bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
JEWS IN IMPERIAL ADMINISTRATION AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE FOR DATING THE JEWISH DONOR INSCRIPTION FROM APHRODISIAS
Authors: Gilbert Gary
Published: April 2004

The publication of the Jewish donor inscription from Aphrodisias has gatherer significant attention, most notably because of the 54 men identified as "God-fearers." The initial publication dated the inscription to the early third century. Recent studies, particularly those by M. Bonz and A. Chaniotis, have presented evidence in favor of a date in the fifth century or later. If this dating is correct the Aphrodisias inscription would present an important witness to the ongoing, constructive relations between Jews, pagans, and Christians at a time where other sources register a more hostile environment. This paper argues for an alternative date and thereby renders this conclusion improbable. Two details, heretofore ignored in all previous discussions, Theodotos' service as palatinus and the recognition of three men as proselytes, offer the most secure basis for dating the inscription to the fourth century. Theodotos' position within the Roman imperial administration in particular makes it extremely unlikely that the text was composed in the fifth century, a time when Jews were regularly excluded by Roman law from these post.
ANOTHER PORTRAIT OF JOSEPHUS' PORTRAIT OF SAMSON
Authors: Roncace Mark
Published: April 2004

This paper challenges the work of Louis Feldman by raising some questions about his methodological approach to the study of Josephus' Antiquitates Judaicae and then by reconsidering Josephus' story of Samson. Against Feldman, the paper demonstrates that Josephus does not emphasize Samson's wisdom, courage/bravery, and moderation; neither does Josephus protect Samson against the charge of injustice nor diminish the role of God so as to present Samson as a human hero. Rather, Josephus' image of Samson is akin to the one found in the book of Judges, and the biblical Samson is hardly a virtuous character.
Marine Protected Areas on the High Seas: Some Legal and Policy Considerations
Authors: Scovazzi Tullio
Published: April 2004

The 2003 meeting of the United Nations Open-Ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea made a call to explore a range of tools for the protection and management of vulnerable and threatened marine ecosystems and biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction. To achieve this aim, the establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs) on the high seas not only fully complies with customary international law, but is also the subject-matter of specific obligations arising under a number of treaties (starting from UNCLOS Art. 194, para. 5). Today the time-honoured concept of freedom of the sea is to be understood in the context of the present range of marine activities and in relation to all the potentially conflicting uses and interests, such as the protection of the marine environment and the sound exploitation of marine living resources. The 1995 Protocol Concerning Specially Protected Areas and Biological Diversity in the Mediterranean is an interesting precedent on the issue of MPAs on the high seas.
Multilateral Hot Pursuit and Illegal Fishing in the Southern Ocean: The Pursuits of the Viarsa 1 and the South Tomi
Authors: Jaap Molenaar Erik
Published: April 2004

Illegal fishing for toothfish (Dissostichus spp.) in the maritime zones around sub-Antarctic islands in the Southern Ocean has been a considerable problem for many years. Enforcement of fisheries regulation is problematic as the remoteness of these islands has enormous logistic and financial implications. Multilateral hot pursuit, meaning hot pursuit involving pursuing vessels, aircraft or officials with different nationalities, can contribute to making enforcement, and thereby regulation, more effective. The article discusses the hot pursuits of the South Tomi and the Viarsa 1 in the context of applicable international law and state practice. Some of the conclusions are that these types of hot pursuits are not inconsistent with Article 111 of the LOS Convention, that they do not erode the freedom of the high seas or affect the LOS Convention's jurisdictional balance and that they are fully consistent with the objectives of the IPOA on IUU Fishing.
Not Quite a Sure Thing: The Maritime Areas of Rocks and Low-Tide Elevations Under the UN Law of the Sea Convention
Authors: Lavalle Roberto
Published: April 2004

This article deals with the entitlements to maritime areas of what the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea calls "rocks" and the features known as "low-tide elevations". The former are islands that "cannot sustain human habitation or economic life of their own". Low-tide elevations are features that would be islands were they not submerged at low tide. Islands other than rocks generate the five maritime areas for which the Convention provides, i.e. internal waters, territorial sea, contiguous zone, exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. The two features dealt with, which generate no maritime areas other than the first three, do so either on their own or as supports for straight baselines. The article studies these entitlements, together with the problems they raise, in either mode and in the contexts of both the normal coastal state and the archipelagic state.
Loss of strength contributes more to physical disability after stroke than loss of dexterity
Authors: Canning Colleen G , Ada Louise , Adams Roger , O'Dwyer Nicholas J
Published: April 2004

Objective: The major contributors to physical disability after stroke are considered to be the negative impairments of loss of dexterity (defined here as loss of the ability to co-ordinate muscle activity in the performance of any motor task) and loss of strength. The aims of this study were: (1) to determine the relative contributions of strength and dexterity to function during recovery after stroke; and (2) to determine the predictive value of initial strength, dexterity and function on long-term function after stroke.

Design: A longitudinal descriptive study.

Setting: The inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation departments of two metropolitan hospitals.

Subjects: Twenty-two patients undergoing rehabilitation after acute stroke participated.

Main outcome measures: Strength and dexterity of the elbow flexors and extensors were measured, along with arm function, at 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 15, 19, 23 and 27 weeks after stroke.

