bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intraseasonal “monsoon jets” in the equatorial Indian Ocean
Authors: Senan Retish , Sengupta Debasis , Goswami B. N.
Published: July 2003

The zonal wind in the equatorial Indian Ocean (EqIO) is westerly almost throughout the year. It has a strong semiannual cycle and drives the spring and fall Wyrtki jets. In addition, high resolution daily satellite winds show “westerly wind bursts” lasting 10–40 days, associated with atmospheric convection in the eastern EqIO. These bursts have the potential to produce intraseasonal eastward equatorial jets in the ocean. Using an ocean model driven by QuikSCAT scatterometer winds, we show that strong westerly bursts associated with summer monsoon intraseasonal oscillations can drive “monsoon jets” in the eastern EqIO, which have been observed recently. Although there are distinct equatorial wind bursts associated with Madden‐Julian oscillations in January–March, they do not produce equatorial jets in the ocean. The role of ocean dynamics in producing the selective response of the ocean is discussed.
Distribution of the Pacific/North America motion in the Queen Charlotte Islands‐S. Alaska plate boundary zone
Authors: Mazzotti Stéphane , Hyndman Roy D. , Flück Paul , Smith Alex J. , Schmidt Michael
Published: July 2003

We present GPS data that constrain the distribution of the relative Pacific/North America motion across the Queen Charlotte Islands‐Alaska Panhandle margin (NW North America). Velocities from a network of 22 campaign and permanent sites indicate that the Pacific/North America transpressive motion is mostly accommodated along the locked Queen Charlotte‐Fairweather Fault. A significant portion (6–7 mm/yr) of the relative plate motion is taken up by distributed dextral shear across a ∼200 km wide region of the margin. Two models have been proposed to describe how the Pacific/North America convergence is accommodated off the Queen Charlotte Islands: Internal shortening vs. underthrusting of the Pacific plate. Although the GPS data cannot discriminate between the models, they provide strong constraints on the convergence distribution. The significant non‐transient motion of GPS sites along the central British Columbia‐southern Alaska margin has implications for seismic hazard and tectonic evolution models of the Canadian Cordillera.
Influence of ice‐phase physics of hydrometeors on moist‐convection
Authors: Sud Y. C. , Walker G. K.
Published: July 2003

The influence of ice‐phase physics (IPP) of hydrometeors was isolated using three 3‐year long simulations with the FvGCM employing parameterized cloud microphysics. The Control Case CC had no IPP, whereas the two experiments E1 and E2 invoked IPP with two different hydrometeor‐freezing assumptions. Case E1 froze liquid hydrometeors at subfreezing temperatures at detrainment. Case E2 also froze new condensate generated at subfreezing temperatures of the cumulus updrafts. However, melting of falling frozen hydrometeors occurred at the very first encounter with above freezing temperatures in both simulations. Comparative analysis showed discernible differences in cloud and condensation heating climatologies of these simulations. Specifically, IPP influenced convective detrainment at mid‐ and deep‐levels in accord with TOGA‐COARE observations. The study suggests that IPP can mitigate less‐than‐observed mid‐level clouds and over‐abundance of deep clouds and might invigorate cumulus‐induced downdrafts.
Ice‐driven creep on Martian debris slopes
Authors: Perron J. Taylor , Dietrich William E. , Howard Alan D. , McKean James A. , Pettinga Jarg R.
Published: July 2003

Accumulations of rocky debris at the base of bedrock escarpments on Mars have mean inclinations of ∼20°, well below the angle of repose (∼35°). These inclinations decrease with increasing latitude, suggesting a climatic influence. We present evidence that these low inclinations are the result of gravitational creep driven by repeated deposition and sublimation of ground ice. We estimate the rates of bedrock erosion and ice‐driven creep on Mars and use a simple model to show that the probable time scale for debris slope development is between 20 Myr and 2 Gyr. Our results suggest that water ice has shaped Martian landscapes throughout the late Amazonian period.
Validation of imaging Doppler interferometer winds using meteor radar
Authors: Jones G. O. L. , Berkey F. T. , Fish C. S. , Hocking W. K. , Taylor M. J.
Published: July 2003

There has been some debate over the years concerning the accuracy of mesospheric wind observations made using the imaging Doppler interferometer (IDI) technique. The high potential and increasing use of IDI wind data in joint studies with spaced‐antenna MF and meteor radar systems make it important to quantify the IDI results. This paper presents a novel comparison of wind measurements between a dynasonde implementation of IDI and winds derived from an all‐sky meteor radar system, a widely‐accepted standard for such measurements. Both radars were located at the USU Bear Lake Observatory and operated almost continuously for a four‐month period. The winds and tides derived from IDI were found to closely match those measured by meteor radar, not only during the day but also at night, and at all overlapping heights from 80–95 km.
Atlantic deep circulation controlled by freshening in the Southern Ocean
Authors: Saenko Oleg A. , Weaver Andrew J. , Schmittner Andreas
Published: July 2003

