bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopic Closure of the Renosplenic Space in Standing Horses
Authors: Mariën Tom , Adriaenssen Alfons , Hoeck Frank V. , Segers Luc
Published: August 2002

Objective—To report a technique for laparoscopic ablation of the renosplenic space in standing horses.

Study Design—Development of a technique to perform laparoscopic renosplenic space ablation in standing horses.

Animals—Five healthy horses, aged 3 to 13 years, weighing 380 to 520 kg.

Methods—Horses were restrained in standing stocks and sedated with detomidine (0.01 mg/kg intravenously [IV]) and butorphanol (0.01 mg/kg IV). Portal sites in the left paralumbar fossa were infiltrated with 2% mepivacaine. A laparoscopic portal was placed between the 17th and the 18th ribs. Two instrument portals were located caudal to the 18th rib. Closure of the renosplenic space was accomplished by apposing the dorsomedial splenic capsule to the dorsal portion of the renosplenic ligament with 1 polyglactin 910 in a continuous pattern. All horses had repeat laparoscopy 3 weeks after initial surgery.

Results—Laparoscopic closure of the renosplenic space required 35 minutes (range, 20–65 minutes) and was successful without intraoperative or postoperative complications. On laparoscopic re‐examination at 3 weeks, there was smooth connecting fibrous‐like tissue between the dorsal splenic capsule and the dorsal portion of the renosplenic ligament.

Conclusions—Laparoscopic closure of the renosplenic space can be efficiently and safely performed in standing horses.

Clinical Relevance—Laparoscopic‐assisted closure of the renosplenic space can be performed in standing horses and may be useful in preventing recurrent incarceration of viscera in this space.
The Mitochondrial Potassium Cycle
Authors: Garlid Keith D. , Paucek Petr
Published: August 2002

The mitochondrial K + cycle consists of influx and efflux pathways for K + and anions. Net movement of K + salts across the inner membrane causes changes of matrix volume, so regulation of the cycle is vital for maintaining the structural integrity of the organelle. The mitochondrial K + cycle also appears to play important roles in cellular pathophysiology in vivo. Opening the mitochondrial ATP‐sensitive K + channel (mitoK ATP ) prior to ischemia protects the heart from ischemia‐reperfusion injury. MitoK ATP is an important player in the cell signaling pathways for ischemic protection and also for gene transcription, roles that appear to depend on the ability of mitoK ATP opening to trigger increased mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species. MitoK ATP opening during both ischemia and reperfusion and during the high work state is found to preserve the structure of the intermembrane space and thereby maintains the normally low outer membrane permeability to adenine nucleotides. This review discusses the properties of the mitochondrial K + cycle that help to understand the basis of these effects.
Uptake of Calcium by Mitochondria: Transport and Possible Function
Authors: Gunter Thomas E. , Gunter Karlene K.
Published: August 2002

Vertebrate mitochondria contain a complex system for transport of Ca 2+ and related ions, consisting of two saturable modes of Ca 2+ influx and two separate, saturable mechanisms of Ca 2+ efflux. The characteristics of the mechanisms of Ca 2+ uptake, the uniporter and the RaM, are discussed here and suggestions are made about how the mechanisms may work together and separately to mediate the two physiological roles with which they are most commonly associated ‐ control of the rate of cellular ATP production and induction of the permeability transition and apoptosis. It is argued that more subtlety of control of intramitochondrial free Ca 2+ concentration ([Ca 2+ ] m ) must be used by the uniporter and the RaM to fulfill their physiological roles than has been commonly recognized. This is because an increase in [Ca 2+ ] m is associated with both increased production of ATP which supports the continued life of the cell and with induction of the permeability transition and possibly apoptosis, which leads to cell death. The saturable mechanisms of mitochondrial Ca 2+ efflux and the Ca 2+ ‐induced mitochondrial permeability transition, which can transport Ca 2+ as well as other ions and molecules and is often considered as a Ca 2+ transport mechanism, are being reviewed separately.
A new numerical method for the calculation of impact forces
Authors: G R Evans  , B C Jones  , A J McMillan  , M I Darby
Published: August 2002

A new method is described for the numerical solution of the Timoshenko integral equation for the impulsive constant force between two elastic impacting bodies. The method is computationally fast and gives very accurate results. Its use is illustrated by treating the case of central impact of a steel sphere onto a simply supported circular plate.
Raman scattering of proton exchanged LiNbO3 waveguides
Authors: I Savatinova  , S Tonchev  , E Popov  , E Liarokapis  , C Raptis
Published: August 2002

Proton exchanged LiNbO3 waveguides are studied using Raman spectroscopy. Depending on the waveguide mode, the spectra resemble those of pure LiNbO3 at high temperatures. A characteristic peak appears at 69 cm-1 which is probably due to second-order Raman scattering but strongly associated with the presence of protons. It is proposed that the change in the Raman spectra is due to the coexistence of the ferroelectric and paraelectric phases of LiNbO3 at room temperature, induced by the proton exchange deformations on the lattice.
Adherence of natural rubber plates subjected to biaxial tensile strain
Authors: E Felder  , M Barquins
Published: August 2002