Results: Standard multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that strength and dexterity in total contributed significantly to function at all times (r2 = 0.66-0.82, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, strength always made an additional separate contribution to function (r2 0.05-0.26, p<0.05). Function at week 3 was the best clinical predictor of function at week 27 (r2 0.55, p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Loss of strength is a more significant contributor than loss of dexterity to physical disability after stroke. This suggests that, where significant weakness is present, exercise designed to increase strength will be required to decrease disability.
Invisibility, Moral Knowledge and Nursing Work in the Writings of Joan Liaschenko and Patricia Rodney
Authors: Bjorklund Pamela
Published: April 2004

The ethical ‘eye’ of nursing, that is, the particular moral vision and values inherent in nursing work, is constrained by the preoccupations and practices of the superordinate biomedical structure in which nursing as a practice discipline is embedded. The intimate, situated knowledge of particular persons who construct and attach meaning to their health experience in the presence of and with the active participation of the nurse, is the knowledge that provides the evidence for nurses’ ethical decision making. It is largely invisible to all but other nurses. Two nurse researchers, Joan Liaschenko of the University of Minnesota and Patricia Rodney of the University of Victoria, have investigated the ethical concerns of practising nurses and noted in their separate enquiries the invisible nature of critical aspects of nursing work. Noting the similarities in their respective observations, and with the feminist ethics of Margaret Urban Walker as a theoretical framework, this article examines the concept of ‘invisibility’ as it relates to nursing work and nursing ethics.
Moral Professional Personhood: ethical reflections during initial clinical encounters in nursing education
Authors: Lemonidou Chryssoula , Papathanassoglou Elizabeth , Giannakopoulou Margarita , Patiraki Elisabeth , Papadatou Danai
Published: April 2004

Moral agency is an important constituent of the nursing role. We explored issues of ethical development in Greek nursing students during clinical practice at the beginning of their studies. Specifically, we aimed to explore students’ lived experience of ethics, and their perceptions and understanding of encountered ethical conflicts through phenomenological analysis of written narratives.

The process of developing an awareness of personal values through empathizing with patients was identified as the core theme of the students’ experience. Six more common themes were identified. Development of the students’ moral awareness was conceptualized as a set of stages, commencing with empathizing with patients and nurses, moving on to taking a moral stand and, finally, concluding by becoming aware of their personal values and showing evidence of an emerging professional moral personhood. The notions of empathy, caring and emotion were in evidence throughout the students’ experience. Implications for practice and nurse education are discussed.
Meeting Ethical Challenges in Acute Care Work as Narrated by Enrolled Nurses
Authors: Sørlie Venke , Kihlgren Annica Larsson , Kihlgren Mona
Published: April 2004

Five enrolled nurses (ENs) were interviewed as part of a comprehensive investigation into the narratives of registered nurses, ENs and patients about their experiences in an acute care ward. The ward opened in 1997 and provides patient care for a period of up to three days, during which time a decision has to be made regarding further care elsewhere or a return home. The ENs were interviewed concerning their experience of being in ethically difficult care situations and of acute care work. The method of phenomenological-hermeneutic interpretation inspired by the French philosopher Paul Ricoeur was used. The most prominent feature was the focus on relationships, as expressed in concern for society’s and administrators’ responsibility for health care and the care of older people. Other themes focus on how nurse managers respond to the ENs’ work as well as their relationships with fellow ENs, in both work situations and shared social and sports activities. Their reflections seem to show an expectation of care as expressed in their lived experiences and their desire for a particular level and quality of care for their own family members. A lack of time could lead to a bad conscience over the ‘little bit extra’ being omitted. This lack of time could also lead to tiredness and even burnout, but the system did not allow for more time.
A Possibility of XANAM (X-ray Aided Non-contact Atomic Force Microscopy)
Authors: Suzuki Shushi , Koike Yuichiro , Fujikawa Keisuke , Chun Wang-Jae , Nomura Masaharu , Asakura Kiyotaka
Published: April 2004

We have measured a frequency shift of the noncontact atomic force microsocpy (NC-AFM) cantilever above Au islands when we scanned the X-ray energy around the Au L3 absorption edge. We have found a clear peak of the frequency shift just above the Au L3 absorption edge. This novel phenomenon suggested that the combination of energy-variable X-rays and NC-AFM provides us a new way of nano level chemical mapping of surfaces.
Information management and informatics: need for a modern pathology service
Authors: Jones Rick , O'Connor John
Published: April 2004

Requirements for information technology in pathology now extend well beyond the provision of purely analytical data. With the aim of achieving seamless integration of laboratory data into the total clinical pathway, 'informatics' - the art and science of turning data into useful information - is becoming increasingly important in laboratory medicine.

Informatics is a powerful tool in pathology - whether in implementing processes for pathology modernization, introducing new diagnostic modalities (e.g. proteomics, genomics), providing timely and evidence-based disease management, or enabling best use of limited and often costly resources. Providing appropriate information to empowered and interested patients - which requires critical assessment of the ever-increasing volume of information available - can also benefit greatly from appropriate use of informatics.

