bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Enamel Matrix Derivative on Mouse Fibroblasts and Marrow Stromal Osteoblasts
Authors: Gurpinar Aylin , Onur Mehmet Ali , Cehreli Zafer C. , Tasman Fugen
Published: July 2003

There is increasing evidence that the cells of the epithelial root sheath synthesize enamel matrix proteins and that these proteins play a fundamental role in cementogenesis and periodontal tissue formation. Emdogain, enamel matrix derivative (EMD), is a porcine enamel matrix derived product used to enhance regeneration of the peridontium after inflammatory destruction. Today, little is known about EMD's potential regenerative properties on cell function. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of EMD on mouse fibroblasts (L 929 cells) and rat marrow stromal osteoblasts. For effects on cell proliferation, the L 929 cell lines were plated in 24-well culture plates at an initial density of 10,000 cell/mL and allowed to attach. Following a 24-h incubation within Dulbecco's modified eagle medium (DMEM) enriched with 10% fetal bovine serum, DMEM supplemented with 0 (Control), 50 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL of EMD was added and cultures maintained for 96 h. Cell proliferation was measured at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h as the total cell number per well and cell morphology was investigated. Osteoblasts were digested from mouse tibia marrow and were plated in similar manner as with L 929 cells, while the observation periods were 2, 6, 8 and 10 days in this group. Although both cell types were able to maintain their original cell morphology throughout the tests, in both cell groups the number of cells in the EMD groups at each observation period were not significantly different than that in the control group (ANOVA, p > 0.05). Moreover, EMD failed to show any impact on cell growth with higher concentration (ANOVA, p > 0.05). These results suggest that although EMD had no cytotoxic effect on mouse fibroblasts and stromal marrow osteoblasts, the same material failed to enhance the growth of both cell types.
Embolization of Blood Vessels as a Cancer Therapy Using Magnetorheological Fluids
Authors: Flores G. A. , Liu J.
Published: July 2003

This paper demonstrates a possible in vitro cancer therapy by mechanically blocking the blood vessels to a tumor through injecting a model magnetorheological (MR) fluid and applying an external magnetic field. The biocompatible MR fluid is made of magnetite particles coated with starch and suspended in either water or sheep blood. Two particle sizes of 1.0 and 0.25 μm are used. A simple blood network consists of four branches of blood vessels made of silicone tubes of 0.4 mm in diameter. One of the branches contains a tumor made of a cylindrical cavity with a diameter of either 3.0 or 5.0 mm to simulate stage II or III tumors. The cavity is connected with either two or four vessels to the rest of the branch and is placed between two magnetic poles. By measuring the weight of the leaking fluid downstream from the magnets, the sealing quality is monitored. A dilute MR fluid (1.0% particle volume fraction) is pumped slowly through the network. As the fluid goes through the cavity, seals form within seconds after a magnetic field (0.43-0.62 T) is turned on. They block the fluid flow to the tumor. With sheep blood as the suspension medium, both size of magnetite particles form a good quality seal for the 3 mm cavity. Thus, a mechanical method for stopping blood flow is demonstrated in a multi-tube blood network for stage II tumor.
Implementation of a Coupled Thermo-Piezoelectric-Mechanical Model in the LQG Controller Design for Smart Composite Shells
Authors: Kim Heung Soo , Chattopadhyay Aditi , Nam Changho
Published: July 2003

The present paper aims to develop a completely coupled thermo-piezoelectric-mechanical theory, based on an improved layerwise displacement field and higher order electrical and temperature fields, to study dynamic response and control of smart composite shells. A variational principle, addressing the interaction between thermal, piezoelectric and mechanical fields, is used to derive the governing equations of equilibrium. Finite element technique is used to ensure application to practical geometry and boundary conditions. Numerical analysis is conducted for simply supported cylindrical shells with distributed self-sensing piezoelectric actuators. Control authority is investigated using Linear Quadratic Gaussian (LQG) theory. Parametric studies are conducted to investigate the effect of two-way coupling, placement of actuators, coupling and flexibility of the primary structure.
A `Center-Wobbling' Ultrasonic Rotary Motor Using a Metal Tube-Piezoelectric Plate Composite Stator
Authors: Dong Shuxiang , Cagatay S. , Uchino K. , Viehland D.
Published: July 2003

This paper demonstrates a new type of compact ultrasonic motor that operates using a wobbling mode of motion. The motor was driven by a piezoelectric composite stator that consisted of a hollow metal cylinder whose outside surface was flattened on two sides at 90° to each other, upon which two rectangular piezoelectric plates were bonded. A wobbling motion was generated at both ends and at the center of the stator upon application of a sinusoidal voltage to each piezoelectric plate (which were phase shifted by 90° with each other). Results showed that the flexural displacement at the stator's center was ∼ 4 × that at its ends. Consequently, the stator could drive a rotor using a center wobbling motion. Our prototype motor had a significantly higher driving force than conventional end driven stators. The prototype was 4.7 mm in diameter and 20 mm in length, having a rotor 20 mm in diameter. The prototype operated at 46 kHz, had a maximum torque output of ∼ 50 mNm, and had a no-load rotational speed of 70 rpm in both directions. The prototype was also found to be suitable for precision actuation applications.
The Thermo-Mechanical Response to a General Loading Path of a Martensitically Transforming Steel
Authors: Antretter T. , Fischer F. D. , Lube T. , Tanaka K. , Cailletaud G.
Published: July 2003

