bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shedding light on walking in the dark: the effects of reduced lighting on the gait of older adults with a higher-level gait disorder and controls
Authors: Kesler Anat , Leibovich Gregory , Herman Talia , Gruendlinger Leor , Giladi Nir , Hausdorff Jeffrey M
Published: August 2005

Objective

To study the effects of reduced lighting on the gait of older adults with a high level gait disorder (HLGD) and to compare their response to that of healthy elderly controls.

Methods

22 patients with a HLGD and 20 age-matched healthy controls were studied under usual lighting conditions (1000 lumens) and in near darkness (5 lumens). Gait speed and gait dynamics were measured under both conditions. Cognitive function, co-morbidities, depressive symptoms, and vision were also evaluated.

Results

Under usual lighting conditions, patients walked more slowly, with reduced swing times, and increased stride-to-stride variability, compared to controls. When walking under near darkness conditions, both groups slowed their gait. All other measures of gait were not affected by lighting in the controls. In contrast, patients further reduced their swing times and increased their stride-to-stride variability, both stride time variability and swing time variability. The unique response of the patients was not explained by vision, mental status, co-morbidities, or the values of walking under usual lighting conditions.

Conclusion

Walking with reduced lighting does not affect the gait of healthy elderly subjects, except for a reduction in speed. On the other hand, the gait of older adults with a HLGD becomes more variable and unsteady when they walk in near darkness, despite adapting a slow and cautious gait. Further work is needed to identify the causes of the maladaptive response among patients with a HLGD and the potential connection between this behavior and the increased fall risk observed in these patients.
Molecular Classification of Multiple Myeloma: A Distinct Transcriptional Profile Characterizes Patients Expressing CCND1 and Negative for 14q32 Translocations
Authors: Agnelli Luca , Bicciato Silvio , Mattioli Michela , Fabris Sonia , Intini Daniela , Verdelli Donata , Baldini Luca , Morabito Fortunato , Callea Vincenzo , Lombardi Luigia , Neri Antonino
Published: August 2005

Purpose

The deregulation of CCND1, CCND2 and CCND3 genes represents a common event in multiple myeloma (MM). A recently proposed classification grouped MM patients into five classes on the basis of their cyclin D expression profiles and the presence of the main translocations involving the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus (IGH) at 14q32. In this study, we provide a molecular characterization of the identified translocations/cyclins (TC) groups.

Materials and Methods

The gene expression profiles of purified plasma cells from 50 MM cases were used to stratify the samples into the five TC classes and identify their transcriptional fingerprints. The cyclin D expression data were validated by means of real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis; fluorescence in situ hybridization was used to investigate the cyclin D loci arrangements, and to detect the main IGH translocations and the chromosome 13q deletion.

Results

Class-prediction analysis identified 112 probe sets as characterizing the TC1, TC2, TC4 and TC5 groups, whereas the TC3 samples showed heterogeneous phenotypes and no marker genes. The TC2 group, which showed extra copies of the CCND1 locus and no IGH translocations or the chromosome 13q deletion, was characterized by the overexpression of genes involved in protein biosynthesis at the translational level. A meta-analysis of published data sets validated the identified gene expression signatures.

Conclusion

Our data contribute to the understanding of the molecular and biologic features of distinct MM subtypes. The identification of a distinctive gene expression pattern in TC2 patients may improve risk stratification and indicate novel therapeutic targets.
Exploiting nuclear duality of ciliates to analyse topological requirements for DNA replication and transcription
Authors: Postberg Jan , Alexandrova Olga , Cremer Thomas , Lipps Hans J.
Published: August 2005

Spatial and temporal replication patterns are used to describe higher-order chromatin organisation from nuclei of early metazoan to mammalian cells. Here we demonstrate evolutionary conserved similarities and differences in replication patterns of micronuclei and macronuclei in the spirotrichous ciliate Stylonychia lemnae. Since this organism possesses two kinds of morphologically and functionally different nuclei in one cell, it provides an excellent model system to analyse topological requirements for DNA replication and transcription.

Replication in the heterochromatic micronucleus occurs in foci-like structures showing spatial and temporal patterns similar to nuclei of higher eukaryotes, demonstrating that these patterns are inherent features of nuclear architecture. The `nanochromosomes' of the macronucleus are replicated in the propagating replication band. We show that it consists of hundreds of replication foci. Post-replicative macronuclear chromatin remains organised in foci. These foci are not randomly distributed throughout the macronucleus, indicating a higher-order organisation of macronuclear chromatin above the level of `nanochromosomes'. Both telomerase and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) occur as foci-like structures in the rear zone of the replication band, suggesting that a wave of chromatin modification driven by a short or continuous exogenous signal permits the assembly of replication factories at predicted sites. We further show that transcription occurs at discrete sites colocalised with putative nucleoli and dispersed chromatin.

