bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of gap size on litter decomposition and soil nitrate concentrations in a high-elevation sprucefir forest
Authors: Prescott Cindy E , Hope Graeme D , Blevins Leandra L
Published: November 2003

Possible mitigation of nitrate losses associated with clearcuts through harvesting smaller gaps was tested in a high-elevation forest of Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii Parry ex Engelm.) and subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt.). We measured concentrations of ammonium and nitrate after 6-week buried bag incubations of forest floor and mineral soil samples in replicated plots of uncut forest and gaps of 10, 1.0, and 0.1 ha and single-tree removal for 7 years after harvest. Nitrate concentrations in forest floor and mineral soil were elevated 37 years after harvesting in gaps of 0.1 ha and larger. Removal of the same proportion of trees as single trees did not result in increased nitrate concentrations, suggesting that nitrate losses could be reduced by harvesting single trees rather than creating gaps. Greater N availability was not associated with faster rates of decomposition of litter and forest floor, which were similar in gaps of all sizes (010 ha). Reciprocal transplant of forest floor and soil from the 10-ha gaps and the uncut forests indicated that changes in the nature of the forest floor or soil following harvest had a greater influence on nitrate concentrations than the changes in environmental conditions in the gaps.
Colonization of Scots, red, and jack pine logs by Tomicus piniperda (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) in Michigan pine stands
Authors: Siegert Nathan W , McCullough Deborah G
Published: November 2003

We investigated host preference of the pine shoot beetle, Tomicus piniperda (L.) (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), in a large-scale field study in 1997 and 1998. This Eurasian pest, first discovered in North America in 1992, is capable of developing and shoot-feeding in many North American pines. We hypothesized, however, that T. piniperda would preferentially colonize Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), a Eurasian species, more frequently than North American red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.) and jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.). We placed freshly cut Scots, red, and jack pine logs in Scots, red, and jack pine forest stands each year in southwestern Michigan, where T. piniperda populations have been established for several years, and in central and northern Michigan, where T. piniperda populations were low to rare. Following T. piniperda progeny emergence, logs were retrieved and debarked and T. piniperda attack density was determined for each log. Tomicus piniperda colonized 80%90% of the pine logs in the southwestern Michigan stands compared with 2%19% of logs in the central Michigan stands. No logs in the northern Michigan stands were colonized by T. piniperda in either year. In the southwestern pine stands, T. piniperda attack densities were significantly greater on Scots pine logs than on jack and red pine logs, regardless of stand species.
Seven decades of stand development in mixed and pure stands of conifers and nitrogen-fixing red alder
Authors: Binkley Dan
Published: November 2003

Early insights on the effects of N2-fixing red alder (Alnus rubra Bong.) on conifer forests came largely from two case studies dating from the 1920s at Wind River, Washington (low soil N), and Cascade Head, Oregon (high soil N). These classic experiments were remeasured after 70 years of stand development. The pure conifer stand at Wind River showed near-zero net increment in stem mass for the past 20 years, with stem mass remaining near 120 Mg/ha. Conifer stem mass in the mixed stand continued to increase at 4.5 Mg·ha1·year1, reaching 230 Mg/ha at age 72. The alder mass declined over this period from about 70 Mg/ha near age 50 to just 10 Mg/ha at age 72 as a result of increasing dominance of tall Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) trees. The pure conifer plot at Cascade Head reached a stem mass of 600 Mg/ha at age 74 years compared with 312 Mg/ha in the mixed stand (conifers, 200 Mg/ha; alder, 112 Mg/ha) and 173 Mg/ha in the pure alder plot. The long-term impacts of alder appeared to remain very strong after seven decades, greatly increasing ecosystem productivity at the N-poor Wind River site and reducing productivity at the N-rich Cascade Head site.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SOME MODELS OF INCOHERENCE AT THE MESOSCOPIC SCALE
Authors: BENJAMIN COLIN , JAYANNAVAR A. M.
Published: November 2003

The pre-existing literature on phenomena at the mesoscopic scale concern among other things phase coherent transport. Phase coherent transport dominates at very low temperatures. With increasing in temperature, as the system size becomes comparable to the inelastic mean free path phase incoherence sets in. This incoherence further leads to dephasing, and as a consequence purely quantum effects in electron transport give way to classical macroscopic behavior. In this work we consider two distinct phenomenological models of incoherent transport, the Coherent Absorption and Wave Attenuation models. We reveal some physical problems in the Coherent Absorption model as opposed to the Wave Attenuation model. We also compare our proposed model with experiments in case of the much studied peak to valley ratios in resonant tunneling diodes, magneto-conductance oscillations and Fano resonances in case of Aharonov–Bohm rings.
WIGNER FUNCTION IN THE SYMMETRIC GAUGE: DE HAAS-VAN ALPHEN OSCILLATIONS, MAGNETIC FIELD LOCALIZATION AND UNCERTAINTY PRINCIPLE
Authors: MATERDEY TOMAS B. , SEYLER CHARLES E.
Published: November 2003

