bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contrasting P–T–t paths for Neoproterozoic metamorphism in MacRobertson and Kemp Lands, east Antarctica
Authors: HALPIN J. A. , CLARKE G. L. , WHITE R. W. , KELSEY D. E.
Published: July 2007

Mineral equilibria modelling and electron microprobe chemical dating of monazite in granulite facies metapelitic assemblages from the MacRobertson Land coastline, Rayner Complex, east Antarctica, are consistent with an ‘anticlockwise’ Neoproterozoic P–T–t path. Metamorphism occurred at c. 990–970 Ma, achieving peak conditions of 850 °C and 5.6–6.2 kbar at Cape Bruce, and 900 °C and 5.4–6.2 kbar at the Forbes Glacier ∼50 km to the east. These peak metamorphic conditions preceded the emplacement of regionally extensive syntectonic charnockite. High temperature conditions are likely to have been sustained for 80 Myr by lithospheric thinning and repeated pluton emplacement; advection was accompanied by crustal thickening to maximum pressures of 6–7 kbar, followed by near‐isobaric cooling. This P–T–t path is distinct from that of rocks in adjacent Kemp Land, ∼50 km to the west, where a ‘clockwise’P–T–t path from higher‐P conditions at c. 940 Ma may reflect the response of a cratonic margin displaced from the main magma flux. In this scenario, crustal shortening was initially accommodated in younger, fertile crust (MacRobertson Land) involving metasediments and felsic plutons with the transfer of strain to adjacent older crust (Kemp Land) subsequent to charnockite emplacement.
In Vivo and In Vitro Effects of Pilocarpine: Relevance to Ictogenesis
Authors: Marchi Nicola , Oby Emily , Batra Ayush , Uva Laura , De Curtis Marco , Hernandez Nadia , Van Boxel‐Dezaire Anette , Najm Imad , Janigro Damir
Published: July 2007

Summary

Objectives: A common experimental model of status epilepticus (SE) utilizes intraperitoneal administration of the cholinergic agonist pilocarpine preceded by methyl‐scopolamine treatment. Currently, activation of cholinergic neurons is recognized as the only factor triggering pilocarpine SE. However, cholinergic receptors are also widely distributed systemically and pretreatment with methyl‐scopolamine may not be sufficient to counteract the effects of systemically injected pilocarpine. The extent of such peripheral events and the contribution to SE are unknown and the possibility that pilocarpine also induces SE by peripheral actions is yet untested.

Methods: We measured in vivo at onset of SE: brain and blood pilocarpine levels, blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability, T‐lymphocyte activation and serum levels of IL‐1β and TNF‐α. The effects of pilocarpine on neuronal excitability was assessed in vitro on hippocampal slices or whole guinea pig brain preparations in presence of physiologic or elevated [K+]out.

Results: Pilocarpine blood and brain levels at SE were 1400 ± 200 μM and 200 ± 80 μM, respectively. In vivo, after pilocarpine injection, increased serum IL‐1β, decreased CD4:CD8 T‐lymphocyte ratios and focal BBB leakage were observed. In vitro, pilocarpine failed to exert significant synchronized epileptiform activity when applied at concentrations identical or higher to levels measured in vivo. Intense electrographic seizure‐like events occurred only in the copresence of levels of K+ (6 mM) mimicking BBB leakage.

Conclusions: Early systemic events increasing BBB permeability may promote entry of cofactors (e. g. K+) into the brain leading to pilocarpine‐induced SE. Disturbance of brain homeostasis represents an etiological factor contributing to pilocarpine seizures.
Different Neuronal Networks Are Associated with Spikes and Slow Activity in Hypsarrhythmia
Authors: Siniatchkin Michael , Van Baalen Andreas , Jacobs Julia , Moeller Friederike , Moehring Jan , Boor Rainer , Wolff Stephan , Jansen Olav , Stephani Ulrich
Published: July 2007

Summary

Purpose: West syndrome is a severe epileptic encephalopathy of infancy characterized by a poor developmental outcome and hypsarrhythmia. The pathogenesis of hypsarrhythmia is insufficiently understood.

Methods: We investigated eight patients with infantile spasms and hypsarrhythmia (group I) and 8 children with complex partial seizures (group II) using simultaneous recordings of electroencephalogram (EEG) and functional MRI. Hemodynamic responses to epileptiform discharges and slow wave activity (EEG delta power) were analyzed separately.

Results: In group I (mean age, 7.82 ± 2.87 months), interictal spikes within the hypsarrhythmia were associated with positive blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) changes in the cerebral cortex (especially occipital areas). This was comparable with cortical positive BOLD responses in group II (mean age, 20.75 ± 12.52 months). Slow wave activity in group I correlated significantly with BOLD signal in voxels, which were localized in brainstem, thalamus, as well as different cortical areas. There was no association between BOLD effect and EEG delta power in group II. Moreover, as revealed by group analysis, group I differed from group II according to correlations between BOLD signal and slow wave activity in putamen and brainstem.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates that multifocal interictal spikes and high‐amplitude slow wave activity within the hypsarrhythmia are associated with the activation of different neuronal networks. Although spikes caused a cortical activation pattern similar to that in focal epilepsies, slow wave activity produced a hypsarrhythmia‐specific activation in cortex and subcortical structures such as brainstem, thalamus, and putamen.
Life‐Threatening Status Epilepticus Following Gabapentin Administration in a Patient with Benign Adult Familial Myoclonic Epilepsy
Authors: Striano Pasquale , Coppola Antonietta , Madia Francesca , Pezzella Marianna , Zara Federico , Striano Salvatore
Published: July 2007

