bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Aromatic Diacids Containing the Trifluoromethyl Group and their Polyamides
Authors: Boston H G , Reddy V Sreenivasulu , Cassidy P E , Fitch J W , Stoakley Diane , St Clair Anne
Published: August 2002

A series of new fluorinated, high-temperature polymers has been prepared from 1, 1, - bis( p-carboxyphenyl)-2, 2, 2-trifluoroethanol (3FOH). This diacid was synthesized by oxidation of 1, 1-di( p-tolyl)-2, 2, 2-trifluoroethanol, which was obtained from p-bromotoluene and ethyl trifluoroacetate. The 3FOH was also reacted with dimethyl sulphate to yield 1-methoxy-1, 1- bis( p-carboxyphenyl)-2, 2, 2-trifluoroethane (3FM), and with SOCl2 to produce 1-chloro-1, 1- bis( p-chloroformylphenyl)-2, 2, 2-trifluoroethane (3FCl). These two diacids, as the acid chlorides, were polymerized with six aromatic and four aliphatic diamines to produce polyamides which had viscosities ranging from 0.32 to 1.52 dl g−1, thermal stabilities up to 518 °C in nitrogen and glass transition temperatures from 165 °C to 337 °C. The dielectric constants of these polyamides ranged from 2.64 to 2.99. The 3FM- and 3FCl-containing polyamides were compared with the 6F (hexafluoroisopropylidene) analogues and found to be somewhat less thermally stable and had equal or lower Tgs.
Effect of Particle Size and Polarity of Long-Chain Molecules in Polymeric Films on the Supercooling Temperature
Authors: Hotta Yoshihiko , Hiraoka Ryota , Yamaoka Tsuguo
Published: August 2002

We studied the effect of particle size and polarity of long-chain molecules on supercooling when dispersed in polymeric films. Supercooling of the molecules of greater than 20 °C, which plays a key role in the thermoreversible response of recording media, was not observed for the molecules alone but occurred only when the molecules formed particles dispersed in a polymer. As the size of particles grew from 0.1–1.0 μm to 3.5 μm, the degree of supercooling of behenic acid dispersed in a copolymer of vinyl chloride and vinyl acetate decreased from 30–40 °C to about 20 °C. The degree of supercooling also decreased from 21–41 °C to 8–17 °C as the polarity of the molecules decreased from fatty acids to fatty alcohols to alkanes. On the other hand, the degree of supercooling increased from 20 °C to 43 °C as the polarity of the polymer matrix increased. This large supercooling effect may be caused by the interaction between the molecules and the polymers which depends on the polarity of both the long-chain molecules and the polymers.
Poly(Hydrazide-Ester)s and Poly(1, 3, 4-Oxadiazole-Ester)s Containing Pendent Phenoxy Groups
Authors: Hamciuc Elena , Hamciuc Corneliu , Bruma Maria , Stoleriu Aurel , Schulz Burkhard
Published: August 2002

A series of new aromatic poly(hydrazide-ester)s has been synthesized by solution polycondensation of two diacid dichlorides containing preformed ester groups with phenoxyterephthaloyl dihydrazide or with a mixture of phenoxyterephthaloyl dihydrazide with terephthaloyl-or isophthaloyl dihydrazide in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone. The thermal cyclization of the poly(hydrazide-ester)s gave the corresponding poly(1, 3, 4-oxadiazole-ester)s containing pendent phenoxy groups. The polymers were characterized by viscometry, solubility measurements, IR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis.
Framing science and technology in the Canadian press
Authors: Einsiedel Edna F.
Published: August 2002

This paper reports on a content analysis of science coverage in seven major Canadian daily newspapers. The study focused specifically on the images of science promoted in the media via the topics portrayed more frequently, the patterns of source use, and types of news formats. Also examined were the stories' overall tone, the consequences of science presented, and the ways in which processes of science were described. Underlying these descriptions were the theoretical notions of `agenda-setting' and `framing'.

Results showed that science and technology stories were not prominent in terms of their frequency and placement. They tended to be hard news stories—that is, they tended to be event-oriented, time-bound reports—and were more often originated by the wire services rather than by local efforts. The majority were medical stories, followed by environmental items. These science stories were predominantly positive in tone. Consequences portrayed tended to vary with type of story; that is, environmental stories were more likely to highlight negative consequences while stories about new technologies in such areas as communications and defence tended to emphasize positive outcomes. Finally, science stories were more likely not to include information on processes of science.

