bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A dose–response study of salivary cortisol after dexamethasone suppression test in Cushing's disease and its potential use in the differential diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome
Authors: Castro Margaret , Elias Lucila L. K. , Elias Paula C. L. , Moreira Ayrton C.
Published: November 2003

objective  A dose–response study with different doses of dexamethasone (dex) to assess the corticotrophic resistance in Cushing's disease (CD) using salivary cortisol as an end point has not yet been evaluated. We also reported our experience with salivary cortisol compared to plasma cortisol determination during dex suppression test (DST) and after ovine corticotrophin release hormone (oCRH) test in the differential diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome (CS).

design  We studied 46 patients with CS, including 28 patients with CD, 16 with adrenal disease and two with occult ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) tumours. Salivary cortisol was compared to plasma cortisol and ACTH during a DST 2 mg for 2 days, 8 mg for 2 days and 24 mg for 1 day, and after oCRH test.

results  We observed a dose‐dependent suppression of salivary cortisol, plasma cortisol and ACTH in CD patients. Salivary cortisol presented a higher percentage of suppression than plasma cortisol: 42%vs. 15% (P < 0·002), 82%vs. 67% (P < 0·002) and 90%vs. 83% (P < 0·03) after 2, 8 and 24 mg/day dex, respectively. The lowest percentage of suppression was observed for plasma ACTH. The parallelism of these lines identified that the criterion of 65% suppression of salivary cortisol corresponding to 50% suppression of plasma cortisol after 8 mg/day for 2 days is consistent with CD. The sensitivity and specificity using 50% suppression for plasma cortisol were 81% and 83%, respectively, for 8 mg DST. Using the criterion of 65% suppression of salivary cortisol, the sensitivity and specificity were 86% and 100%, respectively, for 8 mg DST. After oCRH test the sensitivity and specificity were 86% and 91%, respectively, for ACTH, 100% and 64%, respectively, for plasma cortisol and 93% and 91%, respectively, (20% of increment) or 86% and 100%, respectively, (35% increment) for salivary cortisol.

conclusion  In conclusion, salivary cortisol presents more profound suppression than plasma cortisol or ACTH in a dose–response pattern after different doses of dex in patients with CD. In addition, our data suggest that measurement of salivary cortisol might improve the DST as compared to plasma cortisol in the differential diagnosis of CS.
Variants of uncoupling protein‐2 gene and obesity: interaction with peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptorγ2
Authors: Mancini Francesco P. , Sabatino Lina , Colantuoni Vittorio , Pasanisi Fabrizio , Finelli Carmine , Contaldo Franco , Masulli Maria , Riccardi Gabriele , Vaccaro Olga
Published: November 2003

objective  To analyse the association of the UCP2 gene, alone or in combination with the PPARγ2 gene, with obesity.

design  Cross‐sectional, case–control study.

study population  From a working population of 4500 Italian Caucasian employees of the Italian telephone company participating in a firm‐sponsored health screening programme, we selected all those with obesity [n = 122; body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2]. For each case, three nonobese age‐ and sex‐matched individuals were selected as controls from the same population (n = 374). Included in the study were also 76 severely obese (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2) patients consecutively admitted to the obesity clinic of the department. Diabetic individuals were excluded.

measurements  The −866G/A UCP2 and the Pro12Ala PPARγ2 polymorphisms were determined on genomic DNA of the studied individuals. Several metabolic and anthropometric measures were also obtained, like plasma glucose, insulin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and BMI.

results  BMI, plasma glucose, insulin, triglycerides, total and HDL cholesterol were not significantly different in carriers and noncarriers of the −866G/A variant. No significant association was observed between the −866G/A UCP2 gene polymorphism and moderate or severe obesity. This was also observed when the UCP2 polymorphism was analysed in combination with the PPARγ2 polymorphisms.

conclusions  The −866G/A variants of the UCP2 gene are not associated with either obesity or other features of the metabolic syndrome in the studied groups of the Italian population. This negative finding is not modified after a combined analysis of the UCP2 polymorphism and the Pro12Ala polymorphism of PPARγ2.
From β‐N‐tert‐butyloxycarbonyl N‐carboxyanhydrides to β‐aminoacid derivatives
Authors: Huck J. , Roumestant M.L. , Martinez J.
Published: November 2003

Abstract:  β‐N‐tert‐butyloxycarbonyl‐N‐carboxyanhydrides are very reactive β‐amino acid derivatives. They react cleanly and smoothly with different nucleophiles like aminoesters, enolates, N‐methyl‐d‐glucamine, amidoximes to afford in good to excellent yields peptides, β‐amino ketocompounds, β‐aminosugars and functionalized disubstituted 1,2,4‐oxadiazoles.
Family interaction and suicidal behaviour: a brief review
Authors: Aldridge David
Published: November 2003

This paper reviews those research studies which have investigated suicidal behaviour in the context of the family. It is proposed that in families a subculture of distress management develops not from random deviations but from familial and cultural expectations of how distress can be managed. A number of factors are presented indicating suicide potential:

a pattern of marked hostility,

a pattern of role disturbance and role failure,

a process of escalation when developmental crises occur in the management of family life‐cycle transitions,

a symbiotic attachment between partners which tolerates no autonomy,

an intolerance of crisis,

a relationship between the management of crises, family conflict and family organization,

suicidal behaviour as a pattern of communication.

