bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The minimal O(N) sigma model at D = 3 as the holographic image of a higher spin field theory on AdS4
Authors: Leonhardt T. , Rühl W.
Published: May 2004

We show that to the order $O \big ( {1 \over N} \big )$ included all n‐point functions can be expressed by the propagator of the α field and an insertion of the order ${1 \over N}$ 4‐point function of α, which is a simple algebraic function.
Comments on the scalar propagator in AdS × S and the BMN plane wave
Authors: Dorn H. , Salizzoni M. , Sieg C.
Published: May 2004

We discuss the scalar propagator on generic ADSd+1 × Sd′+1 backgrounds. For the conformally flat situations and masses corresponding to Weyl invariant actions the propagator is powerlike in the sum of the chordal distances with respect to AdSd+1 and Sd′+1. In all other cases the propagator depends on both chordal distances separately. We discuss the KK mode summation to construct the propagator in brief. For AdS5 × S5 we relate our propagator to the expression in the BMN plane wave limit and find a geometric interpretation of the variables occurring in the known explicit construction on the plane wave.
Preface
Authors: Dorn H. , Lüst D.
Published: May 2004

We thank all the authors for preparing their manuscripts. For financial support we thank the DFG‐Schwerpunktprogramm 1096, DESY Zeuthen and Humboldt University. Last not least our thanks go to our co‐organizers Johanna Erdmenger, Stephan Stieberger and Gerhard Weigt.
Strategies for non‐chemical weed control on public paved areas in Denmark
Authors: Hansen Preben K , Kristoffersen Palle , Kristensen Kristian
Published: May 2004

To be proactive in minimizing pesticide use, the public authorities in Denmark agreed in 1998 to phase out the use of pesticides on publicly owned areas by the end of 2002. A part of the agreement was an increasing focus on research into and development of new methods and implements for non‐chemical weed control on paved areas. Due to a large increase in the costs of non‐chemical weed control, the park authorities have to put the different types and locations of paved areas in order of priority to optimize the weed control effort. The present authors divided the paved areas into five weed control levels, dependent on placement, quality and use. For the 3 years 1999–2001, experiments with different non‐chemical weed control methods were conducted on pavements at six locations in Denmark. The aim was to test the reaction of the weeds to different treatments and strategies. The efficacies of the methods were evaluated by analysis of digital images to estimate the fraction of the paved area covered with green vegetation (weed coverage). The weed coverage was used as the dependent variable in the subsequent statistical analysis. The independent variables in the model were incoming radiation, wear, area of joints in the pavement, the dying process of the weeds and the number of runs/applied energy of the mechanical or thermal weed control methods, respectively. The estimated parameters from the statistical model were used to build a simulation model, which was used to optimise five weed control strategies to fulfil the suggested weed control levels. In the suggested strategy for maximum weed control, 12 thermal weeding applications at 2‐week intervals are suggested. The ‘clean‐up’ strategy is based on one weed‐brushing in late spring or early autumn. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Weed control on hard surfaces in The Netherlands
Authors: Kempenaar Corné , Spijker Joop H
Published: May 2004

The non‐agricultural use of pesticides in The Netherlands declined in the period 1986–2001 from 127 000 to 40 000 kg AI per annum. However use on pavements rose from 23% to 50% of the total non‐agricultural use. To diminish the dependency on herbicides, both preventive and curative non‐chemical weed control methods have been examined. In the future both mechanical and thermal methods can be improved. On a flat pavement mechanical methods are preferred because they are more effective. Two approaches are used by municipalities to lower the environmental impact of the use of herbicides on pavements. The first is to phase out the use of chemicals on hard surfaces and the second is the integrated approach in which herbicides are not prohibited, but used only on places and at times when the risk of run‐off is below a mutually accepted level. Both approaches can be effective. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
EK‐2612, a new cyclohexane‐1,3‐dione possessing selectivity between rice (Oryza sativa) and barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus‐galli)
Authors: Kim Tae‐Joon , Kim Jin‐Seog , Hong Kyoung Sik , Hwang In‐Taek , Kim Kyoung Mahn , Kim Hyeong‐Rae , Yun Cho Kwang
Published: May 2004

A newly synthesized experimental compound, EK‐2612 is one of the class of cyclohexane‐1,3‐diones which are commonly known to be grasskillers. A greenhouse study was conducted to evaluate the herbicidal performances of EK‐2612 on several grass species in comparison with tralkoxydim, a commercialized cyclohexanedione derivative. Like tralkoxydim, the compound EK‐2612 showed excellent control efficacy on most grass weeds tested through foliar application rates between 250 and 63 g AI ha−1. Unlike tralkoxydim, however, EK‐2612 showed a good rice safety, and there was no rice damage observed at the level below 125 g AI ha−1, while rice injury developed at the same application rates of tralkoxydim. With this rice safety, EK‐2612 controlled barnyardgrass effectively up to the two‐leaf stage under both submerged and dried paddy conditions. An in vitro ACCase assay indicated that EK‐2612 is a strong ACCase inhibitor; however, the dose‐response was not substantially different in rice and barnyardgrass, showing I50 values of 0.1 and 0.12 µM, respectively. These results suggest that the compound EK‐2612 is targeting plant ACCase, but the whole‐plant rice safety is not attributable to a different inhibition of the target site in rice from that in barnyardgrass. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Microbial biomass and activity on railway track and embankments
Authors: Cederlund Harald , Stenström John
Published: May 2004

