bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Everyday numerical abilities in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Martini Laura , Domahs Frank , Benke Thomas , Delazer Margarete
Published: November 2003

The present study investigated everyday numerical abilities in a group of 21 patients affected by mild to moderate dementia of Alzheimer's type (DAT). Though patients did not differ from a control group in standard laboratory tests tapping transcoding, number comparison, simple calculation, and estimation, they showed significant difficulties in numerical tasks embedded in an everyday context, such as handling money, a bus schedule, or a television program. Patients' difficulties were attributed to those multiple cognitive demands which are inherent to real situations as compared to well-structured abstract paper-and-pencil tasks. Overall, the study suggests that the examination of numerical abilities in DAT patients should go beyond abstract paper-and-pencil tasks which can only partially reflect the actual numerical skills in DAT and should therefore include also tasks simulating everyday life situations. Assessment of everyday numerical skills may be crucial in planning adequate support for patients, for example in handling money, but also in designing targeted training programs. (JINS, 2003, 9, 871–878.)
Reexamining the effects of epilepsy surgery on IQ in children: Use of regression-based change scores
Authors: Sherman Elisabeth M.S. , Slick Daniel J. , Connolly Mary B. , Steinbok Paul , Martin Roy , Strauss Esther , Chelune Gordon J. , Farrell Kevin
Published: November 2003

Prior studies have found no adverse effects of pediatric epilepsy surgery on IQ. However, empirical techniques such as regression models, designed to account for confounding factors such as practice effects and test–retest reliability and able to provide a standardized method for evaluating outcome, have not been used in studying change after pediatric epilepsy. The goal of this study was to demonstrate the regression technique while empirically measuring the effect of epilepsy surgery on IQ in a group of pediatric patients. Predictors of retest IQ (e.g., baseline IQ, retest interval, demographics, epilepsy severity) were evaluated in a control group with intractable seizures (N = 23) assessed twice with the WISC–III. The resulting equation was used to evaluate IQ changes in a second group of children who underwent epilepsy surgery (N = 22). In controls, baseline IQ was a strong predictor of retest IQ. Number of AEDs was inversely related to retest IQ. Based on the control regression, four children (18%) in the surgical sample obtained significantly higher than expected postsurgical IQ scores and one child (5%) obtained a lower than expected IQ score. This study demonstrates that regression-based techniques yield informative estimates on outcome and may be an improvement over prior methods of measuring change after pediatric epilepsy surgery. (JINS, 2003, 9, 879–886.)
Psychosocial status after pediatric traumatic brain injury: A subtype analysis using the Child Behavior Checklist
Authors: Hayman-Abello Susan E. , Rourke Byron P. , Fuerst Darren R.
Published: November 2003

This study identified subtypes of psychosocial functioning in children who had sustained traumatic brain injury (TBI). Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) profiles for 92 participants, aged 12 to 18 years, who had sustained a mild, moderate, or severe TBI were subjected to Q-Factor analysis. Sixty-four of the participants (75%) were classified into a four-category psychosocial typology labelled Normal (n = 32), Attention (n = 14), Delinquent (n = 10), and Withdrawn–Somatic (n = 8). This typology was found to overlap in part with previous TBI psychosocial typology (Butler et al., 1997), and with three of the clinical profile types derived by Achenbach (1993) for the CBCL. The majority of participants, including those who sustained severe TBI, were assigned to the Normal subtype and the overall level of psychosocial deviance was relatively mild in the other three subtypes. The results of this study support previous typology efforts and confirm the heterogeneous presentation of social and emotional functioning following TBI. (JINS, 2003, 9, 887–898.)
Who makes good use of memory aids? Results of a survey of people with acquired brain injury
Authors: Evans Jonathan J. , Wilson Barbara A. , Needham Paul , Brentnall Sue
Published: November 2003

Wilson and Watson (1996) identified several factors that were associated with use of memory aids and strategies in a group of people with acquired brain injury. The present study tested these findings, with the aim of identifying the variables that best predict effective use of memory aids after brain injury. One-hundred and one people with memory problems arising from brain injury and their carers were interviewed to identify the aids/strategies used to compensate for memory impairment, and the efficacy of their use. Information relating to variables previously found, or hypothesized to predict use of memory aids, was collected. Use of memory aids correlated with level of independence. External aids such as calendars, wall charts, and notebooks were the most commonly used memory aids. Electronic organizers were not used by many participants. The variables that best predicted use of memory aids were (1) current age, (2) time since injury, (3) number of aids used premorbidly, and (4) a measure of attentional functioning. The implications for rehabilitation services are discussed. (JINS, 2003, 9, 925–935.)
Lessons on measuring construct validity: A commentary on Delis, Jacobson, Bondi, Hamilton, and Salmon
Authors: Larrabee Glenn J.
Published: November 2003

This commentary expands on issues raised by Delis, Jacobson, Bondi, Hamilton, and Salmon, in their paper on the use of shared variance techniques to establish construct validity. Significant discussion is focused on method variance, and how this can distort the results of factor analysis. Solutions are offered for the appropriate use of factor analysis in construct validation. Examples are also provided of construct validation procedures that do not rely on correlational or shared variance techniques. (JINS, 2003, 9, 947–953.)
Selective impairment in effortful information processing in major depression
Authors: Hammar Åsa , Lund Anders , Hugdahl Kenneth
Published: November 2003

