bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sho-saiko-to Prevents Liver Fibrosis Induced by Bile Duct Ligation in Rats
Authors: Chen Ming-Ho , Chen Jung-Chou , Tsai Chin-Chuan , Wang Wen-Chuang , Chang De-Ching , Lin Chun-Ching , Hsieh Hsiao-Yen
Published: June 2004

Hepatic fibrosis is an over-accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). It is a result of an imbalance between collagen synthesis and degradation. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) has degradative activity against collagen, but tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP) control the active forms of MMP by blocking the active site of MMP. In our study, we established the bile duct ligated model (BDL) in rats to evaluate anti-fibrotic potential of Chinese medicine sho-saiko-to (TJ-9). We assessed the drug's potential in inhibiting collagen accumulation, suppressing procollagen α1 types (I) and (III), and TIMP-1 mRNA expression. After administration of TJ-9, hyperbilirubinemia reduced approximately four-fold when compared with BDL-untreated group. TJ-9 also significantly reduced the collagen content and fibrogenic score, as well as downregulated elevated procollagen α1 types (I) and (III) and TIMP-1 mRNA level. Finally, we concluded that (1) TJ-9 significantly reduced cholestasis in rats with BDL, (2) TJ-9 markedly reduced the collagen content by 50%, and (3) TJ-9 exerted its antifibrogenic effect by downregulation of the mRNA expression of procollagen α1 types (I) and (III), and TIMP-1 in liver tissue.
Protective Effect of Shen-Fu on Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats
Authors: Zheng Shu-Yun , Sun Jie , Zhao Xin , Xu Jian-Guo
Published: June 2004

The present study used in vivo rat heart to investigate (1) whether Shen-Fu (SF), a traditional Chinese formulation comprising Radix Ginseng (RG) and Radix Aconitum Carmichaeli (AC), is protective against myocardium damage due to ischemia-reperfusion injury, and (2) whether the cardioprotective effect of SF is related to scavenging of hydroxyl radicals. The model of ischemia-reperfusion injury was established by ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery for 60 minutes followed by reperfusion for 240 minutes in anesthetized rats. The size of infarction and the pathologic changes of myocardium were observed. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) in serum, the amounts of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in myocardium were measured at the end of the reperfusion period. Pretreatment groups with SF (10 mg/kg), RG (9 mg/kg) and AC (1 mg/kg) inhibited the rise in MDA and LDH as well as CK, increased SOD activity, reduced the size of infarction, and improved the pathologic changes of myocardium during ischemia-reperfusion compared with the control group. The effect of SF is better than that of RG and AC. These results indicate that SF, RG and AC protect obviously myocardium against damage due to ischemia-reperfusion in rats. The cardioprotective effect of SF injection may be in part related to scavenging of hydroxyl radicals or inhibition of lipid peroxidation. SF is more effective than its separated herbal extracts prepared from RG and AC.
Immunomodulating Effects of "Tien-Hsien Liquid" on Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells and T-Lymphocytes from Patients with Recurrent Aphthous Ulcerations
Authors: Sun Andy , Chia Jean-San , Wang Won-Bo , Chiang Chun-Pin
Published: June 2004

Recurrent aphthous ulcerations (RAU) represent a common oral mucosal disease with altered humoral and cellular immunities. In our institution, an immunomodulating agent, levamisole, is used to treat RAU with satisfactory therapeutic effect. Tien-Hsien liquid (THL) is an extract of Chinese medicinal herbs with immunomodulating effects. To test whether THL has immunomodulating effects on antigen-stimulated proliferation response (PR) of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and T-cells isolated from RAU patients and to test whether THL is a potential drug for treating RAU, PBMC or T-cells isolated from RAU patients were incubated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from Escherica coli, phytohemagglutinin (PHA), staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), glutaraldehyde-inactivated tetanus toxoid (TT), glucosyltransferase D (GtfD), or antigens of Streptococcus mutans in the presence or absence of THL. We found that THL significantly increased the LPS-stimulated PR of PBMC from active RAU patients, the GtfD-stimulated PR of PBMC and of T-cells from inactive RAU patients, and the S. mutans-stimulated PR of PBMC from inactive RAU patients. However, THL could also significantly reduce the SEB-stimulated PR of PBMC and of T-cells from active RAU patients and S. mutans-stimulated PR of T-cells from active RAU patients. These results suggest that THL can modulate the antigen-stimulated PR of PBMC and T-cells from RAU patients. Therefore, it may be a potential immunoceutical agent for treatment of RAU.
Evaluation of Immunological Effects of Hochu-ekki-to (TJ-41) Prophylactic Administration in Mice
Authors: Cho Shigefumi , Hong Tie , Kaneko Akiyo , Yoshino Gen , Sato Noriyuki , Kikuchi Kokichi , Aikawa Yoshihiro , Yasuno Fumiko , Inoue Kazumi , Cyong Jong-Chol
Published: June 2004

We evaluated the immunological effects of a Kampo (Chinese) prescription Hochu-ekki-to (TJ-41) for 32 weeks and 1 week prophylactically in mice. The splenic natural killer cells (NK) of C57BL/6N mice prophylactically treated with TJ-41 for 32 weeks showed little enhanced cytotoxicity against NK-sensitive YAC-1 targets, but mice treated for 1 week showed significantly enhanced cytotoxicity. TJ-41 administration for 32 weeks increased the splenic NK cell population and CD4/CD8 significantly, but TJ-41 for 1 week was not affected. Further, there were no adverse effects of TJ-41 administration for 32 weeks. Whether or not that duration of administration can have the same beneficial effects on humans await further studies.
A Traditional Herbal Medicine, Rikkunshi-To (TJ-43), Prevents Intracellular Signaling Disorders in Gastric Smooth Muscle of Diabetic Rats
Authors: Sakai Yasushi , Nobe Koji , Maruyama Yoshiaki , Momose Kazutaka , Homma Ikuo
Published: June 2004