Numerical simulations with a climate model of intermediate complexity are used to illustrate the effect of meridional moisture transport in the Southern Hemisphere mid‐latitudes on the meridional overturning circulation (MOC) and heat transport in the Atlantic. A novel feature of the model is a diapycnal mixing scheme in the ocean, which ensures low values of diffusivity (about 10−5 m2s−1) in the pycnocline. It is shown that the Atlantic MOC, northward oceanic heat transport and the associated air‐sea heat flux anomalies are all proportional to the southward moisture transport from subtropical to subpolar regions in the Southern Hemisphere. The effect of the intensified ocean circulation on sea surface temperature and salinity is also illustrated.
The impact of temperature errors on perceived humidity supersaturation
Authors: Buehler S. A. , Courcoux N.
Published: July 2003

A Monte Carlo method is used to study the propagation of temperature uncertainties into relative humidity with respect to ice (RHi) calculated from specific humidity. For a flat specific humidity distribution and Gaussian temperature uncertainties the resulting RHi distribution drops exponentially at high RHi values—much slower than a Gaussian. This agrees well with the RHi distribution measured by the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS), which means that such remotely measured RHi distributions can be explained, at least partly, by temperature uncertainties.
Steady state excitation of field line resonances by global waveguide modes in the magnetosphere
Authors: Taroyan Y. , Erdélyi R.
Published: July 2003

A major shortcoming of theories of long‐period magnetic pulsations is the separate treatment of the problems of wave excitation and resonant coupling. This could account for many substantial discrepancies between the waveguide/cavity mode theories and observations. A unified approach leading to a new type of field line resonance excitation mechanism is presented. It is shown that in a steady state the direct coupling of the waveguide modes to the local field line oscillations provides a natural and very efficient transfer of energy from the magnetosheath flow to the shear Alfvén waves deep within the magnetosphere even in the ideal magnetohydrodynamic limit. The role of ionospheric dissipation is examined, and many well‐known observational features are recovered. The e‐folding lengths of the generated waves are estimated. The presented mechanism of energy transport from the velocity shear into resonant Alfvén waves could play an important role in many applications of solar‐terrestrial physics and astrophysics.
Changes in the heat and freshwater forcing of the eastern Mediterranean and their influence on deep water formation
Authors: Josey Simon A.
Published: July 2003

Anomalies in the air‐sea heat and freshwater forcing of the eastern Mediterranean are related to observations of deep water formation in the Aegean Sea between 1987 and 1995. Fields of the buoyancy exchange (expressed as a density flux) are determined from the Southampton Oceanography Centre (SOC) flux climatology and National Centers for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP/NCAR) reanalysis. A coherent picture emerges from the two data sets, in both cases the strongest losses occur in winters 1991–1992 and 1992–1993, when Aegean Sea net heat loss and net evaporation anomalies of 60 W m−2 and 0.05 m month−1, respectively, are found. These correspond to thermal and haline density fluxes of 3.3 × 10−6 and 0.6 × 10−6 kg m−2 s−1. Thus the thermal term makes the major contribution to the increase in density of the surface waters over these winters and the haline term plays only a minor role. Similar results are obtained when annual mean fields are considered as the winter forcing dominates. The NCEP/NCAR reanalysis is used to place the winters of the early 1990s in the context of variability over the longer period 1949–2002. Anomalous winter losses of similar magnitude occurred in the mid‐1970s and the possibility of a related previous episode of deep water formation in the Aegean is discussed. The relationship between Aegean Sea heat loss and large‐scale atmospheric pressure patterns is also investigated. Heat loss anomalies are found to be uncorrelated with the North Atlantic Oscillation. However, a strong correlation (r2 = 0.52) is found with a pattern whose main feature is anomalously high pressure over western Europe.
Analytical modeling of the Doppler tracking between a lander and a Mars orbiter in terms of rotational dynamics
Authors: Yseboodt Marie , Barriot Jean‐Pierre , Dehant Véronique
Published: July 2003

Radio Doppler shifts between a lander on Mars' surface and an orbiter are modeled through a linearized analytical formulation. This simplified formulation allows us to understand the signature and interplay of the different geophysical parameters (nutations, polar motion, and rotation rate variations) on the lander‐orbiter observable. The frequency band of the investigated periodic phenomena goes from some months to about one Martian year in their respective frames. Long‐term effects like precession are taken into account but are not investigated. The satellite orbit is modeled as a precessing orbit because of the oblateness of Mars. We show that we are able to see the signature of a possible liquid core after less than 50 weeks of observation for a given precision of 0.1 mm/s for the Doppler tracking. We are also able to monitor the rotation rate variation and polar motion at a level of 5 mas over the same period. This study was done in the frame of the preparation of the Netlander Ionosphere and Geodesy Experiment (NEIGE).
Wavelike structures in the Martian topside ionosphere observed by Mars Global Surveyor
Authors: Wang J.‐S. , Nielsen E.
Published: July 2003

