bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
All Toba Tephra Occurrences across Peninsular India Belong to the 75,000 yr B.P. Eruption
Authors: Westgate John A. , Shane Philip A.R. , Pearce Nicholas J.G. , Perkins William T. , Korisettar Ravi , Chesner Craig A. , Williams Martin A.J. , Acharyya Subhrangsu K.
Published: October 2002

A controversy currently exists regarding the number of Toba eruptive events represented in the tephra occurrences across peninsular India. Some claim the presence of a single bed, the 75,000-yr-old Toba tephra; others argue that dating and archaeological evidence suggest the presence of earlier Toba tephra. Resolution of this issue was sought through detailed geochemical analyses of a comprehensive suite of samples, allowing comparison of the Indian samples to those from the Toba caldera in northern Sumatra, Malaysia, and importantly, the sedimentary core at ODP Site 758 in the Indian Ocean—a core that contains several of the earlier Toba tephra beds. In addition, two samples of Toba tephra from western India were dated by the fission-track method. The results unequivocally demonstrate that all the presently known Toba tephra occurrences in peninsular India belong to the 75,000 yr B.P. Toba eruption. Hence, this tephra bed can be used as an effective tool in the correlation and dating of late Quaternary sedimentary sequences across India and it can no longer be used in support of a middle Pleistocene age for associated Acheulian artifacts.
Late Holocene Climatic Changes in Western Equatorial Africa Inferred from Pollen from Lake Sinnda, Southern Congo
Authors: Vincens Annie , Schwartz Dominique , Bertaux Jacques , Elenga Hilaire , de Namur Christian
Published: October 2002

Pollen analysis of two cores from the Lake Sinnda, located in one of the driest areas of the southern Congo, reveals a history of vegetation and climate in this region during the past 5000 yr. A major change centered around 3000–2500 yr B.P. is indicated by an abrupt decrease in forest pollen and by a corresponding increase in grassland pollen. Concurrent drying up of the lake shows that climate, in particular aridity, was the major cause of this change. This paleoclimatic reconstruction conforms with evidence for drier conditions in other parts of western equatorial Africa, such as the development of isolated enclosed savannas and of heliophilous forested formations. The aridity is recorded more fully at Lake Sinnda than at the previous studied ones. It probably lasted longer, from 4200 to 1300 yr B.P., and was more progressive than previously inferred. The aridity predates agriculture marked by pollen of the oil palm at Lake Sinnda.
Clay Minerals in Soils as Evidence of Holocene Climatic Change, Central Indo-Gangetic Plains, North-Central India
Authors: Srivastava Pankaj , Parkash Bramha , Pal Dilip K.
Published: October 2002

Clay mineral assemblages of a soil chrono-association comprising five fluvial surface members (QGH1 to QGH5) of the Indo-Gangetic Plains between the Ramganga and Rapti rivers, north-central India, demonstrate that pedogenic interstratified smectite–kaolin (Sm/K) can be considered as a potential indicator for paleoclimatic changes during the Holocene from arid to humid climates. On the basis of available radiocarbon dates, thermoluminescence dates, and historical evidence, tentative ages assigned to QGH1 to QGH5 are <500 yr B.P., >500 yr B.P., >2500 yr B.P., 8000 TL yr B.P., and 13,500 TL yr B.P., respectively. During pedogenesis two major regional climatic cycles are recorded: relatively arid climates between 10,000–6500 yr B.P. and 3800–? yr B.P. were punctuated by a warm and humid climate. Biotite weathered to trioctahedral vermiculite and smectite in the soils during arid conditions, and smectite was unstable and transformed to Sm/K during the warm and humid climatic phase (7400–4150 cal yr B.P.). When the humid climate terminated, vermiculite, smectite, and Sm/K were preserved to the present day. The study suggests that during the development of soils in the Holocene in alluvium of the Indo-Gangetic Plains, climatic fluctuations appear to be more important than realized hitherto. The soils older than 2500 yr B.P. are relict paleosols, but they are polygenetic because of their subsequent alterations.
Pleistocene Precipitation Balance in the Amazon Basin Recorded in Deep Sea Sediments
Authors: Harris Sara E. , Mix Alan C.
Published: October 2002

Terrigenous sediments from Ceara Rise in the western tropical Atlantic Ocean record Pleistocene Amazon Basin climate variability. Iron oxides and oxyhydroxides in this region originate mainly from chemically leached Amazon lowland soils. Concentrations of goethite and hematite in the terrigenous fraction consistently peak during transitions from glacial to interglacial periods, suggesting an increased proportion of erosive products derived from the Amazon lowlands compared to the physically weathered highlands. Lowland Amazon Basin precipitation changes, monitored by the percentage of goethite relative to total iron oxides, lead ice age extremes with maximum aridity during ice growth and maximum precipitation during ice melt. Rapid climate changes over the Amazon Basin may reflect shifts in the position of the Intertropical Convergence Zone forced by northern hemisphere insolation at precessional (1/23,000 yr−1) and obliquity (1/41,000 yr−1) frequencies. Variance in the orbital eccentricity bands (1/100,000 and 1/413,000 yr−1) may be explained by nonlinear amplification of insolation forcing at precessional frequencies. The early response of Amazon precipitation to insolation, ahead of high-latitude ice volume (δ18O) at all orbital frequencies, suggests that tropical aridity is part of the chain of events leading to ice ages, rather than a response to glacier oscillations.
Relief Inversion in the Avrona Playa as Evidence of Large-Magnitude Historical Earthquakes, Southern Arava Valley, Dead Sea Rift
Authors: Amit Rivka , Zilberman Ezra , Porat Naomi , Enzel Yehouda
Published: October 2002