Prevention of diabetic gastrointestinal dysfunction is of utmost importance. The present study demonstrated that diacylglycerol kinase (DGK) activity in diabetic gastric smooth muscle in the resting state was approximately 3.5-fold greater than that in controls. However, oral administration of TJ-43 (1% of food intake) or subcutaneous insulin injection (12 units/kg/day) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (DM) for 2 weeks prevented DGK abnormalities based on the control level. Increased DGK activity in the resting state of DM was inhibited significantly by R59022, neomycin or staurosporine; in contrast, these drugs did not affect DGK activity in controls, insulin-treated DM or TJ-43-treated DM. In controls, the endogenous phosphatidic acid (PA) level was inhibited significantly by R59022 or neomycin but not affected by staurosporine. On the other hand, these three drugs significantly inhibited endogenous PA levels in DM, and neomycin significantly inhibited endogenous PA levels in insulin-treated and TJ-43-treated DM. This suggests that TJ-43 could prevent alteration of DGK activity and PA formation without reduction of blood glucose levels. Moreover, these effects were greater than those of insulin treatment. Results suggested that TJ-43 treatment influenced the hyperreactivity of DGK and DAG formation via phospholipase C activity. In conclusion, TJ-43 can be recommended with respect to enhancement of the quality of life in patients displaying diabetic gastrointestinal complications.
Antinociceptive Profiles of Platycodin D in the Mouse
Authors: Choi Seong-Soo , Han Eun-Jung , Lee Tae-Hee , Han Ki-Jung , Lee Han-Kyu , Suh Hong-Won
Published: June 2004

Platycodin D (PD), one of several triterpene saponins, was isolated from roots of Platycodon grandiflorum. We previously reported that intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of PD showed an antinociceptive effect as measured by the tail-flick assay. However, its exact role in the regulation of antinociception in the various types of pain models has not yet been characterized. Thus, we attempted to find antinociceptive profiles of PD in various pain models. PD administered intraperitoneally (i.p.), i.c.v. or intrathecally (i.t.) showed antinociceptive effects in dose-dependent manners as measured by the tail-flick, writhing and formalin tests. In the tail-flick test, PD at the low doses reached the peak after 15 minutes and returned to the control level after 60 minutes. However, higher doses of PD showed a strong antinociception at least for 1 hour. PD administered i.t. showed stronger antinociception than that induced by i.c.v. administration PD in both tail-flick and writhing tests. In the formalin test, PD administered i.p., i.c.v. or i.t. showed antinociceptive effects during both the first (direct nociceptive stimulation) and second (late inflammatory) phases. Pretreatment with naltrexone i.p., i.c.v. or i.t. did not affect PD-induced inhibition of the tail-flick response. Our results suggest that PD shows a strong antinociceptive effect on the tail-flick, writhing and formalin tests, acting on central nervous system. However, PD-induced antinociception may not be mediated by the opioid receptors.
Antimicrobial Activity and Cytotoxicity of the Essential Oil of Curcuma zedoaria
Authors: Lai Eric Y. C. , Chyau Charng-Cherng , Mau Jeng-Leun , Chen Chien-Chou , Lai Yi-Jui , Shih Ching-Fang , Lin Long-Liu
Published: June 2004

The chemical compositions of the essential oil of Curcuma zedoaria (Berg.) Rosc. were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and showed a high content of epicurzerenone and curdione representing 46.6% and 13.7% of the total oil, respectively. The essential oil was evaluated for potential antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonasa aeruginosa, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Salmonella typhimurium and Bacillus cereus. V. parahaemolyticus was sensitive to the presence of the essential oil, while the most resistant strain appeared to be E. coli. Based on 3- (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction and cell morphology, the essential oil of C. zedoaria could inhibit the proliferation of human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells. These results suggest that the essential oil has the antimicrobial activity against some of Gram- positive and negative pathogenic microorganisms and the components of the extract lead to the apoptosis of human cancer cell line.
Effects of Moxibustion to Zusanli (ST36) on Alteration of Natural Killer Cell Activity in Rats
Authors: Choi Gi Soon , Han Jae Bok , Park Joon Ha , Oh Sang Deog , Lee Gi Seog , Bae Hyun Su , Jung Sung Ki , Cho Young Wuk , Ahn Hyun Jong , Min Byung Il
Published: June 2004