An extensive experimental program on a 9% Ni, 12% Cr, 2% Mo steel is introduced. This material transforms from the austenitic (γ) phase into the martensitic (α′) phase at a low temperature level around 150°C upon cooling on air only, thus making it especially suitable for testing purposes since it exhibits practically no creep effects during and after transformation (Fischer et al., 1996). Dilatometric tests are carried out for two types of specimens (longitudinal specimens (LSs) with a rolling texture and radial specimens (RSs)). Interestingly, the dilatation loops do not close after cooling down to room temperature. For an increasing annealing temperature the gap becomes smaller and closes for RSs. It turns out that the dilatometric loops close for preloaded specimens, pointing to an initial backstress in the material in the same order of magnitude as the load stress so it must not be neglected. Monitoring the martensite start ( Ms) and finish temperature ( Mf) for different loading conditions and stress levels reveals a strong influence of the type of loading (tension, shear, compression) on Ms. The overall yield stress as a function of temperature is noticeably disturbed immediately after transformation starts. As the temperature approaches Mf the composite effect in the α′-γ region prevails. Experiments including mixed, nonproportional loading paths for cooling as well as at constant temperature have been performed. The orientations of the martensitic variants account for the different deformation behavior for different loading types but equal global equivalent stresses (see also Fischer et al., 2000a). A comprehensive micromechanical modeling concept is presented based on the numerical implementation of a transformation condition (Fischer and Reisner, 1998) governing the variant selection into a finite element algorithm (see Reisner et al., 1998). Finally, the issue of an improved constitutive law for the TRIP strain rate has been tackled. A novel approach for an evolution law including the backstress has first been presented by Videau et al. (1996) and has later been refined by Fischer et al. (2000b).
Thermal Effects of a Homogeneous ER Fluid Device
Authors: Nakamura Taro , Saga Norihiko , Nakazawa Masaru
Published: July 2003

The viscous coefficient of a homogeneous ER fluid can be changed by the application of an electric field. However, the ER effect of the fluid is easily varied by temperature variation. Therefore, an envelopment and time in which the fluid is applied is limited.

In this paper, we examine the influence of the thermal effects induced on the fluid by the device, in order to construct more reliable homogeneous ER devices. We discuss two kinds of thermal effects caused by joule heat and the dissipation of viscous energy.

The results of simulations and experiments suggest that most of the exothermic elements of the homogeneous ER fluid are caused by the dissipation of viscosity energy in the fluid. Therefore, it seems reasonable to drive the clutch at a low rotating speed for short periods. We think that a robot arm for impedance control is more effective than a damper for vibration control.
Heat Transfer from an ESF Radial Plate Clutch Surface Part II - Theory
Authors: Oravský Vladimír
Published: July 2003

In this paper half of a radial electro-structured fluid (ESF) clutch with vertical axis, consisting of a lower stationary disc and upper rotating disc is examined for constant speed of rotation. The narrow gap between the discs is filled with a viscous liquid, so electro-rheological effect is not taken into consideration. Frictional tangential forces in the fluid generate heat which is transferred through the fluid and rotating disc (by conduction) into surrounding air (by convection). A steady state model of heat transfer for the system in question is built up and solved to enable the establishment of heat transfer prediction to be achieved. Several novelties in approach and solution relative to existing ones are adopted and realized. For some particular cases theoretical results are compared with experimental values by means of a table graphically and a good agreement is achieved.

The paper is the second part of a double paper, the first part of which is focused more upon general philosophy and experimental side of the problem in question.
Dynamic Damage Model of the Rock Mass Medium with Microjoints
Authors: Ning Li , Ping Zhang , Qingwei Duan , Swoboda G.
Published: July 2003

Based on the wave propagation theory on the jointed media, a dynamic damage model of the jointed medium is developed based on theoretical analyses and model tests to describe the wave propagation behavior on the jointed rock mass under the blasting pulse. The presented model is capable of describing the behavior of dynamic response of the microjoints and its interaction with wave propagation properties, as well as the consideration of the degradation of the material stiffness and strength, which cannot be described by the classical continuum damage mechanics theory. Comparisons between the proposed model and the test results are also discussed.
The Application of PSL to Product Design Across Construction and Manufacturing
Authors: Cutting-Decelle A. F. , Young R. I. M. , Anumba C. J. , Baldwin A. N. , Bouchlaghem N. M.
Published: July 2003

As the use of IT in manufacturing and construction has matured, the capability of software applications to interoperate has become increasingly important. Standards-based translation mechanisms, such as the use of STEP, have simplified integration by requiring only a single translation to a neutral format. This approach works well where the meaning of the information to be shared is the same and cannot easily be misinterpreted. However, understanding and defining the meaning of information is still a challenge which is especially apparent for process information which is used by many software applications, each in a different way. This paper explores the use of a language called Process Specification Language (PSL), across the different but related industrial sectors of mechanical products and building engineering, where the meaning associated with the terms used is often very different and therefore both semantics and syntax need to be considered when translating to a neutral standard. The PSL creates a neutral, standard language for process specification to integrate multiple process-related applications.
Note: Use of a Distribution of Frequencies Model to Interpret the Tailed Heat Inactivation Curves of Prions
Authors: Periago P. M. , Fernández A. , Collado J. , Martínez A.
Published: July 2003