Common principles of functional nuclear architecture were conserved during eukaryotic evolution. Moreover nuclear duality inherent to ciliates with their germline micronucleus and their somatic macronucleus may eventually provide further insight into epigenetic regulation of transcription, replication and nuclear differentiation.
Polarized downregulation of the paxillin-p130CAS-Rac1 pathway induced by shear flow
Authors: Zaidel-Bar Ronen , Kam Zvi , Geiger Benjamin
Published: August 2005

Exposure of sparsely plated endothelial cells or a wounded monolayer to shear flow induces an instantaneous inhibition of `upstream' lamellipodial protrusion and suppresses cell migration against the flow. This phenomenon is caused by the inhibition of Rac1 activity in the upstream lamellae, as demonstrated by fluorescence resonance energy transfer experiments, and by the capacity of constitutively active Rac1 to abolish flow-induced cell polarization. The local inactivation of Rac1 coincides with rapid dephosphorylation of paxillin and the adapter protein p130CAS, which, in their phosphorylated state, participate in the activation of the Rac1 exchange factor complex DOCK180/ELMO. Indeed, overexpression of DOCK180 and ELMO rescue upstream protrusion in cells exposed to flow. Searching for the mechanosensors responsible for the polarized p130CAS dephosphorylation, we discovered that shear stress stimulates the turnover and overall growth of upstream focal adhesions, whereas downstream adhesions tend to shrink. We propose that polarized, shear stress-induced signaling from focal adhesions at the upstream lamellae, leads to the local inactivation of Rac1 by inhibiting paxillin and p130CAS phosphorylation, and consequently blocking the DOCK180/ELMO pathway.
Roles of ARFRP1 (ADP-ribosylation factor-related protein 1) in post-Golgi membrane trafficking
Authors: Shin Hye-Won , Kobayashi Hiromi , Kitamura Masashi , Waguri Satoshi , Suganuma Tatsuo , Uchiyama Yasuo , Nakayama Kazuhisa
Published: August 2005

ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF)-related protein 1 (ARFRP1) is a small GTPase with significant similarity to the ARF family. However, little is known about the function of ARFRP1 in mammalian cells, although knockout mice of its gene are embryonic lethal. In the present study, we demonstrate that ARFRP1 is associated mainly with the trans-Golgi compartment and the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and is an essential regulatory factor for targeting of Arl1 and GRIP domain-containing proteins, golgin-97 and golgin-245, onto Golgi membranes. Furthermore, we show that, in concert with Arl1 and GRIP proteins, ARFRP1 is implicated in the Golgi-to-plasma membrane transport of the vesicular stomatitis virus G protein as well as in the retrograde transport of TGN38 and Shiga toxin from endosomes to the TGN.
Functions of SNAREs in intracellular membrane fusion and lipid bilayer mixing
Authors: Ungermann Christian , Langosch Dieter
Published: August 2005

Intracellular membrane fusion occurs with exquisite coordination and specificity. Each fusion event requires three basic components: Rab-GTPases organize the fusion site; SNARE proteins act during fusion; and N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF) plus its cofactor α-SNAP are required for recycling or activation of the fusion machinery. Whereas Rab-GTPases seem to mediate the initial membrane contact, SNAREs appear to lie at the center of the fusion process. It is known that formation of complexes between SNAREs from apposed membranes is a prerequisite for lipid bilayer mixing; however, the biophysics and many details of SNARE function are still vague. Nevertheless, recent observations are shedding light on the role of SNAREs in membrane fusion. Structural studies are revealing the mechanisms by which SNARES form complexes and interact with other proteins. Furthermore, it is now apparent that the SNARE transmembrane segment not only anchors the protein but engages in SNARE-SNARE interactions and plays an active role in fusion. Recent work indicates that the fusion process itself may comprise two stages and proceed via a hemifusion intermediate.
Counting the Number of Fluorophores Labeled in Biomolecules by Observing the Fluorescence-Intensity Transient of a Single Molecule
Authors: Park Mira , Kim Hyong-Ha , Kim Dongho , Song Nam Woong
Published: August 2005

By using the single molecule detection (SMD) technique based on laser scanning fluorescence microscopy, we have developed a method to count the number of labeled fluorophores in a single biomolecule. The number of labeled fluorophores in an individual molecule was measured by counting the number of discrete level jumps in the fluorescence-intensity transients, or Gaussian fitting of the fluorescence-intensity histogram. The instabilities of intensity transients due to humid environments of biomolecules were minimized by optimizing the matrix materials and sample-preparation condition and adding a strong triplet quencher, AET (2-aminoethanethiol). After validating the counting method and estimating the counting uncertainties through observations of a well-defined number of fluorophores, the distribution of the number of incorporated fluorophores in a DNA strand was observed. The advantages in biological analysis by using a single-molecule fluorescence technique have been considered.
Structural Change and Hydrophobic Interaction as Related to Unusual Stability Constants of Copper(II) Complexes with 2,2′-Bipyridyl and Substituted 1,10-Phenanthrolines
Authors: Tanaka Motoharu
Published: August 2005

Unusual values of K1 and K2 for the formation of complexes CuL2 with L = 2,2′-bipyridyl (bpy) and substituted 1,10-phenanthrolines (phen) have been discussed in relation to the structural change from CuL to CuL2 and the hydrophobic interaction between the coordinated ligands. The free energy for the structural change from the distorted octahedral CuL2 to the trigonal bipyramidal CuL2 has been estimated to be 0.80 (−4.5 kJ mol−1) for L = bpy and 0.47 (−2.7 kJ mol−1) for L = phen.
Structures of Bimetallic Assemblies Derived from a Macrocyclic Dinuclear Copper(II) Complex and [Cr(ox)3]3− or [Co(CN)6]3−
Authors: Miyazato Yuji , Ohba Masaaki , Okawa Hisashi
Published: August 2005

