bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How welfare reform affects young children: Experimental findings from Connecticut—A research note
Authors: Loeb Susanna , Fuller Bruce , Kagan Sharon Lynn , Carrol Bidemi
Published: September 2003

As welfare‐to‐work reforms increase women's labor market attachment, the lives of their young children are likely to change.
This
note draws on a random‐assignment experiment in Connecticut to ask whether mothers' rising employment levels and program participation
are
associated with changes in young children's early learning and cognitive growth. Children of mothers who entered Connecticut's Jobs First
program, an initiative with strict 21‐month time limits and work incentives, displayed moderate advantages in their early learning, compared
with those in a control group. A number of potential mechanisms for this effect are explored, including maternal employment and income, home
environment, and child care. Mothers in the new welfare program are more likely to be employed, have higher income, are less likely to be married,
have
more children's books in their home, and take their children to libraries and museums more frequently. However, these effects explain little of
the observed gain in child outcomes. Other parenting practices and the home's social environment do explain early learning, but these remained
unaffected by welfare reform. © 2003 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management
How phospholamban could affect the apparent affinity of Ca2+‐ATPase for Ca2+ in kinetic experiments
Authors: Lee Anthony G
Published: September 2003

Binding of phospholamban (PLN) to the Ca2+‐ATPase of muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum results in a decrease in apparent affinity for Ca2+ without affecting the true binding constant for Ca2+ determined in equilibrium binding experiments. It is shown that this can be explained by a scheme in which the ATPase shows two modes of binding for PLN, one of high and one of low affinity; the proposed scheme is not dependent on the kinetic model assumed for the Ca2+‐ATPase.
Fluorescence resonance energy transfer studies on anthrax lethal toxin
Authors: Croney John C. , Cunningham Kristina M. , Collier R.John , Jameson David M.
Published: September 2003

Anthrax lethal toxin is a binary bacterial toxin consisting of two proteins, protective antigen (PA) and lethal factor (LF), that self‐assemble on receptor‐bearing eukaryotic cells to form toxic, non‐covalent complexes. PA63, a proteolytically activated form of PA, spontaneously oligomerizes to form ring‐shaped heptamers that bind LF and translocate it into the cell. Site‐directed mutagenesis was used to substitute cysteine for each of three residues (N209, E614 and E733) at various levels on the lateral face of the PA63 heptamer and for one residue (E126) on LFN, the 30 kDa N‐terminal PA binding domain of LF. Cysteine residues in PA were labeled with IAEDANS and that in LFN was labeled with Alexa 488 maleimide. The mutagenesis and labeling did not significantly affect function. Time‐resolved fluorescence methods were used to study fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between the AEDANS and Alexa 488 probes after the complex assembled in solution. The results clearly indicate energy transfer between AEDANS labeled at residue N209C on PA and the Alexa 488‐labeled LFN, whereas transfer from residue E614C on PA was slight, and none was observed from residue E733C. These results support a model in which LFN binds near the top of the ring‐shaped (PA63)7 heptamer.
Adolescents’ attributions about aggression: an initial investigation
Authors: Boxer Paul , Tisak Marie S
Published: September 2003

This study examined causal attributions about aggression made by 362 participants from three age groups: early (138 7th and 8th graders), middle (121 11th and 12th graders), and late (103 college students through age 22) adolescence. Participants read a brief vignette describing a peer who displayed either proactive (non‐emotional, instrumental) or reactive (emotional, undercontrolled) aggression. Participants then rated the extent to which they attributed each of 48 descriptors to be causes for the peer's aggressive behaviour. Confirmatory factor analyses of the attribution questionnaire supported the hypothesized model of causal beliefs. The strength of endorsements of internally oriented causal factors increased with age. Findings are discussed with regard to social–cognitive development in adolescence and implications for future research on aggression in the peer context.
Myosin heavy chain isoforms in postnatal muscle development of mice
Authors: Agbulut Onnik , Noirez Philippe , Beaumont Françoise , Butler‐Browne Gillian
Published: September 2003

In this study, using a high‐resolution gel electrophoresis technique, we have characterized the myosin heavy chain composition in different skeletal muscle of the mouse during postnatal development. The pattern of myosin heavy chain expression was studied in four hind limb muscles, the diaphragm, the tongue and the masseter. All of these muscles displayed the usual sequential transitions from embryonic to neonatal and to adult myosin heavy chain isoforms but more interestingly these transitions occur with a distinct chronology in the different muscles. In addition, our results demonstrated a transitory pattern of expression for certain adult myosin heavy chain isoforms in the soleus and the tongue. In the soleus muscle IIB and in the tongue IIA myosin heavy chain isoforms were detected only for a short time during postnatal life. Our results demonstrate that muscles of the mouse with different functions are subjected to a distinct programs of myosin isoform transitions during postnatal muscle development. This study describes new data which will help us to understand both postnatal muscle development in transgenic mouse muscles as well as in muscle pathology.
Distal Digital Replantations and Revascularizations
Authors: PATRADUL A. , NGARMUKOS C. , PARKPIAN V.
Published: September 2003

Since January 1990, 237 replantations or revascularizations have been attempted in 192 patients with distal traumatic amputations of the digits. The amputations were complete in 182 digits and incomplete in 55 digits. Sixty-three amputations were in zone I and 174 in zone II (Tamai’s classification). The overall success rate was 91%. Twelve digits failed in zone I and ten in zone II. We conclude that zone I and zone II replantation or revascularization is quick and worthwhile, providing acceptable sensation, appearance and near-normal function.
The Effects of Postoperative Continuous Passive Motion on Peripheral Nerve Repair and Regeneration
Authors: KIM H. K. W. , KERR R. G. , TURLEY C. B. , EVANS P. J. , JAY V. , SALTER R. B.
Published: September 2003