Automatic and effortful information processing in depressed patients was investigated by a visual search paradigm, in order to examine dysfunctional effortful processing in depressed patients. Twenty-one patients with major depression, according to the DSM–IV, and with a moderate depression measured by the Hamilton Rating Scale score at >18 participated in the study. The healthy control group was matched for age, gender, and level of education. Half of the trials involved only one type of distractor, and the other half of the trials involved two types of distractors being presented. The results show that the performance of the depressed patients was equal to the control group when the target was easily recognized with only one type of distractor present. However, when target detection required a more difficult and complex attentive search strategy, effortful information processing, the depressed patients needed longer visual search time compared to the controls. Depressed patients seem to have impaired performance on effortful but not automatic information processing. (JINS, 2003, 9, 954–959.)
An open label pilot study of citalopram for depression and boredom in ambulatory cancer patients
Authors: THEOBALD DALE E. , KIRSH KENNETH L. , HOLTSCLAW ELIZABETH , DONAGHY KATHLEEN , PASSIK STEVEN D.
Published: November 2003

Objective:Significant levels of depressive symptoms are an impediment to adjustment and affect greater than one-third of people with cancer. The clinical diagnosis of major depression is estimated to occur in 25%. Depression is dramatically underrecognized by oncologists and oncology nurses, and as a result, often undertreated. Clinical experience suggests that antidepressants of virtually all types are well tolerated and potentially efficacious. There is, however, a lack of an evidence base for the use of antidepressants in cancer patients.

Methods:We undertook an open-label pilot study using citalopram in 30 cancer patients who reported a high level of depressive symptoms on the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (ZSDS). In addition to the ZSDS, eligible patients completed a series of visual analog scales for pain, depression, and sleep disturbance; the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General Module; and the Purposelessness, Understimulation, and Boredom Scale developed by the research team. Patients began a 2-month course of therapy with citalopram 20 mg, increasing to 40 mg at the end of the fourth week if the patient was in the same range of depressive symptoms as measured by the ZSDS.

Results:Twenty-one of 30 patients completed the protocol. The average age of the sample was 57.32 years (SD= 12.6) and was comprised of 11 women (52.4%) and 10 men (47.6%). Depressive symptoms decreased and quality of life improved during the 8-week treatment period. Of special interest was the rate of improvement in boredom, and using the total boredom score of the PUB, significant improvement compared to baseline was seen in weeks 6 (F= 5.266,p< .05) and 8 (F= 9.248,p< .01).

Significance of results:Overall, the positive findings suggest the need for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of citalopram in cancer patients. Regarding the interplay of boredom and depression, the relationship between improvements in depressive symptoms and boredom is complex. This is illustrated by the way in which the different elements respond to antidepressant treatment. Depression began to improve almost immediately upon initiation of treatment whereas improvement in boredom does not become evident until week 6.
Initial validation of a scale to measure purposelessness, understimulation, and boredom in cancer patients: Toward a redefinition of depression in advanced disease
Authors: PASSIK STEVEN D. , INMAN ALICE , KIRSH KENNETH , THEOBALD DALE , DICKERSON PAMELA
Published: November 2003

Objective:The problem of boredom in people with cancer has received little research attention, and yet clinical experience suggests that it has the potential to profoundly affect quality of life in those patients. We were interested in developing a Purposelessness, Understimulation, and Boredom (PUB) Scale to identify this problem and to begin to differentiate it from depression.

Methods:Cancer patients and professionals were interviewed using a semi-structured format to elicit their perceptions of the incidence, causes, scope, and consequences of boredom. From their responses, 45 questions were developed, edited for clarity, and piloted. A total of 100 cancer patients were recruited to participate in the study. Preliminary validation of the PUB using a cross-sectional survey of the measure was conducted. Other instruments used for purposes of convergent and divergent validity included the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Scale–Anemia, Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale, Boredom Proneness Scale, Leisure Boredom Scale, Cancer Behavior Inventory, Systems of Belief Inventory, and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status Scale.

Results:The average age of the sample was 62.37 years (SD= 13.43) and was comprised of 60 women (60.00%) and 40 men (40.00%). The results of a factor analysis on the 45 initial items (selected on the basis of professional and patient interviews) created a two-factor scale. The eight items from the strongest factor (items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10) seemed to best tap the construct that could be deemed as overt boredom whereas the six items of the second factor (items 36, 38, 39, 42, 44, 45) seemed to tap the construct of boredom related to meaning and spirituality. Total scale internal consistency, when all 14 items were included in the analysis, yielded a coefficient alpha of 0.84 and good test–retest reliability at 2 weeks (r= .80,p< .001). The novel 14-item PUB Scale was significantly correlated to other measures of boredom; the Boredom Proneness Scale (r= −.588,p< .001) and the Leisure Boredom Scale (r= .576,p< .001).

