bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Religious Values and Environmental Concern: Harmony and Detachment*
Authors: Biel Anders , Nilsson Andreas
Published: February 2005

Objective. The thought that environmental concern is rooted in religious beliefs and values has been raised by many writers. Different claims have been made about whether the nature of this relationship is positive or negative, and empirical evidence is mixed. In line with research on attitudes and values, this study examines the hypothesis that unless religious values are mentally accessible, they will not affect judgments of environmental issues.

Method. Two environmental issues, genetically modified crops and more traditional environmental issues, for example, air pollution from traffic, are chosen to represent accessibility and nonaccessibility, respectively. A two‐wave data set from a national survey is analyzed.

Results. The findings support the suggestion that religious values will affect the judgment of environmental threats of the first, but not the second, issue.

Conclusion. These findings suggest that situational cues partly determine which values embodied in religion will influence environmental attitudes.
Cortisol levels in umbilical vein and umbilical artery with or without antenatal corticosteroids
Authors: Manabe Masahiro , Nishida Tomoko , Imai Tadashi , Kusaka Takashi , Kawada Kou , Okada Hitoshi , Okubo Kensuke , Isobe Kenichi , Itoh Susumu
Published: February 2005

Abstract 
Background
: The developmental changes of the umbilical cortisol levels in neonates at gestational age of 23–41 weeks were studied and the effect of antenatal steroid administration on the umbilical cortisol levels were examined.

Methods
: Cortisol levels in the umbilical vein (UV) and the umbilical artery (UA) were studied in 35 neonates at the gestational age (GA) of 23–41 weeks with or without antenatal administration of corticosteroids. Serum cortisol concentrations were measured by the high performance liquid chromatography method.

Results
: The correlation between cortisol levels in UV and birthweight (BW) was weak and negative in premature infants. UV cortisol levels in the neonates with antenatal corticosteroid were lower than those in the neonates without antenatal corticosteroid, but the relation was not significant. The developmental changes of UV cortisol levels were the same as those in Murphy's study (spontaneous‐onset labor). The cortisol levels in UV and UA had a significantly positive correlation and both had almost equal concentrations. There were no correlations between cortisol levels in UV and placental weight, Apgar Score at 1 and 5 min.

Conclusions
: In the neonates whose birthweight was less than 2000 g without antenatal corticosteroid, there was a negative correlation between cortisol levels in UV and BW but there was no correlation between cortisol levels in UV and GA. That the neonates with antenatal corticosteroid would have a suppressed adrenocortical function after birth could not be proved.
Physical fitness in rural children compared with urban children in Turkey
Authors: Özdirenç Mehtap , Özcan Ayse , Akin Fatma , Gelecek Nihal
Published: February 2005

Abstract 
Background
: In a crowded modern world it is vital that the promotion of sport and exercise should be compatible with environmental and public health outcomes. This study aims to investigate the effects of environmental factors, lifestyle and leisure time activities on physical fitness in rural and urban children.

Methods
: A cross‐sectional observational study of 98 rural and 74 urban healthy children (aged 9–11 years) was conducted in Turkey. A questionnaire was used in collecting information about the children's physical activity habits and their school's facilities. The physical fitness of children was evaluated with EUROFIT test battery.

Results
: The rural children preferred to play football and volleyball while the urban children had a tendency to prefer indoor sports. The percent of urban children not involved in any sports activity was 35%, while this rate was 30.6% for rural children. It was also found that the urban children watched TV more than the rural children (13.4 ± 2.7 h/week, 10.9 ± 2.7 h/week, respectively). The results showed that body mass index and skinfolds thickness were higher in the urban children (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the hip–waist ratio or the hip and waist circumference between the two groups. In cardiopulmonary and motor fitness, no difference was found between the two groups. In contrast, flexibility and muscle endurance were significantly higher in the rural children.

Conclusion
: The children living in the urban areas were more inactive and obese, which resulted in a decrease in their flexibility and muscle endurance fitness.
Plasma carnitine levels in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Korkmaz Ayse , Tekinalp Gulsevin , Coskun Turgay , Yigit Sule , Yurdakok Murat
Published: February 2005

Abstract 
Background
: Antenatal carnitine administration has been shown to induce fetal lung maturity by increasing pulmonary surfactant in animal and human studies. In this study, the aim was to investigate the status of carnitine in maternal and neonatal plasma of preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in the first hours of life.

Methods
: Maternal plasma carnitine levels were determined before delivery and neonatal plasma carnitine levels were determined within 2 h of birth in preterm infants (< 34 weeks gestational age) who developed RDS in the first 6 h of life and in the control group.

Results
: The mean neonatal plasma free carnitine level was significantly lower in preterm infants with RDS than in the control group (28.3 ± 8.8 µmol/L and 36.9 ± 18.4 µmol/L, respectively; P < 0.05) while the mean maternal plasma‐free carnitine levels were similar in both groups.

Conclusions
: Low neonatal plasma carnitine levels in preterm infants with RDS may be due to decreased maternal–fetal transfer of carnitine or to increased consumption of carnitine in fetal lung tissue for surfactant synthesis. This could be a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants.
Lower energy content of human milk than calculated using conversion factors
Authors: Hosoi Satoko , Honma Kazuhiro , Daimatsu Takaki , Kiyokawa Masaaki , Aikawa Tomoko , Watanabe Shaw
Published: February 2005

Abstract 
Background
: Bodyweight gain of formula‐fed babies is usually higher than that of breast‐fed ones. The energy content of human milk is usually quantified not by direct measurement but by calculation based on The Standard Tables of Food Composition in Japan. For this study, the energy of human milk was quantified in two ways, using a direct measurement and a calculation method.

