bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uveal Melanocytes Produce Matrix Metalloproteinases‐2 and ‐9 In Vitro
Authors: Chu Shu‐Chen , Hu Dan‐Ning , Yang Shun‐Fa , Yang Pei‐Yuh , Hsieh Yih‐Shou , Huang Shen‐Min , Yu Guopei , McCormick Steven A.
Published: November 2004

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 and MMP‐9 by cultured human uveal melanocytes, and to test the effects of 12‐O‐tetradecanoyl‐phorbol‐13‐acetate on the expression of these MMPs. Gelatin zymography of conditioned culture medium from four cultures of human uveal melanocytes (two cultures of iridal melanocytes and two cultures of choroidal melanocytes) detected MMP‐2 (72 kDa) and a relatively small amount of MMP‐9 (92 kDa), both in the latent form. RT‐PCR analysis revealed the MMP‐2 mRNA and MMP‐9 mRNA in cultured uveal melanocytes. Addition of 12‐O‐tetradecanoyl‐phorbol‐13‐acetate (10 ng/ml) to the culture medium caused an increase of production of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 by cultured uveal melanocytes, and also stimulated the transcription of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 of these cells.
Association between nutrition and the prosthetic condition in edentulous elderly
Authors: Oliveira Terezinha R. C. de , Frigerio Maria L. M. A.
Published: November 2004

Objectives:  The aim of this study was to assess the possible risk of malnutrition among the elderly population.

Subjects:  twenty‐three pairs of complete dentures were made for a group of patients and 17 upper complete dentures with implant‐supported lower dentures were made for a different group.

Methods:  The study was performed at the University of São Paulo – Dental Branch, Brazil. The patients were submitted to a nutritional test, as well as to a clinical examination and interview. Chewing ability and patient's satisfaction with their prostheses were evaluated. The nonparametric statistics proof of chi‐squared, level 0.05 was performed and because of the low frequencies. The Fischer test was also used.

Results:  Patients wearing mandibular implant‐supported dentures were considered well nourished (76.47%) when compared with complete dentures users (43.48%). There was a significant difference between the two groups, concerning to chewing ability (χ2 = 5.79) and nutritional status (χ2 = 4.35).

Conclusion:  The risk of malnutrition was higher for elderly wearing complete dentures. The psychological state influences the interest in diet and choice of food.
Political issues in emergency medicine: The United Kingdom
Authors: Hughes Geoffrey
Published: November 2004

A recent issue of this Journal published two papers on political issues facing the specialty of emergency medicine in the USA and in Canada. This paper continues the theme from a UK perspective. In recent years there has been significant change in the National Health Service, which has had (or will have) both direct and indirect consequences for the specialty of emergency medicine and the delivery of emergency care in the UK. This article describes some of the recent National Health Service initiatives and their implications for emergency medicine.
Regulation of gating by negative charges in the cytoplasmic pore in the Kir2.1 channel
Authors: Xie Lai‐Hua , John Scott A. , Ribalet Bernard , Weiss James N.
Published: November 2004

Inward rectifier K+ channels commonly exhibit long openings (slow gating) punctuated by rapid open–close transitions (fast gating), suggesting that two separate gates may control channel open–closed transitions. Previous studies have suggested possible gate locations at the selectivity filter and at the ‘bundle crossing’, where the two transmembrane segments (M1 and M2) cross near the cytoplasmic end of the pore. Wild‐type Kir2.1 channels exhibit only slow gating, but mutations in the cytoplasmic pore domain at E224 and E299 have been shown to induce fast flickery gating. Since these mutations also affect polyamine affinity, we conjectured that the fast gating mechanism might affect the kinetics of polyamine block/unblock if located more intracellularly than the polyamine blocking site in the pore. Neutralization of either E224 or E299 induced fast gating and slowed both block and unblock rates by the polyamine diamine 10. The slowing of polyamine block/unblock was partly relieved by raising pH from 7.2 to 9.0, which also slowed fast gating kinetics. These findings indicate that the fast flickery gate is located intracellularly with respect to the polyamine pore‐plugging site near D172, thereby excluding the selectivity filter, and implicating the bundle crossing or more intracellular site as the gate. As additional proof, fast gating induced at the selectivity filter by disrupting P loop salt bridges in WT‐E138D–E138D‐WT tandem had no effect on polyamine block and unblock rates. The pH sensitivity of fast gating in E224 and E299 mutants was attributed to the protonation state of H226, since the double mutant E224Q/H226K induced fast gating which was pH insensitive. Moreover, introducing a negative charge in the 224–226 region was sufficient to prevent fast gating, since the double mutant E224Q/H226E rescued wild‐type Kir2.1 slow gating. These observations implicate E224 and E299 as allosteric modulators of a fast gate, located at the bundle crossing or below in Kir2.1 channels. By suppressing fast gating, these negative charges facilitate polyamine block and unblock, which may be their physiologically important role.
Acute desensitization of GIRK current in rat atrial myocytes is related to K+ current flow
Authors: Bender Kirsten , Wellner‐Kienitz Marie‐Cécile , Bösche Leif I. , Rinne Andreas , Beckmann Christian , Pott Lutz
Published: November 2004