Significance of results:The PUB Scale was found to be a statistically viable tool with the ability to detect boredom and differentiate it from depression. In many respects this work is in concert with much of the current research and clinical effort going on in psycho-oncology that defines components of distress that in sum, redefines depression in advanced cancer.
Directions in research on spiritual and religious issues for
improving palliative care
Authors: LO BERNARD , CHOU VICKI
Published: November 2003

Spiritual and religious issues are often important to people with
serious illnesses. Spiritual beliefs and religious ceremonies may help
patients near the end of life find meaning and comfort. Comprehensive
palliative care ought to address patients' spiritual and religious
needs and concerns as well as their physical distress. Puchalski et al.
(2003) document the paucity of studies that collect
empirical data on spiritual and religious issues in palliative care. They
argue convincingly that more studies are essential in order to develop
evidence-based standards for appropriate ways to address patients'
spiritual and religious needs at the end of life. Such research would
help us better understand how spiritual and religious concerns,
beliefs, practices, and interventions might impact outcomes of
end-of-life care. For instance, routine inquiry by physicians about
patients' spiritual and religious concerns might lead to such
outcomes as better relief of physical symptoms or improved quality of
life. Puchalski et al. (2003) call for more
empirical research on these important topics and also the development of
better measures. For example, they point out the need for measurements of
religiousness that account for more than a patient's denomination.
They also found that very few of the available scales had undergone
evaluation for internal consistency or test–retest reliability.
Moreover, many existing instruments concerning spirituality are not
validated for patients near the end of life.
A pilot study to examine the relationship between boredom and
spirituality in cancer patients
Authors: INMAN ALICE , KIRSH KENNETH L. , PASSIK STEVEN D.
Published: November 2003

Objective: Spirituality has been neglected when assessing
the well-being of cancer patients. Traditionally, researchers have
focused on areas such as physical, social, and emotional functioning.
However, there is a potential for spirituality to have a large impact
on quality of life in patients with cancer. The current study was
conducted to investigate the relationship between spirituality and
boredom, constraint, social contact, and depression.

Methods: A total of 100 oncology patients completed several
assessment instruments, including the Purposelessness,
Under-stimulation, and Boredom (PUB) Scale, Functional Assessment of
Cancer Therapy Scale–Anemia, Brief Zung Self-Rating Depression
Scale (BZSDS), Cancer Behavior Inventory, Systems of Belief Inventory,
and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status Scale.

Results: The average age of the sample was 62.37 years
(SD = 13.43) and was comprised of 60 women (60%) and 40 men
(40%). A regression analysis conducted to explore the impact of the
variables on quality of life found only the BZSDS (R2Δ
= .650, F = 180.392, p < .001) and the PUB Scale
(R2Δ = .077, F = 26.885, p <
.001) were significant predictors of quality of life. Another set of
regression analyses were conducted to explore whether spirituality had a
mediating effect on this relationship, but the mediated model was not
supported.

Significance of results: We conclude that spirituality and
boredom are difficult concepts to define, operationalize, and measure,
but crucial to our understanding of quality of life in advanced cancer.
More research is needed to clarify the nature of the interrelationships
between these important concepts.
A communication tool for cancer patients with pain: The art therapy
technique of the Body Outline
Authors: LUZZATTO PAOLA , SERENO VALERIE , CAPPS ROY
Published: November 2003

Objective: The multidimensional aspect of pain suggests the
use of multimodal interventions. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer
Center has recently utilized the art therapy modality to help patients
communicate the painful side of their illness in such a way that they
can feel understood and respected. In this paper we describe a simple
innovative art therapy intervention that we have developed within the
Art Therapy Service in the Psychiatric Department of Memorial
Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

Method: The patients work with a Body Outline as a starting
template, together with the art therapist, in sessions lasting
approximately 45 minutes. They are encouraged to fill the space inside
and outside the Body Outline. They can use colored pastels, markers, or
watercolor or cut out images for a collage.

Results: Seventy hospitalized adult cancer patients, 60
women and 10 men, used this intervention between January 1999 and May
2000. We have analyzed the variety of responses from the 70 patients,
and three main groups have emerged, which have focused on the following
issues: (1) visualization of physical pain, (2) communication of
emotions, and (3) search for meaning/spirituality.

Significance of results: The results suggest that because of
its abstract symbolic feature, the Body Outline is a very flexible
therapeutic intervention. It must be offered within the relationship
with the art therapist, and it may fulfill quite a variety of
expressive needs, from the description of physical pain to the
elaboration of spiritual longings.
Family care giving for patients at life's end: Report from the
Cultural Variations Study (CVAS)
Authors: PHIPPS ETIENNE , BRAITMAN LEONARD E. , TRUE GALA , HARRIS DIANA , TESTER WILLIAM
Published: November 2003

Objective: To investigate differences between African
American and White family caregivers in self-reported health, use of
social support and external resources, and emotional and financial
strain in the context of their care of a family member with advanced
cancer.

Methods: Sixty-nine patient-designated family caregivers of
patients with advanced lung or colon cancer interviewed between
December 1999 and July 2001.

Results: Most African American and White family caregivers
were able to identify someone else who was helping them in the care of
their family member. Few caregivers used outside resources (e.g.,
home-based medical care, meal delivery, pastoral care, outside social
support visitor) to assist in the support and care of the patient. At
baseline, White caregivers were more likely to agree that caregiving
caused work adjustments (ρ = .28, p = .02) and emotional
difficulties (ρ = .32, p = .008) and that caregiving had
been completely overwhelming (ρ = .19, p = .12) than were
African American caregivers. At follow-up, among family caregivers of
patients who had died, 44% reported having to quit work to provide
personal care for the patient. Twenty-five percent of family caregivers
reported using most or all of the family's saving in caring for
the patient.