The effects of continuous passive motion (CPM) on nerve regeneration following nerve repair were investigated. In 26 rabbits, the medial popliteal nerve was transected and microsurgically repaired. Half of the animals were treated with cast immobilization and the rest with 70° arc CPM. Both treatments were discontinued on day 14. After sacrifice on day 100, no animal showed separation at the suture line. Mean nerve conduction velocity was slightly slower in the CPM than in the immobilization group. Mean fibre density was also slightly less in the CPM group but the difference was not significant. Mean fibre diameters, fibre diameter distributions, and soleus-muscle wet weights were similar in the two groups.
Correlation of Segmental Carpal Tunnel Pressures with Changes in Hand and Wrist Positions in Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Controls
Authors: LUCHETTI R. , SCHOENHUBER R. , NATHAN P.
Published: September 2003

We investigated pressures at 1 cm intervals along the carpal tunnel in 39 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and 12 controls. Pressures were measured for relaxed and gripping hand positions in combination with neutral, extended, and flexed wrist positions. Patient pressures exceeded control pressures, were below the previously reported 30 mmHg threshold for four of five locations in the relaxed neutral position and were typically greater in extension than in flexion. In the neutral position, both patient and control pressures were slightly above threshold levels just distal to the tunnel. Maximum intratunnel pressures were generally found in the central part of the tunnel and minimum pressures in the distal tunnel. Gripping hand pressures in the tunnel were lowest with the wrist flexed. In both controls and CTS patients, only in the neutral wrist and relaxed hand positions were pressures highest at the point where nerve conduction studies have indicated the nerve is most likely to be compromised (in the midpalm just distal to the distal margin of the carpal tunnel).
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Associated with Macrodactyly
Authors: MIRZA M. A. , KING E. T. , REINHART M. K.
Published: September 2003

This is a case report of a 17-year-old youth with carpal tunnel syndrome ant congenital macrodactyly.
Selective Motor Neuropathy of the Median Nerve Caused by a Ganglion in the Carpal Tunnel
Authors: CROWLEY B. , GSCHWIND C. R. , STOREY C.
Published: September 2003

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the commonest peripheral compressive neuropathy. Typically, sensory symptoms predominate at presentation with motor dysfunction seen in more chronic cases. Isolated motor compression is rare. We present a case of selective median nerve motor neuropathy caused by a carpal tunnel ganglion.
Artificial Sensibility Based on the Use of Piezoresistive Sensors
Authors: LUNDBORG G. , ROSÉN B. , LINDSTRÖM K. , LINDBERG S.
Published: September 2003

Piezoresistive sensors, applied to the fingertips of non-sensate fingers, were used for the detection of touch and pressure in four patients with recent median nerve repairs, and in one patient using a myoelectric prosthesis. The signals from the sensors, produced by the tactile stimuli, were processed and transposed as electrical stimuli to sensate skin of the ipsi- or contralateral arm by the use of skin electrodes. With this setup the test subjects could rapidly learn to differentiate between tactile stimuli applied to different fingers, thereby regaining spatial, resolution in the hand. All five patients rapidly improved their ability to regulate the power of pinch grip without the help of vision. The patient with a hand prosthesis rapidly learned to discriminate between four different levels of pressure, applied to the thumb by four different Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments (75, 125, 280 and 450 g). These results indicate that the system is of potential value for patients lacking sensibility or using prostheses.
Fibroblast-Like Cells from Tendons Differ from Skin Fibroblasts in their Ability to form Three-Dimensional Structures in Vitro
Authors: EVANS C. E. , TRAIL I. A.
Published: September 2003

Tendon samples cultured in vitro produced cells (TC) with fibroblast-like morphology and confluence occurred within 5 weeks. Histological staining demonstrated proteoglycan and collagen secretion by TC. Immunohistochemical staining revealed type I collagen but no type III. Assay of total collagen demonstrated a rapid increase in synthesis with time in culture. Cultures allowed to become ‘superconfluent’ spontaneously formed three-dimensional structures after about 4 weeks, which became macroscopic, tendon-like structures (TLS). Cells within TLS seemed under cell-generated tension. Haematoxylin and eosin staining of sections of tendon, of TLS and of TC cultures demonstrated similarities in morphology. These studies were performed using human and rabbit cells and findings were similar for the two species, but with some differences in cell metabolism. Skin fibroblasts were also cultured as a comparison.
Colour Doppler Ultrasound in the Diagnosis, Management and Follow-Up of a Digital Flexor Pulley Injury
Authors: CRESSWELL T. R. , ALLOTT C. , AUCHINCLOSS J. M.
Published: September 2003

We present the case of a rock climber with a rupture of the A3 flexor sheath pulley. The diagnosis was confirmed with Colour Doppler Imaging (CDI) and with B-mode ultrasound imaging, and the surgical repair was evaluated in the same way. Vertical displacement of the flexor tendon meant that using CDI measurements of the longitudinal movements was not possible. However, using computer analysis of digitized B-mode images from texture patterns identified in the tendons, the vertical and longitudinal components of movement during flexion were calculated. The repair of the pulley was shown to produce tendon movement ratios nearer those of the control digit of the opposite hand.
Does Trapeziectomy Destabilize the Carpus?
Authors: HERREN D. B. , LEHMANN O. , SIMMEN B. R.
Published: September 2003