A family tradition of crisis management by symptoms and the presence of intra‐familial conflict are seen as critical variables.
Training family therapists in observational skills
Authors: Street Eddy , Foot Hugh
Published: November 2003

A study was conducted to develop procedures for training observational skills using concepts derived from structural family therapy. Experienced family therapists provided operational definitions of key concepts in family interaction, and videotaped segments of interactions were prepared which exemplified the concepts. A group of trainee family therapists was compared with a group of experienced therapists in the way they applied the concepts to interaction sequences in therapeutic sessions. In demonstrating that inexperienced trainees can be instructed relatively rapidly to identify and use structural concepts, the results suggested that this analytical approach to the training of family therapists shows considerable promise.
On the Very Idea of “Negative Emotions”
Authors: Kristjánsson Kristján
Published: November 2003

As attention has shifted towards the emotions in general, the notion of so‐called negative emotions has come in for renewed interest. The author explores this notion and argues that its invocation cannot be done without cost to our understanding since it obscures all sorts of relevant complexities. There are thus no emotions around to which we can helpfully refer collectively as “negative,” although there are of course painful emotions, emotions that negatively evaluate states of affairs, emotions that are negatively morally evaluated, and so forth. Furthermore, while attempts are under way to reappraise various (commonly) negatively evaluated emotions, those attempts involve different kinds of argument which cannot and should not be collected together as “defenses of negative emotions.”
Dale P. Andrews, Practical Theology for Black Churches: Bridging Black Theology and African American Folk Religion
Authors: Smith Rev. Eric B.
Published: November 2003

Book reviewed in this article:

Dale P. Andrews, Practical Theology for Black Churches: Bridging Black Theology and African American Folk Religion
Use of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research Urinary Incontinence Guideline in Nursing Homes
Authors: Watson Nancy M. , Brink Carol A. , Zimmer James G. , Mayer Robert D.
Published: November 2003

The objective of this study was to assess the use of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (now called the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality) Urinary Incontinence (UI) Guideline (1996) in nursing homes (NHs) using retrospective chart review and nursing assistant screening interviews. The study was conducted in a nonrandom sample of 52 NHs in upstate New York. Two hundred residents developing new UI or newly admitted with UI on the dayshift and who met criteria for evaluation and treatment/management were evaluated in the 12 weeks after onset of or admission with UI. Fifteen percent of newly admitted residents needed evaluation. Of residents already in NHs, 2.3 per 100 beds developed new UI over the 12 weeks. Aspects of UI evaluation rarely done were rectal examination (15%), digital examination of prostate (15%), and pelvic examination (2%). Sixty‐eight percent had a culture/sensitivity, 56% a urinalysis, and 6% a postvoid residual. Eighty‐one percent had a reversible cause at the time of onset, but only 34% had all addressed. Few (2%) needed urologist evaluation. Treatment was rare (3%), but management using toileting and absorbent products were common. Only 6% achieved resolution of UI. These results suggest that assessment and treatment of UI is manageable (a total of 4.2 new cases per 100 beds per 12 weeks) but quality is not adequate. On average, only 20% of the standards applicable were met, due primarily to lack of awareness of new UI and lack of familiarity with the guideline. Thus, improvements are needed. Recommendations for guideline revision are made.
The Quest for a Coherent School Science Curriculum: The Need for an Organizing Principle
Authors: SCHMIDT WILLIAM H.
Published: November 2003

Achievement test results from the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) suggest that the performance of US students in science is not strong either in terms of international or national standards. Yet, the US is preceived as a world leader in standards‐based and “hands‐on” science reform. In this article I argue that the major policy issue confronting the science community that addresses this apparent disconnect is the development of an organizing principle that would serve to limit the number of essential topics, subordinating some topics in science standards to others. Furthermore, this organizing principle would weave the reduced set of topics into a sequence that is logical and that leads to an unfolding of a key story or stories in science that are intrinsically interesting to students and that provide the basis for understanding science by future literate citizens and not just the memorization of isolated facts to be forgotten when school finishes.
Distinct HP1 and Su(var)3-9 complexes bind to sets of developmentally coexpressed genes depending on chromosomal location
Authors: Greil Frauke , van der Kraan Ineke , Delrow Jeffrey , Smothers James F. , de Wit Elzo , Bussemaker Harmen J. , van Driel Roel , Henikoff Steven , van Steensel Bas
Published: November 2003

Heterochromatin proteins are thought to play key roles in chromatin structure and gene regulation, yet very few genes have been identified that are regulated by these proteins. We performed large-scale mapping and analysis of in vivo target loci of the proteins HP1, HP1c, and Su(var)3-9 inDrosophilaKc cells, which are of embryonic origin. For each protein, we identified ∼100–200 target genes among >6000 probed loci. We found that HP1 and Su(var)3-9 bind together to transposable elements and genes that are predominantly pericentric. In addition, Su(var)3-9 binds without HP1 to a distinct set of nonpericentric genes. On chromosome 4, HP1 binds to many genes, mostly independent of Su(var)3-9. The binding pattern of HP1c is largely different from those of HP1 and Su(var)3-9. Target genes of HP1 and Su(var)3-9 show lower expression levels in Kc cells than do nontarget genes, but not if they are located in pericentric regions. Strikingly, in pericentric regions, target genes of Su(var)3-9 and HP1 are predominantly embryo-specific genes, whereas on the chromosome arms Su(var)3-9 is preferentially associated with a set of male-specific genes. These results demonstrate that, depending on chromosomal location, the HP1 and Su(var)3-9 proteins form different complexes that associate with specific sets of developmentally coexpressed genes.
A wavelet neural network for the detection of heart valve diseases
Authors: Turkoglu Ibrahim , Arslan Ahmet , Ilkay Erdogan
Published: November 2003