Methods
: A total of 227 milk samples (192 colostrum, 21 transitional milk, and 14 mature milk) were collected from 114 healthy women. Energy of the whole milk was measured by ballistic bomb calorimetry. The content of protein, fat, and carbohydrate was determined by direct measurement methods. Energy of the milk was also calculated according to the indices in The Standard Tables.

Results
: The mean value for all milk samples of directly measured energy was significantly lower than that of the calculated energy (58.1 ± 8.1 vs. 64.5 ± 10.6 kcal/100 g, n = 227, P < 0.05). Similar results were observed in colostrum and transitional milk but not in mature milk. Measured energy in mature milk was significantly higher than that in colostrum (64.2 ± 3.6 vs. 57.1 ± 8.0 kcal/100 g, P < 0.05). Protein concentration in mature milk was significantly lower than that in colostrum (1.4 ± 0.4 vs. 2.2 ± 0.7 g/100 g, P < 0.05).

Conclusions
: The measured energy content of human milk was lower than the calculated energy based upon the Standard Tables, suggesting that formula milk contains excessive energy.
Changes in hepatitis C‐related liver disease in a large clinic population
Authors: Ostapowicz G. , Dallinger M. , Bell S. J. , Strasser S. I. , Watson K. J. R. , Slavin J. , Santamaria J. , Desmond P. V.
Published: February 2005

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant problem in the Australian community. Over the past few years, the number of patients with diagnosed hepatitis C has increased greatly. The aims of the present study were to define the clinical features of a large group of patients with chronic HCV infection and to examine changes occurring in the referral base and epidemiological characteristics of this group since analysis of the first 342 patients in 1994.

Methods: The study included 1546 consecutive anti‐HCV‐positive patients who had been referred to St Vincent's Hospital from January 1990 to June 1998. Clinical and laboratory data were collected on all patients.

Results: Referrals from general practitioners increased from 31% to 70% of all patients between 1990–1993

and 1994–1998. A history of injecting drug use (IDU) was present in 64% of the patients. While 89% of the IDU group was Australasian born, 49% of those in the sporadic group were born overseas. Cirrhosis was found in 18% of biopsied patients. Age, infection duration, age at infection, Mediterranean or Asian origin and a history of transfusion or lack of HCV risk factors were associated with cirrhosis on univariate analysis. Patient age was the only independent predictor of cirrhosis.

Conclusion: The majority of patients with HCV are diagnosed in general practice. A risk factor for infection is identified in 82% of patients. While our reported prevalence of cirrhosis may be an overestimate of that in the overall HCV community, the ultimate disease burden is likely to be significant. (Intern Med J 2001; 31: 90–96)
Prospective study of 424 cases of Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia: determination of factors affecting incidence and mortality
Authors: Hill P. C. , Birch M. , Chambers S. , Drinkovic D. , Ellis‐Pegler R. B. , Everts R. , Murdoch D. , Pottumarthy S. , Roberts S. A. , Swager C. , Taylor S. L. , Thomas M. G. , Wong C. G. , Morris A. J.
Published: February 2005

Background: Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (SAB) is a common complication of S. aureus infection and is associated with a high mortality.

Aims: To document prospectively the pattern of ill‐ ness associated with SAB in New Zealand and, by recording patient demographic factors and clinical features, to identify risk factors associated with a poor outcome.

Methods: From 1 July 1996 to 31 December 1997, adults with SAB were prospectively studied in six tertiary care hospitals. All information obtained from patients’ records was recorded on worksheets and transferred to a computerized spreadsheet for analysis.

Results: There were 424 patients with SAB. Maori (relative risk (RR) = 1.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.3–2.6) and Pacific Island people (RR = 4.0, 95% CI = 3.1–5.3) were significantly more likely than people of European descent to acquire SAB, but not to die from the infection. Fifty per cent of cases were community acquired. A source was identified for 85%: intravenous catheter (31%), primarily hospital acquired, and skin/soft tissue (22%), primarily community acquired, were the most common foci. The 30‐day mortality was 19%, 83% of whom died within 2 weeks. Risk factors for a poor outcome were: increasing age above 60, female sex (RR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.0–2.1), diabetes mellitus (RR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.0–2.4), immunosuppression (RR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.0–2.4), pre‐existing renal impairment (RR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.2–2.7), malignancy (RR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.4–3.5), lung as a source (RR = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.9–4.2) and unknown source (RR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.5–3.3). Mortality was also accurately predicted by two multifactor scoring systems. There was a low rate of methicillin resistance (5%).