Significance of results: Caregivers of patients at end of
life experience substantial emotional and financial difficulties
related to caregiving. Family caregiving is a private undertaking with
little use of outside resources to mitigate the burden.
Branched‐chain L‐amino acid metabolism in classical maple syrup urine disease after orthotopic liver transplantation
Authors: Bodner‐Leidecker A. , Wendel U. , Saudubray J‐M. , Schadewaldt P.
Published: November 2003

We characterized the effect of orthotopic liver transplantation on the catabolism of branched‐chain L‐amino acids in a female patient with classical form of maple syrup urine disease. Transplantation was performed at the age of 7.4 years due to a terminal liver failure triggered by a hepatitis A infection. Since then, the patient is on an unrestricted diet and plasma concentrations of branched‐chain L‐amino and 2‐oxo acids are stable, yet at moderately increased levels (2‐ to 3‐fold of control). L‐Alloisoleucine concentrations, however, remained remarkably elevated (>5‐fold of control). In vivo catabolism was investigated by measuring the metabolic L‐alloisoleucine clearance and whole‐body leucine oxidation in the postabsorptive state. In an oral loading test with 580 μmol alloisoleucine per kg body wt, the L‐alloisoleucine elimination rate constant (0.067 h−1) was in the normal range (0.069±0.012 h−1, n=4). In an oral L‐[1‐13C]leucine load (38 μmol/kg body wt), 19.5% of the tracer dose applied was recovered in exhaled 13CO2 versus 18.9±3.6% in healthy subjects (n=10). Thus, the patient exhibited obviously normal whole‐body catabolic rates although branched‐chain L‐amino acid oxidation was confined to the liver transplant. Most likely, the enhanced substrate supply from extrahepatic sources led to an elevation of the plasma concentrations and thus induced a compensatory enhancement of the metabolic flux through the branched‐chain 2‐oxo acid dehydrogenase complex in the intact liver tissue.
Ärgerregulierung und die Nutzung von (gewalthaltigen) Bildschirmspielen bei Schulkindern
Authors: von Salisch Maria , Bretz Hans Joachim
Published: November 2003

Zusammenfassung. Auch wenn Computer und Computerspiele die Ökologie der Kindheit verändern, so wurden die Funaktionen und Motive ihrer Nutzung durch Schulkinder bisher selten untersucht. Vor dem Hintergrund des Uses-and-Gratifications-Ansatzes wurde daher überprüft, ob das Interesse für (gewalthaltige) Bildschirmspiele mit der Art und Weise zusammenhängt, wie Schulkinder ihren Ärger gewöhnlich regulieren. Daher wurde eine Stichprobe von N = 94 Berliner Grundschulkindern der 3. bis 6. Jahrgangsstufe unter anderem zu den Strategien ihrer Ärgerregulierung (KÄRST) und zu ihrer Nutzung von Bildschirmspielen befragt. Regressionsanalysen deuten darauf hin, dass das Interesse an Bildschirmspielen aller Art mit der Neigung zur Aufmerksamkeitslenkung bei Ärger und dem männlichen Geschlecht verknüpft ist, auch wenn rivalisierende Erklärungen (etwa durch Alter, soziale oder persönliche Defizite) einbezogen wurden. Das Interesse an gewalthaltigen Bildschirmspielen wurde nur durch das männliche Geschlecht vorhergesagt. Diese Ergebnisse werden vor dem Hintergrund diskutiert, dass die Reduktion des Emotionsausdrucks eine Entwicklungsaufgabe in der mittleren Kindheit ist, zu deren Lösung das häufige Spielen von Bildschirmspielen beitragen kann.
Validation of the North American Land Data Assimilation System (NLDAS) retrospective forcing over the southern Great Plains
Authors: Luo Lifeng , Robock Alan , Mitchell Kenneth E. , Houser Paul R. , Wood Eric F. , Schaake John C. , Lohmann Dag , Cosgrove Brian , Wen Fenghua , Sheffield Justin , Duan Qingyun , Higgins R. Wayne , Pinker Rachel T. , Tarpley J. Dan
Published: November 2003

Atmospheric forcing used by land surface models is a critical component of the North American Land Data Assimilation System (NLDAS) and its quality crucially affects the final product of NLDAS and our work on model improvement. A three‐year (September 1996–September 1999) retrospective forcing data set was created from the Eta Data Assimilation System and observations and used to run the NLDAS land surface models for this period. We compared gridded NLDAS forcing with station observations obtained from networks including the Oklahoma Mesonet and Atmospheric Radiation Measurement/Cloud and Radiation Testbed at the southern Great Plains. Differences in all forcing variables except precipitation between the NLDAS forcing data set and station observations are small at all timescales. While precipitation data do not agree very well at an hourly timescale, they do agree better at longer timescales because of the way NLDAS precipitation forcing is generated. A small high bias in downward solar radiation and a low bias in downward longwave radiation exist in the retrospective forcing. To investigate the impact of these differences on land surface modeling we compared two sets of model simulations, one forced by the standard NLDAS product and one with station‐observed meteorology. The differences in the resulting simulations of soil moisture and soil temperature for each model were small, much smaller than the differences between the models and between the models and observations. This indicates that NLDAS retrospective forcing provides an excellent state‐of‐the‐art data set for land surface modeling, at least over the southern Great Plains region.
Use of wavelet analysis for detection of seismogenic ULF emissions
Authors: Alperovich L. , Zheludev V. , Hayakawa M.
Published: November 2003