Seven hundred and forty three Martian ionospheric electron density altitude profiles, obtained by the radio occultation experiment onboard Mars Global Surveyor, have been analyzed for the purpose of determining possible spatial density fluctuations. In about 80% of these profiles the high altitude region, above ∼145 km, displays significant wavelike structures with spatial scales of tens kilometers. These structures appear as spatial wave activity superposed on background electron density distributions that decrease exponentially with altitude. The amplitudes of the density variations are mostly limited to be less than ±50% of the background densities. Spectrum analysis is applied to the ionospheric profiles above 145 km, and it is found that a “spatial wavelength” of ∼40 km is prevailing in the observations. It is demonstrated that the observed fluctuations are consistent with the occurrence of local density fluctuations. The prevailing scale of the wavelike structure agrees very well with the wavelength of hydrodynamic waves predicted by Wang and Nielsen [2002a, 2002b, 2003b]. If hydrodynamic waves is indeed the cause of these electron density fluctuations, then the ∼145 km altitude should be considered the lowest altitude at which the effects of external dynamic disturbances of the Martian ionosphere can reach, and should therefore be considered the lower boundary of the topside ionosphere.
A beneficial effect of a short‐term formal training course in epiluminescence microscopy on the diagnostic performance of dermatologists about cutaneous malignant melanoma
Authors: Troyanova Petranka
Published: July 2003

Background: Epiluminescence microscopy (ELM) is a useful tool, which, in the hands of experienced dermatologists successfully helps in the diagnosis of early cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM). As all imaging diagnostic methods, ELM also requires preliminary training of the physicians.

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate a possible beneficial effect of a short‐term formal training course in ELM on the diagnostic performance of dermatologists about CMM.

Methods: The test group consisted of 32 dermatologists. Tests were performed in the beginning and in the end of the teaching course. Every time a total 50 histologically proven pigmented skin lesions (PSLs) photographed without oil immersion—Surface microscopy (SM) and with oil immersion—ELM was presented by slide projection. To assess the effect on the diagnostic performance before and after short‐ term training the data concerning diagnoses were analysed for the following: sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value, index of suspicion and diagnostic accuracy.

Results: Before the training course the implementation of ELM leads to relative increasing of all studied indicators of ELM diagnosis towards SM diagnosis, but differences are not statistically significant (P > 0.05). After the course there is an improvement of diagnostic performance of dermatologists by ELM, manifested by enhancement of all indicators. The changes of the sensitivity, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy of ELM diagnosis was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: The short‐term formal course in ELM has a beneficial effect on the diagnostic performance of dermatologists about CMM. The improvement of early detection of CMM requires dermatologists enhanced training and higher qualification in the field of dermoscopy.
Assessment of skin lesions and skin cancer using simple electrical impedance indices
Authors: Åberg Peter , Nicander Ingrid , Holmgren Ulf , Geladi Paul , Ollmar Stig
Published: July 2003

Background/aims: Purpose of this investigation was to assess benign pigmented cellular nevus (BEN), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), dermatofibroma (DER), dysplastic nevus (DYS), and seborrheic keratoses (SEB) using in vivo non‐ invasive electrical impedance technique.

Methods: Electrical impedance was measured at 258 BEN, 34 BCC, 17 DER, 35 DYS, and 26 SEB lesions. Controls were measured at healthy skin close to the lesions. The impedance was measured between 1 kHz and 1 MHz at five depth settings. After the impedance measurements the lesions were histopathologically diagnosed. The impedance spectra were parameterized to four indices prior to the statistical analysis of the data.

Results: There were significant differences between the lesions and their controls for BEN (P < 0.001), BCC (P < 0.001), DYS (P < 0.01), and SEB (P < 0.01).

Conclusions: There are clear statistical differences between impedance of common lesions and control skin. With some further developments, the impedance technique can be useful as a diagnostic decision support tool for skin cancer assessment.
Determination of antioxidant efficacy of cosmetic formulations by non‐invasive measurements
Authors: Vertuani S. , Ziosi P. , Solaroli N. , Buzzoni V. , Carli M. , Lucchi E. , Valgimigli L. , Baratto G. , Manfredini S.
Published: July 2003

Background/aims: Antioxidants have been proposed, over the last decade, as functional ingredients for anti aging preparations and to prevent and modulate oxidative skin damages. Up to date, beside the photo‐induced oxidative skin damages model, none in vivo protocols have shown sufficient reproducibility for the validation of the antioxidant claim for a cosmetic finished product. To this aim, we have recently anticipated a new in vivo protocol based on a microinflammatory model, driven by reactive oxygen species. In the present study our model was validated by comparison with four different instrumental methods.

Methods: The effects of a pre‐treatment of two different formulations based on antioxidant functional ingredients, were investigated on forearm skin of 15 healthy volunteers, and compared to a cosmetic base and control area. The instruments considered in the study were Chromameter (CR‐300 Minolta), Tewameter TM 210 (Courage‐khazaka, Cologne, Germany), Laser Doppler Perfusion Imager (PIM1.0 Lisca Development AB, Sweden), in comparison to DermAnalyzer®, an easy to use software program developed by us, using the CIE L*a*b* color space parameters.

