bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preclinical Cushing’s Syndrome Resulting from Black Adrenal Adenoma
Authors: Tokunagaa Hiroshi , Miyamura Nobuhiro , Sasaki Kazunari , Yoshizato Kazuaki , Itasaka Mina , Nakamaru Kazuhiko , Suefuji Mihoshi , Kawashima Junji , Matsumoto Kazuya , Sasano Hironobu , Araki Eiichi
Published: June 2004

A 59-year-old Japanese woman, admitted for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and hypertension, was incidentally discovered to have a solid mass of 1.4 cm in diameter by CT scan with the attenuation value of 38 Hounsfield units, relatively higher for ordinary adrenal adenomas. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed no reduction of signal intensity on opposite-phase image on T1-weighted sequence. Adrenal scintigraphy imaging with 131I-adosterol did not show any uptake of the isotope in the area corresponding to both adrenals. Although she had no characteristic feature of overt Cushing’s syndrome, her serum cortisol level was not suppressed after an overnight dexamethasone administration. She was diagnosed as having preclinical Cushing’s syndrome. Left adrenalectomy was performed, revealing the well-circumscribed black tumor, mainly consisted of compact cell, in which cytoplasm was filled with numerous granules pigmented with dark to golden brown colors on hematoxylin-eosin staining. These findings suggested that her incidentaloma was a black adrenal adenoma. Production of steroid hormones was confirmed by immunohistochemical analysis of steroidogenic enzymes and by measurement of the tissue contents of hormones, whose levels were comparable with those in adenomas of overt Cushing’s syndrome. This is the first case report of preclinical Cushing’s syndrome resulting from black adrenal adenoma.
Pentoxifylline Ameliorates Renal Tumor Necrosis Factor Expression, Sodium Retention, and Renal Hypertrophy in Diabetic Rats
Authors: DiPetrillo Keith , Gesek Frank A.
Published: June 2004

Background/Aim: Diabetic nephropathy contributes substantially to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality associated with diabetes. Urinary tumor necrosis factor (TNF) excretion is increased during diabetes and serves as an important mediator of pathological changes during the initial stages of diabetic nephropathy, including sodium retention and renal hypertrophy. We tested the hypothesis that pentoxifylline (PTF), an agent that inhibits TNF synthesis, could prevent sodium retention and renal hypertrophy during diabetes. Methods: Proximal and distal tubule TNF expression, urinary TNF excretion, sodium retention, and renal hypertrophy were examined in control, diabetic, and PTF-treated diabetic rats. Results: TNF mRNA and protein levels were increased in proximal tubule cells isolated from diabetic rats compared to control rats. In contrast, TNF expression in distal tubule cells was not increased during diabetes. PTF prevented the increase in TNF mRNA and protein in proximal tubule cells during diabetes and reduced urinary TNF excretion. PTF therapy decreased whole animal sodium retention by enhancing urinary sodium excretion in diabetic rats. In addition, PTF reduced renal hypertrophy in diabetic rats. Conclusions: The proximal tubule is an important site of TNF production during diabetes and PTF is an effective therapy for preventing the pathological changes accompanying early diabetic nephropathy.
Effects of Helicobacter pylori on Endothelial Cell Proliferation and Chemotaxis
Authors: Pearce Hannah Rose , Kalia Neena , Bardhan Karna Dev , Atherton John Christopher , Brown Nicola Jane
Published: June 2004

Background/Aim:Helicobacter pylori is associated with an increased risk of peptic ulcer disease development and recurrence. Ulcer healing is dependent upon angiogenesis, requiring endothelial cell (EC) proliferation and chemotaxis. This study determined whether extracts of H. pylori affected EC proliferation and/or chemotaxis in vitro. Methods: The effects of water and broth extracts of three genotypically different strains of H. pylori and of single strains of Campylobacter jejuni and Escherichia coli on human dermal microvascular EC (HuDMEC) and human umbilical vein EC (HUVEC) were assessed. Tetrazolium dye (MTT) proliferation, dual staining cell viability, flow cytometry, and microchemotaxis assays were performed. Results:H. pylori (all strains) and C. jejuni inhibited HuDMEC (p < 0.01) and HUVEC (p < 0.01) proliferation and decreased the proportion of HUVECs in the S phase of the cell cycle. E. coli had no effect on EC proliferation. The levels of vascular endothelial growth factor stimulated chemotaxis were significantly greater (p < 0.01) than the levels of basal migration for both control and extract-treated ECs. However, none of the bacterial extracts affected EC basal migration or chemotaxis. Conclusion:H. pylori extracts inhibit HuDMEC and HUVEC proliferation in vitro by a cytostatic, strain-independent mechanism. A similar antiproliferative effect of C. jejuni was observed. Our findings suggest that both H. pylori and C. jejuni have the ability to inhibit one of the key stages of angiogenesis which may have implications in peptic ulcer disease.
Colonoscopy and SeHCAT for Investigation of Chronic Diarrhea
Authors: Müller Marcella , Willén Roger , Stotzer Per-Ove
Published: June 2004