Summary

We report the case of a 57‐year‐old man who experienced life‐threatening myoclonic status after the administration of gabapentin. Based on familial data, the patient was determined to be a member of a previously described family with benign adult familial myoclonic epilepsy (BAFME). The myoclonic status did not respond to benzodiazepines, but resolved after discontinuing the gabapentin. As for other idiopathic generalized epilepsies, gabapentin may precipitate myoclonic status in a benign syndrome, such as BAFME, as is reported herein for the first time. A correct diagnosis and prompt discontinuation of the drug may reverse a potentially severe, life‐threatening condition.
EEG Characteristics Related to Educational Impairments in Children with Benign Childhood Epilepsy with Centrotemporal Spikes
Authors: Nicolai Joost , Van Der Linden Inge , Arends Johan B. A. M. , Van Mil Saskia G. M. , Weber Jacobiene W. , Vles Johan S. H. , Aldenkamp Albert P.
Published: July 2007

Summary

Purpose:Learning and behavioral difficulties often occur in benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BCECTS). In recent years, several electroencephalogram (EEG) characteristics have been related to the occurrence of learning and behavioral problems.

Methods:From 28 children medical, school and psychological reports were present and children were rated according to a 4‐point scale for educational and behavioral impairment (Part 1). Thirty 24‐h EEG recordings were reanalyzed for spike frequency, the presence of atypical EEG criteria, and the presence of a nondipole spike. EEGs were scored during wakefulness, first hour of sleep and whole night sleep (minus the first hour of sleep) separately (Part 2).

Results:The presence of I: an intermittent slow‐wave focus during wakefulness, II: a high number of spikes in the first hour of sleep (and during whole night sleep), and III: multiple asynchronous bilateral spike‐wave foci in the first hour of sleep correlates significantly with a sum score ≥ 3 which indicates a complicated course with educational or behavioral impairment. It is sufficient to analyze an EEG during wakefulness and a sleep EEG for only the first hour of sleep instead of a whole night recording to demonstrate those EEG criteria.

Conclusions:On basis of our reanalysis we can possibly conclude that the aforementioned EEG characteristics correlate with educational impairments, and that analysing an EEG recording during wake and the first hour of sleep is sufficient to look adequately for those EEG criteria in children with BCECTS.
Aggravation of Seizures and/or EEG Features in Children Treated with Oxcarbazepine Monotherapy
Authors: Vendrame Martina , Khurana Divya S. , Cruz Marcos , Melvin Joseph , Valencia Ignacio , Legido Agustin , Kothare Sanjeev V.
Published: July 2007

Summary

Purpose: Exacerbation of epilepsy may occur following initiation of therapy with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). The aim of this study is to analyze the clinical and EEG characteristics of a group of pediatric patients with worsening of seizures and/or EEG deterioration while on oxcarbazepine (OXC).

Methods: A retrospective analysis of a clinical database was performed to identify patients with epilepsy treated with OXC over the past 3 years. History, neurological examination, and EEG findings were reviewed to identify any who had developed exacerbation of seizures or new abnormalities on EEG.

Results: Of 290 patients on OXC, we identified 12 patients with new onset seizures, all with initial normal neurological exam and normal EEG, who developed either worsening of preexisting seizures, new seizure types, and/or EEG deterioration following introduction of OXC monotherapy. EEG changes were primarily characterized by new onset of generalized epileptiform activity not reported on the initial baseline EEG. Following substitution of OXC with a broad spectrum AED, significant improvement of seizure control and improvement in the EEG was observed.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that OXC can aggravate seizures and/or worsen EEG features in children. Following initiation of therapy with OXC, monitoring of patients with follow‐up EEGs may be important, especially in patients who do not show adequate response to therapy.
Insulin and Insulin‐Like Growth Factor Resistance With Neurodegeneration in an Adult Chronic Ethanol Exposure Model
Authors: Cohen Ariel C. , Tong Ming , Wands Jack R. , De La Monte Suzanne M.
Published: July 2007

Background:  Previous studies linked cerebellar hypoplasia, neuronal loss, and impaired acetylcholine homeostasis to ethanol inhibition of insulin and insulin‐like growth factor signaling mechanisms in experimental models of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).

Methods:  To determine the extent to which similar abnormalities occur in mature brains, gene expression, ligand binding, and histopathological studies were performed with temporal lobe, hypothalamus, and cerebellar cortex from adult male Long Evans rats that were pair‐fed for 6 weeks with liquid diets containing 0% or 37% ethanol by caloric content.

Results:  Real time quantitative RT‐PCR analysis demonstrated that the chronic ethanol‐fed rats had significantly reduced insulin‐like growth factors (IGF)‐II receptor expression in all 3 regions and reduced insulin receptor expression in the temporal lobe. However, equilibrium binding assays revealed ethanol‐associated impairments in insulin and IGF‐I receptor binding in all 3 regions and reduced IGF‐II receptor binding in the cerebellum. These abnormalities were associated with decreased expression of Hu (neuronal loss) in the temporal lobe and cerebellum, and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in the hypothalamus and cerebellum, and increased expression of NADPH oxidase 3 in all 3 regions examined. Ethanol‐associated neuronal loss with increased indices of lipid peroxidation and DNA damage were demonstrated by histopathological, immunohistochemical, and enzyme linked immunosorbant assay studies.