Wavelet analysis is applied to high‐resolution magnetic ULF data in a seismoactive region to determine whether there is evidence of ULF electromagnetic emissions that precede or accompany earthquakes. We have developed an algorithm that is specially adapted to the single‐station wavelet detection of geomagnetic events. For this purpose we have constructed wavelet‐based magnetic signatures of certain earthquakes. Namely, we have used the distribution of energies among blocks consisting of coefficients of wavelet packet transforms. Our computer experiments have shown that common features preceding two strong earthquakes appear in geomagnetic fields recorded close (around 20 km) to the epicenter of the earthquakes. The anomalies occupy a wide range of periods (from 10 s to 250 s). Evidence was also found on the presence of short period seismogenic pulses associated with a strong earthquake (M = 5.6) on March 26, 1997, in Kyushu, Japan. A comparison of extracted geomagnetic variations at two observatories located in its epicentral zone has indicated that seismogenic geomagnetic disturbances occurred 6 to 7 hours prior to the earthquake.
Iron mobilization in mineral dust: Can anthropogenic SO2 emissions affect ocean productivity?
Authors: Meskhidze N. , Chameides W. L. , Nenes A. , Chen G.
Published: November 2003

For Fe contained in long‐range transported aeolian dust to act as a micronutrient for oceanic phytoplankton it must be first dissolved or mobilized. We propose that Fe‐mobilization can occur in mineral dust from East Asia by the incorporation of SO2 into the advecting dust plumes and subsequent acidification of the dust through heterogeneous SO2 oxidation. To test this hypothesis, we consider a dust plume that originated from the gobi‐deserts and advected over the Pacific Ocean. Data collected over the Yellow Sea confirm that this plume contained high concentrations of dust and SO2. Significant gaseous HNO3 concentrations indicate that the dust particles were acidified (i.e., pH < 2). At these pH's, 1–2% of the Fe contained in a deliquescent mineral dust particle would be mobilized within 3–5 days. These results suggest a possible link between the rate of C‐fixation in so‐called High‐Nitrate‐Low‐Chlorophyll regions of the Pacific Ocean and SO2 emissions from East Asia.
Quasi‐cylindrical 2.5D wave modeling for large‐scale seismic surveys
Authors: Takenaka Hiroshi , Tanaka Hiroki , Okamoto Taro , Kennett Brian L. N.
Published: November 2003

The most common form of seismic exploration remains a nearly linear survey with data acquisition lines including the source and receivers. The interpretation of amplitude and waveform information for such linear acquisition requires consideration of 3D seismic wavefields. In many scenarios the structure is approximately 2D, but still modeling is needed for point sources. In recent years 2.5D modeling methods have been developed for the simulation of 3D seismic wavefields in media varying in two dimensions. Although the computer memory requirements are only slightly larger than those for 2D computations, the computation times are too long for ready application to actual surveys. To overcome this problem, we propose a new approach for modeling 2.5D seismic wavefields using a quasi‐cylindrical representation. We show an implementation of this approach using the finite‐difference method and demonstrate the validity and efficiency of the technique with numerical examples, including a profile across a realistic model of subduction zone structure.
Transient and disruption cavity dimensions of complex terrestrial impact structures derived from magnetic data
Authors: Pilkington Mark , Hildebrand Alan R.
Published: November 2003

Accurate transient and disruption cavity dimensions are critical for estimating the energy release associated with impact. Transient and disruption cavity size can, in principle, be inferred from morphometric relationships based on crater diameter. However, locating the crater rim can be difficult for eroded terrestrial craters, and existing morphometric relationships are mostly based on observations of extraterrestrial craters where morphologic features at best provide imprecise constraints on the collapsed disruption cavity margin. Fortunately, magnetic survey data collected over terrestrial impact structures demonstrate that collapsed disruption cavity size can be estimated directly from changes in the magnetic anomaly character. A lower bound on this parameter can be defined by the outer limit of short‐wavelength, intense magnetic anomalies produced by impact melt and/or suevite deposits. An upper bound is given by the inner limit of magnetic anomaly trends associated with the pre‐impact target rock configuration. Using published values of crater diameters (D) and values of collapsed disruption cavity diameters (DCDC) derived from magnetic data for 19 complex terrestrial impact structures, we derive the relationship DCDC = 0.49D. These data and the possibility of geometrical similarity in crater collapse suggest that this relationship is independent of complex crater size over more than a decade of size variation.
The recrystallized grain size piezometer for quartz
Authors: Stipp Michael , Tullis Jan
Published: November 2003