Background/Aims: Chronic diarrhea is a common problem. Colonoscopy is the investigation of choice for diagnosis. Even a macroscopically normal mucosa on endoscopy can have abnormalities such as microscopic colitis and bile acid malabsorption (BAM). The aim of this study was to establish the value of colonoscopy with biopsies in patients with chronic diarrhea and to evaluate the additive value of a SeHCAT test for diagnosing BAM in these patients. Methods: All patients who underwent a colonoscopy between November 1999 and December 2000 were included. Patient files, colonoscopy and pathology reports and SeHCAT test results were reviewed. Results: 205 patients were included. The most common diagnoses were diarrhea-predominant IBS (n = 76) and IBD (n = 38). 158 patients had non-bloody diarrhea, 113 (72%) of them had a macroscopically normal appearing mucosa. In 40 (35%) of these patients, a histological diagnosis could be made and microscopic colitis was the most common diagnosis (n = 27). SeHCAT test was performed in 36 patients and 15 (42%) of them had BAM. In the 47 patients with bloody diarrhea, IBD was the main diagnosis (n = 23). Conclusion: Colonoscopy with biopsies must be performed when investigating chronic diarrhea and BAM should be excluded.
Endothelin B Receptor Blockade Attenuates Pulmonary Vasodilation in Oxygen-Ventilated Fetal Lambs
Authors: Ivy D. Dunbar , Lee Dong-Seok , Rairigh Robyn L. , Parker Thomas A. , Abman Steven H.
Published: June 2004

Background: Endothelin-1 (ET-1) contributes to the regulation of pulmonary vascular tone in the normal ovine fetus and in models of perinatal pulmonary hypertension. In the fetal lamb lung, the effects of ET-1 depend on the balance of at least two endothelin receptor subtypes: ETA and ETB. ETA receptors are located on smooth muscle cells and mediate vasoconstriction and smooth muscle proliferation. Stimulation of endothelial ETB receptors causes vasodilation through release of nitric oxide and also functions to remove ET-1 from the circulation. However, whether activation of ETB receptors contributes to the fall in pulmonary vascular tone at birth is unknown. Objective and Methods: To determine the role of acute ETB receptor blockade in pulmonary vasodilation in response to birth-related stimuli, we studied the hemodynamic effects of selective ETB receptor blockade with BQ-788 during mechanical ventilation with low (<10%) and high FiO2 (100%) in near-term fetal sheep. Results: Intrapulmonary infusion of BQ-788 did not change left pulmonary artery (LPA) blood flow and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) at baseline. In comparison with controls, BQ-788 treatment attenuated the rise in LPA flow with low and high FiO2 ventilation (p < 0.001 vs. control for each FiO2 concentration). PVR progressively decreased during mechanical ventilation with low and high FiO2 in both groups, but PVR remained higher after BQ-788 treatment throughout the study period (p < 0.001). Conclusions: We conclude that selective ETB receptor blockade attenuates pulmonary vasodilation at birth. We speculate that ETB receptor stimulation contributes to pulmonary vasodilation at birth in the ovine fetus.
Greater Involvement of Neurokinins Found in Guinea Pig Models of Severe Asthma Compared with Mild Asthma
Authors: Mukaiyama Osamu , Morimoto Kiyoshi , Nosaka Emi , Takahashi Sakiko , Yamashita Makoto
Published: June 2004

Background: Involvement of neurokinins in asthma has been previously pointed out by several reports. However, the relationship between neurokinins and the severity of asthma has remained unclear. We developed a model of mild asthma (model I) and severe asthma (model II) in guinea pigs, and investigated the function of neurokinins in both models. Methods: In models I and II, systemically sensitized guinea pigs were made to inhale ovalbumin once and three times, respectively. Substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NKA) concentrations in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured in models I and II. Then, the effects of a capsaicin pretreatment, which depletes neurokinins, in both animal models on airway narrowing induced by the last ovalbumin inhalation, airway hyperresponsiveness to inhaled methacholine, and eosinophil accumulation in BALF, were investigated. Results: SP concentration tended to increase and the NKA concentration increased significantly in model II, but not in model I. Capsaicin pretreatment significantly inhibited the late bronchial response that was observed 2–6 h after the last ovalbumin inhalation, airway hyperresponsiveness and eosinophil accumulation in model II. On the other hand, it had no effects on the responses in model I. Conclusion: It is suggested that the more severe the disease, the greater the involvement of neurokinins.
Altered Calcium-Induced Exocytosis in Neutrophils from Allergic Patients
Authors: Liu Dongfang , Zhang Jicheng , Wu Jianmin , Zhang Chunguang , Xu Tao
Published: June 2004