Moxibustion is one of the major healing techniques in Oriental medicine. It has been widely used in many diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto disease, breech presentation, etc. However, till now, effects of moxibustion on natural killer (NK) cell activity and relations between sympathetic nerve system (SNS) and the immune alteration induced by moxibustion were not well studied. This study was designed to evaluate effects of moxibustion on NK cell activity and the intervention of SNS in the alteration of NK cell activity induced by moxibustion. Splenic NK cell cytotoxicity was measured in a standard 4-hour 51Cr release assay. We measured the NK cell cytotoxicity after moxibustion stimulation for 1, 3, 5 and 7 days, and also measured the NK cell cytotoxicity after 3 and 7 days burn stimulation with similar temperature. Interleukin (IL)-2, -4 and interferon (INF)-γ in serum were measured by rat IL-2, -4 and INF-γ ELISA test kit. To evaluate the effects of sympathectomy on alteration of NK cell cytotoxicity, 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA: 50 mg/kg) was used. We showed that NK cell activity of moxibustion stimulation group increased at the 3rd day, and declined at the 7th day in comparison with that of the control group. In the moxibustion stimulation group, NK cell activity was significantly higher than the sham group at the 3rd day. On the contrary, in the burn stimulation group, NK cell activity was significantly higher than that of the sham groups at 3rd and 7th days. INF-γ level after 3 days in the moxibustion stimulation group was significantly higher than that of the sham group. IL-2 level among groups were not different. IL-4 was not detected in serum with this method. Sympathectomy abolished the NK cell activity alteration induced by moxibustion. The results suggest that moxibustion modulates NK cell activity, along with INF-γ, and SNS is mediating these effects.
On Hua Tuo's Position in the History of Chinese Medicine
Authors: Wai Fan Ka
Published: June 2004

Famed for his surgical expertise, Hua Tuo of the Eastern Han dynasty also excelled in a range of other medical treatments. It is rarely noted that Hua treated patients with a combination of drugs and acupuncture therapy and acquired an expert knowledge of pharmaceutics. The purpose of this article is to explore the rarely studied achievements of Hua Tuo in pharmaceutics, and further discuss the status of Hua in the history of Chinese medicine. The article points out that Hua Tuo inherited the medical achievements of past generations and strongly influenced the development of medicine during the Wei Jin and Southern and Northern Dynasties.
Factors Influencing Preferences for Alternative Medicine by Korean Americans
Authors: Kim Jeongseon , Chan Mabel M.
Published: June 2004

Use of alternative medicine among the public has increased rapidly over the last few decades. Studies on alternative health care have been conducted on the general public and on major ethnic groups, but not on Korean Americans, who are one of the fastest growing Asian populations in the United States. This study was a cross-sectional survey of 143 Korean Americans in the Greater New York Metropolitan area; all of them were users of alternative medicine. Inter-correlations of hypothetical demographic predictors and preferences for alternative medicine were obtained. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors influencing alternative medicine preferences. Most of the respondents answered that they preferred alternative medicine because of philosophical congruence, i.e. they found alternative therapies compatible with their values, world views, spiritual/religious philosophies, and beliefs regarding the nature and meaning of health and illness. The results show that younger, well-educated respondents, with significant acculturation level, and have stayed in the US for a relatively short period of time preferred alternative medicine. The information derived from this and similar studies may be of potential value to the biomedical community, governmental agencies, insurance companies and managed care organizations.
INTERFERENCE-MITIGATING MAC SCHEDULING AND SAR POLICIES FOR BLUETOOTH SCATTERNETS
Authors: SUN MIN-TE , WANG SHAOYONG , CHANG CHUNG-KUO , LAI TEN-HWANG , SAWATARI HIROYUKI , OKADA HIROMI
Published: June 2004

Bluetooth utilizes fast frequency hopping to mitigate interference from other wireless devices and other Bluetooth piconets that share the same frequency range. However, it still cannot avoid the interference between piconets entirely. In our simulation, we observed that the inter-piconet interference can significantly degrade the system throughput by more than 10%. The system throughput within a piconet can be improved by a proper arrangement of the segmentation/reassembling (SAR) policy and a good selection of MAC scheduling protocols. Many SAR policies and MAC scheduling protocols were proposed, but none of them takes the inter-piconet interference into consideration. In this paper, we study the impact of the interference on the performance of TCP traffic over a Bluetooth scatternet with multiple overlapping piconets. To alleviate the impact, we propose interference-aware SAR policies as well as the interference-aware MAC scheduling protocols. The simulation results show that our schemes help reduce the impact of the inter-piconet interference by more than 15%.
PROSPECTS FOR MOBILE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND KEY TECHNOLOGIES CAPABLE OF SUPPORTING EXPANDING MOBILE MULTIMEDIA SERVICES
Authors: MINOMO MASAHIRO , MASAMURA TATSURO
Published: June 2004

The first commercial service of the 3rd generation (3G) mobile communication system, IMT-2000 (International Mobile Telecommunications), was launched in October 2001 in Japan. This is the first 3G service employing Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) as its air interface between mobile terminals and base stations. This new system, 3G, is expected to accelerate the deployment of future mobile multimedia services, which substantially got started with the "i-mode" service in February 1999 in Japan. Research activities into future mobile communication systems capable of supporting a vastly expanded market for mobile multimedia services are underway worldwide. This paper describes the vision, service trends, and technical challenges of such future systems. Broadband packet wireless access, Variable Spreading Factor Orthogonal Frequency and Code Division Multiplexing (VSF-OFCDM), are promising candidates for realizing future mobile communication systems that provide higher transmission rates and capacity than 3G systems.
AN EFFICIENT FLOW CONTROL APPROACH FOR TCP OVER WIRELESS NETWORKS
Authors: ZABIR SALAHUDDIN MUHAMMAD SALIM , ASHIR AHMED , SHIRATORI NORIO
Published: June 2004

