bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial heterogeneity of reflected radiance from globally distributed clouds
Authors: Genkova Iliana , Davies Roger
Published: November 2003

Reflected spectral radiance measured by the Multi‐angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) on the Terra satellite has been analyzed to determine the fraction of global cloudiness that appears to be spatially homogeneous over regions of various sizes. We exclude scenes with reflectivities less than 0.2 and high latitudes to avoid snow and ice. About 1.4 ± 0.3%, or 1 in 70, of 8.8 km cloudy regions measured at 275 m have a range of reflectivities less than ±5% of the central reflectivity value of the region. This pass rate changes slightly with viewing angle, and is sensitive to the size of the test window, rising to 11% for 1.1 km regions. The pass rate rises to a value of 2.3 ± 0.5% for 8.8 km regions if the measurement resolution is degraded to 1100 m. For the purposes of this study “global” cloudiness is limited to mid‐morning clouds.
Large submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) from a volcanic island
Authors: Kim Guebuem , Lee Kang‐Kun , Park Kwan‐Suk , Hwang Dong‐Woon , Yang Han‐Soeb
Published: November 2003

We measured seepage rates of coastal groundwater from a volcanic island, standing in the South Sea of Korea. The seepage rates measured along the sandy coast were in the range 50–300 m/yr, which are much higher than those reported from typical continental coast. The 18O tracer in potential seeping waters signifies that they are mixtures of basal groundwater and pristine seawaters. On the eastern coast of Jeju, almost all groundwater discharge is attributed to recirculating seawater, while fresh groundwater contributes about 20% of the total submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) on the western coast of Jeju. Thus, SGD appears to be important for the management of water resources in western Jeju. The measured radionuclides (228Ra, 226Ra, and 222Rn) and nutrients in the groundwater suggest that the discharge of both fresh and recirculated seawater will have a significant influence on the budget of coastal nutrients and other chemical constituents in this region.
Seasonal variability of modern dust over the Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Sun Donghuai , Chen Fahu , Bloemendal Jan , Su Ruixia
Published: November 2003

Atmospheric dust samples were collected at monthly or seasonal time intervals at six sites on the Chinese Loess Plateau during 1995–1996 and 2000. The dusts are mainly composed of mineral grains in addition to a considerable amount of organic material, especially in the case of the dusts deposited in summer. The magnetic susceptibility of these modern dusts is generally higher than that of glacial loess, and in addition they show clear seasonal variations with maximum values in the summer dust and minimum values in the winter dust. Assuming that pollution effects on modern dust can be excluded, this implies that the high susceptibility values of Quaternary paleosols may arise either from the direct effect of climate on the baseline susceptibility of the raw dust or from further enhancement by post‐depositional pedogenesis. The pattern of seasonal dust flux shows that most of the total annual dust deposition is generated by continuous deposition throughout the year rather than by dust storms in specific seasons; however, the flux does exhibit seasonal variability with highest flux occurring in spring or early summer, especially in the northern Loess Plateau. The grain‐size distribution of modern dust shows a positive‐skewed asymmetrical pattern that is analogous to Quaternary loess. Seasonal variations in dust grain size are characterized by coarsening in spring and summer and by fining in autumn and winter. At a specific site the dust grain‐size strongly depends on height above the local ground surface and decreases nonlinearly with increasing height. On the basis of vertical profiles, spatial trends and the seasonal variability of dust flux and grain size, we infer that modern dust, and thus Quaternary loess, is mostly transported at a low level of the atmosphere throughout the year with intensified dust deposition in spring and early summer.
Optical properties of mineral dust outbreaks over the northeastern Mediterranean
Authors: Kubilay Nilgün , Cokacar Tulay , Oguz Temel
Published: November 2003

Ground‐based aerosol optical measurements were conducted within the framework of the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) program at the IMS‐METU site at Erdemli (36°33′N, 34°15′E) along the Turkish coast of the northeastern Mediterranean from January 2000 to June 2001. The measurements were used to identify and define predominant regional aerosol optical properties, with an emphasis on mineral dust intrusion events. Dust storms affecting the region primarily originate from the central Sahara in spring, the eastern Sahara in summer, and the Middle East/Arabian peninsula in autumn. Summer and autumn dust intrusions usually occurred at higher altitudes (above 700 hPa), whereas urban‐industrial aerosols from the north over the Balkan region, Ukraine, and Anatolia were transported to the region at lower altitudes. In addition to a drastic increase in the aerosol optical thickness, in some cases up to 1.8, the dust episodes were characterized by (1) a sharp drop in the Ångstrom coefficient to values near zero, (2) a high‐scattering with single‐scattering albedo greater than 0.95 ± 0.03, and the real part of the refractive index around 1.5 ± 0.5, both of which acquire slightly higher values at longer wavelengths, (3) a lower absorption given by the imaginary part of the refractive index less than 0.002, and (4) an almost neutral spectral dependence of these parameters. Dust particles possessed a bimodal size distribution with typical volume mean radii of 2.2 μm and 0.08 μm for coarse and fine size fractions, respectively, and corresponding volume concentrations of about 1.0 and 0.1 μm3 μm−2 of dust particles. It was apparent that the Saharan and Middle East desert dusts differ in their absorption index values (0.0015 and 0.0005, respectively). The difference is likely a result of their contrasting mineralogies.
Contribution of benthic fish to the patch dynamics of gravel and sand transport in streams
Authors: Statzner Bernhard , Sagnes Pierre , Champagne Jean‐Yves , Viboud Sylvie
Published: November 2003