Inactivation of prions responsible of bovine spongiform encephalytis (BSE) by heat is a major concern for the canned food industry in Europe. Experimental data of heat inactivation of prions obtained from the scientific literature have been modelled. Two models were applied to analyse the inactivation curves, the Weibull distribution model and a two-parameter empirical model. Statistical analysis of available data indicated that the Weibull frequency distribution provided the best description of non-linear survival curves. The effect of the temperature on Weibull model parameters ( a and b) was also studied. The shape parameter, b, indicates deviations from linearity in the inactivation curves, and the scale parameter, a, can be considered as a kinetic constant rate for the inactivation. The values of the b parameter were on the order of 0.15-0.2 which meant that these curves had a strong upper concavity. The a values obtained ranged from 1.8 × 10−3 to 2.3 × 10−6 for temperatures between 100 and 160°C. These results indicate that temperature has a relevant effect on the inactivation of prions, although it remains a considerable fraction of prions with infective capacity. The Weibull frequency distribution model appears as a useful and convenient model because the a parameter could allow a quantitative comparison of the inactivation of prions at different temperatures or under different conditions.
Drinking Games and Rite of Life Projects
Authors: Beccaria Franca , Sande Allan
Published: July 2003

The aim of this article is to present a social comparison of modern youth culture and the local traditions regarding the drinking of alcohol in Italy and Norway. We argue that the use of alcohol in `wet and dry drinking cultures' in northern and southern Europe has grown more similar. Young people, in both countries, drink beer and spirits at weekends, holidays and during the period of their final exams for intoxication, transition to a new phase of life and celebration purposes within the peer group. The modern innovations of practice combine a ritual structure of traditional forms of `rite of passage' (Turner, 1969; Van Gennep, 1960) with modern individualistic rites (Beck, 1997). In the modern local and global youth culture, use of alcohol for intoxication purposes is the key symbol for `free flow' in the phase of transition from childhood to the individual life project of creating one's social identity. This mixing of old ritual structures and modern reflexive individualization rituals has led to us coining a new concept of `rite of life projects'.
Deficient Attention and Disordered Activity: Child Psychiatry’s Response to ADHD
Authors: Child Nick
Published: July 2003

Because attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) seems to be a simple medical diagnosis with an unusually effective medical treatment, nothing before has attracted so much business for child psychiatry. Like any business that booms when it is not ready, child psychiatry risks going bust. This is an analysis to inform our urgent business planning in a UK context.
Multidisciplinary Family Support in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
Authors: Walker Steven
Published: July 2003

The increasing incidence and upward trends detected in child and adolescent mental health problems over the past 25 years, nationally and internationally, have caused concern among children and young people, parents or carers, professionals and politicians. In the UK, recent governments have focused attention on this problem, commissioned research and begun to implement measures to provide a response to the growing numbers of troubled children and young people. This article details the development of a multidisciplinary initiative designed to stimulate innovative ideas in the field of early intervention and relieve demand on the specialist child and adolescent mental health services. External evaluation of the service took place over a two-year period using an inclusive qualitative model.
Producing `Pride' in West Hollywood: a Queer Cultural Capital for Queers with Cultural Capital
Authors: Ward Jane
Published: July 2003

This paper applies Pierre Bourdieu's theorization of class positioning and cultural capital to a case study of conflicts between the working class organizers of an urban LGBT pride celebration and the local gay press, gay government and gay professional community. I conclude with a discussion of two developments in the LGBT movement more broadly, that have implications for how professionalism, good taste and skill are being defined by powerful stakeholders in pride festival organizing: a) the growth of gay capitalism and, b) the disappearance of a broad-based LGBT movement ideology. According to Bourdieu, judgments of taste and skill serve the interests of power by constantly creating new categories of distinction, and thus new class-based means of competition and ownership. The case presented here suggests that these trends have begun to destabilize the grassroots ownership of pride celebrations and naturalize class-based evaluations of the tastes and skills of event organizers.
Pre-Migration Trauma and HIV-Risk Behavior
Authors: Steel Jennifer , Herlitz Claes , Matthews Jesse , Snyder Wendy , Mazzaferro Kathryn , Baum Andy , Theorell Töres
Published: July 2003