The Arava Valley section of the Dead Sea Transform (DST) in southern Israel is characterized by the absence of seismic activity in recent times. However, paleoseismic analysis of sediments in the Avrona Playa, a pull-apart basin along the DST, reveals that at least six M > 6 tectonic events have affected the Avrona playa in the last 14,000 yr. The recurrence interval of the events is approximately 2000 yr. Trenched normal faults and push-up ridges in the playa show that the upper 2 m of the deformed sedimentary sequence consists of playa deposits with uniform soil development. The deformed sediments and the soil are typical of basins with an endoreic fluvial system. Based on the limiting age of the sequence and the extent of soil development, faulting in the playa, followed by compression and uplift, occurred in the last 1000 yr. This most recent tectonic event displaced the surface by at least 1 m, consistent with a M > 6.5 earthquake. This earthquake changed the morphology of the Avrona Playa from a closed system with internal drainage to an open basin, resulting in relief inversion. The seismic quiescence in the Arava may indicate a seismic gap in this segment of the DST.
Radiocarbon Reservoir Effect and the Timing of the Late-Glacial/Early Holocene Humid Phase in the Atacama Desert (Northern Chile)
Authors: Geyh Mebus A. , Grosjean Martin , Núñez Lautaro , Schotterer Ulrich
Published: October 2002

We revise substantially the regional chronology of lake-level fluctuations from the late-glacial/early Holocene humid phase along a high altitude transect (3500 to 4500 m) between 18°S and 28°S in the Southwestern Altiplano of Northern Chile. Radiocarbon dates and210Pb profiles for limnic and terrestrial materials allow us to estimate and justify reservoir correction values for conventional14C dates. Our chronology suggests that the latest Pleistocene/early Holocene humid phase started between 13,000 and 12,00014C yr B.P., and that maximum lake levels were reached between 10,800 and 920014C yr B.P. This is significantly younger than what has been established so far for the Titicaca–Uyuni Basin in Bolivia. The paleolakes disappeared sometime between 8400 and 800014C yr B.P. Our revised chronology agrees with the regional history of human occupation, and is broadly synchronous with vegetation changes in subtropical continental South America, and with the onset of wetland expansion in the northern hemisphere tropics.
Mixture Analysis and Mammalian Sex Ratio Among Middle Pleistocene Mouflon of Arago Cave, France
Authors: Monchot Hervé
Published: October 2002

In archaeological studies, it is often important to be able assess sexual dimorphism and sex ratios in populations. Obtaining sex ratio is easy if each individual in the population can be accurately sexed through the use of one more objective variables. But this is often impossible, due to incompleteness of the osteological record. A modern statistical approach to handle this problem is Mixture Analysis using the method of maximum likelihood. It consists of determining how many groups are present in the sample, two in this case, in which proportions they occur, and to estimate the parameters accordingly. This paper shows the use of this method on vertebrate fossil populations in a prehistoric context with implications on prey acquisition by early humans. For instance, the analysis of mouflon bones from Arago cave (Tautavel, France) indicates that there are more females than males in the F layer. According to the ethology of the animal, this indicates that the hunting strategy could be the result of selective choice of the prey. Moreover, we may deduce the presence of Anteneandertalians on the site during spring and summer periods.
Little Ice Age Climate near Beijing, China, Inferred from Historical and Stalagmite Records
Authors: Qian Weihong , Zhu Yafen
Published: October 2002

Four data sets yield information about Holocene climatic change in China at different scales of space and time: (a) 120-yr ground temperature and precipitation measurements covering eastern China; (b) two NOAA 10-yr 850 hPa wind records that highlight features of data set a; (c) an 1100-year record of annual calcite accumulation on a stalagmite near Beijing, and (d) Lamb-type average wetness and temperature data from Chinese historical records back to A.D. 1470 and 1450, respectively. Dry–wet fluctuations and cold–warm oscillations are inferred using the long-term stalagmite thickness series. Quasi-70, 140, 450, and 750-yr oscillations have been detected using a wavelet transform technique. A phase relationship between temperature and precipitation oscillations has been identified based on modern observations and historical records. In northern China, relatively lower temperatures correlate with periods when precipitation shifted from above to below normal. Three colder periods during the Little Ice Age (LIA) in China are inferred, centered in the late 14th century (750-yr oscillation), the early 17th century (450-yr), and the 19th century (140-yr). The latest cool period (1950s–1970s) is found at the 70-yr oscillation. Interdecadal drought–flood and cold–warm differences are explained using modern circulation patterns. LIA climate in China was likely controlled by East Asian monsoon circulation anomalies that were affected by variations in continent–ocean thermal contrast.
Paleoecology of a Northern Michigan Lake and the Relationship among Climate, Vegetation, and Great Lakes Water Levels
Authors: Booth Robert K. , Jackson Stephen T. , Thompson Todd A.
Published: October 2002