In order to determine a recrystallized grain size piezometer for quartz, we deformed Black Hills quartzite in a molten salt assembly in a Griggs apparatus at 1.5 GPa, 800 to 1100°C, and strain rates between 2*10−7 and 2*10−4 s−1, conditions which include dislocation creep regimes 2 and 3 of Hirth and Tullis [1992]. Flow stresses ranged from 34 ± 16 to 268 ± 38 MPa with corresponding recrystallized grain sizes from 46 ± 15 to 3.2 ± 0.7 μm. The data are well fit by a single piezometer relation, D = 103.56±0.27 * σ−1.26 ±0.13, with no change in slope at the regime 2–3 transition and no effect of temperature or α/β stability field. Another experimental piezometer relation for regime 1 of Hirth and Tullis [1992] differs in slope, suggesting that different recrystallization mechanisms require different piezometer calibrations.
Airborne bacteria as cloud condensation nuclei
Authors: Bauer Heidi , Giebl Heinrich , Hitzenberger Regina , Kasper‐Giebl Anne , Reischl Georg , Zibuschka Franziska , Puxbaum Hans
Published: November 2003

Bacteria cultivated from aerosol and cloud water samples collected at a remote Austrian mountain site under wintry conditions were tested for their ability to act as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). The experiment was carried out with a cloud condensation nuclei counter (CCNC) operating on the principle of a static thermal diffusion chamber. Average concentrations of cultivable airborne bacteria amounted to 8 colony forming units (CFU) m−3 in aerosol samples and to 79 CFU mL−1 in cloud water. The set of tested bacteria comprised Gram positive and Gram negative but no known ice nucleating species. At supersaturations between 0.07 and 0.11% all types of bacteria were activated as CCN. As the sizes of the bacteria were smaller than the Kelvin diameters for the respective supersaturations, the physico‐chemical properties of their outer cell walls must have enhanced their CCN activity.
Sensitive quantitative predictions of peptide‐MHC binding by a ‘Query by Committee’ artificial neural network approach
Authors: Buus S. , Lauemøller S.L. , Worning P. , Kesmir C. , Frimurer T. , Corbet S. , Fomsgaard A. , Hilden J. , Holm A. , Brunak S.
Published: November 2003

Abstract:  We have generated Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) capable of performing sensitive, quantitative predictions of peptide binding to the MHC class I molecule, HLA‐A*0204. We have shown that such quantitative ANN are superior to conventional classification ANN, that have been trained to predict binding vs non‐binding peptides. Furthermore, quantitative ANN allowed a straightforward application of a ‘Query by Committee’ (QBC) principle whereby particularly information‐rich peptides could be identified and subsequently tested experimentally. Iterative training based on QBC‐selected peptides considerably increased the sensitivity without compromising the efficiency of the prediction. This suggests a general, rational and unbiased approach to the development of high quality predictions of epitopes restricted to this and other HLA molecules. Due to their quantitative nature, such predictions will cover a wide range of MHC‐binding affinities of immunological interest, and they can be readily integrated with predictions of other events involved in generating immunogenic epitopes. These predictions have the capacity to perform rapid proteome‐wide searches for epitopes. Finally, it is an example of an iterative feedback loop whereby advanced, computational bioinformatics optimize experimental strategy, and vice versa.
Polymorphisms within the tumor necrosis factor and lymphotoxin‐alpha genes and endemic pemphigus foliaceus – are there any associations?
Authors: Roxo V.M.M.S. , Pereira N.F. , Pavoni D.P. , Lin M.‐T. , Hansen J.A. , De O. Poersch C. , Filho A. Marquart , Petzl‐Erler M.L.
Published: November 2003

Abstract:  The purpose of this study was to analyze the possible influence of the TNF and LTA loci polymorphisms on the susceptibility/resistance to endemic pemphigus foliaceus, also named fogo selvagem (FS), an autoimmune disease characterized by blisters due to acantholysis of the superficial‐most epidermal cells. Autoantibodies, mainly of the IgG4 subclass, are directed against a desmosomal glycoprotein known as desmoglein 1. FS shares clinical, histological and immunological features with nonendemic pemphigus foliaceus. Most residents of the endemic regions do not develop the disease, and familial clustering has been documented, suggesting that host factors play a role in susceptibility. In fact, strong positive and negative associations with HLA class II genes have been reported. The TNF and LTA genes are located in the class III region of the Human Major Histocompatibility Complex. Their location, the function of their products, which are cytokines and pluripotent immunomodulators, as well as their genetic variability make them candidate genes for complex diseases with an altered immune response. A total of 162 patients and 191 controls were enrolled in this study. No significant associations were found with any one of the three LTA single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) analyzed (at nucleotides 249, 365, 720), nor with the TNF SNP located at positions −863 and −308. The frequency of allele TNF*238A was slightly decreased in patients (OR = 0.45). In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that genetic variability of the TNF and LTA genes does not play a major role in susceptibility/resistance to pemphigus foliaceus.
Novel strategy for identification of candidate cytotoxic T‐cell epitopes from human preproinsulin
Authors: Chang L. , Kjer‐Nielsen L. , Flynn S. , Brooks A.G. , Mannering S.I. , Honeyman M.C. , Harrison L.C. , McCluskey J. , Purcell A.W.
Published: November 2003

