bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PLASTID TRANSFORMATION IN HIGHER PLANTS
Authors: Maliga Pal
Published: April 2004

▪ Abstract  Plastids of higher plants are semi-autonomous organelles with a small, highly polyploid genome and their own transcription-translation machinery. This review provides an overview of the technology for the genetic modification of the plastid genome including: vectors, marker genes and gene design, the use of gene knockouts and over-expression to probe plastid function and the application of site-specific recombinases for excision of target DNA. Examples for applications in basic science include the study of plastid gene transcription, mRNA editing, photosynthesis and evolution. Examples for biotechnological applications are incorporation of transgenes in the plastid genome for containment and high-level expression of recombinant proteins for pharmaceutical and industrial applications. Plastid transformation is routine only in tobacco. Progress in implementing the technology in other crops is discussed.
RHAMNOGALACTURONAN II: Structure and Function of a Borate Cross-Linked Cell Wall Pectic Polysaccharide
Authors: O'Neill Malcolm A. , Ishii Tadashi , Albersheim Peter , Darvill Alan G.
Published: April 2004

▪ Abstract  Rhamnogalacturonan II (RG-II) is a structurally complex pectic polysaccharide that was first identified in 1978 as a quantitatively minor component of suspension-cultured sycamore cell walls. Subsequent studies have shown that RG-II is present in the primary walls of angiosperms, gymnosperms, lycophytes, and pteridophytes and that its glycosyl sequence is conserved in all vascular plants examined to date. This is remarkable because RG-II is composed of at least 12 different glycosyl residues linked together by more than 20 different glycosidic linkages. However, only a few of the genes and proteins required for RG-II biosynthesis have been identified. The demonstration that RG-II exists in primary walls as a dimer that is covalently cross-linked by a borate diester was a major advance in our understanding of the structure and function of this pectic polysaccharide. Dimer formation results in the cross-linking of the two homogalacturonan chains upon which the RG-II molecules are constructed and is required for the formation of a three-dimensional pectic network in muro. This network contributes to the mechanical properties of the primary wall and is required for normal plant growth and development. Indeed, changes in wall properties that result from decreased borate cross-linking of pectin may lead to many of the symptoms associated with boron deficiency in plants.
TRANSPORT MECHANISMS FOR ORGANIC FORMS OF CARBON AND NITROGEN BETWEEN SOURCE AND SINK
Authors: Lalonde Sylvie , Wipf Daniel , Frommer Wolf B.
Published: April 2004

▪ Abstract  Sugars and amino acids are generated in plants by assimilation from inorganic forms. Assimilated forms cross multiple membranes on their way from production sites to storage or use locations. Specific transport systems are responsible for vacuolar uptake and release, for efflux from the cells, and for uptake into the vasculature. Detailed phylogenetic analyses suggest that only proton-coupled cotransporters involved in phloem loading have been identified to date, whereas systems for vacuolar transport and efflux still await identification. Novel imaging approaches may provide the means to characterize the cellular events and elucidate whole plant control of assimilate partitioning and allocation.
THE UBIQUITIN 26S PROTEASOME PROTEOLYTIC PATHWAY
Authors: Smalle Jan , Vierstra Richard D.
Published: April 2004

▪ Abstract  Much of plant physiology, growth, and development is controlled by the selective removal of short-lived regulatory proteins. One important proteolytic pathway involves the small protein ubiquitin (Ub) and the 26S proteasome, a 2-MDa protease complex. In this pathway, Ub is attached to proteins destined for degradation; the resulting Ub-protein conjugates are then recognized and catabolized by the 26S proteasome. This review describes our current understanding of the pathway in plants at the biochemical, genomic, and genetic levels, using Arabidopsis thaliana as the model. Collectively, these analyses show that the Ub/26S proteasome pathway is one of the most elaborate regulatory mechanisms in plants. The genome of Arabidopsis encodes more than 1400 (or >5% of the proteome) pathway components that can be connected to almost all aspects of its biology. Most pathway components participate in the Ub-ligation reactions that choose with exquisite specificity which proteins should be ubiquitinated. What remains to be determined is the identity of the targets, which may number in the thousands in plants.
AMORPHOUS WATER
Authors: Angell C. Austen
Published: April 2004

▪ Abstract  After providing some background material to establish the interest content of this subject, we summarize the many different ways in which water can be prepared in the amorphous state, making clear that there seems to be more than one distinct amorphous state to be considered. We then give some space to structural and spectroscopic characterization of the distinct states, recognizing that whereas there seems to be unambiguously two distinct states, there may be in fact be more, the additional states mimicking the structures of the higher-density crystalline polymorphs. The low-frequency vibrational properties of the amorphous solid states are then examined in some detail because of the gathering evidence that glassy water, while difficult to form directly from the liquid like other glasses, may have some unusual and almost ideal glassy features, manifested by unusually low states of disorder. This notion is pursued in the following section dealing with thermodynamic and relaxational properties, where the uniquely low excess entropy of the vitreous state of water is confirmed by three different estimates. The fact that the most nearly ideal glass known has no properly established glass transition temperature is highlighted, using known dielectric loss data for amorphous solid water (ASW) and relevant molecular glasses. Finally, the polyamorphism of glassy water, and the kinetic aspects of transformation from one form to the other, are reviewed.
BEYOND BORN-OPPENHEIMER: Molecular Dynamics Through a Conical Intersection
Authors: Worth Graham A. , Cederbaum Lorenz S.
Published: April 2004