Trapeziectomy for the treatment of trapeziometacarpal arthritis is an in vivo model of an isolated lesion of the scaphotrapeziotrapeziod ligament complex. We analysed the radiological changes in the wrist retrospectively in 86 patients after trapeziectomy. On standardized PA and lateral films the revised carpal height ratio, the radiolunate angle, the scapholunate angle and the ulnar translation were compared pre- and postoperatively. None of these parameters showed a statistically significant change after operation. Grouping the patients into shorter (< 36 months) and longer (> 36 months) follow-ups also failed to show any significant differences.
Factors Affecting the Outcome in 50 Cases of Scaphoid Nonunion Treated with Herbert Screw Fixation
Authors: SHAH J. , JONES W. A.
Published: September 2003

Our experience in the treatment of 50 scaphoid nonunions treated with Herbert screw fixation is reviewed. Success rates fell off as the duration of nonunion before treatment increased. However, this appeared to be related to the increased incidence of avascular necrosis with time rather than simply the factor of time alone. In this series the major adverse determinants for outcome were avascular necrosis and a history of previous surgery for nonunion. Failure to graft in a selected group with an intact cartilaginous envelope or a stable firm fibrous union did not affect results. The heterogeneous nature of any series of scaphoid nonunions is emphasized and the difficulties in comparing results with cohorts unmatched for the various adverse factors discussed is stressed.
Spontaneous Contractures of Both Abductor Digiti Minimi Muscles in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: KAWANABE K. , HATA K. , NAKYAMA I.
Published: September 2003

A case is reported of spontaneous contracture of both little fingers in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus. Operative release of abductor digiti minimi produced a good result. It seems likely that the cause of the contracture of ADM may have been myositis related to SLE.
New insight into the mechanism of hip prosthesis loosening: Effect of titanium debris size on osteoblast function
Authors: O'Connor Daniel T. , Choil Moon G. , Kwon Soon Y. , Sung K.‐L. Paul
Published: September 2003

The incidence of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis is on the rise due to our expanding elderly population. Total joint arthroplasty is the most successful, prevalent treatment modality for these and other degenerative hip conditions. Despite the wide array of prosthetic devices commercially available, hip prostheses share a common problem with a gradual and then accelerating loss of bone tissue and bone–implant interface integrity, followed by implant instability and loosening. Implant failure is largely the result of inevitable wear of the device and generation of wear debris. To provide information for the development of improved prosthetic wear characteristics, we examined the effects of size‐separated titanium particles on bone forming cell populations. We demonstrate unequivocally that particle size is a critical factor in the function, proliferation, and viability of bone‐forming osteoblasts in vitro. In addition, we have elucidated the time‐dependent distribution of the phagocytosed particles within the osteoblast, indicating an accumulation of particles in the perinuclear area of the affected cells. The report finds that particle size is a critical factor in changes in the bone formation‐related functions of osteoblasts exposed to simulate wear debris, and that 1.5–4 μm titanium particles have the greatest effect on osteoblast proliferation and viability in vitro. The size of titanium particles generated through wear of a prosthetic device may be an important consideration in the development of superior implant technology. © 2003 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Three case reports of emergent dyskinesia with clozapine
Authors: Gafoor Rafael , Brophy Justin
Published: September 2003

Clozapine is indicated for the treatment of patients intolerant of conventional antipsychotic agents. It is often used to treat those patients who have developed movement disorders while on conventional antipsychotics. We report three cases of dyskinesia associated with clozapine induction. We suggest a mechanism that might explain an underlying dopaminergic hypersensitivity during this transitional period. Further, we identify groups that might be at high risk of developing dyskinesia and suggest strategies to reduce risk especially in these groups.
The challenge of chronic insomnia: is non-nightly hypnotic treatment a feasible alternative?
Authors: Hajak G. , Cluydts R. , Allain H. , Estivill E. , Parrino L. , Terzano M.G. , Walsh J.K.
Published: September 2003

The adverse effects of insomnia on health and quality of life are matters receiving increasing attention. Yet, surveys have consistently shown that most people suffering from insomnia do not seek medical help, perhaps, in part, because of a concern of becoming dependent on hypnotic medication. The treatment of chronic insomnia poses a particular dilemma in that continuous hypnotic treatment is restricted in many countries to a maximum of 4 weeks, and behavioural treatment is not readily available. Non-nightly hypnotic treatment of chronic insomnia offers a promising alternative option for the many patients whose symptoms do not necessitate nightly drug intake, allaying fears of psychological dependence on medication and respecting regulatory constraints on hypnotic use while providing patients with adequate symptom relief. The practical feasibility and efficacy of this approach has been demonstrated with zolpidem using various treatment regimens and study designs. So far, six clinical trials have been completed on over 4000 patients. Published results show effective treatment of insomnia without any evidence of either adverse event associated with a discontinuous regimen or increased hypnotic use over the treatment period.
Blending Specialist and Practitioner Roles in Psychiatric Nursing: Experiences of Graduates
Authors: Scharer Kathleen , Boyd Mary , Williams Carol A. , Head Kathleen
Published: September 2003

BACKGROUND: Blended roles in advanced practice nursing have generated much discussion but little study. As role modifications emerge in nursing, there is a need to explore their implementation.