The aim of this work is to understand better the initial stage of sliding friction between a rigid asperity and an adhesive rubber surface which induces the formation of the sliding annulus, as first reported by Mindlin in 1949. Experiments were carried out by contacting a rigid axisymmetric punch with a rubber sheet submitted to an increasing biaxial extension. For three flat or spherical punches and various extension rates, we observe similar behaviour: above a critical strain, the contact area decreases by a peeling mechanism and depends mainly on the instantaneous strain. Theoretical analysis of the superficial state of stress provides that separation occurs under `mixed-mode' loading and verifies a criterion KI+ 0.15KII= Kcwith KI, KIIthe stress intensity factors and Kca toughness not very sensitive to rupture speed.
Micro-Mechanical modelling of load dependent friction in contacts of elastic spheres
Authors: U Tuzun  , O R Walton
Published: August 2002

Recent experimental measurements using twin-axis load cells in storage vessels for bulk solids have revealed load-dependent variation of the wall friction angles measured in the presence of small normal loads on smooth silo walls. The effect is quite appreciable with smooth particles such as plastic beads and glass ballotini, but particles with rough surfaces, like some agricultural seeds, show no such effect.

The inclusion of an intrinsic shear resistance at zero normal load into the frictional behaviour (after Briscoe and Tabor) provides a satisfactory prediction of tangential forces required to cause gross sliding of smooth particles over smooth silo walls. This work applies the same adhesive friction concepts to the microdisplacements that occur before full tangential sliding develops.

Mindlin analysed the traction profiles for two spheres in contact assuming a constant coefficient of friction, independent of normal stress inside the contact area, with microslip occurring in those portions of the contact area that had a tangential-to-normal stress ratio exceeding the friction coefficient. The assumptions of that analysis preclude the existence of the observed load dependence of wall friction angles. In this paper we re-examine the micromechanical nature of contacts between elastic spheres incorporating tangential stress limits that contain two terms: one proportional to the normal stress at each point in the contact area, the other independent of normal stress. Two possible physical (and mathematical) interpretations of the stress-independent term are discussed, one called adhesive slip and the other stick slip. The resulting traction profiles are examined to determine implications for both microslip and gross-sliding frictional behaviour. A complete theoretical analysis requires the solution of the surface displacement integral over the contact region for a chosen form of the tangential traction profile satisfying appropriate boundary conditions for elastic displacements. Upper and lower bounds and an approximate form for the resulting tangential force-displacement curves are developed and it is shown that such models result in a load-dependent friction behaviour that is very similar to recent experimental wall friction and individual particle friction measurements.
Axial structure of a shielded plasma column sustained by a dipolar electromagnetic wave
Authors: M Djourelova  , Ts Petrova  , I Ghanashev  , I Zhelyazkov
Published: August 2002

The authors consider a low-pressure plasma column contained in a dielectric tube surrounded by vacuum and shielded by a metal enclosure. The plasma is sustained by a travelling, weakly damped electromagnetic dipolar wave. The metal shielding turns out to influence substantially the dispersion characteristics and hence the axial structure of the discharge in contrast to the case of azimuthally symmetric waves. Axial profiles of the electron number density and wave power have been calculated. A comparison with the available experimental data shows the significance of the non-uniform radial plasma density profile for this configuration, which is taken into account by replacing the actual electron-neutral collision frequency for momentum transfer by a greater effective value. It is determined by applying a scaling procedure (which is not a curve fitting) that refers to a single experimental point. Thus a very good agreement between theory and experiment has been obtained.
Epitaxial protein inclusion in sinapic acid crystals
Authors: R C Beavis  , J N Bridson
Published: August 2002

The authors report on the inclusion of protein molecules in growing crystals of trans-3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxy-cinnamic acid (trans-sinapic acid). This material is important as the 'matrix' compound in matrix-assisted lasar desorption, a promising new ion source for heavy molecule mass spectrometry. The crystal structure of trans-sinapic acid was determined. It belongs to the space group P21/n and has a structure in which the planar trans-sinapic acid molecules are hydrogen bonded into extended sheets. Dyes were used to follow protein incorporation into growing trans-sinapic crystals. The staining pattern obtained demonstrated that protein molecules were included only on crystal faces parallel to these extended sheets. This result is the first demonstration that proteins can be incorporated into a growing crystal by a selective interaction with one of the crystal faces. The structure of the crystal plane that interacts with the protein was consistent with a 'hydrophobic' bonding of the protein to the crystal face.
Back-reflection topographic study of mixed cells in LEC-grown GaAs 0.2 at.% In
Authors: F Minari  , B Billia
Published: August 2002

Cellular structure formation and organization have been studied in GaAs/In by taking advantage of the existence of striations which provide a view of the successive positions of the solid-liquid interface with a perfect periodicity. These striations are easily revealed by X-ray topography.
Virus and protein crystal growth on earth and in microgravity
Authors: A McPherson
Published: August 2002