Barbel and gudgeon differ in their biology and ecology so that their bioturbation of streambed sediments may have specific effects on the patch dynamics of the sediment transport. Using experimental streams, we tested this idea by measuring the impact of a naturally occurring biomass gradient of each fish on the (1) transport of gravel and sand at base flow; (2) sediment surface characteristics; and (3) critical shear stress (τC) causing incipient gravel and sand motion during simulated floods. Corresponding to their biology and ecology, the fish specifically modified base flow transport and surface of the sediments. The greatest τC reduction for gravel/sand caused through these base flow fish activities was ∼50%/∼60% in the barbel and ∼35%/∼60% in the gudgeon experiment. We integrate these results into a conceptual framework that outlines the contribution of benthic animals to the patch dynamics of the gravel and sand transport in real streams.
Preclinical Safety Assessment: In vitro – in vivo Testing
Authors: Højelse Flemming
Published: November 2003

Abstract: In vitro– and in vivo preclinical safety tests on drug candidates needed before first dose in man and before marketing authorisation are as follows: The acute and repeated dose toxicity studies, the reproductive toxicity studies, the genotoxicity studies, the carcinogenicity studies and finally the safety pharmacology studies. The Safety Assessment of the results with respect to predictability for humans is discussed, as well as new tests under validation. Suggestions for changes in the future of Non‐Clinical Safety tests are mentioned.
First Exposure in Man: Toxicological Considerations
Authors: Spindler Per , Sjöberg Per , Knudsen Lisbeth E.
Published: November 2003

Abstract: The safety of a volunteer/patient who participate in the very first human trial relies on data from animal experimentation and on the design of the trial. Recommendations on the type and extent of preclinical safety studies that should be conducted prior to first dose in man have been developed by the International Conference on Harmonisation, and the European Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products. These recommendations include studies designed to characterise local tolerance and general toxicity of the drug candidate as well as its genotoxic potential and ability to interfere with reproduction. For trials which can be categorised as low dose PK screening trials and trials with products where rodent and non‐rodent (primarily dog) models do not show any biological response (e.g. some biotechnology‐derived hormones and cytokines) other testing paradigms should be used. The present recommendations for preclinical testing have had an important impact on the documented impressive safety record of phase I clinical trials. In this spirit we extend our warmest and sincerest thanks to Professor Jens S. Schou for his long and deep engagement in European and International harmonisation of preclinical test recommendations. His efforts have had a substantial impact on the present testing recommendations, which are of obvious benefit to the safety of the patient.
Drug Safety in Relation to Efficacy: The View of a Clinical Pharmacologist
Authors: Sjöqvist Folke
Published: November 2003

Abstract: The number of registered drugs, and drug expenditure are increasing rapidly in Europe, and within the European Union (EU) there are no longer any regulations requiring that new drugs have to be better than old ones. At the same time, pharmacoepidemiological studies in Europe and USA show that adverse drug reactions now may account for up to 10% of the admissions of patients to internal medicine wards at a cost of hundreds of millions of US dollars annually. This represents a considerable increase compared to 20 years ago. A partial explanation is the many shortcomings of many clinical trials and their relevance for health care. Adverse drug reactions are often poorly studied and documented in these studies and very seldom included in health economical analyses of the value of new drugs. Pharmacovigilance is product‐ rather than utilization‐oriented and quite invisible in clinical medicine. This is regrettable, since up to 50% of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are dose‐dependent and thus preventable. Hopefully, the rapid progress in molecular and clinical pharmacogenetics will provide new tools for clinicians to choose and dose drugs according to the individual needs of patients.
Do Firms Share their Success with Workers? The Response of Wages to Product Market Conditions
Authors: Estevão Marcello , Tevlin Stacey
Published: November 2003

We provide new evidence that industry financial conditions help determine wages in the US manufacturing sector. Ordinary least squares estimates of the effect of rents per worker on wages are significantly positive, but quite small. We show that this may stem from econometric difficulties that plague the OLS estimates. Using the US input–output tables to isolate demand shocks, we overcome these issues and identify the effects of the industry financial situation on wages. Our IV estimates reveal substantial rent sharing—much more than is consistent with a purely competitive labour market.
Contesting Professionalism: Legal Aid and Nonlawyers in England and Wales
Authors: Moorhead Richard , Sherr Avrom , Paterson Alan
Published: November 2003