OBJECTIVE: This descriptive study examined the experiences of nurses who were implementing blended roles as psychiatric clinical specialists and adult nurse practitioners.

DESIGN: Four master of science in nursing and 10 postmasters nurses who had been practicing in blended roles for 1 to 2 years were interviewed about their experiences in implementing their roles. Interviews were tape recorded, transcribed, and content analyzed.

RESULTS: Respondents believed they were practicing holistically, were able to appropriately integrate physical and psychological care of the patient, and found chronic psychiatric patients to have more complex physical illnesses than they had anticipated. In addition, the advanced practice nurses were satisfied with their roles, felt supported by their physician preceptors, and described cross-consultation with physicians and nonpsychiatric nurse practitioners.

CONCLUSIONS: There are roles for advanced practice nurses who blend clinical specialist and adult nurse practitioner skills in the care of psychiatric and primary care patients.
Evaluating the performance of artificial neural network techniques for pigment retrieval from ocean color in Case I waters
Authors: Zhang Tinglu , Fell Frank , Liu Zhi‐Shen , Preusker René , Fischer Jürgen , He Ming‐Xia
Published: September 2003

In the present paper, we report on a method to retrieve the pigment concentration in Case I waters from ocean color. The method is derived from radiative transfer (RT) simulations and subsequent application of artificial neural network (ANN) techniques. Information on absorption and total scattering of pure seawater, colored dissolved organic matter, and marine particles are mostly taken from published measurements or parameterizations. Additionally, a new model relating the backscattering of marine particles to pigment concentration and wavelength is introduced. The such defined inherent optical properties are input to a RT code in order to generate a synthetic data set of remote sensing reflectance spectra. This synthetic data set is then used for the training of a set of ANNs with the aim to approximate the functional relationship between ocean color and pigment concentration. The different ANNs are obtained by systematic variations of input parameters, architecture, and noise level added to the training data. The performance of each individual ANN‐based pigment retrieval scheme is assessed by applying it to the remote sensing reflectance spectra contained in the Sea‐viewing Wide Field‐of‐view Sensor (SeaWiFS) Bio‐optical Algorithm MiniWorkshop (SeaBAM) data set and comparing the retrieved pigment concentrations to those actually measured. The most successful ANN compares favorably with commonly used empirical pigment retrieval schemes. Compared, e.g., to the SeaWiFS algorithms OC2B and OC4, the square of the correlation coefficient r2 is increased from 0.924 (OC2B), respectively, 0.928 (OC4) to 0.934 (ANN). The root mean square error of the retrieved log‐transformed pigment concentration drops from 0.156 for OC2B, respectively, 0.151 for OC4 to 0.148 for the ANN‐based pigment retrieval scheme. Furthermore, the latter shows a higher resistance against noisy input data.
Vertical profiles of O3, aerosols, CO and NMHCs in the Northeast Pacific during the TRACE‐P and ACE‐ASIA experiments
Authors: Price Heather U. , Jaffe Daniel A. , Doskey Paul V. , McKendry Ian , Anderson Theodore L.
Published: September 2003

Airborne observations of NMHCs, O3, CO, and aerosol scatter were made near the coast of Washington State from 29 March to 6 May 2001 as part of the Photochemical Ozone Budget of the Eastern North Pacific‐II (PHOBEA‐II) experiment. These observations overlapped the time period of the TRACE‐P (24 February to 10 April 2001) and ACE‐ASIA (27 March to 30 April 2001) experiments operating in the Western Pacific. Measurements were made during 12 flights at 48.31 ± 0.03°N latitude, 124.63 ± 0.08°W longitude at altitudes from 0 to 6 km. On several flights, significant enhancements in all species were observed and are attributed to transport from the Eurasian continent, including a long‐range transport event observed on 14 April 2001. This event contained substantial CO, NMHC, and aerosol loadings and was identified by the Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) aboard the Earth Probe Satellite and airborne and surface measurements throughout North America. This airmass was unique in that it contained the highest levels of aerosol scatter, CO, and various NMHCs observed in 2001, was the only flight with a low Ångstrom coefficient (0.7) indicating dominance of super micron aerosols, and had a negative relationship between ozone and aerosol scatter (r = −0.30). Within this mineral dust and pollution layer, aerosol scatter, propane, and CO were enhanced by 1054%, 85%, and 36%, respectively, over the observed spring 2001 median values between 3.5 and 6 km. A comparison of our previous aircraft campaign in 1999 with 2001 observations shows that ozone, aerosol scatter, and most NMHCs were significantly lower in the spring of 2001. The exact cause is still under investigation, but the combination of elevated ozone, aerosol scatter, and NMHCs suggests a combustion source that was enhanced and/or transported more efficiently during the spring of 1999.
The 6–9 day wave and rainfall modulation in northern Africa during summer 1981
Authors: Monkam David
Published: September 2003

