bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement of left ventricular wall synchronization with multisite ventricular pacing in heart failure: a prospective study using Doppler tissue imaging
Authors: Lafitte Stephane , Garrigue Stephane , Perron Jean‐Marie , Bordachar Pierre , Reuter Sylvain , Jaïs Pierre , Haïssaguerre Michel , Clementy Jacques , Roudaut Raymond
Published: December 2003

We sought to assess right, left and biventricular pacing effects on myocardial function by using pulsed‐Doppler tissue imaging (DTI) and automated border detection (ABD) techniques which provide electromechanical delay (EMD) assessment of the different left ventricular walls.

Methods:

15 patients (67±7 years) with drug‐resistant primitive dilated cardiomyopathy and QRS≥140 ms received a pacemaker for multisite ventricular pacing. Echocardiography was performed after 1 month of biventricular pacing (BVP). Echocardiographic measurements were recorded during spontaneous rhythm (SpR), right ventricular pacing (RVP), left ventricular pacing (LVP) and BVP.

Results:

LV ejection fraction was statistically similar between the four rhythms. BVP showed a significant EMD decrease for the lateral LV wall vs. SpR, RVP and even LVP. LVP resulted in significantly longer aortic pre‐ejection time vs. BVP while the EMD temporal dispersion (time between the shortest regional EMD and the longest one) was similar in the two modes.

Conclusions:

BVP and LVP substantially reduce the EMD temporal dispersion of the four LV walls, but with a longer aortic pre‐ejection time for LVP. In RVP, LVP and BVP, the septal LV wall is always activated later than during SpR. BVP and LVP are associated with a mitral regurgitation reduction.
Comparison of the response of primary human blood monocytes and the U937 human monocytic cell line to two different sizes of alumina ceramic particles
Authors: Yagil‐Kelmer Efrat , Kazmier Peter , Rahaman Mohamed N. , Bal B. Sonny , Tessman Ronald K. , Estes D. Mark
Published: December 2003

It is well recognized that wear particles derived from orthopaedic implants have the potential to induce inflammation, which may eventually lead to aseptic loosening of the artificial joint. We hypothesized that alumina ceramic particles of different sizes cause a differential cytokine response by human monocytes. To test this hypothesis a human monocytic cell line (U937) and primary human blood monocytes obtained from healthy volunteers were exposed to ceramic particles within the range known to be generated in vivo. Cellular responses were measured by quantifying the relative gene expression of 12 different cytokines using TAQman Real‐Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT‐PCR). Our results demonstrate that at a particle to cell ratio of 100:1, 0.5 μm ceramic particles consistently provoked higher amounts of Interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α), IL‐1β, IL‐8, IL‐10 and Tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) steady state mRNA by U937 cells. As expected, the variability of cytokine expression in primary blood monocytes was much higher compared to the cell line however, a similar trend was observed. These results show a differential response to ceramic particle size, which may imply that 0.5 μm particles are less biocompatible. New ceramic implants can be designed to generate a known particle size range in vivo. Implant materials of this type may induce relatively lower levels of production of inflammatory cytokines resulting in a reduced incidence of failure due to aseptic loosening. © 2003 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Asynchronous Holocene climatic change across China
Authors: He Y. , Theakstone Wilfred H. , Zhonglin Zhang , Dian Zhang , Tandong Yao , Tuo Chen , Yongping Shen , Hongxi Pang
Published: December 2003

A review of Holocene climatic variations in different parts of China shows that they were asynchronous. Proxy data from ice cores, pollen, loess, lacustrine sediments, and changes of sea and lake levels demonstrate that many warm and cold oscillations have occurred in China during the Holocene, including a most important climatic event known as the “Holocene optimum,” a milder and wetter period, and that the duration and amplitude of the optimum period, as well as its start and end times, differed in different parts of China. Uplift of the Tibetan plateau over the past millions of years led to the development of the monsoon climate and to complex atmospheric circulation over continental China during the Holocene. As a result, the Holocene optimum began and terminated earlier in high-altitude regions of western China than at lower elevations in eastern China, and the amplitude of the variations was lower in the east. This suggests that the western higher-altitude areas were more sensitive to climatic change than were the eastern lower-altitude areas. Holocene climatic records in the Dunde and Guliya ice cores do not correspond. Inverse δ18O variations between the two cores indicate that the effects of climate and atmospheric processes on the stable isotopes at the two sites differed. The correlation between the isotopic composition of carbonates in lake deposits in western China and climatic variations is similar to that in the ice cores. The climatic resolution in ice cores and lake sediments is higher than that in other media. The lack of precise correspondence of climatic records constructed on the basis of proxy data from different parts of China is a result of the different locations and elevations of the sampling sites, the different resolutions of the source material, and the varied climatic conditions within China. Further work is needed to confirm both the conclusions and the inferences presented here.
Structural studies on Δ3‐Δ2‐enoyl‐CoA isomerase: the variable mode of assembly of the trimeric disks of the crotonase superfamily
Authors: Mursula Anu M. , Hiltunen J.Kalervo , Wierenga Rik K.
Published: December 2003

