bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of the Excitation Mechanism in the Low Current Carbon Arc in Argon and Helium
Authors: Morris W. F. , Worden E. F.
Published: October 2005

Arc temperatures have been measured, and relative electron densities have been estimated for dc arcs in Ar, Ar-CO, He, and He-CO. Two temperatures were measured: the excitation temperature, Tcxc, by means of the zinc two-line intensity ratio method, and the rotational temperature, Tr, by the C2 band method. Relative electron densities were estimated by comparing Ha line widths in each of the four arc atmospheres. These measurements were performed to gain some understanding of the influence of small amounts of CO on the excitation characteristics of low amperage arcs in argon and helium. The resulting temperatures and electron density estimates indicate that only the c in argon with CO present approaches local thermodynamic equilibrium. Tables of the measured temperatures and plots of the Hα line widths for the estimation of electron densities are given. Implications with regard to the excitation of metal impurities vaporized into these arcs are discussed.
The Changing Concept of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: Diagnostic Coding Shifts, Controversies Regarding the Sleeping Environment, and New Variables to Consider in Reducing Risk
Authors:   Task Force on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Published: October 2005

There has been a major decrease in the incidence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) since the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released its recommendation in 1992 that infants be placed down for sleep in a nonprone position. Although the SIDS rate continues to fall, some of the recent decrease of the last several years may be a result of coding shifts to other causes of unexpected infant deaths. Since the AAP published its last statement on SIDS in 2000, several issues have become relevant, including the significant risk of side sleeping position; the AAP no longer recognizes side sleeping as a reasonable alternative to fully supine sleeping. The AAP also stresses the need to avoid redundant soft bedding and soft objects in the infant's sleeping environment, the hazards of adults sleeping with an infant in the same bed, the SIDS risk reduction associated with having infants sleep in the same room as adults and with using pacifiers at the time of sleep, the importance of educating secondary caregivers and neonatology practitioners on the importance of “back to sleep,” and strategies to reduce the incidence of positional plagiocephaly associated with supine positioning. This statement reviews the evidence associated with these and other SIDS-related issues and proposes new recommendations for further reducing SIDS risk.
Quality of Effluents from Channel Catfish Hatcheries in Northwestern Mississippi
Authors: Tucker Craig S
Published: October 2005

Samples of water supply and effluent were collected from five commercial hatcheries for channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus in northwestern Mississippi. Hatcheries were visited three times at 2-week intervals during the peak of the catfish spawning season. Samples were analyzed for total suspended solids, soluble and total phosphorus, total ammonia, total nitrogen, and 5-d biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5). Net pollutant loads (effluent concentration minus inflow concentration) were low for all variables. Maximum average net loadings were 10.7 mg/L for total suspended solids, 0.13 mg/L for total phosphorus, 0.28 mg/L for total nitrogen, and 2.07 mg/L for BOD5. Because net pollutant loadings were low and groundwater supplies initially had low concentrations of solids and organic matter, effluents were of excellent quality with respect to those variables. Four of the groundwater supplies contained substantial background levels of phosphorus or nitrogen; accordingly, effluents from those hatcheries had moderate levels of those substances. The highest average effluent concentrations (ranges for all samples in parentheses) were as follows: total suspended solids, 12.3 mg/L (7- 19 mg/L); soluble reactive phosphorus, 0.36 mg/L (0.007–0.390 mg/L); total phosphorus, 0.45 mg/L (0.15- 0.53 mg/L); total ammonia nitrogen, 0.49 mg/L (0.13- 0.57 mg/L); total nitrogen, 0.60 mg/L (0.19–0.72 mg/ L); and BOD5, 3.03 mg/L (0.85–4.03 mg/L). These concentrations are lower than the corresponding concentrations in most potential effluent-receiving streams in northwestern Mississippi, and total effluent volume from catfish hatcheries constitutes less than 0.02% of total annual streamflow in the region. It is therefore unlikely that catfish hatchery effluents will have a negative effect on receiving stream water quality.
Effects of Betaine Supplementation to Feeds of Pacific White Shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei Reared at Extreme Salinities
Authors: Saoud I P , Davis D A
Published: October 2005

Shrimp production worldwide has increased dramatically, and optimal sites are no longer abundant. New farms are being constructed in areas where water salinity and ion composition are suboptimal. Aquaculturists and feed suppliers are attempting to alleviate ion nonequilibriums through nutrition. One nutritive supplement that has been marketed is the amino acid betaine. The present work evaluated the effects of betaine as a feed supplement on the survival and growth of Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei reared at extreme salinities (0.5 or 50‰). Juvenile Pacific white shrimp (mean individual weight, 0.18 g) were reared in 16 tanks: eight tanks held water at 0.5‰, and eight held water at 50‰. Shrimp were maintained for 8 weeks in four replicate tanks from each salinity treatment and offered feed with or without a betaine supplement. Survival (75–89%) and final weights (2.8–3.5 g) were typical for this species reared in indoor systems, but there was no significant influence of the presence of betaine. However, there was a significant influence of salinity on growth. These results suggest that betaine supplementation to practical diets designed for Pacific white shrimp does not improve production at extremely low or high salinities.
Pharmacodynamic Analysis of Ceftriaxone, Gatifloxacin, and Levofloxacin Against Streptococcus pneumoniae with the Use of Monte Carlo Simulation
Authors: Frei Christopher R. , Burgess David S.
Published: October 2005

Study Objective. To evaluate the pharmacodynamics of four intravenous antimicrobial regimens—ceftriaxone 1 g, gatifloxacin 400 mg, levofloxacin 500 mg, and levofloxacin 750 mg, each every 24 hours—against recent Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates.