Results: The comparative measurements showed that the antioxidant formulations tested were all able to reduce, in different but statistically significant extent, the intensity of skin redness, and of cutaneous blood flow, when compared to control area (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions: The methyl nicotinate (MN) based microinflammatory model, in conjunction with objective measure‐ ments, resulted an effective tool for in vivo assessment of oxidative skin injuries. In view of the high level of repeatability, short time of answer and simplicity, the procedure by us developed, is proposed as a possible protocol for the evaluation of in vivo efficacy of antioxidant functional ingredients in cosmetic formulations.
A numerical‐experimental method to characterize the non‐linear mechanical behaviour of human skin
Authors: Hendriks F. M. , Brokken D. , Van Eemeren J. T. W. M. , Oomens C. W. J. , Baaijens F. P. T. , Horsten J. B. A. M.
Published: July 2003

Background/aims: Human skin is a complex tissue consisting of several distinct layers. Each layer consists of various components with a specific structure. To gain a better insight into the overall mechanical behaviour of the skin, we wish to study the mechanical properties of the different layers. A numerical‐experimental method was developed to characterize the non‐linear mechanical behaviour of human dermis.

Methods: Suction measurements at varying pressures were performed on the volar forearm skin of 10 subjects aged 19–24 years old. Deformation of dermis and fat during suction was measured using ultrasound. The experiment was simulated by a finite element model exhibiting extended Mooney material behaviour to account for the non‐linear stress–strain relationship. An identification method is used to compare the experimental and numerical results to identify the parameters of the material model.

Results: C
10, dermis was found to be 9.4 ± 3.6 kPa and C11, dermis to be 82 ± 60 kPa. A first rough estimate of C10, fat was 0.02 kPa.

Conclusions: The resulting finite element model demonstrated its ability to describe the response of the skin to suction at various pressures. In the future, this method can be used to characterize the mechanical behaviour of different skin layers using various aperture sizes and to characterize the skin behaviour under various loading conditions.
Electrical impedance scanning: a new approach to skin cancer diagnosis
Authors: Glickman Yaël A. , Filo Orna , David Magda , Yayon Avner , Topaz Moris , Zamir Bosmat , Ginzburg Alexander , Rozenman Dganit , Kenan Gad
Published: July 2003

Background/aims: Skin cancer diagnosis depends, to a great extent, on visual inspection and histopathological examination of excised tissues. The aim of this study is to evaluate the ability of electrical impedance scanning to differentiate between benign and malignant skin lesions.

Methods: A preclinical study was conducted on 40 nude mice injected subcutaneously with a human melanoma strain. Impedance measurements were recorded every week to correlate electrical changes with tumor growth and histological findings. A clinical study was also performed on 178 human suspicious skin lesions before excision. The impedance measurements were correlated to the histopathological results.

Results: Normalized conductivity and capacitance, recorded on growing skin tumors in nude mice, were shown to change relative to lesion size. Necrosis, present in most of the larger lesions, was associated with a decrease in the electrical conductivity. Similar electrical parameters were used to classify human melanoma lesions with 92% sensitivity and 67% specificity. In addition, four out of five BCC lesions were correctly diagnosed. Moreover, dysplastic lesions were diagnosed with 91% sensitivity and 59% specificity. For comparison, physicians diagnosed melanoma lesions with 75% sensitivity and 87% specificity and dysplastic lesions with 46% sensitivity and 80% specificity.

Conclusions: The animal study showed that electrical impedance measurements reflect morphological changes related to the growth of a cancerous skin lesion. These findings are in agreement with a preliminary clinical study. Electrical Impedance Scanning can therefore be considered as an objective and non‐invasive tool for differentiation between benign and malignant skin lesions.
Collagen crosslinking and cell density have distinct effects on fibroblast‐mediated contraction of collagen gels
Authors: Redden Robert A. , Doolin Edward J.
Published: July 2003

Background/purpose: Fibroblasts are actively and dynamically involved in wound healing (dermal regeneration, wound contraction, and scar contracture) and fibrosis. Fibroblast‐seeded collagen gels provide an in vitro model for these processes. Over time, fibroblasts will contract the gels, but the mechanisms are not completely understood. This research investigated the influence of cell density and collagen crosslinking on the contraction of fibroblast‐populated gels by varying seeding density and blocking the catalyzing enzyme lysyl oxidase, respectively.

Methods: Collagen gels were seeded with fibroblasts at either 3 × 104 or 1 × 105 cells/mL and incubated with or without the lathyrogen β‐aminoproprionitrile (BAPN) for 8 days. In all, four experimental groups were analyzed: low cell density control, high cell density control, low density plus BAPN, and high density plus BAPN. Digital images were taken daily and gel area was calculated.

Results: Contraction was dependent on cell concentration, with higher density gels being contracted to a greater extent. BAPN had no effect until after day 2 when it inhibited (high density) or almost completely blocked (low density) the gel contraction. BAPN also reduced total long‐term contraction.

Conclusion: The results demonstrated a bimodal nature to fibroblast‐mediated gel contraction: a cell density‐dependent component, most likely mediated through cellular forces, and a delayed collagen crosslinking component that could be blocked by BAPN. In the long‐term, similar contraction rates among the four experimental groups, particularly between the two BAPN groups, implies that the collagen crosslinking effect is discrete and independent of cell density.
Effect of age, breast size, menopausal and hormonal status on mammographic skin thickness
Authors: Ulger Harun , Erdogan Nuri , Kumanlioglu Sadan , Unur Erdogan
Published: July 2003

Background/purpose: The localized or generalized skin thickness detected on mammography may reflect an underlying pathology of breast or a systemic disease involving the skin. The aim of this report is to describe the range of normal breast skin thickness in women using a film‐screen mammographic technique.