Subunits of the enzymes in the crotonase superfamily form tight trimeric disks. In most members of this protein superfamily these disks assemble further into hexamers. Here we report on the 2.1 Å structure of a tight hexameric crystal form of the yeast peroxisomal Δ3‐Δ2‐enoyl‐CoA isomerase (Eci1p). A comparison of this structure to a previously solved crystal form of Eci1p and other structures of this superfamily shows that there is much variability with respect to the relative distance between the disks and their relative orientations. In particular helices H2 and H9 are involved in the inter‐trimer contacts and there are considerable structural differences in these helices in this superfamily. Helices H2 and H9 are near the catalytic cavity and it is postulated that the observed structural variability of these helices, stabilized by the different modes of assembly, has allowed the evolution of the wide range of substrate and catalytic specificity within this enzyme superfamily.
Cation‐selective ion channels formed by p7 of hepatitis C virus are blocked by hexamethylene amiloride
Authors: Premkumar A , Wilson L , Ewart G.D , Gage P.W
Published: December 2003

A 63 residue peptide, p7, encoded by hepatitis C virus was synthesised and tested for ion channel activity in lipid bilayer membranes. Ion channels formed by p7 had a variable conductance: some channels had conductances as low as 14 pS. The reversal potential of currents flowing through the channels formed by p7 showed that they were permeable to potassium and sodium ions and less permeable to calcium ions. Addition of Ca2+ to solutions made channels formed by p7 less potassium‐ or sodium‐selective. Hexamethylene amiloride, a drug previously shown to block ion channels formed by Vpu encoded by HIV‐1, blocked channels formed by p7. In view of the increasing number of peptides encoded by viruses that have been shown to form ion channels, it is suggested that ion channels may play an important role in the life cycle of many viruses and that drugs that block these channels may prove to be useful antiviral agents.
A plant outer mitochondrial membrane protein with high amino acid sequence identity to a chloroplast protein import receptor
Authors: Chew Orinda , Lister Ryan , Qbadou Soumya , Heazlewood Joshua L , Soll Jurgen , Schleiff Enrico , Millar A.Harvey , Whelan James
Published: December 2003

We have identified a novel protein on the outer membrane of Arabidopsis thaliana mitochondria. This protein displays 67% sequence identity with the 64 kDa translocase of the outer envelope membrane of chloroplasts (Toc). A mitochondrial localisation for this protein was determined by (i) its presence in the proteome of highly purified Arabidopsis mitochondria, (ii) Western blot analysis with antibodies to Toc64 from pea that indicate its presence in Arabidopsis and pea mitochondria, (iii) green fluorescent protein fusion proteins that indicate an exclusive mitochondrial localisation for this protein, and (iv) expression profiles in various tissue types and during development that are more similar to translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane components than to chloroplastic Toc components. Thus Arabidopsis mitochondria contain a protein with high sequence identity to a plastid protein import receptor.
In vivo formation of glutamyl‐tRNAGln in Escherichia coli by heterologous glutamyl‐tRNA synthetases
Authors: Núñez Harold , Lefimil Claudia , Min Bokkee , Söll Dieter , Orellana Omar
Published: December 2003

Two types of glutamyl‐tRNA synthetase exist: the discriminating enzyme (D‐GluRS) forms only Glu‐tRNAGlu, while the non‐discriminating one (ND‐GluRS) also synthesizes Glu‐tRNAGln, a required intermediate in protein synthesis in many organisms (but not in Escherichia coli). Testing the capacity to complement a thermosensitive E. coli gltX mutant and to suppress an E. coli trpA49 missense mutant we examined the properties of heterologous gltX genes. We demonstrate that while Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans GluRS1 and Bacillus subtilis Q373R GluRS form Glu‐tRNAGlu, A. ferrooxidans and Helicobacter pylori GluRS2 form Glu‐tRNAGln in E. coli in vivo.
Tocolytic therapy in conservative management of symptomatic placenta previa
Authors: Sharma A. , Suri V. , Gupta I.
Published: December 2003

Objectives: To study the effect of ritodrine therapy on maternal and perinatal outcome in cases of symptomatic placenta previa being managed conservatively. Methods: A prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial was made of a total of 60 women whose pregnancies ranged from 28 through 34 menstrual weeks who were randomly allocated to the two study groups using Tippet's random number table. Of these women, 30 were included in the study group where tocolysis with ritodrine was given whereas the other 30 in the control group did not receive tocolysis. Prolongation of pregnancy and birth weight of the newborn were evaluated. The unpaired t‐test and chi‐square test were used for statistical analysis. Results: Use of tocolysis in symptomatic placenta previa was associated with significant prolongation of pregnancy (25.33 vs. 14.47 days, P<0.05) and difference in birth weight (2270 g vs. 1950 g, P<0.05). There was no observed statistical difference between the two groups with regard to number of episodes of hemorrhage after admission, total amount of blood loss during stay in hospital, number of blood transfusions and maternal complications due to tocolysis in the study group. Conclusions: The present prospective study suggests that ritodrine hydrochloride in patients with symptomatic placenta previa tends to prolong the pregnancy and result in an increase in birth weight of the babies without causing any adverse effect on the mother and fetus.
Diabetes mellitus in pregnancy in an African population
Authors: Ozumba B.C. , Obi S.N. , Oli J.M.
Published: December 2003

