bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of a Potentiometric System with Data‐Analysis Computer Programs to the Quantification of Metal‐Chelating Activity of Two Natural Antioxidants: Caffeic Acid and Ferulic Acid
Authors: Borges Fernanda , Lima José L. F. C. , Pinto Isabel , Reis Salette , Siquet Christophe
Published: September 2003

The quantification of metal‐chelating activity of caffeic and ferulic acids (1 and 2, resp.) was successfully performed by using a potentiometric system with data‐analysis computer programs. The method was applied to two phenolic models, which have been systematically reported as antioxidants. Although a chain‐breaking mechanism was proposed, several studies pointed out the possibility of complexation of transition metals that can participate in single‐electron reactions and mediate the formation of oxygen‐derived free radicals. In this work, the complexation properties towards CuII were investigated by potentiometry with a glass electrode. Acidity constants of the ligands (phenolic acids) and the formation constants of the ligandmetal complexes were evaluated by potentiometry. The modeling of the titration curves and the data treatment were performed with the computer programs Superquad and Best. A detailed quantitative examination of the complexation species formed in the CuII/caffeic acid (1) and CuII/ferulic acid (2) systems is presented together with the formation constants (log β). Results have shown that the complexation properties of the two phenolic acids towards the transition metal are quite different: the activity of caffeic acid (1) was found higher than that of ferulic acid (2). The data are important to get insight into the mechanism of action of antioxidants, and, in this case, could partially explain the efficacy of caffeic acid in the protection of LDL oxidative damage. In addition, the analytical method developed could be applied to quantify the chelating activity of important biological compounds, such as allopurinol, uric acid, cinnamic acids, flavonoids, and anthocianins, and, in that way, could be a valuable tool to understand the mechanisms underlying their protective effects.
Novel Cytostatic Lanostanoid Triterpenes from Ganoderma australe
Authors: León Francisco , Valencia Meiser , Rivera Augusto , Nieto Ivonne , Quintana José , Estévez Francisco , Bermejo Jaime
Published: September 2003

Two new compounds 1 and 2, together with the known sterols ergosterol, 5,6‐dehydroergosterol, and ergosterol peroxide, and four polyoxygenated lanostanoid triterpenes named applanoxidic acid A (3), C (4), F (5), and G (6) were isolated from the fungus Ganoderma australe. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by means of spectroscopic techniques, while the known triterpenoids 3–6 were identified by comparing their spectral data with those reported in the literature. Compounds 1–6 inhibited the viability and growth of the HL‐60 cell line.
Potentiometric, NMR, and Fluorescence‐Emission Studies on the Binding of Adenosine 5′‐Triphosphate (ATP) by Open‐Chain Polyamine Receptors Containing Naphthylmethyl and/or Anthrylmethyl Groups
Authors: Albelda M. Teresa , Aguilar Juan , Alves Sergio , Aucejo Ricardo , Díaz Pilar , Lodeiro Carlos , Lima Joao C. , García‐España Enrique , Pina Fernando , Soriano Conxa
Published: September 2003

The interaction in aqueous solution of adenosine 5′‐triphosphate (ATP) with a series of open‐chain polyamines linked at one or both ends to anthrylmethyl or naphthylmethyl fragments was followed by potentiometric titration, 1H‐, 13C‐, and 31P‐NMR spectroscopy, and by steady‐state fluorescence measurements. The results revealed greater stabilities for the compounds containing one anthracene moiety than for those with one naphthalene moiety, the stabilities of the compounds with both ends N‐substituted with naphthylmethyl groups being close to those containing just one anthrylmethyl unit. The 1H‐NMR spectra showed that in all systems, there is involvement of π‐π stacking interactions in the stabilization of the adduct species. The competitive effect of the anions afforded by the supporting electrolyte was checked in some of the studied systems working at two different ionic strenghts (0.15M and 1.0M NaCl). The joint analysis of the spectrofluorimetric titrations and pH‐metric species‐distribution curves showed that for all the ATPreceptor systems, a quenching of the fluorescence occurred upon protonation of the adenine N(1)atom. Steady‐state fluorescence and time‐correlated single‐photon‐counting analysis of a system made up of ATP and a bis‐chromophoric polyamine receptor containing anthracene and naphthalene fluorophores established that the energy‐transfer process between the naphthalene and anthracene moieties is still operative despite the presence of ATP.
Malignant germ cell tumors in childhood: Results of the first Italian cooperative study “TCG 91”
Authors: Curto Margherita Lo , Lumia Francesca , Alaggio Rita , Cecchetto Giovanni , Almasio Piero , Indolfi Paolo , Siracusa Fortunato , Bagnulo Serenella , Bernardi Bruno De , Laurentis Tina De , Cataldo Andrea Di , Tamaro Paolo
Published: September 2003

Background and Aims

About 20% of patients with germ cell tumor (GCT) are still resistant to therapy. To investigate which features are present in resistant patients, a multicenter study on GCT in children was undertaken to correlate clinical and laboratory parameters with the outcome.

Methods

Patients aged less than 16 years, with histologically proven extracranial GCT were included.