Methods: Measurement of the mammographic skin thickness over different parts of the breast was performed in 144 women who had normal findings in a combined mammographic and ultrasonographic examination. Patients were grouped as premenopause, postmenopause and surgical menopause who were under continuous oestrogen treatment. The skin thickness in four regions (superior, inferior, medial, lateral) of both breasts was compared, and their relations with age, breast size, menopausal and hormonal status were investigated. The interobserver reliability was tested in a small subgroup of patients.

Results: Interobserver agreement was good for all measurements. The range of normal breast skin thickness was between 0.50 and 3.10 mm. There were no differences in skin thickness between the corresponding regions of the breasts, with significant differences between the regions in the same breast. While breast size increased with age, skin thickness decreased in all regions.

Conclusion: The breast size, age, regional variations and hormonal status of the patients should be considered when defining the normal range of skin thickness in mammographic examinations. We assume that upper limit of mammographic skin thickness should be set as 3.0 mm, regardless of the focal spot size and film‐focus distance.
Dermatoglyphics in patients with eczema, psoriasis and alopecia areata
Authors: Pour‐Jafari H. , Farhud D. D. , Yazdani A. , Hashemzadeh Chaleshtori M.
Published: July 2003

Background/aims: The study of patterns of fingerprints is important in anthropology and medical genetics, chiefly because of their diagnostic usefulness. In the present work, we studied the frequencies of various types of skin ridges of the first phalanx in patients with eczema, psoriasis and alopecia areata.

Methods: In a double‐blind case‐control study, we determined the frequencies of fingerprints in 551 patients (240 cases with eczema, 164 cases with psoriasis and 147 cases with alopecia areata) as well as in general population of Hamadan City (control group: 188 males and 529 females). We compared the frequencies between various fingers, hands and sexes in all three case groups as well as between case groups and control group.

Results: The frequencies of various types of fingerprints are presented in some tables. The results showed that frequencies are not statistically different according to types of fingers, hands (left or right) and sexes as well. But they are significantly different in various case groups and between case groups and control group.

Conclusions: We can conclude that frequencies of various patterns of skin ridges differ in eczema, psoriasis and alopecia areata from normal population.
A rapid, accurate, and facile method to quantify the antioxidative capacity of topical formulations
Authors: Zhai Hongbo , Choi Myeong Jun , Arens‐Corell Michaela , Neudecker Birgit A. , Maibach Howard I.
Published: July 2003

Background/aims: Various methodologies have been developed to quantify antioxidant activity. A simple, rapid and accurate method is demanded. This study examined the antioxidative status of a pH balanced vitamin E containing formulation versus its vehicle control utilizing a photochemiluminescence device.

Methods/results: A pH balanced 5% Vitamin E containing formulation and its vehicle control were tested. The quantity of antioxidant capacity for the pH balanced vitamin E formulation and its vehicle control were 2.28 ± 0.05 and 0.16 ± 0.03, respectively. The pH balanced vitamin E formulation showed a significant (P < 0.001) higher antioxidant capacity compared to its vehicle control.

Conclusions: This method not only provides quantitative data, but also is rapid, accurate, and facile in performance. The in vitro data obtained in this study require validation by in vivo studies to properly place them in context to alternate methods.
Coefficient of friction: tribological studies in man – an overview
Authors: Sivamani Raja K. , Goodman Jack , Gitis Norm V. , Maibach Howard I.
Published: July 2003

Background/purpose: Compared to other studies of skin, relatively few studies have focused on the friction of skin. This work reviews existing skin friction, emphasizing test apparatuses and parameters that have added to information regarding the friction coefficient. This review also outlines what factors are important to consider in future friction studies.

Methods: Past studies have utilized numerous designs for a test apparatus, including probe geometry and material, as well as various probe motions (rotational vs. linear). Most tests were performed in vivo; a few were performed in vitro and on porcine skin.

Results: Differences in probe material, geometry and smoothness affect friction coefficient measurements. An increase in skin hydration, either through water or through moisturizer application, increases its friction coefficient; a decrease in skin hydration, either through clinical dermatitis or through alcohol addition, decreases the coefficient. Differences are present between anatomical sites. Conflicting results are found regarding age and no differences are apparent as a result of gender or race.

Conclusion: Skin friction appears to be dependent on several factors – such as age, anatomical site and skin hydration. The choice of the probe and the test apparatus also influence the measurement.
Friction coefficient of skin in real‐time
Authors: Sivamani Raja K. , Goodman Jack , Gitis Norm V. , Maibach Howard I.
Published: July 2003

Background/purpose: Friction studies are useful in quantitatively investigating the skin surface. Previous studies utilized different apparatuses and materials for these investigations but there was no real‐time test parameter control or monitoring. Our studies incorporated the commercially available UMT Series Micro‐Tribometer, a tribology instrument that permits real‐time monitoring and calculation of the important parameters in friction studies, increasing the accuracy over previous tribology and friction measurement devices used on skin.

