bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Home Street Home: The Interpersonal Dimensions of Adolescent Homelessness
Authors: Paradise Matthew , Cauce Ana Mari
Published: November 2003

This paper draws on the available literature, as well as unpublished data, to reconstruct the often chaotic early childhood experiences of homeless adolescents and to describe the problematic ways of relating that may result from these troubled life histories. We also examine the processes by which homeless youth become separated from their families, and we make connections between socio‐emotional problems on the street and early neglect and abuse at home. The risk‐amplification model is offered as a theoretically compelling explanation of the adolescent homeless experience, high rates of victimization on the streets, and mental health problems that arise out of these circumstances. Finally, we present a promising approach for intervening with homeless youth, one that explicitly targets this cycle of ineffective interpersonal relationships.
Book Review: Current Perspectives on Ageism
Authors: Earles Julie
Published: November 2003

Book reviewed in this article:

T. D. Nelson (ed.), Ageism: Stereotyping and Prejudice against Older Persons
Book Review: Compassion in Human Nature
Authors: Rosch Eleanor
Published: November 2003

Book reviewed in this article:

R. J. Davidson and A. Harrington (eds.), Visions of Compassion: Western Scientists and Tibetan Buddhists Examine Human Nature
Chemical‐technological processing of the complex barite–sulphide ore
Authors: Vracar Rajko , Saljic Labud , Sokic Miroslav , Matkovic Vladislav , Radosavljevic Slobodan
Published: November 2003

The investigation results of the processing possibilities of the complex barite‐sulphide ore from “Bobija” deposit (Serbia) for the sake of lead, zinc and copper extraction are presented in this paper. Through x‐ray diffraction and microscopic examination it is concluded that: (a) it is not possible to enrich the ore for obtaining any selective or a collective sulphide concentrate using the conventional methods of mineral processing, and (b) it is necessary to include chemical and technological procedures for ore processing. Examination of reduction roasting with carbon addition for the barite (BaSO4) reduction into good soluble BaS is performed. After water leaching of BaS from the calcined ore, the solid residual is submitted to the magnetic separation procedure for the pyrrhotite (Fex−1Sx) separation, which is formed after pyrite (FeS2) dissociation, and for obtaining a collective sulphide concentrate Pb–Zn–Cu. Finally, the sulphide concentrate is leached with the solution of H2SO4 in the presence of oxygen at elevated temperatures and pressures in an autoclave. Through their sulphide oxidation zinc, copper and iron were dissolved, while lead sulphide remained as insoluble in the solid residual after leaching. The influence of the working parameters on the degree of leaching of zinc, copper and iron is examined.
Effect of leaking current on the electrochemical measurements of oxygen activities at high temperature
Authors: Mutale Christian‐Thalès , Van Rooyen Gerrit Tertius
Published: November 2003

Current leaking due to the conductivity of the gaseous atmosphere and ceramics at high temperature could affect the measurements of oxygen partial pressure considerably when using the electromotive force (EMF) technique. Tests have been done to try to reduce the interactions between the leaking current and the potential of the galvanic cell by using a faraday cage. It was found that by performing the experiments in a faraday cage the galvanic cell can be protected against leaking currents. In addition, by using balanced floating inputs to the electronic instrumentation this effect can be reduced further.
Elasticity in extracellular matrix ‘shape modules’ of tendon, cartilage, etc. A sliding proteoglycan‐filament model
Authors: Scott J. E.
Published: November 2003

Connective tissues (CTs), which define bodily shape, must respond quickly, robustly and reversibly to deformations caused by internal and external stresses. Fibrillar (elastin, collagen) elasticity under tension depends on molecular and supramolecular mechanisms. A second intra‐/inter‐molecular pair, involving proteoglycans (PGs), is proposed to cope with compressive stresses. PG interfibrillar bridges (‘shape modules’), supramolecular structures ubiquitously distributed throughout CT extracellular matrices (ECMs), are examined for potential elastic properties. l‐iduronate residues in shape module decoran PGs are suggested to be molecular springs, cycling through alternative conformations. On a larger scale, anionic glycosaminoglycan (AGAG) interfibrillar bridges in shape modules are postulated to take part in a sliding filament (dashpot‐like) process, which converts local compressions into disseminated tensile strains. The elasticity of fibrils and AGAGs, manifest at molecular and larger‐scale levels, provides a graduated and smooth response to stresses of varying degrees. NMR and rheo NMR, computer modelling, electron histochemical, biophysical and chemical morphological evidence for the proposals is reviewed.
“Conclusions about exposure to ETS and health that will be unhelpful to us”: How the tobacco industry attempted to delay and discredit the 1997 Australian National Health and Medical Research Council report on passive smoking: Table 1
Authors: Trotter L , Chapman S
Published: November 2003

Background:Major reviews of the health effects of passive smoking have been subjected to tobacco industry campaigns to refute the scientific evidence. Following the 1992 US Environmental Protection Agency review, the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) initiated a review of the health effects of passive smoking. At the time of this review, evidence that environmental tobacco smoke causes disease was being increasingly accepted in courts of law and voluntary adoption of smoking restrictions was rapidly growing.