The spatial distribution of microbial biomass and microbial activity was studied in two Swedish railway embankments (located close to Mora and Nässjö). Basal respiration and substrate‐induced respiration (SIR) as well as the active (r) and dormant (K) fractions of the microbial biomass were determined in samples taken from the surface layer of the ballast. The SIR, r, K and basal respiration values were all of an overall low magnitude, but were highly variable over short distances on the track. Both the biomass and basal respiration were higher on the sides of the embankment than in the middle of the tracks. SIR, K and basal respiration were correlated to the organic matter content as measured by loss on ignition, whereas r was not. None of the parameters correlated with pH. It is proposed that organic matter content could be used as a predictor for microbial biomass in railway embankments. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Hydrolysis and photolysis of flumioxazin in aqueous buffer solutions
Authors: Kwon Jeong‐Wook , Armbrust Kevin L , Grey Timothy L
Published: May 2004

To determine the degradation rates and degradation products of the herbicide flumioxazin in aqueous buffer solutions (pH 5, 7 and 9), its hydrolysis and photolysis were investigated at 30 °C in the dark, and in a growth chamber fitted with fluorescent lamps simulating the UV output of sunlight. The rate of hydrolysis of flumioxazin was accelerated by increasing pH. The t1/2 values at pH 5, 7 and 9 were 16.4, 9.1 and 0.25 h, respectively. Two degradation products were detected and their structural assignments were made on the basis of LC‐MS data. Degradation product I was detected in all buffer solutions while degradation product II was detected in acidic buffer only. Both degradation products appeared to be stable to further hydrolysis. After correcting for the effects of hydrolysis, the photolytic degradation rate also increased as a function of pH and was approximately 10 times higher at pH 7 than that at pH 5, showing t1/2 values of 4.9 and 41.5 h, respectively. Degradation products formed by photolysis were the same as those formed by hydrolysis. Flumioxazin was degraded more extensively at high pH and should degrade in surface water. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of dispersion length on leaching calculated with PEARL, PELMO and PRZM for FOCUS groundwater scenarios
Authors: Boesten Jos JTI
Published: May 2004

Harmonisation of the assessment of pesticide leaching to groundwater for EU registration is desirable to minimise confusion in the decision‐making process at EU level. Recently, the FOCUS groundwater scenarios have been developed for three chromatographic models (PEARL, PELMO and PRZM) to increase this harmonisation. This study investigates the role of dispersion parameterisation in explaining the cause of the differences in pesticide leaching calculated by these models. PEARL describes dispersion via a physical parameter, ie the dispersion length. PELMO and PRZM simulate dispersion via a numerical procedure which generates an effective dispersion length equal to 0.5 times the thickness of the numerical compartments. The hypothesis was tested that the difference in the dispersion length input parameter (ie 5 cm for PEARL and about 2.5 cm for PELMO and PRZM) is a major cause of the difference in calculated leaching. It was tested whether results of PEARL calculations with a dispersion length of 2.5 cm corresponded much better to results of PELMO or PRZM than results of PEARL calculations with a dispersion length of 5 cm. This was done by calculations for one substance and all nine FOCUS scenarios and by calculations for a range of substances and two FOCUS scenarios (Châteaudun and Sevilla). All calculations were for winter wheat and an application at 1 day before emergence. Both tests showed that reduction of the dispersion length from 5 to 2.5 cm in PEARL led to a much better correspondence between PEARL and either PELMO or PRZM. Hence the hypothesis was supported. It is likely that harmonisation of the dispersion length in the FOCUS groundwater scenarios would reduce the differences in calculated leaching between PEARL and PELMO or PRZM considerably for part of these scenarios. Published in 2004 for SCI by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
‘Been there, done that’: international student migration and human capital transfers from the UK to Slovakia
Authors: Baláž Vladimír , Williams Allan M.
Published: May 2004

International student migration remains an under‐researched field in migration studies, and this is especially true of return migration. This paper analyses students from Slovakia who have studied in the UK, both on degree courses and language/vocational courses, and have subsequently returned to their country of origin. It analyses their motivations, their acquisition of human capital in the UK, and the extent to which they have been able to realise individual welfare gains after returning to Slovakia. Their evaluations of their experiences are highly positive, with substantial numbers also reporting improvements in their jobs and incomes, even following relatively short stays abroad. The study emphasises the importance of the specific competences acquired by the students, rather than broad skill categories, or qualifications. It highlights the value attached to language competence, in particular, but also to learning, attitudinal and interpersonal competences, as well as networking. The paper concludes that there is a need to pay more attention to individual social biographies when understanding the relationship between migration and learning. At the same time, it also stresses structural parameters to individual agency, including the specific economic conditions in a transition economy, and the market value of competence in English as a world language. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
‘There are many Bangladeshis in New Delhi, but . . .’: methodological routines and fieldwork anxieties
Authors: Ramachandran Sujata
Published: May 2004