We have investigated the exocytotic characteristics of neutrophils from allergic patients and healthy volunteers employing the whole cell membrane capacitance (Cm) measurement. The mean serum IgE level from allergic patients (423.75 ± 12.75 IU/ml) determined by chemiluminescence immunoassay was much higher than that of healthy volunteers (28.47 ± 16.68 IU/ml). Intracellular dialysis of buffered Ca2+ and GTPγS triggered biphasic exocytosis. The total capacitance increment displayed a steep dependence on pipette free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]p), with maximal stimulation achieved at 10 µM. A significant decrease in the total capacitance increment was observed in the allergic group at [Ca2+]p >10 µM. Moreover, at submaximal stimulatory [Ca2+]p of 1 µM, the maximal rate of exocytosis in allergic patients (Vmax = 20.75 ± 6.19 fF/s) was much faster than that of the healthy control group (Vmax = 7.97 ± 2.49 fF/s). On the other hand, the Ca2+-independent exocytosis stimulated by GTPγS displayed no significant difference in either the total membrane capacitance increments or the maximal rate of exocytosis. The results suggest that hypersecretion of neutrophils in allergic diseases may involve the development of abnormal Ca2+-dependent exocytosis.
Exhaled Nitric Oxide Levels and Airway Responsiveness to Adenosine 5′-Monophosphate in Subjects with Nasal Polyposis
Authors: Prieto L. , Seijas T. , Gutiérrez V. , Uixera S. , Bruno L. , López R.
Published: June 2004

Background:It is widely appreciated that asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways associated with airway hyperresponsiveness, and that nasal polyposis and asthma are related diseases. The objective of this study was to determine differences in exhaled nitric oxide (ENO) levels and airway responsiveness to adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP) between nonasthmatic patients with nasal polyposis and healthy controls. Methods: Twenty patients without asthma with nasal polyposis and 16 healthy control subjects were enrolled in the study. Participants were challenged with increasing concentrations of AMP and methacholine. ENO was measured with the single-exhalation method. Results: Bronchoconstriction in response to AMP was detected in 7 (35%) subjects with nasal polyposis. The geometric mean (95% CI) of ENO for subjects with nasal polyposis was 33.1 parts per billion (ppb) (24.0–45.7 ppb) compared with 12.3 ppb (8.5–18.2 ppb) for the healthy controls (p = 0.0002). ENO values were significantly higher in atopic than in nonatopic subjects with nasal polyposis [51.3 ppb (32.3–83.2 ppb) vs. 24.5 ppb (16.2–37.1 ppb), p = 0.02]. Nonatopic subjects with nasal polyposis also had higher concentrations of ENO than healthy control subjects (p = 0.016). Conclusions: Inhaled AMP causes airway narrowing in a significantly higher proportion of nonasthmatic subjects with nasal polyposis than in healthy controls. Furthermore, increased concentrations of ENO are detected in atopic and nonatopic subjects with nasal polyposis. These results suggest that bronchial inflammation is present in nonasthmatic subjects with nasal polyposis.
Apolipoprotein E ε4 Allele Differently Affects the Patterns of Neuropsychological Presentation in Early- and Late-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Patients
Authors: Marra Camillo , Bizzarro Alessandra , Daniele Antonio , De Luca Lara , Ferraccioli Monica , Valenza Alessandro , Brahe Christina , Tiziano Francesco Danilo , Gainotti Guido , Masullo Carlo
Published: June 2004

The presence of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) Ε4 allele is a definite risk factor for the onset of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Its presence seems to affect especially the memory in the early stage of the disease, but the effect on the progression of the disease and survival is still controversial. Some longitudinal studies could be influenced by variables other than APOE, such as the response to medical treatment, rehabilitation therapy and inclusion of patients at different stages of progression at baseline. Moreover, the inclusion in the same study sample of patients of different ages at onset of the disease (below 65 or above 80 years) appears arbitrary. In our study, we evaluated a population of newly diagnosed untreated AD patients at their first neuropsychological examination and with the onset of their first symptoms not longer than 3 years ago. In order to analyse the different effects of the APOE Ε4 allele on the different ages at the onset of the disease, we split the study sample into two groups: (1) subjects under 65 years [early-onset AD (EOAD); n = 30] and subjects over 70 years [late-onset AD (LOAD); n = 41], excluding subjects with an age of onset between 66 and 69 years. Our results show that the APOE Ε4 allele carriers are characterised by a different neuropsychological pattern at the disease onset; however, only in the EOAD group is this effect significant: in EOAD, the Ε4 allele carriers obtained worse performances in learning, long-term verbal memory and general intelligence tasks. On the contrary, in LOAD patients, the pattern of cognitive impairment at the onset is not dependent on the possession of an Ε4 allele in the genotype. Such data could suggest a careful control of the study sample concerning age at the onset of the disease since APOE could play a different role in EOAD and LOAD mainly due to the different pathogenic mechanism at the onset and evolution of AD.
Cognitive Functioning after Stroke: A One-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Rasquin Sascha M.C. , Lodder Jan , Ponds Rudolf W.H.M. , Winkens Ieke , Jolles Jelle , Verhey Frans R.J.
Published: June 2004