We have investigated the acute desensitization of acetylcholine‐activated GIRK current (IK(ACh)) in cultured adult rat atrial myocytes. Acute desensitization of IK(ACh) is observed as a partial relaxation of current with a half‐time of < 5 s when muscarinic M2 receptors are stimulated by a high concentration (> 2 μmol l−1) of ACh. Under this condition experimental manoeuvres that cause a decrease in the amplitude of IK(ACh), such as partial block of M2 receptors by atropine, intracellular loading with GDP‐β‐S, or exposure to Ba2+, caused a reduction in desensitization. Acute desensitization was also identified as a decrease in current amplitude and a blunting of the response to saturating [ACh] (20 μmol l−1) when the current had been partially activated by a low concentration of ACh or by stimulation of adenosine A1 receptors. A reduction in current analogous to acute desensitization was observed when ATP‐dependent K+ current (IK(ATP)) was activated either by mitochondrial uncoupling using 2,4‐dinitrophenole (DNP) or by the channel opener rilmakalim. Adenovirus‐driven overexpression of Kir2.1, a subunit of constitutively active inwardly rectifying K+ channels, resulted in a large Ba2+‐sensitive background K+ current and a dramatic reduction of ACh‐activated current. Adenovirus‐driven overexpression of GIRK4 (Kir3.4) subunits resulted in an increased agonist‐independent GIRK current paralleled by a reduction in IK(ACh) and removal of the desensitizing component. These data indicate that acute desensitization depends on K+ current flow, independent of the K+ channel species, suggesting that it reflects a reduction in electrochemical driving force rather than a bona fide signalling mechanism. This is supported by the observation that desensitization is paralleled by a significant negative shift in reversal potential of IK(ACh). Since the ACh‐induced hyperpolarization shows comparable desensitization properties as IK(ACh), this novel current‐dependent desensitization is a physiologically relevant process, shaping the time course of parasympathetic bradycardia.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of a bicyclo[4.1.0]heptyl analogue of glucose-1-phosphate
Authors: Dookhun Veedeeta , Bennet Andrew J
Published: November 2004

The synthesis of a bicyclo[4.1.0]heptyl analogue of glucose-1-phophate, (1R,2R,3S,4S,5S,6S)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)-bicyclo[4.1.0]heptan-2-yl dihydrogen phosphate (5) is reported. The synthetic route chosen started with methyl α-D-glucopyranoside and was accomplished in 11 steps with an overall yield of 3%. Compound 5 was tested as a potential substrate of UTP:α-D-glucose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase, the enzyme that converts glucose-1-phosphate into UDP-glucose. However, the conformationally restricted glucose-1-phosphate analogue 5 was found to be a weakly binding inhibitor, rather than a substrate, of the yeast transferase (12% inhibition at a concentration of 0.1 mmol L1).Key words: glucose 1-phosphate, inhibition, UTP:α-D-glucose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase.
JOIN WORKLOAD PARTITIONING UNDER UNIFORM AND SKEWED INPUT RELATIONS
Authors: BARLOS FOTIOS , FRIEDER OPHIR
Published: November 2004

Parallel Join algorithms partition the workload into buckets and assign each bucket to a node of the multiprocessor system. The existing algorithms use the volume of the load as a metric to determine the bucket boundaries. When the input relations exhibit a high degree of skew, the above metric does not achieve uniform partitioning. We propose a new method to partition the workload of the Join operation that guarantees near equal execution time of the created buckets. We present results obtained from the Intel 1860 hypercube system that support our theory.
A REVIEW OF CP VIOLATION IN ATOMS
Authors: BARR S.M.
Published: November 2004

The subject of atomic and molecular electric dipole moments is reviewed from the perspective of currently interesting theories of CP violation beyond the standard model.
EFFECTIVE CHIRAL LAGRANGIANS FOR STRONG, WEAK AND ELECTROMAGNETIC-WEAK INTERACTIONS OF MESONS FROM QUARK FLAVOR DYNAMICS
Authors: EBERT D. , BEL’KOV A.A. , LANYOV A.V. , SCHAALE A.
Published: November 2004

Effective chiral Lagrangians for strong, weak and electromagnetic-weak interactions of composite pseudoscalar, vector and axial-vector mesons are derived up to the fourth order in the chiral expansion from quark flavor dynamics based on the Nambu-Jona-Lasinio model. This approach completes earlier work on strong interactions and applies the path-integral bosonization method to the nonleptonic weak quark Lagrangian including the emission of structural photons. As illustrations, the bosonized weak and electromagnetic-weak Lagrangians are applied to the description of K→π(η) and K→π(η)γ* transitions.
QUARKS AS TOPOLOGICAL DEFECTS — OR, WHAT IS CONFINED INSIDE A HADRON?
Authors: KOVNER A. , ROSENSTEIN B.
Published: November 2004

