bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transactors, transformers and beyond
Authors: Pearce Craig L. , Sims Henry P. , Cox Jonathan F. , Ball Gail , Schnell Eugene , Smith Ken A. , Trevino Linda
Published: April 2003

Extends the transactional‐transformational model of leadership by deductively developing four theoretical behavioral types of leadership based on a historical analysis of leadership literature. Then, in an exploratory empirical phase, uses two data sets to inductively develop alternative models of leadership types. Finally, with a third data set,tests several theoretically plausible typologies using second‐order confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The results of the CFA generally support the existence of four leadership types: directive leadership, transactional leadership, transformational leadership, and empowering leadership.
The “art” of questionnaire construction: some important considerations for manufacturing studies
Authors: Synodinos Nicolaos E.
Published: April 2003

This article reviews research findings related to the “art” of constructing survey questionnaires. It discusses some of the important issues that should be considered in gathering quality data via questionnaires, provides general suggestions for their construction, includes a comprehensive list of important reference sources, and examines some of the survey‐based studies published in Integrated Manufacturing Systems. Constructing a good questionnaire requires a thorough grasp of the intricacies of the topical area and detailed knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of the different survey administration modes. In addition, questionnaire construction entails close attention to details about the wording of questions, their instructions, their response choices, and their sequence. Most importantly, the research instrument should be refined based on guidance from repeated pretests. Well‐constructed questionnaires can ensure the consistent meaning of the questions across respondents and can contribute to data quality by decreasing both item and unit nonresponse.
Effect of workstation loading on the objective of the systems’s entry policy in FMS
Authors: Doulgeri Z. , Kehris E.
Published: April 2003

This paper attempts to reveal the interrelationships between the workstation loading and system entry policies and in particular to investigate the adverse or positive effects of workstation loading on the objective which the entry policy is trying to achieve. This analysis is made through a computer simulation study of an existing flexible assembly plant for printed circuit boards. Dynamic performance indicators are defined and are shown to be crucial in revealing the effect of workstation loading. The analysis of the simulation results shows that in general, the workstation policy is beneficial when it takes into account an important local system parameter which is not considered by the entry policy, and furthermore, when it is able to attain at least the value of the dynamic performance indicator dictated by system entry policy.
Integrating fuzzy logic into decision suppport systems: current research and future prospects
Authors: Metaxiotis Kostas , Psarras John , Samouilidis Emanuel
Published: April 2003

Companies deal with many decision‐making processes whose impact on the global performance can be very strong. As a consequence, the role of the decision support systems (DSSs) within the organization is critical. Considering the imprecise or fuzzy nature of the data in real‐world problems, it becomes obvious that the ability to manage uncertainty turns out to be a crucial issue for a DSS. In this framework, this paper discusses the key role of fuzzy logic (FL) in the DSSs, presents new applications of FL in DSSs in various sectors and identifies new challenges and new directions for further research.
Facilitating, accelerating, and sustaining the innovation diffusion process: an epidemic modeling approach
Authors: Hivner Walter , Hopkins Willie E. , Hopkins Shirley A.
Published: April 2003

Our focus in this article is on a conceptual framework that has the potential to help managers achieve the goals of facilitating, accelerating, and sustaining the innovation diffusion process in organizations. We use concepts and variables from epidemic modeling to develop a series of algebraic equations that mathematically demonstrates the process by which innovative ideas are diffused throughout organizations, and then derive a set of propositions from the equations that specify how variables in the equations might be affected to facilitate, accelerate, and sustain the innovation diffusion process. After identifying strategies designed to affect these variables, we discuss factors that may be required to implement the strategies successfully. Finally, we discuss other factors that managers should consider as they take actions to facilitate, accelerate, and sustain the innovation diffusion process.
Strengthening learning processes in natural resource management in developing countries through interdisciplinary and problem‐oriented learning
Authors: Dohn Helge , Gausset Quentin , Mertz Ole , Müller Torsten , Oksen Peter , Triantafillou Peter
Published: April 2003

In 1998 three Danish universities developed an interdisciplinary, problem‐oriented curriculum in order to strengthen capacity‐building capabilities in the area of environmental education, training and research at universities and research organisations in Malaysia and Thailand earmarked for environment and development assistance by the Danish government. The programme, which was partly implemented in developing countries as periods of fieldwork, represented important educational innovations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate these activities. The distinct principles forming the educational foundation of the programme were identified. These related to the curriculum organization, the learning tasks and the learning environment. The first step in a cogent evaluation process was to examine how the educational principles were oprerationalized into practical teaching/learning steps. In the next step, they formed the criteria for the evaluation. On the basis of quantitative and qualitative data it was shown that the programme fulfilled the stipulated accademic requirements.
The need for inclusion of environmental education in undergraduate engineering curricula
Authors: Abdul‐Wahab Sabah A. , Abdulraheem Mahmood Y. , Hutchinson Melanie
Published: April 2003

Environmental degradation is a global concern and an increasing one. Increasing population pressures, escalating consumption patterns and rapid industrial development are key contributors to this degradation. There is a growing recognition that sustainable development policies, plans and actions have a better chance of being implemented when they are supported by an educated, informed public. The objective of this paper is to highlight the need for the inclusion of environmental education into the curricula of engineering studies in order to raise environmental awareness at an early stage in their careers. The main aim of such environmental education is to provide engineers with the background to environmental issues such that they develop solutions that take into account the needs of the natural environment and which seek to minimise any negative impact.
pH Dependence of structural stability of interleukin‐2 and granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor
Authors: Ricci Margaret Speed , Sarkar Casim A. , Fallon Eric M. , Lauffenburger Douglas A. , Brems David N.
Published: April 2003

