bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Properties of high‐density polyethylene filled with waste crosslinked foam
Authors: Tamboli S. M. , Mhaske S. T. , Kale D. D.
Published: November 2003

Crosslinked polyethylene foam is widely used in packaging and as an insulation material. Finely ground waste of such crosslinked foam mesh size 7 or particle size less than 2815 μm is used as a filler in high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) of two different grades (7.5 and 21 MFI). Mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of filled composites is studied experimentally. Waste foam powder concentration was varied up to 40% by weight basis. Impact strength of base HDPE increased by a factor of six. The overall changes in mechanical properties are similar to the crosslinking effect. It is believed that waste foam particles act as a point of entanglement with different chains of polyethylene. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 110–114, 2004
Structure–property relation in polyvinyl alcohol/starch composites
Authors: Siddaramaiah  , Raj Baldev , Somashekar R.
Published: November 2003

A series of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/starch films were cast by the solvent method. Mechanical, optical, wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS), and biodegradation studies of starch‐filled PVA films were carried out. With the addition of starch there was an increase in haze and diffusion of light, whereas there was only slight change associated with tensile behavior and burst strength of the PVA film. Microstructural parameters, such as crystal size (〈N〉) and lattice distortion (g, in %) were estimated using one‐dimensional Hosemann's paracrystalline model along with WAXS data. These parameters quantify the changes in the PVA/starch systems, which resulted in the observed physical properties. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 12: 630–635, 2004
Immobilization of glucose oxidase in chitosan gel beads
Authors: Ghanem Amyl , Ghaly Ahmed
Published: November 2003

Glucose oxidase was conjugated to the biopolymer chitosan using carbodiimide conjugation. Gel beads were formed from the enzyme–biopolymer complex, and the activity of the immobilized enzyme was compared to the method of encapsulating the enzyme in chitosan. The activity of the immobilized enzyme was found to increase with increasing carbodiimide concentration and time of incubation, to a maximum. Enzyme activity decreased with time as the beads were air‐dried. The pH optima of the immobilized enzyme was shifted to a more acidic value compared to that of the free enzyme. The use of carbodiimide chemistry to conjugate glucose oxidase to a chitosan gel was demonstrated. This technique holds promise for the development of immobilized enzymes for applications in medicine, biosensors, and bioprocessing. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 861–866, 2004
The synthesis and characterization of poly(ethylene glycol) grafted on pullulan
Authors: Jiao Yonghua , Fu Yu , Jiang Zhenhua
Published: November 2003

The pullulans grafted with poly(ethylene glycol) with different degrees of substitution (DS: 0.02–0.2) are synthesized by reaction of pullulan and poly(ethylene glycol) terminated with carboxylic acid. The structure of the resulting modified pullulans is characterized with 1H‐NMR and FTIR spectra. The DS of the products increase with the amount of the poly(ethylene glycol) added. The appearances of the products change considerably and the solubility in organic solvent is enhanced visibly. It was found that pullulan derivative is biodegradable. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 1217–1221, 2004
Volume strain measurements on CACO3/polypropylene particulate composites: The effect of particle size
Authors: Lazzeri A. , Thio Y. S. , Cohen R. E.
Published: November 2003

The use of rigid fillers to toughen polymers has received considerable attention in recent years. The role of the rigid particle here is that of debonding, at some stage, from the matrix, thus triggering dilatational processes similar to those observed in rubber‐toughened polymers. The role of particle size in these rigid filled composites has not been studied in great detail. In this work, volume strain measurements were carried out on a series of particulate composites based on polypropylene filled with calcium carbonate (CC) particles with average diameters of 0.07, 0.7, and 3.5 μm and filler volume fractions ranging from 0.05 to 0.30. The experimental results have shown a strong particle size effect. A model is proposed to take this effect into account, based upon the formation of an immobilized layer of polymer on the surface of the filler particles. The experimental results are consistent with a surface layer of 15–25 nm. The results are discussed in relation to the fracture behavior of these composites reported earlier. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 925–935, 2004
Preparation and characterization of PET/silica nanocomposites
Authors: Liu Wentao , Tian Xingyou , Cui Ping , Li Yong , Zheng Kang , Yang Ye
Published: November 2003

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/silica nanocomposites were fabricated by direct polymerizing PET monomer dispersed with organic modified silica nanoparticles. The characteristics and properties of these nanocomposites were investigated by the transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis, respectively. The results show that (1) the nanoparticles have been well dispersed in the polymer matrix; (2) the addition of nanoparticles can speed up the crystallization and melting point; and (3) the addition has no significant effect on the synthesis process. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 1229–1232, 2004
Thermal behavior and properties of polystyrene/poly(methyl methacrylate) blends
Authors: Chuai Chengzhi , Almdal Kristoffer , Lyngaae‐Jørgensen Jørgen
Published: November 2003