Professions are granted a form of cartel that enables them to charge more than would arise in a free market on the assumption that they provide better quality and are more trustworthy than free-market actors would be. The theoretical assumption that lawyers are more competent than nonlawyers has given rise to significant formal protections for professions in many jurisdictions. Two testable propositions arise from this theory: (1) lawyers cost more, but (2) they deliver higher quality. It is a testing of these twin propositions that is the subject of this article, with well-triangulated data and a deeper understanding of the theoretical differences between lawyers and nonlawyers.
Writing film: making inferences when viewing and reading
Authors: Reid Mark
Published: November 2003

This article discusses the ways in which short films on video might be integrated into the English curriculum. I argue that shorts can be used to scaffold writing, and further than this, that students can learn a great deal about narrative form by shuttling between the two media of print and film. The article focuses on a ‘worked example’, being an account of an INSET session using a short film called Father and Daughter.
‘Reading’ pictures: what do they reveal? Young children's reading of visual texts
Authors: Walsh Maureen
Published: November 2003

What does the ‘reading’ of pictures reveal compared with the reading of print? The researcher examines aspects of visual literacy through the responses of young children to two picture storybooks. The findings emphasise how images can evoke different levels of response. The study confirms that we need to reconsider the nature of reading and reading education in an environment where words and print are no longer the dominant medium. Examples of responses are shown from children who are native speakers of English, as well as from children for whom English is a second language.
Child Care Policy Reform and the Employment of Single Mothers*
Authors: Bainbridge Jay , Meyers Marcia K. , Waldfogel Jane
Published: November 2003

Objective. We estimate how the expansion of public child care subsidies from 1991–1996 contributed to single mothers' employment rates, controlling for other policy changes.

Methods. Using new measures of child care spending that distinguish between subsidies for welfare‐reliant and working‐poor families, we compare their effect on the employment rates of single mothers with young children to those without.

Results.

We find that spending on child care subsidies for working families had substantial and significant positive effects on the employment of single mothers with young children.

Conclusions.

Dollar for dollar, the effects of child care subsidies were similar to, or greater than, those associated with tax policy changes. However, because increases in tax benefits dwarf those in child care subsidies and because one‐half of all means‐tested child care subsidies were directed toward welfare‐reliant families, tax policies are estimated to explain a larger share of the growth in single mothers' employment during the 1990s.
Did Retail Enterprise Among White Immigrants Benefit from the Residential Segregation of Blacks? A Study of Large Northern Cities in the Early 20th Century*
Authors: Boyd Robert L. , Xu Xiaohe
Published: November 2003

Objective. This study tests the proposition, suggested by the middleman minority theory of entrepreneurship, that retail enterprise among white immigrants in the urban North was aided by the emergence of segregated black communities during the Great Migration of 1915–1930.

Methods. Census data on major Northern cities in 1910, 1920, and 1930 are analyzed in several multivariate regressions.

Results. The merchant participation rate of foreign‐born white men was unrelated to the index of black spatial isolation but was positively associated with the relative size of the black population, implying that the existence of large black consumer markets did promote the entry of the immigrants into the retail trade.

Conclusions. White immigrants in the early 20th century North had a retailing niche based partly on serving blacks. Yet, there was no evidence that the immigrants benefited from a “captive market” that arose because of residential segregation by race.
The New Economy and the Forest: Rural Development in the Post‐Industrial Spaces of the Rural Alleghenies*
Authors: Che Deborah
Published: November 2003

Objective. Government policy has long linked resource production with economic development in surrounding rural communities. The purpose of this article is to examine how the USDA Forest Service's (USFS) resource‐based, rural development policies have shifted due to economic restructuring and environmental challenges to the “management” of nature.

Methods. Historical data was gathered on USFS timber harvests and policies toward forest‐dependent communities. Data was also gathered through interviews and participant‐observation on a USFS‐supported, locally planned ecotourism project.

Results. USFS rural development policies have shifted from predominantly providing federally determined, sustained timber harvests in the industrial era to increasingly emphasizing local, amenity‐based entrepreneurship and economic diversification in the post‐industrial era.

Conclusions. USFS rural development policies and resource production have been de‐coupled. However, amenity‐based development may depend both on amenity migrants and sustained commitment from external sources to support local initiative, given limited entrepreneurship in rural areas long dependent on high‐wage extraction and manufacturing.
Dilemmas of Environmental Planning in Post‐Urban New Jersey*
Authors: Lake Robert W.
Published: November 2003

Objective. New Jersey's state land‐use plan, designed to preserve open space by directing growth to urban centers, rests on the assumption that nature (the “environment”) and the urban constitute separate objective spheres, such that nature can be preserved as an end in itself. Through a spatial transformation that de‐populated the cities and suburbanized the countryside, however, the urban and the environmental have become overlapping discursive categories, each expressing the absence of the other, and raising serious dilemmas for environmental planning.

Methods. This article uses Census data to document the extent of New Jersey's urban and racial transformation over more than half a century, and examines county and municipal reviews of the state's proposed land‐use plan to document the resulting contradictory interpretations of nature articulated in political debate over state‐plan implementation.