Protein and virus crystals commonly grown in the laboratory on earth have also been grown in a microgravity environment on the US Space Shuttle. Two techniques for growth of the crystals were investigated: vapour diffusion and direct liquid-liquid diffusion. Crystals produced in microgravity, although generally isomorphous with earth-grown crystals, frequently show positive changes in habit, size and degree of perfection. X-ray diffusion analyses of crystals grown free from gravity usually show an improvement in the intensity-to-background ratio for all resolution ranges, and in some cases an extension of the resolution of the diffraction patterns to a higher limit. Both findings suggest an overall improvement in the quality of macromolecular crystals grown in space. A possible source of this improvement is the formation of depletion zones around crystals growing in microgravity that remain stable in the absence of convection and thereby allow more self-regulated growth. This in turn may be manifested as a more uniform and general ordering of the molecules in the crystal lattice and/or a reduction in gross crystal imperfections. Some illustrative results obtained in two kinds of macromolecular crystal growth experiments on International Microgravity Laboratory-1 are described.
On the application of the strong property fluctuation theory for homogenizing chiral-in-chiral composites
Authors: Bernhard Michel  , Akhlesh Lakhtakia
Published: August 2002

The bilocal approximation is used along with the strong property fluctuation theory (SPFT) to homogenize (i.e. estimate the effective constitutive properties of) a chiral-in-chiral composite. Important properties of the covariance function of the spatial distribution of the two materials are deduced and interpreted with respect to the homogenization results. Comparison is made with the Maxwell Garnett and the Bruggeman approaches. The correlation length is an additional parameter that distinguishes the SPFT in the bilocal approximation from the Bruggeman approach (as well as from the Maxwell Garnett approach). The SPFT in the bilocal approximation turns out to be a size-dependent extension of the Bruggeman approach, the two homogenization procedures yielding almost the same results at very long wavelengths but not at shorter wavelengths.
The crystallite-size dependence of structural parameters in pure ultrafine-grained copper
Authors: K Zhang  , I V Alexandrov  , A R Kilmametov  , R Z Valiev  , K Lu
Published: August 2002

Quantitative x-ray diffraction investigations were performed on ultrafine-grained copper samples with various crystallite sizes processed by severe plastic deformation. In the x-ray diffraction patterns, common features such as the relative maximum intensity, considerable broadening, long tails, centroid positions of Bragg reflections shifted to larger diffraction angles and increased background integrated intensities are revealed. The evolution of the shape of the Bragg reflections, background integrated intensity, microstrain, dislocation density, lattice parameter and atomic displacement with decreasing crystallite size was investigated. The obtained results are analysed and discussed in terms of the structural model of ultrafine-grained materials processed by severe plastic deformation.
The simulation of short-term streaming electrification dynamics
Authors: J A Palmer  , J K Nelson
Published: August 2002

In an effort to understand the dynamic behaviour of the streaming electrification phenomenon better, a computational model has been prepared. This paper describes the development and behaviour of the simulation for the development of charge-density profiles in space and time subsequent to the initiation of flow in a channel. Results are provided to demonstrate the functionality of the model and its effectiveness in clarifying the nature of the phenomenon.
Accurate upper bound for the efficiency of converting solar energy into work
Authors: Viorel Badescu
Published: August 2002

A class of accurate upper bounds for the efficiency of converting solar energy into work was derived by taking into account (i) the irreversibilities associated with the heat transfer inside the heat engine and (ii) details about the system considered, as the geometric (view) factor of the Sun, the dilution factors of solar and ambient radiation (andrespectively), the polarization degree of solar and absorber emitted radiation (andrespectively) and the thermal and optical properties of the converter (convective and conductive heat losses, concentration ratioC, effective transmittance-absorptance (and transmittance-emittance). When the usual case of an absorber with view factoris considered and the Sun is at its zenith, an accurate upper bound efficiencyis given by:

whereandare Sun and ambient temperatures respectively, whileis the solid angle subtended by the Sun when viewed from the converter. The following constraint has to be fulfilled:

A simpler (but less accurate) upper bound is

This upper bound is still more accurate than the upper limit efficiencies usually cited in literature.
Study on
the microstructural evolution of silica gel during
sol-gel-gel-glass conversions using the fluorescence polarization of
rhodamine B
Authors: Guodong Qian  , Minquan Wang
Published: August 2002

The fluorescence polarization of rhodamine B is used as an environment probe to study the microstructural evolution of silica gel during sol to gel to gel glass transitions. The wet gel is an amorphous porous solid of which organics and solvents (water and ethanol) exist in the pores. During gelation and heat treatment, the solvents evaporate gradually and the inorganic network of the matrix forms and strengthens as a result of the collapse of pores and the structural relaxation. The rhodamine B molecules lose mobility gradually and are finally steadily isolated and adsorbed into the tiny pores of the inorganic network, which makes the rotational diffusion of rhodamine B molecules difficult and increases the fluorescence anisotropy and polarization of rhodamine B.
The thermophoretic velocity of a small particle suspended in a plasma
Authors: Xi Chen
Published: August 2002

Analytical results concerning the thermophoretic velocity of a spherical particle suspended in a plasma for the extreme case of the free-molecule regime and a thin plasma sheath are presented. Several different cases are considered in this study, including non-metallic or metallic particles and non-evaporating or evaporating particles. It has been shown that the thermophoretic velocity increases with increasing temperature gradient or heat flux within the bulk plasma and decreases with increasing gas pressure, but is independent of the particle radius. The thermophoretic velocity of a metallic non-evaporating particle is only a little less than that of a non-metallic one, whereas the thermophoretic velocity of a metallic evaporating particle may be three times as great as that of a non-metallic one at high plasma temperatures.
Numerical simulation of Bragg-case section topographic images of
dislocations in silicon
Authors: W Wierzchowski  , K Wieteska  , W Graeff
Published: August 2002

Synchrotron white beam with a wavefront limited by a 5 µm slit was used for obtaining the Bragg-case section patterns in silicon
substrates and epitaxial layers. The section images contained various
interference fringes, such as the Uragami fringes and fringes caused by
crystal curvature. The system of fringes connected with individual defects
was also observed.