Since the Wigner function (WF) is related to a Lindard-constant type linear dielectric function derived in the symmetric gauge,7it is expected to show de Haas-van Alphen (dHvA) oscillations. Starting with the symmetric eigenfunctions, we derived the pure-state WF in a magnetic field, whose plots in phase space and in term of B-1for increasing n are consistent with the dHvA effect. Furthermore the asymptotic expansion of WF at large n show periodic oscillations with a period related to the Fermi energy. The phase space plots of WF also show that dHvA and similar oscillations could be a consequence of Nature's strategy for increasing the effective spatial range without violating the uncertainty principle. Properties of the symmetric eigenfunctions were derived. The dynamics of WF can be obtained from the solution of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation (SE). A new method to solve the SE in a magnetic field in the interaction picture based on expansion in term of symmetric eigenfunctions has been developed. The matrix element for a Gaussian potential were derived explicitly, plotted against B-1, and showed oscillations. The total WF was shown to be a linear combination of the diagonal pure-state WF's by using the orthogonality for symmetric eigenfunctions. The no-special-point property for WF was confirmed, which is important for the construction of a numerical algorithm to solve the SE in a magnetic field.
EFFECT OF SURFACTANT AND SUBSTRATE TEMPERATURE ON THE GROWTH OF Ag FILMS ON A SAPPHIRE SURFACE
Authors: LEWOWSKI T. , WIECZOREK P.
Published: November 2003

The possibility of modification of the thin film growth on an insulating (sapphire) substrate by using a Ga monolayer as a "surfactant" was studied. We found that the films grown in this way are electrically conducting and can emit photoelectrons at much lower thickness than those deposited on a pure substrate. The surfactant stabilizes the positions of Ag atoms on the substrate surface and inhibits the coalescence of small nuclei into bigger islands, even when the film is annealed to 450 K. This fact may be very important for thin metal film technology.
CALCULATION OF LATERAL FORCE COMPONENTS IN AFM CONTACT MODE IN APPLICATION TO THE DIAGNOSTIC OF POINT DEFECTS
Authors: BLAGOV E. V. , KLIMCHITSKAYA G. L. , MOSTEPANENKO V. M.
Published: November 2003

Lateral force components are calculated when scanning the AFM tip above the surface of close-packed structure in contact mode. Both the case of the perfect surface and of the surface with point defects of different types are considered. It is shown that the lateral force profiles give the essential information which enables one not only to determine the point defect position but also to ascertain the type of defect.
METAL–INSULATOR TRANSITION IN THE Si(111)-(7×7) SURFACE
Authors: FLORES F. , LEVY YEYATI A. , ORTEGA J.
Published: November 2003

A model Hamiltonian, based on LDA calculations, is introduced for describing the behavior of the electrons filling the dangling bonds of the Si(111)-(7×7) surface. Our analysis of this model shows that this surface has a metallic character at room temperature and exhibits a metal–insulator transition for a temperature between 120 and 180 K. These properties are associated with the localization of electrons on some elementary structures having either a dimer or a hexagonal ring geometry.
INTERPLAY OF ELECTRONIC AND GEOMETRIC STRUCTURE IN A MODEL SYSTEM: EPITAXIAL IRON SILICIDES
Authors: MICHEL E. G.
Published: November 2003

In this article, the interplay between electronic and geometric properties in transition metal silicide systems is presented using as a model system Fe–Si binary compounds. When iron silicides are epitaxially grown on Si(111), several different phases can be obtained, depending on the preparation conditions. In particular, for a 1:1 Fe:Si stoichiometry, there are two different phases possible: FeSi(CsCl) and ∊-FeSi. The former is a metastable phase, stabilized through epitaxy, while the latter is the bulk-stable phase for a 1:1 composition. Although the two have nominally the same composition, their different structures give rise to distinct electronic properties in each material. Their electronic structures have been probed by angle-resolved photoemission. In this article the results of this analysis will be presented along with the main properties of both compounds.
SURFACE DYNAMICS AND SCANNING TUNNELING MICROSCOPY: DIFFUSION OF Pb ATOMS ON Si(111)-(7×7)
Authors: GÓMEZ-RODRÍGUEZ J. M. , VEUILLEN J.-Y. , CINTI R. C.
Published: November 2003

The very early stages of Pb deposition on Si(111)-(7×7) surfaces have been investigated in real time by scanning tunneling microscopy. Variable temperature measurements combined with unusually long periods of imaging time have enabled us to observe that single Pb atoms are highly mobile within each half of the 7×7 unit cell. Individual jumps of single atoms between different half-cells have been resolved as well as the formation of atom pairs as a result. An activation energy of 0.64±0.07 eV has been measured for the diffusion of single atoms between different half-cells. Pb atom pairs are also mobile inside half-cells at much slower rates than single atoms. An activation energy of 0.40±0.04 eV has been measured for this process.
EPITAXIAL GROWTH AND THE ROLE OF SURFACTANTS
Authors: DE MIGUEL JUAN J.
Published: November 2003

Intensive efforts are being devoted to improving the techniques of epitaxial growth, with the aim of increasing the quality of newly developed materials. The use of surfactants is one of the latest contributions to this field. Surfactants can be used to modify the structure of epitaxial films in a variety of ways. This article reviews our current knowledge of this subject.
QUANTUM WELL STATES IN METALLIC THIN LAYERS
Authors: ORTEGA J. E. , HIMPSEL F. J. , MANKEY G. J. , WILLIS R. F.
Published: November 2003