Objective:To demonstrate how the tobacco industry attempted to delay and discredit the publication of a report on passive smoking that the tobacco industry anticipated to contain recommendations that would be unfavourable to their business.

Methods:A search of tobacco industry documents on the Master Settlement Agreement websites was conducted using the terms and acronyms representative of the NHMRC review.

Results:The tobacco industry sought to impede the progress of the NHMRC Working Party by launching an intensive campaign to delay and discredit the report. The main strategies used were attempts to criticise the science, extensive use of Freedom of Information provisions to monitor all activity of the group, legal challenges, ad hominem attacks on the credibility of the Working Party members, rallying support from industry allies, and influencing public opinion through the media.

Conclusions:The Australian tobacco industry deliberately impeded the NHMRC Working Party’s progress and successfully prevented the publication of the report’s recommendations. The tobacco industry’s motivation and capacity to disrupt the advancement of scientific knowledge and policy in tobacco control should be recognised and anticipated.
“Can’t stop the boy”: Philip Morris’ use of Healthy Buildings International to prevent workplace smoking bans in Australia
Authors: Chapman S , Penman A
Published: November 2003

Objective:To document the relationship of the indoor air consultancy company Healthy Buildings International (HBI) with the Australian tobacco industry.

Design:Systematic keyword and opportunistic website searches of tobacco industry internal documents made available through the Master Settlement Agreement.

Results:Since 1987 HBI has played a high profile role in advancing the Australian tobacco industry’s concerns to prevent building owners introducing smoke-free workplaces by advocating for ventilation solutions. HBI invoiced Philip Morris’ US lawyers Covington and Burling for work undertaken in Australia and sought to publicly deny its association with the industry. HBI breached Standards Australia protocols in providing PM with confidential public submissions made to a review of the Australian standard on ventilation and acted as an undeclared cipher into the review for Philip Morris’s concerns, leading to the eventual dismissal of the HBI representative from the standards subcommittee.

Conclusions:HBI in Australia exemplifies the tobacco industry’s use of third party strategy in publicly advancing a case against smoke-free indoor air.
“Avoid health warnings on all tobacco products for just as long as we can”: a history of Australian tobacco industry efforts to avoid, delay and dilute health warnings on cigarettes
Authors: Chapman S , Carter S M
Published: November 2003

Objective:To review critically the history of Australian tobacco industry efforts to avoid, delay, and dilute pack warnings on cigarettes.

Design:Systematic keyword and opportunistic website searches of tobacco industry internal documents made available through the Master Settlement Agreement.

Results:Four industry strategies and six recurrent arguments used by the industry are described, which were used to thwart the passage of three generations of health warnings (implemented in 1973, 1987, and 1995). These strategies are shown to have been associated with major delays in the implementation of the warnings and in keeping them inconspicuous, unattributed to the industry and non-specific, and particularly in delaying the use of warnings about addiction. The industry today continues to oppose warnings, which might “repel” smokers from tobacco use.

Conclusions:Efforts by governments to introduce potent health warnings will be resisted by the tobacco industry. Tobacco control advocates should anticipate and counter the strategies and arguments used by the industry, which are described in this paper if they wish to maximise the use of the pack as a vehicle for raising awareness about the harms of smoking.
Smoking, disease, and obdurate denial: the Australian tobacco industry in the 1980s
Authors: Carter S M , Chapman S
Published: November 2003

Objective:To contrast the Australian tobacco industry’s awareness of the diseases caused by smoking with their aggressive public denial on the relation between smoking and disease in the 1980s.

Design:Analysis of 325 industry documents from the world wide web.

Results:In the 1980s Australian cigarette manufacturers were informed constantly by the international industry of the medical consensus that smoking caused disease. In addition Philip Morris (Australia) Limited received reports of Philip Morris’ international biological research programme and visited its Richmond research facility; and WD&HO Wills part funded, co-managed, and contributed research to the British American Tobacco groups’ biological research programme. Despite this knowledge, the Australian manufacturers had a policy of arguing to their employees, decision makers, and the general public that questions of smoking and disease were unresolved. The industry catalogued the literature, developed arguments against the main claims made by health groups, and attacked public health advocates who made statements linking smoking to death and disease. Industry studies suggested that a 20–30% minority of the Australian public agreed with the industry on smoking and disease, diminishing across the decade.

Conclusion:Australian manufacturers were clearly negligent in the 1980s, deliberately working to undermine Australians’ understandings of the diseases caused by smoking despite their own private knowledge. Continuing scepticism about smoking and disease, corresponding with the industry’s deceptions, exists in Australian smokers today, suggesting that their actions may have slowed the rate of decline in smoking prevalence. These revelations provide important evidence for Australian litigation and advocacy.
“We are anxious to remain anonymous”: the use of third party scientific and medical consultants by the Australian tobacco industry, 1969 to 1979
Authors: Chapman S
Published: November 2003

Objective:To document the history of visits to Australia by tobacco industry sponsored scientists and news media reports about smoking and health matters generated by their visits.