We present a picture of confinement based on representation of constituent quarks as pointlike topological defects. The topological charge carried by quarks and confined in hadrons is explicitly constructed in terms of Yang-Mills variables. In 2+1 dimensions we are able to construct a local complex scalar field V(x), in terms of which the topological charge is [Formula: see text]. The VEV of the field V in the confining phase is nonzero and the charge is the winding number corresponding to homotopy group π1(S1). Quarks carry the charge Q and therefore are topological solitons. The phase rotation of V is generated by the operator of magnetic flux. Unlike in QED, the U(1) magnetic flux is explicitly broken by the monopoles. This results in formation of a string between a quark and an antiquark. The effective Lagrangian for V is derived in models with adjoint and fundamental quarks. This topological mechanism of confinement is basically different from the one proposed by ’t Hooft in which the elementary objects are linelike domain walls. A baryon is described as a Y-shaped configuration of strings. In 3+1 dimensions the explicit expression for V, and therefore a detailed picture, is not available. However, assuming the validity of the same mechanism we point out several interesting qualitative consequences.
DATA-DRIVEN INDUCTIVE INFERENCE OF FINITE-STATE AUTOMATA
Authors: GREGOR J.
Published: November 2004

Within the field of structural pattern analysis, algorithms for inference of discrete mathematical models from samples are an important area of research. This paper gives an extensive survey of state-of-the-art methods for data-driven inductive inference of finite-state automata. In addition to providing notationally consistent descriptions of the methods’ fundamental mode of operation, aspects such as sequential learning, advantages and disadvantages, and the extension to stochastic automata are also addressed.
RECOGNITION OF ELEVATION VALUE IN TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS BY MULTI-ANGLED PARALLELISM
Authors: YAMADA HIROMITSU , YAMAMOTO KAZUHIKO , SAITO TAIICHI , HOSOKAWA KATSUMI
Published: November 2004

We have proposed the MAP (Multi-Angled Parallel) operation method which extracts geometric features from a topographic map using erosion-dilation operations on a directional feature field. We have also proposed the MAP matching method which recognizes fixed-shaped symbols in the topographic map by using parallel operations on the same directional feature field. We have shown that all kinds of feature extraction and recognition can be effectively performed within the framework of parallel operation.

In this paper, we show that elevation values in a topographic map can be recognized by a combination of MAP operation with the MAP matching. Numerals and symbols are recognized by the MAP matching method, while small dots and lines are extracted by the MAP operation method. These results are used together to determine the value, position and attribute of elevations in topographic maps.
A LOW COST SIMULTANEOUS VOICE AND DATA COMMUNICATIONS LINK FOR LOCAL AREA NETWORKS ON A 4 WIRE SYSTEM
Authors: BROWN DAVID A. , RIZKALLA MAHER E.
Published: November 2004

This paper provides details concerning the design of an integrated voice and data communications link for a Local Area Network that must utilize residential type 2 pair telephone wiring as its transmission medium. The communications link can provide a worst case total data rate of 80 K bps (full duplex), 80 K analog samples of audio signals total (full duplex), as well as power and ground for remote terminals. In a system design that utilizes the communications link discussed here, the above total values of data and audio information flow can be divided by the number of terminals anticipated in the system in any ratio desired.

The intent of the design of the communications link is to provide what is believed to be the most cost effective means of implementing an intelligent network of consumer based products in a residential or small business type of environment. In this document, the original technical problem is discussed along with details concerning the development of the solution presented here. The system design example that is presented is only provided as an aid to understanding how the communications link can be applied and is not the focus of the central concept. In that example, the system is comprised of 8 remote terminals and one central control terminal — all of which are voice and data devices. Therefore, the available continuous data rate per terminal is 10 K bps with 5 Khz full duplex audio.
COMPUTER SIMULATION SOFTWARE REUSE BY GENERIC/SPECIFIC DOMAIN MODELING APPROACH
Authors: LUNG CHUNG-HORNG , COCHRAN JEFFERY K. , MACKULAK GERALD T. , URBAN JOSEPH E.
Published: November 2004

Software reuse has drawn much attention in computing research. Domain analysis is considered a prerequisite to effective reuse of existing software. Several approaches and methodologies have been proposed for domain analysis or domain modeling, but not many case studies have been reported in the literature. The first objective of this paper is to present the concept and practical experiences of a domain analysis approach in discrete-event simulation in manufacturing — generic /specific modeling.

A second objective of this paper is to present a meta-model based on the generic/ specific approach from the software engineering perspective. The steps and knowledge required to build the model are described. Domain analysis lessons learned from the generic/specific approach in discrete-event simulation are discussed. Classification of this domain modeling approach was conducted through the Wartik and Prieto-Diaz criteria. The classification will facilitate the comparison with other domain analysis approaches. Similar modeling concepts or techniques may be beneficial to other researchers in their own application domains.
A ROBUST TOPOLOGY-ORIENTED INCREMENTAL ALGORITHM FOR VORONOI DIAGRAMS
Authors: SUGIHARA KOKICHI , IRI MASAO
Published: November 2004

The paper presents a robust algorithm for constructing Voronoi diagrams in the plane. The algorithm is based on an incremental method, but is quite new in that it is robust against numerical errors. Conventionally, geometric algorithms have been designed on the assumption that numerical errors do not take place, and hence they are not necessarily valid for real computers where numerical errors are inevitable. The algorithm to be proposed in this paper, on the other hand, is designed with the recognition that numerical errors are inevitable in real computation; i.e., in the proposed algorithm higher priority is placed on topological structures than on numerical values. As a result, the algorithm is "completely" robust in the sense that it always gives some output however poor the precision of numerical computation may be. In general, the output cannot be more than an approximation to the true Voronoi diagram which we should have got by infinite-precision computation. However, the algorithm is asymptotically correct in the sense that the output converges to the true diagram as the precision becomes higher. Moreover, careful choice of the way of numerical computation makes the algorithm stable enough; indeed the present version of the algorithm can construct in single-precision arithmetic a correct Voronoi diagram for one million generators randomly placed in the unit square in the plane.
TREE-WEIGHTED NEIGHBORS AND GEOMETRIC k SMALLEST SPANNING TREES
Authors: EPPSTEIN DAVID
Published: November 2004

