolar cleft sites in subjects with high plaque and gingival inflammation scores underwent more periodontal tissue destruction than control sites over a 14‐year period.
Concept and design of Ad Hoc and Mobile classrooms
Authors: Chang C.Y. , Sheu J.P. , Chan T.W.
Published: September 2003

Abstract This investigation describes the concept of mobile learning and the design of Ad Hoc and Mobile classrooms. Four classes of mobile learning and implementation of Ad Hoc and eSchoolbag systems are presented. The paper discusses the development of advanced wireless technologies for building an ad hoc classroom to create a modern and new learning environment. As in a traditional classroom, information technology is developed to provide the teacher with aids, such as a blackboard, a board rubber, coloured chalk, a microphone, a voice recorder, a video recorder, and so on, to support teaching and discussions. Additionally, students are provided with an electronic schoolbag which contains electronic books, a notebook, a parents' contact book, a pencil case, writing materials, sheets, a calculator, an address book, and other items. Taking lessons in a lively, vivid and new learning environment, it is expected that students will improve their learning performance with perhaps less attendance in a physical classroom and they gain the flexibility of being able to learn at their own convenience.
Wireless and mobile technologies to enhance teaching and learning
Authors: Liu T.C. , Wang H.Y. , Liang J.K. , Chan T.W. , Ko H.W. , Yang J.C.
Published: September 2003

Abstract This research aims to build a Wireless Technology Enhanced Classroom (WiTEC) that supports everyday activities unobtrusively and seamlessly in classroom contexts. This paper describes the integration of wireless LAN, wireless mobile learning devices, an electronic whiteboard, an interactive classroom server, and a resource and class management server to build the WiTEC. This contains a number of features that can support class members in various types of teaching and learning activities. Project‐based learning is taken as a scenario to elaborate how teachers and students can engage in teaching and learning via WiTEC. Finally, a number of suggestions are discussed for further study.
Personal Digital Assistants in medical education and practice
Authors: Smørdal O. , Gregory J.
Published: September 2003

Abstract This paper reports on a current project, KNOWMOBILE, that explores how wireless and mobile technologies, in this case how Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) may be useful in medical education and clinical practice, particularly to access net‐based information. KNOWMOBILE is a research collaboration involving academic and industrial partners which aims to support Problem‐Based Learning (PBL) and the integration of Evidence‐Based Medicine (EBM) in medical education reform in Norway. What does ‘just‐in‐time’ access to information mean in clinical settings? How can health professionals be helped with access to the most up‐to‐date medical information? From a preliminary analysis of the problems of Personal Digital Assistants in use — and nonuse — problems regarding information and communication infrastructure discussed that require work from a social historical interpretation of ‘infrastructures’ in order to enhance design perspectives and directions for future research. It is concluded that the PDAs should not be regarded as Personal Digital Assistants, but rather as gateways in complicated webs of interdependent technical and social networks.
Feature
Authors: Maltman Alex
Published: August 2003

Does geology affect the tastes of wine, beer and whisky? and if so, how and by how much in each case?
Pharmacokinetic properties of zolpidem in elderly and young adults: possible modulation by testosterone in men
Authors: Olubodun Joel O. , Ochs Hermann R. , Von Moltke Lisa L. , Roubenoff Ronenn , Hesse Leah M. , Harmatz Jerold S. , Shader Richard I. , Greenblatt David J.
Published: August 2003

Aims  The influence of ageing on the pharmacokinetics of zolpidem, an extensively prescribed hypnotic medication, was evaluated in healthy human volunteers.

Methods  A series of 16 elderly (age: 61–85 years) and 24 young (age: 22–42 years) volunteers received single 5 mg oral doses of zolpidem tartrate. Serum zolpidem concentrations were determined by HPLC with fluorescence detection in samples drawn during 8 h after dosage. The effect of testosterone on zolpidem biotransformation was evaluated in vitro using human liver microsomes. Possible induction of CYP3A protein expression and function was studied in cultured human hepatocytes.