We reconstructed Holocene water-level and vegetation dynamics based on pollen and plant macrofossils from a coastal lake in Upper Michigan. Our primary objective was to test the hypothesis that major fluctuations in Great Lakes water levels resulted in part from climatic changes. We also used our data to provide temporal constraints to the mid-Holocene dry period in Upper Michigan. From 9600 to 8600 cal yr B.P. a shallow, lacustrine environment characterized the Mud Lake basin. A Sphagnum-dominated wetland occupied the basin during the mid-Holocene dry period (∼8600 to 6600 cal yr B.P.). The basin flooded at 6600 cal yr B.P. as a result of rising water levels associated with the onset of the Nipissing I phase of ancestral Lake Superior. This flooding event occurred contemporaneously with a well-documented regional expansion of Tsuga. Betula pollen increased during the Nipissing II phase (4500 cal yr B.P.). Macrofossil evidence from Mud Lake suggests that Betula alleghaniensis expansion was primarily responsible for the rising Betula pollen percentages. Major regional and local vegetational changes were associated with all the major Holocene highstands of the western Great Lakes (Nipissing I, Nipissing II, and Algoma). Traditional interpretations of Great Lakes water-level history should be revised to include a major role of climate.
The Cash-Point (ATM) ‘Problem’
Authors: Denvir Tim , Oliveira José , Plat Nico
Published: October 2002

This paper provides a description and summary of the solutions submitted to a competition in formal specification, which was held during FM'99 in Toulouse, September 1999.
Predicate Transformers for Recursive Procedures with Local Variables
Authors: Hesselink Wim H.
Published: October 2002

The weakest precondition semantics of recursive procedures with local variables are developed for an imperative language with demonic and angelic operators for unbounded nondeterminate choice. This does not require stacking of local variables. The formalism serves as a foundation for a proof rule for total correctness of (mutually) recursive procedures with local variables. This rule is illustrated by a simple example. Its soundness is proved for arbitrary well-founded variant functions.
Parasympathetic extrinsic reflex: Role in defecation mechanism
Authors: Shafik Ahmed , El‐Sibai Olfat , Ahmed Ismail
Published: October 2002

The rectum has an intrinsic nervous mechanism represented by the enteric nervous plexus (ENP) and an extrinsic one mediated by the parasympathetic nerves. Rectal distension evokes the rectoanal inhibitory reflex, which acts through the ENP and is considered the main mechanism responsible for defecation. However, the role of the parasympathetic innervation compared to the role of the intrinsic mechanism of the defecation act has so far not been sufficiently addressed in the literature. The current study investigated this point. Twelve dogs were anesthetized. The anal and rectal pressures were recorded during rectal balloon distension with normal saline in 10 ml increments until the balloon was expelled to the exterior. The test was repeated after ENP block with α (phentolamine) and β (propranolol) adrenoceptor blocking agents and then after rectal denervation by bilateral pelvic ganglionectomy. The rectal balloon was expelled to the exterior at rectal balloon distension with 30 to 40 ml. After separate administration of phentolamine and propranolol, it was dispelled at a distending volume of 50 to 60 ml, and after rectal denervation at a volume of 80 to 90 ml. The results were reproducible. The balloon expulsion test suggests that the intrinsic defecation reflex is weaker than the extrinsic one for inducing defecation, although the two reflexes appear to be complementary. The difference between them in inducing defecation might be significant to our understanding the defecation act in the neurogenic rectum, a point that needs further study.
Automatic and intentional processes in children's recognition memory: the reversed misinformation effect
Authors: Holliday Robyn E. , Hayes Brett K.
Published: October 2002

This study investigated the contribution of automatic and intentional memory processes to 5‐ and 6‐year‐old children's suggestible responses in a reversed misinformation paradigm. The temporal order of the conventional eyewitness paradigm was altered such that children were initially presented with a pre‐event narrative containing misinformation that was either read to them or was self‐generated in response to semantic and linguistic cues, and the following day were presented with a witnessed event in the form of a picture story. Children then completed a standard forced‐choice recognition memory test under two instruction conditions. In the inclusion condition children were reminded about the presentations of the pre‐event narrative and the original story and asked to chose the witnessed event item. In the exclusion condition children were instructed to exclude pre‐event suggestions. Suggestibility effects were found with the magnitude of such effects differentially affected by the encoding of misleading suggestions and test instructions. In the exclusion condition, children were more likely to correctly reject suggestions that were ‘self‐generated’. Both automaticity and intentional recollection contributed to children's suggestible responding. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metamemory and reality monitoring
Authors: Kelly Amy , Carroll Marie , Mazzoni Giuliana
Published: October 2002

Metamemory judgements and reality monitoring judgements were compared for real and imagined stimuli. Line drawings of everyday items were either perceived or imagined in differing ratios, to (a) investigate people's ability to predict the class of item that would be better recalled (Judgements of Learning, JOL), and the class of item which would be better sourced (Judgements of Source, JOS) in a future recall test, and (b) test the hypothesis that participants would show a bias towards calling remembered items real when the source had been forgotten. Although participants' JOLs indicated that they believed real items would be more memorable than imagined, in both experiments a larger proportion of items from either class (real or imagined) was only recalled when presentation modality was less frequent for that class. By contrast, JOSs were no different for real or imagined items, even though source attribution was more accurate for real than imagined items. An attribution of memories to real rather than to imagined events that often occurs when participants are unsure about the source (labelled a ‘bias towards the real’) was due to phenomenological qualities of the memories. The results are discussed in terms of Johnson and Raye's (1981) reality‐monitoring model. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validating reports of poor childhood memory
Authors: Brewin Chris R. , Stokou Louisa
Published: October 2002