Conclusions: Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia is more likely to occur in certain ethnic groups, while mortality is associated with other identifiable risk factors and continues to be high. Intravenous catheters remain the most common and most preventable cause of SAB. (Intern Med J 2001; 31: 97–103)
Eco‐friendly methodologies for the synthesis of some aromatic esters, well‐known cosmetic ingredients
Authors: Villa C. , Baldassari S. , Gambaro R. , Mariani E. , Loupy A.
Published: February 2005

Synopsis

Solid–liquid solvent‐free phase transfer catalysis (PTC) and acidic catalysis in dry media were applied, with noticeable improvement and simplification over classical procedures in a Green Chemistry context, to the synthesis of some aromatic esters useful as cosmetic ingredients: 3‐methylbutyl 4‐methoxycinnamate, 2‐ethylhexyl 4‐methoxycinnamate, 2‐ethylhexyl 4‐(dimethylamino)benzoate and 2‐ethylhexyl salicylate, well‐known ultraviolet B sunscreen filters; 4‐isopropylbenzyl salicylate, UV absorber and cutaneous antilipoperoxidant; propyl 4‐hydroxybenzoate and butyl 4‐hydroxybenzoate (parabens), antimicrobial agents. The reactions were performed under microwave (MW) activation and conventional heating. The best results for the synthesis of cinnamic, salicylic and 4‐(dimethylamino)benzoic esters were achieved by in situ preformed carboxylates alkylation with alkyl bromides using PTC. The 4‐hydroxybenzoates were obtained in good yields by classical esterification of the acid with alcohols using a simple heterogeneous mixture of reagents with catalytic amounts of p‐toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA). The comparisons of yields and thermal profiles under either MW or conventional heating were studied and reported.
Effect of hair color on luster
Authors: Keis K. , Ramaprasad K. R. , Kamath Y. K.
Published: February 2005

The effect of color on instrumentally evaluated luster of hair dyed to different colors and depths of shades is studied. For natural hair colors, such as blond, brown and black, the increase in luster with increasing color is associated with a decrease in diffusely scattered light as a result of light absorption by melanin granules. On dyed hair the interpretation of data from a goniophotometer (GP) is more complicated. Using the colors covering the extremes and middle of the visible spectrum, our results demonstrate how dye composition (single or multicomponent), concentration and penetration depth into the fiber affect the absorptive and scattering processes within the hair fiber to impact luster. Finally, we make an attempt to study the effect of hair color on subjective evaluation of luster. An equation for perceived luster, taking into account the spectral sensitivity of the human eye is derived. Theoretical considerations show that the human eye perceives the luster of hair of different colors differently.
Hair color changes caused by dyeing and thermal treatments
Authors: Santos Nigeria A. C. , Canapés C. , Charnels C. , Gasper A. , Jokes I. S.
Published: February 2005

The aim of this study was to show the effect of heat exposure, dyeing and shampooing on hair color as measured by diffuse reflectance spectrophotometry. Successive dyeing of virgin hair with six permanent commercial formulations showed that color saturation was obtained after the first dyeing cycle. An unexpectedly high difference in hair color saturation, measured as DE* values, was obtained for virgin hair samples that differed only in cleansing history. After six sequential washings of the dyed hair samples, no difference was observed in color durability, indicating that the adhesion strength is similar to long‐lasting and tone‐up dyeing formulations. Exposure to a hot plate at 172 °C showed a significant darkening of the virgin hair samples after 2 min. On the other hand, virgin hair samples exposed to the gentler heat of a hand dryer (~60 °C) showed partial disappearance of the hair medulla after 60 min. However, values of total color difference were near the error limit.
Stability study of lipoic acid in the presence of vitamins A and E in o/w emulsions for cosmetic application
Authors: Segall A. , Sosa M. , Alami A. , Enero C. , Hormaechea F. , Pizzorno M. T. , Bregni C. , Serrao R.
Published: February 2005

The effectiveness of any cosmetic product containing a functional ingredient is determined by the skin delivery of the active molecule, which is influenced by the type of carrier and the molecule itself. Furthermore, the functional ingredient should be stable in the formulation. The purpose of this paper is to study the stability of lipoic acid in the presence of vitamins A (as palmitate) and E (as acetate) in semisolids for cosmetic use. The systems formulated were studied in regard to their aspect, pH, stability under centrifugation and rheological behavior. The chemical analyses of lipoic acid and vitamins A and E were carried out by HPLC after studying the specificity of the method employed in each case. The quantitation of the active principles was performed by HPLC with C18 (5 μm) columns. The mobile phase was methanol for the vitamins, with spectrophotometric detection at 325 nm for vitamin A and 230 nm for vitamin E. The mobile phase for lipoic acid was methanol : water (80 : 20) and phosphoric acid at pH 3.0, with spectrophotometric detection at 332 nm. All systems were stable to centrifugation, and no significant modification of rheological behavior was observed in relation to the base emulsion used as control. The chemical studies performed indicated that although lipoic acid is not very stable in these formulations, the presence of vitamin A favors its chemical stability.
Comparative study between the viscoelastic behaviors of different lipid nanoparticle formulations
Authors: Souto E. B. , Wissing S. A. , Barbosa C. M. , Muller R. H.
Published: February 2005