The experimental images were compared with simulated theoretical images
obtained by numerical integration of the Takagi-Taupin equations. A
reasonably good correspondence was obtained for dislocations inclined to
the surface and misfit dislocations. The elements of the image were
analysed using the visualization of |D

h
|2 and |D

o
|2 intensities in
the plane of diffraction, where an additional amount of transmitted wave
intensity indicated the decomposition of wavefields or the reflection of
the redirected waves from the surfaces. Comparative studies of simulated
precipitation images and modification of dislocation images caused by
curvature and by the diffusion of an epitaxial junction were also
performed.
Structure evolution in Poiseuille flow of electrorheological fluids
Authors: Xiaopeng Zhao  , Danjun Gao
Published: August 2002

The equivalent plate conduction model is employed to simulate the structure evolution in Poiseuille flow of electrorheological (ER) fluids subjected to the short-range interaction of multi-particles. It is found that the time taken to form the plug zone is greatly shortened from 18.5 for a dipole model to 7.8 for a conduction model. The velocity peak value of the breathing transition zone increases markedly compared with the simulation results using the dipole model, which is attributed to (1) the strong interaction between contact zone particles and adjacent particles and (2) there is no slip between particles of the contact zone and the electrodes. Moreover, we obtain the three-dimensional evolving graphs of the velocity profile of particles in the ER fluid, and the structure of the particles evolves from a plug zone to a transition zone, finally becoming a wider plug zone.
Single and double photoionization cross sections of the He−1s2s2p4Postate at and far from threshold, from the many-electron, many-photon theory
Authors: Costas Haritos  , Theodoros Mercouris  , Cleanthes A Nicolaides
Published: August 2002

We report values for the single-photoionization cross sections to the3S and3Pochannels and for the total double photoionization cross section,σ++(E), of the metastable He−1s2s2p4Postate, obtained from the implementation of the state-specific, complex eigenvalue many-electron, many-photon theory (MEMPT). Theσ++(E) rises from 0 atE= 0 to a maximum of about 1.0 × 10−20cm2atE~ 3–5 eV and dies out around 30 eV. For this quantity, comparison with the measurements of Baeet alforE= 0.0–0.4 eV and with the semiclassical calculations of Crothers and Lennon, reveals disagreement. The effect of initial-state correlation in this case is quantitative but not qualitative.
Synthesis of phthalocyanines and related compounds
Authors: BEKAROĞLU ÖZER
Published: August 2002

This paper provides a review of synthesis of the phthalocyanines containing various macrocycles at the peripheral position of the benzene rings. They are expected to be suitable to change the chemical and physical properties toward the need of technologycal applications. In addition, transition and alkali metal phthalocyanine complexes especially rare-earth bis phthalocyanines, are object of intense investigations for their unique optical and electrochemical properties. The methodology of synthesis, purification and yield varies the structural designation which is restricted and depends on the starting compounds.
Synthesis and thermotropic properties of hydroxy and silyloxy axially substituted phthalocyanines
Authors: REY BELÉN DEL , MARTÍNEZ-DÍAZ M. VICTORIA , BARBERÁ JOAQUÍN , TORRES TOMÁS
Published: August 2002

Novel boron(III) subphthalocyanines 5-8 with six lipophilic alkylthio chains at the peripheral sites, bearing hydroxy or triethylsilyloxy groups in the axial position, have been synthesized and their thermotropic properties have been studied. These compounds are gelatinous materials at room temperature and gradually soften as the temperature is raised up to a point at which high fluidity typical of classical liquids is observed. By the usual techniques employed for the study of thermotropic behaviour (polarizing microscopy, DSC and X-ray diffraction), no liquid crystalline properties have been found. Instead, the compounds have an amorphous structure (i.e. behave as isotropic materials) throughout the temperature range studied. They could be designated as liquid subphthalocyanines.
Changing questions of workplace learning researchers
Authors: Spencer Bruce
Published: August 2002

Because workplace learning research may entrench existing power relations rather than empower workers, educators should examine workplace learning within a broad economic and social context and take up their historic responsibilities to advocate socially responsible adult education.
Patterns of low‐affinity immunoglobulin receptor polymorphisms in stroke and homozygous sickle cell disease
Authors: Taylor VI James G. , Tang Delia , Foster Charles B. , Serjeant Graham R. , Rodgers Griffin P. , Chanock Stephen J.
Published: August 2002