Objectives: To compare the pregnancy outcome among diabetic and non‐diabetic Nigerian women. Methods: A retrospective case record review of 200 pregnant diabetic patients and control was carried out over a 10‐year period (1990–1999) at the Maternity unit of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu, Nigeria. Results: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus among pregnant mothers was 1.7%. Pre‐gestational diabetes mellitus accounted for 39% of cases while gestational diabetes was responsible for 61% of them. Late antenatal booking and poor control of diabetes mellitus were common features, while maternal and fetal morbidity was high. Hypertension, vulvovaginitis, premature labor, polyhydramnios and ketoacidosis were significantly higher among diabetic mothers than controls. The perinatal mortality was also higher among diabetics than controls (12.5% vs. 3.5%) with stillbirth being the major contributor. Patients with gestational diabetes were at increased risk of fetal macrosomia than controls (28.7% vs. 5.5%). The overall cesarean section rate was high (36%) among diabetics with previous cesarean section and cephalopelvic disproportion being the commonest indications. Conclusions: Health education and provision of modern affordable methods of management of diagnosed cases such as uristix and hemastix will improve maternal and fetal outcome in pregnant diabetics in Africa.
Quinacrine sterilization: a retrospective
Authors: Zipper J. , Kessel E.
Published: December 2003

Objective: To trace development of quinacrine sterilization (QS). Methods: Review of published reports. Results: The high prevalence of septic abortion among high parity women in Santiago, Chile, motivated Zipper to find a safe, inexpensive method of non‐surgical female sterilization. Various cytotoxic drugs were tried in rats. Because quinacrine was already accepted for intrapleural injection it was chosen for the first clinical trial. A slurry consisting of quinacrine and xylocaine was instilled into the uterine cavity with a transcervical syringe. Reasonable efficacy was noted and a limited scar of the intramural tube demonstrated. However, a side effect of cortical excitation and reports of 3 deaths ended this approach. Zipper and Wheeler hypothesized that the difficulty was due to rapid absorption of quinacrine under pressure and designed a pellet form that dissolves slowly and could be delivered transcervically using a modified IUD inserter. A standard protocol of 252 mg in seven 36 mg pellets placed at the uterine fundus on two occasions a month apart has now been widely used with considerable evidence for safety and efficacy. Indeed, protection is greater than 98% at 2 years of use. Conclusion: QS is ready for widespread use, especially where surgical sterilization is not safely available or when women are poor candidates for surgery or have such a fear of surgery that they will not seek surgical sterilization.
25 years of quinacrine sterilization experience in Chile: review of 2,592 cases
Authors: Zipper J. , Trujillo V.
Published: December 2003

Objectives: To assess short‐term side effects, long‐term risks and efficacy of quinacrine sterilization (QS) in Chile. Methods: Review experience of 2,592 cases sterilized with 2 or 3 transcervical insertions of 252 mg quinacrine as pellets since 1977; review the Chilean pre‐clinical experience and epidemiological studies on cervical, endometrial and other cancers. Results: Among 2,592 women who underwent QS, the total number of pregnancies was 119 (4.6%); 59 (49.5%) were carried to term with no birth defects related to QS. Nine cases were ectopic pregnancies. The ectopic pregnancy risk per 1,000 woman‐years was 0.41, similar to that for surgical sterilization. The cumulative life‐table pregnancy rates per 100 women at 10 years varied from 5.2 to 6.9. Mild and transient side effects were reported in 13.5% of quinacrine intrauterine insertions and pelvic inflammatory disease was diagnosed in 4 cases (0.15%). Long‐term follow‐up of quinacrine‐sterilized patients shows no increased risk of cervical, endometrial or other cancer. Conclusions: QS efficacy at 10 years is comparable to widely accepted tubal clip and single point bipolar electrocoagulation laparoscopic procedures. QS has a low risk of serious, immediate side effects. No long‐term risks have been identified after 25 years of use.
The rate of ectopic pregnancy for 24,589 quinacrine sterilization (QS) users compared to users of other methods and no method in 4 provinces in Vietnam, 1994–1996
Authors: Hieu D.T. , Luong T.T.
Published: December 2003

Objective: To determine the rates of ectopic pregnancy with the use of quinacrine sterilization (QS) compared to other methods and no method (non‐users). Methods: Four provinces were selected for their above average numbers of women who had undergone QS: Nam Dinh, Nam Ha, Hai Duong and Hung Yen. Case histories related to surgical treatment of all ectopic pregnancies in these 4 provinces from 1994 through 1996 were collected from all hospitals by researchers from the Ministry of Health in June 1997. Using a questionnaire designed for this study, 120 physicians interviewed every woman in her home who had had an ectopic pregnancy during this period. If deceased, a family member was consulted. All interviews were completed in September 1998. The numbers of users of each method and nonusers were calculated from service statistics and demographic data. Results: Based on 2,551,355 woman‐years of exposure, the rate of ectopic pregnancy among users per 1000 woman‐years was calculated to be: 0.26 with QS; 0.42 with surgical sterilization (TL) and IUD; 0.45 with the Pill; 0.50 with condoms; 0.78 relying on withdrawal; and 1.18 among non‐users. Conclusion: Ectopic pregnancy rates for QS, TL, IUD and the Pill were similar and much lower than the rate for non‐users of contraception.
An FDA phase I clinical trial of quinacrine sterilization (QS)
Authors: Lippes J. , Brar M. , Gerbracht K. , Neff P. , Kokkinakis S.
Published: December 2003