▪ Abstract  Nonadiabatic effects play an important role in many areas of physics and chemistry. The coupling between electrons and nuclei may, for example, lead to the formation of a conical intersection between potential energy surfaces, which provides an efficient pathway for radiationless decay between electronic states. At such intersections the Born-Oppenheimer approximation breaks down, and unexpected dynamical processes result, which can be observed spectroscopically. We review the basic theory required to understand and describe conical, and related, intersections. A simple model is presented, which can be used to classify the different types of intersections known. An example is also given using wavepacket dynamics simulations to demonstrate the prototypical features of how a molecular system passes through a conical intersection.
SURFACE CHEMISTRY AND TRIBOLOGY OF MEMS
Authors: Maboudian Roya , Carraro Carlo
Published: April 2004

▪ Abstract  The microscopic length scale and high surface-to-volume ratio, characteristic of microelectro-mechanical systems (MEMS), dictate that surface properties are of paramount importance. This review deals with the effects of surface chemical treatments on tribological properties (adhesion, friction, and wear) of MEMS devices. After a brief review of materials and processes that are utilized in MEMS technology, the relevant tribological and chemical issues are discussed. Various MEMS microinstruments are discussed, which are commonly employed to perform adhesion, friction, and wear measurements. The effects of different surface treatments on the reported tribological properties are discussed.
PROTON-COUPLED ELECTRON TRANSFER: A Reaction Chemist's View
Authors: Mayer James M.
Published: April 2004

▪ Abstract  Proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reactions involve the concerted transfer of an electron and a proton. Such reactions play an important role in many areas of chemistry and biology. Concerted PCET is thermochemically more favorable than the first step in competing consecutive processes involving stepwise electron transfer (ET) and proton transfer (PT), often by ≥1 eV. PCET reactions of the form [Formula: see text] can be termed hydrogen atom transfer (HAT). Another PCET class involves outersphere electron transfer concerted with deprotonation by another reagent, [Formula: see text]. Many PCET/HAT rate constants are predicted well by the Marcus cross relation. The cross-relation calculation uses rate constants for self-exchange reactions to provide information on intrinsic barriers. Intrinsic barriers for PCET can be comparable to or larger than those for ET. These properties are discussed in light of recent theoretical treatments of PCET.
TIME-DEPENDENT DENSITY FUNCTIONAL THEORY
Authors: Marques M.A.L. , Gross E.K.U.
Published: April 2004

▪ Abstract  Time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) can be viewed as an exact reformulation of time-dependent quantum mechanics, where the fundamental variable is no longer the many-body wave function but the density. This time-dependent density is determined by solving an auxiliary set of noninteracting Schrödinger equations, the Kohn-Sham equations. The nontrivial part of the many-body interaction is contained in the so-called exchange-correlation potential, for which reasonably good approximations exist. Within TDDFT two regimes can be distinguished: (a) If the external time-dependent potential is “small,” the complete numerical solution of the time-dependent Kohn-Sham equations can be avoided by the use of linear response theory. This is the case, e.g., for the calculation of photoabsorption spectra. (b) For a “strong” external potential, a full solution of the time-dependent Kohn-Sham equations is in order. This situation is encountered, for instance, when matter interacts with intense laser fields. In this review we give an overview of TDDFT from its theoretical foundations to several applications both in the linear and in the nonlinear regime.
THEORY OF SINGLE-MOLECULE SPECTROSCOPY: Beyond the Ensemble Average
Authors: Barkai Eli , Jung YounJoon , Silbey Robert
Published: April 2004

▪ Abstract  Single-molecule spectroscopy (SMS) is a powerful experimental technique used to investigate a wide range of physical, chemical, and biophysical phenomena. The merit of SMS is that it does not require ensemble averaging, which is found in standard spectroscopic techniques. Thus SMS yields insight into complex fluctuation phenomena that cannot be observed using standard ensemble techniques. We investigate theoretical aspects of SMS, emphasizing (a) dynamical fluctuations (e.g., spectral diffusion, photon-counting statistics, antibunching, quantum jumps, triplet blinking, and nonergodic blinking) and (b) single-molecule fluctuations in disordered systems, specifically distribution of line shapes of single molecules in low-temperature glasses. Special emphasis is given to single-molecule systems that reveal surprising connections to Lévy statistics (i.e., blinking of quantum dots and single molecules in glasses). We compare theory with experiment and mention open problems. Our work demonstrates that the theory of SMS is a complementary field of research for describing optical spectroscopy in the condensed phase.
Osmoregulatory Ability of Chiromantes Ortmanni (Crosnier, 1965) Subjected to Dilute and Hypersaline Seawater
Authors: Gillikin David Paul
Published: April 2004