Recent evidence indicates that judgements about the quality of one's own childhood memory can be influenced experimentally, for example by manipulating ease of retrieval. This has led to the suggestion that judgements of poor memory made by clients in therapy may not be reliable. We therefore investigated whether individuals who judge themselves to have poor memory for their childhood do in fact score worse on a standardized test of autobiographical memory. Matched groups of individuals reporting poor and normal memory for childhood were administered the Autobiographical Memory Interview. Consistent with a previous study of neurological patients, subjective judgements were associated with performance on both personal semantic memory and autobiographical incident memory. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Book review: Beef in China: Agribusiness opportunities and challenges
Authors: Hossain Ferdaus
Published: October 2002

Longworth, J.W., Brown, C.G., & Waldron, S.A. Beef in China: Agribusiness Opportunities and Challenges, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia: University of Queensland Press. 2001; xix+412 pp; $39.95; hardcover.
Expression and prognostic significance of Bcl‐2 family proteins in myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Boudard Delphine , Vasselon Christian , Berthéas Marie‐Françoise , Jaubert Jérôme , Mounier Christiane , Reynaud Jacqueline , Viallet Annie , Chautard Sylviane , Guyotat Denis , Campos Lydia
Published: October 2002

Excessive apoptosis is implicated in the pathogenesis of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). We assessed by flow cytometry the expression of several members of the Bcl‐2 family in bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNC) of 168 MDS samples at diagnosis. The proteins studied were Bcl‐2, Bcl‐xL (anti‐apoptotic), Bax, Bad, Bak, and Bcl‐xS (pro‐apoptotic). The percentage of BMMNC expressing Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xL was higher in refractory anemia with excess of blasts (RAEB), RAEB in transformation (RAEB‐T), and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) than in refractory anemia (RA) and RA with ringed sideroblasts (RAS). Conversely pro‐apoptotic proteins Bad, Bak, and Bcl‐xS were detected in a higher percentage of cells in RA and RAS. RA and RAS were associated with an increased Bcl‐xS/Bcl‐xL ratio. The expression of anti‐apoptotic proteins was also correlated with that of CD34 and P170 and with the percentage of blast cells. Two‐color analyses demonstrated that CD34 and Bcl‐2 were usually expressed in the same cells. No significant correlation was found with cytogenetic abnormalities. Higher expression of pro‐apoptotic Bcl‐2‐family proteins (Bak, Bad, Bcl‐xS) and higher Bcl‐xS/Bcl‐xL ratio were associated with longer survival and decreased risk of leukemic transformation in univariate analysis, whereas expression of anti‐apoptotic proteins was associated with decreased survival. Consequently Bcl‐2 proteins expression was well correlated with the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS). Our data confirm that the control of apoptosis is deregulated in MDS cells. Moreover, the study of markers such as CD34 (or Bcl‐2), Bcl‐xL, and Bcl‐xS provides additional prognostic information. Am. J. Hematol. 70:115–125, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HIV and refractory anemia with excess blasts (RAEB)
Authors: Modest Geoffrey A. , Cooley Timothy P. , Zacks Jeff F.
Published: October 2002

We report the case of a 36 year old man who was hospitalized with pneumonia and pancytopenia with refractory anemia with excess blasts confirmed by bone marrow biopsy. He was subsequently found to have advanced HIV infection. Both the HIV infection and the myelodysplastic syndrome responded to highly active anti‐retroviral therapy (HAART) with sustained normalization of his hematologic abnormalities within 79 days. Am. J. Hematol. 70:318–319, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bone marrow necrosis with dyspnea in a patient with malignant lymphoma and plasma levels of thrombomodulin, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and D‐dimer
Authors: Seki Yoshinobu , Koike Tadashi , Yano Masahiko , Aoki Sadao , Hiratsuka Motoko , Fuse Ichiro , Aizawa Yoshifusa
Published: October 2002

Non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (peripheral T cell, unspecified, clinical stage IIIEA) was diagnosed in a 54‐year‐old male. He was treated weekly with chemotherapy consisting of pirarubicin hydrochloride, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, vincristine sulfate, etoposide, and prednisolone. After 6 weeks of treatment in a state of partial remission, he exhibited sudden dyspnea, chest pain, fever, and drowsiness. The patient had received 100 μg/day of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF) for 6 days before the onset. Laboratory data showed an elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level, leukoerythroblastosis in the peripheral blood, and no decrease in the serum haptoglobin level. There were no findings of acute myocardial infarction or pulmonary thromboembolism. Bone marrow specimen showed the characteristic features of necrosis without any signs of the involvement of lymphoma cells. No indications of infections were found. This patient was diagnosed as having bone marrow necrosis (BMN) during the recovery phase of bone marrow with G‐CSF treatment after chemotherapy for malignant lymphoma. After conservative therapy, inhalation of oxygen and stopping the administration of G‐CSF, all clinical symptoms subsided except that the elevation of LDH continued for 1 month. The plasma level of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) was high just after the onset of BMN. The thrombomodulin (TM) level was high just before the onset of BMN and continued to be high for 2 weeks. Cross‐linked fibrin degradation products (D‐dimer) were also high just after the onset of BMN and continued to be high for 3 weeks after the onset. Although dyspnea is a rare symptom of BMN, it is important to rule out in BMN during the recovery phase of bone marrow with G‐CSF treatment after chemotherapy for malignant lymphoma. Activated neutrophils in the small vessels of the lung by G‐CSF and microthrombi, suggested by the elevation of D‐dimer, may participate in the onset of dyspnea, which is a rare symptom of the onset of BMN. Am. J. Hematol. 70:250–253, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multiple pulmonary nodules: An unusual presentation of fludarabine pulmonary toxicity: Case report and review of literature
Authors: Garg Sandeep , Garg Manisha S. , Basmaji Neil
Published: October 2002