Methods: Our friction tests were performed on four healthy volunteers and on abdominal skin samples. A stainless steel ball was pressed on to the skin with at a pre‐set load and then moved across the skin at a constant velocity of 5 mm/min. The UMT continuously monitored the friction force of the skin and the normal force of the ball to calculate the friction coefficient in real‐time. Tests investigated the applicability of Amonton's law, the impact of increased and decreased hydration, and the effect of the application of moisturizers.

Results: The friction coefficient depends on the normal load applied, and Amonton's law does not provide an accurate description for the skin surface. Application of water to the skin increased the friction coefficient and application of isopropyl alcohol decreased it. Fast acting moisturizers immediately increased the friction coefficient, but did not have the prolonged effect of the slow, long lasting moisturizers.

Conclusion: The UMT is capable of making real‐time measurements on the skin and can be used as an effective tool to study friction properties. Results from the UMT measurements agree closely with theory regarding the skin surface.
Biofeedback-based interventions in somatoform disorders: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Nanke Alexandra , Rief Winfried
Published: July 2003

Background and aim:

The aim of the controlled therapy study was to evaluate the effect of a 6 session biofeedback intervention program on cognitive aspects of patients with somatoform disorders. The treatment consisted of psycho-physiological demonstrations how mental processes can influence biological functions. We expected this treatment to be of high credibility, to change maladaptive cognitions, to enhance acceptance of psychosocial causal attribution and to improve coping.

Methods:

Patients were assessed using a structured interview to diagnose somatization syndrome (SSI-8) and comorbidity according to DSM-IV criteria. Fifty patients were recruited and randomly assigned to biofeedback treatment or control relaxation group. Participants completed a questionnaire battery assessing cognitive characteristics, causal attributions and controllability before and after intervention as well as evaluation protocols for each session.

Results:

The results suggest that biofeedback modified the patients' cognitive schemata: Patients with somatization syndrome of the biofeedback group showed a greater reduction of catastrophizing of somatic sensations and higher acceptance of psychosocial causal attributions than the control group. Both groups improved significantly in the conviction of self-efficacy.
Atypical depression spectrum disorder – neurobiology and treatment
Authors: Murck Harald
Published: July 2003

Depressive syndromes are a group of heterogeneous disorders. Atypical depression (AD) with reversed vegetative signs, such as hyperphagia or hypersomnia, is traditionally neglected, demonstrated by the fact that in the most widely used depression scales, such as the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), melancholic symptoms have a specific weight, while, by contrast, reversed vegetative signs are not included. However, epidemiologically and phenomenologically related disorders to AD do exist, such as somatoform disorders, neurasthenia (chronic fatigue syndrome) and fibromyalgia (FM). In this spectrum, here called the AD spectrum, instead a decrease in hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenocortical (HPA) axis activity seems to exist. This has similarities to Cushing's disease, where a suppression of central HPA system activity is accompanied by features of AD and somatization in a considerable number of patients. Opposite vegetative features might therefore be related to the opposite dysregulation of the HPA system. The psychopharmacological intervention in the AD spectrum should therefore differ from that used in typical major depression. MAO inhibitors, low-dose tricyclic antidepressants and 5-HT3 antagonists demonstrated therapeutic efficacy, but the existing studies focused on different aspects. Hypericum extracts might be an alternative pharmacological intervention, which demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in the symptom range of the spectrum.
Psychopharmacotherapy of somatoform disorders: effects of opipramol on symptoms of somatization, anxiety, and depression
Authors: Möller Hans-Jürgen , Volz Hans-Peter , Stoll Klaus-Dieter
Published: July 2003

Background:

The psychopharmacotherapy of somatoform disorders (SD; ICD-10: F45) has been less frequently investigated and is not as well established as in other (neurotic) disorders of ICD-10 section F4, i.e. generalized anxiety disorder (GAD; ICD-10: F41.1). The atypical compound opipramol is very often used to treat SD and GAD in clinical practice in Germany. However, state-of-the-art controlled clinical trials have not yet been performed.

Objectives:

Two clinical trials were performed with the aim of confirming the efficacy and tolerability of opipramol in SD and GAD.

Methods:

Both trials were performed as randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter studies. While the GAD trial was a three-arm study with opipramol (200 mg/day) vs. placebo and alprazolam (2 mg/day) for 28 days, the SD trial was a placebo-controlled two-arm study with a treatment duration of 42 days. Each group consisted of about 100 patients.

Results:

Significant differences (alpha = 0.05) were found for the primary efficacy criteria (HAMA total score in GAD, HAMA somatic subscore in SD) and most of the secondary criteria in favor of the active drug therapies. Considerable differences between the psychopathology of SD and GAD were detected.