The thermal behavior and properties of immiscible blends of polystyrene (PS) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) with and without PS‐b‐PMMA diblock copolymer at different melt blending times were investigated by use of a differential scanning calorimeter. The weight fraction of PS in the blends ranged from 0.1 to 0.9. From the measured glass transition temperature (Tg) and specific heat increment (ΔCp) at the Tg, the PMMA appeared to dissolve more in the PS phase than did the PS in the PMMA phase. The addition of a PS‐b‐PMMA diblock copolymer in the PS/PMMA blends slightly promoted the solubility of the PMMA in the PS and increased the interfacial adhesion between PS and PMMA phases during processing. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the presence of the PS‐b‐PMMA diblock copolymer in the PS/PMMA blends afforded protection against thermal degradation and improved their thermal stability. Also, it was found that the PS was more stable against thermal degradation than that of the PMMA over the entire heating range. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 609–620, 2004
Nonisothermal melt crystallization kinetics of poly(ethylene terephthalate)/clay nanocomposites
Authors: Wang Yaming , Shen Changyu , Li Haimei , Li Qian , Chen Jingbo
Published: November 2003

Various kinetic models, namely, the Avrami analysis modified by Jeziorny, the Ozawa model, and a method developed by Mo, were applied to describe the nonisothermal melt crystallization process of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and two PET/clay nanocomposites of different viscosities. The Avrami analysis modified by Jeziorny could gratifyingly describe the primary nonisothermal crystallization stage of PET and two PET/clay nanocomposites. The difference in the values of the Avrami exponent between PET and PET/clay nanocomposites suggested that the nonisothermal crystallization of PET/clay nanocomposites corresponds to a tridimensional growth with heterogeneous nucleation. The values of half‐time showed that the crystallization rate of PET/clay nanocomposites is faster than that of PET at a given cooling rate. The Ozawa analysis failed to provide an adequate description of the nonisothermal crystallization of PET/clay nanocomposites. The method developed by Mo was successful in describing the nonisothermal crystallization of pristine PET and PET/clay nanocomposites. The activation energy for nonisothermal crystallization of pristine PET and two PET/clay nanocomposites of different viscosities, based on the Augis–Bennett method, the Kissinger method, and the Takhor method, respectively, were evaluated, and it was concluded that the absolute value of activation energy for PET is lower than that of PET/clay nanocomposites, and this showed that introduction of clay into PET matrix weakens the dependence of the nonisothermal crystallization exotherms peak temperatures on the cooling rates used. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 308–314, 2004
Surgical treatment of hydatid cysts of the liver
Authors: Aǧaoǧlu (N. A. Mustafa) N , Türkyılmaz S , Arslan M K
Published: November 2003

Background

Echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease that occurs throughout the world. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical features and results of surgical treatment of hepatic hydatid cysts.

Methods

One hundred and two patients operated on between 1991 and 2002 were reviewed retrospectively. The patients' demographic data, location, number and size of cysts, type of surgical procedure performed, morbidity, recurrences and duration of hospital stay were recorded.

Results

There were 74 male and 28 female patients with ages ranging from 15 to over 60 years. The most frequent symptom was abdominal pain. From the total of 136 hepatic cysts, 54 (39·7 per cent) were managed by cystostomy and drainage, 40 (29·4 per cent) by cystostomy and capitonnage, 16 (11·8 per cent) by cystostomy and omentoplasty, 24 (17·6 per cent) by cystectomy and two (1·5 per cent) by left lateral hepatic resection. Postoperative complications were more frequent following cystostomy with omentoplasty (six of 16 patients) compared with cystectomy (none of 18) (P = 0·005). Choledochotomy increased the length of hospital stay in patients having cystostomy and drainage (P = 0·021) and in those having cystostomy with omentoplasty (P = 0·028). Two recurrences were observed.

Conclusion

Surgery combined with medical treatment by albendazole is effective in the eradication of hepatic hydatid disease and in the prevention of local recurrence.
Endovascular management of traumatic cervicothoracic arteriovenous fistula
Authors: du Toit D F , Leith J G , Strauss D C , Blaszczyk M , Odendaal J de V , Warren B L
Published: November 2003

Background

This study evaluated a single-centre experience with endovascular repair of traumatic arteriovenous fistula in the cervicothoracic region.

Methods

Endovascular repair of 27 traumatic cervicothoracic arteriovenous fistulas was attempted between August 1998 and December 2001. Patients with active bleeding or end-organ ischaemia were excluded. Follow-up was accomplished with clinical, duplex Doppler and arteriographic evaluation after 1 month and then every 3 months.

Results

Twelve patients with a major vessel injury were treated by stent-graft placement. Vessels involved were the subclavian (eight), common carotid (three) and internal carotid (one) arteries. Subclavian artery side branches were embolized in three of the eight patients. Four patients developed early type 4 endoleaks but all resolved. Treatment with stent-grafts was ultimately successful in all 12 patients. Three patients were lost to follow-up. During mean follow-up of 21 (range 3–36) months, one of the remaining patients developed a graft stenosis. Fifteen patients with minor vessel injuries were treated with arterial embolization. Vessels embolized were subclavian artery branches (four), external carotid artery and branches (seven) and vertebral arteries (four). Successful embolization was accomplished in ten of 15 patients.