Conclusions:  These results suggest that ethanol‐induced neurodegeneration in adults is mediated by insulin/IGF resistance, persistent oxidative stress, and impaired acetylcholine biosynthesis, similar to the findings in FAS. The reductions in ChAT gene expression most likely contribute to the cognitive and motor deficits that occur with chronic alcohol abuse.
Isoform‐Specific Enhancement of Adenylyl Cyclase Activity by n‐Alkanols
Authors: Kou Jinghong , Yoshimura Masami
Published: July 2007

Background:  Numerous studies suggest that cAMP signaling pathways play important roles in the development of and predisposition to alcoholism. Our previous study showed that cAMP generation by various isoforms of adenylyl cyclase (AC) exhibits a broad spectrum of responses to ethanol in the human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cell system overexpressing individual AC isoforms. These findings suggest that the target of ethanol’s action in the cAMP‐generating system is AC. However, it is unknown if the action of ethanol is direct or indirect.

Methods:  The effect of a series of n‐alkanols (ethanol to decanol) on dopamine (DA)–stimulated activity of AC isoforms type 6, 7, and 9 (AC6, AC7, and AC9) were examined in transfected HEK293 cells by cAMP accumulation assay.

Results:  n‐Alkanols increased DA‐stimulated cAMP production in an AC isoform‐specific manner, and displayed the alcohol cutoff phenomenon (defined as the carbon chain length beyond which there is no further increase in the potency of an ascending series of n‐alkanols). The n‐alkanol cutoffs for AC6, AC7, and AC9 are butanol (C4), pentanol (C5), and equal to or greater than decanol (C10), respectively.

Conclusion:  The results clearly indicate that, in the HEK293 expression system, the alcohol cutoff effect for n‐alkanol potentiation of DA‐stimulated AC activity is AC isoform specific. These results strongly suggest that alcohols interact directly with AC molecules.
Developmental Differences in Acute Ethanol Withdrawal in Adolescent and Adult Rats
Authors: Doremus‐Fitzwater Tamara L , Spear Linda P
Published: July 2007

Background: Withdrawal from an acute high ethanol dose induces behaviors reminiscent of withdrawal from chronic ethanol exposure. While such “hangover”‐related anxiety has previously been shown to be considerably less pronounced in adolescent compared to adult male rats, ontogenetic studies are limited and few experiments have directly compared sex‐ and age‐related differences in sensitivity to ethanol hangover.

Methods: The current experiments examined consequences of a previous ethanol challenge (4.0 g/kg i.p. injection, 20% v/v) on anxiety and exploratory behavior in the elevated plus‐maze (EPM) and holeboard (HB) tests, respectively, in adolescent and adult male and female Sprague–Dawley rats.

Results: In Exp. 1, evidence of hangover‐related anxiety and withdrawal‐induced hypoactivity emerged at both ages and in both sexes. As several procedural variables were changed in Exp.1 relative to previous studies from our laboratory showing age‐related differences in these hangover measures, Exp. 2 explored the possible contribution of 2 variables to ontogenetic expression of withdrawal‐induced anxiogenesis: (1) isolation vs. social context during the postchallenge recovery period and (2) EPM testing alone or immediately following a 5 minute HB test. Results of Exp. 2 revealed few significant interactions of these variables with age‐ and ethanol exposure‐related anxiety measures, although sequential testing (HB before EPM) notably suppressed activity in the EPM and altered the major underlying component of EPM behavior from anxiety to activity as revealed in factor analyses of these data. Additional analyses conducted on animals tested only in the EPM revealed attenuations in withdrawal anxiogenesis among adolescents, along with withdrawal‐related decreases in activity at both ages.

Conclusions: Taken together, these results suggest that adolescents do show an attenuated sensitivity to hangover‐induced anxiogenesis in the EPM, an age difference not evident under other pretest conditions. Therefore, caution should be exerted when using the EPM to index anxiety across age. The robustness of withdrawal‐related hypoactivity at both ages suggests that adolescents may not be globally insensitive to the consequences of previous binge‐like exposure to ethanol, but rather less likely to express certain hangover‐related consequences.
Acute Ethanol Has Biphasic Effects on Short‐ and Long‐Term Memory in Both Foreground and Background Contextual Fear Conditioning in C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Gulick Danielle , Gould Thomas J.
Published: July 2007

Background:  Ethanol is a frequently abused, addictive drug that impairs cognitive function. Ethanol may disrupt cognitive processes by altering attention, short‐term memory, and/or long‐term memory. Interestingly, some research suggests that ethanol may enhance cognitive processes at lower doses. The current research examined the dose‐dependent effects of ethanol on contextual and cued fear conditioning. In addition, the present studies assessed the importance of stimulus salience in the effects of ethanol and directly compared the effects of ethanol on short‐term and long‐term memory.

Methods:  This study employed both foreground and background fear conditioning, which differ in the salience of contextual stimuli, and tested conditioning at 4 hours, 24 hours, and 1 week in order to assess the effects of ethanol on short‐term and long‐term memory. Foreground conditioning consisted of 2 presentations of a foot shock unconditioned stimulus (US) (2 seconds, 0.57 mA). Background conditioning consisted of 2 auditory conditioned stimulus (30 seconds, 85 dB white noise)–foot shock (US; 2 seconds, 0.57 mA) pairings.