Results

Ninety‐five patients (median age 33 months, 45 males) were eligible. The site of the primary tumor was gonadal in 59, extragonadal in 36. The stage was I in 39; II in 5; IIIa (microscopic residue) in 7; IIIb (macroscopic residue) in 16; IIIc (unresectable) in 13; IV in 15. The treatment was surgery alone in 31; surgery plus radiotherapy in 1; chemotherapy ± surgery in 63. Post‐chemotherapy resection in 19 (10 complete, 9 partial). The chemotherapy regimen was carboplatin 400 mg/m2/day on days 1, 2; etoposide 150 mg/m2/day on days 1, 2; ifosfamide 1,500 mg/m2/day on days 21, 22; dactinomycin 1.5 mg/m2/day on day 21; vincristine 1.5 mg/m2/day on day 21. Three patients died because of toxicity and two non‐responders (to primary chemotherapy), died of progression; among the remaining 90 patients 20 relapsed, 9 are in second remission, 2 are alive with disease, and 9 died of disease progression (one from progression and intracranial hemorrhage). Overall survival was 82.7% and event‐free survival: 71.5%. Survival according to: (a) site: testis: 100%; ovary: 88%; sacrococcyx: 69.6%; other sites: 33.3% (P < 0.001); (b) stage: I and II: 100%; IIIa: 83.3%; IIIb: 84.6%; IIIc: 60.6%; IV: 53.2% (P < 0.001); (c) AFP levels: normal: 85.5%; 42–9,470 ng/ml: 84.6%; ≥10,000 ng/ml: 58.7% (P = 0.02). All the pts who had complete resection of the primary tumor at diagnosis or at delayed surgery, remained in remission.

Conclusions

Multivariate analysis showed that the primary site of tumor was the only independent prognostic factor for survival and EFS. Med Pediatr Oncol 2003;41:417–425. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Electrochemical behaviour of mixtures of phenazine with iodine in the solid state
Authors: Szadkowska Agnieszka , Wrona Piotr K. , Galus Zbigniew
Published: September 2003

The electrochemical behaviour of mixtures of phenazine (P) with iodine (I2) in the solid state was investigated. Three types of electrochemical experiments were conducted: (i) EMF measurements of the Ag/AgI/I2:P system for various I2 : P ratios, (ii) cyclic voltammetric (CV) experiments and (iii) potentiometric measurements of the open cell potentials after different cathodic charges were injected into the I2 : P pellets. In the first case, a detailed analysis of the observed electromotive force was presented. The Gibbs free energy of the I2 : P complex determined was in good agreement with earlier results. In the second case, the CV curves corresponding to the electrode processes of phenazine mixed with graphite in the solid state indicate that the mass and charge transfer, which occur in the pellets, are faster than expected. The potentiometric experiments confirm this conclusion. Additional experiments, conducted with pellets of different thickness, indicate that although, in comparison with an equilibrated pellet, the concentration profiles are modified in small layers (diffusion layers) neighbouring the electrodes, the electrode reaction probably occurs in the whole pellet. A tentative mechanism of these processes is discussed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Are developmental disorders like cases of adult brain damage? Implications from connectionist modelling
Authors: Thomas Michael , Karmiloff-Smith Annette
Published: September 2003

It is often assumed that similar domain-specific behavioural impairments found in cases of adult brain damage and developmental disorders correspond to similar underlying causes, and can serve as convergent evidence for the modular structure of the normal adult cognitive system. We argue that this correspondence is contingent on an unsupported assumption that atypical development can produce selective deficits while the rest of the system develops normally (Residual Normality), and that this assumption tends to bias data collection in the field. Based on a review of connectionist models of acquired and developmental disorders in the domains of reading and past tense, as well as on new simulations, we explore the computational viability of Residual Normality and the potential role of development in producing behavioural deficits. Simulations demonstrate that damage to a developmental model can produce very different effects depending on whether it occurs prior to or following the training process. Because developmental disorders typically involve damage prior to learning, we conclude that the developmental process is a key component of the explanation of endstate impairments in such disorders. Further simulations demonstrate that in simple connectionist learning systems, the assumption of Residual Normality is undermined by processes of compensation or alteration elsewhere in the system. We outline the precise computational conditions required for Residual Normality to hold in development, and suggest that in many cases it is an unlikely hypothesis. We conclude that in developmental disorders, inferences from behavioural deficits to underlying structure crucially depend on developmental conditions, and that the process of ontogenetic development cannot be ignored in constructing models of developmental disorders.
Dopamine, Parkinson's disease, and volition
Authors: Horvitz Jon C.
Published: September 2003

Disruptions in dopamine transmission within the basal ganglia (BG) produce deficits in voluntary actions, that is, in the interface between cortically-generated goal representation and BG-mediated response selection. Under conditions of dopamine loss in humans and other animals, responses are impaired when they require internal generation, but are relatively intact when elicited by external stimuli.
A self frozen in time and space: Catatonia as a kinesthetic analog to mirrored self-misidentification
Authors: Platek Steven M. , Gallup Gordon G.
Published: September 2003

Aspects of Northoff's argument lend themselves to the ongoing investigation of localizing the self in the brain. Recent data from the fields of neuropsychology and cognitive neuroscience provide evidence that the right hemisphere is a candidate for localization of self. The data on catatonia further that proposition and add insight into the continuing investigation of self in the brain across sensory and motor domains.
The disease status of catatonia
Authors: Savodnik Irwin
Published: September 2003