This study examined the relationship between pre-migration trauma and HIV-risk behavior in refugees from sub-Saharan Africa. The sample comprised 122 persons who had emigrated from sub-Saharan Africa and were currently residing in Sweden. Qualitative methods including individual interviews, focus groups, and interviews with key informants addressed questions regarding trauma experience and HIV-risk behavior. A history of pre-migration trauma was found to be associated with HIV-risk behavior. According to the participants, symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, adjustment disorder, and substance use mediated the relationship between pre-migration trauma and sexual risk behavior. In contrast, a minority of the participants who reported pre-migration trauma but not psychological sequelae, or experienced post-traumatic growth, reported safer sexual practices. It appears that for some individuals, pre-migration trauma resulted in psychiatric sequelae, which may increase an individual's risk to be infected with HIV. Interventions targeted at individuals at increased risk (i.e. pre-migration trauma with unresolved psychiatric symptomatology) may facilitate the prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases in this population. Integration of multiple psychosocial and health issues is recommended for comprehensive treatment and prevention programs.
On Crafting a Cultural Mind: A Comparative Assessment of Some Recent Theories of `Internalization' in Psychological Anthropology
Authors: Throop C. Jason
Published: July 2003

This article reviews a number of recent publications in psychological anthropology that draw in varying degrees from psychoanalytic premises in order to theoretically address problems concerning the internalization of cultural meaning. The article begins with a discussion and critical comparison of Spiro's and Obeyesekere's perspectives on internalization that are in line with a number of classical formulations in anthropological and psychoanalytic theory, before turning to explore what appears to be an emerging new wave of perspectives in contemporary psychological anthropology that set out to discuss problems of internalization in the context of a complex modeling of psychological, social, and cultural processes. The article concludes with a brief discussion of where researchers may need to turn to further our understanding of `internalization' in relation to those intrapsychic, interpsychic, and extrapsychic processes underpinning the crafting of cultural minds.
Ethnography and the Book that was Lost
Authors: Behar Ruth
Published: July 2003

This article is a meditation on the way ethnography, as a method and form of expression, has informed a range of reflexive anthropological journeys in Spain, Mexico, and Cuba. It uses a poetic sense of reflexivity to explore the embedded nature of personal experience within the ethnographic process. Borrowing the metaphor of `the lost book' from a fictional story by Agnon, the article explores the contradictory dynamic that emerges in witnessing loss and simultaneously wanting to preserve culture. Ultimately, the article urges ethnographers to pay attention to intuition, serendipity, and unexpected moments of epiphany in the quest for ethnographic ways of knowing, while encouraging ethnographers to present their findings in a wider variety of literary and artistic genres.
Going to the Doctor's
Authors: Bollard Martin
Published: July 2003

The article examines the potential of the focus group as a specific tool for appropriately engaging people with learning disabilities in the research process. The focus group is advocated as an appropriate tool that can `collectivize' the experiences of people who may have limited communication skills. This method can be used in conjunction with others to gain service user viewpoints and to involve people with learning disabilities in research. In the article I share some of the findings from a study which involved people with learning disabilities through a focus group. Issues of how I obtained consent from the participants and how I attempted to acknowledge the power differential between participants and myself as the researcher are highlighted. Obtaining consent and recognizing the power difference between the researcher and people with learning disabilities are put forward as key challenges for those wishing to engage in disability research.
Mill's `Socialism'
Authors: Miller Dale E.
Published: July 2003

Insofar as John Stuart Mill can be accurately described as a socialist, his is a socialism that a classical liberal ought to be able to live with, if not to love. Mill's view is that capitalist economies should at some point undergo a `spontaneous' and incremental process of socialization, involving the formation of worker-controlled `socialistic' enterprises through either the transformation of `capitalistic' enterprises or creation de novo. This process would entail few violations of core libertarian principles. It would proceed by way of a series of voluntary transactions. Capitalists' property rights would be respected throughout. The process would take place within a national system of laws that permits private ownership of productive property and competition, and would not result in that system's overthrow. And, if we accept some basic tenets of Mill's social philosophy, the outcome at which we should expect the process to arrive is a `patchwork' economy in which capitalistic and socialistic enterprises exist side by side.
Live recordings of sound levels during the use of powered instruments in ENT surgery
Authors: Prasad K. R. S. , Reddy K. T. V.
Published: July 2003

Otolaryngology is one of the surgical specialities employing high-powered instruments and this study was designed in order to establish whether sound levels at work conform to HSE guidelines. No study to date has measured intra-operative noise levels in ENT operation theatres. A prospective observational study was therefore performed. Sound levels were measured during the use of bone drills for mastoid surgery and microdebriders for endoscopic sinus surgery. A SLM/IS Acos Class I sound level meter calibrated to BS 1259 was employed. A spectrum analysis of drill-generated noise was measured using a calibrated B and K precision sound level meter. Sound levels emitted varied as follows: Large burrs- 72.4 dB (A), medium size; 71.2 dB (A), small sized burrs- 68.8 dB (A) (all values for cutting burrs) and 60.8 dB (A) for diamond burs. With microdebriders, the average sound level was 60.1 dBA. Spectrum analysis revealed that the maximum intensity was at 3.15 kHz, followed by 4 kHz, while the least sound was produced at 40 kHz and 31.5 kHz. Essentially sound produced by drills was between 1.6 kHz and 6.3 kHz. Powered instruments used in ENT surgery are safe and pose no occupational hazard.
Laser posterior ventriculocordectomy with partial arytenoidectomy for the treatment of bilateral vocal fold immobility
Authors: Shvero J. , Koren R. , Stern Y. , Segal K. , Feinmesser R. , Hadar T.
Published: July 2003

Bilateral vocal fold immobility in adduction usually creates severe dyspnoea. Many surgical procedures have been established to improve the airway insufficiency in affected patients.