A dinuclear copper(II) complex, [Cu2(L)](ClO4)2, of the macrocyclic ligand (H2L) derived from the [2:2] condensation of 2,6-diformyl-4-methylphenol and 1,3-diaminopropane, was reacted with [Cr(ox)3]3− and [Co(CN)6]3− to produce [Cu2(L)]3[Cr(ox)3]2·6MeOH (1) of a discrete octanuclear structure and [Cu2(L)]3[Co(CN)6]2·6MeOH·2DMF (2) of a 2-D grid structure, respectively.
A Remarkable Effect of Bases on the Catalytic Radical Addition of Cyanoacetates to Alkenes Using a Mn(II)/Co(II)/O2 Redox System
Authors: Kagayama Takashi , Fuke Takahiro , Sakaguchi Satoshi , Ishii Yasutaka
Published: August 2005

A remarkable addition effect of bases, like AcOK, was observed in the radical addition of cyanoacetates to alkenes catalyzed by a Mn(II)/Co(II)/O2 redox system. Thus, a carbon radical from ethyl cyanoacetate could be catalytically generated by adding AcOK to the Mn(II)/Co(II)/O2 redox system, even at room temperature, and the resulting carbon radical readily added to 1-octene to give an adduct, ethyl 2-cyanodecanoate, in good yield, while no reaction took place at all in the absence of AcOK. Ethyl cyanoacetate added smoothly to a variety of alkenes under mild conditions in the presence of a base to lead to the corresponding adducts in fair-to-good yields. It is reasonable to assume that the base added accelerated the deprotonation from a transient carbocation intermediate generated by the one-electron oxidation of ethyl cyanoacetate by the Mn(III) ion. This method provides an alternative route to alkylation of cyanoacetates under mild conditions.
Oxidative Polymerization in Water to Form Sulfoalkoxy Poly(phenylene oxide)s
Authors: Saito Kei , Masuyama Toru , Nishide Hiroyuki
Published: August 2005

The oxidative polymerization of sulfonatopropoxyphenols in alkaline water, along with the easy monomer preparation, provided a simple and atom economical way to prepare sulfoalkoxy-pendant poly(phenylene oxide)s. The polymerization in alkaline water reduced the oxidation potential of the sulfonated phenols, and produced water-soluble polymers. The polymers produced a transparent, tough, and flexible membrane, which showed high thermal stability and proton conductivity.
Azide Compounds: Nitrogen Sources for Atom-efficient and Ecologically Benign Nitrogen-atom-transfer Reactions
Authors: Katsuki Tsutomu
Published: August 2005

Azide compounds that are readily available and easily manageable, are desirable nitrogen sources for nitrogen-atom-transfer reactions such as aziridination and sulfimidation, in terms of atom-efficiency and ecological benignity. Recent development of catalysts has allowed some of these reactions to be carried out in a highly stereocontrolled manner under mild reaction conditions. This article describes recent progress in such nitrogen-atom-transfer reactions.
A Novel TiO2-pillared Microporous Manganese Oxide
Authors: Liu Zong-Huai , Tang Xiuhua , Zhang Chengxiao , Zhou Qing
Published: August 2005

A novel TiO2-pillared microporous manganese oxide was first synthesized by preliminary expanding the interlayer of birnessite-type manganese oxide using dodecylamine, followed by TiO2 pillaring and subsequent heat treatment.
Interfacial Fabrication of Silica Hollow Particles in a Reverse Emulsion System
Authors: Song Linyong , Ge Xuewu , Zhang Zhicheng
Published: August 2005

Silica hollow particles were prepared at room temperature in a reverse emulsion system (W/O emulsion) via interfacial strategy. The cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and aliphatic amine were found to be critical factors for the production of hollow structure.
A Clean Procedure for the Synthesis of Chromeno[4,3-b]benzo[f]quinoline and Quinolino[4,3-b]benzo[f]quinoline Derivatives in Aqueous Media
Authors: Wang Xiang-Shan , Zhang Mei-Mei , Zeng Zhao-Sen , Shi Da-Qing , Tu Shu-Jiang , Wei Xian-Yong , Zong Zhi-Min
Published: August 2005

A short and simple synthesis of chromeno[4,3-b]benzo[f]quinoline and quinolino[4,3-b]benzo[f]quinoline derivatives were accomplished in high yields via the reaction of N-benzilidenenaphthalen-2-amine and 4-hydroxycoumarin or 4-hydroxyquinolin-2-one in aqueous media catalyzed by TEBAC. The structures were established by spectroscopic data and further confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis.
Assessment of the criteria for elective surgery in screen-detected abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Scott R Alan P , Kim Lois G , Ashton Hilary A ,   Multi-centre Aneurysm Screening Study Group
Published: August 2005

Objectives: Apart from aortic diameter, two other widely used criteria for considering surgery in screen-detected abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) - annual aortic expansion ≥1.0 cm and presence of symptoms attributable to the AAA 0 are based on accepted practice and AAA expansion rates, rather than direct evidence. The Multi-centre Aneurysm Screening Study (MASS) enables assessment of their contribution to this risk reduction.