Georg Northoff encounters a problem regarding the logical status of “catatonia.” Whereas Parkinson's disease (PD) is a disease on the basis of Virchowian criteria, catatonia is not. PD is associated with pathognomonic neurological lesions. Catatonia does not require any such association. The diagnosis is rendered using social criteria rather than neuropathological ones. Therefore, Northoff is not comparing two disease states at all.
Language’ role in enabling abstract, logical thought
Authors: Hampton James A.
Published: September 2003

Carruthers’ thesis is undermined on the one hand by examples of integration of output from domain-specific modules that are independent of language, and on the other hand by examples of linguistically represented thoughts that are unable to integrate different domain-specific knowledge into a coherent whole. I propose a more traditional role for language in thought as providing the basis for the cultural development and transmission of domain-general abstract knowledge and reasoning skills.
Residual Normality and the issue of language profiles in Williams syndrome
Authors: Pléh Csaba , Lukács Ágnes , Racsmány Mihály
Published: September 2003

One of the debated issues regarding Residual Normality (RN) is frequency sensitivity in Williams syndrome (WS). We present some data on frequency sensitivity in Hungarian WS subjects. Based on vocabulary measures, we suggest that instead of the across-the-board frequency insensitivity proposed by some, a higher frequency threshold characterizes these subjects’performance. Results from a category fluency task show that whereas frequency sensitivity in WS is in line with controls, error patterns imply a qualitatively distinct, looser categorical organization. Regarding the much-debated issue of morphological overgeneralizations, our data suggest that frequency sensitivity cuts across the divisions proposed by dual-process theories. In general, some of the frequency effects are the same as in typically developing populations, but with a delayed pattern. Frequency may be interpreted as supporting RN, but in WS it operates with higher thresholds that might be a general processing feature of WS individuals.
Talking to ourselves: The intelligibility of inner speech
Authors: Slezak Peter P.
Published: September 2003

The possible role of language in intermodular communication and non-domain-specific thinking is an empirical issue that is independent of the “vehicle” claim that natural language is “constitutive” of some thoughts. Despite noting objections to various forms of the thesis that we think in language, Carruthers entirely neglects a potentially fatal objection to his own preferred version of this “cognitive conception.”
Repetitively pulsed high-current accelerators with transformer
charging of forming lines
Authors: MESYATS GENNADY A. , KOROVIN SERGEI D. , GUNIN ALEXANDER V. , GUBANOV VLADIMIR P. , STEPCHENKO ALEKSEI S. , GRISHIN DMITRY M. , LANDL VLADIMIR F. , ALEKSEENKO PAVEL I.
Published: September 2003

This article describes the principles of operation and the
parameters of the SINUS setups designed at the Institute of
High-Current Electronics, Siberian Division, Russian Academy
of Science, over the period from 1990 to 2002. A characteristic
feature of accelerators of the SINUS type is the use of coaxial
forming lines (in particular, with a spiral central conductor)
which are charged by a built-in Tesla transformer to produce
the accelerating high-voltage pulses. This ensures a reasonable
compactness and long lifetime of the setups.
LANGUAGE AND THE LEXICON: AN INTRODUCTION. David Singleton. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000. Pp. xii + 244. $65.00 cloth, $19.95 paper.
Authors: Stalmaszczyk Piotr
Published: September 2003

David Singleton observes in the opening lines of Language and the lexicon that “almost everything in language is related in some way or other to words” (p. 1). There is little wonder, therefore, that the lexicon has been at the center of linguistic research and controversies for a long time. Organized into 10 chapters, this book offers a concise overview of major topics in contemporary research. The first chapter provides necessary background information and an overview of the volume. The remaining nine chapters cover a wide range of issues relevant to the lexicon, lexicology, and lexicography. Chapter 2 looks at the lexicon-syntax interface and introduces some contemporary approaches to linguistics and to the lexicon in particular. Chapter 3 presents basic aspects of morphology and word formation, whereas chapter 4 deals with “lexical partnerships,” especially collocations, and rudimentary information on language corpora. Chapter 5 turns to lexical semantics and problems involved in analyzing meaning, and chapter 6 briefly investigates the relations between words, sounds, signs, and writing systems. Chapters 7 and 8 focus on different dimensions of lexical change. Chapter 7 tackles the social, regional, and situational aspects of lexical variation, and chapter 8 describes lexical change, historical processes, language contact, and lexical engineering. Chapter 9 explores the mental lexicon and models of lexical processing. This chapter includes a disappointingly short section on the lexicon in SLA. Finally, the last chapter surveys key concepts and developments in lexicography.
Career Centered High School Education and Post–High School Career Adaptation
Authors: Gore Susan , Kadish Stacey , Aseltine Robert H.
Published: September 2003