Design. Pharmacodynamic analysis using Monte Carlo simulation.

Data Source. The Surveillance Network (TSN) 2002 database.

Measurements and Main Results: Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates (7866 isolates) were stratified according to penicillin susceptibilities as follows: susceptible (4593), intermediate (1986), and resistant (1287). Risk analysis software was used to simulate 10,000 patients by integrating published pharmacokinetic parameters, their variability, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) distributions TSN database. Probability of target attainment was determined for percentage of time above the MIC (%T>MIC) from 0–100% for ceftriaxone and area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC):MIC ratio from 0–150 for the fluoroquinolones. For ceftriaxone, probability of target attainment remained 90% or greater against the three isolate groups until a %T>MIC of 70% or greater, and it remained 90% or greater against susceptible and intermediate isolates over the entire interval (%T>MIC 0–100%). For levofloxacin 500 mg, probability of target attainment was 90% at an AUC:MIC ≥ 30, but the curve declined sharply with further increases in pharmacodynamic target. Levofloxacin 750 mg achieved a probability of target attainment of 99% at an AUC:MIC ratio ≥ 30; the probability remained approximately 90% until a target of 70 or greater, when it declined steeply. Gatifloxacin demonstrated a high probability (99%) of target attainment at an AUC:MIC ratio ≥ 30, and it remained above 90% until a target of 70.

Conclusion. Ceftriaxone maintained high probability of target attainment over a broad range of pharmacodynamic targets regardless of penicillin susceptibility (%T>MIC 0–60%). Levofloxacin 500 mg maintained high probability of target attainment for AUC:MIC ratios 0–30; whereas, levofloxacin 750 mg and gatifloxacin maintained high probability of target attainment for AUC:MIC ratios 0–60. Rate of decline in the pharmacodynamic curve was most pronounced for the two levofloxacin regimens and more gradual for gatifloxacin and ceftriaxone.
Streptococcus pneumoniae: Description of the Pathogen, Disease Epidemiology, Treatment, and Prevention
Authors: Bridy‐Pappas Angela E. , Margolis Marya B. , Center Kimberly J. , Isaacman Daniel J.
Published: October 2005

Streptococcus pneumoniae causes significant morbidity and mortality. Children younger than 2 years and individuals older than 65 years experience the highest rates of pneumococcal disease. Efforts to treat pneumococcal disease have been complicated by increasing resistance to antimicrobials. Prevention efforts have included the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines and the pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, with use of these vaccines targeted to those at highest risk for disease. Information and background on S. pneumoniae and pneumococcal disease are provided. Vaccines targeted at this pathogen are reviewed, and the clinical trials that evaluated their safety, efficacy, and effectiveness are summarized. Also provided are recommendations for use of these vaccines.
Protective Effects of Angiotensin II Interruption: Evidence for Antiinflammatory Actions
Authors: Dagenais Nigel J. , Jamali Fakhreddin
Published: October 2005

Angiotensin II, the major effector molecule produced renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone axis, is a vasoconstrictor contributing to hypertension. Evidence indicates, however, that angiotensin II also is a potent proinflammatory mediator with growth and remodeling effects. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that angiotensin II blockade significantly reduces concentrations of proinflammatory mediators and oxidative stress products in numerous inflammatory models. Interruption of angiotensin II activity with angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers has been beneficial for patients with inflammatory diseases. Much of this benefit occurs independent of the antihypertensive effect of angiotensin II interruption, suggesting a distinctive protective mechanism. Angiotensin II receptor blockers may represent a novel class of antiinflammatory drugs with indications far beyond cardiovascular diseases.
Patient Education and Treatment Strategies Implemented at a Pharmacist‐Managed Hepatitis C Virus Clinic
Authors: Kolor Bonnie
Published: October 2005

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major public health concern. Approximately 4 million people in the United States have been infected with the virus, and up to 85% of them will develop chronic infection. Chronic HCV infection has often been associated with progression of hepatic fibrosis and, in some cases, cirrhosis and end‐stage liver disease. The standard of care is combination therapy with pegylated interferon (peginterferon) alfa plus ribavirin. More than 50% of patients with HCV treated with combination therapy achieve a sustained viral response, defined as undetectable hepatitis C viral RNA 6 months after the end of therapy. Effective patient education and drug therapy management are critical in enabling patients to adhere to the treatment regimen, which is either 24 or 48 weeks long, depending on the virus strain. The drug regimen is associated with several possible adverse events as well as weekly subcutaneous administration (of peginterferon alfa). Frequent monitoring of patients and, often, adjustments in the dosage of one or both components of the therapy are necessary during the treatment course. Strategies used by clinical pharmacists at an HCV clinic are discussed that can facilitate a successful treatment outcome for patients with HCV treated with combination therapy, while enabling them to maintain a reasonable quality of life.
Drug Adherence: Effects of Decreased Visit Frequency on Adherence to Clozapine Therapy
Authors: Patel Nick C. , Crismon M. Lynn , Miller Alexander L. , Johnsrud Michael T.
Published: October 2005

Objective. To study the effects of visit frequency on drug‐adherence parameters subsequent to the change in the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐mandated monitoring of white blood cell counts from weekly to every 2 weeks (biweekly) after 6 months of clozapine therapy.