Recently, mobile and wireless devices are being incorporated to the Internet at a rapid pace. This initiates the need for optimizing major applications to perform satisfactorily over wireless links. TCP performance over wireless networks is affected by high link errors, low bandwidth and large delay. Existing well established solutions like the Eifel algorithm, TCP I&RW, TCP SACK and D-SACK attempt to address these issues. However, Eifel or TCP I&RW suffer from ACK losses, while TCP SACK or D-SACK introduce overhead in addition to failure in the presence of multiple packet loss. In this paper, we propose a scheme that overcomes the above problems by introducing a concept of indirect acknowledgment. We name this scheme as TCP IACK. Our proposal exploits TCP timestamp option as an additional identifier to TCP segments for the purpose. Furthermore, it deploys one padding byte following TCP timestamp option to recover from ACK loss. Our proposal is therefore, lightweight, more efficient and robust than existing approaches. We also verify these performance implications through experiments.
CONVERGENCE OF A NUMERICAL SCHEME FOR A NONLINEAR COUPLED SYSTEM OF RADIATIVE-CONDUCTIVE HEAT TRANSFER EQUATIONS
Authors: ASLLANAJ FATMIR , JEANDEL GERARD , ROCHE JEAN RODOLPHE
Published: June 2004

In this paper, we prove the convergence of a numerical scheme for one-dimensional coupled system of nonlinear partial and ordinary integro-differential equations. This system describes the steady-state coupled radiative-conductive heat transfer for a non-grey anisotropically absorbing, emitting and scattering medium, with axial symmetry and nonhomogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions. The convergence proof follows from monotonicity arguments and the application of a discrete fixed-point problem, involving only to the temperature fields.
EXISTENCE OF A WEAK SOLUTION IN AN INFINITE VISCOELASTIC STRIP WITH A SEMI-INFINITE CRACK
Authors: ITOU HIROMICHI , TANI ATUSI
Published: June 2004

We study an initial-boundary value problem in an infinite viscoelastic strip with a semi-infinite fixed crack. For this problem we prove the existence and uniqueness of a weak solution which is prescribed on each side of the extended crack in Sobolev-type spaces.
ON VIBRATING MEMBRANES WITH VERY HEAVY THIN INCLUSIONS
Authors: YU. D. GOLOVATY  , GÓMEZ D. , LOBO M. , PÉREZ E.
Published: June 2004

We consider the vibrations of a membrane that contains a very thin and heavy inclusion around a curve γ. We assume that the membrane occupies a domain Ω of ℝ2. The inclusion occupies a layer-like domain ωε of width 2ε and it has a density of order O(ε-m). The density is of order O(1) outside this inclusion ωε, the concentrated mass around the curve γ. ε and m are positive parameters, ε∈(0,1) and m>2. We set m=3 and show that low, middle and high frequency vibrations are necessary in order to describe the asymptotic behavior of the vibrations of the whole membrane. We study the asymptotic behavior, as ε→0, of these frequencies and of the corresponding eigenfunctions.
FROM DISCRETE KINETIC AND STOCHASTIC GAME THEORY TO MODELLING COMPLEX SYSTEMS IN APPLIED SCIENCES
Authors: BERTOTTI MARIA LETIZIA , DELITALA MARCELLO
Published: June 2004

This paper deals with some methodological aspects related to the discretization of a class of integro-differential equations modelling the evolution of the probability distribution over the microscopic state of a large system of interacting individuals. The microscopic state includes both mechanical and socio-biological variables. The discretization of the microscopic state generates a class of dynamical systems defining the evolution of the densities of the discretized state. In general, this yields a system of partial differential equations replacing the continuous integro-differential equation. As an example, a specific application is discussed, which refers to modelling in the field of social dynamics. The derivation of the evolution equation needs the development of a stochastic game theory.
AN OPTIMIZATION-BASED DOMAIN DECOMPOSITION METHOD FOR NONLINEAR WALL LAWS IN COUPLED SYSTEMS
Authors: BRESCH DIDIER , KOKO JONAS
Published: June 2004

We study an optimization-based domain decomposition method for a nonlinear wall law in a coupled system. The problem is restated as a saddle-point problem by introducing as a new variable the displacement jump across the interface. Then the minimization step of the saddle-point problem corresponds to the equilibrium equations stated in each subdomain with Lagrange multiplier as interface force. The maximization step corresponds to maximizing a (nonlinear) strictly concave functional. This could have a lot of applications in geophysical flows such as coupling ocean and atmosphere, free surface and groundwater flows.
THE WEIGHTED CORE WITH DISTINGUISHED COALITIONS
Authors: CANTISANI M. , MARCHI E.
Published: June 2004

In this paper we generalize the studies of Bondareva–Shapley for a general core having weights in the definition. These weights were introduced by Billera but not used in the form as here. Moreover we study such a core with conditions of equalities for some coalitions analogously as those obtained a posteriori in the assignment games due to Shapley and Shubik.
STABILITY OF RANDOM ATTRACTORS FOR A BACKWARDS EULER SCHEME
Authors: ROBINSON JAMES C.
Published: June 2004

This paper applies a theorem from Robinson [12] in order to show that the backwards Euler approximation [Formula: see text] of a simple stochastic ODE [Formula: see text] perturbs the attractor of the SDE in an upper semicontinuous way, i.e. that [Formula: see text]
SEMIMARTINGALE ATTRACTORS FOR ALLEN–CAHN SPDEs DRIVEN BY SPACE–TIME WHITE NOISE I: EXISTENCE AND FINITE DIMENSIONAL ASYMPTOTIC BEHAVIOR
Authors: ALLOUBA H. , LANGA J. A.
Published: June 2004