Fludarabine monophosphate, a purine analogue is used in the treatment of lymphoid malignancies. A 73‐year‐old woman presented with fever and cough 2 weeks after completing the third cycle of fludarabine for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Chest roentgenogram showed multiple pulmonary nodules. Pulmonary histopathology demonstrated a mononuclear interstitial infiltrate without evidence of malignant, infectious, granulomatous, or vascular causes. Her symptoms and pulmonary nodules resolved following treatment with corticosteroids. To our knowledge, four cases of interstitial pneumonitis associated with fludarabine have been reported in medical literature. Fludarabine induced lung toxicity must be considered in all patients who develop unexplained lung disease while receiving fludarabine. It is reversible with discontinuation of drug and administration of corticosteroids. This case extends the spectrum of fludarabine pulmonary toxicity to include pulmonary nodules. Am. J. Hematol. 70:241–245, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cardiac abnormalities in children with sickle cell anemia
Authors: Batra Anjan S. , Acherman Ruben J. , Wong Wing‐yen , Wood John C. , Chan Linda S. , Ramicone Emily , Ebrahimi Mahmood , Wong Pierre C.
Published: October 2002

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) results in chronic volume overload of the heart due to hemodilution. Previous echocardiographic studies of cardiac function in children with SCA have not accounted for these abnormal loading conditions. The objectives of this study were to (1) determine how the degree of anemia and transfusion status relate to cardiac findings and (2) evaluate cardiac function using load‐independent parameters of function. We evaluated 77 patients with SCA, ages 2 to 22 years (mean ± SD = 11.7 ± 4.7), using physical examination, electrocardiography, and echocardiography. We compared two groups of patients. Group 1 consisted of 57 non‐transfused patients, and Group 2 consisted of 20 patients on a chronic transfusion protocol. Group 1 patients exhibited a significantly lower hemoglobin, higher cardiac output, and larger left ventricular (LV) end‐diastolic dimension and LV mass than groups 2 (P < 0.05). However, the velocity of circumferential fiber shortening‐wall stress index (a load‐independent measure of systolic function) was normal and not statistically different between the two groups. Conversely, the LV myocardial performance index (a measure of combined systolic and diastolic function) was significantly higher in Group 2 (P < 0.001), possibly indicating impaired myocardial diastolic function. SCA in children results in a volume‐overloaded heart with a significant increase in LV dimensions and mass, both proportional to the degree of anemia. Despite these abnormal loading conditions, systolic function is preserved. Patients on a chronic transfusion protocol may develop diastolic dysfunction despite iron chelation therapy. Am. J. Hematol. 70:306–312, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Historical risks of tuberculin skin test conversion among non‐physician staff at a large urban hospital
Authors: Miller Aubrey K. , Tepper Allison , Sieber Karl
Published: October 2002

Background

Nosocomial transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis among workers at a 1000‐bed inner‐city hospital led to an extensive evaluation of this risk among workers with potential exposure to TB patients or laboratory specimens.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study to determine the incidence and risk of tuberculin skin test (TST) conversions among workers employed 1/1/90 to 9/30/92.

Results

Personal, community, and occupational risk factors were evaluated in 2,362 workers with potential M. tuberculosis exposure and 886 workers with no known exposure. The 33‐month cumulative rate of TST conversion was 5.8% for potentially exposed workers and 2.0% for controls (RR 3.6; 95% CI; 2.2–5.8). Among workers with potential M. tuberculosis exposure, statistically significantly elevated risks were found for nurses, laboratory technicians, pharmacy workers, phlebotomists, housekeepers, clerks, emergency room workers, and emergency responders.

Conclusions

Workers with patient contact and those employed in certain occupational groups were at increased risk for occupational M. tuberculosis infection. Am. J. Ind. Med. 42:228–235, 2002. Published 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mitochondrial diabetes: Pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and genetic analysis
Authors: Maassen J. Antonie
Published: October 2002

This study provides a compact overview on the most common form of the maternally inherited diabetes and deafness syndrome (MIDD) that associates with an A–G mutation in mitochondrial DNA at position 3243 in the tRNA(Leu,UUR) gene. The pathobiochemistry and pathophysiology is discussed. The mutation leads predominantly to a reduced insulin secretion by beta cells in response to glucose stimulation, however, without marked involvement of autoimmune processes as seen in type 1 diabetes mellitus. The underlying biochemical mechanism leading to beta cell dysfunction is discussed. Furthermore, the clinical presentation of the disease is summarized as are the methods to detect the A3243G mutation, particular in view of the often low levels of heteroplasm of the A3243G mutation. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Developmental field defects: Coming together of associations and sequences during blastogenesis
Authors: Hersh Joseph H. , Angle Brad , Fox Terry L. , Barth Rolf F. , Bendon Robert W. , Gowans Gordon
Published: October 2002