Cognitive disorders after stroke are one of the main causes of disability in daily activities. The main aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of post-stroke dementia, post-stroke mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and post-stroke amnestic MCI at different times after first-ever stroke; 196 patients were included in the study. In addition, cognitive disorders and their clinical course were studied. Frequency of post-stroke dementia was about 10% at all evaluation times; most patients had post-stroke MCI. Of the cognitive functions investigated, mental speed and calculation were most frequently affected. Performance on almost all cognitive tests was improved 6 and 12 months after stroke. Thus, while the frequency of post-stroke dementia is low, the frequency of post-stroke MCI is high, but improvement of cognitive function is possible.
Association of Estrogen Receptor α Gene Polymorphisms with Neurofibrillary Tangles
Authors: Kazama Hirohito , Ruberu Nyoka N. , Murayama Shigeo , Saito Yuko , Nakahara Ken-ichi , Kanemaru Kazutomi , Nagura Hiroshi , Arai Tomio , Sawabe Motoji , Yamanouchi Hiroshi , Orimo Hajime , Hosoi Takayuki
Published: June 2004

Estrogen receptor α (ERα) may be implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The aim of this study was to clarify the association between ERα gene polymorphisms and AD-related pathologic changes. The staging of neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) and senile plaques (SP) was performed according to the method by Braak and Braak and two polymorphisms, PvuII (P or p) and XbaI (X or x), of the ERα gene were typed in 551 Japanese cadavers (294 men and 257 women; mean age, 80.8 years). Distributions of the NFT and SP stages significantly correlated with age (NFT: r = 0.306, p < 0.0001; SP: r = 0.237, p < 0.0001) and were significantly higher in patients with the apolipoprotein E Ε4 allele (p < 0.0001). Possession of the P allele showed a trend to be associated with a more serious NFT stage, but had no relationship with the SP stage. In men, a significant association between PvuII polymorphism and the NFT stage (p = 0.002) was found, revealing a gene- dose effect of the P allele. Similar results were obtained in the men without the Ε4 allele (p = 0.011). Multiple regression analyses demonstrated that age was the strongest determinant of the NFT stage, possession of the Ε4 allele was the next strongest, and PvuII polymorphism was the third strongest (p < 0.0001, R2 = 0.144). The XbaI polymorphism did affect neither the NFT stage nor the SP stage. In conclusion, the PvuII polymorphism of the ERα gene is associated with Braak NFT stages and possession of the P allele may act as a risk factor for AD in Japanese men, especially in those without the Ε4 allele.
A Model for Quality of Life Measures in Patients with Dementia: Lawton’s Next Step
Authors: Jonker C. , Gerritsen D.L. , Bosboom P.R. , van der Stehen J.T.
Published: June 2004

The introduction of drugs that are claimed to improve cognitive function and activities of daily living in patients with Alzheimer’s disease raises the question of whether these drugs also influence dementia patients’ quality of life (QOL). We describe a hierarchic model of QOL of dementia patients, which can guide the development of measurement instruments. After initially discussing broadly QOL research, we focus on two highly important characteristics of the concept, its broadness and subjectivity, against the background of the relevant literature on QOL in dementia. Dementia-specific dimensions and domains are presented. We identify psychological well-being as the core dimension for QOL of patients with dementia.
The Clock Drawing Test as a Valid Screening Method for Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Yamamoto Sayaka , Mogi Nanaka , Umegaki Hiroyuki , Suzuki Yusuke , Ando Fujiko , Shimokata Hiroshi , Iguchi Akihisa
Published: June 2004

To validate the Clock Drawing Test (CDT) as a screening method for detecting mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and to find the appropriate scoring protocol and its cutoff point, we compared the sensitivity and specificity of three CDT protocols. Subjects included 219 outpatients with memory complaints, who were attending the geriatric memory clinic. Cahn’s protocol, with a cutoff point of 7, was more successful at differentiating clinically diagnosed MCI subjects from normal elderly individuals, with higher sensitivity (74.7%) and specificity (75.6%), than were the other protocols. The CDT, as a handy screening method, may be useful for clinicians to reliably identify subjects with MCI, and it may contribute to early detection of dementia.
A Novel Ferromagnetically Coupled Dinuclear Manganese(II) Complex with Phenoxo Bridges
Authors: Koizumi Satoshi , Nihei Masayuki , Oshio Hiroki
Published: June 2004

The reaction of MnCl2·4H2O with a tetradentate ligand yielded a dinuclear manganese(II) complex of [MnII2(H2L)2Cl2] (1) (H3L = N-(2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzyl)iminodiethanol). The magnetic susceptibility measurement revealed that 1 has an S = 5 spin ground state due to an intramolecular ferromagnetic interaction.
Preparation of Cu2S Nanoribbons from Cu(thiocarbamide)Cl·1/2H2O Complex Nanowires by Solid-state Reaction at Room Temperature without Surfactants
Authors: Chen Chunnian , Zhu Chunling , Hao Linyun , Hu Yuan , Chen Zuyao
Published: June 2004

Cu2S nanoribbons with width of 60–80 nm, length of 200–500 nm, and average thickness of about 8 nm were prepared by means of a simple solid-state reaction at room temperature without surfactants. The product was characterized by various techniques of XRD, XPS, TEM, HRTEM, and UV–vis spectra.
Solvothermal Synthesis of Sodium and Potassium Tantalate Perovskite Nanocubes
Authors: He Yu , Zhu Yongfa
Published: June 2004