This study examines the quality of the transition into employment roles among a socioeconomically diverse cohort of 1,143 high school seniors who were interviewed as seniors in 1998 and 2 years later. Focusing on both subjective and objective dimensions of work adaptation, analyses examine differences in these outcomes associated with taking a high school career‐major versus a more traditional academic program. This type of major is intended to assist in the career development and economic adaptation of more disadvantaged young adults and follows from an ecological model emphasizing the importance of connections between educational and employment institutions in the socialization of young people. Results indicate small but significant effects of having the career‐major for the perceptual variables. Group differences were not found for the variables assessing more objective qualities of their jobs. The discrepancy between subjective and objective outcomes may suggest a short‐term psychological optimism in the absence of an objective situation that would justify this view. Discussion centers on the need for stronger institutional support for school‐work connections.
Nuance, Complexity, and Context: Qualitative Methods in Genetic Counseling Research
Authors: Beeson Diane
Published: September 2003

Because of its potential for capturing complexity and process and its focus on communicating the meaning in human action, qualitative research is rapidly gaining acceptance in a wide variety of disciplines. Various qualitative approaches to research support its potential usefulness in genetic counseling research. Formulation of research questions and selection of appropriate qualitative methods are the first step. Interviewing, narrative analysis, focus groups, ethnography/participant observation, and participatory action research are only some of the most popular techniques that may be suitable in various situations. Processes of evaluation, analysis, and even ethical issues often differ somewhat from quantitative research. This article discusses these issues and the potential value of qualitative methods for research related to genetic counseling.
An Oral History of the National Society of Genetic Counselors
Authors: Heimler Audrey
Published: September 2003

Master's level genetic counselors formed a professional society in 1979, 8 years after the first master's degree training program graduation. This paper presents an oral history of the early years of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC), reviews the symbiotic development and definition of a profession and a professional society, and discusses events and achievements attributed to the NSGC since its incorporation. This retrospective historical account is based on personal and collective oral history, NSGC archival material and other sources.
Composition and dynamics of the phytoplankton of the Ionian Sea (eastern Mediterranean)
Authors: Casotti R. , Landolfi A. , Brunet C. , D'Ortenzio F. , Mangoni O. , Ribera d'Alcalà M. , Denis M.
Published: September 2003

The relationship between phytoplankton distribution and dynamics, and the resident water masses in the Ionian Sea was investigated in the spring of 1999 by flow cytometry, HPLC, microscopy, 14C incorporation, and serial dilutions. More than 50% of total biomass was represented by ultraphytoplankton, with proportions increasing with depth (up to 80%) and eastward (up to 60%). Synechococcus sp. cyanobacteria dominated ultraphytoplankton numbers and biomass. Hydrological stability explained the relative vertical distribution of Synechococcus sp. and Prochlorococcus sp. cyanobacteria and their degree of photoacclimation. The northwestern area (“Italian Side”) was in a transition from bloom to oligotrophic conditions, reflected in high biological instability in terms of phytoplankton composition, photoacclimative properties, and photosynthetic efficiency (P/B of 11.40 mg C mg chl−1 h−1). The influence of the Adriatic Surface Water, carrying a trace of the spring bloom was visible from satellite imagery (SeaWiFS). The eastern part of the sampled area (“Greek Side,” GS) was hydrologically more stable (low estimated vertical velocities), resulting in higher photosynthetic efficiency (P/B of 20.47 mg C mg chl−1 h−1) and phytoplankton photoacclimative properties. The Atlantic Water (AW) was the most oligotrophic in terms of nutrient concentration, chla, and productivity (208.0 mg C m−2 d−1), but also the most variable in terms of mesoscale features. Growth of Synechococcus sp. and Prochlorococcus sp. was slow (0.36 d−1 at max), while picoeukaryotes grew well in the deep chlorophyll maximum (DCM) of the GS (0.67 d−1) Picoeukaryote growth was tightly coupled with grazing (0.80 d−1), indicating efficient biomass recycling. Biological characterization and DCM dynamics in the three areas are discussed in relation to physical features present at the time of sampling.
Optimal parameter and uncertainty estimation of a land surface model: A case study using data from Cabauw, Netherlands
Authors: Jackson Charles , Xia Youlong , Sen Mrinal K. , Stoffa Paul L.
Published: September 2003

Land surface models involve a large number of interdependent parameters that affect the physics of how surface energy fluxes are partitioned between latent heat, sensible heat, net radiative, and ground heat fluxes. The goal of an optimal parameter and uncertainty analysis of a land surface model is to identify a range of parameter sets that enable model predictions to be bounded within observational uncertainties. Here we apply Bayesian stochastic inversion (BSI) using very fast simulated annealing (VFSA) to identify parameter sets of the Chameleon surface model (CHASM) land surface model that are consistent with the uncertainty limits ascribed to a high‐quality data set collected from Cabauw, Netherlands. These results are compared to the parameter sets obtained through the multicriteria (MC) approach. All analyses evaluate model performance against daily and monthly mean observations of sensible, latent, and ground heat fluxes. BSI and MC identify similar “best fit” model parameter sets that improve CHASM performance over default parameter settings. The three most important CHASM parameters at Cabauw are minimum stomatal resistance, vegetation roughness length, and vegetation fraction cover. BSI is based on a Bayesian inference model such that that it expresses uncertainty in terms of a posterior probability density function, different moments of which provide information about parameter means and covariances. Although MC gives a range of possible optimal parameters through the concept of a Pareto set, we found that these ranges did not provide a consistent or representative view of the uncertainty within the observational data. The BSI algorithm in the current study is particularly efficient in that it only requires about double the number of model evaluations than the MC algorithm. This is a substantial saving over other more accurate methods to evaluate uncertainty such as the Metropolis/Gibbs' sampler that requires at least 40 times more computations than the BSI algorithm to obtain similar results.
Spatial distributions of oxygenated organic compounds (dicarboxylic acids, fatty acids, and levoglucosan) in marine aerosols over the western Pacific and off the coast of East Asia: Continental outflow of organic aerosols during the ACE‐Asia campaign
Authors: Mochida Michihiro , Kawamura Kimitaka , Umemoto Nobuhiko , Kobayashi Minoru , Matsunaga Sou , Lim Ho‐Jin , Turpin Barbara J. , Bates Timothy S. , Simoneit Bernd R. T.
Published: September 2003