Symptomatic stroke is a major complication of homozygous sickle cell (SS) disease, with a prevalence of approximately 10%. An elevated peripheral leukocyte count has been identified as a risk factor for hemorrhagic stroke in adults with SS disease. It has been observed that sickle cells coated with immunoglobulin have increased adherence to endothelial cells or phagocytes, possibly via binding to the low‐affinity Fcγ receptors. Common polymorphisms have been described in three low‐affinity receptors: FCGR2A, FCGR3A, and FCGR3B; each has been shown to alter biological function, and each has also been associated with disease susceptibility. On the basis of this information, we evaluated common genetic variants of the low‐affinity Fcγ receptors for an association with symptomatic stroke in SS disease in a pilot case–control study of 51 Jamaican adult SS disease stroke cases and 51 SS disease‐matched controls. Comparison of allelic distributions between cases and controls at 3 loci, FCGR2A (P = 0.39), FCGR3A (P = 0.67), FCGR3B (P = 0.35), failed to demonstrate a significant association. In a separate analysis, the FCGR2A/FCGR3A two‐locus combination does not appear to segregate randomly (PCOR = 0.0053), suggesting that these two loci could be linked in this population. We conclude that polymorphisms of the low‐affinity Fcγ receptors are not associated with stroke in SS disease. Am. J. Hematol. 69:109–114, 2002. Published 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Changes in the expression of surface receptors on lymphocyte subsets in the elderly: Quantitative flow cytometric analysis
Authors: Ginaldi Lia , De Martinis Massimo , D'Ostilio Annamaria , Marini Lucia , Loreto Francesca , Modesti Marco , Quaglino Dennis
Published: August 2002

The immunophenotype of circulating lymphocytes, including the intensity expression of surface receptors, changes with ageing. Until now, no results of systematic studies on age‐dependent changes with respect to the expression of the major lymphocyte surface receptors in healthy elderly subjects have been reported. In order to identify age‐related changes in both representation and immunophenotype of lymphocyte populations, we investigated, by means of triple‐color whole‐blood immunostaining and quantitative flow cytometry, the percent values and the absolute numbers, as well as the levels of surface antigen expression or antigen molecules per cell (ABC values × 103), of different peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets from 23 healthy elderly subjects and 13 young donors. Naive (CD45RA+CD3+) T cells, total B cells, and CD5+ B lymphocytes are decreased (22%, 6%, 0.8% vs. 30%, 12%, 1.4%, respectively), whereas activated (HLA‐DR+CD3+) and memory (CD45RO+CD3+) T cells, CD3+CD7− T lymphocytes, and lymphocytes expressing the NK marker CD56 are expanded in the elderly (2%, 53%, 13%, 6% vs. 0.8%, 45%, 8%, 8%, respectively). Moreover, T lymphocytes from elderly individuals express lower CD3 (61 ± 10) compared to young (69 ± 10). Considering the different T‐cell populations, CD3 antigen is respectively decreased on CD45RO+ T cells (55 ± 14 vs. 66 ± 14) and up‐regulated on CD56+ T lymphocytes (62 ± 21 vs. 45 ± 20). Increased CD8 expression characterizes CD3+CD7− lymphocytes (70 ± 34 vs. 44 ± 17) while HLA‐DR on activated T cells is lower in old (39 ± 7) than young (46 ± 9) donors. CD7 is down‐regulated both in T (22 ± 3 vs. 28 ± 3) and NK (48 ± 18 vs. 71 ± 18) cells, whereas CD2 expression, unchanged on NK cells, is up‐regulated on T lymphocytes (54 ± 10 vs. 41 ± 8). Age‐related changes in B‐cell antigen expressions were also found: CD20 is increased (124 ± 23 vs. 105 ± 16) whereas, despite the unchanged CD5 expression of T cells, CD5 intensity on the B‐cell subset co‐expressing this antigen is higher in old (49 ± 37) than in young (22 ± 4) people. The observed changes in the expression of functionally important cellular receptors can contribute to the remodeling of immune function characteristic of the elderly. Moreover, since quantitative flow cytometry is becoming widely employed in clinical practice, our results also contribute to the assessment of specific age‐dependent antigen expression changes to be considered for diagnostic approaches in the elderly. Am. J. Hematol. 67:63–72, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Robbery characteristics and employee injuries in convenience stores*†
Authors: Faulkner Kimberly A. , Landsittel Douglas P. , Hendricks Scott A.
Published: August 2002

Background

Each year approximately 30,000 convenience store employees are at risk for injuries related to robberies and many are fatal.

Methods

A prospective cohort study of 460 convenience store robberies from 1 February 1995 to 30 September 1996 was conducted to uncover possible associations between injury and pertinent robbery circumstances and work environments. Data collection sources included police reports, employee interviews, store evaluations, and relevant Census data. Rate ratios and correlation statistics were calculated to identify associations with injury and relationships between variables.

Results

Injury risk was strongly associated with the following characteristics: employee resistance, robberies without firearms or money taken, daytime and merchandise robberies, stores with limited escape routes and no cash policy or drop safe, older clerks, and surrounding areas with lower valued buildings, less expensive rent, more vacant structures, and younger residents. Numerous intercorrelations between these characteristics were identified.

Discussion

Training opportunities, store procedures, and environmental designs are important factors to consider in reducing robbery‐related injuries. Am. J. Ind. Med. 40:703–709, 2001. Published 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc
Study of smoking behavior in asbestos workers*
Authors: Osinubi Omowunmi Y.O. , Afilaka Aboaba A. , Doucette John , Golden Anne , Soriano Theresa , Rovner Elisheva , Anselm Edward
Published: August 2002

Background

Asbestos exposure and concomitant cigarette smoking markedly increase the risk of lung cancer and contribute to the prevalence and severity of pulmonary interstitial fibrosis.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey of 214 asbestos workers was initiated to determine the prevalence of smoking and their readiness to quit smoking using the stage of change theory.