Methods: MASS employs three criteria for referral for considering elective open surgery: maximum aortic diameter ≥5.5 cm, rapid aortic expansion (≥1.0 cm/year), and/or the presence of symptoms attributable to the AAA. Data from MASS are used to examine the value of these criteria in practice.

Results: No patients were referred for symptoms alone. Of those referred for rapid expansion, 88% were returned to surveillance, compared with only 12% of those referred for diameter ≥5.5 cm at initial scan, and 34% of those referred for diameter ≥5.5 cm at a follow-up scan. Return to surveillance following referral for rapid expansion was strongly associated with aortic diameter (age-adjusted odds ratio for return 0.89 per mm, 95% confidence interval 0.79-1.00). Of those 5.0-5.4 cm at the time of referral for rapid expansion who were returned, 31% reached 5.5 cm during a median post-referral follow-up of 0.9 years. Among those referred for expansion, the rupture rate was only 8 per 1000 person-years of follow-up prior to reaching 5.5 cm.

Conclusions: A single criterion for considering elective surgery is recommended in screen-detected AAA, based on a maximum aortic diameter of ≥5.5 cm. This criterion detects the majority of those at risk from rupture, and is simple to assess.
The effects of fluid penetration and interfacial porosity on the fixation of cemented femoral components
Authors: Iesaka K. , Jaffe W. L. , Jones C. M. , Kummer F. J.
Published: August 2005

We have investigated the role of the penetration of saline on the shear strength of the cement-stem interface for stems inserted at room temperature and those preheated to 37°C using a variety of commercial bone cements. Immersion in saline for two weeks at 37°C reduced interfacial strength by 56% to 88% after insertion at room temperature and by 28% to 49% after preheating of the stem. The reduction in porosity as a result of preheating ranged from 71% to 100%. Increased porosity correlated with a reduction in shear strength after immersion in saline (r = 0.839, p < 0.01) indicating that interfacial porosity may act as a fluid conduit.
The role of sex hormones in the kinetics of chondrocytes in the growth plate
Authors: Irie T. , Aizawa T. , Kokubun S.
Published: August 2005

Sex hormones play important roles in the regulation of the proliferation, maturation and death of chondrocytes in the epiphyseal growth plate. We have investigated the effects of male castration on the cell kinetics of chondrocytes as defined by the numbers of proliferating and dying cells. The growth plates of normal rabbits and animals castrated at eight weeks of age were obtained at 10, 15, 20 and 25 weeks of age.

Our study suggested that castration led to an increase in apoptosis and a decrease in the proliferation of chondrocytes in the growth plate. In addition, the number of chondrocytes in the castrated rabbits was less than that of normal animals of the same age.
Non-vascularised fibular transfer in the management of defects of long bones after sequestrectomy in children
Authors: Steinlechner C. W. B. , Mkandawire N. C.
Published: August 2005

The management of chronic osteomyelitis requires the excision of necrotic and infected material followed by the prolonged administration of antibiotics. Sequestrectomy may be required before an involucrum has formed, resulting in a longitudinal bone defect. This can be difficult to fill. Vascularised grafts are complicated by a high rate of recurrent infection and thrombosis.

We have managed defects of long bones in children after sequestrectomy by the use of non-vascularised fibular grafts harvested subperiosteally and held by an intramedullary Kirschner wire. Eight children underwent this procedure. In six the tibia was involved and in one each the humerus and radius. One patient was lost to follow-up. Six grafts united at both ends within 12 weeks. The seventh developed an infected nonunion distally which united after further debridement. One patient required a further sequestrectomy which did not compromise union.

We have found this to be a straightforward technique with reliable results and were able to salvage the limb in all the seven patients who were reviewed.
Resorbable cement for the augmentation of internally-fixed unstable trochanteric fractures
Authors: Mattsson P. , Alberts A. , Dahlberg G. , Sohlman M. , Hyldahl H. C. , Larsson S.
Published: August 2005

We undertook a multicentre, prospective study of a series of 112 unstable trochanteric fractures in order to evaluate if internal fixation with a sliding screw device combined with augmentation using a calcium phosphate degradable cement (Norian SRS) could improve the clinical, functional and radiological outcome when compared with fractures treated with a sliding screw device alone. Pain, activities of daily living, health status (SF-36), the strength of the hip abductor muscles and radiological outcome were analysed.

Six weeks after surgery, the patients in the augmented group had significantly lower global and functional pain scores (p < 0.003), less pain after walking 50 feet (p < 0.01), and a better return to the activities of daily living (p < 0.05). At follow-up at six weeks and six months, those in the augmented group showed a significant improvement compared with the control group in the SF-36 score. No other significant differences were found between the groups. We conclude that augmentation with calcium phosphate cement in unstable trochanteric fractures provides a modest reduction in pain and a slight improvement in the quality of life during the course of healing when compared with conventional fixation with a sliding screw device alone.
An improved acetabular cementing technique in total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Hogan N. , Azhar A. , Brady O.
Published: August 2005