Results  Among men, apparent oral clearance of zolpidem was decreased in elderly compared to young subjects (3.8 vs 11.0 ml min−1 kg−1, P < 0.01), Cmax was increased (93 vs 40 ng ml−1, P < 0.01), and half‐life increased (2.7 vs 1.5 h, P < 0.03). Among women, zolpidem oral clearance was decreased in the elderly (3.0 vs 5.8 ml min−1 kg−1, P < 0.02), Cmax increased (108 vs 60 ng ml−1, P < 0.001), with no difference in t1/2 (2.3 vs 2.4 h). Among male subjects, free serum testosterone concentrations were lower in the elderly (10.5 vs 19.0 pg ml−1, P < 0.01), and were significantly correlated with zolpidem clearance (r2 = 0.46, P < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis indicated a greater relative contribution of serum testosterone than age to the oral clearance of zolpidem among men. In human liver microsomes, co‐incubation of zolpidem (10 µm) with varying concentrations of testosterone produced activation of biotransformation of zolpidem to its principal hydroxylated metabolite. Maximum activation was achieved at equimolar concentrations of testosterone (10 µm). However, testosterone did not induce immunoactive CYP3A4 expression or catalytic function in cultured human hepatocytes.

Conclusions  The increased Cmax and lower oral clearance of zolpidem in the elderly are consistent with recommendations of lower clinical doses of zolpidem in the elderly. Our clinical and in vitro data both suggest that reduced free serum testosterone may have a modulatory role in age‐dependent changes in zolpidem pharmacokinetics in men.
Determining small bowel integrity following drug treatment
Authors: Smale Simon , Bjarnason Ingvar
Published: August 2003

Intestinal integrity is maintained by a delicate balance between mucosal defence and luminal aggressors that cause damage if exposed to the mucosa. The intestinal barrier function appears to be the gatekeeper for controlling this balance. It is becoming increasingly clear that if the intestinal barrier is disrupted the consequences are low grade intestinal inflammation which carry with it the risk of significant blood and protein loss both of which may cause clinical management problems. We review the strength and weaknesses of methods for assessing small bowel function that are useful for assessing drug‐induced intestinal toxicity. There are a number of imaging methods for assessing intestinal integrity but these do not provide functional information. Intestinal permeability measurements have been optimized for specificity and there are now ways of measuring intestinal permeability regionally, but marker analyses continue to be cumbersome. Recent developments of faecal inflammatory markers make it a matter of routine to assess this in any routine chemical pathology laboratory. Bleeding, protein loss and other complications of inflammation can also be measured with good specificity, but again the methods are cumbersome. Using a combination of functional and imaging techniques it is now possible to characterize and define with precision, the small bowel side‐effects of drugs, the best example being the small bowel side‐effects of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Treosulfan is an effective inducer of cell death in myeloma cell lines and primary myeloma cells from patients
Authors: Meinhardt Gerold , Dayyani Farshid , Jahrsdörfer Bernd , Baumgart Joachim , Emmerich Bertold , Schmidmaier Ralf
Published: September 2003

Summary. Multiple myeloma is a non‐curable haematological disease involving transformed plasma cells. High rates of complete remission can be achieved with autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. Treosulfan is an alkylating substance that has been used in the treatment of ovarian carcinomas for many years. It has a favourable side‐effect profile even at high‐dose protocols. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of treosulfan on myeloma cells. The treatment of the myeloma cell lines, NCI‐H929 and U266, with treosulfan led to apoptosis in both cell lines in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. The induction of apoptosis was accompanied by cleavage of caspases ‐3 and ‐9 as well as downregulation of the antiapoptotic protein Mcl‐1 and upregulation of the inhibitor of cyclin‐dependent kinases, p21WAF1/CIP1. Furthermore, 100 µmol/l treosulfan was capable of inducing cell death in 63·6 ± 23·9% of primary myeloma cells, whereas treatment with the same concentration of melphalan showed 59·7 ± 26% cell death. These in vitro concentrations were at least 10‐fold lower than achievable plasma levels, even at conventional doses of treosulfan. Our results suggest that treosulfan might be an appropriate candidate for novel treatment protocols for patients with multiple myeloma.
Structure–function analysis of the extracellular domains of the Duffy antigen/receptor for chemokines: characterization of antibody and chemokine binding sites
Authors: Tournamille Christophe , Filipe Anne , Wasniowska Kazimiera , Gane Pierre , Lisowska Elwira , Cartron Jean‐Pierre , Colin Yves , Le Van Kim Caroline
Published: September 2003