An expert system is presented for interpretation of the Doppler signals of heart valve diseases based on pattern recognition. We deal in particular with the combination of feature extraction and classification from measured Doppler signal waveforms at the heart valve using Doppler ultrasound. A wavelet neural network model developed by us is used. The model consists of two layers: a wavelet layer and a multilayer perceptron. The wavelet layer used for adaptive feature extraction in the time–frequency domain is composed of wavelet decomposition and wavelet entropy. The multilayer perceptron used for classification is a feedforward neural network. The performance of the developed system has been evaluated in 215 samples. The test results show that this system is effective to detect Doppler heart sounds. The classification rate averaged 91% correct for 123 test subjects.
A conodont, thelodont and acanthodian fauna from the Lower Přídolí (Silurian) of the Much Wenlock area, Shropshire
Authors: Miller C. Giles , Märss Tiiu
Published: November 2003

Conodonts, thelodonts and acanthodians have previously been collected from the Přídolí of Shropshire (Welsh Borderland) from bone beds such as the Ludlow Bone Bed. In general, specimens collected from these types of deposit are very abraded and make taxonomic studies difficult. This contribution describes well preserved thelodont microelements from two samples from the Downton Castle Sandstone Formation (Přídolí, Silurian) of the Much Wenlock area of Shropshire. Head scales, a wide variety of transitional scales, and pore scales of the lateral line sensory canals of the thelodont Paralogania ludlowiensis (Gross) are described for the first time. A new acanthodian Nostolepis linleyensis sp. nov. and elements from the apparatus of the conodont Ozarkodina?hemensis sp. nov. are documented from the same samples. The thelodonts in both samples are typical of upper Ludlow–Přídolí faunas from across the Welsh Borderland, and are also present in smaller numbers in the Ludlow Series of Gotland, Sweden, Saaremaa Island, Estonia, and in Latvia and Lithuania. The conodont O? hemensis sp. nov. is restricted to the Much Wenlock area of Shropshire. The co‐occurrence of well preserved elements of conodonts and thelodonts suggests that they were deposited fairly rapidly with little or no re‐working and that a restricted marine environment prevailed in the early Přídolí in the Much Wenlock area of Shropshire.
The first thecideide brachiopod from the Jurassic of North America
Authors: Baker Peter G. , Wilson Mark A.
Published: November 2003

Restudy of a hardground fauna from the Middle Jurassic of south‐western Utah revealed the presence of thecideoid brachiopods. The absence of separated dorsal valves and the effects of abrasion and diagenesis hampered the description of the specimens. However, serial sectioning of complete shells revealed a thecidellinid which in its morphology and shell microstructure resembled Rioultina Pajaud from the Middle Jurassic of Europe. Important morphological differences clearly separate the new specimens from Rioultina and they are assigned to Stentorina sagittata gen. et sp. nov. However, the close approximation of certain shell microstructural features does suggest a phylogenetic link between the two genera. S. sagittata is also compared with the only other known American Jurassic species, Ancorellina ageri Manceñido and Damborenea from the Lower Jurassic of Argentina. Differences in morphological characters currently of family rank preclude the possibility of Stentorina being descended from Ancorellina stock. It is considered, therefore, that dispersal from Tethyan thecideoid populations to America occurred several times.
Structure and Secretion of the Graptolite Prosicula, and its Application for Biostratigraphical and Evolutionary Studies
Authors: Williams S. Henry , Clarke Lorna C.
Published: November 2003

Studies on graptolite taxonomy and phylogeny in recent years have placed great emphasis on the proximal development of the rhabdosome, particularly the presence or absence of a virgella and early thecal growth patterns. As the prosicula was the earliest part of the graptolite skeleton to be secreted, it may also reveal fundamental information about evolutionary relationships within the Graptoloidea. The prosiculae from a variety of Ordovician taxa ranging in age from Tremadoc to Caradoc have been examined using a combination of light microscopy, SEM and TEM. Parameters investigated include the overall morphology, transition into the nema, pattern of longitudinal ridges and spiral line. Taxa show a change from early Tremadoc graptoloids which have a low diaphragm, prominent spiral line and lack longitudinal ridges, through late Tremadoc and early Arenig taxa which have longitudinal cortical bandages or spiralled, paired longitudinal ridges, into later Arenig and Llanvirn forms which have simple longitudinal ridges and indistinct spiral line and diaphragm. With additional work at higher stratigraphical levels, graptolite prosiculae may prove to be useful biostratigraphically when more complete material is absent, such as in palynomorph preparations from subsurface studies.
A Reappraisal of the Phylogenetic Relationships of Somaliasterid Echinoids
Authors: Jeffery Charlotte H.
Published: November 2003