Results. The attempt to forge a statewide consensus on environmental and open‐space preservation has been stymied by the contradictory perspectives of urban and suburban constituencies, whose responses focus on the urban rather than the environmental implications of proposed land‐use controls. State planners seeking political support for environmental protection find themselves embroiled in often vitriolic debates about urban and suburban lifestyles, with implicit racial subtexts, and about the legitimacy of state intervention perceived as supporting antithetical values.

Conclusions. Contrary to the state's attempt to separate the urban and the environmental, the route to environmental protection in New Jersey may lie through urban revitalization.
Nonprofits and Park Provision in Los Angeles: An Exploration of the Rise of Governance Approaches to the Provision of Local Services*
Authors: Pincetl Stephanie
Published: November 2003

Objectives.Park planning and development in the Los Angeles metropolitan area offer an opportunity to explore the assertion that “Western cities are now being managed, organized and governed in different ways” leading to a ‘new urban politics,” and the suggestion that urban regime theory captures cultural and civil societal influences and organizations in its descriptions of coalitions and their roles in promoting places.

Methods.This article examines park provision in Los Angeles historically and in the contemporary period through interviews and current documents, as well as through newspaper articles and park bond proposition language.

Results.The resulting analysis suggests that civil society organizations such as nonprofits act in quite similar ways to traditional urban regime business interests.

Conclusions.Nonprofits should be examined for their roles in creating a new urban politics, including structures of governance. Additionally, in the environmental area, these organizations have become significant actors in determining land uses.
Political Cynicism and the Mobilization of Black Voters*
Authors: Southwell Priscilla L. , Pirch Kevin D.
Published: November 2003

Objective. This article analyzes National Election Study data from the 1996 and 2000 elections in order to explain the increased turnout among blacks in recent presidential elections.

Methods. A bivariate analysis of registration and voter turnout across the races is conducted, followed by three probit models of voter turnout, including various demographic and attitudinal variables.

Results. Our findings show that more blacks were registered to vote, and more registered blacks actually voted in 2000 than in 1996. We also found that political cynicism, or distrust, appears to increase the propensity of blacks to vote, in direct contrast to the behavior of white respondents. Inefficacy has less effect on black turnout, although it depresses turnout among whites.

Conclusions. These findings underscore an important difference between racial groups with regard to the effect of attitudinal factors on voter turnout. Political cynicism can serve to mobilize blacks, while feelings of internal and external inefficacy had little effect on black turnout in these elections.
The Needs and Financial Problems of Small and Rural Localities: The Case of West Virginia
Authors: Dougherty Michael John , Klase Kenneth A. , Song Soo Geun
Published: November 2003

The areas of Public Finance and Financial Management present potential problems for small and rural local governments. Responses from a survey of West Virginia local public officials were used to examine the severity of these two issues. Both issues were thought to be of equal importance Instead, the findings showed that Public Finance issues rated very high while Financial Management issues rated very low. Potential influences, such as type of locality, professionalism, and metropolitan area status, fail to explain the differences. Thus, it is concluded that for small and rural localities, Public Finance issues are more important than Financial Management issues
Using Adjusted Performance Measures for Evaluating Resource Use
Authors: Stiefel Leanna , Rubenstein Ross , Schwartz Amy Ellen
Published: November 2003

Public service organizations are looking for ways to improve the evaluation of performance and resource allocation. One of the approaches is to use adjusted performance measures, which attempt to capture factors that affect the organizational performance but are outside of the organization's control. This article illustrates the construction and use of adjusted performance measures to assess the performance of public schools, and reports findings from a study of school‐based budgeting in Chicago that relates adjusted performance measures and patterns of budget allocations.
Skin infections in renal transplant recipients and the relation with solar ultraviolet radiation
Authors: Termorshuizen F , Hogewoning AA , Bouwes Bavinck JN , Goettsch WG , de Fijter JW , van Loveren H
Published: November 2003

Abstract: Background: Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is an important risk factor for skin cancer in transplant recipients. In view of the potential suppressive effect of UVR on host resistance it was examined whether exposure to UVR was also associated with the occurrence of various skin infections.

Methods: In a cohort of renal transplant recipients (n = 137), lifetime exposure was assessed by means of a retrospective questionnaire on cumulative sunlight exposure. Diagnosed skin infections since renal transplantation were extracted from the patient's medical charts. Season of diagnosis was regarded as indicative of short‐term exposure.

Results: In comparison with winter a high rate of herpes simplex infections was found in spring [rate ratio (RR) = 4.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2–14.5], and high rates of herpes zoster infections (RR = 1.6, 95% CI: 0.8–3.5) and fungal/yeast infections in summer (RR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.3–3.4). A higher lifetime exposure (RR = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.04–5.1) and a greater cumulative number of reported sunburns (RR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.1–5.1) were independently associated with a higher risk of bacterial infections.