Thanks to scholars placed both within and outside geography, real efforts have been made of late to uncover and engage with the voices of marginalised groups. While population geographers have furnished a remarkable array of methodological devices to explore migrants' being and consciousness, feminist geographers have challenged the established conceptual framework of geographical field research by underscoring the significance of self‐reflexivity, positionality, and situatedness in the field. But as this account of fieldwork with undocumented Bangladeshi migrants in the marginal and ‘illegal’ spaces of slums in New Delhi demonstrates, these nouveau routines do not engage fully with the fieldwork anxieties experienced by the researcher. In particular, critical and self‐engagements alone do not allow the investigator to deal effectively with the complicated and often opaque landscapes in which fieldwork is conducted. The article introduces these highly fragmentary social spaces, suffused with power, but also charged with ambiguities and contradictions, questioning our understanding of undocumented migrant communities and their ties with other groups in the slums. The unelaborated ‘risks of everyday life’ negotiated by unauthorised immigrants necessitate a reworking of these broad routines in order to gain access to and conduct interviews with them. No substantive results from my study are reported in the paper; it should be read as a methodological contribution. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanogranular Co–Al–O films prepared by laser ablation
Authors: Chayka O. , Kraus L. , Fendrych F. , Kocourek T. , Jelínek M.
Published: May 2004

Nanogranular Co–Al–O films were prepared by pulsed laser deposition from Cox(Al2O3)1−x targets. Three targets, with different Co volume fractions, were used in order to study the influence of the film composition on magnetic and transport properties. The samples deposited on room temperature substrates exhibit a granular structure consisting of Co grains with the size of few nm embedded in an insulating Al2O3 matrix. The magnetic properties show a gradual transition from a low temperature blocked regime to a high temperature superparamagnetic state. It is confirmed by the disappearance of magnetic hysteresis at high temperatures and the temperature dependence of magnetization. Magnetoresistance (MR) higher then 9% at 20 K can be found in Co26Al23O51 film. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effects of PS–PVP diblock copolymer topography on the magnetic properties of CoCrPt thin films
Authors: Jeong Jong‐Ryul , Choi Myung Chul , Kim Mahn Won , Shin Sung‐Chul
Published: May 2004

The magnetic properties and growth structure of Co68Cr18Pt14 thin films deposited on self‐assembled PS21400 (styrene)–PVP20700 (4‐vinyl pyridine) diblock copolymer surfaces were investigated using a magneto‐optical microscope magnetometer (MOMM). The perpendicular magnetic anisotropy as well as the coercivity of 200 Å CoCrPt/PS–PVP/Si(100) films in comparison with 200 Å CoCrPt/Si(100) were distinctly enhanced. An atomic force microscope (AFM) revealed that the enhanced perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and coercivity in CoCrPt/PS–PVP/Si(100) films might be ascribed to the reduction of the magnetic dipolar anisotropy of CoCrPt films having a rough surface arising from spherically modulated PS–PVP surface morphology and preferential deposition of CoCrPt on top of the PVP block. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Molecular beam epitaxial growth of GaN and GaMnN using a single precursor
Authors: Kim K. H. , Lee K. J. , Kang H. S. , Yu F. C. , Kim J. A. , Kim D. J. , Baik K. H. , Yoo S. H. , Kim C. G. , Kim Y. S. , Kim C. S. , Kim H. J. , Ihm Y. E.
Published: May 2004

GaMnN magnetic thin films were grown using a single GaN precursor of Et2Ga(N3)NH2C(CH3)3, and their structural and magnetic properties were investigated. The GaN layers were grown with c‐axis texture orientation. The films, however, revealed a great improvement in the crystallinity upon in‐situ and ex‐situ annealing at higher temperatures. Incorporation of Mn, however, randomized the growth direction as revealed by investigations of X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. For high Mn flux, a cubic second phase, Mn3GaN, has precipitated. It is a structure seldom observed in other conventional molecular beam epitaxy growth. It, however, offered a high conductivity to the GaMnN matrix. The precipitated films showed a uniaxial anisotropy in the magneto‐transport. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of heat treatment on the magnetostrictive properties of Tb0.3Dy0.7Fey for 1.4 ≤ y ≤ 1.7
Authors: Kim Jong‐Chul , Kwon Oh‐Yeoul , Kwon Young‐dong , Lee Zin Hyoung
Published: May 2004

The effect of annealing on the microstructure and magnetostriction of Tb0.3Dy0.7Fey for 1.4 ≤ y ≤ 1.7 was investigated. As the y value decreased, the volume fraction of the eutectic phase increased and this phase leaked out from a sample during annealing above the eutectic temperature, which significantly changed the magnetostrictive properties. We compare the effects of leakage of the eutectic phase and annealing on the magnetostriction and discuss the reasons.
Opal photonic crystals impregnated with magnetite
Authors: Kodama T. , Nishimura K. , Baryshev A. V. , Uchida H. , Inoue M.
Published: May 2004

We report an experimental study of the fabrication of three‐dimensional magnetophotonic crystals (3D MPCs) based on artificial opals. Chemical conditions obtained at coating of SiO2 spheres with magnetite particles is used for fabrication opal‐magnetite composites. Investigations of properties of synthesized composites show that synthesis of magnetic materials can be performed inside of opal lattice by using the infiltration method, and optical properties of opal‐magnetite composites having all the features of opal photonic crystal strongly depend on volume fraction of magnetic material embedded into opal lattice. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Preparation and characteristics of a magnetic–dielectric (Fe3O4/BaTiO3) composite by ferrite plating with ultrasound irradiation
Authors: Park H. K. , Choi S. H. , Oh J. H. , Ko T.
Published: May 2004

