bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parental preferences for neonatal resuscitation research consent: a pilot study
Authors: Culbert A , Davis D J
Published: November 2005

Objective:Obtaining informed consent for resuscitation research, especially in the newborn, is problematic. This study aimed to evaluate parental preferences for hypothetical consent procedures in neonatal resuscitation research.

Design:Mail-out survey questionnaire.

Setting/participants:Randomly selected parents who had received obstetrical or neonatal care at a tertiary perinatal centre.

Main outcome measures:Parental levels of comfort (Likert-type scale 1–6) regarding different methods of obtaining consent in hypothetical resuscitation research scenarios.

Results:The response rate was 34%. The respondents were a group of highly educated women with a higher family income than would be expected in the general population. In terms of results, parents valued the impact the research would have on their baby and the importance of a positive interaction with the physicians conducting the research study. Parents felt most comfortable with prospective consent in the setting of prenatal classes or prenatal visits with a physician, but they were somewhat uncomfortable with prospective consent upon admission to hospital after labour had begun. Parents were uncomfortable with waived consent, deferred consent, and opting out, no matter when during the pregnancy consent was requested.

Conclusion:This pilot study reports parental preferences for prenatal information and consent for such research trials of neonatal resuscitation. A low response rate and potentially skewed demographics of the respondents prevent generalisability of this result. Interview studies should be performed to better determine parental preferences for informed consent in a more representative population.
Until they have faces: the ethics of facial allograft transplantation
Authors: Agich G J , Siemionow M
Published: November 2005

The ethical discussion of facial allograft transplantation (FAT) for severe facial deformity, popularly known as facial transplantation, has been one sided and sensationalistic. It is based on film and fiction rather than science and clinical experience. Based on our experience in developing the first IRB approved protocol for FAT, we critically discuss the problems with this discussion, which overlooks the plight of individuals with severe facial deformities. We discuss why FAT for facial deformity is ethically and surgically justified despite its negative portrayal in the media.
The dangers of medical ethics
Authors: Cowley C
Published: November 2005

The dominant conception of medical ethics being taught in British and American medical schools is at best pointless and at worst dangerous, or so it will be argued. Although it is laudable that medical schools have now given medical ethics a secure place in the curriculum, they go wrong in treating it like a scientific body of knowledge. Ethics is a unique subject matter precisely because of its widespread familiarity in all areas of life, and any teaching has to start from this shared ethical understanding and from the familiar ethical concepts of ordinary language. Otherwise there is a real risk that spurious technocratic jargon will be deployed by teacher and student alike in the futile search for intellectual respectability, culminating in a misplaced sense of having “done” the ethics module. There are no better examples of such jargon than “consequentialism”, “deontology”, and the “Four Principles”. At best, they cannot do the work they were designed to do and, at worst, they can lead student and practitioner into ignoring their own healthy ethical intuitions and vocabulary.
Individual survival time prediction using statistical models
Authors: Henderson R , Keiding N
Published: November 2005

Doctors’ survival predictions for terminally ill patients have been shown to be inaccurate and there has been an argument for less guesswork and more use of carefully constructed statistical indices. As statisticians, the authors are less confident in the predictive value of statistical models and indices for individual survival times. This paper discusses and illustrates a variety of measures which can be used to summarise predictive information available from a statistical model. The authors argue that models and statistical indices can be useful at the group or population level, but that human survival is so uncertain that even the best statistical analysis cannot provide single-number predictions of real use for individual patients.
Unemployment and smoking: does psychosocial stress matter?
Authors: De Vogli R , Santinello M
Published: November 2005

Aim:Research indicates that cigarette smoking is strongly associated with unemployment. However, little is known regarding the underlying mechanisms explaining this relationship. The aim of this study is to examine the role of psychosocial factors as potential mediators between unemployment and smoking.

Participants:4002 non-institutionalised, civilian adults living in the Veneto region of Italy.

Design:The study was based on a computer assisted telephone interview (CATI). Linear by linear association tests were used to examine bivariate associations between unemployment, psychosocial factors, and smoking. Logistic regression models were developed to analyse the relationship between unemployment and smoking when adjusting for psychological factors.

Results:The odds of smoking among the unemployed was 2.78 times (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.68 to 4.62) greater than that of higher managers and professionals controlling for demographic factors. The relationship between unemployment and smoking weakened (odds ratio 2.41, 95% CI 1.43 to 4.05) when psychosocial factors were entered into the analysis. The odds of the inability to control important things in life was 1.39 times (95% CI 1.11 to 1.75) greater, and the odds of emotional isolation was 1.45 times (95% CI 1.06 to 1.99) greater, among smokers compared to non-smokers controlling, for all other factors.

Conclusions:Given that the data were cross sectional, firm conclusions cannot be drawn regarding the causal pathway connecting unemployment and smoking. However, this study suggests that psychosocial factors such as the inability to control and emotional isolation may be plausible mediators for the relationship.
How state counter-industry campaigns help prime perceptions of tobacco industry practices to promote reductions in youth smoking
Authors: Hersey J C , Niederdeppe J , Ng S W , Mowery P , Farrelly M , Messeri P
Published: November 2005

Objective:This study assessed the impact of state media campaigns that prominently feature counter-industry messages on youth cigarette smoking, beyond the effects of price, secular trends, tobacco control efforts, and the national truth®campaign.