Application of drug substances to the skin for systemic absorption or action in a particular layer of the skin is a rather old approach. However, over the last years it has received much more attention, as a consequence of the development of new membrane‐moderated and matrix reservoir devices. As new reservoir systems, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN™) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC™) have been successfully tested for dermal application of different physicochemical substances. The knowledge obtained from rheological investigations of these systems may be highly useful for the characterization of the newly developed topical formulation. In the present study, an oscillation frequency sweep test was used for the evaluation of storage modulus (G_), loss modulus (G_), and complex viscosity (_*) of 12 different SLN and NLC formulations, over a frequency range from 0 to 10 Hz. The lipidic aqueous dispersions were prepared using three different solid lipids (Softisan_138, Compritol_888 and stearyl alcohol) as matrix material. Miglyol_812, tocopherol, sunflower oil and long‐chain triacylglycerols were the chosen liquid lipids for NLC preparation. The objective of the present work was to investigate the effect of these different liquid lipids on the rheological properties of aqueous dispersions of NLC as model systems. It was found that the liquid oil component of the formulation has a strong influence on the viscoelastic parameters, which are dependent on the particle size, zeta potential and crystallinity of the lipid particles, as well as on the solid lipid used.
Prospective PC-interactive Pressure Algesimetry of Post-Traumatic Neck pain after Whiplash Injury
Authors: Nebel K , Stude P , Lüdecke C , Wiese H , Diener H-C , Keidel M
Published: February 2005

Cervical pain is a prominent symptom in both acute whiplash injury and late whiplash syndrome. However, no systematic analysis of post-traumatic pain development covering several weeks has yet been performed in whiplash patients. It was the aim of the present study to analyse the duration and course of post-traumatic muscle pain due to whiplash injury in a prospective follow-up examination with short investigation intervals. A recovery of initially increased muscle pain after whiplash injury within 1 month was hypothesized. Pressure pain of the splenius and trapezius muscles was recorded using PC-interactive pressure algesimetry. Whiplash patients were investigated during the acute injury stage and after 3, 4, and 6 weeks and compared with matched controls. We found significantly increased pressure pain of the splenius and trapezius muscles in the acute stage of whiplash injury. After 4 weeks patients' scores of pain parameters were comparable to those of healthy control subjects. Within the patient group the first changes of pressure pain were observed within 3 (splenius) and 4 weeks (trapezius). For most patients the recovery dynamics lasted 4-6 weeks. A minority of patients did not show any improvement after 6 weeks. The present study shows that the dynamics of pressure pain due to whiplash injury can be quantified by means of PC-interactive pressure algesimetry. Our results confirm the clinical experience that the acute post-traumatic cervical syndrome normally subsides within weeks.
Sumatriptan Causes Parallel Decrease in Plasma Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) Concentration and Migraine Headache During Nitroglycerin Induced Migraine Attack
Authors: Juhasz G , Zsombok T , Jakab B , Nemeth J , Szolcsanyi J , Bagdy G
Published: February 2005

Sumatriptan-induced changes in plasma calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) concentration and headache intensity were investigated in 19 female migraineurs during nitroglycerin-induced migraine attack. Sumatriptan nasal spray was administered 120 min after the onset of the attack. Blood samples were obtained immediately before and 60 min after sumatriptan administration. In those subjects whose migraine attack improved considerably 60 min after the treatment the plasma CGRP concentration decreased significantly ( P < 0.05). In contrast, plasma CGRP concentration failed to change in patients whose headache did not improve. In addition, plasma CGRP concentrations showed significant positive correlations with the headache scores both 60 and 120 min after sumatriptan administration ( P < 0.05). According to our results plasma CGRP concentration decreases parallel to headache intensity during sumatriptan treatment and this decrease in CGRP predicts effectiveness of antimigraine drug therapy. This supports that one of the main effects of triptans is to decrease CGRP release.
SENSITIVITY OF INVESTOR REACTION TO MARKET DIRECTION AND VOLATILITY: DIVIDEND CHANGE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Authors: Docking Diane Scott , Koch Paul D.
Published: February 2005

We examine whether investor reactions are sensitive to the recent direction or volatility of underlying market movements. We find that dividend change announcements elicit a greater change in stock price when the nature of the news (good or bad) goes against the grain of the recent market direction during volatile times. For example, announcements to lower dividends elicit a significantly greater decrease in stock price when market returns have been up and more volatile. Similarly, announcements to raise dividends tends to elicit a greater increase in stock price when market returns have been normal or down and more volatile, although this latter tendency lacks statistical significance. We suggest an explanation for these results that combines the implications of a dynamic rational expectations equilibrium model with behavioral considerations that link the responsiveness of investors to market direction and volatility.
SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE INVESTING AND PORTFOLIO DIVERSIFICATION
Authors: Bello Zakri Y.
Published: February 2005

I use a sample of socially responsible stock mutual funds matched to randomly selected conventional funds of similar net assets to investigate differences in characteristics of assets held, portfolio diversification, and variable effects of diversification on investment performance. I find that socially responsible funds do not differ significantly from conventional funds in terms of any of these attributes. Moreover, the effect of diversification on investment performance is not different between the two groups. Both groups underperform the Domini 400 Social Index and S&P 500 during the study period.
END‐OF‐DAY PRICING IN THE U.S. TREASURY MARKET: A COMPARISON OF GovPX AND THE FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF NEW YORK
Authors: Jordan Susan D. , Kuipers David R.
Published: February 2005

We compare end‐of‐day indicative U.S. Treasury prices from GovPX and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (FRBNY). We find that the two sources rarely quote identical prices, and differences are not simply due to noise or rounding. The average bid price differential is 2 cents for notes and bonds, but it is only 1/10 of 1 cent for bills. Bid‐ask spreads in both sources appear to be largely artificial and contain limited information. Finally, we find that the end‐of‐day indicative FRBNY bid prices are closer to true intraday GovPX market quotes than end‐of‐day indicative quotes provided by GovPX itself.
Severe temporomandibular dysfunction and joint destruction after intra‐articular injection of triamcinolone
Authors: Schindler C. , Paessler L. , Eckelt U. , Kirch W.
Published: February 2005

Background:  Steroid injections into joints are frequently used to control symptomatic pain. Risks associated with intra‐articular steroid injections are not well documented.