After a cytokine binds to its receptor on the cell surface (pH ∼7), the complex is internalized into acidic endosomal compartments (pH ∼5–6), where partially unfolded intermediates can form. The nature of these structural transitions was studied for wild‐type interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) and wild‐type granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF). A noncoincidence of denaturation transitions in the secondary and tertiary structure of IL‐2 and tertiary structural perturbations in G‐CSF suggest the presence of an intermediate state for each, a common feature of this structural family of four‐helical bundle proteins. Unexpectedly, both IL‐2 and G‐CSF display monotonic increases in stability as the pH is decreased from 7 to 4. We hypothesize that such cytokines with cell‐based clearance mechanisms in vivo may have evolved to help stabilize endosomal complexes for sorting to lysosomal degradation. We show that mutants of both IL‐2 and G‐CSF have differential stabilities to their wild‐type counterparts as a function of pH, and that these differences may explain the differences in ligand trafficking and depletion. Further understanding of the structural changes accompanying unfolding may help guide cytokine design with respect to ligand binding, endocytic trafficking, and, consequently, therapeutic efficacy.
Effect of Endwall Motion on Blade Tip Heat Transfer
Authors: Srinivasan V. , Goldstein R. J.
Published: April 2003

Local mass transfer measurements were conducted on the tip of a turbine blade in a five-blade linear cascade with a blade-centered configuration. The tip clearance levels ranged from 0.6 to 6.9% of blade chord. The effect of relative motion between the casing and the blade tip was simulated using a moving endwall made of neoprene mounted on the top of the wind tunnel. Data were obtained for a single Reynolds number of 2.7×105 based on cascade exit velocity and blade chord. Pressure measurements indicate that the effect of endwall motion on blade loading at a clearance of 0.6% of blade chord is to reduce the pressure gradients driving the tip leakage flow. With the introduction of endwall motion, there is a reduction of about 9% in mass transfer levels at a clearance of 0.6% of chord. This is presumably due to the tip leakage vortex coming closer to the suction side of the blade and ‘blocking the flow,’ leading to reduced tip gap velocities and hence lower mass transfer.
Peroxiredoxin Evolution and the Regulation of Hydrogen Peroxide Signaling
Authors: Wood Zachary A. , Poole Leslie B. , Karplus P. Andrew
Published: April 2003

Eukaryotic 2-Cys peroxiredoxins (2-Cys Prxs) not only act as antioxidants, but also appear to regulate hydrogen peroxide–mediated signal transduction. We showthat bacterial 2-Cys Prxs are much less sensitive to oxidative inactivation than are eukaryotic 2-Cys Prxs. By identifying two sequence motifs unique to the sensitive 2-Cys Prxs and comparing the crystal structure of a bacterial 2-Cys Prx at 2.2 angstrom resolution with other Prx structures, we define the structural origins of sensitivity. We suggest this adaptation allows 2-Cys Prxs to act as floodgates, keeping resting levels of hydrogen peroxide low, while permitting higher levels during signal transduction.
STRING COSMOLOGY
Authors: KRANIOTIS G. V.
Published: April 2003

In this work, we review recent work on string cosmology. The need for an inflationary era is well known. Problems of Standard Cosmology such as horizon, flatness, monopole and entropy find an elegant solution in the inflationary scenario. On the other hand no adequate inflationary model has been constructed so far. In this review we discuss the attempts that have been made in the field of string theory for obtaining an adequate Cosmological Inflationary Epoch. In particular, orbifold compactifications of string theory which are constrained by target-space duality symmetry offer as natural candidates for the role of inflatons the orbifold moduli. Orbifold moduli dynamics is very constrained by duality symmetry and offers a concrete framework for discussing Cosmological Inflation. We discuss the resulting cosmology assuming that nonperturbative dynamics generates a moduli potential which respects target-space modular invariance. Various modular forms for the nonperturbative superpotential and Kähler potential which include the absolute modular invariant j(T) besides the Dedekind eta function η(T) are discussed. We also review scale-factor duality and pre-Big-Bang scenarios in which inflation is driven by the kinetic terms of the dilaton modulus. In this context we discuss the problem of graceful exit and review recent attempts for solving the problem of exiting from inflation. The possibility of obtaining inflation through the D-terms in string models with anomalous UA(1) and other Abelian factors is reviewed. In this context we discuss how the slow-roll problem in supergravity models with F-term inflation can be solved by D-term inflation. We also briefly review the consequences of duality for a generalized Heisenberg uncertainty principle and the structure of space–time at short scales. The problem of the Cosmological Constant is also briefly discussed.
PHYSICS OF EXTREMELY HIGH ENERGY COSMIC RAYS
Authors: BERTOU XAVIER , BORATAV MURAT , LETESSIER-SELVON ANTOINE
Published: April 2003