Aerosol sampling for major oxygenated organic compounds (dicarboxylic acids, fatty acids, and levoglucosan) was conducted from 15 March to 19 April 2001 on board the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration R/V Ronald H. Brown over the western North Pacific, the East China Sea, and the Sea of Japan, as part of the Asian Pacific Regional Aerosol Characterization Experiment (ACE‐Asia) campaign. During the cruise, aerosol particles were collected on quartz fiber filters using a high‐volume air sampler. Diacids were also collected using an annular denuder sampling system to assess their gas‐particle partitioning. Concentrations of total diacids, total fatty acids, and levoglucosan were found to be higher off the coasts of East Asia than in the remote Pacific. Contributions of these organic compounds to total organic carbon and total organic matter (OM) were calculated to be 9.8 ± 2.3% and 19.0 ± 4.8%, respectively, assuming OM to be organic carbon × 1.6. Diacid concentrations were highly correlated with nss‐SO42− and NO3−, which originate from anthropogenic sources over East Asia. The temporal variations and chain‐length distributions of fatty acids suggest that atmospheric transport of terrestrial organic materials is important off the coast of the continent. C2 − C5 diacids were present predominantly in the particulate phase. The relative abundances of C2 − C5 diacids stayed almost unchanged throughout the cruise, suggesting that deposition is more important than chemical decomposition as a sink of diacids and that they are relatively stable end products in the atmosphere.
Pliocene summer sea surface temperature reconstruction using silicoflagellates from Southern Ocean ODP Site 1165
Authors: Whitehead Jason M. , Bohaty Steven M.
Published: September 2003

In the modern marine environment the silicoflagellate genus Dictyocha is rare, or absent, south of the Antarctic polar front (APF); the genus Distephanus, in contrast, is dominant. In sediments recovered from ODP Site 1165, 1600 km south of the front, however, three intervals where Dictyocha is abundant are interpreted to represent Pliocene warm events. Comparison of our data with Ciesielski and Weaver's [1974] modern core top silicoflagellate relationship with sea surface temperature (SST) indicates that at Site 1165 mean annual SST was approximately 5°C at 3.7 Ma (event I), and approximately 4°C at 4.3–4.4 Ma (event II) and 4.55–4.8 Ma (event III). Event I represents a 5.5°C warming, and events II and III represents a 4.5°C warming relative to modern mean annual SST. Dictyocha is absent from other Site 1165 Pliocene intervals, which suggests that cooler SST (<2°C) prevailed. The warm events detected at Site 1165 may represent times when North Atlantic Deep Water production and ocean heat transport into the Southern Ocean exerted maximum influence.
Long‐term variations in summer temperatures over the Eastern Mediterranean
Authors: Saaroni Hadas , Ziv Baruch , Edelson Johnathan , Alpert Pinhas
Published: September 2003

The inter‐annual variation of the 850 hPa temperatures over the Eastern Mediterranean (EM) for July–August was analyzed for 1948–2002, using NCEP/NCAR reanalysis data. The time series of seasonal averages and the distribution of ‘hot’ and ‘cool’ days indicate the existence of three distinct warm periods. The warmest began in the mid‐1990s. A long‐term warming trend of 0.013 Ky−1 was found. The warming trend in July was 7 times greater than that of August, and July replaced August as the warmest month of the year. A trend of increasing extremity was also found. This was manifested in increasing seasonal standard deviation of daily temperatures, at a rate of 11% over 55 years, and in an increase in the frequency of both ‘hot’ and ‘cool’ days. These trends are also reflected in an increase in the seasonal maximum temperatures, which is 3 times greater than the increase in minimum temperatures.
Ultrasonic scaler tip performance under various load conditions
Authors: Lea S. C. , Landini G. , Walmsley A. D.
Published: September 2003

Objectives: The aim of this investigation was to assess the effect of loading on ultrasonic scaler tip displacement amplitude, using a scanning laser vibrometer.

Material and Methods: Four generators were selected for this investigation including: Cavitron Select (Dentsply), Cavitron SPS (Dentsply), Piezon Master 400 (EMS) and Mini Piezon (EMS). The insert designs used with these generators included the TFI‐10 and TFI‐3 (with the Dentsply generators) and P‐tip (with the EMS generators). The insert tips were contacted against tooth surfaces with loads of 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 N. The scanning laser vibrometer was then used to scan the vibrating scalers at various generator power settings.