When going from the bulk solid to a thin film of nanometer dimensions, the electronic structure becomes discretized in the perpendicular direction. These discrete states, also called thin film states and quantum well states, are clearly distinguished in photoemission experiments as two-dimensional and thickness-dependent modulations of the bulk spectra, although their observation is limited to highly perfect epitaxial systems. The photoemission data are well explained in the framework of a simple model for the electron wave function in a quantum well state. Thin film states become spin-polarized when growing on ferromagnetic substrates. Furthermore, spin-polarized, thickness-dependent modulations at a given energy lead to spin-dependent periodic oscillations of the density of states as a function of thickness, which are found to be responsible for the oscillatory coupling observed in magnetic multilayers.
NANOWIRES ON STEPPED METAL SURFACES
Authors: HIMPSEL F. J. , JUNG T. , ORTEGA J. E.
Published: November 2003

The electronic properties of solids can be tailored by structuring them on the nanometer scale. Such a program is becoming reality as surface analysis techniques and sophisticated growth methods are merging. Here, we present results of a venture into one-dimensional nanostructures, grown by decoration of steps at metal surfaces. The growth modes and electronic states are studied using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and inverse photoemission. Two-dimensional analogs of Stranski–Krastanov and layer-by-layer growth are found for Cu on stepped Mo(110) and W(110), respectively. Contrast between different metals is achieved in STM pictures by resonant tunneling via surface states and image states, with the latter providing a map of the work function. The limit of single atomic rows decorating step edges is studied by inverse photoemission, and an energy shift of 0.4 eV is found for electronic states of step atoms. Stripe structures are attractive for the study of two- versus one-dimensional magnetism, for magnetoresistive sensors, and in the design of anisotropic materials.
APPLICATIONS OF STEM INSTRUMENTS FOR SURFACE STUDIES
Authors: COWLEY J. M.
Published: November 2003

Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) instruments have some particular advantages as compared with the more common transmission electron microscopes for some applications to surface research. Imaging of surfaces and mapping of the elemental distributions on surfaces with spatial resolutions approaching 1 nm are possible in an ultrahigh-vacuum STEM instrument when the low-energy secondary electrons or the Auger-emitted electrons are collected with high efficiency. In the imaging of surface layers on thin-film substrates, viewed in transmission, the use of a thin annular detector in STEM may greatly enhance the contrast, as illustrated by the case of the imaging of very thin nanocrystalline carbon layers on much thicker amorphous SiO2 films. The scanning reflection mode in a STEM instrument can provide some useful forms of contrast in images of surface structure. Standing wave fields can be formed on the surfaces of crystals with electrons, as with X-rays, one advantage of the electron case being that the standing wave fields may be imaged. Two new forms of electron holography, involving a STEM instrument and suitable for the study of surface structure, are proposed.
Stochastic flows with interaction and measure‐valued processes
Authors: Dorogovtsev Andrey A.
Published: November 2003

We consider the new class of the Markov measure‐valued stochastic
processes with constant mass. We give the construction of
such processes with the family of the probabilities which
describe the motion of single particles. We also consider
examples related to stochastic flows with the interactions and
the local times for such processes.
Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinases and the Cardiovascular System
Authors: Feil Robert , Lohmann Suzanne M. , de Jonge Hugo , Walter Ulrich , Hofmann Franz
Published: November 2003

Signaling cascades initiated by nitric oxide (NO) and natriuretic peptides (NPs) play an important role in the maintenance of cardiovascular homeostasis. It is currently accepted that many effects of these endogenous signaling molecules are mediated via stimulation of guanylyl cyclases and intracellular production of the second messenger cGMP. Indeed, cGMP-elevating drugs like glyceryl trinitrate have been used for more than 100 years to treat cardiovascular diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms of NO/NP signaling downstream of cGMP are not completely understood. Recent in vitro and in vivo evidence identifies cGMP-dependent protein kinases (cGKs) as major mediators of cGMP signaling in the cardiovascular system. In particular, the analysis of conventional and conditional knockout mice indicates that cGKs are critically involved in regulating vascular remodeling and thrombosis. Thus, cGKs may represent novel drug targets for the treatment of human cardiovascular disorders.
Human Rights and Governance: The Asia Debate
Authors:   Ghai
Published: November 2003

This paper draws upon my two previous papers, "Asian Perspectives on Human Rights" (1992) and "Human Rights and Governance in Asia" (1994). The first paper was presented at a conference on human rights of migrant workers organised by the Scalabrini Migration Centre in Manila. It was also tabled at a workshop on human rights and governance in Asia organised by The Asia Foundation in Manila in March 1993. The second paper was written at the request of The Asia Foundation as a record of my reflections on the discussions at the workshop. It was subsequently used as a background paper for an Asia Foundation-sponsored dialogue between Asia scholars and senior officials of the Clinton Administration, the U. S. Congress, and staff of American NGOs in Washington in June 1994. The present paper also reflects on the Washington discussions. I am grateful to the participants of all these meetings for their thoughtful and stimulating contributions. Published with the permission of The Asia Foundation.
Protection of North Korean Escapees Under International Law
Authors:   Lee
Published: November 2003