We report on two patients with an unusual combination of multiple congenital anomalies including holoprosencephaly, encephalocele, and additional defects commonly observed in the VACTERL and schisis “associations.” One of the infants had a chromosome abnormality characterized by partial duplication and deletion of chromosome 18. VACTERL association was characterized recently as a primary developmental field defect (DFD) [Martínez‐Frías et al., 1998: Am J Med Genet 76:291–296]. In some cases, sequences may also represent uncomplicated DFDs. We suggest that findings in both of these cases represent abnormalities of blastogenesis involving the primary field resulting in holoprosencephaly and VACTERL and schisis anomalies, and show that similar primary DFDs are causally heterogeneous. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Choanal atresia: The result of maternal thyrotoxicosis or fetal carbimazole?
Authors: Barwell Julian , Fox Grenville F. , Round Jonathan , Berg Jonathan
Published: October 2002

We present the fourth published case of a child affected with choanal atresia following maternal treatment with carbimazole. The mother was receiving her highest dose of carbimazole at the crucial period for development of the choanae, between days 35 and 38. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exclusion of PITX2 mutations as a major cause of CHARGE association
Authors: Martin Donna M. , Probst Frank J. , Fox Sharon E. , Schimmenti Lisa A. , Semina Elena V. , Hefner Margaret A. , Belmont John W. , Camper Sally A.
Published: October 2002

CHARGE is a nonrandom association of ocular coloboma, congenital heart defects, atresia of the choanae, retarded growth and development, genital hypoplasia, and ear anomalies including deafness. The cause of CHARGE remains unknown; however, there is considerable evidence of an underlying genetic basis, as discussed by Tellier et al. [1996: Clin Genet 50:548–550; 1998: Am J Med Genet 76:402–409] and by Martin et al. [2001: Am J Med Genet 99:115–119]. Based on the ocular, cardiac, and craniofacial expression pattern of Pitx2, a homeodomain transcription factor, and the pleiotropic effects of loss of PITX2 function in both mouse and human, we hypothesized that PITX2 mutations may contribute to the multiple phenotypic anomalies present in CHARGE individuals. By direct sequencing of DNA from 29 individuals with CHARGE, we did not identify any mutations in PITX2. We did, however, identify two PITX2 sequence polymorphisms. Large deletions of PITX2 were excluded in most patients by heterozygosity in at least one of several polymorphic markers near the PITX2 locus. Together, these data indicate that PITX2 mutations are unlikely to be a major contributing cause of the multiple anomalies present in individuals with CHARGE. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Duplication of 8p23.2: A benign cytogenetic variant?
Authors: Harada Naoki , Takano Jun , Kondoh Tatsuro , Ohashi Hirofumi , Hasegawa Tomonobu , Sugawara Hirobumi , Ida Tomoko , Yoshiura Ko‐ichiro , Ohta Tohru , Kishino Tatsuya , Kajii Tadashi , Niikawa Norio , Matsumoto Naomichi
Published: October 2002

We describe a duplication of the 8p23.2 band in seven individuals from four families. The duplication was recognizable as an enlarged 8p23.2 band on G‐banded chromosomes at the 550 band level. It was transmitted from a parent to offspring in three of the four families in which both parents were karyotyped. Each proband in the four families had the enlarged band and showed various phenotypic abnormalities, but the abnormalities were inconsistent. Chromosomal and interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis of the enlarged band region defined a 2.5‐Mb duplicated segment common to all seven individuals studied. Interphase FISH analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes from 50 unrelated normal individuals showed the duplication in three individuals. In view of these findings, it is most likely that the 8p23.2 duplication we described is a normal variant. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Norepinephrine transporter and α2c adrenoceptor allelic variants and personality factors
Authors: Tsai Shih‐Jen , Wang Ying‐Chieh , Hong Chen‐Jee
Published: October 2002

It has been suggested that reward dependence, as measured by the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire (TPQ), is related to central noradrenergic activity, a proposition supported by two studies of urinary norepinephrine metabolite. In the current investigation, 190 normal young Han Chinese were examined, with genetic polymorphisms determined for the norepinephrine transporter (1287G/A) and the α2c‐adrenoceptor (Del322–325) to test the association with TPQ personality traits. No significant association was demonstrated for these two polymorphisms and any of the TPQ personality‐factor scores, including reward dependence and its subscales. Our negative findings suggest that the investigated polymorphisms of the norepinephrine transporter and the α2c adrenoceptor do not play a major role in the reward‐dependence personality trait as assessed by TPQ. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mineral content as a basis for food selection by western lowland gorillas in a forest clearing
Authors: Magliocca Florence , Gautier‐Hion Annie
Published: October 2002

The forests in northwest Republic of Congo contain a number of herbaceous swamp clearings that provide foraging sites for lowland gorillas (G.g. gorilla). A 10‐month study at the Maya Nord clearing (Parc National d'Odzala) showed that feeding activities occupied 72% of the time visiting gorillas spent on the clearing. They fed on four plant species: Enydra fluctuans (Asteraceae), Cyperus sp., Pycreus mundtii, and Rhynchospora corymbosa (Cyperaceae) among the 45 species recorded on the clearing. These clearing food species have higher mineral contents (especially Na and Ca) than the dominant Marantaceae species (Haumania liebrechtsiana) that constituted a staple food plant for gorillas in this forest. They also have higher potassium contents and contain less lignin than non‐eaten clearing items/species. Finally, the most actively searched for clearing food (Enydra fluctuans) was characterized by the highest amount of Na and Ca. These results suggest that the mineral content (especially in Na, Ca, and/or K) could determine the feeding selectivity of gorillas at the clearing. They also tend to confirm that the amount of fiber plays a deterrent role in food selectivity, as has been found by many authors. The high density of gorillas in that region could result from the combination of the large areas of Marantaceae forests that provide abundant though monotonous food, and the number of clearings that provide sufficient mineral supplies. Clearings should thus be considered as key habitats for the conservation of gorillas. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Origins of primate locomotion: Gait mechanics of the woolly opossum
Authors: Schmitt Daniel , Lemelin Pierre
Published: October 2002