Zonal and meridional wind components and geopotential height from European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts model analyses and daily rainfall data from the Institut Français de Recherche Scientifique pour le Développement en Coopération (ORSTOM) are used to study westward propagating 6–9 day waves and rainfall modulation in northern Africa during summer 1981. The 6–9 day wave structure is determined using a composite method. In this structure, there are two vortices of opposite circulation on either side of the latitude 12.5°N. The rainfall maxima are associated with cyclonic vortices and the rainfall minima with anticyclonic vortices, coinciding with the minima and the maxima of geopotential height anomalies, respectively. The composite variability shows that the 6–9 day wave is associated with positive rainfall anomalies in West Africa in the band of latitude 7.5°–17.5°N, in the western part of the area around Senegal and Guinea and in the center toward Lake Chad. The rainfall anomalies are linked to the zonal wind anomalies, and the increase in rainfall is associated with large modulation of the African Easterly Jet zonal wind component, mainly in the cyclonic circulation. The main zones of decreasing rainfall appear north of 17.5°–20°N, toward Sudan, and south of 8°N, near Ivory Coast.
Near‐Earth thin current sheets and Birkeland currents during substorm growth phase
Authors: Zaharia Sorin , Cheng C. Z.
Published: September 2003

Two important observed substorm growth phase phenomena are modeled: the formation of a near‐Earth (∣X∣ ∼ 8 RE) thin cross‐tail current sheet, as well as the equatorward shift of the ionospheric Birkeland currents. Our study is performed by solving the 3D force‐balance equation with realistic boundary conditions and pressure distributions. The obtained cross‐tail current sheet has large current density (Jϕ ∼ 10 nA/m2) and a half‐thickness in the north‐south direction of ∼1 RE, while plasma β is very high (β ∼ 40) in the current sheet region. The Region‐1 and Region‐2 Birkeland currents, formed on closed field lines due to pressure gradients, move equatorward and become more intense (J∥max ∼ 3 μA/m2) compared to quiet times. The results agree with growth phase observations. We also find that the cross‐tail current sheet maps into the ionosphere in the transition region between the Region‐1 and Region‐2 currents.
Characteristics of a tropospheric ozone profile and implications for the origin of ozone over subtropical China in the spring of 2001
Authors: Chan C. Y. , Chan L. Y. , Chang W. L. , Zheng Y. G. , Cui H. , Zheng X. D. , Qin Y. , Li Y. S.
Published: September 2003

During the Transport and Chemical Evolution Over the Pacific (TRACE‐P) period in the spring of 2001 we launched an ozonesonde at three Chinese sites: Kunming (102.68°E, 25.03°N), Hong Kong (114.17°E, 22.31°N), and Linan (119.75°E, 30.30°N). The sites extend from subtropical southwestern China close to the Southeast (SE) Asian border, to the southeastern Asian coast, and to the edge of the middle latitudes of central eastern China, respectively. The aims of the study are to provide ozonesonde data within the source regions of the Chinese mainland, to investigate the source of tropospheric ozone (O3), and to investigate to what extent SE Asian biomass burning emissions impact both tropospheric O3 over the subtropical Chinese mainland and O3 outflows to the Pacific. The results show that there are substantial variations in vertical O3 distributions over these sites, with low O3 values in the upper troposphere of Hong Kong, high O3 values in the middle and upper troposphere of Linan, and frequent O3 enhancements in the lower troposphere of Hong Kong and Kunming. The low values in the upper troposphere over Hong Kong in the spring of 2001 were not usually observed from 1993 to 2000 and are the result of the transport of O3‐depleted air from the intertropical convergence zone of equatorial SE Asian regions following the eastern Asia local Hadley circulation. Such transport processes do not affect the higher latitude at the edge of the middle latitude of Linan, where stratospheric O3 is the major contributing source to middle and upper tropospheric O3. The O3 enhancements over the lower troposphere of Kunming and Hong Kong are caused by SE Asian biomass burning emissions. Such enhancements are frequently observed over Hong Kong, less often over Kunming, and scarcely ever over Linan. Our analysis shows that biomass burning emissions from SE Asia in the spring of 2001 mainly affected the southern parts of the subtropical Chinese region.
Calculation of total column ozone from global UV spectra at high latitudes
Authors: Bernhard G. , Booth C. R. , McPeters R. D.
Published: September 2003

A new algorithm to retrieve total column ozone from global spectral UV irradiance measurements is presented, and its accuracy is assessed. The expanded uncertainty (coverage factor 2) of the resulting ozone values varies between 2% and 3.5% for solar zenith angles (SZA) smaller than 75° and clear skies. For larger SZA the uncertainty becomes dominated by the sensitivity of the method to the atmospheric ozone distribution. Using this algorithm, ozone values were calculated from UV spectra measured by the National Science Foundation's SUV‐100 spectroradiometer at Barrow, Alaska, between 1996 and 2001. Special attention was given to March–April 2001, the period when the campaign “Total Ozone Measurements by Satellites, Sondes, and Spectrometers at Fairbanks” (TOMS3F) took place. The data set was compared with observations by NASA's Earth Probe Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) and a Dobson spectrophotometer operated by NOAA's Climate Monitoring and Diagnostics Laboratory (CMDL) at Barrow. On average, the new algorithm generates ozone values in spring 2.2% lower than TOMS observations and 1.8% higher than Dobson measurements. From the uncertainty budget and the comparison with TOMS and Dobson it can be concluded that ozone values retrieved from global UV spectra have a similar accuracy as observations with standard instrumentation used for ozone monitoring. The new data set can therefore be used for validation of other ozone data.
A new approach to estimating the albedo for snow‐covered surfaces in the satellite UV method
Authors: Arola A. , Kaurola J. , Koskinen L. , Tanskanen A. , Tikkanen T. , Taalas P. , Herman J. R. , Krotkov N. , Fioletov V.
Published: September 2003