Methods. Paid prescription claims records for clozapine from September 1, 1995–August 31, 2001, were extracted Texas Medicaid Vendor Drug Program database. Two groups of subjects were identified: subjects treated before and those treated after the FDA labeling change in monitoring frequency, which occurred on April 1, 1998. Prescription claims records for each subject were assessed for 365 days after the initial 6 months of therapy. Adherence measures included persistence, medication possession ratio (MPR), and time taking clozapine.

Results. Subjects receiving weekly hematologic monitoring had significantly higher rates of persistence (0.79 ± 0.35 vs 0.70 ± 0.38, p<0.001) and MPRs (0.75 ± 0.36 vs 0.66 ± 0.38, p<0.001) and continued to take clozapine longer (p<0.002) compared with subjects receiving biweekly monitoring. Fewer subjects in the weekly monitoring group discontinued clozapine therapy during the 1‐year study period (49.4% vs 57.9%, p=0.008). Similar results were observed when cohorts were matched according to age, sex, and index clozapine dosage.

Conclusion. Significant effects of visit frequency on adherence to clozapine therapy were noted. For patients inadequately adherent to therapy, an increase in visit frequency may improve adherence, and based on these results, the extra visits do not need to be with a physician or have any specific purpose other than contact with a provider.
Hydrochlorothiazide‐Induced Noncardiogenic Pulmonary Edema: An Underrecognized Yet Serious Adverse Drug Reaction
Authors: Knowles Sandra R. , Wong Gavin A. , Rahim Sherali A. , Binkley Karen , Phillips Elizabeth J. , Shear Neil H.
Published: October 2005

Noncardiogenic pulmonary edema is a rare but potentially life‐threatening complication of hydrochlorothiazide therapy. We describe three patients who developed this serious adverse reaction. A 64‐year‐old woman developed dypsnea and hypotension within 60 minutes of taking a single dose of hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg. She was admitted to the critical care unit with acute respiratory failure and subsequent multiple‐organ dysfunction. The second patient was a 56‐year‐old woman who experienced sudden onset of shortness of breath that developed 10 minutes after taking a single dose of hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg. The third was a 59‐year‐old woman who developed sudden onset of shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea after her first dose of hydrochlorothiazide‐triamterene. All three women had a history of a similar, albeit minor, reaction to a thiazide diuretic. Review of the literature identified 36 additional cases of noncardiogenic pulmonary edema after thiazide use. The patients developed symptoms 10–150 minutes after ingestion of hydrochlorothiazide or another thiazide. Symptoms can occur on first exposure to the drug or in patients taking the drug intermittently. Of interest, 90% of documented cases occurred in women. With the increasing use of thiazide diuretics in the treatment of hypertension, clinicians need to be aware of the possible association of these drugs with the development of noncardiogenic pulmonary edema.
Acute Cardiac Toxicity Associated with High‐Dose Intravenous Methotrexate Therapy: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Perez‐Verdia Alejandro , Angulo Freddy , Hardwicke Fred L. , Nugent Kenneth M.
Published: October 2005

A 36‐year‐old woman was hospitalized for preoperative chemotherapy for osteosarcoma. She received intravenous fluids for 12 hours for volume expansion, then methotrexate 24 g (12 g/m2) over 6 hours. This was followed by intravenous leucovorin 200 mg over 1 hour. Two hours after the methotrexate infusion the patient developed chest pain and bradycardia. An electrocardiogram revealed sinus pauses, and telemetry recordings indicated a 4‐beat run of ventricular tachycardia. A cardiac work‐up consisting of cardiac enzyme level determination, two‐dimensional echocardiography, and an adenosine technetium‐99m tetrofosmin stress test was negative for structural and ischemic heart disease. The patient recovered without treatment and, approximately 2 weeks later, received a second course of methotrexate at half the dose without complication. One month later the patient received treatment with doxorubicin and cisplatin; 2 days later she died unexpectedly at home. Clinicians should be aware that high‐dose methotrexate can cause cardiac symptoms and arrhythmias in previously healthy adults. This complication warrants attention and needs additional clinical investigation.
A luciferase transgenic mouse model: visualization of prostate development and its androgen responsiveness in live animals
Authors: Hsieh C-L , Xie Z , Liu Z-Y , Green J E , Martin W D , Datta M W , Yeung F , Pan D , Chung L W K
Published: October 2005