Results: The tips generally showed an increase in displacement amplitude with increasing power setting, although this increase was often nonlinear. Displacement amplitudes of like tips were generally found to be significantly different from each other at all loads. For individual inserts, loading caused a significant difference in tip response from the unloaded situation and also between loads.

Conclusions: This investigation has demonstrated that there is a high variability associated with dental ultrasonic scaler inserts. Clinicians and researchers should be aware of this variability as it may affect both clinical procedures and future research.
Lymphocyte Count and Mortality Risk in Older Persons. The Leiden 85‐Plus Study
Authors: Izaks Gerbrand J. , Remarque Edmond J. , Becker Sander V. , Westendorp Rudi G. J.
Published: September 2003

Objectives: To investigate whether a low peripheral blood lymphocyte count is associated with increased mortality risk in older persons and to determine whether this association could be ascribed to ill health.

Design: A cohort study with a total follow‐up period of 1,602 person years.

Setting: Leiden, the Netherlands.

Participants: Four hundred thirty‐six community‐dwelling residents aged 85 and older.

Measurements: Health status and leukocyte total and differential counts were assessed at baseline. Lymphocyte subsets were measured with a fluorescence‐activated cell sorter. Age‐ and sex‐adjusted mortality risks were estimated using Cox proportional hazard regression analysis.

Results: There was no association between lymphocyte count and mortality in persons with ill health (mortality risk lowest vs highest quartile=1.16; 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.85–1.58, P=.35), but mortality was dependent on lymphocyte count if disease was excluded (mortality risk lowest vs highest quartile=2.14; 95% CI=1.08–4.23, P=.03). A similar increase in mortality risk was found when the cluster designation (CD)4+, CD8+, and CD16+ lymphocyte subsets were analyzed. Within individuals, low values of the lymphocyte subsets were related and there was no compensatory increase in CD16+ lymphocyte counts. A low lymphocyte count was not associated with specific causes of death.

Conclusion: A low lymphocyte count was associated with an increased mortality risk in older persons without apparent disease. This association was not only found for the total lymphocyte count but also for the CD4+, CD8+, and CD16+ lymphocyte subset counts.
Longitudinal Driving Performance in Early‐Stage Dementia of the Alzheimer Type
Authors: Duchek Janet M. , Carr David B. , Hunt Linda , Roe Catherine M. , Xiong Chengjie , Shah Kamini , Morris John C.
Published: September 2003

Objectives: To longitudinally assess on‐road driving performance in healthy older adults and those with early‐stage dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT).

Design: A prospective longitudinal study.

Setting: Large urban medical center and surrounding area.

Participants: A sample of 58 healthy controls, 21 participants with very mild DAT, and 29 participants with mild DAT participated. DAT was diagnosed using validated clinical diagnostic criteria and staged according to the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) Scale.

Measurements: Healthy controls and individuals with very mild DAT and mild DAT were administered a standardized on‐road driving assessment over repeated times of testing.

Results: Subjects in the CDR=1 group (mild DAT) had a faster rate of receiving a rating of not safe on the driving test than subjects in the CDR=0 group (healthy controls; log rank test, P=.006), and the survival function of the CDR=0.5 group (very mild DAT) fell between those of the CDR=0 and CDR=1 groups. A Cox proportional hazards model indicated a significant difference in survival functions between the CDR=0 and CDR=1 groups after baseline age was controlled for (P<.001). Cox regression analysis also indicated that baseline age was a significant risk factor for a rating of “not safe” (P=.002).

Conclusion: This study provides longitudinal evidence for a decline in driving performance over time, primarily in early‐stage DAT, and supports the need not only for driving assessments, but also for reevaluation of individuals with very mild and mild DAT.
Hepatic reticuloendothelial system dysfunction after ischemia-reperfusion: Role of P-selectin-mediated neutrophil accumulation
Authors: Sakamoto Nobuaki , Sun Zhaoli , Brengman Matthew L. , Maemura Korsei , Ozaki Michitaka , Bulkley Gregory B. , Klein Andrew S.
Published: September 2003

The relationship between hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) and subsequent injury through neutrophil accumulation is well described. Although alterations in reticuloendothelial system (RES) function (specifically Kupffer cell function) after I-R have been delineated, the degree to which discrete components of RES function (phagocytosis and killing) are independently modulated under these conditions has not been quantified. A hepatic segmental I-R model was established in mice, in which blood supply to the left lateral lobe of the liver was occluded for 45 minutes, the liver was reperfused, and the laparotomy incision was closed. Experimental animals were pretreated with either vinblastin (1.5 mg/kg) to induce neutropenia or anti-P-selectin monoclonal antibody (mAb; 50 μg/mice) 4 days and 5 minutes before ischemia, respectively. We previously reported that after intravenous injection of chromium 51 (51Cr) and iodine 125 (125I) double-labeled Escherichia coli, hepatic 51Cr levels could be used to reliably quantify hepatic phagocytic clearance (HPC) of bacteria from blood, whereas the subsequent release of 125I from the liver accurately paralleled hepatic bacterial killing efficiency (HKE). Using this double-label bacteria clearance assay, HPC and HKE were depressed after I-R, in association with hepatic neutrophil accumulation. Segmental I-R resulted in decreased HPC and HKE activity in both ischemic and nonischemic hepatic lobes. Depressions in HPC and HKE were attenuated by either vinblastin-induced neutropenia or blocking neutrophil adhesion to the hepatic endothelium with anti-P-selectin mAb. These findings support the hypothesis that I-R induces hepatic RES dysfunction, at least in part, through P-selectin-mediated neutrophil accumulation.
Intensive care support therapy
Authors: Bernal William
Published: September 2003