Results

The study was comprised of 61 never smokers (28.5%), 118 ex‐smokers (55.1%), and 35 current smokers (16.4%). Reasons for smoking cessation in ex‐smokers included perception of ill‐health (51%) and knowledge of smoking‐asbestos hazards (3.4%). Stage of change of current smokers revealed: precontemplation (26.5%), contemplation (35%), preparation (29%), and action (8.8%). Current smokers had the highest prevalence of small airway obstruction on spirometry.

Conclusions

A detailed smoking history during medical surveillance activities will enable the occupational physician to identify asbestos workers who have difficulty quitting and to develop a system in which such individuals can be referred to comprehensive smoking cessation programs. Am. J. Ind. Med. 41:62–69, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Occupational exposures and cancers of the endometrium and cervix uteri in Finland
Authors: Weiderpass Elisabete , Pukkala Eero , Vasama‐Neuvonen Kaisa , Kauppinen Timo , Vainio Harri , Paakkulainen Harri , Boffetta Paolo , Partanen Timo
Published: August 2002

Background

Endometrial cancer incidence rates are low in Asia and Africa and high in North America and Northern Europe. Cervical cancer is often the most common female cancer in developing countries, and infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) is its main risk factor. However, other factors, such as occupational exposures may modify the HPV‐related risk. We conducted an exploratory register‐linkage study in Finland to assess the role of occupational exposures on incidence rates of cancers of the endometrium and cervix uteri.

Methods

Occupational risk factors for endometrial and cervical cancers were explored in a 25‐year follow‐up of female workers born 1906–1945 (N = 413,877) identified through the Population Census of Finland of 1970. Job titles in census records were converted to exposures of 31 occupational agents through a job‐exposure matrix. Poisson regression models estimated relative risks (RR) for each agent, standardized for birth cohort, follow‐up period, and socio‐economic status. For each agent, the product of level and probability of exposure was calculated and subdivided in three categories: zero, low, and medium/high. Adjustment at the job title level was done for the turnover rate (endometrial and cervical cancers), mean parity, and age at first birth (endometrial cancer).

Results

Endometrial cancer (2,833 cases) was associated with exposure to animal dust (RR 1.2, low level, 174 cases) and sedentary work (RR 1.3, high level, 145 cases). Cervical cancer (1,101 cases) was associated with exposure to aliphatic and alicyclic (RR 1.3, low level, 91 cases), aromatic (RR 1.2, low level, 318 cases; RR 1.4, high level, 41 cases), and chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents (RR 1.3, low level, 50 cases), silica dust (RR 1.2, low level, 251 cases), and wood dust (RR 1.2, low level, 249 cases).

Conclusions

This study suggests that occupational exposures may be associated with increased risk of endometrial and cervical cancers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 39:572–580, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Report from the third international meeting of the Attention‐Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Molecular Genetics Network
Authors: Faraone Stephen V.
Published: August 2002

Growing evidence of a genetic contribution to attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has prompted investigators from around the world to convene annually to discuss ways of facilitating collaboration and sharing information about their work on this topic. The number of participants in the meeting has grown each year as a result of enthusiastic responses to each previous conference. This third annual meeting, held in Boston, began with presentations of ongoing and proposed collaborations. The status of Hypescheme, an operational criteria checklist developed in an effort to promote the reliable communication of information related to ADHD, was reviewed. A symposium was conducted to review current evidence for whether DSM‐IV subtypes breed true. Finally, new data from individual research sites were presented. Despite recent advances, more work is needed to better characterize heritable aspects of the ADHD phenotype as well as the actual candidate genes themselves. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of linkage disequilibrium between chromosome 22q11 single nucleotide polymorphisms in a large outbred population
Authors: Shaw Sarah H. , Hutchison Don , Saiz Robert , Abel Ken , Delisi Lynn E. , Schork Nicholas J. , Sherrington Robin
Published: August 2002

To assess the utility of linkage disequilibrium (LD) as a tool for fine‐mapping disease genes in non‐isolated populations, we have assessed the linkage disequilibrium strength among a series of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in an approximate 1 Mb region of human chromosome 22q11. Nineteen random SNPs were discovered and tested across this region with an average spacing of 57 kb (range = 1.4–289 kb). These 19 SNPs were genotyped in a population consisting of 444 unrelated pedigrees that were largely collected in the U.S. and U.K. Haplotypes for all pedigrees were derived from pedigree data and over 1,400 haplotypes from unrelated individuals were evaluated for linkage disequilibrium between marker alleles. In addition, linkage disequilibrium between marker alleles was also evaluated using estimated haplotypes without genealogical information (i.e., without parental genotype information). Every marker pair combination was tested for a total of 171 tests and 2 × 2 contingency tables were constructed to measure LD strength. In general the haplotypes derived from pedigree data provided a more conservative estimate of LD strength. Using genealogical information for estimates of D′, 59% (10/17) of marker pairs less than 50 kb apart had D′ values > 0.30. Finally, we observed a 60 kb region with non‐significant LD, which could reflect increased recombination in this region. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Case control and family‐based studies of tryptophan hydroxylase gene A218C polymorphism and suicidality in adolescents
Authors: Zalsman Gil , Frisch Amos , King Robert A. , Pauls David L. , Grice Dorothy E. , Gelernter Joel , Alsobrook John , Michaelovsky Elena , Apter Alan , Tyano Samuel , Weizman Abraham , Leckman James F.
Published: August 2002