General trends in medical informatics are reflected in current priorities for laboratory medicine, including the need for unified electronic records, computerized order entry, data security and recovery, and audit.

The increasing demands placed on pathology information systems in the context of wider developmental change in healthcare delivery are explored in this paper.
Value of laboratory studies in assessment of dehydration in children
Authors: Shaoul R , Okev N , Tamir A , Lanir A , Jaffe M
Published: April 2004

Background: Due to the lack of a reliable way of clinically measuring dehydration, laboratory tests are usually used to improve the accuracy of clinical assessment of dehydration in children. The purpose of this study was to compare the relationship between clinical and laboratory parameters in the assessment of dehydration and to evaluate the improvement of those parameters over time.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study to assess the relationship between clinical assessment of dehydration and laboratory findings.

Results: Three hundred children were eligible for the study. Twenty-six per cent of those with mild dehydration had serum urea concentrations greater than 14.3 mmol/L, compared with 38% and 5% of those with moderate or no dehydration, respectively. Urea concentration showed a good specificity, 95%. Creatinine concentrations and mean pH were similar whether or not dehydration was present. Bicarbonate and base excess concentrations decreased with the increasing severity of dehydration and were significantly greater in subjects with moderate dehydration than in those without. The sensitivity (71%) and specificity (74%) of both tests were rather poor. All groups had an abnormal anion gap, which was significantly greater in those with mild or moderate dehydration.

Conclusion: This study confirms that there is a discrepancy between clinical assessment and laboratory parameters of dehydration. Urea showed good specificity, and anion gap was the most sensitive laboratory parameter for assessment of dehydration. These findings need further validation.
Subclinical hypothyroidism: a comparison of strategies to achieve adherence to treatment guidelines
Authors: Lock RJ , Marden NA , Kemp HJ , Thomas PH , Goldie DJ , Gompels MM
Published: April 2004

Background: Subclinical hypothyroidism is an entity based on the laboratory findings of a raised serum thyrotrophin (TSH) concentration and a normal free thyroxine (FT4) concentration. Patients with subclinical hypothyroidism who also have anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies have a higher conversion to overt hypothyroidism than those without, and treatment with thyroxine is recommended.

Method: We audited anti-TPO assay requests within two NHS Trust hospitals, against consensus standards, to ascertain whether a cascade approach to anti-TPO testing and direct advice leads to more appropriate prescribing of thyroxine in general practice.

Results: Our data show that where anti-TPO status was automatically tested for and clear advice for treatment given, >85% of patients were treated according to the standard required by the consensus document, with >90% of those recommended to be commenced on thyroxine actually doing so. In contrast, where anti-TPO was not routinely assessed, treatment was started in 46% of patients, without clear evidence that this was appropriate.

Conclusion: In order to better advise clinicians and in accordance with the agreed protocol, laboratory-generated cascade testing for anti-TPO antibodies should be an integral part of the investigation of subclinical hypothyroidism, and reports should contain appropriate interpretation and advice.
Comparison of total, complexed and free prostate-specific antigens and their ratios in the detection of prostate cancer in a non-screened population
Authors: McArdle PA , Pollock MA , Wallace AM , McMillan DC , Crooks JE , Underwood MA
Published: April 2004

Background: The role of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) isoforms in the detection of prostate cancer in a non-screened population in the UK remains to be determined.

Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing diagnostic transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy of the prostate were studied. Prior to biopsy, a blood sample was obtained and total, complexed and free PSA concentrations measured.

Results: Of the 171 patients included in the study, 103 were found to have prostate cancer. There were significant differences in total and complexed PSA concentrations and in the ratio of free-to-total PSA (all P <0.001) between patients with prostate cancer and those with benign disease. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis showed that the corresponding areas under the curves were similar. Restricting the analysis to the 77 patients who had total PSA concentrations between 2 and 10 µg/L, ROC curve analysis showed that total and complexed PSA concentrations failed to discriminate between benign and malignant disease. In contrast, the areas under the ROC curve were greater for the free-to-total ratio ( P = 0.033).

Conclusion: These results show that in patients with total PSA concentrations between 2 and 10 µg/L, the free-to-total PSA ratio was superior to total PSA concentration in discriminating between patients with benign and malignant disease.
Comparability of serum prostate-specific antigen measurement between the Roche Diagnostics Elecsys 2010 and the Abbott Architect i2000
Authors: Gray Marion A , Cooke Russell R , Weinstein Philip , Nacey John N
Published: April 2004

Background: Most prostate cancers are characterized by a significant rise in the production of serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which is used widely in screening for prostate cancer. Within New Zealand, PSA is measured on automated immunoassay analysers, including models by Abbott Laboratories (Architect i2000) and Roche Diagnostics (Elecsys 2010). These assays produce similar, but not identical, results.

Objective: To compare the measurement of PSA between the Elecsys 2010 and the Architect i2000 assay.

Methods: We measured PSA concentrations in each of 194 serum samples using both the Roche Elecsys 2010 and the Abbott Architect i2000 and compared the results using various statistical methods.

Results: PSA concentrations measured on the Architect i2000 system were less than those on the Elecsys 2010 system, by an average of 11%.