Taxa assigned to the family Somaliasteridae (Atelostomata: Echinoidea) possess a combination of the characters usually considered diagnostic for placement in either Holasteroida or Spatangoida. Thus, the affinity of the somaliasterids to one or other of these orders has long been a subject of debate. A cladistic analysis of somaliasterid echinoids with unequivocal representatives of both holasteroids and spatangoids using characters that have commonly been applied in traditional evaluations of atelostomate phylogeny demonstrates that the somaliasterids are spatangoids. Descriptions of the somaliasterid taxa included in the analysis are given, and a new species, Iraniaster omanensis, is erected for previously undescribed somaliasterid material from Oman.
A New Late Silurian or Early Devonian Thelodont from the Boothia Peninsula, Arctic Canada
Authors: Märss T.
Published: November 2003

Isolated scales of Boothialepis thorsteinssoni gen. et sp. nov. are described from a fossiliferous calcareous dolomite at the base of the Somerset Island Formation of the Boothia Peninsula, Arctic Canada. A new family, Boothialepididae (Thelodonti), is established on features of the scale morphology and histology. The new genus and species are distinguished by characteristics of crown sculpture, neck, and unusual size of the base. Two other thelodonts, Nikolivia elongata Karatajūtė‐Talimaa and Canonia grossi Vieth, and an acanthodian, Poracanthodes sp., are described from the same stratigraphical level. Thelodonts have not previously been described from the Boothia Peninsula. Conodont‐based correlation indicates a Late Silurian age for the base of the Somerset Island Formation on the Boothia Peninsula. Correlation of the beds with precisely dated microvertebrates in the Read Bay section on Cornwallis Island enables the age of the horizon with the new species to be determined as Early Devonian.
New Genera and Species of Psychodoid Flies from the Lower Cretaceous Amber Lebanon
Authors: Azar Dany , Nel André , Solignac Michel , Paicheler Jean‐Claude , Bouchet Françoise
Published: November 2003

Until now, only two Psychodoidea were known from Lebanese amber. We describe two new genera and species of Phlebotomidae (Mesophlebotomites hennigi gen. et sp. nov., Libanophlebotomus lutfallahi gen. et sp. nov.) and four new genera with six new species of Psychodidae (Paleopsychoda solignaci gen. et sp. nov., Paleopsychoda jacquelinae sp. nov., Protopsychoda nadiae gen. et sp. nov., Protopsychoda hammanaensis sp. nov., Libanopsychoda abillamai gen. et sp. nov., Cretapsychoda inexpectata gen. et sp. nov.) from the Lower Cretaceous amber of Hammana/Mdeirij, Lebanon. These fossils are included in a phylogenetic analysis of the subfamilies of Psychodoidea. This superfamily was probably as diverse in the Early Cretaceous as now.
The geography of water conflict and cooperation: internal pressures and international manifestations
Authors: Giordano Meredith , Giordano Mark , Wolf Aaron
Published: November 2003

Studies on transboundary water conflict and cooperation generally consider interstate relations over shared water resources as distinct from intrastate relations. While connections have been made between international water relations and regional relationships in general, it is conceivable that international water conflict and cooperation may also be influenced by domestic water events and vice versa. This paper seeks to investigate the dynamics of water interactions across geographic scale and their relationship to broader international affairs. The research approach involves the creation of an analytical framework for assessing possible linkages between external and internal interactions over freshwater resources. The framework is applied to three case studies – the Middle East, South Asia and Southern Africa – utilizing ‘event data’. To validate the findings from the quantitative analyses, the results are compared with conventional qualitative understandings of water and overall relations in the three regions. The comparison demonstrates not only the efficacy of the analytical framework in general, but also highlights, at least in terms of the specific case studies selected, the disparate water dynamics across geographic regions and the importance of considering water events, both national and international, within larger political and historical contexts.
Water wars in the Middle East: a looming threat
Authors: Amery Hussein A.
Published: November 2003

This paper explains how hydropolitical dynamics and spatial variables almost triggered a water war between Israel and Lebanon because the latter was building a pump on the Wazzani Spring, a tributary of the Jordan River. The convergence of a regional drought, history of violent confrontations between the two riparians, distrust, varying development needs and territorial disputes almost culminated in a war between these east Mediterranean neighbours. While most international water disputes in the Middle East will be resolved peacefully, some are likely to trigger violent confrontations threatening political stability in the Middle East in the next few decades.
The Mekong River Commission: transboundary water resources planning and regional security
Authors: Jacobs Jeffrey W.
Published: November 2003

The Mekong River Commission (MRC) was established in 1995 and represents a third chapter in the Mekong Project's organizational history. The MRC's predecessors – the Mekong Committee (1957–78) and the Interim Mekong Committee (1978–95) – operated under difficult circumstances, yet made many contributions to transboundary river basin planning and international diplomacy. The MRC's 2001 Work Programme represents a shift in Mekong basin planning from the era of the Mekong Committee. This shift is largely embodied by a change from a project–oriented focus to an emphasis on better management and preservation of existing resources. The MRC is in a position to help address the related issues of population growth, environmental preservation and regional security. In doing so, the MRC will benefit from the programmes and international collaboration established by its predecessors.
Expression of E‐cadherin in human mast cell line HMC‐1
Authors: NISHIDA MINORU , KAWAI KENZO , TANAKA MAKOTO , TEGOSHI TATSUYA , ARIZONO NAOKI
Published: November 2003