The primary purpose of this article is to examine the current situation of North Korean escapees in China and Russia and to search for international legal measures protecting their human rights. Since the mid-1990s, many North Koreans have escaped from either their country or from working places in another country, not to return to North Korea for political and economic reasons. Their defections have been accelerated by the severe food crisis plaguing North Korea. As the number of the escapees has grown, their status has become a critical point of contention among the States concerned. It finally became a major issue with the forcible repatriation of seven North Korean escapees in January 2000. In order to protect the human rights of these seven, and to establish a workable precedent for other defectors, international legal measures should be considered as soon as possible. This question will be examined here in light of the principles of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and other relevant legal measures. Crucial points in answer to this question thus may be found within the provisions of the 1951 Convention. Diplomatic considerations should be also taken on these legal grounds. For a final resolution, the international cooperation of governments and NGOs is urgently required.
Human Rights in India: Historical, Social and Political Perspectives
Authors:   Egawa
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
Establishing National Human Rights Commissions in South Asia: A Critical Analysis of the Processes and the Prospects
Authors:   Kabir
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
The Politics of Human Rights: How the World has Failed Burma
Authors:   Schairer-Vertannes
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
East Meets West: Human Rights and Democracy in East Asia by Daniel A. Bell
Authors:   de Varennes
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
Examining the Competing Constitutional Processes in Burma/Myanmar from a Comparative and International Democratic and Human Rights Perspective
Authors:   Sarkin
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
The Politics of Justice and Human Rights
Authors:   Langlois
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
Are we on the Road to a European Law-Enforcement Area? International Cooperation in Criminal Matters. What Place for Justice?
Authors:   Schomburg
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
The Status, Role and Accountability of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court: A Comparative Overview on the Basis of 33 National Reports
Authors:   Ambos
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
Restorative Juvenile Justice: Repairing the Harm of Youth Crime, Gordon Bazemore and Lode Walgrave (Criminal Justice Press, Monsey NY, 1999)
Authors:   Doek
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
Supervising Child Sex Offenders in the Community –Some Observations on Law and Practice in England and Wales, the Republic of Ireland and Sweden
Authors:   Thomas
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
Convergence of Policing Policies and Transnational Policing in Europe
Authors:   Aden
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
A Prblem in no-Problem-Policing in Germany: Confidence in the Police Germany and USA
Authors:   Cao
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
Tracing, Seizing and Confiscating Proceeds from Corruption (and other Illegal Conduct) Within or Outside the Criminal Justice System
Authors:   Kilchling
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
The Iranian Penal Policy between the Minister of Justice and the Head of the Judiciary
Authors:   Nadjafi
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
New Criminological Literature in Europe: Selected Bibliography
Authors:   Kürzinger
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
Fortress Europe? – Controlling Illegal Immigration
Authors:   Albrecht
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
War – Victimization – Security: The Case of the Former Yugoslavia
Authors:   Ewald,   von Oppeln
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
The Form of Victimization in the Territory of the Former Yugoslavia
Authors:   Jauković
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
The Manners of Overcoming Stress Generated by War Conflict Trauma
Authors:   Jauković
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
Victim's Protection in International Law: The Normative Basis and a Look into the Practice
Authors:   von Oppeln
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
Importance and Difficulties of Victim-Based Research in Post-Conflict Societies
Authors:   Rombouts
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
Heikki Ylikangas, Petri Karonen, and Martti Lehti, Five Centuries of Violence, in Finland and the Baltic Area
Authors:   Breur
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
Euro Justice: A Historic Initiative
Authors:   Schalken
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
The Crimes within the Jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (Part II, Articles 5--10)
Authors:   Sunga
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
Investigation, Trial and Appeal in the International Criminal Court Statute (Parts V, VI, VIII)
Authors:   Behrens
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
Juvenile Justice and the Origins of the Welfare State
Authors:   Weijers
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
New Criminological Literature in Europe. Selected Bibliography
Authors:   Kürzinger
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
'Not Proven' as a Juridical Fact in Scotland, Norway and Italy
Authors:   Gebbie,   Jebens,   Mura
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
Introductory Statement
Authors:   Krapac
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
Reforming Criminal Law
Authors:   Bolle
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
Children talking about justice and punishment
Authors:   Girling,   Smith,   Sparks
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
Complexities and contradictions: Living with domestic violence and the UN Convention on Children's Rights
Authors:   Kelly,   Mullender
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
The sociology of childhood in relation to children's rights
Authors:   Mayall
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
Catching on, wising up and learning from your mistakes: Young people's accounts of moral development
Authors:   Henderson,   McGrellis,   Sharpe,   Holland,   Thomson
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
Gillian Douglas and Leslie Sebba, eds., Children's Rights and Traditional Values
Authors:   van Praagh
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
Rights important to young people: Secondary student and staff perspectives
Authors:   Smith,   Nairn,   Taylor
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
Integration of foreign students in the German school system
Authors:   Schmahl
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
Implementing children's rights in a federal state: The case of Canada's child protection system
Authors:   Howe
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
Armed conflict: The protection of children under international law
Authors:   El-Haj,   Hamilton
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
Children, the UN Convention and the media
Authors:   Hammarberg
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
Gerison Lansdown, A Model for Action! The Children's Rights Development Unit: Promoting the Rights of the Child in the United Kingdom
Authors:   Horne
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
"Neé de Pére et Me´re inconnus" ou Le Droit aux Origines Pour les Abandonnés/Adoptés (Born from an Unknown Father and Mother on the Right of the Abandoned/Adopted to Know Their Origins).
Authors:   Lücker-Babel
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
Children's participation in family and school life: A psychological and development approach
Authors:   Espinosa,   Ochaíta
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
Contrary to Gillick: British children and sexual rights since 1985
Authors:   Pilcher
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
Giovanni Andrea Cornia and Sandor Sipos (eds.), Children and the Transition to the Market Economy: Safety Nets and Social Policies in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors:   Gaber
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
A message from the children's rights publications foundation
Authors:   Veerman,   Grude Flekkøy
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
International Law and the child victim of armed conflict – Is the ``First Call'' for children?
Authors:   Nylund
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
The protection of children during the Liberian peace process
Authors:   Cohn
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
Peter Willetts (ed.), ``The Conscience of the World.'' The Influence of Non-Governmental Organisations in the U.N. System
Authors:   Cohen
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
Children's rights and citizenship: some implications for the management of schools
Authors:   Osler,   Starkey
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
Målfrid Grude Flekkøy and Natalie Hevener Kaufman, The Participation Rights of Children: Rights and Responsibilities in Family and Society
Authors:   Lenzer
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
The sociology of childhood and children's rights
Authors:   Freeman
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
Human rights and democracy in schools do they mean more than ``picking up litter and not killing whales''?
Authors:   Alderson
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
Giovanni Andrea Cornia and Sheldon Danziger (eds.), Child Poverty and Deprivation in Industrialized Countries: 1945--1995
Authors:   Sardenberg
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
Play for the right reasons
Authors:   Jacobs
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
The unborn child and the UN Convention on Children's Rights: the Dutch perspective as a guideline
Authors:   Dorscheidt
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
Reporting to the UN-Committee on the Rights of the Child – analyses of the first 49 State Party Reports on the education articles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and a proposition for an experimental reporting system for education
Authors:   Scherer,   Hart
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
Estonian children's perceptions of rights:Implications for societies in transition
Authors:   Limber,   Heidmets,   Melton,   Kask,   Kaufman
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
Religion and children's rights
Authors:   Sand,   Veerman
Published: November 2003

