bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intensity and direction of competitive anxiety as a function of sport type and experience
Authors: Mellalieu Stephen D. , Hanton Sheldon , O'Brien Michael
Published: November 2004

Using Jones' (1995) model of control, intensity (level) and direction (interpretation) of symptoms associated with competitive trait anxiety were examined as a function of sport type and competitive experience. Participants from gross explosive and fine motor‐skill sports (n=162) completed a trait version of the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory‐2 (Martens et al., 1990a) including intensity and direction subscales (Jones & Swain, 1992). Main effects for experience and sport type were reported with gross explosive sports indicating symptoms associated with competitive anxiety as more facilitative to performance than fine motor‐skill sports. Experienced performers also reported more‐facilitating interpretations of symptoms than their less‐experienced counterparts. The findings provide support from a dispositional context to suggest that sport type and the level of competitive experience influence interpretation of symptoms usually experienced in pressure situations. Implementation of activation, relaxation or restructuring interventions contingent upon the nature of the sport is recommended with consideration of the development of confidence‐building strategies in less‐experienced performers.
Effect of Proteasome Pathway on Initiation of Mouse Labor Induced by Antiprogesterone
Authors: Kimura Tadashi , Nakamura Hitomi , Ogita Kazuhide , Koyama Shinsuke , Tomiie Mari , Yoshida Susumu , Tsutsui Tateki , Shimoya Koichiro , Koyama Masayasu , Murata Yuji
Published: November 2004

Problem:  Various kinds of contraction‐associated molecules are up‐regulated at the initiation of labor. However, expression profiling has revealed that many molecules are also down‐regulated. The effect of down‐regulation of molecules by protein degradation on parturition is not known.

Methods of study:  We administered lactacystin, a specific proteasome inhibitor, to mouse preterm birth model induced by antiprogesterone RU486 on day 16.0 post‐coitus. NF‐kappaB activity, and the levels of transcripts for oxytocin receptor, prostaglandin F2α receptor (FP), cyclooxygenase‐1, ‐2, and interleukin‐1β in the uterus were examined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and semi‐quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction, respectively.

Results:  Administration of lactacystin significantly prolonged the time until the delivery of the first pup. FP mRNA level was solely elevated by RU486 treatment, and lactacystin significantly suppressed this up‐regulation.

Conclusions:  Proteolysis by proteasomes in the uterus regulates the initiation of labor, at least in part, via control of contraction‐associated molecules such as FP.
CD11b Expression on Circulating Leukocytes Increases in Preparation for Parturition
Authors: Luppi Patrizia , Irwin Tracy E. , Simhan Hyagriv , DeLoia Julie A.
Published: November 2004

Problem:  Initiation of parturition is associated with migration of leukocytes to the reproductive tract. This migration is controlled in part by expression of adhesion molecules on the surface of leukocytes and vascular endothelial cells. Within the reproductive tract, certain endothelial adhesion molecules, including intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), are up‐regulated at the end of gestation. ICAM‐1 binds to the β2 integrin CD11b on the leukocytes. In this study, we wanted to investigate whether complementary changes occur in expression of adhesion molecules on maternal leukocytes in preparation for parturition.

Method of study:  We used flow cytometry to ascertain changes in adhesion molecules expression on leukocytes throughout third trimester and labor.

Results:  We found a significant increase in the expression of CD11b on monocytes and granulocytes in women at >37 weeks of gestation.

Conclusions:  CD11b may be a key molecule for leukocyte trafficking to the reproductive tract at the end of pregnancy.
Aggression and arginine vasopressin immunoreactivity regulation by androgen receptor and estrogen receptor α
Authors: Scordalakes E. M. , Rissman E. F.
Published: November 2004

In the following study, we asked which steroid receptors regulate aggression and arginine vasopressin (AVP) immunoreactivity (– ir) in several limbic regions. Using spontaneous mutant and knockout mice, we generated a novel cross of mice whose offspring lacked estrogen receptor α (ERα), androgen receptor (AR) or both ERα and AR. The wild‐type (WT) males and females were compared with ERα knockout (ERαKO) male, mutated AR (Tfm) male and ERαKO/Tfm (double knockout; DKO) male littermates. Animals were gonadectomized and treated with 17β‐estradiol (E2) prior to resident‐intruder aggression tests. WT and Tfm males showed aggression whereas WT females, ERαKO and DKO males did not. In the lateral septum, WT and Tfm male brains had significantly denser AVP‐ir as compared with WT females and DKO males. ERαKO male brains were intermediate in the amount of AVP‐ir present. In the medial amygdala, brains from all genotypes had equivalent AVP‐ir, except DKO males, which had significantly less AVP‐ir. Overall, the expression of aggressive behavior coincided with AVP‐ir in WT, Tfm and DKO males. However, in ERαKO males and WT females, the amount of AVP‐ir was not associated with resident‐intruder aggression. In sum we have shown that E2 acts via ERα to regulate aggression in male mice. In contrast both ERα and AR contribute to AVP‐ir in limbic brain regions.
The influence of strain and housing on two types of spike‐wave discharges in rats
Authors: Schridde U. , Van Luijtelaar G.
Published: November 2004