The short-term osmoregulatory ability and salinity tolerance of Chiromantes ortmanni was studied in the laboratory. C. ortmanni is a non-burrowing, high shore mangrove crab often subjected to extreme salinity fluctuations. They were found to be exceptional osmoregulators in salinities ranging from 0‰ to 65‰ after three days. They could also osmoregulate in 80‰ for at least 24 hours, but 96‰ proved to be lethal after just 12 hours. Osmotic capacity suggests that they are best suited for salinities ranging from about 16‰ to 48‰. As they are frequently found in salinities higher than this, it is hypothesized that they tolerate the higher energetic costs of large osmotic gradients as a trade-off for other benefits such as reduced predation and food competition.
Improving Outreach in Atmospheric Sciences: Assessment of Users of Climate Products
Authors: Changnon David
Published: April 2004

Over the past six years, 27 projects were conducted involving weather–climate product development by students working with weather-sensitive decision makers in various institutions. Thirteen of these decision makers were interviewed during 2003 to assess the post-product impacts. This assessment revealed that successful integration of climate-related products and information into the decision process depended on the following four factors: 1) the user's basic knowledge of atmospheric sciences, 2) their ability to manage risks associated with use of uncertain climate information, 3) their access to climate information and expertise in a timely fashion, and 4) demonstrations of value from the use of the project information. These interactive projects, which included a university faculty climatologist, undergraduate meteorology students, and the decision makers, had increased decision makers' awareness of, and interest in, climatological information (data, derived products, seasonal outlooks, etc.). The projects also identified where climate information and expertise could be obtained, and established a continuing dialogue between the climatologist and users. These projects further demonstrated that most decision makers, even those in the same weather-sensitive sector, often face very different issues that require specialized, value-added information that goes well beyond the generalized information produced by government agencies. Because of this ongoing shift in user needs, the atmospheric science community may have to broaden the educational experiences for future students.
Organizational Attractiveness and Corporate Social Orientation: Do Our Values Influence Our Preference for Affirmative Action and Managing Diversity?
Authors: Smith Wanda J. , Wokutch Richard E. , Harrington K. Vernard , Dennis Bryan S.
Published: April 2004

This study examines the impact of corporate social orientation on organizational attractiveness as it relates to information about an organization’s handling of diversity issues. Using Aupperle’s notion of corporate social orientation (CSO), we examined how CSO affects perceived attractiveness of organizations’ emphasizing affirmative action versus diversity management policies in their recruitment literature. Respondents to a survey of 343 college students reported a more favorable assessment of affirmative action programs than diversity management programs. In addition, the legal dimension of CSO was positively related to affirmative action programs. Also investigated were the underlying dimensions of organizational attractiveness—intentions and beliefs—these were more positive for affirmative action programs than for diversity management. A discussion of practical implications for organizations seeking to recruit from a diverse applicant pool and suggestions for future research is offered.
Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in a Sample of Iranian Patients
Authors: Ghassemzadeh Habibollah , Mojtabai Ramin , Khamseh Akram , Ebrahimkhani Nargess , Issazadegan Arab-Ali , Saif-Nobakht Zahra
Published: April 2004

Background: Characteristic features of the obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) occur with remarkable consistency in different cultural settings. The content of symptoms, however, seems to vary across cultures.

Aims: To examine the content of symptoms in a sample of OCD patients from Iran.

Methods: In a sample of 135 patients recruited from three treatment settings the prevalence of symptoms with different contents were ranked and compared across genders.

Results: Doubts and indecisiveness were the most common obsessions and washing the most common compulsion for the whole sample. Fears of impurity and contamination, obsessive thoughts about self-impurity and washing compulsions were more common in women, whereas blasphemous thoughts and orderliness compulsions were more common in men.

Conclusions: With minor differences, the pattern of symptoms with various contents in this sample was similar to that in Western settings.
Community Rehabilitation Service for Patients with Severe Psychotic Disorders: The Slovene Experience
Authors: Švab Vesna , Tomori Martina , Zalar Bojan , Ziherl Slavko , Dernovšek Mojca Z. , Tavčar Rok
Published: April 2004

Background: Rehabilitation can be carried out at various sites.

Method: Two groups of patients with severe mental disorders were compared: those included in community rehabilitation service and those only attending an outpatient clinic regarding their clinical status, social functioning, standard of living and quality of life.

Results: We found no significant global differences in group characteristics, social functioning and clinical status, but we did prove the lower social status of the group included in the rehabilitation service and their satisfaction with the services they use.

Conclusions: The community rehabilitation services in Slovenia are coping with existential social needs of their users but this study failed to demonstrate their success in improving health or social functioning.
Perception of and Attitude towards Mental Illness in Oman
Authors: Al-Adawi Samir , Dorvlo Atsu S.S. , Al-Ismaily Suad S. , Al-Ghafry Dalal A. , Al-Noobi Balquis Z. , Al-Salmi Ahmed , Burke David T. , Shah Mrugeshkumar K. , Ghassany Harith , Chand Suma P.
Published: April 2004

Background: As conceptions of mental illness are often dictated by prevailing socio-cultural factors and the philosophy of the time, there is little research to substantiate how mental illness is perceived in the Arab world in the light of both traditional and more recent modernization and acculturation processes.