Conclusions: The seasonal association with the occurrence of clinical herpes infections indicates an effect of short‐term UVR. Our data suggest that the number of sunburn episodes in the past is also relevant for the susceptibility to certain skin infections.
Soil carbon stocks and bulk density: spatial or cumulative mass coordinates as a basis of expression?
Authors: Gifford Roger M. , Roderick Michael L.
Published: November 2003

Accounting for CO2 fluxes by determining changes in stocks of soil carbon (C) as a result of land use change is an option for complying nations under the Kyoto Protocol. The 1996 IPCC guidelines for C accounting recommend that soil C stocks to a depth of 30 cm be used in such accounting. However, the soil bulk density often changes with land use and the soil C per unit ground area to a fixed depth will also change even without any change in the mass fraction of C in dry soil. This problem will generally arise when soil C accounting is taken to a fixed depth (i.e. uses ‘spatial coordinates’). For accuracy in determining the land use change effects on soil C, soil sampling should be referred to a fixed dry soil mass per unit ground area (i.e. use ‘cumulative mass coordinates’). There has been intermittent literature‐discussion about this issue over several decades. Methods to accomplish C accounting on a mass coordinate basis, none of them accurate or efficient, have been suggested. Here, we propose a simple, accurate methodology for determining soil C stocks using cumulative mass coordinates, which does not involve repeat sampling trips, nominal specification of the location of boundaries between soil horizons, or independent sampling for determining soil bulk densities. Each core is taken a little (say 10 cm) below the nominal mass/depth required and the retrieved core is sliced into two at a point a little above the nominal mass/depth (say 10 cm above). An accurate determination of the depth of the core or slice is not needed, but an accurate determination of the dry mass of soil above and below the slice‐point is required. Linear interpolation between these two measurements is then used to estimate the cumulative soil C per unit ground area to the target dry soil mass per unit ground area. Even though this method eliminates the need for reporting soil bulk densities for C accounting, it is urged that the bulk densities and density changes still be routinely reported. This is because such information is of fundamental importance for understanding and predicting the movement of fluids and substances carried in them within the soil and between the soil and the environment. Hence, these data are likely to be of fundamental importance in developing our future understanding and predictive capacity of soil C changes with land use change.
Interacting effects of CO2 partial pressure and temperature on photosynthesis and calcification in a scleractinian coral
Authors: Reynaud Stéphanie , Leclercq Nicolas , Romaine‐Lioud Samantha , Ferrier‐Pagés Christine , Jaubert Jean , Gattuso Jean‐Pierre
Published: November 2003

We show here that CO2 partial pressure (pCO2) and temperature significantly interact on coral physiology. The effects of increased pCO2 and temperature on photosynthesis, respiration and calcification rates were investigated in the scleractinian coral Stylophora pistillata. Cuttings were exposed to temperatures of 25°C or 28°C and to pCO2 values of ca. 460 or 760 μatm for 5 weeks. The contents of chlorophyll c2 and protein remained constant throughout the experiment, while the chlorophyll a content was significantly affected by temperature, and was higher under the ‘high‐temperature–high‐pCO2’ condition. The cell‐specific density was higher at ‘high pCO2’ than at ‘normal pCO2’ (1.7 vs. 1.4). The net photosynthesis normalized per unit protein was affected by both temperature and pCO2, whereas respiration was not affected by the treatments. Calcification decreased by 50% when temperature and pCO2 were both elevated. Calcification under normal temperature did not change in response to an increased pCO2. This is not in agreement with numerous published papers that describe a negative relationship between marine calcification and CO2. The confounding effect of temperature has the potential to explain a large portion of the variability of the relationship between calcification and pCO2 reported in the literature, and warrants a re‐evaluation of the projected decrease of marine calcification by the year 2100.
A dynamic global vegetation model for use with climate models: concepts and description of simulated vegetation dynamics
Authors: Bonan Gordon B. , Levis Samuel , Sitch Stephen , Vertenstein Mariana , Oleson Keith W.
Published: November 2003

Changes in vegetation structure and biogeography due to climate change feedback to alter climate by changing fluxes of energy, moisture, and momentum between land and atmosphere. While the current class of land process models used with climate models parameterizes these fluxes in detail, these models prescribe surface vegetation and leaf area from data sets. In this paper, we describe an approach in which ecological concepts from a global vegetation dynamics model are added to the land component of a climate model to grow plants interactively. The vegetation dynamics model is the Lund–Potsdam–Jena (LPJ) dynamic global vegetation model. The land model is the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Land Surface Model (LSM). Vegetation is defined in terms of plant functional types. Each plant functional type is represented by an individual plant with the average biomass, crown area, height, and stem diameter (trees only) of its population, by the number of individuals in the population, and by the fractional cover in the grid cell. Three time‐scales (minutes, days, and years) govern the processes. Energy fluxes, the hydrologic cycle, and carbon assimilation, core processes in LSM, occur at a 20 min time step. Instantaneous net assimilated carbon is accumulated annually to update vegetation once a year. This is carried out with the addition of establishment, resource competition, growth, mortality, and fire parameterizations from LPJ. The leaf area index is updated daily based on prevailing environmental conditions, but the maximum value depends on the annual vegetation dynamics. The coupling approach is successful. The model simulates global biogeography, net primary production, and dynamics of tundra, boreal forest, northern hardwood forest, tropical rainforest, and savanna ecosystems, which are consistent with observations. This suggests that the model can be used with a climate model to study biogeophysical feedbacks in the climate system related to vegetation dynamics.
Cloning and Sequencing of an MPB70 Homologue Corresponding to MPB83 from Mycobacterium bovis BCG
Authors: MATSUO T. , MATSUO H. , OHARA N. , MATSUMOTO S. , KITAURA H. , MIZUNO A. , YAMADA T.
Published: November 2003