E‐cadherin is one of the cell adhesion molecules normally expressed on epithelial cells. We previously reported that murine bone marrow‐derived mast cells express E‐cadherin that could be involved in homophilic binding with epithelial cell E‐cadherin. In the present study we examined whether E‐cadherin is also expressed in human mast cell HMC‐1. Gene expression of E‐cadherin and β‐catenin was observed in HMC‐1 by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), while N‐cadherin expression was undetectable. cDNA sequencing of HMC‐1 E‐cadherin revealed no deletions or mutations. E‐cadherin expression in HMC‐1 was confirmed by immunoblotting as well as by flow cytometric analyses. In the presence of E‐cadherin blocking antibody or a synthetic E‐cadherin decapeptide with HAV sequence in culture medium, adhesion of HMC‐1 cells to the A431 epithelial cell monolayer was slightly but significantly suppressed. In contrast, N‐ or P‐cadherin decapeptides did not suppress the binding. These results indicated that human mast cell HMC‐1 expresses E‐cadherin, and is possibly involved in cellular interactions with epithelial cells, while other functions still remain to be elucidated.
DNA-Templated Carbon Nanotube Field-Effect Transistor
Authors: Keren Kinneret , Berman Rotem S. , Buchstab Evgeny , Sivan Uri , Braun Erez
Published: November 2003

The combination of their electronic properties and dimensions makes carbon nanotubes ideal building blocks for molecular electronics. However, the advancement of carbon nanotube–based electronics requires assembly strategies that allow their precise localization and interconnection. Using a scheme based on recognition between molecular building blocks, we report the realization of a self-assembled carbon nanotube field-effect transistor operating at room temperature. A DNA scaffold molecule provides the address for precise localization of a semiconducting single-wall carbon nanotube as well as the template for the extended metallic wires contacting it.
Respiratory symptoms and cotton dust exposure; results of a 15 year follow up observation
Authors: Wang X-R , Eisen E A , Zhang H-X , Sun B-X , Dai H-L , Pan L-D , Wegman D H , Olenchock S A , Christiani D C
Published: November 2003

Aims:To determine chronic effects of long term exposure to cotton dust and endotoxin on incidence of respiratory symptoms and the effect of cessation of exposure.

Methods:Respiratory health in 429 Chinese cotton textile workers (study group) and 449 silk textile workers (control group) was followed prospectively from 1981 to 1996. Byssinosis, chest tightness, and non-specific respiratory symptoms were assessed by means of identical standardised questionnaires at four time points. Exposures to cotton dust and endotoxin were estimated using area samples collected at each survey. Incidence and persistence of symptoms were examined in relation to cumulative exposure and exposure cessation using generalised estimating equations (GEE).

Results:Among cotton workers, the cumulative incidence of byssinosis and chest tightness was 24% and 23%, respectively, and was significantly more common in smokers than in non-smokers. A high proportion of symptoms was found to be intermittent, rather than persistent. Among silk workers, no typical byssinosis was identified; the incidence of chest tightness was 10%. Chronic bronchitis, cough, and dyspnoea were more common and persistent in the cotton group than in the silk group. Significantly lower odds ratios for symptoms were observed in cotton workers who left the cotton mills; risk was also related to years since last worked. Multivariate analysis indicated a trend for higher cumulative exposure to endotoxin in relation to a higher risk for byssinosis.

Conclusion:Chronic exposure to cotton dust is related to both work specific and non-specific respiratory symptoms. Byssinosis is more strongly associated with exposure to endotoxin than to dust. Cessation of exposure may improve the respiratory health of cotton textile workers; the improvement appears to increase with time since last exposure.
Benzene and naphthalene in air and breath as indicators of exposure to jet fuel
Authors: Egeghy P P , Hauf-Cabalo L , Gibson R , Rappaport S M
Published: November 2003

Aims:To estimate exposures to benzene and naphthalene among military personnel working with jet fuel (JP-8) and to determine whether naphthalene might serve as a surrogate for JP-8 in studies of health effects.

Methods:Benzene and naphthalene were measured in air and breath of 326 personnel in the US Air Force, who had been assigned a priori into low, moderate, and high exposure categories for JP-8.

Results:Median air concentrations for persons in the low, moderate, and high exposure categories were 3.1, 7.4, and 252 µg benzene/m3air, 4.6, 9.0, and 11.4 µg benzene/m3breath, 1.9, 10.3, and 485 µg naphthalene/m3air, and 0.73, 0.93, and 1.83 µg naphthalene/m3breath, respectively. In the moderate and high exposure categories, 5% and 15% of the benzene air concentrations, respectively, were above the 2002 threshold limit value (TLV) of 1.6 mg/m3. Multiple regression analyses of air and breath levels revealed prominent background sources of benzene exposure, including cigarette smoke. However, naphthalene exposure was not unduly influenced by sources other than JP-8. Among heavily exposed workers, dermal contact with JP-8 contributed to air and breath concentrations along with several physical and environmental factors.