WAG/Rij rats, a genetic model of absence epilepsy, show two types of spike‐wave discharges (Type 1 and Type 2) in their EEG activity. The large interindividual variation in the expression of the phenotypes (number and mean duration of spike‐wave discharges) suggests that as well as genetic, environmental factors also play a role. The aim of our study was to establish effects of strain and housing on the incidence and expression of both types of paroxysms. Therefore, WAG/Rij and ACI rats were housed from weaning in either an enriched or impoverished environment for 60 days. At three months of age the EEG of the rats was recorded for four hours to examine the effects of strain and housing on the incidence and expression of the two types of paroxysms. Generally, enriched housing led to worsening of Type 1 and Type 2 spike‐wave discharges (SWD). However, the number of affected rats and the expression (number and mean duration) of Type 1 and Type 2 spike‐wave discharges were differently influenced by strain and housing. This suggests that Type 1 and Type 2 spike‐wave discharges are independent phenomena and that number and mean duration of these paroxysms are controlled by different mechanisms. Finally, the worsening of absence seizures after enrichment is different from what has been found for convulsive seizures.
Lactobacillus species in supragingival plaque in subjects with hyposalivation
Authors: Almståhl Annica , Wikström Maude , Carlén Anette , Eliasson Lars , Lingström Peter
Published: November 2004

The aim was to analyse frequency and proportion of Lactobacillus species in supragingival plaque in subjects with hyposalivation and the Lactobacillus species ability to ferment sucrose, mannitol, sorbitol and xylitol.Material and methods: Ten subjects treated with radiation therapy (RT), 10 subjects with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS), and matched controls were included. Supragingival plaque was collected interproximally 12–13 and 15–16 and analysed using cultivation technique. Lactobacillus colonies were randomly selected and stored at −70°C. The Lactobacillus strains fermentation pattern was analysed using basal medium with 1% of respective carbohydrate/sugar alcohol added.Results: Lactobacilli were more frequent at site 15–16 than at site 12–13. Lactobacilli were about twice as frequent in the pSS and RT groups than in their respective control group. For those harbouring lactobacilli, the proportion of the total count at site 15–16 was 13 ± 27% for the RT group and 0.003 ± 0.003% for their controls, 3.2 ± 5.8% for the pSS group and 0.06 ± 0.2% for their controls. We have further analysed 28 of 114 collected Lactobacillus strains. All strains gave a pH <6.0 and at 95% a pH <5.5 at sucrose fermentation. Mannitol could be fermented by 82% of the strains, sorbitol by 75% and xylitol by 64%. A pH <5.5 was obtained for 82% of the strains with mannitol, 75% with sorbitol and 32% with xylitol.Conclusion: Subjects with hyposalivation have a marked increase in lactobacilli. Of the strains analysed this far 95% gave a pH <5.5 at sucrose‐fermentation. A pH <5.5 was obtained for 82% of the strains with mannitol, 75% with sorbitol and 32% with xylitol. As those sugar substitutes are included in tooth pastes, chewing gums and saliva‐stimulating tablets and sprays, it is likely that the lactobacilli are further promoted in subjects with hyposalivation.
Tissue reaction to orthodontic tooth movement in acute and chronic corticosteroid treatment*
Authors: Kalia S. , Melsen B. , Verna C.
Published: November 2004

Structured Abstract

Authors – Kalia S, Melsen B, Verna C

Objectives – To study tissue reaction to orthodontic loading during the course of short‐ and long‐term corticosteroid administration.

Design – ‘Split‐mouth’ design to perform orthodontic tooth movement in 64 six‐month‐old male rats divided into groups: no drug administration (n = 19), acute (n = 22) and chronic (n = 23) 8 mg/kg/day corticosteroid treatment. Performed in the Department of Orthodontics at Aarhus University.

Experimental Variable – The upper left first molar was moved for 21 days. Bone markers were administered at 7 and 2 days before sacrifice. Histological sections were cut at the coronal level.

Outcome Measure – Tooth movement rate, alveolar socket area, the relative extension of alveolar wall with erosion, and the mineralizing surfaces were measured and compared in the three groups.

Results – Tooth movement rate increased in the chronic group. The mechanical load induced an enlargement of the alveolar wall that was less pronounced in both medicated groups. In the acute group the drug suppressed bone resorption and formation without mechanical stimulus. Force application resulted in significant increase in the relative extension of resorption and formation in both drug groups; it was particularly pronounced in the chronic group.

Conclusion – Because acute corticosteroid ingestion reduces bone turnover, in these patients orthodontic treatment might best be postponed until a time the patient is free of the drug. Chronic steroid ingestion leads to an increased biological reaction to mechanical perturbation indicating that the orthodontic force level should be reduced and controlled more frequently in patients on chronic steroid treatment.
Clinical studies on the appearance of natural anterior teeth in young and old adults
Authors: Hartmann Rüdiger , Müller Frauke
Published: November 2004

Objectives:  To evaluate the typical appearance of natural anterior teeth in young and elderly people and to develop guidelines for the natural appearance of dentures.

Design:  Clinical examination and photography. Inclusion criteria were a dental state with natural anterior teeth and no more than two crowns.

Subjects:  A study group (SG) consisting of 64 patients ranging in age from 60 to 86 years (67.3 ± 5.8) and a control group (CG) composed of 64 dental students aged 21–33 years (25.8 ± 2.4).

Setting:  Dental schools of the Johannes‐Gutenberg‐University Mainz and the University of Leipzig.