Over the last six years 22 patients with bilateral vocal fold immobility in our department have undergone CO2 laser posterior ventriculocordectomy with partial arytenoidectomy (PVCPA). None had dyspnoea or a disturbance in the immediate post-operative period or during follow up, which ranged from five months to six years. Only one patient required a second procedure.

Laser PVCPA appears to be an effective and reliable method for the treatment of bilateral vocal fold immobility in selected patients.
Lip injury prevention during tonsillectomy
Authors: Evans A. S. , El-Hawrani A. , Lodhi A. , Thompson A.
Published: July 2003

Patients commonly complain of discomfort at the angle of the mouth following tonsillectomy. This can be attributed to trauma sustained during the procedure. A prospective, patient-blinded, controlled trial of 34 tonsillectomies was performed using a protective, plastic oral guard. A blinded observer recorded postoperative pain and clinically evident trauma to the angle of the mouth. The patient group in whom the guard was used had a significantly lower incidence of labial trauma (p<0.002) and complained of pain less frequently (p<0.002) when compared with a control group in whom no guard was used. The use of a protective lip guard during tonsillectomy is recommended.
Supralabyrinthine approach to petrosal cholesteatoma
Authors: Sheahan Patrick , Walsh Rory McConn
Published: July 2003

Petrosal cholesteatomas are rare lesions, which may be congenital or acquired in nature. We report an exceptional case occurring in a seven-year old girl who presented with a unilateral conductive hearing loss, despite normal tympanic membrane appearance. Early diagnosis was facilitated by computed tomography (CT) scanning. Although this case satisfied the criteria for congenital cholesteatoma, it is likely that the petrous apex was secondarily involved. Complete cholesteatoma removal was accomplished using a transtemporal supralabyrinthine approach, which allowed for hearing preservation, while avoiding the morbidity associated with a craniotomy. The present case constitutes the youngest case of petrosal cholesteatoma reported. We suggest that a lower threshold for the use of CT scanning in unilateral conductive hearing loss may allow for the earlier detection of more cases of petrosal cholesteatomas, as well as facilitating their removal using more limited approaches associated with less morbidity.
Lymphangioma of the sphenoid sinus
Authors: Major T. , Nagy A. , Erdélyi G. , Sziklai I.
Published: July 2003

Lymphangiomas are rare benign lymphatic tumours found predominantly in the head and neck region. A case of a cavernous lymphangioma isolated to the sphenoid sinus is described. The authors emphasize the extreme rarity of the isolated sphenoid lymphangioma, as to their knowledge this is the first report in the English literature.
Gas Holdup and Volumetric Mass Transfer Coefficient in a Slurry Bubble Column
Authors: Vandu C.O. , Krishna R.
Published: July 2003

The gas holdup, ϵ, and volumetric mass transfer coefficient, kLa, were measured in a 0.051 m diameter glass column with ethanol as the liquid phase and cobalt catalyst as the solid phase in concentrations of 1.0 and 3.8 vol.‐%. The superficial gas velocity U was varied in the range from 0 to 0.11 m/s, spanning both the homogeneous and heterogeneous flow regimes. Experimental results show that increasing catalyst concentration decreases the gas holdup to a significant extent. The volumetric mass transfer coefficient, kLa, closely follows the trend in gas holdup. Above a superficial gas velocity of 0.04 m/s the value of kLa/ϵ was found to be practically independent of slurry concentration and the gas velocity U; the value of this parameter is found to be about 0.45 s–1. Our studies provide a simple method for the estimation of kLa in industrial‐size bubble column slurry reactors.
Probing Biomolecular Interactions at Conductive and Semiconductive Surfaces by Impedance Spectroscopy: Routes to Impedimetric Immunosensors, DNA‐Sensors, and Enzyme Biosensors
Authors: Katz Eugenii , Willner Itamar
Published: July 2003

Impedance spectroscopy is a rapidly developing electrochemical technique for the characterization of biomaterial‐functionalized electrodes and biocatalytic transformations at electrode surfaces, and specifically for the transduction of biosensing events at electrodes or field‐effect transistor devices. The immobilization of biomaterials, e.g., enzymes, antigens/antibodies or DNA on electrodes or semiconductor surfaces alters the capacitance and interfacial electron transfer resistance of the conductive or semiconductive electrodes. Impedance spectroscopy allows analysis of interfacial changes originating from biorecognition events at electrode surfaces. Kinetics and mechanisms of electron transfer processes corresponding to biocatalytic reactions occurring at modified electrodes can be also derived from Faradaic impedance spectroscopy. Different immunosensors that use impedance measurements for the transduction of antigen‐antibody complex formation on electronic transducers were developed. Similarly, DNA biosensors using impedance measurements as readout signals were developed. Amplified detection of the analyte DNA using Faradaic impedance spectroscopy was accomplished by the coupling of functionalized liposomes or by the association of biocatalytic conjugates to the sensing interface providing biocatalyzed precipitation of an insoluble product on the electrodes. The amplified detections of viral DNA and single‐base mismatches in DNA were accomplished by similar methods. The changes of interfacial features of gate surfaces of field‐effect transistors (FET) upon the formation of antigen‐antibody complexes or assembly of protein arrays were probed by impedance measurements and specifically by transconductance measurements. Impedance spectroscopy was also applied to characterize enzyme‐based biosensors. The reconstitution of apo‐enzymes on cofactor‐functionalized electrodes and the formation of cofactor‐enzyme affinity complexes on electrodes were probed by Faradaic impedance spectroscopy. Also biocatalyzed reactions occurring on electrode surfaces were analyzed by impedance spectroscopy. The theoretical background of the different methods and their practical applications in analytical procedures were outlined in this article.
Capillary electrophoresis as a nanoreactor of separation capability: On‐capillary reaction catalyzed by transition metal ions
Authors: Yamashiro Tomoe , Okada Tetsuo
Published: July 2003