Methods:  We report the case of a 29‐year‐old woman who was referred to a dental surgeon because of a suspected relationship between persisting chronic back pain and an arthrosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Results: The dental surgeon diagnosed capsulitis of the right TMJ and injected 40 mg triamcinolone into the joint. Within 4 months the patient developed progressive pain and trismus of the right TMJ and the intra‐articular injection was repeated. An occlusal splint slightly improved the patients’ symptoms but induced crepitus. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a disk dislocation in the right TMJ and severe necrosis of the condyle. The patient had persisting pain and ankylosis. Surgical restoration of the TMJ revealed a bony apposition in the fossa deformed with the socket of the joint, extensive medial erosion of the condyle and complete destruction of the disk.

Conclusion:  This case report supports earlier observations that intra‐articular glucocorticoid injections, if used in a wrong way, may cause severe destruction of a joint.
Expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and vascular endothelial growth factor in oral squamous cell carcinoma: its correlation with angiogenesis and disease progression
Authors: Shang Zheng Jun , Li Jin Rong
Published: February 2005

Background:  Angiogenesis is a crucial step in the successful growth, invasion, and metastasis of a tumor. It has been popularly accepted that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the most potent angiogenic factor in tumor angiogenesis. As another possible star molecule responsible for tumor angiogenesis, the role of nitric oxide (NO) in tumor biology has gained much attention in recent years. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and VEGF in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is associated with angiogenesis. The present study also made a preliminary exploration of the possible cross‐talking existing between eNOS and VEGF during tumor angiogenesis.

Methods:  In this study, expression of eNOS and VEGF were studied immunohistochemically in tissue sections from 40 patients with OSCC and 20 normal controls. To exclude eNOS antibody cross‐reactivity with inducible or neuronal nitric oxide (iNOS or nNOS), eNOS expression was confirmed by using an eNOS mRNA in situ hybridization kit. The intratumoral microvessels were highlighted by immunostaining with anti‐factor VIII‐related antigen monoclonal antibody and counted as well‐established methods. Then, chi‐square test or Student's t‐test was performed to study the correlations between the expression of eNOS and VEGF, microvessel density (MVD), and various clinicopathologic factors.

Results:  Both eNOS and VEGF expression significantly increased in OSCC tissues, with a positive rate of 47.5% and 50%, respectively. The average MVD in OSCC tissues was 23.45 per high‐power field (HPF), showing an obvious association with lymph node metastasis and clinical stages of patients with OSCC. Either eNOS or VEGF positivity was correlated with vessel involvement and OSCC progression. The mean MVD was significantly higher in eNOS‐ or VEGF‐positive tumors than in eNOS‐ or VEGF‐negative tumors. An obvious, correlation was also seen between eNOS and VEGF expression in OSCC tissues in this study.

Conclusions:  Overexpression of eNOS and VEGF might make an important contribution to the tumor angiogenesis in OSCC. NO generation by eNOS might be implicated in the VEGF‐associated angiogenic process. Further investigation of the possible cross‐talking between eNOS and VEGF with respect to tumor angiogenesis is necessary.
Sclerosing mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the oral cavity
Authors: Ide F. , Obara K. , Enatsu K. , Mishima K. , Saito I.
Published: February 2005

Sclerosing mucoepidermoid carcinoma (SMEC) with eosinophilia is a rare but distinctive tumor usually affecting the thyroid. SMEC involvement of salivary gland is exceptional, with only six cases in the literature. We present here the first case of an intermediate‐grade SMEC, arising from the intraoral minor salivary glands. A particularly interesting finding is the cytoplasmic accumulation of eosinophilic hyaline granules in carcinoma cells, similar to aberrant zymogen‐like granules previously described in salivary sclerosing polycystic adenosis.
Histologic evaluation of temporomandibular arthritis induced by mild mechanical loading in rabbits
Authors: Fujimura Kazuma , Kobayashi Susumu , Suzuki Toshikazu , Segami Natsuki
Published: February 2005

Background:  We still lack knowledge of causative factors in arthritis related to temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The goal of the present study was to investigate whether applying a mechanical loading on the glenoid fossa can induce arthritis.

Methods:  Coil springs were placed in 24 rabbits so as to exert a force of 100 g between the orbital edge and the antegonial notch. At 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks after the surgery, six samples of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) were removed for histologic examination.

Results:  The results showed that mild synovitis began 1–2 weeks after the start of loading, and the degree of synovitis was significant at 4 weeks, and that morphologic changes occurred in the articular eminence and condyle, while type II collagen in the cartilage of the articular eminence degraded prior to that in the condyle.