Results:  Most participants were content with the appearance of their own natural teeth. With relaxed lips a mean of 1.5 (±0.19) mm of upper incisors and 1.6 (±0.19) mm of lower incisors were visible in the SG compared with 2.5 (±0.16) and 0.4 (±0.07) mm in the CG, respectively. The subjects in the SG showed a greater diversity in position of teeth in the anterior arch and this was more often with incisors than with canines. Features such as stains, cracks and defects were much more noticeable in the SG. An inter‐dental ‘black triangle’ seemed to be a typical feature of an aged dental appearance.

Conclusion:  The majority of people older than 60 years who still have their own natural anterior teeth would not wish for a change in appearance if they needed a prosthodontic reconstruction. Thus techniques for customisation should be promoted to obtain a natural appearance in dentures.
A new dental unit for both patients in wheelchairs and general patients
Authors: Tamazawa Yoshinori , Watanabe Makoto , Kikuchi Masahiko , Takatsu Masaki , Tamazawa Kaoru , Yumoto Nobuo , Hyvarinen Pentti
Published: November 2004

Objective:  To develop a dental unit to accommodate both patients in wheelchairs and general patients, and to evaluate the acceptability of the new chair for patients and dentists.

Design:  To integrate a unit for patients in wheelchairs and a unit for general patients into a single dental unit.

Results:  (1) The newly developed dental unit could be used for both patients in wheelchairs and general patients and could be installed in nearly the same space as occupied by a conventional dental unit. (2) The dentists could take the home position because of the height‐adjusting and tilting mechanisms. (3) The patients could be treated with a sense of assurance because of the wheelchair immobilizer and the safety devices. (4) The dentists could perform patient treatment safely. (5) As patients did not need to be transferred from their wheelchairs, assistance was unnecessary. (6) From the questionnaires, both patients and dentists rated the newly developed dental unit favourable.

Conclusions:  The new dental unit for patients in wheelchairs and general patients permitted dentists to perform and patients to receive dental treatment safely and in a comfortable position. Also, as a single unit could be used for treatment of both types of patients, it required no extra space. Therefore, it has the potential to be installed in the clinics of general dental practitioners to treat both groups of patients.
An assessment of the oral health knowledge and recall after a dental talk amongst nurses working with elderly patients: a pilot study*
Authors: Mynors‐Wallis Jonathan , Davis David M.
Published: November 2004

Objective:  To assess the oral health knowledge amongst nurses working with elderly people in a local hospital run by a Primary Care Trust before and after a dental training talk.

Method:  Nursing staff working at Swanage Cottage Hospital completed a questionnaire designed to assess their knowledge of dental decay, periodontal disease, oral hygiene, denture care and palliative care. One month after receiving a dental talk, the questionnaire was redistributed to the participants. A t‐test was used to compare the number of correct answers before and after the talk.

Results:  Twenty members of the nursing staff completed the initial questionnaire and 14 completed it 1 month after the talk. Prior to the talk, of the 45 questions, the mean number of correct answers per member of staff was 23.95 ± 3.83. One month after the talk this had risen by 25% to 34.9 ± 3.83. This increase was statistically significant (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion:  A dental talk to a group of nursing staff caring for elderly people in a local hospital produced a significant increase in the level of oral health care knowledge.
Validation of communication between elderly denture wearers and dentists: a questionnaire on satisfaction with complete dentures using semi‐structured interviews
Authors: Anastassiadou V. , Katsouli S. , Heath M. R. , Pissiotis A. , Kapari D.
Published: November 2004

Objectives:  To validate a semi‐structured interview (SSI) for communication between complete denture wearers and dentists.

Design:  A SSI using a questionnaire with eight questions on satisfaction with complete dentures (CD): covering function, aesthetics and comfort. The first seven questions used a five‐point Likert scale and the last was dichotomous. Two dentists, carefully trained in the use of the structured questionnaire, administered the SSI.

Setting:  A Greek Department of Prosthetic Dentistry.

Subjects:  A consecutive sample of 78 CD wearers took part in the study. All subjects presented with complaints from their dentures.

Intervention:  All participants and their dentures underwent clinical examination.

Results:  The method showed good reliability, verified by the Cronbach alpha (0.86). Both dentists used the questionnaire produced very similar results. (Wilcoxon test 61–99%). Further, the association of the answers with respect to the five‐point Likert scale was very high; all gamma coefficients were statistically significant except for pain and discomfort from the upper CD (CDU).

Conclusions:  This method of communication between patients and dentists is reliable and can be used to give good repeatability for qualitatively assessing satisfaction with CD. It can be valuable for clinical use and for extending the study of denture quality to establish outcome measures based on the subjective criteria of satisfaction.
Use and toxicity of complementary and alternative medicines among emergency department patients
Authors: Taylor David McD , Walsham Nicola , Taylor Simone E , Wong LuFee
Published: November 2004

Objective:  To determine the prevalence and type of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) used by ED patients, to identify patient subgroups more likely to use CAM, the conditions for which they were taken, and the prevalence of side‐effects and toxicity associated with CAM use.

Methods:  This was an analytical cross‐sectional survey of patients at a large tertiary referral ED. Consenting patients completed a specifically designed study questionnaire, in their preferred language if required. Information was collected on CAM use on the day of presentation and within the previous week and previous year.