Over the last third of the century, a few tens of events, detected by ground-based cosmic ray detectors, have opened a new window in the field of high-energy astrophysics. These events have macroscopic energies — exceeding 5×1019 eV —, unobserved sources — if supposed to be in our vicinity —, an unknown chemical composition and a production and transport mechanism yet to be explained. With a flux as low as one particle per century per square kilometer, only dedicated detectors with huge apertures can bring in the high-quality and statistically significant data needed to answer those questions. In this article, we review the present status of the field both from an experimental and theoretical point of view. Special attention is given to the next generation of detectors devoted to the thorough exploration of the highest energy ranges.
THE SEARCH FOR STABLE, MASSIVE, ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
Authors: PERL MARTIN L. , KIM PETER C. , HALYO VALERIE , LEE ERIC R. , LEE IRWIN T. , LOOMBA DINESH , LACKNER KLAUS S.
Published: April 2003

In this paper we review the experimental and observational searches for stable, massive, elementary particles other than the electron and proton. The particles may be neutral, may have unit charge or may have fractional charge. They may interact through the strong, electromagnetic, weak or gravitational forces or through some unknown force. The purpose of this review is to provide a guide for future searches — what is known, what is not known, and what appear to be the most fruitful areas for new searches. A variety of experimental and observational methods such as accelerator experiments, cosmic ray studies, searches for exotic particles in bulk matter and searches using astrophysical observations is included in this review.
FEMTOSECOND ELECTRON DYNAMICS ON SOLID SURFACES PROBED BY ION SCATTERING AND STIMULATED DESORPTION OF SECONDARY IONS
Authors: SOUDA RYUTARO
Published: April 2003

In this article, the mechanism of electronic transitions during scattering and stimulated desorption of ions from solid surfaces is discussed. Reactive ions such as H + and O + experience transient chemisorption during scattering from solid surfaces. These ions are neutralized almost completely on metal and semiconductor surfaces due to the band effect on resonance neutralization. The neutralization probability of H + is suppressed considerably on highly ionic compound surfaces and is dependent on the target species due to the formation of the bound state (on cations) or the surface molecule (on anions). Because of this, the H - ion is formed preferentially on the cationic site rather than on the anionic site. The noble-gas ions are neutralized via the Auger process so that the neutralization probability is basically independent of the band effect. The stimulated desorption of secondary O + and F + ions does not exhibit the band effect. This is because the desorption is initiated by the core hole state, which is followed by ionization via the intra-atomic Auger decay after breakage of the chemisorptive bond. The stimulated desorption of H + might occur from the valence holes but is more likely to be caused by the core-excited OH species via the interatomic Auger decay. The core hole is created not only by the electron and photon irradiation but also by the energetic ion bombardment due to the nonadiabatic transition of the primary ion/s core hole. Also presented are some applications of ion scattering and ion stimulated desorption for the analysis of the diffusion/segregation dynamics of oxygen and hydrogen on solid surfaces.
DYNAMICS OF RELAXATION OSCILLATIONS
Authors: PHILLIPSON PAUL E. , SCHUSTER PETER
Published: April 2003

Relaxation oscillations are characteristic of periodic processes consisting of segments which differ greatly in time: a long-time span when the system is moving slowly and a relatively short time span when the system is moving rapidly. The period of oscillation, the sum of these contributions, is usually treated by singular perturbation theory which starts from the premise that the long span is asymptotically extended and the short span shrinks asymptotically to a single instant. Application of the theory involves the analysis of adjacent dynamical regions and multiple time scales. The relaxation oscillations of the Stoker–Haag piecewise-linear discontinuous equation and the van der Pol equation are investigated using a simpler analytical method requiring only the connection at a point of the two dynamical fast and slow regions. Compared to the results of singular perturbation theory, the quantitative results of the present method are more accurate in the Stoker–Haag case and marginally less accurate in the van der Pol case. The relative simplicity of the formulation suggests extension to three-dimensional systems where relaxation oscillations can become unstable leading to bistability, multiple periodicity and chaos.
PARAMETRIC OPTICAL SOLITONS IN BRAGG RESONANT MEDIA
Authors: ASSANTO GAETANO , CONTI CLAUDIO , DE SARIO MICHELE , TRILLO STEFANO
Published: April 2003

Temporal solitary waves in material systems yielding a quadratic nonlinear response and in the presence of a Bragg grating are theoretically identified and numerically investigated for the specific case of second-harmonic generation. Their peculiar and intriguing features are reviewed and discussed in view of potential applications.
PHONON DISSIPATION IN STIMULATED BRILLOUIN SCATTERING
Authors: HSU HSIUNG , LI TONG-NING
Published: April 2003

The concept of Manley–Rowe relationship1 for lossless nonlinear interactions is extended to include the effect of loss and is applied to investigate the phonon dissipation of stimulated Brillouin scattering in long optical fibers.
MULTIWAVELENGTH GENERATION OF DUAL-CAVITY BRILLOUIN/ERBIUM FIBER LASERS
Authors: ABD-RAHMAN M. KAMIL , ABDULLAH M. KHAZANI , AHMAD HARITH
Published: April 2003