Methods:Rates of youth smoking were compared in three groups of states: (1) those with long funded counter-industry campaigns (California, Florida, and Massachusetts); (2) states with more recently funded counter-industry media campaigns (Indiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, and New Jersey); and (3) other states. An analysis was performed for a series of national telephone surveys of 12–17 year olds between 1999 and 2002, controlling for differences in demographic background, the price of cigarettes, and exposure to the national truth®campaign.

Results:Between 1999 and 2002, rates of current smoking and established smoking decreased significantly faster in states with established or more newly funded counter-industry campaigns than in other states. State counter-industry campaigns appear to prime, or make more salient, negative perceptions about tobacco industry practices.

Conclusion:Results highlight the value of continued state counter-industry campaigns.
Philip Morris toxicological experiments with fresh sidestream smoke: more toxic than mainstream smoke
Authors: Schick S , Glantz S
Published: November 2005

Background:Exposure to secondhand smoke causes lung cancer; however, there are little data in the open literature on the in vivo toxicology of fresh sidestream cigarette smoke to guide the debate about smoke-free workplaces and public places.

Objective:To investigate the unpublished in vivo research on sidestream cigarette smoke done by Philip Morris Tobacco Company during the 1980s at its Institut für Biologische Forschung (INBIFO).

Methods:Analysis of internal tobacco industry documents now available at the University of California San Francisco Legacy Tobacco Documents Library and other websites.

Results:Inhaled fresh sidestream cigarette smoke is approximately four times more toxic per gram total particulate matter (TPM) than mainstream cigarette smoke. Sidestream condensate is approximately three times more toxic per gram and two to six times more tumourigenic per gram than mainstream condensate by dermal application. The gas/vapour phase of sidestream smoke is responsible for most of the sensory irritation and respiratory tract epithelium damage. Fresh sidestream smoke inhibits normal weight gain in developing animals. In a 21day exposure, fresh sidestream smoke can cause damage to the respiratory epithelium at concentrations of 2 μg/l TPM. Damage to the respiratory epithelium increases with longer exposures. The toxicity of whole sidestream smoke is higher than the sum of the toxicities of its major constituents.

Conclusion:Fresh sidestream smoke at concentrations commonly encountered indoors is well above a 2 μg/m3reference concentration (the level at which acute effects are unlikely to occur), calculated from the results of the INBIFO studies, that defines acute toxicity to humans. Smoke-free public places and workplaces are the only practical way to protect the public health from the toxins in sidestream smoke.
Is Swedish snus associated with smoking initiation or smoking cessation?
Authors: Furberg H , Bulik C M , Lerman C , Lichtenstein P , Pedersen N L , Sullivan P F
Published: November 2005

Nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) are an effective treatment for tobacco dependence, yet most smokers do not quit or remain abstinent. We investigated whether Swedish snus (snuff) use was associated with smoking cessation among males participating in a large population based twin study in Sweden. Snus use was associated with smoking cessation but not initiation. Given that snus delivers comparable nicotine concentrations but carries lesser cancer risk than cigarettes, snus may be a widely used, non-medical form of NRT. Evaluation of the efficacy of snus for smoking cessation should be evaluated in randomised clinical trials.
To what extent do smokers plan quit attempts?
Authors: Larabie L C
Published: November 2005

Aims:Little is known about the extent to which quit attempts are planned ahead or initiated immediately following a sudden decision to quit. This is important because if most smokers quit abruptly, rather than plan ahead, this could impact heavily upon recommendations to health care professionals on the kind of smoking cessation advice they deliver to patients. This paper aims to address this gap in knowledge by examining detailed smoking histories taken from smoking and ex-smoking patients.

Design:Face-to-face in depth semi-structured interviews.

Participants:146 smoking and ex-smoking patients within a family medicine practice were recruited by means of screening 700 consecutive patients (14 years of age and older) and inviting eligible patients to participate. To be eligible, patients had to have smoked a minimum of five cigarettes per day for at least six months in their lives and made at least one serious quit attempt that lasted at least 24 hours. There were no refusals. Ex-smokers (n  =  67) were defined as those who had not smoked for six months. The remainder were classified as smokers (n  =  79).

Measurements:Participants were asked to describe, in their own words, their most recent quit attempt and whether they had planned the quit attempt in advance, what were the triggers, and how long they abstained. A quit attempt was defined as planned if smokers set a quit date at some future time point. An unplanned quit attempt was defined as a sudden decision not to smoke any more cigarettes including those that might be remaining in the current pack. Information was also collected on methods used to quit and reasons for quitting.

Results:A majority (51.6%) of quit attempts were reported as being unplanned. The figure was higher for ex-smokers than for smokers (67.1%v36.7%, p < 0.001). Most quit attempts were unaided (64%) and made for reasons of health (64%).