The catalytic oxidation of 1,2‐dihydroxy‐benzene‐3,6‐disulfonate (tiron) by metal ions has been studied for detection of the metal ions in capillary electrophoresis (CE). Although Co2+ shows the strongest catalytic capability, some other metal ions also catalyze this reaction. If metal ions encounter a H2O2 zone after electrophoretic separation in the running buffer containing tiron, tiron is catalytically oxidized while the metal ion passes through the H2O2 zone. Anionic tiron radicals produced by the reaction are finally measured by the detector; in this scheme, the capillary acts as a nano‐ or microreactor as well as a microseparator. The effective capillary length can be controlled by changing the interval between metal ion and H2O2 injections. This scheme has been successfully applied to the detection of Co2+, Cu2+, Mn2+, and VO2+. The detectability is discussed from several viewpoints, such as the intrinsic catalyst ability of metal ions, the kinetics of the catalytic reaction, and reaction times determined by the mobility of the zone of the metal ion. Some strange behaviors, which cannot be predicted by batch experiments, are also reported.
Capillary zone electrophoretic determination of iodide in seawater using transient isotachophoresis with artificial seawater as the background electrolyte
Authors: Yokota Kuriko , Fukushi Keiichi , Ishio Nobuhiro , Sasayama Nobukazu , Nakayama Yusuke , Takeda Sahori , Wakida Shin‐ichi
Published: July 2003

We describe an application of capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) with transient isotachophoresis (ITP) as the on‐line concentration procedure for the determination of iodide in seawater. The effective mobility of iodide was decreased by the addition of 10 mM cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) to an artificial seawater background electrolyte (BGE) so that transient ITP functioned and iodide was separated from other coexisting anions such as bromide, nitrite, and nitrate in seawater samples. After sample injection, 600 mM acetate was separately injected into the capillary as the terminating ion to generate transient ITP. The limit of detection (LOD) for iodide was 3.0 μg/L. The LOD was obtained at a signal‐to‐noise ratio (S/N) of 3. The values of the relative standard deviation (RSD) of peak area, peak height, and migration time for iodide were 2.9, 2.1, and 0.6%. The proposed method was applied to the determination of iodide in seawater collected around the Osaka Bay. The results obtained by use of the calibration graph were agreed with those obtained by the addition of the standard solutions for iodide.
Flow injection‐capillary electrophoresis system with contactless conductivity detection and hydrostatic pressure generated flow. Application to the quantitative analysis of inorganic anions in water samples
Authors: Kubáň Pavel , Kubáň Petr , Kubáň Vlastimil
Published: July 2003

A simple and inexpensive flow injection‐capillary electrophoresis (FI‐CE) system with contactless conductivity detection (CCD) for automated quantitative analysis of chloride, nitrate, and sulfate in various water samples is demonstrated. A glass bottle containing the background electrolyte that is raised above the FI‐CE interface generates a pulse‐free, highly reproducible flow of the electrolyte through the FI‐CE interface. The system operates at a flow rate of 300 μLmin−1 with an injection volume of only 4 μL. The repeatability of peak areas (n = 18) was better than 0.81% RSD and the sample throughput was 90 samples per hour using the background electrolyte containing 12 mM L‐histidine adjusted to pH 4.00 with acetic acid. The limits of detection were better than 125 μgL−1 and were comparable to those obtained by conventional CE systems with CCD. Various calibration methods for FI‐CE system with electrokinetic injection were tested and their suitability for the analysis of anions in real samples was evaluated.
Chemokine Receptors in Vascular Smooth Muscle
Authors: SCHECTER ALISON D. , BERMAN ADRIANE B. , TAUBMAN MARK B.
Published: July 2003

Atherosclerosis is considered to be an inflammatory disease. Chemokines are low‐molecular‐weight proteins that exert their effects, in part, through mediating leukocytic infiltration into the vessel wall. Recently, studies have determined that chemokines and their receptors are present, and function on other cellular components comprising the arterial wall, such as the endothelium and vascular smooth muscle. Smooth muscle cells (SMC) constitute the major cellular element of the arterial wall and are located predominantly in the arterial media. Recent studies have demonstrated that SMC possess a number of functional chemokine receptors, including CCR5, CXCR4, and a receptor for monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1). It is likely that SMC are increasingly recognized as potential targets for chemokines, and that these effects may influence a variety of normal and pathological processes involving SMC such as atherosclerosis and arterial injury.
Physiologically based modelling of inhibition of metabolism and assessment of the relative potency of drug and metabolite: dextromethorphan vs. dextrorphan using quinidine inhibition
Authors: Moghadamnia A. A. , Rostami‐Hodjegan A. , Abdul‐Manap R. , Wright C. E. , Morice A. H. , Tucker G. T.
Published: July 2003

Aims  To define the relative antitussive effect of dextromethorphan (DEX) and its primary metabolite dextrorphan (DOR) after administration of DEX.