We compute the k smallest spanning trees of a point set in the planar Euclidean metric in time O(n log n log k + k min (k, n)1/2 log (k/n)), and in the rectilinear metric in time O(n log n + n log log n log k + k ( min {k, n})1/2 log (k/n)). In three or four dimensions our time bound is O(n4/3 + ∊ + k( min {k, n})1/2 log (k/n)), and in higher dimensions the bound is O(n2−2/(⌈d/2⌉+1)+∊ + kn1/2 log n). Our technique involves a method of computing nearest neighbors using a modified set of distances formed by subtracting tree path lengths from the Euclidean distance.
NONRECIPROCAL OPTICAL SYSTEMS WITH PHASE-CONJUGATING MIRRORS — A NEW CLASS OF OPTICAL IMAGING SYSTEM
Authors: LESHCHEV A.A. , SIDOROVICH V.G. , VASIL’EV M.V. , VENEDIKTOV V.YU. , PASMANIK G.A.
Published: November 2004

A method for removing some of the restrictions imposed in conventional phase conjugation imaging applications is proposed. It provides the possibility of transformation of both the image scale and its distance from the imaging lens system. Theoretical treatments and numerical results for the paraxial as well as the nonparaxial cases are presented, along with experimental demonstrations of the feasibility of this method.
COMPARISON AND EVALUATION OF A CLASS OF IDA* ALGORITHMS
Authors: WAH BENJAMIN W. , SHANG YI
Published: November 2004

In this paper, we study the performance of various IDA*-style searches and investigate methods to improve their performance by predicting in each stage the threshold to be used for pruning. Without loss of generality, we consider minimization problems in this paper. We first present three models to approximate the distribution of the number of search nodes by lower bounds: exponential, geometric, and linear, and illustrate these distributions based on some well-known combinatorial search problems. Based on these distributions, we show the performance of an ideal IDA* algorithm and identify reasons why existing IDA*-style algorithms perform well. In practice, we will be able to know from experience the type of distribution for a given problem instance, but will not be able to know the parameters of this distribution until the instance is solved. Hence, we develop RIDA*, a method that estimates dynamically the parameters of the distribution, and predicts the best threshold to be used in each stage. Finally, we compare the performance of several IDA*-style algorithms—Korf’s IDA* and RBFS, RIDA*, IDA*_CR and DFS*—on several application problems, and identify conditions under which each of these algorithms will perform well.
GLOBAL MUTATION OF KNOTS
Authors: ROLFSEN DALE
Published: November 2004

We discuss new methods of changing knot and link diagrams in such a way that their Jones polynomial is unaltered. It is similar to Conway's mutation, but applies to more complicated "tangles," and is performed simultaneously at multiple sites in the diagram — thus "global mutation." The method of achieving this can be regarded as communication via "messenger tangles."
Evaluating metabolic syndrome in a medical physiology laboratory
Authors: Martin Bruce , Watkins John B. , Ramsey J. W.
Published: November 2004

The metabolic syndrome, a cluster of factors linked to obesity that contribute to risk for atherosclerosis and Type 2 diabetes, may affect 20–25% of the adults in the United States. We designed a medical physiology laboratory to evaluate and discuss the physiological and nutritional principles involved in the metabolic syndrome. The five criteria used to diagnose this syndrome (fasting blood triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and glucose, blood pressure, central obesity) were measured by students on each other either previously or during this exercise. In addition, to illustrate nutritional factors involved in causation and treatment of the metabolic syndrome, a meal was provided during the laboratory. Class members were randomized to groups allowed ad libitum meal composition, or constrained to the National Cholesterol Education Program Step I or Step II diets. The composition of the diet (including saturated fat, cholesterol, dietary fiber, and carbohydrate content) was discussed in the context of blood cholesterol, triglyceride, and glucose levels. This laboratory allows a comprehensive analysis of the physiological and nutritional factors involved in the development of the metabolic syndrome.
Breakpoint analysis of the pericentric inversion between chimpanzee chromosome 10 and the homologous chromosome 12 in humans
Authors: Kehrer-Sawatzki H. , Sandig C.A. , Goidts V. , Hameister H.
Published: November 2004