Conclusion: Because the results from the two assays are different, reference intervals appropriate to the method of PSA measurement should be used.
Faecal calprotectin: a new marker for Crohn's disease?
Authors: Wassell Julie , Dolwani Sunil , Metzner Magda , Losty H , Hawthorne Anthony
Published: April 2004

Background: Gastroenterologists are often hampered by the lack of a reliable, non-invasive index of bowel inflammation when establishing a differential diagnosis for patients presenting with chronic diarrhoea. Investigations aim to distinguish between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (e.g. Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). As an acute phase protein, faecal calprotectin measurement may be useful in this context.

Methods: A new ELISA-based assay for calprotectin was evaluated. The ability of calprotectin to distinguish between patients with IBS and Crohn's disease was studied.

Results: The assay showed adequate inter- and intra-batch imprecision and was suitable for routine use in the laboratory. Calprotectin concentration was significantly greater in patients with Crohn's disease compared with controls ( n = 25, P <0.001) and patients with IBS ( n = 25, P <0.001).

Conclusion: A single calprotectin measurement may aid gastroenterologists in the differential diagnosis of Crohn's disease and IBS. Its use could decrease the number of invasive or radiological investigations undertaken in the latter group of patients.
Limitations of 17-hydroxyprogesterone in investigating neonatal hyponatraemia
Authors: Ismail Adel AA , Cawood Marion , Ufodiama E Bertram , Jones Steve T
Published: April 2004

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency is a possible cause of hyponatraemia in the neonate. Elevated 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) is considered diagnostic of the condition, although there have been reports of anomalous high concentrations, up to 110 nmol/L, in premature, sick infants subsequently shown to have normal adrenocortical function.

We describe a case of a 6-week-old girl with a chest infection and hyponatraemia whose plasma 17-OHP concentration was 300 nmol/L, well within the range associated with 21-hydroxylase deficiency. However, there was no genital ambiguity and plasma cortisol was also significantly elevated, raising the possibility of generalized adrenal hyperstimulation rather than CAH. The patient was treated with antibiotic and saline infusions but no steroids. CAH was subsequently excluded by normal 17-OHP and cortisol responses to Synacthen stimulation.

In sickness, an increased plasma 17-OHP concentration may not be synonymous with 21-hydroxylase deficiency, even when grossly raised. Simultaneous measurement of plasma cortisol could aid interpretation and avoid potential misdiagnosis, especially in male infants.
Testicular germ cell tumour presenting as thyrotoxicosis
Authors: Tilbrook LK , Slater J , Blainey AD
Published: April 2004

A case is reported of a patient who presented to his family doctor with a short history of cough with signs and symptoms of thyrotoxicosis. Carbimazole treatment had little effect and his symptoms worsened to include severe shortness of breath. He was investigated further and found to have multiple lung and liver metastases from an unknown primary site. Biopsy and subsequent post-mortem investigations revealed a testicular tumour and a grossly elevated serum human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) concentration.

The biochemical and clinical thyrotoxicosis is presumed to be due to the thyrotrophic activity of excess hCG secretion, in a situation analogous to that seen in hydatidiform mole or in hyperemesis gravidarum.
Measurement of Human Body Surface Vibrations Induced by Complex Low-Frequency Noise Composed of Two Pure Tones
Authors: Takahashi Yukio , Maeda Setsuo
Published: April 2004

To clarify the mechanical responses of the human body to airborne vibrations, six male subjects were exposed to eight kinds of low-frequency noise stimuli: airborne white noise, two pure tones (31.5 and 50 Hz), and five complex noises composed of pure tones. The vibrations induced on the body surface were measured at five locations: the forehead, the right and left anterior chest, and the right and left anterior abdomen. It was found that the vibration acceleration levels of both the 31.5- and 50-Hz components in the chest vibration increased as an approximately linear function of the sound pressure levels of each corresponding frequency component in the noise stimulus. No clear interference was found between the 31.5- and 50-Hz components in the chest vibration. Similar characteristics were also found in the vibrations induced at the forehead and abdomen. These findings suggest that within the limited range of frequency and sound pressure level used here, the human body acts as a mechanically linear system in response to airborne vibrations induced by complex low-frequency noise.
Comparative Adsorption of Nitrophenols on Macroporous Resin and Newly-Synthesized Hypercrosslinked Resin
Authors: Qiu Yuping , Chen Jinlong , Li Aimin , Zhang Quanxing , Fei Zhenghao , Zhai Zhicai , Liu Fuqiang
Published: April 2004

The comparative adsorption of o-nitrophenol, m-nitrophenol and p-nitrophenol onto a macroporous polymeric adsorbent (Amberlite XAD-4) and a hypercrosslinked polymeric adsorbent (NJ-8) was investigated. Adsorption equilibrium isotherms were measured by batch equilibration over the temperature range 283–323 K, and two kinds of isotherm model (Langmuir and Freundlich) provided the best fit of the experimental data. The adsorption capacity for each adsorbate on NJ-8 was ca. twice that on Amberlite XAD-4, which is explained by the micropore structure and stronger donor–acceptor interaction of NJ-8 resin. Mini-column experiments showed that NJ-8 resin exhibited the longest breakthrough time. The enthalpy of adsorption was estimated from the temperature dependence of adsorption.
Determination of Basicities of Organic Solvents and Absolute Electrode Potentials (E
0-Values) of Monovalent Ions in Organic Solvents based on Absolute Values of Gibbs Energies of Solvation of Single Ions
Authors: Bhattacharyya Ranjana , Lahiri S. C.
Published: April 2004