Findings are discussed in terms of the different cultures of scientists and journalists, organizational constraints on media workers, and science as a news product.
Public understanding of science in Britain: the role of medicine in the popular representation of science
Authors: Durant John , Evans Geoffrey , Thomas Geoffrey
Published: August 2002

This paper is based on the results of a random sample survey of the adult population of Britain. The survey was designed to explore public interest in, attitudes towards and understanding of science. The paper operationalizes the notion of scientific understanding, and applies the understanding measure in the analysis of social representations of science. The results suggest: first, that a so-called `deficit model' of public understanding of science is useful for certain well-defined analytical purposes; second, that there are significant differences between professional and popular representations of science, and third, that medical science may be paradigmatic for the popular representation of science in Britain.
`The star called Wormwood': the cause and effect of the Chernobyl catastrophe
Authors: Knorre Helene
Published: August 2002

The explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear power station in 1986 astounded the world. It was shocking not just because of the technical failure—unfortunately such things happen from time to time—but as a social and political failure. The Chernobyl catastrophe undermined and exposed the false, vicious and inhumane Soviet totalitarian system. The Chernobyl explosion initiated the disintegration of the corrupt Communist regime—a regime which had been deemed unshakeable in the USSR.
Chernobyl: the inevitable results of secrecy
Authors: Shlyakhter Alexander , Wilson Richard
Published: August 2002

The Chernobyl accident was the inevitable outcome of a combination of bad design, bad management and bad communication practices in the Soviet nuclear industry. We review the causes of the accident, its impact on Soviet society, and its effects on the health of the population in the surrounding areas. It appears that the secrecy that was endemic in the USSR has had profound negative effects on both technological safety and public health.
Chernobyl coverage: how the US media treated the nuclear industry
Authors: Friedman Sharon M. , Gorney Carole M. , Egolf Brenda P.
Published: August 2002

This study attempted to uncover whether enough background information about nuclear power and the nuclear industries in the USA, USSR and Eastern and Western Europe had been included during the first two weeks of US coverage of the Chernobyl accident so that Americans would not be misled in their understanding of and attitudes toward nuclear power in general. It also sought to determine if reporters took advantage of the Chernobyl accident to attack nuclear technology or the nuclear industry in general. Coverage was analysed in five US newspapers and on the evening newscasts of the three major US television networks. Despite heavy coverage of the accident, no more than 25% of the coverage was devoted to information on safety records, history of accidents and current status of nuclear industries. Not enough information was provided to help the public's level of understanding of nuclear power or to put the Chernobyl accident in context. However, articles and newscasts generally balanced use of pro- and anti-nuclear statements, and did not include excessive amounts of fear-inducing and negative information.
Epidemiology, the press and the EMF controversy
Authors: Wartenberg Daniel , Greenberg Michael
Published: August 2002

Epidemiological study of the adverse health effects from exposure to electromagnetic fields has become an issue of public concern over the past decade. The public, in general, rely on mass media coverage of epidemiological studies for information regarding the nature, extent and severity of the risks. We review the press coverage of this issue in three major, US national newspapers in terms of epidemiological goals, noting strengths and weaknesses of the reporting. Our principal goal is to determine whether epidemiologists are getting their message across, and how could they do so more effectively. We find that: (1) coverage is sparse; (2) issues are presented in a framework consistent with the primary investigator's interpretation; (3) there is little critical evaluation of the investigators' views; (4) little context is provided of the risks of exposure to EMFs as compared with other environmental hazards; and (5) few recommendations are given for avoiding or remedying exposure. The press do, however, present adequately the uncertainty in our knowledge base on this issue and do provide a wide range of `expert' opinions. We conclude with a set of recommendations to scientists and other sources for responding to press inquiries in a meaningful way.
Change and continuity in the reporting of science and technology: a study of The Times and the Guardian
Authors: Clayton Abigail , Hancock-Beaulieu Micheline , Meadows Jack
Published: August 2002

Changes in the scientific material selected for presentation in The Times and the Guardian are examined by comparing two periods—the mid-1970s and the end of the 1980s. The attitudes of the two newspapers to this material are also looked at via a content analysis. The longer-term trends suggested by this study are compared with the way the two newspapers handled a specific science-related event—the accident at Chernobyl—during this period. The results indicate that, in terms of the topics selected for reporting, there is a generally similar balance in the two newspapers, though each has its own particular subject emphases. This overall balance does not change greatly or rapidly with time. However, the attitudes to science and technology taken by the two newspapers differ appreciably. These differences appear in the reporting of such a specific event as Chernobyl, as well as in their continuing reporting of science and technology.
Public uptake of science: a case for institutional reflexivity
Authors: Wynne Brian
Published: August 2002

This paper attempts to advance the notion of reflexivity as a key element of improving current understanding of the public understanding of science problem, and for improving the relations between science and its public more generally. By reflexivity here I mean more systematic processes of exploration of the prior commitments framing knowledge, in the way it has been introduced in sociological debates on modernity, rather than the more methodological-epistemological principle of consistency as it has been developed in sociology of science. The dominant framing of the public understanding of science issue corresponds with wider assumptions about the relationship between science and laypeople. Laypeople are assumed to be essentially defensive, risk- and uncertainty-averse, and unreflexive. Science on the other hand is assumed to be the epitome of reflexive self-criticism. This paper draws upon research in PUS to show that laypeople display considerable reflexive negotiation of their identity in relationships to science and scientific institutions. The latter, on the other hand, show considerable deep resistance to recognizing and reconsidering the unstated models of the public which structure their scientific discourses. This only makes the public understanding problem worse. Reflexive institutions would be needed to place science-public interactions on a more constructive footing.
Why the statement: `Plasma-membrane transport is rate-limiting for its metabolism in rat-liver parenchymal cells'1 cannot meet the public
Authors: Leydesdorff Loet
Published: August 2002