Results:  For both foreground and background conditioning, ethanol enhanced short‐term and long‐term memory for contextual and cued conditioning at a low dose (0.25 g/kg) and impaired short‐term and long‐term memory for contextual and cued conditioning at a high dose (1.0 g/kg).

Conclusions:  These results suggest that ethanol has long‐lasting, biphasic effects on short‐term and long‐term memory for contextual and cued conditioning. Furthermore, the effects of ethanol on contextual fear conditioning are independent of the salience of the context.
Effects of Prenatal Ethanol Exposure on Basal Limbic–Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal Regulation: Role of Corticosterone
Authors: Glavas Maria M. , Ellis Linda , Yu Wayne K. , Weinberg Joanne
Published: July 2007

Background:  Rats prenatally exposed to ethanol (E) exhibit hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) hyperresponsiveness and changes in central HPA regulation following exposure to stressors. Whether ethanol‐induced alterations in basal HPA regulation play a role in mediating HPA hyperresponsiveness remains unclear. We utilized adrenalectomy (ADX), with or without corticosterone (CORT) replacement, to investigate basal HPA function and the role of CORT in mediating ethanol‐induced alterations.

Methods:  Adult males and females from prenatal E, pair‐fed (PF), and ad lib‐fed control (C) groups were terminated at the circadian peak, 7 days following sham surgery or ADX, with or without CORT replacement. Plasma levels of CORT and adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), and mRNA levels of corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) in the paraventricular nucleus, CRH Type 1 receptor (CRH‐R1) and pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC) in the anterior pituitary, and mineralocorticoid (MR) and glucocorticoid (GR) receptors in the dorsal hippocampus were determined.

Results:  Adrenalectomy resulted in significantly greater plasma ACTH elevations in E and PF males, and parallel CRH mRNA elevations in both E and PF males and females compared with their C counterparts. In contrast, pituitary CRH‐R1 mRNA levels were lower in E compared with C males, with no differences in POMC. In addition, in response to ADX, E females showed a greater MR mRNA response, and E males showed a greater GR mRNA response compared with their C counterparts, and CORT replacement was ineffective in normalizing ADX‐induced alterations in ACTH levels in E and PF females, hippocampal MR mRNA levels in E males, and AVP mRNA levels in PF males and females.

Conclusions:  Together, these data indicate that the prenatal ethanol exposure induces HPA dysregulation under basal conditions at multiple levels of the axis, resulting in alterations in both HPA drive and feedback regulation and/or in the balance between drive and feedback. While some effects may be nutritionally mediated, it appears that the mechanisms underlying basal HPA dysregulation may differ between E and PF animals rather than occurring along a continuum of effects on the same pathway. Altered basal HPA tone may play a role in mediating the HPA hyperresponsiveness to stressors observed in E offspring.
The Malleability of Environmentalism
Authors: Wade‐Benzoni Kimberly A. , Li Min , Thompson Leigh L. , Bazerman Max H.
Published: July 2007

In this article, we predict and find that self‐perceptions of environmentalism are changed by subtle manipulations of context and, in turn, affect environmental behavior. In Study 1, we found that people exhibit greater positive assessments of their environmental behaviors (1) in the context of denying harm to the environment than in the context of claiming to help the environment, and (2) in situations where behaviors are evaluated subjectively than in situations where behaviors are evaluated more objectively. In Study 2, we explored the relationship between self‐perceptions of environmentalism and environmental behaviors. Our data suggest that environmentally friendly behaviors may be promoted by leading people to perceive themselves as good environmentalists.
The blood bank: from provider to partner in treatment of massively bleeding patients
Authors: Johansson Pär I.
Published: July 2007

BACKGROUND: Continued hemorrhage remains a major cause of mortality in massively transfused patients of whom many develop coagulopathy. Reviewing transfusion practice for these patients, we found that at our hospital more than 10 percent received a suboptimal transfusion therapy and that survivors had a higher platelet count than nonsurvivors. We therefore investigated whether the blood bank could improve its service and hence improve the outcome.

METHODS: The blood bank introduced monitoring of the delivery of blood products and contacted the clinician provided there was an imbalance in the transfusion practice. For massively transfused patients, transfusion packages, including five red blood cells, five fresh‐frozen plasma, and two platelet concentrates, were introduced to improve hemostatic competence. The Thrombelastograph (TEG) Haemostatic System (Haemoscope Corp., Niles, IL) was implemented, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of coagulopathy.

RESULTS: The fraction of suboptimally transfused patients declined from more than 10 percent to less than 3 percent. The transfusion package administered intraoperatively to patients operated on for a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm resulted in decreased postoperative transfusion requirements and improved 30‐day survival (66% vs. 44%) compared with controls. Performing TEG alone in patients with significant bleeding as judged by the anesthetist reduced the number of analyses by approximately 85 percent, while those patients with coagulopathy remained identified. The TEG showed a 97 percent predictability in identifying a surgical cause of bleeding in postoperative patients. Ten percent of the massively bleeding trauma patients had hyperfibrinolysis as the major cause of bleeding, whereas 45 percent were hypercoagulable.