Numerous mouse models of prostate carcinogenesis have been developed, but hitherto there has been no model in which the prostate gland could be imaged in live animals. The transgenic model generated here targeted mouse prostate gland using a firefly luciferase enzyme under the control of a small but highly active and specific supra prostate-specific antigen (sPSA) promoter. We evaluated postnatal prostate development, involution and androgen-induced restoration of prostate growth in adult transgenic mice using bioluminescence imaging. Results of our study showed that: (i) the prostate gland of male offspring did not yield a significant bioluminescence signal until after sexual maturity. Luciferase was detected in the luminal epithelial cells of the ventral and dorsolateral lobes of the prostate gland and caput epididymis, with little or no activity in 18 other organs evaluated. (ii) While a constant high level of bioluminescence was detected in the mouse prostate from 5 to 35 weeks of age, a slight drop in bioluminescence was detected at 36 to 54 weeks. (iii) Upon castration, the luciferase activity signal associated with mouse prostate detected by a cooled charge-coupled device camera was dramatically reduced. This signal could be rapidly restored to pre-castration levels after androgen administration. Androgen-induced luciferase activity subsided to nearly basal levels 5 days following the last injection. These data demonstrate that a bioluminescent mouse model with luciferase activity restricted to the prostate gland under the control of a (sPSA) promoter can be used on a real-time basis in live animals to investigate the development and responsiveness of the prostate gland to exogenously administered androgen. This model can be extended to detect the responsiveness of the prostate gland to therapy and used as a founder strain to visualize tumors in hosts with different genetic backgrounds.
The red wine phenolics piceatannol and myricetin act as agonists for estrogen receptor α in human breast cancer cells
Authors: Maggiolini M , Recchia A G , Bonofiglio D , Catalano S , Vivacqua A , Carpino A , Rago V , Rossi R , Andò S
Published: October 2005

Previous epidemiological reports have suggested that red wine intake is associated with beneficial health effects due to the ability of certain phytochemical components to exert estrogen-like activity. It has been also documented that estrogens induce the proliferation of hormone-dependent breast cancer cells by binding to and transactivating estrogen receptor (ER) α, which in turn interacts with responsive DNA sequences located within the promoter region of target genes. In order to provide further insight into the positive association between wine consumption and the incidence of breast carcinoma in postmenopausal women, we have evaluated the estrogenic properties of two abundant wine-derived compounds, named piceatannol (PIC) and myricetin (MYR), using as model systems the hormone-sensitive MCF7 and the endocrine-independent SKBR3 breast cancer cells. On the basis of our experimental evidence PIC and MYR may contribute to the estrogenicity of red wine since: (1) they transactivate endogenous ERα; (2) they activate the agonist-dependent activation function (AF) 2 of ERα and ERβ in the context of the Gal4 chimeric proteins; (3) they rapidly induce the nuclear immunodetection of ERα; (4) they regulate the expression of diverse estrogen target genes; (5) they compete with 17β-estradiol for binding to ERα and ERβ; and – as a biological counterpart of the aforementioned abilities – (6) they exert stimulatory effects on the proliferation of MCF7 cells. Hence, the estrogenic activity of PIC and MYR might be considered at least as a potential factor in the association of red wine intake and breast tumors, particularly in postmenopausal women.
Hypothalamic neuropeptide expression following chronic food restriction in sedentary and wheel-running rats
Authors: de Rijke C E , Hillebrand J J G , Verhagen L A W , Roeling T A P , Adan R A H
Published: October 2005

When rats are given access to a running-wheel in combination with food restriction, they will become hyperactive and decrease their food intake, a paradoxical phenomenon known as activity-based anorexia (ABA). Little is known about the regulation of the hypothalamic neuropeptides that are involved in the regulation of food intake and energy balance during the development of ABA. Therefore, rats were killed during the development of ABA, before they entered a state of severe starvation. Neuropeptide mRNA expression levels were analysed using quantitative real-time PCR on punches of separate hypothalamic nuclei. As is expected in a state of negative energy balance, expression levels of agouti-related protein (AgRP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) were increased 5-fold in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of food-restricted running ABA rats vs 2-fold in sedentary food-restricted controls. The co-regulated expression of AgRP and NPY strongly correlated with relative body weight and white adipose tissue mass. Arcuate expression of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) was reduced 2-fold in the ABA group. In second-order neurons of the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA), melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) mRNA expression was upregulated 2-fold in food-restricted running rats, but not in food-restricted sedentary controls. Prepro-orexin, CART and corticotropin-releasing hormone expression levels in the LHA and the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) were unchanged in both food-restricted groups. From this study it was concluded that during the development of ABA, neuropeptides in first-order neurons in the ARC and MCH in the LHA are regulated in an adequate response to negative energy balance, whereas expression levels of the other studied neuropeptides in secondary neurons of the LHA and PVN are unchanged and are probably regulated by factors other than energy status alone.
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and its coactivator-1 alpha may be associated with features of the metabolic syndrome in adolescents
Authors: Sookoian S , García S I , Porto P I , Dieuzeide G , González C D , Pirola C J
Published: October 2005