Patients with small-for-size syndrome (SFSS) and acute liver failure share some important clinical features that are paralleled by common approaches to their intensive care unit management. Both are characterized by a period of acute hepatic insufficiency, with clinical features reflecting the impairment of metabolic and immunologic function that results. The basic principles of management of the two conditions remain essentially the same: to support hepatic regeneration, to anticipate and prevent the development of complications, and to identify patients unlikely to survive early in their clinical course so that retransplantation may be considered. Many treatments are available in the intensive care unit to overcome biochemical and metabolic disturbances in acute liver failure. Optimal pharmacologic management of SFSS complicated by portal hypertension and variceal hemorrhage is currently uncertain. Extracorporeal liver support has several theoretical attractions in the critically ill patient with SFSS, through its ability by removal of hepatotoxins to provide an environment more conducive to hepatic regeneration and recovery, or to support and bridge the patient to transplantation. The molecular adsorbent recycling system has been proposed to remove both water-soluble and protein-bound toxins. This system is particularly attractive in the treatment of SFSS, however, despite its current clinical application, there are presently limited published data to support its use. (Liver Transpl 2003;9:S15-S17.)
Preoperative liver donor evaluation: Imaging and pitfalls
Authors: Mortelé Koenraad J. , Cantisani Vito , Troisi Roberto , de Hemptinne Bernard , Silverman Stuart G.
Published: September 2003

This article discusses the rationale behind living (related) donor liver transplantation, the role of imaging in the preoperative evaluation of the potential donor, and the currently available imaging modalities for fulfilling this task. Furthermore, the normal hepatic vascular and biliary anatomy, as seen on imaging, is reviewed and the most common anomalies are highlighted. Finally, critical concepts in the diagnostic evaluation of a donor are discussed with special emphasis on how to accurately measure liver volumes. (Liver Transpl 2003;9:S6-S14.)
Clinical relevance of adapting portal vein flow in living donor liver transplantation in adult patients
Authors: Troisi Roberto , de Hemptinne Bernard
Published: September 2003

Size mismatching is a major concern in adult living donor liver transplantation (ALDLT). Graft hyperperfusion in these grafts is considered the main factor leading to graft dysfunction and poor survival. We describe the clinical significance of graft inflow modification (GIM) by splenic artery ligation in a series of 24 consecutive ALDLT. Between September 1999 and December 2001, 24 patients underwent ALDLT at our institution. Patients were divided into two groups: G1, n = 11 without GIM, and G2, n = 13 with GIM. Both groups were equivalent in terms of preoperative clinical state, graft characteristics, and surgical technique. Graft hyperperfusion was noticed overall, especially in small grafts (graft-to-recipient body weight ratio <0.8), with mean recipient portal vein (rPVF) values at least three times greater than those recorded in the donors. GIM permitted in G2 a significant decrease in rPVF. Small-for-size syndrome (SFSS) occurred in three (27%) patients in G1 with small grafts showing graft hyperperfusion and necessitating a retransplantation. SFSS did not occur in G2. One-year overall survival was 62% and 93% respectively for G1 and G2. It is concluded that when small-for-size grafts are accompanied by graft hyperperfusion, the rPVF should be lowered to avoid the SFSS and to improve the outcome. (Liver Transpl 2003;9:S36-S41.)
A Protein Complex Containing Mdm10p, Mdm12p, and Mmm1p Links Mitochondrial Membranes and DNA to the Cytoskeleton-based Segregation Machinery
Authors: Boldogh Istvan R. , Nowakowski Dan W. , Yang Hyeong-Cheol , Chung Haesung , Karmon Sharon , Royes Patrina , Pon Liza A.
Published: September 2003