Single ion Gibbs energies of monovalent ions in fourteen solvents (water, methanol, NMF, PC, ethanol, n-propanol, iso-propanol, n-butanol, t-butanol, ethylene glycol, acetone, THF, 1,4-dioxan, acetonitrile) with or without (ion–dipole, ion–induced dipole, ion–quadrupole) interactions were determined. The basicity of the solvents was determined from the absolute values of ΔG
0
solvation(H+) or ΔG
0
solution(H+) based on single standard state utilising the modified Born equation suggested by Lahiri. The method involves no arbitrary assumptions. A single scale for the absolute electrode potentials (E
0 values) has been determined based on calculated Gibbs energies of solvation or solution of single ions. Appropriation of Gibbs energies of solvation of electrolytes into single ion values is not possible. Gibbs energies of formation of electrolytes in solvents must be taken into consideration. Stabilisation energies of electrolytes (MX) in solvents akin to lattice energies in solids were determined.
Pentecostal Adaptations in Rural and Urban Mexico: An Anthropological Assessment
Authors: Navarro Carlos , Leatham Miguel
Published: April 2004

Pentecostalism is the fastest-growing form of Protestant religion in rural and urban Mexico. Anthropological studies have shown that high church-formation rates are related to Pentecostal asceticism and organizational flexibility. Rural Pentecostal migrants in Mexican cities retain a worldview that is largely centered on the work ethic and proscriptions of costly worldly behaviors. A comparison of findings from urban and rural settings shows how Pentecostal ideology allows for a pragmatic stance toward prosperity and community structure. Thus, Mexican Pentecostalism has emerged as a promoter of autochthonous adaptations to diverse socioeconomic environments.
Potential Risk Factors Associated with Thrombocytop in a Surgical Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Cawley Michael J. , Wittbrodt Eric T. , Boyce Eric G. , Skaar Debra J.
Published: April 2004

We conducted a retrospective chart review of 193 patients admitted during a 3‐month period to determine the frequency of and potential risk factors associated with thrombocytopenia, and the association of acquired thrombocytopenia with length of stay in a surgical‐trauma intensive care unit (SICU) and mortality. All records were reviewed beginning 24 hours after admission. Patients were followed for the duration of SICU stay or until death. Data collected and analyzed as potential risk factors for thrombocytopenia were age, gender, admitting diagnosis, classification (trauma, surgical, medical), APACHE II score, medical history, all scheduled drugs with start and stop dates, select laboratory values, arterial or central line placement, and complications. Thrombocytopenia occurred in 25 (13%) patients. These patients were more likely (p<0.05) than those without thrombocytopenia to have the following potential risk factors: presence of a central or arterial line (76% vs 46%, p<0.025), nonsurgical diagnosis (60% vs 37%, p<0.05), diagnosis of sepsis (p<0.001), and administration of phenytoin (p<0.01), piperacillin (p<0.005), imipenem‐cilastatin (p<0.001), and vancomycin (p<0.005). A longer SICU stay (mean 21 vs 4.5 days, p<0.05) and increased mortality (16% vs 4%, p<0.05) were significantly associated with thrombocytopenia. Cefazolin administration was significantly associated with nonthrombocytopenia (p<0.05). Factors not associated with thrombocytopenia were age, gender, and administration of histamine2‐receptor antagonists, heparin, enoxaparin, penicillins, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, chloramphenicol, and amphotericin B. A central or arterial line was the only factor associated with the development of thrombocytopenia in a multiple linear regression analysis (p=0.0003, multiple r=0.2580). Thrombocytopenia is not a common occurrence in the SICU, but is associated with a longer SICU stay and increased mortality.
Combination Antifungal Therapy for Invasive Aspergillosis Infection in Liver Transplant Recipients: Report of Two Patients
Authors: Bajjoka Iman E. , Bailey Elaine M. , Vazquez Jose A. , Abouljoud Marwan S.
Published: April 2004

Invasive aspergillosis in solid organ transplant recipients is associated with mortality of approximately 100%. The search for optimal therapy has led clinicians to administer antifungal combinations. Two orthotopic liver transplant recipients developed invasive aspergillosis (pulmonary and perivertebral) after transplantation and were treated with combination antifungal therapy consisting of liposomal amphotericin B and itraconazole. Although both patients were initially stabilized, they died after 94 and 138 days of antifungal therapy, respectively. Presumably, aspergillosis was the principal cause of death. Antifungal serum concentrations and fungicidal titers in both patients indicated that the drugs may have been antagonistic and thus detrimental.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Protease Inhibitors
Authors: Rana Khurram Z. , Dudley Michael N.
Published: April 2004