Results:  Four hundred and four patients were enrolled (participation rate 97.1%). Fifty (12.4%, 95% CI 9.4, 16.1) patients had taken a CAM on the day of presentation, 203 (50.2%, 95% CI 45.3, 55.2) within the previous week and 275 (68.1%, 95% CI 63.2, 72.5) within the previous year. CAM users were significantly younger, better educated and more likely to be female than non‐CAM users (P < 0.01). 103 different CAM had been taken for a wide variety of reasons. Side‐effects were experienced in 53 of the 1182 CAM courses taken (side‐effect rate of 4.5%). One patient presented suffering specifically from CAM toxicity.

Conclusion:   Complementary and alternative medicines are used by a considerable proportion of ED patients. The potential for side‐effects, toxicity and interaction with traditional medication indicates the need for consideration of CAM use in patient assessment.
Emergency medicine and environmental activism
Authors: Couser Geoff
Published: November 2004

Clearfell, burn and sow silviculture is promoted as being the most scientific method of harvesting wet sclerophyll forests in Tasmania. However, it fails to take into account wider social and global environmental issues such as climate change and the carbon cycle. This paper describes an emergency physician's role in the continuing debate surrounding the management of Tasmania's old‐growth forests. Like evidence‐based medicine, the use of science in this context has its limitations, and such comparisons are discussed.
Carbon Monoxide Research Group, LDS Hospital, Utah in reply to Scheinkestel et al. and Emerson: The role of hyperbaric oxygen in carbon monoxide poisoning
Authors: Weaver Lindell K , Hopkins Ramona O , Chan Karen J , Thomas Frank , Churchill Susan K , Elliott C Gregory , Morris Alan
Published: November 2004

This comprehensive response was invited by the Editor of Emergency Medicine Australasia to allow our Group from Salt Lake City, Utah to review the two articles ‘Where to now with carbon monoxide poisoning?’ by Scheinkestel et al. and the accompanying Commentary: ‘The dilemma of managing carbon monoxide poisoning’ by Emerson published in the April issue of Emergency Medicine Australasia.
Improving emergency care for children: A model of collaboration between emergency departments
Authors: Oakley Edward , Crellin Dianne , Barty Natalie , Braitberg George , Young Simon
Published: November 2004

Objectives:  To determine whether a partnership between a tertiary paediatric hospital and a hospital with a mixed population of children and adults can improve emergency care for children. To describe the process of creating and maintaining such a partnership.

Methods:  A partnership was created and various strategies employed to improve emergency paediatric care. This was evaluated by examination of demographic data, clinical audit, patient satisfaction surveys and staff satisfaction surveys.

Results:  Paediatric attendances increased by 12% (P = 0.001), with a 33% increase in children under the age of 5 years (P = 0.001). Despite this there was a reduction of 6% in inpatient paediatric bed usage. Staff decision making and documentation improved during paediatric patient care, and parent and staff satisfaction with care of children improved,

Conclusions:  This initiative was successful in improving local paediatric facilities and patient care and is a new and innovative means of improving paediatric emergency care.
(+) MK‐801 and Phencyclidine Induced Neurotoxicity do Not Cause Enduring Behaviours Resembling the Positive and Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia in the Rat
Authors: Sams‐Dodd Frank
Published: November 2004

Abstract: Studies in rats and primates have demonstrated that repeated phencyclidine treatment can produce enduring cognitive deficits that may resemble the cognitive deficits seen in schizophrenia, suggesting that neurodegeneration resulting from NMDA‐receptor dysfunction may be a valid model of schizophrenia. The purpose of the present experiments was to expand these findings and to determine if medium and high doses of the NMDA‐antagonists phencyclidine and (+) MK‐801 could produce permanent behavioural changes in animal tests with face validity for some aspects of the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Rats were treated with dose regimens of (+)MK‐801 and phencyclidine known to produce mild and severe irreversible levels of neurotoxicity, and were tested 7 or 10 days after the last drug administration in the social interaction test and in standard activity cages. The rats did not show any enduring behavioural changes as a result of the treatment. The present study could therefore not provide additional evidence for the face validity of this model of schizophrenia.
Voltage dependence of ATP‐dependent K+ current in rat cardiac myocytes is affected by IK1 and IK(ACh)
Authors: Wellner‐Kienitz Marie‐Cécile , Bender Kirsten , Rinne Andreas , Pott Lutz
Published: November 2004

In this study we have investigated the voltage dependence of ATP‐dependent K+ current (IK(ATP)) in atrial and ventricular myocytes from hearts of adult rats and in CHO cells expressing Kir6.2 and SUR2A. The current–voltage relation of 2,4‐dinitrophenole (DNP) ‐induced IK(ATP) in atrial myocytes and expressed current in CHO cells was linear in a voltage range between 0 and −100 mV. In ventricular myocytes, the background current–voltage relation of which is dominated by a large constitutive inward rectifier (IK1), the slope conductance of IK(ATP) was reduced at membrane potentials negative to EK (around −50 mV), resulting in an outwardly rectifying I–V relation. Overexpression of Kir2.1 by adenoviral gene transfer, a subunit contributing to IK1 channels, in atrial myocytes resulted in a large IK1‐like background current. The I–V relation of IK(ATP) in these cells showed a reduced slope conductance negative to EK similar to ventricular myocytes. In atrial myocytes with an increased background inward‐rectifier current through Kir3.1/Kir3.4 channels (IK(ACh)), irreversibly activated by intracellular loading with GTP‐γ‐S, the I–V relation of IK(ATP) showed a reduced slope negative to EK, as in ventricular myocytes and atrial myocytes overexpressing Kir2.1. It is concluded that the voltage dependencies of membrane currents are not only dependent on the molecular composition of the charge‐carrying channel complexes but can be affected by the activity of other ion channel species. We suggest that the interference between inward IK(ATP) and other inward rectifier currents in cardiac myocytes reflects steady‐state changes in K+ driving force due to inward K+ current.
Evolutionary implications of pericentromeric gene expression in humans
Authors: Mudge J.M. , Jackson M.S.
Published: November 2004