Aims: To examine whether social factors exert an influence on a person's attitude towards people with mental illness (PWMI) in the rapidly changing country of Oman.

Methods: This study compares the response elicited from medical students, relatives of psychiatric patients and the general Omani public on the causes of mental illness, attitudes toward PWMI and the care and management of people with mental illness.

Results: This study found no relationship between attitudes towards PWMI, and demographic variables such as age, educational level, marital status, sex and personal exposure to people with mental illness. Both medical students and the public rejected a genetic factor as the cause of mental illness; instead they favoured the role of spirits as the aetiological factor for mental illness. There were favourable responses on statements regarding value of life, family life, decision-making ability, and the management and care of mental illness. However, both medical students and the public thought that PWMI tend to have peculiar and stereotypical appearances and the majority preferred that facilities for psychiatric care should be located away from the community. Although the relatives of psychiatric patients were concerned about the welfare of mental patients, their responses varied and were often contingent upon their expectations.

Conclusions: The data suggest that neither socio-demographic factors nor previous exposure to PWMI was related to attitudes towards PWMI. Although the attitudes of Omanis toward PWMI appear to fluctuate in complex ways, traditional beliefs on mental illness have yet to be eroded by exposure to a biomedical model of mental illness. This study largely supports the view that the extent of stigma varies according to the cultural and sociological backgrounds of each society.
Strategies for Controlling Item Exposure in Computerized Adaptive Testing With the Generalized Partial Credit Model
Authors: Davis Laurie Laughlin
Published: April 2004

Choosing a strategy for controlling item exposure has become an integral part of test development for computerized adaptive testing (CAT). This study investigated the performance of six procedures for controlling item exposure in a series of simulated CATs under the generalized partial credit model. In addition to a no-exposure control baseline condition, the randomesque, modified-within-.10-logits, Sympson-Hetter, conditional Sympson-Hetter, a-stratified with multiple-stratification, and enhanced a-stratified with multiple-stratification procedures were implemented to control exposure rates. Two variations of the randomesque and modified-within-.10-logits procedures were examined, which varied the size of the item group from which the next item to be administered was randomly selected. The results indicate that although the conditional Sympson-Hetter provides somewhat lower maximum exposure rates, the randomesque and modified-within-.10-logits procedures with the six-item group variation have great utility for controlling overlap rates and increasing pool utilization and should be given further consideration.
On How Things Are Said
Authors: Laplante Debi , Ambady Nalini
Published: April 2004

Individuals in two studies listened to statements or questions that were either consistent or inconsistent across verbal content and tone of voice. Results showed that tone of voice substantially affected judges’ ratings of the politeness for positive content statements but did so only minimally for negative content statements. Tone of voice affected judges’ politeness ratings of both positive and negative questions.
Speechlessness
Authors: Berger Charles R.
Published: April 2004

Individuals recalled the most recent time they found themselves speechless during social interaction. In addition to characterizing a number of attributes of the event, Study 1 participants provided causal attributions for their speechlessness, the emotions they experienced before and after the event and the event’s social consequences. Speechlessness emanated from a variety of sources, including violated expectations, extreme emotional states, and lack of knowledge. Surprise was the primary precursor to speechlessness. Neither communication apprehension nor social anxiety was associated with causal attributions for speechlessness or the event’s duration. Study 2 contrasted speechlessness arising from involuntary and voluntary origins. Participants who attributed their speechlessness to strategic causes reported higher levels of guilt and embarrassment but less overall negative affect than those who attributed their speechlessness to less volitional causes. Speechlessness attributed to violated expectations and extreme emotions potentiated more negative relationship consequences than speechlessness attributed to strategic causes. Findings are discussed in terms of message production models and the social consequences of speechlessness.
The Privatization Decision
Authors: van Slyke David M. , Hammonds Charles A.
Published: April 2004

In this article, the political environment of privatization and its impact on public management are examined in the context of the privatization of a state park in Georgia. The study specifically focuses on the actions of public managers in the privatization formulation and implementation stage. Public management capacity actually increased as a result of privatization. This is an outcome quite different from those reported by public management studies of other privatized services. Applying a principal-agent framework, this study yielded several lessons that may strengthen public managers’capacity to act as “smart buyers” of goods and services and to enforce accountability when managing contractual relationships. This study links theory to practice using a case study that allows a careful examination of the strategic responses of public managers confronted by largely political, as opposed to economic, pressures to privatize an already successful state park.
‘Rationality’ and ‘Rationalities’ within the Framework of the Modernism–Postmodernism Debate
Authors: Kuçuradi Ioanna
Published: April 2004

Not onlç waçs of behavior are objects of value judgments, but words as well. The term ‘rational’ is such a word: to be rational is good. This is probablç the reason whç, as a reaction to so-called ‘western rationalitç’, people started speaking of manç ‘rationalities’, a claim propounded especiallç bç postmodernists during the past few decades.
Universalist Grandeur, Romantic Depth, Pragmatist Cunning
Authors: Rorty Richard
Published: April 2004