Conclusions:The finding that so many quit attempts are unprepared suggests that models of smoking cessation should place greater emphasis on the dynamic nature of motivation to quit. This is an area that requires further investigation.
ON THE STRUCTURE AND TRACE ELEMENTS IN HAIR FROM MEXICAN INFANTS FROM DIFFERENT HISTORICAL PERIODS
Authors: SOLIS C. , CANETAS J. , SAITOH K.
Published: November 2005

In this study we compared the structure and trace elements contents of three kinds of hair samples from Mexican infants: pre-Columbian mummies, mummies from the relatively recent past (less than 200 years) and from a healthy living 6-year old boy. External and internal morphology was characterized by electron microscopy. Trace elements were determined by PIXE (broad proton beam and microprobe method). The three groups showed differences in structure and elemental content. Calcium-containing mineral inclusions were observed in mummy hair but not in modern hair. Also, a progressive enrichment with age was observed for elements such as Ca , Fe , Mn , and Pb , indicating a postmortem incorporation. Other elements, such as Zn , Cu and Sr , less affected by post-mortem processes, were present at very similar levels, but still in a higher proportion relative to modern hair, preventing any possible relation to the individual's health.
PIXE ANALYSIS OF GALLSTONES
Authors: RAUTRAY T. R. , VIJAYAN V. , ASHOK M. , KENNEDY J. V. , JAYANTHI V. , IBRARULLAH MD. , PANIGRAHI S.
Published: November 2005

Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) technique has been used to determine the trace elements present in fourteen representative human gallstone samples collected from eastern region (Orissa) and thirteen representative samples collected from southern region (Chennai) of India. PIXE irradiation of the samples has been carried out by using the 3 MV tandem type horizontal pelletron accelerator facility at Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar with proton beam of energy 3 MeV. In the present investigation, twenty one trace elements like S , Cl , K , Ca , Ti , V , Cr , Mn , Fe , Ni , Cu , Zn , As , Se , Br , Rb , Sr , Y , Zr , Mo and Pb have been estimated in all the three types of gallstones viz. cholesterol stone, mixed stone and pigment stone. While sulphur in cholesterol stones in the eastern region was less than that of the southern region, sulphur was present as a minor element in the pigment stones of both the regions. Less concentration of copper in the gallstones from eastern region is another interesting observation. The lower values of copper in the patients of eastern region may be due to different types of food habits. The concentrations of all the elements in the southern region pigment stones have higher values than that of the eastern region. Moreover, the concentrations of Fe and Mo in cholesterol stone and pigment stone samples in southern region have also higher values than in eastern region. The current PIXE study is of its first kind in this eastern region of India.
STUDY OF ELEMENTAL CONCENTRATION AND DISTRIBUTION IN HUMAN FEMORAL HEAD BY PIXE AND SRXRF
Authors: ZHANG YUANXUN , CHENG FENG , WANG YINSONG , ZHANG YONGPING , ZHANG GUILIN , LIAO WENSHENG , DAI KERONG , HUANG YUYING , HE WEI
Published: November 2005

In order to explore the distribution and the loss way of inorganic substances in bone and to provide scientific basis for prevention and therapy of osteoporosis, Proton Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) method is used for the determination of elemental concentration in femoral head from five autopsies and seven patients with femoral neck broken, and Synchrotron Radiation X-ray Fluorescence (SRXRF) microprobe analysis technique is used to scan a slice of the femoral head from its periphery to its center, via cartilage, compact and spongy zones. The results show that the concentrations of P , Ca , Fe , Cu , Sr in a control group are higher than those in a patient group, but the concentrations of S , K , Zn , Mn are not significantly different. The quantitative computerized tomography of elemental distribution, such as Ca , P , K , Fe , Zn , Sr and Pb in bone slice tissue including cartilage, substantial compact and substantial spongy, is investigated. Combined with the correlations between P , K , Zn , Sr and Ca , the loss way of minerals and the physiological functions of some metal elements in bone are also discussed.
SCANNING ION MICROBEAM ANALYSIS OF DIFFUSION IN IN-MOUTH DRUG RELEASE POLYMERS
Authors: MASSINGHAM G. , ARSLANOGLU R. , GAUNTLETT F. E. , RIHAWY M. S. , SMITH R. W. , CLOUGH A. S. , BRADEN M. , PATEL M. P.
Published: November 2005

With the aim of characterizing polymer-based drug delivery systems a combination of Scanning MeV 3 He microbeam Nuclear Reaction, Backscattering and Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) techniques has been developed. This, together with gravimetric and UV techniques has been applied to characterize both water infusion and drug effusion for three in-mouth polymer–drug systems. Preliminary results are presented from the exposure of polymers, containing drug at a level of 9% by weight of the dry polymer, to both pure water and a phosphate buffered saline solution at 37°C.
SIMULTANEOUS MULTI-ELEMENT (INCLUDING FLUORINE) ANALYSIS OF VARIOUS BIO-MEDICAL SAMPLES
Authors: SERA K. , TERASAKI T. , ITOH J. , FUTATSUGAWA S. , SAITOH Y. , FUJIMURA A.
Published: November 2005