Conclusion

Endovascular therapy is a promising alternative to surgery for selected patients with cervicothoracic arteriovenous fistula.
Cosmesis and satisfaction after breast-conserving surgery correlates with the percentage of breast volume excised
Authors: Cochrane R A , Valasiadou P , Wilson A R M , Al-Ghazal S K , Macmillan R D
Published: November 2003

Background

The cosmetic outcome after breast-conserving surgery correlates with psychosocial adjustment. Previous studies have shown that, among other factors, cosmesis is dependent on breast size and weight of the wide local excision specimen. This study assessed cosmetic outcome relative to a combination of these factors—the estimated percentage of breast volume excised (EPBVE).

Methods

The study group consisted of 151 women who had undergone breast-conserving surgery. All had previously completed a patient satisfaction questionnaire and an independent panel had assessed cosmetic outcome. Their mammograms were reviewed and breast volume was estimated. A validation series showed cone volume on the oblique mammogram to predict true breast weight most accurately (r = 0·93).

Results

Both subjective cosmetic assessment and patient satisfaction correlated strongly with EPBVE. Overall, when the EPBVE was below 10 per cent, 83·5 per cent of patients were very satisfied with their appearance and only 3·1 per cent were not satisfied, compared with 37·0 and 16·7 per cent respectively if the EPBVE was more than 10 per cent. However, tumour location in the breast was also an important factor; cosmetic outcome was worse for medial tumours.

Conclusion

The percentage of breast volume excised was an important determinant of cosmesis and patient satisfaction after breast-conserving surgery. Calculating the EPBVE before surgery may help select women in whom breast reshaping or volume replacement should be considered.
Predictors of improvement in health-related quality of life in patients undergoing cholecystectomy
Authors: Quintana J M , Aróstegui I , Cabriada J , López de Tejada I , Perdigo L
Published: November 2003

Background

Few studies have assessed health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among patients undergoing cholecystectomy. This study aimed to determine clinical variables that predict changes in HRQoL following cholecystectomy.

Methods

This was a prospective study of consecutive patients undergoing elective cholecystectomy for gallstones in six hospitals. Patients were asked to complete two questionnaires—the Short Form 36 (SF-36) and the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI)—before and 3 months after cholecystectomy. Multivariate linear regression models were used to examine factors potentially contributing to changes in HRQoL.

Results

Patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis and low surgical risk experienced the highest HRQoL gains in several SF-36 and GIQLI domains, with significant improvements in physical function detected by both instruments, compared with asymptomatic individuals at high surgical risk. Patients with asymptomatic cholelithiasis or high surgical risk experienced least improvement.

Conclusion

These data indicate that cholecystectomy is appropriate for patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis and low surgical risk. In terms of HRQoL, the risk to benefit ratio seems poor for patients with asymptomatic gallstones.
Randomized clinical trial of Ligasure™ versus conventional surgery for extended gastric cancer resection
Authors: Lee W-J , Chen T-C , Lai I-R , Wang W , Huang M-T
Published: November 2003

Background

The Ligasure™ Vessel Sealing System is a haemostatic device designed primarily for use in abdominal surgery. Randomized trials have demonstrated that it is safe and quick for haemorrhoidectomy, but there is no evidence that it confers any advantage in complicated gastrointestinal surgery. The aim of the present study was to examine the value of the Ligasure™ system in extended lymph node dissection (D2) during gastrectomy for cancer in a randomized clinical trial.

Methods

D2 gastric resection performed with the Ligasure™ system was compared with resection using conventional haemostatic methods in a prospective randomized trial. Central randomization (40 patients in each group) was performed after a staging laparotomy. The main outcome measures were operating time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative course and complications.

Results

Ligasure™ was associated with less intraoperative blood loss (mean(s.d.) 142(73) versus 239(124) ml; P = 0·001) and a shorter operating time (mean(s.d.) 169(25) versus 222(28) min; P = 0·001) than conventional operation. Postoperative drainage fluid volumes were greater in the Ligasure™ group (mean(s.d.) 1577(940) versus 886(542) ml; P = 0·020). There were no differences in postoperative complications or hospital stay.

Conclusion

The Ligasure™ Vessel Sealing System is safe for use in extended lymph node dissection for gastric cancer, and is associated with a shorter operating time and decreased blood loss compared with conventional haemostatic techniques.
Centrifugal visual system of Crocodylus niloticus: A hodological, histochemical, and immunocytochemical study
Authors: Médina Monique , Repérant Jacques , Ward Roger , Miceli Dom
Published: November 2003