The association of suicidality with polymorphism A218C in intron 7 of tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) gene remains controversial. The aim of this study was to use family‐based methods to examine this association in adolescents in order to eliminate the difficulty of sampling a control group from the same ethnic population. Eighty‐eight inpatient adolescents who recently attempted suicide were assessed by structured interview for detailed clinical history, diagnoses, suicide intent, suicide risk, impulsivity, aggression, and depression. DNA samples were collected from all subjects, from both biological parents of 40 subjects and from one parent of 9 subjects; TPH allele frequencies were calculated and tested for association to phenotype, stratified by severity, using the haplotype relative risk (HRR) and transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) methods (n = 49). The frequencies were also compared for all the Jewish subjects (n = 84) to the known frequencies of these alleles in healthy Jewish populations. There was no significant allelic association of A218C polymorphism with suicidal behavior or other phenotypic measures according to the HRR method (chi‐square = 0.094; P = 0.76), the TDT (chi‐square = 0.258; P = 0.61), or association analysis to known population frequencies (chi‐square = 1.667, P = 0.19 for Ashkenazi, and chi‐square = 0.810, P = 0.37 for non‐Ashkenazi). Analysis of variance with the Scheffè test demonstrated a significant difference between CC and AA genotypes in suicide risk and depression among the patients (n = 88). The findings suggest that polymorphism A218C has no major relevance to the pathogenesis of adolescent suicidal behavior, but may have a subtle effect on some related phenotypes. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Manipulating the affiliative interactions of group‐housed rhesus macaques using positive reinforcement training techniques
Authors: Schapiro Steven J. , Perlman Jaine E. , Boudreau Brock A.
Published: August 2002

Social housing, whether continuous, intermittent, or partial contact, typically provides many captive primates with opportunities to express affiliative behaviors, important components of the species‐typical behavioral repertoire. Positive reinforcement training techniques have been successfully employed to shape many behaviors important for achieving primate husbandry goals. The present study was conducted to determine whether positive reinforcement training techniques could also be employed to alter levels of affiliative interactions among group‐housed rhesus macaques. Twenty‐eight female rhesus were divided into high (n = 14) and low (n = 14) affiliators based on a median split of the amount of time they spent affiliating during the baseline phase of the study. During the subsequent training phase, half of the low affiliators (n = 7) were trained to increase their time spent affiliating, and half of the high affiliators (n = 7) were trained to decrease their time spent affiliating. Trained subjects were observed both during and outside of training sessions. Low affiliators significantly increased the amount of time they spent affiliating, but only during nontraining sessions. High affiliators on the other hand, significantly decreased the amount of time they spent affiliating, but only during training sessions. These data suggest that positive reinforcement techniques can be used to alter the affiliative behavior patterns of group‐housed, female rhesus monkeys, although the two subgroups of subjects responded differently to the training process. Low affiliators changed their overall behavioral repertoire, while high affiliators responded to the reinforcement contingencies of training, altering their proximity patterns but not their overall behavior patterns. Thus, positive reinforcement training can be used not only as a means to promote species‐typical or beneficial behavior patterns, but also as an important experimental manipulation to facilitate systematic analyses of the effects of psychosocial factors on behavior and potentially even immunology. Am. J. Primatol. 55:137–149, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
DNA decay rate in papyri and human remains from Egyptian archaeological sites
Authors: Marota Isolina , Basile Corrado , Ubaldi Massimo , Rollo Franco
Published: August 2002

The writing sheets made with strips from the stem (caulis) of papyri (Cyperus papyrus) are one of the most ingenious products of ancient technology. We extracted DNA from samples of modern papyri varying in age from 0–100 years BP and from ancient specimens from Egypt, with an age‐span from 1,300–3,200 years BP. The copy number of the plant chloroplast DNA in the sheets was determined using a competitive PCR system designed on the basis of a short (90 bp) tract of the chloroplast's ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase large subunit (rbcL) gene sequence. The results allowed us to establish that the DNA half‐life in papyri is about 19–24 years. This means that the last DNA fragments will vanish within no more than 532–672 years from the sheets being manufactured. In a parallel investigation, we checked the archaeological specimens for the presence of residual DNA and determined the extent of racemization of aspartic (Asp) acid in both modern and ancient specimens, as a previous report (Poinar et al. [1996], Science 272:864–866) showed that racemization of aspartic acid and DNA decay are linked. The results confirmed the complete loss of authentic DNA, even in the less ancient (8th century AD) papyri. On the other hand, when the regression for Asp racemization rates in papyri was compared with that for human and animal remains from Egyptian archaeological sites, it proved, quite surprisingly, that the regressions are virtually identical. Our study provides an indirect argument against the reliability of claims about the recovery of authentic DNA from Egyptian mummies and bone remains. Am J Phys Anthropol 117:310–318, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Partial epilepsy with pericentral spikes: A new familial epilepsy syndrome with evidence for linkage to chromosome 4p15
Authors: Kinton Lucy , Johnson Michael R. , Smith Shelagh J. M. , Farrell Fiona , Stevens John , Rance James B. , Claudino Angelica M. , Duncan John S. , Davis Mary B. , Wood Nicholas W. , Sander Josemir W. A.
Published: August 2002