We have measured fluorine concentration in samples taken from humans, such as sweat, saliva, snivel and tear in addition to hair, nail and urine, together with those of other elements by means of a three-detector measuring system. Fluorine has been known as one of the most toxic elements as well as arsenic, lead, mercury and cadmium which contaminate environment over the wide area. This system allowed us to discuss about fluorine concentration related to other elements'. A standard-free method established by us has been applied to quantitative analyses of these samples. By means of these methods, quantitative analysis becomes possible for samples of less than 1mg or 1μl and it is quite suited to tear, snivel and sweat. As one of the conclusion, sweat, snivel and tear give useful information in addition to the samples which have been traditionally analyzed. It is found that titanium concentration in a body is well estimated by analyses of sweat, snivel and saliva, arsenic concentration can be estimated by sweat analysis in addition to urine analysis, and nickel is well evaluated by sweat and tear. In this way, it is required to estimate elemental concentration in a human body by measuring various clinical samples. Especially, correlation between fluorine and arsenic is found in a few bio-medical samples.
PIXE STUDIES USING THE VAN-DE-GRAAFF ACCELEARTOR AT BARC, TROMBAY – DIFFERENCES IN ELEMENTAL CONCENTARTIONS IN BLOOD SAMPLES OF CHILDREN
Authors: JOSEPH DAISY , SAXENA A. , KAILAS S.
Published: November 2005

Metal monitoring is one of the major concern of biological and bio-medical research. The Proton Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) which is a multi elemental and non-destructive technique for trace element analysis has been set up at the Folded Tandem Ion accelerator (FOTIA) at BARC, Trombay, Mumbai, India. A few of the bioscience applications carried out at the Van de Graaff Laboratory using PIXE will be summarized in this presentation. Tea leaves obtained from the eastern region of India were analyzed by PIXE using 2.5 MeV protons. Trace elements such K , Ca , Ti , Cr , Ni , Mn , Fe , Cu , Zn , Rb and Sr were present in varying concentration in the tea leaves. The soil analysis showed Ti , Y , Zr and Nb in addition to the elements shown in the leaves. Blood samples of children exposed to vehicular traffic exhaust were analyzed for its Pb content and it was seen that the concentrations of Pb in the blood of the children were high (6.0 μg/ml). Pb poisoning of air due to vehicular exhaust is a major concern and cause for air pollution leading to high blood lead levels in children.
DEVELOPMENT OF AN IMAGE RECONSTRUCTION METHOD FOR MICRON-CT USING PIXE
Authors: YAMAGUCHI T. , ISHII K. , YAMAZAKI H. , MATSUYAMA S. , WATANABE Y. , ABE S. , INOMATA M. , ISHIZAKI A. , OYAMA R. , KAWAMURA Y.
Published: November 2005

A prototype of micron-CT for biological research is being developed at Tohoku University. This micron-CT uses a point X-ray source with a spot size of 1μm and an X-ray CCD with 1000×1000 pixels of 8μm×8μm, achieving a spatial resolutions of the order of micro-meter. The event data obtained by the X-ray CCD is statistically poor and the 3 dimensional filtered back projection (3D FBP) algorithm, generally used in image reconstruction of X-ray CT, is not suitable because it is highly sensitive to statistical noise. Hence, we applied the expectation maximization (EM) algorithm for image reconstruction and developed an image reconstruction method using 3D EM algorithm. To confirm the validity of the reconstruction method, we irradiated two hairs inside a micro tube and reconstructed the CT image applying both EM and FBP algorithm on projection data. With 200×200×200 voxels of 4μm×4μm×4μm in the field of view, the computation time was less than 2 mins per iteration on a DELL Precision 650 Workstation 3.2GHz. The resulting EM image showed a better contrast than FBP image, and in the EM reconstructed CT image, we were able to reconstruct the micro tube of 270μm diameter and 45μm wall thickness and to visualize the two hairs inside.
METAL BALANCE SHIFT INDUCED IN SMALL FRESH WATER FISH BY SEVERAL ENVIRONMENTAL STRESSES
Authors: YUKAWA MASAE , ISO HIROYUKI , KODAMA KUMIKO , IMASEKI HITOSHI , AOKI KAZUKO , ISHIKAWA YUJI
Published: November 2005

Balance of essential elements in organisms might be changed by environmental stresses. Small fresh water fish, Medaka, was burdened with X-ray irradiation (total dose: 17Gy), keeping in salty water (70% NaCl of sea water) and keeping in metal containing water (10ppm of Cr and Co ). These stresses are not lethal doses. Essential elements in liver, gall bladder, kidney, spleen, heart and brain in the stress-loaded fish were measured by PIXE method and compared with a control fish to determine the effect of the stresses. Various changes of the elemental contents were observed. Effect of X-ray irradiation was the smallest among the stresses. Relatively high content elements such as P , S , Cl and K were hardly affected with the stresses examined in this work. The effect of Cr on the metal balance seems to be larger than the other stresses. As PIXE method can analyze many elements in a small sample simultaneously, change of elemental distribution in small organisms induced by environmental stresses can be determined readily.
AIR PARTICULATE RESEARCH CAPABILITY AT THE NEW ZEALAND ION BEAM ANALYSIS FACILITY USING PIXE AND IBA TECHNIQUES
Authors: TROMPETTER W. J. , MARKWITZ A. , DAVY P.
Published: November 2005