Conclusion:

The well-tolerated anxiolytic opipramol is the first psychotropic drug with proven efficacy in somatoform disorders with effects on symptoms of somatization, anxiety, and depression. The compound is also effective and safe in GAD.
Assessment of somatoform disorders: a review of strategies and instruments
Authors: Hiller Wolfgang , Janca Aleksandar
Published: July 2003

We provide an overview of methods and instruments developed for the assessment of somatoform disorders. Four diagnostic purposes have been identified: (i) classification according to a diagnostic system; (ii) screening for probable cases; (iii) dimensional measurement of syndrome severity; and (iv) assessment of associated clinical features. Existing instruments designed for each of these strategies are described, including specifications of their psychometric properties, particular features, advantages and disadvantages. A conclusion of this review is that the currently existing ‘family of assessment instruments’ in the field of somatoform disorders should be used to improve the comparability of scientific findings in different cultures and settings.
Enhanced glucocorticoid sensitivity in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome
Authors: Gaab Jens , Rohleder Nicolas , Heitz Vera , Schad Tanja , Engert Veronika , Schürmeyer Thomas H , Ehlert Ulrike
Published: July 2003

Objective:

Alterations of the immune–neuroendocrine interplay have been described in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Employing a recently developed method, the study set out to investigate whether patients with CFS have an altered sensitivity to glucocorticoids (GCs) when under stress.

Methods:

A total of 21 CFS patients and 20 healthy age- and gender-matched controls underwent a standardized psychosocial stress test (Trier Social Stress Test, TSST). Salivary and plasma cortisol levels were measured repeatedly following exposure to the stressor. GC sensitivity was assessedin vitroby dexamethasone inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNC-α).

Results:

Cortisol responses following the TSST did not differ significantly between CFS patients and healthy controls. GC sensitivity differed significantly between CFS patients and healthy controls, with CFS patients showing a greater sensitivity towards GCs (TNF-α:F1/39= 7.32,P= 0.01; IL-6:F1/39= 9.73,P= 0.004).

Conclusion:

Consistent with recent evidence, CFS patients are characterized by an enhanced sensitivity to glucocorticoids. The implications for secondary processes, such as the regulatory influence of glucocorticoids on immune processes, are discussed.
Cognitive behavior therapy for functional gastrointestinal disorders: is group treatment effective?
Authors: Leibbrand Rolf , Hiller Wolfgang
Published: July 2003

Objective:

The intention of this study was to evaluate therapy outcome of a cognitive-behavioral group treatment program for functional gastrointestinal disorders. As a particular characteristic, gastrointestinal symptoms were investigated independently from diagnostic categories on a dimensional basis, considering the persistence of symptoms as well as the aspect of severity.

Methods:

A total of 64 subjects participated in the 10-week treatment program, and 49 completed the study. Subjects underwent four assessments (baseline, pre-, post-treatment, 12-month follow-up), each comprising several self-rated questionnaires on gastrointestinal, somatoform, depressive, hypochondriacal and anxious symptoms, and health locus of control, as well as a diagnostic interview of functional gastrointestinal and mental disorders at the baseline assessment. Treatment effects were controlled by subjects' waiting list period before treatment.

Results:

Gastrointestinal symptoms, as well as comorbid psychopathology scores, decreased significantly during treatment and remained unchanged during the follow-up period, whereas no relevant changes were found in health locus of control. Largest effect sizes were found for gastrointestinal symptoms, which decreased by 30–50% of their initial number.

Conclusions:

The group treatment investigated was effective and particularly successful with respect to functional gastrointestinal symptoms. However, the mechanisms of treatment outcome remain indistinct. Further studies comparing different setting conditions directly are required to clarify the question of whether group treatment is significantly superior or inferior to individual therapy.
Somatoform disorders in patients with musculoskeletal and cardiovascular diseases in comparison to the general population
Authors: Baumeister Harald , Härter Martin
Published: July 2003

Objective:

The present epidemiological study investigates sex- and age-adjusted 4-week, 12-month, and lifetime prevalence rates of somatoform disorders in in-patients with musculoskeletal and cardiovascular diseases in comparison with prevalence rates of these disorders in the general population in Germany.

Methods:

Prevalence rates were calculated from two samples, one from rehabilitation in-patients with musculoskeletal (n = 187) or cardiovascular (n = 116) diseases, and one from a large sample of the German National Health Interview and Examination Survey – Mental Health Supplement (GHS-MHS; n = 3889). The prevalence rates were based on the M-CIDI, an interview for the assessment of mental disorders.

Results:

The adjusted prevalence rates of any mental disorder in both clinical samples are higher compared with rates of the general population (e.g. lifetime musculoskeletal, 59.3%; cardiovascular, 56.2%; general population, 47.9%). Prevalence rates of patients with cardiovascular (e.g. 12.2%) and musculoskeletal (21.5%) diseases do not indicate an increased prevalence of somatoform disorders compared with the general population (18.2%).