The sciences evolve in terms of paradigms. Paradigms can be considered as temporary forms of the self-organization of social communication in a specific language. The question of how communication is possible among otherwise `incommensurable' paradigms has been crucial to the sociology of science for the last two decades. The theory of self-organization provides us with a new perspective on these issues. Various models for understanding communication among communication systems can be compared; `integration' into public discourse can then be considered as a negative feedback loop that cannot be localized, but acts as a regime. By reconstructing `nature' in terms of representations, the modern sciences provide this regime with increasing complexity. The sciences replace ignorance with uncertainty, and therewith generate a continuous pressure of `modernization' of social and normative frameworks. The historical roots of this regime are discussed, and some of its practical consequences are elaborated.
Popularization of science as the autobiography of science
Authors: Jurdant Baudouin
Published: August 2002

In this paper I investigate the status of popular science texts as a literary genre, and ask how a text can be recognized as belonging to that genre. To determine this I compare popular science texts with science fiction, which indicates that it is popular science's truth claims which give the literary genre of popular science its place in literature as a whole. However, critics have argued that literature is not concerned with truth, which implies that popular science texts—despite being written documents—are not literature. To resolve this I compare popular science with autobiography—another genre which makes truth claims—and examine the products of their shared intention of telling the truth about the natural world in the case of popular science and about oneself' in the case of autobiography.
Embryos in the news
Authors: Mulkay Michael
Published: August 2002

An examination is undertaken of the way in which embryo research and associated techniques of assisted reproduction were represented in British newspapers during the passage through Parliament in 1989-90 of the Human Fertilization and Embryology Bill. It is shown that, despite complaints within Parliament of media bias in favour of embryo research, press reports of parliamentary debate concerning these matters were consistently balanced and uncommitted. It is also shown, however, that a substantial majority of editorials, features and other extended newspaper presentations did strongly recommend the continuation of embryo research. The underlying rhetoric and the specific narrative structures employed in the press to convey the case for embryo research are described and compared with alternative textual resources which were available in principle, but almost entirely excluded from the newspapers in practice. Suggestions are made to account for the overwhelming support for embryo research in the media during this phase of the public debate; and the likely impact of press coverage on public opinion and upon the parliamentary process is assessed.
Science and technology: when do they become front page news?
Authors: Ramsey Shirley
Published: August 2002

This study suggests that press reports of science and technology increase in complexity, in depth and breadth of coverage, and in prominent placement in the news hole in relation to increased diversity or pluralism of supporting environments. It also suggests that system changes that produce interest and expanded knowledge of science provide opportunities for clashes of interests resulting in localized conflict and thus increased news coverage. `Change' in an innovative area appears to link up conceptually in copy with theory, action descriptions, and visualization through metaphor. The study used content analysis to compare a more innovative, economically progressive `research' area in the United States with an economically flat `control' area; these areas were selected using National Bureau of the Census and local economic development office statistics.
Understanding science from the perspective of the sociology of scientific knowledge: an overview
Authors: Yearley Steven
Published: August 2002

In this paper I argue that the analytic perspective known as the `sociology of scientific knowledge' (SSK) provides an appropriate platform for examining issues in the public understanding of science. In particular. I suggest that three pervasive features of academic scientific practice identified by SSK—trust, judgement and long-termism—are central to interpreting difficulties with the `public understanding of science' in many situations of public controversy. The paper concludes by identifying areas where studies in SSK and the public understanding of science would be of mutual benefit.
The communication systems of representations: psychosocial research into the representations of computers and information technology in Italian daily newspapers
Authors: Sensales Gilda
Published: August 2002

This paper presents the results of research on representations of computers and information technology in the three daily Italian newspapers ( La Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno, La Repubblica, and II Corriere della Sera), between 1976 and 1984. The titles of 2816 articles were analysed by categorial content analysis. The aim of the research is the exploration of structural latent dimensions and of differential aspects of representations of computers in terms of `central nuclei' with respect to the three newspapers and to the nine years. The data were analysed by several steps of multiple correspondence analysis (statistical package: SPAD-N). Five dimensions were identified. They together accounted for 74% of the total variance ( optimistic formula of Benzecri) and were defined as: 'secondariness/emphasis in the typography of newspaper space dedicated to computers': `ambivalent/positive attitudes toward the computer': `descriptive/evaluative elements of opinions about the computers': `educative-performative/productive applications of the computer': `supplements/articles as editorial characterizations of news about computers'. With the DEMOD step of SPAD-N, eleven `central nuclei' were also recognized. They show the utilization of a `diffusion system' for La Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno and La Repubblica, of a `propagation system' for II Corriere della Sera; and a movement from `diffusion' to `propagation' over the period considered. The outcome of the results is discussed in relation to the naturalization of technical language, and with respect to results of other researches on attitudes towards, opinions about, and representations of the computer in Italy.
Attributing information to different sources: effects on the perceived qualities of information, on the perceived relevance of information, and on attitude formation
Authors: Frewer Lynn J. , Shepherd Richard
Published: August 2002