Summary. The Duffy antigen/receptor for chemokines (DARC), a seven‐transmembrane glycoprotein carrying the Duffy (Fy) blood group, acts as a widely expressed promiscuous chemokine receptor. In a structure–function study, we analysed the binding of chemokines and anti‐Fy monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to K562 cells expressing 39 mutant forms of DARC with alanine substitutions spread out on the four extracellular domains (ECDs). Using synthetic peptides, we defined previously the Fy6 epitope (22‐FEDVW‐26), and we characterized the Fya epitope as the linear sequence 41‐YGANLE‐46. In agreement with these results, mutations of F22‐E23, V25 and Y41, G42, N44, L45 on ECD1 abolished the binding of anti‐Fy6 and anti‐Fya mAbs to K562 cells respectively, Anti‐Fy3 binding was abolished by D58–D59 (ECD1), R124 (ECD2), D263 and D283 (ECD4) substitutions. Mutations of C51 (ECD1), C129 (ECD2), C195 (ECD3) and C276 (ECD4 severely reduced anti‐Fy3 and CXC‐chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL‐8) binding. CXCL‐8 binding was also abrogated by mutations of F22–E23, P50 (ECD1) and D263, R267, D283 (ECD4). These results defined the Fya epitope and suggested that (1) two disulphide bridges are involved in the creation of an active chemokine binding pocket; (2) a limited number of amino acids in ECDs 1–4 participate in CXCL‐8 binding; and (3) Fy3 is a conformation‐dependent epitope involving all ECDs. We also showed that N‐glycosylation of DARC occurred on N16SS and did not influence antibody and chemokine binding.
Induction of antitumour immunity using survivin peptide‐pulsed dendritic cells in a murine lymphoma model
Authors: Siegel Sandra , Wagner Andreas , Schmitz Norbert , Zeis Matthias
Published: September 2003

Summary. Survivin is overexpressed in several types of haematological malignancies making it an attractive target for therapeutic cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte responses. Here, we identify two peptide epitopes derived from the murine survivin protein and demonstrate that Balb/c mice treated with syngeneic dendritic cells pulsed with the survivin epitopes were able to reject an otherwise lethal tumour inoculation of the A20 lymphoma. For the first time, these data provide evidence for the use of survivin peptide epitopes in T cell‐based immunotherapeutic concepts against a B‐cell lymphoma in vivo.
Parent–nurse interactions: care of hospitalized children
Authors: Espezel Hilary J.E. , Canam Connie J.
Published: September 2003

Background. An essential component of quality nursing care is nurses’ ability to work with parents in the hospital care of their children. However, changes in the health care environment have presented nurses with many new challenges, including meeting family‐centred care expectations.

Aim of the paper. To report a research study examining the experiences of parents who interacted with nurses in a hospital setting regarding the care of their children.

Methods. A qualitative approach was employed for this study. In‐depth audiotaped interviews were conducted with eight parents representing seven families. Data collection was completed over a 7‐month period in 2001.

Findings. Parents characterized their experiences with nurses caring for their children as interactions, and identified the elements of establishing rapport and sharing children's care as key to a positive perception of the interactions. These elements were influenced by parental expectations of nurses. Changes in nurses’ approach were reported by parents as the children's conditions changed.