The genetic analysis of simple Mendelian epilepsies remains a key strategy in advancing our understanding of epilepsy. In this article, we describe a new family epilepsy syndrome, partial epilepsy with pericentral spikes, which we map to chromosome 4p15. We distinguish it clinically, electrophysiologically, and genetically from previously described Mendelian epilepsies. The family described is a large Brazilian kindred of Portuguese extraction in which affected family members manifest a variety of seizure types, including hemiclonic, hemitonic, generalized tonic‐clonic, simple partial (stereotyped episodes of epigastric pain), and complex partial seizures consistent with temporal lobe epilepsy. The syndrome is benign, either requiring no treatment or responding to a single antiepileptic medication. Seizure onset is in the first or second decades of life, with seizures in individuals up to the age of 71 years and documented encephalogram changes up to the age of 30 years. A key feature of partial epilepsy with pericentral spikes is a characteristic encephalogram abnormality of spikes or sharp waves in the pericentral region (centroparietal, centrofrontal, or centrotemporal). This distinctive encephalogram abnormality of pericentral spikes unites these several seizure types into a discrete family epilepsy syndrome. As with other familial epilepsies, the inherited nature of this new syndrome may be overlooked because of the variability in penetrance and seizure types among affected family members.
Monocyte activation and differentiation augment human endogenous retrovirus expression: Implications for inflammatory brain diseases
Authors: Johnston James B. , Silva Claudia , Holden Janet , Warren Kenneth G. , Clark Arthur W. , Power Christopher
Published: August 2002

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) have been implicated as causative agents in diseases characterized by inflammation and macrophage activation, such as multiple sclerosis. Because monocyte activation and differentiation influence retroviral transcription and replication, we investigated the contribution of these processes to the expression of four HERV families (HERV‐W, HERV‐K, HERV‐E, and HERV‐H) in human monocytes and autopsied brain tissue from patients with brain diseases associated with increased macrophage activity. Reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction analysis of primary macrophages and U937 monocytoid cells stimulated with phorbol‐12‐myristate‐13‐acetate or lipopolysaccharide revealed three‐ to ninefold increases in HERV‐W, HERV‐K, and HERV‐H RNA levels. In addition, elevated reverse transcriptase activity and HERV RNA were detectable in supernatants from PMA‐stimulated U937 cultures, properties that could be attenuated with the inhibitor of monocyte differentiation threonine‐lysine‐proline. In contrast, stimulation of monocytes decreased or had no effect on HERV‐E expression. Compared with controls, HERV‐W and HERV‐K expression was increased in brain tissue from patients with multiple sclerosis or human immunodeficiency virus infection or AIDS, with concomitant elevated tumor necrosis factor‐α levels. Similarly, elevated HERV‐W levels were detected in patients with Alzheimer's dementia only when tumor necrosis factor‐α expression was also evident (2 of 6 cases). The detection of several HERVs in inflammatory brain diseases and the capacity to augment HERV expression in monocytes with compounds that influence cellular activity suggest that increased expression of these viruses is a consequence of increased immune activity rather than causative of distinct diseases.
Autosomal dominant Glut‐1 deficiency syndrome and familial epilepsy
Authors: Brockmann Knut , Wang Dong , Korenke Christoph G. , Von Moers Arpad , Ho Yuan‐Yuan , Pascual Juan M. , Kuang Kunyan , Yang Hong , Ma Li , Kranz‐Eble Pamela , Fischbarg Jorge , Hanefeld Folker , De Vivo Darryl C.
Published: August 2002

Glut‐1 deficiency syndrome was first described in 1991 as a sporadic clinical condition, later shown to be the result of haploinsufficiency. We now report a family with Glut‐1 deficiency syndrome affecting 5 members over 3 generations. The syndrome behaves as an autosomal dominant condition. Affected family members manifested mild to severe seizures, developmental delay, ataxia, hypoglycorrhachia, and decreased erythrocyte 3‐O‐methyl‐D‐glucose uptake. Seizure frequency and severity were aggravated by fasting, and responded to a carbohydrate load. Glut‐1 immunoreactivity in erythrocyte membranes was normal. A heterozygous R126H missense mutation was identified in the 3 patients available for testing, 2 brothers (Generation 3) and their mother (Generation 2). The sister and her father were clinically and genotypically normal. In vitro mutagenesis studies in Xenopus laevis oocytes demonstrated significant decreases in the transport of 3‐O‐methyl‐D‐glucose and dehydroascorbic acid. Xenopus oocyte membranes expressed high amounts of the R126H mutant Glut‐1. Kinetic analysis indicated that replacement of arginine‐126 by histidine in the mutant Glut‐1 resulted in a lower Vmax. These studies demonstrate the pathogenicity of the R126H missense mutation and transmission of Glut‐1 deficiency syndrome as an autosomal dominant trait.