What is salient in risk communication, and what is believed, is likely to be related to factors additional to the informational content itself. The social context or derivation of the information are important determinants of receiver reactions, particularly where the potential hazard is characterized as unknown, or where the knowledge base surrounding the potential hazard is perceived to be at the level of society rather than of individual members of the general public (for example, genetic engineering). Experimental data are presented which examine the effect of information source on perceptions of qualities of the information (particularly trust in what is being communicated) and subsequent attitudes towards genetic engineering within the context of food safety. It was found that selfreported trust in hypothetical situations may not equate with behavioural responses to actual information when attributed to a particular source. Source attribution as opposed to anonymity was the most important determinant of perceived informational quality. Public reaction to risk information is likely to be determined by a complex inter-relationship between source and hazard characteristics.
Public opinion about issues characterized by technological complexity and scientific uncertainty
Authors: Doble John
Published: August 2002

The ability of Americans to make reasonable, logically consistent assessments about complex policy issues is a longstanding concern among elites and scholars, especially in view of the two most recent elections. Of particular concern, in view of American's low level of scientific literacy, is the public's ability to make such assessments about issues characterized by technological complexity and areas where experts cannot, with confidence, assess the degree of risk of certain phenomena or policy options. Public opinion about genetics research, the use of alar, and the safety of nuclear power plants are three recent examples. The article reports on an experimental study designed to explore whether the public can make such assessments and to identify the factors that enhance the process. The threat of global warming and the safe disposal of solid waste were used as proxies for an array of issues that are technologically complex and characterized by expert uncertainty. I argue that the study—in which over 400 people chosen to reflect a cross-section of the population filled out questionnaires before and after learning more about both issues, and which compares those responses to the views of 400 scientists—shows that the public can make a logically consistent assessment about such issues after a minimal educational intervention and a short period of time. The public's judgment about both issues, as measured by the questionnaire used after the intervention, is strikingly similar to the scientists' views. Further, the few areas of divergence seem rooted more in value differences than in expertise. The article discusses some conditions that enhance or inhibit the public's ability to make such assessments, and comments on the experiment's relevance to practical political decision-making.
Science is... at the Birmingham Museum of Science and Industry
Authors: Baldock Janine
Published: August 2002

Science interpretation in museums has, until now, largely focused on the products of science—the technological artefacts of our scientific past and the scientific phenomena presented in hands-on galleries. Little, if anything, is said about the process of science—what it is, how it's done, who does it, and why. For this reason, the Birmingham Museum of Science and Industry is planning a new gallery based on science itself. Science is... will interpret science from a cultural perspective by looking at how culture affects science, and how changes in scientific thought have changed our own views of ourselves and the world around us. The objectives of the exhibition are: to raise awareness that science is a key part of our culture; to increase understanding of the method, history and philosophy of science and the scientific community; and to promote realistic images of science and scientists. Using the example of the Copernican Revolution, part of the gallery will focus on changing ideas in science, how change is affected by culture, and the consequences of accepting new scientific theories.
The thrill of everyday science: images of science and scientists on children's educational science programmes in the United States
Authors: Long Marilee , Steinke Jocelyn
Published: August 2002

Several media effects perspectives suggest that televised images can influence children's perceptions of science and scientists. This study analysed images of science and scientists in four children's educational science programmes. The images of science as truth, as fun, and as a part of everyday life, as well as the image that science is for everyone, were quite evident. Little evidence was found for the image of science as magical or mysterious. Support for the images of science as dangerous and science as a solution to problems was mixed. Images of scientists as omniscient and elite were quite prevalent; there was no evidence for the image of scientists as evil or violent. Some support was found for the image of scientists as eccentric and antisocial. Overall, the images were more constructive than detrimental. Predictions about the effect these images could have on children and on the scientific community are given.
`MegaLab UK': participatory science and the mass media
Authors: Wiseman Richard
Published: August 2002

For the past two years, the `MegaLab UK' initiative has carried out huge participatory science demonstrations on national television, radio and in newspapers. This paper outlines the methods and results of two MegaLab experiments. The first of these examined whether the public were better able to detect lies on television, on the radio or in the press. A second experiment examined whether first or last impressions were more important in an interview broadcast on television and printed in a national newspaper. These demonstrations helped to communicate the basic building blocks of experimental design and conveyed the feeling of excitement associated with the scientific enterprise. In addition, scientists can rarely carry out experiments with such large cross-sections of the populations and actual media, so the results have real scientific value.
Public participation in environmental policy: considering scientific, counter-scientific and non-scientific contributions
Authors: Eden Sally
Published: August 2002