Relativism has been a central topic of philosophical discussion for almost twentyfive hundred years. This is because the very idea of philosophy was a product of Plato's reaction to Protagoras’ claim that man is the measure of all things. The Platonic distinction between mere sophists and true philosophers incorporates the conviction that there is something beyond humanity that sets a standard which human beings are obliged to respect. Plato did his best to make ‘relativist philosophy’ a contradiction in terms.
Laser Transmission Welding of Semi-Crystalline Thermoplastics—Part I: Optical Characterization of Nylon Based Plastics
Authors: Kagan V. A. , Bray R. G. , Kuhn W. P.
Published: April 2004

Optimization of welding for thermoplastic parts strongly depends on the material properties, part design, as well as the welding operating technology conditions. Laser transmission welding requires preferential deposition of energy and subsequent melting of the material in the interfacial zone. This is optimized when the laser beam is transmitted through the transparent part and absorbed by the adjoining part to be welded. Energy deposition can be controlled to some extent by adjusting laser parameters (power, choice of beam focussing optics, sweep rate etc.).

The thermoplastic material properties may have the greater influence and need to be characterized for optimum material selection. Commercial nylon type materials cover a large array of compositions, which may affect the welding process. To guide selection of nylon based plastics for a range of applications we have measured the influence of specific factors such as fiber-glass, mineral filler, impact modifier content, additives, and color versions on the Near InfraRed (NIR) transmission properties.

In a following paper (Part II) a1 we have related these findings to the mechanical performance of shear and butt joints produced under various laser welding technology conditions (laser beam power, welding speed, laser beam/spot diameter, clamp pressure, plastic color, etc.). Comprehensive results of this evaluation will assist designers and technologists in thermoplastics selection for laser welding applications. The purpose of this report is to increase the understanding of the plastics engineering community regarding the usefulness and possible applicability of laser transmission welding (LTW) technology for nylon made components.
Desperately Seeking Serendipity: The Past, Present, and Future of Antidepressant Therapy
Authors: Rappa Leonard R. , Larose-Pierre Margareth , Branch Evans , Iglesias Antonio J. , Norwood Daryl A. , Simon Wayne A.
Published: April 2004

Looking back into the “dark ages” of medicine, we can see a fast evolving armamentarium of medications to treat various illnesses, including those afflicting the brain. Up until the past hundred years or so, there has been little in the way of appropriate psychiatric medication therapy. With the discovery of stimulants and opiates, a new door opened into the science of psychopharmaceuticals. Fifty years ago, the greatest leap in psychiatric medicine occurred serendipitously in the form of antipsychotics and antidepressants, some of which we still use today. The learning curve from then has been on a logarithmic scale, and we are quickly approaching the pinnacle of the curve. However, human nature has yet to catch up to scientific progress, as the stigma of mental illness is often reflected in cultural biases and nonparity with insurance benefits for medical care. Because of today’s diminishing medical and psychiatric health care benefits, we strive for superior and quicker acting drugs for these costly illnesses. The best discoveries lay ahead in the 21st century as the potential of Substance P antagonists, antiglucocorticoids, and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists (to name a few) are explored for their benefit in depression. Until then, we strive to understand the inner workings of the human mind to heal those with psychiatric illnesses.
CARE International: Evolving to Meet the Challenges of the 21st Century
Authors: Henry Kevin M.
Published: April 2004

Since 1945, CARE has evolved from an American organization to an international confederation dedicated to humanitarian relief and human development. Working in some 70 countries, CARE partners with local institutions and has increased our involvement in advocacy. Despite 50 years of progress, 1 billion people continue to live in poverty. Poverty and inequality are compounded by complex emergencies, resulting in large-scale population displacements and human rights abuses. At the same time, the international community has retreated from its commitments, and Official Development Assistance (ODA) has declined significantly. Internally, CARE faces the challenges of forging a shared vision, creating a balanced confederation, and maintaining diversified funding. CARE seeks to open its insular culture and transform itself into a global organization, with strong southern representation. CARE believes that the successful organizations of the future will have diverse management and governance and will be plugged into a broad array of global networks, while maintaining strong local roots.
Nature and Human Liberty
Authors: Stephens Piers H.G.
Published: April 2004

The relationship of human liberty to both external nature and human inner nature entails a complex knot of questions that have long been the subject of intense philosophical discussion. In the modern era, a strong dichotomy developed between these concepts in which human freedom was counterposed to an apparently determinate nature that existed as a valueless res extensa. In this article, however, the author argues for the presence and vitality of an alternative concept of human liberty, one that relies not on the ownership of property but on nature as a point outside the system of human instrumental control and as the hall of mirrors represented by collective solipsism. The author arrives at this point through careful study of the underresearched naturalistic scenes and elements in George Orwell’s highly influential 1984, drawing out the complex interconnections of nature, liberty, and fulfillment found within them. This study illustrates the usefulness of the dystopian imagination to theorizing relationships between nature and humanity.
The Three Ecologies in Minakata Kumagusu’s Environmental Movement
Authors: Sadamichi Kato
Published: April 2004