We delve deeper into the study of semimartingale attractors that we recently introduced in Allouba and Langa [5]. In this paper we focus on second-order SPDEs of the Allen–Cahn type. After proving existence, uniqueness, and detailed regularity results for our SPDEs and for the corresponding random PDEs of Allen–Cahn type; we prove the existence of semimartingale global attractors for these equations. We also give some results on the finite-dimensional asymptotic behavior of the solutions. In particular, we show the finite fractal dimension of these random attractors and give a result on determining modes, both in the forward and the pullback senses.
EVOLUTION OF ADIABATIC INVARIANTS IN STOCHASTIC AVERAGING
Authors: DOLGOPYAT DMITRY
Published: June 2004

An averaging problem with Markov fast motion is considered. The diffusive limit is obtained for the evolution of adiabatic invariants under the assumption that the averaged motion is ergodic on almost every energy level.
A MARKOV JUMP PROCESS APPROXIMATION OF THE STOCHASTIC BURGERS EQUATION
Authors: GUGG CHRISTOPH , DUAN JINQIAO
Published: June 2004

We consider the stochastic Burgers equation [Formula: see text] with periodic boundary conditions, where t≥0, r∈[0,1], and η is some spacetime white noise. A certain Markov jump process is constructed to approximate a solution of this equation.
ON THE CENTRAL AND LOCAL LIMIT THEOREM FOR MARTINGALE DIFFERENCE SEQUENCES
Authors: EL MACHKOURI MOHAMED , VOLNÝ DALIBOR
Published: June 2004

Let [Formula: see text] be a Lebesgue space and T: Ω→Ω an ergodic measure-preserving automorphism with positive entropy. We show that there is a bounded and strictly stationary martingale difference sequence defined on Ω with a common nondegenerate lattice distribution satisfying the central limit theorem with an arbitrarily slow rate of convergence and not satisfying the local limit theorem. A similar result is established for martingale difference sequences with densities provided the entropy is infinite. In addition, the martingale difference sequence may be chosen to be strongly mixing.
ALGEBRAS SATISFYING THE POLYNOMIAL IDENTITY [x1,x2][x3,x4,x5]=0
Authors: DI VINCENZO ONOFRIO M. , DRENSKY VESSELIN , NARDOZZA VINCENZO
Published: June 2004

Let [Formula: see text] be a field of characteristic zero, and [Formula: see text] the variety of associative unitary algebras defined by the polynomial identity [x1,x2][x3,x4,x5]=0. This variety is one of the several minimal varieties of exponent 3 (and all proper subvarieties are of exponents 1 and 2). We describe asymptotically its proper subvarieties. More precisely, we define certain algebras ℛ2k for any k∈ℕ and show that if [Formula: see text] is a proper subvariety of [Formula: see text], then the T-ideal of its polynomial identities is asymptotically equivalent to the T-ideal of the identities of one of the algebras [Formula: see text], E, ℛ2k or ℛ2k⊕E, for a suitable k∈ℕ. We give also another description relating the T-ideals of the proper subvarieties of [Formula: see text] with the polynomial identities of upper triangular matrices of a suitable size.
THE FIRST COHOMOLOGY GROUP OF THE TRIVIAL EXTENSION OF A MONOMIAL ALGEBRA
Authors: CIBILS CLAUDE , REDONDO MARÍA JULIA , SAORÍN MANUEL
Published: June 2004

Given a finite-dimensional monomial algebra A, we consider the trivial extension TA and provide formulae, depending on the characteristic of the field, for the dimensions of the summands HH1(A) and Alt (DA) of the first Hochschild cohomology group HH1(TA). From these a formula for the dimension of HH1(TA) can be derived.
EXCHANGE RINGS OVER WHICH EVERY REGULAR MATRIX ADMITS DIAGONAL REDUCTION
Authors: CHEN HUANYIN
Published: June 2004

In this paper, we investigate the necessary and sufficient conditions on exchange rings, under which every regular matrix admits diagonal reduction. Also we show that an exchange ring R is strongly separative if and only if for any finitely generated projective right R-module C, if A and B are any right R-modules such that 2C⊕A≅C⊕B, then C⊕A≅B.
ASSOCIATED PRIMES OVER ORE EXTENSION RINGS
Authors: ANNIN SCOTT
Published: June 2004

The study of the prime ideals in Ore extension rings R[x,σ,δ] has attracted a lot of attention in recent years and has proven to be a challenging undertaking ([5], [7], [12], et al.). The present article makes a contribution to this study for the associated prime ideals. More precisely, we aim to describe how the associated primes of an R-module MR behave under passage to the polynomial module M[x] over an Ore extension R[x,σ,δ]. If we impose natural σ-compatibility and δ-compatibility assumptions on the module MR (see Sec. 2 below), we can describe all associated primes of the R[x,σ,δ]-module M[x] in terms of the associated primes of MR in a very straightforward way. This result generalizes the author's recent work [1] on skew polynomial rings.
MINIMAL AND MAXIMAL RIGHT IDEALS IN THE NEARRING OF POLYNOMIALS
Authors: CANNON G. ALAN , KABZA LUCYNA
Published: June 2004

Minimal and maximal right ideals in the nearring R[x] are identified where R is a commutative ring with identity. Particular attention is given to the case where the maximal right ideals contain maximal two-sided ideals and where R is a finite field.
ON SOME TYPES OF NOETHERIAN MODULES
Authors: KURDACHENKO LEONID A. , YA. SUBBOTIN IGOR
Published: June 2004

We describe FC-hypercentral locally soluble groups G such that a groups algebra DG over a Dedekind domain D has a noetherian module A with faithful action of G such that A is subdirectly reducible and every proper factor module of A is finitely generated over D. It is proved, in particular, that G has an abelian normal subgroup of finite index.
PECULIARITIES OF ELECTRON TRANSPORT IN THE COUPLED AlGaAs/GaAs QUANTUM WELLS WITH THIN CENTRAL AlAs BARRIER
Authors: KULBACHINSKII V. A. , LUNIN R. A. , VASIL'EVSKII I. S. , GALIEV G. B. , MOKEROV V. G. , KAMINSKII V. E.
Published: June 2004