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protease inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment of individuals infected with this pathogen. The protease is an enzyme that is essential for viral replication because it cleaves both structural and functional proteins from precursor viral polyprotein strands. Inhibition of this process suppresses viral replication, which produces immature noninfectious virions. When combined with reverse transcriptase inhibitors, these agents are very potent in suppressing viral replication. Pharmacologic properties, toxic profile, drug interactions, and resistance patterns differ among protease inhibitors, and all must be considered when selecting the drugs for therapeutic use in humans. The best combination, sequence of use, durability of response, and magnitude of immune reconstitution and function are issues that have yet to be fully elucidated.
Nitric Oxide for ARDS—What Is the Evidence?
Authors: Ferreira Ema , Shalansky Stephen J.
Published: April 2004

We critically reviewed English‐language articles indexed on MEDLINE from 1966–1998 and those cited in indexed articles describing or investigating administration of nitric oxide (NO) in adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Studies evaluating NO exclusively in the pediatric population and in conditions other than ARDS (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, cardiac surgery, pulmonary hypertension) were excluded, as were those published exclusively as abstracts. Of the 22 papers selected, 5 studies were dose‐response trials, eight were comparative, and the rest were noncomparative. Dose‐dependent decreases in pulmonary artery pressures and increases in arterial oxygenation were observed; however, the minimal effective dose varied. Several short‐term noncomparative and small noncomparative prospective trials concluded that NO improves oxygenation and decreases pulmonary vasoconstriction without effects on systemic hemodynamics. However, evidence that NO improves outcomes in patients with ARDS is insufficient because mortality remained high, and the number of subjects in each study was low. Since improvements in oxygenation are not seen in all patients and outcomes or mortality might not be altered, NO should be reserved for selected patients in whom conventional therapy is not sufficient to maintain acceptable oxygenation levels.
Options for the Management of Mucosal Candidiasis in Patients with AIDS and HIV Infection
Authors: Vazquez Jose A.
Published: April 2004

Oropharyngeal candidiasis may be the first manifestation of human immunodeficiency viral (HIV) infection, and more than 90% of patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) develop the disease. Although numerous antifungal agents are available, azoles, both topical (clotrimazole) and systemic (fluconazole, itraconazole), have largely replaced older topical antifungals (gentian violet, nystatin) in the management of the disease in these patients. A concern in these patients is clinical relapse, which appears to be dependent on degree of immunosuppression and is more common with clotrimazole and ketoconazole than with fluconazole or itraconazole. Candida esophagitis is also of concern, since it occurs in more than 10% of patients with AIDS. Fluconazole is an integral part of management. A cyclodextrin oral solution formulation of itraconazole has similar clinical response rates as fluconazole and is an effective alternative. In patients with fluconazole‐resistant mucocutaneous candidiasis, treatment options include itraconazole and amphotericin B oral suspension and parenteral preparation.
Warfarin‐Acetaminophen Drug Interaction Revisited
Authors: Shek K. L. Allen , Chan Lingtak‐Neander , Nutescu Edith
Published: April 2004

Physicians and pharmacists routinely advise patients receiving warfarin to take acetaminophen for pain or fever because of its relative safety; however, a recent study questioned the safety of such practice. A comprehensive search of MEDLINE and IPA for human studies and case reports from 1966–1999 revealed evidence that acetaminophen may potentiate the effect of warfarin by a mechanism that has yet to be elucidated. Due to lack of a safer alternative, acetaminophen still should be the analgesic and antipyretic of choice in patients taking warfarin, as long as excessive amounts and prolonged administration (> 1.3 g acetaminophen/day for > 2 wks) are avoided. With the high degree of interpatient variability and the unpredictability of various drug‐drug interactions with warfarin, close and frequent monitoring of international normalized ratios is the key for safe oral anticoagulation therapy.
Thalidomide‐Induced Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
Authors: Horowitz Sandra B. , Stirling Alexandra L.
Published: April 2004

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a severe dermatologic disorder associated with mortality of up to 30%. Withdrawal of the causative agent is crucial in its management. Although thalidomide‐induced dermatologic disorders rarely were reported before thalidomide was administered to patients positive for the human immunodeficiency virus, hypersensitivity reactions including rash are the agent's major dose‐limiting toxicities in this population. As it is prescribed for other immunosuppressed patients, such as those with malignancies, the frequency of dermatologic reactions (including TEN) may increase. A 62‐year‐old woman developed TEN after approximately 5 weeks of thalidomide therapy for the treatment of a glioblastoma.
Dialkyl Sulfates and Alkylsulfuric Acids
Authors: Weisenberger Karl , Mayer Dieter , Sandler Stanley R.
Published: April 2004

The article contains sections titled:1.Introduction2.Physical Properties3.Chemical Properties4.Production4.1.From Ethers and Sulfur Trioxide4.2.From Olefins and Sulfuric Acid4.3.From Alcohols and Chlorosulfuric Acid4.4.From Alcohols and Sulfuryl Chloride or Thionyl Chloride4.5.From Alcohols and Sulfuric Acid5.Quality Specifications and Analysis6.Storage, Transportation, and Handling7.Environmental Protection8.Uses8.1.Alkylation8.2.Other Uses9.Economic Aspects10.Toxicology and Occupational Health10.1.Dimethyl Sulfate10.2.Diethyl Sulfate
Ethylene Oxide
Authors: Rebsdat Siegfried , Mayer Dieter
Published: April 2004