This article introduces an environmental movement in Japan in the early 20th century, when the country was going through the process of rapid modernization. The movement, generally known as the Anti-Amalgamation of Shrines Movement, was carried out by Minakata Kumagusu, an encyclopedic naturalist. The author translates several excerpts from Minakata’s letter, which was addressed to a professor of botany, into English and explicates the opinions stated there in terms of the three ecologies: the ecology of biology, the ecology of society, and the ecology of mind. Minakata’s scientific knowledge of biotic factors in the densely forested Kumano region where he lived, his extensive understanding of the folklore-imagination rooted in the land, and his Buddhistic insight into the universe are closely interconnected to support his passionate appeal to save the forest from devastation.
Modifying Pro-Drug Risk Factors in Adolescents: Results From Project ALERT
Authors: Ghosh-Dastidar Bonnie , Longshore Douglas L. , Ellickson Phyllis L. , McCaffrey Daniel F.
Published: April 2004

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a revised state-of-the-art drug prevention program, Project ALERT, on risk factors for drug use in mostly rural midwestern schools and communities. Fifty-five middle schools from South Dakota were randomly assigned to treatment or control conditions. Treatment-group students received 11 lessons in Grade 7 and 3 more in Grade 8. Effects for 4,276 eighth graders were assessed 18 months after baseline. Results indicate that Project ALERT had statistically significant effects on all the targeted risk factors associated with cigarette and marijuana use and more modest gains with the pro-alcoholrisk factors. The program helped adolescents at low, moderate, and high risk for future use, with the effect sizes typically stronger for the low- and moderate-risk groups. Thus, school-based drug prevention programs can lower risk factors that correlate with drug use, help low- to high-risk adolescents, and be effective in diverse school environments.
Fostering Creativity in the Allied Health Setting
Authors: Hagen-Ansert Sandy
Published: April 2004

Visualizing a lesson plan or idea “out of the box” is a valuable concept for educators to use in their curriculum development and delivery of knowledge to their students. The deBono theory of “thinking” is presented in a manner applicable to the student in the sonography program. Specifically, the use of creative writing to illustrate the journey of a red blood cell through the circulatory system is revealed through four very different students' perceptions.
Ultrasound Diagnosis of Malpositioned Pacemaker Lead Through a Patent Foramen Ovale
Authors: Miniard John K.
Published: April 2004

Pacemaker leads crossing the atrial septum is a rare occurance, and early detection is important. Diagnostic ultrasound plays a crucial role in diagnosis and confirmation of a malpositioned lead. One such case is presented in this article.
Human impact on vegetation in the White Mountains of Crete since AD 500
Authors: Atherden M. A. , Hall J. A.
Published: April 2004

Analysis of the pollen assemblages found in two peat cores taken from a bog near Asi Gonia in the White Mountains suggests a close correlation between the changes observed in the pollen spectra and the historic fluctuations in the demographic, political and cultural affairs of the island of Crete. Some changes in the vegetation may be due to small climatic changes but these were only observable indirectly in increased or released exploitation pressure on the vegetation or changes in land use. The first major decrease in woodland cover occurred in the Second Byzantine period. More open vegetation types expanded in late Venetian times and have remained significant components of the landscape, but there has been a regeneration of woodland cover in the last century. Vegetation changes are interpreted in terms of shifts along a continuum from woodland at one end to open garigue or steppe at the other. Conventional models of cyclical or progressive changes in vegetation are of limited application here, as many key species may be found in different growth forms in different habitats.
Palynological evidence for Holocene palaeoenvironments from the lower Gordon River valley, in the World Heritage Area of southwest Tasmania
Authors: Harle Katherine J. , Hodgson Dominic A. , Tyler Peter A.
Published: April 2004

A Holocene palaeoenvironmental history from the World Heritage Area of southwest Tasmania is reconstructed using an 8000-year palynological record from Lake Fidler, a small meromictic lake adjacent to the lower reaches of the Gordon River. The sequence indicates that cool temperate rainforest has remained dominant in the region for at least the last 8000 years, confirming the wilderness value of this important conservation area. There is little evidence for fire in the region throughout this period and no discernible evidence for anthropogenic impact until approximately 1815 when small-scale convict logging activities commenced along the Gordon River. The record demonstrates the long-term presence of stands of one of the world's oldest living trees, Huon pine (Lagarostrobos franklinii), with significant increases in this species in the mid-to late Holocene. This expansion is evident in several Tasmanian records and is associated with declines in other important Tasmanian plant species. It is proposed that it represents a regional phenomenon possibly related to climate change. Examination of the climate signal from other Australian Holocene pollen records provides some support for this interpretation.
Increasing Mixed Chimerism Is an Important Prognostic Factor for Unfavorable Outcome in Children With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia After Allogeneic Stem-Cell Transplantation: Possible Role For Pre-Emptive Immunotherapy?
Authors: Bader Peter , Kreyenberg Hermann , Hoelle Walter , Dueckers Gregor , Handgretinger Rupert , Lang Peter , Kremens Bernhard , Dilloo Dagmar , Sykora Karl-Walter , Schrappe Martin , Niemeyer Charlotte , von Stackelberg Arend , Gruhn Bernd , Henze Günter , Greil Johann , Niethammer Dietrich , Dietz Klaus , Beck James F. , Klingebiel Thomas
Published: April 2004