Human pericentromeric sequences are enriched for recent sequence duplications. The continual creation and shuffling of these duplications can create novel intron-exon structures and it has been suggested that these regions have a function as gene nurseries. However, these sequences are also rich in satellite repeats which can repress transcription, and analyses of chromosomes 10 and 21 have suggested that they are transcript poor. Here, we investigate the relationship between pericentromeric duplication and transcription by analyzing the in silico transcriptional profiles within the proximal 1.5 Mb of genomic sequence on all human chromosome arms in relation to duplication status. We identify an ∼5× excess of transcripts specific to cancer and/or testis in pericentromeric duplications compared to surrounding single copy sequence, with the expression of >50% of all transcripts in duplications being restricted to these tissues. We also identify an ∼5× excess of transcripts in duplications which contain large quantities of interspersed repeats. These results indicate that the transcriptional profiles of duplicated and single copy sequences within pericentromeric DNA are distinct, suggesting that pericentromeric instability is unlikely to represent a common route for gene creation but may have a disproportionate effect upon genes whose function is restricted to the germ line.
Fluorescence in situ hybridization to chromosomes as a tool to understand human and primate genome evolution
Authors: Wienberg J.
Published: November 2004

For the last 15 years molecular cytogenetic techniques have been extensively used to study primate evolution. Molecular probes were helpful to distinguish mammalian chromosomes and chromosome segments on the basis of their DNA content rather than solely on morphological features such as banding patterns. Various landmark rearrangements have been identified for most of the nodes in primate phylogeny while chromosome banding still provides helpful reference maps. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) techniques were used with probes of different complexity including chromosome painting probes, probes derived from chromosome sub-regions and in the size of a single gene. Since more recently, in silico techniques have been applied to trace down evolutionarily derived chromosome rearrangements by searching the human and mouse genome sequence databases. More detailed breakpoint analyses of chromosome rearrangements that occurred during higher primate evolution also gave some insights into the molecular changes in chromosome rearrangements that occurred in evolution. Hardly any “fusion genes” as known from chromosome rearrangements in cancer cells or dramatic “position effects” of genes transferred to new sites in primate genomes have been reported yet. Most breakpoint regions have been identified within gene poor areas rich in repetitive elements and/or low copy repeats (segmental duplications). The progress in various molecular and molecular-cytogenetic approaches including the recently launched chimpanzee genome project suggests that these new tools will have a significant impact on the further understanding of human genome evolution.
Evolutionary breakpoint analysis on Y chromosomes of higher primates provides insight into human Y evolution
Authors: Wimmer R. , Kirsch S. , Rappold G.A. , Schempp W.
Published: November 2004

Comparative FISH mapping of PAC clones covering almost 3 Mb of the human AZFa region in Yq11.21 to metaphases of human and great apes unravels breakpoints that were involved in species-specific Y chromosome evolution. An astonishing clustering of evolutionary breakpoints was detected in the very proximal region on the long arm of the human Y chromosome in Yq11.21. These breakpoints were involved in deletions, one specific for the human and another for the orang-utan Y chromosome, in a duplicative translocation/transposition specific for bonobo and chimpanzee Y chromosomes and in a pericentric inversion specific for the gorilla Y chromosome. In addition, our comparative results allow the deduction of a model for the human Y chromosome evolution.
Cloud Ice Crystal Classification Using a 95-GHz Polarimetric Radar
Authors: Aydin K. , Singh J.
Published: November 2004

Two algorithms are presented for ice crystal classification using 95-GHz polarimetric radar observables and air temperature (T). Both are based on a fuzzy logic scheme. Ice crystals are classified as columnar crystals (CC), planar crystals (PC), mixtures of PC and small- to medium-sized aggregates and/or lightly to moderately rimed PC (PSAR), medium- to large-sized aggregates of PC, or densely rimed PC, or graupel-like snow or small lumpy graupel (PLARG), and graupel larger than about 2 mm (G). The 1D algorithm makes use of Zh, Zdr, LDRhv, and T, while the 2D algorithm incorporates the three radar observables in pairs, (Zdr, Zh), (LDRhv, Zh), and (Zdr, LDRhv), plus the temperature T. The range of values for each observable or pair of observables is derived from extensive modeling studies conducted earlier. The algorithms are tested using side-looking radar measurements from an aircraft, which was also equipped with particle probes producing simultaneous and nearly collocated shadow images of cloud ice crystals. The classification results from both algorithms agreed very well with the particle images. The two algorithms were in agreement by 89% in one case and 97% in the remaining three cases considered here. The most effective observable in the 1D algorithm was Zdr, and in the 2D algorithm the pair (Zdr, Zh). LDRhv had negligible effect in the 1D classification algorithm for the cases considered here. The temperature T was mainly effective in separating columnar crystals from the rest. The advantage of the 2D algorithm over the 1D algorithm was that it significantly reduced the dependence on T in two out of the four cases.
Dansylation of Endocrine-disrupting Alkylphenolic Compounds on the Solid Phase Used for Extraction from Environmental Water
Authors: Uno Bunji , Katsumi Jiro , Aoki Kazumi
Published: November 2004