Environmental policy depends for its success on public participation. However, the scientific construction of environmental issues often means that such participation in policy-making is difficult when the public is not considered scientifically `expert'. Even if the notion of `expertise' is broadened to deal with this problem, this does not ensure truly `public'—i.e. lay—involvement, because lay ideas are still not included but are discounted as `non-scientific'. Further, emphasis on the scientific and environmental education of the general public will not guarantee policy implementation by individuals. Therefore, if we wish to design environmental policy that can be successfully implemented, we must consider other ways in which people relate to their environments as well as through scientific mediation—ways in which people `understand' their environments through culture, morality and social interaction—and build these into environmental policy.
Scientists and the public understanding of science
Authors: Pearson Gillian , Pringle Susan M. , Thomas Jeffery N.
Published: August 2002

This paper discusses the attitudes and opinions of research scientists and engineers to taking part in public understanding of science activities. A survey was carried out at an event in set95 (the UK's 1995 National Week of Science, Engineering and Technology), which involved 168 scientists from the University of Bristol, UK, taking their research work into a shopping mall in Bristol for two days. All participating scientists and engineers were asked to complete a written questionnaire shortly after the event and then at least one participant from each display was contacted seven months later for telephone interview. The results show that while most of the scientists took part because they were told to by senior colleagues, after the event almost all (94 per cent) wanted to take part again mainly because they had found the experience enjoyable. Despite the demands of time and organization, individuals benefited from taking part; participants felt it improved their presentation skills and enhanced morale. They regarded the exhibition as good for communication skills training and did not want formal training for the event. The exhibition was also valued as a team-building exercise both within individual departments and across the University.
Faith meets the Human Genome Project: religious factors in the public response to genetics
Authors: Cole-Turner R.
Published: August 2002

Providers of genetic services need to be broadly aware of the role that religious beliefs can play in the public's understanding of genetic information and of the choices that are posed. This paper identifies three religious themes that tend to arise when religious people, especially Christians, are involved in genetic testing and pre-symptomatic diagnosis. The first theme of fate and freedom leads to the prediction that religious people will be less likely than others to ascribe fatalistic or deterministic powers to genes but will want to maintain room for human and divine freedom, and that perhaps they will err too much in this direction. The second theme, having to do with religious community, suggests that religious people will experience a tension between the need for genetic privacy and the desire to share personal concerns with their faith community. Third, religious people regard the unborn with respect, even if not all regard the fetus as a person. Those who accept abortion for genetic reasons are likely to grieve the loss and to look for rituals to mark the value of the life that was not continued.
Drought, debate, and uncertainty: measuring reporters' knowledge and ignorance about climate change
Authors: Wilson Kris M.
Published: August 2002

Increasingly, the media are important sources of scientific information. Recent studies indicate that this is especially true for climate change. This study analyzes reporters' understanding of climate change by identifying sources of reporter knowledge about climate change, measuring reporters' acquired knowledge against the scientific consensus, and analyzing differences in reporter knowledge based on several factors that may influence climate change reporting. Results show that reporters who primarily use scientists as sources and who work the environmental beat full-time have the most accurate climate change knowledge.
UK CropNet
Authors: Wixon Jo
Published: August 2002

This review explores the UK CropNet site. The project is aimed at aiding the comparative mapping of cereal and other crop genomes. The site provides software tools for use by those working on genome mapping, and access to an array of databases that will be of interest to all members of the plant genomics research community, using several ACeDB interfaces. All screen views from the website are reproduced with the kind permission of Dr Sean May, Director, NottinghamArabidopsisStock Centre (NASC).
Axially substituted titanium(IV) phthalocyanines
Authors: BARTHEL MARKUS , HANACK MICHAEL
Published: August 2002

An easy synthesis of phthalocyaninatotitanium(IV) compounds substituted with bidentate ligands in the axial position is described. Using strongly chelating oxygen or sulfur donor ligands, the reaction of PcTiO with chelating agents leads to the formation of PcTiX complexes with X ≡ oxalate [Formula: see text], catecholate [Formula: see text], dithiocatecholate [Formula: see text], 2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene [Formula: see text] and other functionalized catechols (2c–2h). The new compounds possess an enhanced solubility in comparison to PcTiO .
Pheromone‐mediated intrasexual aggression in male lizards, Podarcis hispanicus
Authors: López Pilar , Martín José , Cuadrado Mariano
Published: August 2002