The retinopetal neurons of Crocodylus niloticus were visualized by retrograde transport of rhodamine beta‐isothiocyanate or Fast Blue administered by intraocular injection. Approximately 6,000 in number, these neurons are distributed in seven regions extending from the mesencephalic tegmentum to the rostral rhombencephalon, approximately 70% being located contralaterally to the injected eye. None of the centrifugal neurons projects to both retinae. The retinopetal neurons are located in rostrocaudal sequence in seven regions: the formatio reticularis lateralis mesencephali, the substantia nigra, the griseum centralis tectalis, the nucleus subcoeruleus dorsalis, the nucleus isthmi parvocellularis, the locus coeruleus, and the commissura nervi trochlearis. The greatest number of cells (approximately 93%) is found in the nucleus subcoeruleus dorsalis. The majority are multipolar or bipolar in shape and resemble the ectopic centrifugal visual neurons of birds, although a small number of monopolar neurons resembling those of the avian isthmo‐optic nucleus may also be observed. A few retinopetal neurons in the griseum centralis tectalis were tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactive. Moreover, in the nuclei subcoeruleus dorsalis and isthmi parvocellularis, both ipsilaterally and contralaterally, approximately one retinopetal neuron in three (35%) was immunoreactive to nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and a slightly higher proportion (38%) of retinopetal neurons were immunoreactive for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). Some of them contained colocalized ChAT and NOS/reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate–diaphorase. Fibers immunoreactive to TH, serotonin (5‐HT), neuropeptide Y (NPY), or Phe‐Met‐Arg‐Phe‐amide (FMRF‐amide) were frequently observed to make intimate contact with rhodamine‐labeled retinopetal neurons. These findings are discussed in relation to previous results obtained in other reptilian species and in birds. J. Comp. Neurol. 468:65–85, 2004. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Voronoi deformation density (VDD) charges: Assessment of the Mulliken, Bader, Hirshfeld, Weinhold, and VDD methods for charge analysis
Authors: Fonseca Guerra Célia , Handgraaf Jan‐Willem , Baerends Evert Jan , Bickelhaupt F. Matthias
Published: November 2003

We present the Voronoi Deformation Density (VDD) method for computing atomic charges. The VDD method does not explicitly use the basis functions but calculates the amount of electronic density that flows to or from a certain atom due to bond formation by spatial integration of the deformation density over the atomic Voronoi cell. We compare our method to the well‐known Mulliken, Hirshfeld, Bader, and Weinhold [Natural Population Analysis (NPA)] charges for a variety of biological, organic, and inorganic molecules. The Mulliken charges are (again) shown to be useless due to heavy basis set dependency, and the Bader charges (and often also the NPA charges) are not realistic, yielding too extreme values that suggest much ionic character even in the case of covalent bonds. The Hirshfeld and VDD charges, which prove to be numerically very similar, are to be recommended because they yield chemically meaningful charges. We stress the need to use spatial integration over an atomic domain to get rid of basis set dependency, and the need to integrate the deformation density in order to obtain a realistic picture of the charge rearrangement upon bonding. An asset of the VDD charges is the transparency of the approach owing to the simple geometric partitioning of space. The deformation density based charges prove to conform to chemical experience. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 25: 189–210, 2004
Performance comparison of generalized born and Poisson methods in the calculation of electrostatic solvation energies for protein structures
Authors: Feig Michael , Onufriev Alexey , Lee Michael S. , Im Wonpil , Case David A. , Brooks Charles L.
Published: November 2003

This study compares generalized Born (GB) and Poisson (PB) methods for calculating electrostatic solvation energies of proteins. A large set of GB and PB implementations from our own laboratories as well as others is applied to a series of protein structure test sets for evaluating the performance of these methods. The test sets cover a significant range of native protein structures of varying size, fold topology, and amino acid composition as well as nonnative extended and misfolded structures that may be found during structure prediction and folding/unfolding studies. We find that the methods tested here span a wide range from highly accurate and computationally demanding PB‐based methods to somewhat less accurate but more affordable GB‐based approaches and a few fast, approximate PB solvers. Compared with PB solvation energies, the latest, most accurate GB implementations were found to achieve errors of 1% for relative solvation energies between different proteins and 0.4% between different conformations of the same protein. This compares to accurate PB solvers that produce results with deviations of less than 0.25% between each other for both native and nonnative structures. The performance of the best GB methods is discussed in more detail for the application for force field‐based minimizations or molecular dynamics simulations. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 25: 265–284, 2004
Properties of poly(vinyl alcohol)‐graft‐polyacrylamide copolymers depending on the graft length. 2. Thermal properties in the bulk state
Authors: Demchenko Olga , Zheltonozhskaya Tatyana , Guenet Jean‐Michel , Filipchenko Svetlana , Syromyatnikov Vladimir
Published: November 2003

Thermal behavior of poly(vinyl alcohol)‐graft‐polyacrylamide copolymers (PVA‐g‐PAA), so‐called intramolecular polymer‐polymer complexes (intraPC), with variable M̄ vPAA and constant average number N of grafts is considered in this report. Complete compatibility of PVA and PAA through hydrogen bonding is realized in the range of the graft lengths not exceeding some critical value. The content of adsorbed and trapped water in graft copolymers reflects some features of PVA‐g‐PAAN structure depending on the graft lengths. The first thermal decomposition region in air for copolymers begins at higher temperatures with growing M̄ vPAA, but the total destruction interval reduces. Formal kinetic decomposition parameters of the first decomposition stage appear to be the largest for the PVA‐g‐PAA with the largest quantity of H‐bonds between the main and graft chains. Chemical transformations in graft copolymers, PVA and PAA during thermal decomposition are discussed.
Methodologies for the optimal design of parallel manipulators
Authors: Hay A. M. , Snyman J. A.
Published: November 2003