Abstract:  We describe a strategy for identifying ligands of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules based on a peptide library‐mediated in vitro assembly of recombinant class I molecules. We established a microscale class I assembly assay and used a capture ELISA to quantify the assembled HLA‐peptide complexes. The identity of the bound ligands was then deduced by mass spectrometry. In this method, HLA complexes assembled in vitro in the presence of components of a mixture of peptides were immunoprecipitated and the bound peptide(s) identified by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization‐time of flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectrometry. This process of epitope extraction is robust and can be used with complex mixtures containing in excess of 300 candidate ligands. A library of overlapping peptides representing all potential octamers, nonamers and decamers from human preproinsulin was synthesized using unique library chemistry. Peptides from the library were used to initiate assembly of recombinant HLA‐B8, HLA‐B15 and HLA‐A2, facilitating the identification of candidate T‐cell epitopes from preproinsulin.
Unequal in life? Human remains from the Danish excavations of Tylos tombs
Authors: Littleton Judith
Published: November 2003

The Danish excavations in Bahrain of Tylos graves at Sar and from Pylon T158 resulted in the recovery of seventeen skeletons. Apart from a single infant, all remains were of adults with females dying, on average, at a younger age than males. Among the pathological conditions identified, porotic hyperostosis (frequently linked to anaemia) was common. Infectious lesions were observed including two cases tentatively diagnosed as tuberculosis. The only other pathological condition noted was a possible case of skeletal fluorosis. This range of disease is comparable to other skeletal samples dating to the Tylos period. Measurements also indicate that these samples are similar to other Tylos remains from Bahrain. A feature of this period is the disparity in health between males and females, evidenced by differences in robusticity and height. This disparity is more marked than in other periods and it is argued that it is evidence of a greater inequality on the island during this period.
Les inscriptions des chambres funéraires nabatéennes et la question de l'anonymat des tombes
Authors: Nehmé Laïla
Published: November 2003

This contribution aims to present all the known or previously unknown Nabataean inscriptions incised on the rock or painted on movable objects which have been found inside the funerary chambers of tombs. There are thirty‐two of these from Petra, Hegra, Dht Rs and Dayr al‐Kahf. Among the twenty‐seven texts from Petra, twelve are unpublished. The others were found either by Milik and Starcky during their epigraphic survey, or by the author. The inscriptions are compared with the archaeological evidence in order to discuss the so‐called anonymous character of the Nabataean tombs of Petra.
Involvement of changes in stratum corneum keratin in wrinkle formation by chronic ultraviolet irradiation in hairless mice
Authors: Kambayashi Hiroaki , Odake Yuki , Takada Koji , Funasaka Yoko , Ichihashi Masamitsu
Published: November 2003

Abstract Chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation alters components of the skin. We previously reported that chronic low‐dose UV irradiation induced wrinkle formation but did not significantly alter dermal components of hairless mice. In the present study, we examined whether the epidermal changes by UV irradiation could contribute to wrinkle formation. Hairless mice were irradiated with one‐third the minimum erythema dose (MED) of UVB (20 mJ/cm2) and UVA (14 J/cm2) for 10 weeks, and followed up for another 24 weeks without irradiation. Fine wrinkles were detected following irradiation, which existed even 24 weeks after cessation of irradiation. An increase in the viscoelastic proportion of the total distension (Uv/Ue) was recognized in irradiated mice, which may be related to wrinkle formation. In the epidermis, an increase in the amount of transepidermal water loss and a decrease in the water content of the stratum corneum were seen after 10 weeks of UV irradiation, neither of which recovered during the 24‐week observation period. In addition, there was a significant increase in the amount of stratum corneum keratin after 10 weeks of irradiation, which persisted during the 24‐week follow‐up. The results of our study suggest that chronic low‐dose UV irradiation primarily alters the epidermal rather than the dermal components of the skin. In addition, our results indicate that the increased keratin content of the stratum corneum may be involved in the alteration of the physical properties of the skin. This process could be one of the early events of wrinkle formation.
Differential expression of heparin‐binding EGF‐like growth factor (HB‐EGF) mRNA in normal human keratinocytes induced by a variety of natural and synthetic retinoids
Authors: Yoshimura Kotaro , Uchida Gentaro , Okazaki Mutsumi , Kitano Yukie , Harii Kiyonori
Published: November 2003

Abstract It was recently revealed that epidermal growth following topical treatment with all‐trans retinoic acid (atRA) was at least partly induced by heparin‐binding epidermal growth factor‐like growth factor (HB‐EGF) released from suprabasal keratinocytes. Since proliferation of keratinocytes appears to be one of the critical roles of atRA in depigmentation treatment and promotion of wound healing, HB‐EGF is considered suitable for assessing the therapeutic value of topical retinoids. In this study, HB‐EGF mRNA expression in normal human keratinocytes after atRA treatment was examined, and the effects of a variety of natural and synthetic retinoids were compared. The results of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) suggested that induction of differentiation increased HB‐EGF mRNA expression in cultured keratinocytes. Real‐time PCR analyses revealed that HB‐EGF mRNA expression was elevated dose‐dependently with atRA, peaking at 12 h. This elevation was more prominent in confluent keratinocytes than in subconfluent cells, suggesting that differentiated keratinocytes are more subject to stimulation of HB‐EGF expression by atRA than proliferating keratinocytes. HB‐EGF mRNA was upregulated in differentiation‐induced keratinocytes by all retinoids used in this study at 1 µmol/l, and marked upregulation was seen when treated with three isotypes of retinoic acid (atRA, and 9‐cis and 13‐cis retinoic acid). RARα‐selective agonists (Am80, Am580, ER‐38925, and TAC‐101) and a panagonist of RARs (Re80) caused relatively low elevation of HB‐EGF transcripts, as did all‐trans retinol (Rol) and all‐trans retinal (Ral). Although another panagonist (Ch55) showed the highest elevation of HB‐EGF mRNA, it was relatively cytotoxic at the concentration employed. Ral and Rol were found to upregulate HB‐EGF when used at 100 µmol/l to 1 mmol/l, to a similar extent of atRA at 1–10 µmol/l. The capacity of retinoids to upregulate HB‐EGF may be an important index for investigation and development of an ideal synthetic retinoid, which has maximum benefits and minimum side‐effects
Tobacco smoke extract induces age‐related changes due to modulation of TGF‐β
Authors: Yin Lei , Morita Akimichi , Tsuji Takuo
Published: November 2003