The article contains sections titled:1.Introduction2.Physical Properties3.Chemical Properties4.Production4.1.Catalysts4.2.Mechanism of Catalysis4.3.Technology5.Environmental Protection and Ecology6.Quality Specifications7.Analysis8.Handling, Storage, and Transportation9.Uses10.Economic Aspects11.Toxicology and Occupational Health12.Acknowledgement
Patterning of Substrates Using Surface Relief Structures on an Azobenzene‐Functionalized Polymer Film
Authors: Yang S. , Yang K. , Niu L. , Nagarajan R. , Bian S. , Jain A. K. , Kumar J.
Published: April 2004

A maskless method for patterning substrates using surface relief structures on azobenzene‐functionalized polymer is demonstrated. Surface relief structures are inscribed on a polymer film spin‐coated on an indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate by exposure to an interference pattern. Etching with oxygen plasma followed by a zinc‐powder‐catalyzed liquid etchant yields a periodically patterned ITO substrate (see Figure).
Investigations Towards the Chemoselective Thioacetaliztion of Carbonyl Compounds by Using Ionic Liquid [bmim]Br as a Recyclable Catalytic Medium
Authors: Kamal Ahmed , Chouhan Gagan
Published: April 2004

The ionic liquid based on the 1‐n‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium cation has been prepared and used as an efficient catalytic medum for the chemoselective thioacetalization of carbonyl compounds. Furthermore, recycling and reuse of this ionic liquid medium has been demonstrated. Moreover, the use of this catalytic medium not only avoids the generation of waste but also provides a green process with minimal hazards.
Chemoenzymatic Preparation of Enantiopure Homoadamantyl β‐Amino Acid and β‐Lactam Derivatives
Authors: Gyarmati Zsuzsanna Cs. , Liljeblad Arto , Argay Gyula , Kálmán Alajos , Bernáth Gábor , Kanerva Liisa T.
Published: April 2004

Racemic cis‐10‐azatetracyclo[7.2.0.12,6.14,8]tridecan‐11‐one was prepared from homoadamant‐4‐ene by chlorosulfonyl isocyanate addition. The transformation of the β‐lactam to the corresponding β‐amino ester followed by Candida antarctica lipase A‐catalyzed enantioselective (E>>200) N‐acylation with 2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl butanoate afforded methyl (1R,4R,5S,8S)‐5‐aminotricyclo[4.3.1.13,8]undecane‐4‐carboxylate and the (1S,4S,5R,8R)‐butanamide with>99% ee at 50% conversion. Alternatively, transformation of the β‐lactam to the corresponding N‐hydroxymethyl‐β‐lactam and the following Pseudomonas cepacia (currently Burkholderia cepacia) lipase‐catalyzed enantioseletive O‐acylation provided the (1S,4S,6R,9R)‐alcohol (ee=87%) and the corresponding (1R,4R,6S,9S)‐butanoate (ee>99%). In the latter method, competition for the enzyme between the (1R,4R,6S,9S)‐butanoate, 2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl butanoate and the hydrolysis product, butanoic acid, tended to stop the reaction at about 45% conversion and finally gave racemization in the (1S,4S,6R,9R)‐alcohol with time.
Effect of mixed solvent consisting of water and organic solvent on photografting of glycidyl methacrylate on polyethylene film
Authors: Irwan Ginting Suka , Kuroda Shin‐ichi , Kubota Hitoshi , Kondo Takashi
Published: April 2004

The effect of a mixed solvent consisting of water and organic solvents such as acetone and methanol on the photografting (λ > 300 nm) of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) on linear low‐density polyethylene film (thickness = 30 μm) was investigated at 60°C. Xanthone was used as a photoinitiator by coating the film surfaces with it. The maximum percentage of grafting was observed at a certain concentration of organic solvent in the mixed solvent, which depends on the nature of organic solvents such as methanol (ca. 5 vol %) and acetone (ca. 15 vol %). On the basis of attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy of the grafted film, the absorbance ratio of the carbonyl peak of grafted poly(GMA) chains at 1728 cm−1 to the methylene peak of polyethylene substrate at 1460 cm−1 increased with increasing the concentration (0–15 vol %) of organic solvent, which was commonly observed for methanol and acetone. Distribution of grafted poly(GMA) chains in the cross section of the grafted film was examined using a scanning electron microscope. The results showed that the grafted chains of the GMA‐grafted samples prepared in water solvent tended to penetrate into the inside of the film compared to those of the grafted samples prepared in the mixed solvent due to higher affinity of the GMA monomer to the polyethylene substrate compared to the organic solvents used. Grafted poly(GMA) chains were aminated with ethylenediamine (En) in N,N′‐dimethylformamide at 70°C for 3 h. It was found that the reactivity toward En was higher for the sample prepared in mixed solvent than for the sample prepared in water solvent. The aminated GMA‐grafted sample had the ability to adsorb cupric ions, showing that a higher amount of adsorbed cupric ion is recorded for the sample prepared in mixed solvent than for the sample prepared in water solvent. Complexes of aminated GMA‐grafted chains with cupric ion exhibited the catalytic activity of decomposition of hydrogen peroxide at 50°C, and its ability depended on the location of the grafted chains in the film substrate. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 994–1000, 2004
The private costs and benefits of environmental self‐regulation: which firms have most to gain?
Authors: Stoeckl Natalie
Published: April 2004