The dansylation reaction of endocrine-disruptive alkylphenols on a C18-modified silica gel (ODS) instead of organic solvents was investigated with the aim of developing an environment-friendly and efficient derivatization method for the HPLC analyses. The solid-phase aqueous dansylation system has been incorporated into a preconcentration step performed by solid-phase extraction (SPE) from tap water.
One-pot Synthesis of Furo[3,2-c]oxepin-4-one Derivatives by the CAN-mediated Reaction of tert-Butyl 2-(2-Hydroxytetrahydrofuran-2-yl)acetates with Alkenes
Authors: Kobayashi Kazuhiro , Umakoshi Hironobu , Hayashi Kazutaka , Morikawa Osamu , Konishi Hisatoshi
Published: November 2004

The reaction of tert-butyl 2-(2-hydroxytetrahydrofuran-2-yl)acetates with alkenes in the presence of 2 equivalents of cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate (CAN) is presented. 2,3,7,8-Tetrahydrofuro[3,2-c]oxepin-4(6H)-ones were formed in moderate to fair yields via 3+2-type dihydrofuran formation, followed by lactonization.
Cross Metathesis Route in Sphingomyelin Synthesis
Authors: Hasegawa Hiroko , Yamamoto Tetsuya , Hatano Sho , Hakogi Toshikazu , Katsumura Shigeo
Published: November 2004

Cross metathesis reaction of short chain Boc sphingosine using Grubbs’ 2nd generation catalyst proceeded in stereoselective manner to afford Boc sphingosine in good yield. An efficient synthesis of sphingomyelin was achieved from the obtained Boc sphingosine using our own phosphorylation reagent.
Redox Behavior of New Ru–Dioxolene–Ammine Complexes and Catalytic Activity toward Electrochemical Oxidation of Alcohol under Mild Conditions
Authors: Hino Takami , Wada Tohru , Fujihara Tetsuaki , Tanaka Koji
Published: November 2004

The new Ru–dioxolene–ammine complexes, [RuII(NH3)(sq)(trpy)](ClO4) (1, sq = 3,5-di-tert-butyl-1,2-benzosemiquinone, trpy = 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine) and [RuIII(NH3)(sq)(trpy)](ClO4)2 (2), were prepared. They have an ability to oxidize MeOH and i-PrOH catalytically under very mild conditions such as the electrolysis at 0 V (vs SCE) in CH2Cl2.
Colloidal Nanoparticles from Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-graft-DNA for Single Nucleotide Discrimination Based on Salt-induced Aggregation: Extension to Long Target DNA
Authors: Tang Zhonglan , Takarada Tohru , Sato Yoshikuni , Maeda Mizuo
Published: November 2004

The DNA-linked colloidal nanoparticle was prepared through the phase transition of the amphiphilic copolymer consisting of DNA as the hydrophilic part and thermo-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) as the hydrophobic part. We have succeeded in detecting the single nucleotide difference of 39-mer target DNA by using a salt-induced aggregation of the particles.
Do Returns Policies Intensify Retail Competition?
Authors: Wang Hao
Published: November 2004

The paper “Manufacturer’s Returns Policies and Retail Competition” by Padmanabhan and Png (1997) argues that returns policies intensify retail competition and therefore raise the manufacturer’s profits. They reach that result through a problematic method to solve the game. Particularly, in the game where the manufacturer accepts returns, they unreasonably assume the retailers would never face stock constraints, thus changing the retail competition from a Cournot-like competition to a Bertrand one. Actually, in a game where retailers first order stocks and then compete by choosing prices, even if a manufacturer offers full return policies, the retailers can still use “insufficient” stocks as quantities precommitment in order to uphold retail prices. Hence, the retailers still face stock constraints at the final stage of the game. The nature of the game is essentially unaffected by returns policies when demand is certain. This note shows that returns policies do not intensify retail competition in the model proposed by Padmanabhan and Png (1997).
Multicollinearity and Measurement Error in Structural Equation Models: Implications for Theory Testing
Authors: Grewal Rajdeep , Cote Joseph A. , Baumgartner Hans
Published: November 2004

The literature on structural equation models is unclear on whether and when multicollinearity may pose problems in theory testing (Type II errors). Two Monte Carlo simulation experiments show that multicollinearity can cause problems under certain conditions, specifically: (1) when multicollinearity is extreme, Type II error rates are generally unacceptably high (over 80%), (2) when multicollinearity is between 0.6 and 0.8, Type II error rates can be substantial (greater than 50% and frequently above 80%) if composite reliability is weak, explained variance (R2) is low, and sample size is relatively small. However, as reliability improves (0.80 or higher), explained variance R2 reaches 0.75, and sample becomes relatively large, Type II error rates become negligible. (3) When multicollinearity is between 0.4 and 0.5, Type II error rates tend to be quite small, except when reliability is weak, R2 is low, and sample size is small, in which case error rates can still be high (greater than 50%). Methods for detecting and correcting multicollinearity are briefly discussed. However, since multicollinearity is difficult to manage after the fact, researchers should avoid problems by carefully managing the factors known to mitigate multicollinearity problems (particularly measurement error).
Buyer Search Costs and Endogenous Product Design
Authors: Kuksov Dmitri
Published: November 2004