Our objective was to search for differences in genotypes of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) (Pro12 Ala) and its coactivator PGC-1α (Gly482 Ser) in adolescents harboring features of metabolic syndrome. In a population-based study, we determined medical history, anthropometric variables, biochemical measurements and arterial blood pressures of 934 high-school students of Caucasian origin. We selected 220 adolescents who had systolic or diastolic blood pressures more than the 80th or less than the 20th percentiles based on the previous single set of measurements. One hundred and seventy-five adolescents completed the study and underwent two additional blood pressure measurements on different days, as well as biochemical analysis and genotyping. We found no association between insulin resistance, body mass index (BMI) and leptin levels and PPARγ and PGC-1α genotypes. The 12 Ala PPARγ allele was associated with increased waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and carriers seemed to have higher diastolic blood pressure and lower pulse pressure than non-carriers, particularly in the hypertensive and overweight group. Although Ser482 Ser PGC-1α homozygotes had lower WHRs than other PGC-1α genotypes, they were more frequent in the hypertensive group than in the normotensive (44.4 vs 24.5%, P<0.03), so the 482 Ser PGC-1 allele was in our population a risk factor for hypertension independently of WHR, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, BMI and Pro12 Ala PPARγ variant (odds ratio=4.0, 95% confidence interval 1.5–10.6, P<0.01). Multiple regression analysis showed that age- and sex-adjusted systolic blood pressure correlated with the 482 Ser PGC-1 allele regardless of those covariates. In conclusion, the Gly482 Ser variant of the PGC-1α gene may be an independent genetic risk factor for young-onset hypertension.
Androgen metabolism via 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 in mammalian and non-mammalian vertebrates: comparison of the human and the zebrafish enzyme
Authors: Mindnich R , Haller F , Halbach F , Moeller G , de Angelis M Hrabé , Adamski J
Published: October 2005

Formation and inactivation of testosterone is performed by various members of the 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) family. The main player in testosterone formation is considered to be 17β-HSD type 3, which catalyzes the reduction of androstenedione to testosterone with high efficiency and is almost exclusively expressed in testis. So far, only the mammalian homologs have been characterized but nothing is known about the role of 17β-HSD type 3 in other vertebrates. In this study, we describe the identification and characterization of the zebrafish homolog. We found zebrafish 17β-HSD type 3 to be expressed in embryogenesis from sphere to 84 h post-fertilization. Expression was also detected in various tissues of both male and female adults, but displayed sexual dimorphism. Interestingly, expression was not highest in male testis but in male liver. In female adults, strongest expression was observed in ovaries. At the subcellular level, both human and zebrafish 17β-HSD type 3 localize to the endoplasmic reticulum. The zebrafish enzyme in vitro effectively catalyzed the conversion of androstenedione to testosterone by use of NADPH as cofactor. Among further tested androgens epiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone were accepted as substrates and reduced at C-17 by the human and the zebrafish enzyme. Androsterone and androstanedione though, were only substrates of human 17β-HSD type 3, not the zebrafish enzyme. Furthermore, we found that both enzymes can reduce 11-ketoandrostenedione as well as 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione at C-17 to the respective testosterone forms. Our results suggest that 17β-HSD type 3 might play slightly different roles in zebrafish compared with human although testosterone itself is likely to have similar functions in both organisms.
The role of culture in civil engineering design
Authors: Low A. McC.
Published: October 2005

This paper explores the role of culture in the design of civil engineering works, particularly bridges. It is necessary to start by clarifying the use of the word ‘culture’ in this context because it is used in different ways. Its role is explored in a number of discussions of different historic examples. These then act as a backdrop for a discussion of the extent to which culture can and does affect decisions being made by designers today and what is an appropriate culture to draw on when such decisions are being made. It is suggested that there is some degree of current consensus for a design approach, referred to in this paper as ‘long-wave design’, which has links with many admired works from the past.
La poésie des gares and Lisbon Oriente Station, Portugal
Authors: Stemmet F.
Published: October 2005

The theme of this issue of Municipal Engineer invites the contemplation of culture, creativity and engineering. This paper locates itself in that fluid cross-over world between engineering, architecture and art. Engineering—an art of guiding force—fused with culture—the art of being human. To the author, the best contemporary synthesis of culture, creativity and engineering is the work of the engineer/architect/sculptor Santiago Calatrava. Such a synthesis, however, evades his Lisbon Oriente Station, in Portugal, which, paradoxically, brings the issue to the fore and allows it to be discussed. Lisbon's eastern industrial wasteland has been regenerating at a breathtaking pace, as if to keep up with the high-speed trains now calling at Santiago Calatrava's new and controversial Oriente Station, the area's catalyst project. It is controversial because it is a paradox. That paradox, this paper argues, comes down to a denial of the cultural role of railway stations.
Design of tension structures: challenges and misconceptions
Authors: Lewis W. J.
Published: October 2005

Tension structures, in the form of pre-stressed cable nets and fabric roofs, are becoming a permanent feature of modern architecture. Their popularity can be attributed to their aesthetic appeal, improved durability and the development of computational analysis techniques that facilitate the design process. Despite progress and growing interest in tension structures, their behaviour and complexities of design are not fully understood, except by a few specialists working in the field. This paper introduces the topic, outlines practical difficulties and discusses misconceptions related to the design of tension structures. The main focus of the paper is placed on a process known as form-finding—an issue that affects practically every aspect of design and construction. A way forward, suggested in the closing part of the paper, aims to provoke discussion on the role of engineering education and the division of labour between architect and engineer.
A Comparison of Therapy Alone Versus Therapy and Medication in a Community Clinic
Authors: Brown Jessica S. , Stellrecht Nadia E. , Williams Foluso M. , Denoma Jillian M. , Wingate LaRicka R. , Lima Elizabeth N. , Reitzel Lorraine R. , Joiner Thomas E.
Published: October 2005