Previous studies indicate that two proteins, Mmm1p and Mdm10p, are required to link mitochondria to the actin cytoskeleton of yeast and for actin-based control of mitochondrial movement, inheritance and morphology. Both proteins are integral mitochondrial outer membrane proteins. Mmm1p localizes to punctate structures in close proximity to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) nucleoids. We found that Mmm1p and Mdm10p exist in a complex with Mdm12p, another integral mitochondrial outer membrane protein required for mitochondrial morphology and inheritance. This interpretation is based on observations that 1) Mdm10p and Mdm12p showed the same localization as Mmm1p; 2) Mdm12p, like Mdm10p and Mmm1p, was required for mitochondrial motility; and 3) all three proteins coimmunoprecipitated with each other. Moreover, Mdm10p localized to mitochondria in the absence of the other subunits. In contrast, deletion of MMM1 resulted in mislocalization of Mdm12p, and deletion of MDM12 caused mislocalization of Mmm1p. Finally, we observed a reciprocal relationship between the Mdm10p/Mdm12p/Mmm1p complex and mtDNA. Deletion of any one of the subunits resulted in loss of mtDNA or defects in mtDNA nucleoid maintenance. Conversely, deletion of mtDNA affected mitochondrial motility: mitochondria in cells without mtDNA move 2–3 times faster than mitochondria in cells with mtDNA. These observations support a model in which the Mdm10p/Mdm12p/Mmm1p complex links the minimum heritable unit of mitochondria (mtDNA and mitochondrial outer and inner membranes) to the cytoskeletal system that drives transfer of that unit from mother to daughter cells.
International marketing and the Asia‐Pacific Region
Authors: Chao Paul , Samiee Saeed , Sai‐Chung Yip Leslie
Published: September 2003

This study is motivated by the theme of this special issue of International Marketing Review, which highlights the enormous economic success of Asia‐Pacific nations and their emergence as global marketers of the twenty‐first century. The success of firms situated in these nations has been even more pronounced since the 1990. This study highlights international marketing developments, opportunities, and research issues that warrant closer attention. In examining the topic, highlights a number of important developments including technological innovations, the penetration and influence of the Internet and electronic commerce in the region, the emergence of Asian multinational companies, the development of Asian brands, the importance of relationships and networks for firms in this region, and their greater international integration and cooperation with the rest of the world. International marketing research considerations pertaining to the Asia‐Pacific Region are explored in each section, as well as in the conclusions.
The implications of tipping for economics and management
Authors: Azar Ofer H.
Published: September 2003

Tipping is a phenomenon that illustrates the importance of social norms and psychological reasons in motivating economic behavior. People tip because this is the social norm and disobeying the norm results in psychological disutility. Tipping is also economically important: in the USA alone, millions of workers derive most of their income from tips, and annual tips amount to dozens of billions of dollars. Tipping is also prevalent in numerous other countries around the globe. While tipping has been studied extensively by psychologists, it has received very little attention from economists. In order to encourage other economists to research this interesting phenomenon, the author discusses the implications of tipping for several areas in economics: social economics, behavioral economics, labor economics, and economics of information/management strategy. Also many ideas are provided for future research both as part of the discussion and in the concluding section.
Evaluation of pigmented ink formulations for jet printing onto textile fabrics
Authors: Daplyn S. , Lin L.
Published: September 2003

Recent years have seen a significant increase in the use of inkjet technology for printing on textile fabrics. Typical inkjet printed textile products included curtains, large advertising posters, flags and banners. As a result of the need for such inkjet printed products to have a greater durability, especially for outdoor applications, inks containing pigments as the colourants are gaining more interests. However, pigments may give rise to logistical problems in terms of their dispersion stability within the ink formulation, consequently blocking the nozzles within the inkjet print head. This paper reports methods for the preparation of pigment dispersions and of inkjet printing ink formulations and the methods for the evaluation of the suitability of pigmented ink formulations for jet printing on textile materials. In particular, the suitability of three magenta pigments for inkjet inks were assessed and reported.
Consumers’ judgments of numerical and price information
Authors: Xia Lan
Published: September 2003

Usually price information is presented as arabic numerals and consumers’ brand selections often involve comparative judgments of product prices. One important issue concerns whether consumers process price information in a similar way to that found in numerical cognition research. Since numerical processing is a learned, primarily automatic process, whether such processing interferes with or facilitates the processing of price information is an important question. It is important because a better understanding of how people process price information has implications for how managers should establish and communicate prices. This paper reports two studies that compare the processing of price with other numerical information.
The effect of cognitive busyness on consumers’ perception of product value
Authors: Sivaramakrishnan Subramanian , Manchanda Rajesh V.
Published: September 2003

In this paper, an interesting paradox is demonstrated – when consumers pay a great deal of attention to product and price information in an advertisement, they are likely to find themselves lacking the cognitive resources required to use that information in making a discerning assessment of the value of the product offering. Using three studies, it is shown that paying close attention to product‐ and price‐related information details causes cognitive busyness, which can cause consumers to engage in a greater degree of heuristic processing than those who are cognitively less busy. It is demonstrated that, when consumers are cognitively busy, they are less likely to accurately assess the value of price discount offers. Such cognitively busy consumers generally disregard the magnitude of the discount and the actual savings offered in forming their assessments of value for the offer. Non‐busy consumers, on the other hand, perceive differences in value as magnitude of discounts, price, or quality of product features being altered. Implications for managers and consumers are discussed.
Hands firmly on the steering wheel: restructuring Metro Toronto Police Service
Authors: Clarke Curtis
Published: September 2003

This paper contextualizes the political/economic environment in which Toronto attempted to implement community‐based policing. The analysis examines two specific restructuring projects, the Robbery Reduction Initiative and Central Field Command’s implementation of Crime Management. These projects reveal the service’s use of community policing as both a vehicle for and philosophy by which to underpin structural and operational reform. Moreover, they are clear examples of the manner in which reform initiatives, and particularly the imperative to implement community policing, were woven together in an effort to operationalize an effective policing model.