Sex recognition is based on color signals in many species of lizards. However, olfactory stimuli are also clearly involved, and many species might rely primarily on chemoreception. We aimed to examine whether color pattern or odors, or a combination of both factors, induce the aggressive response of males of the lizard P. hispanicus. We experimentally manipulated the coloration and odor of male P. hispanicus, thereby creating groups with all combinations between coloration and odor of males or females. Using data from staged encounters, we compared the responses of resident males to the experimental groups of manipulated males and their response to unmanipulated individuals (males and females). Responding males reacted significantly more aggressively to intruders with male odors independent of their coloration, whereas intruders with female odors did not elicit aggressive responses but were preferentially courted, irrespective of their actual sex and body coloration. In addition, intruders with female odors elicited a higher number of tongue‐flick explorations than male odor ones. Comparisons with unmanipulated male and female intruders agreed with these expectations. Therefore, at least at close range, odoriferous cues seem to be more important than color patterns in sex recognition and intrasexual aggression by male P. hispanicus. We suggest that this might be a pattern commoner than expected in many species of reptiles.Aggr. Behav. 28:154–163, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Brain and Consciousness: Sources of Information for Understanding Adult Learning
Authors: Hill Lilian H.
Published: August 2002

New knowledge of the brain and consciousness can be used to understand adult learning and develop new principles for adult education.
A New Look at Women's Learning
Authors: Hayes Elisabeth R.
Published: August 2002

How can we rethink some popular stereotypes about women's learning?
Incorporating family interactions and socioeconomic variables into family production functions: The case of demand for meats
Authors: Heiman Amir , Just David R. , McWilliams Bruce , Zilberman David
Published: August 2002

This article develops a framework for analyzing food consumption that relies on the models of Lancaster and Becker, and takes into account production within the household, preferences for various food attributes, and noneconomic family characteristics. Using a data set on purchases of a variety of meat types in Israel, the analysis shows that much of the variation in food consumption patterns are explained by life style differences and socioeconomic factors. In particular, we find that variables such as the cook's attitude towards cooking, family feedback, time constraints, and religious observance, in addition to income, provide an understanding of the purchase of various meat products and the choice between ready‐to‐eat versus unprepared foods. A strong preference for consuming a variety of meats is observed, and family preference for particular meat products is an important determinant of consumption. These results provide information for a market segmentation strategy [EconLit Subject code: L660]. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Autologous peripheral stem cell transplantation for aggressive hemophagocytic syndrome associated with T‐cell lymphoma: Case study and review
Authors: Jassal Davinder S. , Kasper Ken , Morales Carmen , Rubinger Morel
Published: August 2002

Hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) is a rare clinical presentation infrequently associated with lymphoproliferative disorders. We describe a 29‐year‐old male with aggressive HPS and T‐cell lymphoma managed successfully with high‐dose chemotherapy and autologous peripheral stem cell transplantation (APSCT), in remission at 41 months of follow‐up. In reviewing the literature, this case illustrates the 2nd longest surviving individual post stem cell transplant for aggressive HPS. Am. J. Hematol. 69:64‐66, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Kinetics of hemopoietic recovery after peripheral blood stem cell transplantation: Impact of stem cell purification and G‐CSF
Authors: Piccirillo Nicola , Sorà Federica , Laurenti Luca , Chiusolo Patrizia , Serafini Riccardo , Cicconi Silvia , Leone Giuseppe , Sica Simona
Published: August 2002

We investigated the role of stem cell purification and G‐CSF (early vs. delayed vs. no G‐CSF) administration on hemopoietic recovery and supportive care requirements after stem cell transplantation. Thirty‐two patients submitted to autologous CD34+ peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) were studied, and data were compared to patients undergoing unfractionated peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (uPBSCT) matched for age, disease, and conditioning regimen. Except for PMN, hemopoietic recovery was significantly slower and supportive care requirements were significantly higher after CD34+ PBSCT. Median time to PMN >0.5 × 109/l was 13 days (range 9‐27) and 13 d (range 9‐23); reticulocytes (Ret) >1% was 14.5 d (range 12‐34) and 12 d (range 10‐27); high‐fluorescence reticulocytes (HFR) >5% was 12 d (range 9‐26) and 9 d (range 7‐11); platelets >50 × 109/l and >100 × 109/l was 20 d (range 10‐240), 12 d (range 9‐60) and 33 d (range 15‐720), 15 d (range 11‐210). When the analysis was performed on subgroups of patients (early/delayed/no G‐CSF), early G‐CSF significantly promoted PMN recovery (>0.5 × 109/l and >1.0 × 109/l) compared to no G‐CSF, without affecting RBCs or platelet recovery. Delayed G‐CSF did not improve PMN recovery compared to patients not receiving G‐CSF, did not result in a significant reduction of drug requirements, and had a negative impact on erythroid and platelet recovery. In conclusion, these preliminary data suggest that G‐CSF is useful if given early after CD34+ PBSCT. CD34+ PBSCT may overall require a significant increase of resource utilization that should be outweighed by proven clinical benefit. Am. J. Hematol. 69:7‐14, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CD30 and the NPM‐ALK fusion protein (p80) are differentially expressed between peripheral blood and bone marrow in primary small cell variant of anaplastic large cell lymphoma
Authors: Awaya Norihiro , Mori Shigehisa , Takeuchi Hitoshi , Mori Shigeo , Sugano Yasuo , Kamata Tamihiro , Takeuchi Tsutomu , Abe Toru
Published: August 2002