Research to date suggests that the best treatment for many mental disorders is provided through the combination of medications and psychotherapy (e.g., Hollon, Thase, & Markowitz, 2002). However, the majority of studies supporting this point have been done utilizing highly restricted, controlled samples that may not accurately reflect the way mental illness is treated in the community. The present study attempted to replicate those findings in an outpatient community clinic. One hundred seventy-four adult clients who presented to a community clinic were rated as to their illness severity at both intake and termination of therapy using the Clinical Global Impression Scale and the Global Assessment of Functioning. These clients were divided into groups based on whether or not they took psychotropic medications at any point during therapy. Results showed that clients who took medications fared no better than clients who did not. These preliminary findings suggest that the combination of medications and psychotherapy may not be as effective in the “real world” as prior studies have implied, and point to the need for further research utilizing community samples.
Combined Treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder
Authors: Rodebaugh Thomas L. , Heimberg Richard G.
Published: October 2005

Despite scant evidence of an advantage of combining medication and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for social anxiety disorder, the advantages and disadvantages of the two approaches suggest the possibility that some form of combination may be helpful for many clients. At the same time, the available evidence and theoretical considerations suggest that some methods of combination could provide short-term benefits but long-term decreases in efficacy compared to either treatment alone. Thus, current knowledge suggests that, for social anxiety disorder, more treatment is no substitute for well-informed treatment. We provide guidelines for treatment based on available evidence, theoretical models, and clinical experience. Overall, the clearest case for combination treatment is for the addition of an empirically supported CBT for social anxiety disorder following the stabilization of response to an empirically supported psychopharmacological agent. The CBT should then be modified to address the use of medication, the possibility of relapse, and, ideally, the tapering of medication during CBT. Further research is called for in order to support these recommendations and extend the available literature.
Questionnaire Development to Predict Mammography Intention Among Women in Southeastern Louisiana
Authors: Steele Susan , Porche Demetrius
Published: October 2005

This article summarizes the development and psychometric analysis of the Thoughts About Mammography (TAM) questionnaire to predict mammography intention using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Key themes, obtained from elicitation interviews (N = 45), were categorized, ranked and extracted for item construction. Initial pilot testing supported test–retest reliability (alpha = .85 to .97), internal consistency (alpha = .67 to .91), and content validity (0.86–1.00). After pilot testing, the TAM was administered to 302 rural women in southeastern (SE) Louisiana. The instrument was internally consistent (alpha = 0.77 to 0.92), construct valid (alpha = .18 to .64), and predicted 24% of the variance of mammography intention. The TAM adequately demonstrated reliability and validity to measure mammography intention in rural southeastern Louisiana women.
Psychometrics of the Laffrey Health Conception Scale for Adolescents
Authors: Yarcheski Adela , Mahon Noreen E. , Yarcheski Thomas J.
Published: October 2005

The purposes of this methodological study were to factor analyze the Laffrey Health Conception Scale (LHCS) and to assess construct validity of the instrument with early adolescents. The final sample consisted of 230 early adolescents, aged 12 to 14, who responded to instrument packets in classrooms in an urban middle school. Data obtained on the LHCS were subjected to principal components factor analysis with oblique rotation. A two-factor solution was accepted, which is consistent with early adolescents’ conceptions of health. Factor I was labeled Wellness and Factor II was labeled Clinical Health. A higher order factor analysis yielded one factor with 26 items, labeled the LHCS for Early Adolescents. The 26-item LHCS had a coefficient alpha of .95. Construct validity was assessed by testing three theoretical propositions, which significantly linked health conception to social support, self-esteem, and positive health practices. The findings indicate that the LHCS is a reliable and valid measure of health conceptions in early adolescents. Results also offer flexibility to researchers interested in testing theory involving the constructs of the definition of health, wellness, and clinical health in early adolescents.
Meta-Analysis of the Reliability and Validity of Part B of the Index of Work Satisfaction Across Studies
Authors: Zangaro George A. , Soeken Karen L.
Published: October 2005

Nurses’ job satisfaction is a crucial factor in health care organizations. This study uses meta-analysis for reliability generalization and synthesis of construct validity of Part B of the Index of Work Satisfaction (IWS), a measure of job satisfaction. Meta-analysis was performed including assessments of study quality and descriptive coding of studies. Rater reliability was assessed for all coding and extraction of data. The mean reliability of Part B scores of the IWS based on 14 studies was .78 (df = 13, p < .05). The mean score reliability was .77 for university settings, .73 for community/acute care hospitals, .77 for multi-site studies, and .90 for other settings. For studies rated high and low quality, the mean score reliability was .77 and .83, respectively. Scores on Part B of the IWS correlated −.38 with turnover intent, .60 with organizational commitment, and −.53 with job stress. Scores on Part B of the IWS are reliable for measuring job satisfaction of nurses across samples. Construct validity needs additional testing.
Preparation of [1‐(Methoxymethylcarbamoyl)ethyl] Phosphonic Acid Bis‐(2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl) Ester: A Useful Intermediate in the Synthesis of