Buyer search costs for price are changing in many markets. Through a model of buyer and seller behavior, I consider the effects of changing search costs on prices both when product differentiation is fixed and when it is endogenously determined in equilibrium. If firms cannot change product design, lower buyer search costs for price lead to increased price competition. However, if product design is a decision variable, lower search costs for price may also lead to higher product differentiation, which decreases price competition. In this case, the overall effect of lower buyer search costs for price may even be higher prices, lower social welfare, and higher industry profits. The result is especially interesting because recent technological changes, such as Internet shopping, can affect the market structure through lowering buyer search costs.
A PBTK/TD modeling-based approach can assess arsenic bioaccumulation in farmed tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) and human health risks
Authors: Ling Min-Pei , Liao Chung-Min , Tsai Jeng-Wei , Chen Bo-Ching
Published: November 2004

A biologically based risk-assessment model of arsenic (As) exposure evaluated farmed tilapia (Orechromis mossambicus) and human health during tilapia consumption in an area of southwestern Taiwan where blackfoot disease (BFD) occurs. The risk assessment addressed exposures to city residents who lived in Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung, as well as subsistence fishers living in the BFD area who consumed tilapia. The models implemented included a physiologically based toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic (PBTK/TD) model to account for As exposure and dose-response profiles in tilapia and a human health exposure/risk model that accounts for target lifetime risk (TR) and hazard quotient (HQ) for humans consuming farmed tilapia. Results demonstrated that 90th percentiles of TR ranged from 1.53 × 10−8 to 1.62 × 10−6 for city residents with farmed tilapia consumption rates of 0.41 to 1.37 g/d. The 90th percentiles ranged from 2.07 ×10−6 to 7.89 ×10−5 for subsistence fishers in the BFD area with farmed tilapia consumption rates of 16.80 to 59.15 g/d. All predicted 90th percentiles of HQ were less than 1 for city residents and subsistence fishers in the BFD area, indicating small contributions from farmed tilapia consumption. Critical variables included whole-fish body weight, water As content, and As level in tilapia muscle. Although bioaccumulation of As seems unlikely to result in toxicity to farmed tilapia and humans consuming tilapia, the theoretical human health risks in the BFD area are alarming, using a probabilistic risk-assessment model based on conservative assumptions.
The U.S. environmental protection agency's examination of its risk assessment principles and practices: A brief perspective from the regulated community
Authors: Stahl Ralph G. , Guiseppi-Elie Annette , Bingman Timothy S.
Published: November 2004

In March 2004, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) published a review of its risk assessment principles and practices. In examining this review, we find a broad, but not particularly deep, review by the authors and areas where the U.S. EPA should strive to further improve the risk assessment process. Recommended areas of improvement include the use of less conservative default assumptions, calculating risk based on populations instead of individuals, and fostering research on multiple stressors and their impacts on estimating risks to ecological receptors.
Suppression of the Keto‐Emission in Polyfluorene Light‐Emitting Diodes: Experiments and Models
Authors: Yang X. H. , Jaiser F. , Neher D. , Lawson P. V. , Brédas J.‐L. , Zojer E. , Güntner R. , Scanduicci de Freitas P. , Forster M. , Scherf U.
Published: November 2004

The spectral characteristics of polyfluorene (PF)‐based light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) containing a defined low concentration of either keto‐defects or of the polymer poly(9,9‐octylfluorene‐co‐benzothiadiazole) (F8BT) are presented. Both types of blend layers were tested in different device configurations with respect to the relative and absolute intensities of green and blue emission components. It is shown that blending hole‐transporting molecules into the emission layer at low concentration or incorporation of a suitable hole‐transporting layer reduces the green emission contribution in the electroluminescence (EL) spectrum of the PF:F8BT blend, which is similar to what is observed for the keto‐containing PF layer. We conclude that the keto‐defects in PF homopolymer layers mainly constitute weakly emissive electron traps, in agreement with the results of quantum‐mechanical calculations.
Biogenic Calcium Carbonate: Calcite Crystals of Variable Morphology by the Reaction of Aqueous Ca2+ Ions with Fungi
Authors: Ahmad A. , Rautaray D. , Sastry M.
Published: November 2004

The biological synthesis of CaCO3 crystals of variable morphology by challenging non‐calcareous microorganisms such as fungi with aqueous Ca2+ ions has been described. Many fungi are known to produce reasonable amounts of CO2 during growth. We show here that CO2 and characteristic proteins released from the fungi Fusarium oxysporum and Trichothecium sp. may be reacted with aqueous Ca2+ ions to produce truly biogenic CaCO3 crystals. While calcite crystals are obtained with both fungi, significant differences in the morphology of the crystals is observed, indicating that the proteins secreted by the fungi play a crucial role in directing the morphology of the calcite crystals. The action of specific proteins secreted by the microorganisms in directing calcite crystal morphology as well as the more complex issue of synergistic action of mixtures of proteins in directing crystal structure and morphology has been addressed.
Aligned Thin Films of Discotic Hexabenzocoronenes: Anisotropy in the Optical and Charge Transport Properties
Authors: Piris J. , Debije M. G. , Stutzmann N. , Laursen B. W. , Pisula W. , Watson M. D. , Bjørnholm T. , Müllen K. , Warman J. M.
Published: November 2004