Design:Systematic keyword and opportunistic website searches of tobacco industry internal documents made available through the Master Settlement Agreement.

Results:At least nine sponsored scientists visited Australia from 1969 until 1979. The industry sought to promote the scientists as independent from the industry and on occasion, scientists publicly lied about their industry connections. The industry was sometimes delighted with the extensive and favourable media coverage given to the visits.

Conclusions:These media reports are likely to have influenced many who were exposed to them to believe that the evidence against smoking remained equivocal.
“A deep fragrance of academia”: the Australian Tobacco Research Foundation
Authors: Chapman S , Carter S M , Peters M
Published: November 2003

Objectives:(1) To review the history of the tobacco industry supported Australian Tobacco Research Foundation (ATRF)(1970–1994) for evidence of the industry’s use of the Foundation to further its objectives that “more research was needed” on smoking and health and to promulgate the view that nicotine was not addictive. (2) To review efforts by public health advocates to discredit the ATRF as a public relations tool used by the Australian industry.

Methods:Systematic search of previously internal industry documents released through the US Master Settlement Agreement.

Results:The ATRF was headed by prestigious Australian medical scientists, with at least one considered by the industry to be “industry positive”. An international ATRF symposium on nicotine was vetted by the industry and heavily attended by industry approved scientists. Following sustained criticism from the health and medical community about the industry’s creation of the ATRF to further its objectives, the ATRF’s scientific committee was provoked to publicly declare in 1988 that smoking was a causative agent in disease. This criticism led to growing ATRF boycotts by scientists and substandard applications, causing the industry to see the ATRF as being poor value-for-money and eventually abandoning it.

Conclusions:The raison d’etre for the ATRF’s establishment was to allow the Australian industry to point to its continuing commitment to independent medical research, with the implied corollary that tobacco control measures were premature in the face of insufficient evidence about tobacco’s harms. Sustained criticism of tobacco industry funded research schemes can undermine their credibility among the scientific community.
“Keep a low profile”: pesticide residue, additives, and freon use in Australian tobacco manufacturing
Authors: Chapman S
Published: November 2003

Objectives:To review the Australian tobacco industry’s knowledge of pesticide residue on Australian tobacco and its policies and practices on resisting calls by tobacco control advocates that consumers should be informed about pesticide residue as well as additives.

Methods:Review of previously internal industry documents relevant to pesticides and additives in Australian tobacco located from the Master Settlement Agreement websites.

Results:Between 1972 and 1994 Philip Morris Australia was aware that its leaf samples were often contaminated with pesticide residue, sometimes including organochlorine levels described by PM’s European laboratories as being “extremely high”. Consumers were not advised of the contamination nor products withdrawn. From 1981, the industry also resisted calls to declare fully the extent of use and long term safety data on all additives used in their products. They developed standard public responses that were evasive and misleading and, in 2000, implemented voluntary additive disclosure which allowed the companies to continue to avoid disclosure of any ingredient they deemed to be a trade secret. There was extensive use of ozone depleting freon in Australian tobacco manufacturing. Again, the industry kept this information away from consumers.

Conclusions:Australian smokers are unable to make informed decisions about smoking because pesticide and additive disclosure remains voluntary. The Australian government should regulate tobacco to require full disclosure including information on the likely health consequences of inhaling pesticide and additive pyrolysis products.
The Australian tar derby: the origins and fate of a low tar harm reduction programme
Authors: King W , Carter S M , Borland R , Chapman S , Gray N
Published: November 2003

Objective:To document the development of the low tar harm reduction programme in Australia, including tobacco industry responses.

Data sources:Tobacco industry documents, retail tobacco journals, newspapers, medical journals, and Anti-Cancer Council of Victoria (ACCV) newsletters and archival records.

Study selection:Documents on the strategies and knowledge bases of the ACCV, other Australian health authorities, and the tobacco industry.

Results:The ACCV built a durable system for measuring and publicising the tar and nicotine yields of Australian cigarettes and influencing their development. The tobacco industry initially sought to block the development of this system but later appeared to cooperate with it, as is evidenced by the current market dominance of low tar brands. However, behind the scenes, the industry used its substantial knowledge advantage regarding compensatory smoking and its ability to re-engineer cigarettes to gain effective control of the system and subvert the ACCV’s objectives.

Conclusions:Replacement of the low tar programme with new means of minimising the harms from cigarette smoking should be a policy priority for the Australian government. This will require regulation, rather than further voluntary agreements, and stringent monitoring of successor programmes will be necessary.
“Some convincing arguments to pass back to nervous customers”: the role of the tobacco retailer in the Australian tobacco industry’s smoker reassurance campaign 1950–1978: Figure 1
Authors: Tofler A , Chapman S
Published: November 2003

Background:Epidemiological studies and reports on smoking and health published in the 1950s and 1960s threatened the tobacco industry worldwide, which acted to reassure smokers and counteract mounting evidence that smoking posed a serious risk to smokers’ health.