The locomotion of primates differs from that of other mammals in three fundamental ways. During quadrupedal walking, primates use diagonal sequence gaits, protract their arms more at forelimb touchdown, and experience lower vertical substrate reaction forces on their forelimbs relative to their hindlimbs. It is widely held that the unusual walking gaits of primates represent a basal adaptation for movement on thin, flexible branches and reflect a major change in the functional role of the forelimb. However, little data on nonprimate arboreal mammals exist to test this notion. To that end, we examined the gait mechanics of the woolly opossum (Caluromys philander), a marsupial convergent with small‐bodied prosimians in ecology, behavior, and morphology. Data on the footfall sequence, relative arm protraction, and peak vertical substrate reaction forces were obtained from videotapes and force records for three adult woolly opossums walking quadrupedally on a wooden runway and a thin pole. For all steps recorded on both substrates, woolly opossums always used diagonal sequence walking gaits, protracted their arms beyond 90° relative to horizontal body axis, and experienced peak vertical substrate reaction forces on forelimbs that were significantly lower than on hindlimbs. The woolly opossum is the first nonprimate mammal to show locomotor mechanics that are identical to those of primates. This case of convergence between primates and a committed fine‐branch, arboreal marsupial strongly implies that the earliest primates evolved gait specializations for fine‐branch locomotion, which reflect important changes in forelimb function. Am J Phys Anthropol 118:231–238, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Investigation of the link between visceral surface rib lesions and tuberculosis in a Medieval skeletal series from England using ancient DNA
Authors: Mays S. , Fysh E. , Taylor G.M.
Published: October 2002

Seven human skeletons from a large assemblage from a rural English Medieval burial site show lesions, predominantly proliferative in nature, on the visceral surfaces of the ribs. In order to investigate whether these rib lesions were regularly associated with tuberculous infection, these individuals, together with a group of age‐ and sex‐matched control skeletons without bony signs of infection, were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays aimed at detecting traces of DNA from infecting microorganisms of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. The results provided no evidence for any regular association between visceral surface rib lesions and the presence of M. tuberculosis complex DNA in the study group. The significance of these findings for the paleopathological interpretation of visceral surface rib lesions is discussed. Am J Phys Anthropol 119:27–36, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mitochondrial DNA C4171A/ND1 is a novel primary causative mutation of Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy with a good prognosis
Authors: Kim Ji Yeon , Hwang Jeong‐Min , Park Sung Sup
Published: October 2002

A novel mitochondrial DNA C4171A mutation in the ND1 gene in two Korean families with Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy is described. All affected patients recovered spontaneously after suffering months to years of initial visual loss. This mutation replaces leucine with methionine in a conserved extramembrane loop of the ND1 gene and was absent in 514 normal controls and in 63 Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy lineages harboring the primary mutations. We consider mitochondrial DNA C4171A/ND1 a primary causative mutation of Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy with a good prognosis.
A nonischemic forearm exercise test for McArdle disease
Authors: Kazemi‐Esfarjani Pedram , Skomorowska Elwira , Dysgaard Jensen Tina , Haller Ronald G. , Vissing John
Published: October 2002

Ischemic forearm exercise invariably causes muscle cramps and pain in patients with glycolytic defects. We investigated an alternative diagnostic exercise test that may be better tolerated. Nine patients with McArdle disease, one with the partial glycolytic defect phosphoglycerate mutase deficiency, and nine matched, healthy subjects performed the classic ischemic forearm protocol and an identical protocol without ischemia. Blood was sampled in the median cubital vein of the exercised arm. Plasma lactate level increased similarly in healthy subjects during ischemic (Δ5.1 ± 0.7mmol L−1) and non‐ischemic (Δ4.4 ± 0.3) tests and decreased similarly in McArdle patients (Δ−0.10 ± 0.02 vs Δ−0.40 ± 0.10mmol L−1). Postexercise peak lactate to ammonia ratios clearly separated patients and healthy controls in ischemic (McArdle, 4 ± 2 [range, 1–12]; partial glycolytic defect phosphoglycerate mutase deficiency, 6; healthy, 33 ± 4 [range, 17–56]) and non‐ischemic (McArdle, 5 ± 1 [range, 1–10]; partial glycolytic defect phosphoglycerate mutase deficiency, 5; healthy, 42 ± 3 [range, 35–56]) protocols. Similar differences in lactate to ammonia ratio between patients and healthy subjects were observed in two other work protocols using intermittent handgrip contraction at 50% and static handgrip exercise at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction force. All patients developed pain and cramps during the ischemic test, and four had to abort the test prematurely. No patient experienced cramps in the non‐ischemic test, and all completed the test. The findings indicate that the diagnostic ischemic forearm test for glycolytic disorders should be replaced by an aerobic forearm test.
Peripheral F2‐isoprostanes and F4‐neuroprostanes are not increased in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Montine Thomas J. , Quinn Joseph F. , Milatovic Dejan , Silbert Lisa C. , Dang Theresa , Sanchez Stephanie , Terry Erin , Roberts L. Jackson , Kaye Jeffrey A. , Morrow Jason D.
Published: October 2002