GaAs / AlGaAs structures with single quantum well (QW) of different width and with coupled quantum wells separated by central barrier of six monolayers of AlAs have been synthesized by MBE. The temperature dependence of resistance, Hall electron concentration and mobility were investigated in the temperature interval 4.2 K <T<300 K . Shubnikov–de Haas (SdH) oscillations and quantum Hall effect were also investigated in high magnetic fields up to 38 T. The influence of thin central barrier on the subband energy structure and electron mobility was analyzed for three values of QW width L=13, 26 and 35 nm. Self-consistent calculations of the subband structure and envelope wave function were carried out.
ALTERNATIVE VEHICLE TECHNOLOGIES AND FUELS IN SCENARIOS FOR ATMOSPHERIC EMISSIONS IN LONDON
Authors: IGLESIAS MARTA , APSIMON HELEN
Published: June 2004

Alternative fuels and vehicle technologies for road transport are receiving increasing support as a result of climate change mitigation policies and local air quality regulations. This study attempts to estimate the emission reductions of major air pollutants (NOx, PM, HC and CO 2) that might be expected from the introduction of alternative fuels and technologies in London by the year 2020. A number of alternative scenarios for the road transport system have been developed, and their corresponding emissions compared to those arising from a baseline scenario, consisting exclusively of conventional fuels and engines.

The results confirmed that by 2020 the emissions of NOx, PM and HC from a conventional vehicle fleet would be greatly decreased as a result of more stringent vehicle emission standards. Significant additional improvements could be achieved by the introduction of hydrogen-fuel cell vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, natural gas and biofuels. It was found that the emissions of the principal pollutants of concern in London, NOx and PM 10, show similar patterns of reduction. The results also imply that the anticipated increase in conventional vehicle efficiency would only deliver a minimal 2 percent reduction in CO 2 vehicle emissions relative to the present, but greater reductions were achieved in all the alternative scenarios.
STRATEGIC PLANNING, IMPACT ASSESSMENT, AND TECHNICAL AID: THE SOUSS-MASSA INTEGRATED WATER MANAGEMENT PROJECT
Authors: KEITH JOHN E. , OUATTAR SAID
Published: June 2004

Government agencies, like individuals, can "lose sight" of the impacts of their policies on natural and social systems. Environmental impact analysis (EIA), strategic environmental analysis (SEA), and strategic planning are all aspects of analyzing and projecting the impacts of various management decisions on the public and on natural systems. Integrated river-basin management is another aspect of this type of planning. Integrated management requires several basic conditions. Among these are clear communications among all the actors involved in managing the basin's water resources, one or more sets of data which are shared by all decision-makers, and tools by which the decision-makers can evaluate policies (impact assessment).

In the Souss Massa River Basin in Morocco, the result of un-coordinated policies for economic development has led to declining water tables as well as potentially damaging surface and groundwater pollution. The Government of Morocco (GOM), recognizing the need for coordinated and integrated water management, passed a law creating new River Basin Agencies. Aiding those agencies and their partners in developing integrated management is the objective of the USAID-sponsored Souss-Massa Integrated Water Management (SIWM) project. The project activities have been designed to develop and support communications, data sharing and model building within the institutions in the Souss-Massa Basin as a demonstration for all Moroccan river basins but space and time constraints require a more pointed discussion. The focus of this paper is on capacity building for strategic planning and integrated management being undertaken and, to the extent possible, some of the lessons learned.
Control of differentiation-induced calbindin-D9kgene expression in Caco-2 cells by cdx-2 and HNF-1α
Authors: Wang Liyong , Klopot Anna , Freund Jean-Noel , Dowling Lauren N. , Krasinski Stephen D. , Fleet James C.
Published: June 2004

Calbindin D9k(CaBP) is critical for intestinal calcium absorption; its in vivo expression is restricted to differentiated enterocytes of the small intestine. Our goal was to identify factors controlling the transcriptional regulation of this gene in the human intestine. Both the natural gene and a 4600-bp promoter construct were strongly regulated by differentiation (>100-fold) but not by treatment with 1,25(OH)2vitamin D (<2-fold) in the Caco-2 clone TC7. Deletion-mutation studies revealed that conserved promoter sequences for cdx-2 (at −3158 bp) and hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-1 (at −3131 and at −98 bp) combined to control CaBP expression during differentiation. Other putative response elements were not important for CaBP regulation in TC7 cells (CCAAT enhancer binding protein, pancreatic duodenal homebox-1 (pdx-1), a proximal cdx-2 element). Mutation of the distal HNF-1 site had the greatest impact on CaBP gene expression through disruption of HNF-1α binding; both basal and differentiation-mediated CaBP expression was reduced by 80%. In contrast, mutation of the distal cdx-2 element reduced only basal CaBP expression. Whereas a 60% reduction of CaBP mRNA in the duodenum of HNF-1α null mice confirmed the physiological importance of HNF-1α for CaBP gene regulation, additional studies showed that maximal CaBP expression requires the presence of both HNF-1α and cdx-2. Our data suggest that cdx-2 is a permissive factor that influences basal CaBP expression in enterocytes and that HNF-1α modulates CaBP gene expression during cellular differentiation.
F0F1ATP synthase activity is differently modulated by coronary reactive hyperemia before and after ischemic preconditioning in the goat
Authors: Penna Claudia , Pagliaro Pasquale , Rastaldo Raffaella , Di Pancrazio Francesca , Lippe Giovanna , Gattullo Donatella , Mancardi Daniele , Samaja Michele , Losano Gianni , Mavelli Irene
Published: June 2004