Objective:To document the use of tobacco retailers (1) as a conduit to pass messages of reassurance onto smokers, and (2) to recruit youth and women into smoking.

Methods:Review of an extensive collection of Australian tobacco retail trade journals (1950–1978) for articles consistent with the industry’s efforts to counter messages about smoking and health, and how to attract non-smokers, particularly youth and women.

Results:The main arguments advanced in the journals included the notion that air pollution and other substances cause cancer, that “statistics” did not constitute proof in the tobacco health scare, and that the industry was committed to research into the causes of cancer and into developing a “safer” cigarette.

Conclusions:Numerous articles designed to be reiterated to customers were published, arguing against the link between tobacco and ill health. Tobacco retailers, salesmen and retail trade organisations played a significant role in dissembling the tobacco health nexus. Tobacco retail journals may be an important component in tobacco industry misinformation strategies.
From legitimate consumers to public relations pawns: the tobacco industry and young Australians
Authors: Carter S M
Published: November 2003

Objective:To document the Australian tobacco industry’s activities regarding youth smoking to support tobacco control.

Method:492 industry documents from primary and secondary websites were abstracted and analysed.

Results:Australian legislation and rhetoric on youth and tobacco has changed dramatically over the last 50 years, from an unproblematic association of teenagers and smoking in the 1960s, through the industry’s aggressive attacks and denials in the 1980s, to the 1990s, when industry became newly compliant with “societal expectations” and youth became a dominant bargaining issue in the industry’s public relations strategy. The industry’s current policy is to simultaneously blame others for underage smoking, frame the industry as socially responsible via voluntary marketing codes, youth access programmes, and school education, and market actively to young adults.

Conclusions:The arbitrary distinction between 17 and 18 year olds is, particularly in Australia’s dark market, a liability for tobacco control and an opportunity for the industry, which is attempting to claim the high moral ground traditionally occupied by tobacco control on the youth issue. The current review of Australia’s Tobacco Advertising Prohibition Act of 1992 should prohibit all forms of industry communication targeting young people, including retail access and schools programmes and below-the-line marketing. Tobacco control advocacy should highlight the industry’s attempts to use the youth issue in its own favour while laying the blame elsewhere.
Going below the line: creating transportable brands for Australia’s dark market
Authors: Carter S M
Published: November 2003

Objective:To investigate non-point-of-sale cigarette marketing in Australia, one of the “darkest” markets in the world.

Design:Analysis of 172 tobacco industry documents.

Results:The tobacco industry has continued to market their products despite severe restrictions on legal marketing activity. They made careful plans to circumvent regulation well in advance. In preparation for bans, they chose and strengthened existing brands to enable their continued success in a dark market and prepared the consumer for bans by increasing their spending on below the line activities. Bans reduced the industry’s effectiveness and efficiency. After bans new brand launches stopped: instead key existing brands were strengthened via alterations to the product, line extensions, and stretching loopholes in the legislation as far as possible. In line with the general trend towards integrated marketing, a range of activities have been used in combination, including guerrilla marketing, advertising in imported international magazines, altering the pack, sponsorships, brand stretching, event promotions, lifestyle premiums, and the development of corporate websites.

Conclusions:The tobacco industry acknowledges that marketing restrictions have an impact, validating their continued use in tobacco control. The industry is extremely creative in circumventing these marketing restrictions, requiring tobacco marketing regulations to be informed by marketing expertise, regularly updated, and to adopt the broadest possible scope. Tobacco control advocates, particularly those communicating with young people, could learn from the creativity of the tobacco industry.
A randomised clinical trial of nicotine patches for treatment of spit tobacco addiction among adolescents
Authors: Stotts R C , Roberson P K , Hanna E Y , Jones S K , Smith C K
Published: November 2003

Background:This study tested the efficacy of nicotine patches in combination with behavioural therapy for the treatment of adolescent spit tobacco addiction. Prior interventions had resulted in mean cessation rates below 15% at one year.

Methods:This study, the PATCH Project, used a three group, placebo controlled, randomised clinical trial design. The control group received a standard 3–5 minute counselling followed by a two week follow up phone call. The two intervention groups received a six week behavioural intervention; in addition, one group received active nicotine patches while the other group received placebo patches. Both groups received quarterly stage based telephone counselling.

Results:At one year, the usual care group’s spit tobacco cessation rate was 11.4% (exact 95% confidence interval (CI) 6.1% to 19.1%), placebo patch 25.0% (95% CI 16.9% to 34.7%), and the active patch 17.3% (95% CI 10.4% to 26.3%). When both patch groups were combined, the cessation rate was 21.2% (95% CI 15.7% to 27.6%). The cessation rates for active and placebo patch were not significantly different (exact two sided p  =  0.22), while the combined patch groups had a significantly greater cessation rate than usual care (exact two sided p  =  0.04).

Conclusions:The behavioural intervention proved to be about twice as successful as previous interventions, but the nicotine patch offered no improvement in cessation rates. The behavioural intervention is based on publicly available materials and can be easily adapted for widespread use, particularly in high schools.
Understanding factors that influence smoking uptake
Authors: Buller D B , Borland R , Woodall W G , Hall J R , Burris-Woodall P , Voeks J H
Published: November 2003

Objective:To explore relationships between patterns of smoking uptake and social context and attitudinal variables.