Dual-cavity Brillouin/erbium fiber laser demonstrate a multiwavelength output in a cavity comprises of nonlinear Brillouin gain and linear EDF gain. The system consists of two erbium-doped fiber lasers EDFL sharing a single mode fiber to produce bidirectional Stokes signals. One of the cavities was made to incur a higher cavity loss and this results in a wavelength-shift of the EDF peak gain. The cavity coupling leads to a slightly broader EDF peak gain and hence increases the number of Stokes lines. The dual-cavity BEFL generates an output of 22 GHz-comb 2×15-channels at 1560 nm that can be used for DWDM system.
OPTICAL LIMITING STUDIES IN PHOTOREFRACTIVE PURE AND IRON-DOPED Bi12SiO20 CRYSTALS
Authors: AITHAL P. SREERAMANA , KIRAN P. PREM , RAO D. NARAYANA
Published: April 2003

Optical limiting characteristics of pure and 150 ppm Fe-doped Bi 12 SiO 20 (BSO:Fe) crystals are studied at high intensity nanosecond pulse regime. When the input light is at 532 nm and at 595 nm with 6 ns pulse duration, a good optical limiting behavior is observed due to simultaneous effect of trap assisted excited state absorption and two photon absorption. The precise role of the internal defects due to impurity centers present in the crystal lattice is explained on the basis of a four level model. This study reveal that the increased nonlinear absorption due to iron incorporation in BSO makes it an excellent passive optical limiter.
MEASUREMENT OF INTRINSIC ARTICULAR JOINT STABILITY
Authors: Zobitz M. E. , Halder A. M. , Berglund L. J. , Kuhl S. G. , An Kai-Nan
Published: April 2003

Concavity-compression is an important mechanism for keeping a joint centered despite a large range of motion. The purpose of this study was to explain how the results of a test measuring the joint intrinsic stability can be interpreted and related to joint architecture. As an example, the method was demonstrated for the glenohumeral joint although the versatility allows any articulating joint, whether natural or prosthetic, to be analyzed. The initial slope from the central point was relatively steep, indicating a large resistance to translation. The peak translation force occurred within the first 5 mm of displacement for the glenohumeral joint, indicating a high congruence between the humerus and glenoid surfaces. Stability ratio, calculated as the maximum translation force divided by the applied joint compressive force, makes it possible to compare the stabilizing effect under different compressive loads for different anatomical directions. In hanging arm position, the joint stability ratio ranged from 30.5% to 60.1%. Finally, the effective depth of the concavity and the maximum range of joint translation can be measured by completely dislocating the joint. For the glenohumeral specimen, the smallest glenoid concavity depth, 3.8 mm, occurred in the anterior direction. The joint translation limit was smallest in the anterior-posterior direction (28.0 mm). The methodology presented in this study will allow consistent testing parameters between different trials, easily allowing parametric studies to gain a more complete understanding of articular joints.
Compensation Increase in Organic Anion Excretion in Rats with Acute Biliary Obstruction: Role of the Renal Organic Anion Transporter 1
Authors: Brandoni Anabel , Quaglia Nora B. , Torres Adriana M.
Published: April 2003

The purpose of the present study was to examine in rats the effects of acute bile duct ligation on the expression of the organic anion transporter 1 in the kidney and the consequences of these effects on the systemic clearance of organic anions, particularly on p-aminohippurate (PAH) clearance, since it has been viewed as the prototypic organic anion. Male Wistar rats underwent bile duct ligation (BDL rats). Pair-fed sham-operated rats served as controls. All studies were carried out 21 h after surgery. Our data revealed that BDL rats had a higher expression of organic transporter 1 protein in kidney cortex homogenates. Accordingly, systemic clearance of PAH and urinary excretion of PAH were both higher in BDL rats. These findings suggest that impairment of the liver function after BDL is followed by a distinct and statistically significant increase in renal excretion of PAH, indicating a possible compensation mechanism.
Effect of Perfluorooctyl Bromide on Bacterial Growth
Authors: Jung Rose , Pendland Susan L. , Martin Steven J.
Published: April 2003

Background: Perfluorooctyl bromide (PFOB) is administered directly into the lungs of critically ill patients during partial liquid ventilation. This adjunctive therapy facilitates respiratory support in lung-injured patients and potentially interacts with pathogens in patients with pneumonia. The purpose of this study was to determine the interaction of PFOB with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Methods: The antimicrobial activity of PFOB against P. aeruginosa was determined using modified time-kill methods. PFOB concentrations of 25, 50, 75, 90 and 99% were studied. Electron microscopy was used to evaluate morphologic changes following PFOB exposure to the organism. Results: Viable counts at baseline were approximately 1 log10 lower when P. aeruginosa was exposed to PFOB compared to controls. Significant bacterial killing occurred over the first 2 h for the 90% (p = 0.023) and 99% (p = 0.045) PFOB concentrations versus control. Electron microscopy demonstrated that PFOB disturbs the bacterial cell wall, and produces vacuolizations within the cell. Conclusions: PFOB kills P. aeruginosa in a concentration-dependent manner through disruption of the cell architecture.
Levofloxacin Kills Chlamydia pneumoniae and Modulates Interleukin 6 Production by HEp-2 Cells
Authors: Baltch Aldona L. , Smith Raymond P. , Ritz William J. , Carpenter-Knaggs Andrea , Michelsen Phyllis B. , Carlyn Cynthia J. , Bopp Lawrence H. , Hibbs Jonathan R.
Published: April 2003