PIXE and Ion Beam Analysis are one of the few techniques that can be used to identify the elemental composition of air particulates without destroying the filter sample. They are key tools for identifying the sources and determining the relative contribution of biogenic and anthropogenic sources of air particulate matter pollution in our environment. Over the last 8 years, specialised equipment has been designed and built at the New Zealand Ion Beam Analysis facility in Lower Hutt for semi automated analysis of air filters. The equipment and experimental techniques have been refined to improve sensitivities for many of the elements in the periodic table. At GNS, sensitivities have recently been further improved by using two X-ray detectors simultaneously with different amounts of X-ray filtering and collimation. The average limit of detection is improved from 66 ng/cm2 (typical for a setup using a single detector) to 35 ng/cm2 using two detectors simultaneously. The New Zealand Ion Beam Analysis facility now routinely analyses air particulate matter collected on filters from several locations around New Zealand. In this paper, results of air particulate studies from several locations in the Wellington region are presented.
ELEMENTAL COMPOSITION AND SOURCE IDENTIFICATION OF PM2.5 PARTICLES COLLECTED IN DOWNTOWN MEXICO CITY
Authors: ALDAPE F. , FLORES M J. , FLORES A J. , RETAMA-HERNÁNDEZ A. , RIVERA-HERNÁNDEZ O.
Published: November 2005

Fine particulate matter PM 2.5 samples have been regularly collected in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area commencing in the year 2003, when a new PM 2.5 sampling network was made fully operational. Samples have been collected during 24 h periods every third day using US EPA Federal Reference Method (FRM) samplers. In this study, the elemental composition of two sets of PM 2.5 samples collected at the "Merced" sampling site located in downtown Mexico City (19°25'28''N, 99°07'09''W) were determined by PIXE. Ten elements ( S , Cl , K , Ca , Ti , Mn , Fe , Cu , Zn , and Pb ) were detected in most of the samples. Some others appeared occasionally, but only those consistently detected were considered significant for the analysis. Other analytical equipments operating simultaneously at the site provided complementary data of several variables such as SO 2, NO 2, NOx and CO . An enhanced database was thus built adding these results to the database derived from previous PIXE analysis. Further statistical analysis of the database allowed identifying four principal sources in two seasons and permitted to estimate the corresponding source apportionment.
ANNUAL CHANGE OF THE CONCENTRATION OF ELEMENTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SAMPLES SURROUNDING RADIOISOTOPE WASTE TREATMENT LABORATORY
Authors: FUTATSUGAWA S. , ITOH J. , SAITOH Y. , DOI K. , GOTO S. , HATAKEYAMA S. , SERA K.
Published: November 2005

Environmental samples (rice, soil, river soil and water, running water, pine needle, milk and grass) are collected from the area surrounding Kaya Memorial Takizawa Laboratory (radioisotope waste management laboratory) neighboring Nishina Memorial Cyclotron Center for detection of radionuclides in them. Rice, which is the most important diet for Japanese, was prepared using a nitric acid ashing and analyzed using ordinary vacuum PIXE for detection of the elemental concentration. Comparison of potassium-40 between the detected value using Ge radiation detector and the analyzed value using PIXE was carried out for accuracy. We examine the change of elemental concentration in rice samples harvested in the different rice paddies in 2001 and in the same rice paddy during 13-year period. There is little change in those.
FLUORINE AND MULTI-ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF MUSHROOM SAMPLES BY MEANS OF PIXE SYSTEM
Authors: ITOH J. , FUTATSUGAWA S. , SAITOH Y. , SERA K.
Published: November 2005

We have measured concentration of multi elements including fluorine in mushrooms collected in Iwate prefecture, Japan. As a result, it was confirmed that the sample preparation method, which was established for the plant samples, is applicable to the mushroom samples and the elemental concentration was obtained in good accuracy and reproducibility. Moreover, it becomes clear that the mushroom takes a specific element selectively depending on its species, and it is found that to analyze various kinds of mushrooms is of great use as a way of monitoring environmental pollution. Fluorine concentration is found to be 7-68 ppm in the mushroom samples. However, clear correlation of fluorine and other elements was not observed in each sample in this study.
ANALYSIS OF TRACE ELEMENTS IN SOLID AND LIQUID FOODS BY PULSED UV PHOTOLYSIS/PIXE/XRF
Authors: LAGUNAS-SOLAR M. , PINA C. , FLOCCHINI R. G. , SOLIS C. , MIRELES A.
Published: November 2005

A new analytical method based upon the combination of Pulsed UV (PUV) photolysis and detection of elements via X-ray fluorescence (PIXE and XRF) techniques has been developed and shown capable of rapid and reproducible trace element analyses with increased sensitivity in solid and liquid foods. Pulsed UV-induced photolysis allows for a rapid, acid-free digestion of food samples. Thin or thick samples are then prepared for analyses with X-Ray Fluorescence methods (PIXE and XRF). The combined method was optimized for analysis of Co , Cr , Cu , Fe , Pb , Tl , Bi and Zn , and validated with NIST food standards. The analytical sensitivity of the PUV/PIXE/XRF method allows the study of selected sections of fruits and vegetables, a database useful in determining the uptake, transport mechanisms, and the distribution of trace elements in fresh produce. When applied to edible parts, the analytical results shall also provide valuable information to ascertain potential human health risks due to the presence and bioaccumulation of toxic elements in foods. Practical applications include field studies for analyses of fresh produce as well as for evaluating environmental impact derived from current agricultural practices. Chemical profiling of agricultural crops and soils for improved management and increased productivity using the precision agriculture approach is also being explored.
PIXE ANALYSIS OF ITALIAN XVI CENTURY INK DRAWINGS FROM LUCA CAMBIASO AND HIS SCHOOL
Authors: BOCCARDO P. , D'ALESSANDRO A. , PRATI P. , ZUCCHIATTI A. , GALASSI M. C. , LUCARELLI F.
Published: November 2005