No Abstract
Effect of Food on Pharmacokinetics of an Inhaled Drug: A Case Study with a VLA‐4 Antagonist, HMR1031
Authors: Shah Bharti , Jensen Bradford K. , Zhang Jie , Hunt Thomas , Rohatagi Shashank
Published: November 2003

HMR1031 is a potent and specific antagonist of the integrin VLA‐4 (α4β1) binding to vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) and fibronectin. HMR1031 is an inhaled drug being developed for the treatment of asthma using an Ultrahaler® dry‐powder inhalation device. A pharmacoscintigraphic study of HMR1031 suggests a lung deposition of ∼25% and gastrointestinal tract deposition of ∼75%. Since oral absorption may be contributing to systemic plasma concentrations, the effect of food on HMR1031 was assessed. This was a single‐dose (3 mg), open‐label, randomized, two‐way crossover (fasted vs. fed) study in 8 healthy male subjects. Blood samples were collected at predose and up to 24 hours postdose. Plasma concentrations were determined by the LC/MS/MS method. HMR1031 was rapidly absorbed, with median tmax values of 1.0 and 0.75 hours under fasted and fed conditions, respectively. Under fasted conditions, mean AUC∞ and Cmax values were 16.4 ng·h/mL and 4.56 ng/mL, respectively. Underfed conditions, mean AUC∞ and Cmax values decreased to 11.7 ng·h/mL and 2.81 ng/mL, respectively. The mean terminal elimination half‐life (t1/2) for both treatment groups was similar (2.7 h). HMR1031 population estimates of the apparent clearance, apparent volume of distribution, and absorption rate were 225 L/h (4.1% coefficient of variation [CV]), 44.5 L (26% CV), and 0.340 h−1 (7.0% CV), respectively. Food is a significant covariate on clearance. These data suggest that food unexpectedly decreases the systemic exposure of inhaled HMR1031 by ∼30%, probably due to increased liver blood flow and increased biliary excretion. This decrease in systemic exposure is unlikely to affect the topical effect of the drug but may result in increased variability in plasma pharmacokinetics. The disposition and food effect of HMR1031 can be described using mixed‐effect modeling.
Homocysteine and Essential Hypertension
Authors: Rodrigo Ramón , Passalacqua Walter , Araya Julia , Orellana Myriam , Rivera Gonzalo
Published: November 2003