Conclusion. Nurses were able to work with families in the hospital care of their children in ways that parents perceived as positive. However, in parents’ views, their interactions with nurses did not constitute collaborative relationships. A deeper understanding of these interactions may provoke new thinking about how to promote an agency's philosophy, and how nurses enact this philosophy in practice.
Interpreting trauma radiographs
Authors: Hardy Maryann , Barrett Christine
Published: September 2003

Background. Many accident and emergency clinicians regard the radiographic image as an extension of the clinical examination, as a provisional diagnosis, based on clinical signs and symptoms, can be confirmed or refuted by inspection of X‐rays. However, the value of radiography in this context is not determined by the actual presence of trauma or pathology on the radiograph, but is dependent on the ability of a clinician to identify any trauma or pathology present. Traditionally, the responsibility for interpreting radiographic images within the accident and emergency environment in the United Kingdom (UK) has been with medical clinicians. However, expansion of the nursing role has begun to change the boundaries of professional practice and now many nurses are both requesting and interpreting trauma radiographs.

Aim. To ascertain the ability of accident and emergency doctors and nurses to interpret trauma radiographs, and identify whether there is a consistent standard of interpretive accuracy that could be used as a measure of competence.

Methods. A literature review was conducted using the Cochrane Library, Medline and CINAHL databases and the keywords radiographic interpretation, radiographic reporting, accident and emergency and emergency/nurse practitioner.

Findings. The ability of accident and nursing doctors and nurses to interpret trauma radiographs accurately varies markedly, and no identified published study has established an appropriate level of accuracy that should be achieved in order to demonstrate satisfactory competence in the interpretation of radiographic images.

Conclusions. Determining a measure of interpretive accuracy that can be used to assess ability to interpret radiographic trauma images is fraught with difficulties. Consequently, nurses may attempt to prove their skills by directly comparing their abilities to those of their medical colleagues. However, as a result of marked variation in the ability of senior house officers to interpret trauma radiographs, a similar ability does not automatically imply that a satisfactory level of ability has been achieved.
A simple field test for detecting pyrethroids on impregnated nets
Authors: Verlé P. , Verlé P. , Ruyen N. T. , Huong N. T. , Be N. T. , Kongs A. , Van Der Stuyft P. , Coosemans M.
Published: August 2003

We tested a modified Beilstein method for detecting pyrethroids on bednets under laboratory conditions using an emulsifiable concentrate of permethrin (50 EC) for viability as a simple standardized field test and to judge its reliability for detecting different insecticide doses. At the recommended doses of permethrin(0.5 g/m2), sensitivity was near 100%, even when small pieces of fabric were tested and time of extraction was limited. In unwashed nets sensitivity stayed high (80–95%) down to 0.1 g active ingredient/m2. In untreated nets false positives were rare (0–2%). The test could become a valuable tool in vector control programmes: it is cheap, easy to learn and to perform. The Lot Quality Assurance Sampling method, using an upper and lower performance threshold, could be applied for monitoring the impregnation campaigns.
Local understandings of adult diarrhoeal disease and its treatment in an area of high HIV‐seroprevalence in Zambia
Authors: Ndubani Phillimon , Kelly Paul , Farthing Michael JG , Wallman Sandra
Published: August 2003

We set out to investigate the extent to which cultural constructs might determine treatment‐seeking for diarrhoea in the poorer populations of Lusaka, Zambia. This paper describes these concepts and perceptions and outlines a classification of such illnesses, together with an analysis of its implications for understanding treatment choice. Data were derived from focus group discussions, a household survey, a survey of practitioners of traditional medicine and interviews with local residents attending an urban health centre with persistent diarrhoea. The classification is based on symptoms and perceptions of aetiology. While resulting categories convey imperatives for treatment choice, it is clear that individuals with diarrhoeal illnesses seek treatment from multiple sources. This may be because any single illness may fit more than one category, or because unrelenting ill‐health engenders desperate behaviour. The cultural constructs do not fully explain treatment choice and attitudes to prevention, but could be used to improve communication regarding public health and treatment strategies.