A low-temperature solution-based synthetic method was developed for the synthesis of nanocubic structures of alkali tantalates. Two kinds of highly pure tantalate single crystalline nanocubes with the edge length of about 5 and 16 nm were synthesized successfully without introducing any templates or catalysts.
Separation and Study of the Optical Properties of Silver Nanocubes by Capillary Electrophoresis
Authors: Liu Fu-Ken , Ko Fu-Hsiang
Published: June 2004

This paper demonstrates the feasibility of employing capillary electrophoresis (CE) to separate silver nanoparticles and nanocubes. We monitored the efficiency of these separations by obtaining electropherograms, employing a diode-array detection (DAD) system, as well as by analyzing scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of fractional collection of particles. Our results demonstrate not only the potential for separating silver nanoparticles and nanocubes by CE with DAD but also the ability to use such a technique to investigate the spectroscopic properties of silver nanoparticles having different shapes.
Effect of Lignin on Acetic Acid Production in Wet Oxidation of Lignocellulosic Wastes
Authors: Jin Fangming , Cao Jianxun , Zhou Zhouyu , Moriya Takehiko , Enomoto Heiji
Published: June 2004

The role of lignin in acetic acid production in wet oxidation (WO) of lignocellulosic biomass was discussed. It was found that lignin was indirectly attributed to the increase of acetic acid production in WO of lignocellulosic waste. A possible mechanism for this is that decomposition intermediates of lignin would act as a retardant in WO of cellulose, leading to the formation of HMF and 2-FA which are dehydration products from monosaccharides and can produce a large amount of acetic acid by their oxidation.
Supramolecular Assembly of [60] Fullerene and Highly Ordered Zinc Octaethylporphyrin Adlayer Formed on Au(111) Surface
Authors: Yoshimoto Soichiro , Tsutsumi Eishi , Honda Yosuke , Ito Osamu , Itaya Kingo
Published: June 2004

Supramolecular assembled layers with 1:1 composition of fullerene C60 and zinc octaethylporphyrin (ZnOEP) were formed on Au(111) surface by immersing Au(111) substrate successively into a benzene solution containing ZnOEP and that containing C60.
Nitrogen-containing Compounds as a Reductant for the Selective Catalytic Reduction of NO
Authors: Nanba Tetsuya , Masukawa Shouichi , Uchisawa Junko , Obuchi Akira
Published: June 2004

When acrylonitrile and other nitrogen-containing compounds are passed over Cu- and H-ZSM-5, they can act as efficient reductants in the selective catalytic reduction of NO by forming NH3 and carbonaceous deposits through hydrolysis.
Students’ approaches to the ‘research’ component in the fashion design project: Variation in students’ experience of the research process
Authors: Shreeve Alison , Bailey Sue , Drew Linda
Published: June 2004

This study investigates the qualitatively different ways in which students approach the ‘research’ component within the design project. The study was undertaken with students in their first or second year of an honours degree course in fashion design at four UK universities.
In a previous study, students were interviewed to discover the qualitative differences in approach to study in fashion design (Drew, Bailey and Shreeve, 2001; Bailey, 2002). The data set was interrogated again to specifically investigate the approaches students had to the research element
of the project method in the original study. A phenomenographic methodology was used to look at the relationship of differences within the student experiences described in the transcripts. Four qualitatively different ways to approach research were construed which indicated an increasing complexity
of strategies used. The study indicates that students approach research in different ways, and that the simplest way is undertaken to reproduce visual elements of the found material in a final product. More complex approaches build a personal conceptual response to the project through research.
These differences have implications for teaching, learning and assessment in the design project.
Gender‐Based Differences and Menstrual Cycle‐Related Changes in Specific Diseases: Implications for Pharmacotherapy
Authors: Ensom Mary H. H.
Published: June 2004

Pharmacists should be aware of gender‐based differences and menstrual cycle‐related changes in six diseases: asthma, arthritis, migraine, diabetes, depression, and epilepsy. In general, women report symptoms of physical illness at higher rates, visit physicians more frequently, and make greater use of other health care services than men. Whereas reasons for these gender differences are not fully clear, a combination of biologic, physiologic, social, behavioral, psychologic, and cultural factors most likely contributes. A significant percentage of women with asthma, arthritis, migraine, diabetes, depression, or epilepsy experience worsening of their disease premenstrually. The mechanism is unknown, but is speculated to be multifactorial because of many endogenous and exogenous modulators and mediators of each disease. As part of general therapy for cycle‐related exacerbations of any one of these disorders, patients should be encouraged to use a menstrual calendar to track signs and symptoms for two to three cycles; if cyclic trends are identified, the women should anticipate exacerbations and avoid triggering factors. Cyclic modulation with pharmacotherapy may be attempted. If unsuccessful, a trial of medical ovulation suppression with a gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) analog may be warranted. If that is successful, continuous therapy with a GnRH analog and steroid add‐back therapy or less expensive alternatives may be effective. If pharmacotherapy is impractical, hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy with estrogen replacement therapy is a last resort. Gender differences and menstrual cycle‐related changes are important areas for clinical and mechanistic research.
Pharmacist‐Designed and ‐Implemented Pharmaceutical Care Plan for Antipsychotic‐Induced Movement Disorders
Authors: Stoner Steven C. , Worrel Jodi A. , Jones Michael T. , Farrar Cynthia A. , Ramlatchman Leonard V.
Published: June 2004