MPB70 is secreted in high concentrations by Mycobacterium bovis BCG substrain Tokyo (BCG Tokyo), but little by substrains Pasteur (BCG Pasteur) and M. tuberculosis. The gene encoding a MPB70 homologue secreted by BCG Tokyo was found at the upstream region of the gene encoding MPB70, with approximately 2.3 kilobase pairs (kbp) spacing: the same gene was also found in BCG Pasteur. This gene was cloned and sequenced from BCG Tokyo. The DNA sequence which contained a 663 base pair (bp) open reading frame beginning at position 1 and ending with a TAA codon at position 661 was found. Its theoretical molecular mass was calculated to be 22.068 kDa. This gene was highly homologous to the coding region of mpb70 and the deduced amino acid sequence was very similar to MPB83 reported by Harboe et al. It was speculated that the gene the authors characterized probably corresponded to the mpb83 gene.
Brush Border Enzymes in Evaluation of Acute Small Bowel Rejection
Authors: KUUSANMÄKI P. , LAURONEN J. , PAAVONEN T. , PAKARINEN M. , SAVILAHTI E. , HAYRY P. , HALTTUNEN J.
Published: November 2003

The change in activity of three disaccharidase enzymes (maltase, sucrase and lactase) was determined according to the method of Dahlqvist during acute rejection in non‐immunosuppressed piglet small bowel grafts. In addition, two brush border enzymes, lactase and aminopeptidase, were stained with monoclonal antibodies. Diminishing disaccharidase activity was an early event during rejection. Diminution began 2 days before distinct morphological changes were seen in the mucosal biopsies. Evaluation of disaccharidase activity can thus be used as a confirmatory method in detecting rejection. Reduction in immunohistological staining of lactase and aminopeptidase with monoclonal antibodies and changes in mucosal morphology were observed to progress simultaneously.
Remaining experiences of living kidney donors more than 3 yr after early recipient graft loss
Authors: Haljamäe Ulla , Nyberg Gudrun , Sjöström Björn
Published: November 2003

Abstract: Living kidney donor programs, based on willingness among family members and close relatives to donate, have made it possible to perform a satisfactory number of kidney transplantations. Early graft loss in the recipient may occur and it is not known if such an event will result mainly in acute, rather transient, emotional reactions or if long‐lasting reactions may be evoked in the living kidney donor. The aim of the present study was to assess and describe the remaining experiences of donors (n = 10) more than 3 yr after early recipient graft loss or death of the recipient. A phenomenographic, interview‐based research approach was used. Five different fields or domains were identified: (i) the decision to donate; (ii) the information provided; (iii) care received at the time of donation; (iv) responses at graft failure; and (v) concerns remaining at the time of the interview. All donors expressed that they had volunteered to donate and that no stress had been put on them. The information given prior to and in connection with the donation procedure was deemed insufficient but all donors were satisfied with the medical care provided in connection with the nephrectomy and in the immediate post‐operative period. Graft failure was immediately accepted on the intellectual level by nine of 10 donors but still evoked emotional reactions and responses included a wish that continuing contact with the transplant staff had been provided. The present interview‐based study shows that it is of importance that the donor is thoroughly informed about all donor as well as recipient‐related factors including the potential risk of recipient graft failure. In case of graft failure, or the death of the recipient, the transplant unit staff members should offer contact for discussions of medical matters as well as for psychosocial support. In individual cases it may be necessary to maintain such a supportive contact channel for a prolonged period of time.
Induction therapy by anti‐thymocyte globulin (rabbit) in renal transplantation: a 1‐yr follow‐up of safety and efficacy
Authors: Büchler Matthias , Ligny Bruno Hurault de , Madec Corinne , Lebranchu Yvon ,   The French Thymoglobuline Pharmacovigilance Study Group
Published: November 2003

Abstract:Background:Two hundred and forty cadaveric renal transplant recipients given anti‐thymocyte globulin (Thymoglobulin®) as induction immunotherapy were followed up prospectively to review safety and efficacy.

Methods:The median number of infusions was 10 [2–21] with a cumulative dose of 8.8 mg/kg [2.0–23.2 mg/kg]. During the fortnight following transplantation, 231 patients (96%) received a calcineurin inhibitor; all patients were given steroids and azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil. At 1 yr, 60% of patients were on tripletherapy, 38% on bitherapy, and 2% on monotherapy; 20% had discontinued steroids.