The t(2;5)(p23;q35) translocation results in the formation of a unique chimeric NPM‐ALK protein (p80). Expression of this protein is considered to be one of the clinical features of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). Recently recognized as one clinical subtype of ALCL, the small cell variant is prone to have a leukemic presentation. Although the small cell variant has been recognized as a subtype of ALCL, the clinical properties of this subtype, especially the immunophenotype of lymphoma cells in peripheral blood, have not yet been fully described. This report shows that neither CD30 nor p80 is detected by immunostaining in the predominant small cell malignant clone and also in large lymphoma cells in peripheral blood, while large cells and occasionally observed small cells in bone marrow were found to be positive for CD30 and p80. Our findings suggest that differential expression of CD30 and p80 between peripheral blood and bone marrow lymphoma cells is a property of the small cell variant of ALCL. Am. J. Hematol. 69: 200–204, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Aquired factor VIII inhibitor treated with cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone
Authors: Lian Eric C.‐Y. , Villar Mary Jo , Noy Lionel I. , Ruiz‐Dayao Zoneddy
Published: August 2002

Life‐threatening bleeding can occur in non‐hemophiliacs with factor VIII inhibitor and is difficult to control. Various methods have been used to suppress the inhibitor. Since 1993 we treated 6 non‐hemophilic patients with factor VIII inhibitor with cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone (CVP) every 3–4 weeks. Five had complete response with disappearance of factor VIII inhibitor and normalization of factor VIII after 1 to 7 cycles of CVP. One patient did not respond after 4 cycles of CVP; mitoxantrone was added to additional two cycles of CVP, and the inhibitor disappeared. Am. J. Hematol. 69:294–295, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Critical regions for deubiquitinating activity of DUB‐2 expressed in T‐lymphocytes
Authors: Lee Jin‐Hie , Kim Yong‐Soo , Kim Minkyung , Baek Kwang‐Hyun
Published: August 2002

Ubiquitin‐ and proteasome‐mediated protein degradation is involved in many intracellular processes, including cell cycle regulation, transcriptional activation, and signal transduction in all eukaryotes. Novel subfamily members of the ubp superfamily, DUB‐1 and DUB‐2, are known to be immediate–early genes and are specifically expressed in B‐lymphocytes and T‐lymphocytes, respectively. With the site‐directed mutagenesis in four conserved amino acids (Cys60, Asp133, His298, and His307) and a series of deletion in the carboxy‐terminal region, we demonstrate that these conserved amino acids are critical, but not the C‐terminus, for the deubiquitinating activity of DUB‐2. Am. J. Hematol. 67:270–272, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tumor necrosis factor‐α levels in long‐term marrow cultures from patients with aplastic anemia: modulation by granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor
Authors: Martínez‐Jaramillo Guadalupe , Flores‐Figueroa Eugenia , Gómez‐Morales Enrique , Sánchez‐Valle Elizabeth , Mayani Hector
Published: August 2002

We have previously shown that the levels of hematopoietic progenitors in long‐term marrow cultures (LTMC) from patients with aplastic anemia (AA) are drastically reduced, as compared to normal LTMC. We have also reported that when LTMC from AA patients are supplemented with recombinant human granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (rhGM‐CSF) there is an increase in colony‐forming cell (CFC) levels. However, such a stimulation is only transient and it is followed by an inhibition in CFC growth. Based on these observations, in the present study we have tested the hypothesis that the levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), an inhibitor of hematopoiesis, are increased in AA LTMC and that such levels are further increased after rhGM‐CSF has been added to the cultures for several weeks. Accordingly, we have determined the levels of TNF‐α in the supernatant of LTMC established from normal (n = 8) and AA (n = 6) bone marrow and in AA LTMC supplemented with rhGM‐CSF (n = 6). At the time of culture initiation, TNF‐α levels were below detection in all the samples analyzed. After 5 weeks of culture, TNF‐α levels in normal LTMC were very low, with a median of 7.3 pg/mL. In contrast, AA LTMC contained higher levels of TNF‐α (median of 49.6 pg/mL). In keeping with our hypothesis, addition of rhGM‐CSF to AA LTMC resulted in a significant further increase of TNF‐α levels (median of 135.4 pg/mL). Our results demonstrate an inverse correlation between reduced hematopoiesis in AA LTMC and increased levels of TNF‐α in this culture system. Based on the results presented here, together with previous reports indicating that TNF‐α is a potent inducer of apoptosis in hematopoietic progenitor cells, it seems reasonable to suggest that TNF‐α is implicated in the pathophysiology of AA. Am. J. Hematol. 68:144–148, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Variation at 10 protein coding loci in the mbenzele pygmies from the central african republic and a comparison with microsatellite data
Authors: Coia Valentina , Sansonetti Barbara , Paoli Giorgio , Tofanelli Sergio , Spedini Gabriella , Destro‐Bisol Giovanni
Published: August 2002