We have evaluated the effect of vacuum aspiration of the iliac wing on the osseointegration of cement into the acetabulum. We entered a total of 40 patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty into two consecutive study groups. Group 1 underwent acetabular cement pressurisation for 60 seconds before insertion of the acetabular component. Group 2 had the same pressurisation with simultaneous vacuum suction of the ilium using an iliac-wing aspirator. Standard post-operative radiographs were reviewed blindly to assess the penetration of cement into the iliac wing. Penetration was significantly greater in the group with aspiration of the iliac wing.
Three-dimensional anatomy of the hip in osteoarthritis after developmental dysplasia
Authors: Argenson J.-N. , Ryembault E. , Flecher X. , Brassart N. , Parratte S. , Aubaniac J.-M.
Published: August 2005

Using radiography and computer tomography (CT) we studied the morphology of 83 hips in 69 Caucasian adults with osteoarthritis secondary to developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). A previously published series of 310 hips with primary osteoarthritis was used as a control group. According to the Crowe classification, 33 of the dysplastic hips were graded as class I, 27 as class II and 23 as class III or class IV.

The intramedullary femoral canal had reduced mediolateral and anteroposterior dimensions in all groups compared with the control group. Only in Crowe class II hips was the femoral neck-shaft angle increased. The proximal femur had more anteversion in all the developmental dysplasia of the hip groups, ranging from 2° to 80°. Templated measurement of acetabular dimensions for plain radiography closely matched measurements taken by CT.

The results of our study confirm the observations previously confined to the Japanese population.
Revision total knee arthroplasty with the Total Condylar III system in inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Sheng P.-Y. , Jämsen E. , Lehto M. U. K. , Konttinen Y. T. , Pajamäki J. , Halonen P.
Published: August 2005

We report a consecutive series of 16 revision total knee arthroplasties using the Total Condylar III system in 14 patients with inflammatory arthritis which were performed between 1994 and 2000. There were 11 women and three men with a mean age of 59 years (36 to 78). The patients were followed up for 74 months (44 to 122).

The mean pre-operative Knee Society score of 37 points (0 to 77) improved to 88 (61 to 100) at follow-up (t-test, p < 0.001) indicating very good overall results. The mean range of flexion improved from 62° (0° to 120°) to 98° (0° to 145°) (t-test, p < 0.05) allowing the patients to stand from a sitting position. The mean Knee Society pain score improved from 22 (10 to 45) to 44 (20 to 50) (t-test, p < 0.05). No knee had definite loosening, although five showed asymptomatic radiolucent lines. Complications were seen in three cases, comprising patellar pain, patellar fracture and infection.

These results suggest that the Total Condylar III system can be used successfully in revision total knee arthroplasty in inflammatory arthritis.
Patellar height and the inclination of the tibial plateau after high tibial osteotomy
Authors: Brouwer R. W. , Bierma-Zeinstra S. M. A. , van Koeveringe A. J. , Verhaar J. A. N.
Published: August 2005

Our aim was to compare the degree of patellar descent and alteration in angle of the inclination of the tibial plateau in lateral closing-wedge and medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) in 51 consecutive patients with osteoarthritis of the medial compartment and varus malalignment. Patellar height was measured by the Insall-Salvati (IS) and the Blackburne-Peel (BP) ratios. The tibial inclination was determined by the Moore-Harvey (MH) method. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to determine the influence of the type of HTO (closing vs opening wedge) on the post-operative patellar height or tibial inclination. The intra- and interobserver variability of these methods was determined before operation and at follow-up at one year.

After an opening-wedge HTO the patellar height was significantly more decreased (mean post-operative difference: IS = 0.15; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.06 to 0.23; BP = 0.11; 95% CI 0.05 to 0.18) compared with a closing-wedge HTO.

The angle of tibial inclination differed significantly (mean post-operative difference MH = −6.40°; 95% CI −8.74 to −4.02) between the two HTO techniques, increasing after opening-wedge HTO and decreasing after closing-wedge HTO.

There was no clinically-relevant difference in the intra- and interobserver variability of measurements of patellar height either before or after HTO.
Analysis of the risk factors for the development of post-operative spinal epidural haematoma
Authors: Awad J. N. , Kebaish K. M. , Donigan J. , Cohen D. B. , Kostuik J. P.
Published: August 2005

In order to identify the risk factors and the incidence of post-operative spinal epidural haematoma, we analysed the records of 14 932 patients undergoing spinal surgery between 1984 and 2002. Of these, 32 (0.2%) required re-operation within one week of the initial procedure and had an International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9 code for haematoma complicating a procedure (998.12). As controls, we selected those who had undergone a procedure of equal complexity by the same surgeon but who had not developed this complication. Risks identified before operation were older than 60 years of age, the use of pre-operative non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and Rh-positive blood type. Those during the procedure were involvement of more than five operative levels, a haemoglobin < 10 g/dL, and blood loss > 1 L, and after operation an international normalised ratio > 2.0 within the first 48 hours. All these were identified as significant (p < 0.03). Well-controlled anticoagulation and the use of drains were not associated with an increased risk of post-operative spinal epidural haematoma.
Evidence, policy and practice: developing collaborative approaches in Scotland
Authors: Wimbush Erica , Harper Helen , Wight Daniel , Gruer Laurence , Lowther Matthew , Fraser Shirley , Gordon Jacki
Published: August 2005