CONCLUSION: The initiative from the blood bank has improved the transfusion practice and, hence, survival in massively transfused patients at our hospital.
Christian God‐Talk While Listening to Atheists, Pluralists, and Muslims
Authors: Peters Ted
Published: July 2007

In the global conversation over religious ideas, a de facto debate is raging between atheism, pluralism, and Islam. Pluralism respects the claim of every religion. Atheism respects the claim of no religion. Islam respects the claim of its own religion. How should a Christian theologian construct a doctrine of God that benefits from listening to this conversation yet stresses what is important in the gospel, namely, that the God of Jesus Christ is gracious in character? What is recommended here is to (1) investigate the truth question; (2) avoid putting God in the equations; (3) affirm what is essential; and (4) practice charity.
Nothing Less than Everything: Thoughts on a Sittler Legacy
Authors: Childs James M.
Published: July 2007

Universtiy of Chicago theologian Joseph Sittler has left a most valuable legacy. He was a “preacher's theologian.” He distinguished between a literal reading of the Bible from faith in the God of the Bible. He pioneered the interaction between Christology and ecology. Sittler was a pioneer, worthy of being remembered two decades after his death.
Prison's Door to Freedom
Authors: Haysom Elizabeth
Published: July 2007

What prisoners need when their external freedom has been taken away is inner freedom. Prison ministries too frequently reinforce authoritarian structures by confining the mind just like the correctional institution confines everything else. What is needed is a prison theology that evokes a fresh vision of transformation. The key to transformation is reliance on the presence of God in the inner life, a gift of the Holy Spirit. In the Spirit there is freedom.
What I Really Said about Secularisation
Authors: Martin David
Published: July 2007

The author sets out the different elements in his approach to secularization over forty years from a conceptual critique to an empirical general theory, initially covering Europe and America and later global Christianity, taking into account different historical inflections to secularization as a component of master narratives. The author presents his interest in secularization as strongly linked to his interest in religion and politics, faith and violence.
Flashpoints in Interpreting Paul
Authors: Hultgren Arland J.
Published: July 2007

In this article, Luther Seminary New Testament scholar Arland Hultgren outlines the unresolved issues of the “New Perspective on Paul”: (1) the question of legalism in pre‐Pauline Judaism; (2) justification by faith; and (3) the use of the objective or subjective genitive in the “pistis Christou Debate.” On the question as to whether Luther got Paul right, Hultgren points out a difficulty, namely, those addressing this question frequently fail to designate precisely what they mean by “Lutheran.”
Paul, Luther, and the Cross: In Dialog with Karl Donfried
Authors: Brondos David A.
Published: July 2007

In response to the articles appearing in Dialog 46:1 (Spring 2007), David Brondos defends his position that in Paul's thought Christ's death did not “effect” human salvation, over against Karl Donfried's critique of that position. While Brondos and Donfried agree that Luther got the essence of Paul's gospel right and that Paul did not understand Jesus' death in terms of satisfaction or penal substitution, Brondos argues that the idea of “inclusive substitution” defended by Donfried and characteristic of the “new perspective on Paul” is foreign to the thought of both Paul and Luther.
Estimating Survival and Association in a Semicompeting Risks Model
Authors: Lakhal Lajmi , Rivest Louis‐Paul , Abdous Belkacem
Published: July 2007

SummaryIn many follow‐up studies, patients are subject to concurrent events. In this article, we consider semicompeting risks data as defined byFine, Jiang, and Chappell(2001,Biometrika88, 907–919) where one event is censored by the other but not vice versa. The proposed model involves marginal survival functions for the two events and a parametric family of copulas for their dependency. This article suggests a general method for estimating the dependence parameter when the dependency is modeled with an Archimedean copula. It uses the copula‐graphic estimator ofZheng and Klein(1995,Biometrika82, 127–138) for estimating the survival function of the nonterminal event, subject to dependent censoring. Asymptotic properties of these estimators are derived. Simulations show that the new methods work well with finite samples. The copula‐graphic estimator is shown to be more accurate than the estimator proposed byFine et al. (2001); its performances are similar to those of the self‐consistent estimator ofJiang, Fine, Kosorok, and Chappell(2005,Scandinavian Journal of Statistics33,1–20). The analysis of a data set, emphasizing the estimation of characteristics of the observable region, is presented as an illustration.
Morphogenesis in the Marine Spirotrichous Ciliate Apokeronopsis crassa (Claparède & Lachmann, 1858) n. comb. (Ciliophora: Stichotrichia), with the Establishment of a New Genus, Apokeronopsis n. g., and Redefinition of the Genus Thigmokeronopsis
Authors: SHAO CHEN , HU XIAOZHONG , WARREN ALAN , AL‐RASHEID KHALED A. S. , AL‐QURAISHY SALEH A. , SONG WEIBO
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT. Morphogenetic events during the division of the marine spirotrichous ciliate, Apokeronopsis crassa (Claparède & Lachmann 1858) n. comb. were investigated. Compared with members of the well‐known genera Thigmokeronopsis, Uroleptopsis, and Pseudokeronopsis, A. crassa has one row of buccal cirri, high number of transverse cirri, clearly separated midventral rows, lacks thigmotactic cirri and a gap in adoral zone, its undulating membranes (UMs) anlage forms one cirrus and marginal rows and dorsal kineties form apokinetally during division. All these characteristics indicate that this organism represents a new taxon at the generic level, and hence a new genus is suggested, Apokeronopsis n. g. It is defined as thus: Pseudokeronopsidae with Pseudokeronopsis‐like bicorona of frontal cirri and one marginal row on each side; one row of two or more buccal cirri in ordinary position; two midventral rows distinctly separated, hence of cirri that are not in a typical zig‐zag pattern; high number of transverse cirri, caudal cirri absent, and frontoterminal cirri present; thigmotactic cirri absent, many macronuclear nodules fuse into many masses as well as marginal and dorsal kineties form apokinetally during morphogenesis. At the same time, the genus ThigmokeronopsisWicklow, 1981 is redefined, and one new combination, Apokeronopsis antarctica (Petz, 1995) n. comb. is proposed. The morphogenetic events of A. crassa are characterized as follows: (1) In the proter, the adoral zone of membranelles and UMs are completely renewed by the oral primordium. The UM anlage is formed apokinetally on the dorsal wall of the buccal cavity and is hence clearly separated from the frontoventral‐transverse (FVT) cirral anlagen in the proter. (2) Frontoventral‐transverse cirral anlagen are generated de novo in the outermost region of the cortex to the right of the old UMs. (3) A row of buccal cirri arises from FVT cirral streak I. (4) The marginal rows and dorsal kineties originate de novo in both dividers; no caudal cirri are formed. (5) The last FVT‐streak contributes two frontoterminal cirri. (6) The many macronuclear nodules fuse into many masses (about 50 segments) during division, unlike a singular or branched mass as described in other urostylids.
Effect of Grain Size on Mechanical Properties of Submicrometer 3Y‐TZP: Fracture Strength and Hydrothermal Degradation
Authors: Eichler Jens , Rödel Jürgen , Eisele Ulrich , Hoffman Mark
Published: July 2007