Objective: To review the significance of a United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Phase I clinical trial of a new use for an old drug, quinacrine. To discover whether ultrasound may have utility in quinacrine sterilization (QS). Method: This clinical trial began on 16 September 2000 at the Women's and Children's Hospital of Buffalo (WCHOB) in Buffalo, New York. Ten patients volunteered to have QS. These subjects were carefully followed with regularly scheduled examinations, including extensive laboratory blood tests. In addition, each patient had a trans‐abdominal ultrasound examination six weeks or later past the date of the second insertion of quinacrine. The trial was completed on 30 April 2003. Results: Laboratory results fell within normal limits, thus providing additional evidence to affirm the lack of toxic effects of QS. With ultrasound, we were able to see scars in both oviducts on all of our patients. One patient with a small scar as seen on ultrasound became pregnant. Conclusion: QS was found to be safe and effective. Ultrasound holds the promise of reducing the failure rate.
Quinacrine female nonsurgical sterilization (QS): endometrial assessment by vaginal ultrasonography in 128 women
Authors: Ferreira C.R.C. , Magalhães D.R.B. , Ferreira D.C. , Hanan M.Z. , Camargos A.F.
Published: December 2003

Objective: Investigate effectiveness, safety and endometrial pattern after QS. Method: This study began in March 1999 and ended March 18, 2003; 128 women received transcervical insertions of quinacrine. Follow‐up visits with ultrasound were scheduled at 1, 3, 6, 12‐month intervals. Results: Two pregnancies occurred, one at 25 months, the other at 37. Adverse events (AE) were: yellow vaginal discharge, headache, mild abdominal pain, vaginal pruritus, nausea and transient decrease in endometrial thickness. One patient had allergic reaction. A third insertion was done in case of vaginal bleeding (16.4%). One year after QS 10% still had amenorrhea, which may be the results of the fact that 73% of our patients had received DMPH. Once inside the uterus, the dissolved quinacrine could be seen within seconds, via ultrasound as a “Lake of Quinacrine” which stays for up to two hours. Frequently, a transverse vaginal ultrasonographic view of the uterine cavity showed plug‐like echogenic points at the cornua. Conclusion: Quinacrine sterilization is safe and effective. The echogenic points need to be more thoroughly studied in order to affirm whether ultrasonography may identify the blockage of the tubes. Since early pregnancy is due to imperfect tubal closure, the use of ultrasound may prevent failure. However, pregnancy due to later recanalization cannot be avoided.
The acceptability, efficacy and safety of quinacrine non‐surgical sterilization (QS), tubectomy and vasectomy in 5 provinces in the Red River Delta, Vietnam: a follow‐up of 15,190 cases
Authors: Hieu D.T. , Luong T.T. , Anh P.T. , Ngoc D.H. , Duong L.Q.
Published: December 2003

Objectives: To compare the safety, efficacy and acceptability of quinacrine sterilization (QS), tubectomy and vasectomy in Vietnam. Methods: This study was initiated in January 1998 and completed in February 2000. A sample of 9 districts in 5 provinces, where the prevalence of QS was known to be high, was selected. Every person sterilized in these 9 districts between January 1, 1988 and March 31, 1998 was identified and systematically interviewed by family planning clinicians who had received special training for this project. Results: A total of 15,982 sterilization users were identified and 15,190 were interviewed and examined, including a gynecologic exam, if needed: a follow‐up rate of 95%. Of those interviewed, 9,753 used tubectomy, 3,734 used QS and 1,703 used vasectomy. All three methods were found to be safe, although morbidity associated with tubectomy was more serious than with QS or vasectomy. No deaths were reported. After more than 5 years of follow‐up, tubectomy had the lowest failure rate: 1.0%, followed by 4.1% with vasectomy. A pregnancy rate of 13.2% was reported with quinacrine, although only a small fraction of these failures were confirmed. A strong preference for QS was found. Conclusion: QS has an important role to play in sterilization services in Vietnam.
Quinacrine sterilization (QS) experience in the Philippines: a preliminary report
Authors: Alfonso L.A. , Albano H.A.
Published: December 2003

Objective: The first clinical trial of Quinacrine Sterilization (QS) in the Philippines was undertaken in Ceby City on January 10, 2000, to evaluate the accetability, safety, effectiveness and side effects of this technology. We intend to recruit 500 patients to utilize this technique for limiting family size. For the purposes of this report, our cut‐off date is April 11, 2003. Methods: Over more than two years, QS was performed on 36 volunteer patients. After careful explanation of the procedure and given the opportunity to ask questions, they had signed an informed consent. The trial involved transcervical insertion of 252 mg quinacrine in the form of pellets, and placed at the tip of the uterine fundus on two occasions, a month apart. Condoms were routinely provided to all patients except those on oral contraceptive pills and DMPA after the first insertion to be used for six weeks after the second one. As the numbers are small, no statistical evaluation was called for. Results: The accumulated experience was 515 woman‐months. There were no pregnancies, neither ectopic nor intrauterine. Adverse events (AE) were mild. Some patients complained of a yellow discharge and itching. Fifty percent experienced midl abdominal discomfort which was easily managed with mefenamic acid. Conclusions: Although this is a small study, we believe that QS is both safe and effective and we are strongly encouraged to continue to offer this nonsurgical sterilization method to our patients.
Marie Stopes Society, Pakistan: 1000 cases of quinacrine sterilization (QS)
Authors: Bilgrami M. , Shah L.
Published: December 2003