During this study, we analysed the pericentric inversion that distinguishes human chromosome 12 (HSA12) from the homologous chimpanzee chromosome (PTR10). Two large chimpanzee-specific duplications of 86 and 23 kb were observed in the breakpoint regions, which most probably occurred associated with the inversion. The inversion break in PTR10p caused the disruption of the SLCO1B3 gene in exon 11. However, the 86-kb duplication includes the functional SLCO1B3 locus, which is thus retained in the chimpanzee, although inverted to PTR10q. The second duplication spans 23 kb and does not contain expressed sequences. Eleven genes map to a region of about 1 Mb around the breakpoints. Six of these eleven genes are not among the differentially expressed genes as determined previously by comparing the human and chimpanzee transcriptome of fibroblast cell lines, blood leukocytes, liver and brain samples. These findings imply that the inversion did not cause major expression differences of these genes. Comparative FISH analysis with BACs spanning the inversion breakpoints in PTR on metaphase chromosomes of gorilla (GGO) confirmed that the pericentric inversion of the chromosome 12 homologs in GGO and PTR have distinct breakpoints and that humans retain the ancestral arrangement. These findings coincide with the trend observed in hominoid karyotype evolution that humans have a karyotype close to an ancestral one, while African great apes present with more derived chromosome arrangements.
Evolutionary conserved chromosomal segments in the human karyotype are bounded by unstable chromosome bands
Authors: Ruiz-Herrera A. , García F. , Mora L. , Egozcue J. , Ponsà M. , Garcia M.
Published: November 2004

In this paper an ancestral karyotype for primates, defining for the first time the ancestral chromosome morphology and the banding patterns, is proposed, and the ancestral syntenic chromosomal segments are identified in the human karyotype. The chromosomal bands that are boundaries of ancestral segments are identified. We have analyzed from data published in the literature 35 different primate species from 19 genera, using the order Scandentia, as well as other published mammalian species as out-groups, and propose an ancestral chromosome number of 2n = 54 for primates, which includes the following chromosomal forms: 1(a+c1), 1(b+c2), 2a, 2b, 3/21, 4, 5, 6, 7a, 7b, 8, 9, 10a, 10b, 11, 12a/22a, 12b/22b, 13, 14/15, 16a, 16b, 17, 18, 19a, 19b, 20 and X and Y. From this analysis, we have been able to point out the human chromosome bands more “prone” to breakage during the evolutionary pathways and/or pathology processes. We have observed that 89.09% of the human chromosome bands, which are boundaries for ancestral chromosome segments, contain common fragile sites and/or intrachromosomal telomeric-like sequences. A more in depth analysis of twelve different human chromosomes has allowed us to determine that 62.16% of the chromosomal bands implicated in inversions and 100% involved in fusions/fissions correspond to fragile sites, intrachromosomal telomeric-like sequences and/or bands significantly affected by X irradiation. In addition, 73% of the bands affected in pathological processes are co-localized in bands where fragile sites, intrachromosomal telomeric-like sequences, bands significantly affected by X irradiation and/or evolutionary chromosomal bands have been described. Our data also support the hypothesis that chromosomal breakages detected in pathological processes are not randomly distributed along the chromosomes, but rather concentrate in those important evolutionary chromosome bands which correspond to fragile sites and/or intrachromosomal telomeric-like sequences.
The evolution of the azoospermia factor region AZFa in higher primates
Authors: Wimmer R. , Kirsch S. , Rappold G.A. , Schempp W.
Published: November 2004

Clones of a PAC contig encompassing the human AZFa region in Yq11.21 were comparatively FISH mapped to great ape Y chromosomes. While the orthologous AZFa locus in the chimpanzee, the bonobo and the gorilla maps to the long arm of their Y chromosomes in Yq12.1→q12.2, Yq13.1→q13.2 and Yq11.2, respectively, it is found on the short arm of the orang-utan subspecies of Borneo and Sumatra, in Yp12.3 and Yp13.2, respectively. Regarding the order of PAC clones and genes within the AZFa region, no differences could be detected between apes and man, indicating a strong evolutionary stability of this non-recombining region.
Panels of somatic cell hybrids specific for chimpanzee, gorilla, orangutan, and baboon
Authors: Marzella R. , Carrozzo C. , Chiarappa P. , Miolla V. , Rocchi M.
Published: November 2004

The generation of panels of somatic cell hybrids specific for chimpanzee, gorilla, orangutan, and olive baboon is reported. The chromosome content of each hybrid clone was characterized using reverse painting on human normal metaphases and by the use of appropriate sequence tag sites (STSs), one for each chromosome arm. These resources can be advantageously exploited in the characterization of chromosome architecture of different primate species, with special reference to the discrimination of inter- and intra-chromosomal arrangement of segmental duplications.
Development of an Inexpensive Raindrop Size Spectrometer
Authors: Henson William , Austin Geoff , Oudenhoven Harry
Published: November 2004

The deployment of weather radar, notably in mountainous terrain with many microclimates, requires the use of several or even many drop size spectrometers to provide confidence in the quantitative relation between radar reflectivity and rainfall. While there are several different commercial disdrometers available they are all expensive, large, or fragile, which militates against multiple deployment in the field. The design brief was for a reasonably accurate and sensitive, low-cost and rugged disdrometer to support field work. A design based on piezoceramic disks normally used in hydrophones is described. Calibration and typical field results are presented.
Palaeoflood hydrology: an emerging science
Authors: Saint-Laurent Diane
Published: November 2004