Purpose

We recently reported that children with acute leukemias who show increasing mixed chimerism (MC) after allogeneic stem-cell transplantation have a significantly enhanced risk of relapse. Here we present the results of a prospective multicenter study to investigate (1) whether relapse of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) can be determined in advance by serial analysis of chimerism, and (2) if outcome can be influenced by withdrawal of immunosuppression and/or by low-dose donor lymphocyte infusion when increasing MC is detected.

Patients and Methods

Serial and quantitative analysis of chimerism was performed using a fluorescent-based short-tandem-repeat–polymerase chain reaction in 163 children with ALL.

Results

One hundred one patients revealed complete chimerism (CC) or low-level MC (CC/low-level MC); increasing MC was found in 46 patients; and decreasing MC, in 16 patients. Relapse was significantly more frequent in patients with increasing MC (26 of 46) than in patients with CC/low-level MC (eight of 101) or in patients with decreasing MC (0 of 16; P < .0001). The probability of 3-year event-free survival (EFS) was 54% for all patients, 66% for patients with CC/low-level MC (n = 101), 66% for patients with decreasing MC (n = 16), and 23% for patients with increasing MC (n = 46; P < .0001). Of the 46 patients with increasing MC, 31 received immunotherapy. This group had a significantly higher 3-year EFS estimate (37%) than the 15 patients who did not receive immunotherapy (0%; P < .001).

Conclusion

Serial analysis of chimerism reliably identifies patients at highest risk to relapse. The 3-year EFS of patients with increasing MC without immunotherapy was 0%, by which overt relapse could be prevented in a considerable group of patients.
The Expanding Role of Systemic Therapy in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Cohen Ezra E.W. , Lingen Mark W. , Vokes Everett E.
Published: April 2004

Treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) has evolved greatly in the last two decades, owing to the integration of chemotherapy, advances in radiotherapeutic techniques, and organ-preserving surgery. Several randomized trials have established new standards of care that should be adopted. Current efforts are building on these earlier trials in order to improve survival and quality of life. Coincident with this, investigators are developing molecularly targeted approaches that hold promise for the future. This review will focus on current therapy for locally advanced, recurrent, and metastatic SCCHN and discuss controversies and directions for future research.
Laboratory and Clinical Evidence of Synergistic Cytotoxicity of Sequential Treament With Gemcitabine Followed by Docetaxel in the Treatment of Sarcoma
Authors: Leu Kirsten M. , Ostruszka Leo J. , Shewach Donna , Zalupski Mark , Sondak Vernon , Biermann J. Sybil , Lee Julia Shin-Jung , Couwlier Carol , Palazzolo Krisinda , Baker Laurence H.
Published: April 2004

Purpose

A recent report of the combination of gemcitabine and docetaxel described favorable results in patients with uterine leiomyosarcoma. The objective of this report is to describe experience with this combination in a variety of histologic subtypes of sarcoma. Additionally, cell-culture studies were performed to assess the effect of the sequence of drug administration on colony formation.

Patients and Methods

A medical record review of 35 patients receiving the gemcitabine/docetaxel combination was undertaken. Gemcitabine 675 mg/m2 intravenously was administered over 90 minutes on days 1 and 8, and docetaxel 100 mg/m2 intravenously was administered over 60 minutes on day 8 of a 21-day cycle. Cell culture studies using the SAOS-2 osteosarcoma cell line and MCF-7 breast cancer cell line were also performed. Gemcitabine and docetaxel were added to cells either simultaneously for 24 hours, gemcitabine for 24 hours followed by docetaxel for 24 hours, or the reverse sequence.

Results

Thirty-five patients were treated. Five complete responses and 10 partial responses were observed for an overall response rate of 43%. Responses occurred in uterine, extremity, and retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma, osteosarcomas, angiosarcomas, malignant fibrous histiocytomas, malignant peripheral-nerve sheath tumors, and Ewing's sarcoma. In the cell culture studies, gemcitabine followed by docetaxel provided synergy. In contrast, the administration of drugs simultaneously resulted in antagonism, and docetaxel followed by gemcitabine provided mixed results.

Conclusion

The combination of gemcitabine and docetaxel seems to be active in a variety of sarcomas. A multicenter, randomized clinical trial in soft tissue sarcoma comparing gemcitabine alone with this combination, is ongoing.
Randomized Phase III Trial of Pemetrexed Versus Docetaxel in Patients With Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer Previously Treated With Chemotherapy
Authors: Hanna Nasser , Shepherd Frances A. , Fossella Frank V. , Pereira Jose R. , De Marinis Filippo , von Pawel Joachim , Gatzemeier Ulrich , Tsao Thomas Chang Yao , Pless Miklos , Muller Thomas , Lim Hong-Liang , Desch Christopher , Szondy Klara , Gervais Radj , Shaharyar  , Manegold Christian , Paul Sofia , Paoletti Paolo , Einhorn Lawrence , Bunn Paul A.
Published: April 2004

Purpose

To compare the efficacy and toxicity of pemetrexed versus docetaxel in patients with advanced non—small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) previously treated with chemotherapy.