Objectives: To evaluate the safety, efficacy and acceptability of QS in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: 1000 women who had chosen sterilization during the 4‐year period 1994 to 1997 inclusive were offered QS at both stationary clinics and in a mobile van at 23 sites in the outskirts of Karachi. The protocol involved transcervical insertion to the uterine fundus of 252 mg quinacrine in 7 pellets adn 55 mg of ibuprofen in 3 pellets through and IUD inserter, during the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle. Two doses were administered one month apart. A temporary method of contraception was provided for 3 cycles, usually DMPA. Follow‐up was schedulre: monthly for 3 months, quarterly for 1 year and then every 6 months for 4 years. Results: The crude pregnancy rate after 4 years was 2.0%. Minor complications and complaints were reported by 59% of the patients. There was one ectopic pregnancy and no major complications. Conditions: QS was found to be safe and effective and has become the most popular method fo sterilization in our are of Pakistan.
Quinacrine sterilization (QS) in Syria: a preliminary report on 297 cases
Authors: Garabedian V.
Published: December 2003

Objectives: To evaluate the safety, efficacy and acceptability of quinacrine sterilization (QS) in Syria. Methods: From July 2001 to December 2002, 297 women who requested permanent sterilization volunteered for QS either in my private practice or my local family planning center in Aleppo, Syria. The standard protocol was used: 252 mg of quinacrine in the form of 7 pellets are deposited at the uterine fundus withy a modifeid CuT IUD inserter during the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle. This procedure is repeated 4 weeks later. DMPA was injected at the time of the first insertion for temporary contraception. Every sterilized woman has had a monthly checkup visit until the cut‐off date for this report, including a beta HCG pregnancy test. All procedures were performed by the author. The cut‐off date for this report was June 11, 2003. Results: The single pregnancy was ectopic. Four women (1.3%) complained of severe pain. Moderate pain was experienced by 13.1% while the remaining women felt mild pain, all easily treated. The remaining side effects were minor and also easily treated. Oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea affected 29% of the women and lasted for several months. Immediate side effects are similar to reports from other researchers. Conclusions: Results thus far regarding efficacy are encouraging. QS has proven to be acceptable.
10‐year follow‐up of women who elected quinacrine sterilization (QS) in Wonosobo, Central Java, Indonesia
Authors: Suhadi A. , Anwar M. , Soejoenoes A.
Published: December 2003

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of quinacrine sterilization (QS) in Indonesia. Methods: During the period, August 1992 to October 1993, 200 women who had requested surgical sterilization volunteered for QS at the Wonosobo Reagency Hospital, Central Java Province, Indonesia. The protocol called for transcervical insertion of 252 mg of quinacrine in the form of 7 cylindrical pellets and 55.5 mg of ibuprofen with a CuT‐IUD (Kimia Farma) inserter during the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle. A second procedure was done 4 weeks later. The technique used is essentially the same as inseting a CuT‐IUD. Follow‐up was scheduled at 6, 12, 24 and 48 months after the last insertion. In March 2003 additional monitoring was completed. Results: The 10‐year cumulative pregnancy rate was 4.3 per 100 women with a follow‐up rate of 93%. No pregnancies had occurred among these women since the 4‐year follow‐up. No long‐term side effects or complications were reported. Conclusions: After 10 years of use, QS was found to be safe and reasonably effective.
Prä- und perinatale Erinnerungen und ihr musiktherapeutischer Zugang
Authors: Hartogh Theo
Published: December 2003

Zusammenfassung. In der tiefenpsychologisch orientierten Musiktherapie wird die Klangtrance eingesetzt, um prä- und perinatale Stadien des Patienten zu erreichen. Unter Einbeziehung neurowissenschaftlicher Erkenntnisse soll untersucht werden, inwieweit ein solches Erinnerungsvermögen existent und aktivierbar ist. Pathologisierende, ästhetisierende und wertende Projektionen aus der Erwachsenenperspektive sprechen dafür, dass es sich bei diesen Erinnerungsleistungen größtenteils um Konstruktionen von Wirklichkeit handelt, die stark situativen, kulturellen und sozialen Einflüssen unterliegen. Musiktherapeuten sollten sich bei der Erforschung prä- und perinataler Erinnerungen nicht auf metaphernreiche Analogisierungen und magisch-mythisches Denken beschränken, sondern den interdisziplinären Diskurs mit den Neuro- und Kognitionswissenschaften suchen.
Horizontal variability of near‐inertial oscillations associated with the passage of a typhoon
Authors: Hisaki Yukiharu , Naruke Tatsunori
Published: December 2003

Surface currents to the east of Okinawa Island were observed by using HF (high‐frequency) ocean radars in August–September 1995. During that period, a typhoon passed near the observation area, and the horizontal variability of near‐inertial oscillations associated with the typhoon passage was estimated. In addition, the near‐inertial amplitudes and horizontal wave number vectors were estimated. These estimations showed that the near‐inertial amplitude was large in the offshore area and small near the coast. The maximum near‐inertial wavelength was estimated to be in the order of 1000 km, and the near‐inertial wave direction was southward and changed to northwestward on 23 August in 1995. A slab model, incorporating low‐frequency currents, was used to calculate near‐inertial currents. It was found that the amplitude of calculated near‐inertial oscillations was also large in the offshore area. Moreover, the phase‐propagation direction of the near‐inertial waves was southward and changed to northwestward or westward on 22 August. The growth rate obtained from the dispersion relation was large in the offshore area, where the near‐inertial amplitude was large.
Relationships between the distribution and stable isotopic composition of living benthic foraminifera and cold methane seep biogeochemistry in Monterey Bay, California
Authors: Rathburn Anthony E. , Pérez M. Elena , Martin Jonathan B. , Day Shelley A. , Mahn Chris , Gieskes Joris , Ziebis Wiebke , Williams David , Bahls Amanda
Published: December 2003