On examining the scientific literature of recent years, one notices an increase in the number of studies of global warming and its impact on the Earth’s various environments. Research has been undertaken in various fields such as geomorphology, hydrology and many others. In the context of climatic change, there is growing interest in the study of past floods, or palaeofloods. Researchers are attempting to reconstitute the chronology of past floods, especially with respect to past or subrecent climatic changes. The work involves using different methodological approaches borrowed from various disciplines including geology, geomorphology and ecology. The reconstruction of ancient hydrological events such as palaeofloods in fact requires that different methods and techniques be combined in order to trace the chronology of events as precisely as possible using different biophysical parameters. A wide variety of indicators are used in the chronological reconstruction of ancient fluvial environments, whether in humid, subhumid or desert regions. These indicators involve analysing stratigraphic sequences and sedimentary deposits, organic matter and macrorest deposits, as well as using radiocarbon dating(14C), thermoluminescence (TL), and dendrochronology and lichenometry. In fact, most work on the reconstitution of the frequency and magnitude of ancient floods uses several methods and techniques to obtain the long-term chronology of flood events in relation to the specific conditions (e.g., climate, geomorphology) of a region or study area. With the publication of several studies in palaeohydrology, it was interesting to examine, through a literature review, the various approaches used in the study of palaeofloods. This kind of study has seen major advances, which can be explained partly by the interest generated by global climate change and its effect on river-system dynamics.
The Preparation of TiO2 Nanoparticle Photocatalysts by a Flame Method and Their Photocatalytic Reactivity for the Degradation of 2-Propanol
Authors: Neppolian Bernaurdshaw , Jie Hyun Seock , Ahn Jae-Pyoung , Park Jong-Ku , Anpo Masakazu
Published: November 2004

Bimetal incorporated TiO2 photocatalysts (FeZn–TiO2) prepared by a flame method showed higher catalytic activity for the degradation of 2-propanol diluted with water as compared with mono-metal incorporated or unincorporated TiO2. Using this flame method, the parameters such as a particle size, the crystallinity as well as the anatase and rutile phase ratio, which are important factors to determine the photocatalytic activity of TiO2, could be controlled without calcination of the catalysts.
A New Family of Zwitterionic Liquids Arising from a Phase Transition of Ammonium Inner Salts Containing an Ether Bond
Authors: Yoshizawa Masahiro , Ohno Hiroyuki
Published: November 2004

Aliphatic and alicyclic ammonium inner salts containing an ether bond were prepared as a new family of zwitterionic liquids. Ether bond is not only effective for lowering melting points of ammonium-type zwitterions but also interesting to realize unique solid–solid transition.
Novel Dinuclear Copper(II) Complexes with syn–syn and syn–anti Coordination Modes of Bis(μ-phosphinato)-bridges: Structures and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Koga Koichi , Ohtsubo Miki , Yamada Yasunori , Koikawa Masayuki , Tokii Tadashi
Published: November 2004

Novel dinuclear copper(II) complexes with phosphinato bridging ligands, [Cu2(NO3)(bmp)2(5-dmbpy)2]NO3·H2O (1), [Cu2(bmp)2(5-dmbpy)2(MeOH)2](BF4)2 (2) (Hbmp = bis(4-methoxyphenyl)phosphinic acid, 5-dmbpy = 5,5′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine), have been prepared and characterized. Crystal structures of 1 and 2 have revealed that two copper(II) ions in 1 are linked by two syn–syn bridging phosphinates, whereas 2 has two syn–anti bridging phosphinates. Magnetic susceptibility data for the present complexes are well represented by the dimer equation with the 2J values of −19.1 cm−1 for 1 and −0.7 cm−1 for 2, indicating that weak antiferromagnetic interactions are operative.
Cervicofacial necrotizing fasciitis: can we expect a favourable outcome?
Authors: Panda Naresh K. , Sridhar  , Sridhara Suryanarayana Rao
Published: November 2004

Necrotizing fasciitis of the head and neck is an uncommon, progressive, destructive soft tissue infection of mixed aerobic and anaerobic organisms, having high mortality if left untreated (22 to 100 per cent). This study makes an attempt to analyse various factors and management methods determining the overall prognosis.

A retrospective analysis of all cases of necrotizing fasciitis involving the head and neck, with exclusion of those involving the eyelid and the scalp, was undertaken. Various parameters such as demography, aetiology, complications, management and outcome were studied.

Males outnumbered the females with the latter having a greater risk of involvement after 60 years. Odontogenic infection was the primary source of infection. Anaerobes were cultured in seven out of 17 cases, with six others showing mixed Gram positive and Gram negative organisms.
Anaemia was the most commonly associated illness, with diabetes affecting four out of 17 cases.Aggressive surgical debridement with triple antibiotic therapy was used in the management of necrotizing fasciitis with an overall mortality of 11.8 per cent. Patients having late referral, anaemia and one or other complication had increased duration of total hospital stay.

Better results can be obtained with proper control of infection by early diagnosis, aggressive surgical debridement and triple antibiotic therapy, along with timely control of complications and associated illnesses.
Lower oesophageal meat bolus clearance using a radiologically guided balloon catheter: case in a 94–year–old patient
Authors: Hore I. , Edwards P. , Regi J.M. , Radcliffe G.
Published: November 2004

Lower oesophageal foreign body meat bolus obstruction is potentially life-threatening. We report a case in a 94–year–old woman in which conservative measures and flexible oesophagoscopy were unsuccessful. Rigid oesophagoscopy was considered technically difficult and so clearance by interventional radiology was attempted. Through the mouth a radiologically guided balloon catheter was introduced. It was passed beyond the bolus to dilate the site of obstruction, before being withdrawn and inflated above the bolus, pushing it into the stomach. Although successful in this case, the technique is previously unreported and so its complication rate is unknown. It is therefore presented only to be considered when other treatments are neither effective nor possible.
Modeling Online Browsing and Path Analysis Using Clickstream Data
Authors: Montgomery Alan L. , Li Shibo , Srinivasan Kannan , Liechty John C.
Published: November 2004