Z

‐Unsaturated

N

‐Methoxy‐

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‐Methylamides
Authors: Smith Amos B. , Beiger Jason J. , Davulcu Akin H. , Cox Jason M.
Published: October 2005

n
‐Butyl lithium

Ethanamine,
N
,
N
, ‐diethyl

Ethanol, 2,2,2‐trifluoro‐

Ethylphosphonic acid bis‐(2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl)ester

1,1,1,3,3,3,‐Hexamethyldisilazane

Methanamine,
N
‐methoxy‐, hydrochloride

Methanol, trichloro‐, carbonate

N
‐Methoxy‐
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[1‐(Methoxymethylcarbamoyl)ethyl]phosphonic acid bis‐(2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl) ester

Phosphonic dichloride

Pyridine
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R

S

)‐(+)‐2‐Methyl‐2‐propanesulfinamide
Authors: Weix Daniel J. , Ellman Jonathan A.
Published: October 2005

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,2
R
)‐(−)‐
cis
‐1‐Amino‐2‐indanol

3,5,‐Di‐
tert
‐butyl salicyladehyde

(1
S
,2
R
)‐1‐[(2‐Hydroxy‐3,5‐di‐
tert
‐butylbenzylidiene)amino]indan‐2‐ol

(
R

S

)‐(+)‐
tert
‐Butyl‐
tert
‐butanethiosulfinate

Vanadyl bis‐acetylacetonate

Di‐
tert
‐butyl disulfide

Hydrogen peroxide

Ammonia

Iron(III) nitrate nonahydrate

Lithium

Chloroacetic acid

(
R

S

)‐(+)‐2‐Methyl‐2‐propanesulfinamide
Synthesis and Optical Properties of Europium‐Doped ZnS: Long‐Lasting Phosphorescence from Aligned Nanowires
Authors: Cheng B. C. , Wang Z. G.
Published: October 2005

Quasi‐aligned Eu2+‐doped wurtzite ZnS nanowires on Au‐coated Si wafers have been successfully synthesized by a vapor deposition method under a weakly reducing atmosphere. Compared with the undoped counterpart, incorporation of the dopant gives a modulated composition and crystal structure, which leads to a preferred growth of the nanowires along the [01$\bar 1$0] direction and a high density of defects in the nanowire hosts. The ion doping causes intense fluorescence and persistent phosphorescence in ZnS nanowires. The dopant Eu2+ ions form an isoelectronic acceptor level and yield a high density of bound excitons, which contribute to the appearance of the radiative recombination emission of the bound excitons and resonant Raman scattering at higher pumping intensity. Co‐dopant Cl– ions can serve not only as donors, producing a donor–acceptor pair transition with the Eu2+ acceptor level, but can also form trap levels together with other defects, capture the photoionization electrons of Eu2+, and yield long‐lasting (about 4 min), green phosphorescence. With decreasing synthesis time, the existence of more surface states in the nanowires forms a higher density of trap centers and changes the crystal‐field strength around Eu2+. As a result, not only have an enhanced Eu2+ 4f65d1–4f7 intra‐ion transition and a prolonged afterglow time been more effectively observed (by decreasing the nanowires' diameters), but also the Eu2+ related emissions are shifted to shorter wavelengths.
Inter‐ and Intramolecular Interactions in Some Supramolecular Photochemical Systems
Authors: Delahaye S. , Loosli C. , Liu S. X. , Decurtins S. , Labat G. , Neels A. , Loosli A. , Ward T. R. , Hauser A.
Published: October 2005

In supramolecular systems, the interaction between different units modulates their photophysical properties. a) For platinum(II) complexes with ligands that have extended π systems, π‐stacking and direct metal–metal interactions result in the formation of excimers with characteristically red‐shifted luminescence. Time‐resolved emission spectra show clear evidence of dual luminescence. b) In phthalocyanines to which electron‐donating tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) groups have been fused, the luminescence is strongly quenched by intramolecular electron transfer. The luminescence can be switched on by oxidation of the TTF groups. c) The luminescence of ruthenium tris‐bipyridyl derivatives is strongly influenced by the environment. Linked to biotin, the luminescence quantum yield of such a complex is enhanced by 30 % upon binding to avidin. Furthermore, the binding to avidin induces a circular‐dichroism signal from the π–π* transition of the initially racemic ruthenium tris‐bipyridyl derivative.
A comparative study of UVP and LDA techniques for pulp suspensions in pipe flow
Authors: Wiklund Johan A. , Stading Mats , Pettersson A. Johan , Rasmuson Anders
Published: October 2005

For the first time, noninvasive measurements in pulp suspensions at consistencies ranging from 0.74%(w/w) up to 7.8%(w/w) have been performed simultaneously using ultrasound velocity profiling (UVP) and laser doppler anemometry (LDA) in an experimental pipe flow loop. Results show that both techniques can be used to determine the plug flow velocity with good agreement in much more concentrated pulp suspensions than what has been reported so far in the literature. Instantaneous velocity profiles have been obtained noninvasively in pipe flow using the UVP technique, and it is shown that combined with simultaneous pressure drop measurements, the UVP technique can be used to determine the yield stress in‐line. Results further show that LDA works, with limited penetration depth of up to several millimeters, even in strongly opaque systems, such as in 7.8%(w/w) pulp. Deviating results were however obtained in the near wall region and more work is needed. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Coalescence in a surfactant‐less emulsion under simple shear flow
Authors: Nandi Arup , Mehra Anurag , Khakhar D. V.
Published: October 2005