A (correctly designed) voluntary self‐regulatory scheme can – in theory – improve social welfare if the benefits to society outweigh the costs. However, businesses may not choose to participate in a voluntary scheme if their private benefits do not outweigh their costs; external benefits are irrelevant to the profit maximizing firm. This paper reviews literature on self‐regulation, primarily focusing on factors that influence the net private benefits of environmental programmes. The literature is summarized in a manner that allows one to identify characteristics of firms that are most likely to accrue positive net benefit from environmental programmes, and to determine ways in which self‐regulatory bodies might raise those benefits, thereby increasing participation rates. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
A Comparison of the Reactivity of Ni Atoms Toward CH4, SiH4, and SnH4: A Combined Matrix Isolation and Quantum‐Chemical Study
Authors: Himmel Hans‐Jörg
Published: April 2004

Nickel atoms are shown to react spontaneously with SiH4 and SnH4 to give the insertion products HNiSiH3 and HNiSnH3. With CH4, however, no spontaneous reaction occurs, in agreement with earlier reports; HNiCH3 can be formed only on photolytic activation of the Ni atom. The reaction products were characterized experimentally by IR spectroscopy, including the effect of isotopic substitution (H/D), and by quantum‐chemical calculations. They all have Cs symmetry with a terminal NiH bond and three terminal EH bonds (E=Si, Sn). Strikingly, the H‐Ni‐E bond angles are less than 90°, and there is a weak interaction between the H atom bound to Ni and the E atom. The structures are compared with those of other molecules of general formula MSiH4 that have been characterized recently in our group (M=Ti, Ni, Ga). While TiSiH4 has three Ti‐H‐Si bridges, both NiSiH4 and GaSiH4 exhibit only terminal NiH and EH bonds, but with the difference that there is no interaction between the H atom bound to Ga and the Si atom.
Estimating accuracy of electrostatic finite element models
Authors: Shaul Diana N. A. , Sumner Timothy J.
Published: April 2004

We present a method to estimate the accuracy of force, torque and stiffness predictions of electrostatic finite element models. We show that generally, the distance between the true and converged capacitance obtained by uniformly increasing element polynomial levels is a fraction of the convergence range and similar models have similar convergence characteristics. We propose exploiting these two properties to estimate accuracy by correcting capacitances based on a single convergence run and using least‐squares fitting to capture the error associated with convergence differences. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical error patterns for a scheme with hermite interpolation for 1 + 1 linear wave equations
Authors: Zhu Zuojin , Wang Xiangqi , Su Zhenbi
Published: April 2004

Numerical error patterns were presented when the fourth‐order scheme based on Hermite interpolation was used to solve the 1 + 1 linear wave equation. Since most non‐linear equations for real systems can be converted into linear forms by using proper transformations, this study certainly pertains its practical significance. The analytical solution was obtained under inhomogeneous initial and boundary conditions. It was found that not only the Hurst index of an error train at a given position but also its spatial distribution is dependent on the ratio of temporal to spatial intervals. The solution process with the fourth‐order scheme based on Hermite interpolation diverges as the ratio is greater than unity. The results show that regular error pattern and smaller maxima of absolute values of numerical errors can be obtained when the ratio is set as unity; while chaotic phenomena for the numerical error propagation process can appear when the ratio is less than unity. It was found that it is better to choose the ratio as unity for the numerical solution of 1 + 1 linear wave equation with the scheme; while other selections for the ratio in the scheme can bring about chaotic patterns for the numerical errors. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exercise training restores abnormal myocardial glucose utilization and cardiac function in diabetes
Authors: Broderick Tom L. , Poirier Paul , Gillis Melissa
Published: April 2004

Background

Clinical and experimental studies have shown that a reduction in myocardial glucose utilization is a factor contributing to diabetic cardiomyopathy. This study determined whether exercise training could prevent the depression in glucose utilization observed in the diabetic rat heart.

Methods

Diabetes was induced in Sprague–Dawley rats by an intravenous injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). After 10 weeks of treadmill running, exogenous myocardial glucose utilization and cardiac function were determined in isolated working hearts perfused under aerobic conditions and then subjected to a 60‐min period of low‐flow ischemia followed by reperfusion.

Results

Compared to aerobically perfused sedentary control hearts, rates of myocardial glucose oxidation and glycolysis were lower in diabetic hearts. Diabetes was also characterized by a pronounced decrease in cardiac function. Following exercise training, rates of myocardial glucose oxidation and glycolysis were restored and cardiac performance was improved compared to sedentary diabetic hearts. During low‐flow ischemia, the decrease in glycolysis observed in hearts of sedentary diabetic rats was attenuated following exercise training. Following ischemia, glucose oxidation and glycolysis returned to preischemic levels in all groups. However, hearts from trained diabetic animals had higher rates of glucose oxidation compared to their respective sedentary group. This was accompanied by an enhanced recovery of heart function following ischemia.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that exercise training is effective in preventing the depression in myocardial glucose metabolism observed in the diabetic rat. This may explain the benefits of exercise in preventing cardiac dysfunction in diabetes. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.