Background:Chlamydia pneumoniae is known to cause acute respiratory infection and more recently it has been studied as a pathogen causing inflammatory changes in chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis. This study addresses the antichlamydial effect of levofloxacin and its role in modulation of a proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 production by uninfected and infected HEp-2 cells. Methods: HEp-2 cell monolayers were infected with previously prepared and frozen aliquots of C. pneumoniae [1 × 103 inclusion-forming units (IFU)/ml] by centrifugation for 30 min and incubation at 37°C for 1 h. Infected monolayers were treated with levofloxacin (3 or 8 µg/ml) immediately after infection (0 h) or 24 h after infection. Monolayers were examined daily for 96 h after infection by counting inclusions with fluorescently labeled antichlamydial monoclonal antibody. Aliquots of disrupted monolayers were titrated to determine the numbers of viable C. pneumoniae IFU/ml. IL-6 concentrations in cell supernatants were determined by ELISA assays. Results: Infected HEp-2 cells produced IL–6. Noninfected HEp-2 cells demonstrated modulation of IL-6 production by levofloxacin. No viable C. pneumoniae were detected in infected HEp-2 cells when the monolayer was treated with levofloxacin immediately after infection (0 h). In contrast, when cells were treated 24 h after infection, a gradual decline in the number of viable C. pneumoniae occurred; by 96 h into the assay ≧98% of C. pneumoniae were killed. IL-6 concentrations were similar in the supernatants of levofloxacin-treated and nontreated HEp-2 cells. Conclusions: (1) Levofloxacin is effective in eliminating C. pneumoniae from infected HEp-2 cells; (2) although levofloxacin modulates the production of IL-6 in untreated HEp-2 cells, no evidence for such modulation was observed in HEp-2 cells infected with C. pneumoniae. (3) Presence of viable C. pneumoniae may not be necessary for IL-6 production by infected and treated HEp-2 cells.
The Effects of Medroxyprogesterone Acetate on Apoptosis of CD34+ Cells
Authors: Aydin Fazil , Ozdemir Feyyaz , Kavgaci Halil , Yilmaz Mustafa , Karti Sami
Published: April 2003

Background: Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) is widely used in oncology practice, especially in the treatment of gynecological malignancies and cachexia of cancer. Some studies have demonstrated that high-dose MPA might reduce hematological toxicity in patients receiving chemotherapy for solid tumors. The underlying mechanism of this action is still unknown. We aimed to investigate the in vitro effects of MPA on CD34+ cells. Methods: We investigated the in vitro effects of two different doses of MPA (10 and 100 ng/ml) on acidic pH-induced apoptosis of CD34+ cells derived from 12 healthy volunteers. Results: Compared with the control group, we found that MPA at the dose of 100 ng/ml has a negative effect on apoptosis (6.7 ± 3.8 and 12.5 ± 5.0% apoptosis, respectively; p = 0.038) and a positive effect on the number of CD34+ cells (680 ± 294 and 350 ± 131 × 103/ml, respectively; p = 0.009). Conclusion: Our results indicate that further studies are needed on larger populations in order to assess the relationship between MPA and its myeloprotective effect.
Eleven-Year Trends of Stroke in Turku, Finland
Authors: Immonen-Räihä Pirjo , Sarti Cinzia , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Torppa Jorma , Lehtonen Aapo , Sivenius Juhani , Mononen Annikki , Narva Erkki Vihtori
Published: April 2003

The Turku Stroke Register included stroke events at all ages during the years 1982–1992. The incidence of stroke declined in all age groups, even in the oldest one. An even steeper decline was observed in mortality from stroke. Ischemic strokes contributed most to the observed decline, while subarachnoid and intracerebral hemorrhage showed mainly flat trends. Flat trends were also observed for recurrent strokes. The absolute number of strokes remained stable through the study years, but the population above 75 years of age doubled. More than half of the strokes occurred in people aged 75 years or older, and three fourths of them occurred in women. The incidence and mortality rate of ischemic stroke declined steeply in all age groups. Due to an increase in elderly people in the background population, the total number of strokes remained stable. Thus, in spite of the observed declining trends in incidence, the need for stroke care has not diminished.
Lack of Influence of the Apolipoprotein E Genotype on the Outcome of Selegiline Treatment in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Kálmán János , Juhász Anna , Rimanóczy Ágnes , Palotás András , Palotás Miklós , Szabó Zoltán , Boda Krisztina , Márki-Zay János , Janka Zoltán
Published: April 2003

The objective of our study was to investigate whether an interaction exists between apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype and the response of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) to selegiline treatment, and whether APOE genotype independently affects the rate of AD progression. A 48-week multicenter double-blind trial was undertaken on 43 patients with mild to moderate AD. Primary efficacy measures were the AD Assessment Scale (ADAS), an 11-item cognitive subscale of ADAS (ADAS-Cog/11) and the Mini Mental State Examination. Secondary outcome measures were Clinical Global Impression of severity and CGI of change scales. The therapeutic response to selegiline was not affected by APOE genotype. Our results revealed that the APOE4 allele carrier AD probands did not respond better to selegiline treatment than the APOE2–3 patients, i.e. APOE status did not influence the therapeutic outcome of selegiline treatment.
T Cell Response to Amyloid-β and to Mitochondrial Antigens in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Giubilei Franco , Antonini Giovanni , Montesperelli Chiara , Sepe-Monti Micaela , Cannoni Stefania , Pichi Alessandra , Tisei Paolo , Casini Anna Rosa , Buttinelli Carla , Prencipe Massimiliano , Salvetti Marco , Ristori Giovanni
Published: April 2003