As part of an ongoing effort to explore the use of foraminifera as a means to assess modern and ancient methane release, we compared ambient pore water chemistry with the distribution and stable isotopic composition of living (rose Bengal stained) foraminifera in MBARI ROV Ventana tube cores taken from modern seepage areas (about 1000 m water depth) in Monterey Bay, California. Benthic foraminiferal isotopic differences between sites clearly indicate that methane‐influenced pore waters affect foraminiferal distributions and carbonate isotope geochemistry. Carbon isotope signatures of living benthic foraminifera did not conform to the very negative (−30 to −48‰), methane‐influenced carbon isotope values of the pore waters they live in. Instead, the influence of methane seep pore waters was reflected in the greater range and carbon isotopic variability of living seep foraminifera compared with published δ13C values of foraminifera living in nonseep habitats. It is not clear what relative influences biological, ecological, and physical factors have on the carbon isotopic signatures observed in seep foraminifera. Substantial carbon isotope differences can exist between individuals of the same seep species. For instance, δ13C values of living Globobulimina pacifica varied by as much as 2.9‰ between seeps within 8 km of each other, whereas δ13C values of living Uvigerina peregrina varied by as much as 1.95‰ within the same seep. Provided there is no diagenetic alteration of the test carbonate, isotopic results of individual seep foraminifera support the hypothesis that foraminifera can be used to assess past and present methane seepage.
The role of upper hybrid waves in magnetic reconnection
Authors: Farrell W. M. , Desch M. D. , Ogilvie K. W. , Kaiser M. L. , Goetz K.
Published: December 2003

Wind observations of upper hybrid (UH) waves adjacent to a magnetic X‐line are compared with simultaneous Wind electron observations to clarify wave‐electron interactions. Electron beams and “football” (T∥ > T⟂) distributions accompany the UH waves. The energy density of the inward‐directed beams, at 10−14 J/m3, is sufficient to supply the free energy for the waves. The electron beams may be part of the larger Hall current system, and the UH wave/electron instability represent a Hall current dissipation process (i.e., an effective resistance) which removes energy as the currents travels along the separatrix.
The correlation of plasma density distributions over 5000 km with solar illumination of the ionosphere: Solar cycle and zenith angle observations
Authors: Johnson M. T. , Wygant J. R.
Published: December 2003

Measurements from the Polar electric field instrument are used to infer the thermal electron density of the polar cap for invariant latitudes (ILAT) > 80° as function of solar zenith angle (SZA) over a solar cycle. Results for altitudes from 1.75 to 2.0 RE geocentric show an increase in the plasma density for daytime ionospheric measurements as the solar cycle activity increases. Densities are found to increase from ∼75 cm−3 at solar minimum by over a factor of 2 at solar maximum. The density measurements are also shown to increase with increasing solar F10.7 flux for SZA < 70° and remain relatively constant for SZA > 110°. These measurements are consistent with solar extreme ultraviolet (EUV) control of plasma density at these altitudes over the polar cap. The influence of solar EUV on plasma density is shown to extend to altitudes up to 4.5 RE geocentric.
Observations of surf infrasound in Hawai‘i
Authors: Garcés M. , Hetzer C. , Merrifield M. , Willis M. , Aucan J.
Published: December 2003

Comparison of ocean buoy measurements with infrasonic array data collected during the epic winter of 2002–2003 shows a clear relationship between breaking ocean wave height and infrasonic signal levels. In addition, infrasonic arrays allow the identification of distinct breaking zones along the shoreline. Our observations suggest that infrasonic measurements can be used in conjunction with buoys to estimate wave heights, identify regions of high wave action, and validate surface wave propagation models.
Ring current asymmetry from global simulations using a high‐resolution electric field model
Authors: Jordanova V. K. , Boonsiriseth A. , Thorne R. M. , Dotan Y.
Published: December 2003

We study ring current evolution during the 10 January 1997 geomagnetic storm, comparing results from two inner magnetospheric convection electric field models: (1) the Kp‐dependent Volland‐Stern (V‐S) model and (2) the high spatial and temporal resolution assimilative mapping of ionospheric electrodynamics (AMIE) model, coupled with our global ring current model. We have added a penetration electric field (driven by partial ring current closure in the ionosphere) to the AMIE model which improves the agreement at low L shells with Polar/EFI measurements, and we mapped the modified AMIE convection electric potentials (MACEP) to the equatorial plane. Both V‐S and MACEP convection models predict a very asymmetric local time distribution of ring current energy density during the main and early recovery phase of the storm. However, the peak of the medium energy ions is located during the main phase near midnight when the MACEP model is used, while it is located near dusk using V‐S. In both models the energy density peak is located near dusk during the early recovery, and the ring current becomes symmetric during the late recovery phase. Ring current injection is larger, penetrating to lower L shells, and the Dst index is significantly better reproduced using MACEP rather than using V‐S model. We compare model results with Polar data and find reasonably good agreement with both models at larger L shells and near dawn. The enhanced storm time distributions at low L shells near dusk are better modeled with MACEP. Electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves are predominantly excited near Dst minimum, have larger wave gain, and cause stronger ion precipitation using the MACEP model. In this case the calculated ion precipitation patterns exhibit features consistent with storm time Polar/IPS observations and show enhancements within the plasmaspheric bulge and along the duskside plasmapause. In the dusk to midnight sector at L > 5, however, there seems to be a need to include the effect of an additional scattering process during highly active conditions.
Significance of cyclonic SubTropical Oceanic Rings of Magnitude (STORM) eddies for the carbon budget of the euphotic layer in the subtropical northeast Atlantic
Authors: Mouriño Beatriz , Fernández Emilio , Etienne Helene , Hernández Fabrice , Giraud Sylvie
Published: December 2003