The authors examine the available clinical and experimental data supporting the view that homocysteine, an alternative risk factor of cardiovascular disease, may play a role in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension. The mechanism of this disease has not been elucidated, but it may be related to impairment of vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cell function. Therefore, the occurrence of endothelial dysfunction could contribute to alterations of the endothelium‐dependent vasomotor regulation. Elevated homocysteinemia diminishes the vasodilation by nitric oxide, increases oxidative stress, stimulates the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells, and alters the elastic properties of the vascular wall. Thus, homocysteine contributes to elevate the blood pressure. Also it is known that elevated plasma levels of homocysteine could lead to oxidant injury to the endothelium. The correction of elevated homocysteinemia by administration of vitamins B12 and B6 plus folic acid, could be a useful adjuvant therapy of hypertension. However, further controlled randomized trials are necessary to establish the efficacy and tolerability of these potentially therapeutic agents.
Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Profiles of BIA 3–202, a Novel Catechol‐O‐Methyltransferase (COMT) Inhibitor, during Multiple‐Dose Administration to Healthy Subjects
Authors: Almeida Luis , Soares‐Da‐Silva Patrício
Published: November 2003

The tolerability, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics of BIA 3–202 (50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg twice daily and 200 mg thrice daily), a novel catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor, were investigated in healthy volunteers. BIA 3–202 was administered to four sequential groups of 8 healthy male subjects under a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled design. Within each group, 2 subjects were randomized to treatment with placebo. Treatment duration was 9 days: single dose on the first and last days and twice or thrice daily on days 3 to 8. BIA 3–202 was well tolerated at all dose regimens tested. Median maximum plasma BIA 3–202 concentrations were attained at 0.5 to 2.5 hours postdose. Thereafter, concentrations declined with a t1/2 of approximately 2 to 4 hours. The increase in the extent of systemic exposure, as measured by AUC0‐τ was approximately proportional to the administered dose. Steady state of plasma BIA 3–202 concentrations occurred by day 4 in all dose groups. Less than 1% of the total dose administered was excreted in urine up to 48 hours postdose. BIA 3–202 markedly reduced soluble COMT (S‐COMT) activity in erythrocytes, with maximum inhibition occurring at 1 to 2 hours postdose; enzyme activity returned to baseline levels by approximately 8 hours. Inhibition of S‐COMT activity appeared to increase with increasing doses of BIA 3–202 on both day 1 and day 9. In conclusion, BIA 3–202 was well tolerated in all the oral multiple‐dose regimens tested. BIA 3–202 was shown to inhibit S‐COMT activity in erythrocytes, and its pharmacokinetics appeared to be linear (i.e., dose independent and time invariant).
Interaction Study between Fluvoxamine and Quazepam
Authors: Kanda Hideto , Yasui‐Furukori Norio , Fukasawa Takashi , Aoshima Toshiaki , Suzuki Akihito , Otani Koichi
Published: November 2003

It has been reported that fluvoxamine, an inhibitor of various cytochrome P450 enzymes, markedly inhibits the metabolism of several drugs. The purpose of the present study was to examine a possible interaction between fluvoxamine and quazepam. Twelve healthy male volunteers received fluvoxamine 50 mg/day or placebo for 14 days in a double‐blind randomized crossover manner, and on the 4th day they received a single oral 20‐mg dose of quazepam. Blood samplings and evaluation of psychomotor function by the Digit Symbol Substitution Test and Stanford Sleepiness Scale were conducted up to 240 hours after quazepam dosing. Plasma concentrations of quazepam and its active metabolites 2‐oxoquazepam (OQ) and N‐desalkyl‐2‐oxoquazepam (DOQ) were measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Fluvoxamine did not change plasma concentrations of quazepam but significantly decreased those of OQ from 6 to 12 hours and those of DOQ from 3 to 48 hours. The AUC ratio of OQ to quazepam was significantly lower in the fluvoxamine phase. Fluvoxamine did not affect psychomotor function at most of the time points. The present study suggests that fluvoxamine slightly inhibits the metabolism of quazepam to OQ, but this interaction appears to have minimal clinical significance.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Mesna‐Mediated Plasma Cysteine Depletion
Authors: Smith Patrick F. , Booker Brent M. , Creaven Patrick , Perez Raymond , Pendyala Lakshmi
Published: November 2003

Cellular glutathione (GSH) levels are related to the resistance of tumor cells to platinum and alkylating agents, and depletion of GSH may enhance the activity of these drugs. The pharmacodynamic effects of mesna on depleting plasma cysteine, a GSH precursor, were evaluated in 22 patients as part of a Phase I study. Escalating doses of ifosfamide and mesna were administered; carboplatin was administered to achieve an AUC of 4 mg·min/mL. Plasma samples were collected and assayed by reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for total mesna and total cysteine concentrations at 0, 1, 3, 6, 24, 25, 28, and 48 hours. A one‐compartment pharmacokinetic model was fit to the mesna plasma concentrations, using M.A.P. Bayesian estimation (ADAPT II). Pharmacodynamics were evaluated by fitting an inhibitory Emax model to the cysteine concentration data. Both the pharmacokinetic (median R2 = 0.95; range = 0.85–0.98) and pharmacodynamic (median R2 = 0.96; range = 0.74–1.0) models fit the data well. Mean (coefficient of variation [CV%]) mesna pharmacokinetic parameter estimates were as follows: Vss of 15.3 (29) L/m2, CL of 4.6 (29) L/h/m2, and half‐life of 2.2 (37) hours. Mean (CV%) pharmacodynamic parameter estimates were as follows: Emax of 31.7 (19) μg/mL and EC50 of 10.3 (52) μg/mL. Mesna produced a rapid, concentration‐dependent reduction in plasma cysteine concentrations that could be adequately characterized by an inhibitory Emax pharmacodynamic model. The depletion of plasma cysteine was facilitated by ifosfamide, suggesting a pharmacodynamic interaction between these two agents. Further increases in mesna doses beyond those administered in this study would be unlikely to provide additional benefit.
Improving the performance of CMFD applications using multiple classifiers and a fusion framework
Authors: Parikh Chinmay R. , Pont Michael J. , Jones N. Barrie , Schlindwein Fernando S.
Published: November 2003