Despite the vast amount of literature on non-specific immune mechanisms in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), little is known about the role of antigen-specific immune responses. We investigated T cell reactivity to fragment 1–42 of amyloid-β (Aβ) and to N-terminal peptides of human mitochondrial and control microbial proteins. Thirty subjects with a diagnosis of probable AD according to NINCDS-ADRDA criteria and 30 sex- and age-matched healthy controls were enrolled. T cell responses to Aβ fragment showed no significant differences between AD patients and controls. By contrast, the mean number of positive T cell responses to both human mitochondrial and microbial peptides was significantly decreased in AD patients compared to control subjects. No significant correlation was found between T cell responses and both the severity of cognitive impairment and duration of the disease. Our results suggest that antigen-specific immune responses are impaired in AD. Protective immune responses to harmful amyloidogenic substances may also be impaired, thus favoring their accumulation in the brain.
Interaction of Thyroid-Stimulating Antibody with Graves’ Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone-Binding Antibody
Authors: Ochi Y. , Kajita Y. , Hamazu M. , Nagata A.
Published: April 2003

Objective: Evidence of anti-thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) antibody in Graves’ serum has been reported. We found that extremely high Graves’ anti-TSH antibodies neutralized other Graves’ thyroid-stimulating antibody (TSAb) activity. Method: TSAb-IgG was affinity-purified by Sepharose-bound Graves’ anti-TSH antibody (extremely high). Result: The thyroid-stimulating activity in affinity-purified TSAb-IgG increased about 4–5 times compared to that before purification. TSH-binding inhibitory immunoglobulin (TBII) activity in affinity-purified TSAb-IgG also increased using TSH receptor-coated tube assay. A similar increase of thyroid-stimulating activity accompanied with TBII activity was also observed in affinity-purified TSAb-IgG-F(ab′)2. Conclusion: This suggests the possibility that either TSAb may be an anti-idiotypic antibody against anti-TSH antibody or anti-TSH antibody may be an anti-idiotypic antibody against anti-TSH receptor antibody.
Adrenal Insufficiency and Abnormal Genitalia in a 46XX Female with Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome
Authors: Chemaitilly W. , Goldenberg A. , Baujat G. , Thibaud E. , Cormier-Daire V. , Abadie V.
Published: April 2003

Objective: To report the first case of a 46XX female infant with Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS), adrenal insufficiency and abnormal genitalia. Methods: The patient was assessed for hormonal status on day 4 and 6 months later and was followed-up from the study time (2.5 years of age). Results: The patient had a persistent urogenital sinus, posterior labial fusion without clitoromegaly. She presented with a salt-wasting syndrome on day 4. Adrenal insufficiency was confirmed. Adrenal androgen levels, including 17-hydroxyprogesterone and 11-deoxycortisol were moderately elevated. Conclusion: Children with SLOS should be assessed for adrenal insufficiency. In female infants, abnormal external genitalia can be observed even if the precise mechanism behind these abnormalities is yet to be determined.
A Plurihormonal TSH-Producing Pituitary Tumor of Monoclonal Origin in a Patient with Hypothyroidism
Authors: Ma Wenbin , Ikeda Hidetoshi , Watabe Noriaki , Kanno Mitsunobu , Yoshimoto Takashi
Published: April 2003

Objective: A clinicopathological and clonal study of a pituitary tumor was made in a 26-year-old woman with chronic thyroiditis to differentiate TSH-producing adenoma from TSH hyperplasia. Methods: Tumor specimens were subjected to histopathological study and clonal analysis (HUMARA). Results: Immunohistochemical examination disclosed TSH-beta, PRL, GH, ACTH, FSH-beta, LH-beta, and alpha-subunit production in the adenoma cells. These heterogeneous phenotypes are characteristic of both thyrotroph hyperplasia and plurihormonal TSH-producing adenoma. However, the HUMARA method demonstrated monoclonality of the tumor cells. Conclusion: Monoclonality of the tumor cells proved that the pituitary tumor was plurihormonal TSH-producing adenoma, not TSH hyperplasia.
Success and Failure Suppressing Reflexive Behavior
Authors: Curtis Clayton E. , D'Esposito Mark
Published: April 2003

The dynamic interplay between reflexive and controlled determinants of behavior is one of the most general organizing principles of brain function. A powerful analogue of this interplay is seen in the antisaccade task, which pits reflexive and willed saccadic mechanisms against one another. Event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging of the human brain showed greater prestimulus preparatory activity in the pre-supplementary motor area before voluntary antisaccades (saccades away from a target) compared with reflexive prosaccades (saccades to a target). Moreover, this preparatory activity was critically associated with reflex suppression; it predicted whether the reflex was later successfully inhibited in the trial. These data illustrate a mechanism for top-down control over reflexive behavior.
Lexical and Sublexical Components of Age-related Changes in Neural Activation during Visual Word Identification
Authors: Whiting Wythe L. , Madden David J. , Langley Linda K. , Denny Laura L. , Turkington Timothy G. , Provenzale James M. , Hawk Thomas C. , Coleman R. Edward
Published: April 2003