Methods  Data were analysed from a double‐blind, randomized cross‐over study in which 22 subjects received the following oral treatments: (i) placebo; (ii) 30 mg DEX hydro‐bromide; (iii) 60 mg DEX hydro‐bromide; and (iv) 30 mg DEX hydro‐bromide preceded at 1 h by quinidine HCl (50 mg). Cough was elicited using citric acid challenge. Pharmacokinetic data from all non‐placebo arms of the study were fitted simultaneously. The parameters were then used as covariates in a link PK–PD model of cough suppression using data from all treatment arms.

Results  The best‐fit PK model assumed two‐ and one‐compartment PK models for DEX and DOR, respectively, and competitive inhibition of DEX metabolism by quinidine. The intrinsic clearance of DEX estimated from the model ranged from 59 to 1536 l h−1, which overlapped with that extrapolated from in vitro data (12–261 l h−1) and showed similar variation (26‐ vs. 21‐fold, respectively). The inhibitory effect of quinidine ([I]/Ki) was 19 (95% confidence interval of mean: 18–20) with an estimated average Ki of 0.017 µM. Although DEX and DOR were both active, the potency of the antitussive effect of DOR was 38% that of DEX. A sustained antitussive effect was related to slow removal of DEX/DOR from the effect site (ke0 = 0.07 h−1).

Conclusions  Physiologically based PK modelling with perturbation of metabolism using an inhibitor allowed evaluation of the antitussive potency of DOR without the need for separate administration of DOR.
Oral weekly ibandronate prevents bone loss in postmenopausal women
Authors: Tankó L. B. , Felsenberg D , Czerwiński E , Burdeska A , Jonkanski I , Hughes C , Christiansen C ,   for the Oral Ibandronate Group
Published: July 2003

Tankó LB, Felsenberg D, Czerwiński E, Burdeska A, Jonkanski I, Hughes C, Christiansen C (Center for Clinical and Basic Research A/S, Ballerup and Vejle, Denmark; University Hospital Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany; Foundation of Osteoporosis, Krakow, Poland; F. Hoffmann‐La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland; and F. Hoffmann‐La Roche Ltd, Welwyn, UK). Oral weekly ibandronate prevents bone loss in postmenopausal women. J Intern Med 2003; 254: 159–167.

Objectives. To investigate the efficacy, safety, and dose‐response of once‐weekly oral ibandronate in the prevention of postmenopausal bone loss.

Design. This was a multi‐centre, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, randomized, 24‐month phase II/III dose‐finding study.

Setting. Primary care units in 14 osteoporosis centres.

Subjects. A total of 630 women were stratified into four strata according to time since menopause (TSM, 1–3 vs. >3 years) and baseline bone mineral density (BMD; normal: T‐score ≥1 vs. osteopenic: −2.5 ≤ T‐score ≤ 1) of the lumbar spine.

Interventions. Within each stratum women were further randomized to receive once‐weekly ibandronate (5, 10, or 20 mg week−1) or placebo for 24 months.

Main outcome measures. Efficacy parameters were the relative changes from baseline in spine (L1–4) and hip BMD, and biochemical markers of bone turnover (serum and urinary C‐telopeptide of collagen type I (CTx), osteocalcin, and alkaline phosphatase) measured by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry and enzyme immunoassays, respectively.

Results. Once‐weekly therapy with ibandronate induced dose‐dependent increases in spine and hip BMD. At month 24, differences between the relative changes in spine and hip BMD induced by 20 mg ibandronate and placebo was 4.0 and 2.7%, respectively. Similar or more pronounced differences were seen in osteopenic women of TSM 1–3 years (5.3 and 3.5%) and of TSM >3 years (3.5 and 2.9%), respectively. A dose‐dependent suppression of all biochemical markers of bone turnover was observed with significant decreases in the 20 mg dose groups of all strata at month 24. The overall safety results indicated that once‐weekly oral ibandronate was well‐tolerated at all three doses.