We developed a systematic approach to assess the presence, severity, and management of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) in patients treated with antipsychotics. Patients were evaluated by the Modified Simpson‐Angus scale, Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale, and Dyskinesia Identification System: Condensed User Scale. We completed 235 sets of evaluations in 83 patients. A pharmaceutical intervention was proposed in 54% (130) of evaluations, of which 82% (107) were accepted and followed. In 93% (99) evaluations in which a recommendation was followed, clinical outcome was positive. The most common intervention was reducing the dosage or discontinuing the antidyskinetic agent, most often an anticholinergic (55% of cases). Our results show that detailed monitoring of EPS in a clinical pharmacist‐operated clinic promotes rational drug therapy, limits unnecessary drugs, and improves clinical outcome of patients with EPS.
Waste Generation of Drug Product Samples versus Prescriptions Obtained Through Pharmacy Dispensing
Authors: Pai Manjunath P. , Graci Danielle M. , Bertino Joseph S.
Published: June 2004

Drug samples are often packaged differently from bulk packaging and thus they may contain a disproportionate amount of waste material. Fifteen drug samples were obtained from seven pharmaceutical companies and the packaging materials were weighed after the samples were removed. The waste produced by the samples was determined for a standard amount of drug and compared with the weight of the waste produced when the same quantity of drug was dispensed through a pharmacy. The average weight of the sample package for a standard course of therapy was significantly greater (p≤0.05) than that of the pharmacy‐dispensed prescription waste weight. The former was 5 ± 4.5‐fold heavier than the latter. The waste generated by drug samples in the United States was determined to be 5740 metric tons/year.
Bonding and Bonding Perturbation in Ion‐molecule Interactions in the Gas Phase
Authors: Corral Inés , Mó Otilia , Yáñez Manuel
Published: June 2004

Throughout this paper, we have tried to illustrate, by means of suitable examples, the substantial dissimilarities one can find in the bonding between a monocation and a neutral compound depending on the characteristics of the former, as well as the rules that govern the electron density redistribution undergone by the neutral system upon ion attachment. Besides the electrostatic interactions that are present in all cases, the polarization of the neutral compound can trigger the formation of dative bonds or, when the ion has an extremely large electron affinity, the ionization of the neutral system and its unimolecular fragmentation. Dative bonds are favored, through the participation of low‐lying empty 4s and/or 3d orbitals, when the ion is a transition metal singly charged species. These dative bonds, as well as the backdonation from the lone pairs of the metal into antibonding orbitals of the neutral, are particularly favored when the neutral has X–H bonds with a high X+δ–H−δpolarity, or some kind of unsaturation, or both. These agostic‐type bonds explain, for instance, the quite large binding energies of Cu+to the alkaline and earth‐alkaline hydrides or the enhancement of the scorpion effect in complexes withn‐heptylbenzene. Hence, in general, for these kinds of compounds, the binding energies of singly charged transition metal ions are much larger than the binding energies of alkaline monocations.

The reactions involving halogen cations, in which the very first step of the reaction mechanism is an electron transfer from the neutral to the approaching ion, are paradigmatic examples of limit cases in which the electron density redistribution, which takes place in all ion–molecule interactions, is so large that it leads to the spontaneous unimolecular fragmentation of the system. This is clearly exemplified by the reactions between vinylsilane and F+(1D,3P).
Generating and remembering passwords
Authors: Brown Alan S. , Bracken Elisabeth , Zoccoli Sandy , Douglas King
Published: June 2004

A survey evaluating the generation and use of passwords revealed that students have 8.18 password uses. With 4.45 different passwords to cover these functions, the average password has 1.84 applications. Two thirds of passwords are designed around one's personal characteristics, with most of the remainder relating to relatives, friends or lovers. Proper names and birthdays are the primary information used in constructing passwords, accounting for about half of all password constructions. Almost all respondents reuse passwords, and about two thirds of password uses are duplications. Passwords have been forgotten by a third of respondents, and over half keep a written record of them. We found empirical confirmation of some ‘bad password practices’ discussed in the literature, and provide suggestions for password construction and use. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Involuntary autobiographical memories are highly dependent on abstract cuing: the Proustian view is incorrect
Authors: Mace John H.
Published: June 2004

This study investigated whether involuntary autobiographical memories are more likely to be elicited by fundamental sensory/perceptual cues (the popular Proustian interpretation) or abstract type of cues (thought and language based cues). Participants recorded their involuntary memories and the cues that elicited them outside of the laboratory for a period of two weeks. The results showed that involuntary memories were more likely to be elicited by abstract types of cues than sensory/perceptual cues, thus indicating that the popular Proustian view is incorrect. The higher rate of abstract cuing suggests that involuntary memory retrieval shares some common features with voluntary memory retrieval. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing children's statements: the impact of a repeated experience on CBCA and RM ratings
Authors: Strömwall Leif A. , Bengtsson Lina , Leander Lina , Granhag Pär Anders
Published: June 2004