Clickstream data provide information about the sequence of pages or the path viewed by users as they navigate a website. We show how path information can be categorized and modeled using a dynamic multinomial probit model of Web browsing. We estimate this model using data from a major online bookseller. Our results show that the memory component of the model is crucial in accurately predicting a path. In comparison, traditional multinomial probit and first-order Markov models predict paths poorly. These results suggest that paths may reflect a user's goals, which could be helpful in predicting future movements at a website. One potential application of our model is to predict purchase conversion. We find that after only six viewings purchasers can be predicted with more than 40% accuracy, which is much better than the benchmark 7% purchase conversion prediction rate made without path information. This technique could be used to personalize Web designs and product offerings based upon a user's path.
How Dynamic Consumer Response, Competitor Response, Company Support, and Company Inertia Shape Long-Term Marketing Effectiveness
Authors: Pauwels Koen
Published: November 2004

Long-term marketing effectiveness is a high-priority research topic for managers, and emerges from the complex interplay among dynamic reactions of several market players. This paper introduces restricted policy simulations to distinguish four dynamic forces: consumer response, competitor response, company inertia, and company support. A rich marketing dataset allows the analysis of price, display, feature, advertising, and product-line extensions.

The first finding is that consumer response differs significantly from the net effectiveness of product-line extensions, price, feature, and advertising. In particular, net sales effects are up to five times stronger and longer-lasting than consumer response. Second, this difference is not due to competitor response, but to company action. For tactical actions (price and feature), it takes the form of inertia, as promotions last for several weeks. For strategic actions (advertising and product-line extensions), support by other marketing instruments greatly enhances dynamic consumer response. This company action negates the postpromotion dip in consumer response, and enhances the long-term sales benefits of product-line extensions, feature, and advertising. Therefore, managers are urged to evaluate company decision rules for inertia and support when assessing long-term marketing effectiveness.
Advertising in a Distribution Channel
Authors: Shaffer Greg , Zettelmeyer Florian
Published: November 2004

Conventional wisdom suggests that one of the goals of manufacturer advertising is to reduce the cross-price elasticity between products (make one's own and rivals' products appear to be less substitutable in the eyes of consumers). Conventional wisdom also suggests that, all else being equal, retailers will be able to obtain better terms of trade from manufacturers the more substitutable are the manufacturers' products. It follows that retailers should be opposed to advertising that has the effect of reducing cross-price elasticities and thus that manufacturer advertising can be a source of channel conflict. We show that these conventional wisdoms need not hold when only some consumers are exposed to the advertising messages. Using a Hotelling model of demand, we show that (1) manufacturers can be worse off from advertising that reduces the cross-price elasticities between their products, (2) channel conflict need not arise, even when the sole purpose of advertising is to affect cross-price elasticities, and (3) depending on its bargaining power, a retailer can be better off when the manufacturers' products are perceived to be less substitutable.
Fatal Case of BOTOX®-Related Anaphylaxis?
Authors: Li M , Goldberger BA , Hopkins C
Published: November 2004

Anaphylactic drug reactions are rare and often serious events. The Botulinum toxin A, marketed as BOTOX®, was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for cervical dystonia and glabellar wrinkles, after its approved use and success with blepharospasm, strabismus, and disorders of the 7th cranial nerve. It has been well received due to its efficacy in improving facial lines. This case report documents the first death associated with a Botox-lidocaine mixture given to a woman for chronic neck and back pain. Based on the medical records, autopsy, and laboratory findings, the cause of death was determined to be anaphylaxis to the Botox-lidocaine mixture. The history, indications, off-label uses and possible future applications of Botox are reviewed as well as the uses and complications of lidocaine. Although the anaphylaxis cannot be definitively proven to be due to Botox alone, this case warns of an adverse reaction related to Botox, a drug that is rapidly expanding in range of use as well as increased usage.
"Pardon me, but your teeth are in my neck": Giambattista Marino, Claudio Monteverdi, and the bacio mordace
Authors: Ossi Massimo
Published: November 2004

Claudio Monteverdi's "Eccomi pronta ai baci" presents an odd pairing of a first-person female voice with a three-voice low male ensemble; in addition, the text, by Giambattista Marino, deals with the subject of the "bacio mordace" [biting kiss], and the female speaker invites her lover to kiss her but warns him against biting her. He of course betrays her, and the poem closes with her outraged complaint and vow never to kiss him again. The combination of text, singing voices, and expressive qualities invoked in the setting suggests that Monteverdi went beyond the conceit of Marino's madrigal in exaggerating the comic and parodistic (in the non-musicological sense of the word) aspects of the situation. In this essay, I explore the background of the kiss imagery, focusing specifically on the "bacio mordace" as an expression of "lover's furor" in Classical and Renaissance sources. I then relate the particular conceit of Marino's poem to Emanuele Tesauro's analysis of the dynamics of literary comedy: the device of decettione [deception or reversal] as part of the ridicolo [comedy] and its attendant burle [pranks]. Finally, I offer a reading of Monteverdi's madrigal in terms of Tesauro's definitions, in which I argue that the setting interjects an extra level of interpretation between the poet and the audience. This musical "filter" introduces new ambiguity into the poem's already equivocal situation, expanding its comic aspects.
Relating results of chronic toxicity responses to population-level effects: Modeling effects on wild chinook salmon populations
Authors: Spromberg Julann A. , Meador James P.
Published: November 2004