Positron emission tomography data (Madden, Langley, et al., 2002) were analyzed to investigate adult age differences in the relation between neural activation and the lexical (word frequency) and sublexical (word length) components of visual word identification. The differential influence of these components on reaction time (RT) for word/nonword discrimination (lexical decision) was generally similar for the two age groups, with word frequency accounting for a greater proportion of lexical decision RT variance relative to word length. The influence of word length on RT, however, was relatively greater for older adults. Activation in regions of the ventral occipito-temporal cortex was related to the RT changes associated with word frequency and length for older adults, but not for younger adults. Specifically, older adults' frequency effects were related to activation in both anterior (Brodmann's area [BA] 37) and posterior (BAs 17 and 18) regions of the occipito-temporal pathway, whereas word length effects were only associated with posterior activation (BA 17). We conclude that aging affects the neural mechanisms supporting word identification performance although behavioral measures of this ability are generally constant as a function of age.
Convectively generated gravity waves observed from radiosonde data taken during MCTEX
Authors: Lane Todd P. , Reeder Michael J. , Guest Fiona M.
Published: April 2003

The properties of gravity waves generated by deep tropical convective systems are analysed from radiosonde soundings taken during the Maritime Continent Thunderstorm Experiment, and the results compared against recent cloud‐scale numerical modelling of convectively generated waves. Fluctuations in the ascent rate of the radiosonde are used to characterize the high‐frequency waves, whereas the zonal‐wind fluctuations are used to determine the properties of the inertia–gravity waves. The density‐weighted vertical‐velocity variance shows a pronounced diurnal cycle with the largest‐amplitude gravity waves developing during the early afternoon following the development of deep convection. In contrast, the density‐weighted horizontal‐velocity variance (and, by implication, the inertia–gravity wave activity) shows no diurnal variation. Simple theoretical analysis shows that the observations on 27 November 1995 are consistent with a westward propagating gravity wave with a horizontal wavelength of 17 km and a source frequency equal to 0.007 rad s−1. These findings are consistent also with a high‐resolution numerical model simulation for the same day. Nonetheless, the character of the high‐frequency gravity waves cannot be uniquely determined from a single radiosonde sounding. Copyright © 2003 Royal Meteorological Society
The cost-effectiveness of patient-applied treatments for anogenital warts
Authors: Williams Paul , von Krogh Geo
Published: April 2003

A model was developed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of podophyllotoxin and imiquimod for self-treatment of anogenital warts. The effectiveness endpoint was sustained clearance after treatment and a subsequent follow-up period of approximately 12 weeks. Effectiveness of podophyllotoxin was estimated from a quantitative summary of nine placebo-controlled trials, while effectiveness of imiquimod was based on a quantitative summary of six placebo-controlled trials. Costs were considered from a UK health service provider perspective; drug acquisition costs were obtained from the British National Formulary and health service costs of clinic attendance were based on a recent survey of GUM clinics. The impact of uncertainty was explored in a wide range of one-way and probabilistic (multi-way) sensitivity analyses.

The cost per sustained clearance was 313 for podophyllotoxin and 606 for imiquimod. The modest and statistically insignificant incremental effectiveness of imiquimod was purchased at high cost—2476 per additional sustained clearance. Sensitivity analyses showed the economic superiority of podophyllotoxin to be robust and statistically very significant.
Same-sex sexual activity of male prisoners in England and Wales
Authors: Green J , Strang J , Hetherton J , Whiteley C , Heuston J , Maden T
Published: April 2003

A random sample of 1009 adult male prison inmates from 13 prisons covering short-, medium- and long-term establishments across England and Wales was interviewed about sexual behaviour, drug use and tattooing, inside and outside prison. We report here on their same-sex sexual activity. Thirty-seven men reported having engaged in sexual activity with a man during adulthood. Twenty-two men reported having had sex with a man in prison. Indirect support for this prevalence rate was given by sexually transmitted disease rates and prisoners' estimates of same-sex sexual activity occurring in prison. Twenty out of the twenty-two inmates had engaged in same-sex sexual activity previously outside prison. Two men had sex for the first time in prison (uncoerced). Approximately one-quarter of men who had same-sex sexual activity in prison reported having been coerced into having sex at some point. Same-sex sexual activity appears to be less frequent in the UK prison system as a whole than has previously been suggested.
Epidemiologic correlates of antibody response to human papillomavirus among women at low risk of cervical cancer
Authors: Nonnenmacher B , Pintos J , Bozzetti M C , Mielzinska-Lohnas I , Lorincz A T , Ikuta N , Schwartsmann G , Villa L L , Schiller J T , Franco E
Published: April 2003

A population at low risk for developing cervical cancer in Southern Brazil was studied to identify the main determinants of serological response to human papillomavirus (HPV). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay tests were performed in 976 women to detect serum IgG antibodies against HPV 16 L1 virus-like particles (VLPs) and HPVs 16, 18, 6 and 11 L1 VLPs as a mixture of antigens. Women with four or more sexual partners were more likely to be seropositive than women with one partner (HPV 16 serology odds ratio [OR]=3.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.0-4.8; HPV 6/11/16/18 serology OR=4.64, 95% CI: 3.0-7.2). HPV DNA and both serological responses were associated. Those positives to HPV 16 serology were twice as likely to have a cytological diagnosis of squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs) than seronegatives (OR=2.07; 95% CI: 1.0-4.5, and OR=1.73; 95% CI: 0.8-3.8). Seropositivity to HPV 16 and HPV 6/11/16/18 antigens seem to be better markers of past sexual activity than current HPV infection, and humoral response to HPV 16 or HPV 6/11/16/18 may not be a strong indicator of cervical lesions in populations at low risk for cervical lesions.
Sexual health needs of the under-16s attending an STI clinic: what are they and are they being addressed?
Authors: Rogstad K E , Holkar S , Dewdney A
Published: April 2003