This study examined the extent to which the Criteria‐based Content Analysis (CBCA) technique and the Reality Monitoring (RM) technique were affected by the number of times children had experienced or imagined an event. Children (age 10–13, N =87 ) participated in an experiment where half the sample experienced a health examination (either one or four times), and the other half imagined (either one or four times) that they took part in a health examination. One week after the final occasion, the children were interviewed. The results showed that RM was sensitive to both the authenticity of the statements (increased presence of the criteria for real events) and whether the event had been repeatedly experienced/imagined (increased presence of the criteria for the repeated actions). The CBCA did not successfully distinguish the real from the imagined. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using eye movements during reading as an implicit measure of the acceptability of brand extensions
Authors: Stewart Andrew J. , Pickering Martin J. , Sturt Patrick
Published: June 2004

We apply eye movement monitoring techniques to examine how acceptable consumers find different brand extensions. Participants were presented with sentences (e.g. I wanted to record a song on Polaroid, but it cost too much.) which could only be fully understood if they made an inference that was based on extending the meaning associated with the brand name. By building on work on the processing of metonymic expressions (Frisson & Pickering, 1999) we predict that plausible brand extensions will cause little difficulty during initial reading, but that implausible extensions will cause immediate disruption. Analyses of the eye‐tracking data confirmed these predictions. Plausible extensions led to minor reading difficulty during late processing of the sentence, which we interpret in terms of the construction of a new interpretation associated with the brand. Implausible extensions, in contrast, caused immediate disruption, which we interpret in terms of the difficulty of providing a coherent interpretation for the term. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How you ask is what you get: on the influence of question form on accuracy and confidence
Authors: Ibabe Izaskun , Sporer Siegfried Ludwig
Published: June 2004

Memory accuracy and confidence for details of an event were investigated as a function of three question forms (open‐ended, true‐false (T‐F) and four‐alternative‐forced‐choice (4‐AFC) questions), type of content (action vs. descriptive details) and centrality of information (central vs. peripheral). Sixty‐two undergraduates were shown a film of a robbery, then answered 32 questions about the film using a questionnaire in one of the three question forms. Open‐ended (74.1%) and T‐F questions (73.0%) led to significantly more correct answers than 4‐AFC questions (66.5%). Accuracy was higher for central than peripheral information, and higher for action details than for descriptive details. Central action details were remembered better than peripheral action details whereas centrality made no difference for descriptive details. Moreover, type of content and centrality of information had different effects depending on question form. Confidence in correct answers with open‐ended questions was lower than with T‐F and 4‐AFC questions. Across question forms, witnesses were much more confident with correct than incorrect answers, except for central action details. The discussion focuses on differences between recall and recognition and their implication for confidence with different question forms. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of an early interview on long‐term recall: a comparative analysis
Authors: Tizzard‐Drover Tracy , Peterson Carole
Published: June 2004

Because of burgeoning participation by children in forensic situations there is significant concern about children's memory for stressful events. Influence of timing of the first interview and interview frequency on long‐term recall were evaluated by comparing three groups of 3‐ to 9‐year‐olds 1 year after an injury requiring emergency room treatment. One group had one interview, a year after injury; another group had two interviews, immediately and a year later; the third group had three interviews, immediately, 6 months and a year after injury. The type of event and timing of the initial interview influenced completeness and accuracy of recall after 1 year. All children showed extensive recall but having an immediate interview was associated with greater completeness and accuracy for 3–4‐year‐olds but not older children. This suggests a social influence: a highly structured and organized early interview may have beneficial effects on memory for preschoolers. Implications for questioning and testimony are discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving comprehension of jury instructions with audio‐visual presentation
Authors: Brewer Neil , Harvey Sophie , Semmler Carolyn
Published: June 2004

This study examined whether mock‐jurors' comprehension of judicial self‐defence instructions improved when an audio‐visual instructional format involving computer animations and a flow chart was used. In a mock‐juror paradigm, 90 law students (experts) and 90 legally untrained adults (novices) were randomly allocated to one of three instructional conditions (audio, audio‐elaborated, audio‐visual). Dependent measures of self‐defence comprehension included verdict delivery, multiple‐choice (recognition), paraphrasing (recall) and novel scenarios (transfer). Law students performed better on self‐defence comprehension tests than novices in the audio‐only conditions. The audio‐visual format significantly enhanced novices' comprehension, with their comprehension scores matching those of law students. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distinguishing characteristics of orally transmitted material when compared to material transmitted by literary means
Authors: McIver Robert K. , Carroll Marie
Published: June 2004