In this paper the problem of determining a manipulator design so that its workspace corresponds to a prescribed workspace is considered. Two different strategies, resulting in two different types of optimization problem are considered. The first strategy attempts to obtain a good overall approximation to the prescribed workspace and results in an unconstrained optimization problem. The second strategy entails designing a manipulator so that its workspace fully encloses the prescribed workspace and results in a constrained optimization problem. Two specific formulations of the constrained problem are proposed. The first constrained problem simply aims to fit the manipulator workspace as exactly as possible to the prescribed workspace, while still ensuring that the prescribed workspace is fully enclosed. The second constrained optimization formulation is used to design a manipulator, the workspace of which fully encloses the prescribed workspace, but which is also well‐conditioned throughout the workspace with respect to some performance measure. The particular manipulator used to illustrate and evaluate these formulations is a simple 2‐dof planar parallel manipulator, and the final formulation is also applied to a 3‐dof planar parallel manipulator. Although the manipulators studied here are simple, the objective of this study is to obtain a robust numerical methodology which can be extended to more practical and complex manipulators. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Postoperative adjuvant therapy for pancreatic cancer
Authors: Penberthy David R. , Rich Tyvin A. , Adams Reid B.
Published: November 2003

The majority of patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer present at an advanced stage, and only a small percentage are considered technically resectable at diagnosis. The overall prognosis for the majority is dismal, with a median survival in untreated cases of only 24 weeks. Even in resected patients the overall 5‐year survival rate is generally only 5% to 10%; however, some reports indicate higher 5‐year survival rates in patients treated with surgery who are pathologically staged with no lymph node involvement. Even when macroscopically complete resection is achieved, local recurrence (LR) rates are unacceptably high (30% to 70%), which is usually attributed to the difficulty of obtaining microscopically free surgical margins. Microscopic clearance is difficult to achieve because these tumors frequently extend into the peripancreatic tissues (e.g., retropancreatic fat), abut or invade the adjacent large vessels (the portal vein and superior mesenteric artery), and have a propensity to invade the lymphovascular and perineural space. Other common sites of failure after attempted curative resection include metastasis to the liver and the peritoneal cavity. Patients who present with pancreatic cancer, and for whom curative surgery is deemed possible, are thus potential candidates for adjuvant therapy because of the high local failure rate following resection alone. The radiotherapy dose that can be achieved in the postoperative setting for pancreatic cancer is limited because of the proximity of critical structures (e.g., the kidney, liver, small intestines, stomach, and spinal cord). Newer techniques such as conformal radiotherapy and intensity‐modulated radiotherapy have the advantage of being able (theoretically) to precisely localize the dose to the target volume while reducing the dose to critical structures. These techniques may potentially enable the tumorcidal dose to be increased; however, they are only now becoming widespread. Systemic radiation‐sensitizing chemotherapy is also a promising approach to take advantage of additive or synergistic effects with radiation locally, and for the sterilization of systemic disease. This concept of concomitant chemotherapy with radiotherapy, or chemoradiotherapy, has proved effective in a number of sites, including the anal canal, rectum, lung, and pancreas. The recent trials reviewed here varied considerably in terms of the total dose and technique used, and the choice of radiation sensitizing treatment. Semin. Surg. Oncol. 21:256–260, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Discarding Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus L.) through low salinity layers – mortality and damage seen in simulation experiments
Authors: Harris R.R , Ulmestrand M
Published: November 2003

The Kattegat/Skagerrak Nephrops fishery is unusual in that animals normally live in high salinities (33–34 psu) but are raised through a low salinity surface layer and, if discarded, descend back through it to the sea bed. In other open-sea Nephrops fisheries, such low salinity exposure is rare. Physiologically the species is described as being marine stenohaline, i.e. intolerant of reduced salinities, and a lower salinity limit of 29–30 for its distribution has been suggested. Using CTD data from the Anholt E hydrographic station, near to known Nephrops grounds, a knowledge of hauling times (including washing the cod-end with surface water) and of the sinking rate of Nephrops, we simulated conditions experienced by the catch in this fishery. We also included a period of emersion (air exposure) on deck during sorting or reshooting the trawl. Blood electrolytes, body mass changes and simple behavioural responses were examined before and after the simulation over a 5-day period. “Discarded” Nephrops experienced significant haemodilution and gained mass rapidly. Animals showed slow rates of “tail-flipping”, or absence of responses to stimulation, in the period immediately following return to salinity 33 seawater, although many showed recovery later. Delayed effects included abdominal stiffness, swelling and further mortalities (25–42% overall). Controls (exposed to 33 psu seawater only) showed good survival and vigorous responses, even with a period of emersion. The effects of salinity exposure, which are additional to the stresses of being trawled, on the fitness of discarded animals were evaluated. Our results suggest that Nephrops discard mortality in this fishery is significantly higher than past estimates and is due to the stress of this brief exposure to low salinity surface water.
Explaining credit rating differences between Japanese and U.S. agencies
Authors: Shin Yoon S. , Moore William T.
Published: November 2003