Conclusions:Personnel having regular contact with JP-8 are occasionally exposed to benzene at levels above the current TLV. Among heavily exposed workers, uptake of JP-8 components occurs via both inhalation and dermal contact. Naphthalene in air and breath can serve as useful measures of exposure to JP-8 and uptake of fuel components in the body.
Potential effects on human health of an ammonia rich atmospheric environment in an archaeologically important cave in southeast Asia
Authors: Pyatt F B
Published: November 2003

This important cave is described together with an analysis of the potential health effects for humans inhabiting an ecosystem, albeit on a temporary basis, possessing an ammonia rich atmospheric environment. The work emphasises potential environmental hazards together with an evaluation of the range of clinical effects. The environmental pollution in this cave is generally unlikely to have marked adverse effects on temporary visitors who lack pre-existing respiratory impairments. It is suggested that ancient humans would, to avoid an unpleasant polluted environment, have confined most of their activities to the outer regions of the cave. Comparisons are made with other ammonia contaminated environments.
TUNNELING EFFECT OF COOPER PAIRS IN WEAK-LINK SUPERCONDUCTOR STRUCTURES WITH MULTI-JUNCTIONS UNDER THE CONDITION FOR OVERSTEPPING THE JOSEPHSON APPROXIMATION
Authors: MEI T.
Published: November 2003

In this paper, tunneling effect of Cooper pairs in weak-link superconductor structure with multi-junctions under the condition for overstepping the Josephson approximation is discussed. The equations describing the electric current based on the tunneling effect of Cooper pairs in several kinds of weak-link superconductor structures with multi-junctions are obtained under the condition to overstep the Josephson approximation. For both SISISIS and a four junctions ring, when all junctions are in the zero voltage state, the exact solution of the equations is obtained. It is found that, because of the tunneling effect of the Cooper pairs, an alternating current exists which can be expressed by an elliptic function. For a four junctions ring, the relation between the period of the alternating current and flux is pointed out. At last, the condition for overstepping the Josephson approximation is discussed. The result shows that overstepping the Josephson approximation may be possible when the volumes of superconductors are small enough.
GENERATING FUNCTION FOR THE NUMBER OF PYRAMID-LIKE POLYHEDRA ON THE CUBIC LATTICE
Authors: CHEN MALL , LIN KEH YING
Published: November 2003

We have derived rigorously the generating function for the number of pyramid-like polyhedra g(a,b,c) on the cubic lattice with width a, depth b, and height c.
ON THE PROFINITE TOPOLOGY ON COXETER GROUPS
Authors: GITIK RITA
Published: November 2003

Using geometric methods we describe a large class of subgroups of Coxeter groups which are closed in the profinite topology and discuss some related open problems.
DUALISABILITY OF FINITE SEMIGROUPS
Authors: JACKSON MARCEL
Published: November 2003

We describe the inherently non-dualisable finite algebras from some semigroup related classes. The classes for which this problem is solved include the variety of bands, the pseudovariety of aperiodic monoids, commutative monoids, and (assuming a reasonable conjecture in the literature) the varieties of all finite monoids and finite inverse semigroups. The first example of an inherently non-dualisable entropic algebra is also presented.
Bioelectromagnetism: discrete interpretations
Authors: Czegledy Nina
Published: November 2003

The ancient concept of the magnetic and electric properties of the human body dates back thousands of years. Recorded accounts of biomagnetism, bioelectricity and magnetic therapy show an often-controversial history. Contemporary understanding of biomagnetism, based on the interaction
of living organism with electromagnetic fields led to the new discipline of bioelectromagnetism: the study of electromagnetic phenomena within and between biological systems. Due to recent, groundbreaking research new paradigms are emerging linked to consciousness-related phenomena. While
bioscientific interest in magnetism is concerned directly with the anatomy and functions of the human body, related art projects tend focus on the invisible energies surrounding and impacting human life.
Effing the ineffable: an engineering approach to consciousness
Authors: Grand Steve
Published: November 2003

This article supports the idea that synthesis, rather than analysis, is the most powerful and promising route towards understanding the essence of brain function being understood at all. It discusses ‘understanding by doing’, outlines a methodology for the use of deep computer
simulation and robotics in pursuing such a synthesis, and then briefly introduces the author’s ongoing, long-term attempt to build a neurologically plausible and hopefully at least subconscious being, whom he hopes will eventually answer to the name of Lucy.
Immunopathogenesis of Type 1 Diabetes in Western Society
Authors: Paronen Johanna , Eisenbarth George S.
Published: November 2003

The classical type 1A diabetes or insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus is a chronic immune‐mediated disease that leads to selective loss of insulin‐secreting β‐cells in the pancreas. This results in a series of complex metabolic aberrations that produce micro‐ and macrovascular complications, increasing morbidity and mortality. Despite decades of intense study of both humans and animal models (the biobreeding rat and nonobese diabetic mouse) to characterize the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes, there is at present no demonstrated safe and effective preventive therapy. There has been a dramatic increase in the biochemical identification of islet autoantigens and in the definition of alleles of genes associated with diabetes susceptibility. With increasing ability to predict the disorder, trials for the prevention of diabetes have begun.
Nondestructive Evaluation
Authors: Bhardwaj Mahesh C.
Published: November 2003

Ultrasound is widely used in health care for noninvasive diagnostics and in industry for nondestructive testing. In the human body, it generates visual images from inside the test medium: the fetus, malignant tissue, stones, etc. In industrial applications, besides defect detection, ultrasound is also useful for determining significant material characteristics such as density, thickness, mechanical properties, and level sensing. Knowledge of ultrasonically analyzed information is important for human health as well as for cost‐effective production of quality industrial materials.