Standard toxicity tests assess the physiological responses of individual organisms to exposure to toxic substances under controlled conditions. Time and space restrictions often prohibit the assessment of population-level responses to a toxic substance. Compounds affecting various toxicity endpoints, such as growth, fecundity, behavior, or immune function, alter different demographic traits and produce different impacts on the population. Chronic effects of immune suppression, reproductive impairment, and growth reduction were examined using life history models for Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). Modeled immune suppression acted through reductions in age-specific survival, with first- and second-year survival producing the greatest changes in the population growth rate (Λ). A 10% reduction in various reproductive parameters all produced a similar Λ, but different sensitivity and stable age distributions. Growth reduction models incorporated effects to both survival and reproduction and produced additive effects. Overall, model output indicated that for Chinook salmon, alteration of first-year survival has the greatest relative impact on Λ. Results support the importance of linking toxicity endpoints to the demographic traits that they influence and help generate toxicity tests that are more relevant for the species. Life history modeling provides a useful tool to develop testable hypotheses regarding specific and comparative population-level impacts.
A critical assessment of the ecological risk assessment process: A review of misapplied concepts
Authors: Tannenbaum Lawrence V.
Published: November 2004

A frank assessment of present-day ecological risk assessments (ERA) for managed contaminated sites reveals that fundamental concepts regarding the receptors that are considered and the chemical exposures they experience are commonly misapplied. As a consequence, environmental managers are not being supplied with the information needed for proper decision making. The stepwise review of ecological risk issues provided here suggests that the ERA process needs to be severely revamped. Further, what is likely hindering the development of a refined ecological assessment process that is better suited to environmental problem solving and land management is the unwillingness of stakeholders to agree that much of the current ERA practice and convention is flawed.
Ecological risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments: Identifying sources and ecological hazard
Authors: Neff Jerry M. , Stout Scott A. , Gunster Donald G.
Published: November 2004

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are nearly ubiquitous contaminants of freshwater and marine sediments. Sediment PAHs are derived from combustion of organic matter, fossil fuels, and biosynthesis by microbes. Pyrogenic PAHs, particularly those associated with combustion particles (soot), have a low accessibility and bioavailability in sediments. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons associated with petroleum, creosote, or coal tar in sediments may have a moderate accessibility/bioavailability, particularly if the PAHs are part of a nonaqueous phase liquid (NAPL) phase that is in contact with sediment pore water. We present a method for estimating the hazard of complex PAH assemblage in sediments to benthic organisms. Concentrations of all PAHs in sediment pore water are estimated by an equilibrium partitioning model relative to concentrations in bulk sediment. Predicted log Koc values can be used for predicting sediment/water partitioning of petrogenic PAH, but empirically derived log Kd values are needed to predict partitioning of pyrogenic PAH. A hazard quotient (HQ) for each PAH is calculated as the ratio of the estimated concentration in pore water to the chronic toxicity of the PAH determined by a log Kow/toxicity model. Hazard quotients for all PAH in a sample are summed to produce a hazard index (HI), which is a measure of the worst-case estimated hazard of the sediment PAH to benthic organisms. The results of this study show that the integration of HI results with PAH source data provides insights into the causes of sediment toxicity that are useful in an ecological risk assessment.
Spontaneous Formation of Ordered Lateral Patterns in Polymer Thin‐Film Structures
Authors: Okayasu T. , Zhang H.‐L. , Bucknall D. G. , Briggs G. A. D.
Published: November 2004

The understanding of the lateral morphology stability of thin polymer devices is of fundamental importance. In this work, the lateral morphology in a model system consisting of thin polymer films capped with thin metal layers on a Si substrate is investigated. When the model system is heated above a critical temperature, a characteristic surface topographic structure is observed that has a well‐defined periodicity but random orientation. It is shown that the minimum temperature, Tmin, required for the surface pattern to be observed decreases with increasing polymer‐film thickness. Increasing either the metal‐ or polymer‐layer thickness increases the characteristic wavelength of the topography. It is believed that the dominating driving force for the surface corrugated‐pattern formation is the thermal‐expansion‐coefficient mismatch of the capping layer and the substrate. A theoretical model based on local bending of a thin, stiff surface film on a thin, elastic medium is used to provide a quantitative analysis of the surface morphology. The calculated minimum temperature required for the surface morphology and the periodicity of the surface patterns to form are in strong agreement with the experimental results. By contrast, systems with prefabricated topographic patterns within any of the three layers (polymer, metal, substrate) produce highly anisotropic surface topographies aligned perpendicular to the prefabricated topographic structure. It is also found that, in a model system with pre‐patterned polymer films, a much higher critical temperature is required for the surface morphology to be observed. The changes in apparent stability and morphological orientation in the pre‐patterned systems can be understood as a result of the anisotropic release of the lateral surface stress during the heat treatment.