Fe3O4‐encapsulated BaTiO3 powder was synthesized with ultrasound‐enhanced ferrite plating. The microwave absorbing properties of the synthesized Fe3O4/BaTiO3 composite powder were compared with the following powders, Fe3O4, Fe3O4/BaTiO3 mixed, and BaTiO3. The absorption bands for their specimens having the same thickness were observed at 6.9 GHz, 11.1 GHz, 8.3 GHz, and 5.8 GHz, respectively. When ultrasound was applied for more than 3 hours, Fe3O4 particles covered completely the surface of each BaTiO3 grain. The permittivity and the corecive force of a sintered composite prepared from this Fe3O4‐encapsulated BaTiO3 powder was 148.38–362.4 at 10 kHz and 2920–3600 Oe, respectively. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Analytic expressions of the general magneto‐optical Kerr effects for a nanometer‐thick magnetic layer with a capping layer
Authors: You Chun‐Yeol , Shin Sung‐Chul
Published: May 2004

We have formulated analytic expressions for magneto‐optical Kerr effect (MOKE) of a magnetic layer covered by a capping layer, when two layers are optically thin enough. Within the first order of the thickness of the magnetic and capping layers, the polar and longitudinal magneto‐optical Kerr effects of p and s polarized waves can be approximated with simple closed forms for the general cases of an arbitrary oblique incident angle. It is found that the capping layer thickness dependent part can be separated from the first‐order term of the magnetic layer thickness, and it turns out to be the simple form for the normal incident case. The validity of the approximated expressions was examined by comparison with the exact numerical solutions, and it is confirmed that the estimated error was small enough for optically thin enough magnetic and capping layers. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Magnetoresistance and surface properties with deposition condition for La–Sr–Mn–O thin films
Authors: Ahn Geun Young , Park Seung‐Iel , Shim In‐Bo , Cho Young Suk , Kim Chul Sung
Published: May 2004

Polycrystalline La–Sr–Mn–O thin films were grown through RF magnetron sputtering on Si(100) substrates. The conditions for the deposition of the La–Sr–Mn–O thin films were 0, 20, 40, 60 and 80% partial oxygen pressures of the buffer gas, an RF magnetron sputtering power of 2.46 W/cm2 and a substrate temperature of room temperature. After the deposition, all the films were annealed in the air for 3 hours at 800 °C. The crystal structure, the chemical composition, the microstructure, the magnetic properties and the low‐field magnetoresistance of the La–Sr–Mn–O films were studied using X‐ray diffraction, Rutherford back‐scattering spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and a vibrating sample magnetometer. The crystal structure of the LSMO thin films was found to be a pseudo‐cubic perovskite. As the partial oxygen pressure increased, particle size and root mean square roughness decreased while saturation magnetization and the low‐field magnetoresistance increased. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Evaluation of the magnetocaloric effect from magnetization and heat capacity data
Authors: Lee J. S.
Published: May 2004

Magnetic refrigeration is based on the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) – the ability of some materials to heat up when magnetized and cool down when removed from the magnetic field. The available techniques for studying the MCE are: (i) direct measurements by monitoring the change in material's temperature during the application or removal of the magnetic field; and (ii) indirect calculations from experimental data of magnetization and/or heat capacity as functions of temperature and magnetic field. In this paper the procedure to evaluate the MCE from magnetization and zero‐field heat capacity data is described. The MCE – isothermal magnetic entropy change (ΔSM) and adiabatic temperature change (ΔTad) – of gadolinium (Gd) obtained by this procedure is presented. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Exercise‐induced changes in exhaled nitric oxide in heart failure
Authors: Bussotti Maurizio , Andreini Daniele , Agostoni Piergiuseppe
Published: May 2004

Background:

In heart failure abnormalities of pulmonary function are frequently observed as shown by hyperpnea, reduced lung compliance, reduced alveolar‐capillary gas diffusion, positive methacholine challenge and, during exercise, early expiratory flow limitation. Nitric oxide (NO) might be related to all the above abnormalities.

Aims:

We evaluated whether a correlation between exhaled NO (eNO) and lung function exists at rest and during exercise in heart failure.

Methods:

We studied 33 chronic heart failure patients and 11 healthy subjects with: (a) standard pulmonary function, (b) lung diffusion for carbon monoxide (DLco) including its subcomponents, capillary volume and membrane resistance and eNO both at rest and during light exercise, (c) maximal cycloergometer cardiopulmonary exercise test.

Results:

Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) was reduced in heart failure patients (83±17% of predicted), as was DLco (75±18% of predicted) due to reduced membrane resistance (32.6±10.3 ml mmHg−1 min−1 vs. 39.9±6.9 in patients vs. controls, P<0.02). Exhaled NO was lower in patients vs. controls (9.7±5.4 ppm vs. 14.4±6.4, P<0.05) and was, during exercise, constant in patients and reduced in controls. No significant correlation was found between eNO and lung function. Vice‐versa eNO changes during exercise were correlated with peak exercise oxygen consumption (r=0.560, P<0.001).