A retrospective analysis was performed on case notes of patients aged less than 16 years who attended a Department of Genito-Urinary Medicine as a new case in 1998. Seventy-four case notes were reviewed. There was a high rate of sexually transmitted infection (STI) (gonorrhoea six [8%], chlamydia 23 [31%], genital warts nine [12%], trichomonas seven [10%]) and low condom (30, 41%) and other contraceptive use (21 females [35%], six males [60%]). Many female attendees were victims of current or previous sexual abuse (eight, 8%) and/or exploitation, and for a further eight (8%) abuse/exploitation was considered possible; little reference was made to this in the notes. Thirty-three (45%) attendees were seen by junior members of staff, and only 49 (60%) were seen by a health adviser (42 females, seven males [60%]). Young attendees have a high STI rate, low contraceptive use and a significant minority are victims of abuse. Genitourinary medicine clinics need to provide a full sexual health service to this vulnerable group and have guidelines in place to assess for sexual abuse. Recommendations on how to achieve this are given.
Emulsion polymerization of styrene under pulsed microwave irradiation
Authors: Zhu Xiulin , Chen Jianying , Cheng Zhenping , Lu Jianmei , Zhu Jian
Published: April 2003

We performed the emulsion polymerization of styrene successfully with potassium persulfate (KPS) as an initiator and sodium dodecylsulfonate as an emulsifier under high‐power pulsed microwave irradiation (PMI). We investigated the effects of the temperature, the concentration of initiator, and various parameters of PMI (i.e., irradiation power, duty cycle, irradiation energy, and pulse width) on the polymerization. The results indicated that PMI, compared to conventional heating (CH), caused a significant increase in the decomposition rate of KPS (2.4 times higher than that under CH at about 70°C) and in the amount of particles (5 times higher than that under CH); consequently, the polymerization rate was effectively enhanced. For initiator concentrations of 0.10 and 0.20 wt %, the enhancement of the polymerization rate under PMI was 129 and 38% greater, respectively, than that under CH. The glass‐transition temperature and the regularity composition of the polymers under PMI and CH showed no difference, which indicated that PMI had little effect on the physical properties and microstructure of the polymer. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 28–35, 2003
Equivariant wave maps in two space dimensions
Authors: Struwe Michael
Published: April 2003

Singularities of corotational wave maps from (1 + 2)‐dimensional Minkowski space into a surface N of revolution after a suitable rescaling give rise to nonconstant corotational harmonic maps from 𝕊2 into ℕ. In consequence, for noncompact target surfaces of revolution, the Cauchy problem for wave maps is globally well‐posed. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Unsaturated cyclic α‐hydroxyphosphonates
Authors: Shi De‐Qing , Sheng Zi‐Liang , Liu Xiao‐Peng , Wu Hong
Published: April 2003

In an attempt to find novel plant growth regulators, a series of unsaturated cyclic α‐hydroxyphosphonates were synthesized by the addition reactions of 4‐aryl‐5,5‐dimethyl‐1,3,2‐dioxaphosphinane 2‐oxides with 5‐aryl‐2E,4E‐pentadienaldehydes. The cis and trans isomers of the products were isolated. The structures of all products were confirmed by elemental analyses and by NMR and IR spectroscopy or MS. The results of preliminary bioassay indicate that the title compounds possess potential inhibitory activity on the elongation of wheat coleoptile. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 14:266–268, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.10039
Budding as a useful prognostic marker in pT3 well‐ or moderately‐differentiated rectal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Okuyama Takashi , Oya Masatoshi , Ishikawa Hiroshi
Published: April 2003

Background

Budding along the invasive margin is reported to be associated with greater malignant potential in colorectal adenocarcinoma. We examined the prognostic significance of budding in patients with pT3 rectal carcinoma, particularly in comparison to other routine pathological findings.

Methods

Surgically resected specimens from 83 well‐ or moderately‐differentiated pT3 rectal adenocarcinomas were studied. All resections were curative (R0), and the median postoperative follow‐up was 47 months. We examined the presence of budding according to Morodomi's criteria, using hematoxylin‐eosin stained sections.

Results

Budding was found in 48 patients (57.9%). The incidence of budding was significantly higher in lesions displaying lymphatic invasion and lymph‐node metastasis than in those without (P < 0.0001). Both local recurrence and liver metastasis were more frequent in patients with budding‐positive lesions (P < 0.002 and 0.02, respectively). Moreover, postoperative survival was significantly decreased in patients with budding‐positive lesions than in those with budding‐negative lesions (cumulative 5‐year survival rate were 51.8 and 85.0%, respectively: P < 0.002). Multivariate proportional hazard model revealed that the presence of budding was the only significant co‐factor of postoperative survival.

Conclusions

Budding is a pathological marker suggesting high malignant potential and decreased postoperative survival in patients with well‐ or moderately‐differentiated pT3 rectal adenocarcinoma. J. Surg. Oncol. 2003;83:42–47. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.