We compare credit ratings assigned to Japanese firms by the two leading U.S. rating agencies and the two leading Japanese agencies. Our goal is to investigate the complaint that the U.S. agencies Moody's and Standard and Poor's (S&P) ignore special corporate governance features of Japanese firms, i.e.,keiretsuaffiliation. We find that it is true that ratings of Japanese firms by the U.S. agencies are systematically lower than those assigned by Japanese raters. However, the reasons for the differences are not found to be related tokeiretsuaffiliation. Thus, we reject one of the prominent reasons for rating differences put forth by managers of Japanese firms. This leaves open the question of what drives the difference. The phenomenon is clearly consistent with more general home bias documented in previous work.
A Multilevel Contextual Model of Neighborhood Collective Efficacy
Authors: Duncan Terry E. , Duncan Susan C. , Okut Hayrettin , Strycker Lisa A. , Hix-Small Hollie
Published: November 2003

Different data sources were used to examine hypothesized relations among neighborhood‐, family‐, and individual‐level variables, and perceptions of neighborhood collective efficacy. Data were from 1,105 individuals (56% female, 42% African American, and 58% White) nested within 55 neighborhoods and 392 families, analyzed within a multilevel design using a 3‐level model. At the neighborhood level, the study examined relations between Census, police, and neighborhood representative indicators. At the family level, the model examined the influence of marital status and family income. At the individual level, gender and age were examined. Results indicated that age at the individual level, marital status at the family level, and poverty and perceived gang activity at the neighborhood level predicted levels of neighborhood collective efficacy. The study illustrated significant variation across neighborhoods and families, and demonstrates the utility of combining different sources of neighborhood data to examine relations of interest within a multilevel framework.
Finite element model predictions of static deformation from dislocation sources in a subduction zone: Sensitivities to homogeneous, isotropic, Poisson‐solid, and half‐space assumptions
Authors: Masterlark Timothy
Published: November 2003

Dislocation models can simulate static deformation caused by slip along a fault. These models usually take the form of a dislocation embedded in a homogeneous, isotropic, Poisson‐solid half‐space (HIPSHS). However, the widely accepted HIPSHS assumptions poorly approximate subduction zone systems of converging oceanic and continental crust. This study uses three‐dimensional finite element models (FEMs) that allow for any combination (including none) of the HIPSHS assumptions to compute synthetic Green's functions for displacement. Using the1995 Mw = 8.0 Jalisco‐Colima, Mexico, subduction zone earthquake and associated measurements from a nearby GPS array as an example, FEM‐generated synthetic Green's functions are combined with standard linear inverse methods to estimate dislocation distributions along the subduction interface. Loading a forward HIPSHS model with dislocation distributions, estimated from FEMs that sequentially relax the HIPSHS assumptions, yields the sensitivity of predicted displacements to each of the HIPSHS assumptions. For the subduction zone models tested and the specific field situation considered, sensitivities to the individual Poisson‐solid, isotropy, and homogeneity assumptions can be substantially greater than GPS measurement uncertainties. Forward modeling quantifies stress coupling between the Mw = 8.0 earthquake and a nearby Mw = 6.3 earthquake that occurred 63 days later. Coulomb stress changes predicted from static HIPSHS models cannot account for the 63‐day lag time between events. Alternatively, an FEM that includes a poroelastic oceanic crust, which allows for postseismic pore fluid pressure recovery, can account for the lag time. The pore fluid pressure recovery rate puts an upper limit of 10−17 m2 on the bulk permeability of the oceanic crust.
Observational and theoretical studies of the dynamics of mantle plume–mid‐ocean ridge interaction
Authors: Ito G. , Lin J. , Graham D.
Published: November 2003

Hot spot–mid‐ocean ridge interactions cause many of the largest structural and chemical anomalies in Earth's ocean basins. Correlated geophysical and geochemical anomalies are widely explained by mantle plumes that deliver hot and compositionally distinct material toward and along mid‐ocean ridges. Compositional anomalies are seen in trace element and isotope ratios, while elevated mantle temperatures are suggested by anomalously thick crust, low‐density mantle, low mantle seismic velocities, and elevated degrees and pressures of melting. Several geodynamic laboratory and modeling studies predict that the width over which plumes expand along the ridge axis increases with plume flux and excess buoyancy and decreases with plate spreading rate, plume viscosity, and plume‐ridge separation. Key aspects of the theoretical predictions are supported by observations at several prominent hot spot–ridge systems. Still, many basic aspects of plume‐ridge interaction remain enigmatic. Outstanding problems pertain to whether plumes flow toward and along mid‐ocean ridges in narrow pipe‐like channels or as broad expanding gravity currents, the origin of geochemical mixing trends observed along ridges, and how mantle plumes alter the geometry of the mid‐ocean ridge plate boundary, as well as the origin of other ridge axis anomalies not obviously related to mantle plumes.
Shear instability as a source of the daytime quasi‐periodic radar echoes observed by the Gadanki VHF radar
Authors: Sripathi S. , Patra A. K. , Sivakumar V. , Rao P. B.
Published: November 2003