Results:Tolerance was excellent with no cases of anaphylaxis. The commonest adverse event was fever (55%). Eighteen patients developed serum sickness on median day 11 [10–14]. Seven patients had thrombocytopenia; six patients had severe neutropenia. All of these adverse events recovered spontaneously. The overall incidence of delayed graft function was 24%.

At 1 yr patient and graft survival were 98 and 95%, respectively, and creatinine was 135 ± 43 μmol/L. Clinically suspected and biopsy‐proven acute rejection were observed in 65 patients (27%) and 34 patients (14%), respectively. There were 62 non‐cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections (two fatal) and 81 episodes of CMV infections. Eight malignancies were reported; two possibly related to immunosuppression.

Conclusions:These results demonstrate that anti‐thymocyte globulin has a safety profile with good tolerability and excellent efficacy.
Cyclosporin A monitoring by 2‐h levels: preliminary target levels in stable pediatric kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Pape L , Lehnhardt A , Latta K , Ehrich JHH , Offner G
Published: November 2003

Abstract: Clinical trials in adults have shown that management of transplanted patients with cyclosporin A (CsA) 2‐h levels (C2) lead to superior outcome compared with monitoring of 12‐h trough levels (C0). In both adults and children, C2 levels enabled a better estimation of the area under the curve concentration than C0 levels. Therefore, it can be suspected that C2 monitoring might also lead to a better outcome in children. Until now C2 target levels for children have not been defined.

We measured C2 levels in 101 stable pediatric kidney recipients with a minimum time of 1 yr after transplantation. C2 levels were compared with changes in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) 6 months later.

Median C2 levels in children after renal transplantation were 714 ng/mL (95% confidence interval 654–774). Patients with C2 levels below 750 ng/mL had a significantly higher percentage of decline in GFR than patients with C2 levels above 750 ng/mL (p < 0.05). In children with C2 levels below 500 ng/mL three acute rejections occurred in comparison with no rejection in the remaining patients (p < 0.05).

We conclude that the lower C2 target level should be above 750 ng/mL in stable pediatric transplant recipients. An upper target level above 1000 ng/mL should be avoided. The question, whether C2 monitoring in pediatric kidney recipients is superior to C0 monitoring, is yet to be answered.
Severe complications during the management of a child with late presentation of a diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Kutzsche S. , Sangolt G. K. , Schistad O. , Sunde S.
Published: November 2003

We report on a 3‐year‐old boy with late presentation of congenital diaphragmatic hernia who developed cardiac arrest after induction of anaesthesia. The paper discusses the anaesthetic technique, in particular ventilation during and after induction, how these techniques contributed to the complication, and how they might have been avoided.
Paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA) poisoning; a ‘party drug’ with lethal effects
Authors: Refstad S.
Published: November 2003

Among young people in Norway the recreational use of amphetamine derivatives seems to be increasing. Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), known as ecstasy, is the dominant substance, having both stimulant and psychedelic properties. Depending on the illegal source of these so‐called ‘party drugs’ the content and purity can vary. This case report describes the first lethal case of paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA) and paramethoxymethamphetamine (PMMA) intoxication reported in Norway.

A 16‐year‐old male was admitted to a local hospital in a coma with seizures and hyperthermia after he had been found undressed and barefooted in a local forest (temperature 2°C). He was intubated and given supportive care. Blood chemistry revealed hypoglycaemia, hypocalcaemia and hyperkalaemia. Shortly after transfer to the central hospital he developed bradycardia with continuous seizures and asystole.

Adverse effects of MDMA are well described and include serotonergic and sympathomimetic symptoms with hyperthermia, coagulopathy, rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney and liver failure. Case reports of PMA deaths collectively suggest PMA to be more toxic than MDMA. A delayed effect after intake of PMA compared with MDMA can lead to increased intake. Hypoglycaemia and hyperkalaemia may be specific to PMA poisoning. Increased thermo genesis will result in a search for cooling, which explains the attempt to undress and a desire to submerge in water. In a cool climate this behaviour itself can be lethal. Measures to treat seizures, hypoglycaemia, electrolyte anomalies and hyperthermia are the therapeutic goals. No specific treatment is available.
Comparison of efficacy and safety between individualized and empiric dose regimen of amitriptyline in the treatment of major depressive episode
Authors: MIHAJLOVIC GORAN S. , MILOVANOVIC DRAGAN R. , JANKOVIC SLOBODAN M.
Published: November 2003