Patients and Methods

Eligible patients had a performance status 0 to 2, previous treatment with one prior chemotherapy regimen for advanced NSCLC, and adequate organ function. Patients received pemetrexed 500 mg/m2 intravenously (IV) day 1 with vitamin B12, folic acid, and dexamethasone or docetaxel 75 mg/m2 IV day 1 with dexamethasone every 21 days. The primary end point was overall survival.

Results

Five hundred seventy-one patients were randomly assigned. Overall response rates were 9.1% and 8.8% (analysis of variance P = .105) for pemetrexed and docetaxel, respectively. Median progression-free survival was 2.9 months for each arm, and median survival time was 8.3 versus 7.9 months (P = not significant) for pemetrexed and docetaxel, respectively. The 1-year survival rate for each arm was 29.7%. Patients receiving docetaxel were more likely to have grade 3 or 4 neutropenia (40.2% v 5.3%; P < .001), febrile neutropenia (12.7% v 1.9%; P < .001), neutropenia with infections (3.3% v 0.0%; P = .004), hospitalizations for neutropenic fever (13.4% v 1.5%; P < .001), hospitalizations due to other drug related adverse events (10.5% v 6.4%; P = .092), use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor support (19.2% v 2.6%, P < .001) and all grade alopecia (37.7% v 6.4%; P < .001) compared with patients receiving pemetrexed.

Conclusion

Treatment with pemetrexed resulted in clinically equivalent efficacy outcomes, but with significantly fewer side effects compared with docetaxel in the second-line treatment of patients with advanced NSCLC and should be considered a standard treatment option for second-line NSCLC when available.
The antioxidant drink “effective microorganism-X (EM-X)” pre-treatment attenuates the loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons in 6-hydroxydopamine-lesion rat model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Datla K. P. , Bennett R. D. , Zbarsky V. , Ke B. , Liang Y.-F. , Hig T. , Bahorun T. , Aruoma O. I. , Dexter D. T.
Published: April 2004

There is continued interest in the assessment and potential use of antioxidants as neuroprotective agents in diseases associated with increased oxidative stress, such as Parkinson's disease. The neuroprotective effect of a natural antioxidant drink, EM-X (a ferment derivative of unpolished rice, papaya and seaweeds with effective microorganisms), was investigated using the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesion rat model of Parkinson's disease. The nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons were unilaterally lesioned with 6-OHDA (8 μg) in rats that were treated with a 10-times diluted EM-X drink (dilEM-X), standard EM-X drink (stdEM-X) or tap water for 4 days. Seven days post lesion, the integrity (no. of tyrosine hydroxylase positive cells (TH+ cells) in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc)) and functionality (dopamine and its metabolites DOPAC and HVA content in the striata) of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons were assessed. In the vehicle-treated rats, infusion of 8 μg of 6-OHDA significantly reduced the number of TH+ cells in the SNpc as well as the levels of dopamine, DOPAC and HVA in the striata on the lesion side. The loss of TH+ cells, dopamine and HVA, but not the DOPAC levels, was significantly attenuated by stdEM-X pretreatment, but not by the dilEM-X pretreatment. There were no significant changes in the TH+ cells, or in the monoamine levels with the EM-X pretreatment per se, except for a small but significant fall in the levels of dopamine with the stdEM-X. The evidence presented supports the potential neuroprotective effects of stdEM-X drink, although its effect on dopamine levels needs further investigation.
Chronic caffeine intake affects lysozyme activity and immune cells in mice
Authors: Ramanaviciene Almira , Acaite Juzefa , Ramanavicius Arunas
Published: April 2004

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of caffeine on the activity of lysozyme and some immune parameters of mice. The mice were divided into five groups. Group 1, the control group, was given water. The other four groups were administered various concentrations of caffeine by oral intubation (group 2, 2 mg kg−1; group 3, 20 mg kg−1; group 4, 40 mg kg−1; group 5, 200 mg kg−1). It was found that the activity of lysozyme in the serum depended on the caffeine dose. Compared with the control (group 1), lysozyme activity was 1.4-times higher in group 2, 1.6-times higher in the group 3, and 1.8-times higher in groups 4 and 5 (P < 0.05). In group 3 a significant increase in spleen weight was detected and the spleen index was 2.1-times (P < 0.05) higher compared with control. In group 3 the number of monocytes and neutrophils was 2.5-times higher (P < 0.05) compared with control. In group 5 the caffeine increased the number of neutrophils 2.7-times and increased the number of eosinophils 4.6-times (P < 0.05) compared with control. Our study revealed that caffeine played an important role in the development of protective immune response.