The significance of ultrasound for nondestructive characterization of materials and for noninvasive diagnostic applications in the medical field is outlined. The feasibility of noncontact ultrasonic measurements in the time, frequency, and image domains is shown.

Underscoring the significance of the noncontact ultrasound mode, a detailed discussion about the difficulty of achieving this mode is presented. This work ultimately resulted in very high transduction noncontact transducers, thus making the noncontact ultrasound mode a reality. Applications of these transducers in industry and the medical field have been described by using documentary evidence.

An introduction to a novel ultrasonic noncontact analyzer and its applications for characterizing industrial and biomedical materials and products are provided.

The noncontact ultrasound mode is among the most significant developments for characterizing and analyzing all states of matter. Selected examples of its applications are provided.
Sound Control with Smart Skins
Authors: Fuller C.R.
Published: November 2003

In the last decade, there has been an increased interest in developing methods for the active control of sound radiation from vibrating structures. In one promising method, termed active structural acoustic control (ASAC), actuators are attached directly to the structure and are used to modify its structural vibration characteristics (spatial and temporal) in order to minimize the sound radiation. In ASAC, the actuators tend to be compact and thus cover only a very small portion of the structure; their effect is achieved because of the distributed elastic response of the structure. This technique has worked well for a number of applications, usually where the structure has a reasonable mobility and a low modal density of response. In some applications, however, the structure is quite massive or stiff, and it is extremely difficult to elicit the necessary control field response with practical control actuators. In this article a variant of the ASAC approach in which the control inputs come from asmartoractive skinthat covers all or most of the vibrating surface is discussed.

The objective of the smart skin is to locally change the radiation impedance (the resistive component) of the structure in order to control the total radiated power in contrast to the conventional ASAC, which alters the dynamic response of the host structure. The sound radiation levels are directly coupled to the normal displacement of the smart skin. Thus modification of the transfer function between the structural displacement and the smart skin displacement will lead to a change in sound radiation. This modification can occur via a decrease in the amplitude, thus decreasing the sound levels, or via a change in the amplitude distribution causing the normal skin surface to be an inefficient sound radiation over an extended area. Since it does not drive the host structure, an active skin is suitable for heavy or stiff structures with low mobility. The negative trade‐off, however, of the active skin approach, is that since it covers the structure completely, it may require many independent sections if the structural response is complex and near or above the sound radiation critical frequency. For illustrative purposes, two different skins are described: one based on a composite of acoustic foam and the piezoelectric polymer PVDF and the other on ceramic piezoelectric elements arranged in a motion amplification configuration.
Vibrational Damping, Design Considerations
Authors: Drake Michael
Published: November 2003

This article discusses the phases of a damping design effort. The basic steps in a damping design effort are identical for either a passive or active damping concept. The steps in this general approach are summarized. The first four steps in this design process ensure that the designer completely defines the problem to be solved. During these steps, the designer verifies that the problem is the result of a resonant vibration, defines the vibrational characteristics of the structure under consideration, defines the environmental conditions in which the structure operates, and defines the level of damping required to solve the problem. These parameters are obviously needed because an effective design for the candidate damping concept (either active or passive) depends on the level of damping required, the frequency and mode shape, and the operational temperature range of the vibrating system. Based on these parameters, the problem is completely defined, and the designer can make a logical choice of appropriate damping concepts to be evaluated that lead to the final design.

Although this design approach identifies individual steps, these steps are not independent. A successful damping design project is a systems engineering problem and must be solved using a concurrent engineering process. Most unsuccessfully damping designs are the direct result of not addressing all of the critical issues in a timely manner. The critical tasks contained in each of the process steps and present examples from actual case histories of the way various issues were addressed are detailed.
Biofilm Detachment
Authors: Rittmann Bruce E. , Laspidou Chrysi S.
Published: November 2003

Detachment Patterns

Importance of Detachment and Its Pattern

Factors Affecting Detachment Rates
Granular Activated Carbon, Bacteriology of
Authors: Camper Anne K.
Published: November 2003

Properties of GAC

Colonization of GAC

Biological Filtration

The Persistence of Pathogens and Indicator Organisms on GAC

Release of Bacteria and Colonized Particles from GAC Filters

Disinfection of Attached Bacteria

Implications for Distribution Systems
Regulation of the Commercial Uses of Microorganisms
Authors: Glass David J.
Published: November 2003

Commercial Uses of Microorganisms

History of Biotechnology Regulation

The Potential Environmental Impacts of Introducing Engineered Microorganisms into the Environment

EPA Regulation of Microbial Pesticides Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act

EPA Biotechnology Regulation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act

U.S. Department of Agriculture Biotechnology Regulations

Other U.S. Biotechnology Regulation

Biotechnology Regulation Outside the United States
Capillary Electrophoresis in Genetic Analysis and Ribotyping of Microbiota in the Environment
Authors: Mitchelson Keith R.
Published: November 2003

Genetic Classification by DNA Polymorphism

Ribotyping

Ribotyping and Phylogeny

Capillary Electrophoresis for High‐Throughput DNA Polymorphism Assays

Tools for Ribotyping

Scanning Methods Employing Capillary Electrophoresis

Pulsed‐Field Capillary Electrophoresis

Capillary Array Electrophoresis

Paramagnetic Beads and Ribotyping

Future Developments

Whole Microbial Analysis
Legionellae
Authors: Fields Barry S.
Published: November 2003