A group of 15 ink drawings from the Genoese painter Luca Cambiaso (1527-1585), who is considered the most prolific and amongst the most innovative drawers in the history of arts has been analysed with PIXE that is the most convenient technique for the instrumental investigation of inks. The metallo-gallic nature of the inks has allowed singling out some key elements that are used to differentiate the inks within the group of artefacts and extend the stylistic analysis with objective data. Infrared reflectography has been used for the overall examination of drawings. Even in the limited group selected for this first study it seems possible to confirm and strengthen the distinction between originals and school copies and to raise some questions about the washing technique and the use of mixed (carbonaceous + metallo-gallic) inks.
Consumer Psychology: Categorization, Inferences, Affect, and Persuasion
Authors: Loken Barbara
Published: November 2005

This chapter reviews research on consumer psychology with emphasis on the topics of categorization, inferences, affect, and persuasion. The chapter reviews theory-based empirical research during the period 1994–2004. Research on categorization includes empirical research on brand categories, goals as organizing frameworks and motivational bases for judgments, and self-based processing. Research on inferences includes numerous types of inferences that are cognitively and/or experienced based. Research on affect includes the effects of mood on processing and cognitive and noncognitive bases for attitudes and intentions. Research on persuasion focuses heavily on the moderating role of elaboration and dual-process models, and includes research on attitude strength responses, advertising responses, and negative versus positive evaluative dimensions.
Knee ligament mechanical properties are not influenced by estrogen or its receptors
Authors: Warden Stuart J. , Saxon Leanne K. , Castillo Alesha B. , Turner Charles H.
Published: November 2005

Women are at greater risk of tearing their knee anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) than men participating in similar athletic activities. There is currently no conclusive explanation for this disparity; however, as ACL injuries in women have been linked with estrogen fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, one hypothesis is that estrogen has a direct detrimental effect on knee ligament mechanical properties. This study investigated the influence of estrogen and its receptors (ERα and ERβ) on knee ligament mechanical properties. This was achieved by testing the viscoelastic and tensile mechanical properties of knee medial collateral ligaments (MCL) and ACLs from: 1) male Sprague-Dawley rats treated with either estrogen (17α-ethynylestradiol; 0.03 mg/kg) or an ERα-specific agonist (propyl pyrazole triol; 2 mg/kg), and 2) female mice with a null mutation of the gene encoding for ERβ. Estrogen treatment had no significant effects on the viscoelastic or tensile mechanical properties of the rat MCL or ACL. Similarly, pharmacological stimulation of ERα using a selective agonist in rats and genetic modulation of ERβ by null mutation of its gene in mice did not influence MCL or ACL properties. These data indicate that estrogen does not have a major direct effect on ligament mechanical properties. Energies for the prevention of the disproportionately high rate of knee ligament injuries in women may be better spent focusing on more established and modifiable risk factors, such as abnormalities in neuromuscular control about the knee.
Vibrotactile Coding Capacities of Spinocervical Tract Neurons in the Cat
Authors: Sahai V. , Mahns D. A. , Perkins N. M. , Robinson L. , Rowe M. J.
Published: November 2005

The response characteristics and tactile coding capacities of individual dorsal horn neurons, in particular, those of the spinocervical tract (SCT), have been examined in the anesthetized cat. Twenty one of 38 neurons studied were confirmed SCT neurons based on antidromic activation procedures. All had tactile receptive fields on the hairy skin of the hindlimb. Most (29/38) could also be activated transynaptically by electrical stimulation of the cervical dorsal columns, suggesting that a common set of tactile primary afferent fibers may provide the input for both the dorsal column-lemniscal pathway and for parallel ascending pathways, such as the SCT. All but 3 of the 38 neurons studied displayed a pure dynamic sensitivity to controlled tactile stimuli but were unable to sustain their responsiveness throughout 1s trains of vibration at vibration frequencies exceeding 5–10 Hz. Stimulus-response relations revealed a very limited capacity of individual SCT neurons to signal, in a graded way, the intensity parameter of the vibrotactile stimulus. Furthermore, because of their inability to respond on a cycle-by-cycle pattern at vibration frequencies >5–10 Hz, these neurons were unable to provide any useful signal of vibration frequency beyond the very narrow bandwidth of ∼5–10 Hz. Similar limitations were observed in the responsiveness of these neurons to repetitive forms of antidromic and transynaptic inputs generated by electrical stimulation of the spinal cord. In summary, the observed limitations on the vibrotactile bandwidth of SCT neurons and on the precision and fidelity of their temporal signaling, suggest that SCT neurons could serve as little more than coarse event detectors in tactile sensibility, in contrast to DCN neurons the bandwidth of vibrotactile responsiveness of which may extend beyond 400 Hz and is therefore broader by ∼40–50 times than that of SCT neurons.
Store Calcium Mediates Cholinergic Effects on mIPSCs in the Rat Main Olfactory Bulb
Authors: Ghatpande Ambarish S. , Sivaraaman Kartik , Vijayaraghavan Sukumar
Published: November 2005