Controversy surrounds the relationship between the three Synoptic Gospels written by Mark, Matthew and Luke. In particular, researchers on the New Testament disagree about whether the similarities between these three Gospels can be attributed to copying from a common information source, or whether they are due to a reliance on common oral traditions. Two experiments were conducted to investigate the characteristics that might distinguish material that was orally transmitted from that which was copied. In Experiment 1, participants were asked to write short narratives about recent and historic events, using (a) no external sources (b) an external source which was to be returned before the narrative was written, or (c) an external source which was retained while the narrative was written. Results showed that long sequences of common verbatim text occurred only when external sources could be retained while the account was written, suggesting behaviour indicative of copying. In Experiment 2, however, different genres of material were examined (jokes, aphorisms, and poetry). Results showed that while long sequences of more than 18 words in verbatim sequence might be evidence of copying where narrative material is concerned, it is not necessarily true for poetry or aphorisms, where it is possible to transmit from memory more than 18 words in exact sequence. We conclude that when Gospel instances of long sequences of similar material are examined, copying is a likely explanation. But such instances only represent a small proportion of the total number of parallels. The majority of parallel traditions appear to rely on memory, consistent with the experimental evidence presented here. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Implicit memory: a prime example for brand consideration and choice
Authors: Coates Sarah L. , Butler Laurie T. , Berry Dianne C.
Published: June 2004

Three experiments investigated the influence of implicit memory for familiar brand names on consumer choice. Priming was measured using modified preference judgment tasks that comprised both brand consideration and choice components. Experiment 1 used a ‘complex choice task’ where consideration and choice stages were characterized as acting in sequence. Experiment 2 explored a different formulation whereby consideration and choice were assumed to act in parallel. Both experiments demonstrated that priming had an influence on brand consideration but not on final or preferred choice. Finally, Experiment 3 replicated and extended these findings under more realistic conditions where participants actually received some of the products that they selected. Overall, the experiments suggested that for many decisions involving the consideration of familiar brands prior to choice, previous exposure to brand names can increase the likelihood that they will enter the consumers' consideration set. However, the advantage does not appear to extend to choice itself. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Language and spatial cognition: comparing the roles of landmarks and street names in route instructions
Authors: Tom Ariane , Denis Michel
Published: June 2004

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the processes involved when people use spatial descriptions intended to assist navigation. More specifically, we compared the effectiveness of route directions in an urban environment based on references either to landmarks or to street names. In the first experiment, the participants learned route directions that referred either to landmarks or to streets named after landmarks (e.g. a hospital vs. ‘Hospital Street’). Processing times were shorter for instructions based on landmarks than for those based on street names. When the participants subsequently drew the route described, their memory was better when they had processed landmark rather than street information. The same route directions were used in the second experiment, in which the participants' memories were tested in a recognition task. The results showed that when target words referred to landmarks, the participants were more accurate and took less time to respond than when the same words were used to refer to streets. This finding indicates that the results of the previous experiment cannot be attributed to differing costs of the retrieval processes. Overall, the results of these experiments confirm the special cognitive status of landmarks in the mental representation of routes. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A longitudinal investigation of the reliability of memories for trauma and other emotional experiences
Authors: Peace Kristine A. , Porter Stephen
Published: June 2004

This study examined the relative consistency and characteristics of memories for trauma and other non‐traumatic emotional experiences over time. A community sample of 52 participants who reported a recent traumatic event were asked to recall both the traumatic and a positive emotional experience in two interviews separated by approximately three months (M = 105.39 days). The recollections were elicited with either a free narrative, cognitive interview, guided imagery, or written narrative approach. Results indicated that traumatic experiences were recalled more reliably over time than other emotional experiences. Traumatic memory imagery tended to persist in memory (with no apparent impairment), whereas features of positive memories were subject to considerable distortion, regardless of interview style. The findings contribute to the understanding of the impact of trauma on memory with the passage of time. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Capture of CO2 from combustion gases in a fluidized bed of CaO
Authors: Abanades J. Carlos , Anthony Edward J. , Lu Dennis Y. , Salvador Carlos , Alvarez Diego
Published: June 2004

Experiments in a pilot‐scale fluidized‐bed reactor have been carried out to investigate the carbonation reaction of CaO, as a potential method for CO2 capture from combustion flue gases at high‐temperatures. Results show that CO2 capture efficiencies are very high, while there is a sufficient fraction of CaO in the bed reacting in the fast reaction regime. The total capture capacity of the bed decays with the number of carbonation‐calcination cycles. The experimental CO2 concentration profiles measured inside the bed during the fast reaction period are interpreted with the KL fluid bed model, by supplying information on sorbent deactivation from laboratory tests. It is concluded that a fluidized bed of CaO can be a suitable reactor to achieve very effective CO2 capture efficiencies from a combustion flue gas. © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 50:1614–1622, 2004
Thermodynamics of methane, propane, and carbon dioxide hydrates in porous glass
Authors: Smith Duane H. , Seshadri Kal , Uchida Tsutoma , Wilder Joseph W.
Published: June 2004

Equilibrium pressure for the dissociation of methane, propane, or carbon dioxide hydrates confined in porous glass pores of nominal 15 nm radii were measured over a wide temperature range. A previously presented model is used to determine the pore radius involved at each temperature. Based on these results, pore volume distributions were reconstructed and compared with distributions obtained from nitrogen desorption isotherms. The analysis of the reported data indicate that for all three hydrates, nearly all of the sorbed water was converted to hydrate, but the amount of water taken up by the porous glass was less than that expected from nitrogen desorption studies. When propane was used to form hydrate, the pores not occupied by hydrate were involved in propane vapor–liquid equilibria. © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 50:1589–1598, 2004