Design:Cross sectional survey.

Setting:Public schools in Tucson, Arizona and Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Participants:982 children in grades 6–9 (ages 11–15 years).

Main outcome measures:Items measuring smoking history, nicotine dependence and quit attempts, susceptibility to smoking in the future, smoking norms, use of other tobacco products, attitudes toward smoking, and demographic characteristics.

Results:Overall, 43% of children had smoked a cigarette and 57% had never used them. Ever smokers lived in social contexts with more smoking and where smoking was normative. Among never users, 25% are susceptible to smoking; these children have positive attitudes toward smoking, do not feel social pressure to stay off cigarettes, and had more friends who smoked. Among ever users, 36% were currently smoking in the past 30 days. Current users also lived in social context with more smoking and had positive attitudes toward smoking. Most users had tried to stop smoking. Only 9% of current users smoked daily; 29% had not smoked a whole cigarette. Greater cigarette consumption was associated with more favourable attitudes toward smoking. Most of past users were in early uptake: 95% had smoked less than 100 cigarettes but 49% were susceptible to smoking again.

Conclusions:There is promise in differentiating subgroups among the never, past and current use of cigarettes. Susceptibility within each of these groups was associated with similar patterns of attitudes and social context. These patterns in smoking uptake need to be confirmed prospectively.
The feasibility of evaluating a tobacco control intervention for working youth
Authors: Fagan P , Stoddard A M , Hunt M K , Frazier L , Girod K , Sorensen G
Published: November 2003

Objectives:To describe the feasibility of implementing evaluation methods for a worksite tobacco control intervention for teens. Indicators of feasibility included employment stability, response rates to multiple surveys, and self reported 30 day smoking.

Design:Grocery stores that were part of a single chain were randomised to four intervention stores and five control stores as part of the SMART project, a phase II methods development study designed to reduce smoking among working adolescents.

Subjects:Data on smoking in the last 30 days and employment patterns were collected from working teens aged 15–18 years at seven data points over the 12 month intervention period using cross sectional surveys.

Results:Data on employment stability indicate that employee turnover rates averaged 21% over the seven administrations. Response rates for the seven surveys ranged from 43–77% and were slightly greater in the control stores than the interventions stores (71%v59%, p  =  0.06). Mean current smoking at the individual store level ranged from 9–32% and there was a negative correlation between smoking prevalence and response rate by survey and by store (–0.029, p  =  0.03). Among smokers who completed at least two surveys, there were no significant differences between intervention and control store on changes in the frequency of smoking.

Conclusions:Evaluating a tobacco control intervention in the grocery store setting requires multiple survey assessments to monitor changes in smoking among adolescents. Strategies are needed to maintain high response rates and increase the number of multiple responses from eligible teens.
Feasibility of implementing intervention methods in an adolescent worksite tobacco control study
Authors: Hunt M K , Fagan P , Lederman R , Stoddard A , Frazier L , Girod K , Sorensen G
Published: November 2003

Objective:To present feasibility data on SMART, the first teen worksite behavioural tobacco control intervention.

Design:This phase II study was designed to estimate the efficacy and feasibility of a small scale, randomised, controlled intervention.

Setting and subjects:This study, addressing youths aged 15–18 years, was implemented in four intervention and five control grocery stores that had an average of 44 eligible teens.

Interventions:The tobacco use cessation and prevention interventions were based on social influences and peer leader models. Employee break rooms served as centres both for interactive activities including open houses, teen advisory boards, peer leader interviews, games and contests; and non-interactive interventions including bulletin boards and table tents with health messages and home mailings.

Main process measures:Project staff collected process data on the extent of implementation of intervention activities, participation rates in activities, and contacts with peer leaders. On the final survey, teens reported on awareness of, participation in, and motivation for participating in project activities.

Results:Indicators of feasibility were identified and discussed, including the number of activities implemented, teen participation, management support, cost, and barriers to and facilitators of implementation. During the 12 month intervention, a mean of 24.1 interactive activities and 55.3 non-interactive activities were implemented, and a mean 14.2% participation rate per activity per site was achieved. Eighty four per cent of teens reported being aware of SMART, and 39% reported participating in interactive and 67% in non-interactive activities.

Conclusions:Teen smoking cessation rates in worksite programmes might be improved if they are conducted in companies where there is job stability and if teen programmes are part of worksite-wide tobacco control programmes that include both teens and adults.
QUANDLES AT FINITE TEMPERATURES II
Authors: DIONÍSIO F. MIGUEL , LOPES PEDRO
Published: November 2003

The number of colorings of a knot diagram by a given quandle is a knot invariant. This follows naturally from the fact that the knot quandle is a knot invariant, and is observed again in the context of the CJKLS invariant and also in the context of the equivalence relation on colored diagrams introduced by the second author.