Conclusions:

The hypothesis of a link between eNO and lung function in heart failure was not proved. The correlation between eNO changes during exercise and peak Vo2 might be due to hemoglobin oxygenation, which binds NO to hemoglobin.
Extracellular superoxide concentration increases following cerebral hypoxia but does not affect cerebral blood flow
Authors: Fabian Roderic H. , Perez‐Polo J.Regino , Kent Thomas A.
Published: May 2004

Abnormalities of cerebral blood flow during and following hypoxia and ischemia contribute to the progression of tissue injury. Oxidative stress during and following hypoxia is known to markedly increase superoxide anion concentration. There is conflicting evidence that the concentration of superoxide anion regulates cerebral blood flow through its effect on vascular tone, although difficulties in measurement of superoxide anion complicate these studies. In order to test the hypothesis that changes in cerebral blood flow during and following hypoxia are due to changes in extracellular superoxide anion levels, we examined tissue oxygen levels by fiberoptic oximetry and superoxide anion levels using a previously validated cytochrome c coated electrode on the cortical surface and correlated these measurements to cerebral blood flow measured by laser Doppler in rats subjected to 20 min of hypoxia followed by hyperoxic reoxygenation recovery. The results showed a burst of superoxide anion with the onset of reoxygenation that temporally correlated with a transient peak in tissue oxygen tension lasting 10 min. and was eliminated by pretreatment with Cu–Zn superoxide dismutase conjugated to polyethylene glycol. Cerebral blood flow did not differ during hypoxia or recovery in the polyethylene glycol conjugated superoxide dismutase and control treatment groups. This study demonstrated no effect of increased superoxide anion concentration on cerebral blood flow during hyperoxic recovery following hypoxia.
Adolescent and adult rats respond differently to nicotine and alcohol: motor activity and body temperature
Authors: Rezvani Amir H. , Levin Edward D.
Published: May 2004

Alcohol and nicotine are the most widely abused drugs in the world. The use of these addictive drugs often begins in adolescence, however, little is known about the different impacts of nicotine and alcohol on adolescents versus adults. This study examined both the individual and combined effects of nicotine and alcohol on body temperature and locomotor activity in adolescent and adults rats. Rats were injected with saline (SC) + saline (IP), nicotine (SC) + saline (IP), alcohol (IP) + saline (SC) or alcohol (IP) + nicotine (SC). The dose selected for nicotine was 0.2 mg/kg and for alcohol 2.5 g/kg (16% v/v). For each age/treatment, 10–13 animals were used, with each animal receiving only one treatment. In regards to body temperature, both nicotine and alcohol caused a significant age×drug interaction. The combination of nicotine and alcohol caused greater drop in body temperature in adolescent than in adult rats. Neither of the two drugs, when given alone, caused differential effects in adolescents or adult rats, though both resulted in drop in body temperature. In terms of locomotor activity, the treatment that produced a significantly different effect between adolescents and adults was nicotine alone. Nicotine significantly decreased locomotor activity in adolescent compared to adult rats. These preliminary results suggest that adolescent rats may have an increased sensitivity to nicotine and alcohol, which may consequently impact their initial addiction to these two drugs.
Metronidazole for the treatment of feline giardiasis
Authors: Scorza Andrea V. , Lappin Michael R.
Published: May 2004

There are several drugs available for the treatment of giardiasis in cats, including metronidazole. The purpose of this study was to determine whether metronidazole benzoate administered at a dose of 25 mg/kg, orally, twice a day for 7 days lessens or eliminates Giardia cyst shedding in cats with chronic infection. Twenty-six, adult, laboratory-reared cats were used in this study. Sixteen cats had been inoculated orally with cysts of a human Giardia sp. isolate and had completed a Giardia vaccine study in one animal holding room. The other ten cats were infected with the same Giardia sp. presumably by contamination from the adjacent room where the Giardia vaccine study cats were located. From each cat, a fecal sample was collected within 1 week of the start of treatment and then every 2 to 4 days for 15 days after treatment was completed. Fecal samples were analyzed for the presence of Giardia cysts using a commercially available direct immunofluorescence test (IFA). Clinical signs of drug toxicity were not detected during the study.
Hypoxia induces HIF‐1α and VEGF expression in chondrosarcoma cells and chondrocytes
Authors: Lin Chuzhao , McGough Richard , Aswad Bassam , Block Joel A. , Terek Richard
Published: May 2004

Like other tumors, chondrosarcoma must induce neovascularity as they grow. Recent studies have demonstrated that chondrosarcoma are vascular. Since normal cartilage is a hypoxic, yet avascular tissue and since chondrosarcoma bears some phenotypic relation to cartilage, it is not clear if hypoxic pathways remain intact in these tissues. Hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α) is the inducible subunit of the HIF‐1 transcription factor that regulates genes involved in the response to hypoxia, some of which promote neovascularity. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the genes upregulated by HIF‐1 and is the primary cytokine related to angiogenesis. In this study we examined the response of chondrocytes and chondrosarcoma cell lines to hypoxia. We found that both normal and malignant chondrocytes increased HIF‐1α protein expression in an oxygen concentration dependent manner and also increased VEGF mRNA expression in response to hypoxia. HIF‐1α protein and VEGF mRNA decreased when chondrosarcoma cells were transfected with siRNA targeting HIF‐1α prior to hypoxia exposure, suggesting that HIF‐1α expression resulted in increased VEGF expression. The role of the HIF‐1α/VEGF pathway in angiogenesis in chondrosarcoma in vivo and its usefulness as a target for antiangiogenic treatment strategies for this tumor requires further investigation. © 2004 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
A novel murine segmental femoral graft model
Authors: Tiyapatanaputi Prarop , Rubery Paul T. , Carmouche Jonathan , Schwarz Edward M. , O'Keefe Regis J. , Zhang Xinping
Published: May 2004