Quantitative biomarkers of oxidative damage, such as the F2‐isoprostanes (IsoPs) and F4‐neuroprostanes (F4‐NeuroPs), may be useful in assessing progression and response to therapeutics in patients with Alzheimer's disease. F2‐IsoPs and F4‐NeuroPs are reproducibly increased in brain and cerebrospinal fluid of Alzheimer's disease patients; however, results in blood and urine have been conflicting. We tested the hypothesis that F2‐IsoPs and F4‐NeuroPs in plasma or urine quantitatively reflect oxidative damage to the central nervous system. Our results showed that urine levels of F2‐IsoPs or their major metabolite were not significantly different between 56 Alzheimer's disease patients and 34 controls. In addition, urine and cerebrospinal fluid F2‐IsoP levels in 32 Alzheimer's disease patients did not correlate. Supporting these conclusions, elevated rat cerebral F2‐IsoPs and F4‐NeuroPs after systemic exposure to kainic acid were not associated with a significant change in their plasma or urine levels. These results show that plasma and urine F2‐IsoPs and F4‐NeuroPs do not accurately reflect central nervous system levels of these biomarkers and are not reproducibly elevated in body fluids outside of central nervous system in Alzheimer's disease patients. These results should guide the organization of clinical trials now being planned for patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Synthesis, structure, and properties of the addition products bis[p‐(2,3‐epoxypropyl)thiophenyl]methane with methacrylic acid
Authors: Charmas Władysław , Nowak Janina , Majewski Władysław
Published: October 2002

The synthesis of bis(thiophenol‐F) glycidyl methacrylate (BIS‐GMTF) by the addition reaction between epoxide resin and methacrylic acid is described. The reaction was carried out without a solvent (in the alloy) and with the solvent (xylene). The reaction kinetics between the epoxide and carboxyl group during the BIS‐GMTF reaction was observed by chemical analytical methods and infrared radiation (IR). The esterification is a second‐order reaction at temperatures >45°C in the alloy and 70°C in the solvent. The spectroscopic characteristics of unsaturated BIS‐GMTF resin were determined from IR, 1H‐NMR, and 13C‐NMR spectra. Epoxymethacrylate was subjected to photocuring, with the addition of IRGACURE 651, with a high‐pressure mercury lamp in an oxygen‐free atmosphere. The cured foil was subjected to thermal, thermomechanical, and mechanical investigations. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 85: 1806–1813, 2002
Simple chemical polymerization method for deposition of conducting polyaniline on surface of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
Authors: Patil R. , Matveeva E. , Parkhutik V.
Published: October 2002

A simple method of depositing a uniform layer of polyaniline (PANI) on the surface of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is described. The method consists of two steps, in which the first step is composed of soaking of ABS in aniline solution, and the second step consists of polymerization of aniline absorbed inside the ABS matrix by an oxidant. The ABS surface is seen to be completely masked by the PANI layer when it is coated from solution containing 10 or 15% of aniline. The surface resistance of the ABS plate, which is coated from a solution containing 15% aniline, shows resistance of 30 kΩ and rises up to 400 kΩ as concentration of aniline in the solution is decreased to 5%. From scanning electron micrographs, a granular growth of PANI is noticed on the ABS surface. Thermal gravimetry–mass spectroscopy data reveal that coating the ABS plate with PANI does not weaken an ABS matrix. The adherence of PANI on the ABS surface is explained on the basis of interaction between the aniline and cyano group from the acrylonitrile moiety of ABS. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 85: 1904–1910, 2002
Synthesis of di(4‐hydroxyl benzophenone) sebacate and its usage as initiator in the photocrosslinking of polyethylene
Authors: Wu Qianghua , Qu Baojun
Published: October 2002

A new benzophenone (BP) derivative with a long carbon chain and two chromophoric groups—di (4‐hydroxyl benzophenone) sebacate (BP‐S) used as a photoinitiator in the photocrosslinking of polyethylene (PE) has been synthesized and characterized by ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The kinetic characteristics of BP‐S photoinitiated crosslinking of PE in the melt and its compatibility with PE resin have been examined by gel content measurement and thermal migration experiment. The results show that BP‐S is an excellent photoinitiator, which has better compatibility, less volatility, higher photoinitiating efficiency, and longer storage time than BP itself. It is promising for industrial applications of the photocrosslinking of polyolefins. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 85: 1581–1586, 2002;
Polyaniline coated on aluminum (Al‐2024‐T3): Characterization and electrochemical studies
Authors: Shah Kunal G. , Akundy Gouri S. , Iroh Jude O.
Published: October 2002

A polyaniline coating was deposited onto an Al‐2024‐T3 substrate using oxalic acid as electrolyte. Both galvanostatic and potentiostatic techniques were used to deposit polyaniline on aluminum under aqueous conditions. The dc polarization studies showed that polyaniline coatings reduced the corrosion rate of Al‐2024‐T3 significantly by about threefold compared to that of the control. The passivation of the polyaniline‐coated aluminum was characterized by reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy and cyclic voltametry. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 85: 1669–1675, 2002