AbstractWe have recently shown that tobacco smoking, like ultraviolet A radiation, is an important factor contributing to premature skin aging. We found that tobacco smoke extract decreased type I and III procollagen, increased tropoelastin mRNA, and induced abnormal accumulation of proteoglycans and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐1 and MMP‐3 in cultured skin fibroblasts. This indicated that common molecular features might underlie the premature aging of the skin induced by tobacco smoke extract, including abnormal regulation of extracellular matrix deposition through elevated MMPs, reduced collagen production, abnormal tropoelastin accumulation, and altered proteoglycans. With the exception that reactive oxygen species were mediated in the aging process, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 was found to play a crucial role in the age‐related alterations induced by tobacco smoke extract. Here we report that tobacco smoke extract blocks cellular responsiveness to TGF‐β1 through the induction of a non‐functional latent form of TGF‐β1, and downregulation of the TGF‐β1 receptor. This paper shows the evidence for the role of tobacco smoking in skin aging and describes how modulation of TGF‐β1 levels might retard premature skin aging.
Biological effects of glycolic acid on dermal matrix metabolism mediated by dermal fibroblasts and epidermal keratinocytes
Authors: Okano Yuri , Abe Yumiko , Masaki Hitoshi , Santhanam Uma , Ichihashi Masamitsu , Funasaka Yoko
Published: November 2003

Abstract Glycolic acid (GA), one of the α‐hydroxy acids, is widely used as an agent for chemical peeling. Although there are several reports about the clinical effects of GA in the literature, its biological mechanism remains mostly unclear, and there are only a few reports about its effects on skin rejuvenation mediated by keratinocytes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of GA on the dermal matrix metabolism of keratinocytes and fibroblasts using in vitro and ex vivo systems. Our study shows that GA not only directly accelerates collagen synthesis by fibroblasts, but it also modulates matrix degradation and collagen synthesis through keratinocyte‐released cytokines. We confirm that IL‐1α is one of the primary mediators for matrix degradation released from keratinocytes after GA treatment. These results suggest that GA contributes to the recovery of photodamaged skin through various actions, depending on the skin cell type.
Strip casting experiences at MEFOS
Authors: Nyström Ralph , Reichelt Wolfgang , Dubke Mathias
Published: November 2003

Continuous casting of flat products today is a mature technique for production of steel semis with an as‐cast thickness of 200 mm. At present, the thin slab casting is developed to the extent of casting and in‐line rolling of strips with a thickness of 1–2 mm. Up to now, it is reported that 27 thin slab production lines are under construction or in operation. The strip‐casting technique is the next generation of production lines for steel to be developed for production of flat products. There are 2 main directions in the development of strip casting. The 1st is the twin roll casting technique, which so far has concentrated its efforts on production of stainless steel strips. The 2nd is the single‐belt casting technique (DSC – Direct Strip Casting) which is aiming for high production volumes of flat products with the necessary hot reduction possibility to receive good material properties.The development of strip casting at MEFOS started in the late 80s with the joint efforts of a Nordic group of steel companies. The aim of the project was to built up know‐how in the field of strip casting by the erection and operation of a strip caster at MEFOS. After a 1‐year prestudy, the single‐belt casting technique was chosen. The German machine‐building company, Mannesmann Demag Metallurgy, and the Nordic consortium had complementary interests, and in 1991, a co‐operation agreement was signed in the field of strip casting. At MEFOS, the emphasis is focused on the industrial application of casting 870 mm wide strips, while the focus of the development at Technical University of Clausthal (TUC) is devoted to casting and in‐line rolling. Based on the potential of the process and the promising results obtained in the research facilities, the industrial partners are now in the position to decide on building a demonstration caster in a steel plant.
Application of mathematical modelling at MEFOS to improve metallurgical processes
Authors: Solhed Henrik , Alexis Jonas , Sjöström Ulf , Yuan Sheng Dong , Jonsson Lage
Published: November 2003

Since the early 1990s, mathematical modelling has supported metallurgical research at MEFOS. In addition to thermodynamic calculations and trials in various scales, the commercial software PHOENICS has been used to describe the transport of mass and heat. Steady‐state models, as well as transient models, have been developed for single‐, 2‐ and 3‐phase systems. In some applications, chemical reactions between the phases are also incorporated. Modelling activities have focused on the process route of steelmaking, including melting, secondary metallurgy and continuous casting. In this paper, highlights from some of these modelling activities are presented, including verification measurements. Process improvements are suggested, as well as some implications for treatment strategies and practices. Finally, future work and planned research are discussed.