In this paper, we demonstrate that the performance of a condition monitoring and fault diagnosis (CMFD) system may be improved by combining the outputs from three ‘primary’ classifiers using a novel, hybrid, data-fusion approach. The resulting classifier system involves four key processing stages. In Stage One, three diverse primary classifiers are employed. In Stage Two, the outputs from the primary classifiers are combined using majority voting. In Stage Three, any unclassified patterns from Stage Two are reassessed using Dempster-Shafer theory. Finally, in Stage Four, a simple rule base (‘expert system’) is used to integrate the results from the earlier stages. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this framework on a data set intended to allow the detection of static thermostatic valve faults in a diesel engine cooling system. Overall performance of the classifier system is shown to improve from approximately 89% (using the best of the primary classifiers) to approximately 99% (using the framework). In addition, the misclassification level of the original primary classifiers is shown to be approximately 10%, while the equivalent rate for the fusion classifier is approximately 1%. We go on to describe the application of the same classifier framework to a very different problem domain (medical diagnostics) and obtain a similar improvement in system performance. Here, overall performance of the classifier system is again shown to improve from approximately 87% (using the best of the primary classifiers) to approximately 99% (using the framework). In this case, the misclassification level of the original primary classifiers is approximately 12%, while the equivalent rate for the fusion classifier is approximately 1%. The results suggest that this framework may be appropriate for use in a range of application areas.
Prevalence of T cell receptor ζchain deficiency in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Nambiar M P , Mitchell J P , Ceruti R P , Malloy M A , Tsokos G C
Published: November 2003

T cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) display antigen receptor-mediated signaling aberrations associated with defective T cell receptor (TCR) z chain expression. We determined the prevalence of TCR z chain deficiency in SLE from a large cohort of unselected racially diverse patients with different levels of clinical disease activity as determined by SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). Our data show that the occurrence of TCR z chain deficiency is 78% in SLE patients. There was no relationship between the deficiency of TCR z chain and the SLEDAI scores or therapy. TCR z chain deficiency was also not associated with age, race or gender and persisted over a 3 year follow-up period. Thus, there is a high prevalence of TCR z chain deficiency in SLE patients that is independent of disease activity, and persists over time indicating an important role for TCR z chain deficiency in SLE pathogenesis.
South African survey on disinfection techniques for the flexible nasopharyngoscope
Authors: Lubbe Darlene E. , Fagan Johannes J.
Published: November 2003

This random survey was to determine the flexible nasopharyngoscope disinfection practice employed by South African otolaryngologists and to establish whether a breach in the disinfection process exists. The study also aimed to identify organisms most likely to be transmitted via endoscopy and to propose a protocol for the disinfection of the flexible nasopharyngoscope.

A questionnaire regarding disinfection techniques used for the flexible nasopharyngoscope was sent to 90 otolaryngologists in South Africa. All provinces were equally represented in the survey.

Forty-five otolaryngologists out of a total of 90 participated in the study. Many of the otolaryngologists had no access to a flexible nasopharyngoscope and were therefore not included in the study. Fewer than 50 per cent of the 45 surgeons washed the instrument with soap/detergent and water after use. Only 42 per cent of surgeons used a FDA-approved disinfectant, 52 per cent of which immersed the scope for a shorter period than the recommended contact time. Of the 58 per cent using non-FDA-approved products, 33 per cent used only a 70 per cent Isopropyl alcohol wipe, without immersion of the scope in disinfectant solution. The remaining 25 per cent used non-FDA-approved disinfectants either by wiping or limited immersion of the scope. Of the 45 surgeons, 49 per cent used a different method of disinfection for high-risk patients.

Strict guidelines have been proposed for the disinfection of this semi-critical device by the Association of Professionals for Infection Control (APIC) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). These guidelines are currently not being followed by many South African otolaryngologists. There is therefore a real risk of transmitting infectious diseases, especially tuberculosis, via endoscopy.
Outcomes of submandibular duct relocation: a 15-year experience
Authors: De Mriganka , Adair Robin , Golchin Kambiz , Cinnamond M. J.
Published: November 2003

Drooling is common in patients with neurological disability and a major factor affecting quality of life. Management of this problem is best carried out by a team approach using surgical and non-surgical methods. Submandibular duct relocation is a commonly performed procedure with low complication rate. This procedure has been carried out in 56 patients over the last 14 years at the Belfast City Hospital by the senior author. All the patients underwent physiotherapy for six months before they were selected for surgery. All the patients were over five years of age and most had severe neurological impairment. For the purposes of this study, all the patients were followed by a questionnaire regarding symptomatic improvement, parent satisfaction and complication rate. All case notes were also reviewed retrospectively.