Shear‐induced coalescence is investigated in a neutrally buoyant, surfactant‐less oil‐in‐water emulsion containing an electrolyte. Emulsion drops are large enough for Brownian motion–induced coalescence to be negligible. The emulsion is subjected to a simple shear flow in a tangential Couette apparatus with a rotating inner cylinder, and the evolution of the drop size distribution with time is obtained using optical microscopy and image analysis. The effect of varying the shear rate and the dispersed phase holdup is studied. The evolving drop size distributions become bimodal with increasing coalescence and are not found to be self‐similar. A population balance model with an empirical coalescence efficiency (ratio of the actual coalescence rate to the Smoluchowski rate) function containing four fitting parameters describes the time evolution of the experimental drop size distribution reasonably well. The coalescence rate, inferred qualitatively from the measured drop size distributions at different times as well as obtained from the fitted coalescence efficiency, is found to increase with increasing shear rate and dispersed‐phase holdup. The coalescence efficiency also increases with holdup, although it decreases with increasing shear rates. The fitted coalescence efficiency results indicate the existence of a critical drop diameter of 12 μm at which the coalescence efficiency is maximum. The computed magnitude of the coalescence efficiency is of the order of 10−2 for all cases and is about 100‐fold larger than that obtained earlier for surfactant‐stabilized emulsions. The results indicate that coalescence in surfactant‐less emulsions is qualitatively different from that in emulsions containing surfactant. The experimental findings are discussed in the light of recent theories and experimental work in this field. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Optimal design of azeotropic batch distillation
Authors: Mussati M. C. , Aguirre P. A. , Espinosa J. , Iribarren O. A.
Published: October 2005

This study explores integrating models with different degrees of detail for optimizing azeotropic batch distillation systems. A detailed dynamic model is used from outside the optimization program both to verify feasibility of the design and to update the parameters needed by the optimization model. The updated parameters are the constant relative volatilities between pseudo‐components, used in a binary Fenske–Underwood–Gilliland‐type model. The approach was used to optimize the design of a batch process for the recovery of spent isopropyl alcohol, which works cyclically to separate the excess water, satisfying an environmentally acceptable specification, and using cyclohexane as entrainer, which in turn is recovered in the same process and recycled. The approach permitted optimizing the batch sizes, number of separation stages, the reflux ratios of a piecewise constant multilevel reflux policy, the extent of each separation, and the size of the intermediate cuts to be recycled, with affordable computation and problem setup times. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Connexin 26 variants and auditory neuropathy/dys‐synchrony among children in schools for the deaf
Authors: Cheng Xing , Li Li , Brashears Shanda , Morlet Thierry , Ng San San , Berlin Charles , Hood Linda , Keats Bronya
Published: October 2005

Genetic and auditory studies of 731 children with severe‐to‐profound hearing loss in US schools for the deaf and 46 additional children receiving clinical services for hearing loss ranging from moderate to profound demonstrated that mutations in the connexin 26 (GJB2) and connexin 30 (GJB6) genes explain at least 12% of those with nonsyndromic sensorineural deafness. Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) testing to detect functional outer hair cells indicated that 76 of the children had emissions and therefore may have (as yet unconfirmed) auditory neuropathy/dys‐synchrony (AN/AD). Five of these children with OAEs were GJB2 homozygotes or compound heterozygotes with the genotypes 35delG/35delG, W77X/W77X, 35delG/360delGAG, 35delG/V95M, and V84M/M34T. In particular, unilateral AN/AD was confirmed in a child with moderate hearing loss and the 35delG/V95M genotype. Detecting OAEs in individuals with GJB2 mutations suggests that lack of functional gap junctions as a result of GJB2 mutations does not necessarily destroy all outer hair cell function. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Familial vertebral segmentation defects, Sprengel anomaly, and omovertebral bone with variable expressivity
Authors: Kaissi Ali Al , Chehida Farid Ben , Gharbi Hassan , Ghachem Maher Ben , Hendaoui Lotfi , Hennekam Raoul C.M.
Published: October 2005

A 10‐year‐old boy was found to have an unusual presentation of the Sprengel anomaly, omovertebral bones, and segmentation defects of the vertebral column at the cervical, thoracic, and sacral level. In addition, he showed hypertelorism, downslanting palpebral fissures, ptosis, webbing, and hypoplasia of the thenar and hypothenar areas. He had moderate mental delay. In addition to the segmentation defects and omovertebral bones, radiological studies showed a small pelvis and 11 pairs of ribs. Some of the features were present in the mother, and minimal symptoms were present in the father. The parents were consanguineous. A paternal cousin had segmentation defects, omovertebral bones, and a Sprengel deformity as well, although with milder presentation than the proband. We were unable to find a similar combination of manifestations in literature. The familial occurrence is best compatible with autosomal dominant inheritance, showing wide variability of expression. It is possible that the more notable signs in the proband can be explained by homozygosity for the disorder. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.