This paper describes a new method for estimating snow albedo for satellite retrieval of surface UV irradiance and daily UV doses over snow‐covered terrains. The method is based on combining satellite and meteorological analysis data. The satellite data exploited in this work are the measured reflectivities of the Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer/Nimbus 7 instrument that coincides with the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts ERA‐15 reanalyzed meteorological data. We compared satellite‐retrieved UV daily doses to the ground‐based measurements of two Finnish and five Canadian sites. The comparison clearly showed that the new snow albedo approach improves the accuracy of the satellite‐retrieved UV doses.
Mono‐allelic amplification of exons 2–4 using allele group‐specific primers for sequence‐based typing (SBT) of the HLA‐A, ‐B and ‐C genes: Preparation and validation of ready‐to‐use pre‐SBT mini‐kits
Authors: Dormoy A. , Froelich N. , Leisenbach R. , Weschler B. , Cazenave J‐P. , Tongio M‐M.
Published: September 2003

Abstract Class I allelic typing based on sequencing is reliable, immutable and easy to analyse when only one allele is amplified using a specific mono‐allelic technique. A strategy has been developed to selectively amplify exons 2, 3 and 4 of each allele of the three class I loci, previously identified by generic typing, in order to sequence these alleles from their intronic parts in only one direction. This procedure is based mainly on the polymorphism of exon 1 and intron 1 of the HLA‐A, ‐B and ‐C genes with allele group‐specific forward primers and locus‐specific reverse primers so as to perform mono‐allelic amplification in a ‘One Step’ pre‐sequence‐based typing (pre‐SBT) PCR. The 5′ polymorphism found at each locus is nevertheless not sufficient to discriminate all allelic combinations. Hence exon 2 and exon 3 polymorphism had to be used in a ‘Two Step’ pre‐SBT PCR method to selectively amplify the two alleles in the 1.8%, 7.6% and 0.9% of unresolved combinations found in our laboratory for, respectively, the HLA‐A, ‐B and ‐C loci. Preparation and validation of ‘ready‐to‐use’ aliquots of primer‐mixes, pre‐SBT buffer and sets of Dye terminator reaction mixtures containing locus‐specific intronic primers makes the procedure easy and efficient. The SBT method is the only allelic typing technique used in our laboratory (to date, 742 HLA‐A*, 802 HLA‐B* and 615 HLA‐Cw* alleles have been sequenced) and our successful participation in the national and international quality controls of 4 years ago testifies to the accuracy of the results.
Corneodesmosin gene: no evidence for PSORS 1 gene in North‐eastern Thai psoriasis patients
Authors: Romphruk A.V. , Oka A. , Romphruk A. , Tomizawa M. , Choonhakarn C. , Naruse T.K. , Puapairoj C. , Tamiya G. , Leelayuwat C. , Inoko H.
Published: September 2003

Abstract Psoriasis vulgaris, a common inflammatory skin disorder, is known to be associated with the HLA‐Cw*06 allele. It has been recently suggested by microsatellite mapping that a real susceptible gene for psoriasis resides in the approximately 100‐kb genomic region telomeric of the HLA‐C gene. In this respect, the corneodesmosin (CDSN) gene 160‐kb telomeric of HLA‐C is a strong candidate because of its location and its functional role in corneocyte cohesion and desquamation. In fact, a significant association between CDSN polymorphism and psoriasis was recently recognized in Caucasian populations. However, this association has not been replicated in other studies, being still controversial. In this study, we investigated the genetic polymorphism of the CDSN gene in 139 psoriasis patients and 144 healthy controls in the North‐eastern Thai population. By direct sequencing technique, a total of 28 polymorphic sites were found, consisting of 26 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and two indels (insertion/deletion). Among them, six SNPs have not been previously reported. Through this analysis, as many as 28 different SNP/indel haplotypes within the CDSN gene were identified. Seven SNPs and one indel, namely 9C, 614 A, 722T, 971T, 1215G, 1243C, 1331G and 1606AAG (deletion), revealed significant deviation in the allelic frequencies of the patients from those of the healthy controls. However, none of them are likely to be responsible for controlling the susceptibility of psoriasis, but these associations can be explained by a linkage disequilibrium to a real pathogenic allele of a nearby gene. Further, the large variations between the CDSN SNP/indel haplotypes and the psoriatic major histocompatibility complex (MHC) haplotypes also make it unlikely that CDSN is a major psoriasis‐susceptible gene.
Mhc class II DRB sequences of lion‐tailed macaques (Macaca silenus)
Authors: Blankenburg A. , Kaup F.‐J. , Sauermann U.
Published: September 2003

Abstract The lion‐tailed macaque (Macaca silenus) is an endangered species. Research into the genetics of this species is important as a basis for coordinated breeding programs of captive populations. Therefore, we sought to analyze the Mhc class II DRB genes of this species because of it is highly polymorphic in genetically heterogeneous populations of most species. Ten individuals from seven families were evaluated. Nine DRB second exon sequences belonging to eight allelic lineages were identified. These lineages are also present in the best‐studied macaque species: the rhesus (Macaca mulatta). Although only these relatively few alleles could be isolated, they display variation on the lineage level. This may be a mechanism for increasing their functional diversity.
HLA class I variation in the West African Pygmies and their genetic relationship with other African populations
Authors: Bruges Armas J. , Destro‐Bisol G. , López‐Vazquez A. , Couto A.R. , Spedini G. , Gonzalez S. , Battaggia C. , Peixoto M.J. , Martinez‐Borra J. , López‐Larrea C.
Published: September 2003