The interannual and seasonal variability of cyclonic eddies budded from the Azores Current during the period 1993–1999 in the northeast subtropical Atlantic region (20°N–34°N; 19°W–35°W) was studied by using TOPEX/Poseidon and ERS‐1/2 altimeter images, the operational ocean mesoscale forecasting system SOPRANE, and a mesoscale eddies automatic detection system. Seventeen cyclonic eddies were detected and monitored for time periods ranging from 50 to 360 days. They were characterized by mean westward velocity, amplitude, diameter, and eccentricity of about 2 km d−1, 8 cm, 187 km and 0.7, respectively. The generation of cyclonic eddies was subjected to an important interannual variability, especially in 1995 when the activity of cyclonic eddies in the northeast Atlantic was more intense and associated with parallel changes in the eddy energy of the Azores Current. Seventy‐five percent of the mesoscale features were generated throughout the October–February period. Significant relationships were found between the seasonal NAO index and both the annual eddy kinetic and potential energy in the Azores Current region and also the total annual area occupied by STORM eddies, calculated with a 1‐year phase lag. The outcome of this study was used to estimate the contribution of STORM eddies to the organic carbon deficit measured in the northeast subtropical Atlantic. On average, these eddies accounted for <1% of the net community production in the region.
A model‐aided investigation of winter thermally driven circulation on the Italian Tyrrhenian coast: A case study
Authors: Ferretti Rossella , Mastrantonio Giangiuseppe , Argentini Stefania , Santoleri Rosalia , Viola Angelo
Published: December 2003

Data collected during a campaign carried out in and around Rome in February 1996 using sodars, tethered balloon, and surface data suggest the development of a winter sea breeze that could not be detected by conventional data and analyses. A model‐aided study is performed to verify the development of thermally driven local circulation and to prove the onset of a winter sea breeze regime, propagating inland and interacting with the urban heat island (UHI). The area of interest for the study is the central part of Italy (latitude 41°–43°N, longitude 10°–16°E). The MM5 mesoscale model was used at high resolution: three nested domains with up to 3 km of grid resolution were used in the area where the sea breeze was observed. To highlight the effect of the sea breeze, a simulation with a thick cloud layer in the innermost domain was performed. By removing the cloud layer the diurnal evolution of the horizontal temperature gradient led to the development of the sea breeze and the UHI circulation, in agreement with the data. Sensitivity tests were carried out to evaluate the effect of land use resolution and of satellite‐retrieved/climatological sea surface temperature on the simulation results. Doppler‐sodar data recorded at three sites, tethersonde profiles, and surface data were used to verify the results. As expected, using high‐resolution land use and the daily sea surface temperature retrieved by satellite observations led to improvements in the local circulation produced by the model. However, the model falls short in reproducing some of the sea breeze characteristics. It finds that the sea breeze starts too early and lasts for a shorter time than the observed one does, and the wind direction shows a too strong northerly component. Also, it slightly underestimates the daily temperature pattern. The interaction of the urban heat islands of Rome and Ostia with the sea breeze flow is analyzed to explain the causes of these discrepancies.
Connections of Yenisei River discharge to sea surface temperatures, sea ice, and atmospheric circulation
Authors: Ye Hengchun , Yang Daqing , Zhang Xuebin , Zhang Tingjun
Published: December 2003

This study examines the connections of Yenisei River discharge to sea surface temperatures (SSTs), atmospheric circulation, and Arctic sea ice coverage using historical records for the time period of 1936–1995. We found that Yenisei River discharge is negatively associated with SSTs over the northern North Atlantic and is positively correlated with SSTs over the tropical South Atlantic and Indian Oceans. This connection is bridged by atmospheric circulation anomalies over the North Atlantic (a pattern similar to the North Atlantic Oscillation) and central Siberia. Sea ice coverage over the eastern Arctic Ocean, specifically over the eastern Siberian Sea, the Kara Sea, and the Greenland Sea, is negatively associated with Yenisei River discharge one season after the annual discharge; the abnormal ice coverage extent persists throughout the year until the next winter season. The persistent negative relationships between discharge and regional sea ice may be a result of the combined effects of the thermal and dynamic contribution of fresh water to sea ice and persistent atmospheric circulation anomalies coupled with sea ice cover over the Arctic Ocean.
The fracture flow equation and its perturbation solution
Authors: Basha H. A. , El‐Asmar W.
Published: December 2003