Ten protein coding loci (6‐PGD, A1‐AT, ACP1, CaII, ESD, GC, GPX1, Hbβ, PGM1, and TF) were analyzed in the Mbenzele Pygmies from the Central African Republic. The frequency data were used to calculate the genetic distances between Mbenzele Pygmies and other African groups. In the principal coordinate plot of FST genetic distances, the Mbenzele cluster together with other Pygmies of the western cluster, the Biaka from C.A.R., Gielli from Cameroon, and Babinga from Congo. By contrast, they are considerably distanced from other Pygmy groups of the eastern cluster (Twa from Rwanda, Mbuti from Zaire). Genetic distances obtained using protein loci were compared with those based on microsatellite loci. The two distance matrices are insignificantly correlated (r = 0.268; one tail probability = 0.332), and the main difference is in the higher genetic affinity between the Mbenzele and Biaka Pygmies observed at the protein level. Although reasons underlying the discrepancy between inter‐populational variation at protein and DNA loci are not established with certainty, the comparison suggests that the genetic distance between the Mbenzele and Biaka Pygmies at microsatellite loci could have been shaped by genetic drift. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 14:9–14, 2002.© 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neurobehavioral disturbances arising from occupational toluene exposure
Authors: Chouanière Dominique , Wild Pascal , Fontana Jean‐Marc , Héry Michel , Fournier Maryvonne , Baudin Vincent , Subra Isabelle , Rousselle Dominique , Toamain Jean‐Paul , Saurin Sylvie , Ardiot Marie‐Rose
Published: August 2002

Background

Neurotoxicity of long‐term exposure to toluene is known at higher levels than 50 ppm and is suspected at lower levels.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study carried out in two printing plants on 129 blue collar workers explored such a low level exposure of toluene. With 231 samples of ambient air, toluene concentration was estimated from 0 to 18 ppm in Plant A (offset) and from 2 to 27 ppm in Plant B (heliogravure). Outside any period of acute exposure, the workers answered a self‐administered questionnaire on neurotoxic symptoms, EUROQUEST, and performed six psychometric tests on a computer‐assisted version of battery NES.

Results

After adjustment for confounders, we found significant relationships only between present exposure and Digit Span Forwards (DSF) performance (decrement is 1 digit for 40 ppm, P = 0.04) and Digit Span Backwards (DSB) performance (decrement is 1 digit for 25 ppm, P = 0.01). Neurotoxic symptoms were not significantly correlated with current exposure. No association was found between estimated cumulative exposure and either psychometric performances or neurotoxic symptoms.

Conclusion

In this study, low present exposure levels to toluene were associated with decrements of memory test performances. Am. J. Ind. Med. 41:77–88, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Subtelomeric rearrangements detected in patients with idiopathic mental retardation
Authors: Anderlid Britt‐Marie , Schoumans Jacqueline , Annerén Göran , Sahlén Sigrid , Kyllerman Mårten , Vujic Mihailo , Hagberg Bengt , Blennow Elisabeth , Nordenskjöld Magnus
Published: August 2002

A screening for submicroscopic rearrangements was performed in 111 patients with idiopathic mental retardation (MR) using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) probes from the subtelomeric regions of all chromosome arms. Ten cryptic rearrangements were found (9%): five de novo deletions; one unbalanced de novo translocation; three unbalanced inherited translocations; and one unbalanced recombinant chromosome, inherited from a parent with a pericentric inversion. In addition, 50 of the patients were screened for interstitial rearrangements with spectral karyotyping (SKY), but no aberrations were found. However, SKY detected the subtelomeric rearrangement in three of the four unbalanced translocations. Dysmorphic features were present in all patients with detected subtelomeric rearrangements. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Meier‐Gorlin syndrome (ear–patella–short stature syndrome) in an Italian patient: Clinical evaluation and analysis of possible candidate genes
Authors: Cohen Amnon , Mulas Roberta , Seri Marco , Gaiero Alberto , Fichera Graziella , Marini Monica , Baffico Maria , Camera Gianni
Published: August 2002

We report on an Italian boy with the Meier‐Gorlin syndrome (ear–patella–short stature syndrome). This rare autosomal recessive disorder comprises the triad of microtia, absent patellae, and growth retardation with prenatal onset. The patient had also an acute torsion of his left spermatic cord, a condition related to a congenital defect of the tunica vaginalis. Because this syndrome had been suggested as the human equivalent of the short ear mouse [Lacombe et al., 1994: Ann. Genet. 37:184–191], a mutation analysis of the BMP5 gene was performed and found normal. The LMX1B and the SHOX genes were also evaluated considering the absent patellae and short stature, respectively, and were found normal as well. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.