Parental satisfaction was high and drooling was significantly reduced in 49 cases. The main complication was ranula formation seen in five cases. The most significant area of parental concern was post-operative pain. It is important to counsel the parents regarding the post-operative pain relief as well as failure rate of the procedure. It can be concluded that this procedure is a safe and highly successful procedure, which significantly improves the quality of life.
Buyer–Supplier Contracts versus Joint Ventures: Determinants and Consequences of Transaction Structure
Authors: Houston Mark B. , Johnson Shane A.
Published: November 2003

When a buyer firm and a supplier firm plan to transact, what factors drive their choice of mechanism to govern the relationship? Focusing on contract-governed versus joint venture–governed relationships, the authors present a theoretical framework that specifies the conditions that make one or the other form of relationship structure more appropriate. This study was designed to address potential limitations regarding measurement, financial consequences, and context in the extant literature. The authors employ measures derived from Standard & Poor's Compustat financial database and an overall measure of firm reputation to examine empirically differences in firm characteristics across the two types of relationships. To examine the financial consequences of relationship structure, the authors use event-study techniques that tie stock price reactions to the governance mechanism choice. The results suggest that buyers and suppliers are more likely to form a joint venture (versus simple contract) when (1) the supplier's degree of asset specificity is high, (2) monitoring the supplier's behavior is difficult, and (3) the supplier has a poorer reputation. The authors find that vertical joint ventures (between buyers and suppliers) are economically similar to contracts, to the extent that abnormal wealth gains go solely to the supplier firms. Horizontal joint ventures (partners are at the same level of the value chain), however, provide bilateral, synergistic wealth gains. The results suggest that buyers and suppliers can use joint ventures to reduce certain governance problems rather than to gain synergies.
Are Consumer Survey Results Distorted? Systematic Impact of Behavioral Frequency and Duration on Survey Response Errors
Authors: Lee Eunkyu , Hu Michael Y. , Toh Rex S.
Published: November 2003

Using a large-scale consumer database created by AT&T, the authors investigate how actual behavioral frequency and duration systematically affect the direction of errors in consumer survey responses. By analyzing errors in consumers' reports on their frequency of using long-distance telephone calls, letters, cards, and visits for personal communication, the authors demonstrate that high-frequency groups underreported their behavioral frequencies, whereas low-frequency groups overreported them. Similarly, the results show that consumers underestimate the duration of lengthy telephone conversations, whereas they overestimate the duration of short ones. Overall, the authors find that people tend to overestimate both frequency and duration. These compressive regressive effects toward the mean and overall upward bias for both frequency and duration estimations result in a distorted view of the market, which will be incorrectly perceived to be more homogeneous and larger than it really is.
Global Diffusion of Technological Innovations: A Coupled-Hazard Approach
Authors: Dekimpe Marnik G. , Parker Philip M. , Sarvary Miklos
Published: November 2003

The authors propose a new methodology called the “coupled-hazard approach” to study the global diffusion of technological innovations. Beyond its ability to describe discontinuous diffusion patterns, the method explicitly recognizes the conceptual difference between the timing of a country's introduction of the new technology (the so-called implementation stage; Rogers 1983 ) and the timing of the innovation's full adoption in the country (the confirmation stage). To illustrate the method, the authors apply it to the global diffusion of digital telecommunications switches across more than 160 countries.
The Effects of Analyzing Reasons for Brand Preferences: Disruption or Reinforcement?
Authors: Sengupta Jaideep , Fitzsimons Gavan J.
Published: November 2003

Different streams of research offer seemingly conflicting predictions as to the effects of analyzing reasons for preferences on the attitude-behavior link. The authors apply these different theoretical accounts to a new product scenario and identify conditions under which analyzing reasons for brand preferences can increase or decrease the predictive value of reported preferences. Consistent with dual-process theories of persuasion, in Study 1 the authors find that reasons analysis increases the link between attitude and behavior when the measure of behavior closely follows attitude measurement. In contrast, and consistent with research by Wilson and colleagues (e.g., Wilson et al. 1989 ) on the disruptive effects of reasons analysis, the authors find that thinking about reasons significantly decreases the attitude–behavior correlation when the observed behavior occurs after a substantial delay. Study 2 not only replicates this finding but also suggests that the timing of the reasons task can be an important moderator of the disruption effect. Specifically, the authors draw on the literature on accountability effects to show that even when there is a delay between attitude and behavior measurement, reasons analysis leads to an increase in the attitude–behavior link, as long as reasons are analyzed after attitude measurement. Finally, in Study 3, the authors validate the account of the effects of reasons analysis by obtaining parallel findings for attitude persistence. Together, the studies offer preliminary advice to both practitioners and academics regarding the potential effects of asking consumers to think about why they like or dislike certain products.