The anisotropy in the optical absorption and photoconductivity of thin layers of mesomorphic derivatives of hexa‐peri‐hexabenzocoronene (HBC) have been investigated for aligned films prepared via three different methods: deposition on friction‐deposited polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), zone‐casting (ZC), and Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) multilayer dipping. The ratio of the optical density for light polarized perpendicular to the alignment direction, OD+, to that for light polarized parallel, OD=, varies from close to 1.0 up to 12.5 depending on whether the HBC cores are tilted at close to 45° or 90° with respect to the axis of the self‐assembled columnar stacks. For all aligned films the photoconductivity, determined using the electrode‐less flash‐photolysis time‐resolved microwave conductivity technique (FP‐TRMC), was found to be favored in the direction of columnar alignment by up to a factor of 30 for a PTFE‐aligned film. The effect of varying the temperature of the films over a range encompassing the temperature at which the transition from the crystalline solid to the columnar mesophase occurs in the bulk materials has been investigated. High‐temperature annealing increases the optical and conductivity anisotropy for the LB film significantly, but has little effect for the PTFE and the ZC films. The relative efficacy of the different alignment procedures is discussed.
Neuroglial activation and neuroinflammation in the brain of patients with autism
Authors: Vargas Diana L. , Nascimbene Caterina , Krishnan Chitra , Zimmerman Andrew W. , Pardo Carlos A.
Published: November 2004

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired communication and social interaction and may be accompanied by mental retardation and epilepsy. Its cause remains unknown, despite evidence that genetic, environmental, and immunological factors may play a role in its pathogenesis. To investigate whether immune‐mediated mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of autism, we used immunocytochemistry, cytokine protein arrays, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays to study brain tissues and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from autistic patients and determined the magnitude of neuroglial and inflammatory reactions and their cytokine expression profiles. Brain tissues from cerebellum, midfrontal, and cingulate gyrus obtained at autopsy from 11 patients with autism were used for morphological studies. Fresh‐frozen tissues available from seven patients and CSF from six living autistic patients were used for cytokine protein profiling. We demonstrate an active neuroinflammatory process in the cerebral cortex, white matter, and notably in cerebellum of autistic patients. Immunocytochemical studies showed marked activation of microglia and astroglia, and cytokine profiling indicated that macrophage chemoattractant protein (MCP)–1 and tumor growth factor–β1, derived from neuroglia, were the most prevalent cytokines in brain tissues. CSF showed a unique proinflammatory profile of cytokines, including a marked increase in MCP‐1. Our findings indicate that innate neuroimmune reactions play a pathogenic role in an undefined proportion of autistic patients, suggesting that future therapies might involve modifying neuroglial responses in the brain. Ann Neurol 2005

An Erratum has been published for this article in Ann Neurol 57: 304, 2005.
A case study of surrogate species in aquatic conservation planning
Authors: Hitt Nathaniel P. , Frissell Christopher A.
Published: November 2004

The use of surrogate species (i.e. keystones, indicators, umbrellas) has been advocated for the conservation of target taxa and communities.

A recent Habitat Conservation Plan, which provided conservation measures intended to protect multiple aquatic species of concern over a large area, established an important precedent for surrogate species in aquatic conservation pursuant to the US Endangered Species Act.

The Habitat Conservation Plan's application of federally threatened bull trout was evaluated as an umbrella species for westslope cutthroat trout, which is in decline but not listed under the Act. Approximately 75% of known westslope cutthroat trout strongholds are not captured within bull trout strongholds west of the continental divide. The Habitat Conservation Plan failed to evaluate the suitability of this umbrella species and consequently failed to cover important priority areas for westslope cutthroat trout conservation.

This case study highlights the feasibility and importance of formally validating assumptions of surrogate species utility in multi‐species conservation planning.

Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crystal Structures of the Compounds Cu2CoSi(Ge,Sn)S4 and Cu2CoGe(Sn)Se4.
Authors: Gulay L. D. , Nazarchuk O. P. , Olekseyuk I. D.
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of TbNiGeD1.8.
Authors: Brinks H. W.
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Ba2La2MnW2O12.
Authors: Li Zhaofei , Sun Junliang , You Liping , Wang Yingxia , Lin Jianhua
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Na7Cu3O8, Containing a New Type of Oxocuprate(III) Oligoanion.
Authors: Sofin Mikhail , Peters Eva‐Maria , Jansen Martin
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
The Phase Diagram of the System LiF—GdF3.
Authors: Ranieri I. M. , Bressiani A. H. A. , Morato S. P. , Baldochi S. L.
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Phase Equilibria in the Quasi‐Ternary ZnSe—Ga2Se3—SnSe2 System.
Authors: Parasyuk O. V. , Olekseyuk I. D. , Mazurets I. I. , Piskach L. V.
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
BINAP/1,4‐Diamine—Ruthenium(II) Complexes for Efficient Asymmetric Hydrogenation of 1‐Tetralones and Analogues.
Authors: Ohkuma Takeshi , Hattori Tomonori , Ooka Hirohito , Inoue Tsutomu , Noyori Ryoji
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Efficient Cu‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Conjugate Addition of Alkylzinc Reagents to Aromatic and Aliphatic Acyclic Nitroalkenes.
Authors: Mampreian Dawn M. , Hoveyda Amir H.
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.