High‐resolution observations of the daytime quasi‐periodic (QP) structures of the lower E region irregularities made using the Gadanki VHF radar are presented. The structures are found to display striations with negative altitude rates of ∼10 m s−1 and periods of 1–3 minutes. More importantly, these structures are found to be associated with a descending irregularity layer having descent rate of ∼0.3 m s−1. The characteristics of these structures although resemble closely to that of nighttime low altitude structures observed earlier at Gadanki as well as at mid‐latitudes, the periodicities observed during daytime are found to be higher than that observed during nighttime. The Doppler velocities are mostly in the range −20–10 m s−1 and exhibit remarkable shear corresponding to the echoes of larger periodicities. The echoes being mostly confined to the collision dominated lower E region, it is possible to derive meridional neutral wind and the derived wind shows remarkable shear. It is proposed that the Kelvin‐Helmholtz instability is the most likely mechanism responsible for the observed structures presented in this paper.
Nonlinearity and multifractality of climate change in the past 420,000 years
Authors: Ashkenazy Yosef , Baker Don R. , Gildor Hezi , Havlin Shlomo
Published: November 2003

Evidence of past climate variations are stored in polar ice caps and indicate glacial‐interglacial cycles of ∼100 kyr. Using advanced scaling techniques we study the long‐range correlation properties of temperature proxy records of four ice cores from Antarctica and Greenland. These series are long‐range correlated in the time scales of 1–100 kyr. We show that these time series are nonlinear for time scales of 1–100 kyr as expressed by temporal long‐range correlations of magnitudes of temperature increments and by a broad multifractal spectrum. Our results suggest that temperature increments appear in clusters of big and small increments—a big (positive or negative) climate change is most likely followed by a big (positive or negative) climate change and a small climate change is most likely followed by a small climate change.
Equatorial counterelectrojets during substorms
Authors: Kikuchi T. , Hashimoto K. K. , Kitamura T.‐I. , Tachihara H. , Fejer B.
Published: November 2003

Equatorial counterelectrojet (CEJ) events are analyzed in association with changes in the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF), polar cap potential (PCP), and electric field measured in the equatorial ionosphere. In one event on 16 July 1995, the equatorial CEJ was observed at the afternoon dip equator during the recovery phase of the substorm when the IMF turned northward. Rapid decreases in the PCP and in the auroral electrojet occurred simultaneously with the equatorial CEJ, suggesting instantaneous equatorward penetration of the rapid decrease in the electric field associated with the region 1 field‐aligned currents (R1 FACs) under the condition of a well‐developed shielding electric field due to the R2 FACs. In the other event on 8 April 1993, the equatorial CEJ associated with the northward turning of the IMF was directly related to a rapid decrease in the equatorial electric field measured by the Jicamarca incoherent scatter radar as well as to a decrease in the PCP. We confirm the scenario for the substorm‐associated equatorial CEJ as caused by the dominant R2 FACs when the R1 FACs decrease abruptly because of the northward turning of the IMF. We also suggest that the DP 1 current system is composed of the Hall currents surrounding the R2 FACs and the equatorial CEJ closing with the R2 FACs, which are superposed on the DP 2 currents caused by the R1 FACs, being dominant when the IMF turns northward. The coherent occurrence of the electric field in the F region with the electric current in the E region at the equator is explained by applying the Earth‐ionosphere waveguide model of Kikuchi and Araki [1979b] as a most promising transmission mechanism. All the conditions for the equatorial CEJ most likely occur during the substorm, but the northward turning of the IMF and the resultant decrease in the PCP play a crucial role under the condition of well‐developed R2 FACs.
Warm and cold events in Argentina and their relationship with South Atlantic and South Pacific Sea surface temperatures
Authors: Rusticucci Matilde M. , Venegas Silvia A. , Vargas Walter M.
Published: November 2003

A Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) analysis was performed jointly on extreme temperature events in Argentina and sea surface temperature (SST) in the South Atlantic and South Pacific. Sea level pressure (SLP) patterns associated with the first SVD coupled mode were also analyzed. Winter is the season of the year that is best represented by the first mode, accounting for up to 70% of the winter covariance between temperature events and SST. The warm and cold events in Argentina are essentially a consequence of the creation of meridional atmospheric circulations over the continent. Such atmospheric patterns result from displacements and intensity changes of the subtropical anticyclones over the oceans and of the continental low‐pressure center in northwestern Argentina. The temperature events in southern Argentina are also closely related to the warming and cooling of the coastal waters in the South Atlantic and South Pacific. The analysis suggests that in summer and winter, high (low) occurrence of warm events and low (high) occurrence of cold events are related to similar oceanic and atmospheric circulation situations. The temperature events in Argentina show higher correlation with the Atlantic than with the Pacific, which reflects the importance of the “orographic barrier” of the Andes Mountains in driving the atmospheric circulation. The only exception to this rule concerns the warm events in spring, for which the warming of the equatorial Pacific (the ENSO pattern) appears as the dominant mode. The temporal patterns of the temperature events in Argentina exhibit significant interannual variability in fall, winter, and spring, with periods of 3 to 5 years. The summer patterns suggest a very low‐frequency variation with a period longer than 20 years.
Flow in meander bends with recirculation at the inner bank
Authors: Ferguson Robert I. , Parsons Dan R. , Lane Stuart N. , Hardy Richard J.
Published: November 2003