Here we investigate the effectiveness of this invariant on prime knots of up to and including ten crossings, by computing the number of colorings using a list of ten quandles. This distinguishes these knots in all but less than 3% of the cases.
MULTI-VARIABLE POLYNOMIAL INVARIANTS FOR VIRTUAL LINKS
Authors: MANTUROV VASSILY O.
Published: November 2003

We construct new invariant polynomials in two and multiple variables for virtual knots and links. They are defined as determinants of Alexander-like matrices whose determinants are virtual link invariants. These polynomials vanish on classical links. In some cases, they separate links that can not be separated by the Jones–Kauffman polynomial [Kau] and the polynomial proposed in [Ma3].
STABILITY OF TWO–DIMENSIONAL SURFACE NITRIDES ON TRANSITION METAL ALLOY SURFACES
Authors: VILJOEN ELMARIE C. , UEBING CHRISTIAN
Published: November 2003

The thermal stability of the two-dimensional surface nitrides CrN, MoN and WN has been studied on transition metal alloy surfaces. The surface nitrides are obtained by means of cosegregation of the constituents on Fe–15%Cr–N(100), Fe–3.5%Mo–N(100) and Fe–9%W–N(100) single crystals. The stability of the surface nitrides decreases in the sequence Cr>Mo>W, similar to the well-known three-dimensional bulk nitrides. All compounds exhibit 1×1 LEED structures, indicating epitaxial stabilization on the corresponding substrate surface. In a narrow temperature range T≈550°C the Fe–9%W–N(100) surface shows c (2×2) ordering of the segregated nitrogen atoms.
AN FTIR AND STATIC SIMS STUDY OF THE ADSORPTION OF PROPYLENE ON Cu-ZSM-5 CATALYSTS
Authors: CHEN L. , CHEN H. Y. , LIN J. , TAN K. L. , PAN J. S.
Published: November 2003

Diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy and static secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) were employed to study the surface species formed during the adsorption and reaction of propylene on a copper-exchanged ZSM-5 catalyst. Propylene showed characteristics of chemisorption on Cu-ZSM-5 at room temperature and total decomposition to CO, CO2 and CH 4 at 350°C. The ir bands of =C–H stretching at 3101 cm -1, =C–C stretching at 916 cm -1 and C=CH 2 twisting at 575 cm -1 for propylene disappeared upon adsorption, indicating the breaking of the C=C double bond, while the decrease in the signal intensity of zeolite isolated and vicinal SiOH groups at 3700 and 3592 cm -1 implied that the adsorbed di-σ species was bound to zeolite SiO–. Static SIMS showed two distinguished peaks at 73 and 147 amu, which were assigned to the adsorbed species H2OSi2(C3H5O2) due to the interaction of propylene with ZSM-5 and Cu-ZSM-5. The adsorption and reaction of propylene were enhanced by the presence of Cu+ in ZSM-5. The mechanism for these processes was discussed.
AFM OPERATING MODE WITH A CONSTANT FORCE PROJECTION ONTO THE ARBITRARY AXIS
Authors: BEZERRA V. B. , BLAGOV E. V. , KLIMCHITSKAYA G. L. , MOSTEPANENKO V. M.
Published: November 2003

The scanning of the AFM tip above the surface of close-packed crystal is considered. The surface of constant force projection are calculated onto the arbitrary axis inclined at some angle to the vertical direction. It has been shown that the relief depth of such constant force surfaces is larger than for the generally used ones, for which the value of the vertical force component is constant. Both the case of perfect crystal and of crystal with point surface defects are investigated.
ADSORPTION OF ACETYLENE ON A Pd–Pb BIMETALLIC SURFACE — A THEORETICAL STUDY
Authors: FERULLO R. M. , TOUROUDE R. , CASTELLANI N. J.
Published: November 2003

A semiempirical molecular orbital study of acetylene adsorption over Pd(111) and Pd3Pb(111) has been performed. A strong negative effect of Pb atoms on Pd chemisorptive strength was observed in the alloy. This behavior is related to a lower hybridization between acetylene π* and Pd orbitals when this mental interacts with Pb. Moreover this negative effect of Pb is of a strong local character.
FORMATION OF STRUCTURE AND SURFACE MORPHOLOGY IN HYDROXYAPATITE TYPES OF CERAMICS DURING SINTERING
Authors: PRIETO-VALDÉS J. J. , ALFARO HERNÁNDEZ S. , RUEDA MORALES G. , GORTCHEVA V. P.
Published: November 2003

Hydroxyapatite powders with Ca/P ratios of 1.67 and 1.5 were processed by ceramic methods and studied during sintering using X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopic methods, paying particular attention to the structural and surface morphology formations of the ceramics during sintering. For stoichiometric samples sintering starts at 1000°C through the formation of a quasihexagonal grain configuration. This morphology is conserved after the decomposition processes of hydroxyapatite in the range of 1200–1450°C. For calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite, sintering starts at temperatures close to 800°C through the formation of a fibrous structure. After reaching 1450°C these samples are composed of tricalcium phosphate, thus conserving the fibrous morphology, which resembles biological hard tissue.
SURFACE TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY ON STRUCTURES WITH TRUNCATION
Authors: TAKAYANAGI KUNIO , NAITOH YOSHITAKA , OSHIMA YOSHIFUMI , MITOME MASANORI
Published: November 2003