Conclusions:  Our results revealed that mild, continuous mechanical loading to the glenoid fossa induces synovitis of the articular capsule, and induces organic changes of the articular cartilage without destroying these tissues.
Skin capillary network recognition and analysis by means of neural algorithms
Authors: Sainthillier Jean‐Marie , Gharbi Tijani , Muret Patrice , Humbert Philippe
Published: February 2005

Background: The intra‐dermal capillary network can be easily assessed by a computerized videomicroscope system. Nevertheless, finding capillary loops automatically in an image is a difficult yet important first step in order to achieve microcirculation analysis.

Methods: A detection system was tested by combining videocapillaroscopy and principal component analysis (PCA). Our goal was to build a generic detector of capillary associated with a retinally connected neural network filter. The filter examines small windows of an image, and decides with this detector whether each window contains a capillary or not.

Results: Comparisons with manual detections showed that the system has a detection rate of 82% on test set A containing 100 good‐quality images of the scalp. A detection rate of 65% was obtained on test set B containing 50 images with noisy background and large artifacts. The performance was increased by a color detector with a detection rate of 71% on the last test. These results correspond to a false detection rate lower than or equal to 10%.

Conclusion: This neural filter system is capable of real‐time processing; it recognizes capillaries anywhere in an image, and operates successfully under wide range of lighting and noisy conditions.
Automatic lesion boundary detection in dermoscopy images using gradient vector flow snakes
Authors: Erkol Bulent , Moss Randy H. , Joe Stanley R. , Stoecker William V. , Hvatum Erik
Published: February 2005

Background: Malignant melanoma has a good prognosis if treated early. Dermoscopy images of pigmented lesions are most commonly taken at × 10 magnification under lighting at a low angle of incidence while the skin is immersed in oil under a glass plate. Accurate skin lesion segmentation from the background skin is important because some of the features anticipated to be used for diagnosis deal with shape of the lesion and others deal with the color of the lesion compared with the color of the surrounding skin.

Methods: In this research, gradient vector flow (GVF) snakes are investigated to find the border of skin lesions in dermoscopy images. An automatic initialization method is introduced to make the skin lesion border determination process fully automated.

Results: Skin lesion segmentation results are presented for 70 benign and 30 melanoma skin lesion images for the GVF‐based method and a color histogram analysis technique. The average errors obtained by the GVF‐based method are lower for both the benign and melanoma image sets than for the color histogram analysis technique based on comparison with manually segmented lesions determined by a dermatologist.

Conclusions: The experimental results for the GVF‐based method demonstrate promise as an automated technique for skin lesion segmentation in dermoscopy images.
Depth profile of diffuse reflectance near‐infrared spectroscopy for measurement of water content in skin
Authors: Arimoto Hidenobu , Egawa Mariko , Yamada Yukio
Published: February 2005

Background/purpose: The penetration depth of light in diffuse reflectance near‐infrared spectroscopy for measuring water content in skin is assessed both from theoretical and experimental points of view.

Methods: The Monte Carlo simulation was implemented to investigate the dependencies of the light penetration depth on a source–detector distance. To compare with the simulation results, an in vivo experiment for water contents of skin was performed introducing two different optical fiber probes.

Results: It is found that the minimum separation between a source and detector fibers influences largely the measurement depth. The larger separation leads to a deeper measurement depth at a particular wavelength. The measurement depth is also influenced fairly by the absorption coefficient of the tissue. The larger absorption coefficient results in a shallower measurement depth.

Conclusion: The correlations between the water contents measured by the optical and capacitance techniques were discussed. The dependencies of the light penetration depth on the source‐detector geometry and wavelength are presented.
The hypomagnesic rat model: dermatitis‐prone hairless rats with mild magnesium depletion fed a diet low in lipids did not develop pruritic dermatitis
Authors: Thomsen J. S. , Nielsen P. L. , Serup J.
Published: February 2005

Background/purpose: In the hypomagnesic dermatosis of rats, low‐dietary magnesium leads to lowered serum Mg2+, universal dermatitis and scratching. The model is postulated to work better if the diet also has a low content of lipids. Pruritus is seen in patients suffering from anorexia nervosa and resolves on weight restoration. Lipid depletion of the diet and/or lowered body weight may therefore be important in developing pruritus. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether a diet low in lipids can induce pruritus in dermatitis prone rats because of mild magnesium depletion thereby focusing on the role of lipids in the hypomagnesic dermatosis rat model.

Methods: Fourteen male hairless rats, 3 weeks of age, were fed a diet deficient in lipids and with a lower content of magnesium for a 4‐week period and compared with 11 controls fed a normal diet. The skin was inspected daily and transepidermal water loss (TEWL), serum Mg2+ and scratching activity were measured. At the end, skin biopsies were taken from the flank and ears.

Results: Serum Mg2+ was significantly lowered in the diet group (P<0.001) but the rats developed no dermatitis or increased TEWL compared with 11 rats in a control group. Biopsies were normal with no sign of inflammation. Rats in the diet group had inferior weight gain, were less active and spent more time asleep than control rats (P<0.01). Furthermore, scratching activity monitored in the last week of the study as the number of scratch‐sequences per awake minute was reduced in the diet group (P<0.001).