Detection of Legionellae in the Environment

Prevention of Legionellosis
Reductive Dehalogenation and Metabolism of Haloorganics
Authors: Zinder Stephen H.
Published: November 2003

Introduction

Cometabolic Reductive Dechlorination

Reductive Dechlorination and Dehalorespiration

Chloroethene Utilization

Chlorinated Methane and Trichloroacetate Utilization

Chlorophenol and Bromophenol Utilization

Reductive Dehalogenation of other Organohalogen Compounds by Mixed Microbial Populations

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Reductive Dechlorination

Bioremediation Studies
Campylobacter Jejuniand Other EntericCampylobacter
Authors: Park Simon F.
Published: November 2003

General Aspects ofCampylobacterandCampylobacter Jejuni

Clinical Aspects and Epidemiology

Environmental Survival of Campylobacters
Biofiltration
Authors: Bohn Hinrich
Published: November 2003

Applications

Economics

Compound Specificity

Mechanism

Toxicity and Antagonism

Biofilter Media

Moisture

Temperature
Giardia: Basic Biology, Genetics and Epidemiology
Authors: Upcroft Jacqueline A. , Upcroft Peter
Published: November 2003

History

Biology

Giardiasis: The Disease

Control and Implications of Environmental Cyst Contamination

Future Considerations
Bioplastics
Authors: Skraly Frank
Published: November 2003

PHA Metabolism

Properties and Applications

Production and Recovery

Market and Economics
Protozoa in Activated Sludge
Authors: Madoni Paolo
Published: November 2003

Protozoan Occurrence and Diversity

Role of Protozoa in Plant Operation

Protozoa as Indicators of Plant Performance

The Sludge Biotic Index (SBI)
Viral Aerosols
Authors: Sattar Syed A.
Published: November 2003

Sources of Viral Aerosols

Study of Viral Aerosols

Airborne Survival of Human and Animal Pathogenic Viruses

Challenge with Viral Aerosols

Collection of Naturally Occurring Viral Aerosols
Landfilling of Municipal Solid Wastes: Microbiological Processes and Environmental Impacts
Authors: Watson‐Craik I. A.
Published: November 2003

MSW Decomposition and Stabilization

Factors Influencing Gas Yield and Collection

Biodegradation and Inhibition by Xenobiotic Constituents

Inhibition by Inorganic MSW Constituents and Generated Compounds

Population Studies

Environmental Impacts of MSW Landfills

Sustainable Waste Management
Modeling of Biofilms
Authors: Wanner Oskar
Published: November 2003

One‐Dimensional, One‐Species and One‐Substrate Model

One‐Dimensional, Multispecies and Multisubstrate Model

New Trends in Modeling
Hepatitis Viruses (HAV‐HEV)
Authors: Aye Myint Khin Saw , Campbell James R. , Corwin Andrew L.
Published: November 2003

Hepatitis A

Stability

Animal Reservoir

Virus Excretion

Virus Transmission

Methods of HAV Detection

Prevention

Hepatitis E

Stability

Animal Reservoir

Virus Excretion

Virus Transmission

Methods of Virus Detection

Prevention
Desiccation by Exposure to Space Vacuum or Extremely Dry Deserts: Effect on Microorganisms
Authors: Dose Klaus
Published: November 2003

General

Limits of Growth at Low Water Activities

Dormant Life

Molecular Events Induced by Desiccation

Survival at Extremely Low Water Activity

Survival Under Extremely Dry Desert Conditions
Enteroviruses: Occurrence and Persistence in the Environment
Authors: Gantzer C. , Schwartzbrod L.
Published: November 2003

Persistence of the Virus in the Environment
Bioleaching
Authors: Rohwerder Thore , Jozsa Peter‐Georg , Gehrke Tilman , Sand Wolfgang
Published: November 2003

Minerals

Microorganisms

Mechanisms of Microbiological Metal Sulfide Dissolution

Applications

Environmental Problems Connected with Bioleaching
Biodegradability: Methods for Assessing Biodegradability Under Laboratory and Field Conditions
Authors: Madsen Eugene L.
Published: November 2003

Definitions of Biodegradability and Biodegradation

Laboratory Methods

Field Methods
Bacteriophage Detection Methodologies
Authors: Pillai Suresh D. , Nwachuku Nena
Published: November 2003

Recovery of Bacteriophages from Groundwater and Drinking Water

ISO Method for the Enumeration of Somatic Coliphages

ISO Method for the Enumeration of Bacteriophages InfectingB. Fragilis

Qualitative Detection of Coliphages in Source Water—U.S. EPA Method 1601

Quantitative Detection of Coliphages in Source Water—U.S. EPA Method 1602

Other Methods

Colorimetric Detection of Bacteriophages

Recovery of Bacteriophages from Soils and Biosolids

Recovery of Coliphages from Shellfish

Recovery of Bacteriophages from Aerosol Samples

Molecular Detection and Characterization of Bacteriophages

Gene Amplification–Based Methods
Sulfur Cycle in Soils
Authors: Germida James J. , Siciliano Steve D.
Published: November 2003

Global Sulfur Cycle

Microbial Transformations of Sulfur (see also Sulfur Cycle in the Marine Environment, this Encyclopedia)

Microbial Oxidation of Inorganic Sulfur Compounds

Microbial Reduction of Inorganic Sulfur Compounds