The amplitude of coronary reactive hyperemia (CRH), elicited by 15 s of ischemia, is reduced in hearts subjected to 5 min of ischemic preconditioning (IP). F0F1ATP synthase activity and ATP concentration are also altered by IP. We hypothesized that F0F1ATP synthase is differently modulated by the inhibitor protein IF1during CRH elicited before (CRHnp) and after (CRHprec) IP. Hemodynamic parameters were recorded in 10 anesthetized goats. Myocardial biopsies were obtained before IP (Cnp), during CRHnp, 4 and 6 min after the onset of CRHnp, after IP (Cprec), during CRHprec, and 4 min after CRHprec. F0F1ATP synthase activity, ATP concentration, and ATP-to-ADP ratio (ATP/ADP) were determined. Compared with CRHnp, IP blunted CRHprec. F0F1ATP synthase activity transiently increased during CRHnp, decreased 4 min after CRHnp, and returned to control 2 min later; it was lower after IP (Cprec) and did not change during and after CRHprec. All these changes in activity were modulated by IF1. During CRHnp, ATP concentration and ATP/ADP were reduced compared with Cnpand began to rise 6 min thereafter. During Cprec, both parameters were transiently reduced but increased during and after CRHprec. Hence, during CRHnp, F0F1ATP synthase activity transiently increases and then decreases significantly. The short-lasting inhibition of the enzyme may explain why a few seconds of occlusion do not induce IP. After IP, F0F1ATP synthase activity is blunted, and it is not affected by a subsequent 15 s of occlusion, which induces a blunted CRHprec. These results suggest that postischemic long-lasting inhibition of F0F1ATP synthase activity may be a feature of the preconditioned heart. The increase in ATP concentration after preconditioning is in agreement with previous reports of reduced ATP hydrolysis by cytoplasmic ATPases.
A Comparison of Alcohol Abusers Who Have and Have Not Experienced Blackouts
Authors: O’Mahony John F.
Published: June 2004

This study examined the proposition that the experience of alcoholic blackouts is related to other indices of cerebral involvement in the alcoholic process. In particular it was suggested that those who experience alcoholic blackouts would also show signs of the effects of alcoholic damage in the form of lower scores on cognitive functions vulnerable to the effects of long-term alcohol abuse. While some evidence was found linking the experience of blackout to the severity of the alcohol problem, no relationship was found between cognitive functioning and the experience of blackout. The possibility that different mechanisms may underlie the various cognitive sequelae of alcohol abuse is raised.
Interrater Reliability of the Structured Interview for DSM-IV Personality in an Opioid-Dependent Patient Sample
Authors: Damen Katinka F.M. , de Jong Cor A.J. , van der Kroft Petra J.A.
Published: June 2004

We examined the interrater reliability of the Structured Interview for DSM-IV Personality (SIDP-IV) in an opioid-dependent patient sample at the criterion as well as at the diagnostic level for both categorical and dimensional data. At the criterion level (Cohen’s kappa ranging from 0.76 to 0.93 and intraclass correlation coefficient ranging from 0.67 to 0.97) as well as at the diagnostic level (Cohen’s kappa ranging from 0.66 to 1.00 and intraclass correlation coefficient ranging from 0.88 to 0.99), the reliability was excellent. The results suggest the SIDP-IV to be an adequate instrument for the assessment of personality disorders in opioid-dependent patients.
Buprenorphine Maintenance: Office-Based Treatment with Addiction Clinic Support
Authors: Ortner Romana , Jagsch Reinhold , Schindler Shird Dieter , Primorac Andjela , Fischer Gabriele , and the General Practitioner Addiction Team a
Published: June 2004

Introduction: Buprenorphine has already been registered in 27 European countries for maintenance therapy in opioid-dependent patients. In our office-based prescription study we applied sublingual buprenorphine, initiating the treatment at the addiction clinic with subsequent treatment at the offices of general practitioners (GPs) to evaluate its efficacy and feasibility in two different treatment settings. Methods: Sixty opioid-dependent patients were studied for a period of 15 weeks. The first 3 weeks of treatment initiation took place at the addiction clinic, followed by 12 weeks of treatment by GPs. Mean outcome measures were retention rate and additional consumption of illicit substances in addition to the evaluation of whether buprenorphine can be prescribed successfully by GPs. Results: The retention rate was 57% (n = 34). No significant differences occurred between the treatment phases at the specialized addiction unit and the GPs’ offices. During the 15-week period a significant improvement in well-being and a significant reduction in craving for heroin (p < 0.001) and cocaine (p < 0.001) could be calculated for patients stabilized on a mean dose of 16 mg buprenorphine. Furthermore a significant reduction in additional consumption of opioids (p < 0.001) was found. Discussion: Our results show the involvement of office-based prescription, which should further encourage colleagues to treat opioid-dependent subjects with buprenorphine to make more treatment options for this target group available.
Medical Assessment in Drug Addicts: Reliability and Validity of the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (Substance Abuse Version)
Authors: Castillo Claudio , Bulbena Antoni , Serras Enric , Torrens Marta , López-Colomés José Luís , Martínez María-Alba , Politinska Barbara
Published: June 2004