This paper considers fracture strength, fracture origins, and hydrothermal degradation of 3Y‐TZP with grain sizes in the range of 110–480 nm. Biaxial fracture strength testing was used to show that the fracture strength increases with grain size and is governed by the concurrent change in fracture toughness. Hydrothermal degradation was studied by means of fractography, Raman microscopy and its effect on fracture strength. Up to 200 nm grain size, hydrothermal degradation of strength is limited. Larger grain sizes exhibit either premature failure or an increase in strength. A surface transformation zone was found to be responsible for both phenomena.
Thermal Expansion and High‐Temperature Phase Transition of Ba6−3xLn8+2xTi18O54(Ln=La, Nd, and Sm) Ceramics
Authors: Qin Ni , Liu Xiao Qiang , Chen Xiang Ming
Published: July 2007

Thermal expansion behaviors of Ba6−3xLn8+2xTi18O54(Ln=La, Nd, and Sm,x=0.5, 0.67, and 0.75) ceramics were determined by dilatometric measurement. The samples of all investigated compositions expanded nearly linearly with increasing temperature in the range of 20°–1200°C. Their thermal expansion coefficients were determined to be 10.7–11.4 ppm/°C. A discontinuous change in sample size was observed at about 1350°C for each composition, indicating the existence of a phase transition. As determined by the high‐resolution X‐ray diffraction analysis, the phase constitution and the lattice parameters of Ba6−3xSm8+2xTi18O54ceramics were maintained in the quenched samples. The origin of the phase transition was discussed thoroughly. Phase equilibrium in the BaTiO3–Ln2/3TiO3system was reviewed by considering the phase transition.
Sintering Behavior and Optical Properties of Yttria
Authors: Bernard‐Granger Guillaume , Guizard Christian , San‐Miguel Laurie
Published: July 2007

Sintering in air of a pure yttria powder was investigated on green samples shaped by slip casting. The “relative density/grain size” trajectory has been drawn and hypotheses concerning the mechanisms controlling grain growth and densification were formulated. Samples were fully densified by an additional hot isostatic pressing step on pre‐sintered samples. After optimal polishing, optical properties were measured in the UV, visible, and infrared ranges.
Dynamically Controlled Formation of TiN by Combustion of Ti in Air
Authors: Liu Guanghua , Chen Kexin , Zhou Heping , Ren Kegang , Jin Haibo , Ferreira Jose Maria Fonte
Published: July 2007

This paper studies the formation of titanium nitride (TiN) by combustion of Ti particles in air. It is proposed that the combustion reaction is a dynamically controlled process, in which the formation of TiN is fulfilled by delayed gas infiltration behind the propagation of combustion wave. With the addition of NH4Cl or carbon black, the yield of TiN can be enhanced. The as‐synthesized TiN grains show a terraced morphology with parallel layers stacked in the normal direction. It is thought that this terraced morphology has been derived from a surface‐coarsening process. The parallel layers show regular hexagonal outlines and thus are considered to be (111) planes according to the symmetric characters of the FCC structure. The (111) texture is also revealed by X‐ray diffraction results, where the relative intensity of (111) peak is clearly higher than the reference in the JCPDS card. In addition, nanoscale twinning areas are observed in TiN grains. From transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results, it is determined that the twinning plane is (111) and the twinning direction is [211]. The movement of atoms during twinning is discussed according to the FCC structure of TiN and high‐resolution TEM images.
Crystal Structure Analysis of Si‐ and Zn‐Codoped Tricalcium Phosphate by Neutron Powder Diffraction
Authors: Wei Xiang , Akinc Mufit
Published: July 2007