English

While many of the drivers for evidence-based policy and practice are UK wide, there are some distinctive features of the policy and practice contexts in Scotland that have shaped the way in which evidence-based implementation is being forged. Within the field of health improvement policy and practice in Scotland, this paper focuses on what Nutley (2003) refers to as one of the prerequisites of evidence based policy and practice – the development of collaborative mechanisms for bringing closer together those working across research, policy and practice. The first part of the article looks at research–policy–practice collaborations in the development and evaluation of two public health interventions: needle exchanges and teacher-delivered sex education in secondary schools. The second part of the article considers the development of professional roles that are intended to facilitate cross-boundary linkage and exchange between research, policy and practice.
Enabling partnership work in crime reduction: tales from the trenches of evidence-based policy
Authors: Wastell David G.
Published: August 2005

English

The field of crime control is undergoing radical reform in the UK, as are all public services. This article addresses two trends that are central to the modernisation agenda: the shift to partnership working and the use of empirical evidence to inform policy making and practice. It evaluates the potential of geographical information systems to support strategic decision making in the context of local crime reduction partnerships, which were established on a national basis by the 1998 Crime and Disorder Act. A number of salient multi-agency data-sharing initiatives have been launched over recent years, and this study focuses on the experience of one such project (Multi-agency Data Exchange [MADE]) in Lancashire, which was set up to provide a county-wide information brokerage for Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships. The power of spatial coding to integrate data from disparate partner agencies will be of particular interest. The potential of MADE’s evidence base to provide sophisticated criminological analysis is demonstrated through two case studies. Much of this potential has, however, gone unexploited, as will be shown. The article concludes with some methodological reflections on the problems of developing multi-agency information systems, the lessons to be learned from successful projects such as MADE, and the general barriers to evidence-based methods in practical policy making.
Evaluation of a Glass Frit Nebulizer for Use in Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry
Authors: Niemczyk Thomas M. , Espinosa Daniel C.
Published: August 2005

A glass frit nebulizer has been designed and constructed specifically for use in flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Its performance has been compared with that of conventional nebulizers using normal flame conditions. The performance level depends strongly on the pore size of the glass frit used. A fine frit is capable of operation at efficiencies close to 100% for low solution introduction rates. The noise level of the absorption signal when the fine glass frit was used was considerably less than that measured for the conventional nebulizer. The use of glass frits with larger pore sizes does not produce efficiency or noise data quite as good as those measured for the fine frit, but does offer extended operating ranges.
Spectral Investigations of the Effects of 60Co-Gamma Irradiation on Iodothyronine and Iodotyrosines
Authors: Obaid A. , Basahl S. , Diefallah A. , Abu-Eittah R.
Published: August 2005

Solids of 3-iodo-, 3–5–di-iodotyrosine and 3,5-di-iodothyronine were irradiated by 60Co-gamma irradiation for a period of about twenty hours. The effects of irradiation were investigated through a study of the UV and IR spectra of irradiated samples. UV spectra showed the presence of a new band at 360 nm which was assigned to the formation of IO−. IR spectra showed a strong carbonyl absorption and the removal of the carboxylate band in the case of thyronine only. For comparison, the spectra of the studied compounds were investigated before irradiation.
Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry for Elemental Analysis and Isotope Ratio Determinations in Individual Organic Compounds Separated by Gas Chromatography
Authors: Chong N. S. , Houk R. S.
Published: August 2005

A gas chromatograph (GC) with a packed column was interfaced to an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) to yield atomic mass spectra from volatile organic compounds. Atomization of injected compounds was nearly complete and independent of molecular structure, so that elemental ratios could be determined. Detection limits were in the range 0.001 to 400 ng s−1, depending on the ionization energy of the element and its abundance in the background spectrum. The relative standard deviation of measured isotope ratios varied from 0.4% for Br (i.e., a ratio close to unity) to 18% for N (a very large ratio). Thus, GC-ICP-MS provides elemental and isotope ratio information that is complementary to the molecular information derived from GC-MS with conventional ionization methods.
An Automated Temperature Control and Data Acquisition System for Fourier Transform Infrared Studies: Application to Phase Changes in Hydrocarbons and Lipid Bilayers
Authors: Blazyk Jack , Rana Fazale
Published: August 2005

As a means of facilitating temperature-dependent FT-IR studies of liquid samples, a simple, accurate, efficient, and versatile system for automated thermoelectric temperature control and UNIX-based data acquisition is described. With the use of this system, phase changes in an n-alkane, pentadecane, and an aqueous dispersion of a phospholipid, dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, were characterized. The combination of precise temperature regulation, ability to quantitate very small changes in the infrared bands, and careful control of the thermal history of the sample reveals subtle changes in the physical structure of these molecules in a reproducible manner.
Advantageous Apodization Functions for Magnitude-Mode Fourier Transform Spectroscopy
Authors: Lee Judy P. , Comisarow Melvin B.
Published: August 2005