Objective: To adapt the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale for its use in substance abuse patients (CIRS-SA) and to assess the reliability, internal consistency, and validity of the instrument. Method: One-hundred outpatients of both sexes, 62 men and 38 women, with a mean (SD) age of 32.4 (7.9) years (range 19–57), all of them fulfilling the DSM-IV criteria for any substance abuse disorder. Internal consistency was calculated with Cronbach’s α coefficient. Test-retest and interrater reliability was assessed with the intraclass correlation coefficient and Wilcoxon z. Validity of the scale was assessed with Kendall’s τ correlation coefficient. Results: The final CIRS-SA version had a total of 13 items. Cronbach’s α coefficient was 0.57. All intraclass correlation coefficients were above 0.7, and some items showed exact coincidence. The stability of the CIRS-SA scale in a 1-month test re-test reassessment was demonstrated. The CIRS-SA score showed a significant correlation with all consultant scores. Conclusion: CIRS-SA is a reliable and valid instrument to assess and to determine systematically the physical condition of substance abusers in whom infections, particularly by the HIV, are highly prevalent.
Stability of Successful Long-Term Adjustment in Alcohol Dependence: A Follow-Up Study 15 Years after the First Long-Term Follow-Up
Authors: Nordström Göran , Berglund Mats , Frank Arne
Published: June 2004

From a large consecutive sample (n = 1,312) of hospital-treated alcoholics with multiaxial ratings, 105 were chosen for personal examination two decades after the subjects’ first admission (1949–1969) for alcohol problems. To study patterns of successful adjustment, 70 were chosen on the basis of a good social adjustment (health insurance data) at follow-up, whereas the control subjects had been granted a disability pension. The first follow-up was carried through in 1982–1983. In 1998–1999, the same 105 subjects were studied concerning mortality rate and adjustment patterns. In the good social adjustment group, 33% had deceased as compared with 63% in the control group (p < 0.01). Twenty-three out of 44 surviving subjects accepted a personal interview. Favourable adjustment was generally reported as being stable over the follow-up period. Several subjects reported stable non-problem drinking and others a change between abstinent and non-abstinent adjustment patterns.
Gemcitabine Combined with Infusional 5-Fluorouracil and High-Dose Leucovorin for the Treatment of Advanced Carcinoma of the Pancreas
Authors: Oztop Ilhan , Yilmaz Ugur , Yavuzsen Tugba , Yaren Arzu , Tarhan Oktay , Sagol Ozgul , Coker Ahmet , Alakavuklar Mehmet
Published: June 2004

Background: 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and gemcitabine are the major active drugs in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Methods: Twenty-two patients with advanced pancreas cancer were treated with a new chemotherapy regimen consisting of infusional 5-FU and high-dose leucovorin with gemcitabine (GEMFUFOL). Results: A total of 200 cycles of chemotherapy were administered. The response rate was 27.3%, all responses being partial. The median survival time and 1-year survival rate were, respectively, 13 months and 60.4%. The toxicity was very low and severe hematological toxicity was exceptional. Conclusion: The GEMFUFOL regimen can be an active regimen for the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer and has a low toxicity.
Ocular Penetration of Grepafloxacin after Intravitreal Administration in Albino and Pigmented Rabbits
Authors: Solans C. , Bregante M.A. , Garcia M.A. , Perez S.
Published: June 2004

Ocular penetration of grepafloxacin into several ocular tissues was determined in albino and pigmented rabbits following a single intravitreal administration. After administration, grepafloxacin was detected in all ocular tissues studied in both breeds of rabbits. The superior mean penetration ratios were found in the chorioretina and lens of albino rabbits, and in the chorioretina, iris and lens of pigmented rabbits. A significantly greater penetration of grepafloxacin was found in the chorioretina and iris of the pigmented rabbits than in those of the albino rabbits. As a final conclusion, grepafloxacin detected in different ocular structures could attain therapeutic concentrations against a variety of ocular conditions.
Antibacterial Resistance of Community- Acquired Respiratory Tract Pathogens Recovered from Patients in Germany and Activity of the Ketolide Telithromycin: Results from the PROTEKT Surveillance Study (1999–2000)
Authors: Reinert R.R. , Rodloff A.C. , Halle E. , Baer W. , Beyreiss B. , Seifert H. , Wichelhaus T.A. , Maass M. , Mehl M.
Published: June 2004

Background: The Prospective Resistant Organism Tracking and Epidemiology for the Ketolide Telithromycin (PROTEKT) longitudinal global surveillance study examines the antibacterial susceptibility of community-acquired respiratory pathogens. Methods and Results: Data from isolates collected in Germany in 1999–2000 in the PROTEKT study show that 8.3% of pneumococcal isolates (n = 325) had reduced susceptibility to penicillin and 2.2% were fully resistant. Erythromycin resistance was 15.7% overall and particularly high in Leipzig (31.6%). All penicillin- and erythromycin-resistant strains were inhibited by telithromycin (MIC ≤0.5 mg/l) and linezolid (MIC ≤2 mg/l). β-Lactamase was produced by 3.2% of Haemophilus influenzae (9/284) and 89.5% of Moraxella catarrhalis strains (111/124). All Streptococcus pyogenes isolates (n = 87) were susceptible to penicillin, although 9.2% were resistant to macrolides. Conclusions: Penicillin resistance in Germany remains low; however, the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance among common respiratory pathogens is rising, particularly against macrolides. Continued surveillance is necessary to guide optimal empirical therapy, and new antimicrobials, like telithromycin, need to be developed with improved potency against target pathogens and low propensity for the development of resistance.