Abstract We have studied the polymorphism of HLA class I in two West African Pygmy populations, namely, the Bakola from Cameroon and the Mbenzele from the Central African Republic. A unique number of HLA alleles and haplotypes showed specific patterns of these populations. In this study, we identify two alleles (B*37, B*41) and three haplotypes (A*30‐B*37, A*66‐B*41 and A*68‐B*58) that appear to be ‘private’ or typical of Western Pygmies. These data reflect similarities with the AKA Pygmies from the Central African Republic. On the other hand, we failed to identify alleles that are found at high frequencies among other sub‐Saharan populations (B*42, B*51). Allelic and haplotypic frequency distributions show differences between the two Pygmy groups, e.g. B*35 was very common in the Mbenzele but has been found to be absent in the Bakola. In contrast, B*53, which is found in the Bakola, has been found to be rare in the Mbenzele Pygmies. In order to analyse the genetic relationships of the Bakola and Mbenzele Pygmies with other sub‐Saharan populations, HLA gene frequencies were subjected to the Neighbour‐Joining tree analysis. The Mbenzele, Bakola and AKA were found to be relatively close to each other and isolated from other sub‐African populations. However, both the genetic distances and the within‐group variation suggests that the Bakola are more admixed with Bantu farmers than Mbenzele.
A prospective study of maternal smoking and spontaneous abortion
Authors: Wisborg Kirsten , Kesmodel Ulrik , Henriksen Tine Brink , Hedegaard Morten , Secher Niels Jørgen
Published: September 2003

Background.  Cigarette smoking has been considered a risk factor for spontaneous abortion, but conclusions from many studies may be impaired by methodological problems. Studies are required that use data on smoking habits collected before knowledge about outcome of pregnancy and in which adjustment is made for potential confounders.

Methods.  All Danish‐speaking pregnant women booking for delivery at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aarhus University Hospital, from September 1989 to August 1996 were invited to participate in the study (n = 24 608 pregnancies, including 321 spontaneous abortions and 100 induced abortions). Information about smoking habits before pregnancy and during the first trimester was obtained from self‐administered questionnaires before the knowledge about pregnancy outcome. Information about spontaneous and induced abortions was obtained from the Danish National Patient Registry. We used Cox regression analyses with delayed entry (left truncation) for analyses, and hazard ratios to express the association between smoking and spontaneous abortion. Multivariate analyses were performed using a model including alcohol and coffee intake during pregnancy, maternal age, marital status, occupation, education, prepregnancy body mass index, and parity.

Results.  Overall, 104 (1.3%) of those contributing time at risk in the first trimester experienced a spontaneous abortion in the first trimester, and 217 (0.9%) of those contributing time at risk in the second trimester experienced a second‐trimester abortion. We found no association between smoking and first‐ and second‐trimester abortions. Adjustment for alcohol, coffee, maternal age, marital status, occupation, education, prepregnancy body mass index and parity did not change the result substantially.

Conclusion.  Our study did not support findings from previous studies of an association between smoking and spontaneous abortion.
Adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix: the presence of human papillomavirus and the method of detection
Authors: Andersson Sonia , Larson Barbro , Hjerpe Anders , Silfverswärd Claes , Sällström Jan , Wilander Erik , Rylander Eva
Published: September 2003

Background.  Effective screening programs have contributed to a decrease in the incidence of cervical squamous cell carcinomas but have had a limited sensitivity in the detection of adenocarcinoma precursor lesions. The aim of our study was to analyze cervical adenocarcinoma in greater detail: symptoms preceding the detection, the method of detection and the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) with respect to age at diagnosis.

Material and methods.  Clinical data were abstracted from the medical records of 82 women with pure invasive cervical adenocarcinomas. As diagnostic tools we used polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based single‐strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and/or direct DNA sequencing for HPV detection.

Results.  Age at diagnosis predicting factors were HPV status, positive lymph nodes, histology and stage. HPV‐negativity, lymph node metastases, advanced stage and poor differentiation were all associated with a high diagnostic age. In the multivariate analysis only HPV status was shown to have an independent impact on age at diagnosis, while stage showed only borderline significance. Twenty‐three percent of the cancers were detected by screening and the remaining were due to different symptoms. Among the women considered, 93% had a normal Papanicolaou (Pap) smear 3 years before diagnosis and 60% within 1 year. There was no significant correlation between smoking, oral contraceptives and HPV‐positivity.

Conclusions.  The absence of HPV was significantly associated with a high age at diagnosis. Pap screening had a limited effect in detecting adenocarcinoma at an early stage.
Investigation of erosion and abrasion on enamel and dentine: a model in situ using toothpastes of different abrasivity
Authors: Hooper S. , West N. X. , Pickles M. J. , Joiner A. , Newcombe R. G. , Addy M.
Published: September 2003

Grundlagen: In‐vitro‐Studien lassen annehmen, dass Abrasion und Erosion bei der Produktion von Schmelz‐ und Dentinabtrag synergistisch wirken. Seit kurzem sind in‐situ‐Methoden zum getrennten Studium von Erosion und Abrasion von dentalen Geweben verfügbar. Das Ziel dieser Studie war es zwei in‐situ‐Protokolle zu kombinieren, im das Wechselspiel zwischen Erosion und Abrasion von Schmelz und Dentin zu studieren.