The significance of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) store calcium in modulating transmitter release is slowly gaining recognition. One transmitter system that might play an important role in store calcium modulation of transmitter release in the CNS is acetylcholine (ACh). The main olfactory bulb (OB) receives rich cholinergic innervation from the horizontal limb of the diagonal band of Broca and blocking cholinergic signaling in the bulb inhibits the ability of animals to discriminate between closely related odors. Here we show that exposing OB slices to carbamylcholine (CCh), a hydrolysis-resistant analog of Ach, increases γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) release at dendrodendritic synapses onto the mitral cells. This increase in transmitter release is mediated by the activation of the M1 class of muscarinic receptors and requires the mobilization of calcium from the ER. The site of action of CCh for this effect is developmentally regulated. In animals younger than postnatal day 10, the major action of CCh appears to be on mitral cells, enhancing GABA release by reciprocal signaling resulting from increased glutamate release from mitral cells. In animals older than postnatal day 10, CCh appears to modulate transmitter release from dendrites of the interneurons themselves. Our results point to modulation of inhibition as an important role for cholinergic signaling in the OB. Our data also strengthen the emerging idea of a role for store calcium in modulating transmitter release at CNS synapses.
Contribution of Individual Spikes in Burst-Induced Long-Term Synaptic Modification
Authors: Froemke Robert C. , Tsay Ishan A. , Raad Mohamad , Long John D. , Dan Yang
Published: November 2005

Long-term synaptic modification depends on the relative timing of individual pre- and postsynaptic spikes, but the rules governing the effects of multispike bursts remain to be fully understood. In particular, some studies suggest that the spike timing dependence of synaptic modification breaks down with high-frequency bursts. In this study, we characterized the effects of pre- and postsynaptic bursts on long-term modification of layer 2/3 synapses in visual cortical slices from young rats. We found that, while pairing-induced synaptic modification depends on the burst frequency, this dependence can be explained in terms of the timing of individual pre- and postsynaptic spikes. Later spikes in each burst are less effective in synaptic modification, but spike efficacy is regulated differently in pre- and postsynaptic bursts. Presynaptically, spike efficacy is progressively weakened, in parallel with short-term synaptic depression. Postsynaptically, spike efficacy is suppressed to a lesser extent, and it depends on postsynaptic potassium channel activation. Such timing-dependent interaction among multiple spikes can account for synaptic modifications induced by a variety of spike trains, including the frequency-dependent transition from depression to potentiation induced by a postsynaptic burst preceding a presynaptic burst.
Neuronal Chloride Accumulation in Olfactory Epithelium of Mice Lacking NKCC1
Authors: Nickell William T. , Kleene Nancy K. , Gesteland Robert C. , Kleene Steven J.
Published: November 2005

When stimulated with odorants, olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) produce a depolarizing receptor current. In isolated ORNs, much of this current is caused by an efflux of Cl−. This implies that the neurons have one or more mechanisms for accumulating cytoplasmic Cl− at rest. Whether odors activate an efflux of Cl− in intact olfactory epithelium, where the ionic environment is poorly characterized, has not been previously determined. In mouse olfactory epithelium, we found that >80% of the summated electrical response to odors is blocked by niflumic acid or flufenamic acid, each of which inhibits Ca2+-activated Cl− channels in ORNs. This indicates that ORNs accumulate Cl− in situ. Recent evidence has shown that NKCC1, a Na+-K+-2Cl− cotransporter, contributes to Cl− accumulation in mammalian ORNs. However, we find that the epithelial response to odors is only reduced by 39% in mice carrying a null mutation in Nkcc1. As in the wild-type, most of the response is blocked by niflumic acid or flufenamic acid, indicating that the underlying current is carried by Cl−. We conclude that ORNs effectively accumulate Cl− in situ even in the absence of NKCC1. The Cl−-transport mechanism underlying this accumulation has not yet been identified.
Chronic Changes in Inputs to Dorsal Y Neurons Accompany VOR Motor Learning
Authors: Blazquez Pablo M , Hirata Yutaka , Highstein Stephen M.
Published: November 2005

Gain changes in the vestibuloocular reflex (VOR) during visual-vestibular mismatch stimulation serve as a model system for motor learning. The cerebellar flocculus and its target neurons in the brain stem (FTN) are candidates for the storage of these novel VOR gains. We have recently studied the changes in vertical flocculus Purkinje cells after chronic VOR motor learning. Recently we recorded Y neurons (a vertical type of FTNs) after chronic VOR motor learning and compared these records with vertical floccular Purkinje cells to document any changes in inputs to FTNs and understand how Y neurons and the vertical Purkinje cells fit into a general model for the vertical VOR. Analysis illustrates that the changes observed in Purkinje cells are not transferred to Y neurons, suggesting that the gain of their synaptic interconnection was modified. We quantified changes in both populations and employed simulations to study changes in parallel pathways to FTNs and to extract the role of the flocculus in VOR adaptation. Low-gain adaptation results in more drastic changes than its high-gain counterpart, causing increases in head velocity sensitivity in parallel pathways. Simulations suggest that cerebellar and brain stem plasticity both participate in novel VOR gain storage and that results obtained following floccular lesion are the product of different mechanisms than those operating in the intact animal.
Dermoscopy in General Dermatology
Authors: Zalaudek Iris , Argenziano Giuseppe , Di Stefani Alessandro , Ferrara Gerardo , Marghoob Ashfaq A. , Hofmann-Wellenhof Rainer , Soyer H. Peter , Braun Ralph , Kerl Helmut
Published: November 2005