A systematic examination of the efficacy of window functions for reducing the spectral skirt of magnitude-mode Fourier transform spectra is reported. The efficacy is examined for the general case of a damped time-domain signal, with specific cases ranging from undamped to essentially completely damped signals. The choice of the optimal window is dependent upon the required dynamic range and the amount of damping in the time-domain data. For a dynamic range of less than 100:1 and moderate damping, the Hamming window is the window of choice. For larger dynamic ranges or greater damping, the 3-term Blackman-Harris window and the Kaiser-Bessel window are the windows of choice. The 3-term Blackman-Harris window is preferred for a dynamic range of 1,000:1 and the Kaiser-Bessel window is preferred for a dynamic range of 10,000:1. The sensitivity (signal-to-noise ratio) reduction for windows is reported for a damping range from zero to essentially complete damping. All windows examined have the same sensitivity reduction within 25%.
Establishment of Optimum Conditions for ICP Atomic Emission Spectrometry (AES)
Authors: Werner Peter , Friege Henning
Published: August 2005

Several optimization criteria for ICP atomic emission spectrometers have been investigated with respect to precision and sensitivity. The results are discussed with regard to noise characteristics of ICP-AES. For establishing optimum working conditions, shot noise, dark current noise, and all kinds of flicker noise have to be taken into consideration. An empirical criterion for optimization procedures is proposed which covers the relative standard deviations of background and gross signal for high analyte concentration as well as the signal-to-background ratio (SBR). All experiments have been performed with the use of the variable step-size simplex method.
Fourier Transform Infrared Photoacoustic Spectroscopy Characterization of Sulfur-Oxygen Species Resulting from the Reaction of SO2 with CaO and CaCO3
Authors: Martin Meg A. , Childers Jeffrey W. , Palmer Richard A.
Published: August 2005

Fourier transform infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy (FT-IR/PAS) has been used to investigate the reaction of SO2, in He with CaO and CaCO3 particles at temperatures between 25 and 900°C. The reaction of SO2 with CaO occurs at 25°C, while the reaction of CaCO3 with SO2 is first evident at 550°C. The initial product of both of these reactions is CaSO3. The CaSO3 then further reacts with SO2 to form CaSO4, CaS2O3, and CaS at higher temperatures. At 900°C and above, the net production of SO4= and S2O3= is decreased because of the decomposition of SO3=. FT-IR/PAS depth-profiling experiments indicate the formation of a reaction-limiting product layer of SO3= and SO4= from the above reactions on the surface of the CaO and CaCO3 particles.
Investigation of the Multielement Capability of Laser-Enhanced Ionization Spectrometry in Flames for Analysis of Trace Elements in Water Solutions
Authors: Axner O. , Magnusson I. , Petersson J. , Sjöström S.
Published: August 2005

One-step Laser-Enhanced Ionization (LEI) spectrometry of 23 different elements in aqueous solutions has been performed in an acetylene/air flame. All elements were detected by light in the ultraviolet region, produced by frequency doubling of the output from the dye Coumarin 153. This was done in order to investigate the multielement capability of LEI in flames that has been made possible by the recent development of commercially available, widely tunable dyes. Among the elements detected, 9 (As, Au, In, Mn, Pb, Sb, Tl, W, Yb) show detection limits which are superior to those reported in the literature for one-step LEI. The lowest detection limit obtained in this investigation was 1 pg/mL for In. Four of the elements (As, Sb, Yb, W) are reported as being detected by LEI for the first time. The multielement capabilities of LEI as a method for trace element analysis are discussed.
Direct Determination of Copper in Solids by Direct Current Argon Plasma Emission Spectrometry with Sample Introduction Using Laser Ablation
Authors: Mitchell Peter G. , Sneddon Joseph , Radziemski Leon J.
Published: August 2005

A direct-current argon plasma emission spectrometric system with sample introduction using laser ablation has been developed and evaluated for the determination of copper in pelletized powder and solid samples. The use of a low-energy and high-repetition-rate Nd: YAG laser gave a nearly steady-state signal that could be integrated over a relatively long time period of 30 s. This allowed a larger portion of the sample to be probed, and high % RSD—often obtained with single shot laser ablation because of sample inhomogeneities—reduced to 2–6%. The emission intensity was dependent on sample preparation technique, particle size, laser pulse rate, and copper anion. The system was used to directly determine copper in pelletized ore samples with 2–6% RSD, a detection limit of 20 μg g−1, and acceptable accuracy, once the factors described above were controlled.
Reststrahlen Effects in Drift Experiments of Alkali Metal Halides in the Far-Infrared Region
Authors: Martin Kathleen A. , Ferraro John R.
Published: August 2005

DRIFT experiments in the far-infrared region are new. In the course of developing this technique, we have obtained some unusual results with the alkali metal halides due to the reststrahlen phenomenon. Neat solids (powder, single crystal, pressed pellets), as well as matrix (powdered polyethylene) diluted salts, gave inverse peaks (maxima in intensity on a percent T plot and a minima on an absorbance plot). The use of the blocker device on the diffuse reflectance attachment failed to normalize the peaks. The inverted peaks centered in the vTO and vLO phonon regions, with the intensity relation being vTO > vLO. The inverse mode at the low-frequency region near the vTO mode was found always at higher energy than the vTO mode obtained by thin film experiments. It also was accompanied by shoulders on the high- and low-frequency sides. The weaker, higher frequency band was found to occur close to the vLO mode as determined by the Lyddane-Sachs-Teller equation. A Kramers-Kronig dispersion analysis was conducted and the changes in the index of refraction ( n) and the absorption coefficient ( K) were determined for various points around the dispersion frequency.
A Career between Theory and Practice
Authors: Johnson Richard M.
Published: August 2005