To further understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying cortical bone graft healing, we have developed a novel mouse femur model that permits quantitative and molecular analysis of structural bone graft healing. A 4 mm mid‐diaphyseal femoral segment was removed and replaced by either immediate implantation of a fresh autograft, a frozen, genetically identical isograft or a frozen allograft from a different strain of mouse, which was secured with a 22‐gauge metal intramedullary pin. Healing was evaluated by radiology, histomorphometry, and in situ hybridization. Autograft repair occurred by endochondral bone formation at the host–graft junction and by intramembranous bone formation along the length of the graft bed at 2 weeks, with maturation and remodeling apparent by 4 weeks. Bone repair in allografts and isografts completely relied on endochondral bone formation at the host–graft cortical junction, with absence of periosteal bone formation along the length of the graft, suggesting that live periosteal cells from the donor tissue are necessary for this response. This small animal model of structural bone grafting can be used to evaluate tissue‐engineered allografts and novel bone graft substitutes using quantitative and molecularly defined outcome measures. © 2004 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Serum Immunoglobulins and IgG Subclass Levels in Sinus Mycetoma
Authors: Jiang Rong‐San , Hsu Chen‐Yi
Published: May 2004

OBJECTIVE

To study the immunity of patients with sinus mycetoma by measuring serum immunoglobulins and IgG subclass levels.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Thirty patients with sinus mycetoma, 71 ordinary chronic rhinosinusitis patients without nasal polyps, and 77 ordinary chronic rhinosinusitis patients with nasal polyps were collected. In all subjects, the levels of total serum immunoglobulins and IgG subclasses were measured during surgical treatment.

RESULTS

Among 30 patients with sinus mycetoma, decreased IgA level was found in 1 patient, and decreased IgM level was found in another 2 patients. There were no significant differences in the levels of total serum immunoglobulins or IgG subclasses between patients with sinus mycetoma and ordinary chronic rhinosinusitis patients with or without nasal polyps.

CONCLUSION

Immunologic defects cannot be detected in patients with sinus mycetoma by measuring levels of total serum immunoglobulins or IgG subclasses.

SIGNIFICANCE

Immunoglobulin deficiency may not play an important role in the pathogenesis of sinus mycetoma. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2004;130:563‐6.)
Misoprostol in the Treatment of Tinnitus: A Double‐Blind Study
Authors: Yilmaz Ismail , Akkuzu Babür , Çakmak Özcan , Özlüoglu Levent N.
Published: May 2004

OBJECTIVE

To test the efficacy of misoprostol as a treatment for tinnitus.

DESIGN

A prospective, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study.

SETTING

Başkent University Otolaryngology Clinic.

PATIENTS

Forty adult patients who had had tinnitus for a minimum of 6 months and were free of systemic or otolaryngologic disease. Twenty‐eight patients were randomly assigned to the experimental group (group I) and 12 to the control group (group II).

INTERVENTION

The respective groups received active drug and placebo in increasing doses for 4 months. The effect of medications on tinnitus were evaluated by determining improvement rates in tinnitus loudness and subjective tinnitus scoring.

RESULTS

In the experimental group, 18 of 28 patients showed improvement in tinnitus loudness, representing an improvement rate of 64%. The improvement rate based on subjective tinnitus scoring was 36% (10 of 28 patients). In the control group, the improvement rate for tinnitus loudness was 33% (n = 4), and the rate for subjective tinnitus scoring was 17% (n = 2). The difference between improvement rate for tinnitus loudness of the experimental group and control group was found to be statistically significant (P = 0.039), but difference between improvement rate based on subjective tinnitus scoring was insignificant (P = 0.119). When results in the experimental group were analyzed according to etiological factors, the improvement rate was highest in the sudden‐onset subgroup (77%).

CONCLUSIONS

Misoprostol provided therapeutic relief for some patients with tinnitus we studied, but further investigation of larger groups is needed. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2004;130:604‐10.)
Olfactory Neuroblastoma: The University of Erlangen‐Nuremberg Experience 1975–2000
Authors: Constantinidis Jannis , Steinhart Helmut , Koch Michael , Buchfelder Michael , Schaenzer Anne , Weidenbecher Manfred , Iro Heinrich
Published: May 2004

OBJECTIVE

Olfactory neuroblastoma constitutes a rare and, in clinical terms, biologically variable tumor of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and the base of the skull and presents a challenge to a modern multidisciplinary therapy. Generally acknowledged prognostic factors and a standard therapy fail to exist.

METHODS

Between 1975 and 2000 we diagnosed and treated 26 patients with an olfactory neuroblastoma. According to Kadish's classification, 1 patient (4%) showed stage A, 16 patients (53%) stage B, and 11 cases (43%) stage C. Hyams grading was established in 81% of all cases. Fifty‐two percent were thus classified as low‐grade and 48% as highgrade tumors. Surgical therapy was performed on 23 patients (88.5%), surgery being the exclusive form of therapy (monotherapy) in 5 of these patients. Combined therapy was carried out in 18 cases (surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy).