Surface transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has been used to reveal surface steps and structures by bright and dark field imaging, and high resolution plan view and/or profile view imaging. Dynamic processes on surfaces, such as step motion, surface phase transitions and film growths, are visualized by a TV system attached to the electron microscope. Atom positions can precisely be detected by convergent beam illumination (CBI) of high resolution surface TEM. Imaging of the atomic positions of surfaces with truncation is briefly reviewed in this paper, with recent development of a TEM–STM (scanning tunneling microscope) system.
LATEST PHOTOEMISSION DEVELOPMENTS: TIME RESOLUTION, MICROANALYSIS, ORDER PARAMETERS
Authors: COMELLI G. , KISKINOVA M. , PAOLUCCI G. , PRINCE K. C. , SAVOIA A. , MARGARITONDO G.
Published: November 2003

The third generation sources of soft X-rays, ALS and ELETTRA, have been producing data in surface and interface science for over two years. The impact of their ultrahigh brightness is quite evident, particularly as far as photoemission techniques are concerned. We illustrate this point with a short review of very recent examples from ELETTRA, in the specific domains of time resolution, high lateral resolution and high energy resolution.
Regulation of Gene Expression by Cyclic GMP
Authors: Pilz Renate B. , Casteel Darren E.
Published: November 2003

Cyclic GMP, produced in response to nitric oxide and natriuretic peptides, is a key regulator of vascular smooth muscle cell contractility, growth, and differentiation, and is implicated in opposing the pathophysiology of hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, atherosclerosis, and vascular injury/restenosis. cGMP regulates gene expression both positively and negatively at transcriptional as well as at posttranscriptional levels. cGMP-regulated transcription factors include the cAMP-response element binding protein CREB, the serum response factor SRF, and the nuclear factor of activated T cells NF/AT. cGMP can regulate CREB directly, through phosphorylation by cGMP-dependent protein kinase, or indirectly, through activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways; regulation of SRF and NF/AT by cGMP is indirect, through modulation of RhoA and calcineurin signaling, respectively. Downregulation of the RNA-binding protein HuR by cGMP leads to destabilization of guanylate cyclase mRNA, but this posttranscriptional mechanism may affect many more cGMP-regulated genes. In this review, we discuss the role of cGMP-regulated gene expression in (patho)physiological processes most relevant to the cardiovascular system, such as regulation of vascular tone, cardiac hypertrophy, phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells, and regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis.
High-Risk Merkel Cell Carcinoma of the Skin Treated With Synchronous Carboplatin/Etoposide and Radiation: A Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group Study—TROG 96:07
Authors: Poulsen Michael , Rischin Danny , Walpole Euan , Harvey Jennifer , Mackintosh John , Ainslie Jill , Hamilton Chris , Keller Jacqui , Tripcony Lee
Published: November 2003

Purpose: The effectiveness of synchronous carboplatin, etoposide, and radiation therapy was prospectively assessed in a group of patients with high-risk Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) of the skin.

Patients and Methods: Patients were eligible if they had disease localized to the primary site and nodes, and were required to have at least one of the following high risk features: recurrence after initial therapy, involved nodes, primary tumor size greater than 1 cm, gross residual disease after surgery, or occult primary with nodes. Radiation was delivered to the primary site and nodes to a dose of 50 Gy in 25 fractions over 5 weeks and synchronous carboplatin (area under the curve, 4.5) and intravenous etoposide 80 mg/m2 days 1 to 3 was given in weeks 1, 4, 7, and 10. The median age of the group was 67 (range, 43–86) years, and there were 39 males and 14 females. Involved nodes (stage II) were present in 33 cases (62%). The sites involved were head and neck (22 patients), occult primary (13 patients), upper limb (eight patients), lower limb (eight patients), and trunk (two patients).

Results: Fifty-three patients were entered between 1996 and 2001. The median potential follow-up was 48 months. There were no treatment related deaths. The 3-year overall survival, locoregional control, and distant control were 76%, 75%, and 76%, respectively. Tumor site and the presence of nodes were factors that were predictive for local control and survival. Multivariate analysis indicated that the major factor influencing survival was the presence of nodes; however, this was not a significant factor in locoregional control.

Conclusion: High levels of locoregional control and survival have been achieved with the addition of chemotherapy to radiation treatment for high-risk MCC of the skin. The role of chemoradiotherapy for high-risk MCC warrants further investigation.
Kinase Mutations and Imatinib Response in Patients With Metastatic Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor
Authors: Heinrich Michael C. , Corless Christopher L. , Demetri George D. , Blanke Charles D. , von Mehren Margaret , Joensuu Heikki , McGreevey Laura S. , Chen Chang-Jie , Van den Abbeele Annick D. , Druker Brian J. , Kiese Beate , Eisenberg Burton , Roberts Peter J. , Singer Samuel , Fletcher Christopher D.M. , Silberman Sandra , Dimitrijevic Sasa , Fletcher Jonathan A.
Published: November 2003

Purpose: Most gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) express constitutively activated mutant isoforms of KIT or kinase platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA) that are potential therapeutic targets for imatinib mesylate. The relationship between mutations in these kinases and clinical response to imatinib was examined in a group of patients with advanced GIST.