Abstract  The most efficient method for amitriptyline dose individualization has not been established as yet. For this purpose the authors developed and clinically assessed the modified Bayesian method supported by original basic computer program. Twenty‐one male and 39 female subjects (32–65 years old), with major depressive disorder (International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision), were randomly assigned and single‐blinded to take individualized (experimental group, n = 30) or empiric (control group, n = 30) doses of amitriptyline for 8 weeks. Both treatments were effective. However, the mean daily doses (112.25 ± 29.85 vs 124.50 ± 32.25 mg/day) and plasma concentrations of amitriptyline plus nortriptyline (145.43–161.95 vs 157.63–197.84 ng/mL) were lower in the experimental group (P < 0.05). Total Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression scores at baseline, 14th, 28th, 42nd and 56th day were significantly lower in experimental (mean ± SD: 26.73 ± 3.92, 18.73 ± 4.01, 11.76 ± 4.43, 9.73 ± 3.89, 8.60 ± 3.72) than in control patients (27.56 ± 4.28, 20.23 ± 4.23, 14.56 ± 3.96, 11.56 ± 4.06, 10.70 ± 4.30). Clinical Global Impression Scale severity of illness scores in the experimental (5.76 ± 0.62, 4.90 ± 0.84, 3.53 ± 1.30, 2.53 ± 1.30, 2.10 ± 1.32) and the control group (5.96 ± 0.80, 5.03 ± 0.80, 4.33 ± 0.92, 3.26 ± 1.20, 2.83 ± 1.41), as well as global improvement and therapeutic effect scores, also favored individualized regimen. The adverse effects were less frequent in the experimental group. It is concluded that the modified Bayesian method is more effective and safe than empiric treatment.
Exhaled nitric oxide continues to reflect airway hyperresponsiveness and disease activity in inhaled corticosteroid‐treated adult asthmatic patients
Authors: REID David W , JOHNS David P , FELTIS Bryce , WARD Chris , WALTERS E. Haydn
Published: November 2003

Objective:  Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) has been used as a surrogate of airway inflammation in mild asthma. However, whether eNO levels reflect disease activity in symptomatic asthmatics receiving moderate doses of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) is more uncertain.

Methodology:  To examine the relationship between eNO levels, sputum and blood eosinophils (SpE and PbE), PD20 methacholine as a marker of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and clinical status in 28 ICS‐treated asthmatic subjects with persistent asthma compared to that in 25 symptomatic asthmatics managed with β2‐agonists alone.

Results:  As expected, eNO levels were normalized in ICS‐treated subjects and significantly elevated in the β2‐agonist only group (P < 0.001). SpE, PbE and PD20M did not differ between asthmatic groups but FEV1 was significantly worse in ICS‐treated subjects (P < 0.01). Exhaled NO levels correlated with PbE within both asthmatic groups (P < 0.005), but with SpE only in ICS‐untreated subjects (r(s) = 0.6, P < 0.05). In contrast, PD20M was negatively correlated with eNO and PbE in ICS‐treated subjects only (r(s) = − 0.4, r(s) = − 0.4, respectively, P < 0.05). SpE and PbE were strongly correlated in both asthmatic groups (r(s) = 0.8, r(s) = 0.7, respectively, P < 0.005). Exhaled NO levels, SpE and PbE were all positively associated with increased nocturnal awakenings ( P < 0.05) in ICS‐treated subjects, but not in ICS‐untreated subjects.

Conclusions:  In ICS‐treated asthma, eNO reflects clinical activity, PbE and AHR but not eosinophilic airway inflammation. Exhaled NO levels are quantitatively and relationally different in asthmatic subjects treated with ICS and continue to have potential for use as a surrogate of asthma pathophysiology in this group.
Environmental exposure to carcinogens causing lung cancer: Epidemiological evidence from the medical literature
Authors: WHITROW Melissa J. , SMITH Brian J. , PILOTTO Louis S. , PISANIELLO Dino , NITSCHKE Monika
Published: November 2003

Objective:  In 2000 there were 1.1 million lung or bronchial cancer deaths worldwide, with relatively limited evidence of causation other than for smoking. We aimed to search and appraise the literature regarding evidence for a causal relationship between air pollution and lung cancer according to the 10 Bradford Hill criteria for causality.

Methodology:  A MEDLINE search was performed using the following key words: ‘lung neoplasm’, ‘epidemiology’, ‘human’, ‘air pollution’and ‘not molec*’. The criteria for inclusion was: cited original research that described the study population, measured environmental factors, was of case control or cohort design, and was undertaken after 1982.

Results:  Fourteen papers (10 case control, four cohort studies) fulfilled the search criteria, with a sample size ranging from 101 cases and 89 controls, to a cohort of 552 cases and 138 controls. Of the 14 papers that fulfilled the search criteria the number of papers addressing each of the Bradford Hill critera were as follows: Strength of association: eight studies demonstrated significant positive associations between environmental exposure and lung cancer with a relative risk range of 1.14–5.2. One study found a negative association with relative risk 0.28. Consistency: eight of 14 studies found significant positive associations and one of 14 a significant negative association. Specificity: tobacco smoking and occupational exposure were addressed in all studies (often crudely with misclassification). Temporality: exposure prior to diagnosis was demonstrated in nine studies. Dose–response relationship: evident in three studies. Coherence, analogy: not addressed in any study.

Conclusion:  Evidence for causality is modest, with intermediate consistency of findings, limited dose–response evidence and crude adjustment for important potential confounders. Large studies with comprehensive risk factor quantification are required to clarify the potentially small effect of air pollution given the relatively large effects of tobacco smoking and occupational carcinogen exposure.