Conclusion. Once‐weekly oral therapy with 20 mg ibandronate provides an effective and safe therapy for the prevention of postmenopausal bone loss.
Transfer of T‐DNA and Vir proteins to plant cells byAgrobacterium tumefaciensinduces expression of host genes involved in mediating transformation and suppresses host defense gene expression
Authors: Veena  , Jiang Hongmei , Doerge R.W. , Gelvin Stanton B.
Published: July 2003

Agrobacterium tumefaciensis a plant pathogen that incites crown gall tumors by transferring to and expressing a portion of a resident plasmid in plant cells. Currently, little is known about the host response toAgrobacteriuminfection. Using suppressive subtractive hybridization and DNA macroarrays, we identified numerous plant genes that are differentially expressed during early stages ofAgrobacterium‐mediated transformation. Expression profiling indicates thatAgrobacteriuminfection induces plant genes necessary for the transformation process while simultaneously repressing host defense response genes, thus indicating successful utilization of existing host cellular machinery for genetic transformation purposes. A comparison of plant responses to different strains ofAgrobacteriumindicates that transfer of both T‐DNA and Vir proteins modulates the expression of host genes during the transformation process.
Effect of human fibroblast‐derived dermis on expansion of tissue from venous leg ulcers
Authors: Martin Tracey Amanda , Hilton Joanna , Jiang Wen Guo , Harding Keith
Published: July 2003

Novel approaches to healing of chronic wounds, such as venous leg ulcers, include the use of tissue‐engineered skin substitutes, e.g., human fibroblast‐derived dermis. The exact mechanisms of action of these products and their effects on wound healing at a cellular level are yet to be fully defined. The aim of our study was to evaluate the potential effects of human fibroblast‐derived dermis on the healing of chronic wounds using an experimental model. We used a tissue expansion model to examine the effect of human fibroblast‐derived dermis on the growth of human tissue biopsied from venous leg ulcers. Further characterization of the cytokine profile produced by human fibroblast‐derived dermis in culture was performed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay techniques. Addition of medium conditioned with human fibroblast‐derived dermis significantly increased the outgrowth of cells from venous leg ulcer biopsies (p = 0.001). We detected bioactive levels of hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor and interleukin‐8 in media conditioned with human fibroblast‐derived dermis. Therefore, conditioned media from human fibroblast‐derived dermis enhances ex vivo expansion of tissue taken from chronic venous leg ulcers, and contains potent angiogenic factors. These experimental findings may explain the enhanced healing seen with clinical applications of human fibroblast‐derived dermis on chronic wounds. (WOUND REP REG 2003;11:292–296)
The FIGARO project: a new approach towards academic publishing
Authors: Savenije Bas
Published: July 2003

The current difficulties of scholarly publishing are set out and a response to them based upon publishing by the institutions of the authors involved is described. An account of the role of the FIGARO Project in facilitating such a response is then given.
COUNTER: from conception to compliance
Authors: Shepherd Peter T.
Published: July 2003

COUNTER was formally launched in March 2002. Within a year Release 1 of the COUNTER Code of Practice had been published, and a number of leading publishers were working towards making their usage reports COUNTER‐compliant. This article describes the background to COUNTER, the main features of the Code of Practice, the current status of its implementation and the next steps for the project. It also stresses the particular benefits to publishers of COUNTER compliance and of COUNTER membership.
Long‐term archiving of digital documents: what efforts are being made in Germany?
Authors: Connertz Thomas
Published: July 2003

The existing legal arrangements in Germany for the archiving of print material are described. The technical, legal and practical difficulties in extending such arrangements to digital material are discussed together with current initiatives to overcome those difficulties. The specific experience of the Thieme Publishing Group in these matters is also given.
Local Linear Least Square Fitting of Potential Energy Surface
Authors: Zhang Da W. , Li Yi M. , Zhang J. Z. H.
Published: July 2003

A local linear least square (LLLS) method to fit multidimensional potential energy surface for quantum dynamics calculation is presented. The method uses only energy data points within a local area in multidimentional space. The potential is fit using a linear least square method with singular value decomposition. The method is tested in quantum dynamical calculation for three-dimensional H + H2 reaction. The result indicates that the local linear least square fitting is accurate and computationally efficient.
The Growth of ICT and Industry Performance - Manufacturing in the US and UK Compared
Authors: O'Mahony Mary , Robinson Catherine
Published: July 2003

UK manufacturing productivity has for a long time lagged behind the US. Explanations put forward for the ‘productivity gap’ include disparities in capital stock levels, the quality of the labour force and different rates of technology adoption. The questions addressed in this paper are, ‘has slower UK up-take of information technology exacerbated the productivity gap? Can this account for the slowdown in the manufacturing sector in the mid-1990s, a period when the US experienced substantial growth?’ Using the growth accounting method and industry data for the period 1988-2000, the paper indicates considerable industry heterogeneity in both the UK and the US, which aggregate sectoral analysis is likely to obscure. The results suggest that whilst the UK continues to lag behind the US in terms of ICT capital shares, differences in rates of growth of ICT capital are minor. Labour quality indicators show positive ICT and non-ICT skilled labour growth and declines in lower skilled categories in both countries, with the UK leading the US in recent years. Thus UK manufacturing has invested significantly in new technology inputs. The paper also shows there are similarities in the cross industry patterns of productivity performance in the two countries but growth rates in the UK are significantly below those in the US across the board. The paper then considers alternative explanations for the slowdown in UK manufacturing productivity in the mid to late 1990s and suggests this may be due to macroeconomic factors peculiar to that period and lags in the adjustments of firms to a changed environment.