Conclusions:

The results confirm that patients with chronic somatic diseases have increased prevalence rates of mental disorders. However, these increased prevalence rates go primarily back to affective and anxiety disorders and not to somatoform disorders. The diagnostic criteria for somatoform disorders and the question algorithm of the M-CIDI are probably responsible for potential underestimation of somatoform disorders in patients with chronic somatic diseases.
The role of negative and positive affectivity on perceived stress-subjective health relationships
Authors: Santed Miguel Ángel , Sandín Bonifacio , Chorot Paloma , Olmedo Margarita , García-Campayo Javier
Published: July 2003

This article reviews the arguments that support the approach regarding the ‘inflationary’ influence of the negative affectivity (NA) trait, or neuroticism, on relationships between perceived stress (e.g. different means of self-report of psychosocial stress such as major life events or daily stress) and subjective physical health (e.g. somatic symptomatology, health complaints). It has been explained that the said inflationary effect could distort the interpretation of the results that are found if it is done in terms of stress-objective health relationships (known in terms of health behavior, biological markers, morbidity and mortality) and that, in this sense, the NA would be a contaminant. This is why it has been suggested that in these cases, the effect of NA on predictor and criterion relationships should be controlled. The present critical review doesn't support these conclusions. Also, this paper deals with the empirical analysis of some matters that refer to one of the arguments mentioned, namely that NA is a general and penetrating factor that impregnates perceived stress (we will focus on daily stress or hassles) and subjective health measures (we will focus on somatic symptoms), as well as its relationships. We also analyze the role of positive affectivity (PA). The empirical analysis carried out uses a combination of within and interindividual methods. Contrary to the hypothesis regarding the moderating effects (specifically, inflationary) of NA on relationships between daily stress and somatic symptomatology, NA has only presented direct significant effects on both variables (between subjects), while its moderating effects are modest and non-significant. However, PA appears not to have any direct significant effects, but it does have moderating effects (specifically, buffering effects). Finally, we discuss the implications of these findings and we make some suggestions for future research.
Negative priming for threatening vs. non-threatening information in body dysmorphic disorder
Authors: Wilhelm Sabine , Buhlmann Ulrike , McNally Richard J
Published: July 2003

Background:

Individuals with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) suffer from unpleasant, repetitive thoughts about imagined defects in appearance which are difficult to control.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to test for deficits in cognitive inhibition in BDD.

Methods:

To test for deficits in cognitive inhibition in BDD, we applied a negative priming paradigm. Specifically, we explored whether BDD patients exhibit greater deficits in cognitive inhibition when lexical targets are threatening than when they are non-threatening.

Results:

Surprisingly, BDD patients exhibited deficits in cognitive inhibition only for non-threatening but not for threatening information.

Conclusions:

Although BDD patients often describe their negative thoughts about their appearance as distressing, they may experience them as valid and thus may not try to control them.
Synthesis, crystal structures, and electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry investigations of ether- and thioether-substituted ferrocenes
Authors: Hartinger Christian G. , Nazarov Alexey A. , Chevchenko Vladimir , Arion Vladimir B. , Galanski Mathea S. , Keppler Bernhard K.
Published: July 2003

The syntheses of ether- and thioether-substituted ferrocenes by condensation of 1,1′-diformylferrocene with the corresponding diols or dithiols are reported and the binding behaviour of two structurally similar ligands with different donor atoms to alkali and transition metal ions investigated by ESI-MS is discussed.
Bladder leiomyoma: Rare presentation as a pelvic mass
Authors: Banerjee Kaberi , Mittal Suneeta , Mishra Renu , Singh Gulati Manpreet , Gupta Siddhartha Datta
Published: July 2003

Bladder leiomyomas are rare tumors. They very rarely present as a pelvic mass. We present an interesting case where a giant bladder leiomyoma was mistaken to be an ovarian mass. A bladder preserving surgery was performed. The literature is reviewed and the management is discussed.
Study of serum levels of superoxide dismutase in preeclampsia and eclampsia: role of the test as a predictive tool
Authors: Mahadik Kalpana Vijay , Ali Sina Seyed
Published: July 2003

Aim:  To report serum levels of superoxide dismutase in women with preeclampsia and eclampsia. To document the use of the value as a predictive tool for deciding the time of onset of subsequent convulsions with fulminating eclampsia and use of the value as a marker for obstetric intervention in clinical severe preeclampsia and eclampsia.

Methods:  Superoxide dismutase concentration was measured in a consecutive study in sera of women admitted in obstetric ward for preeclampsia and eclampsia, and compared with sera of normotensive, healthy pregnant women in third trimester. Three mL venous blood was subjected to superoxide dismutase estimation by pyrogallol autoxidation method.

Results:  We found statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) in mean superoxide dismutase levels of normotensive pregnant women; and preeclamptic and eclamptic subjects, no statistically significant difference was found in between value of enzyme in preeclampsia and eclampsia (P > 0.05). Superoxide dismutase levels in two pregnancy outcomes; live births and still births, shows significant difference (P < 0.05), being 1.03 U/mL and 0.52 U/mL, respectively. The comparison of values before delivery and after delivery showed highly statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) in both groups separately. The cut‐off value of serum superoxide dismutase 0.52 U/mL has sensitivity 68.5%, specificity 59.5% and negative predictive value of 78.6%, for predicting the fetal death as outcome of pregnancy with severe grade of disease.

Conclusion:  We found low levels of serum superoxide dismutase, less than 0.52 U/mL, being the predecessor of fulminating eclampsia. Our results support this predictive value of serum superoxide dismutase level as important in deciding the time of intervention as termination of pregnancy.