Tricalcium phosphate (TCP) is a candidate for a temporary bone implant. Attempts were made to tune the resorption rate of implant for bone reforming by doping different levels of Si and Zn. In this paper, the crystal structure of Si‐ and Zn‐codoped TCP (Si,Zn‐Ca3(PO4)2 (Si,Zn‐TCP)) was studied by using a time‐of‐flight neutron powder diffraction and the Rietveld analysis method. Si,Zn‐TCP was confirmed to have a rhombohedral structure (space group R3c, Z=21), with the unit cell parameters a=b=10.3958(1) Å, c=37.3122(7) Å, α=β=90°, and γ=120° in the hexagonal setting. Of the five cation sites, Ca(1), Ca(2), and Ca(3) positions are still occupied by Ca with minor change in Ca–O bond distance compared with the pure β‐TCP. Whereas the Ca(5) site was totally occupied by Zn. Compared with the original Ca(5)···O distance, the shorter and more uniform Zn(5)···O bond distances show the smaller cation substitution effect and a more ideal octahedral geometry. The site Ca(4) was partially substituted by Zn and Ca,Zn(4)···O(9) bond distance is 2.808(5) Å, much shorter than the original 3.041(1). The Zn substitution content is calculated to be 10% of total Ca sites. A fraction of Si substitutes for P(1) sites and the substitution content is calculated to be 3.9% of total phosphorus sites. The bond valence sums of Ca,Zn(4) is 0.97, higher than 0.67 for Ca(4) in β‐TCP. Other Ca and Zn(5) sites are close to 2.0.
Tunable Trap Levels Observed in La and Eu Codoped CaAl2O4‐Based Phosphor
Authors: Lin Yuan‐Hua , Li Ming , Nan Ce‐Wen , Zhang Zhongtai
Published: July 2007

CaAl2O4‐based phosphors with Eu2+ and La3+ codoped have been prepared by the traditional solid‐sintering method, and the photoluminescence intensity can be efficiently enhanced by codoped La3+ ions. Positron annihilation spectroscopy proves that a large amount of

vacancies exist in the CaAl2O4 host and the complex defects

form on increasing the concentration of doped La3+ ions. The thermoluminescence spectra demonstrate that some new trap levels with various trap depths are produced on increasing the concentration of the doped La3+ ions, which are correlated to the La3+‐associated complex defects in the CaAl2O4‐based phosphor.
Age Estimation by a Dental Method: A Comparison of Lamendin’s and Prince & Ubelaker’s Technique
Authors: González‐Colmenares Gretel , Botella‐López Miguel C. , Moreno‐Rueda Gregorio , Fernández‐Cardenete Juan R.
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  Lamendin et al. (J Forensic Sci 1992;37:1373) developed a general technique to estimate age of adults at death using two dental features: periodontosis and translucency of the tooth root. Prince and Ubelaker (J Forensic Sci 2002;47:107) modified this method, creating a formula for each sex and for different ancestries, and obtained more precise age estimations. In the present study, the validity of each method was tested in 45 males and 34 females of Spanish Caucasian origin, and a novel formula, based on Prince and Ubelaker method, was specifically developed for a population of mixed racial origin (mestizo) from Colombia, and findings obtained were again compared with those yielded by Lamendin adult dental aging technique. The Prince and Ubelaker method proved more accurate than the Lamendin technique in the Spanish Caucasian population, and our Prince and Ubelaker‐based formula was also more accurate than the Lamendin et al. In both populations, the Lamendin method showed a higher mean error in estimations of the age of youngest and oldest individuals. These findings confirm the need to create specific formulas for each human group in order to obtain more accurate age estimates.
Measuring the Intercondylar Shelf Angle Using Radiographs: Intra‐ and Inter‐Observer Error Tests of Reliability
Authors: Berg Gregory E. , Ta’ala Sabrina C. , Kontanis Elias J. , Leney Sardiaa S.
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  This study presents a test of intra‐ and inter‐observer measurement error rates of the intercondylar shelf angle of the distal femur, as measured on lateral radiographs. This measurement is the central element of a method to determine racial affiliation from the distal femur. Four observers independently radiographed a set of 33 complete and partial femora from collections housed at the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, Central Identification Laboratory. Each observer then measured the intercondylar shelf angles in each radiograph, following the original method’s guidelines. A supplementary inter‐observer error test was conducted by four additional observers on one set of radiographs. Statistically significant differences were found for both intra‐ and inter‐observer error based on the results of Student’s t‐tests, paired samples t‐tests, and ANOVA analyses. The results of this study indicate that further experimentation should be undertaken in order to develop refined measurement techniques that may help improve standardization and reduce the observer error rates.
The Effect of Repeated Physical Disturbance on Soft Tissue Decomposition—Are Taphonomic Studies an Accurate Reflection of Decomposition?*
Authors: Adlam Rachel E. , Simmons Tal
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  Although the relationship between decomposition and postmortem interval has been well studied, almost no studies examined the potential effects of physical disturbance occurring as a result of data collection procedures. This study compares physically disturbed rabbit carcasses with a series of undisturbed carcasses to assess the presence and magnitude of any effects resulting from repetitive disturbance. Decomposition was scored using visual assessment of soft tissue changes, and numerical data such as weight loss and carcass temperature were recorded. The effects of disturbance over time on weight loss, carcass temperature, soil pH and decomposition were studied. In addition, this study aimed to validate some of the anecdotal evidence regarding decomposition. Results indicate disturbance significantly inversely affects both weight loss and carcass temperature. No differences were apparent between groups for soil pH change or overall decomposition stage. An insect‐mediated mechanism for the disturbance effect is suggested, along with indications as to why this effect may be cancelled when scoring overall decomposition.
A Traffic Accident Caused by Fatigue Failure of Axle
Authors: Park Chan‐Seong , Lee Sang‐Hoon , Lee Kyu‐Jung
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  An investigation of a traffic accident involving a tractor‐trailer and a passenger car that were traveling at high speed is presented. The cause was the fracture of a trailer axle. The investigation showed that the fracture was because of the fatigue failure. In addition, cracks were found in the remaining three trailer wheels. Hardness measurements showed that, because of inadequate heat treatment of the metal, they were prone to failure.
Morphological and Spectroscopic Measurements of Plastic Bags for the Purpose of Discrimination
Authors: Hashimoto Takashi , Howitt David G. , Land Donald P. , Tulleners Frederic A. , Springer Faye A. , Wang Shunlin
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  The discrimination of noncolored transparent polyethylene bags was studied by several nondestructive and semidestructive analytical methods. X‐ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and optical microscopy (differential interference contrast microscopy and phase contrast microscopy) were applied to polyethylene films. X‐ray diffraction was used to distinguish variations in the crystalline phase, infrared spectroscopy was used to distinguish variations in the molecular components, and optical microscopy was used to distinguish the different surface morphologies. The results show that X‐ray diffraction classifies the crystalline phase of the film depending on whether it is made from low‐density polyethylene, linear low‐density polyethylene, or high‐density polyethylene; that infrared spectroscopy is useful to distinguish the molecular components and it is the most discriminating technique; and that optical microscopy discriminate films easily by their morphological differences.
Topical and systemic absorption in delivery of dexamethasone to the anterior and posterior segments of the eye
Authors: Sigurdsson Hakon H. , Konráðsdóttir Fífa , Loftsson Thorsteinn , Stefánsson Einar
Published: July 2007