Patients and Methods: GISTs from 127 patients enrolled onto a phase II clinical study of imatinib were examined for mutations of KIT or PDGFRA. Mutation types were correlated with clinical outcome.

Results: Activating mutations of KIT or PDGFRA were found in 112 (88.2%) and six (4.7%) GISTs, respectively. Most KIT mutations involved exon 9 (n = 23) or exon 11 (n = 85). All KIT mutant isoforms, but only a subset of PDGFRA mutant isoforms, were sensitive to imatinib, in vitro. In patients with GISTs harboring exon 11 KIT mutations, the partial response rate (PR) was 83.5%, whereas patients with tumors containing an exon 9 KIT mutation or no detectable mutation of KIT or PDGFRA had PR rates of 47.8% (P = .0006) and 0.0% (P < .0001), respectively. Patients whose tumors contained exon 11 KIT mutations had a longer event-free and overall survival than those whose tumors expressed either exon 9 KIT mutations or had no detectable kinase mutation.

Conclusion: Activating mutations of KIT or PDGFRA are found in the vast majority of GISTs, and the mutational status of these oncoproteins is predictive of clinical response to imatinib. PDGFRA mutations can explain response and sensitivity to imatinib in some GISTs lacking KIT mutations.
A Convenient Low-temperature Route to Nanocrystalline Boron Phosphide
Authors: Chen Luyang , Gu Yunle , Shi Liang , Ma Jianhua , Yang Zeheng , Qian Yitai
Published: November 2003

Nanocrystalline boron phosphide (BP) has been prepared by the reaction of PCl3 with NaBH4 at 600 °C in an autoclave. The X-ray powder diffraction patterns can be indexed as cubic BP with the lattice constants of a = 4.53 Å. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image shows particle morphology, with average size of 10 nm for the powders. The selected area electron diffraction (SAED) patterns confirm the prepared BP.
The Reciprocal Effects of Brand Equity and Trivial Attributes
Authors: Broniarczyk Susan M. , Gershoff Andrew D.
Published: November 2003

Brands increasingly introduce products with attributes that fail to provide consumers with meaningful benefits (i.e., trivial attributes). The authors present two experiments that examine the effect of brand equity on consumer valuation of such trivial attributes and the reciprocal effect that such a strategy may have on brand equity. The results show that both high and low equity brands benefit from offering an attractive trivial attribute in the absence of a disclosure of its true value. However, prechoice disclosure of an attribute's triviality heightens the role of the brand and context cues. Competing low equity brands benefit by sharing the trivial attribute with a higher equity brand, whereas competing high equity brands benefit from uniquely offering a trivial attribute. Postchoice revelation that an attribute is trivial hurts the subsequent ability of a low but not a high equity brand to differentiate in a new product category, particularly among subjects who had previously chosen the target brand. For insights on brand dilution, the authors also examine consumer attributions regarding marketer intent for offering a trivial attribute.
A Temporal Dynamic Model of Spousal Family Purchase-Decision Behavior
Authors: Su Chenting , Fern Edward F. , Ye Keying
Published: November 2003

The authors examine family purchase-decision dynamics to shed light on enhancing marketing communication effectiveness. In particular, the authors are interested in understanding the temporal nature of spousal behavioral interaction in family decision making to help marketers target communication messages, shape brand choice, and guide personal selling activities. The authors calibrate a dynamic simultaneous equations model to investigate spousal family purchase-decision behavior: What are spousal behavioral interactions in a discrete purchase decision, and what are the temporal aspects of spousal decision behavior across decisions? The results indicate that spouses tend both not to reciprocate coercion in a discrete decision and to adjust influence strategies over time. The authors also investigate the effectiveness of influence strategies and spousal satisfaction with decisions and their impacts on spousal subsequent decision behaviors from a postdecision perspective as a mechanism to explain why spouses revise decision behaviors across purchase decisions. The authors discuss marketing implications of their findings and present ideas about how to use these findings creatively to target advertising and sales messages to influential spouses in specific decision contexts.
A Parsimonious Model of Stockkeeping-Unit Choice
Authors: Ho Teck-Hua , Chong Juin-Kuan
Published: November 2003

The authors develop a model to describe and predict consumer stock-keeping-unit choice in frequently bought product categories. The model posits that a product category consists of several salient attributes with many attribute levels and represents a stockkeeping unit as an attribute-level combination. The number of parameters of the model does not increase with the number of stockkeeping units and the number of attribute levels. The authors demonstrate the descriptive and predictive power of their model using 133,492 purchase incidences in 16 product categories. Their model fits 7% better in sample and predicts 8% better out of sample in hit probability than two leading models and requires only half the number of parametes.