The author describes his career in marketing research, which involves a series of nonacademic positions. He argues that the commercial market research environment provides challenges that motivate methodological innovation, and he discusses the development of adaptive conjoint analysis in response to client problems. He suggests that young people should keep their options open, avoid early specialization, and follow their interests.
A Hybrid Choice Model that Uses Actual and Ordered Attribute Value Information
Authors: Bodapati Anand V. , Drolet Aimee
Published: August 2005

In the usual multinomial choice model, consumers choose to use “actual value” information; that is, utilities are continuous functions of product attributes (e.g., choices depend on actual magnitudes of price differences). The authors propose an alternative model in which consumers use only “ordered value” information; that is, utilities are functions only of the relative orderings of the attributes' values across alternatives (e.g., choices depend only on the price ordering and not on actual prices). The ordered value model is attractive because it fits well with psychological evidence that consumers often favor decision mechanisms that are cognitively less demanding. Using a supermarket shopper panel data set, the authors evaluate four models in which (1) all consumers use actual values; (2) all consumers use ordered values; (3) some consumers use actual values all the time, and some consumers use ordered values all the time; and (4) all consumers use both actual values and ordered values but with different propensities. In the analysis, the ordered value model finds stronger support than the actual value model: Model 1 outperforms Model 2; in the two hybrid choice models (Models 3 and 4), ordered value processing is more prevalent than actual value processing. These results suggest that consumers in some product categories engage more heavily in ordered value processing than in actual value processing.
Willful Ignorance in the Request for Product Attribute Information
Authors: Ehrich Kristine R. , Irwin Julie R.
Published: August 2005

Attribute information is not always readily available to consumers. This is especially true for ethical attributes, such as labor practices, environmental friendliness, and so forth. Intuitively, it might be expected that consumers who would use an attribute in their decision making should seek attribute information, especially if it is easily obtainable. In three studies, the authors measure discrepancies between requests for available ethical attribute information and actual use of the same attribute in a conjoint task. In both between-subjects and within-subjects designs, the authors show that consumers (1) underrequest ethical attribute information and (2) are especially likely to show request/use inconsistency if they care about the underlying ethical issue. Negative emotions, especially the avoidance of anger, appear to drive this willful ignorance. These results add to the growing literature on avoidance mechanisms and consumer decision making and may shed light on when ethical attributes do (and do not) play a role in actual purchase behavior.
Temporal Differences in the Role of Marketing Communication in New Product Categories
Authors: Narayanan Sridhar , Manchanda Puneet , Chintagunta Pradeep K.
Published: August 2005

The authors investigate the changing role of marketing communication over the life cycle of a new product category. They postulate two effects of marketing communication on consumers' choices: an “indirect effect” through reduction of uncertainty about product quality and a “direct effect” (i.e., more is better). The authors expect that the indirect effect is relatively larger in the early, postlaunch stages. They develop a structural model of demand that allows for such temporal differences in the roles of marketing communication. They use a random coefficients discrete choice model with a Bayesian learning process to model physician learning about new drugs and market-level data for the prescription antihistamines category. They find that marketing communication has a primarily indirect effect 6–14 months after introduction but that the direct effect subsequently dominates. The results suggest that firms should follow a pattern of heavier communication at the introduction phase followed by lower levels.
Cultural Differences in Consumer Impatience
Authors: Chen Haipeng (Allan) , Ng Sharon , Rao Akshay R.
Published: August 2005

In this article, the authors examine cross-cultural variations in how people discount the future. Specifically, they predict that people from Western cultures are relatively less patient and therefore discount the future to a greater degree than do people from Eastern cultures, and thus Westerners value immediate consumption relatively more. Furthermore, on the basis of regulatory focus theory, the authors predict that when Easterners are faced with the threat of a delay in receiving a product (i.e., a prevention loss), they are more impatient, whereas when Westerners are faced with the threat of not being able to enjoy a product early (i.e., a promotion loss), their impatience increases. This enhanced impatience manifests in preference for expedited consumption of a product purchased online in two studies. In both studies, the authors used a priming methodology on “bicultural” Singaporean participants; the results support the predictions. In the second study, they also found evidence in support of the process-based explanation for the interaction between culture and message framing.
The Role of Selling Costs in Signaling Price Image
Authors: Shin Jiwoong
Published: August 2005

To attract potential customers, retailers often advertise low prices with appeals such as “Prices start at $49” or “One week in the Caribbean from $449.” These appeals are deliberately vague in the sense that they give little information about the product to which the prices refer. The author offers an explanation of how such advertisements can construct a credible price image even with this vagueness. When retailers must incur costs in the process of selling a product, advertising low prices to lure potential consumers can backfire. This is because attracting too many consumers who are less likely to purchase the retailer's higher-priced products on the basis of vague promises imposes unwanted selling costs but yields little extra revenue. Therefore, a store with a relatively high selling cost will be dissuaded from attempting to use such a strategy. The author shows analytically that such advertising can be credible only when there is a substantial difference in retailers' costs or when the selling cost is high.