RESULTS

Currently, 16 of 26 treated patients (61.5%) are alive. The disease‐specific 10‐ and 15‐year survival determined according to Kaplan‐Meier is 76.2%. Fifteen‐year survival amounts to 86.7% for smaller tumors (Kadish A/B) and 63.6% for advanced tumors (Kadish C). Seven (26.9%) of the overall group of treated patients developed a recurrence. Salvage therapy was successful in 60% (3 of 5 patients). Fifteen‐year survival following salvage therapy amounts to 60%. Patients with highgrade tumors exhibit a significantly reduced 10‐year survival (40%) compared to patients with low‐grade tumors (100%).

CONCLUSIONS

The therapy of olfactory neuroblastoma calls for an interdisciplinary multimodal therapeutic strategy, particularly in the case of advanced tumors. Tumor staging and histopathologic grading according to Hyams are important factors for survival and prognosis. Aggressive salvage therapy can lead to a distinct improvement of long‐term survival. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2004; 130:567‐74.)
“Cystic” Parotid Swelling on FNA: Significance on Clinical Management
Authors: Wong David Sau Yan , Wong Ling Yuen
Published: May 2004

The clinical significance of a cystic aspirate, defined as an aspirate yielding fluid of any nature, on fine needle aspiration cytology (FNA) of parotid masses was studied. A total of 464 FNA from 236 patients over a 4‐year period in a university head and neck department was analyzed. The incidence of cystic aspirates was 17.4%. The gross appearance of the aspirated fluid was consistent between sessions. Aspirated fluids could be blood‐related, serous, or purulent, and these were associated with the pathological nature of lesions. Volume and viscosity were not useful features in predicting pathology. Cysts that could be completely emptied may not recur, but the pathology should still be noted. There was no difference in pathology between cystic and noncystic swellings. The incidental finding of fluid on FNA carries very limited clinical implication and parotid masses should be fully worked up and treated as in the noncystic swelling.
Intraparotid Facial Nerve Schwannoma: Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Caughey Robert J. , May Mark , Schaitkin Barry M.
Published: May 2004

OBJECTIVE

Facial nerve schwannomas are rare neoplasms that present a challenge in diagnosis and management. We sought to gain insight into the clinical presentation and its implications in management.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

A group of patients diagnosed with schwannoma was reviewed, with focus on tumor arising in the intraparotid region of the facial nerve. The patient population consisted of 3722 patients evaluated retrospectively over 38 years at the Shadyside Facial Paralysis Center, a tertiary referral center. From this population, 29 patients (18 women and 11 men) with the diagnosis of schwannoma were selected for review.

RESULTS

Twenty‐nine patients had facial nerve schwannoma. The average age at diagnosis was 44 years (range, 7 to 78 years). Eight patients had intraparotid involvement, with 5 having a palpable mass in the parotid. The duration of symptoms averaged 8.4 years overall, with intraparotid involvement averaging 10.9 years. The 8 intraparotid schwannomas had a mean House‐Brackmann grade of 1.5/6 at initial presentation. Postoperative facial nerve function was only 4.4/6 for resected intraparotid schwannomas.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraparotid facial nerve schwannomas are slow growing tumors, which are usually asymptomatic but can be painful. Schwannoma should be suspected if the facial nerve cannot be found intraoperatively or if the tumor is intimately associated with the facial nerve. In cases where schwannoma is suspected, biopsy is recommended, while complete resection is postponed to obtain imaging studies to evaluate the extent of disease and to discuss possible outcomes with the patient.

SIGNIFICANCE

This article provides guidance for the appropriate management of intraparotid facial nerve schwannoma.
Teleotolaryngology: A Retrospective Review at a Military Tertiary Treatment Facility
Authors: Haegen Timothy W. , Cupp Craig C. , Hunsaker Darrell H.
Published: May 2004

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS

The use of real‐time tele‐medicine in providing quality health‐care in multiple specialties has been demonstrated in several small studies; however, a review of the literature reveals no large‐scale prospective or retrospective telemedicine studies in otolaryngology. The tele‐medicine office at Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD) acquired a large otolaryngology tele‐medicine patient database, and this study reviews the otolaryngology telemedicine experience at NMCSD over an 18‐month period.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a retrospective and reviewed new patient consults for the NMCSD otolaryngology telemedicine clinic from April 1, 2001, until November 6, 2002.

RESULTS

During the study period, a total of 883 patients received new patient evaluations. Of 883 patients, 568 (64.3%) received a preliminary diagnosis and were treated accordingly. Telemedicine resulted in the avoidance of 22.7% consults. Only 115 (13.0%) of 883 patients required traditional face‐to‐face otolaryngology consultation. In addition, only 30 (4.3%) of 705 patients who underwent flexible nasopharyngoscopy, otomicroscopy, or nasal endoscopy received incomplete examinations.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates the ability of telemedicine to function in an general otolaryngology setting.
Stapedectomy in Patients with a Prolapsed Facial Nerve
Authors: Neff Brian A. , Lippy William H. , Schuring Arnold G. , Rizer Franklin M.
Published: May 2004

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the method of stapedectomy and hearing results in patients who have 50% or more of the footplate covered by a prolapsed facial nerve.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a retrospective review of 1497 primary stapedectomies performed between 1986 and 1995.