Purpose:  This study aimed to: (1) determine the relative efficiencies of topical and systemic absorption of drugs delivered by eyedrops to the anterior and posterior segments of the eye; (2) establish whether dexamethasone‐cyclodextrin eyedrops deliver significant levels of drug to the retina and vitreous in the rabbit eye, and (3) compare systemic absorption following topical application to the eye versus intranasal or intravenous delivery.

Methods:  In order to distinguish between topical and systemic absorption in the eye, we applied 0.5% dexamethasone‐cyclodextrin eyedrops to one (study) eye of rabbits and not to the contralateral (control) eye. Drug levels were measured in each eye. The study eye showed the result of the combination of topical and systemic absorption, whereas the control eye showed the result of systemic absorption only. Systemic absorption was also examined after intranasal and intravenous administration of the same dose of dexamethasone.

Results:  In the aqueous humour dexamethasone levels were 170 ± 76 ng/g (mean ± standard deviation) in the study eye and 6 ± 2 ng/g in the control eye. Similar ratios were seen in the iris and ciliary body. In the retina the dexamethasone level was 33 ± 7 ng/g in the study eye and 14 ± 3 ng/g in the control eye. Similar ratios were seen in the vitreous humour. Systemic absorption was similar from ocular, intranasal and intravenous administration.

Conclusions:  Absorption after topical application dominates in the anterior segment. Topical absorption also plays a significant role in delivering dexamethasone to the posterior segment of the rabbit eye. In medication administered to the retina, 40% of the drug reaches the retina via the systemic route and 60% via topical penetration. Dexamethasone‐cyclodextrin eyedrops deliver a significant amount of drug to the rabbit retina.
Can caregivers be used in assessing oral health‐related quality of life among patients hospitalized for acute medical conditions?
Authors: Zhu H. W. , McGrath C. , McMillan A. S. , Li L. S. W.
Published: July 2007

Abstract –  Objectives:  To assess the agreement between patients’ and caregivers’ (CGs) assessment of patients’ oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) during the acute stage of their hospitalization.

Methods:  A sample of 161 consecutive patients admitted to hospital following stroke and their CGs. Patients and CGs were interviewed independently about the impact of oral health status on the life quality of the patient employing the General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Agreement of impact was assessed by comparison (agreement at the group level) and correlation analyses (agreement of individual patient–CG pairs).

Results:  The response rate was 76% with 121 pairs of patients and CGs participating. At the group level, variations in patient's own and CG GOHAI scores were found (P < 0.001). The CGs underestimated the impact of oral health on life quality, particularly with respect to aspects of psychosocial functioning compared with patients’ own perceptions. However, the bias in reports was small (standardized difference = 0.43). The mean absolute difference in overall scores constituted 8% of the possible range of GOHAI scores. At the individual patient–CG pair level, the intraclass correlation coefficient for GOHAI scores was 0.73 (95% CI 0.61–0.82), indicating substantial agreement.

Conclusion:  At the group and individual level there was adequate agreement between patients’ and CGs’ assessment of patients’ OHRQoL during the acute stage of their hospitalization. The findings have implications in the use of CGs as proxies in assessing oral health when patients’ own assessment may be difficult to obtain.