This work derives the fracture flow equation from the two‐dimensional steady form of the Navier‐Stokes equation. Asymptotic solutions are obtained whereby the perturbation parameter is the ratio of the mean width over the length of the fracture segment. The perturbation expansion can handle arbitrary variation of the fracture walls as long as the dominant velocity is in the longitudinal direction. The effect of the matrix‐fracture interaction is also taken into account by allowing leakage through the fracture walls. The perturbation solution is used to obtain an estimate of the flow rate and the fracture transmissivity as well as the velocity and the pressure distribution in fractures of various geometries. The analysis covers eight different configurations of fracture geometry including linear and curvilinear variation as well as sinusoidal variation in the top and bottom walls with varying horizontal alignment and roughness wavelengths. The zero‐order solution yields the Reynolds lubrication approximation, and the higher‐order equations provide a correction term to the flow rate in terms of the roughness frequency and the Reynolds number. For sinusoidal and linear walls, the mathematical analysis shows that the zero‐order flow rate could be expressed in terms of the maximum to minimum width ratio. For equal widths at both ends of the fracture, the first‐order correction is zero. For sinusoidal fractures, the flow rate decreases with increasing Reynolds number and with increasing roughness amplitude and frequency. The effect of leakage is to create a nonuniform flow distribution in the fracture that deviates significantly from the flow rate estimate for impermeable walls. The derived flow expressions can provide a more reliable tool for flow and transport predictions in fractured domain.
Size‐dependent reproductive dominance in foundresses of Ropalidia plebeiana, an Australian paper wasp forming nest aggregations (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)
Authors: FUKUDA Hirokazu , KOJIMA Jun‐ichi , TSUCHIDA Koji , SAITO Fuki
Published: December 2003

The relationship between reproductive status and body size in foundresses of Ropalidia plebeiana, an Australian endemic paper wasp forming huge aggregations of nests, was examined. Foundresses with developed ovaries (laying foundresses) in multifoundress colonies tended to be larger than foundresses in single‐foundress colonies and foundresses with undeveloped ovaries (non‐laying foundresses). However, the laying foundress was not always the largest of the foundresses in a colony. Body shape in foundresses varied according to simple allometric growth, while foundresses and first brood females diverged in their growth parameters in the preimaginal stage.
Gall formation by a spittlebug, Aphelaenus nigripectus (Aphrophoridae: Auchenorrhyncha; Homoptera)
Authors: SUGIURA Shinji , YAMAZAKI Kazuo
Published: December 2003

Few spittlebug species are gall formers, but the Homoptera as a whole contain many gall‐forming species in many families. Nymphs of a spittlebug, Aphelaenus nigripectus (Aphrophoridae, Auchenorrhyncha, Homoptera), were observed to induce leaf‐roll galls on cherry trees (Prunus speciosa, P. × yedoensis and P. pendula cv. pendula (Rosaceae)) in late April in Kyoto, Japan. Aphelaenus nigripectus nymphs aggregated on the ventral surface of the young leaves, fed on the ventral (abaxial) midvein, and excreted masses of froth in the rolled leaves. In a field experiment, it was discovered that feeding of A. nigripectus nymphs can induce rolling of the cherry leaves, and that the rolled leaves may provide protection from desiccation to A. nigripectus nymphs. This is the first record of gall‐forming habits in Japanese spittlebugs.
Phase‐shifting effects of a light pulse interrupting scotophase on locomotor activity rhythm and photoperiodic time measurement for diapause in the onion fly, Delia antiqua
Authors: WATARI Yasuhiko
Published: December 2003

When a light pulse of 1 h duration was given 3 h after lights off in a photoperiod of 11 h light : 13 h dark (LD 11 : 13) at 20°C, the phase of the major peak of locomotor activity rhythm in Delia antiqua was delayed for approximately 0.6 h. In contrast, it was advanced by approximately 0.6 h by a light pulse given 9 h after lights off. It is suggested that in the circadian clock, a pulse falling in the early scotophase is taken as a new dusk and a pulse falling in the late scotophase is taken as a new dawn. Although a sharply defined critical photoperiod did not exist in the diapause response to photoperiod in D. antiqua, the percentage of pupal diapause decreased by these pulses in LD 11 : 13 at 20°C. The effect of a 15 min light pulse on both locomotor activity rhythm and pupal diapause induction was stronger at 3 h than at 9 h after lights off, while a 1 min light pulse was ineffective at both times. The parallel effects of light pulse on locomotor activity rhythm and diapause response might be based on the same chronobiological functions.
Analysis of brood development in the ant Amblyopone silvestrii, with special reference to colony bionomics
Authors: MASUKO Keiichi
Published: December 2003

There are five larval instars in the temperate, subterranean ponerine ant, Amblyopone silvestrii (Wheeler). An examination of the seasonal developmental patterns of immatures collected from more than 100 colonies collected in the field revealed that most or all of the newly hatched individuals overwintered as second to fifth instar larvae and emerged as adults in the next summer. The fifth instar larvae were most abundant in the colony's larval population all year round. The number of eggs present in the nest diminished temporarily in midsummer, although queens collected during this period maintained fully developed ovaries with mature oocytes. When the larvae matured, they were usually moved to temporary nests away from the nest area of the colony and finished pupation and eclosion there, while accompanied by a small number of workers. Pupation of sexuals occurred in the more distant cocoon chambers compared with pupation of workers.
Two new species that are likely to represent the most basal clade of the genus Trichadenotecnum (Psocoptera: Psocidae)
Authors: YOSHIZAWA Kazunori
Published: December 2003

Two new Trichadenotecnum species, T. corniculum and T. germinatum, were described from Japan. These species were considered to compose a monophyletic group newly defined here as the corniculum group. Judging from morphology of male terminalia, the corniculum group was considered to represent the basal most clade of the genus Trichadenotecnum.