METHODS

Twenty‐eight patients had 50% or more of the oval window covered by a prolapsed facial nerve. Twenty‐three patients in this group had adequate follow‐up and their hearing results were compared with a matched control group of 50 patients with normal facial nerve anatomy. Also, facial nerve outcomes and any other complications are reported.

RESULTS

In the patient group with facial nerve prolapse, closure of the postoperative air‐bone gap to 10 dB or less was achieved in 19 of 23 (83%) ears and 16 of 20 (80%) ears at 6 months and 1 year, respectively. At 6 months and 1 year, the postoperative air‐bone gap in 47 of 50 (94%) ears and 40 of 43 (93%) ears in the control group had closed to 10 dB or less. The average postoperative air‐bone gap was 5.1 dB at 6 months and 6.8 dB at 1 year for the group with facial nerve prolapse. In comparison, the average postoperative air‐bone gap in the control group was 3.5 dB and 3.9 dB, respectively. The difference in the hearing results for the 2 groups was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

When the facial nerve covered at least 50% of the oval window, the poststapedectomy hearing results at 6 months and 1 year were similar to those of a matched control group of stapedectomy patients with a normal facial nerve course. There were no short‐ or long‐term facial nerve complications in either group. In light of these results, we conclude that stapedectomy in patients with significant facial nerve prolapse can be performed safely with good hearing results.
A Comparison of Radiofrequency Treatment Schemes for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: Steward David L. , Weaver Edward M. , Woodson B. Tucker
Published: May 2004

OBJECTIVES

We sought to determine whether increasing temperature‐controlled radiofrequency tissue ablation (TCRFTA) treatments provide incremental improvement in outcomes of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).

METHODS

Twenty‐six subjects randomized to TCRFTA treatment for mild to moderate OSAS were studied at baseline, 1 month after 3 tongue treatments (interim), and then 2 months after 2 additional tongue and palate treatments (final). Outcomes included OSA‐specific quality of life (Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire [FOSQ] and Symptoms of Nocturnal Obstruction and Related Events [SNORE25]), daytime sleepiness, and reaction times (slowest, median, and fastest).

RESULTS

Interim outcomes were significantly better than baseline for FOSQ and SNORE25 (P < 0.05), with a trend toward improvement for sleepiness (P = 0.06). Final outcomes were significantly better than interim outcomes for FOSQ, sleepiness, slowest and median reaction time (all P < 0.05), and non‐significantly improved for SNORE25 (P = 0.30) and fastest reaction time (P = 0.18). All final outcomes were improved from baseline (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Three TCRFTA tongue treatments significantly improved OSA‐specific quality of life. An additional 2 TCRFTA tongue and palate treatment sessions further significantly improved quality of life and reaction times. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2004;130:579‐85.)
Patient Choice in Treatment of Vestibular Schwannoma
Authors: Pogodzinski Matthew S. , Harner Stephen G. , Link Michael J.
Published: May 2004

OBJECTIVES

There are options available to patients newly diagnosed with vestibular schwannoma. Our institution employs stereotactic radiosurgery, microsurgical removal, and watchful waiting. There are no studies in the literature examining which of these treatment options patients are choosing.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Using retrospective chart review from January 2000 through December 2001, we noted several variables and patients’ initial treatment choices.

RESULTS

During the 24‐month study period, 139 patients were seen at our institution with a new diagnosis of vestibular schwannoma and made a clear initial treatment choice. Of these, 32 (23%) patients elected watchful waiting; 51 (36%) underwent stereotactic radiosurgery, and 56 (40%) underwent surgical removal. Surgical excision correlated with younger age and larger tumor size.

CONCLUSIONS

Our initial hypothesis, that patients choosing treatment would choose stereotactic radiosurgery more than 50% of the time, was untrue for the time course studied.

SIGNIFICANCE

This is the first study to examine patient choice in treatment of vestibular schwannoma.
The Story of our Lives: The qz-Text of the Life of Adam and Eve, the Apostle Paul, and the Jewish-Christian Oral Tradition concerning Adam and Eve
Authors: TROMP JOHANNES
Published: May 2004

This study is concerned with one text-form of the Greek Life of Adam and Eve in particular: the qz-text. This text-form is demonstrably of Christian origin, although the name of Jesus Christ nowhere features in it. It seems to share a certain anthropology with the epistles of Paul, but it is unlikely that its editor had any knowledge of the Pauline letters beyond the most superficial. It is concluded that the Life of Adam and Eve, which in all its forms and redactions primarily deals with questions of everyday life, reflects a living oral narrative tradition shared by Jews and Christians.
Philipper 4.4–7: Aussage und situativer Hintergrund
Authors: POPKES WIARD
Published: May 2004

Phil 4.4–7 is best understood against the background of a society with an imperial ideology, mirrored in the epistle's terminology. The church is under pressure from its social environment and opposes the claims of the state's officials. The various parts of the passage are united by this context. Christian emotions should be shaped by the relation to Christ who is ‘near’, said in contrast to Caesar's proclaimed omnipresence. Christians are called to behave nobly towards their fellow citizens. The terminology of prayer reflects imperial customs. The peace of God surpasses the pax Romana. Paul's strategy is to strengthen the unity of the church and to enhance a convincing social behaviour.