Conclusion: The lipid‐deficient diet was not able to induce pruritic dermatitis despite the fact that the rats were dermatitis prone because of mild magnesium depletion. It is not confirmed that dietary lipid depletion plays any significant role in the hypomagnesic dermatitis rat model. The dermatitis and the model appear to be strictly dependent on efficient magnesium depletion manufactured with very low magnesium levels.
New Nitrogen-Rich Tripodal Molecules Based on Bis(pyrazol-1-ylmethyl)amines with Substituents Modulating Steric Hindrances and Electron Density of Donor Sites
Authors: Garbacia Stefania , Hillairet Caroline , Touzani Rachid , Lavastre Olivier
Published: February 2005

Eight new substituted bis(pyrazol-1-ylmethyl)amines have been prepared in one step condensation of 1-(hydroxymethyl)-3,5-disubstituted pyrazoles with a series of primary amines. The effect of substituents of divers bulkiness and electron donor/acceptor power that have been introduced to these tridentate molecules is visualised by 1H NMR spectroscopy.
Interesting Solvent Area in Crystal Structures of Two Natural Ergot Alkaloids
Authors: Klepetářová Blanka , Čejka Jan , Kratochvíl Bohumil , Pakhomova Svetlana , Císařová Ivana , Cvak Ladislav , Jegorov Alexandr
Published: February 2005

The structures of ergotamine bis(benzene) solvate (1) and ergocristine bis(benzene) solvate (2) are reported. Both structures crystallise in theP212121space group with cell parameters:1,a= 14.2968(3) Å,b= 15.4700(2) Å,c= 17.8123(4) Å, andV= 3939.57(13) Å3;2,a= 11.8358(2) Å,b= 17.6469(3) Å,c= 19.7125(3) Å, andV= 4117.25(12) Å3. Unexpectedly, despite the chemical similarity, structures of1and2significantly differ not only in the unit cell parameters, but also in the packing. Whereas in1solvent cavities are separated, there is only one unusual continuous solvent area in2filled with benzene, forming independent three-dimensional structure.
Synthesis, X-ray Crystal Structure and Antiestrogenic Activity of 17-Methyl-16,17-secoestra-1,3,5(10)-triene Derivatives
Authors: Sakač Marija N. , Miljković Dušan A. , Penov Gaši Katarina M. , Popsavin Mirjana , Klisurić Olivera R. , Stanković Slobodanka M. , Andrić Silvana , Kovačević Radmila
Published: February 2005

Starting from 3-(benzyloxy)-16-(hydroxyimino)-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-one (1) several 17-methyl-16,17-secoestratriene derivatives were synthesized. In the first step of synthesis, hydroxyimino ketone 1 was transformed into 3-(benzyloxy)-16-(hydroxyimino)-17α-methylestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17β-ol (2), the Beckmann fragmentation of which gave 3-(benzyloxy)-17-methyl-17-oxo-16,17-secoestra-1,3,5(10)-triene-16-nitrile (3a). Reduction of 3a with sodium borohydride yielded (17S)-3-(benzyloxy)-17-hydroxy-17-methyl-16,17-secoestra-1,3,5(10)-triene-16-nitrile (4a), whose configuration at the newly formed chiral center was established by X-ray structural analysis. Catalytic hydrogenation of compound 3a under different reaction conditions yielded 3-hydroxy-17-methyl-17-oxo-16,17-secoestra-1,3,5(10)-triene-16-nitrile (3b) and 16-amino-17-methyl-16,17-secoestra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,17-diol (6b). Biological tests in vivo of compounds 3b and 6b showed their moderate antiestrogenic activity.
Synthesis of Racemic 9-(6- and 2,6-Substituted 9H-Purin-9-yl)-5-oxatricyclo[4.2.1.03,7]nonane-3-methanols, Novel Conformationally Locked Carbocyclic Nucleosides
Authors: Hřebabecký Hubert , Masojídková Milena , Holý Antonín
Published: February 2005

(1R*,3R*,6R*,7S*,9S*)- and (1R*,3R*,6R*,7S*,9R*)-9-Amino-5-oxatricyclo[4.2.1.03,7]nonane-3-methanols (16aand17a) were prepared from 2-(hydroxymethyl)bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2-methanol (10) in five easy steps. The amines16aand17awere used to construct 6-chloro-9H-purine20and21, 2-amino-6-chloro-9H-purine30and31, and 6-chloro-8-methyl-9H-purine analogues34and35. Ammonolysis of these compounds led to 6-amino-9H-purine22aand23a, 2,6-diamino-9H-purine32and33, and 6-amino-8-methyl-9H-purine derivatives of 5-oxatricyclo[4.2.1.03,7]nonane-3-methanol36and37. (1R*,3R*,6R*,7S*,9S*)- and (1R*,3R*,6R*,7S*,9R*)-9-[6-(Dimethylamino)-9H-purin-9-yl]-5-oxatricyclo[4.2.1.03,7]nonane-3-methanols (22band23b), and (1R*,3R*,6R*,7S*,9S*)- and (1R*,3R*,6R*,7S*,9R*)-9-[6-(cyclopropylamino)-9H-purin-9-yl]-5-oxatricyclo[4.2.1.03,7]nonane-3-methanols (22cand23c) were prepared by aminolysis of20and21.
A GENERAL COVARIANT SYMPLECTIC STRUCTURE FROM CONSERVATION LAWS
Authors: BASINI GIUSEPPE , CAPOZZIELLO SALVATORE
Published: February 2005