Methode: Die randomisierte einfach‐blind‐Studie, wurde mit je 5 Behandlungen an 15 gesunden Freiwilligen durchgeführt und hatte ein cross‐over.Design. Während jeder der 10‐tägigen Studienperioden trugen die Teilnehmer von 9 Uhr morgens bis 5 Uhr abends im Oberkiefer eine Acryl‐Tiefziehschiene, welche eine polierte Schmelz‐ und eine polierte Dentinfläche enthielt.

Die Behandlungsmaßnahmen für die Flächen waren:

1. Trinkwasser und Putzen mit Zahnpasta A.

2. Trinkwasser und Putzen mit Zahnpasta B.

3. Orangensaft Trinken.

4. Orangensaft Trinken und Putzen mit Zahnpasta A.

5. Orangensaft Trinken und Putzen mit Zahnpasta B.

Die Trink‐ und Putzzeiten waren etwa 9.00, 11.00, 13.00 und 15.00 Uhr. Von den Drinks wurden 250 ml während 10 min konsumiert und das ex‐vivo‐Putzen erfolgte für 1 min pro Fläche. Für jede Periode erfolgten die Messungen des Gewebeverlusts an Tag 5 und 10 unter Verwendung eines Profilometers.

Ergebnisse: Alle Behandlungen produzierten im Verlaufe der Zeit steigenden Gewebeverlust, der für Dentin beträchtlich größer war als für Schmelz. Für Schmelz zeigten die Daten an Tag 5 und 10 einen signifikanten Effekt der Erosion (z.B. war Orangensaft beträchtlich erosiver als Wasser), aber keinen signifikanten Effekt für die Abrasion (z.B. keine signifikanten Unterschiede zwischen den zwei Zahnpasten). Die kombinierten Effekte von Orangensaft und Zahnpasta wiesen in Richtung einer Synergie erreichten jedoch keine Signifikanz. Auf Dentin übertrafen die Daten an Tag 10 den bei 50 μm gesetzten Grenzwert und nur die Daten von Tag 5 wurden berücksichtigt. Es gab signifikante Effekte für die Erosion (Orangensaft produzierte signifikant mehr Erosion als Wasser) und für die Abrasion (Paste A war signifikant abrasiver für Dentin als Paste B). Für Dentin konnte der Synergieeffekt wegen des Begrenzungseffekts, da die Daten den Profilometergrenzwert überschritten hatten, nicht untersucht werden.

Schlussfolgerungen: Eine Erosion erhöht die Anfälligkeit von Schmelz für Zahnpastaabrasion. Dentin ist beträchtlich anfälliger als Schmelz für Erosion und Abrasion allein oder deren Kombination. Der Dentinverlust schein mit der Abrasivität der Zahnpasta (RDA‐Wert) zu korrelieren.
Longitudinal validation of a risk calculator for periodontal disease
Authors: Page Roy C. , Martin John , Krall Elizabeth A. , Mancl Lloyd , Garcia Raul
Published: September 2003

Background: Risk assessment and utilization of the results are important components of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal diseases. Risk assessment is relatively new to dentistry. Currently risk is assessed by subjective evaluation and results vary widely among clinicians. We have developed a computer‐based risk assessment tool, the Periodontal Risk Calculator (PRC), for objective, quantitative assessment of risk. The purpose of the study reported here was to evaluate the accuracy and validity of this tool.

Methods: Clinical records and radiographs of 523 subjects enrolled in the VA Dental Longitudinal Study of Oral Health and Disease, covering a period of 15 years, were used. Information from baseline examinations was entered into the risk calculator and a risk score on a scale of l–5 for periodontal deterioration was calculated for each subject. Actual periodontal status in terms of alveolar bone loss determined using digitized radiographs, and tooth loss determined from the clinical records, was assessed at years 3, 9 and 15. The strength of the association between risk prediction and actual outcome was determined statistically.

Results: The risk scores were strong predictors of future periodontal status measured as worsening severity and extent of alveolar bone loss and tooth loss, especially loss of periodontally affected teeth. Over the entire 15‐year period, risk scores consistently ranked groups from least to most bone loss and tooth loss. Risk groups differed greatly from one another. By year 3, the incidence rate of bone loss of group 5 was 3.7‐fold greater than for group 2, and by year 15, the loss of periodontally affected teeth was 22.7‐fold greater than for group 2 (p<0.001). By year 15, 83.7% of subjects in risk group 5 had lost one or more periodontally affected teeth compared to 20.2% of subjects in group 2.

Conclusions: Risk scores calculated using the PRC and information gathered during a standard periodontal examination predict future periodontal status with a high level of accuracy and validity. Use of the risk assessment tool over time may be expected to result in more uniform and accurate periodontal clinical decision‐making, improved oral health, reduction in the need for complex therapy and reduction in health‐care cost.
xTask – an adaptable learning environment
Authors: Ketamo H.
Published: September 2003

Abstract  The general aim of this study was to develop a platform‐adaptive learning environment (xTask) and to evaluate its use. The software environment can be accessed by PC's or mobile devices, such as PDA's or Communicator. The empirical part of the study was carried out during May 2002 with 10 students between 21 and 50 years of age participating in a course on mobile device usability. In the study the xTask interface proved functional. The working processes show clearly that there were phases when the work was efficient with mobile devices, but students also felt that mobile devices were not ready to be the only platform for learning. They preferred PC's with wired networks, but admitted that PDA's could be used to support aspects of the learning processes. Generally, mobile technologies can bring some added value for network based learning, but they cannot replace traditional computers.