In highly curved river bends, flow may separate at the inner bank to create a recirculation eddy with weak upstream flow. Very little is known about how recirculation eddies connect with the downstream flow or how the latter is affected by their presence. We investigate these questions using three‐dimensional time‐averaged computational fluid dynamics models of two natural bends with inner‐bank separation. Test measurements of velocity in one bend agree well with the simulation. Common points in the two simulations are that (1) an outer‐bank helix is only present in the upstream part of the bend, (2) maximum near‐bank velocities are highest here rather than beyond the apex as in most bends, (3) reverse flow extends farther across the channel at the surface than the bed, and (4) flow within the recirculation eddy has a three‐dimensional structure, linked with that in the outer‐bank free stream. Substantial differences in detail between the two bends appear to be due to differences in upstream planform, manifested through the lateral distribution of inflow velocity.
The impact of death on the family system
Authors: Bowlby‐West Lorna
Published: November 2003

The impact of death on the family system creates a structural void that requires homeostatic adjustments. This paper describes bereavement adjustments in the family system. The author proposes that a family member may be stuck in one of the phases of grieving, which contributes to the homeostatic utilization of one or more of these adjustments. These homeostatic adjustments provide a matrix for abortive grief which may have transgenerational consequences. The author further proposes two stages of grieving in addition to those given by Bowlby (1979, pp. 82–83) and Parkes (1972); that of transformation and actualization. The family system or family‐community system may hinder or help the bereaved family grieve, or make the homeostatic adjustment. Judeo‐Christian values and rituals are described as relevant to this process.
A family systems approach to conciliation in separation and divorce
Authors: Robinson Margaret , Parkinson Lisa
Published: November 2003

This paper argues for a family systems approach to families who are in conflict during the process of divorce, particularly in relation to custody and access for their children. The concept of ‘conciliation’ as a brief method of intervention is both defined and discussed and principles and skills are identified. The influence of the context within which conciliation is practised and in particular, the power which the conciliator holds, or is perceived by the family to hold, is also discussed. These ideas are illustrated by case examples.
Multi‐agency family systems
Authors: Reder Peter
Published: November 2003

The term ‘multi‐agency’ family is preferred to ‘disorganized’ family. Multi‐agency family systems present special problems of the relationships (a) within the family, (b) between family and professional network, (c) among members of the professional network and (d) between family, network and treatment centre to whom the family is referred. Pressures on the family and professional workers can create a locked system which prevents natural development of the family or effective problem solving by the workers. A systems approach to such problems is presented which includes consultation to the family/professional network system.
King Tiger and the roaring tummies: a novel way of helping young children and their families change*
Authors: Wood Andrew
Published: November 2003

Therapy with young children and their families poses special challenges for the therapist. In particular, it is important for the therapist to meet the child at his or her ‘view’ of the world. King Tiger is a special helper who can assist the therapist in this task. Once the idea or existence of King Tiger has been introduced to the child and family in therapy, the therapist can commence writing letters and stories to the child on King Tiger's behalf. These written interventions can affect the entire family. The paper will examine some of the useful and creative techniques that can be incorporated into King Tiger therapy. A case example will illustrate how King Tiger can work as a co‐therapist.
Contextual family therapy and older people: building trust in the intergeneration family*
Authors: Andersonf William T. , Hargrave Terry D.
Published: November 2003

As the proportion of older people in the population increases, therapists are increasingly faced with the complex task of helping the elderly and their families deal with unresolved family issues and conflicts. A small research project which used the contextual family therapy approach of Boszormenyi‐Nagy is briefly described and illustrated with two cases of families experiencing significant intergenerational stress. Widely divergent results emerged in each case.
A response, by any other …
Authors: Cade Brian
Published: November 2003

Frame (noun), an established order, plan or system, (verb), set in or provide with a frame; serve as a frame for; formulate or devise the essentials of (a complex thing, idea, theory, etc.).

Framework (noun), an essential supporting structure; a basic system.

(The Concise Oxford Dictionary)

If the framework through which experience is viewed can be changed, then meaning can be changed and thus also the experiential and behavioural consequences of meaning. (Cade, 1980; p. 90)

To the extent that cognitive factors are potent determinants of emotional states, it could be anticipated that precisely the same state of physiological arousal could be labelled joy' or ‘fury’ or ‘jealousy’ or any other of a great diversity of emotional labels depending on the cognitive aspects of the situation. (Schachter and Singer, 1962; p. 381)
How do we understand empathy systemically?
Authors: Wilkinson Mary
Published: November 2003

This paper considers what a systemic understanding of empathy might be in the context of recent developments in systemic approaches. Clinical work is the basis for an exploration of which systemic ideas might be useful in thinking about ‘systemic empathy’. The question of whether empathy is inherent in the systemic approach is considered.