A covariant symplectic structure can be identified, in general, starting from conservation laws connected to generic Hamiltonian invariants constructed from covariant vectors, bivectors and tensors. This feature leads to both holonomic and anholonomic formulations of Hamilton equations and Poisson brackets and it seems a deep link common to all interactions including gravity. A key role in the approach is played by affine connections instead of metric.
THE SWING OPTION ON THE STOCK MARKET
Authors: DAHLGREN MARTIN , KORN RALF
Published: February 2005

The valuation of a Swing option for stocks under the additional constraint of a minimum time distance between two different exercise times is considered. We give an explicit characterization of its pricing function as the value function of a multiple optimal stopping problem. The solution of this problem is related to a system of variational inequalities. We prove existence of a solution to this system and discuss the numerical implementation of a valuation algorithm.
MODELING THE RISK AND RETURN RELATION CONDITIONAL ON MARKET VOLATILITY AND MARKET CONDITIONS
Authors: GALAGEDERA DON U. A. , FAFF ROBERT
Published: February 2005

This paper investigates whether the risk-return relation varies, depending on changing market volatility and up/down market conditions. Three market regimes based on the level of conditional volatility of market returns are specified — "low", "neutral" and "high". The market model is extended to allow for these three market regimes and a three-beta asset-pricing model is developed. For a set of US industry sector indices using a cross-sectional regression, we find that the beta risk premium in the three market volatility regimes is priced. These significant results are uncovered only in the pricing model that accommodates up/down market conditions.
Alterations in hepatic glucagon receptor density and in Gsα and Giα2protein content with diet-induced hepatic steatosis: effects of acute exercise
Authors: Charbonneau Alexandre , Melancon Alexandre , Lavoie Carole , Lavoie Jean-Marc
Published: February 2005

The present study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that a high-fat diet-induced liver lipid infiltration is associated with a reduction of hepatic glucagon receptor density (Bmax) and affinity ( Kd), and with a decrease in stimulatory G protein (Gsα) content while enhancing inhibitory G protein (Giα2) expression. We also hypothesized that, under this dietary condition, a single bout of endurance exercise would restore hepatic glucagon receptor parameters and G protein expression to standard levels. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed either a standard (SD) or a high-fat diet (HF; 40% kcal) for 2 wk ( n = 20 rats/group). Each dietary group was thereafter subdivided into a nonexercised (Rest) and an acute-exercised group (Ac-Ex). The acute exercise consisted of a single bout of endurance exercise on a treadmill (30 min, 26 m/min, and 0% slope) immediately before being killed. The HF compared with the SD diet was associated with significantly ( P < 0.05) higher values in hepatic triglyceride concentrations (123%), fat pad weight, and plasma free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations. The HF diet also resulted in significantly ( P < 0.05) lower hepatic glucagon receptor density (45%) and Gsα protein content (75%), as well as higher ( P < 0.05) Giα2protein content (27%), with no significant effects on glucagon receptor affinity. Comparisons of all individual liver triglyceride and Bmaxvalues revealed that liver triglycerides were highly ( P < 0.003) predictive of the decreased glucagon receptor density ( R = −0.512). Although the 30-min exercise bout resulted in some typical exercise effects ( P < 0.05), such as an increase in FFA (SD diet), a decrease in insulin levels, and an increase in plasma glucagon concentrations (SD diet), it did not change any of the responses related to liver glucagon receptors and G proteins, with the exception of a significant ( P < 0.05) decrease in Giα2protein content under the HF diet. The present results indicate that the feeding of an HF diet is associated with a reduction in plasma membrane hepatic glucagon receptor density and Gsα protein content, which is not attenuated by a 30-min exercise bout. It is suggested that liver lipid infiltration plays a role in reducing glucagon action in the liver through a reduction in glucagon receptor density and glucagon-mediated signal transduction.
β-Agonist stimulation produces changes in cardiac AMPK and coronary lumen LPL only during increased workload
Authors: An Ding , Kewalramani Girsh , Qi Dake , Pulinilkunnil Thomas , Ghosh Sanjoy , Abrahani Ashraf , Wambolt Rich , Allard Michael , Innis Sheila M. , Rodrigues Brian
Published: February 2005

Given the importance of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in cardiac and vascular pathology, the objective of the present study was to investigate whether the β-agonist isoproterenol (Iso) influences cardiac LPL. Incubation of quiescent cardiomyocytes with Iso for 60 min had no effect on basal, intracellular, or heparin-releasable (HR)-LPL activity. Similarly, Iso did not change HR-LPL in Langendorff isolated hearts that do not beat against an afterload. In the intact animal, LPL activity at the vascular lumen increased significantly in the Iso-treated group, together with a substantial increase in rate-pressure product. This LPL increase was likely via mechanisms regulated by activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and inactivation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC280). In glucose-perfused hearts, simply switching from Langendorff to the isolated working heart (that beats against an afterload) induced increases in AMPK and ACC280phosphorylation and enhanced HR-LPL activity. Provision of insulin and albumin-bound palmitic acid to the working heart was able to reverse these effects. In these hearts, introduction of Iso to the buffer perfusate duplicated the effects seen when this β-agonist was given in vivo. Our data suggest that Iso can influence HR-LPL only during conditions of increased workload, mechanical performance and excessive energy expenditure, and likely in an AMPK-dependent manner.