Dermoscopy improves the diagnostic accuracy in the clinical evaluation of pigmented skin lesions, but it is also useful for the assessment of vascular structures that are not visible to the naked eye. As a consequence, dermoscopy has been employed more and more for the differential diagnosis of nonpigmented skin disorders, including tumors but also inflammatory and infectious diseases. This article provides a review of the dermoscopic features seen in various nonpigmented tumoral and nontumoral skin lesions as well as the dermoscopic criteria used for monitoring skin reactions to various treatments.
Is/Are Pattern Recognition Receptor(s) for Staphylococcus aureus Defective in Atopic Dermatitis?
Authors: Ong Peck Y.
Published: November 2005

It is known that Staphylococcus aureus induces the expression of human β-defensin-2 (hBD-2), a well-characterized antimicrobial peptide, in keratinocytes. However, in spite of heavy colonization of atopic dermatitis (AD) skin lesions by S. aureus, these lesions have consistently been shown to contain low expression of hBD-2. The current article discusses various possible mechanisms for the low expression of hBD-2 in AD and raises the question whether the innate recognition of S. aureus by keratinocytes in AD is intact.
The Key Role of Corneocytes in Pityrosporoses
Authors: Piérard Gérald E. , Xhauflaire-Uhoda Emmanuelle , Piérard-Franchimont Claudine
Published: November 2005

Pityrosporoses encompass various Malassezia-driven conditions. Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis are members of this family of disorders. Their precise pathomechanisms have not been completely elucidated so far. This review focuses on the role of corneocytes in these disorders. Malassezia yeasts are not evenly distributed at the surface of the stratum corneum. Rather, they are clumped on some corneocytes while other corneocytes in their vicinity are almost free of these microorganisms. The corneocytes heavily coated by yeasts suggest a cell-related defect in the mechanisms controlling the skin biocene including the natural antimicrobial peptides and nitric oxide. Most environmental factors influencing pityrosporoses indeed affect the natural human defenses against certain microorganisms. We frame as a hypothesis that the primary defect in some Malassezia-driven disorders resides in the corneocytes and their precursor keratinocytes.
Dermatoscope as Vector for Transmissible Diseases – No Apparent Risk of Nosocomial Infections in Outpatients
Authors: Häusermann P. , Widmer A. , Itin P.
Published: November 2005

Purpose: To determine nonpathogenic and potentially pathogenic bacterial growth isolated from dermatoscopes of dermatologists using oil as contact medium in the daily routine at two outpatient sections in Switzerland. Methods: We investigated the microbiologic colonization of dermatoscopes (Dermatoskop Delta 10, Heine Optotechnik, or Dermogeniusbasic, Rodenstock) during routine use in the outpatient sections of the Departments of Dermatology at the University of Basel and Kantonsspital Aarau. 112 swabs (4 from Aarau, 108 from Basel) taken under standardized conditions were microbiologically worked up in the same laboratory. Oil (101) and 63% isopropyl alcohol (11) were used as contact medium. Results: 39 of 112 swabs showed no bacterial growth. 73 of 112 showed growth of nonpathogenic bacteria (skin flora). Additionally to the cultivation of nonpathogenic bacteria, 3 swabs showed growth of oxacillin-sensitive potentially pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus. Of 11 swabs taken after using 63% isopropyl alcohol as a contact medium, 6 revealed no bacterial growth and 5 showed the growth of skin flora. Conclusions: The potential risk of nosocomial infection related to the routine use of dermatoscopes in outpatients is small, and the use of oil as a contact medium for dermatoscopy to enhance the optical quality seems to be unproblematic.
Bullous Erysipelas: Clinical Presentation, Staphylococcal Involvement and Methicillin Resistance
Authors: Krasagakis Konstantin , Samonis George , Maniatakis Panagiotis , Georgala Sophia , Tosca Androniki
Published: November 2005

Background: Erysipelas is a bacterial infection of the dermis and hypodermis, mostly of streptococcal origin. Bullous erysipelas represents a severe form of the disease. Objective: To evaluate the clinical and microbiological characteristics and treatment of bullous erysipelas. Methods: Patients with a diagnosis of bullous erysipelas who were treated at the Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece, between the years 1996 and 2001 were retrospectively studied. Results: Fourteen patients (11 women, 3 men) with bullous erysipelas were evaluated. The lesions were located on the legs and face in 9 and 4 patients, respectively. The median duration of disease before hospital admission was 4 days. Eight patients had fever at presentation. Local trauma and various lesions were common causes for pathogen entry. The initial empirical antibiotic treatment included intravenous β-lactams and was modified according to the sensitivities of the isolated strains. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from 7 (50%), while S. warneri, Streptococcus pyogenes and Escherichia coli grew from the lesions of 3 other patients. Six out of 7 S. aureus strains were methicillin resistant (MRSA) but susceptible to several other non-β-lactam antibiotics such as quinolones, vancomycin, rifampicin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that S. aureus is frequently involved in and probably contributes in synergy with β-hemolytic streptococci to the complicated course of bullous erysipelas. The frequency of MRSA isolation suggests that β-lactam antibiotics may not be sufficient for the treatment of bullous erysipelas anymore, at least in areas with a high incidence of MRSA strains. The role of other classes of antibiotics providing adequate coverage for MRSA has to be evaluated in prospective clinical trials.